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.

13. A Reverential Summons

A/N #1: I'm sorry this is taking me ages to update. I've been typing this chapter every few weeks in between two jobs for months(I feel like a negligent fanfiction author). Working both jobs has been the only way I've been able to make ends meet while also saving for a big move I plan to make next year in June. I will quit one of my jobs in January thankfully, so I should have a little more time for all of my personal projects, as I still have the passion to write several developed shadamy stories. I only wished I had made more time for these things when I was still in high school and had minimal responsibilities. T_T

Sooo, the romance was supposed to be tagged at the other end of this chapter, hence the lead up, but it was going to be way too long for one sitting. Hence, the chapter had to be split in half, as I am no good with shortening things, as you can tell. So here's the next installment so at least you have something to read. Look forward to the other half of this chapter next week. It still needs some final additions and edits, but it contains the romance I know some of ya'll have been waiting for.

A/N #2: For reference, check out this art my sister drew for this part in the story. It features our main characters in royal dress for this chapter:

- The girls: oxamaidreamingxo/art/Princess-Amelia-Rose-and-Co-887834182?ga_submit_new=10%3A1628124329

- The guys: oxamaidreamingxo/art/Sonic-Boys-Ball-887837602

If you're looking for more art in her style, follow our shared Deviantart account where we are creating a comic based on Sonic Team's NiGHTS. My sister and I are still refining the complete first chapter for this comic, and we have made a deal to also put her art for my future stories in a folder on the same account. The account is the same one you go to when you click on the links above, but I'll also link our account homepage below.

Deviantart account: oxamaidreamingxo

If you like video game art, follow her on instagram at dynamica.x/ . This is where she posts her personal practice.

Onward!

Chapter 12: A Reverential Summons

Evening descended on the Aumorian fortress with haste as small carriages and soldiers milled about the entrance. Distinguished nobility from right outside the northern and southern Aumorian borders pooled around the fortress entrance, each noble pair greeted by a guardian of the Order of the White Rose. With the swirl of fabric dragging along the cobblestone to the elegant foyer and the click of decorum flouncing off the tower walls, the festivities began.

Enclosed in the walls of her room, Amy peered through the glass of her balcony doors, wanting nothing but to open them and escape, though it was much too late for that. Mulberry rays of dappled sunlight lingered in the deepening Aumorian sky and Amy's jade orbs lingered on the tops of the trees, the pinkette refusing to blink as the dimming light immortalized them. She heard her brother's call as he finished preparations behind her. With a light sigh, she twisted around to spot the prince waiting by her bedside, admiring a dainty fabric between his thumb and forefinger.

"I never realized just how grand Mother's dresses from her youth were. I guess Aumorian magics never fail in preserving such fabrics."

As Amy came to his side, she did a double take as she finally caught a glimpse of Argentine's choice in dress for her this evening. Fanned out across her freshly pressed sheets, the outer layer of the dress shimmered above a cream-to-alabaster gradient underneath. The v-neck ball gown was etched with rose-colored floral intricacies and sleeves that Amy guessed were supposed to fall over her shoulders. Blinking from her stupor, she did a once over the dress as her brother's statement resonated in her mind.

"You… picked this from mother's wardrobe… for me?"

"Yes! I thought that this might be something you'd like. I tried to take notes from the few outfits I've seen you in the past few days and mixed those styles with your clothing tastes from your early childhood on Aumoris. So, what do you think? Too much?"

Amy shook her head as her hand floated above the delicate fabric, feeling undeserving of such a thing.

"No. It's wonderful. I think… I think you did a good job. Thank you," Amy muttered.

Argentine gave her a warm smile and perched on her bedside.

"I'm glad. I wanted to redeem myself a bit after upsetting you. I spent hours yesterday, risking sleep deprivation to pick the perfect gown for the occasion, but left to bed undecided. I wanted to start early because our mother has nearly a thousand dresses, so when I went to retrieve your gown only moments ago, my anxieties rose as I realized I hadn't made a choice. I figured tonight was a very important night for you, moreso than for me, at least, and I didn't want to ruin it by dressing you distastefully," Argentine explained, turning to her wall, speaking his thoughts to a picture frame that hung there.

Amy perked, leaning against her bedpost.

"Something tells me you've spent quite a bit of time with mother," Amy tried cautiously.

Argentine responded with a warm, endearing look to the ground.

"Yes. I'm closer to our mother than our father, not because I dislike our father, not by any means. I spent many days by mother's side when she was pregnant with you, vowing to protect her while father was off, fighting in a battle abroad, and then some after your birth. I learned that she was stronger than I gave her credit for and she really didn't need me or our father to take care of her. She simply accepted a role that looks submissive on the surface. Mother is really someone to look up to. I admire many of our mother's qualities and wish to reflect those promising traits."

As he brought his gaze back to Amy, he was warmed by the light twinkle in her eyes as the surface caught the candle light.

"And I believe that you already possess those traits, Amelia. I can see the potential. All it takes is for you to accept it."

Amy's eyebrow furrowed.

"Accept it? But… how?"

Argentine stood with a hum, looking to the ground.

"By accepting everything, Amelia. Accept who you are, your origin, and your purpose, no matter what that might be at this time. Just accept us and the things you cannot control. I think, then, your inner turmoil might lessen to some extent."

And with that, Argentine turned to her door, leaving a final comment before seeing himself out.

"I will send Ovaria in after me. I'll be waiting at the foot of the stairs to present you properly."

~aAa~

The rythmic clicking alerted the blue blur to a being approaching from the staircase beside him, pulling him from the trance induced by the noisy hum that waited on the other side of the throne room doors. With his arms behind his back, he twisted to regard his fiance, but he found his greeting caught in his throat as she stepped into the low glow of ethereal light.

"Cat got your tongue, Sonic?" Sally teased with a gorgeous curve of her lips.

Sonic cleared his throat as he regained his composure, Sally stepping in front of him as he uncharacteristically flushed at the sight of her. Her gown graced her figure in faded teal, billowing at the waist from a clutter of lace flowers that matched those on the top of her sleeves, all various shades of pink. Scratching the back of his head with a nervous chuckle, he responded.

"Sal, you look… umm… well… I guess I'm at a loss for words," he amended.

Her grin widened as she placed an arm on his shoulder.

"Sonic, you see me in evening gowns like this all of the time," Sally commented as she adjusted the golden shoulder plate that kept his red cape in place. A band on his uppermost quill caught a glint as he shifted into her.

Sonic warmed, bringing an arm to her waist, cupping her into him.

"I know, Sally, but after bringing you here and putting your life in danger… I don't know… I guess I'm just coming to realize just how lucky I am."

Sally chuckled, putting a finger to his lips as her sleeves cascaded down his chest.

"I decided to come on my own, Sonic, to be of help. None of my pain is your fault. But we should save our conversation for later. We have a gathering to attend to. Plus, we should wait until we are alone. I think it's only appropriate that we wait to discuss anything… that isn't meant for certain ears."

As Sally said this, the sifting of two other skirts across the stair steps caught their attention. Cream and Rouge approached them, one with a coy smile, the other with a look of apprehension. They stood beside the couple, now at ground level, joining them as they waited to be formally announced.

"I'm sorry. Are we interrupting something?" Rouge asked.

Sally kept her face straight, but closed her eyes with a dignified look as she felt an obvious blush creep onto her muzzle.

"We were just expressing our gratitude for the king and queen's hospitality and generosity, but I thought it better to save our kind words for the king and queen themselves," Sally contended.

Rouge gave the princess a sly sideways glance as the chipmunk fiddled with her dress.

"Oh really? Sounds more like you two were making plans to share your gratitude with each other," Rouge lightly teased.

As Sonic gave a nervous chuckle and Sally's blush deepened, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow appeared from a crevice beneath the stairs. They were clad in similar attire to Sonic's, Knuckles, Tails, and Shadow bearing gold shoulder plates of differing shapes and sizes that held their capes in place. As the dimmed ethereal lights caressed them, the cacophony from the other side of the throne room doors came to a hush.

"Rouge, I don't think this is the time to make people feel uncomfortable. We're already being honored by the king and queen in front of a bunch of uptight nobles. No need to add to the anxiety of the situation," Knuckles reprimanded lightly as he came to her side.

Rouged playfully scoffed under her breath as she focussed on Knuckles and his honorary drapery fluttered in his approach, smirking admirably and reaching for his arm.

"They do this stuff all of the time, Knux. They'll be fine," Rouge muttered, curling her arm around his bicep and firmly squeezing it to her bosom comfortably.

