Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Green Hills new band: Chaos Bloom.

For every finished song, the band celebrated. It wasn’t a quiet dinner or a chat over drinks. No, that was for other people. Theirs was different. It was wild. Messy. Real.

Amy Rose knew this very well.

She looked at her glass empty again and could barely remember when she drank it. She knew she should stop. If she wanted to finish the damn album and write at least three more songs to play at some bar or café, she couldn’t afford to wake up with her head exploding. But whatever. Tonight, she wasn’t thinking about tomorrow. Much less about this moment.

The bass still thumping through the speaker connected to the computer echoed in her chest. The music was so loud it almost hurt. The lights in Silver’s old garage were off, except for a few poorly stuck LED strips now tinting everything purple. The air was thick, heavy with the smell of sweat, stale beer, cheap cigarettes, and hot cables. Dense, familiar, almost comforting.

She danced without thinking, her body hot with sweat and her muscles tired but alive. Shadow’s guitar solo cut through her raw, sharp. Knuckles’ drums pounded like a frantic heart. And Amy loved it. She loved this madness.

She shook her head like trying to shake off the world. Silver followed her, dancing just as loose, just as dirty. Tails shouted something she didn’t understand, but she felt it. Amy slid to the floor, sticky with spilled beer, then jumped up and grabbed Tails’ hands. They jumped like their bodies didn’t hurt.

She thought she saw Knuckles and Shadow still pretending to play, eyes closed, feeling the melody in their bodies.

Sonic was leaning against a wall, with his fierce grin and a half warm beer in his hand, tapping his foot to the beat. Amy saw him and, without thinking, pulled Tails toward him. The three grabbed hands and danced. They pushed each other, laughed, got lost.

The song ended.

Silence. Heavy breathing. Amy looked around for him.

Sonic was staring at her, eyes glowing, taking in her appearance. Amy felt her body heat wasn’t just from the dancing.

They smiled at each other wild, overflowing, alive.

"From now on, this is the worst song on the album!" he shouted.

And everyone screamed. Howled. Laughed like crazy.

"Who is Amy Rose?"

3AM. Amy isn’t tired at all; the euphoria of having finished a song seems impossible for her brain to process. Later that night, the band decided to head home before the alcohol got the better of them. Everyone sensibly agreed to this except her and Sonic. They were at his old apartment, both “over demanding” with their work as the band’s lead vocalists and primary lyric writers. They decided to keep going until their fingers or heads burned out.

She knew it was a lie.

They’d always struggled to be apart. Since they were kids, Amy liked to write silly little songs in her lined notebook with a colorful bird on the cover simple lyrics about adventures, dreams, and things only a child could imagine. Sonic, with his tiny guitar bigger than him back then would sit on the porch of his mom’s house, trying to come up with melodies to accompany her singing. The memory always fills her with warmth.

When Amy enters, she collapses onto Sonic’s couch with a groan. He looks at her from the doorway, raising an eyebrow.

“Comfortable?” he says, moving toward the kitchen behind the couch.

Amy hums softly as she kicks off her high heeled sandals, tossing them somewhere unknown with her foot.

“Where’s Tails staying tonight?” she asks.

“Oh, he wanted to stay with Silver, you know, to work on the final touches for the last songs.”

She’s known Tails and Sonic since they were kids, so it doesn’t surprise her that Tails didn’t join them he’s grown up a lot and become more independent.

She met them one day on the way to the construction of Vanilla’s bakery after school. It was an abandoned restaurant that, with her few savings, she decided to buy and finally turn into the bakery of her dreams. She always helped out fixing the place painting, decorating, and giving ideas.

Aleena, Sonic’s mother who was a real estate agent and director of one of the most prestigious companies in all of Mobius brought Sonic and Tails that day, saying the boys needed to get out of the house and spend some time working as punishment. Amy remembers, according to her, an explosion Tails caused with Sonic’s help using some of their machine inventions.

Reluctantly, the boys stayed. Amy watched the cobalteyed boy stomping up and down; her heart started beating faster as if he was the bravest, coolest boy in the world.

He was the first to approach her.

“Where’s the paint?”

Amy jumped, blushing.

“Uh… it’s…”

“It’s in the attic of the place, come with me,” Vanilla saved her, softly telling the boys, who immediately started following her.

“Well done, Amy,” she told herself.

Sonic passed by her, sighing, desperate to leave. Tails, who was wearing various tools strapped around his waist some of which looked heavier than him passed by her side and timidly said,

“I’m Tails.”

“Amy,” she said, smiling softly.

They spent the afternoon painting together. Amy didn’t speak much yet but watched them out of the corner of her eye. Sonic seemed to glance at her the same way, wanting to get closer. Finally, he approached and said,

“Sorry if I was an idiot to you before.” he said shyly and, somehow, that made Amy think he looked kind of cute…

“No! Not at all,” Amy replied quickly.

He cut her off, saying,

“Can we start again?.” Then, he raised his hand, introducing himself “I’m Sonic,” he said with a charming smile “and you are…?”

“Amy,” she said, smiling and shaking his hand.

“Great,” said Sonic. “Eh… Nice to meet you.”

When he looked back at her, Amy quickly dropped her gaze… but she couldn’t help smiling, like her heart was tickling.

The three spent the afternoon playing, getting to know each other, laughing, and getting paint everywhere. Amy hadn’t had many friends before; she considered Cream her little sister. Meeting them that day made her feel like she would never be alone again.

Since then, the three have known each other for so long, growing up together and having each other as their only family.

Amy is proud of them.

“I wrote something the other day,” Amy says, returning to the present as she looks around the room. Amy doesn’t know why Sonic hasn’t moved out of this dingy old apartment yet, as if it somehow fits him. The band’s music is taking off, and with it comes money. Not much, of course, but it’s clear he’s still clinging to the last pieces of his independent life from his family that are fading away fast.

Sonic comes back with two glasses of wine, one for each of them, and plops down on the couch beside her. The smell of mint and sweat hits her too close. All Amy can think about are their knees touching. Something in the air feels comfortable, familiar.

“Really?” Sonic says, taking a sip. “A song or just some words to compose?”

Amy smiles a little shyly but doesn’t look away.

“I don’t know. It’s like… something in between. I wasn’t going to show it to you.”

“But you’re going to show me anyway,” he says, taking a long drink. It’s not a question.

Amy sits up on the couch and digs into the backpack she threw on the floor when she came in. She pulls out a folded, worn notebook. Doubt weighs on her fingers, but she tosses it anyway. Sonic catches it effortlessly.

For a moment he says nothing. He reads silently, his eyes scanning every line more carefully than he’ll ever admit aloud.

Amy doesn’t move. She watches him as if his expressions could say what he’s never said with words.

Finally, Sonic lowers the page.

“It’s good,” he murmurs.

Amy barely nods, swallowing the urge to ask if he understood it was about him. About them. About what never happens but is always there.

“We could work on it together,” he says, looking up.

And that’s all she needs for tonight.

Soon after, Sonic has already pulled out his guitar, starting to play and create chords for the song’s lyrics. Sonic only has an idea—a slow guitar melody—but they’ve worked with less before. Amy’s phone simply records a voice note to send later to Tails.

Chaos Bloom: New Single is Gaining Attention

Amy doesn’t know when she started dancing, nor when she began singing at the top of her lungs, but now she can’t stop. The energy running through her veins makes her feel incredibly alive, and the alcohol only amplifies that sensation. Sonic, like never before, seems to be enjoying her company, playing melody after melody.

