The Truth
The Birth of Lara-Su
By Chili Echidna

((( Author’s note: I wrote this story because I love the fact about Knuckles and Julie-Su getting married and having a child instead of just being friends. It was plain to see they were CRAZY for one another. Most fan fics and pictures of Lara-Su are when she’s either around 6 years old or a teenager. So I decided to have a story about when she was born and have the fic explain the Brother Hood’s feeling toward the event, as well as Lara-Le’s and Knuckles’ and Julie-Su’s. Was Lara-Su’s birth an accident, a mistake? Read to find out! ^_^)))
<<<Oh yes, I may be a little inaccurate on this story. In my opinion, Julie-Su will go through a more ‘human’ pregnancy. You know, the 9 months deal. After all, these animals have some human characteristic. When was the last time you saw an echidna talk? :P>>>

         As Knuckles walked down the streets of Echidnaopolis, he noticed many happy families around him. Now-a-days everyone was apart of a family. Even Knuckles’ former enemy, Sonic, had moved on. The hedgehog had gotten married with one of Knuckles’ early crushes, Sally, and the couple had two beautiful children, a female chipmunk named Amanda and a blue hedgehog named Sonic JR.
         Knuckles was very envious of Sonic. Not because Sonic was the king of Mobuis and had Queen Sally as a wife, oh no! Knuckles had Julie-Su, the girl of his dreams. It was the fact Sonic had two children. Knuckles didn’t have any children and wished he had. It made him very jealous every time he saw Sonic.
         Knuckles and Julie-Su had several attempts to make a baby. They weren’t successful once. Julie-Su had gotten pregnant 4 times, and was forced to have an abortion each time before she could lay an egg. The last abortion was a month before her child was due, and it put Julie-Su at a life-threatening state. The doctor had suggested that they quit trying.
         Weeks later, Julie-Su, still brokenhearted, suggested adopting the child. Knuckles considered this, but he knew that they couldn’t. The child would have to have the white crescent mark around his neck to become a future guardian. And there were no such records of a child with those specific markings.
         Knuckles sighed as he reached his house. He walked up onto the porch and slowly opened the door, then walked in. He walked over to a nearby coat rack and tossed his old outback hat over it. Julie-Su had often lectured him about wearing “that nasty, dirty thing” in the house. She had even gone as far as throwing the hat away, but Knuckles had always retrieved it. Julie-Su finally gave up on the hat altogether.
         Knuckles ran his hand through his thick dreadlocks, feeling damp towards the back of his head. He turned to walk into the bedroom, but was stopped by a familiar hand on his shoulder.
         Julie-Su smiled at him with her sad smile. Her violet eyes were searching… and Knuckles had the strangest thought that Julie was able to read minds.
         “Tough day?” Julie-Su asked him.
         “Nah,” Knuckles lied but he could tell his wife could see right through him. He put his arms around her gently and kissed her softly on the lips, “What about you?”
         Julie-Su snorted, “Being a house wife, huh. Nothing compared to when the “Sonic Adventure” period had hit the Floating Island 12 years back. Back when that happened, it was hard to believe I could GET through a day.” She smiled.
         Knuckles didn’t reply, just kissed her again. “I love you,” he whispered.
         “I love you too,” Julie-Su said and broke away, heading toward the kitchen. Knuckles smiled after her. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him, ever.

         Julie-Su lay down next to Knuckles a few hours later. From outside the two’s bedroom window crickets could be heard and the 3 Mobian Moons were full and shining bright. Knuckles had often told Julie-Su that when the moons did that, which was something they rarely did; something special was going to happen. She curled up next to her husband and shivered from the night air.
         “Cold?” he asked softly, turning his attention on her.
         “Only a little.” As she said the words, Knuckles ran his bare hand up along the side of her face and the two kissed passionately. And with the sound of a sudden quivering breath, the outside world seemed to go still.

