This was a day he never expected. The day she would leave him for her own journey. He always supported his friends, but for whatever reason, his heart was aching. It was annoying him how much it hurt watching her pack. Every bracelet, every red dress, every pair of boots was agony. When she could sense he was lingering he snuck around to his favorite tree where he could peer through the window to watch. She knew he was there. She had chosen that room because she knows where Sonic's favoritetree is.
From below he can hear footsteps and then the rustle of trees. He balances himself as he feels his tree shake from the claws climbing up his special tree. He refuses to acknowledge the three now perched on his special tree.
"Sonic, you gotta go see her. She's about to leave." Tails frowns, having used his tail to fly to the branch next to him.
"Forget it. He's too stubborn to admit he's going to miss her." Shadow scoffs, leaning against the tree from a branch above.
"Ah, young love. Something only one of us has ever been so graced with." Knuckles shakes his head, "First Tails and Cosmo--"
"Don't act like you don't have a thing for Rouge," Shadow rolls his eyes.
"That old hag of a bat?! Don't make me laugh."
"Honestly I'm surprised you're not more beat up about it, Rouge is going with her." Shadow taunts.
"HA! Like I care. It just means I don't have to keep her away from the master emerald anymore."
"Huh, so is that what all the midnight walks on the beach are? Just a distraction to keep her away from the Emerald?" Tails raises his eyebrow.
"Now wait just a minute--"
"Guys! Forget it, okay? Look, the girls could have asked us to go with them but they didn't. Well, Amy didn't." Sonic shakes his head.
"Sonic, you know why we can't go. Knuckles has to look after the Master Emerald and the only jump point to get to it at the moment is here. Shadow agreed to train Cream so that she could join them eventually and Cream's mother relocated here just for her. I set up my entire central communication center here--" Tails trails but Sonic stops him.
"I could have gone. I'm fast, I can take care of the threat no problem." Sonic crosses his arms.
"You sayin' the girls can't take care of themselves?" Shadow raises an eyebrow.
"Well no--"
"You think you could do it better than they could?" Knuckles chimes in.
"No! I'm not saying that at all!" Sonic narrows his eyes at Knuckles.
"So what are you saying, Sonic?" Tails finally says.
"I--" Sonic starts but stops himself. His head felt like it was vibrating, his anger causing his blood to race and boil. He knew what he wanted to say. But after all these years, how would he dare say it?
He closes his eyes and leans his head back against the tree. He sighs, not wanting to know if the others are staring at him. He knows they are, waiting for an answer. The worst part is that they already know what he wants to say. Yet, none of it will say it for him.
"I know she can take care of herself. She's more than proven that. Heck, at this point she's saved me more times than I can count. Even if someone threatened me she would be right there. But in the same way I've also always been there for her. I know she talked about going off on her own but I just wasn't sure she'd ever do it." Sonic muses.
"And now she's abandoning you," Knuckles shakes his head, "What a shame."
"Knuckles!" Shadow and Tails simultaneously hiss at him.
Sonic snickers, without opening his eyes, fear a slip of water might leak from his eye, "Yeah. Feels like that."
Suddenly all of them are at a loss for words. They came to support Sonic, but at the same time all of them are going to miss Amy. Rouge, despite her constant scheming, had also made a harsh turn and become a part of the group. Going a day without each of their bold personalities was going to be hard.
"Sonic," Tails repositions himself onto Sonic's branch so that he is sitting across from him, "Are you going to be okay?"
Sonic opens his eyes to find his best friend staring directly at him. How could he tell any of them how it feels? Amy had been in love with Sonic since they first met. He had done everything but outwardly reject her to subdue her affections. As they got older, her affections faded until there was seemingly nothing left but the love of a friend.
"I didn't know what I was getting into when we met. She seemed headstrong and pushy. She was overbearing at times but she fought for her friends. She is always so positive and when she smiles its like--"
Sonic stops himself again. He sighs and takes a deep breath. He looks past Knuckles to where Amy is zipping up the last of her suitcase. She looks around the room as if she was missing something. The light coming from sundown peers into her room, hitting her face perfectly. She was practically glowing and it was killing him.
"I just never thought I'd actually--" Sonic tries again before shaking his head, "Forget it. I'm gonna finish getting everything ready for the farewell party." Without another word, Sonic begins the descent down his special tree and he takes off in the direction of their house.
