*crawls out from under rock* SWEET SUNLIGHT! O-O
Oh...hello there, my Awesome Audience.
I could give you a whole list of excuses as to why I haven't updated in...6months, but I am honestly just really pathetic. ;-; Please don't attack me with your words.
Forgive me...
To all those who left a comment. THANK YOU. You were seriously my inspiration to continue writing and put out this chapter. I am baffled by the popularity of this story. 44 reviews? You guys are awesome! :) In fact, I sat down and wrote an extra 2,000 words for you guys. So it's extra long. Praise to my reviewers will be given at the end of the chapter. Seriously, I love you all!
Please enjoy this extra long chapter, I'll see you at the end. :)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Sonic Characters. I only own Lord Blitz and Alfonso. LL is owned by Comrade Athelwine.
~ o - Chapter 5 - o ~
"All will be well, Lady Rose." LL whispered as he patted my hand soothingly, "The feast is in your honor. Everyone will be delighted to meet you."
I glanced over to him, a hesitant smile easing the tight fear on my face. He winked at me, smile widening. His confidence didn't seem to be effected in the least. I envied his freeness and hoped sometime through the night his confidence would rub off on me.
Staring forward again, I focused on the features of the guards in front of me. Their armor clanked at their backs as we walked behind them. Our shoes clicking on the polished white marble floor and echoed in the great hallway. The smell of dusty antique wood was faint, but it gave the castle a sense of a dignified history. The tapestries on the walls illustrated all different kinds of scenes -knights fighting, gardens, jousts- all woven with the finest of fabrics. I tried not to slow down and admired as many as I could as we passed.
Our footsteps quieted as we stepped onto a rug I was honored to even walk on. The long red and gold rug led down to two large wooden double doors which I was sure the entrance to the Grand Dining Room.
The guards leading us nodded to the guards manning the doors. They nodded in return and gripped the pipe-like golden handles of the door. The heavy doors moaned as they swung open, the noise quickly drown out by the chatter of people.
"It's showtime," LL whispered excitedly under his breath.
The room was swarming with people, dressed in the brightest and luscious of fabrics. I gulped down the knot rising in my throat, suddenly feeling very bare as the guards beside us and in front of us fell away. With a encouraging light tug, LL was able to pull my numb legs into motion, guiding me into the room.
The chatter I heard before became a comforting hum of conversation that vibrated through the room. Amongst it all, I could faintly hear the soft sound of violins and pianos being played. We began moving through a thick part of the crowd, LL holding my wrist and throwing pardons left and right as he pulled me along. The richly dressed men and women all turned to stare at me. Their gazes heavy as we made our slow progress past. Some were just curious, some hostile, some afraid. I just wanted to see a friendly, welcoming face in the crowd. Just to know that not everyone thinks I'm a freak and a danger to the kingdom.
Halfway through, I realized I kept searching for Knuckles in the crowd of strangers, hoping to gain some courage from his safe presence. My hopes instantly fell, for I knew Knuckles was training with the other castle soldiers.
LL led me along the right wall and around a set of tables, passing castle lords and ladies on our way to our seats. I sensed a wave of movement behind me as each royal turned in their seat to get a better look, and heard their soft words follow me down the row: too young, a danger, a female.
My stomach clenched and my face burned with the heat of embarrassment. I wondered if it was too late to run back into my guest room and fake some kind of rare Guardian sickness. I was not ready to deal with anything these royals had to say about me. I really just needed some time alone to soak up everything that's happened.
Our seats presided over the entire room against a long, high table that might as well been a stage at the head of the room. Three low tables were arranged around the perimeter to complete the sides of a square, giving the guests an unobstructed view of the king, who was currently absent.
LL pulled out my seat for me, I smiled weakly at him and sat down. He took the chair to the right of me.
He leaned in to me, "The king should be here soon. Everyone will go to their seats when he says so."
Was it really that obvious that I was uncomfortable with the people chatting in a large herd in the middle of the room? I faintly smiled to him, appreciative of his comfort anyway. I peeked around him to see the vacant throne right next to him. Then I turned to my other side to see the three seats next to me were vacant as well.
"Who will sit here?" I asked, pointing to the three seats.
"The Commanders. Lord Shadow will sit closest to you, then Lord Blitz, then Lord Scourge." He turned around and pointed to the seats on the other side of the throne, "There will sit the Prince, then High Lord Alfonso."
My already fast beating heart fluttered at the mention of the prince. I would have to meet the prince today. The handsome man that stood tall and waved to his adoring kingdom only two days ago. The hedgehog that stole the hearts of many women in the kingdom.
And now here I was, meeting the charming man not three days later.
"It's 6 o'clock. If you'll excuse me, Lady Rose, I need to announce the royals," LL said as he rose from his seat.
My first instinct was to grab his sleeve and beg for him to stay. With all these carnivorous eyes on me, I didn't know how long I would last on my own. It was pathetic that I had to pull my strength from LL's presence. I had to reassure myself he would only be gone for a little while before I nodded to him. I grabbed a handful of my silk dress and told my self over and over 'I need to learn to stand on my own.'
He patted my shoulder and -with an encouraging smile- slipped away into a large crowd. It was only a deep breath later that the trumpets began to play, interrupting the cloud of chatter floating around the room.
The double door entrance swung open. LL gracefully slid himself into the space between the doors and politely gestured the crowd to back away. A ring of people formed around LL, all waiting in anticipation. The trumpets stopped at the room was left in anxious silence.
