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Floating.
It was as if she were floating through nothingness as her lungs burned hot with desire for air. She felt no fear, though. She deserved this. She clutched the broken bracelet between her fingers, the shells cutting into the palm of her hand, musing that they had finally come full circle. Just as quickly as it came, the thought disappeared as black spots encroached her vision. She blinked them away, but the darkness came faster with each passing moment. This must have been what it felt like for him. This was how she would die.
The same way he had.
Amy's heart pounded silently in her chest as his arm brushed against hers, touch feather-light. Granted, he was close in a fighter's stance, and there was nothing romantic about the situation at all. She just couldn't help that her heart would summersault like a clumsy gymnast any time he was near. Honestly, sometimes she wished she could just work up the courage and tell him how she really felt. It certainly would be nice to get it off her chest instead of quietly pining away, only to instantly be discouraged when he called her a friend. Nothing more. A friend. She was good with friends. They had a great thing going. She didn't want to mess with the dynamic of the group. What if things changed? What if–
Sonic's panicked voice interrupted her thoughts. "Amy, look out!"
"Huh?"
When had he moved? When did the fight begin? She cursed at herself for getting so distracted. She normally was better at pushing those thoughts down, but it was getting much harder to ignore the feelings fluttering in her chest when she was near him. So much so, she hadn't noticed how close Metal Sonic had gotten to her. Her eyes left Sonic's energetic green, staring into the blood red of the robot in front of her.
"Getting careless, ho ho ho!" Eggman cackled and shoved a finger forward. "Get her, Metal!"
Amy heaved her hammer, barely getting it up in time to block his attack. She gritted her teeth, ears flaming with embarrassment as her arms shook with effort. Metal was going after her because she was an easy target. Fatally distracted. His speed knocked the hammer out of her hands.
A gasp escaped her lips as his metal claws clamped around her neck. He stole her from the ground. She clung desperately to his arms, kicking as hard as she could. Anything she could do just to get his metallic fingers off of her. It was no use; his grip was too strong. Tears burned at the corner of her eyes as she struggled for breath. Through her tears, she saw her friends watching with apprehension.
"Let her go," Sonic said, his normal carefree voice dangerously low. He sauntered forward, a confident grin etched on his face. A façade she could easily see through. His eyes darted between hers and the robot, pinched with concern. For her. She hated how happy that made her. She hated herself for being weak and in this position.
"Or what?"
Chaos, she wanted to kick that smug smile off of Eggman's stupid mouth.
"Or else I'll make him a heap of scrap metal!"
"Come a step closer and I'll make sure your little girlfriend here is never able to breathe again."
Eggman snapped his fingers. If possible, Metal Sonic's grip tightened. Her windpipe felt as if it were about to burst. A strangle cry filled her ears over the pounding of her heavy heart, and she dimly realized it was hers. Her kicking had long since ceased. It took all her willpower to hold onto his metallic arms and breathe in what little air she could. Her vision blurred, though from tears or from lack of oxygen she wasn't sure anymore.
"Amy!"
She woke drenched in sweat, startled, throat raw with screaming. Another nightmare. She had been having them a lot lately, but most of the time the images would fade out of memory the moment she opened her eyes. A feeling of melancholy settled in the pit of her stomach, tears leaking out of the corners of her eyes. She wiped them roughly with her arm.
"Amy, honey, are you alright?"
She jumped at the sudden sound, still wary after whatever dream she witnessed during sleep. Her head whirled around, eyes landing on her mom standing in the doorway. Her mother's lips were pressed together with a frown, eyebrows furrowed with concern.
Amy nodded mutely, still not trusting herself to say a word.
Her mother let out a knowing sigh, leaning against the doorframe. "I know it's early, but why don't I make you some breakfast. I don't think either of us are going back to bed anytime soon. Get dressed and I'll make you your favorite."
She looked up shyly from the comfort of her sheets. "Waffles with strawberries?"
"Of course," her mother said with a wink. "Get changed and I'll have it ready for you downstairs."
Amy watched her mother retreat from the room before plopping back down on her pillow, covering her mouth with her blanket. She stared up at the ceiling, like it could give her answers as to why she was suddenly plagued with such nightmares. Maybe she should consult her tarot cards for answers, she mused. Mind made up, she jumped out of bed, rummaging through her dresser drawer until she found the cards. She shuffled them, thinking about the hellish dreams that eluded her grasp night after night.
She laid down a card. The lovers. Her heart pounded. The color blue briefly flashed before her eyes. Then, another card. The hanged man. Sacrifice? Finally, the last one. Death reversed. She gnawed on the bottom of her lip, contemplating their meanings.
Her mother called her name, snapping her out of her trance. She blinked at the door. Breakfast! "Coming, Mom!" Amy scampered up, the cards all but forgotten on her bed.
When Amy walked into the kitchen, her mother's eyes were glued to the television, hands over her lips in worry. "Oh, dear," her mom whispered. "Look at Little Planet."
Amy glanced at the TV and gasped. The planet had been tethered to the ground near Never Lake with a giant chain. Her heart sped up in her chest. Could this be a coincidence? Her gut told her it wasn't. She had to get to Never Lake. Would her mom even let her go?
She didn't have a choice. Something was calling her. Destiny. Fate.
Something blue.
She just wanted this to end. Just let the pain end, please, she begged.
Her eyes fluttered close, arms limp at her sides. She knew he would be disappointed in her for giving up. She was disappointed in herself, but she had no strength left. No fighting power. It took what little energy she had to gasp for air. A hot, thick liquid trickled down her neck. Tears? Blood? She wasn't sure, and honestly didn't care. She just wanted this to be over.
