~DreamWatcher~
Chapter 23:
Confession
Author's Notes: DEAR God, I'm being late as ever! GAH! I hate my senior life! Any who, yes, back. Apologizes. You can put away the chain saws now. I'm here with Chapter 23. Gosh, I just want to end this fic, but I won't rush it. It doesn't make a good story that well. Any who, getting back to the heart of the matter. I'd like to point out this fic IS an alternate universe fic compare to Sega's and Archie's "official" ones. It is also an alternative universe to MY Sonic universe, meaning most of these events don't EVER happen in my true Sonic universe (but Knuckles/Amy does get together, so don't worry). Confusing yes, but that's all I need to say.
Another thing to note is that I wanted to add more to this story, but I'm kinda busy, so forgive the shortness. I mainly wanted to put more about Rouge's past, but I'll add it for another day, possibly.
Now, ONWARDS with the story!!! *gets whack for being overdramatic*
Oh, and The Maury Show RULES.
I confess…
I hid it for so long…
I confess because I want to leave…
My heart is hurting and yearning…
I get what I want…
If I can't have you…
I'll do it by force…
But first…I confess…
*Normal Perspective*
"Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Jeremiah show." The large TV blared as a few of the heroes sat on their asses, waiting for Emperor Locke to call in that one person he mention who was Egyptian and skilled in magic in the ever graceful Chinese palace of Echidnaopolis.
The other half of the team, namely the ones serious about their business, were rethinking a second plan incase the first would fail. Many arguments were a result from their over thinking.
"This won't do" or "Try again, because this one is flawed." or "I think we're getting somewhere…oh, no…never mind." The others glued to the TV set would tell them to harshly "shut up" as they watched the Jeremiah show.
"I didn't think you, Sonic, of all people, would watch a talk show." Espio pondered, pointing to the blue hedgehog, remote in hand, "Maybe Jerry Springer."
"Do I look barbaric?!" Sonic scoffed, obviously offended, "Any who, I like this show. It's the only talk show with an Anthro as their host, plus some of the stories are gripping."
Ahh, yes, the only Anthro to have his own talk show. He was quite the popular figure. Only 25 years old, this white great dane with black spots won the hearts of millions. Never was there such an individual who cared for people as he has in years. Some call him the "Young Maury". He was quite a tall figure, standing in about 5'3 in height. He was , obviously, most popular with the anthros, particularly the female ones.
"I like the Jeremiah show." Cream commented, sitting neatly on the couch next to Sonic, Cheese floating above her, "Especially when he reunites lost family members together. My mommy always cries on that part."
"Me, too." Bark spoke from afar.
"The Jeremiah show is BORING." Bean groaned, "I wanna watch something else."
"No!" Sonic gripped, "The teen girl is about to find out if she's pregnant or not!"
"You are…the father!" Jeremiah read the result. And the teen boy shown on screen ran off crying while the teen girl started to rub it in his face. Then Jeremiah went backstage and tried to comfort the teen boy who was cursing off like no tomorrow.
"Ya gotta admit that Jeremiah sure knows how to treat people." Rouge started to flirt, "Not to mention he's not bad looking, eh?" Big cleared his throat in a quiet manner.
"What do you girls think?" Rouge asked. She mainly stared at Amy who was eerily quiet for the majority of the day, "Amy?"
"Huh…oh…he's fine." Amy blushed. Rouge sighed.
"I know you're feeling low because of Remington, but-"
"That's not it…Rouge…Remington…I know he'll be fine…he will be." Amy spoke quietly and softly, almost like her voice was octaves close to being totally silent. Knuckles eyed her silently and said nothing, staring back at the maps and plans he and several others drew. Rouge "hmm" ed as par usual, hand on her chin. This wasn't something Amy had said before on Remington. Just last night, she was crying non stop over her "beloved Remington". Rouge was no idiot. Years of spying has made her develop an almost sixth sense on eyeing people's expression and knowing exactly how they feel. She eyed Knuckles' face who was blushing and trying desperately hard to hide it by covering his face over his vest. Of course, poor Knuckles couldn't hide from ol' Rouge. She was nobody's fool.
