Just a heads up, the first chapter had a ton of narration in it. I did that to set the stage of the story like it was a story book beginning. But in the upcoming chapters, I won't do that as much. Sure, it will still remain in third person, but there's going to be a whole lot more dialogue coming up.. and romance and action! Onward, my good people!
Oh, and just a heads up, Sally isn't very nice to anyone in this story, not until the end where she humbles herself. She's somewhat conceited...But she'll get better. It's all part of the plot where she and Sonic a rumored to have the most perfect relationship, but they're actually having problems. But like I said, it's just part of the plot. So no comments on Sally that say how out of character she is. I'm sick of idiots who only comment about trivial things.
Other than that, enjoy!
In third person
Chapter 1: Alone and Yet.. Loved
And then, she stopped falling.
The rose, frozen in time by a steady grip around her waist that had managed to catch her, stared stupefied at the snowy ground of the forest that she had, thankfully, not taken a mouth full of. She was, first, shaken at the thought that her pursuer had caught her and was nearly prepared to summon her hammer, but an all too familiar voice awakened the delight in her, replacing her fright.
"As clumsy as ever, aren't you, Rose?"
That voice… oh that voice. How she'd missed it so.
The snow shifted as she was gently placed back on both feet, being allowed to regain control of her legs. She gripped the handle of her basket with suspense. Her expression remained that of surprise as she slowly initiated a 180 to face the life form behind her.
… the ultimate life form.
" Shadow…" she muttered, in a trance like awe.
Intense crimson orbs stared deeply into her own, a warm salutation that evaluated her current state. His quills were thick and black, the tips retreating in an upward fashion with streaks of red. He stood, a head taller than the rose, his white chest fur as stainless as a blanket of snow.
"Good afternoon." His volume mimicked hers.
She blinked out of her trance, saved once again by his voice. She gave him a small smile.
"Are you… headed to Vanilla's house?"
He answered with a curt nod.
"We can walk together, if its not too much trouble."
He nodded once more, a ghost of a smile evident for a mere second before she began to lead the way down the path to Vanilla's villa.
The path was covered with a light frost, the orange and yellow trees a residential area for the light sleet. The sunlight was dissipating at a minuscule rate, fading ever so slightly. The two hedgehogs walked peacefully, one with a smile, the other with a his own version of peaceful, eyes closed, face relaxed, movement a leisure consisting of large strides. The rose kept her hands in front of her, clutching her basket cutely, red riding hood taking a stroll with the hunter.
The rose couldn't help but swim in her endless curiosity. Why had the ebony come from the trees near her house? Did he somehow live in the area? Or had he come from a mission in that relative direction? Other than that, how was he fairing? How had life treated him up until now? What did he do with his life? Had he found that... significant other?
She was very familiar with her ebony friend and knew not to bombard him with countless questions. It was important too remain calm if you didn't want to incur his verbal wrath. She calmed her free flowing thoughts and began with a harmless, subtle question.
"How are you, Shadow?" she asked, turning her head to him with a practiced look of contempt.
The ebony responded with the rebirth of his penetrating eyes as the lids fluttered open at the melodic question the lulled from the rose's lips. He turned his head to her with a slightly blank and baffled expression. How had he been? How was he feeling? He simply did not know. At least he had a difficult time expressing himself to her, the one hedgehog who left her emotions out on her sleeve for everyone to see. But he'd noticed the difference in her apparel. She no longer wore the truth as a breast plate to protect her. Her new facade was a real mask that clouded over her dreary thoughts and feelings. But he'd watched her create her mask over these three years... so he did not have to guess this...
"I am... fairing well, Rose. But what about you? You do not see your friends on a regular basis like before. What has changed?"
The rose seemed perplexed by his question. I guess that is what happens when your social skills are a little rusty.
It took her a moment to reply.
" I am... fine, I think. I've been a little busy so it's harder for me to see my friends. But what are friends for if you can't miss them, right?" She gave the ebony a close lipped smile with closed eyes, doing her best to remain optimistic and not relinquish the truth of her miserable, lonesome life. The day would only prove to be that much difficult if she did.
