Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Two members of the Mobian Restoration Team spin-dashed into the generator room of Doctor Eggman’s newest underground base, breaking through the front door with practiced precision. Eggman—a tall, portly, and ruthless foe—was a constant threat to the Restoration’s efforts to recover from his recent failed attempt to take over the world. Jewel the Beetle, the Restoration’s leader, had sent the duo to confirm rumors of a new badnik—a term coined for Eggman’s twisted robotic creations—he was supposedly designing.

Miles "Tails" Prower, a bright and eager fox teen with twin tails, was the brains of the operation. The blue-and-peach whirlwind beside him was Sonic the Hedgehog, an impulsive and daring young adult, known as the fastest thing alive. Though not related by blood, the two considered each other brothers—Sonic had found Tails as a kit and raised him as such.

Tails was confident they could manage a recon mission… for at least five minutes. Sonic, however, was a glutton for action. His impatience made it impossible for him to resist beating down Eggman’s new toys, inevitably blowing their cover. Tails didn’t mind—it had become a game of sorts. He’d taken to timing how long Sonic could hold out. Sure enough, Tails sighed as he glanced at his watch: five minutes. Right on schedule.

From there, it was the usual whirlwind of battle and banter until, through the chaos, they spotted an unintended opening and slipped away, eventually finding the room they were searching for.

Tails and Sonic unfurled at the bottom of the stairs, landing carefully. Tails turned, scanning for a way to seal the door behind them. He spotted a keypad to the right and quickly tapped in a code, locking the door with a satisfying click.

Tails exhaled in relief, his ears flicking at the sound of the mechanism engaging.

"That should buy us some time to investigate!" he said.

Sonic grinned, bouncing on his heels. "That was fun! C’mon, let’s get this over with so we can get back to breaking more of Eggman’s toys!"

Tails chuckled. "Alright, alright!"

They approached a supercomputer with a large display screen. Tails immediately began typing in Eggman’s usual passcodes, but none of them worked. He frowned. The doctor rarely bothered with new passwords, which usually made hacking him a breeze. Shaking off any self-doubt, Tails plugged in his Miles Electric tablet and got to work cracking into the EggNet.

While Tails focused on retrieving the files they needed, Sonic wandered over to the centerpiece of the room—a massive glass container surrounded by control panels. The tube stretched into the ceiling like a siphon, filled with swirling, sickly white smoke that obscured whatever was inside.

Sonic leaned casually against the panel Tails was working on, eyeing the mysterious machine with suspicion.

"Hey," he nodded toward the container. "What do you think that’s all about?"

Tails, not looking up from the screen, shrugged. "Whatever it is, it’s bad. I’ll shut it down once the files finish downloading. Almost there…"

Sonic hummed thoughtfully, walking over to the glass. He tapped on it out of curiosity—then jumped back as the smoke shifted. Something was inside.

His eyes narrowed. "It moved!"

Tails, too focused on the download, didn’t respond. He was used to Sonic babbling to pass the time, so he tuned it out.

Sonic, pouting at the lack of reaction, turned back to the container. Squinting through the swirling smoke, he could just barely make out… a tiny nose. His heart skipped. The realization struck him: A child.

He whirled around, eyes wide. "There’s a KID in there!!!"

Tails’ head snapped up, eyes going wide with shock. "WHAT?!"

Without hesitation, Tails yanked his flash drive from the console—thankfully, the files had finished downloading—and rushed over to Sonic.

Sonic was already stepping back, preparing for a spin-dash to shatter the glass, but before he could act, the machine roared to life. The smoke was rapidly sucked away, revealing the figure within—a small, lilac-colored kitten. She wore a plain white dress, gloves, and socks, her pristine appearance deeply unsettling. Her outfit was almost too clean, making it obvious she’d been sterilized before being placed inside the container—a clear sign she was a test subject.

Her golden eyes, dazed and unfocused, barely flickered open. She looked drugged, barely conscious. The swirling smoke had been keeping her sedated.

Then, without warning, a bolt of electricity shot downward, striking the girl. She jerked violently, her eyes going wide in terror as a blood-curdling scream tore from her throat. The machine was extracting something from her—sparkling, ethereal magic that spiraled upward, feeding into the siphon.

Tails, his eyes wide with horror, fumbled with his Miles Electric. "No, no, no—STOP!" he cried, frantically typing.

The machine abruptly powered down. The girl slumped forward, unconscious, her small frame trembling as residual electricity crackled along her limbs.

"Now! While it’s off!" Tails shouted.

Without hesitation, Sonic spin-dashed into the glass, shattering it. He caught the girl before she hit the ground, brushing broken shards from her. Tails hurried over, helping pick bits of glass from her hair. The poor thing twitched, her body still reeling from the electrical trauma.

Tails’ eyes widened as he noticed her burns slowly fading, her body healing at an accelerated rate.

"Chaos energy?" he muttered, brows furrowing.

Sonic held her close, gently brushing her hair from her face. "She’s breathing, but she needs help. Fast."

Tails, snapping out of his daze, nodded firmly. "We’ve got what we need. Let’s get out of here!"

Sonic cradled the kitten carefully while Tails tucked his tablet into the fur of one of his tails. They sprinted toward the door—only for it to blast open.

Eggman stormed in, flanked by badniks. His eyes widened in fury when he spotted the girl in Sonic’s arms.

"YOU!" he roared, pointing a finger at them. "I still need that!"

Sonic’s eyes narrowed. "You mean this little girl? You’re seriously using a kid to power that badnik of yours?"

Eggman sneered, folding his arms. "I’d love to explain my dastardly plot, but unfortunately…" He smirked. "It’s classified!"

Tails, undeterred, smirked back. "Not for long!" he teased, waving a finger tauntingly.

Eggman’s face twisted with rage. "GET THEM!" he roared. "DESTROY THOSE TWO, GET THE GIRL, AND THAT TABLET FROM THE YELLOW FURBALL! I SAW YOU STEALING INFO!"

Tails grinned mischievously. "Oops. Busted!"

Badniks swarmed them. Sonic glanced at Tails, flashing a grin.

"Gonna need your help with this one," he quipped. "I’ve got fragile cargo, and I wanna make sure it doesn’t get damaged!"

Tails nodded, his twin tails whirling, lifting himself into the air. He pulled out a handful of smoke bombs. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed them at the floor, obscuring them in a thick cloud.

The duo seized the opening. Tails flew ahead, clearing a path with small bombs as Sonic dashed through the chaos, shielding the kitten with his arms. They made a break for the missile silo they’d used to sneak in.

With his hands gripping Sonic’s free hand, Tails flew upward at top speed, weaving through projectiles. They burst through the silo doors into the open sky, clambering into the Tornado.

Tails called back over the roar of the engine. "Where should we take her?"

Sonic glanced down at the unconscious kitten, his expression softening with concern. "Restoration HQ. Let’s get her to the medical ward."

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

Sonic and Tails sat beside the little girl, watching over her as she remained hooked up to life-monitoring machines. Fluids from an IV line steadily replenished her weakened body. She was dehydrated and malnourished, but the important thing was that she was stable and recovering. Though she was still unconscious, but that was to be expected. Slowly, color returned to her fur, bringing both brothers a small wave of relief.

The quiet hum of the machines was interrupted by the hurried footsteps of Amy and Jewel rushing into the room. Their eyes immediately fell on the girl. Amy Rose—a pink and peach hedgehog with a strong yet sweet demeanor and a penchant for wielding her signature piko hammer—gasped in horror. Beside her, Jewel the Beetle’s face tightened with concern, her eyes softening as they lingered on the frail child.

Amy quickly hurried to Sonic’s side, while Jewel knelt beside Tails. With a gentle touch, Jewel placed a hand over the little girl’s, squeezing it sympathetically.

“The poor thing… She’s so small,” Jewel murmured, “How did you find her?”

Sonic quickly recounted the entire encounter, his voice steady but laced with lingering anger. Tails eagerly filled in the gaps, adding the technical details Sonic had skipped over. As they spoke, Amy and Jewel exchanged horrified glances, their expressions a mixture of fear and disgust as they learned of the girl’s captivity.

Amy placed a finger to her chin, her brow furrowed in thought. “So… Eggman’s new badnik was being powered by this little girl? But in a separate, underground location? How? And why her?”

Tails spoke up, his voice firm despite the lingering disbelief. “I think she has some kind of energy—or magic—inside her. We saw it. It was sparkly… and it was being drained right out of her.”

Jewel’s eyes darkened, and her expression hardened with barely contained fury. “How dare he… to a child.” Her wings fluttered once in agitation before she exhaled sharply, trying to steady herself. “Whatever his reasons, we need to place her under the Restoration’s official protection—until we can track down her family.”

Tails nodded eagerly. “Yes! And I think I’ve got some info on her too. I’ll compile it and make it easier to understand.”

Jewel gave him a firm nod, then extended her wings and lifted herself into the air with a graceful flutter. “Good. I want Team Sonic in the command center for a meeting. Everyone. Knuckles included. I’ll send him a summons through the communicator so he knows we’re coming for him.”

Sonic smirked and gave a playful mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

Knuckles the Echidna—a hot-headed red guardian—was on Angel Island, keeping watch over the Master Emerald. The mystical gem controlled the seven Chaos Emeralds, which were capable of miracles, and Knuckles took his duty seriously. Sonic knew that convincing him to leave his post wouldn’t be easy. It would probably take a fight to drag him off the island—and Sonic was already looking forward to it.

Jewel flew out of the room in a hurry, while Sonic and Amy raced off to retrieve Knuckles. Meanwhile, Tails headed for the command room. He plugged in his Miles Electric and watched the data load, letting out a sigh.

The meeting was going to be a long one.

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

It took some persuasion, but Sonic and Amy eventually managed to drag Knuckles away from Angel Island and the Master Emerald to the command center. Knuckles grumbled irritably as they entered, taking their seats—Sonic in the middle, Amy to his right, and Knuckles to his left. Across the room, Tails and Jewel were busy setting up the presentation on the large screens.

Suddenly, the doors burst open, and Rouge the Bat strutted in, followed closely by Shadow the Hedgehog. Rouge—a white and tan bat with a voluptuous figure—was a skilled treasure hunter and occasional jewel thief, depending on who you asked. She also worked as a spy for G.U.N.. Shadow—a black and tan hedgehog with crimson-striped quills and a patch of fluffy white chest fur—was her teammate. Together with E-123 Omega, they formed Team Dark, an elite task force protecting Earth under G.U.N.'s command.

Rouge waved with her usual flair, winking at the group. “Hi! Hope you don’t mind us dropping in.”

Jewel raised a brow in surprise. “Team Dark? Or at least... most of you?”

Rouge sighed dramatically, flopping into the seat beside Knuckles. “Ah, yeah. Omega didn’t feel like coming. G.U.N. found an Eggman base and they're about to send him to investigate it. You know how he is.”

She smirked when she caught Knuckles bristling at her presence. With a sly wink, she watched the flustered echidna look away, feigning disinterest. Their unspoken flirting competition was ongoing—and Rouge always seemed to win.

Jewel shook her head, checking her communicator. “I only sent a message for Team Sonic to notify Knuckles. I didn’t send a summons for you two.”

Rouge raised her hands in mock innocence. “Who knows~? Anyway, when I heard what this meeting was about, I just had to come.”

Jewel narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “You’ve been listening in?”

Rouge’s smirk widened, but before she could respond, Jewel turned to Shadow. “What about you? Why are you here?”

Shadow strode over and took a seat beside Amy, arms crossed, his expression brooding. His crimson eyes flicked toward Jewel without making direct eye contact.

“I’ve been following a rumor about what powers Eggman’s new weapon,” he said flatly. “Rouge informed me about the meeting, and my gut told me I’d find answers if I came. Nothing more.”

Rouge glanced at Shadow with a knowing smirk, as if they shared a secret. Shadow shot her a sharp, warning glare. With a playful eye roll, Rouge silently agreed to keep her mouth shut—for now.

Jewel sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Alright, Tails. Go ahead. Just start.”

Tails smiled, nodded, and turned on the projector. A holographic screen appeared in the middle of the meeting table, illuminating plans, notes, and images before the group.

Tails gestured to the projections. “As we know, Eggman’s been working on a badnik with the ability to control plant life. So far, it’s just a prototype. It can make plants grow or shrink, but it can’t control them directly. Yet.” He shrugged with a small smirk. “As usual, his stuff is half-baked.”

Knuckles smirked slightly, but his expression turned serious again as Tails continued.

“Anyway, Sonic and I went to an underground base Amy and Jewel suspected was housing the badnik. We found its generator room, where we believe the badnik’s power was sourced. We’re confident because…” Tails switched the screen to display an image. “We found this.”

The group’s eyes widened at the sight of a glass container holding a small girl. The image—captured from the perspective of a badnik—showed the poor kitten crying, pounding on the glass, and pleading for release. Vines pooled around the kitten inside the container, with lilac flowers sprouting from them.

Tails’s voice grew tighter. “The room was filled with smoke meant to disorient and suppress her. It kept her from escaping. Her powers were being extracted and funneled into the generator that powered the badnik.”

He exhaled shakily. “After we left, I found reports that the badnik attacked a nearby town. That’s why I’m sure our theory is correct. But there’s something else…”

He pressed a button, and the hologram changed. A crystal shaped like a lotus flower slowly rotated, immediately catching Rouge’s attention.

The gem was clear, sparkling, and refracted an array of colors as it turned. It resembled a diamond carved into a lotus bloom, about four inches across, and radiated a strong aura of magic. Its swirling energy was reminiscent of the Chaos Emeralds.

Tails pulled up another projection, displaying notes written in Eggman’s unmistakable scrawl. “I was able to extract information about the girl and this artifact through Eggman’s research logs. Her name is Princess Lilac of Lotus Island.”

The group exchanged surprised glances.

“Lotus Island is hidden deep in the ocean, making it nearly impossible to reach by ship. The surrounding waters are rough with massive waves and high winds. The south side of the island is one massive cliffside, extending around the west and east, leaving only the northern coast accessible.”

He continued, switching the projection again. “The island is home to a powerful kingdom protected by the Lotus Crystal, a mystical gem with chaos energy capable of controlling all forms of flora. It’s wielded by Princess Lavender—the ruler of the island and Lilac’s older sister.”

Tails's voice darkened. “Eggman kidnapped her people—and Lilac—with help from an informant, hoping to force Princess Lavender into exchanging the crystal for them. But… she refused.”

He swallowed hard before continuing. “Eggman… he shot her with his laser gun.” His voice lowered bitterly. “According to his logs, she shouted something just before the crystal expanded and encased her inside it for protection. The crystal then emitted a massive energy blast—strong enough to disable Eggman’s forces and launch them off the island… along with everyone else.”

Tails pressed another button. “And this… this is what Princess Lavender looks like.”

The image shifted to reveal a holographic depiction of the princess, captured by Eggman’s Eggmobile. The room fell into stunned silence.

Princess Lavender was breathtaking.

The lavender-colored feline Mobian was lying down, serene and still. One hand rested near her head, the other across her stomach. Her long, loosely curled hair fanned out around her like a halo, soft bangs gently brushing over her closed eyes. She appeared as if she had simply fallen backward into a peaceful slumber.

Her regalia evoked the grandeur of renaissance aristocracy. The floor-length gown featured a square neckline and two rich layers: a periwinkle-blue outer layer and a blush-pink underskirt that peeked through the open front of the skirt. Delicate puffed sleeves sat atop her upper arms, capped with blush-pink petals, while long bell sleeves flowed below, lined with the same soft pink on the inside. Gold scalloped trim traced the edges of the gown.

Gold jewelry adorned her figure—draped around her neck. wrists, and each finger. One chain on her neck bore a white pearl. Her ears were pierced with simple golden bead earrings. Atop her head rested a Tudor-style headpiece: gold-trimmed, set with amethysts, and had triangular golden plating that mimicked a crown.

Despite the large burn hole in her left side—from Eggman’s laser—the princess looked at peace, encased within the crystal.

The group stared, mesmerized by the scene.

Rouge was the first to break the spell. She raised a brow and tilted her head. “So… she chose the crystal over her sister?” Her voice was almost challenging. “I get the priorities, but still…”

Tails shook his head. “It might not be that simple. We only have Eggman’s version of the story. I doubt that’s all there is. She had a reason… I’m sure of it.”

Amy’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the princess. Her gaze drifted to a magical aura surrounding her wound. “Is it… healing her?”

Before Tails could answer, the group was startled by the sound of panicked screams and crashing debris outside the room. The commotion sent them scrambling. Tails hurriedly switched off the hologram, and they rushed into the main hall. What they saw made them freeze.

Princess Lilac had woken up.

The young kitten stood in the middle of the hall, trembling, her green hospital gown disheveled. Her fur was mussed and matted from months of captivity. Her wide, tear-filled eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape.

She thrust her hands toward the floor. Vines and lilac flowers burst through the tiles, lifting her toward the ceiling as if she were trying to break through—unaware that the Restoration’s HQ was underground.

Gasps and shouts echoed through the hall.

“She’s trying to escape!”

“She’s not a prisoner!”

“She’s going to get hurt!”

She faltered as the vines beneath her shifted unsteadily. Glancing down, her eyes widened in horror—one of the members had sliced through most of them. Her breath caught in her throat, and tears blurred her vision as the remaining strands gave way.

With a desperate gasp, she flung her hands forward. Oversized lilac petals burst into bloom beneath her, cushioning her fall. She scrambled to her feet, her breath hitching when she spotted several Restoration members beginning to scale the petals toward her.

Her instincts screamed at her to run. Without thinking, she crouched low, then sprang upward, using the petals like trampolines. She bounced over the crowd with a surprising elegance, soaring above their reaching hands. She landed gracefully, her small frame trembling with adrenaline.

Panting, she turned back toward the advancing crowd, her legs weakly carrying her backward, away from them.

Her voice cracked as she whimpered, “P-Please… I-I don’t want to be hurt anymore… P-Please just let me go! I-I…”

She suddenly stiffened, her breath catching in her throat. Arms clamped tightly around her from behind. A particularly stealthy member had snuck up on her.

Lilac thrashed violently, her terrified shrieks echoing through the hall.

“NO! LET ME GO!” she wailed, her voice raw with panic.

A tendril of lilac snapped forward, lashing out on instinct. It coiled around the Mobian and flung him across the hall with bone-crushing force.

Sonic’s eyes widened.

“Crap!” he shouted, immediately bolting into action.

His legs blurred into motion as he shot forward, realizing the man was going to hit the wall, and hard. Sonic kicked off the wall at an angle, catching the man mid-air with a sharp grunt. The force nearly knocked the wind out of him, but he managed to land safely, lowering the man gently to the ground.

“Wrong move, pal!” he snapped at the man. “She’s scared! You don’t just grab her like that! Stay put!”

He turned to his group, urgency in his voice. “Any ideas to calm her down?! She’s just a little girl! She doesn’t realize she could seriously hurt someone! We can’t treat her like she’s some kind of enemy or prisoner! She’s terrified!”

Nearby, Rouge winced as another member got too close. A tendril slammed into their midsection, sending them tumbling backward. The member landed with a pained groan, clutching their abdomen.

Rouge muttered under her breath, wincing sympathetically. “Yeah, I can see why Eggman filled that container with gas.”

Amidst the chaos, Shadow remained motionless, quietly observing Lilac. His crimson eyes narrowed slightly, calculating. The trembling child was clearly traumatized—desperate and feral in her fight for freedom. She still believed she was in Eggman’s grasp, driven by sheer survival instinct. Rushing her would only escalate the situation. She was cornered, panicked, and far too powerful for anyone’s safety—including her own.

Shadow exhaled sharply through his nose, crossing his arms. His lip curled slightly in frustration. It was going to look weak, but none of the Restoration members had the faintest idea what they were doing. If he wanted this situation resolved without bloodshed, he’d have to do it himself.

With an exasperated sigh, he stepped forward, striding toward Lilac without hesitation.

Seeing him move, Sonic immediately moved to jump in front of him, assuming Shadow was about to strike. “Wait, don’t—!”

He paused when Rouge’s hand caught his arm. She shook her head firmly, her eyes glimmering with confidence.

“Let him do this. Just watch,” she whispered.

Sonic hesitated, bewildered. “What? Why?”

But Rouge merely gave him a sly smile.

The crowd fell into a tense silence as they watched Shadow’s approach. Even the most seasoned Restoration members backed away slightly. Lilac’s ears twitched at the sound of his heavy boots clanging against the tiled floor. Slowly, she turned toward him, eyes wide with fear.

Her arms shot up defensively, tendrils twitching, coiling in readiness. Her voice was sharp with desperation.

“S-STAY BACK! I’M NOT GONNA POWER IT ANYMORE!” she screamed, her voice shrill and cracking.

But Shadow didn’t stop.

He watched her carefully, taking in the violent trembling of her small frame. He noticed how badly her hands shook. The tear stains on her cheeks were stark, her voice hoarse from screaming—more screaming than any child ever should.

His expression hardened slightly. His frustration wasn’t with her. It was with the fools around them who had botched this so terribly.

Of course she ran. Of course she lashed out. They had left her in a sterile, cold hospital room after her escape from hell. She had probably thought she was back in one of Eggman’s labs.

And now, they were confronting and crowding her like she was some kind of animal that needed to be contained.

Shadow let out a slow breath and knelt onto one knee, lowering himself to her level a few feet away. It was a deliberate gesture—calculated, in his mind. In combat, being on one knee was a vulnerable position, a signal of non-aggression. To Lilac, it showed he was no longer a threat.

Knuckles narrowed his eyes, confused. He leaned over to Rouge and whispered, “What the hell is he doing?”

Rouge smirked slightly, her eyes glinting with pride. She winked at him.

“Shut up, handsome, and watch a professional at work.”

Lilac’s sharp breaths slowed slightly. She stared at Shadow with wide, tear-filled eyes. The tendrils around her loosened—just barely—but he noticed. She was curious, despite herself.

He spoke softly, his voice low and even. “You’re not in Eggman’s base anymore.”

Her eyes darted around uncertainly, scanning the room. She furrowed her brows.

“I-I… I’m not?” she whispered hoarsely, looking back at him in disbelief.

Shadow shook his head once, firm but calm. “No. You’re not.”

Her expression hardened slightly. She scowled through her tears, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

“I-I don’t believe you… th-this is a trick! They attacked me!” Her voice cracked, raw and brittle.

Shadow exhaled through his nose, calming his irritation. She wasn’t wrong.

He softened his tone. “No tricks. I promise.” He tilted his head slightly, holding her gaze. “After all… I’m not attacking you. Am I?”

Her gaze softened just slightly. The tendrils shivered but didn’t lash out. Slowly, they slackened, receding ever so slightly. Timidly, she inched forward, one tiny step after another. The tendrils brushed against Shadow’s boot, testing him. He remained perfectly still, deliberately keeping his hands relaxed at his sides.

Lilac’s lips quivered as she stared at him. “A-Are you nice? You look kinda scary…”

Shadow blinked once. He let out a faint, humorless breath. He understood far too well. The Black Arms genes just had to run strong.

“I get that a lot,” he muttered softly. He tilted his head slightly. “What do you think? Am I scary?”

She hesitated, her small hands fidgeting. She stared at him through wide, watery eyes.

“U-Um… well… you’re not trying to take me away… so… you’re nice.”

A peculiar warmth stirred in Shadow’s chest—something familiar. Something that made his throat tighten.

He quickly pushed it down.

Slowly, he stood up, holding out his gloved hand. His crimson eyes flicked toward the gawking Restoration members, narrowing sharply. They immediately fell silent.

He turned his gaze back to Lilac, his voice gentle but firm. “I am. But you need to put the flowers away and follow me so I can help you.”

She glanced around. The members were still staring at her.

Her voice wavered. “B-But…”

Shadow rolled his eyes slightly. His voice lowered conspiratorially.

“Don’t mind them. They’re just annoying.” He smirked faintly. “Let’s get out of here. You’ve had enough of their nonsense.”

Lilac stared at him for a long moment… and then, hesitantly, she placed her trembling hand in his. As they walked away together, the lilac petals and vines withered and crumbled behind them.

Rouge chuckled softly, leaning toward Jewel with a smirk.

“And that,” she whispered smugly, “is why he’s here.”

Jewel’s eyes widened in realization, and slowly, the rest of the group followed suit.

He came for her.

Shadow the Hedgehog—the dark, brooding, and notoriously temperamental G.U.N. agent—wanted to help a little girl. Not out of duty. Not out of obligation.

But because he wanted to.

For a moment, none of them spoke. The weight of the realization settled over the group like a heavy fog. Sonic was the first to shake off his surprise, though his expression remained slightly dazed.

He cleared his throat and turned to Jewel. “Jewel, we need to get to work. Can you handle the clean-up?”

Jewel blinked a few times, still processing what she’d just seen. She shook her head slightly, pulling herself back to reality. With a soft sigh, she gave him a tired nod.

“Yeah, yeah, of course. You guys go.”

Without further delay, Sonic and the others hurried into the command center. As they entered, they slowed their steps when they saw the scene before them.

Lilac was curled up on Shadow’s lap, facing the table. Her head was tucked beneath his chin as she whispered softly to him, her voice barely above a murmur. Shadow leaned down slightly, his lips moving in a hushed response. His voice was so low it was almost inaudible, but his tone was unmistakably gentle. Reassuring.

The moment Lilac heard the group enter, she stiffened. Her ears twitched at the sound of footsteps. She froze. Her trembling fingers dug into Shadow’s fur as she quickly turned in his lap, clutching him more tightly. Her small arms wrapped around his middle as she buried her face against the patch of warm, white fur on his chest—as if trying to disappear into it.

Shadow’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. For just a moment, he sat completely still, unprepared for the sudden clinging. Then, slowly, almost awkwardly, he placed his hand on her back. He rubbed gentle circles along her spine with a tenderness that was almost out of place on him.

The group said nothing. They simply stood there, watching the scene in stunned silence.

To their credit, none of them made a sound or drew attention to the interaction. Even Sonic—who usually had something to say about everything—remained quiet, suddenly aware that any teasing or commentary would only cheapen the moment. Wordlessly, they took their seats.

Amy, always the gentlest of the group, slowly knelt beside Shadow’s chair. She was careful not to startle Lilac as she lowered herself to eye-level with her.

She smiled softly, her voice gentle but reassuring. “It’s okay… we’re all friends here. You’re not in trouble… you were just scared, right?”

Lilac peeked out from the safety of Shadow’s chest. Her wide, frightened eyes met Amy’s. Her lower lip quivered slightly, but after a moment, she gave a small, timid nod.

“M-Mhm… Everyone was trying to grab me,” she whimpered. Her voice was still raw from screaming, barely more than a whisper.

Sonic let out a weary sigh. He rubbed the bridge of his nose with a grimace. His voice was heavy with guilt.

“Yeah… I made sure to tell them that,” he muttered. He looked at Lilac apologetically. “Sorry, Lilac. They… they didn’t know what they were doing. It won’t happen again. I promise.”

Lilac slowly turned her head, glancing at him. After a beat, she gave a small, hesitant nod and pulled away from Shadow just slightly.

“O-Okay…” she murmured softly, her voice barely audible.

Amy smiled encouragingly and returned to her seat, but she kept a close eye on Lilac. Though the kitten was still visibly shaken, there was also a faint glimmer of hope in her eyes.

