A/N: UPDATE, I AM DELETING THI-

/SHOT/

I kid I kid, I AM EDITING this story. After reading it over at least several times, I decided to go through with trying to rewrite it/edit it. So I shall fix it to the best of my abilities. I didn't like how I some of these characters a bit too much out of character. And don't get me wrong, displaying the Sonic Characters a little bit OOC is fine with me because many people have the ability to do it really well.

However in this story, that was not the case. To top it off my story had a bunch of misspellings (which I know it still probably has) and a lot of plot holes and rushed scenarios that could had been written and layered down better.

I don't want to change to much of how the story flows, my only intention is to improve it. I will be splitting this into two or chapters because this shit was originally I believe around 8,000 words. And in the midst of writing it turned out shooting past 27,000. I don't know how it happened, though it's alot more to read it's definitely alot better. In my opinion anyway. You do not have to reread if you don't wish too, I am simply doing this for my own benefits as a writer and also for you readers so that you can enjoy a this story with the quality and potential it should have. WHICH was pointed out in one of my reviews awhile back.

I really did appreciate your criticism dear, thank you. Pointing out my mistakes did help me become more wary of making them. Though I didn't want to stray too far from the context of this story, which I didn't. Now that I feel like I have the capability of doing this story more justice, I want to share better and improved work with all of you. That and I REALLY wanted to make a sequel to this! But you can't make a decent sequel while having the before story terribly written like that.

Also, I will be changing my name soon so be on the lookout for that as well. I deemed since I am truly not a big part-taker in the YuGiOh Fandom only anymore I should have a name that sounds more neutral than dedicated to only one series. Especially since I haven't written for it in so long.

Anywho, enjoy!

Heal Me.

Knuckles strained his eyes open against the strange bright light of the moon was reflecting into his room. He glanced slowly at the clock hanging on the wall near the window. '10:30 P.M. Only 2 hours of sleep..'

The red echidna sighed and lifted his body up from the bed he was laying on. With a slight wince he brought his hand to his forehead in pain. He had this terrible headache that hadn't shown any sign in leaving in over three days. It made him want to close his eyes and just head back to sleep.

Though he couldn't stay in bed forever, so instead he decided to head towards the shower in order to take his mind off of things. Showers always helped him relax. When stepping into the bathroom, he pulled out the hair tie that held his hair in a messy ponytail, and slipped off his gloves. It had been exactly three weeks, since Angel Island crashed into sea. Three weeks since he'd been rescued by the Chaotix team from a group of Rouge Echidnas. Three weeks since his master emerald had been destroyed... leaving it's powers to be absorbed into Knuckles body. Three weeks since he'd been living in the spare room the Chaotix had made for him. Whatever power that was left of the Master Emerald now lived inside him.

Those bastards were looking for him, he just knew it. They were smart enough to figure out exactly where the Master Emeralds power fled too; after all that was what they were originally after in the first place. They only kept the guardian around for their own entertainment at first. But now after realizing exactly what they lost, they had no choice but to seek him out. He had to make sure he was ready for when that happened.

Knuckles frowned, and shook his head under the water, squeezing the rest of the shampoo out of his locks. Just what happened to all the creatures and chaos living there. Sure they could fly but not that far. He hoped that Angel Island had stayed afloat above sea waters and not sunken into the depths of the ocean. If so that would mean...

A low sigh left his lips and he stepped out of the shower, starting to dry his fur with the towel. He stared at himself in the mirror, and scrunched his face up in distaste. His hand running over the surface of his scarred shoulder where he was attacked with a blade, trembling when he ran his hand over the most painful one on his neck. If that blade had went any further it would had probably killed him. He counted himself lucky to be alive. He halted in his observations when he heard a slight knock on the door.

"Knuckles? Are you decent?" A worried voice asked. Instead of answering, he reached over to unlock the door and pushed it open for his friend to come in. Espio entered with a first aid kit in his hand, looking at the red being who was wrapping the towel around his waist. Smiling he motioned for his friend to sit on the sink so he could tend to his open wounds. He may not had shown it, but Knuckles was extremely grateful to Espio, Vector, Charmy and Mighty. The group had made it a weekly routine to visit him at least three times during the month. That was how they knew he was in trouble. Everyone else seemed to slowly forget he even existed after the whole Meterex ordeal was done and over with.

That was 5 years ago. Sonic, Amy, Tails, Rouge even Cream and Cheese. Though he was sure, that the little bunny would visit him if she was old enough to travel on her own. Shadow, had come to visit him every now and then, but it was dangerous for him to be around the echidna since he was on the run from G.U.N. Last time Knuckles had seen him was three months ago. Shadow and him became close friends when he fell from a crashing helicopter a couple of years back. Knuckles had saved him from drowning and the two had began to realize they had a lot in common. Despite them supposing to be enemies.

They had spent alot of time talking to one another. At first things were the usual "Get off my Island" or "You're healed so don't come back." routine, since Knuckles didn't exactly trust Shadow to begin with at all. But for some reason the hedgehog kept coming back. The first couple of times getting an earful from the hothead, but then eventually began to be welcomed there.

