Bejeweled Beetle

by rainyday_fanfics

Summary:

After the events of Sonic and the Black Knight, another book finds its way to Sonic. This time, the brave blue hero has to visit Ancient Egypt and figure out what's going on and how to solve it.

...but, well, being married to the pharaoh may make the task more difficult.

Chapter 1

One would think, after being transported into the world of Camelot and resuming the story of King Arthur, Sonic would learn not to touch strange books. Especially strange books that randomly appear on his shelf, or on his kitchen table, or in his mailbox. 

Sonic had spent days avoiding the new book like the plague. He ignored it, put it away in a forgotten drawer, even kicked it off a cliff once. But, no matter what Sonic did, the book kept coming back. It wanted him to read it, however that worked. 

One day, when Eggman had been quiet and his friends were busy elsewhere Sonic decided fine, let's see what this adventure is all about. 

He found the book on his bed, as if it was expecting him. Choosing to ignore the creepiness, Sonic picked up the book and sat down.

The cover was hard, the color of gold with rich blue accents decorating the spine. On the front cover was a vibrant blue beetle, pressed deeply into the stiff board. It was gorgeous, felt like silk under Sonic's hand. And, beneath the beetle was a single word, one Sonic didn't recognize.

Irtyu.

With a deep, nervous breath, Sonic opened the book and read the first sentence; 

The pharaoh had never been the same since the passing of the queen. 

Once his eyes hovered over the word queen, Sonic felt them droop to they were shut. He fell back into his mattress as the entire world went dark.

_______________________________________________________________

Sonic woke up dazed. The speckling of light and darkness invaded his vision, causing the hedgehog to his with pain, covering his eyes with his hands. When Sonic finally opened them again, after a few moments to recover, he blinked slowly as he stared between the leaves too close to his face. A persea tree, Sonic mused, but he wasn't sure where the avacados were. It looked like there were no seeds at all. 

Groaned, Sonic sat up despite the leaves. He gathered his surrounded and concluded a few things.

One, he was wrapped in bandages. His chest and wrists were bound in the pure white cloth, the ones on his feet coming undone, and the heavy scent of herbs wafted off. Basil and frankincense insulted his nose first, then came the anise, the cinnamon, and a handful of others. Two, Sonic was sitting on a peculiar stone, carved into a similar beetle shape as the book cover. It was also bright blue, matching the color of his quills, and the bettle was given emerald-colored eyes. And, finally, three; he was hot.

Like, burning hot.

It was safe to conclude he was in the desert -- if the miles and miles of sand didn't give it away -- and Sonic was worried he would get sick if he stayed out too much longer. At least the persea tree offered some shade, until Sonic could find a better option.

Which, thankfully, came sooner rather than later.

Off in the distance and down the hill was a kingdom. It was beautiful, really, accompanied by three pyramids in the far off background. The castle looked to be made of sandstone, as did the other houses, with the outskirts having crude shelters and carts. Sonic needed to get a better look.

The blue hedgehog crawled out from under the persea tree, hissing at the glaring sun. Still, he took a moment to stretch. His muscles ached terribly, bones creaking, as if he hadn't moved in a century. He didn't want to risk getting hurt.

However, as Sonic finished his last leg stretch, something caught his eye. On the outskirts, he could make out strange creatures gunning for the people, even as they ran away. They tore apart everything in their paths, taking everything they thought valuable, and punishing those with nothing to take.

Not on Sonic's watch.

He raced toward the attackers -- who he could now see were scorpions and scorpion Mobians, who laughed in their triumph -- and Sonic spin-dashed through a small hoard. He skidded to a halt, counting at least ten he knocked down, and smirked as he raised up his fists. Sonic could handle some low life thugs and their weird pets.

The thugs, however, seemed more shocked than scared or angry. One even shouted at the others -- speaking words Sonic couldn't understand -- before running away, stolen bags clutched in their arms. Sonic glared, dashing to the coward first. He grabbed the stolen bags and returned them before kicking the coward down.

The other scorpions started backing away, several dropping their undeserved loot. Still, Sonic walked towards them with his determined smile. It was only when Sonic leaned back to dash again that all the goods were dropped and the scorpions ran away.

Sonic sighed in relief, dusting his hands off before placing them on his hip proudly. He looked back, seeing nervous Mobians and humans gawking at him. Several stared at Sonic like he grew a dozen heads. Instead of being offended, Sonic gave a thumbs up. 

The cheering was intense. A few Mobians and humans ran up to Sonic, bowing in front of him and kissing the sand before him. It was a little awkward for Sonic, who stepped back with a gracious smile, especially because he didn't know what they were saying.

He could probably decipher thank yous if he really tried but, evidently, the sun was hurting Sonic more than he liked to admit. Even as he fanned his face, nodding to the people, the heat was driving him mad. 

Okay, Sonic, deep breath. There's definietly been worse adventures. 

He started picking up the scattered goods with the few who were trying to clean up. It was an odd guessing game, trying to see what belonged to whom. Plus, it took a hour to even get everything. That, and it was another hour to start rebuilding things. 

Those stupid scorpions and their stupid pet scorpions -- which Sonic is not lost on the irony -- really did a number on the carts and tents. Most everything survived, the thugs wanting to cause mischief more than do serious damage. However, some were already beaten, unable to be repaired or salvaged. The cloth was too ripped or the wood too splintered. No amount of sewing or trying to hammer new boards together would fix it.

If that wasn't the worst, guards showed up.

Or, well, Sonic assumed they were guards. They both had some kind of uniform, dressed the same down to the gauntlets. However, instead of the kind dignity, the respect for the people Sonic knew of the Knights of the Round Table, the two Sphinx cat Mobians held sharpened spears and even sharper scowls. They looked among the people in disgust, as if it was their fault for the chaos. The Sphinx on the left started hissing orders, while the one on the right lowered its spear. 

Sonic wasn't going to stand for that. He marched his way through the crowd, ready to fight if he had to. And when he walked up front, he started shouting at the guards. Nothing specific, nor did he expect them to understand, but Sonic wanted to get across what a terrible, no good, very bad day these people just experienced. Those guards had no right making it worse.

He knew he was getting animated when the guards stepped back, fear causing their pupils to turn into slits. Satisfied, Sonic realed back with a firm hmpt! He crossed his arms, hoping to get an apology on behalf of the people.

instead, the Sphinxs said nothing at first. The two took a knee, bowing their heads in shame. They banged their chests with their free fists, a greeting of sorts. Only then, when the one on the left spoke, that Sonic hoped they were apologizing. He didn't understand why the kneeling and the weird greeting, but Sonic didn't care as long as they were ashamed.

If this was the story the book wanted him to experience, Sonic has to say it's been incredibly easy. Save the outskirt villagers from a band of mean scorpions, shamed the guards for not helping, bada bing bada boom.

...now why wasn't he being sent home.

Sonic glanced over his shoulder, tensing up as he saw the outskirtians kneeling as well. A few even bowed, their foreheads in the sand. Okay, now he was officially nervous. 

Oh Gaia, is he a lost king here too or something?!

The Sphinxs rose, both pointing their spears to the palace. The left one spoke, the right one nodding. It was, after the left one's speech, that the right one moved behind Sonic. Instead of being threatening, the right Sphinx held the honor of a protective warrior. The left remained in front, standing equal.

What a change from a minute ago when they were being rude. Well, fine, Sonic could humor them. He was curious where this was heading anyways.

But, still, Sonic looked back at the people and waved. He wanted to make sure they'd get the resources to rebuild, or at least make life easier. No one deserved to be without a home, a meal, and safety. 

As the Sphinxes guided Sonic through the kingdom, a knot formed in Sonic's stomach. He felt uneasy, seeing how empty the streets were. And, when there were people out and about, they quickly hid from the guards. It was the opposite of the bustling Camelot, who's streets were always busy, even in the dead of night. 

Did... disaster strike here too? Had those thugs done more damage before Sonic arrived? Or was it the guards? Were they all rude like the Sphinx twins? Or, worse, did they abuse their authority as guards?

Sonic shivered at the thought. He could be walking into a trap for all he knew, none the wiser. Sonic stared at the Sphinx in front, gripping their spear like it would save them. Then, he looked back at the twin, who.stared with such apathy, Sonic wondered if the Sphinx felt anything at all. 

Gaia, he really needed some water. And some shade.

Eventually, respite relieved Sonic from the sun, the palace doors opened wide for their arrival. All the guards -- an excessive amount, really -- blinked when they spotted Sonic. There were open mouths, ears lifting up in high alert, and, worst, the whispering. Sonic was by no means a gossip hog, but he'd still like to know what was being said at him.

At least the palace was beautiful. Every inch was decorated by some skillfully painted vase, or a perfectly woven tapestry, or honored by flowers, and carvings into the stones of various pictures, telling a story Sonic wanted to learn. Red and gold seemed to be the color scheme, accented by black and white, and the yellow of the sandstone. It felt familiar. Good, even. Sonic wasn't sure why.

Then, came the throne room.

It was the largest room of the palace. It stretched beyond the average rooms, with high ceiling that held an opening for the sun, which poured down onto the occupied throne.

Red, black, white, and gold. All so familiar.

Carved into the shape of a jackal's head, accented with gold around the eyes and nose, rest a mask upon the king's face. A sculpted body was decorated with gold and red, rings binding his wrists and ankles, as well as the lingering of old scars kissed everywhere Sonic could see. Gosh, that cloth around the king's waist, hanging loosely over his thighs, Sonic couldn't help but gape.

The king kept his eyes shut, so silent and still, Sonic wondered if he was a statue. Then, the front Sphinx spoke quickly, as if trying to finish their point before being cut off. But, it was unnecessary, for the king hadn't acknowledged a single word.

But, something hooked the king. The ruling party exhaled sharply, deeply offended by whatever the Sphinx said. It was a warning. A very impatient warning.

But the Sphinx continued, seeming to strike a nerve; the king opened his eyes. Red. Violently crimson. He glared behind the jackal mask, standing with enough force to knock the Sphinx to their knees.

Sonic blinked, surprised, then looked up at the king with an angry expression. Sure, the guards were jerks, but the king didn't have to give them attitude too! King's are suppose to be just and fair, not--...

The king approached Sonic cautiously, reaching his hand out. Sonic, confused, tilted his head. He waited with bated breath as the king cupped his cheek, whispering strange words that, somehow, made Sonic weak in the knees.

It was the voice. It had to be the voice. It reminded him so much of--... everything about the king did, in fact.

Then, the king leaned forward and stole a kiss.

Chapter 2

The pharaoh had never been the same since the passing of the queen. 

It was at the height of Akhet when the queen had fallen ill, when the Nile was at its highest and the sun burned intensely. The pharaoh had sought out every able doctor to come to the palace, paying any price they asked for so much as a diagnosis.

None of them had an answer. 

The queen's sickness was too inconsistent. One week there would be a fever, and it would be gone the next, replaced by shivers. Then the fever would return, even worse than before, and no amount of medicine would ease it. Then there was the retching with even the smallest amount of food, the seizures that would last for far too long, and the red veins that crawled up the queen's body like slithering serpents.

Gods, how weak the queen was by the end of Akhet, his cheek bones and ribs jutting out of his skin. He couldn't even open his eyes without wasting energy. But, the queen did so anyways, just to look at the pharaoh, to smile at his husband. 

It was the last day of Akhet when the queen sat up in bed. It was then, as the pharaoh entered their bedroom, that he knew he would be a widow soon. Even as the queen joked around, saying that not even the plague could hold him down, the pharaoh was not tricked. This was Anubis's gift to him; a final goodbye.

The queen was buried on the mid-Peret, in the oasis the pharaoh built just for them. Under the persea tree, embalmed so beautifully and accompanied by his favorite chao, the queen laid for the journey to the Underworld. He always said he didn't want to be buried in a grand pyramid, surrounded by treasures that mattered not, but where true love resided with a friend. Everyone found it strange, but the pharaoh knew his beloved was never one to follow traditions.

Perhaps, the pharaoh mused, he'd refused his pyramid too. Or, let his body rest beneath the sacred temple, and then bury his heart with his queen. 

Death was all the pharaoh thought about since. He sat upon his throne waiting for it. However, he knew he would never be graced with the awaiting presence, for ichor ran through his body. His father, Shezmu, decided it would be funny to let the pharaoh continue on. Despite being the butcher of the gods, the lord of blood, apparently Shezmu found more entertainment in the suffering of his son than to drink the ichor like wine.

The kingdom would be fine, the pharaoh decided halfway through his silent suffering, his viziers were intelligent, many of them collected, calm, rational. Although one was temperamental, especially when his capabilities as a warrior was questioned.

It mattered little to the pharaoh now. 

How many days have passed? He was unsure. Night and day became interchangeable, voices blended with the wind, and all the pharaoh knew was numbness. 

He missed his queen...

"Your majesty!" The voice of a guard cut through the silence, irritating the pharaoh. "We bring word of the outskirts. The people are saved by a hero--"

The pharaoh exhaled sharply. These warriors knew to take up the issues of the outskirts -- and all issues -- to the High Priestess or the viziers.

"It's Queen Irtyu, your majesty--"

The pharaoh snapped his eyes open, glaring at the Sphinx warrior as he stood. This insolence will not go unpunished! How dare that warrior have the gull to even utter his wife's name!--

Vibrant, familiar eyes of green glared back at the pharaoh, ready for a fight -- another one, from the ease into the stance.

The pharaoh's heart sank deep within his chest and then flew into the heavens. That was... that was his Irtyu. His beautiful, lovely Irtyu. Still wrapped in bandages, clean as they day they were first wrapped, clinging to that lithe body. 

Cautiously, expecting some sort of trick, the pharaoh approached the one who wore his Irtyu's face. He wanted to believe it was merely a mimic, a copy, but he knew his Irtyu had only two siblings. They were pink and green, with different quill styles than Irtyu's, and there were very few hedgehogs remaining since the...

The pharaoh reached out, holding the hedgehog's cheek, finding that the fur is just as soft. Even if some thief managed to paint themselves blue, there was no mimicking the beauty of those eyes. His queen had returned home. His Irtyu was here, breathing. 

Thank the gods.

As the pharaoh leaned forward, tilting up his jackal mask, he captured his wife's lips in a kiss so loving that would out all others to shame, he felt energy. Magic. Irtyu's blessing was no secret, he was quick as the wind if not faster, but this magic was new. It was not of the living world but something more powerful, something that flowed deeper.

But the taste was soon gone as his lovely Irtyu shoved him back, ranting and raving in words the pharaoh couldn't understand. The pharaoh was surprised, at first, taken off guard by the sudden anger. Would Irtyu not be happy to see him too?

Then, he remembered. He never asked for permission as he always done. Of course his wife would be upset. It didn't explain the odd language, however. The queen was smart, in his peculiar way, but learning another language was difficult. It never seemed to clicked. So, for Irtyu to be speaking in a strange, new one... well, the pharaoh won't look a gift horse in the mouth.

"My love-" The pharaoh whispered, taking his wife's hands so gently and kissing the knuckles. "Forgive me... I missed you so--"

"Shadow-?" The queen gasped, then groaned before throwing his hands up. Whatever a shadow was, it seemed to displease his queen.

So, the pharaoh spoke gently, hands outstretched to calm his poor Irtyu. "My love, my queen, it is me... I am here..."

When this only upset the queen more. The pharaoh snapped his fingers at one of the Sphinx twins, wasting no more time.

"You, fetch the High Priestess and Ka! Do not dawdle!" When the Sphinx was frozen, the pharaoh screamed; "GO!"

This, however, also scared Irtyu, who quickly threw up his fists with a scowl. The pharaoh paused, showing his hands again, whispering apologies for startling his wife. His poor queen. What has the Underworld done to him.

"Your majesty!" It took no time for the warrior vizier, Ka, to race inside the throne room. The red echidna had his claws at the ready, growling. "What is happening that you summon me?!"

The echidna's purple eyes narrowed at the panicking queen, who was staring at him in turn, mouth agape.

"There's an imposter ruining the image of the queen!" Ka shouted, barring his teeth.

A gentle hand was set on Ka's shoulder, forcing the warrior to step down. High Priestess, Ib, a beautiful pink hedgehog who often spoke to the gods on behalf of the kingdom, caught up to Ka. She gave him a pointed look and the warrior had to calm down.

"The queen," Ib said, calmly. "He returns."

"Yes," The pharaoh bowed his head in respect to Ib. "However, I... cannot understand what he says."

Ib glanced at the queen, humming. It was then, the queen spoke, and Ib nodded slowly. "I cannot understand it right now, but I know the gods will offer a solution within time. For right now, Sheut, fear and confusion haunts the queen. You know how to calm him down."

The pharaoh paused, then turned to the other Sphinx twin. "You. Get to the kitchens and have the cooks make a grand feast. Grand! Spare no expense for the return of my wife!"

The Sphinx ran off, tail between their legs.

Sheut sighed from deep within his core. He finally felt like he could breathe and, yet, his love -- the air that filled his lungs -- was hurting in a way Sheut couldn't understand. 

"Tell me, priestess," Sheut said. "Can you feel the magic from my Irtyu? It's new magic, a different blessing, I...could taste it on their lips."

Ib hummed, amused. "Your majesty, he could've have been in your presence for more than an hour."

Sheut glared, holding no true malice for the priestess. "Do not cast your judgements onto me. You know not the depth of my grief--"

"Of course I do," Ib's ears flattened against her head. "We were friends before we were our titles..."

The pharaoh was silent, then scowled. "Fix my queen. I need-- I need my wife, I need his voice in words I can understand."

"So be it," Ib raised a peculiar dagger from her side, a large gemstone imbedded into the side. She marched up to Irtyu, even as he flinched. The queen whispered a name -- Amy, was it? What a strange name -- and froze when Ib pressed the gem to his forehead. 

All at once, memories flooded into Ib's eyes. She witnessed the rise of a hero of another world, the queen in his infinite glory but praised by another name. There were hundreds of adventures, expeditions into the unknown, glory and pain. There were other faces too, their features scratched out but still overwhelming familiar. Allies, Ib concluded, the queen's allies while he graced this world.

There was another ally in these visions. Quills of black and red and, while his face wouldn't remain, Ib recognized those quills anywhere. However, instead of finding love and comfort in this version of Sheut, the two fought. They argued, and battled, and left ever lasting wounds in each other in a way only soul mates could.

Would, she wondered as she took away the dagger, the pharaoh be comforted by the knowledge that he accompanied Irtyu... or would he fall into despair, knowing that he antagonized his beloved wife. 

Ib had the choice to make while her throat and mind filled with the translations. It burned, like swallowing an asp's venom, but Ib had suffered worse in the name of the gods. She managed.

"--and I'd really like to know what's going on right now?!"

Ib blinked, then laughed softly. "Your highness, do not panic--"

"Oh my gosh, you speak-- haha!" The queen ran up to Ib, hugging her tight. "You can understand me! Woo!"

Ib couldn't help but cackled, overwhelminged by Irtyu's excitement. "Even a great barrier could not keep me from my friend."

"Oh my gosh, okay, I've done this before," Irtyu smiled, nervously. "So you're Amy here. That's-- honestly awesome, Amy is really strong and smart and--"

"Amy," Ib repeated. "That is the pink hedgehog? She seems so sweet, are you close...?"

"She's my friend. She's like a little sister to me."

Ib nodded. "Your highness, do you have any memories apart from the afterlife?"

Irtyu tilted his head, confused. "No? I don't think so? Uhhh, just woke up under a tree, covered in bandages, and way too dehydrated "

"Oh goodness, your highness, we can--"

"Hate to interupt, I'm so sorry, but I don't know about all that your highness nonsense. You can just call me Sonic."

Ib froze. "I'm...sorry?"

The queen smiled. "Yeah, it's my name?"

This had caught Ib off terribly. Was... was that the queen's true name? Had all that time in the Underworld forgone the queen's common sense? Or, more hopefully, Irtyu's time with Osiris had led him to forget the woes of magic and the consequences?

"Your highness, I..." Ib approached it carefully. "I am ever so grateful for the trust you've instilled into me, offering your name, but I suggest you do not do the same for others."

