Hi everyone!
So. I wanted to apologize for the very, very LATE update. Life just seems to be getting worse and worse, and busier and busier. Too many deaths, too much drama, too much… Too much… Not really in the mood to chat but here's the next chapter. It's more of a filler but I figured that it's better than nothing. Thank you all for your patience.
"I've been waiting for the day
Just to feel your warm embrace.
Your love has shown that I will never be alone
For you will welcome me home!
I'll forever be, for you will say to me
'Welcome home, You'!"
- Welcome Home, You, Brian Littrell
What? Amy glanced up at him as he settled next to her once more. "Someone attacked Shadow? Who?"
She couldn't believe it. She had a hard enough time believing that Shadow had survived the fall from the Space Colony A.R.K at first, but had come to grips with it after a while. But to hear that someone had caught Shadow off guard and nearly killed him?
It seemed impossible… but from the look in Sonic's eyes, he was telling the truth.
"Someone of incredible skill, speed, and stamina." Sonic went on explaining. "The Master Emerald was shattered and one piece of it was stolen. We don't know why and Knux hasn't been able to recover it. Some of the Chaos Emeralds went missing. Shadow was severely injured and he could have died. We couldn't follow the attacker, because of Shadow, Tails and Rouge got him back on his feet. And Knuckles, of course, had to go find the piece to his stupid glowing rock. Shadow could have died on Angel Island. He could have bled to death, but..."
Sonic groaned and buried his face in his gloved hands. "Ugh... I sound like an idiot for saying this..."
"What?" Amy leaned up on her elbows, interested.
Sonic grimaced.
"Tikal appeared out of nowhere and healed him..."
Amy blinked.
At first, she expected Sonic to lean away and point a finger in her face and tell her "Just kidding!" But it didn't happen. She waited for quite some time too, for that reaction, but it never came, much to her surprise.
"What does Tikal have anything to do with this?" Amy couldn't help but ask. "I mean... I was there the day that she ascended into the sky with the blue creature... She's gone. Why is she here? Why now?"
"I thought it had something to do with the Master Emerald at first," The blue hero confessed. "But that was only part of the problem... she was 'sent' here for you. To protect you."
Amy couldn't help but blink at Sonic.
"Protect?" she repeated.
"She knows things, Ames. It's incredible the knowledge that she possesses..." He shook his head. "She knew exactly what was going on, all at different times. It's like she's omnipresent or something crazy like that. She knew exactly where you were going, she knew exactly how to open the 'portal' to get here, and she knew EXACTLY how to heal you when you were... sick."
Amy leaned back against her pillows.
"That... pretty much explains how you guys got here." she exhaled a breath. "So... she knew, then? That I was going to have my Gnox removed?"
"Yeah," Sonic nodded. "She knew everything."
"Huh..." Amy sat back, taking all of this information in. She rested her back against the wall and curled her legs up to her knees. "And... who attacked Shadow? Do we know who he is? Does he have any connection to what's going on with me?"
Sonic seemed a little hesitant in answering this particular question, she noticed. His eyes lowered and he started picking at his ear. Such a disgustingly cute habit...
"It was a she, actually..."
Amy laughed.
"M'kay. Do we know who she is?"
Sonic's eyes met hers.
"I… I don't have the guts to tell you."
"Oh, come on, Sonic!" the pink hedgehog leaned towards him. "You've told me everything else so far. How hard could one name be? Come on."
She pushed and pushed, hoping that he would cave and although he looked exceedingly uncomfortable with her questioning him, he kept his lips sealed shut.
"You can find that out for yourself," he said with a crooked smile. "You're a smart girl, Ames. You always have been."
His compliment heated her face before she could even blink. Geez, after all these years, he still had this effect on her? Good Lord! She fanned her flaming cheeks with her hands and smacked Sonic's arm.
"Don't turn on the charm, now, Sonic!" she half-threatened as she tried to cool her warm face and neck. "Just answer my question!"
"I wasn't trying to be charming," the Blue Blur admitted and then his crooked smile grew. "But if you really think I'm charming…"
"Oh, you…" Amy shook her head. "Don't start that."
Her hero laughed hard and she after trying to glare at him and quiet him, she found that she couldn't; and after about thirty seconds, she couldn't help but laugh along with him.
God, laughing felt so good.
Scratch that –
Laughing with Sonic felt good.
But as quickly as the laughter came, it died just as quickly.
"Why did you go, Ames?"
Amy stopped laughing as soon as those words fell from his lips. She glanced up at him and he was staring intently back at her. The Sonic she knew never maintained eye-contact for this long and to be honest, it unnerved her a little bit. She even shifted a little and lowered her gaze, pretending to play with the quilt that was covering her body.
