While the flora and fauna of the meadows were in deep slumber, Shadow leaned against a tree trunk, crossing his arms and frowning in retrospect.
It was very early in the morning, yet the moon still hung in the starry sky like a natural lantern. The annoying reminder of getting her a birthday present had driven the prince into a desperate but quiet insanity, so he set out of his kingdom into the dark wilderness. He had to find the perfect gift for Amy, something that symbolized his devotion for her.
"I'll have to find something that exactly mirrors her disposition. It has to have grace and attractiveness; however the gift should never cloud over her fiery beauty," He contemplated further.
The obsidian hedgehog took one look around the place.
"This will take a long while," he exasperated.
From scouring every dust and dirt on the ground, climbing to the tops of canopies of trees, to the extent of crawling into small crevices; Shadow was having an impediment of a quest.
Despite the scratches and scars that were increasing with every single trip and stumble, he had gathered the energy, from the depths of his driven heart, to scavenge for the one spectacular gift that will make Amy vivacious on the happiest day of her life. Why? Because he was a gentleman that way, despite his actions being mostly infamous. Shadow just hoped Amy is the key to his redemption of his past mistakes and monstrosities…
Just when he was about to cease this pointless journey, partly because he knew he must look like a fool looking for a rare gift out here, he sighted an incandescent glow up ahead.
What's this?
Shadow walked a little closer to the glow, whereas you could see from a far distance long vines hanging down from the branch of a large but strange tree. Shadow looked in the direction of it, and he immediately sensed an incredible aura. The whole atmosphere the huge tree accented was so beautiful and tranquil. Why, even the tree itself appeared exotic.
"This spot…I keep feeling this undisturbed power surrounding it. It was like it never was violated."
And then, Shadow's eyes averted to the cascading vines.
"And that energy is coming through that entrance!" he concluded.
The dark monarch approached the light, but his footing was slow, each one with alert caution. Of course, he doesn't know what is causing the brilliant gleaming, or what is the exact source of the peaceful atmosphere pervading this area; however he can never be too sure what's behind the opening.
Taking one last step at the barricaded entryway, his ears perked up to a peculiar sound…
Water?
The modulation of silent but rushing water echoed through, so it made Shadow a bit less opinionated that he usually was. There probably is nothing bad beyond this point after all, so there could be no need to pursue it further.
On the other hand…
Hesitation not lingering in his conscious, Shadow snatched away the guarding vines from the entrance with curiosity.
What he was never prepared for, however, was that what he beheld before his eyes was both mystical, beautiful, and breathtaking all in one. His fiery orbs widened in awe at the magnificent surroundings. And the moonlight only made it more glorious with luminescence, he discovered.
Then, a small, clever smile grew on his stunned face. He knew just what to do with this place, oh yes indeed.
"Just look at this paradise. This place is the perfect birthday gift for Amy." He replied with sly confidence.
Today, of course, is the big day. The explosive flourishing and ocean of roses made it look like an invasion on Daffodil Town had been conducted. Outside the palace grounds, the parades and festivals were occurring; each of their 'special acts' contributed to their loyalty for Princess Amy's pleasure, which resulted from hard, sweat dropping work.
Blue skies, birds singing arias, sun glorifying the land, this day was absolutely perfect.
Inside the palace, cooks and servants of the Flora court were awry everywhere to get every task and design ready for Amy's party to be possible. Ladies-in-waiting arranged themselves into their traditional rose dresses, while the knights and male servants change into white rose suits.
King Aster, wearing his best outfit, sat prominently on his golden throne besides his wife, who was dressed beautifully also. Penelope stood besides her mother in green and pink, and Viola next to her father in red and yellow. Both sisters were fumbling in their spots, so King Aster had to keep telling them to be still until Amy comes downstairs.
"I don't know why we have to do this stupid ritual every single year her birthday comes up," Viola whispered in sarcastic complaint to Penelope, low enough so that the crown parents wouldn't hear. "I didn't dress in my best ball petticoat just to stand and sweat for some little -"
"Don't worry Viola; like Father said, we have to have patience. Besides, you don't want to show off on your darling sister's birthday party," And she said this with envious poison. "It would absolutely make her most…inappropriate."
"Did you say something Penelope?" Queen Lily inquired.
Penelope shook her head, and then muttered something incoherent about Amy that will be left incoherent for the safety of your ears.