         Julie-Su found herself in a strange place. She seemed to be walking along the clouds, although she had no idea how she had ended up there in the first place. And she noticed she was wearing a long flowing white gown and wore no shoes. As she stood atop the fluffy puffs of white clouds, she looked down at the planet Mobuis below. She gasped.
         She witnessed the history of Mobuis. Julie-Su saw from when the first animal took it’s slimy first step out of the water up until the end of time. When she saw the fate of the planet Mobuis, she tore her eyes away from the sight. It was more than she cared to see. She tried her best not to look back down.
         “Marvelous, isn’t it?” Julie-Su turned around to see a yellow female echidna floating toward her. A golden glow suspended her.
         “Who… Who are you?” Julie-Su asked.
         The female smiled, “Tikal.” She looked down below the clouds and then smiled back up at Julie-Su.
         “I’m Ju…” Julie started but Tikal cut her off.
         “I know very well who you are, Julie-Su.” Tikal took a step closer as Julie-Su stepped back. Tikal was starting to make her nervous. She suddenly looked different; the glow around her sharpened and her eyes grew bright.
         “You shall bear the guardian’s child. All is said and all is done.” Tikal swept past and walked off, a dense mist closing around her.
         Julie-Su was confused. “Wait!” she cried, “Come back!” she hurried after the echidna, but the cloud seemed to hold her back, refusing to let her go. Then all went black.

         Julie-Su woke up in cold sweat. She whipped her forehead with the back of her hand as she sat up. She looked to her left only to discover Knuckles had already went off for his morning patrol. She sighed and got to her feet, slipping on her wedding ring Knuckles had given her years before. Julie-Su then walked out of the room and down the hall. She stepped into another bedroom, painted a light baby blue. She had remembered the first time Knuckles had figured out she was pregnant. He was so happy he had turned the guest bedroom into a baby room. And then, that fateful day when Julie-Su had come home sobbing, they had found out they had lost their child.
         Julie-Su wandered over to the crib on the other side of the room. It had several stuffed animals in it and Julie-Su felt a cold chill run up her spine. She remembered the dream she had had. How she wished it were true! How she longed to have a child sleeping soundly in her arms while she cooed at him. Julie-Su sighed as she left the room.
         Julie-Su slowly came out from the deserted baby room and into the living room. Her mind blurred with questions. This… Tikal… she seemed familiar. Had Knuckles spoke of her before? Yes, he had. Knuckles had said he had strange visions during the Sonic Adventure period, all of them about a little tribal girl named Tikal. Julie’s heart suddenly gave a leap as she fled up the steps and into her bedroom, looking for something to wear.

         Knuckles walked up the steps to his house a few hours later. He brushed his feet off at the mat at the foot of the door, then reached for the door handle. Locked. Knuckles raised an eyebrow as he pulled out his key and unlocked the door. As he stepped inside, he heard nothing, which was unusual. He thought that perhaps his love was still asleep and shrugged it off. Knuckles pushed his hat back with his thumb and climbed up the long staircase to his room.
         Once inside the room, he discovered Julie-Su was gone. Panic rose inside him as he called out her name.
         “Julie!” his voice echoed off the walls. He ran back downstairs. She had never walked off when Knuckles was gone without telling him. The two always informed one another of their daily plans. Julie always knew Knuckles got up and left for patrol at 6 am, and returned two hours later.
         When he had entered the kitchen he found a note on the counter. How strange, he thought as he read the messy note. She had rushed out in a hurry. It said simply that she’d be back soon. He shrugged as he crumpled the note up in his palm and tossed it in the trash can as he sat down at the kitchen table. No sooner had Knuckles sat down when the door opened. Julie-Su stepped in and shut the door. Knuckles looked up to see her walking toward him.
         She pulled Knuckles to his feet and he kissed her. She showed no facial expressions and said, “I have some news.”
         “Oh?” the two broke apart.
         “It’s not exactly good news…yet. But it gives me hope.” Julie-Su looked at Knuckles.
         Knuckles nodded and waited for her to continue. When she didn’t he said, “Well?”
         “Knuckles,” she said slowly, “I’m pregnant.”
         Knuckles cocked his head for a moment, trying to decide if this was a joke or not. Then he suddenly picked her up and twirled her, “That’s great!”
         Julie-Su smiled shyly.

