Dreamwatcher:
Chapter 14:
A Changed Hedgehog
"I've been a burden to everyone.
Now I will no longer be.
I will change for the better.
So I can be better.
I just need one more help…
To do so."
Author's Notes: Whew…this took forever. Seriously, people, I'm only getting reviews from one person. I feel unloved. Well, anywho, I brought back the character's profile. I decided to start over on that with more, better updated version and include two characters instead of just one. I also decided to do one more feature. It's simple. FAQS. You ask any questions you have about this fic and I'll answer it for you in the next chapter. So any questions you have about my fic, ask away! Anywho, anyways, I'm done, so enjoy the fic.
-Neo
*Knuckles' POV*
July was almost coming to an end and August was right around the corner. Today, so far, is the hottest day. Eggman's air conditioner broke and he tried all his might to fix it, but to no avail. I saw Eggman wearing nothing but his swim trunks…it was a disturbing image, but one I didn't care about. I was too hot for this.
"Eggman, I'm gonna go out." I sighed. I dragged myself to the chair I was sitting on and went out, Eggman nodding away before sticking his face near the fan he had on.
Out in Station Square, I saw people sweating as much as Eggman, just not as disturbing. Men in business suits had their sleeves rolled while waiting for the bus, people placed papers and parasols over their heads to cool their head. Most people wore hats. Kids played with fire hydrants while in their swim trunks and bathing suits. Sweating adults sitting on their front porches, fanning themselves with newspapers and magazines, it was indeed, the hottest day ever.
I walked for a good 30 minutes before resting on a bench, the hotness obviously frying my brain. I sighed…I wish I could do something. I was bored to death. I stared up at the sky. Birds flew by. It made me wanted to fly…fly to Angel Island. Yes, I miss my home. Sometimes, I even regret saying all those nasty insults to my family. Who am I to abandon my family?! The ones who have raised me, took cared of me, made me into who I am?! I clutched my head in shame. Who am I nowadays? Am I Knuckles, prince of Angel Island? Sometimes I think so, other times, I am a normal, average echidna.
"NO!" I shouted out loud that the surrounding people stopped and stared at me before moving on. I said "no" because I am NOT an average echidna. I will never be. I am the son of Locke, the next heir to my people…I stood up proud.
"That does it, I..I..I have to go home, face my fears!" I marched, "Apologize to my father and…and….chicken out." I sat back down and sighed. I can't do this. What if father never wishes to take me back? I once more clutched my head. I wanted to go home…
"HEY, RAD RED!" I faced up to see Sonic, smiling while holding an ice cream in one hand. Next to him was Cream and Cheese, also with ice creams.
"Sonic…Cream…Cheese." I said their names.
"What's up?" Sonic asked, sitting down next to me.
"Nothing much…what are you doing with Cream and Cheese?" I asked. It seemed kinda odd for Sonic to be hanging around with those two, at least not with Tails.
"What do you think, silly?" Cream barged in, "Mister Sonic bought us ice creams!"
"Uh…Tails had a crapload of stuffs to fix, so I go stuck buying them ice creams." Sonic answered.
"Oh." I nodded and placed my head back down.
"Okay, what's the deal?" Sonic popped in, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." I shooked my head.
"You're being a big, fat, liar, Mister Knuckles." Cream said to me in an lecture-like voice, but in an optimistic and playful way.
"…You're right…" I sighed, "It's just…well…I miss…home."
"Then go there, stupid." Sonic sighed, then he licked his ice cream which was on the verge of being melted. I stared at the blue hedgehog.
"Come on, you miss home, go visit it." Sonic urged, "It's not like you're banished from it." I lowered my head back down.
"Mister Sonic is right." Cream chirped in, "If you're not gonna face your fear, you're gonna feel guilty for the rest of your life. And that's a bad thing." I looked at Cream's face, the face of an innocent child. She smiled at me, a hopeful one. I smiled back and stood up.
"You know what?" I also chirped in, " I will…thank you." and with that, I flew off, heading back home.
It took me about only a few minutes to reach there. I manage to fly a lot faster over the years. I landed on the entrance to Echidnaopolis. I took a deep breath and walked in. There, many echidnas stared at me, some with glares. I guess they're still mad that I abandon the palace and my duties. I walked past them. I missed some of the great spots of my city: the library, the café…my palace. I looked from afar. I wanted to touch the palace gates, but two guards protected it. As much as I can beat them both, I dare not, for it is my home and wish to pose no threat to my family and act like I was betraying my people. But at this rate, I already did betrayed them. I sighed as I watched the palace. That palace has been on that very same spot for over 3,000 years when my family started. It was rebuilt many times to what it looks like today: an ancient Chinese Palace. It was pure white with dark colored roofs. The Chinese flags, the same color as ofudas (Magical parchment that Asians use for attack of defense), hung brightly and blew against from the wind. Dragon statues adore every part of the palace. I sighed again. How I longed for home.
