I know what you're thinking. WHAT HAPPENED TO CRIMSON AT DUSK?! Well hate to break it to you, but it's changed. I decided to completely revamp this vamp fic. It's still the same story, but with a few tweaks. What are those tweaks you ask? You'll just have to read and find out. Allow me to present Crims- Ahem…..Darkened rose.
Disclaimer: No SEGA characters are mine. But some fan characters are.
Ahem….
Today's story starts off in a zone known as crypu-sculum.
For hundreds of years Crypu-sculum has been another dimension that dwells between time and space. It was as big as our world, but very different. The inhabitances were different creatures that possessed amazing power over nature. Some say it was the birth place of mobians others say it was were humans came from. No one knows this for sure, for the tales told about this place were long forgotten. Only few people know of its existence. Including those who….may have escaped it.
Prologue: Legends long and gone
The city of Oriens, once a beautiful city where the buildings that tore through the sky, walking stones sparkled like quartz, and the grass and plant life was lush green, was now reduced to rubble and ruin. Standing on her feet filthy and dripping purple blood, Darcy stood looking down while gasping for air. Her clothes were ripped and tattered from her recent battle. She looked up glaring at one of the wreaked buildings. There stood a being with her claws stretched out and her wings slowly flapping while blowing the dust away. Darcy could barely see the smile that cracked through her face as she saw her opponent badly injured.
That peace and prosperity was soon ruined when a shadow of evil cast over the land. A white sky with black clouds hovered over the land as this new threat rears its head…..
The winged woman flew down and landed on a nearby fragment glowing purple. She took notice to many similar stone fragments that covered the ground like embedded crystals in a stone.
"Are you finished yet, my queen?" the woman asked "I'm growing quite bored"
Darcy growled at the woman and ran at her with her sword pointed at the woman's heart. The woman smiled and jumped out of the way and onto a destroyed chapel's steeple.
One of Crypu-sculum's inhabitances were a race of beings who fed on evil.
They are called Cramoisi Vampires.
"Morgana!" Darcy called out the woman's name. She spread her wings and flew up to her with a stare that would make the strongest of men quake in his boots.
"So sorry, but your rage will only get you killed….My QUEEN!" Black tentacle like projectiles came from behind the woman's back and went straight for Darcy. Darcy, have exceptional hearing, was able to dodge them before they would hit her. She continued flying at the woman at top speed trying to hit her, but once again Morgana disappeared. Darcy looked around; she saw Morgana standing in the town square waiting for Darcy, keeping that sly grin crossing her face.
Cramoisi vampires have lived in this zone since the dawn of history. Their queen watches over her people and will protect them at all cost. For hundreds of years they have been trying to keep peace by taking down anything wanting to destroy their world. The queen was fighting off one of the tribes who wish to oppose the Cramoisi and claim the land as their own.
Darcy flew down going straight for Morgana, but she then saw several other creatures protecting her. These creatures looked at Darcy with glowing red eyes and red mist escaping from their mouths. Darcy flew back trying her best not to inhale the mist.
"These children….what have you done to them?!" the bat asked keeping her distance.
"Anything and everything you were afraid to do; showing them the truth…." The demonic woman laughed. "Now my queen, come down her and breathe in. And all your troubles will be over. I promise…"
Darcy growled knowing she couldn't get close without harming the other civilians as she heard the strange cackle coming from the young lady, she then heard a choking gasp. Darcy flew up to see what had happened. She saw someone else impaling the woman with the sharp blade-like hilt of a hammer. The new fighter pulled the hammer out with black blood splattering on the ground.
This battle has been going on for what seemed like an eternity. Both sides have suffered multiple casualties. This was leasing up to the final duel against the leader of the demons and the vampires.
Morgana turned to see her attacker, it was a pink hedgehog with long hair wearing a long red-pink tunic wearing a bandana. She had wings and glowing purple eyes like Darcy while holding a red and yellow hammer. Morgana knelt down still bleeding and breathing heavily looking at the hedgehog. Her eyes were slowly starting to close.
"Damn….you….Rose…." those were her last words before falling dead on the ground. In response the creatures around her unleashed a powerful streak before falling to the ground unconscious.
Darcy looked at the pink hedgehog as she was holding her hammer out of breath.
"Mother…." The hedgehog panting as if she ran a marathon.
At that moment they both saw a light shine down on the ruined Oriens. What they saw next was like an angel descending down upon them. Darcy looked up with a smile of relieve as the being slowly came down. He looked down and smiled at the two women holding out his hand.
"You've done well child" said the young male coming down. "This city will be free once more. My queen…I will tend to the fallen….please go in victory"
"Thank….you…father…" the hedgehog said falling on the ground.
Darcy quickly came over and grabbed her before she hit the ground. She was careful to make sure she didn't land on Morgana's corpse. She knelt down stroking the hedgehog's hair.
"Rest now child….you've earned it…."
Darcy sat their singing in their native language a sweet lullaby that was passed down from when she was young.
The angelic being in the sky raised his hands; in response the sky turned from a black, dark night to a bright orange and purple twilight. The orange rays from the sun touch down on the possessed people slowly casting out the evil red mist. In addition, the purple crystals that were on the ground float in the sky and gather together and vanish. He then clasped his hands together and flew down with his wings spread out. He breathed deeply and sighed turning his view to the queen.
