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"Through Their Eyes"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

Focuses on KnuxAmy, with hints of ShadowxRouge, and SonicxBlaze

Part One: Amy's Guardian

   Snow covered mountains were on the receiving end of a fresh layer of white powder on this, the third week of December.  Though now the snowfall was on hold, very little sunlight managed to break through the ceiling of heavy storm clouds that just barely floated out of reach of the mountaintops.  Streams of light broke through, lighting trails that led through the woods that covered the hills like a blanket, providing a much needed ability to see as a small group of friends hiked through them, on their way to a cabin on the mountainside, where they planned to celebrate the week before Christmas.

   At all other times of the year, their schedules were fixed in a way that they spent little time with each other unless brought together to fight for a common goal.  Each had their own reason for keeping busy, and yet for this special time of year, they found time to reunite and build on their friendship, special ties that brought together these souls that in any other case, would never know each other.

   The leader of this group, perhaps the best known of them, was a blue hedgehog named Sonic.  Wearing a black windbreaker jacket and green scarf, he carried a picnic basket, filled with provisions for the week, in one hand, while a bag slung over his shoulder was filled with gifts he had for his friends, wrapped and ready to go.  With his free hand, he shielded his eyes, gazing into the woods, where their cabin finally came into view.

   Looking back to his friends, he waved and shouted, “Hey everybody!  We’re almost there!  Come on!”  Exercising his super speed, though slightly hampered by the deep snow and the need to protect his cargo, Sonic sped ahead of the group now that the log cabin was in sight.

   A young, two-tailed fox, named Tails took as long a stride as his legs would allow, to try and catch up to Sonic.  He wore a backpack, laden with gifts for his friends and more provisions, but did not immediately race after his friend.  He paused and called, “Hey Sonic!  Wait up!”  He looked back to the rest of the group as they followed along, shaking his head as he added, “Not even heavy snowpack and a five mile hike uphill from the bus depot is enough to slow him down,” with a laugh.

   Soon Cream, a creamy white and brown bunny, the youngest of the group, caught up with her friend Tails.  She carried a tote bag with her own gifts and belongings in her hands, while her Chao buddy Cheese flew alongside her glancing around at the trees covered with snow, carrying a small basket filled with cookies.

   Stopping her walk beside Tails, Cream giggled gleefully and said, “He’s just excited Tails, I know I am!  This Christmas we’re all going to be together!  It’s gonna be the best holiday ever!”

   “Chao!  Chao!” Cheese cried in happy reply.

   Tails laughed and replied, “It is awesome to have the whole group together.  The downside to keeping Eggman and his plans under control is we never see each other for the most part.  Christmas is the best because it means we get to be together.  It’s just too bad we all can’t see each other more throughout the year.”

   Before Tails, Cream and Cheese could resume their hike, Amy Rose, a pink hedgehog with a deep admiration for her favorite hero, Sonic, rushed by them.  Convinced that she was the only one for Sonic, she was driven to continue her pursuit of him, out of the sole belief that one day they would be married.  She was never shaken, even when Sonic would fend off her advances with a quick excuse to abandon the situation.  He didn’t really mind Amy, but found her unwavering desire to win him over very uncomfortable, and only tolerated them for the sake of not hurting her feelings.

   Still, she was determined for this week in the mountains to be the time that she finally found her way into Sonic’s heart.  It was perfect; she would have plenty of opportunities to have the moment with him that she had dreamt of for the past several years of her life.

   She too called out to Sonic, crying, “Wait for me Sonic!”  Pausing only long enough to get a better grip on the packages she was carrying, she ran ahead, continuing to cry out to him.

   Tails and Cream glanced at each other, taking each other’s hand as they resumed their walk, knowing this was going to be quite an interesting week with Sonic and Amy living in the same house together.  Even with the rest of them and the holidays to distract her, they knew that Amy was bound and determined to come out of this week with Sonic’s heart forever bound to her own.

   Still, it seemed the remaining three of the group weren’t nearly as concerned with this as Tails and Cream were.  Following behind Tails and Cream, a black and red hedgehog named Shadow and a white furred bat called Rouge walked together, not holding hands; instead Shadow had his arm wrapped around Rouge’s shoulder as they walked.  Shadow’s face was almost expressionless, his eyes half shut, as if watching what unfolded before him was enough to put him to sleep.  Still, he had a small smile on his face, and as he looked to Rouge, he remarked, “Seems Sonic’s going to have a time dealing with Amy this week.  I wonder how long it’ll be before she takes a hint and calls off this…foolish pursuit.  Can’t she see how it burdens him?  The only reason he hasn’t completely blown her off is because he’s a softie and doesn’t want to hurt her feelings.  He’s leading this poor girl on.”

   Rouge looked to Shadow, smiling in the same way he did.  With her arms crossed, she tugged on her scarf until it fit better as she replied, “I don’t know Shadow, and yet I think maybe Sonic’s about to make his move, although how Amy will react might be worse than him simply telling her no.  Maybe he thinks she won’t believe him if he simply tells her to back off.  Maybe he’s realized actions speak louder than words.”

   With a grin, Shadow’s eyes opened all the way, now humored by the conversation.  “That’s right…he invited that other girl to spend the holidays with us didn’t he?  She could only get away once the festival in her world was over…but she said she’d be here.  Feh, if anything good came from Eggman and Eggman Nega it was that in the aftermath of their madness we were able to harness that dimensional travel.”  After a pause, Shadow looked ahead, catching a glimpse of Amy as she feverishly chased Sonic in the distance.  “I do believe actions shall speak louder than words Rouge, and I’m looking forward to spending this week with you.”

   Glancing at Shadow with a flirtatious gleam in her eyes, Rouge replied, “I’m looking forward to it too.”

   Shadow grinned at Rouge with a smile he would only show her, rubbing her shoulder gently as they continued to walk together.  For a moment, Rouge glanced back at the final member of the group, stuck with hauling the remainder of the supplies and presents up the mountainside in a large wagon behind his back, simply because of his immense strength and endurance.  A red echidna named Knuckles, the last of his kind and the Guardian of the Master Emerald, trudged slowly up the mountain after his friends, appearing unconcerned with their words and antics, and yet was still fully absorbed by what was going on.

   He had only come after Amy, Cream and Tails begged him to come.  He handled the care of the Master Emerald as he did whenever he had to leave it.  It wasn’t that necessity that bothered him the most when it came to coming along on this vacation.  He enjoyed seeing his comrades and friends, considering the majority of his life was spent in isolation on Angel Island; infact he craved time spent with others.  What bothered him was the nature of his company.

   Normally, when in battle, all attention was focused on the task at hand, and the true nature of his friends was hidden.  Now, he would be spending time with them when they were free to be themselves, and this was quite an interesting thing to ponder.  Shadow and Rouge clearly had feelings for each other.  Knuckles wouldn’t say it, but he could see the way Shadow smiled at her.  With nothing to fight and only time to relax, their blooming relationship would only show that much clearer.

   It would also be a time for Tails and Cream to enjoy their childhood while it remained, and Christmas was one of the more special times of year for children.  It gave Knuckles a good feeling to know they would be happy.

   What bothered Knuckles the most about this trip was within his range of sight.  He too could see Amy chasing Sonic down.  With a low growl, Knuckles shut his eyes, unburdened by the heavy wagon or the uphill climb, and instead annoyed by this game Sonic played with Amy.

   The echidna was well aware of how Sonic felt about her, for while on several journeys together, the two teens confided in one another about their problems.  While their young partner Tails would sleep, Sonic and Knuckles would talk about their struggles and problems, and one topic that was often discussed was Amy.

   Sonic told Knuckles that while he valued his friendship with Amy, that the constant chasing and nagging about being his girlfriend had taken a toll on his opinion of her.  He wanted nothing more than for her to grow up and mature and realize that he wasn’t interested in her, nor would he ever be.  When Knuckles asked him why he didn’t just tell her this, the hedgehog lowered his eyes, confessing that he wasn’t sure if she would believe him, or that he would break her heart, which was the last thing he wanted to do.  And so he simply put up with her, caring enough to not want to hurt her feelings, but not enough to accept them.

   As he walked, Knuckles remembered the countless times Sonic begged him to tell Amy for him.  Knuckles refused, not wanting any part in this “stupid game,” as he put it.  The echidna hoped things would work out, because he too did not want to have to break Amy’s heart.  Though he had lived alone for so many years, he still respected women, even if they sometimes nagged him as Amy, and even Rouge, tended to do, although when it came to protecting the Master Emerald, Knuckles still had a duty to fight.

