Hello, my awesome Audience! :D

It's been awhile, hasn't it? Well, I guess my excuse is that I got busy. :P But even being as busy as I am, I found time to write up this chapter! Just for you guys. :D

To all of you who read this and reviewed/added to favorites/followed, I really REALLY thank you! Ever time someone adds this to their favorites, I get all tingly inside. ^^ And your reviews really motivate me to write more. It's so great to hear that someone enjoys my writing. It really means a lot. :)

Special thanks to those who reviewed: Zelzainia and Lina (Hey, you! :D), SunnyAirisu222 (You're so ninja-baby awesome ;D), Guest (very creative name! XD), Cor Amicus (Well, I guess you'll have to wait and see if your theory is correct...and I need to work on how to give more ambiguous hints. -_-), and canikostar99 (Hello to you! :D And I agree, there should be a female Commander. But this is back in the medieval times where females are ranked just below house cats...So no high-ranking females in this kingdom. T_T).

Disclaimer: I own Lord Blitz. Comrade Athelwine owns Leonardo Linnatann. And I...don't own Sonic the Hedgehog or his buddies. :P

~ o - Chapter 3 - o ~

"I didn't mean to scare you, Amy. If anything, I'm warning you," Raku looked at me with apologetic eyes, "The kingdom is no fantasy land. Whatever the castle decides will affect everyone's life. If they encounter a large problem they cannot control, the whole kingdom suffers."

I nodded numbly, gazing out at nothing in particular. The entire kingdom and its subjects could fall to someone who ordered executions on innocent people. People who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I must not be the only one who sees this. Where is the justice?

"It is time we meet our candidates!" Leonardo's voice exploded from the walls again, but his body was nowhere to be found. "First, from the town of Greenhill, Marcus Revolt!"

The crowd clapped politely as a dark brown hedgehog marched from the open gates where Leonardo exited. He had a silver staff in his hand, dressed in full body armor. Half-smiling and looking very shy with all the eyes on him. He kept his shoulders tense and his head high. Stopping at the center of the arena, he made mechanical movements until the staff was secured next to him. His face was hard now, staring at the white wall across the colosseum. He looked like a suitable Knight. In fact, he looked like a very nice guy.

"Second, from Sapphire City, Lucas Wake!"

A dark orange fox marched from the open gate. He looked like a normal sized man, nothing odd. Dressed in the same uniform as the first. He took his place next to the brown hedgehog.

"Third, from the town of Silver Creek, Sam Kindle!"

A light green cat took his place next to the orange fox. He looked a little on the thinner side. But if he didn't have strength, then he must have another advantage.

"Fourth, from Silvereye City, Brent Maker!"

A lime green hedgehog with blue stripes took his place next to the light green cat. He rolled his large shoulders and stood tall. His muscles were huge, and much bulkier than the rest of the contenders. But he was on the shorter side, so his agility element must be lagging.

"Fifth, from the town of Fairfield, Knuckles Echidna."

I clapped loudly and smiled as he marched out in his armored uniform and staff in his hand. His face was stripped of emotion, which I didn't find very unusual. When Knuckles is nervous he stares blankly at things. A very stoic person with a tough outer shell. Didn't that make him the perfect Knight?

I reevaluated myself: Appearances weren't important here, actions were.

"And our sixth and final contestant, from Cerise City, Seth Trounce!"

A silver wolf came marching from the gates, but he seemed different than the others. He had a spring in his step, unlike the other candidate who were either stoic or shy. He nodded to each side of the stadium, encouraging the crowd to clap for him more. I stopped clapping and narrowed my eyes at him. Was he just naturally cocky, or did he know something the rest of us didn't? He took his place by Knuckles, and made easy movements, unlike the others who had strong mechanical movements from years of training.

"Before we allow or anxious candidates to content for their honor, each and every one of them must swear by the sacred Chaos Emerald to be fair and loyal to the Knighthood ways," Leonardo said, "If their promise is broken, they will be subject to whatever merciless sanction the mighty Chaos grants them."

The castle was very loyal to this "Chaos" god. Did they truly believe in the power the Chaos Emerald? It was only a large gem, most likely dug out of the ground thousands of years ago. It could be easily made into an idol. But for it to hold any real power, I had my doubts.

