Guardian and the Werehog
Chapter 5
The sun was setting and the Werehog and the echidna were sitting on a blanket in the garden eating their favorite foods. Knuckles popped a few grapes in his mouth as he told him all about his home and his family; the hedgehog beast listened intently while eating a chili dog, wanting to know all about his new friend.
Knuckles was finishing up his story, when Sonic subtly glanced over at a bush where he saw a green, unlit, candle head peeking out from behind the shrub. Sonic gave him a nod and the green candlestick raised an arm, as if to give him a thumbs-up if he had fingers, and then disappeared behind the bush again. Sonic hoped Knuckles would be willing to do this. Prior to bringing Knuckles to the garden, he placed one of his stereos behind the bush where Vector and Espio were hiding. He took a deep breath, ready to start the plan.
Behind the bush, Vector gave Espio a signal; the clock pressed a button on the stereo and it began to play a catchy tune.
Knuckles heard the music and looked around, trying to figure out where it was coming from, "Where's that music coming from?"
Sonic got up and started dancing to the song, at least as best as he could with his big feet. "C'mon, who cares where it's coming from, let's dance!"
"Uh, I'm not much of a-"
Sonic pulled him to his feet before he could finish his sentence. "Aw, c'mon, just dance. Just move to the rhythm of the music!"
"Well…whoa!" Sonic grabbed his hand and started dancing with him, keeping up with the pace of the song. Knuckles tried to keep up with him, and to keep from tripping and falling at the same time. He found it rather awkward dancing with the Werehog, but after a while he found it kind of fun. Eventually, Knuckles managed to keep up and he was dancing with Sonic.
Sonic twirled him around and pulled him close to him, which made the echidna a little dizzy. Once, the dizziness faded, he looked up at the Werehog's face and realized how close he was to him. They stared at each other for a moment. Knuckles' heart raced. He'd never been this close to someone, especially like this. He thought about quickly pulling away, but he couldn't help but stare into those green eyes. His fur was so soft, and warm. He probably would never admit it, but kind of liked standing like with him like this. But they both pulled away, blushing. Knuckles noticed the slight chill in the air and he suddenly wished to be in his arms again.
I hope I didn't offend him, but he doesn't seem mad, he thought. He heard the music change, and a slow melody now filled their ears. He looked at Knuckles again, who looked back at him, who also noticed the changed in music. I wonder. He extended a large paw in front of Knuckles with his palm up.
Knuckles looked at it a little confused at first, but realizations hit him. He wants to dance together, he thought. He blushed again as he put his hand in Sonic's and looked back up at him. Then he felt Sonic's other hand on his back, pulling him closer to him, making the echidna blush even more. Knuckles automatically placed his other hand on the other's shoulder and felt himself being guided around. The two of them stared into each other's eyes as they slow-danced to the piano, the violins, and the harps echoing throughout the garden through nightfall.
Stars twinkled in the dark blue sky as they sat together near the fountain resting from their little dance. Sonic had an arm around Knuckles to keep him warm, as it had gotten cooler after the sun went down. Both stared at the sky, in thought. Knuckles wondered about his family and how they were doing, his father was probably thinking of ways to get him back home. If he could just get home and tell everyone he was alright, they wouldn't have to worry.
Sonic, on the other hand, was thinking about how close he is to breaking the curse, but then he thought of Knuckles. He remembered how he told him of his home on the island. He knew Knuckles missed his home, regardless of how much he grew to like this place. He went from his prisoner, to his friend, to possibly more. He wanted nothing more than to make Knuckles happy. And what would be the best way to make him happy? Give him up. As much as he would want him to stay, he would have to let him go, to show him how much he cared for him. If he did go, he would lose his chance to become a hedgehog again. Hopefully, the others would forgive him. When you love someone, you have to be willing to do anything for them. Sonic sighed.
Knuckle looked up at him. "Is something wrong?
"I was thinking…" Sonic paused, trying to think of the best way to tell him.
"Huh?"
"You are no longer my prisoner, so I'm willing to set you free."
"What?" Knuckles couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was he letting him go?
"You don't have to stay here anymore. You are free to go back to your home."
Knuckles didn't know what to say. He was able to go home and see his father again. "What about you?"
"I'll be fine, and I'll still be here. I'm no longer the same person I used to be when you first arrived here. You're free to leave whenever you wish."
Knuckles let it all sink in. He grew to like this Werehog. Had he told him this when he first started living here, he would've left without a second thought. He didn't mind staying here now, but he really wanted to see his father again and see if he was alright. Perhaps he could come back and visit. He nodded, "Okay."
