Dreams and Memories
"Hope..." he grumbled, "No... Hope... stop it..."
Her kisses never ceased though. On his lips and muzzle, he felt those soft touches from her lips, over and over again. How long had she been staying here? It was only last week when she first arrived but... it felt longer than that, as if she had always been here.
"Are you finally going to wake up?" she giggled a reply.
Why not? His ruby eyes opened up slowly. Floating about the room, he found it to be clad in a warm aura coming from the morning sun. Or, was that aura coming from the girl before him? Gazing about, his eyesight eventually came to the young teen kissing him. She was already dressed, from head to toe, in her usual overall attire. Her head was propped up by her hands, as she laid atop the bed sheets.
"You're amazingly stubborn in your sleep, Shadow." she giggled, "It took me quite some time to wake you up."
Suddenly, she started pouting. But not in angered way, but more in a childishly cute one.
"You promised we'd go to the park today," she stated, "and then you go and sleep the entire morning away."
"And?" he questioned, his eyes looking into hers, "So what's a few minutes late?"
"Try a few hours!" she retorted, "You know I love visiting the park in the morning."
"Well," the hedgehog slid up from his sheets, "all the good food vendors come out around noon, so... We'll call it even."
"No we won't!"
Her face remained heated at Shadow's calm demeanor, but he merely chuckled at the sight. He knew how to satiate her rage. All it took to calm her down was one simple kiss. His lips met hers. Hope's eyes rolled up from the kiss, before she ultimately relented. After he broke the kiss, her anger came back, but at a much lower level.
"Fine," she murmured, "you win this time."
Shadow gave a low chuckle.
"I always win."
"Let's just get a move on!"
She hopped of the bed they shared, turned toward the door, and walked off with a certain sway. Sliding the door open, she stepped off into the hall, but stopped suddenly. Turning around, she gazed at Shadow, smiled, and said,
"I love you..."
He nodded.
There was a certain tinge of pain and hurt in Hope's eyes, before the door slid close.
It was foolish to reply with what she wanted, he felt. She knew his true feelings for her, so why did she expect him to say it all the time? He never required her to say it to him... then again... it did make him feel a bit better.
Wait... What?
His feet shuffled over the side of his bed. He felt really bad for what he did, or in this case didn't do, to Hope. Still, why was it so required for him to say 'I love you'? She knew how he felt, she knew he loved her more than a certain blonde friend from long ago. Was that not enough for her? Did he really have to say those words?
Did he?
"Hope..." he whispered.
...
"Hope..."
His ruby eye fluttered open. A low, tic-toc noise echoed through the room, stemming from an old grandfather clock. He stretched his body up from the couch he slept on, gave out a much needed yawn, and rubbed his back.
This was no way to wake up.
A cat's meow called out to him. His ruby eyes moved to the floor beside him to see a black furred feline. Unconsciously, he moved his hand down to the cat and started to pet it. Selina grooved to his touches, as his hand moved up and down her back side.
Always a soft spot for unevolved animals.
The smell of food entered his nose seconds later. Shadow gazed up and down the room's walls as he tried to figure out where the smell came from. He tipped his feet off of the couch he slept on, and started to move through the wood framed floors. The smell of eggs and waffles filled the airways of the home, surely giving those who smelled it a pleasure center in the mind.
Too bad Shadow was no such person.
His arms crossed over one another, as he stepped off through the home. Eventually, he came to the home's kitchen where he found the cook. There Maria Rivet stood before him, wearing a cooking apron that was open in the back. That was it. She wasn't wearing anything else. Her back was turned toward Shadow, as if she hadn't noticed he were awake yet.
She was trying to seduce him... he knew that now...
His foot stomped in the kitchen, causing Maria to turn. She looked at Shadow, gave a smile, turned around, and faced him.
"Good morning, Shadow." she said, her lips puckering.
But the dark hedgehog was not in the mood for such childishness. Like lightning, he was upon her, his arms pinning her down, his ruby eyes spitting flames. Maria gave a fearful look, as Shadow showed nothing but rage.