"Why...?" Irtyu asked, looking confused more than offended. 

"There is power in knowing someone's true name," Ib explained, gently. "A... cruel individual could cast spells on you, should they know. To hide your name, it-- it protects you--"

"Ugh, more magic," Irtyu sagged, ears going flat. "I don't wanna be hexed but I don't like any other name but mine."

"It is your name but one between you, your mother, and the gods."

"Can't I be called Sonic and lie and say it's a fake name?"

Ib bit her cheek. "That is...risky."

"Then what should I be called?"

"How about... Irtyu?"

"Irtyu?" It sounded awkward on Irtyu's -- Sonic, Ib will privately call him -- tongue. "What does that mean?"

"I'll tell you when his majesty isn't itching to see you," Ib teased, lightly. 

"His majesty--?" Sonic looked around before his eyes landed on Sheut, who looked ready to jump him. However, from the intensity and the Afterlife memories, Sonic stepped back on instinct. He forgot that the pharaoh was a completely softie.

Ib quietly laughed at this, then turned serious once more. "Yes. His majesty has been... lost without you."

"Okay, so..." Sonic motioned between himself and Sheut, the pharaoh's eyes lighting up. "What is this? I'm, like, a jester, right? I make the king laugh? Do silly little ha has?"

"You're married," Ib thought for a moment. "Although, I will have to ask her ladyship, Hathor, if such marriage was enulled after your death."

"I died?! Wait--" Sonic pointed at Sheut. "I married that?!"

"If by that you mean the most powerful man in Egypt, yes." Ib didn't mean to be so snippy, but this reunion was going wrong very quickly. She couldn't understand why Sonic was displeased. Had everything been erased when the queen died? Had those years of courting and love disappeared? Even so, Sheut was a damn catch! Her best friend had always treated his wife with the utmost respect and dedication, being one of a few kings without a single concubine. Not even one to conceive an heir! 

Ib took a deep breath. She was getting angry very, very quickly. She had to remember that, while Sheut was her friend first, Sonic had also been her friend. This was just... the consequences of death.

"What is it...?" Sheut asked, a ting of nervousness in his words.

But Ib would not blanatantly lie. "I'm sorry, Sheut, but it seemed Anubis took more than Irtyu's heart. He remembers nothing but the Underworld."

"...so...that means..." 

"I'm sorry, my friend, but the queen knows not who you are... nor any of the love you shared."

Sheut was silent for a long, long time, staring at Ib as if she'd stabbed him with her dagger. 

"Uhm, ma'am, did... you say something?" Sonic asked, becoming concerned when Sheut looked at him. "Is he okay? Maybe I can help--?"

With one step toward the pharaoh, Sonic had caused him to fall to his knees. Sheut took Sonic's hands, willing them to Sheut's lips. He kissed them as little tears fell from his eyes. He whispered prayers, pleas, anything for the memories to return. He wanted his wife, he needed his wife, and when he is given the gift of Irtyu back, it's accompanied by a cruel joke. 

"Please," Sheut knew he was no longer asking the gods, but Sonic. "My Irtyu... return to me..."

Sonic glanced at Ib, unsure what to do.

"He misses you," Ib answered. "Desperately."

"Can... can you tell him I'm sorry?" There was a flicker in Sonic's eyes -- recognition, perhaps? -- and hope infected Ib harsher than the plague.

"Of course," Ib switched over. "Sheut--"

"What did he say?"

"He said he was sorry," Ib hummed. "But... there may be a chance after all. If you're willing to trust me, your majesty, then perhaps we can return dear Irtyu."

Sheut hesitated, then buried his head into the back of Sonic's hands. "Whatever it takes."

"Good," Ib's ears flicked as she heard the Sphinx returning. "Then I hope you have an appetite like Irtyu's."

Chapter 3

So, Sonic was apparently the old queen of this story heavily inspired by Ancient Egypt. Or... is set in Ancient Egypt? Sonic had no idea. He also, definietly, had no idea who, what, where, when how, or why he would ever marry a version of Shadow! The hedgehog made it very clear he didn't like Sonic as Sonic liked him. Sure, King Arthur and Lancelot had something going on... But that faker of a hedgehog was apathetic at best and combative at worst! Sonic didn't even think Shadow liked him on a good day, let alone enough to marry him.

Yet... here the pharaoh was, on his knees and whispering. Prayers, Amy -- Ib, it was Ib here -- explained, the pharaoh was saying prayers for the queen to return.

Damn, Sonic thought, this version of me must've been one Hell of a lover.

This would probably be easier if Sonic could, yknow, communicate with King Sheut. But Ib's magic dagger thing proved only to work with her... because Sonic asked her to prove it. She had given the dagger to Knuckles -- Ka, his name was Ka -- and had the warrior do as she did before.

When nothing happened, Ib explained that the dagger was her connection to the gods. It only worked for her because it was woven using her magic. The others would have to either learn from Sonic, someone who can't teach language, or find a different solution. For now, Ib promised, she would translate. 

Sonic nodded along but he wasn't exactly a genius with magic. Well, guess he'll have to learn. At least learn enough not to make a fool of himself, though that is one of his specialties.

It was a... lot to take in, really. 

But, when the right Sphinx came rushing in, taking a knee before everyone, it seemed spirits lifted. An announcement was made and Sonic looked to Ib, who smiled.

"You mentioned being dehydrated, but what about starving?"

Sonic's ears perked up. "I could eat."

"At least one thing didn't change," Ib teased, turning to translate for Sheut her little joke. 

Sheut did not laugh, however. His eyes lit up as if given the best news ever. His tail even wagged.

When Sonic looked confused, Ib explained; "Before you died, Irtyu, you were... ragged. You use to have the appetite of an army, but, ah, your sickness had taken it away."

"My sickness?" Sonic asked.

Upon asking, however, Sonic felt a sharp pain in his left wrist. He cried out, pull off the bandages just enough to expose his wrist, although it was near impossible with how much his hands were shaking. Despite how shocking the sudden ache was, Sonic found nothing.

He wasn't sure why he was expecting to see red veins.

"Your highness--!" Ib rushed over, as did Ka, although he stayed a step away. Sheut's eyes went wide, staring. "Are you alright? What happened?"

"I dunno! It just hurt!"

Ib examined Sonic's wrist gently but, she too, found nothing. All she could feel was the intensity of the magic flowing through Sonic. "This is...odd. Very odd. Do not fret, Irtyu, we'll figure it out in time."

"In time," Sonic grumbled. "It's always in time and never now..."

"Settle your mind, your- mm, sometimes it takes eternity to find the truth," Ib offered a gentle smile, which Sonic accepted with his own. "For now, let's fill that belly of yours. I imagine your trip was long and arduous."

"Something like that," Sonic looped his arm with ib's, pointing. "Onward!"

"Irtyu!--"

"Onward!" Cackling, Sonic sprinted in the direction where the Sphinx came from. He keep a tight hold on Ib, remembering how many times he accidentally let go of Sonia and Manic when they were younger. He never could decide if Manic disappointed puppy eyes or Sonia's screaming was worse.

It wasn't hard for Sonic to find the dining hall. He followed his nose and, of course, he wasn't wrong. 

The dining hall was lavished with beautifully carved chairs surrounding an equally beautiful table. The material was wood, with the top made of colorful glass, telling a story Sonic couldn't read. There was a magnificent pair of thrones at the end of the table, decorated with the same colorful glass.

The walls were lined with plush couches and paintings, one being touched up by a small gerbil Mobian. She gaped at Sonic, but quickly returned to her work after.

Then, there was the food. So much food, Sonic was going to faint. The largest roasted goat Sonic had ever seen was placed at the centerpiece in an equally large bowl, tilapia surrounding it on all sides. Bowls of grapes, dates, pomegranates, and figs were laid on the left side of the table. Salads and raw vegetables - cucumbers, lettuce, leeks -- were placed on the left, accompanied by sweet desserts, like honey-glazed bread. There was even cheese scattered around the table, often besides the cups, but also next to pitchers. 

Sonic was in heaven.

He wished there were chilidogs, although Sonic didn't voice this as he sat in a random chair. He didn't want to sound ungrateful. This must've taken a lot to prepare in such little time. Sonic had to thank the chefs when he saw them.

"Irtyu--" Ib swallowed her heart as it beat out of her chest with fear. "You should... sit elsewhere."

Sonic tilted his head. "Why? Oh shoot, are there assigned seats?"

"...yes," Ib waved her hand toward the thrones. "That is yours."

Sonic awkwardly stood up and climbed on the left throne. It was way too big for him, made to accompany humans as well. He wondered, for a moment, if Shad--Sheut--was always the pharaoh. Surely not, right? How old even was Sheut? How old was Sonic when he was queen?

"Better?" Sonic asked.

"Much,'" Ib sat beside the throne, smiling contently. "We should wait for the others to arrive, but no one will blame a starving queen for eating early."

Sonic shrugged. "I won't die waiting another minute."

Ib cringed.

"...oh-- oh, I'm sorry, that's probably still touchy-- oh my gosh--" Sonic frowned, looking down at himself. "Ugh, don't bring up the touchy subject, Sonic..."

"It is... alright, Irtyu," Ib smiled as warmly as she could. "You are... new, my friend. A reborn queen that's more free, even than before, now without the burdens of life before. We all will always thank the gods for returning you to us, memories or none."

"What an elegant way to put it."

Ib inhaled deeply then wore a sharp smile. "Ren, how nice of you to accompany us in the return of the queen."

"I wouldn't miss this for the world, darling," Sonic's jaw dropped as Rouge flew into the room. Sure, she was dressed like a princess, but that was Rouge. The skeleton of her wings painted a vibrant gold color. As wicked eyeliner highlighted her eyes, black and vibrant blue, a hanging jewel rested between her brows, the chain gleaming in the atmospheric light. 

No matter the universe, timeline, or book, Rouge was always the prettiest thing in the room.

Well... maybe except Shadow--

"Youe highness," Ib said, her eyes barely hiding her distrust in the bat. "I'm unsure if you recall but this is Ren."

Rouge -- Ren -- waved, smiling with intense mischief and sass.

"Are you a princess?" Sonic asked, bluntly. Then, he had a weird train of thought. "Are... you my daughter here?"

Ren laughed. "Oh goodness, no, no, your highness. Let's just day that a girl who enjoys the finer things must have friends in high places."

"Oh-- wait--" Sonic narrowed his eyes. "How can you understand me? Ib's dagger doesn't work on anyone else."

"So observant, your highness," Ren teased, sashaying her way across the room in the air, showing off her ease and control of her flight, all to lay on the couch closest to the throne. "All you need to know is I am blessed."

Ib leaned over to Sonic. "She received a blessing from Thoth in exchange for thw knowledge of his true name."

"Thats bad, right?"

"Have someone's true name, you can strip them of their power, hurt them, kill them... even gods."

"And she had it?" Sonic stared at Ren, both amazed and horrified.

Ren hummed, amused. "I did."

"Now she doesn't," Ib huffed. "All that infinite potential and she chooses secrets."

"I chose excitement," Ren shrugged. "Ib doesn't understand that, when you were born with a heart heavier than a feather, there is nothing that'll lessen its weight. So, instead of sulking and pitying myself, I decided to have fun in this life instead of the next."

Sonic nodded slowly. "What... is the blessing?"

"No secret goes unpunished," Ren laid dramatically across the couch, clapping her hands twice. "Would someone indulge a lady."

Sonic blinked as a snake Mobian rushed over, pitcher of wine and a cup balanced on a golden tray. Once he handed over the cup, the snake poured Ren a generous helping of wine. When she waved her free hand, the snake disappeared once more.

"Where-- who-- what--?"

"A servant, darling," Ren look a long sip. "Pay them no mind."

"Servant...?" Sonic bit his cheek. "Like..."

Ren analyzed Sonic, looking him up and down. "Slaves, your highness. We have thousands."

Sonic's heart sank. "I don't think..."

"We treat them well, your highness," Ren clarified. Her ears went flat, sensing Sonic's unease. "We've no malice toward the less fortunate, nor would we ever make their lives more difficult, least of all me."

Ib nodded in agreement. "That... I will never argue with."

"But they're still..." Sonic didn't mind getting pampered occasionally, but not at the expense of someone else's life, their freedoms. 

"Servant is a better translation," Ib gave Ren a glaring look, one daring her to upset Sonic again. "And you were noble in life before, Irtyu, it was you who founded the law that said no servant, slave, or serf would be treated cruelly by any master. Anyone found to be breaking this would be punished."

Sonic nodded slowly. "So... they're okay? They'll be okay?"

"Just this passing week, one of my servants," Ren glared back at Ib. "Has become a scribe for a noble friend of mine. She is doing wonderfully."

Sonic was going to have to cross reference with actual servants. He'd love to trust Rouge and Amy's storybook identities, but he knew better after... Melina. He should find that snake Mobian, or maybe monitor some servants -- since he can't exactly ask -- and see if they are being treated right. Sonic hoped so. 

"Finally," Ren sighed, sitting up. "You are all so slow."

Sonic tensed up when he saw Sheut and Ka enter, followed by a pair of human men. The first, Sonic didn't recognize,  but he had dark skin and a neutral expression. The other...? He was very, very familiar. Even kissed by the sun and dressed differently, there was no denying that ugly bald head and even uglier egg body.

In a flash, Sonic stood on the throne and hissed. Quills puffed out, he went into a defensive stance. This spooked everyone in the room, even Sonic's heart began to race. 

Ib stood, holding up her hands like a mother about to pick up her child. "Irtyu, please, what is wrong?"

Sheut was talking, his ears pinned back with alarm as, he too, rushed over. Ka was next to join, fists raised to defend. It was when the other human and Dr. Eggman raced over that Sonic hissed again, stepping back onto the other throne. He watched his footing, keeping one foot on each arm of the throne. He doesn't have the water or the calories to maintain a fight for long, but Sonic isn't going to be taken off guard.

Eggman was speaking in his usual, raspy voice, sounding far too concerned. And, to Sonic's shock, Ib was responding to him! Casually!

"Now this is entertainment," Ren commented. 

Sonic halfway turned his head toward her. "Why is he here?! He's the enemy!"

"Oh," Ren flew over, standing beside Sonic on one arm of the throne. "Irtyu, sweetie, Shu's little blessing on this world, that is Vizier Natron."

"Vizier?!" Sonic was flabbergasted. "No, not possible! He's a bastard!"

"Oh dear--" 

Ib persed her lips.

The other human, a somewhat tall man with dark skin and short, black hair, sensed the growing tension and set a gentle hand over Eggman's -- Natron or whatever -- heart. 

"I don't even know who that one is!" Sonic waved his hands wildly at the other human.

"That is Myrrh, scribe and husband of Natron," Ib answered.

As far as he knew, Eggman was a lonely, no manners, non romantic jerk. How any variation of the doctor could score was a mystery to Sonic! And the universe! Sure, humans weren't his type, but Sonic knew attractive people when he saw them. Plus, the guy had abs, there's no way he could be merely a scholar.

"Your highness, please calm down," Ib shooed Natron and Myrrh into the next room, definietly apologizing.

Ren sighed. "Yes, please. I know the afterlife had been strange... but Natron and Myrrh have done nothing wrong."

"Here," Ib clarified as she quickly returned. "They've done nothing wrong here."

"What?" Ren furrowed her brows, concerned.

"I'll explain at a later time," Gently, slowly, Ib took Sonic's fists, lowering them. "There we are. It's alright. You're safe, Irtyu."

Sonic glared toward Natron and Myrrh, but followed Ib anyways. Once he was down off the throne, Sheut approached with concern in his eyes. Sonic twitched his nose as the pharaoh took his hands, nuzzling the nose of his jackal mask against Sonic's muzzle.

"Uuuhhh," Sonic recognized the gesture as comforting but feeling odd, cold with the mask. "Thank you?"

Ib translated the thank you, then nodded slowly when Sheut responded. "He apologizes for upsetting you."

"No, it's not him," Sonic puffed out his cheeks. "I just can't believe Eggface is a trusted ally here! He's tried to kill us several times!"

"Kill?! Natron would never--"

"It's not just attempted murder either," Sonic started listing crimes on his fingers; "It was murder, kidnapping, stalking, extortion, identity fraud, identity theft, animal cruelty, theft, grand theft auto, negligence, pollution and destruction of protected wildlife, terr--"

"I understand, your highness!" Ib snapped, then quickly corrected herself. "I mean... the afterlife gifted to you had poorly conveyed Natron. This... Eggface? It is not our vizier."

"I..." Sonic didn't want to believe it. There wasn't an adventure where Eggman didn't, at the very least, plan to betray him. Even on the unfortunate missions where they had no choice but to work together, Eggman instantly went back to being evil. So, forgive Sonic for being skeptical. "I won't trust him."

Ib nodded sadly. "I understand..."

"Hmpt," Sonic glanced around. "Oh, I, uh... made a scene, huh--"

"It was entertaining," Ren hovered over the table, picking up a bowl of cheeses. "Now come eat, Irtyu, I can hear your stomach from here to the Nile."

"...okay," Sonic's ears went flat against his head. Normally, he wouldn't be so embarassed about making a scene -- its his branding, after all -- but his cheeks lit bright red with shame. 

Sonic shivered when Sheut set a hand on the low of his back, whispering in his ear. It was innocent, Sonic was sure, meant to ease his mind. Really, it did the opposite, engulfing Sonic's head and setting it on fire.

Stupid...pretty boy pharaoh...

After everyone was seated -- Sonic in one throne, Sheut in the other -- only then did Natron and Myrrh join. Natron apologized for offending the queen, translated by Ib, and said he wished to do nothing but celebrate Sonic's return. Made a whole speech about how much better Egypt was with quick-witted, quicker-footed Sonic.

Ugh, it's weird hearing compliments coming from Eggman's mouth... or... Ib's mouth on behalf of Eggman?

At least the food was delicious. Sonic might've gone a little overboard with the tilapia -- he couldn't afford sushi often, sue him -- but he felt better when Ka destroyed three-fourths of the grapes. And, yeah, he skipped on the wine but the water was sweeter anyways. The cheeses and dates were amazing together and Sonic needed the recipe for the honey bread.

Sonic's mind cleared now that he was full and fresh. With all the weird language barriers and old faces made new and now Eggman, Sonic had completely forgotten about the Outskirts. He chastised himself for being so stupid, in a voice that sounded all too much like his rival, and looked at what remained.

The goat was dug into but half of the tilapia remained. There was a good many bowls of fruits and salads left. Wine and honey bread were completely gone. Oops.

Sonic tapped his chin, then stood.

"Irtyu?" Ib asked.

"Yeah--?" Sonic replied as he started picking apart the goat, taking the remaining meat and turning them into fat chunks and thick slices.

"What are you doing, Irtyu?" It was Ren who asked this time, looking on with confusion.

"Well!" Sonic set the discarded bones aside, laying the meat he prepared in the original goat bowl. "When the Outskirts got attacked, a lot of homes were ruined."

Ren hummed. "And this involves the left overs how?"

"I'm taking it to them," Sonic arranged the remaining fruit beside the meat, then added a few vegetables, and salad bowls. "They'll be so busy rebuilding, no one will be able to make dinner!"

"Irtyu, this is..." Ib smiled. "Just like you."

Sonic smiled as well, happy to know he wasn't a terrible queen. 

When his makeshift charcuterie bowl was done, Sonic made up a smaller bowl and brought it to the painting gerbil. They needed to eat too! Then, after a polite nod and a quiet thank you, Sonic picked up the big bowl with a small grunt. It was heavier than Sonic was expecting but nothing he couldn't handle. 

"Please be careful," Ib said, nervous. "We can have someone else carry it--"

"I got it!" Sonic assured. "And I'll be back before dark!"

"Wait for the guards, please--"

"Don't worry, they don't call me of the wind for nothing!" And, Ib's pleas lost on his ears, Sonic raced away.

Chapter 4

To say Sheut panicked would be an understatement. He was under the impression his darling Irtyu was cleaning up, or saving for later, not run out of the room unprotected with leagues of food.