I leaned over to Raku, "Does the Chaos Emerald truly hold the power they say?"

He scratched at the stubble on his chin, staring out at the arena. The perplexed look on his face gave me the impression that he was going to say 'I don't know'.

"Well, there have been many stories about the Chaos Emerald and its magnificent power. Wether they are simply folklore or not, I'm not sure. The only person who can supposedly unlock the power of the Emerald has been missing for over 300 years," he replied.

"What happened to them?" I gazed at him with intrigue.

He smiled distantly, "That's the mystery."

My eyebrows pushed together, "What?"

He looked over to me with his joyful old eyes.

"No one knows. He just disappeared one day," he momentarily got distracted as the trumpets began to play to announce the emerald's entrance. Then he turned back to me, "Usually his power would be passed down once he died, but the next Guardian was never discovered. The generation of Chaos Guardians severed, now the Chaos Emerald's power lays dormant with no master to release it."

Leonardo's voice resounded again, "Now, entering the ring, our sacred Chaos emerald."

I didn't bother to turn to look. I knew Raku was going to explain more.

"The Chaos Guardian was also a representative of the people. He wasn't just a weapon to be used against threats to the castle, he was a protector of the people. He listened to their views on societal life and gave input to the king about changes that should be made. He was, per say, the Guardian of the People," he shook his head distantly, "Life must have been so much easier back then. Everyone must have flourished. If only the Chaos Guardian stuck around a little longer to deal with Lord Alfonso."

It really did sound unfair that there were people in the world hateful enough to ruin life for everyone else. I believed there is good somewhere inside people, but it doesn't mean I'm not aware of the other, worse parts a person can have. If someone could just bring out the nicer, more compassionate parts of a person, we'd live in a happier society. People wouldn't lie or cheat. If someone cried, there would be another person close by to comfort them. Crime would go down drastically, no one would steal. The streets would be safe, the kingdom a loving place.

Could the Chaos Guardian really make the kingdom a better place? He was a Guardian of the People, he could influence the castle and the people like no one else could. He was there to keep the castle and the people in check, and not get power-hungry about it. He must have a heart of gold. Just an extraordinary person.

"A beautiful sight, that Chaos Emerald," Raku mused.

I looked up and searched the arena for the sacred idol. My eyes landed on the candidates who were kneeling now. All of them already sworn by the Chaos Emerald. I continued to search, but the trumpeters and the man who put the candidate under oath were no where to be found. And there weren't many places for the emerald to hide.

As if Leonardo was reading my mind, he said, "The Chaos Emerald shall be put on a pedestal on the far side of the colosseum for all to see. And to watch over our brave candidates as they fight for their destiny."

Immediately, I directed my attention to the opposite side of the colosseum, which was the closest side I was to. The white pedestal, carved with ornate designs, peaked into golden wires in the shape of curved fingers. An old man in a white robe climbed a ladder to reach the top. Then, he reached into the sleeves of his lengthy garment and pulled out the sparkling jewel.

It was jade green, reflective and crystallized as light hit it from all directions. Light danced inside, particularly favoring it's heart. The edge of the emeralds looked smooth and clean cut. Slickly polished, like I could easily run my finger over it's surface and not feel a single grain of imperfection. Braced between the old man's fingers, the idol seemed even more fragile like it was only being held together by the air around it. Once the jewel was placed and released from the man's fingers, it absorbed the rays of the sun and intensified its joyful heart. An array of different tints of green angled in every direction burst from its core.

My sight narrowed again, fogging up the edges of my vision with a green tint. The inner core of the emerald held a mini white storm. It's circulation quick like an angry, impatient soul. The air around the emerald glowed faintly in an unfocused halo of light green. It continued to glow, brightening until it was almost too much for my eyes to handle. I tried to pull away from the sight, but my eyes couldn't seem to look away. The emerald released wisps of pale green, like tiny spirits rising up from their graves. The thought of spirits in an emerald only made me panic more. The wisps intertwined in the air like graceful snakes, reaching higher and higher. Then I felt the draw of the fog, pulling at my heart like a magnet. Practically pulling me to it by my chest.

I shook my body, squeezing my eyes shut. Eyes burning under my eyelids, I lowered my head and pushed the image out of my mind.

