I Don't Want To Go To The Ball Ch9

I Don’t Want To Go To The Ball

Chapter 9: Wednesday, The Sixteenth

Deathy: This chapter is beginning on page 42 in my word document. Wow! This story is longer than I thought it would be.

Disclaimer: This is the final chapter!

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Amy fidgeted in her seat.

“Amy, you need to hold still,” the sixteen year old rabbit chided.

“I’m sorry.” Amy bit her bottom lip.

“Don’t bit your lip! You’ll ruin your makeup!” Cream had insisted on doing Amy’s makeup. She was so happy to be doing it too.

Amy smiled at her friend. She was happy for this time. Yesterday had been stressful. She didn’t even remember a water creature trying to take her away. It made the pink hedgehog uncomfortable. She didn’t like blacking out. It made her feel like she wasn’t in control of herself. She may not have been the most mature of the freedom fighters, but she had grown into holding her own. Her hammer could have easily handled that stupid creature. And yet she had been helpless.

But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that. It was time to prepare for the peace ball. It was going to be a fun day. Cream looked adorable. Her hair was fluffy and curled. Her pink dress actually showed off her curves a lot more than they were all expecting, but the rabbit rolled with it.

“So, are you excited?” Amy asked curiously.

“Of course!” Cream squealed. “Aren’t you?”

Amy nodded. “Tails is a great dancer. So you’ll have plenty of fun tonight. Though I might come by to steal a dance with you guys.”

Cream chuckled. “I’m sure Mister Shadow will give you at least one dance.”

“Shadow? Dance?” Amy mused. “Those two words just don’t sound like they belong together. No. I’ll just have to dance with others and help Shadow avoid conversation when need be.”

Cream rolled her eyes. “You never know. Mister Shadow just might surprise you.” The cream rabbit picked up a tube of lipstick. She examined its color before putting it back and picking up another one and doing the same. “I mean, wouldn’t it be just like a movie if he admitted he loved you or something. Maybe even steal a kiss during a dance.”

Amy merely stared at the rabbit. She would retort, but the rabbit was applying a lipstick to her mouth preventing her from doing so. So a pointed stare would have to do.

“Don’t give me that look.” Cream ordered. “We all know you’ve had a crush on Shadow. You’ve had it for years. You just go into denial and then try to redirect your attention to Sonic. All of us girls have known. We’ve just been standing back and watching because you’re stubborn and we didn’t want to make your denial worse.” She picked up a gloss. “Now Mister Shadow asked you to the ball and you said yes. That’s a good sign. So swallow your doubts and go with your gut!”

“How so?” Amy shrugged.

“Simple.” Cream began tweaking with her hair. “If Mister Shadow makes a move. Go with it. Don’t run away like last time.”

“Last time? What last time?” Amy tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair.

“At the beach last year.” Cream stated. “Mister Shadow was totally flirting with you. He’s not the best at it, but we could all tell. Even Sonic figured it out. But you were dense and gave singles that you were friend zoning him.”

“What?! How?”

“Mister Shadow went to hold your hand when you two went out to gather sea shells on the beach. We were spying on you guys.” Cream answered Amy’s arched eye brow. “You held his hand, and you two got along well. Until sunset came. Mister Shadow leaned in to hold while you gazed into the sunset. Something romantic, right? You leaned back to be held, but then your started having doubts. We could all see it on your face. That part of your brain that tears down your self-esteem and makes you doubt everything. It kicked on into high gear and instead of suppressing it, you walked away. You gave Mister Shadow some bullshit excuse and left him there. Then the next day you started up on how much you love Sonic. Even though for the three years before, you hadn’t tried to pursue Sonic at all.” Cream wagged a finger at Amy. “We all caught on after that.”

“I… I…” Amy hung her head. “I’m a real idiot, huh?”

“Yep.” Cream popped the p loudly.

“I didn’t even realize…”

“A part of your brain did.” Cream interrupted. “And then it decided to doom you. So this time, you need to get it right.”

“How?”

“Well, instead of letting Mister Shadow make the first move,” Cream thought, “Why don’t you?”