Sheut was not as fast as Irtyu, he never would be, but he gave his best chase, covering his face with his mask. The pharaoh was sure the only reason he was able to keep up was because Irtyu was carrying heavy food. When Irtyu noticed Sheut following, there was sudden competitiveness in those beautiful green eyes. A wicked, yet playful smile graced Irtyu's lips -- completely taking Sheut off guard -- and then, his wife was going faster.

Ah, so Irtyu wanted to race.

With a deep breath, Sheut sprinted after Irtyu. It had been a long time since he used any of his demigod abilities, much less to humor Irtyu, but who was Sheut to deny his wife entertainment. And, it appeared Irtyu wanted to show off; running on the walls, on the ceiling, giggling madly as they burst out of the palace. Irtyu even jumped onto the occasional stair railings, sliding down, with graceful precision. With bandaged feet too, impressive.

The setting sun filtered through the sparse trees and buildings, highlighting Irtyu in all his radiant glory. Every step, every slide, every beautiful blue quill. Sheut hadn't seen Irtyu's eyes such a glorious shade of emerald green since before his illness, and his dreams were not kind to gift him the memories.

In his staring, Sheut did a double-take as he looked in front of himself, skidding to a halt before smashing into a brick wall. Irtyu's chaotic snorts of laughter teased the pharaoh.

The display of childishness was what Sheut missed about his wife, that and Irtyu's ambitious, kind nature. His lips too. His lips and hands and that beautiful chest of short fur and-- okay... focus, Sheut, focus.

It didn't take more than a minute for the two to reach the Outskirts and, it was then, that Sheut was thrown out of his fantasy. His heart sank as he took the the horrific view. Everything was destroyed, half-built remnants remained shredded on the ground, and the people looked exhausted. His cheeks burned with shame. What were his viziers doing? Did they know about this? How could they let it get this bad?

...How could he let it get this bad?

Oblivious to the pharaoh's plight, Irtyu waved to all the people with a big smile. Hope in those tired faces returned seeing the queen, several boldly approaching. A few of the broader humans offered to take the buffet of food, which Irtyu obliged, and others greeted Irtyu properly. They bowed and pledged to Irtyu's health, completely ignoring the pharaoh beside him. 

Sheut would be offended if not for the display of his subjects' most unfortunate follys. Instead, he merely played guard. Perhaps, he wondered, if he played his cards right, no one would notice him at all.

He was already ashamed. The peasants didn't need to see their king shaken, only that he would make it right.

Irtyu had been alive for less than a day and was doing a better job of it, Sheut mused. He watched, curiously, as Irtyu helped served food to everyone. The queen's smile was bright, learning to communicate with points and nods or shakes of the head. The people caught on quickly too, although it didn't stop many from singing Irtyu's praises. Good, as he deserved.

Slowly, cautiously, Sheut approached Irtyu and knelt beside him. He studied how Irtyu was hanging out food -- meat first, then the fruit, cheese, salads, and wine or water if prompted -- and if Sheut was studying Irtyu's hands too, that was nobody's business but his own. It was then, when his wife noticed, that Irtyu handed Sheut a bowl. The pharaoh blinked, staring at it, then looking at whomever it belong to.

A nervous Caracal Mobian kitten was staring back at Sheut. She fidgeted with her raggedy dress, bouncing on her toes. She was tiny, Sheut noticed, and he was unsure where her parents were.

So, he asked as he filled her bowl. "You're alone, kit, where are your guardians?"

"With Osiris," She answered respectfully. "Just me and Teta, sir."

"And where is she?" Sheut added cheese after the grape vine and chunks of goat. 

"Visiting family," She nodded when Sheut motioned to the salads. "Just me here."

"... I am, sorry, kitten."

"It's okay, sir, just hungry."

"Yes-- yes, here," Sheut snuck a large piece of tilapia into her bowl. 

The kitten smiled. "Thank you!"

Before Sheut could utter another word, she was racing off. He watched her go sit in the pitiful shade of a very small tent, barely big enough for her. It was then, his thoughts turned sour.

His abandonment had led others to abandon too.

Irtyu kept handing Sheut bowls, however, and he kept filling them alongside his wife. When the meat ran out, the cheese went next, then the fruits, and, finally, there was salads and drink left. It wasn't enough. There were so many people, patiently waiting for something. Anything. 

No. No. No. This was not right. His kingdom was suppose to be thriving, not--... this! It's not a thriving kingdom if there are people starving and sick and being raided by thieves everyday. Why did he sit on his throne for so long?! Why did he let grief consume him so blindly?!

Why didn't he just take his own li--

"Sheut..." 

The pharaoh paused as a gentle hand washed over one of his. He hadn't even realized he was digging his claws into his knees, digging into them so harshly that ichor dripped into the sand. Sheut glanced over, seeing Irytu looking at him with concern. Sheut quickly looked away, knowing he didn't deserve it.

But Irtyu gently cupped his cheek and turned Sheut's head before letting go. His wife whispered soft words, only for them to hear, but Sheut's heart cried out for the meaning. He could only understand when Irtyu said his name.

He didn't-- he didn't deserve it. The strange words of comfort, to even be looked at by his queen, to look upon his queen, none of it. He had let this happen. He had let Irtyu's kingdom rot.

Yet, Irtyu smiled at him anyways, taking Sheut's hands into his. He squeezed them, still whispering, and Sheut was weak to his wife's kind voice; the same one that always guided him, trusted him with divine secrets.

The voice that said I love you first.

Sheut held his breath as Irtyu touched his chest. "Immovable force."

Then, Irtyu touched his own chest. "Unstoppable object."

Sheut could not decipher the meaning of these words, as heavenly spoken from Irtyu's tongue, but Sheut could give meaning in his mind; Husband, he decided, and wife.

"Immovable force," Sheut mimicked the sound as best he could, awkward as they fell from his lips, as he touched his own chest. Then, more hesitant than he cared to admit, Sheut touched Irytu's chest. The fur was as soft as he remembered, bandages and all. "Unstoppable object."

Irtyu's bright smile after was worth it. 

Husband and wife. Immovable force. Unstoppable object.

He liked it. No, no, he adored it.

It was then, as Sheut leaned toward Irtyu, that the queen's attention was taken elsewhere. Sheut grumbled behind his mask, wishing the moment hadn't been interuppted. He cringed, realizing he was glaring at the human Irtyu was giving salad to. Sheut then sighed, shaking his head, knowing he shouldn't be so mean.

He won Irtyu's stubborn heart once. He can do it again.

Finally, they were out of food. No meat or cheese or fruit or vegetable, not even a hint of wine or water. There were only a handful who had naught at all. Sheut would consider this a victory, for they did what they could with what they had, but Irtyu frowned and stood.

Irtyu tapped his lips, then snapped his fingers. He took the remaining three bowls and began to race around, offering the empty to those who had full. There was confusion, a strange game of charades, but then the people understood. Slowly, bit by bit, the three bowls were filled and Irtyu returned them to the owners.

Asking those with more to give to those with less. A secondary distribution of resources. Or, so Sheut understood. This, in itself, wasn't a terrible concept, he was merely surprised anyone agreed. Perhaps the people, too, could see nothing but good intentions in Irtyu's smile. 

They trusted their queen, through and through. Not even death would change this fact.

His wife was kind, inspiringly so. Sheut needed to be too. Once they arrived back at the palace, he'd hired the best builders he could find, have them rebuild the Outskirts to be better, to be stronger. After he found a good team for construction, he needed to solve the food situation. Since the crops from the Nile were not being distributed properly, so Sheut guessed, he'd need to expand the farms, perhaps by 20%, and use that new percentage to feed those who cannot feed themselves.

Of course, that'd require discussion with his viziers and the farmers, seeing how easy and quickly it could be done. Until such a project could be achieved, Sheut made up his mind to share the palace's supplies. The pharaoh did not need a feast every day, especially not one so lavish, he was sure that such food could go elsewhere. His treasury would not empty, even if he needed to trade more with other kingdoms.

Sheut would not fail his kingdom -- his wife -- again.

For now, however, the pharaoh admired his Irtyu as, while the people ate, he went to work repairing the ruined homes. Several offered their tools, including their hammers and needles, and Irtyu thanked them with a bow. 

Irtyu tried the hammer, to put together the wooden shacks, but it all quickly fell apart again. Irtyu gave a shrug and picked up a needle instead. He threaded it easily, then sat among a small group as he sewed up the first tent.

Sheut walked over, sitting next to Irtyu. He was amazed Irtyu could sew, let alone so skillfully. His queen never did so before. Then again... his queen never had to.

The pharaoh swore he knew everything about his wife.

"Did you hear," A human whispered amongst the group, poking at her grapes. "The King of the Nile is looking for a bride."

Sheut withheld his scoff.

"A bride?" Asked another human. "Why now? Why all of a sudden?"

"No one knows, but he sent messengers to spread the word," The first human sighed, wistfully. "If he wasn't such a crocodile, perhaps I'd pretend."

"I think he's an alligator," Said a crocodile mobian. "I was visiting family when the Nile first heard. I think it's because of his sons."

"The chameleon and the bee?" 

The crocodile mobian nodded. "It is not easy to raise children alone, much less two different ages, two different personalities, diets, backgrounds, species of mobian--"

"You've made your point!" The first human pouted. "Then he's not looking for a bride. He's looking for a mother for his children."

"Essentially."

"Then I'm out. I couldn't handle a pair of bratty princes."

Sheut hummed, tuning out the rest. He'd have to discuss his farm expansion with his old friend. If the fool really was looking for a bride then, perhaps, Sheut could offer one in exchange. The hard part would be finding someone willing to marry that scaled bastard.

He glanced at Irtyu, finding that his wife was already on his seventh tent. Impress, Sheut nodded toward Irtyu, who smiled and held up the cloth. It was sewn up perfectly, the stitching hidden, and Irtyu was beaming with pride.

Sheut nodded again, hoping his own pride was showing through. 

When everyone was done eating, a select few began repairing homes, Sheut included. Others had responsibilities -- children, family, work, etc -- which delayed their own reconstruction. That was fine, Sheut could hired a team and retrieve materials before midday tomorrow.

Irtyu insisted on helping until the sun completely set, which is when everyone began to slow. The desert was frigid in the night and Irtyu shivered, which made Sheut's ear flattened. He approached Irtyu swiftly, picking up his wife like a bride, and rushing home without another word.

He smiled, seeing Irtyu's cheeks go bright red. Carrying Irtyu wasn't a privilege Sheut was often gifted, his stubborn wife always saying his legs weren't broken, even as... sickness overtaken him. 

So, forgive Sheut if he went slower than his top speed.

Chapter 5

Sonic was bright red when he and Sheut entered the palace. He knew Shadow could carry him with little effort, as much as the hybrid dared to touch his greatest rival, but he hadn't expected the pharaoh to be able to. Sonic didn't know why, he just... didn't expect it.

If only Sheut hadn't carried Sonic all the way to the viziers. The room was new, the walls lined with scrolls, desks that made a circle around a small podium in the center, and tapestries hung from the glass ceiling. The sun, newly asleep, had left the moon and stars to illuminate the room, but the candles helped Sonic see that everyone was seated here.

Ren and Ka sat together, while Ib was next to Myrrh and Natron. The viziers' stations all had bundles of different supplies or items. Where Myrrh had his covered in empty scrolls and vials of ink, Ren had perfume, makeup, and an odd book bound with twine. Ib had scrolls herself, her dagger on display, and a strange bowl that burned without fire. Ka had little on his desk, a bowl of grapes and a few wanted posters drawn on papyrus. It was Natron with the least organization, half-built tools and blueprints for machinery Sonic couldn't begin to describe. 

Then, there was two, startlingly empty desks. 

"Oh my~" Ren teased as Sheut carried Sonic to the desks. 

"Shush, you," Ib glared, then smiled gently at Sonic. "How was your trip, Irtyu?"

Sonic was set in his seat, pushed in with care. "It was good!-- we ran out of food for everybody, so I had to ask around, but it wasn't bad! Just gotta make sure we can feed everybody tomorrow."

"You're going out again?" Ren asked, raising a perfectly plucked brow. "I should hope not in those bandages again."

"Ren!"

Sonic looked down at himself. "What's wrong with them?"

"Other than they're not nearly appropriate for someone of your high standing?" Ren clicked her tongue. "They're falling off. You'll expose yourself to someone if you're not careful."

"Oh!--" Sonic definietly didn't want to do that. "I don't... really have anything else to wear."

Ren burst into laughter. "Irtyu, you humble me!"

"I don't!" Sonic puffed out his cheeks.

"You are a queen, darling," Ren laid back in her cushioned chair. "You have a bigger closet than I do~"

Ib pinched the bridge of her nose. "She's right... on many fronts."

"Aaww, that must've hurt to say."

"But," Ib hissed. "There is many things to discuss tonight other than fashion."

Ren sighed. "Fine, fine, then I'll dress you tomorrow, Irtyu, darling."

"Okay," Sonic said, awkwardly. It wouldn't be the first time Rouge chose clothes for him. She'd never let Sonic embarass himself before, hopefully Ren would be just as kind. "So...what do we discuss?"

"I'll translate throughout the evening and, if you have anything to say, I'll say it for you," Ib smiled. "Will that be to your liking?"

Sonic nodded.

"Then let's begin."

Twenty minutes in and suddenly Sonic remembered why he doesn't go to meetings. Or sit for more than a few minutes at a time. His leg is bouncing and his head won't stop bobbing, Sonic feels himself nodding off, jerking back awake when his head falls down too far. It was only the first topic too, something about the rediscovery of an old beetle population, but Sonic had no interest in entomology. 

Actually, he can't feel interest at all right now. Or a lot, really. Just...tired. Like a thousand years of exhaustion pressed down on his shoulders, similar to how he gets all weird and quiet when he was sick.

Weird...

Sonic sat up, laying his head on his desk. He watched Natron talk, animated as regular Eggman, and Myrrh was nodding along. Once Natron was done talking, Sonic looked over to Ib, who began to translate. The words slurred together, sludging into slop for Sonic to decipher.

When he couldn't, Sonic smushed his cheek into the carved wood and shut his eyes. 

The world started spinning, round and round like a whirlpool until Sonic scrunched up his face. It was like his brain was being swirled in a waltz and, even as he struggled to seperate from it, he would not be let go. His stomach bubbled, he started scratching at the wood, what was going on--

Then, he was bit.

Sonic launched up and scrambled off his chair, clutching at the side of his neck. "Th...the hell--?"

There was nothing. 

No blood or bite mark or beetle.

Beetle... why would there be a beetle...?

Sonic glanced up, ears flattening when he saw every eye in the room on him. He quickly looked away, cheeks burning with embarassment, even as Sheut approached. He chewed on his lip as Sheut knelt down, smoothing down Sonic's bristled fur and quills.

"I think we should end the meeting early--" Ren flew over, offering a cup of water. 

Ib nodded toward the others and they began to pack up.

"It's never too early to dream," Ren said, trying to sound nonchalant but there was an edge to her voice. One nervous, concerned. "Besides, I'm sure you need a nice blanket and nicer pajamas."

"Please--" Sonic was helped to his feet, leaning against Sheut. "Do you... wear pajamas here?"

Ren laughed. "Needing to see the pharaoh undressed, your highness?"

Sonic blushed. "It was just a question!"

"Of course, of course," Ren followed the two, which prompted Ib to do the same. "Would you like to borrow one of mine?"

"Will they fit?" Sonic asked, then panicked. "Not! Not that it'd be too big on me, but too small! I mean, I don't have a chest like yours-- not that I'm looking! I'm not-- I didn't-- hhnnng--"

"Aaww," Ren pinched Sonic's cheek. "They'll fit, Irtyu. What you lack in a chest, I lack in hips. We'd make a full hourglass together."

"Ren," Ib scowled.

"Youre okay, Irtyu," Ren said, smiling. "I understand."

"Oh-- okay-- cool--"

Now if Sonic can get to bed without another failed social interaction, he'll call it a successful day. 

Ib looped her arm with Sheut, whispering to him before nodding toward Ren. The bat smiled and guided Sonic away.

Confused, Sonic furrowed his brows. "Uh, what?"

"Just a little detour for his majesty," Ren stepped onto the floor, lopping her arm with Sonic's. "You, however, deserve first view of the royal suite. You'll love it. It's the highest room, fully guarded, the softest silken sheets imported from across the way--"

"Do... I sleep with the pharaoh?"

"Well, you are the queen, darling," Ren wore a devious smirk.

Sonic narrowed his eyes. "Do I sleep with the pharaoh?"

"Oh my~" Ren giggled behind her hand. "Why, your highness, how bold of you!"

"I-it's a genuine question!" Sonic blushed a fine shade of pink. "Just... just wanna be prepared..."

"Prepared, darling?"

"Y'know... if it happens," Listen, Sonic knew he was somewhere on the average-attractive scale, but there was no mistaking the looks Sheut gave him, especially when the pharaoh thought Sonic wasn't paying attention. It's not like Sonic had a boyfriend to back home to anyways, so it wouldn't be an issue, just... it's been a day for Sonic.

"Would you like it to happen?"

Sonic went quiet as his train of thought barreled off track. He quickly covered his face and, in the most strained voice, whispered; "...nu."

The time together was short but Sonic wasn't blind.

Instead of laughing, as Sonic expected her to, Ren set a gentle hand on Sonic's shoulder. "Irtyu, darling, Sheut is a little, mm... oblivious, sometimes, but I've known him since we were little. He'd listen if you told him to slice his own neck. He'll listen if you say no."

"...but he can't understand me."

"He can't understand your words, but he'll know what you mean. Even if it's a guess at the finer details," Ren's everlasting smile turned gentle. "You chose a good man, darling, and not a day goes by where he doesn't thank the gods you did. Heh, I think he thanks them even when you spare a glance his way."

Sonic nodded slowly, then snorted. "Sounds exhausting, to be so in love."

"It's his full-time duty, next to being pharaoh," Ren went to say more, then perked up instead. "We're here!"

"Here?"

"Your room, Irtyu."

Sonic nodded, bracing himself. 

He was surprised guards were not lining the entire hallway as they did the entrance but, Sonic guessed, there were night guards that haven't arrived yet. That, or Sheut didn't need them. 

Ren pushed open the grand doors, revealing the lavish room, untouched and perfect; the bed itself was little more than an oversized cot, dressed with silk and linen pillows stuffed with feathers. There was a balcony, open to the outside, hidden only by thick curtains that allowed a small, comforting breeze rather than the midnight chill. There was also a table in the corner, a giant potted aloe in the other, and, what Sonic could only describe, as a closet pressed against the wall closest to the door.

"Oh!" It wasn't like Camelot's king room. More toned down but still beautiful. There was the sweetest scent of lavender lingering too, but it was faint, out of place. Sonic loved it. "Wow..."

"Sheut hasn't been sleeping here, or at all..." Ren clicked her tongue. "But, with you around, I'm sure he will now. Sleeping in that old throne really damages the spine."

Sonic went over to the bed, smoothing out the silk unnecessarily. It was then he noticed strange hooks in the wall, holding strings, and each was labeled with a different symbol. Confused, he circled the bed and inspected them. 

"Ah--..." Ren's smile turned sour, one of grief. "When you had become bedridden, Sheut commissioned these bells. If you needed something, and no one was nearby, you, could pull a string."

"Oh wow," Sonic tilted his head. "Where do they go?"

"The ones on top go to our bedrooms. The ones on bottom are for the kitchen, the meeting room, the guards quarters, and Ib's worship room."

Sonic nodded. "So... that's the dagger. And the kitchen would be the bowl... the guard thing is the funny man with a shield?"

Ren nodded.

"So the scroll is the meeting room," Sonic looked up at the bedroom bell strings. "Okay, okay, so... Ib has the dagger again, and I bet Ka is this little man with a stick. You're the mirror, I think that's what it is..."

Ren smiled. "Good, yes."

"So these two--" Sonic jabbed his finger at the pen and vulture shapes. "--have to be Myrrh and Natron. Myrrh is a scribe, so the pen has to be his. And the bird is Natron."

"Mhm."

