The Guardian's Rose_Part Two_Chapter One

The Guardian's Rose_Part Two_Chapter One

Knuckles the Echidna sat in front of the Master Emerald, his back to it, on Angel Island. Birds sang sweet songs. The air smelled fresh. Life seemed…….DULLLLLLLLLL. One thing was missing.
“Knuxy!!! I’m back!!”
There it was. Rather, there she was. Knuckles smiled, seeing the female pink hedgy running up the steps with two lunchboxes full of hand-made lunch. It felt like only yesterday Amy Rose the Hedgehog had moved in with him. In truth, it had been a couple of months. Three, at least. The defeat of Volt, however, seemed like years and years away. Both had tried to forget that evil voice of hatred, and remember only the love between each other. That was pretty easy. Amy hadn’t seen the outside world for months, but she was satisfied. Being with what she saw as her one, true love made her care less and less what was outside of Angel Island.
Amy sat down next to Knuckles, giving him his lunch.
“Looks great as always.” He said.
“Looks aren’t everything. I just want it to taste good.” She replied, starting to eat her own food.
Speaking of looks, during the time she had been there, Knuckles still hadn’t shown her that weapon he had on his hands. Those miserable little talons that enabled to him to fight better and climb walls and such. He still feared that if she saw them, she’d be horrified and leave him forever. Amy was still curious what was under those gloves of his, but never asked, thinking it would be rude.
Back to current day. In the middle of their lunch, Amy tapped Knuckles on the shoulder.
“Guess what I’ve got!” she said with a giggle. Along with her lunchbox, she had carried a bag containing some fruit. She shook a string of grapes in front of Knuckle’s face. He licked his lips. Grapes were his favorite food. He grabbed for them, but Amy pulled her hand back.
“Nuh-uh!” she said teasingly.
“Come on, Amy!!” Knuckles replied, although with a smile.
“Tell me why you love me. Each reason gets you another grape.” She giggled, batting her eyelashes. Knuckles rolled his eyes but nodded.
“All right then. I love your smile.”
Amy picked one off and put it his mouth. He chewed, swallowed.
“I love your personality.”
She picked off another and fed it to him.
“I love how you look.”
Sappy, eh? It continued on like that until he had gotten to “I love your cute little ears.”
“Sorry Knuxy.” Knuxy was Amy’s little pet name for him. “That’s all there was.”
“C’mon, don’t you have any more?” he said, reaching over Amy to get to the bag.
“Knuxy!” she laughed, trying to shove him away. The shove made Knuckles grab something other than the bag. Amy’s leg. And he had meant to grab on pretty hard. They looked each other in the face. Knuckles may not have known much about females, but something deep inside told him that was off limits. He turned a deep shade of red and let go, looking away.
“Uh, sorry.” He said nervously. Amy giggled.
“You’re so cute when your embarrassed, Knuxy.” She kissed him on the cheek. Knuckles just blushed harder. “If you want, I’ll go see if we have any more grapes.” She stood up. “Be back in a few minutes!” and she skipped down the stairs. Knuckles smiled, and laid back. Life couldn’t be any better. Delicious meals made for him every day, whenever he wanted, and the girl of his dreams by his side. He never thought he could relax so much. Nothing could ruin this happiness.
“Yo Knuckleeeees!”
Screw that thought. Knuckles sat up to see who had called him. He spotted his old friends from the Chaotix jogging up the steps. He smiled and stood up.
“Hey Knuckles, my man!” said Vector the alligator.
“Hey.” Said Espio the chameleon.
“What’s up?” asked Mighty the armadillo.
“H-hello Knuckles.” Stuttered Ray the flying squirrel.
“Hey guys! Long time no see!” replied Knuckles.
“Yeah, it feels like forever since we all got together.” Said Mighty.
“How’ve you been?” asked Espio.
“Been good.” Knuckles replied. “Same ol’ same ol’.”
“What smells so good?” asked Vector. They all looked to see Knuckle’s and Amy’s lunch.
“W-why do you have t-two lunches?” questioned Ray.
“……Uh….” Knuckles gulped. Telling his guy pals he had a girlfriend wouldn’t be easy. Telling his guy pals he was dating a hedgehog would be impossible.
He didn’t need to tell them; for Amy’s perky female voice soon rang through everyone’s ears. “Knuxyyyyyyyyyyy!”
The Chaotix boys stared at the little girl running up the steps. She was carrying Knuckle’s old hat.
“Knuxy, look, I found that hat that makes you look sooooo cute!” she squealed, waving Knuckles’s old brown hat with a red star on it. She then stopped at the top, seeing all the strangers. She blinked at them. They blinked at her.
Knuckles coughed. “Uh, guys…this...is Amy Rose…Amy, this is Vector, Espio, Mighty, and Ray.” He said slowly, putting the hat on.
“Nice to meet you all!” said Amy, smiling.
“Uh…right back at ya.” Said Mighty, glancing to Knuckles.
“D-did you make those l-lunches? They l-look great.” Said Ray.
“Yup! Knuxy says I’m a great cook! I make his meals! Do you boys want some?”
“Sure.” Said Espio.
“Okey dokey, it won’t take long!” She replied, and headed down the steps. When she was gone, the boys looked back to Knuckles.
Vector burst out laughing. “ ‘Knuxy, look, I found that hat that makes you look sooooo cute!’ ” He mimicked, fluttering his eyelashes and laughing again.
“Shut up.” Said Knuckles, cheeks turning pink.
“I never thought you, of all people, would land with a chick.” Said Mighty, grinning ear to ear.
“S-she’s pretty.” Stammered Ray.
“Did you plan on telling us, ever?” said Espio, with crossed arms.
“Well…uh…” Knuckles looked around.
“It’s about damn time you got laid!” laughed Vector.
“Excuse me?” questioned Knuckles flatly.
“Knuckles, listen to your old pal Vector. When it comes to ladies, I got it down. I am willing to let you know the tricks of the trade.” Vector replied, showing all his teeth in a big grin.
“A-huh. And you would know anything about women…how?” asked Knuckles, narrowing his eyes.
“Here we go.” Moaned Mighty.
“Now you’ve got a sweet little gal here. The sweet ones always let you do what you want to them!” started Vector. “And the fact that you two are on and island where no one ever visits and you two will always be alone just makes the deal better. She can’t resist, or call for help!”
“Vector…” Knuckles attempted to interrupt.
Vector didn’t let him. “Can’t you just picture it?” he continued, putting an arm around Knuckles. “The innocent little Amy, and the stronger, more demanding Knuckles!”

