Hello, my awesome audience! :D
Just wanted to say thank you for sticking around to read this story! I'm doing my best to put out chapters as fast as I can! This one only took 2 months! Aren't you proud of me? ...No? Well okay. ;-;
I'm about a week and a half later than my original deadline. I actually had it pretty much finished, but was not satisfied with how I ended it...so I added more to it! About 2,000 words more! Hope this makes up for that little delay! (Thanks for the reminder, AWESOMEROCKSTAR101!) :D
Also would like to say: HOLY CRAP 67 reviews on this thing and it's only the 6th chapter! I feel like I haven't even begun! XD THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH.
The following deserve an extra special thank you for reviewing:
SpunkyAnimeLuver: YES, I did update! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! My-My986: The Sonic-Amy love can only get more intense from here! There may be a little teasing in this chapter...read and find out! ;) SnowyDawn17: Thanks! Hope this chapter keeps you coming back for more :) zennyzen: I try to keep the unique ideas coming. I think strong female characters are the most fun to write about! Thanks for sticking around. :)Carleybee123: The romance is coming, don't you worry! ;) And there is only one Chaos Guardian, with only one emerald! More will be explained on the role and history of the Chaos Guardian in either the next chapter or the chapter after that. ^^ Zelzainia and Lina: (SUP GIRLLLL!) Thank you for your gracious compliments. They always make me smile. :) I hope you are pleasantly surprised by what -or should I say WHO- I have reference in this chapter. ;) Reversus12: Okay so there wasn't much learning about lords or Amy's power to be done in this chapter..but you will get to know Lord LL better than before! I promise more kick-butt lords in the next chapter! XD BluePeach: I hope this wasn't too long of a wait! D: Training for battle will begin in the next chapter! ^^ Green-Eyed-Raccon: Thank you for understanding! I hope 2 months wasn't too bad of a wait. There will be more Shadow in the next chapter, where he will be sexily-ehem- I mean gracefully training Amy.^^ Ah, Maria. See I actually have considered that. I haven't come to a conclusion but believe me, I do have ideas. :) But she won't be coming back as a human if I do decide to put her in, I can tell you that! WhiteRoseDog: Why, thank you! I was actually shooting for 'different' with this story. I think Sonic fanfic readers need a break from the old 'Amy princess, Sonic poor boy' story with the 'happily ever after.' I hope they can find their break with this story. :) I'm glad you're having a great time reading this! And no, you were not ranting at all! (Look at how much I've been talking ^ XD) Strange: Glad you enjoyed! Hope you're here for this chapter! ^^ canikostar99: Thank you for understanding! Yes, I quite enjoyed writing LL in this chapter. Hope you like him too! AWESOMEROCKSTAR101: Thanks :) Also, thanks for dropping a PM. I really needed that push to get me going. Sorry I didn't get it out 'within a week' like I said I would, but I hope I made up for it with the bonus 2,000 words! AlexaTheHedgehog: Read on and maybe you'll find out that Amy ended up with a little confidence after all :) EmberLovesRoses: Thank you! Hope you love this chapter just as much as the last! Guest: WOW. I am really flattered by how much you love this story! Thank you for all the reminders! You really motivated me to get out this chapter faster! Hope two months wasn't too long for you! Diamante8: I WON'T STOP WRITING UNTIL THIS STORY IS OVER! Thank you and here is the next chapter for you to enjoy! ^^
Adorablehedgi12: WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE THE GRATITUDE I FEEL TOWARDS YOU! *hugs you intensely* Your picture is adorable! I am absolutely flattered that you would draw a picture of LL and Blitz together! Sorry I didn't get around to telling it to you sooner! PM me anytime! (insert hearts here) :D
WOW I wrote a lot! XD Disclaimer time and then onto the chapter! Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sonic characters, they belong to SEGA and the Sonic Team. I only own Blitz the hedgehog and Alfonso. LL belongs to Comrade Athelwine!
~ o - Chapter 6 - o ~
The hum of conversation had turned into a dull drone in my ears. The impossibility of silence agitated me, painfully pressing frustration against the walls of my head. I longed to be engulfed in silence's relaxing embrace and clear my mind of the thick clouds of adversity that hung over my head. The only thing I wanted to do was get away from the feast. Get away from it all. The people, the food, and the pressure of responsibility and expectations -I wanted to be alone next to the Firelily tree back in Fairfield.
"Don't you worry, Miss Rose. You will be back in bed soon enough. I do hope your lightheadedness is only a result of too much wine or too much exertion."
Which is why I faked an illness to get out of the rest of the feast.
I wiped a hand over my face before putting two fingers to my right temple, "I didn't have any wine, LL. I think I'm just a little overwhelmed. Not to mention the union with Chaos's power is...draining my energy a bit."
Yeah, that seems fair. I thought bitterly to myself. I'll just make up some crazy nonsense about Chaos energy and people will totally believe me.
"Oh dear, we must get you to sleep right away then!" LL gripped onto my wrist more determinedly as he pulled me through the crowd.
It's terrible how easy it is to abuse this only-person-to-have-Chaos-power thing.
The large double doors inched closer as LL and I swerved through the crowd. We finally came to a pocket of no people, giving us a straight shot to the door. LL slowed down a bit and turned his head as if noticing something. I didn't care what he was looking at, I didn't want him to chat with anymore guests while I was left alone, fending off the piercing gazes that were sent towards me. As selfish as it was, I was about ready to sprint ahead and drag him out with me.
