The Story of Amy Rose: The Capture

by Fallen Violet Rose

After three years physically and mentally healing, Amy Rose has found herself returning to the side of her friends after separating herself, although she was never alone. But at the first reunion, the team is attacked, the offender responsible claiming they came for the princess. Chaos ensues and the guys find themselves on a rescue mission to save their better halves.

12. As Pressure Closes In

In third person

Italics = thoughts/ emphases

"Italics with quotations" = mind speaking/telepathy

Chapter 10: As Pressure Closes In

Her heart was neither heavy, nor light. With her palms cupping in her lap, her eyes glazed over as the dull grey pulse of the heart pendant pulled her mind into a trance.

Sitting at the edge of her bed, back hunched slightly as if wanting to curl into fetal position, she waited, her arms stiff and limp. The space of her childhood room did not bring her the comfort she sought. The candle Ovaria lit for her was across the room on the vanity, casting light shadows on the wall beside her bed, the shadows seeming to loom over her.

I never knew. These things I used to fight… to keep up with Sonic… these abilities that others identified as talents of mine and helped me develop and hone… were never gifts of my own.

Amy curled lower into herself, struggling to sit upright, her back to her bedroom door as a subtle knock failed to break her from her thoughts.

I thought I was a useless nobody before… when I trained and struggled to prove to Sonic and the others that I was a useful part of the team in my adolescence, yet… here I am, reliving those days all over again, but tenfold. How am I supposed to show my faces to them when I feel this way? When I'm devoid of my combat abilities? Sonic, Knuckles, Rouge, Cream, Tails… or the entirety of the kingdom for that matter? I'm just a rag doll. I don't even have my hammer… Would I even be able to hold it up if I did have it?

As her door opened, the urge to cry welled up inside her.

"Amelia? May we enter?"

Amy's ears twitched as she straightened. She sniffed and stretched a small smile across her muzzle before turning to look behind her.

"Yes, come in."

As her door creaked, Queen Argentina, King Amelius, and Prince Argentine walked into her room in that order. Lingering near the entrance, the prince closed the door, enclosing the rose with her blood relatives.

Amy stood from her bed slowly, taking a short breath before turning to meet her family at the center of her room. Three sets of eyes waited to greet her, all with deep levels of warmth and concern. She rubbed her arm, unsure of how to approach these familiar strangers.

"Amelia. We know it has been a long time since… well.. since you've been anywhere near your true home, but we want to welcome you back and apologize for our disappearance, along with your involvement in the prophecy. It was not our intention to put a strain on your life or relationship with us and the kingdom by giving into the whims of the Oracle, but we had little choice," King Amelius began.

Amy looked into his eyes, a small frown in place where a warm smile should be. The king looked pained for a moment as a memory seemed to glint across his vision.

"If we had ignored the Oracle, your life might have been very different. There's no telling what the dark prince would have accomplished if we hadn't sent you away," the queen interjected.

Amy looked over the three of them and felt the urge to stop them.

"You don't have to apologize for sending me away. I can only imagine the pain you all went through when you did. You are both selfless rulers that would do anything to protect Aumoris and I'm proud to have been given life by such noble people. You saved my life and the life of the kingdom and made hard choices along the way. I'm just glad that all of this madness is coming to a close," Amy said with a small smile.

"And we are glad to see you home safely, dear sister. There was not a day that I did not think of you and how I would miss much of your growth. Look at you. You're a grown woman," Argentine gushed, closing the short distance between them and grabbing her hands, bringing them to his chest. Amy flushed at the sudden contact.

"Do you remember when you used to chase me down the southern corridors and you'd get lost and call for our father? Or how Ovaria used to take us to the glen on the outer edge when she was off duty to watch the dusk star fall? Or how we'd pick Storafruit from those massive trees to help Lady Lomisa gather her harvest for the Wicker Berry festival? You have to remember now," Argentine had glistening hope alight in his crystal eyes as he spoke.

Amy swallowed, looking down.

"I'm… afraid not."

Argentine tightened the grip on her hands, pulling them closer to her chest as mild frustration colored his features.

"No… you have to remember. Those… those memories are precious and occured in the last moon year before we sent you away. You were a babe, but just old enough to curtsey and speak with noble air and grant the people solace with your royal smile. I don't understand. What happened to your memory, dear sister?"

Amy gently pulled her hands from him, backing away and rubbing her arms.

"I'm… sorry. Maybe… with time…" Amy began, but she didn't want to promise anything, especially since she had yet to decide where she should belong after this adventure truly came to its close.

Argentina inched toward her daughter, reaching for her shoulders.

"Amelia, let me see you. I'm weak, but I should have enough reserves to analyze you and see what is hindering your memory."

Amy looked into her mother's eyes to protest, but found herself trapped in her eyes as they burned blue and then white. Amy found herself trapped in a web, suspended as her mother tenderly held her head between her palms.

Queen Argentina held her breath, becoming an electrical current as she traveled Amy's nervous system, analyzing her mind and prying at memories laden with Aumorian essence.

"Ach!"

Amy jerked back in pain as the queen abruptly recoiled and let go of her daughter as a shock racked her body. King Amelius reached for the queen, lifting her up as she shook off the pain. Argentine looked between the two females in anticipation as Amy rubbed her temples and steadied herself on her bedpost.

"You suffer… from several traumatic knocks to the head. After we sent you away, your landing sequence did not go as planned. It is a miracle you survived."

Amy moved to stand next to Argentine as they regarded the king and queen. The prince helped her stand, as her legs shook from the shock.

"You… were able to see what happened to me when I landed on Mobius?" Amy asked, exhausted and shocked.

"Yes. I found your memory of us and then our last moments. I saw the moment we sent you off in the traveling vessel and then when you were nearing land on this 'Mobius' and then… I hit a wall trying to move forward in your memory to the present. Your mind is protecting you from those memories because your landing was… traumatizing to say the least. You were falling and tumbling for hours, and you were conscious and hyper-aware of your situation. You were… oh, my dear child," Argentina began to sob and reached to cover her mouth as King Amelius brought his arm around her waist.

Amy looked on with grief.

"She what? What was she feeling during the fall?" Argentine asked.

"She thought that she was going to die. Her heart rate soared and her vitals were in a state of panic and disarray. You suffered in that state of uncertainty for hours as you descended, with no hope, no help, and no comfort."

Amy looked away, the pain in her temples swelling as she tried to remember.

"Then, a man in a dark brown hood found you after you crashed. There, your memories are a bit muddled, even for me, but not too long after that, your memory is undamaged, which I assume are all memories filled with your childhood and adolescent growth as part of the… Freedom Fighter's?" The queen finished as she stood straight, assuring Amelius that she was all right.

"Well, I wasn't a part of the team at first, and the original Freedom Fighter's team is disbanded now, but yes. We'll just skip over all of the years I was obsessed with gaining Sonic's affections and then you've reached the current situation at hand," Amy muttered the last part, rubbing the back of her head.

"Sonic? The blue one? I thought your affections were for the dark one? Are you not promised to him? I quite nearly gave him my blessing a moment ago," King Amelius questioned, his impeccable hearing picking up her last comment.

A hot blush scattered across her cheeks as Argentine laughed at his sister's flustered state.

"No, you misunderstand. I-I'm not promised to anyone. And, yes, Sonic was… erm… my original choice, but my crush for him isn't something I'm proud of. I was blinded by passion back then. We're just friends now, really. Plus, he's engaged to Princess Sally, so…" Amy sighed, letting a weight off of her chest, coming to terms and realizing that they knew nothing of what she was prattling on about.

"Oh, the pretty red-head? That seems fitting. They look like a noble couple," Argentine mused.

Amy smiled, nodding to her brother.

"Sonic is a famous Mobian hero, and Princess Sally is a noble and brave leader and excellent tactician. I admire her."

"Well, it is great to admire another from a noble line, especially one from the planet that became your surrogate home. But you have your own kingdom to tend to now, Amelia."

Amy froze, turning to the king and queen as she hesitated. The king continued.

"Amelia, we want to celebrate the return of the royal family and announce your presence to the whole kingdom with a ceremony. We will arrange it soon. Now that you have returned and all is settled, it is time that you also meet with the nobles of the kingdoms that surround our borders and introduce yourself to the princes and noblemen in the area."

Amy gazed at the burning flame across the room, gently falling apart on the inside. Although she was still on the outside, Argentina caught the signs, and suddenly regarded Argentine and Amelius suddenly.

"Amelius. My son. Please, leave me and Amelia to speak alone. I'm sure she's exhausted from saving Aumorus and has concerns and uncertainties about the royal life she's about to be thrust into."

The King's ears twitched as he gave the queen a quizzical look.

"But she seems to understand. She might not remember, but she still has the walk and essence of Aumorian royalty and…" King Amelius slowed his rant as he caught the look in the queen's eye.

"I see. Come, Argentine, we should help prepare beds for Amelia's friends and reconvene with the guardsmen before we settle for the night."

Argentine caught his sister's eye as if to ask if she was all right before the king guided him to the door. As the thick wood came closed behind them, Amy rubbed her arm and looked up into her mother's sullen gaze.

"My child, what troubles you so?"

Amy fell to the cold stones and placed her back against her bed. She folded her legs to her chest. The queen perched on her bed near her.

"I just… I don't know if I want to stay here and be your princess."

Amy could feel a wall rising between them, eliciting a form of tension she hadn't felt before.

"But, you are already our princess. I won't be the one to tell you where you belong, but it is certain that you are our child, and thus, you are Princess Amelia Lorae Rose of Aumoris. We would not have been released from our prison had you been anyone else. No matter where you go or hide, that is your title. You shouldn't run away from that," Argentina ascertained.

Amy stiffened, shaking her head.

"That's.. not what I'm having trouble accepting. I accepted that I was related to Argentine when I was united with him the other day, and my heart knew that you and the king were my biological parents the moment I set you free."

The queen breathed, a wave of exhaustion passing through her as she closed her eyes.

"Then what worries you, child? What emotional sea are you trying to navigate on your own?"

