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Sonic had been going to the palace theater from the moment he could open his eyes. He had practically been raised by the arts, his parents generous patrons of the opera. He had seen everything from Don Giovanni to La bohème, Aida to Hamlet. Some days, his family's long occupied box 5 felt like his only escape from palace life.
Sonic had just barely come of age, and it felt like every day his parents longed to marry him off to someone, to have him finally be wed. They’d already picked his bride for him at a very young age. It wasn’t that Sonic didn’t like his fiance, quite the opposite, in fact. Amy was his closest childhood friend, his one true companion growing up. But that was the problem, they were friends, nothing more. Sonic supposed it could be worse, hopefully his parents didn’t expect any children from him. He shook his head, of course they would, he was their only son, afterall.
Amy was part of the reason Sonic loved the opera house so much. She was a young soprano singer, usually given a secondary or choral role. She was never upset she didn’t get cast in large roles, as she preferred to dance more than anything. Sonic took his seat in box 5, smoothing out his white ruffled shirt sleeves. The show tonight was a classic, Il muto. The theater often put on the classics, familiar shows Sonic knew by heart. The countess was cheating on her elderly new husband with the page boy, a classic tale of heartbreak. Sonic settled in as the curtains lifted, the countess on stage with her husband.
Sonic’s ears perked up at the unfamiliar voice of the soprano on stage. Was that…Amy? Was Amy cast as the countess?
Sonic picked up his opera glasses, hoping to glimpse his friend under all the ruffles and theater makeup. The actress glanced briefly up towards his box with an all too familiar smile as she finished her solo. It was almost certainly Amy under that powdered wig, Sonic thought with a smile. But where in the world has she learned to sing like that?
Sonic rose to his feet as soon as the final bows came about, clapping loudly for Amy as she curtseyed for the audience. He rushed from the box seats, nodding at a security guard as he passed through the cast only doors. Amy saw him as she was being helped out of her costume. She quickly stepped out of the hoop skirt and rushed over to him with open arms.
“Oh, Sonic! I’ve missed you so much. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen you last.”
Sonic held Amy tight, “Ames, it’s been at most a fortnight.”
Amy grumbled, “And that’s much too long for my taste.”
Sonic let go of her for a second, moving to see eye to eye with his dear companion.
“Where did you learn to sing like that? I thought I had died and was hearing an angel awaken me from my earthly slumber.”
Amy pushed him gently, bashful as ever, “I’ve been taking lessons, the angel you speak of is him, not me”
“Well, this angel of music is someone I wish to meet then.” Sonic said with a laugh.
Amy’s face dropped for only a moment before she quickly composed herself once more.
“I’m afraid the angel does not usually accept visitors, he’s a very quiet man”
Sonic read a sense of fear in Amy’s tone, her tutor must be very strict.
“Well, nevertheless, my parents are holding a masquerade ball soon in celebration of our marriage,” Sonic rolled his eyes, “And I would like to extend an invitation to him.”
Amy sighed at the mention of their approaching wedding, “I’ll inform him of your request, husband of mine.” She said with a tease.
“I assume my lovely wife will be coming as well?”
“Of course, dearest”
Sonic shook his head in mock disgust, “That was too real, I understand you’re an actor and all but you play the part of loving fiance too well.”
“Just practicing for the rest of our lives I suppose…” Amy said with a deep sigh.
Sonic placed a hand on her shoulder, “I despise it as much as you do, but we could be worse off”
Amy smiled slightly, “As always, you are right.”
Amy held Sonic’s hands gently in her own, squeezing tightly, “I must be off, the angel has a strict rehearsal schedule.”
Sonic squeezed back.
“Then I’ll see you at the gala”
Amy sat in her dressing room, humming a show tune quietly to herself as she brushed out her quills.
“Brava, Miss Amy. I must say, your performance was utterly enchanting,” the familiar voice echoed seemingly from the walls themselves.
Amy quickly set down her hairbrush, looking around the room.
“Monsieur, I did not know you were here!”
“My apologies for startling you, my dear. I wished only to offer my congratulations for your brilliant performance”
“The glory is all yours, for you gave me my voice.”
“I merely helped you lift your spirit, to feel the music in your soul and grasp it”
“I am forever grateful, my mentor,” Amy said with a small bow. She thought back to Sonic’s earlier words.
“Are you still there, angel?”
Amy waited a moment, listening for his voice coming from the shadows once more.
“For you my dear, I will always be there”
“The prince has humbly requested your presence at the royal family’s masquerade gala. I informed him of your preference to stay within the theater, but he insisted I let you know he thinks very fondly of your skills as a tutor.”
“I do not typically leave the opera house, my muse.”
Amy expected this response, but was still somehow disappointed, “I understand, ang-”
“But for our young patron of the opera, I might make an exception.”
Amy’s face lit up, “Oh thank you, angel! He wishes to meet the tutor I speak so fondly of”
“You flatter me, Amy.”
The young soprano heard a knock at her dressing room door.
“Amy? You’ve been in there awhile, is everything okay?”