As Amy watched, she noticed how Shadow’s hand rested gently on Lilac’s lap. His gloved fingers were loose and relaxed. Lilac’s small hands fidgeted slightly, before her eyes fell on the glimmering metal band encircling his wrist. Her brows knit slightly in curiosity. Slowly, tentatively, she reached out and began fiddling with his inhibitor ring, her tiny fingers running over its smooth surface. She stared at it with wide, fascinated eyes, occasionally tracing the grooves with her thumb.

Amy’s lips quirked into a small, fond smile. The scene was unexpectedly… endearing.

Shadow, good with children, she mused to herself.

Then, she realized with a quiet chuckle that she wasn’t all that surprised.

As Lilac timidly toyed with the ring, she fidgeted slightly and glanced up at the group.

“Y-You guys are good guys, right?” she asked softly.

Sonic’s ears perked at her question. His eyes brightened immediately, and he grinned.

“Yeah!” he declared confidently. He leaned over Amy slightly, eager to get closer to her. “Haven’t you heard of us? Or at least me? I’m Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog!” he said, giving her a lopsided grin.

He gestured to the others. “My friends here are Amy, Tails, Knuckles, Rouge, and Shadow!”

Lilac blinked once. Then twice. Slowly, she shook her head.

“Nuh-uh… I’ve never heard of you guys before…” she mumbled softly.

Sonic’s confident grin faltered. He blinked at her, clearly thrown.

“Wait, seriously?” he asked, dumbfounded.

Lilac shook her head again, just as earnest. “No…”

Sonic’s brow furrowed. He tilted his head. “But… we were the heroes of the War to Take Back the Planet! Y’know… when Dr. Eggman tried to take over the world…?”

Lilac’s eyes narrowed slightly, confused. “War?” she echoed, her voice blank.

“U-Uhh…” Sonic stammered slightly. “What about… Oh! The time the earth was torn apart by Dark Gaia? You had to have at least noticed that!”

But the blank stare Lilac gave him was answer enough. She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.

“Aw, come on!” he whined in exasperation.

Sonic slumped back in his seat with an exaggerated groan, dragging his hands down his face dramatically. Amy, rolling her eyes, clicked her tongue in annoyance. Without looking at him, she reached over and shoved Sonic’s face away with her palm.

“Ugh. Ignore him,” she muttered with a sigh.

She turned back to Lilac, her voice warm with reassurance.

“Yes, Lilac… we’re the good guys,” Amy said softly. She smiled warmly. “It’s our job to stop Eggman and save everyone from him.”

Lilac’s eyes widened. She processed Amy’s words for a moment, her expression slowly shifting.

Then, her lip wobbled. Tears welled in her eyes once more.

Her voice cracked with desperation. “Then please help me!” she sobbed.

She suddenly clutched at Shadow’s arm. Her eyes were wide and pleading.

“Help me save my island!” she cried. “M-My sister is trapped, and everyone was kidnapped—like me! I-If we don’t wake my sister up, then… then we’ll never be able to save our island!”

Chapter Text

Sonic sat on one of the weathered wooden docks at Seaside City, his legs dangling over the edge. He let out a slow sigh as he gazed out at the ocean, watching the waves glimmer beneath the morning sun. The salty breeze tugged at his fur, cool and refreshing.

Beside him, a sturdy boat rocked gently with the tide. It wasn’t anything extravagant—just big enough for the seven of them to fit comfortably—but it was more than seaworthy. The Restoration HQ had provided it, courtesy of Jewel.

Today, they would set sail for Lotus Island.

As Sonic stared out at the water, his thoughts drifted to the previous day. He could still hear Lilac’s voice trembling with desperation as she begged them to save her island. The way her small hands had clutched at Shadow’s fur, unwilling to let go until he promised to help.

And he had.

Of course, everyone had assured Lilac that they would help, but it was Shadow’s promise that finally calmed her. Her tears hadn’t stopped until he’d knelt in front of her and vowed to make it right.

Sonic smiled faintly, a soft chuckle escaping him.

Adorable.

The memory of what came next made his grin widen. After Lilac had settled, Jewel had offered to let her stay at Restoration HQ. But the mere mention of being separated from Shadow had sent the kitten into a panic. She had clung to him with every ounce of strength her tiny arms could muster, her voice cracking with frantic sobs.

In the end, Jewel didn’t even hesitate. Lilac stayed with Shadow.

Poor guy never stood a chance, Sonic mused with a snicker.

He knew Shadow well enough to guess where he’d taken her—the same secluded forest spot he always retreated to when he needed to escape civilization. Sonic could just imagine the brooding hedgehog awkwardly tending to the fragile child, probably uncertain whether he was doing it right but still giving it his all.

That mental image made Sonic grin.

The next morning, curiosity had gotten the better of him. He had texted Shadow eagerly, hoping for details.

And, of course, Shadow had been his usual charming self, responding with. “It went fine. She slept. She ate. Now stop texting me.”

That was why, in Sonic’s contacts, Shadow was affectionately saved as: “TheUltimateAsshole.”

Playfully, of course. They were still best friends—even if Shadow would never admit it.

Sonic let out a content sigh, leaning back on his hands. Despite everything, he was feeling oddly excited. A new island to explore always sparked his adventurer’s spirit, even if it meant enduring his phobia of open water.

He glanced at the boat with a bit of unease. A whole day at sea wasn’t exactly ideal. But when Tails had pointed out that the high winds would make a plane flight too dangerous, Sonic had reluctantly agreed. His fox buddy had made a good point—it was a lot easier to escape a sinking boat than a plummeting plane.

At first, Sonic had been concerned about navigation, but Tails had that covered too. He’d managed to recover a map from the data he’d stolen from Eggman, pinpointing the island’s location.

The map would make the journey easy enough.

Surviving the rough waters around the island?

That was another story.

The ocean surrounding Lotus Island was treacherous, forming a natural protective barrier. Even with a boat strong enough to handle deep-sea weather, Sonic still felt a familiar tension coil in his chest at the thought of being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way to run if things went south.

But no amount of fear was going to stop him.

Not when an entire civilization depended on them.

Not when she depended on them.

The sound of footsteps broke him from his thoughts. He turned at the familiar voice calling his name.

Walking down the dock was Team Chaotix—Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy the Bee. Vector led the way with his usual confident grin, his large frame and heavy steps making the dock creak slightly beneath him. Espio moved gracefully beside him, ever-calm and composed. And trailing just slightly behind was Charmy, wings buzzing lightly as he hovered in the air.

Sonic smiled and stood up, waving them over. “Hey! Vector, Espio, Charmy! What are you guys doing here?”

Vector crossed his arms over his broad chest with a wide grin. “Well, we heard you guys were about to set sail on a new adventure, so we thought we’d come and wave you off!”

Espio smirked faintly. “That’s not the only reason we’re here.”

He shot Charmy a knowing glance.

The bee flushed slightly, rubbing the back of his head. “We also heard you were leaving with a princess…”

Sonic’s smirk widened as he crossed his arms. “Ooh~! I see… Well she's pretty cool!”

Charmy grinned. “I heard Shadow helped calm her down when she was attacking the HQ! Is that true?”

Sonic nodded. “Yup! Err, sort of. She wasn’t attacking—just scared and confused. Thought she was fighting for her freedom. Shadow helped her calm down and realize we’re the good guys.”

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “Honestly, I’m still surprised. I mean, I could’ve handled it, no problem. But…” he shrugged, smirking, “he got to her first. And the fact he volunteered at all? That threw me for a loop.”

Charmy grinned excitedly. “That’s so cool! Where’s Shadow, anyway? Isn’t he coming with you guys?”

Sonic pointed past them. “There! With Rouge! And the princess!”

The team turned, their eyes falling on Shadow, Rouge, and Lilac walking up the dock.

Lilac was dressed in a flowing, yellow-and-white polka-dot sundress. The soft fabric billowed lightly in the ocean breeze, and she wore a matching sun hat with a delicate white bow tied around the brim. Her dainty white gloves and slip-on flats completed the look, making her seem even more elegant. Her short hair was down, tousled lightly by the wind, making her look effortlessly graceful.

There was no mistaking it—Rouge had been responsible for styling her.

“Whoa! She's so cute!” Charmy turned to Sonic. “Hard to believe she's the one who almost took down the Restoration HQ… accidentally.”

Sonic nodded. “Yup! That's her!” He waved Lilac over. “HEY! Come meet the Chaotix Team!” 

Lilac headed their way, her eyes bright with curiosity and a sweet, innocent smile on her face. When she reached them, Lilac giggled softly before catching herself. She quickly straightened, smoothing her skirt.

With a graceful curtsy, she introduced herself with a refined, royal tone. “Good morning to you all. I am Princess Lilac of Lotus Island, the youngest of two daughters of the late King Sage and Queen Nepeta. It is a pleasure to meet each of you.”

For a brief moment, Team Chaotix was stunned by her poise.

Vector recovered first, flashing his signature grin. “Nice to meet ya! I’m Vector the Crocodile!”

Espio gave a small bow. “The pleasure is all ours, truly. I am Espio the Chameleon.”

Charmy waved. “Yeah it's great to meet'cha! I'm Charmy the Bee!”

Lilac beamed at Charmy, her eyes sparkling with delight.

“I love bees!” she squealed happily.

Charmy tilted his head curiously. “You do?”

Lilac’s face lit up with a bright, genuine smile. 

She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I’ve always wanted to meet one! They love flowers as much as I do! And the honey they make is so yummy!”

Charmy smiled. “Well, maybe when you come back, my pals and I can take you to a honey café I like to eat at?”

For a brief moment, Lilac simply stared at him. Then her eyes widened with delighted surprise.

“REALLY?!” she squealed, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet. 

Charmy laughed. “Yeah, it would be super---!”

Before he could say another word, his eyes widened as flowers suddenly sprouted from the wooden planks beneath Lilac’s feet. Thick green vines wound together, curling upward and blooming into large, vibrant petals that effortlessly lifted her into the air. The platform of flowers carried her up to where Charmy was hovering, placing her at eye level with him.

Vector and Espio’s jaws practically dropped at the display.

Lilac reached out and gently took Charmy’s hands in her own. Her small, gloved fingers curled around his larger ones.

“Thank you, Charmy!” she beamed, her voice soft and sweet. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me!”

Lilac hugged him, and Charmy couldn't help but feel like he was being hugged by a literal angel. How could Eggman experiment on a sweet child like this he would never be able to understand.

Lilac then pulled away and gracefully slid off the flower platform, letting the petals wither into delicate sparkles that drifted into the sea breeze. She landed lightly on the dock with a soft giggle. Turning back to Shadow and Rouge, she skipped over with a joyful bounce in her step, clutching Shadow’s hand as she excitedly told him about Charmy’s invitation.

Charmy gave Sonic a serious look that surprised even Vector and Espio. “Sonic… You guys better protect that girl with your life.” 

“Pfft! As if we wouldn't!” Sonic waved off his concern. “She'll be fine!”

The group’s conversation came to a halt when Tails called from the ship’s bridge.

“Hey! Sonic! Shadow! Rouge! Lilac! Time to board!”

Sonic glanced over his shoulder and spotted Amy and Knuckles already on deck, waving them over.

He flashed Tails a thumbs-up. “Got it, buddy!”

Turning back to the Chaotix, Sonic placed his hands on his hips. 

“Well, looks like it’s time we get going,” he said with a grin. “But before we head out…”

He narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice growing more serious. “I’ve got a job for you three.”

Vector’s grin dropped into a confident smirk. “Lay it on us, boss.”

Sonic crossed his arms, his tone firm. “I need you guys to figure out which of Eggman’s bases is holding Lilac’s people. They were all kidnapped, and we need to find them. I’m pretty sure they’re not on the island, so it’s up to you to narrow down the search while we’re gone.” His eyes hardened slightly. “We’ll handle things with Lilac’s older sister, Lavender, and when we get back, we’ll meet up with you about what you find.”

Vector’s expression grew serious, his eyes narrowing in determination.

“You got it,” he replied firmly. “Should we engage if we find them?”

Sonic frowned slightly, thinking for a moment.

As much as he wanted the Chaotix to storm in and free everyone, the situation was too delicate for rash decisions.

He shook his head. “No. As much as I want you guys busting in there and freeing them, we need to be careful. Who knows what Eggman has up his sleeve?”

It wasn’t like Sonic to be so cautious. But after what he’d seen Lilac endure—and knowing it was an entire civilization on the line—he wasn’t going to risk making a mistake.

Vector nodded in understanding. “Makes sense. We’ll be smart about it.” His eyes sharpened slightly. “How long do you think you guys will be gone?”

Sonic shrugged, his expression relaxed despite the heavy mission ahead. “A few days, at most. Not counting the two days of travel. If we’re not back after three or four days and you’ve already found them… engage. Don’t wait for us.”

Vector grinned, cracking his knuckles confidently. “Got it. We’ll be ready. You guys go save that other princess.”

Sonic smirked and held out his hand. The two bumped fists.

“Thanks, guys,” Sonic said sincerely.

Vector gave a confident nod, while Espio offered a calm, respectful bow.

Charmy gave him a wave, “See ya, Sonic! Make sure that girl comes back with her sister in one piece!”

With a laugh, Sonic turned and dashed onto the ship, joining his friends on deck.

The ship’s engines roared to life, rumbling beneath their feet as the vessel began its slow departure from the port.

On the dock, Team Chaotix waved them off.

Sonic waved back, Lilac especially energetic as she jumped and waved both arms, her sun hat threatening to fly off.

The vessel glided out of the harbor, cutting through the waves as it set course for Lotus Island.

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

Sonic held back a laugh, covering his mouth with his hand as he watched Lilac practically drag Shadow around the ship. She tugged him from one side of the deck to the other, pointing excitedly at everything that caught her attention—the metal railings, the ship’s navigation equipment, the white-capped waves in the distance.

Her eyes sparkled with wonder, but as Sonic observed her, he noticed something… sheltered about her excitement. The way she gawked at the most ordinary things—the mast, the anchor, even the ship’s bell—made it clear: She’s never seen or been on a ship before.

It was a bit odd, but at least she was having fun.

And strangely enough… so was Shadow.

The brooding hedgehog, who was usually aloof and impassive, was being so… gentle with her. He would kneel down when she tugged on his glove, patiently explaining things in a low, soothing voice. His gestures were calm and deliberate—soft, even.

And was that… a smile?

Sonic’s eyes widened slightly at the rare sight. He snorted softly, trying to stifle his amusement.

But Shadow’s ear twitched, and he immediately shot Sonic a quick glare over his shoulder. The brief but sharp glance carried the usual message: Don’t even think about it.

Sonic’s grin widened. Busted.

Lilac tugged on Shadow’s arm, drawing his attention back to her. She pointed eagerly at the water below, where a few glimmering fish darted beneath the waves. Shadow’s glare softened almost instantly. He allowed himself to be pulled closer to the railing, leaning down slightly so Lilac could cling to his arm.

Sonic watched quietly, arms crossed over his chest.

He smiled faintly to himself. The grump really is enjoying himself…

Before he could linger on the thought, Tails’ voice crackled over the ship’s intercom system.

“Hey, everyone!” Tails called cheerfully. “I need you all on the bridge for a quick meeting!”

Sonic turned and waved toward the intercom speaker. “On our way, buddy!”

Reluctantly, Lilac let go of Shadow’s arm. The group made their way to the bridge, where they stood in a half-circle around Tails. Once everyone had gathered, Tails clapped his hands together and began his explanation.

“This ship is extra fast, so we should be able to reach Lotus Island by tomorrow morning!” he announced proudly.

The group collectively let out relieved sighs, grateful for the short travel time.

Tails’ expression turned slightly more serious. “Our biggest concern is the rough seas we’re going to hit soon. When we reach that point, I might need help keeping the ship steady, since I’ll be piloting. If there’s an emergency…” He glanced at Rouge and Shadow. “Rouge and I can fly, and Shadow has his rocket boots, so three of us will be able to fly everyone off the ship if it comes to it.”

Lilac’s eyes widened. She blinked in disbelief before staring at Shadow’s boots in awe, her mouth slightly agape.

Her gaze slowly lifted to his face, her eyes practically glimmering with stars.

“YOU CAN FLY?!” she gasped.

The group chuckled at her wide-eyed amazement.

Shadow glanced down at her, entirely unfazed by the outburst. He gave her a curt nod of confirmation. Her eyes sparkled even brighter.

Before she could gush any further, Shadow placed a hand on her head, gently ruffling her hair—a silent signal to quiet down. Lilac caught the message, instantly falling into a sheepish silence, though her wide smile remained.

Tails giggled at the interaction before continuing.

“A-Anyway…” he cleared his throat. “Below deck is the safest place during travel. Since the ship is so fast, I’m worried about people being blown away if they’re topside. But don’t worry—it’s not so bad down there. We’ve got plenty of windows, a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, a small gym, and bedrooms for everyone. So, even if we’re cooped up, it won’t be too rough.”

Rouge stretched her arms over her head, her fingers lacing together as she let out a contented sigh.

She brought out a gem from her pocket with a lazy smirk. “Well, I for one am ready to relax and admire this jewel I found.”

Knuckles crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at her. “Yeah, right,” he grunted skeptically. “You and I both know you didn’t just find them.” His eyes sharpened slightly. “And for that reason, thief, I’m gonna keep an eye on you.”

Rouge turned to him with a sultry, playful grin.

“Oh? Is that so?” she purred, her voice low and teasing. She leaned in slightly, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Is this just an excuse to get you and me alone together?”

Knuckles’ eyes widened. His mouth opened, but no words came out.

“W-Wha—?!” he spluttered, his face quickly turning beet red.

Before he could recover, Lilac chimed in, clasping her hands together with a playful sing-song voice. “Ooo~! Knuckles likes Rooouge!”

The deep red flush that spread across Knuckles’ face was priceless.

Rouge smirked smugly, silently wishing she could pull out her phone and snap a picture. Bless the innocence of children with no filter.

Tails, barely holding back a snicker, raised his hands. “Alright, alright… enough flirting, Knuckles. You two need to—”

“I WAS NOT—!” Knuckles barked, but Tails ignored him entirely.

“—get below so we can really pick up speed! If you have any problems, just use the ship’s communicator system and I’ll pick up!”

Tails walked over and opened the hatch leading below deck.

Rouge let out a teasing chuckle before sauntering down the ladder, her hips swaying with deliberate triumph. Knuckles grumbled under his breath, but quickly followed, still flustered. The rest of the group, except for Tails, followed suit. As they descended the ladder, they entered what appeared to be the living room.

The group paused, blinking in mild surprise. The space was larger than expected.

Sleek, black seating lined most of the walls, circling around a glass coffee table in the center. A flat-screen TV was mounted above a minimalist electric fireplace, giving the room a modern yet cozy feel. A soft, white shag rug was placed under the table, its plush fibers adding warmth to the otherwise sleek aesthetic.

Everything was bolted down—from the furniture to the décor—clearly prepared to withstand the ship’s inevitable swaying.

After a moment of admiration, Lilac slipped her hand into Shadow’s, squeezing it gently. She looked up at him with soft, pleading eyes.

“Can I stay with you again?” she asked shyly. “Like I did last night?”

Amy’s brows lifted curiously.

“Wait… what do you mean?” she asked, glancing between the two.

Sonic’s ears perked slightly. Oh… Not everyone knew where Lilac had spent the night.

Lilac smiled, clinging to Shadow’s arm. “Well… Jewel told me I could stay in one of the Restoration’s rooms, but Shadow took me to his house instead! We had a sleepover!”

The entire group, save for Sonic and Rouge, stared at Shadow in shock.

Shadow’s quills bristled slightly under the sudden scrutiny. His arms folded across his chest.

“After what happened yesterday,” he muttered, voice low and clipped, “I doubted the Restoration was capable of keeping her safe. So I kept watch instead. That’s all.”

The room fell into a brief, awkward silence.

Shadow’s eyes narrowed slightly, clearly growing agitated. Without another word, he led Lilac by the hand and walked away to pick a room, escaping the group's probing gazes.

Once they were gone, Amy smirked.

“A sleepover, huh?” she teased. “Doesn’t sound like it was just him watching her.”

Rouge chuckled softly, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

“You have no idea.” She cast a quick glance around, lowering her voice. “Look, and… don’t tell him I did this.”

With a smirk, she pulled out her phone and tapped on the screen a few times before turning it toward the group.

Displayed on the screen was a picture of Lilac sitting cross-legged in a patch of wildflowers, delicately placing tiny, white blossoms into Shadow’s quills. The two of them sat in front of the porch of his once-secret home, entirely unaware of Rouge’s silent presence.

But the most shocking part of the photo wasn’t the flowers—it was Shadow’s expression.

He wore a relaxed, almost serene smile. Not a smirk. Not a condescending sneer. An honest, genuine smile.

Sonic’s jaw dropped. His eyes widened as he stared at the photo.

“NO WAY!” he burst out, half-laughing in disbelief.

Rouge’s grin widened smugly. “I know! It’s cute, right?”

With a flick of her wrist, she quickly pocketed her phone.

“Anyway,” she added breezily, “let’s keep that between us… but let’s also make sure we encourage this cute friendship, yeah?”

Amy nodded immediately, her expression warm.

“I agree,” she said softly.

But her brow furrowed slightly in thought.

“…But he’s become attached so quickly. Why is that? I mean… Shadow and I have been to concerts together. He has fun, sure, but…” She shook her head slightly. “…He’s never smiled.”

Rouge’s smug grin faded into something gentler. Her eyes softened, and for a brief moment, her usual playfulness was replaced with somber understanding. She took a slow breath before responding.

“How to put this…” she murmured, almost to herself.

Her voice lowered slightly. “Lilac was kept in a glass container for who knows how long… drugged so she couldn’t use her powers to escape. She was experimented on and tortured relentlessly. All so she could be used as a battery for a weapon.” Her gaze dropped slightly as she absently thumbed the gem in her hand. “And now? She needs help to save her family—her sister.”

Rouge’s eyes narrowed faintly. “I think it’s pretty self-explanatory that there are… a few parallels, yeah?”

The group exchanged knowing glances, slowly nodding in quiet agreement.

Rouge continued. “So… Shadow can be the person he probably wished he’d had when he was going through something similar.” Her lips quirked slightly into a faint, bittersweet smile. “Even though I don’t think he realizes he’s playing that part yet.”

Amy’s eyes softened. She smiled faintly and sighed. “Yeah… it’s nice to see.”

Rouge’s playful smirk returned as she held the gem up to the light, inspecting its glimmering facets.

“Now if that’s settled…” she drawled, a sly glint returning to her eyes, “I need some alone time to admire this beauty.”

Knuckles let out a skeptical grunt, folding his arms over his chest. He narrowed his eyes at her, still unconvinced by her sudden desire for solitude. But Rouge was unfazed. She turned to him with a smirk, her eyes glimmering with mischief. She tilted her head slightly, peering up at him with a glint that only Knuckles could interpret.

Silence passed between them—a silent conversation only they understood.

Knuckles’ eyes narrowed further. His jaw clenched slightly, and he clicked his tongue in annoyance. Then, with a sharp exhale, he turned his head away to break eye contact, clearly irritated. He had obviously lost whatever silent argument they were having.

Rouge’s smirk widened triumphantly. She pivoted on her heel and walked away, her hips swaying just a little more than usual.

Amy smiled knowingly as she watched Knuckles’ fists tighten into clenched mitts.

Her eyes flicked toward him and, sure enough, she saw him—without hesitation—turn and silently follow Rouge around the corner.

Amy shook her head with an amused huff.

“Obvious, much?” she muttered under her breath.

Rouge definitely had a leash wrapped around the echidna’s neck, and he wasn’t even pretending to resist.

Once the two of them were gone, Amy suddenly realized she and Sonic were alone.

Something that was rare these days.

Her cheeks immediately flushed pink, and she cast a quick side glance at the blue hedgehog.

Her gaze trailed over him, taking him in. His confident stance, the casual way his arms were crossed, the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips

Handsome. The thought flitted through her mind before she could stop it.

Her face burned hotter. She quickly looked away, hoping he hadn’t caught her staring. She took a slow breath, trying to calm her nerves, before finally turning to him.

“S-So…” she began, her voice slightly unsteady. “What room are you staying in?”

Sonic shrugged casually.

“The room with no window, probably,” he replied.

His tone was light, but she caught the faint unease in his voice. “Last thing I need is to see the waves crashing against glass and reminding me of the…” A small shudder passed through him. “Deep… deep… deep ocean.”

Amy’s expression softened in sympathy.

She knew about the depths of his phobia—pun definitely not intended.

She offered a small, reassuring smile. “Yeah… that makes sense.”

There was a pause, just long enough for her to gather her courage. Her heart pounded slightly in her chest.

“Well… won’t you be a bit lonely?” she asked carefully. Her voice softened slightly. “Wh-what with Tails being at the bridge and all?”

Sonic smiled reassuringly, waving off her concern with an easy flick of his hand. “Nah, I’ll be fine!” he insisted, his voice light and confident. “Don’t worry about me, Ames…”

Her heart sank just a little. The warmth in her eyes dimmed slightly as she deflated. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something—anything—to keep him there. But before she could, Sonic was already walking away, heading off to pick his room.

She exhaled softly, her shoulders slumping. Her eyes lingered on his retreating form as he rounded the corner. She smiled faintly, but it was bittersweet.

Her voice was barely above a whisper as she murmured softly to herself. “He’s so slow…”

Chapter Text

The sunset painted the room in soft hues of pinks and purples, providing a calming atmosphere in Shadow’s room on the ship… but Lilac was anything but calm. She bounced on the bed incessantly, vibrating with energy, unable to contain herself within the four walls of the room she shared with Shadow. She was the complete opposite of how she had been the night before. Back then, she had been timid and shy, startled by every little noise beyond the walls of his secluded home. Whether it was the snap of a twig beneath the paws of a passing animal or the whistle of the wind through the trees, her immediate reaction had been to cling to him, trembling.

As Shadow quietly observed her now, he found himself smiling faintly, his chest tightening slightly at the tender memory. 

——— ˗ˏˋ ✮ ˎˊ˗ ———

“I’m scared! Are you sure no one’s coming?” Her frantic little voice filled the cabin as she clutched his leg tightly.

Shadow let out a measured sigh, his voice steady as he stirred the pot in front of him. “Yes. No one knows where this place is.”

Her claws flexed slightly against his leg as she tightened her grip. “O-Okay…” she whispered, still uncertain. 

After a brief pause, she tilted her head, her tone brightening with childlike curiosity. “Um… what are you making?”

Without looking down, Shadow replied simply, “Oatmeal with banana and sliced almonds. I’ll add some honey on top, too.”

He finally glanced down at her and was met with glittering eyes and an innocent, beaming smile. Her tail swayed behind her—more like a puppy than a kitten. She looked… Adorable. Even more so in the oversized death metal band shirt she wore, its jagged logo and dark colors in complete contrast to her soft, innocent demeanor. It didn’t suit her at all. But it was still better than that wretched hospital gown. Her bright voice snapped him from his thoughts.

“Okay! Why are you making that? Is it your favorite food?”

Shadow turned his focus back to the oatmeal, stirring slowly. “... It’s for you.” His voice was soft, almost hesitant. “It’s been a while since you’ve eaten. This is a good meal when you’re… malnourished.”

Lilac’s gaze drifted toward the pot, her ears twitching slightly. “Oh… Um… is it yummy?”

Shadow gave a nonchalant shrug. “You’ll have to try it to see for yourself.”

He scooped some oatmeal onto a spoon, carefully adding a slice of banana, a sliver of almond, and a small dab of honey.

