The First step towards Salvation - The next piece to the Story
✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: My Yumeship story part 11 :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧
The sun rises over the hills and it's golden light spills over the valley. It is reflecting off the surface of the lake making everything seem to shimmer and glitter. The reflections covering my walls and bedspread.
I wake slowly, dragging my torso up letting everything trail behind it before opening my eyes. I am still tired but today is probably one of the most important days, the catalyst for my plan to take place and I am excited. My eyes open and I see myself in the mirror and sigh.
"Good morning Pinklette, you might wanna start looking pretty soon you have guests!" I say to myself giggling. I put my robe on and decide to at least get the boys both breakfast. I brush my hair out so it's fluffy and decide that will have to do. I leave the room into the hallway. I close the door quietly as to not wake the others when the door to Shadow's room flies open. He is raising his voice, drenched and standing in the doorway. I can't quite see him yet and that was probably for the better.
"Sonic!! Where the fuck are the Towels I left out for my shower?! You better not have..."
I hear a door open behind me with Sonic appearing with two towels out of my bedroom. He must have snuck around and used the balconies to steal the towels, the prankster. I can't help but smile. I turn around to scold Sonic. When Sonic pushes me up against the wall of the hallway by my waist, as if to protect me.
"Be careful princess, this hedgehog looks like he could be dangerous. I'll save you!" He teases laughing and winking at me before turning around to face Shadow. Sonic slings the towels over his shoulder before seeming to challenge Shadow.
"You didn't answer my question Shadow. Answer the question and you can have your precious towels back!" I hear a growl from the doorframe, Sonic blocking my view of Shadow entirely but from the slightly glimpses he is definitely naked and pissed off already.
"I can do as I please and you are making me make more work for the Princess with me dripping everywhere. Give me those!" Shadow reaches for the towels and successfully manages to snatch one from Sonics shoulder to give himself a little more modesty.
The whole time my face is bright pink and I am trying desperately to not peek.
"Tell me where you were last night and I will give you the other towel. Potentially YOU are the one making mess for the princess especially if you were out causing trouble last night!" Sonic laughs but he is serious, genuinely worried almost. I begin to try and interrupt to explain but I remember what Shadow said about wanting to keep our little moment a secret. I decide to take action though grabbing Sonic's hand to distract him and turning on the girlish charms, playing with his hand in mine.
"It's alright Sonic, I'm sure Shadow will tell you another time, just give him the towel and I will make you breakfast! What would you like? I have bacon, eggs, toast?"
Shadow sees what I'm up to and snatches the towel but his gaze on mine and Sonic's hands feels hot, like he wants to burn a hole through it. I don't notice but Sonic does quirking an eyebrow at it and meeting Shadows eyes, questioning it. I pull Sonic downstairs going on about the breakfast.
I hear the door slam upstairs as I pull Sonic to the kitchen table getting him to sit. I turn away setting up the pan and mugs for making breakfast, I just know my face is a bright pink.
"...Pinklette..." Sonic starts. I turn around immediately not hearing my old name often and it startling me a little. "Pinklette, we have been friends for long time right? You wouldn't lie to me or hide something from me now would you?" He rests his chin on his hands practically studying me. His tone changing to a smug one.
"Sonic you know I wouldn't lie unless it was important in some way."
"So what's so important you can't tell me where Shadow was?"
"Nothing."
"So you are fibbing to me?"
"No, listen..."
"No you listen Pinklette, my best friend has been acting so weird since we got here. He is so straightforward usually, our Shadow, just a sarcastic ass with an ego but he has calmed down over the years. Then we fall here and he practically snarls and snatches anytime you are close to me. You know what he said last night after you left!?"
"I wouldn't know..."
"He said that we were lucky that such a woman would take the time to look after us and that I should be a little less touchy unless I wanted to give you the message that I was interested."
"What did he mean by that?"
"Well I assume that he thinks I'm into you, but I'm not. Now I'm sure you are very pretty to someone but I don't want to be tied down especially to a princess in a dimension that is so far removed from Earth and my buddies there. I explained that to him and he has still not got it."
I look a little confused. Why would Shadow say that and then agree for us to kiss and be sweet to each other for one night if he was worried Sonic was interested? I don't know but to be honest it doesn't truly matter. I sigh walking back to the table, I ruffle his quills on the top of his head.