It wasn't really there. It was my imagination. My brain has just gone loopy because the nerves are getting to me.

I blinked open my eyes, relieved when I stared into the black fabric of my lap. My hands wandered to each side of my head, my fingers curling into my pink quills.

I hadn't really seen the burning core of the emerald, right? I mean, moments before I was simply admiring it's beauty, then in the next instant I was invading it's inside, mesmerized by it's core. It felt like I suddenly gained the ability to gazing into people's bodies. The thought made a shiver leap up my spine.

"Amy, is there something wrong?" Raku's voice was soft with worry.

Swallowing the dryness in my throat, I mustered up the best excuse I could think of.

"I just- uh, got an eyelash in my eye," I quickly covered my left eye and shot my head up, putting on the sweetest 'I'm okay' smile I could manage.

With a concerned gaze, he studied my hand that covered my 'hurt' eye.

"Are you sure you're okay? You don't want to be half blind when you watch your friend compete," he slipped his hand into his pants pocket. "Here, I think I have a handkerchief-"

The drums pounded, signaling the beginning of another event. I batted Raku with a free hand and smiled sheepishly.

"I'm fine, thank you," I yelled over the loud drums.

The gates on the far side of the arena reopened. The golden hedgehog, Leonardo, came flying in on his chariot again. His arms out to his sides like he was gliding on the air. The crowd clapped at his entrance and all eyes followed him as his horse-drawn chariot rounded the corner and dropped him off. He walked towards the candidates and gestured them to rise. They got off their knees and got into a line, facing the tower of the royals and the lords. Leonardo smiled and twirled to address the audience.

"Now that our pre-ceremonial ritual had ended, the main events can progress! Do our great Commanders have any wise words for the candidates?" Leonardo gestured up to the Commanders in the high tower.

The first Commander, Lord Shadow, rolled his shoulders and surveyed the trainees expressionlessly.

"Your mind will guide you to your victory, do not ignore your senses," said Lord Shadow in a rich deep voice and even tone.

His words were echoing across the arena, he must have one of those devices Leonardo wears.

The third Commander, Lord Scourge glanced at Lord Shadow. Then he looked down at the trainees.

"Strength is your greatest ally. Focus your strength on your opponent's weaknesses," Lord Scourge said in a robust voice, his expression one of conceit. Mouth in a tight, sly smile.

The second Commander, Lord Blitz, spared glances at both the Commanders. Then shifted his weight into a more comfortable position with his arm propping up his head. He looked like he wanted to sigh, his golden hair was covering part of his eye. He looked down at the trainees.

"Try not to get your blood all over the arena, we just had it cleaned," Lord Blitz said in a low sly voice, earning deep chuckles from the crowd. His remark was surprisingly not accompanied with a smile of sarcasm. Maybe he was serious about the blood...

"Thank you for your wise words, Commanders," he looked directly at Lord Blitz with a cunning smile. "Especially yours, Commander Blitz, most insightful."

He raised a lazy hand and batted it at him unenthusiastically as if to say, 'Oh, stop. I'm blushing.'

"Any-who, the arena is set! Let round one begin!" he raised an excited arm and the crowd cheered with newfound energy.

"Starting off the first round will be Brent Maker and Lucas Wake!" the crowd continued to cheer as the boys stepped from their position in line and marched to different sides of the arena. On either side, a man was there to hand them their swords from the weapon's cabinet. Heads down and they strapped on their swords with trembling hands. They nervously pushed the hair from their faces before placing the iron helmet over their head. The stress must have been eating them alive. They have to fight another man until they bleed or cannot stand up. Their conscience would be heavy with guilt.

"Face," said Leonardo from inside the designated "safe" area.

The crowd went deathly quiet. The two men took long strides to meet each other in the middle. Their armor clanking loudly. Hands by their sides, they faced each other in the middle.

"Draw," Leonardo said in a stern voice.

Instantly, the men pulled out their swords and got into position. The silver tips of their swords touched, both gently shaking from nervousness. The drums in the background began to pound a rhythmic beat. Not a formal song one like the others, this time it was loud and wild, creating suspense. It made even my heart rush with adrenaline, I could only imagine what it was doing for theirs.

