This could've been two chapters, but I wanted this to be the final one- so the result is one FAT, FAT... FAT chapter. x3 Also, It's listed as ch 11 but technically it's chapter 10, seeing Chapter 9 was done in two parts.

The song lyrics you will find throughout this chapter belong to the title of it as well: The Shining Road. It's better known as Hikuru Michi, and it is the theme that plays in the background of Amy and Sonic's Japanese ending of them meeting in a misted field. I thought it was very fitting for this chapter... henceforth, I bring you for the final time Sonic X fans, to where we will finally leave the Blue Typhoon. We touch down and enjoy the lush grass, flowing rivers and flowered terrain of Sonic's home planet- Mobius...

---

Our world is under a spell

Even the excitement of our love is sealed in our tears

Boy, let's go together to find that charm,

To the land of where forbidden dreams may come true...

Steal You Away

Final Chapter:

The Shining Road

As Shadow peeled his paining eyes opened, a blur lining his vision, he felt the dull throb pulsing through his body. He was in immense pain... but at least he was alive to feel it.

"Shadow! You're awake!" He heard the growling pep of Dr. Eggman's voice, though he wasn't in focus.

"Doctor..." he said with difficulty. "You're alright... the others?"

"All made it back alive, thanks to the chance you took out there."

"Sonic?..."

"Every bit as loud mouthed and arrogant as he was when he left this cursed planet." This caused the slightest quirk of a grin on Shadow's face, before it fell from the effort. "I'm glad you're up, now I can re-administer your power rings! They'll help speed along your recovery..."

"...th-thank you..." Came the grateful hedgehog's rasped whisper, and though he now returned to closing his eyes, he could faintly feel the Doctor's gloved hand, resting over one of his folded arms.

"Erm, regarding that, no. Thank you..." Eggman's typically sinister voice was unusually sincere, and it caused Shadow to open one blurry eye one last time. "I must confess, I...am very grateful. You see what you did out there was quite the phenomenon. I apologize for keeping your memories from you... I am in your debt. I confess, I have never been in the company of one who would genuinely like to see me alive. I promise you what you're looking for when you recover... I will give you the answers you've been seeking."

"Dr., I, I'm..." The faint excitement of the reply was cut short, as the dark hedgehog's head lolled in slumber. He was indeed succumbing to the heavy weakness of the aftermath, and it would be a slow recovery. Thankfully, the power rings would now assist him on his way. Eggman let out a low grunt as he stood, shaking off the strange emotions. It was very rare that Eggman sympathized with another creature... then again, it was very rare for another creature to worry about what became of him in return.

"Dr., if I didn't know any better, I would say you have got a soft spot for him-" Bocoe began, to be cut off by Decoe.

"Maybe he is in love with him!-"

"QUIET!!" Eggman barked, face flaming as he pointed a finger at the now trembling bots. "You don't know any better, that's how I made you and that's how I like you, you shrapnel bucket! Now stop your yammering you tin plated morons and get working, we have a planet to conquer and morph into my empire! No rest for the wicked! MOVE IT! GO!"

---

"Oh CREAM my precious little BABY!!!" Vanilla burst from her home through the front door, racing toward the younger rabbit with outstretched arms. The child leapt for them in a bout of laughter, ecstatic to see her mother again.

"Mother, I've missed you terribly!! So much has happened since we've left..." She pealed, leaning back to look into the chocolate eyes of her mother that matched her own.

"And where's Cheese? Is he ok?"

"Of course, he's just gone to visit his chao friends in the chao garden nearby- but I know he'll be back tonight."

"As long as you're certain dear. How about Sonic- did he keep you safe and sound on your trip?" The mother questioned, and to that, Cream's eyes seemed to melt with sincerity as she hugged her mother again.

"Did he ever..."

"And what of your little friend Cosmo? Did she return to this planet with you or go her own way?" At the mention of Cosmo, Cream couldn't help but smile into her mothers shoulder, feeling a slight welling at her eyes.

"She's with her clan now, mama." Vanilla seemed struck with confusion, pondering.

"But... I was certain that Cosmo said her clan had been destroyed!"

"No, not anymore. Cosmo saved them..." Suddenly, a brash voice interrupted the pairs sentimental reunion.

"Why look fellas, it's Cream's mother! What a pleasant surprise, huh?!" Vector rushed through the gate, leaving the other two detectives to toddle behind, rolling their eyes and snickering at him.

"Well hello detective, it's certainly been a long time!" Vanilla giggled, extending her hand to the flustered green alligator. Cream tried to contain her laughter as she leapt from her mother's arms, hovering over the ground as her long ears gave her flight.

"Mother, I'll be back shortly- I'm going to make a visit to see how Tails is doing!"

"Alright darling, be sure to be home for supper!" She waved, and as Cream began her journey into the sky, Vanilla turned to the case solving trio. "Well detective, I admit you were right when you said my daughter was in safe hands... I do believe I should thank you for keeping a good eye on my little girl. Shall we?" She extended an elbow to Vector, who after getting shoved toward her by Espio, stuttered and laughed nervously as they began to walk from the two. Charmy and Espio watched after them, bemused.

"She doesn't even know what she's getting herself into. Should we try to tell her?" Charmy cackled, and at this Espio folded his arms, closing his eyes.

"Nahhh. We'll let her figure it out." The two exploded into laughter as they began to walk the opposite way, back to try to make sense of their shambled Detective Agency....

---

"Mr. Knuckles, are you awake?!"

"I am now..." The echidna grumbled, beginning to shake off a slumber as he stretched grandly on his perch by the emerald. Now back to his senses, he smiled honestly when he saw who had awakened him. "Hi, Cream, what're you doin' all the way out here by yourself?"

"I just wanted to see how you're doing, that's all." The little girl was now perched beside Knuckles on the stair, sitting neat & politely as she looked ahead. Knuckles couldn't help the smile that crept across his face. She was a very sweet little girl, always.

"No need to worry about me, kid. I'm good for anything after that."

"I can see where you're coming from there, Mr. Knuckles." The two seemed to have a whimsical look in their eyes as they stared distantly into the sky, their former home over the last few months. "I was going to visit Tails at his house but I found him outside, not too far from here... he looks like he could use some cheering up. Would you like to go see him with me?" Knuckles had a reluctant look on his face, his mind processing the idea. As always, he was torn between what he wanted o do and what he had to do- guard the Master Emerald.

