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EXT. Station Square - Evening
A calm orange sky decorates Station Square as a pink hedgehog stands outside a cafe, leaning against the wall. She is wearing a dark pink jacket, zipped to the top to shield from the evening breeze, and a simple pair of navy jeans. Her quills drape down past her shoulders, touching her back, a simple red bow on the top of her head. She watches the people walking past - living their normal lives. Something she has been trying to do for so long. Sighing, she pokes her head inside the cafe. The barista at the counter is placing a cup on the table.
BARISTA
Order for Rose?
The pink hedgehog enters the cafe proper, picking up the small takeout cup and thanking the barista.
BARISTA
Hey, aren’t you-
ROSE
Nope.
ROSE barely glances at the barista before turning around and leaving, offering him no time to think about who he had just seen. She walks down the street, free hand in her pocket, taking the odd sip of her drink. Her quills whip across her face as a police car drives past. She follows its path, losing sight of it as it careens round a corner.
ROSE
I wonder…
She shakes her head. She doesn’t do that anymore.
ROSE
No. It’s probably not even anything interesting.
ROSE continues walking.
INT. Eggman Base - 10 Years Ago
SONIC, TAILS, KNUCKLES, and AMY rush through one of EGGMAN’s bases, destroying badniks and dodging traps as they reach the final control room. EGGMAN is stood behind a large pane of glass.
EGGMAN
Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favourite pack of vermin, here to ruin my day once again. Unfortunately, you won’t get the chance. BADNIKS, ATTACK!
Hatches open across the walls of the room and robots begin to swarm out, surrounding the heroes.
SONIC
Heh. Nothin’ we can’t handle, right guys?
AMY
Right!
AMY brandishes her hammer menacingly. SONIC, TAILS, and KNUCKLES charge around the room, destroying robots in a blaze of explosions, while AMY takes a more considered approach. Baiting a badnik to charge towards her, she swings her hammer, knocking it right into the large pane of glass. It explodes, sending cracks rippling through the glass shield.
EGGMAN
Uh-oh.
SONIC
Sweet! Nice work, Ames!
SONIC stops in place, charging up a spin dash and slamming himself into the glass wall. It shatters on impact, leaving EGGMAN completely exposed.
EGGMAN
I suppose that’s my cue to leave. See you later, bozos! OHOHOHOH!
EGGMAN pushes a button on a control panel in front of him, and the wall behind him folds away, revealing his Egg Mobile, ready to be boarded.
SONIC
Oh no you don’t. Let’s get him!
TAILS and KNUCKLES nod in understanding, as the trio give chase. AMY is about to join them, when she notices a shadow trailing across the room. Following it, she is led to one of the hatches, a clattering noise drawing her attention even further.
AMY
I’ll catch up with you guys. There’s something I want to investigate.
SONIC
Got it! Catch ya later!
SONIC winks at her as he jumps out of the building, TAILS catching him as he flies into the air. AMY turns her attention once again towards the hatch, walking towards it. Peering inside, she doesn’t see anything, but that doesn’t stop her. Getting on her hands and knees, she crawls into the hatch, following its path through the walls of EGGMAN’s base.
EXT. Station Square - Evening
Back in the present, ROSE turns a corner, hearing the sound of police sirens once again. A few police cars are parked outside of Station Square’s bank, and have created a blockade around the perimeter.
ROSE
I guess it is a little interesting. But still…
ROSE prepares to cross the street, but hears a clattering behind her. Turning around, one of the trash cans in the alley next to the bank had fallen over. Surely it must be nothing. Just as she turns her head around, she once again hears a noise. This time, it sounds like footsteps. And then, a shadow. She swore she saw a shadow in the alleyway. Looking to the front of the bank, the police were still preparing to make their entrance. If they were looking for a thief, could this be them? The light at the crosswalk turns green, but ROSE doesn’t cross. She stands there, frozen, in conflict. The thief could be getting away! But… she didn’t do this anymore. She shouldn’t.
INT. Eggman Base - 10 Years Ago
AMY crawls through the vent system, tracing a path along the wall with her hand. She had to trust her instinct that there’d be something here, or she was doing this for nothing. Eventually, she reaches a small metal grate. Shoving the grate aside, she tumbles out of the air vent into a small room filled with boxes, each marked with Eggman Enterprises logo.
AMY
It’s just a storage room…
Standing up, she hides herself against the back of one of the boxes. Listening close, she hears rustling- someone sorting through the boxes. She clings her hammer tight. Taking a deep breath, she jumps out from behind the box.
AMY
Tell me what you’re doing here, now!
INT. Alleyway - Evening
Back in the present, ROSE, crouched down, ducks under the police barricade, sneaking into the alleyway. She reaches behind her, and pulls out… nothing.
ROSE
Right. No hammer. I can’t believe I still do that.
She pats herself down for anything she can use as a weapon, and pulls out a small penknife. She flicks it open, holding it out in front of her, her hand shaking.
ROSE
Hello? Is anyone hiding back here? You better come out!
Another blast of wind, this time from above. ROSE looks up, a shadow flying across the alleyway above her.
ROSE
I know you’re there. I can see you! I’m warning you, you don’t wanna mess with me. I used to be a hero!
A rush of noise, from behind her. Then two sharp clicks. Were those… heels? Turning around, ROSE is met with a familiar face. Her eyes widen.
ROUGE
Used to be?
INT. Eggman Base - 10 Years Ago
AMY stands, hammer in her arms, face to face with ROUGE THE BAT.
ROUGE
My, my, aren’t we feisty today?
AMY
R-rouge? What are you doing here?
ROUGE
Ugh, fine, you caught me.
ROUGE lifts her hands out of the box she was rifling through.