Every note Sonic plays seems to resonate deeply inside Amy, as if the music completely surrounds her. Could there really be a sound so perfect, so wild, so hers? Eyes closed, body lost in the feeling. Sonic turns up the volume on the old speakers connected to his guitar. He looks at her, and a smile appears on his face, playing with more energy, more enthusiasm. She returns the smile that reaches his eyes.

Suddenly, everything goes black. Silence envelops them as they freeze, not daring to move.

“Shit,” Sonic growls, setting the guitar down with a soft thud.

The power’s out.

Amy blinks, disoriented. She stretches her hands into the darkness until she finds her phone. She turns it on, squinting at the sudden glow.

2% flashes red on the screen.

“You might want to hurry and find something to light up,” she murmurs, raising the flashlight.

They start walking. Amy follows him, pointing the flash upward down the short hallway. Upon entering, she can only make out the messy blue sheets and a simple nightstand. Sonic opens it and pulls out...

“Candles? Seriously?” Amy says, raising an eyebrow, amused.

“Hey… never thought it was necessary… until the power started going out every dawn,” he replies, half shrugging without looking at her.

“And you didn’t think to tell me?” Amy asks, crossing her arms. “Isn’t that reason enough to, I don’t know... move?”

Sonic raises an eyebrow, tilts his head, and throws her a lazy smile, as if the very idea is absurd.

Amy rolls her eyes.

“Here. Go to the kitchen and find the lighter. I’ll look around here for another.”

“Are you kidding?” he interrupts, shining the flashlight right in her face. Sonic squints, annoyed. “I’ve had enough alcohol to probably burn down the apartment before lighting a candle.”

This time Sonic lets out a long sigh. “Fine, just this one candle then.”

In the kitchen, Sonic finds the lighter and lights the candle. Setting it on the table in front of the sofa, Amy watches as he lights it. The flame flickers and barely casts enough light: his relaxed features, the blue gleam in his eyes, the faint redness on his cheeks from the wine.

Amy says nothing.

She just watches him.

She doesn’t know if she wants the light to come back.

“Well…” Sonic says, putting his hands in his pants pockets as he looks at her with an expression hard to read. “You probably want to leave.”

Amy nods slowly, pressing her lips together. Luckily, she has the spare key to Vanilla’s apartment; she doesn’t want to bother her so late.

“Will we see each other tomorrow?” she asks, almost in a whisper.

Sonic nods. She turns and walks toward the door. He follows silently.

But in the dim light, she doesn’t see the guitar on the floor.

The bump is clumsy, and Amy lets out a strangled gasp as she trips. She closes her eyes, instinctively bracing for the fall.

But it never comes.

A pair of arms catch her just in time.

Sonic’s hands fall easily to her waist, a weight that feels familiar and comforting. Maybe it’s the wine she drank, maybe it’s because his palms burn through her worn white shirt, maybe it’s because she feels safe. Without thinking, Amy wraps her arms around him, swaying from one foot to the other. He watches her, opening his eyes, about to speak but falls silent when he sees the playful smile on her face.

He always used to carry her when they were kids. He’d lift her effortlessly just to tease her, spin her in the air, or make her laugh until she complained. Amy would never admit it out loud, but it was her favorite part.

To be in his arms.

To feel light.

To feel his, if only for a second.

Amy holds her breath when she notices his eyes fix on her mouth. She feels her heart pounding so hard against her chest she’s afraid he might hear it. For a moment, their eyes meet, and she, unable to resist, bites her lips. To her surprise, Sonic does the same. The air in the room seems to vanish, and time stops. Amy had imagined this moment many times, thought about how it would feel, but never dared imagine that it could actually happen… that he wanted it too…

Their noses brush, and the little air left in her lungs seems to escape. Sonic brushes her cheek with the tip of his nose, and Amy feels her heart race. She rises on her tiptoes, and Amy can’t help but think about kissing that lower lip so close, but just then, Amy’s phone rings.

The phone’s sound abruptly cuts the moment. They immediately pull apart, and Amy feels a knot in her stomach, as if the contact vanished and took something important with it. Her mind spins, trying to process what just happened.

Quickly, Sonic grabs the phone from the coffee table and answers before it goes to voicemail.

“Hey,” Sonic replies. “I guess you got the song. Yeah, Amy’s here with me.”

Regaining her composure, Amy responds in a more neutral tone, taking the phone from Sonic.

“Um... what did you think? Yeah, we need to work on it. What do the guys say?”

Sonic watches Amy as she quickly puts her notebook in her backpack.

“We can see about it tomorrow with the guys,” he answers, nodding toward the door and waving vaguely goodbye.

Sonic and Amy front Chaos Bloom Explosive Debut.

The topic is forgotten when they see each other again. Amy stays silent, not because she doesn’t want to talk… but because she fears the answer. Because if she asks, if she dares say it out loud, maybe she’ll realize that Sonic decided he doesn’t want her like that, and it hurts that her heart still clings to a hope that doesn’t exist. She needs to move on. She can’t ruin the band. Not like that. She can’t disappoint them.

Amy loves that band. She needs it. She doesn’t know what she’d do without it. So she never mentions it.

But she can’t help but relive that moment over and over, for days, even weeks. She wonders what would have happened if Tails hadn’t called, if she should be thankful for the interruption or hate it.

Amy would have wished to kiss him.

Chapter Text

ChaosBloom single reach 4M views

---

Amy was singing in a small café, drawn in days ago by the familiar sign that read: “Open Mic Night This Friday.”

Sitting on the café’s small stage, with a microphone in front of her and her trusty notebook resting on her lap, she performed one of the songs from the album the band was working on sometimes slipping in a few of her own.

She was accompanied by Sonic on the guitar, occasionally adding soft harmonies, and Silver on the piano.

She loved watching how the audience responded some nodding their heads, others tapping their feet to the beat but what filled her the most were the applause. In those moments, she felt seen, appreciated… happy.

"If you liked that song, don’t forget to listen to our upcoming album Echoes, written and produced by ChaosBloom," Amy said into the microphone before stepping down from the stage, followed by applause.

"Nice job up there, Amy!" Silver told her as she approached the back, while he was packing away his keyboard and Sonic was putting away the microphones and guitar.

"You two weren’t bad either," Amy said with a wink. "Hey, I’m gonna go grab a coffee. Want anything?"

Silver shook his head.

"Go ahead, I’m good. I’ll finish packing up here," Sonic replied, nodding toward the guitar and cables.

Amy nodded and headed to the bar.

"Barry, hey!" she said, settling onto one of the tall stools lining the café’s counter.

"Hey, Amy. Nice performance up there."

"Thanks! I’m surprised I didn’t crack a note," she replied with a small laugh. "My throat’s been unbelievably sore these past weeks."

"Really? Well, it didn’t show at all. You sounded great."

Amy thanked him, and he asked, "Ready to order?"

"A cappuccino, please."

"Be right back," Barry responded with a nervous smile.

He was a quokka in a neatly pressed white vest and a red bowtie. His always-kind face radiated joy and shyness as he jotted down the order and hurried off to prepare it.

Amy enjoyed the vibe of this café. She had come a few times before when there were still open spots to play the band’s songs. The place was almost always packed, which made it perfect for sharing her music. The scent of coffee and pastries filled the air, and the yellow lights made everything feel warm and cozy. She and the band had been playing in various venues for a while now. What she liked most was meeting other artists who also shared their talent, which made the experience even better.

