Hey everyone, what's up? KMITS is back for Chapter 4. Wanted to apologize for the long wait but unfortunately KMITS has this annoying habit of posting everything that comes to her mind. So now she has seven very long stories to type for and updating for each one becomes hard work. That and when I'm bored and have finished updating I start writing for some of my future stories so sorry about that. But hope this makes up for the long wait. I wanted to thank all those who reviewed Chapter 3 and am sooooo happy you guys liked it. Anyway, enough talk.On to the story!

Disclaimer: I don't known Tails or the rest of the Sonic characters...they all belong to Sega ...can I go home now?

Lawyer: Yes...but well catch you someday! WERE WATCHING YOU!

(KMITS slowly backs away)

Chapter 4: Caught

I stepped down from my cockpit, my eyes met by the somber face of Sonic the Hedgehog. It wasn't his expression so much as the absence of his usual female companion that alerted me to the problem at hand. Amy was gone leaving Eggman as the only culprit.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratification at the thought, no matter how immature or heartless it seemed. She had violated me in the most disgusting way, something I couldn't forgive her for, not yet………. maybe not ever.

My gaze scanned the remaining faces, landing with great surprise upon the impassive features of the guardian of the Master Emerald, Knuckles the Echidna. I couldn't help but reminisce upon the last week, trying to remember any mention of Angel Island or its collapse. Nothing came to mind, an indication this had something to do with the Chaos Emeralds rather than the Master Emerald.

Next to him, seated quietly against a tree trunk was Cream, her chao Cheese perched silently upon her lap. Her gaze was cast downward, her face devoid of its usual smile. I felt a deep sense of guilt plague me. It was my fault for having allowed things to get so out of hand. I wanted to say something, anything to mend this silent rift between us but the words wouldn't come. I wanted to console her but knew that even if I did it would never be the same. Our friendship would always be tarnished, our minds constantly leading us back to that moment in time.

So instead I turned, leaving an empty void between us. I had hurt her enough. Maybe this was for the best. She could finally move on, away from me, away from my lies. She could grow and find someone who is willing and able to love her the way she deserves to be loved, not by a mirage or a shadow but someone who needs her just as much as she needs them. It was what she deserved, the least life could give her.

"Tails"

I turned toward the familiar voice, Sonics eyes resting upon me. I nodded, signaling I understood the situation and he returned the gesture, making his way toward the tornado. The others followed in his wake, finding their positions. And so it was decided that Sonic and Knuckles would travel on the wings and Cream would sit in the back, acting as co-pilot. A sense of discomfort tinged the air around us as we were once again reenacting a long forgotten scene from our past. This time however there was no merriment or sense of camaraderie. This was business and we were all united under one common goal, nothing more.

Whether Knuckles sensed that something was amiss between us he never expressed. He simply turned forward, awaiting our departure.

I jumped into my cockpit, beginning to adjust the settings. This model of the tornado wasn't very different from the last one except it was created from lighter titanium, allowing for more speed and easier maneuverability. Its engine was designed to utilize the power of the chaos emeralds with greater ease, eliminating the threat of impending disaster should the engine overload from the immense surges of the emeralds. Aside from those advancements this was the same tornado as always.

"Do you guys have any idea where Eggman is?" I asked, casting a wary eye toward Sonic.

Sonic cast an inquisitive glance toward Knuckles as if he too wondered where the guardian planned to take them.

"Eggman took the three chaos emeralds I was protecting. If you just search for them on radar, I think you should find him" he answered in a stoic tone, his expression betraying none of his thoughts.

I raised an eyebrow questioningly. I couldn't believe that Eggman would be naïve enough to leave such an obvious trail behind. It just didn't seem like him. As much of a bumbling idiot as he acted, Eggman wasn't stupid.

But we had nothing to go on, no path to follow. It was our only option at the moment. My gaze searched my control panel, landing on the radar screen specially designed to pick up the unique signals that emanated from the chaos emeralds.

I flicked the switch, waiting for the haunting silence that meant the emeralds were being cloaked by an outside source, probably a force field or electromagnetic shield which often distorted the emeralds unique waves. Moments passed and nothing happened. I turned toward Knuckles, about to explain our situation when a small bleep emitted from the radar, stopping me dead in my tracks.

I couldn't believe my ears. Was Eggman really such an idiot that he would allow himself to be so easily followed?

