Okay, so big moment now.

I am of course back finally and I have written what I think is a much better ending. It was when a friend of mine said that this was a great story with a bad ending I was like Oh Heellllllll noooo. So I had to change it, lets face it.

But now (hopefully) here's a better ending and every lose end is tide up!

Right, I don't want to go on and on because I did that last time. But seriously, thank you guys for all the support this story has recieved, and thank you so much for being honest about the ending. I said it myself, I wasn't happy with it but if you had said nothing I wouldn't have re-written. So there we go.

With the chapter/review thingy, obviously you guys have reviewed chapter 48 and if you're sighed in you can't review again. Just cus I don't want to make things awkward for people I will be uploading a blank 48 chapter and this will be chapter 49, so then people can review with ease and after a week or so I will remove the 48 chapter, you get the idea :)

Also if you do leave a review I would really appreciate if it wasn't just to compare it with the first ending I wrote. I actually cringe when I think back at how bad it was so trust me, I'm already aware of how much it sucked lol.

This is a fresh ending, last one never happend hehe..he.. ^_^'

I have tried to involve everything that people wanted to see, this is litrally nothing like the last chapter. And I swear if this ending is bad too I will litrally cry myself to sleep and give up on life. I actually put effort into this one!

I love you all, couldn't have asked for better followers, and I am so sorry for what happened, I will never be spontanious again.

Please enjoy the final Chapter of the Loss You Gained D:

The black tabby cat closed the door behind her as she walked out of her house. She pulled out her keys and locked up before she stepped down off her porch and walked to her car. Just as she grabbed the handle and opened to let herself in, she was frightened by a force that slammed the door shut instead.

With a sharp gasp she spun around, and laid eyes on three police officers, one of which held his hand against the car door, blocking her from leaving.

"Mary Winters I assume" he asked flatly, removing his sun glasses.

"Yes, that's me. Look I'm in a hurry, can I help you in anyway?" she asked, straightening out her skit and making herself formal and presentable. Only her eyes quickly widened and she nearly fell back on her car when she saw the man reach to his belt for his hand cuffs.

"Mrs. Winters you are under arrest for Child Assault, you have the right…" he reached out to take her hands, but the woman pulled them away and took several steps back. The two other police officers quickly rushed to stand behind her.

"Arrested!? For what?! How dare you accuse me of something so vulgar, I'll have you know I am a respectable teacher, my students are my only priorities and I would never lay a finger on any of them!" she stated angrily, crossing her arms and standing her ground against them. She felt a heavy hand rest on her shoulder to try and move her, but with a quick shrug the hand fell away.

"Oh really? Well how about we take you to the station and show you all the lovely footage we've acquired of you beating, bonding and even burning a fifteen year old? Then you can tell us about how you'd never hurt a student."

Mrs. Winters froze where she stood, her jaw opened wide as listened to what the officer said, for once her heart being the one to skip manically. "But… but there was no footage… he swore he'd destroy it" she whispered lowly.

The officer nodded his head to his co-workers and with the signal they quickly grabbed her arms and placed the cuffs on her wrists.

When the tabby cat realised what they were doing, she tried to make a break for it, darting to the side quickly in a shameful attempt to get away. But she couldn't even move one step before they had her in hold and pushed her towards the police car.

"Unhand me this moment! I'm innocent! This was all a set up! It was all Robotnik, he's the one to blame for all this! He set me up!" she screamed out, before they opened the car door and placed her inside. "Yeah we'll you can tell us all about that at the station. Mary Winters, You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Take her away" he finished by hitting the top of the car two times to signal they were clear to go.

Knuckles made his way past the School gates, keeping his head down and minding his own business. He was walking to the School yard. There was some time until first class actually started, so he went to meet up with his friends. Only the moment he was in view to anyone in the public eye, he felt unnerved. He didn't know if he was imagining it or not but he felt like every student was watching him. They all gave him a quick glance before turning away when he noticed. When he passed along small groups he could hear them go from their usual conversations to a sudden wave of whispers and secrecy. Several times he heard his name among these whispers also and he didn't understand why.

As he walked up to his friends, he started to realise something else. Something that made a nervous chill run through his spine. The more he walked closer to people, the more they would walk away.

It was like they were purposely trying to avoid him and he didn't know why.

When he last came into School he was the big hot shot, but now people acted like they were afraid of him.

Shaking his head, Knuckles told himself he was being ridiculous. He carried on as normal and tried to ignore everyone that treated him strangely.

"Hey guys!" he greeted with a grin, approaching the small circle of teens that, just as he did every day. But normally, every day, they would great him back. Give him a high five and talk about the latest game last night but… this time they didn't. They had been deep in conversation and it looked serious. Apparently his greeting had been a disturbance.

Knuckles stared widely, his brow raised high as he watched their heads slowly turn to him, looking at him like he was a complete stranger trying to invade their circle.

"Guys? Okay what's going on?" he snapped, feeling his temperature boil up. Silently the group looked at each other, not one of them saying a word.

This only made Knuckles agitated, "Silver? What's happened?" he asked the white hedgehog, knowing that normally he could rely on him to be honest. But Silver looked down, now seeming more sad than anything else. Blaze stood by his side, moving closer to take a hold of his hand before she deepened her glare at the echidna.

