Hey everyone! I'm back! (someone throws brick) Hey! Ouch. I know, I know. I've been gone for a long time huh? But I promise it wasn't my fault. My computer finally broke down completely, taking all of my previous documents with it. So I had to wait a whole month until my mom bought me a new computer and then I had to rewrite these chapters again. Unfortunately I've been in a writing rut so it wasn't easy but I think I did I good job. That however is for you guys to decide.

Also for those of you who are waiting for me to update Zyphers Dusk please be patient. I have to rewrite the chapter AGAIN and its pissing me off. So hopefully I will update it...eventually.lol.

Also another thing I can't believe I forgot to mention...their ages! Jesus, where the heck was I? Here they are.

Tails: 17

Sonic: 24

Knuckles: 25

Cream: 15

Amy: 21

Anyway, now that the pleasantries are out of the way here's another chapter of Deception. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Tails, Sonic, Knuckles, Amy or Cream...I do however own the spare parts of Gamma's armor they didn't give to Omega...Yay!

Chapter 5: Divinity

Days passed, unmarked by memory or a celestial being. Consciousness was rare. I was often lost among the heat of a fever or the effects of anesthesia. Memories of those few days are distorted but I remember the scent of chemicals. One of the few instances I remember regaining sanity I was within a laboratory.

The room was basked in darkness, only illuminated by the subtle shimmer of the candles purposefully set around the room. Containers were within their respective places among raised shelves, containing parts of dismembered animals, maybe even those of humans. It was a repulsive thought, one I dismissed by averting my eyes. Flasks decorated metallic tables that held an array of instruments, experimentations, open books and references, scattered stationary. It seemed like a place modeled from a horror book. And then the heat enclosed me, lulling me into fitful sleep.

I felt the chill of the hard surface beneath me. I slowly opened my eyes, the darkness dispelling with an unconscious wince. I looked around, gazing at the barren room around me. The tiled floors created a pattern that left me slightly distorted. I shook my head, trying to regain my thoughts.

I stood, giving a silent curse at the pain that spread through my body. My muscles were sore from weariness and I gave a small stretch, trying to shake off the lethargy that claimed me. My gaze scanned my enclosure. At first it seemed to be a cargo area, a few discarded boxes left among dust and filth. Yet the delicate light that swathed the arena harshly glided over metal, dispersing the darkness and revealing elongated bars surrounding the entire room.

'A cage…a very large cage'

The room was filled with a somber silence that left me a bit frightened. I couldn't understand exactly where I was nor remember how I came to be here. My ears instinctively twitched, trying to catch hold of any sound either from the outside or from within. Only the dull hum of the brazen lights above met my ears.

I walked toward the edge of the perimeter, my hand grasping the cold ebony bars of my enclosure. A slight shiver enveloped me at its icy grasp, cold even through the thick layer of my gloves. I turned away, walking toward a discarded metal carton and sitting upon it, ignoring the bristling of my fur at the sensation of the metal sheet.

'Where am I? What am I doing here?' I wondered, the movement usually accentuated by the mischievous coil of my tails. The movement, however, was impeded by a thick binding. I turned downward, catching sight of the metallic band entwined around my tails, keeping them anchored.

'Great. Where exactly did they think I was going to fly to?' I wondered derisively, my ears folding back in anger. I thought back toward the Egg Carrier. The confrontation between Sonic and Eggman, the surprise attack I instigated and then, darkness. I groaned at the fruitlessness of my flashback, accomplishing nothing in the task. Then, as if jarred by lightning my mind arouse to the sound of a voice, deep and scathing.

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

Yes the voice, profound and persuasive, guiding me toward sleep. Eggmans voice. The events unfurled within my mind, reshaping, reconstructing over and over. He was my abductor. I looked around, trying to find something, anything that seemed to evoke his presence. But there was nothing, no robots, no cameras, nothing but the shadows and bars that held me prisoner.