Sonic furrowed his brows. "Is he a bird because it's a joke that he's egg-shaped?"

Ren's eyes lit up with wonder and hope. "Yes... yes it is, Irtyu. Don't tell him that. He thinks it's because vultures are clever birds, scavengers who are smart enough to know when to work and when to step down."

"Hah. Eggman? Stepping down? Not a chance..." Sonic thought for a moment. "Is it okay if I write the symbols down? I wanna remember what they mean and who goes where."

"Of course. You settle in and I'll fetch you some papyrus," Ren flew to the door, pausing. "The closet is all for you. The pajamas are on the right and I'll dress you up tomorrow."

"Okay," Sonic smiled. 

Once Ren left, Sonic ventured to the closet, looking inside. Yep, that was a whole mess of clothes. Even as a queen, Sonic could be disorganized. Oh well! If pajamas are on the left, they're on the left. 

Sonic found a loose piece of lightweight linen, deciding it would be fine for the night. He set the cloth on the bed and started removing the bandages, rolling them up back into a ball. Satisfied, and not wanting to be naked when it's cold out, Sonic awkwardly fitted the cloth. 

Actually, it was very comfy, once he figured it out. He just tied it around his waist and made a hole for his tail. He's no fashion expert but wearing something so soft for bed has to be a little luxurious. Sonic felt cute too, wishing he had a mirror to check himself over.

After that, Sonic sat on the bed, bored as he was before. He lightly kicked his feet while waiting for Ren, bobbing his head. 

He wondered if time had passed in the real world. An hour passed for every three days in Camelot, would it be the same here? Or would no time pass at all? Or did years already go by and Sonic's friends wondered where he went--... okay, he was scaring himself now. The Arthurian legends were kind, surely this story book would be too.

Right... right, it was just a story... the second Sonic went home, he'd be replaced by a storybook version just as Camelot did. Everything he did was to progress the plot, only to be kicked out when it was over.

Not that Sonic didn't want to go home, see his friends and his little buddy, but, he wondered, what would happen if he stayed. What if he never solved the adventure? And, when he did leave, would this storybook version of himself go back to being dead...

He didn't want to know what Sheut would do.

Sonic groaned into his hands. "Get a grip, hedgehog..."

Even if he could stay, Sonic knew he couldn't look at Sheut without seeing Shadow.

Shadow who would punch him if he ever found out Sonic had "disgusting feelings" for any version of Shadow.

Ugh, why did this have to be so complicated...?

Actually, why was Sonic complicating things? It was just another storybook, another adventure, and he was here to play the part of protagonist from another world. He'd complete the story, go home, then Sheut and the real Irtyu can live happily ever after. Probably have little ones or something. That's what happy endings lead to, right? Babies? Children?

Sonic snapped out of his spiral when he heard Ren giggling outside the door. Excited for the distraction, he raced to the doors and threw them open. Only, he froze.

There stood Sheut, dressed down into a simple sleeping kilt with none of his many accessories or makeup, even his jackal mask was missing. The pharaoh was wearing perfume though, smelling much stronger of lavender that it overwhelmed Sonic.

"Irtyu..." Sheut whispered, a silent prayer for only them to hear.

Sonic could only let out a small squeak, his face getting very hot, very quickly. 

"You're going to be visiting the King of the Nile tomorrow," Ib said from behind. She, too, was dressed for bed. "So--:

"So don't stay up too late, darling~" Ren teased, ignoring Ib's annoyed huff. "And be careful, Irtyu, he might eat you whole~"

"Ren!"

Ren giggled, picked up Ib, and flew them away despite her protests. She had more to say, dammit! But Ren wouldn't listen and now it was Sonic and Sheut.

"Irtyu--" Sheut took a step toward Sonic, who was frozen in place. Seeing this, Sheut hovered but didn't touch. The pharaoh held out his hands instead, like a gentleman. 

Or, well, so Sonic assumed. He'd never actually been taken on a date before. No, he wasn't counting blind dates set up by Amy, thank you very much. She always assumed his taste in men were cocky, arrogant nepo-babies who could out-yap Sonic. Honestly, Amy probably wanted Sonic to marry rich so her best friend would be taken care of.

Well, she'd probably be pretty damn proud Sonic has a pharaoh awaiting his yes or no.

"Irtyu...?" 

Right. Shit. Pharaoh right in front of him! 

Sonic awkwardly took Sheut's hands, subconsciously feeling the bright pink padding of his hands. He noticed they were speckled with black and white, creating a gorgeous spotted pattern. Sonic wondered, as he brought Sheut's hands to his waist, if Shadow's were the same.

Sheut's eyes went wide, then turned soft as he lifted up Sonic. Sonic mildly panicked and held onto Sheut tight, safely concluding he's never getting use to this.

Although, Sheut surprised him. Instead of instantly trying to initiate intimacy, Sheut laid down with Sonic, cuddling close, and purring. 

Sonic couldn't help but relax, leaning into Sheut's chest as gentle fingers combed through his quills. The lavender lulled Sonic to sleep, easing all those anxieties into distant memories.

And if Sonic heard the buzzing of a beetle, he ignored it.

 

__________________________________________________________

 

The next morning, Sonic didn’t have time to wake up before he -- and Sheut -- were being shoved into a morning routine. After a quick breakfast of pork and pomegranates, Ib and Ren took Sheut and Sonic respectively, a handful if servants following each. Ren dragged Sonic to the palace's bathhouse, letting him sit by the water instead of being in.

Turns out, Irtyu had hydrophobia too.

Still, while Sonic bathed himself, Ren was instructing the servants to bring her clothes, jewelry, and makeup. Simple, she said, but glamorous all the same. An understated statement. Whatever that meant.

Once Sonic dried himself off, Ren, with permission, joined him behind the changing screen to help with the clothes. And makeup. Sonic never learned makeup, that was more Sonia and Manic's thing.

Regardless, Sonic was quickly dressed up; gold circlets clipped around his wrists and each section of quill, another clicked onto his arm, then his waist. Once his waist was golden, Ren tied off a cloth to the front, letting it fall loosely under Sonic's tail. Finally, there was the headpiece and necklace. The gold necklace was wide, covering all of Sonic's collarbone and designed with widely-cut emeralds. The headpiece matched, being a golden circlet with circle-cut emeralds along the side. In the center was the biggest emerald, a hieroglyph imprinted inside.

Sonic felt very pretty, thank you very much. He could conquer the world right now!

But, for right now, he had a prior commitment, apparently. He wondered who the King of the Nile was, mostly hoping they were friendly. He also wondered why they were meeting another king. Sonic should ask, really... but he might've gotten distracted being pretty and having a mirror. 

Sonic definietly felt prettier when, upon being collected for the journey down the Nile, Sheut wouldn't stop staring at him.

Notes:

"Sunshine, when are you gonna developed the plot"
When I feel like it /silly

Chapter 6

It was in their youth that Sheut met the King of the Nile. At first, Sheut thought of him as nothing more than a wild troublemaker, eager to cause chaos and win cheated games. However, the king matured with age, turning from a rough-housing brat into a respectable royal, and he impressed Sheut. Now, the two were something equivalent to friends. 

Sobek, named after his godly father, was far from a fool, even if his kingdom and ideologies didn't always align with Sheut's. Not even the pharaoh of Egypt would deny that Sobek was a true warrior, a seeker of truth, defender of justice for all, and it was Sobek who had the most lucrative court systems. Evidence before rumors. Innocence before guilt.

He was a good father too, a gentle giant that could match the river's calm movements, yet shake the earth if needed. That, Sheut admired most. While he wasn't a father himself, gods know how much he and Irtyu tried, Sheut could understand the difficulties of being the only parent, especially to two incredibly different children.

Ibis and Sa'adah were adopted. It wasn't a secret, nor was it suppose to be, but, often, there were whispers of this fact. It was treated like a hellish rumor, scandalous before the eyes of their gods, but it wasn't. The people liked talking. And when you can't find something to gossip about, you tend to exaggerate the truth. 

Sheut scoffed at the announcement, even now as he led the procession down the Nile's edge, about Sobek looking for a wife. Truthfully, Sheut found the entire display a mockery of romance and marriage... but he wouldn't blame Sobek. Never. 

Ibis was a teenager now. Being the crowned prince, Sheut knew Sobek worried for the well-being of his eldest. The prince would need advisors, trusted allies, individuals who could coax him from his wanderlust mind. Who better than a mother who only wanted what's best?

And poor Sa'adah. He was such a tiny thing when Sobek found him, floating in a wicker basket down the Nile. Neglected, starved, wailing so much his little bones rattled. It was a miracle he survived at all, much less to six. The little one needed comfort now more than doctors, and there was only so much comfort a king of a thriving nation could provide.

It was...difficult, to say the least.

But Sheut would be lying if he said he wasn't excited to see his godsons. And, when the two saw Irtyu, they'll be bouncing off the walls. At least Sa'adah would. Ibis would stare until his eyes went crossed, silent.

"Oooohhhh--" Sheut couldn't help but smile at Irtyu. His wife's amazement was contagious and, perhaps, Sheut looked at the glory of the Nile Kingdom for the first time again.

It wasn't the largest by any means, but sizable. Most homes were dug beneath the water, in the side of the Nile's edge, but the palace was constructed overlooking the river, made of sandstone, reeds paste, and cloth. Humble construction, is how Sheut described it, but it was the artisans who truly made the place glow. Clay was abundant for the Nile people, so most everything they made was pottery, or pottery-adjacent, and there were even large statues baked from clay at the "entrance". Warrior statues, Sheut recognized, both to scare away potential threats and to guide spirits to the afterlife. They stood among the reeds on either side of the Nile, one holding a spear while the other donned a shield. 

Sheut paused before the statues, Irtyu and his visiting parade following suit. He waited, counting for a few seconds, before a pair of eyes popped up from under the water. When Sheut bowed his head politely, two alligator mobians stood up to greeted him. One with a spear, the other with a shield. 

To others, alligator and crocodile mobians were among the tallest, intimidating, defensive, able to chew through the toughest leather.

To Sheut, they reminded him of puppies. 

"Your majesty," The left one croaked, surprised. "It's been a long while since you've came."

The right one nodded. "His majesty worried you've gone after the late queen."

"No," Sheut responded. "I couldn't."

"Found new queen," The left one said.

"Blue too," Followed the right one. "Have a type, your majesty."

Sheut's eye twitched but he quickly remained nuetral. "No...no, this is my wife."

"Wife!" The left cackled.

"Wife!" The right giggled.

Sheut sighed. "Is Sobek in his usual spot."

"Yes, your majesty."

"Trial this and trial that. You'd think he tire of trials, trials, trials!".

"Thank you," Any other day, Sheut would entertain the doormen's games, but not today. They seemed to understand this and allowed the pharaoh through, sinking below the water. 

Sheut squeezed Irtyu's hand gently, guiding his beloved wife through the kingdom. He was amused, seeing Irtyu looking at every little thing.

Well... Ib and Ren said he had no memories, it'd only make sense for Irtyu to relive those experiences as if brand new. Perhaps, Sheut mused, he would let Irtyu explore while he handled the meeting. 

...shit, he should've brought Ib or Ren or both. The only reason he didn't was because it was Sobek, who would never lie to Sheut, and Sheut didn't need advise today. He knew what he wanted.

Oh, the girls must've realized and are laughing at him.

Sheut inhaled deeply as his own oversight, which prompted Irtyu to tilt his head. Sheut waved his hand dismissively but, he knew, Irtyu only let it slide because there was a language barrier. It's be near impossible to get a direct answer. 

The palace was filled with an audience, watching the latest trial with bated breaths and an eagerness for gossip. Fortunately, free speech was not banned in the Nile Kingdom, but it was inconvenient to prevent rumors and whispers. Sheut only banned violating words...and he was not in the mood to have this argument with Sobek for the millionth time.

"Hmm... with all the evidence provided for the court, there is simply not enough to place Aman at the scene of the crime. It will continued to be investigated until the true criminal is revealed, or there is proper, undeniable evidence against Aman. Adjourned."

There was a cry of relief from the human on trial, who kept whispering his gratitude as guards escorted him away. 

On his judge's throne, Sobek rolled his shoulders before leaning back. The king look exhausted, dark circles invading the underneath of his eyes, and there was little light left.

"I hope you're not too tired to have one last meeting?" Sheut called out as he entered the trial room. He purposely went in alone, allowing the parade to do as they pleased and entrusting the safety of the palace to protect Irtyu. 

As soon as Sobek saw Sheut, the Nile king lit up and jumped off his throne. "Little rat!"

"In the sunlight, you ugly salamander--" Sheut hissed as Sobek pulled him into a too tight hug. "Lungs-- lungs!--"

"Where have you been! I swear a full season passed--" Sobek laughed as he set Sheut down. "Nevermind, you're here! A littlier rat than last I saw!"

"I could kick your ass back upstream."

"Want to make a wager then?"

"When you stop using your weighted dice."

"My dice aren't weighted!... only when we play--"

"There it is," Sheut smiled. "...it's good to see you, Sobek."

"Bah," Sobek clapped Sheut on the back. "I know you're not here to see these greying scales, despite being the pinnacle of handsomeness."

Sheut rolled his eyes. "Perhaps there was some selfishness on my part."

"Well then, shall we get some privacy? I'm sure you don't--" Sobek suddenly raised his voice. "--WANT AN AUDIENCE!"

The court room quickly filed out into emptiness, save for the guards stationed at each exit. 

"Much better," Sobek spoked lowly now. "What can I do for you, old friend?"

Sheut bit his cheek, then sighed. "My kingdom, it... cannot feed itself as it once did. If we had more farmland, I'm sure the problem will settle itself then."

Needing no prompting, Sobek nodded. "You're asking me for more land."

"Permission to use it," Sheut clarified. "We'd give ten percent of harvest as always but..."

Sobek furrowed his brows. "It's that bad?"

Sheut nodded. 

"Well... i know you wouldnt ask if you werent worried," Sobek hummed, thinking for a moment. "I'd offer you more land this way, but thats breaching my kingdom."

"And the other way?"

"It's...not as good farmland."

"We'll make do," It's not what Sheut wanted to hear but something is better than nothing.

"The area hasn't been the same since the Red Plague-- ah, I mean," Sobek awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "We've been clearing out the area of the old beetle nests, but it wouldn't be done in time for next planting."

Sheut's ears flattened. "I... I can send some workers--"

"Sheut."

"Sobek."

"It is not that simple... the nests may not be as poisonous as the beetles, but they'd still damage the crops. It'd be wasted energy to make all that poisoned food."

"Dammit..." Sheut's fists started shaking. "Dammit! Fuck it all!"

No, no, no, this was suppose to be simple! It was so, so simple! Just a little more farmland, a little bit of time and hard work, it would've been easy. 

Curse the gods. Curse those stupid beetles too! Curse it all, even!

Sobek stared at Sheut for a moment, then raised up his arms. 

"...I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't," Sobek pounded his fists together before raising his arms once more. "Come on. It seems like you need it."

Sheut hesitated. 

"Besides, you're nooooot stronger than me. You're such a weakling demigod."

"My father kills gods--..." Sheut paused, then laughed. "You're mocking me."

"A little," Sobek grinned. "Is it working?"

Sheut shed the golden rings around his wrist, letting them drop and crawl the floor.

Sobek grinned wider. "It's working."

Maturity came with age for Sobek but not when it came to Sheut. The damn crocodile read his oldest friend far too easily. Sheut would correct this if he minded. But he doesn't. Never will.

The pharaoh was never going to deny how much he needed his friends.

Besides, Sheut also needed the spar. It's been far too long since he trained and now he had a reason to. Between the exchanged blows and careless play-fighting, Sheut's mind wandered back to his wife. His darling Irtyu. Not that the queen was tiny but Irtyu was always a messenger more than a soldier. Sheut would always have his demigod strength but, to put it bluntly, he knew his silly, adorable wife loved his muscles. 

As the fight turned from a careless demonstration of strength to a break, Sheut remembered he had to check on Irtyu. He stretched until he heard a crack and shook off the soreness.

"I have surprise," Sheut said. "I have someone I'd like you to meet."

Sobek narrowed his eyes. "Not you too-- Sheut, you're a good guy, but you're not exactly my type--"

"What--? No--"

"Im not partial to that bat either, I think Ka will have my head--"

"You boneheaded claybrain--!" Sheut huffed. "I'd like you to meet someone very dear to me."

Sobek was quiet for a long time. 

"Meet him again, anyways," Sheut clarified. "If you'll indulge me your time."

"...Yes, yes, of course-" Sobek followed Sheut out of the trial room and a little down the hall.

They were greeted to a most wonderful sight.

"Who is your favorite fearless hero~ Who is your favorite fearless he-e-ro~" Irtyu sang as he spun round and round with little Sa'adah hanging onto his head, giggling like mad. It wasn't until the 80th spin until Irtyu was dizzy, falling forward on his belly but, too, giggling. 

Ibis didn't flinch as Irtyu fell down, merely moved a piece on his game of senet. Irtyu moved a different piece before letting his arm fall.

"Again! Again!" Sa'adah patted his quills.

"Again! Again!" Irtyu mimicked -- which startled Sheut, he'll admit -- but, as he tried to get up, Sa'adah suddenly gasped. 

"Papa!" Sa'adah stood up, launching off Irtyu's head to race over to Sobek.

"Ow..." Irtyu mumbled, moving another piece for Ibis.

Sobek put his hands on his hip. "Now was that very nice?"

Sa'adah blinked, then waddled back over to Irtyu, patting his head. "Sorry..."

When Irtyu weakly smiled, Sa'adah raced back over. This time, Sobek picked.him up.

"Have you been keeping our guest busy?" Sobek asked. 

"Uhuh! Uhuh! Uhuh!" Sa'adah leaned over and patted Sheut's head. "Hi, uncle!"

Sheut smiled. "Hello, Sa."

"Uncle Irtyu is home!" Sa'adah cheered. "Hoooooome."

Sobek blinked, then looked at Irtyu to Sheut. "What?"

"Thats who I wanted you to meet," Sheut said, smile all too proud. "My wife, Queen Irtyu of Egypt."

"No kidding," Sobek stared at Irtyu, who was keeping up with Ibis in senet. "Wow...hah, he's just as lovely as the day we first met..."

Sheut raised a brow.

"How?" Sobek asked. "How is that possible--? I... he was dead before I could visit..."

Sa'adah tilted his head.

"Ah-- here, buddy, go play--" Sobek quickly set Sa'adah down. Once Sa'adah ran off, tackling Irtyu, Sobek turned back to Sheut. "How is Irtyu alive...? I mean, every update only told me his health was decreasing with each passing day... I went to the funeral, I know he was mummified, so how..."

"I don't know," Sheut admitted, although it pained him to do so. "But I am so grateful he is."

Sobek paused, then nodded slowly. "Words cannot say how happy I am for you, little rat."

"Hah," Sheut scoffed. He watched Irtyu chased around Sa'adah, the pair giggling before Irtyu called a time-out, moving a piece to continue playing senet with Ibis. His heart felt lighter than a feather. "I know not a world where I could be happy without Irtyu in my life...much less one where I do not love him. I'd be foolish not to."

"Sheut--"

"I love him... I live for him. And... I came here for him, to see his kingdom return to thriving," Sheut hung his head, shame infected him. "I had let it rot, decay into something unworthy to be his home..."

"...you're trying to earn his forgiveness."

"Yes."

Sobek hummed. "Does he even know you're trying to? Does he know you wronged him?"

"...no."

"I was wondering about the strange words," Sobek scratched his chin. "Perhaps, I have a remedy--"

Sheut snapped his head toward Sobek. "You do?"

"My people call it Thoth's Breath," Sobek explained. "It is a rare flower that grows every one hundred years beneath the soil, in little air pockets where the sun cannot reach it, for it dies when exposed to sunlight."

Sheut's ears flattened. 

"But," Sobek added. "When harvested at night, the flower can be brewed into tea. If mixed right, slept on, then it grows into your head, ears, and under your tongue. Figuratively. You can speak and understand anyone then."

Sheut nodded. "...you don't happen to know where I can get one, do you?"

