The Lost Knight
By Kellie Fay
Disclaimer: Sonic and Co. Belong to Sega and all connected parties. My creativity demons just require I do this. Yes, this chapter is short to. I promise the next chapter is way longer!
Chapter 25. It's always complicated with you.
Sonic opened the door to his home getting ready to just check in with Shadow and Tails to make sure they were all right before going for his morning run. His brain was running on automatic until he stepped outside and was hit in the head by several ribbons, one of which had an envelope tied to it.
"What the...?" Sonic said into the empty air. He pulled the ribbons tied to top of his door down, untied the envelope, and opened it. Inside was a card with detailed artistic calligraphy.
Sonic The Hedgehog you are cordially invited to Angel Island to participate in The Festival of the Ancients on the night of July 5th. Gifts to ancestors or other passed friends are encouraged.
On the bottom in normal print in clearly Knuckles' handwriting was written. No Sonic you don't get to back out of this. You are coming!
Completely baffled Sonic went over to Tails' workshop to see if he knew anything about this festival. When he arrived, he saw Silver standing next to Tails both he and the young kitsune had envelopes in their hands.
Sonic held his invitation up. "So, you guys got one to? Tails do you know anything about this festival?"
Tails shook his head no, "And I got a quick message from Katrina; She got one for her Victoria and Andy too."
"He's inviting them? Now I'm really confused." Sonic wasn't sure what to think.
At that moment Shadow came into the workshop. He raised an eyebrow at seeing Sonic there, but then he simply shook his head and said. "I just got the strangest-" Before Shadow could finish Sonic, Silver and Tails held up their invitations.
"And he's invited Vicky Kat, and Andy," Sonic added.
Shadow's eyes widened. "Curiouser and curiouser."
"He's teaching you to read runes, have you ever seen any references to The Festival of the Ancients?" Sonic asked.
Shadow shook his head negative, "No more than just that references. Such and such presided over the Festival of the Ancients on such and such a year." Suddenly Shadow looked very thoughtful. "But now that I think of it…. I wonder…"
Sonic impatient snapped, "Come on Shadow, share!"
Shadow snapped out of his recollection, glared at Sonic but complied. "About this time last year, I found on my front porch a highly decorated gift box containing a blue diamond. It was right after you were cleared to leave my house. On the box were carved Echidna ruins. As much as the diamond was the gift, the box was crafted with as much care and artistry."
"Okay, but what makes you think it has to do with this festival thing?" Sonic asked.
Shadow looked smug. "Read the invitation again," he instructed Sonic.
Sonic did so, then realized what Shadow wanted him to notice. "Gifts to ancestors or passed friends… Shadow, where did you put that pretty diamond?"
Narrowing his eyes as a warning Shadow said, "if you figured that out, then you know exactly where it went."
Sonic smiled. Shadow still wouldn't talk openly about his special room for Maria. "So. you think that gift is connected to this festival that Knuckles wants to have."
Shadow nodded, "It was about this time last year."
"So, do you guys know what's going on?" Silver asked.
"Not a clue," Sonic admitted. "but Knuckles knows."
Shadow nodded agreeing. "And Knuckles will tell us when he is ready, not before," Shadow added.
Sonic poked around after that. Vector and the other Chaotix got invited, and Espio intended to attend, but Vector and Charmy wanted none of it. Sonic suspected they knew something but weren't going to tell him. Vector only said he would find out on the fifth. Knuckles also invited Rouge and again Sonic felt that she knew more than she would tell him. Knuckles even invited Vanilla and Cream.
"Oh, Mister Knuckles asked my help in preparing some food for the party," Vanilla said calmly.
"Did he tell you what this festival is all about?" Sonic asked.
"Oh, he told me a little, but he asked me not to tell anyone. He wants it to be a surprise." Vanilla told him.
Cream knew too. Sonic was sure of it. She seemed very excited when Sonic talked to her mother about the festival, but she kept glancing at Cheese, who watched her like a hawk, so Sonic guessed that Knuckles told her and the Chao to keep it a secret also.
"So, nobody found out what this festival is about?" Sonic asked.
"Anybody who might know is keeping it to themselves. Knuckles wants this to be a surprise," Silver told them.
Sonic sighed then turned to Shadow, "And Rouge didn't tell you anything either huh?"
Shadow shook his head. "I am sure she knows though. She specifically told me not to spoil Knuckles surprise."
Tails sighed and turned from his drafting table to face the three hedgehogs. "Guys we'll find out in a few days. Just be patient."
Later alone with Silver sitting on top of the workshop Sonic confessed to Silver. "You know a couple of days ago I almost had one of those dreams again."
"Almost?" Silver asked.
Sonic sighed. "I didn't think about it too much until I saw the palace and then I remembered. I know Amy was in there somewhere, but I turned around and ran for it. I don't remember what happened after that."
"You still having problems with Amy?" Silver asked.
"It's complicated," Sonic answered.
Silver pulled a pinecone off a nearby tree telekinetically and bopped Sonic on the head. "It's always complicated with you. You know you won't solve whatever it is eating at you until you talk to her."
"That's why I'm very curious about this so-called Festival of the Ancients." Sonic said, rubbing his head. "What if all this has to do with the fact that I ran from that palace this time?"
"What about the gift Knuckles gave to Shadow's guardian spirit last year?" Silver countered, "It's obvious that he's been celebrating this festival. Maybe since he almost got killed, he wants to share it with us just in case."
"That's a little morbid," Sonic said giving Silver a curious glance.
"Just reminding you that the world doesn't revolve around you," Silver said with a chuckle. "Like Tails said we'll find out when we find out. Don't let it bother you."
"I suppose," Sonic said, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was going to have to face the one thing he'd been avoiding at that festival."