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saphstories · 1 month ago

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Chapter Seven: The Third Sovereign

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A/N: If anyone needs it, Zirael: Z-ear-eye-elle. Happy reading!

I’m in trouble. Silver screamed, crashing through several walls of scorched timber and lying among the splinters in a daze.

In hindsight, openly challenging a Black Oak to battle after rescuing the cub probably wasn’t the best decision. Black Oaks were known for their strength and invulnerability, and Silver wasn’t at his best, weak from exhaustion and hunger. In his haste to protect the kid and his simmering anger, he’d been so sure he could take care of the Black Oak easily. Then…then the Black Oak had to call in reinforcements.

Now Silver was surrounded by a swarm of Black Arms, tossed around like a ragdoll. They were toying with him, playing with the battered white hedgehog like a cat with a wounded mouse. Silver trembled as he pushed himself to his feet, though his head swam and his body screamed in protest. He had to get away, escape these monsters so he could accomplish his mission and save the future. He couldn’t die-couldn’t be killed. Not here. Not now.

Claws hooked into the back of his training uniform—which now hung in bloody tatters off his body—and nicked his skin, and Silver couldn’t react fast enough to stop from being flung headlong into another wreckage. Silver groaned, his eyes rolling in his head. Black spots danced across his vision, and he could only stare regretfully as the same Black Oak he’d challenged lowered his sword so the tip rested against Silver’s heart. I’m so sorry, Mother…

Light exploded into a massive spinning golden circle above the Black Oak, and Silver gaped owlishly as a cobalt blue hedgehog in sleek metallic armor with a silvery longsword strapped to his hip dropped onto the beast’s shoulders. “Hey there, ugly!” The blue hedgehog crowed, leaning over to smirk mockingly into the Black Oak’s face. “Whatcha say you pick on someone your own size and leave my pal there alone?”

The Black Oak roared and swung for the blue hedgehog, but he vanished in a blur of blue lightning, reappearing directly in front of Silver and wagging his finger disapprovingly at the monster. “Tsk, tsk, beastie! Manners!” He winked over his shoulder at Silver, who could only stare, flabbergasted, back at him. “Don’t worry, buddy.” He grinned and glanced up, and Silver followed his gaze. From the golden circle above them, a black and crimson-striped hedgehog, a blonde coyote, a purple chameleon, a white bat, a striped lemur, a lavender cat, and a scarlet echidna dropped to the ground, each brandishing a variety of weapons and adorned in gleaming armor, and once they touched the ashen earth, the golden circle vanished from sight. “The cavalry’s come!”

“Sonic!” The red echidna glared at the blue hedgehog. “You were supposed to wait for us, brother!”

“This is an urgent mission, Knucklehead!” The blue hedgehog—Sonic?—countered, rolling his eyes. “They were about to kill him,” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder at Silver, who struggled to climb to his feet. “And you were going too slow!”

“I promised Mother and Father I would watch your back, Sonic!” ‘Knucklehead’ snapped. “I cannot do that if you constantly hare off!”

“I do not hare off-!”

“If you two morons are done,” The black hedgehog snarled and gestured irately around him at the Black Arms pack that had surrounded them all. “Might I remind you what we are here for!”

The newcomers formed a half-circle in front of Silver, a barricade of bodies between him and the Black Arms, and the Black Oak Sonic had landed on leading the squadron. The lavender cat glanced back at Silver, bright orange flames dancing along her knuckles. “Are you able to fight, sir?” She demanded. Silver wobbled on shaking legs and clenched his quivering fingers into fists, cyan light flickering around his hands. The cat pursed her lips and nodded. “Milords, Antoine,” She called, obtaining brief glances from the two hedgehogs and the blonde coyote as she stepped back to stand at Silver’s side. “I will protect the Third while you handle the Black Arms.” She informed them.

“Do you need a second, Princess Blaze?” The lemur tilted her head with inquiring violet eyes.

The cat—Princess Blaze—shook her head. “I’ll manage, Tangle, but if I do need it, you’ll be the one I shout for.” Tangle grinned and her tail excitedly whipped to and fro.

Antoine studied the Black Arms, then raised his voice in a commanding bark that rumbled through the village ruins. “Elohim!”

“Elohim!” The others—sans Sonic, ‘Knucklehead’, and the black hedgehog—shouted back.

“Elohim!” Antoine tightened his grip on his sword, the hilt gleaming in the afternoon sun.

“Elohim!” The Black Arms hissed and snarled, clawing the ground.

Antoine tipped his head back and howled, drawing his rapier and pointing it at the Black Arms. “Nissi!”

Chaos erupted. Spurred by the coyote’s howl, Silver’s rescuers surged forward and clashed with the Black Arms while Princess Blaze shoved Silver into a crouch and pointed towards a tiny but mostly-intact cabin. “There!” She hissed. “Come on!”

“We can’t just-,” Silver objected.

“We can and we will!” Blaze pushed him towards the cabin. “I have faith in Antoine and the Knights; they will handle the Black Arms! It’s you I fear for!”

Silver could hardly put up a fight after the beating he’d already received, so he bowed his head defeatedly and followed the Princess’s directions, limping towards the cabin. “Do princesses normally attend battles?” Silver asked, partly for curiosity, partly to distract himself from the pain and exhaustion.

Blaze huffed, rolling her eyes but kept focused on the task at hand: protecting this ignorant white hedgehog. “I’m but a Princess Regent, sir.” She pointed out. “Inside.”

Silver staggered through the collapsed doorway and nearly tripped over the cluttered floor. He leaned against the wall for support as Blaze stood at attention just inside the cabin, prepared to tangle with any Black Arm that found them. “Still.” He grunted. “Is it wise to come to a fight? Even if you are a skilled warrior, doesn’t that endanger the kingdom you’re regent over? What if something happens to you?”

Blaze cocked a brow. “I’m one of two Princess Regents.” She informed him. “My regency partner—Princess Regent Sally—remained behind while I joined this mission. Should something happen to me, should I be downed by our enemies today, she would still be there to lead our people.” Her tail swished, and a small smile stretched on her muzzle. “Besides, our regency will no longer be needed soon.”

Silver pressed his hand to his side and winced. “How come?”

But Blaze didn’t answer, only stared with a concerned frown on her face. “You’re injured.” She noted, then abandoned her post to come to his side. “Permission to touch you, sir?” Her amber eyes met his golden ones, and Silver nodded. Her fingers gingerly prodded his side where he had a moment prior, and Silver let out a pained hiss. “Your ribs are broken.” She commented, her frown deepening. “Do you have difficulty breathing?”

Silver intentionally made his next breath exaggeratedly loud. “No.”

“You will need a closer examination to be certain, but it doesn’t appear that your lung is in immediate danger. Try to avoid vigorous movement. I’m no combat Healer, so you will need to wait until we return to Elysia for proper medical attention.” Blaze’s tone was pinched with regret, until her ears pricked. “Though…” An orange glow encased her hand.

“So, you’re going to set me on fire instead?!” Silver lunged away from her and cried out when it jostled his ribs.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Blaze rolled her eyes. “I have complete control over my flames. I was merely going to increase the heat in my palm to ease your pain.” Silver eyed her suspiciously, but when she raised her hand towards him again, glowing like the embers of a dying fire, he relented and inched back towards her. Blaze gently pressed her hand to his ribcage, and Silver flinched at the contact. “Relax, I’ve done this many times before.” She commanded.

“Sorry.” Silver muttered.

Blaze paused. “My fire used to frighten me, too.” She confessed. “Fire destroyed what I held dearest, and I hated that I was born with such a curse. But then, I learned control, and I saw what good fire can do.” A compassionate smile that twinkled her amber eyes settled Silver’s nerves. “Fire is a tool. It can be used for great evil or great good. It levels cities, burns forests, destroys life…but it also warms homes, cooks food, even heals wounds. It’s just like anything else in this world. What matters is the intention one has when utilizing it.”

Silver grinned weakly at her. “I see why you’re a Princess Regent.”

Blaze huffed a laugh. “Thank you for your kindness, but I was not chosen for my position.” Her smile turned cynical. “I am what I am simply because I decided to stand where others would or could not. Sometimes, it isn’t about who is able or qualified, but who is willing.”

Silver bit his lip, warring with himself, but before he could decide, his golden eyes snapped wide. “Look out!” He yanked Blaze against his chest and called his shield to cocoon them, just as a massive Black Warrior crashed through the wall of the cabin and showered the room in splinters.

