Chapter Two is up! I really enjoyed writing this chapter, and I you enjoy reading it. Only reason I know anything about swordfighting is 'cause I played to much Legend of Zelda when I was younger. Still do, if I'm honest. Anyway, review and subscribe!

Chapter Two

(Six years later)

The water had a mirror-like quality that morning. As she stepped down to the shore, sunlight shone down on the lake, making the air warm. Small, winged creatures flitted about, talking to each other in high, melodic voices. They only said one word. But what sounded like a simple word to normal creatures, was a whole language to them.

"Chao are so clever," Lynxa thought. "They're such, cute, serene creatures. They are lucky to be hidden here in Angel Cove, and unaware of what the world outside is like."

Her hand brushed against the dark blue gem in her pocket.

"I feel blessed that they taught me there language, and entrusted me with their greatest treasure."

Her hand closed around the object, and pulled it out, so it caught the sunlight. The Chaos Emeralds, as the Chao called them, were seven sacred gems that had mystical powers. There were stories that said they could turn thoughts into power, warp time and space with a technique called Chaos Control, whatever that was, and they could also give energy to all living things. Apart from this one, there were supposedly seven others. The most powerful of all was the Master Emerald, which could control the power of the six Chaos Emeralds. The Master Emerald was hidden though, on a mysterious floating land called Angel Island.

Lynxa frowned. Whether this was all true or not was questionable, considering she had heard this from the Chao. She sat down at the water's edge, and stared down at her reflection. A small seventeen-year-old, purple quilled, green-eyed hedgehog stared back at her. She looked up, watching the Chao chase each other around the lake, laughing happily in the sunshine. She wasn't supposed to be here. She was supposed to be in her lessons, but she'd convinced Cream to cover for her. This was forbidden territory.

She almost spat in disgust at the thought. This land belonged to Lord Mephiles Kuryo and his son, Shadow Kuryo. She'd only met them once, but Lynxa hated them both. Her father, King Tibor, had signed a treaty with Mephiles that declared that if any member of the other kingdom was found on their land, they were to be dealt with according to how the ruler of the land saw fit.

Chao Gardens was in Mephiles' territory, and she wasn't supposed to be here, especially because she was Princess Lynxa of Adonia. But she couldn't leave the Chao on their own. They were her friends, and she wasn't about to betray them because a piece of paper said she shouldn't be allowed to be on this land. Besides, this land belonged to the Chao, not Mephiles. Lynxa was fully prepared to face the consequences of her actions. She sighed as the sun shone down on her.

"How can a peaceful place like this," she murmured, "exist in such an ugly world?"

She flopped back into a warm patch of sunlight, her body relaxing as the sun warmed her through. Then, her ears picked up on a noise that stood out from the other natural noises of the area. It sounded like galloping horses hooves, but she couldn't be quite sure. She sat up, and turned in the direction of the noise. Then, from out of nowhere, a Chao pulled her to her feet.

She turned in surprise. "What? What is it?" A voice seemed to fill her head.

"Be careful...they are Ruemarians..."

But then, three horses burst into the clearing, and every Chao but the one tugging her hand disappeared. The Chao hid in her quills. Lynxa studied the horses carefully. The voice was right. Whoever they were, they were definitely Ruemarian, judging by their armour, horses and weaponry. They were covered from head to toe in gold-plated armour, and the hilts of their swords were elaborately decorated with diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

"Rouge would have a field day," Lynxa thought wryly.

Her own hand flew to her sword. Ordinarily, it looked like a plain old dagger, but with the power of the Chaos Emerald, it transformed into a sword that was protected by the power of fire, her elemental spell power. Her gaze intensified. There was something about the leader...something familiar in the way he stood so arrogantly. Where did she know him from...The leader was tall, and had a certain air about him that warned most people not to mess with him.

Lynxa smirked. This might be more fun than it sounded.

"Well,well,well," the leader said, "look what we have here. An Adonian wandering in Ruemarian woodland."

Lynxa sighed inwardly. Luckily, she wasn't wearing clothes that gave away her high status. That was something she should keep hidden as long as she possibly could. So, instead of yelling like any normal princess, she acted like the commoner she was mistaken for, and narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

This person...he was so familiar, but she didn't know where she knew him from. She hated Ruemarians with all her soul, so she didn't know any. It was bugging her. There was something about his voice that was stirring up an old memory... She was brought out of her thoughts as three shadows fell over her.

"You should know the rules, Adonian," the tall male continued. "You aren't allowed here. You're caught, and Mephiles decides what price you pay."

Lynxa didn't flinch as they advanced towards her. But she had to figure out who there leader was, one way or another, or her curiosity would eat her alive. She took a calming breath, tuning her mind into listening and watching her surroundings. She drew her sword, and watched as the power of Chaoss flashed through the blade, transforming it.

The leader chuckled ominously. "Little girls shouldn't play with sharp toys," he said, his tone almost teasing, like... he knew her. So she had met him before? Who was he?

Lynxa's temper flared. Little girl?

"Oh no you didn't," she thought angrily.

That was when the soldier on the left lunged at her. She dodged, and stabbed at his right arm, aiming for his elbow joint. The sword slid in cleanly, and she was rewarded with a hiss of pain from her attacker. She withdrew and jumped back, knowing that a wounded soldier was among the most dangerous. The soldier stood and ran towards her, aiming for her head.

Swiftly, she ducked under the blade and turned, and the sound of clashing metal rang out across the forest. The Chao buried itself deeper into Lynxa's quills. The soldier took aim and swung, but again she ducked under his blade and slid through his legs, slashing swiftly at the backs of his knees. She came to a stop, eyeing the other two warily while keeping a cautious eye on the wounded soldier. He may be down for the count, but she wasn't about to take any chances.

The other soldier went to tend to his comrade, while the leader walked over to her. She backed up, trying hard not to let the butterflies in her stomach rule her head. He stopped in front of her, and took off his helmet. Her eyes widened in shock.

"No way," she thought, "it can't be."

Then, everything went black as something hit the side of her neck.

Whew! Done. Yeah, I really wanted a little bit of action in this chapter, because I wanted to make sure the story kept flowing. Anyway, I have some interesting plans for next chapter... All flames will be turned into marshmallows! :-)

TTFN,

Vezza Angel