"Who are you really and what happened to Knuckles?" Val asked right out.

Ghost looked at the sky.

I can answer the second question. In the final battle against Eggman, Knuckles was an absolute guardian in every sense of the word. Fought off evil and protected those who couldn't protect themselves, living up to the title that was both his curse and blessing. He took a hit for Sonic-- One that could have killed him on the spot had it not been for years of training. He took the hit, and only after the battle did he collapse.

Ghost paused as if this was a hard thing to talk about, but then continued.

Sonic knew his friend was in trouble. He rushed him to the nearest hospital, got him patched up. ....He escaped that night for reasons only he knows, wound, bandages,
and all.

Val sighed, "Ok, but who are you, are you Knuckles the echidna?" she asked with wanting to find out so she wouldn't have to keep on repeating questions.

Ghost chuckled softly. He's skilled at hiding; he won't be seen by anyone, Mobian or machine, unless he wants to.

"If you're not him then show me your true form." she growled.

Me showing you my true form would be the equalvalant of you telling a stranger your deepest darkest secret. Ghost replied curtly.

Val narrowed her eyes, "If it takes that much then, my parents were famous actors but also thieves." she said looking down, she was ashamed that her parents were thieves, but she also hated that they were actors.

Well, after 15 hours, you arn't exactly a stranger.... Ghost said slowly. I'm sorry, but I just don't have that trust set up with you or your friend yet...

Val sighed and leaped off the branch, she dove through the trees seeing if Ghost would chance it to save her in his true form.

(I gotta go, Peace Out!)