Melinda paced in front of the casket, waiting for the first of the guests they really had to fool to arrive, and taking note of where all the current attendees were so she could quickly get everyone to their seats when it was time.

 

Vanilla and Cream were already in their places, the young girl happily talking with her mother. Kai was standing next to their chairs talking with them and it made her once again wonder if he was ever make a move on Val. Would he at least least ask her out for coffee or something to show how he really felt about her in the near future?

 

Miles Predictably stood near the casket with Sonic, visibly relaxed and happily discussing the plans for the day as well as answering a random assortment of questions about immortals. Melinda guessed there was a lot for him to catch Sonic up on.

 

Amy stood by the photoboard, smiling and staring at the pictures. An occasional laugh escaped her mouth as her eyes scanned the board. Melinda sighed and walked over to her.

 

“Everything okay?” Melinda asked.

 

“Yeah, I was just enjoying these pictures and how happy everyone looks in them” Amy said.

 

“It only got better when you guys came along.” Melinda smiled.

 

“I really do enjoy hanging around you guys, even if if I still have to get used to the idea of immortals and you being hundreds of years old” Amy said.

 

“I bet before all this happened you thought Shadow looked good for his age,” Melinda chuckled.

 

“Is he one of you guys?” Amy asked.

 

“Nope, I’m not sure what he is or where his kind of immortality comes from. Heck, I don’t even know if he’s fully immortal or just ageless and immune to natural causes,” Melinda said.

 

“I guess that’s another mystery,” Amy said, staring intently at the photos, “I didn’t realize before you two and Kai were so close.”

 

“I’ve known Kai his whole life and helped raise him, and he’s always been sort of the cool uncle to Miles,” Melinda said, “He’s like a son to me.”

 

“He must care about Tails a lot, with how angry he got that night,” Amy said, “I swear he was shaking like he was either going to scream or cry when he carried you into the house and told us what happened.”

 

“The moment he first held him, he promised to help me protect him no matter the cost” Melinda said, “Of course, Tails loves him to and I remember when he was little and always excited when I dropped him off at the church before I ran boring errands.”

 

“He’s actually from a tribe, isn’t he? I mean he isn’t just a modern descendant of The Wolfpack Nation,” Amy asked.

 

“You catch on quick,” Melinda said.

 

“There’s just something old about him, he almost reminds me of a shaman or something with the way he talks and how wise and caring he seems to be,” Amy said, “Also, I might remember him mentioning his tribe.”

 

“Sometimes I wonder who's really the teacher in our relationship,” Melinda smiled, “You’re right though, he’s exactly 243 years old.”

 

“So young compared you you, I guess.” Amy said.

 

“Thought he was older?” Melinda asked, “let me me guess.”

 

“The white hair,” both girls said in unison before laughing.

 

Amy glanced over at Kai, “I think he likes her, but I wonder why her never tried to ask her out or something.

 

“I’ll let you know when I figure it out,” Melinda chuckled,

 

“They’d be a cute couple, and I think Cream even likes him.” Amy said, “So he’d be a wonderful parent to her.”

 

“Your preaching to the choir, I think he’s just either too shy or too unsure of himself.” Melinda sighed, “Maybe someday.”

 

Melinda heard the sound of quiet sobbing looked at the door in time Vector making his way into the room with Espio and Charmy trailing not far behind. She couldn’t help but note that a nearly six foot tall and over 400lb Crocodile reduced to a blubbering mess was an interesting sight. It also occurred to her that he barely knew her and it was strange for him to take it so hard.

 

She quickly approached the group and stopped at the front of the seating area

 

“Is he goin’ to be okay?” Melinda asked, trying to her best to use what she could only call the Melessa voice.

 

“He’s fine, m’am. He just always gets upset at times like this.” Espio said.

 

“I’m so sorry for your loss, it must be horrible,” Vector cried and pulled her into a hug, lifting her off the floor in the process.

 

“It’s okay, hon. Ah’ll be fine,” Melinda struggled for air, briefly wishing she had a crowbar, “Ya’ll are a strong fella, ain’t ya?”

 

“Sorry m’am,” Vector sat her down, “I just got emotional because it’s so sad, ya know? A young mother cut down in her prime and a kid left without his mother.”