Finally it was Jet who moved forward, standing level with the red teen almost challengingly and crossing his arms. Behind him Mina and Bunny kept close together, Espio and Wave beside them, all just watching while knowing the outcome of this moment was unpredictable.

But Jet showed no control, not wanting to hold back, "You got some nerve Red" he stated.

Knuckles rolled his eyes arrogantly, "Oh come you guys can't be still mad about that fight right? It was ages ago, I thought we moved on from it."

Jet felt a small twitch in his eye, the bruise that covered it was only almost gone. He shook his head disapprovingly, "Hear the news?" he spat bitterly, "Mrs. Winters got arrested."

Knuckles blinked a moment, not fully understanding why they were so angry, "Um yeah I know, duh. I turned her in remember."

"Right, right, of course, because you're such an amazing hero and everything!" Jet replied sarcastically, the others agreeing.

"I don't get it, you heard what she did right?" he argued, his mind feeling heavy as he struggled to comprehend their behaviour.

Jet opened his mouth to speak, but Mina stepped forward and took over, "Oh we heard, we know the whole story. Sonic was beaten by her. He was abused! Everything we ever accused him of was a lie! He never tried to sleep with her, he never took those photo's, he never tried to hang himself… it was all just one big lie and the poor guy had no one to help him. Everyone kicked him down when he needed us!"

Jet was quick to agree, "I mean I said it, I said all along that something wasn't right! He was acting weird, but did anyone listen to me?"

With a sudden groan Knuckles balled up his fists threateningly, "Are you kidding me? You guys made things worse! But now you've decided you're gonna pin all the blame on me now huh? You forgetting that I'm the one who actually saved Sonic after he left, while you guys just couldn't be bothered! Why am I getting the bad guy now?"

"Clearly you haven't seen the news today, did you?" Silver spoke up, for the first time his voice sounding harsh and serious. He reached into his bag and he pulled out a newspaper he brought in especially, throwing it to the echidna who barely just caught it.

With confusion Knuckles held it up. The first thing he noticed was Mrs. Winters name written in the headline, underneath was a picture of her in Court. There was a story underneath, giving all the details about her recent arrest. He quickly read through, his eyes skimming over until he spotted a couple of names that stood out to him.

His stomach dropped, and he felt cold sweat run from his forehead. With widened purple eyes he looked up to the impatient group, taking in all their intolerable scowls. The echidna took a deep breath, lowering the paper in his hands. "It says… Honey… was her daughter. And Sonic caused her death."

He watched each of them, weighing in their reactions and trying to judge how much they already knew. His eyes trailed to Mina, where he saw the smallest of tears build up in her eyes.

"I… thought she moved School's."

"Cut it out!" Silver yelled, becoming aggressive, "You knew she had died. You were one of the only people who knew before now. Sonic always said she moved Schools and we didn't have any reason to doubt that. But this?" he snatched the paper from his hands and instantly Knuckles got defensive, "Whoa wait no, what does this have to do with me?"

"You're the one who killed her!" Mina shouted, stepping closer as her emotions took over her better judgment. "Honey killed herself over what you said to her and you let Sonic take the blame, didn't you? Didn't you?"

Knuckles felt himself stumble back, his stomach dropping further as he felt a weird, unrecognisable pain stabbing in his chest. There was so much blocking his brain that he didn't know how to react. Words were refusing to form together to guide him on what to say.

"Because of you being such a coward Mrs. Winters attacked Sonic. She could have killed him Knuckles!" Silver added.

"But… b-but… How did you know?"

"What does it matter?" Blaze walked up to Mina's side and placed a hand on her shoulder in an act of comfort. "Do you not see the consequence of your actions? Did you go the police? Did you correct their mistake, or have you just decided to carry on letting Sonic take the blame?"

The echidna felt himself tremble under the accusations and he slowly crossed his arms over his chest fearfully, "N-no… b-but I mean, I just thought that… after what Sonic went through… they wouldn't…"

The purple cat shook her head, her eyes burning as he became lower than the low to her. "You are disgusting! You're nothing but a cowered that can't even face his own problems without dragging someone else in the dirt with him! Because of your selfishness Honey is dead! And Sonic nearly was too. Don't you see it? Or are you too stupid to realise that? Does your conscious have no guilt whatsoever?"

"Of course I have guilt! I went back and saved Sonic didn't I? How can you guys stand there and judge me?! After all you put him through too! But it doesn't matter, just so long as you got one person to blame it all on you can go about thinking you're all innocent in this can't ya? Don't forget it was you guys who told him to get lost after he attacked Tails, but hey we can all just forget about that now right? RIGHT?" Knuckles yelled, forcing his sarcasm as he indulged in his anger.

The members of the small group each looked at each other, making their final decision. "We weren't perfect, but at least we accept we made a mistake. You need help" with that they walked away, leaving Knuckles to stand alone in the middle of the field.

He slowly looked around, biting on his lip tensely as he realised nearly the whole School had been watching and listening. They were all staring at him… pointing at him… judging him.

He jumped, feeling a soft hand rest on his shoulder.

When he turned he scowled darkly, laying eyes on the last person he wanted to see. "Rouge…"

"My my big boy, things aren't looking so hot right now. What a shame" the white bat smiled seductively. Knuckles slapped her hand away and pushed her back, keeping as much distance as he could. "You told everyone what I did to Honey?!"

