Chapter Nine
1 Month Later
A month passed by and the Autumn leaves had fallen and frost took over the two kingdoms. Sonic and Amy had become closer and even Cream, Tails, Rouge, and Knuckles had gotten over the fact that they were supposed to be enemies. Sonic had found out that Amy was a very big romantic, her favorite subject was English, and she loves children, and even though she doesn't get to do it much she loves cooking. And Amy learned that Sonic was actually very intelligent, he loved people, he liked being seen as a hero, he liked adventure books, and he loves chili. The one downside was they still hadn't seen each other face to face since the day they met.
Today, since it was so cold outside, Sonic did his training inside on his own while Knuckles and Tails were at the Market Place, hopefully getting Amy's latest letter. As Sonic practiced his archery, aiming at the target on the dummy, he felt himself getting a little distracted by thoughts of Amy and kept missing the bull's-eye. After a few minutes he gave up and sat down for a break. Looking out the window Sonic could see frost inching from the corners of the window and the frozen pond outside. Unlike most Sonic actually liked winter, the frozen sheet of snow covering the ground as it sparkled from the sun shine looked absolutely amazing to him.
But Sonic's peacefulness was interrupted when Knuckles and Tails barged in; with Tails holding a letter. Sonic's face lit up and he ran up to the two excitedly, eagerly grabbing the letter out of Tails' hand. Tails laughed while Knuckles just rolled his eyes at Sonic's behavior. Sonic sat back down as he opened the envelope and read the letter.
Dear Sonic,
I swear I can't go anywhere in the palace without needing a blanket wrapped around me. I stay in bed for as long as I can so I can just stay snuggled up and warm. Although as much as I hate the cold, the snow outside is absolutely beautiful. I wish you could see our rose garden in winter. The red from the roses mixed with the crystal white snow is just breath taking.
Unfortunately the worst part of winter is our annual Winter Ball. I'm stuck in an uncomfortable, way too extravagant dress. And I have no choice but to talk to a bunch of snobby royals and stuck up nobles. On top of that it's the ball where we have the most suitors asking for my hand. I never understood how a man who has no idea who I am would want to marry and have children with me.
But it does make me excited for Christmas, the one day of the year I have all day to be with my parents. So I have that to look forward to. I hope you are well and happy. Merry almost Christmas.
Sincerely,
Amy
Sonic chuckled at the 'Merry almost Christmas' part. But a small part of me cringed at the thought of a man asking Amy to marry him. But why he felt that way he wasn't sure. In the corner Tails sat by the fireplace while Knuckles fed more wood to the fire. Sonic began to pace the room a little trying to think of a good letter to send to Amy when suddenly he said, "I want to see her again." He said just loud enough for tails and Knuckles to hear. Knuckles almost fell over in shock.
"You what?" Knuckles said as he approached Sonic. "Sonic do you know how difficult that would be? I'm still shocked the girls made it to the Market Place without getting caught, let alone Mobius. Also I know you Sonic, and I know you know it's not fair to ask Amy to sneak out and come here again."
Sonic nodded slowly as he rubbed the back of his neck in frustration. "I know, I know." But I really do want to see her. And hell, we've both talked about you and Tails and he ladies in waiting and how much you mean to us. And when I 'met' them it was them just trying to drag Amy away." Sonic leaned against the wall trying to think of a plan to see Amy, Cream, and Rouge when Tails spoke up. "The only way it would be fair is if both of you met half way in the Market Place for like the Winter Festival or something."
Sonic looked at Tails in confusion and Knuckles wide eyed in shock. "What's a Winter Festival?" Sonic asked, while Knuckles glared at Tails from behind him.
"It's a festival that's held in the Market Place every year. They have dancing, food, games, and fireworks." Tails explained.
"It's a party for commoners, something a prince shouldn't worry about." Knuckles said trying to get Sonic's mind off of it, but it was too late.
Sonic looked at the floor thoughtfully when a smile slowly began to grace his face. "That's it." He said snapping his fingers. "We'll all go to the Market Place for the festival."
"What?!" Tails yelled as Knuckles slapped himself in the forehead in anger and frustration.
