Chapter 17

Maze Palace

*Knuckles' POV*

"A path is always there

Even if we are in an area

Where Confusion is always key

Follow your heart, your voice

Let it guide you to your destined road

Perhaps you will meet the one you desire…"

Author's Notes: Wow. I didn't think if I waited long enough, people will actually respond…maybe I should do that from now on…no, I kid, I kid…I'll do the best I can, but I have my hands full drawing for people…damn it, why did I take the vow to let people ask me request in summer vacation? Anywho, thanx for reading and here's the next part…I swear, this story is getting bizarre!

I also put the stories in sagas…arcs, whatever you wish to call them. The first chapter to chapter 16 is Dreamcatcher saga. The Dreamcatcher happens to be Remington. He often says that he catches people's dreams to end his nightmares, similar to how he "caught" Amy from Knuckles…

Remington and I both passed the waterfall by a little hole between the falling water and the cave inside, that way we wouldn't be wet.

"Did you know there was a cave in here?" Remington asked.

"Yes, though it hasn't been occupied in years." I answered, "Fang must've thought this as a good hiding place…silly weasel, I know all of the secrets of this island."

The two went in.

There would be no need for lighting up as there were various torches hanging on the rugged walls like that of a dungeon. We decided a slow and steady walk would be best as to avoid any confrontation. It was a cave that had rarely been used. Cobwebs hung in some corner or another. There were a couple of chairs and other materials which prove someone did live here sometime a while back.

It was eerily quiet, the two of us did not speak while we walked. It was best not to as our voices would create an echo.

We walked some more, it felt like forever. I was starting to feel a bit hot. Oh, how I wished for Fall to arrive. Remington looked quite contented with the weather which was a bit hot. I envied him. All that thick, heavy armor, yet he didn't show any sign of sweat. I thought he was immortal.

"Remington." I whispered, so our voices wouldn't be heard, "How on Earth do you keep yourself from sweating underneath that armor, it's hot in here!"

"I don't know. "he shrugged, "I'm assuming it's got t do with my healing powers, perhaps they are keeping me cool so I won't have to suffer…that or my trainings really paid off."

I envied him.

We walked some more and as we did, the light seemed to get more brighter. We were cautious. We got closer…and closer…and closer…until, we saw a figure…on a chair! Could it be?! Amy!? Was about to run to her, but I kept still, thinking if Fang was hiding anywhere.

"Let's be cautious and on your toes." I whispered, "Fang may be weak compare to us, but he is wily."

We crept closer, Remington slowly and carefully unsheathing his sword. I came to the chair and was about to gasp out Amy's name when it fact, it was NOT Amy on the chair, just some dummy. We both gasped and before we could d anything, a small gray metal circle came bouncing to our feet.

"What th-"I gasped.

We didn't get much time to talk as green foggy smoke started to sprout from the ball. We started to cough and the next thing I knew, things were becoming blurry.

"Re-Remington." I gasped.

I was spinning in my head, what is going on? I could barely keep my eyes open…it was sleeping smoke! I was starting to feel weak. I fell down on my knees and tried to hang on. To my surprise, I saw that Remington (at least, I think so, what with my eyes becoming more drooping, it was hard to tell) was the first to fell. I slowly followed afterwards…I saw nothing but darkness.

I woke up to find myself in an unfamiliar room. It was not a cave like we were in previously, in fact, it was more like a technological warehouse. I gasped and tried to move, but my arms were in chains. I was sitting up, on my knees as my arms were tied to a metal pillar. I closed my eyes for a second and opened them up in which I got a more clearer view. Across from me was Remington, still unconscious, also tied with chains to a pillar as I was.

"Where am I?" I mumbled. It was awfully quiet. No running machines or anything of that sort. I stared at Remington and called his name.

"Remington!" I whispered a bit, afraid someone would hear, but to no avail, so I came in a bit louder, "Remington!" Nothing.

"REMINGTON!" Remington remained motionless and I grew worried.

Things were becoming worse when I heard a door slam shut. I turned to the sound of door and saw it was Fang, smirking. That horrid weasel!

"Good morning, sunshine." he smiled.

"Fang!" I shouted at his name like it was poison, "What happened, where in blazes are we in!?"

"Well, you slept throughout the day and your in a place." Fang answered.

"A place!?" I gasped, " What place IS IT?!"

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough, princey." Fang laughed.

I searched for my sword which was absent, same went for Remington.

"Don't bother wasting your time." Fang smirked, "I took all your weapons away." He was right, other then my sword, my ofudas were also gone.

