Ink on the Rose pt17

Knuckles held back any urge to let out a whimper. It was all true, all of it. Knuckles was always alone on this island, forced to stay and guard the emerald for whoever tried to take it. Of course…who didn't already know this? Who didn't already know Knuckles' story? Why Knuckles was always an isolated guy, and why he was always cautious with making new friends. Knuckles already knew his fate when he was made guardian, and it was to guard the godly gem until the day he died. 'No.' Knuckles thought, 'I actually have a chance to leave this place and…be with my friends.' Knuckles motioned for the teen to let him go and Tails did. Tails made a nervous chuckle as he rubbed his eyes for any more tears. Knuckles tilted his head and smiled which to Tails was all the reassurance he needed that Knuckles does not regret his choice…not anymore. As the sun left the middle of the ocean blue sky the two friends had packed the last box into the plane.  Tails was exhausted and Knuckles' shoulders were sore and stiff, carrying many boxes back and forth certainly made it so. Knuckles was then reminded that his phone had not rung once-not once. 'Maybe I should call Sonic…' Knuckles was about to dial the first digit in Sonic's number, but then he felt a tap on his shoulder.  "If you're trying to call Sonic don't bother." Knuckles was slightly confused. "Hmm? What do you mean?" Tails stretched his arms and reached for his own phone. "Sonic texted me and said that he wasn't going to be home and that his phone is dying." Knuckles nodded as he hopped into the plane, being sure not to mess up the order of the boxes. "Hey Tails…did…did Sonic mention anything about being….a little mad?" The suddenly shy echidna asked. Tails turned around to face him, "Well he did say that he was bothered by something, but he didn't mention why…" Knuckles slouched in his seat. "Hey Knuckles…are you alright?" Knuckles lifted his head but didn't look at Tails, "Oh yeah sure I'm awesome! Let's just get to the house so we can hurry and unload this stuff!" Knuckles smiled. Tails wasn't convinced; he turned around and started the plane. "Well…if you say so…Hang on!" Knuckles watched as the plane roared into life and glided right above the grassy fields before taking off into the slowly fading sunshine. Knuckles lifted his head to watch the clouds soar above him; birds of many sizes flew alongside him. Knuckles was tempted to reach out and touch them, but he then decided not to….