Leave it to the servers to eat crap the day I decided to post the first chapter of this story. Lucky me, am I right?

Anyways, here's another chapter to make up for the disaster that was chapter one's release.

Also, the cover image shouldn't be bugged out anymore. Let me know if it is.

Hope you like this one!

A new life!

The next day...

The hum of machines filled Tails's workshop as Sonic burst through the door, the faint smell of oil and metal lingering in the air. Tails, hunched over his workbench with a screwdriver in hand, barely looked up before Sonic's voice echoed across the room.

"Tails, we've got a problem, buddy." Sonic declared, his tone unusually serious.

Tails turned, adjusting his goggles. "A problem? What kind of problem? Did Eggman-?"

"No, it's not Eggman this time." Sonic interrupted, leaning against a nearby counter. "It's Amy."

Tails blinked, tilting his head. "Amy? What happened? Is she okay?"

"Yeah, she's okay... I think. But something's off." Sonic said, crossing his arms.

Tails raises an eyebrow. "How so?"

Sonic sighs. "Well... Yesterday things seemed pretty normal. She asked me out on a date on a hill I've never gone to before, I said yes because of the chili dogs..."

Tails chuckles. "Typical. I should have guessed..."

Sonic chuckles as well before his expression turns serious again. "And then... We heard an explosion in the distance, so we hurried over to see what was happening."

Tails's expression turns serious as well. "Don't tell me. Eggman was involved, wasn't he?"

Sonic shrugs. "Yeah, pretty much. Egghead's forces were digging up something on the side of a cliff, and Metal Sonic was overseeing the entre thing."

Tails puts his finger to his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... Eggman must have sent them out for a reason... What happened?"

Sonic looks down. "Amy... Well... She fell off a cliff during the fight with Metal Sonic, and when she came back, she had... powers. Like, crazy strong powers."

Tails looks up at Sonic in surprise. "She fell off a cliff?! And... did you say powers?"

Sonic nods. "She was better than fine, actually. She came back in no time. She was flying, smashing Badniks left and right, and... Don't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you... I think she was faster than me."

Tails's eyes widened, the screwdriver slipping from his hand. "What? That's... hard to believe."

"That's exactly what I thought!" Sonic exclaimed. "But that's not the weirdest part. She had this strange crown on her head, and her whole attitude was... different. Confident, but not in her usual way. I dunno... There was something that felt... off about her."

Tails rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing. "A crown, you say?"

Sonic nodded. "Totally ancient-looking, with some kind of red gem. And her eyes... There was something in them that I've never seen before..."

Tails tapped his foot, gears turning in his mind. "That crown doesn't sound like any artifact I've heard of, but it could explain the changes you saw in her. If it's magical, it might be amplifying her traits... or altering them. Or it could have some sort of relation to the chaos emeralds... Did she say anything about where she found it?"

"Not a word, buddy." Sonic replied, shaking his head. "She brushed me off and flew away before I could press her on it. But I'm telling you, Tails, something's up."

Before Tails could respond, a soft knock came at the door.

Both of them froze, exchanging a glance.

"Did you invite anyone over?" Sonic asked.

Tails shook his head, moving cautiously toward the door. "No, but let's see who it is."

As the door creaked open, Tails's eyes widened in surprise.

Standing on the other side was Amy, her posture upright and poised, a subtle air of authority radiating from her. Beside her, Cream held Cheese close to her chest, smiling sweetly.

Cream waved at the boys with enthusiasm. "Hi, Mr. Sonic! Hello, Mr. Tails!"

"Hello, boys." Amy greeted, her voice smoother than usual, with a tone that could almost be described as regal. She rested a hand on her hip and tilted her head slightly. "I hope we're not interrupting anything important."

Sonic and Tails exchanged quick glances. While Amy looked the same, except for the crown resting on her head, there was a new air of confidence to her. A confidence that was unfamiliar for them and a little unsettling to say the least.

"Nah, you're not interrupting at all, Ames." Sonic said casually, masking his unease. "What's up?"