As Knuckles hid a blush, he took a moment to admire the bat's ruby red evening gown, simple, but accenting her feminine figure with a rippling v-neck that rested right off the shoulder, hugging her collar bones together. Scratching his neck subtly, he pulled her closer to his side.

"Y-you… look beautiful tonight," he complimented under his breath, as Tails drew Cream's attention and Sally and Sonic continued their conversation out of earshot. Shadow scrutinized their closeness with an expressionless stare before walking through the group to lean against the stair railing. No one paid him any attention.

"Why, thank you, handsome man. If you didn't stutter, I might have swooned at the just the sound of your voice," Rouge teased, earning a deepening flush from her partner. Rouge intertwined their fingers as her sleeves slipped over her palms.

Knuckles grumbled in embarrassment as Tails enveloped Cream's hands in his own behind them, taking in her gown, a faded teal, floor length skirt with a translucent, shaw-like top and canary-colored fitted bodice underneath. Tails brought a hand to brush a curl from her neck as he admired the gold floral etchings lining her v-neck and cascaded slightly from the waist. He spoke to her as she hummed in delight.

"This dress really suits you, Cream. I think… you look mesmerizing."

Cream caressed the hand that hovered near her neck, warmly smiling at her kitsune.

"Thank you. I think this adornment suits you as well. I think I might be falling in love all over again," she twinkled.

Swift footfalls alerted the group to another approaching their isolated group. As they stood at attention, Ovaria materialized from the darkness, sporting a dress lined with small patches of silver armor. Holding a scroll and unraveling it as she addressed them, huffing a quick relaxing sigh and looking up at them gratefully.

"Fighter's of Freedom, it is now your time to be presented to the court. Before you go, I want to personally thank you once again for aiding our people. There is not enough gratitude in all of Aumoris that could even come close to what you deserve," Ovaria thanked with the close of her scroll and a bow.

Sonic came to the front row, putting a hand up to her with a shake of his head.

"There's no need. It's our job to save people, and, personally, I wouldn't have stood by for very long knowing the people of Aumoris needed help," Sonic stated. Sally stood at his flank with a nod as Ovaria pursed her lips in an attempt to keep from crying.

"Thank you, young heroes. The court awaits. When I open the doors for you, walk forward in the order you would like, slowly make your way to the king and queen, and after they formally thank you, proceed to the right flank, where honorary placements have been made to accommodate you," Ovaria explained with a sniff, turning to pry open one of the large doors to allow them entry.

Before Sonic took the lead, he held his arm out for Sally who accepted it gingerly, sharing a look of determination. With the rolling signal of Aumorian horns, they stepped through the threshold, Knuckles and Rouge at their heels, then Cream, Tails, and Shadow trailing behind them.

"Introducing Sonic and Princess Sally Acorn of Mobius, fierce leaders of the Freedom Fighters, Knuckles and Rouge, loyal partners, Tails and Cream, eager young fighters, and Shadow, wielder of dark magics, all friends of Princess Amelia Rose and allies to the Order of the White Rose."

As their introduction echoed off the walls of the throne-room-turned-ballroom, the bevelled ceilings swathed in elegant Aumorian murals encased the room filled with nobles, only now glittering as the torches lining the walls around and above them highlighting the gold, brown, and white fixtures above them. Refracting speckles of firelight about them, a crystal chandelier hung at the pinnacle of several arching columns, centered and dousing the crowd in gossamer. The Freedom Fighter's moved down a red carpet lined in gold on a brown marble floor, ending at the foot of the throne.

Only a few feet from the carpet, a slew of nobility, holding chalices and other items, watched intently, some with looks of curiosity, others with unreadable expressions. Their clothing was varied, but all distinguished themselves with their own embellishments lining their skirts and shoulders, signifying their rank or title, Sonic assumed.

As they neared the throne, Rouge noticed the seven small seats to the right side, flanking the empty seat next to the queen's grand chair, and the left side, closer to the wall, a lengthy brown table held a wide variety of Aumorian treats, even more colorful than the treats they'd been given that morning. With an arch of her brow, she turned back to the king and queen as she picked up a whisper behind her.

"This looks nothing like the room we ate in this morning," Cream muttered as best she could without disturbing the smile she'd anxiously plastered on her face.

Tails leaned toward her slightly, as if to kiss her ear, whispering back in the same manner.

"The queen must have transformed it using her powers."

Satisfied with that answer and wishing not to ruin the moment created to honor them, they hushed and paused before King Amelius and Queen Argentina, waiting for Sonic to initiate the next move as practiced. The reverential music reverberated through the hall as it diminished, all eyes on the group of heroes waiting before the king and queen.

Sonic led Sally into a bow and the other's followed suit.

"King Amelius, Queen Argentina, thank you for inviting us to this gathering. We understand that you must have a great deal of trust in us to allow us into your gathering meant for the discussion of personal affairs and the future of Aumoris. It is an honor to be here," Sally imparted.

As Sally spoke for them, the king stood, along with the queen. The king shook his head with a humbled look, the queen brandishing her staff as she glittered.

"Please, heroes of Mobius, we should be thanking you for risking your lives for our cause. We present you not only as honored guests of our court, but as legendary fighters, and as such, we wish to bestow upon you marks of your courage," the king bellowed, gesturing to the remainder of the court.

Giving a swift swing of his wrist, seven knights emerged from the crowd, falling in line as each came before the mobian heroes. Rouge shared a look of confusion with Knuckles as Tails and Cream anxiously looked at the knights that expressionlessly stared elsewhere as they towered over them. Velvet cloths covered the items that rested in each of their hands, drawing the Mobians' curiosity.

"Please, come forward as I call for you," the queen urged gently.

With a look of understanding from Sonic, the queen began.

"Come forth, Sonic of Mobius. For your bravery, swiftness in battle, and quick wit against the dark prince, we bestow the mark of the Bold. Your compassion for our people and the way in which you stopped Prince Riven with a confident flare has earned you this title. And, with this, we seal it and make it so."

At Queen Argentina's announcement, the first knight furthest to the right end, lifted the cloth covering a lush pillow with a singular, glittering object centered on the fabric. As Sonic stepped forward and blinked, the knight came to him, revealing the shining blue brooch lined in gold.

As Sonic looked up at the knight with a smirk, he made a short remark.

"Not to be a spoil sport, but I don't exactly have a place to put that beautiful piece."

As Sonic said this, the knight gingerly lifted the brooch and cupped it to his gold shoulder piece. After a moment, Sonic looked between the knight and the shoulder plate and wondered if he should be doing something, but then he looked up at the queen as she muttered something under her breath and her eyes flashed.

Sonic blinked as heat seeped from the knight's palm momentarily. As the knight retracted his arm and fled back into the crowd, Sonic was left to ogle at the glittering pendant that was now melded to his shoulder plate.

"Woah," Sonic muttered, mystified.

And in order, the queen proceeded to give reverent titles to the other heroes as such.

"Princess Sally of Mobius, you have been bestowed the mark of the Benevolent. Your eagerness to take on responsibility when all was crumbling grants you this charitable title. You were trusted with several tasks and the lives of others during the battle against the dark prince and you completed them with grace. With gratitude, we bless you with this silver crystal."

Sally bowed her head to accept the offering, allowing a female knight to loop a dainty chain over her head. She bowed elegantly, standing with pride as she made room for the others.

"Knuckles of Mobius, we bestow the mark of the Robust, for your ability to hold steadfast through aversion. With unmatched strength, power, and precision, you made way for our escape and the liberation of Aumoris."

With a mystical melding to his shoulder plate by another estranged knight, Knuckles glanced at the maroon, rose-shaped brooch with a silver lining shining dully. With a smirk and a nod at the knight, king, and queen, he stepped aside.

"Rouge of Mobius, to you, we bestow the mark of the Nimble. You utilized your crafty ways and sharp skill to deceive the enemy to aid your comrades and the people of Aumoris. For your devotion to your friends and our daughter, we bestow this gem to solidify your title."

As Rouge gave a sultry grin, Rouge let the next knight drape a small chain around her neck, gracing an indigo gem between her collar bones.

"Oh, what a lovely piece. And I didn't even have to bring my treasure hunting gear to get this prize," Rouge muttered, stepping aside with a small curtsey.

Tails stepped up, drawing away from an anxious Cream that tried her best not to wrinkle her dress under her sweaty palms.

"And for you, Tails of Mobius, we grant you the mark of the Vigilant. With young, wise eyes, you led your friends through the obscure darkness of Aumoris with caution and great attention to detail, covering the flanks to defend, but willing to go on the offensive when the timing was right. For this, we set your title, and it is so."

