Hello, Strangers. I'm gonna keep this brief, but I figure it should be noted that I never use the term "Mobians" because that's an old comic/cartoon term and I personally don't care much for either (GASP! An opinion!). Instead, I use the term "anthro" like "anthropomorphic", only that's too long and I can't be bothered to write that every time.

I should also probably mention that this is a few years in the future. Not like, five or seven, but maybe two or three. Ages aren't THAT important, but I feel you should at least know everyone's a little older.

Also, basic disclaimer junk. Ya'know, "I don't own the Sonic cast, they belong to SEGA," and all that jazz.

Okay, on with the story!

-Sunset - Station Square - Third Person POV-

The city of Station Square was a great and bustling one. There was never a dull moment around these parts. Though one ought to expect that when it is the largest city in the world where both humans and anthros live together in relative harmony. Though there were still some humans with their prejudices, the fact that the world's hero- who was himself an anthro- hung around Station Square the most seemed to ease tensions among the two groups. After all, it's hard to hold a grudge against the one who saves your life on a regular basis.

Or at least, most citizens found it hard.

One anthro- a female hedgehog by the name of Amy Rose- found it quite easy to form and hold grudges against the world-renowned hero. She tried her hardest not to let it get to her, but watching the sun set on the beach only made her wish even more that he was with her now.

"Fifty rings says he forgot again," Amy grumbled to herself. This was the third time he had agreed to a date and the third time he was a no-show. She was beginning to wonder why she even showed up to these "dates" herself if he never bothered to come.

But she knew the answer. She knew deep down that they were meant for each other and that one of these days he'd finally realize that and that they would finally be together.

The girl let out a heavy sigh, deciding she'd waited long enough. She'd given him at least two hours and the sun had almost disappeared by now.

"Oh well," she muttered sadly, "maybe next time."

The hedgehog stood up, dusted off her dress, and began to make her way back to her apartment. It was times like these she was glad she lived in the city. She wasn't exactly comfortable taking the train at this time of night, even if she knew she could defend herself should something happen.

Amy soon got lost in her thoughts once more as she walked to her home. Most of them were about her hero and how she was beginning to doubt he was "the one". All those thoughts, however, were quickly shoved aside and Amy felt silly for even thinking such thoughts. Of course they were meant for each other! She'd read it in her future that they were fated lovers, how could she possibly doubt what she knew was a fact?

Amy entered her apartment and flopped on the couch. She uttered another heavy sigh as she grabbed the TV remote. Even though she was mostly over Sonic missing the date by now, it still stung a bit inside. At least she had her knowledge of their future together as a comfort, right?

"…the Doctor almost managed to steal the emerald, but thankfully Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles 'Tails' Prower managed to stop him before he could escape."

Amy's head snapped up in attention at the report the news anchor had just delivered on screen.

"Sounds like Eggman had been trying to get his grubby hands on one of the emeralds again," Amy mused. "Maybe Sonic didn't forget after all?"

Amy could feel hope bubbling up inside her again as she toyed with this thought. Maybe he was on his way when Eggman attacked and he just couldn't make it? It was a disappointment either way, but at least now she had hope that maybe, just MAYBE he remembered.

All her hopes were quickly wiped away, however. Eggman had messed things up again. He always seemed to show up just when she and Sonic had plans together. Amy's eyes darted to the drawer she kept her tarot cards in. She was awfully young when she read that fortune- the one that said she and Sonic were destined. What if… she was wrong?

Amy shuttered at the thought. She'd left home because of that fortune. It was the very thing that had lead her life up to this point. If she was wrong, then what was there for her to do? Could she face her parents knowing she left them to chase after a lie? Sure she still kept in touch and visited on occasion, but what would they say if they found out just why she decided to go out on her own at such a young age? She was sure her father would be furious…

Against her better judgment, Amy shut off the TV, grabbed her coat, and marched towards the door. At this rate she'd never be able to get sleep after thinking such thoughts. See needed to see a professional, and she had to see them NOW.

- Night – Mystic Ruins - Amy's POV -

I navigated as quickly as I could through the trees, but the roots made it hard for me to keep my balance. It probably would've been easier on me if I had actually brought a flashlight with me, but by the time I thought of that, I'd already taken the train out here. Besides, by this point my eyes had already adjusted to the darkness.