I turned toward the closed doors just beyond the shadow of the bars. My ears unfolded, my body coming out of its reverie to glance toward the entrance. Metallic fastenings unlocked, shattering the dismal silence with their resonance. They parted, giving way to the oval shape of the scientist, the thin line of his mouth curling upward in an acrimonious smile.

"Why hello there my dear Tails. So glad to see you have finally roused. My but you had me worried. I feared for your safety. The fever, the blood loss. I couldn't sleep just worrying."

My fingers curled, trying vainly not to show my animosity. The condescending lilt of his voice made me angry. As if he could ever care for anyone but himself. It seemed sad, almost humorous for him to believe himself the hero. There were no hero's in this world. Only the beautifying of a single creature for having done something they feared to do themselves.

"Eggman. I can't say I share your sentiment. I really don't want to dance around the subject. What exactly do you want?" I asked, my voice contained within a neutral whisper. I didn't feel like playing his games. The quicker he responded, the faster I could figure out a way to escape.

His head tilted to the side as if pondering my sudden brashness. That smile however, so discordant, unbefitting to a man like him left me a bit uncomfortable. It never faltered, only seemed to accentuate itself among the bars that swathed around him like a cloak. He circled the large enclosure, studying me for a second. My patience was reaching its end. Whether because of my suppressed anger or my hidden fear I did not know. Instead I decided to speak, hoping to find the root of his thoughts.

"Eggman. What do you plan to do with me?"

He stopped, walking toward the bars in a slow stride emphasized by his heavy iron clad boots against cemented floor. His thick fingers snaked around the bars, bathing him in a haunting shadow as the bars gave a new, twisted angle to his face. His smile never faltered, growing maliciously like a weed. I instinctively stepped back, reprimanding myself for the telling action but unable to suppress it.

"Yes, you're right. It doesn't do to dance around the subject. Why romanticize my plans when they are so very simple." He reasoned in a delicate tone that made my ears twitch to simply catch the sound.

The sound of shifting metal caused me to slowly turn, my eyes focused beyond the bars, toward the opening entrance. The light poured forth as three beings entered the room, the scraping of their claws against the floor causing me to fold my ears backward. The sound was grating, causing a small shiver to jar my tails, even through the thick binding. Their eyes were vaporous, condensing the darkness surrounding them, making their presence unambiguous. They each cast a poignant crimson gaze that made the fur on the back of my neck stand. Their serpentine heads dipped low, curious, studying me. They turned toward each other, understanding never parting from their bloody orbs. It was as if they were speaking to each other in a voice unheard by any divinity.

'Self-awareness.' I realized with muted surprise. They know what is happening, they understand. I turned toward Eggman, wondering if he too understood the ramifications of their consciousness. The thought of Emerl crossed my mind with poignant sadness. He was aware…maybe too aware of what was happening. Too aware of the mistakes, haunting mistakes of our kind. Doomed to repeat them. He was created to be a weapon but what hurt the most was the realization.

He was one of us. Because we're all weapons. No matter how much we are blessed with a soul.

A soul is a fickle thing.

Movement startled me from my reverie as Eggman sought something within the pockets of his pants. He withdrew a key, luminous within the light. With an almost derisive slowness he inserted the key within its equal, the locks unfurling with a prominent click. The door creaked open, the gate hanging upon its hinges allowing a sliver of wind to enter. It was freedom. But at what price?

The creatures followed the calculated action of the doctor, their bodies coiling in suppressed excitement. With unabashed slowness they walked toward the opening, each entering with an accentuated grating of their claws.

I slowly backed away, my eyes landing fitfully upon their armor which tightened upon their movement, emphasizing their measured advance. The smile wove itself tightly over Eggmans features as he closed the gate once more, leaning against the cold bars.

"This is survival my dear Tails. Prove to me you deserve the right to live."