He held it out to her. “Blow on it first. It’s hot.”

Lilac nodded eagerly and blew on the spoon with a cute little puff.

Chaos…

He was trying so hard not to get attached. But she wasn’t making it easy. She already reminded him too much of Earth kittens—another of his few weaknesses. Now she was reminding him of her.

She brought the spoon to her mouth and tasted it. Her eyes widened with delight, and a dreamy smile spread across her face as she chewed.

“Mmm!” she hummed in satisfaction.

Shadow exhaled slowly, a subtle wave of relief washing over him as he watched her savor the food. Then, unexpectedly, something familiar bubbled up in his chest—Something warm. Something he hadn’t felt in decades. He quickly shook it off, refocusing on the task of pouring the rest of the oatmeal into a bowl. He added the toppings and handed it to her.

Lilac eagerly grabbed it with both hands, grinning up at him with a cheery, “Thank you!”

She hurried over to the small table and began eating, kicking her feet slightly beneath the chair.

While she ate, Shadow moved back to the sink, quietly washing the pot and utensils. When he turned back around, he saw her tiny arms lifting the bowl and spoon as high as they could.

“All done!” she chirped.

He silently took the dishes from her hands, washing them along with the rest. As he hung his pink, frilly apron—the one Amy had gifted him—back on its hook, he noticed Lilac fidgeting nervously nearby.

He raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”

She clasped her hands together, her eyes flicking toward the door. “Um… Well… Can… Can we go outside?” she asked softly, her voice trembling slightly. “I don’t want to go alone…”

Shadow’s eyes softened slightly.

He gave a slow nod. “Yes, of course.”

Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand, and they stepped outside together. The moment her eyes landed on the patch of white wildflowers in front of the porch, she gasped. Her hand slipped from his as she rushed over, her steps light and quick. Shadow followed at a more measured pace, watching as Lilac sat down among the flowers. The moment she touched the earth, he saw them bloom in response, stretching toward her in reverence.

He slowly sat beside her, his voice quiet with awe. “The flowers…” he murmured aloud.

Lilac smiled softly. “Flowers like me because of my sister.” Her eyes shimmered with warmth. “She shared the crystal’s powers with me… I feel so lucky to have her.”

A pang struck Shadow’s chest.

He glanced away, staring at the flowers by his boots. “I… felt the same about mine.”

Lilac’s expression softened. She looked up at him with wide, curious eyes.

“Where is she?” she asked innocently. “If she’s like you, she must be very nice…”

Shadow’s breath caught at the compliment. His cheeks warmed slightly. 

“She’s… gone. Forever.”

Lilac’s smile faded slightly, but there was no pity in her gaze—only quiet understanding. 

“My mama and papa are gone forever too…” she whispered. Then, surprisingly, her eyes brightened. “But… it’s okay!” She placed her tiny hand over his, her touch light but comforting. “Because… because they’re in our hearts, right?”

Shadow’s throat tightened. He stared at the flowers, swallowing the sudden lump forming there. Slowly, he nodded.

Lilac’s eyes suddenly sparkled with excitement.

She gasped loudly, causing Shadow to flinch slightly in surprise. “I have an idea!!! Let’s put flowers in our hair!”

She reached down and picked a few of the wildflowers from the ground. She held up a pile of them with a proud smile.

“My people put flowers in their hair to honor their loved ones!” she beamed. “I don’t know what flower your sister would be, but maybe we can pretend! Oh! Maybe she had a flower she really liked?”

Shadow’s voice was barely above a whisper. “... forget-me-nots.”

Lilac’s eyes widened slightly. “Perfect!” she declared. “We’ll pretend they’re forget-me-nots!”

Lilac happily started placing the flowers in his quills. “Forget-me-nots are such pretty, blue flowers… I’m sure they’re as pretty as she was.”

“... She was...”

She pulled away when she finished her handiwork, then swiped a finger across his cheek. “Don’t cry!”

He quickly turned away, wiping at his eyes. “I’m not. Sorry. Must’ve been something in my eye.”

She hummed innocently. “It’s okay!”

When she smiled at him, his heart felt lighter. He smiled back.

“Thank you, Lilac.” Shadow replied solemnly.

——— ˗ˏˋ ✮ ˎˊ˗ ———

He stored the memory somewhere in his mind—tucked away next to where he kept Maria. Then, shoving the thought aside, Shadow refocused on his current task: selecting pajamas for Lilac.

The Restoration had generously provided clothing for her, free of charge, but Shadow found himself strangely fixated on picking something that would suit her. So many colors… so many styles… For some reason, it was hard to choose. Before he could settle on anything, Lilac hopped off the bed, padding over on bare feet, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

As if reading his indecision, she pointed at a set of purple pajamas, her smile wide. “Those! Those are pretty!”

Without a word, Shadow handed them to her, along with a pair of gloves and socks. She eagerly snatched them up and ran off into the bathroom to change. After a moment, she emerged. She twirled with a dramatic flourish, tossing her hands into the air like she was presenting herself.

“Ta-dah!” she declared proudly. “Do I look cute?”

Shadow’s lips twitched faintly, allowing himself the smallest of smiles. “Yeah.”

Her face lit up, and she let out a delighted squeal, throwing her arms in the air in triumph.

Then, suddenly—“GASP!”

The sharpness of the sound made Shadow’s muscles tense slightly, his eyes narrowing in brief alarm. He whipped around sharply, prepared for anything…Anything, apparently, except Lilac dramatically grabbing his hand with both of hers.

“Let’s go to the kitchen! I have an idea!”

Shadow blinked, caught off guard by her sudden burst of energy. His brow furrowed slightly, but he let her pull him along without resistance, silently following as she led him toward the kitchen.

The kitchen was modest but functional, large enough for two or three people to cook comfortably without bumping into one another. Shadow glanced around, mentally noting the layout. As Lilac eagerly ran about, he closed the door behind them. He leaned against the wall, watching with mild curiosity as Lilac scanned the pantries, her small hands rummaging through various containers. After a few minutes, Shadow realized what she was gathering.

Baking ingredients.

“Did you want to bake something?” he asked evenly, pushing off the wall and approaching the counter.

Lilac nodded enthusiastically, her ears flicking upward. “Yes! Sugar cakes!” Her voice was bright with excitement, but then she added more solemnly, “Um… Saffron’s our head chef, and she was teaching me how to make them.” Her hands stilled on the counter for a moment. “She said it’s important for a princess to know how to bake.” Lilac’s voice lowered slightly, becoming matter-of-fact, as though she were reciting a lesson. “That way, if I’m served something that doesn’t look, smell, or taste right… I’ll know.”

She smiled again, the innocence in her voice returning all too quickly. “Plus, I want to say thank you to all of you for saving me!”

Shadow’s gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. She said it so casually, so matter-of-fact, as though being taught to detect poison was just another lesson. Was that normal for her? Or had they started teaching her recently? Had the looming threat of Eggman—or whoever else threatened their kingdom—forced her people to prepare their royal children this way? He felt a familiar knot tighten in his chest.

Still, he stored the thought away for now, unwilling to let it darken the moment. If Lilac noticed his brief lapse into contemplation, she didn’t question it.

Turning away, Shadow casually searched through one of the pantries, his hand finding a bag of coffee beans. He wasn’t particularly hungry, but if he was going to supervise baking, he might as well have a snack. He grabbed a spoon, scooped some of the beans, and scooped them into his mouth, leaning back against the wall. The bitter taste was familiar, almost comforting in its intensity.

For a while, he simply watched Lilac work. Despite her age and status, she was surprisingly independent, moving around with deliberate precision. She measured each ingredient carefully, her voice barely above a whisper as she murmured the instructions to herself. The occasional furrow of her brow or tilt of her head revealed her effort to recall every step perfectly. 

At one point, she glanced at him quickly and smiled, clearly seeking his approval. Then, just as quickly, she returned to her task. But moments later, she paused, her eyes slowly drifting toward him again. This time, her gaze lowered slightly, fixating on the bag in his hand.

Her ears twitched slightly, and she asked, “What are you eating?”

Shadow took another spoonful before answering evenly, “Coffee beans.”

She tilted her head, puzzled. “Aren’t you supposed to drink coffee? Not eat it?”

He simply shrugged, popping another bean into his mouth. “I prefer it this way.”

Lilac considered this seriously, her tail flicking thoughtfully. “What does it taste like?”

He paused briefly, then gave the simplest, most honest answer. “Bitter.”

Her nose scrunched slightly, but then her eyes brightened with curiosity. “Oh… Can I try it?”

Shadow immediately shook his head. “Coffee isn’t for children. It’s for grown-ups. Maybe you can try it when you’re older.”

At his words, her entire demeanor shifted. Her shoulders drooped, and her ears flattened against her head. Shadow’s brows knit slightly. The reaction seemed… A bit much for being told she couldn’t try coffee.

Without thinking, he lowered the spoon, his voice softening. “What is it?”

Lilac fiddled with the hem of her shirt, twisting the fabric in her hands—a nervous tick he’d started to recognize.

Finally, she mumbled, “You can’t wait that long…” Her voice cracked slightly. “You’ll be gone. So you won’t be able to give me coffee beans to try…”

Shadow stilled. For a brief moment, he blinked in confusion, unsure if he’d heard her correctly. “What do you mean?”

Her voice was small and trembling. “It’s because of the Lotus Crystal…” Her fingers clenched the hem of her shirt tighter. “Because Lavender shared the crystal’s magic with me… I—I get to live a long time.” Her eyes welled with tears, spilling over as she added, “So… So that means you’ll be gone by the time I’m old enough to have coffee, probably!” Her voice cracked fully, and she wiped her face with the heel of her hand, sniffling. “It’s not fair!”

For a moment, Shadow just stared, stunned. His chest tightened faintly. Slowly, he knelt in front of her, placing a steady hand on her shoulder.

Since they were alone, he allowed himself to soften, offering her a rare, reassuring smile. “I won’t be gone.”

Her teary eyes widened. “You won’t? But…”

He shook his head slightly. “I’m immortal.”

Her breath caught softly. “Immortal?”

He nodded, his voice gentle. “I’ll be around for a long time… so I’ll be there when you get to try coffee beans.”

Her face lit up in triumph, and she threw her hands in the air, squealing, “YAY!”

Her celebration was short-lived. What happened next was so quick that Shadow hadn’t even processed it until a few seconds later.

There was a sharp splash of flour against the side of Lilac’s face.

Both of them froze, blinking in unison as they slowly turned to look at the bowl beside them. Lilac’s hand was still outstretched, the edge of her palm coated in flour. Somehow, she had accidentally knocked the bowl, causing it to wobble and spill a small cloud of powder right onto her cheek.

For a beat, neither of them moved.

Then, without meaning to, Shadow’s mouth twitched slightly. He quickly covered it with his hand, lowering his head.

Lilac’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. Her ears perked slightly, as though trying to catch something in the silence. Her gaze fixed on him, and she noticed the slight shake of his shoulders. Slowly, realization dawned on her. Her jaw dropped slightly, her expression flickering between outrage and disbelief.

He was laughing at her.

Her gasp was comically loud, and her eyes widened in mock betrayal. Without a word, she cupped her hands, scooping a generous mound of flour into them. Her grin spread mischievously across her face. And then, before Shadow could react, she hurled the entire handful at him, sending a white puff of powder exploding over his head. The quiet chuckling stopped instantly.

Lilac smirked triumphantly, placing her hands on her hips. “That’ll teach you to laugh at me!” she declared, her voice full of sassy defiance.

For a moment, Shadow simply stared at her, his expression flat and unreadable. Flour clung to his quills, dusting the dark strands an embarrassing shade of white.

Then… Slowly… His mouth curved into a devilish smirk.

Lilac’s ears flattened immediately.

Her eyes widened with realization, and she took a single step backward. “Uh-oh.”

She bolted. But Shadow was faster.

In a flash, he snatched her around the waist, earning a delighted squeal from the little princess. She kicked her legs playfully, giggling uncontrollably as he hoisted her off the ground with ease. Grabbing the bowl in his free hand, he tilted it slightly, letting the flour shift toward the edge. He raised it menacingly, preparing to pour the remainder over her head in playful revenge.

“NOOOO!” Lilac shrieked, thrashing lightly in his grasp, her laughter borderline hysterical.

Her tiny fists pounded uselessly against his arm. “NO, SHADOW! WAIT!!”

But Shadow’s smirk only widened. 

And then—

The door opened.

Shadow froze.

His entire demeanor evaporated instantly. The playful glimmer in his eyes vanished, replaced with his usual deadpan stare. The bowl lowered slightly, but he kept Lilac secured in his grasp, her tiny frame still squirming and giggling, oblivious to the sudden change in atmosphere.

Amy.

She stood in the doorway, her arms casually crossed, watching the scene with a smug, knowing expression. Her gaze flicked between them, taking in the ridiculous sight: Both Shadow and Lilac’s heads were coated in flour, their once clean fur dusted a comically pale white. Shadow’s stoic expression—normally intimidating—was now utterly undermined by the absurdity of his appearance. She arched a brow, biting back a laugh.

Lilac immediately noticed Amy and seized the opportunity.

She threw out her arms dramatically, still dangling in Shadow’s hold, and squealed, “SAVE ME!!”

Her voice cracked slightly with her exaggerated plea, and she kicked her legs weakly for show, adding to the theatrics.

Amy’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and she let out a soft giggle, covering her mouth with her hand. Her gaze flicked to Shadow, and her voice dripped with playful faux-innocence.

“Don’t worry, Shadow.” Her eyes narrowed slightly, her grin turning wickedly teasing. “Keep going. I won’t say anything.”

Shadow’s eye twitched slightly.

Amy smirked, clearly enjoying herself far too much. Then, with a wink and a wave, she closed the door behind her.

For a moment, the kitchen was silent, save for the faint sound of Lilac’s giggles. Then, slowly, she turned her head upward, peering at him with confusion.

“What?” she asked innocently, blinking.

Shadow exhaled sharply through his nose, his shoulders visibly deflating. He set her down gently, along with the bowl.

“Nothing.” His voice was flat, almost exasperated. “We should clean up so you can finish baking.”

Lilac’s mood shifted instantly, as only a child’s could.

Her ears perked, and she beamed up at him, as if the entire battle had never happened. “Oh yeah!! Help me!”

Without waiting for a reply, she darted back to the counter, grabbing the bag of flour so she could replace the bit of flour they lost from their flour fight. Shadow followed her, helping in silent and excruciating embarrassment.

He could still feel the flour clinging to his quills. Still see Amy’s smug expression flashing in his mind. Still hear her teasing words echoing in his ears.

Damn it.

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

Amy was awfully happy with herself when she rejoined Sonic, Rouge, and Knuckles in the dining room. Their respective dinners—or snacks, in Knuckles’ case—were finished. Amy plopped herself down, casually slipping into their conversation.

But after a while, Knuckles’ sharp eyes narrowed slightly. He tilted his head, giving her a slow once-over.

“Hold on…” he muttered suspiciously, brows furrowing. “What’s up, Amy?” His eyes narrowed further, as though trying to read her. “You look… really chipper. More than usual.”

Amy waved him off dismissively, her smile still plastered on her face, far too wide to be innocent.

“Oh, nothing.” Her tone was sickeningly sweet, almost sing-song. “Just… don’t go into the kitchen.”

Rouge smirked immediately, sensing mischief. She propped her chin on her hand, watching Amy with a knowing glint in her eye.

“Oh?” she purred slyly. “And why not?”

Amy’s grin widened, her eyes sparkling with impish delight. She giggled softly, leaning forward as if sharing a juicy secret.

“I promised not to tell,” she teased, lowering her voice theatrically. Then she leaned back, shrugging casually with mock innocence. “But I have a feeling you’ll see why very soon!”

Right on cue, the kitchen door creaked open. Shadow and Lilac finally emerged.

They were both completely free of any flour residue, thanks to Shadow’s insistence on cleaning up. He had made sure not a speck remained—his pride clearly unwilling to risk further humiliation. Lilac, too young to fully understand the importance of saving face, had allowed herself to be cleaned up quickly.

But Amy knew.

She could still see it. The subtle stiffness in Shadow’s posture. The way he pointedly avoided her gaze, shoulders ever-so-slightly hunched, as though bracing himself for her amusement.

Her smirk widened. She was having far too much fun with this.

Lilac beamed proudly, holding up the plate with both hands.

“Look! Sugar cakes!!!” she announced, her voice overflowing with excitement.

Without hesitation, Knuckles reached over, grabbing one before anyone could say a word, and took a huge bite. His eyes widened instantly, and he sighed in satisfaction, his entire body sagging into his seat.

“Mmph… Oh, man…” He melted against the chair, closing his eyes dramatically.

Rouge swatted his shoulder lightly, playfully scolding him. “Manners, Knucklehead,” she teased with a smirk. “There’s a princess present.”

Knuckles barely registered her, too blissfully lost in the dessert to care.

Lilac’s ears drooped slightly as she put the plate of sugar cakes down on the table. Her hands then twisted the hem of her shirt.

“Does it taste good, Knuckles?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with nervousness.

Without missing a beat, Knuckles nodded exaggeratedly, giving her a big, enthusiastic thumbs-up. His cheeks were full, but he still managed to grin around the mouthful of cake.

Lilac’s eyes widened in amazement, and she gasped happily. Her tiny hands covered her mouth, as though adorably shocked that it was actually good.

“Yay!” she squeaked, bouncing on her heels.

Sonic smirked, glancing at Shadow with a knowing look. 

He nudged him lightly with his elbow, his grin downright smug. “Did you help?”

Before Shadow could respond, Lilac piped up excitedly.

“He did!” she chirped, her voice proud and cheerful.

Shadow’s lower eyelid twitched irritably.

He glared daggers at Sonic, who was now beaming at him with obnoxious affection.

“Aw… Look at you.” Sonic clasped his hands together mockingly, his voice dripping with faux sentimentality. “Shadow the Baker.”

Shadow rolled his eyes sharply, clearly unamused. With a heavy sigh, he finally sat down. Without hesitation, Lilac climbed into his lap, snuggling comfortably against him. She grabbed a sugar cake and munched happily.

Rouge, noticing Shadow’s discomfort, took pity on him.

She changed the subject, sparing him further teasing. “So… I’m assuming you’re feeling better than yesterday, Lilac?”

Lilac turned to her, her eyes brightening instantly. She nodded eagerly, flashing a bright, genuine smile.

“Yes! But…” Her expression fell slightly, her ears drooping. “I still miss my sister…”

Knuckles swallowed a mouthful of cake, wiping his hand on his napkin.

“So, what’s she like? Your sister?” he asked casually.

Lilac’s face lit up, and she perked up instantly. Her voice swelled with pride as she spoke.

“My sister is powerful and graceful!” She sat up straighter, her eyes shining. “She’s kind but also a fighter. She trains every day because she wants to be stronger so she can protect our kingdom. And she does a good job!” 

She leaned forward. “Once, there was an intruder in the castle.” Her voice lowered conspiratorially, as though telling a thrilling story. “We think he wanted to steal some jewelry or something.” Her eyes widened dramatically. “I was up and I saw her fight him! She threw him around so much, I think he got tired and fell asleep!”

There was a brief pause. The adults, of course, knew.

The would-be thief wasn’t asleep.

Lilac’s voice softened slightly, filled with warmth. “That’s why I feel so safe when my sister is around.” 

Amy’s smile softened, but her curiosity piqued.

“If Lavender can control the Lotus Crystal, why is she trapped inside it?” she asked gently. “Can’t she free herself?”

Lilac’s shoulders slumped, and she rested her cheek in her hand.

“She used a spell called ‘Lotus Seal.’” Her voice was small and quiet. “The crystal traps her until she’s okay again… If she’s still trapped, then she might be…” Her voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Sonic’s face hardened, determination flickering in his eyes. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry. Everything will turn out okay.” His voice was steady and sure. “We’ll save everyone. When everything seems hopeless, there’s always another way.”

Lilac’s eyes welled up slightly, but she smiled. She hopped off of Shadow’s lap and walked over to Sonic, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

She whispered softly, loud enough for all to hear. “Thank you, Sonic…”

Chapter Text

Sonic was sound asleep, the gentle rocking of the boat keeping him in a deep, undisturbed slumber. Despite the motion, he had practically forgotten he was on a ship. No dreams of suffocating depths or dark, endless water. No drowning nightmares. For once, he was at peace.

Unfortunately, his peaceful rest was violently shattered by the sound of his bedroom door slamming open. The harsh reality of sailing over the deep ocean waters hit him all at once. Panic flooded his system. Sonic’s eyes flew open, and he bolted upright, heart pounding in his chest. 

But then he saw Shadow, standing in the doorway, holding Lilac tightly in his arms. And Lilac… She looked terrified.

Shadow’s eyes were glowing faintly in the dim light. His tone was urgent. “Wake up, hedgehog! We need to go! NOW!”

Sonic shook his head, still groggy, his brain fighting through the lingering haze of sleep. He rubbed at his temples, trying to chase away the oncoming headache from his sleep deprivation.

“Wh-what?!” he groaned, still disoriented, stumbling slightly as he swung his legs over the bed.

Shadow’s eyes narrowed, watching the pathetic, unprepared ‘hero’ fumble clumsily to his feet. His lip twitched in irritation.

“You need to get to the bridge! Now!” His tone was bitingly sharp. “The seas ahead… they’re getting—”

Before he could finish, the ship lurched violently. It tipped hard to one side, as though it had slammed into a wall. Shadow’s rocket boots flared, stabilizing him mid-lurch. He clutched Lilac securely, holding her close with both arms. Lilac clung to his chest fur, her small hands fisted tightly as she let out a startled yelp.

Sonic, however, was caught off guard. The sudden shift flung him sideways. With a sharp grunt, he slammed into the wall, rolling clumsily before landing upside down. He winced in pain, twisting awkwardly as he scrambled to his feet. 

“How did you know we hit rough seas already?!” he demanded, panic rising in his voice. “And why the hell was I the last person to be told about it?! Of all people!”

Without missing a beat, Shadow took off, sprinting down the hallway with Sonic at his heels. The ship pitched violently, but Shadow’s movements were fluid, his boots keeping him perfectly steady. He kept his eyes ahead, his arms tight around Lilac, cradling her safely despite the chaotic tilts. She buried her face into his chest, desperate not to let go. 

“I put Lilac to sleep,” Shadow explained curtly, his voice steady despite the turbulence. “Then I went to Tails to help observe the waters. It was calm at first. But now that we’re close to the island…” His eyes narrowed grimly. “We’ve finally reached the rough seas.”

Sonic grimaced, his steps faltering briefly as the ship gave another jarring tilt.

“And why was I the last to know?!” he repeated, his voice sharp with irritation.

Shadow’s eyes flicked sideways, and he allowed himself a smug smirk.

“You shouldn’t have picked the last room in the hallway.” His voice was flat, yet dripping with condescension.

Sonic’s eye twitched. His fists clenched. He was seconds away from decking Shadow in the face. But with Lilac still in his arms, Sonic bit back the urge. Instead, he opted for a sharp punch to Shadow’s shoulder. Shadow, of course, ignored it.

As they neared the bridge, the metal hull groaned and strained, the waves slamming into the boat with alarming force. The sound was low and guttural, a deep, reverberating creak that sent a shiver down Sonic’s spine. His fear of drowning bubbled violently to the surface. His throat tightened. His hands clenched and unclenched, clammy with sweat. He ran a hand down his face, as though trying to physically wipe the fear away.

“Why do so many of these damn adventures HAVE to involve islands nowadays?!” he growled under his breath, his earlier excitement now turning sour.

Shadow ignored the rhetorical outburst, his eyes scanning the area quickly. He spotted the ladder leading to the bridge.

Without hesitation, he grabbed Sonic’s wrist. With Lilac still in his arms, Shadow’s rocket boots flared. He launched them upwards, propelling all three toward the bridge.

As they shot toward the hatch, Shadow’s voice was dry and cutting.

“So much whining…” He smirked faintly. “I thought you enjoyed throwing yourself into danger and risking your life constantly?”

Sonic snapped, glaring at him. “Says YOU?!”

They burst through the hatch, landing on the bridge. Shadow set Sonic down, not even acknowledging the pointed remark. Sonic rolled his eyes at the lack of reaction and scanned the bridge. Despite both of them being the fastest beings on the ship, they were the last to arrive. 

Sonic’s breath caught at the sight of the view outside. His ears went flat and his eyes widened. A bitter taste filled his mouth, bile rising in his throat. He swallowed forcefully, refusing to let his phobia overtake him.

It was early morning. The first light was just peeking over the horizon, casting a dim, golden glow. But the waves… They were massive, curling into giant swells of darkness. The light of the morning sun was behind the waves, making the walls of water look like shadowy, clawed hands, constantly reaching for the ship, trying to drag it under.

A sudden yelp of surprise caught Sonic’s attention.

Tails.

He whipped his head toward the wheel. Tails was struggling, his small arms shaking as he fought to keep the ship steady. Sonic’s instincts took over.

He called out sharply, his voice clear and commanding. “Knux! Help Tails and I keep this baby straight!”

Without hesitation, Knuckles bolted over, his large hands gripping the wheel. He used his strength to steady the ship, helping Tails and Sonic hold the vessel on course.

“Amy! Rouge!” Sonic barked over his shoulder. “We need eyes! Check the screens for obstacles—” His voice struggled to rise over the roaring winds and waves outside. “We can’t see through these waves!”

The two women sprang into action, rushing to the navigation screens, their eyes sharp and focused.

Shadow, meanwhile, stood by the window, his eyes narrowing. The unpredictable waves battered the glass, spraying it constantly, making it impossible to see. Even with the navigation screens, they couldn’t anticipate every incoming wave in time. Shadow knew there was only one way to truly clear their vision.

He turned sharply, carrying Lilac to Sonic. “Take her.”

Without hesitation, Sonic grabbed Lilac, confused. 

Tails looked over, concerned. “What are you doing?!”

Shadow growled in frustration, his sharp voice cutting through the rising tension. There was no time to argue, so he snapped out a blunt answer.

“We can’t predict where the worst waves will hit or if they even will unless we have a clearer visual.” His red eyes narrowed. “I’m going out there. I’ll guide you.” He jerked his head toward Tails. “Have your communicator ready.”

Tails’ brows furrowed, his voice tight with concern. “What?! But the winds—!”

Shadow scoffed, cutting him off. “I’m the Ultimate Lifeform, fox. I have the rockets to steady me and the strength to withstand these winds.” He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a growl. “So stop fussing… and focus on my instructions.”

Without another word, Shadow rocketed out of the bridge, quick to seal the doors behind him to prevent the winds from battering the inside, leaving the others momentarily stunned. Sonic grumbled, folding his arms as he watched Shadow disappear into the storm.

His voice was low and sarcastic, mostly to himself. “What was that about me throwing myself into danger and risking my life again?”

But his muttered complaints stopped abruptly. A small, trembling hand pressed against his cheek. He glanced down at the kitten in his arms. Lilac stared up at him, wide-eyed and terrified. Her tiny fingers clutched his fur, trembling slightly. Sonic’s gaze softened.

He gave her a small, reassuring smile, his voice gentle and warm. “Don’t worry, kiddo. Shadow’s a tough guy. He’ll be fine.”

Lilac blinked, staring at him for a moment before nodding weakly, still shaking slightly.