The beat was fast, pounding against my heart. Then, all at once, the drums stopped. The drummers raised their hands in the air, ready to slam their palms into the drums. The air was frozen in the moment.

"Engage!"

The men moved into action, a flail of swords and the consistent sound of metal against metal. The drums began again, the movements of the men became more urgent as they circled each other like prey. A deflect here, an advance there; the fight was very formal, not the all out survival test like I had originally thought.

One of them hit the other on the shoulder with the sword. He lost balance but quickly retaliated with a few quick strikes of his own, even landing one on his opponent's arm. The opponent retreated slightly to ease up on the wound.

I was pleasantly surprised about how everything was going over. So formally without the need of bloodshed. Simple bumps and bruises at worst. Relaxing into my seat, I watched the men continue.

One of the men did a series of jabs that were so lightning fast I could barely keep up. Then, in the middle of one of the jabs, the defender grabbed the mans wrist. Then he turned it at such an angle that the man jerked forward with a silent cry - or his cry was drown out by the drums. His sword dropped to the floor with a clatter. The the defender jerked the man forward and punched him across the face.

I gasped, hoping this was at far as it'd go, but the hurt man retaliated. Taking the defender's arm and twisting it so he lurched forward. The rest was a series of fighting moves. Moves I was both fascinated and sickened by.

The speed they maneuvered was extraordinary, and their timing and precision only failed them a couple times. An incredible sight, but knowing the damage they were causing each other made me wish it wasn't so incredible.

One of the men knocked the other over and pinned his arm behind him. The man against the dirt struggled to get up, but soon gave up. He tapped the ground three times.

"Tap out! Lucas wins!" Leonardo punched his fist in the air and the crowd cheered.

The men untangled from each other and limped to opposite sides of the arena. One looking much more discouraged that the other. Two men carrying a white stretcher went to Brent's side of the arena. He took off his helmet and the hedgehog ran a hand through his lime green and blue quills. His face didn't particularly look hurt, only a bruise on his right cheek, but his face was twisted with pain and disappointment.

My heart ached for the poor man, his life as a trainee was over, he would have to take up a new profession. I couldn't imagine how difficult a transition that would be.

Brent was carefully helped onto the stretcher and carried from the arena. Applause followed him all the way out.

"Round two is Sam Kindle and Knuckles Echidna!" Leonardo announced.

My heart suddenly clenched in my chest. I couldn't imagine Knuckles in the position those two men were in. He was so gentle and caring, how could he ever deliver pain to another? Worse was, he was to endure pain that was inflicted by another. To be purposefully wounded until he couldn't get up again.

The nerves in my stomach tied into knots. Knuckles took the sword from the sword master and plunged it into it's sheath on his side. His limbs were stiff as he walked to the edge of the arena. The crowd was silent as the opponents took their side of the arena.

Was everyone holding their breath, or only me?

"Face," Leonardo's voice would have been loud even if he didn't have the voice enhancer on.

Both opponents took long strides until they were only a couple feet away from each other. Both their bodies were still, I wondered if time had frozen around them.

"Draw."

The two men instantly pulled their swords, their lengths glistening in the sunlight. They took their stances, their feet shoulder-length apart, their body angled for an attack. The drums pounded rhythmically to get their blood pumping. My nerves clenched more, I felt like I couldn't breathe. Like the air had suddenly become thick.

The drummers suddenly had their hands in the air.

"Engage."

Knuckles took first strike, a heavy swing that hit loudly against the opponent's sword. I expected sparks to fly from his hit, but the metal only screeched then silenced as Knuckles retracted his sword.

Sam sent a flurry of slices and jabs at Knuckles, quick and snakelike. Knuckles reacted accordingly, moving his sword to deflect the jabs. Although Knuckles was unharmed so far, he was beginning to lose ground. Knuckles started his offense with large swings toward Sam. Sam deflected a couple, but soon realized that Knuckles' strength would be too much for him. Sam ducked and swerved under his blade and hit Knuckles in the stomach.

He stumbled back, putting a hand on his wound like his guts were about to spill out of him. The image of spilled guts made my body cringe and my fingers curl. I couldn't handle seeing that. I put a hand over my mouth, trying to slow my breathing.

"It's okay. He'll be alright," Raku's voice whispered in my ear.