Blaze gaped at the shimmering cyan barrier with awed amber eyes. “Thanks.”

Silver fought to keep the shield in place despite his swimming vision. “No worries.” He wheezed.

Blaze frowned and gingerly wriggled out of his grip. Fire ignited up her arms and within her amber eyes. “My turn.” She announced and spun to face the Black Warrior, unsheathing a gorgeous silver rapier with a golden dome handguard. “Stay behind me, milord. I’ll keep you safe.” She vowed.

“Counting on that.” Silver agreed in a rough voice and lowered the shield. Then his eyes popped wide. “Wait, mi-what?”

Blaze ignored him, smirking to herself as she coated Laevatein’s blade in crackling orange flames. Her tail swished, and she crooked her fingers at the Black Warrior, that smirk plastered on her muzzle. The Black Warrior roared.

A streak of violet flew through the hole in the cabin wall with a shout and slammed into the Black Warrior. Blaze stood straight, extinguishing the flames, as the chameleon picked himself up with a groan and caught the cat’s incredulous gaze. “Espio?” She demanded.

“Princess.” Espio bowed his head, then made a face at his tanto buried deep into the Black Warrior’s hide, inky blood oozing around the hilt. “Disgusting.” He muttered, shuddering with revulsion at the squelching noise when he pulled it free. Espio glanced between Silver and Blaze with a raised brow. “Are you both alright?”

Blaze nodded. “His ribs are broken, but nothing Sarena won’t be able to patch up. How goes the fight?”

Espio cringed and gestured awkwardly out the new cabin window. “Best see for yourself.” Blaze furrowed her brow, but Espio refused to elaborate, and Blaze and Silver carefully peeked out the hole. Blaze swore under her breath.

On the bright side, the Black Arms were thinning exponentially, and Blaze was able to count off each person that attended the mission; the Knights expertly handled themselves against their foes. Flashes of blue and red vaulted through the wreckage, small explosions of scarlet light spraying ash and debris and further demolishing the village ruins.

…But it was pitifully obvious that Shadow and Sonic had no clue what they were doing, at all. Sonic rolled around, curled into a blue ball and sparking lightning off his spines, knocking the Black Arms down like bowling pins with the hope they would remain down, then clumsily slicing with Caliburn when they didn’t. The blue hedgehog caught a kick and soared, landing in a dusty heap and nearly impaling himself on Caliburn’s blade. Sonic yelped and blinding swung to defend himself, scrabbling to his feet.

Shadow wasn’t faring much better. Arondight’s point remained focused upon the ground, nearly dragging whenever Shadow called his power to rain shards of energy on his foes and using Arondight’s gold plating as a shield whenever the Black Arms survived his energy strikes. The black hedgehog failed many times to account for Arondight’s weight, the forceful swings sending Shadow careening off his feet. How neither he nor Sonic had killed themselves or others, Blaze couldn’t fathom. They were somehow worse than the most amateur Squire.

For the very first time, Blaze doubted the Prophecy. How could these two inexperienced hedgehogs be the key to saving them all when they couldn’t even handle their own Swords?! “We’re doomed.” She moaned.

“To be fair, Princess, they were only Chosen this morning and have yet to receive proper training.” Espio reasoned. “And now, with the Third,” His yellow eyes flicked to Silver, who frowned at him.

“What do you mean?” The white hedgehog demanded.

“Later.” Blaze firmly interjected as Espio opened his mouth. “When you’re safe, we’ll explain everything.” She promised.

Silver bit his lip but nodded. “I may have something to explain to you, too.” He hedged. “When it’s safe.” Blaze and Espio exchanged perplexed looks but returned their attention to the battle outside the cabin, just in time to see Tangle wind her long tail around the last Black Warrior to give Rouge an opening with her glaive. Espio shook his head, smirking lightly, when Tangle let out a whoop, flung the body into the trees, and high-fived the ECI Chief with a wide grin.

Sonic leaned over onto his knees, panting, and glanced up at Antoine. “Did we get ‘em?”

Antoine surveyed the village ruins and nodded to himself, sheathing his rapier. “Oui. Espio!” He beckoned the violet chameleon to him with a wave of his hand. “You and Tangle do a full zearch of ze village and zurroundings and are being sure there are no stragglers, oui?”

“Oui, General!” Tangle saluted and sped off, nudging Espio playfully when he fell into step beside her.

Antoine’s blue eyes shifted over the gathering group. “Iz anyone badly injured?” He demanded. His company was a mess of ash and more than a few bruises and scrapes, but each shook their heads after checking themselves over.

Espio and Tangle rejoined them a minute later. “We’re clear, General.” The chameleon announced. “Tangle and I made triply sure.”

“Merci.” Antoine’s shoulders loosened, and his hand dropped from his rapier’s hilt. “Go and fetch ze Princess Blaze and ze Third from their zanctuary, please. We need to be returning to Elysia.” Espio nodded and jogged off, and Antione sighed, regarding Sonic and Shadow with a thoughtful expression.

“What?” Shadow snapped when the coyote continued to stare.

“Forgive ze presumption, milord, but I couldn’t be helping but notice during ze battle,” Antoine mused. “How…loose ze two of you were.”

“Loose?” Sonic drily repeated and crossed his arms.

“Sloppy.” Tangle clarified.

“Tangle!” Espio groaned, facepalming upon his return with Blaze and Silver on his heels.

“Sorry,” There was no remorse in the lemur’s tone, however, but it was also without sneer or malice, so Sonic supposed that counted for something. “But it’s true.” Rouge nodded unrepentantly, and even Blaze tilted her head in agreement. It made Shadow’s blood boil, and the black hedgehog seethed. Tangle only grinned at him, unperturbed, and patted his shoulder. “No sweat, though, my lords! We’ll get you fighting fit in no time.” She cheerfully proclaimed.

“Oui.” Antoine agreed. “We have ze best Knights to instruct you in proper skill and techniques.”

“You both need it.” Rouge drawled.

“We can discuss training later.” Blaze interjected. “We need to return to Elysia now; the Third is wounded and in need of medical attention.” Silver opened his mouth to protest, to say he was fine, but his knees buckled; he would have collapsed had Espio and Knuckles not hurried to the white hedgehog’s side and propped him up between them. “Antoine, open the Portal. Let’s go home.”

“Sonic! Knuckles!”

“Ow, ow!” Sonic wriggled in Maddie’s fierce hold beside Knuckles, turning pleading eyes on Tom, and scowled when his father merely joined the embrace with Tails. “Guys, seriously, stop! We’re fine! Look at us; we’re fine!” He complained.

“Alright. Good.” Tom gently pried Maddie’s arms off their two eldest, then his expression turned thunderous, twisted with anger. “Because you’re in so much trouble!” He shouted. “We told you specifically to look after each other, and you go haring off to battle on your first day?!”

“Father-,” Knuckles tried.

“I’m especially disappointed in you, Knuckles.” Tom pointed at the echidna, and Knuckles ducked his head shamefully. “I expect this sort of recklessness from Sonic, but you’re the eldest, it’s your responsibility to take care of your brothers when your mother and I aren’t around!”

“Dad, it’s not Knucklehead’s fault!” Sonic protested, stepping in front of the echidna. “There were extending-,”

“Extenuating.” Tails quietly corrected.

“-Extenuating circumstances; he went with us because he was doing his job and looking out for me!” Sonic exclaimed.

Tom snorted humorlessly. “I figured as much.”

Sonic bristled. “I had to go; there wasn’t a choice!” He insisted.

“There’s always a choice, Sonic!” Tom snapped. “When are you gonna start using that head of yours, kid?” He gently but firmly thumped the blue hedgehog between his ears. “You could have gotten yourself, not to mention your brother, killed by going into a fight you aren’t prepared for! This isn’t robots and Eggman anymore, Sonic, but aliens Elysia hasn’t been able to defeat in 2000 years of fighting; aliens that destroyed Green Hills and nearly killed us all yesterday; and you think that just because you’re a Squire that you’re ready to take that on? Come on, Sonic, what were you thinking?!”

Sonic swallowed and stared down at his sneakers, shifting uneasily on his feet. Not even Knuckles knew why Sonic had gone on the mission to rescue the Third Sovereign; he’d just seen Sonic among the troops preparing themselves in the Armory and insisted then and there that he would be joining. There hadn’t been enough time to inform his family that things had irrevocably changed…that his destiny now factored him as a King fated to end the war they now found themselves involved in. How was he supposed to bring that up? ‘Oh, BTW, while I was supposed to be getting orientated as a Squire I was actually chosen by a sentient Sword to end the war with the Black Arms and rule over Elysia with the faker as one of the foretold Three Sovereigns.”