The three watch him leave, none of them quite knowing what to say next.
"He really just can't say it, can he?" Shadow shakes his head.
"Sonic has tried to ignore her affections for a while. But seeing him like this is just abnormal," Knuckles shrugged.
"That just tells you how much he's always cared," Tails says, "As long as Amy was here he never had to wonder what life would be without her or wonder if he'd miss her."
"So what, this is it? We just let him go on with a broken heart?" Knuckles asks.
"Yep," Shadow says flatly nodding towards the house, "Knuckles, your girlfriend is summoning you."
"Huh?" Knuckles looks over and immediately rolls his eyes. Rouge was holding up an emerald green bracelet that Knuckles had gotten for her at a local market. He thought it might appease her from desiring control of the master emerald. The bracelet shines in the sunshine. She blows him a kiss and a wink before disappearing inside.
"Alright, let's just try to enjoy ourselves. And remember! None of us interfere, okay?"
"Fine by me," Shadow shrugs, "Let's go so I don't have to watch that freak show flirt with Knuckles."
"You guys can interfere for me if you'd like. I'll hire you for pest control, there's a crazy bat on the loose."
"Hah good one! Try calling Vector and the gang," Tails smiles.
"I already did and they said no," Knuckles pouts following behind Tails and Shadow as they make their way back.
"Okay, I think that's everything!" Amy smiles at Rouge, looking at a fully packed ship that Tails has designed for them.
"You sure you don't want to say goodbye to lover boy?" Rouge leans against the hangar door.
"I'm sure they'll all be here shortly," Amy shrugs.
"Privately?" Rouge raises her eyebrow.
Amy frowns and looks away from Rouge. She understood what Rouge means but she was having none of it. She has told and shown Sonic her feelings and loyalty for years. She's never hidden anything. She already has the closure she needs. She believed he felt something, but she doesn't know to what degree. She knows what she feels but she wasn't going to bother figuring out how Sonic really feels. He would tell her when the time was right.
"Why don't you say goodbye to Knuckles? I'll go over the training schedule again with Shadow and make sure he's gentle with Cream." Amy says.
"You really don't think he cares?" Rouge asks.
"I know he does... He wouldn't keep rescuing me and searching for me. But everyone we are going up against here lately are just getting more difficult to defeat and I don't want to keep burdening him because I'm not strong enough." Amy shrugs.
"Please Amy this is just the little game you guys play--"
"I'm tired of playing that game, Rouge!" Amy shouts. The force surprises both herself and Rouge. Amy sighs and shakes her head.
"I just don't get why he won't admit he has at least some kind of feelings for me," Amy says, "I just know we're meant to be together."
"Amy, that's just not who Sonic is. He just doesn't do... feelings like that."
"I get that. It's just that we're older now. Things are different than they used to be. I just don't know how to progress." Amy shrugs.
"Men," Rouge rolls her eyes, "They never say what they mean."
"It's because they don't know what they want," Amy laughs, "Come on, let's get to the farewell shindig so we can jet."
"You sure you're ready for this? Just the girls?" Rouge links arms with Amy.
"What do you mistake me for, some kind of wimp?" Amy looks flabbergasted, "I can hammer my enemies with my eyes shut!With your training, we'll be unstoppable!"
"Recognizing my greatness is the first step. If only I had a pretty little magic hammer, I'd be golden." Rouge touts.
The duo laugh as they walk into the living room. There are steamers hung from every corner of the house. Cream and Cheese have cheerleader pom poms in hand. Tails and Knuckles whoop and cheer as the duo enter and Shadow claps at their arrival. Cream's mother gives them both a hug and leads them to the cake she has prepared for them. Sonic has a small smile on his face, standing next to Shadow by the fireplace. He hasn't stopped watching Amy since she walked in, but Amy is too overwhelmed by her emotions to notice him. As usual she's not able to hold back and she begins to cry. She covers her eyes, slinking to a spot on the couch.
Cream is quick to give her friend a hug. Even though she was much smaller, she coddles Amy like a child.
"I love you guys so much!" Amy manages to say in between sniffles.
"Promise you'll be careful?" Cream says, tears welling up in her eyes as well.
"Promise me you'll hurry up and train so you can come join me?" Amy responds with a smile. Cream beams and nods. She gestures to the others with hope in her eyes.