"It is done" he said looking at the people slowly wake up.
Darcy sighed in relief and closed her eyes embracing the pink hedgehog.
Darcy's Pov
If there is truly any evil in the world it lies with in the heart. The heart can be easily manipulated to a point where even those close to you can turn. Dark and Light, Good and Evil, they are always at war with one another. My tribe even struggles, even though we stand in the border line of light and dark. We dwell in the dark struggling with the demons in us. We Cramoisi have lived for so long. We are a peace loving race that feasts on evil, wherever it may hide. As the days goes on, evil finds a way to get the best of us, and we end up losing our battles, maybe even our lives. Many of us have given up hope, but as Queen I promise to make my world safe for all my children.
Darkened Rose: Overseers of Twilight
Chapter 1
The Hunter and the Guardian
The city lights of Station Square were flickering off as the sun peeked through the horizon over the coastal bays. It seemed like an average morning; people were walking around minding their own business. In the city people walking around can hear the chopper blades hovering over their heads and flying through the sky.
What they could not see was a blue streak jumping from building to building with his famous triangle jump. The figure then ran up to the highest point of the city looking down while closing his arms doing his signature pose. He was a blue hedgehog sporting a black school jacket with a white shirt and matching pants.
"Ah yeah!" he said pumping his fist. "This is happening!"
He looked at the street and saw several police cars riding along the gray pavement. The flashing lights made it easy for him to spot the police cars being followed by a fire engine and an ambulance.
"Just when you think this would be a boring morning" He laughed as he jumped off the building, he slid down the wall almost as if he was grinding a rail. His slide then turned into a run. As he continued running his speed instantly started to pick up as he became a blue blur running after the police cars.
His name was Sonic the hedgehog. For a portion of his life, Station Square has been his home. Even though it would seem like he's goofing off with his speed, he's actually doing his morning patrol, looking out for any of Dr. Eggman's robots that may be trying capture any civilians. Several forces oppose the tyranny of the doctor, such as the Guardian Unit of Nations, or G.U.N, and a group of pirates known as the Dusk Raiders.
Sonic himself knew of the dusk raider's ever since he was little. The head captain and his father were close friends. And Sonic was close friends with the head captain's sons. One in particular would always bark at him and tell him what to do, while the other brother would help him hone his abilities using a sword in battle.
As the hedgehog still ran through on the streets, creating a powerful wind that blew through the city, he immediately came to a complete stop when he caught up with the police cars. Even though it took him less than a minute to get there, to him it felt like thirty. He slowly walked up to the large crowd all ganged up near the barricades like washed up seaweed against the sand. Sonic, being short, managed to walk through the forest of legs and right under the barricades. "Alright, Alright….." he said to the crowed who instantly stopped talking the moment the saw the blue hedgehog. "What's going on?"
"Sonic…." The police captain came up to greet him. "Glad to see you up early. Nothing that concerns you too much."
"Another robot attack?" Sonic asked eager to know. The police knew Sonic well, but were sometimes annoyed with him due to him showing of when saving the city. They would call it ignorance, but Sonic would call it jealousy.
"No" the tall mustachioed man said looking at his clip board "You should just head on to class and let us handle….Mmm?" The police captain was too distracted that he didn't that Sonic was already gone. He turned around and saw him at the crime scene. Around the area he could see three bodies covered in white. Around the bodies were police men and some military guards talking about what happened. On his left were paramedics tending to those injured. Sonic could see even from his distance that the people being treated were as pale as a printing paper. Their eyes had a black eye shadow making them look like human pandas. They were keeping them hidden from the media as well as the crowds.
"HEY!" Sonic jumped out of shock and turned around to see the captain looking down at him like a parent disciplining his child. "I said this doesn't concern you! You need to beat it!"
"What goes on here?" Both of them turn and see a white shrew wearing a business suit holding a suit case. "Officer, is everything alright?"
"Yeah…" The captain said grabbing Sonic by his quills. "But this kids got better things to do than hang out around a homicide"
"Hey come on, I'm just doing my job," Sonic protested. "You never know when you guys need a hero to…"
"That's enough, Mr. Hedgehog" the shrew interrupted. "Please, let him go captain"
The police chief followed his order. Sonic scoffed at the man quietly and walked over to the shrew. "Thanks Klaus!"
"That's Vice Principal Cobalt to you, Mr. Hedgehog," The shrew corrected. "Now get to class before I have you clapping erasers after school."
The hedgehog did his best not to show annoyance at his order. "Yes sir…" he said walking away from the scene. As he was walking he caught a glance at the victims. The two surviving victims were standing like zombies with black marks on their eyes and their necks. He looked closely and the black marks on the necks that looked like teeth marks. The marks were almost too noticeable by him.
As he continued to walk to his school, Sonic began to gather his thoughts. As he thought of those marks he could think of the dreams he's been having lately.