 

“Ah know it’s horrible,” Melinda faked a sniffle, “but Ah’m shure she’s up there now, watchin’ over all of us,”

 

“Of course,” Vector looked past at the casket, “I better go pay my respects and give the kid my condolences,” Vector shook her hand before walking past her, “Hey kid, come here.”

 

“I might have to find poor Miles a chiropractor later,” Melinda thought to herself as she turned her attention to Espio.

 

“I’m truly sorry for your loss,” Espio reached out to shake her hand, “I didn’t know her well, but she seemed like a good woman.”

 

“Thank y’all,” Melinda smiled and took his hand, “Ah’m gonna miss ‘er but ah know she’s in a better place now.”

 

“I’m sure,” Espio smiled, “and I have a feeling Tails will be just fine with you around.”

 

Melinda paused for a moment, still holding his hand and wondered if he suspected anything. A part of her hoped he did and would eventually make the first move because she wanted so badly tell him who he was. To have a part in the life of Maxwell’s descendant that wasn’t from behind a mask.

 

“Thanks again, hon. I appreciate it that y’all have been so accepting of little old me.”

 

“Of course, now if you excuse me I might have to save your nephew from Vector,” Espio chuckled and slid past her, “Vector, let the poor kid breath.”

 

“Of course,” Melinda said softly, watching Charmy quickly buzz past behind him.

 

“Are we missing anybody, or is that about it?” Melinda muttered to herself as she idly stared at the entryway to the room. Her question was answered by familiar voices outside the door.

 

“I don’t why you had to drag me here,” Shadow said.

 

“Moral support, now get in there,” Rouge answered.

 

Melinda raised an eyebrow and eyed the two curiously as they entered into the room

 

“We’re you aware there’s a crowd gathering outside?” Rouge asked as she walked up the aisle.

 

“Ah imagine they’re all here to pay respects, seeing as how a national hero just lost his mama,” Melinda said cautiously, eyeing Rouge suspiciously, “Ah trust y’all are here for the same?”

 

“Of course, just here to pay my respects and give my condolences to Fox Boy,” Rouge pointed to Shadow, “I just made this come along out of respect since the kid has helped pull his fuzzy little butt out of the fryer so many times.”

 

“Wonderful, thank y’all kindly for coming,” Melinda bent down to shake Rouge’s hand before lowering her voice, “No, really. You know I’m not dead so what do you want.”

 

“Hey, I thought it might help keep your cover,” Rouge gave a sly grin as she whispered, “and I’m just curious to see how you guys pull this one off.”

 

“Just don’t do anything to raise suspicion, the Chaotix don’t know yet.” Melinda whispered.

 

“Shadow doesn’t either and wouldn’t believe me if I told him, so the feeling is mutual.” Rouge answered as she let go of her hand.

 

“Something wrong here?” Shadow finally spoke up.

 

“Not at all, ah was just introducing mahself.” Melinda gave her best smile.

 

“Have me met, miss?” Shadow asked.

 

“Ah don’t believe so,” Melinda said, rubbing the back of her head, “Mah name is Melissa, Ah’m Miles aunt. Ah moved on down here to keep an eye on things.”

 

She continued to smile as she watched Shadows size her up, nearly sweating bullets as she prayed her wouldn’t recognize her from the the club.

 

“Please to meet you, I’m sure.” Shadow finally said, turning to walk away.

 

“Would it kill you be friendly every so often?” Rouge asked as she followed him to the back of the room.

 

A sigh of relief escaped Melinda’s lips as she stood up straight and noticed Knuckles walking in with a bouquet of white lilies

 

“Strange, I knew he might come, but with flowers?” Melinda mumbled to herself before putting on a smile, “Glad to see y’all.

 

Knuckles gave her a confused look before approaching and handing her the flowers.

 

“Ah’m shure my sister would’ve loved ‘em,” she said, smelling the flowers.

 

“Sister, right..” Knuckles trailed off for a moment before blushing and clearing his throat, “They’re not from me, some girl in a cloak caught me outside and asked if I would bring them in for her.”

 

“Odd,” Melinda mumbled, “Did I actually have fans or something? I didn’t think I ever did much besides stand with Miles at ceremonies and things like that, maybe talk about being his mom on TV a couple times.”

 

“She couldn't've much older than Sonic or me. I can only assume it’s some young girl that looked up to you for some reason,” Knuckles said, “I asked if she wanted to come in and pay her respects but she said she was in a hurry.”

