The Offer
The light of dawn peaked through the stained glass windows. Giving off a warm aura as it illuminated a bed that held a pink hedgehog, with its comforting blankets and sheets. Stirring in her sleep a bit, she groaned and fluttered her eyes open. Slowly taking in her surroundings. The large bed posts made of the finest wood, stone walls that shone like gemstones in certain rays of the sun. There was a fireplace that held flickers of ember, a vanity, dresser, a small table of the same wood material and two chairs. All of which gave off a gothic Victorian, dark castle aura.
Slowly, she tried sitting up, barely making it to an inch above where she laid, against her pillow before biting her lip. A short burst of pain shot through her shoulder. Less agonizing and more annoying at this point. Breathing heavily through it, glanced down to notice not only the bandage, but she was wearing a chemise nightgown.That felt so smooth and seemed to be made of the finest silk.
“Well good morning sunshine.” She turned to see a female bat that carried herself like royalty. Down to the dress and the confidence she bore. That smile made herself blush a bit. However all this left her with more questions than answers.
“What’s the matter hon? Can you speak?” The line between sarcasm and genuine intention were on a fine line with this woman, but her expression revealed it was more the second.
“I-I’m okay. Um…How did I get here and where exactly is ‘here’?”
“You don’t remember?” With a shake of her head, the woman sighed and sat down gently next to her on the bed.
“My name is Rouge, Lady Rouge to be official but you can call me the former. I am in the Prince’s court and a long time friend.” Bowing as if presenting herself to her, odd. Shouldn’t she be the one acting upon the formality?
“During an awful storm” Rouge continued “they found you battling a pack of Timberwolves and you were injured. Thankfully they were able to fix you up, but you were already unconscious. So they brought you back here.”
“Unconscious?” Amy tilted her head briefly before her eyes widened mere moments after as it all came flooding back to her. Rouge gave a more sympathetic smile.
“I’m so sorry for your home Miss Rose.”
“C-call me….Amy…..” Her voice was a mere whisper as the words, truthful be it as it may, just rolled off her tongue like a second language. A single tear rolled down her cheek at all she saw that was lost.
“It’s….gone-”
“Well not everything. They did manage to save a few things of yours. A hidden trunk, journals, a few books and some herbs you’ve collected. All of which are sitting over there.” Amy glanced over at the said items in question and began to breathe in a sigh of relief. Her research was untouched by flames and while she was saddened at the loss of some flora and fauna, what was discovered could be found again eventually.
“That’s wonderful. Thank you for letting me know.”
“It’s thanks to Sonic and Prince Shadow, Amy. Speaking off, if you’re feeling up for it, they would like to speak to you this morning. Of course don’t feel the need to exert yourself more than needed.”
“I-...How long was I out for?” Gingerly touching the bandage as flashes of when the wound first opened entered her mind. Surely she should be in more pain than this. In fact she felt as if she was back to normal.
“You’ve been resting here for three days.”
“T-three days?!”
“Afraid so hon, but rest assured, we took care of everything here. Your rabbit friend, Creme and her mother Vanilla were quite worried for you.”
“Oh no…Creme- I have to let her know I’m okay!” Swinging her legs off the bed and trying to stand up, feeling a wave of dizziness as she held onto the bed post. Rouge at her side.
“Easy hon, I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to hear you’re doing okay. But in the meantime, why don’t we clean you up and get you dressed. By the way, those gowns in that trunk of yours sure are beautiful by the way.” Rouge raised a brow as Amy thinned her lips. Understanding the double meaning behind those words.
“That life was taken from me long ago.” Slowly walking towards and opening said trunk, was met with a beautiful lavender dress. A juliet type of sleeve with a tied end and could fall off the shoulders. A small corset back and most of all, it had pockets! The subtle floral designs around the skirt and bodice were simple yet beautiful.
After a warm bath, a change of her bandages and clothes, soft quills tied in a loose braid that rested upon her shoulders she was following Rouge down the hall towards the grand staircase. Amy took in everything whilst trying to keep up. Though that kind of instinct kicked in quick as old habits die hard, as they say. The entire place felt like a gothic castle and a very timeless chateau.
“This way,” Rouge beckoned as Amy quickly stood by her side before entering the doors to a large dining hall. Where she was met with the two that aided in saving her life a few nights ago. Instinctively, she bowed politely- or tried too whilst Shadow held up his hand.
“No need for formalities.” Though sounding more annoyed than most, Amy straightened up with a simple nod in understanding. A gust of wind brushed past as Sonic stood there with a smile.
“Glad to see you’re alright. We were begging to worry for ya.”
“I’m alright, thanks to you both.” Turning her head slightly to ensure that gratitude extended to both parties.
“Well you!” Sonic gestured before holding out his arm. “Must be famished! Let’s get ya some food.” Amy blinked before gently placing her hand around his arm. Half expecting him to rush towards the other end of the table. He took his time, however, leading her towards the opposite end of where he sat, on the other side of his royal highness.
“I’ll leave you both to get acquainted. There are tasks I must do.” Rouge called before turning to leave.
“Behave Rouge.” Shadow warned as Rouge just simply laughed.