         Locke sat back in his chair at Haven. He wondered how the Brotherhood of Haven would agree on this. On the monitor in front of him Knuckles and Julie-Su were looking quite pleased. Locke sighed.
         Some of his relatives were going to disagree. He knew. Locke, on the other hand, was happy for his son. It was his son’s and his wife’s decision not Haven’s. He stood up and walked out of the room.
         “Might as well inform everyone else,” He muttered as he flicked the light switch off.

         Knuckles and Julie-Su stood smiling at one another, but soon Julie-Su frowned.
         “What if he doesn’t make it either?” she whispered as she patted her stomach.
         “Don’t think that way, Julie,” Knuckles said softly, “If you think this one’s going to make, he will.”
         “That’s the way I felt about the last one,” Julie-Su said sadly.
         Knuckles sighed and walked off, “Well, better tell mom of the news. You coming along?”
         Julie-Su nodded and rolled her eyes, “Wont SHE be pleased…”

         There was a knock at Lara-Le’s door. The female echidna walked toward the door, “Now who could this be…” she opened the door to see Knuckles and Julie-Su standing at her door. She sighed when she saw Julie-Su.
         Lara-Le didn’t really approve of Knuckles marrying a dark legionnaire. When he had first taken Julie-Su out on a date, Lara-Le allowed it. She had no idea it was going to go THIS far, although she was happy for them when they had first told her of Julie-Su being a mother. But after they had had so many losses, Lara-Le never expected the news her son gave her at the front door.
         “Mom, Julie-Su’s pregnant.”
         Again? Lara-Le felt like asking, but instead said, “Oh! How lovely!”
         “We’re confident that this one is going to make it to be an egg,” Knuckles said and smiled at his mom.
         “As am I,” Lara-Le said, “Oh! I will get to be a grandmother, what fun.” She opened the door wider and gestured for the two to come in. The two walked in and followed Lara to her couch.
         “Have a seat,” Lara-Le said, “Would you two like anything to drink?”
         Knuckles shook his head and Julie-Su opened her mouth, but then shut it with a snap. “Never mind,” she said under her breath.
         “No really dear, what would you like?” Lara-Le asked and smiled a smile that looked as though it were stitched on.
         “A glass of water, if that’s ok, m’lady,” Julie-Su said quietly and Lara-Le nodded and smiled, then disappeared down the hall.
         Lara came back holding two wineglasses. One was filled with clear liquid, while the other was filled with a deep purple colored wine. Lara handed the wineglass filled with water to Julie-Su then sat herself down on the nearby love seat.
         “So,” Lara-Le said, sipping her wine, “How far are you into you’re pregnancy, Julie?” She set her glass down.
         Julie-Su looked up, “I just found out today.”
         “Ah,” Lara-Le smiled. “I’m sure you two must be very happy. I’ll inform Wyn when he returns.”
         “Where is he at, mom?” Knuckles asked.
         Lara-Le smiled, “At the market with Callie. They shall be back shortly.” She changed the subject, “Knuckles, have you informed your father of the news?”
         “Nope,” Knuckles said and smiled, “You are the first one we’ve told.”
         Lara-Le sat back with satisfaction. “Would you two like to stay for lunch?”
         “Thanks mom,” Knuckles said, “But we’ve got to get a move on. We have a lot of people to tell still.”
         “Of course,” Lara-Le tried her best to not look disappointed, but failed. She suddenly smiled, “Do come over some time for dinner, will you dear?”
         Knuckles smiled as he got to his feet, “Of course.” Julie-Su sat her glass down and stood up as well.
         “Well, thanks mom, but we have to get moving. We’ll be back tomorrow, ok?” Lara-Le nodded and showed the two to the door. Once the two were making their way down the steps, she sighed.
         “Let’s hope this child turns out well,” Lara-Le frowned as she shut the door.