The ebony hedgie looked forward as the path continued, contemplating her response. He did not turn to her when he muttered his reply.
"I suppose you're right. But are you prepared for the reunion you are about to encounter?"
The rose's eyes light up in perspective, his statement echoing off the walls in her mind. Was she prepared? Everyone would be there. Sure she'd remained in contact with Cream, Rouge and Vanilla, but Tails and Knuckles were sure to be there. And where Vanilla was Vector was bound to be in addition to the rest of the Chaotix. Not only that, but a certain blue hedgehog and red headed princess were sure to take part in the spotlight where one existed. It's what every princess would want, publicity. It would make any girl feel like a star.
Her ears fell south, an expression of defeat following. She was not ready, she knew this for sure. But if she did not attend, her rabbit friend would be disappointed. Besides, she'd promised...
"I'm... not ready. Everything inside me knows it. I can't stand the thought of answering their questions... absorbing their expressions... accepting their hugs. I only know that if I don't suck it up and go to her party, I will only make my new reputation much, much worse. I can't afford to break any promises at this point," the rose murmured, slowing her footsteps to a stop as she glared defeatedly at the ground. The ebony then thanked Chaos for his supernatural hearing, for any normal Mobian would have struggled to hear the rose hedgehogs speech.
He stopped slightly ahead of the rose. He waited a moment... and then turned, walking in front her, taking hold of her upper arms.
"Rose... look at me, please."
"I can't..."
"Rose.."
"Please, Shadow. Just leave me be..."
"Amelia Rose, look at me!"
His tone was authoritative, but soft. The rose's head shot up slowly, emerald orbs wide with childish fright, bangs obscuring her vision as she gazed into the firm face of the ebony. She blushed at his closeness. She hadn't been in physical contact with a male in... quite a while.
The ebony brought one hand to lift her chin further upward and keep it in place.
"You have matured week enough to obtain your friends approval. Whether you believe it or see it is up to you."
Amy blinked.
"And you will not be alone. I too have not encountered the presence of the extent of our teammates in years. I will be near you every step of the way so do not act as if you are the weakest link. Do not be afraid... I am sure they will accept you and comfort you as you are now. That is their duty, is it not?" Shadow said this in a mere whisper as not to frighten the rose.
Her response came in the form of relaxed muscles. Her face was still defeated, but released it's former misery as she took in the common sense the ebony had to offer. He was right. They were her friends. She didn't have to be afraid. All they wanted was to see her and spend time with her. They wanted to bath her in warmth and care. She had nothing to be worried about.
"You're right. I'm.. so sorry. I... didn't mean to be so selfish. I-," the ebony shushed her rant with a finger to her lips.
"Do not apologize. It is not needed... if you are stable now let us continue on."
After a few more breaths to stabilize the rose's heart beat, she nodded her head and the ebony slowly released her. She took in a deep breath and let it go, regaining her patient and familiar facade, but it was much more stable and secure and ... real. Only half of the mask remained as the two face rose and ebony continued down the snowy speckled path.
After ten minutes of walking, they reached their destination. The rest of the their walk was lighthearted as the rose asked innocent questions and the ebony answered to the best of his ability within a limited amount of words. Although his responses were short, they were enough to satiate they rose that brightened with each piece of new information she received. She felt refreshed to speak with a friend again.
Vanilla's villa was placed a few yards away from where the forest stopped, the distance covered with plants on the right side of the path to her door and flowers on the left. How she'd kept her garden alive was a mystery, but it survived the frostbitten air as autumn took its course, flourishing in color. But I guess, if the team believed she had some sort of power it was to keep the life of the living running, no matter the weather. Her home was of a medium size with a second story. The base color of the house was an off white with a cream colored roofing. The chimney exhaled a steady grey smoke as the two companions continued their trek to Vanilla's door, watching the figures move in the window at the front cover with brown curtains.
At the porch, the rose hesitated, but eventually lifted her arm up to knock on the mahogany door. She stopped short of the door and looked back at the hedgie behind her. Shadow stood tall, looking down at her with half lidded eyes. He gave her a small nod, gesturing for her to go on. The rose sighed and initiated the knock to the door.