"I have the best team imaginable! I'll do my best!" Cream says confidently.
"Just keep that cute, positive attitude, Sugarplum and you'll be perfectly fine." Rouge encourages Cream. Cream jumps to give Rouge a hug as well. Rouge gives cream a few pats on the head before turning to Knuckles.
"What? No hug for me, Knucks?" Rouge winks.
"I'm here for cake," Knuckles responds simply, "I have nothing more to say to you. Well... I actually do have something to give."
Knuckles reaches behind himself and pulls out a jewelry making kit and a bag of assorted shaped diamonds, amethyst, onyx, and rubies.
"Make yourself somethin' pretty." Knuckles shrugs, walking over to hand them to her.
"Oh look... a DIY project... Hey Amy, at least the jewels are pretty." Rouge says holding up the bag.
"Not to brag, but i have learned a thing or two about fashion! I'll help you make something stunning!" Amy says, peeking over Rouge's shoulder.
"Well thanks Knuckles," Rouge says kissing him on the cheek and whispering in his ear, "You could have just said you'll miss me."
Knuckles chuckles and looks her in the eyes, "In your dreams."
Rouge smiles and moves on to give Tails the biggest squeeze she can, lifting him off the ground. Tails groans, begging her to put him down. The group laughs and before they know it, they've begun to chat about all their favorite memories. Cream's mother begins to cut the cake, Cream and Tails swooning over the sugary aroma.
Amy looks up every once in a while to catch Sonic staring. But, per usual, every time they make eye contact he looks away. She wonders if Rouge was right and he did actually like her as more than a friend. But after all these years...
The festivities lasted until dark and Shadow had set up a bonfire outside. Tails and Sonic reenact a little fight of them and Eggman for their "night entertainment".
Halfway through their performance Shadow leans over to Amy.
"Pull him aside before you leave," Shadow states. Amy narrows her eyes without looking his direction.
"No," She hisses at him, "If he has something to say, he can make a move himself. I won't continue to throw myself at him. I've made my point clear."
Shadow scoffs, "You guys deserve each other. The most stubborn hedgehogs I've ever met."
"You call it stubborn, I call it confidence." Amy shrugs.
"Unchecked confidence is no different than pride and arrogance." Shadow puts his hand on her shoulder, "It's best you learn the difference now before you lose him forever."
Amy finally turns to look at Shadow but he has already turned his focus back to the show where Tails has defeated 'Eggman', aka, Sonic. He was standing triumphantly with one foot on Sonic's back. The group cheers but Amy, instead, rises from her seat and walks away.
Sonic opens one eye after his fake death scene and sees Amy storming off towards the woods. When she's distressed, there is a path that leads to a large wildflower field. The field has a view of a neighboring city and it was her comfort spot. Once Tails releases him, Sonic gives him a handshake.
Shadow locks eyes with Sonic and nods towards the direction Amy has taken off.
Sonic can't find it in his feet to move but Tails pats him on his back.
"Now or never kid." Tails says.
"I'm older than you," Sonic chuckles.
"Then act like it," Tails snickers in return. Sonic rolls his eyes and starts the trek. As he passes Shadow, Shadow taunts Sonic just enough for him to hear.
"Good luck, lover boy."
Amy wants to cry, but for some reason she found herself out of tears. She has tried over and over since she met Sonic to be near him. And now, she was leaving on her own accord, purposely choosing to be without him. The thought was sickening. Cream was her best friend. But Sonic was her soul mate.
She still remembers the cards leading her to him. That feeling of destiny has always stuck with her. This time, however, she wanted to get better. To learn--really learn-- how to take care of herself and be able to help Sonic however she can. She needs to be stronger, or at least that's what she has begun to tell herself. Rouge can help her with that. The same way Shadow will help Cream.
The city lights are fully on at this point and they illuminate the sky. She is perched on her favorite rock, the tall grass providing the perfect nighttime ambiance.
"Probably not the coolest move... ditching your own going away party," A voice calls behind her. Amy smiles slightly, wrapping her arms around herself.
"I couldn't leave without getting one more peek at this view," Amy says instead.
"Without inviting anyone else... again?" Sonic says under his breath.
Amy hears his whisper and her smile dissipates. Was he upset with her for not asking him to join them? She shakes it off, clears her throat and then gestures to the open world around her, "Look. There's my favorite coffee shop. Ooh! And those strobe lights are coming from the mall! And that big open field down there is when I smashed the crud out of that stupid robot Eggman sent after me."