My muscles tightened spasmodically as one of the creatures lunged, the gleam of his armor catching the light above. It blinded me instantly but I instinctively jumped, the tip of my fur brushing solid metal. I landed unsteadily upon all fours, rolling away at the last second as the second robot rapidly advanced, his claws thrusting with rapid speed. I quickly stood, my heartbeat a piercing siren within my ears. They folded backward as I let out a primordial hiss, my survival instinct put to the test.

My first impulse was to fly but the thick band prevented any airborne retreat. I gave a silent curse, watching as the third creature twirled his claws in long, measured arks that would have pierced me into tiny ribbons had I not ducked low and rolled away.

Their movements were chaotic, unmeasured leaving me unable to focus on any form of retaliation. My heartbeat became erratic as I lunged, desperation causing me to evade his blow and counter as best I could. Tensing my muscles I landed heavily upon the creature, causing it to slightly misstep. It was, however firmly anchored and almost unmoved by my attack. I flipped over it, avoiding his advancing claws meant to remove me. I landed in a crouched position and turned back to the distracted creature, kicking it in a sweeping arc between the crooks of his knees. It fell upon its knees and I brought my tail in an acrimonious sweep, allowing the metal imprisoning them to fully impact its back with a shower of sparks. If nothing else Eggman had given me a dangerous weapon.

I dove out of the way when its brethren tried to retaliate, landing sprawled upon the floor. I rolled out of the way when another lunged its claws toward me, implanting them within the concrete floor with a shattering power. Pieces of tile and debris flew upward, catching me upon the cheek. I could feel the slow trickle of blood, wiped it away without interest. I couldn't afford to be inattentive.

They slowly advanced, forming an arc around me. They lunged and I jumped, landing upon the creatures head, my legs parted on either side of its metallic skull. My body tensed as I tightened the muscles around my thighs, twisting my body in an aggressive movement that snapped its head sideways. Sparks began to fly from shattered wires, their heat slightly burning my thighs as I jumped away, trying my hardest to avert its siblings strikes.

I knew I couldn't kill it with such a strike but at least I managed to slow it down. It kneeled, a shower of sparks erupting from its circuits as its eyes spasmodically fluttered between crimson awareness and onyx abyss. The other two circled it in a protective stance, realizing I wasn't as simple to kill as they first believed.

Yes, I could be nice. I could be passive, sometimes even meek. But I was no ones toy. That wasn't me anymore.

One of the creatures remained to protect its brethren while the other prowled, keeping me within its sight. We both silently circled each other and I began to move back at its rapid advances. I felt the omnipresent chill of the bars as they pressed into my back. It had cornered me. My heart beat faster and it seemed to grow more aware, more sure of itself. Its eyes transformed, becoming a dark garnet that seemed to obliterate the darkness around it. My fur bristled desperation becoming an unwanted enemy. Why did it feel as if its power was growing? Every erratic breath was met with one more surge of power. It was becoming stronger! But how?

It lunged and I crouched low, tensing my legs before jumping, propelling myself into a full twist behind the creature. It however had gained new strength as it turned in a full arc, its claw slashing across my back. A painful cry unwillingly passed through my lips, causing me to lose my breath. A crimson mist surrounded me as I lost my footing, falling onto the cold concrete. My muscles tensed in shock, my body gasping for breath I'd previously lost. The marks delved deeply within my skin, blistering with the heat of the blood that showered them. I heard the deep siren of metal parting air, knew its claw was descending and rolled, biting back a scream as the hard floor tortured my wounds.

I stood haphazardly, harsh pants filling the space between us. It raised its claw, the glimmer of blood upon its surface giving it a malevolent radiance. My vision slightly blurred as the thick copper smell of warm blood filled my nostrils. The pain was immense, the chill in the air tantalizing the jagged marks upon my back.

The second creature withdrew from its role as sentry, walking toward my predator. They both stand evenly, their eyes flashing in a silent tongue. They were speaking. I studied them. Self-awareness, consciousness. They were intelligent. How long could Eggman possibly contain them before the tragedies of Chaos, Ark, and Emerl repeat themselves?

