Mighty stood at the entrance to his cave, overlooking Angel Island and all its glory. The sun was just beginning to set in the distance, casting an orange glow on the lush landscape. His blue eyes sparkled with a kind of peaceful calm. A small yellow squirrel stood next to him.

"It's such a beautiful sight Ray. It's wonderful to know that no matter how bad the day is, you can still see the majestic sun rise and set every day."

Ray smiled slightly at that.

"U-U-U-U-Unless we're caught in some sort of t-t-t-time loop or something weird like that."

"Well, yes, but…darn it Ray, the moment is gone."

He turned back and entered his cave/house. It wasn't exquisitely furnished, but it was home. Two small beds and dressers lined the walls and a small weight bench lay in a corner. Pictures plastered the walls; of him and Ray, and of the Chaotix. Mighty sat on the end of the bed and yawned. Ray sat next to him.

"Thanks for the s-s-s-s-sunset Mighty."

He pulled off his blue jacket and curled next to Mighty, leaning his head on his shoulder. Mighty wrapped an arm around him.

"Someone's tired. Long day?" Ray nodded, and closed his eyes.

"Maybe y-y-y-you could read m-m-me a story."

Mighty glanced over at their impossibly small bookshelf. Three books lay in tattered covers upon a small rickety stand.

"Which one?"

He asked his younger friend, picking the books up. Ray pointed to a small green book, the most worn down book of all. Mighty flipped it open and read the Book Title.

"The Adventures of Flash the Hedgehog; a story about adventure, mystery, suspense, and more. Good choice Ray."

Ray laughed a little.

"T-T-T-That's nothing compared to our adventures. The C-C-C-Chaotix always gets into interesting p-p-p-problems."

Mighty grinned.

"Now that's the under-statement of the century. We get into so many problems; we can't get out of them all. Now let's start this book before you fall asleep on me."

He began to read, keeping one eye on the book and one eye on Ray. It wasn't before long that Ray was fast asleep. Mighty closed the book and placed it gently on the rack. He lifted Ray up and carried him to the opposite bed. Tucking him in, he smiled at the dreaming squirrel.

"Goodnight Ray. I will never ever leave you. I hope you know that. Sleep tight. See you in the morning."

He climbed into his own bed, and took off his shoes and gloves. Taking one last look at Ray, he blew out a candle that was the only source of light and went to sleep. Ray opened one eye and glanced at Mighty, who was slightly snoring.

"I know Mighty. I'll never leave you either. Good night." Then he curled up and went to sleep.

Far off, on another part of Angel Island, a purple chameleon stood outside a door. Anyone walking past the area wouldn't see the chameleon or the door. They would see a giant rock and think nothing of it. Yet this door led into one of the most well hidden places in Mobius. The entrance into one of the four clans in Dragon Kingdom; the Shinobi. A clan known and honored for their secrecy, they treasured information and skills above all else.

"Espio! Your shift is done."

Espio looked back at the reptile who spoke. Another purple chameleon, a female, also the leader of the clan, was smiling at him.

"You've been on watch for six hours now. It's time to take a break."

Espio shook his head. "I'm sorry moth-master, I mean master. The night is still young, and I do not feel tired enough to come inside."

She rolled her eyes at him, and closed the door behind her.

"We're alone Espio. You can drop the formalities. Call me Espia." "I'm sorry Espia. Old habits die hard, I guess. I was just thinking about a couple people."

He looked down at the ground below, and watched as a small beetle crawled by.

"Are you still upset about Valdez and Liza, Espio? They died bravely, and will never be forgotten."

Espia told him, tilting his head up.

"They were Robotizized. That's not bravery, Mother. They died trying to kill me."

She shook her head and smiled. "They died the second Robotnik turned on that foul machine. Those robots weren't really them as you knew them Espy. They were warped to believe what Robotnik wanted them to believe."

Espio tried hard not to cry, he knew that wouldn't be very ninja-like of him. Instead, he stared at the stars, wondering if Valdez and Liza could see him now. Would they appreciate me? Would they be happy that I lived and they didn't? He thought. A shooting star shot by, leaving a fiery trail behind it.

All of the sudden, a yellow chameleon opened the door.

"My Bride."

He began.

"The clan is waiting for you to start dinner."

He closed the door and walked away. Espio looked at her.

"We should go. You wouldn't want the clan to go hungry."

Espia looked at him. He was hiding his feelings very well.

"Try to focus on the Present, and let the Past fade slowly from your mind. You will never forget, only push aside such thoughts until a more appropriate moment."

He nodded and opened the door for her.

"Thank you. Let us hurry Master. They are waiting."

Espia smiled at the sudden transformation her son took. He went from talking to her like family, to being polite and formal in everything he did. She wondered how long he could keep his emotions in check. She knew that one day; they'd get the best of him. Someday soon.

End of First Chapter. Review Please! I would love the encouragement!