"And now, we got the next results in for the pregnancy test and-what…" Jeremiah was cut short when one of the TV crew whispered something in his ears.
"Now!?" He gasped. The crewmen nodded and Jeremiah quickly eyed the screen.
"I…I'm sorry…but this show has to stop…right now…I must go. If one of you crewmen wanna keep it going and replace me for a while, then do so…I…I must go." He quickly bowed and left. Then the show grew silent as people in the audience murmured.
"What the…" Sonic gasped, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?" He then clicked the TV off. The others laughed lightly.
"He does that often." Mighty commented, "Don't know why though. Rumors state he has a sick father."
Afternoon rolled by. Majority of the heroes waited and waited, feeling as if their time is wasted. The most impatient ones wanted to go right away, but they stayed put on both Emperor Locke's and Kragok's orders. Rouge eyed the two: Knuckles and Amy. The two were distant from each other. By now, that should have come by no surprise, but what the majority don't see, Rouge could. She "hmm" ed again. She eyed Emperor Locke coming from a double door. He chatted with Knuckles for a bit.
"Can you make sure the area is secured for our guest?" He requested. Knuckles, being the ever so obedient son nodded and left. Rouge stood there, watching the red echidna leave. Something was bugging her. The way she saw Amy and Knuckles eyeing each other and showing weird behavior signs wasn't normal, even for their strained relationship. Since Rouge was the mistress of poking into other people's business, especially one's that was closely related to her life, she followed after Knuckles, though since he was too far ahead at that point…she got lost. Of course, the man intrigues and items bombarding the palace was more then enough for Rouge to walk slowly, eyeing everything piece of vase, jewelries, paintings, terra cottas, and other expensive Chinese based merchandise an average person could afford.
*Rouge's POV*
I'm a bat who desires for many things, mostly the finer things, in life. And I never stop until get what I want. Call me a pigheaded fool, but if I can't have something, I'll go ballistic. Perhaps it was my upbringing to lead me to act this way. After all, I was never pampered in such a manner as regular families were. Born in France in one of the richest estates ever, I lived with only my mother and dozens of servants. My mother was young model, posing for such glamour magazines in France like "Oh, La La" or "La'mour". Even humans wanted a piece of her. And of course, mother expected me to be like her. My servants...they gave me whatever I desired.
I admit it…I am greedy sometimes. Self centered sometimes…I just want things and I want them now. I'll go to great measures to get them. After all, my entire life was based on that. They gave me whatever I wanted. I wanted food on a cleaner plate, they would gladly give it to me in seconds. Was it because of my lack of love from mother? She was my friend…not my mother. I often wonder…do I want my mother's love or what? I haven't seen her in years since I ran away after I lost my respect for her.
My main concern was checking out what was wrong with Amy and Knuckles. I mean, they had their issues and all and they have been distance, but this distance was a different one. Both were blushing, embarrassed about something. Stupid fools just don't see it, but I do. Of course, there I go again…nose picking on other people's business. I had to. It was my desire. Like I said, I get what I want. The others don't even know how I feel…about Knuckles. I hated him when I first met. I hated him so much. I toyed with him, not taking him seriously. I did my usual flirt which I do to most men around here, hoping he'd give in or something of that sort. I later learned he was exceptionally shy towards girls and the way he reacts to just about everything when near them. Amy does makes up for it in terms of perfect example of his reactions.
I passed an open double door and into yet another elegant hallway which comes to little surprise, this entire palace had all these expensive shit to make the emperor of Japan blush in shame. I loved being lost. It was like a puzzle for me to find my way back to the right path. I loved solving puzzles. It was a great challenge for me. Hmmm, I wonder, where the guards are?
Lazy bums.