"I'll get it for you."

"...what?"

"Maybe I can't offer more land but... I can offer you my people's magic," Sobek set a hand on Sheut's shoulder. "You've always been a good man, and I am.happy to call you my friend, let me give you something in return for all those years."

"You--...you don't know how much this means to me."

"I can guess," Sobek chuckled. "Irtyu was always good to my kids, I'll call this a gift to him as well."

"...will your people be upset?"

"If they are," Sobek shrugged. "I'll handle it."

"...thank you, so much, I--"

"Bleh, you're getting soft on me, rat--"

"Oh shush, salamander," Sheut sighed, visibly relaxing. "At least something good came out of today."

"We'll figure something out with the food," Sobek promised. "Maybe I can convince the merchants to accept eight percent instead of ten."

Sheut nodded. "Anything helps..."

"How about a room for tonight? I can't possibly send you home without dinner, then it'll be night and, oops, too cold to travel--"

"You can just say you want us to stay a night," Sheut smiled.  "I'll tell my viziers it was a long, arduous discussion."

"It took all day," Sobek agreed, nodding his head seriously. "It was a battle of wits that I certainly won."

"Says you--"

"And I dominated in the battle of strength,"

"Spare me," Sheut rolled his eyes. "Idiot salamander."

"Little rat--"

"Ugly toad--" 

"Gods, it's good to have you back!" Sobek pulled Sheut into a side hug. "Irtyu too."

Sheut nodded. "Looks like the boys are happy too."

"Oh-- yes--..." Sobek's smile turned soft. "This is the happiest I've seen them since Irtyu's passing..."

"Irtyu... has a way of lighting up a room," Sheut smiled as well. "He gives me clarity."

"Indeed..." Sobek rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll get that tea as soon as I can."

"Thank you."

"...would you two watch the kids for me?"

"Of course."

Sobek nodded. "Boys!"

Sa'adah and Ibis looked at Sobek.

"I'll be gone for a while, be good for Irtyu and Sheut."

"Okay, papa!"

Ibis nodded.

"Good," Sobek looked at Irtyu, nodding with respect.

Irtyu stared, then realization lit up in his eyes, so he bowed.

A quiet growl escaped Sheut, and he quickly shut his mouth. He shook his head at his own stupidity, knowing he had nothing to fear. 

Perhaps he was missing his wife more than he realized...

When Sobek left, Sheut sat with the boys and Irtyu. He leaned against his queen, allowing himself to purr. Sheut couldn't wait to have a proper conversation with his love. He was sure Irtyu would give him answers, find guidance as they always did.

He just... needed one more night. One more. He waited... a while.

What was one more night to hear I love you from his unstoppable object.

Notes:

I spent so long researching names for Espio and Charmy...
Bc I was debating so hard if I really wanted to use Ibis, bc it's both close to Ib and also references to a bird-
And I didn't know what to do with Charmy at all

But then I remembered I'm suppose to be having fun lmao
Free me /silly

Chapter 7

Sonic didn't remember falling asleep. He most certainly didn't remember waking up in a strange tomb beneath the earth, where the walls were held up by statues of gold, mixed with mobians and humans. Torches lined the carved-out walls as well, ablaze with burning inferno of blue, swallowing half the tomb with shadows, with the other lit up barely. Before Sonic was a grand staircase -- well over a hundred steps up -- leading to a strange pyramid with the opening carved into a perfect square. Sonic wasn't a math expert but he knew that took some ingenuity. He also knew that he had to be cautious, taking the first step with expectations of a trap. When none showed, Sonic began to climb.

He found he couldn't run. That or, while the thought occurred to him, Sonic felt he shouldn't. Something about the act would be disrespectful, as if the journey up the stairs was more important than the destination.

This place... wanted to tell him something. 

He should've guessed that early, really. These weren't his storybook clothes. They were much more regal and decorative, befitting a queen who knew they were queen, unafraid to show it off yet dignified in doing so. Humble bragging, in the sense. 

It was sorta nice.

By the 30th step, Sonic was being followed. He paused, hearing the chittering of many, little wings, and turned his head to greet his visitor. But it was not one, it was many. 

Bright blue beetles, glowing in the dusty dim lighting of the tomb, flew to Sonic. The pursuing army only paused to greet Sonic, floating around him as if reuniting.

"My...friends..." Sonic spoke but it wasn't his choice. His voice was different too, lighter and more free; a mother's lullaby, a distant curse.

Sonic held out his hand, allowing the beetles to rest. For the rest of the journey, the beetles took turns resting on Sonic's hand or on his quills, then they flew around him, protecting him.

But Sonic didn't know from what. He just knew he wasn't alone.

When he reached step 60, the beetles began to die. Sonic wanted to cradle their little bodies, mourn them until the gods would take their souls -- everything deserved a chance of a good afterlife -- but Sonic couldn't stop. He kept walking up and up and up, as much as he fought. It wasn't ten steps later when Sonic was alone, save for a singular sapphire beetle still on his palm. Another step, and it was red. Another, and the beetle was off his palm, chittering wings carrying it to Sonic's neck.

Another step, and it bit. 

Sonic internally screamed. The pain was unbearable, a stinging sensation like a wasp but with the burning of being branded. All on his neck. But it didn't stop, the feeling soon spread to the rest of him until it consumed Sonic; body, heart, and soul.

Up and up and up the stairs, Sonic continued, unable to scream nor to rest. He begged for the ability  to do either, even as his lips remained sealed, but nobody listened. It was just Sonic. Not even the red beetle accompanied him. He would've accepted the red companion, even when it was the one who killed him.

Step 90, Sonic was slowing down. All his veins were red, each one visible, and pulsing, and painful. He breathed through his teeth, ears falling flat, and every push was agony. Sonic was deteriorating, he recognized this and long accepted it. 

He was going to die.

...but he couldn't. Not yet. 

Maybe the gods had to take him, eventually, but he had plenty of steps to go. The gods could wait. They will wait.

Sonic kept going. 

Even as his ribs jutted out of his chest. He stepped.

Even as his fur fell out in large clumps. He stepped.

Even as the weight of the gods' wills pushed down on him, trying to get him to stop fighting.

Sonic. Kept. Going.

Finally, there were no more stairs. Sonic was at the top, labored breathing and all, and he sat down. The worst part was calming down, anxiety clawing down his spine, but he didn't need to wait for the rest of him to feel better. He healed, slowly, his once royal attire molding into bandages. It was like a reward. A shitty reward, but still something.

But, as Sonic had enough strength to stand up, he wondered. His -- Irtyu's? -- beetles were all blue. Beetles weren't matchy-matchy with Sonic where he came from, but did the storybook follow those same rules?

Even so... why did one turn red?

Sonic took a deep breath as he entered the pyramid, surprised by how...plain it looked. It was nothing more than a single room, altar in the center of the room, where the floor was a perfect circle. Sonic approached apprehensively, unsure what he would find. 

"You're a long way from home, hedgehog."

Sonic jumped, then quickly steeled himself. "Who's there?!"

That... that was his voice. His control. He was himself here.

But that other voice...it had no face, merely bouncing off the wall and reverberating through Sonic; an echo and a whisper.

"What are you doing here, Sonic," The voice said, an itch of mockery laced in its tone. "Do you really think you can fix all of the kingdom's problems? You can't even fix your own."

Sonic glared at nothing in particular. "What are you talking about."

"How long have you been in the story, Sonic."

Sonic thought for a moment. "Two days."

"And how long have you been away from your friends."

Sonic didn't answer.

"Approach, hedgehog," The voice commanded, the glow of a moon beaming down on the altar. Sonic did as told, more out of curiosity than anything else, and watched as a vision appeared in the altar surface. 

Graves. Gravestones atop a beautiful green hill, surrounding a grand oak that shielding them from the sun and rain. He could tell which belonged to which, even without names. Amy's had her hammer and tarot cards. Knuckles had a piece of emerald and a bowl of grapes. Rouge, too, had a piece of emerald but also her favorite jewelry. Vector, Espio, and Charmy had their own graves as well, and he spotted Vanilla's and Cream's, Cheese right between them. Even Manic and Sonia were buried, sitting beside a headstone without items, but awaiting its inhabitant. That was his. That was Sonic's. 

"You've been gone two hundred years, Sonic," The voice hissed. "They all wondered where you'd gone. They looked and looked and looked and--"

"You're asking me if I want to go home."

"Yes, clever hedgehog."

"...what are my choices?"

"You go home. You leave Egypt, leave the storybook, and it'll be like it never happened. You stay? Your friends die, not knowing where you are, if you abandoned them, or if you died somewhere they can't reach."

Sonic opened his mouth, then quickly shut, and he thought for a moment. His head said yes, yes, go home...but his heart knew a different narrative. He had to be careful here. He could hear Shadow -- a divine whisper in his ears -- telling Sonic not to be stupid. He could also hear Sheut -- a careful hymn on the wind -- saying to trust his heart.

So, Sonic did.

"...I can't abandon Sheut or the kingdom of Egypt. They need help and the book chose me for a reason. Thanks but... no thanks. My friends know me, they know I'd never leave them behind. I have a mission now, an adventure!--... and I'm gonna see it through to the end."

The tomb was quiet, for a long, long time. Sonic wondered if the voice was gotten bored through his speech, or was merely unamused, not wanting to listen.

Then, it came back; "You selfish hedgehog. I am giving you the opportunity to go home! To your real friends! Yet, you defy me--"

"And what are you gonna do? Punish me?" Sonic challenged. "Gonna send me home? Go ahead! I'm home, yay! Gonna send me back? Cool, that's what I wanted anyways!"

"You brat!" The voice cracked. "You have not the spectrum of power I possess! You dare question me--!"

"Where's Tails?"

"...pardon?"

"Where is Tails?" Sonic asked again. "Where's my best buddy? Where's the little guy who I'd be nothing without? Where's my baby brother?"

The voice went quiet.

"Unless you don't know--"

"I AM THE DIVIDING FORCE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND INSANITY, DO NOT TEST MY PATIENCE, HEDGEHOG." The voice shouted, then snarled back into quiet resentment. A beat passed before it continued; "I am showing you this because I can put you back.  I can make it so you never left at all. Your friends will never even notice."

Sonic stared down at the vision once more. The longer he looked, the more inconsistencies he found. The image kept distorting, as if trying to appeal to him. It even added a new grave for Tails but no objects. Just his name.

"Where's Shadow?" Sonic asked, an idea forming in his head.

"He's immortal--"

"Sheut is. Shadow isn't." On cue, the vision adds a grave. It switches with Sonia's, who know rests beside Manic, and adds a pair of wedding rings hanging off the headstone. "And Shadow doesn't like me. He's never liked me. You're not using my memories--"

"Silence."

"You're using Irtyu's!" Sonic felt triumphant. "And you can't see onto my head at all! You have no access to me! If you did, you'd see I was lying about Shadow being mortal!"

"SILENCE--"

"You got nothing over me but lies I don't believe!" Sonic smiled, confidently puffing out his chest. He could feel Shadow and Sheut behind him, the energy a mix of warmth and pride. "So what else you got?"

It was quiet once more, the tomb pulsing with the wrath of a sore loser. Sonic didn't waver, not even as the vision faded, leaving a cracked altar. He had nothing to fear here. He had no one to answer to.

"Well done, hedgehog, you've bested my game," The voice molded from an echo to a genuine sound, a divinely dressed bird mobian stood on top the altar. "Perhaps I'm losing my touch, admitting defeat to the likes of you."

"Or maybe I kicked your ass fair and square?" Sonic suggested. "Just a thought."

"Regardless--" The bird stepped down, dusting their hands together. "I have been bested and your reward is my gift. My master's breath in your soul."

Sonic furrowed his brows, a name slipping past his lips faster than he could process it; "Thoth...?"

"Not quite, but close enough," The bird winked, approaching Sonic, even as the hedgehog backed up. "You are a long way from home, hedgehog, and to continue the 'mission', you need my help."

"How can I trust you?" Sonic asked. "You just tried to convince me my friends were dead."

The bird bobbed their head. "True, true... but you've already won. What good is lying to you after?"

"Entertainment?"

"Oh, poor hedgie," The bird cooed. "What information I can chew on when you don't think."

Sonic hissed.

"Watch it," The bird held out their hand until a cup appeared. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

"And if the food is rotten, what do I do then?"

"Mm, you're clever when you want to be," The bird held out the cup. "Just like Irtyu."

Sonic stared at the herbal brew inside, a bright blue flower floating on the surface. It glowed and, when Sonic peered at it, he could see the universe between the petals. 

"Drink this and you will understand."

Sonic crinkled his nose. "It smells like burnt caramel."

"It's Thoth's Breath. You've already had it in the living world, you only need to sip it here."

"I've drank this before?" Sonic asked, blinking. 

"Yes," The bird swiped their feathery thumb over Sonic's forehead, and he saw the events before he forgot them; spending the day with Ibis and Sa'adah, having dinner with the King of the Nile, being entertained with musicians before bed, and, finally, Sheut offering him the same tea. "That's the price of Thoth's Breath. You forget the day before, then wake up to the next."

"...holy, okay," Sonic let out a nervous laugh. "So I just...drink it?"

"Yes. I don't like repeating myself, hedgehog, so can we hurry up--"

"Wait," Sonic jerked his thumb toward the entrance. "What was up with the staircase?"

The bird paused, then laughed. "The upward climb through life, death, and resurrection. You begin fine, alive and thriving, and then you die. If you make it to the top, you've been born again."

"If?"

"There are very few who are given another breath of life, hedgehog," Said the bird. "The most significant thing you can do is die, painful as it is, who would want to defy that? Well, other than you."

Sonic could think of a few billion people but he kept his mouth shut. 

"Drink," The bird offered the cup. "Let Sheut hear your voice."

Sonic nodded, taking the cup. "...one last question."

"One mo--...oh, alright. What is it?"

"What do I do when I figure out the mission...?"

The bird smiled wickedly, eyes far too wide. "You destroy the threat."

Before Sonic could have them elaborate, the bird forced Sonic to swallow the brew, flower and all.

Sonic coughed, the drink burning like a shot of boiling vodka rather than a calming tea. He choked, taking a knee as the bird started walking about toward the altar, humming a song Sonic couldn't recognize. His vision blurred at the edges, beginning to fade as his mouth, his tongue, his ears were being wrapped in stinging sensations.

"Good luck, hedgehog," The bird trilled. "Hope your heart can handle the trial..."

Like a flickering match in a tornado, Sonic was out.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

And the award for the worst dream ever goes to; Scary Nightmare About A Staircase and A Bird.

Sonic groaned as he sat up in bed, head spinning as his ears rang. He hated how his tongue felt numb, as if it wasn't there at all, but Sonic checked and he definitely still had it.

"Irtyu...?"

Sonic jumped and blinked away the sleep from his eyes. He finally took in the room -- yes, that's right, he and Sheut were staying in the Nile Kingdom, he remembers now -- and then Sonic realized he wasn't alone. Sheut, speaking of, was kneeling beside the bed, concern in his eyes. He held Sonic's hand like a lifeline, sighing in relief when Sonic looked at him.

'Irtyu, my Irtyu, my love..." Sheut said, kissing Sonic's knuckles in relief. "You're okay... you're okay..."

So that was new--

"I told you," Sonic snapped his neck and saw the Nile King leaning against the entrance. "It takes time."

"He wasn't breathing!" Sheut hissed. "You could've warned me--"

The king -- Sobek, not Vector -- shrugged. "But it worked, so... you're welcome."

Sonic blinked slowly. "I...am incredibly lost--"

Both pharaoh and king stared at Sonic.

"It worked..." Sheut's eyes lit up. Then, he pulled Sonic into a tight hug. "My queen... my queen, I can understand you! finally, thank the gods, how I missed your voice..."

Sonic hugged back. "What...happened?"

"Oh gods above," Sheut pulled back. "Sobek had brought us Thoth's Breath, you drank it, and now--"

"Now I can understand you," Sonic laughed. "You can understand me! Hi! oh my gosh!"

"Hi," Sheut laughed too, connecting their foreheads. "Oh, bless you, my love..."

Sonic blushed. "Ooohhh, that's gonna take getting use to."

"I'm sorry, my dear," Sheut cupped Sonic's face, stroking his thumb over his cheek. "I missed you, so much, I forget that you only know the afterlife... forgive me, Irtyu, I cannot remember the days where I did not love you."

Sonic stared, for a long time,

"...Irtyu?"

Sonic panicked and shoved his hands in Sheut's face, trying to hide his blush in his shoulder. "Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, too early, nuh-uh, too tired--"

Sobek burst into laughing howls, tears streaming down his face. When Sheut glared at the crocodile from in between Sonic's fingers, the king laughed harder. Only when Sheut raised a finger did Sobek back off. "I'll leave you loving asps alone then!"

"Good, and don't come back unless you want to be scarred for life," Sheut threatened.

Sobek snorted and headed out.

There was a momentary pause before Sonic's hands were lowered. "Idiot salamander..."

"Hah--" Sonic squeaked. "Uh, I mean, hi--"

"Hello, my dear," Sheut moved to sit on the bed, sliding his hands around Sonic's waist before pulling him onto his lap. Sonic squeaked, knowing he looked like a tomato, and held onto Sheut's shoulders. "There is so much I want to ask you, my queen..."

"Yep, yep, uhuh-"

"What the afterlife was like, if the gods treated you well, if you could eat all your favorite foods," Sheut nudged their noses together. "If I can still kiss you..."

"...haaaaaah-- okay-- tw-two days, your majesty-" Sonic held up a peace sign.

He's definitely panicking. In Sonic's defense, he's been flirted with -- plenty of times, it came with being the Hero -- but he's never been remotely interested in anyone else before. Sure, there were cuties and hunks and everything in between, but Sonic knew they didn't want him. They liked the idea of being a Hero's partner. It's why he never went on dates, outside of his friend-dates and missions that required it, so for Sonic to be utterly helpless against Sheut's charms--

"Irtyu-?"

"Sonic-"

Sheut blinked. "I'm sorry, my dear?"

"Call...call me Sonic, please...? Even if it's just in your head? Just us-?"

Sheut stared, then his eyes went wide. "I will protect it with my life, my love, your trust will not be misplaced."

Sonic couldn't tell if the story became less complicated...or more so.

However, as Sheut held him, wanting for nothing else really, Sonic started thinking. He melted into Sheut's hold, needing the comfort more than he wanted to admit, and considered the vision, the bird, the dream.

Irtyu didn't know Tails. Didn't know a version of Tails. The queen knew Vanilla and Cream, his siblings, all his friends, but not Tails: his baby brother, his best friend, the smartest little guy ever.

So, it made Sonic wonder.

Where is Tails?

Is... Tails who Sonic had to find? To complete the story, that is. Well, that should be easy!

Where could a bright yellow, two-tailed genius teen fox hide in the desert?

Notes:

Bit of a shorter chapter but it should ramp up from here
hopefully /silly

Chapter 8

Irtyu revealed his birth name. Irtyu -- Sonic -- had gifted Sheut the knowledge of his true name.

In life, Irtyu had been too nervous. They both knew the danger, especially as pharaoh and queen, and decided it was safer to be secretive than sorry. 

But now? 

Sheut couldn't let Sonic go all morning. Even after extensive cuddling, where Sheut held Sonic like the most precious jewel in the treasurey, the pharaoh had to hold his hand. Hold Sonic's hand, and kiss his cheek, and carrying him to breakfast, and they had yet to kiss since Sonic's resurrection but still. This was all better than Sheut could've imagined.

He could finally listen to his wife. 

So, while Sheut seated himself and Sonic at the left side of the table -- across from Ibis and Sa'adah on the right -- he asked Sonic so many questions. There were so many things he wanted to know, especially if things changed about his lovely wife after living through the afterlife, but he settled to basics for now. They had time. No need to rush to the big things.

Red was still Sonic's favorite color, that much hasn't changed. It was vibrant, energetic, matching Sonic's personality. Sheut also learned about something called chilidogs that both intrigued him and internally scared him, but it was Sonic's favorite food. It was different because, in life, his wife craved spice-drentched pork. The spicier the better. He'd had to find a recipe, or ask Sonic to make it, and see if it compared. Then, of course, Sonic's terrible hydrophobia. He couldn't swim still, which carried into the afterlife, and Sheut would never force him.