For a while now he's been having the same dream. A dream about a girl. It's normal for a teenager to have dreams of their opposite genders, but Sonic's been having these dreams for as long as he can remember. It's normal for someone to forget a dream they had last night, but Sonic would remember these special dreams as well as he would remember his name. Since he was a kid he would dream of a female hedgehog with long pink hair and sparkling purple eyes. Strangest thing about this hedgehog is that she had wings of a bat behind her back and her eyes irises would glow like two polished amethyst stones. She would always be the same age as him, even when he got older. In his dreams he would spend time with this young lady in a large city that looked like it was made for just the two of them. As he spent time with her she would look in her eyes; eyes that were beautiful and at the same time hypnotic. Even in his deepest of sorrows they would all slip away the moment he looked into those amethyst eyes of hers.
"But all this too crazy!" He thought. "I've never even met the girl, and yet I can't get her out of my head"
All of his thoughts were interrupted when he heard the bell ring at his school. Thankfully he knew his way around the city, otherwise he would have gotten lost easily.
The blue hedgehog sighed and said. "Well, time for more torture…."
Her journey begins.
Five centuries have passed since the last battle in the city of Orenis. Time flows differently in crypus-sculum however. To the Cramoisi, natives to this dimension, a century felt like a decade. Their home was a large kingdom named ténèbres. It was a large walled city with the castle being the largest structure. Its bricks were as white as the moon, its roads would glow like the northern lights. The Cramoisi wouldn't have to worry about knobs or intruders. The doors and stairs would appear and disappear at their command using their magical talents.
One Cramoisi in particular was standing upon one of the castles balconies. She was a pink hedgehog wearing a small purple dress and black pants, and a leathery cape on her back.
She sighed looking at the starry purple and orange sky with her shining purple eyes. "Sigh…what a view…"
She would speak in such words only to help cope with her feelings deep inside. Today was a special day for her. She would be happy about this, but there was something else bugging her. Something she didn't want at all.
"Little sister" the hedgehog turned and saw her door flash a strange symbol and then vanish. A Cramoisi walked in her room; he was blonde young man with a black coat and pants. She and the human, though both different species, were considered brother and sister, as well as several other Cramoisi.
"Yes Daniel?" her voice sounded so young. Though it was soft on the ears the young man could tell there was uncertainty in it.
He just simply spoke and said. "It's time"
She took another look out of the balcony and back to the young boy. "Very well"
The two of them walked through the castle halls. The pillars were paved with brass, the walls were bright white, and the floor was glowing purple. The halls themselves had other symbols that decorated the walls with elegance. As she was walking she could see several other groups of Cramoisi talking with each other. One of the gorups turned and smiled as they saw her walking.
"Ms. Rose!" they said bowing in respect. She then bowed back giving a silent smile. "Good luck today"
"Yes. Thank you" She said politely and continuing onward.
"Ladies" Daniel bowed as well following Amy.
"She's so lucky" the two of them heard several others murmuring in the back ground. Many of the comments were filled with quiet praise.
She finally made it to the throne room. The door was already open so they walked right in. The room was large with one large purple waterfall behind the two thrones. Two of them saw the queen sitting in one of the two thrones. It was none other than Queen Darcy who was now wearing a beautiful violet dress that matched perfectly with her raven black hair. She smiled as her two children walked to the throne bowing in respect.
"Amelia" She spoke in a welcoming tone. "As astonishing as ever, child"
Her name was Amelia Rose, or Amy to her closest siblings. She was born in a noble family, and raised by the queen. All she's ever known was Castle Ténèbres, and its kingdom. She's never been outside of her kingdom yet.
"My dear child, the time has come for you travel to the mortal world" She said as she got up and walked down the steps. "Now that you are of age, it's time for you to find your guardian"
"I…I understand, Mother," said Amy, looking up to face the bat. "but do I really have to go? I heard odd stories about Mortals." She stood up and look at her. "The mortals don't treat each other like we do, they don't live as long, and worse of all, they don't smell very good. And I heard that they don't drink blood, they eat snow and carry guns.
"My-my child. You did your research…" Darcy giggled
"At least that's what some of my older sisters told me"
"Well, five out of six of that is true, child. But it's their outlandish behavior that makes them suitable to serve you. You will chose one among them who will protect you"
"Yes, well they aren't as strong as us, they couldn't hold their own against the dark forces we've been fighting. Do you remember Orines? Those people were our own kind, and even they gave in to the dark pleasures"
"I will never forget Orines, child. Though it's true, mortals are somewhat weaker than us, but together with our help, they will be. When you find the one that shall become your guardian, if he wishes to be by your side for the rest of their lives, they will partake in the force that lives among all of us. They will sample the ancient power that rest within you. But you must be sure he is worthy to your cause, and who will be loyal to you."
As Amy was thinking of this, she didn't seen too convicted, but she then nodded at Darcy in acknowledgement.
"Now as you go into this world you will find your brothers and sisters. They are hiding in secret but you will know who they are. You can see if they have the marquee de la Cramoisi." The bat then revealed a glowing mark on her arm. It was a mark was a purple spiraling claw. Amy then looked at the mark on her arm. This was the family crest of the Cramoisi that acted as a birthmark for all of them.
"But make haste, child" Darcy warned "You are aware that our old enemies have found refuge in that world."