"Think about it; it's close by for all of us, it's neutral ground. And with the festival we'll have something fun to do together." Sonic said excitedly bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Knuckles groaned and slouched back against the wall as he rubbed his face in frustration. "How are we going to sneak out without anyone suspecting anything? I don't even get what Amy did to sneak out." Sonic wasn't listening as he thought of a way to let the girls know the plan.
"Okay, here's the plan. Tomorrow you two go to the Market Place and tell Rouge and Cream the plan. Then they go back and tell Amy, and the next day we all meet up at the Market Place and have fun at the festival, easy as pie." Sonic said happily.
Knuckles shook his head and approached Sonic, "How are we supposed to get you out of the palace? And how are we supposed to sneak into the Market Place with no one realizing we've left?"
Sonic thought about it for a second when Tails came in with his own idea. "I think I might have a plan." He said with a smile.
The Next Morning-Market Place
Rouge sat at the back of the pub lounging about as she waited on Cream who was getting them some water. As she tapped on the table impatiently she noticed two very familiar men. She looked away from the red echidna as the two approached her and sat down. "Sonic's getting quick with his responses." Rouge said crossing her legs.
At that moment Cream had come back with two cups of water and looked a little confused to see Tails and Knuckles. "Hey guys," she said as she sat down between Tails and Rouge. "Sonic has a letter for us already?"
"Not exactly," Knuckles said. From his demeanor the girls could tell he was frustrated. "Sonic said he wants to spend some time with Amy again."
Rouge's eyes grew wide as she sat up straight. "Us sneaking into Mobius was a one-time thing, we will never do that again." She stated firmly crossing her arms over her chest.
"Well that's not what we're asking." Tails said. "We just need the three of you in the Market Place."
"Yeah cause that's gonna be soooo much easier." Rouge said sarcastically. Next to her Cream looked down at the table contemplating before looking up at the boys. "We'll see what we can do."
Rouge looked at her wide eyed, mouth agape. "Well then we'll see you tomorrow for the Winter Festival." Tails said as he and Knuckles stood up. "Make sure you're dressed warm and we'll meet here tomorrow at 4pm." With that the boys left, leaving Rouge still stunned at what just happened.
The Next Day- 2pm Mobius Palace
Knuckles and Tails stood outside Sonic's room, wearing cloaks covering their clothes, as a maid approached them. "The King and Queen need Sonic for a moment." She said sweetly, reaching for the door handle when Knuckles gently grabbed her wrist. She looked to him confused.
"Sonic's not feeling well," Knuckles said as the maid moved away from the door.
"Oh dear, what's wrong with him?"
"I don't think his lunch is agreeing with him." Tails said, "He'll probably be out of it till tomorrow morning."
The maid nods understandingly as she backs away from the door. "Well, I hope he gets better. I'll inform their majesties at once." With that she scurried away, and the two boys watching until she was out of sight. Once she was the two kept their eyes on opposite sides of the hall as Tails knocked on Sonic's door three times. With the knock Sonic emerged from his room wearing a similar cloak and dirty brown pants, baggy white shirt, and black boots. "All clear?" he asked.
Knuckles and Tails nod in unison and Sonic puts on his hood to hide his face. "Let's go." The three sneak through the halls, hiding from guards and servants and headed outside to a wagon drawn by three horses Knuckles set up earlier. When they reached the court yard Tails and Knuckles got in the front of the wagon to drive while Sonic hid under the sheet covering a few barrels. Once he was covered Knuckles signaled the horses to walk and they made their way to the palace gates. When the shadow of the gates towered over them the 2 guards approached the wagon.
"Going somewhere guys?" The bigger of the two asked politely.
"Just dropping off a few things at the trade center in the Market Place." Knuckles said casually, trying his hardest not to draw attention to them. The guard took a quick glance at the wagon and waved to the other guards to open the gates.
Once outside the gates and the doors closed behind them Sonic came out from under the sheet and took off his hood and marveled at the Kingdom he had so longed to see up close. He marveled at the tall buildings, the street merchants, and the children playing in the middle of the street among the piles of snow. But his moment of peace was interrupted by Knuckles. "Sonic,"
Sonic turned back to Knuckles and Tails who were unhooking the horses from the wagon and hiding it in some nearby bushes. "Are we going to the market Place or not?" Knuckles asked getting on one of the horses and walking towards the Market Place. Once Tails was on his horse Sonic hopped on his own horse and sped ahead of the two.