"Nice performance," said a voice as someone sat beside her.

Amy turned and spotted a large crocodile with green skin and red eyes. His sunglasses rested atop his head, and he wore a red tie, giving him a confident air. His presence was imposing, but his laid-back demeanor made him seem approachable.

"Thank you," said Amy, looking at him.

A second later, the crocodile pulled out a small card and handed it to her.

"Chaotix Records," Amy read aloud. Her heart raced. It was one of the most prestigious companies, a direct competitor of Robotnick Entertainment.

She barely had time to process it before Barry returned with her cappuccino. She didn’t touch it.

"Are you interested?" he asked casually, as if he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.

"In what, exactly?" Amy tilted her head, feigning lightness, as if her heart hadn’t just started pounding.

"Working on music together."

"With the band?"

"I want you, Amy. Only you," he said, looking at her authoritatively, making sure his words were clear.

Amy swallowed hard.

This is what you’ve always wanted, a voice in her head echoed.

But not alone. Never alone. In her dreams, in her visions, it was always her and the band.

But maybe it could be different…

"I’m sorry. No deal without the band," she said, before any doubt could reach her.

He didn’t seem upset. He simply nodded, calm, as if explaining something to someone naïve. He sipped his espresso, watching her without giving anything away. Amy felt her skin prickle. Her hands clenched into fists on her lap.

"Bands aren’t reliable," he said, setting down the cup. "They always break up. There are fights. They’re never stable."

"Try us. We’re different. We’ve been together for years."

"A single person is reliable. Stable," he continued. And when she didn’t reply, he shrugged. "A shame. You’ve got talent, you know? With a little shaping…"

Amy raised her head.

"Shaping?" she repeated with a mocking smirk. "I don’t think I want to be reshaped."

"Everything okay, Ames?"

Suddenly, Sonic was behind her, along with Silver. When she turned to look, she noticed how Sonic was watching the crocodile closely. The slight furrow in his brow didn’t escape her.

"All good," she assured him, looking up. "Go on ahead." Then, turning to the crocodile, "I’m done here."

She stood. The chair scraped against the floor as it moved back. She turned, ready to follow Sonic.

But then the man picked up the forgotten card from the table and held it out to her.

"Call me when you figure it out."

Amy took it. She gave him one last look, then walked away.

Meet the Members of ChaosBloom.

---

The next day in the morning, after the strange and awkward moment that she definitely did not overthink with the crocodile, they were finishing recording the last song of the band’s album. They had already released singles before, which to everyone’s surprise exploded on the charts and streaming platforms. Amy nearly scared a taxi to a halt one day when she screamed after hearing her voice on the radio for the first time.

She couldn’t help but feel sentimental, much to the boys’ surprise. Two long years ago, when she got a message from Tails telling her she had to come see the auditions for “Sonic’s new band,” which at the time was being held in Sonic’s garage, Amy felt like she needed to find something more in her life. She enjoyed baking and helping Vanilla at the bakery, but there was an inner voice telling her she needed to discover who she really was. Maybe that’s why she decided to go.

Tails: Sonic says don’t forget to bring your notebook (huh?) he sent one last message.

When she arrived, Tails and Sonic, during the auditions, and when everyone was already exhausted, encouraged her to get on the makeshift stage and “test the microphone.” Amy refused; it didn’t help that four strangers were watching her.

“Come on!” she heard Sonic laughing in the background. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

Amy took out her notebook from her bag and hummed one of the millions of lyrics she had written down ones she and Sonic used to sing as kids. Maybe that’s why it wasn’t so scary.

Deep down, she had always been singing for him.

Amy got the spot, and from then on the band became her escape, the words her refuge, and singing her freedom.

Amy got out of the taxi and, as she stepped out, found Shadow in the garage, which was now open, with instruments scattered and nobody using them. Strange, she thought.

“Rose,” Shadow said as a greeting, as serious as ever. Since Amy had known him, Shadow and she had been close; they shared the same taste in artists and could talk about them and books for hours. Shadow trusted her and enjoyed her company more than the boys’.

“Hey!” Amy hugged him without caring if Shadow returned it or not, then pulled away. “Where are the guys?”

“They’re inside in the living room,” he said. “I can’t think if they’re shouting at each other,” he grumbled. “I don’t want anyone leaving with a black eye today if we want good promo photos.”

Amy laughed and went inside.

“That’s what you don’t get, Knuckles!” Silver said. “This melody gives the song depth. It makes it more than just noise. You have to feel it!”

“I’m feeling like we’re losing the band’s point!” Knuckles replied. “If people want a dream, they can listen to ambient music. We’re a band, not a meditation group!”

“What’s going on here?” Amy asked, and everyone turned to look at her.

Sonic jumped up from the couch, where he had been sitting with Tails watching the fight between Knuckles and Silver.

“I’m out,” Sonic growled and went to the kitchen, followed by Tails.

Amy looked at Knuckles and Silver, raising her eyebrows for an explanation.

“It’s the last song of the album. We need a solution that works for everyone, not just one,” Amy said as she stepped closer.

It wasn’t the first fight. Not even the first time Amy tried to mediate, though usually it was Tails or sometimes Silver. But when their patience wears thin, they become completely different people. And don’t even get her started on Shadow. The ones who drain their patience the most are usually Knuckles or Sonic. Even… she has her moments, she admits. But she’s always right. I mean, it’s not like she says it. The facts do. Well, and her. But with reason.

Silver and Knuckles sighed and sat down.

Amy kept pacing, thinking.

“Why don’t we combine both?”

“Both?” Knuckles asked.

Amy smiled slightly, looking for his support.

“We can record Silver’s part as it is. Then, Knuckles, you could add your faster rhythm on top, maybe in the chorus or at the end—something that mixes both. We try it and see what works best.”

“Alright. Let’s try that,” Silver said resigned. “I don’t want to lose what I’ve created, but I also don’t want the album to sound flat.”

“Okay,” said Knuckles. “But if that slow part makes people fall asleep, you owe me.”

Amy smiled reassuringly.

“Let’s record then.”

The atmosphere was tense at first when they all came in, but after connecting the speakers and setting up the instruments and microphones, the tension faded away into relief and they focused only on recording. In the end, both parts sounded perfect, better than Amy had imagined.

Amy finished the last high note, and the garage fell silent.

“WE DID IT!!!” Silver yelled excitedly, Amy stared to jumping in place laughing excitedly too. The band cheered, high-fiving and finally hugging in a strong embrace.

Mobius Media Group is hiring New Journalism’s

---

At night, everyone went to have dinner at an Italian restaurant. It wasn’t very far from Silver’s house, so they decided to walk together.

While they were eating, Tails gave them exciting news: a television company had just hired new journalism writers. One of the hires wanted to start with an article and asked Tails if he could interview the band members.

Everyone agreed, and now Amy was outside a building, looking for Tails’ number on her phone to ask which floor they should go to. Just then, a taxi stopped in front of them, and Sonic got out.

Sonic!” she calls, walking up to him.

“Hey, Ames. Why haven’t you gone in yet?”

“Oh, I just got here a few minutes ago. I wasn’t sure what floor we needed. I was about to text Tails…”

“He texted me. According to him, it’s the fourth floor. Wanna go up?

Amy nods, letting out a relieved sigh as she looks at the building’s entrance.

“Our first interview,” she says, gripping the edges of her jacket.

