Author's notes

This is it, the final chapter.

Shout outs:

I'm having some of you asking if I would be going back to correct some of the mistakes I've made, such as grammer and the like. I even had one reviewer asking me if I would go back and fix some of the errors involving the story itself. To answer that question, no; I won't. I keep the mistakes in here because I would have something to look back on and learn if I read back my own story.

JarvyJared: I had no idea that stories, even with something as small as this, could leave that much of an impression on someone. I had to put a lot of thought on that chapter because it involved something on a deeper level. I wasn't writing an action scene or a comedy scene, I was writing something that involved morals and a bit of philosophy, and I had to play each character accordingly. I took my time with that chapter because it was something that could EASILY go wrong. That was the first time I wrote something like that... I'm glad it turned out the way it did.

Here we go.

---

One month later

"Shadow?"

Sonic has spent at least 15 minutes searching for the hedgehog near the barn. It was early in the morning, and they would usually meet up near the barn and 'talk'. Even after a month as passed since Sonic began pressing into Shadow's own personal life, there was only a little progress made. There were things he absolutely refused to explain; even simple things, such as passions or dreams, things that he may have developed after he was created. Even so, there wasn't a day when he didn't show up until now.

He began to search deeper into the apple fields, searching behind every other tree for any glimmer of black. Surely he would have been easy to spot, it wasn't like he could blend in to the mixture of brown and green that paints the fields. He was about to back track until he suddenly found Shadow standing on a tree several yards from him with his back facing him. Sonic slowly approached at first to observe him a bit. His head was slightly casted down, but not in a depressing manner as far as Sonic could tell from the distance he was. As Sonic caught view of his eyes, he could see them closed. It looked like he was in deep thought, as if he was in the middle of a jig-saw puzzle.

Sonic flinched when Shadow suddenly teleported and appeared just a stone throw away, facing him with his sharp, calculating eyes he was trademarked for.

"Hey," Sonic greeted, obviously annoyed, "Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Sorry that I didn't get to your little 'meeting' in time," Shadow answered, with his eyes softening slightly, but not enough for them to lose their edge, "I lost track of time when I was thinking."

Sonic walked to a nearby apple tree and sat at the base of it, simply sitting quietly as if he was expecting Shadow to do something. The standing hedgehog knew the drill, and simply rolled his eyes when he sat on the opposite side of the tree.

"So," Sonic began, beginning their little conversation, "What were you thinking about?"

Shadow remained silent for a second, but he placed his hand on his chin; contemplating if he should inform his ally or not.

"Too private?" Sonic asked.

"No," Shadow simply answered, with the confession ready in his head, "I was thinking of a major decision I made."

"A decision?"

"Yes. The thought occurred to me after my trial, and I think things will be best if I go with it. I've already mailed Celestia and Luna about my decision, and they seem to have accepted it if you and your friends didn't object," Shadow huffed, "And I know you lot will never accept it."

Bringing up the princesses snapped Sonic to attention quick, "What decision did you make?"

Shadow thought for a bit, pondering whether he should give reason before giving him the answer. He simply shrugged his shoulders and be blunt.

"I'm staying in Equestria when Tails completes the portal."

It was expected for Sonic to loudly gasp in shock, as if he didn't believe him. He heard him stand up and walk to his side so he could see him, and talked to him in a tone as if he lost his mind, "You want to stay here?"

"Yes," Shadow simply answered, looking back at him with all the seriousness in his eyes.

Sonic simply shook his head, "Shadow, I think the guilt trip you've been through has really taken a toll on you. You're not thinking straight."

Shadow huffed, "This decision has nothing to do with the trial."

"Then please elaborate."

Shadow stood up and to Sonic's surprise, looked to him with an expression that expressed both sincerely and defeat, "There were things I've learn about myself here that I would never learn back on our planet. It had literary nothing for me left, not since Maria passed away. I simply stood on the sidelines until you call me to assist you to defeat Eggman," Shadow briefly looked away for a second before locking eyes on him again, "But Eggman will no longer be a threat now that he's been incarcerated. There will be literary nothing left for me if I were to return. In here, however; I've discovered a side of me that hasn't been touched in such a long time."

Sonic's ears drooped, "Shadow. We might need your help back on our planet if another evil were to arise."

"You have many others you can rely on," Shadow quickly combated, "Rouge, Silver, Omaga, Team Chaotic, not to mention GUN is willing to stand by your side if anything stupid where to happen."

