Later on in the day, Amy Rose was sitting by the Royal Lake, smiling softly as she looked at the sparkling fountain and feeling the rays of the sun on her face. In the five years that have passed since the end of the war with Robotnik, Amy's physical appearance had changed considerably. Her hair-quills had grown a bit longer, now being past her shoulders and her body had become more developed - though not on the level of Bunnie, her chest had grown larger, her hips slightly wider and her legs longer. She had also changed mentally- no longer was she the lovesick and single-minded fan-girl who would do anything to get Sonic's attention. She had matured into a bold, headstrong and more serious hedgehog. Despite that, she maintained the same cheery and optimistic personality she had when she was younger. But arguably the biggest change that came in Amy during these peaceful times is that she at long last let go of the schoolgirl crush she had on Sonic. After coming to the realization that he truly loved Sally and had married her, as well as seeing that her feelings were one-sided, she did the only right thing and let the one she loved go so that he could be with the one that he truly loved and was meant for. Even so, no matter what, she would always think of Sonic as a dear and trusted friend and would do anything in her power to help him, the royal family as well as the citizens of Mobotropolis.

Something else that kept Amy busy was the fact that she, along with the rest of the core Knothole Freedom Fighters, had become members of Sally's Royal Council. Her primary job, alongside Tails, was being an educator to the younger generation of Mobians about the history of Mobius as well as their part in the war against Robotnik. Though she was a bit hesitant at first and wasn't sure of how good a job she would do at being a teacher, she turned out to be an amazing educator to children and she slowly but surely fell in love with her position and found joy in teaching.

Closing her eyes, Amy began to hum a tune to herself, becoming lost in her thoughts as she relaxed by the fountain. So much so that she didn't notice someone approaching her from behind until she heard an all-too familiar voice.

"Well well well, look who we have here."

Amy's ears pricked up and she opened her eyes, turning her head and seeing Sonic standing beside her. "Sonic!" She exclaimed happily before standing and doing a slight curtsy.

"Come on Ames," Sonic said, chuckling. "You know you don't have to do that around me."

"I know, but still," said Amy as she stood back up straight, grinning. "It's the principal."

Sonic returned her smile. "It's good to see you. What you up to?"

"Likewise," said Amy. "It's always great seeing you. "Oh, and not much. Just sitting here and thinking."

"Really?" Sonic asked. "About what?"

Amy shrugged her shoulders. "Just about life in general. How so much has changed."

"Tell me about it," Sonic said. "Though its been five years, its still crazy to think about huh?"

Amy nodded. "Yeah."

"It's been a pretty normal day for me," said Sonic, as he looked at the fountain along with her. "Just finished up a family meeting not too long ago."

"Oh yeah?" Amy inquired. "What happened?"

"Nothing major," Sonic answered. "Just making sure everything was going alright in other parts of the planet, you know? Things like that."

"Wow," said Amy. "Well, you got a lot more going on, now more than ever since you're to be the future king."

Sonic chuckled a bit as he had a seat next to her. "Can you believe that? Me, a king."

The pink hedgehog gave him a playful nudge. "Don't sell yourself short! You'd make a great king!"

"Really? Sonic asked, his signature smirk appearing on his face. "A wild and crazy hedgehog like me?"

"I think so!" Amy answered.

Sonic's smirk turned into a soft grin as he heard the words of approval from Amy. "Thanks Ames. It may not be today, may not be tomorrow but man, me and Sal being king and queen. Who saw that coming? I sure didn't, at least not this quick."

Amy giggled in response.

"But everyone says I've matured from that young hedgehog I used to be," Sonic continued. "Kinda had to, with becoming a prince and all."

"I know," said Amy, her smile still on her face.

Sonic looked to her, snickering a bit. "Not to blow my own horn, but I think I've done alright."

"You have, for sure!" said Amy.

Smiling, Sonic placed his hand on her shoulder, gently rubbing it in thanks. "Same to you Ames."

Amy nodded to him, blushing bashfully as she did so.