I started to head back until I bumped into someone. I fell down and landed on my behind.
"Ow." I cried out.
"Hey, watch where ya going!" and he left. I stared as he ran off. He wore an overcoat to cover his entire body, but his voice was so familiar.
"Fang?" I gasped.
*Fang's POV*
Damn it, bumping into the prince! I should be more careful! Luckily, he did not run after me. I took a deep breath and hid in an alley. Now, if I remember correctly, Amy was going to visit Remington today in the Tikal fountain. I was to kidnap her and take her to…well, whoever told me to kidnap her. Honestly, I didn't know who he was, but he did freak me out. Whoever he was, he had a shitload of money and that was good enough for me. I went over to the Tikal fountain and hid behind some of the Cherry Blossom trees. Ugh, I hated these flowers. There, I saw Remington just waiting. I grinned. Stupid EST cop. It didn't take long for me to keep grinning. I was grabbed by the collar. Who the he-
"Konnichiwa!" Remington grinned, " I can smell your scent from over there."
"Wha-" I gasped. How did he know?! "You're an awfully clever one, constable."
"Yep, not to mention a nose so good it'll make all the bloodhounds cry." He kept grinning, So, hiding behind the Cherry Blossoms, what for?"
"Like I'd tell ya?" I crossed my arms.
"Oh, I can make anyone squeak, and I have done that with you every time we've met." He grabbed my neck down…tightly. I was starting to loose air.
"Constable…be reasonable." I weezed, "What makes you think I'm doing anything?"
"Well, hiding certainly qualifies as suspicious." He came closer to me, "Perhaps a trip to jail might clear your head…or maybe I should take you to the tallest building and hang you upside down a flagpole until I decide when you come down?" I gulped a bit.
"I can think of ALL sorts of torture, I come from a family completely full of them." He grabbed my neck tighter, his other hand ready to unleash the claws he kept, something echidnas don't have, but from rumors state, Remington was half wolf, like me. Normally, I wouldn't be too afraid of people who threaten me, they are all talk and no show, but for Remington's case, he WILL tie me upside down on a flag pole in the highest building until I squeaked.
"Well, what are you doing here!?" He cried out, "Tell me or it's up the building ya go!" I started to sweat, but my mouth was zippered. It's as if I couldn't tell, even if I wanted to. I thought he would read my mind. From what I heard, Remington has psychic powers or something. He was born with magic which was a rare case in his family, but so far, it didn't seem like he could. I was about to black out from him nearly choking my life out until I heard a voice.
"Remington?" It was Amy, my target. Remington turned to face her, still grabbing onto me. His guy definitely knows how to pay attention even when distracted. But he was facing Amy, so I quickly grabbed my gun and knocked him on the head with it.
"UGH!" Down he came. I gasped for air. Amy stared in horror, then gave me a pissed look. She took her mallet out. Crap.
"Okay, buddy, you got 1 second to run!" She came to me, mallet in hand, "1!" Then she started swinging. I ran around in zigzags all around the fountain. She came like a rampaging elephant. As I ran, I took out a little remote control and beeped in my hover bike, the Marvelous Queen. Good ol' Queenie, she never fails me. I hitched a ride and hovered off. I thought that was over for now, but lo and behold, Amy came after me on a flying carpet. Damn her and her magic!
"Get back here!" She shouted.
"Geez, woman, when the hell did you turn into an Amazon?!" I shouted as I whipped out my gun and started shooting. This is really unlike Amy, she doesn't usually chase after me. That's usually Sonic's department. But there she was. She manage to catch up to me and she even went as far as jump on my bike! She was ready to strike, but I thought fast and grabbed her arms.
"Hey, let go!" She tried to struggle. I quickly pushes the button to make the bike go on auto-mod, then grabbed both her arms tightly.
"I was gonna kidnap ya anyways." I chuckled, "So hitch along for the ride!" Well, she just made my job easy. I just laughed as she tried to struggle her way through.
"You're strong, but not strong enough!" I grinned, "Man, what could be worse then this?!"
"How about a toothless mouth?!"
"Wha-" Who was that?! I turned to face Remington clinging onto my hover bike.
"How!?" I cried, "I thought I knocked you unconscious!"