"I dunno, Cream- I am supposed to be here at all times, guarding the Master Emerald-"

"Just for a little bit?" the young rabbit looked to him then with pleading cocoa eyes, and he closed his eyes with arms folded, clearing his throat gruffly. He really couldn't help being a softie, he'd hate to be a let down to the little girl.

"Errgg, well I suppose I could just set up the monitor Tails gave me for when I'm off helping Sonic get out of jams...." He rubbed the back of his head with a large mitt modestly.

"Oh thank you so much! Hopefully with both of us looking, finding Tails will be a breeze!" She pealed happily, flapping her great lop ears as she propelled herself into the air. After quickly assembling Tails gadget and attaching the wrist monitor to alert him of any newcomers in the shrine area, Knuckles dove into the air with grace, gliding along side the flying rabbit.

---

Sonic the hedgehog was a mere dark shape, silent and thoughtful, comfortable as he hunched against the edge of a city skyscraper. His eyes took in the glorious Mobian skyline, as it began to streak in hues of gold and crimson. He'd stayed up all night, brimming with energy, exploring old haunts that he'd missed- thinking. He soaked in the sun starting it's climb, adoring the caress of it on his fur, feeling both an anticipation and a strong nervousness at his lone thought.

Dude. This is the day, Sonic.

He'd waited out and thought about it all night. He was so jittery that during his run through the Mystic Ruins an owl flicky had actually managed to startle him. An owl.

And now, the time between the meeting and waiting for it was over.

It was time to start the run to his old favorite training field. Him, Tails and Knuckles had taught her battling skills in that very place.

This is the day.

Without looking down, the hedgehog promptly leapt from the edge of the lean, striking skyscraper. He extended his arms and legs, taking in the rush, smiling with eyes closed. He began into a spin-dash, gaining and building momentum until he began the roll down along the wall of the skyscraper; like a brilliant sapphire pinball. He watched the rush of familiar hang outs jettison by, a smudge in the glorious background of his unusually speedy form. He was both taken off guard and hyped up from the distinct feeling of nervous butterflies, trying not to think too hard on what was really happening here...

Sonic. This is it!

---

"There he is!" Knuckles keen treasure hunting abilities made searching for the orange fox in a world of green a synch. That caught the attention of the young bunny, who flew over to join Knuckles. She beamed down at the sight of Tails, walking through the forest and stopping occasionally to peer at something.

"Lets go see how he is, hmm?" Cream began to descend, and Knuckles followed suit, smirking to himself. Cream was perhaps the only member of Sonic's team that he couldn't say no to. Now that he was here, he wasn't regretting it- because his little buddy Tails really did look quite down, and that was something he had an issue with. He did care for Tails in the manner of a little brother, and he hated to see him down.

"Yo, Tails!" His voice caused Tails to turn around, looking into the sky and raising a hand in greeting at the pair.

"Hey you two!" The youngest of the two boys acknowledged as they touched down a little ways away from him, and Knuckles nodded with a smile briefly.

"Hey man...any reason why you're all the way out here?"

"Well yeah, I was working in the shop for a while and thinking a few things through... decided to get some fresh air and got caught up..." Tails ears flattened ever so slightly, a light blush gracing his features at Knuckles quirked brow.

"Way out here? Just for fresh air?" Knuckles questioned, arms folded tightly.

"Maybe he likes it in this part of Mobius best." Cream suggested innocently, walking over to stand beside the two tailed fox.

"Yeah, that's it." Tails said flatly, offering a weak smile. "Hey Cream, how's it goin'?"

"Fine, I wanted to know how it was going for you to be honest..." At that comment, Tails averted his gaze for a moment, not sure how to answer.

"Tails, you holdin' up alright?" Knuckles approached then, an unusual concern seeming to soften his usually rigid features. As the fox began to press his lips together, the visitors exchanged a sad knowing glance. A large spiked mitt rested softly on Tail's small shoulder. "Tails..." the sound of his own name exposed a slight build up in his blue eyes. "Don't you go thinkin' you have to be all alone in this. Understand me? You know me n' Sonic and all the others are here when you need us." Tails eyes traveled upward in surprise at the rare touch of emotion from the fighter.

"Always, for anything. We're a team, and we're your friends!" Cream promised, and seemed cheered by the watery smile that kindled on Tails features.

"Thanks, you guys..." Tails murmured as he briefly scrubbed a fist beneath an eye, turning to return Cream's smile. At that moment they all paused in confusion at a frantic beeping, searching for the source in a slight alarm. It was then that Knuckles released a tense growl.

"Oh for the love of- already? What could it be this time?!" Knuckles snarled near unintelligibly in his temper, fuming down at the beeper on his wrist. "I can't leave that place for ONE second, I can't even- not even for- man this is unreal!-"

"It's alright Knuckles, I'll be ok- but you won't be if Angel Island ends up sinking again!" Tails prompted, causing a slight panic to flicker across the guardians face. He clapped a pointed mitt of comfort against Tails shoulder before stepping back and turning to walk away briskly. He looked over his shoulder, amethyst eyes against ruby dread-locks in the climbing sun.

"Tails, if I need your backup... are you good to go? If you need time..." Knuckles searched for confirmation and got it in the form of a head nod and a thumbs up. "Perfect. Take care man, I'll contact you on your wrist communicator if anythin' weird comes up."

"I'll be there. And I'll make sure to bring Sonic!" Tails guaranteed, used to the Sonic summoning duties.

"Yeah, if you can find him by now- he could be anywhere on Mobius knowing that goof off. Later guys!" a mitt raised in farewell and he was off on another mission.

"See ya Knuckles!"

"Be safe!" Cream called, waving as the scarlet echidna glided toward the skyline. She then turned to Tails, who was looking at the ground quietly. "Tails?" The young fox tuned back in, blank stare coming to life when it rested on her.

"Hmm?"

"Um...It isn't because you like this part of Mobius best, is it." She said quietly, and instantly Tails seemed to tense. He glanced at her with a struggling gaze, then dropped it with a sigh.

"Of course not. It's just..." He looked wearily at her, and was encouraged to continue by her patient smile. "This is, well... the other night I was just strolling around here exploring for old times sake and found a really pretty clearing..." At this, his distant smile began to quiver. "I thought it was the nicest place to plant it. I'd been looking for a nice place on Mobius..."