"Sonic!" Knuckles yelled as he and Tails sped up to catch up to him. Sonic never slowed down. All he could think about was getting his first real taste of freedom and seeing Amy face to face for the first time in a month.
Once in the Market Place Knuckles tied up the horses to a post near the pub. Tails stuck with Sonic who was awe struck by the Market Place.
The Market Place was busier than usual because of the festival. People from Mobius and the Rose Kingdoms came to celebrate. In the square dozens of people were dancing; Mobian and Rose alike. Food stands with sweets and fried food stretched out on every street. And there were games, after games, after games. Men were in pubs drinking, women dancing, and children were eating and playing games. Even though it was freezing everyone was bundled up and running around with torches lit every two feet to warm people up along with a large bon-fire in the middle of the square. Snow covered everything but the main road. The sun reflecting off the snow made the Market Place even more beautiful.
Sonic's grin grew wider with each passing second. Knuckles smiled and Sonic's childlike happiness as he rested his hand on Sonic's shoulder. "C'mon, the girls are going to meet us in that Pub over there." Knuckles said pointing to the Pub across the road that was crawling with men drinking and unfortunately a few harlots.
The three men made their way through the crowded Pub to the same table Knuckles and Tails met with Rouge and Cream. Once they sat down Sonic scanned the room for Amy's pink quills. Knuckles and Tails simply sat there patiently as a waitress wearing a dress that was way too low cut came to the table with three beers.
Outside, Sonic saw three horses through the window and three figures get off them. As the girls came in Sonic was no longer the only man at attention. Knuckles, Tails, and every man in the bar stared in awe at the three beautiful girls.
Cream wore a simple green long sleeved dress that reached the floor. Around her stomach she wore a white corset and around her shoulders a soft white shawl. Of course, the excessive woman she is, Rouge was a little less discrete. She wore a short long sleeved white dress with red stockings and red elbow length gloves. Around her shoulder is a red shawl with a white lily in the middle. And on her feet she wore white heeled boots. Shockingly the only make up she wore was red lipstick.
Sonic's eyes immediately landed on Amy and he couldn't understand why his heart stopped beating for a second. What she wore was simple but still beautiful. She wore a dark red flowy ball gown, small black gloves, and black boots. When she took off the hood of her black cloak her quills cascaded down her back and outlined her beautiful face. Around her neck is her gold heart locket. Her eyes immediately met Sonic's and she gave him a soft smile.
Amy, Rouge, and Cream approached the table and sat down; Amy beside Sonic, Rouge in front of Knuckles, and Cream beside Tails. Sonic and Amy immediately began talking and started a conversation, but the others only sat their awkwardly trying not to look each other in the eye.
"Hey," Sonic said awkwardly, a slight blush on his face. Amy's bright smile was blinding to Sonic and it just seemed to make Sonic even happier. "How are you?"
"Freezing," Amy said rubbing her arms. "How are you?"
Sonic's smile grew. "Better now that I get to talk to you again." Amy blushed and looked away from Sonic to hide it. The others looked on in amazement at these two destined enemies who instantly reconnected like childhood friends.
"This place is crazy. I've never seen so many people, not even at parties at the palace." Amy said looking at the crowded bar and the crowd outside. It was then Amy remembered the others at the table. She turned to Tails and Knuckles with a warm shy smile. "I'm sorry, where are my manners? I don't think we've been properly introduced, I'm Amy." Amy was nothing but nice as she held out her hand to shake theirs.
But they stared at it like she had handed them something unspeakable. Sonic motioned them to shake her hand with his eyes. Hesitantly they shook her hand, never looking her in the eye. Sonic glared at them in disappointment. Then something came to Sonic, he never really introduced himself to Rouge and Cream.
Sonic gave both a warm smile and held out his hand. "I don't think we have been introduced yet either. I'm Sonic, and your Rouge and Cream, right?" Cream looked a little scared and just stared at his hand. Rouge shook his hand but with a blank bored look. Sonic looked away shyly and looked to Tails and Knuckles who looked very uncomfortable.
"Guys why don't we get something to drink for the ladies?" Sonic suggested as he stood up. "What would you ladies want?"
