You know, when people run out of ideas (like a title) they come up with the weirdest things, and this was all I could think of. You know what; make fun of it all you want.

This title sucks :(

But it rhymes :D

So lovely Boys and girls, this here will have most of the questions you could be have asked yourself when you were reading other chapters. Most of them might be reviled, but others might stay hidden, for now. So read carefully.

Lydiathetigeropean- I love your idea, it's really cute, but later on you will get to see why that can't be so, but Maria being the princess of the deadly Shadow lands sounds interesting. Hmmm }

Hatsune Miku: Journey (Hear it when it gets to the cute parts, even though one doesn't understand what's she's saying)

Chapter 15: Friendship, Protection

The room was quiet and dark. There was no light in the room but a small window which was only a few meters away from the door. The door was suddenly pushed open and in came a quick shadow. Closing the door the shadow took out a communicator and raised it to the mouth.

"Sir, come in sir," It was a female's voice, smooth and serious.

The reply came back with a scrappy voice. "I'm here,"

"We have a huge problem," She informed him.

"What's wrong?" The tone was concern and slight demanding. The female's voice felt hesitant because of it but said what she had to.

"King Sonic and the girl are going on a date."

.:XxX:.

"AHHHHHH!"

Emi winced covering her ears from the high pitch sounds of all the girls screaming and squealing in the maid's room. Emi sat on a golden spin chair that had four silver wheels on the bottom. A yellow rabbit named Bunnie with a mechanical left arm and legs was brushing Emi's pink quills. She had beautiful wavy golden hair and beautiful emerald eyes. She was making Emi look pretty by starting with a simple hair due.

Emi dropped her hands, madly blushing with all the complements and questions with highly great approvals she was getting. She couldn't get why all the maids were so happy and excited that she was going with Sonic out this late afternoon. He was taking her out into the village to get to know his kingdom. That was all. Right?

Emi smiled dazing out on the conversation Sonic and she had earlier.

"A date? Really?" She stared up at him almost as if she was hopeful.

"Yea, if you want to. I mean, Do you?" His smile was reassuring, causing the effect of Emi's blush. She couldn't reply. She was asking him at first, now reversing the question back to her was embarrassing. She was a silly young maid. She was trifles compare to Sonic, King Sonic.

"I don't know," She muttered.

"Then why did you ask," He laughed through his sayings. Emi's face went red, her pink color gone. She had never been so humiliated in her entire life, but she couldn't blame him. This was her fault.

"Hey, It's fine. If you don't feel comfortable it can only be a friendly date." He softly told her. The funny thing about that is he was serious. He meant it. She didn't say anything else hoping to keep it that way. "I'm mainly doing this to show you my village, my town, the place I grew up on. I kinda also want to uh make up for most of the dumbutt I've been." He said bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck

"Thank you, Sonic." Emi said in a soft tone while looking at the ground but quickly her head whipped up to his sparkling eyes. "But I have to work and don't really have clothes—"

"Don't worry," Sonic interrupted her waving his hand at her. "I'll get the maids get you something pretty," Sonic slyly said.

Emi blushed and nervously chuckled. "Thank you," was all she could say.

"So it's done then," He clapped his hands together. "It's a date." And he sent her a conspiratorial wink.

"What are you going to wear?" Mina mused looking around the maid's dressing room. She slid from each hanging suit in the hangers of the closet, trying to find something suitable for Emi to wear. "You need to look cute and pretty." Mina dug in her head between the two openers and searched in deeper.

Julie-su was next to her and watched her disappearing in the closet. Her eyes lit half way, skeptically. Wave was standing near the window looking out and ignoring everyone else.

"Relax Mina; Cream said she'd come with a something from Tikal. Tikal's style'll suit Emi." Blaze told Mina. She leaned on a wall relaxed about to the whole thing.

"Why are you all making such a big fuss of this?" Emi couldn't help but ask.

"Because sugah, it's a big deal." Bunnie accent was a think southern. Her voice though, was sweet and calm like the innocent honey bee.