Noises of giggles and delight erupted as a result, a voice heard shouting, "I'll get it!"
The door was swung open, revealing a tall rabbit who looked to be nearing her forties, clad in a warm green victorian dress and a white apron. A motherly smile was placed gently on her face as she greeted her new guests.
"Oh, Amy. It's been too long, dear. And Shadow aren't you looking rather handsome this evening in the snow! Accompanying such a sweet hedgehog to a friends house to add to your gentleman status. Come in, you two! No need to be shy," Vanilla greeted warmly.
"It's nice to see you too, Vanilla," Amy stated contentedly, stepping inside the house where she was bombarded with noise and unexpected physical warmth.
"Thank you for inviting us, Vanilla," the ebony greeted, bowing slightly out of habit in respect to the rabbit as he stepped inside. Vanilla stopped him from further walking inside by putting a hand onto his shoulder. Her voice sounded through his ear, although she hadn't moved up nor turned to face him to become closer to his ear.
"We would have not wanted it any other way, Shadow."
Shadow, turned his head to where Vanilla had grabbed his shoulder, gazing at her. His face was thoughtful for a few heartbeats before he nodded to her. She let him go and he continued inside where Amy had taken off her boots next to the coat rack. Vanilla closed the door, following behind the two.
Amy sniffed the air, familiar and yet foreign to her all in one intake of breath. She removed her coat as Shadow came behind her, waiting. The two could hear the giggles of Cream and Tails and the frustrated growls on Knuckles. Only Chaos knows what they were doing to make him mad. Amy waited... took a deep breath, and continued into the living area of the house. Shadow followed right behind her.
As soon as they strode into the bright light of the dining room chandelier, they were greeted by a glorious sight. The long, brown dining room table was flourishing with gifts that adorned the center and special dining plates at each seat that were glossy with a floral design around the perimeter. On the left, across from the dining table was the living room, the couch facing the opposite direction of the table where a TV was brought to life playing a spanish novella. Rouge sat on the rocking chair in the corner with a mug in her hands, cuddled up with a quilt, rocking back and forth with her eyes closed. Cream was sitting on the floor, watching Knuckles and Tails play chess with bright eyes. She looked as if she'd been laughing really hard and trying not to burst out in uncontrollable giggles. Knuckles gazed at the board with scrunched up eyebrows, sweat trickling slowly down his face. Tails gazed at the board with ease and almost concern when he noticed Knuckles as he concentrated much to hard on the board. From Amy's view she saw saw the head of Vector and Espio, who sat on the couch watching the TV. Vector was sniffling for some reason and Espio sighed, probably because of Vector's pointless tears. Although Charmy could not be seen he was heard, laughing at Chaos knows what as he was presumably on the couch next to Vector. Knuckles moved a piece hesitantly, when Tails made his next move which ended with a "check mate" from the fox.
"Whhhhhyyyyy!" Knuckles exclaimed, throwing his arms up dramatically, gazing at the ceiling with anime tears in his eyes. Cream coughed a fit of giggles as Tails sweat dropped.
"Why did Ignacio have to cheat on his wife, huh? He knew she was a weak soul! He knew she would commit suicide! That heartless prick," was heard coming from Vector as he blew his nose.
"Vector, I'm pretty sure you don't even know what's going on. It's in Spanish, for Chaos' sake..." Espio sweat dropped.
Amy laughed at the animation of her friends, which caused an odd chain reaction.
Cream looked up, and shouted, "Amy!"
She scrambled up from her position on the floor, running to her former best friend in and attempt to hug her.
But on her way, she tripped on the TV remote that was imbedded in the carpet. This caused the already standing Tails to scream his girlfriends name and run to catch her.
Rouge, startled from her peace, jumped a bit, causing her mug fly from her hands and onto her poor victim...
Knuckles shot up at the sound of Amy's name just as Tails caught his girlfriend from her fall. Knuckles had noticed Rouge had been startled and turned to see if she was alright only to be pelted with a mug and hot chocolate.
The Chaotix turned from their position on the couch to see her with bright, expectant expressions. Knuckles ran in circles yelling"Hot! Hot! It's hot!"