It wasn't as if Shadow caused any trouble for him. Actually, he made pretty decent company on the island for the guardian. Sometimes he even showed up on Knuckles worst days, and instead of being annoyed he'd be relieved there was someone to talk to. Knuckles may not look like the sensitive type, but sometimes his emotions could get the best of him. Just like his hotheaded stubbornness did as well. He blinked when a hand against his forehead interrupted his train of thought.

"Well your fever has definitely gone down. That's good." Espio whispered, removing his palm from Knuckles forehead. "How do you feel, Knuckles?"

"Better thanks to you." Knuckles gave his friend a small smile. "I really owe you one, Espio."

The chameleon smiled. "Well hey, what are comrades for." He said, removing the bandage around Knuckles knee and cleaning off the dried blood. "Your leg seems to had healed quickly. You can start walking around if you want to. Just don't go outside. You won't be able to run very fast or fight efficiently with an injured knee incase we are to come under attack, so I don't want you to get even more injured than you already are." Knuckles nodded scanning eyes over his leg. As much as he wanted to hurry and get back on his feet he knew not to argue with the lizard. Espio had far more skill when it came to bandaging and healing. He was always forward and blunt about the things he said. It was one of the reasons Knuckles liked talking to him; he appreciated it, cause it leveled out the other threes ridiculous behavior.

While he did appreciate having the them as friends, there was only so much child play he could stand.

"Alright."

"Oh and by the way. We got in contact with the others." A flinch.

"Others?" Knuckles asked suspiciously. "Who exactly?" Espio smiled.

"All of them. They all just got here and is downstairs waiting to see you." Knuckles frowned and looked at the door leading out of the bathroom. "If we're to get Angel Island back in the sky we're going to need all the help we can get, so-"

"What about Shadow? Is he here too?" Espio looked guilty at the first aid kit he was packing up.

"No. I'm afraid he was the only one we could not reach." Knuckles nodded, and slipped off of the bathroom sink counter.

"It's fine. Thanks anyway." He felt a hand be put on his shoulder, and looked up at his friend.

"Knuckles, I've known you for many years, and knowing you for this long has given me the chance to observe and learn what little I can about you; so pardon my rudeness if I am calling you out on something you wish to be left alone.." He visibly flinched. Espio softened his gaze and sternly whispered to his friend. "You don't have to tell the others, but you know if you need to, you can always talk to me about it. I keep your best interest in mind my friend. If needed be, you can always take the initiative to impose on me when you need too." Knuckles who'd been staring back at his friend, let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding and nodded at the offer.

He turned his gaze away. "I appreciate it... but now is not the time. Maybe when the others leave; or maybe... I-I don't know." His brow narrowed, he was becoming frustrated with himself. "I just... I-... I'm not-" The hand on his good shoulder squeezed it in a comforting manner, quieting his scrambled thoughts that were frantically searching to a way to reply.

"You needn't force yourself. Whenever you are ready to do so, I will lend an ear." A weary sigh escaped the echidnas lips. This was all they could do for now. All he could do for now. And the other understood that. It made his appreciation for him grow tenfold.

"Thanks, Ez."

"Ah ha! There he is!" Knuckles looked down at Vector the crazy crocodile who was currently wearing a neon pink apron, with a plate of food in his hand. Knuckles raised a curious brow.

"Kiss the cook, Vector? Really?"

"Hey, yer know, everyone wants to get a taste of this reptile lovin." He said handing the plate to Knuckles, who gave him a thankful smile.

"Pash, yeah right. Name one? And while you're at it make sure they exist first." Mighty and Charmy began sniggering at their own joke.

"Hey shut ya traps! Ya forget, I'm big enough and strong enough to crush the both of yaz!"

"Yeah, but you're not fast enough or smart enough to catch us, blockhead!" Charmy said, flying away from Vectors flailing arms, yelling 'Na Na- Na Na Na!' The chameleon behind him let out a low unamused growl. They were going to make a mess again of the house if they kept that up.

He heard Espio behind him muttering how he was friends with a bunch of idiots, and couldn't help but lightly grin. Yeah... they were a bunch of idiots. But they managed to get a smile out of him none the less.

Why was it that when he seemed to hit his all time low, he felt himself appreciated these idiots much more than ever.

"Knuckles?" He heard a shy voice call him, from the other side of the room. He hadn't even bothered to look around yet, but when he turned that direction he felt himself freeze in place. Indeed like Espio had said, everyone was there, and boy did they look different. Sonic, Amy, Tails, Rouge, and Cream and Cheese. They looked so... older. Life looks like it's been good to them so far. As always. Despite his bitter feelings towards them he was glad to see that none of them her injured or hurt.

The one who had called his name was . Amy looked much older now, her short quills had grown longer and reached till the middle of her back, while she was dressed in one of her favorite colors. She had on a red skirt with a white top along with some red heels on her feet; still as pretty as he remembered she was.

