3 Years Later.

(shadow's POV)

War.

It's the last thing anyone would expect to happen.

War.

Violence, bloodshed, death, loss-the four things that make life a living hell.

War.

I don't know what started it, and I don't really care. Heck, nobody cares about anything when shells are going off, the earth is exploding around you, and you're dodging bullet shaped death for the umpteenth time.

The sheer fact that humans could be so stupid and aggressive-even to each other-never ceased to amaze me. I did the best I could to ignore the flames and shrapnel as I blasted through and enemy tank.

6 down, 4,794 more to go.

Over the years, I've noticed that war is a lot like life, albeit more graphic and the fact that you might not live to see tomorrow.

I fired my M16, cutting down the yelling soldiers before me. You wake up, fight to survive, take a break, fight some more, sleep, and repeat. Dust sprayed as I ran, drawing fire and giving the rest of the unit time to infiltrate the bunker.

I'd never believe it if somebody told me I'd be killing again. I'd laugh in their faces. Bullets zinged around me, peppering the ground inches from my body. The sky turned orange from the glowing sunset.

The experience reminded me of that time, a million years ago, with Black Doom and company, and the mess that came with them. It was the one thing I always tried to forget. It reminded me of how close it had gotten………….how close I had gotten.

It felt wrong. The whole damned thing was wrong.

The others in my division expressed the same sentiment. The humans.

Although I would never say it out loud, I regarded the soldiers I served with as colleagues, not just another irritating form of life to put up with. They accepted how I was, they acknowledged my strength. They considered me, almost a friend, not just a weapon to be possessed or a threat to be destroyed.

BANG!!!!!

A mixture of dust, rocks, and assorted junk rained down as I back flipped. Mines! I skidded backwards a few feet and rolled, finding cover. Reaching quickly into the cargo belt fitted around my waist, I grabbed the hand-held radio and barked into it.

"B-squad, B-squad, this is SuperNova! Fall back from sectors 8753320 and 8299642! They're hotspots, repeat, they're hotspots. Sectors 8753320 and 8299642!"

The response was fast, like it was supposed to be.

"Affirmative SuperNova. Target has been acquired. We have a new assignment. Rendezvous at coordinates Bravo 3367."

"Understood."

SuperNova. That was the codename they'd given me. Truth be told, I liked it a lot better than Agent Shadow as they called me back home.

'Home.'

I skated back to our side, the others covering me from enemy fire.

'Home. Station Square, has it changed much? Has it changed at all?'

Camp quickly came into view as I zoomed past our frontlines. Tan tents swayed in the breeze. One was smoking slightly-bearing testament to the surprise attack this morning.

'Only 11 hours ago.'

"SuperNova, over here!"

I looked to my left. A soldier was waving, standing in front of the hexagonal communications tent. In less than 3 seconds, I was standing in front of him. I recognized him immediately.

Captain Timothy Lyger, the first one to earn my respect and the only human I would trust my life with. The man was calm, level-headed, and possessed cat-like reflexes developed in the heat of battle. His sandy hair was unusually long, earning him the codename 'SandStorm'.

I returned the salute he gave me. "What is it?"

SandStorm jerked his head toward the tent. "The commander has a message for you. He didn't seem happy."

"Right."

"How's the fight out there?"

I paused, looking over to the scene of metal and carnage. I switched back to SandStorm's passive face and said, solemnly, "Same as always."

SandStorm nodded sadly, before saluting once again and striding off toward the front lines, jamming on his helmet.

I stepped inside the tent and made my way to the cylindrical communications module. A year and a half ago, the 'tech heads' as we called them had come up with a new, faster way to send messages. In my opinion, somebody was watching too much Star Wars.

Methodically, I pressed several buttons. "Put me through to the commander." I ordered to the questioning beep. Blue light fizzled into life, and a figure of the commander of the G.U.N. materialized. I saluted.

"Well, SuperNova, what is the situation?" The commander inquired, returning the salute. The picture vibrated slightly, the bass roar of heavy cannons very evident in the background.

"The surprise assault that occurred 11 hours ago is being resolved as we speak. Squads B and F have taken several weapons bunkers in the surrounding territory. The remaining enemies are being engaged as we speak."

"Good, good." The commander nodded, staring at the ground. I didn't take offense. I could easily understand what he must be feeling. We used to be enemies, ruled by bitterness and loss. We both had the same pain. Now, I worked for him. Awkward didn't even cover it.

The commander seemed to pull himself back to reality and looked up.

"Hm. As you very well know, Duiy T'asho and his followers caught us off guard from the very beginning. He had more men, more artillery, and more technology than we expected. However, thanks to you and the advancements of our squads, we've beat T'asho back. There aren't many of T'asho's forces left, and all those that remain are grouping together in one last ditch effort to leave some damage.

Unfortunately, both Duiy and his army have picked the perfect place for a last stand-a well fortified base carved into the mountainside. So far, we've tried blasting them out, buy the rock is hard and the lair runs deep, which brings up to your new assignment.

You and a small strike force will infiltrate the fortress and take Duiy T'asho prisoner. This task is highly dangerous and the outcome for the entire war depends on this. You have proven yourself capably of dealing with most situations time, and time again. Pick your strike force and be here on the marrow. I do not only trust your skills as a fighter, but also your skills in judgment. Choose well, commander out"

The figure disappeared and the equipment shut down. I stared at it for an immeasurably moment before walking outside. The sun had set, the sky now a deep midnight blue, stars showing. It felt like millennia had passed since the time I had once tried to count those very stars, and the strange things that happened afterward.

'Amy……….'

God, I was so tired. Tired of it all.

My ears pricked up. The rest of the unit was traipsing back into camp. I silently watched them pass by me, exchanging nods to those I was familiar with. I took a head count. '23 have fallen today. More tomorrow, but I hope to change that.'

My gaze switched back to the celestial wonders above me. 'I hope to change all of this.'

*************************************************************************************

BEEP!

Amy? What are you doing over there? It's been days and you haven't answered any of my calls. Please call back.

BEEP!

Hey Amy, it's Tails. Did you forget about the barbeque I held on Friday? You've never missed a party before in your life. Ring me back.

BEEP!

Hi hon. this is Rouge. Seeing as none of us have seen you in a while, how about a little girls' get together at my place? Actually answer this time.

BEEP!

Please Amy! Cheese and I are getting worried. We haven't seen you anywhere and it's been weeks since my last message. Please Answer!

BEEP!

Hey Ames, It's Sonic. Cream is having hysterics, and everybody is worried sick about you. Are you OK? It's not like you to ignore us like this. I'd come over myself, but you never told us where your apartment was. Now would be a great time to answer.

BEEP!

AMY!! WHERE ARE YOU?!?!?!

(sobbing) P-p-please, c-come b-back.

BEEP!

I want to, believe me, with all my heart I want to. But I can't, and I never will. I'm sorry.

I can never come back.