"I had to..."
"Why?" he asked.
"Sonic, please, I had to go. I didn't know how to explain this to you guys, let alone say goodbye." Guilt filled her chest as she looked up at him once more only to find that his eyes had lowered. "I just… I had to find myself."
Sonic's eyes flashed up at her.
"Find yourself?" he repeated.
"Yes."
"What are you, becoming a religious fanatic or something?"
Amy had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. Sonic was agnostic and she usually didn't mind his sarcastic comments, but they really didn't help the current situation.
"I had to go. I had things that I had to learn."
Sonic's eyes became distant to her.
"You left us, Ames." His tone became quiet. "You left me."
Amy bit her lip, fighting against the urge to cry. "I'm sorry…."
In a flash, she was pulled forward by her arms and locked in another tight, warm embrace. She was surprised again by the hug and wrapped her arms around him to pull him closer to her. This embrace was not like the previous hug that they had shared, however. This one, she felt his arms shaking a little and his grip was almost painful.
"Sorry…." He mumbled under his breath. "I didn't mean to upset you…"
"I-It's okay," Amy shook her head. "I… I do have a lot to explain…"
"I got the gist of the story from that bitch..."
Amy's eyes widened again. She pulled away from the embrace a little to look into Sonic's eyes. "Sonic!" she exclaimed. It was a rare thing when Sonic swore like that.
"It's the truth, isn't it?" Sonic defended, his warm lime eyes growing cold in defiance. "She manipulated you, Amy-!"
"Evelyn did nothing of the sort!" It was Amy's turn to defend. She felt her back straighten of its own accord as her temper soared through the temple's roof. "I came here to Nevaeh of my own will! I wasn't influenced by anyone or anything! I chose to do this!"
"Amy! She followed you to Station Square, spied on you, and used fancy words to get you to come here!"
Amy grabbed her head, suddenly dizzy from all the arguing.
Sonic's angered expression quickly melted to a worried one. "Holy-!" He hurried to grab her shoulders before she fell forward. "Sorry... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. You just woke up from a traumatic experience... that was a dumbass move of me."
Sonic barely finished telling Amy this when Rouge literally flew into her room and tackled Amy right there in her bed. Nearly shoving Sonic out of the way, the ex-jewel thief wrapped Amy in an embrace that would even put her own death-grip hugs to shame. She was being hugged so tightly that the only words she could hear from Rouge were "stupid" and "worried".
"R-Rouge!" Amy choked out, her face turning an odd shade of blue. "I c-can't breathe!"
Rouge immediately let go but her shaky hands gripped Amy's shoulders, shaking them. "What were you thinking, running off like that?" She demanded in a tone that made Amy want to hide under her pillow. "And with someone so dangerous? Are you crazy?"
"No, Rouge, I-,"
"You must be crazy! You didn't even tell us where you were going! You didn't tell ME anything!" Rouge's cyan eyes reflected more hurt than anger at this point. "You could have gotten hurt, Amy! Don't you understand that?!"
"I get it-!"
"No you don't!"
Sonic's hand rested on Rouge's shoulder.
"Rouge," Sonic's voice was surprisingly soft. "Rouge, she's been through enough. Yelling at her when she just got out of a coma isn't exactly the best idea."
"But-!"
"Rouge-" Amy's eyes flashed in the doorway at the sound of Shadow's voice resonating in the temple's room. Even though Sonic had already told her that he had come along, seeing the black and red hedgehog made her feel just as shocked. "She almost died. Let's give her a break, hm?"
Amy couldn't help but smile at the hedgehog. The corner of his lips tugged upward into something she guessed was a smile but it was good enough for her.
"You came too, Shadow?"
"Hn." He replied although his gaze softened greatly towards her. "For my own reasons."
"Sure," she disagreed but she knew deep down that he cared. He tried not to show it, but it was all over his face. Her smile quickly faded when Tails and Knuckles both stepped from behind Shadow.
"Amy?!" Tails exclaimed with his eyes wide. He rushed to her and Rouge barely had time to dodge out of the way before the young fox tackled her in her bed. "Are you okay? We were all worried sick about you!"
The pink hedgehog's eyes softened tremendously.
It was only then that she truly realized the err of her foolish decisions. Surrounded by her friends and with her younger pseudo-brother's arms wrapped around her and his face buried in her shoulder, it truly hit her.
How could she have made such hasty decisions by leaving everything and everyone behind without really thinking through the consequences? Did she really think that it would be so simple, to leave them behind?