Amy pressed her knees into her chest.

"My home… my home is on Mobius. To me, I belong among my friends, fighting to protect the people of that planet. I don't know if you realized this when you scanned my memory, but Mobius has been threatened by many evil forces, and, although I originally just wanted attention from a certain blue hero, I eventually adopted this idea… that I'm meant to fight for Mobius until it is free from all threats. After seeing the destruction and devastation firsthand, all I've ever wanted was to see all the people of Mobius united with their families, thriving and living without fear. I don't want anymore children to end up like me, an orphan with no guidance or identity," Amy explained.

Queen Argentina opened her eyes and looked down to her child with warmed pools of concern.

"You want to return with your friends? You don't want to stay and see what your kingdom has to offer you?"

Amy turned away from her mother where a glass window greeted her wandering eyes.

"I have nothing to offer this kingdom in return. Although I am a princess by title, there is nothing I could contribute. I don't know anything about political discourse or laws. I know nothing of courting and political marriages. I'd just be an embarrassment to you. Who wants a daughter like that? It would be difficult for the other nobles to respect your authority if your daughter is an uncultured troublemaker who knows nothing but how to fight, right? If I stay, it will be clear to them that I don't belong," Amy chuckled humorlessly.

Argentina scoffed.

"As if I'd let something so shallow keep me from loving and including you into our family. Surely you don't think we are heartless, Amelia!"

Amy twitched at the sharpness in her voice. After a moment, Amy heard the rustling of fabric and felt the queen's presence move away from her.

"I think that you should spend tomorrow exploring the kingdom or at least the fortress and try to be receptive. You may find that you belong here more than you think."

Amy didn't move, but simply mumbled a simple 'yes ma'am' as a response.

The queen sighed before opening the door.

"But I will also relay your sentiments to the king. We will speak more on the issue when you are rested and fed."

Amy nodded.

"Thank you, mother."

"Goodnight."

As her door clicked, Amy stood and made her way to the massive closet in front of her. Before she could find something suitable for sleep, another knock at her door made her stop.

"Come in."

As she turned to greet her visitors, a shadow above her made her tense as something soft and warm landed on her.

"Amy, are you okay? The queen looked upset when she left your room a moment ago."

As Amy sat up from her assault and smiled at the teenage rabbit that had smothered her, she hugged the worried girl and helped her stand as the rest of the team made their way into her room. Sonic whistled.

"Nice room, Ames. It's the size of Tails' workshop back at home."

As Cream backed away from Amy, the rose looked up to see Sonic and Sally smiling at her as Rouge and Tails flew in above them. Rouge landed in front of Sonic and walked up to her.

"You okay, hun? You seemed out of it a while ago. We were being nosy around the corner and saw the king and the pretty princeling coming out of your room, looking sullen. And then your mama left as if she'd just reprimanded you for sneaking out with the prince next door."

Rouge brought her index finger to Amy's chin, lifting her face to examine her.

"I'm fine. We just had a conversation about… well… everything."

As Rouge backed up and Knuckles and Shadow trailed into the room, Amy looked over her friends, all present and somehow crowding her large bedroom in a matter of moments, scattering across her room to get comfortable as she sat on her vanity chair. She held both hands as they rested in her lap and crossed her ankles under her chair, not sure where to start.

Rouge had perched on the top of her shorter wardrobe across from her and huffed.

"Hun… I know it's a lot to take in, but if you need time to yourself to figure this out, just tell us."

"Yeah, Ames. Just let us know if we're bothering you and we'll dip," Sonic mirrored Rouge's soft tone as he sat beside Sally on Amy's bed.

Sally nodded, Knuckles leaning against the bedpost near the couple.

"The king and queen seem like legitimate people that care for you. I don't think they are malicious people. If you want to stay…"

Amy looked at Knuckles abruptly as did the rest of the team. With all of the attention on him, Knuckles cleared his throat with a small sweat, crossing his arms.

"Ehrm… I'm saying that you have my approval… not that you need it, but they seem… genuine and you should accept whatever they are offering you... I mean if that's what you want… I mean that's what you want, right?"

Cream and Tails were perched on the loveseat next to Amy's large clothes closet, Shadow standing behind them with his arms crossed. Tails spoke up.

"Amy, your family... the king, the queen, prince Argentine… do you remember them?"

Amy shook her head.

"I see… flashes of them, but my mind is blocking the few memories I have of them. They've proven that they are my biological family, but I…"

All ears perked as Amy squeezed her hands together.

"I don't know. I should give it some time."

Silence persisted for a moment too long.

"What about your hammer? Did you get it back from the prince after he took it from you when we got here?" Cream interjected with a hopeful gaze, looking to change the subject.

Amy frowned, shaking her head, fighting the urge to tell them that she no longer held any of the special gifts that helped her fight.

"No. Prince Riven still has it. What a bummer, right? There's no way I'm going into his creepy kingdom to get that back from him," Amy laughed halfheartedly, waving a hand in front of her face.

Shadow spared her a momentary glance and Amy caught his eye. Her heart dropped for a second before he released her from his stare. She looked at everyone else in an attempt to calm her rapid heartbeat. None of them had seen their swift exchange.

He knows. I don't know how much, but he knows something is up. He probably knows I'm not at the combat level I was before. What will I do if he lets them know? Talk about being useless no matter where I decide to go.

"Well, I haven't spoken to them about that, but I'm sure I won't need it here. They have a kingdom guard and my former caretaker is somewhat of a veteran herself, so I won't need to fight anyone from here on out."

"No fighting? Huh, lame. What's your role, then? Smile, wave, get married?" Sonic scoffed.

"I guess so."

Sally nudged Sonic with her elbow.

"Don't listen to him, Amy. Princesshood is a noble occupation. It's not all glitter and glamor. There are decrees to be signed, treaties to look over, and disagreements at a national level that must be settled. I'm sure the king and queen will test you and teach you how to handle those things with grace, poise, and good judgement," Sally amended.

"Ow... Ehrm, yeah. What Sally said. Don't beat yourself up, Ames. We think you'll make a great princess."

Amy cracked a small curve to her lips.

"Thanks guys. I appreciate the support."

Tails shifted, twisting his namesakes as he rubbed his chin.

"Rouge and Cream updated us on everything that has happened and they told us about the stories your brother has told you. It sounds like Aumoris, as archaic as it looks on the surface, has a small arsenal of technologically advanced devices at their disposal. Well, at your parent's disposal, at least. I don't know if they still have these things available to them, as Riven may have taken it with him or destroyed them."

"Are you hoping that they'll have a ship to get everyone back to Mobius?"

Cream sighed.

"The ship was pretty damaged when I saw it. I'm surprised you guys didn't crash land," Cream mentioned with a worried glance.

Amy nodded.

"I'll talk to my father first thing in the morning if you'd like."

Tails scratched the back of his head.

"Well, I don't necessarily need a ship, but there are a few other things I'm in need of to make the repairs. I also need to make more fuel. I'll need to gather food, since we lost most of our supply to that hit we took in space. I'm going to spend all of tomorrow preparing for our departure. I want to be gone before nightfall," Tails amended.

Amy shrank into herself a bit at the mention of departing.

I have a day to figure this all out. I think I can manage that.

Sonic stood with a stretch, prompting Sally to stand as well.

"Well, Ames, you look exhausted. We'll catch ya in the morning over some royal grub, yeah? We'll help you figure everything out tomorrow. No worries, okay?"

All Amy could focus on was the singular, white-gloved thumbs up the blue blur gave her as the weight of the situation sank to her toes. She gave him a hesitant nod, trying to surface from her depressive waters by looking into his emerald gaze of assurance.

"Yeah. Okay."

As they filed out, Amy stood from her chair to see them out. Sally and Sonic exited and Cream followed, but not without turning and giving Amy a bear hug with a sniffle. As the young rabbit pulled away with a wet smile, Tails took her place. The kitsune put a reassuring hand on Amy's shoulder before following Cream through the door.

The rose followed them with her eyes as Knuckles came into view. He nodded to her and disappeared through her bedroom door. As Rouge elegantly leapt down from her perch, she stood in front of Amy until the rose's jade orbs rose to her own warm eyes.

"Hey, hun. I know you want some time alone, but I just wanted to let you know that we're not suggesting all of this to push you away. We won't be disappointed if you're on that ship when we decide to leave this place. I know a few of us that will feel quite the opposite actually. We just want you to know that you have our support and understanding no matter what you decide," Rouge tried to amend, clearly picking up on Amy's unease.

Amy shook her head with a halfhearted chuckle.

"Thanks. You don't have to worry so much. I'm just a little exhausted from everything that's happened in such a short amount of time. I'll be the same chiper Amy Rose in the morning," Amy explained.

Rouge looked unsure, but sighed, patting her shoulder before bidding Amy a goodnight and walking out the door.

As the rose reached to close her door and shut herself in, she sensed that she was not quite alone yet. Remembering that there was one member left, she stiffened, wishing it wasn't so difficult to face the perceptive ebony hedgehog whose gaze shook her to her core. She tried to relax as he sought her attention.

"Hey."

She held in a breath and turned to him. She relaxed when she realized his gentle greeting mirrored the look on his face. Not only did he look sincere, but his ruby eyes began to melt the longer he held her gaze. When he spoke, his tone warmed her cheeks.

"I'm sorry."

The rose blinked, tilting her head a bit.

"Sorry?" she repeated in question.

He chose to stare at the jewelry box on her vanity rather than to look at her as he crossed his arms, lowering his eyelids over hard ruby gems.

"I know I have no right to ask for forgiveness, but I wanted to apologize for failing to save you on several accounts and, moreover, for failing to bring you home after I retrieved you from the fortress last night. I had many opportunities to ensure your safety and obviously I was unable to do so. As the proclaimed Ultimate Lifeform, that is unacceptable."

"Shadow...you have no reason to apologize. These things happen in our line of work. It's not your job to make sure I'm safe. It's my own. I should have been more careful that night they attacked, and I should have called for backup when I noticed Rouge and Cream were being ambushed. I knew just as well as everyone else that the intruders were potentially looking for one of us, and that's why Sonic put us in the back, away from the frontlines. I should have used that information accordingly instead of trying to play hero. It's not your fault, so don't let that bother you."

