Hello, my Awesome Audience! :D Great to have you here once again. ^^

First off, I'd like to say how absolutely HAPPY I am at the number of people who read and reviewed this! Seriously, you are all wonderful people and I just wanna hug each and every one of you!

Super special awesome thanks to: Gemstone Gal, Zelzainia and Lina (Hey, girl! :D), Adorablehedgi12, Comrade Athelwine (:D Super hug for you), Green-Eyed-Raccon, Mermain123, and canikostar99! Cyber hugs for all of you! And thank you all for loving my story right off the bat!

Oh, and Sonic the Hedgehog? Yeah, I don't own him. :( Wish I did, though! On with the story!


~ o - Chapter 2 - o ~

Fey City had everything than I could ever imagine. Food, clothing, blacksmiths, and every kind of novelty item I could ever imagine. And there was definitely no shortage of people.

Knuckles held my wrist as we weaved through the masses of people. Bumping into people occasionally, earning glares and harsh words that made me cower. There were all kinds of people here. Wolves, hedgehogs, foxes, and felines. Some more wealthy looking than others. Not that I wanted to remind myself, but even here, I was still at the bottom of the food chain.

I twitched from side to side taking in the buildings, the tents, and the people. Only when I felt a tug from Knuckles did my eyes focus. His eyes were arched in a warning glare directed at me. I smiled sheepishly and picked up my pace.

The smell of roasting pork fat and crispy-skinned duck oiled the air. A sharp roil of hunger grumbled in the pit of my stomach. I covered my stomach with my hand, distantly wondering how I would get tonight's meal.

Knuckles wove around a passing cart and tugged me so I was nearest a wall. He put up a hand as a signal to let him rest, he was nearly out of breath from all the weaving and hiking. Leaning against the wall of the building, I let the stone cool my back, and watched a guy in a blue servant's tunic weave through the tight knots of gossiping marketers and pause at the hatch of the pork seller. He was about my age, a wolf with silver fur and black tattered trousers. He kept his eyes down as he pointed to a cured haunch on display. The young apprentice wrapped the meat in a cloth a placed it on the bench. The boy waited until the man stepped back before laying the coin beside it and picking up the package. No conversation, no eye contact, no touching; it was all very proper. I sensed something off.

Narrowing my eyes on the wolf, I watched him as he collected his items together. I wondered what he was feeling and what he was thinking. Then I felt a strange shift in my sight, as though I was stepping closer. A surge of silver energy flared around the boy, swirling like a small monsoon. I gasped and dropped my gaze to the ground. In a couple blinks the fog covering my eyes disappeared, but the event was raw in my mind. What was that? The silver stuff? It wasn't actually there...right?

When I looked back up, the guy was turning to leave. There was no sign of the silvery light around him. No sign of the pulsing brightness that had left a searing afterimage on my mind.

"Amy, are you okay?' Knuckles' concerned voice interrupted my thoughts.

Shifting my eyes to him, I watched him as he studied my face. He took a concerned step forward to examine my face more thoroughly. Swallowing my fear quickly, I attempted to relax my muscles and play it off. But Knuckles could read me too well; I had already presented too much.

"What's wrong? You look pale. Do you feel sick?" He put the back of his hand to my forehead.

Blinking profusely, I struggled for an excuse that wouldn't make me sound completely insane .

"No. I, uh, I'm just overwhelmed from everything here. There are lots of people and-" -the smell of warm bread wafted past my nose, tantalizing my stomach into knots- "the food here smells absolutely delicious."

He quickly looked me over, "You're probably starving."

I nodded, relieved that be bought my excuse.

"Wait here, I'll get you some bread," he said.

My body stiffened and my heart dropped into my stomach. I grabbed his arm while he was turning away.

"You're just going to leave me here? What if something happens!" I asked desperately.

He shrugged off my hand and spoke over his shoulder.

"I'll be there and back in four minutes, tops," he said, waving me back against the wall. "Now don't draw attention to yourself and don't talk to strangers."

