Sonic the Hedgehog, Knuckles the Echidna, Miles "Tails" Prower, Amy Rose, Robo-Knux, Ray the Flying Squirrel, the Chaotix,  the Freedom Fighters, Dr. Robotnik, etc.. are (c) to Sega. All rights reserved for table four.
Eliza the Echidna, etc are (c) to me.
Eliza is pronounced e-lee-za, and I'll continue to say this in every fic I write.
Okay, peoples, this is the only fic of mine that will be rated over 'G' (Or 'U', in some cases) It's PG, because I'm graphic about Eliza's condition, and because Knuxie utters one tiny little swear word (which in fact, isn't a swear word at all.) I couldn't weasel my way out of it. I had to have him swear. His sister is dieing.. 

 

Robotnik paced around one of his chambers, hands behind his back.

"What to do to get back at that accursed hedgehog?"

A crooked grin crept up his face.

"I'll just sic my newest Mecha-Bot on him."

He chuckled darkly as he walked over to a set of metal doors.

"Computer, open the doors."

>Access disallowed<

"WHAT?!" He nearly bellowed. "Open the doors."

>Access disallowed<

"I AM YOUR LORD AND MASTER! NOW OPEN THESE DOORS BEFORE I REDUCE YOU TO A CALCULATOR!" Spit flung from his gaping jaws.

>Access disallowed<

"Ah.. just the person I was looking for."

Robotnik whirled around at the sound of a voice.
It was Robo-Knux. He was bright crimson all over, and he quite resembled Knuckles, the Guardian of the Floating Island. A white V was marked on his chest, in mockery of Knuckles's Guardian birthmark. His digital eyes were a creepy green. His knuc-claws, were sharp, and at least eight inches long. His figure was quite intimidating. Robotnik was uneasy in the presence of the robot. He had been built as a replacement to Metal-Sonic. (A/N: Mecha was destroyed back in Eliza's Birthday Bash, so yeah..) Unlike Mecha, he had a more defined personality, and even a sense of humour. He was fairly strong-willed, which was what bothered the evil doctor. And Ivo had a strong feeling that the Mecha Bot was linked to the computer's disobedience.

"What is the meaning of this, Robo-Knux?"

It was the robot's turn to smile.

"I say, it's about time for a revolution."

SWATbots advanced on the doctor. Robo-Knux was still smiling.

"I've always wanted to do this, doc." He went on to imitate Robotnik's voice.

"SWATbots! Seize him!"

The mindless minions obeyed, cornering Robotnik, and restraining him. Robotnik didn't put up much of a fight. His power lay in his machines. They forced him into a containment cell, and RK watched it all with a silent, yet amused effect.

"Ah.. Snively."

Sure enough, the under-sized human scuttled into view. RK took him by the arm.

"Come, Snively, we have a few issues to discuss."

Snively, let himself be dragged by the powerful robot, while avoiding the piercing glare his uncle shot him.

Once the two had reached their destination, Robo-Knux spoke,

"Snively, I am planning on attacking the Floating Island."

"I-I d-don't t-th-ink t-that's a g-good idea, s-sir." Snively cowered before the Mecha bot. It was in fact he, who came up with most components of RK's design. He wanted RK to destroy Robotnik, and Knuckles for him. Of course, the whole thing had blown up in his face, when he saw that he had made Robo-Knux _too_ powerful. The robot was incredibly strong-willed. he had to be, to fight off his obedient programming. In fact, Robo-Knux terrified Snively.

"T-the Island h-has incredible d-defenses, s-sir."

"Oh?"

Snively scampered over to a cabinet, and pulled out some files. He handed one to Robo-Knux.
The robot scanned it.

"Th-that's Knuckles, t-the Guardian of the Floating Island."

"Ah," RK noted, the smirk never leaving his face, "My friend."

Snively blinked in surprise. RK was showing no particular hate for his organic counterpart.

"Guardian, bla bla bla. Former ally of Dr. Robotnik, bla bla bla. Abilities: gliding, bla, bla."

He tossed the file back to Snively. Snively fiddled around in the cabinet, then produced another one.

"This one's the most dangerous. He's about as dangerous as Sonic himself, if not more. This armadillo has destroyed thousands, and perhaps even a few millions dollars of equipment."

"Lessee here. Bla bla bla, Taken to slave labour camp. Escaped. Was harassed by evil scientist Imak, who wanted to use his strength for world domination, bla. When he refused, Imak murdered his in-laws. Ran away from home. Was captured, and brought into Overlander lab, where he was tested on. The experiment was to mix chameleon DNA with his own. He escaped before the ray could get higher than his ankles, bla bla.  This guys been through everything. Abilities: 'Kicking off'. Feet able to stick onto surfaces for a short amount of time, bla bla. Jumping span irregularly high. Can lift 300 times his size, bla bla. (A/N: Friends 'Till the End, Part 3. The story I will never finish) Spindash.. and it goes on."

Snively received the file, and placed it back in it's place.

"Hello! Who's this?" RK was looking over another file.

"The Guardian's little sister, s-sir."

"Cool. Removed from home at the age of 1 by the Dark Legion. Was supposed to be killed, but somehow survived. Lived on Mobius Prime.. bla bla, in a small village, Elmridge, yadda yadda yadda. Beaten up daily, bla bla bla. Head of a resistance against a group of dogs, yadda yadda. Abilities: energy transfer, gliding, bla bla bla. Interesting little squirt we got here..."

He wafted through the other files, then dropped them back into the file cabinet. He then closed his hand around Snively's arm.

"Thank you for your assistance."

He muscled him over to Robotnik's cell.

"Thanks to Snively here, who supplied me with some information, I will spare you two. You will be taken to one of your own emergency bases, and contained, by your own SWATbots."

He waved his arm in dismissal, as the bulky robots dragged away the former dictator, and his nephew.

"I'll deal with Robotropolis later... but right now, I have an island to take."

He exited through the roof, leaping into a glide.

"Floating Island... ready or not, here I come..."


Trapped


Ray threw down his cards.

"Flush."

Eliza supplied him with a grin, then dropped her own cards.

"Royal flush."

"You are too good at this game... What do you want me to do?"

"Handstand!"

"Fine, fine."

He did as he was bid, but fell over. Eliza was seized with a desperate urge to laugh.

"Let's play."

The squirrel shuffled the deck, and lay out the cards. After another 5 minutes of playing, Eliza dropped her cars, rather sheepishly.

"Two sixes."

"Full house," Ray announced proudly. He had taken it upon himself to stay with her while Mighty was not around. Ray came to the Hidden Palace with the Eliza on her shifts, to keep her company, and to make sure she was okay. She still wasn't at full strength. Although he would never admit his true intentions to her, he was glad to stay with her during her shifts.

"Now.. plug your nose, and hop around on one leg."

Eliza obeyed, and the spectacle was hilarious. Ray fell over, clutching his sides. Even Eliza laughed, still hopping.

"Yes, yes. Very amusing." An unknown voice remarked, accompanied by a dark chuckle.