Cream had grown up quite a bit too, now reaching her teen years. She wore a dress similar to the one she always wore, except this one had more ruffles. Rouge was as beautifully seductive as she had always been. Her hair now long enough to put into a ponytail, with her black biker shorts resting tightly against her skin with her biker jacket that was currently zipped up. Tails had gotten much taller, than he last seen him and was wearing nothing but a simple white shirt and pair of black shorts. His little bang grew out and it looked like he developed out of his 10 year old look to an average 15 year old. Knuckles had no doubt that the brainiac was probably a lot more smarter than he use to be, soaking up knowledge like the sponge he was.

Sonic had stood out most in the group. 'As usual..' and was wearing a open blue and white hoodie. His quills looked even wilder than they've ever been, with his red shades pushed up over his ears. He'd grown too. Taller and more muscle mass than he had when he was younger. Knuckles remembered when he was scrawny and annoying. Probably still is annoying, and still sort of scrawny when you compared him to the echidna himself. What was he now... 22? Somewhere around that age. His old friends... or at least he thought they were his friends.

They all stared at him with looks of pity. He didn't like being pitied... however overlooking his own appearance in his head, he probably wasn't making such a good first impression. Least the worser of his wounds were covered. The last thing he wanted was a frantic Amy and Cream picking at him and trying to drag him to a hospital. Espio had done well on his own. He refused to go to any hospital.

Knuckles had came down in only a pair of brown sweat pants, and a thin white sleeveless hoody which he had zipped up at the moment. He had left his gloves and shoes upstairs since he had no need for them at the moment. Or at least he hoped. Knuckles looked as different as everyone else did. Taller, stronger, hair thicker and longer. But from the events that had happened within the past couple months, he probably looked tired and drained more than anything. The red echidna decided to break the awkward silence, and mutter a dull hello.

"Hey."

"Knuckles... hon what happened to you?" He looked at Rouge, who was staring at him with worry, her wings lifting up as if she was about to fly closer to him. He tensed and shook her head to tell her no. He didn't want Rouge to come near him and start picking at his clothes. It would just make things harder to keep them in the dark about what happened.

He just wanted to leave it be... and get his island back as soon as possible. They didn't need to know. None of them did.

"Alot, I guess." Knuckles walked the rest of the way down the stairs, putting the plate down on a night stand. He stood silently behind the couch, separating himself from all of them. He didn't want to get to close, and it seemed this couch was the best way to put some space between them. Sonic however, picked up on the distance his friend was trying to put between them, and immediately came walking towards the couch and around it. The echidna tensed even more.

"Knuckles." Was it just him or did Sonic sound more serious that he probably should had. "What's going on?" Knuckles felt slightly put off by how concerned and stern the blue hero sounded. As if he was a child who was keeping a secret from them. He wasn't no damn child.

"Tch. Like you really care." Sonic blinked as if he'd been stung by a shock gun.

"Of course we care! If we didn't care we wouldn't be here right now, would we?" Amy said defending them for the blue hero.

"I suppose so." He said giving them a bit of slack. She had a point, they wouldn't be here if they didn't care. He knew saying they didn't care was a bit much, especially since they showed they were worried about him... but his stubborn and broken pride still rebelled against any kind of thought that would make them seem welcome to stick their heads in his life. "That, or you could just be wondering why the chaos emeralds are acting haywire, since you all rely on them for nearly everything you do." A look of slight shock reflected off of Amy's and Tails face.

"You know about that?"

"The master emerald was destroyed. As you should know from our previous battles together, the master emerald keeps all the chaos emeralds power from becoming out of control. If it goes, the chaos emeralds start to mess up. I'm not stupid. I know how it works." He said quietly, not looking at any of them, just staring at the couch.

Tails walked forward and climbed on the couch, hopefully to get Knuckles attention. "Yes, we were curious on why the chaos emeralds weren't working, but we wanted to see you too. I mean, after we heard about what happened..." Knuckles eyes narrowed coldly.

"You've grown up quite a bit, haven't you Miles." The fox flinched at the use of his first name, and looked sadly at the distressed echidna.

"Don't call me that Knuckles... you know as my friend, you can just call me Tails."

"Am I your friend though?" He questioned.

"Of course you are!" Knuckles felt something attack his stomach, and froze when he realized who it was. Cream had decided to latch herself onto his waist. That wasn't a good move... he had to pull up all his strength just to keep himself from wincing. "You've always been our friend Mister Knuckles... we may have not seen each other in a while, but you'll always be our friend." Knuckles looked down at the teary eyed bunny who was hugging tightly to his waist. Damnit, she was going to cry wasn't she. Don't cry, the last thing he needed was a sobbing girl on stomach.

"Cream.."

"You don't want to be our friend anymore, Mister Knuckles?"

"T-Thats..." He sighed. "That's not the case."

"Then what is it?" His red hands untangled the girl from his waist gently, before backing away a step or two.

"It's not that... it's.. " He was stuttering, and knew he was slipping up; letting out a frustrated sigh he dug his hand into his dreads, rubbing his head nerovusly. "It's complicated..." The gang watched as purple eyes strained and flicked back and forth over the ground as if he was searching for an answer. He just couldn't come up with anything. He knew he felt betrayed, and forgotten because he felt like everyone just forgot about him, but he knew he couldn't stay mad about it. They had lives... just like he had. They had things to do, places to see, people to meet... much unlike he did. He couldn't blame them. He didn't blame them... but yet he couldn't help but let that fuel his determination to keep them distanced from him.

