Rouge and the Rogue (Knuxouge)

Meeting Again

Amy grabbed a cloak and rushed out her door. This was a big breakthrough, and she had to tell Knuckles what had happened.

The sky was a bold blue even though it was later in the day. Amy hoped the sun would stay up long enough for her to get home once she was done with her errand. The trees, even though they sat right outside her window, were unfamiliar to her. But as long as she kept to a straight path she would probably be fine.

Through sheer luck she found a clearing quickly. She glanced around and saw the rogues trying in vain to hide in the tree branches. Sonic hopped down from his tree and the others followed.

"Sorry about that, Lady Rose," he chuckled, "We heard somebody coming. Thank goodness it was only you." There was a slight pause.

"Wait, why are you here!?" Vector gasped.

"I simply had to find you all after what just happened," Amy said excitedly.

"Why? Is somebody in danger?" Sonic replied quickly.

"No, the opposite! It's amazing! Where is Knuckles?" Amy looked around again, and Knuckles stepped forward. Now he stood in front of her. The rest of the gang listened intently.

"Knuckles! Your talk with the Princess—"

"Was a disaster, I know..."

"No! It worked! Princess Rouge stopped by my house earlier, she was with the guards collecting taxes, but she had a private conversation with me. She's concerned for the people. She's trying to understand how the king's laws are bad. She seeked me out in order to get the other side of the story, don't you see? If we reach out to her right now... We could really win." Amy's words stumbled over each other as if each was trying to come out of her mouth first. Knuckles just looked stunned.

"REALLY?" Charmy couldn't contain the reaction.

"Talk about a one-eighty," Espio smirked, having heard Knuckles' account earlier.

Everyone stared at Knuckles.

"...Please go talk to her again. She really wants to learn more," Amy clasped her hands, pleading with Knuckles.

Knuckles frowned and looked away, but he finally responded.

"If you're certain. She wasn't exactly thrilled at my first visit, and I don't want a repeat!"

A cheer rose from the bandits and Amy. Amy hoped dearly that this would mean the end of her friends putting themselves in danger. They would have no need to steal from the royal guard, to live in the woods, to exist in secret. This was their ticket to freedom.

Cream hugged Amy, who kissed the top of her head in return. Then Cream hugged Knuckles. Everyone said their goodbyes differently, but briefly, as Amy and Knuckles had to get back to town quickly if they wanted to catch the Princess.

The pair made their way back through the forest and through a bit of the town to find the Princess's carriages. It was easy to find; a trail of ransacked homes lead them right to the tax collectors. Amy and Knuckles watched from behind a pile of discarded boxes.

The head of guard was busy intimidating some poor Rabbit. Rouge's carriage driver was one of the soldiers by the door so the coast was clear to infiltrate it. Knuckles turned to Lady Rose.

"Wish me luck."

"Good luck. Come back to us in one piece."

He didn't promise any such thing. He just slipped away, sneaking like a shadow next to the fanciest carriage. The side door opened and he was gone.