Interwoven Vines

Prologue

Once upon a time…. That’s how most stories go these days. The planet Mobius was filled with luscious nature, laughter and merriment. Though not perfect, it was still home. A place where the impossible became possible and the people thrived in peace and prosperity.

Until one fateful day, where a choice was made.

Lives were forever changed.

Within the monarchy of Mobius, an adviser of the king and queen, had alternate plans for the future of this world. At first, he wanted nothing but peace and happiness for all. Then, on an exhibition to discover new lands of the kingdom, there was a great discovery. Seven, colorful, Emeralds that held great power, buried deep within the darkest caverns below.

The majority ruled to keep them there, for they did not understand its power. But would periodically return to learn and discover the secrets they held. However this advisor had different plans once realizing the mere potential of one. He fought and pleaded to at least bring back one Emerald to study. Alas to no avail, he reserved himself deep into work. Growing ever so quiet. Too quiet.

Nights became restless as a mysterious dark figure appeared in his dreams. Calling out for his aid. Saying things such as ‘his brilliant mind could do so much more’ and ‘you don’t need them’. The Emeralds were the key to an even greater calling. The figure was more than just a mysterious vision. Being connected and disconnected with the Emerald’s power was one thing. However for the advisor, it became a comfort and at times…a friend.

Thus Gerald Robotnik began to follow the call of the one they would soon call Black Doom.

One day, Gerald disappeared without a trace and so did the Green Emerald.

Outraged, betrayed and a bit fearful, the rulers of Mobius decided to seal away the emeralds for good. Entrusting the ones who thrived near the caverns, The Echidna, (whom they had met on their endeavors finding such rare gems had formed a bond from respect and kindness long ago), to continue guarding and protecting the remaining Emeralds. Never allowing a single soul to enter a single step towards the depths of where they lay. The Echidna’s resolve in this newfound alliance grew stronger and their vow much more a priority. 

A year had passed and on the eve of the eleventh hour, nearly a year to the day of Gerald’s disappearance, the world was covered in eternal darkness. Mobius turned from a place of peace to a world of ruin and despair. The change was so sudden and heart wrenching, as they barely began to process all that was happening and what needed to be done to save their home. Many battles were fought and towards what appeared to be the end of a more peaceful era, that’s when a newcomer had entered the bloodshed fields.

A mysterious figure, risen out of the depths of darkness, faced the king and queen without a hint of fear in his eyes. This beast was created with Doom’s life force and Gerald’s brilliant mind. A being so powerful they called him ‘The Ultimate Life Form’. Nothing withstood a chance against him. The one who would conquer all humanity alike in the name of Black Doom.

However this creature did something unexpected.

Turning his power against the ones who created him.

The unexpected change had never come to light. Whispers of a word that held great meaning, but left with more confusion than a revelation, was said to be the driving force of this twisted fate. Since then the name was lost to time and the mysteries were never solved. The end of the story was a blur in details, but this.

Black Doom was sealed away for all eternity. Gerald lived the rest of his life suffering in prison for all he caused. Until his last dying breath. As for the figure, he humbled himself in quiet acceptance. Kneeling before the rulers and what was left of the court awaiting punishment for the crimes he was forced to commit. While they were never forgotten, neither was the act of great sacrifice to betray Black Doom and save what was left of the kingdom.

A compromise was struck.

He would continue to serve this kingdom but at a price. A curse was placed so that he would never leave until the debts were repaid. Being able to live amongst the court and serving as their Black Knight. Although safe from execution, the ridicule, from others whom he had done injustice and harm to, he would be faced with every day was out of their control.

There was a choice to be quietly banished forever, but that life of endless guilt running away from the problems he caused, felt cowardly. Especially after the promise he made long ago. A vow that he would never allow to be broken. So accepting the terms, was knighted into the court with said title.

Many years had passed and with the curse still in effect, the Black Knight was soon crowned Prince of Mobius. However as time passed, the world changed and so did the order of this once united kingdom. Whilst there was power and the duties involved, the world continued to evolve. Soon the castle turned more into a chateau of sorts and the legends of the past remained as stories with unsolved mysteries.

Until recently, I knew only what was well known.

I would have never guessed the truths hidden to be discovered.

Or that my journey would collide with their destinies.

~~~~~~~

A century had passed. Mobius wasn’t in ruin and despair, however it wasn’t at the prosperity that it once was known to be either. There was a sort of gray middle ground that most everyone left to be content with. For one Amethyst ‘Amy’ Rose, there was always an underlying desire to bring back more of that prosperity. But like most females, it was buried deep with a suppression of societal standards.

At one point she did attempt more, but was immediately pulled back into her place. That constant tug of war instilled something deep within her. Being ‘perfect’ of being herself. Even if that second part felt more like a haze. Between constant masking and forced to hide her truest desires, the lines between what was real and not with whom she was blurred.

One day, about three years ago, something snapped in an unexpected way and she was left with a different trajectory for what life had in store. Even though she was living under different circumstances now, that subtle fear would haunt her constantly. The fear of what she felt so deeply being a part of her was wrong. So she forced herself to remain content and do the little she could to continue being kind and compassionate.

Green Hills were always luscious in nature and the forest even more beautiful. In her outstanding moment of defiance against the norm, she lived there. Where she could study a bit of botany, herbalism and tap into the world of her tarot every once in a while. Finding herself thriving in this situation that was forced upon her. One such memory she couldn’t forget.

It Invaded her mind without warning from time to time. One minute she would be making tea, writing in her journal, etc, the next, slowing everything to a stand still. Waiting for the awful moment of remembrance to pass before trying to continue with her day. The evenings were the hardest and sleep was sacrificed every now and then to avoid that discomfort.

She made a living making teas and other medicinal herbs for the villagers. Thanks to former connections that were long gone sadly, but perhaps that was for the best. At one point entertained the idea of being a tarot reader. Although that was quickly shoved aside as her visions were less welcoming and more frightening from time to time. Feeling as if she would never be more than what she was now, dreamed of a brighter future filled with adventure. Fun, friendship and companionship. Those dreams were clouded with doubt and felt as if a miracle would need to happen before that came to light.

It’s funny how fate would surprise her with a miracle in the most unexpected way.

Because it all began during a storm.