OH MY

WHAT IS THIS PLACE -is touching walls and floor-

Wait...

IT'S KINGDOMS OF CHAOS -slides in with a guitar and fireworks-

I'M BACK MY LITTLE LOVELIES

Well...I'm back for now...

I was supposed to be back like a hundred and a half years ago but then life got in the way. I went to college (still in college) and I'm doing a sport and I'm with family and friends and life trials and I SINCERELY

WITH THE UPMOST SINCERITY

Apologize for taking so long to post this. I had no idea so many people would fall in love/like/mildly enjoy this story that I saw as a cathartic past time. SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU All for sticking with me for the past year or two or however long it's been because you're the reason I'm coming back to post. With that said, I do PLAN to FINISH this story, (yay) however I have literally NO IDEA when I'll finish...or where I'm going with this story. Even though I think about this all the time I don't have anything concrete. XD

BUT SERIOUSLY thank you to all the reviewers/favorites/followers/fans. I can't believe it's come to this but I cannot begin to name all of you that have reviewed in the time I've been gone, (there's so many of you, it's really exciting) just know that I read each and every one and it gives me huge motivation to write.

Also a HUGE thank you to my friends Sunny, Zel, and Comrade for keeping me on track and writing. I would not be here without them either.

I LOVE YOU ALL

Now let's get this party started.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Sonic characters, they belong to SEGA. Comrade Athelwine owns LL.

~ o - Chapter 11 - o ~

All I wanted was escape. No more questions, no more lies. I just wanted to live my life like I was invisible, like I had been for most of my life.

But I knew we needed to talk. To clear the air. I needed to dig deep into LL's body and expose the true conniving snake he was and hold it up in the air for all to see.

But to talk alone?

The risk greatly outweighed the reward. After all, my life was on the line now. Not that my life was worth much compared to the exposure of a traitor in the kingdom, but it would make my time here worth something. I could be a benefit to the kingdom instead of being its greatest burden. Instead of being the kingdom's greatest danger. The kingdom's greatest disappointment.

After everything that's happened, I could finally be of help.

"What about?" I asked after a long hesitation.

LL's eyebrows seem to arch wickedly like he was hoping I'd ask, "About the events of last night."

I nodded solemnly but inside a mixture of fear and anticipation brewed.

He gestured to follow him down the hallway, "this way, Lady Rose."

Everything was screaming for me to stay put. My mind wandered to the possibility that this could have been the way LL lured the Weapon Master into the Gaia Courtyard last night. Just with words as simple as, "right this way."

Even if it was, I thought determinedly, it's the price I pay for the greater good.

I needed answers.

"Where are you going?" Scourge was suddenly at my side, his eyes flicking between LL and I incredulously.

I resisted the urge to reach out for him. His natural emanating sense of protection attracted me so strongly now. I couldn't deny I was the weaker counterpart in this exchange between LL and I, and with that sense of weakness came the hungry and desperate desire for Scourge's strength and confidence that drew me in from my very core.

"We're discussing her training situation and the new protocol around the castle," LL said to Scourge in a level voice. "Also, the king requires your presence in the Council room. They are assigning defensive positions around the castle."

The sharp extinguish of my attraction left me empty and silent. I couldn't help but glare at the golden hedgehog for a moment and think bitterly, LL you snake.

"Thank you, Lord Linnattan," Scourge said somberly.

It hurt to see him so gloomy when just moments before we were swimming in such passionate emotions. Reality always had its way of intervening when it came to my happiness.

Suddenly Scourge's ashy scent washed over me as his body brushed up against mine. My body tingled with fiery warmth where he made contact. His warm breath passed over my ear, his breath tickling my sensitive skin.

"Meet me tomorrow at three at the stables. I'll have horses ready so we can find where that map goes," he said in a whisper.

All I could do was nod. Then as soon as Scourge came, he left. Emptiness took it's place within me, accompanied by the pain of his loss of comfort, and the fear of what LL had to say.

I followed LL down the dark hallway.

"So I assume last night's events opened your eyes to the world outside of just royals?" he said casually, "it's dangerous, don't you agree?"