LL welcomed the attention, leaving his gestures loose and graceful. His calm blue eyes scanned the crowd with watchful intelligence.
"I, Lord Leonardo Linnattan, cordially welcome all of you to this special feast of honor." He lightly touched the tips of his fingers together and slipped a sly smile. "No, this feast is not in honor of me." A deep laugh radiated through the crowd. "Although, feasting in my honor is still an option to consider."
The crowd laughed a little harder then quieted down.
LL elegantly wiped an arm across the air in front of him, "This feast is to usher in Solstice's newest Chaos Guardian. A Guardian we thought we lost long ago." LL floated his gaze to me from across the room. I felt the heat rush to my face as he gestured to me.
"I am honored to present to you, Lady Amy Rose, Guardian of the Chaos Emerald."
All the heads in the room turned to me. Awkwardly, I stood and folded my sweaty hands together. Realizing I must have looked paralyzed with fear, I smiled stiffly to the crowd. Cheeks stretching, lips dry, I felt like I had forgotten how to smile. My cheeks were hot, forming sweat on the crown of my head. My restless nerves had me trembling in place.
What did Knuckles used to tell me when I smiled like this? Oh, right. 'You look like you swallowed a bug.'
For three long seconds, no one clapped. Then a few people began to clap. The trend quickly escalated to a polite applause from the entire room. I nodded my head to the room, then let my legs collapse underneath me as I fell into my seat.
"Now to announce our more familiar guests." LL moved to the side, "I present to you, Lord Shadow."
The crowd quickly took their attention off me to look at Lord Shadow. He entered the room, acknowledging the people in the crowd with a nod. The crowd began to curtsy and bow, a roar of claps followed him across the room. His lips held the faintest of smiles. A polite smile, edged with an alluring mysterious quality. His clean cut attire, his slick black quills streaked with crimson, and his confident stride, all gave him the outlook of a calm, sophisticated man.
As he made his way to the royal table, he turned and caught my eye. The blazing red in his eyes caught me by surprise. The color of fresh blood pouring from a wound. He had the unwavering gaze of a warrior who has seen things and done things that have made him strong. I dropped my eyes away, afraid to stare into his eyes any longer. It wasn't until he made it to his seat next to me that I looked up, cautiously aware of the intensity of his eyes. I politely smiled at him.
He offered me his hand, "Good evening, Lady Rose, I am Lord Shadow. Pleasure to meet you."
His velvety deep voice left me with a warm feeling. I couldn't stop my smile from widening and I gripped his large hand.
"Pleasure to meet you too, Lord Shadow," I said, thankful my voice didn't crack.
A smile rose from the corner of his lip, eyes hazy with whatever clever thoughts may be stirring in his mind. I caught myself staring and quickly forced my attention to the front of the room. Though, I was still aware of his presence next to me.
"I present, Lord Blitz," LL motioned to the blonde hedgehog entering the room.
Blitz had a strong stride. He walked with purpose, a determined look in his eyes. He glanced at people and nodded respectfully, but never slowed down as he made his way to his seat. People applauded, bowing and curtsying. Places in the crowd, I saw men putting a fist over their heart. A gesture of respect.
Though Blitz was more on the skinnier side, he did not look sickly or gaunt. His fitted short sleeve shirt exposed the toned muscles in his arms. The shadows that appeared in the crevices of his muscles when he flexed was enough to take my breath away.
Blitz met my gaze from across the room. I jolted the slightest bit, hoping he didn't notice me admiring his frame. Then I met the cool bright turquoise of his eyes and melted a little inside. Shining brighter than his sunshine yellow fur, his eyes glistened like clear tropical waters. He held my gaze steadily, confidence emanating off of him as he approached me.
He offered his hand, "I am Lord Blitz. It's an honor to finally meet Solstice's new Guardian."
He flashed me a bold white smile, his eyes sparkling with friendliness. I smiled in return, building confidence off his friendly, relaxed demeanor.
"It's an honor to meet you too, Lord Blitz."
With a smile, he released my hand and took his seat. Leaning back lazily and loosely crossing his arms. He gave me one last glance. A sly smirk formed on the side of his mouth, looking as though he could wink at me at any moment. The familiarity in his expression gave me a warm feeling in the pit of my stomach that I couldn't help but smile at.
"Now I present, Lord Scourge."
Scourge had every aspect that defined a man. Not only was he tall and built like a warrior, but he was suave. He knew how to move, what to do with himself, and what to say to people like he expected everything beforehand. He surveyed the room with a knowing smile. Taking his time through the crowd, exchanging a couple conversational words with people. His confident air brought smiles to the people he spoke to. Everyone held onto his words as he spoke, and the smile he returned was full of amusement. In his eyes he held the tiniest bit of mischief, just enough to keep people interested.
I rolled my eyes at his facade of friendliness. I was already acquainted with the impatient Lord Scourge, I knew what he was like outside of these parties. He would not be giving me the warmest of greetings after I spoke out against him.
I felt my heart pounding in my chest as he began to approach me. I kept my attention away from him, looking at the floor and the walls. The sweep of his hand caught my attention, and I found myself staring directly at him. Heat burst onto my face, I gazed down at his hand, afraid to look him in the eyes.
"Lady Rose, it is an honor to see you again."
Air caught in my throat hearing the sincerity in his voice. I rose my gaze to meet his eyes. His smile was hesitant, like he knew he had done wrong before, his gentle blue eyes hit me right in my core.