Shouts filled her ears. Mechanical whirling. Hands touching hers. Then flying, floating, airways finally unclogged. Arms wrapped around her, folding her into a comfortable embrace. Sonic? She opened her eyes a crack, grinning green staring down at her. Then, heat. Unbearable, white heat. Their bodies tumbled through the air, arms and legs smacking into each other before they landed against what felt like concrete.
It enveloped them, pulling them under a swirling current.
This was wrong. It was entirely wrong. She found him. She finally found him, and here he was in the arms of another while she was cursed to live in a body that was too young, too small, and too late. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. It was supposed to be her, not this…this princess.
"I want to join the freedom fighters," she insisted, hands shaking in fists. She hated how her voice cracked, thick with emotion. "I can help." I can fix this. I can change fate. I can make him love me, like it was supposed to be.
But Amy knew better than anyone that fate was often cruel to those who wished to change it.
"You're too young, Amy," he said, arms wrapped around the shoulder of a beautiful chipmunk with auburn hair that tumbled to her shoulders in waves.
Princess Sally. Of course, she thought bitterly, he would go for someone like her instead of…a child like herself. She wanted to yank the hair out of her head. Scream about how this was unfair. It was all unfair.
Was this payback for what happened in a previous life?
Like a parent reprimanding their kid, Sonic added, "Besides, it's dangerous out there. Dr. Robotnik is nothing to joke about. He'll kill you without a second thought, or worse, turn you into one of his robots."
I love you, she wanted to shout. I have always loved you! I know he's dangerous. I know first hand! But instead she said, "I can be useful to you guys. I promise." She reached out to grab his hand, and he recoiled, tightening his grip around Sally's waist. An emotional gut punch that left her breathless and reeling. Quietly, she said in earnest, "I can help protect you."
"I don't need protecting. I'm Sonic the Hedgehog. I do the protecting."
"Maybe when you're older," Sally said, not unkindly. "But for now, it's simply too dangerous."
Fate was cruel. A fickle mistress, landing her here. A child. Unable to protect the man she loved. The man who saved her countless times in her dreams. Why was she so weak? Why couldn't she be stronger?
Amy shook with tears, defeated, watching the love of her life walk off in the arms of the love of his life.
"I found you, Sonic! Long time no see."
Fate was kind to her today, Amy thought with unbridled glee. She wasn't sure what she did to deserve this, but she wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. She was just thinking about how life was more fun with him and how things had been boring as of late without their many adventures together. A bird. Eggman's ship in the sky. She just knew he would be around, and she was an expert at finding her hero.
He took a step back, stuttering, "Ah…, Amy."
Undeterred, she demanded, "What's your problem?" She wished she understood why he acted this way around her. Like he was nervous. Intimidated. She was only here to help, to love him. She gestured to the bird on her shoulder. "See, this little birdie's got in trouble. I think you should be his bodyguard for a little while." The image of the robot flashed through her mind. A wave of uneasiness had her stomach churning, but she knew she was safe with Sonic around.
"What?" he exclaimed, eyebrows raised with disbelief as he took a few more steps back. "Amy, I'm trying to deal with Eggman here."
She stepped forward, hands behind her back as she leaned toward him. "Doesn't matter. We'll just tag along!"
Sonic scoffed, hand slicing the air in front of them as if to separate them further. "No way! Uh-uh." He turned on his heels and bolted.
"Come on, don't run away! Oooh!" She stomped her foot once before chasing after him, lungs bursting with excitement. Another adventure. She couldn't believe her luck. She would prove it to him this time. That she was capable of taking care of herself and him. That she could protect him like she couldn't before. She faltered, only slightly, alarmed with her thoughts. With how fiercely protective of him she was as of late. Strange dreams had infiltrated her mind while sleeping. She never remembered them when she woke up. Just that tears streamed down her face and a bone shattering sadness filled her entire being. And when she saw Sonic, professions of love would burst from her lips before she could contain it. Love at first sight, they had called it. Sad, they said, how it was unrequited.
But Amy knew better. She saw the way he would slow down, glancing back at her with a come and get me grin.
"Wait up, Sonic," she called. "Not fair! I can't run as fast as you."
He stood in front of a building as the sun fell into the ocean, colors crashing into the sky like waves on the beach. His foot tapped rhythmically on the sidewalk, hands perched on his hips. His head cocked to the side, eyes narrowing in warning.
Amy followed his line of vision. The robot from before! "Ah, look! Eggman's robot is on the loose!"
He must have heard an edge of nervousness in her voice because he said, "Don't panic! I'll handle that bag of bolts." He brought his hand up in front of him, fist ready to strike.
Amy's attention, however, was diverted by a sign. She screamed.
The annoyance in his tone was palpable. "Now what's wrong?" He peeked over at her, voice confused as he said, "Huh?"
She clasped her hands together, heart fluttering. "Look, it says cute couples get in free! What are we waiting for?" She turned and ran inside the amusement park, trusting Sonic to get rid of the robot.
"Amy! Wai-Wai-Wai-Wait!"
But she didn't. A carefree laugh toppled from her lips. This was her favorite part. The adventure. The game of cat and mouse.
Too bad it all came to an end. The robot chased her throughout the park, not Sonic. Emerging from the exit, she looked behind her. She lost sight of both Sonic and the robot.
"Phew, I'm glad we lost sight of that robot," she said to her feathered friend. "Sonic must have gotten lost, too. I'm sure we will find him soon."