"You're going on a date with Sonic. Sonic's never been on a date with anyone!" Mina exclaimed from inside the closet.

Emi was about to protest but faced the closet hearing this. "He hasn't?" For a king with such great power, one would have thought that Sonic's been out with more girls than Ramess the Great King Camel, known for having five wives and at least forty kids each.[Mobius' History lesson XD]

Emi shuttered at the thought but she guessed wrong.

"No, and I don't like the fact that Sonic suddenly has a liking towards you too." The voice was rough and tough, not friendly at all. Rouge stood by the door eyeing Emi across the room. She came in walking to the wall Blaze was leaning on.

"Rouge respect. Not like ya at all." Bunnie gasped, scolding her while giving Emi's quill a twist and clipping it behind her ear.

"I don't trust this date. Emi, I know you mean well but it's not the best idea to suddenly date Sonic." Her words were harsh, and the way she had mention the word 'date' was giving a lot of pressure to the word. "He hated your guts just days ago; he can't just suddenly ask you out"

"I hear jealously in that sentence." teased Mina coming out of the closet with a light yellow sun hat. Julie-su grinned awfully slyly, turning to Rouge. "Yea, jealous much?"

"It's not jealousy. I'm concern. It seems too soon for all this," She pointed out her voice lowering. Emi opened her mouth trying to protest again.

"She's right," Another disapproving voice came along. Cherry came inside the room and smirked. "I mean Sonic could be just using of her."

Sally calmly walked down the hallway about to head down the stairs to the throne room but voices interrupted her half way. Arguments could be heard from down the hall and so she followed them. As she got closer she could hear the girls in the maid room.

"You all are just upset Sonic's going out with a maid." Julie-su's voice said. Emi's eyes widened.

Sally's eyes practically popped out in shock.

"I'm not really bothered about neither of the two dating, for all I care they can make out in the corner of the room and it won't bother me…too much, but I feel Sonic wants something out of this," Rouge explained.

"You no trust Sonic?" Mina questioned her voice small almost mockingly. "Sonic isn't using Emi." Blaze butted in, with defense, ignoring Mina's silliness.

"Leave Sonic's love life alone. It's his saying to begin with. Let the two be." Wave who had been quietly listening spoke for the first time in the last hour. Her statement was direct and firm. She was tired of hearing the maids complain.
Sally's breath hitched and her head suddenly went dizzy. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Bewildered by this statement in defense she ran down the hallway.

Emi frowned, a censure look placed on her face. "Now wait a minute. Sonic and I aren't dating."

Everyone fixed their sights at her. She looked annoyed and Emi never looked annoyed. It was a huge shock for everyone. When no one said anything she continued, "You all are getting out of hand. Sonic's only taking me to see the flower field outskirts of the village." She explained.

"But he said—" Mina began but Emi cut her short. "Sonic's getting you girls pumped up for no reason." Her looks soften. "I only want to go outside."

Baffled, speechless; lost for words, no one said a thing. Emi was so quiet and calm during the whole conversation. Why hadn't she said anything?
"Maybe she's right. Sonic's just being nice." Julie-su said sounding cheerful. After a moment, everyone else nodded and agreed. Emi sighed and shrugged down on her chair.

Cream then came in with a peach echidna. Her light orange hair was braided with a golden headband holding her hair back. She wore a cute a blue little dress that matched with her eyes. And held a yellow sun dress with a black tie around the waist.

"Did anyone order a dress?"

Sonic looked at himself in the mirror. She twisted and turn hoping he looked nice. He wasn't wearing his crown and cape only his pair red sneakers. Tails sat on his bed just staring at him.

"So, you're finally going out with the girl. I'd somehow knew it'd come to be like this." Tails said, slyly.

Sonic chuckled turning to his buddy. "Well, some of us seem to look at it like that, but it's a friendly date. Not anything serious." He explained. Tails raised his brow, clearly not believing him. "Sonic, Emi's a cute hedgehog. She's hot bro. She's just—"

"Whoa, Tails. You seem to be having fun there." Sonic interjected him with a nervous smirk.