"GUN isn't exactly prepped to take on anything we usually take on," Sonic said, "A couple of aliens come down and they panic."

"You know they're getting better," Shadow sighed, "Remember when Eggman unleashed a barrage of robots on earth as our team infiltrated his base? It wasn't just your kind that fought those things off; GUN had soldiers that kept most of those machines away from heavily populated areas. The little shuttle that we used to infiltrate Eggman's space carrier? Guess who provided the parts for Tails to tinker with."

Sonic deeply sighed and turned away from him, "I-I know what you're saying, Shadow, but… I don't know. Is this something you really want to do? I mean these ponies aren't exactly the type you associate with."

"There's nothing you can say that will change my mind."

For a solid minute, Shadow watched as Sonic slowly walked to and fro from him; pondering deeply of what he said. When a minute passed, Sonic looked to his other and gave him a smirk.

"Well, it's not like we're going to be away from this place forever. Tails can always rebuild the machine once the emeralds are located again."

"How much progress has it come along so far?"

Shadow noticed that Sonic hesitated to answer, as if the question stung him, "Tails is already constructing it. Figuring out the schematics was the toughest part according to him, but once it was figured out, building it is pretty straight forward. He's planning on bringing what he has done outside to continue building it. It has to be big."

"Good," Shadow said, "Hope your pony friends won't be too heart broken when you and your friends leave."

Shadow noticed his statement added a little pain on Sonic's behalf, but the blue hedgehog gave him a smirk, "Don't worry; they'll have you to keep them company."

"I don't think my company will comfort them much," Shadow answered with a small smile.

---

Evening was beginning to set in Ponyville as activity in the town climbed at its peak. Dozens of ponies were trotting from one end of the street to the other as they go about their daily lives. A mare and a stallion were walking by the library and noticed a large machine sitting right beside the makeshift home. The machine was outside for a couple of days, and even though its first appearance drew in an interested crowd, they ignored it as if it was a normal thing just days afterwards.

Tails was making several trips between the library and the incomplete portal device, heaving several boxes outside containing parts and tools needed for work. In his head, he was making calculations and plans to continue to build the machine… But in the very back recession of his mind, Twilight lingered.

They haven't talked since the trial, save for a few awkward encounters while inside the library. Their conversations turned cold since that day. She never made small talk with him or would say anything to him unless needed. Tails could have sworn that Twilight was glaring at him after a few days of the trial. He kept a watchful eye on her, but the glaring stopped after four days or so.

He just finished hauling everything out of the library, ready to continue working on the portal device. Twilight was outside overseeing the project with a check list, making sure that all the parts Tails listed was accounted for. She tried to study the blueprints of this device, but her intellectual mind could only half-process how the thing was supposed to be built, and she helped him build gadgets after working with him for a certain amount of time.

She wanted to comment, but any compliment was snuffed out by the thought of him approving the trial. She was well aware of the tension that it caused afterwards. She couldn't help but hold it against him, no manner how much she tries to push it aside. Everyone saw the attacks Shadow did, it didn't manner how much he regret it afterwards.

An half an hour pass as Tails began to tinker with a mess of wires at the base of the machine, and she still haven't said a word to him. No manner how much she wanted to say something, her own conscience stops her. She's pretty sure he wasn't going to spark any conversation with her. Is he mad? Scared to say anything?

She shook her head and decided to ram head on onto the invisible wall that separated them. They're only going to be here for so long; there was no way she was going to let this 'barrier' separate them.

"So…" She immediately saw him tense, "The planning part was the most complicated; building it is simple, right?"

He was rearranging a wire before answering her, still working, "Y-yea. I was trying to figure out how to manipulate so much energy to do one thing. Eggman's old blue prints were even beyond me when I got a hold of them. I was playing around with a couple of theories until an idea came to me how he did it. I did some equations and calculations and came up with this."

Things became quite again when Twilight didn't follow up. She drew in a deep breath to clear away any hesitation in her mind and trot to his side.

"Tails," Again, she saw him tense, and her mind was screaming for her to stay quiet, "I…"

Might as well be blunt, She thought.

"I wanted to tell you how great of a friend you are."

Tails suddenly paused.

"I noticed that things has been quite between us since the trial."

He turned around to look at her.

"I don't want that to come between us," She said, lightly twirling her hoof on the ground, "I still say that Shadow is a complete scum that needs to be put down, but I don't want my opinion to get in the way."