Outside, Shadow was indeed ‘fine.’ His boots roared, keeping him suspended above the raging sea. His core muscles strained, holding him upright and steady despite the brutal winds. Just as he claimed, he was resilient. But it was still taking a toll.

The winds howled, slamming into him with hurricane-like force. Salt spray lashed at his face, and his teeth clenched against the sting. Waves swelled violently, rising like giant hands trying to swat him down. Shadow gritted his teeth, eyes narrowing in fierce concentration. 

He lifted the communicator on his wrist to his lips. 

His voice was sharp and commanding. “Tails. Steer left! Now!”

The fuzzy, static-laced voice of the fox crackled through the communicator, struggling against the storm’s interference. “C̸o̵p̵y̶ ̸t̸h̴a̵t̸!”

As Shadow guided them, he scanned the dark, churning waters, watching for the worst swells.

But then a dark mass whizzed past him, too fast to be a wave. He snapped his head around, tracking it with his eyes. It disappeared behind the boat. Another mass streaked past his left, slicing through the water. And this time, he saw it clearly.

His eyes narrowed sharply. “…Rocks.”

He brought the communicator back to his lips, his voice cold and urgent. “Tails! We’ve got real obstacles now! There are rocks protruding from the water. I’ll guide you, but we’re getting close to the island.”

Tails’ voice crackled, barely audible through the interference. “D̴o̸ ̶y̴o̵u̷ ̸h̸a̴v̷e̴ ̷a̵ ̸v̷i̷s̸u̴a̵l̷?̶” 

Shadow squinted, trying to see past the relentless spray, but he saw nothing. No island, just black, writhing waves.

His voice was grim. “Negative. This is getting dangerous. We need to—”

His words caught in his throat. His eyes widened in alarm. 

A massive ridge of jagged rocks suddenly loomed ahead. The waves crashed against it, creating the illusion that the ridge itself was surging toward them. There was no time to steer around it.

The boat wouldn’t make it.

Shadow’s fists clenched tightly, his claws digging into his palms. With a snarl, he pivoted sharply, flying back toward the bridge. He slammed through the door, the howling winds screaming in after him. The group cried out, shielding their faces from the blast.

Amy grimaced, shouting over the noise. “Shadow! What the hell—?!”

But he didn’t stop. His voice was sharp and commanding, cutting through the chaos. “We need to go! NOW! No time to explain!”

The urgency in his voice left no room for argument.

Sonic spun around, his instincts kicking in. He quickly handed Lilac to Shadow and grabbed Tails’ hand. 

Shadow cradled Lilac tightly, his grip secure and protective. Without hesitation, he seized Knuckles’ wrist, the only one strong enough to carry him without slowing down.

Rouge grabbed Amy’s hand, her wings flaring wide.

Following the fiery light of Shadow’s rockets, the group soared into the stormy sky, leaving the doomed boat behind. From above, they watched in grim silence as the ship crashed into the jagged ridge, splintering on impact.

Tails’ eyes lowered, his voice heavy with sorrow. “…Such a waste.”

But before he could mourn the loss of such a brilliant ship, a brutal gust of wind nearly knocked him off balance. “WHOA!”

“Careful, buddy! You okay?!” Sonic shouted, his voice raw against the storm.

Lilac glanced back, her eyes wide with fear. She saw Tails and Sonic struggling, their bodies buffeted by the violent winds. Her stomach tightened. She couldn’t lose them.

Not after everything they did for her.

Her small hands tightened into fists, and she summoned her magic. With a fierce look of determination, she thrust her arms outward. A strong vine of lilacs burst forth, weaving quickly between the fliers. It twisted around their waists, binding each member of the group together securely.

Rouge grinned, glancing at the vine. “’Atta girl!”

Lilac’s smile brightened, but it quickly faded. She noticed Shadow was flying faster and faster, his body tilting forward as though being pulled by an unseen force. Her eyes widened.

“Shadow… something’s pulling me!” Sonic shouted, his voice strained.

Shadow’s jaw clenched, fighting against the wind. “It’s happening to both of us!”

The winds roared, ripping at their bodies and stealing their breaths. One by one, they slipped into unconsciousness.

But Lilac remained awake.

She outstretched her hands, lilac flowers bursting from her palms, creating a plush cushion of petals. She could only pray it would be enough as they crashed into the island. 

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

Sonic groaned softly as he opened his eyes. The sunlight pierced through his lashes, making him squint. His body ached, every movement greeted with protests from sore muscles. 

With a gritty cough, he rolled over and slowly sat up. His hands brushed over his torso, instinctively checking for injuries. Nothing broken. Just bruises and dull aches. But the grainy irritation in his quills made him grimace. He ran his fingers through them, trying to dislodge the sand that clung stubbornly to the strands. It was everywhere, scratching at his scalp and sticking between his quills.

“Ugh... definitely gonna need a shower...” His voice came out rough and raspy, still hoarse from the wind.

As he patted the sand from his legs, his gaze drifted downward, and his eyes widened slightly.

He was sitting in a bed of enormous lilac flowers. The petals were soft and velvety, far larger than any he’d ever seen. The sweet floral scent filled the air, oddly comforting despite the situation. Before he could make sense of it, his ears flicked at the sound of soft singing. Sonic’s gaze lifted, drawn toward the shoreline. 

There, standing ankle-deep in the ocean, was Lilac.

The small waves lapped gently at her bare feet—her socks lost to the storm. The tattered remains of her pajamas drifted in the wind, and her messy hair swayed softly around her face. She was singing. The melody was light and ethereal, the notes slipping through the breeze. The language was foreign, unrecognizable. And yet, it was hauntingly beautiful—like nothing Sonic had ever heard.

For a moment, he simply stared, entranced. When he finally tore his eyes away, he turned to check on the others. They were still unconscious. And just like him, they each rested on their own beds of lilac flowers. Sonic’s eyes lingered on the scattered petals.

Then, he glanced back at Lilac, realization dawning. She had saved them all. That little girl—the one they were supposed to protect—Had protected them. Every single one of them. And now... she was simply singing. As if she hadn’t just done something miraculous.

Sonic sighed softly, lowering his eyes to the bruises on his arms. He knew he and Shadow would be fine—The chaos energy in their veins ensured rapid healing. Even Knuckles would recover quickly—he was tough enough to handle it.

But the others?

His eyes drifted over Amy, Rouge, and Tails, still unmoving. Without Lilac’s magic, they would’ve been—He swallowed hard.

They would’ve been goners.

With a strained exhale, Sonic slowly stood, the sand and petals shifting beneath him. The sound must have reached Lilac’s sensitive ears, because she whipped around. Her eyes lit up instantly, wide with relief.

“Sonic!” She gasped happily and ran toward him.

Before he could react, she leapt into his arms, wrapping her small arms around his neck. Sonic bit back a groan, his bruised ribs protesting the impact. But he quickly forgave her, hugging her back. She didn’t know she was hurting him. And honestly, he didn’t care.

As he held her, he noticed something strange. She was completely unharmed. Besides the messy fur and torn clothes, she looked as though she had merely been playing in the dirt. Not someone who had fallen from the sky and crash-landed onto a beach.

His voice was gentle, yet curious. “You didn’t get hurt, did you? When we fell?”

Lilac pulled back slightly, blinking up at him with innocent eyes. She shook her head.

“No. I was awake.” Her voice was matter-of-fact, as if it were obvious. “You all fainted. The wind took your breath away, I think.”

Sonic’s brows furrowed slightly, puzzled. “Wait... you didn’t faint too?”

Lilac stared at him, tilting her head as if the question itself was silly.

Her voice was calm, almost nonchalant. “The wind wasn’t for me.”

Sonic blinked.

Her words were simple, but they made no sense. Before he could ask what she meant, a gruff groan pulled his attention away. He turned his head and saw Shadow stirring.

Lilac’s ears perked, and she hurried over to him. “Shadow! Are you okay?”

The striped hedgehog sat up slowly, wincing as he clutched his left side. He let out a low curse under his breath, his gloved hand pressing over his ribs. 

“Tch... bruised one of my ribs.” He prodded carefully, grimacing. “Seventh one on the left, I think.” He pressed again and winced sharply. “Yeah. That one. It’s going to be an annoyance... but I’ll heal quickly.”

Lilac’s eyes widened slightly, sparkling with curiosity. “You can heal quickly? How lucky...” Her voice was soft with awe. “Is it because of your magic?”

Shadow’s head snapped toward her, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What? My magic?”

Lilac tilted her head, raising a brow.

“Lavender told me that every living thing has magic inside them, and the crystal has a lot of it.” Her bright eyes met his. “She said the crystal attracts things that have a lot of that kind of magic.” She pointed toward the horizon. “When we were flying, the wind pulled you to the island. So... I guessed you have a lot of it!” Her eyes sparkled with pride. “I know it can heal you when you’re hurt, too... so... Am I right?”

For a moment, Shadow simply stared. Magic… was she referring to his chaos energy? He wasn’t sure.

After a beat, he gave a slow, measured nod. “Yes...”

Lilac whooped gleefully, fist-pumping the air. But her excitement was cut short when she heard the others stirring. She scampered over to them, checking in on each one. She helped Amy and Rouge stand, even though they were still shaky on their feet. She gripped Knuckles’ hand, trying to “help” him stand— Though it was really just her pulling on his arm while he got up himself. She rubbed Tails’ back comfortingly, soothing him as he blinked dizzily.

For a fleeting moment, Shadow smiled faintly, watching her. The warmth in his chest welled up again. He quickly masked it, pressing his lips into their usual firm line. 

But Sonic saw it.

And he smirked.

“I’m happy for you, Shadow.”

Shadow’s ears flicked back, startled. But before he could snap back, Sonic raised his hands innocently.

“Hey, I’m being honest.” His eyes softened. “You need someone like her.”

For once, Shadow didn’t argue. He simply stood, brushing sand from his quills, and walked away. Sonic’s gaze lingered on Shadow’s retreating form. The black hedgehog said nothing. Didn’t even glance back.

But Sonic smiled softly, knowing better. He knew Shadow wouldn’t respond. He never did. But he had to hear it, all the same. Because Shadow was like a big brother to him. Sure, they fought often. Bickering, trading blows, challenging each other constantly. And Shadow was far from easy to get along with—Cold, distant, and as sharp-tongued as ever.

But still...

They looked out for each other. Sonic’s support was always verbal—Casual quips, teasing remarks, and rare, genuine praise. But Shadow’s support? It was nonverbal. The fact that he hadn’t snapped back, that he simply walked away without a biting retort… Was enough. It was Shadow’s way of, at the very least, accepting his observation.

Before Sonic could dwell on it further, Rouge’s voice cut through the air, calling the group over.

“Alright, people,” she declared, her voice firm, “Let’s gather up.”

The group moved in, and Sonic was relieved to see Tails steady on his feet, his dizziness seemingly gone. Rouge scanned over them, hands on her hips. 

She gave them all a once-over, her sharp eyes missing nothing. “Well, we’re all in one piece.”

“Thanks to Lilac,” Sonic added with a playful grin.

He reached down and ruffled the kitten’s hair, making her giggle. Her eyes squeezed shut with laughter, leaning into the affection.

“Yes!” Amy chimed in brightly, clapping her hands. Her smile beamed with genuine warmth. “We couldn’t have done it without you!”

Lilac flushed crimson, her ears flicking back shyly as the group cheered for her. Her wide, disbelieving eyes scanned their faces. 

They were cheering for her.

Her small hands curled over her heart, feeling it thump against her chest. And when the applause faded into quiet smiles, Rouge gestured toward a nearby path.

“I spotted some stone steps over there,” she said, nodding toward the weathered trail. “Let’s move out. We need to find Lavender.”

Lilac’s ears perked instantly. Her face lit up with excitement.

“I know where she is! Follow me!” she declared, her voice bright with determination. “She’s in the castle!”

Without hesitation, she darted ahead, bounding toward the stone steps. The others followed closely behind.

The group traveled along a limestone pathway, winding through a dense forest. The earthy scent of damp moss and the occasional crackle of fallen twigs beneath their shoes accompanied their journey.

But with every step closer to the kingdom, Lilac’s excitement faded. A cold knot formed in her stomach, tightening with dread. The path grew rougher, the once-smooth stones cracked and uneven. Vines choked the edges, and deep gashes marred the surface—evidence of battle.

And then they reached the gates. Lilac’s feet skidded to a halt. Her breath caught. Her eyes widened in shock. She had known there would be destruction.

But... she hadn’t seen it herself.

She had been hidden away, kidnapped before she could witness the full devastation.

But now… She saw everything.

Tears welled in her eyes as they entered the limestone streets. Her kingdom—her home—lay in ruins.

To Sonic and the others, the kingdom was still beautiful, even in its brokenness.

The grand buildings, though damaged, still echoed their renaissance-esque splendor. Finely carved limestone facades, etched with classical motifs, adorned the structures. Elegant arches and intricate window frames stood, though cracked and weathered. Vines crept along the fractured walls, weaving through the cracks as though trying to mend the broken stone.

Evidence of the invasion was everywhere.

Homes were crushed, flung from their foundations. Those still standing had shattered windows, collapsed roofs, and jagged, crumbling walls. The streets were littered with Badnik remains. Their metal shells lay scattered, embedded into the ground—Into the stone streets, the sidewalks, and even the homes.

And then Lilac saw the castle. Her breath hitched, a horrified gasp catching in her throat.

It still stood… But it was badly damaged.

The grand front doors were blown off their hinges, the heavy wood splintered and warped. Chunks of limestone bricks were missing, exposing the wooden frames and skeletal interior of some rooms. The roof tiles had been torn away, leaving gaping holes in the towers. Their remains were scattered like fallen leaves across the ground. And the kingdom’s flag—once brilliant with purple and gold—Now lay blackened and burnt, a tattered ruin.

Lilac’s steps slowed, her knees threatening to buckle. Her hands trembled as she knelt down, gently picking up the fallen flag. The fabric crumbled into ash at her touch.

Her voice came out in a broken whisper. “M-My home...” Her tears fell freely, streaking her cheeks. Her small shoulders shook with sobs. “Eggman... h-he...” Her voice hitched, unable to finish.

Then, her ears twitched sharply. A faint, familiar hum reached her. Soft and subtle, yet unmistakable.

The Lotus Crystal.

“What’s that humming?” Tails’ voice was puzzled, his ears swiveling as he tried to locate the source.

But he couldn’t. Most of them couldn’t.

Without a word, Lilac darted forward, her feet flying over the debris. She didn’t need to search. She felt it. 

Sonic and Shadow immediately fell into step beside her, sensing the chaos energy. They didn’t need to be told. Even they could feel the crystal’s call.

The rest of the group scrambled after them, rushing through the shattered doors. They burst into the castle’s front hall, their shoes echoing against the cracked marble floor.

Lilac screamed her sister’s name.

At the top of the stairs, on the circular stage that held twin thrones, was Lavender.

Trapped. Sealed within the Lotus Crystal. It was jagged and uneven, as though the crystal had exploded upward as it encased her.

Without hesitation, the group climbed the stairs—Lilac in the lead.

Her small hands pressed against the crystal, her fingers trembling as she searched for a smooth spot. Her eyes scanned frantically, looking for her sister.

She saw her.

Lavender’s body was healed. Her face was peaceful, as if sleeping.

Then, Sonic’s ears perked as Lilac began switching between shouting in English… to shouting in the same language Lilac had been singing in at the shore. He couldn’t understand or make any sense of it as she switched between the two languages.

She begged in the other language and pounded her fists against the crystal, ignoring the sting.

The crystal did nothing.

Lilac’s fists slammed again as she screamed in her native tongue with desperation. Her voice broke as she shouted her sister’s name. “LAVENDER!!!”

Shadow stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Lilac’s shoulder. He didn’t flinch when she whirled around, eyes blazing with fury, hot tears streaming down her face.

Her voice cracked with raw anguish. “WHY is it still trapping her?!”

Shadow’s crimson eyes softened slightly, but he said nothing.

Because he couldn’t. 

Lilac’s face crumpled. Her knees buckled beneath her, and she fell to the ground. A choked sob tore from her throat, broken and uneven. Her small hands curled into fists, trembling against the stone floor. She had believed the crystal would release Lavender—That once her sister was healed, it would let her go.

But it didn’t.

It kept her trapped.

And Lilac didn’t understand why.

“Wh-What if she’s gone?!”

Tails knelt beside her, lowering himself carefully. He placed a gentle hand on her back, just as she had done for him when he was weakened by the fall from the skies.

“Hey...” His voice was soft, almost a whisper. “She’s definitely alive.”

Lilac’s tears slowed, her breath catching in her throat. She blinked at him, her eyes red and blurry.

“Wh-What?” she rasped.

Tails offered a small smile, wiping a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

“If she wasn’t,” he explained patiently, “the crystal would’ve let her go.” He gestured toward the crystal. “No use healing something that’s gone, right?”

Her lips parted slightly, her eyes flickering with realization. 

Tails’ smile grew a little wider, his voice gentle with encouragement. “So... if it’s not letting her go…”

Her eyes brightened with a glimmer of hope. 

“Then she’s alive, and maybe it’s keeping her for another reason,” Lilac whispered.

Tails nodded firmly, his eyes shimmering with reassurance.

“Yeah!” he said, his tails flicking with optimism. “Plus, just in case she might still be injured...” His eyes sparkled with a sudden idea, and he sat up a little straighter. “I have a plan!” he declared. “I can make a device to monitor her vital signs!”

Lilac’s brows furrowed slightly, confused.

Sonic, ever the teasing older brother, rolled his eyes with a lopsided grin.

“Tails...” he muttered, catching on.

Tails blinked at Lilac’s perplexed expression, realizing he was getting too technical.

“O-Oh! Right!” he stammered, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “Vital signs... um... that just means stuff like her heartbeat and body temperature.” He gestured vaguely, as if trying to make it clearer. “It’ll tell us if she’s still hurt. You know, healthy and... not in trouble.”

Lilac’s eyes widened with relief. Her face broke into a grateful smile, and she flung her arms around him, squeezing him tightly.

“Thank you!” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Tails giggled softly, his twin tails twitching with surprise at the sudden hug. 

When she finally pulled away, he gave her a reassuring wink. “No problem!” 

Amy tapped her chin thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the crystal. “So… we know she's alive, and if Tails confirms she's fully healed…” Her voice trailed off, thoughtful. “Why would the crystal still be around her?”

Tails glanced down, his brow furrowing slightly. He opened his mouth, about to voice his theory, but before he could—

The ground split apart.

With a sudden, violent shudder, thick vines exploded upward, splintering the stone floor and twisting into serpentine tendrils. Before anyone could react, the vines lashed out, coiling around their limbs with frightening speed.

“Wha—?!” Sonic yelped, twisting sharply—But the vines were faster, yanking him off his feet.

Lilac’s eyes widened in terror as the vines snared her ankle, yanking her away from the group.

“NO!” she screamed, kicking wildly.

But the vines didn’t loosen.

Shadow lunged forward, his voice a furious snarl. 

But a thick vine slapped across his face, snapping his head to the side. It coiled around his muzzle, muffling him. He struggled violently, muscles straining as he fought against the restraints. But more vines surged forward, tightening around him. Shadow’s eyes narrowed, a murderous gleam flashing in them as he searched for the assailant—And then he froze.

At the edge of the chamber, a figure emerged. A large, imposing yellow cat stood before them, his eyes cold and calculating. He wore silver armor from neck to toe, decorated with floral gold engravings that swirled elegantly across the metal. A large engraving of a chrysanthemum flower adorned his chest. The intricate design marked him as a soldier of high rank. His fur was wild and unkempt, as if he had just woken up and rushed into the room. 

In one swift motion, the cat wrapped a protective arm around Lilac, clutching her tightly against his chest. His gaze hardened as he glared at the group, eyes sharp with suspicion, as though they were the ones who had captured her.

Lilac froze against him, her eyes wide with shock.

But then…

That shock turned into fury.

Her tiny hands clenched into fists, her eyes narrowing with cold, seething rage. And for the first time, Sonic and his group saw something they never expected—A child consumed by pure, unrelenting wrath.

Without hesitation, Lilac drove her elbow backward, slamming it into the cat’s side. A sharp clang rang out as her strike dented his armor. The cat yowled in pain, staggering slightly. His arm slipped, and she broke free. A clear mistake.

Lilac spun around, and without thinking, she summoned a vine in her hand—Its edge razor-sharp, like a makeshift sword. She lunged forward, eyes wild, ready to slice into her enemy.

She stopped.

The blade halted just at his throat, pressing into his skin, drawing a thin line of blood. Her eyes widened with recognition.

“Chrys...?” she whispered. 

The vine withered away, crumbling into nothing. Chrys let out a shaky breath, wincing as he clutched his side.

“Y-Yeah, it’s me...” he rasped, his breath ragged. “Fuck, Lilac...” He winced sharply, his voice strained with a weak chuckle. “Lavender really taught you where to hit someone where it hurts!”

His hand drifted to his neck, fingers brushing over the sting of fresh pain. When he pulled his hand away, his eyes widened slightly at the thin smear of blood on his fingertips.

He stared at it, swallowing hard.

And in that moment, his mind flashed back to the countless sparring sessions that he had overseen between Lavender and Lilac. Lavender’s voice came rushing back to him, sharp and commanding in his memory.

“Your enemy will not care if you’re a child or a princess. They will show you no mercy. So, when you strike... you strike to kill.”

He shuddered, Lavender’s dark, unwavering tone lingering in his ears. The memory weighed heavy on his chest. She had been merciless in her training, instilling ruthless precision in her sister. And Lilac had learned well. 

Chrys’ gaze flicked to Lilac’s small, trembling hands. His stomach knotted with a strange mixture of pride and fear. Pride in her strength. Fear of how close she had come. He silently thanked the stars that she was still a child—that she had hesitated just long enough to stop herself from going too far.

A sudden warmth enveloped him, pulling him from his thoughts. Lilac threw her arms around him, clutching him tightly despite the armor pressing uncomfortably against her.

“I’m so sorry!” she sobbed, her voice cracking with guilt. “I didn’t know it was you!”

Chrys’ eyes widened briefly in surprise, but then they softened. He shook his head quickly, waving off her guilt with a pained but reassuring chuckle.

“No, no...” His voice was low and raspy, but gentle. “I scared you. It’s my fault.”

He carefully tilted her chin up with two fingers, his gaze searching hers.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly.

Lilac sniffled and nodded weakly, tears still clinging to her lashes. 

Her ears flattened slightly. She glanced back at the others, her eyes wide with urgency.

“They’re good!” she pleaded, her voice rushed and desperate. “They saved me! And now they’re here to help!” She clutched at his armored sleeve, her fingers trembling. “Please, let them go!”

Chrys’ eyes flicked to the group. He scanned each of them warily, his golden eyes hard with caution. But when he glanced down at Lilac, her pleading expression softened his gaze.

Letting out a long, heavy sigh, he gave a reluctant nod. With a flick of his wrist, the vines loosened and slithered away, releasing the group from their grasp. 

The moment they were freed, Lilac darted up the stairs, her paw pads tapping against the stone. Without hesitation, she flung herself into Shadow’s arms, burying her face against his chest. Shadow stiffened, his eyes widening slightly. But when he felt her trembling form against him, he slowly, awkwardly wrapped his arms around her.

Chrys watched them curiously, his eyes narrowing slightly. He took in the sight of the stoic hedgehog, holding the small, vulnerable child. And when Shadow’s eyes softened slightly, Chrys smirked faintly, shaking his head in quiet amusement.

Lilac had softened yet another hardened heart.

Sonic approached carefully, his steps slow and measured to avoid startling the guard. When he was close enough, he extended his hand in an easy, friendly gesture.

“Sonic the Hedgehog!” he announced with a wide grin. “But just call me Sonic.” He chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “Sorry for barging in—uh... we didn’t think there were any survivors.” He gave a playful shrug. “Bet we sure scared you!”

Chrys smirked faintly, his gold eyes glinting with dry humor. He clasped Sonic’s hand firmly, giving it a strong shake. Sonic’s grin faltered slightly as he felt the guard’s strength, his fingers tingling from the grip.

“Yeah, well,” Chrys said with a smirk, releasing Sonic’s hand. “I scared you back, so we’re even.”

His expression sobered slightly, and he glanced toward a corridor.

“There’s more of us,” he added. His voice was grimmer now, tinged with weariness. “Not many, though. Two others.”

Sonic crossed his arms, his brow raising slightly. “Who else...?”

Before Chrys could answer, the sharp click of shoes echoed through the chamber. Everyone’s attention snapped toward the sound. 

A figure appeared—running toward them.

A red cat, elderly yet graceful, her face alight with relief. She wore a light red puff-sleeve top paired with a dark red skirt, and a sage green sash draped elegantly over her chest, spilling over both shoulders. A matching cloth was tied around her neck, and small round spectacles perched on her nose. She wore white gloves and black shoes. Her silver-streaked, red hair was pulled into a neat bun, pinned with a red camellia flower—her namesake.

Lilac’s eyes widened with joy. 

Her voice rang out. “CAMELLIA!!! CAMELLIA, YOU’RE OKAY!”

Camellia’s eyes brightened, her face lighting up with warmth.

“Oh, Lilac!” she cried, her voice thick with emotion. “My dear, you’re back!”

She stopped at the foot of the stairs, her chest heaving slightly with exertion.

“I was so worried!” she breathed, her eyes glistening with tears. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you!”

Lilac shook her head fiercely, her voice choked with emotion.

“N-No! It was my fault!” she sobbed. “I-I ran away... I’m sorry!”

Camellia’s smile softened, her eyes warm with maternal love.

“Oh, darling… you were trying to help.” Her voice was gentle, her tone tender and reassuring. “It’s okay. You’re safe now with—”

She suddenly froze, her eyes locking onto Shadow. Her smile faltered slightly as she took in the sight of his arms protectively wrapped around her.

“Who is...?” Her voice trailed off, her brow furrowing slightly.

Chrys let out a sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he gestured toward the group. Camellia turned to him, her eyes filled with quiet inquiry as he spoke.

“They’re here to help us,” Chrys explained. “Against the man who attacked our island. They also want to help awaken Lavender.”

Camellia’s expression shifted subtly—her eyes widening with faint surprise.

“I see...” she murmured softly.

She turned to the group, her smile gracious. With a small, graceful curtsy, she introduced herself.

“I am Camellia,” she said with quiet dignity, her voice steady and refined. “The princess’s caretaker.”

She gestured toward Chrys. “And this is Chrys,” she added, her voice fond with familiarity, “captain of the royal guard and the princesses’ personal guard.”

Sonic grinned and casually gestured toward his team. “I’m Sonic!” He flashed his signature cocky grin, gesturing widely. “This is Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, and Rouge! We’re, uhh… heroes!”

Camellia’s lips twitched faintly, the corners of her mouth lifting in mild amusement at Sonic’s casualness. She straightened, her smile polite and welcoming.

“It’s nice to meet you all.” Her voice was pleasant and gracious, but there was a trace of tiredness beneath it.

She turned slightly, gesturing toward the corridor with a small wave of her hand.

“How about you all come with me? We can speak more over tea.”

She had barely taken a step when a tall, elegant figure suddenly appeared before her, blocking her path. Camellia’s breath caught softly, her eyes widening.