   Rouge told him she could take it.  Taunting him as she flew away with the Master Emerald, she teased him as he stood, unwilling to fight at first.  Yet when faced with someone who would not listen to his cries, he knew he had to fight.  He held no ill will to Rouge though…and while they had a fragile truce between them, he would only fight her if his duty called for it.

   It was nothing personal, but still he dealt with his problems, and he made his frustration with Sonic at not handling his more than well known.  As the cabin finally came into view, Knuckles could see Shadow and Rouge step inside with the others, while Sonic waited outside to help Knuckles carry in his cargo.

   Setting the wagon down, Knuckles wiped his forehead and took a breath.  Sonic came up beside him and said, “Awesome Knux!  You really made this hike a breeze!”

   The echidna glanced at Sonic with narrowed eyes.  “I’m the only one who could apparently.”  Sonic grinned sheepishly before turning to gather up boxes and bags to bring inside.  Knuckles said nothing more as they worked together to unload the wagon, until they brought the last load inside, closing the door behind them.  Everyone was getting settled; Amy, Tails, Cream and Cheese were already decorating their Christmas tree, while Shadow and Rouge had retreated to the porch outside, sitting in rocking chairs, with their hands held together between them.

   Sitting down their loads, Knuckles finally looked to the Christmas tree where Amy was busy stringing on lights.  Sonic returned from hanging up his jacket and saw this.  Knuckles looked to Sonic and said, “So, I hear you’re finally going to take advice I’ve been shoving in your face for the past two years and tell her aren’t you?  You’ve decided to take this special time of year and ruin it for her.”

   Sonic lowered his eyes and hung his head.  “You wouldn’t understand Knuckles.  I—I want to spend Christmas with Blaze.  I know when she gets here, Amy will finally understand.  I won’t have to say a thing.”

   Knuckles glared at Sonic, growling softly as he did so.  “I can’t believe you Sonic.  You’re going to let Blaze walk in here and then plant a kiss on her cheek as you hold her close.  For all you know Amy might think you’re trying to lead her on again.  When are you gonna grow up and deal with things the right way?”

   The hedgehog looked back at Knuckles in disbelief.  Frowning, he said, “I told you Knuckles.  I can’t do it.  I won’t break her heart like that.”

   “So instead you’re going to ignore her when she breaks down, realizing the truth at last.  You can’t avoid this Sonic!  One way or another you’re going to have to hurt her feelings, and I refuse to be a part of it.  You brought this upon yourself, and I can’t believe you’re going to hurt her in this way,” Knuckles countered.

   Glancing nervously at Amy, Sonic grabbed hold of Knuckles’ arm and pulled him down the hallway to the bedroom they would share.  Knuckles tore away from him as Sonic closed the door, growling as he rubbed his arm where Sonic grabbed him.

   “Grow up Knuckles; you act as if I stabbed you or something,” Sonic snorted.

   The echidna growled again, clenching his fists.  “So, you drag me in here so she won’t hear you say it.  The last thing you want is for her to hear say you don’t love her.  Sonic, it’s the best thing you can do for her!  All this time she’s wasted on you she could have put towards something meaningful…towards a future that actually stands a chance at making it!  How stupid can you be?  Do you think ignoring her like this is the answer?”

   Crossing his arms, Sonic shook his head and replied, “I’m ready to end it, but you shout at me as if you’re trying to block out a guilty conscience.  Do you think maybe you could have avoided her heart breaking if you had told her for me when I asked you to?”

   “You won’t pin this on me Sonic!” Knuckles shouted, infuriated.

   Marching up to him, Sonic shouted, “You sure fight with Rouge enough to make me think you have no respect for women whatsoever!  You’re no better than I am Knuckles!  Why don’t you show that apathy for feelings and tell Amy for me!  She may be crushed, but it won’t affect you any will it?”

   Shaking his fist only inches from Sonic’s face, Knuckles shouted, “Don’t bring Rouge into this!  When she steals the Master Emerald, I have to fight.  It’s not as if she’s a damsel in distress!  When she does that, she’s a thief!  A common criminal!  If she isn’t stealing it, I’ll respect her.  I don’t just hurt people for the heck of it like you do Sonic.  I’m not so selfish and egocentric that I’ll cast aside concern for a friend in favor of getting out of a problem easily!  Amy doesn’t deserve to be crushed by you!  When I defend the Master Emerald, Rouge deserves it.  I don’t do it just for the sake of building myself up!”

   The two stared at each other angrily, and yet before Sonic could retaliate, Shadow, who with Tails was also bunking in this room, walked in without knocking.  Having heard most of the argument from outside, he stepped between them, pushing them apart and said, “Alright, that’s enough of that.  I just had to convince those kids out there that you two were play fighting over something stupid.  Whatever feud you’ve got going on, just drop it.  Don’t ruin the week for everyone else.”

   Sonic glanced between Shadow and Knuckles, and playing on this, Sonic casually flung his hands in the air, grinning as he walked out of the room.  “Gee Shads; Knucklehead here was just being difficult.  I can’t help it if he wants to start a fight and destroy the happiness can I?”

   He left the room, while Knuckles clenched his fists and growled saying, “Why I oughta…I’ll kick his sorry tail yes I will!”

   “No you won’t!” Shadow exclaimed, holding the echidna back, as he was probably the only one who could.  Trying to calm Knuckles down, Shadow continued, “I don’t know exactly what was said, but I heard Amy’s and Rouge’s names plenty.  I know Sonic thinks you have no respect for anyone Knuckles, but you do.  While I don’t like anyone hurting Rouge, you only fight for what you need to protect, and right now that’s the Master Emerald.  Not even I can blame you for that.  If you were to hurt Rouge needlessly, I’d fight back twice as hard to defend her, but if it were a battle for defense I’d simply break up the conflict.  I know you don’t hate her; I know you have respect.  I was taught enough about all life that I know echidnas had deep respect for the women of their community.  It shows Knuckles…the way you attack Sonic because of how he’s treating Amy.  It’s not Sonic that angers you, it’s the fact that Amy is going to be hurt as a result of his deeds.  You’re moving to defend Amy, just as I would protect Rouge.”

   Knuckles, who had finally calmed down, raised an eyebrow as he looked at Shadow.  “Wait,” he said, “Are you actually comparing my so-called defense of Amy to you and Rouge?  Heh, you’re crazy Shadow.  I’m beating on Sonic for hurting her yes, but not because she means anything to me.”

   As Knuckles turned to leave the room, Shadow smiled a little and said, “Absolutely nothing?  She means nothing to you at all.  If she were to break down and cry, running away after Sonic breaks her heart, you’d stand idly by and watch her suffer?”

   The echidna paused, half looking back to Shadow and said, “No…but I’d run after anyone Sonic hurt.”

   “You’d run after Blaze?”

   “No, because I’d punish Sonic for it until he ran to apologize.”

   “What about Cream?”

   “Tails would run first…but I’d follow him.”

   “And Rouge?”

   Knuckles turned around fully and asked, “Why are you asking me such stupid questions?  You’d run after Rouge!  You wouldn’t need me to help you…and neither would Tails or Sonic…”

   Shadow took a few steps forward and asked, “Then what about Amy?  Who would run after her?”

   Knuckles didn’t reply, he instead gazed at Shadow, unsure of what to say.

   “Would you trust Tails and Cream to comfort her?” Shadow asked.

   “I—I think they’re too young to understand enough to help her,” Knuckles replied softly.

   “What about Rouge and I?”

   “You know enough, but you aren’t close enough to the root of the problem,” Knuckles answered, his voice growing softer.

   “And Sonic and Blaze?”

   “Ugh no!  They’d just make it worse!  Even if Blaze was trying to be sympathetic, it would only rub salt in the wound, and Lord knows I haven’t been able to trust Sonic at all!” he replied, his voice louder but plagued with distress.

   Shaking his head, Shadow sighed and said, “Then who do you trust to run after her?  If none of us can be trusted, who will she turn to?”

   Knuckles looked at Shadow in disbelief, then lowered his eyes and sighed.  “That’s what Sonic wants me to do.  He wants me to take the brunt of her anger.  I’m not all that popular because I’m never around.  He figures any hurt to my self-esteem will disappear on that wretched island and I’ll be back to my rough self next time we’re reunited.  Everyone changes but me.  I’m the perfect fall guy.”

   “Are you?” Shadow asked.  “Would you go after Amy because you felt you had to, or would you follow her out of empathy?”

   Knuckles clenched his fists so tight, he was afraid his gloves would split open under the strain.  He was fighting off this nagging urge to cry, allowing himself barely enough breath to breathe.  With a growl, he finally looked up at Shadow and muttered, “I don’t think…it’s any of your business.”

