~ Chapter 43: The Road We Take ~
At night, since they defeated the Iron Dominion, Y/N, Kirby, and Sally were visiting Ken in the Dragon Kingdom as they were standing on a cliff, overlooking the Stormtop Village.
"I've got a lot of rebuilding to do. I have to rebuild the people's trust in me as their new king. I have to maintain peace between the various clans, and I have to make sure the Iron Queen stays locked up where she is. And then I need to look into that 'other Khans' thing Espio mentioned..."
"You certainly have your plate full. But I have the utmost confidence you can do it." Sally said with a proud smile.
"We both do." Y/N added.
"Pooteetah." Kirby agreed.
"Oh, yeah? Why's that?"
"When we first met, you were a swaggering, overbearing hot-head. Today, you're a thoughtful, loving person who's learning to master his temper and has learned humility. You've grown up a lot since we first met." Sally said.
"We've grown a lot since we first met. You wouldn't even give me the time of day then, but now..."
"Now...?"
"Ever since that day, I've always had feelings for you. But I can see now that your heart truly belongs to Sonic and only him."
Y/N smiled, feeling proud that he's getting over with Sally and letting her go and learning to accept it.
"And now..."
Ken turned to Y/N.
"I can feel feelings of affection for another growing as well."
"Wait... K-Ken?... W-What do you mean...?"
He took her hand and got down on one knee.
"Y/N the Hedgehog, in the short time I've met you, you've shown me that you are a strong warrior, with a kind and brave heart. And can be scary when you're angry. You even helped me with my depression and anger. These people need someone strong, compassionate, and capable. I've still got a lot to learn. They could benefit from a Queen of the Free People."
Y/N's face turned red in shock and turned to Sally for explanation who looked just as shocked and surprised as her. Kirby was the most surprised of all as his three eyes were big and his mouth agape.
"K-Ken... I-I'm sorry. I can't. I mean, I'm flattered and all, but... I'm not ready for a relationship yet. Maybe someday after we defeat Eggman and every other villains, I'll think about it. Please understand. Give me some time."
She looked at Ken waiting for him to take out his anger on her and surprisingly, he gave her a small smile.
"I understand. And I guess I appreciate your being up front with me."
"Thank you, Ken. This means a lot to me." Y/N said.
All four of them stood together on the cliff in silence, enjoying the view.
"But when Sonic screw up, you know I'll be right here waiting." Ken said to Sally, causing her and Y/N to laugh.
"Hahaha! Stop it!"
He turned to Y/N.
"As for you Y/N, I'll wait for your answer. You know where to meet me."
Y/N nodded.
"We'll stay just a big longer, but then we need to get back home and start the rebuilding there." Sally said.
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After a good minute of staying with Ken, Y/N and Kirby decided to leave and went through the warp ring as they are now in Angel Island where the Shrine Isle is that's just not too far as they could see a campfire. Y/N took the warp ring and placed it in her pocket. She decided to sneak in to see what was going on seeing the Chaotix all together. Kirby hopped onto her shoulder as she quietly jumped over the bridge with a flip and landed gracefully, thankfully not making a sound and quickly hide behind the shrine as Knuckles started the meeting.
"Listen up, Chaotix. If we're going to work as a team, we need to trust each other. That means we have to forgive something that have happened between us..."
He turned to Espio.
"...and that means no more secrets."
"Agreed. I have gotten clearance from the Bride of my Clan to reveal all I know of each of you—to you."
Knuckles nodded and sat down as Espio begins to explain.
"First off, it was my original duty to monitor Knuckles as the Guardian of Angel Island, just as my clan has been monitoring the Brotherhood of Guardians for many generations. In that time, I've come upon information about all of you."
"Nice try, Espio. But you've got nothing on me." Vector said.
And boy, did he regret saying that.
"You were originally born and raised in Downunda. You adopted an overbearing 'Street Lingo' accent to hide your origins."
"Croiky! I mean, dag yo! I-I-I mean...!"
This left Vector speechless as he had no words to say. Y/N and Kirby silently giggled at that.
"So you knew my family was alive. You knew about my forefathers. You spent all that time at my side while I was looking for answers and said nothing." Knuckles stated, glaring at him.
"No... I knew about the existence of the Brotherhood, but I never had any details. All I knew about was you."
"But if you had known, would you have told him?" Julie-Su asked.
"...It wasn't that simple..."
Charmy raised his hand.
"What about me?"
"Charmy, you were a prince once. Dr. Robotnik destroyed your kingdom, and he nearly destroyed your mind with his Egg Grapes if it weren't for Y/N's save."
"Yeah, I remember that. Thank goodness."
"Aw, give him a break, Knuckles. You know he's one of the good guys." Mighty said. "I mean, your family kept the same info from you, and you forgave them, right?"
"...Yeah. I doubt you would be so forgiving if he'd been keeping something from you."
This made Espio feel uncomfortable as he had another secret to tell. Y/N had a bad feeling of where this was going.
"...Actually... I'm pretty certain your parents are gone, but evidence points to your sister being alive... and part of a Dark Egg Legion Chapter."
Y/N gasped quietly of what she was hearing as everyone was grown silent, looking at Espio in disbelief. Mighty then stood up and angrily stomped away from the group. Espio bowed his head in shame.