"Well..." Amy began, brushing a strand of hair away from her face with a fluid motion. "Cream and I were planning to take a walk around town. We thought it might be fun if you two joined us. You know, a chance to unwind and enjoy some fresh air."

Cream nodded enthusiastically. "It'll be so much fun! We can visit the park, maybe get some ice cream. Please say yes!"

Tails smiled nervously. "That sounds nice, but-"

"Great! Then it's settled." Amy interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Let's not waste any time, shall we?"

Sonic raised an eyebrow at her assertiveness but decided against commenting. "Alright, fine. A walk sounds good."

Amy's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Splendid. Shall we?" She gestured for them to follow, her movements fluid and almost theatrical.

As Sonic and Tails followed behind Amy and Cream, Tails couldn't help but glance at Amy suspicioucly. 'Sonic wasn't wrong. There's definitely something different about her.'

As the group walked through the streets, Amy led them with an air of authority, her voice carrying a refined edge as she commented on the architecture, the weather, and even the people they passed. Sonic and Tails exchanged subtle glances, each noting the subtle shift in her behavior but opting to keep quiet.

"Don't you think Town Square has a certain charm to it?" Amy mused aloud, pausing to admire a fountain. "It's quaint, yet there's a quiet elegance about it."

"Uh, sure..." Sonic said, scratching his head. "It's nice, I guess."

"Nice?" Amy chuckled softly, as though amused by his understatement. "Sonic, you could stand to appreciate the finer details in life. It's not all about speed, you know."

Sonic blinked, caught off guard by her choice of words. "Uh, yeah, sure..."

Tails cleared his throat, trying to steer the conversation. "So, Amy, how have you been feeling since... you know, the events that happened yesterday? Sonic told me all about it, and it sounds like you went through a lot. Is everything okay?"

Amy turned to him, her smile serene. "I've never felt better, Tails. In fact, I dare to say I've never been more in tune with myself. It's as though I've unlocked a part of me I didn't even know existed."

"That's... great to hear...?" Tails said cautiously, exchanging a wary glance with Sonic.

Cream smiles. "Don't worry, Mr. Tails! I was worried too, but Miss Amy told me that she feels a lot better and that she found something wonderful! Isn't that great?"

"Indeed, it is." Amy replied, her gaze drifting upward to the sky. "The world feels so much larger now, so full of possibilities. Don't you agree?"

Sonic frowned, his unease growing.

Something about the way she spoke felt wrong, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"Yeah." He said finally, forcing a grin. "Endless possibilities. Totally."

Amy's smile widened slightly, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Good. I knew you'd understand, Sonic."

The group had just rounded a corner near the bustling marketplace when a young boy, no older than eight, tugged on his mother's sleeve and pointed excitedly at Amy.

"Mom, look! It's Amy Rose! And she's wearing a cool crown!"

Amy's ears perked up at the comment, and she turned toward the boy with a warm smile. Her poise seemed to soften, replaced by a more approachable demeanor.

"Why, thank you. Finally, some genuine recognition." Amy said, her tone as sweet as honey but still carrying that air of confidence. She touched the crown lightly, almost as if showing it off. "Do you really think it's cool?"

"It's awesome!" The boy exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. "Are you a princess or something?"

Amy giggled, placing a hand delicately over her chest. "A princess? Oh, I don't know about that. But I'm glad you like it. What's your name?"

"Timmy!" The boy replied, practically bouncing on his heels.

"Well, Timmy." Amy said with a playful wink. "How about I show you and everyone here a little something special? Would you like that?"

The boy nodded vigorously, his enthusiasm contagious.

Nearby, Cream clapped her hands together, her smile radiant. "That sounds amazing, Miss Amy! I'd love to see what you can do!"

Amy turned to Sonic and Tails, who both watched with guarded curiosity.

Sonic tilted his head. "What are you up to, Ames?"

"You'll see, Sonic." Amy replied with a mischievous smile before stepping into the open space at the center of the marketplace.