Wrapping her arms around the young boy, she brought him closer to her.
"I'm sorry…" she whispered quietly in his ear. "I'm sorry I scared you."
She glanced at Rouge, who was sitting a foot away from her. The woman she admired and looked up to the most was sitting with her back painfully straight and the most indignant look on her perfect muzzle. Tears sparkled in her offended eyes. Amy winced. Rouge had done so much for her in the past few years and she had been there for her through ever incident – whether it be a simple fashion emergency or holding her when Sonic would stand her up and break her heart.
She wasn't as close to Knuckles or Shadow, but they had each helped her out in the past.
Knuckles always had her back when Sonic could not. He always stood forward to protect her and he even put his life on the line for her. He didn't hang out with her often unless he was with Rouge, but there was the deepest mutual respect between them.
Shadow was different to her, for some odd reason or another. Perhaps it was because of the incident aboard the Space Colony A.R.K all those years ago? Maybe it was because they had both seen their souls, bared and exposed in a very desperate moment? Whatever the reason was, they had something deep and private and… well, special, she guessed was the word. But that didn't make him any less important to her.
Her eyes wandered to Sonic and her heart nearly broke in half.
His handsome smile was the same as ever, if not happier, but his eyes reflected something quite new. Sadness? She didn't quite know but she almost couldn't handle the way he was looking at her. Everything she thought she knew about Sonic – cockiness, pride, charm – it was all gone for now and replaced with tenderness.
How could I have done this to all my friends? To my family?
They have all fought for her in the past and been there for her. Even if she didn't feel like she had a place and that she remained sitting on the sidelines, they were still the ones that she loved the most.
And this is how she repaid her friends?
By running away without so much of a simple goodbye? Or I love you?
Her heart broke for Tails. Her heart broke for Rouge. Her heart broke for everyone…
"I'm sorry…" Amy clung to Tails' smaller body and buried her face in his fur. "I'm so sorry…"
Tikal waited patiently in the lounge room. She was no close friend of Amy's; therefore, she did not feel quite right about going in there with the rest of her friends. Her duty was to ensure Amy's safety and to make sure that she would get out of this catastrophe alive, not to become one of her friends.
It was nothing against her or any of her friends personally, of course. She knew each and every one of them had the best motives and intentions. It was simply that her main focus should be keeping Amy alive.
She wasn't trying to be rude when she admitted this, but she didn't trust the Neveians around her, especially Amy's sister, Evelyn.
Evelyn was scheming something, she knew it. She was sure that everyone knew it. Envy and rage surrounded her like a thick aura of cloud that could be toxic if inhaled if one stood too closely. Tikal was warned to keep Amy and she knew that her instincts had been heightened since her resurrection. She would keep Amy safe and help her to restore balance to Nevaeh, even to the rest of the world.
She sat back against the soft cushions of the divan, taking a moment to once again savor the sensations of being alive. The softness of the fabric of the divan was beyond delightful. And was it just her, or was the air so fresh and clean here? She could fall asleep against these pillows and cushions if time would permit her to do so. These were far more comfortable than the ones that she was used to back in her time in her temple...
"T'cn'Rai?"
Tikal's eyes snapped open and she briefly wondered when she had closed them. Sitting with her back straight, she glanced in the direction of where the voice came from. Her eyes softened when her gaze landed on a young blue hedgehog, one of Amy's handmaidens if she assumed correctly. Her small frame hid behind one of the pillars in the archway of the entrance.
"Hello," she offered quietly. She couldn't help but giggle when the tiny hedgehog remained hiding behind the pillar. "Come on out," Tikal beckoned gently. "Do not be intimidated. I am not the enemy."
The young Neveian poked her head out from behind the tall column with the shyest expression Tikal had ever seen. Her big, round eyes briefly reminded her of the Chao she used to befriend all those years ago.
"Is there something the matter?" the orange echidna asked in the softest voice she could muster. "Is there something you require?"
The hedgehog mumbled something quietly and Tikal politely asked her to repeat what she had said. Instead of raising her voice, the handmaiden shuffled towards her. With her big eyes fixated on the floor, she spoke just as quietly that Tikal had to lean into hear her.
"The Nalgx – erm… the Elders are coming to see T'cn'Rai Amelia."
Tikal smiled. "Oh, why thank you very much. It was very nice of you to inform me."
Such a rare kindness from a people full of hatred…
"What is your name, little one?"
Blue eyes flickered up at her. "M-My name?"
"Yes. Your name."
