A Prince's Promise Chapter 2: A Friendly Game

by Ali'yah, Grade 8

The sun almost on the horizon, the brightly colored prince awoke from his unintended slumber. Shadow seemed to have also been affected by the spell of sleep, for his chest expanded and contracted rhythmically with his eyes closed gently. Silver looked curiously at his side, discovering that there was something on it when he did. He was quite shocked to see an arm and cape there, Shadow's to be precise. The prince of starlight's scream of surprise echoed through the forest and awoke the other prince. The other prince suddenly jumped up from his sleep, and almost alarmingly looked ready to kill someone. His ears perked up, most likely to listen to whatever may be coming. Shadow still had a fairly easy time finally finding the other prince. "Was that you??! Now, what are you screaming about, Prince Pansy?" Shadow teased, only to realize the answer to his own question, "Oh, you were shivering after you fell asleep randomly." "Why didn't you just leave then?" Silver remarked “Why didn’t you go home to some nice fire and warm up?” Shadow snickered, as if expecting that question. "You're heavy. I can't get up until you do. That’s why.” Silver blushed and looked away bashfully, definitely not expecting for this to happen. "Hey, um, Shadow?" "Hm?" Shadow mumbled. " Do you wanna play a game?" The dark prince snickered once again, obviously enjoying the prince of starlights company, "What are you, 5?" "No!" Silver pouted. Shadow, in response to this, laughed a bit, evolving from just some snickers. But then, after some thinking, he instead clarified, "But in all seriousness, sure. I ain't got anything better to do." "Okay then, um... oh! I know! Ever played two truths and a lie?" "Once or twice." A bright smile formed on the already shining hedgehog. After a few rounds of getting to know one another, Silver began noticing that the sun had begun to set. "Oh no! I've got to go. I'm really sorry!!" He suddenly conceded. "It's fine." Shadow disputed quite frankly, knowing he would have had to leave soon anyway. "Hey, we should hang out more often, this has been really fun!" "Alright!” Shadow agreed.” “So when do ya wanna see me? If you want, I can sneak out at moon high? Dawn? Noon? Sunset? Which works for ya Starlight?" Silver thought for a moment and whistled for Phobos. When Phobos came, he then decided, "Noon. If I sneak out, my parents will most likely be pretty worried." "I get that. See ya' then Silver." Shadow conquered, "Midnight! C’mon, let's go!!" Shadow commanded towards large black bird, who was resting on a tree branch. The raven obayed her “father”, and landed on his shoulder obediently, supposedly wanting to go home as well. With one last smile over their shoulders, the hedgehogs finally parted ways, wanting nothing more than to be back to the other.

"Silver! I was so worried about you! Are you okay?! Did someone hurt my beautiful baby?!" Queen Amy, a bright pink hedgehog with the greenest of eyes and a long flowing red dress ran up to him and smothered him with hugs and questions like she always does when he's out late without at least half an army with him. "I'm sure he's fine Amy. You don't need to be so overprotective. Welcome home son, you're just in time for dinner." His royal blue father addressed them with an unwavering calmness that isn't normal for him, "Is something wrong father?" "What makes you say that?" Sonic questioned. "You’re normally much more energetic." Sonic simply yawned and replied calmly, "I'm tired, it's been a long evening. Anyway, Vanilla and Cream have prepared something special for us tonight. I shouldn’t ruin tonight with some politics." A loud growl surfaced of the prince's stomach, causing the usual bashful smile to creep onto his face, Sonic chuckled finally breaking the strange tension. "Not a moment too soon I hear eh' kiddo? Come on son." Sonic then turned toward the dining room, while Silver followed, strangely not being able to get the prince of the enemy kingdom from his mind. "Welcome home your majesty! I hope you like the food Mommy and I made for you!" A tan rabbit hopped alongside Silver, "I'm sure I will Cream. Thank you." "No need to thank me, sire, I like cooking for you!" Silver smiled and gave his friend a hug. "You know, your the closest thing to a little sister I've ever had, so in that sense, I love you." "I suppose that means I love you too, 'Brother'!" Laughter soon filled the halls and echoed far and wide into the kingdom, making the dark not seem as dark underneath the moon.

"Where've you been Brother?! Dad's blowing his top!" Quipped princess Blaze, the lavender cat's tone urgent and golden eyes glaring. Shadow sighed, putting down his cape and proceeding to the dining hall to be lectured while he ate. As soon as he sat down into one of the dining halls chairs, he heard from a loud, booming voice, that would have terrified him if not his unfortunate track record. "Did you forget everything we spoke about last night!?" The king raged through a mouthful of chicken thighs, saliva spewing everywhere, giving an uncomfortable feeling almost anywhere in the kingdom of Crimson Blood. Shadow wiped his face, disgusted by his father's lecturing techniques."Must you spit on me like cattle every time you talk?" He piped smugly and condescendingly. Blaze erupted into a fit of laughter at the sight of her father's face going completely red in embarrassment. And then the volcano erupted: "THIS IS NO LAUGHING MATTER!!" The offsprings of Black Doom were silenced by the sudden outburst. "YOU BOTH NEED TO LEARN SOME BASIC RESPECT!" "Your highness. Maybe I can suggest a few things?" A sultry voice came from the doorway. As she came all the way into the room, Black Doom was finally able to crack open a smile, hoping this would happen. "Ah, Rouge. My most trusted adviser. Do come in, sit down, and eat this delicious meal our greatest chef Fiona has provided." He implored, gesturing towards the table, stuffed with the things that the cooks in the kitchen had supposedly deemed edible. “No thanks hun, I'm on a diet. But I can certainly assist you on the disciplining of your children; I think you should let them just be kids, sire.” Rouge explained, “They don't really need to rule the kingdom until they're 18. That's a whole 4 years ahead of them. Children respond best if you ease them into responsibility. Tomorrow, you can give Blaze a lesson on the geography of the kingdom, and Shadow can learn battle tactics from Antoine. Then they should be able to romp and play wherever they please, like the children they are." Shadow shot her a quick glare, knowing that this opportunity would be perfect for his meeting with Silver at noon the following day, 'Does she know?' He wondered to himself. "Hmm... You have a fair point, Rouge.” Black Doom admitted. “Very well. I shall see to it that your recommendations are not to go to waste. You have my word." Rouge bowed respectfully and mouthed the words, "Your welcome." to Shadow, who simply nodded his thanks. "But for now, eat your dinner son. It'll get cold." Shadow sighed and followed his father's orders, internally gagging because the yokes of the eggs were still runny. 'She didn't even cook them all the way. I wish dad would just fire Fiona. Then perhaps I would finally have a decent meal.' For some unknown reason, images of Silver began to pop their way into Shadow's head, obviously trying to tell Shadow something. 'What's so special about that boy?' He wondered, almost ignoring the disgustingness of the food provided.