ROUGE
Some top-secret intel told me that Eggman was hiding something especially heinous in this base. I was merely looking for it to, you know, save the planet and all. But go ahead, stop me. I am breaking and entering, after all.
AMY narrows her eyes, lowering her hammer. She joins ROUGE, looking down into the box.
AMY
Hey, I’m sorry I jumped you, but there’s no need to be so sarcastic. What are you looking for?
ROUGE
I’m not exactly sure. G.U.N. said it could be coordinates to the location of a weapon of mass destruction. Or some such device.
AMY
Well then. We better get searching. Stand back.
ROUGE does as AMY asks, as she pulls back her hammer, swinging it into the box, sending chunks of wood flying. The contents spill onto the floor.
ROUGE
Right down to action. I knew I liked you.
INT. Alleyway - Evening
Back in the present, Rose stands, still, penknife still shaking in her hand. She tries to open her mouth, but words can’t come out. Her mind is blank.
ROUGE
My, my. Amy Rose, pulling a knife on little old me. How times have changed.
ROSE swallows. One thing comes to her mind.
ROSE
R-rose.
ROUGE
Hm?
ROSE
It’s just… Just Rose.
ROUGE
My mistake, Rose. Now come on. We have to get moving.
ROSE
W-what?
ROUGE
The police are going to want the diamonds I stole. So lower the knife and let’s move.
Suddenly, ROSE hears footsteps closing in. She glances behind her. Police, moving in on the alleyway. She looks back to ROUGE. This couldn’t be right. She had finally started living a normal life, and suddenly… she was back. She just wanted everything to settle down, and not have to think about any of this, ever again. …Or did she?
POLICE
Hey, you there!
Crap. Taking one last look behind her, she realises- she had already made up her mind. She starts running, fleeing into the alleyway. ROUGE flying above her, guiding her out. ROSE pulls herself up onto a dumpster, and jumps across a fence into another alley. Sprinting away, she turns a corner, fleeing the scene of the crime.
EXT. Station Square - Night
Police cars fly past as ROUGE and ROSE crouch behind a dumpster. As the sirens and lights fade into the distance, ROSE breathes a sigh of relief.
ROSE
I think we lost them.
ROUGE
That was a close one, even for me. Thanks for the… assist.
ROSE looks at ROUGE. That sly grin. She’s had enough. Seeing red, she punches ROUGE straight in the arm.
ROUGE
Ow! Whatever was that for?
ROSE
I just helped a criminal flee a crime scene! What the hell, Rouge!?
ROUGE
Hey, I didn’t ask you to. Besides, since when were you so high and mighty?
ROSE
What were you
thinking
!? Robbing a bank? What is wrong with you!?
ROUGE
We’ve done much worse. Together. Don’t you remember when we dismantled G.U.N.?
ROSE
That’s not the- It’s been ten years! Ten years, you’ve been gone, and you think you can, what, rob a bank right in front of me and think I won’t freak out!?
ROUGE backs away, cheeks flushing red.
ROUGE
I- I didn’t know you were going to be there.
ROSE
I’ve been trying to live a normal life, Rouge. To leave all that stuff behind. All that… hero stuff. I thought you’d have the sense to do that too.
ROUGE
A girl’s gotta make a living. And old habits die hard.
ROSE
Then get a job! Like a normal person! Or could you not just settle down like the rest of us?
ROUGE
Amy- ah. Rose. I… I don’t know what to say.
ROSE
Then don’t say anything. I’m going home. Don’t follow me.
ROSE turns, stomping into the street. She doesn’t look back. She can’t.
ROUGE
Rose, wait, I-
ROSE
You were gone for ten! Years!
ROSE fades into the distance. ROUGE slumps to the floor, hand against her face. Her wings curl around her body.
INT. Eggman Base - 10 Years Ago
AMY and ROUGE are crouched on the floor, sifting through objects from EGGMAN’s crate. AMY tosses aside various badnik parts and machinery, before finding a red ovaloid device. She picks it up, and before she can touch anything else, the oval splits in half, the two halves floating away from each other, connected by a blue holographic screen.
AMY
Um- I think this might be something!
ROUGE takes a look at the device. As the pair inspect it, a set of white coordinates flash on the screen.
ROUGE
Hm. That seems… simple.
AMY
Yeah. I smell a trap. You think we should avoid wherever this leads?
AMY and ROUGE stare at each other for a moment, seemingly in thought. Then, they burst into laughter.
INT. Rose’s Apartment - Morning
Back in the present, ROSE is standing in her small kitchen, waiting on toast to pop out of the toaster in her purple robe. She yawns, her eyes heavy. She walks over to her small window, peering out onto the street below. People in suits, pushing past each other on the sidewalk- the morning rush. She rests her elbow on the windowsill, head in her hand, next to a plant pot- a rose and a lily sprouting from the dirt, reaching towards the sunny morning sky. A glum look on her face, she scans the concrete horizon for Station Square’s bank. Spotting it in the distance, she can make out police barricades, still surrounding the building. So they must not have found Rouge. Her mouth curls upwards for a moment, before she rolls her eyes.
ROSE
I can’t believe her. Where has she even been all this time?
Her train of thought is interrupted by the toaster popping. Moving away from the window, she places her two pieces of toast on a small plate, and carries them over to her small sofa. Just as she sits down, there is a knock on her door.
ROSE
What now?
Rising once again, ROSE opens her front door, peering out into the apartment corridor in front of her. Nobody is there.
ROSE
Uh, hello?
No response. She glances downwards, noticing a small piece of paper on the ground. Picking it up, she sees a set of numbers - coordinates.
ROSE
What the…
Then, realisation. These numbers- they were the same ones. From ten years ago.
ROSE
Are you kidding me…? Come on, Rouge…
Clutching the paper, ROSE closes her door, marching through her apartment and into her bedroom.