"Please, forgive my outburst a while ago, the kingdom's havoc has really taken its toll on me. I know it is no excuse, but I feel we got off on the wrong foot, my lady" he said.
Carefully he took my hand in his, caressing it softly.
"You are forgiven," my voice was almost inaudible.
"Thank you, Lady Rose," he rose my hand up to his lips, his breath passing across my skin "Your forgiveness means a lot to me."
He placed a soft kiss on my knuckles. The heat rushed to my face, my insides doing an excited flip. He held my gaze a little longer, a glaze over his eyes. Then released my hand -which now felt like a wet noodle- and took his seat next to Blitz.
The touch of his lips warmed my hand. Something deep inside me wanted to believe it meant something. Something wanted me to believe I had a chance.
Bitterly, I reminded myself of my place in the world. My heart immediately sank, deflating me in my seat. I had gone from peasant to Guardian overnight. I wore royal clothing, but I was still born in the dirt. Then there was Lord Scourge. Tall, handsome, confident; royal blood flowing through his veins. Brave and heroic; a protector of all Solstice. Obviously, his gesture was only to be taken as a warm greeting.
Yet, there was still that sliver of doubt I couldn't seem to shake. The chance I couldn't deny.
"And now for the royal family," LL's voice quickly brought me out of my thoughts. "I present, High Lord Alfonso."
The room welcomed him. But as I scanned the audience, I could see some people whispering, crossing their arms, and exchanging skeptical glances. Everything came to me at once. The doors opened to reveal Alfonso.
This was the man Raku warned me about. The man stirring up the trouble in the kingdom.
Alfonso floated into the room like a shadow. The dark wolf emanated power in his strong posture, holding high his white muzzle as he surveyed the crowd with disinterest. Strands of ink black hair hung lifelessly in his face that matched the rest of his fur. Peeking out from the V in his crimson dress shirt was pure white chest fur, making his chest look wider. His dark presence seem to bring the room's level of excitement.
People quickly divided to let him through, no one dared get in his way. Lazily, he nodded his heads towards groups of people. They bowed their heads and lowered their eyes, afraid of his gaze.
He arrived at the table and stopped. Suddenly turning, like he realized I was something of his interest, and faced me fully. A faint half-smile crept onto his lips, but that wasn't the part that intimidated me. It was when I met his eyes that I felt a sweep of coldness wash over my skin.
The wrongness of his eyes made me want to step back. His right eye was the color of liquid moonlight, a metallic looking silver color, bright and watchful. His other eye was the color of rose petals, bright and fierce with an aggressive edge to him. Eyes like a slimy reptile that just crawled out from a dark place. They were eyes that assumed you would do what he told you to do, eyes that threatened to bring you unhappiness if he didn't get what he wanted.
"Amy Rose."
Hearing my own name run off his tongue sent a jolt through my body. I could sense a suaveness to him -a dangerous suaveness that sent goosebumps all over my arms and tied knots in my stomach.
He approached me, "What you did at the Ceremony was impressive. I'm dying to see what else you can do with your power." He leaned in a tiny bit closer, his voice dropping to a lower edgier tone, "If it is truth you seek about your abilities, come to me anytime. I have answers."
Color drained from my face and I suddenly found it even harder to meet his uneven gaze. His lip curled slightly, flashing me a wicked smile. Whatever nice greeting I had died in the back of my throat and left a disgusting taste on my tongue. I curtsied, thankful I could bow my head so I would no longer have to look into his eyes. I wanted to throw up my stress from the entire day. I wanted to be alone. I didn't think I could handle any more of what the castle had to offer.
I stood up straight and wrapped my hands around each other in front of me. With a nod, he turned around to go to his seat on the other side of the throne.
My stomach was hollow, my fingers trembled as I sat down. I closed my eyes for a moment, all the events thus far throbbed against my temples. Exhaustion -both mental and physical- began tearing apart whatever hope I had of being a successful Guardian. The skeptical glances, the hushed whispers; already everyone thought I was a freak. The Commanders must see me as a burden in their busy lives, the High Lord has taken a strange interest in my abilities, and the Royal Advisor is a dishonest, irresponsible partier who is only trying to steal my heart and rip it to pieces.
Becoming Guardian was an impossible feat. I'd gladly take my boring old life back.
"I am honored to present, Prince Sonic," LL announced.
My eyes shot open and the crowd roared with an approving applause. Walking into the room was the handsome cobalt blue hedgehog, Prince Sonic. My heart swooned as he confidently grinned a winning white smile to his crowd, taking his time greeting everyone as he made his way to the table.
Furiously but discreetly, I wiped my hand against my dress. If he touched my sweaty hand, I'd surely die of embarrassment. Quickly, I pushed a string of emerald beads back behind my ear and took a quick breath. Sonic approached me and held out a hand.
"Greetings, I'm Prince Sonic. Pleasure to have you here at the castle, Lady Rose."
I nearly shivered as his warm hand clasped mine, "Thank you, Prince Sonic."
I curtsied and lowered my head, then quickly straightened to meet his eyes. They were the color of moss, a light shade of olive green that glowed as he smiled. I was caught there for a moment. Lost in the friendliness that emanated off him.
Then, as quick as the exchange started, he left, leaving me with a cold feeling of loss all over my skin. I collapsed into my chair and ran a hand up my forearm.