A hand quickly flew out in front of me, bringing me to an abrupt halt. LL reined me back to his side like a rider would pull back an anxious horse. Shadow stepped in front of us, dark and imposing with his mouth thinned and eyes narrowed.
"You two seem in a hurry," he said in a monotone voice, looking at both of us skeptically.
"Lady Rose is feeling ill, her Chaos power is draining her energy and making her lightheaded."
Shadow accepted the response with a grunt, folding his arms across his large chest. His crimson eyes narrowed at me slightly.
"Very well. You need to retain as much energy as you can, so sleep well tonight. Your combat training starts tomorrow."
My heart flew into my throat and my nerves tied into knots.
LL patted my hand lightly, eyes wide as he studied my face "Oh Chaos, you do look pale." -he patted my hand as I stared blankly at him- "Thank you, Shadow, for letting us know. Send a messenger when you want her in the training facility. I'll be escorting her to her sleeping quarters now."
Shadow nodded to LL and bowed sightly towards me, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rose. I shall see you tomorrow."
With a tight lipped smile, I curtsied slightly and turned away. I couldn't move until LL tugged at my wrist and pulled me towards the exit again. The doors opened to reveal the dark hallway, only illuminated by the silvery moonlight entering from the windows. We rushed through, the temperature significantly cooler than the body-heated dining room. The doors closed tightly behind us and I settled into the dramatic change in atmosphere. Finally I could relax my muscles and uncoil into the blanket of silence. LL released my wrist, I quickly gathered myself and found my own comfortable pace as we walked down the moonlit hallway. Silently, I wiped away the layer of sweat that had gathered on my arms and pulled at my dress so it fit my more comfortably. I sighed loudly, finding myself suddenly able to breathe easier here in the hallway. A single pair of eyes studying her was much easier to handle than a hundred -and at least LL tried to do so inconspicuously.
"So, Miss Rose, what did you think of your first royal feast?" LL asked.
I could't tell if he genuinely wanted my opinion or if he was just making conversation. Either way, I was in no mood to talk anymore. All that would roll off my tongue would be complaints and promises and swears to never go to another feast again. I shrugged instead and feigned a head pain.
"I too noticed the many people with ceaseless curiosity," LL's was readjusting his button up shirt, "they are only surveying you. They want to know if you are a threat to them."
I looked up at him, but only caught the profile of his face, "Why are they worried about that? Isn't it the Chaos Guardian's role to assist and protect them?"
He sighed, "they world has changed in 300 years. People do not hold the same philanthropy, chivalry, and discipline that sculpted the kingdom of Solstice. We are now corrupt with people who want to posses. To take. To rule. They wish to control the weak, and command their own empire. Being able to manipulate the Chaos Guardian into doing their bidding would bring many followers."
I had to stop walking. My legs were becoming jelly underneath me, the full comprehension of the people I was dealing with weighed upon me. No one here could be trusted. Everyone was after me and this Chaos power I haven't even begun to understand. Covering my face with my hands, I stood their for a couple moments in silent despair.
"Lady Rose, you don't need to worry of that!" I could feel LL's body in front of me.
I couldn't look up at him. So much frustration and responsibility constricted my thinking, all I could do was close my eyes and wish it away and wonder how such a nightmare had been thrust upon me. Somehow, I had wronged Chaos and was now paying the price. I had to get out of this. I had to run away. I had no power! Does it look like I would be one to hold such extraordinary abilities? I was a fraud! I'm a peasant! A dirty, good-for-nothing, worthless-
"Lady Rose!" LL pulled my hands off my face to get my attention.
His eyes searched my expression, the lines of his face softened and melted into concern and regret. He took his thumb and pushed aside some water on my cheeks.
"Amy, I didn't mean to make you cry," he said in a soft voice I didn't know he possessed.
With the palm of my hand, I wiped away tears I didn't remember crying. LL took a handkerchief out of one of his pockets and handed it to me. Through bleary eyes, I accepted it, looking at the ground instead of at him.
"I understand this is a difficult time for you. This is a whole new world to you, a whole new power you're developing inside you," he pushed away some stray hairs that had fallen in my face, "Power is a magnet, Amy. It draws those who desire it. There are many power-hungry leeches in the castle, and I can't say you won't be confronted by them."
He lifted my chin so my eyes would meet his determined blue eyes, "I am here to guide you through this, to make sure you don't fall into any snares along the way. Many others are here in the castle, ready to assist you as well. Like I said before, you are not alone in this battle."
This was not the LL I knew. This LL was not a haughty Royal Advisor, a party animal, or a ladykiller. He was a real person; a person who cared. I used his handkerchief to wipe my runny nose.
"Now dry your tears, Miss Rose. You've had a long day, one of many. Let's get you back to your room." He patted my back soothingly and led me down an adjacent hall.
Minutes passed, I don't know how many hallways we weaved through. I had no idea where I was. My mind was numb, all I could do was look out the tall open windows and watch the tall trees painted with moonlight pass by. I held the handkerchief close to my chest, as if it were the one thing keeping me calm. I sensed LL around me, but never looked directly at him. I was too ashamed of my weak condition to show my face or speak of anything further to him. I was ready to lay down and sleep and never wake up. Tomorrow would just be another day of disappointment. I didn't have Chaos power, it was only a matter of time until the castle figures it out. Then they would execute me for being an impostor-
I bumped into something hard. I lost my balance quickly and fell back onto my rump. I was jolted out of whatever mindset I was in. I was followed by the crash of glass around me, I put up my arms and squeezed my eyes shut in fear of glass shards cutting me.
