#insainau

"You!" The Jester pointed to him. "I have a feeling your just what we need." He winked and held his palm out as an open invitation. Suddely, all eyes were on him. The women turned giddy while the men gave a slight sneer at his presence. Instead of volunteering he was now being fed to a pack of vicious wolves by a limp dick unfunny poor excuse of a Hedgehog. But still, he walked out onto the floor where the Jester waited with excitement. If he didn't, the King would just order him to, guest or no.

"Wonderful!" The Jester grinned. "What is your name, my good sir?" He refused to give his name for something as pointless as-

"Lord Shadow!" Someone said from near the throne. A young woman, Lady Amelia he recognized. A friend who invited him to this party, insisting he needed more time out of his manor. She was close to the crown and beloved by all. People thought she'd become queen, if not a concort of the king, but when the king stepped into power, to everyone's surprise he ignored every lady but the new woman by his side. From what he heard she had a piratier background and was often talked about in disturbing manor. From what Lady Amelia has said, though, she was a wonderful and a strong woman and much more well-versed than the current king in matters of caring for a kingdom. She understood in both politics and the battleground that was the upper nobility. She often humiliated ladies of court who tried to trip her up. In fact, Lady Amelia stood by her side now, showing her ties still to the royal family and closeness to the queen. She grinned at him then whispered something into the queens ear.

The Jester gave a smile to Lady Amelia who gave a wink in return. Ah. So she was the one who set this up. The traitor. "Lord Shadow!" The Jester bowed low the tails of his cap flipping over as he splayed out his hands in a grandiose gesture, no doubt making fun of him as was his job. Still graiting though. "An honor to make your aquatince!" There were a few chuckles from the crowed. Then the jester flipped his head up harshly making the bells on his hat and chest rattle before sliding up to him smoothly without making a sound. A bit jarring considering the amount of noise he was making just a second ago.

Shadow tried to step away but the Jester just crowded closer with every step he took. "I know your strong enough." The blue hedgehog whispered. "Need you to hold me out on one hand. Make sure you stance is solid. K?" He opened his mouth to protest but the hedgehog just cut him off with a back pat. "Ok! Hold your hand up and out and do your best!" The Jester ran quite quickly (a little too quickly) to near the ballroom doors. Shadow looked on blankly before sighing and holding one arm out, hand high in the air. Who knows? Maybe this was too high and he'd embarrass himself and ask him to go lower. But instead on the other side of the room, the Jester just smirked and went into a runner's pose.

With a bolt of blue the Jester dashed forward into a sprint before tripping himself and catching himself on his hands then pushing off into a twist. He cumersalted his way through the ballroom in several backflips and twists, gaining even more momentum as he shot towards Shadow, a slight blue blur in his wake. Then, with a great push off his hands he flipped high into the air in a ball before stretching out his limbs again, catching himself on one hand into Shadow's. The rattling of fast bells and gasps hit Shadow's ears harder than a bull, but he was too focused adjusting his stance to catch the momentum the blue hedgehog was carrying over to do anything about it.

The sudden weight on his one hand and momentum caused him to take a few steps back to catch everything and slow the hedgehog down into a standing motion. Had this been anyone else, they'd likey collapse just from the hard weight alone. But he'd been picked out for this, Amelia likely telling the Jester about him and his strength.

Just before the Jester was fully balanced, he whistled to the crowed where a young fox trotted out carrying- was that explosives? The crowed parted and gave the fox a wide birth as he tossed the circular bombs to the Jester who caught them with his feet and started juggling them. The Jester, with one arm out, gave the crowed a grin. The crowd and King and Queen clapped as Shadow held the Juggling dumb ass him his palm, not seeming too concerned about the hazard he was throwing around halfhazardly. He then kicked the bombs high in the air and Shadow had to brace himself suddenly when the hedgehog pushed off him and folded himself upright, catching the bombs in his hands and juggling them as he landed on one foot in Shadow's palm. The crowd cheered as the Jester let the bombs fall into his finger tips and roll across his back to the other hand where he changed the juggling pattern.

Great. He was going to be a laughing stock after this.

