Chapter 34: Breathtaking

Warning: The following paragraph is a promo for my new book. If you're interested in powerful female leads and fantasy/romance, then keep reading. If not, scroll down to chapter 34. This episode also contains mentions of PTSD, you have been warned. Happy reading !

---------After losing Persephone in a battle against Kronos, Hades sought after a life of solitude and loneliness on Earth. That is until his brother, Zeus, pulled him from his temporary retirement to investigate a troublesome lead amongst the humans. Meanwhile, First born princess to the kingdom of Raisen, 20 year old Fallon Targaryen is carving her own way to the throne. After being raised in the shadow of her older brother and being cast aside by her people for the accidental murder of her younger sister, Fallon seeks out what is rightfully hers. As the two strangers paths intersect in a twist of fate, their story is far from over.________________________________

Amy's POV:

Brushing the smokey eyeshadow onto my lids, I sit back in the chair to admire my work.

Carefully taking the rollers out of my hair, the long curls cascade down my back. Worrying that I'm taking too long to get ready, I glance over at the clock and then to my dress.

I quickly drop my robe to the floor and slip my dress off of its hanger. Struggling to zip the back up all the way, I hear my doorbell ring.

"Rose, are you decent?"

Glancing from the stairs to my exposed back, I sigh. I had wanted to get ready with the girls but they all had dinner dates planned before the ball, even Blaze!

"Uh, sort of. I can't get my dress zipped up."

Wincing at the awkward silence, he finally says "would you like some help?"

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Shadow's POV:

Staring at the gentle curve of her back, my hands are suddenly more hesitant to touch her than before.

When I had reached the top of the stairs, I couldn't help but snicker as I saw her practically bending over backwards to reach the zipper.

"Is it stuck?"

Realizing that all I've done is stare and not actually move, I reach forwards and grab the zipper. Slowly sliding it up her back, I'm careful to not pinch her. As she releases her hair, a part of me feels disappointed as her beautifully muscled back is covered. However as soon as she lets her hair down, the smell of roses wafts past my nose. Resisting the urge to lean in closer, notes of vanilla and shortcake linger around her as well.

"Close your eyes, I'm not ready yet!"

Doing as she wishes, I shut my eyes until she tells me to open them again.

And when I do..... I can say I finally understand the term of being awestruck.

She's... absolutely stunning.

Delicate silver earrings dangle from the bottom of her ears, perfectly matching the decorative jewelry on her dress

Her dress... sweet chaos.

The skin tight dress hugs her body, and although I've seen her in nothing but a sports bra and shorts during training our sessions, the dress accentuates parts of her body that I had overlooked before.

"You're... Stunning."

She smiles, and awkwardly looks to the side. Looking at her closely, I see a pink flush that wasn't there before.

"I hope that the transportation I brought won't mess your hair up too badly, I suppose I should have thought about that beforehand."

"...What did you bring?"

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Amy's POV:

Holding on tightly as my long hair whips behind me, the low growl of the motorcycle hums in my ears. Years ago, or even months ago, I would have said absolutely not to riding on the back of a motorcycle after spending hours on my hair. But for some reason this feels more liberating than I ever thought it could. The cool evening breeze whistling around you, not hot enough to feel sticky but not cold enough to raise goosebumps either. Resisting the urge to put my arms out and relish in the wind, I know it might scare Shadow. I'm sure the last thing he would want right now is to see me tumble off his bike face first into the pavement because I was trying to embody a fairy.

Snickering to myself at the thought, I lay my head on his shoulder and enjoy the feeling of the evening breeze blowing across my face.

Maria would love this.

... Maria

The image of her leaning onto his shoulder with a sleepy smile as they cruise on his bike drifts into my mind. In the exact same position as me, with her arms wrapped around his torso.

Lifting my head up, I suddenly realize just how close I am to Shadow. Loosening my previously tight grip, I scoot back a bit in the seat. Although  I've been taking a lot of comfort in his company lately, a part of me feels guilty.

Guilty because Maria loved him. And I'm sure when she told me to take care of him, falling in love with him wasn't what she meant.

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Sonic's POV:

Arriving early at the Hero's Ball to help set up and get everything ready, it's time for the event to begin.

Lining up behind the large velvet curtain, I shuffle nervously. It's not that I don't love being recognized by the people, but events like this make me realize just how socially awkward I am. I'm proud of what I've done to help Mobius, and I'm proud of my friends for everything they've done too, but this whole ball has always been a bit over the top. In all honesty, being praised and worshiped all night like I'm this amazing hero makes me feel guilty for the people that I wasn't able to save.

