Here's the next chapter! And I'm sorry if it's boring, but it's the best I could come up with.

Amy's first thought upon awakening was that she didn't remember falling asleep. Her second thought was that she ached all over, as though she'd been in a fight or something. She shifted slightly in an attempt to lessen the pain, but that only make the aching intensify, so she stopped.

What happened? She wondered. Where am I? Have – have I been kidnapped?! Her heart rate sped up in panic, only to return to normal when she realized how foolish that was -after all, it was unlikely that any kidnappers would be considerate enough to provide her with a soft bed like the one she could feel she was currently lying on.

A strange noise – a sort of combination of squeaking and snoring – caught her attention, and she somehow managed to force her eyes open, blinking several times to allow her vision to adjust itself to the change in light levels. She slowly started to push herself into a sitting position…only to instantly regret it as pain flared in her ribs and caused her to cry out.

Peppermint, who had been dozing on the bedside table, shot awake with a startled squeak. Seeing Amy sitting up clutching her ribs, she hopped from the table onto the hedgehog's pillow, chirping in concern.

"What?" said Amy, frowning at the Chao. "Who - ?" Then the fog that had descended upon her memory disappeared, and she smiled in recognition. "Peppermint!" she cried, turning slightly to face the Chao…which turned out to be a big mistake, as the pain in her ribs spread throughout her whole body. She cried out again, causing Peppermint to flutter over to her chest and try to gently push her back down onto the bed. Amy didn't try to fight it, and allowed herself to lie back down.

"Heh, ok, sitting up, big mistake." she said with a short laugh, then looked up at the Chao, who was hovering in front of her face. "Um…is your mistress here?"

Peppermint chirped, shaking her head.

"Well, what about that…" Amy paused, trying to remember. "That girl?"

Another chirp, another shake of the head.

"So…it's just you and me?"

This time a nod as well as a chirp.

"Ok. Well…um…" Amy hesitated, unsure what to say next – it wasn't easy having a conversation with someone who could only talk in chirps and squeaks. "I…uh…"

It was then she noticed how dry her throat felt. "Um…I don't suppose you could…well, maybe…get me some water, please?"

Peppermint squeaked and saluted (making Amy giggle slightly), then fluttered over to the door. Taking the handle in both hands, and planting her feet firmly on the wood just below it, she pushed down on it as hard as she could. The door remained closed, however, her weight obviously not enough to open it.

"Oh!" Amy gasped slightly, seeing the flaw in her request, and mentally cursing herself for not realizing it sooner. "Hang on," she said, throwing off the covers and getting out of bed. "I'll help…" She swayed slightly and clutched the bedside table for support, the brief adrenalin rush disappearing as quickly as it had occurred and the pain from before returning with reinforcements.

The mint-green Chao, noticing her charge was up on her feet, squawked in panic and flew over to the hedgehog, shaking her head and waving her arms frantically.

"Don…don't be silly…" Amy said, forcing herself forward, wincing with every step. "I can manage…a few…" She got no further than that, as her legs gave out from under her and she pitched forward, falling to the floor.

Peppermint let out another high-pitched screech, the sound making the ache forming in Amy's head intensify, but she paid it no mind, heaving herself onto her elbows and shaking with pain, although she tried to stop. "I'm…I'm ok…" she gasped out. "Just…need to…"

Despite her best attempts, however, her strength gave out completely and she collapsed again. Peppermint landed and hopped over to her, shaking her and squeaking in concern.

The hedgehog lifted her head slightly. "'M…'M fine…" she slurred out, before dropping her head back onto the carpet. "'S'not so bad 'ere." And indeed, she did feelkind of comfortable lying there. Maybe, if she just fall asleep again right there, it wouldn't hurt. Only for a little while, though, and she'd be up in no time...Yeah, just 5 minutes, she thought to herself, before allowing herself to fall into the welcoming black abyss.

The floor had somehow become soft and warm when she next regained consciousness. At first, she was unsure what had aroused her, then she heard the sound of voices swimming in and out of her hearing – well, actually only one voice and a series of chirps. They were conversing very, very quietly, for which she was grateful, because her head felt as though it would explode if she was forced to listen to anything louder than a whisper, and she was too tired to care very much about what they were saying, anyway. She tried to block out the noise and go back to sleep, but it was difficult to get her mind to shut down now that she was wide awake, and added to that she felt more thirsty than before. Surely whoever was talking wouldn't mind if she got a glass of water to quench her thirst and (hopefully) return to a dreamless slumber.

Opening her eyes – and snapping them shut a second later as bright light assaulted her vision - she tried to sit up, but her ribs and limbs erupted in pain, causing her to moan in pain. A second later, she felt somebody putting their arms around her, gently helping her into a sitting position, placing another pillow behind her back.

"Easy, now." said a soothing voice. "You have quite a long way to go before you are completely healed."

That voice…so familiar…"S…Soniku?"

A slight movement, as though the person holding her was shaking their head. "No, I am afraid not."

Then who…? Suddenly, as though somebody had opened a door in her mind, memories came flooding into her head. She had woken up thirsty, asked Peppermint to get her a drink, tried to get up and open the bedroom door, and then passed out. As to the identity of whoever was supporting her, the Chao was too small to do so, and in any case did not possess the ability to speak, so that left… "M…Madame Unazuki?" she whispered, forcing her eyes open for the third time, and lifting her head very slowly to look into the face of the kindly swallow.

"Yes, Amy Rose, it is I." the swallow nodded. "How do you feel?"

"Honestly…I hurt everywhere." she admitted raspily. "My ribs are throbbing, my muscles ache, and my throat feels as though there's a desert in my mouth."

"Well, I think I can do something about the last one." The Madame turned away slightly, reaching over to pick up a glass of water that was stood on the bedside cabinet. Turning back to the hedgehog, she gently placed the edge of the glass against Amy's mouth.

Amy took a small sip, then as the cool water washed over her lips, drank with greater urgency, as though she'd forgotten how delicious water could be.

All too soon, in her opinion, the glass was removed from her mouth. "That is enough for now." said Madame Unazuki. "Too much at once, and you are likely to be sick." She returned the glass to the cabinet, then addressed Amy. "Feeling better now?"

Amy considered, then nodded, smiling slightly. "A little, thank you."

The swallow smiled back. "That is good to hear." Then her smile faded, and she became more serious. "Now, I hate to ask this, after you have just awoken, but what, exactly, did you think you were doing?"

Amy looked down, feeling sheepish. "I'm very sorry, Madame Unazuki. I know I probably shouldn't have been out of bed, but I was just so thirsty, and –"

"No, Amy Rose, that is not what I meant. I meant to say, what did you think you were doing, taking on 3 opponents by yourself?"

"Huh?" Amy tilted her head, confused. What did the Madame mean? Then it hit her. "But...with all due respect, Madame Unazuki, I had to do something. I mean, Diamond Dust were ganging up on an 8-year-old!"

"And it never occurred to you to fetch help? Or wait for me to return, or even to call the police?"

"I couldn't! They'd already started beating her up by the time I got there! If I'd waited, or even darted upstairs for my phone, they probably would've KILLED her, or at least put her in a coma!"

"That does not alter the fact that you could have knocked on a door and asked the resident for assistance."

"But I don't know anyone else around here, apart from you! If I had asked, they might not have agreed to help!"

The Madame had to admit that the possibility was more than likely. After all, unless she was mistaken – and she seldom was – nobody had intervened on behalf of a frightened, defenseless 8-year-old except for the wounded hedgehog she was currently supporting. Not that she was surprised, of course, as she could probably count the number of people who dared to stand up to Diamond Dust (herself and Amy Rose excluded) on one hand. And that wasn't an exaggeration; it was the truth. It seemed that as far as the townspeople were concerned, as long as they didn't interfere with the street gang, they themselves would go unharmed.

Her reverie was broken when she realized Amy Rose had spoken to her. Judging by the worried look on the hedgehog's face, she had obviously asked an important question. "Yes?" the Madame prompted, in the hopes that the question would be repeated.

Instead, the worried look was replaced with one that was a combination of shock and dismay, and the swallow realized that not only had she inadvertently answered the question; the answer itself had not been the one Amy Rose had wanted to hear.

Amy didn't say anything, but Madame Unazuki felt her slump slightly. "I should've been faster," the hedgehog whispered in a dejected voice. The Madame didn't need to ask what Amy was talking about, but before she could say anything, the hedgehog continued. "She got hurt because I didn't get there in time to save her. This is all my fault."

Madame Unazuki felt she should nip this in the bud before it got worse. "I believe," she began, "that we have experienced a minor miscommunication."

"What?" Amy now looked confused. "But, Madame Unazuki…you just told me -"

"No, Amy Rose, I do not, in fact, know what I just told you. You see, I was rather preoccupied with my own thoughts to pay much attention to your question, and for that I apologize. I did not mean to cause you any unneeded distress. Now, forgive my asking, but what exactly did you believe I had told you?"

"I…I thought…" Amy paused slightly. "Actually, it sounds kinda silly now…"

"Tell me anyway."

The hedgehog shifted slightly in embarrassment. "Well…I thought you told me she was hospitalized."

"Then I am glad to inform you that you are wrong. Although, I must admit, had you not intervened, she might have ended up in a far worse condition than she did. As it happens, she received no more than a few bruises, which should fade within 3 days or so."

"Um…I don't wanna sound rude, but how exactly can you be sure of that?"

Madame Unazuki felt an uncharacteristic urge to roll her eyes. "Who do you think tended to you both? If I may say so myself, I am rather good at creating potions and medicines to tend to the sick or wounded, even if I am not a qualified medic. Or did you believe that those bandages simply materialized out of nowhere?"

Amy ignored the sarcasm in the last remark. "Well, if you're certain –"

"I am."

"– Then I guess I won't have to worry." She giggled slightly, to cover up her remaining embarrassment. "Not that I probably should have worried, seeing as how I don't really know much about her."

"Do not say that, Amy Rose." the Madame gently chided. "This is my own opinion, but I find the fact that you WERE worried about someone you met only briefly quite admirable. There are not many who would choose to help a stranger in distress."

Amy's confusion returned. "But, didn't you just say about 5 minutes ago that I shouldn't have intervened?"

"Only because you tried to help someone by yourself, with no-one to help you if you got in trouble, which you did. And while I still wish you had gotten help, it was very brave of you to help a stranger in peril – indeed, if more people were like you, perhaps the world would be a far better place."

Amy blushed. "Please, Madame Unazuki, I'm no hero. She needed to be rescued from those thugs, and I stepped in to defend her. Any noble person would do the same, I think."

"Perhaps, but they did not do so this time. And as for not being a hero, I am certain our little raccoon friend would disagree."

"Maybe, but – " Amy's words were cut off by a loud growling noise. It took her a moment to realize that a) it was coming from her stomach, and b) she hadn't eaten since breakfast, which had been who-knew how long ago. "Um, sorry about that." She murmured, blushing for the second time in as many minutes.

"No need to apologize, Amy Rose. In fact, perhaps I should be apologizing to you. It is past lunchtime, and I should have remembered earlier. Now, your stomach will not yet tolerate anything too heavy, but I am sure I can come up with something simple."

"Oh, no, you've already helped me enough. You don't have to – "

"I know I do not have to, but I want to. Please, allow me."

Amy was about to protest, but her stomach growled again, louder this time, so she decided it would be easier to just give in. "Ok, if you insist."

"Excellent! Oh, and before I forget, there is someone who wishes to see you." This last was said as the Madame got to her feet and headed over to the door.

"Really?" Amy asked. "Who – " But her question was quickly answered when Madame Unazuki opened the door and Peppermint came zipping in, heading straight for Amy and throwing her tiny arms around the hedgehog's neck (although not without being careful of her injuries).

The Madame chuckled at the Chao's enthusiasm. "She has been worried about you since you passed out. When I arrived back after escorting our little acquaintance home, I found her literally hovering over you, and I must say, I thought I was going to have another patient on my hands - she was so hysterical, she nearly fainted."

Peppermint briefly paused in her snuggle attack on Amy to give the swallow a reproachful look, but the only response was a very not-at-all intimidated chuckle. "It is no use trying to deny it, Peppermint, you forget I was a witness to the entire thing. But come, this is not getting lunch prepared." With that, Madame Unazuki left the room.

As the faint sounds of porcelain clattering and cutlery clinking emerged from the kitchen, Amy turned her attention to the little Chao clinging to her as though the hedgehog would disappear if she let go. "Were you really that worried about me?"

Peppermint nodded so fast her head was little more than a blur.

"I'm sorry about that. I just wanted to help you with the door – I didn't mean to cause you concern."

Peppermint let out a series of squeaks and chirps, which Amy took to mean "Don't worry about it.", and patted the hedgehog's cheek, giggling when Amy looked cross-eyed at her, which in turn made the hedgehog giggle. "So, does this mean I'm forgiven?"

The Chao appeared to consider this for a moment, then nodded again.

"Well, good to see you don't hold grudges." Amy joked. "Don't worry, though, I have a feeling we won't be seeing those 3 bullies for a while. I mean, your mistress scared them pretty good last time, and she must have done so this time."

A shrug from Peppermint, as if to say "I doubt it."

"Hmm. Guess we'll just havta wait and see." At that point, Amy's attention was diverted by Madame Unazuki re-entering the room carrying a tray, upon which was a steaming bowl of vegetable soup, a roll, and a small cup of tea.

"Now, here we are, Amy Rose – a light repast to tide you over until you are to eat heavier foods again."

"Thank you, Madame Unazuki." said Amy, gratefully taking the tray from her hostess. For several minutes, the only sound that could be heard was that of eating, as the hedgehog eagerly tucked into the food, while the swallow just sat watching her, looking as though she was contemplating whether or not to ask something. Finally, Madame Unazuki sighed. "I am sorry to have to intrude on your personal life like this, but, if I may ask…who is Sonikku?"

Amy was prevented from answering straight away, as she accidentally inhaled a mouthful of soup in shock, and had to be slapped on the back for several seconds as she broke into a coughing fit. Gasping for breath, she looked up at the Madame. "D-did you j-just say S-Sonikku?" she gasped out.

The swallow nodded in affirmation. "I did. You see, you mentioned that name as I was tending you, and I believe that whoever they are, they are very dear to you – in fact, and I apologize for being presumptuous, but it is my personal opinion that they may even be the reason you ran away. So, do you wish to enlighten me?"

Amy bit her lip as she considered. She knew that she couldn't keep the identity of the guy who had broken her heart a secret forever (it was just good luck that Madame Unazuki hadn't connected 'Sonniku' with 'Sonic'), but she didn't know if she was ready to divulge that piece of information yet, not when the pain was still too raw. "With all due respect, Madame Unazuki, I'd rather not tell you."

"You would not? But surely –"

"Please, Madam. I'm grateful for all you've done for me so far, and to be honest, I don't think I'll ever be able to repay all the kindness you've shown, but I'm afraid the answer is no. It…it's a very sensitive subject for me, that's all."

The Madame raised an eyebrow slightly, but decided not to ask any more questions, being only too aware of how Amy felt. "Very well, if that is your decision, I shall not pursue the subject. But if you ever wish to talk about it, I am always ready to listen. Now, drink up your tea."

Pleased that the swallow had respected her wishes, Amy took the cup of now-slightly cool tea and drained it. The moment she put the cup down, she began to feel woozy. "Wh-why am I so sleepy?" she yawned. "I only woke up a few minutes ago."

"Nothing to worry about. I simply added a mild sedative to the tea I gave you. After all, sleep is one of the greatest healers for those who are sick or wounded."

"B-but I don'…wanna…shleep…" Amy slurred, feeling her eyelids starting to grow heavy.

"I know, but really, there is little you can do until you recover, and slumber will speed up the process slightly." Madame Unazuki gestured to Peppermint. "Let us leave now. She needs her rest."

Amy forced her tired eyes open, intending to thank Madame Unazuki, but the swallow had already left the room, accompanied by the mint-green Chao. Drowsiness won out, and the hedgehog fell into a deep slumber.

Well, whadda we think? Personally, I think I'm getting faster – it only took me 6 months to write this chapter!

Again, sorry if this was boring. But hopefully the next chapter will be more exciting, so look out for it!