         When Knuckles got home, Julie-Su sat down the couch and relaxed. Knuckles pulled a few grapes out of a nearby fruit bowl and threw them into his mouth. He offered a few to his wife, and she gladly accepted. Knuckles then walked over to his phone setting on the kitchen counter. “Amazing how much technology has changed,” he said aloud and picked up the receiver and dialed. There was a ringing noise and a familiar voice answered.
         “Yo, this is the hedgehog.”
         “Sonic?”
         “Tails?”
         “No, it’s Knuckles you dolt.”
         “Oh,” Sonic laughed, “What’s up Knux?”
         “Ah, just some good news.” Knuckles let the words hang in the air.
         Sonic grew impatient when Knuckles didn’t continue, “Yeah? Well…?”
         “Julie-Su’s pregnant.”
         “Hmm,” Knuckles could hear the hedgehog lean back in his chair, thinking. And finally, “That’s great man! How far along?”
         “Not very long. Just found out today.” Knuckles smiled.
         “Congratulations!” Sonic then said in a voice barely above a whisper, “You think it’s gonna make it to be an egg?”
         Knuckles sighed, “I sure hope so.”

         When Knuckles got off the phone an hour later, he sat down next to his wife on the couch. She had a peach and was now eating it. When she noticed Knuckles next to her, she finished her peach up and said, “Knuckles, there was something I was meaning to tell you.”
         Knuckles’ heart gave a leap. What now? Her serious tone made him nervous.
         “Remember the Sonic Adventure period?”
         Knuckles relaxed, “How could I forget?”
         “What was that girl’s name in those weird visions you saw?” Julie-Su asked and picked up another peach from the nearby fruit bowl.
         “Tikal,” Knuckles said slowly after a moment, “Why?”
         Julie-Su studied the fruit in the palm of her hand, “I had the strangest dream. Only she wasn’t some tribal girl to me. She had this weird glow… she looked like an angel.”
         Knuckles raised an eyebrow, “Uh-huh. Go on.”
         “Well… she started talking to me, that’s all. I just wanted to see if it was the same girl.”
         “Ah,” Knuckles nodded, “And what did she say?”
         “She said I was to bear the guardian’s child and that all was said, and all was done.” Julie-Su looked at Knuckles curiously.
         “Was it a vision… or are you sure it was a dream?” he asked, pushing his outback hat up.
         “A dream, I’m sure.”
         Knuckles sighed. He was hoping it had been a vision. Then his mind would have been put to ease by the fact that Tikal said the child would make it. Although, a dream could mean many things.

         The days went by quickly the next few weeks. Over the days, Julie-Su noticed her stomach becoming larger. Now four months into her pregnancy, Julie-Su’s hopes were up. She became more confident that her child was going to make. Lara-Le often came over in the mornings when Knuckles went of on patrol. She made breakfast almost every morning and Julie-Su was very grateful.
         “M’lady, you really don’t have to do this,” Julie-Su said one morning after getting out of bed.
         “Ah, but I want to,” Lara-Le said as she pulled out a tray of fresh baked bread from the oven. She set it down on the counter and cut it into pieces with a long knife.
         Julie-Su watched her, “I never was a good cook.”
         Lara-Le smiled, “Well, you’ll have to learn when the young one comes,” she set the tray aside for the bread to cool. “Julie,” she turned to look at the soon-to-be-mother. “I was thinking. Those robotic parts get in the way, don’t they?” she gestured to Julie-Su’s robotic arm and dreadlock. Julie-Su bit her lip.
         “Sometimes,” Julie admitted and Lara nodded.
         “I’ve heard of a special treatment for people like you,” Lara-Le said and Julie-Su rubbed the back of her neck, feeling suddenly uncomfortable.
         “Oh?”
         “Yes,” Lara-Le continued, “It’s a sort of laser treatment. One trip there, and you’ll be… “scanned.” Quite painless. And then you will no longer have robotic parts. Much like a de-robotization process. It shall turn you’re robotics into flesh and blood.”
         Julie-Su nodded. How wonderful that would be!
         “There’s only one problem,” Lara-Le said, “It’s expensive.”
         Julie-Su sighed.
         “Ah, don’t get you’re hopes down yet, Julie-Su,” Lara-Le suddenly smiled, “I am willing to pay the price if you go.”
         “Really?” Julie-Su asked, astonished.
         Lara-Le nodded.
         “You don’t have to do that…” Julie-Su said, but Lara-Le cut her off.
         “No, no. It would be my pleasure.” Lara-Le assured her, “my gift to you and the child.”
         “Will it hurt him?” Julie-Su asked.
         “Him?” Lara-Le repeated.
         “My kid.” Julie-Su looked uncomfortable.
         “No, they tell me it will not hurt pregnant mothers or their children.” Lara-Le smiled, “Well? Do you want to?”
         “When can we go?” Julie-Su asked excitedly.