The resulting picture was definitely worth the history books...
"Hey everyone. It's been a while, hasn't it."
Cream blushed as she looked up at her boyfriend who put her back up on her feet and steadied her. She walked up to Amy and gave her a tight hug.
"Amy! I've missed you so much!" Cream muffled under Amy's shirt.
"I've.. missed you too, Cream," She stated, hugging her back with a content smile on her face.
"SOMEBODY HELP ME, PLEASE!" Knuckles ran around the room, accidentally stepping on Vector's long tail that flowed down and off the couch, onto the floor. Neither of his team mates bothered to ease his pain.
"Yaaaawoooo!" Vector clutched his tail, crying much more then when he was watching the novella.
Rouge grabbed hold of her flailing boyfriend, throwing a cold, wet towel over him.
"Aaaahhhh... Thanks."
"No problem, Knucky-kun," Rouge winked, heading over to Amy and Cream who had stopped hugging.
"I'm glad you came, hun," Rouge leisurely hugged Amy. Amy smiled and returned the favor, admiring the warm maroon tight sweater she wore. They were complimented with a pair of dark jeans and thick maroon socks. And although she wasn't wearing them, Amy had the hunch that the designer brown heeled boots she saw by the coat rack completed Rouge's outfit. Her make up was dark, but not overdone, with different shades of brown.
"I wanted to see all of you. I don't get to see everyone as often as before." Rouge let her go, grabbing her shoulders and looking into her eyes.
"Well, we all love you more than you can imagine. Never doubt that, hun." Amy nodded in response, gazing into her eyes with a smile.
Knuckles walked up to them, a silly and yet brotherly smile perch on his face as Rouge pulled away from Amy. Amy and Knuckles just stood there for a moment, reading each other. Then Knuckles held out on of his fists.
"Put her there, Amy," Knuckles said.
With a familiar smile and giggle, Amy fist bumped Knuckles and executed their own special "secret handshake" with a series of step moves and an odd version of the jazz fingers at the end. The whole group laughed at them.
Tails joined the group, giving Amy a hug to greet her.
"It feels like I haven't seen you in ages, Amy," Tails stated, his voice quite a bit deeper, but still young and slightly raspy. He remained bashful in a mature sort of way, a light blush lighting his features.
"I know. The last time I saw you, you were below my shoulder!"
Rouge greeted Shadow with her usual "how's my old partner doing," giving him a pat on the back. He nodded to her, muttering that he was in good health. When Rouge opened him up a bit, the group that had gathered around the rose and the ebony gave all there attention to him. He gave them his natural fierce look, gazing deep into each of their eyes, greeting them in his own way. And then he spoke.
"It's nice to see everybody well and satisfied. It's... been quite a while. And... happy birthday, Cream," he stated, which is probably his maximum word count for the night. Cream blushed and said thank you before she was given her present from Amy, the basket in which she held gingerly in both hands.
"I tried to keep them as warm as possible. I hope you enjoy them," Amy whispered into Cream's ear as she passed her the gift. Cream trotted away, setting the wrapped basket in the center with all the other gifts, happily twirling in her long sleeved blue dress.
The party commenced once again.
Everyone went back to their former positions, Knuckles wanting a rematch, Cream enjoying the game, Rouge keeping warm with a new mug of hot cocoa, and the Chaotix continuing to watch the novella in which they could not understand.
Amy smiled warmly at the sight, turning to head to the kitchen where Vanilla was hard at work trying to prepare the feast. Shadow, not sure where he was welcomed, followed the rose into the kitchen with the hope of keeping her company.
As Amy entered the kitchen, her ears came in contact with the frustrated groans of Vanilla. She saw the older rabbit bent over the stove trying to stir something. Shadow followed behind the rose, entering the square kitchen with caution. All he heard where the clanging of pots and frustrated mutterings that came from Vanilla. Amy giggled at the sight of Vanilla trying to stir, cut meat and open a can of green beans all at the same time. This caught the rabbit's attention.
"Oh! Amy dear, is there something you need?" Vanilla asked, turning to face the two as she ceased her multi tasking.