The small crowd began to gather, whispers of curiosity rippling through the air. Amy closed her eyes for a brief moment, a faint red glow emanating from the crown as she raised her hand.

At first, nothing seemed to happen, but then a basket of fruits and vegetables from a nearby stall began to levitate. The crowd gasped as apples, oranges, cucumbers, and carrots floated gracefully into the air, forming a colorful, spinning display above Amy's head.

She opened her eyes, and with a flick of her wrist, the items began to juggle themselves in midair. The produce moved in perfect harmony, weaving intricate patterns that seemed almost impossible to follow.

"Whoa..." Tails murmured, his analytical mind racing. "That's... awesome. She's not even breaking a sweat."

"Yeah..." Sonic muttered, his eyes narrowing. "It's almost too good to be true..."

Tails nods, although, when he turned his gaze towards Amy herself, he noticed it.

She was smiling in a way she hadn't smiled in a long time. She seemed to truly be enjoying herself.

Amy, meanwhile, was in her element. The crowd's cheers and applause seemed to energize her further. She laughed lightly, her voice carrying over the din. "Oh, but I'm just getting started!"

She extended her other hand toward Cream and Timmy, who suddenly found themselves lifted gently off the ground.

"Wha-!" Timmy squealed, his initial shock giving way to delighted laughter. "I'm flying!"

Cream giggled, holding onto Cheese as they floated effortlessly beside the boy. "This is amazing, Miss Amy!"

Amy twirled gracefully on her heel, her movements elegant as she maneuvered the two into her juggling act. The boy and Cream joined the fruits and vegetables, spinning gently in a mesmerizing dance. The crowd's awe grew, many pulling out their phones to record the display.

Tails's jaw dropped. "She's juggling people now?! And they're perfectly safe? That level of precision is incredible!"

Sonic frowned, crossing his arms. "Yeah, but it's still weird."

Amy's performance reached its crescendo as she made the entire ensemble form a spiral pattern in the air, the fruits and vegetables orbiting around Cream and Timmy like planets around a star. With a final wave of her hand, she brought them down, one by one, each piece of produce landing neatly back in the basket and Cream and Timmy touching the ground as gently as feathers.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, some shouting compliments. "That was amazing!" "Incredible control!" "She's like a superhero!"

Amy curtsied gracefully, a confident smile on her face. "Thank you, everyone. You're too kind." She turned to Timmy and crouched to his level. "Did you enjoy that, Timmy?"

"That was the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Timmy beamed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Well, I'm glad I could make your day." Amy said, giving him a playful pat on the head before rising to her feet.

As the crowd began to disperse, Sonic and Tails walked over, both looking at her with a mix of admiration and suspicion.

"You've got some skills, Ames." Sonic said cautiously. "But where'd you learn to do all that?"

Amy shrugged, her smile never faltering. "Oh, you know, Sonic. Sometimes you just... discover talents you didn't know you had. Isn't life funny that way?"

Sonic's brow furrowed, but before he could press further, Tails chimed in. "Amy, that was seriously impressive. But do you... feel any different when you're using the crown?"

Amy looked at him thoughtfully, then shook her head. "Not at all, Tails. It feels as natural as breathing."

Tails exchanged a wary glance with Sonic, but neither said anything.

The group continued strolling through the lively marketplace, the soft murmur of conversations and the occasional laughter from passersby providing a pleasant backdrop.

Cream, ever curious, turned to Amy with her usual wide-eyed innocence. "Miss Amy, how does it feel to wear such a beautiful crown? Is it heavy?"

Amy glanced at her with a smile, the light catching on the faint glow of the crown's gemstone. "Heavy? Not really, Cream. In fact, it feels... freeing."

"Freeing?" Tails asked, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by that?"

Amy's pace slowed as she placed a hand delicately on the crown. Her eyes seemed to soften, gazing at some far-off point in the sky. "It's hard to put into words. When I wear it, I feel more alive than ever. It's like every part of me is stronger, clearer, and... more real."

Sonic raised an eyebrow, his arms crossed. "More real? You're saying the Amy we've known all these years wasn't real or something?"