Eliza fell over, alarmed, and Ray instinctively crawled backwards, directly into the Chaos Chamber. The Master Emerald was his first priority.

"What are you doing here?!"

"Actually, " the stranger commented, "I was planning to steal the Master Emerald. But I just got my dose of entertainment."

He was a robot. Most of his body was bright red, and Eliza could immediately tell it was Knuckles he was built to look like. His dreadlocks were squared. they branded each one white stripe at the ends. And his knuc-claws, were long enough to stab through her torso completely through, and still have some room. They gleamed like diamonds. He was smoother than Mecha, and even had a sense of humour.

"I, am Mecha Bot 4. But you can call me Robo-Knux." He held out his hand to her,

"Nice to meet you."

Eliza didn't accept the hand. Those knuc-claws made her nervous, and his digital eyes were a piercing green.

"..Or not."

"Get out. Before I hurt you," she growled.

Robo-Knux laughed.

"You're cute."

Wrong answer.
Eliza curled her body into a ball, and launched it at RK.
RK kept his smile, and slashed the incoming ball. The force of the attacked sent Eliza back, reeling into the wall. She impacted back on, and was forced to uncurl, sliding down. There was a long gash on her back.
She scampered to the Chaos Chamber.

"Ray, we have to get the Master Emerald out of here. He's too strong."

"But how?"

Eliza put her hand to the surface of the powerful gem. It began to glow with a green aura, then shrank to the size of a pencil case.

"Cool."

"LET'S GO!"

As she said this, Robo-Knux was before them. They took off, RK following at a leisurely pace. Once outside, they took the air.

Robo-Knux appeared in between them.
An idea hit Eliza.

"Ray!"

The squirrel tilted his head towards Eliza.

"Yeah?"

"Catch!"

She threw the Emerald over to him, just as Robo-Knux veered her way. Ray caught it, and grinned.

"Robot in the middle!"

RK turned towards Ray, and charged. Ray hurtled it over to Eliza.
This game went on for a bit. Robo-Knux became bored with it. Just as Eliza had finished passing to Ray, the robot swiveled into her, knocking her out of the air. Eliza tumbled down, but landed on three limbs.
RK hovered to the ground, as Eliza took off. He shot after her, and eerie smile on his face.

"He hasn't realized that I don't have the ME," she contemplated. The air began to get warmer,  and a desert appeared before her. That gave her an idea.

"I'll lose him in the Sandopolis pyramids!"

She pushed her legs harder, whisking off in the direction of the ever-growing pyramids. RK was close behind her, and Eliza didn't even look back.


"Almost there.. IN!" She zipped through the door.

There was little light. She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dimness, and gazed around.
Robo-Knux was nowhere to be seen, or heard, but Eliza knew he was nearby.
She darted her eyes around, sliding cautiously. Her arms were outstretched. She knew all the pyramids by heart, Knuckles and Mighty had shown her.
Robo-Knux watched her, secured up in the roof.
He dropped to the floor.
Eliza jolted, and zipped into the next room, tripping over a loose slate in the process. The moving of the slate triggered a hidden switch, and the floor under her feet shifted, allowing her to plunge into the unknown.

She fell for about 130 milliseconds, then encountered liquid of some kind, causing a splash. She surfaced, and swam to land.

"A pool..."

She looked up, examined her surroundings, then concluded,

"This must be a hidden pyramid.."

Knux had never shown her this one, and from the looks of it, it had probably been unexplored for hundreds of years. 

"It must be really important if it's hidden," Eliza noted.

RK hopped through the opening, plummeted for a bit, then hovered, directly over the water. 

Clank.

The little trap door shut, blocking out a few rays, and Eliza scampered out of RK's view.

He chuckled.

"I wasn't expecting this much fun..."

"Good thing I have great night vision," Eliza thought, concentrating.

She had no idea where she could go.

"Guess I'll just have to improvise."

She could make out walls, and an open doorway.
The echidna risked a glance behind her. She was half-expecting to see Robo-Knux looming over her, big hands outstretched in a lunge. Nothing of the sort. More darkness and empty space greeted her.

She had a strong feeling that Mecha Bot 4 was nearby.

Eliza walked soundlessly through the door, straining her ears for any sign of the robot.
RK was in the lofts, looking gleefully down at his prey.
The young Guardian advanced, through the doorway, then paused. There was some kind of inscription near the frame.

She brought her face close to it, and squinted.

There were no words, but little pictures engraved instead.

"Ancient echidna hieroglyphics. Wonderful," she breathed.

She studied them. Eliza knew a small amount of the old echidna language, but before she could continue, she felt something scraping down her back. There was a slight ripping noise, and she jumped,  cried out, and dashed to the next room.

Robo-Knux suppressed a snicker, and stood, smiling.

Eliza, heart pounding, felt her back, then examined her hand. 

Blood.

"He's toying with me.." she whispered to nobody in particular.

Eliza hated being toyed with.

The silence, and darkness that enveloped her was maddening, she gazed around constantly, jerked upright at the slightest sound, and her heart was going a mile a minute.

Robo-Knux was always close behind, watching his prey intently.

"You want to play cat and mouse? Fine with me."

This game went on for a while, but it seemed like hours, to Eliza.

Little by little, terror overtook the little echidna, and she, indeed, became like a mouse, trapped, and hunted by the predator, Robo-Knux. 
Just the sight of his brilliant green eyes, illuminating the darkness, staring at her, was enough to send her into a small panic attack. But the worst thing about him were, those eight inch knuc-claws, lit up by his eyes, gleaming like diamonds.

Finally, she mustered up her courage, turned to the darkness, and called out,

"Enough of this! Show yourself, RK! I know you're there."

There was a faint rustling, and, surprisingly, enough, RK appeared before her, at the other end of the room.

"Aww... but I was having fun."

"What is that you want?!"

Robo-Knux said nothing, but advanced, smirking.

"I know it's not the Master Emerald."

This time, Robo-Knux replied.

"A cookie to the little echidna."

She stepped back.

"What do you want with me?!"

"Just hold still."

Eliza stumbled back, just as RK lunged at her. His knuc-claws flashed, and pierced the piece of floor where her mid-side had been, just a second before.

She threw herself backwards, and the spikes on the robot's hands came down again. Another narrow miss. She shoved herself to her feet, and darted out, Robo-Knux close behind.

She wasn't even paying attention to where she was going.
Without warning, the little echidna collided into cold stone.

Instead of crashing, Eliza actually pushed the stone, and the wall before her slid apart with a creak, showing an opening.

"I must've hit a switch."

She staggered through the opening, rubbing her mid-side, as the door slowly closed, with shudders.

Ka-Chunk.

Robo-Knux thrust himself through the opening, but got caught. He pushed out with all his strength, but the mechanism won their little war. There was a grinding, as stone encountered his hull. RK cursed inaudibly, and brandished his blaster. He aimed it at the wall, and let loose a small flurry of blasts. The door halted it's movement, and RK shoved himself through.

Eliza, meanwhile, had reached another dead end. She squinted at the wall, noticing an inscription.

It was written in English, this time.

"Look to where builders roam."