She hurried to unlock the door, finding Blaze behind it. The young ballet dancer she’d grown fond of.
“I apologize for worrying you, Blaze. I must have taken a nap after the show.”
Blaze laughed, “After that stunning performance you gave, you truly deserve it. Let me take you out to dinner, the whole cast is going.”
Amy smiled, “I’d love that, my dear.”
She turned back to her dressing room, “let me fetch my coat quickly and we’ll be off, then.”
The hedgehog returned to her room, searching the corners for signs of her phantom tutor. She found none. Turningback to her vanity to retrieve her coat, she found a new piece of parchment on the countertop.
The night of the gala, make your way to the opera house roof at no later than a quarter past 8. Travel alone
-The Angel of Music
Amy quickly tucked the note away in her pockets before heading back for her waiting companion.
Soon I will see my Angel for myself
Amy found herself alone on the balcony of the opera house roof, a few minutes short of the note’s instructed arrival time. She drew her shawl close to her, shivering slightly at the cold air.
What if he doesn’t show?
Her petticoats kept her fairly warm under all her layers, a silver mask in hand. Her delicately sewn on gemstones shimmered in the moonlight, the tulle and lace of her ballgown swaying softly in the breeze.
Suddenly the wind stopped.
She turned sharply, feeling a presence over her shoulder. A tall figure loomed close behind her, concealed almost entirely in a velvety cloak.
Amy flinched back, startled by the figure,
“Monsieur!I did not hear you, I do apologize for my reaction.”
A hand came out of the fabric, offering itself to her.
“No, I apologize for startling you, my dear muse. I believe we have a gala to attend.”
The soprano took the hand cautiously, eyeing the clawed paw being extended to her. A red stripe ran up his red fur. A part of Amy wished to know how far up his body it ran, if he had other stripes. But of course, and most likely as he planned, the cloak hid his figure from her sight.
The carriage ride to the gala was short, yet it felt like it stretched on for years. Her guest did not speak once the entire journey, merely holding on to her hand for the duration of the ride. Amy felt herself wanting to reach for his hood, to see who her tutor, her angel of music was.
When the horses drew to a halt, the cloaked figure was the first to exit, landing softly on the ground before offering his hand to the pink hedgehog. Amy saw a small pointed snout stick out from under the hood as his gaze tilted up towards her.
The two enter the gala, arm in arm. They were met by the palace guards at the gate.
“Good evening, Lady Rose. We will have your arrival announced as well as your escort. Sir, would you kindly remove your hood?”
Amy panicked slightly, hoping not to upset him. “It’s a masquerade ball, surely having a concealed identity is half the fun?”
“I apologize, mademoiselle, it is the royal family's orders.”
“It is alright, Miss Amy, I imagined this would happen.”
Amy watched as the cloaked figure went to remove his hood, holding back a gasp as he undid his deep red hood, handing it gently to one of the waiting servants to be taken away. She took in his pointed snout, the tan fur on his muzzle leading to black quills with red streaks much like his hands. His ears were sharp points, the white fur inside matching the tuft of fur peeking out from his white shirt collar. A lacy white jabot was pinned around his neck with a gorgeous green emerald laid in the center. He wore a sharp vest with gold buttons and a dark red rose boutonniere. His face was partially obscured by a white mask covering half his face. His dark yellow eyes met Amy’s.
“The gala awaits, my muse,” he held out his arm for her once more.
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“The Lady Rose and her escort, The Phantom” announced the footman.
All eyes turned to the grand staircase, as the pair descended gracefully, arm in arm. The whole ballroom seemed to stand still as the two made their way across the intricate polished hardwood.
Someone tapped Sonic’s shoulder, too lost in a conversation to notice the pair approaching him. For a moment, he felt his heart stutter, the man on Amy’s arm unfamiliar yet inviting. This was her tutor?
“Good evening, my prince, the gala looks stunning” Amy said with a curtsy
Sonic bowed his head, his hussar uniform shining in the light of the chandelier, its gold braids and buttons mirroring those of the man accompanying Amy. A gold mask was placed upon his face, complimenting the velvet black and silky white of the rest of his costume.
“Thank you, my lady, the pleasure is all mine if it satisfies your tastes.”
Sonic eyed the man accompanying her curiously, “This must be your angel of music, I presume?”
The ebony hedgehog nodded, bowing before the young prince, “An astute observation, my liege, though I merely help her find her courage, that voice is all her own.”
Amy tapped her escort gently on the arm, “I’ll leave you two to introductions, I promised a dance to someone tonight.”
Her angel nodded solemnly, stooping down to place a kiss on her hand softly, “goodbye then, miss Rose, until we cross paths again.”
The dark hedgehog turned once more towards the prince, offering his arm as the orchestra started up once more.
“May I have this dance?”
Sonic took his arm with a curious smile.
The two made their way to the dancefloor, ignoring the curious glances thrown their way. The two swayed gently to the music before his partner moved to adjust his hands, placing one around Sonic’s waist and holding his hand in the other.