ROSE
She can’t be serious.
EXT. Mystic Ruins - Day - Ten Years Ago
AMY leads ROUGE through the Mystic Ruins, running towards a large wooden gate as humans and animals crowd the area, all dressed in various medieval costumes.
AMY
Oh, this is just so exciting! I’ve always wanted to go to a renaissance faire!
ROUGE
Clearly. What’s been stopping you?
AMY
I guess I’ve just never had anyone to go with! And it’s always more fun with someone else. I just wish I’d known we’d be here earlier, we could’ve got dresses!
ROUGE
The noble princesses of the Mystic Ruins… Hm, I like the way you think.
AMY
Fancy gowns, valiant knights, all manner of wizardry and mythical creatures… Isn’t it just a dream come true?
ROUGE
You know, I’ve never considered it. The coordinates aren’t too far- judging by the size of this setup, we should head to the back of the area.
AMY twirls around, her dress waving in the breeze.
AMY
Perfect! We get to tour the whole faire! Oh, we should totally enter a jousting competition!
ROUGE laughs, incredulously, before realising AMY is serious.
ROUGE
I had never pictured you being the jousting type.
AMY
Are you kidding me?
AMY takes out her hammer, swinging it with some heft, before resting it on her shoulder.
AMY
I don’t want to sound big-headed, but I wouldn’t have
any
competition.
ROUGE
On further consideration, I believe you.
AMY and ROUGE pass through the wooden gate, as they wander through the faire, AMY stopping every few moments to admire each of the intricate stalls, selling foods, clothing, and various medieval wares.
ROUGE
Focus, Rose. We’re on a mission, remember?
AMY
Right! Just- look at this!
AMY holds up an intricate necklace, various blue stones encrusted in its silver metal.
AMY
Isn’t this just beautiful?
ROUGE
My, my… You do have a taste for jewellery. I wouldn’t mind snatching that up for myself.
AMY
See! I knew you’d appreciate this place, one way or another.
AMY turns back to the vendor, handing them the necklace. They wrap it in soft paper, handing it back to AMY.
AMY
Thank you! Now, let’s get going!
EXT. Mystic Ruins - Day
Back in the present, ROSE walks down the steps of the Mystic Ruins train station, mumbling to herself.
ROSE
Why am I here, why am I here, why am I here…
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she begins to walk towards the large wooden gate that has been constructed once again, various people around her, all in costume. Why would Rouge do this? What could she possibly have to gain? Where was she?
ROSE, deep in thought, didn’t see the person in front of her. Colliding with them, she stumbled backwards, shaking herself out of her head.
ROSE
Oh, my gosh, I am so sorry- oh.
ROSE, of course, had bumped into ROUGE.
ROSE
There you are.
ROUGE approaches ROSE, grin on her face.
ROUGE
Rose, darling! You came! I just knew you would.
ROSE
Why did you bring me here?
ROUGE
Ah. That’s the thing. I have intel that leads me to believe something important is being held at those strange coordinates. Now, I don’t know about you, but I say we just
have to
investigate. Don’t you?
ROSE
Cut it out. Why are you doing this?
ROUGE
There’s no need to be so cold. We’re just two friends, enjoying the renaissance faire!
ROSE
No. We
were
two friends. Now, I’m a stranger you don’t know, who just wants to live her life.
ROUGE
But you came, didn’t you?
ROSE looks at ROUGE. Silent. Waiting for an explanation.
ROUGE
I didn’t give you a reason, and you still showed up. So, are we going to investigate, or not?
ROSE sighs.
ROSE
If I do this, will you leave me alone?
ROUGE
I suppose, if that’s what you want.
ROSE
Then fine.
ROUGE pats ROSE on the back as they begin to walk into the renaissance faire.
ROUGE
That’s my girl.
ROSE
I’m not a girl anymore.
ROUGE
Yes, I know, but “That’s my woman” just doesn’t have that ring to it.
ROSE rolls her eyes.
EXT. Renaissance Faire - Day - 10 Years Ago
ROUGE walks through a crowd of people as AMY follows behind her, stopping every few moments as she is captivated by a creative costume.
AMY
Oh my gosh, is this real steel mail? That’s so impressive! And- Wow, that dress looks so high quality, did you- you made it yourself? No way!
ROUGE
Amy. It seems we’ve arrived.
AMY focuses up, joining ROUGE at the entrance to a large castle, drawbridge up, leaving a large wooden barrier blocking them from entry.
AMY
Wow… How did they manage to build this so fast?
ROUGE
I think the more important question is… how do we get in?
At that moment, a rat dressed as a royal squire approaches the pair.
SQUIRE
Welcome, dearest spectators, to the king’s castle! Be-est thou seeking entry?
AMY
Yeah! Oh, uh- Thou art correct, sir! We doth aim to enter yon castle!
SQUIRE
Then I must offer my humblest apologies, o curious ones. For the castle lay off-limits to thy general public, until the royal feast of this eve!
AMY looks towards ROUGE, uncertain. ROUGE’s eyes look back at her, expectantly.
AMY
Ah, but we are no mere onlookers, my squire! For we are brave knights, on a dutiful quest to save the kingdom from despair!
SQUIRE
Knights, you say? Forsooth, yon garb does not reflect the attire of our kingdom’s knights.
AMY
That… That is wonderful deduction! We are knights in disguise! For our quest be so fraught with peril that we have no option but to conceal our identities!
AMY pulls out her hammer.
AMY
Forsooth, would a mere commoner possess a weapon such as this? I think-est not!
SQUIRE
O, but of course, you are correct! My dearest apologies, sire! I shall lower the drawbridge, henceforth!
The rat scurries off, and moments later, the drawbridge begins to lower.
ROUGE
Nice quick thinking, hedgehog.
