Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Climbing out the window was proving a harder task than expected, thought the oracle as she looked down the two stories of ivy she'd have to grip onto.

Suddenly the bag at her side felt so much heavier than it actually was despite it carrying only her essentials. 

That and it was enchanted so it actually could carry more…

Casting a glance to her bedchambers again, Amy breathed a heavy sigh.

The letter sat on her bed, stamped with her seal, for her friends to find.

She had to do this now, before a guard came on their nightly rounds.

The vision could not go unfulfilled.

Her friends would understand wouldn’t they? They had always trusted one another…

Surely once they read the letter, they’d come to aid her. 

So, did she take the leap, and gripped the ivy tightly, as she climbed down.

Night was quiet, nary a guard in sight to be seen, and for that she was grateful.

She really shouldn't have worn heels to do this–

Ivy snapped under her hands and she fell slightly, having to bite her lip to keep from shouting and alerting fellow witches of where she was and what she was doing.

5 more minutes of climbing with some slight slips here and there, she reached the ground.

Now, she just…had to reach the emerald altar, and she'd be home free.

…or at least, free of the coven grounds.

Removing her heels, she took the chance and sprinted to the altar chamber, fishing out one of her cards.

Upon it was an eye, and she took a breath before taping it, letting her power flow through it.

Let that which is seen, go unseen, she thought, and with that, a soft shimmer covered her body, making her body invisible to the surroundings,if only for the few minutes this charm would last.

It was sheer luck that the altar chamber had been indeed left unguarded, for tonight was a feast in ‘celebration’, naming Sonic the prophesied hero of that vision from years ago.

A vision they twisted.

They know they cut out the final piece of the vision, but only NOW they informed me of this…betrayal of our sacred duty as oracles—

A twig snaps as she takes a step into the altar door, and her eyes widen, head whipping around to see.

She breathes a sigh, seeing just one of the Chao that ‘guarded’ the altar, had stepped on a twig whilst playing.

No more distractions, she only had a few minutes more of this cloak.

Bolting through the altar, she made her way to the podium holding the violet hued emerald.

It had long been kept here, rarely leaving its display unless called upon times of need, by many a great hero.

Sonic had been one of the lucky ones, truly.

She was sorry it had come to this.

A silent room, lit only by a candle, as she read her cards.

Amy had left the banquet after Sonic had been called by the Elder, to the head.

’Our guest of honor, for the emeralds have called upon him, one of indomitable will and power, to defeat He who is called Doom, the Black Beast.’

But that wasn’t right.

Her vision had not shown Sonic.

A golden hued hero, with red markings, and a sword in his hand.

That is who she had seen.

When she placed down the last card of her reading, the flame went out.

Her vision clouded, and the crystal ball placed in the middle came to life.

-

Red markings upon ebony fur, eyes of ruby and great burden upon the heart.

His fate is of great duty and burden, of great pain and wrongs committed.

He walks amongst the shadowed dark, where others dare not.

Doom’s eye is upon him, for he is the one to bring his fall.

To seek him means salvation.

To dismiss him, means ruin to all.

-

The candle lit itself once more, and the vision of the crystal faded instantly.

In her hands, Amy realized, was the card of the King of Lightning.

She had to go.

Now.

Fishing through her bag, she produced another letter, one to her teachers, as she grabbed hold of the emerald, leaving it behind.

They would have to come clean now.

Then did the rose hued hedgehog bolt once more out of the altar, past the coven gardens, past the gates, past everything.

Commotion and consequences could come later.

She had a vision to fulfill.

Commotion there was indeed, as the feast ended well past midnight, and guards returned to their posts at the altar.

’’THE EMERALD OF INSIGHT HAS BEEN STOLEN. THE ROSE ORACLE HAS BEEN TAKEN!’’

Alarms sounded, as the emerald was nowhere to be found at all.

Just the letter, stamped in pink wax with a rose, addressed to the Coven Elder.

'’A ransom? What fool would attempt to take her? She is a hardened warrior and witch, none would dare—‘’

Upon opening the letter, did the Elder fall silent as they took in each word.

-

Elder, I know what you have done.

You have taken fate upon your own hands, and truly doomed us all, if you are attempting to rewrite the fate written by the emeralds themselves.

I have left of my own sound mind and body.

Do not try to find me. 

Sonic is not the one foretold to defeat HIM.

The emeralds will deny him this fate.

The world shall know of your transgressions.

           -Amelia Rose, Witch of Insight, the Rose Oracle.

Rage overtaking them, the Elder only saw red as they crumpled the letter.

There was a breath, a moment of hesitation before they spoke.

“Dispatch the guards. Hunt down the Heretic. He has taken the Oracle and the Emerald,”

“At once, Elder.”

