It was by far the one thing Lita wished she had two of herself to keep up with running her part of Eden. Unfortunately, she wasn't blessed with having a twin like the Holder of Earth.

As She moved through the sacred halls of her temple, carrying out her set responsibilities with utmost precision, she couldn't shake the lingering memories of her time spent with Sonic and his friends on the surface.

Despite Lita's best efforts to focus on her tasks, thoughts of the adventures they shared tugged at her heartstrings, filling her with a bittersweet longing for the camaraderie and friendship she had experienced.

Setting papers and books across one of the set tables having chosen the area to get some work done.

Looking out from the patio, amongst the border of her village she saw the fiery mountains of the Rahki's neighboring land. During the winter those mountains would be capped with white snow and a new forest would grow.

She recalled the exhilarating moments spent racing through the lush greenery of the forest with Sonic when they first met, the wind whipping through her fur as they raced like old friends despite meeting for the first time. Even the close call of when slipping on the wet ground from earlier rain showers.

It was the first time in a long time that Lita was able to run free without being reprimanded later for not adhering to set rules. Having learned the first time when first arriving.

Being engrossed in a book not having noticed one of her servants approached, bearing a delicately adorned plate of assorted sweets.

"I have prepared for you a snack my lady," the feline servant said with a soft smile gracing her muzzle. Lita nodded to acknowledge, skimming over her book and then turning a page despite already knowing the contents word for word from over the years without an updated version to make it more interesting.

In a second the servant's foot caught on the edge of an uneven tile, sending her stumbling forward. The plate slipped from her grasp, its contents cascading to the ground with a tinkling of porcelain and a scatter of crumbs.

"I'm s-sorry my lady. I'll clean it right away!" the servant stammered hurriedly picking up the broken plate.

Lita didn't appear surprised. She didn't feel concerned about the wasted treats or broken porcelain cups. It was more so with how her servant fussed. Closing her book, placed it on her lap then snapping her fingers causing a spark allowing for two electric hands to sweep up the mess and then snapping her fingers again making it disappear.

"M-My Lady?" The servant was perplexed not expecting such a courteous action.

"Make sure to watch your step next time. It's not great if you were to hurt yourself over treats." Searching for any lingering pieces that may have been missed, Lita then returned to her book.

Not wasting time the servant scurried back inside where the chatter among the other servants started to spread about her unexpected action of help.

Lita observed the younger servants who hid behind the wall curious to the gossip. They must be no older than eight or possibly even twelve. There were times that Lita found herself displeased with seeing younger kids being brought to Eden having thought the Heralds already found enough to suit all positions in their world.

Meeting Cream was a delight with her carefree attitude that Lita had to admit reminded her of when as a child. Hopefully, Cream's childhood will last longer than she's ever had.

A sudden smell from the kitchen having traveled across the temple smelling of brewed chamomile tea. Sometimes the servants would cook their food inside the temple given Holders already had their assigned meal area.

Just smelling the brew reminded her of being back at Amy's house. How warm and inviting it was to have a nice meal with a friend chatting without needing to worry about eavesdropping.

Amy's infectious enthusiasm had brought a sense of joy and spontaneity, her boundless energy was a welcome respite from the weight of Lita's responsibilities. Even when Amy dragged her to have a sleepover Lita was grateful that her extroverted friend brought her to explore the outside.

Out of the corner of her eye, Lita could see a flare being lit into the sky. Though its colorful remnants could barely be seen in daylight compared to when being lit at night whistling and exploding with tricks.

That's right, all the villages of each land were getting prepared for the fourth of the summer celebration. During her first few years of being in Eden Lita imagined what her classmates from below may have thought should they have been selected to join Eden. A child part of herself also imagined what her mother might have thought wishing for her to join.

Knuckles would have liked this place. It's peaceful enough for him to be in solitude. Then again given how protective he is of the Emerald it was doubtful he'd visit.

Standing up from the table assorting her papers into a neat stack then placing them in her book deciding to move to another spot.

Seeing the flash within the reflection of the patio's bi-folded door glass panes, brought her back to the moment when she destroyed Eggman's laboratory and nearly destroyed Shadow along with it... Oh, that's right.

And then there was Shadow, the enigmatic figure whose quiet and seriousness had left a lasting impression on her. During their conversation on the train, though he interrogated her, she did not feel threatened. His understanding of her identity despite not fully telling him the bigger picture. Regardless it forged a connection that lingered in the recesses of her mind. Even if it was brief she hoped he trusted her even just the smallest.