"Peh." He scoffed, then he punched me in the face and I fell off. I rubbed my face. I saw Remington jump put of the bike with Amy in his arms. My bike crashed into a wall.
"NO! I just got done fixing her!" I cried out, "It cost me a lot of money!"
"Something I don't really give a shit about." I grinned again, " So, kidnapping Amy Rose…why?!" There he goes, grabbing me again.
"Who sent you!?" He came at me, his blue eyes being that icy cold as his personality.
"Hey, if I could tell ya, I would…since I know that you could kill me in a sec, but I don't know who he is!" I cried out. He came closer. If looks could kill, I'd be dead repeatly.
"I mean it, I don't know!" I shouted.
"Remington, that's enough!" Amy busted in, "I went overboard, don't you to!" Amy grabbed Remington's hand.
"I believe he really doesn't know who sent him to get me." She said.
Remington sighed and placed me down.
"Get out." I ran afterwards. I needed to come up with a better plan, I ain't leaving out on money! I'm a bounty Hunter, I never loose my victim!
*Amy's POV*
I had no clue why I went overboard like that. I would never even attempt to chase after Fang and risk my life like some fool…so why did I do it? Even though I was being aggressive, Fang still got to me and someone had to end up saving my life….again. I sighed and looked down on the floor.
"Come on, get up." I heard Remington speak. He took out his hand, but I didn't grab it.
"What the hell's the matter with you?" He asked, crossing his arms like he didn't care.
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
"For what?" He shrugged.
"For causing all that trouble to rescue me." I answered, "No matter what I do, I always get captured."
"Well, perhaps you need a better line of defense." He suggested. I looked at him, tears flowing through my eyes.
"Look, did I upset you?" He asked, "I didn't mean to, I mean, geez…"
"It's okay." I sniffed and got up, "Remington, can you take me home?"
"Sure." He took my arm, "No date then?"
"Not today…I have to…think."
I don't think even Remington knew what I meant. He took me home to Station Square where we bid farewell. Afterwards, I went up to my room where I laided on my bed and took a big sigh as I removed m boots.
Who sent Fang after me? I pondered over the number of possibilities, but not one came into my mind. My pondering mind wandered off when my phone rang. I sighed and picked up the video phone.
"Hello?" I answered, wiping out the reminding tears from my face.
"AMIRA!" It was daddy.
"Daddy?" I gasped.
"Oh, my dear daughter, are you alright?" He asked, his face worried.
"I'm fine." I nodded.
"Remington called and told me about this." He came in again, "This is troubling news indeed."
"I'll be fine." I lowered my head and tears came back, "After all…Remington saved me."
"Your not safe in there, I'm going to come pick you up." It was hard to argue with daddy and he knew what was safe for me.
"Okay…daddy." I sniffed.
"Amira, What is wrong, tell me, dear." He gasped.
"Nothing." I sobbed, "Just come…pick me up."
"Alright, I'll be RIGHT there!" And he hung up, leaving me alone to cry some more.
Daddy picked me up and took him to his home in the broken Egg Carrier. There, he gave me a room for the who knows how long. He decided to leave me alone while I cried, but made sure that the alarm was on incase I was ever kidnapped again…again…I don't want it to be again.
"I'm sorry, Daddy" I cried and talked to myself, "Your little girl's a loser." I cried all afternoon. Evening came.
"Amira, it's dinnertime." Daddy knocked on my door. I slowly opened it.
"Oh, Amira, your eyes are so red. He gasped, "Come on, dinner will cheer you up, Knuckles bought Chinese."
KNUCKLES!? I gasped and backed down a bit.
"Amira?" He looked at me questionably.
"I'm…I'm not hungry." I gasped, still in shock. So, Knuckles stayed here after he was kicked out. I was shaking, I didn't wanted to live in the same place where he was. My heart started to hurt.
"Amira…I know you and Knuckles have some difficult issue but you need food." Daddy sighed, "Please…come eat, it won't have to take long." He extended his hand and I reluctantly took it.
The main dining room was loaded with beautiful Japanese vases and dishes in glass shelves. It was breathtaking. The chandelier on top shone brightly and when it's light struck the many colorful vases, it created an almost Northen Lights look, it was beautiful.
"Amy." My thoughts were cut off when Knuckles looked at me sheepishly and terribly blushing so red that not even his fur could match it's shade of red.
"Uhh…C-Chicken?" He asked as he gave me one of those Chinese box. I reluctantly took it and ate of it. Dinner was eerily silent. Knuckles ate his food quietly and refuse to look at me. He tried to cover his blushing cheeks with his vest, but it was of no use. My father gave both of us looks of worry. He tried to start up conversations, but gave up when none of us refused to speak. My heart hurt every time I look at him and I had a feeling he did too. I sighed at his pathetic attempt to hide himself. He's so cute when he blushes, I almost felt sorry for him.