“Oh Knuckles, please stop!” cried Amy lying on top Knuckle’s bed. Knuckles was on top of her, ripping her clothes off.
“Ha ha ha! There’s nothing you can do!” he said with lustful eyes. “No one can you hear you scream! You belong to me and me alone!” Knuckles then viciously attacked!
“Oh, oh Knuckles …”

WHACK!
Vector now lay on the ground, a rather large bump on his head.
“You’re a sick gator.” Said Knuckles.
“But a right one.” Vector replied, sitting up and rubbing his head.
“Isn’t it a bit unusual to date outside your species?” asked Espio.
“I don’t see how it makes any difference.” Knuckles replied.
“Well you should.” Said Espio. “Once word spills about you and her dating in Echidnaopolois-and it will-” he glanced down at Vector, then back to Knuckles. “-it won’t be something taken well. An echidna loving one who isn’t an echidna is almost like breaking a sacred vow. People back home won’t like what you’re doing at all. It’s a thing of disgust to them. I’m not saying I agree with them, of course. But that’s not all. Girlfriend or not, you’ve got another person living with you. Your duty already was to protect the Master Emerald, and you’ve faced quite many a villain in order to protect it. Now that Amy here is with you, you’ll have to look out for her as well. It won’t be easy doing both. Enemies will want to use this to their advantage. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to decide which is more important. The Master Emerald, or the girl.”
Espio had a point. Knuckles took his words into account, and was about to give an answer when Amy’s footsteps were heard.
“I made them all! I hope you all enjoy them.” She said sweetly, handing each one a lunchbox. They all replied with a hearty “Thanks.”
“So, Amy.” Said Vector, hastily grabbing his food, “You do realize that on this isolated little island, Knuckles can do whatever pleases him.”
“Huh?” replied Amy.
“You can imagine it. The innocent little Amy, and the stronger, more-”
WHACK!
Vector now had another lump on his head thanks to Knuckles.
“We’ll, we’ve got get going.” Said Mighty. “It was nice seeing you. We’ll be sure to visit again.”
“See you.” Said Knuckles.
The boys walked off, but as they did, Espio and Vector glanced back. They both mouthed. “Don’t forget what I said.”
Knuckles planned to beat Vectors head in, but now had a long night of thinking thanks to Espio.
“Are those the guys you told me about, with the whole Chaotix thing?” asked Amy.
“Yeah. You could say they were my first friends.”
“I think they’re nice.”
“Nice isn’t what I’d use. For the gator at least.”
“He was funny.”

The rest of the day passed like all the others had before. As night came, both headed for home.
“I’ll make dinner in a few minutes. I’m just going to change.” Said Amy upon arrival.
“All right.” Knuckles replied. He sat down at the table, waiting. Espio’s words bugged him. Was it really that big of a deal that he was an echidna and she was a hedgehog? It plagued him for a bit, and then he stood up.
“I’ll ask Amy.” He thought. “Her opinion is what really counts.” He walked over to his room-His and Amy’s, since he didn’t have a guest room for Amy to sleep in-and saw the door slightly ajar. He looked in, and was planning to ask Amy how she felt dating an echidna.
All thoughts of that subject, and anything Espio said, and Espio period, left his mind as he saw Amy undressing. His jaw dropped, and his face went deep shades of pink. Amy had her back to him, so she didn’t see him. She was slipping off her dress, humming a bit. One half of Knuckles told him to quit looking and go wait at the table. The other half of him was telling him to stay right where he was, and see how far she would go.
Guess which half was winning.
Amy’s dress completely slipped off, just leaving her with her bra and underwear. Amy stretched a bit, and then turned her arms around, reaching for her bra.
Knuckles felt an onslaught of blood pouring out his nose.
She had a bit of difficulty reaching, but finally got it. She held on, and with a snap…
THUD.