Pull it together, Amy. This isn't like you. You know better than to like a guy you don't know.
I took a deep breath, side glancing at Lord Shadow next to me. The black hedgehog was having a serious discussion with Lord Blitz who was slouched so low in his chair I was expecting him to put his feet up on the table at any moment. But they didn't seem the least bit bothered by anything going on here. And I shouldn't be bothered either.
Find your strength, Amy. You're Guardian of the Chaos emerald now.
"I am greatly honored to present to you, our noble king, King Nazo!" LL's voice rang loud and clear across the room.
People clapped, the room collapsing to their knees as the king entered the room. Nazo was a tall man, taller than even his son, and broader in the shoulders. His fur was white with a silver undertone. As he moved across the room, his fur valued many shades of silver as the light moved across his fur. The quills on his head stuck nearly straight up, making him seem even bigger than he already was. The king approached me with a warm smile, arms wide as though he was going to embrace me.
"Quite the honor to have you here with us, Lady Guardian," -his voice was robust and lively- "You took us all by surprise with that event at the Knighting Ceremony."
He smiled at me and I smiled sheepishly in return.
"I say that troublemaker got what he deserved! Oh! And that light display you had with the emerald," -he shook his head and laughed a little to himself- "bravo, Lady Rose. Remarkable power."
The room erupted with applause and faint laughter. I nodded and smiled at the crowd. At least the king liked me. Not only did he have that fatherly charm and bear-like body structure that made me want to hug him, but he was also so optimistic. So lively, like nothing in the world could bring him down.
He grabbed an empty cup off the table and held it in the air, "Let us feast in honor of our new Chaos Guardian!"
The crowd roared in agreement and slowly retreated to their seats. I settled more into the cushion of my seat and watched as the royal chefs rolled into the room, silver carts piled with steaming food. The scent of warm meat wafted my direction, my stomach anxiously growling for the food. I suddenly realized it had been almost three days since I had a decent meal. The thought of filling my belly to the brim made my mouth water even more. The food was sure to be the most delicious food I ever tasted-
"You look hungry."
I nearly jumped out of my chair at the sudden voice. LL was in his seat again, a larger and sillier grin on his face at my jump.
"I didn't mean to scare you. But I couldn't help but notice how you stared at the pork they're carting in."
"Well, I haven't eaten a meal in days. And now that I can have as much food as I please, I suddenly want it all." I laughed a little at myself.
He smiled with me, "Then allow me to get you some."
LL held up his hand and snapped his fingers to one of the servants, "You, there! Our Guardian is hungry! She could use some of that fine pork!" LL hesitated and turned to me with an after thought, "You're not vegetarian, correct?" I nodded. LL turned back to the servant, "Then I think it's time you meat our Guardian!"
The room erupted into low laughter. The servant even smiled at his pun as he carted over the bronze skinned pork.
"Which piece, Miss Rose?" the servant asked.
I pointed to a row of four slices, "Those four, thank you."
The servant took out a plate from under the cart and placed the four pieces on the plate. He then handed me a rolled up cloth napkin.
"Anything else, my lady?"
I looked around the room, "How about some mashed potatoes and those rolls. And maybe a few of those greens, there." I pointed to the different foods on each of the carts.
"Yes, my lady. Right away." He bowed and left.
"Do you always eat this much, Miss Rose?" LL asked, leaning back in his chair with a smirk-like smile.
"Actually, no," I rubbed my hands together in my lap. "I was a peasant before, so the best meal I received was half a loaf of bread and a piece of cheese. With cold meat on special occasions."
LL placed a hand over his heart like it was hurting, "You poor dear! As a young lady so highly gifted by Chaos, you should have been fed the greatest of meals."
I shrugged, "I didn't discover my power until the Knighting Ceremony. So to my owner, I was just another thing to kick around."
LL rubbed a hand on his forehead, "Your master kicked you?"
I nodded, "Burned, whipped, choked, slammed- anything to teach me not to get out of line."
LL was gaping, "And who were your owners?"
"Kenneth and Vita Wilder."
He thought for a moment, "Do they live on a farm in southwest Fairfield?"
"Yes. That's where I lived! You know them?"
He shifted in his chair and averted his eyes, playing with the collar of his shirt.
"I know their daughter..."
I thought back to the couple times I met their daughter. I could imagine her face, her dark hair and black eyeliner. She always used to wear too much makeup and went crazy when her hair wasn't perfect. Always fussing with her clothes and hair. She wouldn't go anywhere until she was perfect. Always trying too hard when it came to her appearances. Not to mention, she had the same self-centered attitude her mother had. Elizabeth was her name! She must be at least nineteen now. The last time I saw her was about a year ago when she was stopping by on her way to retrieve some fabrics from her employer. She constantly boasted about the great job she has as a seamstress for the rich royals of Solstice and how she was engaged to a handsome lord that had strong connections to the castle. Vita would always tell the peasants how artistic she was and how she always had "an eye for color." Her mouth wouldn't stop flapping about how great her life was. About how much better she was than everyone else.
One time when I was younger, she threw a tantrum and broke her mother's vase. Instead of confessing to her mother that it was her fault, she turned and pointed her finger at me. For the next couple months, I had to find food for myself. The Wilders would no longer feed me. I was whipped for hours. She sneered at me and threw mud at me when her parents weren't looking. I was thankful when she finally left for Emerald City. I would be lying if I said I wasn't irritated by how great her life turned out. Having a rotten brat like her living a rich and successful life made my insides burn a little bit.