!!!
Did I…just thought that in my head?! I gasped. How could think like that!? I started to blush deeply and almost choked on my food.
"Amira, are you okay?" Father gasped, "here, drink some water." I did so, I needed water. I sighed. Knuckles looked at me with great concern.
"I'm…not hungry anymore." I sighed and left, rather embarrassed at myself. I stayed in my room the remaining night. I wore my pajamas and snuggled in bed. I was crawling myself so deep that even Sonic's spin couldn't match it. I cried some more. I felt alone for some reason. I also felt helpless. I'm such a burden to everyone. I…I need to think…
*Knuckles' POV*
I cleaned out the kitchen table. I sighed as I did so. I was wondering why Amy ran off like that. Is it because she was tired of staring at my unworthy face? I went into the kitchen and threw away anything worth throwing. I was trash to Amy. I told myself constantly that I'd be over her, but I can't! I held the rag that I was cleaning with tighter. Why did I do such a thing?! Of course I am unworthy for her! Someone has pure as her does not deserve the lying rat that is me! She deserves someone who is also equally as purehearted as her…but that raises a question…why Remington!? He is not purehearted! Sometimes I even wonder if he even is a good guy. He seems more of an Anti-hero. He had a cold exterior, why did Amy chose him? Yes, I admit that I am jealous. I am…but I would jealous no matter who Amy was with. Remington…I talked with him and relied on him. We are both the same when it came to our status, both future heirs to our kingdom…I sniffed a tear and sighed as I continued to clean. Why him? I do not understand. I thought she would run into Sonic's arms instead. I mean, I understand that she is over him, but I would have expected that to happen, especially since Sonic can tolerate her, unlike when she was 12.
Once I was done, I went to my room, Eggman bid me a good night as he looked over from the newspaper. I said "Good-Night" too and went upstairs. I was about to go in my room when I heard soft sobs. Amy was crying and I felt as though it was m fault and it might have been. I listened to her sob until it was quiet. She must've cried herself to sleep. I didn't wanted to disturb her, but I couldn't help but enter the room. I was quiet as to not wake her up. I sat down on the edge of the bed and looked over at her. Like an angel did she look. I sighed and touched her hair. I gulped. I took off my glove to feel her hair and sighed. I smiled a bit. It felt good to touch Amy again. The next move, I must have not been thinking clearly. I bended down and kissed Amy on her lips. My Gosh, did that felt so sweet. I must've kissed for a long time, but I had to let go. I sighed and left the room, a bit happy.
*Amy's POV*
I woke up the next morning a bit surprised. It felt as though someone kissed me. Did Remington come and kiss me? No, this didn't felt like Remington….it felt like…someone else's. I wondered who. Well, whatever it was, I ran out of bed. I quickly changed and went out of my room.
"Good morning, dear." My father waved.
"Hi, dad." I ran out the door quickly. I must've left him befuddled.
I too Dreamwatcher, my carpet and flew to Angel Island where I headed for Necronpolis. I knocked on the palace gates of Twilight Palace. The huge doors opened and out came Remington's father, Mr. Kragok who was obviously tired.
"Amy?" he gasped, his eyes half closed, "It's so early."
"I need to speak to Remington, where is he, sleeping?" I asked.
"Nope, mediating on the backyard." He pointed.
"Thank you." I ran out to the backyard.
The backyard was very much like a Japanese garden would be, mini waterfalls, cherry blossoms a plenty, ponds with lily pads, etc. I saw Remington near a pond where he sat on a rock, perfectly still. I crept up and went over to Remington. I was slowly about to touch him, but Remington got the best of me as he grabbed my arm. He opened one eye.
"Ohoyo." He smiled.
"Good morning to you, too." I smiled.
"Well, you feel better." He stood up, "What's up"
"Well, I feel more confident." I smiled, "I want you to do me a favor, Remington…I've been thinking about it a lot last night."
"What is it?" He asked.
"I want you to teach me how to fight!" I smiled.
"Teach you…how to fight?" He asked, almost shocked at what I said.
"Yes, teach me Marital Arts, Remington." I commanded.