"I'm sorry."
He covered his face to stop the tears.
"I... I wanted to investigate more before I said anything..."
Y/N feels bad for him, knowing it's not his fault and it's part of his culture so she will respect that. Kirby frowned at seeing them like this and decided to walk out of his hiding spot and headed over to Espio and comforted him by snuggling his face against his arm. Espio and the others were surprised to see him and looked over to see Y/N walking out of the shrine towards the Chaotix.
"Sorry. I may have overheard everything. It's alright."
"Y/N..." Espio voiced out.
Knuckles feels a little embarrassed that Y/N's been hearing his secret.
"So, Vector..." she smirked. "Tell me about this, 'Street Lingo' accent of yours."
"No! Y-You don't need to know about that!!" Vector exclaimed, face all red.
"But that makes me wonder even more. Come on, spill it."
"No way! No one needs to know!"
"Actually, I'm curious about it as well." Julie-Su said, grinning.
"Not you too!"
This made everyone laugh as the tense atmosphere is now gone. It was all Y/N's plan to make them feel at least happy and bring a smile to their faces.
"Thanks, Y/N... You sure know how to cheer us up." Espio said, smiling at her.
"It's what I do."
"Pooteetah."
"Oh! Now that everyone knows our secrets! What about you Y/N?" Saffron asked.
"Well... it's complicated. But I'm just the hedgehog as I thought I see."
Knuckles raised his eyebrow in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"I'll explain. But there's another thing you should know, Y/N." Espio said.
"Oh, no. What now?"
"Basically, you were born with such unknown power before you got the power of the ruby from Cosmo around your neck that gives you."
"Yes, I've been told by Endless Reach. About someone coming after me."
"Yes. Remember when my mo- the Bride of my Clan told you to get the ice crystal katana? That was me and it's also to protect you."
"Protect me? That's nice, but have you forgotten that I can protect myself?"
"I understand, but this unknown enemy will come after you and they're very powerful as Endless Reach informed us from her Web of Fate after I was summoned back to the Dragon Kingdom for an important meeting. They decided to appoint me as your bodyguard to keep an eye on you as well as keep you informed of any changes. If the enemies learn your power, I must take you to the Dragon Kingdom to be placed under the protection of my clan."
Everyone looked at Espio in shock and surprise.
"I was also instructed to tell you this since you attend to know and that you're good with hearing secrets. I'm asking you all to do the same in protecting her."
Y/N couldn't believe what she was hearing, not only hearing the enemy so powerful but also becoming Espio's bodyguard.
"Well... if your Bride of your Clan says so, then I'll accept it only if there's something bad attend to happen, you know where to find me."
Espio nodded.
"I'm glad."
"He's not in this alone. All of us, including the Freedom Fighters will be there for you and be ready for anything." Knuckles said as everyone nodded in agreement.
Y/N smiled in appreciation and happiness.
"Thanks, everyone. If I am in danger, you'll just have to catch me if you can keep up that is."
Espio smirked, leaning into her face.
"I'll do my best to make sure you get to the Dragon Kingdom."
"Bring it on." she smirked back.
Everyone then left home except Knuckles, Y/N, Kirby, and Espio as they stayed there by the campfire until it was now morning. As they were staying, they noticed Mighty came over to them with a bag in his hand with Ray by his side. Mighty and Ray were surprised to see Y/N and Kirby.
"Mighty? What's with the bag?" Y/N asked in confusion.
Mighty glanced away for a bit.
"I'm afraid this is goodbye, Y/N. Sorry that I can't be there for you. I have to find my sister."
"Don't you need us? We're the Chaotix. We stick together." Knuckles asked.
"I'm sure you guys will be fine. This is my own path to follow. Ray is coming with me."
Y/N looked at Ray in shock.
"Ray??"
"I'm sorry... I wish we can spend more time, but I want to be there for him until the very end."
Knuckles looks sad for a moment, but understood why Mighty and Ray have to leave.
"If that's what you want, I won't stop you. You'll always be part of the Chaotix. I hope you find your sister."
"Thanks, Knuckles."
Kirby walked over to Mighty and Ray and started sniffing with tears coming out of his three eyes. Mighty patted his head.
"Hey, don't cry. We're not going to be gone forever. We'll come and visit one day."
"Pooteetah?"
"We promise." Ray assured him, giving him a hug.
Kirby then nodded, saluting them as they salute him back. Mighty turned to Espio who looks sad and regretful.
"I'm really sorry for not telling you, Mighty. It's just..."
"It's alright, Espio. I understand you needing to keep your secret. I am a little upset that you didn't tell me sooner, but I'll respect your traditions."
Espio smiled, feeling relieved. He brought out his hand.
"Friends?"
Mighty happily grabbed his hand and shook it.
"Friends."
Knuckles and Kirby smiled at the scene, but Y/N looked like she was going to cry. She ran over to Mighty and hugged him, surprising him.
"Be safe, okay? Tell your sister I said hi once you get her back."
Mighty smiled and hugged her back a little tight, relishing this moment and flash backing his memories with her one last time before pulling away. Ray then hugged her, whispering something into her ear that made her smile amusingly and nodded. Mighty and Ray waved goodbye to them before flying off to adventure. Y/N watched sadly, waving back at them.
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