After a very long break, it's finally time to finish up this story. I really appreciate all the fellow writers that helped me advertise this story. This one is for you.

After the narrow escape from the bank, Knuckles and Rouge found themselves stealthily making their way around the outskirts of Central City. Fortunately, Knuckles had Rouge along with him; therefore, they could easily stay stealth and evade G.U.N. Rouge led the way around Central City outskirts. Soon, they came upon a pay phone, and Knuckles needed to make a call. As they eased down to the phone from the alley in which they now occupied, they looked in all directions to make sure that the streets were clear of anything suspicious. After reassuring themselves, Knuckles entered the booth and sat his duffle bags on the ground. He put his quarter in and dialed the number that Magic had reached him at earlier. After about ten seconds, someone picked up.

"Hello?" said the voice.

"I got your damn money, Magic," said Knuckles in a harsh tone.

"See, I knew you could do it, homie. I'll be waiting at the pier," said Magic.

"Let me speak to my daughter!" Knuckles demanded.

(click)

Knuckles just held the phone for a second. He was hoping that his daughter was alright and couldn't wait to have her back in his arms. If Magic had hurt, her…. He wouldn't even think those kinds of thoughts.

Knuckles exited the booth.

"Well?" Rouge asked.

"Now, I go see Magic," said Knuckles.

"Ok. Let me make a call right quick," said Rouge.

Rouge entered the booth as Knuckles had done earlier. She placed her quarter in the phone and dialed the numbers.

"Hello," said a gruff voice.

"Sugar Ray, it's Rouge. How's the club holding up?" she asked.

"Boss lady, I don't know how to tell you this, but you've been shut down. After you were seen on the news with that echidna robbing people, G.U.N. came in and closed us down. What has that rotten echidna gotten you into?" asked Sugar Ray. He still held a grudge with Knuckles.

"It's a lot more complicated than you think. I suggest that you find new work. I might not be able to come back anytime soon," said Rouge.

"Take care," said Sugar Ray.

"I'll miss you," said Rouge.

(click)

"Well, Handsome, thanks to you, my club has been shut down," said Rouge.

"I'm sorry," said Knuckles.

"Don't be. It was starting to get a little boring anyway," said Rouge with a smile. "Our little adventure was way more fun than some dumb old club."

"Well, once I get Lara-Su, I'll find some way of paying you back," said Knuckles.

"What do you mean 'you'? We're in this together now," said Rouge.

"Rouge, you don't understand. This time is a definite 'No'. Magic's dangerous," said Knuckles.

"He's too dangerous for you to handle alone," said Rouge.

"I'll manage," said Knuckles. He picked up the duffle bags. "I'm begging you. Please don't follow me. If something happens to me, I want you to remember me by this."

Knuckles used a free hand to pull Rouge closer to him for a kiss. She kissed back with a little tongue action as well. They parted after five seconds. Rouge's eyes turned red as she watched Knuckles go off into the distant.

"You will be okay, Knuckles. I'll make sure of it."

About an hour later, Knuckles reached the warehouse at the end of the pier that Magic had told him to come to. Except for a few workers at the docks, the pier was completely deserted. Most of the workers had gone home for the day.

There was a side door at the warehouse that was open. His old friend, King, was standing there.

"Where's Magic?" asked Knuckles.

King said nothing. He barely pointed his finger in the direction of the open door. Knuckles walked through the door. King came in and closed the door behind him, which made Knuckles hesitate for a moment before continuing his walk. King just stood at the door as Knuckles advanced into the center of the warehouse. As he walked, he saw that this warehouse had been made into a drug lab. There were pieces of equipment all over the place that are used to process heroin. The gold Chrysler was parked in a corner as well. He stopped and looked around for somebody but found no one.

"Is this some kind of joke, King? Where's Magic?" asked Knuckles.

"I'm right here," said Magic. Magic walked out slowly from a dark corner and stood about thirty yards away from Knuckles. Big Blue was at his side. "Long time no see, homie."

"Where's my daughter?" asked Knuckles.

Magic stepped to the side and revealed a young, light red echidna. She didn't look too well.

"Lara-Su!!" yelled Knuckles.

"Daddy!"

Lara-Su began to run over to Knuckles, but Magic caught her by the arm.

"Toss the money over here first," said Magic.