Only part of my believed him. Just as Sam was about to take more swings, Knuckles snapped into action and deflected, then landed a wound on Sam's arm.

The drums drown out the sound of Sam's cry as his arm seeped blood. Sam came back with angered strikes, uncoordinated and full of frustration. Knuckles kept his movements mechanical, cushioning his opponent's blows. Then, Sam went for another larger swing. Taking all of his strength, he sent a strike towards Knuckles' shoulder.

Knuckles dodged it, ducking under the blade at the last moment. Sam lost his balance and in the moment it took me to comprehend what was happening, Knuckles knocked the sword from Sam's hand, tripped him and had the tip of the blade pointed at his throat.

"Pinned! Knuckles wins!" Leonardo yelled, raising his arms to signal the crowd's cheers.

All the emotion I was feeling drained out of me and replaced with overwhelming relief. Like I was a balloon that had deflated, I slumped my shoulders and sat back in my chair, clapping mindlessly. Knuckles had survived with only one wound and a couple bruises. He was alive. I looked to Raku who was clapping more vigorously than I.

"You were right, he's okay," I said with a gracious smile of relief.

He nodded, "I've watched Knuckles fight before. He wouldn't let a little blood bring him down. He's quite strong; in both mind and muscle."

I leaned forward and looked down to see Knuckles being bandaged around the stomach area.

"How many more fights does he have to endure?" I asked.

"One more, I believe," Raku replied.

Okay, so Knuckles could stay in one piece for the final round. I could unwind the knot of nerves in my stomach, at least for a little while. It really wasn't enjoyable to stand by the sidelines and watch your best friend get stabbed and bruised. Or to watch anyone get stabbed and bruised. I still had to wonder why so many people came to watch this.

"Round three is Marcus Revolt and Seth Trounce!" Leonardo announced.

Raku turned to me, "You are not obligated to watch all the candidates. In fact, it might be better for you if you didn't. Just try to relax during these next two rounds. You can't be too worked up to watch your friend. I've seen people faint during these things so, unless you want to draw that sort of attention to yourself..."

He paused in case I disagreed, which I certainly did not.

"No, I appreciate your advice. Thank you," I smiled graciously for what felt like the millionth time. Not that I minded, but maybe I should voice my appreciation instead of displaying it through my cheesy smiles.

Before I could say anything, the crowd had gone intensely quiet. I realized the fight must be beginning. I sat back into the coolness of my chair and took a deep breath. And with that breath went all my concerns over Knuckles' well being. He was alive, that was all that mattered.

"Face," I heard Leonardo command.

I paid careful attention as I ironed out the creases that had appeared in my dress. Was it possible that my clothes had felt the same anxiety I had? I shook my head. I couldn't really be considering that, right? I was obviously reacting to oxygen deprivation to my brain. I took another deep breath.

"Draw," the drums followed Leonardo's voice.

I snuck a glance towards the Chaos emerald. It was still motionless on it's marble plateau. I tilted my head slightly and a beam of light bounced perfectly off of it, making the emerald sparkle brightly from the inside out.

"Engage!"

I didn't even turn when I heard the first strike of metal against metal. The drums overlapped the noises of the fight. I was thankful for that, I needed time to gather myself and forget the terrible theme of fighting and war.

Closing my eyes, I focused on my breathing letting the sounds of voices and objects float away. I listened to my rhythmic breaths. In my nose, out my mouth.

In good spirit, out evil sins.

The words came to me like words to a forgotten song. The words dug up a part of me that was untapped. Like memories behind a wall in my mind. But the old feeling was there. An old feeling of peace. Of home.

"Amy, your friend is up next," Raku's voice was soft against the walls of my mind.

I shot my eyes open and looked at him.

"You mean both rounds are over?" I asked, startled that they went by so fast.

"Yes, Knuckles is up against Seth Trounce," Raku raised a graying eyebrow at me, "were you falling asleep there?"

I shook my head, but suddenly felt a sleepy feeling overcoming me.

"No, I just- I just-" -what was I supposed to tell him? That I had lost track of time while I was breathing? "I'm very tired. I work hard as a maid and today has been very stressful," I said.

