Sonic looked to Amy, inquiring how she might try to attack him with obsessed love this time. For the time being he was sitting, listening in on Tails and Rotor talk of mechanics and such that surpassed Sonic's intelligence (though boredom forced him to pay attention anyway), however he stood up as soon as he spotted the pink hedgehog.

It wasn't like Sonic disliked her; of course he liked her – but only as a friend. However she never got the memo he would rather stay single, especially after the big break-up between him and Sally. For a moment he broke his gaze and turned toward Freedom HQ where, through the window, he could see the chipmunk talk to Bunnie about whatever he could imagine.

However, Sonic froze as soon as the girl bellowed with ecstasy, "SONIC!"

As soon as the female hedgehog came to him in a rush, he just bolted out of there as quick as he could. Without looking back, the hedgehog headed for some place – any place that separated him from her as soon as possible. The others, including Tails and Rotor, looked to the trail of dust quickly made when the hedgehog sped away, though only shrugged; after all, this was just routine for them: Amy would bolt for Sonic, and in turn he'd run away as quick as he could.

No one ever knew why he did so, and neither did they bother to ask. After all, Sonic's problems were his problems alone. Besides, Amy was fanatical over him, he wasn't fanatical over her – so it was obvious he didn't want her, but didn't want to break it to her without creating an emotional scene either.

Though, no one ever seemed to wonder about the hedgehog female herself: Why she loved him oh so much, despite the clear signs screaming, "I don't love you" constantly being thrown at her. Sure, he'd saved her life once, and still continued to do it today; however, he'd saved everyone's life at one point – even Robotnik. It was just his thing. Why Amy believed she was so unique above the rest of his rescued victims no one knew either, and, like always, no one bothered to ask.

No one bothered to ask. No one bothered to wonder. Except him. He stood up on one of the numerous trees with great ease, unlike many others, and gazed down at the previous scene. As soon as Sonic left the premises, Amy stopped abruptly. It appeared even she realized that she wouldn't catch him at his top speed; and yet she never stopped trying to win him over. Why? Why waste one's life over some daft, egotistical hedgehog that didn't know anything beyond his attention span?

The dark hedgehog continued to gaze at the female until she walked back to Freedom HQ, her head lowered in defeat. Though he wouldn't think much of some obsessed girl that was no more than a Fangirl for the Hero of Mobius, he couldn't help but pity over her. Amy was so lively, so energetic, so strong, and yet the only obstacle that she couldn't break was that barrier between her and Sonic. He even felt sorrowful for the girl; all she wanted was love, and yet it was so hard to reach.

But why? Why did he waste time even thinkingabout Amy? He knew almost nothing about her. Only that she had the stubbornness of a million mules, but that was it. Sure, he also knew she favored the hero types, and her personality could explain why she acted certain ways, and he could even just guess what she would most likely say if Sonic was to ever be brought up.

Strange, it was like he knew her, and yet he didn't.

Shadow the hedgehog shook his head, clearing up the previous thoughts. He remembered he had a job to do. In a flash, the black-and-crimson hedgehog leapt down from the treetop and sped through the forest without any of the others realizing his presence. His face remained emotionless as he sped through the undergrowth, coming around the small building of Freedom HQ, and stopped just at its rear wall. Shadow stood still for a brief moment until sneaking round to the side.

With subtlety and stealth, he looked towards the front where the two Mobians, Tails and Rotor, continued messing with whatever contraption they'd been making. They were facing away from his desired location, though it was difficult to calculate how he could maneuver his way to the tree stump that posed as a secret trapdoor into Freedom HQ without being spotted easily.

If he ran quickly, the wind would stir and it would definitely give his position away. And by the indistinctive chattering from inside the headquarters, they could also see him from inside the base. Though, considering the circumstances, he'd have to take his chances; of course, he knew no miracles would present themselves anyway.

Waiting for the right moment, Shadow burst through in his usual breakneck speed, heading for the tree stump. He didn't look to either groups to see if they'd caught him, and dove into the trapdoor as quickly as possible. He heard nothing – no shouts of intruders, no alarms. And so he could only assume he'd made it without a trace to be found.

Once again he waited, listening for anyone near himself. Of course, he could hear two females chatting about regular everyday things that females at that age would want to talk about. By one female's southern speech, he knew it to be the half-Robian, half-Mobian known as Bunnie; which could only mean the other was Sally Acorn.

Though neither possessed as much power as him, Shadow still knew not to mess with the two. He could only wait until they left. Though how long was what worried the hedgehog.

However, suddenly the alarm sounded.

At first he surmised someone may have found him, however the two conversing girls dashed out of the base, as well as others he never knew to be inside in the first place.