“Make the first move?”

“Yeah, you know. Flirt a bit. See how Shadow reacts. Then take it from there.”

“This can not end well.” Amy threw her head back and rested it on the back of her chair.

“Think positive and it will end well.” Cream ordered.

“Fine.” Amy looked at the rabbit. “You going to be making any moves on Tails tonight?”

Cream’s face turned red. “Uh…”

Amy smirked. “I love you Cream.” She poked her best friend in the check. “I really needed this. Thanks.” She glanced at the clock. “You better get going. Tails is sure to be waiting for you by now.”

Cream looked at the clock and nodded. “You’re right. I just hope Cheese and Chocola haven’t been too much trouble for him.”

“I’m sure they’re fine. Tails can handle two chao on his own.” Amy waved her hand.

Cream barked out a laugh. “Barely.” Cream grabbed her purse and slipped on her shoes. They were cute flat dress shoes that fit with her dress, a pink dress with a puffy skirt, quite nicely. She bid her farewells as she swung open the door, hitting a black and red hedgehog on the way. “I’m so sorry!” She squeaked out.

Amy walked over to the door and covered her mouth with her hand. Trying to suppress her laughter.

Shadow T. Hedgehog struggled to put on his tie. He knew how to tie one. Professor Gerald had shown him how to wear one on the Ark. Even the Commander took the time to show him how to put one on when he first got this suit. But for some reason, Shadow couldn’t get the tie right. It was frustrating!

He took the tie off and glared at it. He didn’t have time for this. He had to go get Rose soon. He needed to protect her from that thing that tried to take her. He growled in frustration. He looked in the mirror and draped the tie around his neck.

“Remember Shadow,” Gerald stood beside the black hedgehog in a mirror. “You have to clear your mind when you tie a tie. Take it slow and steady and you’ll get it right.”

“I don’t think this is right Professor.” Shadow scrunched up his face as he looked at the knot he tied. It was crude and crooked.

Gerald chuckled.

Shadow glared at his creator. He didn’t like being laughed at.

Gerald patted Shadow on the back. “Relax.” He rubbed his knuckles on the boy’s cheeks. “You know, if you keep making that face it’ll get stuck that way.” Shadow still glared. “Let’s go over the steps again then.”

Shadow murmured the steps as he moved his hands. He finally got the tie right. It wasn’t perfect, but it was tied and looked decent. That was all he needed in order to be presentable. He safely tucked away a gun in a holster that was strapped to his waist. He picked up his keys and spare helmet. As he got on his motorcycle, Shadow pondered if he should think about getting an actual car.

“Nah.” Shadow thought as he drove down the street. “I like my bike.”

Shadow arrived at Rose’s house in record time. Now he just hoped she was ready to go. Rouge had told him that a woman always took a long time to prepare fancy events. Shadow knew this to be fact from experience with Rouge. Rose would surely take a while too. He walked up to the door and lifted his hand to knock. Then the door swiftly open and knocked the black hedgehog on his ass.

“Are you okay?” Amy asked, extending her hand out to the red striped hedgehog.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Shadow groaned as he rubbed his head. “Did you have to hit me so hard with the door Rose?”

“That wasn’t me.” Amy rolled her eyes as she helped him. “Cream did it by accident. She was in a hurry to go meet up with Tails.”

“Hmph.” Shadow shook his head. “How are you?” Shadow paused as he took in the pink hedgehog’s appearance.

Her quills frame her nicely. Curling a bit at the end. Her eye shadow had some glitter in them, making her eye lids sparkle. Her lips were glossy and a bright pink color. He had seen Rose with makeup on before and every time, Shadow marveled at how beautiful she was. But it was the dress that really caught his attention. It was a green dress that matched her emerald eyes. The skirt flared out a bit and came down to the midpoint of her shin. Rose always loved to dress nice, but this dress was strangely different. Then Shadow caught sight of it.

The top of Rose’s dress was a corset. It barely covered her breasts and it looked as if they were about to pop out at any moment.

“Great…” Shadow thought as he adverted his gaze from Rose. “Things to avoid looking at all night.”