“Knuckles? Knuckles, are you waking up?”
Knuckles opened his eyes. He was lying on the floor, and Amy was sitting next to him.
“Oh good, you worried me for a moment.”
Knuckles blinked, sitting up. What had happened?
“If you’re going to pass out, maybe you should do it near a couch. You hit your head pretty hard.” Said Amy, putting a hand on his shoulder. Knuckles looked to her, and saw she was in her nightgown.
Now he remembered. Knuckles gulped, consumed with guilt of what he saw. He rubbed his nose, in case there was any more blood.
“Uh...is…um….d-dinner ready?” he said nervously, hoping she hadn’t found out.
Amy nodded. “I made a special stew!”
“Ah, good. Your stew is always great.”
“That’s what you say about all my food.”
“Just telling the truth.”
Amy stood up, walking to the kitchen. Knuckles stood up as well, heading for the table. He sat down, seeing a yummy-looking stew before him. He licked his lips.
“So did you get a nice view?” asked Amy, stirring some more in a pot.
“View of what?” asked Knuckles, sipping from a spoon.
“My body.”
Knuckles spat out what was in his mouth. He stared at Amy as she came into the dining room carrying her own bowl.
“How…how did you…” Knuckles attempted to say, blushing badly.
“I saw your shadow while getting changed. I didn’t say anything, because I wanted to see how far you’d let yourself see.” She said with a giggle.
Knuckles looked down into his stew, guilt and embarrassment writhing through him. Amy giggled again, and sipped her stew.

After the broth, both went for their beds to get a good night’s sleep. Amy dreamed of ponies and teddy bears and the usual sappy stuff. Knuckles, who was blushing and drooling, seemed to be having a more…vivid dream, as he grinned in his sleep.
“Eh heh heh…”
Dreams are mysterious things. You can’t control them, and you can’t predict what you’ll see. It may be unpleasant, or it may be fun.
Knuckles was having much ‘fun’.
He had gotten himself into a dream where he was laying down under the shade of a nice tree, his arms behind his head, taking in the breeze…Oh, wait, did I forget to mention what he was laying on?
“Another grape, Knuxy?”
Knuckles smiled as his head was neatly rested in Amy’s lap. She wasn’t in her usual red dress, but instead sported a two-piece bikini made of wildflowers. Knuckles opened his mouth so Amy could plop a grape in.
I feel many Knux/Rouge fans are thinking of ways to kill me.
“Another grape, Knuxy?” purred Amy, plucking off another one off an endless vine. Knuckles grinned and opened his mouth, eyes shut.
“You’re pathetic.”
Knuckles opened his eyes. He was no longer in Amy’s lap, or his paradise. Also, that voice he heard was clearly not Amy’s. He seemed to be in a dark room, almost like that of a castle. Was he alone? He looked around.
“Where the heck am I…and what happened to my vacation???” he barked.
“Chill out, Guardian.” Came the voice again. It was female, sleek and sexy. Knuckles now heard footsteps coming for him. He looked ahead. He saw a female echidna, pink in color. Her shade was deeper than Amy’s. She wore a tight black leather suit, and black boots to match. Around her hips was a belt, and daggers were hung around in it. Her eyes were a chilling blue, and she swayed her hips as she moved closer to him. She was very beautiful. “I interrupted your dream for a chat.”
“Dream?” asked Knuckles.
She stopped before him. “Duh. You thought all of that was real?”
Knuckles sweat-dropped. He had kind of hoped it was.
“You’re asleep, back in your house.”
“So is this a dream, too?”
“Sort of. I invaded your mind to talk with you.”
Knuckles crossed his arms. Something wasn’t right. They way she was looking at him, and the way her voice was going. “So what is it that’s so important that you interrupt me?”
“I know a lot about you, Knuckles the Echidna. I know your duty is to guard the Master Emerald on Angel Island. I know that you’re sharing your home with that Amy Rose girl.”
“I’m going to kill Vector...” muttered Knuckles, putting a hand to his head.
“Your gator friend didn’t tell me. I have my own ways of finding out. But back to the point. If you’re going to break the ancestral law…won’t you want to it with a fellow echidna?” she purred the last line, curling her lips into a wicked smile.
“What are you talking about? What law?”
“I’ll explain it some other time.” She got closer to him, so they were at least nose-to-nose. Knuckles backed up. She took another step forward. He backed up more. They did the routine until he backed up into a wall. “Right now...” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Let’s see how much you really know about females..”
“Hey hey hey!!” Knuckles shouted, grabbing her arms. “I don’t even know you, and I have a girlfriend!”
“You’ll know me in due time. We will meet again; only it will be in the real world. And as for your girlfriend...she won’t see us…” She slid her hands out of his, and placed them on his chest, trying to kiss him.
“Cut that out!” said Knuckles, trying to shove her off.