Giving him one last pleading look, I let myself fall against the coolness of the rock wall. Throwing me one last concerned look, he turned and forced himself into the mob of people. I watched his red dreads blend with the colors of the crowd until he was lost. The force of my heart beating against me chest made me reflexively put my had over it, expecting it to fly out of me any second. I was in a foreign area, with tons of strange people, all alone.

Taking a shaky breath, I dropped my hands to the hem of my dress, attempting to keep my mind occupied as I counted the seconds. Worst case scenarios unwillingly floated into my mind. What if something happened? Like a cart veering off course and crashing into me. Or someone with a deadly illness coming over and coughing on me. Why didn't Knuckles warn me about who is and isn't dangerous? Or...what if everyone was dangerous. My eyes shut and I shook my head vaguely.

I don't think it's been even two minutes and I'm already becoming a nervous wreak.

Crinkling the hem in my hands, I looked up in hope of seeing him return. Instead, the crowd moved in front of me like a river of people with no sign of red locks. I started getting the feeling eyes were on me. I side glanced and caught the eye of a purple weasel leaning in an alleyway nearby. My heart clenched as his wanton eyes assaulted my body. I suddenly felt very exposed in my maid's skirt and hoop-neck top. Ripping my eyes away hastily, I begged Knuckles to return and take me away. Anywhere but here.

"Hey! You in the dress!"

Instinctively, I looked to the source of the call. For some reason, I wasn't surprised when the purple weasel and his six friends all had their eyes on me, perverted smirks on their face. It was just my luck that this ragtag gang of boys suddenly takes an interest in me in the minutes my escort is absent.

Heat exploded onto my face before I could stop it. Hastily, I looked away and found another thing to keep my eyes focused on. I pleaded to whatever invisible force was listening that the boys would lose interest and go back to their former activities. Like if I played dead possum for awhile, the hunters would saunter away to find another toy to tease.

"You can't ignore us, Pinky. We're still here." The purple one sneered.

A frustrated side glance from me only encouraged his mocking smile. I set my jaw and crossed my arms, hoping I looked more intimidating than I felt. But even with the intimidation vibes I was radiating and the stern glare, I was still about as intimidating as a newborn kitten.

I had a baby face. Wide jade green eyes, always watching and learning. A small mouth with slender lips, not the plump and kind that the long, dark, and beautiful girls had. Their lips were always slanted with potential mischief, talking in low tones and shaping the words easily in their mouths. I spoke shyly with sections of words at a time, my voice a childish high pitch. Embarrassing myself on more than one occasion with a stutter here and there. My button nose made my face look even rounder. All in all I looked a couple years younger than I was.

Being a seventeen year old girl, "cute" was not a compliment. Sexy is what I wanted to hear. In any event, those things didn't matter because in both situations, my intimidation level was zero.

"It seems we've got ourselves a stubborn one, boys," he glanced at his group and they all chuckled ominously, "I've always liked the feisty ones."

I swallowed a knot that had formed in my throat. The weasel's body seemed to be made of lead as he made a display of getting off the wall he once slumped on. Shoving his hands in his grey ragged pants, he made a slow walk to me. His buddies followed close behind, trying to mirror the same swagger their leader demonstrated.

If I had followed the orders my nerves were screaming me, I'd be halfway across Fey City. But I couldn't just leave my spot and dive into the river of bustling bodies, hoping I wouldn't get lost five miles downstream where I couldn't return. Knuckles promised to be back soon, and I hoped soon was in the next thirty seconds.

The weasel stopped a foot away from me. Up close, he looked even more dangerous. Suspicious stains on his wrinkled dark grey shirt with smears of dirt all over his face like he just walked away from a scuffle -which I don't doubt he actually did. He had a layer of dirt on himself that seemed like even if he showered, he still wouldn't get all the grime off of his skin.

