The Last Echidna(Sonic x Knuckles)

1. Inner thoughts

I feel so empty.

 I sit here guarding the master emerald and stare into the sky. The clouds, the stars, the forever blue ocean...it gets lonely sometimes. I don't want to think about it too much, but my whole life, I really had no one. After Sonic showed up things really changed. It was a good change, but now, even he is growing distant from me.

"Hey Knuckles."

I sigh and lay my arms back on a stair. Don't think like that. The only thing that you should be worrying about is guarding the master emerald.

"Knuckles, come in, Knuckles....hellooooo."

Don't disappoint, do this for your ancestors.

"Knuckles!"

I shot up and quickly grabbed the walkie talkie that Tails made us for communication. "Sorry, what is it?" I asked. Sonic's voice emerges from the other side. "Did I catch you sleeping on the job? Never knew you'd be the one to do that."

"Shut up, I wasn't sleeping, I was thinking."
"Thinking huh? Well, me and Tails are coming over in the Tornado."
"What? Why?" I asked looking around the Island.
"Just thought we'd come by...and possibly ask for some help."

I sighed. Well that obviously isn't good news. "What is it this time?" I asked annoyed. "Well uh, how do I put this...I need you to live with me and Tails."

"What!?"

I see the Tornado come into view and watch it as it lands in front of me. Sonic hops off the plane, as well as Tails. I quickly walked over to them, "What's the deal?"

Tails rolls his eyes, "Sonic needs an excuse for Amy not to live with us. We recently installed an extra room to our house and now Amy wants to stay there. If you don't get the point...we need you to fill in the spot."

I glanced at Sonic who was now looking away and fiddling with his fingers. "What's wrong with Amy living with you guys?" I asked.

"Well you know how she is with Sonic...Sonic doesn't really see her like that and it would only make things really awkward. " Tails nervously laughed. 

I could use some company.

"Why don't you tell her that? I have a job to do. I can't waste my time staying with you guys just for you guys to get out of a bad situation." I said crossing my arms.

"Sonic did tell her! She wouldn't budge. Trust me on that. And come on, pleaaaaase. I'll take you back to Angel Island whenever you want so you can go back to guarding, but just live with us!"

I glanced back at the master emerald. They only come to me when they need help...but I really do need some company.

I looked at the ground and then back at Tails and Sonic. "You know what? Fine. Just promise to take me back to Angel Island whenever I say so. That even means at night."

Tails smiles and looks over at Sonic to share the glance. "Thanks Knux, you're the best!" Sonic said patting me on the back. 

Tails waved me over to the plane. "Hop on, we need to get you settled into your room."

I nodded my head and made myself comfortable in the back seat while Sonic stood on the top of the plane.

----

We made it to their house and they quickly brought me inside. This wasn't the first time I have been in their house, but there was a couple of changes. Of course the extra room, but there was also a bunch of new video games, an advanced looking lab, and some new pictures hung up on the wall from previous events. 

I scanned the pictures and frowned. Even with the many years we've been a team, there were hardly any pictures of me in it. The pictures that did have me were crappy. I was either doing something stupid or falling, making it their amusement.

"Your room is over here." Tails said leading me the way. Although I didn't follow him. I kept staring at the pictures. "Is something wrong..?" Tails asked, slowly walking towards me. 

I quickly turned my attention towards Tails and nudged him forward. "Nope, all good. Where's the room?"

Tails lead me to a small room located near the back of a hallway. "This is your room. There's a twin size bed already in there and if you want to add anything else just tell me. I can surely build you some furniture of some kind." Tails said.

I scanned the room. It was indeed small. The bed was placed in the middle of the room and there was no windows. "Amy wanted to live here?" I asked giving Tails a look.

"Hey, this room was specifically made for storage. Once we brought it up to Amy she took her chances I guess. And thanks again for doing this Knuckles. You always help us when we need it."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." 

Yeah, I'm always there when you need help.

Sonic ran into the room. "Sooo, how do you like it??"

"It doesn't look fun, but it's not like I'm gonna be in this room all day. Tails. Bring me back to Angel Island." 

Sonic laughed but got interrupted by a knock on the door. Sonic and Tails exchanged looks, "I'll get it." Tails said slumping over.

I looked over at Sonic to see what the deal was but he only gave me a worried look and gestured me to the door.

"Soniiiiic! I brought Chili dogs! I thought it would be a good idea to bring these since this will be my first official day living here!"

Tails nervously glanced at Sonic, giving him a look that told him that he had to do the explaining. Sonic immediately sighed and grabbed my arm. "Heyyy Ames. Heh, long time no see am I right?" 

Sonic took the Chili dogs and placed them on the kitchen counter. "I appreciate the food, but we ran into a dilemma. You won't be able to live with us."

Amy frowned. "Why not?"

Sonic pulled me in front of Amy and rubbed my head, "Cause this guy decided to live with us."

I quickly pulled away and punched Sonic on the shoulder.

"Ah, sorry!" Sonic winced grabbing onto his shoulder.

Amy looked at me with her hands on her hips. "So Knuckles. You decided to live with them huh? They didn't ask you to, did they?"

Shoot, she's onto me. Just stay calm. "No, no, of course not! I heard about the room and I wanted to live with them! I really do need the company."

It's true.

Amy sighed. "I guess I get it. You're up on Angel Island all by yourself. But really, I thought you liked being alone."

"I do, but I feel like I should be with my friends more often."

I don't.

"Huuuu, you're glad you have a good excuse. I guess I'll see you guys next mission." Amy said looking on the ground.

I kinda feel bad for taking her place. She has a better bond with Sonic and Tails than I do, why should I be the one who takes her place? It's not like they talk to me. They only did this to get out of an awkward situation. I'm pretty sure if Amy didn't want the room I wouldn't have seen them until the next Eggman attack.

I placed my hand on top of her shoulder. "Sorry Amy. We can still hang out. And it could have been weird since you would have been the only girl."

Amy looked as if she lightened up a bit. "Yeah you're right. Enjoy the chili dogs." Amy closed the door and went to her house. 

"Wow, thanks a lot Knuckles. I can always count on you." Sonic said gobbling most of all the chili dogs.

"Hey don't eat all of them Sonic!" I yelled running up to him.

Is that all they see me as? Someone to have on the side lines only to be called when they need help?

Tails chuckles as he watches me and Sonic fight over the platter of chili dogs. "Don't forget to leave some for me!" He yelled.