AMY
Thanks! I… watch a lot of medieval movies.
ROUGE
Well, we must journey onwards, with our noble quest. After you, my liege.
AMY giggles.
AMY
Oh, stop it.
They wander across the drawbridge, and into the halls of the castle. Clearly being setup only for the faire, they follow the singular corridor down until they reach a large banquet hall, staff rushing around to set up plates. There is a door at the back of the room labelled “Off-Limits”.
ROUGE
With any luck, it’ll be in there.
AMY
Got it.
Trying to look like they belong, the pair round the large banquet table in the centre of the room, and head into the mysterious door. They enter a dark, small space, dust lingering in the air. The room is cluttered with boxes.
ROUGE
More storage. A shame. I was expecting a treasure hoard.
AMY
I wouldn’t count out the possibility just yet. We were led here from an Eggman base, after all.
ROUGE
Right you are. What would he have to do with a renaissance faire?
AMY begins to feel around the room, running her hand along the walls and looking under shelves, as ROUGE starts to inspect the boxes.
AMY
You know Rouge, I’m pretty surprised.
ROUGE
Oh?
AMY
Well, you know. You’re a secret agent and all, and I’m just one of Sonic’s friends. I’m sure you’d have figured this whole thing out by now if you weren’t waiting on me.
ROUGE
Whatever gives you that idea?
AMY
I was the one dragging us round the renaissance faire. I bet you’d have been in and out of this place by now.
ROUGE
And miss out on the sights? Darling, don’t underestimate yourself. That hammer of yours practically got us in here. Besides, the job is so boring sometimes, especially with Mr. Dark and Brooding. I appreciate a little chatter and enthusiasm every once in a while, you know?
AMY
I guess- oh!
AMY feels a brick move under her fingers. Pushing it in, it falls away, revealing a small alcove.
ROUGE
Found something?
AMY reaches into the alcove, pulling out a small object.
AMY
I think so… It’s… a wooden orca?
She holds the item out to ROUGE- a small, detailed wooden orca sculpture. ROUGE takes it, feeling its surface with her gloved fingers.
AMY
That’s a weird thing to keep hidden. What does it mean?
ROUGE
Perhaps it’s a clue. Eggman isn’t one to leave coordinates pointing directly to somewhere important.
AMY
So this is telling us where to go next?
ROUGE
Quite possibly.
AMY
Let’s see… An orca. Where is there an- Emerald Coast!
ROUGE
That was fast.
AMY
It’s nearby, too! Just outside of Station Square!
ROUGE
Then I say we don’t waste any time. To the train station?
AMY
Right!
AMY clenches her fists in excitement, running out of the door. ROUGE chuckles, following behind.
EXT. Renaissance Faire - Day
Back in the present, ROSE walks through the renaissance faire, looking straight ahead. ROUGE tails behind.
ROUGE
Aren’t the people’s costumes just so intricate this year? I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
ROSE
I guess.
ROUGE
And the stalls! Remember that necklace you bought when we were here last?
ROSE
Yeah.
ROUGE
What beautiful gems. I’d love to see it again.
ROSE
Well, I gave it away. It didn’t suit me as well as I thought.
ROUGE’s heart sinks. She’s losing her.
ROUGE
That’s… a shame. Hey, last time you mentioned jousting! I’d love to see how your hammer skills have grown.
ROSE
No, thanks. Let’s just focus on getting to the castle.
ROUGE
…Alright.
As the crowd thickens at the back of the faire, ROSE begins to shove past people, her shoulders bumping into them without a word. Almost losing track of her, ROUGE floats into the air, trailing her through the crowd. Eventually, the crowd thins again as they approach the castle, the drawbridge once again raised. ROUGE lowers herself to the ground.
ROUGE
Ah, dear. What a conundrum. Luckily we still have your quick thinking skills, hm? You’ll be able to talk us in in no time.
ROSE walks to the left of the castle, moving around the side.
ROSE
Or, we can just use the employee entrance.
ROUGE
I- I mean, sure, but where’s the fun in that? The immersion?
ROSE
If I wanted to go to the renaissance faire, I’d care about the immersion. Right now, we just need to reach those coordinates. Wait here.
Reaching the backside of the castle, ROSE enters a door marked ‘Employees Only’. ROUGE places her hand on the door, almost opening it, but hangs back.
ROUGE
Rose… What happened to you?
ROUGE lays her hand on her chest. The necklace that ROSE bought, all those years ago. She really didn’t have it anymore? She sighs. Maybe she shouldn’t have come back. She at least shouldn’t have waited 10 years. ROSE opens the door again, holding a small item in her hand.
ROSE
I got it. Let’s go.
ROUGE
Rose, wait. What did you find?
ROSE stops, holding her hand out to ROUGE. Opening her closed fist, she reveals a small wooden orca sculpture.
ROSE
The same one, from ten years ago. You kept it.
ROUGE
Naturally. A memento.
ROSE stares into the sculpture, thinking back to when she first found it. She was so much younger then. Far more excitable. Had she lost some of that? More than she wanted to? She closes her fist again. No point thinking about that anymore.
ROSE
Let’s just get moving.
ROSE pushes onwards.
EXT. Station Square - Day
Exiting the train station, ROSE begins to head towards the Station Square hotel, ROUGE following behind her. However, ROUGE soon stops, calling back to ROSE.
ROUGE
I’m actually a little thirsty. Do you mind if we stop for a drink? There’s a little place near here.
ROSE
Uh… Okay. Fine.
ROUGE
Perfect!
ROUGE, now perfectly chipper, motions for ROSE to follow her, as she heads down the street. After a while of walking, they stop in front of a small cafe.
ROUGE
I love the herbal tea this place has. It really freshens me up. Would you like one?
ROSE
No, thanks. Just a black coffee is fine.
