Hello! Yes, I am not dead, but a bit regretful. What was thinking, taking AP and Honors class D: Sorry this had taken so long to update, but school and family life is really weighing me down. But here it is, so be happy!
Lina: Hey, Queen of the Lazy idiots, didn't you want to tell them something else?
What? Oh, yes, well as you all know there is probably only one or two chapters left in this series, and I can't help but thank you all for joining me on this adventure ( although this story was very unplanned and literally pulled out of my butt 89% of the time). A special thanks to: Violinguy95, TheExceptionalClub, brittney THE hedgehog99 , BeautyandtheNerd, Sonamy550, MaD aS a HaTtEr 14, kiba the dark wolf, Yomoma101, sonic girl 18, and lovelycouplelover, for adding my stories and me to their favorites.
Just a little head us though, this chapter has some very...foul language at the beginning, however it is for emphasis and cannot be avoided. So children, shield your eyes!
Lina: From your face!
Jerk!
Lina: No other characters besides Kiya, Hecate, and Sophia belong to us. Blitz the Hedgehog own Blitz, Comrade Athelwine own LL, And Sunny Airusu222 owns Sayo. The rest belongs to SEGA. Don't forget to check out their awesome stories.
Amy's chamber:
" Oh you're such a handsome women milady!" Kimberly complimented, trying to mask the pink girls discomfort with kindness.
Amy put her hands to her shrinking stomach and huffed, " T-Thank you..." As her corset was tightening like a boa constrictor, slithering up to her waist, suffocating her with each pulling of the strings.
"And so thin!" The seamstress beamed before putting her foot on Amy's back and pulling even tighter.
The pink beauty let out a feeble meep and breathing became arduous. "How can you possibly breathe in these things!" she panted like a dog in the heat.
The girl laughed, "Honey, you don't!"
Amy was going to faint.
" But no worries, you get used to it." she smiled sweetly as if to ease the stress on her body, tying the strings into a fancy bow at the end of her corset. " Now then, under garments are complete!"
" You mean there is more!" Amy whined, turning around to face her, the whale bone hoop skirt slowly circling behind her.
Kimberly rolled her eyes, " Yes! Unless you wanna go to your dinner rehearsal in your underwear!" She walked over to the bed where bundles of fabrics and accessories lay.
Amy grumbled, " I'd rather not go at all..."
" Don't make such a sour face dear or else it's gonna stick that way. And stop slouching!" The maid pulled Amy's hunched shoulders up and held her there for a moment. " Now put up your hands, I'm gonna put your skirts on."
Amy complied, but not happily. The fabric was cold and velvety like butter, but once on her hips they became heavy and irritating. It held so many layers of cloth and puffed out like a bell. " Would you like to see it so far?" Kimberly asked.
" I would like to see my feet." Amy was being very testy today.
Kimberly did not appreciate the attitude.
Her legs were beginning to feel hot and sweaty under this heat deathtrap. No air was flowing beneath her! She shuffled from foot to foot in discomfort, kicking her skirts childishly.
"Hands up."
Amy repeated her previous motion, her bodice sliding over her. She moved her arms through the sleeves that hung off her shoulders. It was transparent fabric, gold in color, yet fair in shade and held a small black bow. Amy was about to take the time to actually look down at her attire, but the tightening of yet more strings stopped her.
" Must there be more tightening?! "
The maid only pulled tighter. Once done Amy tried again to see her gown but failed when something was wrapped around her neck. She shot back up and placed her hand on the tight necklace that held three perfect roses. How original, Amy rolled her eyes at Hecate's choice of accessories.
" There." Kimberly stated, pulling a long mirror her way, positioning it before the girl.
It. Was. Gorgeous.
She couldn't believe her eyes at the sight before her. She looked like a princess from old fairytale's ready to go to their first ball to meet their prince. But she was not expecting her prince. She was expecting a beast.
Nonetheless Amy was stunning. Bathed in gold and black, strips of ebony and white ran down the center of her tight bodice with a small rose at the dip. Two strands of pearls on either side of the flower hooked around her body.
Her skirts had the same black strip in the center, golden over skirt held together with coal colored ribbon and bows. Amy gawked at her reflection; unsure as of whom this princess was looking back at her. Kimberly gave her the satin snow white gloves and pulled them onto her arms like a child.
Amy couldn't move she was so surprised. Her hair was cleaned, glossy and well kept, and the paleness in her face was masked with powders. Her lips coated in a waxy pink substance. She touched her face and then the mirror. This is not me... she thought to herself.
" And now for the icing on the cake!" Kimberly cheered, placing the golden circlet on Amy's head. The same one Hecate showed her the first day she arrived.
Amy burst into tears. " This isn't me! This isn't me! This isn't me!" She muttered in a personal mantra, hugging herself and crumbling to the floor.
" Milady!" The maid yelped, going to the woman's side, rubbing her arms while silently attempting to calm her.
" This isn't me! This isn't me!" Amy bawled into her gloved hands. She was going to be sick.
" What isn't you Milady? Please speak to me."
" This!" Amy pointed to the mirror. It's reflection held her on the floor, dress pooled around her, with tears streaking her once flawless face. " This is not me! I am not Hecate's little dress up doll that he can use whenever he wishes! This beautiful gown will be wasted on the wrong man's pleasure!" She was becoming hysterical, letting out wails.
It hurt. It hurt so much to cry out like that. To take all that had happened and simply let it all out sent spikes of pain through her chest and gut, and her body shivered at the heart wrenching feel.
" Please Milady, you must not cry! It will ruin your makeup-"
" To hell with the makeup!" Amy screeched.
Kimberly looked at her wide eyes. A fire never seen before burned behind them, and she barred her fangs at her. Her face looked angry, hopeless, and just downright lost. Her eyes lacked life; she looked like a zombie.
The maid rose from where she sat and slowly backed away, not taking her eyes off the disheveled girl.
" N-No, WAIT!" Amy beckoned, extending her arms out to the retreating maid. But it was too late; she was already out the door by the time she screamed.
She looked back to her reflection. That horrid, sniveling excuse for a lady looked back at her. What was happening to her?
This once strong and willful girl was now on the floor, crying her eyes out instead of fighting back. But she had run out of energy to fight, hadn't she? Covering her face she stood, pushing the mirror away so that it faced the wall.
I am a disappointment! Sonic would never approve if he saw me like this! She scolded herself, imagining what he would say if he witnessed her state. He would hug me. She smiled. And then whisper sweet nothings, telling me that I could overcome this. She could practically feel his arms wrap around her, engulfing her into his warmth. And all would be good. I would get back up, and fight. Yet here I am, broken down and beaten, no more fight in me...And it's his fault.
Her gut wretched in pain at the thought of him. She felt irked, the flames in her gut causing her to be sick. No words could possibly describe her revulsion towards him, the red spawn of Satan himself.
The corset was making breathing strenuous, crushing her ribs to the point where she feared they would break. She leaned against the wall, clutching her sides, trying to rip away at the article.
The door knob jiggled, but Amy's rage made her deaf.
Someone walked in, and as if on cue asked, " Amy, what is wrong?"