As she finished, he turned to her straight-faced. Guilt bloomed across his muzzle as he shook his head.

"No matter if it is your job or not to ensure your own safety, it is still unacceptable. I vowed to watch over you, yet here I am, watching you get taken from right under me, without so much as a weak chao blast in the right direction. I'm furious that I let that filthy prince put his hands on you."

Amy flushed at his comment, trying to disregard the memory of her alone time with the prince on the ship.

"Again, Shadow, it's not your fault. I know I asked you to watch over me, but you're not responsible for me. I wouldn't want to put that burden on you, or anyone for that matter," the rose explained, rubbing her arm and leaning against her bedpost.

Shadow frowned as he calmed.

"Why?"

Amy blinked into his gaze as he inched closer, not expecting his question.

"What?"

The ebony stopped inches from her, just enough to tower over the smaller hedgehog, casting shadows over her figure and drawing her gaze upward. She swallowed.

"Why wouldn't you place your safety in my hands?"

Amy scanned his face and found that it was wrought with confusion under all of the intensity. As her heart rate rose, she tried to catch her breath and keep to her train of thought, her body begging him to not come closer for fear she'd break her facade and spill everything in a bubbling mass of tears and sobs. Why was it so hard to keep things from him?

"Because… b-because you're my teammate. Sure, we have each other's back, but we have the safety of Mobius and others to juggle. I wouldn't put the safety of little 'ol Amy Rose in your hands, because that's just unfair to anyone else who needs your protection. I'm a fighter, too, Shadow. I can take care of myself."

Pain shot through his eyes for only a moment, but it did not last long enough for the rose to notice. He squared his jaw, searching her face as her small smile of reassurance and confidence brightened her exhausted features.

"I see."

She shrugged, preparing to turn to the door and see him out.

"Thank you for coming to our rescue. I know we're teammates and we would all do the same for each other, but Rouge, Cream and I didn't know how well our escape plans would work. I'm glad… that you risked everything to come for us."

As Amy reached for her doorknob, Shadow's heat on her back caused her to freeze.

"There's something you're not telling us. It's eating at you, festering, and you refuse to let it surface."

Amy sensed that Shadow sounded confused when he softly voiced his concern to the back of her head. She turned to face him and felt her heart shoot to her throat when their eyes connected. He looked frustrated, contemplative, and minutely angry, his eyes expressing this with a penetrating look coupled with a splash of disappointment. She bit her lip, wringing the bottom of her battleworn shirt before deciding to respond.

"I want to think about this before I make a decision. I'm just… unsure about several things right now. I'm sorry if it seems like I'm hiding things," she tried, hoping that response would be enough.

It didn't suffice.

"What is it you're unsure of? Whether the information you are withholding is something we want to hear? Or are you unsure if your friends will want you when they realize what's actually wrong with you?"

Amy winced and broke eye contact.

"I just don't want to talk right now."

Shadow deflated.

He brought a hand up to touch her shoulder, but she'd already shrugged away from him, gently pushing at his side and nudging him to the door.

"Rose, wait."

As the ebony tried to keep her from shutting him out, looking behind himself to try and make eye contact with her, all he could see was the darkened look on her face that she tried to hide behind her dangling quills.

Before he could register the look, he was in the corridor. In a rush, he twisted around to her door to make amends, but in between the small crack of her closing door, he saw the tips of her bangs and heard her weak murmur.

"I just need some sleep, Shadow. Please."

As the door clicked, the rose gathered herself in her arms, pressed her back to the door and slid to the floor, bringing her knees to her chest and wishing she could permanently erase the last three days from her memory.

On the other side of the door, Shadow glared into the wood, reminding himself that if he took his frustration out on the wood, he'd hurt Amy in the process. He cocked his head to the left, turning away from her door and failing to shake off the rejection and regain his aloof composure.

"Tch."

As he crossed his arms, he felt a presence lingering in the darkness of the corridor to his right.

"Don't look so hurt, tough guy. Just because she doesn't want you tonight, doesn't mean she can't change her mind tomorrow."

Rouge materialized from the darkness, hand on her hip and a knowing smirk on her muzzle.

Shadow avoided eye contact as he walked in her direction.

"What's wrong, tough guy? Rejection is part of the process."

As Shadow stalked past the bat to get out of the dreaded corridor and to the stairs, Rouge turned to glide next to him, keeping pace with the frustrated ebony.

"She's hiding something and she refuses to tell me. But the more she holds it in, the more it tears her up on the inside. I can't see what valid reason she could possibly have to hide anything that causes her so much turmoil," Shadow fumed as he reached the stairs.

Shadow paused before descending, realizing that the others may hear their conversation if he ventured too close to the guest rooms.

"So what? If that's what she wants to do to herself, let her. It's a free country, Shadow, and she can do what she wants, even if you think it's self destructive behavior that will likely blow up in her face."

Shadow turned to the bat with a look of incredulity.

"How could you say something so benign?! Amy is your friend and you would just let her keep secrets that could get her killed?"

Rouge crossed her arms and looked unbothered.

"Again, it's a free country. I refuse to siphon the information from her, because she's nearly an adult. She's old enough to come and tell us what's wrong. It's up to her to make an adult decision concerning her own problems. Plus, you have to think about it this way. What if the information she's withholding is something we can't help her fix? Then, why would she tell us? Unnecessary concern and worry is something Amy gives well enough herself, but she hates to receive it. You know that," Rouge started off calm and unconcerned, but her voice ended with a hint of hardness, as if reprimanding the hog.

"I just don't understand why she would…" Shadow slowed, looking into Rouge's eyes, not sure if he should continue with the cold look Rouge was giving him. It reminded him of an irate mother, making him want to withdraw, but also fueling his frustration at the same time.

"You don't understand why she would do what, Shadow?"

With furrowed brows, he let out his response between gritted teeth.

"I don't understand why she refuses to tell me, at least."

"And why should she, Shadow? What makes you so special? Why should she have to tell you over any of us, huh?"

"Because she -"

Rouge cocked a brow.

"I'm sorry. I didn't catch that. Because…?"

Shadow squared his jaw for the second time that night, an epiphany causing him to drop his aggressive tone for that of defeat.

"Because I want to know, Rouge. So I can protect her."

"You're not her keeper, Shadow. Why should she have to answer only to you? You have no rights to her personal life."

"Because I -"

Rouge's eyebrow cocked and her small frown discouraged the ebony. Her questions made him feel like his concerns were absurd.

"Because you…?"

Shadow looked away from the bat to the small, celestial-like lights hovering in the spaces in the stairway. He sighed, giving in. What did he have to lose?

"Because… I want to be the one she comes to when her foundation is crumbling. I want her to rely on me when her own walls fail to shelter her. I want her every waking thought to bombard my ears in a symphony composed of every lilt in her voice. I want her, Rouge… and I want her to want me, too."

With clenched fists, the ebony turned to the bat, firm and sure.

"She's given me a taste of her care, and now I thirst for her affection in its entirety. I don't want her to hate me, nor do I want her to cast me aside with the intention of dismissing me simply because she fears I will not accept her. You told me once that we'd grown close enough that we completed one another in more ways than one. I want her to see it and reciprocate what I've been subtly trying to convey to her."

Rouge shifted.

"Which is?"

Shadow decompressed with sigh.

"That I'm in love with her, Rouge. And no matter what she decides, I want to be by her side. Nothing else matters to me now, except her life."

The curve of Rouge's lips softened her features as Shadow realized Rouge was simply trying to get the details out of him as she dropped her unconcerned demeanor and regarded him with melted teal eyes. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Well, it looks like there is a conversation that needs to be had, don't you think?"

Shadow felt trapped in her gaze for a moment, before he lowered his eyes and looked away, thoughtful for a millisecond. He nodded to know one in particular, turning to the stairs and beginning his descent as Rouge glided down the stairs ahead of him. Before leaving the corridor, he spared a glance behind him.

"Sleep well, Rose. And… forgive me."

~aAa~

Amy woke to the burn and ache of her hunched backside. She unfurled from her fetal position, rubbing the crust from her face and sniffing. As she sat up she realized that she was still on the stone floor of her bedroom.

Swallowing the lump in her sore throat, she meekly stood on her aching feet and made for her bed. As she lay atop the covers, she also noticed that her candle had gone out at some point during the night. Turning over to see what time of day it was, she found that darkness still prevailed beyond her window.

Before she could drift off once more, a light knock alerted her to a visitor seeking entrance into her quarters.

It took the rose a moment to find her voice and when she did, her visitor had already cracked the door open.

"Sister?"

Amy's ears twitched weakly at the sound of Argentine's elegant lilt as his silhouette pressed through the door and ethereal light outlined his figure in blue.

"A-argentine?"

"Ah, you have broken your slumber!"

Sitting up once more, the rose rubbed her eyes as her door clicked and the shadow of the prince seemed to float across her room without a sound. Amy heard a scratch as she shook away the drowsiness, and then the warm glow of a small fire lit her brother's refined features.

"It is time to awaken, sister. Mother and father have prepared a banquet for later. Father just received word from the soldiers traveling overnight that the six kingdoms that share our borders will be attending this evening's festivities. They will stay as honored guests, feast, and spend a few days in Aumoris signing treaties and attending to other political duties within the city. It's exciting, isn't it, Amelia? Our home is blooming so soon after its salvation."

Her toes touched the floor moments before Argentine took both of her palms and pulled her gingerly to her feet. His motion brought her whole body at attention and she regarded him curiously with a flush as he spoke.

"Come, sister! I've been tasked with preparing you for the festivities."

"Oh, it's morning already? Where is the sun?"

Argentine spoke as he released her hands and flitted to her closet.

"Nobility and royalty awaken before first light. The knights and their apprentices wake even earlier to train and begin their rounds. Even though order has just come to Aumoris , there is much to accomplish in order to restore our country to its former glory. Mother and father wish to waste no time in the restoration process."

