Rattler: Here we go! Chapter 3!
Alex: Teh readers have a happy.
Rattler: Then I'm doing my job. Enjoy!
Chapter 3
Station Square was gleaming in the summer sun. People were either enjoying the sun, or staying indoors to try and stay cool. Two figures walked down the street, one carrying a bag, the other thankful that the first didn't believe in "Shop till you drop".
"I still don't see what Amy finds so exciting about shopping," the first figure, an orange hedgehog, said.
"Times are different," the second figure, a black hedgehog with red highlights, said. "Besides, this isn't Atlantis, Kaylee."
Kaylee Rose, previously known as Princess Kaylee of Atlantis, smiled at her companion. "I know that Shadow. It's been two months since the battle against Iblis. But it's still kinda hard to get used to."
Kaylee had taken on her descendant's last name, to avoid confusion when she introduced herself to others who didn't know the truth about her. It's also been two months since she and Shadow the Hedgehog started dating. The ebony hedgehog was still uncomfortable with the idea, but that was to be expected. Kaylee was wearing the same outfit that she had been wearing for… centuries. A blue and white shirt and skirt combo. Many people made jokes about her cosplaying as either Cassandra or Sophetia from some game called Soul Calibur 2, but Kaylee just ignored them. That is, until she saw pictures of said characters from said game. She was amazed at how closely their outfits resembled hers. Still, it was the most comfortable thing she had in her ever-growing wardrobe, mostly due to Amy's insistence on buying Kaylee more clothes. Of course, instead of the sandals she used to wear, she now had on green boots that resembled Amy's.
Kaylee thought about Amy and Sonic, their relationship having evolved since the party at Tails' workshop, and how they've been handling things. Sonic was still free spirited, but now wasn't actively trying to avoid Amy. The blue hedgehog even took Amy out on a couple dates. Amy, on the other hand, had lightened up on the rabid fangirlism that was the cause of Sonic's discomfort. Together, the pair seemed to be doing all right.
Tails however seemed to be a little more distant lately. Something was on the young kitsune's mind. That much Kaylee knew. One time Kaylee managed to catch Tails looking at a picture, almost as if he was remembering something. As soon ah he noticed her, he put the picture away real fast. Kaylee decided that she was going to talk with Tails when they went to visit him later.
Something caught her attention. Looking down the street, she saw a fox and hedgehog walking together. There was something about the fox that seemed familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She decided to say hi. Shadow, as talkative as ever, followed her silently.
"Thanks for the amazing meal, Sonic."
Amy Rose walked next to the sapphire hedgehog that had taken her out to lunch at a nice restaurant. Sonic the Hedgehog smiled, and pulled the pink hedgehog into a hug.
"Well, can't say I don't know how to show a girl a good time," Sonic said.
Amy playfully punched him in the arm. She was about to say something, but was cut off by a voice filled with disgust and hate.
"Bah, this century is even worse than I thought. If this what civilization has become, I won't even be challenged,"
Sonic and Amy turned, and saw a black crow wearing… what looked like a bathrobe? He was looking at the buildings with a disgusted look on his face. Several birds were standing behind the crow, vacant looks on all their faces. Amy was starting to feel very uncomfortable. The crow noticed the hedgehogs, and turned to face them. Amy gasped when she noticed that his eyes were completely red.
"You! Hedgehogs! What Kingdom is this?"
"'Scuse me?" Sonic asked, confusion plastered on his face.
"You heard me," The crow glared at Sonic. "What Kingdom is this?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about, pal. And I'm not liking your…"
The crow raised a hand, and Sonic was cut off mid sentence. To Amy, it looked like Sonic was struggling to breath.
"Do not address me in such a manner, hedgehog," the crow snarled.
The Piko Piko Hammer appeared in Amy's hand, and she leveled it at the crow.
"I don't know what you did, but let Sonic go or I'll…"
"WHAT?" the crow snarled, raising his other hand. Amy felt an invisible hand grab her by the throat, and she gasped. Her hammer fell to the ground. The crow seemed to get some sick pleasure out of seeing them squirm in his invisible grasp.
"You are NOTHING compared to my power… wait…"
The crow approached Amy, maintaining his invisible grip on her. With his attention focused on Amy, Sonic found himself free of the crow's mysterious power. He'd have to wait for the right moment to strike. The crow was now face to face with Amy, who was still struggling to breath.