As the knight blessed his shoulder plate, he stepped back from a bow to the queen, stepping to the side and giving Cream a nod of assurance. Only after he saw her shakily step forward to receive her blessing did he look at his own rose-shaped brooch, admiring the silver lining of the yellow-shaded offering.

"Young, lovely Cream of Mobius. Don't be afraid my child, for we bestow upon you the mark of the Willful. This mark highlights your determination to fight, no matter your level of contribution to the cause. Your elusive combat style and strong-willed nature that flourishes beyond your soft-spoken demeanor is refreshing and proof that you have the characteristics to become a prominent fighter of freedom."

As the queen's humble words resonated in Cream's mind, she looked up to the knight in front of her in a daze as he hung the orange gem around her neck. As the knight retreated to the crowd, Cream blinked tears from her eyes, shaking her stupor and twinkling to the king and queen with a deep curtsey.

"Thank you for your kind words, your majesty!" she thanked before skipping over to Tails, who caught her with a smile, gesturing for her to stand patiently next to him.

"And you, Shadow of Mobius, the anomalous hedgehog of mystifying power…"

As Shadow stepped forward, all eyes on him, he solemnly brought his eyes from the ground to the monarchs before him, keeping his expression humbled, but feeling rather unnerved under their scrutiny. He couldn't place their stable expressions, but he felt as if they were still mulling over their conclusion of him, and he secretly hoped that they would give him their approval. He needed it.

"For you, we bestow the mark of the Profound, for the mystery and the intensity of your obscure power that desecrated the dark prince in seconds. I have to say, I am thoroughly pleased with your prowess and the depth of your desire to rid our land of its ancient evils. For that alone, we bestow upon you this mark and grant you a favorable place in the documentation of Aumorian history."

Relief washed over the ebony as the knight secured his vantablack rose-shaped brooch, outlined in gold, to his right shoulder plate, instilling something in him that he could not recognize. With the new feeling and the dismissal of the final knight, he saw his opportunity to thank the king and queen with a genuine bow, one knee to the ground.

"Thank you, King Amelius and Queen Argentina. I will keep this gesture close to me for as long as I draw breath," Shadow muttered as he began to stand.

The foreign feeling in his heart soared as the monarchs warmly beamed at him, making him feel like a son welcomed home after returning from war.

As Shadow took his place beside Sonic, all seven heroes facing the guests, Sonic nudged him with a chuckle.

"Did you have to say something so dramatic, Shads?"

Shadow didn't bother to regard the blue blur with his eyes as he muttered his underhanded comment under his breath.

"I think you should be more concerned with the fact that my brooch is much larger than yours, faker."

Sonic swallowed his rebuttal, giving the ebony's brooch a double-take as he compared it to his own, slyly glaring at the dark hedgehog as he confirmed this fact with his arms on his hips. Shadow smirked at Sonic's mild irritation as the king and queen moved forward.

"Now, with our chalices, we honor these heroes with a drink."

At the queen's words, the nobles all gave a collective cry and drank to the mobian heroes.

~aAa~

Breathe, Amy. You're only meeting the neighbors… and their sons. No need to panic. You don't even want to date any of those yahoos. Just play nice.

The rose took several deep breaths as she descended the stairs with Ovaria, trying not to overthink and cause herself any more unnecessary anguish. She was already trying to figure out how to tell her parents that she wanted nothing more, but to hop on the spaceship and fly to Mobius without so much as a goodbye. She couldn't dare to break their hearts like that.

"Are you ready, Amelia?"

As a faceless voice drew her attention, Amy waited at the bottom of the steps, twisting around in search of someone. Ovaria giggled at her movements, letting the rose find the owner of the voice while she moved to the large double doors, preparing to pry them open for her.

"I'm here, dear sister. No need to be afraid. Afterall, I am no Prince Riven," Argentine called humorously as he came from the shadow of a curtain.

"Argentine…" she breathed as he approached.

Grabbing both of her hands, he gave her a short bow, sporting a grand cape,simple princely attire, with boots to match.

"Princess Amelia Lorae Rose. That is the call you will respond to, my sister. When you hear your royal title, walk, with Aumorian grace, to mother and father. Don't falter and let not one gaze stand in your way to obtaining what is rightfully yours."

Amy looked down to the polished floor, closing her eyes.

"Argentine, I'm…" she began.

"Yes?"

She pushed her shoulders back, bringing the weight of her head up and looking right through him with a determined look.

"I'm ready."

Offering her his arm, Amy gathered her dress to the right side of her as they strode to the doors, Ovaria bidding them entrance.

"Prince Argentine Taranese Rose, and his long lost sister, Amelia Lorae Rose."

As the announcer finished and an elegant melody graced their arrival, Amy and her brother strode into the throne room, gliding across the red carpet under the gaze of several interested onlookers.

Amy quelled her anxiety by squeezing her brother's arm a bit, failing to stretch a smile across her muzzle as her apprehension got the best of her. Argentine nudged her a bit, drawing her attention.

When Amy looked into his crystal eyes, she saw assurance, as he mouthed something.

"Relax."

As she interpreted his silent words, he nodded to the group of nobles they were passing on the left hand side. Daring to look, Amy faced forward, but gave the group a sideways glance. At first, she saw respectful smiles, but as she sought their eye, she caught hints of interest, lust, and desire.

As Amy finally gave way to looking at the monarchs in front of her, she swallowed and kept her eye on the goal, finally coming to a stop at the foot of the throne. Before looking up to her parents, Amy took notice of her friends, all seated to the side of the king and queen. Rouge, gave her a devious smirk, and Tails gave a small thumbs up as the rest smiled to comfort her.

Not having time to respond with her own look, the king and queen began to speak.

"Argentine, my son, please part from your sister, and step forth," the king ordered.

Argentine patted his sister's arm as he broke their link, taking the steps two at a time to be on eye level with his father.

"For your everlasting devotion to the people of Aumoris, and your successful years of hiding your identity from the dark prince, I give you a special title," the king announced.

Argentine's eyebrows furrowed momentarily as he heard words he was not expecting. He looked into his father's eye in question, but got on one knee, head bowed in submission.

"For you, my dear boy, I give you the mark of the Relentless. You did not stop, even when you were no match for the dark prince and you held the sentiments of our people as you walked with another's face among the ranks of lost Aumorians, subjected to Prince Riven's rule. Even through this, you remained unconquerable."

Brandishing a golden medal, the king gestured to the prince to stand, pinning the medal to his tunic. Argentine's gaze wavered as he stood at attention.

"Father… I don't understand. I thought…" he muttered.

The king shook his head slightly, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"It is not to be, my son. There is another place for you, I'm sure of it."

Argentine turned to the crowd of intrepid nobles, head held high, but with something broken in his eyes.

"Amelia, come to me."

After witnessing her brother in silence, Amy blinked before rising to meet her mother. Beside the waiting queen was a box placed on a pillow lifted by a short pillar. Amy lifted her skirts in a bow, giving her mother her uncertain eyes.

Argentina lifted the box and cradled the stringy crown between her palms. A singular scarlet gem hung from its center, catching the dim firelight and reflecting in her emerald eyes.

"Amelia, for your faith in us, for your safe return, and for the sacrifices you've made and encountered along the way, we officially recrown you, Princess of Aumoris… and rightful heir to the Aumorian throne."

As her mother placed the crown over her head and under her bangs, a somber, delicate, yet lovely tone vibrated from the small musical orchestra hidden in a crevice of the throne room. With a slow intake of air, Amy took her mother's nod as the cue, and turned to face the crowd.

The shouts were deafening, as joyous cries marked the beginning of a new era for Aumoris.

~aAa~

"Thank you. Please, there is no need to bow."

Amy found she didn't like the taste left behind in her mouth after repeating those phrases.

As the festivities picked up once more, grand music reverberated about the warm space, as the once forgotten banquet was ravaged by the nobles and the mobian fighters as her parents brought about smiles with their hospitality, urging others to eat, drink, and garner positive relations with other nobility.

Amy, on the other hand, was left to watch from a distance, caged by the young male nobles that sought her attention. As the gathering went into motion after her recrowning, her mother informed her that she was to sit on the queen's side of the throne, as a symbol of her future role, and accept the gifts from the eligible bachelors that traveled far and wide to meet her.

Now, here she sat, her eyes sifting through the endless line of handsome faces, all shrouded in fluttering drapery, begging to pique her interest with their gifts in hand. They presented their gifts to her, one by one, each brandishing their country's formal bow to her as Ovaria stood at Amy's side, announcing the name and title of each bachelor. Ovaria's voice eventually turned into a muddled hum in her ear as she went into autopilot, thanking and nodding with her practiced Aumorian grace.