"It's… it's Ayo…"
"Ayo?" Tikal repeated with a small smile. "What does your name mean, Ayo?"
'Ayo' blushed. "It means joy…."
The echidna princess reached over and very carefully brushed a stray quill out of the hedgehog's eyes. Ayo glanced up at her with eyes that reflected innocence and curiosity.
"Well, Ayo, you possess a very rare quality that few people have," Tikal whispered and pointed to Ayo's chest where her heart rested. "In there… it is very kind and very lovely. Very few of your people have it."
Ayo's eyes widened tremendously as she looked down at her heart. "What is it?" she gasped.
Tikal gave a soft laugh. "You cannot see it, but everyone else can. It is a rare, strange thing, but it is also lovely." She leaned in closer and lowered her voice. "And do you want to know the secret? No one can ever take that away from you."
Ayo's face lit up with what Tikal could only describe as joy – ironically – before she gave a respectful bow and ran out of the temple.
"You extend kindness to the enemy."
The echidna princess did not turn. She knew who was there.
"That little girl is not 'the enemy'." She replied softly in disagreement before rising to her feet and straightening out her skirt. "Her intentions and heart are pure. Her young and innocent heart has not yet been corrupted by the prejudice and narrow-minded opinions of her people."
"Hn." Came his stoic reply.
Tikal suppressed a sigh. She finally turned to look at him. She found herself quite surprised when she found him staring back at her, a question lingering in his hardened features. This had been the first time that she and Shadow were alone and there was an apparent tension still lingering in the air. Most of it, she knew, was because of her, but it could not be helped. It was not that she did not trust the hedgehog. For she had met Maria on the other side and Maria spoke of the good in Shadow…
But because of the previous incident, Tikal would have to be convinced of Shadow's character. She had yet to see all of the wonderful things Maria had told him…
"You spoke of Maria before."
Ah, and apparently he was a mind reader.
"Of course," Tikal answered softly. "I met her in the afterlife."
Shadow gave her a disbelieving look.
"There is such a thing?"
There is truly no point in trying to convince you in something you do not believe, she wanted to say but she bit her tongue. Fighting anger with anger was not the proper way to handle such a delicate situation. If she and this hedgehog were to get along, it would not start with him. No, his pride would get in the way of that. It was truly up to her to determine the course of where their relationship would go.
"How would I know of Maria otherwise?" she asked instead, feeling as if he were testing her. "I had lived and died many centuries before Maria was even born. There would be no other explanation other than the afterlife, wouldn't you say?" She couldn't fight the smile on her lips, for some odd reason. "Yes, I met her there and she spoke very highly of you."
The hedgehog's red eyes flickered up at her but they weren't narrowed in anger or suspicion or anything that she was used to. Instead, he was simply looking at her now. Well, it seemed more as if he were staring at her as if she were somewhat of a ghost or spirit.
Well, I am a bit of both in an odd way, I suppose...
She waited patiently for him to reply and he did not, which vaguely unnerved her. She was almost quite tempted to leave the room when he finally spoke.
"You say she spoke highly of me."
"She did." The princess replied softly, carefully.
The black hedgehog tilted his head in curiosity. "What did she say about me?"
"Many things," Tikal closed her eyes briefly to clear her mind, to remember. "That you are a good person… And that she has faith in you… That you'll fulfill your promise to her."
Tikal could remember the human vividly in her memories. She was tall and kind, young and beautiful. Tikal remembered as she and Maria walked around in paradise, having all sorts of discussions of their similar partings from life and into an early death. She was a very pleasant girl with only positive things to say.
She spoke often of Shadow and how often she wanted to be with him…
Shadow then said something but Tikal did not quite hear him. She glanced up, her eyes blinking in confusion.
"Excuse me?"
"Maria said those things?"
The echidna took this moment to observe the black hedgehog. He was not a full hedgehog, this much she knew. He was created selfishly from the minds of two beings who wanted to play God. His existence was not planned nor was he supposed to live his free life, and yet here he was, sitting here staring at her like a child asking for answers he had not possessed.
His eyes were narrowed in false anger because Tikal could very well see that he craved answers of his late friend. He longed to know that Maria was neither disgusted nor disappointed with him. He wanted to know that she thought of him and missed his company. She could see it in his blood, red orbs; that all he ever wanted was answers…
Against her will, her heart went out to him.
"She did. When we had spoken, she always mentioned you."
Shadow's eyes closed briefly and she could visibly see his shoulder lift, somewhat. It was almost as if a giant burden or weight was lifted from him. And when he opened his eyes once more, something was different.
