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"Love that Gives True Peace"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 3: "Hinsei Hidama Awakens"

   The group of five now sat quietly together in the decaying, abandoned apartment building.  After Jacob and Olivia had calmed down, they sat only inches away from Hidama’s seemingly lifeless body as the gold, amber light continued to fly into him.  The light didn’t enter his body in one place; rather, it circled around him as if he were an atom, flying into his body at a smooth, but seamless pace.  The silver light still cradled him, and as the children sat huddled together, this light indeed comforted them as a mother’s embrace would on a stormy night.

   Meanwhile, Joel stared out of a lone window in the room as the pesky drizzle finally subsided.  He heaved a heavy sigh as his gaze finally diverted away from the window, and he turned to look to his friends.  Bill was sitting down, leaning against the wall and his head resting on his knees as he tried to sleep.  The three of them had not slept for a good twenty hours, and had hardly rested since their concert the evening before, and finally Bill felt the need for rest, and the comfort of Hidama’s healing light allowed him to do so, even in a miserable building such as this one.

   Zachary had the same idea.  He had taken off his jacket to use as a pillow, and was stretched out on the floor next to Bill, trying to sleep.  He was perhaps the most tired of any of them, for he was the drummer of the band, and notorious for being hyper and wacky at his concerts.  The most shining example of this was when he rushed to put his drum set together and did so improperly, and during the first song of the night the bass drum came loose and rolled all around the stage, as the three of them had to chase it down.  Zachary made it into a game, almost like they were hunting a wild animal, and that was one of the ways he charmed his way into the hearts of many.

   Joel yawned heavily and glanced at Shadow.  Even now Olivia and Jacob slept as they rested against each other, and now Joel was wanting of sleep.  Yet he looked at Shadow, and the black and red hedgehog stood in silence in the corner of the room opposite to Joel.  He gazed intently at Hidama, his eyes locked on Hidama’s despite the fact that they remained tightly shut.  Joel couldn’t put his finger on exactly why Shadow had so much love for this echidna, and while he admired it, he was mystified by it.  Despite his tired eyes, he tip toed over to Shadow and whispered, “Need some company?”

   Shadow glanced at Joel and smiled, laughing quietly and saying, “If you care to give it I’ll take it graciously.”  Joel smiled in return, and leaned against the wall next to Shadow, folding his arms, and noticing that the smile had already disappeared from Shadow’s face, and he returned his gaze to Hidama.

   Joel glanced around the room at those who were already sleeping, before looking to Shadow and saying, “It’s amazing…the devotion you have for Hidama…and apparently his brother as well.”  He paused, and said, “Why is it you care so much for these brothers?  I don’t understand why you give so much of your time and concern to them Shadow, and I guess since I admire it so much I want to know why it is so.”

   The hedgehog remained silent, unmoving from his position and gaze, but chuckled softly, and whispered, “And you are not alone Joel my friend, for I cannot find words to explain this devotion I have for them.”  He paused, then turned to Joel and continued.  “I guess it is because I admire them and their strength.  I knew of Knuckles a good while before Hidama’s sad tale reached my ears, and had already developed a deep respect for him.  You look at Knuckles’ life, and what he’s been through, and you can’t help but salute him and his strength.  Then, once I heard of dear Hidama’s troubles, and discovered the horrors he had to endure when I was held prisoner with him, I developed the same respect and admiration for him as I had for Knuckles.  Now, ever since I escaped, it has been on my mind to reunite them, and now, I am overjoyed to finally be this close to accomplishing my goal.  It’s about time somebody reward them for all they’ve endured, they more than anybody deserve this kind of happiness and peace.”

   Joel smiled, glanced at Hidama, and said, “Well, you certainly found words enough to satisfy me Shadow.  I’m sure they’ll be grateful to you forever for all you’ve done for them.”  Looking to Shadow, he continued, “While I only know about them what you’ve told me, you are right, and I’m in full agreement with you; they certainly deserve a reunion, after all they’ve been through it’s about time they were together again.”

   Shadow nodded and said, “Well I’m glad that I got that across well enough my friend.  Now all we can do is wait for him to awaken…it’s almost time.  He’s been here a good while now, and it’s been longer since he began this healing journey.”  Shadow breathed a deep sigh, leaned against the wall, folded his arms across his chest, hung his head and said, “We’ll have to move quickly…first I have to take the fox children back to the survivors of their family, and then bring Hidama home as quickly as possible.  Amy’s baby will come soon, and I simply cannot risk being slow, for Hidama still has many enemies.  Now that the news of a second son of the guardian of the Master Emerald is alive has spread, many will hunt him down for his power, just as Lord Feldmort did, and Hidama will need much longer to regain his true strength.  I also cannot risk drawing these enemies towards Angel Island…if they track us they’ll find the Master Emerald and disrupt the peace that Hidama’s absence and Knuckles’ isolation had provided.  This will be the last part of the journey…and perhaps the hardest as well.”