"Plant-" Cream's confused brow softened as her eyes soaked in realization. "Oh..." her gentle voice was tainted with sorrow as it hit her like a rock slide.

All Sonic found of Cosmo was a seed...

At this point, Tails was standing beside her with eyes pinched closed, holding it together.

"I just felt like she was there with me when I got there, it felt like it was just-like it was right to plant it there. Oh I know, it sounds crazy..." the boy frowned almost embarrassedly at his broken sounding voice, and she shook her head in protest.

"No, no! I think it sounds lovely, Tails. I'd like to go there, if that's where you're going now." She prompted, gaining a stunned look from him at her words.

"Cream, no, I wouldn't ask you to-y-you don't have to-" He stopped abruptly, at her gloved hand taking his tenderly as she smiled sweetly.

"I know that, but I want to. Cosmo was my friend, too..." at this she sniffled softly, squeezing Tails hand a little. "You know, it... it'll just be nice to have a place to remember her by." At these words Tails said nothing, only stared at the girl with a sense of understanding, and a warmth reaching him. Cream knew exactly what he was going through, herself also being close to Cosmo- and now that he thought about it, it wouldn't feel so lonely with somebody else visiting the clearing with him.

So accepting Cream's honest grin and delivering her one of his own, he squeezed her hand back and promptly began to lead them the way to the clearing.

---

Alone, tomorrow, let's secretly meet

On the hill where we can view the future of everyone's journeys

Some day, when I walk with you in the cold morning mist

The shining road will stretch on forever

Always...

---

Amy stood with her back pressed against a large familiar tree, and her eyes had already read the carvings there 5 times over. She'd arrived early, and taking a glance now at the time she was surprised to find him 5 minutes late. Not quite what you'd call a long time, but for Sonic the Hedgehog it was notable.

Don't start doubting him now, Ames.

She sucked in a heavy breath, eyelashes fluttering against the morning mist. She felt the coolness of the bark on her back as she exhaled lowly.

He said he'd be here...but, that's what he always says.

She closed her eyes, doing what she usually does when Sonic was late.

Just count to ten, and maybe he'll be here at the end of it.

The sun was now making golden patterns along the fog, weaving throughout the scenery like a spell.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6...

ZIP.

Although it was a brief rush of sound, it was like a good friend yelling out hi to her. She knew exactly what it meant, but as always, she'd wait until her vision was treated with his presence. She heard the light footfall, and how softly he tread always surprised her. The girl's heart was positively ricocheting in her chest. Little did she know, the person approaching her was feeling quite the same. They were both well aware of the weight of what was happening. After everything that had happened out there in life or death, all the problems were wiped off the drawing board. And now, it was the two of them standing without the distractions and destruction. Just them, a new day, an old field, and the morning mist. Suddenly, she heard the footsteps come to a halt.

"Ya made it." His voice reached her ears, instantly making her smile. It was all it took.

"It's not me you need to worry about. I'm never late."

"Touche..." It was now that she turned to look at him, and she swallowed thickly at his form standing proud in the mist, a shock of blue with folded arms in the golden fog. His lopsided smirk encouraged the slightest touch of a blush on her cheeks, and that was that. Sonic was definitely feeling that classic dryness in his throat, that jittery feeling. The way her lashes grabbed the early strains of light, how pleased she looked to see him...

"So is there a reason you got me out of bed so early?" She teased, moving from where she slouched by the tree to proceed toward him. His hands tightened on his arms, maintaining cool as he closed his eyes. He wouldn't be half as nervous if he wasn't looking at her. The dainty scent of hair meant she was quite close ... Come on, dude. Maintaining cool!

"You mean ya don't know?" he snickered, and the more she stared at him and thought about this, the more anxious she was getting. She really, honestly did not know what to expect from Sonic the Hedghog, even after all they'd lived and been through together. He was too spontaneous to even guess about.

"I wouldn't mind knowing all the same, Sonic." She prompted, and he opened his eyes wearing his usual 'tude.

"Oh, y'know, just all that crazy stuff that happened in the cross galaxy cruise...oh yeah, and the Metarex was happening around that time too." His saucy comment had her both flushing and glaring, arms beginning to fold.

"You've got a nice way of putting things as always. Still..." Her eyes softened, falling on him curiously. He could see the hint of excitement there. "I know what you mean." He felt a definitive sense of relief, glad they were on the same page. Though his cheeks were now tinted by the way she was looking at him, his face was a picture of cool calm.

"I figured you of all people might have somethin' to say about it." Sonic prompted her, brow arched as everything but his eyes hid how shy he felt about all this. It wasn't Sonic's thing, to stop and talk about happenings. It meant so much to her, knowing he would step out of his element, because he knew that it would please her & satisfy her uneasy mind.

She felt elevated, high on the feeling- the idea that Sonic was showing genuine curiosity in her (finally!), what had happened between them out there...

She was just so glad he was stepping up to the plate and taking charge. By choice.

Secretly, she had feared that when they touched down home, it would return to normal. Those parts of them would be forgotten, along with whatever else had come to play. How silly she felt now, to believe that such milestones in their lives would be buried, unmarked & forgotten- to think someone as honest as Sonic would allow such a thing to take place.

"Sonic..." The sentimentality in her voice caused a grin to creep across Sonic's face. Oh, she was definitely started, in the moment... he could always trust her to lead the conversation where he was too bashful to take it himself. "I think you... well, I hope you know, after everything that's happened- what I feel for you. I-I mean, you knew I liked you before, it's just... different now. Please, you must know what I'm talking about." she couldn't look at him, keeping herself in line and not too over emotional, though she was petrified of being hurt. She knew the moment things started moving in a new direction, things were different. It would be all in vain if he pleaded ignorance as usual, all the same.

"I know." his voice was it's usual upbeat tone, but quieter, less bold. She breathed out in relief. Those two words were all she needed to keep from crashing into disappointment. "Things changed..." Her cautious gaze, previously resting at his pointed sneakers, now raised to meet his eyes and take in the meaning. "You can take care of yourself now, Ames. You're tough." He winked, and at that she nodded in agreement.

"I'm not just a little girl anymore Sonic." He looked at her in a slight surprise, then a nervousness seemed to overtake him that she noticed.

"I know." He said quieter than before. It took him a moment to dare a glance up at her, before it snuck back down again. "That's... it's kind of why I asked you to come here."

