I reread the coming chapters, and I see I rushed in my writing, as I got a little too excited with the story. It'll take a lot of editing, so updates will be far slower. Maybe closer to a normal rate? Hm. Only time will tell.

~Wolf~

I was too shocked to cry. It wasn't real. He was invincible. At least, he was supposed to be. I trembled uncontrollably, trying to process what had just happened. I jumped as a group of Aeron followers appeared and blocked the only exit from the room. Instinct for self-preservation kicked in, and I quickly summoned a hammer. I hadn't done that in years, as there hadn't been a need. I rose to my feet and charged them, slamming the entire group into the wall with one swing.

It was in this fashion that I made my exit from Aeron's base, swinging the hammer left and right and not caring who got in my way. I'm sure I bashed in many a skull, and I knew most of the attackers would be nursing broken limbs later. It was simply the result of my hammer's swing, and I couldn't have changed the outcome if I wanted to. When I emerged from the base, I slammed the hammer into the doorway, smashing the lock and door beyond repair. They would never use this hideout again, if I had anything to do about it. I let the hammer dissipate, and ran until I was simply exhausted, then slowed to a walk. My breathing was coming in raspy gulps as I limped down the sidewalk, occasionally glancing over my shoulder to ensure I was alone. I had no clue where I was, and I didn't bother figuring it out. Maybe being lost was the best option, since I didn't know if Aeron would follow me. I could stay this way until reality sank in. Suddenly, my wrist communicator sparked to life. "We have quit receiving life signals from Agent 59330. Are we to assume the worst?"

I swore my heart stopped. All agents were required to wear an implanted tracker. It allowed G.U.N. to see where we were at all times, and determine our state of health. It listened for a heartbeat, and from that, could tell whether or not its wearer was alive. If G.U.N. was no longer receiving signals from the tracker, it could only mean one thing. I think I rasped out a yes to the question, although my memory is fuzzy.

"Are you unharmed?"

"Y-yes…"

"Return to your home. I will call agents 74115 and 64120 back and direct them to your apartment."

"Th-thanks… Do you know when they'll be here?"

"I don't know for sure. No more than twenty-four hours, considering the circumstances."

"Alright. Tell them to hurry." I noticed my GPS was now directing me back home. I was surprisingly close. I blamed my convenient location on instinct, but I couldn't decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing. I walked slowly down the street, staring at the ground and wondering if what had just happened was real. It didn't feel like it. It seemed as if I'd get home and have him tapping on my door within five minutes. My head knew he was gone. It told me with every constricted breath that he was dead. But I didn't believe it. That was the catch.

I knew at some point, it would hit me and I'd snap. It was like a waiting for a time bomb to go off, but without any indication of when it would blow. I just had to sit and wait for the explosion, hoping the damage would be repairable, and that my life wouldn't be a worthless pile of ashes afterwards. I jumped for what seemed like the millionth time as my communicator alerted me with a shrill bark at an incoming call.

"Yes?"

"Amy?! I just got a call from G.U.N! What the heck happened?!" cried a horrified kitsune.

"I… I…" How was I supposed to answer when I didn't even know myself?!

"Is he… is he really gone?" Tails pressed, trying to make the question easier. His pixilated image on the communicator revealed him to be stressed and close to tears.

"Y-yes… he is."

Tails closed his eyes and turned his head, laying his ears back. It was normal behavior when he was in shock or denial. I caught a glimpse of his twin namesakes, both of which were fallen and unmoving, when normally they swayed and twitched with nervous energy. "Did you see him?" he finally asked.

"Yes."

"I'll be at your apartment in a few hours, okay? The Tornado II should be ready for takeoff in a few minutes," he murmured. He was obviously trying to appear strong, but I saw through his façade. He was just as hurt and shell-shocked by this sudden turn of events as I was.

"Alright."

I had been walking the whole conversation, and found myself at the entrance to the apartment complex when I hung up. In order to reach my apartment, I had to pass Sonic's. I stopped when I reached his door, staring at it blankly and emotionlessly. I was numb to everything, be it emotional or physical. I knew that probably wasn't a good sign. I gently passed my hand over the brass doorknob, its familiarity warm and inviting. I soon discovered the door was unlocked. It was always locked. Always.

Curious and somewhat concerned, I walked in, leaving the door cracked open. The place was immaculate; not because Sonic was a clean freak, he was far from it, but because he was never there for it to get dirty. There were just a few pieces of furniture, for function rather than décor. I glanced at the mantle over the fireplace, and I nearly broke down in tears then and there. Sitting between a small gadget Tails had made him and a fake Chaos Emerald from Knuckles was a small box. It was open, and a note was placed under it. In the box was a beautiful diamond engagement ring, no doubt more expensive than anything Sonic could reasonably afford.

With trembling hands, I picked up the folded piece of paper. My name was written in exquisite calligraphy on the front. Gently, I opened it. I wasn't sure I wanted to, but I did anyway.

Dear Amy,

If you're reading this, I guess I'm dead. That sounds really weird… Have you ever written that? "I'm dead." Guess not, considering you're reading this, and you must be alive. If I'm reading this, then I'm not dead, in which case, go and throw this stupid thing away, walk up to her flippin' door and tell her this to her face, idiot! Ah… but I ramble. Since I probably wouldn't be reading this far, it's safe to assume the mission to Aeron was a failure, and I didn't come out alive.

Amy Rose, this is being written after you told me how you've felt over the last six years. I want to say that I'm very sorry. I know it's been hard on you, and I haven't done anything to prevent it. You're probably right to hate me. I'm a sucky excuse for a boyfriend, and that's being generous. But… I love you. I just didn't want to admit it until now. I didn't think it would hurt too badly if you rejected me, but I was dead wrong. It's the worst pain I've ever dealt with in my life.

I do have a reason for my actions. I was worried if I had any kind of relationship, some old enemy would target my partner to reach me. It had happened with Tails before, since everyone knows how much I care for him as my brother. I didn't want anything to happen to you. I loved you too much.

Amy, I do love you. I love you more than I thought possible. Which is why you found this beside a ring. Keep it, cherish it, but don't let it hold you back. If it does, throw it away. I want you to move on and find someone else, because you're too amazing to be alone. Especially because of me. You're young, Amy Rose. You'll have a bunch of guys drooling at your feet if you give them a chance. (Just a hint, I'm pretty sure Knux is falling for you.)

This ring does have a purpose. I've had it for six months now. I hoped to give it to you someday; to have enough courage to pop the question I know you've dreamed of. But, as you already know, I never did, and now it's too late. I hid my affection because I was concerned for your welfare. I regret that decision now. However, since I'm not here, you are no longer in danger of being targeted on my behalf. So let the whole world know! I, Sonic the Hedgehog, love Amy Rose!

You have the most mesmerizing jade eyes. Your fur is softer than a summer breeze, and your voice is smoother than silk. You can out-sing a songbird and out-fly a dove. You're as peaceful as the meadow and as untamed as the ocean. You're as timid as a fawn and as fierce as a wolf. You're perfect; so much so, I'm sure you outrank the angels. You are more deserving of a loyal lover than anyone else in the world.

I love you to death, quite literally. You could have been mine. I'm so sorry I blew it.

I love you, Amy Rose.

~Sonic