Live Life

I sat outside on a low branch of my hut as I stared into the stars. It was a beautiful sight to see even after a previous storm passed not too long ago.

It lifted my solitude slightly. It gets lonely at times. The only company I have are the forest and its creatures.

I gently stroked a single leaf before it was detached. The leaf blew around my finger as it was showing me it's dancing skills. I let out a small laugh as it danced away into the night. I lowered my wing back to my side as I continued to stare at the starry sky.

I haven't felt peace for a long time, and believe me it was a lot. I valued my freedom and my peace. I was forced to flee when the Echidna Warriors raged at my home.

I was only a child when this happened. My father told me to run, or fly in our case. At first I was afraid to leave them in this war. However, my father told me that my 'time' is still to come. He didn't want me to waste my life away so he gave me a chance to live on.

So with a heavy heart I flew away from a place I once called home. I never turned back and I kept going until I couldn't fly anymore.

Then after some time I managed to find myself in a huge island. I found myself a place to build a hut on one of the tallest tree and settled into my new home. It was hard to survive on my own at first but I managed. Hunting was quite a learning experience. I failed a few times, but eventually I succeeded. It was very rewarding.

But there were times when loneliness creeped into me. A reminder that I am forever alone and would die alone.

There are days I long to have company. But as an Obi-Wan Kenobi we are a very secretive clan.

For as long as I can remember and living a solitude life; the only creatures that live here are birds, small animals, and plants. I've seen some insects around my hut sometimes, especially butterflies. They gave me company but it wasn't enough to fill a gap in my chest.

I sighed with sorrow flowing through me. I turned to the sky and felt myself become lighter than before. I soaked in the feeling. Wanting myself to feel the love and security of the nightly starred sky.

Then out of nowhere I spotted a star heading straight towards the island.

"What!" I gasped.

I flew into my hut and closed the door.

I ducked down under a table and waited. I heard a crash and the trees shook which caused my hut to shake as well. What felt like eternity the shaking had finally stopped. I uncovered myself as I walked out from my hiding spot.

"What was that?" I wondered.

I saw a faint blue glow coming from my window. I was hesitant at first, but curiosity got the better of me. I walked towards the window and spotted a glowing blue stone that was nested near the trunk of my tree.

I flew down to the ground and carefully walked towards the stone with caution.

"What is this magic?" I asked.

As I got closer to the stone the glow started to fade. Which was concerning. I reached out to touch the stone.

Suddenly I was blinded by a bright blue light. I use my wings to cover my eyes from the sudden light.

Once the light faded I uncurled my wings to see a sight I never thought was possible.

A humanoid female mobian. Her skin was colored light blue, there were marking on her cheek, her one lone bang, her three quills, above her eye ridges, there were three tear droplets on her forehead, on her left shoulder, and final under her neck which followed towards her chest. The mark on her was colored with different colors of light and dark blue with a hint of green. Her hands were aqua green and her wrist was covered with fluffy ends. Her feet were three clawed like.

The creature groaned as she shook her body from any debris and dusted herself. She mumbled under her breath in some strange language. She hasn't noticed my presence yet. I was even nervous to try to talk to her. Worried that I might startle her.

The creature turned her aqua green eyes at me. I hesitated. The creature looked at me with curiosity and wonder. She started to reach for me. I stood back away from her. She stopped and gave me a look of concern.

"Meep," she spoke in her own language. But to me it sounded like gibberish.

"I don't understand." I replied.

The creature went into a thinking mood. Her eyes brightened. She walked towards me and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. I was too shocked to do anything; not evening removing her.

'What!' I screamed in my thoughts.

It lasted about twenty seconds that she let go.

"Is that better?" she spoke.

"Oh my Chaos!" I gasped.

The creature giggled.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help but laugh at your shocked expression." she giggled again.

I looked at her with confusion and shock. I shook my head and turned to her big aqua green eyes.

"How did you do that? And why did you kiss me?!" I demanded.

"Oh the 'lip to lip' contact?" She moved her two fingers to her lips and then to mine. "It was the only way I could learn and communicate with your earthly language." she explained.

I looked at her with a blank look. She notices that blank stare. She waved her hand at my face. I blinked a couple of times.

"Are you alright there?" she asked as she leaned her head towards me. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing!" I squealed. "I'm sorry, it's nothing. I didn't mean to raise my voice at you." I apologized.

"Oh no worries friend. All good." the creature reassured me. "So what is your name?" she asked.

