Chapter Ten

Sonic was brought out of his musings when he heard Shadow announce he was leaving to be alone for a moment. The ultimate lifeform would usually have left without saying anything, but he wished to be completely alone – something he could not accomplish if Manic, Sonic, or Silver trailed after him like lost pups.

Three pairs of eyes watched as the dark figure disappeared into the forest around them. At the sound of an uncomfortable cough, the entranced eyes all reverted their attention to the kitsune and echidna who were staring at them strangely.

"Okay, now that Shadow's gone, let's talk." Knuckles proclaimed.

"Talk about what?" Manic asked, tilting his head subconsciously. The other hedgehogs were about as confused as he was.

The guardian gave him a look that said 'don't play dumb with me'. "About the three of you and how you've all been acting around Shadow the past week."

The hedgehogs still feigned ignorance as Silver responded. "We've been treating him like a friend that's all. So what if he's been receiving a bit more attention? In case you've forgotten, Shadow's a bit anti-social. He needs the extra nudge."

"That might make a convincing argument," Tails started to say, "if it wasn't for the fact Manic had never met Shadow prior to this week and that you all seem to be courting him." At that remark, all three flushed deeply.

"W-well, if you knew how he smelt like you'd be courting him, too!" Manic shouted in defense before he had time to think about how to properly respond.

The two non-hedgehogs glanced at each other before looking at the green furball curiously.

"'Smelt like'?" Knuckles repeated.

The other two hedgehogs glared at Manic as the long-quilled hedgie shifted in his seat uncomfortably. The three earlier in the week had secretly made pact with each other not to reveal that Shadow was more sweet-smelling than any other girl they could ever hope to come across. It was obvious to the three of them that Shadow could not be a full male and still release those delicious pheromones that affected other males. This in turn made it easier for them to pursue him as the awkwardness of being attracted to a presumably straight male was diminished almost completely. Then again, since the biohog wasn't exactly denying most of their advances, it was likely that Shadow wasn't straight. Bi maybe, but not straight. The true male hedgehogs did not want the oblivious Mobians in their presence to know of this fact for they believed it would make Shadow feel embarrassed. No one and nothing was going to cause their ebony hedgie to feel uncomfortable… except the three of them of course. Thus when Manic revealed that his scent affected him, the other hedgehogs were, in kinder words, annoyed with him. If Shadow found out that the other two knew…

"Wait, are you saying that you can detect his scent?" Tails asked wide-eyed; it didn't take long for him to connect the dots. "So that's why the three of you were acting so weird around him; he's a herm!" That or a girl who does a very realistic impression of a guy, he concluded. A very, very good impression.

The three spiky mammals stayed silent at a loss for words. They weren't sure how to respond. Now, three pairs of eyes were looking everywhere else except at another Mobian, choosing instead to stare at inanimate objects.

"A male herm." Knuckles repeated quietly trying to wrap his head around it. He tilted his head curiously to the side as he observed the fidgeting males. "Doesn't being attracted to a guy bother you even if he's a herm?" He flinched when the three of them glared at the guardian hatefully; it felt as if they were going to murder him. Then again, how he worded his question did sound sort of… homophobic and accusatory. The echidna chose to reword his question. "I mean, if you're all straight, what would you do if you ended up mating with Shadow once the season is over? Are you going to stick with him or leave him?"

Tails added, "Yeah, what happens after his scent is gone and he's back to being plain old Shadow anymore? Or if he ends up getting pregnant? Will you stay with him?"

While neither Tails nor Knuckles were very close to the ultimate lifeform, that didn't mean they wanted to see Shadow get hurt. He didn't seem like the kind of guy to get close to someone in that way than just leave them the next day. He was distant, defensive, cautious, paranoid. He seemed to be the type to rather be alone for the rest of his life than take the risk of falling in love and losing them. Also, he didn't seem the kind of guy to have a one-night stand especially if that night could end up with him pregnant. Considering how he still retained his scent up to this point of mating season only reinforced Knuckles and Tails's thoughts about him. If Shadow mated with one of the true male 'hogs, it was because he actually considered them as a possible mate to spend the rest of their life with (since they all believed that Shadow was immortal and could presumably never die naturally). If Shadow chose one of them, he most likely would still try to form a relationship with them even after the season was over for as long as he could – he was not one to do things halfway. He gave everything his all. To claim him then leave was basically the equivalent of a one-night stand. The heroes would not stand for it if they took advantage of the ebony hedgehog like that even if Shadow was evil beforehand. Just because his scent was irresistible did not mean they could use him to quell their own urges.