Tom blinked, Maddie gasped, Tails gawked, and Knuckles stared at Sonic as if he’d grown a second head. One second too late, Sonic realized he’d voiced all that out loud. Stupid thinking out loud. He scowled, then shifted again on his feet. “Yeah, so…that happened.” He chuckled nervously.

“You’re serious?” Tom demanded.

Sonic unsheathed Caliburn and held the sword out for his family to see. “Completely. And that mission Knux and I hared off on? It was to rescue the Third Sovereign from the Black Arms, because while all this was getting explained, Scratch the Prophet had a vision of the Third in trouble and said the only way to save him was if Shads and I went, too.”

Tom slowly exhaled and exchanged a look with Maddie, who pursed her lips. “And you didn’t think to tell us this sooner?” Tom crossed his arms and raised a brow.

“Things were happening kinda fast, Donut Lord, even for me!” Sonic shrugged helplessly and sheathed Caliburn. “They kinda hauled me and Shadow to the Assembly Hall as soon as we were Chosen, and Scratch got the vision of the Third while we were in there.”

“Who is it?” Tails wondered.

Sonic scoffed. “Another hedgehog, believe it or not. It’s not official yet, because he hasn’t technically been ‘Chosen’ by the Third Sword.” Sonic crooked his fingers for air quotes at the word Chosen with a roll of his eyes. “Scratch’s pretty sure it’s him, though. Poor guy got mobbed by the Black Arms; Blaze and Espio rushed him to the Sanctuary as soon as we came through the Bay.” He scrubbed at his quills, dislodging a cloud of ash. “Twan said that as soon as Sarena clears him, we’re all gonna meet at the Armory; bring him up to speed and hopefully get him Chosen by the last Sword.”

Maddie reached over and plucked a large, charred splinter from Sonic’s spines. “Might use the time for a good wash, blueberry.” She recommended, and a humored smile twitched her lips as she regarded Knuckles and his soot-stained cherry fur. “Both of you could use one.”

“Sovereigns first!” Sonic vanished in a streak of blue for the dormitory’s sole bathroom, steam wafting out from the crack beneath the door a moment later.

Knuckles rolled his eyes. “Elysia is doomed.” Tails snickered.

Silver’s wide golden eyes flicked between the gathered Court within the Elysian Palace Armory, and the white hedgehog shook his head rapidly, nearly dislodging his flicky friend from her resting place in his quills. For whatever reason, the little pink bird decided to remain with him, and Silver found himself the owner(?)/companion(?) of his very own flicky…whom he really should name. Focus, Silver! “Okay, okay, let me get this straight.” Silver held up his hands. “This is Elysia, the kingdom founded by the survivors of the Solaris Event ten years ago, which is hidden within a pocket dimension at the nexus of the universe, and you all are the Court that governs said kingdom until the Prophesied Sovereigns arrive. Which are you, you,” He pointed at Shadow—who crossed his arms—and Sonic—who grinned and gave him a thumbs up. “And apparently me, who are supposed to somehow eradicate the Black Arms and end the war, according to the Sovereign Prophecy given four hundred and thirty years ago by the Prophet Isaiah. And you want me to go down there,” He pointed down the dark corridor that led to the Sovereign Chamber. “And hope the third and final Sovereign Sword, Zirael, appears to me, and pick it up, which will Awaken some kind of dormant power in me and officially anoint me as the Third Sovereign of Elysia?”

“Well,” Captain Vector huffed. “It sounds nuts if you say it like that.”

Silver fidgeted, tugging on the hem of his new gloves. “Not as nuts as what I’m about to say.” He sighed. His flicky, sensing his unease, fluttered down to perch on his shoulder and twittered encouragingly, nuzzling against his cheek. Silver gratefully stroked her, idly noting the star-shaped white patch of down on her chest. Star… He rocked on his feet, and Star chirped, gently pecking his finger. “Alright, alright.” He grumbled. “I…wasn’t from the village you rescued me in.” Silver confessed. “I was actually looking for civilization, because I got…er…dropped in the middle of the forest.”

“Dropped from where?” Amy furrowed her brow.

“It’s not necessarily where that’s important, but when.” Silver corrected her. Puzzled expressions stared back at him, and the white hedgehog grinned awkwardly. “I’m from about two hundred years in the future…give or take a year or two.”

Stunned silence met his revelation. “Impossible.” Rotor finally whispered.

“Improbable.” Silver countered. “But, because I’m here and didn’t get blown to bits when I went through the Time Window, entirely possible.”

“Two hundred years?” Sonic poked Silver’s shoulder, and the white hedgehog batted his hand away. “Awesome!” He grinned.

Silver, however, cringed. “It wasn’t. Isn’t. Won’t be. Gah, stupid tenses.” He muttered sourly, then sighed. “The future I come from is an apocalyptic wasteland, a future where the Black Arms won the war and destroyed the world as you know it.”

Horrified silence so thick a pin drop could be heard loudly and clearly reigned in the Armory, like all the air had been sucked out of the room. “The Black Arms win the war?” Sally croaked.

Antoine buried his head in his hands. “Mon Dieu.” He whined. Vector punched the wall with a growl; Rotor patted his back, but his expression was hollow. It matched the look in Blaze’s eyes as she stared silently at nothing. Jewel was shaking her head, her wings drooping to the floor.

“It…It can’t be true…” Amy trembled, tears brimming in her eyes. Rouge gingerly put her arm around Amy’s shoulders, her face in stone but her eyes shattered like glass.

Sarena staggered; Scratch wrapped his arm around her shoulders to steady her. “Is…Is there no hope, then?” She whimpered.

“Of course there is.” Scratch disagreed, rubbing her back soothingly. “There’s always hope. Think about it: why else would Silver come back here?”

Silver gulped at the fragile hopeful gazes centered on him. Even Shadow, who displayed as much emotion as a statue it seemed, stared at him imploringly. Silver bit his lip. “In the future, there was-is-will be-whatever-a group of rebels that secretly work against the Black Arms. They called themselves Last Hope.”

“And you were one of them?” Vector surmised.

Silver slowly nodded. “I was a candidate of Last Hope, one of the few they considered sending back in time—using a Time Window—to the turning point of the war; to prevent the Black Arms’ victory and save the world.”

“I don’t understand!” Blaze threw up her hands, sparks shooting out from her fingertips and igniting in her eyes. “How could the Black Arms win the war? What could have happened to make that our future?!”

“In my time, the Sovereign Prophecy was never fulfilled, but no one could remember exactly why.” Silver answered with a helpless shrug.

“Well,” Amy began. “It’s obvious now, isn’t it? The Prophecy was never fulfilled in your future because you were born too late. Two hundred years too late. But now that Last Hope has sent you back in time, to the correct time, you’re giving Elysia the proper chance we never had before: the chance to fulfill the Prophecy and win the war! This proves you’re the Third Sovereign!”

“Now it just needs to be official.” Sally agreed.

Silver swallowed hard and glanced down the corridor. The chill wafting from the open door bristled his fur, and he forced it to lay flat. “And if I’m not?” He whispered. “What if you’re wrong? What if I’m not the Third? What if I’m just the whistle-blower, the red herring?”

“Silver, do you remember what I said in the cabin?” Blaze raised her brow.

“Of course.”

“Well,” She gestured to the corridor. “Are you willing?”

Silver averted his gaze to his fidgeting hands. This wasn’t part of the mission. He was only supposed to warn them about the Black Arms’ victory, and in doing so, save the future and the world. Accepting a position of power, a mantle of leadership, wasn’t in the cards.

Or was it? Could Amy be right? Could Silver really be the Third Sovereign, and the reason the Black Arms had been victorious in his time was because he’d been born out of time? If he were indeed Chosen by the Third Sword, then the Prophecy would be fulfilled when it had never been before. Elysia would get a real chance to defeat the Black Arms. The apocalypse Silver had come from could very well be avoided. Silver had already lived and suffered in the Helheim that was a world ruled by the Black Arms. He refused to let anyone else do the same. Not if he could help it.

There was too much at stake for Silver to be unwilling to stand now.

Silver steadied himself, steeled his nerves, clenched his fists, and stepped into the corridor. Shadow, Sonic, and the Court followed close behind as he descended further and further, the passage seemingly elongating with every step. Star chittered and orbited Silver’s head in curious circles, but never strayed far from him. His golden eyes widened slightly when the tunnel opened into a stone chamber, blinking against the late afternoon sunshine that illuminated the room and caused the golden phoenix to shimmer. “So, what-ah!” Silver yelped.

