The Light In The Dark

Out Of Reach

(MAJOR TRIGGER WARNING: MENTION OF FIGHTING, HEAVY BLOOD, AND SUICIDAL SPEAKING, THOUGHT,  AS WELL AS STARVING)

No POV:

It has been a couple of weeks of peace. Sonic and Shadow were hanging out more, Knuckles was training, and they would have nights where they just stay up and all hang out. Sonic and Shadow were catching up with one another, while Knuckles tended to stay to himself. Letting those two figure themselves out while he was on the sidelines.

Knuckles decided to go on a walk at night while Sonic and Shadow were upstairs doing whatever they usually do at this time. When walking around, his path was lit with life by the weeping willow trees and the small plants next to him. He felt tired, but didn't want to head back to the castle just yet. Looking around, he had realized he walked pretty far away from the castle while he had been stuck in his head. He was... lost. Sighing, he rubbed between his eyes with one of his claws and continued to look for something familiar. As he then heard something coming up behind him. Turning around as his four eyes shot to look over at the noise. As he then sees something glaring at him. Bright yellow eyes staring into his soul like some stalking predator. Knuckles stays completely still as he watches the unknown figure appears out of the dark. It was Silver. Knuckles growled and put all four of his claws into fists. Silver stared down at Knuckles, having a stare off.

Silver: "You seem a little lost, huh?"

Knuckles didn't reply to Silver, he felt like he didn't need to give an explanation of what was wrong. Knuckles rolled his eyes as he started to walk off. Silver flapped his wings with force as he got in front of Knuckles with such blinding speed. Knuckles stumbles back a bit.

Knuckles: "Look, I don't wish to talk to you. And you definitely don't need to know what's going on with me."

Silver glared down at Knuckles as he kicked Knuckles into a tree. The wind was knocked out of Knuckles. Groaning while gripping at his chest. Silver started to advance slower to Knuckles. His eyes glowing with more than just fury, but determination. Silver then picked up Knuckles by the neck, keeping him pinned up on the weeping willow tree. His grip was torture to the echidna's throat. Gasping for air, feeling lightheaded. The wind had already been knocked out of him, but now it was being strangled away from his body. Silver growled as he kept his threatening glare.

Silver: "You don't have a choice. You either talk, or I snap your puny neck."

Knuckles choked, kicking and scratching at Silver's arm. His lower arms were losing feeling, as well as his legs. Tearing up while his vision steadily left. It was like tunnel vision, as he looked into Silver's murderous gaze. Knuckles finally spoke, his voice chalked up and raspy from lack of oxygen to his lungs.

Knuckles: "Fine! J-Just put me down!"

Silver slowly let go of Knuckles' neck. Letting the mutated echidna drop to the bottom of the tree. He gasped and wheezed, bent over and shaking as he could feel his lower arms and legs again. He finally sat back up against the tree. Gripping at his chest tightly, it stung his throat when the oxygen went down. He groaned, speaking once more.

Knuckles: "What the hell do you want?"

Silver stayed standing up while keeping his gaze on the smaller one.

Silver: "Where is Sonic at?"

Knuckles froze up. He didn't want to say anything about their living location. That was the worst he could do at the moment. He rubbed his throat and let his head rest back on the tree. Thinking about what he should say.

Knuckles: "And if I don't tell you where he is? Or if I lie... what is the punishment towards that?"

Silver looked away from him for a moment and then chuckled.

Silver: "I kill you and show Sonic your corpse. But if you tell me, I'll just beat your ass and let Sonic deal with you like that."

Both were pretty shitty decisions. Knuckles sighed, he didn't want to die... but he also wanted Sonic safe. His mind was caught in a knot. Feeling like this was going to be a really bad predicament. He finally stood up, stumbling around a bit. He leaned back on the tree once more. His head spinning as he got back up on his feet. Looking up at Silver with a cold stare.

Knuckles POV:

'I can't even wrap my head around this decision. It is either me or Sonic. I know Sonic isn't cut out for these types of fights anymore. Not after the ship incident. He will only fight with pure rage, and it will only loop to guilt. And if I die, he will feel guilty for not saving me. Fuck... this isn't quite fair. But... maybe it is best if I do just... go. He has Shadow to protect him, to help him. We don't even really speak anymore, it's like we've only grown further apart since Shadow has come into his life. It hurts, it truly does. But I want him alive, and I want to give my everything. Even if that my life will be taken into the grim reapers hands. I will do what I can to protect him. He has always done it for me. He's been there when I couldn't do it. Fuck, I lost my leg and couldn't help him battle... Tails died, I could have saved both of them. And then the time on the ship... Sonic suffered more hell than I ever did. I took a couple beatings... he lost something he can never get back. That fucking bastard, I hope Robotnik kills over and dies. He even protected me from further harm with the previous alien leader. He then took us to this beautiful place, I got my leg back and a few... other limbs I never thought would grow on me. He then protected us from Silver, he even came back around and seemed to be so much happier.' I thought this all to myself, deciding on what to do. As I finally gave into the harsh idea. I put my four fists up and looked at Silver.