A darkness covered the ground in front of her. Her heart stopped in her chest. The sun hadn't fully set yet. Only one thing could be casting this shadow. She turned around, slowly, gasping when the robot she thought she had gotten away from stood in front of her. She screamed, trying to make a run for it, but the robot caught up with her easily, stealing her in his clutches. A memory brushed against her subconscious, and an eerie feeling that she had been in a precarious situation like this before settled over her like a cold wave of water.
"Hey! Watch it, bolt brain! Let us down! Let us go!" She struggled in his grip, but he squeezed her waist tighter as he carried her away. She kicked. She thrashed her arms and fists, but his arm was extended out so she couldn't lay a single finger on him. A growl of frustration vibrated in her throat. Why couldn't she protect herself?
A flash of blue caught her attention. "Help!" she yelled at the top of her lungs, praying he could hear her. "Sonic!"
Her eyes opened a fraction, the salt water burning as she floated down, down, down. Her arms flailed in front of her, the remnants of a bracelet clutched tightly like a lifeline. It was supposed to bring Sonic luck in the water. Perhaps it would do the same for her?
She blinked, long and slow, brain sluggish. Surely she must be imagining things. There was no way Sonic was in front of her, arms outstretched, a look of concern and determination swirling in his eyes. He couldn't swim. There was no way it was him. Her mind had to be playing tricks on her. Showing her what she longed to see moments before absolute darkness.
His fingers brushed against hers. Warm. Real. This was real. He was really in front of her. Trying to save her, just like last time. Her heart gave a painful squeeze in her chest. No, you can't be here. You won't make it. Don't try to save me. I deserve this.
She tried to mouth at him to stop. To turn around and swim back to shore. But her lips weren't working correctly. Wouldn't move at her command. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she thought that at least this time he knew how she felt about him.
Maybe they would die together in this lifetime. Romeo and Juliet.
Amy ran along the hangar of the ship as dark, turbulent clouds swirled overhead. The wind whipped at her dress, her quills beating against her cheeks like sharp needles. She held Birdie gently in her arms, focused on trying to find a way off of Eggman's ship. A sense of pride welled up in her chest. She did it all by herself. She escaped. She fought off that robot. Maybe she was getting stronger. Maybe Sonic would finally respect her.
A cruel, cold voice stopped her in her tracks, sending a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the harsh wind. "Where do you think you're going, Amy?"
She looked around until he floated into view in the Eggmobile. She took a few steps back. "Eggman…no," she whispered.
He shook his head, grinning beneath his mustache. "You can't get away that easily."
But it hadn't been easy, she thought. The robot chased her the entire time. The kind robot freed her from her prison. She had help, but also had to fight along the way. Where was Sonic when she needed him? Blue and yellow appeared in her field of vision, and her heart swelled with hope.
"Sonic, help!"
"Too late, buddy," Eggman exclaimed as a robotic hand charged at her.
She flinched, expecting to be caught, but to her surprise, he went after the bird. "Birdie!" Her surprise expanded ten-fold when Eggman took a Chaos Emerald from Birdie's necklace.
Tails echoed her thoughts, "It's a Chaos Emerald!"
"I don't need you when I have this," Eggman said, holding the emerald high and proud for all to see. The sapphire blue gleamed in his hand. "Gamma!" he called, and the nice robot that had helped her escape came onto the deck.
So, he wasn't after me at all…he just wanted the emerald. He wasn't trying to use me as bait for Sonic.
The kind robot said, "At your service, sir."
"Dispose of these annoying pests. Give 'em all you got!"
"Aye, Aye, sir. Will comply." The robot shifted, pointing it's gun at Sonic and Tails as Eggman flew off to go Chaos knows where.
Sonic ran toward the robot as Amy cried, "Stop, Mr. Robot!" Without even thinking twice, she threw herself in between the love of her life and the robot who was trying to kill him. "Please, stop!"
Sonic came screeching to a halt in front of her, mouth pinched together in disdain. "Amy," he said, tone full of disbelief. His hand curled into a fist in front of her. "That's one of Eggman's clonkers. Out of my way!"
Amy shook her head no, arms outstretched. She could hardly believe herself, defending one of Eggman's robots after…after what? All the grief and strife they had always cost her? For a moment, she couldn't breathe. An image flashed before her eyes. Sonic reaching toward her before wrapping his strong, protective arms around her, but it disappeared in an instant. What was that?
But she trusted her heart, and her heart told her this time was different. "No," she shouted, shutting her eyes for a moment to stop the tears that came out of nowhere. Opening her eyes, she noticed a momentary flicker of fear in Sonic's usually brave eyes. He was still in a fighting stance. Ready to protect her. She insisted in a soft voice, "He helped me before by letting me escape. This robot is different." It isn't like before. He isn't trying to hurt me. Hurt you. "You don't need to hurt him, okay?"
A heartbeat passed between them, his eyes softening. "Amy…." He relaxed his stance, fists unfolding. "Okay, I trust you. I'll let him go then."
Her heart burst with gratitude. She reached for him, stumbling when the Egg Carrier fell.
Tails cried out, "We're losing altitude!"
Sonic looked between Tails and Amy. "We're fresh outta time! Tails, take Amy and clear out, fast!"
"But what about you?" Amy asked as Tails grabbed her hand. How would he get to the ground safely? He would crash!
He sent her a cocky grin, pumping his fist in the air. "I'll nail that Eggman! I can't let him escape."