I nodded stiffly, "Everything is dangerous, LL," I said.

"But for you even more so," LL explained, "to be the target of an entire raid? You were not even announced publicly as a fully inaugurated lady of the castle."

"It is strange but there have been stranger things," I said, thinking back to the Knighting Ceremony and what I did to Seth. It all seemed like a dream now. A fantasy my imagination cooked up from being in the sun too much or drinking too much wine. "Besides, Blitz said that the raider could have been lying to turn everyone against me."

LL opened the door to a small sitting room and guided me in, "It is a possibility," he said, "but I know people."

He made sure to close the door completely behind him once I was inside, "These men that invaded are not stupid. They managed to slip through all the castle's security and obtain expertly crafted weapons and use them with precision. This was premeditated. They were trained. They had a purpose. They are arrogant," he floated away from the door and began to circle the room, "These men had a true purpose and they would let it be known."

I let him take control of the conversation as I cautiously dove deeper into the circular room. With a concealed alertness, I surveyed my surroundings, searching the dark corners and my eyes constantly aware of any and all movement.

This sitting room had been long abandoned. The dawn light sucked the color out of the room, draining all it's contents to a filmy, old grey. The pungent smell of antique wood and decaying fabric mixed with a thick layer of dust engulfed me in a musty grasp. The cushioned chairs on either side of a small sitting table were ancient looking, dust had begun to accumulate on every surface.

"These raiders truly did intend to kidnap you," LL said, seating himself in the chair nearest the window beside a small table.

The dust didn't puff around him, as if he were a ghost. He set his elbows on both arm rests and folded his hands in front of his face with calculated precision.

"Such an envious position to be in," he said in a deeper tone.

I breathed a hollow laugh, staying in place in the center of the room, "You want to be the target of a gang of tactical assassins?"

He shook his head slowly with his eyes squeezed shut as if he were pained, "Oh Amy, you do not see the advantage," his folded hands noticeably stiffened, "Your position. You hold power. Actual power. The intangible wealth that every being strives for. People work for it their entire life and you are just bestowed with more than you can imagine within moments."

He opened his eyes and I could immediately see his frustration, "Yet you are blind to it. Even when men are breaking into the castle and killing for you, you do not see how much sway you have."

"Those raiders only want me dead because I am the Chaos Guardian," I said.

"Exactly," LL replied with firmly, "but the Chaos Guardian has done nothing since the Knighting Ceremony. She has not threatened the people. She has not threatened someone's wealth or land. She has not even used her god given power."

My insides felt hot while my skin felt cold at the mention of my unused Chaos power.

"Which makes us all suspicious," LL continued, "No power, no significant family ties, no specific direction in the kingdom. What potential do the raiders see that we -the people closest to you- do not?"

"But I do have power," I insisted, trying hard to relax the straining desperation in those words.

"Oh really," LL tilted his head mockingly, "then why have we not seen it since that day? You have not trained with it. Nor shown any signs of still having it," LL lowered his eyes to the small cabinet below the small table next to him, "You are making us all very concerned, Miss Rose."

My mouth had gone dry and I had no desire to speak anymore. My heavy shame silenced me.

"Then it hit me, what these raiders desired," LL continued, his fingers falling to the hinges on the cabinet door, "they desired your hollow authority."

His hand slipped into the cabinet and my very core froze. I had nowhere to flee but back to the door. And by the time I got there, he was sure to have killed me with whatever weapon he was pulling out—

He set the bottle of red wine gently on the table next to him.

"Are you afraid of a little alcohol, Amy?" he calmly noted my pale expression with a crooked smile and raised eyebrow.

Again, I didn't dare to speak.

"A little quiet today, are we? Maybe a drink will make your words a bit looser?" he pulled out another wine glass and offered it to me.

I shook my head, "I'm fine, thank you," I tried to keep my words steady, "But what does all this talk of my hollow authority have anything to do with the kingdom?"