"Because I'm not a little-"

"Because, I know for sure that you can handle things and take yourself now. Ah, don't be mad..." He warned her testy look at the comment, a pointer finger rising from his folded arms. His quirky smile accompanied it. "I don't mean you couldn't before, I just... look, I asked you to come here because I've got somethin' to say for once. Is that cool?" He folded his arms defensively for a moment, eyes closed as he prepared himself. She was watching him wide eyed now, completely unsure of what to expect. "I thought about it, y'know? I thought about a rule I made up years ago, it popped up while we were on the Blue Typhoon... see, ages ago- I told myself when I was sure you could take care of yourself, I'd tell ya why..."

"Sonic... what do you mean?" Amy's confused gaze prompted him. "You'd tell me... why what? I-"

"Amy, I called you here today because..." He paused, lime green flickering at her briefly before disappearing again. "B-because I'm gonna explain why I've always been kinda...distant. Toward ya. Better now then never, right?" His eyes seemed quite reluctant and sad then, as if he were expecting her to react with anger. He wouldn't blame her if after all these years of emotional confusion, she wanted to toss that his way.

"Sonic..." She inhaled sharply at the idea of finally... f i n a l l y, getting an answer she'd asked herself so many nights. Why? Why does he always have to keep his distance from me? Then, another strange item crossed her mind. "Wait- what does this have to do with me being old enough to take care of myself?"

"Gimme a chance!" Sonic growled, flushing hard as the girls' hands flew to her mouth.

"Sorry!"

"Amy, listen, I- it's not that I don't... I'm, it's not that I've never liked you..."

"Well, duh, silly- I mean if you really didn't like me at all you could just not save me and leave me with Egghead-"

"Amy!" Sonic barked, putting a hand to his face. "I mean like, like you. Not just like you in general!! The other one!"

"Oh!" She giggled. "Oh..." She breathed, and as giddiness struck, her hands found their way around Sonic's right arm for support. "S-Sonic, you're..." her voice began to raise with her emotion. "You're- you are not telling me this. You can't be. This is not- I must be dreaming!!" She howled, and one of her hands flew to her face in exuberance. Sonic's free hand flew to the back of his head, flushing hard. "S-sorry Sonic! Go on!" She squeaked, and Sonic scrambled internally to collect the next right words- something he was never prone to.

Ohhh, boy, couldn't this be any easier on me?

"It's not that I didn't like you, I just... y'know, bein' around me isn't exactly the safest day job a person can have, Ames..."

"Tell me about it." She snorted, and shut up at his sharp look.

"Amy, I wanted to wait 'coz... I-I just had to know you were safe on your own first. Make sure you could manage with or without me c-coz- j-jeez Amy, if we ended up- and they went after you, and then something happens and I can't get to you-" His rant had her pressing her lips together at his stressed brow, attempting not to giggle at his fussing.

"You've really thought hard about that..."

"Amy...please understand. I-I'm not very good at this, I don't know if I'm making much sense..." Sonic turned to her and took her gently by the wrist, and the contact shocked her senses. His lime green eyes were showing a rare plea. "I couldn't afford for us to... I couldn't afford to fall for you if you weren't ready for everything it meant." He looked shamefully at her then, abashed. The depth of that sentence alone coming from him, such an introverted person, moved her. "I've always been sure that if anything were to happen, it wouldn't be easy for us... ya gotta know being near me is a dangerous way to live. If you got with me, you do know every one of my enemies would be yours then too..." No, she had never stopped to think of that as a possible fear of his. Still, it made her feel no less for him. "They'd go after you...I couldn't bear the guilt of that. I had to know you could handle it. I didn't expect you to, all the same. It's too much for anyone to take on. So I was sure I'd just stay alone and make it easier. I thought maybe you'd end up liking someone else and we wouldn't get attached. I knew I'd just be a lot of hurtin' you didn't need Ames, you're a nice girl and you deserve someone who's gonna be there for you. But you... man, you're ruthless. You had to make it difficult..." He felt her taking his hand, and he closed his eyes. "Ok? There. I can't believe I just- yeah. I told myself if I made it back alive, with everything that we'd done, I..."

"Sonic." Her whisper prompted him to bravely gamble a look in her eyes, after all that. He felt so terrified right now. After all he'd went through over the past couple of months- after all the horror he'd endured in his short life, nothing intimidated him in the way that exposing himself like that had done. He was reeling from it, after baring himself to someone like that. But he never went back on promises, and he'd meant it then to do him good later. She held that hand with both of hers, eyes swimming with joy."You are there for me, Sonic. That's one of the reasons I feel the way I do about you. Don't you know you're always there when I need you the most? I always try to give that back to you, when you let me. Any enemy of yours is already one of mine. You think you'd know that by now. Anybody who touches you gets my wrath." At that comment they both decomposed into laughter, reflecting on the many times she turned psycho on anyone who meant him harm.

"I still feel like this is a dream..." She mused in wonder, fingers briefly touching Sonic's muzzle- prompting a wound up smile on the cobalt heros face. "But since you told me yours, I guess I might as well own up to mine as well." He seemed interested at this, almost relieved to tie the knot on the end of what had kept him up all night- and many other nights before, for that matter. Telling her.

You did it, blue. Smooth as hell, smooth as always. You freakin' did it man!

"Oh, so you're hidin' somethin' too?" He teased, and it was her time to blush.

"Well, you're not the only person who keeps promises. I meant to tell you something, once we got home- not anything big, just- I told myself I'd tell you exactly what it is you make me feel." She lifted a hand to her face then, rubbing her nose shyly. "I just want you to know why I can't seem to let you go." At that Sonic raised his brows, half anticipating hungrily, half ready to run in fear of what he was about to hear. He knew he was getting the truth about himself from her point of view, and her opinion meant more to him than she was probably even aware of.

"You see Sonic, you're..." She cleared her throat, watching his engaged smile, trying again. "I always said..." She tried to hold the power of her voice against the appearance of her tears, willing the strength to share this. "I always told myself that no matter where I go... I bring home with me." She sniffled, and his smile became strong, encouraging. He felt uplifted, shocked by her choice of words. "Home is with you. It always has been, Sonic. Ever since I met you..." She confessed, wiping furiously at her eyes. "I'm never home sick when I'm with you...you are home to me. I always promised myself that, that when we got back- when it was over I'd tell you that." Sonic met her at the grass then, when she fell with legs folded. How very like her, to get swept up in her own emotions. "Oh, I just hope I'm not making myself sound like an idiot, please tell me that made sense to you..." She mourned. He was now kneeling where she sat, leaning in and chuckling as he came eye to eye with her. She lifted her eyes and found herself seeing inside the world of a hero through bright green.