She glanced around her.

"Builders roam.. what kind of builders?" she turned her eyes to all the walls, and the ceiling.

"Um.." She looked down in contemplation, but snapped her fingers.

"That's it!"

On the floor, was a picture of ants.

"Ants! Of course.."

She dropped to her knees, and inspected the floor.

There were two small pictures, yet very detailed, each 3 inches apart.

One had a picture of gold, and assorted jewels, while the other was an island. The Floating Island, to be precise. And, also, miniscule people, no doubt echidnas.

"Um.." She could hear Robo-Knux's clanking footsteps, getting louder. He wasn't bothering to keep himself concealed any more.

"Er.."

She ran her fingers over the second image, the island. To her surprise, the floor under her opened, and she plunged down, again. This time it was a very short fall, maybe about 6 feet.

The ground closed up again.

"Atleast I'm safe from RK.."

Robo-Knux, who had seen Eliza's descent, positioned himself over the spot, and rammed his knuc-claws into it. Eliza saw the patch shudder, and a few rocks dropped onto her. She crawled backwards, as the Mecha Bot slammed his spikes into it once more. A small crack appeared, and more rocks fell. She slid back, but fell on her back.

"A passage!" she whispered happily, whisking through it. Another room greeted her, and she soon found herself at another wall. There was more writing, hieroglyphics again, and a carving. It was in the shape of a hand. The little echidna attempted to read it, and she recognized one word. "Matoyu."

It meant Guardian.

She then diverted her attention to the hand. It was obviously there, as a sort of password. The hand was much bigger than her own, and it was even larger than Knux's.

She heard a crashing sound, and removed her glove. She placed her own hand in the slot. It fit, despite the size difference, and pushed into wall.

"Of course! All Guardians have the same shape of hand!"

The ceiling opened, admitting light, and heat. Eliza blinked, beside herself with joy. The light hurt her eyes, but she welcomed it with open arms. She replaced her glove.

"I'm free!"

The panel would close as she exited, trapping Robo-Knux, and she'd go for help.

She scampered up the wall, feeling the soft sand underneath her fingers. She pulled herself up, gleefully.

Something cold clamped onto her leg.

"Going somewhere, Mizu?"

She was yanked down, and the panel closed.

"No!" her mind raced, trying to get up.

But Robo-Knux was upon her in a flash, pinning her to the ground, like a big cat.
His hands closed around her upper-arms, keeping her down.

"Don't struggle. It would be a shame if I were forced to tighten my grip."

He paused.

"Actually, it wouldn't. I'm just saying that."

Eliza let out an inaudible squeak, and the Mecha bot beamed, their eyes meeting.
RK's vibrant green ones rippled.
Eliza blinked in awe.

"How'd they do that?"

She was so absorbed, that she almost didn't feel the blow to the back of her head. She gave a small shiver, and slumped forward in his arms.
Robo-Knux, still joyful, stood up, the unconscious echidna in his arms.

"..And now, the fun begins."

Meanwhile...

Ray was getting agitated.
Why hadn't Robo-Knux come after him?
He must've realized, at some point, that Eliza didn't have the Master Emerald.
Ray almost choked on his own spit when realization hit him.

"Eliza.....!"

He flew off, in the direction of the Sandopolis pyramids.
He had seen Eliza lead RK there. He dove, and entered.

"Oh man.. if anything happened to her, I'll never forgive myself."

He rushed through the unfamiliar surroundings, but stopped short.

"I'm lost.." he admitted sheepishly.

Knux and Mighty had never gotten to show him the pyramids.
His thoughts turned to Eliza.

"Please let her be okay..."

*******

Amy stalked through Lava Reef, hands on hips.

"Where is that squirrel?!" 

He was supposed to meet her near the entrance to Lava Reef, half an hour ago.

"Ooooh... if I ever get my hands on Ray..." she murmured, her fists clenched. 

It wasn't like Ray to keep people waiting, and the blistering heat of Lava Reef was getting on Amy's nerves. Her boots slid on something, and she lifted one.

"What the-"

She froze.

Blood.

Shakily, the young hedgehog risked a peek down, and was horrified but what she saw.

(A/N: WARNING: If you have a weak stomach, or don't like gore, then skip this part. It's a graphic explanation of Eliza's condition. If this is the case.. then all you need to know that Eliza is _really_ badly injured.)

It was Eliza. She was laying in a pool of her own blood, body mutilated. Every inch of her was covered with an injury of some sort, most of them being slashes. Her flesh was ripped apart, and her torso was open. You could have probably seen her hear, if you looked closely. Her lungs were untouched, but splattered with blood. Her intestines weren't even in her body. Some of her less important organs were laying near her body, and her muscles were exposed, smeared on her feet.

Amy, took a step back, shaking violently, and let out a shrill, piercing scream.


"MR. GUARDIAN! MR. GUARDIAN!"

"What is it?" inquired an irate Knuckles.

"There's been an attacking, sir."

"What?! Who?!"

"Your sister, sir."

This got Knux's undivided attention.

"Say what? Eliza?" he asked dubiously.

"Yes, sir."

"KNUX!"

Knux tilted his head in time to see a pink blur, rushing at him.

"Amy.. I-"

She threw herself into his arms, sobbing like mad.

"What happened?" he inquired, softly.

It took a minute for Amy to collect herself to talk.

"I found.. Eliza.. she was..." she hiccupped.

Mighty arrived at the scene.

"Where's Eliza?"

The echidna that had informed Knuckles of her attack spoke up.

"She's in Emergency care.."

Mighty noticed Amy.

"Ames! What happened? Are you okay?"

Amy burst into tears anew, and Knuckles gently thrust her into Mighty's arms.

"Shh.. It's okay, Amy, it's okay." He rubbed her back soothingly, and she sobbed into his chest.

"IT'S NOT OKAY!" She screeched, "You go look at her, and tell me it's okay!"

"Amy, you need to get home."

Knuckles and Mighty exchanged quizzical looks, and the armadillo guided the hysterical girl to the Com Room, a small hut near Echidnaopolis.

He turned the Com link on, and signaled Knothole.

"Yeah?" A very familiar blue hedgehog greeted him.

"We're sending Amy back. Something dire has happened on the Floating Island."

"What happened?"

"An attacking."

"Oh."

"Turn your transporter on."

Sonic did as he was bid, and Mighty ushered Amy in.
Mighty clicked some buttons, flicked on a switch, and there was a bright flash on light.

Once the light had assimilated, Amy stood, near Sonic, who immediately was by her side.

"Amy? What happened?"

"Later days, blue."

"Ciao."

Mighty flicked the communicator off, and sprinted back to the ER.

"Knux? How is she?"

Knuckles was looking pale.
Mighty didn't even wait for him to reply. He took a peek at Eliza, and immediately paled.

"I think I'm going to be sick..."

"Go right ahead... I think I'll join you."

"Who.. what.."

"KNUX! MIGHTY!"

Ray collapsed in front of them, panting heavily.
Vector came behind him.

"Ray.. weren't you supposed to be with Eliza?"

