"Stay here! Sonic and Shadow have dealt with this before!" Rouge shouted as she flew off towards the noise.

Shadow stopped her quickly, "That was different Rouge! We had Silver and were all in Super forms!" He thought a moment while Rouge stomped her foot in frustration. Shadow thought of the only other hedgehog who could possible be strong enough.

"Damn it! I can't do it!" He shouted to the sky. Rouge placed a hand on her hip and sighed.

"You might have to Shadow. Fight as a family, use your love to win!" Her turquoise eyes hardened with determination. She pointed at Eggman's base where they left the kids. Shadow crossed his arms and closed his eyes for a moment. He finally nodded and sped off for Light.

"Light!" She looked up quickly. They had all gathered around Knuckles, who was still unconscious. At this point, it looked critical. Eggman had disappeared with Robo Buck a few minutes ago. Rachael stood over the unconscious doom with a malicious glare.

Light stood up just as Shadow had approached, "Dad?"

Shadow stopped in front of her and took her hand. The poison had finally wore off and he was back to normal, "We need you Light! We can't do this without you!"

Light frowned in confusion, "Why me?"

Shadow placed his hands on Light's shoulders, "Do you know why we named you Light?"

Light placed her palm up and her hand illuminated. Shadow shook his head with a soft smiled.

"We named you Light because you brought light into our dark world. You brought hope for me. Before you, I felt like a monster. But you're not. You're the opposite for me. There's danger in Soleanna and we need your light now!"

Light wanted to cry with the overflow of emotions. She never knew how important she was to her dad. She never knew how much she'd changed him. Now she needs to help her dads!

Light nodded with a fierce, new determination and moved to follow her dad. She suddenly felt a tight grip on her left hand and turned around. Shock had a death grip on her wrist; his eyes were full of pain and fear.

"You can't go Light! What if something happens to you? What it-" He chokes and pulls her into a tight hug, "What if I lose you?"

This was such a shock for Light that she couldn't move. Shock was hugging her? Shock didn't want to lose her? Her heart melted and she hugged back tightly, "I'll be okay Shock! I promise!"

His voice was now scratchy, and Light could feel tears fall from his face, "You better!"

Light pulled back slightly with a small smile, "Why so frightened huh?" She teased. His pale eyes hardened with determination and he took a fistful of her vest and pulled her closer.

"Because I love you!" And then he kissed her.

Her eyes widened and she felt a whole new electricity the moment their lips met. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she could feel all kinds of adrenaline. The kiss lasted for maybe a few seconds, but it was enough to make her head spin. When Shock pulled back, his eyes were glazed over.

"Go, do your thing. But come back," His voice was soft and tender as he stroked her quills. Light nodded with a small lump in her throat and met up with Shadow.

Shadow raised a dark eyebrow at her, a hint of humor in his ruby eyes.

Light waved him off, "You can shut up now."

Shadow took her hand and said, "I wasn't saying anything. Now lets go!"

They sped off together towards Soleanna Palace. Light had to slow up just a little for her dad but not much. As soon as the darkness and thick, purple clouds came into view, Light knew this wasn't going to be easy. They dashed into the palace to a large balcony. Light was met with the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen. However, her attention was stolen by the one face she'd wanted to see.

"Dad!" She flew into Sonic's arms and held on for dear life, "I was so worried!"

Sonic petted her head softly, "So did I Baby, so did I. Now we have to get rid of Solaris again. Any ideas Shadow?"

Shadow's arms were crossed as he looked at the menacing form outside. There were hundreds of screaming people trying to take cover. Shadow thought of an idea as he looked at the awful monster, "Light, give Sonic the chaos emerald. Sonic, we can both use chaos control one after the other and Light can attack him while things are slow," He turned to his daughter with a sad, but hard expression, "Hit it with everything you got! We're counting on you Light!"

Light handed sonic the emerald and took a deep breath. She charged her energy up, waiting for the moment. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked at Sonic. His green eyes were full of love and tears, "You can do it Light."

She felt the lump in her throat again and nodded. They had to do it now, before Solaris destroyed everything, "I'm ready."

Sonic and Shadow nodded to each other and held their emeralds high, "Chaos!"

Light charged her power and suddenly felt a whole new burst of energy. She's ready! The other hedgehogs placed a hand on each of Light's shoulders.

"Control!"