"Ames, relax, ok? I gotcha. Man, I'm glad I'm not crazy." He laughed, holding her shoulders. "Because, eh, y'see... I never felt like I was home on Mobius 'til that day I landed at your doorstep, after traveling in that stupid void of time between Earth & Mobius for months. I just showed up at your door in the middle of the night, and ya came back..." Her breathing hitched as she was stunned to behold, a single quivering tear swimming amongst the lime green. He caught it with his finger, flicking his hand & sniffling with a giggle. "You just knew I was there waitin' at your house. D'ya have any clue how that felt? C'mon now. You're... well, the only place I could kinda call home, really. I never felt like I had one before. Y'know, the place people go to be themselves and just chill, feel safe..."

"I'm that place?" Amy captured the moment with her overwhelmed whimper, trembling, and Sonic's laugher was like a morning greeting.

"What d'ya know. Ya cracked it, Ames. Congrats." His bashfulness over the situation was beginning to take over.

"I'm home for Sonic the Hedgehog?" Her voice was a pinch of tears, high and sweet as she waited for the answer. She'd never been happier to see that trademark, sideways grin appear.

"Way to ham it up there, Amy." Sonic's guffaw rang out over the low fog when Amy ambushed him, delivering a death hug for the times.

I didn't wish to get heartbroken, so I hid my feelings

I was happy, for you gave me that smile.

[Boy, give me courage ...]

"I HATE you-ah!" She cried over his laughter, and her statement only increased it. "God I hate you, Sonic! You're such a- a- what took you so long?! What on MOBIUS-Oh, I don't care, I couldn't care if we were both old and toothless right now, I-I'm so happy I could choke!" She sobbed.

"No kidding, you're doin' a good trial run on me!" Sonic rasped with a snort, grinning savagely when she let out a squeak and released him from the death hug. "An' I got a bone to pick with you, pal." He jabbed a finger in her tearful flushing face, and her shock at the comment was evident behind her bawled fists swiping at her eyes.

"What? W-what've I- Oah, did I hurt you?" Her panic was answered with Sonic standing, fists resting on his hips, leaning in with an air of accusation. She stood with him tentatively, like a disobedient school kid beside a teacher.

"Where's that necklace, hmm?" Sonic demanded, tapping his foot as he folded his arms. Shortly after that his eyes grew huge and he turned his head, hand meeting the back of it as he blushed. She was reaching down the neck of her dress and going for something at her chest. When he looked back She was holding it out, triumphant. At his strange, embarrassed look, she couldn't help but bark laugh.

"What?! I had to put it somewhere safe!" His look remained unchanged. "Well it's only dirty if you make it, pervert!" She folded her arms, and opened them in surprise when he cried out in laughter, squeezing her.

"Ok I don't care anymore!! I don't care, I don't care, I DON'T CARE! I'm so hyped we're home! We're finally standing on Mobius, Amy! Mobius!" He stomped one sneaker against the ground proudly, as if the land he loved might disappear beneath his feet as she cackled at his joy. "Now, gimme it!" He demanded playfully, gloved hand extending to her hand that held the necklace.

"What, you're taking it back now?" She tormented, and he snatched it back with a rueful grin.

"You've got an attitude, lady." He remarked, and without further ado, lifted the delicate gift over Amy's head. "That's why you rock. You need one to keep up with Sonic the Hedgehog..."

Her fists bawled up again in front of her mouth as he smiled in pride, letting the stones fall around her neck gently.

"Lucky ya were stubborn enough to refuse to back out on me. Forcibly, even." He tittered, gathering tears that danced down Amy's cheeks. "Now... we're home, Ames. Scott free. We're in one piece, aren't we? Huh? Whut'd I say. Piece of cake, right?"

"I can't keep up with you, Sonic the hedgehog!!" She howled in her tears, throwing herself into his arms. "But dammit I try!" His eyes grew huge at her uncharacteristic swearing, then burst out with laughter at it, leaning back to take in her expression.

"Try no more. You're pitiful, so I s'pose I'll havta wait on you from now on. Now stop chasin' me, would ya? It's embarrassing." His grin was beyond massive at this point, and when her eyes lifted to his, shades of green like a well matched couple, she almost fell in unawares when he came forward (with the reddest muzzle she'd ever witnessed) and captured her lips in a strong but shy kiss. He was trembling, he was so nervous, but God love him, he went for it anyway. It was Sonic's turn to grow wide eyed in surprise, Amy's strong arms crushing him against her when she kissed him back in a brute passion he didn't know anyone could have! One hand stroked down his elegant sapphire quills, the other yanking him in as close as possible. Leave it to Amy, to dominate and almost make humorous a situation in her passion. When they broke apart, panting and staring at each other in bewilderment, Amy looked slightly bashful, and Sonic roared with laughter.

"Well then! I think we know who's the expert in that field here." Sonic teased, winking at the impossibly pink hedgehog. She folded her arms proudly, eyes closed.

"Well it's my first kiss, I'm gonna remember it. About TIME I actually got it, what was the hold up!?"

"I!" He stuttered bashfully. " I mean I wasn't just gonna-haven't we've been through this, I... can I have just one more of those?" He leaned in to her with a pleading blush, putting a hand on her tightly folded arms as she cackled at him.

"Oh you want to kiss me, now..." She was silenced as he took it upon himself to score one, pecking her once to silence her and kissing her again to get what he moved in for.

Let's kiss quietly in secret

Like an old picture book...

When the wind blows in the morning dew

The shining road will stretch on forever

Always...

"Mmph!" Amy was surprised, then thrilled as she began to commandeer the kiss into breathlessness. When they parted, both in an attempt to breathe, Sonic was wearing quite the smug grin.

"Jeez, that's not gonna get old quick!" He gave a swift punch to the air in triumph, running a hand back over his quills as he grinned giddily.

"You taste good!" Amy commented cheerfully, and Sonic flamed scarlet.