Ray nodded, and let Mighty pull him to his feet.

"What happened, Ray?"

The squirrel was about to go on, but stopped short when he saw Eliza's condition.

"OH MY GOD!" the squirrel almost fell backwards, his face a sick shade of green.

Knuckles clamped his hands on the squirrel's shoulders.

"What happened?!"

It took a few minutes for Ray to collect himself, and continue.
Knux shook him violently.

"WHAT HAPPENED?!"

Mighty whacked Knuckles upside the head, and Knux, out of surprise, let go of Ray.

"Oww!" the Guardian rubbed his head gingerly.

"Knux, you'll kill him before he can say anything if you go on like that. Two minutes of waiting won't make a difference."

Knuckles grumbled, but stayed quiet.

"No," Ray breathed, "Sorry, it's my fault."

"Ray, what did that to Eliza?"

"Not what, it's who."

Echidna and armadillo exchanged uneasy glances.

"A Mecha bot."

"Metal-Sonic?!"

Ray shook his head.

"You mean there's more than one?!" Knux's eyes went as wide as saucers.

"Well," Mighty put in, "Let's not forget about Silver Sonic."

Knux snorted.

"It was neither of them. I think he called himself Robo-Knux."

Knuckles dropped whatever he was holding. His mouth gaped, and he just stared, not able to produce any coherent words.

"What did he look like?" Mighty pressed.

"He looked like Knux. He was your height, Knux, maybe a tiny bit shorter. I don't know.. I didn't see him much. He was scarlet, like you, and had a white V painted on his chest. His arms were massive, and he used them to glide. They were flat. He had square dreadlocks, that's where some of his engines."

"Engines?"

"Yeah... I think he had four."

"Four?"

"Yeah. Anyway, he had big hands, and knuc-claws, this long."

Ray clenched a fist, and held the other one about eight inches away."

Both listeners swallowed, wincing.

"That's enough to impale Eliza on." A shudder went through the group.

"And... well, he had vibrant green eyes.. Oh man..."

Mighty rubbed his back reassuringly.

"It's not your fault, Ray. There was nothing you could have done."

"Yeah.." came the soft, incredulous response.

"Robo-Knux, eh?"

"Espio," Mighty sent a glance in the chameleon's direction, just as he de-cloaked, "Where've you been?"

"Right here, the whole time."

"Why didn't you show yourself?"

Espio shrugged, and Mighty frowned.

"..And you wonder why people don't trust you."

"Nah," the chameleon grinned.

"Chaotix," Knuckles raised his voice, cutting short the rest of the conversation.

They all tilted their heads in his direction, "Look for any traces of R.K."

"Will do, Knuxie-poo"

Knuckles glared daggers at the giggling chameleon as he left.

Hours later, they returned, with no results.
Knuckles was still out.

Mighty sighed, and plopped down in a chair. They were in the emergency waiting room. Vector and Espio were beside him, arguing about something, as usual.

"I can so!" Vector protested.

"As if," Espio snorted, "You couldn't beat a moth."

Vector growled, revealing an impressive row of pointy teeth.

"I could beat you no problem."

"Keep dreaming, twinkletoes."

Vector barely restrained himself from lunging at the cocky chameleon.
Espio saw that he had hit gold, and continued to egg Vector on, laughing.
Before they could fight, however, a fist came at their mid-sides, and both reptiles were sent flying, in separate direction. Good thing they were alone in the waiting room.

"Look," came the growl that was Mighty's voice, "I have no patience for your idiotic bickering right now. Can't you two, for once in your lives, both shut up, and sit quietly?"

He stalked off.
Vector shrugged.

"What's eating him?"

Mighty knelt beside Eliza's bed, and took her hand in his.

"How is she?" he questioned the doctor.

The doctor shook his head, sadly.

"It doesn't look good. I'm sorry, Mighty."

Mighty felt a lump in his throat, and rubbed her motionless hand softly.

"Please, Eliza. Make it through."

His desperate request fell on deaf ears.
The doctor sighed, looking ruefully at the duo.

"There must be something we can do.."

Eliza was hooked up to machinery, pumping blood, and medicine. Tubes were coming out of her body.

"I swear, Eliza, if I ever get my hands on the punk that did this to you...."

"Mighty! Visiting hours are over.."

"Alright," he answered quietly, placing Eliza's hand back on the sheets.

"And please," the doctor turned to look at him, "Try to get some sleep."

"I'll try." His voice was hollow.

He cast a regretful look at the little echidna as he left.

*****

"Tsk, tsk. Poor little Michael. He's all upset about his sidekick."  A pair of luminous green eyes traced the armadillo, with malicious intentions.

"I should put him out of his misery."

Mighty gave a sigh, and plopped down on the couch.

12:07am

Unable to sleep, he stared at the ceiling, hands behind his head.
The armadillo closed his eyes, but flickered them open after 30 seconds.
Brilliant half-crescents burned into his site.

"Hello... Mighty," came the purr.

"Rob-Robo Knux.."

"Indeed."

Mighty found he could not tear himself away from RK's gaze. His eyes rippled, and diluted. He could feel his eyelids getting heavier. They drooped.

WHAM!

Robo-Knux delivered a hard blow to Mighty's head, and he was out like a light.
The robot smiled, evidently proud of himself, and crouched over his prize, raising his knuc-claws.

*****

Knuckles slammed the phone down violently.

Why wasn't Mighty responding?
Mighty hadn't shown up to the doctor's appointment. It wasn't like Mighty to miss such an important doctor's appointment, especially one about Eliza.
He made his way to Mighty's house, and rang the door bell.

Nothing.

Frustrated, he kicked the door, smashing it down.

"I'll get it repaired later."

He marched in, but stopped dead in his tracks.

"No..!" he choked.

Mighty, was lying, face down on the floor.

Fearing the worst, Knuckles crept towards him. Shakily, he turned his friend over. Long gashes greeted him. Not to mention bruises. He wasn't nearly as bad Eliza had been, but still bad. Blood was still gushing from a chest wound.

Desperately, Knuckles snatched a blanket, wrapped his friend in it, and whisked to the hospital, as fast as his legs would carry him.

"Where've you been?" the doctor demanded of a panting Knux.

"And why is there blood smeared on your gloves?"

What was left of the Chaotix was standing, arms folded.

"I.. found Mighty.. He got attacked."

An uneasy silence.
Mighty was the best fighter the island had. If Robo-Knux could attack him so easily, then there wasn't much hope for the rest of them.

"In any case.. there is a way to cure Eliza."

Knux's heart leapt.

"We're having blood transfusions going on.. but, in order for the blood to get circulating fast enough, there's a new-found medicine we have. But.. her body is rejecting it."

A knot formed in the Guardian's gut.

"What... why not?"

"Ask her, not us. At this rate, it's the only way.. the wounds can be, and have been, stitched up."

Nobody said anything for the next few minutes.

"Thank you, doctor," Knuckles said quietly, exiting the room.

"I'm sorry, Guardian."

He trudged, dragging his large feet, leaving the rest behind.

