Chapter 12

"Think we should go in there?" Sticks asked, looking, amusedly, at the wall that separated the main bedroom and the back room, where distinct crashing noises could be heard.

"Eh. Not the most concerning noises I've heard coming from Amy's room," Rouge replied, laying on her right side so that she could look out the window as she fell asleep. "So how much can you tell me about your red echidna friend?"

"Knuckles?" Sticks asked incredulously, propping herself up on her pillows. "I knew you'd fall for him!"

"I didn't say I was 'falling' for anyone," Rouge quipped disinterestedly. "He's an attractive guy. Sue me."

"Mhmm," Sticks giggled. "Well, back when I left, he wasn't the smartest guy around, but he seems to have gotten a little better in that area since then."

"Fine by me," Rouge smirked. "I like 'em dumb."

"He's a big player, but I don't think he's ever actually had a relationship," Sticks continued. "And he's obviously tough, but he's sweet when he needs to be."

Rouge rolled over. "Careful. Tails will get jealous."

"How'd you know?" Sticks cried, pounding a fist into the mattress.

"Your friends may be blind, but I'm not," she giggled. "You and Tails went off he looked a bit, uh, uncomfortable when you came back."

"If you tease him about that, I'll punch you," the badger warned. "You should've seen how embarrassed he was."

"Don't see why," Rouge shrugged. "Like it doesn't happen to every guy."

"I don't think Tails is exactly experienced in that department," Sticks chuckled. "Now go to bed and stop bothering me."

"Right," Rouge laughed, flipping back over. She was out in seconds, exhausted from all the excitement the day had held.

Sticks' eyes were beginning to feel heavy, and she was just drifting into a pleasant dream-

*CRASH*

Both girls shot up in bed. "What the hell was that?" Sticks asked.

"Didn't come from Amy's room," Rouge determined. "I'll go check it out."

She crept into the main room, Sticks behind her, where they ran into Amy, who was now sporting a cut on her chin and several bruises.

"Geez, what happened to you?" Sticks questioned.

"No time for that," Amy shook her head. "It came from the dining room."

The three girls ran in to see Blaze convulsing with Silver at her side. Her eyes were squeezed shut and all of her muscles were locked up.

"It's a seizure, I think," Silver's voice cracked slightly. He looked like he was desperately trying to hold back tears. "Guys, this thing… it's going to kill her."

"Not tonight," Amy ground out, kneeling next to the cat and quickly rolling her on her right side. "Recovery position. If she doesn't come out of it in the next minute, then you should be worried."

"Little late for that," he muttered. Shadow appeared silently next to him. Sticks and Rouge stood back, hesitantly, knowing Amy had control of the situation.

"It's progressing faster now," Shadow murmured. "We need to find those last two Chaos Emeralds…"

"…fast," Amy finished. "You're right, Shadow. This can't wait. We gotta go now."

"Normally I would disagree, because you know how much I love to sleep, but…" Rouge trailed off, watching Blaze suffer. "I'm in. I'll grab our stuff."

Amy nodded her assent. "My backpack's ready to go, it's by the door. You guys get whatever you need."

Blaze's convulsing suddenly came to a stop, and she went completely limp. Silver sighed in relief.

"She's going to be fine," the pink hedgehog pointed out. "And normally, I would ask you to come with us, especially because you're one of our partners now, but I don't like the idea of leaving Blaze alone."

"Me either," Silver shook his head, his silvery quills making a rustling noise, "but I'm going with you. Knuckles and Tails will watch Blaze for me. I trust them."

Amy looked at him with some sympathy. "Okay. Whatever you think is best. You can use my phone to call them, they're in there somewhere."

Silver nodded gratefully and began calling. Amy stood and started towards the front door, where Shadow stood.

"You sure you want to do this tonight, Rose?" he asked huskily.

Amy unsheathed her knife and gripped it tightly, slinging her backpack over her left shoulder just as Rouge, Sticks, and Silver appeared behind her. "Damn straight."