"Oh wow, that reminds me," Sonic paused when dheut held a grape to his lips. Once Sonic ate, he kept talking; "I don't know if you know what beaches are--"

Sheut raised an amused brow.

"Okay, bad question," Sonic laughed nervously. "So, I went to a beach, right?... in the afterlife. And you know all of the viziers and important people in our life, they were in the afterlife too. But they weren't how they are."

Sheut nodded. "Ib explained to me before. We guided you, even when we weren't buried."

"Yeah!" Sonic suddenly snickered. "So, we're at the beach, right? This was when we were teenagers so, like, a couple months after becoming best friends with Ka. He didn't know I couldn't swim, right? I hadn't told him yet because I was embarassed. But, I was laying on the beach, right, under my umbrella? Then! I'm on his shoulders!"

Sheut tilted his head, curious.

"So, I'm panicking as Ka rushes toward the water. We're up to his waist at best because Ib and--..." There was a pause, contemplation in Sonic's eyes, before he continued. "Ib and...Ren, were in the water too, but Ren was on Ib's shoulders."

Sheut nodded. What a sight that would've been to see.

"We were playing water chicken and I love playing chicken," Sonic waved his hand to the side. "Chicken is where people sit on each other's shoulders and only the riders can push each other off. Whoever falls loses."

"Understood," Perhaps, he could indulge in this strange game. Sheut wouldn't mind carrying Sonic to victory.

"But, because my hydrophobia was at its worse, I flailed and made Ka and I topple over!"

Sheut flattened his ears, not liking where this was going. In fact, the entire table went silent -- king, princes, nobles, servants, even the musicians quieted down -- and listening with anticipation.

"Splash! Right into the water! I start kicking and screaming and swallowing so much sea water," Sonic gagged. "Ka tried to help but, oops, too scared. So, who comes to my rescue but Sha--"

A pair of tiny hands smack the table repeatedly. Little Sa'adah was bored, cheeks puffed out. "Dessert! Dessert! Dessert!"

"Shhhh, Sa'adah--" But Sobek was too late.

Sheut lightly frowned, seeing Sonic awkwardly smile at all the eyes on him.

"W-wow," Sonic laughed nervously. "Haha, uhm, jeez, havent had a captive audience in so long!"

"Merely intrigued, your highness," Said a noble, boldly. "It is not every day we hear stories of the afterlife."

"Oh, well, mine was pretty happy," Sonic thought for a few moments, then nodded. "Yeah, yeah, happy. I had my siblings, my moms, the best friends in the whole wide world! I couldn't ask for anything better."

"And...your husband?" Sheut didn't mean to sound so pitiful, nor give as big of puppy-eyes. 

Sonic froze, looking panicked. "Right...about that..."

"We're not married in the afterlife?" Sheut asked, clutching the chest fur over his heart. It cracked. He could feel it.

"Uhm...no, not married..." Sonic held up his hands. "But! But we knew each other! I mean, we fought a lot, and argued a bunch, oohh, and there's all the time we called each other faker. Get it? Because we're both hedgehogs and--"

"I hurt you?"

Sonic blinked. "I mean, nothing permanent. I heal quick, Sheut, and it wasn't even you--"

"No," Sheut hung his head, ashamed. "Just a version of me that loved causing you pain."

"...Sheut, hey, I wasn't innocent either. I loved taunting you and teasing you," Sonic tried smiling, taking Sheut's hands as they shook. "And we weren't enemies for long! After, we became rivals, and then friendly rivals, then friends! Well, at least I saw you as a friend..."

"And there was nothing passed that?" 

"Well... no, you-- no... that version of you, he..." Sonic searched for the right words. "Just didn't like me."

All of the desert could hear Sheut's heart shatter like glass.

Including Sonic. "Hey, it's okay--"

"How is it possibly okay?!" Sheut growled, more at himself than Sonic. "What God cursed you into remembering me as your tormenter?!"

"Sheut, please..." Sonic squeezed Sheut's hands. "Just listen to me."

That's all he wanted to do. 

"So what if we never got past the friend stage when here, we're at the married stage?" Sonic had nothing but sincerity in his emerald green eyes. "We still made each other better even if the method was, uh, unconventional. You were still part of my life-- er, afterlife. Even the gods couldn't keep us apart. That just means we're soulmates!"

"...soulmates?"

"Yeah, you know, two people who's souls are intertwined beginning, present, and end--" Sonic flinched when the breakfast table gasped. 

Right, there were other people here. Very nosy people.

"I believe breakfast is over," Sobek stood. "Thank you all for spending the dawn with us and, please, see yourselves out. Ibis, it's time for lessons."

Ibis nodded and stood, Sa'adah following suit. 

Before leading the boys out, Sobek set a hand on Sheut's shoulder. A firm warning but also a gentle understanding. When Sheut nodded, only then did Sobek leave.

Then, it was Sheut and Sonic. 

It really paid to be friends with royalty.

"Irtyu," Sheut glanced around to confirm they were really alone, then whispered regardless. "Sonic..."

"Please don't be mad at me--"

"No, no, never, I am..." Sheut brought Sonic's hand up to his muzzle, sighing softly as he leaned the the palm. He should be angry, and he was, but all Sheut can think of is how to change fate. "Merely startled... and I want to apologize. Whether it was because of my actions beforehand, or because the gods are cruel, I want to apologize for my behavior in the Afterlife."

"Oh...oh, Sheut, you don't--" Sonic weakly laughed. "I don't think anyone is to blame for Shadow--"

"Shadow..." Sheut shut his eyes. "That's why you looked so...surprised when you first saw me, and why you shoved me away when I kissed you. Hah... and I thought it was because I forgotten to ask."

"You asked to kiss me--?"

"Every time," Sheut glanced down to Sonic's lips before quickly correcting himself. "And...now I know it is not a matter of question. Have I been moving too fast? Have I been too touchy?"

"Actually..." Sonic glanced away. "I, kinda, really like affection. It's just a lil weird when you look like you-- not! Not in a bad way, you're very handsome, actually really handsome, but it's still..."

Sheut nodded. "I understand."

"It's like watching your rival-slash-friend-slash-crush go from wanting to prove he's better than you at everything... to pretty hunk pharaoh who wants nothing but my happiness."

There were several words Sheut didn't quite understand, but he nodded along anyways. "If you'll allow me... may I prove my love?"

"I think you already do," Sonic's cheeks turned red. "I, uhm, actually need something else?"

"You sound unsure."

"Because I don't like asking things of people, especially when you're so infatuated... it feels like I'm taking advantage of that..." 

Sheut furrowed his brows. "You could ask me to give up my place as pharaoh and I would, without hesitation."

"...that's not as comforting as you think," Sonic's ears flattened. "I just... if you can't do it, that's okay, but I think it's why I was sent here? I mean, maybe it's less of the end goal and more of the getting there goal, but, uh--"

"Breathe..."

"I need help finding someone..." Sonic bit his cheek. "I wanted to ask later but... there's someone really important to me in the afterlife. He's like my little brother and I basically raised him, right?"

"You want to find him," Whoever this little brother was, surely Sheut would be able to find him.

Sonic nodded. "He's a little yellow, two-tailed fox. I'm in my twenties so he's about early-teens. Very smart. Like, super smart! His name is Miles, but we call him Tails... actually, that might not help here."

"I know of rumors of a two-tailed fox..." Sheut said, clicking his tongue. "It was seasons ago, during a harvest celebration. I overheard Ib and Natron discussing a two-tailed fox they seen, unsure of who he was or if he was a servant to someone."

Thinking back on it now... that was the party before the Red Plague began.

Sheut didn't like his next thoughts. They were cruel to think of a person never met, much less a teenager, but it wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility. A strange fox, unseen before, now invading a party, and suddenly there's sickness spreading.

Sickness that killed the love of his life.

Sheut inhaled sharply, chastising himself. No, he told himself, he will be rational and mature, take a page from Sobek. "I'll inform Sobek to look for your fox friend. When we return home, I will tell our viziers the same."

"Thank you, so much," Sonic hesitated, then pressed a chaste kiss to the corner of Sheut's lips. "It means a lot to me."

Boldly, Sheut leaned over. "You mean everything to me."

"Sheut..." Sonic turned away. "I am not...me. I'm not a queen or even remember how to be one, I don't know anything about your kingdom, this life, I am... I'm not the hedgehog you're in love with... and I know I never will be... it's not fair to you to pretend..."

The pharaoh stared at his queen with a heartbroken expression. Sheut didn't know how long his wife was struggling with this cruelty but, be it a hundred years or less than a second, it was far too long. He was only glad they could communicate now. However, for this, Sheut only needed to ask.

"Sonic... may I kiss you?"

There was fear and nervousness and hesitation in Sonic's eyes. An answer balanced on the edge of his lips but too nervous to voice it.

Instead, Sonic nodded.

Sheut poured every ounce of love and admiration into the kiss. It was gentle, of course, nothing but considerate and practiced. Years of experience, memories, soul went into showing Sonic exactly how loved he is.

It was Sonic who deepened the kiss, and who was Sheut to deny his queen?

Only when Sonic needed to pull away, breathing heavily, did Sheut relent. He connected their foreheads, rubbing the low of Sonic's back to comfort him. He made sure his love was okay, pressing simple kisses to Sonic's cheek and jaw.

"Easy," Sheut whispered. "Breathe."

"Ki--hah--kiss-?"

"Of course--" Truth be told, Sheut forgot what it was liked to be loved too. He had his friends, some he would consider family, but, in his grief, Sheut let himself go numb. He was not himself without Sonic's love, his smile. For a moment, as he lifted Sonic onto the table, Sheut wondered if this was his blessing or his curse.

What would he do when Sonic had to die again? Because, as much as he liked to deny it, Sonic was not a demigod like Sheut.

"Uncle! Uncle!"

Sheut and Sonic quickly separated as Sa'adah raced into the room, Sobek and Ibis at his heels, guards following in tow.

"What's happening?" Sheut asked, unfortunately annoyed. But, it quickly went away when a scared Sa'adah pulled on his arm.

"Smoke! Lots of it!" 

Ibis picked up Sa'adah,  hugging him tight with a shushing motion.

"Sobek--"

The Nile King heaved. "The... there's black smoke-- your kingdom, Sheut-- there's a fire!--"

Before Sheut could react, Sonic was racing out.

Sheut shook his head, focusing. "Get my guards and send them home. I need to get back--"

"Go!" Sobek shouted. "I'll handle everything here!"

Sheut nodded, taking off after Sonic. He sprinted, trying to catch up with his queen, but didn't need to. Sonic waited for him, staring at the black smoke infecting the sky. 

"The kingdom, it's..." Sonic glanced behind as Sheut joined his side. 

"Burning," Sheut growled. "We have to hurry. Just run and if I fall behind, I'll be by your side eventually."

Sonic nodded and took off, Sheut following behind. 

How could this have happened? Was it an accident? Intentional? So many homes were made of mud bricks and sandstone, but Sheut feared the straw and wood would cause all of it to collapse. That and many on the outskirts had basic tents -- cloth and sticks -- as their home. Those would go up in flames in seconds. 

Sheut didn't panic as he lost sight of Sonic. He leveled his breathing as he sprinted. He would only be a minute behind, maybe two, and Sonic can handle himself. Sheut had to remember that. His queen wasn't helpless. Sonic would run when he saw a fight and then Sheut can handle it--

The outskirts were ash by the time Sheut arrived, the people all being taunted and made entertainment by the scorpions who invaded. They threw sand and kicked and threatened with their tails, laughing at how the people cowarded. 

It pissed Sheut off.

Before the pharaoh could strike, however, a flash of blue knocked one scorpion over the head. Then another, and another, a bouncing ball of energy passing back and forth from each target. Only when all the nearby foes were defeat did Sonic uncurled, landing on his feet in front of the victims.

"Are you okay?" Sonic asked immedietly. When the little family nodded, Sonic pointed. "Get to the palace, Vizier Natron and Myrrh will take care of you."

As the family ran, Sonic turned around. Sheut followed, glaring at the approaching army of scorpion mobians and their ugly pets.

"Must be the second wave," Sheut concluded.

"I sent Ka and Ib to rally all the guards," Sonic said, settling back into a runner's stance. "Ren is taking care of the fire."

"I didn't know you knew how to fight," Sheut mused, himself settling into a fighter's stance.

"Well, there's a lot you don't know about me~" Sonic teased. Even during great tragedy, Sonic can find a way to see light. "Bet I can take down more enemies than you."

"What does the winner get?"

"Winner's choice?"

"Deal, we--" But Sonic already raced away. "Hey!"

"Too slow~!"

Too slow? Too slow?!

Oohhhh, Sheut's going in with a mission now.

It wasn't a gruesome fight. A bit comical, actually. There was no bloodshed, although Sheut considered it, only a swift ass-beating for everyone in the invading army. Bruises were the worst of it, even after being thrown and kicked and pinched by their own stingers.

Sonic kept using his, what he called, spin dash. It was very effective, especially to hit enemies while dodging their tails. Sheut settled for his fists, his curiosity ever growing however.

"Hey, Sheut," Sonic said when the two fell back to back. 

"Yes, my love?" Sheut answered, grabbing scorpion mobian by their arm before flinging them into the distance. 

Sonic punched another one, sending them stumbling back. "Wanna spin dash?"

"Love--" Sheut's eyes narrowed, seeing a larger pet try to strike. Sheut grabbed Sonic, pulling his queen away and landing into a dip. "I don't believe I can."

"Sure you can!" Back on his feet, Sonic quickly counted the enemies approaching. Several were backing off, however. "You just need to curl and keep going until you're ready to stop!"

To demonstrate, Sonic spin-dashed and circled around Sheut in a wide loop, knocking over several scorpions. Then, satisfied, Sonic uncurled and posed on his side, head held up by his hand.

"You are a miracle," Sheut teased, then glanced around. "Alright. It'll save us time if I learn."

"Don't worry, I'll get you started," Sonic got up, barely dodging a stinger strike, then set his hand on Sheut's quills. "Remember, tuck in your limbs, don't overthink it, and to stop, dig your heels into the ground while you untuck. Okay? GO!"

"Sonic--" But his queen had already launched him forward. Not wanting to look a fool, Sheut quickly tucked and followed instructions. He will say, this strange move was relatively easy to control, even as he bobbed and weaved through enemies too terrified to get in his way.

Unstoppable object. Immovable force.

Sheut landed on his feet -- somehow -- when he uncurled, adjusting his golden bracelets as he watched, with glee, as the remaining army retreated. They dragged away as many of their allies as they could, but Sheut knew they needed to keep one. So, he stood over a knocked out scorpion mobian, arms crossed. The others backed off and ran away, leaving the poor mobian behind. 

"Woo!" Sonic threw his hands in the air. "Take that, jerks! And don't come back until you have a real challenge for us!"

"Irtyu--"

"Right. I mean, don't come back at all!"

Sheut shook his head, amused, then glanced at the sky. "Seems they handled the fires."

"Yknow," Sonic jutted out his hip, setting a hand on it. "It's probably not coincidence that a fire started as the scorpions did."

"Scorpions don't live in the kingdom," Sheut said, scoffing. "Not many, anyways."

Sonic narrowed his eyes at Sheut. "Firstly, we can't assume it's a scorpion just because the invaders are all scorpions. Secondly, it's not out of the realm of possibility that there's insiders already in the kingdom. They'd have an easier time starting a fire than having one of them sneak in."

" ..right," Sheut sighed. "We need to investigate the scene."

"Right!...uh-" Sonic pointed at the mobian. "What do we do with that guy?"

Sheut flicked his ears, then lifted the mobian onto his shoulder. "Guards are down the street, we meet them halfway."

"Got it, let's go," Sonic followed Sheut the entire way, entirely on guard. 

Sheut mused how his love became a fighter in the afterlife. He was impressed, among other things, and, when he searched for it, Sheut found the makings of a fighter. Strong legs, lean arms, calloused paw pads, those quick eyes that scanned everything. Still a messenger, but adapted.

Beautiful...

"Your majesty," The Sphinx cat knelt, their twin doing the same. "We've come to fetch you. The fire has been contained and there are no casualties. A few have been injured but the worst is a third degree burn."

Sheut nodded. "Is everyone at the palace?"

"Yes, your majesty," Said the Sphinx, their twin nodding. "Vizier Natron and his husband are handling the situation. Doctors have been called as well."

"Good," Sheut handed over the scorpion. "Interogate him when he wakes up. I want answers."

"Yes, your majesty--"

"Hey," Sonic interuppted. "Aren't you the two who harassed the outskirters?"

The twins faces dropped.

"Elaborate, my love," Sheut said. "...please."

"Yeah, yeah you were the two!" Sonic jabbed his thumb at the pair. "They came to the outskirts on the day I showed up. They started hissing and the one on the right was showing off their spear! If I didn't intervened, I'm sure they would've hurt somebody!"

Sheut stared at Sonic, then glared at the twins. "I will deal with you two later. For now, take this one for questioning."

As the two Sphinxs scrambling to get up, Sheut nodded to the other guards. The highest ranking -- a scorpion, funnily enough -- nodded and led the two away, alongside the battalion.

"Come on," Sonic took Sheut's hand. "We have to check on Ren! And the others!"

"They must be at the palace by now," Sheut said, happily being dragged along. "The fire went out before the fight was over."

"Let's go! Hang on tight because you're about to get a ride from-..." Sonic trailed off, staring into the distance.

Confused, Sheut followed Sonic's gaze, finding two figures perched on a home. Overlooking the damage, so their positions told, was a two-tailed, yellow fox and a bulky creature made of sandstone. 

Sheut's ears flattened, his fur and quills bristling. "A golem master--"

Sonic, however, smiled. "Tails!"

The fox's ears twitched toward Sonic and, when the teen looked, he froze.

"Tails! Hey!" Sonic waved, racing up a building to stanf on a roof.

"Irtyu, wait!" Sheut growled. "That's not--"

"Shen, run!" 

"Tails! Omega! Wait!" 

"Irtyu!" Sheut sprinted into action, grabbing onto Sonic before the blue hedgehog could give chase. The pharaoh watched, hissing, as the fox and golem jumped off the roof and ran away. 

Sonic struggled. "Wait! Let me go, Sheut! That's Tails! That's my little buddy!"

"You didn't tell me he was a golem master!" Sheut pinned Sonic down to get him to stop wiggling. "If you run after him, who knows what he will get that thing to do to you!"

"But that's Tails--"

"I'd rather die than let you get hurt again!" 

Sonic stared, eyes wide with panic. 

Sheut paused, his quills and fur smoothing out as he forced himself to calm down. Carefully, he pulled back, letting go of Sonic. "I--I'm sorry, I... I'm sorry..."

Sonic slowly sat up, rubbing his wrists. "I'm okay, Sheut--"

"I'm sorry..." Sheut repeated, softly. "I'm suppose to be better than the afterlife... did... did I hurt you?"

"Nah, just scared me a bit. Sometimes I forget you're stronger than me..."

"I... I am so sorry..."

"I'm okay, I forgive you," Sonic looked around before huffing. "At least I saw Tails. That means he's around here somewhere!"

"And dangerous," Sheut reminded. He refused to raise his voice. "Please, be careful if you find him again."

Sonic flopped backwards, groaning. "Right..."

Sheut took a deep breath, calming down his heart. He was ashamed of himself, snapping so suddenly and at his wife. Of all people, his wife?! He must've lost his head.

Looking down, Sonic gave Sheut a tired smile. It didn't ease Sheut as much as he wanted it to. 

"Come on..." Sonic nudged him. "I'll find him again. Let's check on the gang."

"...yes," Sheut muttered. "Of course, my dear."

Twice. Twice today Sheut had yelled at his queen. 

Sheut wondered, as he and Sonic made their way back to the palace, if he was becoming himself from the afterlife.