Now, back to Amy Rose…
I often wonder why he would choose Amy Rose out of any other girls? Now, I'm not saying she's a bad girl, but when I first met her, she was an annoying little ditz. Talking loudly about boys (at that time, Sonic), shopping, and the likes. In short, being a 12 year old girl. How could I ever show any signs of respect for her!?
……….
Now, Amy Rose is deeply mature. Not overacting or acting like some immature brat. She doesn't force herself into love, she lets it come to her and at the moment, it came in the worst manner. I have to admit, I felt sorry for her. Her heart is deeply hurt at the moment. I could relate. My heart was broken, too. But that's nothing to be concerned about. It's my business…maybe that's why I barge into Knuckles…because of my feelings towards him. Perhaps I just wish to escape from my own sorrows…
"Rouge."
I gasped and turned to face Knuckles, angry. Hmmm, for once, he pulled a sneaky move on me.
"Kn-Knuckles!" I gasped, backing away slightly, "What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? It's my palace." Knuckles groaned, "How did you get here? This is an area strictly for royal family members only! Get out!"
"Chill out, red." I groaned, "The door was unlocked."
Yea, I noticed." Knuckles groaned, "It still doesn't give you the excuse to barge in. There was a sign!"
"I didn't notice that!" I crossed my arms, defending myself, "Besides, it's your own damn guards fault for leaving the door open!"
"The special guest Baba invited is here and they're going to consult in the conference room. THAT is why the doors are open." Knuckles had his arms on his waist, "Now come on before Baba comes."
He dragged me out and I followed, though I try to show reluctance to not shown any signs that I liked him enough to let him drag me off.
Once we left, Knuckles, too started to leave.
"Wait, I want to talk." OH, CRAP! Why the HELL did I say THAT!?
"Huh?" Knuckles stared at me, his face untrusting. He's still reluctant towards me being in this palace. Too many valuable stuff I might steal, he believes.
"Knuckles, can I talk to you?" I asked again. It felt automatic. Why!? Why am I asking this?
"About what?" Knuckles kept his angry face, knuckles yet again on waist.
"….." I thought for a moment before speaking, "Can we talk in the garden…it's more comforting to talk there."
To my surprise, he followed me to the garden. Maybe he just wanted to get this over with.
Once in the garden (well, one of them, I just found the nearest one), I confessed. I don't know why, but I did, though I started off slow.
"Knuckles…I noticed you and Amy…" I started, he grew intrigued the moment I said, "Amy", "….I just notice something weird about you two."
"Uhh…what about Amy and I?" Knuckles grew exceedingly nervous.
"…Don't play so rough, Knuckles, I know you two did something sometime between before I left and last night." I crossed my arms, eyes half closed as usual.
"Uhhh…"
"What is with you two lately?" I sighed.
"Geez, Rouge, why must you pick on other people's business that's not your own!?" Knuckles retaliated, "Especially me! When I was depressed back when I lived with Eggman, you practically broke his house down to get to me!"
"I was trying to help you!" I hissed, "Is that so wrong!?"
"When I meant to be alone, I meant it!" Knuckles shouted back.
"Why must you act like you're the freakin' ruler over everyone!?" I placed a hand on my head, "You don't rule over me!"
"I do here!" Knuckles pointed to the ground.
"What!?" I gasped.
"As long as ANYONE is in my kingdom, they obey my rules, PERIOD." Knuckles shouted, "Where is this conversation even leading to?!"
"…..Knuckles, I have to confess something!" I shouted, sighing before I spoke. I was quick with my words.
"What!?" He grew impatient.
"……..Knuckles, there's a reason why I do this to you." I started, "Get involved in your life."
"Yep." Knuckles nodded, "After all, you seem to act all gullible and a bit crazy when near me. And energetic."
"No, I don't!" I gasped.
"More so then your usual stuff, is all." Knuckles shrugged.
"…..Because….because…" I hesitated, mouthing words to decide what is the best route to come out, but I just blurted it all out, but slowly, without thinking, "I…I…I like you."