She looked up with eyes glowing with repulsion at a familiar scar.
" Damn you!" She shrieked, " Damn you, you monster!"
Hecate, not looking any different, gawked at the berserk woman. " Amy what are you-" He was silenced by her pounding her little fists on his chest.
How dare he speak to her in such a casual way! They were not friends by any means! She cried and struck him, not really doing any harm. Nonetheless she didn't stop her wails of passion, " You heartless bastard! Just let us all go!"
" Amy..." He whispered. It was disgusting! She wanted to shrivel up and die right there! Why was he acting so soft now, when the whole time she had stayed in this hell hole of a castle he treated her like dirt!
She looked up at him, waiting to see the dark of his eyes burn with frustration at her childish antics and yell at her. She wanted him to yell. To scream and scold her! It would make her feel dandy to see that she could chafe him as he did to her.
But there was no such look.
It was the damnedest thing, looking up into his eyes and not seeing the pyre of malice and rugged feelings. They were silver, just like in the picture she had seen before. Grey as storm clouds; pained and lost. Who was this man?
" Amy please, what is wrong?" He whispered, rubbing the back of his hand on her cheek.
Once released from this trance she spat, " Burn in hell," before sinking her teeth in his hand.
He yelped, pushing her away and cradling his aching hand. " You bitch! All I ever did was take care of you, and this is how you repay me!" He growled. She checked again. No, his eyes were not grey; they were the black pits of despair she had known for so long.
She scoffed," Yes, thank you so much for locking me in a room and forcing me to marry you! Nicest act ever!" She faked enthusiasm.
He marched over, grabbing her upper arm and pulled her up. She struggled in his grasp, grunting and clawing at his arm. " Shut up!" He commanded, " We have a dinner rehearsal to attend to."
" Fuck you!" She announced.
Never had she used such foul language, and it left a numbing feeling. It felt right.
He lifted his hand up as if to hit her. " Go ahead!" Amy insisted, " Strike me again you bastard! What more do I have to lose?!"
Hecate pulled her closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he instructed, " My little wife must learn to hold her tongue before her husband removes it. "
She drew out each syllable carefully while facing him," Go...to...hell..."
An unnerving smile played on his lips, and he joyfully said, " Silencio. " He put his hand over her mouth, pressing it onto her lips. She tried to yell in protest, but it felt like her lips were being sown together, and the sound never left her raw throat. He removed his hand and chuckled, striding over to the mirror with Amy still in his grasp.
He turned the mirror around, and she would've screamed at her reflection if she could! Her lips were gone! Replaced by more of her porcelain smooth skin. She put her hands to where her lips should've been and stared in fright.
Hecate leaned in, breathing against the shell of her ear. " Not such a sharp tongue now, eh?" His breath was hot and uncomfortable on her skin. " Let's go."
Fields:
" It's here?" Kiya implored, eying her silent cousin.
Sophia hadn't said a word since they left the spring, not in the mood to even enlighten the two. The bat nodded, pointing to nothing. " Walk through here and you will be in the forest. The Spring of Nightmares is to the north."
Shadow and Kiya made no advances to the area, instead choosing to watch Sophia sit on a nearby rock. She looked ten years older, and the sparks in her eyes were almost dead. She was holding onto herself like a scared child.
Kumiko Kiya was worried. " Sophia?" She asked, stepping forward. Her cousin said nothing. " Sophia is everything alright?"
"I'd like to apologize." She blurt out.
Kiya laughed, " Oh Sophia no need to apologize. It was my fault for speaking out of turn at -."
Sophia shook her head. " Not that. Although, I am sorry for that as well."
Kiya's smile fell and she tilted her head. "Then I can't say I understand cousin."
Sophia frowned, looking at the floor. " I think you have the right to know something before you go back... Something that will make you hate me."
Kiya stepped forward and disagreed. " You're family. I could never hate you."
" But this will," Sophia took a deep breath. She hid her face from them both and shook her head.
" I'm the one who resurrected Hecate."
...
...
...
...
"...W-What?..."
" It was a cold night, and my mother and I had gotten into another argument. About what, I don't remember, but I was mad...I tried to sleep, but this voice kept calling to me, kept giving me orders. It said it could grant any wish I desired, and like a fool I believed it...I was going to wish to have a different life, a different mother... The voice told me to visit a library at the edge of town, and it was empty when I arrived. Abandoned for years. It asked for a book that I found and gave me clear instructions. I was to deliver the book to someone in the future. ' It's impossible,' I would say, ' the spring won't let me do that!'. The voice had ways, and somehow was able to send me to the right time.
" I left the tome at a man's doorstep and felt satisfied, happy with my work. But the voice lied to me, and I never received my wish. I thought nothing of it, but when you and Blitz disappeared I knew something was bad. I had done something wrong; I'd killed everyone for my own selfish desires...I'm so very sorry cousin. So very sorry." thick rivulets of tears ran down her cheeks and she held her head down, sobbing uncontrollably.
There was a heavy smack in the air and Shadow closed his eyes, well aware of Kiya's actions.
She was brimming; over flowing with contempt and utter hatred for the disgusting sight before her. Kiya felt no remorse for punching Sophia smack in the jaw in an act of rash anger. She peered down at the woman who would once scold her for her actions with great confidence, now shriveled up like a coward unready to pay for her wrong doings.
Kiya's life; ruined. Her parents life; constant sadness. Amy and Sonic's; fearful for one another's sake. LL; placed in a cage. All because of this one woman's greed.
The once composed female spat out. " You are forgiven, but you are not my cousin. You are a coward whose idiocy has brought pain and suffering and will die with such guilt on your shoulders. May chaos have mercy on your damned soul!"
Kiya turned away and walked in the other direction, Shadow following in step.
" What was all that?" Shadow asked, his blank expression not changing.
Kiya stopped and glared at him. " Did you not hear what she said?! All of this is her fault! We are in this mess because of her!"
"What you said back there was idiotic and childish."
"Excuse me?" She screeched.
"Do you not realize what you have just done? You have disowned someone for a mistake they'd made. Yes, it was stupid, but it's not like you haven't made mistakes."
She let out a weak laugh before frowning, " When did you decide to grow a heart, hm?!"
Shadow still stared at her with little interest. Her words began to sink in, and her face softened. She shook her head in disbelief at her own comment and begged, " Oh Shadow I'm sorry! I-I meant not what I said! I'm not in the best state of mind right now."
He grabbed her wrist and dragged her to where they were told the castle would be. Kiya feared he was mad at her, giving her the cold shoulder. In a hushed voice he said, " I'm a bad influence on you...you're becoming as cold hearted as I."
She sighed, feeling a bit sick.
Outside:
Hecate pulled so hard on Amy's arm that she feared he would rip it off. If her mouth was still on her face she would yell at him to loosen his grip. He was very antsy, running through the halls with such ebullience in his step. On the other hand her dress threatened to trip her with each stride.
They passed by the door to LL's old chamber, and Amy could've sworn she heard noise from the inside.
"Milord?" called a thin man with broken spectacles.
"What is it Samuel? Don't you see I'm busy?" Hecate spoke.