ROUGE raises her eyebrows.
ROUGE
You, drinking coffee? That’s a new one.
ROSE
What about me isn’t new, Rouge? I’m not the same person I was. If that bothers you, I can just go home.
ROUGE
No, no, I was merely… surprised. You used to be the resident aficionado on herbal drinks.
ROSE
Yeah. Used to.
Defeated, ROUGE enters the cafe. A minute later, she returns, holding two drinks. She hands one to ROSE.
ROUGE
One plain black coffee.
ROSE takes a sip, grimacing. She still hasn’t gotten used to the taste.
ROSE
Great. We have drinks. Can we get going now?
ROUGE
Oh, come on. Don’t you want to take a little break, enjoy the city ambience?
ROSE
Not particularly. I see this every day. I just want to get this dumb treasure hunt over with.
ROUGE
Okay.
ROUGE turns away from ROSE, taking a deep breath. She places her tea on one of the outside tables next to her.
ROUGE
I’ve been okay with your prickly attitude so far. After all, it’s been a while, we didn’t reunite under the best circumstances- I get it. But I’ve had enough. If you’re going to do this, you can’t insult me directly to my face. You’ve changed, I know, but that is
not
an excuse.
ROSE
No, Rouge, what’s insulting is you expecting me to drop everything going on in my life to relive a silly mission we did when we were younger! And for what? So you can weasel your way back into my life? I have a
job
! I’m losing customers being here right now. But did you even think of that? No!
ROSE slams her coffee down on the table. The lid comes off, and brown liquid splashes over the table and onto her glove.
ROSE
You know what? Screw this. I’m going home.
Whipping around, ROSE storms off, flipping her quills behind her shoulder with her hand as she does. ROUGE stands, silent. Her breath quickens, heart pounding.
INT. Rose’s Apartment - Day
ROSE enters her apartment, slamming the door closed behind her, still fuming. She sits down on the sofa, but only for a second, as she stands up again, pacing around the room. Unsure what to do with herself, she walks to her kitchen window, though not to stare outside. Instead, she focuses on the plant pot, running her fingers along the petals of the lily.
ROSE
You’d be on my side about this, right?
She closes her eyes. Scrunching her face, she clenches her fists, and brings them up to her forehead. She groans.
ROSE
No. No, you’d love that Rouge is back. I’m being an ass, aren’t I?
ROSE brings her hands down from her face, a small bittersweet smile on her lips.
ROSE
I’m sure she’d probably love to see you right now, too.
…I guess I should set up for work. Better late than never.
INT. Petal Parlor - Day
ROSE stands behind a dark purple curtain, dressed now in a long, flowing dress, blacks, purples, and blues shining along its surface. The bow on her head has been replaced by a silver headpiece, a glistening purple gem in the centre.
ROSE
Ready for another day at Madame Rose’s Petal Parlor… the least successful tarot business in the city…
She hears a faint knock on the door behind the curtain.
ROSE
Oh! A customer. I should curse my own luck more often. Come in!
Rushing to grab a tarot deck from the cupboard next to her, she listens for the noise of the purposefully creaky front door, and the shuffling of the chair legs on the carpet. Perfect. Standing straight behind the curtain, she pats herself down.
ROSE
Welcome, dear guest. Today, you have come seeking guidance, and I, Madame Rose, am happy to provide. Using the cards I hold, we shall take a look into your past, present, and future, and gain insight into you as a person. Welcome, to…
She pulls the curtain back, stepping forwards. Sat on the chair in front of her is none other than ROUGE.
ROSE
Oh.
ROUGE
Oh, please don’t stop! This is wonderful!
ROSE
What are you doing here?
ROUGE
I’ve come for a reading! Is that so wrong?
ROSE sighs.
ROSE
Fine.
ROSE takes a seat at the small circular table opposite ROUGE. Only a few candles protruding from the wall light the otherwise dim room. She places her tarot card deck, a basic set in a plain brown box, on the table.
ROSE
Using this deck, we shall-
ROUGE
Oh.
ROSE
What, what is it?
ROUGE
It’s just- I thought- Remember that other deck you had?
ROSE
What other deck?
ROUGE
You made it yourself! The designs were lovely. Whatever happened to it?
ROSE
I… I don’t use that anymore.
ROUGE
But you do still have it, right?
ROSE is taken aback. How could ROUGE act like everything was normal?
ROSE
I- yes. Yes, I do.
ROUGE
Then it seems almost a shame
not
to use it! Not even just a look?
ROSE
O-okay, fine. Just a look. Then you go.
ROUGE
Mmm, alright. That’s fair.
Tentatively, ROSE stands up, heading back behind the curtain. She opens up the cupboard again, reaching for the top shelf. Was it even still here? Raising her hands up slowly, she feels across the shelf she cannot see, eventually finding a small box. Lifting it up, she feels its weight in her hands. This is the one. Lowering her arms, the box comes into view, caked in dust. Bringing it up to her face, she gingerly blows, a storm of dust flowing into the cupboard. Wiping off the rest with her gloved hand, she finally lays her eyes on the soft purple of the box, intricate yellow patterning lining the edges.
ROSE
Hello. I’m sorry it’s been so long.
Laying the box down on a lower shelf, she lifts the lid, revealing the navy checkered pattern of the inside, and the perfectly preserved set of cards. Facing down, she studies the back, shades of purple and pink laying below three rings, two holding Chaos Emeralds and a third holding an eight-pointed star. Patterns of flowers, fruit, and chains litter the background.
ROSE
Wow.
She had forgotten how much effort she had put into these. Lifting up the box once again, she brings it out into the main room, placing it on the table.
ROUGE
Oh, my. These are beautiful.
ROSE
Thank you… I… I’m sorry, about earlier.
ROUGE
Oh?