Amy watched them all leave, knowing it was most likely Robotnik attacking the forest or New Mobotropolis again; better yet, Sonic was most likely already there, fighting off the menace.

The pink hedgehog sighed. Usually she'd only run to the scene to cheer on the blue blur she loved unconditionally. Of course, she was no stranger to action, but Sonic always handled the situation; all she had was her lousy hammer, which could bust up a few robots, though against Robotnik, she'd be a dead girl. Without Sonic, she couldn't handle any of that mess. That was why she craved him – he'd saved her from Robotnik's attacks before, including when he ordered Metal Sonic to kidnap her.

Oh! She was alwaysbeing kidnapped! Always being the damsel in distress! Couldn't she have a moment to shine and save Sonic by herself? Would he love her then?

Of course not. He didn't love her then, and he certainly wouldn't now. Amy knew he wanted his own space, and he was still recovering from the breakup with Sally; but couldn't she be his healer? Couldn't she be the one he turned to when things got bad . . ? But then, she would be nothing but a shoulder to cry on. Where was the love in that?

Amy didn't bother to leave with them, and they didn't bother to ask her. Partly it was because she had a reputation for being the one getting into trouble, but also it appeared Sally and the others seemed to notice her being less joyful. Usually Amy would be bustling with energy, but now the only thing that got her battery to run was seeing the hedgehog's face; she couldn't help but try to glomp him – it was a force of habit. And this oh-so wonderful habit was always the reason he ran away, and then resulting in her losing her spirit again after another failure.

Instead the pink hedgehog just sat on one of the benches, sulking in her own self pity.

Suddenly, there was a noise. She didn't perk her ears at first, knowing it was most likely someone coming back for whatever reason. However, by the frequent tripping and scattering, it was obvious the person was not familiar with this structure. At this, Amy stood up on high alert. The pink hedgehog grabbed out her signature hammer, scowling at the stranger's presence; the girl was in no mood to have to deal with a trespasser.

She tiptoed as softly as her boots allowed, hoping the other didn't hear her. Amy rounded toward the main room where the footsteps grew louder in volume. She had her hammer ready to strike a blow, knowing she had the advantage of surprise (or at least she hoped). Finally she breathed inward, getting ready for the hit, and then ran inside. Giving a small scream she swung her hammer and BAM! She grinned contentedly knowing she hit whoever was inside.

Amy rounded her hammer back to her side and looked to the intruder. However she gasped at seeing she only managed to hit the communicator that kept Freedom HQ and New Mobotropolis in connection whenever one had to reach the other. A flash passed her and suddenly a hand draped over her mouth. She tried swinging her hammer, though the other hand was already holding her wrist down. Amy could only drop it.

"I suggest you don't do that again."

Amy widened her eyes at hearing the familiar brusque voice that belonged to Shadow. In truth, it wasn't so surprising that he broke into HQ for whatever reason, which would most likely be to steal an emerald. She didn't bother writhing free of his firm hold, however, knowing his strength andhis patience.

His hand gently came off of her mouth, though managed a tight hold onto her upper chest.

"Where's the emerald?"

"I'll never tell you."

The other hand let go of her hand and wrapped around her waist, keeping her body pinned against his own; her hopes for escape were diminished.

"I suggest you rethink that strategy. I'm only going to ask you nicely one more time."

"I still won't tell!" She stuck her tongue at the other in defiance. He couldn't help but smirk at her childish behavior she displayed at times. It actually struck him dumbstruck Amy would result into using the same tactic when she was seventeen and rising toward eighteen any day now. To prove her age the girl's quills had run down at a long length, almost at her hips; in fact, most of the others' features were beginning to change as well as they grew.

Shadow, however, remained the same. Sure, his fur may have been growing a bit, though no other aspect could be displayed to show he'd grown. Of course, the hedgehog was never meant to age like others.

His brief trip into his conscious led him astray and only now did he realize that Amy was breaking free of his hold. Before he could grab her again, she grasped the hammer and swung blindly as hard as she could. Though it wasn't a direct hit, the hammer's edge still managed to hit the hedgehog with enough force to throw him across the room.

Amy merely stood there. She knew that running would do her no good: no one was around and his speed outmatched hers by a long shot. Fighting back wouldn't do prove sufficient either; he had more strength and it was blind luck that got her this far. By now he'd be at least irate with her actions and this would only result in dire consequence for her.

Not only that, but she'd destroyed the communicator and couldn't call for help.

Shadow began to stir from temporary unconsciousness and looked to the girl. His face remained emotionless, however she knew he would most likely use his full force to show he had no time for this. Amy had no choice but to stand her ground, and waited for the male's response to her attack.

"Why do you do this?"