She shrugged, "Let's just say, I got revenge on the right guy this time. But consider yourself lucky, you don't have a family that will send you to an orphanage."

With an inward gasp Knuckles watched her rush away, a venomous laugh trailing through the air.

"Wait! WAIT!" He tried to get her back but she was gone. Now, once again, Knuckles was alone. He stared around, feeling like he was in a dark room with the only spot light blazing on him.

Everyone was staring… Everyone was talking. About him? Yes!

Paranoia sunk its sharp teeth into his chest, and suddenly his one, untouchable reputation was now completely destroyed. He had everything, he was popular, much like Sonic, everyone wanted something to do with him. Now though… This new rumour… this ugly truth… everyone already hated him.

He stared to his right. People quickly turned away.

He walked to the left, they all ran!

Knuckles couldn't take it. He felt like a lamp in the lion den!

Was this… how Sonic felt? All this time… was he this afraid?

Unable to handle the darkened gazes and hate filled words, Knuckles ran, growing afraid of the burdening fear that dominated him. He ran away from everyone, needing to be alone. He knew though that it didn't matter what he did now, the damage has been done, and it wasn't going to be over any time soon.

And the School was going to make sure he suffered.

Later in the day, a hesitant knock sounded at the front door of the large manor house followed by a long pause. Normally there would be a butler who called to answer, but that didn't happen.

Instead a young, brown chipmunk answered the door, wearing a light blue dress and with her red hair tide up nicely. She had obviously been expecting someone as a large smile formed on her face and she was ready to leave the house. But she stopped, taken back by surprise when her eyes didn't lay upon the guest she had expected, but upon the blue hedgehog she had only heard so much about recently.

"Sonic?" she mumbled lightly, pausing in the middle of her doorframe.

The young blue teen kept his arms locked together, his head slanted crookedly while his foot rubbed the back of his leg. He gave her an awkward, wide smile, not knowing how she would take this visit. "Hi Sal… Sally. Umm… surprised to see me?" he asked, trying to hide the nerves in his voice.

"Well yes, truthfully. Didn't think you'd come back" she said, now suddenly sounding a little uncomfortable herself. There was a small pause and she waited for the hedgehog to explain his presence. Unfortunately he felt himself draw a complete blank.

Sonic laughed and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling like too much time had passed and he needed to say something, "Umm… well the reason I'm here is to… say I'm sorry" he admitted, finding himself unable to look in her eyes.

Sally was surprised, and she leaned herself against the door frame, waiting as he carried on.

"Look, about everything that happened a few months ago. I don't know if you heard or not but after you left things went a bit… crazy."

The girl shifted slightly as she looked at him sadly, "Yeah I heard. Mina and Bunny told me about it… But Mrs. Winters got arrested. Was the whole thing made up?"

He breathed deeply, "Yes, she framed me for a lot of… weird things. But anyway that's not… why I'm here. Sally… I was a really big jerk to you. The whole thing with Amy, it was never planned. I never thought of her in that way when we were dating but in the end, when she followed me at that party, I don't know, I guess I wasn't thinking. I was really scared about everything that was going on at the time that when she kissed me, I didn't stop it. I'm really sorry for hurting you, for being a lousy boyfriend."

Sally looked down, a small sympathetic smile forming across her lips as she brushed her arm gently. "I forgive you" she said, looking up again. "In fact, if anything, I'm sorry too" she started to feel the tears sting at the brim of her eyes, "If I'd of known what you were going through… what that Witch was doing! I-I should have been there and…"

"No Sal, come on, it wasn't your fault. I don't blame anyone, there's no way anyone would have known…" he stopped talking as he felt the girl wrap her arms around his neck and hug him tightly, burying her face against his chest.

Sonic wanted to place his arms back around her but, strangely, it didn't feel right. He felt as if any retaliation was unnecessary, so he settled with patting her shoulder instead.

When she pulled away, she kept her hands on his shoulders, her fingers gripping onto his new, red jacket that covered the top of his body, but fitted much better than his purple one.

"You know, I have to admit, I've really missed you" she smiled, her eyes locking with his deeply.

And normally Sonic would have played into it, but this time, when he sated back into the blue shimmering orbs that once captured his heart, he felt nothing. "Really? Even when I was a jerk?" he joked lightly.

Sally laughed confidently, "Surprisingly yes. Hey, do you think that maybe… I don't know, we could go for a drink sometime?"

Sonic felt a small twinge in his chest, suddenly not feeling so well again. He bit down on his lip and frowned, not knowing if he could truly answer that after his big apology. But he knew he couldn't act like a jerk again, he had to be honest with her. "The thing is Sally… I'm really not there yet."

He felt horrible inside as he watched the girl pull away and look at him sadly, "I mean, it's not you, definitely not you! It's me. With everything that's happened, my head is still in pieces. I get nightmares every night and whenever I'm alone I get so scared I've actually called for pizza and kept the guy talking until my Uncle came home."

She knew she shouldn't have laughed, but the way he spoke enthusiastically, she couldn't help herself. "You actually did that?"

"Embarrassingly, yes" he smiled, sighing at how little shame he had now days. "So you see, I can't even cope with just myself. I think starting a relationship right now… well it wouldn't be fair to the girl. I don't think I'd be out of the lousy boyfriend zone just yet" he admitted, growing serious once again.