He poured himself a glass and folded his legs, swishing the crimson liquid inside, "Your hollow authority makes you vulnerable to puppeteers -people that want to control you. The raid these delinquents orchestrated was more than just a scare, they wanted to see where you would run -who you would run to. Let fear bring out your loyalties."

"But I didn't run to anyone. I don't know who is on who's side—"

"You are on my side," LL said calmly, "We agreed on that after what I did for you with the Wilders."

"True, but you did not explain everything. There was more to your deal than you put on."

"Well I expected some trust on my part. I assumed I had your trust after I helped you through your beginning days as Guardian."

"But I can't trust you. You have only proven that I can't."

He raised an eyebrow turning to fully face me, "How have I—"

"Why didn't you tell me your brother was Commander Blitz?" I said sharply.

He pursed his lips, it was obvious I had caught him slightly off guard with that question.

"Too many people have weaponized that connection. It is only known to very few within the castle walls. Others would not believe myself to be biologically associated with that warrior."

"Is that why everything has to be a secret? Because there are people within these walls that would turn that against you?!"

He shot me a snide sideways grin, "It is but mortal nature. People fight for power and expose weakness to get it."

That did not at all sound like the way of Chaos, "That is cruel and callous! There is no strength in undermining others. Just shame."

"Well allow me to educate you in the situation you are in," he said scornfully, facing me head-on, his frustration capped by a well-placed facade of playfulness "Your authority blows over like a dead leaf in a winter breeze, keep this up and you'll be a puppet by the end of the week." The darkness that shaded his slate blue eyes emphasized the direness of his words. "You need me. You need my help."

I took his words as a challenge, "I don't need anyone," a surge of sudden conviction fueled my bravery, "I especially don't need to be a part of your murderous business going on under the noses of the royals and the king!"

LL's hand clenched around his glass, "dear Chaos, Amy. You cannot begin to understand what my 'business' is!" The frustration in his voice was evident. His calm facade ebbed away, "the kingdom is an intricate web. It's all a chess game. It's all about the balance of powers. I have spent years of my life maintaining harmony, guarding the fragile threads that bind these authorities together," he slammed down his drink, a bubbling mix of ferocity and urging sparking him to his feet, "and then YOU show up and threaten to destroy my work!"

"YOUR work?!" I was livid, "You mean killing royals is your business?!"

The conviction burned in me like a hot coal at the pit of my stomach. I wanted to bring him up in front of the council and tear his alibi apart. I witnessed it. I witnessed him and his assassin kill the Weapon Master in the Gaia Courtyard. I wanted to scream it to the world.

LL narrowed his eyes, "What you saw was a misunderstanding."

"You killed the Weapon Master," I refused to drop my gaze.

"For good reason," LL said without missing a beat, "he betrayed my cause."

The sharp look in his eyes silenced me.

"He tried to get the upper hand and I put him in his place. It was all fitting; justice was served. He was weak and the weak will perish."

Such callous ways. I clenched my teeth, "you slimy bastard." I was yelling at him now, "Your selfishness almost led to the death of my best friend at the Knighting Ceremony!"

"Your gaze is too narrow. It would have been a worthy sacrifice for many—"

"No!" I yelled, pushing myself away from him. The space between us felt massive, the rage in my body settled being away from the source, "There had to be another way. You can't just let an innocent life die by the hands of your secret organization."

"It has already happened countless times, Amy," his voice was cold. He gazed beyond the dirty opaque window as if he could see the landscape behind it, his arms held behind his back, "the lives of the Commanders, royals, even the prince and king have been jeopardized. Only the faceless pawns can step into that line of fire and give their lives for the greater game. Anyone else in that sacrificial position would tear the kingdom apart."

"What? Am I a faceless pawn? Is that the role I'm playing?!" I felt the title hit me like a blow to the chest. Of course, I could never escape what I had been doing my entire life. Faceless and easily expendable was what I lived to be.

After a long pause he answered, all the anger and fever from his voice stripped, "No. You are our greatest piece." He looked even more longingly out the window now. "You just don't know it yet."