Although she was sure that Shadow was still the same hedgehog who attacked her and had been odd with her, something had changed in his eyes. Something small but had a changing effect of his whole being – in the way he stood and in his very aura. She observed him quietly and assumed that the best description it could be described as peace.
The glass chimes clinked together as the main curtain in the doorway of the temple was pushed open and the Elder Kaden stood there, covered in his white robe and hood. He gave a small smile in her direction as he held the curtain open for the rest of the Elders to step into the temple.
"T'cn'Rai Amelia sent for us," one of the Elders told Shadow rather than her.
"Is she well?" the female Elder asked eagerly, wringing her hands. "Does she require anything?"
Tikal did not feel comfortable answering their questions quite yet. To them, she was a traitor that had attacked their people thousands of years ago. It would be best if she remained silent. Thankfully, Shadow spoke up.
"She requires rest and for you to stay away from her." He hissed at them. "But if she called for you, then make it fast."
The only Elder who appeared unaffected by Shadow's quiet threat was, of course, Kaden. He continued smiling and gave a respectful nod of his head.
"We will not stay long." He reassured the black hedgehog. "T'cn'Rai Amelia's health is, of course, our number one priority."
"The hell it is…" Shadow murmured under his breath and Tikal decided it was time for her to step in. Rising from the sofa, she too, gave a respectful bow.
"She is in with her friends but she is wakeful," she informed them. She felt an odd clenching in her stomach as they turned their eyes to her. "She is waiting in her quarters to speak with you. I can fetch her for you."
Kaden and the female Elder were the only two that smiled at her while the other Elders did not offer her the same kindness. Not that she minded, of course.
"I will collect her, then." Tikal hurried into Amy's quarters and she could have sworn that she felt Shadow's eyes on her…
"They're here already?" Amy's eyes widened. Wow… they sure don't like to wait around for anything.
"They are," Tikal nodded. "They wish to speak with you."
Amy couldn't take her eyes off the ancient echidna princess.
It was one thing for Tikal to be alive back a few years ago, because of all the drama with Eggman and Chaos, the situation was different. But it was another to be alive here, today, and mainly for her sake. She knew the story – Sonic had filled her in on that part – but it was still just as incredible now. To have seen a resurrection – other than the ones that she had heard from church – it was beyond incredible. She fought the urge to bombard the poor echidna with questions.
Another time, she supposed.
She climbed out of bed and almost stumbled if Rouge hadn't caught her.
"Thanks," she offered with a small smile that Rouge did not return.
"Sure…" the bat mumbled quietly.
Amy blinked at Rouge's quiet behavior and was about to inquire what was wrong when Sonic appeared before her and offered her one of her robes with a dazzling smile.
"Here, Ames," he said cheerfully.
Amy blushed at Sonic's smile and warm gaze. Part of her wanted to continue where they had left off in Station Square only a few days before. To ask him if he still liked her and if they still had a chance at a relationship, as it was the one thing she had yearned for so long…
The logical part of her brain, however, reminded her that it was not the right time to be thinking about such things. She was now put in a position where she had to make some decisions that were sure to affect everyone.
She stepped away from Rouge and reached out to grab the robe when Sonic danced around her and slipped the robe up her arms.
"Oh, Sonic, you didn't need to do that," Amy blushed further as she tied the sash around her thin waist. "I can do that myself…"
"Let me be a gentleman about it?" he offered with the one smile she could not refuse.
God, she cared for this guy far too much…
She almost laughed when Tails hurried to gather her comb and when Knuckles pulled up the chair that Sonic had used earlier.
"Guys, I'm fine," she reassured them. "Really. I am just fine."
"Are you sure?" Tails asked with wide eyes. "We just want to make sure you're okay…"
Knuckles nodded in agreement. "You did give us a fright, Amy. Expect us to be concerned for a while…"
Amy nodded. "I understand but this-," she motioned to the robe from Sonic, the comb from Tails, and the chair from Knuckles. "- is not being concerned; this is pampering. Believe me, I don't need, let alone deserve, pampering."
Tails looked slightly deflated by her comment so she kissed his forehead to make up for it.
"But I still appreciate it," she whispered. "I do. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me, even though I haven't deserved an ounce of it."
"You got that right," Amy heard Rouge mumble under her breath. She sighed and mentally reminded herself that Rouge was probably still hurt from her taking off. She would have to wait a while for Rouge to warm up to her again.