"Oh dear Chaos! I'm so very sorry, Miss Rose!"
I blinked a couple times, my world coming into focus around me. My heart faltered for a moment. A hand came down in front of me.
"Here, let me help you up."
I took his hand and he pulled me up in one graceful movement. I came face-to-face with Prince Sonic.
"My sincerest apologies, Miss Rose. I wasn't looking where I was going when I came around that corner." He took a quick look around at the glass around us, then his eyes swept over me, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
I hesitated for a moment, in awe by how close I was to him. By how handsome his features were up close and how gentlemanly he was being.
"Yes." I said. "I mean no- No, you didn't hurt me."
The flush of embarrassment caught up with me. I suddenly realized he was still holding my hand, so gently with such carefulness like he truly cared for my safety.
"I wasn't looking either, so it's not completely your fault." I laughed a little in spite of myself, blushing as I took my hand from his and knelt down to pick up the pieces of glass.
"Don't pick it up!" He grabbed my wrist with a compassionate grip. He pulled me up to face him again. "You'll cut yourself if you pick it up with your bare hands!"
The look on his face was one of bewilderment. Blushing even harder, I pulled my wrist back, assessing his reaction. His look of concern began to melt into a faint silly half smile, like my actions were amusing.
"I'll fetch a servant, your highness."
Sonic and I both noticed LL for the first time, only a few feet away from us.
"LL, that's quite alright-"
"Not to worry, your highness. I'll be back soon." LL said, turning on his heels.
As he turned away, I thought I saw a faint smile on his face.
"Alright then." Sonic mumbled under his breath.
It instantly hit me that the prince and I were alone in the moonlit hallway. Gripping my wrist tightly, I did my best not to fidget too much in my own skin. My heart was suddenly beating on overdrive.
"So, why leaving so early, Miss Rose? The party is still as lively as ever." Sonic asked, shifting his weight to his other foot.
I cleared my throat, "Well, I've just been feeling a little lightheaded. My energy has been draining from the -uh- union with Chaos."
Dear Chaos, did I just lie to the prince!?
"Is that so?" his genuine concern made me instantly guilty, "Are you feeling warm? Do you ache? Do you feel dizzy?"
His hand came up to feel my forehead with the back of his hand. I lost my breath at his touch, his soft hand cold against my skin. The silence between us dragged on as he lightly touched my forehead. I could feel his eyes moving along the curves of my shoulders and torso like a soft blanket across my skin, warming me from the inside.
I searched for words to fill the thickening silence between us, "I just...haven't gotten much rest."
He looked me in the eyes, letting his hand linger on my forehead. He breathed a deep chuckled, his perfect white teeth peeking out of his tired crooked smile.
"You slept for 2 days, Miss Rose. You should be craving more action."
I felt the sudden need to defend my position, almost angered that he would assume he knew more than me.
"I feel unrested. You don't know what's like to have your energy being funneled into Chaos power," I leaned away from his hand that had been lingering on my forehead, "It's quite a grueling process."
His jaw slacked the slightest at my comment and eyebrow raised as if accepting my challenge, "First day of being the Chaos Guardian and you're already exhausted?" He made a discontent scoffing noise, slightly tilting his head to the side to make his point. "You've got a long way ahead of you, Miss Rose."
He obviously hadn't realized how ticked off I was before he ran into me. My stomach boiled with anger and annoyance. I felt the tiredness under my eyes and in my limbs. Stress and exhaustion had ripped out the barrier that screened out all my frustrated feelings, I suddenly felt the need to vent them all to him in the most angry way possible.
All of my energy went into a retaliation.
"You say that as if you know what lies ahead of me," I crossed my arms over my chest, "Are you trying to say you were the former Chaos Guardian?"
His eyebrows scrunched together, "No. If you've forgotten, I'm prince of Solstice." He said as a matter-of-fact.
"Yes, and I'm Chaos Guardian of Solstice," I pointed to myselft, "The one and only in over three-hundred years. So please, don't disrespect me. I'm part of this castle now, too. I'm working just as hard -if not, harder- than you, your highness." I was nearly snarling on his title.
He opened his mouth to retaliate and I was there, ready to spew more insults at him. Then, he closed his mouth and prolonged a sigh, rubbing his hand against his forehead and squeezing his eyes shut.
"Okay," he sounded defeated, "I see we've gotten off on the wrong foot, I'm to blame for that, I'll admit." He sighed and looked at the ground where his glass had shattered. "Yes, it's been a long night. For both of us, I suppose."
I raised a teasing eyebrow at him, "Feeling tired, Prince Hedgehog?"
His emerald eyes flicked to me and a small humorous smile formed on his face.
"Well played, Lady Rose," he ran a hand through his blue quills, his strong chest rising with the deep breath he took, "I suppose I am quite tired, but if I remember correctly, you said you are feeling tired and ill." He dropped his hand from his blue quills, "I could take you on a walk through the gardens, it's a very soothing experience and it may help your pains."
I hesitated, wondering for a moment if I had heard him correctly. Blush instantly crawled onto my cheeks, my hands feeling suddenly clammy. I tried to breathe, looking away as I answered him.