"Don't worry mother" Amy then pulled a necklace from her dress showing her a stone. "I know what to do when I run into them"
Darcy smiled at Amy. She knew she could handle herself when push came to shove. She then walked up to her and hugged her. "You're no longer that little girl anymore, just don't forget the love you have for your family."
"I won't Mother, thank you" They both break their hug and look at each other. She then stepped back and did a pose where she crossed her arms on her chest like an "X" and opened her hands. Daniel did the same thing; Darcy did the same back. "Evil cowers at the sight of our crimson glow"
"And will be devoured by the wrath of the radiant dark" Darcy finished reciting. "Now go, child. Daniel, if you would please"
"Yes mother" Daniel said walking out with Amy following.
"Good luck, Amelia" Darcy said returning to her throne.
Into a New World.
Amy and Daniel walked across the halls of the great castle. Amy looked a little nervous as she was walking. She had always been scared to go in the world of mortals. She was one of the few who would not want to go to the mortal world, but Darcy, the Queen, believed that she is more than ready.
When they reached the end of the hall, there was a door at the end. Daniel pressed his hand on the door. It then vanished showing a large room with a massive bronze arch. Daniel reached in his pocket and got out a red stone, and handed it to Amy. He then walked over to a console that looked like it was hooked to the arch.
As he began typing, Amy looked at the stone curiously. "That stone will protect you from the sun," Daniel explained with his back turned. "Keep it with you at all cost. The sun actually rises to the sky, meaning its ultraviolet rays will do you harm. It is our poison, so don't lose it."
Amy opened her mouth in disbelief. "Seriously?! Do I really have to go into a world where there's actually a big ball of burnning death?!"
"You'll be fine. I believe in you" Daniel pressed a button, and the portal opened up in the center of the arch. "Ok it's ready"
"Wait! Daniel...please…maybe we can persuade mother to let me go next year" Amy begged
"Come now, Amy. You can't spend the rest of your life in our castle. There's a new world out there for you see. Mortals never get this kind of chance." Daniel then showed the young hedgehog his birthmark, only his looked slightly different from hers. "I've been in there, and found my guardian. It won't be as bad as you're older sisters told you. The people act strange, but they don't eat snow."
Amy felt her face warm up as she felt tears from in her eyes. "I'm still scared. What should I do?"
"You will arrive at a city called station square look for our brothers and sisters they will give you a place to live and everything you need. Don't worry Amy you'll be fine just remember what Mother said."
Amy swallowed her spittle and sighed while wiping her face. "No black heart stands a chance against the Radiant Dark"
"Right"
"But, can't you go with me? I'd feel better if you came along"
"Don't worry I'll be there to check on you when I get the chance." Daniel looked at Amy and crossed his arms, Amy did the same thing. This was the salute for all Cramoisi. (A/N kind of how a bat looks like when it's hanging on the ceiling) "When evil sleeps within the shadows of light" Daniel started
"It cowers at the sight of Crimson's gleam" Amy continued.
They both said a sentence from their pledge.
"And shall be devoured by the radiant Darkness"
"We are neither light nor dark"
"We dwell in between"
"That is the law of the Cramoisi" They both finished. Daniel gave Amy a hug and sent her away in to the portal. The lights of the portal swell around like a whirlpool. She took a deep breath, and gave Daniel one last look, with tears streaming down her eyes. She then slowly stepped into the portal.
Meanwhile….
Back in Station square. Sonic was just finishing up in class. He was sitting and waiting for the final bell to ring. Looking from afar was a female cat smiling at him. She kept her face hidden behind her book to make sure he wasn't looking at her.
The moment the bell rang, Sonic quickly got up and ran out the door ahead of everyone else. Sonic was always first to leave the room. School was never his thing, but it was something that his parents wanted him to do before they were taken from him. He was also in a hurry to leave because of the constant worship he got from his fellow students. Being a world famous hero can be a real pain from time to time. Already he was hearing the squeals and cries of worship from the students and faculty on his way to the exit. He would smile and wave at everyone who greeted him.
When he made it out to the school courtyard he saw a group of friends gather together. One was yellow fox and the other was a red echidna. Sonic smiled at his friends as he walked down and gave the fox a high five and the echidna a fist bump.
"Another day wasted…." Sonic said "Can I borrow your homework when you're done, Tails?"
"Yeah me too?" the echidna asked
"No way" the fox protested. "You guys need to start doing your own work"
"Come on, Tails" Sonic begged. "Me and Knuckles got other things to do"
"So do I! And they don't involve doing lazy people's homework! What is it that you have to do anyway?"
"The captain has another task for me. I promised him I would show up at the base."
"Mind if we come with you?" the red echidna knuckles asked "I haven't seen my uncle in a while"
"Eh…why not" Sonic got out a small disk that turned into a hovering board. Tails and Knuckles did the same thing. They hopped on the boards and slowly rose up in the air. Unbenouced to him, the cat girl from before came walking outside. She looked up while adjusting her glasses to see Sonic was already about to take off. She felt like she wanted to say something, but it was already too late.
"Oh man…." She whispered. "Maybe next time…"
The three of them were flying ten feet above the ground. Sonic could see all the people riding. When he looked down his eyes widen as he saw two high school students walking in the crowd. He didn't know why, but something felt off about them. He then had a flash back of what happen early in the morning, about the mysterious victims and the marks on their necks.