Moments passed as I contemplated the question.

No, he wasn't. If there was a trail it was because he wanted us to follow. If he wanted us to follow, it meant there was a trap. I turned, casting a curious glance toward Sonic. I wasn't sure if he knew what Eggman's plan was. Sonic was often if not completely brash but he'd known Eggman longer than any one of us. I was sure he knew the repercussions, was aware of the risks.

And yet somehow I felt that even if I did tell him it wouldn't matter. The point was that Amy was missing, the emeralds were in Eggman's hands and the planet was once again in danger. Sonic wouldn't allow Eggmans actions to remain unchecked no matter what Eggman was planning.

Closing the cockpit and making sure everything was in order we began to ascend, the engines roar eclipsing everything else. I could feel that familiar rush as we ascended higher, nostalgia causing me to give a small smile.

It had been months since my last venture through the sky and I felt so out of place and yet at the same time so at home. I loved to soar through the air, to feel the speed as it made the hair on the nape of my neck stand, as it pressed into my body causing me to lose your breath, made my heart beat faster, my mind no longer intent upon harassing me. It was an escape, one I had been neglectful of. But the prospect of leaving my home the last few months had squelched any thought of flying. I didn't want to find anyone I didn't have to and the tornado had brought me too many bad memories.

It seemed almost everything in my life associated with some form of memory, a memory that either distressed me, haunted me or cast me into my depressed state. But now I was back in the skies, the same old Tails as before.

I felt my smile falter.

'The same old Tails'

I looked around as if just realizing where I was for the first time. The sight of Sonic and Knuckles upon the wings, Cream lying silently in the back, us flying toward another mission to save Amy from Eggman……it was the same….exactly the same. It was as if I had just gone back in time, to when I was still so immersed within my other self that I followed Sonic blindly, never questioning. I felt my hands shake.

I fought so hard to purge him, to rid myself of those haunted memories but they always seem to come back. I was eight again, unaware of the monster I would become. I could hear Sonics voice over my earpiece, congratulating me for my excellent flying. It was as if everything I'd worked so hard for, the tears, the isolation, the broken dreams……no longer having to look at myself in the mirror in disgust…..it was all gone.

He was back.

"Tails…..TAILS!"

I came crashing back toward reality, my body shaking almost violently, my breath coming in large gasps. I heard a knock against the glass and turned to see Sonic against it, his quills swaying rapidly in the breeze.

"Tails…..are you okay?" Sonic asked, casting me a worried look.

I knew my face mirrored my distress, tried to hide it as best I could but knew I was failing miserably. My heart thundered in my ears and my hands refused to co-operate. I could feel the plane begin to shake and steadied myself. Closing my eyes I took deep breaths, trying to slow my racing heart.

'Calm down Tails….We do not have time for a mental breakdown. We are going to face Eggman and you need to be focused. Relax'

I released a pent up breath, slowly opening my eyes. I was in control once more, my eyes no longer reflecting that fearful light. I gave Sonic a stoic glance, nodding before I turned back, dismissing him.

The radar led us to a remote location near Mystic Ruin. It was almost the same spot where his first Egg Carrier crashed leaving a large mass of metal to rust within the dark abyss of the ocean.

The radar pinpointed the Egg Carrier only a few feet away from us but as I observed our current location I couldn't find any sign of it. Only the immense expanse of water met us, leaving me to wonder whether the radar was broken.

As if to answer my question the sound of an engines hum caught us by surprise. A sudden shadow enveloped us in its icy grip and we all turned our gazes upward toward the rapidly emerging ship.

"Oh my….." whispered Cream, her chao cheese giving a fearful cry.

'A cloak. That's why we couldn't see him……….'

My thoughts were cut off by the sound of explosions, a sound I recognized. He'd discharged a cannon. Sure enough the loud hiss of two rapidly approaching missiles cut through the air, leaving little room for speculation. On instinct I backtracked, making my way back a considerable distance from the missiles. Their shrieks grew increasingly distinct and my twists and turns weren't helping.

Deciding to end this game once and for all I gave a sharp turn, narrowly missing the oncoming missiles by cutting between them. I continued toward the ship, hoping they were close enough to execute my plan. The Egg Carrier came into focus and I accelerated, flying toward control room where Eggman was probably located. The once small speck soon became a towering figure, overshadowing us.