   After finishing his sentence Shadow looked at Joel, who even though he was listening had closed his eyes to sleep.  Shadow shook his head, sighing, put a hand on Joel’s shoulder and said, “Please Joel, rest for awhile my friend.  Indeed, once Hidama awakens I will have need of you three no longer, and you can get back to your lives, but for now, rest anyway.  Anything can happen between now and the time Hidama awakens.”  To this, Joel only responded with a heavy yawn and a sleepy nod, sliding down to the floor near Bill and curling up to sleep.

   Once Joel drifted off to sleep, Shadow returned to his watch over Hidama.  The hours slowly ticked by, and Shadow remained content to watch Hidama’s rejuvenation, not needing sleep or rest of any kind.  Silence enveloped the room, and as the first rays of daylight broke through the darkness, the last of the amber light flowed into Hidama’s body.  Shadow had fallen asleep some time before, and was awakened by the sunlight pouring through the window.  He was used to the light that had enveloped Hidama, but as he roused he noticed this was sunlight, not the healing light that suspended Hidama above the ground.

   Everyone else in the room was waking up as well, and their eyes were all drawn to the fallen guardian.  As the last of the amber light flew into Hidama’s chest, the silvery white light that cradled him fused into him as well, with the last remnants of it fading away as he floated slowly and gently down to the floor.  Jacob and Olivia were excited, but Shadow hushed them quickly, and said, “No!  Not another sound!  Do not startle him!”

   Everyone held their breath, their eyes locked on the still form of Hinsei Hidama.  Bill and Zachary stood up slowly, exchanging glances with each other and Joel, who glanced at them with wonder in his eyes, and they returned it.  Olivia and Jacob looked at Hidama with an intense pleading in their eyes, and Shadow, he gazed with an almost impatient urgency at the fallen guardian.

   Finally after mere moments of tense silence, the eyes of the fallen guardian fluttered opened, his sapphire eyes maintaining the healthy glow they had recovered upon his release from Feldmort’s control.  He yawned deeply, and stretched his arms high in the air in order to loosen up his muscles.  He wasn’t fully aware of what was going on at first, and while outwardly he appeared as good as new, there was obviously much inner healing and recovery left to do.

   He sat up fast, and seeing the three band members, not having the faintest idea who they were, immediately put him on the defensive.  Shadow saw this, but said nothing as Hidama glared at the three of them with a threatening look, trying to mask how terrified of them he really was, not having anywhere near enough power to combat them if they were to attack.  At this point he was nothing more than a cornered mouse, forced to cower in fear at an approaching enemy.  As far as power and strength, he was barely a shadow of what he had been when he saved Knuckles’ life, and now he feared for his own.

   Olivia, seeing Hidama’s fear, confusion, and offensiveness towards her three new friends, spoke up softly and said, “Hi-Hidama?  They’re your friends…they helped us find you.  You don’t need to be afraid of them.”

   Shadow’s eyes darted over to the small fox girl, he feared what Hidama might do next, seeing as Hidama was already fully aware of how weak he was, and ready to strike with what little power he had.  Shadow knew what was really going on…for he had suffered the same thing all too often before.  Hidama’s memory was still scattered and broken, and it would take some days more before he recovered his full recollection and be exactly how he was before.  Outwardly he was healed, inside…he was still weak, battered, broken and scarred, and that is why Shadow was so desperate to find him.

   Hidama too jerked his head around to look at the fox girl.  He stared at her and Jacob, narrowing his eyes, getting a terribly pained look on his face, one of frustration and confusion.  In his heart, he knew he knew them somehow, and even her kind and gentle voice was comforting, but he could not recall how he knew them, and only backed away in fear.

   Olivia gasped, for she had grown so close to Hinsei Hidama, treating him as another older brother, and she was almost brought to tears.  She took a step towards Hidama and tried to reach out to him, but Jacob held her back.  Her voice quivering, she sniffed and said, “Hidama…how can you not know me and Jacob?”  Then, she broke down into tears, her brother hugging her tightly.