"Seems like only yesterday you were chasing me around everywhere I went," Sonic said, chuckling. "Heh, where did the time go?"

"I dunno," Amy responded, remembering those days fondly. "I guess in the times that came and all that changed, I decided to let you go and move on."

Sonic's smile grew as he listened to her. She certainly wasn't the lovesick hedgehog she used to be. "It looks like I'm not the only one who grew up and matured."

"We were young! Well, I was!" Amy said with a laugh.

"We all were," said Sonic. "Definitely had some growing up to do, we did."

"Yeah," Amy said, nodding in agreement. "So true."

Sonic realized he still has his hand on her shoulder and took it back, running it through his hair-quills. "So, what've you been up to as of late?"

Amy took a deep breath and looked back at the fountain. "Just still trying to find my place in the world after the war. I'm grateful as well as thankful to Sally for allowing me a place on her Royal Council and teaching the younger Mobians along with Tails. It's definitely been an incredible experience and I'm happy that I'm helping teach the next generation about so much of the things we went through, but I still feel like there's much more out there for me, you know what I mean?"

"I completely understand Ames," said Sonic in a reassuring voice. "Don't rush it. You'll find your place and what you want out of life. Just gonna take some time. And when it comes to you and Tails teaching the kiddos, you both are doing a great job and I'm really proud of you both."

A grin appeared on Amy's face. "Thanks Sonic. Well, I was so happy when Sally realized my and Tails's talents during the war and how we were willing to fight and give our lives. We wanted to give it our all as we helped reclaim Mobius and I wanted to help educate kids and help them understand what we fought for and will continue to fight for if anyone or anything threatens our home again."

Sonic couldn't help but grin with her. "I'd say Sal made a great choice when she put you on her Royal Council."

"Thanks Sonic," said Amy. "Honestly, I owe her a lot. A lot of us do. And Tails, even though he's grown up a bit he still calls her 'Aunt Sally.'" A chuckle escaped her lips. "So cute."

Sonic laughed as well. "I think that's something that'll never go away."

"True that!" Amy said as she giggled again. "Sally, she's like a big sister to me. She really looked after me in the first days of the war and even taught me to fight, so I could use my hammer to its best."

"And you've become a beast with that thing!" Sonic said, smirking.

I guess I have!" Amy said, blushing slightly. "I even demonstrate with it to people who want to see it!"

"Heh, right on!" said Sonic before he gave her a soft look. "You've really come a long way."

"It seems I have," Amy responded, meeting his gaze.

"You've definitely grown up from that little girl that used to chase after me all the time," Sonic chuckled.

The blush on Amy's face grew, this time in embarrassment. "Oh erm...Sorry about that..."

"Hey, its cool," said Sonic. "No worries."

"I was young and had a silly crush on you is all," said Amy before grinning. "Well, who wouldn't?"

A huge was plastered on Sonic's face as he stroked his chin. "Well I don't mean to brag but I am the sexiest piece of hedgehog I know."

Amy laughed. At heart, he was still the same Sonic he'd always been. "True that!"

The two hedgehogs enjoyed a laugh together until another thought came to Sonic. "Man, I still can't believe I'm gonna be a dad."

"You deserve it!" Amy said, giving Sonic a hug. "And if its not too cheeky to ask, can I be an auntie?"

Sonic smiled as he hugged her back. "Aww, of course you can."

"Thanks so much!" said Amy, giving him a gentle squeeze.

"You're welcome," Sonic said, patting her back. "I'm sure Sal would say the same."

"Aww, so glad!" Amy replied.

Sonic returned her squeeze with one of his own before pulling back from the hug. "So, where're you heading after you leave here?"

"I wasn't sure really," Amy answered.

"Well, I don't have anything else going on," said Sonic. "The meeting was pretty much the only thing and we've already wrapped that up. Sal said she was going to spend some with her mom so I'm free until something else comes up."

"Really?" Amy asked before a hopeful smile appeared on her face. "You wanna hang out then?"

Sonic smiled back at her. "Sure, why not?"