I know Shadow and I haven't had the chance to… talk about anything, but with all of these nobles that seem to want my attention, I feel like my parents don't think Shadow is an appropriate partner for me. Thus, they want me to find a potential suitor out of this bunch. I mean, I did tell them that we were nothing more than friends currently, which is true, and yet… I feel like I've mistakenly led them to believe that I'm not interested in him.

One of the nobles was presented as a prince of a far away country, and after he placed his gift at the top of the pile, he reached for Amy's hand while on his knees, licking his lips and kissing it before trying to serenade her.

"Oh, Princess Amelia, I crumble at the sight of your beauty. If it is not too much of you, will you dance with me after your father has his dance with you?"

Shocked, the rose stuttered with a blush, rejecting the urge to yank her hand from the stranger.

"I-I don't s-see why not."

A collective murmur rippled through the group of nobles as distress seemed to overtake them. The prince before her bowed gratefully, seeming to have won something as the other nobles made way for him to pass, grumbling in his direction.

Amy sweatdropped and looked to Ovaria for guidance.

"Was it something I said?" Amy asked.

Ovaria scratched her neck with a nervous chuckle.

"Well, your father will dance with you first, and whomever he passes you off to dance with next is symbolic of his ideal choice in a partner for you. Anyone you dance with after that would be less than in comparison, theoretically, of course; this does not have to be true in reality. He was trying to be crafty, knowing that you are still not versed in Aumorian customs and tricked you into agreeing to something that seems innocent on the surface, but means more to the nobles and people of Aumoris. At the least, he is attempting to discourage the competition," Ovaria explained, pointing to the distressed group of young men.

Amy sighed, shrinking.

"So, in agreeing to dance with him first, I've unintentionally ranked him as a first choice?"

"To the people of Aumoris, yes," Ovaria amended.

Ugh...Well, I guess it's only fair that my parents want me to look at my options now. I'm not even positive Shadow wants to be with me in that way. We're close, but he may just see me as someone he needs to protect. Either way, I just want to get out of here.

As the final gift was presented at her feet, Ovaria dismissed the nobles surrounding the rose, turning to Amy and giving her the approval to do as she saw fit for the moment. Amy took her chance to stand abruptly, looking for a way through the group that had yet to disperse. A few of them tried to get her attention as she sought to flee. She shrunk at first, but with a burning frustration in her stomach, she gathered the courage to break through the wall of needy men, gathering her skirts.

"Yes, excuse me. I just need to get a drink, but I will return!" Amy cried politely.

"My lady, please, wait! I would be honored if you wore my gift around your neck! At the very least, your wrist?"

"Your highness, let me retrieve your refreshments for you!"

"Princess, let me carry you! There is no need for you to walk. You must protect your beautiful feet and keep them from blemishing-"

As Amy broke free of the young nobles and headed for the banquet table, Ovaria drew her weapon and stood between the retreating rose and her pursuers, glaring a warning.

"Please, give the princess some space. She will be available later, but if you wish to capture her attention, you must do so with tact," Ovaria announced over the grumble of the nobles.

Amy gave Ovaria a look of gratitude as the nobles shrunk under her authority. With the lovestruck males off of her trail, she sifted through the skirts and capes with a light "excuse me" as she searched for something under the warm candle light.

With a huff, she stopped at the banquet table, having squeezed through a group of drunken nobles to get there, when a familiar voice called her.

"Amy!"

With bright eyes, the rose turned to the voice and found her friends, all seven of them grouped at the end of the banquet table, holding drinks and nibbling on pastries. Cream waved her over with a joyful giggle and she humbly obliged. Rouge and Sally were already looking her way, but the boys had their backs to them, having a discussion no doubt.

"You guys look amazing! I'm guessing my mother picked out those dresses for you?" Amy asked as she approached.

"Of course, hun. We also get to keep them, along with all of the other gifts the Aumorians brought us. By the way, we saw all of those desperate nobles create a tower of gifts to get your attention. You wouldn't mind sharing some of those, would you? You never took me as the gold-and-rare-jewel type of girl," Rouge purred between sips.

As Sally grabbed the boy's attention, Amy continued to converse with Rouge, but her eyes were drawn to the dark hedgehog draped in a silver cape and gold shoulder embellishments. With a flush, she brought her eyes back to Rouge, trying to hide her distracted gaze as the guys turned to her and drew closer.

"They're all yours, Rouge. I'm not even sure what's in those boxes at this point. I wasn't exactly paying attention when they presented them to me," Amy explained.

"Don't sweat it, Ames. I'm sure that gift-giving stuff was just a formality," Sonic spoke closest to her, making her ear twitch.

Turning to the blue blur, Amy turned to catch the shine of an emblem on his shoulder and made note of the blue rose brooch that was melded into the plate. Amy reached for it, gently outlining it with her index finger.

"Sonikku, what is this?" she asked, not realizing she'd defaulted to calling him by his pet name.

"Why, this, Ames, is a symbol of my new title, the mark of the Bold. Now you have something else to call me instead of that silly pet name," Sonic exaggerated with a proud stance, winking at the end.

Amy puffed in embarrassment when she realized the name she had used. Knuckles, who'd been chugging his drink, coughed a chuckle, while the others waved her off and joined the short laughter.

"Sorry, Sonic, I just.. Well…I just feel more comfortable now that I'm surrounded by my friends," She started, looking at anyone but him.

"It's okay, Ames. You can call me whatever you want now that I am Sir Sonic the Bold."

She shook her head, scanning her friends' smiling faces as she noticed they all bore different gems and brooches, symbols of their rank among the Aumorians.

"You all have a mark," she noted out loud.

"Yes. The king and queen bestowed titles to all of us. They are going to write us into their history and honor us as nobles if we ever return to Aumoris," Tails interjected, stuffing a fluffy, cream filled pastry in his mouth afterward.

"Yeah, Ames, you missed it! The king gave a toast and the crowd cheered for us. While you were busy with those drooling fanboys, we were busy mingling with the other nobles that dared bask in our glory," Sonic chuckled, putting his arm around Sally as she sipped contentedly.

"Drooling fanboys? You couldn't have used a better insult for those darling princelings, blue boy?" Rouge teased.

"Rouge, you know he has the mind of a five-year-old. Cream could come up with something better if she wanted to," Knuckles gurgled to the bat between his drink.

"You wanna run that by me again, Sir Ro-butt. I mean, Robust," Sonic jeered.

Knuckles popped his neck as Tails meandered between them to facilitate the possible hostile environment their argument would create. Cream and Rouge sighed, not far behind the kitsune as they listened to the two inebriated heroes light-heartedly bicker.

Amy breathed a laugh and found herself drawn to Shadow as her friends broke off to have their own conversations. She gathered her skirts and made her way around Knuckles and Tails and caught the ebony's attention.

"Hey. You're rather quiet."

Shadow, who'd been staring into the abyss of nobility, found his focus on the pink hedgehog. Her hesitant smile brought him back to the surface, and he found his heart throbbed for her momentarily. Quelling the urge to take her by the waist and take her away from all of this, he closed his eyes, reminding himself of his goal for the night. He closed his eyes.

"I'm just enjoying the atmosphere. King Amelius and Queen Argentina have done a wonderful job making us feel welcomed. This is something that I am not accustomed to, on Mobius or otherwise. I'm just not sure how to respond to it quite yet," he explained with an even tone in his voice.

Amy shrugged.

"I'm not sure, either. Well, I'm just not so sure about a lot of things right now, so I guess that makes two of us."

He graced her with a small curve of his lips. She humbly obliged and responded with her own.

Shadow looked behind his shoulder at the other Mobian heroes before drawing closer to her. Maybe now was the time to talk to her, while their friends were taken by alcoholic beverages and mirth.

"Rose… listen."

She answered his call with a curiosity in her eyes, her small smile inviting and open.

"Yes?"

Pausing to gather his frazzled thoughts was a mistake, as the moment he stopped to untangle his tongue, the warm atmosphere was shifted to that of movement and excitement as a thunderous voice beamed beyond the heads of their fighting companions.

"Heroes of Mobius, please forgive us!"

As Amy's attention was drawn elsewhere, she moved to stand among her friends and witness the group of soldiers that had planted their faces in the stones before them in submission. With a sigh, Shadow followed, crossing his arms as he took in the sight.

"We had no intention to bring harm to you and the people of Mobius when we followed the dark prince into your land and captured your loved ones and the princess. We were simply following orders at the time," a knight in silver armor explained with shame laced in his voice.

