Dreamwatcher

Life out on the street

Part 7

"I'm lost in the rain.

I cannot return home.

I am alone in this world.

Nowhere to go….

Nowhere to stay…

I will die…

But a Savior comes to me…

And I might have hope again…

But not when it comes…

To Love…"

Author's Notes: Ahh, back again. Sorry for the delay again, but midterms are hell. But school comes first, need to get into a good art college. Sigh….anywho, this chapter now has more then one POV this time and we get to see Eggman! SHOCKING surprise involving him! We also get to see Rouge as well and her POV as well. I hope you enjoy chapter 7 and sorry for the long halt!

*Knuckles' POV*

How long have I been sleeping out on the streets? With what little money I had (ironic for someone of my status), I slept from hotel to hotel. No more "free room" for me. In the café, I paid for the food. The nobles stared at me and scoffed in disgust at the mere sight of myself, and before I was kicked out, I was respected by them all. I thought it was all a dream when my father disowned me, but upon seeing morning, it was all real. I was in a hotel when I realized that it wasn't a dream. I sighed. It's been weeks now. I'm starting to loose money, I had no clue what to do. If this keeps up, I'll die. Perhaps I should just leave out in the jungle like I did before. My vest was all wrinkly and my fur started to smell. I haven't had a shower in a while, the shower in the hotel was terrible. I sighed as I took my bag and left the hotel. I was ashamed of myself.

Outside was even worse. The people there stared at me like a dangerous insect who should be squished. No more people kissing my feet, kids threw objects at me, they spit at me, I couldn't take it anymore…I have to get of this island! I sighed and decided that I didn't belong here, so I went over to the edge of Angel Island, sighed, and glided to America where Station Square was.

I sighed at the vast city. The people were more friendly here, but they don't know about the citizens of Angel Island, let alone believe it, except for a few. I shivered. It was a cold April and it looked it was about to rain.

CRACKLE!

Okay, it did rain. Unfortunately, I didn't have an umbrella and my fur was getting even more smelly. I was cold, but that was the least of my problems. I sat on a bench and sighed. Next to me on the bench was a homeless men. He had newspapers around me and gave me a look.

"Ne'er seen creatures like you 'ere before." the homeless man said.

"…Oh, I don't come here very often." I answered.

"You 'omeless?" he asked.

"I have been for three weeks, my father disowned me." I answered again, "Time is slipping for me, I don't think I'll last very long."

"Well, luck will come a lot faster then ya think, sonny." the homeless man responded, "There are people out there who care about people like us, you just wait."

"Yea, sure." I sarcastically said.

"yep, someday, I'll go 'ome back to my wife….she was the one who kicked me out, but I'll win 'er back." he smiled, "Do you have someone you love?"

I pondered for a while. I sighed as I thought of Amy, the woman I loved…but one who doesn't love me.

"No." I quickly answered.

"Aww…well, you're still young, love will come to ya." he smiled again.

"Yea, right." My sarcasm caved in again.

We talked throughout the rain, then he left, saying he had to go. Go where, I don't know, but he told me his name was Jerry. The rain kept going , it shows no signs of stopping. I took a leftover newspaper that Jerry left behind and placed it over my head. It was already wet, but I didn't care.

I traveled around some more until night arrived. Still raining. I sighed and gasped. I was hungry, but I had no money. I hadn't eaten anything for the longest time, so I collapsed on the middle of the street. I felt people stepping on me, not caring at all. The rain beated down on my fur. I was as good as gone. My eyes were closing…I could only see black…

*Eggman's POV*

Rain is such a beautiful thing. I remember meeting that special girl back when I was young during the rain. I smiled as I carried my groceries home. So many things have changed over the years. I was a 40 year old man who tried to make the Earth into my way of life…a world of technology and robots, a place free from diseases and aging…but I find it impossible. I've changed my ways. Of course, I've been to many trials and was even about to receive the death penalty, but I was saved…by my wife, Thorn. Yep, you heard right, Queen Thorn of the Miracle Planet. I married her when I was only 18. She and I are the reasons both Rob and Amy Rose exists to this day. It is quite weird, isn't it? Me, marrying a hedgehog, but that didn't matter for me. We still love each other, but for some odd reason, I didn't wish to return home just yet…perhaps I want to help my daughter out. She has been hurt lately. Poor Amy would cry in her room whenever I visited her. Never wanting to get out. I sighed and frowned. I walked on in the dark, the groceries tucked underneath my arm and an umbrella on my other free hand. Everything was fine until I stepped on something that felt more…squishy. That was definitely not the sidewalk. I looked down and gasped as I saw…Knuckles! Beaten up, bruised, clothes all tattered, all wet. What on Earth happen to him!? It's like he's been wondering around like some homeless person. I sighed and did my best to pick him up and take him home. I live in the Egg Carrier III that was somewhere near the city, but not in it. It was landed, so I had only but to hitch an elevator ride to the top.