"Cause I would date her." He admitted, pointing at himself.

Sonic went rigid and staggered back a little. "She's pretty old for you bro. I think you should just stick to Cream or something." He told him, with a nervous smile.

Tails laughed. "I'm just kidding, but still, Emi, she's your type." He confirmed. Sonic chuckled staring back at the mirror.

"Sonic!" A voice echoed down the hall. The door was open and Tails could see a shadow coming.

"Mad chipmunk, twelve o'clock." Tails warned Sonic with a cheerfully tone. Sonic groaned and turned seeing Sally stalked into the room.

"Hi Sal," He said lacking tone.

"Don't 'hi' me. Why didn't you tell me Emi and you were dating?!"

Sonic's eyes rounded and he stiffened. Tails got off the bed and walked down the small flat steps. He reached the bottom with a chuckle and walked to them. "News does travel fast here, huh?"

Sonic looked daggers at Tails and then turned to Sally. " Sal, we're not dating. It's a friendly date." As stupid as that sounded, Sonic thought it was assuring that she'd understand but it turned out otherwise.

"Do you know how dumb that sounds." She pointed out, Sonic's eyes flicking half way in annoyance that she reminded him that. "Why are you keeping secrets? Your mom should know about this." She said.

"No!" Sonic said immediately. "Don't tell her."

Sally shook her head. "Why not?" She asked. Sonic looked hesitant to say. Tails turned to her instead and filled in for him, knowing exactly what he'd say. "Let's just say Queen Aleena wants grandchildren."

Sonic blushed and turned around looking at the mirror. Sally exploded into laughter, but Tails held it in knowing Sonic would kill him if he did. He was already in trouble for making fun of the whole thing.

"That," She began her laughter dying. " is the most funniest thing I've heard all year." She finally said catching his attention. Sonic grunted glaring at himself in the mirror. "I'm happy for you. You and Emi of course. It's cute that you're finally being nice to her," Sonic's expression was surprise amusement. He was going to smirk and say something cocky but she was suddenly in his face. "After the way you treated her!" She growled. Sonic immediately felt shame cover his face so he looked away. "But most importantly, Sonic, I hate it when you keep secrets away from me. I'm your friend. I won't judge you."

Sonic turned away from the mirror and smiled at her. His past relationship with Sally might have failed to work out, but he was happy to still keep her friendship as close friends. Sonic couldn't imagine what he'd do without her. She always knew the right thing to say and was supportive in every way. "I know. I'm sorry." He placed a hand on her shoulder. Sally smiled back.

"Sonic."

They all turned seeing Cream on the door side. She had a gleeful grin and looked excited. "The carriage is ready outside and so is Emi. We'll take her—" Sonic shook his head and spoke before she said anything else. "No, put the carriage back in place. I'm taking Emi for a joy ride." He ordered.

Cream nodded and walked away quickly. Sally looked disappointed. She angrily turned to Sonic. "You could at least have let me dress her. I could have given her some kind of outgoing dress or shirt, skirt, but no, you keep it secrets from me." She complained.

Sonic smirked but hugged her. "Thanks Sal. You're a good friend." He said kindly. Sally hugged him too, but said, "This changes nothing between us, Hedgehog." She grumbled. Sonic broke off the hug and punched her lightly on the shoulder reserving an evil grin from her.

Tails turned to Sonic. "Have fun bro, but not too much fun. Not without me." He meant it in a friendly way and Sonic understood him. No relationship would ever brake his and Tails' apart. They were the definition of Best Friends. Sonic sped away out the door leaving the room and the two behind.

.:XxX:.

"What will we do sir?" The voice asked the mobian on the other line. It was silent for a moment until the rough voice replied angrily. "You, will stay out of this. This is for the Shadow landers' experts to deal with only. You are no part of this, Cherry." His words were harsh and it even scared her. She nodded but noticed that she did it unintended. He was on the other side of the line so he couldn't see her.