"I knew you would save me," she called after him. "You're my hero!" If he heard her, he didn't acknowledge her. But that was okay, she thought. He had better things to do. Saving the world, and all. He would be okay. She knew it in her heart.
After all, heroes always win.
"Sonic!" Amy tried to call out, the current taking them under. Water filled her lungs as her call was deafened by the seawater. Sharp edges scraped against her back. Sonic pulled her closer, trying to cover her body with his as they rolled along with the current.
Terrified didn't even begin to describe what she was feeling. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, speeding up her already racing heart. They were going to die, weren't they? Die because she got distracted by her stupid, silly crush.
No, it wasn't just a crush, she thought. She would never get to confess her true feelings. That he was more than a best friend. She loved him. She loved him with her entire being, and he would never know.
She gripped at his arms, willing him to hear her thoughts. His frantic green eyes found her, wide with fear. Fear for her. Fear for himself. She pumped her legs, trying desperately to get them back to the surface of the water. The current was too strong. She couldn't tell which side was up or down. Her lungs burned with exertion. She screamed into the water, which was a stupid move, but her brain wasn't thinking correctly. She grabbed his face, eyes desperately searching his. I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I love you! I've always loved you!
His fingers gripped her shoulders tightly. He smiled, soft and warm, and then pushed as hard as he could. Something snatched her arm, pulling her toward the light.
No! she screamed inside her head. No, Sonic! No! Why would you do that? Why didn't you come with me?
But she knew why. They both couldn't swim against the strong current. Sonic didn't know how to swim, but he could push her to safety. He could save her, like a true hero would do.
"Go back for him!" Amy screeched once she had breached the top of the water. She coughed, retching liquid from her lungs. "Go back for Sonic!" Tears fell fat down her face, mixing with the ocean water. She clawed at the contraption holding her, nails scratching, desperate. "Leave me and save him! Save him! Sonic!"
Heroes always win the battle, but they don't always make it to the end to see it.
Never Lake was hauntingly beautiful, the reflection of the tethered planet distorted by its waves. Amy snuck out of her house with nothing but a hammer to defend herself with. She knew destiny awaited her. The tarot cards had told her that. She was destined to meet her fate, whatever it may be.
A flash of blue stopped before her in the form of a speedy hedgehog. He tapped his foot as if irritated by her presence.
A name formed upon her tongue. "Sonic!" It tasted right as she chewed it around, beaming when he quirked an eyebrow up, eyes bright with recognition.
"Do I know you?"
"Amy Rose," she said in a rush, cheeks hurting from how much she was smiling. She found him! She really found him! Her body, possessed by something, ran over and hugged him. Squeezing, holding on for dear life as if he could disappear in an instant. "Sonic," she confessed before she had a chance to think about the repercussions of what she was about to say, "I love you!"
He pushed her away, a rough sigh escaping his lips. "Another fan. Look, it's nice to meet you, but I have to go help free this planet from the clutches of Dr. Robotnik."
"I can help!" she said, eagerly bouncing from foot to foot. She showed him her hammer, grinning. "I know how to fight!"
He shook his head. "Thanks, but no thanks. I work alone. See you, Amy." He was gone before she could even blink. Wow, he was so fast!
A blush settled on her cheeks, not really believing that any of that just transpired. How did she know his name? Did she just confess her love to a stranger? Somehow, it felt right. She touched the area beneath her eyes, surprised to find them wet with tears.
She found him. She really found him, after all this time.
"Can I ask you something?"
Sonic glanced over at her, eyebrows raised. "No, I will not be your boyfriend."
She punched his arm. "Excuse you, smart mouth. I haven't said something like that in forever! I'm being serious."
He laughed, high and free like the summer wind. "Okay, okay," he relinquished, arms outstretched in front of him in surrender. "What's up?"
Amy gazed out into the shore, waves lapping against the sand. "Why are you so afraid of the water?"
Sonic plopped down next to her, a sigh heaving from his chest. "I dunno, really. I've just had this super intense fear all my life. Can't really explain it."
Amy clutched at her chest, her heart pounding heavy. "Me too."
Sonic's head twitched in her direction, eyes wide. "What?"
"I'm afraid of the water too," she admitted, glancing up at him shyly. "I've never admitted that to anyone. It's not like yours, I guess. Not that intense. But it scares me."
"I…I never knew. You swim like a pro."
She shrugged, tracing the sand with the tip of her finger. "I made myself get stronger in the water so I could protect you."
A disbelieving snort toppled from his nose. "Isn't that my line?"
She giggled, sad undercurrents floating between them. A bitter, "I suppose so," left her mouth before she had a chance to think it through. "I…I've been having these recurring dreams lately."
Sonic watched her silently, eyes never wavering from hers.
She hugged her knees to her chest, taking his silence as a cue to continue, "We're in the water after you saved me from Metal Sonic. I…we went flying into the ocean, the strong current taking us under. We…we were dying." She swallowed thickly as tears fell from the brim of her eyes. "It was so real. The fear beating like a drum in my heart. But you just looked at me calmly, even when I was panicking. You knew you weren't going to make it, but you still tried to save me." A sob wracked her body. She was too embarrassed to look at him anymore, eyes shutting. "Why am I so weak? Why can I not protect the ones I love?"
Warm, gentle arms embrace her, tugging her against his body. "Hey," he whispered against her quills, "It was just a dream. We're both safe. Nothing's gonna happen while I'm around."
He repeated those words again, barely audible, almost like he could convince himself the same.
The door opened slowly. Sonic appeared before them, eyes slanted in silent fury.