I placed my groceries and umbrella down and placed Knuckles on the couch. He moaned. That's a good sign he was alive. I ran and got some blankets for him. Even with all that fur, the poor boy was shivering up like crazy. After several blankets, cranked heat up, and patience, Knuckles woke up. I was sleeping on my armchair, book on one hand, my head arched back. I woke up when I heard a noise. I saw Knuckles in the kitchen. He accidently dropped the pots and pan.

"I…I'm sorry, I was just…hungry." he weakly mumbled.

"That's okay." I nodded, "You look more skinnier then usual." I came in, "Tell you want, go take a shower and I'll have dinner waiting for you." He slowly nodded and left.

I sighed and took out my apron and searched through the fridge. Me, being a native of Japan, took out several foods we Japanese or all us orientals would eat. I wonder what on happen to Knuckles? That child was the richest animal I knew, he had everything . His people respected him, both the young and elders. My Amy was to marry him as a symbol of peace. From the looks of things, he must have been heartbroken. Hmmm…maybe that's why Amy has been so depressed. I tried to thin so hard, but reminded myself to discuss it with him when he returns. I chopped the green onions.

*Knuckles' POV*

His Egg Carrier was bigger then I thought. It took a while to find the bathroom. I should have asked, but luckily, there were maps. They didn't help much. When did found it, I opened the door and saw an extremely clean bathroom. It was pretty big, maybe bigger then mines back home. I sighed and smiled a bit, but that didn't last long. I turned on the water and searched for a towel. As I searched, I pondered about Eggman and how he could afford these stuffs. I always wondered that, but now I know since he was married to royalty. Perhaps he stored some money? I don't know and I don't care. I found a towel and saw the water was filled up, so I turned the knob off. I took off my clothes and slowly went into the brewing hot water. Gosh, did that felt good. I sighed as I pondered some more. To tell you the truth, I wasn't surprised when me, Sonic and the guys found out that Eggman was the father of Amy. I guess it was instinct that I somehow knew that he'd be the father. Amy was extremely shocked, followed by Sonic who had his jaws to the floor. I couldn't help but laugh at that. I smiled at the thought, but it didn't last long. I went deeper into the water until only my head was out. Call me perverted, but I wonder what it would have been life if I was sharing a bath with Amy. Gosh, I am perverted! I sighed as I soaked my face. I stayed in the tube for a while until I got out my towel and placed it around my wrist. A knock came.

"Yea?" I asked.

'It's me, Julian." That's Eggman's first name, "I got you some clothes that might fit you."

"Huh?" I opened the door and Eggman handed me some clothes.

"My son used to wear these a lot, it should fit you." Eggman smiled, "I'll meet you in the dining table." He left. So much has changed. Eggman used to be such a cold guy with a mad personality, but now…he's so calm and gentle…he's acting like…well, a father.

I changed into these clothes (a bit small, and certainly not my style as it looks more dark ages then oriental which I would prefer, but it'll do), and went downstairs.

When I went to the dining, the table was all set up perfectly. I sighed as Eggman awaited me. The food smelled delicious. I sat on the opposite of Eggman and eyed the food.

"I know it's not Chinese, but…" Eggman started.

"It's okay." I intruded, "I eat other food besides Chinese, you know." I took out my chopsticks and ate the food. They were delicious. Eggman was quite the cook. I greedily ate it while Eggman eyed me strangely.

"My, you really haven't eaten much, have you?" he asked. I shook my head while I ate.

"Well, I'm glad you like my food." Eggman smiled.

I nodded while continuing to stuff my face.

"So…depressed are we?" Eggman asked, " Heartbroken?"

I chocked on my food when hearing that. I coughed and took a glass of water and took a deep breath of relief.

"Are you okay?" Eggman asked.

"Yea…I'm fine." I sighed, "Uhh…anywho, did you say heartbroken?"

"Yes…did something happen between you and Amy?" he asked.

"What, are you going to kick me out as well?" I asked.

"No, of course not, you are going to be my future son-in-law." Eggman smiled, "Maybe…it seems you and Amy are having some problems…is it because of the secrets kept from her that you didn't tell?" I nodded.

"I hate that she hates me." I sighed, "I love your daughter…she's the greatest thing in the entire world to me."

"Well, that's nice." Eggman nodded, "Good."

"I don't know if we're going to get married now." I sighed, "She hates me."

"Now, now, don't fret." Eggman sounded real father-like there, "You don't know how the future will be like…who knows, maybe you'll end up with her again."

"Yea, I wish." My sarcasm grew again. I toyed with my food.

"It's not nice to play with your food." Eggman smiled, "You of all people should know that, you are royalty, you know."

"Was." I came in, "My father disowned me because I refuse to be the future king, let alone prince."

"But…why?" Eggman grew confused, "I thought you loved your job."

" I did…but what's the point now?" I shrugged, "My life is screwed."

"Kid, with that attitude, you'll go nowhere." Eggman sighed, "How long have you been like this?"