The two men dove into conversation, but Amy was more curious about the chamber then their problems. No doubt there was someone inside; she could hear them bicker and argue about something.
"What?" Hecate growled, his grip tightening on Amy.
She closed her eyes at the abrupt pain.
Samuel nodded. "Yes sire. The blue girl was seen on the outer perimeter of the castle. Somehow they had reentered."
Blue girl? Kiya! Amy would've jumped for joy had it not been for Hecate's presence. He pulled her in and whispered in her ear, " Your friends are very persistent buggers. " He looked to Samuel and boomed, " And they're like rats, and should be exterminated as such!"
Amy began to struggle against him, looking at him with such hopelessness that he smiled. She was cute when in despair.
" That's right love. I've practically won."
LL's Chamber:
"Again!" Blitz barked.
Sonic returned to his fighting stance, face heavily coated in offensive sweat.
She held her sword up to her face and leered at him like a lion watching its prey. " Go!" She commanded.
He leaped forward swinging his sword back dramatically. Blitz caught this, stepping to the side and kicking him in the gut. He toppled over, clutching himself.
"Again!" She repeated.
" Do we have to?" He whimpered.
She rolled her ruby eyes and smiled. " You're right, you're due for a break. Wimp." She fell to the floor with a loud exhale, exhausted.
Devon shouted from outside the chamber, " How you guys doing in there?"
Sonic groaned.
Blitz insipidly spoke," Fine."
" Fine?"
"Yeah, but if Sonic would stop winding his arm and telegraphing his next move it would be better."
"Hey!" Sonic sat up straight and argued, " At least I'm trying!"
"Obviously not enough or else you would be better." Blitz teased.
He swatted at her. " Sorry that I haven't slept or eaten in what, two days?"
The three grew silent for a moment, their bellies rumbling loudly.
" Forgot that we needed to eat. " Devon mentioned.
Blitz blew a stray strand of hair from her face. "We've been a bit too busy to really notice."
It was then that their stomachs began to ache to such an unbearable degree, and they're tiredness caught up with them. Sneaky yawns escaped their lips, and their eyes itched with sleep. Their muscles ached and were surely beginning to atrophy from the lack of meals.
A benign knock woke them up partially, and the clicking of heels accompanied the creaking of the door. " H-Hello." Sarah benevolently greeted, " W-Where is Mr. H-Hedgehog?"
" In the cage with Blitz." Devon replied.
Her worn out face appeared in the doorway. Her skin had more color in the orange glow of Phoenix.
"Hi Sarah..." Sonic ephemerally said before yawning again.
"I bring n-news.." She said, "I-It's important."
The companions became equally apprehensive.
"I-it's been buzzing throughout the s-staff that s-s-someone saw two people in the outer e-edge of the c-castle...A m-man and w-women-"
"Kiya and Shadow!" Blitz shouted.
Sarah cowered back at first, but soon continued, " S-So you do know them...T-then this i-isn't good..."
" Sarah what do you mean?" Sonic asked.
She looked up at them with a grim expression. " L-Lord Hecate has sent re-reinforcements to...eliminate them."
The three erupted in shock, shouting out each comment all at once.
" How can he-"
"We have to do-"
" This is mad-"
" Quiet!" Sonic yelled. All eyes were on him now and he looked more than calm given the situation. " Sarah, you said he sent reinforcements. What could that be exactly? I haven't seen an army, hell even soldiers, walking around the castle."
"T-They're not soldier per say."
" Would you like to elaborate please?" Sonic leaned in closer to better hear her.
She glared at the floor with hard concentration. " I-I was walking...t-through the castle halls..."
Blitz rolled her wrist, " And?"
" And I s-s-s-aw a room... a-at the end of the hall... I-It's door was open, a-and dirt was seen ins-side. So I entered, th-thinking that I could c-clean i-i-it..." She grew deathly silent, running her fingers through her hair nervously.
"Sarah?" Sonic held out a hand, " Sarah what did you see?"
"M-millions of them," She muttered, " Millions of those...s-statues."
Everyone looked to one another in confusion.
" T-They were tall...and their eyes...their eyes were so h-hollow…They just s-stared at me." Her eyes became glossy and lost.
Sonic tried to shake her from her stupor. "Sarah, stay with us. What are these statues you are talking about?"
" Karrocks..." All eyes were brought to Blitz who stared forward with a zoning look on her face. Her tongue held the hissing sound of the 's' for a long time, and a chill ran up the others spines.
"Ka-rocks?" Sonic tried to pronounce it himself to no avail.
" Karrrrrocks," Blitz put great emphasis on the rolling 'r's as she spoke, " They're a silly old wife's tale."
Sarah cut in, " It is n-no tale! It is the tr-truth, I saw it f-for my own eyes!"
Sonic put his hands up, " Now hold on. What are these 'Karrocks' ?"
Blitz rolled her eyes dubiously. " Not what, who. The Karrocks are said to have been soldiers that fought alongside the King of Nightfall before he was kicked off the throne. It's been said that this platoon was wiped out, and as punishment Alexander, the new king, locked their bodies inside of clay statues, never to rest. But my mother's father was the old king of Nightfall, and from what I heard he never deemed this story to be true."
" Oh but it is!" Sarah whined.
" Are you calling my grandfather a liar?" Blitz snapped.
Sarah cowered back in fear, scared by the fierce red eyes of the golden women.
Blitz's stern expression softened, and guilt throbbed within her. " I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell."
The small girl shook her fear away and gave a true smile. "It's O-Ok. "
"But none of us knows if what Sarah saw were those actual Karro-thingsy or not." Devon added.
Sarah snapped, " But i-it was!"
"I don't believe you." Blitz said matter-of-factly, crossing her arms over her chest.
Sarah's shoulders tensed, "B-But why n-not!"
" There's no proof. How do we know you didn't see an actual statue?"
Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she let out a sigh. " You...you want me to sh-show you?"
Blitz smirked, " That would be nice. "
" Which means, you all get to l-leave the cage..."
Sonic looked over to Blitz who was nodding her head with a look of pride. That sneaky little she-devil.
Blitz grabbed Phoenix, sheathing it before waving to the door. " Lead the way then."
Sarah hesitated, obviously thinking her choice over before standing with fallen shoulders. " Th-this way."
The Phantom Castle Halls:
" Was that really necessary?" Sonic whispered, leaning over to Blitz who was humming quite contently.
She looked at him with a raised brow, still humming to herself.
" With Sarah," he clarified, " Was it necessary to pull the peer pressure stunt on her?"
" I can't say I know what you're talking about." She turned to whistling now, twirling her finger around a curly strand of her blonde hair.
Sonic sighed, " I think you do. You took the one thing you knew she wanted to prove, and used it to get her to let us out."
Blitz laughed," Don't get so judgmental hero! It was the easiest way to get us out and about without getting lost in this place. And you never know, maybe I do want to see if the Karrocks are really real."
He snickered, " Yeah, right."
" You want the truth?" She looked at him slowly.
" Please."