"Now that I have your attention, Pinky, why don't you start by telling me your real name."

He flashed me a yellowing smile that made my insides clench. My heart was drumming against my ribcage. In my peripheral vision, the other boys hovered around expectantly.

"I-I really don't feel comfortable sharing that information," I said.

My voice sounded small and unsure and I cursed myself for faltering. They'd feed off my uncertainty like bloodthirsty vampires. I'd become their toy to tease for their own sick entertainment. Then they'd use my lack of confidence against me. And this was only the beginning.

The boys erupted into a chorus of deep laughter. I shrunk back against the wall and my shoulders started folding in.

"Hear that, boys? Our little lady is uncomfortable," he said between hardy laughs.

I suddenly realized the guys had created a half-circle around me. All my exits were blocked. My heart clenched in my chest and my knees began to tremble. My eyes darted from side to side, the boys were slowly closing in on me.

"I know what will make you comfortable, Pinky," he leaned forward slightly, enough to invade what personal space I had left and make my thoughts shake with unease. His grotesquely warm breath passed over my neck. And the stench reminded me of curdling milk.

"A night at my place. I'll be sure you're comfy under the covers with me-"

"Get the hell away from her, Scumbag."

As if a match had been set ablaze in my head, the familiar voice of my best friend loosened the fear death-grip on my heart.

The purple weasel glowered at the rock wall behind me, all the guys turned around to meet the source of the interruption.

Peeking around his head, I saw that Knuckles had brought four other guards with him, all shining intimidatingly in their uniforms. Broad shouldered mountains of men studied the alley boys with disapproval. Their hands on the handle of their unsheathed swords.

"The name's Nic, you must have me mistaken for someone else," he took a hand from his pocket and waved them off, "I'd appreciate it if you went looking for 'Scumbag' elsewhere."

Knuckles' face hardened as he puffed his chest and took a step towards him.

"First off, I decide what your name is, Punk. So if I say you're Scumbag, you're Scumbag." Knuckles towered over Nic by a good two inches. "Secondly, I'm going to have to ask you to leave the premises or face the consequences."

The guards at Knuckles' side unsheathed their swords with a definite "shing". Nic's jaw tightened.

"And what am I doing wrong, huh? Is flirting suddenly against the law?"

"No, but harassment is."

Nic went quiet, seeming to study his options. Then:

"Come on, boys. Let's go someplace where the law ain't so uptight."

Then Nic and his crew sauntered away with what dignity they had left and disappeared into the alleyway.

My knees felt weak as relief flooded through me. Holding the wall for support, I rebuilt my bearings and caught up with my racing heartbeat. I gazed at Knuckles like he had just pushed me out of the way of a stampeding horse.

"Knuckles, I-"

"Dear Chaos, Amy! What were you thinking?" he yelled accusingly.

I looked at him sincerely.

"It wasn't my fault, Knuckles! I did absolutely nothing! They just -just walked over and started" -I searched for a word- "bullying."

Knuckles waved off the guards with a thanks, then sighed deeply before meeting my gaze.

"You don't ever talk to strangers without someone there to protect you. That guy could have raped you!"

He was close to me now, frustration evident in his voice. Before I responded, I saw the glint of worry in his eyes. The protective side of him that was always concerned about my safety. Ready to take care of anything that bothered me. To blame himself for not being there if I got hurt. Like an older brother -the older brother I never had.

I swallowed a lump forming in my throat, "Knuckles, I'm sorry."

He looked away to hide the distress on his face. He pursed his lips then spoke in a gentler tone.

"I'm sorry you had such a rough experience with the worst part of the city. It was my mistake to leave you all on your own." He dug in his satchel, "Here's some bread and water. Please eat it quickly so we can get you someplace safe."

He handed over the small loaf of bread and water canister. I tore the bread in half and hesitated.

"Is there any advice you wanna share with me before we head out?" I asked, then bit into the bread.

He was quiet a moment, staring at the dark alleyway where the gang had disappeared into.