A group of fifteen soldiers bowed before them, foreheads digging into the ground as Sonic shared looks with Knuckles and Tails.

"Sorry for being so oblivious, but what are you guys apologizing for?" Sonic asked.

As the knights stood, their leader, Renankai, loosened his helmet and repeated his apology.

"We want to formally apologize for our rough reception on your home planet when we attacked, looking for the princess. We were simply following the orders of the dark prince to ensure our survival through his reign. We knew that if the princess were to return to Aumoris, we would be that much closer to the release of King Amelius and Queen Argentina, so we fought mercilessly and hurt many of your other companions in the process. And for that, I apologize on behalf of all knights present at the battlefront. We took your significant others as well and caused you all great stress. We wish to make it up to you," Renankai amended.

Sonic waved him off as Knuckles sweatdropped and Tails twisted his namesakes in thought.

"Eh, don't worry about it. Now that we know what was really happening and you guys have no intention to go back to Mobius looking for a fight, I think we're all in good standing here. Don't sweat it!" Sonic proclaimed with a thumbs up.

Renankai blinked profusely.

"But we wounded many of your friends, captured these lovely maidens, handed them off to the dark prince who surely abused them or had plans to do so, and threatened the security of your home. Surely you seek revenge?"

Rouge's eyes glistened as Cream squirmed uncomfortably, both sporting a blush at their mention.

"Oh, lovely maidens, you say? If you continue to shower us with compliments like that, I think we can find a way to forgive you," Rouge mused.

Knuckles interjected.

"We know now that your aim wasn't to cause us trouble. Knowing that Riven guy was actually pulling the strings and that you were just following orders to keep your own heads from getting chopped off, I think we can just pretend that attack never happened," Knuckles explained.

"Are you sure? At least if you do not seek revenge, then let us offer you something as compensation?" a knight on the left of Renankai tried.

"We already have more than enough gifts. Not much we could ask from you guys if you already feel bad about what you did. I think your remorse is enough. Our friends back at home are all okay. Even the ones in critical condition were stabilized before we departed for this planet," Tails reported out loud.

"Please, there must be some way we could be of use to you. The people of Aumoris have already shown their gratitude, the king and queen have blessed you, but the ones who have physically harmed you the most still go unreprimanded. Please, there must be something," Renankai pleaded desperately, bowing his head as his ears folded slightly.

"I have a way you can redeem yourself."

Renankai perked as Rouge and Sonic parted to let Amy through. Shadow watched her movement intently.

"Princess…"

"My father mentioned that the festivities would end soon and the guests would be led to their rooms, but the night is still young. If it's no trouble, could you make sure these heroes are shown a good time after the party? I'm sure there will be plenty of extra knights drinking after this. Why not let my friends join you and show them a good time?" Amy suggested.

Renankai squared his shoulders, bowing to the rose and nodding vigorously.

"Of course, princess. We will show them the best the Aumorian night has to offer! We will not disappoint."

Amy smiled and looked in the direction of the throne, where a tower of gift boxes awaited her.

"And while you're at it, why don't you take all of those lovely gifts that are over by the throne and put it on their ship? I have no need for all of them."

Renankai blinked, unsure.

"But, princess, those are yours to keep. Unless, you… are not going to stay?" Renankai whispered.

"I want to gift my friends with treasures they can't find on Mobius. It's a sacrifice I can make, especially since there is a possibility they may never see me again once they depart. Those gifts… will act as my momento," Amy quickly explained. Renankai shrank humbly in return.

"Princess… I'm sorry. I did not mean to disrespect you. We will load their ship with the gifts right away."

And with that, Renankai and his immediate followers left the banquet, each with several of Amy's gifts in hand.

"Okay, your majesty, not too many orders at once!" Rouge shouted over Knuckle's head, as he grabbed her waist, trying to keep her from launching herself off the banquet table she had somehow managed to climb on.

"Rouge, chill out!" Knuckles muttered as he struggled with her in the background.

"Wow, Ames, I haven't seen you this aggressive in … well… a while," Sonic noted.

Her friends surrounded her once more as the banquet lit with noise of excitement. Before Amy could find a way to change the subject, she caught Shadow's eyes as they filled with longing and desperation. Trapped in his ruby orbs, Amy was frightened when an armored hand grabbed her wrist.

"Princess, your father has called for your presence. The dance must begin with you!"

As Amy turned to address the owner of the hand, an announcement rang above her head that made them all look about.

"We will now begin the Royal Dance of Future Promise. We will open with the Giving Away dance beginning with Princess Amelia and her father, King Amelius!"

As Amy was pulled away, she blinked as her friends scrambled after her. As they were shrouded by the myriad of warm bodies, the last thing the rose saw was the hand of the ebony reaching for her.

"There you are, my daughter."

As Amy fell into a pair of stable arms, she looked up in bewilderment, looking around her to see the nobles had made space in the center of the room to prepare for the event. Surrounded, Amy found that she and her father stood at the center, all eyes on them. Straightening, Amy regarded her father with hesitance.

"Um, I'm sorry, but I… I can't dance in the way you are expecting me to, I'm sure," Amy spoke, flustered, as her father held out both arms for her to follow him. The king shook his head with a light-hearted rumble in his throat.

"Nonsense, Amelia. You will be taken care of, surely. The dance is not for you to lead, but for others to show that they are capable. Your only task is to follow their lead. Let them guide you, my daughter, so you might see what they have to offer you," King Amelius assured, lifting one of her hands and placing it in his own, asking her with his eyes if it was okay.

Amy nodded, swallowing, but allowing her father to lead her into a soft twirl as a grand musical movement trapped them in a graceful rhythm.

As Amy tried to focus on her fumbling feet, her father swayed with her, watching her clumsily find her pace.

"Are you enjoying the night, daughter?"

Still looking at her feet, Amy struggled to reply.

"Yes. Everything is… going wonderfully," she muttered as she tried to match his footwork.

"I don't mean to alarm you, but there are others waiting to dance with you. Young men from the neighboring countries await your hand after me, daughter, in hopes to get your attention. They are hoping that you will give them a chance," the king detailed.

Amy's ears perked as her grip on her father's shoulder tightened, but this did not alert the king, for his upper body was covered in intricate, formal armor. Amy was grateful for the thickness of the material, but realized, as she looked into her father's face, that he could still sense her apprehension.

"Amelia… I do not ask this to pressure you in any way, but why are you so unsure about becoming who you were meant to be? I simply want to understand so that we can find the best solution for you," the king inquired with softened facial features.

Amy examined his face as they twirled, trying to find the words that would keep from ruining any peace she'd secured with her parents.

"Can you promise that if I give you an honest answer that you won't think any less of me? Or worse, keep me trapped inside of the fortress for the rest of my days with no hopes of autonomy or freedom?" she asked meekly.

King Amelius pondered her request for a moment, but nodded, despite his own internal uncertainty that began to bubble from the pit of his stomach to the surface. With a sigh, Amy began.

"I'm afraid… that, if I stay and become what everyone expects me to be, there will be little room for me to act on my own. It sounds like the way of the Aumorian ruler is restricted by several rules and customs that I'm not even sure I can operate within without self-destructing."

The king followed the rhythmic que of the quartet in the corner and prompted his daughter to pause and spin within his protective space, before gathering her hands once more, and pulling her through the practiced moves of the dance.

"Self-destruction? That sounds rather extreme. I didn't realize the responsibilities of Aumorian leadership were presented in a way that would make you feel like a caged animal. You didn't seem to mind them when you were younger," the king muttered, slightly bewildered, but tried to remain understanding.

"I don't have the same aspirations I had when I was a little girl. Regardless of where I decide to live now, I want to be free to be who I wish, to love who I wish, save who I wish, and to exist without consequence," Amy stressed.

The king's eyes darkened a bit at her last statement.

"Nothing is without consequence, Amelia. That may be wishful thinking on your part and I suggest that you reevaluate what you want based on realistic standards."

Amidst their swaying and stepping, Amy began to emotionally withdraw for a moment, darting her eyes elsewhere to hide her glistening orbs tainted with hurt.

"But compromise… is an Aumorian virtue, my daughter. And I can at least start by allowing you to love who you wish."

Before Amy could grasp the king's statement, he snapped his fingers, spun Amy on her heels, disorienting her, and before she could focus, she was settled in another pair of arms as the ballroom space was filled with other dancers.

"Ah, Princess Amelia! As you promised, you have given me the opportunity to dance with you first," her new partner exclaimed.

Blinking at the stranger, Amy hid a sweatdrop with a forced smile.