"Cool!" Amy exclaimed happily as she stood up. "How about the coffee shop we all used to go to?"

"Sounds like a plan," said Sonic as he stood up along with her, grinning. "Let's head on over there."

"Sure thing!" said Amy in an excited tone. "Let's go!"

Amy lead Sonic away from the Royal Lake and into the city of Mobotropolis,a slight spring in her step as she did so. As the two of them walked side by side, they took note of all the city's inhabitants out and about enjoying their day and living their lives, a sharp contrast to the life they all had just a short five years ago.

"Always did like seeing all the hustle and bustle," said Sonic. "Everyone's always got something going on."

"True that!" said Amy.

"Just the way I like it," Sonic continued. "No more of everyone being scared. They can be out and about and be happy."

"Makes me so happy to see as well!" said Amy.

The hedgehogs walked together a bit longer before Sonic saw that they had arrived outside their destination. "Here we are," he said. "Sure has been a while since I was last here."

Amy smiled and, along with Sonic, walked inside the coffee shop. As they entered and looked around, all the customers and employees noticed them.

"Oh, its Prince Sonic and Amy!"

"Wow! So it is!"

Excited murmurs started it amongst the customers and employees and Amy looked down, a blush on her face. Chuckling, Sonic waved at everyone and greeted. "How's it going folks? Hope you're all doing well."

"Doing great thanks!" replied one of the customers and many others followed suit.

One of the employees walked up to Sonic and Amy and bowed to the two of them in respect. "It's an honor to see you sir, as well as you Miss Amy!"

Amy blushed harder. "Wow...erm thanks!"

Sonic, meanwhile, playfully rolled his eyes as he saw the employee bow to him, as well as a couple others. "Come on y'all, you know I hate when you do the whole bowing thing."

"Sorry," the employee replied, standing back up straight. "It's only out of respect."

"I know," said Sonic, a grin on his face. "Just still trying to get used to it is all."

The employee smiled back. "We all look forward to you being our king!"

Sonic smiled in thanks. "I'll do my best to make you all proud."

The entire place erupted in cheers and applause. Amy smiled proudly at Sonic and patted his back, to which Sonic looked to her and wiped his brow in a playful manner. Amy grinned as everyone went back to their usual conversations and she looked and spotted a table in the corner. "This is my favorite spot," she said as she led Sonic over to it.

"Very nice," said Sonic as they reached the table and he pulled one of the chairs out for her.

"Aww thanks!" she said as she had a seat. "Such a gentleman!"

"Picked it up these past couple years," Sonic said with a chuckle. "Kinda comes with the territory when you're a prince."

Amy's smile grew. "I hope I meet someone just like you Sonic. Sally's a really lucky girl."

"If I'm being real, I'm the lucky one," said Sonic as he had a seat across from her. "And I'm sure you'll find the perfect guy for you one day Ames."

"Fingers crossed huh?" Amy asked.

Sonic nodded. "Definitely. And toes too, heh. But no worries. You'll find the guy for you. Just gonna take time. It'll happen, just wait and see."

Amy nodded with a smile and she and Sonic both saw a waitress approach them.

"Hello your highness, Miss Amy," the waitress said while doing a slight curtsy. "It's truly an honor. What will you be having today?"

Sonic looked over to Amy, winking at her. "Ladies first."

"Thanks!" said Amy before she looked back at the waitress. "A creamy cappuccino please!"

"I'll have the same," Sonic added.

"Got it!" said the waitress as she jotted down the orders. "I'll be right back with your drinks!" After giving another small bow, she walked away from the table.

Sonic and Amy watched as she left and a few seconds later the blue hedgehog began to laugh. "Man, let this have been a couple years back, I wouldn't be caught dead saying 'Ladies first.'"

Amy laughed a bit as she moved some of her hair-quills from her face. "How has being a prince been working out for you?"

"Although its been five years, I'm still learning and adjusting," said Sonic. "But overall, everything's been going good. Sal and her family have been real cool in helping me make the adjustment. And my parents have been real supportive and helpful too, of course."

"That's great!" said Amy. "Well done!"