"Just stay close to me."

~ o ~ o ~

The colosseum was much smaller in my imagination.

Knuckles was leading me around the giant circular stone structure to the back entrance. My neck craned to see the top white stone wall. It's majestic carvings led all the way up the top, which was probably more than ten stories high. It's giganticness made me want to shrink back, like the wall would crush me an second. I was an ant compared to the perimeter walls. And being on the inside was sure to make me feel even tinier.

A large arch welcomed Knuckles and I to a large clearing with a fountain and rock pathways. I followed him down a path until we got to a narrower corridor between two buildings. He steered me right and unlatched a small wooden gate, swinging it open to stairs leading upwards.

He gestured me up and I started to climb the stairs. Only when I didn't hear his footsteps following did I pause and turn around.

"What's wrong?" I asked and retraced a couple steps down to him, "You're not coming?"

He shook his head and looked at the ground in dismay.

"This is my stop. I need to get to the training room and get into proper uniform," he glanced up the stairs without meeting my face. "You can pick any seat you like up there, it's sectioned off specifically for special guests."

He dropped his amethyst eyes to me, resting on me gently. A small distant smile twitched his lips.

I smiled back, falling into the comfortable silence between us. I knew this was a big day for him. Having to nearly kill an opponent to earn himself a spot with the castle Knights. I couldn't continue pretending that he wasn't going to take a few hits as well. Lethal ones, even. I hoped he wasn't thinking this would be his grave. He was strong and too stubborn to die. I was here to support him, cheer him on from the sidelines. I hoped that thought was somewhere in his mind.

"I'll be cheering you on, Knuckles. You'll do great out there," I walked down the steps and hugged him around the neck, taking in the feeling of his arms around me like it was our last embrace.

He reluctantly pulled away and looked me in the eye one last time.

"We'll get ice cream after, okay? To celebrate," he said with a smile.

I studied his expression and nodded.

"Vanilla with chocolate brownie and a cherry on top?" I asked, returning the smile.

He backed down the hallway and shot me a smirk.

"You got it."

But as I watched him jog down the hallway, I wasn't so sure if he really meant what he said. Knuckles was never one to doubt himself, but by the way he forced his smiled, I knew he didn't think he'd be able to take me out after.

Pushing aside the thought, I jogged up the stairs and was met with bright sunshine. Taking a moment for my eyes to adjust, I realized I was on a terrace. A sloping terrace that gradually curved upward. The slope was notched for chairs like stadium seating. There were white chairs aligned into rows. The floor had terra-cotta colored tiles, smooth and neatly placed. A white wall only three feet off the ground restricted people from falling the deadly seven story drop to the dirt arena below.

Their was mild chatter between the seated people. All adults. They didn't seem to notice or didn't care to acknowledge me -which I was perfectly fine with. I didn't want to draw unnecessary attention to myself. Slowly, I paced to the edge of the terrace and put my hands on the wall, cautiously looking down at the long drop.

The dirt in the arena was thin, dust could be easily kicked up by a shoe scuff. The walls of the arena were three stories high in most places. High enough so the poor soul who was fighting for his life couldn't crawl out and end his agony. Or have his blood splatter the audience when he was murdered.

I grimaced at the thought and rose my gaze higher, seeing the notches in the stadium across from me were almost all filled. The other side of the colosseum was far, so the the people in the seats looked like dots of shifting color. I'd never seen so many people in one place. The air was vibrating with distant excited murmurs. I wondered in dismay how anyone could be excited to watch the beating of a healthy man.

Lifting my head further, I noticed one side of the oval colosseum had the highest wall. A full ten story high pure white wall with no notches for seating, just a flat terrace. A golden canopy shadowed the high tower. A large fabric hug over the high wall with the kingdom's insignia. Half a sun and a crescent moon were combined into one, in the center of them was a green emerald. The Chaos emerald; the artifact the Kingdom of Solstice has worshipped for centuries.