Both creatures examined me for a second before they began to circle each other. My eyes widened at the unexpected display. What exactly were they doing?

Their gait increased until they were nothing but unseen whirlwinds. I squinted, my eyes bombarded by the increasing wind and the debris it unsettled. I crouched low, trying to hold my footing against the fierce gale. Sudden crimson sparks began to materialize from its core, one landing treacherously close. The small explosion thrust me back and I hit the bars with a whimper. My body gave out. I couldn't take anymore.

I turned my face away, trying to avoid the wind that threatened to choke me. Air became scarce, all of it centered within the void. Darkness clawed at my vision and I scarcely heard Eggmans voice above the airstream.

"That is enough."

I harshly collapsed onto the floor, my body spent. My ears twitched slightly as many of the crates, lifted by the whirlwind fell all around me, the sound echoing with fierce discord. Eggmans voice was a haze, my mind shutting down.

Day upon day was spent within the arena under the close scrutiny of the doctor. Everyday became one more trial, one more test to survive. He was constantly surveying, following our movements with profound interest. What exactly he was trying to prove was beyond my understanding. I was never truly given much time to contemplate. My day consisted of the arena and if I was fortunate, the medical wing. Often he simply left me to suffer within the cage, watching with perverse interest as my wounds allowed my life's blood to flow freely.

Infection was often and the makeshift bandages I was forced to create could not stop the blood nor prevent contamination from coming in. I was left to suffer from blood loss and I was slightly reminded of the wound upon my thigh, healed by the deranged doctor. His sense of humor seemed to have no bounds.

I lay within my cell, a small cubicle devoid of anything of comfort. Only the filthy walls and floors were needed to keep me enclosed.

I lay upon the floor, unwrapping the blood encrusted binding with painful slowness. Blood and yellow puss slowly seeped out, a clear sign of infection. Counting my shoulder, waist, back and calf that was already enough that I should be dead.

Should be. But the doctor wasn't going to let me go that easily.

I tore a piece of my undershirt, creating another fastening and began to shabbily wrap it around my calf. Once I was done I leaned back, my tails sweeping the floor lifelessly. My ears folded back as I leaned against the wall, the slight drip of a faucet shattering the hollow silence. I felt sleeps welcomed grasp but at the same time I feared to slumber. This place was a constant test of survival and it was not uncommon for Eggmans servants to make rounds. I didn't want to be caught unaware.

My muscles tensed and I rapidly stood ignoring the imperious shriek of my wounds, the sound of scampering feet catching my attention. I listened intently, my eyes inspecting the shadowed floor; devoid of any light either from outside or from within. The movement did not repeat itself and I relaxed, a pent up breath releasing itself instinctively. I crouched back down, closing my eyes. It was during times like these that my thoughts drifted beyond the bindings of my cage, toward the world outside this hell. I envisioned Sonic and Knuckles, Cream, even Amy and wondered what there lives were like now. Did they miss me? Were they even searching?

No, I doubted it. Days have gone by, maybe even months. They would have found me or if nothing else Eggman. He held the four chaos emeralds. It should have been simple to track him down.

'Unless he's masking the emeralds signal'

I was making excuses for them, not much of a consolation. The more I thought about it the more unlikely it seemed they would come. I've hurt them…badly. I've said things that have severed ties; I've acted ways that have destroyed friendships.

But I prefer this hellhole to taking them back. Those actions were not instigated with malice. But they were necessary. The day they realize what I've done they'll thank me. With tears and blood they'll hate me but it won't hurt as much as if they'd still clung on to the false smiles and sweet disposition of my former self.

My thoughts began to haze, sleep claiming me when the brush of fur against fur jarred me awake. I gave a scream, standing swiftly to gaze upon the frightened countenance of a small rat. It grew alarmed by the sudden noise, dashing toward a fissure within the wall.