Sally nodded her head in understanding, realising he was being fair with her. "So… when you do get out of 'the lousy boyfriend' zone… will you call me?"

Sonic had hoped she wouldn't ask that. But with his nerves growing on edge, and his hands starting to tremble to the point he placed them inside his pockets to hide them, he answered her honestly. "You deserve a lot better than me Sally, a lot better… and the truth is… I think there's someone else" he cringed, afraid of how she would take the news, worrying he had hurt her again.

But Sally remained silent. Dwelling on what he said, she nodded, eyes drifting as she became unreadable. Finally she answered, offering out her hand and a soft smile. "Thank you for being honest."

Sonic sighed happy, feeling so much relief. He didn't know if she accepted what he said because of what had happened to him and it was out of sympathy or if she suddenly realised what a burden he could have been, but for once he didn't care. He took her hand and shook it lightly.

With a soft hold Sally quickly pulled herself in and planted a small kiss on his cheek, "Good luck with everything" she whispered before taking her hand away.

They exchanged a final goodbye before she walked back into her home and Sonic ran down her driveway.

At the end of the gate a young fox sat on the side of the road, his head in his hands as he waited. "Tails" Sonic called out, walking to the fox's side. Tails looked up, smiled, than rushed to his feet. "How did it go?"

"It was… better than I thought" Sonic admitted, smiling happy at what he could call a successful visit. They both stated walking along the path together as they headed to nowhere in particular.

"It's not been so bad today then. I mean you've visited a lot of people and most of them were really nice to you" Tails commented as they walked.

Sonic's mood seemed to drop though, "Yeah but some of them weren't. I mean I know not everyone was going to be happy to see me, even for an apology, but some of the things they said…"

"But most of them were happy to see you. You got a lot of good responses; people wishing you well, sorry for what happened, had no idea you were the victim of Nack as well…"

"Yeah yeah Tails I get it" Sonic ushered, wanting to stop any talk of Nack before it started. So he quickly moved on, "But still, I feel like I'm not doing enough."

Tails stopped walking for a moment and took Sonic's arm, getting him to look him straight on, "Sonic all you've done since you got back was look for ways to make it up to everyone. The fact that you've spent the whole day going around houses and apologising shows you're willing to be better, and people appreciate that."

"Yeah but what about the people who don't? The ones who told me I should gone through with killing myself" he spat, turning away.

Tails felt his shoulders drop, uncomfortable and unknowing how to respond, "Well… then they're no better then you were. They're not worth caring about Sonic, so don't let them get to you."

The hedgehog merely scoffed, forcing his hands in his pockets and walking off.

Tails quickly ran to catch up. "How did they even know about that anyway?"

"How do you think? Knuckle-head" Sonic simply stated heatedly. Tails stopped in surprise, "Knuckles? Why would he…"

"Why else? He kept telling the whole School about how much of a hero he was."

"Are you still mad at him?"

Sonic groaned slightly, not walking so fast, "I don't know" he whined in frustration. "I mean he did save my life, that's true. But then he turned in Mrs. Winters which I didn't want, he told everyone at School what happened and then suddenly I'm asked in to the police station to talk about my involvement in Honey's death. I can't believe he didn't even tell them! He didn't step up or anything, he just let me take the blame again! I don't know if I can trust him now."

Tails didn't want to completely agree, knowing that most of wasn't his place to judge, even if he was surprised by the selfish actions. "Well we both knew he was a jerk to begin with. But then we've all done stupid things we regret. Maybe he just hasn't learned his lesson yet."

"Yeah maybe, it's a hard call. He's being a backstabber but I feel I still owe him one. I don't know what to do" Sonic confessed. The young fox smiled and nudged his arm, "Just don't worry about it. Just let things pan out, it will work out in the end" he smiled.

"Hopefully… Hey weren't you supposed to be in School today?" Sonic randomly asked, as if it was only now he clicked that today had been a School day and Tails had been with him the entire time.

Bashfully the child looked down, scratching his head with a nervous laughter. "Oh yeah… I may have… not turned in."

Sonic froze a moment, "Tails… you bunked off?"

The fox said nothing.

But the hedgehog couldn't hold back his laughter, "You sly devil, you better not be picking up my old habits!"

"No no… well maybe some of the less mean ones. Besides ever since Mrs. Winters was arrested all the teachers have been weird. And the new Science teacher that replaced her is boring, he doesn't have a clue what he's talking about" Tails complained unhappily, but his mood soon picked up, "Besides, I thought you could use the support for today."

Sonic smiled widely, turning his head away as a small flush formed on his cheeks, "Thanks bud. Would have sucked by myself" he admitted. The young fox only beamed happily, feeling his stunt had been worth it.

"Okay, let's move on. Who's next?" Tails mumbled as he pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. He ticked off the name Sally that was near the bottom and looked down the list. "Well there are only two more people left to confront."

"Let me see" Sonic looked down, and grimaced, "Nope, pass" he stated before walking faster. Tails laughed and caught up with him. "Come on Sonic, you can't put it off forever."

"I've literally just had to face twenty people who hated me today, can't I do it tomorrow?" he complained, growing sluggish as he tried to make himself unmovable, stopping in his tracks.

Tails pushed against his back and tried to keep him moving. "No because we both know if you don't go now, you'll never go, and then you'll never get closure, and any chance of finishing School would be out the window because you'll be too afraid to come back."