Amy chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "No, that's not what I mean, Sonic. I've always been me, even now I'm still me, but with the crown... it's like I'm just better in every way. Stronger, faster, more confident. It's as if all the little doubts and insecurities I've had are just... gone."

Cream clapped her hands together, delighted. "That sounds wonderful, Miss Amy! It must feel amazing to have something so special."

Amy nodded, her smile widening. "It does, Cream. I feel like I could take on anything the world throws at me! The world seems so full of possibilities now, and for the first time, I feel like I can truly embrace them."

Tails frowned slightly, his analytical mind already racing through possibilities. "But does it feel... natural? Like it's a part of you, or does it feel like the crown is doing the work for you?"

Amy tilted her head thoughtfully, her fingers brushing against the crown's polished surface. "It's hard to say. It doesn't feel foreign, if that's what you mean. It feels... right, as if it was always meant to be with me."

Sonic's eyes narrowed. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Amy's gaze drifted elsewhere, her attention fully absorbed in her own musings. "It's like a door has been opened. A door I never knew existed. And now that it's open, I can see things more clearly. Feel them more deeply. It's... amazing."

As she spoke, her focus on the path ahead wavered. Distracted by her own explanation, Amy didn't notice the man walking toward her, his arms laden with bags of fresh produce.

The collision happened in an instant, Amy's shoulder brushed against him.

The crown wobbled precariously on her head.

"Woah, sorry!" The man exclaimed, stumbling slightly but managing to steady himself.

For a brief moment, Amy froze.

Her entire expression changed, her serene smile replaced by a look of pure, unbridled fury. Her eyes flared with an intensity that sent a chill down Sonic and Tails's spines. Her fists clenched, and the faint glow of the crown brightened, casting a subtle red hue over her face.

But just as quickly as the anger appeared, it vanished.

Amy's features softened into an apologetic smile, and she placed a hand over her heart.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, sir!" She said sweetly, bowing her head slightly. "I wasn't paying attention. Please forgive me."

The man blinked, his wariness fading in the face of her charm. "Uh, it's fine, miss. Just be careful next time."

With that, he adjusted his bags and walked away, shaking his head.

Cream, oblivious to the brief moment of anger, tugged on Amy's arm. "Miss Amy, are you okay? You seemed really surprised!"

Amy straightened, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm fine, Cream. Just a little startled, that's all."

Sonic and Tails exchanged a glance, both of them having caught the flash of anger that had crossed Amy's face.

"You sure you're okay, Ames?" Sonic asked cautiously, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

"Of course, Sonic!" Amy replied breezily. "Nothing to worry about. Accidents happen, right?"

Tails hesitated, watching her carefully. "That was... quite a reaction for just a little bump."

Amy turned to him, her expression calm but her tone carrying a subtle edge. "What can I say? I value my crown. I wouldn't want anything to happen to it."

Sonic's gaze lingered on her, his unease growing. There was something about the way she brushed off their concerns that didn't sit right with him.

As the group continued onward, Tails couldn't help but glance at the crown every now and then. Why didn't he recognize its craftsmanship?

Tails speaks up. "Amy... I've got to ask... where exactly did you find that crown? Sonic told me you fell off a cliff during the fight with Metal Sonic. What happened afterwards?"

Sonic looks at Amy as well. "Yeah... I'm pretty curious about that too, Ames."

Amy giggles. "Don't worry about that, boys. I'm fine, isn't that what matters?"

Tails nods. "It is, but I'm a little bit curious about what happened to you once you fell. Did you land somewhere unusual?"

Amy's smile faltered ever so slightly.

Her pace slowed, and her fingers brushed against the crown almost protectively. "Well... Yes. I suppose I did."

Sonic perked up, his curiosity reignited. "Unusual, huh? Where'd you end up, Ames?"

Even Cream tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Was it a pretty place, Miss Amy?"

For a moment, Amy seemed lost in thought, her expression unreadable. Finally, with a sigh, she stopped walking and turned to face the group.