The tower must have been reserved for the king himself, and possibly the prince and royal advisor. Squinting, I saw a kingly throne and a princely one next to it, both with articulately carved designs in the frame and velvet seating. Then there were three black chairs, just as articulate, set below the king's height. They must have been at the same rank to be set next to each other. Then there was another chair just below the prince's. A High Lord's, perhaps?

"Young lady, I advise you step away from the ledge. It's a long way down," said a kind gentleman's voice.

I turned around and met the eyes of an old man; a fox in his fifties. His body was built strong, like he had years of training. His face was lined with kind wrinkles like he smiled so much in his life that his wrinkles set into smiling folds. His fur was a healthy dark grey with wisps of lighter grey hair from aging. I smiled at his courtesy.

"Oh, yes. Thank you," I said taking a step away from the ledge cautiously.

"You should sit down, child. The ceremonies are about to begin," he smiled and patted the seat next to him invitingly.

I smiled wider at his kindness and gingerly sat in the seat next to him. I folded my hands in my lap.

"This must be your first time here in the Fey colosseum. Extraordinary, is it not?" he said, gazing out admiringly at the crowds.

My eyes switched from the crowds to him.

"Yes, there are so many people. And the structure is huge," I said, studying his profile for a moment.

He turned back with a smile, "A perfect place for a Knighting Ceremony."

I shrugged and looked down at the dirt arena, "I suppose."

His eyebrows pushed together.

"Your seem worried for your knight," the man said softly.

I lifted my eyes to meet his sincere expression.

"Yes, I am," I shifted in my seat. "He's my best friend. And this ceremony -this barbarity- should not be the way he earns his way. Breaking other's bones to achieve greatness should not be a moral to stand by."

The old man's face relaxed into a widening smile.

"What a smart girl you are. You have very formal ethics and an enlightened philosophy of the world," I blushed faintly at his comment. "There aren't many people with the same outlook as you," he said.

The corner of my mouth lifted.

"Why thank you, sir."

His back straightened and his face washed over with pride.

"Please, call me Raku," he said.

I smiled kindly, "I'm Amy."

"So, Amy, what is your Knight's name?"

"Knuckles Echidna."

He nodded. "Yes, I've heard of him. Seen him train as well. A very strong candidate, agility is adequate, but his strategic element could use some improvement."

I nodded with a faint smile. Knuckles was never good at planning things.

He continued, "You see, I'm manager of the Knighthood at the castle. I decide which position best suits the person's advantages. I've been watching your friend and the other six candidates. I'd say your friend has a good chance of making it to Knighthood."

I smiled at this, already imagining Knuckles walking with me to the ice cream parlor reliving the moments with me scene by scene.

"That's wonderful-"

Trumpets chorused and echoed through the whole stadium. The heavy gate on the far side of the arena opened and a chariot guided by two horses galloped in. A golden yellow hedgehog stood on the wooden platform of the chariot, looking confident with his shoulders rolled back and his dignified wave. The crowd went wild at his gestures, roaring with excitement and standing up from their seats, pounding their fists in the air.

The trumpets were drown out by the cheers, the hedgehog gracefully hopped off his chariot and walked up on a small platform in the center of the arena. He rose both his hands up and circled around, being sure to acknowledge every side of the stadium. He soaked in the attention and smiled big at the welcoming crowd. Then he lowered his arms and popped his white collar like he was a cocky celebrity. His loose white button up was a blinding white that emphasized his bright yellow fur. His sleeves were folded to his elbows and his shirt was buttoned down low. Low enough to reveal his white chest fur that looked soft to the touch. His black pants contrasted his entire look, only making him look brighter.

Just by looking at him, I could tell he loved the attention. And the attention he got, he intended to keep.

He waved the crowd to calm down and sure enough, the volume of the crowd dwindled. A kind smile emerged as he put his hands on his hips.

"Gentleman and ladies," his voice was huge and echoed from every corner of the colosseum.