A quiet, strangled cry toppled from her lips as the harsh metal struck against the back of her head. This was all her fault. Again. Because she was weak. Pathetic. Allowed herself to be captured by a mad-man.
"Let's take care of business first, shall we, Sonic?" Eggman sneered. "Hand over the Chaos Emerald, slowly, and then we'll talk about your girlfriend, that is, if you really care for her."
Sonic's hands clenched, lips tight as if to fight back a snarl. He pulled out the Chaos Emerald, eyes widening with realization. He had a plan. She knew he would come up with something to save her. He would be okay. They both would, they had to be! His eyes locked with Tails, who nodded ever so slightly.
Eggman gestured to the ground with his gun before aiming it at the back of her head once more. "Put the Emerald down right there and back off."
Sonic smirked, eyes a deadly green as he sauntered forward. "You've turned into a big-time villain, Doctor!" The mockery was blatant in his tone to cover up the fear he truly felt at her expense.
Eggman chuckled, low and dangerous as he pressed a button. A wall of glass dropped around Sonic, enveloping him. Sonic gasped, head whirling around as he clutched the emerald in his hand.
"You thought you could trick me with that fake Emerald, didn't you?" Eggman taunted.
"So… how did you know it wasn't the real one?" Tails asked, an edge of worry encroaching his voice as his eyes cut between Sonic and Eggman.
Sonic shouted, "Tails!" He pounded on the glass with frustration.
"Because you just told me, fox boy!"
Realization dawned on Tails' face, coupled with the horror of knowing he most likely doomed his best friend.
Amy wanted to scream in frustration, but she couldn't seem to find her voice. If there were only something she could do to help.
"Now, for a little space ride…," Eggman said with glee. "The capsule clears the colony, and BAM! Bye, bye, Hedgehog."
Sonic's green eyes looked at Tails. "I'm counting on you, Tails." His eyes turned to Amy. They were remarkably calm for someone who was about to hurdle through space to his death. He opened his mouth a fraction, a look of regret passing momentarily through his features before he finally said, "And Amy? Take care of yourself." His gloved hand touched the glass, eyes never wavering from hers.
A horrified look overtook her face as she realized what was about to happen. Again. Because of her. Because of her weakness. She wanted to act, but her legs wouldn't move. Her knees were practically knocking together as her hands clutched desperately at her dress. She couldn't save him. It was her fault, her fault….
"Farwell, Sonic the Hedgehog."
She didn't even have the chance to say goodbye as the capsule went hurtling into space. Why couldn't she speak up? "Sonic!" Her legs bolted to the glass overlooking Earth. A few antagonizing seconds passed before an explosion rattled her core. No, no, no! Not again! Sonic! Eggman's voice was saying something, but she couldn't pay attention to it. Her legs buckled as she fell against the unforgiving metal, hands pressed to the glass as she cried out an anguished, "Sonic!"
Throwing her binoculars into the cockpit, Amy swung herself into the Tornado.
Tails stared at her with a bewildered expression on his face. "Huh? Amy! What are you doing?"
She could read between the lines. He didn't think she could be of any help. She glared up at him as she vehemently said, "Sonic is going to show up to help, but if he doesn't, they'll need all the help they can get."
Tails nodded, hesitantly accepting her help. "Okay," his nervous smile turned genuine with confidence as he piloted the plane. "Here we go!"
When they arrived, Amy peered out of the glass, gasping, "Sonic!" An octopus like robot had Sonic in its grasp, pulling him toward the water. Something tickled her subconscious. Something eerily similar had happened, she just knew it. She had to protect him. Save him, like had done for her. All rationality went out the window as she pushed the glass up, wind whistling in warning.
"Amy, wait!" Tails cried, but she didn't listen.
With reckless abandon, Amy jumped from the plane, soaring through the air with arms outstretched. "Let him go!" she shouted, throat raw from her battle cry. She whipped her Piko Piko hammer out of thin air, aiming for her target. No one would take her Sonic from her again, not if she could help it.
She hit the target, and the robot's arm flailed up, smacking itself in the face. The sheer force knocked it back into the ocean from whence it came. Amy glared up at Eggman, hammer poised for attack. "Keep your rotten robots away from my Sonic or you're going to be sorry!"
Sonic jumped up at once, kicking the leftover tentacle away from him. He ran off, lifting up his arm and glancing back to shout, "Thanks, Amy!" He ran up what looked like an unfinished beam, tumbling backwards through the air before curling into a ball. He hurled straight toward the newly emerged robot, hitting the critical insides, before leaving it with an explosion as it toppled back into the ocean, creating waves in its wake.
Eggman shrieked insults at him, but Amy ignored him, running straight to her love with open arms. "Sonic!"
He caught her with ease. "Whoa! Lighten up, Amy. I'm fine."
"You won this time," Eggman sneered, pointing a finger at the pair, "but I'm not through with you yet!"
"Yeah, right," Sonic called after him as he flew off, "We'll be waiting, and ready to kick your butt anytime!" He pulled back from her slightly, hands squeezing her shoulders. His features softened, emerald eyes incredulous, but also proud. "What you did back there was crazy."
"I know," she sighed with happiness, "but you make me do crazy things."
"Oh." He glanced sideways, uncomfortable.
The Tornado flew over them. "Everything okay down there?"
Sonic waved. "Yeah! Everything's fine, Tails!" Sonic released Amy, facing her. "Thank you."