"Alright..." She said, her voice softer than usual. "If you really wanna know..."

Sonic raised an eyebrow, exchanging a quick glance with Tails. "We do, Ames. We care about you."

Amy chuckles. "Right..."

Cream nodded eagerly. "We do, Miss Amy! We care about you a lot! What happened?"

Amy smiled faintly, taking a deep breath before beginning her story. "When I fell from the cliff, I thought I was done for. But instead of hitting the ground, I landed in a patch of flowers in this... incredible place. It was like something out of a dream, a lost city hidden deep in the abyss. The ruins were ancient, overgrown with vines and flowers, but you could tell it was beautiful in the past."

"A lost city?" Tails asked, his ears perking up. "Did you see any carvings or artifacts? Anything that could tell us about the people who built it?"

Amy nodded slowly, her eyes lighting up as she recounted the details. "There were carvings everywhere... They told stories of a great civilization, but... something happened to them. I still don't know what, but my best guess is that a disaster destroyed the town. I'm still not sure, though. It was hard to tell because it was very dark, but the city felt... lonely. Like it had been forgotten for centuries."

"Wow..." Cream breathed, her eyes wide. "That sounds amazing! And a little sad for the people living there..."

Sonic tilted his head. "And that's where you found the crown?"

"Yup." Amy admitted. "It was in the center of the city, in what I think was the throne room. The crown was sitting there, untouched."

Sonic looks at Amy with a deadpanned expression. "So you just put it on straight away?"

Amy giggles sheepishly. "W-Well, it's not MY fault that it looks so pretty! Plus, it was like it was calling to me!"

Sonic rolls his eyes. "Suuuuure it did..."

Amy huffs, blushing softly. "I'm serious! And... Well... I thought it'd look cute on me, and what do you know? I was right!"

Tails rubbed his chin, his mind racing with possibilities. "That crown might be the key to learning more about that civilization. Amy, would you mind letting me take a closer look at it?"

Amy's smile vanished, replaced by a flicker of unease. "Uhh... Why, Tails?"

Tails's tone remains curious but firm. "I could run some tests, analyze its materials, maybe even figure out its history."

Amy takes a small step back, her hand instinctively resting on the crown. "Oh, I don't think that's gonna be necessary, Tails. I've only just found it, and... well, I'd like to keep it with me for now. To... experiment with it myself."

Sonic frowned, his suspicion deepening. "Come on, Ames. Tails just wants to figure out where it came from. You said yourself it's ancient. Don't you think it'd be cool to learn more about it?"

Amy shook her head gently, her voice steady but firm. "I understand, Sonic, but... This crown feels awfully important. It could get damaged or lost, you know? We wouldn't want anything to happen to it."

Sonic's frown deepened. "Amy, it's just a crown. What's the big deal?"

Before Amy could respond, Sonic extended his arm, reaching for the crown. "Here, let me just-"

The reaction was instant.

Amy's hand shot out, swatting his away with surprising force.

The sharp clap of the impact startled everyone, and Sonic stepped back, holding his hand up defensively.

"Amy...?" Sonic breathed out, his eyes wide.

Even Cream, normally so bubbly and cheerful, gasped softly, clutching Cheese tighter. "Miss Amy...?"

Amy froze, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and guilt. Her hand trembled as she slowly lowered it, and she took a step back, her expression turning sheepish. "O-Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I just..."

Tails approached cautiously, his voice calm but firm. "Amy... Are you okay?"

Amy nods, forcing a weak smile. "I am, Tails. I really am. I'm sorry for reacting that way. I just... I feel like I need more time with it. To protect it and experiment more with it, you know..."

Sonic watched her closely, his expression softening slightly as he let out a sigh. "Alright, Ames. If it's that important to you, we'll back off. Does that sound good to you?"

Amy nods. "Yeah... Yeah, that sounds good to me..."

Cream stepped forward, her usual cheer returning as she placed a hand on Amy's arm. "It's okay, Miss Amy. We respect your boundaries."

Amy smiled faintly, her eyes softening as she looked at the little rabbit. "Thank you, Cream."