"Um, didn't you say you were tired? A walk through the garden may be too much for you-"
"No, no, not at all," he rushed, "I mean, I sleep easier after a long walk through the gardens. Plus, it's the least I could do after being so unnecessarily rude to you."
I smiled nervously, my heart fluttering in my chest, "Well, that's quite thoughtful-"
"I'm back!" LL announced in a sing-song voice that shattered the silence.
I instantly burned everywhere. Frustration pushed against the inside of my chest, but I kept it hidden from my expression. Whatever moment Prince Sonic and I were having was long gone, I ached to steal it back and accept his offer. Instead, I pursed my lips and watched as two servants scrunched down and begin to pick up the mess. Sonic and I watched them work for awhile, a little mesmerized, until they got up, bowed, and scurried away with the pieces of glass. No eye contact was made.
Both of us turned to LL as if we were both caught doing something immoral. I could still feel the awkward nervousness and blush etched on my face as I stared at LL. Sonic must have mirrored something similar, for LL looked between the both of us with a skeptical eyebrow.
"Pardon me, your highness and your ladyship, but have I interrupted something?" he asked carefully.
"Not at all LL," Sonic's voice was stable and strong, "Miss Rose and I were just talking about her illness-"
"Oh dear Chaos! How could I forget?" LL slapped a palm on his forehead, "Lady Rose, I will gladly escort you to your room now. No more detours. I hope I haven't made your illness worse by keeping you from your bed. I'll get you to sleep right away, I'm sure you're exhausted."
My bones told me I was over the limit of exhaustion, but glancing at Prince Sonic, something told me I could stay up for a short walk.
"Of course. Perhaps sleeping is the best remedy for your illness tonight," hearing Sonic say that deflated my entire body. With a soft smile, he took my hand and squeezed it gently, "Goodnight, Miss Rose. Sleep well."
Once his warm hand left mine, I slowly gravitated to LL's side, holding his soft emerald gaze, "You too, Prince Sonic. Sweet dreams."
And with that, we went our separate ways. My heart still beat like a drum in my chest, the heat finally simmering away on my cheeks. Was I always going to be like this? This shy, awkward girl who can't find her place in the world? Never knowing who I am or what I was on this planet for. My existence had been invisible and insignificant until this point, and even now I wasn't sure if my destiny has changed. It had only taken one moment -being at the wrong place at the wrong time- and my entire life altered. It doesn't seem possible. Destinies don't change that quick. To be born in the dirt and come out a legendary warrior just wasn't possible, especially with me. My confidence level was zero, and everyone in the castle had a strong confident demeanor. LL, Scourge, Blitz, Shadow, the king, and especially Prince Sonic. I would be broken spirited within a week without that kind of boldness, and put to death once the castle finds out I'm not the true Chaos Guardian.
An invisible weight bore down on my shoulders. Folding over, I put two fingers to my temple to ease the painful pulse.
LL lightly guided me with a touch to my lower back. He led me down another hallway, which seemed to be getting darker with every step.
~ o ~ o ~
"Do you have any belongings you need to retrieve from the Wilder household?" LL said once out of earshot of Sonic.
I sighed away whatever feelings were lingering on my skin from meeting Sonic, "Um, maybe one or two things."
I really didn't own any of my own property because I was property. Every dollar I ever found on the ground, every flower necklace I ever made, every token of my lost family, turned into property of the Wilders. Having everything you ever loved taken away from you can be -to say the least- heartbreaking. In fact, I wasn't sure Vita even kept my belongings. The thought of her burning my most precious tokens of my family brought upon another wave of tears and a heavy weight on my chest. Just another drop of loathing to add to my bucket of hatred toward Vita.
Oh, how satisfying it will be to show her what I've truly become.
"We will be riding there tomorrow morning to retrieve your belongings. Also to annul your duties as a peasant to the Wilders," LL said.
Knowing the Wilders, the whole estate would be hectic with servants cleaning and tending the fields for the arrival of a royal. Kenneth would wear an overpowering cologne, one that he would say 'radiates power.' Vita would wear her brightest clothing, along with an excessive use of makeup. As if that wasn't enough to get attention, she would always show up late to meet the royals, just to make an entrance. It was pathetic, really. It made my blood boil watching her sashay to the royals and laugh like she was honored with their presence, when in fact she just wanted to earn extra money for her home.
Worst of all, they would gush at how much they were in love with each other. Now, being on the inside for almost my entire life, and hearing the screams, the crashing of dishes, and the threats -I can say they are far from being in love. Their shallowness knew no bounds.
I nodded numbly, "Will I be waking myself up?"
LL chuckle deeply, "I suppose the whole 'Lady of the castle' position hasn't set in yet. Here in the castle, you will be treated as royalty, and as royalty, you have people to assist you. They are servants, people who are loyal to your every command. If you ask them to do something for you, they will do it for you."
LL turned towards me with a simple smile, "So no, your servant will be waking you up."
I hesitated at the idea of commanding someone. I had been at the receiving end all my life. Never would I want to inflict that kind of dictation over someone else. Not that I could argue with LL against the wrongness of controlling a person. He had been living with loyal servants all his life. I decided to change the subject.
"Do I need to go to a dining room in the morning for breakfast, or will it be served to me?"