   Hidama’s heart went out to Olivia, not meaning to make her cry, and as Joel walked carefully over to comfort her, Hidama whispered, “I—I did not mean to hurt you…I just…don’t know who you are.  My heart remembers but my mind weeps at its flaws.”

   Now that the other five were huddled together, trying to console Olivia, Shadow walked over to Hidama, trying not to startle him, and kneeling down next to the fallen guardian, Shadow said, “I believe that you do infact remember her, Hidama, just as you remember her brother…and your own brother as well.”

   Hidama turned his head to look at Shadow, as if hearing the mention of his brother, not even his name directly, but just the fact that he had a brother sparked some awareness in him.  He smiled weakly, his face brightening as he said, “You’re Shadow…I remember you.  You have come to rescue me…like I knew you would all along.”

   Shadow smiled, but quickly nodded over to the group and said, “Those three…you need not fear them.  They know all about you and your brother through me, and it is because of them that I was able to find you.”  Hidama looked at the three hedgehogs, who returned his gaze with a smile and a nod, agreeing with what Shadow said.  To this, Hidama replied with a smile, and Shadow’s heart felt better if just a little.  Then, the black hedgehog nodded towards the fox children, and said, “Do not grieve for her tears, in your heart I know you remember them, though your not-yet-healed mind still needs time to recover.  She is Olivia, and her brother’s name is Jacob.  I wouldn’t be too upset…your memories will recover soon enough.”

   Hidama looked at the fox children carefully, but quickly closed his eyes, breathing deeply, with all the power he had, he beckoned his memories return to him.  Slowly, the memories he had temporarily lost flowed back into his mind.  This would by no means be a quick recovery, but in those few seconds, his memories of the fox children he had come to love as younger siblings, came back slowly.  From the time he first met them, to when he hugged them before saving his brother, he could finally remember his dear friends.

   He began to stand up.  This was unusually difficult for him, as he had not flexed his joints and muscles for some time and was quite stiff; Shadow took the echidna’s arm, and put it around his shoulders to help steady him.  Once Hidama was on his feet, he pulled away from Shadow slowly, and walked over to the Jacob and Olivia.  The first few steps were slightly hard for him, but once he got to Olivia, he knelt down easily beside her.  She looked at him, her eyes filled with tears.  Hidama, though still not entirely himself, managed a bright smile, and taking Olivia’s hands in his own, said, “How could I forget you?  My dear Olivia, I didn’t forget you…my mind still needed a few minutes to wake up.”

   Olivia’s tears immediately disappeared, her happiness becoming elated joy; she practically leaped into Hidama’s arms and hugged him tightly, and Jacob followed in suite.  Jacob laughed and said, “We’re just glad you’re alright!  We’ve been so worried about you!”

   As Hidama hugged them in return, it was as if his mind sparked again.  He could remember hugging the fox children, and now he remember why he had been hugging them.  He closed his eyes as he hugged them, and the last words he spoke with them returned…

   ** “Hey, you spoke as if Knuckles was still alive earlier.  Isn’t there anything you can do Hidama?” Jacob had asked.

   “Of course there is…, I’m just trying to muster up the courage and strength to do it…for it isn’t easy…what I’m going to do…but I love him, and in order to set things right, I need my brother to continue living…even if that means…I can’t…” Hidama had sadly replied.

   “Take care of your sister, captain of the guardian, and know I’ll always love you, for you have been dear friends to me.  Be at peace now and forever, May you be in pain no longer.” **

   Those were the last words he spoke to them, and it was before he had sacrificed his soul for the return of his brother’s but he had not expected he would live, for while he had this power, he had never experimented with it before, and now he was eager to make sure it had worked.  Now his thoughts turned immediately to his brother, who, while he still couldn’t remember what he looked like, felt the utmost urgency in his heart to return to.

   He smiled, and stood back up, looking to Shadow, his face clearly conveying what was on his mind.  Shadow walked up to the echidna, chuckled softly and said, “You’re curious about your brother I’m sure, is that right?”

   Hidama nodded slowly and said, “Of course I am, this is far from a laughing matter.  I pray you’d be more serious about this.”  Shadow looked at Hidama’s face, and nodded, folding his arms.  Hidama sighed heavily, and after a long pause, asked, “You’re right…when I pleaded for Knuckles’ soul be returned to him, I was offering mine in exchange, or so I thought.  The village elders had little time to explain adequately how my power is supposed to work, but that much of it I remembered.  Now, seeing as I’m alive…,” he paused, and said, “I’d like to know how my brother is.” He swallowed hard, as if he didn’t want to know the answer.