   The echidna ran out of the room, rushing past Amy, who wanted to ask him about his confrontation with Sonic, before dashing outside so he could be alone.

   As Shadow returned to the living room, Amy laughed and said, “What's the matter with him?  The minute we get here there’s trouble.”

   Looking to Rouge, who was helping to hang ornaments, and knowing full well what Knuckles’ true intentions were, Shadow replied, “Now Amy, it’s not all his fault.  Sonic is just as much to blame here.”  Shadow glared at Sonic, who couldn’t look Shadow in the eyes, simply staring at the floor, laughing nervously in an attempt to hide his shame, recognizing that Shadow knew exactly who was sincere, and who was feigning it.

   Aside from that scuffle, the first few days and nights of their vacation went quite well.  With only three days left until Christmas, the day of the Winter Solstice arrived.  This would be the day that Blaze would come to join them as she promised Sonic.  Everyone was looking forward to seeing her, except for Tails, Cream, Cheese and Amy, who were unaware of the plans Sonic had made.

   That night, a blizzard raged outside.  After a day of playing in the snow, Tails, Cream and Cheese sat together bundled in blankets, watching Christmas shows on television while they drank hot chocolate and ate cookies.  Sonic couldn’t sit still for very long as he was filled with anticipation.  He would glance outside at the snow, hoping Blaze would find them easily, before trying to sit down, only to be standing again after he fidgeted in his seat.

   Shadow and Rouge, unfazed by the heavy snowfall, had gone out for a walk, promising to look out for Blaze, but also for an excuse to enjoy a soak in the hot tub together later that night.

   Amy was fixing dinner in the kitchen.  She was even more cheery than usual.  While she hadn’t trapped Sonic under the mistletoe yet, or gotten any closer to him than normal, she was only more confident that come Christmas Day he would open up to her at last, the best present of all.  She hummed Christmas carols to herself, and yet she couldn’t ignore something that had been bothering her for days.

   Knuckles sat at the bar, fingering a salt shaker that was in the shape of a Christmas tree.  He had bounced back from the argument, and was enjoying the time with his friends, but with the knowledge that Blaze was coming that night, the conversations he had with both Sonic and Shadow came back to haunt him.  He couldn’t look at Amy without feeling his anger burn and his heart ache.  He knew that she was going to be crushed by what happened, and yet he still had no idea of what to do.

   Sure, he didn’t want to hurt Amy, but perhaps by not telling her he was no better than Sonic was.  If he came to her after it happened, she would only be angry with him.  And yet, if he came to her now she would be angry and more estranged from him than ever.  Knuckles was in a battle he could never hope to win, a battle that would break Amy’s heart one way or another.

   He felt the pain weighing down on his heart, but he had promised himself to be happy with his friends.  Only now he had allowed Amy to see the sadness.  Concerned, she took off her apron and walked over to the bar, sitting on the stool beside him.

   “Hey Knuckles, are you okay?  What are you so down about?” Amy asked.

   Letting out a gasp, Knuckles clenched the salt shaker as he looked to her.  Setting it down, and slowly sitting up, he cleared his throat and smiled, saying, “Nothing, I’m just fine Amy…just…tired.”

   Giggling, Amy asked, “Are you worried about the Master Emerald?”

   Eyes widened, Knuckles replied, “Heck no…Angel Island and the Master Emerald are perfectly safe.  If they weren’t I couldn’t be here.  I could never leave to help out if they weren’t safe for a little while.”

   Looking at his hand as it rested on the table, Amy asked, “If they’re so safe then why don’t you visit more often?”

   The echidna looked at her as her eyes returned to his face.  Feeling the nerves on the back of his neck erupt and burn him, he rubbed his hands together and said, “Visit who?  I don’t have time to track everyone down.  Besides, if you all want to see me so bad, you’d be better off coming to me…if anyone ever wants to that is.”

   Amy frowned.  She and Knuckles weren’t that close but she didn’t want him to be upset.  Not around Christmas time, and frankly, she never wanted him to be.  Sure, he was rough around the edges, but he was her friend, and the idea of him being nearly constantly alone was distressing.

   “You could come visit me!” she started, taking one of his hands in her own.  She added, “I’m almost always at home, and not too far from where you are.  You can’t enjoy being alone all the time…do you?”

   Knuckles looked her in the eyes a bit longer, but then looked away.  No, he couldn’t stand being alone.  Infact it was gatherings like this that only reminded him of this in a way he couldn’t ignore.  But, who had the time or the desire to come all the way to that miserable island of his just to see him?  Amy would chase Sonic all over the world, but did anyone care to come see him?  Never.  The rare exception was whenever Rouge came up with a new plan for stealing the Master Emerald, and now that she was in a relationship with Shadow, who maintained possession of two chaos emeralds at all times, this never happened anymore.  Knuckles knew Amy was just trying to cheer him up because of the holiday.

   Slowly pulling his hand away from her grasp, he continued to look away and said, “Thank you Amy, but you don’t have to try and cheer me up.  I know everyone has better things to do than to waste time coming to that floating prison to spend an uneventful afternoon with me.  You all deserve to live your freedom to the fullest.  I sure wish I could…”  His voice got quieter with every word.

   Amy was hurt by Knuckles’ words.  She knew he enjoyed spending time with them, and yet he went as far as to refuse it just so they could be “free.”  She knew freedom was the one thing Knuckles wanted, but could never have, and felt he didn’t deserve as a result.  It was painful to hear him talk like this, especially because they both knew it wasn’t how he felt at all, or how he wanted to be.

   She reached for him and pulled him into a hug, surprising him as he was turned back towards her.  She replied with a giggle, “I’m not saying it just to be nice Knuckles.  I know that being here only reminds you of what you don’t have, but it also reminds me of it, and I know none of the others would want you to feel that way.  I guess we’ve been kind of insensitive to your feelings Knuckles.  You’re trapped on that island, but you perform us, and the entire world, an invaluable service.  Without you, the world would be doomed because no one could protect the Master Emerald from evil hands.  I know you feel you’re being punished, but you were chosen for that job because you are so special, stronger than anyone, the only one able enough to do the job.  I love Sonic so much, but he could never be what you are Knuckles; a Guardian of Life and Peace.  I think now it’s about time that you’re rewarded for it.”

   Knuckles’ heart felt like it was being strangled.  Nobody had ever spoken to him like this.  No words had ever touched him in this way.  No embrace had ever made his heart burst, from feelings he never knew he had, now set free.  Was Amy really telling the truth?  Could he feel this way if he didn’t trust that she was?  Infact…why did he feel this way?  So she had complimented him…why all of the sudden was he overcome with emotion to the point where he felt tears creeping back to his eyes?

   He certainly couldn’t start crying now, not in front of her and everyone.  Instead, he returned to the embrace, slowly wrapping his arms around her in a hug.  Whatever he was feeling, it was much nicer than the emptiness that nagged at him and ate away at his spirit the rest of the time.  He never wanted it to end.

   And yet, nothing lasts forever.  At that exact moment, laughter could be heard outside the door as Shadow opened it up, walking inside.  Behind him, was not only Rouge, but also a very familiar face, one of a friend from long ago.

   “Hey everyone!  Blaze is here!” Rouge announced.

   The room was instantly filled with a torrent of emotions.  Tails and Cream leapt up from their seats and ran to greet their friend, while Sonic ran for Blaze, quickly picking her up and holding her tightly as he spun in a circle, overwhelmed with happiness at being reunited.

   At the bar, Amy and Knuckles immediately pulled out of their hug.  Not expecting this, Amy felt her heart begin to shatter.  She looked to Knuckles and saw him staring at them with disbelief, and although it was for a different reason than Amy did, she took it as a good thing.  Knuckles was equally as shocked.  He looked as against this surprise guest as she was…at least, that’s what Amy thought.

   The pink hedgehog was angry.  This was her chance, and now Blaze had come along to steal it from her.  She looked at Knuckles and said, “This isn’t fair!  I won’t let her ruin things for me!”

   She jumped off her stool, and ran around the bar, heading for Sonic and Blaze, angry enough to tear them away from one another.  Knuckles stood up fast.  He couldn’t let this ruin the holidays.  He didn’t know what to do or who to hurt, but he also knew he was the only one now that was willing to do something.  He was the only one willing to come out broken in the end, for the sake of preserving the happiness of others.

   Amy had called him the Guardian of Life and Peace after all.

   He was their Guardian…Amy’s Guardian.

   “Who would go after her?”