Knuckles gathered all three bags into one hand and tossed them simultaneously at Magic. His super strength allowed him to throw all three heavy bags at once. After the bags reached Magic's feet, he let Lara-Su go. Lara-Su ran as fast as she could across the floor. She basically threw herself into Knuckles' arms when she reached him. A small tear formed in the corner of Knuckles' eye as he hugged his little angel. She was a bit cold and emaciated, but at least she was okay.

"I always knew that you'd come for me," said Lara-Su.

"I'll always come when you need me," said Knuckles. He gave his daughter a tight squeeze. Then, he stood up and looked at Magic.

"Are we quite done here?" asked Knuckles.

"Not quite," said Magic.

"Ack!" Knuckles screamed as he fell forward.

Lara-Su screamed as her father hit the ground.

Stream had come out of nowhere and smashed an iron chair on Knuckles' back. It was a double-cross.

"I thought we had a deal, Magic," said Knuckles.

"I'm almost shocked that you didn't see this coming, but you always were a little slow in the head," said Magic.

"Lara-Su, go wait outside," said Knuckles.

"I'm not leaving you, Dad," said Lara-Su.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be out to take you home shortly," said Knuckles.

"How touching!" said Magic. "You don't want your daughter to see your blood splatter.

Knuckles got up off the ground. He pulled out one of his guns, but King came from behind and tackled him, which made him throw the gun away.

"Knuckles is packing? I have to admit that that surprised me," said Magic. "Get him, boys."

Stream was back now to help King fight Knuckles. Stream threw a punch, which Knuckles easily blocked and countered with a punch to the face. The punch threw Stream for a loop. He was very weak compared to Knuckles. While Knuckles was fighting Stream, King came from behind and struck Knuckles in the back with a crowbar that happened to be lying around. Knuckles fell again, but he wasn't done yet. He quickly rolled onto his stomach and saw that King was about to strike again. He caught the crowbar this time and kicked King right in the chin, causing blood to spew from his mouth. Knuckles jumped up from the ground and went on the offensive. He tackled King to the ground and started punching. He kept pounding away until King was rendered unconscious.

Stream found a chain on the ground. He ran over and slapped Knuckles across the back of the head with the chain. The chain hurt like hell. Knuckles had to hold the spot where he was hit for a second. He felt the spot, and it was bleeding.

"You're weak," said Stream.

He started spinning the chain over his head to prepare for another strike on an immobilized Knuckles.

"Going up!"

Stream started to go into the air.

"What the-?" Stream asked. He had no idea why he was flying until he looked up. Rouge the Bat was carrying him through the air by his chain. He was too far in the air to just let go of the chain. "Let go of me, bitch!"

Rouge frowned up at what she had just heard. She could take an insult, but being called a bitch was downright degrading. After a moment of anger, she branded a devilish s smirk.

.

"Come on, baby. I'm not a bitch unless you make me one, but since you say I am, I might as well be one," said Rouge.

She flew up to the top of the warehouse and let the chain go. Stream fell from the top of the warehouse down into a pile of cardboard boxes that were in placed in a corner. He was knocked unconscious upon impact.

"Baby, you got some nice moves," said Magic.

"It's too bad that you'll never get to see any of them," said Rouge. She flew to the ground and faced Magic. Big Blue was about to grab Rouge, but Magic held him arm out.

"What are you doing with a traitor like Knuckles?" asked Magic.

"I'm not interested in a thug like you, Magic," said Rouge.

"A thug like me? Did Knuckles fail to mention that he used to be a thug just like me? You should've seen your Knuckles back in the day," said Magic.

"He told me everything, and I think no less of him," said Rouge.

Knuckles was getting off the ground as Rouge talked to Magic.

"Big Blue!" yelled Magic.

Big Blue raced over to where Knuckles was. Big Blue was huge. Most physical attacks wouldn't hurt him. For now, Knuckles was simply dodging Big Blue's attacks.

"Knuckles!" yelled Rouge.

Magic grabbed Rouge by the hand.

"You're not going anywhere," said Magic.

"Get real," said Rouge. She raised her leg and kicked Magic in the stomach. Rouge's powerful kick put Magic on his knees. He spat out blood as he smiled.

"You've got spunk. I'm going to enjoy you," said Magic. "Now, come with me."

"Are you hard of hearing? I said no," said Rouge.

Magic pulled out a .9 mm from his pants. "This says otherwise."

Meanwhile, Knuckles was still dodging Big Blue. Big Blue was growing annoyed with Knuckles. He let out many annoyed grunts and panted as he threw them. Knuckles noticed this. He had found the way to beat Big Blue.