I heard Cream whimper behind me but ignored it as best I could. I could only pray her fear was ill founded.

Once we were close enough I used the thrusters, turning in a sharp ninety degree angle upward. Unfortunately, so did the missiles.

"Damn it" I muttered, flying downward to narrowly evade them yet again. It was obvious Eggman had been playing with his toys over his long recess.

"Fly toward them!" Sonic shouted and I could only cast him an incredulous glance.

"Are you crazy?"

"Just do it!"

I shook my head, continuing to dive until we nearly touched the surface of the water below. I quickly pulled up, bringing a large blanket of water behind us. Unfortunately the missiles were undeterred, breaking through the crystalline wall and continuing their chase without hesitation.

"TAILS!" Sonic bellowed over the increasingly loud hiss of the missiles.

"It doesn't make sense to come all this way just to die Sonic" I responded, giving a rapid turn when one of the missiles came close.

"JUST TRUST ME WILL YOU?" he shouted and this time it wasn't because of the missiles.

"AND WHEN HAVE YOU EVER MERITED TRUST?" I responded, the words escaping my lips before I had time to think

He turned away, his eyes expressionless. I could tell I'd hurt him but he'd hurt me the same way. He refused to let me go. I wanted him to leave, to stop caring but he wouldn't.

"Tails, if you can't trust Sonic then trust me. I have a plan" Knuckles shouted, giving me a determined glance.

I looked into his amethyst eyes, full of an unwavering resolution. I felt a depth within Knuckles words, a sense of value I hadn't felt with Sonic. I felt safer with his vow and hesitantly nodded, accelerating once more. Once we were a bit farther ahead I turned, rushing toward the missiles frontally. We gained speed again and my heart thundered, my gaze concentrated solely on my target.

"On the count of three" Knuckles said, his muscles tensing in anticipation. Sonic mimicked his stance, his features betraying nothing.

I could already see the Eggman Logo on the missiles, knew it was time. With a jerk I slanted the Tornado sideways so the wing was piercing the violent waves below.

"Three!"

Sonic and Knuckles jumped, landing raggedly upon the missiles as I narrowly passed between them. I could hear the swish that indicated they were closing in again and turned slightly, observing as Knuckles punched the roof of the missile, ejecting a small piece of the metal covering. Without a thought he thrust his had inside, withdrawing all the coils from within, leaving a train of sparks behind.

The missiles began to act erratically, losing altitude and flying in loops. I gave a sharp turn, hitting thruster again when the missiles seemed to have found one new target.

Each other.

I managed to pass through again just as Sonic and Knuckles jumped. They landed roughly upon the wings causing the plane to lose altitude for a second before righting itself. The roar of an explosion met our ears and I heard Cream give a jubilant cry, Cheese mimicking the action.

A sense of relief swept through me and I turned, giving Knuckles a grin. Knuckles smirked in return and with a turn we made our way toward the landing strip aboard the carrier.

We landed roughly upon the metallic runway, the Tornado seemingly worn from its ordeal. We exited quickly, unsure of what other surprises Eggman had in store. I exited last, making a small detour toward the compartment that housed the engine. Opening the metallic hood I inserted my hand, withdrawing a large amethyst gem, a chaos emerald. Placing it in my pocket I walked toward the others, my languid steps an indication I wasn't up to pleasantries.

With careful strides we walked the rest of the strip, coming toward a door near the end of the runway. Before we had time to even contemplate its destination Sonic turned, giving us his full attention. His gaze was piercing, leaving me with a vague feeling that he was trying to control his anger.

"We should all split up. We cover more ground that way." He whispered, giving Knuckles a nod before continuing.

"Cream?" he whispered, giving the young doe a small smile, apparently forced. "Go with Tails. I want you to follow all of his…….."

"No"

Everyone turned toward me, their eyes unbelieving. I realized with a start I'd muttered the word and looked away from their questioning gazes.

"She can't come with me. We….I……she just can't" I ended, unsure I'd proven any point with the rambling.

Sonics eyes seemed to darken becoming that dark jade, hypnotizing and at the same time dangerous.

"I suppose you'd rather go with Knuckles then?" he murmured and I couldn't help but catch the accusation in his voice. I turned toward Knuckles, casting him a questioning glance, one the guardian returned.