“When have I ever?” That teasing tone made him growl a bit before she waved a hand and left. Amy glanced at Sonic who playfully rolled his eyes, smirking, before mouthing ‘all the time’, gesturing to them both. Causing Amy to smile and suppress a bit of laughter.
“I’m grateful for your help. Though I hope I’m not being too burdensome here.”
“You are far from a burden, Rose.” Shadow said with a much gentler tone than before. “However we do have a small matter to discuss.”
“Geeze Shads, let’s not scare her here.” Sonic, playfully teasing as ever turned his attention back on Amy.
“I am so sorry about your home. We are working on ways to rebuild it if you wish. But we also have a proposition for you.”
“Proposition?”
“We noticed that you are very intelligent when it comes to plants and healing remedies.”
“Herbalist” Shadow interjected whilst taking a sip of his coffee. Sonic just rolled his eyes with a smirk before continuing.
“Anyways, we would like for you to stay with us. Be a part of his court as an herbalist.” He spoke mimicking Shadow a bit that elicited an eye roll. Amy tried her best hiding a light giggle at the sight. “There are many here you would favor from your talents.”
“I- thank you but-”
“We know it’s a lot to ask but you have an incredible gift Amy. Plus both Creme, Vanilla and a few others in the kingdom have noticed it too.”
“Of course, you would remain here until your wounds heal first. Then we will head to whatever you decide.” Shadow added whilst Sonic nodded in agreement.
“I-...er- This is-....this is a lot to take in, you’re right.”
“Don’t fret the details or the offer right now. Let’s get you some proper nourishment and time to relax from those wounds. Speaking off, how are you feeling? Those Timberwolves truly took it out badly on you.” The undertone of concern in his voice made her heart skip a beat but couldn’t place exactly why. Being cared for isn’t anything to gush over…
“On my word, I promise I’m fine.” Emphasizing for another countless time since she woke up. Forcing down those insistent butterflies in her stomach.
“In short there is a bit of an ache every now and then. But that should go away soon…though I must ask, why me? I mean there must be far more superior herbalists you could have for your court.”
“There are many herbalists who’ve been in the field much longer, true. However that doesn’t change the fact that your perspective on the subject is much more unique than most. A certain young rabbit has informed us that you have a talent for this unlike any other.”
“T-that’s too high praise, I fear.” Taking another sip of warm tea whilst glancing down at her lap. “Besides, how can you be sure it’s true?”
“While it’s true we haven’t seen you in action, your past records have proven the point.” Sonic added as she couldn’t help but let a little more of a blush tint her cheeks.
“Again, it’s your choice Rose. Either way, we’ll see to the rebuilding of your former home. You may even ask for anything you like to be added.”
“You’ve done so much already. I couldn’t even begin to repay you enough.”
“No need for-” Sonic began before a hand went over his lips. Shadow smiling slightly with an idea in mind.
“A compromise then. You work and be a part of my court whilst we rebuild your home. Think of this like a trial run. By the end you wish to stay and continue or not, either way you will be an honored member of the court from here on out.”
That thought alone intrigued and terrified her. Especially since she was forced to leave a life like that long ago. Yet for the time being, it would be nice for a change of pace. Perhaps a new opportunity would help get her mind off things that tormented her in the night.
“You have a deal.” Amy smiled before reaching out to accept Shadow’s hand. Which turned to him standing up from his seat, stepped around the corner and bowed so low whilst pressing his lips gingerly against the back of her hand.
“Excellent. You may venture out the chateau grounds and such. Anything you need and desire will be taken care of. Sonic”
“Already ahead of ya!” Speeding to her side, gestured for them to head towards the door. “I’ll show ya around. I’m assuming where you’ll be working is the first place you would like to see.”
“I- uh” Amy gulped with a semi forced smile as Shadow’s warm gently slipped from her hand and was replaced with Sonic’s. “W-will I be able to see other places as we venture to the room?”
“Room? Nah it’s much larger than that. But yeah, sure, we can take the slower paced route.” Teasing sarcasm dramatically evident into his tone with a wink that caused her to laugh ever so slightly.
“Wanna join us Shads?”
“I have more important things to attend to. I will meet up with you later. Rose.” He paused glancing over his shoulder to the two of them. “I hope you….enjoy your stay here.” Amy was about to say more but closed her lips as he pulled out a small green diamond shaped emerald.
“Chaos Control!” He shouted and in a flash of light, disappeared. Amy blinked, tilting her head slightly.
“It’s a part of his powers.” The way he spoke so casually at her unspoken question. “Anyways, let’s go. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
~~~~~~~
Shadow reappeared in a room that hardly was ever visited. Glancing around at all the storage he saw that recreated a bedroom. One where it seemed like junk to some, but held so much meaning to him. A portrait that was torn at one corner yet the other side remained untouched. A young girl with hair like the sun's rays, eyes like the sea and a smile that held so much purity. A hand reached out as he lightly brushed away a thin layer of dust.
“I think we found her, Maria.” He whispered before closing his eyes, hand curled into a fist over his heart. The vision of his beloved blue hero and the silhouette of a pink hedgehog that she now occupied the space for.
But why was this important?
…..and why was he unable to stop his heart from palpitating against his chest so much at the sight of both of them. Together.