I wasn't fully lying to him. I did work hard as a maid. And this was a kind of stress that I had never felt before. But for me to fall asleep at a time like this? Not a chance.

"I understand, it's not easy for you. I can only imagine how exhausting you duties as a maid are. I apologize for questioning you," he nodded his head respectfully, looking into my eyes with a sincere expression.

If I read the emotion in his eyes correctly, he was trying to say, 'I'm sorry you work as a maid, your a nice girl and have tons of potential.' And although I wanted to thank him for that underlying comment, I knew neither of us had the audacity to point it out.

"You're forgiven. If anything, I should be thanking you. All this information and comfort you've given me is wonderful. Absolutely everything I could have needed to make it through today," I smiled appreciatively, "Thank you."

His smiled grew wide, the lines of his face making way for his broad smile. He even had a twinkle in his eyes.

"Amy, you are one amazing girl. I'm very glad I met you today," he patted me on the shoulder, an uncle-like gesture that warmed my heart, "and you're very welcome. In fact, anytime you want to see me, come down to the training hall. Ask anyone there, they'll direct you to my office. I'd love to chat with you again sometime."

A warm feeling swelled through me and somehow I managed to smile more.

"I would love to," I said sincerely, and added a respectful nod.

Thankfully, Leonardo started talking before the silence between us began.

"Now, for our final round! Knuckles Echidna and Seth Trounce will compete for the title of Castle Knight!"

And just like that, my heart dropped all over again and my nerves re-tightened into knots.

I leaned forward and found Knuckles was standing on the opposite side of the arena, bandage still visible. And on the other side was Seth, just putting on his helmet and taking the sword from the sword master.

Seth nodded toward the sword master and the sword master nodded back. A peculiar gesture that made my eyebrows scrunch together.

"Face!" Leonardo announced.

The crowd went quiet. I felt my heart beginning to rise up in my throat. Would Knuckles take a blow like that again? Re-open the bandage, fall over, and bleed out?

"Draw!"

My fingers were shaking, I had to fold my hands together to keep them still. The drums began, each hit shaking my entire body. My eyes were glued to their swords, their glistening blades. How easily it could cut through someone.

I attempted to shake the thoughts from my mind. Knowing I should refused to listen to negative thoughts. I was here for support. Not to worry, but to clap and scream like I was an energetic fan.

But when the drummers rose their hands in the air, my heart sank right back into my core.

"Engage!"

The swords clashed together like thunder. I flinched at the sound and scooted forward to the edge of my seat. The two men alternated between offense and defense for the first few moments. Then, the swords began moving more quickly, their jabs becoming more precise.

Everything was moving too quickly, I couldn't even collect my thoughts long enough to comprehend who was who. The drums were loud in my ears, only encouraging the quickening beat of my heart. I had to calm down. I needed to calm down.

I took in a shaky breath, and exhaled. I continued breathing like that as they parried each other's attacks. Then, right when I thought I found my ground, Knuckles got hit in the arm.

My thoughts jolted as Knuckles stumbled back a couple feet. The blood immediately welled up in his left arm. Seth came forth, slicing and jabbing at Knuckles, forcing him back towards the wall.

Thankfully, Knuckles retaliated, knocking the sword out of the way and landing a blow to Seth's upper shoulder. The first step Seth took back, Knuckles followed him, attacking him with stabs and slices of his own. Knuckles landed him in the leg. And I could tell under Seth's helmet he was restraining himself from crying out. With one angry push of his sword, Seth was away from him. Seth didn't follow up on any offensive jabs, instead the two circled each other, tips of their blades dancing in the middle of their circle.

Seth tapped his helmet and patted his thigh twice. A gesture that I found unusual and unnecessary for the situation he was in.

Seth's sword master nodded to Seth and started walking toward Leonardo. Leonardo was standing on the sideline, arms folded and watching the fight intently. The sword master started talking to Leonardo. Leonardo smiled and said something back. The master gestured for him to follow, pointing to the cabinet which held the weapons for the fight. Leonardo nodded hesitantly, walking over to the weapon's cabinet.

An uneasy feeling stirred in my stomach. My eyes narrowed at the two men that were talking on the sidelines.