"Well you shouldn't have to worry for much longer I am putting in your application today and you should get approved right away, then you can both go home and forget about all this okay?"
"You really aren't going to tell me where he went then?" He laughs a little at the friendly affection.
"Nope~" I say it in a sing song way and go back to making the breakfast humming a little tune.
Shadow finally comes downstairs and immediately walks out the front door with a cigarette in his mouth.
"Have you told Shadow we are leaving today?" Sonic asks tentatively.
"Yes he helped me fill in the forms last night... fuck." I just realised that I given him some info.
"Ah- ha! So you two did see each other before going to bed! I knew it! He celebrates triumphantly.
The bacon sandwiches are pretty much done so I plate them up and start to let Shadow know to come indoors.
"Alright we did see each other before bed and we were both in good spirits, I was a good host, that's all." I smile letting Sonic think he has the scoop. As I walk out to the lounge I see that Shadow isn't on the porch swing. How odd?
I hear the back door to the kitchen go and I hurry back there.
"Oh! There you are Shadow. Breakfast is ready, come sit" I gesture to the chair beside Sonic but Shadow hesitates standing in the doorway. "Are you alright Sweetheart?" I walk a little towards him. Shadow reaches out pulling my arm closer to him then moving to place a hand on my waist as soon as I was close. My heartbeat immediately jumped, I can hear it in my ears.
"I got you something for being a beautiful I mean... good, great host to us" He says it with such honesty it makes me melt. He produces a white rose from behind his back.
"Oh Shadow you shouldn't have, that's very sweet!" I get a little flustered especially as he puts the rose behind my ear to sit in my hair.
"White roses mean peace and tranquillity. It's something I... we definitely felt here, with you. So I thought of you and brought it here, to you." He starts to get a little lost explaining his thoughts.
"I really appreciate the gift Shadow, thank you" I kiss his cheek softly in appreciation. "Now eat your breakfast before it gets cold!"
This whole time Sonic has been taking great interest in the wall and his bacon sandwich not wanting to interfere but starting to piece together something. Shadow sits beside him and I go back to making my tea pot. I turn around to ask them both what they would like to drink with breakfast not looking around with them yet.
"Well I would like a Milkshake if you have one Princess, I know it would taste soooo amazing coming from you~" I hear a slap sound and an ouch interrupting the odd-sounding sentence from Sonic.
I look around to see Sonic rubbing the back of his ear. "Fuck Shads I was just testing the theory alright? Ouch." I worry for a second that they are fighting.
"Of course Sonic, are you both alright?" I ask. Shadow sees the worry and settles my thoughts immediately.
"I don't want him to disrespect you like that Princess, you are much more than our hostess or something pretty and the annoyance should learn to say please when a lovely lady offers to make him nice things. Isn't that right Blue?" His crimson eyes flash a little brighter, what on Earth is going on here? Sonic nods.
"Sorry Princess a milkshake please..." I smile softly brushing Sonic's ear gently where it hurt from Shadow's outburst.
"I do appreciate that lovely, it's not necessary for me but thank you." I walk away to get the milk out of the to fridge calling behind me as I reach inside. "What do you want Shadow?"
"You probably, but I don't think you come with breakfast..." Sonic mumbles laughing to himself, ducking out of the way of Shadow's hand and speeding to the seat at the opposite end of the table out of harms way. I blush bright and lower my head a little embarrassed. Shadow is simply glaring at Sonic now as Sonic smiles back sickly sweet, now 100% sure that his friend for sure has a crush on me. Shadow interrupts the awkward silence with a firm hand on the table snapping me back to paying attention.
"Coffee, I would like a black coffee Princess, please." I nod. I hate to be that girl but it was the hottest thing, how I wish that table was... I mean, no I can't let my head run away with him again! I start to make the coffee and milkshake, not paying too much attention to the hushed whispers happening at the table as I was too busy daydreaming about things no princess should ever have thoughts about. Once they were ready, I bring over the drinks, reaching over the table to place Sonic's in front of him, he is still watching Shadow intensely. And placing Shadow's to his left side. I sit beside Shadow and begin pouring my own tea relaxing as soon as the warmth fills me.
"What's the plan Princess? How does this application thing happen?" Sonic asks sipping his milkshake, completely ignoring the awkwardness. I take the opportunity to change the subject though.
