Even though Sonic and Tails' home was also forested, there were still occasional cities, and not to mention old remains of abandoned Eggman factories. The way the forest rolled over the purplish green mountainsides and surrounded small, clear rivers created a whimsical atmosphere. Morning birds could be heard flapping through the clouds as their wings casted contrasting shadows against the rising sun. Warm light tumbled through the mountains and creamy clouds as it mixed and dissolved the cool shadows.

Tails groaned as he rubbed his sapphire eyes. When he yawned, Sonic glanced up at his little Fox brother and frowned. Well over five hours have passed since they began their search. Amy was no where to be seen. The Fox moved to the ground and plopped on the tall wild grass. He panted with exhaustion.

"Where could she be?" Sonic muttered, throwing his hands in an uncomfortable shrug. He shook his head. "I mean, we've been everywhere, and not a pink Hedgehog in sight."

Tails stayed in his spot and looked at the grass. His twin tails stopped gently wagging and sank to the ground.

"Maybe we should try leaving this world?" the boy asked Sonic.

"I guess so." Sonic rubbed his head and eyed the deep sapphire sky. "But where do we find another portal?" Both became silent. Sonic glanced at his friend and snapped his fingers. "Hey, I know! You can make us one."

The twelve-year-old's ears shot up, and he stared at his friend. "I-I don't think even I can do something like that! We don't know what created it in the first place."

"Eh, I'm sure that you can figure it out. Don't you worry."

Sonic smiled as he gave his adopted brother a thumbs up. The Fox's tails perked up and began to wave again as the boy gave a small smile. He paused after he stood up and stared at the tree. Nailed to its rough trunk was a colourless sketch. He jumped and charged for it. Sonic looked over his shoulder. He narrowed his lime-green eyes and seized the parchment.

It contained the following:

Hear ye, oh kingdom residents of Crescent Kingdom. Your protection payment must be increased yet again. Those who fail to comply shall answer to me and feel the wrath of the dark portal monsters.

Above the words was a rough sketch of a familiar looking female Hedgehog. She was smiling in the picture as she blew a kiss and winked. Sonic looked it over a couple times and muttered, "Ames..."

Tails said, "But how can that be Amy? Not only it's something she wouldn't do, but we haven't been in this world that long. It's been only a day! Something's not adding up."

The blue Hedgehog rubbed his chin. He shoved the paper into his quills and said, "Guess we'll have to ask her when we see her. Come on, Tails. Let's get right to it!"

They hurried along the forest, following any trail they spotted.

The sun's light moved over Amy's face. Her emerald eyes slowly opened, and she felt a soft breeze ruffle her pastel-coloured hair and fur. The girl sat up under the towering fir tree and glanced over at Shadow, who was still sleeping to the side under the same tree. He was leaning back with his arms behind his head and seemed relaxed despite their strange situation.

Song birds chattered away as they bounced around some dainty branches in a leafy tree in front where could be seen an open view of a lake. The path ahead leading to the opening turned into a downward slope framed by thick shrubs and random roots. Amy's deep, jade eyes followed the path to the lake where the morning rays reflected and showed the water's serene stillness. It rippled when a fish jumped which created a nearly magical sparkle.

Such a shame we are in possible danger. I wish our home was like this, Amy thought as she leaned forward, still seated on the grass and moss. She clutched her knees and red-and-white dress as her eyes danced around the peaceful forest.

A blue and black butterfly with white speckles fluttered past her. Her mouth opened a little as she eyed its majestic wings and smiled when it chose Shadow's ear as a landing pad. For a moment, she stared as the ear twitch and had burst into a full on giggle when his red eyes opened. He glanced at her and raised an eyebrow. The butterfly took off and he frowned upon realizing the source of laughter.

"Sorry, Shadow," Amy said as she covered her mouth, still smiling. "It was so cute..."

The male Hedgehog snorted. "Hmm, remember, Amy. What goes around comes around."

Amy paused as she noticed that he was not frowning at her like he would if anyone else were to do what she did. She tilted her head, allowing her short hair to dangle to the side.

That's odd, she thought. Normally, he'd be angrier than this. Is he...happy? Even after being embarrassed?!

Shadow smirked more when he noticed her conflicted face, and he stood up to brush off some dirt. He held out his hand, which she took, still seemingly confused. She brushed moss pieces off her skirt and bumped her pocket. Something fell and made a thud.

Both looked down, and Shadow scooped it up to hand it to her. It was the same small leather book she had as a child.

"Thanks," she said.

As she pocketed it, Shadow watched the book and commented, "Must be a good book."

"Oh this?" She pulled it back out and opened it. "In all honesty, I have no idea what this is."

"Then why have it?"

"Well, it's not that simple." She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "You see, there was a time before I met Sonic all those years ago that I don't really remember."

Her friend was silent for a few moments. "You mean to tell me that you have memory issues?"

It was Amy's turn to pause. She glanced up from the book's cryptic pages and gazed into Shadow's dark, ruby eyes.

"A little. I'm only missing whatever happened when I was eight. It's probably nothing important. Anyways, for some reason, I had this book. But I have no idea what it says."

She opened the book and flipped it for him to look. "See. Just a bunch of letters and symbols."

Her friend glanced for only a moment before he responded, "Can't say I've learned whatever language that is." Once again he paused as his red eyes focused on a name. "Amy, that name isn't written in the same language. Does it sound familiar?"

The name read Merlin. Amy shook her head.

She rubbed the back of her head and gave her awkward answer, "No. I've looked through that book numerous times, but could never figure out who is this Merlin. His name is in several pages. Beats me why I'd have a book that might not have been mine."

The pink Hedgehog pocketed the small, leather book.

Her emerald eyes accidentally glanced into Shadow's red ones. It was easy to pick up on that intense stare. His gaze was filled with intrigue.

It made Amy tilt her head.

"What?" she asked.

Shadow paused when he realized that he must have been looking a certain way and lowered his hand from his chin. "You're an interesting girl, Amy Rose. On the surface one might assume you're like everyone else. The more I know you the more questions I have."

Amy rubbed her head again and gave a shy smile. "Yeah, I guess that fits me."

They looked at each other for a second. Shadow's ears twitched. Another second passed. An arrow swooshed past and severed a few pink hair strands from Amy. It became embedded in the tree trunk beside her.

Her dark, emerald eyes widened as she stared. Shadow also became fixated on the weapon and glanced around them. Surely, the shooter was near. While he looked about, Amy examined the arrow and was quick to notice that something to tied to it. She loosened the skinny rope which secured what was a parchment paper to the wooden, feathered arrow.

Her fingers unrolled the textured paper which read You're unwelcomed here. Leave at once. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's traitors. Remember, you abandoned us, Amy Rose.

Amy's hands trembled. Her eyes shook. The paper slipped through her hands and fluttered to the ground. Someone was watching them. And Amy was somehow labeled a traitor.

Who wrote this? And what does this person mean?