"Served to your quarters. Breakfast in the royal dining room will not be served until around 8. We will be leaving at 7 by carriage. I apologize for shortening your sleep."
I shrugged, "It's something I'm used to. Not a problem." I ran a hand up my arm and looked out the window, "Do they know?"
I could feel LL staring at me, "Know that you are coming? Yes, a postman delivered the message yesterday-"
"I mean of what I have become, a Chaos Guardian." -the name still didn't fit right in my mouth- "Do they know?"
LL spoke in a more hesitant voice, "Yes, I'm sure they do. The whole kingdom knows. They know your name and what you did at the Knighting Ceremony." LL sighed a little to himself, "I know this is a difficult subject for you. I'm sure once you get into the habit of doing things here, you will relax more-"
LL abruptly stopped his sentence. I turned from the window to meet his expression, but he had stopped a couple feet back. My heart shot up into my throat as he stared with a horror-stricken gaze towards an open door.
"LL?" My voice was urgent.
Then I heard a faint choking noise.
LL suddenly sprinted to the door, I followed behind him. The room was only moonlit by an open window, making the room full of blacks and blue-grays. LL fell to his knees next to the figure laying on his back in the dark.
"Your highness!" LL cried with a desperation I didn't know he was capable of.
I froze in the doorway, covering my heart with my hand, looking down at the motionless king. All the consequences fell on me at once.
The king was dead.
The throne would go to Alfonso.
The kingdom was doomed.
LL was pressing his hands on the king, searching for a sign on life. He frantically mumbled words under his breath, each sentence becoming more and more inaudible and turning into a desperate sob.
"Go get help!" LL cried, his voice cracking in the process.
I was going to ask him how and where do I get help, but my body propelled me from the room before I could think. Both ends of the hallway were empty. I could have screamed in frustration. Knowing that every second counted, I started sprinting down a hallway, hoping I would find help in time. How ironic this was, that the Chaos Guardian who's role is to help all, was searching desperately for the help she couldn't provide.
This may be just another sign that I was not meant to be the Chaos Guardian.
I ran faster.
~ o ~ o ~
Shadow and Blitz sprinted ahead of me, their speed graceful and determined as they turned down the final hallway to the king. As I ran behind them, I could easily imagine how they could battle alongside each other. Their emergency reactions were sharpened to be used in times like these. They take on a whole new persona; a stoic warrior's mentality that is ready to accept and tackle the worst of any situation. When I found them walking together alone in the hallway and told them what had happened, their was only a brief moment of shock and sadness -one easily seen etched in their faces- then they snapped into action. Their bodies came alive, alert, pulsing with limitless fighting energy. Had a sword been strapped to their sides, they would have reflexively drawn their swords and taken a strong stance. They demanded I show the way.
I was in awe, really. That with the snap of one's fingers, they were able to change their entire outlook and become fearless. Is that what they were planning to do to me? It seemed a fruitless effort to try to turn me into the fearless warrior they were.
Blitz and Shadow sprinted into the room, I followed a few steps later, breathing heavily. Shadow and Blitz just stood their, staring at the king that was still laying on the ground in the dark. The room was eerily silent, like the moment was wound up in a string ready to snap. LL was looking up at the Commanders with glassy eyes.
"Oh dear Chaos," Blitz breathed almost silently.
Shadow turned to Blitz, "get the healers."
Without hesitation, Blitz pushed past me and ran down the hallway. Shadow knelt down next to the King, on the other side of LL. Shadow nearly disappeared in the darkness of the room.
"Found any wounds?" he asked, LL.
LL could only shake his head.
Shadow put his fingers on the king's neck, looking away as he did so. He quickly turned back to look at the king's face.
"He still has a pulse," Shadow started moving with quicker, more hopeful movements.
My legs may have collapsed underneath me in relief had I not caught myself on the dresser nearby. I told myself over and over that their was still a chance, hoping that would calm my racing heartbeat and anxiety.
Shadow put his hands on the king's chest -one over the other- and began to press over and over again. He put his ear to his chest and lips, his body stiff and alert.
He turned towards me with such a serious expression, I flinched.
"He's breathing," Shadow said more to himself than to me.
He took his hands off his chest and turned over his shoulder more.
"He's breathing!" he yelled loud enough to be heard from the hallway.
The next thing I heard was Blitz and the healer's footsteps stampeding down the hallway like a group of horses. I shrunk into a corner where I was out of the way of the mass of people entering the room. Blitz was the first to stride in, looking as alive as ever from running.
"Thank the gods he's alive," he turned over his shoulder, "Healers. Here! NOW."
The healers hurried in with their supplies and took up space on both sides of his body.
Shadow looked through the group of healers worriedly.
"Whoa. Wait a moment!" he looked among the group of healers with concerned eyes.
"Where is the Master Healer!?" he yelled in outrage.
The group of healers flinched, some bowed on reflex. The younger-looking male spoke in a shaky voice, "M-my Lord, Mistress Kiya is helping the troops in the East-"
Shadow threw his fist at the nearest dresser, "Dammit!"
Everyone in the room -except Blitz- cowered at the sound of the dresser crunching under his fist. I didn't know weather to be in fear or in awe by his strength. The muscles in his arms were still flexing in frustration. His red eyes darted dangerously to the group again.
"If you let your majesty die here, so help me I will hunt you down and put a blade through all of your chests! Do you understand me?!" He yelled.