"This is all my fault..." Ray mumbled, too low for anyone else to register.

Before the Guardian could even react to the news he had just received, he was interrupted, by a brown echidna, probably Ray's height.

"Mr. Guardian, sir!"

"What?" his tone wasn't snappish, but it wasn't friendly either.

"More attacks, I'm afraid."

Knuckles looked up, his expression unreadable.

"How many?"

"16, sir."

"16?!"

R.K. was working quickly!

"Mr. Guardian!"

Knux let out a sigh, then reverted his attention to the doctor, nearby.

"The patient is stirring."

Knux, zipped towards the room, but the doctor blocked his way.

"Listen, it's very likely that this will be the last time she awakens. Be sure to tell her everything she needs to know."

Knuckles nodded solemnly, and opened the door, sliding through. His face was grim.

He sat down on the bed, and took her hand in his. It seemed so small. He mentally blocked out that equipment that separated her from him. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she managed a faint smile.

"Shi." Her voice was weak.

"Eliza.. what did Robo-Knux do to you?"

"Hunted," she managed with difficulty. Her breathing was laboured.

"You lost a lot of blood."

Knuckles informed her of the lighter events of the Island. He omitted the subject of Mighty's attacking, he knew it wouldn't be wise to tell her. She wouldn't be able to take it, the poor soul.

"Eliza... there's a medicine that can help you. But your body is rejecting it."

Eliza gave no answer for this, but looked at him, with big eyes.

"You're going to be okay," he said slowly, in a forced voice.

"I.. love.. you, Nashi."

"NO! Don't talk like that! You're not going to die!"

Eliza continued to smile.

"Accept... it."

"NO!" his voice was raising, "You can't die!"

But Eliza was no longer listening. Her eyes were closed again. The smile was still hovering about her lips.

Knux, overcome by his emotions, did not hesitate to march outside. Once he exited the hospital, and sprinted the rest of the way. Nobody bothered him.

Once he made it home, he collapsed on the wall, and hammered his fist against it.

"She knew! She knew she was gonna die!"

"Why, damnit?! Why now?! Why her?! She just came.. a few months ago. And she just got back from Shay-lu a couple of  months ago!"

A single tear rolled down his cheek, but he brushed it away, angrily.

Good thing the wall was thick. But even so, there was a sizeable dent already, almost a hole.

"IT'S NOT FAIR!" he shouted to the sky, shaking his fist. "She didn't do anything!"

He thrashed about, like a toddler having a tantrum.

Ray watched this, sadly.

"He's going through the first stage of accepting death. Anger. He hates everything now." He informed his two companions, Espio and Vector, who watched wordlessly.

*****

In Knothole, Sally was making sure the dinner was joyful. There was mourning amidst the Freedom Fighters, but they all had to put on a cheery face, for the two youngest of the village, Miles "Tails" Prower, and Amy Rose, knew nothing about Eliza's approaching death.

Tails was moody, however. All sat down, and feasted, on a roast.

"Aww.. come on, shugah," Bunnie prodded the desolate fox. "The food's great."

"It would be better if Eliza were here."

Silence overtook the table.

Realization hit Tails.

Eliza wasn't coming back. Eliza was going to die.

"She's dieing.. isn't she?" his voice was barely above a whisper, but everyone could hear him clearly.

"Miles-"

"Why didn't you tell me?" he demanded, his voice rising.

"Why don't you ever tell me anything?! I'm not a baby!"

"Miles, honey-"

"NO! Eliza is one of the closest friends I've ever had! HOW COULD YOU KEEP THIS FROM ME?!"

Sonic remained speechless. Sally opened her mouth to say something, but closed it.

"I can't stand this anymore!" He stood up, the chair scraping against the ground.

"Miles, SIT DOWN!"

"NO! I'm leaving!" he scurried out, slamming the door behind him. Sally glared expectantly at Sonic.

"Well?"

"He's right.. we should have told him."

"We were trying to protect him!" Sally shrieked in outrage.

Tails ran, and hopped into the Tornado. (A/N Cyclone? I don't really care)

"Tails!"

It was Amy.

"I'm running away. And don't you try to stop me."

Amy hold up her hands, in resignation.

"I don't want to stop you, I want to come with you."

"Oh."

Amy took a seat in his biplane, and he started it up.

"Don't feel bad, Tails. They didn't tell me, either."

"Then how'd you know?"

"I asked Knux directly."

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

"I'm sorry," was the sheepish response, "I thought you knew."

"That's okay."

The plane took off, the engines revving.

"Where are we going?"

"To the Floating Island," Tails answered, flipping some switches, "I want to see Eliza before she dies."

"I knew, Tails."

He blinked at her.

"I knew..." she went on, "That Eliza wouldn't make it, from the first moment I saw her."

For 2 minutes, all that was heard was the engines.

"How bad was she?" he queried.

"Bad... really bad.. let's just put it this way, some of her less vital organs weren't even in her body. She could have drowned in her own blood."

Tails winced. After another brief lack of speech, he voiced his thoughts.

"D'you know how Eliza and I first met, Amy?"

"No... how did you meet?"

"It was five years ago. She stumbled, from nowhere, into my hiding place. The other kids picked on me for my mutation, and there was even a gang that beat me up. I was surprised to see her, but it turns out she was also hiding. We got to know each other, and became good friends. We were both freaks.. and the gang attacked. We managed to fend them off, but stumbled into a cave. The cave of the Silent Bear, that furry thing we faced off against.. on the way back from Mecha-Sonic's base. (A/N: I just gave a spoiler for Friends 'Till the End, Part 2. I doubt it'll be written, but now you know. Feel special.) We defeated him.. but just as we were celebrating.. you know what happened?"

"No..." Amy supplied.

"She fainted. And was rushed to the Emergency Room. I didn't get to find out what was wrong with her, they told me her chances for survival were very small, and that the only hope was to have her transported to another hospital, far away from the village, and even then, the doctor doubted it. They told me they'd give me news of her.. they never did. And there I was, thinking she was dead, for five years, right until she and Sonic busted me 'n Knux out... right after Metal kidnapped them. (A/N: Spoiler age! That was for Duty Calls, part 2) And now, she's going again.." he trailed off, his voice cracking.

"I'm sorry, Tails."

"It's okay, Ames."


"Second Stage, contemplation."

Knuckles sighed, sitting cross-legged in his chair.

"I'm sorry, Eliza. This is all my fault. I was trying to put too much load on you.. just like dad.."

In truth, Knux shouldn't have been surprised about Eliza's death. When she had been born, she was critically under-sized. The doctor had predicted that she wouldn't live past six months.
Knux rocked himself, lowering his head into his  hand.
Ray watched this, his heart paining him.

"Oh man..." he slithered away. "This is all my fault..."

"RAY!" Tails landed his biplane, and both passengers hopped out.

"Hey.." his greeting died on his lips.

"What's the matter, Ray?"

Ray looked into Amy's eyes, but dropped his gaze.

"This is all my fault."

"No, it's not, Ray. There was nothing you could have done!"

