Service time over

Four months later, Sapphire, Shadow and Sonic are back with the spirit.

"Hello again, Hedgehogs. Sonic, step forward." The spirit instructs

Sonic steps forward, bowing before the spirit.

"Sonic, your service time is over. However, ever since that drunken day out, you and Shadow have not bonded all that much." The spirit informs

"Hold on a second." A voice says

Everyone turns to the entrance, to see Rouge entering.

"Hello, Rouge. What brings you here?" The spirit greets, asking

"Before you make your judgement, one night Sonic went out and comforted Sapphire." Rouge answers

"Is that all?"

"Wait, let me finish this. I woke up at midnight and noticed Sonic's side of the bed empty. I went downstairs and noticed Sonic at the kitchen counter, head in his hands. We talked and he was thinking about his brother and sister, Manic and Sonia. After comforting Sonic, we spent two hours bonding and went to bed after." Shadow responds

"Shadow's right, I watched them bonding and talking. They've also made progress before that night and I'm proud of them."

"The point is, they have not interacted much since then and that drunken day out."

"Alright, we didn't interact much. I admit it, and I apologise." Sonic responds

The spirit turns to Sonic as he bows down to her.

"Let me finish, I'm aware that you and Shadow haven't had the best of times becoming friends, given your rivalry. But I applaud you both on your attempt to make friends. Yes, I'm aware of your rivalry."

The spirit then gives Sonic the power to use magic. Sonic then makes small hand movements, for small swirls of magic to come out of his hands. Sonic lowers his ears, feeling guilty.

"I don't deserve this; I've disrespected Sapphire and got my magic taken away." Sonic admits

"Look Speedy, that's in the past and you've done all you can to make up for your mistakes. The spirit has seen your progress." Sapphire responds

"Plus, the Saviour and I have talked. We've decided that you deserve your magic powers returned."

Sonic freezes, for Shadow to take his hand and put his chin on Sonic's shoulder. The spirit sees this, becoming shocked.

"But how...?"

"We've bonded, gotten closer with each month. Sapphire already knows and accepts this, we've started dating." Shadow answers

"What about Sapphire's friendship?"

"That was fixed three months ago. Plus, those two dating is a step in the right direction, spirit." Sapphire informs

"That is right. But when did this start?"

"A couple of months ago; spirit I'm happy for them and you should see that they get on and were friends before this."

After piecing everything together, the spirit is happy with Sonic's achievement, paying no regards to the unconventional method used. Then...

"Alright. Sonic, you are hereby applauded for your achievements, both in friendship and romance."

Rouge goes to Sonic and kisses his cheek.

"By the way, I'm okay with you two being together as well. At least my best friend now has two others he can turn to for support." Rouge announces

"Wait, Shadow's also your best friend?" Sapphire asks

"Yeah, don't you remember me telling you?"

"Oh yeah, I remember now."

Then, the spirit disappears, and everyone goes home. As for Amy, she's with Scourge and Tails, talking and chilling out.

"So, what's the deal with you two then?" Tails asks, curious

"We're great friends, Amy's struggling with gettin' over Knucks still." Scourge answers

"Yes, Scourge is right. Even if Knucks and I are still friends, getting over him isn't the easiest." Amy admits, lowering her ears

Scourge then hugs Amy, nuzzling her ear.

"No matter what, I'll still be here for when you're ready."

"Thanks, Scourge. You're the best."

Tails notices, having an idea.

"You two need to go out on a date; not tonight, but sometime this weekend. You might have heard this before, but you two suit well. I'm surprised you're not together yet."

Scourge and Amy are soon blushing madly, Tails notices and quietly chuckles at the pair. Amy notices and fights back.

"You're one to chuckle, you took ages to ask Zooey out." Amy informs

"Who's Zooey?" Scourge asks

"Tails' girlfriend, they're really cute together."

Tails quickly blushes, getting nervous. Scourge notices Amy teasing Tails.

"Alright Ames, leave Tails alone."

Amy stops teasing.

"Thanks, Scourge." Tails says his thanks

"You're welcome; that's what friends are for."

Scourge and Tails then shake hands, in friendship. After around ten minutes, Tails decides to go home.