Amy was downright surprised he'd asked her a question rather than try to attack and force the information out of her.

Even Shadow didn't know what he was doing, though the question remained unanswered for too long; though this was one of the worst chances to ask, he needed to know. His curiosity was one he couldn't ignore so easily.

"What? What do you mean?" Amy still kept her stance in case Shadow was trying to make her lose her guard.

"Why do you do all of this for that hedgehog?" he asked more specifically.

The name rang in her head: Sonic. Why he would ask that, she couldn't tell, though blatantly replied, "Why not?"

Shadow didn't answer at first. However, he finally came up with a reply, "Because he doesn't love you."

Amy growled, though didn't move and inch, mainly because Shadow hadn't done the same. Both remained stationary, though never removed their stances in case the other was to attack. Remember anger management, Amy. Amy sighed a bit, replying more calmly this time, "You don't know that."

And yet, she didknow that there was little hope to ever learn whether he did or not. What would happen next between them depended upon Sonic, and it was no secret he wasn't going to reveal any personal emotions anytime soon. What scared her the most was that if he was to come out and say it, would he say it to Sally? Or Mina? Or Blaze? Did he even have that kind of emotion toward Amy?

Amy lost her grip on her hammer, much to Shadow's surprise. Of course he didn't love her! She was nothing but a Fangirl – a disease that had no cure! Why did she even bother? Was it to get Sonic to admit it, or to have him say what she wanted to hear? He'd shown his interest towards Sally, Mina, Blaze, and others, but not her! Years ago he'd said it was because she was too young, but now she was a blossoming flower, should age even be regarded now?

Amy lost her stance and allowed her knees to tremble until falling onto the floor while sobbing continuously. She didn't want to give up, but she didn't want to wait either. She just had to admit it: Sonic loved her like he loves Tails; she was like a sister, rather than a lover. But of course, that was never enough for Amy. She needed someone, but that was definitely not Sonic.

Shadow stared down at the sobbing form. Though he could understand why she might be in this emotional state, he had no time for delays. But he couldn't just leave her here like this, could he? Earlier in life, Shadow was always indifferent of what happened to others, mainly because of his search for revenge or purpose. However the years passed and the "relationships" started growing more; such as spending time with Rouge and Omega, often racing with Sonic, sometimes joining missions – it was obvious he was involving himself more with these Mobians; hell, Sonic might admit he'd call Shadow a "friend", and even if the dark hedgehog wouldn't return the favor, he knew he was inevitably becoming apart of this society . . . much to his annoyance, though he would never admit that he appreciated it at times.

And now, seeing this young girl breaking down emotionally compromised him from the mission at hand. Shadow stood where he was for another moment before walking to the other. He could hear one side scream at him to turn back and find the emerald, while the other told him to comfort the girl. Much as he hated it, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her, and felt the need to make amends.

However Shadow stopped halfway, trying to officially decide which side to take. Eventually, as Amy's sobbing stopped and she looked up to the hedgehog in half-expectancy, half-confusion, Shadow shook his head and turned back. While he knew that Amy still posed a threat, Shadow simply ignored her and searched for the emerald.

"You're not my problem," he murmured to himself. It was actually not surprising that Amy didn't go after him, and Shadow soon found the emerald he desired. With a quick glance down the hall that led to the main room from which he'd left the young girl, he chaos controlled out of the headquarters, with a wave of guilt washing over him like a tsunami.

Amy felt appalled he'd left her stranded, though shrugged it off. "Of course he doesn't care," she said, holding back more sobs to come. The young girl regained her composure. She picked up her hammer and wiped away any remaining tears. Hopefully, besides the broken communicator (which she could make up any story to explain how that happened), none of the others would be able to discover what went on here previously – especially Sonic.

"I've got the emerald." Shadow walked into the small living room where Team Dark would rest briefly before going on missions, or, as Rouge called it, just "hang out". He saw the girl, Hope Kintobor, waiting for him as she sat on the couch. By her frown, which remained as he departed, she still didn't approve of G.U.N.'s mission to have him steal the emerald from the Freedom Fighters.

"I hope you didn't cause any trouble for them." It was understandable how she'd feel about the group. After all, they housed her once when Robotnik invaded her Overlander city; she owed a great debt to Sonic and his friends, but stealing from them sure didn't display that feeling of appreciation.

Shadow thought about Amy and their recent encounter. "Nope." Of course he wouldn't tell Hope. However the girl looked to him. She could sense deceit in his tone, and from much experience with the hedgehog, she could always tell between his lies. Like the Mobians, Hope had matured too. In fact she began growing towards the height of regular humans (already about two heads higher than Shadow), as well as growing longer hair. Shadow never pointed it out, but she resembled Maria all the time nowadays. The only thing distinguishable was her choice in outfits, from which Hope always wore an engineer suit.