   Shadow sensed this, and placed a hand on Hidama’s shoulder, smiling and saying, “He’s fine and well Hidama, and he’s just as eager to see you as you are him.  It’s time you two were finally reunited, sons of the guardian, last true blood of your race.  I’m here to take you home, for good.”

   For the first time sense he had awoken, and sense he was free from Feldmort’s control, Hinsei Hidama looked truly and genuinely happy.  He was overjoyed at the thought of seeing his brother again.  Out of impulse, he quickly hugged Shadow, and Shadow, though startled by this, hugged Hidama with one arm, his own heart relieved at seeing Hidama alive and happy again.

   Once Hidama pulled away from Shadow, he said, “How—how quickly can we start the journey home?  I feel the sense of urgency to get back to him; I cannot tarry any more than I can afford it.”

   Shadow shook his head and said, “I understand…we will go, and on our way we are going to take Jacob and Olivia home, and back to their family.”  Shadow walked over to talk to the three band members, ignoring for a moment the look of shock and awe in the eyes of the fox children.

   As Hidama walked over and stood next to them, Jacob looked up to Hidama and said, “But…I thought that our family was killed!  What family do we have to go back to?”

   Hidama too was puzzled by this, but again, his memory sparked at Jacob’s words.  He closed his eyes, and remembering the death of his own family and kinsmen, he recalled a conversation he had with Shadow once, while they were in captivity together…

   **“ I just feel so terrible for those fox children…Shadow; they’ve suffered the same as I have, and my brother.  They are just lucky to have each other.  I think maybe they’ll get out of this alive,” Hidama said.

   “Oh, do not worry long for them Hinsei Hidama, for some of their family did escape Feldmort’s terror.  I do believe their parents are dead, but not all their family has died.  Infact, I believe they have older siblings that yet live…a sister and brother perhaps, an aunt or uncle here and there, as well as some friends.  They just need to get home, and I intend to rescue them as well as you.” Shadow replied.

   “Wait…that’s wonderful that they have family and friends to return to…but where do they live?  I’d be overjoyed for them to be reunited.”

   “They come from the Northern Kingdom…the far northern reaches of this continent we live on.  From the Northern Kingdom it is perhaps a few days run to where Angel Island floats now…off-shore from a town called Station Square where friends of your brother live.” Shadow answered, and after a long pause, he added, “And once we bring them home, I’ll take you back to your brother…where you belong.” **

   That was it, Hidama couldn’t wait any longer.  He walked up to Shadow and the three hedgehogs.  Zachary, Joel and Bill looked worn out enough as it was, and Shadow, seeing Hidama standing beside him knew the time had come to leave.  Shadow looked to Bill and said, “Well my friend, again I am in your debt.  I owe you three big time for this, but I suppose just letting you get some proper sleep would be payment enough for now right?”

   Bill laughed and nodded, saying, “It’s never any trouble for us Shadow; you are our fourth wheel after all, so don’t be a stranger around here you hear?”

   Zachary grinned and said, “Besides, we’ve got a big concert coming up, and we’d love you to be there!  We’re working on restoring this town and making it more welcoming; we’re aiming for a brand new Radical City, so yeah, don’t be a stranger!”

   Joel walked up to Shadow, and extending his hand he said, “It’s always a pleasure doing business with ya Shads my man.  How about we get you to the outskirts of town?  We can also provide you with provisions enough to reach the Northern Kingdom; I’m sure you’ll be met with nothing but success.”

   Shadow, shaking Joel’s hand laughed and said, “You have my undying gratitude, and theirs as well,” he said nodding to the echidna and fox children.  Without many other words spoken, the six left the creaky, nasty, abandoned building, and made it to the edge of town, with the three band members to see them off.

   Zachary hugged the fox children, having grown close to them in such a short time and said, “Hey, promise you’ll come back to visit me sometime?  Maybe Shadow could take you to see one of our concerts; that would be awesome for sure.”

   While Shadow and the fox children said their goodbyes, Hidama gazed with earnest at the horizon, and seeing the band members depart, and Olivia at his side, he knew his time had almost come. Olivia said, “Hee, hee, this is wonderful Hidama!  We’ll get to see some of our family again, and then you’ll be with your brother again.  It won’t be long now!”

   Hidama smiled weakly, and once Shadow and Jacob joined them, their adventure began.  The fox children would be with their family, and then Hidama and Shadow would go with all speed to Angel Island.  For Hidama, the reunion with his brother just could not come soon enough…for either of them.