"Hey!" she called, reaching out as he turned to walk away. "Sonic," she said, somewhat bashful, "this is a bracelet I made to protect you in the water." She pulled out the seashell bracelet she made for him earlier that day. She wasn't quite sure what came over her, but she knew he needed protection. Protection she couldn't always provide.
An unreadable expression passed over his face, "Oh!" Green met green, curious, wondering. "You made it…for me?"
"If you wear it, it'll bring you good luck."
"Really?" he asked, leaning forward, lips parted open with surprise. She nodded, a blush dusting her cheeks as she held it out for him. "Oh," he said again, voice laced with understanding. "Thank you. This means a lot." His fingers touched hers lightly before the ground shifted beneath them.
The bracelet flew from her outstretched fingers as Sonic caught her easily in his arms. "No, your bracelet!" she cried as another robot came forth, crushing it like her hope that this would actually work. That she wasn't doomed to be his downfall. That they could have their happily ever after for once. "I…I can't believe it." She couldn't. She wouldn't.
Sonic and Eggman swapped some teasing words at one another, preparing for another battle, but she couldn't focus on any of it. She scooped the bracelet up with delicate fingers. "I guess my charm…wasn't so lucky." Hands closed upon the shells with determination.
She saw fiery red. Anger swirled up, rougher than any current she had faced before. She didn't think. She just acted, her body moving on its own accord as she swung her hammer, a rough cry escaping her lips. "Now you're gonna pay! Don't mess with me!"
Amy quickly dismantled the robot, her hands reverberating with every hit, waves of shivers floating up her arms. She gritted her teeth, coming harder with every hit. She would make him pay. For all the suffering he caused her. For all the grief he caused. Taking Sonic away from her. Ruining her chance at bringing him luck. To change their intertwining destinies.
Fate was a funny thing, Amy thought as she flew into the sky from her last hit on the robot. She knew exactly what was going to happen before it did. Might as well take out Eggman beforehand, she mused as she swung her hammer at him, forcing him into the depths of the ocean.
With a crazed glare and cry, she streamlined her body so gravity would work faster, carrying her to him as he flailed in the waves. "Ahhh!" she screamed, throwing the entire weight of her body into one last hit.
Her body collided with unforgiving blue, the force like concrete as her lungs heaved a final breath at the force. Everything went black. His machine created a vacuum pull, and she was sucked under the waves, dizzy from the way her body hit the water, twisting beyond her control with the current.
Floating. She was floating through the water, flying. Eyes cracking open, she watched with disillusionment as Sonic floated toward her, arms reaching toward her, the sunlight casting a halo upon his body.
Did I do better this time? Did I save you? Are you here to bring me to the afterlife?
She blinked, long and slow, brain sluggish. Fingers touched hers as her eyes fluttered closed again. So life-like. So real. But it couldn't be him. He couldn't swim. Her mind was surely playing tricks on her. This was her original Sonic, greeting her, bringing her with him to the afterlife. Not her Sonic now. But his warm fingers grasped at hers, intertwining, pulling. Her heart constricted one last painful time, knowing this was real, knowing he was putting his life in danger for hers once again.
Take me instead, she begged to fate. Please save him. Please don't let my efforts be in vain.
"What's the matter, Sonic?" Amy asked, strolling over to him.
He stared out of the observation deck with distant eyes, watching Earth below them rotate on its axis slowly. "Oh, it's nothing." He looked back at her, grinning cheekily. "Come on, let's go home to the planet that is as cool and blue as me!"
Amy saw past his façade. Something was bothering him. When they finally made it home, she pulled him aside. "Sonic," she said quietly, squeezing his hand in hers once she realized he wasn't pulling away. "Can you be honest with me? What's the matter?"
He dug the top of his shoe into the ground, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. "He sacrificed himself for me. For everyone. I couldn't help him."
Ah, Shadow. She frowned. "Sonic…." Her heart panged painfully, fully aware of how sacrifice comes with a hefty price to those who were left behind.
"He told me what you said to him. How you helped him remember his true purpose."
"Oh," Amy said, cheeks pinking with embarrassment. "That was nothing. It's not like I was the one who saved the world from imminent destruction. I'm the one who always ends up captured after all. You're the real hero."
His fingers entwined with hers fully. "Don't say that."
"Say what?" she asked, breathless from the intensity that the emerald greens of his eyes held.
"Say that you're useless, because you are anything but, Amy Rose. If it weren't for you, Shadow would have never come to help, and we all wouldn't be here. You're a hero, too."
The sincerity in his voice shook her. "But…but I almost got you killed," she murmured, biting her lip, blinking furiously to keep the tears at bay. "Do you know how awful it was, to watch you die because of me again?"
"Again?" His hand stilled beneath hers. "What do you mean, again?"
"I…," she paused, eyes crinkling with confusion. "I don't know. It just came out."
Sonic stood there unusually quiet, contemplating for a moment. "I never told you this," he said slowly, deliberately, "but I used to have dreams about you before I met you."
Her head snapped up, almost colliding with his. "What?"
"I know it sounds crazy," he said with a laugh, like he couldn't quite believe it himself, "but I did. Fighting alongside each other. Fighting against Eggman. Saving you…," he swallowed thickly, voice barely audible, "saving you, unable to move in water, thinking about how at least you were safe before waking up."
Amy wasn't sure what to say to that because it sounded oddly familiar to her own dreams. The ones that always seemed out of reach, but seemed crystal clear now that he voiced exactly what she had always pictured in her mind. "I was so scared for you."