The two of them got to their feet and Sonic spoke, "I want to thank you for being so kind to me. I don't think I deserve it, but you've changed me. If you hadn't come along, I would still be as bitter as I was when we first met. I am thankful to have you as a friend."
Knuckles smiled. "You're welcome. Living here wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." They walked around to the front of the house. "I guess I will see you again sometime. I can't wait to see my father again."
"See you." They hugged one last time.
"Bye," Knuckles turned and walked off, looking back at him every few minutes.
Sonic watched him disappear into the trees. Once he was gone, he entered his house and went up to his room and stood by the table where his red rose hovered. He noticed there was only a single petal left. Sonic sighed sadly as he wondered if he did the right thing.
Shadow stood near the side of the altar away from the stairs, his dark fur blending in to the night. The green light of the Master Emerald shined above him at the top of the altar. He watched Locke's silhouette pacing back and forth through the window of the house, most likely worrying about his son. It's been months since anyone has seen the young Guardian; he thought perhaps Knuckles is either captured or dead. Shadow searched everywhere and still didn't find Knuckles or any beast, but he thought he would hang around here to see if either the echidna or the monster turned up.
He was just thinking about how he could easily fight the beast with no problem when he heard rustling in the trees nearby. He instantly became alerted. Perhaps the beast is real and he found his way here, he thought. But what he saw come out of the trees wasn't the beast, but a familiar red echidna heading straight for his home. So, he was still alive. Won't his old man get a nice surprise? Maybe he should pay them a visit.
Knuckles burst in through his front door. "Dad!"
Locke quickly turned around, not believing his eyes or his ears. Was he dreaming again? "Knuckles?"
Knuckles ran to him and hugged him. "Dad! I missed you so much!"
This is no dream, Locke thought, Knuckles came home and he's alive! He hugged his son tightly, tears threatening to fall. "Son, I was beginning to think I'd never see you again!"
"I'm back, Dad. He let me go."
"Who?"
"The beast, he let me come home."
"You sure this isn't some trick. He's not gonna come running after us, is he?"
"No! He's changed! He's completely good now!"
"Well, I don't care about him right now, I'm just glad you're home again. You're mother has been worried sick, she'll be happy to hear the news. I do have one question, though."
"What's that?"
"How did you find out where I was or that I was even in trouble?"
Knuckles thought back to when he saw his father in the Master Emerald. "I was guarding the Emerald and I saw you and the beast. It looked like he was going to attack you, so I went off to find you and I came across that house."
"You saw me and that monster in the Emerald?"
"Yeah, I don't know what I did, but that's what happened."
"Hmm," Locke thought for a moment then went outside and climbed up the stairs of the altar; Knuckles followed behind him.
Knuckles watched as his father examined the large glowing gem. He placed his hand on the Emerald and stared at it. Maybe it could sense when we are in trouble. He thought of the Werehog and wondered how he was doing since he left. He remembered dancing with him just a few hours earlier, looking into those green eyes and feeling his thick fur. When he was traveling through the woods, he'd scratched large X's into trees with his knuckles so he could find his way back if he wanted to see him again.
"What's this?" Locke spoke up, interrupting Knuckles' thoughts. "I think I see something."
"Hm?" Knuckles stepped back and looked into the Emerald. His father wasn't seeing things, he saw a mass of deep blue inside the green gem.
"That's that monster!" Locke exclaimed.
That was indeed the Werehog, but he wondered why the Emerald was showing him this. Last time the Emerald did this, Locke was in danger. But he didn't look like he was in danger. He was standing over a table with a sad expression on his face. Why was he sad? He looked at the object on the table, a green stem with just a single petal clinging to it, and more petals were scattered below it. He remembered the strange rose he saw when he sneaked into that room, and how protective he was of it. This must be the same rose, only it was wilting. Just what was so special about that dying flower? Knuckles thought.
"So, that's the beast?"
Locke and Knuckles whirled around and saw Shadow standing there. "What do you want, Shadow?" Knuckles glared, thinking he might be after the Master Emerald.
"This is the monster that held you captive this whole time? He doesn't look very intimidating to me."
"Please leave, we don't want you here."
"Hmph! I bet I could take that thing on easy! Maybe I'll go pay him a visit!"
"Just leave him alone, he doesn't want to be bothered!"
Shadow ignored him and jumped off the altar and raced through the trees where he saw Knuckles come through.
"Shadow! Dammit!" Knuckles ran off after him, with Locke following behind him.
Shadow ran through and noticed X's on the trees. Noticing a pattern, he decided to follow them. Several minutes passed and just as he expected, he came across a house in the middle of the woods. Is this where this monster lives? Who else would live out here? He approached the house and turned the knob of the front door. It's unlocked. Probably a trap to lure lost travelers, but Shadow was no fool, so he stepped inside and looked around before moving on to search the house.