Big Blue's next punch came sloppy and slow. Knuckles grabbed Big Blue's hand and tossed him onto the ground. It took a lot to throw Big Blue. As Big Blue was getting up, Knuckles jumped on his back and wrapped his arm around Big Blue's neck. He started strangling Big Blue, who was already halfway depleted of oxygen. He swung around trying to get Knuckles off his back, but Knuckles wouldn't let go. Soon, Big Blue was back on the ground gasping for breath. After a minute, the struggling stopped altogether. Knuckles had done it. He defeated Big Blue, who worked him over earlier. Now, there was just Magic.

Knuckles looked over and saw that Lara-Su was still there. She was really too young to be seeing all this.

"Are you okay?" he asked her.

"Daddy, you beat the big man who gave me oatmeal. You're the best," said Lara-Su.

Knuckles smiled. Her humor was the highlight of his day.

"Stay here," said Knuckles.

Lara-Su nodded in understanding.

Knuckles turned around and saw Magic holding Rouge hostage. Knuckles was about to reach for his pistol, but he thought the reach would endanger Rouge even more. For now, he would let Magic think that he was defenseless.

"Let her go, Magic," demanded Knuckles.

"You wish," said Magic.

Magic fired a shot. Knuckles jumped out of the way. He dived behind a pillar, which was located about three feet to his left.

"Give it up, Knuckles. You have no place to go," Magic boasted.

"I gave you your money. Getting your money cost me and Rouge our freedom. You've ruined our lives. What else could you want?" asked Knuckles.

"It's your fault that I got caught back at the bank six years ago. If you had been with me, I never would've gotten caught," said Magic.

Knuckles poked his head out. Magic fired another shot. That shot hit the pillar, barely missing Knuckles' head.

"We've been through this before. Stop bringing up the past," said Knuckles.

Knuckles ran to another pillar that was about six feet closer to Magic. Magic fired two more bullets. This time the bullet grazed Knuckles' dreads. Knuckles heart almost dropped. He thought that he actually got hit.

Rouge began to try to squirm free. Magic immediately redirected the gun onto her head.

"Stop moving, bitch!" demanded Magic.

"Magic, stop this before someone gets hurt," said Knuckles.

"Someone will die here. It's going to be you or me," said Magic.

"So be it. You kidnapped my daughter and now you're holding the best friend I have at gunpoint," said Knuckles.

"I'm the best friend you have?" said Rouge in amazement.

"Rouge, I don't know anyone else who would've done the things that you've done for me," said Knuckles.

"It was nothing. Really. Someone had to watch your back," said Rouge.

"I don't want to hear this mushy shit. Listen, Knuckles, I'm tired of playing with you. Either you come out or I'll kill her," said Magic.

Knuckles was still behind the pillar. He knew that he couldn't stay hidden any longer.

"Okay. I'm coming out," said Knuckles.

He did just that. He slowly eased out into the open. Magic was still holding Rouge. He eased closer and closer to Rouge and Magic. Magic fired a shot at Knuckles' feet. From the corner, Lara-Su shrieked in fear for her Dad.

"That's far enough. Any last words?" asked Magic.

"I'll miss you, Rouge," said Knuckles.

Rouge just looked at Knuckles as her eyes grew big and teary. Magic raised his gun at Knuckles' head.

"Farewell, Knuckles the Echidna," said Magic.

"No!" yelled Rouge.

She grabbed the gun as Knuckles pulled the trigger, which caused the bullet from the gun to go by his head. It missed by a centimeter. Knuckles quickly pulled out his piece. Rouge and Magic were still fighting over the gun. After a quick struggle, Magic emerged victorious. He tossed Rouge aside and turned around only to be met with a bullet in the forehead as Knuckles pulled the trigger just as he turned around. Blood splashed from his forehead as he fell to the ground in front of Knuckles.

"We were two close friends that grew up in this world together. We rose from children to men as one. It's a shame that it had to end this way," said Knuckles.

Knuckles walked past the bleeding body of his former friend over to Rouge.

"Are you okay?" asked Knuckles.

He held out his hand, which Rouge gladly took.

"I'm fine now," said Rouge with a smile.

Knuckles looked down and saw Lara-Su hugging his leg.

"How's Daddy's Little Girl?" asked Knuckles.

Lara-Su giggled. "I'm fine now that you're here with me."

Knuckles knelt beside his daughter.