No one would know the truth of this night.

Not as long as they played their cards correctly…

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: Tenebris Bestia

A week of traveling on foot was a mistake.

Well not entirely, but at least wearing heels while doing so had been.

She should have packed different attire, or at least enough coin to purchase good traveling boots.

But before this venture, she'd always traveled with a coven guard, or with her friends, so it hadn't been a problem before…

A sigh, Amy looked at the town in the valley below.

The cards had deemed she come here, that here she would find the subject of her vision, deliver her prophecy to him and …

And then what?

That concern stuck in the back of her mind still.

But she'd made it this far, without any assistance!

She had to see the correction of this great manipulation by the Insight Coven.

To manipulate a prophecy, especially one that they didn't have themselves, was one of the many taboos about their craft.

No witch in their right mind would ever preach that the hero of the prophecy was another, not when it was so clearly someone specifically. 

And that had been the hunter.

One who the covens had deemed a heretic against their teachings…

A deep breath, Amy steeled her nerves, and began her trek into town.

It had no name, as far as she was aware, nothing that would say so anywhere at least, not even noted on a map.

But it held a small populace that she could see, both human and Mobian alike roamed the streets.

No coven house to be seen nearby, or so she guessed from the many stares garnered her way.

Witches likely did not come here so often, judging from how they gawked at her many silks upon her form.

Perhaps she should have changed into more casual attire…all the gold and silks upon her person would make her stand out..

Nevermind that, she had to locate the hunter.

The town, small as it was, was quite lively, noting how many farm stands and the like were scattered along the cobbled paths.

Perhaps there was an inn here she could stay at, camping out in the stars was lovely but her back couldn’t take another night on the ground.

’’Excuse me Miss Witch?” A young and gentle voice broke through her thoughts.

A young rabbit girl, of blonde and orange fur was looking up at her, with awe in her eyes at the sight of the witch in her veils and dress.

Smile upon her lips, Amy kneeled down to meet her gaze. She’d always loved meeting children, though the coven had long tried to insist she had more important things to do.

And right now, there was no one stopping her from helping anyone she wanted to assist.

’’Hello there, little one. How can I help you?’’

The rabbit girl fidgeted a bit, a little Chao hovering next to her before she spoke up again.

’’Mother wanted to know, if…if you could come to our little farm? She says witches are helpful and strong, and I think she needs some help”

Oh? Well, if she was being asked so nicely…it couldn’t hurt to take a detour, to go and assist this sweet girl.

“I'd be happy to help you, little miss…?”

“Cream! My mother's name is Vanilla and this is Cheese!”

Cream gestured to the little blue Chao companion.

“Well Cream, my name is Amy Rose. Now can you show me where your farm is then, and I'll do my best to help?”

The little bunny's eyes lit up and she beamed, taking Amy’s hand in her own little one and leading the witch through the small, cobblestone paths of the town to a secluded little cottage.

There were several Chao flying around the place, which caught Amy by surprise, as she’d never really seen this amount of Chao anywhere that wasn’t a coven altar before.

’’This is our home! Mother is inside, I’ll go and get her!’’ Piped up Cream, beaming as she hopped off inside the cottage.

And it was once she was left alone that things clicked for Amy.

The cottage was beautiful surely, but it had damage scattered around.

A fence that looked to have been run through, boarded up window on one side, from a shattered glass…

The garden appeared to have been run through by some behemoth of a creature…

Could it have been—

‘’Excuse me? Are you Miss Amy?’’ A calm voice snapped the rosy hedgehog from her thoughts and she was faced with Cream’s mother, a rabbit of slightly darker hues to her daughter.

’’My name is Vanilla, dear. Thank you, for coming to our farm on Cream’s asking”

The rabbit mother seemed to be quite kind, and after a couple weeks on her own, Amy welcomed the kindness of a stranger.

’’It’s my pleasure Miss Vanilla. Cream mentioned needing help here? Has something been the matter?” Inquired Amy, a flash of concern on her features.

A sigh left the lapine Mobian, and she nodded.

’’Unfortunately, yes. Our town is too small for many a guard to help, and we have no coven for miles. So…when night falls, the Black Beasts run amok with nary anyone to stop them,’’

So her suspicion was correct.

Black Beasts…

They were monstrous creatures that changed their shape freely, with nary any need for rest, and their strength rivaled that of even great guards and witches alone.

These creatures had appeared in the kingdoms roughly 50 years ago, but their presence had waned during those years, with attacks happening scarcely through the years in small towns and villages on the outskirts.

But about 5 years ago, their attacks became more frequent and loathsome to deal with.

Hunters of great beasts had risen over the decades to hunt them, but not enough…

They were a frightening force, and would raze entire villages into smoldering ash by dawn, during which they’d vanish with the shadows themselves.