Vector and some of the other enchanted objects were gathered in the kitchen, depressed after hearing their Master had let Knuckles go free. Now they'll never return to their normal selves.
Shadow came across the destroyed hallway and saw at the door at the very end was ajar. He walked down the hallway and peeked through the open door. He saw a large creature, with what looked like hedgehog spikes coming out of his back and head. That must be him. The black hedgehog kicked the door opened, which slammed against the wall. The monster looked at him, but didn't budge from his spot and turned back to the wilting rose. How pathetic! Shadow stepped forward. "Get up, beast!" He kicked him in the side, but the blue beast just winced and fell over. Sonic didn't care; it was only a matter of time before the last petal fell.
Vector and the others heard the noise and were about to go investigate when they heard the front door slam open.
"Shadow!"
Knuckles came back! Vector and Espio peeked out of the kitchen door and saw Knuckles and another familiar echidna running toward their Master's bedroom. They wondered what was going on and decided to follow.
"Pathetic weakling, I'll just end your misery right here," a Chaos Spear formed in Shadow's hand.
"Stop!"
Shadow turned around and saw Knuckles standing in the door way, his father standing in the doorway. "Stay away, Guardian. I've got this. I'll have this beast dead and he'll won't be able to harm or kidnap anyone else."
Sonic lifted his head to see Knuckles. He came back?
Knuckles ran forward and grabbed Shadow's arm that held the yellow spear. "Don't you touch him!"
"Stay out of this, echidna! This is none of your concern!" He tried to pull his arm away, but Knuckles wouldn't let go.
"No! I won't let you hurt him!" Knuckles swung his other fist at Shadow's face.
Shadow quickly reacted by grabbing his fist and shoving him back into the wall. Locke ran to his sons' side and was about to attack Shadow, when the hedgehog was suddenly knocked away by a large furry arm. Shadow quickly got up and looked up at the blue monster, who was now standing on his feet glaring down at him. The beast lunged at him again, but he quickly dodged him and kicked him in the back.
Sonic winced but continued swinging his claws at the black hedgehog, careful not to damage his rose. Knuckles obviously didn't like him, which automatically made him his enemy. He would pay for hurting Knuckles.
Knuckles and his father watched as Shadow and the Werehog fought each other, trashing the room even more.
As they were fighting, Shadow remembered how he attacked him right after his shoved Knuckles. Knuckles seemed rather fond of this vile beast. He could never figure out why the echidna cared for him, and it seemed the beast cared for the echidna as well or he wouldn't have reacted the way he did. He thought of an idea. The black hedgehog drew another Chaos Spear and threw it at Knuckles.
Sonic saw this and quickly dove in between Knuckles and the spear, taking the hit and collapsing to the ground.
"No!" Knuckles immediately ran to the almost unconscious beast's side.
"Pathetic. I knew it wouldn't last long," Shadow smirked.
Locke saw what the beast did. He protected him from that hedgehog's attack. And Knuckles was clearly upset at the fallen beast. This has lasted long enough. Locke was getting ready to attack him when what looked like several objects barged into the room and started attacking the black hedgehog. Locke had completely forgotten about the living objects.
"Charge!" Vector said as he led the army of enchanted objects.
"What?" Shadow had not expected this. These things are attacking him! He swatted and kicked at some of them, but he was outnumbered, they just kept coming at him. He backed away from them still trying to knock them away from him until his back hit the window behind him. They had him cornered. He'll just simply blast this whole house apart, if that's what it took. But before he could do anything, the green candlestick stood in front of his army and stared up at him with a smug look on his face. Did it really think it had him defeated? He drew another spear, but Vector blew at one of his candles hands, shooting a blaze of fire at him, causing him to fall out of the window, landing on the snowy ground below. Shadow coughed, his face slightly burned from the fire, he looked up at the window and saw all of those things glaring down at him, including Locke. Shadow glared at him and decided they weren't worth his time anymore. He killed the beast and that's all that mattered, so he raced off into the woods.
Knuckles was still by Sonic's side trying to keep him awake. "Sonic, can you hear me? Sonic!"
Sonic looked at Knuckles through blurred eyes, fading in and out of consciousness. "Knuckles…" He wasn't sure how long he would last, he surely would die soon, whether by Shadow's hand or by the last petal falling. "Knuckles…" He weakly lifted up a paw and held it against the side of Knuckles' face, careful not to nick him with one of his claws. "I don't know how much longer I'm going to last, but I want you to know…that I care about you very much. I thought I would never see you again, but I am happy enough to be able to see your face again."