"Understood?

"Loud and Clear,"

"Good, report to me afterwards."
"Roger that. Over and Out,"

Cherry quickly placed the communicator away inside her bra and her eyes narrowed. The window on the castle's high tower was closed. The room dark and Cherry's blue eyes traveled down to the bottom of the ground where Emi approached Sonic. She wore a flowy yellow sun dress that reached up to her knees, a black belt tied around her waist and a white outline on the bottom of the dress. She had a yellow sun hat and a pair of brown boots with shoe laces. She looked gorgeous and Cherry despised that.

Sonic smiled sweetly at her giving her cold chills everywhere. He bowed down with great respect and she returned the bow. Tails and Sally were in the entrance to the throne room watching them. Sally was proudly waving her hand and Tails was yelling something at him, his hands cupped on the sides of his mouth. The gates from the castle opened. Sonic swept Emi into his arms and sped off into the distance and headed for the village.

Cherry huffed and saw Sally turn to Tails, saying something to him. She moved away from the window swiftly and was gone.

Sally's eyes shifted up to the window. She carefully investigated the window, but she saw nothing. "Hm, I swore I just saw something."

In village was full of live activities. Many of the villagers were around the blue houses decorating the land of Apotos. Flowers were everywhere, in the balconies, in the streets, in baskets. The seas around were glimmering sky blue and dark near the ends of the earth. There were a few hills and green grass almost everywhere. The houses were painted with pure white walls and a sharp blue for roofs. There were windmills spinning in circles along with the wind that blew a soft breeze. To Emi's surprise the clean streets were full of markets outsides selling ice-cream, fruits and other neat things.

Sonic and Emi walked down the streets of Apotos, being sighted by everyone in town. As they traveled down the village they didn't know that someone was following them. A dark blur hiding from roof to roof. Meanwhile, Sonic saw a bunch of stores ahead of him with fresh baked foods of all types. Some that he knows Emi has never tried before. Sonic grabbed Emi's hand and her eyes flickered to him. He had a soft grin and he pulled her towards the store that was a stand. The mobian sold delicious shakes and Sonic bought Emi a strawberry shake and himself a blueberry.

A bunch of kids stood outside making a crowd with Sonic and Emi in the middle. Sonic and Emi played around with the little kids that greeted them. Emi was bending down on her knees, her hands on her lap, and sweetly questioning the kids.

"And what's your name?" Emi's sweet voice asked, making the little cubby panda boy blush. "Shijo-Shoji," it replied.

"What a unique name. It's lovely," She complimented, tucking a quill behind her ear.

"Thank you, Ma'am." He bashfully said.

Emi gave a soft giggle and grinned. "Please, You may call me Emi,"

Sonic couldn't help but crack a smile. She was so sweet to everyone. Such sweetness wasn't from around here. She wasn't only kind but she was patient. She appreciated each and every one and made them feel good about themselves. Sonic leaned in next to her and bend down facing the cute panda too.

"How you doing Shiji," He cheerfully asked him, ruffling his head's fur.

…

The sun was beautifully setting down over the horizon leaving a mix color of orange and yellow. Sonic and Emi were out sitting in the large field of flowers. They were at the edge of a cliff resting there while watching the sea at sunset. A patch of different type of flowers and colors. They were all still opened and getting rays from the sun. Emi sniffed each flower around her and sighed receiving their good energy.

"There so pretty." She said.

Sonic was laying down on the grass his hands behind his neck staring up at the sky. The sky where he saw was an orange-bluish color and just ahead of the horizon was the sun. He grinned. "I use to come here every evening like this and just stare at the sea." Sonic explained. Emi stared back at him. "This was where I just to escape from royalty and be free."

Emi smiled and her eyes followed Sonic's gaze. "It must have been a fun childhood then," She muttered.

It was silent for a moment until Sonic turned to her. He bit his lip and got up from his laying position. "Emi," She turned. "I want to apologize for the way I acted before. I know we stared off on the wrong foot, but I want to start over."