"Thanks," Sonic said with a smile. "Here's hoping I continue to do well. Got to be as prepared as I can for whenever Sal and I take over as king and queen."

"You both are gonna do a great job!" said Amy with a wink. "I know you will!"

Sonic chuckled and nodded to her. "Awesome to know someone has faith in us." He then looked over and saw the waitress return with their drinks.

"Here you go!" she said as she placed them on the table. "Enjoy!"

"Thanks Ma'am!" said Amy.

"You're welcome!" said the waitress before she bowed once again and took her leave.

Sonic got a whiff of the coffee and his eyes fluttered open and closed rapidly. "Mmm, that sure smells good!"

Amy nodded and after blowing her drink to cool it off, she took a sip.

"How is it?" Sonic asked.

Amy lowered her cup, a look of satisfaction on her face. "Great!"

Sonic looked at her and saw some of the cream was on her lips and held in a laugh as he tapped his own lips. "You got a little something there."

Placing her finger on her upper lip and feeling the cream, Amy giggled as she picked up a napkin. "Thanks!" She proceeded to wipe and clean the cream off her lip.

Sonic grinned before he took a sip of his own drink. For the next couple minutes the two hedgehogs continued to talk and enjoy not only their drinks but each others' company until Amy decided to change the subject to a much more serious one.

"You know Sonic," she began. "I've been curious about something..."

"Oh yeah?" Sonic answered, curious himself as to what she had to say. "About what?"

Amy looked around, making sure no one was listening in before taking a deep breath and saying one word quietly.

"Robotnik…"

Sonic's eyes narrowed as he heard the name. "What about him?" he asked in a hushed voice.

Amy took another small sip of her drink before answering. "I just couldn't help but think about the fact that back then...his body was never found, you know?"

"There was nothing to find Ames," said Sonic. "He got completely cooked when Sal and I wrecked the Doomsday Machine."

"You think?" Amy asked. "And what about Snively?"

Sonic scoffed a bit as he took another drink. "That little midget most likely got barbequed in the blast too."

"I hope so," said Amy, a look of slight concern on her face. "It's just...I don't know..."

Sonic could hear the uncertainty in Amy's voice as clear as day. "Trust me Ames, both of those clowns are long gone. We don't have to worry about or deal with them anymore."

"If you say so..." said Amy, sighing a bit afterwards. "It's just, finding nothing after all this time bothers me..."

"Like I said Ames, they were burnt to a crisp when that place went up," said Sonic. "There was nothing left."

Amy looked to Sonic, replaying his words in her head a few times before she nodded.

"Its been five years," said Sonic. "If by some chance they did survive, either us or them over at GUN would've found something by now."

"That's a good point," said Amy. "And knowing Shadow and Rouge, they would have been on it immediately and let us know about it."

Sonic nodded. "Exactly."

"They're two of the best agents GUN has," said Amy.

"They've definitely put in a lot of work," said Sonic. "Ever since GUN found Shadow and Omega in the rubble of Robotnik's base.

"They sure have," said Amy before taking another drink.

Sonic had another drink himself before leaning back in his seat. "With the combination of our kingdom as well as GUN, not to mention the other Freedom Fighter groups across Mobius, there's not much that'll go unnoticed without us knowing about it."

"That's true!" said Amy, finally being reassured and smiling once more. "We can be ready for anything and everything!"

"You got that right!" Sonic agreed, holding his cup out to Amy and the two of them toasted each other before going back to conversing and enjoying their drinks together.

After finishing their drinks, Sonic decided to accompany Amy back to her home. After a bit of a walk, the two of them arrived outside her apartment. "Thanks for walking with me back home Sonic," said Amy as she began to unlock her front door. "I really appreciate it."

"No prob at all," said Sonic. "Thanks for the company."

"You're welcome!" said Amy as she got her door unlocked and pushed it ajar slightly, looking back to him. "Give my love to Sally!"

Sonic nodded. "Will do." At that moment, he took a deep breath and an unsure look appeared on his face.