"I sense royal blood in you. Yes… the royal blood of Atlantis. I didn't know any Atlantians survived. I may have confused that brown hedgehog for an Atlantian, but there's no mistaking you… Princess."
The crow reached into his robe, and pulled a dagger. The blade was as black as night.
"Now, to finish what I started all those centuries agAGH!"
Sonic struck, knocking the crow away from Amy with lightning speed. Grabbing Amy, and her hammer, Sonic revved up his legs.
"Love to stay and chat, but I gotta split. See ya!"
Sonic dashed off at mach 1, intending to put as much distance between them and the mysterious crow as he could as quickly as possible.
Alex and Deunan walked down the street in Downtown Station Square. They had arrived earlier that day, and started their search for clues as to the location of his brother.
"Wow," Alex whistled, "Never get used to seeing tall buildings everywhere."
Deunan rolled her eyes. She grew up in Soleanna, so it wasn't as much of a shock to her than it was to the small town fox. She was about to say something when a blue and pink blur shot by, followed by a gust of wind. Both Alex and Deunan fell to the ground, unprepared for the sudden gust.
"That was different," Alex said, looking back in the direction the mysterious blur went. The young fox looked back at Deunan, only to see an orange hedgehog helping her to her feet. A hand appeared in Alex' field of vision, and he took it. After being pulled back to his feet, Alex turned to face the hand's owner. He was face to face with a black hedgehog that looked like he'd rather be someplace else.
"Faker should really watch where he's going," the black hedgehog said, looking over Alex' shoulder.
"Thanks for the help," Deunan said to the orange hedgehog.
"You're welcome," the orange hedgehog replied.
"Thanks," Alex said to the black hedgehog.
All he got in reply was a grunt. Obviously, the black hedgehog didn't want to be here. The orange hedgehog looked at Alex. There was a slight change in her stance and expression, hardly noticeable but there nonetheless.
"So… what's your names?" she asked.
"I'm Deunan, and this is my friend Alex," Deunan introduced them.
The orange hedgehog introduced herself as Kaylee, and the black hedgehog as Shadow. The ebony hedgehog still had that annoyed look on his face. Kaylee asked what they were doing in Station Square, and Alex explained that he was looking for his brother. She asked for the brother's name, and Alex told her. He noticed Kaylee react, but she quickly hid her surprise.
"We're on our way to see a friend. Want to come along?" Kaylee asked.
"Well, we've got nothing better to do. I hope this friend of yours won't mind," Deunan replied with a shrug.
Before Shadow could object, Kaylee pulled him to the side. Even with his fox ears, Alex couldn't make out what was being said. After several minutes, Kaylee led the group towards the railway station and the Mystic Ruins.
Tails leaned back in his chair. He was again thinking about his brother, wondering where he was. The young kitsune even thought about returning to Westside Island for a few days, but he was unwilling to see what had become of his old home. The mystery of what happened to his parents still hung over the Island.
He heard the front door open downstairs. Someone was here. Getting up out of the chair, Tails made for the stairs. He was half way down when a familiar voice made him stop.
"So… who lives here? It kinda reminds me of my brother's old room."
"He's a good friend," Kaylee replied, "One who I'm sure would like to meet you."
It couldn't be. He must be hearing things. Tails crept down the stairs, and came face to face with Kaylee. She had one of her "I have an evil plan" looks that she usually gets when she's about to seriously embarrass Shadow. That look was replaced with one of curiosity when she looked up at the young kitsune.
"By any chance, do you have a brother?" she asked quietly.
Tails just zipped around her, and into the living room. There, sitting on the couch, was a brunette hedgehog and…
"Alex?"
Alex turned as soon as he heard his name. His eyes widened as he saw a golden yellow, two tailed fox standing in the doorway. Alex stood up, and approached the kitsune.
"Miles?"
"Alex?"
After a brief moment of silence, Alex found himself on the ground. The young kit had tackled him, and was now hugging the older fox. Alex returned the hug, happy to finally be back with his brother again. Miles said something, but it was muffled by Alex' fur.
"It's good to see you again," Alex said.
"You too Alex," Miles replied.
Deunan just watched as the two brothers started laughing. They were happy to be together again.
Alex: YES! Reunited with Tails!
Rattler: And I not only brought in Sonic and Amy, but Shadow and my OC Kaylee as well.
Kaylee: If you don't know about me, read Legacy of Atlantis.
Rattler: Anyway, review, and... Kaylee will embarrass Shadow in public!
Deunan: Bribing the readers now?
Rattler: Worth a shot. -_-