Before Amy could reject the dress Argentine had pulled from the wardrobe, the enthusiastic prince returned to her, sizing the dress to her ragged form and nodding in approval before grabbing her hand and leading her out into the corridor.

"Wait! I can't wear that out. It's…"

"It's crucial that the future queen establish her presence and make a statement at all times outside of her quarters. This dress will do both simultaneously with not so much as a peep of refusal from any of our subjects. Not that anyone would even think to object, but there are the few that might try."

Argentine wasted no time in pulling his long lost sister down the steps, seemingly skipping to his own tune as he headed toward the bath.

"Future queen?"

Amy halted midway through the next hallway, drawing a pause from her brother as he gave her a look of question.

"I don't.. I never.. Argentine… I can't become the queen. I don't even know if we even share the same ideas on what all of that entails."

"But… Amelia. You've always wanted to be queen. We settled this in our childhood."

As Amy's brow furrowed, Argentine started to walk once more, beckoning Amy to follow.

"Amelia. As a baby girl, you would always galavant through the fortress, proclaiming your role as the future queen of Aumoris. We would sit under the trees after a day of picking flowers and fruit … and you would explain to me how you couldn't wait to become a woman and take over in our father and mother's stead. You romanticized every part of it and had even planned out the details of your royal wedding."

Amy winced at the thought as they stopped halfway down the corridor in front of two pearl double doors. The talk of weddings reminded her of her previous obsession with a certain blue hedgehog.

"My wedding, too? I must have been a rather imaginative and… enthusiastic child."

Before Argentine opened the doors to let her into her royal bathing quarters, he lowered his eyes, whispering.

"Well, yes. Your dream wedding wasn't exactly… realistic and your lack of knowledge on royal responsibilities was apparent at the time, but your passion was so tangible as a small child that it prompted me to make a promise with you."

Amy looked him in the eye as he opened one door, steam crawling through the entrance and shrouding her brother.

"And what was that promise?"

Argentine beseeched her with his eyes through the fading steam, seeming to search for the version of his sister that he'd remember before the fall of Aumoris, pleading for her return.

"That I would revoke my right to rule as the oldest child of the king and queen, so as to make room for your successful rise to the throne."

The rose blinked, the information failing to permeate the surface of her thoughts as Argentine uttered a final statement.

"We sealed that promise verbally, an agreement that we presented to both of our parents and in front of the entire kingdom, as to hold us accountable for our decision."

~aAa~

"Ah, the smell of deliciousness after a righteous victory. Thanks for the royal grub. It's much appreciated."

Sonic's voice, along with the faint clash of utensils to dishware, resounded through the barren stone walls of the royal dining hall. As Argentine waited for his sister at the doors, he smiled at the Mobian heroes as they approached the humble breakfast bundled in an elegant flourish on the far end of the lengthy wooden table.

Argentine turned from admiring the heroes, and looked behind him and perked in recognition. He moved to let Amy through the small space between the two broad doors as she fiddled with the fabric of her dress. Heat swelled in her cheeks.

"Argentine, the dress is beautiful, but was it really necessary for a simple breakfast? "

Argentine closed the dining hall door behind them, speaking under his breath without making eye contact.

"Honestly, Amelia, I don't see why you shouldn't flaunt your queen-worthy assets. Mother and father will view it as a small step in the right direction."

As Argentine offered her his arm, she sighed, taking his arm gently and allowing her brother to guide her to her seat.

Finally daring to look up, Amy was able to see how everyone was arranged at the far end of the table. On the right side, Sonic, Sally, and Cream had just taken their seats as Shadow, Rouge, Knuckles and Tails moved to the side opposite to them. On each side, they left a seat in between them and the monarchs both sitting at the head of the table. Amy guessed that this is where she and her brother were going to sit, on either side of the king and queen.

As Amy and Argentine approached, King Amelius regarded his children warmly.

"Ah, my children. I am honored by your presence once again. Please sit. It is not much, as the cooks had little time to prepare, but it is a comforting meal nonetheless."

"Thank you, father."

After Argentine prompted Amy to curtsey with his own bow, he beckoned her to her seat next to Cream. As he pulled out her chair, she glanced at her friends across from her, quickly scanning their facial expressions through her eyelashes. Tails busied himself with his wrist communicator, while Rouge and Knuckles conversed in hush next to the kitsune. Seemingly invisible to his former partner, Shadow sat on the other end of the couple. He seemed to want to become one with his chair as he crossed his arms and stared thoughtfully at the layered fruit salad blocking his view of the blue blur across from him.

He must have sensed her eyes on him, for his gaze focussed on her not a moment after she took her seat and Argentine moved to the other side of the table.

And it was as if he saw right through her.

Amy watched him through her peripheral, frozen as she tried to decipher the ebony's empty gaze. A chill ran through her as his eyes came into focus, locking with her own eyes without emotion, before turning back to look at another item on the table and dismissing her without even a raise of his brow.

Amy winced, turning to her empty ceramic plate, rubbing her arm with shame as she remembered their conversation from the night before.

I wonder if he's told them yet. I wonder if they will grow suspicious of me. Maybe he hates me now. I did shut him out last night.

All ears perked as the king cleared his throat.

"Fighter's of Freedom, I wish to thank you once more for successfully releasing us from our prison. Although our release was foretold, we are ever grateful that you sacrificed everything to see to it that Aumoris had its king and queen again. I dedicate this meal of first light to your bravery and your strength."

With a raise of his chalice, the king prompted them to eat.

As the freedom fighters filled their plates and thrummed noises of approval as they chewed, Cream turned to admire Amy's attire.

"Amy, that dress looks wonderful on you," the bunny mumbled in delight.

Amy, who was in the middle of placing a strange fruit on her empty plate, looked down at her person. The dress, with its neckband stretched to the edges of her shoulders, fit to every curve of her body. The white bodice outlined with golden threading was lined with pastel red lace at the waist before the white skirt billowed underneath her.

"Thanks, Cream. I think there is something in my wardrobe that will fit you if you're looking for a change of clothes," Amy mentioned as she noticed Cream was still adorning her casual clothes Tails had brought for her.

Since Cream and Amy's conversation was the only one to break the silence of their feast, it caught the queen's attention.

"Do not worry about your friend's attire, Amelia. I will be providing everyone with suitable clothing after our meal so that they are properly prepared for our gathering at first-dark."

King Amelius paused and glanced at his wife as she beamed in delight, clearing his throat.

"My dear, we have not gotten their approval of the festivities. We must ensure that they are able to attend, no?" he whispered.

"Oh! Yes. Right."

Argentina stood from her half eaten plate and regarded everyone with an embarrassed flourish.

"Fighter's of Freedom, as a token of our gratitude, you are invited to join us for a grand gathering at first-dark. There will be delicious, traditional Amourian treats, dancing, and company from outside our borders to converse with. It will be a wonderful time, so please, if it is possible for you to stay a night, we would be honored to have you."

As Argentina sat, Tails stopped chewing, glancing at his wrist communicator.

"We've been gone for a little over a week in Mobian time. I haven't been able to get a hold of the Chaotix to check on the situation back at home, and I'm worried that the longer we stay, the higher the cost. It's unwise to stay any longer than we have already," Tails explained, scratching the back of his neck after running some calculations on his watch.

Cream perked.

"Tails, I'm sure the Chaotix will be fine if something comes up. Plus, they have back up if anything major happens. We can stay one night, right? Plus, we have to restock and repair before our trip back. We'll all need some rest before we take off."

"Cream, I don't know. I wanted to leave as soon as possible," Tails muttered, his eyebrows turning upward. He never could tell her no, especially when she gave him those innocent, molten-chocolate eyes.

"Hey, little buddy, we can spare a night, no? Look, I'll help speed up the repairs and the rest will split up to gather what we need. Once the hard work is done, we'll have a bit of fun tonight, rest up, and leave first thing in the morning, no questions asked. What do you say?" Sonic negotiated.

Tails' brows furrowed before he looked at everyone else. This was as much his expedition as it was theirs, so he didn't call all of the shots.

"What does everyone else think?"

Sally gave a small smile, locking eyes with the kit.

"I think one more night would be beneficial to us. We've taken a lot of hits since we departed Mobius and I think we are all due for a moment with minimal stress and where there isn't something trying to kill us."

Sonic nodded in agreement along with Cream.

Tails glanced to his right, directly into Knuckles nonchalant purple eyes. Knuckles uncrossed his arms and looked away.

"Not sure what answer you're looking for, but I'm pretty unbiased. Trouble is always brewing on Mobius whether we are there or not. There are other systems in place to keep them at bay besides us. Whether we leave today or tomorrow, we will have to put our trust in those systems to hold out until we decide to get back. It doesn't matter to me whether we leave right at this moment, or next week, as long as the ship is safe enough to get us back to Mobius without another stall in space."

Tails fidgeted, Knuckles' response unsettling him more than the other's answers.

Rouge grabbed her boyfriend's shoulder and moved him aside as she looked at the kitsune with a look of disapproval.

"Don't listen to him, Tails. He just likes to be a conundrum sometimes. I agree with Sally. I think one night won't hurt and I think spending some time in this new place will benefit all of us," she explained, her eyes darting over to Amy as she said this to indicate the underlying issue at hand, the reasons the others were willing to stick it out another night.

Tails nodded with a swallow, regarding Shadow as Rouge made room for him.

"Shadow…?" Tails asked, as the ebony male picked at a full plate. He gave the kitsune a sigh.

"I think it is wise to stay a night. You spent the night calculating and preparing for our departure. You also worried well into the night about the state of Mobius. If you are going to fly us home safely, you'll need a night of worriless sleep, Miles."

Tails cleared his throat, hiding his embarrassment at being caught and turning to Amy with a hesitant tone.

"Amy?"

Amy looked up from her plate, shaking her daze.

"I think just one night could be nice," she murmured.

Argentine stood from his finished meal, gripping his sword hilt.

"Then it is settled then! I shall go and speak with our royal guard to prepare for the festivities and make a trip to secure the Oracle. I'm sure she awaits safe passage to the fortress now that the storm has passed."