Out of spite, I stabbed my pork forcefully and roughly cut through it with my knife.
"You mean Elizabeth? Yeah, last time I saw her she was trying to spread her royal clothing business to other kingdoms with her fiancee. Did she make you an outfit or something?"
I stuck the piece of pork in my mouth a chewed angrily. The silence between us dragged out. When I turned to LL, he was giving me with a blank expression, his eyes searching my face for an answer.
"Do you not know Elizabeth that well?" I asked, embarrassed for presuming, "If you wanted to know, she's a seamstress-"
LL suddenly started laughing. Covering his face and folding over in his chair with laughter. I looked around the room, then back down at LL in confusion.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
Still in the midst of giggles, he tried to explain, "Oh" -he laughed- "Oh, I know Eliza that well." He continued laughing.
My eyebrows pushed together.
"In fact, I bet most of Solstice's lords and knights know her that well." He placed a hand over his mouth to try to stop his laughter. "Miss Rose, Elizabeth Wilder is not a seamstress, she's a high class whore."
My jaw dropped.
"She works in the local whorehouse and goes by Wild Eliza. Her parents keep paying her off in hope that she gets a job elsewhere, but she just uses the money to buy material things." He giggled for a moment, "And she's definitely not betrothed to anyone. She only commits to the person she's paid to please."
My mouth was still gaping. The girl that I loathed for having riches she didn't deserve turned out to be a fraud. She was never rich. She was never going to marry a rich handsome lord. She never had the fairytale life the peasants and I thought she had. Vita and Elizabeth lied to our faces, just to make themselves feel better.
But all that didn't matter. The reality of it mattered. Elizabeth was a whore, and I surpassed her in every aspect. The confidence that came with that thought was so great, I had to press my lips together to suppress a smile. Maybe things were just in this world after all.
"But if she's anything like her mother, then I'm sorry you had to deal with her for so long." LL added, absentmindedly running his fingers through his white chest fur.
Realizing what he had done with her, I squirmed at the thought.
"You actually paid her for that?" I mumbled, turning my face away to hide my blush.
He laughed again, but in a lower, more relaxed tone.
"With looks like mine, you don't need to pay."
He turned and winked at a group of girls that were admiring him from across the room. The group burst into giggles and shied away from his seductive gaze. I poked the food on my plate, suddenly finding it not so appetizing.
"So, where are you from?" I asked him, hoping to get off the subject.
He relaxed into his chair and folded his arms loosely.
"A little town called Alabaster. It's just north of Silvereye City. My family and I were not royalty back then, so we just lived in a small house on our private farm," he said nonchalantly, gazing back at the giggling girls.
I raised my eyebrows at him, "how did you become royalty, then?"
To be royal, you had to be born into the position. That, or you had to have so much wealth that you could buy your way into the social circles and be considered "royalty." To have earned a position as high as LL's without being born into it sounded impossible.
LL shifted his eyes towards me, his mouth quirking up for a moment.
"By being bold."
I gave him a look of confusion. He raised a finger for a serving girl, who brought him more wine. He settled back into his seat, delicately swirling his wine in one hand.
"When I was a boy, I was part of the Silvereye theatre as a stage actor." He said, "The king had invited all the theaters from each major city in Solstice to attend his party. I was one of the main actors, performing my part as a poor boy who returned from battle only to find his wealthy lover no longer wanted anything to do with him. At the time, rumors of the king's Royal Advisor were whispered through the kingdom. The Advisor was a bitter man who forced his own opinions onto the king. He loved being in control. He was corrupt with his power."
LL took a sip of his red wine before continuing.
"During my dramatic scene of grieving for my lost love, the Advisor yelled out, 'He deserved it! The noble don't fraternize with people who are less than the dirt on their shoe!' The room echoed with laughter from the crowd. Naturally, I would not stand for such insolence, so I improvised.
"I turned towards the audience, pretending to search the crowd, 'Doth I nothing? 'Tis what I hear. Who yonder dares speak such ills?' The crowd nor the Advisor expected my return. The Advisor's face began to redden with embarrassment. I continued on. 'Was it not I who saved my brother from the fire? Was it not I who rode into war, fought for my land so valiantly, and kept my promise to return to my lady? Aye. 'Twas me. All done in vain, for my heart was cut out.' I made eye contact with the Advisor at that point and said, 'Thou dare label me dirt?'
"The Advisor was baffled that I went so far. He stood from his chair and spat, 'You dare disgrace me?! It is not your place-'"
LL was smiling distantly now, his face lit up as he relived the moment in his head.
"I didn't give him the chance to finish. I walked to the very front of the stage, staring right at him. I said, ''Tis my place to bring a message! A cry for justice from the mask that I bear, the mask of misfortune. Peel away my mask and I am strong. Tragedy and hardship has toughened my skin. Doth such admirable attributes lie in thou? 'Nay. Thy royalty and nobleness is only skin deep. Deceitful to the eye, thy heart is poisoned. Do not seek refuge in this man's wisdom, for he has a tongue of self-indulgence. Backed by a story of loneliness and pain. Be free, immoral one. Put away your mask, for your services are no longer needed. It is time his highness had someone competent to advise him.'"
My mouth was gaping at that point. He noticed my expression and shrugged a little as he added, "And then I winked at the king."
"Surely you were heftily punished!" I asked, astonished.