“Our first interview,” Sonic repeats, following her gaze.

“Do you remember when we were kids?” Sonic says suddenly, stepping inside. Amy follows.

“Of course! No interviewer will ever match Mr. Flicky.”

Back when they were kids, Sonic and Amy used to play with a little blue stuffed bird. They named him Mr. Flicky, and he was their personal interviewer whenever they pretended to be rock stars outside Sonic’s mom’s house.

“He made me feel important, I’ll admit it,” Sonic says proudly, pressing the button for the fourth floor in the elevator. Once inside, Amy laughs.

“Oh no! You took the role way too seriously. One day, I swear you were actually holding a grudge against Mr. Flicky!”

“Hey! Who asks, ‘If you had to choose between never eating chili dogs again or only eating them once a year, what would you pick?’ I said I’d rather not eat at all, thank you very much.”

The elevator doors open, and they walk down the hall toward the third door.

“Too much pressure,” Amy says sarcastically. “Poor thing, you had no idea how to handle all that fame!” She giggles as Sonic playfully tickles her side.

“Well…” Sonic murmurs, stopping in front of the door. “This time, it’s the real deal.”

“Yeah… it’s really happening,” Amy whispers, her smile softening. “Tails already has the schedule lined up to release the album. All we need now is for a label to want us.”

“You’re not scared?” Sonic says suddenly, his voice lower. “What if the album does well?” He looks at her, swallowing hard. “I mean… I don’t want it to flop, of course. I want people to play it over and over until their speakers explode, but… ever since we started dropping singles, you know this isn’t the same. This is big.”

Sonic looks down at the floor. Silence.

“Do you think things will change?” he finally asks, lifting his gaze to hers.

Amy holds his gaze, and for a moment, it seems like she’s swallowing something more than just words.

“Yes,” she says softly. “I think things are going to change. But we’re in this together, right?” she whispers, eyes locked with his. “We always have been.”

“That’s not going to change,” Amy adds, her smile tender and reassuring like a promise that no matter what happens, they’ll always find their way back to each other.

Amy’s heart flutters as Sonic’s eyes shine, never leaving hers…

“Hello!” a voice broke the moment. “Sorry, I didn’t expect you so early!“ The woman’s eyes widened in surprise “Oh, sorry, am I interrupting something?” the woman asked.

“No!” Amy quickly responded, cheerful. “Not at all. Nice to meet you, I’m Amy Rose, and this is Sonic. I guess you’re the journalist?.”

“Yes, nice to meet you,” the woman said, offering her hand. “I’m Sally. Come in, make yourselves comfortable. The crew is setting everything up.”

Amy noticed how Sally’s gaze swept over Sonic, and she couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. Sonic always has that effect.

Sally was pretty, with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She wore a black long-sleeve shirt and gray pants. On her right arm, she carried some papers, and with her other hand, she held a coffee.

Inside, the place was simple but well organized. White lights illuminated the central table, where a camera was ready to record. Technicians moved around adjusting equipment. The atmosphere, although professional, felt comfortable.

Amy took a step forward, breathing deeply. She knew this was just the beginning of something much bigger.

“We’re here!” Tails said suddenly, entering, followed by Shadow, Knuckles, and Silver. “Sorry for being late, but these two never found the address,” he said, glaring at Shadow and Knuckles, who muttered grumbling.

“Well,” Sally said, cutting the discussion that stared forming “nice to meet you. I’m Sally and I’ll be your interviewer. Shall we get started?”

Top 10 Most-Played Songs of the Week: What Everyone’s Listening To Right Now

Finally, Sally asks, “What’s the name of the album?”

“The name of the album is… Echoes!” Amy says.

“How did you choose the name?” Sally asks.

“It was really thanks to Shadow!” Amy replies.

“I remember we were all arguing over a name…” Silver says with a slight smile, listing many at random.

“Yes! And suddenly Shadow, who never talks, never bothered to suggest a name, just said ‘Echoes.’ The worst part is that was his first try and it stuck!” Sonic grumbles, crossing his arms. “But everyone liked it.”

“Well, Sonic,” Shadow says, “I guess you weren’t expecting ‘ChiliChiliBoom’ to be the name.”

Everyone in the room laughs.

After a few more questions, the staff from the company where Sally works set up a table with small snacks. Amy was talking with Silver and Tails when she decided to get some water from the tables. As she was walking, someone approached her.

“I’m excited for the album to come out,” Sally suddenly says beside her. “Everything you told me was amazing. I can’t wait to hear the songs.”

“Well, let’s hope we’re lucky with this,” Amy replies smiling. “We’ve worked really hard.”

“I can imagine…” Sally says. “Hey, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“I was wondering,” she says, glancing toward where Knuckles and Sonic were talking, “if you… and Sonic…”

Amy takes a moment to realize what she means.

“Oh! I mean… no! We’re… we’re just friends.”

“Oh! Sorry, the way I caught you this morning, I thought…” Sally laughs, shaking her head. “Okay, would you mind if I…”

“No! Not at all.” Amy’s cheeks hurt from smiling. “Go ahead.”

“Thanks!” Sally says, touching Amy’s shoulder and then heading over to where Knuckles and Sonic were talking.

Amy watches them talk, notices how Sally easily joins the conversation by introducing herself. She watches how Knuckles picks up on Sally’s vibe, gives Sonic a pat on the back while laughing, and walks away. She watches how Sonic winks, making a knot form in her stomach as Sally blushes at his flirting and laughs.

She doesn’t care and probably shouldn’t be watching. It’s none of her business.

Amy leaves feeling eyes on her back and takes the nearest taxi.

Vainilla’s  2x1 this friday.

---

The room was silent, lit only by the corner lamp. Amy was writing upside down on the couch, her hair brushing the floor. Officially, since the interview, apparently no one had time to hang out together. Vanilla and Cream were still at the bakery. She used to help them, but now, with the heavy work of writing the album, she barely had time... and going out wasn’t so simple anymore.

Even so, that house was still her refuge. To Amy, Vanilla was like a mother, always there to support her when the world became too heavy. She taught her to bake with patience and tenderness, and in the bakery, Amy found a sanctuary where she could be herself—without pressure or anyone else’s expectations.

“Follow me inside, outside, through the stratosphere...” Amy sang into the air, letting herself go. “The moon is shining for you, it knows that I adore you…”

“Mmm...” she murmured, smiling. “I like it!”

She jumped to her feet and reached for her phone to send it to Tails, since Sonic was...

When she turned on the screen, she saw a message from him in her notifications:

Sonic: How’s the writing going?

Sonic knew she couldn’t compose melodies at least not without his guitar and he also knew how much Amy hated having to imagine everything in her head without a musical base.

Amy: “Haha, very funny. It’s going great. I don’t need your guitar” she typed back immediately.

Sonic: Remind me to teach you how to play guitar.

Amy couldn’t resist teasing him a bit more.

Amy: Making plans during a date? Wow Can’t help yourself, huh?

she didn’t think about when she sent;

Amy : Btw how’s it going?

Three dots load on her screen. Amy grips her phone tighter than necessary.

Sonic It’s good. Pretty good actually. I’m waiting for her to come out of the bathroom. We’re at the fair, I already got chili dogs Can you believe she’d never tried them? She loved them. Wait until she tries my Mama’s.

Amy stared at the screen for a second longer. She had nothing else to say so she locked the phone and turned her focus back to the lyrics.