The word 'ladies' rolled off his tongue seductively. A playful smirk was on his face as he paced to address every part of the colosseum. I noticed a black thin wire was protruding across his cheek and travelled over his pointed ear. It must have been what was making him speak so loud. A device that made it seem he was yelling from ever corner of the colosseum.

"I, Lord Leonardo Linnattan, am pleased to announce the 84th annual Kingdom of Solstice Knighting Ceremony!"

He threw a hand in the air and the crowd erupted into a roar of cheers. He nodded, letting the crowd release their adrenaline before waving the crowd to be silent again.

I felt Raku's presence near and and turned to him. He was leaning in to speak.

"I'd hate to ask but, how much do you know about kingdom politics?" he said in my ear over the roar of cheers.

"Not very much. Why do you ask?"

He smiled again, "You're a smart girl and I think you should gain all the knowledge you can get." He pointed to the hedgehog on the platform, "See that man there? Believe it or not, he's the king's royal advisor."

I looked to the yellow hedgehog and watched his movements. His cocky stance, his loose shirt, the mischievous grin; he looked more like a party animal than a wise royal advisor.

Leonardo's voice suddenly boomed, "I see everyone here is excited to watch the young Knights-in-training fight for their position in the castle walls. That will come soon enough. First, we must pay our respects to our royal guests and our dearest royal family. We shall start with our bravest members! Our great and noble Commanders!"

The crowd roared once again. Leonardo gestured up to the highest tower where three people stepped forth.

Raku was whispering in my ear again, "Those are the military Commanders of the Solstice army. They rank just below the prince. I've met them all, they are extraordinary fighters and pleasant people." I stared at the figures in the distance.

"Starting from the left is our cunning Commander, Lord Shadow."

He stepped forward with his hands behind his back and nodded toward the audience. He was black -a hedgehog by the looks of it. Tall and well built, very intimidating with his dark fur. A streak of red went down the length of his spiked quill; from forehead to tip. I couldn't tell if he had more red streaks anywhere else from this distance. His armored shoulders and chest plating glistened in the sunlight. The wind brushed by and a crimson cape waved behind him.

Leonardo continued, "To the left of him is our agile Commander, Lord Blitz."

He stepped forward and waved respectively to the crowd with a faint smile on his face. He was a golden hedgehog, just like Leonardo, with spiked quills protruding forward and many more quills slicked back. He was thin under his plated armor, with a dark blue cape. Not as filled as the other two Commanders, but that must have been what made him so agile. I wasn't about to doubt his fighting abilities if he was a high-ranked Commander.

"And on the very right is our strongest Commander, Lord Scourge."

Hands behind back, the green hedgehog stepped forward and nodded just as Lord Shadow had. Along with the usual chest and shoulder plating, he had a black cape. His quills were slicked back as well. Buff with broad shoulders. He didn't look like the gentle type. He looked more like the one to take charge of a group and not have to worry about being questioned.

"Our Commanders will be evaluating our young trainees. The winning candidate will become an apprentice to whichever Commander he is best suited for. Then it will be decided which branch of the castle he will monitor," he paused to let the words soak in. "Now, onto our great royal family!"

"Oh, dear," Raku said to himself.

"What is it?" I whispered.

Raku leaned in towards me again, "The royal family has been having some...political and emotional trouble."

I raised my eyebrows, "Like what-"

Leonardo's voice interrupted, "We shall start with our healthy and noble prince. He will bestow blessings on the winning candidate, for good health and courage!"

He raised his hands like he was directing an orchestra.

"The prince is of age and must be married soon. If he does not marry and take the throne, the kingdom will be in jeopardy," Raku whispered with his eyes on the tower.

I turned to him so quickly my long hair flipped over my shoulder.

"The kingdom in jeopardy? How?" I harshly whispered.

He opened his mouth to respond but Leonardo cut him off.

"Now, may I present to you, Prince Sonic!"