Suddenly, the trumpeters blared their official tune, leaving with everybody lining up to a row descending down from the Grand Carnation Stairway. The men were on one side, and the women stood opposite them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Her Royal Highness, Princess Amy Rose!"
Attention turned toward the top of the steps, where they could behold a most adorable sight.
Amy was attired in her early birthday present from the royal personal tailor, a stunning white and pink shoulder less gown, the sash cascading from her small shoulder cut. Her silver tiara sparkled along with the elegant gown. Kerriston the dog was besides her, dressed in purple and gold cloths, always ready to accompany her down the steps.
Amy was star struck at the whole sight of the Great Hall and the ballroom. This was all just for her. She wasn't surprised that her father would have the consideration as to make a place so extravagant for someone's birthday every year, but nonetheless it still took her breath away. Now the familiar feeling of a schoolgirl has risen upon her, so glad that she couldn't quite contain herself.
As the pink princess walked down the marble steps, she approached her dear father, came up to him, stood up on her toes, and pecked a kiss on his forehead with a sign of faithful adoration, all the while whispering 'Thank you' in his ear. King Aster nodded, and then got up for her to sit in the throne.
After she sat down, the king signaled everybody that the party may begin.
Cheering, laughing, dancing, celebrations galore were happening in coexistence to the outside activities. The sisters were doing…well the usual, the king and queen were having a conversation with other lords and ladies, and everybody else was having a magnificent time, Princess Amy most of all.
When it was time to eat the cake, Amy had been surprised with the tallest, most decorative cake she had ever seen. The cook said it was from the compliments of him and his staff. Amy got up and approached the cake, dipped her finger into the pink frosting, and took a version of her own taste test.
"Mmmm, this is a delicious cake…I like it!" she exclaimed happily.
Eating the cake afterwards, the company prepared for the presents.
The first to present a gift was Tails, introducing a beautifully made Faberge egg, colored with soft lilac and pink with emerald roses embedded on each corner. When Amy opened it, her favorite lullaby played throughout the room.
"It's a jewelry box, so that you won't lose anything valuable to your heart." Tails replied in shyness.
Amy smiled in delight. "Thank you Tails. I'll make sure I won't lose this precious gift."
When Tails left, next entered the royal artist, whereas he presents a magnificent self portrait of the young future queen; the painting was shown to have impressive realism with excellent stroke and detail. After him came the jugglers, their funny act making the princess and the company laugh.
All sorts of gifts, oral or crafted, were given to Amy, and Amy gladly received them all. She just couldn't believe that her day was getting better and better every moment. What could possibly make it more exciting?
"Hey, Princess Amy, look at this! Outside the palace! This is for you!," someone shouted from the balcony.
Amy rushed to the balcony, her family right behind her with curiosity. The rest of the hundred or more guests ran outside to see what the commotion was about.
"Hey, what's going on out here?" Amy asked to no one in particular.
Amy searched all around the huge crowd, seeing what the big deal was about, until she saw a wondrous sight in the gardens.
The whole Jade Guard army, dressed in gleaming dark green and purple, marched and stood erect in front of the palace, ready for the next command. The elite soldiers in front each held a red rose in their hand, the lower ranks holding pink ones. Amy next heard swoons from ladies, duchesses and even peasant girls, all of them love struck at a familiar approaching blue blur. And she saw why.
Sir Sonic the Hedgehog was dressed handsomely in a snow white suit, the front decorated with the medals, honors, and trinkets he earned in his career, his sword safely held in a bejeweled sheath. His cape was traced with brilliant gold thread that shone in the sun in pride. His wide grin was looking up at the blushing princess, who was otherwise amazed at this surprise.
"Your Highness, my men and I want to make sure that the gift you will get from us will guarantee that it will go down in history as the best one you've ever received." Sonic said boldly.
Amy raised her eyebrows. I wonder what he got for me this year then...
Raising a hand, he threw it down to signal the start of the 'gift'.
Without warning, the Elite Guards started to do dancing steps, putting the red roses between their teeth. The remaining soldiers then did a peculiar thing: they started to sing.
On this day, a babe was born into the Flora Kingdom
On that day, she helped signify memorable freedom
And as she grows to be a beautiful Queen ruler
Her dear kind heart always flowers to its fuller…
And more of them started to dance, except now they were doing back flips and cartwheels all over the place. Her heart beat faster with this event. This may be the best present yet. They made a song, just for me? Wow, I never knew it would come to this day…
She was now beginning to think that Sonic broke his back, gave up his usual freedom for this gift.