There was also the fact that if one of the 'hogs did do something like that, Shadow may end up hunting them down and possibly killing them. Not something Knuckles and Tails wanted to happen to their friends.

The hedgehogs took a moment to reflect on this question. The three of them did end up thinking about the consequences multiple times when Shadow wasn't distracting them (i.e. was in their presence) except for Sonic who tried not to think about it until earlier that day after the little incident. It was something the true male 'hogs all took into serious consideration.

"Yes." they all agreed. While Sonic sounded confident, he was still unsure. The hero did like kids, but he wasn't positive that he was ready to have some. Tails was like his little brother, not his son.

"Oh, really?" The echidna challenged crossing his arms.

"It doesn't matter for me." Silver assured him. "I'm actually bi."

"As for me," began Manic, "I'm a homoromantic demisexual."

That little statement was met with blank stares. The only thing that registered was the prefix 'homo.'

"So, you're gay?" questioned Knuckles.

The green rocker shrugged. "Sort of, but not really. Basically, it means that I get sexually attracted to males I connect to emotionally… except in mating season when I lose the 'romantic' and 'demi' and become 'homosexual.' Which is why I like to be away from girls during mating season. Do you know how embarrassing it is to start flirting uncontrollably with every guy in sight when there's a slim chance he's gay or how uncomfortable it is for the other guy? It's like a straight guy flirting with a lesbian when he didn't know any better, or a girl flirting with a cute gay guy!"

"Oh." the others hummed thoughtfully.

"So, I'd stay with Shadow even after the season ends." Manic concluded.

"Okay then." Tails nodded accepting his friends' answers. It really didn't matter what sexuality his friends were, they were still his friends. The others felt the same way though it was still a shock to them since none of the male hedgies were even close to obvious about it.

Baby blue eyes fell on the azure furry that had yet to explain his reasons. "What about you, Sonic?"

All Mobians' eyes were trained on the blue hero as they had all assumed that the speedster was straight. He certainly never hinted being attracted to the same sex. Heck, if anything, he made it more than obvious he liked girls even if he didn't like Amy in that way.

The blue blur now had the spotlight directed on him. Yes, he stated that he would stay with Shadow if the ebony hedgehog chose him, but he didn't want to say the outright reason why he would do so. He barely admitted the truth to himself moments ago! How was he supposed to say it out loud to his friends? Admitting one's sexuality was different from admitting one's crush. It was a specific person one had feelings for, not a certain gender or genders. Besides, the prospect of having his own family to take care of scared him more than he would care to admit. The main reason that he was avoiding claiming someone in the first place was so that he could remain a bachelor for little longer.

Acting solely on impulse, the azure speedster blurted out, "Of course I'd stay with Shadow! I'm a hero, and heroes don't abandon their friends."

He mentally face-palmed. Well, that came out more like it would be his duty rather than his choice.

"That makes sense." Tails mused. Knuckles nodded in agreement. Silver and Manic frowned disliking that answer greatly. Why should Shadow have a mate who didn't want to be with him or at least try to get into a relationship with the herm?

"In that case, I think it would better for all of us if you stop trying to court Shadow then." Silver thought out loud. "You know, someone who actually wouldn't mind being in a relationship with him after mating season even if they didn't claim him."

The others nodded; Sonic frowned. He did want to be Shadow whether or not the hero claimed him. He did like Shadow in that way. But irrational fear gripped him forcing him to stay quiet. He didn't protest.

The sapients, aside from Sonic, began discussing other subjects after Knuckles and Tails felt satisfied that their questions were answered revolving mating season and Shadow.

C'mon, Sonic! yelled the little voice in the azure's head. Tell them the real reason you spineless coward! Tell them that you like him!

Instead, he sat there silently watching the conversation before him attempting to muster up the courage to say that he did like Shadow more than a friend. He would stay with his rival not out of duty, but simply because he wanted to.

As soon as Sonic finally gained the courage, he was cut off by not one, but two sonic booms shaking the island.

All five stood up abruptly at the sound.

"Shadow." Sonic whispered worriedly.