A white cat stood before her, his posture straight and regal, his presence commanding yet refined. His fur was pristine, pure white and perfectly groomed, with a lustrous sheen that reflected the faint light. Deep, dark violet eyes met hers, calm yet penetrating, carrying an air of noble detachment. He wore a black coat, adorned with intricate gold patterns of parsley flowers woven throughout, each detail precise and ornate. A black belt cinched at his waist, its golden buckle glinting faintly, and the leather was finely decorated with ornate designs. His black boots, with a slight heel, added an inch to his height, making him appear even more imposing. On his gloved hands, golden insignias were elegantly embroidered on the backs, marking him with royal distinction. Atop his head rested a delicate wreath of parsley flowers, a soft, subtle crown of nature’s elegance.

Camellia’s hand flew to her chest in shock. “Prince Parsley...!”

Parsley’s expression remained calm, his lips curving into a gentle, composed smile.

“Hello, Camellia,” he greeted, his voice low and velvety, carrying a refined elegance. His gaze shifted smoothly to the group, his eyes calm but assessing. “I see we have rescuers?”

Camellia recovered quickly, her smile warm and gracious again. “Oh, yes.” She gestured lightly to the group. “I was just inviting them to tea. After all, they deserve some hospitality since they brought Lilac back.”

Parsley’s eyes flicked to Lilac, and for a moment, his calm façade faltered. 

“Good, I—oh...” His voice caught slightly. “L-Lilac?”

Shadow glanced down at Lilac, his arms still wrapped securely around her. His eyes narrowed slightly in surprise when he saw the venomous glare she was giving Parsley. Her sweet, wide eyes were now darkened with loathing, sharp with fury.

Shadow’s chest tightened faintly, impressed yet uneasy at the raw intensity of her hatred. He cast a brief glance at the Lotus Crystal, his mind lingering on Lavender. What was she like for Lilac to have learned such wrath?

Lilac’s small voice cut through the air, low and seething. “Parsley.” She spat his name like a curse.

Parsley’s brow creased slightly, his eyes darkening with confusion and concern. “What’s wrong?” he asked softly.

But Lilac’s eyes narrowed sharply, her voice rising in fury.

“Coward!” she snarled. Her fingers clenched into fists. “You’re her other half!” Her voice shook with rage. “And you let her fight alone! She almost died, and you let it happen! Now look at her!” Her voice was shrill with raw pain. “She’s trapped because of YOU!”

The silence that followed was suffocating. The only sound was the faint whistle of the wind, slipping through the fractured walls, its haunting melody filling the void left by Lilac’s words.

Parsley’s breath caught in his throat. He staggered back slightly, his hand trembling as it rested against his chest. “I…”

But Lilac’s small body shook, her breath ragged, her sobs strangled by the force of her anger. Without warning, she turned abruptly, burying her face into Shadow’s neck, her tiny hands clutching at his fur. Shadow’s breath hitched slightly, his eyes widening in brief surprise. Her fingers curled into his chest fur, trembling as she clung to him. He felt her small, warm tears soaking into his fur. He glanced at Sonic, his scarlet eyes questioning.

Sonic nodded slightly, his eyes understanding.

“I think… I think Lilac is a bit… upset about everything going on,” Sonic said softly, his voice light but reassuring. He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, offering a faint smile in an attempt to ease the tension. “She needs a moment, yeah?”

Camellia blinked, snapping out of her stunned silence. She nodded quickly, her voice wavering slightly.

“Yes… yes, her room is on the east side of the castle,” she murmured, her voice barely above a breath. “Up the… the east tower.”

Shadow dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment, then wordlessly turned and began walking toward the east corridor. 

Camellia watched them go, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She placed a hand over her chest, as if trying to steady her breathing, her heart aching for Lilac’s pain. Camellia blinked quickly, wiping away the dampness in her eyes with trembling fingers. She turned back to Parsley, her expression heavy with sorrow.

“I’m so sorry, Parsley…” Her voice wavered, soft with regret.

Parsley shook his head, his eyes downcast, his voice barely a murmur. “No, no…” He exhaled sharply, his voice hoarse. “She’s right...” His shoulders sagged slightly, his fingers curling faintly at his sides. “I should’ve…”

But he couldn’t finish the sentence.

Camellia’s eyes softened, her heart aching for him. She reached out, her warm, aged hand gently resting on his shoulder. Her touch was light and steady, offering a quiet comfort. Her voice was soft but resolute, carrying a tender strength.

“It’s okay, Your Highness,” she murmured softly. “You did your best. I’m sure…” Her voice lowered with gentle reassurance. “I know Lavender would’ve wanted you to be somewhere safe.” Her kind eyes searched his, her gaze gentle but unwavering. “Perhaps you and Lilac can speak later?”

Parlsey managed a faint nod. “I can try...”

Camellia offered him a small, tired smile. “In the meantime...” She exhaled softly, her shoulders relaxing slightly, trying to ease the tension in her voice. “Please, join us. We’ll all talk over some tea.”

The dining room was located beside the throne room on the right, offering easy access for visitors. Chrys stood guard outside while Camellia led the group inside. Despite the visible damage, the room was still opulent, its former beauty lingering beneath the wear. Lavender flowers cascaded like wisteria from the three crystal chandeliers, their soft, violet glow casting a delicate light over the long, wooden dining table. Lilacs adorned the walls, held in intricately woven baskets, their fragrance faint but lingering. Paintings of outdoor scenes from the surrounding island hung along the walls, each one a snapshot of the land they fought to protect. The dining table itself was an impressive piece, hand-carved with feline characters etched along its edges, making it clear that the island was inhabited by strictly feline Mobians.

They each took a seat at the table—Sonic’s group on one side, and Parsley on the other.

Lavender and lilac flower arrangements decorated the table, their colors vibrant despite the dim light. In the center, an elaborate small vase held a pairing of sage and catnip flowers.

Amy’s eyes lingered on the vase, her brows furrowing slightly. She gestured toward it, her voice curious.

“Those flowers in the middle…” she murmured, tilting her head slightly. “They’re not lavender or lilac, right?”

Camellia’s smile softened, but a deep sadness glimmered in her eyes as she set the table.

“No, they’re not,” she said softly. “They’re sage and catnip. They represent the late King and Queen.” Her voice lowered, heavy with reverence. “King Sage and Queen Nepeta.” She lightly brushed her fingers over the petals, her touch gentle and reverent. “Lavender placed them there so that her parents would always be at the table when she and Lilac ate together. She regards them with honor. She always has.”

Amy’s expression softened, her eyes glimmering with empathy.

“What a beautiful way to honor them…” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Parsley nodded faintly, his expression wistful. “It is…” he agreed softly. “They are certainly missed.”

At that moment, Shadow blipped into existence just outside the room. Chrys jolted slightly, his hand twitching toward his blade, but quickly stilled when he realized who it was. Shadow ignored him and slipped inside, his scarlet eyes scanning the room.

“Welcome back, Shads!” Sonic greeted, grinning widely.

Shadow’s brow twitched, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Don’t call me that,” he grumbled, his voice low and irritable.

He took a seat, his posture rigid as always.

“Have I missed anything?” he asked curtly, his tone flat and direct.

Camellia smiled kindly as she placed the last plate of sweets on the table.

“No, no… you’re just in time!” she assured him, her voice warm and welcoming. “Would you like anything?”

Shadow shook his head once, his movements sharp but polite. “No, thank you.”

Camellia nodded politely and took her seat. She folded her hands on the table as the rest of the group eagerly took their share of sweets and snacks.

“So…” she began, her voice gentle but inquisitive. “I must ask—how did you enter the island?” Her brows creased slightly. “The seas are quite rough…”

Rouge huffed, leaning back in her chair. “We practically crash-landed here!” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. “We would've landed more gracefully, but something pulled Shadow and Sonic toward the island, causing all of us to crash with them.”

Tails cleared his throat, his tone matter-of-fact. “We were on a boat,” he explained. “When the seas got too rough, we were about to crash into a ridge of rocks!” He gestured slightly, his hands animated. “Luckily, we managed to evacuate in time. Lilac was super helpful.” His eyes softened fondly. “She tied us all together so we wouldn’t get separated when we fell!”

Amy raised a finger, adding with a proud smile, “Oh, and Lilac saved us from that too! She used those flower powers of hers to cushion our crash-landing with lilac flowers!” She grinned brightly, her voice filled with genuine awe. “Which is incredibly quick thinking for a little girl…”

Parsley smiled faintly. “That’s because of Lavender,” he explained softly. “Believe it or not, Lavender puts Lilac through strenuous training to hone her powers and use them wisely.”

Knuckles barked out a laugh, his arms crossed smugly.

“Oh, I believe it!” he chuckled, his grin toothy and wide. “We all do! We saw it with the way she almost decapitated Chrys!”

Camellia nearly choked on her tea. “WH-WHAT?!” she sputtered, her eyes wide with shock.

Knuckles laughed even harder, clapping his hand on the table.

“You should’ve seen his face!” he wheezed. “She dented his armor by elbowing him with perfect precision, then turned around with a sword made from a vine and put it right to his neck!”

Parsley blinked with surprise, his eyes slightly widened. 

“My, my… Perhaps Lavender trained her too well…” he mused, his tone half-joking but contemplative.

Shadow scoffed. “There’s no such thing as too much training. Considering she was kidnapped by Dr. Eggman,” he added sharply, “I’d say the training she received was appropriate.”

Camellia let out a shaky sigh, wringing her hands. Her voice trembled slightly. “Y-Yes... I suppose you’re right...”

Shadow’s crimson gaze narrowed. He crossed his arms, the muscles in his jaw tightening slightly.

“Speaking of training…” His voice was measured, but there was a steely edge beneath it. “Back on the ship, Lilac made a peculiar comment to me.”

Camellia’s ears flicked slightly, but she said nothing.

“She mentioned she was learning how to bake,” he continued, eyes locked onto hers. “So she could recognize if her food didn’t taste ‘right.’” He tilted his head slightly. “Sounded like poison training to me…” His eyes narrowed further. “Am I wrong?”

Camellia’s lips pressed into a thin line. Slowly, she shook her head, confirming his suspicion.

Shadow’s voice hardened. “Why?”

A heavy silence hung in the room. Parsley’s hands curled into fists on the table. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and taut with restrained fury.

“Four months ago,” he began, his words measured and deliberate, “someone poisoned my beloved Lavender.”

Rouge’s eyes narrowed, and Amy’s ears twitched slightly. The entire group stiffened at his words.

Parsley’s gaze darkened, and his claws subtly extended. 

“She used the Lotus Crystal to heal herself quickly,” he explained, his voice gravelly with bitterness, “only because it was a low dose. We believe their goal was to incapacitate her…” his teeth gritted slightly, “so they could steal the Lotus Crystal.”

Camellia’s eyes welled with tears, her breath hitching as she clutched her trembling hands together.

“They tried again,” Parsley growled, his voice gaining a dangerous edge, “but that time, they poisoned Lilac instead.”

Rouge’s brows lifted slightly, her expression unreadable. Sonic’s hands slowly curled into fists at his sides.

Camellia’s voice cracked as she spoke, her words barely above a whisper. 

“Lilac...” Her voice quivered, “she was suffering horribly.” Her claws dug into her palms as she relived the memory. “She couldn’t move. Everything we gave her... she threw up. Her heart was beating so fast...” Her eyes squeezed shut, her shoulders shaking. “Then she closed her eyes...” Her voice wavered, barely audible. “Sh-She stopped breathing...”

Her breath caught in her throat.

“Her heart stopped...”

Parsley’s jaw tightened, his eyes stormy. Without a word, he placed a steady paw on her shoulder. He took a slow breath, then continued for her in a low, steady voice.

“They called for Lavender,” he said quietly. “When she arrived, she used the Lotus Crystal to revive Lilac. But as a result, Lavender fainted. She had to be laid in bed to recover. She stayed there... comatose... for weeks. If it weren’t for the Lotus Crystal’s power flowing within her...” He swallowed. “I’m sure what she did for Lilac... would’ve killed her.”

Rouge hummed softly, her voice light despite the heavy atmosphere.

She tapped her chin. “She seems to be a bit of a sleeping beauty, doesn’t she?” 

Parsley’s face flushed pink, and he chuckled softly, though it was strained. “Yes, well...” He rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes glancing downward. “That’s just how the Lotus Crystal works.”

Rouge arched a brow. “What do you mean?”

Parsley exhaled slowly, his expression softening slightly.

“If the crystal’s wielder loses too much magic, they fall into a deep sleep.” He frowned. “Of course... what’s happening now is a little different...”

Camellia wiped her tears, her voice gentle but steady.

“She’s under a spell called Lotus Seal,” she explained softly. “It’s a trump card, meant only for battle. If she invokes it, the Lotus Crystal encases her. For healing... and protection. But... it’s never been invoked before, as she’s the only person in history who’s wielded the crystal.” Her voice faltered slightly. “We don’t know why she’s still trapped inside it.”

Tails’ eyes narrowed slightly in thought. “Wait...” He tilted his head. “If it’s never been wielded before... then how do you know so much about it?”

Camellia shrugged lightly, her eyes downcast.

“Lavender told us.” Her voice was quiet, almost wistful. “Ever since the crystal chose her, she seems to know... everything about it.” Her voice softened into a whisper. “I just wish she told us how to release her from this spell.” Her eyes clouded with worry. “I’m scared something went wrong...”

Tails held up his Miles Electric, his eyes bright with determination.

“I can help with that.” He smiled confidently. “I’ll program the Miles Electric as a scanner. It’ll tell us if anything’s wrong.”

Camellia’s eyes widened with delight. “Oh! You’d really do that?” Her voice quivered with gratitude.” Oh, thank you, child!”

Tails’ cheeks flushed pink, and he rubbed the back of his head bashfully.

“Aw, it’s nothing!” he mumbled shyly.

Camellia smiled warmly, her eyes softening with relief.

“No, it’s everything!” Her voice thick with gratitude. “I’ve been so worried for her… and so has Parsley.”

Shadow’s gaze flicked to Parsley. The prince’s eyes were downcast, his brows furrowed deeply. To anyone else, he probably seemed distracted—maybe worried. But to Shadow… he looked distant. The prince’s expression was glassy and vacant, his focus seemingly elsewhere—as if he were miles away. There was something about him that set off alarm bells in Shadow’s mind. An instinct honed from years of training and espionage.

Then Parsley looked up. His violet eyes met Shadow’s crimson glare, and for the briefest of moments, his irises shrank slightly under the weight of Shadow’s piercing gaze.

A flicker of something passed through Parsley’s eyes. It was gone in an instant.

Parsley quickly turned away, his movements stiff and deliberate, his eyes lowering once more. Shadow’s lips pressed into a thin line. The prince’s avoidance of eye contact didn’t sit well with him. Not one bit.

Camellia stood, her sudden movement pulling Shadow’s attention away from Parsley. She smoothed her skirt, her voice gentle but bright.

“I know you’re all probably tired,” she said with a kind smile, “so I’ll leave you to your snacks and tea.” She gestured lightly toward the hallway. “My room is in the servant quarters—first door on the right of the western hall, first floor.” Her smile widened slightly. “If you need anything, just let me know.” She turned to the group with a graceful wave of her hand. “The guest quarters are on the second floor. You can choose whichever room you’d like. They’re also stocked with clothing if you need them.” Her expression grew sincere. “Since you’re here to help us, you have free reign of the castle and the island.” Her voice wavered slightly, her eyes pleading but hopeful. “Good luck,” she added quietly, “and please keep me informed about whatever you find.”

Sonic’s ears perked up. He snapped his fingers with a grin. “You got it!” He flashed a pair of finger guns Camellia’s way, his signature grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Camellia laughed softly, the sound light and genuine. With a graceful nod, she turned and glided toward the door, her footsteps soft against the polished floor. Parsley silently followed behind her. His steps were quiet but measured, his movements stiff. 

As he passed through the doorway, Camellia’s voice floated softly over her shoulder. “Come, Your Highness. You must take your place beside the princess… to guard her.”

Parsley said nothing. But Shadow noted the slight hitch in his step.

The group fell into a brief silence once the pair was gone. The weight of the conversation hung heavy in the air, each of them absorbing the gravity of what they’d just learned.

For a moment, there was only the soft whistle of wind from the damaged walls.

Tails’ voice finally broke the quiet.

“Well...” He cleared his throat softly, his voice calm but practical. “I think the best course of action right now is for all of us to get cleaned up first. After that, I propose we split into two teams.” He gestured with his hand, mapping out the plan. “Sonic, Knuckles, and I will search outside. The badniks might hold some important information. Plus, we’ll need their parts to make a vital scanner.” He turned to the others. “Shadow, Rouge, and Amy can search inside.” His voice brightened slightly. “Lilac could be helpful,” he added, “and so could the other survivors.” His eyes scanned the group once more, seeking confirmation. “Sound good to everyone?”

One by one, the others voiced their agreement.

Tails’ grin widened. His tails flicked slightly behind him, his eyes gleaming with determination. “Great!” He clapped his hands together, his smile filled with renewed energy. “Let’s get started!”

Chapter Text

 The afternoon sun had begun its slow descent, painting the sky with streaks of amber and gold by the time the group was ready to split into their teams. Tails, Sonic, and Knuckles were already outside on the castle grounds, joined by Chrys, who had insisted on keeping an eye on them. Tails understood the need for supervision. The last thing this island needed was more trouble. Besides, he knew that Sonic and Knuckles—together—couldn’t be left unsupervised for long.

Tails breathed deeply, inhaling the fresh, untainted air. Out here, so far from the mainland, the air quality was different—cleaner, lighter somehow. The island’s wildflowers perfumed the breeze with a sweet, earthy fragrance, making their task oddly pleasant despite its gravity.

“So, now that you’ve found this intact… er, ‘badnik,’ what are you going to do with it?”

Chrys’ tone was casual, but his golden eyes flicked with suspicion toward Sonic and Knuckles, from his and Tails’ perch atop a massive transporter badnik.

It wasn’t a ship, but it was big enough to carry an entire fleet of smaller badniks. Tails was relieved they’d found it. It was their best shot at gathering intel. Plus, it held plenty of resources for him to build the vitals scanner for Lavender.

He had his Miles Electric plugged in, its screen flickering with data as he used the program to prompt the badnik to search for Eggman’s signal. Meanwhile, he carefully sifted through its technology, extracting the parts he needed.

Tails glanced at Chrys to answer his question. To his surprise, the guard didn’t seem overly concerned about him—which Tails took as a compliment.

I guess he doesn’t see me as the irresponsible one. Tails mused with a small, satisfied smile.

Considering he was the youngest and still just a teenager, he was flattered by the unspoken vote of confidence.

“Well… two things!” Tails held up two fingers, his voice bright with enthusiasm. “Right now, my Miles Electric is monitoring this badnik.” He gestured to the machine. “See, badniks receive commands directly from Eggman.” He pointed at the screen, where a faint signal map flickered. “In order to send commands, Eggman needs to know the badnik’s location. And in turn, the badnik has to know Eggman’s location to receive those commands!” He tapped the screen, highlighting a dormant beacon. “This one turned on, but I was careful not to let it ping Eggman. What I’ve done is let it search for Eggman’s worldwide signal.” His blue eyes sparkled with determination. “If it can detect his signal, I can track it down! Eggman has several bases, so this’ll help us narrow down which one he’s in! I doubt he’s still in the base we found Lilac in, and I’m not sure if he’s in the same place he’s keeping your people, but… it’s a start!”

Chrys nodded slowly, considering the information. 

“And the second thing?” he asked.

Tails’ ears perked slightly, his grin returning.

“Oh!” He gestured to the scattered parts beside him. “I’m scavenging pieces for Lavender’s vitals scanner! I’ll build it while my Miles Electric does its magic.”

Chrys hummed thoughtfully, his gaze drifting to the massive badnik beneath them. He frowned slightly, his fingers lightly tapping the metal.

“This thing is huge...” he muttered. He glanced at Tails, his eyes narrowing with recollection. “I guess that explains why the ground shook so violently that day...”

Tails sighed softly. “Yeah…” He gestured toward the distant tree line, where badnik debris littered the island. “This thing was some kind of transporter. It’s probably where all those smaller badniks came from.”

A comfortable silence settled between them. The evening breeze stirred gently, carrying the scent of wildflowers.

Chrys snorted suddenly, a gruff chuckle escaping him as he watched Sonic and Knuckles begin sparring nearby. Tails glanced over, his lips quirking into a smile. The two were already trading punches, their laughter echoing through the open field.

“Is this how it usually is?” Chrys asked, his voice rich with amusement. “You doin’ all the work while those two fool around?”

Tails barked a laugh, his fingers deftly fitting parts together. “Yeah!” he admitted, his grin growing wider. “That’s usually how it is!” He glanced at Sonic and Knuckles, his voice fond. “But don’t worry—” he added, his smile turning playful, “they’re useful when it comes to fighting.”

Chrys chuckled, his shoulders loosening slightly. He shook his head fondly, his eyes softening.

“Reminds me of my boys,” he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. He sighed lightly, his expression growing wistful. “My sons—they’re in the guard. If we’re ever on the same team during a drill, they always seem to get in trouble while I’m the one doing all the work. Like your two friends here…” His tone turned somber. “They’re excellent fighters. You should’ve seen ’em… They put up such a fight against that maniac’s army… I was so proud.” His voice faltered, his words trailing off. “But they were… Hm...”

His frown deepened, the memories weighing heavily in his eyes. Tails noticed the sadness in Chrys’ voice. Without hesitation, he placed a gloved hand over Chrys’ metal one.

“We’ll save everyone.” His eyes were earnest, his tone reassuring. “Don’t worry.”

Chrys exhaled slowly, his smile grateful but strained.

“I’m curious, though... What happened?” Tails asked softly. 

Chrys sighed deeply. His eyes grew distant, haunted by memories.

“It happened around three months ago...” he murmured.

His mind drifted back to the day everything changed.

——— ˗ˏˋ ✮ ˎˊ˗ ———

The morning light filtered through the stained glass windows of the castle, casting colorful rays across the stone floors. Sunlight bounced off the specks of dust in the air, creating a sparkling, almost magical effect.

Chrys held Princess Lilac’s hand, watching her skip happily beside him. Her royal ball gown fluttered as she hopped along. He had just gotten her ready for the day in her room after picking her up from Lavender’s. The littlest princess was in a gleeful mood.

“You’re quite happy today,” Chrys remarked with a smile.

Lilac giggled. “Lavender and I had a sleepover! It was so fun!”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah! Oh! What am I going to do today?”

“Well... I believe you’re to begin your studies with Mistress Vervain today.”

Lilac stopped skipping, groaning in response. Chrys sighed and shook his head.

“That sort of reluctance—and that noise—is very unbecoming,” he gently chided.

Lilac pouted, crossing her arms. “Hmph… I don’t wanna study.”

“No one wants to study…”

“Aster and Zinn like studying, so they want to…” she muttered.

Chrys winced. “Ah… well, my sons have to study if they’re to rise through the ranks of the royal guard.”

He offered her a patient smile. “It’s not that they like it, or want to. It’s more like they have to. Just like you.”

Lilac groaned again, and Chrys couldn’t help but laugh softly.

His laughter was cut short when his sensitive feline paw pads, hidden beneath his socks and the metal boots of his armor, picked up strange vibrations in the ground. It reminded him of… marching?

Lilac stiffened beside him, her tail puffing up.

“What’s…?” Lilac whispered.

Chrys gasped when he heard a whistling sound overhead. His eyes snapped upward, spotting a projectile speeding toward them through the windows. Without thinking, he swooped Lilac into his arms and bolted.

The explosion tore through the air, sending debris flying. Chrys threw himself to the ground, using his body to shield Lilac from the fallout. When the dust settled, he glanced back at the collapsed corridor behind them.

“What happened?!” Lilac shouted, her voice filled with panic.

“I…”

Chrys stared at the wreckage, his eyes darting to the torn projectile. He narrowed his eyes, trying to make sense of the technology.

“A… A cannonball of some kind was shot at us.” His voice was steady, but his heart was pounding. “I need to get you to Camellia.” He lifted her into his arms again, holding her tightly. “She’ll get you to the safe room!”

He dashed through the castle, his boots clanging against the stone floors as he shouted Camellia’s name. Servants screamed and scattered, their faces pale with terror. Chrys weaved through the panicked crowd, his grip on Lilac unwavering. He burst into the throne room and spotted Camellia running toward him from the west hall.

“Camellia! Take Lilac to a safe room, now! We’re under attack!” He commanded urgently, thrusting the princess into her arms.

Camellia pulled Lilac close, her arms wrapping protectively around the child. “Of course! What will you do?”

Chrys’s face hardened with resolve. “Fight.”

Camellia’s eyes widened with worry. “I’ve seen the enemy from the windows. You can’t!”

Chrys shook his head, his voice unwavering. “Do not argue with me, Camellia.” His golden eyes blazed with conviction. “I’m a soldier of the royal guard. You will take the princess to safety while I find Lavender and protect her. Go!”

Reluctantly, Camellia nodded and ran off. Lilac wailed, her voice filled with fear as she cried out for him, not wanting to be separated.

But Chrys ignored her pleas.

He sprinted toward Lavender’s tower, located on the west side of the castle. Reaching the base, he found rubble blocking the staircase, but he didn’t hesitate. Thick vines erupted from his palms, smashing through the rocks and clearing a path. Once inside, he climbed swiftly, his vines latching onto the railings to propel him upward. When he reached the landing, he froze.

The doors to the room were wide open.

He distinctly remembered Lilac shutting the door behind her when he’d escorted her away. Growling softly, he summoned his sword and entered, preparing for a confrontation. What he found left him speechless.

The room was a wreck.

Furniture lay destroyed, fabrics were torn, and debris was scattered across the floor. His eyes narrowed when he noticed a gaping hole in the wall where the balcony doors should have been. He approached cautiously, but his nose wrinkled in disgust as an overpowering stench hit him.

Urine?

Perhaps the plumbing had failed?

Shaking his head, he tried to clear the smell from his senses, but it was overwhelming. It made him dizzy. Desperate for fresh air, he held his breath and ran toward the opening, stepping out onto the balcony. He bent over the balustrades, gasping for air.

Slowly, the dizziness subsided as the fresh air eased his senses.

Still reeling, he scanned the grounds below. His heart swelled with pride as he spotted his sons in the midst of battle, fighting with remarkable coordination. The twins moved as one, using their close bond to their advantage.

A streak of purple in his peripheral vision caught his attention.

Lavender.

She was being pursued by a portly man in a hovering contraption.

Chrys’s heart skipped a beat. The need to protect the ruling princess surged within him.

 He extended his arms, summoning chrysanthemum vines from his palms. With a swift motion, he swung between towers, landing near the castle entrance. He slipped inside, crouching in the shadows, watching Lavender and her pursuer carefully.

Lavender stood atop the royal stage, her posture defiant.

The man’s voice, dripping with arrogance, reached Chrys’s ears.

“Feeling sluggish, princess?” he taunted.

Lavender’s glare could have burned holes in the man’s very soul. Chrys had never seen such fury in her eyes. She wasn’t to be underestimated. Her golden eyes flicked to Chrys’s, and in that brief moment, he understood.

Don’t. Move.

Chrys remained still, trusting her unspoken command. His reflective armor allowed him to blend into the shadows, keeping him hidden as the conversation unfolded.

“You’re spineless.” Lavender shot back.

Chrys’s eyes narrowed slightly. The strain in her voice was evident. She seemed weak—too weak. Chrys scanned her carefully, searching for signs of injury, but found none. What’s wrong with her?

The man laughed cruelly, his voice dripping with triumph.

“Oh, that was just the appetizer!” he sneered. He spread his arms theatrically, a mocking grin on his face. “The main course is coming—your dead body, served on a silver platter!”