Always by night did they come to attack. By first light, they would vanish.

Hunters, indiscriminate in nature,and consumed any flesh they could get to.

A frown found itself on Amy’s features, as this news took hold.

Coven witches worked with guards and sometimes even hunters to be able to protect the populace, but to hear there were still villages with no protection for miles around…

’’Well, then if you will permit me, Miss Vanilla, I would be happy to assist.”

She’d needed to stretch her muscles anyway.A little scuffle wouldn’t be hard to handle on her own.

After all, she’d had many adventures with the boys back in their teens, and together there was nothing they couldn’t handl—

Ah. But…she wasn’t with them.

Ok, well even then, she could handle this!

’’Thank you, Miss Amy. Please, if you’d then like to stay the night, Cream and I will prepare you a bed and meal as payment…if that is fair for a witch’s fee?’’

Fee? What fee, witches didn’t take money, not that she was aware of, when protecting others…

’’Ah, no, no fee required, but…a meal and bed sound fantastic after long travel, and will do just fine”

That and she needed a good rest if she was going to locate the hunter…

The cards had pointed her to this village, surely he had to come here, or was he here already?

A smile upon her features, Vanilla nodded and gave a light chuckle, gesturing to the doorway where Cream was eagerly awaiting with Cheese.

’’Come then, let’s get our witch saviour a thank you meal ready, Cream dear?”

’’Yes Mother!”

She’d been waiting for hours now at the farm’s edge, facing the woods.

The food and small talk had been great, after quite some time traveling alone, and the bed so comfortable when she’d been sleeping under the stars.

Most of the evening, she’d worked on protection sigils, making runes etched in stones around the farm’s borders, to guard from any unwanted guests. 

Cream had taken a bit of interest, and assisted by finding the best stones and putting them exactly where Amy told her to.

Sunset had ended an hour ago, and slowly, the night overtook the remaining parts of day.

They would be here soon, and she would be prepared.

And the witch was right, as the clicking sound in the distance caught her attention immediately.

’’Right on time’’ she muttered to herself, and extended her right arm to the side, snapping her fingers.

In a flourish of pink wisps of energy, did her weapon appear, just as it always did when she required it to.

A hammer of rose gold and sunset hues, it had been forged many years ago, from her magic and enchanted materials.

A powerful weapon it was, her Hammer of Fate as she had named it.

More clicking, noises unnatural in entirety.

They were getting closer.

Her grip tightened further on the hammer’s hilt.

She could handle this. Just had to last till dawn, first light.

Vanilla and Cream were secure inside the cottage, doors locked and barricaded in the event of potential stragglers.

The Chao had all been herded into the barn, and secured as well, leaving just Amy alone.

Her goal was to get rid of as many as possible before that could happen. 

Just had to make it to sunrise.

A deep breath, the rose hued hedgehog grabbed her hammer firmly, and readied her stance.

Chaos help her, Emeralds bless her, let none pass behind her, and fulfill her mission. 

A twig snapped, and for a heartbeat, there was dead silence.

And then the beast burst forth from the forest.

She swung her hammer effortlessly, bashing it against the beast.

It was taller than her, around the height of the average human of the kingdoms, black veins along ebony flesh.

Its claws were tipped blood red, and large eyes of amber hues.

A terrifying monster, but nothing she hadn’t faced before.

Just…never completely alone.

Shaking her head, she steeled her nerves, and burst forth into a sprint, swinging once again, launching the beast into the treeline.

She had a mission, focused on getting rid of them, and preventing any getting to the cottage borders.

A flick of her wrist, a card appeared in her hands, the Queen of Fire.

’Flames protect me, fire guard me, purge my enemies that come upon me ,’ she muttered beneath her breath, as the card shimmered, and was engulfed in powerful flame.

Another flick of her hand, and the flames enveloped her hammer, as she approached the beast, and swung once again, the strike firm.

It screeched, and Amy flinched at the sound.

Which she regretted slightly, not out of pity no.

But because it allowed the beast’s partner to appear behind her, and its claws found her mark on her leg, tearing open fabric and flesh alike.

Biting back a scream, Amy instead redirected her swing, and attacked the offending creature, and tried to tune out the sound of screeching as searing flames met demonic flesh.

It would not rise again, as its body decayed rapidly into nothing.

That was the peculiar thing about these monstrosities.

Once killed, their bodies decayed so fast, that nothing would be left, and so, no one had been able to study them.

Attention returned to the first offending creature, and she swung again, silently praying that the flames would last as long as possible to defeat these creatures quickly.

More had started to gather, and with so many, she had started to grow concerned.

At least a dozen, and she was trying her best to make every swing of her hammer count, the fire spell nearing its end.

