That evening Nigel decided to visit each person on his own, making sure to talk with them alone. He was just walking from Sonic's room where he was the one getting questioned. It made him feel a bit strange, then again this youngster was the son of his agents, so he gladly told him about his parents. The boy was full of energy and he seemed to not be so tense like the first time.

'He will grow into a fine man,' the man thought, pondering what person should take him under his or her wings. With his mind full, he had reached Amy's room. He silently knocked. "Miss Amy, can I visit you?" he asked and the door slowly opened.

"Mister Nigel?" she peeked outside stepping aside. "Of course you can."

He entered glancing around. The room had a standard layout, consisting a bed, a table with a chair, a wardrobe and an obligatory window. He noticed a suitcase to be put next to the table. "How do you like your room? I'm sure you are used to much bigger space." He sat at the edge of the bed.

She did a curtsy. "It's very comfortable, thank you. But is there anything I can help you with?"

"Straight to the topic I see," he admitted he wasn't there for a tea, "I'm just curious how did you cope with your power. It sure must have been a shock." He patted next to himself and she sat there.

"Well yes, I was surprised but happy."

"Happy?" he lifted his eyebrows. The last time he had checked, most of his agents were at first shocked and scared when their abilities manifested.

"Yes, because that way Eclipse didn't have to die." She proceeded to tell him the short version of their meeting and what had happened in the Rosemary City.

Nigel was thinking all the time. This girl was indeed exceptional not just for her ability to bound demons. He looked around. "Speaking of demons, where is he?" He glanced at her and felt a sweat on his forehead.

She was knitting her eyebrows. "He said he needs some air since this place is suffocating him. He isn't snooping around or anything," she barked a bit at the end.

"I'm sure not, but it may be dangerous for him to wander here alone." He got up. "I'll go look for him."

"You would?" her voice showed a surprise but there was a shade of suspiciousness in her eyes.

"Yes, please, stay here in a case he will return. As far as he is concerned, he is now part of The Order and regardless of him being a demon or not, I shall not accuse him of something without having a defining proof of such act," he answered her in a firm voice, voicing his opinion and decision. Even if he was having doubts, he was willing to give anyone a second chance.

She sensed he was honest, so there appeared a small smile on her face. "Thank you, I shall wait."

With a slight bow he had left her room, and after a quick visit to his demonic friend, who told him the small demon was on the roof, he headed there.

Eclipse was laying on his stomach, heavily breathing. He lifted his body on elbows, squinting into the disappearing light. The air was choking him with each inhalation. He forced himself to sit, hugging the chest, trying to stop it from trembling. Tears were falling down his cheeks and the skin was burning. But why? It felt it wasn't entirely because of this place but for something inside of him.

It was squirming, moving, yelling and screaming. Was it alive? Was it just his mind playing tricks on him? He couldn't tell but it was this anxiety that was causing him to feel miserable... trying to burn him from inside. He shook the head, trying to concentrate on something different.

"There you are," said a silent voice and he had frozen. "What a beautiful view," commented the same voice the setting sun. "I should come here more often." The voice belonged to nobody else but Nigel, who glanced down as he stopped next to the sitting demon. There was no reaction.

The head of The Order put his hand on the thick quills, patting it a bit. 'He is burning. Must be because of this place. Without the seal Gold made, he might have been turned into an ash.' He squatted, continuing with the patting. "You don' need to be afraid," he told in a friendly manner, trying to make his voice sound soft.

He couldn't stop wondering... about this demon, his behavior, and the child-like feel. Everything that Amy said was making a sense. He admitted being sorry for someone who killed innocent people was strange, yet again... "Eclipse," he called him and the demon finally moved a bit, jerking his head towards the man.

"You are now a member of The Order. Yes, you are a demon, and yes, that makes you an enemy, but," he made sure to empathize on that word, "if you are willing to change your ways and help people, I have no objection in accepting you as an equal." He hoped this would calm him down a bit, however, that didn't happen, but he at least got a nod. There was a short moment of awkward silence around before Mr. Nigel spoke once more:

"Amy said she is waiting for you and she was worried, so..." before he finished the sentence, the small demon jumped away from him, running into the building. It left him puzzled. Why such strong reaction? He made sure to follow him and upon finding him, he was already with his master walking down the corridor. He overheard them talking about a dinner.