Amy Rose, which always rhymes with regal grandeur prose
Graces the happily humble kingdom with her sweet and innocent pose
Nothing will taint her of her determination
To strive to make Flora a proud and prosperous nation
Her lovely smile makes us war men go a mile
To make her future position all worth while
Sonic glanced up towards the balcony, her eyes locked on the spectacle. She looked down meeting his eyes and Sonic winked back at her. She smirked and gave a playful gesture of 'Oh stop, you're flattering me' after that little response.
Princess Amy, our angel from heaven
Princess Amy, the sweet dove from the sea
Princess Amy, Princess Amy,
PRINCESS AMY!
And the act ended with fireworks bursting from behind the army, who step out and held out their arms in one spot in the middle. This spot was where Sonic entered in his grand confidence, holding a beautiful golden rose. His eyes gleamed with a peculiar sense of honest recognition.
"Princess Amy, all I'm saying is that, from the depths and sincerity of my heart, I'll always be there for you to make sure that a gentle spirit like yours will never be tainted or harmed. Just to make that true, I swear on the existence of my soul."
Then, a document was taken out of nowhere, where it was shown to the crowd. It had Sonic's signature sealing the shocking deal. The whole villagers and the Floran court were astounded and buzzed at this declaration, even Amy and her family.
She just couldn't believe this. Sonic had signed the Promise of Sacrificial Zeal, stating that he would sacrifice his life for the sake of hers! No other person, not even the bravest of knights, would even consider agreeing to that type of heroism. This must mean that there were actually no boundaries that Sonic could never avoid. He would go out for her safety, even if meant dying in the process…
Amy suddenly ran downstairs and outside, embracing a surprised blue knight in sadness. Sonic returned the favor by hugging her closer, enough so that she could whisper in his ear.
"Why Sonic…I can't believe you would do this to me. Am I worth that much to you that you would die for me?"
Amy had tears of despair streaking down her cheeks. Why did he have to make the day worse by making the foolish mistake he's ever made?
"Amy, I had to do this. Why, you know that best friends -"
"But you had made my day more fretful now by making the most stupid, arrogant action that you have ever done. I'm not mad at you, but I'm disappointed at what you did."
"But Amy -"
Then, she broke the embrace apart. She now stood in the middle of the confused crowd, frowning towards an uneasy Sonic.
"Do you even know what you have gotten yourself into?"
After that, she ran off into the forest, longing to escape the awkward silence in the kingdom. Sonic just stood there, frustrated at what had just happened.
"It's okay; I'm sure that she just wanted to take a long walk and calm down. She will come back soon. After all, it is her birthday." King Aster assured the worried villagers, even though he himself was unsure.
Running with all her might, Amy trailed deeper into the woods, tears still falling from her eyes. Later on she slowed down to a walk, wiping her eyes and trying to clear her mind of frightful premonitions. It's enough that her baby brother succumbed because of her; she doesn't want to be the cause of her best friend's untimely death.
"Oh Sonic, I admire you. You may be stupid, but you're my stupid blue knight…" she reflected upon herself.
Then, a large hand was laid on her shoulder, a masculine voice saying, "My, you are looking beautiful today."
She turned around, to her delight seeing Shadow and his famous emotionless expression. She hugged him, and then let him go to ask him the anticipated question.
"Well Shadow, where's my present?" she said slyly. Amy looked around him, behind, above, and beside him. Really, there was nothing to be found. Shadow had a little smile on his face that told all.
"That's just why I came to you, Your Highness."
He then carried Amy bridal style, and raced off to the destination.
Arriving to the place, Amy was still confused as to what was supposed to be here.
"Shadow, I don't understand. Where is it?"
Shadow guided her by the arm to the vine covered entrance.
"It's not a matter of what it is -"
And he held the vines up to the top for Amy to behold.
"- But only where it is."
When the pink thirteen year old approached to take a peek, her heart immediately throbbed with excitement and bewilderment, because what she was seeing took her breath away with swift wonderment. Her emerald eyes glowed at the magnificence of the setting, because this was downright romantic and sweet of Shadow to show her this.
"Oh Shadow, this is beautiful!"