He turned back to talk to Rose, but blinked as Rose was no longer there.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Amy came back onto the front porch. She was holing a small purse in her hands. She now had on a fancy, but simple looking necklace with a locket in the center. She looked her door and turned to him. “You seem to have dazed off. Did you see any funny shapes in the sky?”

“Hmph.” Shadow crossed his arms. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yep!” Amy beamed a smile at him.

Shadow arched an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you get a jacket?” It’s going to be hard ignoring your chest without one.

Amy tilted her head at him quizzically.

“In case you get cold.” Shadow lied.

“Oh!” Amy nodded her head. She pointed to the shawl wrapped around her waist. “I can use this shawl for that.”

Shadow nodded as he handed her a helmet. “Hold on tight.”

Amy put on the helmet and climbed on the motorcycle behind Shadow. She wrapped her arms around him tightly.

Shadow clenched his teeth. He had forgotten how strong Rose was. She had grip that could break a normal man’s spine. Luckily for him, he was the Ultimate Lifeform and could withstand several tons of pressure. He tapped his fingers on her hands.

“What’s wrong Shadow?” Amy loosened her grip to look him in the eye.

“Too tight.” Shadow sighed. “Has anyone told you that you don’t know your own strength Rose?”

Amy blushed as she sat on the back of the bike. She wrapped her arms around again, but this time not enough to choke him. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Shadow turned on the motorcycle and drove off.

The Ball was already underway by the time they got there. Shadow and Amy linked arms as they walked up the stairs. An Acorian soldier met them at the door.

“Your names?”

“Shadow Hedgehog.” Shadow simply glared. “This is Amy Rose. You know us both Ted.”

Ted merely shrugged. “I’m required to ask, even if I know you.”

“Why?” Shadow arched an eyebrow at him.

Ted merely smiled ear to ear. “For this.” He turned and tapped the long golden staff he was holding on the ground, drawing everyone’s attention to the entrance. “Announcing the arrival of Shadow Hedgehog of the Guardians of the United Nations and Duchess Amy Rose of Mercia.” Ted tapped the staff again before turning back to Shadow with a grin even bigger than the last. “Have a good evening.”

“I hate you Ted.” Shadow growled.

Amy chuckled as she pulled her escort forward. “Come on, people are staring.” She whispered. “Hope you have a good time Ted.”

“Thank you Duchess Rose.” Ted waved.

Amy smiled as they entered the ball. Shadow stuck right beside her. To Amy’s surprise, several people wanted to talk to her and not Shadow. She knew them as higher up citizens of Mercia, but she felt bad that she didn’t know their names. They were all really nice and humble. Shadow was a bit confused as to how the few Mercian’s that came seem to look like medieval people from a movie he once watched on TV. They were even nice to him. Questions like, “How are you faring? What have you been up to?” Just simple, polite things.

Amy was enjoying herself greatly. Though the thing that was bugging her was that Shadow was watching her like a dog. The black hedgehog was on edge and it was obvious to everyone.

“How long do you think he’ll be like that?” Cream asked as she danced with Amy.

Amy sighed, “I don’t know. I just hope it doesn’t last long.”

“He’s just worried about you.” Cream shrugged with a meek smile.

“But this ball won’t be any fun if he doesn’t enjoy it too.” She pouted.

Cream thought for a moment. “Maybe you should talk to him about it?”

Amy’s eyes lit up. “That might actually do the trick. Plus, Shadow hasn’t seen the flowers yet.”

Tails tapped Shadow’s shoulder. Red eyes pierced at the orange fox. Tails merely smiled as he help up a cup of punch. Cheese and Chocola were flying together in a circle close by.

“You seem stressed.” Tails made small talk. “Is being Amy’s date that stressful?”

“Hmph.” Shadow turned back to stare at Amy. He needed to keep his eyes on her at all times.

“Take the drink.” Tails held the cup in front of his face.

Shadow accepted the punch. “Thank you Tails.”

“No problem.” Tails sipped his drink. “We set up sensors around this building. If that thing from yesterday shows up here, the sensors should catch it. So you should enjoy the ball. After all, she can’t fully bloom if her date is a grouchy guard dog.”