What could it all mean? He thought as he was riding through the city.
New girl in town
It was now sundown in the city, Amy was hiding in an ally hiding behind the trash can. When she came into the city the first thing she landed on was a pile of garbage. She was beginning to think that her assumptions about the moral world were correct, or her brother messed up on the coordinates when she sent her here. When she first landed she was over taken by the stench of the garbage in the alley. If there was a home for her to be in, she couldn't wait to get to it so she could shower.
She rose up from the alley and started to walk out, but the in less than a second she could feel an intense burning coming from sun. She quickly got out her red stone and placed it on her forehead. The stone sunk in her skin and left a strange symbol. The burning sensation stopped. "I hate this…I hate this!" She repeated in her head. "I just got there and I'm already suffering. I want to go back home and…huh?" She looked up and saw two random high school students.
They were two female humans who looked down at a nervous Amy with a smile. "What's wrong little hedgehog? Are you lost?" one of them asked in an innocent voice. "Judging from your clothes I can tell you're not from around here"
Amy stepped back as they walked closer into the ally. "Please excuse me….I have to go…and find someone" She then reached for her necklace. She didn't know why, but she felt something burning in her chest.
"I have an idea, if you're not busy, then come here…we'll help you…we like to help newcomers. We know of a great place to eat, and make you feel right at home"
Amy then pulled a stone from her necklace the moment she caught a scent of something off. She then closed her eyes. Being a Cramoisi she was able to see the blood flow of everyone around her. She turned her head over to the two women and saw the blood flowing through them.
She then stared at the two with tense eyes. From her hand, the stone instantly transformed into a large yellow and pink hammer. "Get away from me!"
The two girls grinned at Amy and started snarling. They then jumped at her with their hands extending like claws. But suddenly they couldn't move. Their bodies started glowing blue. Amy looked around in confusion.
"What a mess of things…." Amy heard someone from behind, and quickly turned around and saw a glowing ivory hedgehog, holding up his hand. It didn't take long for Amy to realize that he was the one holding the women up with his power. She on the other hand didn't let her guard down looking at the hedgehog.
"Who are you?!" She asked growling.
The two girls let out menacing roars at the two hedgehogs. The hedgehog clenched his hand; the two women felt intense force on their necks before breathing one last breath. The hedgehog lowered his hand and the girls fell to the ground.
Amy walked up to the two girls and saw they weren't moving. They looked much more menacing than before, their teeth were black and sharp and their nails were sharp like claws. Amy was shocked and amazed. She knew mortals were strange, but not scary. Could this how they all look? She thought.
"Stand back…." The Ivory hedgehog said walking up to the females. Amy took a closer look at the hedgehog and saw that his gloves were fingerless. The hedgehog then lunged his hands into the two women. They both started grunting and sighing as their bodies started to burn.
Amy was horrified at what the two females become. Their bodies instantly changed into two red lizard like creatures with gold eyes. The hedgehog pulled out glowing purple orbs the size of grapefruits.
"What…what…are…."
"They are demonic creatures who pose as humans. They make themselves visible during the hours of dusk and dawn." He handed her one of the orbs. "I would have expected one of our own to sense it. "
Amy puffed her cheeks and took the orb. "I was doing fine on my own I didn't need…wait…." It then came to Amy when he heard him say one of our own. The Ivory hedgehog then nodded at her uncovering his shirt sleeve reveling the marquee de la Cramoisi. He then took a bite of the orb like an apple. It dripped out red juices that made Amy drool. She looked at the orb she had and sniffed it. She then took a bite from it. It tasted sweet as it touched her tongue and went down her throat like hot soup. She finished eating the orb and sighed from relief. "What…was that?"
"Blood core" the other hedgehog answered. "It's the fruit of sin that exist in such dark creatures. Sorry…not used to this introduction thing." He turned to Amy and smiled trying to make her feel welcome. "My name's Silver. You must be Amelia Rose. Mother told us you were coming." He then bowed at her.
Amy was nervous at first but then bowed back while giving him the Cramoisi salute. "Well met, Silver. Thanks for saving me. But if this is how the world of mortals really was, then maybe I shouldn't be here…"
"Relax. Like I said they only show up during sunup or sundown. Right now, let's head home. Your stuff was taken there already and…." Silver covered his nose. "You could use a shower. Come on, we should be on our way" Silver made his way out of the alley.
Amy shrugged while following him."Yeah, the trash here smells worse than the mortals."
The Wander Forest: The Old Mansion
They walked through the city until they reached the outskirts. After about an hour of walking, they see a large forest with one path and an old looking streetlamp. Amy noticed all the danger signs and barricades blocking the way. Sliver moved two of them out of the way and walked forward while beckoning Amy to follow.
"What's this?" Amy asked looking around and following
"This is the Wander forest." Silver said putting them back. "This will lead us to your new home. Follow me and stay close" Silver walked in the forest along with Amy, who was still kind of nervous.
"So why is it called the wander forest?" Amy asked "I know that's a silly thing to ask"
"If anyone goes in they will wander in the woods aimlessly till they are lost forever or end up and the entrance. It's a defense mechanism to make sure no mortal will ever find the mansion."