"No, we'll help you get better…" Knuckles didn't like this; he didn't want his friend to die.
"I'm sorry...I love you…" His eyes shut and his arm fell limp on the ground.
"No! Sonic!" He shook him trying to wake him, tears falling down his face. "Don't die! Sonic!"
Vector, Espio, and the others stared sadly at their fallen hero. Espio looked up at the wilted rose and saw the last petal fall. It won't be long now before they faced their fate.
Even Locke was a little sad. He didn't know how this beast changed from a vicious monster to a noble hero willing to protect them. He figured his son may have had something to do with it. He wished he could've helped him somehow, but it looked like it was already too late. He decided to let Knuckles be alone for a few minutes and left the room to look around the house, remembering when he was here months ago.
Knuckles cried on the Werehog's chest, he could still feel a faint heartbeat. No matter what he did, he wouldn't wake up. Memories flashed through his mind as he remembered the months he spent with him, how they grew closer as friends. He remembered the two of them dancing together in the garden. "Sonic, please don't go. I love you." He clung to him, hoping he would wake up by some miracle, but if he did die, he had hoped the Werehog had at least heard those last three words before was gone completely. He sat there resting on the Werehog's chest, not wanting to leave, when he felt a sudden warmness emanating from the form below him. Knuckles lifted his head and saw that the body was glowing. His eyes widened, he saw the enchanted objects were also glowing. What was going on?
Sonic's body was engulfed in white light. The echidna quickly stood up and backed away as he noticed the body started moving, no, shrinking. The massive blue beast slowly started getting smaller and smaller, as the objects all changed sizes, as well. When Sonic stopped shrinking, the light faded, revealing a blue hedgehog. Knuckles thought he looked familiar. He looked around and saw the tattered portrait of the young blue hedgehog he had seen before. That was him. The Werehog and that hedgehog were the same person, he realized. He turned back to the blue hedgehog and saw that the wound he had from Shadow's spear was gone. Just as he was wondering whether the hedgehog was still alive or not, he saw the hedgehog stir and heard him groan. He's alive!
Sonic's eyes opened, blinking away the blurriness in his eyes. He looked up at the echidna, who stared at him with shock. He looked around and saw the room, once filled with objects, was now filled with people. He stood up to meet the echidna's eyes.
Knuckles couldn't believe his eyes, it was all happening so fast. Did he fall asleep at some point? Was this a weird dream he was having?
Sonic was surprised himself that he was standing here, and as a hedgehog. He surely thought he was a goner. But he decided he would think about that later and flashed Knuckles one of his trademark smiles. "Hey, Knux-" He barely got the words out before he felt himself being hugged.
Knuckles didn't know how it happened, and right now he didn't care; he was just glad that his friend was alive. He felt Sonic's arms embrace him and they stayed there for a moment, letting everything sink in. They pulled away, smiling at each other. "So what happens now?"
"Well, I'm just about sick of this house. I wanna get out of this place, stretch my legs. Maybe I could come home with you?"
"Of course, I'd love to have someone around. I don't really have many friends back home. Hopefully, my father won't mind."
"Cool." He turned to the group of people in the room. Vector had turned into a tall crocodile; Espio, a chameleon; Vanilla and Cream were rabbits; And, there were also foxes, armadillos, chipmunks, and other humanoid animals among them. "I want to thank all of you for all that you've done for me. I know I was selfish in the past, but I'm a new hedgehog now. You guys are free to do as you want. You're free to stay in the house, but the garden still belongs to Knuckles."
Everyone had smiles on their faces and they all thanked Sonic as the exited the room. Some left to do their own thing, while others stayed to have a place to eat and sleep. Locke saw this and wondered where all of these Mobians came from. He could've sworn this house had been abandoned and inhabited by a beast and living objects. Then he saw Knuckles walking toward him with a blue hedgehog about his sons' age walking next to him. Knuckles introduced them and explained everything that had happened. If only he had been there to see it, but right now Locke just wanted to get home, make sure the Emerald was alright, and get some sleep. "Come on. Let's get back to the house. I need some sleep."
"You go on, Dad. I wanna stay here for a bit, and then I'll come home," Knuckles told his father. With that, his father nodded and walked out of the house.
Once he left, the two of them went into the garden and danced through the early morning until they were both too tired to dance any longer.
The End.
Well that's that end of the story. I'm so glad I finally finished this story! I felt so bed for taking so long to finish, but I just had trouble coming up with how to conclude it. But it's done and now I can move on to other fanfics if i wanted to. Hope you in enjoyed it, and I hope the ending is okay.