She pointed to Sarah who was walking alongside Devon who was trying his best to get a conversation out of her it seemed. He was telling her about his cousin who was her age, and how she liked apples. When asked her preference on the food, Sarah didn't hesitate to agree in their deliciousness.
" You see that?" Blitz said.
" See what?"
"Their conversation." She said impatiently.
" Yeah, but what does that-"
" I'm trying to break her shell. She was all jittery and reticent when we met her, and I noticed she never gave real eye contact. But did you notice, in the cage, that she didn't succumb to my demands, and instead fought back? I mean, it wasn't much, but it's a start. And there, with Devon, did you see her actually show a form of a true opinion? That's why I did it."
"Oh.." was all Sonic could say, feeling a bit embarrassed.
" I think I'm due for an apology?" She chuckled.
" No way you're getting it." He laughed back.
Sarah had come to a halt in front of a large brass door that was opened just a crack, probably from her last visit. " They are in there." she said quietly. That door was enormously impressive, and Sonic was sure that something of this majesty wasn't meant to just hold rusty old statues.
" Let's see." Blitz said, pulling open the door all the way, and stepping inside.
The Spring of Nightmares:
LL chucked a rock far across the spring which landed into its purple waters, the ripples waning quickly. " Damn it!" He cursed.
" You seem angry." Sayo commented, looking over his shoulder at his disheveled friend.
" I don't need your sarcasm long ears." He spat.
" Long ears? Haven't heard that one before." Sayo slyly smirked. LL looked...well terrible really. After that night terror of his he became more fidgety than usual, and his already normal messy hair looked like a crow's nest. " Why don't you just sit down before you make the Spring angry."
LL paced back and forth, " I would if my senseless item would stop running amok inside of me. It's like a damned child, constantly requiring attention and telling me things I wish not to know."
" Such as?" Sayo looked over at him interested.
The golden hedgehog stopped for a moment before pacing again. " Such as the fact that my little sister has become a prime target and my cousin is no doubt dead."
Sayo shrugged, " We still have until tomorrow night before the eclipse."
LL fumed. Damn Sayo for his tranquility! He reached down to grab a smooth stone and threw it back at the spring. " This is important rabbit!"
The rock hit the water with a splash. Sayo cringed at the sound and stood up irked. " What did I just say LL!"
LL grinned at his reaction, to see the waver in his patience. He grabbed another rock and repeated his actions, this time hitting the shard embedding stone.
"Leonardo Linattan cease your shenanigans!" Sayo shouted, glaring at him.
" And what shall you do to stop me, friend?" LL grabbed another rock and held it in his hand, rubbing it with his thumb.
Sayo strode over until they were face to face, and smacked LL. LL touched his numb cheek and stared at Sayo in astonishment.
" I'm sorry LL, but I can't allow you to succumb to such childish, evil ways. I know you are stressed, but you must've forgotten that you can corrupt that item just as fast as Hecate can." Sayo walked in a different direction and sat down.
LL stood there for a bit, gathering his thoughts before sitting down himself, brushing down his hair. "Chaos help me."
Room:
In the inside of the brass doors, the room was just as dimly lit as the hallways had been. Save for a few torches on the wall, the chamber was completely covered in shapely shadows and the sound of rats scurrying across the stone floor. It was; however, larger than they had expected, and corners of the room was mostly hidden from view.
" I got it, " Blitz announced before holding Phoenix up and walking around. It wasn't able to light the whole room though, so Devon and Sonic pulled a torch from the wall and went on expeditions of their own.
Nothing but bags of produce were seen for a while, but eventually Blitz arrived at what she was looking for, an answer to the speculations. Sarah had been right; there was practically an army of thousands of stone statues, all identical to the other in appearance and stance. But there was no way to truly prove them to be Karrocks.
" Blitz! Did you find anything?" Sonic asked.
"Yeah."
"Are they it?"
She shook her head, " There is no way to really tell. I'm going to do more investigating though."
" Alright. These things are amazing!"
Blitz ran her hand across the etched stone work of the statue, brushing off layers of dust and grime from it. There were markings, although she was unsure as to what they were. A series of swirls were seen at times, but that could mean anything, even it being Ferias statues. She continued to inspect the markings, finding the etching of a protection spell on the helmet, ruling out the theory that it belonged to Ferias.
Alfieri perhaps? No, these soldiers had swords around their waists; Alfieri used no such weapons in battle.
" Blitz!" Devon called out.
" What?"
" You should check out the sheaths. They have a strange writing on them."
Blitz knelt down and ran her hand over it, feeling each crevice of the writing. Cleaning it a bit she narrowed her eyes to try and read the small text. "Damn," she breathed," some of the words are eroded." It would be impossible to understand what it said, but she had all the information she needed. For looking down at the end of the text she saw the Nightfall Royal family seal, and cursed.
" Hey, is everything OK?" Sonic called, soon appearing from the shadows.
"They're Karrocks for sure. They have my family's crest on them." She rubbed her temples.
"You look upset." He remarked.
" Yeah well I just learned that a myth from the darkest part of my family's history is true, so yeah I look upset." Blitz ran her fingers through her hair and took a deep breath.
"Now no need to be all torn up," he said, " You'll be with them soon."
Blitz's head shot up. "What?" Her heart nearly stopped right then and there, for before her stood not Sonic, but Hecate, hands already pulling out his blade with a dangerous grin.
" Hello Mlitzy."
She screamed, trying to scurry away, but he swung his blade down before she had anytime to grab Phoenix. She shielded her eyes, but the biting sound of metal hitting rock made her stare up in bewilderment.
Hecate was just as dumbfounded, for the statue was holding its sword out, blocking his blade while looking at her with deep glowing yellow eyes. Blitz took no time to jump up and run, leaving Hecate to try and remove his lodged sword from the stone. He let out an animalistic growl of aggravation.
Blitz continued to run, crying out for Sonic and Devon to do the same. She nearly stumbled twice, running into other statues in the maze of stone. Hecate was on her heels now, calling out to her mockingly. She waved her hands around frantically, not willing to use Phoenix to light her way and get her killed. Her breath came out ragged as she scurried around like a blind mouse.
" You can't hide from me forever." He says from everywhere it seemed. " You have what I need."
Blitz held in a scream when it felt like his body brushed against hers. She ran in a different direction, praying to Chaos for her to get out alive. It was then she saw it, not too far was a sliver of light. The door! Her last hope of leaving this limbo!
She ran for it, trying to keep her footsteps quiet. Mumbling was heard behind her, that of an incantation, and she couldn't help but wish she had Sonic's speed! The Karrocks behind her were beginning to make the noise that of moving, and she couldn't stifle a yelp that escaped her lips as she reached the door, running into the halls, and closing it behind her.
Tears streamed down her face and her chest heaved violently. Her eyes were so blurred up in tears that she could hardly see the frames of Devon and Sonic- the real Sonic- who helped her up and quickly left the halls. All went black before she could see where they were going, but voices were all around her, and at one point she could have sworn she heard her aunt calling out to her.