"But you know the way…right?" Amy asked nervously
"Duh, of course I do." Silver said smiling "Now come on"
Moments later they reached the end of the forest. Silver walked Amy to an old mansion. It was a dark gray mansion that looked like it hasn't been used in decades. There were also some old dead trees limping over the yard. Amy looked at the dark gloomy house and yard. To her, it felt so calm and relaxing, like she could feel right at home. Even though the castle back at home was much nicer, this place gave a certain aura that was to her liking.
"Well here we are, your new home" said Silver "Come on, I want you to meet the others"
"Alright" said Amy with a joyful tone.
They walked into the mansion and saw the inside. It was large in the inside, and looked like it was in good shape. It was grey and retro looking, but wasn't as run down as she may have thought. There were a few living rooms one kitchen, and many bedrooms.
"Come on Amy I'll show you around." said Silver walking Amy followed him to the next room. Already they saw a Cramoisi walk around. Like Amy and Silver he was also a hedgehog, only he was black with red highlights.
"Hey Shadow" said Silver trying to get his attention. "I want you to meet-"
Shadow wasn't paying any attention to his brother and looked at a fourth hedgehog who was in the room on a computer in the living room. He walked over to the hedgehog and saw some developed pictures of him sleeping with a white bat.
"Hey! What are you doing with those, Fear?" asked Shadow in an angry tone
Fear looked at the fire in his eyes. "Oh, I'm just posting them on the internet for everyone at school to see" she said with evil grin
Shadow tried to reach over and retrieve the photos. "Give those to me!" Fear got up and grabbed the pictures so Shadow couldn't get them. Shadow reached for them, but Fear pushed his face against her hand. "Fear!" Shadow said with mad marks on his head
"Oh, shady you're so hot I want to kiss your little face" mocked Fear making kissing noses, and running away.
"Come back here now!" Shadow screamed running after her.
Silver and Amy saw them run off and herd crashes and glasses breaking.
"Should we do something?" asked Amy
"It's ok….they're always like this." said Silver
They continued to hear noise and all kinds of racket coming from other rooms.
"Uhhh….come on! I'll show you to your room!" Silver pulled Amy to the stairs and lead her up to the hallway. The hallway looked the same as it did downstairs. They both came up to the third room on the right.
"Here we are" Silver said getting out a key.
"Where are the others?" Amy asked
"They must be out hunting. It is the twilight hour after all"
"Oh, you mean the dawn and Dusk thing?"
Silver put the key in the hole and unlocked the door. "Yup. But you just got here, so you don't have to worry about it yet. When our siblings return they should be back with all kinds of food.
Both of them walk inside the room; inside was a basic room with a bed a dresser, a desk, closet, and a bathroom. Amy could see several suitcases next to the bed with her name on them.
"Sorry if it looks a little gloomy, but it's comfortable." said Silver handing Amy the key
"No, it's perfect!" said Amy 'I love it. You even brought my stuff here!"
"Glad you like it, sis. So make yourself at home and relax. We'll get you instated in the school tomorrow.
"Wait…what school?" Amy jumped at the very mention of going to school. "I have to go to school?!"
"Mother's orders" Silver shrugged turning around. "Anyway, there's plenty of things to do here. You're free to go into town, but be back by midnight"
Amy still felt a little off about the situation. "Ok…thank you…"
"Oh and your school uniform is in the closet. We leave at seven o' clock sharp. Be sure to-"
Silver was interrupted by a sudden bump. Both hedgehogs look outside of the room and saw Fear who was on the ground with Shadow grabbing her ankle.
"Now give me those pictures!" he demanded
"Make me, SUCKER!" Fear pulled down her eye lid and stuck out her tongue.
Shadow growled ferociously, but then sighed, and got up while smiling and looking at his sister.
"What's so funny?" Fear questioned as she quirked her eyebrow.
"Ok, you can have them. I'll just go and look for you diary. I wonder what everyone at school will say about your crush on Nazo."
Fear blushed and got up and chased after Shadow "YOU BETTER NOT! I'LL KILL YOU IF YOU DO!" Boomed Fear
"I'M ALREADY DEAD!"
Silver and Amy saw them fight and had sweat drops on their heads.
Silver then sighed and shook his head. "I'd better stop them before they really do kill each other. I'll see ya later Amy.
Amy looked at her brother walk away and walked back into her room.
"So this is the mortal world.
She still had second thoughts as she opened her closet door and saw a uniform hanging on the rail. She pulled out to look at it. It was a long sleeve coat with a matching skirt.
One object caught her attention. She saw a bronze emblem with two black diamond wings on it and a teardrop shape ruby in the center. What was more curious were the letters on the edge.
"D.A.R.C.I.N?" Amy read "What's that mean?"
She had idea if that was the name of the school, or the name of something else. Still, Amy lay on her bed gathering up her thoughts. After putting the uniform up, she thought of actually being able to find a guardian and living in this new bizarre world, that she knew nothing about. Even though her siblings have been here longer and know more about the world, it still feels different from the tranquil haven of her world. And what was this "twilight hour" Silver talked about, and just who were those creatures that attacked her?