"Water," Rouge said nonchalantly.
As Knuckles and Tails got up Amy grabbed Sonic's hand. "Actually, I'd like to try beer." Amy said sweetly.
Sonic nodded and the three went to the bar. Once they were out of ear shot and lost in the sea of men Sonic punched Knuckles in the arm. "What is wrong with you two? Why are you being rude?"
"Sonic, you're the one who has been talking to her for a month, not us." Knuckles said while Tails ordered the drinks. "Just because you think she's cool doesn't mean we do by default." With that Knuckles took two of the drinks from Tails and started walking back to the table with him. Sonic stood at the bar for a second thinking about what Knuckles said. He had a point but Sonic really wanted them to be friends with Amy and he really wants to be friends with Rouge and Cream. But how?
"What is wrong with you two?" Amy whispered to Rouge and Cream. Rouge shrugged while Cream looked away feeling guilty.
"I'm sorry Amy but you know how shy I can be. Also I didn't expect such a big crowd. What if we get caught?" Cream said shyly.
Amy thought about for a moment and realized Cream was right. There are people who live in the palace who come to the Market Place. "On top of that," Rouge suddenly said snapping Amy from her thoughts. "You were talking to Sonic for a month, not us. You are the one who found him interesting. Honestly Sonic is just kind of okay. He actually just seems average."
Before Amy could say anything Knuckles and Tails came back, Knuckles placing the waters in front of Cream and Rouge and Tails putting the beer in front of Amy. "Where's Sonic?" Amy asked.
"He's coming," Knuckles said to Amy not looking at her as he sat down.
Suddenly Rouge felt a man's hand on her shoulder and a familiar chill down her back. "Hey beautiful." Rouge turned around to see Scourge's seductive smirk directed at her. Immediately she turned away as Amy looked at him in confusion.
"Don't be like that. Why don't you ditch red over there," Scourge said nodding towards a glaring Knuckles. "And come with me and we can have a little… fun." To emphasize fun he slowly licked her neck.
Rouge pulled away and was about to confront him when Scourge was suddenly pulled away and thrown to the ground. He looked up and saw Sonic standing over him with clenched fists. "You should be ashamed. That is no way to talk to a lady. Especially not to a beautiful young woman like her." Sonic said laying a gentle hand on the shoulder of a very shocked and impressed Rouge.
Scourge glared at Sonic as he got up and stocked away. Sonic sat down and Rouge smiled at him extending her hand. "I'm Rouge," Sonic smiled and shook her hand as Cream reached out to do the same. As Rouge pulled away she gave Amy a knowing smile.
As they drank and Sonic had whiskey and scotch for the first time, they talked and started to lighten up. Laughing and having a good time until the sun started to set. After drinking for a while they went outside and Amy started to pull Sonic over to the large crowd of people dancing around the bon-fire. As they started dancing Amy realized Knuckles and Rouge were just staring at the crowd trying to find something to focus on.
"I have an idea," Amy said cheerfully. She whispered in Sonic's ear and his smile grew. He nodded and ran over to Knuckle and Rouge. Amy grabbed Knuckles and pulled him to the dance floor as Sonic did the same with Rouge. The two went along with Sonic and Amy and danced along with the crowd to the fast paced music. Until suddenly it got slow and the four stopped dancing and Sonic took Amy's hand after pushing Knuckles towards Rouge and laughed his slurred drunk laugh as he and Amy slowly moved away from them.
Knuckles and Rouge tried not to look at each other as they stood there awkwardly. Till Rouge finally turned to Knuckles with a sigh of frustration. "We might as well." She said putting her right hand on his shoulder and holding out her left hand for him to take. Slowly Knuckles took her hand and put his other on the middle of her back. As they danced they looked everywhere but at each other. At one point they both caught Sonic and Amy in their sights, laughing and smiling. "I was wrong." Rouge suddenly said.
Knuckles turned to her in confusion. "About what?"
"I didn't trust Sonic. And when we came here I thought I was going to have to have my guard up the whole time and keep an eye on him. But now," She said turning back to Amy and Sonic who were now running over to a food stand giving out caramel apples. "I see Sonic is nothing but a gentleman. And if your hanging out with him you must not be all bad either."