"Oh, and I ripped up tour ofudas, too." Fang smiled, "hat way, you can't do your magic mumbo jumbo in me."

"You bastard!" I shouted, "Why are you doing this!?"

"Hey, I was just ordered to, I'm a bounty hunter." Fang pointed to himself, "I work for money."

"You are a heartless creature!" I commented, "Why must you work for someone so cruel…whoever it may be?"

"The pay is good." Fang tipped his hat, "Now, excuse me while I go collect my money, after that, I don't care what the hell happens to you two."

"Where's AMY?!" I shouted, "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER!?"

"Oh, she's fine." Fang said as he walked off, "I think, I don't know." Then he left.

"Damn!" I kicked the floor, hard, so it hurt like heck. Remington was still unconscious. I sighed. What was this place? Who would want us? Or even Amy? I had to escape, but I couldn't. The chains were too strong for me to handle. All I could do…was wait.

There was a small window high above from here. It was nighttime. I sighed. I had nothing to eat and I was hungry. Tears came down my eyes. I was afraid. What if something bad happened to Amy? What if we were to rot our lives down here? What if Remington is already dead? I sighed…well, I can't stay here, I won't! I had to do something! I couldn't just break out of these chains. They were too strong. If Mighty was here, he would be able to break these chains as if it was a stick. I sighed. It scared me that Remington remined motionless throughout the entire time we've been stuck here. He didn't move at all. I could not tell if he was breathing to not due to his heavy armor.

I started to look around my surroundings, see what I can use to escape. Nothing but more pillars. The room was bare and that one window shined a circle hole to the floor. It was m only source of light. I tried to feel things with my foot and things started hopeless, until I felt something cold. I gasped and tried to feel it with my feet. It was skinny and definitely metal. A piece of wire? I didn't know or care, but it would prove useful. I slowly rolled it to my hands where I proceeded to pick it up. I had a lock on, so I just has to unlock it. It took a while since I don't really do things of this sort, but I was free. Oh, my arms were killing me. I massaged them for a while and went over to Remington where I unleashed him. I sighed and got close to his chest. He was breathing, good. I picked him up and he was now on my shoulder. That armor made him extra heavy. I ran towards the door and slowly opened it, well, unlocked! I placed the wire that released me underneath my hat, hoping it would prove to be useful later. I slowly went out to see myself in a long hallway. Funny, no signs of guards…perhaps they were off on another location. I sighed, held onto Remington tightly and cautiously walked.

Every corner I turned, every path I took, it was endless. I believe I was in a maze! But the most amazing thing was the lack of guards which consisted of none! Why no guards? Whoever kept me locked in here was sure making it easy for me. I held onto Remington. There were constantly doors everywhere and I checked everyone. They had some of the strangest things behind those doors. When I was done, I would mark it by scratching it with my knuckles to show I've been in this one. So far, no sign of the exit, let along our swords. While I searched, I constantly mumbled to myself to stay calm and pray everything would be okay. I was afraid, afraid of what will happen to me, I was afraid of Remington because he is still unmoving, but mostly, I was afraid of what happen to Amy Rose…

*Amy's POV*

I don't know how long I've been in this creepy place. Well, it was rather nice. Nice bed, a closet full of clothes, it was a home for rich people. I don't understand, where was I? I was deeply afraid when I woke up, in bed, wearing nothing but a red robe. I blushed and searched for my outfit…nowhere. I sighed and stayed in bed, observing the room. It was red…the curtains was red, the drawers were red, the walls and ceilings were red…every part of the room was red. Across from me were red roses, my favorite flowers. I was scared. Where was I? My thoughts were interrupted by a man speaking through a speaker box located on top of the wall…also red.

"Hello, Dearest Amira." the voice called to me. I gasped, "Don't be afraid, I will not hurt you."

"Umm...who are you?" I asked.

"Oh, someone." the voice came in again.

"Where am I?" I asked.

"In your sanctuary." He came again, 'This is your new home."

"My new what?!" I gasped.

"Your new home." He repeated, "I have everything you need, foods, clothes, luxuries, whatever you wish. So enjoy yourself."

"What-Who are you, what's going on?!" I gasped.

"All shall be explained in due time, for now, relax." Then the voice was no more. I gasped in shock and fear. I was in some guy's mansion, I presume. I quickly got out of bed and tried to open the door out…locked. I stood back and concentrated, hoping to make some sort of magic to break the door open, but no magic came from my hands. Did he…did he somehow took away my magic!? I gasped and sat on the floor. I was deeply scared.