"Introducing the saviors of our world, we have Sonic the Hedgehog, hero of Mobius!"

As the curtains open and cheers erupt through the large venue, I feel my legs begin to shake as I walk towards the large reserved table. Trying not to walk too quickly, the table seems farther and farther away. Trying to resist the urge to sprint to the table, the cheers grow louder as they ring in my ears.

It would be even louder if I wouldn't have let so many people die.

Feeling my heart race in my chest I can feel my palms begin to sweat. Trying to calm down, it feels as if I can't get enough air.

"Why didn't you save us, Sonic?"

"It's so cold, Sonic."

"Where's my dad, Sonic?"

Wincing as the faces of Mobian's around me distort into those long forgotten, my breath catches in my throat as I shut my eyes as tight as I can.

"Why did you let me die, Sonic?"

Watching the room blur past me as I close the distance remaining to get to the table, hats blow off of Mobian's heads and napkins blow off of tables. I sit in the chair, gasping for air as everyone cheers and claps as if my display was all part of the intro. As if their friends and family members aren't dead because of me.

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Silver's POV:

Holding Blaze's hand, I look for any ounce of nervousness. But instead I find her shoulders squared and her posture poised. Watching her everyday manerisms around the house, I forget that she once ruled over an entire dimension sometimes.

Watching the announcer flip his page once the audience calms down from Sonic's display, I pull her petite hand to my lips. Her cheeks flush, and I take a second to soak in how truly beautiful she is. Her floor length dress drags the ground just slightly while her dainty tiara sparkles in the mood lighting.

What was the color of her dress again?... I remember it being an odd name.

Steel blue, it was. Although it looks a bit more silver to me than anything, and it's absolutely gorgeous on her. I forget how long it's been since I've seen her in such a regal looking dress.

"Introducing Blaze the Cat. Hero of Mobius, Princess of the Sol Dimension, guardian of the Sol Emeralds, and hero of the future."

Blaze looks longingly at me one last time before her fingers slip through from mine. Walking down the isle, it's clear to me now that her royal roots are shining through. With one hand neatly crossed over the other, she smiles kindly to the Mobians as they cheer for her. And when she stops in the middle of the isle to look back at me once again, my heart nearly skips a beat.

How could I have waited so long to call her mine?

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Rouge's POV:

Rolling my eyes as Silver gushes over Blaze, I look over my shoulder to see Knuckles practically drooling on the ground.

"Introducing Silver the Hedgehog. Hero of Mobius, and Hero of the future."

Looking down at my gold dress with slits along the hips and waist, I can see why.

"Don't worry Knuckie, you'll get to see it on the floor later while I scream your name."

Winking to him as I walk through the curtains, his face turns as red as his fur.

"Introducing Rouge the Bat. Hero of Mobius, and government agent of earth."

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Tails' POV:

Grimacing, I wish I could unhear Rouge's comment to Knuckles

"Tails?..."

Turning around when I hear Creams soft voice, she's dressed in a modest pale pink dress with lace. She looks like a princess, beautiful as always.

Even though Cream has always been a part of our team, she respected her mothers wishes and never engaged in battles with us. And because of it, she's never been recognized at any of the balls.

"I can't do this anymore."

Feeling my heart drop into my stomach, I've been waiting and even trying to avoid this conversation. Glancing to my robotic tail, I haven't exactly been the most present in our relationship while I was trying to get over my own trauma. I haven't been treating her right, and it's embarrassing that it's taken me this long to realize it.

Walking up to her, all I can do is scoop her up into my arms and hold her as tightly as I can.

"I'm so sorry Cream."

When her her arms don't make an attempt to wrap around me, I realize just how badly I've screwed up.

Pulling away, I cup her cheek in my hand, desperately trying to gain back her affection.

"Please, let me make this right. I love you, and I'm sorry I haven't been acting like it. Please, just hear me out after the ball. And if you're still angry with me, then I'll accept it if you don't want to be with me anymore."

She leans her head onto to my hand, but her eyes are sad.

"I'm not mad, Tails. I'm tired of trying."

Feeling defeated, I beg her to give me another chance.

"I'm so sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

She sighs, but is cut off  by the annoucer.

"Introducing Tails the Fox. Engineer for team Sonic, and hero of Mobius."

Leaning down to kiss her on the forehead, she finally meets my eyes.

"You have to promise me, Tails."

Nodding, I turn to walk through the curtains. Taking one last glance at Cream, I grab her wrist and pull her through the curtains with me.