A snap of her fingers, she summoned another card, Knight of Lightning.

’I bring thunder and fury, smite all those before me!’ Bellowed the witch, as she cast the card into the air above her.

A small storm cloud formed above her, and it grew rapidly.

With yet another snap of her fingers, lightning rained down upon the creatures, taking them down rapidly.

She looked to the horizon. Hours had passed and yet…

No sign of first light.

She had to hold out just a bit longer.

Fatigue was beginning however...

Each swing was decisive, powerful in its strike.

None had gotten past the sigils she placed, a saving grace above all else.

Her muscles were beginning to ache, and she was almost out of breath.

She had used many a card to take out these beasts, but sleep was washing over, blurring her vision between her every attack.

Stumbling backwards, her back met the fence of the farm, and she snapped awake, realizing how close they’d gotten to the barrier.

No no no, she needed more time, just an hour more, surely she could manage—

In her moment of distraction, one of the beasts swung at her, landing a firm hit to Amy’s side, rewarded with a cry of pain.

Her hammer flew out of her hands, as her body hit the grass.

Amy had been ignoring her pain for the most part, but it was slowly settling in that she was in over her head.

Crawling to the hammer, she gripped its hilt tightly, pleading silently to whatever deity might listen, to let her finish this.

’Please, just help me, someone, anyone!’ She begged internally, as she stumbled to her feet, gripping tight to her hammer.

She lifted it once again, preparing to swing once more.

But then did she feel it.

A wave of great power wash over her body. Not her own, no, but something other, of great strength unparalleled.

Her eyes widened, as this energy burst forth from behind the treeline, and spears of pure energy stabbed through the remaining beasts before her, effortlessly.

That hadn’t been her.

Such techniques weren’t of witches, not by any means.

That was the power of Chaos, one few people wielded.

Static seemed to fill the air, as a figure came out from the darkness of the trees.

Her eyes were fighting exhaustion, she had to stay away, she had to see who it was—

‘’Far from your coven, are you not, Witch?”

The voice was deep, and held a tone of contempt.

He stepped forward, into the faint light of the moon.

He blended in with the darkness but his eyes and fur markings stood out even in this little light.

Crimson fur streaking ebony, and eyes of ruby red.

At his side, a sword crackling with Chaos, the same color of energy that had pierced the beasts that remained.

Finally.

She’d found him. She’d found him!

And it was finally then, that exhaustion overtook the dwindling adrenaline and Amy collapsed.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 - Heretic - Hunter

‘’Far from your coven, are you not, Witch?”

Ruby eyes, with the lightest glimmers of amber, the gift of Chaos resonating around him more powerfully than any other she had met.

He was here, the cards had led her here. He was here!

And then her vision went black.

He had tracked the beasts for many miles now.

They were more frequent than before now. A sign, malevolent in nature, of the one he was searching for.

Damned bastard, wherever he was.

A burden, one he alone bore, to eradicate.

He moved only by nightfall, with the darkness that was his namesake.

It was the most efficient way to hunt down such creatures, with how they vanished into shadow when sunlight came to be.

He had hunted such monstrosities for decades now, how many was anyone's guess.

Wiping his blade of the ebony tar that was their blood, he grimaced. Disgusting, ugly, vile things they were.

They consumed all in their path, any living being they got their claws on or into their maw was good as dead.

Rumors had circulated before, that they had a leader to their hive mind.

If only such things could be proven, then he would long have cut the head of this snake to end things.

They were worse around the rural villages.

Places where no covens, no hunter guilds to guard their borders.

He had been here for a week or so, purging as much as he could of them.

The innkeeper has in turn given him a room and meals to compensate for the many slain beasts.

He would have been fine camping out in the woods. Made it easier to track his prey.

The moon was high in the sky, so it had been hours since he'd been here. The hunter had set out at sundown to find his targets.

Long enough that he had lost count, but the bodies long since turning to ash behind him numbered easily in the double digits.

It posed little difficulty at all, to have slain so many.

Under its silver glow, the gold rings upon his wrists shone.

No sign of any beast large enough, that would warrant him needing to remove it. Oblivion would do the trick for now. Nary a blade could compare to it.

Better to keep his magic back regardless, and not bring such a threat to the small village such as this, if he used such abilities.

Gripping the hilt of his blade tighter, Shadow would march onwards through the woods, focus ironclad as he searched.

For so many Black Beasts to be here meant they had a brooding hive near.

If he could find it, then he could completely annihilate all of them, and the village free of whatever burdens the beasts once caused.

And he could continue tracking the bigger target he had in mind.

Rouge’s intel had at least been useful in locating this place.

She’d no doubt ask for her payment from this hunt of his,so he’d have to find something to sate the bat’s desire for luxuries that often burned a hole into their coin purse—

It was the sound of a struggle that broke him from any thoughts he had.