Sonic laughs sitting down in the grass next to her, "Yeah you really beat the snot out of that one didn't ya?"
"Of course I did, he insulted my outfit! I dress for superiority! Calling my outfit 'mediocre' was cause for immediate death," Amy huffs.
"You always make sure you look good," Sonic snickers, "Like you do right now."
Amy turns to look at Sonic, her heart skipping a beat. It takes everything in her body not to give him a hug. His gaze is fixated on the beautiful city below and she can't help but wonder what he's thinking about. She turns her attention back to the city and gives him a gentle thank you.
"You're wearing the jacket I got you," Amy leans over to fiddle with the seam on his shoulder.
Sonic catches her hand as it lands on his shoulder, causing Amy to freeze. She's not sure what to do as Sonic closes his eyes. His eyebrows are narrowed as if he was thinking of something painful.
"I can't believe you didn't ask." Sonic says finally after what feels like an eternity.
"Ask? Did I miss somethin--"
"You didn't ask me, not even once, to come with you."
Amy's eyes widen. Was he really upset with her? Other girls may be flattered but this was unacceptable in Amy's eyes.
"You can't be serious," Amy pulls her hand back and stands to her feet, "You're mad at me?""
"I'm not mad. Just sayin' you didn't ask me."
"What, I'm supposed to get permission from you? Sonic I mentioned this already and you were on board," Amy gasps, putting her hands on her hips, "I'll have you know I have more respect for myself than to think I need to get permission from a boy to do anything!"
"I never said you needed permission," Sonic says with a slight edge in his voice.
"Do NOT raise your voice at me," Amy growls.
"I just want to know why," Sonic stands to his feet and turns to her, "Why did you not ask me to come with you?"
"Why do you care?" Amy calms a bit, turning away from him, "Would you have even gone if I asked?"
"Of course I would have," Sonic says.
Amy scoffs playing with her bracelet, "Yeah. Just to rescue me like you always do, huh?"
Sonic sighs and steps closer to her, "Amy, I already know you can take care of yourself. If anything ever happens you know I'm going to rush to find you, it's just--"
Again, Sonic loses his words. He shakes his head, angry with himself for not being able to say it. He could barely say it at her last birthday party. And here he was again about to drop the ball for the millionth time since he realized he actually did have feelings for Amy Rose.
"It's just what, Sonic?" Amy locks eyes with Sonic for the first time in days. He doesn't break eye contact. In fact he can barely breathe. Her gaze is piercing his soul and he finds himself relaxing. Amy visibly relaxes too, a sort of sad twinge developing in her eye.
"I just... I wish I..." Sonic tries again. Amy frowns and begins to readjust his jacket.
"I've already said what I needed to say. I've said it since I met you," Amy sighs, her hands adjusting the collar of the jacket, "I've always been honest and said what I meant. I hope one day you can too."
As Amy turns to leave, Sonic instinctively reaches out to grab her wrist with his eyes shut. She turns to face him, shocked at such a sudden movement. He slides his hand from her wrist to her hand and reaches into his inside jacket pocket. He pulls out a small box and hands it to her.
"I guess for now, this is the best I can do."
He pulls open the lid and reveals a thin gold necklace chain with a single gold ring on it. The inscription reads 'infinity'.
"Infinity?" Amy asks, pulling the necklace out. Sonic puts the empty box in his pocket, grabs the necklace and spins her until she is facing away from him. He slings the necklace around Amy's neck and clasps it shut. She turns to gaze back up at Sonic and he pushes her hair out of her face, gliding his finger across her cheek.
"That's how many times I'll rescue you." Sonic states. Tears well up in Amy's eyes and she throws her arms around him in a hug. Sonic wraps his hands around her, letting her cry. His heart hurts, but he feels a small wave of relief. He may not have fully committed and he may still not be able to say it, but hopefully this is enough for now.
"I think they're over here somewhere," Tails' voice resounds through the thick of the trees.
Amy quickly wipes her tears and tucks her necklace into her dress. She reaches up and kisses Sonic on his cheek. Her heart is racing, half expecting him to flinch or push her off. Yet she finds that he remains calm and even just the most slightly flustered.
He clears his throat as the gang emerges from the trees.