"I'll see you guys later." Tails says

"See you later, Tails." Scourge and Amy say in unison

Tails leaves for home as Scourge starts tickling Amy, making her laugh.

"Scourge, stop it!" Amy calls out, laughing

"Nope, I'll tease you for as long as necessary, Rose." Scourge responds

"Alright, I'll get you back then."

Scourge stops.

"Okay, do your worst." Scourge teases

Amy quickly blushes, both remembering that Scourge isn't ticklish and knowing what she wants to do. Scourge notices Amy's nerves.

"Are you alright Ames?"

"I know what I wanna do. But we're not dating yet, and I don't know if it's right to do it."

"Whatever it is, I want you to be certain that one, you're ready and two, you actually want whatever you're after. I don't want you regrettin' it."

"Really?"

"Yes, Rose. I don't want you unhappy, it hurts to see you like that."

Amy then hugs Scourge, for him to slowly return the gesture.

"Thank you, Scourge."

"Anything for a queen like you."

Amy then buries her head in Scourge's chest, chuckling and blushing. Scourge then pets Amy's head, earning a purr from her chest. After a while, the pair fall asleep on the couch. Morning arrives, Sapphire has been up since dawn, excited about something. Shadow and Sonic are on the couch snuggling, as they notice Sapphire prancing around excitedly.

"Are you alright, Sapphire?" Sonic asks, as Shadow nuzzles his neck

"Guess what day it is!" Sapphire celebrates

"It's Amy's birthday today." Shadow responds

"Yep, that's right. We're holding a surprise party for Amy tonight. I can't wait!"

"But beforehand, you two are getting the sweet and saucy treatment."

Sapphire and Sonic quickly blush, knowing what Shadow means. Shadow then gets up and kisses Sapphire's neck, for Sonic to join behind him and stroke his sides. Sapphire and Shadow soon moan from the delicate touch they're both getting.

Shadow then fights back, putting one of his hands down Sonic's underwear, lightly grabbing his dick and stroking the tip. Sonic moans pleasured from the touch.

"You're both so sexy when you're moanin'." Shadow teases

"You've not had us fight back yet, hot stuff." Sapphire responds, teasing

"And you'll have the time of your life, Stripes." Sonic adds on

Sonic kisses behind Shadow's ear shortly after, licking the kissed area and earning a moan. Sonic then uses magic to make his underwear and trousers disappear, for his erection to show. Sapphire sees and starts getting Shadow aroused.

"Oh my, what is it with you two?" Shadow asks out

"We're fighting back and getting you started. Now, get us to the bedroom and show us what you're made of." Sonic answers, instructing

Shadow then teleports himself and everyone to Sapphire's bed. Soon, the trio gets to their sex sesh. After a few hours, all three climax, with some juices landing on the bedsheets.

"My oh my, that was amazing!" Sonic says

"Mmm, you got that right, Speedy." Sapphire responds

"That's so true. We should consider getting cleaned up, Amy's party is in two hours." Shadow informs

As for Amy and Scourge, they're finally dating and are currently in Scourge's bed, teasing each other, earning moans from each other.

"Oh, just get inside me already..." Amy calls out, starting to lose composure

"Mmm, someone really wants this juicy dick inside their kingdom." Scourge teases, stroking Amy's clit

"More than anything, just please I beg you."

Amy then uses magic to get the clothes off. Scourge takes his chance and turns Amy around, gently thrusting into Amy's entrance. Amy then quickly winces in pain; Scourge kisses her neck to ease the pain as it quickly turns to pleasure.

"Ooh, ahh. Baby, fuck me harder; this feels so good!" Amy calls out, instructing

Scourge then thrusts harder, moaning as he gets close.

"Oh, babe I'm so close."

"Me too, I love you bae."

"I love you too, Trouble."

Very soon after, Scourge and Amy climax, moaning loud as both come at the same time. Amy is soon twisting the fur on Scourge's chest.

"Baby, that was amazing. I love you, Scourge."

"I love you too, Rose."

Amy and Scourge kiss before going to sleep. Half an hour passes, everyone else arrives at Amy's house and Sonic knocks the door. Scourge is awoken as he hears the door. He gently nudges Amy, making her wake up.