The crowd went wild. Eagerly, I looked to the tower. At a higher point than the Commanders, the prince waved charmingly at the crowds.

Dear Chaos he was handsome.

A cobalt blue hedgehog, his long quills slicked back perfectly. Tall and lean, not overly muscular but just enough to be impressed. He wore a light green button up, his collar folded neatly and his sleeves down to his wrists. Shirt tucked into long black pants. The most eye-catching was his friendly white smile that could be seen from miles away.

His stance was confident, his chest puffed like he just reminded himself that this was his kingdom to control, but didn't look the least bit arrogant about it. So approachable with his welcoming smile.

"A handsome one, isn't he?" Raku whispered.

I blinked twice before I looked at him, blush stretching over my face.

"I -uh. Well-" I grasped for an answer.

"Not to worry, Amy, you aren't the only one that's fallen for his charm," Raku patted my shoulder like a close uncle would do.

I didn't mind the friendly gesture. But rethinking his words, I felt my heart drop a little.

Raku continued, "Yes, it seems the young prince has caught the eye of more ladies than he can handle. Some like you, who can only admire from afar, and others like princesses from other kingdoms and the royal maidens in his own castle," I felt the warmth of his hand on my shoulder, "I figured it was better if someone told you the facts before diving into any unhealthy fantasies about him."

Appreciating his sincerity, I nodded distantly staring down at the ground. The harsh truth was, I didn't have a chance; not now, not ever. There were thousands of wealthier and prettier girls who had their eye on the handsome prince. I'd be honored just to make eye contact with him. So it was time to look away and forget his face. He's required to get married soon anyway, to a princess or royal maiden. What was I? A dirty maid. Nothing princess worthy and -more importantly- not Prince Sonic worthy.

The boom of Leonardo's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"Another member of the royal family as honored us with his company. It is our king's younger brother, High Lord Alfonso!"

"Now, he's the one who's been causing all the confusion in the kingdom," Raku said accusingly.

"Why? What has he done?" I waited for the figure on the tower to step forward.

Raku took a cautious glance around before leaning in, "Alfonso is not full blood royalty. He's the son of a concubine. According to the historic ways, when the present king came to throne, he should have ordered his half-brother killed. But our king is an enlightened man. He let his younger brother live, even made him a Supreme Commander. Our king is very trusting."

High Lord Alfonso stepped into view. Unlike the others, he was a wolf. Charcoal black and a white muzzle with a well placed line for a mouth. He had his hands behind his back, body tense. He stared through discontent eyes. Strands of black hair swung in his eyes that he didn't bother to push away. A crimson button up and black pants made an ominous combination. The only real movement that came from him was the twitch of his long black bushy tail. His entire manner radiated bad vibes that gave me the urge to squirm. Obviously a very closed person.

Raku was still at my ear, "Our king put him in command of all the Solstice armies. Unscheduled attacks were made on cities and towns that didn't support the castle and its protocol. Alfonso's doing. He is powerful and has gained many loyalties from the castle. Loyalties against the current king and his heir."

I gasped, "Against the king and the prince? Why would anyone oppose them?"

He cautiously glanced around again, "It is said that the Prince is callow. Too caught up in his own youthfulness to handle the responsibility of a king. And as for the king, he is-"

The trumpets suddenly began to blow again and Raku's words were lost in the melody. Leonardo was reaching towards the sky, preparing himself for the big finale, "And last, but certainly not least, our wise and heavenly king has blessed us all with his company. Without further ado, I present to you, King Nazo!"

I expected another uprise of cheers from the crowd. Looking around, I noticed people began kneeling one by one. It spread like a wave across the colosseum, every person on their knees, bowing in respect.

"Get down," Raku warned as he got out of his chair and fell to his knees and lowered his head.

Slipping from my chair, I fell to my hands and knees, kissing the ground -a normal peasant bow. Everyone was silent for a moment.

"You may all rise," Leonardo said.