Amy yawned. She had gotten up with the sun, like every morning. She rubbed her eyes, and then looked to Knuckles’s bed. Usually he was a few minutes up before her. She stood up, and looked over at him. He seemed unhappy.
“I bet he’s having a bad dream. Poor Knuxy.” She thought. She bent over, and kissed him.
That always sent a shock through Knuckle’s entire body, and this morning was no exception. After she lifted her lips, Knuckles’s eyes immediately opened. He blinked, seeing Amy’s head above his.
“Morning sleepy-head.” she sang. She then walked off to make breakfast. Knuckles sat up, and yawned. He was glad Amy hadn’t seen his hands. But the dream perplexed him. He stood up, and headed off to eat. Was the girl telling the truth, that they would indeed meet once more? Or was it his mind playing tricks, creating a truly odd dream? The girl had felt real. So maybe this was a premonition, a warning of things to come.
“Well…” thought Knuckles. “If the beginning of that dream comes true, that’ll be no problem.” He put on a grin, his mind going back into his sick thoughts of Amy’s two-piece.
Amy served Knuckles a hearty breakfast, and sat next to him. Originally there was only one chair in that room, as Knuckles had never expected needing one for anyone other than himself, him always being alone and all. But, while guarding the Master Emerald, Knuckles built Amy her own chair so she could sit with him.
“Did you have a bad dream?” asked Amy between chews. “You looked upset while asleep.”
“It was pretty good for a while...” he mumbled.
“I had the strangest dream myself. I dreamt that this echidna girl told me to stay away from you.”
Knuckles stopped eating. “…Echidna girl?”
“Yeah. She was weird. She kept saying that echidnas only go with echidnas, and that I don’t deserve to be with you.”
Knuckles swallowed hard. “Really now.”
“Yeah. Weird, huh? Maybe I should stop eating that stew before going to bed.”
Knuckles looked to his meal. “Yeah, maybe.” He mumbled.

The two went to the Master Emerald to, once again, guard it. Knuckles and Amy sat at the top of the stairs, looking at the clouds. Neither had much to say. Knuckles was thinking a lot about that girl in his dream. How had she known who he was, and about Amy? When would they meet?
Amy looked to Knuckles. “Knuckles, am I a bother?”
Knuckles looked to her. “What do you mean?”
“Is it too much to take care of the Master Emerald, and have me here?”
“Of course not!”
“Are you sure?” Amy seemed to be sad. She looked to her knees. “I don’t want to be a bother…maybe it would be easier for you if I left.”
“Amy, no.” Knuckles got closer to her and put his hands on her shoulders. “You know I want you here.”
“And I want to be here. But-”
Knuckles put a hand to her lips. “No. No buts. If I didn’t want you here, I would have encouraged you to leave with Tails long ago. That wasn’t so. I can’t stand living without you. I need you by my side.” He smiled. Amy then did to. She laid back and put her head on his chest, making him blush.
“I love you soooo much, Knuxy.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. Knuckles just blushed harder, making Amy giggle. She looked to the sky and the clouds again. “It’s such a nice day.”
“Yup.”
Amy took her arms off Knuckles, and began taking her gloves off. She tossed her gloves aside.
“Why did you do that?” asked Knuckles.
“So I could really touch you.” She said, wrapping her arms around him again. Knuckles blushed again, feeling her hands caress his neck. Amy smiled. She enjoyed making him blush and be nervous. He was so cute when he was clueless. Knuckles closed his eyes, quite enjoying her silky skin up against him. Amy slid one of her hands from his neck down to his arm, down to his hand. She slowly began slipping his glove off. Knuckles opened his eyes, grabbing her hand to stop her. Amy looked up at him. She had never seen his hands under the gloves. She never understood why.
“Knuxy, why don’t you take them off? It’s too hot for gloves.” She said, blinking.
Knuckles was silent. He still feared how she would react to what his hand would reveal. Amy looked at him sadly. The innocent little look always made Knuckles feel guilty. Amy put a hand to Knuckles’s cheek and kissed him. Heat flustered his face once more, but he closed his eyes, kissing her back. Knuckles felt swept away, not noticing Amy attempting to slip his glove off again. He only noticed when he felt her soft hand upon his. He opened his eyes and broke from her. Amy looked down to his hands, seeing the talons jagging out. Amy blinked at them, and Knuckles looked away. She would scream, she would run, she would leave him…
“So that’s what you’ve been hiding.” She said, rather sweetly. Knuckles looked back to her, confused. “I always wondered what those lumps in your gloves were. I can really see why Sonic got beaten up so badly when you and him used to be enemies. Are both of your hands like that?”
Knuckles, still confused as to why she wasn’t disgusted, nodded. Amy slipped his other glove off. “Why the big secret?” she asked, looking into his eyes.
Knuckles didn’t respond at first. Then he sighed. “I…I was worried that you’d…think I was some kind of freak…I’m the only echidna with these things…I was afraid that you’d…” he trailed off.
Amy smiled. “Since when is the big rough tough Knuckles the Echidna afraid of anything?” She took one of his hands and placed it on her cheek, her hand on top. “I don’t care about looks, Knuxy. You should know that by now.”
Knuckles smiled, remembering those words his nagging conscience had said before. Amy leaned in and kissed him again. Knuckles wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. Amy sat comfortably on his lap, giving him sweet kisses and rubbing her leg against his a bit. If someone had taken the Master Emerald right then and there and Angel Island sunk into the sea, they wouldn’t have notice.
However, when they were in the peak on enjoyment, they did notice a rough male voice say “Are you sure that is wise, Guardian?”
Both stopped their kisses, and looked to the bottom of the steps, where they had heard the voice. They saw a cloaked figure stand there, looking at them both. He seemed about Knuckles’s height, if not taller. His cloak hid all features, and he had a hood covering his head. Other than the hooded cloak, all he seemed to wear were gloves, but the sleeves reached out to them so they couldn’t see his arms. Knuckles somehow felt he knew this voice, but couldn’t make it out.
“Um, do you mind?” said Amy. “We were in the middle of something.”
“This is more important, child.” Said the mystery man. “Guardian, you know of your duty to protect the powerful Master Emerald.”
Knuckles nodded. “Yeah, I do. What about it?” He held Amy a bit tighter, in case this guy was going to try anything.
“You also know that this duty has been handed down from generation to generation, from ages to ages, since the Master Emerald had first been found and its powers known. Never has there been more than one Guardian.” The man replied. “And for good reason. The Guardian must devote his entire life to protecting the Master Emerald. Nothing can be more important to his life. To take care of another life while also trying to protect this power is forbidden. You cannot be in two places at the same time. You must realize that this girl is breaking the ancestral law.”
The ancestral law. Twice it was mentioned to him now. And his words reminded him of Espio’s speech.
“What law?” asked Amy, looking at Knuckles worriedly.
“I don’t know of any dumb ancestral law.” Said Knuckles, glaring at the man. “You here to give me a history lesson? I don’t want to hear it.”
“Be wary, youth. Dire consequences will come. You have been warned.” The man clapped his hands, and he seemed to be bursting into blinding light. Amy and Knuckles had to close their eyes due to the pain they were receiving from the light. When they were able to open their eyes, the man was gone.
“What was that all about?” said Amy, still a bit frightened.
Knuckles shrugged. “I have no idea. Probably just some weirdo. Don’t let what he said get to you.” He kissed her head.
“I was going to tell you the same thing.” She said with a smile.
Knuckles smiled, seeing her happy again. She laid her on his chest, sighing peacefully. Knuckles smirked. They were now all alone. Now he could do as he pleased. He got his fingers to her waist. Amy’s gasped…then began laughing hysterically.
“QUIT IT!” she laughed. Knuckles grinned, and continued tickling her.
What, did you think Knuckles was going to do something else? Feh. This is KNUCKLES we’re talking about.