"What is it?" Amy asks, tiredly

"Our friends are here for your birthday." Scourge answers

Amy quickly notices the time, rushing out of bed and getting dressed. Scourge is confused by her rushing as he gets out of bed and gets dressed himself.

"Are you alright, babe?" Scourge asks

"We were meant to do something and completely forgot. We need to move!" Amy answers

Scourge gently grabs Amy's arm, stopping her in her tracks.

"Baby, I don't think our friends are mad at us. They're probably lookin' for us, that's all."

"Nonetheless, I need to get the door."

Amy quickly leaves and answers the front door, not noticing that her quills are messy.

"Hey guys, what brings you here?" Amy asks, flustered

"Erm, Ames... Your quills are messy; are you alright?" Sapphire informs, asking

Amy then notices her quills.

"Oh, nothing happened, nothing at all. What's up yourselves?"

"We were waiting for you and Scourge at Rouge's house. You never turned up."

Amy blushes, quickly remembering the sex sesh. Getting out of her daze, Amy invites the group inside. Scourge then comes downstairs, noticing the group.

"Hey, guys. Wassup?" Scourge greets

"We're here to celebrate Amy's birthday, we were waiting at Rouge's house and---" Sticks responds

"Your quills are messy, too. Has something been going on here?" Shadow says, asking

Amy and Scourge quickly blush, arousing Sapphire's suspicions. Without anyone's knowledge, Sapphire teleports to Amy's bedroom and sniffs the bedsheets, working out the reason why Amy and Scourge are flustered. They've had sex in Amy's bed and are together. Sapphire then goes downstairs, catching Rouge's attention.

"What were you doing upstairs?" Rouge asks

"I've worked out why Amy and Scourge are flustered." Sapphire answers

"Why's that then?" Tails asks

Amy and Scourge quickly get nervous. Then...

"Because they were looking for something and couldn't find what they were looking for."

"Then why are their quills messed up?" Shadow asks

"They had to look under the bed for their missing item and messed up their quills on the way out."

"That sounds plausible. Let's focus on what we came here for." Rouge responds

Soon after, the party starts and with everyone talking, Amy and Scourge go to the wall where Sapphire is standing.

"Thanks, Sapphire. You're the best!" Amy says

"You're welcome, I know you've had sex." Sapphire whispers

"Yeah, that's why our quills are messed up." Scourge whispers back

"I knew that anyway. You'd better get back to the party Ames; it is for you, after all."

Amy and Scourge waste no time in getting back to the party; Shadow then goes to Sapphire, stroking her side.

"Hey there, Shads. Enjoying yourself?" Sapphire greets, asking

"I'm perfectly fine, beautiful." Shadow responds, complimenting

"Are you drunk?"

"No, and I don't plan on it. I dunno about Sonic though."

"Hey, Stripes. Whatcha doin', bein' borin'?" Sonic asks, drunk

"Alright, Blue get away from those that don't want a drink. We don't want any fights here." Rouge instructs, taking Sonic away

"Thanks, Rouge." Sapphire responds

"Anything for a good friend."

Rouge walks away with Sonic.

"Yep, he's drunk. I wanna go home, I'll find Amy and Scourge to let them know." Sapphire informs

"Okay, do you want me to join you?" Shadow asks

"Yes please, Shadow."

Scourge soon goes to Sapphire and Shadow, with his arm around Amy. Shadow then notices.

"Is Amy alright?" Shadow asks

"She's drunk, I'm keepin' her as far from Sonic as I can. I've heard what they both get up to when they're drunk and in the same room. Would you be nice enough to take Amy to your place?" Scourge responds, asking

"Certainly, Scourge." Sapphire accepts, taking hold of Amy

"Thanks, you two are brilliant."

"Anything for a friend, Troublemaker." Shadow responds

Scourge then gives Shadow a friendly punch to the arm.

"See ya later, Stripes."

As if on cue, Amy is fast asleep and Sapphire picks her up, bridal style. Shadow takes hold of Sapphire and teleports to her lounge.