Yearning pushed hard through my chest. Locking in the pressure only forced pain screaming through every nerve of my body. I wanted to know so badly, I could scream.

"Then what is my purpose?" the desire for an answer to that question hurt and escalated in pain as the moments ticked by.

"To end the war," LL said without skipping a beat, "Here and out there."

The mention of war set off alarms everywhere in my head, "What war?" I asked hastily.

"The war that is unfolding before our very eyes," he said, carefully smoothing out every word like he was flattening out crinkled paper.

I seethed, "You have given me more questions than answers," I turned my back on him and made my way to the door. "If you won't give me answers then I'll go find them myself. Even if it means tearing your web apart."

The silence was thick, I turned, empowered by my sudden determination and made my way to the door.

"Your training has been cancelled," LL said in a distant voice.

He was gazing out the filmy window, stricken with his own thoughts. Still and silent, he didn't even turn over his shoulder to speak.

"By order of High Lord Alfonso, the Commander's duties will lie solely in the protection of the castle."

He made a point to turn slowly over his shoulder, gazing at me slyly before carefully turning back to the window, "When you open your eyes, you will see your true enemies."

I shook my head in frustration, taking the door handle in my hand and escaping into the hallway. On first instinct I ran, clenching the fabric of my dress in my sweaty hands, through the maze of halls, passing fearful servants who cringed aside as I ran by. I had always felt unwanted, especially in the Wilder household, but I always thought it was because of my label. Because I was a "peasant" I was supposed to be unnoticed and objectified. It was always better to think that way, my feelings were spared in small ways. But here as a royal of the castle, I had a high royal title -a name once passed down in honor that reigned respect- and with that I realized it was not the title at all.

I truly was a disaster that no one wanted around.

~ o ~

The book hit the wall and the pages fluttered open like a wounded dove, falling to the floor near my bedside table. I didn't care if it was past midnight, I didn't care if anyone saw me or heard me, I just needed to do something. It seemed the world was always moving without me. Things were happening and I didn't have the ability to take hold of my own destiny. All these new people were deciding my fate for me.

All these traitors.

I ripped another book off the shelf and threw it blindly. It hit the lamp on my bedside table. My chain of raging thoughts came to a shrieking halt.

A violet vase perched silently on the edge of my bedside table, striking in the paleness of my simple room. I approached it, almost alarmed, taking the folded note from under its base.

To quell your nightly tremors

It was written in clear black ink. My breath was punched out of me as I reread the signature over and over again.

Alfonso.

My mind flashed to the first time I met him, his words said so softly yet so defined, "If it is truth you seek about your abilities, come to me anytime. I have answers."

He had answers.

If my experience with LL has taught me anything, it was that people aren't always what they seem. And now that I was a force to be reckoned with, it wouldn't be unusual to see people appealing to sides…

I picked up the vase, thoughtfully inspecting its smooth surface. I should have been fearful. I had heard many bad things about the High Lord and how he had allegedly been linked to issues in the rebel regions. I swished around the liquid inside. Perhaps this was a piece in this game—

"Amy?"

The vase nearly slipped from my fingers as I rushed to put it back on the table before turning around. I stared but I didn't register who I was staring at. This late at night after the raid, I was sure it had to be an intruder. Another person trying to kill me.

"I'm sorry to scare you. I know this is…intrusive," he said carefully.

Sonic approached from the balcony doors, entering carefully and hesitantly. He ran a nervous hand through his damp dark blue quills.

"W-wha ar—" I began breathlessly.

I cut myself short as Cream entered with a tray of bathing supplies. She looked up and her eyes widened as they flicked between Sonic and I.

Sonic rolled his shoulders back, taking on an authoritative stance as he looked down at Cream with a stern look.

"I'm not here," he said assertively and waved her off.

Cream ducked her head and backed out of the room.

"Yes, your highness," she whispered.

The door clicked shut. I had to wonder how often meetings were kept secret with commands like that.

He turned his attention back to me, a deep breath relaxing him back into a calmed state. He looked surprisingly normal, dressed in a v-neck tee and working pants, but at the same time so striking with his clean cut handsomeness. The way the shadows hugged his form made him look unreal standing in the softness of my bedroom.