His smile was bright and white, "The exact opposite. The king laughed heartily and applauded. The entire room gave me a powerful standing ovation. The Advisor, on the other hand, was furious. Shouting words to the king of insurrection against him and persuading him to think that I had disgraced his authority by speaking out. King Nazo held a hand up to his advisor, silencing him abruptly. Then said to him simply, 'This boy has demonstrated more wisdom to me in one minute than you have in two years. Back to the archives with you.' And waved him off. The Advisor was hot faced and steaming. He glared at me with hatred like I had never seen before, then stiffly marched from the room, never to be heard from again.
The King turned to me, smiling a large friendly white smile that I will never forget. He said, 'You, boy, what is your name?' I answered with 'Leonardo Linnattan, Your Majesty.'
He said, 'Well, Leo, how about you sit next to me for the remainder of the night. I would love to hear more of your wisdom.' I smiled politely and accepted his offer."
Feeling proud of himself, LL sat back in his chair and folded his arms behind his head, "For the rest of the night, we reviewed the plays, cracked jokes, shared ideas, and laughed. When the party was over, the king offered me the position to be his new Royal Advisor. I accepted, and now here I am years later."
I reveled in his story, "That is quite the tale, LL. It is admirable that you earned your position here."
He shrugged with a faint conceited smile, "Only the most gifted may work alongside the King," he sipped his wine. "Though, I am not the only one who has earned their position."
"You mean there are others who are not full blooded royalty?" I glanced around the room as if I could spot the non-royal just by looking at them.
"Warriors are not defined through blood. It is their will that makes them a warrior."
"You mean..." I turned around to look at Shadow speaking to a group of men near the end of the table.
LL followed my eyes to Shadow. "Well, his history is...blurred. He was raised by his father, who was the castle's Head Weapons' Master. His father could yield any weapon with ease. And the weapons he created were incredible, -knives, maces, and especially swords- all crafted with such diligence, with the yielder in mind. No one could match his gift of making a weapon and a soldier one. He was a skilled man, kind too. He taught Shadow everything he knew about fighting and weapons."
"You say it in a past tense," I observed.
"His parents are dead."
I was silent for a moment. "Oh." I felt my heart sink a little, "What about his mother? What did she do?"
He waved a finger at me, "That's where things get questionable. See, his father married a girl from a rich family in Silvereye City. She was allegedly Shadow's mother, but Shadow bore no resemblance to her. Shadow's father and Shadow, on the other hand, had an uncanny resemblance." He put his wine glass to his lips, "Makes you wonder."
I pursed my lips, "Does Shadow know what happened?"
He shrugged, "When the topic comes up, he changes it or doesn't answer at all. Perhaps he doesn't know and is tired of hearing the question. Or he does and is ashamed of it. Knowing he's a half-blood could change how some people seem him. It isn't respectable."
Being a no blood must be downright disgraceful.
LL added an afterthought. "But Shadow isn't known to be ashamed of things. He's not one to linger. He accepts and moves on." He shrugged again and downed the last of his wine. "I suppose that's life of a Commander, though."
I poked at a piece of meat on my plate, "So, is that how Shadow got his Commanding position? Through his father?"
"Oh, no. Shadow led some of the greatest raids in Solstice history! He can predict his opponent's next move precisely and counterattack it -like it's one giant chess game. He has saved many lives with his incredible strategic abilities. No one questions him when he gives an order."
I smiled slightly, "So he is generously gifted."
He scoffed, "And that's not including his fighting skills." LL pointed his fork over to Blitz and Scourge, "Which are only rivaled by those two."
Scourge seemed to be in the midst of telling an exciting story, for his crowd looked up at him in awe as he spoke. He gesticulated largely and people's mouths gaped, a few gasped. But Blitz was next to him with his arms folded, listening to Scourge with a bored expression.
"How did Blitz and Scourge become Commanders?" I asked as I continued to watch Scourge.
"Scourge is full blood royalty. When his impressive strength and speed began to arise, he was immediately put out on the field. He showed promise, so he was moved up to a higher rank. Then he sacrificed himself in battle to protect the king. He later used his incredible strength to create an avalanche that consumed the enemy base."
My mouth gaped at him, "An avalanche...that he started? On his own?!"
LL nodded, "Looks are deceiving in his case. He's built but not monstrously muscled like his strength demonstrates. Enemies underestimate him and pay the price. It is his advantage out on the field, which was why he was made a Commander."
I looked down into my lap, "I'd say that's the same in my case too."
"That is your advantage, is it not?"
I met LL's eyes and found him half-smirking at me. It wasn't a teasing, half-smirk, but a victorious one. A smirk of someone who knew they were right. I smiled back and that was answer enough.
He settled more into his seat and absently twirled the silver fork between his fingers. A faint smirk on his face as he stared out at the crowd and continued to speak.
"Blitz, on the other hand, is completely non-royal. Entered himself in the Guard at a young age. He has a unique gift, not one easily overlooked."
"So he's a gifted fighter?"
He smirked, "It's much more than that, my dear. Blitz knows everything there is to know about, disarming, maiming, and murdering. He knows how to disarm a man and how to break his leg, and how to twist his arm so severely that his opponent would stop struggling and beg for release. Such was his gift. The gift of killing. He can take on eight or nine trained trained soldiers, in full suits for armor."
My jaw dropped, "Incredible!"
"With his hands tied behind his back," he added smugly.