ROSE takes her seat once again.
ROSE
I shouldn’t have blown up like that. I just… I’ve been trying to forget about how we used to be and move on, and you coming back in full force like that… flung it all back at me at once.
ROUGE
Yes, I… Suppose I could have been slightly more careful about planning my heists. And… Staying in contact. I haven’t needed to be off-grid for a few years now, but re-establishing contact is…
ROUGE looks for the words, but finds nothing.
ROSE
I understand. There are only a few of us left, at this point. But what I’m trying to say is… It’s good to see you again. I mean that.
ROUGE
Thank you. I suppose I’ll… take my leave.
ROUGE begins to stand, but ROSE calls after her.
ROSE
No, wait! You came all this way, I… may as well give you a reading. Right?
A smile appears on ROUGE’s face. Warm. Sincere.
ROUGE
I’d like that.
ROSE, smiling, takes the deck out of the box. She begins to shuffle it.
ROSE
Now, just so you know, we can stop at any point. And while the cards may be hauntingly accurate, this is mostly a reflection tool. Is that alright?
ROUGE
Perfect.
ROSE
And… This deck, as you know, has some cards that might show people neither of us have seen. In a long time. I have no control over which cards are drawn, of course. But… We might see that.
ROUGE
That’s fine. I’m ready.
ROSE spreads the cards out in her hands, holding them out to ROUGE.
ROSE
The first card you pick is your future. Just feel which one is right, and place it face down on the table.
ROUGE nods, and hovers her hands over the deck for a moment, before picking a card. She lays it down.
ROSE
Next, is the present.
ROUGE takes another card. This one comes faster.
ROSE
And finally, your fortune.
ROUGE hovers again. Nothing calls out to her. Then, she spots a card, poking out behind a few others, its energy warm and strong. She picks it, placing it down on the table.
ROSE
Perfect! So now, we’ll go through them one by one. First, your future. This card will reflect what’s going to happen in the rest of the reading, and in the journey you have ahead. Would you?
ROSE motions for ROUGE to flip the card over. She does, revealing the image of a detailed stone statue of a woman holding her arms out forwards, water cascading down her body. It is facing towards ROSE.
ROSE
The Statue Saviour. Since it’s upside down, that’s a dark reading. This says that you’re discouraged about something, and you’re losing faith. Something you thought might be easy or painless is proving a lot more difficult.
ROUGE looks at the card, reflecting. She had definitely had a hard time appealing to ROSE than she had expected.
ROSE
But it isn’t the end of the world! This is just a representation of how you’re feeling right now. Things can still turn around. Next, is the present. It represents you, as you are now.
ROSE nods to ROUGE, and she flips the card, revealing an image of four small rabbits, playing gleefully in a large pile of carrots. It is facing towards ROUGE.
ROSE
The Four of Rings. This card is about being cautious and conservative with your time or resources. You might currently not be doing everything you feel you can to accomplish a goal you’re working towards, and that could be a good thing or a bad thing. Finally, your fortune. This is what the outcome could be if you take on the rest of the reading and act in a way that follows your heart.
ROUGE flips the final card. She takes a sharp breath. The image of KNUCKLES THE ECHIDNA, stepping out of a large warp ring, facing ROSE.
ROSE
Oh. That’s… The Knight of Rings. Are you… alright?
ROUGE
Y-yes. I’m fine. We can keep going.
ROSE, herself, also looks quite shaken, her eyes wobbling.
ROSE
That’s… the dark draw. This means that you might be feeling tunnel vision when it comes to your goals. It might be time to take a step back and reassess your aims, and why you’re doing what you’re doing. Maybe you need to approach things from a new angle.
ROUGE
I… see. Thank you, Rose. You’re a natural.
ROSE
It is my job. But thank you.
ROUGE sits, quiet, for a moment, pondering the cards. She tries not to look at KNUCKLES, though she finds she can’t look away. Is he alright, after all these years? She shakes herself out of the thought. She could investigate the echidna later. Now, she needed to make things right with ROSE.
ROUGE
Rose. I believe the cards are speaking to me about the time we’re spending together. I wanted to see you again by reminding you of our past, but, while I do hope that some of who you used to be is in there, it is clear that you have moved on. I’d still like to be more present, however. On your terms. If you like, we can… get dinner sometime? Sit, and just… talk.
ROSE
I’d… I’d like that.
ROUGE
Thank you. Though, I do suggest that we at least head to Emerald Coast. There is something there that I had prepared for you, that I would like you to see.
ROSE
Alright. As long as we’re not keeping up that hero’s quest charade.
ROUGE
Of course. No more heroics.
ROSE exhales. Letting herself be free of worry for the first time in a long time.
ROSE
Wonderful. Let me just get changed- This dress is a drag to move in.
EXT. Emerald Coast - Day - 10 Years Ago
AMY charges through the Emerald Coast hotel, ROUGE hot on her heels.
AMY
So, what are we even looking for? Is this thing gonna be
inside
an orca? That’s kinda gross.
ROUGE
I… Don’t think it’ll be anything like that, no.
ROUGE chuckles as they emerge onto the beach, hotel guests enjoying their day, swimming and playing in the sand. They scan the beach for anything suspicious, but see nothing.
ROUGE
Hm. Maybe…
ROUGE takes out her Miles Electric, though it looks far less developed than the version TAILS gave to all of his friends.
AMY
Woah. What is
that
thing?
ROUGE
Oh, it’s my Miles Electric! I swiped when Tails was first prototyping- It has more developer features, and was far easier to hack into. Now, let me just…
ROUGE holds the Miles Electric up to the beach, a small beeping sound coming from it as she moves it around. Eventually, the beeping intensifies, soon becoming a shrill drone.
ROUGE
There we go. Heavy electric signals that way.