Before we had time to question him he turned away, opening the door and descending into the shadowed abyss. Knuckles soon followed accompanied by a hurt Cream who tried vainly to hide her tears.

The familiar feeling of guilt grasped my heart but I shook my head, dispelling the emotion. I didn't want to be cruel to her, didn't want to make her cry. But I couldn't go with her. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so innocent gazing at me. I couldn't stand being alone with her, to ponder and worry. I couldn't stand to be near her.

I gave a shuddering breath before entering the stairway, making sure the echoes of their feet no longer reached my ears. Withdrawing the emerald from my pocket I watched its dull glow illuminate the confines around me, dispelling the darkness and casting me in an amber glow. It was pulsing lightly, sensing its siblings but not close enough to react to them.

I walked down the stairway, deciding to take some of the lower levels to avoid Sonic and Knuckles. I couldn't help but reminisce about Sonic, his dark eyes burning into mine. Why had he been so angry? He knew why I couldn't be near Cream yet he persisted. He had no right to become angry.

I felt my own temper flare but a deep pulse from the emerald stopped my ramblings. I looked down at the emerald whose glow had grown, now illuminating the entire passageway. I looked up to see a door in front of me and opened it, making my way down the winding corridor.

With each step I took the light seemed to take on a much more forceful incarnation, seeping the walls as well as myself. My ears perked at the sound of machinery, growing thunderous the closer I came to the end of the passageway.

I reached a large, metallic door, slightly ajar allowing a sliver of light to shine through. I slowly opened it, wary of my surroundings. From the look of the large machinery near the center it seemed to be a generator room. At the center, wired to the ships core were the three emeralds Knuckles once stood watch over.

With slow strides I advanced until I could feel the emeralds rays kiss my fur. I placed a hand upon the cool crystal case that held them prisoner, my gaze searching for a nearby weapon to break the glass open.

"Well, well, well……What do we have here? A rat perchance?" asked a mocking voice.

Instinctively I turned, my gaze scanning the large podium near the far wall. Standing casually upon the elevated platform was Eggman, a look of mild amusement on his face, the shadows giving his features a pale tint. Resting over his shoulder was Amy, her body tied by a thick rope, her mouth gagged.

"Let her go" I shouted, taking a menacing step towards him.

"Ah, ah, ah….I wouldn't do that if I were you. You wouldn't want your friend to be hurt would you?" He questioned, unsettling Amy from his shoulder and allowing her to rest dangerously close to the edge.

"Bastard" I muttered, earning a smirk from him.

"Now Tails, no need for such language. After all, we are good friends. All I ask is that you give me your chaos emerald. Give me what I want and your friend goes free, no tricks." He replied in an almost sing song voice, his features softening in the light.

I contemplated my decisions. If I gave Eggman the emerald he would have four and enough power to destroy a continent. But if I don't he'll hurt Amy.

"I didn't know you cared so little for your friend. Will you really allow her to be hurt just for an emerald? I didn't believe you so heartless Tails."

I cast him a glare, hoping to silence him. I wasn't doing this because of my personal feelings toward Amy……was I?

I shook my head. No, I wouldn't allow my anger towards her to blind me. No matter what she did to me she was still a living creature. I could not allow Eggman to hurt her if I could stop it.

With a look of revulsion I threw the chaos emerald towards him, watching as his thick, greedy fingers closed around the gem.

"Excellent. You have made a wise decision my dear boy. Just like Sonic, so noble. It will be that very trait that will lead to your demise."

The sound of metal caught my attention, forcing me to turn toward the dark area behind Eggman. A set of ruby orbs became a beacon against the deep darkness, soon followed by a second and third pair, their haunted gazes turned towards me.

"How rude of me. I still haven't introduced you to my latest brand of robots. Built with speed in mind. I call them E-124, 125 and 126."

As if awaiting their master's introduction the three machines stepped forth from their shadowed prison. I was vaguely reminded of Omega in the coloring but that was as far as the resemblance went. Their heads appeared snake like bent low to give them easier viewpoints from any angle. Their bodies were serpentine, shaped in a large S. Long, thin arms and legs were within their respective places though each part ended with five rather sharp claws that gleamed dangerously in the light.

"I gave you the emerald…..you promised." I shouted, realizing my blunder in trusting him.

"I lied" he chuckled before he raised his hand triumphantly, the emerald thrust into the air.