He sighed, putting his tools down, "I noticed. Things have turned awkward for us since then."

Twilight broke eye contact, "You think you can forgive me? I know you saw me give you a few glairs after that day."

Tails smiled and nodded, "Sure... To think we've been trying to avoid each other the entire time."

She rolled her eyes, "You up for a small tea break?"

Tails agreed and followed her back to the library. It only took her a minute to set it up; by the time he sat down, a small cup was already being levitated towards him. Twilight took a sip from her drink, casting her eyes down.

"How long do you think it'll take to build that thing?"

He knew right away where the conversation was leading. He had to take in a deep, collective breath before he could answer.

"Not long," He sighed, "Barely a month."

She took another sip of her tea, letting the liquid settle on her tongue for a second before swallowing, "Only that much longer until we never see you again."

Tails cocked an eyebrow, "Never see you again? I can always rebuild the machine."

Twilight's eyes widen with shock, "You can?"

"Yea, I know how to build the machine now," He said, "We'll have to find the Chaos Emeralds again, but we'll definably be coming back to visit."

Her ears flopped dejectingly, "That would have been nice to know, because I was moping of a while over it."

He scratched his head with an embarrassed smile, "Sorry."

She gave him a scrawl, but it quickly became a smirk as she quietly chuckled, "It only seem like yesterday when you and your friends arrived here," She shifted uncomfortably as she broke eye contact, "And I would never imagine you being my first crush."

Tails felt heat on his cheeks, "Uh… F-funny how things turned out in the end for us, huh?"

She gave him a nod as she composed her poster more confidently, "You may not be my boyfriend, but you're in my heart with the rest of my friends."

He took a sip of his tea as he pondered on his words. Strangely, her comment started a conflict of emotions in his mind. He was about to say something until he stopped himself. He was glad that they overcame their pass dealings, especially with her little fiasco with him when he arrived, but something in him was a bit… disappointed about it. It was as if something in him wanted something more from her.

Is his feelings for her clear? He already said that he could only see her as a friend, but the flush on his cheeks was telling him a different story. He quickly spoke, wanting to change the subject.

"S-since we're chilling out anyways, do you want to… I don't know, find something to do in Ponyville? Maybe visit the spa?"

She gave him a heartfelt smile as the cups disappeared with a flash of her horn, "I would love to. We can try to find the others while we're at it."

---

Four Weeks Later

"Common, Rainbow Dash," Sonic snickered, trying to catch his breath, "I've never seen you fly that slow before. You getting rusty?"

She ignored the burning sensation of her wings and zipped in front of him with her face flustered, "You just got lucky. If it wasn't for that stupid cloud that popped in front of me, I would have beaten you."

He chuckled, "A cloud? Your day job is clearing clouds; and you zip through them like it's nothing."

She huffed and hovered beside him.

"I'm going to remind you that this is the third time in a row that I've beaten you in a race," He laughed, "The third time, Rainbow Dash."

Dash growled at him, "Don't forget a streak I had on you just a week ago."

They were exiting the field and were making their way back to Ponyville, "Yea, but I told Tails that I was going to go easy on you."

"Really?" She asked with a grin, "Let's see if you did."

Before Sonic could say another word, Rainbow Dash blast off with a sudden burst of speed towards the town. With a wide smile, he sped after her; with his two feet pounding against the dirt as he pushes his own limits to make up the space she placed behind her. It only took him a whole second to reach the library, but Rainbow was already there hovering in front of Tails. The fox was at the door with a small box of tools in his hands. He came to a sudden stop just before them, kicking up dust behind him.

"Liar," She said to the hedgehog with a smirk.

Tails rolled his eyes, "I'm sure he said something about you, but I didn't care to remember it. I can't keep up with you two. I'm about to install stabilizers on the portal and I don't need you two's antics to distract me."

The fox walked towards the machine; laying the box on the floor and heaved out a softly glowing metal ball from it. He carefully insert the sphere inside the base of the portal's stand. Sonic softly whistled when he got a good look at the machine itself. The portal was an arch supported by two legs, with a large metal beam underneath it. Six tiny platforms surrounded the empty circle with another platform stuck in the very center. There were plenty of wires and strange devises scattered around it, though.

"You really hammered on that thing since the blueprints were done," Sonic said.

Tails nodded, closing and bolting a latch that housed the glowing orb, "Well, I got to work on it and didn't think of taking a break. This thing is so simple to build."