"Whut the- Amy, why would you say that to someone?!"

"I always thought you'd taste like chili, that's all..." She rouged, then turned even more-so at him dropping his jaw in surprise for a moment.

"Whut? What're ya saying about chili! That it tastes bad?"

"No-wah!" She snorted. "But I always imagined that's what you'd..." She trailed off bashfully, taking note of his furrowing brow.

"No WAY! I resent that! A lot!" They both fell back as they began to crack up, laughing until they wheezed, wiping their eyes. "Well, in case you're wondering, you do too. Nice gloss!" Sonic tossed her a thumbs up. "What is it?"

"Pineapple. Love it!" She pealed, then elbowed him playfully. "I can order some for you, you know."

"Amy, is there a course I can sign up to for figuring you out?"

"Nope! Though it wouldn't hurt to have a Sonic 101 as a backup, either." She looked slyly on him then, jingling the necklace. "Sooo...Sonic. What does this mean?"

"Whudda ya mean, whut does this mean?!" Sonic quizzed, leaning in with arms folded again. Her grin was evil, as she fluttered her eyelashes flirtatiously.

"Does this mean you loooooove me?! Come on, say it! Mr. Hero Hog-"

"Amy..." Sonic reprimanded, looking a combination of defiant and sheepish.

"Come onnnnn...." She cooed as she came forward, and he laughed, holding her face back.

"You're a tarot card reader." He slouched against the tree too cool, closing his eyes. "Figure it out!"

"I don't have to, actually!" She said brightly, factual.

"Huh?" His eyes opened as he looked at her confused.

"Oh, I already have it figured out you see." She tittered sweetly, hands clasped together as she leaned in to him sporting a mammoth beam. "Remember when I rescued you, and the Chaos Emeralds protected us? What... you think they'll do that for any old occasion?" He broke a sweat, eyes huge as her eyes fell on him mischievously. "Chaos is power... enriched by the hearrrrrt..."

"Uhh... UUUH-"

"Sonic, don't you DARE!"

He dared.

He burst into a run, chancing a bashful glance over his shoulder. He exploded into a snicker at the sight of Amy, brow furrowed and arms outstretched as she ran at him.

"HEY!!" She barked, going to top speed in an effort to stay near him. "I- thought- you- said- I-" She sucked in a breath heavily, winded by trying to catch up "-I wouldn't- have to- chase you- anymore!" She panted, and he spun around on his heels abruptly. He circled her bewildered form twice before leaping away from her arms- which had tried to nab him. He fell right back into the run again, laughing at her sneaky looking grin.

"Well, yeah... but isn't it fair for me to get one more in for old times sake? It's cute that you think you might actually reach me." He teased, as she stuck out her tongue in return between the huffs.

Amy felt a warmth at his playful smile when he turned back to look at her again, coming to a new realization. He always liked it when I chased him. It was one of those things that she used to understand as him disliking her before, but now she realized it was his way of including her in the biggest part of his life.

"Whut's the matter Amy, can't keep up?"

"SONIC!!"

"You think all that training in this field would've done something-"

"Sonic the hedgehog, you better stand still REAL quick or I'll-" She had her eyes closed, arms flying around in protest, so she was quite surprised when she brought up solid against his chest. She opened her eyes incredulously as she stumbled dramatically, and he whooped out a loud guffaw as he attempted to right her. She grasped his arms as he held her balanced, half smirk in full bloom & green eyes seemed alight with an idea. He backed up a couple paces and folded his arms factually, closing his eyes.

"Ya look tired... need a lift?" He opened one eye at her, taking in her shell shocked face. She had chased Sonic many times in her life, but she'd never been able to get close enough to him to go beyond that. Although she had experienced his super speed before, it was always so tainted with fear seeing it was always during a rescue. Secretly, she had always dreamed of seeing what the world looked like at his speed, longing to be taken on a run....

She would love to know Sonic's favorite pass time the way he did.

"I...s-sure!" She stuttered in her exhaustion and excitement, holding out her arms expectantly.

Then he turned, cheeks still red from the encounter, and grabbed her arms from behind him up over his shoulders. He folded her arms around his neck, and hoisted her up, hooking his arms under her legs. She looked at him with mouth agape, the embodiment of pure excitement.

"S-Sonic- not too fast starting off!-"

"Lets go visit our man Tails, huh?" She barely had time to nod before the air around them went from still to whipping wildly, trees barely recognizable as they flew by her vision.

"That's TOO FAST starting off!!!"

---

"Are you sure, Knuckles? How could Eggman get anything built in this amount of time, we've barely been home 24 hours!" Tails the twin tailed fox was staring down at his good friend Knuckles face on his wrist communicator. Suddenly it was shoved out of the way, and Rouge the Bat's sassy form filled the screen.

"Listen, I'm standing here looking at the thing crossing the channel to Angel Island through the water, and if you're gonna try to tell me it doesn't exist kid, then you're not as sharp as they-"

"Rouge, MOVE IT! Tails called me, not you-"

"What is she doing there anyway? Aren't you afraid she'll try to take the Master Emerald?"

"I'm offended! I came here to keep Knuckles company, but big red here was slacking off as usual... I tripped the alarm when I got here." Her voice drawled in amusement as Knuckles grew impossibly more red.

"You mean it was Rouge that set off the alarm earlier? Since when do you guys even like each other?" This prompted a panicked glance at Rouge from Knux, seeing how she was now grinning so coyly.

"Well it started when I was a stow away on the Blue Typhoon-"

"Find Sonic and get your two tailed butt out here before it does!!!" Knuckles snarled, and Rouge's giggling could be heard in the background as the echidna abruptly signed off. Tails almost missed the wind-swept speedy arrival of his best bud & Amy through his laughter.

"Hoo, man! Sonic, there you are! I've been looking all over for you in case of trouble, where have you been? Knuckles just contacted me from Angel Island and said there's something strange going on... something is approaching the island. He figures Eggman is up to something... really though, where have you been all morning anyway? I was stumped, I checked the usual places..." The younger of the two queried, and his blue eyes raced between a very distracted, disoriented Amy and a flushing Sonic.

"Well, y'know, I-"

"Wait a minute..." The young fox drew a bemused brow down, doing the calculations.

"Tails..." Sonic snarled with a scarlet face, leering at his friend- who was trying to keep cool.