"What happened?"

By her tone, Shadow knew he was caught, and so didn't try denying. "Let's just say an incident occurred."

Hope cocked an eyebrow. "And . . ?"

"Nobody got hurt . . . physically."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You might say someone had an emotional breakdown. And no, it wasn't me." He'd hoped that was enough information for Hope, however she continued to eye him suspiciously.

"Who, then?"

Shadow sighed before replying, "A-Amy Rose."

"Oh my gosh, what did you do?"

"Nothing! I may have said something to trigger it, but it wasn't intentional."

"Then apologize."

"What?"

"You heard me. Apologize to her."

"Why should I?"

"Because I know she's the girl you constantly think about."

Shadow's eyes widened. "How did you know that?"

However the answer was obvious. Though not many people enjoyed the mandatory assignment, for military reasons all personnel were required to keep a video journal; those assigned to it simply had to explain their days and such, their outlook on things both personal and public, and anything else by updating every week or so. While Shadow didn't like the idea of revealing his personal life, when the administrators were most likely to evaluate his journals the most, he didn't complain much – or at least not as much as Rouge (from which she was afraid to reveal about her thoughts about the red echidna).

Shadow only spoke of obvious things at first, however when seeing the pink hedgehog more and the constant scenes with her running after Sonic in joy as he sped away in terror, he found the journal to be the only place to actually reveal his thoughts on the subject. And though they'd reassured everyone the personal journals were to be confidential, apparently Hope had no regard for such things, at least when it came to him and his team.

She only looked to him smugly. "You know how. And I also know that you're 'intrigued' by her, so maybe you should get off your butt and apologize."

"Keep out of my life."

"Come on, why don't you want to? I mean, if you want to get her to like you –"

"I don't want her to like me," he snapped. "What makes you think that?"

"I know you're not much of a people-person, but even you should know that someone only talks about another this much if they like them."

"Are you suggesting I'm attractedto her?" The thought seemed absurd! So Shadow talked of Amy often – who cares? It was true that even involving himself in other environments didn't help him to learn about others as much – or perhaps this group of Mobians wasn't a good teacher; after all his sense of love was a little clouded by the way they treated each other (Sally to Sonic, Julie-Su to Knuckles, etc.).

"Yeah, I guess. You seem to really take a shine to her."

"Perhaps, but it's not like it's the same for her."

"So? Apologizing will get you on a better start."

"Not that I don't appreciate your help, but I don't have any intention to be set up with someone."

"Would you just do it?" Hope pushed the hedgehog off the couch. "Admit it or not, I know you want to. It will at least help you with your people skills."

"If it'll make you shut up, then fine."

"Hey Amy . . . You feeling okay?" Sonic was the first to arrive back from the scene – it was no surprise, since he was the fastest thing alive.

Unlike other times, Amy was nowhere near excited to see the blue hero. She didn't respond to his question, but, instead, walked right past him. She couldn't take much more of the emotional heartbreak she had already gone through, and ignored whatever Sonic had to say. Though he was concerned, he shrugged it off, knowing to keep out of Amy's life unless she asked.

The pink hedgehog walked out of the base.

"Where are you going?" Tails asked. He was joined by the rest of the crew who had finally made it back to Freedom HQ.

She didn't bother to answer. Sally and Bunnie in particular looked to the female with concern, though neither knew what to ask. Then Sally looked back to the small headquarters to see Sonic waiting at the front with a look that matched her own towards Amy.

Walking up to the hedgehog, she asked, "What did you do?"

"Me? Nothing! Honest!" The hedgehog shook his head in defiance. "She was like this when I got here."

"Do you know why?"

He shook his head again. "Beats me." Suddenly a drop of water crashed onto the hedgehog's head. He looked up as hundreds more soon followed.

Amy was already clear out of the area by the time either of the two looked back. The girl had turned from a slow walk to walking quickly, then to running, and then to sprinting. While ignoring the pouring rain, she ran for a destination – any destination that separated her from Sonic as soon as possible.

At first this feeling was odd to her. Amy was no stranger to emotional scenes like this, and like other times she eventually snapped out of the phase and back into her usual peppy self to pursue Sonic once more. Why was this time so different? She'd pondered why, and came to the conclusion that being told by someone else other than herself opened her eyes to the extent from which she found no solution to gaining Sonic's love; no light back to the same tunnel she followed when trying to win the blue hero over. But why? Why did it hurt more than ever when Shadow told her off, rather than herself when she briefly lost faith in her abilities?

Now she ran; she ran from the hurt, the inevitable, the obvious. She ran from the one who was never meant to be her true love.