Both tried to forget the strange incident that had occurred that day, as night came. After a good dinner, both went to a good sleep. Or at least they thought it would be a good sleep. Lying in his bed, Knuckles left the real world and entered dream-mode again. This time he was in a field of grass that reached up to his chest. The wind swayed the field, and it seemed to be very peaceful. He heard a rustling ahead of him. Squinting, he saw a shade of pink waving to him from afar. Amy.
“Catch me if you can!” she giggled, running off. Knuckles smiled, and gave chase. After a bit, he seemed to have lost her. He scratched his head, confused. He then heard rustling to his left and grinned. He turned to that side and stuck his paws into the grass, grabbing whoever was there.
“Got ya!” he said.
“About time.” Purred someone else. Knuckles gulped. He pulled back, and saw the echidna girl from his last dream walk into view.
“You again..” he growled.
“Nice to see you too.” She replied, smirking.
“What do you want?” he said, narrowing his eyes.
“Another chat.”
“Another attempt to seduce me, you mean. It’s not happening. Leave me and Amy alone.”
“Feisty, aren’t we?” she began to advance near him. “Can’t we get along like civilized echidnas?”
“Civilized echidnas don’t try to break up other’s relationships.”
“I doubt that.” She smiled. “Many back in Echidnaoplolis would be pleased to see you and Amy separated.”
“What?!?” Knuckles said, shocked.
“Echidnas only go with echidnas. That’s a fact. You two are creating the stir back there. Sickening, really.”
Knuckles had also recalled this from Espio. Screw that. “I don’t care what they think. I didn’t ever care before, I don’t now, and I never will. Nothing anyone can say will make me stop loving Amy.”
“Nothing I say, hmm?” she walked toward him again, She placed a hand on his cheek. “How about what I do..” Knuckles swatted her hand off.
“Get yourself a different boy, girl. I don’t even know you.”
“Here’s what you need to know about me. The name is Trixie. But you can call me your little love echidna.” She said, wrapping her arms around his neck. Knuckles would have given anything to wake up right there. He shoved her off, growling.
“What part of ‘no’ are you not getting here??” he said through clenched teeth. “You’re really annoying me.”
“Fine.” She said with a pout. “I’ll let you resume your silly little fantasy. But we are going to meet, dear Knuckles. And you will be begging for my affection.” She blew him a kiss, and walked off. Knuckles continued to growl, really hating her. His anger ceased when he heard the voice he loved giggle from behind. He turned around, seeing Amy.
“Catch me if you can!” she repeated, running off again.
“I’ll get you this time!” he said with a laugh and went after her.