Shadow glared at the fox. He hated to admit when the fox was right. Then he realized something. He was having to look up at the fox to glare at him. It was only slightly – an inch if that – but he, a 25 year old man, still had to look up at an 18 year old. “When did you get taller?”

Tails looked at Shadow with a confused look.

“Have you seriously not realized that you’ve gotten taller?” Shadow placed his hand on the fox’s head.

“Hey, watch it!” Tails swatted his hand away. “Do you know how long I…” Blue eyes widened. “I’m taller then you?”

“Yep. You just realized.” Shadow shook his head.

Tails just stood there awestruck as the girls came back.

“What’s up guys?” Amy asked as she waved.

“What happened to Tails?” Cream whispered.

“He just realized that puberty is being very generous with his height.” Shadow answered.

The girls looked at Tails and noticed that he was indeed taller than Shadow. They each gave a harty laugh, knocking Tails out of his little world.

“What’s going on?” The two tails fox asked as he eyed the girls.

“Don’t worry about it.” Amy grinned ear to ear as she wrapped her arm around Shadow’s.

Shadow stiffened a bit.

“I haven’t showed you the garden yet. So let’s go!” She gave his arm a little tug. Shadow complied. “We’ll see you guys later!”

Cream and Tails waved.

“So how have the chao been?” Cream asked, turning to see the chao sitting on the ground, bobbing their heads back and forth.

“They’ve been good.” Tails smiled. “Though it looks like they’re tuckering out.”

“I’ll have to take them home soon then.” Cream sighed.

Tails picked up Chocola and Cheese. “You don’t have a babysitter though.”

“I’ll just have to stay at home.” Cream shrugged. “It’s no deal. The ball was fun while it lasted though.”

“One more dance before I take you home then?” Tails smiled. “After all, as your date, I think you should save the last dance for me.”

Amy walked out into the garden. There was a wide assortment of flowers and a small pond. The pond had a few fish in it.

“So what do you think of the garden Shadow?” Amy beamed a smile. “It’s not that big, but it’s still nice.”

“It is.” Shadow nodded.

Amy walked over to the fish pond. She looked down into it and her eyes widened. “They’ve added fish to this pond!” She bounced up and down with excitement.

Shadow smiled as he watched her cheer. His face turned bright red as he noticed her chest bouncing. They were so close to popping out. Shadow instantly turned away to stare at flowers planted at his feet. He clenched his teeth as he slowly counted the flowers to bring his heart to a normal pace.

“Is something bothering you Shadow?” Amy leaned into Shadow’s line of sight. Her bright emerald eyes staring up at him with concern.

“I’m fine Rose,” he lied.

Amy pursed her lips and gave him the ‘I’m-not-buying-it’ look.

“Rose, I assure that I’m fine.” Shadow tried to assure her.

Amy propped her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest. “Why don’t I believe you?”

Shadow looked the pink hedgehog up and down. He could tell she met business, but he was stuck resisting the urge to check her out and losing the battle anyway. Shadow sighed.

“You know this ball isn’t going to be very fun if you’re stressed out the whole time.”

“I’m not stressed.”

Amy arched an eyebrow at him. “You’re following me around like an overprotective guard dog. You’re stressed.”

“Rose, I’m just trying to protect you. It’s…”

“Dangerous?” Amy finished his sentence. “I know that Shadow. It’s always dangerous. We stop Eggman’s evil schemes all the time. There will always be danger around us. But for once,” Amy wrapped her arms around Shadow. “Can’t you just…” She looked up at him. Her eyes watering. “I don’t know, relax. Even just for a little while. Please Shadow. Just for a few hours. This won’t be a fun ball if you’re on edge the whole time.”

Shadow sighed. He wrapped his arms around her in comfort. He should’ve seen this coming. Rose was feeling stressed too. After all, she was the one the strange creature was after. She was trying to have fun, but his foul mood was affecting her. He wanted her to have fun. That was the main reason he asked her to come. To see her smile and enjoy herself. To watch her flit around like a butterfly. She was supposed to be having the time of her life. Shadow pulled her closer.