Emi's blinked and went rigid. He was giving her a chance, a chance at friendship. Her mouth curved from the side. A scarlet blush rushed through her cheeks without her even noticing. "I'd like that."

Sonic grinned at her and she did too.

The flowers around her began to sway and the wind began to blow. Emi looked around her and held her hat tightly on her head. "What's wrong?" Sonic asked. Emi's eyes were distant but she still heard him. "They know I'm here."

Sonic chuckled. "The flowers? What are they saying?" He couldn't hold to ask.

She touched one of the daises below her feet. "There happy," Touching the petals of the purple flower made her feel like nothing in the world would go wrong. The flowers were like family to her. They had always been her friend since as longest as she could remember. "Something's making them happy, but.."

Sonic waited for her answer. "But what?"

"But they won't say," She softly muttered glancing towards Sonic. Sonic's eyes glimmered a bright green. His eyes held many expressions in them at that very moment. She could tell and it was warming to her soul.

"So, I want to learn more about you," He suddenly said sliding closer to her.

Emi lowered her head and pondered on things in her head. She was expecting the worst from this conversation and she was prepared to hear it. "Like where do you come from?"

"I don't know," She trailed off. Sonic's brows furrowed in disappointment his smile fading. "Any family members?"

"I never knew them. I don't even know if I have any."

"Your past?"

"Pitch black,"

Sonic sat up straight a firm line on his lips. "Do you know anything?" He asked her, concerned.

Emi's mouth was about to open the most hidden secret she had but stopped herself. She moved her hand up to her neck. Sliding her hand down the dress, clutching the necklace in her grip. Her head lowered and her quills fell down to her neck, covering her hand. Last time she had explained to anyone about the necklace she carried, someone ended up persuading her to trade it in for some object. Some even tried to steal it from her, but she didn't let that happen. She closed her mouth and searched for the right words to say.

"The only thing I remember is darkness," She paused with a gasp at her last word. "shadows, hurting me —torching me." She exhaled roughly like if it hurt her to even say the words or remember it. Then she took a breath "I've never had any really home or a family."

Sonic's eyes rounded, Flabbergasted. He couldn't feel any of his muscles. He wanted to pull her into a hug and just comfort her but he felt like he had lost all strength. "A-are you sure?" He stuttered regretting it at the second he spoke. He was speechless and didn't know what else to say. It was a complete rhetorical question.

Still Emi answered, "Positive, or I wouldn't be here costing you problems." She said, mildly. Sonic's eyes narrowed in annoyance. He was going for the protest but she continued. "I don't remember any of my past or what happen to have led me to where I was. After I escaped I found an old lady near the woods. She was a wisdom lady. She said she knew me!" Emi exclaimed her eyes growing large with tears ready to come on. "But wouldn't say. She did tell me though, that Apotos had a King, a famous blue hedgehog that ruled the land. That here was where I could find answers." She dropped her hand and the necklace fell back inside her dress. She looked away. "So far, I'm not having much luck. I feel so… lost."

Sonic's muscles tightened and automatically wrapped an arm around her back rubbing her softly. Alarmed, Emi turned to face him. He was smiling at her. Not that type of smirk or grin he usually gave everyone. A real comforting smile. "Hey," he crooned. "If that lady wouldn't say who you are, so be it." He said. Emi's eyes parted from his and she eyed the sun its tip circle still showing and bright. "You are what you are now and that is what you've become. Still, you'll find your past." He said with much emotion.

Emi's smile returned and she looked at him. His face was so close to hers. Not as close that she could touch his nose but as close as she's ever been with him. "You really think so?"

"I don't think. I know and you know why?" She shook her head. "Because I'm here for you, promise."

She was startled by his strong words. "You promise?" She repeated her words hollowed.

"I promise I'll help you in any possible way I can. I'll protect you and help you find your memories." Sonic raised his pinky up to her. "And when I promise something to someone, I tend to keep it."