"I don't want to go back to School, I want to stay home. Besides I haven't officially decided if I want to go back to that School yet! There are still other School's to look at, which I can only pray don't have any abusive teaching staff or bigger kids that would try to murder me" he argued, leaning all his weight against the struggling child.

Playfully Tails moved around and grabbed his arms, trying to drag him instead, "Of course you'll come back. You said it yourself, you know the School already so it wouldn't be as frightening as going to a new place where you don't know anyone. Plus no one in School is bad mouthing you anymore and everyone says they miss you. You'll be welcomed with opened arms, and best of all I'll be there! Besides you're the one who said you wanted to face your demons."

"Yeah face my demons, not face the demon! And stop deciding my future for me!"

"You know I'm right."

Sonic groaned loudly, refusing to agree. "Fine, fine, I'll go talk to her. But you better be there with the ambulance pre-dialled just in case."

Tails blinked a couple of times, "Oh my gosh, you don't think you'll end up attacking her do you?" he asked worriedly. Sonic gave him a blank stare, "No I meant for me."

Sitting along inside the booth at her favourite diner, Rouge sipped lightly as the brought the steamy hot coffee to her lips. She enjoyed the warmth taste before placing it down and returning back to her phone, holding it high to her ear and answering to the ringing music.

"Hello Shadow, what an unexpected pleasure" she charmed, mindlessly stirring her drink with a spoon.

The voice on the other end grunted loudly, not showing much a playful spirit, "I got word back from the commander" was all he said, not wasting time on any formalities.

Rouge stopped stirring and held her breath, "Well, is the position available? Don't leave a lady waiting sweetheart."

"Stop calling me that. And yes, the job is available now. Your brother put in a good word for you, he would have called you himself but he's on a mission" the voice said that as if it was a bad thing, burdened with the task of delivering the news.

The white bat smiled widely, placing a hand on her heart as she sighed in relief. "That is wonderful. Tell the commander I'll be there tomorrow. I'm sure he wouldn't mind I start early."

"It's only a trainee position Rouge, it's not exactly an urgent call. And not that I care, but why are you so desperate to get away?"

She clicked her tongue against her cheek and pressed her lips together, "Oh what can I say… A beautiful girl like me is in high demand in a place like this."

"Really?" he didn't believe her.

"Alright, you got me… I've made quite a few enemies over the years. I think now is the perfect time to disappear and try again" her eyes glanced down to the sun glasses she placed down on the table, and felt the brim of the hat on her head. Since everything had come to light, a lot of people had started to put the blame on each other. It wasn't long before they had all come to a mutual conclusion and the blame had been thrown onto her. She only barely got away with her revenge for Knuckles, knowing which students she could talk to without having stones thrown at her again.

"I guess I want a fresh start, much like you."

He grunted again. It was now starting to become a form of punctuation for him, "I will handle my life on my own. I'll inform the commander of your decision and someone else will contact you."

With that he hung up, leaving Rouge to look down at her phone disappointedly. But she put it away and finished her drink before leaving the diner.

With her glasses back on, she hastily walked along the road, keeping her head down low in case the wrong person found her.

The street wasn't so busy for an afternoon, but there were still enough people she wanted to avoid. Taking a quick turn around the corner, she was finally left alone. Or she had hoped to be.

It was enough to frighten her when a small, yellow fox jumped out of nowhere and blocked her path.

"Oh my gosh- Kid! What do you think you're doing?" she shouted angrily, quickly composing herself. The twin tailed fox didn't say anything, but a voice behind her did.

"He's stopping you from leaving so we can talk."

She spun around, her eyes glaring in dread the moment she recognised the voice. "Sonic" she spat out, seeing the blue hedgehog standing a mere distance away from her. She weighed him up and down, hoping to read him like a book. He had his arms crossed but he didn't look threatening. Instead he looked almost afraid but trying to hide it.

Rouge smiled, standing up tall and gaining her dignity. She had nothing to worry about.

"Sonic" she repeated before carrying on, "Surprised to see you back."

He felt a small sting in his chest, knowing what this girl was capable of, the manipulation she could deceive with. But it didn't stop him, "Surprised you even realised I was gone. I see you've been busy lately, going on the run?"

That lowered her guard as her smile faltered, but she brushed past it, "I've been thinking of getting away for a while" she laughed. But Sonic was far from amused. He didn't dare walk any closer though, preferring to take a few steps back. "Why, ruined too many lives here to redeem yourself?"

When things went silent, Rouge felt a chill run through her spin. She knew the reason he was here and it wasn't for a fight. Normally she wasn't the kind of person to feel guilt either, but she had never seen him look so afraid before, even though he was hiding. She could see the way his arms were trembling, and hear the hesitation in his voice.

Looking up, she sighed, her Hollywood smile never failing her, "Maybe I have" she shrugged, "I guess I've been playing with the fire for a bit too long."

"Rouge…" he breathed deeply, wanting to be anywhere but here at this very moment. But deep down Sonic knew he needed the answer. "Why did you do it?"

His voice was so cold to her, so empty. It was something she hadn't heard from him before. She looked away, always smiling, always perfect. She slightly shook her head, "Revenge" she admitted, shrugging her shoulders as if it was all one bit joke.