"What did the people at the Guard do about him? Wasn't he a danger?" I asked almost anxiously.
"His skill and precision has improved since he was a child. If Blitz wasn't as trained -or perhaps the word is 'self-controlled'- as he was, he would have been a danger to himself and others. But he now knows his own explosive force, and has learned his own speed, he has accepted who he is. The Guard set him apart from the others and sent him on assassination assignments with special Council soldiers. He didn't stop until the target was killed. He assassinated some of Solstice's most powerful enemies. In battle, he is fearsome and unforgiving and will always go for the main target. He's a hero to many people in Solstice. It wasn't long until he was deemed a commander."
I glanced over at Blitz who was lazily leaned up against a white marble column, talking to a group of people. His smile was bright and white, a genuine happy smile. Bright blue eyes, so clear and innocent. The way his blonde hair was tousled the smallest bit, like he just rolled out of bed. This happy man was a master killer?
"Just think, you and him are going to be training together soon." LL said brightly.
"Me? Training with him?" My face drained of color. He'll kill me in an instant!
He tapped the opposite end of the fork against his bottom lip.
"You must learn to fight hand-to-hand combat if you're going to be battling enemies on the field. What better way than through the guy that knows every trick in the book?"
I scrunched my dress nervously in my lap, "Can't I start off with a partner that's more...my caliber?" How about a sack of flour.
LL threw his head back and laughed for a moment, "Lady Rose! You are the new Chaos Guardian! It is imperative that you meet your Chaos Guardian expectations as soon as possible. Learning with a novice fighter will not develop your fighting abilities quick enough."
I raised an eyebrow at him, "Quick enough for what?"
The silver fork twirling between his fingers came to a sudden halt in the palm of his hand. The gaze he shot me was skeptical, his eyebrow raised as he scanned over my expression.
"The tides in the kingdom are turning. A new-" LL quickly cut himself off to look around him for eavesdroppers. He leaned in a lit bit closer. "A new conflict is rising in the kingdom, one that could destroy the very structure on which our society is built."
"But," I gently tucked a strand of emerald beads back into my hair, "How am I involved?"
"You are not only the Chaos Guardian, Miss Rose. You are a symbol of hope to keep the kingdom in better hands."
I leaned forward to hear him, "Who is causing-"
He suddenly leaned away from me and faked a laugh, sitting back in his chair. My face flushed in confusion.
"Don't look so secretive, people will become suspicious," he said through a fake smile.
I glanced around and relaxed more into my chair. "So who?"
"High Lord Alfonso," was all he said.
I squeezed my forearm with anxiety.
"What has he done? And why?"
LL shook his head lightly, his shoulder-length blonde locks skirting around his face. Staring pensively into his golden cup, he spoke.
"This is not the time nor place for a conversation of that sort. All you need to know is that he's killed many people for his own selfish needs. I'm sure you've heard rumors."
My silence was answer enough.
"He's swayed weak minds to work in his favor, making him tough to blame. He has corrupted our system, controlling their judgement from the outside. I fear this is only the beginning of his terror. He's planning something big against the king and Prince Sonic, I can tell."
"Then why don't people stop it? Why am I suddenly a turning point in this?" I could have asked a million more question of why. My life seemed to just keep piling on more things to stress about. More responsibility. More possibility of a bigger failure.
I began to feel lightheaded just thinking of what I was truly dealing with. Castle affairs, which were ultimately the entire kingdom's affairs. My entire world rested on my shoulders.
I folded over and covered my face with my hands, "I -I don't know if I'm ready for that."
I felt LL lightly touch my arm, "Don't worry, you are not alone in this battle. You have the Commanders, Prince Sonic, me, and -the greatest weapon of all- Chaos. When you unlock the power Chaos has given you, you will be unstoppable. Alfonso will finally be brought to justice-"
I lifted my head up quickly, looking at him with wide eyes. "You want me to kill him!?"
LL nervously shushed me, putting a finger over my mouth. I froze in my chair, remembering we were not alone in the room. Glancing around, I saw a couple people giving me shocked looks, the volume in the room suddenly dropping. The weight of eyes were suddenly on LL and me.
LL quickly took his finger off my mouth, laughing heartily, his sudden tenseness melting away.
"Lady Rose, you are quite the card." His voice was a little bit louder, as if to put on a show to those who were watching. He winked at me and smiled brightly. "I know it's quite loud in here, but I said 'Will you call him for me?'. The waiter was just behind you and I would like some more wine."
He flipped some golden strands out of the way of his eyes. The crowd seemed to accept what LL said and went back to it's original volume. A waiter came over and filled LL's cup with more wine and left. I let out a relieved breath, putting my hand on the side of my face in hope of cooling off my cheeks.
"I'm sorry-"
"No, I don't want to resort to killing." LL said quickly, in a hushed tone. "It would look bad on you and the kingdom would be in even more trouble. Murder within the castle walls would make people fear of the throne being overthrown, and those against the king would start an uprise."
He leaned forward ever so slightly, took my hand from off my cheek and caressed it in his own.
"Amy Rose, you are the only one that can keep the castle safe."
"Safe?" I swallowed the dryness in my throat. "But I don't know how to use my powers! I don't even know if they're-"
Still there. I wanted to finish, but surely saying that would be a death sentence.
He squeezed my hand, "Don't doubt your abilities. You are great enough to stop him. You are our only hope of taking back the castle from Alfonso and stopping his terror. Those against Alfonso will will help you -I will help you."