"It's fine Sonic, don't worry about it, I gotcha. Amy, how ya doin'?" Tails raced over to the girl, who seemed slightly woozy.

"Um, a bit dizzy... not really used to Sonic speed..." She tittered, stumbling a bit before coming back to her senses. "You say Eggman might be starting something on Angel Island already? Oah, that creep is unbelievable. This has to be his record for quickest made doomsday device!"

"That's what I thought. Who knows, maybe that means he never spent as much time perfecting it as he usually does. Should be easy hmm?"

"Here's hopin', I'm starvin'." Sonic frowned, kneeling to begin tightening the straps on his shoes. He may as well get prepped for the pretty well guaranteed battle.

"Wow Amy, cool necklace! Where'd you get that?" Tails observed the unique piece of jewelry with interest, and Sonic felt his face grow hot.

"Sonic made it for me on the trip!" Amy said brightly, and Tails was inspecting the stones with wonder.

"I thought some of this looked familiar... is that a rock from Marmolim?"

"Yeah! There's one from every planet we visited..." She caught a distorted vision of herself in one of the more lustrous rocks, and felt a reel of horror at the pandemonium that was her hair after supersonic speed. "NO-wah! Sonic, you could've TOLD me! Tails!" She roared, and both boys fell into hoots of hysterics. "Ugh! I look like a-You guys are impossible! Look I'll be right back because I need to do something about this. Now!" Amy snarled, and without another word, stomped her way to Tails workshop door and invited herself inside. When the door shut (rather loudly), the fear set in for Sonic. He knew in privacy, there was no way Tails could resist this.

"Well, Sonic. Now you've really got me curious. You gonna tell me what that necklace is really about?"

"Depends. Do you want the Sonic version or the real deal?"

"I'll take both, and come up with the truth on my own."

"Ok, well, it's just a very elaborate souvenir to keep her off my back for a while." Sonic rubbed a finger under his nose with eyes closed, chancing a nervous peek at his unconvinced buddy.

"And the truth is?" Tails laughed, knowing exactly what version he just got.

"The truth is, well, I- um, long story short, that is..." Sonic's stuttering caused an elevation of Tails brow, his foxy features alighted with humor. Sonic caught this look and promptly arrived at the point. "We're, uh... dating now." Sonic's hand had found the back of his head, a bashful gaze landing on Tails for a reaction. At first, Tails seemed a little taken aback, stunned. Then, Tails smiled the first real, massive beam since he got home from being in orbit through the galaxy. "Sonic... that's the best news I've gotten since we got back! Way to go, bro!!" Tails smacked at Sonic's arm playfully, adding to the blush on the hedgehog's features. Sonic's little brother then made a point of glowering at him accusingly.

"So..." The definitive sound of Tails voice made Sonic's look of worry increase. "So, Sonic the hedgehog. You actually stepped up to the plate! And not a moment too soon... I was getting worried poor Amy would be single for eternity. Not to mention you." At that comment Sonic leered ever so saucily, sticking out his tongue. "Are you happy about it Sonic?"

"Am I!-" Sonic abruptly flushed, then leaned in discreetly, yanking Tails close with the toss of his arm. "Am I happy about it?! Of course I'm happy about it you nosy baby genius, do you have any idea how long I've been tryin' to get this thing goin'?! I'm- Amy, you managed a bit of damage control!" Sonic stopped his hushed whispers into a cackling Tails' ear to greet the pink hedgehog back to the front yard.

"YEAH... no thanks to you badniks." She chuckled, then leaned over the flower bed under Tails workshop window. "Oh no Tails, couldn't you have hired a gardener or something while we were away? It's a disaster!"

"Um, I was kind of busy building the Blue Typhoon spaceship, Amy..." Tails sweatdropped, and Sonic chortled as he watched the scene unfold.

"No worries, it's not really that bad- they just need a bit of pruning and weeding, if you don't mind..."

"Can't that wait till after Amy? We're kind of in a hurry... I'll just go on ahead of you guys and meet you there." He tossed a coy smile Sonic's way, spinning his two tails in preparation for take off. Sonic grabbed his arm gently, taking a cautious glance at Amy, who was stubbornly grabbing weeds and throwing them with haste.

"You don't have to, you know, leave us alone. Just because we're dating doesn't mean everything is going to change..."

"I know." Tails smiled genuinely, nodding. "I'm just glad to see you doing something for yourself, for once. You spend too much time doing things for everyone else."

"Yeah, kind of." Sonic said warmly, gaze falling back to the pink hedgehog, who was busying herself in sifting through the garden that donned the front of Tail's workshop.

"Though when I find the one, I hope when I'm your age I'm not so slow on the uptake of getting around to the dating part."

"You snotty little fox!" Sonic bark laughed, wearing a myriad of sheepishness, embarrassment, and amusement.

"C'mon guys, Knuckles is waiting for us!! Eggman isn't going to wait on us to show up!" Tails beckoned as he was propelling through the air, and Sonic turned to touch Amy's shoulder. It made her jump, grabbing his wrist in surprise as her gaze was stolen from the flower bed.

"Personally I'd debate that. Eggy hates not having an audience. But I think you best use that death grip to hold on. We got Egg to fry." He cackled, pointing to his back.

"Does he ever stop? I mean seriously now, does he? Jeez, he needs a wife or something!" She rolled her eyes, then hung on for dear life as Sonic's speed increased from the speed of a fast car to a fighter jet.

"If he did, wouldn't we live boring lives?"

"Who, us? Boring? You mean that word is a real thing?" She giggled in his ear, then gasped out. "Sonic that TREE-" And watched as they leapt over said tree, Amy feeling a queasy joy as she watched it passing under her red heels. "Er..."

"Whut tree?" Sonic gloated, laughing at her pip of surprise when they somersaulted before landing into a speedy dash again.

"Sonic, people will see up my dress!!" She scolded angrily, and he accepted the thump on the head.

"Ow- hold on, would ya?! HEY-uh, wanna hang at Station Square after this?" His voice reached her ears as they reached breath taking speeds, him briefly rubbing his head. They were dashing from one ravine to the other side of a stream in record time. She perked up at this.

"YEAH where?!"