"When Cream called the other evening, I had made a promise that I'd help cook," the rose replied with a wholehearted smile, bending forward to take the can opener from Vanilla's hand.
Vanilla wiped the sweat from her forehead, smiling exhaustedly at the rose.
"Thank you, dear.. I have become rather tired from the days events. I suppose I'll go and rest on the couch for a spell. Are you sure you won't need any help though?"
"She has my help to acquaint her."
Vanilla eyed the ebony hedgehog that had spoken, smiling up to him and nodding.
"Very well. The turkey is in the oven already and the chicken is in need of cutting. If you need further assistance, please don't be afraid to ask."
With that, Vanilla left the kitchen to sit with Vector on the couch and rest.
Amy walked up to the heated stove to see it burning a full pot of rice. Without a second thought, she grabbed the handle, pouring the burning mixture into the sink across the kitchen. She added more water to the pot, returning it to the stove to be reheated. With one fluid motion, she scooted the fully cooked chicken, that was on the counter by the stove, aside and placed all the cans of green beans in a line. She swiftly used the can opener to pop open all of them, pouring them into another pot for cooking. She then pulled open the compartment below the oven to obtain what she needed to steam the vegetables that were in a strainer in the sink, wet and sanitized.
This was her domain, the kitchen. No one could break her focus nor her delight as she dominated the fixtures and intricacies of the stove, the oven and the knives. This is were she fit best in the puzzle she felt she did not belong. Shadow leaned his back onto the corner of two counters, cooly closing his eyes with his ears low, letting the noise of the kitchen lull him into a thoughtless trance. His ears twitched with each and every nuance the rose conducted in her kitchen symphony as he crossed his arms and relaxed.
All seemed to run in sync as the rose stirred a bowl of cornbread batter. But the peace was too soon severed.
The doorbell rang.
The house fell silent. No one had rung the doorbell when arriving. Everyone else had knocked.
It rang again.
The rose stiffened… she knew whom waited at the foot of the door.
It rang thrice more.
The ebony cracked an eye open to examine the frozen rose. She was no longer stirring her mixture.
"I'll get it."
Vanilla passed the kitchen, opening the front door to welcome the last of the guests…
The future king and queen of castle Acorn.
"Vanilla! Long time no see!" the voice of Sonic resonated throughout the house.
"It's nice to once again indulge in the decent pleasantries of you're tiny house. I hope our presence makes your home feel much more glamorous and fulfilling, Mistress Vanilla," the voice of the Acorn princess followed Sonic's from the door.
" M-make yourselves at home, your highnesses."
Their foot steps were long and seemed to last forever as they strode down the hallway. She continued to stir with a hurried and anxious passion. This was the only way she could redeem herself at this point. He could not look down to her if she managed to please him with her cooking. Shadow had closed his eyes once more at the sound of her continued labor. The rest of the house followed suit, continuing their loud speaking and chatting, but with a hint of halfheartedness.
The blue blur reached the kitchen first. The rose seemed to hold her breath. He waited at the front of the kitchen entrance, contemplating his contrivance.
"Hmmm. what's cooking?" the blue blur questioned. All he saw was the back of the rose as she worked.
"Well, whatever it is, it smells good enough for me to eat," he said, leaving the kitchen entrance to greet his other companions.
The shoulders and ears of the rose fell south, her face contorted in shame. Her heart had no more pieces to break so she couldn't say that she was heartbroken. He'd ignored her like she never even existed…
The princess strode in next, clad in dark blue sweater with white fur hemming… everything, expensive dark jeans with a diamond belt and her traditional blue boots. She wore her larger than average engagement ring on a chain around her neck, claiming a while back that it was so big and extravagant that it weighed down her fingers. She placed her hands on her hips, acknowledging the rose with a smug grin, laughing lightly.
"So I see. Amy Rose is cooking tonight. How… charming," Sally hissed vehemently.
Amy turned, defeat keeping her from becoming angry and lashing out at the rude princess of Acorn. She sighed.
"It's nice to see you too, Sally."
"That's Princess Sally to you. Or Your Highness works."
"Yes, because the pathetic fur on your useless body glistens and shines so extravagantly in the sun's light that anyone would pay a fortune to assassinate and skin you, wearing your hideous pelt as a sash or cape to help them become the perfect target in battle."