"Right, of course."

The young, daring prince led their dance with dizzying movements, jerking Amy around and forcing her to use one hand to grab her skirts to keep from tripping over them. As her partner droned on about his home country and all it had to offer Aumoris in terms of money and affluence, Amy deliberately observed the new surrounding couples dancing and swapping partners next to her, as it seemed all of the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes intertwined with potential partners.

"If you would like, I can shower you with even more gifts and treasures from my country. How does that sound to you, Princess?"

"Um, well, I…"

A collective snap echoed through the swirl of dancing nobles and the prince that held her frowned with a click of his tongue. He broke from her slowly, twirling her as he passed her off.

"Our time to dance together is no more, but I will find you after this, my princess! I promise," he announced obnoxiously.

Amy sweatdropped before looking up into the crystal eyes of her brother.

"Argentine?" Amy asked as he smoothly led her back into sync with the other dancers.

"I thought you could use a short break before the other nobles try their hand at wooing you with their cultural dance," he mumbled, a lack of glee prompting Amy to draw a look of concern.

"Thank you. Although... you seem... upset."

Hesitating, the prince decided quickly that his issues were safe with her.

"Honestly, Amelia, I was hoping to be entrusted to a new position tonight. For my bravery, proven combat ability, and dedication to the Aumorian people, I thought I'd be chosen as the leader of our forces, the head of our soldiers. But, I guess, that position is still entrusted to father now that he has been restored to the throne…" Argentine droned, looking through Amy.

"Oh, right. I'm sorry, Argentine."

Her apology did nothing to bring him back to the present, so she tried to use logic to quell his troubled thoughts.

"Our father has been gone for many years. Maybe … he has his own plans to strengthen and unite our forces before he entrusts you with their care? I'm sure he doesn't intend to set you up for failure. Maybe give it some time?" Amy reasoned.

As Argentine's eyes solidified, he directed a small smirk in her direction.

"You could be right… Nevermind that, Amelia. Do not trouble yourself with my frustrations. Your troubles are a priority at present. How are you faring? Do the nobles meet your expectations? Is the night progressing as you'd hoped?"

Amy shrugged, surprised as her brother stopped to twist her around, grab her waist and bring her into the air in an arc. The pinkette blinked, feeling disoriented at her brother's graceful movement. As he drew her back in, she caught a glimpse of Cream and Rouge partaking in the dance, also being tossed in the air by the nobles guiding the dance. Amy couldn't help but notice their smiles.

At least they are having fun.

"Sister?"

Amy found Argentine's gaze and found genuine worry glistening in them. She bit her lip, tempted by his eyes to be nothing but truthful.

"I'm doing fine. I … still want to leave this all behind, maybe more so after meeting all of those… wonderful nobles. I don't really want to see any of them again, at least not in a romantic capacity."

"Then maybe the dark one suits your fancy best?"

Amy flushed heavily as she remembered Shadow. The look in his eyes before she was whisked away lingered in her mind as she thought about what he had wanted to tell her.

"Yes, I… I mean, what? Shadow? H-he… doesn't want me in that way, I'm sure. And he has to return to Mobius. If I were to stay, he..." Amy trailed off, looking elsewhere, wondering if Shadow was among the swirling nobles, but her doubts made her think otherwise.

"Mobius, you say? Well, I guess I couldn't blame him. Your surrogate home seemed like a wonderful place, at least from the glimpse I got when we invaded under Prince Riven's orders. What was it like there?"

Amy perked at the change in topic, warming as she thought about all of the things that thrilled her about Mobius.

"Mobius is a planet filled with passionate people and a plethora of zones just begging to be explored. Mobius is also torn into several pieces by the many enemies that want to claim it, and held together by people like my friends. It's a constant struggle, but it's well worth it. With every victory on Mobius, I find I appreciate the joy and relief that come from the Mobians we save, and I look forward to helping rebuild the fallen villages and cities. My favorite part about Mobius is exploring the unknown during our travels. It's hard not to crave adventure when you live there," Amy explained in a trance.

"My, my. Quite the speech, dear sister. It was so moving, I'm convinced this Mobius of yours is more of a paradise than the warzone you speak of."

After a quick twirl, Amy returned to Argentine unsure.

"What makes you say that?" she inquired.

"On Mobius, you had the freedom to join the Fighter's of Freedom, and you were given the liberty to find your own meaning within that group, no?" Argentine coalesced, eyes dimming as he gave a small, somewhat miserable smile that Amy noticed.

"Yes, I guess you could say that. Something tells me… that you weren't given the luxury to do the same here on Aumoris," Amy guessed.

With a sigh, Argentine brought his downturn gaze to regard her in his vulnerable state.

"Amelia, it's…. Complicated…. And I'm not so sure you'd understand, even if I told you everything," he mumbled, shaking his head.

The pinkette's face lit up with the most earnest look, her grip on his shoulder tightening in reassurance.

"I've got some time. Please, you've done so much for me and my friends. Let me help you."

Argentine gave her a genuine smile before he shook his head once more.

"I'm afraid your intermission is coming to a close. I will fare well enough, sister. I hope your dark knight will sweep you off your feet tonight. Maybe his thoughts will put you at ease."

"His thoughts?"

With a dizzying turn and a collective snap from the onlookers, Amy was placed into another pair of ravenous hands, her cheeks warm.

Prince after noble after knight, Amy traded footwork with all of the potential suitors, some practiced and confident, others rough, but manageable. As Amy prayed for the event to end, her second to last partner did not reach for her waist, but stopped her twirl with his hand on her elbow. As she blinked away her disorientation, the blue double she rested her eyes on turned into one.

"S-Sonikku?"

He chuckled as he drew her in.

"Hey, Ames. I hope you don't mind if I step in?"

Amy's cheeks pressed to her eyes as she beamed at him.

"Of course. Lead the way."

As Sonic nodded, resting his hand on her lower back and drawing her into an effortless rotation. An odd silence permeated between them as Amy sensed that Sonic wanted to say something to her. She let the crescendo and decrescendo of the orchestral piece envelope her ears as she followed his pace, leaving her expression open so as to encourage Sonic to speak.

As the pink and blue blur followed the masses in their dance, they passed a couple of eager onlookers heavily observing the couple. Amy's ears twitched as she caught the gossip transpiring between the two women.

"The princess would do well to choose the prince of Somarien. He's got class, all of the necessary skills to rule, and he has an excellent lineage, full of magic users."

"No, the blue one she's dancing with now suits her best. He might not be of Aumoris, but he's handsome, tall, and rather princely. Even if none of those things mattered, they simply look as if they belong together! The prince of Somarien is too dark and brooding for her. He would only burden her with his problems."

"Whatever. If I was her, I would choose wisely and quickly. It's not like she has much time left before she's too old to be of any use to a noble or prince."

As Amy's heart fell and anxiety rose to her throat, Sonic took the liberty to give her a twirl, bringing her in with a handsome smirk.

"Ah, the royal gossips. Guess they have those in Aumoris, too. They're unavoidable, Ames. Just don't pay them any mind," Sonic assured.

"Right, okay," she muttered.

A moment of silence fell between the two as Sonic found the right words to say.

"Ames, you're free to choose who you wish or to pick no one at all, if that's what you really want. Those girls are just jealous that you have all the eligible bachelors begging for your attention. Pick whoever, whenever. No worries, okay?"

"And what if I chose you? What would you say then?" she muttered.

Sonic's mouth went dry. He continued to lead her into elegant circles, but he looked away as Amy chuckled humorlessly.

"If this were happening six years ago, I would have smashed everyone of those princes just to get to you. Chaos knows that would have gotten me nowhere, but I would have smothered you and begged you to marry me anyway. Lucky for you, I have no intentions on pinning you down tonight. Plus, I respect the relationship you've rekindled with Sally. She makes you happy, and I'd be a fool to try and remove that from you," she explained.

Guilt-ridden, Sonic sighed and spoke low enough for only Amy to hear.

"Ames, I… I want to apologize for everything. For leaving you behind that day, for running off the moment I saw Sally, for not coming to your bedside when you needed me most, and for avoiding you when you finally started to come around again. I know there's no excuse for hurting you the way I did, and I want you to know that you were on my mind constantly after you disappeared."

The rose's heart rate began to increase as she felt unpleasant memories and emotions break the surface of their graves. She'd thought she'd buried them for good. She smiled sadly.

"Sonic, it's fine. I know that you've never liked me… in a romantic way… ever. I've come to terms with that. No need to apologize," she remedied, but her insides squeezed as she digested his words. Did he really think of me when I ran away?

