Chapter 12: The Curse of the Emeralds

Silver was puffing by the time they approached the foot of the hill his house was perched atop. His breath was visible on the night air. Blaze followed on silently behind him, trying to keep up the pace without complaint. The two had walked in solemn silence back from the tree Sonic had pointed out in Ashorus' southern quarter, their mind's wandering to the game that child is playing – Silver's more so to the worry of why his son tricked him.

"Silver, wait," Blaze called out as she paused briefly to catch her breath. "I need a moment, this feverish pace is ridiculous."

"We're almost home, we've just got to mount this final hill," Silver spun on his heels to address her.

"Curse the founders of this village for settling it in such a hilly area," Blaze sighed. "I know you're worried, but Sonic isn't going anywhere, we don't need to rush back."

"While that might be true, we–" Silver begun to argue back but the knowing look Blaze shot him caused him to catch his tongue. Silver sighed, adjusting his glasses and removing a white curl from his eye. "You're right. As usual."

"Don't you forget it," Blaze smirked.

"I just… I don't know what has overtaken that boy of mine. Sonic fibs, sure, but he doesn't lie to my face like that. I can't help but think he's getting worse, and my observations lead to prove that hypothesis true. I need to talk to him."

"And you will, but not if you're too out of breath upon your return."

"Blaze? Silver?" A gruff voice called from behind them. It belonged to Rob 'O, who sauntered up to them with Ray in tow, clad in the red sweater he always wore. "What are the two of you doing out at such an hour?"

"We could ask you the very same, Rob 'O," Silver nodded, shaking the taller man's hand.

"I've come searching for Amy. I thought she might've come over to your place. Have you seen her?"

"I'm afraid we haven't," Silver replied.

"She should be with Tails," Blaze piped up, finally catching her breath. "He said he needed to go see her."

"Tails never arrived, or at least not to my knowledge." A palpable sense of dread descended like a fog over the three parents who couldn't dissuade the fear they felt for their children. Without a word, the three of them bounded up the hill and burst inside.

"Sonic!" Silver called out, leaping up the stairs at surprising speed.

"Sonic, are you in here?" Blaze peered her head into the kitchen.

"What is all the yelling about?" Knuckles strolled out of his room, rubbing the sleep out of his eye. "Some of us are trying to sleep," he complained, but caught his tongue when he noticed Rob 'O. "Oh, hi Mr. Hare, I didn't realise you were here. Is Ames with you?"

"That's our problem," Rob 'O replied. "We can't find her, Tails or, apparently, Sonic." Knuckles noticed Ray sheepishly creep into the entrance behind his father. Knuckles immediately locked eyes with him, and the boy's gaze fell to his feet.

"He's not here," Silver descended.

"I heard him leave about ten minutes ago," Knuckles admitted with a shrug, "but I haven't heard anything about Amy or Tails," he added.

"You let him go without stopping him?" Silver grumbled in frustration. "Why would you go letting him do that? You're supposed to be the older brother. You're supposed to be the responsible one," Silver chastised.

"How was I supposed to know something was happening. Nobody tells me anything around here," Knuckles huffed, hurling his arms skywards. "I yelled at him for being annoying, then I heard him go into your study and–"

"My study?" Silver's features dropped as he raced into the room, and his fears were answered when he saw his leather-bound journal lying open on the most recent page. Sonic had read his observations.

"I think everybody need to take a deep breath and calm down," Blaze raised her voice above the tension. "Solutions appear to those with the clearest heads."

"Knuckles," Rob 'O addressed him sternly. "Do you remember anything Sonic, Tails or Amy might have said that could clue you into where they were going at such a late time of night?"

"No," Knuckles admitted. "But, I think somebody might know more than they are letting on." Rob 'O, Blaze and Silver followed Knuckles' knowing gaze to Ray, who shrank further into himself from the welcome mat he was still rooted on.

"Ray?" Silver's brows furrowed.

"You know where they are?" Rob 'O asked.

"I… I'm not sure what Knuckles is thinking," Ray squeaked, but his body language gave him away. Knuckles could read him like a book.

"Ray," Knuckles adopted the tone he normally reserved for lecturing Sonic. "I know you know something. I can see it written across your face. Your father is worried. Blaze and Silver are worried. If you know something, please tell them."

"I swore I wouldn't," Ray mumbled to the floor.

"Ray," Blaze knelt down in front of him and placed a hand on his shoulder. She forced his head upwards and peered at him through caring eyes. "I know you're just trying to be a good friend and brother, but they could be in danger. This is no time of night for teenagers their age to be out and about. Who knows what animals or bandits could be lurking. I promise you they won't be in trouble, we just want to make sure they are safe."