"Why!?" he yelled, rage and anger in his voice.
The grip he held on her was constantly increasing, causing her to yell out in pain. That fearful visage she held started to wince, as he was hurting her. Just gazing upon that face, that cute, cherub like face of a friend long gone... it hurt him.
How could you hurt Maria? he heard a voice scream in his head.
But no, this wasn't Maria, he knew that! This was some... succubus like being, who was ruining everything! EVERYTHING! Then why, why did he feel so wrong doing this to her? Why did he feel wrong hurting the person who was hurting him? It was like a little man was in his head, breaking and smashing stuff! He released the grip he held on her, staggered back, and gazed to the floor.
"I'm... I'm sorry..." he apologized.
"Its... Okay..." Maria replied, rubbing the areas on his shoulders where he grabbed her, "I guess... this is partially my fault..."
No... nothing was Maria's fault. She was so innocent. It was impossible for it to be her fault. This was his fault. He was the one who relented to Maria's kiss. It was all his fault.
"So... you made breakfast?" he murmured, changing the subject.
"Yes..." she answered, a smile coming to her lips, "You looked so hungry in your sleep, I thought I'd make you some."
She turned around, waved her butt in his face, then continued to cook and prepare food. But Shadow didn't feel to good right now. His face buried itself into the table while he thought, and thought, and thought.
Last night... was by far the worse night of his life. Only beaten by the raid of Ark, of course. Still... he couldn't help thinking about last night, and how he almost went all the way with Maria. Why did he feel like it wasn't that bad? He knew it was, he betrayed Hope but, he felt like he was in the right. In that brief moment when he was with Maria, he felt like... he wasn't in control of himself. He felt like all of these emotions he was saving up for... released themselves.
All because of Maria.
But that was absurd. Yes, it was true, he loved Maria, and maybe if she never died, they could have become something more but... At most, he loved her like a sister... Right?
Right?
Then why... why when Maria Rivet kissed him, it didn't feel like a crime against nature. He felt like Rouge was a sister, and a kiss from her was down right despicable in his eyes. So why was it different with Maria. Her kisses felt... familiar, somehow. As if... they had kissed before. But that wasn't right. There was only one person he ever kissed and she... she was... Hope...
"Breakfast is ready!" Maria claimed.
...
The rumbling of the motorcycle was low today. Not to loud, not to soft, just perfect. Driving through Night Babylon with her beloved was something she always enjoyed doing. And some how, he always made it perfect.
The park was just in eyesight, and the mechanic waved forward. Still, she kept her grip on him tight, as to not let go. She knew how much he enjoyed her touch.
The noon sun lied high in the sky, warming up all it gazed upon. The best part of the day wasn't the weather, though, it was fact that there was no outside interruptions. Rouge was gone, possibly to Angel Island to get a certain Emerald, and Omega was out as well, his scanners picked up an Eggman base not to far off from Neo Green Hill Zone. So, today, it was just Shadow and Hope, and the mechanic would have it no other way.
He stopped at the park moments later, kicked up the stand, and locked down his beloved bike. Stepping off first, he stretched out his hand to Hope with his usual indifferent face. She grabbed a hold of him quickly, and hung on as if claiming him to herself. Sure, she may have been human, but some practices were still animal like.
Shadow was her's, and her's alone.
The park was always filled with people, much to Shadow's ire. He wasn't a people person, obviously enough, but for Hope, he would make an exception. Ever since this relationship started, she had grown more and more outgoing. The fear of being berated by those who looked down upon their relationship melted away after a while, and she started to not care.
Not care...
They passed many humans and mobians, some said hello, while other's kept to themselves. Flickies and birds in the trees chuckled, while some Chao danced around the lakes and ponds in the area. Night Babylon park was always so different from the rest of the city, especially in the day time. Where most of the city was virtual Red Light District, this place was a haven of family activities. People could be seen throwing Frisbees, playing baseball, football, basketball, flying kites even, all these happy fun time activities. And Hope couldn't wait to join in herself.