"Oh…what to do.." She thought as she sat up and unzipped one of her bags getting out a new set of clothes. "Guess I should make myself at home"
Epilogue: Rowdy Raiders
Sonic was sitting with his friends looking at a battle unfold. The two of them were sitting in a large arena with several other people watching, cheering loudly at the large battle taking place. The arena was a massive field filled with sand and rocks. Everyone could see the two competitors. They were both orange echidnas. One looked much taller than the other wearing a long red outfit and holding two large hammers. The other echidna was holding two hammers as well, but this one was more winded than the other echidna who stood looking at him smiling.
"Isn't it embarrassing, how you're having a hard time keeping up with me, Richter?" Asked the older echidna. "Perhaps I should forfeit so you won't humiliate yourself."
"Sounds to me like your scared, Rizen!" the younger echidna said, despite of his fatigue. "I think I would embarrass you?!"
"OK, now I'm over my conflicted feelings. Let's dance!"
"Ladies first!"
Richter charged and jumped in the air while swinging his hammers downward. Rizen blocked the attack, but stomping into the ground creating a rock wall. Richter slammed head first into the wall. Richter jumped from the rock wall and stated swinging at it creaking it into little pebbles. When he tore down the rock wall completely, he didn't see Rizen anywhere. Richter turned his head looking for the echidna. Suddenly he felt a hand grab him from beneath the sand. "What the-"
Rizen came out smiling from the ground and gave Richter an uppercut, hurtling him into the sky. Rizen then jumped into the sky along with Richter and started punching him repeatedly in several places. Rizen then aimed his hand at Richter and created a ball of yellow energy, and blasted it at Richter blowing him into a larger rock. Rizen landed softly and slowly walked up to Richter as he was on the ground motionless. The crowd was shocked at the display and assumed the worse. But before another second passed, by Rizen quickly turned around and swung his behind him. He saw it was Richter about to hit him.
"You think I'm dumb enough to fall for the earth clone trick?" Rizen asked
"Well now that you say that…..maybe…" Richter answered
Sonic looked in amazement at the display of the battle. "Dude, your cousin and uncle mean bossiness…" Sonic said looking. "Don't they ever let up?"
"Nope!" Knuckles said cracking his namesakes and grinning at his kin fighting. "That's what I come here for"
Sonic knew the raiders were all for showing off and having battle tournaments such as this, but they really meant well. They want to end the tyranny of Dr. Eggman as much as Sonic did. The training and sparing sections were mandatory, but the tournaments were more for entertainment and teaching.
The battle raged on. Richter kept swinging his hammers at Rizen trying to hit him, but with how Rizen was holding his ground, it was almost impossible. Rizen then pushed Richter forward with great force pushing him against another rock. Richter got back up and threw his hammer at him. Rizen blocked it with his hammer, and then charged at Richter and swung his hammer. Richter jumped up in the air before Rizen could hit him, and summoned another hammer and threw it a Rizen. Rizen dropped one of his hammers and grabbed Richter's and threw it back at him slamming it against Richter's face.
Richter felt the powerful force against his mouth as he screamed loud enough for the whole arena to hear.
"I hope he has dental insurance." said Tails said.
Richter got up shook his head spitting out a few teeth. "Aw man…I needed those! "When he got back up and was more winded than normal. He turned around holding up his fist swaying like a tree in the breeze.
"Don't worry they'll grow back" Rizen said coming up and dropping his hammers. "Now let's finish this…"
Richter ran up to Rizen and threw punches and managed to hit him in the face and throw him back. The punch hardly fazed Rizen and Richter was panting out of exhaustion, and could barely make another move. Rizen was the toughest man he ever fought. He tried to punch him again, but Rizen grabbed his fist dead in its tracks he then tossed Richter into a pillar.
"UUUUUGGGGHHHH!" Shouted Richter as his body hit the pillar and he dropped to the ground.
Sonic looked at the beaten up echidna struggle to get up. He was determined to come up to the top. Richter was panting like crazy.
"Oh, Man he really did get his hide tanned!" said Knuckles laughing
"This….isn't…ov…" Richter failed to finish his sentence, and fell to the ground, moaning and completely out of energy with swirls in his eyes.
"Yes. It is, my son" Rizen said turning around.
The referee ran up to Richter to see his condition. When Richter didn't move he lifted the flag and pointed it to Rizen "Richer is unable to battle!" said the referee walking up to Rizen and raising his hand. "This match goes to head Captain Rizen!"
Sonic and Tails covered their ears as they heard the roar of applause from everyone else including Knuckles.
In the ring Rizen knelt down in front of Richter who lifted his head to look at him. "You…sonova….ugh…"
Rizen chuckled while helping Richter up and grabbing the mike from the ref. "Let's hear it for my boy! Even if he didn't come close to beating me, it's always good to know that he's willing to keep coming back for more!" The crowd cheered even more after hearing those words.
Later….
Moments later Sonic and his friends arrived outside of the arena and into the briefing room. Sonic looked around and saw seven sets of chairs in a circle and saw Rizen in the largest chair in the center. He then saw Richter being tended to his wounds by one of the raider's medics. She was a long dark-skinned girl with blue hair wearing a lab coat.