"You promise you won't get mad at Amy?"

"Promise," Blaze held up her pinkie, and Ray entwined his in hers.

"Okay," Ray relented. "Amy said she had some unfinished business and went back to the Forbidden Forest?" Rob 'O's eyes grew wide, and his heart began thundering again. "Then Tails came looking for her, and when I told him where she went he set off after her." Blaze let out an audible, worried gasp.

"And what of Sonic?" Silver asked.

"I haven't seen him, honest, but where Amy goes he isn't normally that far behind," Ray noted.

"Thank you for being honest with us, Ray," Blaze smiled, and stood tall. "To the forest it is."

"Are you sure? It could be dangerous, maybe you should stay here?" Silver suggested.

"My baby is in danger. I'm going, alone if I have to," Blaze took a defiant stance.

"Then to the forest we go," Silver nodded.

"Knuckles," Rob 'O bellowed. "I need you to watch Ray. Do not let him out of your sight until I return. Do you understand?"

"Why can't I come with?" Knuckles complained, but melted underneath Rob 'O's fierce glare. "Understood, sir," Knuckles swallowed.

"Come on, Rob 'O. Our children need us," Blaze called halfway out the door, and as anxiously as the three of them had stormed into Silver's house, they had exited and left it in the silence that once occupied.

"Why do I always have to be stuck on baby-sitting duty," Knuckles complained with a roll of his eyes.

"Because you love me?"

"Don't push your luck, kid."

"How did you know I was lying?" Ray asked.

"Because I know you. Plus, you're an open book. Now, since we're alone, do you want to raid father's cupboards for some snacks?"

"Boy do I!" Ray jumped with excitement and followed Knuckles into the kitchen, who allowed a sly smirk slowly cross his face.

Forbidden Forest was as dark and gloomy as it was foreboding that night. The dense, overhanging shrubbery of wiry branches grew across the now well-worn path, obscuring Tails' view of anything further than three feet. He cut through them with his dagger, the wood scratching his pale face. The clouds built overhead, swelling with each passing moment and gorging on precipitation, ready to burst at a moment's notice.

Normally the cracking of the undergrowth beneath his feet, the creaking of the tree trunks and the whipping of the winds through the leaves would frighten him, but not tonight. Not even the howling wolves and yipping foxes could slow him down. He was on a mission. Amy couldn't afford him to be a coward tonight.

With narrowed eyes and steeled nerves, Tails pushed further into the night, tracing the edges of the babbling brook. He ignored the dryness in his throat and the stickiness of the spiderwebs that clung to his face as he cut through the foliage. There was hope in his eyes, but worry in his pace.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Tails pushed out of the path into the small, circular glade – and island among the thick miasma. He could see the crude wooden shack resting at the base of the oak; he could see the dancing flames of the central fire pit; and he could see the creature he'd learnt was called Aldar glaring at Amy through hollowed eyes as she fell to her knees in front of him, his bony hand cupped the crown of her head.

"Amy!" Tails screamed as he rushed forward without thinking, crashing into Aldar.

Frustration and anger tugged at the corners of Shadow's lips as he strode down the now claustrophobic hallways of Deyfros Castle. Corridors that once felt grandiose and designed to accommodate giants now suffocated the king. Guards bowed their heads as he passed, not one daring to look him in the eye. Nor should they dare, Shadow thought, lest they wish to receive lashings.

Shadow paused for a moment, mid-stride. Two guards before him peeked a glance in curious confusion. It was like the king had been frozen, and he was, stuck in his mind. Why did he think that? He was a benevolent leader, like his father before him. He would never punish his own people – his own staff. Mephiles always taught him to treat those at the castle like they were family. Yet, the dark thoughts continued to push through his mind, twisting his thoughts.

This castle didn't feel like a home anymore. It felt more like a prison. A prison designed specifically for the young king. He wasn't ready to lead. He needed more time. The uncertainty mixed with his frustration, his anger, and his sadness. The cocktail created was intoxicating and Shadow needed to escape from drowning in it. There was only one person he knew that would be able to help him. One person he'd been keeping at arm's length for far too long.

"Eclipse," Shadow bellowed as he pushed open the door without knocking. "I need your h…" Shadow trailed off as the giggling that echoed around the chamber ceased and two sets of eyes turned to meet his.

"Shadow?" Eclipse questioned in surprise.

"My king," Mina bowed her head.

"What are you two doing?" Shadow addressed Eclipse, ignoring Mina outright.

"We were actually just discussing poetry," Mina beamed a warming smile. "I met this wonderful wordsmith in Goldoa amongst my studies who's use of the English language was simply transcendent."