   Without hesitation, Knuckles raced to catch up to Amy, grabbing her by the arm and keeping her from charging between Sonic and Blaze.

   Infuriated, she turned to Knuckles and cried, “What are you doing?  Let me go!”

   The echidna shook his head and said, “Stop it Amy.  Getting mad at them isn’t going to change anything.  I don’t think there’s anything left you can do.  There is something Sonic can do for you however, something he should have done awhile ago.”

   Blaze looked at everyone curiously.  Confused, she asked “What is he talking about?  Is there something going on that I don’t know about?”

   Sonic could see Amy staring at him.  Her eyes looked shaky on the edge of a tear.  He had made her cry before, and he hated it.  He couldn’t say it.  Even with it staring them all in the faces as plain as day, he couldn’t break her heart.

   Putting an arm around Blaze, he said, “Well, you wouldn’t know because you’re never around.”  Looking to Knuckles, he added, “It’s nothing really…just a rope with frayed edges that need to be tied.”

   Knuckles could feel anger returning.  He started off speaking in a low growl, saying, “Are you saying that leading Amy on means nothing to you?  For all these years she’s chased you, and you didn’t say a thing because you didn't want to break her heart.  All these years she’s wasted on you, she could have spent on her own life, instead of on a future she was lead on to think she could have with you!  I can’t believe you!  You owe Amy more than an explanation…you owe her an apology!  You know what would happen to one of my brethren if he deceived a woman in this way?  They were punished!  It’s not something we took lightly, unlike you comparing it to a frayed rope!” By now, he was shouting with about as loud a voice as he could muster.

   Shadow stood beside Rouge, smiling to himself, for this was exactly what he knew would happen.  Whispering to Rouge, he said, “The echidnas would be appalled if they saw how modern society treats women.  It’s a shame they’re gone really.  They gave more respect to women than their elders.  Though Knuckles was young when he lost them, I know that same reverence flows through him, and though he’s not very close to Amy, I’m not surprised he’s reacting this way, especially when he’s butted heads with Sonic in the past.  This is the ultimate sin in Knuckles’ mind, and he won’t let it go.”

   By now, Blaze had backed up to the wall, while Knuckles maintained his hold on Amy’s arm, although now it was relaxed as he stood staring Sonic down.  Sonic looked at Knuckles and said, “You can’t tell me the echidnas were that righteous Knuckles.  You can’t tell me that a guy never hurt a girl’s feelings.  What happened then?  Was he maimed?” with a laugh.

   Knuckles continued to growl.  Ready to shout, he grunted, “Insult my kindred again and I’ll show you what punishment you’d get!”  Sonic stopped laughing, as fear returned to his eyes.  Knuckles glanced at Amy briefly, before looking back to Sonic as he added, “Yes…there were times when a guy broke a girl’s heart, but never, and I mean never, did a warrior ever lead a maiden on by not saying anything, and instead politely shaking it off with a kind gesture now and then to heal his guilty conscience.  You…you made Amy think she had a chance with you while all of this time you kept asking me how you could end it!  ‘How do I end it Knuckles?’ I told you to tell her the truth, but did you?  No!  You lead her on even after you gave your heart to Blaze!  Did you really expect it to blow over harmlessly?  You’re nothing but a fool!”

   Sonic appeared too shaken to speak.  Standing near Shadow and Rouge, Tails and Cream clung to each other while Cheese sat at their feet.  Shadow still looked on, but the smile had disappeared from his face as he held Rouge’s hand.  After glancing at them, Sonic looked to Blaze, who still looked confused, but not angry.  Knuckles’ eyes still flashed with fury, and Sonic could barely handle looking into them, and so his eyes were drawn to Amy, who looked fragile enough to shatter into splinters.

   Amy could feel her legs turn to jelly as her stomach began to hurt.  Knuckles could feel his anger dissipate as he looked back to her, finally letting go of her arm.  She whimpered, “All this time…you were trying to figure out…how to get rid of me?  You never cared…at all?”

   “That’s not true Amy!” Sonic protested.  “I like you I just don’t…love you.  Knuckles is blowing it out of proportion as if I beat you up or something.  He doesn’t have any idea what he’s talking about!”

   “Shut up!” Knuckles shouted.  Now screaming at Sonic, he could see Cream about ready to cry as well.  He wouldn’t settle for this.  Glaring at Sonic, he lowered his voice and said, “Stop trying to blame me for this.  I know exactly what I’m talking about.”

   As if she paid them no attention, Amy added, “And now, you’re in love with Blaze?  She spends such little time here…and after everything we’ve done…you love her, and not me?  You…you told everyone you wanted to get…rid of me, because you couldn’t do it yourself.  You didn’t want to hurt me, but you don’t want me.  I—I…don’t understand…”

   Knuckles whipped back around, watching with everyone as tears spilled over from Amy’s eyes.  Holding up his hand, Knuckles said, “Aww Amy, don’t.  He’s not worth your tears.”

   “Hey!  You told me to tell her, and I did!  Are you happy now Knuckles?  Now she’s crying!” Sonic interrupted.

   Trying to remain calm, Knuckles responded, “And why is she?  Is she crying because you told the truth, or because you led her to think she could have a future that’s now falling apart around her?”

   Getting no answer from Sonic, Knuckles walked back up to Amy, realizing he was angry, not just because Sonic had hurt her, but because she was hurt at all.  Placing a hand on Amy’s shoulder, Knuckles said, “It’s okay Amy.  I—I know you’re hurt and everything, but you’ll feel better.  I’ve learned that all bad things must pass eventually.  Knowing you Amy, you’ll bounce back in no time.  Don’t let this ruin your Christmas.”

   Amy looked up at Knuckles, barely able to see him through her tears.  She wanted to believe him, but was losing the battle to anger and disbelief.  Before he could say anything more, she quickly jumped away from him and shouted, “No!  You’re wrong!  You’re all wrong!  This isn’t happening!  Sonic, I…we belong together!  How can you not see it?  I…just…leave me alone!!”

   Without warning, Amy dashed for the door, running outside and slamming it behind her, leaving her coat and shoes behind as she disappeared into the night, ridden with a terrible blizzard and freezing temperatures.

   “Amy!” Knuckles cried.  Running for the door, he looked back to Sonic and said, “I told you this was wrong!  You should have told her long ago Sonic…you should never have led her on this way!”  Knuckles then ran outside to look after her.

   Tails, still reeling from the shock, jumped up and said, “We’ve got to look for them!  They’ll freeze to death!”

   But as Tails ran for his shoes, Shadow grabbed him by the arm and said, “Not yet Tails.”

   “But Shadow!” Tails cried.

   Shaking his head, Shadow replied, “Let’s give Knuckles a head start.  I doubt Amy could get far.  Besides, dashing out into the snow without a plan isn’t wise.  We have just as much of a chance to get lost out there as they do.  If anything, I’ll go out and look for them if they don’t return.”

   The fox hung his head, glancing back at Cream and Cheese sadly.  Rouge spoke up and said, “Perhaps you three should go to bed now.  Don’t worry, knowing Knuckles he’ll find her no problem.”

   Rouge walked Tails and Cream back to their bedrooms, while Cheese flew along beside them, yawning the whole way.  Shadow glanced at Sonic, following Rouge slowly.  Once he got to Sonic, he said, “I think what’s rattled you the most, is the fact that Knuckles was right.”

   After Shadow left, Blaze took Sonic’s hand and said, “Something tells me we’ve got a lot to talk about while I’m here.”

   “You mean you’re not mad at me?” Sonic asked, hanging his head.

   Blaze smiled, and gently kissed Sonic on his cheek, before pulling back and replying, “Well, I’m confused, but I just want to know what this is all about.  It’s hard to make friends with people that have you at a loss.”

   Smiling weakly, Sonic replied, “Okay.  I understand, and I’ll tell you everything.”  Letting out a sigh, he looked to the snow falling outside and added, “To start, I think I’ve caused a lot of trouble that I didn’t mean to.  When I see them again, I’ve got a lot of apologizing to do…to them both.”

   While Sonic and Blaze sat together talking, and Shadow and Rouge did their best to calm Tails and Cream down before bedtime, Knuckles battled his way through the dark and blinding snowstorm.  He simply had to get to Amy before the bitter cold did.  While he didn’t completely understand it, something drove him to help her.  It was more than concern for a friend, but exactly what it was, he didn’t know.  All he could think about was words spoken by Shadow that buzzed around his head.

  “Would you go after Amy because you felt you had to, or would you follow her out of empathy?”

   “I’ll find you Amy.  Nobody deserves to be alone, especially not you.”