Amy ran the comb through her long quills and straightened her robe once before turning to the curtain that led out of her quarters to the hallway. Suddenly, she was shaking. Was she afraid of facing the Elders? Of facing Kaden? Why? She wasn't really afraid of them before. She only wanted to seek their approval. Why now, of all times, was she afraid? Was it because she had collapsed when her Gnox was broken? Was it because she showed one moment of weakness? Would they turn her away…?
The questions chased each other in an unending circle in her mind and would not be silenced until a hand rested on her shoulder.
There was her true blue hero again, giving her a supportive smile.
"We're here for you, Ames," he encouraged her. "We've got your back."
She glanced around the circle of her closest friends who gave her supporting smiles (except for Rouge, considering her foul mood) and felt a surge of confidence flow through her. Her friends were here. She could do anything as long as she had the love and support of her friends behind her.
Taking another deep breath, she pushed the curtain aside and walked out to face the Council…
"I am extremely concerned," Nalgx Kevah whispered quietly, leaning onto his staff. "The girl passed out simply from the Gnox ritual. Her body cannot handle what we require of her. How can we leave the fate of the People in her hands?"
"Because she IS our only hope, Nalgx," Nalgx Kanti reassured him in a motherly tone. "S'cn'Kan Kaden has said so, himself."
Nalgx Sirius rolled his eyes. "This is ridiculous." He scoffed bitterly. "Leaving the fate of our People in the hands of visions and dreams? I say that T'sai Evelyn and T'cn'Rai Amelia share the same blood. We must ask T'sai Evelyn to do this task. At least she is capable…"
Kaden couldn't help but laugh.
"You squabble amongst yourselves as if you are children," he turned towards them and they all fell silent. "You argue about things that are already set in stone."
When all eyes were on him, he continued. "T'sai Evelyn is a very capable warrior with very powerful skills. However, her emotions cloud her judgment and her actions. She does not take correction or order from her superiors. Why would we allow someone so unstable with such a task?"
"The prophesies did not say that we had to trust a girl of dirtied blood!" Nalgx Sirius shot back.
Angered by his words, Kaden quickly strode up to the hedgehog and pulled him close by his royal robes. He yanked him forward until their noses touched.
"She is of royal blood," he hissed angrily in Neveian tongue. "The Third Prophesy claims that the Savior of Nevaeh will be of royal blood. The First Prophesy claims that the Savior would be of humble heart and of kind spirit – meek, willing to learn. The Seventh claims that the time of the Savior will appear when aliens come forth into this land. Did you not read the ancient scrolls, Nalgx, or did you forget that these precious Prophesies will save our way of life and that we must do everything we can to follow through with them. No? Then trust my vision and the Prophesies. That should be enough for you."
The Elders were silenced and for that, Kaden was grateful. He released Nalgx Sirius' robes and straightened his own. Just as he did, a vision of pink and red caught his eye. He spun his head and his heart filled with joy at the sight.
There she was…
Amelia. Alive and well.
"Sorry to have worried you all," she told them with a meek smile and Kaden had to remember to bow his head.
"T'cn'Rai-,"
"Amy," she cut him off with a soft laugh. "I told you Kaden, it's Amy."
"Amelia is enough for me," he told her as he approached her. His hands reached instinctively to touch her but he stopped himself and his hands fell to his sides once again.
Do not forget who you are! He internally berated himself. And do not forget who she is!
"I…" He swallowed nervously as she smiled up at him.
What was wrong with him? Why could he not speak? To be so nervous… It was so unlike him!
"I am pleased to find you well," was all that came out and he was pleased when she laughed.
"Believe me, I am too." She turned and bowed respectfully to the Elders. "Thank you all for your patience."
Kaden threw a glare over his shoulder and made sure that every one of the Elders bowed as well. Nalgx Sirius, of course, was being stubborn, but his glare sure gave the message across. Nalgx Sirius gave a short, curt bow before pridefully straightening himself up. Kaden turned his attention back to Amelia. She waved behind her and all of her companions followed her.
Kaden observed her companions quietly and tactfully. They were all on edge – especially the dark one. That was to be expected. T'sai Evelyn almost ended his life. He would definitely be on his toes around the, which was fine with Kaden. He frankly didn't care.
"It appears that we have much to discuss, Kaden."
Kaden could not help the smile that crept its way onto his lips. Even now as he stared into Amelia's eyes, he could see the difference in her.
Identity, passion, life – they all shone brightly in her eyes. The color of her emerald irises seemed to enhance extravagantly thanks to her Kaay'akn now flowing in her veins freely. He briefly wondered how this would affect her body physically. Would she be able to do the tasks assigned to her?
Ah. He was getting ahead of himself.
"We do indeed, Amelia."