Morning came, and with it, new surprises. Knuckles sat next to Amy, eating fresh muffins with toast.
“Tasty as always.” He said after a bite.
“Did you sleep well?” asked Amy.
“Kind of.” He replied after another bite.
“I had a bit of the same dream from yesterday. That echidna girl was there again.” Knuckles choked again. He looked to Amy, who continued. “She was really against you and me dating, and she said that she should be your lover. Weird, isn’t it?”
Knuckles nodded. “Amy…in the dream, do you remember WHERE you were?”
Amy thought, and then said, “I don’t know, really. But it looked like the inside of a castle, and it was really dark.”
The same location when Knuckles had first met Trixie. Knuckles was beginning to get worried. The chance of coincidence was growing smaller and smaller.
“Why do you ask?” said Amy.
“No reason, just curious, that’s all.” Said Knuckles quickly.

Time to guard the Master Emerald. Knuckles stood before it, yawning. Another day, another dawn, another dull dull moment. Ah well. Knuckles had told Amy there was a nice flower patch nearby, and she had gone off to pick some.
“Least she’s having fun.” Thought Knuckles.

Amy was indeed, in her own way, having fun. Frolicking through flowers she had never seen before, she weaved a grass basket and picked as many as she could.
“Maybe Tails could take to Station Square so I can buy a nice vase for all of these!” she said with giggles. She then heard a long, loud moan. Amy looked around, to see what it was. She then saw a pink body a few feet ahead of her. She ran up, and saw, lying in the flowers, the scary echidna girl form her dreams. Amy blinked several times, amazed.
“You just going to stare or help me?” said the girl.
“Oh, sorry.” said Amy offering a hand to help her up. The girl dusted herself off. “What are you doing here?”
“I was walking home, and some thugs attacked me.” Replied the girl, lying through her teeth. “I don’t remember anything since then, just waking up here.”
“Oh…do you know how to get home?”
The girl shook her head. “No clue. Now I need somewhere to stay for a smidge.” She smirked to Amy. She knew Amy, despite the dreams, would feel pity for this girl and let her stay with her and Knuckles.
“Well…maybe Knuckles-my boyfriend-would let you stay with us for a while.”
“That’d be great.” the girl said with a devilish look in her eyes.

Knuckles stretched his arms a bit. Then he resumed what he was doing-polishing the Master Emerald. It was something he did one a month, to keep it shiny. He was using a small rag and going over spaces he had missed.
“Knuckles!”
Amy’s voice. And she hadn’t used her pet name for him, so it must be important. Knuckles turned around to look down, to see Amy and Trixie. Knuckles nearly freaked, seeing the girl from his dreams. Or should he say nightmares.
“Knuckles! This girl…it was Trixie, right?” Trixie nodded. “Yeah, Trixie here says she got beaten up by some guys and needs somewhere to stay for a bit. Do you think it would be ok if we could let her stay with us?”
Knuckles gulped. Trixie’s words had come true, and in the flesh, she was standing at the bottom of the steps. He prayed to the gods it was all just a big coincidence.
“Well...I...guess..” said Knuckles nervously. He wasn’t quite enjoying the look he was getting from Trixie, for it was one of desire.
“It’s about lunch-time.” Said Amy, looking to Trixie. “This is when I make Knuckle’s lunch. I’ll be right back, with one for you, too.”
“I’ll come with.” Said Trixie. “To help, and to see what the place looks like.”
Knuckles held in a snarl. He didn’t trust Trixie alone with Amy. If Trixie hurt her…
“Ok.” Said Amy. “Just follow me! We’ll be back soon, Knuxy!” said Amy. She had told herself that the dream was just a dream, and that this girl was a new friend.

At the home sweet home, Amy got into the kitchen and went cooking. Trixie didn’t help as she said she would, and merely looked around.
“Don’t you ever clean this place?” she complained. “It’s filthy.”
Amy tried to not be annoyed. “We do clean.”
“You could have fooled me.”
Amy made a pouted face, but continued cooking. A few minutes later, she made enough ramen soup for three.
“There, all done! Knuckles loves my ramen soup.”
Trixie took a spoon and sipped some of hers. She spat it back out. “Yuck! You call this slop FOOD?”
Amy gritted her teeth. “Yes. Yes I do.”
“You’ve been poisoning that poor Knuckles. Watch how a GOOD cook does it.” She shoved Amy aside, dumping all the ramen soup down the sink, and began making her own. Amy bit her lower lip, her temper rising. But she was sure that Trixie would reveal herself to be a good person. Or leave early.