The small fox dug through his bag and pulled out a knife and tossed it to the Jester who seemlessly incorporated it into his work. Things were added until Shadow counter 15 dangerous items that could easily spell misfortune if the hedgehog even blinked wrong. And just when Shadow thought he was wrapping it up, the hedgehog dropped a bomb (which probably wasn't actually an explosive he realized stupidly), and begun to bounce it on his out stretched foot before incorporating back into his juggling and then doing it again. And again. And again. He was playing hacky sack with the damn thing as he juggled, and part of him was actually a bit impressed. It took incredible hand-foot-eye coordination to do that, plus willing his hands and legs to move separately while his mind kept track of it all. The jester, annoying as he was, was incredibly talented and dedicated. He'll give him that.

The crowd of nobels gasped and cheered again and again as the Jester would add something new every time even one started to get bored. Soon enough Shadow found himself sort of juggling the juggling jester in his hands as he continued to switch up his routines and do new flips and tricks. He soon found himself focusing more and more on the hedgehog while trying not to be the reason the blue asshole messed up.

The act must have been wrapping up, for after balancing a knife on his nose and everything else on the tips of his fingers, shoes, and head, one by one he began tossing them into the air and landed perfectly in the awaiting open bag the fox held out. All but the non-explosives that read 'BOOM!' disappeared into the bag. Finally, the Jester threw those balls into the air, nearly touching the ceiling, as he jumped high off his hand and flipped before landing, grabbing his hand, and forcing them into a bow.

Shadow followed suit, glad the humiliation was over as he heard several 'pop!'s from above him and watched the colorful shreds of paper flit to the marble floor.

Ok. So they were a sort of explosive. Just a very small and minor one.

The room arrupted into an applause. Some of the younger audience members cheered for an anchour, and if he did one, they'd have to do it without him.

He straightened himself and the jester grinned, panting with sweat glistening off his brow, then turned to the crowed again. "Please! Let's give applause to Lord Shadow for his outstanding strength!".

Though Nobels, women began to cheer that sounded more like that of hundreds of shrieking babes while some men rolled their eyes with a scoff and clapped with their white gloves muting the sound. He'd be hearing about this for months.

---

Lady Amelia gave a sheepish grin.

"You set me up." He glared while keeping his growl contained. Because no one wanted a monster running about.

"I'm so sorry, Count Shadow! It's just... Sonic had been working so hard on it and Sir Knuckles is busy being, you know, a knight. And I'm a Lady, so that only leaves you for strength." He narrowed his eyes. As much of a friend Lady Amelia was, she had a habit of blabbering on and on. "And I knew you could handle it! And he was just so excited!"

"I, for one, think it was a brilliant idea." A Rabbit with cream and peach fur strode up with such grace for a second he thought she was flying.

He recognized the woman quickly and bowed. "Your grace."

She waved a hand. "None of that, dear. I've heard quite a bit about you from Amelia, Count. She has many great things to say."

He straightened but kept his posture formal. "You honor me."

"Not as much as you Honor me with your presence here, tonight. Your an allusive hedgehog, count." She gave a slight nod to him in approval. His eyes widen. That was the equivalent of a handshake from the queen! Most people wouldn't wash their hand for a week after this. "I'm glad you came. And thank you, Lady Amelia, for inviting him." She turned to Amelia who gave a grin before schooling it down to a sweet smile.

"It was an honor to help count the people attending." She flayed her fan and held it in front of her muzzle giving the queen a wink who chuckled. "If you don't mind, introductions are in order " she lowered the fan to her hip and held it there. "As you know, this is Queen Vanilla of Mobius. My queen, this is Count Shadow, of Ark."

Shadow bowed his head and the queen let out a chuckle. "The pleasure is mine, count. Believe me. I'd been curious who occupied Ark for some time. Technically it's not even our land."

"No, your majesty. Barren land between Mobius, Eggman Empire, and United Federation. It had been part of the Federation, originally. But after the incident, the Federation cut it off." Like a bad tumor. And he was left there to rot for years.