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Cream's POV:

Staring in disbelief as cameras flash and the announcer grumbles, I look up at Tails in shock. His smile is wide as can be, his eyes full of pride.

"Introducing Cream the Rabbit. Friend of team Sonic, amazing baker, the perfect shop assistant, and an outstanding nurse."

Feeling my heart beat in my throat, the announcer flips through his pages to see if he's missed a line.

"She's helped our team through every battle, even if it was from the sidelines cheering us on and making sure we always have everything we need. And she deserves to be recognized just as much as the rest of us. She patches every single one of us up after every battle, and bakes the best carrot cake. She can brighten up a room with one smile, like a little ray of sunshine... And I'm proud to call her mine."

Staring in astonishment at my usually shy partner, I feel tears welling up my eyes. I had told him that I felt a bit hurt when I wasn't going to be recognized yet again this year, but I thought he wasn't listening.

Now that I take a second to think about it, I haven't given him any credit for overcoming his forced amputation and would even get upset when he didn't want to talk or spend time with me. I knew I was being a bit harsh deep down, but I got tired of feeling alone... Even if it wasn't entirely his fault.

All this time, I guess he has been listening to me.

Walking with him down the isle, everybody cheers and claps as we walk to our seats.

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Amy's POV:

I'm happy for Cream, and for Tails' sake I hope he keeps his promise.

"Introducing Knuckles the Echidna. Protector of Angel Island, protector of the Master Emerald, and hero of Mobius."

Looking nervously down at my dress, I realize that I'm the only one not wearing a ball gown.

"Are you alright?"

Turning to see Sally standing by my side, she looks regal in her pale olive colored floor length gown. Her dress is nothing less than extravagant, with gold accents to most likely display her families wealth.

"Yes, I just feel a bit out of place is all."

As she raises her eyebrow, her tiara shifts slightly.

"Why? Your dress is stunning."

Shrugging, I look awkwardly to the side.

"It's so different compared to everyone else's."

"Sally Alicia Acorn. Princess of the Acorn Kingdom, and hero of Mobius."

Glancing to me, and then to the curtain, she reaches for my shoulder.

"Do you like it?"

Nodding, I say "I love it."

As she smiles and begins to walk towards the velvet curtains, I hesitate. I've known Sally long enough to recognize the reluctant look in her eyes. And as I look at her a little longed, I begin to realize why.

Sally has always preferred a more sophisticated look, and although the big poofy ballroom dress she currently has on is beautiful, it's just not her style.

"....Do you like your dress, Sally?"

She stops, and when she looks over her shoulder, she looks sad.

"I didn't pick it."

As I stand there shocked, I hear the crowd begin to murmur in her absence.

Us girls have always picked a second dress incase something happened to the first, so she has to have it around here somewhere.

"Did you pick your replacement dress?"

"Well yes, but--"

"Princess Sally--?"

Peeking my head through the curtains, I awkwardly smile.

"Give us just one moment please, she'll be right out."

As I shut the curtains, Sally is beginning to panic.

"Amy, what are you doing?!"

Pulling Sally away from the whispering crowd, I say "getting you into a different dress, is what. Now where is it?"

Still somewhat flustered, she points to a beautiful light green dress sitting in a dark corner. Glancing around at the workers walking by, I snap my fingers and box us into a square of opaque chaos energy. The pale pink light is nearly blinding as I unzip her dress and quickly shimmy it down to her ankles.

Grabbing her other dress, I help her step into it before quickly zipping it up. It fits her beautifully, and more importantly it's what she actually wants. I know that her family has always been controlling, but I never thought they would pull a stunt like this.

Making sure the sweetheart neckline and thin straps are properly in place, I drop the cube and shove her over to the curtains.

"My family is going to be so mad--"

Reaching the curtains, I ask "but are you happy?"

Taking a second to think, she nods. But she still looks confused.

"Amy... Why did you help me..?"

Reaching for the curtain, I pull it back as the crowd gasps and cheers.

"I've been angry for long enough. I think it's time to make amends."

As tears well up in her shocked eyes, one of the most genuine smiles I've ever seen spreads across her face.

"Thanks, Pinky."

Snickering at the nickname that I haven't heard for years, the announcer comes back over the microphone.

"Reintroducing Sally Alicia Acorn. Princess of the Acorn Kingdom and hero of Mobius."

________________________________Bonus: The girls dresses !

Sally's first dress:

Sally's replacement dress:

Amy's dress:

Cream's dress:

Blaze's dress:

Rouge's dress: