I'm sorry, I've been busy. Updates will come in more frequently starting next week. Please check previous chapters for slight updates.

Sonic finally woke up. He slept in the room intended for him this time. Amy didn't visit him either. He grabbed his sword then walked over to his window to take a look outside. The weather was terrible. The sky was filled with dark clouds that emitted rain at an alarming rate. The wind was ferocious. It was so strong that it made the rain look like waves as it collided with the ground. He could also see lightning in the distance. This made him sad. He couldn't go out today, not in that weather. He really wanted to run around since he was in bed most of yesterday. After the hedgehog grabbed an apple from his storage, he decided to go check on everyone around the castle.

When he made it to the main hall, he saw Cream. She gazed worriedly outside one of the windows grasping a damaged note to her chest. She noticed Sonic's shadow then turned around.

"I was waiting for you. It seems we have a problem."

"What is it?"

"President Elise was on her way here very early in the morning but was caught off guard by our terrible weather. Her carriage got stuck and she sent this note by pigeon asking for help."

"I don't get it." Sonic crossed his arms and tapped the floor with his foot. "Why does she use a carriage to get around? When the army attacked Lavertium they had large, flying crafts."

"I don't understand it either, but it sounds like she's in trouble. She wrote that she took refuge in what appeared to be a small, abandoned village."

"It could be the old village of the fox clan. I'll start there."

He exited the castle without using anything to cover himself. Amy entered the main hall and saw Sonic leaving.

"Where's he going?"

"President Elise got stuck on her way here and Sonic is going to help."

"Should we send anyone else to accompany him?"

"Why? He should be able to handle this on his own."

"But what if he doesn't?"

Cream's mind clicked and then she looked at Amy with a smirk. Amy turned her head.

"You don't want Sonic to be alone with her, am I right?"

The jealous queen coughed. "No, I'm just saying that he might need help."

"Yeah, I believe you." Cream skipped off to her office. "Who are you trying to fool, me or yourself," she said before entering.

Amy pouted then went back to her throne room.

Sonic ran as fast as he could through the landscape. It was difficult due to the wet ground, but he managed and it didn't take him much longer to reach that abandoned village. He was surprised to notice that nothing was here. He didn't notice a carriage, horse, fire, or any signs of settlement. He decided to check every building before moving on. They were empty so he started to lose hope. In the last one, he saw that the fireplace was lit and someone was sitting at a table writing something. He didn't recognize the clothes. They were different. This girl was wearing a black dress with white trim. She had on a white tiara. Nothing was done with her hair. It was left to hang free. Sonic took a few steps forward. She heard them and turned around. It was Elise. She smiled and ran over to him.

"My note did reach the castle. I'm so glad that you came."

Sonic couldn't reply since he was still trying to get over her attire. The gloves she wore were different from yesterday. They had flower-pattern design near the wrist and were made from better materials. Her dress had an emblem sew on near the chest on the top-left. He guessed that was the symbol of Station Square considering that the logo was similar to what the Eggman of his time period used. The dress also prominently displayed her figure which is the main reason Sonic had to take a while to adjust. She had on a little makeup and that all compliment her features perfectly. Her white heels were also clean.

She stepped back then did a little twirl for him.

"Since Station Square never had a female ruler before, there wasn't an outfit for one. It took some time, but they managed to finish it last night. What I wore yesterday was older clothes."

"Oh," he replied. "You look beautiful. I like it."

"Thank you so much!"

Sonic sat down on the bed in the corner.

"Where is everyone else? What happened to your guards, the carriage, and the horses?"

"Ah, they went to go search for help."

"This doesn't seem right. Why would they leave you behind without any protection?"

Sonic got his answer. They both stood near the door as they heard horses approaching. She was about to open it but Sonic blocked her from doing so. He got in front of her and clutched the handle of his sword.

I have a bad feeling. The carriage is supposed to be broken so why is it not here? They left her alone in this abandoned village without protection. They must be planning something.

The door swung open and there stood three humans. They weren't in an army uniform. They appeared to be outlaws of some sort. The one in the middle pulled out a gun. Sonic immediately unsheathed his sword then swatted the gun out of the man's hand.

"We were paid to murder her so stop impeding on our work," he said calmly. The other two just smiled and nodded.

"I knew it," Sonic screamed. "You will not be taking Elise!"

He jumped into action. All three of them decided to attack Sonic at the same time. He used his sword to clash with one. He punched one then kicked the other. The hero thought that the other two were weaker than the leader, so he decided to focus on them if possible. The humans regrouped then the two subordinates ran at Sonic together. He ran at the one on the left then whacked him with the hilt of his sword. He kicked the other and sent him on the other side of the room. The one he whacked with his sword got tired of this and pulled out the gun he had. Sonic just stood there. As soon as he fired off his shot, the hedgehog leaped out of the way just in the time. The bulled missed and hit the other one in the head. Elise was crying witnessing all of this. She never saw someone die right in front of her eyes before. Sonic ignored her and continued on. He had to protect her no matter the cost. He concentrated. His sword glowed blue. He swung it as hard as he could. A strong blast of air shot the other one through the wall. He collided with a tree outside and fell to the ground unconscious. Only the leader remained.

"Surrender now," Sonic ordered. "Killing is something I like to avoid."

The guy gave a wicked smile then pulled out a spare gun and aimed it for Elise. Since he was on the other side of the room now, Sonic couldn't get there in time. The gun fired, but the bullet stopped in midair before reaching her. She stood up with her head lowered and pulled out her necklace. The jewelry had a strange, white jewel at the end of it. This jewel separated from the necklace then elongated into a staff. Both Sonic and the assassin couldn't believe their eyes. She grasped the staff then twirled it like a baton. She pointed it at the hired killer. A flame formed at the tip. It shot at the man, setting him on fire. He ran around while screaming in agony. He jumped outside. The rain barely managed to douse the flames. She stood over him with her staff.

"Leave this place and I will spare your life."

He quickly got to his feet then ran at a speed eclipsing a horse. Sonic finally opened his mouth and said something.

"President Elise is a magical girl."

"What did you call me?"

Sonic turned his head. "Nothing."

She waved her staff. A clear bubble formed around her. She ordered Sonic to get close to her.

"This barrier will protect us from the rain. If you don't mind, please carry me to your castle."

Back at the castle, Cream was starting to worry. Sonic was gone longer than she expected. She paced the hallway, waiting for his return. Blaze came downstairs. She had control over her arm now, but it still hurt so she kept it wrapped. She stopped Cream in her tracks.

"What's wrong with you?"

"I hope Sonic and President Elise are fine."

"Relax, they will be fine. Sonic is a very strong person. I'm sure he can protect her."

Through the doors came Sonic holding Elise. He screeched to a halt. She waved her staff to make the barrier disappear. The staff shrunk back into a jewel which automatically flew back to her necklace. Everyone then walked to the throne room. Amy was here hard at work with Knuckles and Miles preparing for tomorrow's registration. Once they all gathered around, Sonic told the story of what happened. Everyone was very interested and decided to comment once he finished.

"I thought most of your nation was happy about the changes that you want to make," Amy asked. "Why would someone try to assassinate you?"

"I guess there are people within the country that still prefers the old foreign policy." Elise sat in the chair that Sonic usually sat in during these meetings. Normally, he'd make it clear that that was his seat to anyone who sat in it, but he didn't tell Elise a word and just stood. "I didn't expect this."

"What will you do now," Blaze inquired. "It seems dangerous to go back home."

"I have to go back. I must see my vision through. I won't let a few non-believers stop me."

Cream walked over to her and patted her on head. "You sound very brave, but your demeanor tells a different story. It's fine to be afraid."

Elise broke into tears and cried on Cream's shoulder.

"How is Cream so good at this type of stuff," Knuckles asked. "She's younger than all of us."

"I don't know," Miles replied. "But we need to figure out what to do with her for now."

"I will accompany you to Station Square," Sonic suggested. The whole room froze. "You need to go back and restore order, right? You can't go back alone, not after what just happened today. Let me go with you and ensure a safe return."

"But you can't," Amy ordered. She stood out of her throne for this. "Registration for the army is tomorrow. You are the main draw. Our citizens admire you. We need you to be there."

"Postpone it," he replied. "This is much more important."

Miles and Knuckles were saddened by Sonic's words since they worked hard for tomorrow, but he was right. Protecting Elise was more important than army registrations. They agreed, but Amy didn't.

"What if we are attacked again without you being here to defend us?"

"You guys sell yourselves too short. Miles has his family powers. Knuckles is a great warrior. Blaze is also a competent fighter with her own task force hidden throughout the castle, and I'm sure they are prepared in case Pope Silver comes back with his old tricks. You are an excellent mage. I'm sure if you all work together, you will be fine."

"What if something happens to you?"

Elise stood up. "Sonic just saved my life today. I come from a long line of wizards who were part of the original founders of Station Square. I will also watch over him and protect him at the cost of my own well-being. I at least owe him that much."

"Are you strong enough to do so," Amy teased.

Knuckles smiled. Miles stood there with his mouth wide-open. Blaze closed her eyes and shook her head at Amy's statement.

"Please don't do this," Cream begged. "Don't let your desires get the best of you."

They both didn't listen.

"I will prove to you that I'm strong enough to aid him in any way you choose," Elise replied.

"Very well then. Tomorrow we duel in my courtyard. If you win, you can take him with you. If you lose, you go back alone."

"I accept."

Blaze bumped into Sonic. "Please stop them," she whispered.

Knuckles bumped into him from the other side. "Ignore Blaze. I have ten rings on Amy."

"I have ten on Elise," he replied.

They shook hands on the deal. Blaze walked out of the room disgusted by the two. Amy immediately grabbed Knuckles by his left arm.

"Hey, where are you taking me," he screamed as he flailed around.

"To the dining hall. You will spar with me there."

"Surely you jest!"

Sonic lead Elise upstairs on the tower where his room was located. He invited her in then got another apple from his storage. He sat on his bed then crossed his legs.

"Why did you agree to fight her," he said while munching on an apple. "You didn't have to. I would have gone with you anyway."

Elise sat at his desk. "I get the strange feeling that Queen Amy hates me for some reason. If I defeat her tomorrow, I hope I can get her to talk to me."

"Are you sure you can beat her? I'm worried about you both. I've seen some of Amy's power and it's very strong. I don't know about you, but you seem strong as well. I can sense it. I don't want to see either of you get hurt."

"Don't worry about that. So, why did you bring me up here?"

"Oh, this floor has empty bedrooms so you can take any one you wish. I guess Amy and Cream were so caught up in the moment that they didn't tell you."

"I shouldn't claim a room since I'll only be here a day. How about I sleep with you instead?"

Sonic dropped his apple. "What did you say?"

"How about I share this room with you instead?"

"I have no problem with that. You can take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor."

Elise stared at it. "It's a very large bed. We can share it. You don't have to hurt yourself sleeping on that floor."

"Ah, ok," he said nervously. He walked towards the door. "I have to go do something. I'll return later."

Miles and Cream were standing outside his door. It was very difficult for them to hold their laugh in. Cream was on the verge of exploding. Miles covered her mouth then carried her downstairs.

Blaze walked towards the stairs that lead to her room. The dining hall was on her way there. Her curiosity got the better of her so she peaked in. Knuckles had his sword ready and Amy prepared her scepter.

"Do we really have to do this," Knuckles asked. "I feel like taking a nap."

"Yes. I'm not going to lose the only two free male hedgehogs to humans."

"That's your reason? You don't even seem to like either of them."

She lowered her scepter. "I like them both, it's just I'm having trouble choosing."

Knuckles walked over and touched her shoulder.

Maybe I can talk my way out of this.

"I don't understand why you are even considering King Terios. That human girl is all he ever thinks about. You have no chance."

"You might be right, but still I don't know."

"Sonic hasn't been taken yet. You still have a shot with him. You just need to straighten up and lay your intentions on the line. If I was Sonic I'd be puzzled right now. This cute queen who I've agreed to work for and have put my life on the line for has never responded positively to my actions, not to mention the rejection in my bedroom. I'd think you didn't like me at all."

"I know I've been sending him mixed signals, but that's just because I've had Terios in my mind as well. I don't even know why myself."

"Stop with that and choose Sonic. He's still within your grasp. You just need to be direct."

Amy smiled. "You haven't given me advice in years. This feels like old times."

"Well, I just thought you needed it."

"You are correct. If I win tomorrow's duel, I can show him my appreciation and he'll fall for me."

"There you go."

"Now then, let us begin sparing."

The general sighed.

My plan failed. I cheered her up, but she still wants to practice for a different reason.

Sonic stood near the castle's entrance. He tried as hard as he could, but he didn't understand Amy's actions. Was she jealous? No, that couldn't be. She never displayed signs of affection for him. Did she hate Elise for some reason? That couldn't be it either. They barely know each other. He thought long and hard. His companion, Miles, joined him outside and sat next to him. The fox could tell something was wrong so he decided to pry.

"You are worried about the queen, right?"

"She confuses me. Why would she react that way?"

"Sounds like jealousy to me."

"That's impossible. She can't like me."

"You never know. She might."

Sonic stood up. It took him a long time, but now an obvious realization struck his mind.

"As you know, I'm a time traveler. I come from the future. When I find the Chaos Emeralds, I'll have to go back to the future. Maybe it's best that no one likes me during my stay here because I won't remain in this time period."

"I've always wondered, do we survive in the future?"

"That's another thing. Almost everyone I've met so far has a future counterpart except for Elise. This comes back to my previous statement. There is an Amy in the future, one that actually likes me. I can't fall in love with her ancestor, not if I plan to return."

"I see. This does sound very difficult."

"While they look the same, the Amy of this time period is completely different. She's more mature, more reserved, stronger than the one I'm accustomed to. I would be a liar if I said I didn't prefer her more than the one in the future. On the other hand, you have Elise. Now there's something here I must mention, there aren't any human girls in on our continent in my time period. Humans live on a different continent and occasionally we would be attacked by Robotnik's descendant in an attempt to take over our continent. That's it. He's the only human we ever see. Elise struck me with her looks and on top of that she's much nicer than Queen Amy. I've never been more confused. If Queen Amy would just give me a sign I'd probably choose her despite what I said before, but the more time I spend with Elise the more the scale tips in her favor."

"As much as I'd like to, I can't give you advice. I don't know what to say."

"I didn't expect you to. I just wanted someone to discuss this with."

"I owe my clan's well-being to you. You sacrificed your freedom for us. I will help you with anything no matter what it is."

"Thanks, buddy. When I get back from my visit to Station Square, I'll need you to do something for me."

"What do you mean? Elise has to win the fight first."

"I plan to go even if she loses. No matter what Queen Amy says, I will still help Elise. She's a friend. I won't turn my back on a friend."

"Please be careful on your journey."

With that out of the way, Sonic turned to a less important matter.

"I have something to ask you. Can I sleep in your room tonight?"

Miles was trying very hard not to laugh. "Why?"

"Elise will be sleeping in mine. I obviously can't sleep with her. Not because I don't want to, but because I don't want it to look like I'm choosing sides. I want to help Elise because I agree with her vision of the future and she prevented a close call today. I owe her."

"I understand. I will stay with my family for the night. My room is yours. Good luck tomorrow."

"I'm not even fighting."

"But you are the one affected by the fight the most so choose your actions and words wisely."

The fox walked back into the castle. Sonic stared aimlessly at the landscape.