"Are you fine, by yourself?" He opened his mouth to reply but was quickly cut off by the queen. "Who am I kidding. Of course you are." She turned to the pink hedgehog by her side. "Would you be so kind as to fetch Sonic?"

Lady Amelia nodded and briskly walked off.

"Your concern are lost on my, my queen. I much prefer the days of quiet and comfortable seclusion. And I have allies who visit from time to time. Im not lonely."

She looked to him. Really looked. And it felt like he was seen. Like all of his secrets, burdens, doubt and sadness were being laid out in front of her like cards for her to read. Like she saw into his mind and how much of a lie that statement was, even if he didn't know it himself. It made him feel naked and afraid. He had never felt such a thing from anyone but- her eyes saddened by whatever she saw.

"Come. We should talk."

"But Lady Amelia-"

"Will catch up."

He really didn't want to go. This woman could see him for what he really was. A scared welp crying out for it's mother in a world of monsters. It's mother wasnt there anymore. It would forever be lost. But she was the Queen and regecting would put all eyes on him and beget trouble. So he followed as she glided out of the ballroom and down several corridors. She was more silent than the grave and held a sadness in her. It made the air thick and tacky. It felt like he was breathing muck. He could feel memories on the edge of his mind, waiting for him to lower his guard so they can seap in and take him.

He was guided to a garden far from the ballroom. The silence they steeped in had been long and he started to wonder about her. What was her game? Who was she really? Not even Rouge knew her origins and that bat got around. But now instead of long glistening corridors and hallways, was something small and homely. A little rabbit with a striking resemblance to the queen sat in the dirt, her gloves buried in dirt and her shorts and shirt filthy. A little chao rolled in the dirt and next to them sat a bee, just as filthy and grinning ear to ear.

It was a warm scene, watching the two children pull out weeds and toss them about as they talked. The garden they were in was a... Vegetable garden? Practically miniscule compared to the castle's flowing flower beds.

"This is our little paradise. I trust you won't share it." The queen looked serene now, as if she had never encountered any troubles in her life. Not one.

"Of course."

She smiled at him before looking back to the children. "Cream. Come here."

The children looked up and the rabbit grinned at her mother. She stood up and dusted her self off poorly before picking up the chao and doing the same. She ran up to them and bounced on her toes.

"Is the ball over?" The little child looked at her mother with such bright eyes it could have blinded the sun itself. Then her eyes settled on him and grew even more bright, if that was even possible. "Is this him!?" She looked to her mother for confirmation who nodded. "Really!?" She looked back to him. "Your Count Shadow!?"

He looked to the queen who gave a nod of allowance. "Yes. And you are, young miss?"

"I'm Cream-"

The queen cleared her throat.

"Oh-!" The child stood tall and schooled her expression. She did a curtsie. "I'm Princess Cream of Mobia. And this is my friend Choco." So she was the rumored little princess. But then her royal attitude vanished with excitement and she bounced again. "Amy told me so much about you! And how handsome you are!"

A child calling him handsome. How fun.

"I believe your much more radiant than I, Princess."

"I'm covered in dirt." She deadpanned with a frown and it caught him so off guard he actually laughed. Like a real genuine laugh he hadn't felt in years. Not since... His laughter died down. His guard had slipped and now the sour memory of a girl's lifeless body slumping over his coffin right before it sealed shut slithered into his mind.

Maria.

Princess Cream must've sensed something as she ran to the garden, picked a weed of a flower and ran back, handing it to him. "Flowers always make me feel better" her voice soft like her mother's.

He looked at the weed, a dandelion. Yellow like Maria's hair. She was rather fond of Dandelions. They were resilient and provided medical properties at times. They were greatly healthy and their roots made a delicious earthy coffee. Every part of them could be used. Unfortunately, Maria was severely allergic to them so they only got to see them in photos. But she loved them still.

He smiled at the memory of her pouring over an encyclopedia of flowers as well as their meaning.

"Count Shadow."

His head snapped up as he remembered where he was. She had been so quiet and the princess reminded him of Maria in a scarene place without worry of sickness.

"I've been many places, but nothing has ever made my daughter happier than where she currently is.The King you saw before, my husband, is doing his best to make sure our daughter stays that way."