"Maybe I should've brought a map or compass with me," I muttered to myself, feeling a bit lost at this point. Note to self: next time you want to go to a fortune teller you heard about, get proper directions.

Almost as soon as those words left my mouth, however, I stumbled upon a clearing in the forest. In the center was a small, colorful hut with various charms decorating it. I smiled at the sight. This was it! I finally found my way to a fortune teller.

I walked up to it slowly, wondering if the fortune teller would even be awake at this moment. Of course, living so secluded out here, she must not get many customers. Surly she'd be glad to have some business, right?

Before I could think on it anymore, I heard a voice from within the hut.

"Enter, child. I will not harm you. Don't be afraid," a woman's voice said in a soothing tone.

I entered the hut and was greeted by a tall gazelle anthro. She smiled sweetly down at me, but something in her eyes seemed… off. It was as if her friendliness was just a mask. Maybe she wanted to be alone tonight and I spoiled whatever her plans were? Yeah, let's go with that.

The gazelle walked to the far side of a low table and knelt behind it. She gestured for me to do the same on the side across from her.

"So tell me," she began to speak as she shuffled through her own deck of tarot cards, "what brings you to me on a cold night like this? It must've been something quite distressing for you to have come all the way from the city."

For a second I considered asking how she knew where I came from, but I figured it was best not to waste her time. Besides, she probably knows she's the only one that lives out here.

"Well, you see, I had a date with this boy today, but he never showed up. I know he had no control over it because he had to stop an evil Doctor from destroying the city," I saw the gazelle's eyes widen slightly at this, "but this happens every time! Every time I try to make plans with him, something happens! Or he forgets and tries to make up some dumb story about knights or something."

The fortune teller nodded slightly, setting her deck of cards to the sides. She seemed to be deep in thought about something. "This boy… why are you so intent on dating him? He obviously sounds busy with this 'evil Doctor' and if he's making up stories about knights then he must not want to be around you."

I had to hold myself back from bringing my hammer down on her head. Who the heck was she to say he doesn't be around me?! No wonder she doesn't get any customers, she insults them when they come to her for advice!

"BECAUSE-!" I sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm down. Yelling at her wasn't going to help me, and I promised Cream I'd work on controlling my anger. "Because, when I was a girl I read in my tarot cards that he and I were destined to be together. But now I'm not so sure I was right. That's what I'm here for; I need to know if we're really supposed to end up together!"

I stared at the fortune teller with a pleading look on my face. She gazed back, a small smirk spreading across her features.

"I have a better idea," she said as she dug through a box on her side of the table. She pulled up a crystal ball and set it on top of a pedestal in the center of the table. "Now, I COULD just tell you your future and send you on your merry way… OR I can give you something that is sure to make that boy notice you."

I stared back, confused, "What do you mean?"

"Well, as I previously mentioned, he might not want to be around you. Maybe you just don't capture his interest as a potential lover. If you let me work my magic, I guarantee he'll notice you."

I gaped at her, stunned that she'd dare touch the "he doesn't like you" card again. Still, I DID have problems getting him to notice me. Even now, after I'd toned down the chasing game, he still avoided me. Maybe this would be worth a shot…

"Okay," I said with a sharp nod, a determined look on my face. "Work your magic."

With a mischievous grin, the fortune teller began chanting something in an ancient tongue. The crystal ball began to glow. Soon the glow turned into an intense light, and I was enveloped in the brightness.

Then everything went black.

And then she died. Nah, just kidding! Amy's my favorite character, I wouldn't kill her off.

…Ya'know, probably.

So… Amy's kinda dumb, huh? At least when blinded by the possibility of getting Sonic to like her, that is. I bet you all can see plenty of reasons she shouldn't have done this, but then we wouldn't have a story now, would we?

I wonder what this magic~* has done to her… guess we'll have to wait and see! (Well, okay, I already know, but you guys don't.)

On another note, first person POV is surprisingly difficult for me and I'll probably never use it ever again. Probably.

See you in the next chapter, Strangers!