Sonic felt his whole body grow tense. He looked over at Tails who stared right back, mirroring his look of disbelief.

"Revenge? Revenge for what? For 'cheating on you'?" he quoted, "That's what the whole thing about?"

"No, listen…"

"No you listen. You were a bitch! You still are just a bitch. The reason I cheated was because you cheated on me" he snapped loudly, feeling almost repressed anger melt its way through for her.

The smile Rouge wore finally stopped, and she was taken back by surprise, "You knew?" she questioned.

"Of course I knew. It was obvious Rouge!" he yelled.

She looked down, feeling numb inside. She swallowed hard, now feeling like her mouth was almost dry. She quickly tried to think of a way out, "Did you know who he was?"

Sonic felt himself become agitated as a frustration took over, "No didn't know! At this point I couldn't care less! It was over a year ago Rouge! Get over yourself. Why would you even wait that long? I don't understand you, I don't understand what goes through your head. You screwed everyone over and you did it as me! Why because your dignity got hurt? Because you couldn't handle someone taking your place?"

"NO!" she snapped harshly, all pretence finally gone. She tried to say more but didn't, almost like someone was telling her not too as she faced away angrily.

It finally clicked in Sonic's head, only now wishing he hadn't of lost his temper so much and thought properly. "You thought I killed Honey, didn't you?" he asked, only he said it as more of a statement.

Rouge sighed loudly, dropping her head like she was embarrassed. Why he didn't know.

"Yes" she admitted, still angered by him.

Sonic watched her as she acted like a child being disciplined, and he himself still feeling the after effects of frustration. "That's why you made the account… turned Amy against me and almost destroyed my life. Because of that…"

She said nothing, only lowering her brow and frowning deeply.

"And now?" he pushed, trying to force a reaction from her. When she said nothing, he felt his temper begin to submerge, "Rouge! What about now?"

"You had it coming regardless" she snapped nastily before pushing her way from Tails and walking right past him.

In a mindless moment Sonic reached out and grabbed her arm, "Rouge wait!" he said, not letting her go.

"Get off me!" she yelled, raising her hand to slap him away. But the moment Sonic saw the opened palm he threw himself to the wall, quickly letting go of her arm before she could strike him.

He trembled fearfully, his whole body quivering as he almost cowered down.

Rouge watched him. He was stopping himself from gripping his quills and before he could break down he was breathing deeply, calming down before he went into a panic attack. She felt a twist in her own stomach, finding it hard to watch.

"Go home Sonic. You're not ready to be normal" she coldly stated, before turning away and leaving him alone.

Watching her go, Sonic slid down the wall and sat on the floor, his arms wrapping around his waist, her words hitting him deep.

Tails was soon by his side, dropping down and holding his arm, "Are you okay?" he asked worriedly. He watched the hedgehog's eyes go watery before the older teen brushed them away and tried to laugh it off, "Yeah course… she's just… she really is such a bitch" he tried to joke, but he only sounded bitter as he turned away, not wanting to be seen in such a state.

Tails looked at him with sympathy, even though he knew that wasn't what Sonic wanted. He cautiously rested his chin on the hedgehogs shoulder, giving a small amount of comfort. "We still got You-Know-Who to see. You wanna go?"

"What and shot down like that again? Are you kidding me?" he scoffed, biting on his lip and steadying the hitching of his chest.

The young fox leaned up sadly, but still kept himself close, "You know she wouldn't act like that. I'm sure she really misses you. Besides, Rouge is a completely different person, she's… she's heartless! You know no one has liked her ever since I hacked into that fake account she made and reviled to everyone it was her who made up the rumours, she's gotten nothing but death threats from everyone! Some of the things were worse then what you got."

Sonic turned to the young fox, curiosity filled in his eyes, "Really? So everyone knows it was Rouge, no one's blaming me?"

Tails shook his head, "Nope" and smiled.

"You still deleted the account afterwards though right?"

"Of course" Tails laughed, giving a soft smile, and feeling happy Sonic was calmer now. He brushed his hand along his arm and patted his shoulder in reassuring way. "Don't worry Sonic. I think you're normal."

That did make Sonic laugh as he pushed the kid away, "Please I'm a walking train wreck."

"No you're doing so well. Compared to how you first were I mean" Tails argued, not noticing the raised brow he received for the comment. "You're doing a lot better, these things take time."

Sonic thought about it for a moment, but his tiredness was getting to the better of him. So instead of debating the matter he simply said, "Whatever" before pushing himself up and offering a hand to his younger friend, deciding he was done for the day and just wanting to go home.

When he arrived back, the first thing Sonic did was kick off his shoes and place them neatly on the side. He heard the sound of a motor saw tearing through metal coming from upstairs, so he followed the noise and walked up to the inventing room.

Carefully opening the door, he briefly smiled as he watched his Uncle hard at work, cutting a slate of metal through the saw until it was the right size.

He stood to the side of the room patiently, allowing the older man to get on until he was finally noticed.

When Chuck turned around, he lifted his safety glasses from his eyes and offered a warming smile. "Sonny, I was expecting you back sooner" he casually said while shutting off all his machine's, deciding to take a break.

Sonic however felt a small rush of panic drill in his stomach, "Was I supposed to be back sooner?" he quickly questioned, feeling worried.

Chuck paused for a moment before raising his hands and chuckling to himself, "Of course not, you're allowed out for as long as you like. The day is still young."