"I was scared for you," Sonic admitted. "The fear I felt when Tails radioed that Eggman had you. Walking in and seeing a gun to your head, knowing that my actions would dictate whether you survived or not. I know I always seem cool and collected, but I was freaking out. I didn't want anything to happen to you. And then, when I thought I was going to die…I couldn't even voice what I wanted to say to you."
"I couldn't either," she said in a quiet voice. "I wanted to move. Do something to help you. Say something. But I couldn't. Not back then, not in my dreams. Why am I so weak?"
He reached up, wiping a tear that cascaded down her cheek. "You're not," he said with a smile. "You're one of the strongest and bravest people I know. Trust me, I know how that hammer feels."
A laugh topped out of her mouth between a choked sob. "I want to get stronger."
"Then we will get stronger, together, alright? So, let's stop those tears. We saved the world, after all, and I'm sure the world will need saving again soon. And then? We'll be ready."
She wondered if they were doomed to repeat the mistakes of their pasts. If fate led her to him every life because she was the reason for his undoing. Could her love be a curse?
She threw herself into his arms, digging her face into the crook of his neck. "I love you," she mumbled against his skin. "I always have, and always will. I'm so sorry."
His strong arms wrapped around her, lips pressing against the top of her head as he said, "I know you do," he said. "I know you do, and there's nothing to be sorry about. I care about you. A lot."
Those words should give her comfort, but she wondered if perhaps he cared too much, putting himself in reckless danger for her sake.
"Don't."
He laughed as she pulled away. "Don't what?"
"Care about me," she insisted, hastily wiping the tears that stuck to her cheeks. "I mean it!" she said, cheeks puffing out as he laughed even harder. "Stupid!"
"What?" he chuckled, grinning. "I'm stupid for caring about you?"
"Yes! Eggman will continue to use it as a weakness against you, and you'll get yourself killed."
He tilted his head to the side, a cocky smile tugging at his mouth. "I'd like to see him try to rip us apart again." He glanced around, making sure they were alone, before his hands found their way to her cheeks. "There's no way I'm gonna let any of that happen," he said with an earnest expression. "I promise."
She nodded mutely, eyes fluttering closed as his forehead pressed against hers lightly. "Okay," she said, his breath tickling her lips. "I promise too."
Fate be damned, she thought fiercely, as his lips lightly touched hers in a sweet kiss.
"Shall we?"
Amy grabbed his hand, grinning. "Let's!"
Sonic ran at full speed, pulling her behind him. She swung her hammer at the different Badniks in their path, explosions shattering behind them in her wake. Throwing her up in the air, she gracefully spun around, swinging with all her might. The heat from the robots scorched her skin slightly as she fell. Sonic swiftly caught her in his arms before racing off again.
A freeing giggle fell from her mouth as she shouted, "Isn't this fun!" as he threw her back into the air.
"Oh, yeah!" he answered, dashing back and forth, taking out more Badniks in his gleeful fury.
Amy landed beside him. He tapped his foot, hands poised on his hips like he was bored, but she knew he really was enjoying himself by the way the greens of his eyes danced with delight at the thought of battle.
Time to voice her thoughts. "You know," she said in a sing-song voice, hands laced together as she leaned toward him, "you could do this sort of thing all the time with the resistance."
His eyes narrowed with disgust, leaning back. "Nope," he said, turning around to dash off.
"Oh, come on!" she complained, shoulders folding in on themselves, mouth turning down in aggravation as she followed him. Like she always would.
A huge robot bird flew toward them, opening its hatches to release even more Badniks. "There's no way we can get through that crowd."
Sonic agreed, "Conventionally? No." He smirked at her, rubbing his chin with his finger. "I think it's time for a croquette bomber."
She grinned back at him, readying her Piko Piko hammer. "From this distance? You are a daredevil."
Sonic wasted no time curling into a ball in front of her, performing his famous spin-dash. She closed an eye, tongue peeking out as she took aim, slamming her hammer into him as hard as she could. She viewed him soaring through the air, hitting the bird robot head on. Bullseye! The robot exploded, taking out all the Badniks with it.
"Yes!" she cheered, fist pumping. "Sonic!" Amy cried, realizing that even though they had destroyed the robot, she hadn't seen him. She raced over to the destruction, finding him laying on the ground, covered with soot. "Are you okay?"
"Hahaha!" He clutched his stomach, head falling back from his uncontrollable laughter. "You knocked me right into the power cell! What a shot!"
She beamed with pride but it quickly eased into a frown as she realized that was the last robot. "That's it for the invasion. I guess…you'll be going then…." Her heart squeezed with an onslaught of sadness. When would she see him again? Fight alongside him again?
"Yep," Sonic said, standing and dusting himself off. "It's what I do. Just keep moving, doing good, saving folks, and living as free as the wind. Living by my way. My own way."
Amy peered up at him, fondness squeezing her heart. The golden sunlight hit his fur, casting him in an ethereal glow that caused a blush to form on her cheeks. His lips were wide in a grin, eyes half closed from the sun, finger scratching his nose. Amy sighed thinking about how handsome he was.
"...A-Amy?"
His voice cut her from her daydream. She shook her head, smiling ruefully. "You're right."
"I am?" The greens of his eyes seemed to shrink with a nervousness as she grabbed onto his hands.
She smiled brightly. "It's just who you are and it's all the reasons I love you. I can't change you. I don't want to change you." She released him from her grasp after giving his hands a final squeeze. A see you later, not a goodbye.
Sonic scratched his chin, a timorous smile appearing on his lips. "Heh. Well…it's not like it's all or nothing. You could come with me, you know."