Description
"Through Their Eyes"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

Focuses on KnuxAmy, with hints of ShadowxRouge, and SonicxBlaze

Part One: Amy's Guardian

   Snow covered mountains were on the receiving end of a fresh layer of white powder on this, the third week of December.  Though now the snowfall was on hold, very little sunlight managed to break through the ceiling of heavy storm clouds that just barely floated out of reach of the mountaintops.  Streams of light broke through, lighting trails that led through the woods that covered the hills like a blanket, providing a much needed ability to see as a small group of friends hiked through them, on their way to a cabin on the mountainside, where they planned to celebrate the week before Christmas.

   At all other times of the year, their schedules were fixed in a way that they spent little time with each other unless brought together to fight for a common goal.  Each had their own reason for keeping busy, and yet for this special time of year, they found time to reunite and build on their friendship, special ties that brought together these souls that in any other case, would never know each other.

   The leader of this group, perhaps the best known of them, was a blue hedgehog named Sonic.  Wearing a black windbreaker jacket and green scarf, he carried a picnic basket, filled with provisions for the week, in one hand, while a bag slung over his shoulder was filled with gifts he had for his friends, wrapped and ready to go.  With his free hand, he shielded his eyes, gazing into the woods, where their cabin finally came into view.

   Looking back to his friends, he waved and shouted, “Hey everybody!  We’re almost there!  Come on!”  Exercising his super speed, though slightly hampered by the deep snow and the need to protect his cargo, Sonic sped ahead of the group now that the log cabin was in sight.

   A young, two-tailed fox, named Tails took as long a stride as his legs would allow, to try and catch up to Sonic.  He wore a backpack, laden with gifts for his friends and more provisions, but did not immediately race after his friend.  He paused and called, “Hey Sonic!  Wait up!”  He looked back to the rest of the group as they followed along, shaking his head as he added, “Not even heavy snowpack and a five mile hike uphill from the bus depot is enough to slow him down,” with a laugh.

   Soon Cream, a creamy white and brown bunny, the youngest of the group, caught up with her friend Tails.  She carried a tote bag with her own gifts and belongings in her hands, while her Chao buddy Cheese flew alongside her glancing around at the trees covered with snow, carrying a small basket filled with cookies.

   Stopping her walk beside Tails, Cream giggled gleefully and said, “He’s just excited Tails, I know I am!  This Christmas we’re all going to be together!  It’s gonna be the best holiday ever!”

   “Chao!  Chao!” Cheese cried in happy reply.

   Tails laughed and replied, “It is awesome to have the whole group together.  The downside to keeping Eggman and his plans under control is we never see each other for the most part.  Christmas is the best because it means we get to be together.  It’s just too bad we all can’t see each other more throughout the year.”

   Before Tails, Cream and Cheese could resume their hike, Amy Rose, a pink hedgehog with a deep admiration for her favorite hero, Sonic, rushed by them.  Convinced that she was the only one for Sonic, she was driven to continue her pursuit of him, out of the sole belief that one day they would be married.  She was never shaken, even when Sonic would fend off her advances with a quick excuse to abandon the situation.  He didn’t really mind Amy, but found her unwavering desire to win him over very uncomfortable, and only tolerated them for the sake of not hurting her feelings.

   Still, she was determined for this week in the mountains to be the time that she finally found her way into Sonic’s heart.  It was perfect; she would have plenty of opportunities to have the moment with him that she had dreamt of for the past several years of her life.

   She too called out to Sonic, crying, “Wait for me Sonic!”  Pausing only long enough to get a better grip on the packages she was carrying, she ran ahead, continuing to cry out to him.

   Tails and Cream glanced at each other, taking each other’s hand as they resumed their walk, knowing this was going to be quite an interesting week with Sonic and Amy living in the same house together.  Even with the rest of them and the holidays to distract her, they knew that Amy was bound and determined to come out of this week with Sonic’s heart forever bound to her own.

   Still, it seemed the remaining three of the group weren’t nearly as concerned with this as Tails and Cream were.  Following behind Tails and Cream, a black and red hedgehog named Shadow and a white furred bat called Rouge walked together, not holding hands; instead Shadow had his arm wrapped around Rouge’s shoulder as they walked.  Shadow’s face was almost expressionless, his eyes half shut, as if watching what unfolded before him was enough to put him to sleep.  Still, he had a small smile on his face, and as he looked to Rouge, he remarked, “Seems Sonic’s going to have a time dealing with Amy this week.  I wonder how long it’ll be before she takes a hint and calls off this…foolish pursuit.  Can’t she see how it burdens him?  The only reason he hasn’t completely blown her off is because he’s a softie and doesn’t want to hurt her feelings.  He’s leading this poor girl on.”

   Rouge looked to Shadow, smiling in the same way he did.  With her arms crossed, she tugged on her scarf until it fit better as she replied, “I don’t know Shadow, and yet I think maybe Sonic’s about to make his move, although how Amy will react might be worse than him simply telling her no.  Maybe he thinks she won’t believe him if he simply tells her to back off.  Maybe he’s realized actions speak louder than words.”

   With a grin, Shadow’s eyes opened all the way, now humored by the conversation.  “That’s right…he invited that other girl to spend the holidays with us didn’t he?  She could only get away once the festival in her world was over…but she said she’d be here.  Feh, if anything good came from Eggman and Eggman Nega it was that in the aftermath of their madness we were able to harness that dimensional travel.”  After a pause, Shadow looked ahead, catching a glimpse of Amy as she feverishly chased Sonic in the distance.  “I do believe actions shall speak louder than words Rouge, and I’m looking forward to spending this week with you.”

   Glancing at Shadow with a flirtatious gleam in her eyes, Rouge replied, “I’m looking forward to it too.”

   Shadow grinned at Rouge with a smile he would only show her, rubbing her shoulder gently as they continued to walk together.  For a moment, Rouge glanced back at the final member of the group, stuck with hauling the remainder of the supplies and presents up the mountainside in a large wagon behind his back, simply because of his immense strength and endurance.  A red echidna named Knuckles, the last of his kind and the Guardian of the Master Emerald, trudged slowly up the mountain after his friends, appearing unconcerned with their words and antics, and yet was still fully absorbed by what was going on.

   He had only come after Amy, Cream and Tails begged him to come.  He handled the care of the Master Emerald as he did whenever he had to leave it.  It wasn’t that necessity that bothered him the most when it came to coming along on this vacation.  He enjoyed seeing his comrades and friends, considering the majority of his life was spent in isolation on Angel Island; infact he craved time spent with others.  What bothered him was the nature of his company.

   Normally, when in battle, all attention was focused on the task at hand, and the true nature of his friends was hidden.  Now, he would be spending time with them when they were free to be themselves, and this was quite an interesting thing to ponder.  Shadow and Rouge clearly had feelings for each other.  Knuckles wouldn’t say it, but he could see the way Shadow smiled at her.  With nothing to fight and only time to relax, their blooming relationship would only show that much clearer.

   It would also be a time for Tails and Cream to enjoy their childhood while it remained, and Christmas was one of the more special times of year for children.  It gave Knuckles a good feeling to know they would be happy.

   What bothered Knuckles the most about this trip was within his range of sight.  He too could see Amy chasing Sonic down.  With a low growl, Knuckles shut his eyes, unburdened by the heavy wagon or the uphill climb, and instead annoyed by this game Sonic played with Amy.

   The echidna was well aware of how Sonic felt about her, for while on several journeys together, the two teens confided in one another about their problems.  While their young partner Tails would sleep, Sonic and Knuckles would talk about their struggles and problems, and one topic that was often discussed was Amy.

   Sonic told Knuckles that while he valued his friendship with Amy, that the constant chasing and nagging about being his girlfriend had taken a toll on his opinion of her.  He wanted nothing more than for her to grow up and mature and realize that he wasn’t interested in her, nor would he ever be.  When Knuckles asked him why he didn’t just tell her this, the hedgehog lowered his eyes, confessing that he wasn’t sure if she would believe him, or that he would break her heart, which was the last thing he wanted to do.  And so he simply put up with her, caring enough to not want to hurt her feelings, but not enough to accept them.

   As he walked, Knuckles remembered the countless times Sonic begged him to tell Amy for him.  Knuckles refused, not wanting any part in this “stupid game,” as he put it.  The echidna hoped things would work out, because he too did not want to have to break Amy’s heart.  Though he had lived alone for so many years, he still respected women, even if they sometimes nagged him as Amy, and even Rouge, tended to do, although when it came to protecting the Master Emerald, Knuckles still had a duty to fight.