"And we're going to join in," the blue hedgehog – Sonic, was it? – cut in, placing a hand on Amelia's shoulder. His eyes flashed up at Kaden's. "That's not going to be a problem, is it?"
He did not understand why the blue hedgehog was staring so intently at him. Did he do something to offend him? He was not quite sure how that possible. He allowed all of Amelia's companions into Nevaeh's sacred grounds without a fight, he convinced the Council to let them stay (which took quite a lot of effort) and he even gave Sonic permission to stay with her in her private chambers while she was resting.
He did everything possible to make Sonic happy...
So… then…
Why was he practically glaring at him?
"Kaden?"
A soft hand touched his and Kaden glanced up.
"Forgive me," he apologized. "I am just… relieved that you are awake and well."
Amelia's smile only widened. "I am more than well," she replied. "I feel fantastic." Her hand squeezed his reassuringly before gesturing him to step forward.
"I'm sure that we are all acquainted?" she asked both parties.
Kaden observed Amelia's friends and could sense the tension between them and the Elders that stood behind him. However, this information would only trouble Amelia. She did not need to know these petty details.
"We are."
"Oh, good!" she practically bounced at this news "I'm glad that we're all getting along!"
Nalgx Sirius rolled his eyes at her words but Kaden tried his best to keep his anger at bay. He was thankful when Nalgx Kanti nudged him with her elbow, a hint for him to straighten up.
"Amelia," Kaden's tone dropped as he felt the seriousness set in. "There are certain matters that we must discuss – matters concerning Nevaeh. The People."
Amelia nodded, her smile now long gone and replaced with the same seriousness.
"Let's get to it then, shall we?" she motioned to the lounge divans for everyone to sit. She sat on a divan and waited for the others to join. He waited until all her friends were comfortable. He, being an Elder, never sat when issues were being addressed. She did not know this, however. How could she?
"I will be frank, Amelia. Nevaeh is in grave danger. It is hard to describe but I shall do the best I can. Ever since your father passed away, things have never been the same as they were. We were once a prosperous People and our land has never once encountered a change like we've seen. There are things happening in our land; the air around us and the land beneath us are changing as well. Our crops are not growing as they used to. The trees, the water…" he squeezed his eyes closed. "Everything is not the same…"
"What is it?" he heard her voice, curious and light, like a child's. "I know you know, Kaden. Just tell me."
"Our power is diminishing." Nalgx Zephyr stepped in before Kaden could continue. It was rare of him to speak at all, but when he did, everyone became silent. "The Neveian Kaay'akn temples have been rejecting the People's energy and prayers and song. Nothing has changed in the rituals and routines, so… something has been absorbing the Kaay'akn."
"Like what?"
"Whatever it is, it is super-massive and hungry," Nalgx Zephyr continued. "It's been slowly absorbing a portion of the daily Kaay'akn for some time, which explains why I have not noticed it during my routine. But I've noticed a large lack in the energy and I have not been able to calculate why until recently."
The fox leaned forward, interested. "You're thinking that something – or someone, actually – is absorbing the energy?"
"Yes," Nalgx Zephyr nodded. "I do."
"That's crazy!" The red echidna cut in. "There's no way something could be practically eating that energy! Think about it! It's raw, uncontainable energy! For, what? At least fifteen years?"
"Twelve, exactly," Kaden corrected him.
"Well, shoot, twelve years of eating pure energy? You wouldn't be able to last. Even in the smaller portions. You'd either explode or die."
The fox raised a curious eyebrow. "Isn't that the same thing, Knuckles?"
"Oh, shut it, Tails."
Amelia giggled and Kaden was bewildered by her action. Was she not taking any of this seriously? He watched her for a moment before shaking his head. No, she just missed their company… That is all…
"So," Amelia's eyes met Nalgx Zephyr's. "Something – or someone – is absorbing this energy. Obviously, it's someone in Nevaeh or near Neveian grounds. So, it's probably a Neveian."
The four Elders looked completely aghast at Amelia's words but she held up a hand before any of them could speak.
"Come on, it's gotta be a Neveian. There's no other explanation, right?"
"The difference is not merely in the Kaay'akn, T'cn'Rai," Nalgx Kanti said quietly and carefully. "It has lingered in the water as well. It has made many of the children sick."
Amelia's smile faded immediately and Kaden already missed it.
"They are healed, of course. But this is something new entirely. It is not any kind of sickness. It comes from both the air and the earth. So now, everything around us is affected."
"You obviously know what it is," Shadow growled under his breath. "Don't lie to her, just tell her."
Amelia blinked. "Wait, you guys already know?"