"Right, I'll get Amy to the spare room, you find something to do." Sapphire instructs

Shadow nods as Sapphire goes to the spare bedroom and puts Amy to bed, placing a bucket beside the bed, just in case. Sapphire then goes downstairs, noticing Shadow on the couch, reading a book. She approaches him and strokes his shoulder, scratching behind one of his ears.

"Hey, babe." Sapphire greets, kissing Shadow's quills

"Hey there, beautiful. What brings you to me?" Shadow greets, asking

"I've put Amy to bed, and I'm bored."

Shadow then closes his book, looking up at Sapphire.

"What do you wanna do?"

"I need entertainment, not what you're thinking."

"I was thinking about watching TV, not sex. Tonight's not the night for that."

"Sounds good to me. By the way, you look hot in your glasses babe."

"Oh, shall I keep them on?"

"Yes, please do. Unless you only wear them for specific purposes."

"Usually just for reading, but I'm willing to keep them on for you."

Sapphire then hugs Shadow around the neck, softly kissing his head.

"Thank you, babe."

"Anything for my queen. Now, let's find something to watch."

Sapphire is soon on the couch, head on Shadow's lap as he flicks through the channels, finding a movie playing on one of the channels. After a while, there's a sex scene playing and Sapphire hides her face in Shadow's chest fur, blushing and biting her bottom lip, chuckling. Shadow notices, stroking Sapphire's quills.

"Are you getting excited, baby?" Shadow asks, subtly teasing

"Mhmm, I can't help it, bae. Sorry, Shadow." Sapphire answers, slightly muffled

"No need to apologise, Sapph. I was in your place once, I get it."

"Really?"

"Yep, happens to every pubescent adolescent."

"Hey, I'm not going through that!"

"You're still fourteen, babe. Thus, still in your pubescent years."

"Shut up, I'm actually in the post-pubescent stage. Just easy to excite, that's all."

"Okay, if you say so."

Sapphire and Shadow soon stop talking and continue watching television. After a while, both fall asleep. Morning arrives and Amy is the first to awaken, with a killer headache.

"Oh, what happened last night?" Amy asks herself

Amy, noticing that she's still dressed, goes downstairs to see Sapphire and Shadow asleep on the couch. Leaving them alone, Amy goes to the kitchen and starts cooking breakfast for herself. Catching a scent of cooking, Sapphire awakens and goes to the kitchen, to see the chef behind the scent; it's Amy.

"Oh, good morning Ames. Whatcha cooking?" Sapphire greets, asking

"Just some fruity pancakes. Do you want some?" Amy responds, offering

"Ooh, yes please. They smell so nice."

Soon, Shadow wakes up, also smelling the pancakes. He races to the kitchen counter and sees Amy at the stove.

"Mmm, the lovely scent of pancakes in the morning. Do I get any?" Shadow compliments, asking

"Of course, Shads. By the way, why am I at your place?"

"You got drunk and Scourge asked us take you here, so you could sleep." Sapphire answers

"That explains the headache."

Sapphire and Shadow then go to the lounge and snuggle on the couch, with Shadow nuzzling into Sapphire's neck, making her chuckle. Sometime after, Amy goes to them with two plates of pancakes.

"Here you are, enjoy your breakfast." Amy informs

"Thanks Ames." Shadow responds, with a thumbs up

"You're welcome, anything for friends."

Amy then sits behind the couch and falls asleep. Sapphire looks and notices blood around Amy's mouth.

"Shadow, we need to get Amy to a hospital; she's got blood round her mouth." Sapphire informs, concerned

Shadow quickly notices the same thing, soon after Amy suddenly wakes up and throws up, with blood coming out in the process. Shadow then picks Amy up and teleports to the hospital, to be greeted by a nurse.

"Hello, Shadow. Is that Amy?" The nurse asks

"Yes, she was behind Sapphire's couch and started throwing up blood." Shadow informs

"This is because of alcohol. Follow me."

Shadow then follows the nurse to a special treatment room and places Amy on the bed. Amy soon throws up more blood, sparking more concern for Shadow.

"Will Amy be alright?"

"Yes, when this happens, she's here for a two-week period until the alcohol is out of her system."

