Getting to know You
*A month went by & Abigail spent most of it getting to know her fiance candidates. Except Bartleby, who was still a statue. The guards collected him & put him in his guest room. Her Father had called for the best magicians in the Kingdom, but so far no one had be able to break the spell. He also kept Bartleby's parents, who were quite devastated by the fate of their beloved son, informed of any changes. In the meantime, Abigail spent a few hours with the other Princes each day. And in so doing, she captured each of their hearts as well. Prince Cyrus fell for the way she played him at chess*
*And anyone would have known Prince Zeke would weaken for any woman who could match his fencing skills*
*Prince Ken Khan succumbed immediately to her green thumb, especially her knowledge of wild plants*
*And Prince Manic lost his heart to her the second he tasted the delicious cake she baked, courtesy of the lessons she received from the Royal Cook*
*Prince Knuckles, however, remained to be conquered. Today, they were in the Royal Gardens practicing archery. So far, Abigail was hitting the most bullseyes*
Knuckles: Okay. But can you make it four for four.
Abigail: What do you say I hit that too sack over there?
*Knuckles laughed*
Knuckles: All the way over there!? *the sack was in a cart on the far side of the garden* Are you kidding? It's impossible.
Abigail: Ha! My favorite word.
*She aimed her arrow at the sack & released it. It went flying past a fountain, through an arm opening in a statue, & hit the sack*
Knuckles: Amazing. Quite impressive, Princess.
Abigail: Thank you, Prince Knuckles.
*They both sat down for a break*
Abigail: Whew! This is the first time I've met someone who can match me in archery.
Knuckles: Well, you're the only other girl I've met who's not afraid to get her hands dirty.
Abigail: Well, as you've already seen, I'm not like most Princesses.
Knuckles: Thank goodness for that.
Abigail: So, I've been wondering. I noticed you haven't seemed the least but interested in trying to win my affection at all this past month. Is there any specific reason?
*Knuckles went quiet for a minute*
Knuckles: The truth is, I'm only here because my Father forced me. He said that if I can marry you, it would help strengthen our tribe since there's so very few of us now.
Abigail: Oh. And is this other girl the one who's captured your heart?
*He blushed*
Knuckles: Yes. Her name is Julie-Su. We've been friends ever since we were kids. She likes me just for being myself and not because of my title or position in the tribe. She's one of the few people I can be myself around. She's also one of the strongest female warriors in our tribe. She's one of the very few people who can best me in a fight.
Abigail: She sounds like a wonderful person.
Knuckles: She is. And the one I truly want to marry.
Abigail: Then perhaps you should tell your Father. I'm sure he'll understand.
Knuckles: You don't know my Father. He always treats me like a child, deciding things for me without asking me first, which leads to us fighting all the time. *Abigail let out a giggle* It's not funny.
Abigail: Sorry. It's just, he sounds like my Father. Ever since my Mother passed away, he always treats me like I'm a porcelain doll about to break. I can't go anywhere without being followed by my ladies-in-waiting or a squadron of guards. He doesn't trust me at all. Which always leads us to get into arguments too.
*They both let out a laugh*
Knuckles: I guess we're more alike than I thought.
Abigail: I guess so.
*Though, they weren't planning on getting married, they were going to be very good friends*
*But when the sun went down, Abigail would sneak out of the castle, ride her horse to the hidden castle, & meet with Shadow, despite his protests. Even if it was only for an hour. Once the hour was over, he had to go into the castle & see Breezie's newest attempt to get him to marry her. They mostly talked & got the know each other. They found out they like most of the same activities, hated dancing, & Shadow was just as skilled at fencing & archery as Abigail was. They told each other about their Kingdoms, their culture, & their families*
Abigail: Your Kingdom sounds beautiful.
Shadow: Almost as beautiful as yours. I only wish my parents could see it. They would have loved it. *in his mind* And I know they would have loved you.