It wasn't Amy who said that.
"EXCUSE ME?!" Sally screeched, glaring icily at the ebony. The rose turned to look at him, a confused amazement in her eyes. The ebony continued.
"That was a satirical compliment, Your Highness. I thought you were smart enough to at least comprehend that much. Unless… you aren't as high and mighty as many may presume."
"I do not have to listen to this tom foolery!"
"Then by all means, depart, your highness. No one is stopping you. Unless you do not know how to leave a situation such as this.."
"I…!" Sally stoped, not sure how to reply. She's already made somewhat of a fool of herself. She blushed with a look of frustration.
"Tongue tied, Princess?"
"Ugh! Do not play with me, you faker! I can destroy you with a simple snap of my fingers, you hear!"
"Then commence. Do not hesitate to destroy an immortal being that has never been out of commission."
"Hmph!"
And with that, the rodent of Acorn strode out of the kitchen, tail held high as she met with the rest of the houses guests.
The ebony sighed. He had not wanted to deal with her today, but chaos knows that was inevitable. The rose glanced at the ebony gratefully.
"Thank you, Shadow." The rose was sincere and yet somewhat upset as her ears were down. The ebony nodded. Neither knew why Sally was so uptight when it came to Amy. She'd grown to be that way after she reunited with Sonic. Maybe it was something Sonic had said. She continued to stir with the pace of a dying sloth as misery encased her.
The ebony push away from the counter with his back, coming behind the rose and extending his arms to come around her. Overlapping his hands over hers, he began to stir the mixture with vigor as the rose held onto the bowl and spoon, blushing like there was no tomorrow.
"S-shadow… what are you…" She was interrupted.
"If you do not feel well, I can take your place as cook," the ebony intervened.
"Oh! Well that won't be necessary! I can finish it."
With that, Amy placed the bowl on the counter and grabbed a knife to continue cutting the chicken, releasing herself from Shadow's hold. Though, when she tried to get the knife through the first slice, she struggled. It took her a whole two minutes to cut a simple piece. Shadow sweat dropped behind her as he had seen the display. He once again positioned him self directly behind her, chest fur tickling her back as he reached around her to gingerly grab her hands. The rose turned from pink to red, which she hoped the ebony could not see.
"Let me help you."
With not a single ounce of a struggle, the ebony used the rose's hands to cut the chicken like butter into decent slices in under a minute. After he'd finished, the rose glanced at the beautiful display of cut slices as they lay against each other on the cutting board. She was amazed. How had he done that?
She turned to look at his face while still being held in his slight embrace. He looked down to her as her curiosity fell across her face along with her blush.
"Where did you learn to cut meat so well?" she asked.
"While on ARK, I was infused with a culinary program. Although, I have yet to put it to good use."
The rose was once again delighted. She turned to look up at him again, excitement in her eyes.
"Can you do more?"
He nodded, grabbing her waist and scooting her to the side. He cracked his knuckles before he began his magic, a serious glint running across his eyes.
Shadow became a blur as he cut some scraps of the chicken and threw all the slices onto a large fancy plate. He stirred the rice and the green beans, then swiftly pulled out all the fruit from the fridge. He cut the fruit in thirty seconds, tossing them into a strainer, rinsing them off and creating a bowl of fruit salad. He then pulled out lettuce, tomatoes, spinach and a few other items. He cut those in no time and placed a new bowl full of normal salad to the side along with bowls of ranch and other dressings.
The oven made a ding and Shadow pulled out the turkey, tasting a piece and adding a lick of salt and pepper, sticking a knife in it for whoever wished to partake in it. He pushed the turkey platter to the side, putting the finished rice, green beans and steamed vegetables in bowls and throwing them onto the opposite counter with all of the other food items. Amy gazed in amazement as the plates and bowls of perfected food landed gracefully onto one counter, seeming to sparkle and shine so much that just looking at it made anyone's mouth water. The rose was so entranced that she'd missed watching the ebony bake the cornbread. She saw him throw the platter of cornbread, cut into squares, land next to the vegetables along with a bowl of potato salad and two bottles of wine. The ebony washed his hands in the sink, and headed over to his finished work, grabbing hold of the counter, He closed his eyes, focussing…
"Choas… Control!"