It could be fun, she thought. She already got something...

What’s next for ChaosBloom?

---

Three weeks later, after countless last-minute changes and polishing the final songs at 11 p.m. at Vanilla’s house, Amy tries not to scream as she watches the countdown on her laptop, headphones on.

10

The album cover is a blurry selfie of the whole band sweaty, pressed together, singing and playing their instruments but their smiles are crystal clear.

9

8

Amy’s stomach twists. She bites her lower lip, her foot bouncing up and down.

7

6

Two thousand people are connected to the livestream. Amy thinks she might explode.

5

4

We made an mini album. We made a fucking mini album.

3

2

1

The first notes of the first song begin to play. At that moment, she feels her whole body freeze nervous and overwhelmed, she grips the fabric of her shorts tightly. Then her phone screen lights up with a message in the group chat.

Sonic: We really did it ;)

She spends the entire night listening to the album over and over again, until she finally falls asleep..

ChaosBloom Echoes first mini album out now!

---

 

Chapter Text

Successful debut: Chaos Bloom breaks records with their first mini album.

---

One month since the album was released. A month that summed up a year of hard work from everyone creating the songs. It went incredibly well it was a huge success in sales and topped the charts during its first month. Much better than their earlier singles.

Amy spent the entire week crying, especially when she heard “With Me” playing on the street. It was the most streamed song, a duet between her and Sonic. If that wasn’t enough, it was absolutely crazy to be recognized on the street. The first time someone asked her for a photo, Amy just blinked, confused, staring at the fan like she had imagined what she’d just heard.

Now she was training at a gym, practicing, hitting a punching bag. She had always liked the idea of training, of being strong. What better way than practicing with the best trainer and the most muscle-obsessed person Knuckles.

“Is that all you’ve got? I don’t see you, Rose.”

She punched harder, clenching her jaw. Knuckles had been making her sweat buckets. She wasn’t in the mood, and he knew it.

“Then shut your mouth and open your eyes wide,” Amy growled, striking the bag again, panting, then smiled mischievously. “You know? From here I can see you drooling over that bat.”

Knuckles glanced back quickly, slightly blushing at being caught. Seeing the sexy bat for the thousandth time had a certain sophistication even in a gym, with her polished look. She was lifting weights with ease. Her white hair gleamed under the gym lights, and her tight workout clothes highlighted her figure in a way that, while daring, wasn’t over the top.

“Need some motivation to hit that bag harder, Amy? Because I could put the face of… what was her name?” He pause a second “Sally?”

The bag swung directly into Amy’s face, making her scream in surprise, while Knuckles barked with uncontrollable laughter.

Knuckles 1, Amy 0.

“All right,” Knucklehead said after Amy kept punching the bag for a few more minutes. “Let’s take a break.”

Amy grabbed the white towel around her neck, wiping sweat from her forehead, then dried her bare chest beneath the short pink dress she had paired with some black leggings she’d just bought. Panting slightly, she felt her limbs begging for rest and a big bottle of water.

As Amy took her bottle and sat down on one of the gym benches, Knuckles sat next to her.

“She’s good, isn’t she?” Amy said, looking once again at the bat.

“She is,” Knuckles agreed, but his posture wasn’t quite perfect.

“What are you waiting for to help her?” Amy said, nudging his side with her elbow, making him grunt.

“Too late,” he said, and Amy looked again just in time to see him gathering his things to leave. When she looked back at him, she gave Knuckles a sly wink.

Amy laughed.

“Don’t start,” Knuckles growled. Then, changing the subject, he wiped himself with his towel. “How are the calls going?”

“Nothing yet,” Amy sighed. “Hopefully this week, because the album’s doing great. With all the money we’re making, we can invest in better instruments, a place… although it will only last for a while, but it might be enough to—”

“Hey, one step at a time, okay?” Knuckles said. “At this rate, it won’t be long before they call Tails with an offer.”

“I suppose,” Amy said. Having the music do well was one thing, but it would be really good to have a company backing them, someone to represent them. Even with relatively popular songs, they couldn’t just wait for every release to be a hit. They needed something stable, some direction. They’d been too long without it.

“How about we go grab lunch?” Knuckles said, shifting the subject again, knowing what was on her mind. “Don’t worry, I know, I’m paying,” he rolled his eyes. “I’ll text the guys to see if they’re free… except Sonic.”

“Sonic? Busy with what?”

“Didn’t he tell you?” Knuckles said, checking his phone. “This girl, Sally, turns out she’s not from around here, but from Mobius. She has to go back there for family reasons, so she’s taking a plane today. Sonic’s saying goodbye to her.”

No, Sonic hadn’t told her. Amy felt a pang in her stomach. She’d spoken with Sally a few times, and while they weren’t close, she liked her. The news left her thoughtful. At least she wouldn’t have to get used to seeing her around when they all hang out as a group…

“Shall we?” Knuckles said, nodding toward the exit. Standing up, Amy nodded, and they left.

Was this what Chaos Bloom had in store? Their first mini-album will leave a mark on their career.

---

“It’s happening… it’s happening… IT’S HAPPENING!!”

“Shut up, Amy, you’re not letting me hear!”  Knuckles snapped, annoyed.

“Come on! It was obvious they were going to pick us! What else do you think those calls are for?” Sonic said.

“Shhh!” Silver hushed them both as the entire band pressed as close as possible on the couch, listening to Tails talking on the phone in the middle of them all. Even Shadow, though not quite as close as the others, was nearby, listening carefully.

“I’m calling because we’ve been following Chaos Bloom’s work, and we think it would be incredible to work together. We’d like to offer you a contract to record and distribute your next project with Eggman Entertainment.”

Tails lowered the phone, staring at them with his mouth open.
“It's Eggman Entertainment,” he whispered.

Amy felt her chest tighten. This wasn’t just any label. It wasn’t just an opportunity. It was the opportunity. That call could change their lives could change her life. How had everything happened so fast? A year ago, she was crying in her room, her notebook full of scribbled song lyrics in her hands. And now… this.

“Did I hear that right?” Silver whispered, almost shouting.

“Oh, Chaos!” Amy said, barely holding back a scream.

Adrenaline coursed through her veins. She wanted to shout, run, hug someone. Her heart pounded so loudly she could barely hear the others speaking.

“What are you waiting for?! Say yes!” Sonic yelled.

“Shut up!” Tails snapped.

Knuckles snatched the phone from Tails.
“If this is some kind of joke, it’s not funny, buddy.”

Amy rolled her eyes, though part of her also hesitated for a second.

“KNUCKLES!” everyone shouted as Tails took the phone back.

“Hello?” the woman on the call said. “Who is that?”

“Sorry! Interference with the signal,” Tails said, laughing nervously. “What were you saying?”

“Can you come by next week?” she asked. “To go over the details, in case you have questions, and to sign if you’re interested. Is that okay?”

The whole band nodded excitedly, urging Tails to say yes.

Amy couldn’t stop staring at Tails, as if he was a fixed point in a reality starting to tremble with excitement. She felt like she was about to explode any second.

“Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you very much,” Tails said.

He hung up… and chaos erupted.

Screams, hugs, pats on the back. Amy covered her face with her hands, laughing and crying at the same time. She didn’t know whether to thank the universe, chaos, or every damn hard moment that had brought her here. She only knew one thing:

This was just the beginning.

May Chaos guide the record label with all of them.

Robnick Entertainment; The dream label for artists.