It was a clear night, not a singular cloud upon the skies when he heard the distinct sounds of thunder clapping and striking.

Not a singular strike, but several, like a storm had brewed all so suddenly.

Furrowed brow,it sunk in what that meant. Very few could conjure magic such as that, especially in such powerful capacities.

A witch.

But what would ever bring a witch to a desolate town such as this?

There was no coven for miles, and the coin made in the village wouldn’t cover their exorbitant fee to protect villages within their vicinity.

Sheathing Oblivion on his side, Shadow decided to find out just that.

A tap of his boot to the ground activated the spell upon them, one that allowed him to essentially glide above the ground.

One of her last gifts. One that had been deemed foolish by their caretaker at first, but it brought her so much joy, when she saw him glide across the ground with ease in combat drills.

He followed the thundercloud that appeared in the distance, till he could no longer pass through the thick brush of the forest.

Better nonetheless, to stop while ahead of himself. 

After all, before him was more of the vile creatures, and with little hesitation, he drew Oblivion again.

A breath, Shadow let his might flow through the sword in his hands.

Crackling, it became imbued with Chaos, his Chaos.

A power so rare in their world, and one he was abundant in.

Abundant to the point of burden.

A sneer, the ebony hedgehog struck the many beasts before him in a flurry, passing through them so quick, they’d not even had time to react.

Years of hunting had honed his skills to perfection. 

Hunter's guilds had once sought his blade to their ranks, but he always denied them, long ago when such a thing mattered to him.

Now, they turned their eyes away, and doors closed to him.

Heretic, came their venom tipped whispers, when he walked the cities.

The Rogue Hunter. Guildless heretic. Killer. Heartless.

Slayer.

Let them think it.

It made it easier. 

None would need know, if they never got close.

A shout of pain broke his thoughts, and he withdrew his blade from the smoldering corpse of the beast before him.

It sounded young, a woman. The witch no doubt, as it came from the direction of where the thunder had come from.

Had the stupid witch bitten off more she could chew?

“Tch. Sloppy,” he muttered beneath his breath.

He could sense it now, the power that bubbled within this witch.

Peculiar, why would the Coven's send someone of such strength to the middle of nowhere. 

Was it a death wish?

Or had they once again sent one of their so called sages his way, to make him rethink his mission, and ally with their oh so holy purpose?

Pathetic.

Fists clenched, he darted to the edge of the treeline, determined to have this dealt with quickly.

Much as Shadow despised the Coven’s ideals, for this witch to meet a needless death was absurd.

Both hands gripping tighter to Oblivion, he came to see what had caused all the commotion.

A witch clad in velvet violet robes, of the Insight coven no doubt. A coven that rarely if ever sent a witch to assist the villages.

In her hands she clutched a hammer, and seemed to have taken many a hit already…

He would end this then. 

A deep inhale, he let Chaos flow through him, let this power that was both blessing and curse surge through.

Sharp points appeared in the air around him, crackling like lightning, till they grew to take full form of spears.

A growl and swing of his sword, he let the spears pierce through the treeline with ferocity, impaling the dozens of beasts that remained before the witch in velvet.

Curious…why did her face feel familiar?

’’Far from your coven, are you not, Witch?” He sneered, voice dripping with contempt.

She didn’t answer.

No matter.

Stepping forth, Shadow was lit by the light of the moon, and Oblivion in his hands, the sword pulsing with an almost golden green hue of Chaos.

Furrowed brow, he studied the witch.

Injured, barely able to hold her weapon now. A fool, trying to fight these beasts all alone.

He glanced at the fenceline she guarded so fervently. One of the locals. And she had at least been wise to scatter ward stones to craft a barrier.

Her eyes, they darted around wildly, as if scanning him for something.

And before the smoldering ruby eyes of the ebony hedgehog, the young woman collapsed, exhaustion taking its hold over her.

So, she had been here since sundown herself…

A sigh of annoyed frustration, Shadow sheathed his blade before he collected her unconscious body in his arms.

He would have to return for her hammer late—

When the hunter turned to look at it, it had already disappeared.

Enchanted weapon it seemed, no wonder she’d held out so long.

Another deep sigh.

Carrying her in his arms, he finally got a closer look at the witch.

A hedgehog, not too unlike himself. 

Fair skinned, and her fur the color of a pale blush rose.

Not a scar upon her skin, but she was bruising slightly in some spots, blows from the creatures. 

A brief look all over, he noted the slash along her calf.

Not deep enough to be concerning, but still, better to have it treated…

Looking around the small farm, he walked to the nearby pond, setting her down for a moment.