"Lara, I know that you've just seen me do some things that you have never seen me do before. I just want you to know that I only did those things because you were in danger. Daddy only did those things because he loves you and didn't want anything to happen to you," Knuckles explained.

Lara-Su didn't look like she fully understood. After all, she just had a traumatic experience. She just saw her father kill someone. Kids should not be exposed to that sort of thing, but Knuckles had no other choice.

"You'll understand someday," said Knuckles.

He turned to Rouge.

"Lara-Su, I'd like you to meet someone special. She helped me to rescue you," said Knuckles.

Rouge held out her hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Lara-Su," said Rouge.

Lara-Su grabbed onto Knuckles.

"Don't be afraid," said Knuckles.

Lara-Su buried her face into Knuckles' leg.

"She'll come around," Knuckles reassured. "Right now, we need to figure out what we're going to do. Obviously, we can't go back to our homes."

"We've got to start over somewhere else away from G.U.N.," said Rouge.

Knuckles looked over at the money.

"Well, at least we have some mon-"

An attack of chaos spears came through and assaulted Knuckles in the back. Knuckles was pushed forward and fell on his face.

"Dad!" yelled Lara-Su.

The attack hit the place where the taser had struck him earlier. Add that to the fact that Knuckles had just beaten down three guys and you can see that Knuckles was beat. He was starting to see two of everything. After Knuckles got up, he staggered a bit. He saw two ebony hedgehogs looking right at him. It was Shadow.

"Knuckles the Echidna and Rouge the Bat, you are under arrest for armed robbery, resisting arrest, and assaulting G.U.N. agents," said Shadow. He looked over and saw the bleeding body. "I guess we can add murder to that rap sheet now."

"Shadow, I have no time to play right now," said Knuckles.

"I'm not playing games with you, Knuckles. Surrender now," said Shadow.

Shadow ran over to Knuckles and used his shoulder to knock Knuckles back onto the ground.

"Shadow, stop this," said Rouge.

Shadow wouldn't listen. He had a job to do. Knuckles did not have anything left to fight with. He was just too tired. This time, he just rose to his feet.

"Shadow, I did not come this far to be stopped now!" Knuckles yelled.

He mustered up his remaining strength and charged Shadow. Shadow patiently waited on the attack. Knuckles threw a punch. Shadow ducked it and gave Knuckles a hard blow to the stomach. At that moment, everything around them slowed to a halt. Then, Knuckles fell to his knees.

"I've failed," he said in such a weak voice that it was barely audible.

"G.U.N. will be here soon to collect you," said Shadow. "Huh?"

Shadow looked down at his legs and saw a small little echidna pounding his legs with tears in her eyes.

"Leave my daddy alone!" screamed Lara-Su.

"Who is this little girl?" asked Shadow.

"Her name is Lara-Su. She's Knuckles' daughter. She was kidnapped by gangsters and held for ransom, which is the reason why Knuckles and I were robbing places. We needed some ransom money," said Rouge.

"I… I…," Shadow started.

"Knuckles' love for his daughter is similar to your love for Maria. Remember how you were willing to pay any price for Maria's happiness? Knuckles was willing to give up everything he had, including his freedom, to save his daughter," Rouge explained.

"Even if that is true, I have a job to do. Nothing is going to stop that," said Shadow.

"Shadow, how can you put a job before doing what's right?" asked Rouge.

"Isn't my job the right thing to do?" asked Shadow. He was really confused at the moment.

"Well, yes, but the right thing goes beyond that. It goes to doing what your heart knows is right," said Rouge.

Shadow looked down at Lara-Su. In her big, purple eyes, he saw the same innocence and kind-heartedness that he once saw in Maria's eyes. He remembered how happy he felt every time he saw her and realized that Knuckles felt the same happiness every time he saw his daughter. Shadow looked away from Rouge.

"G.U.N. is on their way. You better get out of here," said Shadow.

"Thank you, Shadow, and goodbye. As you know, we can't stay here," said Rouge.

"I know. Perhaps I can persuade G.U.N. to stop their search. Until then, goodbye my friend," said Shadow.

Shadow used his chaos control power to instantly disappear.

This chapter should've been up, but I had finals and partial writer's block. Now, I have a whole month off. I'll be finishing this story in that time. Only two more chapters now.

P.S. I've also posted some new story ideas on my page. If you would, look them over and give me some idea of what you would like my next story to be.

ICY KNUCKLES