Amy immediately noticed the change in the blue hedgehog's demeanor. "You okay Sonic?"

Taking another deep breath, Sonic looked to Amy while running a hand through his hair-quills. "You know something Ames? I got to be real with you about this...I'm nervous as all hell when it comes to being a dad."

Amy's expression softened. "I understand Sonic. It's a big thing."

"No kidding," Sonic added. "This just may be the biggest thing I've ever had to handle in my life."

Amy placed a hand of reassurance on Sonic's shoulder, like how he had done for her earlier. "And I believe you can do it," she said, smiling.

Sonic looked to her and nodded. "I'll do my best."

Amy nodded back to him, taking her hand back and walking inside her apartment. "Would you like to come in for a sec?"

"Sure," said Sonic before walking inside and taking note of the change since the last time he had been here. "Wow, it looks like someone's done some major redecorating up in here."

Amy chuckled. "Yeah well, I wanted to make this place a proper home."

"I'd say you've done a great job in that department, " said Sonic as he looked around a bit more, going into the living room. "Nice furniture set, big plasma TV, even an aquarium. It's real homey in here, no doubt."

"Thanks!" said Amy as she joined him in the living room. "And as you can probably tell, I'm not into pink as much as I used to be. Guess I just wanted something that was different from the color of my fur."

Sonic snickered a bit. "Once upon a time, when it came to you it was pink and nothing else."

"True!" Amy laughed. "Well, girlie girl I was! And...I guess in a way, kinda still am!"

"Heh, old habits die hard huh?" Sonic asked.

"Got that right!" said Amy, grinning.

"It was fun getting a chance to hang out," said Sonic. "We've got to do this more often. Maybe next time we can get the whole gang together."

Amy smiled and nodded. "Sounds great to me!"

"Its a plan then," said Sonic. A couple seconds later Sonic's cell phone went off, indicating that he had received a text message. Amy's ears pricked up as she heard the phone and she watched as Sonic took out his phone and looked at it. "It's Sal," he said after reading the text. "She was just wondering where I was. Heh, I did kinda just leave without letting her know."

Amy covered her mouth. "Oops!" she said, giggling a bit. "Someone's in trouble!"

Sonic laughed a bit and shook his head. "Naw, it's all good," he said as he sent a text back to his wife. "I let her know that I was hanging out with you." A few seconds later, he received another text from Sally and laughed as he read it. "She wanted me to tell you she said hi."

"Hey Sally!" Amy said, waving at the phone.

Sonic chuckled softly at his friend's antics. "On that note, I'd better head on back to the palace."

"Okay," said Amy as she lowered her hand, smiling at him. "Give her and the rest of the family my love and stay safe."

"No worries, I got you," said Sonic. "You do the same. It was a lot of fun hanging out with you. I can't wait to do it again."

"Likewise!" said Amy.

Sonic held his fist out to Amy and she responded by holding hers out as well and the two hedgehogs bumped fists with one another. Taking his hand back, Sonic gave her one last smile. "Catch you later Ames."

"Sure thing Sonic," Amy replied, winking at him.

Sonic nodded to her and took his leave from her apartment. Amy followed him and watched as he walked away from her apartment and once he was a good distance away, he turned around and held up his fingers in the peace sign, bidding farewell to her. Amy held her fingers up in the same fashion at him and afterwards watched as he sped away, running in the direction of the palace. Leaning against her doorframe, Amy felt a small tingly sensation in her stomach, the same feeling she had when Sonic was around her five years ago.

'He can still do that to me, even after all this time,' she said to herself. 'But I've accepted the fact that Sonic and Sally are truly meant for each other. I came to that realization a long time ago and I'm perfectly fine with it. Those two were made for each other and are truly happy together and as long as they're happy, that makes me happy and that's more than good enough for me.'

Amy looked ahead and saw that the blue blur left behind by Sonic running off had faded away. Afterwards, she looked back up at the sun in the sky and a warm smile appeared on her face before she returned back inside her apartment, closing the door behind her and looking forward to what was sure to be a good rest of the day.