"No, it's not okay. I can't imagine how you felt, seeing your hero, the one who, on numerous occasions, saved you from imminent doom, disappear without a passing glance to satisfy his desire for a pretty face. I know that Sally isn't just a pretty face, at least not to me, but I'm sure that's what you were thinking at the time, after spending all of those years fighting by my side and working to capture my heart."

Amy felt salt dig into her wound. She couldn't fathom how easily she crumbled as he described the day he'd broken her heart, as if he'd known exactly what he was doing to her when he chose Sally above all else. Her eyes glazed over as she revisited those memories, the emotional pain that overtook her physical pain, and the struggle she put herself through during the three year gap.

"But it was all in vain, I suppose. I should have known I would never have you. The signs were there, and many of our friends told me I wouldn't succeed, yet I never gave up hope. I thought there was always a chance if I could at least fight by your side…" she murmured, her voice shaking.

"Ames… I'm sorry. I've thought about this from your perspective and I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions I put you through. I feel like I lead you on, somehow."

Amy shook her head with a wet laugh.

"You weren't leading me on, Sonic. Looking back, now, I can see that you were just trying to be my friend. I was the one who mistook your advances as something romantic, and proceeded to overreact. I was clouded by passion, but I know now that those rose-colored glasses are something to fear and reality is not so forgiving when you finally take those glasses off."

Sonic shook his head.

"You were just a girl, Ames. I can't blame you for being yourself and neither should you. If you weren't that hyperactive, hopeful and fiery girl, you wouldn't have become a Freedom Fighter in the first place. And that hard-headed, passionate girl got me out of trouble just as many times as she got herself into it. Without you, Amy, the team dynamic would have been very different, that much I know. I just want you to move on and be yourself, Amy, and don't let my actions that day dictate your life."

Amy found when she looked into his face, his eyebrows upturned, she felt those miserable questions she'd wanted to ask him bubble in her chest. She began to shake like a leaf as her eyes shook.

"Why…?" she begged under her breath.

"Why?"

Her eyes hardened as moisture began to collect beneath them.

"Why did you leave that day? Why didn't you come back to see if I was okay? What did you see in Sally that I couldn't give you myself?"

"Amy…"

She withdrew.

"I'm sorry. You don't have to answer any of that."

He released a heavy breath, dancing with less vigor as he picked his own brain.

"Before Eggman attacked that forest … when the team came together to live under one roof at the mansion, I'd been secretly aching for her. I don't want to get into the reasons Sally and I separated in the first place, but all I can say is that guilt and regret stayed with me. I tried to bury those feelings, but those feelings festered. And when I couldn't take it anymore and those feelings began to overtake me, I went looking for her, but when I finally caught her, she wouldn't have me. I tried to get over her, give up, but something wouldn't let me. I was smitten."

Amy processed his story as riveting scenes began to spring into her mind. Even though she wanted to remain bitter and live with her own conclusions on Sally and Sonic's relationship, she couldn't help but sympathize with her hero. She could imagine him, running to Castle Acorn, begging the king to let Sonic see Sally, to no avail, missing her by moments as she was whisked away by carriage to take care of business abroad. Amy could also imagine how he must have felt. Empty, ragged, and worn, chasing that small thread of hope, much like she had.

"And when she finally came to you, you couldn't contain yourself. You ran to her, embraced her, and wasted no time in reclaiming what you'd lost," Amy finished his thought, an unreadable expression seizing her eyes.

Swallowing, Sonic nodded to her.

"I guess you understand how I felt, then," Sonic amended, resisting the urge to scratch his neck.

"It's how I imagined I would feel when you finally accepted my feelings."

Their twirling dance began to drag as if lead manacles weighed them down.

"Ames… I know you might think you were just too immature, but I was just as immature in the way I treated you. I knew you would have wanted me by your side when you got hurt, but I didn't think it was my responsibility to care, at least that's what I told myself. I didn't want to feel guilty on my way to reconcile with Sal, so I justified it anyway I could. Whether you forgive me or not, I made a mistake and I own it. I should have been kinder to you then, and since I can't go back in time and change my actions, the least I can do for you is apologize and treat you better now."

Her heart throbbed, but it was slight.

"And… I don't want your buried feeling to overtake you like they did to me. I lost sleep longing for Sally, and when I found her and subsequently lost you, I lost my sanity looking for you. I don't want that to happen again. You're one of my closest friends and the last thing I wanted was for you to put yourself through turmoil because of my actions. Lucky for me, there was someone who was better at tracking you than I was and he had an unwavering desire to see to it that you were safe again."

As Amy thawed, allowing Sonic's confession to warm her, Sonic continued before she could ask who he was referring to.

"So feel them, Amy, the hurt, the betrayal, the anger, the sadness. If you don't let them out, you'll never be free, nor will you be able to make room for the other feeling life has to offer you," Sonic finished, bringing a finger to her cheek to wipe a traitorous tear.

Words escaped her as she saw her hero with new eyes, a perspective she never thought she'd see him from. She felt, somehow they were more alike than she thought, and the emotional storm in her chest began to settle, though she wasn't sure how long it would stay that way. But with Sonic so close to her, with all of his vulnerabilities displayed for her to see, she felt he didn't deserve to be pelted with her anger.

"I know I've upset you, but maybe I can make it up to you. This is an important night for you, anyway."

As Sonic slowed their dance, Amy sniffled as she composed herself and gave him a look of question. She didn't get the chance to ask what he meant as a dark figure warmed the fur on her exposed back.

"No matter what you think of me now, Ames, I just want you to be happy with yourself," Sonic said as he pulled her in and placed a swift kiss to Amy's forehead.

As he released her and slowly took a few steps back, Amy turned to the warmth and looked up into molten red eyes.

"Rose, may I have this dance?"

Entranced, Amy nodded with a flush, twisting slowly with a flourish of her skirts to exchange partners for the final time. She gave Sonic a short look as he watched the two with a brotherly grin, hand on his hip. Amy didn't have time to digest the look as Shadow's looming presence was magnetic and she found her hands itched to reach for him. As she moved into him, he cupped one of her hands and drew her other hand to his shoulder, placing his vacant hand on the small of her back.

Sonic brushed shoulders with Shadow in his passing, smirking deviously.

"I would say you owe me one, but I think we're even now."

Shadow threw a look of distaste to Sonic's retreating figure as the nobles swished in unison around them. His final comment made all of the nobles around him look at the pink and black couple in confusion.

"She's all yours, Shads!" He belted, lifting a hand in farewell as he headed for the banquet table.

Shadow huffed, annoyed and grateful with Sonic's exit.

"Shadow?"

As he returned his focus to the beautiful hedgehog in his reach, he pressed her to him, eager to make her feel safe as all eyes seemed to rest on them. Whispers started to rise around them, but Shadow tried to erase the scene around them in an effort to ease her apprehension. He brought them back into sync with the other spinning nobles without hesitation, steering clear of the onlookers and focussing on simply guiding his partner.

"I wasn't expecting you to join the dance."

He gave her his eyes and noticed the heavy blush on her cheeks. He also noticed her muzzle was damp and grew suspicious. Pushing aside his priorities for a moment, he frowned.

"He made you cry, didn't he?"

"Sonic? No, I just got emotional. You know, probably getting close to that time of the month again," she started.

"That faker…" Shadow hissed, looking for his blue pelt above the twirling heads.

"Shadow, it's okay. He was just apologizing… for a lot of things. It just brought back some unpleasant memories and I unintentionally frustrated myself. It's not his fault. If anything, I feel we understand each other now."

Shadow cooled, still stiff with resentment as he listened to her.

"He was a good dance partner, Shadow. He showed me a good time."

Shadow sighed, giving her a small, genuine smirk that he rarely shared with anyone else.

"I guess I should do the same, then."

And with that, Shadow pulled her into a twirl, bringing her back and leading her away from the group of moving nobles. As they broke away, Amy felt dazed at his speed and precision, wondering how she was managing to keep up with his movements. She looked down to their feet and nearly made herself dizzy.

"You're doing just fine, Rose. Keep your eyes on me, and I'll make your worries disappear."

She found his lowered eyes again and became trapped like an insect in tree sap. With a flush, she followed, seemingly under a spell. The rose couldn't help but wonder what was going on behind those molten eyes. They were tantalizing and intense, but somewhat guarded at that moment. She also remembered that he seemed to want to tell her something.

"Shadow…"

"Yes, Rose?"

What am I supposed to say? 'Hey, back at the banquet table, you looked like you wanted to confess your undying love for me. Well, if you're ready, I'm all ears! Why not do it now in front of all of these nobles and onlookers who probably want to rip you to pieces while you're dancing with me right now? No pressure.' Good luck with that, Amy Rose.