“I’m sorry Rose,” he spoke softly into her ear. “I didn’t mean to dampen your mood. I just don’t want you to get hurt. That thing said it would be back for Maria’s sake.”

Amy rested her head on Shadow’s shoulder. “We’ll be fine if it does. But for now, can’t we just enjoy the ball?”

Shadow pondered the idea for a moment. He smirked as he gave her a quick peck on the head. “I like that idea.” He grabbed a hold of her hand. “Besides, I still you owe you a dance.”

Amy’s green eyes lit up in awe. “Really!”

“Yes.” Shadow gave a court nod as he walked her back into the ball.

The creature from the day before rose up from the pond. It looked to where the two hedgehogs had walked off.

“I will keep my promise.” It vowed as it inched closer to the entrance.

Amy smiled like a child on Christmas as Shadow led her onto the floor. Shadow wrapped his arm around her waist and held her hand in the other. Amy’s arm rested on his shoulder. Shadow began the dance and Amy followed.

“You dance very well,” Shadow complemented.

“Thanks.” Amy blushed. “You dance very well too.”

“Thank you Rose.” Shadow nodded.

“I’m sorry about Rob’s lessons. I hope it wasn’t too… eccentric.”

“Oh no,” Shadow shook his head, “There is nothing more eccentric then having your boss as a dance partner with the king of a foreign country poking you in a back telling you to stand straighter and be more charming.”

Amy giggled. “That does sound like Rob.”

“So how are you enjoying the ball?” Shadow leaned in to whisper in her ear.

“Yep!” Amy smiled up at him.

“I’m glad.” Shadow smiled as he stared down at the pink hedgehog. His ruby eyes gentle for one of the rare moments in his life. Shadow gave Amy a small spin and she giggled.

“That was fun!” Amy praised as they ended their dance.

The sound of someone clapping filled the room. Everyone became quiet as they turned to the source of the sound. It was an eerie clap, one that stood out and demanded attention. Everyone’s eyes locked on to the source – the water creature who had tried to take Amy away yesterday.

Shadow clutched Amy close to him. Amy stared at the creature with a confused look. Shadow formed a chaos spear in his hand.

The creature merely stared at them in a cocky stance. Its form became clearer as it walked closer to them.

“Oh no you don’t.” Sonic spindashed the creature.

The creature merely waved the blue hedgehog off with its hand. A shield built of chaos energy protecting him and trapping Sonic in a ball. It walked up to the pair and bowed, the water turning to flesh. Before them stood a tall male hedgehog with broad shoulders.

Amy gasped as she moved from behind Shadow to beside him.

“Nickolas?” Rob arched an eyebrow at the red hedgehog. “What art thou doing hither? How did thou geteth hither? Waiteth,” Rob shook his hand as he walked closer, “’ere all that, how art thou alive! I heard thou wast dead.”

Nickolas gave a hearty laugh. “My apologies Robert.”

“Rob,” the teal hedgehog corrected.

Nickolas gave a small smile as he continued, “But it was hard for me to get here. I’m afraid I don’t have long.” He turned towards Amy. “But I wanted to keep my promise. It was just hard to get in contact with you.” He reached out and rubbed Amy’s cheek.

Amy smiled as she leaned into his touch. “I remember now,” Amy’s eyes fluttered, “I made you promise to see my first dance at my first ball as a lady.”

“And I’ve kept my word.” Nickolas smiled. “I have also brought you a gift.”

“A gift?”

“Aye. From us and me crew.” Nickolas pulled out a box from his pocket.

Amy accepted the box and stared at it with wide eyes.

“Well open it lassie!” Nickolas urged.

Amy opened the box and pulled out a crystal flower hair pin. She smiled as she put the pin in her hair. She gave a soft curtsied. “Thank you.”

Nickolas bowed. “Now, I have to be off. I can’t project too long.”

“I understand.” Amy smiled as the form faded away. “Good bye.”

“So it was just Nickolas.” Rob smiled gently. “That’s a relief.”