?:
How strange. Wasn't Blitzairia stuck in hell itself just moments ago? She so did recall being in a castle before. That mustn't be the case though, for she was nestled snuggly in the cushions of an arm chair, seven years old again with large expressive eyes and hair in two small buns. Yes, she must have been mistaken, for this was no dark castle, this was a well-lit, warm one with white walls and friendly maids. She looked to her side and saw Kumiko Kiya, her hair pulled into a braid and nose nuzzled deep into a book just like her mother.
Blitzairia rolled her eyes. They weren't in danger like she first suspected, that must have been a dream. She moved into a sitting position and stretched her body a bit, letting out a loud yawn. Kumiko Kiya then eyed her from behind her novel for just a second before returning to her reading.
" I'm bored." She announced, looking around at the familiar portraits of other family members.
" How unfortunate." Kumiko Kiya replied, her voice so tiny and mouse like.
" Did I hear someone say they were bored?"
Blitzairia looked toward the doorway to see her aunt Amy standing there, regal and beautiful as ever. The girls stood up, and she continued to speak, " Would you like to go on a walk with me?"
"Could I take my book?" Kumiko Kiya asked, and Blitzairia rolled her eyes once more.
"The whole point of walking is to get out of the house. Reading is an inside thing dummy." Blitzairia scowled.
" You are the dummy...dummy!" Kumiko Kiya spat back.
" Girls, calm yourselves. Yes you can bring your book."
Kumiko Kiya stuck her tongue out and Blitzairia, who shook her fist, threatening a brawl later. The two followed their aunt, and once outside they strolled through Alfieri.
See, she was just dreaming about that strange place. The workshops, castles, and madmen were all a figment of her imagination. She smiled.
"You see that bakery over there? My mother took me there once. Very nice place with delicious food!" Amy said.
" What's over there?" Kumiko Kiya wondered.
Blitzairia looked over to what seemed to be a rundown store with broken glass as windows, and rotting wood doors.
" Oh that... It's been like that ever since I could remember. I think it was a library once, but the librarians' wife died of the Ferias fever and he closed the store down. Oh look! An apple cart! Would you two like fresh apples?"
Kumiko Kiya jumped with joy and followed her aunt, but Blitzairia just stood and stared at the old shop.
"Blitz!" someone called.
Blitzairia looked around for the source of her name.
"Blitz!" There is was again, much louder this time.
She looked everywhere, her cousin and aunt no longer in sight.
"Blitz! Blitz! Blitz! Blitz! Blitz!"
She put her hands over her ears and closed her eyes. But upon reopening them she was not greeted by the busy streets of Alfieri, or the swaying braid of her cousins' hair. Instead it was to a pair of blurry red eyes and muffled voices. She was not seven, and her hair hung across her face, not in tight little buns. And she cursed the air she breathed, for that workshop, castle, and madmen were not a figment of her imagination. It was her living nightmare.
"Babe..."
She opened her eyes slightly to blurriness before shutting them again.
"Babe...wake up..."
Once more she tried to open them, but like looking in water all was distorted, the light nearly blinding her.
"I think...coming to...senses..."
She groaned, "Whaa?"
Lights. Bright, blinding lights flooded her vision. Every little sound, like that of footsteps or whispering, were loud and ear splitting.
" Bright..." She hoarsely muttered her throat dry and painful.
" Turn the torches off," whispered a distant voice, "Blitz? Blitz, you need to open your eyes."
The lights dimmed, and she tried to open them, but her lids were so heavy that it became difficult. Someone, possibly the shadow before her, slid their hand under her and eased her body into a sitting position. The room was spinning now, but her eyes were fluttering open, and she could hardly make out the faces in the room. And there were many.
" Water..." She croaked, looking straight into the eyes of Devon who was holding her up. He smiled, motioning someone over.
"How are you feeling?" Devon asked, brushing a piece of hair from her face.
She let out a dry snort, " Like shit. "
It was at this time someone sat beside her, and looking to her side Blitz saw Sonic with a cup of water. She wasted no time snatching it from his grasp, and gulped it down. Never had anything tasted more heavenly than the cool flow of water running down a parched throat.
Her headache had lessened now, leaving a dull pain. "Thanks," she sighed with a smile.
" Don't thank me," Sonic said, " Thank them."
Now that her head had stopped spinning the faces of those surrounding them were clear as day. Maids. Maids and servants and laborers were all around them, the next one looking more frightened than the last. Their faces were pale like they had seen a ghost, their eyes holding thick, dark shadows, and their bodies skinnier than death.
But what truly made Blitz sick was the fact that she knew all these faces. That they were all residences of her kingdom, and she would speak to a few when going to the training hall.
"Thank you." She said, and they all bowed.
" What happened?" She asked, looking to both Devon and Sonic.
" You fainted." Sonic answered.
Blitz rolled her eyes, " No I didn't. Fainting is for damsels-in-distress, not for Blitz's."
" Well you did." Sonic said matter-of-factly.
Blitz's pride was wounded a bit. " I did?"
Devon cut in, " Well you haven't slept in days, or eaten, and this is the first time you really drank water, plus that scare in the statue room, so I would be surprised if you didn't faint."
Blitz shot up, " Hecate! That was right, he was there! What the hell happened?!"
"I'll answer that..." spoke out a soft voice. All eyes were upon the parting of servants like that of the red sea, and emerged from the crowd, kneeling down before Blitz.
She hadn't changed since the last time she saw her, except from the large, purple bruise that covered most of her right cheek, and a bloody cut on her lip. They were prominent, and swollen, and Blitz couldn't help but wince at the sight of it.
"Sarah, what the hell-"
"It was after you all went to see the Karrocks. I was k-keeping watch. Lord Hecate came. He was a-angry. He was looking for you, saying that you ha-had something of his. He knew that I-I-I knew where you all were... I refused to tell him, so he shouted. I shouted back, shielding the d-door, thinking I could stop him...So he hit me. But I got up...and tried to stop him...but he hit me again." She grew silent, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
Blitz crawled over to the beaten down Sarah, and gave her a warm hug. "I'm proud of you." Blitz smiled.
"I'm proud of myself." Sarah replied.
Sonic stated, " And the people in this room are willing to help us get to Amy. The wedding is tomorrow, and since you fainted a lot of time has passed. The day is almost over."
Devon added, " Amy and Hecate are outside as we speak, and we have to get in, tell Amy the battle plan, get out, and try and find Kiya and Shadow."
"Wait," Blitz mumbled, " It's not like we can just march outside and say hi without being seen. We kind of stick out in a high society sort of party, I would know."
" I have that covered." announced another voice from the crowd. A woman with long brown hair and large eyes stepped forward, putting her hand on Sarah's shoulder. " My names Kimberly, and I'm the castles seamstress."
Biltz eyed her, " How do we know we can trust her? She might stab us with her scissors."
Sarah defensively stood in front of Kimberly. " You can tr-trust her. She's my cousin."
Blitz relaxed a bit and smiled, " Well what are we waiting for!"
?:
"Just admit it, we're lost." said Kiya matter-of-factly.
Shadow peered down at her and scoffed.