I grasped my chest, leaning against the wall. If nothing else the threat of sleep had been completely eradicated. I turned toward the bars, their onyx tint malignant. It was definitely going to be a long night.

Another day passed within the training arena, my blood tinting the fair floor crimson. I leaned against the bars, staring toward my adversaries in silent loathing. My tails, once again constrained by the thick metallic binding were pulsing with pain. One of the creatures had grabbed hold, using it to toss me into the bars with painful velocity.

The sound of shifting metal broke our acrimonious glares as the doctor entered, his mouth curved in a smile that wore on my nerves.

"Guess what Mr. Prower? It seems Sonic and friends have finally managed to track us down. It took quite a while what with all the goose chases I've sent them through but now they've finally come. They should be here any second. Aren't you excited?"

I gave an uncharacteristic sneer, wiping a glove encased hand over my mouth, wiping away the blood that matted my muzzle.

"Yeah. I'm fucking thrilled." I panted, returning his derisive smile. His own seem to misplace itself for a second before returning.

"My, my. What a mouth you have. Not at all befitting a hero such as yourself." He taunted, drawing closer toward the bars.

I gave a sardonic laugh that had no warmth or humor. I turned toward his questioning face, my eyes as close to ice as I could make them.

"If it helps I never claimed to be a hero. Sorry if I'm not a paragon of virtue."

He gave a chuckle before unlocking the cell, motioning for his servant's attention.

"124, 125, 126. Take our dear friend toward the laboratory and place her within the pod. I'll be there shortly once I deal with the insidious rodent and his friends."

All three creatures advanced, each grabbing me and leading me out toward the hallway. We traveled down an unknown path, one I'd never ventured before. Many unmarked, often dilapidated doors lay ajar, allowing me to take quick glimpses inside. Some were laboratories, their insides utterly destroyed. Flasks were shattered glass upon the floor, book lay strewn, their pages scattered. Furniture was completely marred, their soft cushions torn leaving their skeletons in clear sight. Wood was splintered, debris and dust clinging to the ruins. It was obvious this edifice was once a research facility. But where exactly what it? And who used it before?

The questions were left unanswered as we entered the only habitable laboratory. It seemed vaguely familiar. I looked upon the tables with their flasks and bottles, the smell overpowering. A scent so familiar.

And then I remembered. The laboratory within my dreams.

I wasn't given time to elaborate that thought before the creatures thrust me within an open capsule. I quickly stood, trying to escape when it sealed shut, trapping me inside. I could see the creature's silent mirth before they each stood sentry around my enclosure.

I pounded against the glass trying vainly to open it. Every movement was accentuated by the ache of my wounds and muscles, my strength completely depleted from the days test. With one last pound from my fist I gave up, leaning back against the cold steel and awaiting my fate.

Minutes elapsed filled with uncertainty before the doors opened revealing a weary looking Eggman. There was a slight limp in his gait and a scowl replacing his usual perverse smile. I couldn't help but feel a twisted pleasure in his pain. I turned toward his robots who also seemed a bit interested in the doctor's injuries.

'Looks like we finally found common ground boys.'

"124, quickly, turn on the machine."

The creature in question gave a silent bow before walking toward a control panel, typing in a command. I heard the slight hum of a generator and the sound of roaming electricity before sudden sparks illuminated my enclosure, surprising me with a rouge streak of lightning. It traveled through my body, causing my heart to skip a beat. I gave a muted scream, my body convulsing in pain.

"TAILS!" I heard a scream, forceful, beckoning me. But I couldn't respond. Nothing seemed to matter. Nothing but the ever present pain that clouded my senses. My tails coiled in chaotic arcs as my body lost its breath. My heartbeat skipped once more before the electrical surge ceased. I fell against the pane, its cool touch cradling my unresponsive body.

"TAILS…TAILS!"