"Hey uncle!" Knuckles shouted to Rizen. "Nice job, Richter" Richter narrowed his eyes after hearing his cousin snicker.
"Hey! How's my favorite, nephew!? "Rizen got up and gave him a noogie. "So, you guys enjoy the fight?"
"Did I ever!" Knuckles said laughing while still taking it.
"It was…interesting…" Tails said nervously
"Yeah...uh…don't you think you'll give Richter a concussion if you keep fighting like that?" Sonic asked "I was getting a headache just looking at him"
Rizen chuckled while walking over to Richter. "Please. A rock-head like this joker can take anything!" Rizen said laughing and hitting Richter's back.
"AHHH-HA-AH!" Richter shouted feeling a sharp pain in his back.
"Is that right, Rizen?!" Everyone turned and saw another echidna. This one was a female with white fur and wearing light warrior-like garments. "What was that out there?!
"What? The fighting? It was nothing….just a friendly spar…."
Richter walked beside his father and saw his mother with a concerned/angry look on her face. She dashed over to Rizen who had a worried look on his face. "Friendly spar my ass! Don't toy with me!" she shouted in a shrill voice that made even Rizen quiver.
Sonic and Tails look in shock at the woman who just came in.
"Hey Aunt Luna!" Knuckles greeted with a smile.
The echidna looked back and smiled at Knuckles. "Hello Knuckles! How's your mother?"
"Great!"
"That's wonderful" Her greeting face turned back into evil glare when she faced Rizen. She swished her cape and got out an unsheathed blade. "Crecent…."
Rizen did his best to try and calm her down. He cleared his throat and spoke sweetly. "Look honey, Richter was the one who wanted to train. I just granted his-OW!" Luna whacked Rizen on the head with the hilt of her katana.
"Chop!" Rizen fell to the ground with a mark across his face. "Baka! You and your rogue test!" steamed Luna with a mad mark on her face. "If you're so confident, maybe you should go up against me!"
"That…won't be...necessary.…dear…" Richter chuckled at Rizen's misfortune. Luna's rage must have been an even stronger power than his alone.
Luna came over and hugged Richter on the neck while kissing him on the forehead. "Oh you poor thing! Did mean old Daddy hurt you?" she said with a baby voice
"Well maybe a little" said Richter with a small smirk.
"Oh dear I'm sorry Richter. You know want to know a secret?"
"Ohh…what is the secret Mom-DOH!" Luna was smiling and then she whacked Richter on the head with her hilt. "OW!"
"You've got rocks in your head, just like your dumbass father! You're an idiot challenging fighters stronger than you! Especially when dealing with a dangerous element like Earth!"
"Luna. He's a Solairte" Rizen spoke. "We're built to deal with this kind of pressure"
"If only you can handle mama…" Richter laughed, but then he stopped after getting another hit. "OW!"
"Don't you sass your daddy!" Luna then heard Rizen chuckle and then hit him in the arm. "Don't you laugh at your son's pain!" When Richter laughed again, he got wacked one more as did Rizen. She then wacked them both in the head until they were both on the ground with their entire faces red. "I can do this all day!"
Sonic and his friends look with sweat drops on their heads. They then see another hedgehog walk into the room. She was a lavender hedgehog that was dressed like an average teenager. She caught a glimpse of Sonic and his friends and gave them a light wave. She walked up to Luna with a nervous smile.
"Excuse me?" she had a young thick Australian accent "Lady Luna….I'm here for my initiation."
"Splendid!" Luna then picked Richter up who was nearly dazed.
"Can I go home now?" Richter asked
"Richter, this is Jazz Star. She's a learner who will be in squadron staring tomorrow." Luna introduced.
"Nice to meet you" Jazz said smiling.
Richter had his mouth wide open while shaking his head "But…..But"
"NO BUTS!" Shouted Rizen getting up. "She is your newest member who you'll have to train"
Jazz walked closer to Richter and bowed. "Uumm… is great that I get to be a part of-WHAAA! Richter grabbed Jazz and dug his knuckles in her head. "OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!" shouted Jazz
Richter was grinning evilly while giving his new recruit a noogie. "Why do I have to baby-sit this little mouse?"
"Richter! Enough!" Luna shouted "This girl has lots of potential! And is willing to fight for our side! Now show some respect!"
"Sigh….yes mama. I was only kidding. Welcome to the Dusk Raiders, Jazz!" said Richter pulling out his hand. Jazz then took the hand and shook it.
"Thank you! Captain Ric-AHHHHHHH! OWOWOWOWOWOWOW!"
"But you're still a little mouse! You think you got what it takes? I'll see to that my little church Mouse!
"Enough…" Rizen picked Richter up and threw him at the wall. He then looked at Jazz who had a nervous look on her face. "Forgive him. He just got his ass whooped by yours truly. He'll be sure you get settled in."
Sonic his friends looked at each other and laughed.
"What are you laughing at?!" Richter said getting up and tacking Sonic. "Listen here blue boy! You think you're strong enough to take on Eggman? We're just going to see about that, that….." He gave Sonic a cunning grin as he was still pinned to the ground.
(((((Darkened Rose))))))