"Why were you laughing?" Shadow stared at Eclipse, almost as if he hadn't heard Mina at all. She wasn't sure whether he hadn't, or he didn't care to dignify her with an answer. Either way, she wasn't impressed.

"I made a dumb joke," Eclipse lowered his head.

"What was the joke?"

"You need the context," Mina jumped in. This time, Shadow did turn to address her.

"I wasn't asking you," his words carried an air of malice that filled her with discomfort. "Mina, please leave. I have much to discuss with Eclipse and it is of a private nature."

"But I–"

"You are dismissed," Shadow said more forcefully. Mina's eyes glazed over with a feeling Shadow knew all too well, but as quickly as the anger entered, it evaporated, accompanied with an audible sigh.

"Of course, my king. My apologies," she bowed, stood from her chair and shuffled out of the words, flashing Eclipse an unreadable expression. She closed the door behind her, plunging the room into awkward silence until Eclipse finally found the courage to fill it.

"What the hell was that about, Shadow? She did nothing wrong."

"That's my king to you."

"Is it? Since when did I have to be formal with you?"

"Just because you're my best friend, doesn't mean you can act so flippantly around me," Shadow narrowed his eyes, completely taken over by the not-so dormant anger.

"Am I your friend? I've been trying to talk to you for weeks but you've completely cut me out of your life," Eclipse stood up for himself.

"Me? You're the one who's been running around with my new scientist."

"I–"

"Don't think I haven't seen the two of you spending all your time together. A girl smiles at you and I'm completely replaced?"

"It's not like that at all! As I said I tried to see you but Rouge said you've forbid it. She needed a friend here in the castle and I wasn't going to ignore her just because you've been ignoring me."

"She doesn't need a friend, I do."

"And I'm here for you, Shadow," Eclipse cried out in exasperation. "I've always been here for you, and I always will be here for you, but you've got to stop cutting me off and pushing everybody away."

"I… I…" Shadow's chest heaved, but slowly his breaths drew shallow and his piercing eyes fell to his feet. His fingers loosened and his fists fell to his sides. "I'm sorry." Without a word, Eclipse closed the gap between them and wrapped his arms protectively around the king. Shadow leant his head against Eclipse's chest and sighed. "I need help."

"And I'm here to help."

"So this means you'll stop hanging around with Mina?" Shadow asked almost shyly. Eclipse's muscles flexed.

"What did you say?" he took a step back.

"You said you're here to help me. That means you can stop seeing Mina."

"That's not what that means. Not at all," Eclipse shook his head.

"I need you, and you said you're here to help. She's here to work, not make friends. You're distracting her when you should be distracting me!" Shadow stomped his foot like a petulant child.

"You're ridiculous. You're acting like a spoilt brat."

"Don't you dare hurl insults at me, lest you regret it," Shadow seized up again.

"Did you just threaten me?"

"I… No, no I didn't mean to. I'm sorry. You've just got to understand, Mina is here to do some very important work for me and I can't let her keep getting distracted. You need to leave her alone."

Eclipse couldn't believe what he was hearing. He peered deep into Shadow's eyes, but those that looked back at him were foreign. This wasn't the Shadow Eclipse knew. This wasn't the fun-loving, caring boy that Eclipse grew up with. This was a man tainted by darkness and a lust for revenge. This wasn't Shadow – not anymore.

"You can't control me. If Mina and I want to see each other, we will, no matter what you say." Eclipse made a move to leave, but Shadow shot out his arm and seized his wrist.

"You can't leave."

"Watch me," Eclipse stole his arm free and stormed to the door.

"Eclipse," Shadow called out for him, and for a brief moment Eclipse paused. "Please…" A few tense moments passed before Eclipse shook his head and with a final apology, he left Shadow standing in the middle of the room.

At least that had cleared some things up. At least now Shadow knew that he was well and truly alone. Shadow could take solace in that fact.

A loud splash echoed through the glade as Tails spluttered into the muck. Aldar easily side-stepped his clumsy attack, and watched silently as the boy sunk into mud, his body and face now covered in brown splotches.

"Tails, what the hell are you doing here?" Amy chastised, rushing over to help her friend up.

"Amy, get behind me," Tails grumbled as he stepped his way between her and Aldar, the silver dagger he brandished glinting beneath the moonlight. Aldar watched him silently through his two black eyes, head tilted sideways curiously. He thumbed the wooden carving of the emerald adorned to his string necklace between his fingers.

"Stop it," Amy rolled her eyes, pushing past him. "And put that thing away before you hurt somebody."

"He was attacking you," Tails shouted, but it came out more like a question than a statement.

"No he wasn't. I appreciate that you finally found a backbone, but now really isn't the time."