"Knuckles... bud?" Sonic took a step closer but this time the echidna didn't even acknowledge it. He just kept staring dazed at the floor.

'They didn't know. They're not at fault. It's not their fault. It's mine.'

'But it's not your fault either.'

'When the hell did I absentmindedly become so reliant on them. I shouldn't had ever made friends if I was going to feel like this. Was this... was this feeling ever here before they decided to come into my life.'

'You're only feel like this because you are hurt.'

'I am hurt... why am I hurt. I shouldn't be hurt. I shouldn't be hurt by stupid feelings. I shouldn't be hurt by anything. I'm a guardian. Guardians dont feel pain... '

'You can'-'

'I'm weak... They made me weak. I can't let this happen again.'

'Knuc-'

'They have to stay out. They have to stay away from me. It's the only way. I can't... I can't do this. I-'

"Knux?" Sonic had walked forward just enough to put his hand on his shoulder and give it a comforting squeeze. This was something he always did when they were teens when he felt like his friend was stressing over something he couldn't voice out. Now they were grown men, but he was going to show him that nothing had changed and they were still friends just as close as they were when they were younger.

This might had worked... if the hedgehog didn't choose the wrong shoulder to squeeze. He was wounded in that area badly, so instead of looking up at the hedgehog he let out a sudden shriek of pain. "Ah!"

Sonic reeled his hand back as if it was caught on fire. "W-What?! What happened? Did I hurt you-"

"Shut up!" Sonic flinched. "Shut up, I'm fine." He was nowhere near fine. His hand covered his wounded shoulder as he narrowed his eyes in pain. Espio had just stitched that back up... at this rate it was going to start bleeding again.

"Knux.." Sonic just wanted to help, Sonic was just trying to help... he knew this, but he still found himself stepping back.

"His shoulder is badly injured Sonic." Green eyes widened in shock and looked at the chameleon who came walking down the stairs to check Knuckles wound. Knuckles thought twice about stepping away from the chameleon, but as soon as his arm was grabbed he lost all will to and stayed put. Trying not to flinch as Espio pushed back his already short sleeve.

"Knux I'm sorry. I didn't know.." Sonic said stammering on his words as he did. "H-Here.. let me he-"

"Don't touch me." Sonic flinched as he backed away from him as told, holding his hands to his sides. There was guilt in Knuckles chest for being so cold to his friend- no.. no they weren't friends. He didn't have friends. He couldn't have...

"I'll go get the first aid kit. Knuckles go sit on the couch." His eyes jerked upward. The couch? He didn't want to sit near those guys. That would just make matters worst.

"I have legs. I can stand." Espio frowned but he was not getting ready to argue with the red head.

"Mister Knuckles, come sit down." Two smaller hands grabbed his own red one. "You'll feel better if you're not on your feet." She tugged on his hand asking him to come with her. As much as he wanted to say no... he'd be a pretty big jerk if he yanked his hand away and refused to go with her. Cream was a good kid... though he really did not want to sit where he was sure he'd be the center of attention.

Sighing, the echidna cautiously looked at the blue hedgehog, who still looked very guilty but moved out of his line of sight so he could see the couch. "Come on Knux... it's just a couch." He gave his friend a hesitant smile. "I'm sure they don't bite to bad." That actually made the side of his mouth twitch upward a little; and by the way the blue hedgehogs ears perked up he could tell he noticed it too.

With a defeated sigh, the echidna halted his backwards retreat and let the eager bunny tug him to the couch. He did his best to make sure he made eye contact with noone while being pulled along but knew that he wouldn't be able to do that the minute he sat down. He already regretted his decision of letting himself be tugged along by the girl.

Knuckles kept his eyes casted down to the floor, ignoring the throbbing pain that began to take over his shoulder and back the moment he seated himself. He didn't want to look at anyone... didn't want to hear anyone. His arm felt numb as did his chest, closing up as if he was being suffocated by the tension and itchy questions that wanted to be asked in the room. While the guardian was not the type to hide away from his problems... the thought of doing so seemed like heaven right now. The gang wasn't doing this to make him uncomfortable he knew... they were just worried, right?

But right now they were probably the last people he wanted to see... just the idea of him asking them for their help made his stomach clench in tight painful knots that made him want to keen over and groan.

And to top it all off, the only person who even dared to think about seeking comfort and security from was not here. He wasn't here... and it bothered Knuckles like no tomorrow. It was so strange... how someone he'd only became acquainted with two years ago would be the preferred company in a turn of events such as this one. He let out a depressed sigh, forgetting about the group of friends that surrounded him and flinched when he felt a pair of warm hands being placed on his knees; but didn't dare to think twice about looking up. However, the smell of expensive perfume attacked his nose instantly and he knew that the bat would not let him withdraw into himself while she was present.

"Knuckles." The urge to ignore her was strong... but he wouldn't disrespect her like that. He didn't have it in him to be rebellious right now. All he wanted to do was go back upstairs in solitude, and wait for them to go away.

