This is another short chapter, but it explains some of Tabby's past, sorry if anyone disliked the last chapter, those of you who thought Chris was an only child, continue to read this fic as you will find out some truths later. If anyone has any human characters they want to lend me I would be really grateful, I think it would be nice for Tabby to get some friends, don't you? R&R & enjoy!

I was summoned to the dining room by the adults at around midnight, dreading the lecture that awaited me. I sat down at the table to join Chuck, Ella, Mr Tanaka and Vector, that's when I realised exactly how serious this all was.

"Espio, would you please begin by telling us your version of events?" Tanaka barked. As I was explaining, I heard Vector coughing sarcastically, which made me even more nervous.

"So you attacked my grand daughter viciously because you felt threatened!" Chuck yelled furiously at me, eyes wide with rage, "Do you have any idea what she's been through? Now she might think that her own home isn't safe!" Just as Vector was about to chip in, Tabby appeared in the doorway.

"It wasn't the chameleon's fault" Tabby cried urgently, "I shouldn't have broken the door and hidden in darkness, Espio was just doing his job".

"Then why did you say you fell, sweetie?" Ella asked. Tabby put across her story, then begged her guardians to give me another chance.

"Very well, Tabitha. Espio, you are excused" Chuck mumbled. Tabby and I walked out into the hallway, and then her hand collided with my cheek.

"That's for attacking me this evening" she smirked, "and tell the green glob to keep his eyes on his own class". I couldn't help myself but to smile back.

"I'm…sorry" I managed to utter breathlessly. She gave me a shameless wink, as if daring me to follow her. She strutted up the stairs, not looking back and disappeared into her room. My heart gave a lurch, I had never felt this way before, I felt special. I made my decision to go after her. When I reached the top step, I was greeted by Chris. My excitement turned to dread.

"Espio, I think I should tell you about Tabby's past" he whispered so no-one in the rooms on the corridor could hear. I followed him into the study, wondering what Chris was going to tell me that he didn't want Sonic and the guys to hear. We sat down at the oak desk; Chris began to clear his throat.

"Since Tabby was 8, she had this crazy idea that she could be a ninja mercenary" he started, "Grandpa tried to tell her how dangerous it would be, but she wouldn't listen, mom and dad didn't care. When she turned 10, she left home to fulfil her dream. Two years later we found out that she had formed a punk band and that she'd got a boyfriend. A year later, we got a phone call from her boyfriend, he told us that Tabby had been killed in an explosion. At first, no-one believed this was true, that was until witnesses wrote to us, telling us all the details. We were heart-broken. Since then, my family has been really protective over me, that's why I shouted at you guys down there, I just don't want to lose her again."

"Before she died, we received some photos of her in action, she'd joined a ninja academy" Chris handed me some frayed photographs of his sister, she looked so different, so happy and healthy. I stumbled across the picture of her and her boyfriend.

"Is this him?" I queried. Chris nodded. "As soon as Grandpa saw the picture, he knew there was something weird about him". I continued to look through the pictures; Tabby truly was beautiful, no matter what you thought of her.

"Why did her hair colour keep changing?" I asked.

"Her hair still does it now; she thinks its something to do with her mood swings".

"That's what happens to me" I said, "my skin colour changes to what emotion I'm feeling at the time". Chris nodded and smiled.

"You and Tabby will get along fine when she gets over tonight" Chris said, "She can't hold a grudge for too long". Even though I felt I horrible after the performance I gave earlier that evening, I felt sure that Chris was right, hopefully Vector would forgive me too. As I was about to leave, Sonic burst through the door.

"What are you doing here Espio?" Sonic snapped at me, "haven't you caused enough damage already?". Before I could answer, Knuckles burst through the door.

"Hey Espio" he said cheerfully. Chris and Sonic stared in shock, as if they had never seen Knuckles before.

"You don't usually come here so late" Sonic said, puzzled. Knuckles explained that Tikal wanted to look after the Master Emerald that night so Knuckles could get a decent night's sleep.

"I'll show you to your room then" Chris sighed, "come on Sonic, there's no way I'm leaving you and Espio alone in the same room". Sonic gave one last smirk at the chameleon, then followed Chris and Knuckles out of the room. I pulled a mean face after Sonic before taking my leave. I was staying the night at the house because they felt that they needed extra security. When I had closed the study door, I turned to face the attic stairs.

"Are you staying here like the others?" a voice whispered from behind me.

"Tabby, hey, erm…yeah, your grandpa said we should in case Dr Eggman tries to steal the emeralds" I explained almost breathlessly, I couldn't understand why I was so shy in front of Tabby, even if she was only in a towel…

"Awesome" she said, "why are you sleeping in the attic though?" I shrugged.

Tabby didn't say anything else but gave a coy smile, "I'll see you in the morning then Espio". I said goodnight then ran up the attic steps, hoping to be alone to think about my encounter with the girl. Hard luck, Vector was waiting to talk to me. I knew I was in for a long night…

Well, thank you for reading, I promise you that the story will get better, have patience my friends! Reviews please!