*Knuckles POV*

When Eggman left, I glanced to Sonic, unsure of what to say. So many thoughts consumed my mind, and I felt as if I was dizzy. My glance turned to awkward staring, and Sonic noticed me.

He looked away nervously as he started talking. "So, I bet you wanna know what that was back at the hospital.... And both fights with Mephiles...."

I simply nodded, hoping that he would explain.

He sighed and looked to Shadow. "I've... never told anyone this before...."

I stayed silent, not really knowing what to do.

"That... form... that you saw of me was Dark.... He's my ancestor, I guess.... It's kind of hard to explain, and I'm still learning about this myself, but...."

I nodded, making sure to listen to every single detail. He looked to me, his eyes full of fear.

"Before I say anymore, I want you to promise me that you won't tell anybody. Even if this changes your opinion of me. Please...."

"I promise, Sonic." I said, eyes never leaving his. "And I'm not going to think differently of you, even if you tell me that you're some kind of godly being."

"Actually...." Sonic looked down. "It's something along those lines.... M-My family line goes all the way back to a demon.... His name was Exe.... Y-You saw him when I-I died...."

My eyes widened slightly but I nodded in conformation.

"I was just told this a week or so ago, so I don't know everything, but because of that, two of my ancestors, Dark and Exe, are sort of voices in my head.... And the power of the chaos emeralds... those forms that I turn into... They're all the forms of my ancestors...."

"So.... Why haven't you told anyone this? Even after what happened with Shadow?" I asked.

"I... always thought I was a freak because of it, and now that I know that my ancestry goes all the way back to a demon, well...." He looked to me. "What do you think people will say when they find out their friend and hero is derived from a cannibalistic demon among others that have done wrong....?"

I could feel the emptiness in those words as he looked into my eyes. He felt almost... soulless, and for a second, I thought I was right. "But you're not them. You are the hero that everyone loves. Don't you think that still holds some ground in this?"

Sonic just chuckled emptily. "Do you really think that matters, Knuckles? I mean, look at Shadow. He does so much good for the world, but everyone hates him because he tried to destroy the world once. These people don't care what you do right anymore...."

I went silent, looking down. He was right, as much as I hated to admit it....

"I'm already seeming suspicious to them due to this...." He gestured to Shadow, then to the base we were in. "If anybody else found out the truth.... I could be killed, burned at the stake just like Exe. Or worse... Shadow could get hurt...."

He was tearing up, and I immediately felt discomfort surround me. I wasn't good at comforting others; everybody knew that. I guess I just lived alone for so long that I never learned it naturally. That made it all the more horrible when it was just me and the crying hedgehog. I wanted to do something, really, but I just went stiff.

"I'm s-sorry, Knuckles...." Sonic wiped his tears away. "I know that makes you uncomfortable."

"It's fine." My voice squeaked, and it made me grimace. Sonic noticed this and sighed.

"I'm sorry for pulling you into this.... You don't deserve this.... After Silver's disappearance-"

"Sonic." He looked to me. "It's fine, really. I'm here to help you and Shadow. It was my idea to come along anyways."

He sniffled, and I could've sworn that the tiniest of smiles came upon his muzzle. "Thanks for being here. I know it's hard...."

"We stick together in times like this, right?" I smiled to him, and I could almost see his emerald eyes brighten.

"Thank you so much, Knuckles."

"No problem."

With that, Sonic went beside Shadow, gripping his hand gently. I looked to the two and smiled, though I could feel the jealousy seeping slowly within me. I can't look to the two without thinking about Silver and how I can't see him at all.

I miss him....

I miss him so much....

I sighed as I looked away from the two and turned around. "I'm going out to get some things and check up on the Master Emerald. Be careful and don't let your guard down."

"Okay...." The hedgehog nodded behind me, and I looked back one last time before walking out.

If we're gonna be living here, we need food that isn't coming from Eggman.

________________________________

"That'll be 19.95, sir." That voice sounded familiar, and I had to exit my thoughts to look up to the cashier.

"Devion?"

"Oh! Hey, Knuckles." The bat-eared fox smiled to me, sunset eyes glowing.

"You work here?"

"Heh, yeah." He looked to the side and nervously scratched his head. "Need to get money somehow, you know?"

I only blinked, not actually knowing. I did live on my own island and made my own food and took care of myself after all. "Uh, sure."

"So, what happened at the hospital? Rouge said that you and Sonic just disappeared with Shadow!"

"I can't tell you...." I looked away. "All I can say is that both Shadow and Sonic are safe."

Devion only nodded as I handed him the money to pay for these things. "I understand. Just be careful, okay?"

I nodded. "Of course."

"And sorry about the whole trying to flirt with you thing. I didn't know you were taken, and that was very disrespectful of me to just assume."

"It's fine, really. Silver's been gone for a while...." I sighed.

Devion smiled. "If you ever need help with anything, I'm here, okay? I know we just met, but I want to help in any way I can."

"Thanks, Devion...." I smiled before saying goodbye and walking out of the convenience store.

______________________________

I could feel the power coursing through my body as I stepped up to the Master Emerald. I was use to this power, for I felt it everyday when I'm near my emerald. I guess my body reacts well with the chaos energy.

I smiled as I set my bag of groceries down, stepping up to the large emerald before me. I laid my hand on it and smiled. "I'm sorry that I can't stay too long; I have to protect Sonic and Shadow...."

I sighed as I let my hand fall to my side. I hated not being there for my life long duty, but I guess that's what happens when one suddenly gains friends. I made sure to to the security checks exactly how Tails taught me before grabbing the bags and getting off my island. I silently hoped that the two hedgehogs were okay.

___________________________

I sighed in relief as I walked through the door into our room. They were both safe, Sonic fast asleep with his hand still holding on to Shadow.

"You know, you could always bring the Master Emerald here. It'll save you the trouble of worrying."

I quickly turned to see the doctor standing before me, his glasses glinting villainously.

"I'd never bring the Master Emerald here." I growled out, clenching my fists.

The doctor smirked. "You can't keep running back and forth, Knuckles. Someone will find out that you went to me for help with the world's beloved hero who went insane. How do you think that'll go over?"

"Sonic's not insane." I glared up at him.

"That may be what you believe, but even the local news has said otherwise."

I was silent, my body shaking slightly from anger. He just smirked at me with his malicious grin. "Very well then. Have a nice time."

I watched him leave, and I clenched my fists, punching the wall beside the door. Surprisingly, it didn't crumble, and I was thankful for that. Of course he would taunt me like that! Of course he'd try to trick me! My body shook violently with anger and I felt my muscles clenching and unclenching. I brought myself down on one knee, taking deep breaths, just as Silver has told me to do. It helped, and I soon felt myself calm down.

I looked to the two asleep and sighed, glad that I didn't wake Sonic. I picked the bags back up and set them somewhere they wouldn't be crushed. I then found some blankets and covered Sonic before going to another bed and laying down.

I didn't sleep, though. I just watched over the two, making sure that nothing happened.

________________________

*Unknown POV*

Small but bright emerald greens stared at me. I couldn't feel a thing besides a weight on my hand.

I couldn't think, nor could I move. All I could see was black and bright green. I could feel was a small weight on my hand, but I felt happy and content with this.

I have no memories, I don't even know who I am. All I know is the bright emerald greens and the weight on my hand.

Everything felt wrong, but oh so right....

Who am I?

Why do I feel so happy with these emeralds and this weight on my hand?

And why do I feel as if I need to try to get up?