"I'm Longclaw." I answered.

She clapped her hands rapidly with a big smile on her face. "What a lovely name!" she cheered.

She then introduced herself. "I'm Natra of the Natura."

"Natura, is that the name of a species?" I asked.

"Why yes," She looked down sadly as she wrapped her arms around herself. "I'm the last of my people."

I looked at her with sorrow swirling inside me.

"Follow me to my hut. We can talk more there."

With that we headed towards my hut.

~~The Hut~~

"Here, this water will help." I handed her a small cup to the Natura creature. She took it and sip the water into her mouth.

She nodded. "Thank you Miss Longclaw. It helps." She thanked me.

I nodded.

"So what happened to you and how are you the last?" I asked carefully. She stared at the cup and sighed.

"I don't remember much, but I could hear screaming and crying from others. We were attacked by an evil species. My creator sent me away so I could be safe from the dangers and the invaders." She shivered with fear of an unknown evil killing her people. "All I could remember is 'I must live and give help to those in need.'"

She sobbed softly as light blue tears started to follow from her eyes. I whipped her tears with a wool cloth.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. But at the same time I understand the feeling too well.

We are both orphans.

I patted the young Natura's shoulder to show her that I understand and to comfort her.

"I'm sorry."

Natra looked at me with uncertainty of how to respond. But she hugged me while mumbling thank you. I was caught off guard; however I recovered and returned the hug with my own.

'Guess I'm not going to be alone anymore.'

I smiled at that thought.

I will say these past months were exciting as well as confusing to say the least.

Natra is an astonishing creature. Everything about her is mysterious as well as strange too and yet exciting.

She explored my island with curiosity and wonder in her eyes. She went into places she shouldn't have; I had to help her a few times to get out of trouble sometimes. She even got to see the wonders of night and day and their beauty in the skies, learned different types of creatures and what they do, and even tried different kinds of fruits and vegetables and even tried the 'ones' that tasted bad. I laughed under my wing while she was drinking water to wash away the bad taste in her mouth. She glared at me as she started to chase me with a pile of dirt. We laughed as we had fun.

Natra then showed me her abilities by helping some wilted flowers outside of my windows. I stared with wonder as she restored the flowers to life and then took some, that were sadly gone, from their shared pot.

I asked her why she did that and she explained.

"I want to help those that still have life in them and gather the seeds that are from the dead ones and make room for them to grow."

"So you understand the Life and Death cycle?" I asked.

She turned and nodded. "Before I was 'born' my creator said that life is precious and we must enjoy life as much as we can. Protect it and cherish it. There are some whose life may be harder than others or may not have a life they wanted. Others are just happy to have a life to live."

"Others are not so lucky. They would end up taking others' happiness because of them not being happy. Or even committing the worst of all sins. Taking their own life."

I shivered from that last part. She continued.

"But it doesn't mean we should throw our lives away because we don't have what others have. We should enjoy what we got and be grateful for what we have. But sadly not many believed in it so they decided to do things they shouldn't have. But it doesn't matter how we live death will come when their time is up. It's the natural order of life."

I was speechless by her understanding of life and death. She wasn't even alive for a long time and yet she understands what it means.

"There are those who accept the cycle, however there are some that wish life to be eternal." Natra added.

"But there is no such thing as eternal." I protested.

She let out a 'hmm' sound.

"I agree. We Naturas fully understand that. Even those, who live longer than others, will also meet their end. Nature will make sure of that."

All I could do was nod. Sensing my uneasiness she changed the subject.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have sounded gloomy and doom. I get tired of earthly creatures complaining about their lives not being what they want. To me life is life and it's up to us how we should live." She sighed annoyed.

"So how should you live yours?" I asked.

She gave me a warm smile.

"I want to live my life filled with happiness, joy, and peace. We will face things that we don't understand or be filled with doubts. But that is the beauty of life. We only have one life and the time we had to make good memories to take with us and look back to. Even when we pass we still keep the memories we made in our heart and soul."

I smiled back at her. Her words struck me. I remembered my father telling me that when I was young. I felt my tael eyes watered at a memory of us enjoying our time together in the fields of sunflowers. Laughing and playing. Enjoying the sunset on the fields making them look even more beautiful. That is when I asked him about life and why must beauty go.

~~Memory Lane~~

"Life is beautiful, but sometimes the beauty will fade away."

"But why father?"