Sonic blushed a little, now feeling foolish as he rubbed his arm, "Sorry" he mumbled. His big emerald eyes followed his Uncle around the room until the man finally finished and sat down in his chair, rubbing the sweat off his brow.

Without being asked Sonic walked up to his side and sat himself down on the floor next to the chair. He rested his head down on the older hedgehog's leg and sighed, finally realising how tired he was after such a long day.

Chuck's hand fell down and brushed along his quills soothingly, just like he used to. "How did today go?" he asked, leaning forward so he could see the boy's face. Sonic simply shrugged though, not giving much away through body language, "It was… 50/50."

"That bad huh?"

Sonic groaned inwardly, hiding his face out of view, "Awful. I had to face everyone I hurt and apologise. I wished the ground had swallowed me up instead!"

Lightly Chuck pushed his lips together, looking at him with sympathy, "Well you said from the start that that's what you wanted to do and you knew it had to be done. Did they at least accept?"

"Most of them did… actually a lot of people were really nice. They asked me how I was doing and said they felt bad for what I went through, so that wasn't too bad. But some of them… Ah Chuck! It was brutal!" he placed his hand over his eyes, remembering the horrible things they said to him that day. "They basically said I got off lightly! I just… I didn't realise how much I hurt people. I-I mean I knew but… the trauma it brought people… I-I'm no better than Shadow…"

The older hedgehog reached down his hand and placed it under Sonic's chin, he lifted his head up so that he could face him properly, making sure he heard every word that was said. "Sonic listen to me when I tell you this okay. Yes. Yes you were horrible. We can't deny that or make it go away no matter how much we would like too, but… the fact is that you can see that now. You realise what mistakes you have made and realised why they were wrong, that's what makes you different, not many people could be brave enough to face that. I mean today, you've waited for every student to come home from School and went to their house just to apologise. This morning you went to the people who aren't even in School to apologise, you even went to some of the parents! You're doing everything you can to make it right and I think that deserves a little credit."

Reaching his hand out to take hold of Chuck's, Sonic smiled at the older man with so much appreciation in his eyes. "Thank you" he barely whispered, feeling himself too awful to accept the kind words. He closed his eyes as the older hedgehog leaned down and kissed the top of his forehead, providing comfort only he could give.

"I don't deserve you Chuck" Sonic confessed lowly, placing his head back against the man's leg. He heard Chuck laugh at him, his steady hand reaching down and ruffling his fur, "Don't be ridiculous. If anything I didn't deserve a second chance to have you back."

Sonic looked up, only to see his Uncle smile down at him caringly, "We all make mistakes, no one's perfect so remember that."

"I will" he promised, shaking his Uncle's hand as if it was a deal.

Feeling in a better mood, Sonic stood up from the ground and headed towards the door, "I'm going to make a drink, do you want a coffee?" he called behind.

"Whoa hold it, we're not done yet" Chuck called back, causing the teen to stop in his tracks. The older hedgehog swung his chair around until he was facing his confused nephew, "You said you saw everyone today, did you go see her?"

Nervously Sonic rubbed the back of his neck, "Umm… I was going to but… I'll go tomorrow" he tried to turn around to leave but didn't even manage to reach the door.

"Sonic, you know as well as I do if you don't see her now you'll put it off again and again until it's too late. After what you told me I think she should have been the first one should have seen" Chuck started to lecture, taking a secret enjoyment in the way his nephew blushed and shuffled on his feet. If only his mind could take pictures.

Sonic however wasn't enjoying it as much as he groaned in frustration, "But… what if she doesn't forgive me? The last time I saw her it was so bad, I just shot her down! Or what if she's happy to see me and thinks we're going to get married again?"

Chuck simply grinned, "Well here's an idea, don't propose to someone while you're having a mental break down."

"Yeah thanks, helpful" Sonic replied while rolling his eyes.

With a moment of laughter Chuck pushed himself up from his chair and walked towards the younger hedgehog, playfully pushing him out the door, "Go see her! Dinner will be ready when you're done. Unless I have to come out and pry you two love birds away from each other with a crowbar."

"Chuck! Okay I'm going!"

Tying the ribbon around her waist, Amy straightened out her white apron until it fitted properly. She headed outside where the sun was just the perfect temperature. Next to the small greenhouse, a variety of flowers covered her garden. There were all sorts, Violets, tulips, sunflowers, Rosemarie's, and her favourite, the rose patch, all the flowers she would tend to.

The pink hedgehog walked along the stoned path, past the pond with a small flow of water from the decorative rocks. She stopped by the apple tree, where underneath an empty patch of soil remained damp from the rain the night before.

She took out her shovel and dug around, preparing it for the seeds she had in her pocket.

Amy wanted to plant Blue bells.

It was one of the few flowers she didn't have in her garden, and, recently, the colour blue had been on her mind.

She had watched it all from her window. She saw that night when that blue hedgehog walked along the road, his head down humbly and his arms crossed over his chest. All from her window she had seen him come along, and she had thought, for just a moment, that he was back to see her again.

She was stupid enough to think he came for her.

Her heart was bitter when she watched him go home. Knocking only for the old man to come out and embrace him in his arms.

She told herself that night not to be so selfish, and made a promise that she would wait. If he truly wanted to see her then he would come.