         That night Julie-Su discussed the matter with Knuckles.
         “And then no one will think differently of me,” Julie-Su said, finishing the story.
         “Well,” Knuckles looked unsure as he took off his hat and put it on the coat rack, “If that’s what you really want to do…”
         “What? You don’t like the idea?” Julie-Su asked, looking slightly upset.
         “Well, it’s you’re decision,” Knuckles admitted, “But are you sure there is no risk to the baby?”
         “Lara told me there is nothing to worry about,” Julie-Su said.
         “But do you really need the treatment? Is there a big risk if you don’t go?” Knuckles asked.
         “Knuckles!” Julie-Su cried, “I’m tired of being ignored or laughed at!”
         “You aren’t laughed at…or ignored.” Knuckles said.
         “But I was,” Julie-Su said, narrowing her eyes. “And I don’t want to have to explain to my boy when he’s older why I have robotic parts, like I’m some sort of… machine!”
         Knuckles sighed, giving up.
         “Whatever you think is best for the baby.” He said, throwing his hands up in the air in defeat.

         The next day Lara-Le, Knuckles, and Julie-Su walked up to a small building. When the stepped through the double doors, Julie-Su had the feeling they were in a hospital.
         Lara-Le walked up to the front desk and said Julie-Su’s maiden last name.
         “Ma’am, you’re going to have to wait in line…,” the clerk said, but Knuckles stepped forward.
         “Hey buddy, no one else is in here, so why do we have ta’ wait?” Knuckles said.
         “Oh, I’m sorry,” the clerk said, looking stricken. “Is this you’re wife, guardian?” he gestured to Julie-Su. Knuckles nodded.
         “Oh, right this way ma’am,” he said and led Julie-Su down a long hallway. Knuckles smirked as they left. “Let’s sit down, mom,” he said and walked over to the nearest set of seats.
         Julie-Su was taken into a small room that had what looked like an operating table in the center of it. Hanging above it was a strange looking device with a sharp pointy end.
         “Lay down,” the clerk said and Julie did what she was told after a moment’s hesitation.
         “Where’s the doctor?” she asked, starting to sweat looking up at the object.
         “You’re looking at him,” the clerk said and pointed to a little badge on his coat. It read: Dr. Snyder.
         Julie-Su gulped, “Will this be painful?”
         “You wont feel a thing,” Dr. Snyder assured her, “I’ll give you a pill that’ll knock you right out.” He smiled and presented her with a small yellow tablet. “It’s chewable,” he said rather gleefully.
         Julie-Su took the pill from the doctor’s gloved hand and popped it in her mouth, then slowly chewed on it.
         “Now, start counting backward from 100,” the doctor said, and flipped a switch on the wall. There was a loud vibrating noise from the device above her.
         “100, 99, 98, 97…” Everything went black around Julie as she closed her eyes.

         “Julie…” Julie-Su heard voices. She slowly opened her eyes to see Knuckles standing over her. He smiled when he saw her violet eyes, and stroked her bangs from her face. Julie-Su tried to get up, but Knuckles held her back. “They’re bringing a wheel chair around. The medicine you took hasn’t fully worn off yet.” He smiled at her. “You may have some discomfort for a few days, but the ‘operation’ was a complete success.”
         “Wheelchair?” Julie-Su shrieked, “Ain’t no way I’m going home like a little old lady! I’m want to go home with style!”
         Knuckles grinned, “I thought you might feel that way.” He picked her up in his arms, “We ain’t no sissies.” Julie-Su laughed.
         “Where’s your mom?” she asked as they walked out of the building. “She went home. She invited us over for din din tonight.”