"What was that glowy thingy you put inside there," Rainbow asked, "A Chaos Emerald?"

"No," Tails answered, "Some kind of nuclear device to power the machine."

Sonic cocked an eyebrow, "A nuclear device."

"Yep," He simply answered, "Turns out the emeralds don't power the machine at all. Their only role is acting like a lightning rod when a massive current pass through them. When the current goes through, the emeralds create the portal."

Sonic shook his head, "So not only there were seven powerful emeralds involved, but a glowing sphere of nuclear energy that can potentially blow up this town. How are you not being mutated by that thing?"

Rainbow's pupils dilated with sudden fear, "That thing can blow up this city!?"

"Don't worry, it's stable," Tails quickly answered with a shrug, "It's also coated with a special metal that keeps the radiation inside," He backed away from the machine; taking a small breather, "I didn't think it was even possible to store nuclear power in such a small package though. I mean, it takes an entire building complex to produce as much power as that thing is generating."

"Eggman didn't hold anything back when he constructed this thing," Sonic commented.

"I'm just astonished how advanced these parts are," Tails mused, "There's a device that splits an atom and completely manipulate it's energy to do one job, and that's just to turn this thing on. There's also something in there that can temporarily manipulate space; even adding and subtracting mass at will."

"I bet you're going to have a field day with all this technology when we get back, huh?"

Tails cringed at the notion of leaving, but he smiled nonetheless, "You know it."

Rainbow decided to find a nearby cloud and lay back on it, letting a leg lazily hang off, "Tails, I didn't understand a word you said. You're worse than Twilight when it comes to nerdy stuff."

Tails rolled his eyes playfully.

"You get used to it, Rainbow," Sonic called, "If you hang around him long enough, you can pretend you understand him too."

The two chuckled as Tails scuffed, "If only you two can see the magnificence of this machine."

"You're using a lot of big and complicated words," Rainbow said, "It must sound impressive."

As Tails resumed with his work, he suppressed a chuckle as he picked up a small device, "I'm going to take this doohickey and plug it in that little hole right there so it'll light up and make beeping noises."

That earned a second of chuckles from the two as they began to make their way to the library.

"We're going to bug Twilight for a minute," Sonic said, "You can take a break for a minute."

Tails shrugged, "I'd rather be working, but I will take a break for you two's sake."

---

10 weeks later

A large crowd was gathered around the library in Ponyville, with the Wonderbolts hovering overhead with scattered pegasus guards doing rounds above the town. There were several more guards on the ground where the crowd were gathered, with a few elites posted near a chariot that rests beside the library.

Tails was bent over, mix matching a few wires before backing up with a satisfying smile. There was a remote in his hand, with a big red button in the center of it.

"I take that the contraption is done?" Celestia asked.

Without hesitation, Tails pushed the button on the remote. Everypony jumped back when a loud humming noise suddenly erupted from the machine. The seven emeralds glow intensely, making everybody shield their eyes. When the light dimmed, everyone looked and suddenly saw a massive black hole circling inside the machine. The machine became much more quiet, with light wind blowing into the hole.

"It's a success," Tails said, "The portal is stable. It'll stay open for 10 minutes before it compresses, sucking the emeralds in with it."

Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack sadly glance at their four friends standing before the portal.

"Just long enough for us to say our goodbyes," Sonic said, turning his attention to the crowd, "Everyone, it's been one heck of a ride, but it's time for us to head back home."

Some ponies in the crowd looked away, as if hurt.

"Don't take this too badly," Knuckles shouted, "We'll be coming back; this place is just too awesome for us to pass up."

Someone in the crowd poked their head up in confusion, "Wait, where's Shadow? Is he going with yawl?"

The four suddenly looked nervously at each other.

"… About that," He said, turning to Celestia, "Can you elaborate?"

The princess chuckled, "Shadow decided to say here in equestria."

Everypony gasped. An uproar was about to set off until she cleared her voice.

"But he'll be staying with us at the palace," She continued, "He desired to learn the magic of friendship, and my sister and I will be more than happy to enlighten him."

Everypony sighed, but Twilight looked to them with complete betrayal.

Works every time, She thought, suppressing a chuckle, Mention the magic of friendship and they'll let anything slip.

Sonic and Rainbow towards each other to meet. Before Sonic had any chance to react, she wrap her hooves around him in a crushing hug.