Everything slowed down and Light pulled her arm back. One of her smaller quills had escaped the restraint and fell into her eyes like a rebel. Her power was almost painfully high, begging to be released. She closed her eyes, imagining the infrared hand charged to its fullest and opened them.

"Heyyahhh!" She shouted as she shot her hand out. A pure, white light shot out interlaced with lightning and force. Her whole body glowed as the power hit its target. Solaris screamed out a sickening sound as it slowly shrunk. Light felt a bead of sweat as she pushed herself. She added another hand that did the same. Solaris was going down! Her power was dimming, but she couldn't stop now! She couldn't! Her whole body was soaked in sweat now and every muscle screamed in protest, but she wasn't done!

"Light!"

Light ignored it, focusing on not collapsing now more than even Solaris. Even if it kills her, she can't stop!

Shock, Twig, Rachael, Robotnick and Robo Buck stood near the monster. Eggman was entering calculations into his computer quickly, then handed it over to Twig, "As soon as I say go, you enter the rest of the data. Shock and Rachael, you join hands. Now Shock, aim your power at Solaris directly."

The three nodded and Shock and Rachael joined hands. Shock held his hand out, palm facing Solaris. Robo Buck placed his metallic hands on Shock. They were almost ready.

"Now!"

Twig entered the code into the computer as fast as he could then hit enter. Robo buck's power charged and entered Shock instantly. Shock felt it and released his power at the monster. Together with Light, they brought the beast down agonizingly slowly. However, it wasn't as exciting as it should have been.

Shock looked up at the balcony and saw Light collapse.

"No!" He shouted as he ran up the stairs as quickly as he could. He almost collapsed himself when he saw the scene before him. Sonic was sitting on his knees with Light's head cradled to his chest. There were tears falling from his face as he stroked his daughters quills. Shadow sat beside them and ran his fingers through her quills. Elise had gone back into the palace to join her daughter. Shock took two steps forward and choked out, "Is she?"

Shadow looked up and shook his head slowly, "She'll be fine. She just needs rest."

Shock felt a wave of relief so strong her nearly fell over. He laughed without humor and sat down. Everything was okay now. Robotnick will always want to take over the world, but at least he's not that crazy. He was just as much used by Doom as everyone else. Everything will soon return to normal.

Rachael stood over the dark figure with hatred. After helping Shock, she returned to Eggman's base where Doom still lie. She felt tears threaten to take over, but held strong. She'd wanted to kill this creature for years. Now she had her chance! However, images of Light flashed into her mind. She knew that without Doom, Light would never have come. Even though that also meant none of this would have happened, Rachael couldn't bring herself to regret it. Light was her friend. She's someone who understands her when no one else does. But now, she can get her real revenge.

Doom stirred, about to wake. Rachael must decide now. Either do it or leave. She remembered her family, and rage flowed through her. She's going to do it!

She heard movement and turned quickly. Robo Buck was there. Rachael looked for Eggman, but didn't see him. Robo Buck moved closer and looked down at Doom. His eyes went yellow and a paper printed out of his chest. He handed it to Rachael without looking away from Doom.

Rachael took the paper cautiously and read it.

You're not a killer. Let me do it. He won't be able to hurt you anymore my sweet Rachael

Rachael's hands shook as she read it and her eyes watered, "Buck? You're still there?"

The robot made no motion that he'd heard her, so she nodded, kissed the metal cheek and ran off, clutching the paper to her chest.

Maria stood in front of the portal. When a person is magically brought back, the soul is given a choice about going back. Maria was torn. Should she go back to earth and live the life that was taken from her?

"Mia! Where are you?" Cindra called. Maria looked back and then back at the portal. She smiled.

"I'm sorry Shadow, but this is my home," and walked away to the worried Cindra.

"This dress is too tight! My necklace is crooked! Oh, I can't do this!" Rouge paced in her dressing room. She was wearing an elegant, mermaid wedding gown with silver beading shaped like a heart over her chest. She fiddled with her elbow length gloves and diamond necklace. Light chuckled and grabbed her shoulders.

"You look beautiful!" She placed the intricate veil on Rouge's head and stepped back, "Just look!"

Rouge looked into the full length mirror. Her head fur had been curled more than normal and she wore lighter make up for the occasion. Light wore a midnight- blue, spaghetti strapped gown that sparkled when she moved. Rouge looked back at Light with a worried look. Light was worried she'd begin to hyperventilate.