Chrys’s ears twitched, his hand instinctively tightening on the hilt of his sword. But he stayed still, obeying her unspoken command.

“You can’t kill me…” Lavender wheezed, her voice strained.

Her knee buckled, and she cried out as it hit the cold stone floor.

Chrys’s muscles tensed, but he forced himself to remain hidden.

“Oh, can't I…?” The maniac sneered, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “You have two choices, princess.” He paced in front of her, his hovercraft humming softly. “Yield,” he continued, “and I’ll rip that crystal from you and leave you to die.” A cruel grin split his face. “Or… give it to me willingly, and I’ll leave you to die anyway.”

The madman laughed, the sound sharp and cold. But Chrys wasn’t fooled. He saw it—the defiance burning in Lavender’s eyes. 

“No…” Lavender’s voice was hoarse. “You and that fool have no idea what I’m capable of…”

Chrys’s heart raced. You and that fool?

Was someone helping this man? One of their own?

Lavender slowly rose to her feet, her legs trembling slightly. But her gaze was unyielding. The doctor sputtered, his frustration mounting as Lavender glared down at him.

“You!” he spat, his voice rising with fury. “Don’t look down on me!” With a maniacal grin, he pulled out a strange, glowing pistol from his coat. “You should be begging for mercy!” He leveled the gun at her, his eyes glittering with malice. “After all…”

He paused briefly, his head cocked, as though listening to something. 

Then his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “It seems we’ve captured your precious little sister!”

Chrys’s stomach dropped. Lilac? No…

His mind reeled with the weight of those words. But when he glanced at Lavender, she didn’t react. She almost seemed… unfazed. Her next words were chilling. 

“Lilac and I made a vow…” Her breath was labored, but her voice was steady. “To protect the Lotus Crystal… by any means necessary…” Her golden eyes narrowed with finality. “Even if it means we must sacrifice ourselves…”

Chrys’s heart plunged. Her words struck him like ice. He understood what she was about to do.

Whoever that man was may have thought himself victorious, but Chrys knew better.

“From your corpse it is, then!” The man’s pistol hummed, charging with volatile energy. “Let’s just knock you down first!” 

He pulled the trigger, and a beam of light rammed through Lavender's side. She screamed, her cry sharp with agony as she collapsed backward. Chrys winced, his heart clenching painfully at the sound of her anguish.

But he did not move. The pain was real… but the submission?

It was a feint. And the idiot fell for it.

As the man neared her, his hands rubbing together greedily, Lavender’s voice cut through the air—clear and commanding.

“Lotus Seal.”

Chrys dove to the ground, bracing himself. The air thickened, crackling with magic. Energy swirled violently around the princess, building into a blinding crescendo. Light exploded outward in a burst of unstoppable force. Chrys slammed his eyes shut, shielding himself from the blinding brilliance. The shockwave hit like a hurricane, nearly lifting him off the floor. He gritted his teeth, every muscle straining to stay grounded.

The doctor’s scream echoed through the air. Chrys heard it fade, likely as the man was blasted through the throne doors and off the island.

And then…

Silence.

A deafening stillness that felt like eternity. Chrys’s heart pounded, and he forced his eyes open.

But when he looked—

His breath caught in his throat.

Lavender was still, swallowed by the crystal.

——— ˗ˏˋ ✮ ˎˊ˗ ———

Chrys shook his head, still unsettled by the unpleasant memory. He sighed and glanced at Tails for any insight.

“So? Any thoughts?” Chrys asked.

Tails nodded, setting his Miles Electric down. “Yes! First thing’s first—we need to bring your kingdom into the modern era! You guys are practically stuck in ancient times!”

Chrys blinked before barking out a laugh. “HA! Yes, well, that seems to be true.” He shook his head, grinning wryly. “We’ve been cut off for too long. Our progress has been slow.”

Tails giggled, leaning forward eagerly. “I can see why.” Then his expression turned serious, and he lowered his voice. “And about that foul smell in Lavender’s room? I think I know what it is.”

Chrys raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Tails’s eyes gleamed with certainty as he leaned closer. “Poison.”

Chrys’s brows furrowed.

“It matches her symptoms—and yours!” Tails explained rapidly, his words tumbling out. “Plus, Lavender and Lilac have been poisoned before. So whoever tried to assassinate them is probably working for Eggman!”

Chrys’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Something must’ve blasted into her room while she was there, and it was definitely filled with poison,” Tails continued, his voice rising with conviction. “Lavender likely got the full dose, since most of it probably wafted out the hole once Eggman gave chase. But you still got a dose too, albeit a tiny one.” He pointed emphatically. “Muscle weakness, dizziness, fighting to stay conscious? Classic signs of poisoning.”

Chrys frowned deeply. “But it could be any number of poisons. How can we know which one was used?”

Tails smirked confidently. “Easy—you just narrowed it down for me by identifying the smell as similar to urine! I can research it later and figure out which poison it was.”

Chrys blinked, surprised. “You’re a sharp one.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “My sons would enjoy your company.”

Tails grinned. “Really?”

Chrys smiled warmly, the fatherly affection in his voice genuine. “I’m sure of it.”

Tails blushed slightly at the gentle praise, fidgeting a bit before refocusing. 

He cleared his throat. “So, there’s something else Eggman said in your memory that caught my attention.” He furrowed his brows. “What did he mean by ‘rip the crystal out’ of Lavender?”

Chrys frowned, recalling the threatening words. “Well… The crystal takes many forms. One of them is kind of… ‘stowed away,’ I guess you could say.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, trying to find the right words. “When not in use, the Lotus Crystal is stored within the wielder’s ‘heart.’”

Tails blinked. “Stored… in her heart?”

Chrys shook his head. “I’m not sure what that looks like, and Lavender’s refused to answer any questions about it. Not even Lilac knows what that means exactly…” He grimaced slightly, his voice lowering. “I suppose Eggman took it at face value and was prepared to cut her open to get it…”

Chrys shuddered in disgust. 

Tails’s face paled, and he shuddered too. “We’re lucky she used that spell.”

A shout from below startled the two.

“HEY!” Sonic’s voice rang out, pulling their attention.

Chrys and Tails glanced down, spotting Sonic and Knuckles. The two were dirty and out of breath from sparring.

“Are you two done up there?” the impatient blue blur called out.

Tails turned back to his Miles Electric when it beeped.

“Not quite yet! The scanner’s done, but my Miles Electric is still processing stuff!” he called back.

Sonic groaned, flopping onto the ground. “Sparring with Knuckles is great, but I’m so BORED now!”

Knuckles grunted in agreement. “Sonic’s entertaining, but it’s the same-old, same-old.”

Chrys peered down at the two, smirking when an idea formed in his head. Talking about the bastard who trapped Lavender and kidnapped his sons had created some tension that needed to be released. 

He stood up, gaining the attention of the two Mobians below him. “Well, I’ve been pretty bored myself these past few months.”

Knuckles and Sonic glanced up curiously.

“Training with wooden dummies gets old fast,” Chrys continued. He shrugged slightly, his voice casual. “Usually, my sons and I spar, but they’re… not here.” He clicked his tongue softly and shook his head, warding off the emotions. “So I’ll spar with you, if you want.”

Knuckles lifted a brow. “You sure about that?” He cracked his knuckles. “Sonic’s the Hero of Mobius, and I’m the Guardian of the Master Emerald. You… make flowers and vines.”

Chrys smirked. “I think you forgot when I disabled you and your friends with those vines. You specifically looked hilarious, you know…” His eyes glimmered with playful mischief. “Your legs flailing around while your arms struggled to break free…”

He chuckled softly when Knuckles bristled with offense. 

Knuckles grumbled under his breath before yelling up at the older feline. “YOU SURPRISED ME!”

Chrys held back a laugh with a snort. “I suppose that was a dirty trick.” He grinned slyly, his eyes narrowing slightly. “It was worth it, though. You looked so… scared.”

Knuckles growled, clenching his fists. “Never mind. Stay out of this, Sonic.”

Sonic lifted a brow before shrugging lazily. “Sure, I don’t mind watching you two go at it.”

Sonic plopped himself down under a tree, crossing his legs and putting his hands behind his head. But he jumped slightly when he heard a loud thud and the sound of clanging metal.

Chrys had jumped off the large Badnik, landing on his feet with a solid thud. His tail swayed wildly behind him, the gleaming armor on his body catching the setting sun.

 He stood tall, his expression calm but calculating. Slowly, he outstretched his hand, palm facing downward. Sonic and Knuckles watched in awe as a large chrysanthemum flower bloomed from the earth, unfurling toward Chrys’ hand. Without hesitation, Chrys plunged his hand into the center of the flower. The petals shivered slightly, then withered away, leaving only the thick, leafy stem. With a swift tug, Chrys unsheathed the stem from the ground as though drawing a sword. The stem flattened, its edges sharpening into a keen blade. 

Chrys twirled the sword with practiced ease, the edge glinting ominously in the fading light. A smirk tugged at his lips when he saw the surprise on Knuckles’ face.

“This…” Chrys’ voice was low, almost taunting, as he casually slid into a stance, his sword held high and steady. His golden eyes gleamed with predatory anticipation. “This is gonna be fun.”

Knuckles’ eyes narrowed, his fists clenching tightly. He wasn’t intimidated by the sword in the slightest. Knuckles was no fool. He may not be book-smart, but he was a brilliant fighter.

His amethyst eyes narrowed, scrutinizing Chrys’ form.

That look…

The sharp, focused glare that only a true warrior carried. Knuckles’s heart pounded with anticipation. Finally—someone serious about fighting.

“You’re one of the guests of honor, so you go first,” Chrys offered smoothly.

Knuckles grinned, baring his teeth. “How generous.”

Without hesitation, Knuckles lunged. His fists clenched tightly, his body coiled with power as he closed the distance in a flash.

Sonic’s eyes widened slightly from his spot beneath the tree. “Whoa.”

Knuckles closed in fast, his right fist thrusting forward with brutal force. But Chrys was faster. The feline warrior spun swiftly, his sword twisting in his hands as he turned the blade sideways. The flat side of the sword met Knuckles’ knuckles, creating a deafening clang. The shockwave rattled the ground, scattering dirt particles into the air. The grass swayed violently from the force.

Sonic winced. “Geez, you two trying to level the place?”

But neither Chrys nor Knuckles heard him. 

The sword shook slightly under the impact, but Chrys barely budged. Knuckles  was surprised by the feline’s strength. Chrys’s golden eyes locked onto his, unfazed.

“Holding back on me, are you?” Chrys taunted smoothly.

Knuckles smirked. “Just wanted to see if you were worth the effort.”

A slow, dangerous smile curved on Chrys’ face. “Well… let’s see if you’re worth mine.”

Before Knuckles could react, he felt something snake around his leg. 

His eyes snapped down. “What the—?!”

A vine. It coiled tightly around his ankle, its tendrils digging into the fabric of his shoes.

Knuckles’ eyes widened. “HEY!”

Chrys flicked his wrist upward.

The vine responded instantly, throwing Knuckles into the air with a sharp jerk. “WHOA!”

The echidna grunted, twisting midair to face Chrys. But before he could plan his counterattack, Chrys thrust his hand forward, summoning a second vine from the earth beneath them. It shot upward with lightning speed, grabbing Knuckles mid-fall. The vine coiled tightly around Knuckles’ arms and waist, squeezing him mercilessly. The echidna wheezed, his breath stolen by the crushing grip. He struggled, but the vines resisted, pulling tighter with every move. Knuckles gritted his teeth, fighting against the constricting force. He growled lowly, his muscles bulging with effort.

Chrys took off running—sprinting up the vine as though it were a solid bridge.

Knuckles’ eyes widened when he spotted the feline warrior charging toward him, sword drawn. “Oh, come on!”

Chrys leapt into the air, his sword gleaming in the fading sunlight. He swung the blade downward, aiming directly for Knuckles’ neck.

Knuckles’ breath caught. His adrenaline surged.

In a final, defiant flex, Knuckles burst free, his muscles straining violently against the vines. With a snarl of effort, he snapped the vines apart just as Chrys’ blade came within inches of his throat. The sword hissed through the space where Knuckles’ neck had been mere moments before.

Knuckles twisted midair, landing heavily on the ground with a grunt. He glanced up sharply, his eyes locking onto Chrys. The feline dived downward, using his momentum to aim another strike. Knuckles growled, his eyes narrowing. At the last moment, he threw his arms up, clasping his mitts together. Knuckles caught the sword, stopping it cold.

Chrys grunted softly, startled by the raw strength in Knuckles’ grip. Without hesitation, Knuckles twisted the sword, using its own momentum to flip Chrys into the air. The feline tumbled but recovered quickly, twisting his body mid-fall. He landed lightly on his feet, sliding across the grass before coming to a halt.

Knuckles smirked victoriously, holding up the stolen sword.

“This yours?” he teased.

Chrys’ tail flicked in annoyance, but he maintained a neutral expression. He eyed the sturdy mitts on Knuckles’ hands, noting that the blade hadn’t cut through the fabric. 

For a brief moment, Chrys recalled a new recruit who had tried a similar move once—but with bare hands. The poor fool had ended up losing use of their hand for months afterward.

But Knuckles had played it smart. Chrys was impressed.

Knuckles smirked, walking over and handing the sword back.

“You’re quite the soldier,” Knuckles admitted. 

Chrys took the sword, dismissing it and letting it wither away.

He chuckled softly. “Ah, I’m nothing compared to Lavender.”

Knuckles’ eyes widened. “You almost decapitated me!” 

Chrys barked out a laugh, the rich sound echoing across the clearing.

“I wouldn’t have!” he said with a toothy grin, raising his hands defensively. “I would’ve left you with a scar—at least—but Lavender?” His smile turned slightly wicked. “She definitely would’ve tried to decapitate you.”

Knuckles’ eyes widened slightly, momentarily stunned. “Wait, seriously?”

Before Chrys could answer, Sonic strolled over, hands in his quills tucked behind his head, clearly intrigued. He had overheard the conversation and couldn’t help but inquire further.

“What kind of person is she, anyway?” Sonic asked casually, though his voice was laced with genuine curiosity. He arched a brow, tilting his head slightly. “She sounds… dangerous.”

Chrys’ expression softened instantly. His playful grin faded into something far more gentle and reverent. He let out a slow, thoughtful exhale as he turned his gaze toward the horizon.

For a moment, he seemed distant, as though lost in a memory.

“She’s not dangerous unless you make her angry… or if you challenge her to a duel.” He chuckled softly. “Or both.”

Sonic and Knuckles shared a glance, their interest piqued by the warrior’s tone.

“Other than that?” Chrys continued, “Lavender’s very… calm.” He smiled faintly, as though picturing her in his mind. “She’s graceful, kind, generous… Hell… I’ve seen her swinging through the trees and between the castle towers. I’ve never seen anyone so at peace with herself.”

For a brief moment, there was a lull in the conversation, filled only by the gentle rustling of the leaves. 

“Huh…” Sonic murmured, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

But Knuckles—ever blunt—tilted his head, still mulling over Chrys’ earlier words.

“So, uh… what happens if you are on the receiving end of her wrath?” Knuckles asked, clearly curious.

Chrys’ eyes darkened slightly, his gaze hardening with solemnity. He adjusted the straps of his armor, tightening them instinctively. He cleared his throat, the action almost nervous.

“If you are?” he said quietly. His golden eyes flicked to the side, piercing and serious. “Stars help you.”

Sonic’s brows lifted slightly, catching the warning in Chrys’ voice. 

Before they could press him further, Tails’ voice rang out, cutting through the tension. “I’m done!”

The three men turned sharply, their focus snapping toward the young fox.

Tails’ voice was filled with excitement, practically bubbling with pride. “I think I got something on my Miles Electric! It’s just compiling the data now! And I finished the vitals scanner!”

Tails carefully pocketed the scanner into the fluff of his tails, securing it. Then, with a practiced motion, he unplugged his Miles Electric, which was now processing Eggman’s coordinates. Without missing a beat, he twisted his twin tails into a rapid blur, helicoptering down from the Badnik. He landed lightly on his feet.

Chrys smiled softly, watching the young fox beam with pride. For a brief moment, Tails’ enthusiasm reminded him of his youngest son, Aster. A small pang of sadness tugged at Chrys’ chest, but he quickly shoved it down, offering the fox a warm, encouraging smile.

Sonic grinned, placing a hand on Tails’ shoulder. “Lead the way, little bro!”

Tails puffed out his chest slightly, filled with confidence, and led the group back toward the throne room. The four of them moved quickly, their strides filled with purpose. They approached the Lotus Crystal, where Lavender slept peacefully within its protective bloom.

Her figure was still and serene, encased in the soft light of the crystal.

Chrys’ eyes softened instantly when they landed on her. The worry etched into his features returned as he studied her form.

“I hope she’s okay,” Chrys murmured softly, almost to himself.

Tails heard the words and instinctively placed a comforting hand on Chrys’ arm.

“I hope so, too,” he said gently.

Without wasting any time, Tails activated the scanner, the faint hum of the device filling the air. He sighed in relief when the scanner actually powered on properly, grateful that it was working. With steady hands, he plugged the scanner into his Miles Electric. 

He held the scanner up, slowly moving it over Lavender’s body, meticulously scanning for any anomalies. Tails’ eyes narrowed slightly, watching the screen of his tablet with intense focus. His fingers twitched slightly, a nervous habit as he waited for the data to process.

After a few moments, the device beeped softly, signaling that it had completed the scan.

Tails gasped softly, his eyes widening. “No way…”

The three men leaned in, their expressions tense with anticipation.

“What? What is it?” Knuckles asked sharply, his brow furrowing.

Tails’ lips parted slightly, blinking at the strange results.

“All her vitals are… normal.”

The words hung in the air for a moment.

Chrys’ eyes narrowed slightly, confused. “Normal?”

Tails nodded slowly, his face twisting in confusion. “Yeah… It’s like she’s just… sleeping in there.”

Sonic ran a hand through his quills, frowning. “Then… what’s keeping her trapped?”

Chrys frowned deeply, his eyes lingering on the crystal. “The Lotus Seal only does two things: heal… or protect.” His voice was low and grave, realization slowly dawning. “If she’s not healing… she’s being protected.”

Sonic’s frown deepened, his arms crossing over his chest as he mulled over Chrys’ words.

“Protected from what?” Sonic asked.

Chrys’ eyes narrowed, his golden irises flickering with grim realization. He stared at the Lotus Crystal, his fingers curling into fists at his sides.

“Protected from who,” he corrected quietly, his voice low and laced with certainty.

Knuckles arched a brow, catching the subtle correction. “What do you mean?”

Chrys’ jaw tightened. He slowly lifted his gaze from Lavender’s sleeping form, his eyes hardening with conviction.

“Before she fell to Eggman… she mentioned someone was working with him.”

The room fell into a heavy silence. 

Chrys exhaled sharply, his voice clipped with frustration. “I didn’t understand what she meant at the time,” he admitted. “But she was right.” He gestured toward the crystal, his tone grim and certain. “The crystal wouldn’t keep her trapped unless it sensed an ongoing threat. Eggman’s gone… so the threat has to still be here.”

Knuckles’ brows knitted together, his fists clenching at his sides. “You’re saying the informant is still around?”

Chrys nodded slowly. “Yes.”

Sonic’s eyes narrowed, his quills bristling slightly. 

He glanced at the Lotus Crystal, his eyes flickering with unease. “But… if the informant was just some low-level goon, why would the crystal consider them a danger?”

Chrys’ eyes hardened, the lines around them tightening. He turned to face the group fully, his voice low and deadly serious.

“Because the informant isn’t just some goon.” His golden eyes glimmered darkly. “It’s like you said, Tails. They’re also the assassin.”

Sonic let out a low whistle, running a hand down his face. “Chaos… so Eggman’s been involved from the start, huh?”

The confirmation that Eggman had been involved from the beginning twisted in Chrys’ gut, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He quickly shook his head, pushing the thought aside.

“Right now… we need to focus on finding the traitor.” His voice was steady, but his eyes were hard. “The sooner we take them down… the sooner we can free Lavender.”

Knuckles grunted in agreement, cracking his knuckles with pent-up aggression. “Fine by me.”

Sonic suddenly stepped forward, placing a hand on Chrys’ shoulder.

His eyes were steady, his voice low and reassuring. “Hey… for what it’s worth? I think I can speak for the three of us when I say you’re definitely not a suspect.”

Knuckles nodded firmly, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’ve had every chance to take us out by now.” He smirked slightly, amethyst eyes glimmering with approval. “And you didn’t.”

Tails offered a small smile. “Yeah. We trust you.”

Chrys stared at the three Mobians for a long moment. Their sincere trust and reassurance was unexpected. For a brief moment, his throat tightened, and he swallowed hard.

“Thank you.”

Chapter Text

Shadow stood with his arms crossed, leaning coolly against the brick wall at the end of the hallway where the guest rooms were located. He was waiting for Rouge and Amy to get ready. They had already picked their rooms, but the girls were still preparing for their day of investigating.

He grumbled to himself, growing impatient with the two women who were taking their sweet time. Shadow had simply showered and smoothed out his quills. He had no idea what Rouge and Amy were doing, but he supposed it was a “girl thing” he couldn’t understand.

The light tapping of heels caught his attention, and his ear flicked toward the sound. 

He glanced to his left, spotting Camellia approaching him. She seemed more at ease, clearly comforted by the presence of the rescuers. Camellia walked with her hands folded politely in front of her.

Shadow pushed himself off the wall and turned to face her. He had always held a deep respect for his elders—something Maria had instilled in him. He abided by it… as long as they gave him the same respect, of course.

Camellia’s voice was soft and tender as she greeted him. “Hello… Shadow, was it?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Shadow replied.

She smiled kindly, waving off the formality.

“Oh, there’s no need for that. Just ‘Camellia’ is fine.” She tilted her head slightly. “What are you doing out here?”

“I’m waiting for Rouge and Amy to get ready before we start our investigation.”

“I see…” She gave him a small, thoughtful nod. “Well, do you mind if I join you?”

“No, you are welcome to.”

“Wonderful! Oh!” Her eyes brightened with sudden realization. “I’m actually glad I bumped into you. I was hoping we could speak in private for a moment.”

Shadow’s expression darkened slightly, sensing a more serious tone. “About what?”

“Well… it’s about Lilac.” Camellia’s voice softened. “I noticed the way she looked at you for comfort, and the way you responded…” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “Have you… have you become her friend?”

Shadow’s cheeks warmed slightly, and he glanced away, uncharacteristically flustered.

“I… Yes. I have.” His voice was quieter than he intended. “It was… unexpected, but—”

Camellia suddenly stepped closer, interrupting him. Her face was inches from his, her eyes narrowing sharply as they searched his own. Shadow’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the intensity of her gaze.

Her voice was low, almost a whisper. “Lilac is not a typical little girl.”

Shadow’s breath stilled.

“She has a longevity to her life that was granted to her by Lavender.” Camellia’s voice was firm but gentle, watching his reaction closely. “Not quite immortality, but… she will outlive every person alive today. She doesn’t keep friends for long, as they continuously outgrow her.”

Shadow’s pupils shrank. Just how old was Lilac? He knew she had some form of longevity, but he hadn’t expected her lifespan to surpass everyone else’s.

That meant she, at the least, had centuries ahead of her…

“After so much abandonment,” Camellia continued softly, her voice carrying the weight of sorrow, “Lilac never made another friend and became dependent on Lavender. She is friendly to others, yes, but anything deeper than that… she has continuously refused.” Her gaze sharpened again. “You are different. Why?”

Shadow’s throat tightened. He didn’t want to answer. He preferred to keep his immortality a private matter.

“What are you?” Her voice was firmer now, her sharp golden eyes unwavering.

Shadow slowly exhaled, reminding himself who he was speaking to. With Lilac’s parents gone, Camellia had clearly become her mother figure. Of course she would want to be certain he wasn’t a threat. After all, creatures with extended lifespans who weren’t evil were rare.

He of all people knew that. He himself didn’t exactly have… a glowing reputation.

He locked eyes with her, his voice steady. “I was created to be the Ultimate Lifeform.”

He let the words settle, watching Camellia’s expression closely.

“I’m immortal,” he added simply.

Camellia’s eyes widened.

“Immortal?” she repeated softly.

Shadow nodded, his tone flat, matter-of-fact.

“Yes. I was created to be the cure for all known diseases.” He held her gaze firmly. “I do not age, and I cannot die.”

He omitted the part about being a weapon of mass destruction, leaving out the darker aspects of his existence. Camellia might… misunderstand that part. Besides, he didn’t feel like explaining his several bouts of amnesia and redemption arcs.

Camellia covered her mouth, gasping softly.

“Another?” she whispered.

Shadow’s brow furrowed, catching the implication.

Another?

He opened his mouth to question her, but the sound of giggling made him snap it shut.

Camellia quickly composed herself, her expression smoothing into practiced ease. She turned toward the source of the sound—Rouge and Amy, chatting and laughing as they walked down the hall.

Camellia swiftly turned back to Shadow, her eyes narrowing slightly. She leaned in and whispered urgently, her voice barely audible.

“We need to speak more.” Her tone was firm but discreet, her eyes sharp with meaning. “Later. When everyone’s asleep, come and find me in the castle gardens. Understand?”

Shadow’s expression hardened, instantly serious. He gave a curt nod of agreement. He had questions, too.

And he wanted answers.

Camellia’s posture relaxed instantly, her practiced poise returning just as Rouge and Amy reached them.

She smiled warmly, waving to them. “Hello! I assume the guest rooms were to your liking?”

Rouge sighed dreamily, pressing a hand to her cheek.

“Heavenly!” she cooed. “If those were just the guest bedrooms, I can’t wait to see what the royal suites look like.”

She gave Camellia a mischievous grin. “You don’t mind if I take a few souvenirs, do you?”

Camellia laughed, clearly amused. “I figured you all would want to take something home. Yes, yes, you may. Consider it a payment for helping us.”

Rouge’s eyes sparkled with delight.

“I’m liking this place more and more…” She winked at Shadow. “I’ll definitely have to come back when you visit.”

Shadow rolled his eyes. “You will not be coming with me.”

Rouge smirked slyly, unfazed. “He says that all the time.”

Camellia laughed softly, enjoying the banter. “Ah, I knew it was a good idea for me to tag along!”

Amy perked up. “You’ll be helping us?”

“Yes, of course. Besides, I’d like to check in on Lilac…”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Let’s do that first. Grab on.”

Amy and Rouge immediately grabbed hold of Shadow’s arm, familiar with his teleportation. Camellia hesitated, her golden eyes blinking in confusion.

“He’s going to teleport us there,” Amy explained, giving Camellia an encouraging nod. “Just grab onto him and don’t let go. It’ll be quick!”

Camellia’s eyes widened slightly, but she nodded, swallowing her hesitation. Tentatively, she placed her hand on Shadow’s arm, her fingers trembling faintly. 

Her voice was barely above a whisper. “O-Okay…”

The moment her hand made contact, Shadow’s eyes narrowed with focus.

In an instant, the world around them twisted. Camellia gasped softly as her surroundings blurred into a swirl of yellow and black. Her stomach flipped, and her ears popped as the pressure shifted. She caught the faint scent of ozone, sharp and electric.

Just as suddenly as the atmosphere changed, it stilled.

They landed.

Camellia stumbled slightly as her feet touched solid ground.