Abigail: I'm sure they would have. What were your parents like?
*Shadow had a sad smile on his face*
Shadow: They were wonderful.
*He took a locket out of his pocket & opened it. Inside was a portrait of two hedgehogs, one male & one female*
Abigail: Your Mother is beautiful. She reminds me of my Mother.
*She pulled out her own locket, which had a picture of her Mother inside*
Shadow: You look just like her.
Abigail: Thank you. I don't really remember that much about her, but I've heard many stories about her from my nanny and the older servants. In fact, some of them have started calling me by her name by mistake.
Shadow: What was her name?
Abigail: Laura.
Shadow: A lovely name.
Abigail: Thank you. *Shadow went quiet for a minute* What's wrong?
Shadow: I have a confession to make. The reason Breezie never wanted me to meet another woman was because if a woman comes along who truly loves me with all her heart and soul, then Breezie will lose her power and all her spells will be broken forever. That's why she turns me into a swan every day. To make sure I won't ever meet such a woman.
*Abigail was surprised by this*
Abigail: Why didn't tell me this before?
Shadow: Because I didn't want you to get involved with any of this. But it wasn't until you left that day that I realized that . . . I'm in love with you.
*Hearing that, Abigail's heart beat even faster. Then her face grew determined*
Abigail: Then our love for each other is going to destroy her.
Shadow: Don't say that. Breezie will kill you first. She's stronger than you are.
Abigail: Nothing's stronger than what I feel for you. I felt it from the first moment I saw you on lake, even though you were only a swan. Every time you looked at me with those eyes, I knew I'd never love anyone else for as long as I lived. Shadow, I love you. Tomorrow night at my castle, there's going to be a ball. And, as you know, I have to choose someone to marry. Come to the ball and I'll choose to marry you.
Shadow: No, don't. Don't say that. I don't want you to put yourself in danger for me.
Abigail: I don't care. I'm never going to marry anyone else but you. I promise.
*They leaned in to seal that promise with a kiss. But then Sonic ran up to them*
Sonic: Shadow, it's getting late! You know who will be awake any minute!
*Shadow nodded & turned to Abigail*
Shadow: I must go now.
Abigail: It's time I go too. *Abigail got on her horse* Until tomorrow night.
Shadow: Until then, my Princess.
*She nodded & rode away. Shadow sighed as he headed towards the castle*
*Meanwhile, inside the crumbling castle, Breezie was getting ready for another attempt to make Shadow hers. Scourge was standing behind her, looking bored*
Scourge: Why you keep doing this, Mom? He's just going to say no again.
Breezie: Shows what you know, silly boy. I'm wearing him down. One of these days, he's definitely going to say yes.
*Scourge smirked*
Scourge: I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you, Mommy dearest.
Breezie: Oh. And why shouldn't I?
Scourge: Because your precious Shadow's been seeing a young lady.
*Breezie immediately stopped what she was doing & turned to her son*
Breezie: A what?
Scourge: A young cat lady. Apparently, they've been secretly seeing each other every night for the past month.
Breezie: Why didn't you tell me this sooner!?
Scourge: Because you've been too busy with your wedding preparations.
Breezie: What's she like?
Scourge: Well, Mom. I hate to break it to you, but that Princess Abigail is a total babe.
Breezie: Princess Abigail?
Scourge: Yep. And once her old man kicks the bucket, she'll be Queen Abigail.
Breezie: This better not be another one of your tale tales.
Scourge: C'mon, Mom. Would I lie? In fact, she's invited Shadow to a ball at her castle tomorrow night. And you can bet your bottom dollar she'll ask him to marry her.
Breezie: Why that lousy pipsqueak! I'll turn her into a goose and I'll have her for dinner!
*She stormed out of the room*
*Shadow made his way into the dining room (look up "Baroque Grandeur (Iray)" by "jacktomalin" on "DeviantArt"). To his dismay, he found Breezie waiting for him. Sitting at the head of the table. He just turned away & started walking across the room*
Shadow: Don't even bother asking. My answer is still the same.