"Hey Shadow," she pressed, getting his attention, "let's have some fun!"
Since Shadow's definition of 'fun' was different from Hope's he had no idea what the girl wanted to do. She started off anyway, running into the fields with pleasure as she giggled wildly. Shadow waved his head to and fro as he watched the girl do this. She could be so childish sometimes.
"Get back here..." he motioned.
She made her way to a Chao Pond, where she started to splash the water childishly. Such moments were always taken from her as a child, so it was nice to be able to enjoy it right now. Some Chaos started to join in his fun, as they two started to splash in the waters of the pond. Shadow was less enthusiastic, as expected of him, as he merely stood on the edge with his arms crossed.
"C'mon Shadow!" Hope beckoned.
But he was adamant, and shook his head no.
"Stop this silliness, Hope," he murmured, "you're getting yourself wet..."
"Oh, I don't mind," she replied, "how 'bout you? Why don't you join in?"
"I'd rather not..."
But the girl wouldn't take that as an answer. As his eyes closed, she grabbed a hold of him, and pulled him into the pond. As Shadow's head went under, all he heard was childish giggles, and the chortles of various Chao. He sprung up, moments after, and shot flaming ruby eyes at Hope before him. And she, well, she just giggled. His mouth opened up to yell at her, but she had the ultimate come back.
She kissed him.
Both fell into the pond as her lips laid atop his. Shadow's anger and rage was quickly dulled, as Hope's lips claimed his. All around them, the various Chao giggled as the yellow dots above their heads changed to hearts.
...
Her blue eyes opened.
Nothing... just... nothing...
No warmth, no sounds of his breathing, no love in this bed...
She leaned up tall, her blue eyes looking about.
Omega was probably still outside her door, waiting... it was so nice of him to do that...
She needed to get herself something to drink but... she didn't have the strength to stand. Still, her body ached for some water. She needed to move, some how.
Her hand traveled to the night stand they shared. The time was 2 pm. She had slept for hours. Weakly, she shifted her feet over the bed's edge. They flailed for a bit, before she finally got from the bed she slept on. Almost immediately, however, she buckled under the pressure of her own weight, and fell to the ground. In response to this, she merely sighed.
She grabbed a hold of the bed again, and got to her feet. Her legs wiggled a bit, but they didn't break like last time. So, she started walking. Up to the door, she went, and opened it. As she hypothesized, Omega was still here. His body was in a crouching position, and his eyes were grey and dulled. He was in sleep mode, for the time being. Hope held onto her cold arms, as her lifeless blue eyes aimed down the halls. They were cold, as usual. Maybe it had to deal with the skies, for they were grey with clouds. Her feet shuffled back and forth, and eventually brought her to the kitchen. Hope grabbed a glass.
It was specific one.
What... you don't like this? his voice echoed over the memories.
No, no, Shadow, I think its wonderful! her voice answered back, once again, through the memories.
I found it... It... reminded me of you...
It does? It... looks like it costs a lot.
It did... but you're worth it.
Hope stopped. Her eyes lined the cup back and forth and then... she dropped it. As soon as it touched the ground, it shattered into many pieces. Hope stood there, gazing at the shattered cup with her dulled blue eyes.
Just... why not...?
Suddenly, Omega was in the room, alerted by the sudden sounds. He scanned Hope quickly, and finding everything was okay, asked her if she was fine. She didn't answer. She just grabbed herself a cup, poured herself a glass of water, drank it, then promptly returned to bed. Omega was left in the kitchen, with a lost of words.
His arm started beeping...
...
Shadow's eyes traced the golden lining of the grandfather clock. Back and forth it went. He wasn't paying attention to much else, as everything else just didn't matter. Why should it?
Right now, he felt like a man without a soul, for his ruby eyes had lost their fire.
How long had he been sitting here, gazing at the clock? It felt like hours...
"Shadow, are you okay?" her voice called from a hall.