The group nodded and hurriedly went back to work on the king. Blitz went over and put a hand on Shadow's shoulder, whispering something in his ear. Shadow sighed in defeat and nodded his head tiredly, looking to Blitz with an expression of thanks. With a friendly pat on the shoulder, Blitz left Shadow to watch over the healers.
Blitz made his way over to LL, who was staring blank faced at the king's body. Blitz gently took hold of LL's arm and started leading the stricken hedgehog out of the room. LL kept his eyes on the motionless king as Blitz pulled him by his forearm, murmuring soothing words to him.
I decided it was best for me to leave my corner and go out the door with LL and Blitz. I scooted around a healer kneeling on the ground and went to LL.
"Don't you die on me, Naz!" LL suddenly said just before leaving the room. He laughed nervously to himself, "I should stop playing chess with you for scaring me this bad!"
Blitz patted his shoulder and I followed the two into the hallway, absolutely speechless.
~ o ~ o ~
The rocking of the carriage nearly put me to sleep. The gentle consistent bouncing, the uninterrupted silence -aside from the organic noises like the clopping hooves of the horses and the crunch of dirt under the wheels- and the slight warmness inside began to lull me to sleep like a mother would rock her baby.
I could feel the tiredness weighing heavily on my eyes. Every event of last night left an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. The last news I heard of the king was this morning, before I left with LL and some guards. The king was alive, but still dangerously verging on death. Lost in a deep, deep sleep. The healers have concluded that it was a heart attack from his chronic illness. The hope of a cure was still futile.
Adding to that unsettling feeling was the chilling reminder of the nightmare I had last night. I woke up in the middle of the night, covered in a layer of sweat and my heart racing. In my dream, there was whiteness. Pure whiteness and a dark silhouette of something -someone. A hand reached out to me, I felt the pull to reach for them touching my very core. A longing, a magnet, a desire -a rightness of it all. I reached out and grabbed their hand. An explosion of green light threw me back, I could feel sharp needles lining my arms. Blackness engulfed the edges of the whiteness, lightning cracked across the horizon, slowly descending on me. The silhouette faded away, its hand still reaching out to me. Suddenly black figures rose out of the ground before me. I was unable to move, I was paralyzed and defenseless against whatever creatures were charging at me. Something pulled me back by my hair, the back of my skull hitting the ground with a rough crack. The last thing I saw was a grimacing toothy smile lunging at my throat. One word hissed in my ear.
"Balance."
I cringed, feeling the coldness wash over my skin again. I took a shaky breath and blinked back into reality. My eyes settled on LL who was staring out the carriage window tiredly. I didn't have to ask to know he was awake all night. He led me to my room once I had nearly fallen asleep on a chair in the healing chambers, he said he would update me in the morning on the king's condition. When I awakened, he was absentmindedly stirring a bowl of oatmeal in the meeting room, faint grey bags under his eyes.
Looking at him now, it was impossible to tell if he was thinking or not. His blue eyes were glazed with a glossy coat, unmoving and unblinking. The sun hit his light fur at an angle so the shadows under his eyes were more pronounced. His hair was more ruffled and his shirt more wrinkled in the collar and sleeves. The once every-hair-in-its-place hedgehog was now tearing at the seams -it was difficult to watch.
"Do you go out of the castle very often?" Breaking the silence was not something I was used to. My own voice surprised me, but I did my best to act natural.
LL blinked a couple times, then slightly tilted his head towards me, his eyes still a lifeless blue.
"No. I mostly go to royal events or kingdom ceremonies, but not on personal trips." His voice was dry.
"Do you have a favorite place you've been so far?" I asked.
He looked at me for a long moment, studying me from the corner of his eye. Then he turned to look out the window and shrugged.
I searched my mind for something else to say, but it only came up blank. The silence dragged on. I sighed in defeat, knowing that I was only a bother to him at this point.
"I'm sorry I can't give you the time and space you need to cope with this." I said in a softer voice.
When he didn't make eye contact or say anything for a long moment, I turned and looked out the window.
"The king and I have been very close for many years," he said. I turned to look at him, but he was still staring out the window, lost in his thoughts. "We are dear friends, and I would lay down my life for him."
My heart dropped a little in surprise with the amount of conviction in his voice. He swallowed hard, but kept his gaze steady in the distance. I looked out the window, finding it hard to continue to watch the sadness wear away on his face.
"I know I can't save him from his illness, but I can help his legacy live on." There was only a breath or two between his sentences. His voice was suddenly clearer.
"I need your help more than you think. I hope you see that now."
Surprised by the sudden determination in his voice, I turned and found him staring directly at me. My heart jumped a little in my chest, this was the first time he'd stared at me -actually stared at me. He was acknowledging me as an actual person. His gaze was steady with mine, a respectful gaze given only to someone regarded highly. He didn't look past me or avoid eye contact with me like I was a peasant, nor did he he look at me from the corner of his eye with a annoyed or fearful gaze at new unwanted female Guardian. He was looking at me as Amy Rose.
A distance voice called out, "Approaching the Wilder residence, my lord!"
It was the driver up above. My gaze dropped to the floor, but I could still feel his desperate gaze heavy on me. I sighed as I felt the cart begin to slow down.
"You need my help," I said as the cart neared a stop. I looked up to meet his now surprised gaze, "and I need yours. Maybe we can work something out."
