"S-Shadow!" I cried out seeing my dark hero standing before me, Scourge just sneered then shoved me forward. Coughing out the dirt that flew into my mouth, I scrambled towards Shadow running behind him wondering what was going to happen next.

"You can have her, stripes. I'll go easy on you today, next time we meet it won't be as charming. Later, kiddo, we will see each other again." Scourge snarled out glaring at me with ice blue eyes, I quickly reached for Shadow's arm afraid of what kind of stunt Scourge would try to pull this time.

"Leave now, Scourge before I decide to make you nothing but a scorch mark on my shoes." Shadow snarled out crimson eyes glowing with a hate that only Shadow could pull off reminding me of how Shadow could still scare even me. Note to self: Don't catch Shadow in a grumpy mood.

"Yeah, whatever stripes." Scourge sneered then turned tail leaving behind a green streak as Shadow stood there silently for the longest time, I let go of him taking a step back. The whistling wind cut though my clothes and whipped my hair against my face as I waited for his reaction.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Hope?" Shadow said quietly not once looking back to me, I shrank away closing my eyes to stop the tears.

"I'm sorry. I am. I didn't know Scourge was going to-" I tried to explain but was stopped when Shadow whirled on me, his brow furrowing in my direction as he took in my quaking form.

"He could have hurt you or worse, Hope-"

"What does it matter! You don't need me! You never have and probably never will!" I shouted back at him as his voice rose dangerously at me, I took another few steps back as Shadow shook his head.

"Don't be idiotic-"

"Its true and you know it! You don't need me, why did you even bother coming after me?" I said voice quivering and eyes blurring as Shadow stepped forward placing his hands on my shoulders, I flinched looking away from him.

"Where did this come from?" He asked as I flushed remembering who started it all and apparently so did Shadow when he snarled out that next time he saw him he was going to exterminate him until there's nothing left but ashes.

"I never considered being the one to tell you, Hope. I would have thought it was obvious the way everyone is with you." Shadow said as I slowly looked at him wondering exactly what he meant. " You are an important part of our team. I'd thought you knew that already, Hope. If you recall Omega only trusts you to work on and Rouge counts on you to update her equipment." He explained to me as I nodded knowing that he was right, again. But still…I didn't feel like I did anything to help out. I liked working on Omega and I loved finding new ways to update Rouge's gadgets, it was fun.

"And most importantly…I can count on you to…always be there when I return." I looked up to him, completely taken aback by this sudden revelation, he looked at me and it was then that I could see the sincerity in what he said. I smiled glad to know that he really did mean what he said, I threw my arms around him hugging him as tightly as I can.

"Thank you, Shadow." I said as I felt his body stiffen from contact then slowly relax against me as his arms just wrapped around me stiffly. I couldn't help the giggle, he was still getting used to me hugging him , but that was okay. After all practice makes perfect!

"Your…welcome. I believe its time for us to return to G.U.N HQ before Rouge decides to come after the both of us." Shadow said quietly as he pulled away from me, I shook my head at him looking back to the home of Athena and Aerial.

"I…really ought to say goodbye. The Wolf Pack has been really nice to me, I'd hate to leave and have them wonder where I went-" I explained as Shadow nodded silently motioning me to go on and do what ever needed to be done.

"-There's no need, Hope. We heard everything." I looked back to see Lupe standing behind me with a coy smile on her lips, she gently patted my head before hugging me.

"I'm glad you're safe and returning to your people. Be strong, Hope Kintobor. Know that you always have a place in the Wolf Nation, should you need it." She said gently as I hugged her, fighting back the tears at the kind words that made me want to cry. A place to belong…but I already found my place to belong and it was in the United Federation at G.U.N.

"Thank you so much. I know now, I have other people I can count on and people who can count on me…"

I know. Its small but better than nothing, right? *ducks in time for rotten tomatoes*