   Rouge told him she could take it.  Taunting him as she flew away with the Master Emerald, she teased him as he stood, unwilling to fight at first.  Yet when faced with someone who would not listen to his cries, he knew he had to fight.  He held no ill will to Rouge though…and while they had a fragile truce between them, he would only fight her if his duty called for it.

   It was nothing personal, but still he dealt with his problems, and he made his frustration with Sonic at not handling his more than well known.  As the cabin finally came into view, Knuckles could see Shadow and Rouge step inside with the others, while Sonic waited outside to help Knuckles carry in his cargo.

   Setting the wagon down, Knuckles wiped his forehead and took a breath.  Sonic came up beside him and said, “Awesome Knux!  You really made this hike a breeze!”

   The echidna glanced at Sonic with narrowed eyes.  “I’m the only one who could apparently.”  Sonic grinned sheepishly before turning to gather up boxes and bags to bring inside.  Knuckles said nothing more as they worked together to unload the wagon, until they brought the last load inside, closing the door behind them.  Everyone was getting settled; Amy, Tails, Cream and Cheese were already decorating their Christmas tree, while Shadow and Rouge had retreated to the porch outside, sitting in rocking chairs, with their hands held together between them.

   Sitting down their loads, Knuckles finally looked to the Christmas tree where Amy was busy stringing on lights.  Sonic returned from hanging up his jacket and saw this.  Knuckles looked to Sonic and said, “So, I hear you’re finally going to take advice I’ve been shoving in your face for the past two years and tell her aren’t you?  You’ve decided to take this special time of year and ruin it for her.”

   Sonic lowered his eyes and hung his head.  “You wouldn’t understand Knuckles.  I—I want to spend Christmas with Blaze.  I know when she gets here, Amy will finally understand.  I won’t have to say a thing.”

   Knuckles glared at Sonic, growling softly as he did so.  “I can’t believe you Sonic.  You’re going to let Blaze walk in here and then plant a kiss on her cheek as you hold her close.  For all you know Amy might think you’re trying to lead her on again.  When are you gonna grow up and deal with things the right way?”

   The hedgehog looked back at Knuckles in disbelief.  Frowning, he said, “I told you Knuckles.  I can’t do it.  I won’t break her heart like that.”

   “So instead you’re going to ignore her when she breaks down, realizing the truth at last.  You can’t avoid this Sonic!  One way or another you’re going to have to hurt her feelings, and I refuse to be a part of it.  You brought this upon yourself, and I can’t believe you’re going to hurt her in this way,” Knuckles countered.

   Glancing nervously at Amy, Sonic grabbed hold of Knuckles’ arm and pulled him down the hallway to the bedroom they would share.  Knuckles tore away from him as Sonic closed the door, growling as he rubbed his arm where Sonic grabbed him.

   “Grow up Knuckles; you act as if I stabbed you or something,” Sonic snorted.

   The echidna growled again, clenching his fists.  “So, you drag me in here so she won’t hear you say it.  The last thing you want is for her to hear say you don’t love her.  Sonic, it’s the best thing you can do for her!  All this time she’s wasted on you she could have put towards something meaningful…towards a future that actually stands a chance at making it!  How stupid can you be?  Do you think ignoring her like this is the answer?”

   Crossing his arms, Sonic shook his head and replied, “I’m ready to end it, but you shout at me as if you’re trying to block out a guilty conscience.  Do you think maybe you could have avoided her heart breaking if you had told her for me when I asked you to?”

   “You won’t pin this on me Sonic!” Knuckles shouted, infuriated.

   Marching up to him, Sonic shouted, “You sure fight with Rouge enough to make me think you have no respect for women whatsoever!  You’re no better than I am Knuckles!  Why don’t you show that apathy for feelings and tell Amy for me!  She may be crushed, but it won’t affect you any will it?”

   Shaking his fist only inches from Sonic’s face, Knuckles shouted, “Don’t bring Rouge into this!  When she steals the Master Emerald, I have to fight.  It’s not as if she’s a damsel in distress!  When she does that, she’s a thief!  A common criminal!  If she isn’t stealing it, I’ll respect her.  I don’t just hurt people for the heck of it like you do Sonic.  I’m not so selfish and egocentric that I’ll cast aside concern for a friend in favor of getting out of a problem easily!  Amy doesn’t deserve to be crushed by you!  When I defend the Master Emerald, Rouge deserves it.  I don’t do it just for the sake of building myself up!”

   The two stared at each other angrily, and yet before Sonic could retaliate, Shadow, who with Tails was also bunking in this room, walked in without knocking.  Having heard most of the argument from outside, he stepped between them, pushing them apart and said, “Alright, that’s enough of that.  I just had to convince those kids out there that you two were play fighting over something stupid.  Whatever feud you’ve got going on, just drop it.  Don’t ruin the week for everyone else.”

   Sonic glanced between Shadow and Knuckles, and playing on this, Sonic casually flung his hands in the air, grinning as he walked out of the room.  “Gee Shads; Knucklehead here was just being difficult.  I can’t help it if he wants to start a fight and destroy the happiness can I?”

   He left the room, while Knuckles clenched his fists and growled saying, “Why I oughta…I’ll kick his sorry tail yes I will!”

   “No you won’t!” Shadow exclaimed, holding the echidna back, as he was probably the only one who could.  Trying to calm Knuckles down, Shadow continued, “I don’t know exactly what was said, but I heard Amy’s and Rouge’s names plenty.  I know Sonic thinks you have no respect for anyone Knuckles, but you do.  While I don’t like anyone hurting Rouge, you only fight for what you need to protect, and right now that’s the Master Emerald.  Not even I can blame you for that.  If you were to hurt Rouge needlessly, I’d fight back twice as hard to defend her, but if it were a battle for defense I’d simply break up the conflict.  I know you don’t hate her; I know you have respect.  I was taught enough about all life that I know echidnas had deep respect for the women of their community.  It shows Knuckles…the way you attack Sonic because of how he’s treating Amy.  It’s not Sonic that angers you, it’s the fact that Amy is going to be hurt as a result of his deeds.  You’re moving to defend Amy, just as I would protect Rouge.”

   Knuckles, who had finally calmed down, raised an eyebrow as he looked at Shadow.  “Wait,” he said, “Are you actually comparing my so-called defense of Amy to you and Rouge?  Heh, you’re crazy Shadow.  I’m beating on Sonic for hurting her yes, but not because she means anything to me.”

   As Knuckles turned to leave the room, Shadow smiled a little and said, “Absolutely nothing?  She means nothing to you at all.  If she were to break down and cry, running away after Sonic breaks her heart, you’d stand idly by and watch her suffer?”

   The echidna paused, half looking back to Shadow and said, “No…but I’d run after anyone Sonic hurt.”

   “You’d run after Blaze?”

   “No, because I’d punish Sonic for it until he ran to apologize.”

   “What about Cream?”

   “Tails would run first…but I’d follow him.”

   “And Rouge?”

   Knuckles turned around fully and asked, “Why are you asking me such stupid questions?  You’d run after Rouge!  You wouldn’t need me to help you…and neither would Tails or Sonic…”

   Shadow took a few steps forward and asked, “Then what about Amy?  Who would run after her?”

   Knuckles didn’t reply, he instead gazed at Shadow, unsure of what to say.

   “Would you trust Tails and Cream to comfort her?” Shadow asked.

   “I—I think they’re too young to understand enough to help her,” Knuckles replied softly.

   “What about Rouge and I?”

   “You know enough, but you aren’t close enough to the root of the problem,” Knuckles answered, his voice growing softer.

   “And Sonic and Blaze?”

   “Ugh no!  They’d just make it worse!  Even if Blaze was trying to be sympathetic, it would only rub salt in the wound, and Lord knows I haven’t been able to trust Sonic at all!” he replied, his voice louder but plagued with distress.

   Shaking his head, Shadow sighed and said, “Then who do you trust to run after her?  If none of us can be trusted, who will she turn to?”

   Knuckles looked at Shadow in disbelief, then lowered his eyes and sighed.  “That’s what Sonic wants me to do.  He wants me to take the brunt of her anger.  I’m not all that popular because I’m never around.  He figures any hurt to my self-esteem will disappear on that wretched island and I’ll be back to my rough self next time we’re reunited.  Everyone changes but me.  I’m the perfect fall guy.”

   “Are you?” Shadow asked.  “Would you go after Amy because you felt you had to, or would you follow her out of empathy?”

   Knuckles clenched his fists so tight, he was afraid his gloves would split open under the strain.  He was fighting off this nagging urge to cry, allowing himself barely enough breath to breathe.  With a growl, he finally looked up at Shadow and muttered, “I don’t think…it’s any of your business.”