"Daddy." I mumbled, "Remington….Sonic…anyone." I had tears as I my arms were around my knees. I slowly got up after a few minutes of crying and went to the closet where I found clothes. My outfit wasn't there, instead, it was full of some of the most elegant dresses I have ever seen. I saw some were quite revealing. I sighed and took out a red dress, sleeveless and strapless. I had to admit, it was beautiful. It was an awfully long dress. One you would see in a prom. Well, it was something, so I wore it. It came with long gloves, but I refused to put them all. Now was not the time to look good.

I sighed and looked around the room. Some creep was trying to keep me locked in and I didn't want that. I continued to scan the room and I happened upon a vat.

"Perfect." I mumbled to myself. I got the only chair in the red room and quickly opened the vat. I was small enough to squeeze in. I started to move in the vat, hoping that I'll make my way out. I must've traveled for a while now, my knees were starting to hurt as well as my hands. I gasp whenever there was little sounds coming about. I soon noticed a way out. I pushed open the grate doorway and slowly ended up in a public bathroom. What crazy place am I in?

I sighed and left the bathroom. I think it was the men's room. I was soon out in an empty hallway. The dress I was wearing was ruined after all that crawling in the vat. I was safe for now, no guards or anything.

"Why, you weren't suppose to do that." came that voice. He was unusually calm. I turn and saw a speaker box. He must have speaker boxes everywhere.

"I saw you sneak out through my camera."

I gasped and saw a video camera atop a ceiling. Cameras, of course he would have cameras! Stupid me!

"You cannot escape me."

"Just who in the world are you?!" I gasped, "What is it you want with me?!"

"You'll see in due time." the voice still remained calm, "If you want, you can wander around…it's nay impossible to escape."

I will escape, you tart!" I shouted.

"Maybe I should make this a challenge…a lesson needs to be learned." the voice snickered, creepy, "After all, escaping was a stupid thing to do." The voice cut off. What did he meant by punishing me? I believe I got the answer when guards came, loaded with guns. I sighed and ran.

"What is this, a man…er…woman hunt?!" I gasped at myself.

I must've have dodged them so many times. I was skinny enough or small enough to hide in a lot of places. But of course, the guards would always know where I am since they had aid from that mystery man. Mt legs were getting tired after hours of chasing. This place was like an endless maze. I wish I knew where I was. I gasped for air, but the guards kept coming. At this rate, I'll be too exhausted and who knows what'll happen. I stood up to try to run, but a guard grabbed m arm.

"Hey, I got her!" he shouted. Using my newfound skills (thanks to Remington), I manage to knock him unconscious by hitting him on the head. I sighed and took his gun for safety. I never used guns before, but this would have to do incase. I ran some more. As I ran, the voice would constantly talk with me, saying things like, "Ooh, you're getting good at this" or "That dress looks so delicious on you." I could smack him. Here were lots of doors in this mazelike place. It would lead to some of the most strangest things ever. Behind one door held an animal that looked like a combination of a house and a gorilla. Another had a door where it led to space. What WAS this place?! I was getting weirded out. I must've checked hundreds of doors. I noticed that some doors had scratches on it. Whatever for?

I did find out later when I bumped into someone as I ran. The gun I was holding flew off. I landed on my butt and was about to fight, thinking it was a guard...it wasn't.

"Knuckles?!" I gasped.

"AMY!" Knuckles gasped as well. Then I eyed Remington.

"Oh, my gosh!" I went up to him, "What happen to him?!"

"I don't know!" Knuckles shook his head, "We were knocked out by sleeping gas and we ended up here! I manage to escape with Remington, he hasn't woken up yet."

I hugged Knuckles and started to have tears in my eyes.

"Well, as long as you're both alive, that's fine enough for me!"

"Oh, Amy." Knuckles held me tight with his one free arm, the other still holding Remington, "I'm so glad you're safe. He was all teary-eyed.

"Hey, she went this way!"

"Oh-No, a guard!" I gasped, "Come on, we gotta hide!"

We entered a random door which actually looked like a normal room. A room of an average person's apartment. We sighed and placed Remington on the couch while Knuckles locked the door. I went over to Remington, tears still in my eyes.

"Are you okay?" Knuckles asked me. I nodded. For a moment, we forgot about our bad times…I forgot that he lied to me, kept it from me, we needed to figure out what's going on and how to get out.

"I wonder what this place is." I sighed.

"Yea…where did you get that dress?" Knuckles asked me. I proceeded to explaining the whole ordeal and in return, he explained the same thing.

"Gee, this sicko must take a real liking to you." Knuckles came in. I groaned in disgust. We stayed in the room for a while. We both looked like we were sorry for some unknown reason.