Amy shielded her eyes from the flash of emerald green. When she could see again, she noticed that all the food had left the counter. She knowingly ran out of the kitchen, toward the dining room table where she halted. Emerald eyes sparkling, she giggled and clapped, blushing at the site. All the food was place elegantly across the table and Shadow stood to the side, one arm behind his back, the other bent at a ninety degree angle with a towel along the forearm, like a butler. He bowed.
"Dinner …is severed."
With Amy's applause came the excited voices of her friends as they popped up from their places in the living room. They all took seats at the table, including the royal couple. They all continued their chatter as they passed around bowls of food, serving each other.
The rose stared at the scene, feeling detached to the extent she felt as if she were floating above their heads, out of site, out of mind. But there was two seats there for her and Shadow, in between Rouge and Espio. It was not as if she were not welcomed. She was simply alienating herself, in a way.
The rose turned to her shoes be the coat rack. Pushing her feet into them, she went through the back door of the house, heading into the cold to think.
~aAa~
The back of Vanilla's home was a simple porch made of cement. A few plants in decorative pots and a brown rocking chair covered in some snow were all that adorned the porch. Amy took the steps down from the porch onto the grass. Vanilla's backyard was just a couple of yards of a clearing and then the trees of the forest continued where the clearing stopped. About twenty five steps from the porch was a tree in the middle of the clearing, with a makeshift swing made of rope and wooden plank. Amy headed over to the swing, taking a seat on the plank, swinging lightly as she gazed across the clearing into the trees. The sun was close to disappearing. Twenty more minutes or so…
The rose began to think. Or reason with her self, for lack of a better term. If Sonic didn't want to acknowledge her existence any longer, so be it. She would still acknowledge him and give him her support, but she would not be upset any longer. She was older now, much more independent. A fighter. She would not feel defeated because she no longer could compete for his love, but be willing to gain his friendship…right?
Oh, who was she kidding. It'd never be the same. He'd get married, become king, have kids, go on vacations with his family, have grand children… get old.
And what would happen to her? Would she live and die alone?
She honestly saw no other option at this point. She simply felt alone, no matter the attention she finally obtained from her friends.
But she could not be alone forever. No, she would not have it…
Suddenly, the rose's ears twitched from the sound of footsteps crunching against the snow. Before she could turn to see the intruders, hands pulled the ropes of the swing back and pushed forward. Amy held on, allowing the swing to take her. When she came back, she saw Rouge wave in front of her and heard Cream's giggles behind her. The rose used her feet to stop the swing, smiling at her friends.
"We came to check on you," Cream said, trotting in front of Amy.
"I see. But shouldn't you guys be inside, enjoying the feast?" The rose wasn't expecting her best friends company.
"It's not the same without you, Amy!" Cream exclaimed.
"It's extremely awkward, especially when all you hear talking is little Princess Acornhead and her fiancé. No one wants to tell them to shut up," Rouge explained.
"We'd rather be outside with you!" Cream hopped lightly.
"I'm flattered. You guys haven't changed at all. Still my best friends in every way."
The rabbit and the bat nodded.
"And you still have that heart shaped birthmark on the back of your right ear." Rouge's statement made Amy laugh.
"And you're still as observant as ever. A spy in all her entirety. How are you and Knuckles?"
"We're doing great. He's as goofy as ever. The other day I came home from a little shopping trip and he was sitting on the couch with a bowl of bacon and ice cream, watch a novella without subtitles. And he was crying of all the things he could have been doing. And right after that, he took a jog around the block and came back with a lawnmower he apparently bought from a garage sale around the block. He used the engine to power a go kart that he had in the garage. Only chaos knows where he got it from. Then he drove it down the street and crashed it into a ditch not five minutes later."
Cream and Amy laughed at the story of Knuckles foolery. That's what they'd loved about the echidna. He was hotheaded and strong, but brotherly, loyal and goofy at the same time.