Notes:

Hope this is longer ehsksbsjjs

Also yall, my dumbass forgot what each name meant lmao
I mistaken Ren for Ba (bc I kept switching back and forth which one I wanted to use for Ren, then considered her backatory lmao)
Basically, Sheut, Ka, Ib, and Ren are parts of the concept of the soul, right?
Sheut - the shadow
Ka - the "life force"
Ren - the True Name
Ib - the heart
(There is also Ba, the personality and Ahk, the immortal spirit)
There's nine of these soul parts, I just wanted to use the 5-)

Natron and Myrrh are named after objects used in mummification
Nateon being the salt used to dry out the bodies and Myrrh being one of the herbs used for embalming

Sobek is named after the god
Ibis is the messenger bird for Thoth
And Sa'adah means happiness and fortune (I can't just outright name his ass Moses, that's too heavy handed /silly)

....and don't worry about why Omega is called Shen♡

Chapter 9

"REEEEENNNN--" Sonic sobbed, hugging the poor bat as she laid in bed. 

When Sonic and Sheut arrived at the palace, they headed to the throne room. Ib and Ka had beat them, the pair managing to lead a majority of the army on the first wave of scorpion thugs. They retreated to the palace after, assisting where they could. Natron and Myrrh were guiding the doctors and tending to the people. There was only one third degree burn.

It was an accident, a misstep on her part but one too serious. She had stepped into pure flame, suffering  third degree that licked up to her thigh. Thankfully, the rest of her was okay, although smaller burns speckled her beautiful skin and wings. It was nothing that wouldn't heal, but her leg...

"I'm okay, your highness," Ren promised, patting Sonic's head. "I might not walk for a while, according to the doctor, but as long as I heal and rest, I'll be okay. Besides, flying is more my style anyways."

"But you're hurt!" Sonic kept sobbing. He felt truly awful. No, it was worse than that. He felt responsible. "I could've helped or not fool around so much in battle and... and..."

"You're crying like I'm dying, Irtyu," Ren gently teased. "The gods won't take me until they decide who wants to deal with my gorgeous behind. Besides, you can't get rid of me that easily."

Sonic wiped his eyes. "But I could've helped or... or done something else-- I'm the fastest thing alive, surely I could've... you're one of my best friends and I can't let anything happen to you--"

"You didn't," Ren promised. She smiled, gently, then snorted and shoved Sonic away. "Now quit crying, your highness, our men are glaring--"

"Eh?" Sonic looked back and laughed nervously, seeing Ka and Sheut stare. "Oops..."

Ka's glaring was full of jealousy, a drive to protect, even against the queen. Anything if it meant Ren was safe. Sheut's, however, was of sorrowful resignment, as if he already lost.

"Sheut..." Sonic pouted. 

Ren scoffed. "Boys, come over here."

Drawn to obey, Ka did so, taking a knee beside the bed. Sheut's quills bristled, half surprised and half offended that Ren would even try to command him.

Sonic held out his hand. "...please?"

Sheut hesitated, then went over. Sonic smiled when Sheut took his hand, nothing but gentle, as if afraid to break him. Sonic squeezed his hand at this. 

"Talk later?" Sonic asked. "Maybe in bed...?"

Sheut blushed, eyes slightly going wide as he nodded.

"Cool," Sonic kissed Sheut's cheek. "We can do that."

Sonic couldn't tell you when he decided to embrace it -- the love, the marriage, everything -- but he's finding it way more enjoyable. He knew Shadow would kick his ass but, hey, Sonic can enjoy a fantasy and still respect the real thing. Plus, this was reality to Irtyu and Sonic was sure, once he left, Irtyu would take his place again. King Arthur did in Camelot, surely it would be the same here.

"Oh, so lovely," Ren cooed. "My favorite royal couple."

Ka tucked himself into Ren's side, gruffing in agreement. The poor warrior, terrified about his princess. He only relaxed when Ren scratched the spot between his eyes. He was done for then. 

"Ohh, silly warrior," Ren smiled, then waved her free hand at Sonic and Sheut. "You two go check on the others. I'll be fine with my big man here."

"Are you sure?" Sonic asked. 

"I'm sure."

Sonic nodded, guiding Sheut over to Ib next, as she was the closest. 

"And double up patrols, switch every half-hour instead of hour. We can't allow any threats to get into the kingdom." Ib sent off the guards, then quickly bowing her head when she noticed Sheut and Sonic. "Forgive me, your majesty, I should've asked first... I've been commanding the army so long, I--"

"No," Sheut said. "Thank you, truly."

"Why isn't Ka running the army?" Sonic asked. "Not that I don't doubt you do a good job, he's just called the Warrior Vizier--"

Ib smiled. "Ka is better at being a warrior than a leader, at no fault of his own. It's hard to lead when you've grown up alone..."

"Oh--... I'm sorry..."

"Nonsense, your highness," Ib insisted. She gave Sonic an apologetic look, knowing he didn't like the title. However, Sonic understood they were among the public. She had to be formal. "You're getting your memories back slowly, relearning. I cannot take offense to it."

Sonic nodded. "Thank you... do you use your dagger for combat?"

Ib laughed. "Oh heavens, no! I've something much better."

"Color me intrigued!"

"I'll show you some time, I swear on my honor as your well-respectable priestess," Ib gently patted Sonic's arm. "Are you two okay? How did the fight go--? Thetmoses said the fight was over by the time they arrived."

Sonic beamed with pride. "There is nothing me and Sheut can't handle together!"

Sheut couldn't help but smile, though he hid it in his shoulder.

"That's good," Ib did a quick check-over to make sure. "I'd still check in with Natron. I don't know if you remember, but he is the best doctor this side of the desert."

"Yeah..." Sonic huffed. "Figures..."

"Go," Ib subtly glared.

"Okay! Okay!"

Sonic wasn't looking forward to it. He's seen a lot of terrifying and weird stuff, but he still didn't want to trust Natron. The man was wearing Eggman's face, Sonic's mortal enemy, and that is not something Sonic can easily forget. It was right in front of him!

Still, he approached Natron, silently watching as the human tended to a jerboa mobian. It was strange, seeing Eggman being gentle to something he'd consider nothing more than a rodent. However, Natron was fixing up a broken arm with nothing but kindness and precision, Myrrh at his side with all the tools needed. 

"There we go!" Natron declared. "Let that heal and try not to get it wet,  the padding will dissolve. It might set wrong if moved too, so make sure to be careful when sleeping. I recommend on your back, slightly elevated if possible. But, if not, laying on your side opposite the broken arm should work too."

"Thank you," The jerboa smiled, although strained. They were in pain still but then Myrrh offered a spoonful of odd paste. Once consumed, the jerboa relaxed. "Ooh-- Thank you."

"My husband's recipe!" Natron boasted, a proud grin stretching from cheek to cheek. "They always say I'm the medicine vizier but Myrrh knows his way around remedies!"

Myrrh nodded, nuetral as always.

"That should last until the pain subsides. Next, please!"

If Sonic shuddered hearing Eggman say please -- and not sarcastically -- that was for him to know and everyone else too. 

"Your majesty, your highness, you're alright!" Natron sounded far too genuine about their safety. "I heard you two bravely fought off an army together. How romantic. Why, it reminds me of the time Myrrh and I completed our first mummification together!"

Sonic would not comment. "So, you're... helping people?"

"Cleaning up all the wounds I can," Natron explained. He guided a gerbil mobian to sit on the cot in front of him, taking a look at their poor baby. "My team is small but we are efficient. I'm sure we can look at everyone by nightfall-- ooh, Myrrh, can you hand me--"

Before the doctor could finish, Myrrh handed over a small cup with a greenish-white salve inside.

"Yes, thank you," Natron gently spread some of the salve onto a small burn on their head, then bandaged it up. "Alright, it should heal within a few days. You can change the bandages once a day if he fusses, but any more and the healing balm won't soak in."

"Thank you," Said the gerbil, nodding with gratitude before walking off.

"Where was I?" Natron hummed. "Oh! Yes, yes, the battle! Is there any news on the ruffians who caused such commotion?"

"We have a lead," Sheut replied. There was a look in his eyes, one that left Sonic worried. It was a look that new more than letting on, consideration to say such. Would Sheut say anything about Tails and Omega? Surely his little buddy couldn't be responsible, Sheut must know this too. "But not much else until the prisoner awakens."

Sonic held in his sigh of relief. 

Natron nodded. "Don't fret, your majesty. We've bested plenty worse and came out stronger! This time shall be no different!"

"...wow," Sonic snorted. "This... is so weird for me..."

"Oh... yes... the afterlife was not too kind with my image," Natron's expression fell. "I apologize for such, your highness."

"...no," Sonic said, purposely lowering his guard. "No, it's not fair to you. I'm sorry I've been on edge. It's not your fault."

"Still, I know we've butted head before, argued plenty...  there are things I've done and said I've regret, even before your passing...perhaps that is why we are enemies in another life," Natron offered his hand. "If you are willing, I'd like to start fresh. Make amends and all that."

Sonic hesitated.

This... was stupid, right? To trust any variation of Eggman was suicide, right? Just begging to be betrayed. But, at the same time, doesn't everyone deserve another chance? Sonic hasn't met Natron before, at least as himself, surely he could give the guy a first chance.

Before Sonic could stop himself, he shook Natron's hand. 

"You won't be disappointed, your highness."

Sonic nodded. "I hope not."

He won't be surprised if he is.

Sonic glanced at Myrrh, awkwardly smiling. He didn't know anything about this guy. Sure, Eggman wasn't the only human, but Sonic never seen this one before. He didn't have anything to base him off and that, itself, made Sonic nervous. 

"My husband doesn't talk much," Natron explained. "He means the world to me, though."

Myrrh nodded, leaning down to whisper in Natron's ear.

Whatever it was, it made the doctor blush. "Myrrh!"

And yet, Myrrh smiled in satisfaction, standing straight once more.

"Cool, you keep doing what you're doing-- yep--" Sonic started speed-walking away, officially scarred for life. 

He'd be very happy to never know what was said. Thank you and goodnight.

Actually, not goodnight, because Sonic wanted to help. Sheut wanted to as well, following Sonic as he went to the kitchen. Sonic knew his way around food, as much as his friends teased him that he didn't. True, he ordered out way too much and tried to keep dinner simple for him and Tails back home, but Sonic needed to make food since he was little.

Sonic heaved as he pushed a giant cauldron onto a fire outside, Sheut helping add every bit of water they could find. Although, the pharaoh was curious as to why.

"Soup," Sonic answered, grabbing meat and vegetables from the kitchen. He washed the vegetables in a seperate bowl, then began to slice. "Grab some spices for me, please? I need about a tablespoon of each."

Long before he was a hero, when it was only him, Sonia, and Manic against the world, Sonic learned quickly how to be a parent. He worked off the books and scavenged when he couldn't work. He skipped meals and made do, just so Sonia and Manic could eat.

Sheut brought each of the spices, filling up individual cups of each, hoping it was whatever a tablespoon was. Sonic smiled, adding the vegetables and the spices as the water began to lightly bubble.

Sonic learned to sew as well, so he could fix any holes in clothes, or their blankets, or the old toys they managed to grab. It was like cooking, in a sense, but Sonic couldn't tell you how. 

"Stir, please," Sonic handed Sheut a spoon he took from the kitchen. "Slowly, in an infinite loop de loop."

"What?"

Sonic demonstrated, moving the spoon in a figure eight before handing it to Sheut, who copied without issue.

Y'know, thinking about it now, Sonic wondered if that is why he was an adventurous spirit. He'd never blame Sonia or Manic -- never ever -- and especially not Tails when the little guy joined them. It all just made Sonic wonder if he chased more thrills than certainty because of the parental role he had to take.

At least Sonic knew how to cook, he guessed. It didn't really feel like a prize. He could sew but he wasn't really doing anything with it, unlike Sonia. She was better at it anyways. Sonic was good with kids!... but he was a kid too when he learned.

"Okay, now," Sonic threw in the chunks of meat. "We wait."

Sheut nodded. "You haven't cooked in a long time."

"I haven't--?" 

"No," Sheut said, humming. "I knew you were good but you were so happy to never do it again."

Sonic blinked. "Wow, heh, must've found it a chore here--"

"You often insisted otherwise," Sheut looked up at Sonic. "But I think raising Zahri and Wadj exhausted you more than you wanted to admit..."

"Zahri and Wadj...?" 

"Your siblings."

"Right, right," Sonic huffed. "Yeah, it was tiring but they're my siblings..."

"You can be tired and still love somebody," Sheut paused. "Not that I'm tired of you--"

"Aaww, I heart you too, Sheut," Sonic made a heart with his hands.

Sheut blushed. "Even after..."

"Yes, you big goof," Sonic smiled as genuinely as he could. "You know couples fight, right? They make mistakes but it's only when we try to learn that it's love worth keeping. I mean, I don't kno--I don't remember how to be a good wife or a queen or any of that--"

"You exist," Sheut interrupted. "That is enough for me."

"Uhuh, sure, and it's totally not because I have a gorgeous ass," Sonic teased. And if he was trying to move the conversation away from his siblings, that's only for him to know. 

It wasn't that he had a bad relationship with Sonia and Manic, it... it had been a long time since he seen them. 

"Shush, temptress," Sheut blushed. 

"Temptress?!" Sonic laughed. "Who are you calling a temptress?!"

"My wife," Sheut had this smug, self-satisfied smirk on his face. "Have you heard of him? Beautiful blue quills, peach fur soft as silk, these emerald eyes that glow with determination--"

"Okay, okay, you made your point!" Sonic snickered, even as his cheeks burned. "Y'know, can I ask something?"

"Mm."

"Why me?"

Sheut paused, then glanced at Sonic. "Elaborate, please."

"Well, you're a total sweetheart, protective, a fierce warrior, a gentle presence, and you're hot as well so..." Sonic gestured to himself. "Why me? You could have anyone here and it was me."

Sheut thought for a moment, then shut his eyes. He smiled, chuckling. "You insulted me."

"What?!"

"It was my fault," Sheut explained, his smile turning loving. "I had stepped on a toy during my trip to visit the outskirts. It was an old cloth doll made of torn fabric scrap, had a scarf with two ends too. Who comes to yell at me but a lovely blue hedgehog with a big mouth."

Sonic stared. "And you liked that?"

"You called me...what was it... oh, yes, a blind, no-good rat nest."

"...i was expecting worse."

"I've been insulted before, backstabbed, betrayed, everything you'd expect from being a young pharaoh... but my people, they loved me or they feared me. No one would say anything bad to my face," Sheut looked at Sonic. "But then there was you, telling me exactly how it was. You had no fear, defending something as innocuous as a child's toy from the most powerful man in Egypt."

"You just said that to boost your own ego, but continue."

"That!" Sheut laughed. "You were honest with me. You told me when I did wrong. You told me when I did right. From there? It was merely a matter of gaining your approval. I chased it. I craved it."

"Oh...wow--"

"I asked you if you approved of me one night," Sheut started slowing his stirring. "You asked what I was talking about and I told you everything. When I was done pouring my heart out to you, you snorted and said, and I will quote this, why, your majesty, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were proposing to me. So, I did."

Sonic blinked slowly. 

"I asked to kiss you and you agreed," Sheut relished the memory. There was warmth in Sheut's features now, like feeling the sun caress his face. "...oh-- goodness, I've been talking forever now. Is the soup ready?"

Sonic glanced at the cauldron, nodding. "Yeah-- it's good."

"Let's feed the people, then."

Sonic is learning way too much today, he swears. 

Thankfully, the soup went over good with everyone. Sonic worried he overdid the spices but was relieved when dinner was enjoyed nonetheless. A few dedicated their meals to the viziers, their generosity and kindness unwavering in the face of adversity. Others prayed to the gods to bless the meal and their lives, even including Sheut's health in their prayer, the revival of a great king.

The rest, who weren't silent, raised their bowls and cups to Sonic. If not to pray for the return of their queen, then to thank him for his food and his unending dedication to the people, bettering their lives, and being unapologetic in doing so.

If Sonic accomplished nothing else today, or during his entire time in the book, he would still be happy with what he did.

...although, Sonic did find it interesting they met over a little doll with a two-end scarf.

Because Tails has a doll just like that.

Notes:

Just the aftermath sorry♡

Chapter 10

It is not every day that Shadow is woken up by the cheerful, far-too-intelligent for his own good fox. Even less would he be coming to Shadow, panicking as he shook the hedgehog-alien hybrid like a child waking up from a nightmare. 

At first, Shadow growled in warning, tucking himself further under his covers. It wasn't until Tails started ranting and raving that Shadow realized that fox was in his bedroom. Only then did Shadow sit up, annoyed and wishing to still be asleep. He glared at Tails, a deep snarl boiling in his chest.

Then, Shadow paused. 

Tails had wide eyes, full of fear and tears that fell down his cheeks. The fox had a tight grip on Shadow's arm as if it was a lifeline, shaking uncontrollably. Shadow took a deep breath, counted to ten, and patted the spot next to him.

"What's wrong?" Shadow asked as Tails climbed up. He noticed the fox was hugging onto a ratty doll with a double-ended scarf. "Second, where's Sonic."

"I--... he's..." Tails covered his face. "I was hanging out with Cream and when I got home, Sonic was sleeping, but that was two days ago and he won't wake up, and his heart stopped for five whole minutes today, and I didn't know what to do because Amy is visiting Blaze and Knuckles is with the emerald and I can't contact them and, and, and--"

"Shhh... breathe," Shadow wiped away Tails's tears. "In...out... there we go..."

Tails sniffled. "I-I didn't know what else to do..."

For all his intelligence, Shadow often forgot Tails was still a child. One who could be alone but one who preferred not to be alone. Curse that stupid blue hedgehog. What mindless adventure did he get himself into to be in a coma? Didn't he think about Tails at all?

Tch, idiot, now Shadow had to be responsible.

Shadow sighed, getting up. "Come on, let's figure this out together."

"Really?!"

"Don't push your luck," Shadow threw on a jacket and some gloves and set a hand on Tails shoulder. "If you get sick, aim away from me."

"Chaos Control?" Tails asked, eyes lighting up with stars.

"Your enthusiasm disgusts me," Shadow said, meaning it as a joke. However, when Tails frown, Shadow scoffed. "But yes, Chaos Control--"

Wait-- shit--

Well, his aim was off, but, thankfully, they still ended up in front of Sonic and Tails's house. Shadow played it off as intentional, dusting himself off as he followed the scurrying fox inside. Shadow cringed, seeing the house in such a miserable state. Things were knocked over and oil was spilled on the carpet, dishes stacked in the sink while the vacuum was discarded in the corner, the bag evidently blown up.

"...what the hell--?" Now Shadow wasn't one to judge -- okay, that's a lie -- but living with Rouge, who's 'too pretty' to clean when she can get away with it, and Omega, who doesn't understand why it matters, this could not be how Sonic let his little brother lives. In mess and destruction? Shadow thought better of the idiot.

"I...tried being Sonic..." Tails admitted, tails tucked around his feet. "But the vacuum blew up and we're out of dish soap and--"

"And you're watching him," Shadow sighed. "Alright, I'll take care of that later. Show me the blue fool."

Sonic's bedroom was exactly how Shadow imagined it; childish. Bookshelves filled with comics and action figures, desk all strewn with art supplies and a too-full corkboard of sketchbook pages, and not to mention all the movie posters aligned on the wall. Finally, laying on the bed on a blanket of blue, was Sonic. The hedgehog was laying on his back, eyes shut gently as if he hadn't slept for a couple days, and a book flat against his chest. 

Shadow went to Sonic's side, studying Sonic closely. When Shadow found no signs of distress, he turned to the book. The blue beetle print was glossy, pressed against the cover and, Shadow mused, hovering above Sonic's heart. 

"What are you doing, hedgehog..." Shadow murmured, tracing Sonic's cheek before cupping his face. "What stupid adventure are you on...?"

Shadow could only assume it was the book. He'd never seen it in Sonic's collection, nor see the hedgehog read it, so it was the safest conclusion. The next obvious thought was Eggman but, well, Shadow was unsure if Eggman knew how to write compelling novels. Maybe if it was abhorrent like the doctor himself, Shadow could justify Sonic being asleep.