"Hmph!" she stuck her nose up and walked faster, arms crossed in a childish manner. Shadow hadn't spoken to her since their last meeting with Sophia, possibly irked by Kiyas rash reaction. But what was she supposed to say? Oh it's OK that you have put so many in danger, or, it doesn't matter. Kiya thought that her reaction was completely necessary, and regretted nothing.
So then why was there a large knot in her stomach?
"Shadow?" she whispered, stopping to stare at him. He kept walking, passing by her without a glance. "Shadow!" she repeated, putting her hand on his arm.
At this he stopped and glared at her as if she had the plague. The words got caught in her throat and she just stood there, looking from the ground to his eyes.
"Spit it out." he coldly spoke. His voice sent shivers down her spine, and let go.
She was a coward. A stupid coward who could never speak her mind. With a flick of her wrist she had summoned her beloved gold bow and quiver, but even with their weight in hand she felt small.
She put the quiver on her back and walked forward, looking down in shame until running into a brick wall. Or at least it felt like a brick wall, but it was soft. "Ouch." she winced, rubbing her sore muzzle while looking up. Shadow towered over her, eyebrow slightly raised in confusion.
"Say it." He said, not taking his eyes off her.
" Say what?" she replied, avoiding his intense gaze by looking down.
Grabbing her chin he forced her to look up at him, leaning in close enough for his breath to caress her face. Her cheeks turned beet red, and when trying to look away he pulled her to face him again. "Say what's on your mind."
She swallowed hard before gathering together her jumbled thoughts. Had his eyes always been so shiny?
Just as she was to answer, a quick quake pulled them apart, and looking back they were astonished at what they saw. A large statue, much taller than them both, stood a few feet away. It was made of mossy stone; the engravings on it were illegible from all the wear of age.
It just stood there, but behind its helmet, it felt as if it were watching you with its red orbed eyes.
"What is that?" Shadow asked, looking down at the cracks it made in the earth. Did it fall there?
He looked to Kiya who was petrified, her face so white she could have seen a ghost. Her bottom lip trembled as a single word fell. "Karrocks..."
"What?"
The grinding of rock silenced him, and he stumbled away in sheer panic at the sight of the statue preparing to swing its stone sword. With surprising speed it swung at him, two bright red orbs for eyes staring at them both. Shadow clutched his own sheathed blade, but it was futile, he couldn't cut through sheer rock. Instead he grabbed onto Kiya's arm who was just staring in shock at the statue that was now striding over to them.
"Kiya let's go!" she growled, but she wouldn't budge, her feet no longer willing to cooperate.
The Karrock held its sword high above its head, and before he could strike Kiya had grabbed an arrow from her quiver, aimed, and fired at the being. Light erupted from its tip, and once lodged within a red orb the Karrock ceased its movement.
Shards of red glass fell from where the arrow stayed, and all was quiet. In seconds the stone of the Karrock began to crack and crumble, slowly collapsing into a mound of rubble.
Since Hecate had taken Kiya's item her ability to see spirits had not been restored, but at that very moment she could have sworn she had heard someone whisper a thank you. Or maybe it was just the wind.
"What the hell was that?" Shadow inquired.
"It was a Karrock."
He looked from the rubble back to her." And what is a Karrock?"
She frowned deeply. "A hell of a lot of trouble."
Near the Spring of Nightmares:
Amy had never felt so unpleasant and awkward in her life. From her seat she had a full view of the scenery and had to pull back a gag. The whole area was tastelessly decorated with things both old and modern, looking more like a clustered mess than a ' party '. It was too forced, too unnatural and grew to be just an eye sore. The ' guests ' weren't really guest, but the castle laborers dressed in makeshift formal wear. Some looked somewhat regal, whereas others just had fabrics pulled together with worn out patches pulled over their working uniforms. None of them smiled, just gave uneasy looks and muffled whispers. Amy could tell they weren't enjoying themselves, yet there Hecate sat, grinning like the Cheshire cat as if everything was going according to plan.
That rat bastard. She held so much disdain for him that the very sound of his breathing made her want to scream like a feral beast. But she couldn't, because that same madman that sat beside her with a goofy smirk and a high head had taken her mouth away, and had not returned it. She squinted at him before looking back at the flat party. A small platform to the right caught her eye, were a band of five workers with instruments in hand played a soft tune, their feet shackled to the stage.
A shameful flush grew on her neck. She had asked for Kiya to be up there. What a stupid decision that would have been, but then again, she was missing anyways. Another thing to add to her list of hatred for Hecate.
"Isn't it just perfect!" Hecate pronounced, looking down at her like a child wanting praise for a good deed.
She stared icily at him, but he failed to notice and sustained a foolish delirium toward his work of art.
Jerk, Amy thought to herself, looking away before she burned a hole through his head.
She scratched at the choking flower necklace that hugged her throat, and immediately felt sick from the memories stored within its petals. She wished she could find Kimberly and justly apologize to her. Amy leaned on the table with her chin in her hand and looked out to the crowd.
In the sea of faces she noted every pair of frightened eyes that met her own. A young boy standing very close to an older girl, maybe his sister or friend, wearing torn up potato bags. Another person, a girl maybe three years Amy's senior, was rubbing her arms nervously, her faded green dress holding a few rips. Then there was a very curious crew by a table strewn with food. A girl's back was toward Amy, blonde curls swaying as she chowed down on everything in sight, her fushia gown slightly stained from the things she inhaled. A man dressed in a suit of different fabrics followed her in step, consuming everything.
What is going on? Amy thought, squinting to try and get a closer look. Sarah ran into the scene clothed in scraps, frazzled by the actions of these hidden strangers, waving and scolding them with a terrified expression. Amy rose up.
" What's wrong my rose?" Hecate queried.
She would've gagged if her mouth was still on her face.
"Amy, what's wrong?"
She just stared at the group by the table, but once Hecate's hand came over hers she looked to him. She pulled her hand away and just stared into his black pitted eyes. How did he expect her to answer? Play charades?
"Oh." he breathed, lifting his hand up and cupping her cheek. Was he going to give her her mouth back?
~What's wrong?~ his voice echoed in her head.
~Son of a-...I want to go dance.~ She held a serious look.
He stood up, holding his hand out. She looked at his hand and then back at him, scowling.
His smile fell. " I see...Well you're not going alone, I won't allow it. So you either go with me, or you stay seated."
She glared at him, stood up, brushed her dress out, and walked away.
" Amy!" He growled, the room growing silent completely, all eyes on her.
She closed her eyes tightly before turning to stare at him.
His face was red with anger, his nostrils flaring as she was sure he was holding back the urge to hit her.
Amy tipped her chin up, the click of her heels the only sound in the room as the crowd watched her walk toward him, all holding their breaths in anticipation. The suspense was killer.
Hecate smirked. " That's what I thought."
Amy looked over to the table, at her glass filled with water, grabbed it and stared at its clear contents. Hecate raised an eyebrow at this behavior, and Amy looked up to him and threw her drink into his face before running off.
The crowd cheered, and the band played a loud upbeat tune. She ran into the sea of people, trying to lose Hecate who was most likely chasing after her.
Never had she felt so exhilarated! Like she had just been shot by lighting and now housed new found confidence. Reborn like a phoenix!