As it had before, the Phoenix’s eyes glowed brilliant gold, and from the beams flickered into existence a Sword, floating merely inches off the stone floor. A short, nearly dagger-length triangular blade of silver steel, glittering with a prominent cyan triangular diamond in the center, outlined in gold that matched the blade’s circular hilt. The blue-green diamond pommel shimmered at the end of the black grip. “Zirael.” Scratch reverently breathed.

Silver swallowed thickly, palms sweating inside his gloves, his fingers twitching anxiously, heart racing the longer he stared at the Third and Final Sovereign Sword. His Sovereign Sword. Golden eyes riddled with apprehension flicked up to the entourage, spotting only excitement, anticipation, and hope. For a better future. Silver reminded himself and reached for Zirael’s hilt, momentarily startled when the blade jumped into his hand.

The Phoenix’s wings created a maelstrom in the stone chamber, its eyes shining like twin suns, its call deafening and victorious.

Silver hardened. Translucent cyan crystal spread from his grip on Zirael up his arms and over his body, encasing him in gleaming stone from quills to heels. Silver squeezed his eyes shut, fighting desperately against the encroaching crystal that reached inside his mind, but gasped when it did not invade, but fortified, and discovered within the stone security. Patience. Tranquility. Wisdom. Justice.

“Woah.” Sonic breathed, and though Shadow loathed to do so, he agreed with the sentiment wholeheartedly. Silver was almost completely obscured from view, bathed in cyan and golden light, the atmosphere crackling with the energy of the Selection.

The golden cyan light peaked to a brightness that momentarily blinded the observers, and when their sight returned, Silver swayed on his feet, Zirael dangling loosely in his fingers. Sonic bolted and caught the white hedgehog as his knees buckled and swung one arm over his shoulders. Silver hissed, and Sonic winced. “Oh, yeah, your ribs. Sorry, dude.” Shadow rolled his eyes and marched forward to take Silver’s other side, much more carefully than Sonic had done, though Silver still flinched when Shadow touched him.

Shadow hissed, Sonic gasped, and Silver yelped. Arondight hummed against Shadow’s back, Caliburn vibrated on Sonic’s hip, and Zirael shuddered in Silver’s hand. Shadow and Sonic quickly unsheathed their Swords, and all Three’s eyes widened and jaws dropped in bewilderment at the blinding golden light that shook their Swords.

Behind them, the Phoenix screeched and beat its wings in triumph.

Henry Grace had seen many things in his many years. Wonderful things, ordinary things, and horrible things. Things no other mouse may have seen or will ever see. Things he wished he hadn’t, and things he wished he had. But the one thing he wished to see most of all, he may never. Many lived their lives waiting for this thing, hoping that one day, they would see it, and passed on still waiting.

Henry wouldn’t be like those people, those that spent their lives waiting. He had gathered many years, fought many battles, and done many great things: including but not limited to marrying a gorgeous maid and raising two beautiful daughters. The whole of Elysia had waited centuries for this one thing, the thing that would save them all, and it had yet to happen. Henry knew it would, he was a mouse of faith, but he refused to waste his life waiting. If he lived long enough to see this one thing that so many waited for… now that would be such a miraculous thing.

Henry shook his head and pushed a box of fabrics onto the shelf for inventory later that week. No sense in fantasizing on wishes and dreams when there was work to be done. So, he picked up his cane and lumbered towards the front of the boutique, but paused and frowned when the ground trembled and the shop shook. Clothing fell from the racks, mannequins toppled from their displays, even the mirrors slipped from their hooks but luckily didn’t shatter on the wooden floor. “What in heaven’s name?” Henry muttered. Earthquakes in Elysia? That was a thing Henry had yet to see.

“Henry!” Henry’s attention was yanked away from the curious quake—and the disarray of the boutique it had left—to his beautiful wife nearly tripping over the mess to get to him.

“Just a quake, Liv, nothin’ to worry over.” Henry tried to console, but Olivia grabbed his arms and yanked him hard towards the door. “Olivia! What-?”

“Come outside, quickly! You’ve got to see!” Olivia cried. Henry held tight to his cane so as not to lose it; his daughter would be furious if it happened again, blasted Healer…and followed Olivia out the door and onto the street, where it seemed all Elysia were gathered and staring, gawking, up at the sky. “Look!” Olivia pointed towards the palace.

Henry’s cane clattered to the street.

Shooting into the hazy blue sky above the palace was a shining pillar of golden light, banishing what little cloud cover had managed to pass through the Smoke Screen. Henry could only gape as minutes passed before the beacon finally faded and rescinded back into the palace.

Henry Grace had seen many things in his many years. Wonderful things, ordinary things, and horrible things. But the one thing he’d never counted on seeing, the thing many lived their lives waiting in waste for, the one thing all Elysia hoped for…Tears trickled down Henry’s whiskers, but the old mouse did not care in the slightest as his gaze dropped from the sky and to his lovely wife, weeping in joy as she curled into his side, the smile on her face through her tears one of the most beautiful sights he’d ever seen. Today, Henry saw hope return to Elysia after four hundred and thirty years…and it was the most magnificent thing he’d ever seen.

Okay, if you caught the reference between the last line of the last chapter and the first of this one you're amazing. 😂

It's a personal headcanon of mine that SCU Sonic does NOT know how to fight and of course while Shadow is better at combat, he has no clue what to do with a big heavy sword 😂😂 so the boys are gonna need lots of teaching to get into fighting shape for their kingdom. CUE TRAINING MONTAGE!!!! Hehehehe- they have NO CLUE what they getting into-

DONUT DAD AND PRETZEL MOM MY BELOVEDS. The parents are parenting~~~ ✨✨

The Sovereign Swords-- Arondight, Caliburn, and Zirael-- are indeed the same swords from Sonic and the Black Knight, only with some tweaks in design and ability to fit their roles in The Three Sovereigns! ❤😎

SOVEREIGNS!!!! ASSEMBLE!!!! Hope has returned to Elysia, and isn't that a magnificent (and dangerous) thing? 💖

Thanks so much for reading Chapter Seven of the Three Sovereigns! See you next Wednesday, 02/19, for Chapter Eight: Prepare the Way!

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saphstories · 1 month ago

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Chapter Eight: Prepare the Way

(Index/Masterpost) (Previous) (Next)

Sonic yanked the pillow over his head with a groan and curled into a ball in the center of his massive luxurious bed. Go away, go away, go away. He chanted pleadingly. In the back of his mind, he wondered the reason for his reluctance, then recalled what Sarena had said the previous night at dinner.

“The Swords didn’t just choose you as the Three Sovereigns. They used their own Chaos Energy to reach inside your souls and Awaken the dormant power sleeping within.” The Chief Healer had smirked. “The three of you are going to pass out before your heads hit your pillows, I guarantee it.” She’d been right. Sonic had staggered, dead on his feet, through his nightly routine before collapsing on his bed and crashing thoroughly into dreamland.

The knocking had yet to stop. Sonic grumbled in annoyance and snuggled into the warm silk sheets.

THWACK!

Sonic yelped and tumbled from his blanket cocoon onto the chilly hardwood floor in a tangled heap of silk and limbs. Above the blue hedgehog, a gleaming silver longsword with a glowing sapphire within its spherical golden crossguard hovered above him. “Up, Knave!” Caliburn’s fierce disapproval rang so loudly in his head that Sonic wondered if the Sovereign Sword really could speak aloud. Maybe if it did, Sonic could figure out how to shut it up.

Even so, Sonic popped up from the mess of sheets and blankets with a glower at his blade. “What part of sleeping in does no one in this kingdom understand?” He grumbled, surreptitiously rubbing his bottom where the flat of Caliburn’s blade had smacked him.

Caliburn descended to float directly in front of Sonic. “A King rises with the sun to guide his kingdom as the sun guides the world.” He lectured sternly. “And your kingdom awaits you, Knave, so up you get! You have already wasted valuable time, the other Sovereigns are most likely waiting for you! Tardiness is unbecoming of a King!”

Sonic groaned and heaved himself off the floor. He wondered if Arondight or Zirael lectured Shadow and Silver like this. It’s only been a few hours since the Swords’ sentience awakened, after the Beacon alerted Elysia that the Sovereigns had indeed arrived, but Sonic was ready to pull his quills out. Caliburn never shut up; always criticized every little thing Sonic did. He was a Sovereign, a future King, shouldn’t Sonic have the freedom to do whatever he wanted?