Argentina beamed at her son, looking to the heroes.

"If it is provisions you seek, I can ask some of the townsfolk to prepare you some of the best Aumorian produce, dried meats, and curatives for your travels. I'm sure the townsfolk are already preparing gifts of appreciation, so do not worry about preparing those things for your travels."

Tails smiled gratefully after finishing his plate.

"Thank you, Queen Argentina, but we also need to replenish the fuel and make repairs to our ship, erm, traveling vessel. I actually meant to ask if you possibly had some spare parts of some sort?"

The king cocked a brow, inserting himself into the conversation.

"Parts for your traveling vessel? Well, I'm not sure about spare parts, but there is a small vessel that's been untouched for a while that could be of use to you. You can have it or its parts, whatever will aid you in your travels. I'd be more than happy to gift it to you."

"Oh no, you don't have to give us a ship," Tails shook his head with a sweatdrop.

"Oh, I insist. Please. It is of no use to us here and if I can ease the stress of your travels, then by all means."

Tails shared a glance with Sonic who nodded. With a final thought, he turned to the king.

"Sonic and I will start gathering materials and create the fuel right away. We'll need to scavenge through your forest and request some materials from the town, if that's okay with you, your majesty."

"Do what you must, young hero. I have some matters to attend to soon, but I can have the ship running and delivered to you by mid-sun. Just give me your ship's location and I'll be there with a mid-day meal."

"Of course, your majesty."

At their finality, Argentina spoke up.

"Well, while they replenish their traveling vessel, I will take the ladies to find suitable clothing for the festivities. They can also choose proper adornments for their significant others, if they wish. While we're out, I will make an announcement to gather your traveling materials. Aumorians are known for their resourcefulness and they should have your things waiting by the fortress doors before you wake."

Cream, Sally, Rouge, and Amy shared glances of excitement at the mention of a shopping trip. Amy stood, forgetting her half empty plate.

"I guess we should get moving. The day won't wait for us," she hurried, eager to move.

Argentina placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"Amelia, you will join your brother for the day. He has some activities lined up for you to keep you busy while we prepare for the festivities."

"But I don't have a dress for tonight. Shouldn't I go with you?" she asked.

"There is already a dress prepared for you. Plus, I want to get to know these brave female heroes that practically raised you. Can't I have some alone time with them?"

Amy deflated.

"I don't see why not."

As everyone else stood, Knuckles popped his back, shaking the stiffness from his form as Shadow stood beside him.

"Do you need help making that fuel, Tails? I could use some movement," the echidna asked.

"Actually, you might just get in the way. It might be better for you and Shadow to join us later for repairs. We could use the muscle," Tails explained, looking away.

"Get in the way? What can Sonic do that Shadow and I can't?" Knuckles' tone shifted at the offense, but it was more a muted disbelief than anger at the possibility of being labeled incompetent.

Tails shrunk as he explained.

"Sonic has helped me make fuel for all of my transports for years. He's practically a master at it now, and in order for us to get it done by noon, we'll have to split up to gather materials and begin the process. I could teach you and Shadow, but to get it right, it could take days. Not to mention you wouldn't know what to look for and… anyway, it's better if you leave that to us."

Sonic dashed to the other end of the table, putting his arms over a lightly steaming echidna and an irritated ebony hedgehog as he grinned widely.

"Chill, Knux. You two just relax, maybe take a stroll while Tails and I put in some work. We'll have something for you to do before you can bite each other's heads off. I promise."

"Well, I need to put some work into something before I crash through the fortress walls. You know I don't like being cooped up. Is there somewhere I can get a good workout here?"

King Amelius pointed out to the door before he left to attend to his duties.

"Prince Argentine is planning to take Amelia on a tour of the fortress. On his way, he will stop at the knight's training quarters. I'm sure they'll let you join a spar or two if you wish to expend some of your pent up frustrations."

Knuckles smirked, cracking his knuckles.

"Sounds like a plan. Lead the way, Prince."

"Will do, feisty red one."

~aAa~

Good job, Amy. Not only are you on the queen's radar, but now you've got a pensive dark hedgehog burning holes into your back.

The click of her heels and the random chatter of Prince Argentine did nothing to ease the tension in her shoulders as they strode the stone halls of the knight's quarters, on their way to the training room. Behind them, Knuckles followed loosely, peering through cracked doors and observing the combat dummies and weapons strewn about. Yet, directly behind her, a less curious hedgehog followed closely, raising the fur on her neck. She took to nodding and smiling at her brother to keep herself busy, but with every turn of her head, she cold see more of Shadow's

I wonder why he decided to come with us? I guess after being rejected by Sonic and Tails and not exactly keen on shopping for dresses with the queen, his only option would be to come with us.

As they rounded the final corner and the hall opened up, a singular door greeted them on the opposite wall. Before Argentine could grab the handle, a large Aumorian soldier shoved through from the other side, bringing a crescendo of shouts of triumph and agreement with him.

"Oh, my prince! I was just going to meet with the king," the knight breathed, shaken by their approach, kneeling before he could step clear through the doorway.

Argentine shook his head as he brightened with recognition. He beckoned the soldier to stand with his arm outstretched.

"Please, none of that, Ranenkai! Please stand. I may be the prince, but you needn't bow to me like some tyrannical ruler. I am your friend."

As the soldier stood, Amy took notice of the knight's red and white embellishments laced on his armor. He looked important. With his arm at an angle to his chest, the man gave a handsome smile as he gestured respectfully to the prince.

"Honestly, your majesty, do you think that my hand in raising you gives me good reason to disrespect your position? Honestly, Prince Argentine, I could never bring myself to ever knowingly disrespect the Order of the White Rose."

Argentine shook his head lightheartedly as he moved Amy to the forefront.

"Ranenkai, I want you to officially meet Amelia, the lost princess of Aumoris and heir to the Aumorian throne by declaration."

Ranenkai's eyes expanded for a moment as he rested them on Amy. With a softened look and a short bow, he regarded her humbly. Amy flushed at the gesture and stiffened a short curtsey.

"Princess Amelia Rose, it is an honor to finally meet you in the flesh. We have never formally met, for I was but a sickly squire when your birth was announced. I spent much of my days training and defying the odds, climbing the ranks or King Amelius' forces before you were sent away. After the king and queen were imprisoned and I chose to father Prince Argentine while he was in hiding, the prince told me much about you. Such a bright and joyful princess, filled with purpose and strength," Ranenkai explained in hush.

"No, it's an honor to meet you. Thank you for taking care of my brother all of this time," the rose responded carefully.

Argentine gestured to the two behind him.

"These are Amelia's friends, fighters of freedom and noble warriors from the planet Amelia called home until her return. They seek a challenge to busy them while preparations are made for the later festivities. I have also come to relay a few orders from my father and coordinate tactical positions for the event."

"Yes, of course. Please, come in. My men are just beginning their training if you wish to join, young warriors."

Renankai moved from the door, inviting them in.

~aAa~

"...and then Amy summoned her hammer and crushed Eggman's robot like it was a tin can. It was quite a spectacle, but because she was furious that Sonic had left her alone to follow Eggman, she directed her anger to the rest of Dr. Eggman's base. She single-handedly destroyed his computer, ships, and on-going projects before we were able to calm her down and get her out of there before the whole thing self-destructed. It was wild!"

"Oh my! What an adventure. This is all true?"

"Yes, your majesty. Every bit of it."

Queen Argentina was shocked and entertained by the girl's stories. She was baffled at the state of their home, this Mobius, and the evil that was Dr. Eggman. She couldn't help but place a hand on her chest as Rouge covered all of the details of their pursuits and wondered how her daughter had managed through all of the fighting, not knowing how to use her gift properly.

"That all seems… rather dangerous, don't you think? And Amelia participated in all of this as a child?" the queen asked Rouge as she sat on a wooden bench in a quaint shop.

"Somewhat, your majesty. When she was smaller, they wouldn't let her fight, but there were several times where the doctor captured Amy to use as bait for Sonic. But when she was older and trained, the Freedom Fighters allowed Amy to join, particularly when the situation was dire. Of course, she was never placed directly in harm's way, but there were times where harm found her, or she deliberately got in the way. But, Sonic was usually there to save her, as were Shadow and the rest of us when we decided to make our own new team," Rouge amended as she held her arms up.

The bat allowed the Aumorian maidens to size her, bringing fabrics to her waist as she sought the queen's approval of the garments they fitted to the bat. Argentina shook away the first two fabrics and nodded to the third one as the maiden shrunk away with a bow, coming back to place a measure around Rouge's waist.

"You, young Cream, and graceful Sally all have interesting stories. I wasn't expecting to meet such gallant females with such potent energy. I was even more surprised to see that Amelia was raised by others who were also young and quite lost, if you don't mind me calling you that. I mean no offense," the queen mumbled.

Rouge sighed and turned as guided by the maiden handling her.

"Yes, your majesty. We are all… broken in more ways than one, but we banded together and created something worth fighting for. I'm glad that I dropped my own disposition to become a fighter. I … don't usually say it aloud, but I'd kill for my team."

Argentina gave the bat a contented sigh as her words warmed her. She was more than thankful that her daughter found a group that sheltered her in their place. Had Amy turned into a savage outlaw as a result of their war-torn Mobius, she wasn't sure if her return to Aumoris would have been well received. Although, it seemed Amy was pretty close based on her adolescent anger issues and tantrums.

"Princesses in our country are supposed to be gentle and graceful, poised and patient. I see some of those traits in my daughter, but fighting so brutishly is not something conducive of a daughter of the White Rose. Yes, we combat with magics at a distance, but we do not… 'smash' things or 'knock sense' into anyone. It is strange to hear you say these things about my Amelia, but I can only hope that these traits will fall away as we groom her into her position."

Rouge's ears bent low as she looked to the side, her waist squeezed momentarily.

"Is it… really so bad? Women are built to last and deal with the struggles of their worlds in different ways. Is she really no longer princess material if she smashes things? She's considered a hero on Mobius. Why can't she be the same here? Why can't she be both?" Rouge tried, speaking low as not to upset the queen.