   The echidna ran out of the room, rushing past Amy, who wanted to ask him about his confrontation with Sonic, before dashing outside so he could be alone.

   As Shadow returned to the living room, Amy laughed and said, “What's the matter with him?  The minute we get here there’s trouble.”

   Looking to Rouge, who was helping to hang ornaments, and knowing full well what Knuckles’ true intentions were, Shadow replied, “Now Amy, it’s not all his fault.  Sonic is just as much to blame here.”  Shadow glared at Sonic, who couldn’t look Shadow in the eyes, simply staring at the floor, laughing nervously in an attempt to hide his shame, recognizing that Shadow knew exactly who was sincere, and who was feigning it.

   Aside from that scuffle, the first few days and nights of their vacation went quite well.  With only three days left until Christmas, the day of the Winter Solstice arrived.  This would be the day that Blaze would come to join them as she promised Sonic.  Everyone was looking forward to seeing her, except for Tails, Cream, Cheese and Amy, who were unaware of the plans Sonic had made.

   That night, a blizzard raged outside.  After a day of playing in the snow, Tails, Cream and Cheese sat together bundled in blankets, watching Christmas shows on television while they drank hot chocolate and ate cookies.  Sonic couldn’t sit still for very long as he was filled with anticipation.  He would glance outside at the snow, hoping Blaze would find them easily, before trying to sit down, only to be standing again after he fidgeted in his seat.

   Shadow and Rouge, unfazed by the heavy snowfall, had gone out for a walk, promising to look out for Blaze, but also for an excuse to enjoy a soak in the hot tub together later that night.

   Amy was fixing dinner in the kitchen.  She was even more cheery than usual.  While she hadn’t trapped Sonic under the mistletoe yet, or gotten any closer to him than normal, she was only more confident that come Christmas Day he would open up to her at last, the best present of all.  She hummed Christmas carols to herself, and yet she couldn’t ignore something that had been bothering her for days.

   Knuckles sat at the bar, fingering a salt shaker that was in the shape of a Christmas tree.  He had bounced back from the argument, and was enjoying the time with his friends, but with the knowledge that Blaze was coming that night, the conversations he had with both Sonic and Shadow came back to haunt him.  He couldn’t look at Amy without feeling his anger burn and his heart ache.  He knew that she was going to be crushed by what happened, and yet he still had no idea of what to do.

   Sure, he didn’t want to hurt Amy, but perhaps by not telling her he was no better than Sonic was.  If he came to her after it happened, she would only be angry with him.  And yet, if he came to her now she would be angry and more estranged from him than ever.  Knuckles was in a battle he could never hope to win, a battle that would break Amy’s heart one way or another.

   He felt the pain weighing down on his heart, but he had promised himself to be happy with his friends.  Only now he had allowed Amy to see the sadness.  Concerned, she took off her apron and walked over to the bar, sitting on the stool beside him.

   “Hey Knuckles, are you okay?  What are you so down about?” Amy asked.

   Letting out a gasp, Knuckles clenched the salt shaker as he looked to her.  Setting it down, and slowly sitting up, he cleared his throat and smiled, saying, “Nothing, I’m just fine Amy…just…tired.”

   Giggling, Amy asked, “Are you worried about the Master Emerald?”

   Eyes widened, Knuckles replied, “Heck no…Angel Island and the Master Emerald are perfectly safe.  If they weren’t I couldn’t be here.  I could never leave to help out if they weren’t safe for a little while.”

   Looking at his hand as it rested on the table, Amy asked, “If they’re so safe then why don’t you visit more often?”

   The echidna looked at her as her eyes returned to his face.  Feeling the nerves on the back of his neck erupt and burn him, he rubbed his hands together and said, “Visit who?  I don’t have time to track everyone down.  Besides, if you all want to see me so bad, you’d be better off coming to me…if anyone ever wants to that is.”

   Amy frowned.  She and Knuckles weren’t that close but she didn’t want him to be upset.  Not around Christmas time, and frankly, she never wanted him to be.  Sure, he was rough around the edges, but he was her friend, and the idea of him being nearly constantly alone was distressing.

   “You could come visit me!” she started, taking one of his hands in her own.  She added, “I’m almost always at home, and not too far from where you are.  You can’t enjoy being alone all the time…do you?”

   Knuckles looked her in the eyes a bit longer, but then looked away.  No, he couldn’t stand being alone.  Infact it was gatherings like this that only reminded him of this in a way he couldn’t ignore.  But, who had the time or the desire to come all the way to that miserable island of his just to see him?  Amy would chase Sonic all over the world, but did anyone care to come see him?  Never.  The rare exception was whenever Rouge came up with a new plan for stealing the Master Emerald, and now that she was in a relationship with Shadow, who maintained possession of two chaos emeralds at all times, this never happened anymore.  Knuckles knew Amy was just trying to cheer him up because of the holiday.

   Slowly pulling his hand away from her grasp, he continued to look away and said, “Thank you Amy, but you don’t have to try and cheer me up.  I know everyone has better things to do than to waste time coming to that floating prison to spend an uneventful afternoon with me.  You all deserve to live your freedom to the fullest.  I sure wish I could…”  His voice got quieter with every word.

   Amy was hurt by Knuckles’ words.  She knew he enjoyed spending time with them, and yet he went as far as to refuse it just so they could be “free.”  She knew freedom was the one thing Knuckles wanted, but could never have, and felt he didn’t deserve as a result.  It was painful to hear him talk like this, especially because they both knew it wasn’t how he felt at all, or how he wanted to be.

   She reached for him and pulled him into a hug, surprising him as he was turned back towards her.  She replied with a giggle, “I’m not saying it just to be nice Knuckles.  I know that being here only reminds you of what you don’t have, but it also reminds me of it, and I know none of the others would want you to feel that way.  I guess we’ve been kind of insensitive to your feelings Knuckles.  You’re trapped on that island, but you perform us, and the entire world, an invaluable service.  Without you, the world would be doomed because no one could protect the Master Emerald from evil hands.  I know you feel you’re being punished, but you were chosen for that job because you are so special, stronger than anyone, the only one able enough to do the job.  I love Sonic so much, but he could never be what you are Knuckles; a Guardian of Life and Peace.  I think now it’s about time that you’re rewarded for it.”

   Knuckles’ heart felt like it was being strangled.  Nobody had ever spoken to him like this.  No words had ever touched him in this way.  No embrace had ever made his heart burst, from feelings he never knew he had, now set free.  Was Amy really telling the truth?  Could he feel this way if he didn’t trust that she was?  Infact…why did he feel this way?  So she had complimented him…why all of the sudden was he overcome with emotion to the point where he felt tears creeping back to his eyes?

   He certainly couldn’t start crying now, not in front of her and everyone.  Instead, he returned to the embrace, slowly wrapping his arms around her in a hug.  Whatever he was feeling, it was much nicer than the emptiness that nagged at him and ate away at his spirit the rest of the time.  He never wanted it to end.

   And yet, nothing lasts forever.  At that exact moment, laughter could be heard outside the door as Shadow opened it up, walking inside.  Behind him, was not only Rouge, but also a very familiar face, one of a friend from long ago.

   “Hey everyone!  Blaze is here!” Rouge announced.

   The room was instantly filled with a torrent of emotions.  Tails and Cream leapt up from their seats and ran to greet their friend, while Sonic ran for Blaze, quickly picking her up and holding her tightly as he spun in a circle, overwhelmed with happiness at being reunited.

   At the bar, Amy and Knuckles immediately pulled out of their hug.  Not expecting this, Amy felt her heart begin to shatter.  She looked to Knuckles and saw him staring at them with disbelief, and although it was for a different reason than Amy did, she took it as a good thing.  Knuckles was equally as shocked.  He looked as against this surprise guest as she was…at least, that’s what Amy thought.

   The pink hedgehog was angry.  This was her chance, and now Blaze had come along to steal it from her.  She looked at Knuckles and said, “This isn’t fair!  I won’t let her ruin things for me!”

   She jumped off her stool, and ran around the bar, heading for Sonic and Blaze, angry enough to tear them away from one another.  Knuckles stood up fast.  He couldn’t let this ruin the holidays.  He didn’t know what to do or who to hurt, but he also knew he was the only one now that was willing to do something.  He was the only one willing to come out broken in the end, for the sake of preserving the happiness of others.

   Amy had called him the Guardian of Life and Peace after all.

   He was their Guardian…Amy’s Guardian.

   “Who would go after her?”