��Absolutely not!” Caliburn snapped. “There is much more to being a King than getting your way all the time, Knave, so get that thought out of your head this instant!”

Sonic banged his head against his wardrobe door. “My name’s not Knave.” He muttered and slammed the bathroom door before Caliburn could follow him. No one told Sonic that being Chosen as a Sovereign meant having an uppity sentient telepathic sword griping in his ears all day. Sonic heaved a sigh and dragged his feet towards the gigantic jacuzzi bathtub in the corner of the grand washroom. At least the perks were awesome. His own apartment-style suite in the Imperial Wing of the Palace, outfitted with every luxury Sonic could ever need: a sitting room, small kitchenette, private study, and gigantic bedroom with a huge four-poster bed, all decorated in hues of blue trimmed in gold. Sonic didn’t even care that Shadow and Silver had been given their own chambers in the same hall, or that Shadow had gotten the largest and grandest of the three as the future High King. Sonic had managed to pull strings and get Tom, Maddie, Tails, Knuckles, and Ozzy their own suite in the Wing, citing that as they were his family, they were technically royals, too.

Sonic sped through his bath and morning routine—ignoring Caliburn’s scoff of derision at his outfit choice of a hoodie, jeans, and his favorite sneakers—and strapped the Sword to his belt before hurrying to the door, the knocks on which had not ceased since they’d begun. “Alright, alright, I’m coming!” Sonic snapped, then paused.

A young rabbit girl with honey-colored fur, big brown eyes, a bright orange sailor dress, and a little blue creature with a big red bowtie beamed up at him. “Lord Sonic!” She cheered, then hastily dropped into a curtsy, the little creature bending over in a bow. “My name is Cream, and this is Cheese the Chao!”

“Chao chao!” Cheese chirped happily.

Cream giddily bounced in place. “We’re so happy to meet you, Lord Sonic, and can’t wait until you become King and beat those mean Black Arms and end the war-!”

“Cream, dear,” Sonic glanced down the hall to find his family, Shadow, and Silver waiting alongside a much older female rabbit with the same coloring as Cream, her darker brown hair tied back into a neat bun, who was shaking her head with a smile. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Oh, right.” Cream curtsied and Cheese bowed again. “If you will follow us, milord, we shall escort you to the dining hall for breakfast.”

“Er, thanks.” Sonic followed the little rabbit as she skipped down the hall and joined the older rabbit, grinning hopefully at her.

“How was that, Mother?” Cream whispered loudly.

Maddie hid a grin as Cream’s mother patted her daughter between the ears with a smile. “Very well done, Cream.” The matron rabbit lowered into a curtsy, smiling respectfully at Sonic. “Lord Sonic, allow me to introduce myself: I am Vanilla, the palace governess, and it is an honor to meet you, milord. My daughter is not the only one eager for your coronation in six days.”

Sonic cocked his head. “Governess?”

Vanilla nodded. “I oversee the maintenance of the palace and its grounds and supervise all staff.” She explained. “Cream is training to take my place one day. Should you ever need or want anything, please let either of us know.”

Sonic gave a thumbs up. “Will do!”

Silver’s stomach growled, and he turned hopeful golden eyes on Vanilla. “So, breakfast?” Cream giggled behind her hands, and Vanilla dipped her head and beckoned the group to follow her.

“Miss Ivy makes the best breakfasts!” Cream gushed, skipping alongside her mother. “Her pancakes are delicious, but she won’t tell me the recipe. Says it’s a ‘family secret’, even though I promised her loads of times I’d never tell anyone…”

Cream had been right. The breakfast served that morning in the dining hall had been incredible. Stacks upon stacks of pancakes oozing with golden butter and amber syrup, heaps of bacon and sausage still lightly sizzling, every method of eggs imaginable, and a variety of juices in tall crystal pitchers, joined by shiny pots of fresh coffee and steaming teas. Everyone present—Shadow, Sonic, Silver, Blaze, Sally, Tom, Maddie, Tails, and Knuckles—helped themselves to the feast with gusto. Even Shadow had enjoyed moderate portions of fried eggs and bacon with seemingly endless refills of black coffee.

“And you thought I had it bad.” Tom muttered to Maddie, pointedly sipping his own mug. Maddie just shook her head at him.

Princess Blaze cleared her throat. “I hope milords and lady rested well in their new quarters?” She prompted, gaining several nods and thanks, which she waved away. Blaze shared a look with Sally, who nodded, and both princesses rose to their feet.

“If my Lords are finished, we’ve important matters to discuss with you.” Sally requested. “Regarding the plans for the next six days until your coronation.” Shadow, Sonic, and Silver exchanged looks of surprise and confusion, but each stood and followed the regents out the door. Sonic waved over his shoulder at his family.

“Guess we all should get going, too.” Tom sighed, then grinned at Knuckles. “Wanna walk your old man down to the Knight Courtyard?”

“You’re sure you can make it to the EORTA offices on your own, Tails?” Maddie fretfully adjusted the backpack on her youngest’s shoulders.

“Course, Mom.” Tails agreed, hugging her. “I’ll see you at dinner; don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Tails was most certainly not fine. The twin-tailed fox leaned against the wall of some hallway within the Palace, huffing with exertion and absolutely and utterly lost. What was he thinking, not asking for an escort? His mother was going to have his hide, if Chief Rotor didn’t use it for some experiment first! Tails groaned and facepalmed. What a genius he was!

His ears twitched, and Tails looked up. A girl with leafy green hair and pale green skin, adorned in a dress that looked like a blooming flower in the same shades of green as her features, walked down the corridor towards him, carrying a wicker basket of tiny seedlings and humming to herself. “Hello.” Tails greeted.

The girl startled, blinking surprised blue eyes at the fox. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry!” She apologized. “I didn’t see you there.”

“It’s okay; sorry I scared you.” Tails returned. “I’m Tails.”

She giggled and waved at his namesakes. “Fitting.” She approved. “My name is Cosmo; I’m the palace gardener.”

Tails frowned. “The palace is huge; isn’t that too much work for one person?” He pointed out.

Cosmo grinned and set her basket down, waving her hands over the seedlings, which danced and swayed under her fingers. “Not if you have a talent for it.” She giggled at Tails’ awed expression.

“You can manipulate plant life! That’s incredible!” Tails exclaimed.

“It’s a common gift for a Seedrian.” Cosmo shrugged, her cheeks tinting bright green. “Do you have a gift?” She wondered.

His tails drooped. “Not really. I mean, I can fly-,”

“You fly?!”

“With my tails.” When Cosmo gaped at him, Tails grinned and twirled his tails, hovering in the air and zooming around her playfully, eliciting joyful laughter from the girl.

“That’s amazing!” She cheered. Tails blushed, and his tails curled in delight. “Are you going to be a pilot?”

“I’m actually going to be an EORTA apprentice.” He winced. “That is, if Chief Rotor doesn’t fire me first.”

“Why would Chief Rotor fire you?” Cosmo tilted her head.

“It’s my first day, I kinda insisted I could find the offices myself, and now I’m lost and late.” Tails confessed, ears flat and tails drooping in shame.

“Don’t worry.” She patted his shoulder comfortingly and smiled at him; his cheeks burned. “Chief Rotor is very understanding and kind. I’m sure you’ll be fine.” Her blue eyes brightened, a grin stretching across her face. “Why don’t I escort you?”

Tails gestured towards the basket of seedlings. “Don’t you have work to do? I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

“Oh, these seedlings are going in the Knight Courtyard. If we go another route, we’ll pass right by the Cortex EORTA entrance.” Cosmo snatched up her basket, grabbed Tails’ hand, and tugged him down the hallway. “Come on, I even know a shortcut!”

Cosmo led Tails through the twisting halls, pointing out markers that the fox could use to guide his way if he should ever be lost again. After a few minutes, the Seedrian led him down two flights of stairs, the warm sunshine diminishing the deeper they descended. “The Cortex is the central hub of Elysia.” Cosmo softly explained. “It’s located under the Palace for extra security, because it houses not only the EORTA, but the Ring Port and the ECI, and only the ones with top clearance or are invited can enter there.” She halted in front of a set of sliding glass double doors with the words ‘Elysian Office of Research and Technological Advancement’ printed in gold.

“Thanks for the help.” Tails grinned. “See you around?” He asked hopefully.