Description
"Love that Gives True Peace"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 3: "Hinsei Hidama Awakens"

   The group of five now sat quietly together in the decaying, abandoned apartment building.  After Jacob and Olivia had calmed down, they sat only inches away from Hidama’s seemingly lifeless body as the gold, amber light continued to fly into him.  The light didn’t enter his body in one place; rather, it circled around him as if he were an atom, flying into his body at a smooth, but seamless pace.  The silver light still cradled him, and as the children sat huddled together, this light indeed comforted them as a mother’s embrace would on a stormy night.

   Meanwhile, Joel stared out of a lone window in the room as the pesky drizzle finally subsided.  He heaved a heavy sigh as his gaze finally diverted away from the window, and he turned to look to his friends.  Bill was sitting down, leaning against the wall and his head resting on his knees as he tried to sleep.  The three of them had not slept for a good twenty hours, and had hardly rested since their concert the evening before, and finally Bill felt the need for rest, and the comfort of Hidama’s healing light allowed him to do so, even in a miserable building such as this one.

   Zachary had the same idea.  He had taken off his jacket to use as a pillow, and was stretched out on the floor next to Bill, trying to sleep.  He was perhaps the most tired of any of them, for he was the drummer of the band, and notorious for being hyper and wacky at his concerts.  The most shining example of this was when he rushed to put his drum set together and did so improperly, and during the first song of the night the bass drum came loose and rolled all around the stage, as the three of them had to chase it down.  Zachary made it into a game, almost like they were hunting a wild animal, and that was one of the ways he charmed his way into the hearts of many.

   Joel yawned heavily and glanced at Shadow.  Even now Olivia and Jacob slept as they rested against each other, and now Joel was wanting of sleep.  Yet he looked at Shadow, and the black and red hedgehog stood in silence in the corner of the room opposite to Joel.  He gazed intently at Hidama, his eyes locked on Hidama’s despite the fact that they remained tightly shut.  Joel couldn’t put his finger on exactly why Shadow had so much love for this echidna, and while he admired it, he was mystified by it.  Despite his tired eyes, he tip toed over to Shadow and whispered, “Need some company?”

   Shadow glanced at Joel and smiled, laughing quietly and saying, “If you care to give it I’ll take it graciously.”  Joel smiled in return, and leaned against the wall next to Shadow, folding his arms, and noticing that the smile had already disappeared from Shadow’s face, and he returned his gaze to Hidama.

   Joel glanced around the room at those who were already sleeping, before looking to Shadow and saying, “It’s amazing…the devotion you have for Hidama…and apparently his brother as well.”  He paused, and said, “Why is it you care so much for these brothers?  I don’t understand why you give so much of your time and concern to them Shadow, and I guess since I admire it so much I want to know why it is so.”

   The hedgehog remained silent, unmoving from his position and gaze, but chuckled softly, and whispered, “And you are not alone Joel my friend, for I cannot find words to explain this devotion I have for them.”  He paused, then turned to Joel and continued.  “I guess it is because I admire them and their strength.  I knew of Knuckles a good while before Hidama’s sad tale reached my ears, and had already developed a deep respect for him.  You look at Knuckles’ life, and what he’s been through, and you can’t help but salute him and his strength.  Then, once I heard of dear Hidama’s troubles, and discovered the horrors he had to endure when I was held prisoner with him, I developed the same respect and admiration for him as I had for Knuckles.  Now, ever since I escaped, it has been on my mind to reunite them, and now, I am overjoyed to finally be this close to accomplishing my goal.  It’s about time somebody reward them for all they’ve endured, they more than anybody deserve this kind of happiness and peace.”

   Joel smiled, glanced at Hidama, and said, “Well, you certainly found words enough to satisfy me Shadow.  I’m sure they’ll be grateful to you forever for all you’ve done for them.”  Looking to Shadow, he continued, “While I only know about them what you’ve told me, you are right, and I’m in full agreement with you; they certainly deserve a reunion, after all they’ve been through it’s about time they were together again.”

   Shadow nodded and said, “Well I’m glad that I got that across well enough my friend.  Now all we can do is wait for him to awaken…it’s almost time.  He’s been here a good while now, and it’s been longer since he began this healing journey.”  Shadow breathed a deep sigh, leaned against the wall, folded his arms across his chest, hung his head and said, “We’ll have to move quickly…first I have to take the fox children back to the survivors of their family, and then bring Hidama home as quickly as possible.  Amy’s baby will come soon, and I simply cannot risk being slow, for Hidama still has many enemies.  Now that the news of a second son of the guardian of the Master Emerald is alive has spread, many will hunt him down for his power, just as Lord Feldmort did, and Hidama will need much longer to regain his true strength.  I also cannot risk drawing these enemies towards Angel Island…if they track us they’ll find the Master Emerald and disrupt the peace that Hidama’s absence and Knuckles’ isolation had provided.  This will be the last part of the journey…and perhaps the hardest as well.”