Knuckles: "... I'll fight before I ever put him in any more harm..."

Silver growled as he shrunk his size to make this more of a fair fight. We both walked in a large circle, staring at one another with harmful intentions. I could feel my muscles getting tense, and the fact I'm accepting death... is wrong. But I want Sonic to live his life, without any more fights, without anybody making him feel less that. And I will fight with full force before I let him go through anymore of this. We then both started to advance towards each other, as he then lunged at me. Counting my blessings before the fight begins... I started this physical disagreement with a smile and a few tears in my eyes.

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(Back at the castle)

Sonic POV:

I was looking for Knuckles all over the old castle, not finding anything. I was starting to get worried. Even Shadow couldn't find him. I stood in Knuckles' bedroom, biting my nails while feeling my paws shiver. Shadow came up behind me and sighed.

Shadow: "I couldn't find him anywhere, I'm sorry Soni-..."

I heard him pause, just feeling him stare at my back. My head was lowered. It was so late, and I was worried Knuckles went out on a walk all by himself. 'What about Silver? Oh god, what if Silver got him?! Fuck... no this... I can't-.' My thoughts froze when I felt Shadow wrap his arms around me. A soft squeeze around my waist, feeling him push his muzzle up into my neck. I could tell he was really trying to help me. But I was too worried about Knuckles. Losing Tails was harsh enough, and I couldn't bear to lose him. Shadow turned me around, so we were face to face. My pure white eyes glowing in the dimmed room we both stood in. The only light was coming through the doorway. Shadow could see me tearing up, my paranoia hitting a high point. I could just feel my body wanting to collapse. Yet, I needed to find Knuckles. I needed him to come back home. He was like a dad to me, the one I never had. And I just wish I could see where he is at right now.

Shadow: "Hey, calm down. He is strong, I believe he will be okay. Watch, he will return home completely fine... and all this worrying would have been for nothing. It will be okay, Sonic."

I wanted to believe him, I really did. But something in my gut wasn't sitting right. I felt my body become tense and my quills poking out of my fur. The discomfort of not knowing where he was, even if he was okay... it was suffocating me. I didn't reply and just looked down in disbelief of what Shadow said. The ebony alien sighed and pulled me into a soft and reassuring hug. I could just feel like something was horribly off or wrong. It bothered me to a whole new extent. I just stood still, taking in the hug. I knew Shadow was really trying to help, but it wasn't working at the moment. I groaned and softly pulled away from the hug.

Sonic: "I can't just stay here idly while he could be out there in trouble!"

Shadow: "Sonic, even if we were to go on a search for him... who knows where he is at. This planet is huge. You even told me you guys have only discovered 8% at most! This would be a suicide mission... I know you care for him, but please. Going on the search for him without knowing where he went would only make us become lost. Let's just stay here... at least for a little while longer before we take any course of action."

I could feel my eyes tearing up, I was so frustrated. I didn't like this. Just standing here when I could go off and find him if I used all my strength to run like I used to. But maybe Shadow was right, I was hyping myself up insanely. Knuckles is a strong Mobian, and I need to take that into account. I'm acting like he can't handle himself. Then again, it still feels wrong to leave him. Everything feels like it's repeating. I feel so shitty, but... I'll stay here at the castle. We will wait, and I'll keep myself in check.

Sonic: "Okay, and... sorry for snapping. This entire situation is..."

Shadow: "Stressful, yeah. I can tell you're struggling. I'm guessing your past experiences are making it harder for you to accept he may actually be okay. I promise, everything will be okay."

I sighed and hugged him, glad he was there for me. I don't know what I'd do without him in this situation. I would probably be a lost mess looking for Knuckles right now. I felt Shadow's paws rub my back, his warm body against mine was comforting. I didn't want to ever let go.

We then went downstairs to wait for Knuckles to come back, but the more I waited... the more I sat back... I felt like something was wrong.

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(Back with Knuckles)

Knuckles Pov:

My nose was bleeding... I could feel my chest heaving, feeling my bones move and break to the touch. My ribs were in a state of agony, and one of my bottom left arm was bleeding and I could barely move it. I have a black eye as well... blood dripping out of my mouth and down my chin. The bubblegum pink blood dropped to the ground as I felt weak. I could barely walk as well. Silver had a lot of bruises on his body, as well as a few cut and some ripped out feathers. I fell backwards, leaning against the tree I once was choked on. Now feeling like I was going to die within an instant. I couldn't fight anymore, but Silver definitely could. I groaned as he walked closer to me. I could hear his mangled wings flap a bit as he limped over to me. I tried getting back up, but I could hardly breathe properly.