Her cheeks turned deep green. “Definitely.” Cosmo smiled back. “Good luck with Chief Rotor.”

“Good luck with the seedlings.” Tails replied. Cosmo giggled and hurried back the way she came, waving to Tails as she vanished up the staircase.

Tails faced the door, his heart hammering in his chest. He rolled his shoulders, took a deep breath, and pushed forward. The doors automatically slid open for him, and the breath rushed from his lungs.

He’d had a makeshift lab before meeting Sonic and becoming a member of the Wachowski family. His dad, once he saw Tails tinkering in the living room at home in Green Hills, gave Tails his own section of the garage and a workbench for his inventions. But neither of those spaces ever compared to this.

Bright white lights illuminated the large square space and reflected off the white tiled floors and crisp white wall, the one furthest the door painted with a golden phoenix wearing a tripoint crown on its head. Mobians and humans in white lab coats either sat at desks and typed away at computers with eyes glued to the program codes flashing across multiple screens; mixed foul-scented chemicals within glass beakers with protective gloves that extended over their elbows; or bent over circuit boards and other tech with sparking wires and silver tools. Tails knew he was grinning like an idiot, but he didn’t care. It was chaotic, noisy, and amazing.

“Like what you see, champ?” Tails startled, his namesakes fluffing up behind him, and Rotor apologetically chuckled. “Whoops, sorry. Didn’t mean to scare ya.” The walrus lifted his black goggles off his eyes to rest on his forehead and grinned at the fox. “I was expecting you a bit sooner, Tails.”

Tails averted his gaze to his shuffling feet. “I got lost.”

Rotor nodded in understanding. “No worries, kiddo. Happens to all the refs. Now,” He clapped his gloved hands together and grinned at Tails, a twinkle in his eye. “Whaddaya say we get to work, huh?”

“You have got to be kidding me.” Shadow glowered at the beast in front of him, arms crossed tight across his chest and body rigid as a statue.

“Sorry, Sunshine.” Sarena apologized, no hint of remorse in her voice. When Shadow snapped his venomous gaze at her, she grinned and patted the horse’s neck. “But it’s expected. The coronation will be held in four days at the Cathedral in the kingdom square, and all Elysia will be crowding the streets to see the Prophesied Sovereigns take their rightful places as Kings. Vector thought the best way to get you three there without anyone getting trampled would be on horseback, and the Court agreed.” Her smile widened. “Besides, it’ll be fun! Why not give the kingdom the chance to properly celebrate the day they’ve all waited centuries for with a parade?”

“I am not humiliating myself riding on a stupid horse when I can think of at least four alternative ways!” Shadow snapped. “And why aren’t the other two here getting this lecture?!”

“Lord Sonic already knows how to ride, and Lord Silver had this natural connection to Fisher over there.” Sarena nodded her head to a handsome buckskin mustang drinking from the trough in the corner of the stable. “One hour of instruction, and those two were prancing around like they’ve been riding together for years. He knows well enough for a smooth ride to the Cathedral and back.”

Shadow raised a brow, momentarily forgetting he was objecting to this ridiculous plan in his curiosity. “Do people normally learn that quickly?”

Sarena shrugged. “Some do. Some have an affinity with animals in general; horses are great judges of character, and Lord Silver is very sweet-tempered…but this seemed like more. I can’t say for certain, but Lord Silver may have a gift that made it easy for him to connect with Fisher. You’ve seen how that flicky of his refuses to leave his side for even a second.” Shadow snorted. “Now, milord, get over here. I’ve got four days to teach you how to properly ride and we’re burning daylight.”

“I’m not climbing on that beast just so it can toss me right back off!” Shadow sneered.

Sarena glared at him. “First of all, ‘it’ is a horse, ‘it’ is a she, and she has a name. Remember how I said horses judge character? You’re displaying extremely poor taste, mister!” The periwinkle hedgehog put her hands on her hips and disapprovingly glowered down her nose at Shadow with scorching teal eyes.

Shadow met that disapproval for all of ten seconds before he cowed. “Fine. I’m not getting on that horse just so she can toss me right back off.”

Sarena immediately softened. “Sunshine, I hate to tell you this, but that’s part of riding. You’re gonna get thrown or you’re gonna fall off.” Shadow opened his mouth, but Sarena held up a finger, silencing him. “But I’ll make you a promise, okay?” She stroked the mare’s pretty blonde mane with a smile. “I raised Peaches myself from a filly, and she’s a very sweet and kind lady. She won’t throw you just to throw you. I’ve ridden her since she was big enough to ride and she’s only ever thrown me twice, both times because something spooked her.”

“I’m not afraid.” Shadow protested.

Sarena furrowed her brow. “Then what?”

Shadow shifted on his feet uneasily, then sighed. “You know what I was created to be.” He muttered. “The Ultimate Lifeform, the key to immortality, meant to be perfect at everything set to me. And now I’m meant to be the High King of Elysia, prophesied to end a war that’s lasted two thousand years.” Shadow slowly exhaled and met Sarena’s gaze with vulnerable scarlet eyes. “How am I supposed to prove any of that if I get thrown like an idiot on the way to my own coronation?”

“Sunshine, no one is ever perfect at anything straightaway, Ultimate Lifeform or not.” Sarena gently argued. “Everything is learned and mastered in its time; even those with talents must be properly taught to hone those talents to achieve mastery.” She snubbed her nose with a smirk. “And it just so happens that I’m one of the best riders you’ll find in Elysia.” She proclaimed. Shadow regarded Sarena and the mare at her side with uncertain ruby eyes, and she smiled encouragingly. “Trust me, Sunshine. I’ll have you riding like a pro in no time.”

“Fine.” Shadow relented.

Sarena beamed and waved him forward. “First thing you need to always remember is that a horse is a prey animal, no matter its size.” She informed him. “So, you need to remain calm and attentive when handling a horse. No sudden movements, loud noises, or general things that may spook them and cause an accident if you can help it. Horses are incredibly inept at sensing their rider’s moods, so if you’re distressed, upset, or angry, they will pick up on that, and it will make their behavior erratic and create a dangerous situation where you or the horse will be possibly harmed.”

“How do I avoid that?”

“Remain calm, confident, and compassionate. Remember that your horse has thoughts and emotions just as you do, only with a different method of expression. Remember that this is a living thing, not a toy or transport to be used then discarded once you’re finished with it. Simply put: treat her like you’d want to be treated in her hooves.” Sarena’s expression hardened to stone. “Listen to me very carefully, Shadow Robotnik: I don’t care if you’re High King or court jester, if I ever hear anything of you mistreating a horse, whatever you’ve done to them, I’ll inflict tenfold on you. Are we clear on that?”

Shadow did not quiver in his skates; he absolutely did not. But he did nod solemnly in response. “Crystal.”

Sarena’s expression smoothed into a smile. “Good. Now, come here and say a proper hello to Peaches.” She patted the palomino mare’s neck, and the mare tossed her head to nibble at Sarena’s hand affectionately.

Shadow remained where he was. “Hello, Peaches.”

Sarena chuckled. “She won’t bite, Sunshine. Peaches is the gentlest mare we have in the stables. Besides, we gotta get her used to you, and you to her, before the coronation. You’ll be riding her for the parade, remember?”

“I don’t know how-,”

“Hold your hand up to her.” Sarena instructed and pushed Shadow’s arm up at the wrist and turned it, so the back of his hand was aloft just inches before Peaches’ muzzle. “Just like that, then let her come to you. When she does, you have her permission to touch her. Think of it like a handshake: You’re saying hello.”

Shadow swallowed, but remained perfectly still as Peaches gazed at him with curious dark eyes. There was no denying she was a gorgeous animal, with a smooth cream-colored coat, a soft golden mane and tail, and a small white patch between her dark eyes. Her warm breath tickled Shadow’s gloved fingers, and something like wonder melted Shadow’s ruby eyes as Peaches curiously nosed into his palm. “Hello, Peaches.” He whispered reverently, the tiniest of upticks on the corner of his mouth. Sarena beamed and joined him, showing Shadow the best places to stroke and pet her, and the periwinkle hedgehog laughed when Peaches snuffed out her nose on Shadow’s forehead.

“She likes you.” Sarena explained at the concurrent questioning look. “It’s called blowing, and it means she’s happy and likes what you’re doing. Like how we purr.”

Shadow nodded, but with an odd expression on his face. “Right.” He shook his head. “What now?”

Sarena smirked. “Now the real work begins.”