ROUGE leads AMY across the beach, coming to the source of the signal- a lump in the sand. AMY bends down, moving the sand away with her hand. She sees a large device, buried deep. Wires protrude from it, and there is a small, if rudimentary, screen.
AMY
What the…?
The screen blinks active. A number. 05:00. Counting down. A timer.
AMY
Rouge! It’s a bomb!
No response. AMY turns around, looking for ROUGE, but she isn’t there. Standing up, AMY peers around the beach. Nothing.
ROUGE
Mmmf! Amy!
Upwards. Looking into the sky above her, AMY sees ROUGE. In the clutches of METAL SONIC. AMY glares at him.
AMY
You.
Taking out her hammer, AMY takes a running start, swinging the hammer in front of her. The force launches her into the air, and she spins the hammer around again, smacking it into METAL’s head. An electric shock courses through his body, his limbs seizing and spreading out, dropping ROUGE. He falls to the floor, alongside AMY.
ROUGE
Ugh. Thanks for the save.
AMY
Don’t worry about it! We gotta disarm that bomb!
ROUGE
On it.
ROUGE, descending to the ground with her wings, crouches, facing the bomb.
AMY
Okay, Metal. It’s you and me.
METAL’s head snaps, clicking with electric energy. His eyes glow blood red. He’s ready. They charge at each other, trading blows. METAL is sent flying backwards from the force of the hammer, only to retaliate, conducting a powerful electric charge through himself and flying forwards again.
AMY
Rouge, how’s that bomb coming!?
ROUGE
Uh, I’ve… nearly got it! I just need another minute!
AMY
Got it. Then I’ve got time to show you what I’m made of!
AMY pulls the hammer back, gripping it tightly. With intense force, she swings it forwards, into METAL’s body.
EXT. Emerald Coast - Evening
Back in the present, ROSE and ROUGE walk into Emerald Coast, the beach quiet as guests pack up for the evening.
ROSE
Let me guess- You buried a fake bomb under the sand?
ROUGE smiles, slyly- a glint in her eyes.
ROUGE
Not exactly.
ROSE
Alright. Well, it better be something good.
ROSE, half teasing, walks over to the spot in the sand where the bomb was buried ten years ago. She was almost surprised she remembered where it was- but how could she not? She bends down, and is about to move the sand away, when she hears a gasp from ROUGE.
ROSE
Rouge, what’s-
ROSE turns around, and all breath is pulled from her body. Her eyes wide, her body trembles. She can’t move, yet falls backwards, sat in the sand. Stood before her is METAL SONIC, his blue dulled, rust all over his body. He takes a step forward, limping, his joints creaking. His eyes still blood red. ROUGE is stood behind him, hand to her mouth in shock.
ROSE
Wh- what…
It’s barely a whisper. METAL takes another step closer. She can’t move. She doesn’t believe what she’s seeing. How could he be here. How could HE be here? Another step, another creak. METAL raises his arm, claws sharp. ROSE, frozen, in the sand.
ROSE
No…
METAL lurches forward, claw swinging down. Then, a blur. He’s gone. ROSE’s chest raises, then lowers, then raises, faster than she can process. Her breathing is back, but she can’t control it. She can’t feel herself crying, but tears stream from her eyes. She tries to speak, but can only gasp for air.
ROUGE
Rose!
She’s spiraling. The world underneath her spinning. He shouldn’t be here. Her grip on reality slipping, nothing feels real. The sand beneath her fingers, was it even there? It was impossible that he could be here, so how could anything else? That’s it- Nothing was real! Of course. Because if this was real, she was dead. Or going to be. Maybe that claw killed her. Maybe…
She’s snapped from her spiral by a feeling. A solid feeling. A hand on her shoulder. Soft, gloved fingers. ROUGE.
ROUGE
Rose. I’m here. It’s okay. Breathe.
That’s right. Breathing. Of course. She did have to do that, after all. A few more gasps, slower and looser than the last, and her breath began to regulate. The world stopped spinning, for the most part. She was okay. She was alive. She was real.
ROSE
R-Rouge… Did you…
ROUGE
No. This was not me. I promise.
ROSE
Where is he…?
ROUGE only points. ROSE turns her head- there, collapsed on the ground, is the rusted form of METAL SONIC. That blur, that must have been…
ROSE
You saved me.
ROUGE
Barely. I’m sorry I wasn’t quicker.
ROSE
It’s… It’s okay. I don’t know what… Or how… Or…
ROUGE
It’s alright. Just breathe.
A moment of silence. Of quiet. Of breathing.
ROUGE
Oh… you may want to get up.
ROSE’s eyes widen again. Surely not. But of course, he can never give up. Rising, creaking, METAL SONIC begins to amble towards them again.
ROSE
No, no, no, I can’t do this! I can’t do it, Rouge! This isn’t meant to happen, I-
ROUGE
Rose. Focus on your breaths. I can handle this. Just… look under the sand. When you can.
ROUGE takes flight, darting towards METAL. ROSE can’t bear to look, but hears frantic metal clashing against ROUGE’s boots and, more impressively, fists. Focusing on hear breaths, she turns, clearing the sand away with her fingers. Thankfully, no bomb. What she sees instead is a hilt. Rubbing more sand away, she finds the rest of the hilt, a long pole, leading to… a hammer. A pinkish brown wooden hammer, intricate roses carved into its surface. Rose gold adornments line the flat ends of the hammer, and solidify the bottom of the pole. Feeling the bottom of the pole with her hands, she picks it up, gauging its weight. It feels… natural. Slowly moving to her feet, hammer in hand, she mimes a few practice swings. It comes almost instantly to her, as if… As if she had never stopped.
ROUGE
Like it?
ROUGE barrels past as METAL charges after her.