“Yep.” Amy turned back to Shadow with a smile. “Shall we go get something to drink Shadow?”

“Sure.” Shadow nodded as things slowly turned back to normal with soft chatter and dances continued.

“So, who was that Nickolas guy?” Shadow leaned in to ask the pink hedgehog.

Amy smiled. “Oh. Him?” Amy avoided eye contact as she looked around the room. She grabbed the ebony hedgehog’s hand.

She led him to the garden and walked along the small path. They were at the farthest end of the garden before she spoke again. Shadow having finished his small cup of punch before they even left the hall. “That man…” Amy turned to Shadow with a serious face. “You have to promise you won’t tell anyone. Not Sonic and certainly not Rouge.”

“Rose?” Shadow arched an eyebrow. “What’s gotten into you?”

“You have to promise!” Amy held a finger to his face.

Shadow held up his hands. “I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

Amy sighed as she sat down on bench. She patted the spot beside her on the bench and Shadow sat next to her. He stared at her, waiting patiently for her to speak. “He’s the king of pirates.”

“Ah.” Shadow nodded his head. He recalled several people murmuring things along the line of pirate king in the ball. “Was he on good terms with your parents?”

Amy giggled a bit. “He’s my father.” The pink hedgehog watched Shadow’s face from the corner of her eye as she waited for his reaction.

Shadow simply nodded. It was all making sense. Rouge had mentioned Rose’s father was a mystery to general public. “Is there a reason why no one knows he’s your father?”

“Rob knows.” Amy corrected. “I don’t know about Mari-An though. But father doesn’t have a very good reputation. Being a pirate and all. So everyone agreed that it should be kept secret.”

“Everyone being?”

“The royal family. Daddy as well.” Amy smiled as she looked at the sky. “I’m just glad he remembered that promise. I had completely forgotten.”

Shadow smiled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I take it you’ve had a great time so far?”

“Yeah.” Amy gave a court nod as she scooted closer to Shadow. “You?”

Shadow shrugged. “I’ve been in a room full of busy body people all night and I haven’t lost it yet. So I guess it’s been good.”

Amy chuckled as she leaned her head on his shoulders. They sat in silence, star gazing for several long minutes.

“Hey lovebirds!” Sonic yelled out from the door way. “Get inside!”

Shadow glared at the blue hedgehog as Amy turned bright red.

“Come on, we’re doing the last dance now. Afterwards, you can do whatever you want.” Sonic waved them inside. “Just be responsible and I won’t have to be an overprotective big brother.”

“SONIC!” Amy yelled as she smacked the blue hedgehog with her hammer. She walked back inside and took a deep breath. No one paid her any mind. It was normal for the pink hedgehog to hit someone with her hammer at least once a day. The fact that it was Sonic was perfectly normal to them.

Amy watched as Lil’ Jon danced with Alexis. Rob and Mari-An were sharing a nice slow dance. Amy smiled. She wished she had a camera to take a picture of this moment.

Shadow walked passed Sonic, whose face was implanted into the ground. He walked up Amy and tapped her shoulder. “Would you like one more dance before we go?”

Amy curtsied. “I would like that.”

Shadow walked Amy to her door like a perfect gentlemen.

“Thank you Shadow!” Amy planted a soft kiss on the cheek. “Today was very fun.”

“You’re welcome Rose.” Shadow nodded. He attempted to hide the blush on his face.

“Good night.” Amy walked into her house. She smiled to herself as she skipped upstairs. She changed into her pajamas and washed the makeup off. She crawled into bed and curled up into her blanket. She drifted off to sleep shortly after.

Shadow marched to his bike and road home. He undid the tie and plopped down on the couch. He stared up at the ceiling until he fell asleep.

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Deathy: 1st day of my summer quarter and I just finished this. I’m hoping you guys enjoy this chapter. This story is 50 pages long. I’m going to go work on some original stories now. I’ve decided to become a professional writer in order to support myself. So if you like my fanfictions, perhaps you might like some of my original work, so feel free to check it out. Links to the books I’ve published are on my profile. Thank you all so much for reading!