Her eyes were wide with surprise. “O-Oh, wow…” She placed a hand to her head, trying to steady herself. “That was… interesting.”

Rouge gawked at the room before her. “That’s just another Tuesday for us. Now this room… this room is what’s interesting! Oh my Chaos!”

Lilac’s room was large and circular, the ceiling curving upwards to a point where a grand crystal chandelier hung. The chandelier’s crystals were tinted in a myriad of magentas, pinks, and yellows, creating a prismatic shimmer that danced across the room. Lilac vines and flowing fabric cascaded from the ceiling, with some slivers of cloth hanging high above like delicate streamers. Stained-glass windows dotted the walls, their colorful panes opened slightly to allow a steady breeze to flow through. The gentle wind caused the fabric to sway softly, giving the room an ethereal, dreamlike quality. 

The limestone brick walls were adorned with shelves packed with stuffed animals, dolls, and trinkets. The dark oak floor was etched with floral designs, swirling intricately across the polished surface.

At the room’s center, a large lilac flower pattern was surrounded by mysterious symbols from a foreign language. On the right side, large balcony doors stood open, revealing a view of the gardens. To the left, smaller doors led to an adjoining bathroom. 

Rather than traditional furniture, the room was filled with plush, feather-stuffed pillows of various sizes. Some were scattered loosely, while others were gathered into cozy pillow forts. In the center of the room, against the wall, Lilac’s bed was nothing more than a large pillow mound, topped with smaller pillows and soft blankets. Beside the bed, on a small table, sat a delicate pot of lilac flowers. The pot’s crystalline material glimmered faintly, reminding Rouge of the same crystal that had enveloped Lavender.

Rouge’s gaze softened as it fell upon the bed. Lilac lay curled up, sniffling softly into a pillow. Her fluffy tail was tucked between her legs protectively. Gone was the ruined pair of purple pajamas she had worn on the ship. Now, she was dressed in a simple blue pajama gown, with fresh white gloves and socks.

Rouge smiled faintly, realizing that Shadow must have changed and cleaned her, explaining his delayed return to the group. The cozy blanket cocooning Lilac confirmed that he had also tucked her in, making sure she was comfortable. Her heart swelled at the sight. 

She glanced at Shadow knowingly, her eyes glimmering with amusement. He met her gaze for only a brief moment. Then, with a faint blush, he quickly turned his head away.  Rouge stifled a snort, shaking her head in mild exasperation.

The group approached the bed quietly, careful not to scare the distressed kitten. Camellia moved ahead, stepping softly to the edge of the pillow bed.

Her voice was gentle and motherly as she spoke. “Darling… it’s Camellia.”

Lilac peeked out from behind her pillow, her golden eyes red and puffy.

Her voice was cracked and weak as she whimpered. “I-I just want m-my sister back…”

Camellia extended her arms. “Come here, darling…”

Without hesitation, Lilac scrambled toward her, practically diving into her embrace. Camellia steadied herself as the small child buried her face against her chest. Her arms wrapped around Lilac securely, holding her close. She began to stroke Lilac’s head soothingly, her fingers threading gently through her fur. Her voice was low and comforting. 

“I know you miss Lavender,” Camellia murmured, her voice soft with empathy. “But you must remember not to lose your temper like that.”

Lilac sniffled softly, her small hands clutching at Camellia’s shawl. “I know…” she whispered brokenly.

Camellia gently tilted Lilac’s head upward, her fingers beneath her chin. Their eyes met.

“You are a princess of Lotus Island,” Camellia reminded her softly. “While you’re entitled to be angry—enraged, even, at Parsley’s lack of action in protecting his beloved—you must control your temper. Stop and consider the possibility that Parsley not being involved in the fight may have been Lavender’s wish.” She brushed her fingers along Lilac’s cheek. “After all, wouldn’t you want the ones you love to be kept out of harm’s way?”

Lilac’s eyes fell, her gaze dropping to the bed. She fidgeted slightly, Camellia’s words weighing heavily on her young mind.

Her voice was barely a whisper. “I guess so…”

As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door.

The voice behind it was muffled but familiar. “Lilac? It’s me, Parsley. Can I come in?”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed, immediately locking onto the door. He hadn’t forgotten Parsley’s odd behavior at the table earlier.

Rouge noticed the shift in Shadow’s demeanor instantly. She became serious, recognizing the look in his eyes. She had seen it many times before. Shadow’s instincts were rarely wrong.

Lilac glanced at Camellia, silently seeking permission. Camellia nodded softly before standing and moving to the door. She opened it, gesturing for Parsley to enter.

Parsley stepped inside, but paused slightly. His gaze flicked briefly to Shadow, Rouge, and Amy. For a fleeting moment, his easy smile tightened ever so slightly.

Shadow didn’t miss it.

His eyes hardened as he glared at Parsley. The prince bristled under his gaze and turned his head away without a word. The brief, tense exchange was over in a heartbeat.

Parsley approached Lilac, keeping his voice gentle. “We need to talk about what you said…”

Lilac turned away, crossing her arms. 

Her voice was tight with hurt. “I don’t want to.”

Parsley sighed softly, his expression earnest. “Would you like to know what really happened?”

Lilac glanced at him briefly, but refused to speak. Camellia, despite her protective instincts, held her tongue. She knew interrupting now would only ruin Parsley’s chance at reconciliation.

Parsley smiled nervously, his voice trembling ever so slightly as he began. “Well… when the attack happened, I ran as fast as I could to Lavender’s room.” His hands fidgeted in his lap. “When she saw me, she told me to leave and find you… to make sure you were safe.”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed subtly. His gaze flicked toward Camellia, catching the faintest furrow in her brow. Her expression was briefly confused, almost as if the details in Parsley’s story didn’t match something she remembered.

That made Shadow’s suspicions rise.

Parsley’s nose wrinkled slightly, and his eyes blinked rapidly as though he were holding back tears. “I wanted to stay, Lilac. I really did. But I trusted Lavender to know what was best.” He lowered his head, his shoulders trembling ever so slightly. “So, I was hoping I could make sure you were safe first… and then return to protect her.”

Lilac’s pupils shrank. Her eyes widened in horrified realization. 

Her voice was barely a whisper. “You… you couldn’t protect Lavender because y-you couldn’t find me…”

Shadow, Rouge, and Amy stiffened. A cold chill crept down their spines.

What exactly was he trying to imply?

Shadow’s sharp gaze drilled into Parsley, catching the tiniest of tells. The tears Parsley was forcing back… They weren’t there.

Not a single tear.

Parsley gasped softly, raising his hand in a placating gesture.

His voice was quick and soothing. “No! Lilac—no! That’s not what I meant!” He reached for her hands, clasping them in his own. His voice lowered, remorseful. “I should’ve known better… Camellia is your caretaker; I should have made sure she had you before heading back to Lavender.” His voice hitched slightly, as if weighed down by regret. “But… I didn’t. And… I failed.” He bowed his head slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, Lilac…”

Lilac’s lips quivered. Her small hands trembled in his grip. Her eyes squeezed shut as she shook her head vehemently.

Her voice cracked with guilt. “Don’t apologize! Please!”

She lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Parsley’s neck.

Her voice shook, muffled against his chest. “I-It’s not your fault! You were just doing what my sister told you!” Her fingers clung tightly to his cloak. “I-I’m sorry for being so mean…”

Parsley exhaled softly, his hands stroking her back comfortingly.

His voice was soft and soothing. “I’m glad you feel that way…” His hand gently patted her back. “You are so forgiving, Lilac.”

Lilac sniffled. 

Her voice was small and uncertain. “A-Am I, really?”

Parsley chuckled softly, his voice warm and affectionate. “Yes, of course.”

Slowly, he pulled back. His hands gently grasped her shoulders, guiding her back to sit on the bed.

His smile was reassuring as he spoke. “I’m glad we were able to settle this, Lilac…” His eyes softened with warmth. “But I should really get back to Lavender and stand guard. It’s the only way I can think of… to make it up to her.”

Lilac smiled faintly, nodding through her tear-stained face. “Okay, Parsley…”

Once Parsley left, the room was heavy with silence. For a long moment, no one spoke.

Then, Shadow’s low voice cut through the stillness.

“Please excuse us, Camellia.” His tone was firm. Commanding. “I need to have a word with Amy and Rouge. We’ll be right back.”

Amy blinked, confused. “Huh? What? Why?”

Rouge’s expression hardened. She immediately understood his tone.

Once Camellia nodded in acknowledgement, he turned away and strode toward the balcony. Rouge and Amy exchanged glances, then quickly followed him outside. They closed the doors behind them.

Shadow frowned as he moved to the ornate balustrades, leaning on them with his forearms. “Something’s off about Parsley. I’ve got a bad feeling.”

Amy hopped onto the balustrade next to Rouge. Both women sat comfortably—Rouge crossing her legs and leaning her cheek against her hand.

Amy’s feet swung idly as she asked, “So, what do you feel?”

Shadow huffed, his voice low and tight. “It started with how he acted in the dining room.” His eyes narrowed slightly as he stared off into the distance, recalling the scene. “He had this look in his eyes, like his mind was somewhere else. I don’t know if it was boredom or nerves, but that’s what got my attention.” He scowled faintly. “Then, when he walked in and saw us, he looked surprised. It was like…”

Rouge tapped her chin thoughtfully, finishing his sentence. “Like he expected her and Camellia to be alone.”

Shadow grunted softly, confirming her suspicion. “Exactly.”

He gripped the balustrade a little tighter, the steel edge in his voice returning. “Then came that pompous way he snapped his head away from me…”

Amy fiddled with her fingers, her tone playful but uncertain. “Well, you were glaring at him a little…”

Shadow scoffed. “I was sending a message.”

His expression darkened. “And his story was too perfect.” He turned slightly, locking eyes with both women. “It matched exactly with the assumptions Camellia told Lilac—almost like he was listening in. It’s possible he arrived after we did, which explains his surprise after he saw us and why his story lined up with Camellia’s words.”

Rouge’s brows furrowed slightly.

Shadow’s eyes hardened. “Camellia had this look on her face—confused. She didn’t expect what he was saying. That’s suspicious.” His voice lowered, almost a growl. “Then he took it a step further. He sounded like he was trying to blame Lilac for him not being able to protect Lavender. He was implying it was her fault. Like he was trying to take the heat off himself so Lilac wouldn’t press him further.”

Rouge’s expression darkened slightly, her lips pursing. “It was definitely not the best choice of words…”

Shadow’s voice dropped lower, a dangerous edge bleeding into his tone. “And then there was his lack of tears.”

Amy’s expression softened slightly, her voice gentle but hesitant. “I agree, but… Well, people cope differently. Maybe he’s just not a crier?”

Shadow shook his head slowly, eyes narrowing. “No, that’s not what I mean. Remember his face? It was like he was trying to cry. Trying to force the tears—but they wouldn’t come.”

Rouge held her chin in thought, her mind carefully analyzing his words.

After a moment, she spoke. “Maybe we should ask Camellia what she witnessed during the invasion,” she suggested, her voice measured.  “Then steer the conversation toward Parsley. She might tell us more about him.”

Amy’s eyes widened slightly, curiosity sparkling in her gaze.

She hopped off the balustrade, eager. “I agree! Now I’m curious!”

Rouge slipped off gracefully, her movements fluid and elegant. 

She smirked slyly. “Curious about another man? Looks like ‘Big Blue’ has some competition…”

 Amy gasped dramatically, feigning offense.

She placed a hand over her chest in mock indignation. “I would never betray Sonic!”

 Shadow rolled his eyes at their banter, his patience wearing thin. Without a word, he turned and strode toward the door, his boots heavy against the stone. He swung the door open wide, letting the two women hurry inside behind him. Ignoring their complaints about his lack of chivalry, he scanned the room swiftly.

His eyes immediately locked onto the large pillow fort in the corner. He approached it and crouched down, peering inside—and instantly spotted Lilac and Camellia. Lilac’s small face lit up the moment she saw him.

Her voice was bright and eager. “Shadow! Come inside! It’s cozy!”

Shadow’s stern expression softened, the corners of his mouth twitching faintly toward a small smile. He nodded softly and slipped inside the fort, lowering himself onto the floor. Amy and Rouge quickly followed, slipping in beside him. In front of them, three pillows were neatly arranged, clearly prepared just for them.

Lilac beamed proudly, her voice bright and cheerful. “Shadow gets the red one, Rouge gets the pink one, and Amy gets the blue one!”

Naturally, the three complied without complaint. Once settled, Shadow’s crimson eyes flickered toward Camellia.

His voice was low and steady. “Camellia…”

The older woman glanced up, her sharp, aged eyes locking onto his.

“We wanted to ask about what happened that day. The day of the attack.”

Camellia’s back straightened slightly, her shoulders tensing. For a brief moment, her eyes glazed over with distant memories. It was as if she were staring into the past.

Amy frowned sympathetically, her voice soft. “You don’t have to—”

Camellia suddenly raised a hand, cutting her off.

“No.” She took a steady breath. “It’s alright.” Her fingers clenched slightly in her lap. “It’s important that you all know what happened…”

She paused briefly, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, they were clear and steady. The tale replayed in her mind’s eye as she began to speak.

——— ˗ˏˋ ✮ ˎˊ˗ ———

Camellia ran through the castle as battle raged outside. She dodged falling debris from the crumbling walls and ceiling, the result of exploding bombs and projectiles. Her aging knees protested with every movement, but the adrenaline coursing through her veins made it easy to ignore the pain. She was desperate to find the princesses.

She had been their caretaker since the Queen and King died forty-five years ago, adopting a stepmother’s role for them. She wasn’t their biological mother, but in many ways, she felt like one. Her maternal instincts were undeniable—if she didn’t care for them so deeply, she doubted she’d be running through the chaos now.

An explosion from the direction of Lavender’s tower rattled the ceiling above her. Camellia sprinted forward just in time to avoid a falling beam. She gritted her teeth in frustration, cursing her frail body. She used to spar with the Queen and Lavender often and had once been an impressive combatant. But now, at her age, she was useless. It was infuriating.

She shoved the feelings aside and focused on the one thing that mattered: her children were in danger.

When she reached Lavender’s tower, her heart sank—the entrance to the large spiral staircase was blocked by rubble. From above, she could hear the clash of steel and the crackle of magic.

Lavender’s yells and grunts echoed down the tower, and Camellia’s fur stood on end, her protective instincts flaring. She longed to protect her princess, but she couldn’t—not with the rubble in the way. She couldn’t use her vines to swing to the balcony either—those days were far behind her. Instead, she placed her faith in Lavender’s strength and turned back, stepping carefully over the scattered debris, desperate to find Lilac.

“Lilac!” she called, her voice raw from overuse. 

She sprinted toward the throne room, her heart thundering in her chest. At last, she spotted Chrys sprinting toward her, Lilac clinging to his arm. The kitten’s eyes were wide with terror.

“Camellia!” Chrys shouted, his voice sharp with urgency. “Take Lilac to the safe room, now! We’re under attack!”

Without waiting for a response, he thrust the trembling kitten into her arms.

Camellia cradled Lilac protectively against her chest. “Of course! What will you do?”

Chrys’s face hardened with resolve. “Fight.”

Her eyes widened with worry. “I’ve seen the enemy from the windows. You can’t!”

Chrys shook his head, his voice unwavering. “Do not argue with me, Camellia. I’m a soldier of the royal guard. You will take the princess to safety while I find Lavender and protect her. Go!”

Reluctantly, Camellia obeyed, clutching Lilac tightly as she turned and fled. The kitten squirmed in her arms, crying out for her guard.

“No! Chrys!” Lilac sobbed, reaching back toward him.

Camellia ignored her pleas, though she couldn’t help but share her fear. Chrys was a formidable fighter—the only one on the island who could match Lavender in strength and skill. But still, she worried for him. She knew he was strong, but her protective instincts refused to be quieted.

She burst through the doors of the royal library and immediately ran to one of the bookshelves. With a swift pull on an unassuming book, the shelf tilted forward with a quiet click. The hidden door swung open, and Camellia hurried inside, shutting it securely behind her.

Panting from exertion, she finally took a moment to breathe. She placed Lilac down carefully, brushing her fur back into place.

“We have to go back!” Lilac pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation. “Chrys needs help!”

Camellia shook her head firmly. “No, darling. His job is to protect us. He will be okay. I promise.”

“But—!”

Camellia silenced her with a sharp look.

Lilac’s lip quivered, and she lowered her gaze. Tears welled in her golden eyes.

Camellia’s expression softened. She scooped the young princess back into her arms and walked down the short hallway to the safe room.

It was a large chamber built with layers of stone and reinforced metal. Inside were two cots, a table with two chairs, a toilet, and crates of supplies that could sustain them for weeks if necessary. It wasn’t much—and certainly not befitting royalty—but it was designed for protection. Everyone knew Lavender would never need it, so it was understood that Lilac and a caretaker would use it in times of danger.

The two barely had time to settle before they heard the sound of fighting outside the false door. Lilac instinctively dove into Camellia’s arms, trembling with fear.

“Don’t worry, darling,” Camellia soothed, gently petting the kitten’s head. “They don’t know this room exists.”

But her words felt hollow when she heard voices drawing closer. Her ears flattened, and the sense of danger grew stronger. The bookcase was seamlessly integrated into the room—so well-hidden that no one should have noticed it. Once someone was inside, the tilting mechanism became disabled, making the book look like any other. The only way to open it would be for Camellia to unlock it from within.

The safe room’s existence was a secret, known only to family members, caretakers, and the captain of the royal guard. No one else was supposed to know. Yet, as she listened to the sound of tapping, inching closer, Camellia’s confidence wavered.

The taps became deliberate thuds—solid and hollow. Then came a series of quick, successive beeps, growing faster and faster. Her instincts screamed at her to get down.

Without thinking, she shoved Lilac beneath her and shielded the princess with her body. The beeping reached a climax—a single, sharp tone—and then an explosion tore through the room.

The door burst open, and debris from the blast pelted Camellia. Warm blood trickled down her cheek. Her head throbbed painfully, and she realized she’d been struck by a jagged fragment of stone. She could already feel the bruises forming.

Blinking through the stinging pain, she looked up—and her heart stopped.

Mechanical soldiers marched toward them, their steel bodies glinting coldly in the dim light. Her tail puffed out in fury, and her motherly instincts surged to the surface. With a low, animalistic hiss, she placed her hand on the stone floor, preparing to fight.

Her mind screamed at her to move quickly. She prayed she could take down both of them.

Before she could strike, a thick vine shot out from beneath her, piercing straight through one of the soldiers. Camellia’s eyes widened in shock. She glanced down—and saw Lilac’s tiny hand outstretched, trembling with effort.

“Don’t hurt my mama!” Lilac screamed.

Camellia’s breath caught in her throat. Her chest tightened as a wave of emotions surged through her—shock, love, and fierce protectiveness. Tears stung her eyes. That was the first time Lilac had ever called her “mama.”

The moment distracted her—and that was her mistake.

Her grip on Lilac loosened, and the kitten seized the opportunity. With a sudden burst of strength, Lilac shoved her off. Camellia stumbled sideways, her hip slamming against the rough stone floor. Pain jolted through her, but she barely registered it.

She stared in disbelief as Lilac stood, her small arms outstretched again, commanding the vines to strike. The thorned tendrils shot forward, slamming the remaining soldier against the wall. The impact crumpled its mechanical frame, clearing a path to the door.

Lilac turned to face her. Her golden eyes were solemn and determined—far too mature for someone so young.

“I’m sorry, mama,” she whispered softly. “I have to help.”

Camellia’s eyes widened in horror. “Lilac, no—!”

But before she could stop her, Lilac blew a soft breath toward her face.

The sweet, floral scent of lilacs filled Camellia’s senses. Her limbs instantly weakened. Her vision blurred. The last thing she saw was Lilac’s trembling face—the tears streaking her cheeks—as she slipped into darkness.

——— ˗ˏˋ ✮ ˎˊ˗ ———

“I-I just wanted you safe, Camellia…” Lilac’s voice was barely above a whisper as she hugged her knees to her chest. Her golden eyes, usually so bright, were dull with guilt. “I thought… if I fought, then maybe I could save everyone…”

Camellia’s expression softened. 

With a gentle sigh, she slid her arm around Lilac’s shoulders, pulling her close. “I know… and that was quite the trick you used to put me to sleep. Did Lavender teach you that?”

Lilac fidgeted, her small hands twisting nervously in her lap. She avoided Camellia’s gaze, her eyes flicking toward the floor. 

“No, um… I read it in a book,” she admitted. “Lavender had it open on her desk, and I took a peek…”

Camellia’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “I thought you disliked studying?”

Lilac puffed out her cheeks, pouting. “I don’t like my lessons.”

The older woman exhaled softly, relenting. It was clear they’d had this conversation before. Like most children, Lilac hated structured learning.

Before Camellia could tease her further, Shadow’s voice cut through the quiet. His tone was calm but curious.

“What about you, Lilac? What happened after you left Camellia?”

At his question, Lilac’s pupils contracted slightly. She pulled her knees in tighter, her small frame curling inward.

Her voice came out small and shaky. “Well… I know a big metal soldier took me. It asked who I was, and I said I was the princess… Then it put me in… uh… a big… container thing. Then there was smoke, and I think I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was in that Eggman guy’s lab, and… and then he…”

Her breath hitched. Her hands trembled slightly, and her eyes began to unfocus as the memories threatened to drag her back.

But before she could spiral, she felt a hand gently settle on her head.

Startled, she glanced up. Shadow’s crimson eyes were calm and steady, grounding her. His hand was warm—solid and reassuring.

“You don’t need to go further if it hurts too much,” Shadow said softly. His voice was surprisingly gentle.

Amy’s heart swelled at the sight. She wondered if this was a glimpse of the Shadow Maria had once known.

Lilac’s tense shoulders slowly relaxed. She peeked up at him, comforted by his presence. Tentatively, she placed her tiny hand over his, holding it tightly.

“No, it’s okay,” she whispered, shaking her head softly. “It hurts, but… it has a happy ending.”

Shadow’s brow quirked slightly. “A happy ending?”

Her lips twitched into a faint, bittersweet smile. “Eggman tried to make me use my powers, but I wouldn’t let him.”

Her voice grew steadier, more resolute. Her golden eyes hardened with determination—a look Camellia immediately recognized as one of Lavender’s.

“I fought as hard as I could. I escaped whenever I could… just so I could find a way out…” But then Lilac’s expression darkened, her tiny fists clenching against her knees. “He started giving me the smoke that made me sleep every time I ran away. Then he said if I wouldn’t help him, he’d steal my magic instead.” Her voice trembled slightly, but she pushed through. “He put me in something that woke me up by shocking me and… and taking my magic.” Her voice cracked. “I was… asleep… for a long time. When I woke up, Sonic and Tails had found me and I was in a hospital. I got scared and tried to run away again, but then…”

Her anger melted away, replaced by a soft, wistful smile as she turned her gaze toward Shadow.

“Shadow saved me.”

The black hedgehog’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard.

Lilac’s voice grew lighter, as if reliving the moment brought her peace. “The Restoration people tried to take me, but Shadow didn’t. He became my friend instead!”

Without warning, she flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

Shadow stiffened. His ears burned slightly, and the faintest hint of color appeared on his cheeks. He sat still, unsure of how to react to the small child clinging to him.

Rouge and Amy shared a knowing glance. Their eyes softened at the sight, and they exchanged fond smiles.

Shadow, catching their look, shot them both a sharp, silent glare—a clear warning. But the gesture only made them giggle quietly in response.

Camellia’s eyes glimmered with warmth. 

She placed a hand over her heart, relief and gratitude washing over her. “I’m glad someone was looking out for you, Lilac.” She met Shadow’s gaze with quiet sincerity. “I’m sure Lavender would love to thank you personally, Shadow.”

The hedgehog blinked, clearly caught off guard. He quickly turned his face away, suddenly finding the far wall of the pillow fort very interesting. His ears burned hotter, and he gave only a slight nod in acknowledgment, avoiding Camellia’s gaze altogether.

Rouge let out a quiet, amused huff, recognizing his rare bashfulness. Still, she knew it was time to shift gears. Her expression grew serious.

“Camellia,” she began carefully, “there’s something I’ve been wondering since you told your story.”

Camellia met her gaze with interest. “Yes?”

Rouge’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Is it well known that, in a state of emergency, both princesses are supposed to be escorted to the safe room?”

Camellia nodded without hesitation. “Yes. Everyone who knows of the safe room is aware of that procedure. Though, it’s mostly for Lilac’s safety rather than Lavender’s.”

Rouge’s eyes glimmered with sharp calculation. “And who exactly knows about it?”

Camellia furrowed her brow slightly but answered without suspicion. “Well… there were the Queen and King, of course. Then there’s myself and Chrys. Naturally, Lilac and Lavender are aware as well.” She paused, her voice growing heavier. “Lastly… Parsley was informed once he was engaged to Lavender.”

Rouge’s expression darkened. “I see.” She crossed her arms, the gears turning in her head. “Tell me, what was the nature of their engagement?”

Camellia’s frown deepened slightly, caught off guard by the question. Still, she answered honestly.

“Well… Lavender had been refusing suitors for many years.” Her voice was touched with sympathy. “The throne needs a queen, a king, and an heir, of course. Eventually, her advisors arranged an engagement, which Lavender was naturally furious about.”

Amy’s hands curled into small fists. “An arranged engagement? That’s horrible…”

Camellia’s eyes softened with understanding. “It is. I didn’t agree with it. However…” She sighed, her voice filled with reluctant acceptance. “It seems Parsley learned to care for her. Lavender, on the other hand… well, she’s more… reserved about it.”

Rouge’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Lilac… does Parsley make her happy?”

The kitten’s ears lowered slightly. She dropped her gaze, staring at her knees as she hummed softly in thought.

“Lavender doesn’t like to talk about him…”

Her voice was quiet, but it was all the confirmation they needed. Shadow, Rouge, and Amy exchanged a glance.

That was a no.

Chapter Text

Sonic’s ear flicked toward the faint sound of footsteps tapping along the limestone floors. Knuckles, Tails, and Chrys heard it too, and they all turned toward the east hall. Moments later, Shadow, Rouge, Amy, and Camellia emerged. Their questioning had apparently concluded, and it seemed Lilac had been left behind to rest.

By now, the sun had set. The crystal in the room cast a soft, white glow, its shimmering brilliance sending colorful reflections dancing across the walls and floors. Within the crystal, Lavender slumbered peacefully. Her face was serene, her features relaxed, making her look as ethereal as ever.

The approaching group made their way to the top of the throne room stage, joining Sonic and the others.

Shadow crossed his arms, his expression cold and irritable. “Did you finish the device and find Eggman’s coordinates?”

Straight to the point, as usual. Shadow clearly had no patience for pleasantries.

Tails swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of the agent’s gaze. “W-Well, the device is finished,” he stammered. “We scanned Lavender’s body, and everything looks normal. As for Eggman’s coordinates… I should have them by tonight. It seems he’s tightened his security.”

Shadow huffed. “Then we’ll discuss Eggman tomorrow. What did you find out from Chrys?”

Tails fidgeted slightly. “W-Well… Chrys was with Lilac during the initial attack. He passed her to Camellia to keep her safe, then headed toward Lavender’s room. When he got there, he noticed a terrible smell. We think there might have been poison in the room, but we’re not sure what it was yet.” He paused, then continued. “Anyway, Chrys saw Lavender being chased by Eggman and followed them into the throne room. Lavender didn’t let Chrys intervene—probably to protect him from the Doctor. That was a good call, since she must have already been weakened by the poison. She was too frail to fight him.”