Fishing out a cloth from his coat, he soaked it in water, washing off some of the blood and dirt, wrapping it in a dry bandage from his kit.

Should do for now.

Hold much gentler, he carried her to the cottage on the property, knocking.

Quick to open the door was the tall rabbit woman, Vanilla as he recalled. She'd been in town, offered him a meal once or twice in thanks for looking out for Cream one night when the creatures almost attacked the girl.

“Hello–Oh Chaos, Miss Amy!”

“She will be fine by morning, ma'am, “ he piped up, and stepped into the cottage once Vanilla moved aside for him.

The rabbit was quick to call for her daughter, telling her to prepare the cot for the witch.

Amy. That name seemed to ring a bell…

No matter, he carried her into the room, led by the younger rabbit, while her mother grabbed necessary supplies to treat the witch’s wounds.

She'd live.

In the commotion of the rabbit family tending to her, Shadow took his leave, not wishing to get in their way. He had done his duty, and he had more hunting to do still, till sunrise came.

But something nagged at him.

Where did he know her from?

To be a concern for another time. Right now, the moonlit night was his hunting ground.

She jolted awake with a gasp, shooting up in the cot.

A mistake, as the pain of last night's fight decided to wake up at the same moment, making her wince.

On her bedside table, was a glass of water, and a loaf of bread.

Her head ached, and her throat was dry…how long had she been out?

The sunlight through the window suggested it was noon…

Taking the water and bread, she decided to at least recuperate a bit, before trying to get up and find Cream or Vanilla to ask any questions. 

She sat up in bed, but flinched, moving aside the sheets to reveal her bandaged leg.

Right, last night…she'd been injured.

Last night…

Last night.

How had she even gotten here last night? She didn't recall coming back, not of her own volition. 

…Could it have been him? Did he bring her back to the cottage?

Those eyes, scarlet and amber, glowing with almost a fury…

She gulped down the last of the water, and at least, made her way to the living room of the house. 

No sign of her hosts, but they had left a note upon the counter.

Went to market for medicine and groceries.

The hunter you seek, he brought you here.

He is at the inn, the tavern.

Eyes wide, a smile split her face. 

Finally.

She had to get to the tavern immediately. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 3 : Proposition 

The tavern wasn't really a grand event within the village.

Decent food, and the crowds not too intense.

No coven meant no judging eyes upon the hunter, when he walked in and took a table at the darkest corner, where it was most silent.

The name was a bit ironic though. Coven's Burrow.

It left a taste in his mouth, slightly soured, but only as it reminded him of the witch he had encountered. 

The waitress, who he'd learned was the owner as well, during his stay in the village, gave a nod upon spotting him and he returned it in kind.

A stiff drink, loaf of warm bread, and a rare steak.

No grandiose meal, but it sated whatever hunger he would have.

It'd been his order consistently during his stay, the same hour of every day.

The mint hued hedgehog slipped back into the kitchen to prepare it, and Shadow relaxed briefly, as he fished out the crystal orb within his pocket and sighed.

Tapping it twice, he allowed some of his energy to pour into it, and within a few moments, the orb would float above his palm.

Within it flickered an image, shrouded in mist, before soon, a face appeared.

White furred with blood red lips and eyes like sapphires, did the bat come into focus.

‘Well well, about time you called me back, darling? How goes the hunting in your neck of the woods?’

He scrunched his nose slightly and sighed.

“Adequately. The town is a small populace, it's been manageable…No sign of their hive yet. There was only a few complications that caused a slight delay,”

That complication hopefully having remained at the cottage of the rabbit family.

He truly didn't need to deal with a self righteous witch hounding him.

“Have you found anything on your end, Rouge?” inquired the noir hedgehog with a sigh.

Chuckling, the bat shrugged and hummed.

‘There's been whispers in this village that the lord of it knows where the hive is, even has a map in his archives. Bastard keeps it locked up tight though, has guards at every post so no one tries to break into the vaults of his castle. Said to be virtually impossible, only a true professional could do such a feat,’

Shadow just raised a brow. He knew where this was going.

“Get to the point, Rouge,”

The bat pouted, in jest mostly before rolling her eyes and holding up the parchment in view.

‘Oh relax, darling, of course I got it. Was there ever any doubt that I could?’

That earned a chuckle from the hunter who gave an appreciative nod.

“Resourceful as always,”

From him, that may as well be a compliment worth a vault of diamonds. 

‘Well you're definitely in a good mood huh? Must’ve been a damn good hunt last night for such charming words~’

At that the hunter returned to his usual deadpan face and sighed.

A pause in conversation, he noted the tavernkeeper approach, and she gave a small nod, leaving his meal before taking her own leave so he may continue his debrief with Rouge.