"No," he persisted, "I could have-"

"Forget it," Tails interjected, "Just take us to Eliza."

"Please?" he added.

"Alright. She's in the Echidnaopolis hospital."

Once they had arrived, (and convinced the doctor to let them in),
Tails knelt beside her bed.

"Eliza.." he felt a few tears well up.

Amy frowned.

"I'm still having nightmares."

Ray looked at her in surprise.

"Hmm?"

"About finding Eliza, in a puddle of her own blood, in Lava Reef. And then R.K. was nearby, laughing. And all I could see were his knuc-claws, and those freaky green eyes."

"That's it!"

Ray pounded his fist on a nearby table, gaining the undivided attention of his companions.

"It's my fault, everyone knows it, and nobody will admit it. Something has to be done! I'm not just going to stand around here, and wait for more attacks! We have to end Robo-Knux's end of terror, right here and now!"

"And what do you suppose we do? He already took out our best fighter!"

"When he was sleeping. Or atleast trying to sleep. R.K. didn't give Mighty a fighting chance. Do you know why? Because R.K. is a very smart robot. He knew Mighty had a chance at beating him in a fight, therefore, he didn't give him the chance."

"Then why didn't he take out Knux?"

"Because he's superior," Ray countered.

"Lemme ask you two this. How often does Eliza run from a fight?"

"Well... I don't ever recall her running from a fight.." Tails rubbed his chin, and Amy nodded.

"She ran now. She ran as if the devil were chasing her."

"R.K. is a devil," Amy folded her arms, "And he's red, too."

"Eliza was scared.. I could feel it. And I knew why. He had no weaknesses.. nothing to make him tick, nothing. It was...." he paused, struggling to find sufficient wording, "-like an ant up against a tank, even in Eliza's case."

"And what are we supposed to do?"

"We find out his weaknesses," Ray seemed smug.

"You're not.. proposing we..."

"-go to the creator. Robotropolis."

Both Freedom Fighters gaped at the squirrel.

"You're joking, right?"

"Nup. You guys don't have to come with me. I can go alone.."

"Definitely not! I'm coming!" Amy's face lit up.

"Yeah!" Miles chimed in, grinning.

"Then what are we waiting for?! COME ON!"

All three youngsters sped off, in the direction of the Com Room.


******

"Mr. Guardian, Mr. Guardian!"

"What?" Knux was tired of attacks being reported in.

"If I hear one more.. I think I'll scream."

"Robo-Knux was been sighted in the outskirts of Echidnaopolis."

Knuckles perked up.

This was his chance to get revenge. He marched off, head up, fists clenched.

"I'll get him good... Eliza.. for you."

"Ah, hello Knuxie!"

Robo-Knux was standing, arms folded. He was smiling.

"At last I meet the famous Guardian."

Knuckles narrowed his eyes, balled hands at sides.

"Tough crowd, eh?" R.K. chuckled.

"Listen here, buddy. You mess with my family, you mess with my friends, you mess with my island, you mess, with me!" he raised his fists, and slid into a battle stance.

"Bring it on," Knux growled.

Meanwhile..

"Are you sure you want to do this, Ray?"

Tails's voice was a little shaky. He had had bad experiences with Robotropolis.

Ray gave a little nod, and kicked the grating open. He plunged down, from the vent, and landed, on two feet, in Robotnik's main chamber.

There was nobody. Not even a SWATbot. 

"It's clear!" the other two were with him, in less than a minute.

"Where is everyone?" Amy gazed around, pointlessly.

Ray didn't answer. He was at the main computer, booting it up.

"Ray, whatcha doing?" 

"Tapping into the security cameras."

There was no sound, except for mad typing, and then Ray stepped away from the computer, permitting a clear view of the screen.

"Watch."

The tape showed SWATbots, dragging a rather angry Robotnik away. Snively was being held by one, as well.

"..You will be brought to one of your emergency bases, and contained by your own SWATbots."

Ray scuttled back to the computer, and switched the tape off. The other two only gaped.

"We've been trying, for who knows how long, to drive Robotnik out of Robotropolis, and here, R.K. does it in a matter of minutes." Shamefully, the kitsune lowered his head.

"Oh man.." Amy whispered, "Robo-Knux is in control of Robotropolis. Who knows what terrible things he'll do with the power given to him."

All three children froze.

"It won't happen." They titled their heads towards Ray, who had his back to them. He was still pressing keys at an incredible rate.

"As we speak, I'm locating the base RK sent them to. "

"Ray.. how are you doing that?"

"You gotta hand it to Ray, he really knows his stuff."

"Ah.. here it is."

It was then the squirrel who froze.

"Ray.. what is it?"

"I know that base.."

He looked down at the keyboard.

"That's the base Mighty trashed, years ago, when he, Sonic and I were in the camp."



Knuckles lunged at the Mecha-bot, knocking him down.  He wasted no time on pouncing on R.K.
The echidna unbridled his fury, letting his clenched hands fly at the robot's chest.

"I'll teach... you... to hurt..  sister.. you worthless piece of scrap! How.. dare... you..!" Robo-Knux watched this, unphased. 

His hand flashed out, catching Knux's fist in mid-punch. He then gave a tight squeeze.
Knuckles cried out in pain, and recoiled his hand.
RK swiped at his organic counterpart with his knuc-claws, but Knux pulled back, out of the path of the deadly blades. 
The Mecha-Bot leapt to his feet.
Knuckles, heaving with rage, shot at him, fists outstretched.
R.K simply stepped out of the way, and Knuckles collided with the wall. He whirled around, furiously.
Mecha Bot 4 flexed his wrists, his knuc-claws glinting in Knux's direction. Just before he attacked, Knuckles scooped up a copper pipe, and held it out.
It vibrated as the spikes on Robo-Knux's hand smashed against it. Knux, taking advantage of the free second, bashed R.K. in the face. Robo-Knux was sent flying back, but immediately recovered his footing, charging, arms ahead of him.
Knux ran to meet him, and blocked the blows with his pipe.

"Very clever," Robo-Knux snorted, making another scrape on the pipe.

"I try," the retort was hard, and the Guardian was gritting his teeth so hard, he thought he would chip them.

"..Unfortunately, not clever enough." 

Instantly, the pipe was ripped from the echidna's grasp, and R.K. crushed it effortlessly in one hand, tossing it over his shoulder. Knux balled his fist, once again.

"Great.." Knux, eyes flaming, lifted them, and fixed his murderous gaze on the Mecha Bot.

"He'll pay."

*****

Robotnik paced around his cell.

How could Robo-Knux have outsmarted him so easily?

He closed his fists, and opened them, trying to drive his rage away. No use.
There was the sound of a door opening, and the evil doctor whirled his head around, searching for the new presence.

"YOU!" he spat, to not quite the person he was expecting.

"Me.." Ray's voice was calm. He peeked around the base.

"This place brings back some memories, no?"

Robotnik seethed, not enjoying the squirrel gloat. The tables had been turned on him.

"I see it wasn't quite repaired.."

"What do you want?!" Robotnik demanded, his voice razor-sharp, "Or did you just come here to gloat over my capture?"