To Be Continued…
Character Profiles
Knuckles
Full Name: Fu "Knuckles" Tu (In Asia, their last names come first. "Yu" means "Earth" "fu" means "wealthy")
Age: 19
Height: 4'10
Job: Prince of Angel Island, Guardian of the M.E, Chinese Chi Wizard
Weapon: His knuckles, occasionally a sword, but rarely
Magic: Chi Spells by use of Ofuda (Magical Parchment)
Birthdate: Feb.2
Birthplace: Echidnaopolis
Eyes: Violet
Fur: Red
Vechicle: Orange Jeep: Tempest
Speech: Very elegant, talks in respect, sometimes talks in Chinese
Nationality: Chinese
Family: Fu "Locke" Ru (Ru means Scholar)-father, Po "Lara-Le" Jia (Jia means beautiful)-Mother, Fu "Piper-Le" ChiChi-little sister, Po "Luna-Le" Niu (means girl)-stepsister, Po Wynmacher-stepfather
Coming from a royal family who has been ruling for over 3,000 years since their ancestor Pacahamac (the first ruler), Knuckles was well respected and praised upon when he was born. He grew up as a young prince and his father taught him the ways to be a Guardian and a prince, along with his grandfathers. His mother, however, taught him to be himself (which is one of the reasons why Knuckles isn't as hypocritical as his grandparents). Knuckles was 4 when he met baby Amira whom he was to wed upon her 16th birthday to bring peace between Angel Island and the Miracle Planet who were at war with each other for 600 years. There he and Amy established friendship as they grew up together.
When Knuckles was 7, Piper, his sister was born. She was to replace Knuckles if he didn't succeed as Emperor and thus the argument between Locke and Lara-le began on how to raise their child.
When Knuckles was 9, the Dark Legion came to wage war to take back Echidnaopolis and the entire Angel Island. Knuckles was told to take Amira to safety who was visiting. Lara-Le ran off with Piper while Locke and his army fought the D.Ls. The D.Ls somehow manage to send Echidnaopolis to another zone, but they risked going back to their own zone as well. Knuckles saw his city disappear and thought his kind were dead. It was even worse when Amy (who was knocked unconscious) didn't know who she was. Knuckles kept her true destiny as princess of the Miracle Planet to protect her and took care of her. He and Amy met the Chaotix and had many adventures over the years. It was when Amy was 8 and Knuckles was 12 that she had to leave for the Tarot Cards told her to. Knuckles was heartbroken. He didn't meet her again until four years later during Perfect Chaos' rage in which it shocked Sonic that they were childhood friends. They spent the four years together catching up. The city of Echidnaopolis later returned and Amy found out about her past that Knuckles kept from her, and that's where the story "Dreamwatcher"…
Knuckles is a very elegant young echidna. With royal experience, Knuckles does things elegantly and talk in a manner of elegance. He is furiously loyal and dedicated to his job and cause. He can be angry, but he has enough common sense to control himself. He is very intelligent, but very gullible, believing a lot of things hook, line, and sinker. Because of his status, sometimes Knuckles acts high and mighty, especially to Sonic, who gets pissed from it. But seriously, he is a good guy who does his best on his goals.
Amy Rose
Full Name: Amira Thorn Rose
Age: 15
Height: 4'5
Job: Princess of the Miracle Planet, Witch
Weapon: Piko Piko Hammer
Magic: Tarot Cards, Black Magic
Birthdate: Feb.23
Birthplace: Miracle Planet
Eyes: L.Green
Fur: Pink
Vechicle: Magic Carpet: Dreamwatcher
Speech: Average, but tries to be polite when near people who are higher then her
Nationality: Half Japanese
Family: Thorn Rose-mother, Rob O' the Hedge -Older brother, Takahashi "Eggman" Akira-father
Amy was born in a beautiful day. She was the second child to a royal family. She was also key along with Knuckles to bonding Angel Island and the Miracle Planet together. She and Knuckles spent many moons together. She lost her memory when she was 4 during the war between the Dark Legion and Knuckles' people. She spent 10 years not knowing of her past due to her lost memory. Knuckles never told her.
When she was 8, Amy went to the Little Planet because the Tarot cards said so. There, she met Sonic and Metal Sonic as well. She was rescued by Sonic, naturally, and was taken off the planet. At that moment, she fell in love with Sonic. Everywhere he went, she followed. That went on for the four years she knew him. She was 12 when she met Knuckles, which got Sonic startled, even a bit jealous?
When she was 13 to 14, Amy got over her love for Sonic and matured up. She is now heartbroken though from Knuckles' lie. She's currently with Remington for reasons even she doesn't seem to know anymore.
Amy is a levelheaded girl. She is the "mother" to the team and keeps them in line. She has a lot of common sense and makes sure no one does anything stupid. Though if things go out of control Amy will step in and do her stuff. She is purehearted and uses this to help the people she loves and acres about. Right now, she's in a stage of confusion…