Kaden felt a pang of regret at the confusion on Amelia's face. He never wanted to hide and avoid the answer from her for this long. He never wanted that. But…
Nalgx Kevah coughed a few times before speaking. "We were not certain at first. We had to study the Prophesies and the Ancient Writings to be sure we knew what we were up against."
"What are you talking about?" Amelia asked.
"There are Eight Prophesies that the Ancient Writings describe as 'New Light' or 'New Direction'." He continued. "They said that this time would come when a new leader would rise up and claim the throne of Nevaeh as leader… and Savior."
"Savior?" Amelia shook her head, pressing her fingers to her temples. "I'm sorry, but this isn't making any sense and my head is starting to hurt..."
Kaden sympathized with Amelia. What was he thinking, gathering all the Elders right after she recovered? Perhaps she did not need the truth now. She needed rest and food and a good night with her companions, perhaps amongst her People.
There would be plenty of time to let her know all of the details later. After everything else…
He turned and held out his arm to the Elders. "We will discuss more of this tomorrow. You are awake now and that is what matters the most. We will inform you of all of our troubles tomorrow. We can have a meeting then."
The pink hedgehog blinked.
"Wait, no," she shook her head again. "You guys need to tell me what's going on. I deserve that."
"You deserve your rest," Kaden smiled. "You have been through quite a trial. You need to rest. I will call the T'sai of the village and have them prepare meat for a feast tonight. We will celebrate your recovery as well as your arrival." He glanced up at her friends. "We will celebrate your companions, as well. For if it weren't for their bravery, Amelia would not be here."
The fox, the orange echidna, and Sonic seemed a little happy to hear this news, but the red echidna, the bat, and the black hedgehog still held skeptical looks in their eyes. He could not push them, though. He needed them to trust him.
After all… He needed them to trust him, especially for what he was going to need Amelia to do for the People…
"Come along," he motioned his hands to the Elders. "Let us leave them in peace."
"What?" Nalgx Sirius hissed, his eyes ablaze. "Why not just tell them now? That is the reason she is here, is it not? For the People! For us?"
"Be quiet, Nalgx Sirius!" Nalgx Kanti hushed him with a motherly tone. "S'cn'Kan Kaden is right – she does not need-,"
"I will tell you what she needs! The truth! Is that not what you have always told us, S'cn'Kan? That the truth is the most important thing!" Nalgx Sirius shouted, startling Amelia and her friends. He spun around and approached Amelia. Kaden stepped forward to stop him but the Elder was already before Amelia, his eyes burning like his name.
"You believe that you want to know why you are here? Do you feel the need to know the truth?"
"Sirius!" Nalgx Kevah coughed, his weak eyes narrowing in anger. "That is enough!"
Sonic leapt to his feet as if to defend Amy. "You back the hell off, man!"
"She required truth! And I will give her the truth! I will tell you the truth, Amelia! You are here because all Eight of the Prophesies recorded in the Ancient Writings point to YOU! You are the only one who fulfills each and every one of them – down to the last Prophesy!"
"Silence!" Kaden demanded his fury licking at his insides. This is not how he wanted Amelia to know! This was not how it was supposed to happen! Amelia deserved better than this! He did not want this to be thrown at her like this! "I command you!"
But the Neveian did not stop. "And do you want to know what the last Prophesy is, Amelia?"
"STOP!"
"They need the evil creature – the Seraph – slain, and apparently you are the only one who can fulfill this task!"
END OF CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
GLOSSARY:
T'cn'Rai – Lady, milady
S'cn'Kan – Lord, milord
S'Lan – the appropriate title name for a young Neveian male warrior
T'sai – the appropriate title for a young Neveian female warrior
s'vusalym – the distasteful word for "outsiders"
Gnox – translation is "seal". The Gnox is placed on every newborn Neveian to prevent their Kaay'akn from overtaking them. It is released by an Elder when they become of age to begin to train and control their Kaay'akn.
Kaay'akn – Neveian word meaning the "energy". It is the spiritual powers granted over each and every newly born Neveian and sealed away by a Gnox, performed by the Elders. Kaay'akn is the sacred connection to the world and every being around it. It is also the limitless energy inside of the Master/Chaos Emeralds. More is to be explained about the Kaay'akn powers in later
Song Inspirations for Chapter Twenty:
"Welcome Home, You" by Brian Littrell
"Sky Becomes Water" by City of the Fallen
Corina: How'd you like THEM apples, huh? Thanks for your patience. I do not own Sonic and the gang. They're owned by SEGA. Please leave a review. And God bless. ^_^