On the furthest end of the bicycle/walking path, two friends found themselves running along the giant circular path. In the lead was a black and red hedgehog with white fur on his chest and black, white and red hover shoes, which allowed him to move in a skate-like motion. Following close behind was a big, red robot, complete with a broad-looking chest, giant massive arms and tiny chicken-like legs. The hedgehog seemed to be moving much faster than the robot, so in order to keep up, the robot activated a yellow booster that he had on his back. It gave him a burst of speed, enough that it slightly lifted him off the ground. Although it still wasn't enough to keep up, he managed to stay remotely close to his friend. The hedgehog's name was Shadow and the robot's name was E-123 Omega.

Shadow was a creation, made over 50 years ago to be what was called, "The Ultimate Life Form." He was created on board the Space Colony ARK by renowned scientist, Professor Gerald Robotnik, but you already know that story. Omega was created by the Professor's grandson, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, also known as Dr. Eggman, some time ago. He was the last of the E-100 Series robots, but you already know that story too! Shadow and Omega were enjoying the day, much like everyone else…well, almost everyone.

"Very good, Shadow, only 5 more laps till you complete your daily quota!" said Omega, in his deep robotic voice.

Shadow kept his eyes forward, watching the people whiz past him as he skated on. His heart was beating like a drum and sweat trickled down his face, stinging his eyes. He wiped his face with the back of his hand, not letting the pain bother him enough to stop.

"How did I let you talk me into doing this workout plan, Omega?" asked Shadow, breathing heavily when he finished.

"Well, you are the Ultimate Life Form, so you have to stay 'ultimately' fit and in shape, ready for anything," said Omega, as he continued to trail behind.

Shadow rolled his eyes. After a brief second, his reasoning began to sink in.

"You have a good point," he said as he panted, "Dr. Eggman hasn't attacked in over a month. I've been out of my game for a while now, since I'm on vacation from G.U.N headquarters for a while. And since Rouge is out treasure hunting somewhere out of town, I guess I have nothing better to do but exercise."

It wasn't long until Shadow and Omega saw the crystal clear lake. As they went past, they watched all the people lying around, having a good time, playing and relaxing.

"Look at those pathetic humans, wasting their time when they should be preparing for an imminent attack," said Shadow, as he stared at them all.

"That's just the problem with humans and civilians! They don't worry about a thing until it finally happens," said Omega, "and by that point, it's too late for them."

The words no sooner left his mouth, or whatever he had for a mouth, that Shadow, suddenly stopped. He braked abruptly, allowing his hover shoes to turn off, letting his feet touch the pavement. As soon as he stopped, he doubled over and began inhaling deeply.

"Shadow, what are you doing? We still have 5 laps remaining! Your quota is not fulfilled!" said Omega, as he pointed down the trail.

"Cut me some slack, Omega. We've been doing this for hours!" Shadow said between breaths, "This bike trail has to be at least 2½ miles long, and that's just for one lap!"

"You complain about the humans being inferior, but just look at you, not even able to push yourself beyond normal limits," Omega said.

"Just let me catch my breath for a minute, Omega. We'll finish, but I just need to catch my breath," said Shadow, as he stood up straight, "I might be better than these humans, but I still have the same organs as them."

As the two of them fell silent for a moment, both of them were taken aback by a sound. It sounded to them like a very tiny whimper, almost like the sound of someone crying, very low and soft.

What the heck is that sound, thought Shadow as he looked around. As he surveyed the area, he asked Omega, "Do you hear that sound, Omega?"

"Initiate scan of entire area," said Omega. His upper torso began spinning on a 360 degree spin. As his body moved, a blue, horizontal ray shot out of his eyes, scanning the surrounding area to locate the origin of the sound. When his body hit the 180 degree point, his body stopped abruptly.

"Origin of noise is just over that ridge," Omega said, as he pointed to the hill behind them. "We moved right past it!"
"Do you know what it is?" asked Shadow, as he began to walk towards the ridge.

"Detecting a life form up ahead," he said, as he turned his lower body in the same direction, "Tear levels off the scale!"

As the two of them walked up to the ridge, Omega pointed to the bench right ahead. On the bench, Cream sat, her face buried in her hands.

Shadow glanced at her, and recognized her in an instant. "Isn't that the rabbit-girl who has that little chao thing following her everywhere?" he asked.

"Detecting a tiny life form surrounding rabbit," said Omega, "A chao is quite possible.

"Maybe it is best if I went to see what's wrong," said Shadow, as he began to walk over to her. All of a sudden, he stopped in mid-walk and just stared at her for a moment.

"What's wrong?" asked Omega.

"I just figured that we're better off leaving as she is," said Shadow, as he turned to leave, "I know that girl well enough. Whatever she's upset about must not be too important. Who knows, maybe the ice cream parlor ran out of her favorite flavor or something."

"Why not go and cheer her up?" asked Omega

Shadow stopped walking. "Because it's none of my concern, that's why."

"Well, make it your concern."

"I could really care less why she's upset."

"You should really start to care, Shadow."

"WELL, I DON'T WANT TO!"

With that said, he crossed his arms and continued walking away. Omega caught up to him and stood in front of him.

"You know something? Maybe you'll feel a whole lot better if you started to care!" Omega said. "Maybe the real problem you have is that you can't express yourself, so you hold in your emotions and allow it to make you angry."

Shadow looked up to him and said, "Do you really think that's my problem?"

"I'm not therapist, but I think you'll feel a lot better of you went over there and at least heard what she has to say. Who knows, maybe you can help her!" said Omega.

Shadow turned around and looked at Cream, still sitting in the seat, crying. He let out a deep sigh and mumbled something that sounded like, "I know I'll regret this."

"I'll be in the field when you're done," said Omega, as Shadow made his way towards Cream.

As he approached, his heart raced and the sweat from before began to sting his eyes again.

Let's make this as painlessly quick as possible, he thought, as he got right next to Cream. He sat down next to her and straightened his posture a little. He looked at her from the corner of his eyes. It appeared she had not heard him sit down next to her.

Reluctantly, he let out a deep breath and asked out loud, "Is everything alright, kid?"