Breezie: Oh, that's too bad. *he went last her* So, who was that young lady you were chatting with today? *Shadow froze just as his hand was on the door handle* Princess Abigail from that castle on the hill?
Shadow: How did you find out!?
Breezie: You can't hide anything from me, my dear. I only let you meet her because it was time you found out how pathetic all the women in the world are, compared to me. But forget all that. I've decided to give you one more chance. *she stepped towards Shadow, who was trapped in front of the door* I've been very patient with you these past two years. Just say that one little word and make me a very happy woman.
*Shadow kept his glare*
Shadow: I believe I have already told you my answer.
*Breezie's face turned red with anger. Then she quickly calmed down & smirked*
Breezie: I am making you a very generous offer, Shadow. Marry me and I will break the spell. You will again be a hedgehog 24 hours a day, a long with your little friends below. *Shadow just turned away from her again* Shadow, do you really think any mere Princess can offer you more than I? *she snapped her fingers & piles of gold coins filled the room* Do you want wealth, a dream palace, a Kingdom at your feet once again? It's very simple. Just say yes and your life will be marvelous. You will never want for a thing. *he didn't answer, but kept glaring* So, it's that puny little Princess you're in love with isn't it!? *his eyes went wide & he looked away. that was all the answer she needed* Why must you be so difficult!? What do I have to do to make you fall in love with me!?
Shadow: Why don't you make me fall in love with you? If you really are the greatest witch in the world, than that shouldn't be a problem for you!
Breezie: Silence! All the power of all the witches in the world can't move a single heart! Do you think I would have waited all these years, if a mere spell could have helped me!? As a matter of fact, you should be grateful to me. If I wanted to, I could have turned you into a little bird and kept you in a cage. But instead I turned you into a beautiful swan. And don't you see why? It's because I truly love you. It's prove if how much I do.
Shadow: It's not! If you loved me as much as you say you do, you wouldn't have done anything to make me so unhappy! *Breezie was surprised by this* If you really want to prove how much you love me, if you really want to prove it, then leave me alone. Because you're the last person in the world I will ever marry!
*That was the last straw! Breezie's face twisted into on the fury. He grabbed him by his arm*
Breezie: Fine! I didn't want it to come to this, but you've left me no choice! *she snapped her fingers & they teleported to one of the castle bedrooms (look up "[Closed] Scene53 Gothic Bedroom" by "StygianAI" on "DeviantArt"). she threw him to the ground & trapped his ankle with a chain* It look like you're precious Princess will have to choose some other Prince to marry!
*She laughed as she sashayed out of the room, locking the door behind her. Shadow glared at the door*
*Down below, Sonic, Mighty, & Silver watched as listened to Breezie laughing*
*Later, Breezie was back in the her bedroom, pacing in front of the fireplace*
Breezie: So . . . This what I get for loving a spoiled Prince.
*She picked up a vase from a nearby table & threw it on the ground, shattering it. Just then, Scourge flew into the room & turned back into a hedgehog*
Scourge: Let me guess. He rejected you again?
*He chuckled*
Breezie: What's so funny about it!?
Scourge: That I told you so. But as usual, you didn't listen.
Breezie: Oh, shut up!
Scourge: Just give it up, Mom. He's never going to say yes, no matter how long you wait.
Breezie: Enough is enough!
Scourge: I bet you hate his guts now, right?
Breezie: I most certainly do! He dares to break my heart!
Scourge: Then why don't you just do it now and save you the trouble?
Breezie: What?
Scourge: Well, you can't wait forever and he's going to say yes, so why not just get rid of him now?
Breezie: Hmm . . . ? No. I could never do that though him. Not even in a million years.
Scourge: Oh, for crying out loud! How did you get to be such a softy!? If you don't have the guts to do it, I'll do it for you!