" About three weeks." I answered, "Dying a little after every day."

"Oh, Knuckles." Eggman shook his head, "You could have at least get a job to support yourself!"

I blinked in confusion.

"Get…a job?" I shrugged.

"Yes, work to get money." Eggman answered.

"…Geez, that's going to be tough…how do you get a job?" I asked.

"…You don't know how?" Eggman asked.

"Well, until I was 9, I was prince, then all I did was guard the M.E. and now I was prince again…and now, I'm out on the street." I sighed, "I have no idea how to get a job."

"Well, just sleep for tomorrow and I'll help you get a job tomorrow." Eggman ate his eggs (that man sure loved his eggs). I sighed at Eggman's generosity. Ever since he started off good, we all grew to accept him. Sonic took a while, but eventually, even he's warming up to Eggman. Eggman had many trials and many wanted him executed, but Thorn (his wife), never lost hope and fought until she made Eggman an honorable citizen. Granted, he was watched over for a few months, but even people are starting to trust him and see his beneficent ways. I smiled a bit.

"Thank you." I answered. Eggman responded with a smile of his own.

I slept in an extra room that night, I haven't felt this comfortable in weeks.

*Rouge's POV*

I heard Amy dumped Knuckles…but then again, she never was with him to begin with…sorta. Them being engaged and all. I remember when I first saw Knuckles. He was such a nuisance back then. I wished for the Master Emerald and he treats me like some insect, me! Of all the nerves. I sat on a top of a building while thinking back to those times. He was stubborn as hell. We both went on a mad search for the emeralds and when we confronted each other, I was all ready to put him out of his misery. Imagine my surprise when I tripped and almost fell to my doom should he come to the rescue. I tried to act tough…but I could see he was more then just an echidna tome. He was something far more valuable then jewels and I had to have him and what Rouge wants, she gets. I searched below for Knuckles. Word has it that his father disowned him and that he's here. Today was bright, unlike yesterday where it rained all day. Needless to say, I did not see Knuckles, but another familiar figure…Amy rose. I smirked and flew down.

"Why, aren't you looking cute today?" I started off.

"Oh, it's you, Rouge." Amy said sadly.

"Now what's wrong with you?" I lied, I knew well what's up with her.

"Nothing." She muttered, then she started to leave. I stopped her before she went any further.

"So…I heard you split with Knuckles." I came in.

"We never had a relationship to begin with." She sarcastically said.

"Yea, being hurt sucks." I said, "Well, not Knuckles is all single now."

"Single, he always was." Amy came in.

"I know, I'm just saying…never mind." I stopped. With Amy out of the picture, perhaps I can get Knuckles, "Well, keep in mind I'll be here for you."

"Huh?" Amy turned to face me. I guess she was surprised I said that. Well, so was I.

"Knuckles don't deserve you, you're better then him." I came in, "You're better off with someone else."

"I rather not be with anyone now that all men are betrayers!" Amy growled, "I hate him with a passion!"

"You don't love him anymore?" I asked.

"NO!" Amy shouted, "I never loved him to begin with!" She was ready to beat me up. Though she isn't a marital arts type of girl, she can handle herself pretty well. I backed off a bit and sighed. Amy can be a pretty unpredictable girl.

"Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, preferably a gal like me, I'll be here for ya." I forced a smile and left.

Well, I knew Amy is now out of Knuckles' life…now to make sure Knuckles will end up with me. I smirked a bit. I mean, he doesn't have Amy anymore, so I'm sure he'll come crawling to me. There's no one else…I mean, I can tell he likes me as well, if he doesn't, I make him! Get what I want…end of story.

Amy left and I went my own way, trying to find Knuckles. Lady Luck couldn't have been any better. On the other side of the street was Knuckles with Eggman. Hmm…what's he doing with Eggman? Well, I'm no waiting around to find out, this could be my chance! I ran over to the other side.

To Be Continued…

Profile:

Full Name: Julian Eggman Rose

Age: 40

Height: 6'0

Rank: King of Miracle Planet

B-Day: Oct. 31, 2498

B-Place: Kyoto, Japan

Nationality: Japanese

Fight: None

Eyes: Brown

Fur: He doesn't have any, but he used to have orange hair

Weakness: can be whiny as a baby when things don't go his way

Vehicle: Egg Carrier III, Egg Mobile, Egg Walker

Family: Father and mother unknown, Gerald (Grandfather-dead), Maria (cousin-dead), Thorn (wife), Rob (son), Amy (daughter), Knuckles (Son-in-law)

Eggman used to be a mad scientist just hell bent on making the world into his vision in where robots and technology roamed. His plans were constantly thwarted by the likes of Sonic and his friends. It was when Eggman meant up with his family that he changed into the person he was before he turned mad, gentle, kind, and father-like. It's hard to believe he is all gently and calm. He is the father figure of everyone close to him and believe it or not, he's been known to display wise advices and wisdom of everyday life. A good role model.