"What about you and Tails, Cream? I know that you two are a new couple." Amy eyes the blushing bunny.
"We're just really new to this love thing. But he seems to know what he's doing. He takes me to my favorite flower shop when he goes to buy parts for his inventions and he teaches me how to put things together. He even lets me watch disney movies in his room at night. I can't be away from him. I love him too much to stay away."
"I see. Maybe I should leave you two alone more often…" Rouge muttered coyly.
"N-no! That's not… I mean… maybe…ummm" Cream stuttered, obviously flustered in the cutest way.
"Don't tease her too much, Rouge. You know you were the same when you first started dating Knuckles. He was your everything: your man, your shopping buddy, your hero, your life sized pillow to spoon at night. You couldn't keep your hands off him," the rose added to the conversation.
"Well, at least I'm not getting intimate with the ultimate life form in the kitchen…" Rouge muttered.
"What!?"
"You heard me. I saw how he held you, teaching you his culinary skills. And you did nothing to stop him. I say your getting the hots for ol' doom and gloom."
"Rouge. That's the dumbest thing I've heard all day. There's no way Shadow would even come close to liking me. I'd be wasting my time with him."
"But who's to say he doesn't have the hots for you, huh? Think about it!"
"Okay, okay. I get it. You guys should go inside. Everyone must be worried. I'll come in a moment."
"Alright. But just think about it!"
And then bat and the rabbit returned to the house.
And so the rose sits, thoughtful in the best way, her friends rekindling the happiness and hope within her. They'd healed her, taking away the last of her mask. She was complete in herself. Now she had to build a life for herself. But where could she need to start?
Just as she thought that, hands snaked across her own that held onto the ropes of the swing, a tuff of chest fur touching the back of her hair. The chin of her new intruder fell upon her head, gazing down in her general direction with half lidded orbs. Her heartbeat quickened, a blush making itself know across her muzzle.
"Do not be alarmed, Rose. I have come to retrieve you."
His voice was silken and deep, soft as if she were a precious and delicate flower that the ebony grew himself.
"Oh. I was… j-just about to go inside. Is everyone alright?"
"They are fairing. That faker and his fiancé are making a verbal mess of things, but other than that, everyone is concerned about you. You should come in and eat before you catch a cold or die of starvation. It would be extremely disheartening to know you died from malnutrition."
The rose giggled at his concern.
"What is so funny?" The ebony was confused.
"Heehee. You are, Mr. Doom n' Gloom! You're so extreme. It's… refreshing in a way." The rose continued to giggle.
"I… Am glad you think so." He was thankful she could not see his blush from the angle the remained in.
They stayed that way for a while, enjoying each others company. They would swing slightly, both of which had their eyes closed as the sun finally closed its shining eye at the closing of the day.
"This is very peaceful," the ebony stated.
"It sure is."
Boom….
A low thudding explosion erupted seemingly somewhere in the sky. Shadow's ears twitched then arched in the direction of the sound, his head poping up, eyes scanning the sky. Amy was startled from her peace by the noise. Looking up to greet the possible threat in the sky.
… But they saw nothing.
Shadow was not fooled. His body tensed in expectancy, fingers tightening around the roses hands as a low thud shook the ground. An odd calm before the storm…
And then it emerged from the trees…
A tall robot came smashing through, stopping to run a beam of red light from it's head across the clearing.
Shadow grabbed the rose's waist, pulling her up front the swing into a bridal style hold in one fluid motion. He jumped backwards as the rose held onto his neck, jumping high enough to land on Vanilla's back porch as all the inhabitants from inside came scattering out.
"Oh my! What is that!" Vanilla shouted, frightened.
Shadow set Amy down, standing somewhat in front of her. The robots red beam stopped in front of the group of heroes and eventually retracted back into the robot. A monotone voice echoed across the clearing.
"I. HAVE. COME. FOR. THE. PRINCESS."
The ebony glared at the offending robot, tensed for action.
"Stay here, Rose.
Sorry I had to end it here! The action was just about to start! but at least you know that at the beginning of the next chapter, there will be a battle! And a novella is short for a tellanovella which is a spanish drama which is well.. in spanish. Hope you like!
R&R (Please)