I held out my hand to him in offering just as the carriage came to a stop. LL looked at my hand, then at me. He took my hand and looked me dead in the eye with a smile that had seemed long gone.
"You won't regret this, Miss Rose," he winked at me, "I promise."
I smiled at him, only for it to disappear when the doors opened. LL stepped out the door with all the grace of a castle lord. I carefully made my way down the steps, and was helped to the ground by a guard.
I lifted my gaze to see the tall Kenneth Wilder on his knees, greeting LL with a bow. Something stirred inside me, a fear, a wrongness of my placement in front of him, a strangeness of confronting him.
Mister Wilder was a dark grey wolf with white markings on his chest, shoulders, and on the bridge of his nose, and although he was old -mid to high forties, perhaps- he did his best to keep the years from showing. After all, he only cared about three things: money, image, and reputation. A conceited man that was difficult to be around when things went wrong.
He was built like a typical businessman; clean shaven, built fairly well, and gregarious; and -when royalty was around- a major kiss-ass.
LL relaxed, crossing his arms over his puffed chest, "Morning, Mister Wilder. We will only be here a short time to pick up some the the Lady's belongings. Then we will be out of your hair and on our way."
Kenneth shook his head, "My lord, there is no need to be in such a hurry to leave! My wife and I are honored to have you here." He bowed briefly. "We humbly invite you into our home for a plentiful meal."
LL looked at the man skeptically, "Me, you say?" A playful smile formed on his face, like an idea popped into his mind. "Are you not aware that I am traveling with company?"
Kenneth's face lost its friendliness, like he had just been slapped in the face. His eyes darted to me only for a moment before he looked back to LL.
"Yes, my lord. I am aware. My apologies." His words were choppy.
LL suddenly bloomed with energy, "Yes! Allow me to introduce your new Chaos Guardian!" He waved me over next to him with a welcoming grin. I moved over next to him with a small smile, he moved his arms gracefully like he was presenting something valuable. "Lady Amy Rose, guardian of the Chaos emerald."
Kenneth was stiff in the shoulders, staring at me. "Lady Rose, an honor." He nodded his head like I was a complete stranger, just meeting for the first time. The lines in his face were tight, like he was holding himself back from saying anything further.
Just before LL could further his enjoyment of making Mister Wilder uncomfortable, a feminine voice nearly made my heart jump out of my chest.
"Oh! My lord! What an honor to be in your presence!" Vita sashayed down from the house to meet us.
Her arms were wide open, welcoming us as she made her way over. My heart was beating wildly in my chest, every instinct inside me told me to drop to my knees and duck my head. I stayed upright, watching her with a blank expression, but I scooted closer to LL.
She went to her husband and kissed him on the cheek with a giggle. They smiled at each other like they were a happy, loving couple. If only LL saw how they treated each other when there wasn't company. They can't speak to each other unless it's to criticize one another.
She dropped to her knees dramatically before him, "Lord Linnattan, you are even more handsome up close." LL smirked at her comment and she smiled larger.
"Yes, and what a coincidence. Your daughter thought the same thing."
Both their jaws dropped. LL played on as if he had said nothing important.
"Have you met your new Chaos Guardian?" he presented me to her.
She got off her knees and gaze me with a look of surprise. I waited for her features to harden and for her to give stiff, short answers just as her husband did.
She embraced me in a hug, "Oh, Amy! My little sweetheart, I am so proud of what you've become!"
Never had she said my name with so much gentleness. Never had she touched me with so much friendliness. Never had she be proud of anything I've done. My skin crawled under her embrace, I didn't think I had ever been this close to her before. My mind raced, I was completely still and tense, I know she could feel it.
She took me by the shoulders and looked me in the eyes. Her dark brown eyes outlined with black eyeliner where I had seen anger more than any other emotion were now looking at me with an unfamiliar gentle gaze.
"I knew you had special talent inside you," she turned to LL, "I raised this little sweet darling, you know. I cannot bear to part with my little Amy for very long."
Suddenly I saw the angle on the whole 'sweet mother figure'. Out of the corner of my eye, a new sarcastic grin formed on LL's face.
"Is that so?" LL said.
Vita twirled to LL, her orange and red patterned dress skirting around her. Her dark hair swung over her shoulder.
"Why of course, your lordship! This girl has relied on my guidance for years! She cannot go wandering the castle without my assistance!" She put a hand over her chest, "I must be with her on this momentous journey."
The look on LL's face told me he wasn't buying one bit of her story. A faint smile formed on my face. I knew LL was going to enjoy whatever he was about to say next.
"Well," LL sauntered closer to Vita, his hands behind his back, "Miss Rose has told me stories about how you 'raised her'." He used air quotes around the words.
Vita's once smiling face sobered into a distressed expression, her face draining of color. LL's face was straight, "If I told the king how you treated the Chaos gifted Guardian of Solstice, he would have you and your husband living in the dirt for the rest of your lives."
He inched closer, a cynical smirk on his face, "So let's be honest with each other, shall we? You have no feelings for Amy and you're just a witch who greeds for money and attention."
I could see the witch emerging from her features; her face reddening, her mouth gaping, and her body tensing.
"How dare you-"
"And!" LL raised his voice above hers, "Your daughter sure enjoys getting around, doesn't she?" He laughed mockingly, "The last I heard from her, she was sleeping with a fat, dirty storekeeper to get some free food." He pondered a moment, "Actually, I take that back. Last I heard from her, she was screaming my name." He grinned a menacing smile.