Knuckles scowled. “Eggman threatened to cut out the crystal from her body and leave her to die.”

Tails nodded grimly. “Yeah… but Lavender didn’t care. Eggman tried using Lilac’s kidnapping to make her surrender, but she refused. She pretended to lose consciousness and, when Eggman tried to grab her, she used Lotus Seal and blasted everyone off the island. Well… mostly everyone. Next thing Chrys knew, Lavender was trapped.”

Shadow rubbed his chin, processing the information carefully. After a moment, he gave a curt nod.

“Good,” he said firmly. His crimson eyes glimmered with cold resolve as he shifted to share his own findings. “Here’s what we learned from Camellia and Lilac.”

The group listened intently.

“Camellia tried to reach Lavender’s room but was blocked by rubble. She retreated to the throne room, where she took Lilac from Chrys. Together, they fled to the library, which also houses a secret safe room for emergencies. That’s where they hid.”

He narrowed his eyes slightly. “But Eggman’s robots found them.”

Amy’s fists clenched slightly.

“Camellia was injured in the attack, but Lilac escaped. She was captured by one of Eggman’s badniks and put into a capsule. The capsule released smoke that knocked her out—probably the same smoke you and Sonic saw when you found her.”

Tails’ ears flattened slightly at the memory.

“Eggman conducted experiments on Lilac, but she resisted. She fought him every time she could… until he used the smoke to subdue her. He shocked her awake whenever he needed her magic to power his new badnik.”

Knuckles crossed his arms, his expression grim. “So our stories match…”

Shadow’s scowl deepened. “That’s not all.”

His voice lowered, taking on a sharper edge.

“Parsley was with us too. He told us what happened when he was reconciling with Lilac. Said he was heading to Lavender’s room during the attack. When he got there, Lavender told him to leave and find Lilac—to make sure she was safe.”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I find his story highly suspicious.”

Rouge crossed her arms, her gaze calculating. “It’s too vague. And how is it that he was running to Lavender’s room as soon as the attack happened but somehow missed Camellia, who was doing the same thing?”

Camellia and Chrys exchanged tense glances.

Tails furrowed his brow, his voice hesitant. “You suspect Parsley of being the traitor?”

Shadow’s gaze was sharp and unwavering. “Yes. We don’t believe it’s Camellia.”

Sonic smirked slightly and nodded toward Chrys. “And we don’t think it’s Chrys either.”

For once, Shadow gave a subtle nod of agreement—for now. He didn’t fully trust Sonic’s judgment, but since Tails seemed just as confident, he kept his doubts to himself.

Chrys scowled darkly, clenching his fists. “And Lavender called the informant a fool when she confronted Eggman.” His voice hardened. “Which, frankly, I totally agree with. Bastard.”

Rouge’s brow arched slightly, her eyes glinting with sudden interest. “Fool, you say? Hmm… interesting.”

Amy shot her a questioning look. “Interesting?”

Rouge’s lips curled into a sly smirk. “I think Lavender was trying to tell you something, Chrys.”

She turned to Tails, her eyes sharp with intent. “Tails, you’re good with research. Why don’t we head to the library and figure out what that poison was? If I’m right… Parsley’s definitely our prime suspect.”

Tails’ eyes widened slightly, then sparkled with interest. His tail flicked eagerly. “The royal library?! Of course, I’ll help!”

Rouge grinned and ruffled his fur playfully. “Atta boy! Let’s get started—I want to get my beauty sleep.”

Camellia stepped forward eagerly. “I’ll lead you to the library!” she offered. “Please, follow me.”

The three of them exited the throne room.

Shadow turned back to the remaining group, his expression serious.

“There’s something else…” His voice lowered slightly. “Before Parsley left, he said he was returning here to guard Lavender.”

Chrys’ eyes narrowed. His voice was cold and flat. “We’ve been the only ones here this whole time.”

Shadow’s eyes hardened. “Then let’s make this quick.” He crossed his arms. “Let’s go find Parsley.”

Amy smirked, her eyes glinting with determination. “Let’s do it.”

Sonic let out an exaggerated sigh. “Finally! About time we had some action!”

Knuckles’ grin was fierce as he smashed his fists together. “Yeah! Let’s get this over with so we can rescue those civilians from Eggman!”

Chrys stepped forward, his expression hardening as he stopped in front of Sonic. Without a word, he handed him a pair of crystalline cuffs.

Sonic raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Lavender made these,” Chrys explained. “They were designed for the assassin who tried to incapacitate her and kill Lilac. They’ll nullify his powers.”

Sonic smirked and nodded, tucking the cuffs into his quills for safekeeping. “Got it!”

Chrys’ eyes darkened slightly with warning. “It’s important you get those cuffs on him,” he emphasized. “Like I explained to you, Knuckles, and Tails… Lotus Seal has two functions: Heal and Protect. Lavender is healed, so she’s still being protected from someone hostile. If that person is Parsley…”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Then capturing him and nullifying his abilities should reduce his threat level enough for the Lotus Crystal to release Lavender. Understood.”

Chrys smirked faintly. “Good. Give him hell.”

Shadow’s lips curled slightly at the corner—a rare, fleeting smile. He liked Chrys’ attitude.

Amy drew a stick from her quills and pressed a button, extending it into her piko hammer. “We sure will!”

With curt nods, they headed off, leaving Chrys behind to guard Lavender.

Alone, Chrys exhaled heavily. His gaze softened as he approached the crystal. Gently, he placed a hand against its smooth surface.

“Let’s hope we’re right… we need you, Lavender,” he muttered solemnly.

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

Camellia entered the royal library, her boots softly tapping against the stone floor. Though parts of the library were in ruins, most of the books had miraculously survived. The sections that were damaged weren’t ones she considered vital—fiction could be replaced. But the records of the island’s history? Those were irreplaceable.

She smiled faintly as she watched Tails and Rouge walk ahead, both wide-eyed in awe. The sheer size of the library and its vast collection left them gaping. The space itself was simply decorated, designed with elegant dark oak wood. Camellia recalled how the King had insisted on that design, wanting the books themselves to be the true highlight. 

“After all,” he had once told her, “that’s what anyone in a library is there for—the books!”

She admired the King for that decision.

“So, what exactly are you looking for?” Camellia asked, glancing at Rouge.

Rouge placed a hand on her hip, her eyes scanning the towering shelves. She realized their search might take longer than she’d hoped.

“Well, do you have a book on plant-based poisons?” she asked casually, though her tone was laced with focus.

Camellia’s eyes narrowed slightly as she considered the request. “We have a section on poisons in Botany. Lavender needed books from there before…” She turned, gesturing for them to follow. “Come with me.”

She led them deeper into the library, toward the botany section. Rouge took note of the intricate gold-leaf detailing on the bookcases—delicate patterns of vines, leaves, and flowers swirling along the dark oak frames. Pots of vibrant iris flowers—possibly representing the librarian who once worked there—hung from baskets between the shelves. Their vines stretched gracefully from pot to pot, creating a canopy of purple blooms. The entire section had a wild, enchanting beauty.

Camellia scanned the spines before plucking a thick volume from the shelf. She read the title aloud.

“The Hidden Toxins of Nature’s Beauty.”

She turned toward Rouge and Tails, holding up the book. “This one contains every known poisonous flower. You suspect Parsley, so I’d start here.”

Rouge and Tails nodded in agreement. The trio made their way to a nearby wooden table and chairs. The table was plain, as was most of the décor, but the cushions on the chairs were surprisingly plush.

Camellia handed the book to Tails, who eagerly flipped it open. He scanned through the index before landing on the section he needed.

“Parsley flowers,” Tails read aloud, “known for their delicate white, umbrella-like clusters, are often overlooked in gardens. However, they belong to the Apiaceae family, which includes several toxic species. While common parsley is safe to eat, some of its relatives are dangerous.”

He frowned slightly as he continued.

“The plant contains irritants, which can cause skin sensitivity and other adverse effects when consumed in large amounts. It’s important to distinguish parsley from its dangerous cousin, Fool’s Parsley, also known as Hemlock, which is highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested.”

Rouge’s eyes narrowed. She muttered under her breath. “Fool’s Parsley…”

Camellia’s face paled slightly, her brow furrowing with concern. “Hemlock…” she echoed softly.

Her voice dropped to a whisper, her mind racing. “I’ve never heard of anyone on the island bearing the characteristics or flowers of a hemlock. Anyone gifted with a dangerous plant undergoes special poison training to avoid harming others. Lavender oversees that training herself, and she’s never mentioned anyone with hemlock.”

Rouge’s expression darkened. She crossed her arms, frowning thoughtfully. “See, this is exactly what I was talking about earlier.”

Camellia and Tails turned to her, intrigued.

“When Lavender called the informant a fool… and with Parsley being our prime suspect, it reminded me of a poison I encountered during a G.U.N. mission.”

Her voice took on a low, steady cadence—clinical, but filled with restrained emotion.

“I was investigating the poisoning of a G.U.N. ally.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “I can’t say who, but I had to retrieve their body and assist the coroner in identifying the toxin that killed them. The toxicology report was clear: Fool’s Parsley, or Hemlock.” Her eyes flashed with quiet anger. “It’s an incredibly deadly poison. The symptoms matched what Lilac went through—muscle paralysis, vomiting, tachycardia, respiratory failure… cardiac arrest.”

Her throat tightened at the memory of the tale of Lilac’s suffering. The little girl had fought so hard—and died—before Lavender’s magic revived her. Rouge’s fingers curled slightly into her gloves.

Tails’ ears flattened slightly. “Would there be a section about it?” he asked softly.

Rouge exhaled slowly and nodded, flipping through the pages with precise fingers. “There should be. It’s a well-known poison. Let’s see…”

After a moment, her eyes narrowed as she found the relevant section. She began reading aloud.

“Hemlock flowers are infamous for their deadly toxicity. These plants produce clusters of small white flowers that resemble those of carrots or parsley. Hemlock has a distinct musty odor, often compared to mouse urine, which helps with identification.”

She glanced at Tails and Camellia briefly, then continued.

“The stems are hollow, marked by purple splotches, and the leaves are finely divided, resembling fern fronds. Symptoms of hemlock poisoning include weakness, nausea, a quickened heart beat, cramps, confusion, and suffocation, which can quickly lead to death if untreated.”

A heavy silence fell over them.

Camellia’s face paled further, her voice barely above a whisper. “When a child on this island is born… the Lotus Crystal gifts them with the abilities of a flower. That’s how we get our names…”

She met Tails’ eyes, her voice trembling slightly. “Which means Parsley… isn’t Parsley.”

Tails’ breath hitched slightly. He felt the blood drain from his face as he finished the thought for her, his voice low and grim.

“His name is Hemlock.”

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

Chrys sat in front of the crystal, his eyes tracing over Lavender’s peaceful form with concern. His frown deepened as he reached out, placing a hand gently against the smooth, glowing surface.

He had known Lavender since he first auditioned for the guard. As he grew older and he rose through the ranks, their bond had strengthened. They had sparred together countless times, working side by side to hone the powers she had been gifted by the Lotus Crystal. She had been there for him through it all—she had even attended his wedding to his late wife, standing proudly among the guests. And when his two boys were born, Lavender had arrived just in time to hold them in her arms, smiling with genuine joy.

She wasn’t just his princess—she was his close friend.

To watch her fall like this—to stand by helplessly as she was brutally attacked, then forced to imprison herself—it was a pain Chrys struggled to put into words. He had witnessed her sacrifice so much. Her people. Her kingdom. Even her own sister.

No one else could understand why she had made those choices.

They only saw the results—the consequences. But Chrys knew the burden behind them. They were just a few of the many impossible decisions Lavender had been forced to make as ruler. Decisions that came with no easy answers.

He glanced at her slumbering form, his expression grim. If the crystal was somehow lost, their island’s hope would die with it. Everyone who had been captured would remain enslaved, and the odds of rescuing them would dwindle to nothing. She had to seal herself and the crystal away to give them a fighting chance.

At least… that was what they had believed.

If only they had known about Sonic and his fellow heroes.

Chrys sighed softly. He doubted Lavender would have chosen to seal herself if she had known these mainland Mobians existed. From what he had seen, they were more than capable of saving the day—no matter how dire the situation.

Suddenly, his ears twitched. His sharp feline senses picked up the faint sound of something crinkling and crackling.

He blinked, frowning.

“What’s that noise?” he muttered, glancing around.

He turned, his sharp eyes scanned the throne room, searching for the source. But nothing seemed out of place.

Then it came again—faint, brittle cracking, like the splintering of glass.

Chrys’ ears swiveled sharply toward the sound. His eyes widened.

He sprang to his feet, his muscles tense with alarm.

Crack.

The sound came from behind him. His head snapped around, and his breath caught in his throat.

His eyes locked onto the crystal.

A tiny fracture had formed in its once-flawless surface, a jagged line barely visible against the soft glow. His breath hitched as he watched the fracture slowly, steadily grow.

“Stars… it can’t be…” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

The crack deepened, splintering further as thin lines branched outward. The crystal’s magic flickered faintly, dimming ever so slightly.

Chrys’ eyes widened further in realization. His voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.

“It is Parsley.”

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

The group decided to split up. Shadow and Sonic took the east side, while Amy and Knuckles covered the west. Their communicator bracelets were at the ready, ensuring they could call for backup the moment one of them spotted Parsley.

So far, the search had proven difficult. The castle was vast, and its countless rooms made tracking a single individual a challenge.

“Man, this is tough…” Sonic whispered, attempting to make conversation as they walked down yet another corridor.

Which was a mistake.

“Shut your mouth.” Shadow’s voice was a low hiss, dripping with irritation. “Tails might let you ruin recon, but I will not.”

Sonic pouted, rolling his eyes. Typical Shadow. Still, he couldn’t resist the urge to mess with him.

A smirk tugged at Sonic’s lips as a realization hit him. “So… You wanted to be on the east side… Is that because of Lilac?”

Shadow growled softly, shooting a glare over his shoulder. “Yes. You happy now?”

Sonic blinked, caught off guard. “Wow, you admitted it?”

“At this point, it’s obvious that she and I are friends.” Shadow turned away, his voice flat with indifference. “So yes. Now, will you drop it?”

“No way! That’s sooo cute!” Sonic teased, barely able to contain his amusement.

Shadow’s teeth clenched. He was about to snap back when his gaze dropped to the floor. His eyes narrowed.

A small tuft of white fur rested against the stone tiles.

Without a word, Shadow crouched and plucked it from the ground.

“Looks feline to me…” Sonic observed, his playful demeanor shifting to something more serious.

Shadow’s eyes hardened. “I concur. He was on the east side earlier, so this could be old… but considering no one saw him in the throne room, he must still be in this part of the castle. Let’s keep looking for—”

“Wait! Look… there’s another one!” Sonic interrupted, pointing ahead.

Shadow scowled at the interruption, but followed Sonic’s gaze. Another tuft of white fur lay further down the corridor.

They walked over to it cautiously—then froze.

Voices.

The two hedgehogs pressed their ears against the door next to them.

Parsley’s voice.

The door wasn’t fully closed. Carefully, they pushed it open just enough to peek through the crack.

Their eyes widened.

Parsley was inside. And he was speaking to someone through a communicator resting on the coffee table.

Eggman.

“So, they’ve been a thorn in your side for a while, I take it?” Parsley mused, casually swirling a glass of wine in his hand.

“A thorn in my side is an UNDERSTATEMENT!” Eggman roared through the device, his voice vibrating with frustration.

Parsley sat in a lavish lounge, unbothered by Eggman’s fury. The fireplace cast a dim, flickering glow, illuminating the chaise sofas and the ornate coffee table at the center of the room. A thick, expensive wool rug covered the floor, while the walls were lined with intricate bookcases adorned with red wallpaper and wood finishings. In the back of the room sat a small bar—presumably where Parsley had poured his wine.

Parsley sipped leisurely. “I see. What about the other one?” He crossed one leg over the other. “The black and red one.”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed. Hearing himself mentioned made his muscles tense with anticipation.

Eggman let out a bitter snort. “Shadow is there?! Tch… He’s an agent for G.U.N. and my grandfather’s finest creation. He’s probably figured you out by now.”

Parsley shrugged dismissively. “He disliked me the moment I stepped into the room, so you’re probably right. I’m not concerned about him, though.”

Eggman let out a questioning hum. “What do you mean?”

Parsley smirked, finishing his wine and setting the empty glass on the table. “He’s gotten close to Lilac, the little kitten you had powering that prototype of yours.”

Eggman barked out a laugh. “You must be joking!”

Parsley shook his head, the smirk lingering. “No, it’s true. And that kind of weakness is something we can exploit.” His voice darkened. “Don’t worry, Doctor. You will have the power of the Lotus Crystal.”

He stood slowly, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement.

“I just need to take care of some pests first.”

Shadow’s quills bristled. Sonic’s fists clenched. They exchanged a glance and pulled back from the door.

The door burst open, splintering against the wall.

Parsley stepped out, his expression twisted into a feral sneer. Vines slithered up from the stone floor, curling menacingly around him.

“You can’t sneak up on a feline, rodents,” he purred, his voice dripping with venom. His golden eyes gleamed with predatory delight. “I sniffed you out the moment you peeked in.”

Shadow’s fists tightened, chaos energy crackling around him. “Why let us see and hear all that, then? Why confirm you’re the traitor?”

Sonic’s legs tensed, ready for battle as he scowled at Parsley.

Parsley’s grin widened. “Because I knew you’d figure it out eventually.” He circled them slowly, the vines slithering and coiling hungrily.

“When I first saw you, Shadow, I’ll admit—I was nervous.” Parsley’s voice lowered, eyes narrowed. “The way you looked at me... I could tell you were putting the pieces together. You distrusted me from the start. Especially when it came to Lilac. So why bother hiding it?”

Sonic’s voice hardened. “Why do this? Don’t you have any loyalty to your kingdom? Don’t you love your fiancée?”

Parsley laughed.

It wasn’t bitter. It was mocking. Cruel. As if the very idea of caring for Lavender was absurd.

When his laughter finally died down, he exhaled sharply, smirking.

“My engagement to Lavender?” He shook his head. “That was nothing more than a transaction we both agreed to. A deal. She gets a suitor to produce an heir. I get power. Simple.”

His smile turned into a dark sneer.

“She, of course, wasn’t privy to the extent I was willing to go for that power.” His eyes narrowed with malicious glee. “I had no intention of sharing the throne.”

Sonic’s eyes widened in horror.

Monster.

Shadow’s voice was sharp. “How did you contact Eggman?”

Parsley’s grin widened. “Simple. I crossed the storm and seas.” His tone was smug. “There’s only one boat on this island capable of sailing through it. It was easy to get access. See, I went on excursions to the outside world often. Lavender wanted the island secluded—but I had no intention of obeying her naive rules. While at sea, I found Eggman. Coincidentally, he was trying to hunt down the Lotus Crystal… So, we struck a deal. I give him access to the Lotus Crystal and a fresh supply of ‘batteries,’ and in exchange…” He smirked cruelly. “I get the kingdom.”

Sonic scoffed. “He’ll just take the crystal for himself and destroy the island!”

Parsley’s eyes glimmered with malice. “He wouldn’t dare.”

Flowers bloomed along the vines slithering at Parsley’s feet. Yellow-green smoke began to curl from the petals.

Shadow’s eyes widened. His stomach dropped.

“Hemlock flowers,” he whispered sharply, “Not parsley… hemlock…”

“What’s a hemlock flower?” Sonic asked.

Shadow’s eyes snapped to him. “RUN!”

Without hesitation, Shadow skated off. Sonic, realizing the danger, sprinted after him.

Hemlock’s laughter echoed behind them, cruel and mocking as the vines carried him in pursuit.

“Shadow!” Sonic panted. “What are we doing?! We’re running away!”

“If we breathe in that poison, you’ll die and I’ll become incapacitated! We need to get outside!” Spotting a window at the end of the hall, Shadow shouted, “Get ready!”

They leapt—spin-dashing through the glass.

Shards rained down as Shadow caught Sonic’s hand midair, igniting his boots to slow their fall.

As they hovered, they glanced back at the shattered window.

Hemlock was still coming.

With a growl, Hemlock leapt from the window after them, his vines latching onto a nearby battlement for leverage. His boots braced against the tower wall, keeping him steady as the wind carried his noxious smoke away behind him.

Shadow quickly spotted a lower roof and landed on it, releasing Sonic. The two hedgehogs glared up at Hemlock.

“You little freak—!” Hemlock snarled.

He howled in pain as a rock slammed into his jaw. Wincing, he clutched his face and watched the stone fall below.

“Don’t talk to my best friend like that!” Sonic snapped.

Shadow blinked in surprise at the speedster’s outburst. Sure, they were cordial, but he hadn’t thought Sonic considered him a true friend. All the teasing and those hugs always felt like jokes at his expense. This… was a shock.

“You—!” Hemlock roared, thrusting his hand forward. Vines erupted from the tower, whipping toward the two hedgehogs.

Sonic and Shadow immediately leapt back, dodging the tendrils. When a particularly thick bundle shot toward them, Shadow grabbed Sonic’s arm and teleported them away. They reappeared on a nearby, higher roof, glaring down at Hemlock as he whipped around to locate them.

An audible gasp escaped the prince. “Teleportation? My, you really were created…”

Hemlock’s tail twitched excitedly behind him, his smirk revealing sharp, predatory fangs. He was enjoying this. Shadow could tell. Maybe it was something innate—something deep in his feline nature—that made him relish the chase.

Shadow’s hands clenched into fists, his rocket shoes flaring to life. Sparks of green chaos energy crackled around his fingertips. His crimson eyes met Sonic’s emerald ones. In silent understanding, they nodded. Once again, they were working as a team.

“I must admit, I’m impressed,” Hemlock purred, flexing his fingers as he summoned more vines from the tower beneath him. “Though, you’re both fools if you think you can survive a fight with me.”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the area, calculating his next move. “We’re not going to be defeated by an opponent as weak as you,” he muttered.

He knew this wasn’t going to be a simple fight. Hemlock was strong, and the poisonous flowers made the environment deadly. But Sonic had his speed and Shadow had his chaos energy. And after over a decade of fighting side-by-side, they knew they could win.

Hemlock thrust his arms forward, sending a flurry of vines at the two. Shadow summoned chaos spears, slicing through the tendrils midair. Sonic narrowed his eyes, searching for an opening. Spotting a vine Shadow had missed, he grinned.

Without thinking, Sonic jumped onto it, arms flailing to steady himself.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Shadow barked in disbelief.

“Something super dangerous and super fun!” Sonic shot back with a wild grin.

He sprinted along the vine, rapidly closing the distance between himself and Hemlock. The prince's eyes widened in brief surprise but quickly narrowed with malicious amusement. He summoned hemlock flowers along the vine, and they immediately began secreting the poisonous smoke.

Realizing the danger, Sonic took in a sharp breath and held it, speeding toward Hemlock. His eyes watered from the lack of oxygen, but he pushed through, closing the distance. With a fierce snarl, he delivered a swift kick to the prince’s head, sending him crashing onto a balcony below.

Sonic barely had time to register his victory before the vine beneath him withered away. He yelped, but before he could fall, Shadow teleported onto the battlement, reached down, and caught his hand. 

With a sharp tug, he yanked Sonic onto the ridge, scolding him as he did. “You idiot! Did you forget that he has poison gas?! Not to mention every part of the hemlock flower is toxic! Stop being reckless!”

Sonic groaned, rubbing his wrist. “Then what should I do?”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed, glaring down at Hemlock, who was already stirring below. “Leave the vines to me. I’ll draw his attention while you find an opening to snap those cuffs onto him.”

Sonic frowned, glancing at Shadow. “But you said the poison could incapacitate you.”

Shadow waved away the concern. “Unlike you, I won’t be dead. I can hold my breath longer than most Mobians. It will guarantee my victory.”

Sonic sighed, crossing his arms. “Right… okay. Let’s do this. I just gotta be sneaky!”

Shadow shot him a deadpan look.

“Hey! I can be sneaky!” Sonic argued. “I was sneaky earlier, remember? Plus, you need me to get this right, so believe in me a little, would ya?”

Shadow rolled his eyes and turned to look down at Hemlock—only to freeze.

The prince was gone.

“Hey, where did he—?” Sonic’s voice trailed off, a silly idea coming to mind. “Pspspspsps!”

Shadow slowly turned, staring at him in dumbfounded disbelief. “What are you doing?”

“He’s a CAT, bro! That had to have wor—”

Sonic’s words cut off as he spotted a vine slithering out from the limestone bricks beneath Shadow. His eyes widened.

“SHADOW!”

Shadow followed Sonic’s line of sight, immediately pushing him back. A vine lashed around Shadow’s leg and yanked him over the edge of the battlement.

“NO!” Sonic shouted, scrambling to the ridge. 

He peered over, watching in horror as Hemlock emerged from beneath the balcony, his grin dark and vicious. The cat prince dangled Shadow upside-down in front of him, his hemlock flowers blooming and secreting their toxic smoke.

Shadow held his breath.

He knew he had about 25 minutes before he’d succumb to oxygen deprivation. Despite being the Ultimate Lifeform, he was still just a lifeform, and all lifeforms needed oxygen. But with Sonic’s speed, 25 minutes was more than enough.

Hemlock’s eyes narrowed, clearly aware that Shadow was holding his breath. But before the prince could think of a way to force him to inhale, Shadow teleported, freeing himself from the vine.

Reappearing, Shadow summoned another spear and lunged. Hemlock countered with a sword of his own—crafted from woven vines. Their weapons clashed with a burst of chaos energy, sending sparks flying.

They circled each other, glaring.

With a sudden lunge, Hemlock slashed. Shadow barely dodged, blocking with his spear. Hemlock’s sword suddenly unraveled, coiling around Shadow’s weapon like a serpent. With a flick of his wrist, Hemlock yanked it from Shadow’s grasp. The spear dissolved.

Without missing a beat, Hemlock sent a barrage of sharp tendrils shooting toward him. Shadow’s rocket shoes ignited, launching him upward.

A vine snagged his leg again. Shadow inwardly cursed but smirked when he saw Hemlock grabbing the vine to reel him back in.

Shadow’s rocket shoes burst with chaos energy, dragging Hemlock into the air.

“You wouldn’t DARE!” Hemlock shouted.

Shadow’s smirk widened as he flipped through the air, swinging Hemlock around and downward. The prince slammed into the ground, creating a small crater.

Dirt and debris swirled around him as he staggered to his feet, gasping in pain. But before he could summon more vines, a flash of blue appeared at his side.

“Wha—?!” Hemlock's eyes widened as cold, glassy material snapped around his left wrist.

He snarled, pulling back, but Sonic caught his other wrist, twisting his arms behind him. With a sharp click, the second cuff locked into place.

Hemlock’s vines instantly withered. His knees buckled. The prince gasped in disbelief, eyes wide as his power drained away.

“What the hell…?!” he rasped.

“You underestimated us,” Shadow said coldly. “Even Lavender. Those cuffs were made for the traitor—for you.”

Sonic lifted Hemlock’s arms behind his back, pulling him to his feet. The prince growled but didn’t resist.

“Move,” Shadow ordered. “We’re taking you to the throne room.”

As they hauled Hemlock away, neither could hear the faint crackling sound echoing from the throne room. The crystal protecting Lavender was beginning to fracture.