         Julie-Su looked herself over in her compact mirror as they stepped up to Lara-Le’s front step. Knuckles wore his usual boots and cowboy hat, but Julie-Su wanted to look her best. She wore a light green dress with some of her old green boots, along with a beautiful diamond necklace Knuckles had given her for her last birthday.
         Knuckles knocked on the door and a 14 year old echidna female opened the door. “Oh hey, bro,” she said and hugged him, “Hi Julie.”
         “Hi Call-ie,” Knuckles and Julie-Su said at the same time. Callie was Knuckles half sister. The two had different fathers and were nearly 16 years apart. She was hyper and was a tomboy. She often liked to get on Knuckles’ nerves, which she did a lot.
         Callie led the two inside and down the hall and into the dining room. Wyn was already seated and Callie sat down next to her father. Knuckles and Julie-Su sat from the opposite of them.
         Lara-Le came in a few minutes later, holding a pot filled with some sort of pasta. She sat the pot down on the table and announced, “Help yourself.” After everyone except er had their dishes filled up, Lara-Le said, “All right. Now, what do you want to drink?”
         Julie-Su and Knuckles noticed they were the only two without drinks. They both told her what they wanted, and Lara-Le disappeared into the kitchen, returning with their drinks as well as some garlic bread.
         Once she was seated, Lara-Le suggested they should have prayer. She told Callie to lead them, and she did after mumbling to herself. They all bowed their heads, and Julie-Su felt nervous. She was never accustomed to most echidna’s beliefs. She bowed her head after all the rest and Knuckles whispered to her, “Don’t worry. This makes me edgy too.”
         “Take off you’re hat,” Lara-Le said to him before Callie began. Knuckles sighed and did as he was told.
         Once the prayer was over, everyone began to eat. Wyn complimented on how well the doctor did on Julie-Su’s dreadlock and arm. Julie-Su liked Wyn. He didn’t make her nervous, like most of Knuckles’ relatives did. He would let her have her space.
         Julie nodded and smiled to herself. She took a slice of garlic bread and popped it into her mouth. Callie then started on a long story about something that happened in school. Everyone listened carefully as Callie complained about a snotty stuck up girl in her school who made fun of her.
         “I wish I could punch her in the nose,” Callie concluded and Knuckles laughed.
         “Callie!” Lara-Le scolded.
         “Sorry, mum,” Callie said and then Knuckles said in a low voice, “I’ll give you boxing lessons if you like.”
         “Really?” Callie said, a little too loudly, because Lara-Le gave Knuckles the ‘evil eye.’
         “Only joking,” he said slowly and winked at Callie. Lara-Le sighed.

         A few months passed. You could now tell Julie-Su was definitely pregnant. She had sharp pains every now and then, which was alien to her, but just the same, she was glad.
         Julie-Su and Knuckles were now fully confident that she’d lay an egg. Lara-Le and sometimes even Locke would spend the entire day with her, watching over her. In a way, this made Julie-Su feel childish, but she knew that after what happened last time, they wanted to be fully prepared.
         Knuckles now stayed home most of the time, watching her as well. Julie-Su enjoyed having him around. He made her feel comfortable. But even so, Julie-Su was bored with her lack of ability. She wasn’t very mobile during this time in her pregnancy. Now she just normally sat around, feeling useless. But every day she was excited for she was one day closer to giving birth. Everyone else was excited as well, talking rather loudly about it. There were many visitors a day, as the residents of the Floating Island wanted to see the guardian and his wife.
         But today, Julie-Su felt different. Her pains were sharper now. She was no where near the end of her pregnancy, and she often felt as though she were being kicked at form the insides. Of course, that was absurd. She was going to have an egg, not a live birth. Her kind did not have that kind of birth. But even so…
         Julie-Su cringed as she felt the pain again. Knuckles rushed to her aide. “Are you okay?” he asked and Julie-Su watched Lara-Le hover in the background.
         “No,” Julie-Su admitted and suddenly screamed right in Knuckles’ ear. Knuckles fell back in surprise, “What was THAT for?” he cried.
         “Sorry, but that really hurt.” Julie-Su said. She was having the most unbelievable pain in her stomach. She whimpered and began to sweat. “Ow, ow, ow, ow…” she said, trying her best not to scream, but failed.
         “What’s wrong?” Knuckles asked.
         “I don’t… know,” Julie-Su admitted, breathing hard.
         “I think we need to get you to a doctor,” Knuckles said, trying his best to remain calm.
         “Ya think?” Julie-Su practically spat.
         “She shouldn’t be having this pain,” Lara-Le said. “Even if you were going to lay an egg. And besides, you’ve still got 2 months to go.”
         “Can someone get me something to relieve the pain?” Julie-Su said as calmly as she could, holding on to Knuckles hand like there was no tomorrow.
         “Time to make a trip to the hospital…” Knuckles said and picked her up, sweating himself.