 

“Poor girl,” Melinda mumbled before clearing her throat, “Thank y’all for bringing them in.”

 

“No problem,” Knuckles turned and walked away, taking a seat next to Vector

 

“Ah guess it’s about time,” Melinda said absentmindedly, suddenly hoping she didn’t get stuck on that voice.

 

She took a deep breath and turned around, walking over to Miles with a smile and crouching down next to him.

 

“Okay, it’s about time so I need you to start the music while I start seating everyone,” she said.”

 

“Right,” Miles wandered off towards a door off to the side of the room.

 

Silence for a few moments and then noises. Melinda cringed as she heard the unmistakable sound of Daniel mumbling and someone slapping the stereo before music filled the air.

 

“There’s no for time us, there’s no place for us,” the voice sung, “What is thing that builds our dreams, yet slips away from us?”

 

She resisted rolling her eyes as Vector once again burst in tears, sobbing as Espio rubbed his back.

 

“Okay, ah have special places for some of y’all, so let’s get arranged here,” she walked over to Val, “Y’all are fine, but we need the old man here down yonder. Ah’m right next to the little lady and Miles is next to me. You’re next to him”

 

Kai gave her a curious look before taking his seat, leaving two chairs between him and Cream for Melinda and Miles as instructed. She mentally giggled thinking about her little surprise for him.

 

“That is kind of a pretty song,” Miles stepped up behind her

 

“Ah think it was one of ‘er favorites,” Melinda said

 

“I’m next to Uncle Kai, right?” Miles asked.

 

“Shure enough, hun.” Melinda motioned to the chair and watched as he sat down. She smiled as she noticed Kai putting a hand on his shoulder and asking if he was okay.

 

“Sonic, hon,” Melinda called, “I want you right here behind me.”

 

Sonic merely shrugged and walked over, squeezing behind the first row of chairs and finding his place.

 

“Wherever is cool with me,” he said once he was seated.

 

“This is gonna be good,” Melinda cleared her throat, “Amy, hun?”

 

“Yes, Mrs MacLeod?” Amy answered, already on her way over.

 

“Ah want you right here, behind Cream,” Melinda smiled, glancing at Sonic.

 

“...and next to Sonic,” a huge smile spread across Amy’s face as she took her seat.

 

Melinda laughed on the inside as she watched Sonic give a look somewhere between horror and a plea for help.

 

“Ah’m shure ya don’t mind sittin’ next your lady-friend to give her some support,” Melinda said,

 

“I guess not,” Sonic gulped.

 

“You ready for me to begin?” John asked from behind her.

 

“Ready.” Melinda said, taking her seat.

 

John ruffled some papers on his pulpit and cleared his throat before beginning to speak, “We’re here today to honor a beloved member of our community whose life was tragically cut short, and I’d like to begin by reading the obituary.”

 

Melinda took Miles hand as he glanced up her.. She looked back up at Daniel as he finally pulled out the newspaper clipping .

 

“Here it is,’ he said, “On September 15th, Melinda Rosemary Prower, 29 years old, was involved in a fatal car wreck and died on the scene. She leaves behind her Son, Miles Prower, better known as Tails to many of you, her dear little sister, Melissa MacLeod, and Kai Wolfe, the man she called a father.”

 

A smile cracked across Melinda’s face as she noticed John visibly holding back laughter as he set the paper down, and heard Miles barely suppressing a laugh next to her while Kai groaned, Amy even gave a quiet giggle from behind her.

 

“Oh God,” Miles said quietly, “That’s one way to include you, I guess.”

 

“I should’ve known,” Kai groaned, “As much as she likes that joke, I fear I’m lucky you don’t call me Grandfather.”

 

She had to fight even harder to not laugh as she listened to the whispered exchange and started to wonder how she was going to fake being upset when it was her turn to speak

 

“Oh God, Mel,” Amy said quietly.

 

“Does he really use the last name Wolfe?” Sonic whispered from behind her.

 

“Shure enough, Mr. Hedgehog,” she whispered back.

 

“Point taken,” Sonic answered.

 

The already quiet voices completely ceased and Melinda took a deep breath when John cleared his throat and once again picked up the clipping.

 

“I apologize for that,” he said nervously, “I just have a dear friend I think might be related to Kai and it make me think of him.”