Argentina shook her head furrowing her brow as she looked to the stone ground.

"Because it is simply not our way! There are specific roles that ensure the sanctity of Aumoris and it is my job as queen to ensure that it stays that way to make way for the future," Queen Argentina explained sternly.

"I'm sorry your majesty. I didn't mean-"

"It's fine. Really. I think…. I think I just need to give Amelia a moment to realize this. I think she will come around in due time."

Rouge gave a concerned glance to the wall before she was asked to spin, twirling her ball gown for the queen to see. When she came to rest in front of the queen, Argentina was standing, her hands clasped in front of her regally and her frustration hidden behind a mask of approval.

"Yes! This dress is perfect for the event. Please, allow her to see it, Raidia."

Maiden Raidia muttered a low enchantment and a crystal mirror swirled into existence in front of Rouge. The bat admired the gown in awe, taken aback.

"Rouge, you look amazing!"

Rouge strained her neck to see Sally and Cream enter their small dressing room space, both fully clothed after being successfully fitted themselves. Cream clapped in delight as Sally nodded and grinned. The chipmunk approached the queen regally.

"Thank you for the clothes, but must we really be held to such high regard at the gathering? Surely we could just attend as regular guests, your majesty."

Argentina shook her head as Rouge disrobed behind them.

"Nonsense. You are more than just honored guests of the kingdom. If you were not destined to return to Mobius, you would be given high ranking seats on the council. I insist that you take this token of our gratitude before you depart."

"I understand, your majesty. We humbly accept your gratitude."

Argentina nodded, heading for the doorway.

"Now, ladies, let us finish our errands. There are a few townspeople in need of our help and I wish to hear more of your stories. I am particularly interested to hear more about Miles and his inventions and the dark secrets of this Shadow the hedgehog."

The girls shared a glance as they followed behind the overly curious queen as she guided them from the small cottage. As they exited, they were bombarded by a cacophony of voices as a crowd of citizens surrounded their exit. The noise dimmed as they were spotted, and all members of the crowd bowed in unison.

"Your majesty! Fighters of Freedom! Please accept these gifts to make your return to your trip one of luxury!"

The girls sweatdropped as the myriad of people raised gifts, from ornately wefted blankets, to baskets teeming with rare produce. Rouge's eyebrow arched as she thought she spotted a pair of saucy Aumorian lingerie lifted high into the air.

"A-ah, well. This is a surprise, isn't it? Ladies, let's, erhm, accept these gifts, one by one, and begin to transport them to the fortress," the queen chuckled, grabbing the gift hovering closest to her face and thanking the first Aumorian by name.

~aAa~

Amy felt warmth enveloped her as her chest rumbled with hearty laughter. She cupped a cool drink in her lap as she sat on a makeshift seat of hay and wood, watching Ranenkai animatedly tell the story of Argentine's first hog chasing. Argentine looked away as an uncomfortable blush settled on his cheeks and he crossed his arms. Several of the other soldiers that had joined in for the story in between their training matches trickled around them, a few huddled around the hay patches surrounding the pinkette, laughing and tossing their drinks around as they made harmless remarks.

"I had to rub creamy curatives on his rump for two fortnights before he had the guts to try and capture a meerhog again. He toughened up quite a bit after that though. It was a struggle to get him on the right track at first, but I couldn't blame him, after Riven had taken over…" Ranenkai finished.

As the mood humbled and Argentine cleared his throat to tell his own version of the story, Amy was reminded of the ebony as she felt his ruby eyes fall on her once more.

Daring to glance behind her, she peeked back to see the largest expanse of the training room, where two high ranking fellows in armor, no helmets, clashed, sword to lance. On the other side of the practiced scuffle, Knuckles and Shadow watched intently. The echidna watched their every move as he kneeled on the dirt ground, hand on his bent knee as he waited for his turn. Shadow, on the other hand, pressed his back into the wall, arms crossed, emotion vacant.

For a moment, he looked disinterested in the scuffle, then his eyes returned to look at the , this time, their eyes locked.

When Amy caught his eye, she wavered. His rubies were heavy with an emotion she couldn't place from that distance. But the moment she thought she might figure it out, he broke their connection, turning to look at the sword lying haphazardly next to him.

Amy sighed and turned back to the stories, feeling for the warmth once again, dying to feel the joy of these new connections she was making.

I can't help but feel this distance… between me and my friends… between Shadow and me. But… I want to open up to these Aumorians, because they are my people. I want to be sure of myself before I decide and… before it's too late to turn back.

As she tuned in to the stories, Shadow began to watch her once more. Knuckles stood, preparing to clash with the victorious soldier that was celebrating his win at the moment. He spared Shadow a glance, already aware of what distracted the ebony.

"So, when are you planning to have this conversation with Amy?" Knuckles muttered toward the ebony.

Shadow twitched in his direction slightly, allowing his face to betray only a shred of his hidden irritation. He gave the echidna a raise of his eyebrow.

"How did you get this information exactly?"

Knuckles stretched an arm, facing forward as his opponent began to size him up.

"You know Rouge can't keep her mouth shut when she's with me. I know more than I should about you; I'm just not a gossip. Are you going to answer the question?" the echidna grumbled lowly, stretching the other arm.

"Are you going to get on with your fight?"

The echidna bent at the knees, fixing his shoes as he prepared to charge in.

"You know, you're not the only one that doesn't want to see her go."

Shadow's ears perked Knuckles shifted his weight quickly on both toes.

"But you are the only one who has the means to sway her decision. So stop being a scrub and hop to it."

Knuckles popped his knuckles and rushed in as shouts rang about him, the few onlookers ready to see this stranger's combat abilities.

Shadow huffed as he watched the echidna dance with his opponent that was strapped with a sword and shield. Knuckles swayed, dodging slash by slash, playing with fire as he went on without any armor of his own. With a cocky smirk, Knuckles found an opening to strike his first punch and was met with a wooden practice shield. His impact pushed his opponent back, but only left the man shaken and shocked.

"What power!"

"I've never seen anyone push Desimond back with their bare hands, let alone a single blow."

Knuckles puffed as he waited for his opponent to shake his stupor, trying to not get a big head as he caught the comments of the other soldiers. But as he thought to focus, he remembered that he was challenging one of the higher ranking knights, and a cocky grin crawled across his muzzle.

With his opponent focussed once more, he charged, trying a new tactic. As they danced once more, his opponent tried to swipe at his feet, thinking that if he ungrounded the echidna, he'd have the advantage. Knuckles jerked, noticing the change, and jumped at the last minute, lifting himself into the air and landing on the ground on his hands and feet, like a frazzled cat. He did a strong push up to bring himself upright, dodging more sword jabs with a sweat.

In a moment of desperation, Knuckles tried something new himself. Taking a step back and feeling a slice open up his arm, he let his opponent's displaced momentum stun him. With a wind up, he punched the sword aside, charging in to swat at the weaponless knight. He pounded several fast-fisted punches that the knight took with his shield, crouching behind it as the echidna forced him back. As Knuckles backed off, he allowed the knight to get his barring as a friend of his tossed him a lance in place of his lost sword.

With some distance between them, his opponent took to keeping him away with the tip of his lance. The echidna felt the force of the blows dangerously close to the sides of his head as he evaded, but after failing to dislodge his weapon, short gashes began to appear on his muzzle, shoulders, and arms. Catching his breath, Knuckles flipped back to gain some distance and some time to reconsider his plan. Thankfully, his opponent didn't advance, and awaited his next move on the other end of their space.

Amy watched intently, as did her brother and Ranenkai. The silence stiffened the room.

Tightening his fists, Knuckles charged forward, light on his feet as his opponent lifted his shield and continued to keep the echidna at bay with his lance with a combo of slices and jabs. The spotting of blood on the ground alarmed the rose, but seeing the determination on Knuckles face quelled her anxieties momentarily, as she noticed Knuckles was slowly forcing his opponent to retreat to a wall.

Before Knuckles' opponent realized, he'd been backed into a corner. With his back nearly pressed against the wall, he worked to gain some ground, but the echidna turned into a blur of red and was face to-face with him in an instant. Knuckles head-butted the man, ripping his lance from his grip and earning a groan of pain. Jumping back with the lance in hand, Knuckles tossed the weapon and allowed it to land spearhead first into the dirt near Shadow, though the weapon did not shake him.

"Time to show me what you really got. No more weapons."

With his weapon gone, and his wooden practice shield splintered, his opponent lifted his hands in surrender.

"I admit defeat. I am not skilled with my hands alone and obviously you are the better fighter, without armor or weapon. Please. I do not wish to be bloodied up before the festivities."

Knuckles nodded, cracking his neck as he turned to walk back to his place next to Shadow.

"Don't you think you overdid it?"

Knuckles chuckled as he whipped blood from his lip.

"Not even a little bit. Rouge might be a bit upset, but I'm feeling better already. Do you want a round?"

"I'll pass."

"No. Please! You should show them the limitless power you possess, dark one."

Shadow and Knuckles looked up at the white prince's approach. Argentine looked at Shadow with a hopeful expression, wishing to see the ebony's 'shadow enchantment' once again.

"... I don't think that's a good idea, Prince."

"Nonsense. Your enchantment incompacitated Prince Riven and sent him crawling to his grave. I'm sure my top officers would love to witness such great power with their own eyes before you potentially depart from us forever. It would be an honor."

After giving the prince a once over, checking for hidden motives, he sighed as he found none. After nodding, the prince trotted off to set up three dummies in the center of the room. As he did this, Shadow couldn't help but think about how, like with Amy, he couldn't seem to tell the white prince no when he came at him with that innocent gaze.

"There. Everything is ready for you and we are all watching. Let us witness the moves you used to destroy the dark prince!"

Centering himself, Shadow took a moment to breathe in and out just once. He honed in on the middle dummy as he held his breath, chaos energy crackling between his thumb and forefinger as he displayed his first move.

"Chaos blast!"