"I apologize for coming into your quarters at such an ungodly hour," he said, a look of weighing discomfort written on his face.

I worked to make myself seem less tense, "how did you get in here?"

I should have been more concerned with the fact a man was in my room alone with me late at night, but I kept moving toward the table behind me where the vase was. Something in my gut told me it would be better if I kept this information from him.

He cleared his throat, "I climbed onto the balcony," he gestured to the double doors leading to the balcony.

He read my expression accordingly, "I've lived here my whole life, I know my way around."

His emerging half smile melted me enough to feel comfortable.

"Okay, but why are you here," I said, trying not to sound too concerned.

He placed his weight on the far bedpost, diagonal from me.

"After the events of the raid, I wanted to speak with you to be sure you were handling things alright," he averted his eyes from mine, sticking his hands in his pockets, "it's been a long time since we've had such an imposing threat to the castle."

There was prominent frustration in the way he pursed his lips. He became suddenly overtaken by a spot on the floor.

"I'll be fine," I said, even though my conscience said otherwise, "the main thing that bothers me is how out of the loop I've been with what's happening. No one will tell me anything."

He looked up, his emerald eyes glinting in the lamplight, "you don't want to know some of the things the royals discuss. Especially the commanders." He made a distant sickened expression.

I was deeply drawn to him, but I forced myself to stay tethered to the table side.

"But if you want me to be the Chaos Guardian, then I have to know what's happening. Now that there's a direct threat on me, I want to know how they're handling it," I was holding my hands together tightly, "and what I can do to help."

Sonic was silent and still, staring off into a dark corner as he thought. His strong jawline worked in the dull lamplight.

"You really want to help?" It was a rhetorical question. He walked around the bed to approach me, "why did these men go to such great lengths to kill you?"

Aggressive exasperation bled through his words, stirring the once calm air. It had become clear what had been plaguing his thoughts.

"I don't know, Sonic. I didn't do anything to deserve this," I defended, his confrontational question left me to worry.

What kind of person did he think I was?

His lips were a firm line, his expression conflicted. An internal struggle to accept an entirely unsatisfying answer. All evidence pointed to me, it didn't matter if we shared a ride through the forest.

"You're not capable of something like this," he said after a moment, his eyes truly settling on me, "you're sweet and caring. I'm sorry I believed anything otherwise."

I immediately felt lighter at the comment.

"I'm glad you believe me," I managed in a soft voice.

He looked upon me, his features exhausted. Something about how he looked upon me with tired eyes left me feeling bare under his gaze. I didn't want to move, in fear of awakening him out of the soft trance he was in. Every moment I spent under his emerald green eyes took me one step closer from losing reality altogether. He was only a couple inches away, his lips whispering warm breaths through my hair.

"The Council is driving me mad. Talking in circles about the theories of the invasion. There's just so little to work off of," he said, studying my features like a map.

He sighed lengthily, dropping his eyes to my bare shoulder. His fingertips grazed my right forearm, leaving trails of warmth down my arm.

"I trust you, Amy," he said hoarsely, his words coated with emotion. A heat bloomed between us, pulling me closer to him through a deep undeniable instinct. His eyes flicked to meet mine and the force between our gazes pulled us together. My mind emptied, I was falling into him, heart open and buzzing with intoxicating feelings.

He pulled away suddenly, the warmth of the moment whiplashing in my face like a cold splash of water. He had his eyes squeezed tight and a slight grimace as he looked away.

"But the Council does not trust you," he announced like he had been holding it in.

He collapsed on the bed, running a irritated hand through his quills. Warmth spilled off off me like rain off a steep rooftop, cold settling on my skin. The last few moments seemed like a dream that I had jerked awake from. Only now was I coming to the truth. The truth that hurt too much to admit. I didn't want to believe for one damn minute that I was actually falling for the Prince of Solstice. The kingdom heartthrob that every woman fawned over? I could feel my lip curl at my own stupidity.