   Without hesitation, Knuckles raced to catch up to Amy, grabbing her by the arm and keeping her from charging between Sonic and Blaze.

   Infuriated, she turned to Knuckles and cried, “What are you doing?  Let me go!”

   The echidna shook his head and said, “Stop it Amy.  Getting mad at them isn’t going to change anything.  I don’t think there’s anything left you can do.  There is something Sonic can do for you however, something he should have done awhile ago.”

   Blaze looked at everyone curiously.  Confused, she asked “What is he talking about?  Is there something going on that I don’t know about?”

   Sonic could see Amy staring at him.  Her eyes looked shaky on the edge of a tear.  He had made her cry before, and he hated it.  He couldn’t say it.  Even with it staring them all in the faces as plain as day, he couldn’t break her heart.

   Putting an arm around Blaze, he said, “Well, you wouldn’t know because you’re never around.”  Looking to Knuckles, he added, “It’s nothing really…just a rope with frayed edges that need to be tied.”

   Knuckles could feel anger returning.  He started off speaking in a low growl, saying, “Are you saying that leading Amy on means nothing to you?  For all these years she’s chased you, and you didn’t say a thing because you didn't want to break her heart.  All these years she’s wasted on you, she could have spent on her own life, instead of on a future she was lead on to think she could have with you!  I can’t believe you!  You owe Amy more than an explanation…you owe her an apology!  You know what would happen to one of my brethren if he deceived a woman in this way?  They were punished!  It’s not something we took lightly, unlike you comparing it to a frayed rope!” By now, he was shouting with about as loud a voice as he could muster.

   Shadow stood beside Rouge, smiling to himself, for this was exactly what he knew would happen.  Whispering to Rouge, he said, “The echidnas would be appalled if they saw how modern society treats women.  It’s a shame they’re gone really.  They gave more respect to women than their elders.  Though Knuckles was young when he lost them, I know that same reverence flows through him, and though he’s not very close to Amy, I’m not surprised he’s reacting this way, especially when he’s butted heads with Sonic in the past.  This is the ultimate sin in Knuckles’ mind, and he won’t let it go.”

   By now, Blaze had backed up to the wall, while Knuckles maintained his hold on Amy’s arm, although now it was relaxed as he stood staring Sonic down.  Sonic looked at Knuckles and said, “You can’t tell me the echidnas were that righteous Knuckles.  You can’t tell me that a guy never hurt a girl’s feelings.  What happened then?  Was he maimed?” with a laugh.

   Knuckles continued to growl.  Ready to shout, he grunted, “Insult my kindred again and I’ll show you what punishment you’d get!”  Sonic stopped laughing, as fear returned to his eyes.  Knuckles glanced at Amy briefly, before looking back to Sonic as he added, “Yes…there were times when a guy broke a girl’s heart, but never, and I mean never, did a warrior ever lead a maiden on by not saying anything, and instead politely shaking it off with a kind gesture now and then to heal his guilty conscience.  You…you made Amy think she had a chance with you while all of this time you kept asking me how you could end it!  ‘How do I end it Knuckles?’ I told you to tell her the truth, but did you?  No!  You lead her on even after you gave your heart to Blaze!  Did you really expect it to blow over harmlessly?  You’re nothing but a fool!”

   Sonic appeared too shaken to speak.  Standing near Shadow and Rouge, Tails and Cream clung to each other while Cheese sat at their feet.  Shadow still looked on, but the smile had disappeared from his face as he held Rouge’s hand.  After glancing at them, Sonic looked to Blaze, who still looked confused, but not angry.  Knuckles’ eyes still flashed with fury, and Sonic could barely handle looking into them, and so his eyes were drawn to Amy, who looked fragile enough to shatter into splinters.

   Amy could feel her legs turn to jelly as her stomach began to hurt.  Knuckles could feel his anger dissipate as he looked back to her, finally letting go of her arm.  She whimpered, “All this time…you were trying to figure out…how to get rid of me?  You never cared…at all?”

   “That’s not true Amy!” Sonic protested.  “I like you I just don’t…love you.  Knuckles is blowing it out of proportion as if I beat you up or something.  He doesn’t have any idea what he’s talking about!”

   “Shut up!” Knuckles shouted.  Now screaming at Sonic, he could see Cream about ready to cry as well.  He wouldn’t settle for this.  Glaring at Sonic, he lowered his voice and said, “Stop trying to blame me for this.  I know exactly what I’m talking about.”

   As if she paid them no attention, Amy added, “And now, you’re in love with Blaze?  She spends such little time here…and after everything we’ve done…you love her, and not me?  You…you told everyone you wanted to get…rid of me, because you couldn’t do it yourself.  You didn’t want to hurt me, but you don’t want me.  I—I…don’t understand…”

   Knuckles whipped back around, watching with everyone as tears spilled over from Amy’s eyes.  Holding up his hand, Knuckles said, “Aww Amy, don’t.  He’s not worth your tears.”

   “Hey!  You told me to tell her, and I did!  Are you happy now Knuckles?  Now she’s crying!” Sonic interrupted.

   Trying to remain calm, Knuckles responded, “And why is she?  Is she crying because you told the truth, or because you led her to think she could have a future that’s now falling apart around her?”

   Getting no answer from Sonic, Knuckles walked back up to Amy, realizing he was angry, not just because Sonic had hurt her, but because she was hurt at all.  Placing a hand on Amy’s shoulder, Knuckles said, “It’s okay Amy.  I—I know you’re hurt and everything, but you’ll feel better.  I’ve learned that all bad things must pass eventually.  Knowing you Amy, you’ll bounce back in no time.  Don’t let this ruin your Christmas.”

   Amy looked up at Knuckles, barely able to see him through her tears.  She wanted to believe him, but was losing the battle to anger and disbelief.  Before he could say anything more, she quickly jumped away from him and shouted, “No!  You’re wrong!  You’re all wrong!  This isn’t happening!  Sonic, I…we belong together!  How can you not see it?  I…just…leave me alone!!”

   Without warning, Amy dashed for the door, running outside and slamming it behind her, leaving her coat and shoes behind as she disappeared into the night, ridden with a terrible blizzard and freezing temperatures.

   “Amy!” Knuckles cried.  Running for the door, he looked back to Sonic and said, “I told you this was wrong!  You should have told her long ago Sonic…you should never have led her on this way!”  Knuckles then ran outside to look after her.

   Tails, still reeling from the shock, jumped up and said, “We’ve got to look for them!  They’ll freeze to death!”

   But as Tails ran for his shoes, Shadow grabbed him by the arm and said, “Not yet Tails.”

   “But Shadow!” Tails cried.

   Shaking his head, Shadow replied, “Let’s give Knuckles a head start.  I doubt Amy could get far.  Besides, dashing out into the snow without a plan isn’t wise.  We have just as much of a chance to get lost out there as they do.  If anything, I’ll go out and look for them if they don’t return.”

   The fox hung his head, glancing back at Cream and Cheese sadly.  Rouge spoke up and said, “Perhaps you three should go to bed now.  Don’t worry, knowing Knuckles he’ll find her no problem.”

   Rouge walked Tails and Cream back to their bedrooms, while Cheese flew along beside them, yawning the whole way.  Shadow glanced at Sonic, following Rouge slowly.  Once he got to Sonic, he said, “I think what’s rattled you the most, is the fact that Knuckles was right.”

   After Shadow left, Blaze took Sonic’s hand and said, “Something tells me we’ve got a lot to talk about while I’m here.”

   “You mean you’re not mad at me?” Sonic asked, hanging his head.

   Blaze smiled, and gently kissed Sonic on his cheek, before pulling back and replying, “Well, I’m confused, but I just want to know what this is all about.  It’s hard to make friends with people that have you at a loss.”

   Smiling weakly, Sonic replied, “Okay.  I understand, and I’ll tell you everything.”  Letting out a sigh, he looked to the snow falling outside and added, “To start, I think I’ve caused a lot of trouble that I didn’t mean to.  When I see them again, I’ve got a lot of apologizing to do…to them both.”

   While Sonic and Blaze sat together talking, and Shadow and Rouge did their best to calm Tails and Cream down before bedtime, Knuckles battled his way through the dark and blinding snowstorm.  He simply had to get to Amy before the bitter cold did.  While he didn’t completely understand it, something drove him to help her.  It was more than concern for a friend, but exactly what it was, he didn’t know.  All he could think about was words spoken by Shadow that buzzed around his head.

  “Would you go after Amy because you felt you had to, or would you follow her out of empathy?”

   “I’ll find you Amy.  Nobody deserves to be alone, especially not you.”