Emi giggled finally letting a single tear she was holding fall down her cheek. She raised her pinky and connected it with his. Tightly there pinkies met and gave each other a light squeeze. It was the first time in her life she felt wanted and strong with someone standing next to her. Sonic broke away his hand and raised it to her cheek. He wiped the long trail of water her tear had left and then left his hand cupping her cheek. A tingly feeling arrived to her stomach and she let out a low gasp and exhaled. Staring into each other's eyes felt like no end to Emi. Sonic felt the same way, not wanting to brake off their gazes away from one another. Sonic sensed he was being pulled by her smell and her eyes and couldn't control the feeling he was having then slowly leaned forward pulling her face lightly towards him. Emi only stared at him as he moved closer not noticing he was moving at all. They hadn't realize so until they were inches away from each other. Emi's eyes widened and gasping, she pulled away. She flushed darkly and turned away from Sonic.

Sonic noticed what he was about to do and was surprised he'd even try it. He felt relief he didn't and also the tiniest twinge of disappointment. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry Ames," he apologized, pulled back and looking out towards the distance and holding his head.

Emi was looking to her side, madly flushing. "It's fine." Sadly her voice crack and her statement held multiple volumes. Sonic chuckled nervously but looked at the sun. He could see its bright outlines leaving Apotos now. He bit the inner of his cheek. The land was dark and the Sun disappeared over the horizon. "We should go now. It's getting late." He suggested not looking at Emi. Emi turned to face him. She would have hoped that Sonic would have been disgusted or weirded out with her and him almost kissing, but the oddest thing she saw about him was that he was biting his lip, while smiling at the sun.

The night was fresh and every one of the maids were ready to leave the castle to head home. Emi was still in her cute yellow dress that Tikal got her. It was comfortable and she wanted to wear it for the rest of the night. The maids and her had instantly talked about what happened at the date. Hearing the details made the girls crazy jealous, some more than others. Overall they were very happy for Emi.

Though, when the maids were leaving a black panther was arriving. An unexpected panther. He had a scared face and half of his ear was missing. He carried a strap bag with him and a creepy grin on his lips. Emi and the maids stared as the panther approached Sonic's steps.

"King Sonic," His voice was rough and crispy sounding. His voice's made Emi's ears perked up. It sounding like it was cracking every time he spoke.

"Yes," Sonic sounded confused as to why this man was here in the first place. It was late and in front of him was a panther he did not know.

"I have a message you must receive." He said. His hand searched inside his bag and then took out a small cube. The cute was digital looking, color green and blue mixed together. He placed it on the floor in front of him and smiled his teeth were rotten and yellow. Some teeth looked broken. Emi shuttered.

The queen was entering calming into the living room. She immediately saw that Sonic, Tails and Sally were up on the top of the stairs staring down at a panther. All the maids were together in a little group in the bottom. The guards held their weapon in hand, ready to defend if needed to.

Her eyes flickered in surprise at a cube on the floor, grow a sudden projection. A hologram opened up out of the cube and sudden everyone grew into shock at who was the hologram. Emi rigid and her eyes rounded, fear and shock rising her chest, tightening her stomach.

Red eyes were glimmering towards her, catching her glance. A black hedgehog stood tall, shoulders set back, and his hands behind his back tightly clenched. A small smirk plastered on his face and his eyes half way closed. He had golden rings on his wrist like Emi had on hers. He looked at Sonic

"Good evening Sonic," He greeted him. Sonic was taken aback by his presence. He turned back to face Emi. "And my lovely Emi. How unexpected to see you again."

Emi's eyes narrowed but not out of anger but out of fear. "S-Shadow,"

"HOLY SWEET LOVE OF CHAOS!"
What a SHOCKER this was for all you. Do you agree? What surprised you more about this chapter? I'm excited to know XD My friend thought that Rouge would have been that Shadow Lander, and I don't blame her since Rouge's got a reputation with Shadow and all but see, Rouge is the conscious one. She ain't no meanie ^v^.

Review everyone and expect the worst on next chapter. Shadows coming big next time….mwahahaMWAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!