Inside me, something shivered and a coolness washed over my skin. I could hear the plead in his voice emerging, the desperation for my help- no, not my help, the Chaos Guardian's help. I was a dirty peasant girl who fumbled and got caught up in the Chaos Emerald's energy. I had the energy momentarily and now it's gone. I don't feel different. I don't feel like I'm a holy being close to the mighty Chaos. I feel like an impostor, corrupting the status of an honorable figure.
"You can't put so much hope in me, even I don't have faith in myself."
LL leaned in, looking me straight in the eye. "Evil is coming, the Commanders, prince, and I are ready to fight for Chaos. You are on the side of goodness and Chaos, are you not?"
He assessed my reaction with narrowed eyes. I hesitated, realizing this was my time to accept my position, but every part of me was telling me to stay neutral. I've been so used to staying out of people's way, now I was suddenly leading a resistance against the King's brother?
Grasping for an answer, I looked out to the crowd. Shadow was sipping his wine, listening intently to his peers, Blitz was reaching over a food cart to pick an apple, and Scourge was laughing with a man, his arms crossed loosely across his chest.
"They'll be supporting me. So I can trust them." The idea wasn't a question.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw LL nod slowly. I could feel his strong blue gaze on the side of my face, "Trust is the first step to a strong alliance."
You're one to speak of trust. I thought scornfully.
The thought brought another to mind.
"Knuckles must be part of this." I turned to LL, looking him straight in the eye, "He is part of the reason why I'm here, and I trust him more than anyone in the world. He could help."
LL pursed his lips momentarily, his eyes unfocused. Then after a moment of silence he said, "If you trust him, then he can be part of our alliance."
I considered again, staring off into the crowd blankly. I soon realized I was staring right at Scourge -and he was staring right back. It was a look over his shoulder, as if he was trying to gaze at me covertly, but he held my gaze. His blue eyes were soft, and his lip twitched into a small smile. A smile aimed directly at me.
I blushed, shying away from his gaze. I averted my eyes to the wall and let the heat simmer away on my cheeks.
"I can tell you need time to settle in." I turned around, and met LL's clever smirk. "This problem will not wait for you, but perhaps I have been forcing this issue upon you too soon. You need time to adjust to your place and get used to the...people," he said carefully, gesturing to Scourge with the gentle throw of head.
I nervously tucked a hair back and swallowed, "Adjustment may take more time than you think."
LL slid his hand under mind. His hands were soft but dry against the sweat of my palms.
"If time is what you want, then time is what you'll get."
Bringing my hand to his lips, he kissed my knuckles gently. A ghostly warmth was left dancing across my hand.
"Just think about it, Lady Rose."
He rose from his seat, my hand slipping out of his hand. I opened my mouth to ask why he was leaving, but I quickly decided against it. I lowered my gaze, keeping my focus on my empty plate, and LL left the area. A coolness washed over me, perhaps from the absence of LL. I suddenly felt alone again. Alone and fearful of the world around me. I considered running out of the room or hiding under the table, anything to get me away from the gazes directed towards me. When did these feasts end anyway? Where would I go after this? Do I need be announced when I leave?
I pulled my hair over my shoulder and took a deep breath, puffing my cheeks as I released the air.
So maybe I needed LL more than I originally thought. Where was he?
"Ladies, how are we doing this fine evening?" I heard LL say from across the room somewhere.
Mentally, I rolled my eyes, covering my face with my hand.
I should have known.
~ o ~
And done! :)
Was it worth waiting for? No..? Well fine then! ;-; *hides under blankets*
Anyway, thank you to the following people for supporting me and my story:
Strange: I hope you're still around! You're review put a smile on my face. I've very glad you enjoyed! Zel: Sup, girl! I'm back! XD I miss you! Reversus12: Thank you! I hope this chapter gave you even more inside on the characters. Pure Chaos Guardian: I like your user name! It goes with the story! XD And I hope this is soon enough...? RubyJewel230: Hi Ruby! Here's the chapter you've been waiting for! Guest: Thanks for sticking around. You really motivated me to finish up this chapter. Hope you enjoyed! :) Gemstone Gal: I'm sure Amy will do just fine! She just needs to adjust, as she said. :) Anelia Solrane: Amy just needs to find her place in the castle. And I'm sorry, but I'm not accepting OC's. I already have set all the positions I need. Hope you enjoyed the story! :) COMRADE ATHELWINE: *Hugs* Thank you for always being here for me! I hope you enjoyed all the LL in this. XD Canikostar99: Emotions are very powerful. Amy will learn to control herself...I think. Cardcaptornicole: Here is MORE! :D Green-Eyed-Raccoon: Woo! An super big update! I hope you enjoyed how I described Shadow...he is quite suave. :3 Hope you're still around to read this! Zennyzen: Thank you! I put a lot of time into these, I'm trying to do my best. o-o Chaotic hedgehog: YOU'RE AWESOME! *high-fives* Thanks for the favorite! ShadowsAngel1: I'm so glad you love it! Here's another chapter! Adorablehegi12: I hope this chapter makes your day again! And I think Amy did just fine meeting the royals. ;)
Thank you all for the support! I can't believe how many of you are reviewing! I hope I didn't miss anyone! If I did, I'M SORRY! D:
Please, don't be afraid to drop a review, I'll respond in the next chapter...which will be coming sometime. Please, just give me time to get back into it. ;-;
Blitz is out! PEACE!