Vita's hands were clenched, "You dirty son of a-"
LL held up a finger, "Ah. Ah. Ah." Vita was fuming while LL looked cool and relaxed, he knew who was control of the situation.
"I am Royal Advisor to the king." He straightened and snapped his fingers. There was a harmony of sliding metal, then soldiers were suddenly surrounding Vita and Kenneth, swords at the ready. They were speechless, mouth flapping in search of angry words they couldn't say.
"You don't want to mess with me." LL crossed his arms over his chest and stepped aside to bring attention to me, "Now kneel before Lady Rose."
Kenneth mumbled things under his breath, eyes burning with rage. Slowly he got to his knees and bowed. I knew it hurt his ego to be bowing to his former peasant.
Vita was defiant. She stood, stiffer than a board, her eyes burning through LL. It was noticeable how badly she wanted to spew words from her mouth, like an angry spoiled child that didn't get what they wanted. Her eyes darted furiously to me, but I felt no fear looking into them this time. LL was at my side to help me now, and picking a fight with LL was something she wasn't willing to risk.
With a screaming grunt, she got on her knees and bowed. LL clasped his hands together satisfyingly.
"Good," LL wasn't fazed in the slightest. He turned to me with a friendly grin, tilting his head in a gesture to the house, "you may get your belongings now."
I patted him on the back with a grin of thanks -although I knew both those gestures could not begin to represent the gratitude I felt towards him. I made my way up the dirt path to the house.
"Wait! What is she doing?! She cannot just invade my home-" Vita's whines were cut off by one of LL's retorts. I didn't even bother turning around, I was determined to find what I came here for.
~ o ~ o ~
"Well I had a wonderful time being here, Mister Wilder," LL walked around the crowd of guards, still poised to strike at Vita and Kenneth. "Believe me, I will give Eliza my warmest hellos from you next time I need to satisfy some urges." He winked at them.
I followed him to the carriage with my little wooden chest in hand. I didn't even bother looking at my former owners. I felt a confidence I haven't felt in years. I was taking back what was rightfully mine. What LL was doing for me could be considered revenge -which in some cases in wrong, I understand that. But considering what the Wilders have done to me for the past five years...I call this justice.
"This is robbery!" Kenneth yelled from where he kneeled, "You cannot just barge in and take what you want! I own everything on this land!"
LL waved me on to the carriage as he spoke to Kenneth, "The king can easily take away what you've been given." LL shrugged, "But for now, perhaps you do own what's on this land," he took a rolled up paper out of his back pocket, "but you do not own Amy Rose."
I had never seen a more beautiful sight than to watch my peasantry papers being burned by the lighter LL took from his back pocket. The freedom that swelled within me was more than I had felt when I learned I was a Chaos Guardian. The binding that kept me chained here was now broken, never again would I live another day as a peasant of the Wilders.
"Now, if I ever hear word of you dishonoring Lady Rose's name," LL gave them a cold hard gaze, "may Chaos have mercy on your souls."
I heard Vita whimper and Kenneth only stared at him with a deadly gaze. Neither of them were about to test the power of Chaos.
LL threw a hand over his shoulder and walked to the carriage, "At ease."
The soldiers all lifted their weapons at once and followed LL to the carriage. He opened the door for me with a gentlemanly smile, and I smiled in return, the happiest smile he's ever seen from me.
"So, I hope I have proven my worth with this and earned at least a little of your trust." LL said.
I couldn't stop smiling at him, "Yes, thank you. That- that was...they really deserved that." I tried to settle my thoughts so I could think. "That felt so good."
LL nodded, "after what you told me at dinner, I could not just sit there and let them off the hook," the carriage began its journey, LL settled into his seat. "So you got what you needed?"
I nodded, looking down at the wooden box my mother had given me when I was little. I unlatched it and pulled out the plush bunny doll Knuckles made me for my fourteenth birthday. LL smiled fondly at it.
Inside a secret compartment in the box was a letter from my mother, but I was not going to pull that out for him to read. Too many emotions would be brought up that I was not ready to handle right now.
I reached in and pulled out the light green amulet on a silver chain. The green jewel winked in the sunlight. An oval shaped jewel with a smooth surface, held in an intricate silver casing.
"Well that looks divine," LL said, looking it over.
I put it back in my wooden box, along with my bunny doll, "it's from my mother."
He nodded, and didn't ask anything more on the subject -which I appreciated.
"So you will help me maintain peace within the kingdom?" He asked after a long pause.
I nodded, "I don't know exactly how, but I will do what I can."
"That's all I ask," LL's smile was humble.
I started looking out the window.
"And Amy," LL called.
I looked at him.
"Trust?"
My lip twitched up tiredly, "More than before."
~ o ~
YAY FOR ACTUAL EXCITEMENT IN THIS CHAPTER!
Lots of words! You like? :D
Okay, to be honest, I didn't know WHERE I was going with Sonic's personality. I just didn't want it to be the cliche 'love at first sight' thing. I believe love has to grow with experiences. ^^ But more romance is on the way not to worry, my friends!
I am actually very excited to write the next chapter. Training with Shadow is sure to be very interesting. ^^
Okay, I think that's it...drop a review if you'd like! It gives me inspiration! :) Thank you all and I'll see you in the next chapter!