Silver: "You're seriously going to kill yourself just for the blue menace to live? He doesn't deserve this life. He is a danger to us all... and yet you still let yourself get battered and bruised for him?"

Knuckles: "O-Of course... I see him as my son in a way. I'd fight for him, even if he'd left me in the dust. He has done everything in his power t-to keep me safe. He even tried to keep his brother alive... b-but no. He made a mistake, everyone does. You act like he could kill us all..."

Silver went quiet after I spoke my side of the conversation. I felt so vulnerable... so tired. I can barely even keep my eyes open and stay awake.

Silver: "You're stupid for thinking he is someone of hope, a hero. I've seen his future... he will only cause this world and others to fall. Any last words... you rotting echidna...?"

I lowered my head, finally accepting my loss in this fight. Tears poured down my face involuntarily. Only a small smile was forming, even with the pain. I look up to Sonic in a way, how even when he is still so hurt... he always finds a way to make it seem peaceful. I took a deep breath... maybe even my last breath.

Knuckles: "...I don't regret meeting Lil' Blue. I don't regret a thing. And I hope one day when he falls asleep peacefully... I'll be there, waiting to give him the biggest hug and some fatherly reassurance. No one deserves death, not even the worst. Even Sonic believes that. Only one with a guilty mind results to violence. And I'll defend his name, even in hell if I have to."

Silver stared down at me as he let his claws retract out. Silver knelt down, lifting my head up. I was quietly crying, as I then smiled.

Knuckles: "... I'll see you in hell..."

No POV:

Silver paused for a moment, feeling something he never thought he'd feel. It was remorse. Silver shook it off as he slashed Knuckles throat. You could faintly hear the last gasp of air Knuckles took. As he choked up blood. His body slowly getting stained by his pink gore. His purple eyes steadily becoming lifeless, his claws dropping down beside his body. His head hung as the blood dripped out from every crevice it could. His body slowly slid and fell on its side from its lifelessness. Silver stayed kneel down, staring at the body. Keeping his expression neutral. He then slowly picked up the limp and cold body. Whispering lowly while staring at the bloody cut up neck.

Silver: "You were a brave warrior, it's time for you to rest. It sucked I had to do this to you, but I need to get through Sonic's thick skull."

He carried the body around, as he then saw a huge structure in the distance. Silver walked in the direction due to Knuckles ripping his feather. It was quiet, almost morning. 

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(Back at the castle)

Sonic POV:

I hadn't slept a wink, I felt even worse... something didn't feel right at all. I had been pacing for hours, I could feel my anxiety spiking. Tears were filling my eyes. Shadow started to walk into the room. Seeing my foot tapping as well as my paws getting shaky. I kept chewing on my nails and fingers. My quills still perked out of my fur, I couldn't calm down. 'Knuckles wouldn't have just left, right? Why did he not tell me he was going out...? Fuck! What if Silver got him, this... I... god I feel like collapsing. I'm so tired.' My thoughts spun into a spiral of darkness. Shadow came up next to me and tapped my shoulder. I was so stuck in my head and overwhelmed, I was jumpy to the slightest touch. 

Shadow: "... Sonic, you need to breathe."

I was so scared, I guess I wasn't breathing... or at least I forgot due to my anxiety. 

Sonic: "... N-No I can't. What happened to him?! He wouldn't just leave, right?! He wouldn't leave me behind, I mean... he's my friend... I..."

Shadow held my paw in his own and rubbed it. I felt like I was going to pass out. It was hard to think, and it hurt to breathe. That's when we heard a knock at the door. I felt some hope, a small smile peered on my face. Hoping to god it was Knuckles who was at the door, safe.

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Sonic POV:

Shadow opened the large door, as his heart sank. The fear and disgust in his eyes. The doors slowly opened further due to the weight. I then got in view of what Shadow was seeing. My body went numb, I could feel my paws go limp. My face felt heavy, as well as my head itself. The smile I had on my face was now nonexistent. The only thing I could feel, was my heart beating out of my chest. As well as the tear that filled my droopy and tired eyes. I was stuck staring at the scene. Silver was holding the corpse of Knuckles. Silver's claws were bloody and his body was covered in bruises. While with my friend, you could see the dislocated arm dangling further than the rest. Seeing his ribs popping as well as hearing them crack to slight movements when being held. I felt like crying my eyes out, but now... the blood boiling rage filled my body. Shadow backed up as Silver tossed Knuckles' body onto the ground in front of us. Shadow looked at me as he could feel the tension and anger rise.