"Why does this happen?"

"Amy's stomach and body don't agree with alcohol, thus making both very sensitive to whatever drink she takes down."

"Does Amy throw up blood for two weeks?"

"No, it happens for a week and then her body starts to recover. Five days after that, Amy can eat but is still weak. It's an unfortunate situation, but it can't be cured or treated."

Then, Sapphire appears and notices Amy on the bed, weak and trying to sleep.

"Is Amy alright?" Sapphire asks, bluntly

"I'll be fine, this always happens when I drink. Which is... usually once a year..." Amy responds, before throwing up again

Sapphire quickly notices the blood, getting worried.

"Doesn't Amy die from this?"

"No, it happens due to alcohol sensitivity. After two weeks, she'll be back home." The nurse answers

"I don't want to ever go through this again; it hurts too much..." Amy admits, lowering her ears

Soon after, Amy falls asleep. Sapphire and Shadow then look at each other, getting more concerned.

"You don't need to worry; I'll take care of Amy for the two-week period. You'll need to inform anyone else that Amy's close to about the situation."

Sapphire and Shadow nod as they teleport back home. In silence, the pair go to separate areas of the house. Then, the door knocks and Shadow answers, to see Scourge.

"Hey, Stripes. How are you?" Scourge greets, asking

"Decent, come in." Shadow responds, bluntly

Scourge looks around, noticing that Amy is absent.

"Where's Amy?"

Shadow quickly freezes, then...

"She's in hospital because of last night, right?"

"How did you know?!"

"Amy's already told me about her alcohol sensitivity. Plus, I saw this comin'."

"She's in hospital and will be there for two weeks! How are you not concerned?!"

"Amy's told me what to expect when this happens. Throwing blood up, lethargy, offering of morning pancakes, sleeping behind the couch. I'm gonna go and see her."

Scourge races to Amy's hospital bed, for her to see him through squinted eyes.

"Hey there, sweet Rose." Scourge greets

"Hey, babe. Sorry about last night." Amy responds

Scourge then kisses Amy's forehead.

"You don't need to be, Rose. You wanted to celebrate your birthday."

"I ended up drunk and in here the next morning."

"I know, but I'll still love you the same as from the start. That'll never change, babe."

Amy smiles and then tiredly takes Scourge's hand, stroking it with her thumb.

"Thank you, Trouble."

"Anything for you and us, Rose."

Soon after, Scourge grabs the bucket as Amy throws up, with less blood this time.

"Do you want me to stay?"

"Yes, please. But go when you're told to, I don't want you getting in trouble here."

"I'll follow rules for you, babe."

Amy faintly blushes, as Scourge wipes a tear away and kisses her forehead again. Soon the nurse enters, noticing Scourge.

"Hey, Scourge. Are you Amy's boyfriend?" The nurse greets, asking

"Yes... why?" Scourge asks, nervous

"I'm meant to kick you out. But you're Amy's boyfriend, and I'm not as strict as the rest, so you can stay."

"Thank you, nurse, he knows more about my sensitivity than my other friends do." Amy says

"You're welcome, Miss Hedgehog."

Then...

"Where is that green hedgehog? Find him!" Someone orders

"Yes boss!" Another responds

The nurse quickly gets worried.

"Are you alright?" Scourge asks

"We kick you out to keep you safe. There are others after you and they always come to this hospital, looking for you. No more talking, you need to hide!" The nurse informs

Scourge quickly finds a hiding place and goes inside. The two strangers then burst into the room, looking around.

"Where is he?" One of them asks

"We don't know who you're talking about!" The nurse responds

"You know exactly who we're after. Where is he?"

"He's not here, get out!"

The nurse then fights to get the strangers out of the room. The duo then storms out of the hospital and to another area. Scourge then gets out of his hiding place.

"Scourge, I hate cutting time short but you've gotta go, to keep you and Amy safe."

"Why me?" Amy asks

"Those people are ruthless and will do anything to get Scourge. Even if it means hurting those close to him."

Scourge nods, speeding back to his house and locking the front door afterwards. As for Sapphire, she's at home and woken up by something. Curious and bewildered, Sapphire turns invisible and looks out the window, to spot the individual that she'd sealed up before moving for treatment; the one behind the abuse endured at hospital.