Breezie: No! If you ever think about touching my Shadow, I'll ground you for all eternity!
Scourge:*in his mind* Like I haven't heard that one before.
*The next day, Abigail looked out her bedroom window & at the lake in the distance*
Abigail: He will come. I know he will.
Sally: But, Abby. If that witch Breezie uses her evil powers -
*She, along with Lacey & Blaze, were the only ones she told about her encounter with Shadow*
Abigail: Don't say that! I'll never marry anyone but him! End of story!
Lacey: But what if he doesn't show up?
Abigail: He will show up. If any of you'd looked into his eyes the way I have, you'd know that he could never break a promise to anyone. Never. He'll be here, girls. As soon as he steps into that ballroom, I'll announce to everyone that he'll be my fiance. You'll see.
*She looked out back at the lake*
*Meanwhile, Shadow was trying as hard as he could to get free from his chains, but to no avail*
*Much later, Breezie was, once again, pacing back & forth in her room, stewing over what to do about Shadow. Scourge was also there, waiting to hear what his Mother had planned*
Breezie: Ah. I know how to solve my problem. I'll kill that Princess.
Scourge: Kill her?
Breezie: Yes. Once Shadow see her dead, he'll be so unhappy, he'll have to fall in love with me.
Scourge:*sarcastic* Oh, gee Mom. You're so smart. Don't you see, if the Princess is dead, he won't forget all her for as long as he lives?
Breezie: You're right again, Scourge. What can I do? How can I make him love me?
*A smirk grew on Scourge's face*
Scourge: Well, I can think of one way out of this.
Breezie: Tell me quickly. Make Shadow fall in love with me and I'll give you whatever you want for the rest of your life.
Scourge: We make the Princess fall in love with someone else.
Breezie: Hmm . . . That could work. But suppose that idiotic Princess won't fall in love anyone except Shadow. What do we do then?
Scourge: I'll show you, Mom.
*He started to glow a bright red, making Breezie cover her eyes*
Breezie: Wh - What are you doing? *suddenly, Scourge turned into an exact copy of Shadow* Oh my! Shadow, my darling!
*She went in for a hug, but Scourge blocked her with her hand to his face*
Shadow (Scourge): Cool your jets, Mom! It's me, Scourge!
Breezie: Well, you certainly look like Shadow. I can't believe it!
Shadow (Scourge): Believe it, Mom. I just know the minute I walk into that ball, she'll fall in love with me.
Breezie: Wonderful! Only a son of mine could come up with such a brilliant plan. If you show up at the ball like that, you'll have the Princess crawling on her knees. You are a genius, my little devil.
Shadow (Scourge): You know, I don't think I'd mind marrying that gorgeous Princess Abigail. If that's alright with you, Mom.
Breezie: Of course you may marry her, as long as you keep her out of my hair and Shadow's.
Shadow (Scourge): Play your cards right, and he might even marry you.
Breezie: Wonderful! I'm so lucky!
Shadow (Scourge): We've got lots of things to do before the ball, you know. So you stop giggling like an idiot and get some rest!
Breezie: Yes. Beautiful sleep. That's what I need. *she started to leave the room, but stopped when she realized something* Hold on a moment. How do you plan to deal with the Princess after the ball and my wedding?
Shadow (Scourge): Relax, Mom. Once the Princess makes me her fiance, I'll make care of Daddy-dearest. Once he's out of the picture, Abigail and I will be married and become King and Queen. Of course, I'll be doing all the ruling.
Breezie: Oh. And what about the Princess?
Shadow (Scourge): I'll just turn her into a little bird and keep her in a cage. But I'll only turn her back to normal when I want to have some fun with her.
Breezie: Brilliance! Absolutely brilliant! That's my boy! A genius if I ever saw one.
Shadow (Scourge): I know, I know. Now then. Time to get ready to meet my future wife.
*He walked out of the room, with an evil grin on his face*