As the group resumed their walk, the atmosphere was noticeably tenser. Sonic and Tails exchanged a glance, both of them silently agreeing that Amy's behavior was starting to become worrying.

A few hours later...

Sonic sat cross-legged on a workbench, tapping his foot impatiently, his eyes fixed on Tails, who was poring over a series of maps and schematics on a holographic display.

"Well..." Sonic began, breaking the silence. "Good thing Amy offered to walk Cream home, am I right?"

Tails nods. "Tell me about it."

Sonic continues. "So... are we gonna talk about the elephant in the room or just pretend it doesn't exist?"

Tails sighed, not looking up from the display. "Amy's behavior."

"Of course, I mean Amy's behavior!" Sonic said, throwing his arms up. "She's acting... different. I still don't know what it is about her, but she's not herself. You saw it, right? The way she snapped earlier when I tried to take the crown? That wasn't Amy."

Tails finally turned to face him, his expression serious. "I know, Sonic. I saw it too. And you're right, she's definitely not acting like herself. But the truth is, I don't have an answer yet. Whatever's going on with her, it's definitely tied to that crown and the city she found it in."

"Well, then we need to figure it out." Sonic said, hopping off the bench. "We can't just sit around while Amy gets... I don't know, worse? What if the crown's doing something to her, Tails? What if it's dangerous?"

Tails folded his arms, his brow furrowing. "I've been thinking about that too, but it's not like we can just walk up to her and take it. She doesn't look like she'll simply hand it over, and I'm not about to force her. That'll only make things worse between us."

Sonic sighed, running a hand through his quills. "So what are we supposed to do? Just wait for things to magically go back to normal?"

"No." Tails said firmly. "We're going to go down to the cliff where she found the crown. If we can learn more about the civilization that made it, we might be able to figure out what's happening to Amy."

Sonic's eyes lit up. "Now you're talking! So when do we leave?"

Tails hesitated, his gaze shifting back to the display. "That's the thing. It's not as simple as just climbing down there. From what Amy described, the city is completely overgrown with vines, trees, plants, you name it. Navigating through all that will be a nightmare, not to mention the structural instability of the ruins. We'll need to plan carefully, and that's going to take a few days at least."

"A few days?!" Sonic exclaimed, his frustration evident. "Tails, we can't just do nothing for a few days!"

Tails raised a hand. "I get it, Sonic. Believe me, I do. But rushing into this without a plan is just going to get us into trouble. We need proper equipment to cut through the vegetation, and maybe even drones to scout the area before we go in. If we don't do this right, we could end up getting hurt the same way Amy did, or worse."

Sonic paced back and forth, his hands on his hips. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. You're the genius, and I trust you, but waiting around isn't exactly my style. Is there any way we can speed things up?"

Tails sighed again, glancing at the display. "I'll do my best to move things along, but I can't promise much. The area Amy described sounds like it's been untouched for centuries, if not longer. That kind of environment is unpredictable. We're not just dealing with a rocky terrain hike, we're dealing with ancient ruins that could collapse, overgrown vegetation that could trap us, and who knows what else. We can't afford to go in blind."

Sonic stopped pacing and looked at Tails, his expression a mix of determination and concern. "I hear you, buddy. I really do. But Amy's our friend, and she could be in trouble. If there's even a chance we can help her, we have to take it. So whatever you need, equipment, help, anything... Just let me know and we'll make it happen. Deal?"

Tails nodded, his expression softening. "Deal. I'll start working on a plan tonight and gather the supplies we'll need. It'll take time, but I promise I'll do everything I can to get us down there as soon as possible."

Sonic sat down on the bench again, offering a small smile. "I know you will, little buddy. Thanks for always having our backs."

Tails turned back to the display, while Sonic stared out the window, thinking about Amy and the recent changes the crown brought upon her.

After a moment, Tails glanced at him, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You know, you seem awfully worried about Amy, Sonic. It's not like you to get this worked up over something."

Sonic blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "What? Worried? Me?"