"It is part of life. Even we are destined to fade. But at the same time we must learn to appreciate the beauty we are given. If we don't it will slip away before you can blink."

He turned to me and laid his wing on my shoulder and smiled.

"Cherish your life Longclaw."

"Yes father."

~~End of Memory~~

I felt a tear flowing down from my cheek and I had no intention of wiping it away.

Natra looked at me with concern. She pulled me to a hug and smoothed my feathers while saying comfort words to ease the pain I have felt. I held on to her form and cried.

'I will cherish it father. Thank you for giving me a chance to live.' I thank my father.

I hugged my friend as I continued to cry letting the pain inside me fade into something beautiful.

Happiness.

The island has been lively, livelier than ever before.

Natra and I fixed my hut to make it more alive than before. But simpler as well. We both agreed that simple things speak more than words.

Natra even showed me how she hunts and gives back to Nature. She told me that every Natura species has to follow the tradition of taking and giving to Nature for its gift. She was saddened when I told her about how a lot of earthlies don't always follow it but there are some that do. She gave me an understanding look.

"Well, at least there are those that still follow what they believe in." she spoke softly.

I was wondering what she meant by that but I decided to not ask.

Summer has come to the island. The birds were chirping, the flowers were blooming wildly and the greenery became more vibrant than ever before.

I was enjoying the sunrise when I noticed Natra was acting strange. I don't know why but she was gathering some leaves from the trees and headed into a small cave. I followed her wondering about her behavior.

I walked into the cave and saw her putting the leaves on the ground. It was a makeshift nest: it was made with different leaf colors, a fur made into a pillow, and there was a brown fur blanket.

"Natra."

Suddenly she turned her head towards me. Her eyes shined differently than before. Almost a glow, a motherly glow.

"Oh hello Longclaw." She greeted me. "I didn't hear you coming."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to intrude. I was wondering what you were doing in this cave."

She giggled as she stood up from her porch. She turned around only for me to gasp.

Her belly was round and she stroked it with care.

"Natra…are you…"

"Yes Longclaw, I'm carrying a child." she answered.

I was astounded by this scene. Natra baring a child. I was at a loss for words.

"I know it's probably weird to see me like this." She looked away nervously.

"Oh no, I'm just surprised that's all. And I have heard of certain creatures that can get pregnant without mating." I reassured her.

She looked up and smiled sweetly. "That's good you know that. At least you are not weirded out by this."

I hugged her gently due to her condition. "It's alright, I'm very happy for my friend."

"Aw thank you friend." she returned the hug to her best attempts.

I was very happy for her. Who knew that this sweet alien creature could be a wonderful person and such a good friend.

'I am very blessed.'

~~Three Weeks Later~~

"AHH!"

A scream echoed inside the cave as my friend started the birthing process. I will admit it was tough to see her in pain while she was about to give birth. I will say this unique birthing was painful but astounding at the same time. I never thought of myself being here. It's supposed to be a sacred act that I can't be in. But Natra insisted that I be here. I feel honored to be here with her during this sacred act.

"Long…*pant* claw. It hurts." she panted heavily as another rush of pain swept across her body.

"I can't imagine," I replied calmly. "Like pushing a watermelon out." I joked trying to lighten the situation and help her distract from the pain.

She gave me a small, pained, glare, but laughed.

"Ye…ah. I guess-OH!" She gasped as the contractions swiped through her lower abdomen. Her grip tightened. I jolted from her sudden strength. I held her hand tightly as she pushed.

I can see something making an appearance between her shaking legs.

An aqua-blue oral egg.

I told her that an egg was appearing and kept encouraging her to push.

It took time, patience, and a lot more encouragement, along with sweat and tears, until finally the egg appeared. Natra breathed with a sigh of relief as she let herself collapse on her moss bed.

I brought a warm damp rag and wiped her forehead gently. She looked so tired from the birthing.

She was pale colored and her eyes looked almost lifeless. I got concerned.

"Natra, you look ill."

She smiled softly as she held my hand.

"I believe my time is almost up." she spoke.

"Wh-What?!" I looked at her in shock. "What do you mean?"

"My time. It's coming to an end. I can feel my body starting to fade. My energy is draining like a river. I guess the birthing took more of my energy than I thought it did." She took a deep breath from her heavy labor before continuing. "The energy I have is almost non-existent. I will be returning to the earth soon."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My friend is dying. I could feel the sadness, angrier, and desperation flowing through my body. But out of all the emotions I felt only one stood out from the rest.