"Um, I…"

Shying away from the truth, she broke his gaze with an embarrassed sweat. That was a mistake. No longer underneath his tantalizing spell, she noticed that her surroundings had changed. The music of choice had slowed to a passionate waltz and the noblemen and noblewomen no longer moved beside them. Instead, they formed a spacious circle around the two, glances of distaste, disappointment, and indifference directed their way.

Shadow noticed her look and pressed her to his chest.

"Hold on to me."

As if on cue, the music rose, spewing passionate lilts. Shadow gestured in a way that Amy interpreted as a cue to let go of her grip on his shoulder. In doing so, Shadow brought Amy out in an elegant arc away from him, her skirts billowing around her, bringing her in with a twirl, entrancing her once more with a handsome smirk. As she clutched onto him, she felt drawn to his body, flushing as her mind numbed. They twirled with more fervor and Amy's peripheral vision became abstract as she focussed on the dark hedgehog before her and his face that neared her own.

"You look a bit dizzy. Maybe we should stop."

The rose blinked as they slowed to a gentle spin. Clutching Shadow's arms as she caught the breath she didn't know she was holding, she noticed they'd broken from the circle of nobles again and were at the other edge of the ballroom, opposite of the banquet and festivities, where dim candle light struggled to light the crevices of the pillared section of the hall. Curtains draped around the pillars adorned with flowers and Amy felt she could no longer hear the music quite as well as before.

"We're alone…"

Shadow looked over his shoulder with a frown.

"Not quite."

Amy followed his eyes and noticed a few lonely bystanders hidden within the shadows of the decor around them, a few princely figures looking to escape the crowd with their arms crossed and eyes closed as they rested. One of them was not alone, and with a small squint Amy noticed a couple was exchanging heated kisses between the drapery. As she darted her head away from the couple, not wanting to get caught staring, she found that some of the nobles still watched them from afar over Shadow's shoulder.

"Oh, I guess not," She admitted as her muzzle was overtaken in red.

"Psst! Over here!"

A voice broke their steady waltz from behind a curtain covering a portion of a wall hidden by a hall made with extra floral draperies and pillars.

Shadow broke their waltzing position and lifted one of her hands, drawing her away from the desperate eyes and through the darkened hall. The curtain parted upon their arrival, as if beckoning the two to enter. Amy's breath hitched as a moonlit balcony opened before them. Stone vases filled with white and purple flora greeted them, accented by dim candle light that rested atop stone benches lining the edges of the space.

Shadow stepped forward and pulled her through, the falling drapery enclosing them in the privacy they sought. Amy looked over her shoulder as the curtains closed, just barely recognizing the shape of Cream's head and a pair of twin tails meandering through the cloth. Cream smiled back at the two, giving the pinkette a thumbs up before retreating with her two-tailed partner.

"H-how did they…?"

Shadow ignored her stutter and brought her back into him, leading her with his own rhythm as they turned under the moonlight. Amy found that the serenity of the atmosphere had boosted her confidence a bit. She finally began to speak, though in hush.

"Sonic came to me and apologized to me for that day, the day I got hurt and ran away, just like you said he would," she began.

"Oh? Well, I'm glad that he can do something right," Shadow muttered nonchalantly.

"He… mentioned there was someone else that wanted to find me more than he did when I disappeared. He was referring to you, wasn't he?"

Shadow stiffed, his warmed eyes solidifying as he contemplated how to respond.

"When we started looking for you, we informed many of the previous freedom fighters of your disappearance. As they formed their search parties, there were many others who were just as devastated that you had gone away. Sonic could have been referring to anyone…" Shadow explained.

"Yes, right! I see…" she forced in disappointment.

Shadow mentally slapped himself, thinking he was only taking several steps backward in his, dare he say it, cowardice. The ultimate life form was no coward! He mentally berated himself as she looked at anything but him. He tried to remember the romantic phrases he'd practiced to try and woo her, as per Rouge's instructions. He cleared his throat.

"You look breathtaking tonight. I couldn't imagine myself with any other girl right now, my love," he drawled in a strange accent, cringing inwardly.

Amy froze, only for light giggles to vibrate her body, failing to hold them in as she turned her head cutely, eyes closed.

"Oh, why, thank you, Shadow. If I didn't know any better, I'd say Rouge has been forcing her collection of romantic comedies on you," she giggled.

Shadow sweat dropped with a grimace. If Rouge were listening in right now, she'd be doubling over on the floor, cackling. It was like the ultimate prank for the bat, giving advice to the naive, clueless and love-sick ultimate life form who trusted her, inundating him with cheesy, useless lines only an actor would say. He should have known.

"Thank you. I needed that. This night has been stressful enough on its own. It's relieving to be alone, laughing with the breeze in my quills, v gdancing with you."

Shadow's embarrassment dropped as a slight flush crept to his cheeks. He analyzed the pink hedgehog in his arms as she favored him with her endearing gaze. Forgetting Rouge's corny lines, he beseeched Amy's face, searching for answers. If he were going to use his own words, where should he start?

"Well, I think the adornments Rouge picked for you are very fitting. You look like a knight or a prince, if you don't mind me saying so," she mentioned lightheartedly.

Shadow's eyes fell low, her tone encouraging him.

"I'm glad you think so. I think it's only natural for me to wear something like this if I wish to stand by your side."

"Stand by my…?"

It took her a moment to digest what he was insinuating.

"Only if you want me to," he murmured.

Amy's ears perked.

"Shadow… I…"

She blinked.

"Rose, I know that you're pressed to stay and rekindle the flames of your lost relations with your family, but your dedication to Mobius pulls you away."

Amy's ears lowered as the two stilled.

"Right…"

Shadow slid his hands to her upper arms, his intensity cupping her into his inescapable hold.

"And I know that being away from your friends burdens your heart with anguish and it forces you to juggle two heavy decisions," Shadow continued, his voice weighted.

Her bottom lip quivered.

So much for enjoying what was left of the night.

"I don't want you to hurt as you are right now. I want you to choose where you want to be without so much sacrifice, without fear, and without the thought that you might be making the wrong choice."

She chuckled dryly.

"Then maybe we could start by, I don't know, dropping the topic for now?"

His eyebrows furrowed, his eyes betraying a bit of the emotion he was trying to contain, only allowing a steady flow to reach her. No need to drown her with his feelings.

"Rose, if I were in your position, I'd want to stay."

She searched his face with slight incredulity.

"What?" she breathed.

"If this were Space Colony Ark and I found that Maria and Professor Gerald Robotnik were still alive and well, I'd probably never set foot on Mobius again."

Amy felt the tears behind her eyes. Did the friends he'd made on Mobius mean nothing to him?

"Why?"

"Because then I could uncover the answers for my existence. The professor could tell me who I am… and I could give Maria what she'd always wanted and relieve her of her illness. I could get some form of retribution and peace of mind and… I think, if she were to return to Earth, I would follow and be of any help I could to her and enable her to live the life she'd only ever dreamed about."

Amy's heart hardened. What was she supposed to say to that?

"If I was reunited with my home, Mobius would no longer matter to me, too. So I understand if your heart compels you to stay here on Aumoris. The others understand, and that's why I'm willing to-"

"No, you don't understand."

Amy shrugged from his grasp, letting the cold turn her to stone as she vacated his warmth. She curled into herself, rubbing her arms as tears slipped down her cheeks in a treasonous flourish.

"Rose, I-"

Amy lifted her skirts and slipped through the drapery, covering her sobs with a hand.

"No, wait!"

As Shadow burst through the other side, determined to go after her, he jogged through the darkened hall and turned the corner to find she was nowhere to be found. The crowd of nobility and sophisticated peoples had scattered as the knights beckoned them to their rooms and the other staff cleared the decor from the throne room.

The dark hedgehog sifted through the warm bodies as they made way for the throne room doors, but he caught no hint of pink.

"Mr. Shadow, how did it go?"

Shadow turned to an ecstatic Cream and a smiling Tails, but as he turned to them, they dropped their joyful countenance.

"Shadow…?" Tails started.

"Have you seen her?" Shadow asked desperately.

Tails shook his head as Cream jumped to look around. Cream took to the air for a moment, and perked before coming back to the ground.

"I think I saw her! It looks like she managed to make her way through the door. I saw her running up the stairs. She's probably headed to her room."

Without a thank you, Shadow shouldered his way through the bumbling masses, determined to reach her.

Please, Rose. Even if you won't have me, at least hear me out.

~aAa~