"Well we will go to the Palace today, hand them our forms, we wait. The queen will have an audience with us and then you two will get sent home via the teleporter. Simple and easy really." I nod, explaining it and taking another sip of tea.
"But you said your mother is looking for you? Surely she will know it's you right away?" Sonic asks.
"I will wear a cloak as a disguise but you really mustn't worry about me okay... either of you. I can handle whatever is thrown at me but the most important thing is that we get Earth's heroes back safe and sound alright?" I look between them both, Shadow looking more and more worried where Sonic seems more easy going about relying on me to get things back to the way things should be.
The next few hours fly by as I get ready to go, making sure I look perfect and have everything I need if I can't come back to my cottage for a while. Sonic and Shadow sit out on the porch swing talking the whole time, I didn't know what about but sometimes there was raised voices and sometimes they went for a small run but came back to the swing. Snippets of their conversation I heard whilst trying not to get distracted were
Sonic: You have a home, you are a hero
Shadow: It's too much to lose if it all goes wrong
Sonic: Why do you always hide this stuff from everyone, not even she knows...
Sonic: If you are fine with that, then okay but when we all fade do not expect that you will find anyone similar
Shadow: Don't be cocky, things don't always work out, that's how we got here remember?
Finally, I open my wardrobe to the part least used. The clothes from when I left the Palace. Amongst them is a long black velvet cape with a hood, it has embroidery of stars and angel wings around the hem along with my initials in script. The inside of the cape has burgundy satin and the tie to hold it closed is a a silver ornate clasp with a large satin bow overtop made from the same material as the lining. This cape meant so much to me, it was one of the last gifts my father gave me before he disappeared and would likely be a sore spot for my mother who had seen me disappear into the night in it too. I keep the hood down for now and gather all my things switching off every socket in the cottage and thanking the rooms one by one for their service to my happiness and that I hope to be back one day. I cry a little, it hurts to leave my peaceful life but it's time and situation dictates it. I walk out onto the porch both of them sat in silence now on the swing content with each other.
"You two ready to go home?" I ask cheerfully, concealing my upset.
Both the hedgehogs look around to me.
"Yeah... yeah we are ready." Shadow stands replying to me and stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray. I lock the door to the cottage.
"Then let's go shall we?" I smile, I let out my starlight manifesting horses for us all to ride to the palace. Each horse suited to it's rider. Mine is a white unicorn and Shadow and Sonic have black and grey stallions respectively.
"Oh hell yeah! I've always wanted to be a cowboy!" Sonic jumps up onto his horse with ease. I giggle and make him a little cowboy hat for the full effect. He practically yells with excitement. My starlight burns brighter as I realise that Shadow is leading me to my unicorn. He lifts me up onto it's back, I am too surprised to really stop him.
"A princess should never have to mount her horse alone, don't you think?"
"I can do it myself."
"I know you can but let me treat you as you should be treated, your majesty."
Shadow's hand slowly leaves my thigh for him to get up onto his horse too. I manifest a dark leather hat for him too as I giggle. He takes it off for a moment to look at it.
"You know that's not bad Princess, I might keep this one!" He calls to me over my shoulder.
"Believe it's yours and it will be, that's how the magic works!" I giggle and smile back at him.
"Let's go!" Sonic yells his horse already taking off ahead of us. The magic is so strong for someone who believes in it so easily. We follow him, the horses all know how to get to the palace through the fields of flowers and lush forest, up through the cobbled streets of the city until we reach the cold white stone walls of my mother's domain.
It is so quiet here, only very few guards to actually stand watch since she has sent them to look for me or stand on the borders and encroach on land in the hopes for a war. This works to our advantage but it still doesn't feel good. The kingdom isn't peaceful in my eyes until all our protectors are safe and home with nothing to fear for. A guard approaches us, a human boy of barely 18 so unsure of his station yet. Although there's very little other reasons you would want to be here. I pull up my hood and hop off the horse making them fade into stardust.
"We are here for teleportation permits, I have all the forms and a letter for the queen, please ensure she reads it." I hand it to him with both hands. He peers into my hood for a moment, trying to see my face but I step away. He nods with a short "Yes Miss" and disappears inside. I turn around, trying to sound positive. "Well shall we go inside?". I gesture to both hedgehogs to follow. I notice Shadow still has his hat I made, it makes me a little happy for him to go home with something from me, more than the memories of my kiss.