"There you are! Come on girl, it's time to go! You know night time is the perfect time for us to sneak into Planet Goidas." Rouge says flying next to Amy.
"Do we really have to start there?" Amy rolls her eyes.
"Hey! Espio is the one who set up shop there. At least we'd know someone," Rouge shrugs, "Bonus that it's discreet, it's got good food, no Egghead--"
"And it's a planet that hasn't been blessed with your pick pocket presence?" Amy laughs.
"Meh. Tomato, potato! Let's go!" Rouge says linking arms with her.
She turns towards Sonic and gives him a salute , "It's been a real hoot and a half. Take care of yourself, Sonic."
"Just try and keep her out of trouble, eh Rouge?" Sonic smirks.
"Why does everyone always assume I'm up to no good?" Rouge frowns and whispers in Amy's ear, "Hey I thought I was supposed to have the buzz kill? We can't have two duds bossing us around."
Amy laughs and turns to wave back at Sonic. The duo walk together in front of the group until they reach the hangar. Rouge suddenly stops and stares at Amy, a slight twitch in her nostrils at a familiar scent.
"What?" Amy raises her eyebrows.
"I smell new jewelry. Did you get a little gift?" Rouge gasps, "OOOOOOH lemme see!"
"No! No, I just... polished my bracelets." Amy blushes.
"Sure honey," Rouge giggles, "Sure you did."
This particular throne room was paved with gold. There is not a soul except one sitting on a throne. The throne has strings of silver connecting to the wall. The one sat upon the throne, strums the threads to an unsung melody. The threads vibrate with each strum, although no sound comes out.
The being is blinding with golden skin and a golden tunic that drape neatly over their shoulder. Despite there being no wind, their own golden locks flow, seeming to repair, replace, or add strings. The locks themselves are alive, working tirelessly.
The sound of a door opening distracts the being. They wince, opening their eyes. Long lashes and tired eyelids expose bright white eyes and dark brown pupils. Someone peeks their head inside, but is unable to fully open the door.
"Miss?" A light voice calls, "I don't mean to disturb--"
"What isssss it," A tired voice calls telepathically.
"We've located her. She just left Earth," The small voice calls, "She left the hedgehog behind."
"Doesssss sssshe have them?" The voice responds.
"Not that our sensors can pickup. She hasn't used the cards since--"
"Sssshe doesn't neeeeed them," The voice responds, "Her power isss stronger than that magic. Sssame as the other hedgehogsssss and the achidna."
"We know, but tracking her is harder than the others." The tiny voice shrivels.
"Cooommmmmeee innnn,"
The tiny voice shrieks a little before six small spider-like legs appear. Black hair flows from the pale white head. The little spider-like creature smiles with two fangs, but happy eyes.
The little spider takes their time, tip toeing in between the strings, although it was no easy task. Some strings are unavoidable and they carefully tread them, ducking and weaving. Finally they find a spot and settle.
"Celeste. Loooook toooo your right."
Celeste peers over her shoulder and her eyes widen. There are a set of strings that meet in one single point but are spread in different directions.
"A singular point?" Celeste gasps.
"That is correct." The elderly states, "All those stringssss lead to the sssame point in time."
"So all of their powers--"
"Manifesssted from a sssingular point."They state, "It cannot beee undone. But Amy'sss magic issss woven from ourssss."
"She's one of us?" Celeste gasps, "But she's a hedgehog."
"Her magic isssss eassssily massssked like ussss. Her energy issss channeled through emotion primarily."
"Emotion... the others are fueled by ability. Except for the one created by raw power alone." Celeste nods, "That makes perfect sense."
"Her powersssss are mossst erratic and a danger to our dissscovery. If sssshe cannot learn to control her power, they will learn how to track her. And that will endanger the world." The creature once again closes her eyes, "We musssst find her."
"We're working to get her back Galatea." Celeste frowns at how frail Galatea appears to be. Her hands are melting gold on the throne. "We understand how valuable they all are."
"Robotnik hassss bitten off more than he can chew. The entire galaxy will be after them now becaussssse of hisssss carelesssnesss." Galatea leans back, her breath becoming weaker by the second, "I cannot massssssk their energy and ourssss much longer. Thissss issss the only way they sssstand a chance to grow in their power. The more energy I drain, the lessssss time they will have. The lesssss time weeee will have."
"Don't worry, Galatea. We'll bring her home."