Her heart soared at his words. She had spent her whole life chasing after him. An elusive daydream, and here he was, asking her to come with him. Amy feigned indifference, hand waving in front of her as she swung her hammer over her shoulder with ease. "I can't. The resistance needs me to keep everything in order." It was true. She was an integral part of the resistance against Eggman. She added, "I've been away too long as it is. But if you don't mind some direction, Knuckles went to investigate a town to the south. I haven't heard from him so he might need your help."
Sonic saluted. "Aye, Aye, Cap'n Commander Rose, M'am!"
She snorted. "Don't make me slap you."
A fond smile pulled at the corners of his mouth before he raced off, leaving her standing, feet planted in the grass. She was disappointed, sure, but she was also giddy. To have the chance to work side by side with him, defeating Eggman's robots, and to have him ask her to come with him. She wished she could have said yes. She had dreamed her whole life of being able to go with him on his adventures, but he was right. He was the wind, wild and free, and she was a rose, grounded and secure, who could only feel the beauty of the wind in passing. But, she knew better than anyone, the wind would always come back.
And she would always be here, waiting with open arms.
"Thought I would find you here. Cream said you headed home, but I knew better."
Sonic glanced up at her, releasing bits of sand from his hands. His feet planted firmly, digging heels into the sand with no sign of running away from her. Grounded.
She sat down next to him, smoothing out her dress. "Are you okay?"
A humorless laugh fell from his lips. "I should be asking you that," he said, his eyes searching hers. "Are you?"
She nodded slowly, fingers playing her headband. Why was she so nervous? "I am, thanks to you. I guess you didn't need my bracelet to keep you safe."
He shook his head, fiddling with his glove. "I wouldn't say that. We both made it out, safe and sound." He trailed off, fingers stilling when she grabbed his hand.
Tearfully, she confessed, "I didn't think you were going to make it. The whole time I kept thinking, 'Take me instead! He can't die again, not because of me. Please just let him be okay, I'll surrender myself to you, Fate, if you just let him live.' Silly, huh?" She shook her head, squeezing his hand. "I don't even know where those thoughts came from. I…I used to have these dreams, when I was younger. Tumbling through turbulent waters. Gasping for air. Screaming as I was saved because something precious to me was left behind."
His gaze turned toward the waves lapping on shore. The sun lost its battle with the ocean, bleeding red into the sky. "It was the same for me," he confessed quietly. "The whole time I kept thinking that I needed to keep you safe again. That I couldn't let you die. That I would sacrifice myself for you…over and over again." He turned, facing her. "I don't know what it is about you that forces me to face my fears, but I will face them over and over again. For you."
A hiccup left her mouth as a tear ran down her cheek. "I don't want you to do that, though. Not for me. I don't want you to die because of me. I'm not worth it."
Sonic shook his head. "Stupid," he said, hitting the top of her head lightly, a lighthearted grin on his face. "The only one who gets to decide that is me, and I say you're worth it."
"But I'm not," she insisted, turning so her knees planted in the sand, her hands clenched at her chest. "You have to promise me that you'll never sacrifice yourself for me again!"
He ruffled her bangs. "Can't make that promise, Ames. Pretty sure I would sacrifice myself for you in every lifetime."
She stilled at his words. "What?"
"You heard me."
"You…you think we've done this before?" she asked in a hushed tone. "You believe that too?"
He rubbed his neck, lips pressed firm. "Hard to deny it, considering I had eerily similar nightmares. That our thoughts were the same earlier today. The way I feel about you." He stopped, cheeks pinking. "Er, I mean."
"You don't have to say it," she murmured, peering up at him beneath her lashes. "Not yet, anyway. I know you love me, too. I used to think I had to verbalize it all the time. Chaos, I couldn't help myself when I first saw you. It bubbled up, forcing its way out before I could stop it. Like…like some version of me was screaming, wanting to be heard. It's embarrassing," she said with a tiny laugh, "admitting deep feelings to a practical stranger."
"But we weren't. At least, it never felt that way to me."
Amy stared up into deep green eyes, a loving smile etching on her face. "No, I suppose not."
He sighed, toes tapping upon the sand as if he were rearing to go. "Er, you were cool today, by the way. Jumping from the Tornado. Defeating that robot so quickly. You've been training, haven't you?"
She beamed. "I have. I want to be useful. I want to help you fight."
He quirked an eyebrow. "But you always help."
"I always get myself into danger."
"And get yourself out of it."
"With your help," she insisted.
"Well, you helped me today, too," he said, poking her nose. "That's what friends do." He stood up, stretching. "Let's go home, 'kay?" He reached for her hand and she accepted, allowing him to pull her to her feet.
"Sonic?" she asked, grabbing his hand. "Do…do you think we beat fate today? Do you think we finally broke…broke the cycle?"
He tilted his head slightly. "I don't know, I don't like thinking about the past too much. I'd rather focus on the future. All I know is that we're alright, and we're together. Isn't that all that matters?" He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.
She sighed against his warmth, the last of the sun disappearing from view. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess you're right."
"I'm always right," he teased, grinning down at her. His lips pressed against her forehead, quick, shy, before he pulled away. "Race you home!"
She stood there, sputtering, face flaming. Did he just…? He did! She laughed, feet propelling her forward as she screamed his name with unbridled joy.
Maybe things were always meant to be this way. Maybe fate led them to this moment. And all the moments before. Maybe there was more that lay ahead for them.
Whatever came their way, she knew they would face it. Together.