The sound of clothes shifting and murmurs spread across the colosseum. Slipping back into my seat, I brushed off the faint dirt on my dress. Slowly cheers began to spread through the people.

At the very top of the tower stood a bright silver hedgehog. His fur reflected the sun, making him seem illuminated. His silver fur almost looked like it was tinted a light blue, like glossed marble. His quills were spiked high, reaching towards the sky like silver flames. Tall with a strongly built frame. He had a dark blue long shirt on with a golden sash and black pants. His crown was only a blob of gold from this distance. His red cape was heavy like a rug but hung majestically around him. Half-smiling, he held up a hand and waved. The same smile a friendly stranger would give. Polite with his subtle wave and careful movements. Like a genuine gentleman.

"-incurable," were the only words I caught when Raku whispered over the crowd.

"What?" I asked and leaned closer.

"King Nazo is ill," he let the words soak in.

My eyes widened as my focus switched from the King to Raku.

"Ill? Are you sure? He looks fine," I said, gesturing up to the king.

He shook his head, "The king has many pains and coughing fits. His royal healers cannot find him an antidote."

I scooted forward in my chair, "How unfortunate, how long has it been like this?"

He shook his head, "nearly a year. He cannot take much more of this. But he must, the prince must marry before he dies or High Lord Alfonso will take over."

"High Lord Alfonso? But he is only his half-brother. The crown belongs to Prince Sonic."

Raku looked at the tile floor in disgust, caught up in his thoughts.

"Alfonso will play many dirty tricks to take the throne, even if that means undermining the prince."

I had to urge to stand up in my chair furiously.

"No one would allow that, right? They will see his deceit and properly dispose of him."

He half-smiled at my enthusiasm, "If only things were fair, Amy. The castle has split its loyalties. Some favor Sonic, others favor Alfonso. If this goes on much longer, the Alfonso party may overthrow the king and his heir. And under his rule-"

"Our royalties have been introduced! The trainees are driven and ready to fight! The goals and rules have been set; the last one standing wins the title of a castle Knight!" Leonardo was smiling and moving as he spoke. His energy was contagious, everyone in the crowd looked like they wanted to move just as much as he did.

"What was that?" I had to yell over the adrenaline filled screams of the crowd.

He leaned in so close his breath was in my ear, "Under Alfonso's rule, the kingdom will crumble. Anyone against him will be executed-"

"Six students, three games, one winner!" Leonardo yelled enthusiastically, throwing his hands in the air, working the crowd.

I struggled to hear the last five words of Raku's sentence. He pulled away but I wanted him to repeat what he said. It took me only a moment to process it.

Leonardo threw his fist in the air, "Let the battles begin!"

The crowd jumped up in unison, clapping for Leonardo as he bowed for the crowd and smiled mischievously. He jumped back onto his chariot and the horses led him back into the gates. Leonardo smiling and blowing kisses the entire way.

I stayed in my seat, frozen by Raku's words. My shoulders began to sag, my astonishment evident on my face. I repeated the words under my breath to capture the full meaning of them.

"No one will be safe."

~ o ~


Yay! :D Biggest chapter ever! Because...it's only the second one...Hm.

And I give a super high-five hug THANK YOU to Comrade Athelwine for letting me use his OC Leonardo Linnattan (LL) as the announcer for the Knighting Ceremony! We shall see more of him as the story goes on...more of him than you think. ^^

I know I have Lord Blitz in my story (which makes me narcissistic, I understand) and my profile name is "Blitz the Hedgehog" but I'm a girl. Just straightening that out right now. And for those who know me, this might be questionable as to why I made her a boy...all will be explained in due time, my friends. Hehehe!

Okay, so what did we learn in this chapter? That you should let your best guy friend intimidate rapists for you? Or that Sonic is super hot as a prince? What was YOUR favorite part? I'd love to know! Tell me in the reviews! ^^ For every review I get, I do a little dance! :D