"At ease, young one," Aldar croaked. "The girl simply asked me to peer into her heart." Tails shot her a look, but immediately he pieced everything together and understood why Amy had trekked out here in the middle of the night.

"Amy…" his voice softened. "You don't need this creature–"

"Creature?" Aldar's words were laced with judgement.

"Apologies," Tails back-peddled. "You don't need Aldar to look into your heart to know that it's good."

"Is it?" Amy questioned.

"I know it is."

"Then why can't I hear the music?"

"It doesn't matter whether you can or can't."

"It matters to me!" Amy shouted.

"Would you like the answer?" Aldar piped up, stealing their attention.

"Did you see something." Aldar nodded. Amy looked to him expectantly, urging him to continue. "I saw what the emerald saw. The emerald of Harmony looks into the very soul of its wielder to determine whether they are worthy."

"And?"

"As I said, I saw what the emerald saw. You are not worthy." Amy's shoulders slumped, and her head fell. It was like the weight of a tsunami had bored down on her, crushing her beneath its weight. "…currently."

"What… what do you mean?"

"The emerald isn't a fortune teller," Aldar began to explain. "It can peer into the wielder's soul as it is in the present, and judges them accordingly. However, it can't foresee the future. It doesn't know what you will be, and it certainly doesn't dictate the path you might walk. Although it won't allow you to hear its melody now, that does not mean you won't be in the future. Stay stalwart in your pursuit of purity, and act kindly and courageous, and you will hear the music one day. However, if you let this frustration pollute you, then the emerald will forever sense your toxicity."

"It's not too late?"

"The future is never set in stone, and neither is yours," Aldar nodded. Amy felt a twinge of hope stir within her. The darkness that once clouded her future parted slightly, and a newfound vigour enveloped her.

"Thank you, Aldar. I appreciate your words and your kindness," Amy nodded at the creature.

"And thank you for saving me from that prince all those months ago," Aldar replied. "I do this now to repay what you did for me then. The scales are balanced."

"C'mon Amy, we should be getting back to Ashorus. Our parents are probably freaking out about our whereabouts," Tails said, helping her to her feet. She quickly swiped her hand away, standing by herself.

"You're right. Let's go."

"Wait," Aldar called out in a rasp as they began trudging back into the forest. The two looked back expectantly. "Although the emerald and I, its guardian, cannot see the future, there are some things I can sense. And with you, I felt a foreboding sense indeed."

"What do you mean?" Amy's breath caught in her throat.

"Death dances around you," Aldar whispered gravely. "I see it, even now, like a black wind whipping around you like a tornado."

"Amy is going to die?" Tails asked.

"Do you not listen?" Aldar chastised. "Nothing is certain. Yet, the stench of death covers you. Be cautious and clever, young one, as death is coming for you and those you love if you are not careful. It comes in a small, red package. That is all I can say."

Amy's mind quickly flew to the red emerald Sonic has been harbouring. Could it really lead to her death? Be cautious and clever! Aldar's words echoed through her. Nothing was set in stone. She wouldn't let that emerald be the end of her, and she won't let it be the end of her best friends, either.

"Amy," Tails placed a hand on her shoulder, and she turned to stare at him. "It's going to be okay."

"I know it will," Amy stood steadfast. "Clever and cautious, Tails. Have you come to the same conclusion as me?"

"The small, red package? Sonic?"

"Indeed," she nodded. "We need to go find Sonic. We need to get that emerald from him, and fast." Without another word, Amy took off down the path into the bowels of the forest. Before Tails took off to follow her, he glanced back at Aldar, the small creature hunched over by the fire to warm his scaly skin.

"I'm sorry I judged you. Thank you, Aldar."

"Go, Tails, and be the hero I sense you are. The golden air of leadership encircles you. It suits you well," Aldar nodded. With a smile, Tails turned back, when Aldar spoke one final time. "Be careful of the silver-tongued snake preying on your reservations!" Tails whipped his head back, but Aldar was gone.

"Tails!" Amy shouted. "Hurry up!"

As Tails caught up to Amy, the two continued at pace through the winding forest – the trip made easier by the path Tails had already carved out. A crack echoed above their heads as their path was illuminated in a quick silver brilliance before they were plunged back in darkness. In less than a half-hour they found themselves back at the edge of the forest, peering out on the empty, rolling hills just as the first brave droplets began to fall.

Suddenly, as Tails took his first step out of the shadows of the Forbidden Forest something jumped at him, tackling him to the ground with the force of a typhoon.

"Tails!" Amy shouted in panic. Crying out in pain, Tails looked up at the thing that crouched above him, pinning him to the grass.

It was Sonic, his eyes shrouded in a deep crimson.