A tall cathedral of gleaming white stone stood proudly in the center of the Elysian Square, decorated with shining blue tile roofs and glistening golden windows, the pillars and walls sculpted in bricks of quartz. An ivory fountain sat before the marble steps leading to the glittering gold arched entryway, the water shimmering in the afternoon sunlight. Four pairs of eyes from across the cobblestone street observed the Cathedral, three with wonder, one with reverence, until the leading otter nudged his companions down the sidewalk.

“You’ll get a better view tomorrow during the coronation rehearsal.” Scratch promised. “We’ve more pressing matters to attend to.” He pointed down to the opposite side of the kingdom square, where a modest little building, painted a cream white trimmed with baby blue, sat on the corner. “Threads of Grace. The best boutique in all of Elysia.” The otter smirked, his amber eyes twinkling behind his glasses, at the three hedgehogs trailing behind him. “Certainly a fitting place for such an important affair.” He snickered.

Sonic facepalmed. “Don’t quit your day job, Scratchy.”

Scratch chuckled. “You sound just like Sarena.” The otter nimbly dodged a pack of kids bolting down the sidewalk, shaking his head with a laugh once their less-than-melodic tune reached his ears. “Haven’t heard that ditty in a while.” He mused.

Shadow cocked his head, straining to listen even as the children raced away. “… ‘Smeared with oil like David’s boy’?” The black hedgehog questioned incredulously.

“O lei, o lai, o lord.” Scratch sang and barked a laugh at the Three’s perplexed looks. “It’s an old Solennian folk song. ‘There will come three Rulers, whose brows are laid in gold. Smeared with oil like David’s boy, o lei o lai, o lord.’” Scratch raised his brow at Shadow, Sonic, and Silver, an expectant grin on his muzzle. “We weren’t kidding when we told you all Elysia has been waiting for you.” The three hedgehogs exchanged a look, and Scratch waved them forward towards Threads of Grace’s entrance. “Come on, best not keep them waiting.”

A soft tinkling resounded above the wooden door, and a voice with a hidden owner called. “Just a moment!” Scratch grinned and motioned Shadow, Sonic, and Silver inside, quietly closing the door behind him.

The interior of the boutique matched the outside; small, but neat and charming, with sandy wood floors, pale cream walls trimmed in soft blue, and racks upon racks of clothing lining the walls. Men’s fashions on the right, women’s on the left, increasing in age the further along the walls one searched. The center floor was reserved for alterations, with two pedestals on either side surrounded by a triage of tall mirrors and a small section of cozy armchairs each. At the very back of the shop stood the reception desk, with a singular desktop computer and silver bell atop it, and a swinging saloon door beyond.

Scratch winked at the three hedgehogs, strode towards the desk, and tapped the bell. Ching!

“A moment, please!” The same voice requested.

Scratch bit back a snigger and tapped the bell twice more. Ching ching!

“Bellamy Fireheart, if that’s you ringing the damn bell, scram!” The voice shouted. “We’ve got VIPs coming any minute now,” A lovely maiden fox with an irate scowl poked her head around the doorway and shooed him away. “So away with you, mister!”

Scratch leaned on the desk and blinked innocently at her. “Even if I bring clients?”

“Unless they’re the Three Sovereigns themselves here for their Coronation fitting-,” The fox stepped out and put her hands on her hips, her bushy tail swishing behind her, the evergreen of her off-shoulder blouse and soft blue of her jeans a pleasant contrast from her bright orange fur.

“Funny you should say so, sweetheart, but-,” Scratch stepped aside and gestured a ‘ta-da!’ with a sweep of his arm at Shadow, Sonic, and Silver. “That’s exactly who I’ve brought.”

The fox gaped, her striking green eyes popping out of her head, and Scratch bit his fist to keep from outright laughing. “I-you-my Lords-,” She fumbled, then promptly threw a roll of fabric at the sniggering otter’s head. “Bellamy Fireheart, you scoundrel! Mama’s been working herself into a fit and you just-!” She spun on her heel and marched back the way she came.

“Someone’s in trouble.” Sonic muttered.

Silver furrowed his brow. “Bellamy?”

Scratch shrugged. “Old family name. Jem only uses it when I’ve managed to ruffle her fur.”

“Which you make a habit of doing, young man.” A portly mouse with long whiskers, a streak of silver around his nose, thick round glasses, and a curved wooden cane that he leaned heavily on as he limped around the desk to raise a brow into the hem of the brown leather flat cap resting between his large ears. He playfully jabbed the tip of his cane into Scratch’s chest. “It’ll come back to bite once you marry her, and marriage makes it all the worse, boy.”

“She makes it too much fun, Mr. Grace.” Scratch grinned.

Mr. Grace shook his head, then leveled his blue eyes—enlarged by his spectacles—at Shadow, Silver, and Sonic. “So, you’re the ones, eh?” He hummed. “The Three Sovereigns.”

The three of them exchanged a look. Sonic nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Which of ya did Arondight choose?” Mr. Grace leaned forward interestedly. “No, no, no, don’t tell me.” He waved his paw and hobbled closer, peering at each of the hedgehogs closely, until he paused directly in front of Shadow. “It’s you, innit? The future High King? Arondight’s Chosen?”

Shadow wanted to demand just how this old mouse knew, but the words died on his tongue the longer he held those firm, yet kind blue eyes. He blinked as Mr. Grace’s eyes shimmered with light, and he nodded slowly. “Yes, sir.” Shadow wasn’t sure how he knew, but he could see it plainly: Mr. Grace was a mouse of great respect…and so deserved Shadow’s.

“Thought so.” Mr. Grace’s whiskers twitched, and those eyes twinkled. “How’s that Sight treatin’ ya?”

Shadow frowned. “Sight?”

“What Sight, Mr. Grace?” Scratch demanded.

“Come now, boy. Surely as someone with Vision, you musta seen it in him.” Mr. Grace smirked. “It’s clear as day in his eyes. Our future High King has Sight. What sort, I can’t be sure. But it’s there.”

“Lord Shadow,” Scratch gently pushed past Mr. Grace to stand in front of Shadow and quirked his brow. “If I may?”

“May what?” Shadow narrowed his eyes.

Scratch shot an inquiring look at Mr. Grace, and the old mouse waved his paw dismissively. “Mr. Grace was the General of the Elysian Knights several years back; he’s Antoine’s predecessor.”

“Would still be leadin’ if not for this bum leg.” Mr. Grace tapped his left boot with his cane. “Though Twan’s doin’ a right good job as General.”

“Okay, but what does that have to do with Shadow?” Silver asked.

“I got a bit of a knack for spottin’ gifts.” Mr. Grace shrugged one shoulder. “Scratch there thinks it’s a gift of my own, but I think it’s ‘cause I’m old and learned what to look for in people over the years.”

“I want to examine your Chaos Energy and see if I can discern what Sight Mr. Grace believes he spotted.” Scratch explained.

Sonic whistled. “I thought you could only see visions.”

Scratch shook his head. “There are many facets to a Seer’s talents, just like any other with Chaos abilities. My most powerful ability is my Prophetic Sight, which does grant me the ability to See through Time, but it’s not the only gift I have at my disposal. All Seers, myself included, have Discernment: the ability to examine another’s Chaos Energy and verify the abilities that person has. Admittedly, I’m not the best at it, but I should at least be able to Discern what Mr. Grace saw.” Scratch raised his brow at Shadow. “Your permission, milord?” Shadow paused, debating for a long moment, before nodding slowly. “Relax and keep your eyes on me.” The otter instructed, tucking his glasses away into his sweater vest pocket.

Scratch’s inquisitive honey eyes met Shadow’s reluctant scarlet. The otter’s irises shimmered and expanded, filling Shadow’s vision with swirling honey speckled with golden pinpricks like stars.

Then, as quickly as it began, Scratch blinked and grinned, slipping his glasses back onto his face and stepping back. Shadow shook his head, ears popping like he’d been submerged underwater, everything returning to the sharp clarity he knew. “Well?”

“First, to make sure I’m right.” Scratch pursed his lips. “Lord Shadow, my full name is Bellamy ‘Scratch’ Fireheart; I'm a survivor of the Solaris Event; I’m engaged to Jemina Grace and we’ll be married this spring; my best friend is Chief Healer Sarena Grace, who is also Jem’s sister and the Grace’s youngest daughter; and I’m called Scratch because of a hideous scar with a rather embarrassing story about climbing a tree and falling over ten feet when I was a pup.”

Shadow blinked, startled at the slew of information, then frowned, narrowing his eyes. “You’re lying.” He accused.