Hopelessness.

Natra, with a little strength she has left, lifted her other hand and stroke my wet cheek. She gave me a small sympathy smile.

"I didn't want to say anything that could hurt you. You were alone for so long. I wanted to make your days the best days of your life before I go. I'm sorry I can't stay long." she apologized.

I shook my head and grabbed her hand gently.

"No, you don't have to apologize. I'm just happy to *sniffle* have a good friend like you. You showed me the true meaning of living." I then added. "I'm glad I got to enjoy it with you."

I saw a small tear flowing down her cheek. "I'm glad."

We were interrupted by a soft whimpering. We turned to the egg, which I placed on the small patch of moss, to see a tiny pink hoglet, covered in slime, letting out a cry from the sudden cold in the air.

I let go of Natra's hand as I picked the little hoglet up from the mossy bed. I wiped the little one carefully as I cleaned the slime away. At an instant the little one stopped crying and squirming as it lifted it's head to sniff the air. Its ears and eyes were closed but its nose was open.

I stroked the little head and it cooed softly as it leaned against my fingers.

Natra smiled at the scene.

"It seems that he knows that his 'mother' is nearby."

I looked at her confused.

"Me a mother?"

She nodded.

"Can I hold him?" she asked.

I looked up at her and gently handed her the hoglet. She took him into her arms and she hums a lullaby while stroking his baby quills. He whimpered softly as she brought him close to her chest. The little one stopped and sniffed towards her chest.

"He's hungry," she spoked.

Without another word she guides him to a nipple. He didn't waste any time as he began to suckle.

We smiled as we watched the little hoglet drink. I was happy to be witnessing this wonderful moment with my friend.

Natra smiled as she continued to feed him. I placed my hand on top of hers. Enjoying the last few moments with her.

She turned to me. "Longclaw, please look out for him and love him as if he was your own."

Without hesitation I replied. "I will. I will take the role of being his mother."

She leaned against me.

"Thank you."

~~Later at Night~~

I placed a small stone plate on top of a fresh pile of dirt.

'Natra of the Naturas. A good soul and kind friend.'

I stared at the freshly made grave.

Shortly after the little hoglet was fed Natra passed. I cried softly as I stared at her lifeless body. She smiled before her time came telling me that she has passed peacefully. The little hoglet felt my sorrows and tried to bury himself against my chest. In a way of comforting me. I smiled as I stroked his head. He let out a cute yawn as he stretched his little body before falling asleep.

Once I placed him in a small cot I took the time to bury my friend where she wanted to be buried.

The garden.

I placed a bouquet of aqua-blue lotus flowers on her grave. I bowed at the grave and said my sayings to her.

"Thank you for everything; I will carry the lessons and the teachings you taught me and I will pass it to Sonic. I want him to remember you as a good friend who can shine the brightest even in the darkest of times.

I will miss you. But I hope you are happy and living free."

I kissed my fingertips and placed them on the tombstone as a lone tear fell from my face.

"Sayonara, Natra."

I left with my sorrow weighing on my heart, but lighter.

~~At the Hut~~

I walked in my hut to see Sonic crying. I closed my door and walked towards the cot and picked up the now light blue hoglet.

"Hush little one, I'm here. I had to lay a good friend at her resting place." I explained knowing I won't get an answer.

He stopped crying as I pressed his little body against my chest. He let out a soft coo as he went back to sleep. I giggled as I rocked him.

For once I'm not alone anymore, I was left with a greatest gift I couldn't ask for. A good friend who showed me that happiness can exist, how life can be beautiful along with it's bad, and how she blessed me with this little hoglet that is sleeping soundly in my arms.

"You will be a very special hedgehog Sonic, you are a shining star that will always shine the brightest. Even in the darkest of night. You will remind others that life is worth enjoying when you can enjoy it with the people you love." I whispered.

Life is too short and it can be daunting. But sometimes when you least expect it a miracle comes and reminds you that life can be filled with happiness.

I found mine and I'm grateful to spend it with her and now I can spend it with this little hoglet.

"Thank you again Natra for everything."

I then fell asleep with my little one in my arms. Then a gentle breeze blow across my window and stroke my cheek with their ghostly touch.

" Good bye my dear friend."

Life can be very busy and the world can be crazy. But always remember the people you love and spend time with as much as you can before you lose your chance. You only have one life so enjoy it with happiness and memories you can bring home.

Life is precious.