It was comforting for Rouge to hear that Knuckles could be back someday. She knew it was possible, but it felt different coming from someone else. It was almost reassuring.

But hearing about Sonic just made her more bitter.

"Psht, well, it's too late for that for me," she spat. "You and Sonic can go be happy little lovebirds while I stand here hating myself for not speaking up sooner."