I slowly opened my eyes, my vision distorted. Small smudges of color began to accentuate themselves as silhouettes became defining forms. I could see the door lay splintered against the floor and the revolted faces of Sonic, Knuckles, Cream and Amy as they all gazed at their helpless friend covered in blood, her fur scorched and her body broken over and over until there was almost nothing left.

My eyes began to close but I heard the desperate voice of the others as they each called my name in fear.

"Nobody move. I'm not playing any games Sonic. Give me the emeralds and your friend lives. If not you'll watch him die, slowly and painfully." Eggman whispered, his voice given a frantic edge.

The sound of scraping metal brought me out of my stupor as the three creatures advanced. Sonic and Knuckles strode forward, their stances indicating great restrain.

Sonic nodded before unsettling a satchel from his waistband, placing it on the floor and giving it a fierce kick toward the robots. They grabbed the bag eagerly, their inexpressive faces unable to convey their frantic edge over the promised emeralds within the satchel.

"What are you idiots doing? Give that to me" Eggman shouted, walking toward the creatures.

They ignored the doctor, opening the satchel and reviewing its content. Their once enthusiastic rejoinder however was short lived upon inspection of the emeralds. They each seemed to examine them before throwing them toward the ground in silent rage.

The doctor picked one up, examining it. The lines of his face twisted in rage as he turned toward Sonic and the others.

"So, his life means so little to you that you would resort to false emeralds? My dear Sonic. How sad you've just sealed his fate. 124!"

The creature walked toward the control panel before he was impeded by Sonic and Knuckles.

"Let's not do anything stupid guys. I'm not exactly in the nicest mood right now." Sonic threatened, his voice like ice.

Knuckles remained silent, entering a defensive stance as his own proclamation.

The creature seemed unmoved by the threat as it lunged. Knuckles and Sonic both crouched before jumping, their bodies going into a half twist before they landed behind the creatures. They turned, both lifting their knees and extending their legs, twisting their hips to add more power to the movement before hitting the advancing creature with the ball of their feet. The creature fell, knocking into its brethren.

It instantly recovered before all three retaliated. Sonic and Knuckles both split up, each taking care of one of the robots while Cream and Amy took care of the third.

Knuckles cracked his namesakes in an aggressive maneuver, his anger apparent in his dark amethyst orbs. The robot swung in a horizontal sweep clearly aimed to catch Knuckles across the chest. The guardian kneeled, the attack slicing air before rotating his torso, adding more power to his upper body. He brought his fist upward, the spurs on his hands colliding with the thick metal of the creatures chin, throwing it onto the nearby wall. With one last disgusted glance the guardian turned, making his way toward Cream and Amy to see how he could help.

Sonic turned around to face his opponent, his jade eyes cast in a malicious glow as his face expressed an arrogant smile. The creature brought its arms in a curve, one Sonic easily sidestepped before advancing. Lifting the knee of his back leg and turning to catch sight of his opponent he leaned his torso forward and extended his foot back, striking the creatures face with the heel of his foot. It fell onto the ground, sparks flying from a coil Sonic severed with the kick. Having done the job he turned toward the others, grateful at Knuckles intervention before casting his eyes toward mine, rushing toward the pod.

He placed his palms upon the glass trying to find any means of escape. The glass was thick and he used his body to slam into it but no weakness presented itself.

I heard his curse before he walked toward the control panel. Furling his body into a small ball he homing attacked the machine, an explosion the consequential result.

I heard the parting of glass and the noise, once distorted by the obstruction became deafening as the wind met my collapse. I landed within strong arms, the scent of earth and the warmth of fur a closeness I hadn't felt in years.

"Oh my God" whispered a distraught voice, slowly parting the moist strands of fur from my face. Soft fingers traced the curve of my face, gentle ministrations causing soft shivers to bristle my fur. I opened my eyes, staring into olive eyes filled with worry and anger.

"Sonic?" I rasped, my voice weak. My eyes closed once more, succumbing to sleep before venturing fingers grasped my chin, turning my face upward. I opened my eyes, his features blurring slightly before focusing once more.