The only way to know is to read it.

"Wait-- don't touch it!" Tails pulled Shadow's hands away. "His heart will stop!"

"What--"

"I... I tried taking it away before..." Tails explained, ears going flat. "I just wanted to scan his heart and then it stopped and I didn't realize it was the book until I put it back on..."

Shadow nodded. "Then I won't move it."

Carefully, Shadow opened up the book, keeping it balanced as he read through it. 

It was... interesting, to say the least.

A historical-fantasy romance about a pharaoh and a queen.  Maybe Shadow had specific taste but starting any book with 'the pharaoh had never been the same since the passing of the queen" bordered on pretentious. He's read better romance starters from teenagers who overused adverbs. 

As he read about the revival of the queen -- a beetle landing on the grave, giving breath to life lost -- Shadow wondered if Sonic often read romances too. He knew Sonic liked comics and manga, and he often "caught" Sonic reading novels when the hedgehog was alone. Shadow always finds it amusing, how Sonic got all flustered and tried hiding the books.

When this was all over, Shadow needed to ask Sonix for another recommendation. He had finished Jane Eyre the other day and--...

That was him.

A beautiful illustration accompanied the next page, at the reunion between pharaoh and queen. However, instead of humans or cat mobians, there were two hedgehogs. The queen was bright blue, eyes of emerald, and forever having a look of determination. The pharaoh, however, was black and red.

"Shadow...?" Tails tried peaking but quickly backed off when Shadow growled. "Is--is everything okay?"

"...yes," Shafow gently shut the book. "It is... odd. He seems to trapped in the book--"

"Oh!" Tails perked up, as if everything was okay. "Wow, Camelot had much more convenient times."

Shadow stared. "Explain yourself."

Tails went over to Sonic's bookshelf, picking up a leather-bound book and bringing it to Shadow. "Sonic told me all about his time in Camelot. I've tried going in myself but it seems only Sonic is able to! Well... not anymore."

"Not anymore?"

"Uhuh, once the story is completed, you can't go back. I mean, we haven't found a way to yet, but..." Tails held up the book to Shadow. "When Sonic was in Camelot, he was in and out in an hour, but it took an entire in-story day for him."

Shadow narrowed his eyes. "Then why is it different for this one...?"

"I don't know!" Tails pouted. He hated not knowing, not being able to figure it out. "It could've been three hours or three years or maybe three hundred! I've tried waking him up -- I've splashed water on his face, kicked him, blasted loud music -- but the only thing that affected him was that book. It... connects to his heart somehow."

"Hm," Shadow thought for a moment. "Maybe it's the genre."

"The genre?" Tails looked at the Arthurian legends, to Shadow, back to the legends, then at Sonic. "Maybe...? But what could a historical-fantasy book do?"

"It's a romance."

"Huh? But it's a fake story during a real time--"

"It," Shadow repeated harshly. "Is a romance... and love affects the heart."

Tails nodded slowly. "Okay..."

Shadow sighed, glancing at Sonic before turning to Tails. "Is he stable?"

Tails nodded.

"Have you eaten yet?"

"I have leftover pizza!"

Shadow was unimpressed. 

"...no, haven't eaten..."

"Okay, come on and let Sonic rest," Shadow took Tails out of the room. "He's capable of solving this on his own."

Tails nodded. "If you say so..."

"Grab a broom," Shadow rolled up his sleeves and went to the sink. "Clean up the vacuum, I'll do the dishes."

Tails playfully saluted and went off. 

Shadow rolled his eyes with a headshake, amused. As he scrubbed the dishes, letting his mind wander, Shadow thought about the illustration. It was... a lot. Not a bad lot. It overwhelmed Shadow, knowing Sonic was on an adventure where Shadow was the love interest. He wondered if Sonic was engaging with the plot, or if the hedgehog was cursing his name.

"Done!" Tails wiped off his hands. "I moved the vacuum to my room to fix it."

Shadow nodded. "Do you have cornstarch or baking soda?"

"Uhhuh," Tails pulled both out from the fridge. "Does it matter which one?"

"I prefer cornstarch," When Tails put the baking soda bake, Shadow motioned his head toward the oil on the carpet. "Put a thick layer on that and leave it for half an hour. After, we'll... vacuum it up, except it's broken--"

"I'll fix it in the meantime!" Tails said, dumping half the container on the oil.

Shadow nodded, not daring to comment. "Get going then."

"On it!"

Shadow watched the fox go, then finished up the dishes and left them on the rack to dry. From there, he organized the house until everything had its space, needing no more than ten minutes to do so. After, Shadow took a gander in the fridge, humming.

There was everything to make chilidogs, of course, like jars of chili peppers and olives. Condiments were in the bottom two drawers while the fruits and vegetables were in the door, oddly enough. The juice and milk were on top shelves, alongside waterbottles, and snacks like string cheese and yogurt. The freezer was stocked too, full of meat and a few unhealthy frozen goods. Pizza and Popsicles, what a winning combo.

At least Sonic went shopping and didn't completely leave Tails defenseless. If it wasn't yesterday, it was definietly the day before. Shadow wondered if that was why he hadn't seen Sonic for a week.

Idiot, missing their weekly race and not even rescheduling. Shadow didn't give Sonic his number for nothing.

Whatever. He'll banter with Sonic as always and they'll move on.

Right now, he had to make breakfast for a picky fox.

Shadow remembered how Sonic would change things to fit Tails's tastes. The fox had safe foods, like Shadow, and always checked beforehand about the menu before heading anywhere. If the fox had nothing, which was rare thankfully, then he ate beforehand or, terribly, didn't eat at all.

The hard part, right now, is that Shadow only vaguely knew the list. He watched Sonic cook before, and pick off stuff for Tails, but nothing concrete. Ugh, Shadow spent too much time defeating family instead of learning about them. Careless mistake, he's discovering now.

Well, eggs were easy, right? And toast with jam, because Shadow doubted the fox would eat it without jam. 

"Prower," Shadow called roughly ten minutes later. "Either come eat or starve."

Tails came bumbling down the stairs, a few bolts stuck in his fur. "Thanks, uh, Shadow--"

"It's not poisoned," Shadow added. "It'd be a waste of good food."

"...uh, okay, wasn't even thinking that..." Tails awkwardly sat at the table, poking at breakfast.

Shadow was pleased with himself. How could Sonic not inform his brother that there was no poison every meal? It was an easy way to build trust, informing allies there was nothing malicious. You don't reveal your intentions to just anybody!

But at least Tails ate. Mission accomplished. 

"I'm going to check on Sonic--"

"Did you ever tell him?" Tails asked, chewing on the fork prongs. 

Shadow huffed. "No, brat..."

"Rude, just asking."

"I am being obvious about it, it is not my fault he can be dense."

Tails rolled his eyes. "Uhuh, sure."

"... I am going to check on Sonic," Shadow waited for Tails to be a smart-ass again but, when the fox was quiet, Shadow went into Sonic's room. 

Shadow went straight for the book, opening it carefully as he did before. He continued to read until his eyes stung -- the reunion, the miscommunication, the travel to the Nile, finally speaking to each other -- and Shadow only stopped when it arrived to the last page. The rest were blank, but the final page was a. Illustration.

A kiss between lovers after the aftermath of a battle, the silent, private affair after locking their wounds clean. Worse yet, the text revealed all the feelings of the blue hedgehog; a crush only fulfilled by fantasy. 

That... blue idiot.

All this time. All this time Shadow was wondering when Sonic would finally make a move, if he would make a move.

Shadow has. Constantly, in fact. 

He has bested Sonic's family a hundred times now, even Sonic himself. To prove he could take care of Sonic and protect him, obviously. And Shadow has always called him an idiot and a faker, teasing banter that always happened in books. He often challenged Sonic and his abilities, all to keep pushing Sonic to be the best he can be. No one believed in Sonic more than Shadow.

Who else can use a fake emerald to boost their chaos energy? Or keep Shadow on his toes at all times? Or find beauty in even the darkest of places?

And for Sonic to assume all of Shadow's efforts was nothing but a rival's taunts...?

Shadow shut the book gently, letting it lie as he pressed his forehead to Sonic's. "Foolish hedgehog, you--... enjoy the book. When you wake up, I'll be here and we talk. Please, let us talk, and when we're done..."

Shadow hesitated. He wasn't sure why. There was no one but him and Sonic, sleeping soundly in a novel of all things.

No. Hesitation, the subtle courting games, are all whh the fantasy continued.

"I'll kiss you like you want me to."

And that was a promise.

Notes:

Uh oh, consequences /silly

Chapter 11

When darkness swallowed the kingdom, there was nothing left to do but exit with grace, dignity, and a last goodnight to the people. Sonic hadn't left the throne room until he was begged to by the people and the viziers; their queen had done so much already, the least they all can offer is a peaceful sleep.

So, Sonic ventured down the corridor to the bedroom. Sheut had left after dinner -- something about contracts and contractors -- so Sonic was hoping the pharaoh would be chased off to bed as well. And if he wasn't, and Sonic was greeted to a lonely bed, then he'll find the office and chase Sheut himself.

Thankfully, Sheut was waiting for him, already undressed door bed. The pharaoh looked...rather nervous, sitting on the bed in a rigid position. He looked more like a soldier being sent to a commander than a husband to his wife.

"Did something happen?" Sonic asked, laughing with as much nervousness. "You look terrified."

"Who won?"

"Wh--Oh--" Sonic blinked. "Oh! The battle, the competition, right, lemme..."

To many of his friends' surprise, Sonic was capable of remembering things in the heat of battle, even if not everything. Sprinting was his normal speed, not walking, so he was able to keep up. Gosh, he missed his friends...

"I think you won," Sonic admitted with a sigh of defeat. "By only one so don't get cocky--"

"The prize is mine?" Sheut asked, eyes lighting up. "It is... Winner's choice of prize?"

"Duh," Sonic teased. As he went to the closest, ready to pick something soft for bed, Sonic heard the bed creak. "So, what did you want? I know a damn good strawberry-cream cake recipe from back ho--"

Gentle arms hugged Sonic from behind, capturing the blue hedgehog in a loving embrace. Sheut rested his head against Sonic's shoulder, humming to acknowledge Sonic's words but not outwardly agree.

Sonic laughed, leaning back into Sheut. "If you wanted a hug, you could've just said so--"

"I want an heir..." 

It was a quiet request, barely a whisper. Still, Sonic heard it and froze, his cheeks turning bright red. Perhaps, on his journey to complete a mission and love, Sonic had forgotten what would be asked of a queen. There was the comforting of their people during times of cruelty, the ever-growing crowd of eyes watching every move with scrutinizing judgement, and expectations. He'd forgotten one.

"I--..." Sonic also forgot he wasn't one for one with Irtyu. Egypt didn't have the same medical procedures, after all. And he hadn't had time to see if this was him, or if the body was only a mimic. Or was he technically the mimic?

Too much thinking. Need to shut this down-- should shut everything down! Can't think if there's no way to think!

Wait--

No--

Sonic pulled the breaks before he could officially pass out from the shock and the stress, thought it left him weak in the knees.

Sheut held him up, thankfully. "My love--! Are you alright?!"

"Hah.. hah... I think... I..." Sonic let out a breath before continuing; "I think I mis--uh--misheard you! Hah-- you... you asked for h... hair-- hair? Right--?"

"No, no, my queen, but I apologize," Sheut carried Sonic to bed, keeping their heads together. "This was an awful time to ask..."

"Ex-explain what you said?" Maybe now that he was lying in bed, Sonic won't completely leave the deep end. "Cause I'm lost."

"I do not want to upset you..."

"Nope, nope, I'm good, just caught off guard," Sonic gave his best smile.

Sheut cupped Sonic's cheek, tracing circles in his fur. "I... would like an heir."

"So I did hear right, okay, I--" Sonic struggled with words. "I don't know if I can do that..."

"I'll take care of you, always," Sheut promised, bringing Sonic's hand to his lips and kissing the palm. "I'll beg the gods to give the hoglet your eyes. Or all of them. You are born of three, perhaps we will get three ourselves."

Not that Sonic didn't want kids, he knew he would be a great dad, but he worried about the implications of having them now. In a storybook. With an alternate Shadow. What would happen when he completed the mission and had to go home?! Would they lose the babies or... would they come with Sonic?  Then he'd have a lot of explaining to do. The best case would be they stayed with Irtyu but what if that meant they both would carry-- Sonic is not prepared for this.

Give him a robot army to fight or the end of the world, he can handle that. Right now, he would actually like to faint.

"...my eyes?" Sonic asked, trying to stall. "Why my eyes?"

"They're perfect," Sheut answered, kissing the spot between Sonic's eyes. "They're shining emeralds of a new tomorrow, hopeful and valiant, yet elegant and serene. Theyre the type of eyes you could stare into for hours and hours and get a new story every time."

Sonic choked on a giggle. "Oh my gods--"

"I am serious," But Sheut smiled. "If I could have little versions of you, with all the sass and love you hold in your heart for everything and everyone...I would know only fortune then. Endless happiness that comes with a new dawn each day."

Sonic opened his mouth but then snapped it shut, unsure what to say.

His concern came across, for Sheut continued; "We've tried, my love, many times with no success before you... I only ask for a time to try again, lest I lose the opportunity again. I know not the consequences of death for our luck but... cannot be as cruel as life, can it?"

"...I..." Sonic took a deep breath. Just answer like a queen. "I...am not ready to try again, Sheut, but--"

"Alright."

"...what?"

"Alright," Sheut repeated, pressing another kiss to Sonic's head. After, he unceremoniously sprawled over Sonic, tucking his muzzle into Sonic's shoulder. "Then I wish my prize to be cuddles."

"Wh-- hah!" Sonic relaxed, hugging onto Sheut. "Okay, whatever you want."

Sonic didn't know why he expected more of a fight. Maybe it's one of those things seen in movies or heard about that he adopted into his fear list. Y'know, like shaking in the dark after watching a horror movie.

But, Sonic was very grateful he didn't have to think about it anymore. That is a chapter meant for Irtyu, not him. 

Although, if ever given the chance, Sonic will thank Irtyu for choosing such an affectionate puppy. Not even death could quell the pharaoh's adoration of his queen, even if his wife isn't all together at the moment.

Sonic wished he knew exactly what the storybook wanted him to do. As much as he wanted to stay, Sonic knew he couldn't. There was a beginning, middle, and end. He just had to reach the end...

"You haven't worn your mask in a while," Sonic whispered. 

"I do not need it," Sheut whispered back. "I need not to hide from a world when my wife is in it."

Before Sonic could say more -- tease Sheut a little -- there was knocking at the door. The pharaoh grumbled, irritated at the intruder for coming at such a time, and only when Sonic kissed his cheek did he calm down enough to go to the door. Sonic sat up, blanket pool around his thighs, as he tried to catch a glimpse.

"Myrrh," Sheut greeted. "To what do I owe the visit at such a time?"

Myrrh leaned down, muttering before swiftly standing upright.

Sheut sighed and looked to Sonic. "I will return soon."

"Is everything okay?" Sonic asked. 

"Yes," Sheut promised. "I will tell you everything when I return, my dear, I swear on my immortal soul."

Sonic nodded. "Okay, just... be careful."

"My queen is here, I have no reason to be reckless," With that, Sheut followed Myrrh out and gently shut the door. 

Something was definietly up. 

Sonic got up to follow, making it to the door before something else caught his eye. He paused and followed the light in his peripheral, finding a blue beetle waiting for him. Sonic approached the window, surprised to see a beetle at all--

Only to be greeted by a pair of big, blue eyes.

"Holy shit!" Sonic jumped back, laughed at himself, then leaned over the windowsill. "You scared me!"

The little yellow fox stared at Sonic with wide eyes. "You're real--"

"Yep," Sonic leaned on his hand. "So how can I help you, little buddy? Because you ran from me last time I tried to talk to you."

"I-I am sorry, your highness, it surprised me..."

Sonic shifted right, seeing Omega -- made of sandstone, funny enough -- holding up Tails. This Tails called Omega a different name too, what was it...? 

Oh--right, "Shen". Whatever that means.

"It's okay," Sonic said, smiling gently. "So I know you as Tails, but what's your actual name?"

"I... Ba, your highness." 

"You don't have to use my title," Sonic offered his hand. "I think we know each other, right?"

Ba hesitated, then took Sonic's hand. "I don't know how--!"

Sonic pulled Ba into the room, setting the fox on his feet. He then reached down and offered his hands to Shen. At first, the golem stared, then, he too, reached up and was dragged inside. 

Note to self, thought Sonic, somehow rock is heavier than metal.

"Y-your highness, I can't be in here!" Ba was panicking, caught between two dangerous situations; having to choose between upsetting the queen or being in an unguarded room alongside a golem.

Sonic smiled. "Hey, hey, it's okay! I just want to talk--"

"I will be executed--"

"Woah, no one is being executed!" Sonic laughed nervously. "Seriously, I just... need some answers? You know me somehow and I don't know how but I clearly did something. So, how do we know each other here and why did you run from me?"

Ba stared at Sonic like he grew a dozen heads. "Wait, you don't know me but you... remember my face?"

"Uuuhh, yep! And the big guy too--"

"That's... that's not possible," Ba started pulling on one of his two tails. "I-I specifically ask to not be remembered! You shouldn't even be able to know my face, not after--..."

Sonic tilted his head. "If you knew no one could see your face Mr. Hyde style then why did you show up?"

"What?"

"Why are you here?"

"I--... had to know if it was you."

Sonic nodded. "So I'm gonna go out on a wild limb and say I raised you?... though, that wouldn't make sense because the weird bird messager thingie had no recollection of you in Irt--my head..."

"Oohhh, golems and great stones, this is worse than I could imagine--" Ba started pacing. "It doesn't make sense! I specifically asked the gods to not be remembered when not looked at! But then... no, no, no, I didn't do anything--"

"Back up for me?" Sonic asked. "What deal?"

Ba froze, shrinking in on himself. It was evident he wasn't use to the consequences of perception, hadn't been in a long time.

"You know I exist," Ba said, quietly. "But not who I am..."

"Yep," Sonic sat on the windowsill. "So, explain please. Youre the last character I gotta meet. I think."

"I..." Ba shuffled in place. "You...are right. You did raise me and then--..."

Sonic bit his cheek, watching as Ba started shaking in anger. It was only when Shen reached out and pet Ba that the fox calmed down. 

"...did I..." Sonic wasn't sure how to word it. "Do something?"

"You married the pharaoh and got everything you ever wanted! And guess who was left behind."

"Tai--Ba, I..." Sonic needed to apologize. It bubbled in his throat like boiling molasses, restrictive, keeping him quiet.

"The second my creations were discovered, I was chased out! Chased!" Ba raised his voice, close to shouting now. "And you did nothing! It was like I didn't exist, so... so I made it real. No one would know! Not aunt, not uncle, not anyone who has even looked at me! You-- you weren't suppose to either and yet..."

Sonic reached out to Ba. 

"I don't understand!" Ba pulled on his tails, taking out fur. "I don't! I made Shen to replace you and yet!--"

Sonic wrapped Ba in a gentle hug. "Shhh...shhhh.... kit..."

"I don't--...and...and you just saw me and..." Ba sniffled, hiding in Sonic's shoulder. "I had to know... and you're just... able to see me... and you miss me--"

"Of course I miss you," Sonic whispered gently. "You're my kit, my little buddy..."

"I... I'm sorry..."

"It's okay, we can figure it out togeth--" Sonic gasped as something sharp poked into his neck. He fell to his knees, shaking as he grasped his neck. "Wh...what...?"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I don't have a choice, I'm so sorry--"

"You..." Sonic collapsed to his side. 

Ba pulled on his tails, ripping out fur. "I'm sorry-- I--I'm so sorry--"

As the world went dark, Sonic felt himself be lifted by sandstone -- Shen, silent as could be -- and carried into the cold night.

Notes:

I can't write for shit anymore lmao

Djsjndjs to clairfy-
I'm losing my ability to write quality, now I'm crawling to the finish line♡