Tails giggles. "Yeah, you. You don't get this worked up about most things, you know."

Sonic waved a hand dismissively, though his voice carried a defensive edge. "Nah, I'm not worried. I just... want her to go back to normal, that's all."

Tails turned back to his work, his smile fading into a more thoughtful expression as he remembered Amy's expression while she was juggling the fruits and vegetables earlier. "Normal, huh?"

Sonic raised an eyebrow, picking up on the shift in Tails's tone. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Tails shakes his head. "Nothing, just... Silly thoughts, that's all."

Sonic sighs. "Buddy, don't say that. You're the smartest guy I know and I really don't want you to bottle things up. Nothing that comes out of that little dome of yours is silly. What's eatin' atcha?"

Tails hesitated, setting down his wrench and folding his arms. "I just... I don't know, Sonic. I guess I'm just wondering... are we doing the right thing?"

Sonic tilted his head, his brow furrowing. "What are you talking about? Of course, we're doing the right thing. That crown's obviously messing with her head."

"But is it really?" Tails asked, his voice quiet but firm.

Sonic blinked, clearly confused. "What do you mean? Of course, it is. She's acting all... different. You saw how she swatted my hand away earlier."

"I know." Tails said, nodding slowly. "But think about it, Sonic. Aside from that moment, and yeah, it was intense... Has Amy really done anything that shows she's out of control or in danger? From what I've seen, she seems... happy."

"Happy?" Sonic echoed, skepticism creeping into his voice.

"Yeah." Tails continued, his expression earnest. "Think about it. She's confident, she's strong, and she seems like she's really enjoying herself with that crown. Even when she was performing with Cream and the kid earlier, she was glowing, literally and figuratively."

Sonic opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss for words.

"And that's what I'm struggling with." Tails admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "If the crown is making her happy and helping her realize her potential, who are we to take it away from her? Are we really trying to help her, or are we just doing this because we want things to stay the same? Because it's easier for us if Amy stays... well, Amy?"

Sonic's gaze dropped to the floor, his arms folding tightly across his chest. "I mean, come on, Tails. She's acting like she's better than everyone else. That's not the Amy I know."

"Maybe it's not." Tails agreed. "But have you wondered that maybe... maybe this is how Amy has always wanted to be? You know, strong, confident, recognized, aknowledged..."

Sonic fell silent, his mind replaying countless memories of Amy chasing after him, trying to spend time with him, trying to prove herself to him.

Her boundless energy, her constant enthusiasm, and her unwavering belief in him...all of it had been so... Amy.

And yet, how often had he brushed her off?

"You're thinking about it, aren't you?" Tails asked gently.

Sonic didn't look up, his voice quieter now. "Yeah. I guess I am. I mean... Amy's always been there, you know? Always cheering us on, always trying to keep up with us. And I... I haven't exactly made it easy for her."

Tails's expression softened. "You mean like how you've always left her behind whenever she asked you out?"

Sonic flinched at the directness of the comment, but he couldn't deny it. "Yeah... Back at the picnic I was having with her before the Metal Sonic incident, I... I wasn't the best to her..."

Tails speaks carefully "Maybe we need to ask ourselves if we're trying to take the crown away from her because we're scared. Scared that if she keeps it, she won't need us anymore."

Sonic looked up at him, his eyes conflicted. "Tails... You really think we're capable of being that selfish?"

Tails shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "I don't know, Sonic... I really don't know... But it's worth thinking about, isn't it? I mean, if Amy really is happy and capable with the crown, what right do we have to take that away from her? Just because it makes us uncomfortable?"

Sonic sighed, running a hand through his quills. "You're making this way more complicated than it needs to be, bud."

"Maybe." Tails said with a small smile. "But it's something interesting to think about, isn't it?"

Sonic didn't respond right away.

Instead, he stared out the workshop window, watching the sun dip lower on the horizon.