 

“Nice save” Melinda thought to herself

 

“It goes on to say that she was a beloved member of the community, and a loving mother that was always there to support her beloved son and his friends at everything from award ceremonies to autograph signings. It also says she studied history and ancient language at Station Square University, and had an affinity for historical arms and armor as a result,” John cleared his throat for the third time.

 

“Not much about her personal life here, other than she was born in Scotland and her family moved here when she was still a child,” John motioned to Melinda, “I believe her sister wanted to say a few words before I close things out.”

 

“Thank you, Jonathan,” Melinda rose to her feet and walked towards the pulpit, pretending to wipe a tear from her eyes and bracing herself for the act she was going to have to put on. John stepped to one side as she stepped behind it.

 

“Ah just wanted to say a few words for mah dear sister,” Melinda sniffed, “Ah’m sorry, but Ah still can’t believe she’s gone and ah I’m gonna miss that girl. She was a loving mama, a good sister, and she always looked out for everyone.”

 

Melinda faked a sob and continued, “That poor girl was taken from this here world to young and and left so much behind. A boy lost his mama, an old wolf lost someone who was like a daughter to him, and a lot of y’all lost a friend. Ah guess they say the good ones die young, but it’s still sad to see a beautiful young lady with her whole life ahead of her struck down like this”

 

More sobs burst out to cover the laughter as she noticed Kai in the audience quickly hiding his face in his hands.

 

“Such a kind, generous, brave and loving girl that would’ve moved heaven and earth for her kin..,” Melinda started to blubber, “Why did the lord have to take her from us so early like this.”

 

“All because some scoundrel that didn’t know the break from the gas pedal forgot what a stop sign was,” she stepped over to the casket, “Could the lord have not saved her and sent her back down her to her kin?”

 

“Ah’m sorry, Ah just have to see mahself for closure,” Melinda lifted the lid ever so slightly and peaked inside before breaking down again, “It’s too horrible to bear, oh mah poor sister.”

 

“Miss, are going to be okay?” John asked, placing a hand on her shoulder

 

“Ah’ll be fine, just give me a small moment,” she stumbled back to the pulpit with his help and took a deep breath, “So ah promise to honor her memory and take good care of mah poor nephew. Ah also know that the man that was like father to both of us will be there and we’ll make together.”

 

Melinda fought to keep up her act as she saw nearly everyone in the “Melinda’s not dead” corner hiding their face in the ther hands and softly groaning.

 

“So beautiful,” Vector sobbed from near the back of the room.”

 

“Ah also know that she’s up there with the lord watchin’ over us, and that’s a far better place than this cold and hard world that took for from us so young.”

 

“Thanks, miss,” John began to help her back to her seat

 

“Thank you for letting me speak,” Melinda wiped her eyes and let him guide her back to her seat, grinning at everyone when she was close enough to not be seen by the others.

 

“Gee, think you were subtle enough?” Miles asked quietly, suppressing a laugh

 

“I told you I’d have to sell it, didn’t I?” Melinda said as she sat down and watched John return to take the stage once again “besides, I don’t want to upset you anymore than I already have to and overacting on purpose does the trick if it makes you laugh instead of cry”

 

“Are you okay?” Cream asked.

 

“Fine, honey,” Melinda whispered, putting an arm around her.

 

“I’d just like to say a few words in closing before we leave for the gravesite. I’d like to read Corinthians 4:16-through-18 to begin,” John cleared his throat and opened his bible “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

 

“That means that though this life and this body are temporary, we must not fear or live as though death is a darkness looming on the horizon because this life only prepares for what comes next, and what comes next is eternal,” John smiled, “That means this goodbye is only temporary and so we must take heart in the knowledge that she’s still with us inon our hearts and minds, and watching over from heaven.”

 

John closed his bible and Melinda caught sight of him looking over at her, “in fact, she might be in this very room with us, saying one last goodbye and trying to comfort us in our time of need.”

 

“So let us all pray, pray for her safe passage, pray to say goodbye, and pray that we all have stories of full and happy lives lived to tell her when we meet again,” John closed his eyes and music began to play on the speakers

 

“I close my eyes only for a moment, and the moment's gone,” the voice sang, “All my dreams pass before my eyes, a curiosity”

 

The room fell silent and Melinda sat for a moment, staring at the floor, reflecting on his words and praying in thanks for all the time she had been given, and the memories she could look forward to making with the people now sitting around her.