Shadow: "... Sonic... Don't..."

I glared at Silver, my stare was harsh and deadly. My eye twitched as the gems glimmered on my forehead. I could feel my paws clenching into fists. My eyes slowly switched coloring from a black cornea to white pupils. I slowly moved my body to completely face Silver.

Silver: "Your friend was a good opponent. Sucks I had to take his life so soon. All because he didn't want to give up your location. How adorable... he deserved better people."

My quills peered out from my fur as I felt my body become tense. My expression is still one vulgar sight. Silver looked at me, I know he could sense he touched more than any nerves someone has tugged at. Tails... he is gone, now it's Knuckles. 

Sonic: "... Get out..."

Silver: "Or what... Lil' Blue...?"

I froze, that's what Knuckles used to call me. A shiver drew down my spine when it came from him. My guts churned and moved. This felt wrong, and I was about to lose it on him. But then I looked back down at Knuckles' corpse. I felt my body wince to the sight. Shadow was stuck staring at me, observing and wondering what to do. I grit my teeth together as the tears slowly fell from my eyes.

Silver: "I'll give you twenty-four hours to deal with your silly emotions. After those twenty-four hours... you will come find me, you will be alone. And if not, I'll kill him too. So... see you soon."

Silver left the entry way, while Shadow hurried and closed the doors. I finally gave out, as my eyes went back to being pure white. I couldn't take it... not like this. I collapsed to the ground and hung my head low. My eyes were burning from the crying. I held Knuckles upper left limp claw. Gripping it tightly as I just felt like ending it right here... right now. 'Not another one... not him... please. Why couldn't it have been me... why...?' I shook my head as I sobbed. Shadow sat next to me and rubbed my back. I felt lost and in distress.

Shadow: "... This is my fault, we should have gone out to go find him. At least... he is free of any more pain..."

I grit my teeth as I slammed my fist on the ground. I blame myself, not Shadow. I should have pushed Shadow to let me go. I knew something was wrong. This is all my fault, I can't fucking do this. Knuckles is gone, I can never get him back. Shadow did make a fair point... but it still was held above my head. Shadow could tell I couldn't take much more of anyone else getting hurt. I was like a curse I had stuck on me. Like I was such bad luck. The will to live felt so out of reach at the moment... not when Knuckles was gone. Even though Shadow was here, I felt so lonely.

Sonic: "N-No... you d-did what you thought was r-right. It's my fault f-for not pushing t-to go..."

Shadow sighed, staying by my side as I cried. I could feel my chest starting to tense up with all of this going on. I didn't want to keep going. I wanted to completely shut down and hide in a corner. I felt so choked up, like I wasn't meant to have friends in this lifetime. 

Shadow: "S-Sonic... you can't blame yourself. You didn't... you didn't know this was what was going to happen to him."

Sonic: "No... I blame myself. For all of this. It's all my fault. Tails' death, the abuse Knuckles endured on the ship, my parents divorcing, getting hate from my sister... Knuckles' death. It's all my fault, I am just a fucking curse. I don't deserve a life with happiness... I don't deserve to keep going... I-"

I was cut off by Shadow shaking me and forcing me to look at him. My eyes widened as I saw Shadow crying. His grip was tight on both my arms.

Shadow: "YOU DESERVE MORE THAN I COULD EVER GIVE YOU IN AN ENTIRE LIFETIME!"

I went silent, feeling my body shutting down. I felt like I did everything wrong... It hurts. The worst part about it... is that I don't know how to fix any of it. 

Shadow: "You deserve more than anything. You've been through hell and back. And I want to be the light to take you out of it... please. You are everything, and I would never change a thing."

I continued to cry as I finally decided to give him a huge hug. I desperately needed to hear that. I felt a bit lighter, but I still felt weighed down by my own guilt. I gripped Shadow, needing him more than anything right now. It took me a while to ever calm down and take a deep breath.

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(11:30 P.M)

Sonic POV:

'I hadn't slept a wink, and Shadow was sleeping right behind me. This day had been an entire nightmare. I had to bury Knuckles this morning... and all of these terrible memories just kept flooding back. I hadn't eaten a sliver of any food... not even a sip of a drink. My body was drained, as well my will to keep going. I can't help but feel like I'm harming everyone around me. I can feel my stomach softly growling under the sheets. I was hungry, but the guilt stopped me from taking any bites. I wish I could fix this... I wish I could fix all of this.' I hadn't felt like this in ages, and it felt like I was drowning more than I did the last time. I cried quietly and let my tears drip onto the pillows underneath my head. As I finally start to fall asleep, I feel that last bit of disgust go through my body. Now finally out like a light, I slept... but not peacefully.


To Be Continued.  .  .