"It's all going to be fine Aunt Rouge! Just calm down!" She handed Rouge her bouquet with a smile and picked up her own, "And you better know it, because the music's starting."

Rouge took a deep breath as Light stepped out. She walked under many marble arches that were carefully decorated with white flowers and vines. Up ahead was the groom himself, looking fairly uncomfortable. Beside him was Sonic, Silver and Tails. All dressed finely for the occasion. In front of Light was Rachael and Amy. They were wearing shorter dresses similar to Light's, as Light was the Maid of Honor. After Light took her place on the alter, Shadow held his arm out with a small smile on the other end of the aisle. Rouge hooked her arm in his with the nervousness still in her eyes. Light sent her the best, reassuring smile she could. However, it wasn't needed. As Rouge looked up into Knuckle's amethyst eyes, they both smiled. Light's heart nearly broke when she saw the echidna's face streaked with tears. Rouge walked faster, and with much more confidence now. Shadow's smile widened at this and gladly placed Rouge's hand in Knuckles before standing to the side. As vows were exchanged, the two cried as they looked into each others' eyes. In the face of battle, both are determined, strong and confident. But on their wedding day, both break down easily. It only shows how much they love each other.

"You may kiss the bride."

Knuckles winked at the crowd then pulled Rouge into a long, passionate kiss. The crowd cheered, every happy face mirrored the other. Even Amy and Silver's Baby Lilly, who was only a couple weeks old, seemed to be happy for the couple.

After the emotional wedding, came the wild reception. There were a handful of table scattered around a wide dance floor that was shaped like a gem. It seemed appropriate since they met because of the master emerald. Sonic and Shadow were taking turns dancing with the bride, and Amy was dancing with Knuckles. Light sat at one of the closer table and smiled. A gloved hand was now in front of her face and Light looked up to see Shadow asking for a dance. She smiled and stood up, dancing with her father who's life she brought so much light into.

"May I cut in?" Shock asked with a smile. He had taken off the quill beads and pulled all of his quills back, but refused to remove the earrings. Shadow winked at light and allowed Shock to dance with her just as Sonic took him up into another dance.

"Quite a nice wedding," Shock pointed out as they spun around on the dance floor.

Light chuckled, "Yeah it is," She looked away shyly, "You know, before I went after Solaris..."

Their dance faltered a moment before picking up again, "Yeah?"

Light looked back up into his eyes and said, "Did you mean it?"

She could tell Shock knew exactly what he was talking about. He smiled slightly and placed a hand on the side of her face, "Yes, I did."

She smiled and butterflies erupted in her stomach, "I think I owe you something."

He raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Oh?"

She grinned, "Yeah," She took a fistful of his shirt and pulled him down for a slow, sweet kiss. It felt like there was nothing else in the world. Like no one else existed.

The cheering and whistles proved them wrong. Light blushed and buried her face in Shocks' shirt. He laughed and wrapped his arms around her, still sort of dancing. Light felt a tap on her shoulder and she turned around. Knuckles and Rouge were smiling with humor, arms linked.

"I wanted to thank you both for saving him," Rouge said with deep emotion in her eyes. Knuckles had slowly recovered with the help of Eggman's medical bots. He had a few scars on his arms, but that was covered up by his tux now, "You take care of her Junior," Rouge warned Shock with an evil smile, "Or you'll have the whole Sonic team after you."

Shock laughed, not the least uncomfortable, "I'd gladly let you all if I somehow hurt her."

Rouge and Knuckles nodded and the sound of the DJ interrupted them.

"Okay, now for the speeches!"

There were many wonderful speeches, some funny, some bittersweet, and some odd. When there was no one else, Knuckles stood up and walked to the stage with the microphone.

"I'm glad you all came, and I am so relieved that Rouge agreed to do this. But I think some special recognition goes to Sonic, Shadow and Light. If it weren't for Sonic and Shadow, we never would have gotten past our bickering about gems and got to know each other. And if it weren't for Light, I wouldn't be here now. Thank you Light. you earn your name well."

Light placed her fingers on her chin and flicked them out (thank you) and barely held her emotions under control. This was all just too much! She looked out at her family, all happy for her. Amy had been signing the speeches to Silver, so he knew what had just been said. He smiled and gave a thumbs up to Light who returned it. Everyone looked happy. For now, Eggman was gone. But they all knew he'd come back just as he always does. For now, they can enjoy life.

FIN