Prologue

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The city was busy. Strangers walking past each other, never minding anything as long as they got to wherever they needed to go. A homeless person would go unnoticed, a child would shout in excitement, men would argue with one another over a cup of spilt coffee. The city was too noisy during the day.

That's why he preferred the night.

A hedgehog in a black suit walked though the bustling crowd, blending in like any other man from work. Underneath his suit was a coat of short black fur and a small patch of white chest fur. His head quills were black with crimson streaks. His eyes were the color of blood and fire.

He was fresh off his shift and was heading home to his wife and children. He glanced at his watch and noticed that we was about to miss the train schedule. Sighing for a moment, he quickly jogged to the station, not three blocks away and arrived just on time. At the platform, he moved to go through the doors, when he noticed an elderly woman canary having a difficult time judging the distance between the floor and the train. Giving her a somewhat sympathetic look, he gently took her arm and guided her into the train. The old canary thanked him as he brought her to a seat. Seeing that there weren't many people on the train, the elder offered a seat for the hedgehog beside her and he gladly accepted it. Looking at his watch again he took note of the time and brought out his cellphone to text his wife his time of arrival. Upon sending the message, he tapped the home screen button, stared at his wallpaper and smiled. On the screen was a picture of him and his family.

"Heavens, what such a lovely family you have there, young man." Said the elder canary, as she was able to catch a glimpse of the picture.

"Thank you." He replied politely and smiled. His voice deep and warm. "They're all I have."

The bird smiled back at him, seeing in his eyes the love he held for his family. Then, her smile turned apologetic. "Where are my manners? My name is Claire. Thank you so much for helping me earlier, Mr..." Her words hung as she looked at him, waiting for him to introduce himself.

"Shadow. Shadow the Hedgehog."

"A very strong you have, young man!" She complimented and looked back at the gadget. "If I may...?" She asked, gesturing to further look at the picture.

"Of course." He said, offering his phone to the other. He pointed at the pink furred hedgehog that stood beside him. "That's my wife, Amy. She is sweet, as she is strong..." He paused for a moment, "Very strong..." Continuing with a smile.

"I can see why you love her so. Not only is she beautiful, but she's kind. I can almost see it in her eyes."

He smiled at her comment and watched as she pointed at the small hedgehog in Amy's arms. "And, my goodness, that precious little gem is your daughter?" She asked adoringly.

"Yes," His smile broadened. His daughter's fur and quills looked just like her mother's, but had black streaks that were in the shape of her father's and his ruby red eyes. "That's my little girl, Mary. She just turned a year old recently." He said. Then, he pointed at the boy that sat on his shoulder. "And that's my son, Dusk." A proud tone in his voice.

"My, my. What a sweet, handsome little boy." She chuckled. "Just like his father, I presume?" She eyed the man beside her, almost giggling as she saw a slight blush on his cheek.

"He mostly looks like me, but a lot of his personality is from his mother. As well as her beautiful eyes." His hand came up to scratch behind his ear as he took her praise.

Smiling softly at the young man, the feathered elder handed back his phone and patted his shoulder. "Thank you, dear boy. You have a wonderful family and I wish only the best for you." She said with great truth in her voice.

He smiled and slightly bowed his head to her. "Thank you as well, Ms. Claire."

Just as their conversation came to an end, the train began to slow down at a station. Shadow looked at the station sign and read Westopolis". "This is my stop. Good bye and thank you for the company, Ms. Claire."

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Shadow." She lightly bowed her head to him at his politeness. "Be safe."

"You as well, ma'am." He nodded her thanks as he stepped off the train and made his way.

The older mobian watched him as he strode away. Her smile softened, her eyes becoming sad as she murmured to herself. "Please, be safe, Mr. Shadow."