He watched them a bit, seeing Eclipse was clingy towards her. 'Is it possible he feels safe only near her?' He thought about it, continuing on his way to visit one more person. He knocked on the designed door, but no voice came from inside. He silently opened it, peeking inside. A small smile appeared on his face. Shadow was sitting on the bed, engulfed in reading one of the many books on the bookshelf. Mister Nigel entered, closing the door equally silently, but this time he had been noticed.

The priest twitched, abruptly closing the book and standing. "I'm sorry, I haven't heard you!" his voice was shaking.

"It's alright! I'm just here for a small chat, let's both sit down." They did so and before Nigel could start, the ebony hedgehog was the first one to do so:

"Shouldn't you reconsider your decision?" Seeing the other's slightly confused face, he quickly continued: "About me roaming free. I'm sure I would be better off locked in a dungeon."

The squirrel man studied him a bit, before speaking: "You may be a demon, but you are opened to cooperation. Or is there something else making you believe so?"

Shadow nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid I may go berserk." He told him about his previous transformations and how they ended. "Once I'm under a stress, or in a danger my power will overtake my mind, turning me into a monster. It was a miracle no one else was badly hurt."

"I see," the man pondered for a bit, before smiling. "Good, I have already prepared the perfect solution for this."

"Really?"

He nodded at the wide-eyed hedgehog. "Yes, I just need to finish the last details. Tomorrow morning I will announce my decision to all of you."

They shook hands before the man left this room too. 'What an interesting fella,' he thought. 'Silver indeed found unusual people.' With this, he headed to his office accompanied by a small smile on his face. However, it didn't last for long as he had found himself working till the midnight.

He had to check Silver and Gold's reports detailing their last mission, the outcomes, and information they had discovered along the way. He was as well interested in the seal concealing Eclipse's demonic features and aura. Tho it wasn't that uncommon for agents to use masking seals when working incognito, it was unlikely it could work on demons. 'It seems our Gold is talented in more than just telepathy and having a connection to the past.'

It could be easily said he had found a new treasure in her too. He once more checked the finished papers having a tired smirk, he yawned, heading out to check on a certain room before calling it a night. He slowly entered that door leading to Amy's room. During his paperwork, he had regrettably realized she had got a single room so he was wondering where was Eclipse sleeping.

As he peeked inside having the moon providing some light, he recognized two figures in one bed. One was tightly hugging the other and their breathing was periodic and relaxed. He closed the door, heading to his room having a tingling feeling in his stomach.

When the morning came, most of them were refreshed and rested. Even Eclipse felt a bit better and the burning feeling was gone. Sally called them together, accompanying them to the big dining hall where they could enjoy a tasty meal. She used this chance to observe them a bit taking many mental notes. The small demon showed her a significant effort to eat like a human.

Sonic, on the other hand, wasn't hiding his mischievous nature snatching for the others the best pieces of bread, meat or any other meal with his speed ring under the full-fledged agents' noses. Her attention was toward Shadow as well and not knowing he was a demon, she would have a hard time believing it.

After the morning meal, she guided them back to her father's office. He prepared papers assigning them to teachers, you could say, whose will help them to control and learn about their abilities. Shadow was the first one to meet his master and it surely was a pleasant surprise... on both sides.

"The fate is truly ironic, isn't it?" asked Silver glancing at his new student. "And if you haven't figured it out yet, from now on it's Master Silver to you, are we clear?" He had a smug face showing he wasn't that grumpy about it.

The priest was following him to his room. "Yes," he silently growled.

A silver ear twitched. "I can't hear you."

The ebony hedgehog stiffened, having forced smile. "Yes, Master Silver."

Silver was smirking, whistling in his mind. The word master had such nice sound... especially if paired with his name. "Good," and replied not hiding his enjoyment. He stopped in front of the room. "Pack your thing, were are moving!"