---

The week arrived quickly, and Amy found herself surprisingly calm. Why would she be nervous? Sitting in the waiting room of Robnick Entertainment… along with everyone else, scattered in different seats. She hoped it would be worth it because she’d picked a good outfit: a short brown skirt and a pink tank top with various prints on it.

“Nervous?” Sonic asked from beside her, flashing a crooked smile.

“No,” she frowned. “I’m not. Why would I be?”

Sonic slid closer to her on the couch, his shoe gently bumping her brown boots, which were bouncing nervously up and down. Amy sighed, surrendering.

“Aren’t you?”

 “I just hope the guy doesn’t have a mustache.” Sonic shrugged.

Amy blinked, confused.

“What?”

“The guy from the label. I always picture those kinds of guys with mustaches. And gray suits. And they smell weirdlike an old office,” he said, wrinkling his nose dramatically. “If he has a mustache, I’m out.”

Amy laughed, and it felt like something loosened inside her chest. A genuine laugh, without tension.

“Don’t be ridiculous. What if he has a mustache and offers us the contract of our lives?”

“Then I’ll look at the mustache, smile politely, and accept like the professional I am,” he replied with an exaggerated bow. “But in my heart, I’ll still hate that mustache.”

Amy laughed again, now more relaxed. Sonic glanced at her sideways, satisfied; he looked at her with that light expression, like he was proud to have stolen her laugh.

“I agree,” Silver said suddenly. “What if he turns out to be a bad guy?”

“We’ll probably lose, because that guy’s got emeralds stashed in his wallet. He could buy whatever he wants.”

“Come on!” Amy rolled her eyes. “Too much pessimism from you guys. It’ll be fine, you’ll see. We’re going to get what we’ve always dreamed of, right?”

Everyone nodded.

“I don’t think Sonic’s girlfriend is the type to sell out easily, so we’re in good hands,” Knuckles said, clearly dropping a hint about what happened with her.

“Oh, what happened with Sally, Sonic?” Silver suddenly asked. “Did she… leave?”

“She left,” Sonic said quickly. “Her parents called her urgently to Mobius something about the company and all…”

Sonic lowered his gaze, like he didn’t want them to push the topic. No one pressed further. Amy didn’t pry, but she felt something was missing.

“Well, if that guy has a mustache,” Tails jumped in, saving the awkward silence, “we activate emergency protocol: sunglasses, no eye contact, and no one signs anything until we confirm he’s not a 70s impostor.”

“I didn’t know we had a protocol,” Silver said thoughtfully, to which Shadow sighed.

Amy shook her head, amused. It was incredible how, despite everything, they could still find ways to laugh. To distract themselves. To feel, for a moment, like they did at the beginning when they were just a group of kids with borrowed instruments and huge dreams.

“I just want them to listen,” Amy said, more serious now. “Just one song. That’s all I ask. If they don’t like it, if they say no... we keep going on our own. Like always.”

Sonic looked at her again.

“They’ll listen,” he said. “And they’ll wonder how they ever lived without us.”

Sally Acorn, the new face of music journalism, leaves the door open to a previously conducted interview with Chaos Bloom.

---

The elevator opened with a sharp, almost surgical sound.

In front of them stretched a hallway so polished the marble looked like liquid mirror. The walls were covered in dark panels, lit by warm lines of light that snaked like contained fire.

Automatic doors opened as the group approached. There were no sounds, no buzzing. Just perfect emptiness.

The boardroom looked like it was taken from a futuristic movie. Spacious. Minimalist. Terrifying in its precision. A black glass table extended in the center like a blade, with chairs perfectly aligned on each side. None occupied. Yet.

On the back wall, next to a well-polished huge glass window, a gigantic screen showed visuals of performances, albums, and concerts... all under the same logo: a red “R”.

An invisible diffuser filled the room with a soft fragrance: something between expensive vanilla and sterile ozone.

Sonic let out a whistle.

“Should we sit down?” Silver said.

“Are you insane?” Knuckles said. “And damage any of those chairs? No way.”

“Please,” said a voice entering the room, deep but also annoyed, making Amy jump.

When she turned, Amy saw the most terrifying man she had ever seen in her life, smiling showing all his teeth, dressed in a completely black suit with dark red details, wearing glasses so black they hid his eyes underneath them, and his nose had a perfectly groomed brown mustache shaped with two points going upwards on each side.

“Welcome to Robotnik Entertainment,” he said, with a soft, almost seductive voice but with a vibration behind it... something poisonous. “I’ve been waiting for you, Chaosbloom.”

No one responded.

“It’s an honor to finally meet the viral band, but what you have isn’t virality, it’s pure potential.”

Shadow seemed to stop breathing, as still as a statue. Amy resisted the urge to approach him.

“Go ahead, sit down,” Robotnik said, stepping forward, passing among the band to sit in the leader’s chair at the table. “Make yourselves at home, soon it will be.”

They all hesitated a moment before walking and taking seats beside him.

“Would you like something to drink? I can have something brought to you.”

Silence. Awkward smiles.

“Well,” he said, “what do you think of the place? This office is almost new, I renovated it not long ago...”

“We’re… I mean… Im not trying to be rude,” Sonic said suddenly, “but we came here for a reason. Can we get to the point?”

“Impatient, huh? Seems like this is your first time being contacted by an interesting company,” Robotnik said. “It must have been tough going so long without financial help from a company, right?”

Amy watched Sonic clench his jaw, staring at Robotnik without blinking. The man only smiled wider.

“He’s right, it’s our first time,” Tails intervened, noticing the strange tense atmosphere forming. “We’re a bit nervous. We can’t wait to work even better and professionally.”

“Oh, how adorable, the optimism of the apprentices. Of course, but first you have to decide if you agree to... how can I say it? pay the price?” he smiled.

Knuckles clicked his tongue, clearly frustrated. Shadow seemed to be planning a thousand ways to kill the man.

“This place is the only one where your dreams stop being dreams and become reality: albums, tours, signings, fans everywhere. Here we don’t make promises, we make empires.”

He turned, looking at the big screens showing images of the company’s artists on huge stages, fans going crazy for them. Amy glanced at her teammates, all watching the screens amazed, almost longing for a moment. She thought...

“Did you think about your own faces up there? Awards, magazine covers, crowds chanting your songs”

Robotnik chuckled softly, almost amused, as he casually glanced at the giant screen showing flashing images of fans screaming and spotlights cutting through the darkness.

“Do you think that happens just because of pure talent? No, no. That happens because you sign with us. We’ll take care of bringing you to the top”

He turned smoothly to face them, his dark glasses catching the light, his smile polite but a little too wide, like someone who’s selling a dream they don’t quite believe in.

“We create careers. We give you studios that sound better than anything in Mobius, worldwide marketing, a perfectly curated image... and access to every stage you’ve ever dreamed of stepping on”

His voice was warm, almost comforting, but with an edge of overconfidence, like someone who’s heard this pitch a thousand times and knows exactly how to sell it.

“In exchange... we only ask for commitment, obedience... and results.”

A few seconds later Robotnik pulled a paper from under his desk, a paper whiter than snow with letters that were obviously the contract information; below was a blank space ready to be signed.

They all stared at the paper. It seemed insignificant but could change their lives. Amy tried to keep her composure, but her fingers wouldn’t stop playing with the bracelets on her wrists, as if it was the only thing keeping her tied to reality.