"You be sure to get back, alright?" Rainbow said, burring her head in his shoulders, "It's not going to be the same without you."

Sonic noticed moister on his shoulder. He smirked, "Dash. Are you crying?"

Rainbow pushed him away with her cheeks heavily blushing, wiping her eyes, "N-no! I'm not crying at all!"

Sonic put a hand on her shoulder, "We're going to be back, count on it. I want to see a smile when we leave."

Her lips quivered as she struggled to smile, but completely broke down and gripped him in another hug, giving him a kiss on the lips, "I'm going to miss you, you insensitive dolt!"

Sonic gave her a kiss in return, "I said we'll be back, you're acting like you'll never see us again," He leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Everyone is watching us, by the way."

"I don't care," She whispered.

While Sonic continued to comfort the poor pegasus, Tails began to walk towards Twilight. The unicorn was casting glairs at the princess when her back was turned.

"Hope you're not taking the news too badly."

She gaze became much softer when they landed on Tails, "I'm not. We're just going to let a dangerous killer run wild in Equestia. I'm taking the news just fine."

Tails sighed, "When I leave, promise me you'll give him a chance. If you come to know him as we do, I promise you'll come to accept him."

Twilight cast her gaze away as she contemplated the thought. After a minute, she cast her head down in defeat; giving the fox a much needed hug, "Just for you."

Knuckles and Applejack were quick to meet; with smiles on their faces.

"It's bena' gud run, partner," Applejack said, tipping her hat.

Knuckles gave her a slap on the back, giving her a grin, "Yea, see ya when we get back."

Applejack's smile only grew, must to the contrary of her friends. Before Knuckles had the chance to turn away, Rarity ran towards him. There were tears clearly in her eyes, completely ruining the makeup around her eyes.

"You chose a bad day to be wearing that stuff," Knuckles chuckled.

With black running down her cheeks, she tried her very best to keep her composer, "Well, I have to keep up with my appearances; even for days like this."

He gave her a surprise hug, "We'll be coming back, just promise to not shed anymore tears when I leave… Because seriously, that looks totally freaky."

Rarity kept her chuckle hidden as he stepped away from her, making his way towards the portal.

"By the way," Knuckles shouted, just a few feet away from the device, "See ya, marshmallow!"

Knuckles dived in before Rarity had the chance to sprint after him. Applejack was giggling her head off as Rarity stopped herself before falling inside the device, with steams pouring out of her ears.

"I'll be waiting, you unruly animal!" Rarity shouted, "Mark my words, you'll rue this day!"

While Amy was saying her good buys with Fluttershy and a crying Pinkie, Sonic was already making his way towards the portal, with a sobbing Rainbow lingering behind him.

"You take care," Sonic said to her, "Try to beat my lap time while I'm gone,"

She whipped the tears from her eyes, "I-I will. The fastest flyer of all of Equestria will have your time completely ruined."

Sonic gave her a salute and sprinted towards the portal, forming into a ball and bouncing in. Dash took in a deep breath, trying her best to cope with the feeling of a loss.

When Amy said her good byes, she stepped inside the portal, giving everyone a wave before leaving. Tails was the only one left, and he was walking towards the portal as his machine called to him.

"You take care," Twilight called with stray tears in her eyes, "We'll all be waiting. Goodbye."

Tails began to walk towards the portal, giving everyone a wave as he stared into the swirling vortex. Everyone watched sadly as he slowly stepped on the stairs of the machine… But he suddenly stopped.

Celestia, Luna, and everypony else quizzically watched as he took a few steps away from the machine.

"Tails," Celestia asked, "Is there something wrong?"

He didn't answer. For a solid minute he stood where he was at, glancing up at the machine. Twilight was about to walk towards him until he suddenly spun around and sprinted towards her faster than her eyes could track. The next thing she knew his lips where firmly planted on hers as he swung her hands around her neck in an embrace. Her friends' mouths dropped to the floor as the crowd became erringly quiet. Twilight's eyes were wide open with shock, as if someone stuck a knife in her. As the kiss draws out, she returns the hug; embracing the kiss as they lock lips. She closed her eyes to savior the moment.

For a long time did they stayed together, until Tails slowly broke the kiss and stared back at her with wide and fearful eyes.

"Tails?" Twilight whispered, still in complete shock.

He began to back away from her, with his face turning completely red, "I, uh… I need to go."

"Wait!"