   After finishing his sentence Shadow looked at Joel, who even though he was listening had closed his eyes to sleep.  Shadow shook his head, sighing, put a hand on Joel’s shoulder and said, “Please Joel, rest for awhile my friend.  Indeed, once Hidama awakens I will have need of you three no longer, and you can get back to your lives, but for now, rest anyway.  Anything can happen between now and the time Hidama awakens.”  To this, Joel only responded with a heavy yawn and a sleepy nod, sliding down to the floor near Bill and curling up to sleep.

   Once Joel drifted off to sleep, Shadow returned to his watch over Hidama.  The hours slowly ticked by, and Shadow remained content to watch Hidama’s rejuvenation, not needing sleep or rest of any kind.  Silence enveloped the room, and as the first rays of daylight broke through the darkness, the last of the amber light flowed into Hidama’s body.  Shadow had fallen asleep some time before, and was awakened by the sunlight pouring through the window.  He was used to the light that had enveloped Hidama, but as he roused he noticed this was sunlight, not the healing light that suspended Hidama above the ground.

   Everyone else in the room was waking up as well, and their eyes were all drawn to the fallen guardian.  As the last of the amber light flew into Hidama’s chest, the silvery white light that cradled him fused into him as well, with the last remnants of it fading away as he floated slowly and gently down to the floor.  Jacob and Olivia were excited, but Shadow hushed them quickly, and said, “No!  Not another sound!  Do not startle him!”

   Everyone held their breath, their eyes locked on the still form of Hinsei Hidama.  Bill and Zachary stood up slowly, exchanging glances with each other and Joel, who glanced at them with wonder in his eyes, and they returned it.  Olivia and Jacob looked at Hidama with an intense pleading in their eyes, and Shadow, he gazed with an almost impatient urgency at the fallen guardian.

   Finally after mere moments of tense silence, the eyes of the fallen guardian fluttered opened, his sapphire eyes maintaining the healthy glow they had recovered upon his release from Feldmort’s control.  He yawned deeply, and stretched his arms high in the air in order to loosen up his muscles.  He wasn’t fully aware of what was going on at first, and while outwardly he appeared as good as new, there was obviously much inner healing and recovery left to do.

   He sat up fast, and seeing the three band members, not having the faintest idea who they were, immediately put him on the defensive.  Shadow saw this, but said nothing as Hidama glared at the three of them with a threatening look, trying to mask how terrified of them he really was, not having anywhere near enough power to combat them if they were to attack.  At this point he was nothing more than a cornered mouse, forced to cower in fear at an approaching enemy.  As far as power and strength, he was barely a shadow of what he had been when he saved Knuckles’ life, and now he feared for his own.

   Olivia, seeing Hidama’s fear, confusion, and offensiveness towards her three new friends, spoke up softly and said, “Hi-Hidama?  They’re your friends…they helped us find you.  You don’t need to be afraid of them.”

   Shadow’s eyes darted over to the small fox girl, he feared what Hidama might do next, seeing as Hidama was already fully aware of how weak he was, and ready to strike with what little power he had.  Shadow knew what was really going on…for he had suffered the same thing all too often before.  Hidama’s memory was still scattered and broken, and it would take some days more before he recovered his full recollection and be exactly how he was before.  Outwardly he was healed, inside…he was still weak, battered, broken and scarred, and that is why Shadow was so desperate to find him.

   Hidama too jerked his head around to look at the fox girl.  He stared at her and Jacob, narrowing his eyes, getting a terribly pained look on his face, one of frustration and confusion.  In his heart, he knew he knew them somehow, and even her kind and gentle voice was comforting, but he could not recall how he knew them, and only backed away in fear.

   Olivia gasped, for she had grown so close to Hinsei Hidama, treating him as another older brother, and she was almost brought to tears.  She took a step towards Hidama and tried to reach out to him, but Jacob held her back.  Her voice quivering, she sniffed and said, “Hidama…how can you not know me and Jacob?”  Then, she broke down into tears, her brother hugging her tightly.