“This paper could get them out of obscurity. It would make them history”

“Or…” His tone softened, almost sympathetic, like he genuinely cared “you could go back to your small independent lives, playing for tiny cafés and hoping your effort would hit again”

It was the moment: take it or leave it. Their life would never be the same. It would be a before and after. Something Amy had always known. She had imagined it since she was a kid: lights on her face, instruments, millions of people listening to her on giant stages...

And she knew the others had too. So why did she feel doubt inside?

She looked at her teammates.

Sonic with a frown.
Tails biting his lip.
Shadow, like a statue.
Knuckles too quiet.
Silver at least looked excited but very tense.

They all had dreamed it too. So why did no one dare to take the first step?

“Well,” Robotnik said, breaking the silence, “I was expecting more enthusiasm, honestly.”

His smile was relentless.

“We’re... processing,” Tails said, with a laugh that died before fully forming. “It’s a lot of information at once.”

“Sure,” Robotnik said, “although for a band that started from zero with no help, I didn’t think you’d be scared of a piece of paper.”

“It’s not fear,” Sonic said softly, but with an edge. “It’s caution.”

Robotnik raised an eyebrow behind his black glasses.

“Ah. The protective leader. I like that. There’s always one. Though often, he’s the first to break when the real business starts.”

An awkward silence spread. Silver looked down, biting his lip. Knuckles let out a sigh and Amy noticed it wasn’t boredom, but tension.

“We just want to make sure it’s the right decision,” she said, with her best professional voice. “Something this big deserves time to be... considered.”

“Of course,” Robotnik said, almost tenderly. Then he lowered his tone, as if sharing a secret. “Although in this industry, those who take too long usually get replaced before they finish thinking.”

“Though, of course, the last word is mine, so to see if you have what this industry needs, I’ll be waiting for you in the studio. My assistant will tell you where it is,” Robotnik said, leaving the room.

The doors slammed shut, leaving the room in dead silence.

“Like the fuck we’re signing,” Sonic said angrily, standing up.

“Oh, we’ll be signing,” Amy assured him, earning a sarcastic smile from Sonic.

Her blood started boiling.

“I don’t trust that guy,” Knuckles said.

“But it’s one of the biggest, unique opportunities we’ll ever have,” Silver pointed out. “We won’t have to see him all the time, his label watching our backs will be enough.”

“Oh sure, what a relief to know the guy who manipulates contracts with a fake smile is going to ‘watch our backs,’” Sonic said, raising his hands. “Sure, trusting him with our music, our decisions, and everything we are sounds like a great plan. What could possibly go wrong, right?”

“Don’t be childish,” Amy growled. “It’s not about blind trust, it’s about moving forward, Sonic.”

“Moving forward with the first guy who shows up in a fancy suit? Is that moving forward for you?” Sonic spat.

“And how many fancy-suited guys showed up for us?” she shot back. “I don’t think I’m the only one tired of working without a company backing us financially. This is the jump the band needs. Can you stop thinking about your own comfort for one damn second and think about everyone?”

“Let’s put our conditions,” Tails said suddenly, cutting like a knife. “It’s obvious Robotnik’s needed us for a while. No band got that famous like us. We’ll be a good source of income, I don’t think he’ll say no.”

Sonic clenched his fists. He looked at Tails with a mix of frustration and disappointment.

“You too...?” he whispered. “I thought at least you’d understand why this doesn’t sit right with me.”

Tails held his gaze without backing down.

“I understand. Just not everything is won by running away, Sonic. Sometimes you have to stay and fight for what’s best for us as a band, and this contract is it.”

The room fell silent for a moment. Amy could barely breathe, her chest burning with the rage still buzzing in her body. But beneath that rage... there was fear. Fear that he wouldn’t give in. That he’d give up.

Sonic took a deep breath, running a hand through his face.

“All right...” he said finally, voice lower, almost fading. “Let’s put our conditions. But if that guy plays dirty, it’s over. I won’t let this swallow us alive.”

Amy lowered her gaze, but her lips trembled in a small smile.

“He won’t,” she said, certain. As if swearing it for everyone.

Knuckles sighed. Silver let out a relieved breath.

“Then we’ll turn this around. Our way,” said Tails.

The band nodded, not enthusiastically... but with tense determination.

They hadn’t signed yet. But they had just taken their first step at the edge of the abyss.

Finally, Sonic let out a sigh.

“No wonder he had a mustache”

The room’s tension eased.

“Well... hadn’t we warned you?” Silver says and everybody laugh softly.

“Where was the professional who would accept even with a mustache?” Knuckles teased Sonic.

Amy watched as Shadow stood up and left the studio without saying anything else. Clearly, he didn’t care if they signed or not. Something had happened. Amy had never seen him so stressed before. She made a mental note to ask him later.

Who’s Behind the Musical Hits?
The Silent Star Who’s Become Robnick Entertainment’s Ace in the Hole

---

Was the studio to the right or the left?

Amy can’t remember what Robnick’s assistant said, so she enters the first door she sees, hoping it’s the right one.

As she closes the door behind her, she takes in the room: a grand, beautiful piano sits in the center, seemingly just for her. The room is empty and no one could hear her even if it wasn’t.

She hadn’t played in a while. She had learned a little, long ago, but never really felt drawn to return to it or to keep learning. Besides, she didn’t feel right just taking Silver’s guitar. She wanted to save up for her own.

Her fingers press one key, then another, and another, until she gets lost in the scattered fragments she remembers. A melody starts to form, one that she actually begins to like it seeps into her skin. She hums, then begins to sing the lyrics clear in her mind.

She lets the final notes echo in the room and lingers in thought, reflecting on the lyrics. As the last sound fades, Amy sighs. She never liked fighting especially not with people she considered family. It feels like she’s carrying rocks on her back.

“Well, that was interesting,” says a voice behind her.

Amy jumps in surprise, hitting a random cluster of keys that clash loudly.

 “I’m sorry!”

 “Damn it!” she hisses, whirling around to glare at whoever ruined her moment. Honey-brown eyes meet hers, smiling.

“I’m…” He pauses for a second, then says, “Ray.” He takes a few steps toward her. “Who are you?”

“How long have you been standing there?”

“Longer than you’d like,” he shrugs.

“Well, that’s not creepy at all,” she mutters.

“I liked what I heard I couldn’t help it.” His voice softens, suddenly timid. He lowers his gaze. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Amy studies him more carefully. He’s a little taller than her. His black hair streaked with red glints like lightning. He wears black jeans and a short-sleeved white shirt that fits naturally against his toned frame. He doesn’t seem like someone trying hard to impress and maybe that’s exactly why he does.

She watches the way he speaks measured, sincere. He doesn’t seem to be lying. If anything, he seems more nervous than she is.

“Amy,” she finally says, looking away.

“Amy…” he repeats softly, like he’s testing the way her name feels coming off his tongue. “Nice to meet you.”

She nods without looking at him. But her heart beats a little faster.
Not because of him.
Because of the situation.
Or so she wants to believe.

“So?” he asks, stepping a bit closer with a gentle smile. “Are you going to show me what you were playing?”

“Why should I?” she replies playfully.

“Because… Amy,” he says, taking another step forward, “you’re in my studio.”

oh

“Oh no, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know this was yours” The confidence she felt drains from her instantly. “We were told to head to one of the studios, but I got lost, and then I saw the piano and I…”

“You couldn’t resist,” he finishes for her with a sigh, glancing at the piano. “Happens to me, too. I could spend all day sitting here.”