But he knew she wasn't having any of that. So in response, he looked up and found himself staring into the sad teal eyes of Rouge the bat, who was kneeling in front of him in order to make eye contact with him.

"Does it hurt?" He was hesitant if he should answer that truthfully. However, he was never one to lie, and even if he denied being in pain he was sure that his outburst earlier had already given him away. So with a tired sigh, he nodded his head. "I thought as much... you look as if you're in a lot of pain." She smiled sadly. "Not something we see that often huh, tough guy?" The side of his lip quirked up. If she was trying to get him to loosen up then you could say she was slowly succeeding. At Least, until her next question. "Can I see?" Those shoulders drooped as if someone dropped a ton of weight on his back.

"...Why? Why would you want to see?" A question that held a heavy dose of confusion and uncertainty.

"You have a bad habit of brushing wounds off like they're nothing." She replied back. "I just want to make sure you're okay. I'm sure that goes for all of us." The echidna stayed quiet still staring at her with an unreadable expression on his face. "Surely you know we wouldn't be here if it wasn't to make sure you were okay. You know we wouldn't do anything to make you feel worst Knuckles. You know us better than that."

"Do I?" He said thickly, glaring slightly at her, but still she did not back down.

"Knuckles... please?" The red echidna sighed, and looked away, letting himself fall back against the couch. There was no arguing with her. Not now especially. He didn't want to argue, all he wanted to do was sleep. So when her hand reached for the zipper of his hoodie and began to pull it down, he did nothing to stop her. Despite the fact that it made him incredibly uneasy. It made him feel awkward, being undressed by her, but if she wanted so badly to inspect his body then... so be it.

The first thing he felt was the chilled air attack his body, and slender fingers running over the surface if his chest accompanying it. He heard the pained groan tear from Rouges throat. It only made his refusal to look at her strengthen ten-fold.

"Knuckles... hon, have you seen yourself?" She said in a voice all but slightly shaken, her pitiful gaze following the flesh her fingers touched. It would had not been too bad if Knuckles only suffered minor injuries. But these were bad. He had stitches all across the right side of his chest and abdomen, holding together flesh that looked like it used to be a large slash. That one at least had stayed closed but it was still swollen and red, and looked as if it wanted to bleed out. Even if it was closed, it didn't looked like it was healing in the slightest.

"Of course I have. It's my body ain't it?"

The rest of his body besides being rough looking and a bit discolored in some places, was in no better condition. She could feel and almost see the whelps and torn flesh underneath her gloved fingers on other parts of his chest and abdomen. If she sunk her fingers deep enough into his fur she was sure they'd probably cause Knuckles more pain than good.

While his fur had grown back over enough to hide the wounds from a far, there was no denying that they were easy to see when observed from a close range.

Sonic had walked around the couch the second the bat had started to unzip the hoodie we wore. If he was worried before you could count him as being far past heavily concerned for his friends well being. Though at the same time he couldn't help but feel a bit... confused. Knuckles had been here for around three weeks, right? So why did his wounds look like they weren't showing signs of healing. He'd seen Knuckles get injured plenty of times in their younger days... the latter seemed to heal back up within a matter of days from even the worst of his injuries.

So why did these wounds still look fresh. To confirm his vision, Sonic looked towards the yellow fox on the couch. "Tails, you're seeing this right?"

A gentle hand on Knuckles back answered that question for him. "Yeah, I'm looking." Wide blue eyes looked at the echidna worriedly. "Do these wounds also still hurt Knuckles?" A sigh.

"They definitely don't feel good, I'll tell you that." It was meant to be sarcastic, but from the tired and weary tone his voice dropped to the other just sounded worn out.

"Sarcasm aside Knux, you do know ya wounds aren't healing right." That head turned back to look up at the worried green eyes that had suddenly appeared in front of him. If having Rouge fuss over him wasn't enough, having Sonic do the same thing was not going to end well. "Well do you."

He sighed. "Yeah, blue boy. I know." Sudden fingers to his neck made him flinch. Rouge quickly moved her hand away.

"Sorry. It hurts there too?" A red hand lifted to place protectively over his neck.

"Yeah. Mind stirring clear of my neck?"

"I know you hate for me to say this, bud." All attention was put on Sonic. "But I really think we should take you to a hospital."

..and there it was. The words that made everything turn south. The echidna gave the blue hero a vigorous glare.

"Come again?" That glare was met with a worried look from the emerald eye'd hedgehog.

"You heard me." Crossing his arms he walked forward. "I know you don't like them very much, granted I don't think anyone does, but I really don't see any other option her-"

"Espio has been tending to me quite fine, for your information." He growled. "I don't need to go to a hospital."

A sigh. "Knux, don't make this harder than it has to be. I don't like hospitals either, but-"

"But nothing! I'm not going. That's that. End of story." Sonic frowned.

"Knuckles..."

"Don't Knuckles me! I'm not going!"

"Look, do you have to-"

"What's going on here?" The chameleon had come back down with the first aid kit in hand. He felt as if he'd come walking right into a soon to be fight. Which is exactly what it was about to be.