I try to stay calm as I walk up to the big oak doors. My breathing increasing with each step, the feeling of dread capturing my stomach. My mind is so focussed, I will not fail, this is the motivation, I will lead from the inside. Through the doors is a large ballroom with a gilded wall covered in murals of the history of this dimension down it's length and long decorative windows that paint the room in shining pastel colours when the sun shines through them. At this point in time, this hall contained one picture above the highly ornate throne... you know this room but Shadow had never seen this room. He looks up at the painting, his face going from relaxed to apprehensive quickly. The way his hands clench, his hardened expression and demeanour coming back. We stand at the edge of the hall, waiting for mother to appear.
"Princess is there no other way, this doesn't feel right..." Shadow whispers to me.
"I'm sorry Shadow but it's important this happens this way"
"What do you..."
The doors slam open at the top of the staircase down to the throne room. Mother appears at the top. Mother is a beautiful, statue-esque type of a woman. She wears a long back dress with golden chains connecting the fabric together almost like jewellery for her clothing. She still wears many jewels and the long fur cape to signify her status. The large golden crown sits upon her head perfectly. She is the vision of a perfect and powerful queen and her cold tone cuts through the air with authority.
"I hear that you seek passage back to Earth, Hedgehogs. Does our dimension not entice you to stay?" She laughs, stepping carefully down the steps.
"Your Majesty! We are needed on Earth at the moment and it was a complete accident how we ended up in your dimension, please forgive our intrusion, we will be very grateful to be returned to where we belong." Sonic replies back knowing my mother from before and using his rapport to get by, this was kind of what I was relying on but the confidence in which she walks with. The smug smile tugging at her lips says to me, she has already read the letter and already knows. However she glowers at Shadow seeming to have a deep seated distaste somewhere for him so she doesn't acknowledge him at all.
"I have heard and I am happy to grant you safe passage through the teleporter. Granted..." She walks closer to us looking me up and down. My hood saving me from her gaze but I can sense her toying with me through her intonation. She pets the top of my head. "Your host makes good on her promises." I breathe in, steadying my voice but not holding back on the malice within it.
"She will don't you worry."
The queen laughs fully, strutting to her throne and sitting casually on it. She clicks her fingers and some scientists bring out the teleporter into the room. Guards surround the outside of the room. I feel Shadow bristle beside me, he knows something is wrong.
"Say goodbye to your host and hop into the teleporter, your gracious queen will send you boys home~" Mother almost mocks genuine care for a moment but I will not waste this goodbye. I turn to face them as the guards corralled us closer to the teleporter and the queen.
"Well I guess this is goodbye. Thank you both for being such wonderful guests. I hope you get everything you desire and one day we can meet again." I try not to cry and I hug them both so close.
Sonic nods and whispers his thank you's. Shadow takes my hand.
"Princess... I don't know what's going on but I hope you get everything you dream of. Please don't forget me. How we felt, even if it's only for a few moments, please find it again." He kisses my hand, I could never forget it, the way my starlight glowed and my heart realising that I would feel that yearning for the rest of my life. I ached. The guards pulling them both away to the teleporter felt like it moved in slow motion.
"Bring her!" I hear my mother's command. The guards looping under my arms and bringing me closer to my mother, restraining me.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Sonic and Shadow call to me, the guards trying to hold them long enough for the teleporter to warm up.
"Oh how I have waited for your return and I am so lucky that the Hedgehog made you glow so I knew it truly was the REAL deal!" Mother stands and gets closer sliding her hands into my hood to lift my chin and meet my eyes.
"I am glad you came to your senses Pinklette... we will now have the kingdom we deserve together, you truly are a perfect martyr for this world." She says it like it's loving, like its affectionate as she slides my hood back to reveal me to her fully.
The teleporter whirs at it's full power making the room shake.
"No, no, no!" Shadow shouts, watching from afar. The glass closes around Shadow and Sonic.
"She traded herself for us! No Pinklette please!" He pleads trying to smash the glass but it doesn't break. Mother holds my face tight, making me watch my choice.
"Goodbye Shadow." I mouth to him, tears streaming down my cheeks. Green light fills the room and the two Hedgehogs are flung back to their own world. The light is so ominous when it casts a shadow over the queens face. It almost felt like my fate was sealed, I just needed to be strong enough now to enact my plan. Become their Martyr to get close and destroy their scheme from the inside.