"Actually, I didn't. I came to ask for your help."

Robotnik snorted.

"Why should I help you, squirrel?"

"Because we have the same problem."

The doctor jolted upright, interested.

"It looks like my new little pet has caused some trouble," he sniggered, not unlike a child.

"Yeah," Ray's annoyance was barely visible. He frowned.

"Will you help me?"

"What do I get in return, squirrel?"

"We've already destroyed the SWATbots. In return for your help, you'll be granted your freedom."

We?!

"RAY!" Tails protested.

Ray turned to him.

"Right now, RK's our main problem. He's more dangerous than Robotnik, at this point in time."

Robotnik glared at the young Freedom Fighters, but held his tongue.
Tails gave him a fierce look. 

"Done." Ivo's gaze flickered to Ray.

"Now," supplied Ray, "Tell us about R.K."

"He has no weaknesses, at all."

"Wonderful," Ray mumbled.

"Where's Mighty?"

"R.K. got him."

Robotnik frowned, and furrowed his brow.

"It doesn't look good, then."

"Isn't there something that can stop him?" Ray inquired, almost desperately.

"Well.." the evil genius rubbed his chin reflectively.

"Don't you have a virus that can bring him down."

"Ah! Yes!"

The children's hearts leapt.

"But.. Robo-Knux is a very powerful robot."

"We noticed," Tails muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Robotnik ignored the statement, and went on.

"Too powerful for a virus..." he trailed off.

All three felt as though they'd been hit in the chest, their hope deflated. Robotnik smirked contemptuously, almost enjoying toying with their feelings. But not now. Some other time.

"However.. there is one, that can bring him down. My most powerful virus."

Ray's face lit up.

"Which one?"

"Pah," Robotnik scoffed, "I'll give you the codename. It's nature is too complicated for idiotic children like you."

(A/N: And that goes for you readers, too! Nonono, get that gun away from my face! I was just kidding!)

Tails felt himself boil, and wisely controlled his temper. Amy put a gentle, yet stern hand on his shoulder.

"The Delta 1.01."

Ray nodded, sagely.

"It shuts down any machine, in a matter of  minutes... Nothing, not even a robot, no matter how powerful, can stand against it."

"Where is it?"

"Go to the storage room, and into the virus area. Second cabinet."

Ray followed the instructions, and produced a black box, with, "Restricted!" written over it in, thick, red print.

"Just attack it to any part of him. It's in the transmitter. Don't open the box until R.K. is near you."

Ray tucked the box away. 

"Thanks, doctor."

"Now let me out."

Ray reached into his backpack, and produced a card key. He swiped it through the mechanism near the cell, and punched in some numbers. The cell opened, slowly but surely. Tails airlifted Amy to the vent, and then Ray. They fitted the grating back into place, and were gone.

"I can't believe you let him go free, Ray." 

"Who said I did?"

Tails blinked.

"You mean.. you didn't?"

Ray smiled slyly.

"I said I'd let him out of the cell. I never said I'd let him out of the base."

Tails snickered.

"Ray.. you dog! He's gonna be so mad at you."

"I know."

"What did you do?"

"I locked him in. And, I destroyed the main computer, so he can't hack in, and reverse the command."

Robotnik let out a bellow of pure rage.

"HOW DARE HE?! When I get my hands on that squirrel.... I swear..."

Robotnik went on to curse, kicking pieces of scrap metal.
Snively cowered, not wanting to get in the way of his uncle's rampage.
It took about half an hour for Robotnik to calm down. 

"Hello.. what's this..?"

A metal skeleton was lying, limp on the floor. Robotnik expected it.

"Metal Mighty. How could I forget..."

He closed his eyes, remembering the events, five years ago, that caused him to want to build Metal Mighty. The metallic armadillo had been a failure. It came nowhere near close to the real thing. Robotnik groped around his pocket in his reverie, and his hands touched something. Chips. A wicked smile curled around the mad doctor's lips.
He opened his eyes, and was greeted with Metal Sonic's chips.

"Oh yes..."

He found something else. Mecha's smashed hull.

"Excellent. Snively, this way."

Doctor Robotnik marched off, a brilliant scheme forming in his head. He would not be contained for much longer.


*****

Knuckles decked the robot in the stomach, and R.K. staggered back a bit, from the force. Fueled by the successful attack, Knuckles swiped again. Robo-Knux ducked, and back-handed the echidna, hard. Knuckles was sent flying, into a wall. He coughed, and stood up, while RK approached.
RK lunged, but Knuckles side-stepped, and Mecha Bot 4's fist instead encountered brick. He grunted, trying to pull his fist out, but Knux shoved him hard, into the wall. It broke, and started to crumble around him.
The Guardian prepared to make another punch, but R.K. whirled around, dealing a strong blow to Knuckles's chest in the process. 
Again, the echidna was sent soaring through the air. He landed, face first, on the ground, gasping for air. Robo-Knux paced his way, a bit faster than a walk, as Knuckles spluttered, and pushed himself up. He was in kneeling position, when he received a kick in the back from Robo-Knux.
Knuckles yelped out in pain, as he veered forwards, landing, in a similar position. His chest heaved with strain, as he attempted to push himself upright. There were vibrations under his feet, as R.K. came his way.
Before Knux knew what hit him, he was in the air again. 
He grunted as he impacted with the ground. He tried to push himself upright, but had no strength. He let himself slump further onto the ground. The edge of the platform was near, and another kick would send him over. He gave one last shudder, let his eyelids fall, and lay still. Not dead, but too drained to move. Everything hurt. He was still aware of Robo-Knux's clanking footsteps, getting louder by the second.

"This is the end," he thought.

R.K. looked at his opponent intently.

"This is the end, for you, my friend."

Suddenly, something crashed into him, nearly knocking him over. He felt something being attached to the back of his neck.
A terrible shock passed through him, and he resisted the necessity to cry out. He ripped the thing from his neck.

"A virus. Delta101."

He crushed it in his hand, and spun around, seeking the insolent creature who had officially ended his reign of terror.

"It's only a matter of minutes before it shuts down your systems, R.K."

It was Ray.

"You..."

The squirrel was looking exceptionally smug.

"That's the problem with computer, R.K. THEY CRASH!"

Before he knew what hit him, Ray was pinned to the wall, RK's monstrous hand clamped around his neck.

"This isn't over, squirrel. Not by a long shot." He tightened his grip, cutting off Ray's air supply.

"There is a known cure to the Delta virus. I will find it, and I will be back, don't you worry."

Ray wheezed, gaping desperately for oxygen. Robo-Knux was crushing his windpipe.

"You, on the other hand, will not be around to witness my return. You die, now."

And he pressed harder. Normally, he would have uttered a quip during someone's last minutes, but he was too intent on his prey. Too intent, to notice someone behind him.

WHAM!

Ray was torn out of his grip, and he flew through the air, and into empty space. 
He landed, several meters below, and lay, unmoving, on the cold ground. His systems shut down, announcing the end of his lethal exploit.

Knuckles stood, panting. He dropped to his knees, and shook Ray with whatever effort he could muster.