   Hidama’s heart went out to Olivia, not meaning to make her cry, and as Joel walked carefully over to comfort her, Hidama whispered, “I—I did not mean to hurt you…I just…don’t know who you are.  My heart remembers but my mind weeps at its flaws.”

   Now that the other five were huddled together, trying to console Olivia, Shadow walked over to Hidama, trying not to startle him, and kneeling down next to the fallen guardian, Shadow said, “I believe that you do infact remember her, Hidama, just as you remember her brother…and your own brother as well.”

   Hidama turned his head to look at Shadow, as if hearing the mention of his brother, not even his name directly, but just the fact that he had a brother sparked some awareness in him.  He smiled weakly, his face brightening as he said, “You’re Shadow…I remember you.  You have come to rescue me…like I knew you would all along.”

   Shadow smiled, but quickly nodded over to the group and said, “Those three…you need not fear them.  They know all about you and your brother through me, and it is because of them that I was able to find you.”  Hidama looked at the three hedgehogs, who returned his gaze with a smile and a nod, agreeing with what Shadow said.  To this, Hidama replied with a smile, and Shadow’s heart felt better if just a little.  Then, the black hedgehog nodded towards the fox children, and said, “Do not grieve for her tears, in your heart I know you remember them, though your not-yet-healed mind still needs time to recover.  She is Olivia, and her brother’s name is Jacob.  I wouldn’t be too upset…your memories will recover soon enough.”

   Hidama looked at the fox children carefully, but quickly closed his eyes, breathing deeply, with all the power he had, he beckoned his memories return to him.  Slowly, the memories he had temporarily lost flowed back into his mind.  This would by no means be a quick recovery, but in those few seconds, his memories of the fox children he had come to love as younger siblings, came back slowly.  From the time he first met them, to when he hugged them before saving his brother, he could finally remember his dear friends.

   He began to stand up.  This was unusually difficult for him, as he had not flexed his joints and muscles for some time and was quite stiff; Shadow took the echidna’s arm, and put it around his shoulders to help steady him.  Once Hidama was on his feet, he pulled away from Shadow slowly, and walked over to the Jacob and Olivia.  The first few steps were slightly hard for him, but once he got to Olivia, he knelt down easily beside her.  She looked at him, her eyes filled with tears.  Hidama, though still not entirely himself, managed a bright smile, and taking Olivia’s hands in his own, said, “How could I forget you?  My dear Olivia, I didn’t forget you…my mind still needed a few minutes to wake up.”

   Olivia’s tears immediately disappeared, her happiness becoming elated joy; she practically leaped into Hidama’s arms and hugged him tightly, and Jacob followed in suite.  Jacob laughed and said, “We’re just glad you’re alright!  We’ve been so worried about you!”

   As Hidama hugged them in return, it was as if his mind sparked again.  He could remember hugging the fox children, and now he remember why he had been hugging them.  He closed his eyes as he hugged them, and the last words he spoke with them returned…

   ** “Hey, you spoke as if Knuckles was still alive earlier.  Isn’t there anything you can do Hidama?” Jacob had asked.

   “Of course there is…, I’m just trying to muster up the courage and strength to do it…for it isn’t easy…what I’m going to do…but I love him, and in order to set things right, I need my brother to continue living…even if that means…I can’t…” Hidama had sadly replied.

   “Take care of your sister, captain of the guardian, and know I’ll always love you, for you have been dear friends to me.  Be at peace now and forever, May you be in pain no longer.” **

   Those were the last words he spoke to them, and it was before he had sacrificed his soul for the return of his brother’s but he had not expected he would live, for while he had this power, he had never experimented with it before, and now he was eager to make sure it had worked.  Now his thoughts turned immediately to his brother, who, while he still couldn’t remember what he looked like, felt the utmost urgency in his heart to return to.

   He smiled, and stood back up, looking to Shadow, his face clearly conveying what was on his mind.  Shadow walked up to the echidna, chuckled softly and said, “You’re curious about your brother I’m sure, is that right?”

   Hidama nodded slowly and said, “Of course I am, this is far from a laughing matter.  I pray you’d be more serious about this.”  Shadow looked at Hidama’s face, and nodded, folding his arms.  Hidama sighed heavily, and after a long pause, asked, “You’re right…when I pleaded for Knuckles’ soul be returned to him, I was offering mine in exchange, or so I thought.  The village elders had little time to explain adequately how my power is supposed to work, but that much of it I remembered.  Now, seeing as I’m alive…,” he paused, and said, “I’d like to know how my brother is.” He swallowed hard, as if he didn’t want to know the answer.