My focused returned to the trainees. In that moment, Seth kicked the ground, sending sand into Knuckles' eyes. Knuckles took a couple steps back, rubbing his eyes. Seth hit him in the neck with the blunt of his sword while Knuckles was occupied, which set Knuckles down to his knees.

I nearly jumped up from my chair.

"That can't be fair!" I yelled before I realized what I was saying.

Raku turned to me, concern written all over his face.

"You're right, it isn't. He's breaking the rules," Raku looked at me with worried eyes, "Seth is cheating."

All I could manage were shallow breaths. Cheating? This is life or death! There was no cheating death! There were no "redo-s" in a fight. Once a hit was made, there was no taking it back. That wound would either need to heal or be dealt with forever. A terrible permanent wound that would scar the flesh forever. An eternal reminder of the opponent that deceived and got away with it. The evil person that took your position in life and left you to die.

"Knuckles!" I yelled.

I jumped up from my chair as Knuckles was taken by the neck and slammed into Seth's knee. My heart jumped so hard that I thought it would fly from my chest. There was so much blood coming from Knuckles' face. How much longer could he last?

Tears stung my eyes. My throat tightened with needles. He was losing too much blood. My best friend was going to die. Here and now.

"Someone! Stop him!" I yelled to no one in particular.

The crowd payed no attention to me. Submerged in the raw savagery that emanated from the two fighters. All bathing in the adrenaline of each violent, anarchic hit Seth delivered.

Finding no help from the mob, I approached the edge of the arena and looked down to where Leonardo was. Being one of the many authority figures here, he must be enforcing safety and upholding the honor of the Knights. Instead, I found him engrossed with the weapons cabinet. The lines of his face were tight, stricken as he mused over every detail of the weapons before him. Seemingly unaware to the barbarianism behind him. At his ear, the weapon master's face was strong, not nervous in the least bit. The words that came out of his mouth looked deliberate. Each word hitting Leonardo and weighing him down.

Bribery. Could it be anything else? Seth had bribed the weapons master. And now the master was proposing the same deal to Leonardo. This guy was the supposed 'trusted advisor' of the noble king? No wonder the kingdom is crumbling. It's built up of lies and deceit.

Seth kicked Knuckles in the stomach, rolling Knuckles into a fetal position. My breath caught and I felt myself getting light-headed.

My eyes led up to the Commanders. Surely that would not allow this violation! But my heart dropped when I realized High Lord Alfonso had their attention. He was gesturing wildly to his elegant chair in disgust. Shouting something to the Commanders who had their bewildered gazes on the chair and him. The Commanders barked out orders to some nearby guards, caught up in Alfonso's theatrics.

Did I find it a coincidence that the royals were occupied with the evil High Lord's fiasco during Seth's cheating? Not at all.

Knuckles was now in a sitting position, blocking Seth's punches and kicks.

I felt so hollow, so hopeless. No one would stop him. He was going to bleed out! He was going to die -Knuckles was going to die!

The words hit me like a train. But I didn't collapse, although my knees felt they could give way at any moment. I felt no control over myself, my soul cowered deep inside me.

'You must restore order, my child.'

My eyes met the jewel on the pedestal. The female voice came from that direction, but no one was there. They had seemed so close, like they were whispering in my ear.

I blinked a couple times then my vision narrowed. It was like I was staring through a tinted green fog. The jewel glowed, a white flame burning from the inside out. Then it pulsed, its white flame alive inside. Beating in time with my heart, I felt a sudden warmth surge inside my chest. Then as if the flame had been put under too much pressure, the flame exploded high into the sky. The white beam hit the sky, green wisps of fog circling the cylinder. I lost my breath at the spectacle.

Screams broke out around me, the crowd noticing the emerald. People cowered away, running to the exits in a mob. The heat of the beam came in a sudden wave like someone had just opened an oven door. I should have looked away. I should have ran out.

But all I could do is stare. Feeling the energy radiate through me. Like watching a fire; feeling its heat, savoring its ferocity, awing its power.

Raku was somewhere; close or far I did not know for sure. He was calling my name, I felt the light tug of my arm.

The green fog twisted like restless ghosts, collecting into one cloud. It circled around the beam, making a wide arch over the seating. Then I realized how its course curved, and the head of the spirit-cloud was running towards me. The fog made an angry beeline for me, picking up speed like an angry bull. Every instinct in me told to move, but I was a statue. Or perhaps, a sitting duck.