"Tails, don't go to sleep." He whispered but my eyes were already closing. His body readjusted and I felt his warm fur sweep over mine, his head burying itself within the crook of my neck. He gave a gentle purr and I awoke, jarred by the abnormal scene.

"Sonic, what are you doing?"

He lifted his head, casting his famous lop sided grin.

"I'm waking you up. One way or the other."

I cast him a scowl though I couldn't deny the chaotic sweeps of my tails at the intimacy of the act. I doubted Sonic realized what he'd done but in my species it was a sign of attraction, maybe even coupling. I thrust the idea aside. Sonic was just being an idiot like usual. No need to over examine things.

His hands brought me closer, cradling my body before his arms wound themselves around my form, picking me up. I gave a flinch at the pressure his arms cast upon my wounds and gave an involuntary whimper, my body instinctively arching to escape the pain.

"Tails? What is it?" Sonic asked, his voice mirroring his alarm.

"My wounds. Put me down. I can walk."

He obeyed, gently wrapping an arm around my waist for support. I grabbed onto his shoulder, taking uneven steps toward the fight unfurling.

Knuckles, Cream and Amy were having a bit of trouble with the third creature who seemed a bit smarter that the other two. Instead of simply lunging he waited until the others attacked before dodging and retaliating.

Sonic placed me against the table before walking behind the creature.

"Hey Knux, ready for some payback?" Sonic shouted, getting into his fighting stance. Knuckles mimicked the movement, both on either side of the creature. It brought its claws towards itself, shielding its body in a defensive stance. Sonic and Knuckles both advanced, both lifting the knee of their back leg to the right of the creature. They whipped their legs into an arc, the energy from the snap redirected and hitting the creature from the side, getting inside his defense. They both took the momentary lapse in defense to follow up with a close attack, Sonic and Knuckles both bending their elbows and using the abdominal muscles to twist their upper bodies and sending a devastating hook, impacting the creature at the same time.

The sound of shattering metal caused my ears to snap back to avoid the sharp reverberation within the hollow room. A blinding glow began to erupt from the creature's insides, casting its orbs, eyes and the tiny fissures within its metallic hide within a crimson glow. Both Sonic and Knuckles backed away as its body convulsed, pieces of armor falling deftly upon the floor. It gave an angry, agonizing shriek before its body imploded, pieces of metal flying within every direction like bullets. Everyone took cover as the metal pierced the stone walls, breaking flasks and furniture, embedding themselves within the metallic tables.

My gaze was held captive by the radiant glow within the center of the storm. It gave a violent shake before it became caught within its own vortex and aimed itself.

Straight at me.

"TAILS!" Knuckles shouted over the exploding lights above, small pieces of glass falling upon his fur in glimmering shards.

I felt it enter my body, reaching deep within my core. My body convulsed as the heat pumped through every vein and nerve and my eyes were submerged in crimson until I could no longer see the others, lost within a void. I could hear the grief within a persons tears, the echo of footsteps as they ran in fear. I could hear a voice, cruel and unforgiving and the scream of a man as he was slaughtered without compassion. I felt the chill of death, the warmth of rebirth and the sound of nothingness that awaits all creatures upon the end of their mortal journey.

And then I heard a song, so sweet it sounded from a divinity. She cradled me closely, telling me stories, venturing with me through time. Yes time. Through everything and nothing. Through existence and extinction. Through the stars and planets and even heaven and hell. Through my mind and hers.

The song of infinity.

That's it for Deception. Wanna thank all those who read and send hugs, kisses and breathmints to all those who review!

(hears her parents calling her and her sister poking her...repeatedly)

Damn latino people co-existing within my house. BLOOD WILL BE SHED TONIGHT!

Mom: Excuse me? What?

KMITS: Uh, nothing mami.

Mom: I thought so. Now get your ass to bed before I make you eat platanos.

KMITS: No, not again! AHHHHHHHH!