"Kill him"

I wasn't given time to interpret the words before the glint of impending metal caused me to sidestep. I jumped away a bit, watching as the three robots observed me, moving in time with each other. We circled each other in a silent dance, trying to find weaknesses within our opponent.

I watched as one of their arms tensed and as expected he pounced, his "siblings" in tow. They slashed, forcing me to duck as it swung in a wide arc several inches above me. The second and third took the opportunity to try and catch me from the sides but I managed to back flip, landing rather painfully on the floor.

Turning my gaze toward my leg I could see why. The constant strain upon my stitches had opened up my wound, leaving the crimson liquid to flow freely down my leg.

Unfortunately, the beasts took that precise moment of inattentiveness to attack. I managed to dodge but one grabbed painfully onto my thigh, squeezing my leg. An involuntary cry passed my lips as I lay paralyzed, subjected to their scrutiny.

One lifted his claw, ready to finish me when something struck him, sending him skidding across the floor hard enough to produce sparks. The figure uncurled, landing in front of me and I instantly recognized it to be Sonic. More crashing noises and I knew Knuckles was there too.

"Well now. Sonic, it's nice to see you again." Eggman sneered, a smirk plastered on his face.

"Let Amy go" Sonic whispered darkly, his eyes cast in that jade hue.

"I was hoping Ms. Rose could come with me for a while longer. I am such a lonely man. I wouldn't mind some company. And now I must bid you adieu. Until we meet again" he whispered, raising a large brown bag.

I turned toward the crystal case, finding all the emeralds gone.

"Those are the emeralds. Eggman has them!" I shouted.

As if to accentuate that point the ship began to sway dangerously, and that feeling of nostalgia returned once more.

"Not again" Knuckles muttered, giving Eggman a glare. "Is there one ship you don't have to crash into the ocean?"

Eggman glowered before turning, making his way toward the door near the back of the room.

"STOP!" Sonic shouted, running after him.

I stood, feeling a bit dazed from the pain. I swayed a bit before I felt strong hands grasp me tightly by the shoulders.

"You okay?" Knuckles asked, giving me a look of concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine" I muttered, giving a weak smile.

"…No….no your not" Cream stuttered, her face ghostly pale. "Look…look at….your leg"

Knuckles looked as well, giving a silent curse.

"I'm fine okay? Just let it be. Besides, we have to catch Eggman. Let's go!" I shouted, running to get away. I couldn't do more than limp, the pain sharp enough to lead me to believe I was being stabbed repeatedly.

The door seemed to lead toward a large room that reminded me of Ark. In the center stood a capsule like the one Eggman used to thrust Sonic into space though this time, it appeared he was the guinea pig.

I looked forward to see Sonic and Eggman staring intently at each other. The look of fury on Sonics face told of his plight. He wanted to stop Eggman but couldn't. Amy was at risk.

I stared at them, shocked to realize they were too absorbed with each other to notice me. The thought gave root to another one. Before I had time to second guess myself I traveled through the shadowed corners of the room, reaching the back where Eggman was, facing away. Taking to the air I managed to give a swift, extremely painful kick. I felt an excruciating throb that left me paralyzed. My tails stopped of their own accord, allowing me to fall painfully toward the floor.

Fortunately however, the kick seemed to have done the job. In his surprise Eggman released Amy right into Sonics arms and also allowed the bag to fall a small distance away from me.

With a grunt I managed to stand rather haphazardly, making my way toward the bag. I picked it up, staring at the package before a cold voice reached my ears, freezing me on the spot.

"You'll pay for what you've done. If I can't have Amy, you'll do"

A sharp pain erupted at my side and then it was all dark.

A painful throb rushed awakened me from my dreamless sleep, a feeling of solid, cold metal against my back causing me to shiver. I opened my eyes groggily, my mind hazy and unfocused. My vision was obscured, blurry and I felt hot and cold at the same time.

'Where am I?'

Long, thin shadows enveloped me and I could partially make out the glint of metal. They appeared to be bars.

'A cage?'

"Sleep. It will all be better soon"

'E….Eggman?"

I tried vainly to stay awake, to fight the invading weariness, to rebel against his order but I couldn't. I felt weak, sick and extremely tired. I just wanted to sleep and forget.

"That's right. Don't worry. I'll be here when you awaken."

That's Chapter 4. Peace and thank you for reading.Hugs to those who review.Love you guys!