Knuckles stood, unfazed. Why is that!? I confessed much of what I was going to say. Much…I said "like" to test him. There was more to my feelings then just "like." It should be quite obvious. I waited for some sort of reaction from him. What he said surprised me.
"I know." Knuckles sighed. My face was down from blushing, waiting for his answer, so naturally, when he said that, my face quickly shot up.
"I know that." Knuckles sighed again, "The signs are obvious. The way you keep flirting at me and how you invade my life, I mean, of course I know why. I do the same with Amy whenever I meet her. I didn't notice it at first, but as the years passed, it grew more obvious."
"What!?" I gasped.
"Yea…it's not so hard. Kind of cute, really." Knuckles smiled, "I just love to play along sometimes, though I really am shy towards girls. I can be "bad" too." I could strangle him.
"Well, seems you've passed my test." Once again, my arms were crossed, "I have more to tell you."
"More?" Knuckles scratched his head, "What more do you need to tell me?"
"Knuckles, I'm way beyond the point of just a mere crush!" I gasped, "I've known you long enough to know I care deeply about you. I play along, too, but in reality, I just want to be…to be…closer to you."
Knuckles started to grow surprised now.
"Ummm…okay." I guess he didn't wanted to hear no more "I think I'll…leave." No, he as hell not!
"Knuckles…can't you see how sincere I'm being!?" I gasped, crying out, giving it all, "I'm actually pouring my heart for you and I don't know why! Maybe it's because of the reaction I saw between you and Amy today. It's like you're keeping some secret that shows some sign you two like each other! I know I'm acting selfish when I say this. Saying that…that I want you! I want you all for myself! I haven't felt this say in a long time! I, too was heartbroken! I know how it feels. I guess I'm saying this because I want to cover up this hole in my heart! When I saw you and Amy, I suddenly remembered my…past…"
"Rouge, calm down." Knuckles backed off, speaking slowly like I was some crazy rabid dog loose from the crazy house. Calm was the least I wanted to do.
"DAMN IT, Knuckles, I LOVE YOU!" Then I lunged at him until we were both right on the grass. I kissed him…kissed him on the lips. I refuse to let it end. I just wanted to keep going. I started to get a bit more seductive. Knuckles manage to pull me away before I could rip that vest off him. He backed off, starring in shock., his clothes and fur roughed off from me.
"Rouge." He gasped, "…Rouge…I'm…I'm sorry…I just don't feel that way towards you." Then he left…leaving me on my knees…I was confused. And I didn't know it then, but Amy Rose was watching me kiss Knuckles…she came because she wanted to talk to Knuckles…
*Normal POV*
A few hours later, everyone seem to have gathered, putting aside their difference on the outside to fully concentrate on their given mission.
"Our special guest is here." Locke came in when he was done with his meeting, "Before we start, is everyone here?" The group started looking around.
"Everyone but Amy." Bark answered.
"Where is she?" Locke asked. The group all shrugged. Knuckles grew deeply concerned.
"Well?"
"I think I saw her leave the palace." Bean came in, pointing in the direction of where she went, "I think she went to the gardens."
"There IS no garden in the front yard!" Knuckles cried out.
"Oh, yea, then how come I saw FLOWERS!?" Bean cried out.
"ARGH!" Knuckles groaned. Damn Bean and his stupidly. He started to leave.
"Knuckles!" Sonic cried out.
"I have to find her!" Knuckles gasped, "I have a feeling I know why she left!" And Knuckles ran out.
"Oh, GOD!" Sonic groaned, "How many delays are we going to have!?"
"We can't wait any longer!" Kragok shouted, "I want Remington and Rykor back! They're family, for Aurora's Sake!"
"…We cannot wait any longer." Locke repeated, "Besides returning Remington and Rykor, Mammoth Mogul could very well be planning or unleashing his attack as we speak. We'll go without Knuckles and Amy."
"Wha- " the group responded.
"It is a problem they must deal with." Locke explained. Everyone seemed to show signs of agreement and confusion, as well as concerns.
"Everyone, our special guest…"
To Be Continued…