The black priest walked into the room, putting things he owned into the suitcase, following the exorcist outside the building. They might have some bad blood between them, but he had to admit the psychic could handle him if he would ever go berserk. But you won't hear him saying it aloud.

As they were walking down the stairs he looked behind the shoulder. This was the place he had to say goodbye to Amy and Sonic. He hoped they will have less sarcastic and narcissistic teacher. He sighed, quickening his steps and getting on the carriage. A similar feeling of detachment lingered in Sonic's heart too as he was guided toward his mentor, who happened to be present in the city.

He got out of the building, heading to an open terrain with a lot of exercise tools. There he saw a group of familiar people gasping for an air as they must have finished running. Next to them was a red man, who turned his way, greeting him: "So, we meet again, huh? I hope you are ready for some sweat, 'cause I intend to work you to death!" He clashed his fists.

"Yes, sir!" the boy saluted, resolved to do his best.

"Hey, Vector," whispered Mighty to his buddy. "Don't you think cap looks more... docile?"

Vector winked. "I bet he has finally found his bellowed one." They giggled. The only one not taking part in their gossiping was Espio, who was red in the face. To think such things in the middle of training.

Their slacking didn't escape echidna's eyes either ears. "Get back to training!!" he yelled at them before turning to the blue hedgehog and giving him basic instruction how it works in his team. Soon the boy felt like napping because listening to lectures was never his strong point. In his mind, he had wondered where was Amy. She mentioned she will meet her teacher on a faraway island, traveling... A big whack fell on his head, bringing him from daydreaming.

"Listen, when I'm talking to you!" rebuked him Knuckles.

"Then don't talk like a boring old geezer!" shouted the boy back and the other smirked.

"I like your spirit. Let's get to the training. Now!" he ordered and the blue youngster followed him.

Meanwhile, miss Rose was in a train on her way, feeling a certain sadness too from having to be apart of her new friends. She had met them only a few short days ago, but they went thru so many adventures it now felt she had known them for a long time. Eclipse was sitting next to her, watching the scenery around them to pass by. He was happy they had left Albion City, finally, he could breathe freely.

It took many days to reach their destination. The pink lass was at the bow of the ship, looking forward, seeing the island was getting closer. The seagulls could be seen from afar and their cry ensured them the land was near. Once they got close enough the sailors accompanied them to the beach, where they said their goodbye.

From this point on, they continued by feet, heading the given instruction and followed the path leading into the inland. It was rather hot and humid there but after an hour or so they reached their goal. In front of them was a steep hill and upon it was built a temple with long stairs leading to it.

In front of them was echidna woman with a rather half-sleepy half-strict expression. "Greetings, you must be Amy. I'm Tikal the Echidna," her voice sounded like she had been emotionless for a long time. Her attire was unusual one consisting of a short brown poncho reaching to her elbows, that was opened in the middle letting the tight tanktop-like garment be seen. Her skirt was brown as well but gradually turning to beige at the end with a belt being decorated with a big golden coin with a blue jewel. The same stone seemed to be used for the bracelets on her wrists.

Her feet were bare with only bandages covering them from knees leaving the toes open. The girl noticed her quills were the same as of Mr. Knuckles' one but they were bandaged in the middle. The woman waved her hand and from a puddle emerged water bipedal creature with a visible brain and big blue eyes. "This is my familiar, Chaos. I shall teach you how to properly control your own and how to enhance its abilities."

The young girl carefully examined the creature standing next to her. It was taller than her with two massive quills-like growing from its head. Its body was, in fact, a big mass of water and she even thought she had glimpsed bubbles running thru the body. Above its joints of limbs were bracelets with blue stones symbolizing chains bounding it to Tikal.

The pink girl did curtsy, introducing herself: "It's an honor to meet you, I'm Amy Rose and If I may speak, master Tikal." She lifted her eyes, looking into hers. "Eclipse is a living being and my partner. Please, don't refer to him as it. I'm sure Mister Chaos has feelings and a soul as well. Treating each other as equal will surely help us to understand each other better and sooner."