After relinquishing the first shot, he turned to the next dummy, raising his arm as if to toss something.

"Chaos spear! Chaos-"

After spearing the dummy, the ebony charged the last, disappearing momentarily and reappearing behind it.

"-control!"

Grabbing the hay-filled man, he ripped it in half with his bare hands, tossing one half to the ground and crushing it with his shoe and throwing the other skyward. After chaos blasting the one at his feet, he quickly chaos-speared the other half, lighting it on fire as it landed on the ground near him.

As a weighted silence sustained the room, Shadow stepped up to the small fire he'd started and snuffed it out with his shoe. Looking up to see the reactions of the other knights, looks of disbelief, muted fear, and admiration greeted him.

"And I thought the red one had power."

"Now I see why the king wishes to honor them so."

As the awed voices of the knights began to lift the room, Shadow returned to his place next to Knuckles, his head down, wishing to become invisible.

"Nice work. I think you made that one guy in the corner piss himself. Did you have to rip that dummy in half though? That was kind of rude."

Ignoring the echidna's teasing, Shadow dared look up to place his eyes on the rose and was racked with mild panic as he saw her and Argentine bowing to Ranenkai and heading for the door.

"Rose…"

Before he could reach for her, Knuckles stopped him. Ignoring the dark hedgehog's glare, Knuckles shook his head.

"Let her go for now. You'll get your chance. She only has a handful of hours to figure this out."

Shadow deflated as he watched her exit the musty practice room, brother in tow.

~aAa~

Sonic kicked up the soil as he made way to their perch on the hill. As their damaged ship came into view, he headed to a tree, where his two-tailed friend rested safely under its foliage, protected from the Aumorian sun.

"Hey buddy. I brought the rest of the supplies," he chirped as he halted in front of the kitsune.

"Thanks, Sonic. You can place them right there," Tails directed without looking at Sonic.

Tails currently fiddled with another of his odd-looking inventions, a contraption with a metal cone at the top, and a rubber tube at the bottom. As Sonic set the bucket of supplies down, he placed a second bucket near the kitsune, who grabbed the empty vessel and placed it under the runner tube. As Sonic reached for the flora that he'd scavenged, he scratched it with a rock and handed it to Tails. Tails dropped the item into the top of the invention, along with a few drops from a bottle, and out came a dark fluid, pooling at the bottom of the bucket.

As the two continued this process in silence, Sonic sighed, closing his eyes and letting the Aumorian skies calm him and the winds rustle his quills.

"Why do you want to leave so bad, buddy? I know this isn't home, but this place sounds like a great planet to explore."

Tails continued to work at a steady pace, his facials never changing.

"Sonic, we have obligations back on Mobius that need constant attention. I have many projects waiting for me and you know, for a fact that trouble doesn't wait for the heroes to be ready for them. Our enemies strike when least expected, and I don't want to be caught off guard like we were at the start of all this fiasco. I want to be ready… no… I have to be ready next time."

As the rustle of leaves permeated their pause, Sonic gazed at his little buddy until the lit finally stopped his ministrations and looked him in the eye with his frazzled blue eyes.

"What else is getting under your fur, buddy? I know there's something else."

Tails sighed as he gave in.

"And… I want to get Cream and everyone else out of here before something else happens."

Sonic's ear twitched, a blank stare taking over his features.

"What do you mean little buddy? Aumoris is saved, and the king said Riven is unlikely to come back. Plus, the queen erected that magical, protective barrier thing. We're all good."

Tails facial features contorted in mild frustration as he looked into the sky, glaring at something in particular.

"Tails…?"

Before the blue blur could look to find what the kit was staring at, Tails' finger darted up, drawing Sonic's eye to a distant, small and growing smoke stack emerging from the mountains gracing the bottom of the horizon.

"That is why I want to get out of here so badly. There were several smoke stacks emitting from the mountains early this morning, before daylight showed up, and now there is only one. I have a theory that the dark prince isn't finished with Aumoris, and that final smoke stack means he's almost finished with whatever is brewing."

As Sonic brought his attention back to the task at hand, the new information racked his brain, bringing out the leader in him as he debated on whether or not something needed to be done.

"Tails, don't worry. If the prince comes back, Aumoris will be ready for him now that the king and queen have returned. And if we are still here, I'm sure we have the means to kick his butt with the queen's magical, gift-giving abilities. We'll have horses, swords, and soldiers as back up. No worries, little buddy."

As Sonic moved to ruffle Tails' fur, the kit dodged his hand, looking back at Sonic with a guarded look.

"Tails?"

"I don't want to fight their battles. I won't subject Cream to that, especially since I can't get her to stop playing hero and risking her life for others. You asked me what was wrong and I said it. I don't want to be here any longer and I want to leave Aumoris to their troubles. They will do fine without us."

As Tails stood to take a break from his task, an abnormal gust of wind breathed life into their fur. A ship, three times the size of their own, climbed high above their hill, wheezing with flight and coming to rest right above their own transport. As the two put a hand to the sun in an attempt to examine the aircraft, they noticed the king waving from a small opening at the bottom of the ship.

A ladder stretched down to them and they climbed up, King Amelius greeting them with a hand shake they weren't used to. He beamed at them as they were silenced in awe.

"Your majesty, this ship… it's wonderful," Tails breathed.

"Yeah, what a beaut!" Sonic exclaimed with a whistle.

"I'm glad you like it, my boys. Let me show you around."

As they toured the craft, Tails shook his head at the extravagant walls lined in a metal the color of the evening sky. After placing his hand on it, he determined the craft light and quick, yet near impenetrable. The center console had many foreign controls and contraptions, littered with displays that floated toward them. There wasn't a digital screen in sight and Tails couldn't find the line between reality and myth as he took in the possibilities that lifted this ship into the sky.

"Your majesty, we can't take this off of your hands. Please. This isn't something you should part with. If something happens to Aumoris, or this planet, this could be a great craft to escape in. We really don't need this. Just a few parts and we'll be on our way," Tails protested.

"Ah, dear boy, I have a handful of these crafts underneath the castle, some small, others larger. I thought this one would give you the space you need to relax on your journey home, but would be small enough to get you home quickly and without any stress. And, this craft has a grand undercarriage that can hold your smaller, damaged ship, so you can take your own craft home with you."

Sonic's eyes bugged.

"You have more of these guys? Neat. What's your secret?" Sonic asked, raising a brow of curiosity.

"There is no secret. Not an intentional one, really. You see, our bloodline, the line of the white rose, and the people we serve and govern, are not of this planet of Iradel."

The king placed a hand on the center console as he reflected on past events.

"My wife, children, people and I are all the offspring of a great lineage of people that were known for their nomadic behavior, each millennia, skipping from planet to planet, creating a lush civilization, flourishing with vapid technology and renewable ideas. It was a way of life, you see, to start new cities on empty worlds, and leave them abandoned from developing life forms to find when ready, so that they may have a head start on their new life."

"Really? So, your people built civilizations on other planets, with functioning systems, so when new lifeforms evolved enough to reach for civilized behaviors, they would have a civilization ready for them to begin? That's a rather intense way to pay it forward," Tails mused.

"Yes. But, at the start of the last civilization, our people were attacked, invaded by strong creatures of that world, and only a few survivors made it out, taking what they could of their knowledge and technology as the rest was overtaken in flame. The story of our people is passed down by tongue, and since only a few books made it to Iradel, there are no guides on how to build these grand civilizations our people were known for."

The king gave them his firm expression as he concluded.

"Aumoris is the place my forefathers claimed as home, and with their limited resources, they built this city, the few people we could save reproduced, and we began anew here, vowing to make Aumoris our permanent residence and seeing no need to continue with the legacy our people once knew. Our new legacy is to simply exist for ourselves."

Sonic nodded as it clicked.

"So, since you don't plan to planet hop anymore, you really don't need this ship."

"If Aumoris were to be invaded once more, fleeing would be the last thing on my agenda, and I think the people of Aumoris would agree. We will die on Aumorian grounds fighting to protect it. And, I'd rather pass on some of our ancient technology to you, two-tailed one. You are bright and riddled with skills. I think this craft would do better in your hands than mine. With most of our knowledge destroyed, I have not the time, nor the need to solve the mystery of ancient, Aumorian technology myself. Maybe, this is an undertaking destined for you. Please, it is yours."

The king handed a guide book to the kitsune as he took it with two hands, feeling the weight of a new task, a new challenge.

"Now, let's eat that mid-sun meal I promised you!"

~aAa~

"Ah, we've made it. And with some time to spare, it seems," Queen Argentina huffed thankfully, placing the two crates full of gifts in front of the fortress doors and sitting on a large rock bordering the walkway.

As the queen caught her breath, placing her hands on her knees, Rouge flew to the doors and placed her crates beside the queen's load. With an exhausted sigh, she plopped down next to the queen, a small sweat dripping to her neck.

"Well, you weren't lying when you said Aumorians were resourceful, your majesty. They even gave us a carriage to transport all of the goods," Rouge mused, squirting in the distance to see if she could see Cream and Sally.

"Yes, but I wasn't expecting them to present so much so soon. Are Lady Cream and Princess Sally nearing the fortress?"

Rouge continued to search for the carriage they were guiding, but she saw no trace of them. She released a breath and turned to the queen as she shook her head.

"Not yet, your majesty," Rouge responded, but was riddled with concern as she read the queen's somber expression.

"Is there something wrong, your majesty?" Rouge asked, eyebrows furrowed.

Queen Argentina breathed a wet laugh, her eyelids low and pooled with light tears.

"There is… something I must confess to you, Lady Rouge. And if it isn't any trouble, could you keep this between you and me?" the queen pleaded.

"Of course, your majesty," Rouge said as she faced the queen and huddled close to her.

"You see, my Amelia… I fear for her safety if she returns to this Mobius with you, for she will not be the same as she was before."