He sped towards the portal, leaping through it before Twilight had a chance to run after him. Even so, she sprinted towards the portal, stopping inches from the vortex. She shouted through it with a mix of compassion, longing, and anger; all clear in her voice.

"When you come back; we're going to have the longest talk you'll ever have. I'm going to make all the time of uncertainty and confusion we had all worthwhile!"

The emeralds began to slide towards the vortex, making it violently change colors.

"Twilight," Celestia called, "Get away from there!"

The unicorn jumped back as the machine began to moan and crack as the vortex continues to spin faster and faster, with small arks of lightning dancing in it. The emeralds were sucked inside, and the portal began to disappear. As the portal vanished, however; a voice boomed out. It was loud enough for everypony observing to hear.

"Look forward to it!"

In a flash, the machine itself vanished when the portal imploded. There was no explosion, just a suction of energy in one area and gently dissipating. In just a blink of an eye, the machine that towered the nearby building vanished in thin air. Everypony, especially the bearers of the elements of harmony, awkwardly stood around, as if waiting for something else to happen.

"We best be getting back to the palace," Luna quietly said to her sister.

She gave her a quick nod as they began to trot back to their carriage. With long faces, the ponies slowly began to disperse, save for the mane six. They stayed, looking to each other awkwardly. Suddenly, Pinkie gave out a wail so high pitched that her friends had to cover their ears. Powerful stream of tears shot out of her eyes.

"Why do they have to leave so soon?" She cried, "I'm going to miss them! I'm going to miss them so much! All the time we had together, I'm going to cherish every second of it!"

Her friends were quick to group hug her for comfort.

"I-I'll miss them too, Pinkie Pie," Fluttershy said, with a few tears dripping from her own.

"We all will," Rainbow Dash chocked, "I'm going to beat that blockhead's time record around Ponyville; it'll be the last thing I do before he gets back."

They stayed in an embrace for a solid minute, comforting each other; especially Pinkie Pie whom was only calmed down in the slightest as a pool of water began to form underneath them. It was at this moment when they noticed that Applejack's smile never faltered.

"You seem to be taking this surprisingly well," Rarity said, wiping the smeared make up from her face.

Applejack shrugged, "Aw, we jus' settled all them feelings at another time. Besides, we'd be seeing them again. Right?"

The group began to sober up a bit.

"Y-yea, you're right" Rainbow said, blushing a bit, "I can't believe I broke down like that."

Twilight snorted, "And I can't believe Tails kissed me like that; at the very last second before he left. I swear, I'm going to nag that fox so hard when he gets back!"

Her friends looked at each other before smiling, for Rainbow and Applejack; grinning.

"No you won't," Rainbow chuckled, "You'll probably have a major make out section with him as soon as he gets back."

Twilight blushed and glared at the pegasus as the others laughed. Her glare didn't last long; she sobered up and buried her head in Rarity's neck, "You're probably right."

Shadow watched at Celestia's chariot flew overhead, signaling his time to leave the town. He was observing their departure the entire time, watching his long time comrades saying their goodbyes to the population of Ponyville. Sonic noticed his presence when he and Rainbow hugged, and he gave Shadow a wink before turning around and disappearing through the machine. Shadow felt a small smile appear on his lips, and for the first time in years, he allow it. He felt a rejuvenation in his own spirit; as if hundreds of pounds of weight were lifted off his shoulder. He was actually looking forward of what is to come of his new life in this world; he would never imagine wanting to stay here. He tried to find some kind of happiness in his old world, but could never find it. Maybe he'll find it here, maybe he'll finally fulfil his ultimate desire in his eternal life. For once, he was looking at the future from a whole new perspective; not with gloom, but hope. He never felt like this since Maria was alive. He began to walk away, making a long journey back to Canterlot when the bearers of harmony grouped into a hug. Before teleporting, he looked back, looking at the place where the machine was. There was only one thing in his mind, and it clawed at his conscience ever since this day started. He had too much pride to say it to his face, so he said it to his own heart.

"Thank you,"

With the words spoken, he began his travel to Canterlot, teleporting to the road beneath him. He skied down the dirt road, leaving behind a trail of dust as he began his journey.

H

---

Author's notes.

Man. I had no idea how hard this was going to be.

…

You know, this may be the end of this fanfiction, but don't see this as an ending. For me, this is just the beginning. I'm not going to stop with this fanfiction, I'm going to keep writing. This community has been just wonderful; I would have stopped if it wasn't for everyone's support. Those comments kept me going.