   Shadow sensed this, and placed a hand on Hidama’s shoulder, smiling and saying, “He’s fine and well Hidama, and he’s just as eager to see you as you are him.  It’s time you two were finally reunited, sons of the guardian, last true blood of your race.  I’m here to take you home, for good.”

   For the first time sense he had awoken, and sense he was free from Feldmort’s control, Hinsei Hidama looked truly and genuinely happy.  He was overjoyed at the thought of seeing his brother again.  Out of impulse, he quickly hugged Shadow, and Shadow, though startled by this, hugged Hidama with one arm, his own heart relieved at seeing Hidama alive and happy again.

   Once Hidama pulled away from Shadow, he said, “How—how quickly can we start the journey home?  I feel the sense of urgency to get back to him; I cannot tarry any more than I can afford it.”

   Shadow shook his head and said, “I understand…we will go, and on our way we are going to take Jacob and Olivia home, and back to their family.”  Shadow walked over to talk to the three band members, ignoring for a moment the look of shock and awe in the eyes of the fox children.

   As Hidama walked over and stood next to them, Jacob looked up to Hidama and said, “But…I thought that our family was killed!  What family do we have to go back to?”

   Hidama too was puzzled by this, but again, his memory sparked at Jacob’s words.  He closed his eyes, and remembering the death of his own family and kinsmen, he recalled a conversation he had with Shadow once, while they were in captivity together…

   **“ I just feel so terrible for those fox children…Shadow; they’ve suffered the same as I have, and my brother.  They are just lucky to have each other.  I think maybe they’ll get out of this alive,” Hidama said.

   “Oh, do not worry long for them Hinsei Hidama, for some of their family did escape Feldmort’s terror.  I do believe their parents are dead, but not all their family has died.  Infact, I believe they have older siblings that yet live…a sister and brother perhaps, an aunt or uncle here and there, as well as some friends.  They just need to get home, and I intend to rescue them as well as you.” Shadow replied.

   “Wait…that’s wonderful that they have family and friends to return to…but where do they live?  I’d be overjoyed for them to be reunited.”

   “They come from the Northern Kingdom…the far northern reaches of this continent we live on.  From the Northern Kingdom it is perhaps a few days run to where Angel Island floats now…off-shore from a town called Station Square where friends of your brother live.” Shadow answered, and after a long pause, he added, “And once we bring them home, I’ll take you back to your brother…where you belong.” **

   That was it, Hidama couldn’t wait any longer.  He walked up to Shadow and the three hedgehogs.  Zachary, Joel and Bill looked worn out enough as it was, and Shadow, seeing Hidama standing beside him knew the time had come to leave.  Shadow looked to Bill and said, “Well my friend, again I am in your debt.  I owe you three big time for this, but I suppose just letting you get some proper sleep would be payment enough for now right?”

   Bill laughed and nodded, saying, “It’s never any trouble for us Shadow; you are our fourth wheel after all, so don’t be a stranger around here you hear?”

   Zachary grinned and said, “Besides, we’ve got a big concert coming up, and we’d love you to be there!  We’re working on restoring this town and making it more welcoming; we’re aiming for a brand new Radical City, so yeah, don’t be a stranger!”

   Joel walked up to Shadow, and extending his hand he said, “It’s always a pleasure doing business with ya Shads my man.  How about we get you to the outskirts of town?  We can also provide you with provisions enough to reach the Northern Kingdom; I’m sure you’ll be met with nothing but success.”

   Shadow, shaking Joel’s hand laughed and said, “You have my undying gratitude, and theirs as well,” he said nodding to the echidna and fox children.  Without many other words spoken, the six left the creaky, nasty, abandoned building, and made it to the edge of town, with the three band members to see them off.

   Zachary hugged the fox children, having grown close to them in such a short time and said, “Hey, promise you’ll come back to visit me sometime?  Maybe Shadow could take you to see one of our concerts; that would be awesome for sure.”

   While Shadow and the fox children said their goodbyes, Hidama gazed with earnest at the horizon, and seeing the band members depart, and Olivia at his side, he knew his time had almost come. Olivia said, “Hee, hee, this is wonderful Hidama!  We’ll get to see some of our family again, and then you’ll be with your brother again.  It won’t be long now!”

   Hidama smiled weakly, and once Shadow and Jacob joined them, their adventure began.  The fox children would be with their family, and then Hidama and Shadow would go with all speed to Angel Island.  For Hidama, the reunion with his brother just could not come soon enough…for either of them.