There was a moment of a silence and Eclipse was worriedly watching both women. He didn't want to stand out, yet his master made sure to do it. He looked at the echidna spiritualist, being sure she will burst in anger, but... her expression remained unchanged and she again spoke with emotionless voice: "Very well, so be it." It felt like she just accepted it regardless of her own beliefs.

Since the evening was approaching them, Tikal led them to their new homes at the foot of the steep hill. The buildings were overgrown with moss and running plants, nevertheless, their interiors were comfy and clean. The young girl made sure to unpack her briefcase, putting some clothes in the simple wardrobe.

"Come here, familiar," called Tikal the small demon. He came to her being really scared. "Put your clothes down." It was hard to tell if she was ordering or not. He quickly did so, putting them on a bed. She gestured him to show her the right hand, so he did it. When she pressed it, he almost winced, afraid she might be able to detect Sirius' seal.

Her fingers written some letters on the back of the hand and the inscription made by Gold was undone. He shrieked a bit and stopped himself from falling on the butt by taking a few backward steps as his wings appeared and horns made his head heavier. He quickly checked his body, quickly realizing there was nothing wrong with it.

"I have merely deactivated your camouflage seal. You shall learn how to use it on your own during your training. Now, I shall bring you dinner. I suggest you go to sleep early," she nodded at them, leaving.

Eclipse let out a sigh of a relieve, glimpsing worried look on Amy's face. He let it be, concentrating on the dinner that will be served. It was a simple meal... much simpler than he had expected, but it tasted good. After it, they headed to beds, the demon taking the upper one. There he had realized how useful it was not having wings. He knew sister would be angry at him for it however, he had got used to sleeping on the back. He waited a bit longer before taking out the book and the first parchment.

He would send it sooner, but the whole time on the boat was hell for him. It was constantly swinging and going up and down, making his stomach upset and most of the time he puked the meal he just had. That resulted in him spending a lot of time holding the railing and feeding the fishes below. Nights were even worst and he was able to sleep only in Amy's embrace.

He shivered, pushing those unpleasant memories aside, concentrating on his writing.

Dear brother,

I have made a huge discovery. Among people for eight years was living a demon, who lost his memories, as a priest. He is known as Shadow, but I'm sure that's a fake name. His powers were sealed by some cross so that's why he may have looked like dead to us. I'll do some sketch for him.

But that's not the biggest news. The Order... our sworn enemy... was founded by a demon!! It's the truth! I have seen him with my own eyes. He is called Big the Cat. I have no idea if it's real or not and unlike me, he isn't bound to anyone. He turned against his own kin for fishing!! Who is he? I will scribble how he looks like, with your knowledge and archive you will surely be able to find out who this traitor is.

And one more thing, the leader of The Order is a powerful human named Nigel Acorn. I wasn't able to properly breathe in his presences and he was just casually standing there. I don't know if I'll be able to come in contact with him, but I'll send you any info I'll get as soon as possible.

Your brother, Eclipse

He finished the rough drawings, wrapped the paper and sent it over. He looked down but Amy was sleeping. He carefully listened to the night but nothing, except for insect, was nearby. He sighed in his mind. The hardest part of being a spy was in front of him. From this moment on, he will take notes of every small thing he will hear or see using this book. Then he will send the important information to his brother on the parchments.

The small demon yawned, climbing back into bed, curling like a cat and falling asleep. Before it, he wondered what was his brother doing and if he had found anything useful for him. And speaking of this person, he was in the archives, a bit surprised the first parchment arrived so soon. It emerged from a small purple vortex, hovering in the air for a while before falling down into his hand.

He opened the scroll, carefully reading the content. "How interesting." He took the paper with him, walking between tall bookshelves. He reached a place were big black and red creatures with big eyes were bringing gathered energy placing one hourglass next to another. He put the paper in the drawer of the nearby table taking another book and recording the amount of negative energy gathered in the last month.

He made sure to write down names of each demon responsible for the hunting until he was finished and these creatures took the hourglasses away. Moving them to a storage hall. Sirius once more checked the list, realizing one demon didn't hand over the sandglass. "Now... why didn't Crestia bring her gathered energy?"

That was strange. She had never missed a deadline. As he was pondering about it, his four new assistants looked at him, before continuing their work.