Now, I'm not quite done. I'm have a little surprise for everyone after this chapter, so stay tuned.

Almost forgot. Notice the H mark at the end of the chapter? Keep an eye out for it. I'm planning on using that as my signature when I get into the publishing world (it would have been hand written, but the resources on this site prevents that). Most of you will probably forget it, but remember these words... You will see me again.

---

Epilogue

Sonic, Knuckles, and Amy stared at the fox in complete shock as he shout his last words to Twilight. The portal that was behind them disappeared, with the seven Chaos Emeralds appearing in its place as they wildly shot out into the sky with a burst of energy, quickly disappearing. Tails awkwardly stared back at his friends. They stood like this for several minutes before Knuckles began to applause, chuckling.

"Tails, you have to be the most sadistic womanizer I have ever met. You charmed her heart and friend zoned her, and at the very last second gave her what she wanted most and ditched her."

Amy gave him a knock on the head with the back of her hand. There was a few stray tears in her eyes, "Quite you; this is no time to be making jokes!"

Tails approached them, taking in a deep breath as he bottled his emotions, "I just didn't know what to tell her. I was so unsure of my feelings for her for so long, I only realized how much I really cared about her when I was making my leave. It was then or never."

Sonic worked up a smile, "We're glad of you, buddy. I would have never worked the courage to do something like that."

Tails fought his own frown and smiled back, "I'd never imagined it too. My feelings for her has never been more clear now."

Amy raised an eyebrow, "Love?"

Tails blushed, "T-that's a bit of a stretch, now."

The group chuckled for a bit, but their long faces return when they observe their surroundings. They found themselves in a grassy field.

"We better find civilization and find out where the heck we are," Sonic sighed.

They began their long walk forwards. The group stayed quite the entire time with a dark cloud over their heads.

"Tails, I have a question," Sonic said, "Is there a possibility that time flow is different between our dimensions?"

"Nope," Tails quickly answered, "A day in here is a day out there. I discovered that our worlds work on the same time principal. We won't be going back with their reality being a thousand years in the future or something like that."

"That's good to hear.

Knuckles was happily whistling a tune with a big smile on his face.

"You seem to be taking this surprisingly well, Knuckles," Amy stated.

Knuckles shrugged, "Me and Applejack already said our good byes."

His friends looked at him in astonishment, "That's it?" Amy asked, "And you're cool with not seeing her again in years."

"Well, we did more than say our good byes," Knuckles said, "We had our time alone and had a little fun the night before-"

He stopped himself, and his eyes widen with terror for a split second before quickly composing himself, but Amy caught it, "What do you mean by that?"

Knuckles awkwardly stuttered, "Uh… You know… Things. Things that couples do… When…"

He felt a title wave of embarrassment wash over him as his friends come to a screeching halt, turning around and staring at him with shock.

"Knuckles," Sonic said, "Did you…"

He only shrugged, "It… Well… Okay, listen; she was brawling in her room, and I thought I would give her a bit of comfort. One thing lead to another, and-"

"Dear Chaos," Was the only Amy could mutter.

Tails was too embarrassed to say a word, and Sonic could only stare at him with complete astonishment.

"Common," Knuckles said, "It seemed right at the moment."

Amy shook her head, "That's a taboo I hope I would never have to cross."

Sonic nodded, "I swear, if we go back and find a baby with her-"

"Oh, don't worry," Knuckles scuffed, "We're a different species anyways, it would be impossible," He stayed quite for a moment, "… At least, I think it's impossible."

The group continued on, not giving the echidna a glance.

"Oh, don't be disgusted," Knuckles huffed, "Sonic, I know the thought crossed your mind when you were with Rainbow Dash."

"Yea, but I can actually control my urges," Sonic retorted, "I don't go around shooting the breeze because it 'felt' right. I like to have the reinsurance that we can raise a family without the worry of having to cross another reality back home."

"Can we drop this?" Amy pleaded, "Please?"

Knuckles could only grin, now proud, "Man, you three are too innocent. Yawl going to learn in life that sometimes, the only thing a woman needs is a little affection."

"I said drop it!" Amy shouted, "That's an image I do not want in my head."

The group continued on while Knuckles continue to wear that smile. Quietly chuckling, he changed his tone of voice and pretended to gallop, slapping his own bottom.

"Gitteup, partner!"

He sprinted off in a fit of laughter as Amy drew out her hammer and gave chase.