’’Where should we rendezvous for the map? If it’s as accurate as the rumors say, then we should be able to eradicate the beasts on this side of the kingdom at the very least, for months if we find the hive,’’

’There’s a merchant caravan passing through here, going to the next town. Good mid point between us, unless you wanted to meet faster by using your little trick—‘ 

‘’No. Out of the question. I don’t have an emerald by which to use it,’’

Not since the Covens had decided that the emeralds had to be guarded within their altars.

’To preserve and ensure no ill will nor malevolent user get their hands on such relics of power’ had been their message.

He scowled, remembering that being the words of their high and mighty coven guards when they confronted him in a tavern years ago.

He’d releneted and given them the emerald, only because of the underlying threat of the guards to take it out on the village folk if he had not.

But how freely did they hand such relics over, to the cerulean furred headache, their golden boy, ‘Sonic’ whenever the most minor threat came to be.

He couldn’t even step foot in the damned coven grounds, not with his being branded a heretic.

’’I’ll meet you there, it may take 2 days to find my way there. I have business to finish here still—’’

’’I found you.’’

Blinking in surprise, Shadow would turn his gaze up from the crystal, confused and brow furrowed as he looked to see who had disturbed his time.

And who he saw made him annoyed, as he recognized the peachy pink fur and violet veils of the witch from last night.

’’I knew it was you, I knew it had to be! The cards, my visions, they’d been leading me to find you and—‘’

’’That’s enough, witch.’’

The witch instead was the one to look at him, shocked.

’’I have no need of your self righteous and almighty drivel towards a heretic. You can be on your way,’’

Such words only brought a frown from her instead. Hm, an interesting expression.

He had to admit, maybe even a bit cute.

’’I’m not here to—I’m sorry, but I am Amy Rose, the Rose Oracle of the Coven of Insight and—‘’

Ah, so that’s her name.

’’I have no need of your titles, Madam Witch. Now be off on your way, ‘’

A puff cheeked pout, Amy would instead sit across from him in the table, earning a low growl.

He waved his hand over the crystal, ceasing his call to Rouge and leaned back in his seat, unamused.

’’I am here to deliver a message to you, Shadow,’’

’’Oh? And to what ‘honor’ to I owe this so called message?”

The witchlet must have learned his name in this vision of hers.

Sitting up right in her seat, Amy would clear her throat before weaving a small spell, a simple illusion used to show visions to others.

’’I foresaw a vision, a week or so ago, and in it was you. The Coven of Insight has been publicizing the first of my visions, that foresaw the fall of Doom, but they have lied!’’

Within the illusion, she showed what she had seen.

The one called Doom, defeated by a Mobian of gold and red.

And unlike the visage put out by the Coven, this one, was adorned in streaks of red across his body.

’’They swear it to be Sonic, the one to defeat the Black Beasts, end their leader, but they’re wrong. It is YOU, who will defeat him, and I am here to—‘’

He waved the vision aside.

’’I have no need for such prophecy,’’

That made her stop, and have to recover her thoughts.

’’But…but my vision saw you, my vision and cards have never been wrong!’’

A smirk grew on his face and the witch frowned.

‘’They certainly seemed to be wrong before—‘’

How DARE he—!

’’No, they were not! My teachers believed it to be Sonic, but as much as I trust him, I cannot allow the Coven to send him to his death when the vision says otherwise! ‘’

Scoffing, he leaned forward, ruby eyes staring right into her emerald green ones.

She fought back the blush on her face at such intense gaze upon her own.

‘’So you would sacrifice me instead for your beloved Sonic?”

Oh for the love of—

‘’No!! You have a purpose, a calling by fate—“

”Listen to me, witch. I make my own fate, one no one else decrees. Not even your coven or prophecies can witness, or manipulate,’’ he growled, eyes flashing with danger to them.

She gulped, a shiver.

Tread lightly.

’’And I do not deny that, but you have a calling that cannot be denied either, Shadow.’’

Scowling with fangs slightly bared, Shadow’s nerves were on edge.

”My purpose is mine, and mine alone, Witch,’’

Crossing her arms, Amy huffed, trying to remain firm and hardened. She could not back down an inch, not with such a serious matter, even if he kept trying to reject it.

“You and yours may be honored and venerated by the kingdom folk, by all others…but I am not like the others, am I, Witch Rose? I am dangerous — too dangerous according to your elders — and should be shunned, correct?”

Blinking in surprise, she crossed her arms and tilted her head.

”Dangerous? Shunned?? Please, I have met and seen things far worse, hunter. You do not scare me at all,’’

That made him grin, and back away.

There was that glint of danger in his eyes again, that made her gulp.

“You’d be wise to think otherwise,”

She laughed, it was a fake laugh, but she hoped he couldn’t tell at all.

He could, couldn’t he? Dammit.