Who was I to think that he would even consider—

I clenched my jaw to keep my thoughts from continuing.

Stay on topic. Stick with business. You can have your pity party later.

"Of course they don't trust me, they have no reason to." I said solemnly, my voice barely falling off my lips, "I just need a chance to prove my worth and help in some way." I found the edge of my bedside table and used it to stabilize my hollow body, "I can't sit idly and watch this kingdom crumble."

He sat silently, staring off into a dark corner as he absorbed my words. I wouldn't blame him if he didn't believe me. He had been very accustomed to people feeding him lines as bold as what I had just claimed. Perhaps his mind had turned sour and cynical by the pungent stories the other royals fed him. And maybe he had lived inside a glass box for so long, everything around him seemed like an illusion. His stern look of contemplation told me he was battling his instincts. I was a long shot. I had the most to lose if he gave me this opportunity.

But I planned to make the most of it.

"I just want to help. Please give me this chance," I whispered.

I knew my heart and soul belonged with the protection of the kingdom. Pulling Solstice out of the fray of rebel invasions and bringing prosperity and safety to the kingdom was my purpose now. Although I had no idea how I would do that, I was determined to start somewhere.

And I would need his help.

"Fawn Ballroom, 8 p.m. I'll be waiting there for you to take you to the Council meeting," he said abruptly.

A wash of relief overcame me, "Thank you, Prince Sonic."

He stood up from my bed, his eyes no longer clouded. Just by the way his subtle happiness warmed across his face so smoothly, I knew he had fought off whatever thoughts had made him so distant.

For now.

"I admire your dedication," he said with a sleepy half smile. "The kingdom needs to see it. I can help start you on the path to befriending the Council, but it is up to you to prove yourself."

"I'll do everything I can," I said with unwavering determination.

He smirked, his green eyes glimmering softly, "that spirit will do you well as Chaos Guardian."

He took me by the hand, looking me in the eye, "Fawn Ballroom, 8 p.m. Now, you must sleep."

He kissed my knuckles and lingered for an extra moment, staring at me contently, his eyes glazed over. Then he let go and began reluctantly to the balcony.

"Goodnight, Amy," he said, propping his foot up on the edge of the white stone balcony, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited. After all, I'm making history with the Guardian."

He stood like he owned the world, looking over his shoulder at me. The moonlight hugging his lean build and every inch of him glowed. A soft warm wind blew the scent of blooming flowers through his dark quills, his shirt collar mussed wildly. He was royalty, and yet he looked perfectly natural in the untamed forests beyond.

"You don't give yourself enough credit," I said with a faint smile, "At least you know what to do."

His smile emerged slowly like warm honey, "Then I will be your guide."

With a final piercing gaze he shifted weightlessly and fell back silently off the edge of the balcony.

My heart dropped and I rushed to the edge, searching the dark bushes three stories down.

The only rustle was the breeze through the trees. As I stood on the balcony alone, I breathed deeply the fresh scent of the night, but when I turned back to look into my bedroom, a sickly feeling came over me. The lone bedside lamp glowed and the violet vase glimmered like a promise.

This decision was a turning point.

It was my decision alone.

I took the vase in my hands and looked it over again.

I had chosen the path to find answers, and with that help Sonic and the kingdom restore peace.

But why did I feel so guilty?

~ o ~

OKAY IT'S DONE. It took four hundred years too long but I finally got it out. I can't stand to read over it another moment but nevertheless feedback is always appreciated!

Suggested (but never mandatory) guidelines for a review include: Did you enjoy the pace of the chapter? Too fast/slow/choppy/etc. How do you like Sonic, Scourge, and/or LL? Were you immersed in the chapter? Did I word anything too plainly or transition too quickly? Who do you support more? Scourge and Amy or Sonic and Amy? Because frankly I'm throwing them both in there to BRING ON THE COMPLICATIONS. -throws confetti- THIS STORY IS ABOUT TO GET CRAZY.

Oh, and I have no idea when I'll upload again. I have school and junk so just stay tuned. LOVE YOU ALL BLITZ IS OUT. -runs away-