"I dunno..." He shrugged, feet moving in a complete blur of red, blue and white. "I figured we'd work that out after. You know, something maybe like uh..." He sped up, leaping over a rock cluster. "A uh, you know uh, one of those..." she could feel his heart racing, and the pink creeping across his muzzle again as she held fast to him. "A- y-you know-"

"Before you kill yourself trying to get it out, I'd love to. Ok? Breathe." She giggled, nuzzling her face against the side of his, and he took a moment to glance at her, smiling warmly. He didn't understand her look of horror.

"Sonic- ROCK!"

"Rock? Whut? Get serious Ames- OH!" He nearly tripped as he dashed out of the way of an ignored boulder, stumbling for a second before jetting off at full speed again.

"I, uh...probably should watch where I'm going." He flustered, snickering to himself as she laughed.

"Well lets hope Eggman hasn't had enough time to do too much building, I'm starving!"

"Me too. I haven't seen a chili dog in so long I almost forget what one looks like!" Sonic's stomach growls were lost in the whipping wind. Amy looked at the world around her, saw her body being woven throughout breath-stealing landscapes, every tree, every rock, every cloud, a smudge of brilliant color... so this is what it was to be the wind.

"Then I say we'll hit a chili dog stand and go from there." Amy smiled against Sonic's ear, and his ears perked up at this.

"Great! YES! YES! Oh... uh, here's hopin' Eggman only managed to make one bot."

"Here's hopin'. After a three headed planet sized monster, I think robots won't be a problem." She snorted. "To chili dogs... and you know, preventing the apocalypse too. That can't hurt to have on a resume!" Amy jabbed, her hair whipping around her like pink streamers.

"Oh, puh-lease. Quit beefin' it up. It's all in a days work, doll. Am I right or am I right?" Sonic quipped. At her heartfelt expression and her distant gaze, Sonic had to do a double take.

"Amy? You ok? Am I going too fast again, or-"

"No..." She said quietly, her smile soft and understanding. "I just... the world looks so beautiful, seeing it the way you do..."

"Doesn't it?" He took a moment to allow their eyes to meet, shades of green smiling a shared understanding at one another. For now as it always did, things were slowly coming back together in their world. Not many knew of their great quest yet, only that when they'd left, a dark, bleak emptiness had overtaken Mobius- and when they returned, so did the breath taking, bright glory of the planet. Time would be what would place their epic journeys in the history books, their heroism, the recognition they deserved for what they'd done.

For now, Sonic and his friends were just pleased to return to some normalcy, after everything they'd experienced. Although forgetting the horrible events that played out wasn't an option, instead it would be looked upon in a different light. Each one had learned to know the true valor of their companions, their rivals, their foes. And with that grew a new respect for one another- a new care- and of course, an always apparent affection that had long needed to be unearthed. Remembrance amongst friends of what was said and done was all the reward they really needed.

Sonic felt more relaxed- more serine than he ever had in his life, as if he wasn't hiding anything anymore. In that truth, he wasn't. Years of turmoil between him and a person he cared for were smoothed to perfection for the first time. There was no tension, nothing under their glances. He had spent his days keeping at bay, fearful of what the next step forward would do to them, so he had never been bold enough to take it. After deciding to make that necklace, he knew it was his own way of initiating that step. It happened in a time he was worried they might never get to someday. However their waiting game started, it was to come to an end. The greatest triumph of it to him was, it happened so naturally. He always knew that whatever it was him and Amy possessed, one day, if it were destined, it would reveal itself in due time. For Sonic personally, the hardest parts were over. She was a new person- at the same time, being the same girl she always was. He'd finally taken the time to see her for who she really was. Not just a stubborn fan girl, but a genuine, bluntly honest, endlessly caring person. She just wanted to protect him, humbly. She knew. She was aware of his feelings now, wether she had before or not. It warmed him to realize that perhaps Amy had always known he loved her, and was just pondering on when the right time would come. She had been so much for him over the months in war, so much had been endured by the both of them, trying to figure out what they were, where it was going, all the while trying to stay alive. Sonic had been given a harsh reality check, a slap when he'd been captured. He realized what a scary world it would be for him, with her not in it with him. But he soon learned they were a team, in more ways than one. If one of them was in trouble, the other would stop at nothing to keep them out of harms way. Now with the greatest battles behind them, he was excited for once to be looking forward to a night off of heroism. He had more time to spend with her in a new, well earned fresh start.

He wouldn't be running away this time. He'd learned the true value of her in his life on the trip, how much she really cared for him. Through that, he was stunned by how much he felt for her in return. From therein, he wouldn't be backing down anymore. He found his courage in a reminder of the things that they went through, why they kept going- how they held each other and kept strong against the odds. And that was a fragile sound in his ear, a dainty jingling that was a reminder of what they were to each other. It was the light tinkling of a necklace in the wind- the most unique ever made in the galaxy, for the only girl who'd ever deserved it. And it was with that, Sonic was sure without a doubt, the girl he'd always wondered about as a child, the girl for him... well, she was definitely clinging on to him for dear life right now. As his speed carried them across the land, all that was left was a streak of pink and blue fading to purple, and the shouting of immense laughter in the breeze. Sonic the Hedgehog and Amy Rose were making their presence known once again, on the vibrantly peaceful planet of Mobius.

And for the first time in their lives, they were both truly home.

Your kisses thrill me like no one before

Baby, I'm all yours, living just for you...

Your love has touched my very soul,

Can you feel it baby oh, never let me go

Darling because we're so in love

And we can dream on, sweet dreams...

—

"There's been lots of times when Sonic did something- or didn't do something- that made me wonder why I ever liked him. But in the end? He always comes through for me. He may do crazy things, and he may do stupid things, but he never does dishonest things. That's why... I'll always have faith in him." Amy Rose, Sonic X

The End

-

To those of you who have read this from confessions on a cargo hold to here, I extend my endless gratitude. I received endless support and kind words from Sonic fans from all over the world, and if that's not way past cool I don't know what is! x3 I'm a bit sad it ended, I've been writing this for some time- but I'm pleased to look back and see all the hard work come full circle to here. :3

For those of you who like Sonic fan art, there's a Steal You Away folder in my gallery (shazam26 on Dev).

I wrote this for Sonic X fans, Sonamy fans and of course for those of you who are devoted fans of Sonic. Well, you must love Sonic and his friends as much as I do after reading this large novel of a piece, and I hope to keep you entertained in the future. Until then, Sonic X fans... and many, many thanks for taking this Sonic flavored adventure all the way!

Xoxo,

-Mish