“About which part?” Scratch pressed, brow raised expectantly.

Shadow paused, considering. He tilted his head, scrutinizing the Prophet of Elysia, and his eyes began to glow, the shining ruby of his irises engulfing his black pupils until his eyes were flat scarlet disks, shimmering with power. “You’re not a survivor of the Solaris Event; you and Jemina won’t be married in spring; and you aren’t called Scratch because of a scar with a ridiculous story.”

Scratch beamed. “Well done, milord.” Mr. Grace chuckled at Shadow’s confounded expression as his eyes returned to normal.

“How-?” Silver wondered.

“It’s called True Sight, or more commonly, Star Sight.” Scratch explained. “Thankfully, you won’t need to worry about prophetic visions, Lord Shadow. Instead, Star Sight makes you immune to deception, able to See through any lie to the truth.”

“So, I’m a walking lie detector.” Shadow deadpanned.

“Essentially, but your powers have only just Awakened.” Scratch reminded him. “Which leaves room for growth. There’s no telling how powerful the three of you may become. Star Sight’s a rare gift, even for Seers. The last record of a Seer with it was over a century ago.”

The conversation was stilled by the fox and a female mouse with coal black fur, a neat silvery bun, and a long-sleeved blue dress with a white apron tied around her waist walking out from the back room. The fox marched straight for Scratch and flicked him on the nose. “Ouch!” Scratch wiggled his nose and shot a wounded look at the fox. “Easy, Jem, I only have one of those!” He complained.

“Rascal.” Jem rolled her eyes but kissed his cheek. “Why do you insist on irritating me?”

“Why do you rise to the occasion?” Scratch countered with a grin, then covered his face when she made to flick him again.

“You’re spending too much time around Sarena.” Jem informed him.

Scratch wrapped an arm around her and kissed her cheek. “I’ll take you to dinner after their fitting to make up for it.” He promised.

“Jake’s?” Jem hopefully suggested.

Scratch chuckled. “Only if you agree to share the nuggets.”

“Better stay in for supper, then.” Jem decided. Scratch laughed.

Mr. Grace shook his head with a grin and put his hand on the female mouse’s shoulder. “My lords, might I introduce you to my lovely wife, Olivia Grace, and our eldest daughter, Jemina.”

Jemina and Olivia lowered themselves into curtsies. “It’s a great honor to be dressing you for your coronation, my lords.” Olivia dabbed her eyes with the corner of her apron, the white fabric darkening in pinprick spots. “Forgive the tears, but…never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d live to see this day.” The elder mouse sniffled but beamed at the three hedgehogs with glistening brown eyes.

Sonic shuffled on his feet and shared an uncomfortable look with Shadow and Silver. “Of course, ma’am.”

“The honor is ours.” Silver agreed. Shadow inclined his head.

Jemina clapped her hands. “Now, two of you pick a pedestal and hop it! We’ve got a lot to do to make you look perfect for your kingdom, so let’s not waste time, eh?”

The cool night air ruffled his blue fur, bristling in response to the chill. Sonic closed his eyes and sighed, leaning on his elbows onto the balcony railing. Beneath him, the lantern lights that dotted the kingdom glimmered like fireflies, warm and comforting. Sonic’s gaze shifted upward, but only saw the deep indigo of the night sky above. Not a single star shone, only the hazy outline of the crescent moon.

The coronation was tomorrow. Sonic knew he should be excited; he was being crowned a King, but…he could feel the weight pressing down on his shoulders, see the bars closing tight around him. To be a King meant responsibility, it meant constriction. Sonic wouldn’t just gain a kingdom tomorrow, but a war. A war that had raged for two thousand years, a war he was somehow destined to end.

“Lord Sonic?” Sonic let out a squeal and jumped a foot in the air, his spines flaring. Blue lightning crackled in his fingers, but when he whirled around, he found a remorseful but amused pink hedgehog with her short quills tied back and her body wrapped tight in a fuzzy dressing gown. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Chief Rose raised her hands in surrender and cocked her head at him. “Can’t sleep?”

Sonic forced his heart to slow and quills to flatten. “Not really.”

A twinkle shimmered in her soft green eyes. “Excited?”

Sonic’s own emerald eyes lowered. “Not really.”

Chief Rose bit her lip. “May I join you, milord? Or would you rather be alone?”

Sonic considered it. His thoughts were spinning, faster and faster with no signs of stopping for even a second. “Company would be nice.” He agreed. Chief Rose smiled and strode forward to join him, inhaling the crisp night air and folding her hands on the stone railing.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” She nodded to the kingdom below. “A shame we can’t see the stars, though.”

“Why can’t we?” Sonic wondered, then gestured to the lantern light with a quirked brow. “Ambient lighting?”

“No, it’s the Smoke Screen.” She informed him, frowning when his expression turned blank. “Sally and Blaze should have—didn’t they show you three all the classified zones?” She demanded.

Sonic winced. “Yes?”

Chief Rose’s expression fell into a deadpan stare. “You weren’t paying attention, were you?”

“I was!” Sonic protested. “It’s Caliburn’s fault!” Sonic felt no remorse pointing the blame—because it was Caliburn’s fault! The Sovereign Sword had been in Sonic’s ear during Sally and Blaze’s entire tour, hissing at the hedgehog and making it difficult to focus.

Chief Rose shook her head bemusedly. “The Smoke Screen is the illusion barrier that hides Elysia from the Black Arms.” She explained and pointed at the moon’s hazy outline. “It isn’t a full shield; if the Black Arms were to find our coordinates, the Smoke Screen wouldn’t stop them from passing over the borders. But the illusion obscures us from any sort of tracking technology, including plain sight, but the unfortunate side effect is it also obscures outside visuals from the inside.”

“It blots out the stars.” Sonic murmured in understanding.

“The sun and moon get through because they’re close enough and radiate enough light.” She agreed. “Shame, but there’s no way around it. Rotor tried for months, but I’d rather not see the stars if the alternative is sacrificing our people’s safety.”

“Do you really think we can win the war?” Sonic blurted.

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate.

“How?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged helplessly. “But I believe in the Prophecy, and that means I believe in you, and Lords Shadow and Silver.”

“What if it’s misplaced?” Sonic ducked his head. “I’m up for any adventure, and I’ll help in any way I can, but becoming a King and ending a 2,000-year-old war? That’s a tall order. How can you be sure we’re the ones? What if the Prophecy is wrong?”

Chief Rose chewed the inside of her cheek, then hesitantly laid her hand over Sonic’s. “I don’t have any of those answers, and I’m not going to pretend I do. But,” She smiled at him. “I’m sure because I have faith. I have faith in the Prophecy. I have faith in the Swords. I have faith you’ll go into the Cathedral tomorrow a nervous boy and come out a courageous King. I have faith Antoine is going to train the Three of you until you’re better warriors than him. I have faith that the next time you meet the Black Arms in battle, you’ll make them quake in their scales. I have faith that one day soon, you’ll greet Black Doom, then destroy him forever. I have faith that one day soon, that name will be nothing but a memory. I have faith that one day soon, Elysia will finally be at peace. And above all, I have faith that all will be because of you, of Lords Shadow and Silver, the Three Sovereigns of Elysia.”

Sonic stared at her a moment, then grinned. “Yeah. Thanks, Chief Rose.”

The pink hedgehog playfully nudged him. “Call me Amy.”

“Amy.” Sonic corrected himself. A massive yawn stretched his jaw wide, and Amy giggled.

“Bedtime, milord.” She instructed and shooed him with her hand. “Can’t have you fall asleep during your own coronation!”

“Yes, ma’am.” Sonic lowered himself in a bow and vanished in a gust of wind, the door to his private suite slamming shut behind him. Amy giggled behind her hand and shook her head. “Oh, we’re in deep trouble, aren’t we?” She gazed out upon the kingdom below, smiling softly. “Prepare the way, Elysia. Sovereignty is finally come.”

CREAM!!!! CHEESE!!! VANILLA!!!! HI GUYS HI HI GUYS!!!!

Cosmo and Tails are so stinking cute I can't with them 😭

The folk song the kids and Scratch are singing is actually a 3S rendition of Soldier, Poet, King. Specifically the sped-up Reno version here. I love the tune of it and had to include it in 3S. 🥰

Thank you so much for reading Chapter Eight, I so hope you enjoyed it! See you next Wednesday, 2/26, for the FINAL chapter of Act One: The Chosen...Chapter Nine: Sovereignty is Come!

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