Had the flower bright yellow and full of persistent warmth not been in his hand, he's sure his face would grow cold. This woman was asking her to be a weapon, wasn't she? Like all the others. They were all the same.

"And even though your not part of it, I believe your happiness will become crucial to our kingdom, and to others." She knelt down to her daughter and picked her up, dirtying herself in the process. Surprisingly none of the maids or guards near by said anything. "I was lonely once too. I thought I was fine with it but..." She looked to Cream with such adoration that was only possible from a mother or father loving their child unconditionally, it made his heart ache. "Then I hand Cream. Her openness brought people in and then I was surrounded by people. Good people. People I could trust and give my heart to." She looked to him with great fondness he was sure he didn't deserve. "And I believe you'll find that too, one day." She kissed her daughters cheek who giggled then squirmed to be put down. She did as the small bee came up to them and nodded to Shadow. As if he knew something he didn't.

"Perhaps you've already met them but you keep them at a distance. Never the less I'll give you something that may help."

"I've brought him." A voice came from behind making him jump under his skin. They turned to see Lady Amelia and the Jester.

"Sonic! Amy!" The princess cheered and ran to hug them both with her small arms. They both laughed and returned the hug with favor. "I thought you guys were at the ball!"

"I'm done with my routine for an hour." The Jester, Sonic replied with a shrug.

"Wanna play?"

"Hold on, dear. Sonic, please come here." The queen gestered him over to which he quickly obeyed. The little bee Mobian flew to Cream's side and guided her and Lady Amelia away.

"Count Shadow. This Jester is my gift to you."

He tensed as Sonic's eyes slid to his in an unsettling way.

"I'm honored, your majesty, but-"

"I won't accept if ands or buts, Count Shadow. I insist."

He couldn't help but frown. After all, he was being given a mobian with their own thoughts and dreams and what ever else went on in that clearly empty head.

"Oh ho ho! Permanent employment. Don't mind if I do." Sonic grinned like he had a hand in this arrangement. And maybe he did. The hedgehog did seem close to the royal family. But why him? Lady Amelia's words of his couldnt have been that good. He made sure of it.

"I understand your reluctancy, however I believe Sonic will be of great aid to you. Not only is he wonderful company, but he also provides great insight into the affairs of the kingdom. People and Mobians alike trust him greatly. I have no doubt he'll be of use to you when you decide to reign in those who try to over throw your castle."

"I have it under control." He lied. The few that remained in the Ark territory after it's fall were none to happy with his awakening. There had always been rumors and tales spread after the downfall that persisted through his slumber, but the people who stayed were getting anxious of his return. He did little to them, only going into town once in a blue moon to see the goings of the people out of curiosity, but they had not treated him kindly. More like... An invader. It was only a matter of time before they abandoned him and unionize to bring his castle down and finally claim it as their own or destroy it. He wouldn't let the memory of Maria be tainted like that.

"I'm sure you do." She knew. Of course she knew. Who didn't? "But I still wish you to take him regardless. If at least to put my mind at rest."

To sigh in front of the queen was asking for death, but it's not like they could kill him. So he did it anyway. He let his shoulders drop and his posture sag for a brief moment earning a quiet giggle from the two before straightening and blowing slightly. "It would be an honor to take such a gift from your majesty. I shall accept it with great honor."

"Good. Sonic. Play with Cream a but before you pack your things, alright?"

Sonic bowed. "Of course." He said before flipping his hat with ringing bells that scratched at Shadow's ears and ran off to the trio. Cream and the Bee audibly cheered.

"Thank you, Count. I promise you won't regret this."

"With all do respect, your highness. You forced me to accept."

She smiled something sly and plotting. "Your right. But I know Sonic. And I know he'll help you. Even if you hate him. Just be careful. He can get... A bit excited at times." She watches the three run through the garden in a game of tag, carefully avoiding the vegetables and flowers. "Oh! I nearly forgot!" She turned back to him. "Best not to let Robotnik know Sonic is with you. He's... Obsessed with him, I suppose. He'll come to bother you if he learns of Sonic's whereabouts."