Knuckles gave out a soft chuckle. "Thanks, that was almost a compliment."
They smiled to each other for a moment before, "You're still a moron though." Rouge said but Knuckles just rolled his eyes and ignored it.
As they were all having a good time Tails and Cream stood side by side watching, trying not to look at the other. Tails cleared his throat when he saw Knuckles and Rouge dancing, getting Cream's attention. "Do you want to dance?"
Cream blushed and shook her head. "No, I don't really dance. Thank you though."
"Oh, o-okay." And they were back in their uncomfortable silence. Tails looked around desperately for something to do or talk about when he saw a shooting game. A big cow in a suit stood by a stand where young boys took a bow and arrow and had to hit three apples 10 feet away. Tails gently grabbed Cream's arm and pulled her over.
"What are you doing?" Cream asked. Tails didn't answer and turned to the cow and handed him a gold coin.
Tails took the bow and arrow in hand and aimed at the apples and hit the first one near the top. Cream was impressed thinking Tails was just all brains. He aimed at the second and his it in the middle. Finally he took aim at the third and split it right down the middle. Tails turned to Cream with a confident smile as she looked at him wide eyed. "Winner!" said the cow. "Pick your prize."
Tails looked at all the stuffed animals hanging from the stand when he noticed Cream staring a blue stuffed chao. He smiled and pointed at the chao. "Can I get that one for the lady?" Cream looked to him in shock and smiled when he handed her the small stuffed animal and started to walk back to the bon-fire.
From a few feet away Sonic and Amy sat in a tree eating their caramel apples watching the others start to have some fun. "I'm glad they started to lighten up." Amy said.
"I'm glad Cream and Rouge don't hate me." Sonic said with a chuckle. Amy laughed along with him. "I'm sure Knuckles and Tails will start to warm up to you. Knuckles is a bit hard headed but tails is pretty easy going." Amy smiled and finished her apple before looking up at the night sky. Sonic gazed up with her throwing both their sticks to the ground.
Unconsciously Amy leaned her head on Sonic's shoulder causing a light blush to form on his cheeks. "I didn't know the sky would look so different away from the palace."
"Yeah," Sonic said softly as he took a gentle whiff of Amy's hair. 'Stop that,' he thought to himself. 'Why in God's name am I doing that?' Sonic turned away from Amy and back to the sky. Sonic looked over at the other four and saw them heading back to the horses getting ready to leave. "I think it's time to go."
Amy whined, "Noooo." Sonic let out a soft chuckle and climbed down from the tree. Amy followed behind but slipped. Sonic caught her mid-fall bridal style and got caught in her eyes. Sonic and Amy stared at each other and Sonic slowly moved in, not realizing what he was doing. But they were interrupted by Rouge. "Amy it's time to leave!" She said from a top her horse.
Sonic pulled away and put Amy down and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'll see you around?" Amy smiled and nodded before running over to Cream and Rouge. As she got on her horse and ran off to the Rose Kingdom Sonic came upon his own revelation. 'I'm falling for Amy.' Sonic thought to himself as Knuckles and Tails walked over with their horses.
"Come on Sonic." Knuckles said getting on his horse. "Time to go home." Sonic nodded slowly as he got on his own. As Tails got on his he looked over at Sonic in concern.
"Are you okay Sonic?" Tails asked. Sonic simply nodded and they rode back to Mobius.
Amy, Cream, and Rouge quietly entered the servants' quarters into the dark and empty kitchen. "Be quiet, we don't want anyone to find us." Cream said as they quietly closed the door behind them. Suddenly the lights turned on and they turned around to see Vanilla standing by the door. "Ahhhhhh!" the three screamed.
"Where have you three been?" she said, one brow cocked.
Sorry this took so long. I apologize for this taking so long. I've been busy with school, singing, and yesterday I just got back from Atlanta for an audition for The Voice. On top of that, I have no idea why, FanFiction did not work on my laptop for a month. I hope you guys like this chapter. Please leave a comment because I love hearing what you guys have to say. And, I know there are going to be questions, no I didn't make my audition but I'm okay. Also, I got an idea, if I get 15 comments I'll put link to a video of me singing so you guys can see what I look like and hear me sing. I would live to know what you guys think and if I have your support too.