“I do enjoy a waltz from time to time,” sighed his dancing partner.
Sonic could tell he had dancing experience, the two moving gracefully across the floor. He silently thanked his parents for those ballroom lessons they insisted on.
“I didn’t think you’d be such a dancer, monsieur…” Sonic said. He paused, realizing he didn’t know his name.
“Shadow, my liege, And you flatter me. Now, If I may enquire why a man such as you isn’t dancing with some lovely lady of the gala, or his engaged to be?”
Sonic sighed, not faltering on his steps, “My parents want me married away, they seek an heir to their throne that I’m not prepared to give.”
“Does Miss Rose know of this?”
“Aye, while we are close as can be, our heart pulls us other ways,” the azure hedgehog said.
“I know the feeling well,” Shadow offered.
Sonic’s eyes glistened in the soft candle light curiously.
“How so?”
“The opera life is not one many wish to be a part of, leading me to be accustomed to my life of solitude.”
The two bowed to each other as the waltz concluded, suddenly aware of the crowd of people watching them. Sonic was thankful for the gold mask covering his flushed face
“If I may, there’s a balcony where we could continue in private, if you so wish”
Shadow held his hand out to the prince, “Lead the way”
The pair found themselves enjoying eachothers company, two glasses of champagne between them.
“Shadow, I simply don’t understand why you prefer your quiet solitude, you truly are a delight to be around.”
The ebony hedgehog chuckled slightly, “I enjoy my quiet life, the music is my comfort.”
“You said you write for the theater?”
“I’ve written several pieces, yes.”
“That’s brilliant, Shadow! The world should know your talents, not some quiet little room deep within the palace theater,” Sonic held Shadow’s hands gently yet firmly.
“I appreciate your praise, my prince, I truly do,” Said Shadow with a quiet smile.
“But the world is not ready for my works, for… me”
Sonic set his mask down gently, “But the world is ready, Shadow. I’m ready. Think of it, I could fund your works, we could have Amy sing soprano every night, we could run away from all this and start our own opera house where you can be free to write what you want.”
Shadow’s yellow eyes glistened with tears threatening to fall. Sonic moved to brush them away. Shadow flinched. Sonic drew his hand back quickly.
“My apologies, my mind was somewhere else.”
Shadow held tight to his mask, withdrawing slightly from Sonic’s side.
“No, I should apologize, my prince, I’ve taken up too much of your time already,” Shadow said, finishing his champagne and moving to leave the balcony with a bow.
“Shadow please,” Sonic said, holding the clawed ebony and crimson paw in his own.
Yellow eyes met green once more, Shadow hesitated a moment. Sonic glanced around briefly, looking for watchful guards
Let them see, let them tell my parents, let me face the consequences what have you, but let me have just this moment to myself
Sonic pulled Shadow close and kissed him. He felt Shadow flinch away before melting back into him, his clawed hands finding a resting place in Sonic’s azure quills. Sonic held Shadow’s face gently, unbeknownst to both of them, knocking his mask off in the process. Sonic felt his lungs beg for air as the two slowly pulled apart. Sonic opened his eyes, suddenly met with three pairs of golden eyes. He felt a small gasp escape his lips.
The eyes once hidden by the mask were golden, yes, but with red scleras. The pupils were dark thin lines, vaguely snake-like.
Shadow’s eyes fluttered open quickly, confused by Sonic’s reaction. He raised a hand to his face, feeling his mask was gone. Sonic covered his mouth quickly, regretting his reaction.
“Is this what you wanted? To see the face not even a mother could love?”
Sonic shook his head hurriedly, reaching out for Shadow again as he quickly grabbed his mask and turned to storm out.
“Was that all that meant to you? Was this whole night a lie?”
“Shadow please, I meant everything I’ve said tonight. I meant everything, I meant to kiss you. I meant it all.”
“Leave me, tell the world of the monster living in the opera house,”
Shadow said, turning away from the prince
“I’m not leaving your side, Shadow,” Sonic placed a firm hand on his shoulder, feeling the soft fabric of his suit vest.
He felt Shadow’s muscles tense up, his shoulder’s twitching. Shadow looked over his shoulder at the azure hedgehog, tears in his haunting eyes.
“Why? Why stay with a monster?”
“Because I love you”
Sonic kissed Shadow once again, but this time was different. This time he wanted Shadow to feel the emotions Sonic was feeling, wanted him to know he wasn’t alone, that he was cared for, that Sonic cared for him. Shadow kissed him back just as passionately. When the two pulled away, Sonic pressed his forehead against Shadow’s, staring into his amber eyes again.
“You know, I quite like your eyes. They’re brilliant, just like your music,” Sonic whispered.
“You alone have loved them so”
As the night drew to a close, Sonic bid his guests farewell. Amy placed a chaste kiss on his cheek before bidding him good night. Shadow was not far behind.
“If this is to be the last time I see you, promise you’ll think of me,” said Sonic with a sad sort of smile.
“Every so often, when you’re far away from this life, If you ever have a moment. Spare a thought for me”