         Once inside the hospital, Julie-Su was now howling from pain. Knuckles was freaking out, since he had no clue what was wrong. The nurse set Julie-Su down in a wheel chair and raced Julie-Su in an operating room with Knuckles close behind. Lara-Le waited in the waiting room.
         The nurse sat Julie down on the bed and ran out the room, returning with the doctor. He was holding a hospital gown.
         Knuckles, the nurse, and the doctor managed to wrestle Julie-Su into the dress, her screaming and cursing the entire time. Knuckles looked extremely worried as the doctor lifted up the skirt, looked, and then pulled on a set of rubber gloves and handed a pair to Knuckles while he put them on himself.
         “What are we doing?” Knuckles asked weakly.
         “Well, you’re kid’s coming today guardian,” the doctor said.
         “Oh,” Knuckles relaxed.
         “Only one problem,” the doctor said, taking out a needle filled with a yellow liquid. “The baby is coming out backward.”
         “What?!” Knuckles asked as he was rudely pushed aside by the doctor.
         “WHAT?” Julie-Su cried and then screamed. Knuckles took a step back.
         “Hold still,” the doctor said and injected her with the needle. Julie-Su would have slugged him for not answering her, but the pain was too great.
         “There,” the doctor said, stepping back. Julie-Su felt the room swirl around her. Knuckles looked both worried and confused. That was the last thing Julie-Su saw before she shut her eyes and the pain faded.

         When Julie-Su woke up, the first thing she saw was a blinding white light. What had happened? Her vision cleared and she noticed she was still in the hospital. She saw Knuckles talking to someone in the doorway. Her attention then focused on her stomach as she ran her finger along it. To her horror, her large belly was now flat. She felt the tears welling in her eyes. She had lost the child.
         Knuckles came back in to see her sobbing.
         “Oh Knuckles,” she said as he put his strong arms around her.
         “I know, I’m relieved too,” he answered.
         Julie-Su looked up, her eyes burning with rage. She wanted to choke him.
         Knuckles suddenly smiled, “I have something to show you,” he walked out of the room and returned with something in his arms, a bundle of blankets. From it came a soft crying noise. He smiled as he handed her the blankets, to reveal a small red child, sniffling.
         “How…” Julie-Su started.
         “Congratulations, Julie. You’re a mother,” Knuckles said softly and whipped the tears from her eyes. “Not to mention you are the first echidna in history to give live birth.”
         Julie-Su was so overwhelmed she began to cry all over again. “What shall we call him?”
         “Him? Julie, it’s a girl.” Knuckles’ smile grew wider.
         Julie-Su looked at the baby girl in her arms, “Oh wow. I never thought I’d have a girl,” she whispered, “What should her name be?”
         Knuckles paused, “You decide.”
         Julie-Su thought it over for a moment, “Lara-Su,” she announced.
         As she said the words, Lara-Su curled her tiny hand over her mother’s index finger.

The End…

<<<Hope ya like my story! I apologize to anyone who may have some parts in the story very similar to mine. I didn’t intend for that. ^.^ Stay turned for when I get around to writing a Lara-Su series!>>>