Maria's head popped from the corner first, before the rest of her body. She was properly dressed this time, in her usual blue and white dress. Her face was filled with concern for the sulking black hedgehog, as he looked downright pitiful right now. He was just staring. Staring. Staring...
Maria sat down beside him. Her blue eyes ran up and down his body, as she read his body language. Seconds later, her gloved hand found his leg. Feeling the warmth of another caused a quick jolt to rocket through Shadow, but it didn't stay for long.
Her lips met his.
There was that feeling, again. There was that force that made him feel right when she kissed him. Once again, he wanted more. His arm wrapped Maria close, as their kiss intensified. But no, his mind was once again roaring. Images of Hope assaulted him, and the disservice he was doing her.
Was he really going to do this again?
"No..." he murmured, pushing Maria off of him.
She gave a sight of confusion at his sudden movement.
"What?" she said.
Shadow stood from the couch, and crossed his arms.
"No," he said, "this is all wrong..." he looked to her, "Maria Rivet... I... thank you for giving me a place to stay but..." he looked away, "I've made a problem I need to remedy..."
"But... Shadow..."
"No..." he said again, "I... can't listen to you any more..." he gazed to her, "If I do... I won't be able to make a sound decision anymore. You... look so much like someone I once knew... But enough is a enough."
The air in this room became unbearable. The little man in Shadow's head who was breaking things earlier was now just... stable.
Will you really leave Maria? a voice called.
"Yes..." he answered aloud.
His hand fell atop the doorknob, but Maria's hand fell atop him.
"No, Shadow," she said, "don't leave yet!"
But he made up his mind. No one, not even Maria, could shake his will. He was going to leave, and go back to Hope.
He was going to make things right again.
His wrist started beeping. Shadow and Maria looked down in unison to his beeping glove. Tapping a near invisible button on said glove, the hedgehog lifted it to his face and said,
"Agent Shadow here..."
"Agent Shadow," a receptionist on the other end called, "you and the rest of Team Dark are needed immediately at G.U.N. Headquarters."
Shadow nodded.
"Understood... I'm on my way..."
Now there was nothing to stop him.
Shadow gave one last look at Maria Rivet. No more... he twisted the doorknob, gave a courteous bow, and then left. Maria reached out for him but... he moved so fast there was no way she could stop him. He disappeared into the city. Gone again...
Maria remained standing at the open door for a few more minutes, before she closed the door. As soon as she was sure she was separated from the world, her demeanor changed.
"Dammit!" she yelled, "I almost had him!"
Selina walked up to her master seconds later. Maria looked down to her pet cat, lifted her up in her arms, and continued ranting.
"Dammit all to hell! Curse that... fucking Hope! She's the one causing this!"
"I thought you had this..." a demonic voice echoed through the room.
Maria's eyes gazed down to the cat. Selina's golden-yellow eyes were now flaming snakes.
"I did! I did!" she yelled, "But Shadow-"
"His will is stronger than you'd think!" the cat interrupted.
Suddenly, the cat leaped from Maria's arms and to the floor. It gazed to the ceiling and then produced a dark red light. The red light made many lines and structures before a familiar being phased into existence.
Black Doom...
"You have been playing too much!" he said, "I told you Shadow was much to powerful to damage his willpower!"
"I see that now!" Maria replied, "I even got him in bed, and yet he still fought me off! He went and told Hope! He even lost his spirit! I did everything right!"
"You did everything wrong! If you had succeeded, Shadow would be leading our forces to Central City as we speak!"
"I know, I know! But Shadow didn't finish the deed!... He didn't... He didn't finish it..."
"I told you the mating process was too stupid a way to get him to our side! But it no longer matters... We have procured the Chaos Emerald from Station Square, you are to return to base!"
"Not yet! I can still-"
"You have failed, Maria... now return to base this instant."
"Fine..."
The red lights from the cat's eyes faded away, as Black Doom's holographic image faded away. Maria laid her hands on her head, as an unhappy growl exited her lips. For a brief moment, her blue eyes became flaming red snakes.
"Meow?" Selina murmured.
"Don't start..." Maria retorted.