"They're trying to get me to go to a damn hospital! Tell them that I don't need to go to one, cause he's not listening to me."

"Yes you do."

"No, I don't!" His voice boomed with anger as he stood up right from the couch. "And I am not going to one no matter what you say!"

"Knux, look at yourself for a minute will ya? You have to!"

"I won't."

A clench of teeth. "Yes you will, and so help me if I have to drag you there by your arm to get you there, believe me I will do it."

"No the hell you ain't!" He pushed himself back and over the back of the couch, landing heavily on his feet. The distance between them had returned. He cursed himself for feeling so relieved.

"You going behind the couch isn't going to help you." In a flash Sonic was right in front of him. "Fastest guy on Mobius, remember?"

"Gyah!" He backed up into Espio who caught himself from stumbling backwards onto the floor, by grabbing the fabric of Knuckles hoodie; also dropping the first aid kit he was holding in the process. The echidna turned his head around. "Sorry, Espio."

"No harm done, I'm fine." The chameleon blinked at the both of them. "Only a few minutes alone and the two of you are already fighting?"

Sonic frowned. "We're not fighting. Just having a disagreement."

"Tch, yeah sure. A disagreement. How bout this, try to take me anywhere I don't want to go and watch my fist decide to disagree with your head!"

"Stop trying to turn this into a fight!"

"I'm not trying to do anything! You're the one trying to boss me around! Who do you think you are to order me around like I should listen to you. I don't have to do anything you say!"

Sonic growled. This was getting nowhere. However before he could say anything else, a purple figure walked in between the both of them. Espio managed to maneuver himself around Knuckles so that he could put some distance between Sonic and the other.

"I know you mean well Sonic, and believe me I too think that Knuckles would probably be healing better and faster at a medical facility." Purple eyes widened. Espio agreed with them too?! "But if I may be clear, forcing him to go to one won't do any good for either of you. It's Knuckles decision to stay here and try to heal on his own and we must respect it."

He could almost rejoice at the fact that there was at least one person who listened to him.

"But it's a stupid decision." Sonic. Just hearing his voice made him growl.

"So what if it's stupid. Ever heard of minding your own business, Sonic? Or does that rule not apply to you?"

"What? I-" Those green eyes flashed angrily. "Stop trying to make me seem like the bad guy here! All I'm doing is trying to help you, and you're too busy being angry at me that you're not even paying attention to what kind of condition you're in! You are hurt!"

"Yeah, and what of it? Huh? What do you have to do with anything I'm dealing with? More importantly, why the hell are you even here?!"

"Why am I he- Why am I here?!" He scoffed. "I can't believe you're even asking me this question. I'm here because I was worried about you, and now seeing what kind of condition you are in, I AM worried about you! Why the hell would you even bother asking that?"

"I ain't askin you to worry, so what are you worrying for?"

"Because I freakin care about you! That's why!"

"Well stop it then! Stop fucking caring! What do you need to care for? What do any of you need to care for?!"

"SHUT UP!"

That angry outburst cut off anything either parties wanted to say. Even drawing the attention of the other three chaotix members in the kitchen who'd had been listening to the whole ordeal, but decided to peek their heads around at the shout of the fuming bat in the living room. Suddenly as if she'd been in between them the entire time, Rouge swiftly landed in front of the blue hedgehog and charged past Espio as if he wasn't even in her way, straight towards the stubborn guardian in front of her. Knuckles tensed and took a step back from her, but still kept his hard glare on his face.

"What are you doing bat girl-" SLAP!

That hit had let out a loud echo throughout the entire room. It wasn't hard enough to really do any serious harm to the guardian being someone with endurance that wasn't that far off from his strength, but it did catch him off guard and it did fucking hurt. Hopefully, hurt enough to smack a bit of sense into him. He didn't expect her to slap him. So when that hand collided with his face his head jerked to the side, his cheek slightly red from the swift assault. "Ow! What the hell-"

"Shut up! Just shut your stupid trap for once and listen to what we're telling you." Her hand snagged his chin with strength he'd forgotten she had and pulled his face down to look at her. "What do you mean what do we need to care for! What do I need to care for? Are you even listening to yourself? Do you not even realize the damage your words can inflict?"

That outburst surprised him as it did other people in the room. Rouge wasn't the type to lose her cool demeanor, despite having a bad temper herself. But he could sorta tell that his retort had hurt the other more than he thought. He almost felt guilty, and probably still would had if the bat didn't decide to continue yelling at him.

"The longer you sit here and try to heal on your own terms, the more time you're giving whoever these people are to find you. And what if they do huh?!" Knuckles blinked. "Have you ever even stopped to think what would happen if they managed to find your whereabouts before you're back in good shape? How are you going to protect yourself? How are you going to protect anyone!" Knuckles stared dumbfounded at the logic in her words. It wasn't as if he hadn't thought about that scenario before. But thinking about the actual outcome of what would come to happen if he'd be overpowered again never truly hit him.

His fighting instinct he knew would automatically kick in. And he'd fight to the death if he must. But what if he was to fail again... death would never come to him he knew that. For they wanted their target alive, not deceased. What if his friends would be the ones to suffer that fate instead.

