Chapter Five

Silver sat in the sand, skipping more rocks across the water's surface. Why did he have to have memories he never lived, and know people he never met before in his

life? He let out a sigh.

"Hi, um… what's your name again?"

Silver looked over his shoulder as Knuckles came up.

"Silver." He skipped another pebble.

"Oh, yeah… Lemme try that again." Knuckles sat down beside him. "Hi, Silver. The others sent me over here to drag your sorry butt back to the mansion."

Silver smiled a little. "I don't think they put it that way."

Knuckles laughed. "No, you're right, they didn't."

There was a pause.

"So…" Knuckles looked up at the sky. "You comin' back or what?"

"Or what." Silver skipped yet another stone.

"Not ready yet, huh?"

He nodded.

"Y'know," Knuckles looked back at Silver. "Memories can be painful and confusing, but that doesn't mean they never happened."

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience."

The echidna shrugged.

"Well," Silver leaned back. "I think my situation is a little more complicated."

He shrugged again.

"SILVER!"

Silver looked up to see a purple cat running towards them.

"Blaze!" He stood and brushed the sand off of himself. "How've you been?"

"Not good, I'm afraid." Blaze replied as Knuckles also stood. "Who's this?"

"…Knuckles." The echidna gave a friendly nod of the head.

"Nice to meet you, Knuckles, I'm Blaze." She then turned back to Silver. "I need your help."

"My help? What for?"

"The fire beast is attacking my kingdom. I can't hold him off by myself much longer."

"Fire beast?" Knuckles tilted his head. "You mean Calcifer?"

"Yes." Blaze looked surprised. "How did you know?"

"Oh, uh… Long story."

"Hmm." She turned back to Silver again. "Will you come or not?"

Knuckles spoke before Silver could answer. "Look, lady, as much as he would like to help you and all, he has a deal to complete. And, well, no exceptions y'know."

"Is this true, Silver?" Blaze said, clearly not liking the echidna.

"Um… well… I guess."

She thought for a moment. "I'll give you two days to think about it, and have a chance of discussing your deal with your… deal-maker."

"Makes sense." Knuckles crossed his arms triumphantly.

Silver cast Knuckles a glare as he replied, "That will work with me. I'll be in that mansion." He pointed to it.

"Alright." Blaze smiled. "I'll see you in two days' time."