Now to find Sarah, Amy reminded herself.
She pushed past people who had now begun to dance, possibly to help hide her. Sarah where are you?! She crept around until finally finding the familiar puppy dog eyes.
" A-Amy!" Sarah stammered.
She jumped back, not taking her eyes off the large black and blue bruise on her face.
Sarah was oblivious to her staring, and turned to the two people who were still eating and shook their shoulders. They both turned with faces full of bread, dropping a slab of meat at the sight of Amy.
It was Blitz and Devon! They grinned with full mouths, running up and hugging her tightly.
"What happened to your mouth?" Devon asked.
Blitz rolled her eyes at him. " You really expect her to answer?" she grabbed Amys gloved hands with her own, " Don't worry sweetie, Sonic is close by. Kiya and Shadow are still missing though, and I haven't gone to talk to my brother yet, so a plan isn't really in order. But don't worry, you're not gonna get married tomorrow."
Amy nodded, tears in her eyes. Her friends were safe.
Her lips- or at least where they should have been - began to tingle. She placed her fingers to the spot.
"Oh, I guess the spell is wearing off. For such a powerful dude Hecate's spells sure don't last long." Blitz smiled.
Amy looked back to Sarah, rubbing her own cheek at her. Sarah realized what the gesture was for and held her face, looking away.
" Hecate hit me...I-It's a long story."
Time to add another reason to her list.
" Amy!" Shouted Hecate somewhere within the sea of people.
The four looked out to try and see how far away he was, but he was obscured by dancing bodies. Blitz looked at Amy and grabbed her by the wrists, pulling her into a more crowded area of the dance floor. " Stay here, " she whispered, " I'll go get Sonic."
She nodded, her lips appearing but still firmly closed shut, and as Blitz disappeared she felt more alone than she ever had before.
?:
~Blitz...Blitz where are you?...Blitzaria are you listening to me?~ Kiya rubbed her aching temples frivolously.
Shadow paced in front of her as she tried to concentrate. " Well?" he asked.
" She isn't responding," Her arms dropped to her sides, " We've been dealt a terrible hand it seems."
Shadow rubbed his chin. " Maybe it has to do with your item being taken. You've lost your ability to see souls - not to mention your sight in general. Maybe your telepathy with Blitz was given to you by the item as well."
She sighed, " Then I guess…"
Shadow waited for her to continue. " You guess what?"
"Hush!" she snapped, looking up at the sky. " Do you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
A smile grew on her face. "Music."
Before Shadow could question her she grabbed onto his arm and dragged him off with her. Kiya maneuvered through the trees, and the closer they got to...wherever they were headed, a soft tune was slowly growing louder. Lights were seen glowing from in between the trees, and Kiya slowed her pace when people came into view.
She let go of his wrist and dropped down behind a bush, peering out from it, Shadow doing the same. The music was coming from a band a few feet from where they knelt.
" You have good ears." Shadow complemented.
Kiya blushed while hiding a smile.
"Amy!" A heart stopping shout caught both their attention, and looking back out towards the group of people they saw that the band had stopped, and everyone was staring at characters out of their line of vision.
"Sounded like Hecate." Kiya commented.
The crowd began to cheer like mad men, and the two couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. " Kiya look!" Shadow pointed to a pair in the distance, a golden hedgehog and a black one.
" Blitz and Devon!" Kiya nearly shouted.
Shadow put his hand over her mouth and pulled her close. " Shh!" he snapped, looking her dead in the eyes, his breath brushing against her face, " We have the advantage of not being recognized yet, let's use it."
She rolled her eyes, trying to distract from the heat in her cheeks and slowly pulling his hand from her mouth. She held his hand in hers and patted it softly. " You realize they probably think you and I to be dead. Shouldn't we have the courtesy to kill their worries?"
He didn't answer.
She frowned. " You really don't care how others feel, do you?"
He looked away, drawing his hand back and crossing his arms across his chest.
" What if, let us say, you disappeared, and it was eating me up inside. When you returned, would you visit me, or leave me to suffer?"
He opened his mouth and then shut it, closing his eyes. He breathed, " Fine. We can do as you wish."
She smiled, looking back to the people who were now dancing with one another. " We will stand out like black sheep. " she said to herself. It was then that a girl walked by wearing a maya blue dress with scrunched up fabric along the bottom half of the skirt. It's sleeves were belled, and the neckline was scooped, holding a single periwinkle bow.
" Simple enough." Kiya smirked. She held her hands up palm down and whispered, "Duplicadis."
The same dress began to materialize on her person, the practice uniform from before completely gone. It felt familiar to be wearing a full dress again, and twirled around for the nostalgia. But it wasn't enough. With a flick of her wrist a long shiny sky blue sash wrapped around her thin waist, and small pearls lined the bottom of her puffed up sleeves.
" Would you like for me to-"
Shadow interrupted. " No thanks. While you go see Blitz I'm going to see LL and Sayo. See if they had made plans with Sonic."
Kiya nodded, feeling a tad bit disappointed.
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before walking toward the celebration, cursing herself for forgetting to give herself shoes.
Since part of the cloud of guests she looked for her cousin.
" Kiya!"
She turned to see Devon moving toward her. " Devon, it's good to see you."
" Thank god you're alive! What the hell happened?"
" It's a long story. I must warn my cousin, where is Blitz?"
" Taking Sonic to Amy." He looked around frantically before grabbing Kiya's hand and placed his on her waist just like the others around them.
Kiya looked at him sideways. " I hardly think this appropriate." she placed a hand on his shoulder as they danced.
He dropped his voice low. " Hecate is storming around the dance floor looking for Amy. We have to try and blend in. C'mon, we'll dance to where Blitz is."
Kiya wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the statement, but followed as he led her away from the dancing pack. They awkwardly twirled and swayed away until near the tables. " Stay here." he let go and ran off.
Tomorrow, Kiya thought, Tomorrow is the eclipse...Karrocks are real...what are we going to do? She bit her lip, bringing her thumb up to nibble on her nail. A nasty habit it was, far from lady-like, yet the only thing she could think to do when troubled.
"Kiya!" exclaimed Blitz, running toward her with the speed of a locomotive.
"Blitz!" Kiya grinned, meeting her halfway and enveloping her in a friendly hug. She looked her cousin up and down and smiled, " I believe we have the same taste in clothing dear cousin." Blitz's dress was fushia and held a single salmon line among the bottom. Her sleeves were an opaque pink, puffed up like her own lined with red ribbon. A crimson sash was wrapped around her thin waist and a gold colored piece was on her swoop neckline. Fake pearls were wrapped around her neck, a grayish white that matched her long gloves. " I never thought you to be one to wear pinks though."
Blitz looked down at herself and swatted at the air. " This? I didn't choose it, the castle seamstress did. If I had a choice I wouldn't even be wearing the damn thing. I liked not wearing a corset, yet here I am. But let's not change the subject. Where the hell have you been?!"
"You would know if you answered me when I called you!"
"What do you mean?" Blitz tilted her head.
" I have been trying to talk to you all evening, but each time I tried to connect with you, you never answered."