Sonic sighs to himself. 'Tails must be overthinking things. But still... If it comes down to it, will I really be capable of taking Amy's newfound happiness away? Am I just scared that she'll stop caring about us altogether now that she has that crown? Or... Am I worried that she'll stop chasing after me? No... That's definitely not it. I care for her and I'm trying to do what's best for her... right?'

The soft click of the door echoed in Amy's quiet home as she stepped inside, setting her hammer down by the entrance. The cozy interior was bathed in the warm, amber glow of the evening light filtering through the windows. With a satisfied sigh, Amy stretched her arms over her head, letting the tension of the day melt away.

Today had been... wonderful.

She couldn't help but smile as she thought back to the events that had unfolded. From the excitement of performing for the crowd to the way Cream and the little boy had looked at her with awe, it was everything she'd ever wanted.

She reached up to touch the crown on her head, feeling the smooth, cool metal beneath her fingertips. Slowly, she removed it and set it down on the table in the center of the room.

Amy sank onto the couch, leaning back with a contented sigh.

"What a day." She murmured to herself, a dreamy smile playing on her lips.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't feel like she was chasing after anyone. She didn't feel like she had to prove herself to anyone. Today, she had been the center of attention, the one everyone looked up to, and not just because of Sonic's presence or because she was involved Eggman's defeat or something like that.

The memory of the crowd's cheers and Cream's delighted laughter made her heart swell. She felt stronger, faster, more confident, more alive than she ever had before. For once, people weren't just seeing her as "Amy Rose, Sonic's most persistent admirer" or "Amy Rose, the cheerful girl with the hammer."

They were seeing her.

But as her thoughts swirled, Amy noticed something odd.

Amy snapped back to reality and noticed that, at some point unbeknownst to her, her hands had moved on their own, reaching toward the crown on the table.

"Huh...?" She whispered, staring at the crown.

But then she shook her head, brushing the feeling aside. "Heh... It's probably just me."

She stood, her gaze still fixed on the crown. A small smile tugged at her lips as she grasped it firmly.

The moment she placed it back on her head, that familiar surge of energy rushed through her.

Amy gasped softly, her eyes glowing softly as the power coursed through her veins once again. It was as if the crown welcomed her back, wrapping her in a warm, exhilarating embrace.

She stepped toward the window, her reflection catching her eye. The crown's glow cast a soft red halo around her face, and her pupils gleamed with the same red light. She tilted her head, examining herself.

"I look... different..." She murmured, running her fingers through her quills. "Not bad... But rather... Better than ever."

Amy smiles to herself.

The night sky stretched out before her, the stars twinkling faintly above the quiet town.

A sudden urge bubbled up within her, a need to move, to experience, to do.

She slipped out the door, the cool night air brushing against her skin. The streets were quiet, most of the town's residents already settling in for the night. Amy walked slowly at first, but as the energy of the crown thrummed within her, she began to run, each step lighter than the last.

Before she realized it, her feet were no longer touching the ground. She hovered effortlessly, the sensation of flight sending a thrill through her. She couldn't help but laugh, spinning in the air and soaring higher, her movements graceful and fluid.

She experimented further, extending her hand toward a cluster of leaves on a nearby tree. With a flick of her wrist, they broke free from the branches, swirling around her in a spiral. She spun, the leaves following her movements like a synchronized dance.

"This is amazing!" She said aloud, not caring if ayone could hear her or not.

She turned her attention to a large boulder at the edge of a park. With a thought, the boulder lifted into the air, hovering as effortlessly as if it were a feather. Amy twirled her finger, and the boulder spun slowly before settling back onto the ground with barely a sound.

The sensations were intoxicating, the possibilities endless.

Amy felt unstoppable, invincible, a far cry from the girl who had spent so long trying to catch up to Sonic and prove herself to everyone.

She hovered above the park, her arms outstretched as she gazed at the world below her.

"Is there anything I can't do while feeling like THIS?" She wondered aloud.

For now, the questions didn't matter. All that mattered was the crown, the power it gave her, and the freedom she felt while wearing it.

As Amy flew off into the night, her laughter echoed through the empty streets, a sound of pure, unmatched, unbridled joy.