Scoffing, Shadow just poked at his food plate, unamused. It had gotten cold. Great.

‘’You don’t have the slightest hint, Rose”

”Oh yeah? Try me, hunter” she dared to wage, making his eyes flicker back to her.

Shaking his head he breathed a sigh.

’’I will not have that crime slung onto my shoulders,”

Huffing, the pink hedgehog growled slightly, a sound that made his ears perk up.

Hm, interesting.

’’Well, I am tougher than I look,’’

Oh sure she did, in her silken robes and jeweled grandeur.

Rouge would be jealous of such finery. Another scoff.

’’As you speak, Madam Witch,’’

Surely his deflecting would finally make her leave.

”Amy.”

Leaning into the table, she met his eyes, refusing to look away, and holding firmly.

‘’Not Witch Rose, not Madam Witch, just Amy,”

That reaction almost earned a laugh.

‘’Hmph. You are part of the Coven. You will be acknowledged as such,”

Deep breaths Amy, deep breaths.

“Fine. How about just, Rose? You seemed content to call me that already, at least,”

He seemed to ponder it, as he cut into the meat of his plate and ate a bite.

“I’ll consider it,”

He was infuriating. Why did her prophecy have to be about him? Fates had surely chosen this to annoy her.

She sighed, if only to release her annoyance.

’’Close enough,”

Curious, how she didn’t seem to want the titles and adoration often demanded by the Covens.

‘’Why concern yourself with my preference to you at all?”

Sitting up straighter, Amy tried to find a suitable answer.

“The only people who call me such things are the elders of the coven, or people who put witches on a pedestal , believing us to be wise, all knowing and never wrong, which none of us deserve. I do not need the same from you, ‘’

That made him snicker softly. A tilt of his head, he took another bite of his steak and sighed.

”Did you not just say your cards were never wrong?”

Oh he was oozing smugness, this insufferable hunter, how DARE HE—

“Hmph! With how you insist on such titles, I’m starting to think you lean into the elders—“

Now that was a preposterous statement, one that made him cock a brow in disbelief.

“And what is that supposed to mean, witch?”

Smile of sweet innocence upon painted rosy lips, Amy piped up with delight.

“That you are clearly as old fashioned as they must be~”

He stared down at her in silence for a long time.

Oh if she knew the truth, how beyond her it would be…

“Your little insults mean nothing to me, Madam Witch.”

Oh for Gaia’s sake—

Puffed cheeks and a huff, Amy had given up. Fine, he was not going to listen.

Digging through her side purse, she grumbled for a moment till she found it.

She carried spares of her tarot deck,for moments such as this.

In her hands was the Queen of Rings, her own card from this enchanted deck.

’’Fine. If you do not wish to talk to me, or consider any of what I have to say, at least have this,’’

She held it out to him to take.

’’Imbue it with your energy, and it will show you where I am, if your mind changes, or ever need any sort of help,’’

She was cute, when flustered, the hunter had to admit.

Regardless, that was something he could not consider, not with someone with any kind of relation to the Covens as she did.

Eyeing the card, he considered it, then looked back to her.

”Pray tell, witchlet, why would I need your help exactly?”

He had a meal to finish, he would give her the grace of letting her plead her case till he did.

”Everyone needs help,even self proclaimed loners whom say they do not follow any fate but their very own,”

Another bored bite, he hummed a bit.

”And you only offer this help to me after your cards try to correct themselves. How remarkably convenient for you,”

Infuriating hunter. She wasn’t going to entertain his deflecting more.

She slapped her card into his free hand, crossing her arms.

“It was not a suggestion that you take it,”

Pulling his hand back, Shadow’s gaze was cold, a flare of hostility as he refused to wrap any finger around the card.

”You do not command me, Madam Witch.”

”I do not, but you will take it anyway. Keep it, toss it, burn it even. But then I will have at least made an effort to try and offer my aid to you,”

He set the card on the table, distancing from it.

“You have done your part. It met my hand, and I refused. There, it shall remain,”

It would be the best she was going to do, even if he was doing everything to reject her…

Sighing, Amy stood to her feet.

“Fine. I wish you luck, hunter, in whatever you choose to do next,”

“And to you, Madam Witch,”

A roll of her eyes and, in a moment of frustration, a stuck out tongue, Amy began to walk away.

’’How mature, “ he called out, gesturing to one of the barmaids to bring him a tankard of ale. He needed it after all of this.

She turned on her heel, face red in anger.

“How infuriating!” She called back in turn, before storming out of the place, leaving surrounding patrons confused.

A snort and nod to the barmaid as she delivered his drink, he sighed.

A long draw of the drink, he grumbled.

‘’Good.”

If he saw that witch again, it would be too soon and his patience was thin.