At the speed it rammed into me, I thought it would have hurt. I only took two steps back as the green fog took refuge in my chest. It swirled like hot steam inside my body. It burned my insides, all through my arms and legs. My heart was smoldering, my very core filled with hot coals. The fog worked up my chest, it's steam crawling up my throat to my head-

Knuckled cried out in agony. The reality of his fate coming back with all its fury. The fog's passage was severed. It's only option was to keep steaming my insides like a sauna. My dreamworld shattered and I caught up with the events around me. Everything was vivid and wild, chaos unfolding everywhere around me. My breaths hard like I had just run from across the kingdom. My whole body shaking with the fear of what had just happened to me. Thoughts overrun with questions and confusion, all accompanied by a steaming ache.

I looked over to where Knuckles and Seth were. The two didn't even look like they noticed the Chaos Emerald had exploded. They were still in the heat of battle. Seth had Knuckles under him, pinned to the ground. Seth has a dagger in hand, forcing the blade towards Knuckles' neck. Knuckles held his wrists, eyes trained on the dagger as he tried to push him away. Each moment, the blade came closer to his neck. The fear in his eyes increased as his strength faltered and his hope diminished.

I was moving before I had time to think it over. The possibility of death from the fifteen foot drop didn't stop me from jumping off. In one swift motion, I was over the edge. I hit the ground in a crouch, the ground shaking underneath me. There was no pain in my joints, no broken limbs. The steam inside me shivered with excitement. The pain that clawed inside of me simmered, turning into a raw numbness. A shiver of heat crawled up my spine.

My eyes set on the two fighters, the smoldering numbness inside me gave way to a burst of adrenaline. An unearthly burst of energy dredged up from the depth of my very being. My legs pumped and the wind pushed my hair back as I ran. I've never felt so much adrenaline. So much raw energy tearing through my body. Untamed and unknown. My hands felt hot, in my palms I felt something gathering.

Seth looked up, his savage gazing meeting mine. What my expression was, I didn't know for sure. But the moment his eyes met me, his face wiped of emotion.

Then, it was like an automatic response when I came within fifteen feet of them. Like a motion I practiced for years.

I shivered with the energy that flowed up my arms. Reaching out to the sides of me, maintaining my balance as I slid weightlessly on the dirt. I pivoted, my arm behind me, gaining momentum. In one fluid motion I flung my hand forward like I was throwing a disc.

Something flew from my hand at inhuman speed. The disc nailing Seth square in the chest. Seth was forced back, flipping in the air. His body skipped across the ground like a stone thrown across water. Then he skidded and tumbled until he hit the wall with a "wham!"

The steamy fog inside me condensed and dissipated, leaving behind a hollow sense of loss and a burning ache. Whatever I threw at Seth had taken all of my energy. It had taken a piece of me with it, leaving behind a sense of longing.

My eyes blurred, a painful spear jabbed through my temples. Blood roared in my ears, my breath uneven.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Solstice,"

Leonardo's voice came out of nowhere, as calm and collected as when he began.

All the strength in me drained into the ground. Head heavy, body aching with exhaustion. I jolted as I feel to my knees.

"I present to you..."

His voice was fading like he was part of a dream. Unable to find my balance, my head rolled to the side, eyelids feeling like lead. I collapsed numbly to the ground. My world spinning. My vision a watercolor.

"...our new Chaos Guardian!"

Then I was falling. Falling into blackness that gaped with loss and loneliness.

~ o ~

Quite the ending, don't you think? :D Amy is now the new Chaos Guardian! Whoo! *cheers* She saved Knuckles' life and kicked Seth's butt! XD That guy FLEW! Justice was served!

This was a nice long chapter written for you, my Audience! Tons of excitement, am I right? Tell me what your favorite part was! I'd love to know. It lets me know what you all like so I can put similar stuff in future chapters. :) A review is much appreciated! It only takes a moment of your time. Please, help me become a better writer! Constructive criticism means a lot. :)

I think I shall have my next chapter up within a week. That is, if I get a lot of reviews... *hint hint* XD At the most, it shall be two weeks. :)

Until next time, my awesome Audience!