But he's been home a while now, and he turns his head away from her house every time he leaves the door.

Amy didn't know what to do. She wanted to see him, but he obviously didn't want to see her. She missed him so much, it felt like her heart was on fire. She just wanted to be with him again, to kiss him… and if not at least be there for him without anyone controlling her for their own revenge.

The soil was prepared, and reaching into her pockets Amy picked out the seeds. She planted them carefully, until everyone was in its perfect place. All she would need to do now was wait.

Taking off her gardening gloves, she threw them on the ground. She pushed herself up and turned around to go inside.

But the moment she looked up she gasped, her jade coloured eyes lighting up brightly as her hand rushed to her unsteady chest.

She couldn't believe what she saw.

A single, violet rose, held out to her with an unsteady hand. The handsome, young blue hedgehog that she loved stood there, with a soft, meaningful smile.

"Amy" he spoke, with his voice lacking so much confidence. The sun shone over him, and it's light reflected perfectly in his eyes, reviling how caring and genuine he was looking at her, and only at her. No games, no lies, just him.

The girl couldn't fight away her tears any longer. They fell freely as she trembled, crying loudly to herself. She didn't hesitate, she ran over to him.

Sonic held out his arms and caught her when she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, picking her off the ground and holding her in his arms.

"Oh Sonic… I'm sorry! For everything I did! It was stupid of me, and if I could go back and undo it would! I wasn't thinking properly, I should have never listened to Rouge! I should have left you alone!" she wept into his shoulder, overcome with so much emotion.

For once the blue hedgehog didn't feel overwhelmed. He was braced with so much warmth inside, allowing his hand to reach up and brush her hair, loving the feel of her breath on his skin. "Don't ever leave me alone."

Amy looked up at him, the embrace they shared never parting as she locked her arms together, refusing to break away. For a moment all they could do was look in each other's eyes, finally realising how much they needed to say.

"Amy, I don't know where to begin. There's so much I've done to you and I need to make it right! I just… I don't know how" Sonic confessed shamefully, not knowing if he could say anything that was even good enough.

The girl in his arms only smiled though, her tears flowing like a river, "Just say you're sorry too" she put it so simply for him.

Feeling his own heart race, and his lips tremble, realising how special this girl truly was to him. "I'm so sorry… for everything, I don't…"

He said nothing more. Amy leaned up and placed her lips onto his, filling in the shrinking gap between them.

Sonic moved in, bringing her closer and placing his hand against her cheek. For once their kiss wasn't filled with fear, anger, misery, or desperation. There was no false reason behind it or just a need to provide comfort. For the first time, it was something fired with a feeling neither had believed the other was capable of, or that they hadn't deserved; it was filled with forgiveness, and care.

They both parted, and rested their foreheads against each other.

They understood now, they could spend a lifetime arguing over what happened, blaming each other and spitefully ripping the other apart. But why? What was the point? They cared for each other, even if it was a strange way to see it. They both knew it, that one way or the other, they both came back for each other.

And that was all that really mattered in the end.

Picking up the small piece of chalk, Mrs. Winters crossed off another day on the wall.

Shadows creeped in through a bared cell, giving little light into her small square of a room. The bed she sat on was hard, like bricks. The orange clothes she was forced to wear were so cold and uncomfortable, had it not been for the clear view all the loud, screaming inmates had of her, she would have contemplated sleeping naked.

She threw the chalk away, throwing her head back against the wall.

Another day…

Another day in this forsaken hell hole.

She had no rights, no privileges... all she had was that stupid piece of chalk on the floor and extra time for her to do nothing.

Her lawyer had been useless. A complete waste of money! He claimed he would get her the insanity plea, promising it would be easier when it came to the sentence. It never happened. She was thrown in this cell the moment the Judge heard the words Child Abuse.

And now, what was she to do with her life, other than count the drips of water in her cell? What would she do when she was out in twenty years?

She wouldn't get a job… no man would take her. She was banned from being around children.

She had nothing now.

But, the sad truth… it would have all been worth it, if the hedgehog had killed himself.

If he could have felt the pain that Honey did… this would have been worth it.

She lay down on the cold hard bed. Her eyes closed and she allowed her mind to drift into the darkness.

She never noticed the smoke that filled in her cell.

From outside, the alarms rang loudly. Police officers raced around the buildings to get everyone out as fast as they could.

The night sky burned a blood coloured red as flames ate away at the prison buildings.

No matter how many screams were heard, or how many please of helps cried out; no prisoner was able to escape.

From a safe, and hidden distance, standing next to a small, circular mobile, Robotnik watched it all. A dark, malice grin formed under his moustache.

He felt the heat sting against his face. He smelt the smoke until it burned his lungs.

A soft, yellow light glowed against his face as he held the Chaos Emerald close, watching it glimmer and sparkle against the flames.

Screams filled his ears, and he watched the prisoners run around like mindless rats, fighting desperately for their lives.

Robotnik picked up his speaker, and held it against his lips, "Round up the prisoners. Bring them back to my lair… The roboticizer is ready for some… test rats."

He looked back to the emerald. The only piece missing from his glorious creation.

The creation he was denied too long ago.

But now, with his name sold out by that now dead traitorous bitch… He was left with no more distractions. He would have his final victory.

He would have his moment to destroy the world.

And no one would be able to stop him.