Rouge's expression was caught between perplexity and mild relief. She was confused as to what changes could put Amy's life in danger, as she was a seasoned fighter and headstrong warrior, but was relieved to hear that the decision to leave or to stay was actually in Amy's hands. Rouge had feared that, if Amy decided to return to Mobius in the end, the king and queen would refuse to let her go, even though they claimed it was ultimately her decision. Rouge knew how backwards royal politics could get, and the bat didn't know the king and queen well enough to gage whether or not they would pull some last minute decree to guilt-trip Amy into princesshood.

"I'm afraid I do not understand, your majesty. Why would Amy be in danger? After this fiasco, I would think Amy would come out stronger than ever before, if you ask me."

The queen shook her head.

"No, you misunderstand. Whatever combat abilities she accumulated as a fighter of freedom will stay with her, as much as I detest it, but… her gifts, the ones she relinquished and returned to our council… they were not gifts of her own. I fear she, unknowingly, used these gifts in her trials on Mobius, an advantage to any adolescent girl in her situation, but now that she has returned them, she will not be of the caliber you expect her to be if she is to resume her usual activities as a member of your team."

Rouge swallowed, trying to understand the weight of the situation.

"So, what abilities did she lose, exactly?"

Queen Argentina's gaze drew skyward.

"Renankai's strength and durability, Ovaria's knack for tracking and card reading, Ruroni's swiftness, Namekeep's intelligence and memory, and several other talents that were never hers to begin with. You see, I sealed my council's gifts away inside of Amelia to keep Riven from using them for his own cruel deeds and to strip my council of any markers that would give away their true identities, so they could successfully go into hiding. I did not think… to seal them with a dormancy spell so Amelia would not be able to use them for herself," the queen sighed.

"Oh, I see," Rouge muttered as she looked at the stones, ears bent back in unease.

"Amy… she possesses my ability. She is a conjurer, a creator of things, giver of gifts. All women in our lineage are blessed with some form of this gift. But, because her power did not blossom before we sent her away, I never got the chance to teach her how to wield. If she returns to Mobius in this state, she will be of no use to you."

Rouge's head jerked up, irritation bubbling to the surface.

"I mean you no offense, your majesty, but we don't include Amy in our circle just so we can use her for her abilities. We are like family. If Amy decides to return to Mobius, we will gladly take her with us and protect her at all costs."

"Well, I'm glad to hear it, but I still feel she will be more of a burden in her current state. And there is nothing I can give her to help her regain the strength or speed she lost. After scanning her, I discovered her power had blossomed at some point during our absence and she has an object conjuring gift, unlike my own conjuring gift, which allows me to conjure both skills and living gifts from thin air to bestow upon others," the queen started to explain.

Rouge's ears perked as she listened to the details of Amy's conjuring gift.

"Her version of conjuring is difficult to master, and it would take several turns of the moon just to teach her to conjure something as simple as a pebble, let alone an object large and complex enough to aid her in battle. It is best if she stays here, where we can protect her and teach her how to conjurer, if she so wishes. But it doesn't seem she understands the danger if she goes, and I was hoping that if I told you of her secret, that you may be able to get her to reconsider."

"Your majesty, you mentioned that Amy's power allows her to conjure objects, right?"

"Yes. Inorganic, of course," the queen amended as Rouge's excited tone worried her.

"Did anyone on your council possess a hammer with their gift by any chance?" Rouge asked.

The queen stopped a moment to think.

"No, not that I can recall."

"Well, then I'll be the first to tell you that Amy might have a better handle of her own conjuring gift than you think."

"Are you insinuating that you've seen my Amelia create a weapon of her own? Impossible!" the queen sounded breathless as she leaned toward the bat.

"You bet ya, your majesty. Amy might not be as helpless as you think."

As the queen eyed the bat, the carriage transporting the rest of the gifts teetered in Queen Argentina's peripheral vision. Both women turned to greet Cream and Sally as they stopped the horse-drawn carriage and dismounted.

"It seems you might be more capable than I thought, my daughter," Argentina muttered under her breath as the fortress doors opened to give them entrance.

~aAa~

Amy became one with her seat as the clatter and rumble of the carriage rocked her into a lull, easing her stress and calming her nerves as she listened to her brother tell yet another story. She would be lying if she said she couldn't stand to hear another word from him. He was entertaining, funny, and very eloquent, even when he was bad-mouthing someone or himself.

"Ah, Amelia, I'm glad you did not have to grow up scooping hog dung and picking up after Prince Riven. My duties as a squire were grimy and torturous, to say the least, but the dark prince was such a slob. I couldn't stand to watch him eat."

"Haha. I'm sorry you had to deal with that, Argentine. I wish I had been there to bail you out."

"No. Sending you away was for the best. There were several things we accomplished by sending you off to safety, so I do not regret placing you in that pod and letting you go."

Argentine's eyes darkened as he reached across the short space between their seats to grasp his sister's hands. Amy hesitantly looked into his eyes, but they were downturned as he mumbled.

"Amelia… you have changed. I know time and situation change even the strongest of hearts, and you were but a mere child when you were sent away, but you are not as I remember. And that pains me."

"Argentine… I'm still… I am your sister. Nothing can change that."

"Yes, I know, but I want you to be my Aumorian sister. The little girl that warmed my heart with her plans to rule this country with grace. Every night in my adolescence I dreamed of your return, and I always pictured you sitting high on the throne as I basked in your glory, leading my army by your side and protecting you when others could not. I know, it's silly of me to… become so sullen because my expectations have not been met, but I cannot seem to let go of my childish dreams."

As Argentine looked up to her, Amy pursed her lips and grabbed his shoulders.

"Argentine, if I decided to return to Mobius with my friends, what would happen to Aumoris?"

"Well, if you left, the throne would go to the next in line, and in the event something were to happen to mother and father, I would rule in their stead. If you were to return within 5 years of my rise to the throne, you could reclaim it if you wanted, just by asking for it to be so. I would have to comply," Argentine mused.

"I see."

"You wish to return to this Mobius? Even with all of the Aumorians you have met today? Even though our tour around the fortress rekindled vague memories of your past? Even now as we travel to the outskirts of the city, smothered in gifts, blessings, and love from your people that still adore you so?"

Amy shrank into her seat, trying to squash the conflicting feeling fighting for dominance in the pit of her stomach.

"Argentine, I don't know where to go yet, but I don't want to get anyone's hopes up. I took an oath on Mobius and I won't break from Mobius until I fulfill it to some degree."

"But you took an oath to rule Aumoris as well! I don't want to make you choose Aumoris, but which is more important to you, home or surrogate home?"

Amy's eyebrows furrowed as she snatched her hands from her brother, turning to glare out the carriage window. She heard an audible grumble of frustration escape Argentine's mouth as she watched the stone buildings pass in the distance, tree trunks shrouding them every so often as they traveled deep into the forest.

"I'm sorry, Amelia. I don't know what has gotten into me."

Argentine shifted, but Amy still held her gaze elsewhere.

As their transport came to a stop, the royal siblings emerged from either side of the carriage, approaching the familiar wall that kept normal people from entering the Oracle's lair.

"Hmm, something's not right," Amy muttered as she placed her hand on the wall, waiting for the Oracle to bid her entrance.

As Argentine followed suite, he placed his palms on several areas of the wall, waiting and listening.

"Do you think something happened to the Oracle?" Amy asked.

Argentine stepped back, growing serious.

"Let's find out, shall we?"

Argentine reached for Amy's hand and, before she could protest, the prince spoke a swift incantation that allowed them to phase through the wall.

"A… little warning next time?" Amy gasped as she wobbled from the vertigo on the other end of the wall.

"Sorry. The Oracle left me a 'key' to her chambers, to be used for emergencies."

As their eyes adjusted to the darkness and the glowing swirls on the wall gave little away in the cavern, Argentine walked to the wall, sliding his hand over some inscriptions.

"No one's home," Amy murmured as she rubbed her arms and wandered down a hall, away from her brother.

"No, she isn't. It says in this note that she's gone on a pilgrimage as requested by her past selves. Her return is undetermined."

"A pilgrimage? We saw the Oracle the other day. She couldn't have gone far. Maybe we should go after her?"

Argentine beckoned for his sister to return to the wall.

"No. If the Oracle has been ordered by her deities to go, then she will not be stopped so easily. We should return to Aumoris and tell father about her note. He will know how to proceed."

As they shifted through the wall once more, an evening breeze rustled the rose's quills as she allowed the rush to quell her nausea.

As Argentine walked back to their carriage, Amy followed slowly, but stopped to lose herself in the picturesque view of the city before them. She placed a hand on her stomach as an uneasy feeling settled inside of her.

~aAa~

A/N: I cannot apologize enough for both the length of this chapter and the wait I've put you all through. All I can say is that life is wild and it knocks you from one end to the next without hesitation and it doesn't even give you a moment to breathe. But I don't want to make any excuses, or promises. I just want to get more stories out to you.

And that's exactly what I'm going to do now.

Two more chapters and a potential epilogue and this story is closed. My next projects are up for debate right now, but I'm leaning toward starting a few stories at once, as I want to get these stories written while their ideas are still fresh. Nothing hurts me more than to struggle to start a fictional piece that I only have vague memories of, because then I have to start making up fillers as I go or spend weeks trying to remember details of the plot.

My top projects are the prequel to this story, The Story of Amy Rose: The Promise, a zombie story, Mobian Apocalyptica, and an unnamed sonic riders story.(I know… a sonic riders story? What the hell, FallenViolet) These are all shadamy stories with fresh and completed plots. Nonetheless, these are the stories I've been developing for the past few months when I have a little bit of time to myself, and I would like to start those next. Others stories might join them, but the plan is to finish those first and try to post once a week, maybe twice, in an effort to finish them before fall begins. Crafting stories is my passion and I really enjoy practicing my craft through fanfiction, especially for my favorite fandoms.

Anyway, the next chapter will FINALLY include the romance you've been waiting for. Congrats if you made it this far and forgive the lengthiness. I felt there were things that needed more explaining here and I needed a reasonable transitional chapter to switch into the final phase of this story. My goal is to get better at shortening my chapters and only including the necessities because I know that some readers do not like long, 40+ chapters. Future stories will likely not be like this.

R&R