Knuckles smiled, seeing Amy walk back toward the steps. He frowned seeing Trixie with her. Amy seemed to be ok, at least. She was carrying two bowls of soup.
“Here you go, Knuxy, hot, fresh, ramen soup!” she said cheerfully handing him a bowl. Knuckles grinned, sitting down. The girls sat on both sides of him, with their own bowls. Knuckles took a big slurp. His eyes widened. He swallowed hard, his face turning green.
“Amy…its…so….unusual…” he said, trying to hide the fact he was ready to hurl it back up.
“I didn’t make it.” Said Amy, looking to Trixie. “She insisted that she cook the meal.” Trixie grinned.
“That explains a lot.” Said Knuckles, looking into his bowl and swallowing hard again. “Oh, you know what, I’m full already.” She placed the bowl away from him.
Amy knew Knuckles well enough to know when he was lying. The soup couldn’t be THAT bad. She put her spoon in her mouth. She was quickly proved wrong, taking the most painful gulp she had ever done. “Gods….” She choked. “...It…really IS a filling soup…I…think I’ll save the rest for later.” And then she also put her bowl away from her. Trixie, on the other hand, was nearly done with her bowl, eating it away heartily.
“How in Chaos is she eating that stuff??” thought Knuckles and Amy. After Trixie was finished, she tossed her bowl behind her. Amy screeched as it fell and cracked into pieces. Trixie didn’t seem to care that she broke it.
“Ah, delicious.” She mused; licking whatever was left from her lips. “It’s so good to eat your own cooking. So is it true that all day you do nothing but guard this dull rock?”
“You could put it that way.” Said Knuckles, peeved about the bowl, which had cost him many a dollar.
“It’s an important job.” Said Amy. “If he doesn’t guard it, someone could try and take it.”
“Mmm hmm. But he does a good job, correct?” said Trixie, tapping the ground with her hand.
“Yup!” said Amy, a smile now forming. “He’s so strong, and he’s a great fighter. He’s defeated a lot of villains and kept the Master Emerald safe!”
Knuckles smiled, enjoyed to hear Amy’s compliments.
“So how are you at guarding it?” Trixie asked.
“Huh? How Am I?” asked back Amy.”
“You heard me.” Said Trixie. “If you are the guardian’s mistress, shouldn’t you help in aiding the protection of the Master Emerald?”
“Oh…uh…I guess you’re right.” said Amy. “Well…we haven’t had any trouble for a real long time...but…if Knuckles needed help, I could be of aid. I have a huge hammer that I can knock the stuffing out of bad guys!” she remarked, proudly. “I call it my Piko Piko hammer.”
“Gee, I bet that scares all the baddies.” Trixie said sarcastically. “You think a little hammer is going to protect the ultimate power source?”
Amy went silent. She now felt a lot worse about herself. Knuckles twitched, glaring at Trixie. “Amy would do a great job, should I ever need her help. Don’t count her out.” He said strongly. Amy smiled, hearing his encouraging words.
Trixie rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Just saying…many don’t fear a hammer. What they fear is the Guardian.” She looked Knuckles up and down. “The strongest man who can defend who can defend the Master Emerald. The one with muscle.”
Knuckles felt chills, and Amy felt threatened.
“So Amy, what kind of flowers did you find?” said Knuckles quickly, glad to change the subject.
“Oh, all kinds!” said Amy, glad well and going into full detail. Trixie gave another roll of the eyes. The day went on, Trixie continually dissing Amy and her lifestyle and giving Knuckles many a look. The two did their best to ignore it all. Knuckles did his best not to grab Trixie and toss her off the Island, for he knew sweet Amy would object. Amy wanted to as well, actually, but thought that Knuckles would disapprove.

Night once more. The two led Trixie back to their humble home. Knuckles highly insisted Amy cook dinner, despite Trixie’s objections.
Amy walked out of the kitchen carrying three plates full of yummy food.
“Now Trixie, we only have 2 chairs…so I hope you don’t mind.” Said Amy, setting the plates down.
“Not at all.” Said Trixie, taking the second chair that was next to Knuckles who already was seated. A low growl emerged from him, and Amy clenched her teeth.
“O…k..” she said slowly, holding in her anger.
“Amy, could you get the pepper?” asked Knuckles.
“Sure.” She said, leaving the kitchen.
Knuckles was about to bite into a roll of bread, when he suddenly felt he was being touched by his leg and froze. Trixie was rubbing her foot up and down Knuckle’s leg. She grinned at him, batting her eyelashes.
“Cut that out!” he hissed low enough so Amy wouldn’t hear.
“Cut what out?” asked Trixie innocently.
Knuckles moved his seat far away from her. “Listen you.” he continued in the low voice, “I didn’t like you in my dreams, I didn’t like you insulting Amy, and I don’t like you coming onto me. Shape up or someone gets a shove off the nearest cliff.”
“But this is so much FUN.” She replied with a continued grin.
“Pepper, right?” said Amy re-entering. She blinked, seeing Knuckles further away from Trixie. She held in a big smile.
“Yeah. Thanks Amy.” He said as it was handed to him.

After the meal, it was time to get some sleep.
“Now Trixie, we have only one futon…so I hope you don’t mind.” Said Amy, leading Trixie into Knuckles’s, and her own, room.
“Not at all.” Said Trixie, slipping to Amy’s futon. Knuckles growled again, and Amy sighed angrily.
“O…k..” Amy said slowly. “I’ll just grab some blankets and sleep on the floor.”
“You can use my bed.” Said Knuckles.
“If you say so, Knuckles.” Said Trixie, smiling.
“I was talking to Amy.”
“It’s ok.” Said Amy. “The floor’s fine.”

