One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Prologue

The atmosphere; as always, was full of glee. The sky held no cloud whatsoever, the skyscrapers shone in all their glory, vehicles zoomed by in a fashioned manner. Everything was dream-like to an extent. Yet if one looked towards the ground level, it gradually lost its glimmer. Mobians walked to their appropriate locations, all busy with something in hand. Either it be a call, talking or listening to the music being played through the airways. After a few centuries of constricted access to radio-waves, new technology made it possible to pick them up internally.

In this time period, there was no time for crime; nor was their time for themselves. Jobs were tight; workers must work at unreasonable shifts to keep the world cities running. A worker calling in sick can prove deadly.

The 21st century only a distant paradise.

I dashed through the alleys in a determined manner. People stared at me, multiple getting in my way. Of course, I struggled to catch up to my bounty as I pushed them aside. The closer she was, the more Mobians crowded around to see the commotion. My objective gained speed within each passing second, the air gained a sense of urgency. With each step, my legs strained to keep up; ears taking in the vibrations streaming through the atmosphere. Conversations arose, various advertisements boasted about products, barters commenced within this crowded market.

The bounty took a sharp turn around the corner before throwing leftover metal before me. This was a mere obstacle that could be easily passed by talents of myself.

Quickly focusing on the material, I flicked my hand westward. The items scattered about in co-ordinance of my abrupt motion. A few flew towards the target of interest, knocking her balance loose. Within a split second she lost his footing.

Opening my palm, the similar strange light slowly grew; likewise with the figure before me. She seemed worried beyond belief, her eyes welling up with tears.

"I- I dunno why you're chasing me man! I don't owe nobody nothing-"

"Shut up lynx!"

"L-Lynx? I ain't no lynx, I swear to gawd! I- I'ma freaking osprey!"

Confused, I once again took another look at her. Ignoring her punk-styled dress and boots, I stare at her features. She obviously has cat-like ears, a short tail and no feather-like features in sight. I was 100% sure that this was a lynx.

"I swear brah! On my life! My name is Fra-"

"Tooootally."

Slowly, I pick her up with my left hand; my right still focusing on her arms.

"I-I can prove it! Lemme get meh identifi- wah? What is this?!"

Her eyes widened, her pupils contracting into slits-

... Lynxes have circular pupils.

"Who are you?"

"I-I'm Frank, I'm innocent brah."

A slight shuffle echoed in the alley, resembling the likes of footsteps. By instincts I turned my head to the source, only catching a glimpse of a figure wearing unfamiliar boots.

I guess she isn't as easy as I thought she was.

Coincidentally, a black mist evaporated from 'Frank', revealing a horrified osprey below. Quickly, he handed me his identification card then took a few steps back. As usual, I followed procedures by scanning it. It checked out, showing his basic information plus past crimes. The crimes exceeded two so I had to reluctantly search him.

I reached into his pockets, searching for potentially suspicious items. I kinda needed a raise.

An item in my hand, I pulled it out and marveled its glory.

"Sir, were you aware that you had a..."

"... A knife?"

"Y-yes, a knife. These were banned a few years ago sir. They are illegal."

"C'mon brah, lemme get off just this once!"

"Nope."

...

Bounty hunter Nicolas the Deer died in a tragic homicide while hunting convict Carey the Mouse; who shot Francis two weeks ago.

"What a load of crap!"

A weasel was seen sitting in front of a hologram, showing a news anchor lip syncing to the voice emitting through out the room. He sat behind a desk, arms supported his head as his eyes were glued to her figure. Anyone would guess that he was some kind of receptionist.

SMACK!

A pile of papers landed on the hologram, distorting it a bit.

"HEY-"

He whipped his head around only to face a grey furred hedgehog, which was myself. I returned a questioning look before pointing at the papers.

"Look through those for me."

"S-Sure Silver..."

"Thanks, also make sure they have the stamp."

I strolled though the office, simultaneously greeting my fellow co-workers as I headed to my boss' office. Within a feet of the entrance, it dissolved into a fine mist; revealing a bulldog staring at a hologram.

Noticing me, he turned around then gave the biggest grin his wrinkles could possibly give.

"Did you get her?"

"She tricked me."

"Hmph... What are you doing, come in come in!"

Reluctantly, I took a few steps into the room. The entrance solidified, awkwardness increasing by the passing second. I noticed that he seemed a bit... frustrated at something.

"So, there's this new law...", he started.

Great.

"... Apparently, some bounty hunter named Nicolas died."

"Oh, that's tragic... I guess."

"The media blew up. And some politicians want some street cred, so this is... Apparently, effective today."

"So, what is it?"

"... All law enforcers-"

"This, doesn't include us, does it?"

"-Including bounty hunters, have to always have a partner on their side whenever they're on duty."

"W-what, is this enforced?"

"Of course it is. So, here is your new partner."

He casually pushed a chip towards me. Then, without second thought, he switched his attention at the hologram; which was muted for the duration of the conversation.

...

Chills coursed through my body as I stared at the door. The apartment was an archaic reminiscent of the 21st century; still containing a wooden door. As memories served me, I remembered from history class of the act of 'knocking' on the door to announce that yourself was in attendance.

So, I did just that; hurting my knuckles from exerting too much force.

It took exactly forty-two seconds for the door to open.

A wave of humid air immediately smacked me as a figure on the other side opened the door to its full potential.

"Yes?"

His voice further intensified my fears, indicating that he was of a firm build.

"I'm Silver, your new partner..."

"Partner?"

"There was this law-"

"Oh. People and their ridiculous ways."

"So, what's your name. They didn't exactly put it in the chip because of 'the potential for identity theft'."

"It's Shadow."

Unique yet ominous.

"M'kay, so... Can I come in?"

To be continued.

AN: Note that this story may not be updated frequently due to writers block and life in general.

Please give constructive reviews if you can, I am an author in learning and I REALLY DO APPRECIATE HELPFUL CRITICISM!