"Kiya, I never heard anything from you since we last parted."
The blue girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath. " Then Shadow was right..."
" About what?"
" Shadow and I were attacked by Hecate in the woods. We lost, badly, and Hecate took something from me," Her words were jumbled as she spoke, "Cousin, believe it or not an item of light was inside of me my whole life, and I never realized it!"
Blitz jumped back. "What?!"
" the item gave me sight, and my ability to see spirits and energy forces of others. I think it might have been what gave us our telepathy."
Blitz touched her chests, for her own surreptious item was jittery. " That's crazy... " She breathed out. Had her family known about this? If so, then why had her aunt and mother kept this secret from them? Wouldn't that mean that…no, that couldn't be. They had to see LL.
They wouldn't keep such important matters from them, would they? "It makes sense," Blitz began, her brows furrowed in deep thought, " I found out that I have one too."
" No way!" Kiya gasped, weighing in the intensity of the situation. They had brought the items to Hecate practically! They should have never come to this time! She sighed, " If I had one, and Amy did -who now has Sayos- and then yours...that's only four. Who has the fifth?"
"I'm afraid to find out," Blitz muttered, " We should talk to Sayo and LL at the Spring."
Kiya's eye widened to match plates and grabbed Blitz's shoulders, hurt playing in her eyes. " We went to see Sophia!" She announced, " Oh Chaos Blitz, Sophia..."
Blitz grabbed onto Kiya's armed. " What happened to Sophia?"
She swallowed before unraveling the truth.
Ballroom:
One, two, three, turn. One, two, three, turn. Amy counted out each step as she tried to follow the dancing of those around her. This was all taking too long! She feared that any moment now she would be caught and unable to speak to Sonic. Time was far from being on their side; the eclipse arriving tomorrow night. She was very lost, but was not the only one feeling this thick desperation. Her lips were fully healed, and she sighed in relief.
On the opposite side of the dance floor Sonic shyly pushed past people. Blitz had told him of Amys presence, but before he could ask where she just ran off. Strange that woman was. It was like venturing through a dark cave blind folded, not knowing where he was or what he would bump into next.
The two looked for one another, searching far and wide while not drawing attention. They continued to aimlessly move about, unaware that the one they wished to see most was right behind the other until they bumped backs.
"Sorry," they both whispered to one another, looking to face the other.
They both had spent so long planning on what they would say when face to face again; rehearsing each line to perfection. Each word handpicked to express each delicate feeling escaped their minds, and instead they choose to stare at one another.
It was then that all others disappeared into oblivion, leaving just the two of them together.
"Hi." Sonic breathed, slowly smiling.
"Hi." Amy replied, timidly waving at him, her own silly smile forming.
The two bolted toward one another, embracing each other as tightly as they could, afraid that they would wake up soon, and their other would be gone. Sonic nuzzled his face in Amy's hair, breathing in her sweet scent, placing a kiss on top of her head.
"I missed you..." Amy choked out, squeezing him tighter.
"I missed you too...You look wonderful." He chuckled.
She rolled her eyes, "Well I don't feel it." The two stayed like this, wrapped in each other's arms. " What next?" Amy asked.
Sonic sighed, " I have no clue. Nothing is going as planned...I think..."
"What?"
"...I think we should just..wing it..the attack I mean."
She pulled back and looked up at him, waiting for him to laugh like it was a joke. But he didn't, he looked her dead serious in the eye and held her gaze, looking for an indication on how she felt by this.
"You want us to...wing it." She slowly spoke.
"Yes."
"As in, wing the attack that has been postponed tomorrow."
"Yes."
"As in the battle that could either save everyone, or kill them."
"..Yes."
She bopped him on the head with her palm. " You do realize you sound as insane as Hecate right now, right?"
He weakly laughed, " I think we've all gone a bit insane from this whole situation."
Amy looked into his saddened eyes for a second before nuzzling her face in his chest. She sighed, " This is crazy...It's suicide!"
He ran his finger through her soft hair. "I know. But I promise when we get home, we'll go out with Tails and Cream and everyone else to eat ice cream."
She chuckled, " I completely forgot about those guys. It's a deal."
"Good, "He kissed her forehead, " I have to go. Be prepared, don't say 'I do' OK."
He stepped back, but Amy pulled on his arms. The lack of his warmth left her frozen; the same feeling she felt when locked in that chamber. "D-Don't go!" She cried, fear and loneliness carving her features.
Sonic closed his eyes. "I hate seeing you like this Ames. You have to stay strong, we will be back soon."
She reluctantly let go, and he leaned in to give her a peck on the tip of her nose before disappearing.
The rest of the party was blurry to her. She was a ghost the rest of the evening, not feeling or hearing, just walking. She never knew how she returned to her room, but once inside she began to rip at her attire, throwing the crown on her head at the mirror. The glass shattered into a thousand shards and she jumped back. She never meant to destroy the pretty piece of furniture.
Stepping forward she saw in each piece of glass her own reflection, each holding the same shocked expression. She looked scared, frightened even. But of what? Hecate? No, she would never fear him, she was stronger than that. She furiously wiped away the makeup on her face, fixed her red headband and smoothed down her hair. The rose necklace was snapped off her neck, her gloves ripped off her arms, and the dress pooled at her feet. She went over to where her red dress was laid, and put it on. It had grown faded and slightly dirt stained. She felt dirty, but returned to the broken mirror with a smile on her lips.
This was her. The smiling, carefree Amy. The same Amy who helped save the world. She was strong.
Just as she was about to clean up the broken glass the sound of a slamming door startled her to look up.
"AMY!" Growled an animalistic voice.
"Oh no."Amy breathed, running to her door in hopes to lock it, but before she could reach it it was kicked open, the door nearly falling off the hinges. Hecate's' enraged face appeared in the doorway, nostrils flaring and fangs bared. He looked ready to kill, his clothes still wet from when she splashed water in his face. "COME...HERE..."He growled.
Amy frowned, raising her nose up while slowly stepping away from him.
His fists clenched, and before she knew it he charged at her. She lifted her hands up and screamed, "No!"
His ascendance halted, but he continued to shout at her. Her heart was thundering in her chest, along with the two items of light. She peeked out from behind her raised arms and saw that Hecate, along with the doorway, were trapped in a light purple bubble. Hecate pushed at it with his shoulder like a trapped animal, but with each contact he was shocked by this strange barrier.
Amy looked down at her shaky hands that felt like someone hand burned her palms. "Did I do that?" She whispered.
Well done...spoke a voice from inside of her head. It sounded like that other women, her older doppelganger. Amy looked at Hecate, who had now chosen to just stare at her with his emotionless eyes.
She walked close to the barrier and loudly whispered," I will stop you. I'm stronger than before."
He grinned at her. " Good luck."
Hello again! Here we are! Just a chapter ( or two ) to go! All the characters are somewhat breaking down huh xD I'm considering writing another Sonamy, possible be western ( with a MUCH better, well thought out plot, and not a huge improv.). Do you think I should do it?
Well time to go cry over finals! I hope everyone liked this chapter!
Please R&R! See ya!