Knuckles had a hard time getting asleep. He kept fretting that Trixie would enter his dreams again and try again to seduce him. At who-knows-what-hour of the night, Knuckles got a strange, yet warm feeling on his neck. It felt like someone was touching it, nuzzling against it slowly. Knuckles smiled, thinking it was a dream.
“Mmmm….Amy…”he murmured, imagining her in his arms, her head on his shoulder. He then heard a ruffle of blankets and felt more warmth, realizing this was not a dream. Knuckles kept his eyes shut. Was Amy REALLY climbing into bed with him?? His heart beat faster and faster. He never knew Amy to be so bold. Perhaps jealousy over Trixie purged her into this action. Be that reason or not, Knuckles wasn’t complaining. He opened his eyes, ready to see his beloved Amy with him.
3 guesses who it was, and the first two don’t count.
Trixie was lying on top of Knuckles, kissing his neck. Knuckles immediately sat up, and held in a yell.
“WHAT-ARE-YOU-DOING?” he said at the highest tone, yet low enough so Amy wouldn’t wake up.
“The futon wasn’t…comfortable, enough.” She replied, still holding onto Knuckles. “You seemed to be enjoying it until you opened your eyes.”
“THAT’S-BECAUSE-I-THOUGHT-YOU-WERE-AMY.” He growled, checking every 5 seconds to see if Amy was seeing this.
“I think we’ve had enough talk…let’s see more action.” She said, leaning more onto Knuckles and attempting a kiss on the lips. Knuckles, angry already, punched Trixie in the side of her head and shoved her off the bed. And the punch really hurt, since he wasn’t wearing gloves.
Trixie sat up, rubbing her head. “You’re not supposed to hit girls!” she barked.
“I gladly made an exception for you.” He barked right back.
She grunted, standing up. “Mark my words Knuckles…you WILL be mine!” She stormed out of the room, and out of the house.
“Good riddance.” He thought. He stood up, and picked up sleeping Amy on the floor. He gently placed her in her futon.
“Nnn….Knuxy...” she whispered. Knuckles smiled, and went back to bed.

When night ended and breakfast was served, Amy didn’t ask about Trixie’s whereabouts. She was quite pleased to know that the annoying Knuckles stealer had left. The two went on with the day as if Trixie never existed.

It was after lunch. Knuckles and Amy were doing the duty of protecting the Master Emerald. Amy was sitting next to Knuckles, picking petals off a flower. She seemed to examine each petal before plucking.
“What are you doing?” asked Knuckles.
“With each petal I take off, I’m thinking of reasons I love you sooooo much.” She replied, making Knuckles blush. She picked off more. “Because you’re handsome. Because you’re heroic. Because you’re honest.”
Knuckles blushed harder, making Amy giggle. Soon she had run out of petals.
“Darn. I could have thought up more.” She said.
“You could just go picking flowers again, like yesterday.”
“Ok. Only this time, if I see any echidna girls around, they gotta take a hike!”
Knuckles laughed, Amy smiled, and she went off.

Amy sang as she picked all the flowers she could in the same patch as yesterday. Joyfully picking some azaleas, she heard walking behind her. Had Knuckles come to join her? She turned around, and saw Trixie. Amy narrowed her eyes.
“Oh. There you are, Trixie. I was worried when you weren’t there when we woke up.” She said slowly, lying.
“I’m sure you were. Now you’re a good friend, right?”
“Right..”
“And you’d like to help out a friend, right?”
“Right..”
“So can I borrow something of yours?”
“As long as it isn’t Knuckles, sure.”
“Good. Because I’m borrowing your body!”
“My WHAT?”
Trixie suddenly turned, from the feet up, into pink smoke! The smoke smacked right into Amy seeped in her. Amy felt everything growing cold, and shut her eyes tight. When she opened them, she looked the same, but seemed to be in a cage! In the same dark, castle-like room of her dreams!
“Where am I?” she yelled. No answer. “Help! Help! Knuckles, someone, anyone, help me!!”
Back in the flower field, it looked like Amy was standing there, as if nothing had happened. But then her lips went into a cruel smile. Trixie had taken over Amy’s mind and body!
“Heh heh heh. Too easy.” She said to no one, and began walking towards the Master Emerald’s location.

Knuckles still sat before the crystal, waiting Amy’s arrival. He took off one of his gloves to examine his hand, which he used to think would drive Amy away.
“Well well well, Mister I-know-everything-about-Amy,” mocked his conscience. “They REALLY made her scream, huh?”
“Oh, go to hell.” Muttered Knuckles.
“You really don’t know Amy all that well.”
“What are you talking about, we’ve been together for 3 months!”
“You mistook her touch last night.”
“…Ok, so I do need to learn a few things.
“ ‘Few’, he says.”
“Go to hell.” Knuckles then looked down at the steps to see Amy. Or whom he thought was Amy. Amy/Trixie was moving slower than usual, and she was coughing a lot. Worried, Knuckles ran down the steps to get to her.
“Are you ok?” he asked, looking her over.
“I’m fine…cough…I just…cough…feel woozy..” she replied, coughing into her hands.
Knuckles felt her forehead. “Hmmm…you feel fine, but you might be sick anyway. We should get you to bed.”
“Oh, but the Master Emerald…cough…you need to guard it...cough...”
“That can wait. You need rest.”
“If you say so…” Knuckles didn’t notice the smirk on her face.

To Be Continued In Chapter Two