ROSE
I… Yes. I know I said… I left this stuff behind, but. Maybe more of me wants it than I was willing to admit.
ROUGE
Great! Then, a little help?
ROSE
Oh!
ROSE primes the hammer in her hand. She feels her mannerisms slipping backwards in time, ready for combat. She charges forwards, jumping into the air.
EXT. Emerald Coast - Day - 10 Years Ago
ROUGE stands next to AMY at the coast of the beach, disarmed bomb in hand.
ROUGE
Ready?
AMY
Always!
ROUGE
On 3.
ROUGE counts to three, and on three, throws the bomb in the air. On its descent, it is met with AMY’s hammer, being knocked far into the horizon, landing in the ocean with a distant splash.
AMY
And that takes care of that.
ROUGE
So, Eggman tries to blow up Station Square-
AMY
Again.
ROUGE
-Again, and he just sends Metal after us? Where’s the showmanship in that?
AMY
Hm… You’re right. Something’s off about this.
AMY takes out her Miles Electric, ready to call SONIC, but is met by his face, already calling her. She answers the call, a video popping up on the screen.
AMY
Sonic! What’s up?
SONIC
Ames! Oh, thank goodness. Are you okay?
AMY
Yeah! Actually, weird story, we just disarmed a bomb. Eggman was trying to blow up Station Square. Again.
SONIC
Oh. Huh. Uh… Could you… get here as soon as you can?
AMY
Here? Where’s here?
SONIC pans the camera around, showing a large crater, and the leg of a giant robot.
SONIC
We’re just off South Island. It’s bad. Real bad.
ROUGE
The bomb. It was just a distraction.
SONIC
Oh, good, Rouge is with you. Both of you, we need as many reinforcements as you can find! Call. Everyone.
AMY
Sonic, are you okay!? What’s going on over there?
SONIC
No time. Gotta get back to the fight. Don’t leave anyone out. This is worse than I’ve ever seen him. Oh, crap, Tails,
no
!
The call cuts out. The colour is drained from AMY’s face.
AMY
Sonic…
A hand, on her shoulder.
ROUGE
He’ll be fine. And if he isn’t, he’ll be better when we get there. Now come on. Let’s get going.
AMY nods, steeling herself.
AMY
Right.
EXT. Emerald Coast - Evening
Back in the present, ROSE and ROUGE stand over a collapsed METAL SONIC. They are both breathing heavily.
ROUGE
What an unexpected and annoying surprise.
ROSE
I still don’t understand… How could he be here? It’s been so long and he only comes back now? It couldn’t have been…
ROUGE
No. It couldn’t have been. I refuse to believe he would keep this up for ten years. It’s not like him. But… Metal is gone, now. For good. We made sure of it.
ROSE
Yeah. You’re- you’re right.
Silence. They stand, awkwardly, not knowing where to go from here.
ROSE
So, you said… we should just talk. I like that idea.
ROUGE
Oh, yes! Talk. Over dinner, of course. I’m not putting you through this again.
ROSE
Right… Still. I think part of me knew I was missing that life. I could have just ignored it when you posted those coordinates. I knew it was you, and I went anyway. I’m sorry I was so standoffish.
ROUGE
It’s alright. I didn’t realise how much it had affected you.
ROSE
Yeah… It’s been a while since it was that bad.
ROUGE
Anyway! How about dinner tonight? If you don’t have to get back to work later.
ROSE
I… Don’t. But, I actually… have a date tonight.
ROUGE lights up. She positively has to know the gossip.
ROUGE
A date! That’s wonderful. Who’s the lucky… person?
ROSE
Oh, she’s the best. I think she’d love to see you, too! Actually, you should pop by tonight! I think it’d really make her night.
ROUGE
Oh, well, you’re the one that’s supposed to do that, but… I’ll consider it. Thank you. I’m sure you make her very happy.
ROSE blushes.
ROSE
Aww… Thanks. It’s hard to believe I have something that normal after this hell of a day.
ROUGE
Believe me, you get used to it. I’ll… I’ll see you soon.
ROSE
Definitely.
ROSE stands, a determined smile on her face. Things were getting better.
INT. Restaurant - Evening
ROSE sits at a table, dressed in a pink dress, a shining necklace around her neck, adorned with pink gems. Opposite her sits a hedgehog, with short, blue quills, wearing a similar dress, only dark blue. She is also wearing a necklace- silver metal, with various blue stones encrusted inside. The same necklace ROSE bought ten years ago.
ROSE
It’s so hard to believe… five years. It almost seems like yesterday you were brushing off my advances on Little Planet.
ROSE giggles. The hedgehog opposite her snorts a little.
LILY
Yeah… We were just kids, though. All that stuff seemed so gross. To me, at least.
ROSE
Though that makes sense. You have to find yourself before you can find someone else.
LILY
That’s nice. They should put that on a t-shirt. Or a mug.
ROSE rolls her eyes, smiling.
ROSE
Oh shut up.
LILY
Hey, you wonder if they have chilli-
ROSE
I phoned ahead. No, they don’t have chilli dogs. But this is a fancy restaurant! And it’s our five year anniversary. I’m sure you can stomach something else.
LILY
Hmmm… Okay. I’ll try. But only ‘cause it’s you.
They continue to chatter, laughing between themselves. A figure soon appears behind ROSE, clearing their throat. She turns around to see ROUGE.
ROSE
Oh, you came!
ROUGE
How could I not? Especially after that wonderful invitation. So, who’s the lucky… lady…?
ROUGE trails off, looking at the person opposite ROSE. Those blue quills, that smug expression. The quills are shorter than ten years ago, but… is that really…?
ROSE
Right! Rouge, this is Lily!
LILY smiles at ROUGE- recognition. She does a finger point.
LILY
Oh, hey! Long time no see, Rouge!