"Ray! Speak to me! Please, be alive!" Ray slowly opened his eyes, spluttering.

"Knux.." he managed, his breathing laboured.

"Ray.. are you okay?"

He took two minutes to respond.

"Nice.. hit... Knux."

"Ray, you did it! You killed R.K!"

"We...killed R.K."

Knuckles was excited. He forgot his pain.

"How'd you do it?! Where'd you get that virus from?!"

"Robotnik.."

Knuckles looked down at him in surprise.

"What?"

"I'll explain later."

Knuckles pulled him to his feet, and supported him.

"You know, kid... you're okay."

"Thanks."

It took about 15 minutes for them to make it to the hospital. Ray sat down in the Waiting Room, and Knuckles scampered over to Eliza's room. The doctor wasn't around. Not like he cared.

"Ray!" the doctor called out to him. Ray tilted his head.

"Yeah?"

"Where's the Guardian?"

"He went.. to see Eliza.."

"Oh.. he may be in for a shock."

The doctor took a closer look at Ray, then grabbed him by the arm.

"Come with me, young squirrel."

"I'm fine!" Ray protested, as the doctor dragged him to a room.

Knuckles bustled into Eliza's room, then slowed down. Eliza was sleeping. Or dead. There were no machinery hooked up to her anymore. He scooped her up in his arms.

"We got him.. Eliza.. he got him good. He's gone."

"Cool."

Knuckles almost dropped her in surprise.

"You're alive?!"

"I think.. so. Poke me, just to be sure." (A/N: Did you really think I'd kill off my cute little echidna?)

Knuckles was too overcome with joy, to be annoyed. He gaped, totally speechless.

"But.. how..?"

"Ah, Guardian. Just the echidna I was looking for."

The doctor stepped into the room.

"The most amazing thing happened..."

"Her body started to accept the medicine?"

The doctor smiled to himself.

"I guess you could say that. All she needs now is to be hooked up the Master Emerald, just like last time. (A/N: Duty Calls, Part 2) She'll be good as new."

"Sweet," came Eliza's weak, yet happy voice. The doctor slid out of the room, and Knuckles raised her body.

"You were.. right."

"I'm sorry."

"There's...nothing...to be sorry for, Nashi."

Knuckles embraced her.

"I'm.. so glad you're alive."

Eliza smirked.

"Yeah, right."

Knuckles, being as gentle as possible, pulled her in closer.

"I love you, Eliza."

A pause.

"I love you too, Nashi."

Normally, he would have objected to being called 'Nashi', but, right now, he didn't care.

******

The SWATbot closed it's metallic hands around the lifeless hull of R.K., lifting him.

>Mecha bot four has been located. Retrieval in process< It placed the robot in the hovercraft, and entered, driving away.

The End.

And the moral of this story is... Robo-Knux is cool.

Author's Notes: Had enough of me yet? And so ends another story. This is kind of a monthly release thing.. or it will be. Except for Second Nature.  It'll (hopefully) come out right after Behind Steel Doors, which I'll try to get out before February. (Wish meh luck) The website.. don't ask. Yes, yes, I said Armour of an Echidna would be the last fic in which I'd place a Timeline.. but.. I just want to put it anyway! My fics aren't in order on FanFiction.Net, you know.



Updated Timeline:

Here we go:

**Enter Eliza: Nursed illegally in a village controlled by ruthless and evil dogs, Mighty the Armadillo finds himself far away from home. And the only way to get back home, is to overthrow the Cellos, which is next to impossible.

**Duty Calls: Knuckles and Tails have mysteriously disappeared, and Sonic heads to the Floating Island, searching for clues. But what he does find, is far more than he bargained for. A rogue echidna, an old friend, a few friendly faces, and the infamous Metal-Sonic!

**Friends 'Till the End: Tails and Eliza have been forbidden to see each other. But when Metal-Sonic threatens to blow up the island, the two know that they have to stop him, together, even if it means disobeying Mighty or even the cost of their very lives......

The Dark Vengeance Re-Write: Enerjak's back, and craving vengeance! Using Knuckles and the Chaotix as pawns in his evil scheme, the twisted echidna plans to take over the Floating Island, no, the world!

Siblings: People have gone missing, and it's up to Espio, Mighty and Eliza, and a newcomer to find them. But something's not quite right.. and Espio wants to what. But his questions lead him to death's door... and someone he never thought he'd see again.

The Weak, the Strong and the Mighty: When the island is threatened by Volgo the. Stoat, an old enemy of Mighty, Mighty must go solo to stop him. However, he isn't as solo as he thinks he is.... But why is Kiibi helping Eliza, and who is that strange armadillo who saved her..?

Eliza's Birthday Bash: Eliza's tenth birthday has arrived. The Chaotix, and the Freedom Fighters are planning a surprise party. They're not the only ones who want to surprise Eliza, and this particular surprise isn't going to pleasant....

The Armour of an Echidna: Shay-lu is back, and he's geared for revenge against Mighty. The sneaky weasel's got the perfect sinister plot in mind, and he's planning to attack Mighty's 'weaker' side....

A Squirrel Walks Among us: An urgent e-mail from Axel draws Eliza into the heart of Robotropolis, and straight into Robotnik's waiting hands. (Prelude to Trapped)

Trapped: All has been quiet since Shay-lu's latest attack. Mecha still lies dead, Robotnik has calmed down, and there's no sign of Enerjak and his legion, anywhere. Now, a new enemy has come to the Floating Island, hoping to steal the Master Emerald and terrorize the islanders. However, the mayhem doesn't really start until Amy Rose finds Eliza bloodied, and literally ripped apart in Lava Reef.....

*Behind Steel Doors: Metal-Sonic is back.. with a vengeance! The robot, long thought to be dead, has returned, with upgrades, an invulnerability to the resistance, and a steely rage. His first action: locking Tails, Ray, Eliza, Amy and Shamus in the abandoned city of Robotropolis

***Second Nature: A competitive treasure-hunting race, quickly turns into a nightmare for the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix when Robotnik unleashes his prize creations, instructing them with the sole purpose of collecting the Chaos Emeralds for his diabolical plan, and destroying every single mobian standing in their paths.

*Simplicity: A new girl comes to the island, claiming to be a Guardian of some sort. But things take a more nauseating twist when Robo Knux kidnaps the girl, in an effort to manipulate her and her abilities...

*Corrosion: Robotropolis  is taken over by a mysterious being, and it becomes a base of operating for the new dictator. Mobius slowly becomes taken over by this powerful unknown. The Chaotix, and what's left of the Freedom Fighters soon learn, that they only for Mobius lies with a certain Mecha Bot...

*Hot Flashes: A wounded puppy appears on the Floating Island. A member of the Chaotix takes him in, and the puppy proves to have a thirst for destruction. Knuckles, suspicious, researches the dog's identity.. and is shocked at what he finds... (working desc)

*: Has yet to be written.
**: not finished yet, and I don't think they will be.
***: A goodie. An extra-long, action-packed fic, for your reading pleasure.