Chapter 2

All right, here's chapter two. I was truly flattered by the reactions to the first chapter, despite how short it was. Thanks, everyone.

Princess Amy let out a groan as she opened her eyes. She blinked in confusion as she took in her surroundings. "A … cave?"

"Are you hungry now that you're awake?" Shadow inquired from his position near the mouth of the cave where a roaring waterfall shielded them from the outside.

"I …" The princess's eyes widened as her head cleared. "You! You hit me!"

"You didn't leave me much of a choice, Your Highness. We had to flee quickly and you were slowing our escape."

"You left my parents to die! How could you?!" Amy retorted as she got to her feet. "I wish to leave this place. Where is the exit?"

Standing, Shadow crossed his arms. "Where do you intend to go, Princess? Oasis City has been burned to the ground. There is nothing left to go back to."

The girl shook her head. "Y, you're lying. It's not true. It has to be a lie!"

The knight pulled the frantic princess against his chest. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I speak the truth. We cannot go back there."

Princess Amy sobbed as she hit Shadow's chest weakly with her fists. "W, why? Why did this have to happen?"

Sir Shadow hesitated before sinking one hand into her soft, pink quills. Knowing there was nothing that could lessen the pain, the black hedgehog simply held Amy. I'll get you for this, Scourge. I swear no matter what it takes, you will regret this. After the princess had cried herself to sleep, Shadow moved her gently so her head was resting on his shoulder.

The next morning, Amy slowly opened her eyes. It feels warm. Upon seeing Sir Shadow leaned against the cave wall and finding herself using his chest for a pillow, the girl's face turned red. At the slightest movement, the knight came awake and looked at Amy to assure himself she was secure.

"Your Highness, are you alright? You're probably hungry." The only reply he got was her shaking her head.

"You must eat, Princess. We have a long way to go. The journey will be far too difficult for you if you're weakened by hunger."

The princess looked towards the water before nodding. Shadow knelt in front of her and made Amy meet his eyes. "Your Highness, I'll go find some food and scout the forest for enemies. Please, wait here."

Princess Amy opened her mouth for a moment before changing her mind and nodding again. Shadow wrapped his cloak around the girl. "This should at least keep away some of the chill. I'll be back."

The knight ran a hand through his quills as he stealthily made his way out of their hiding spot. He paused outside of the cave to listen for any suspicious sounds. Hearing nothing unusual, Shadow set up a makeshift fishing pole. It took a while, but eventually he caught a fish. After bagging the catch and filling a container with water, the knight went to search the dense foliage for other edible things and wood for a fire. As Shadow gathered fruit, a dagger appeared by his neck.

"A knight dropping his guard? How unusual." A voice taunted.

"You think I dropped my guard?" Shadow replied as his own dagger poked the woman's stomach pointedly.

Rouge chuckled. "One day I'll get the drop on you."

The knight smirked. "I will give you credit for your what news do you have?"

Crossing her arms, the spy replied. "You need to hurry and get the princess away from here. I suggest going through the forest and heading towards a border while the enemy is still unsure of how you escaped."

Standing, Shadow inclined his head. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks." When he returned to the cave, Shadow found that the princess hadn't moved at all. She looks so lost ….

Clearing his throat, he spoke softly. "Here's some water and fruit, Your Highness. Please, try to eat. I'll have a fish cooked for you soon"

"Th, thank … you, Sir Shadow." Amy muttered as she picked up an apple.

Shadow watched her for a moment. "Stay here. I'll cook the fish outside." As he turned to leave, the princess grabbed his arm in a shaky grip.

"S, sorry." The girl said in a rushed voice as she released her protector.

Sitting beside her, Shadow took her hand. "It's quiet outside. Just stay close to me, okay, Princess?"

Gathering the supplies, he guided Amy outside, being sure to help her make it safely out of the cave. Stepping onto the ground, Shadow turned and offered a hand to the princess. The girl hesitated for a moment, her feet unsteady, before taking the offered hand and stepping down.

The knight offered her hand a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, Your Highness, I'll protect you no matter what."

Looking around, Amy bit her lip before asking. "Would it be okay for me to use this spot to … … to wash in?"

Shadow froze and stared at the princess. She's in her sleeping clothes from our sudden escape. Dammit, why didn't I think to ask Rouge to try to find her something?

"St, staring is rude." Amy pointed out as she averted her gaze.

"I beg your pardon, Your Highness. I didn't expect you to ask that. Until we reach a town, you may just want to rinse your face and arms. Once I can get you some new clothes, then you can bathe better. And keep my cloak around you."

Nodding, the girl did as he suggested. After washing her face in the pond below the waterfall, Amy sat and watched Shadow build a small fire. "Is it safe to do that?"

"It should be. When I was gathering supplies, I found nothing to indicate anyone pursuing us. Plus, it will be less noticeable during the day."

The princess watched him quietly. Sir Shadow is so capable and strong. I feel like there's so much I can't do ….

After eating, the pair doused the fire. "Hmm," Shadow crossed his arms, "we'll head North. Are you ready, Princess?"

Amy took a deep breath to calm her nerves before responding. " should go. It's probably dangerous to linger here."

I hope everyone has enjoyed the story so far and is excited for more.