Amy nods because she feels exactly the same when she’s singing or writing. She turns to grab her bag.

“I should go…”

“Stay,” he says. His voice is almost pleading. “Please? I don’t know many people. I mean I do, but it’s always in exchange for something. Not many people really know me. I… if you want, you can stay and show me what you were playing. Maybe I can add something to it, and we can create something together.”

Amy doesn’t move. She doesn’t respond right away. She just looks at the piano… then at him. And even if her lips don’t speak, something inside her already said yes.

She sits back down at the piano. When she looks up, she finds him staring at her in surprise, like he didn’t expect her to stay.

“Are you just going to stand there watching, or are you going to play, Ray?”

He grins instantly, taking a seat beside her.

Rumors confirm that several viral hits are credited to Mighty the musical prodigy who never shows his face.

---

Amy loses track of time. And judging by the way Ray laughs beside her, he doesn’t seem to notice either.

She’s lost count of how many times she laughed so hard she thought she’d scared him off but he only laughed harder, just as unrestrained.

They made mistakes, created weird sounds, stumbled over awkward chords… but never talked about their lives. Not who they were, or what they did. They didn’t need to.

The connection was instant, like they had known each other forever.

Their thighs brushed on the bench. Their faces, only millimeters apart.
Amy thought of Sonic.

She and Sonic had never played music together. She could play piano. He could play guitar. But they never thought to combine their talents.

Maybe she should show him. It could be… fun.

Amy scolded herself for thinking about that. She knew she shouldn’t. So she tried to erase his name from her mind.

“Well, that was fun,” Amy says as the last notes Ray plays fade into the air.

“Fun? I didn’t think I could laugh so much just by playing the piano,” Ray chuckles.
“I haven’t played in ages,” Amy admits.

“Well, now you can always find me to play again, right? Or… do you only want to learn songs?” Ray teases with a smile.

They exchange grins. Amy has to admit he’s cute.

“Well,” she shrugs, “hope I see you around.”

“Why would you see me around?” Ray frowns. But before she can answer, a voice interrupts:

“Amy! There you are we thought”

Tails stops mid-sentence when he notices they’re not alone. His expression shifts to one of pure surprise.

“Tails!” Amy says, quickly standing. “Sorry, I got lost and couldn’t find the room, but I met—”

“Mighty,” Tails says, still stunned.

“Mighty? Who is Mighty? You two know each other?”

“I mean… it’s hard not to know him,” Tails mumbles.

“I don’t get it,” Amy says, confused.

“It’s okay. I’ll explain on the way,” Tails says, grabbing her hand and pulling her out.

Outside, Amy pulls her hand free, annoyed. She was about to ask another question when Tails picks up the pace, leaving her behind.

“What is wrong with you?!” Amy yells, hurrying after him.

“We need to hurry! The audition with Robnick starts in minutes!”

Amy matches his pace, arms crossed in frustration.

“What’s wrong with me? What about you freaking out over me hanging out with someone?”

“With Mighty, Amy! Why didn’t you tell us?!”

“Why would I? And what do you mean calling him Mighty?!”

“You don’t know the great Mighty?!”

Of course Amy knew the name Mighty, the famous writer of countless songs she’d danced to more than once.

They were suddenly back in the studio. The entire band was gathered, surrounded by brand-new, high-end instruments already plugged in and ready.

“Mighty? Who met Mighty?” Silver asks, turning to them with curiosity.

Amy glares at Tails, but he only shrugs.

“She didn’t know it was him… but she apparently had a great time with him.”

“I told you he said his name was Ray! We were just playing piano!” Amy says, arms folded defensively.

“Wait! We’re talking about the guy who wrote half of HotHoney’s album when he was seventeen?” Silver says.

“And who got signed without even going through public auditions,” Shadow adds quietly from the corner.

“And turned down producing for Jet the Hawk—because, and I quote, ‘he didn’t feel anything,’” Knuckles says.

Tails steps forward with a solemn expression.

“Amy, he’s one of Robnick’s most protected songwriters. Not just Robnick Mobius. He’s worked with huge artists. And while he doesn’t appear on magazine covers or give interviews, everyone in the industry knows who he is. Artists would kill to have him write them a song.”

Amy blinks as silence falls around her. Suddenly, everything makes sense: the private studio, the perfectly tuned piano, the calm atmosphere. Of course… that explained it all.

Even though she never asked.

The name Mighty was huge in the music world. But without many photos or public appearances, she’d never bothered to look him up. He had felt like a distant dream.

“Well… he made me feel something,” she says firmly. “He was kind. He let me play with him. That’s all. Even if he… lied.”

The room stays quiet. Amy looks around at the others, but she can’t read Sonic’s who has been quiet, expression he’s focused on spinning a water bottle between his hands.

Finally, Silver smirks.

“Sounds like Mighty liked you.”

Amy shoots him a sideways look.

“That’s not what happened.”

“Really? Changing his name just to get close to you?” Knuckles says with a wink. “We could really use him. Maybe he’ll write us something. Nice going, Amy.”

Amy rolls her eyes. They’re unbearable.

“Robnick’s on his way,” says one of the assistants, peeking through the door.

Tension spikes in the room.

The band scrambles into position. Tails runs to the control panel, but before he goes, he quickly tells Amy which song they’d chosen while she was gone.

The moment Robnick steps into the room, it feels like the world narrows down to a single point. He takes a seat behind the control panel, lifts his chin, and after a moment, gives a silent nod. They may begin.

Amy takes a deep breath.

As Knuckles opens the song with a powerful beat on the drums, Amy’s heart ignites.

Her leg bounces to the rhythm. When the guitar joins in, it gives her strength and she begins to sing the first verse:

When all alone in my chair, I just go about wishing
I wanna be strong, I really wanna be trusted
When all alone in my bed, I just go about yearning
I wanna be cool, I also wanna be like him

Amy looks around. Everyone is focused on their instruments except Sonic. From across the room, he nods at her with a gentle smile, encouraging her.
She always cherishes that gesture subtle to others, but it means the world to her.

But that’s not something I can do so easily
This is not simply my way, my style
Gotta get a hold of my life…

Cuando el coro llega más rápido de lo que esperaba, se concentra y antes de cantar sonríe a Sonic. Amy cierra los ojos al alcanzar la nota alta.

I wanna fly high
So I can reach the highest of all the heavens
Somebody will be waiting for me so
I have got to fly higher

Gotta keep goin'
Everything is a brand new challenge for me
I will believe in myself
This is the only start for me…

Before finishing, Amy looks back at the band. Knuckles grins fiercely as he pounds the drums, each hit bursting with raw energy; Silver is completely immersed in the keys, eyes closed, letting himself drift with the rhythm like he’s floating; even Shadow breaks his usual demeanor with a small, rare smile, slowly nodding along as his bass growls with restrained power. Finally, Amy locks eyes with Sonic. He winks at her, and she can’t help but smile, a warmth blooming in her chest.

Many friends help me out, in return I help them
Certain things I can do and there are things that only I can do
No one's alone

The final note hangs in the air, and when the song ends, absolute silence fills the room. For a moment, there’s nothing but heavy breathing and hearts beating in sync.

Amy looks toward Tails, who beams proudly from the sound booth and gives them both thumbs up.

Then, Robnick grabs the mic, connects to the sound system, and his voice echoes through the speakers:

“Welcome to Robnick Entertainment, Chaos Bloom”