"I was worried." Knuckles came in, head down, "I was worried about what might have happen to you."

"I'm fine, Knuckles." I tried to smile, but in a situation like this, it was hard to.

"Remington and I…we went all the way to find you." Knuckles started off again, "I'm so glad you are alright."

"I'm glad you and Remington are both alright." I said. Knuckles probably couldn't help it as he hugged me again, he had tears. It was dripping down my shoulder, but for once, I didn't care…I hugged him back, tears also in my eyes. I didn't know what happen next, but next thing I knew, I was THIS close to putting my lips over Knuckles…we were getting closer and closer…closer…

"ACK, MY HEAD!"

We both gasped, got out attention together and turned around to face Remington, who woke up.

"Remington!" I gasped and hugged him tightly.

"Hey, hey!" H shouted, "Some of us still breathe oxygen!"

"Oh, sorry." I whispered, shaking, "Oh!" I kissed him repeatedly.

"Ok, Amy…Amy, that's enough." Remington stopped me before I could do some more. I turned and saw Knuckles…he looked jealous, but he tried to hide it.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Once this migraine lets by." Remington took off his helmet, let loosing his messy black hair, " What the hell happen?"

"We're stuck in some mazelike area." I answered, "Some guy trapped us all in for unknown reasons."

"We've been trying to escape." Knuckles came in, his voice sounded sad, "No such lucks...too many doors."

"This mysterious person took away our weapons and magic." I came in again.

"What?!' Remington stood up, clutching his head, "DAMN IT!"

"How come you were unconscious for such a long time?" Knuckles came in, "I don't think sleeping gas lasted that long."

"I have a weak immune system." Remington sighed, "Which is why this damn headache won't last loose!"

"You, with a weak immune system?" Knuckles pointed, "You, mister master of martial arts, you…top constable of the EST, you…"

"Yes, me!" Remington sighed, "I'm not perfect, you know!"

"This is ironic, since you have the power to heal, you shouldn't be having such weak immune systems." I came in.

"Well, my powers only seems to heal cuts, bruises, and broken bones, and stuff like that." Remington sighed, "For some reason, it doesn't heal sickness or diseases…and that includes this headache!"

I tried to soothe Remington down, but he backed me away. I felt disappointed and offended that he refuse to let me help…but then again, how could I help? Even if I had my magic powers, they don't heal like Remington's do…quite the opposite, they create destruction.

We stayed a while and tried to cook up a plan. After a while of thinking, we got nothing. We didn't-couldn't-think any further as we heard a nose nearby. Both Knuckles and Remington got I front of me. I felt offended again. I could watch over myself. I mean, I manage to get out on my own, did I not? Well, needless to say, I quickly changed my mind about hiding behind when we came face to face with a giant bug. I freaked out. I mean, I don't mind them being small and some bugs are okay with me, but this giant 15 footer was NOT okay with me.

"Uh…any ideas?" Knuckles quickly asked us.

"Laugh like circus clown as we kick it's ass!" Remington grinned and dived after it.

"Hey!" Knuckles shouted, "Attempt suicide, why don't you!?" Then he joined along to help. I watched as the two fought. I wanted to help, but the fact that it was a giant 15 foot bug had me glued to my spot, so when it dove after me, all I could do was scream. Knuckles dove in and pushed me out of the way. I gasped for air.

"Are you okay?" Knuckles asked, holding my arms.

"Yes…go help…Remington." I gasped. He seem to hesitate a bit, but he dove in after him. I watched the two release kicks and punches and other special moves they had.

"This bug isn't going down!" Remington gasped, "Better to leave this room."

"Yea, good idea." Knuckles nodded and quickly took my hand and the three of us made our hasty retreat. We didn't react fast enough as something grabbed all three of us. It was the guards, except more beefier ones. I tried to break free, but I couldn't. Neither could Knuckles and Remington.

"Come on, I lifted up trees that were 3 times bigger them me!" Knuckles shouted, "And I can't escape from one muscle-bound guard?!"

"This is no ordinary guard, my prince." It was that voice!

We all were force to turn around as a figure in shadows came in our way.

"I pumped them with a special brand of magic." the figure continued, "Not even the Great Constable Remington can stop him!"

"You wanna bet!?" And Remington proceeded to struggle, but the guard was holding him too tight.

"Allow me to introduce myself…."

To Be Continued…

Author's Notes: HA!I am evil…leaving it as a cliffhanger…bwahahahahaha!!! Anywho, I'm tired right now, so no profiles…who reads them anyways?