"Wait, how did he get out of that seal?!" Sapphire asks herself, becoming enraged

After realising how loud her voice was, Sapphire races back under her quilt, removes the invisibility and hides, remaining in an eerie silence as she listens to what the abuser has to say.

"We need to find that green hedgehog, we'll ransack the hospital again tonight." The individual informs

"But he's not there, boss. What's the point in going there again?" The accomplice responds

"Until we get his location, we invade everywhere he's known to be until he's found."

"Uh-umm... yes boss."

Soon after, Shadow comes in and sits next to Sapphire after closing the door behind him.

"Are you alright?" Shadow asks

"Yes, but Scourge is in danger." Sapphire responds

"I know, Amy's nurse informed us in a group call on the communicators."

"How do you have a communicator?"

"Tails, being well Tails, had a spare in his workshop, fixed it up and gave it to me."

"How come I didn't know about Scourge being in danger until now, though?"

"We all decided, as a collective, to leave you out so you could sleep."

"Thanks babe, I appreciate it."

"It's alright, I'll leave you alone for now, bae."

In no time at all, Sapphire is fast asleep, and Shadow is stuck, wondering whether to stay or leave. Shadow decides to stick to his word and leave Sapphire to sleep. He walks out and closes the door behind him, to see Rouge standing there, worried.

"Are you alright, Rouge?" Shadow asks

"Have you seen Sonic? He didn't come back this morning and wondered whether he'd come here." Rouge responds

"Come to think of it, he's not come back here either. Do you think he's at the place where he remembers his siblings?"

"Sonic's never told me where that is. Do you know where it is?"

"No. Sapphire does, but she's asleep."

As for Sonic, he's in the mountains and standing in the same place Sapphire does; he's thinking about what he's put Sapphire through and questioning how he deserves his magical skills given back to him.

'I've put Sapphire through so much trouble. Do I even deserve these powers back?' Sonic thinks

Sonic then looks at his hands and sees swirls of magic coming out of his hands and making a screen appear, putting his siblings into view. One of them turns around and sees Sonic, shocked.

"Sonic, how are you reaching us?" The female asks

"Sonia! I've got magic; I don't know how, but it made this screen appear." Sonic responds

"Hey, you alright bro?" The male asks

"Hey, Manic. I'm alright, missing you two though..."

"We miss you too, Sonic. How are the others treating you?" Sonia asks

"I've had troubles with Sapphire. But, that's in the past. I've got a girlfriend and boyfriend now, bringing some more happiness."

"Who? Tell us!"

"Shadow and Rouge; remember them? Otherwise known as Stripes and Batgirl."

"I remember those two. But Shadow? I thought you two were sworn rivals."

"That's changed, we're together now."

"Nice, bro. What about the bat; wasn't she mad?" Manic asks

"No, she's okay with it. So is Sapphire, believe it or not."

"Sapphire's always been accepting, of anyone and any identity. Anyway, it was great talking again." Sonia responds

"Yeah, it was. I'm guessing you've got things to do. So, I'll leave you to it."

"Bye for now, bro." Manic says

"Laters guys."

The screen soon disappears, and Sonic decides to go to Rouge's house. As for Rouge, she's walking home as she hears rustling in the bushes.

"If anyone's there, show yourself!" Rouge orders

Someone or something then runs behind Rouge, rustling the bushes more. Then he gets out of his camouflage; it's Espio the Chameleon.

"Hey Rouge." Espio greets, bluntly

Rouge turns to see Espio.

"Espio? What are you doing here?"

"I've lived here, long before Sapphire came to live here herself. Even before the near-end-of-universe incident involving Shadow."

"What about Charmy? I've seen Vector around."

"If he lives here, I don't know where he'd be. Anyway, it's good seeing you again."

"Same to you, Espio. Bye for now."

"See you later, Rouge."

Espio gets back into his camouflage and runs to the village square. After a while, Rouge arrives home to notice the lights turned on. Rouge goes inside, to see Sonic asleep on the couch and lays beside him, falling asleep.