"That's right, think about it. Or better yet, instead of making you think about it, how about I just tell you what would happen." He looked back at her. "You will lose."

The deafening silence after that sentence was enough to make a ringing noise in his ear startup just to fill in the mute world around him. "You will lose... and you might die." Her anger had been replaced with fear. Not fear for herself but fear for the red creature in front of her. "Does that not mean anything to you?" His body froze.

Of course it meant something to him. But he would not say that. His stubborn pride refused to admit such a thing. But what he would admit, at least to himself was that his friends, if this were to happen the lives who would be most in danger, were the people who was around him. He was a danger to them... a danger who had been lingering for three weeks straight... and not even once did he consider the consequences of what would happen if he was found.

It was always a fight with him. A fight with himself, and a fight with his friends. It was always his automatic answer to everything. Fight back. Fight them off. Fight the pain. Fight till death.

...but don't ever lose.

Losing was out of the question. For if you lose, you die. His life, before Sonic and the others, was simple as that. You fight or you die. You fight and lose, you still die. Before he would never question if living that sort of lifestyle was okay. It didn't matter if it was okay, it was the only way. But now... now that there other peoples lives at stake, should he... should he still think that way? Could he still think that way?

"Knuckles." That hand moved be placed on his cheek, the same cheek that had been struck by that hand not but a minute ago. He tensed, and purple eyes re-locked their gaze with the teal ones in front of him. "Hon, let us help you. As much as I don't care for teamwork, you need our help. We can do this together, just like old times. All you have to do is trust us." For a minute there, his vision blurred out of focus.

"Trust you...?" Rouge nodded.

He absentmindedly leaned more of his cheek into her hand. She smiled and doubled her efforts in calming him down. With the way that hand was caressing his face, he almost wanted to go along with anything she said. Cause deep down inside, he wanted help. He knew he needed help... but he knew that he would not request it. He would not allow himself too.

"No..." The three in front of him eyes widened. Had they heard him correctly. Sonic could of swore with the way Rouge handled things she would of had him and reeled him in. Surely the echidna didn't just say 'no'.

"What do you mean no? Why? Why no?" He shook his head. "Knuckles for once just explain yourself to us. We won't know why unless to you te-"

"You don't have to know why." He cut her off and stood back up to his full height. "Just know that my answer is no. That's it." That was the end of it; because before she could say anything else Knuckles had slipped from her grasp and marched his way right back up the stairs. Part of him would be lying if he said he didn't regret leaving it at that. But it was how things had to be.

He didn't want their help. He didn't need their help. He could do this on his own. He'd be fine... just by himself.

Rouge didn't know what to do. Whether to be outraged or saddened. To be honest she felt a little of both. She had been trying to keep her temper in check, for causing a fight was not the best way to handle this particular touchy situation. But oh, was she angry.

"Knuckles! Wait a secon-" A hand on his shoulder stopped him and the door to the room upstairs slammed shut. Sonic looked at the chameleon who's hand stopped him.

"Give him time to come around Sonic. This is a lot for him to take on all at once." He said trying to reason with the bunch. "I'm sure after he's thought things over he will come back down. It's unreasonable to demand a definite answer for him now." His words seemed to calm down Rouge, who was seriously thinking about marching right after him, and dragging that stubborn hothead down by his dreads if she had to.

But she would not chase him around if he didn't want to be chased after. If what Espio said was true, then he'd come back down again, and they could finish what they started. "Fine." She swirled around and headed back to the living room couch where Cream and Tails were sitting on. "I'll wait. But while we wait, why don't you go up and see if that brainless knucklehead needs any help in fixing his shoulder. It's what you originally came down here for right?"

Though he knew her sudden angry attitude wasn't directed at him, he couldn't help but feel the sting of bitterness from her words. "Yes it was." He bent down to pick up the box he had dropped and removed his hand from Sonic's shoulder. "Sonic, why not you go sit down and try to relax. Vector and the others was going to bring you guys something to eat while you were here, but it seems that the three have gotten distracted." Espio said casting a glance to the three that were peeking out from the kitchen.

"Oh uh, yeah! Right on it, Ez!" Giving a nod to the green crocodile he started to walk back up the stairs.

"Aren't you the boss Vector. Why are you suddenly reversing rolls on us." The armadillo pointed out.

"Shaddap and get in the kitchen. The both of yas."

"Don't act like the boss now!"

"I can act like I want! I am the boss!"

"Ha, you wish."

"Oh no.." Clunk.

The sound of something dropping caught the crocs attention, and he looked back up the stairs at the purple lizard in front of the door. "What is it Ez?" Espio had dropped the first aid kid in his hand and was staring right into the room Knuckles had went into not too long ago. "Ez?"

The chameleon blinked to make sure he wasn't seeing things and rushed into the room to double check that what he'd feared had not been true. Looking left and right, he didn't see sign of anyone in here. The only thing he caught a glimpse of was the window that had seemed to be pushed all the way open, at the far end of the wall.

Which only meant one thing. "He's gone."

Knuckles was running. Running at not his fastest mind you, for his knee on his right leg was not in the best condition at the moment, and if anything made it much more painful to even keep up at the pace he had started. But yet alas, he refused to slow down.

The last thing he wanted was to be dragged back into that suffocating house with all of them in there. The only person out of group who could truly catch him was Sonic, and it seemed he wasn't heading in his direction. Sonic's nose wasn't as good as his. He could smell the other going in a completely different direction he had ran too. He knew they'd coming chasing after him after finding out he'd left but he didn't think they'd find out so soon.

And despite being skilled fighters, the Chaotix wasn't fast enough to catch him when he's running at the fastest he could. He had to get away. Staying there was not an option for him anymore. He couldn't let his walls break while in the presence of all of them. He'd knew he'd eventually have to talk; and that was something that he did not want to do. Least not to them; and definitely not to no damn doctor.

He could handle this on his own. And do this on his own if he had too. This was his fight. Nobody elses.

Noones.

Knuckles kept running until he hit the edge of a calm lake, only then did did he slow down and come to a stop right at the shore of it. Many of his wounds had opened back up an were stinging with pain. His legs though covered by sweatpants felt cold and chilled. He could feel a familiar heat returning back to his face and neck, knowing it was the sign of fever. Espio was right... he wasn't ready to push his body this far yet. But the damage had been done... and now he had to face the consequences.

Fight the pain. Fight the pain.

Easier said than done. But it'd been done many many times before. He wouldn't let the lack of power from the Master Emerald affect him so drastically.

He walked slowly into the lake hopefully in an attempt to calm his aching muscles but it did not work. It only made him feel even more numb. He stopped walking when he was at least waist deep into the water; staring at his own reflection, as he stained it with his blood. Look at him... running away as if he was some coward. He was no coward, he was a guardian. Strong proud in all his might, yet despite being that he was also such a mess of suppressed emotions that he just felt like his chest was going to explode under all the pressure. He'd let his ancestors down... he'd let the living creatures on his island down. He let his friends down... he let himself down.

There was so much to try and cope with. The attack, the shattering of his emerald, the destroyed condition of the island, the shattered condition of his mind... the torture, the abuse, the fear. Violence was never something he was afraid of. Violence was his life. I'd been his life for as long as he could remember. The adrenaline rush and act of battle was something than ran strong through the very blood that ran through his veins. He could take on anything that was thrown his way... anything at all... or at least so he thought.

Never before had he felt so destroyed. Never before had he felt so less that he already was. Proud guardian of Angel Island. It's only protector and it's only survivor of a dead race long gone from this world... tossed and played around with as if he was an instrument of amusement. Treated as if he was nothing but a dirtied pet. It enraged him... it enraged him almost just as much as it frightened him.

He was noones pet, or toy. Nor was the Master Emerald, or his island at that. He'd make sure those bastards knew that when he'd find them. Bringing Sonic and the others were out of the question. If he was to lose this fight he was going to face... he'd make sure he'd lose it alone. He sweared he'd make them pay for thinking they could get away from what they'd done.

Bunch of fucking pyschos that's what they were. One of them wanted to slaughter him, and on many occasions tried to. Another wanted to keep him, as if he was some pet to knock around. The other two however, wanted break him. Him!? They couldn't break him, noone can. He was unbreakable. Where their hatred spurred from he'd never know, nor did he want to. Just how long was he there... how many times did he pass out from pain? How many of the creatures had perished while he was being held captive by these bastards... and how much of his island was spared from being engulfed in flames. How much of his island did they steal away from him?

There was so much blood... all of it his own. There was so much pain... all of it his own as well. There was so much screaming... sounds coming from his mouth alone. The laughter, mocking and picking at his helplessness. Just the sound of it made his blood boil. He wanted to rip their tongues right out of their mouths. See if they'd be laughing then. He swore he'd get his island back and caste their bodies back into the unforgiving depths of the ocean beneath his feet.

But alas, what was done... could not be undone. And so he had to live with this shame and hide away. He had to live with this pain and hide away.

He didn't need help. He didn't need noone.

...and just then he began to re-open his eyes. When had he sunken underneath the small lake? He didn't remember. His legs must had finally given out on him, and caused him to sink into the water. He felt himself being pulled to the bottom by the small waves. His eye vision began to blur out, as he stared up at the surface. Is this what it felt like to die?

Cold... Numb... Silence..

Darkness.

Those eyes hooded, as the heavy pressure of the water, slowly started to put him to sleep.

'It wasn't supposed to end this way.'

'I know Knuckles... I know.'

'...I can't bring myself back up...'

'No... no you can't.'

Those dark eyes slowly began to close. 'This is the end then.'

Silence enveloped his mind. '...I am so sorry... I wish I could give you strength. But with the emerald...'

'I know.. I know.' And finally, a single tear escaped from his eyes, and immediately was washed away with the water submerging him. He'd made another foolish mistake. And this time... the payment for his mistake, was his life. 'No one's coming to save me this time...'

Though if he had kept his eyes open for a little longer, he would had seen the dark figure jumping in the water and swimming towards him from the surface.

A/N: If you guys are wondering who's the voice he was talking to, it was Tikal.