There was something about him that she wanted to question. Maybe Shadow would have liked to see Eden and its wonder.

Taking a brief pause in her walk clutching papers securely in her grasp. Glancing out amongst the back garden of her temple. A dirt path starting from the marble steps encircled the fountain of the Firsts immortalized statue gleaming in the sun.

As she continued to move through the temple, the memories of her friends surrounded her like a comforting embrace, filling her with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. She longed for the simple pleasures of their time together, the laughter and companionship that had brought amusement to her short stay.

But as the echoes of her memories faded, Lita forced herself to focus on the present, channeling her energy into her responsibilities with reluctant determination. Though her time with Shadow and his friends had been fleeting, the emotions she experienced while untethered still felt in her chest when thinking back.

—

After a long day of carrying out her divine duties, Lita finally retreated to her chambers within the temple, seeking respite from the relentless demands of her responsibilities.

Closing the door to her room then anxiously jumping onto her bed with a weary sigh. Rubbing her face into the fresh sheets she closed her eyes, grateful for the chance to rest and recharge her weary spirit.

The muffled noises of servants outside going about their own scheduled business and outside noises of the village were soft background noises. She would rather gratefully request the Surfaces nature and ocean tune though if given the option.

Feeling utterly spent. "Can't catch a break, can I?" Lita muttered to herself, running a hand through her quilled bangs in frustration. "I swear, today has been relentless. Just when I thought I could finally get some rest..."

But just as she began to drift into a well-deserved slumber, a soft rap at the door interrupted her thoughts. With a groan of frustration, Lita reluctantly pushed herself upright, wondering what new demand awaited her now.

As she opened the door, a servant stood before her, holding out a scroll that was adorned with a gold lace tied around with a blue wax seal. Just the sight alone made her wanna run off.

...Thinking that now made her realize if this is what Sonic felt when Amy ambushed him.

Lita's annoyance deepened at the sight, knowing that any missive from the council was likely to bring probing questions that would continuously go in a circle frustrating not only her but also any other person who had been summoned into the well of old, further draining her already depleted energy.

"If Neró is sending me a message about getting lost then you can send that right back to his water-based arrogant self-righteous frill-headed ass," Lita crossed her arms glaring at the scroll.

The servant shuffled uncomfortably, clearly unsure of how to respond to Lita's lamentations. "I'm sorry to disturb you, my lady," he began tentatively, "but this scroll just arrived, and was told to deliver it to you right away. It seems to be quite urgent."

Lita groaned in exasperation, snatching the scroll from the servant's hand. "Of course it is," she muttered darkly, rolling her eyes as she inspected the item, finding a gold seal representing the four Heralds. "Summoned to one of the council's meetings. Because apparently, my day wasn't packed enough with divine duties and endless paperwork."

The servant shifted uncomfortably, clearly sympathizing with Lita's frustration. "I'm sorry, my lady," he apologized face red with embarrassment despite his helmet covering the top of his face.

Noticing his distress she quickly was set to remedy. "I'm not mad at you. It's just.. getting back into the swing of things." She murmured offering a smile to reassure him.

In a brisk salute, the servant walked away allowing Lita her cue to close the door.

With shoulders slumped in frustration as she tossed the scroll aside, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over her like a heavy blanket. The last thing she wanted was to spend her precious time attending a tedious meeting, especially when she longed for a moment of peace and solitude.

However, the impatient side of her grew too much, finding herself already unraveling the string around the scroll and skimming over the contents written.

To Asterope, Elemental Holder of Lightning,

Greetings,

By the decree of the Herald Council, it is with great esteem and reverence that we extend our summons unto you. Your astute observations regarding the affairs of the Surface have not gone unnoticed, and in light of their significance, the Council deems it imperative to convene with you forthwith.

You are hereby summoned to attend a formal audience at the esteemed chambers of the Herald Council. The purpose of this gathering is to deliberate upon the matter of whether the Surface necessitates the benevolent support of Eden. Your insights into this matter are deemed essential to our collective understanding, and thus, your presence is of utmost importance.

The Council eagerly anticipates your esteemed presence at this convocation. Your wisdom and discernment are held in high regard, and your contributions to the discourse shall undoubtedly prove invaluable.

Please make arrangements to present yourself at the designated time and place as specified below:

Date: Hekatombaion 4th of the crescent moon

Time: 11:00 am

Location: Herald Council Chambers

Should any inquiries or impediments arise, do not hesitate to dispatch a missive to the Council's chambers forthwith.

With anticipation and regard,

The Herald Council