While the heroes were conversing about Shadow and mating season, the antihero had returned to his little sanctuary. It was a good distance away from the rest of them, but could be reached in less than a minute at the speed he could run. Then again, since he was a little more eager to reach the no-longer secret spot, he chaos controlled away once he was hidden by the trees.

It was a very calming place; plus very secluded. He had come here once or twice in the past week after joining the other males in order to converse peacefully with his female self. Shadzie kept bugging him at night when he slept asking for him to return here while the others were awake to talk with her. Grudgingly, the dominant persona agreed. Shadzie had been extra persistent the night before causing the ebony hedgehog to get little to no sleep.

Sighing, the hermaphrodite made himself comfy on a favorite spot of his high up in the trees. He sat back against the tree trunk making sure he wouldn't fall down in his sleep. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to doze off to the soothing sound of the waterfall.

When he opened his eyes, he found a very irritated hedgehog in front of him.

"Finally." Shadzie said crossing her arms.

"What is so important?" Shadow asked her.

"We need a mate. Now." She snapped her fingers causing for Manic and Silver to appear in front of them… as well as a certain blue hedgehog.

"What did I say about the faker?" Shadow growled. "He is not a prospective mate!"

"You say that, but I still have him here. Wonder why?" she snorted sarcastically.

Shadow continued to growl, but thought better than to retort to her answer. Instead he focused on another matter. "Why do I need a mate now anyways? The more intense part of the season is almost over and I don't have to worry about any of them jumping me in my sleep."

"It's not them I'm worried about!" she shouted. "Pick one of them right now or things will end badly for us."

"Why should I?" he questioned getting quickly annoyed at her. He wasn't sure if she was being paranoid or if their instincts and hormones had gotten to her. He'd rather not choose a mate if it was the latter.

"Have you forgotten who is after us?" she questioned before scoffing and rolling her eyes. "Of course you have, it's been over a week since we last saw him."

"Scourge is not a problem." Shadow stated confidently. "Even if he does find us, we have not only three hedgehogs fighting for us due to the affect our scent has on them, but four of the Mobians we are currently with are skillful heroes. They are used to protecting others and are capable of protecting us from the green nuisance should the situation arise. Granted, our pride would be wounded, but they would not allow Scourge to harm us."

"Scourge. Is. Sonic's. Copy." Shadzie countered. "He has every skill the blue one has and is not afraid of resorting to dirty measures. He can end up capturing us before anyone has any idea of what's happening and forcibly take us!" her voice softened, crimson eyes showing fear. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm scared, Shadow, especially since we can't defend ourselves properly against him. If he finds us and takes us somewhere before anyone can help us, it's all over. I don't want to be claimed by someone who'll just abandon us afterwards."

"It's not going to happen." He tried assured her and assure himself. Not only was Shadzie his female self and was more emotional than him, but Shadzie also more easily expressed the fears Shadow had. She was, in his opinion, a vulnerable version of himself.

"We can't say that for certain. Pick someone right –" she stopped, black ears perking up, crimson eyes darting about wildly. "No."

Shadow knew what was wrong. Both ebony hedgies stood tense as if anticipating a fight.

"Wake up, Shadow." Shadzie ordered. Without needing to be told twice, Shadow did just that.

Once he was back in reality, he forced himself to remain silent. The smell that assaulted his nose only confirmed that the scent he and Shadzie had scent was real. It was an all-too-familiar scent that turned on his hormones and his body was sucked in an internal debate to flee or jump the other hedgehog. Since he couldn't fight, he had to flee. He would rather choose to flee than allow his body to succumb to mating season's desires. He was able to control himself around the other three hedgehogs because he was now (more or less) used to their scents. This was a new challenge that he knew he could overcome, but not right now. He didn't know where the other hedgehog was so for a second he believed he was safe. He was about to chaos control back to the others before he was tackled out of the tree by a green blur.

"Hey, sexy," hot breath brushed against his ear, "missed me?"

The green speedster laid on top of the ebony hedgehog's back; Shadow's belly pressing against the ground. The emerald hedgehog expertly ensuring that Shadow's quills were in no danger of harming him. Not that it mattered, it seemed as if the trapped 'hog wouldn't harm him if their last encounter was any indication. Instead of gracing the other with an answer, the ultimate lifeform opened his mouth to voice chaos control only to be pushed against the ground roughly.

"Now none of that." Scourge teased, gloved fingers searching Shadow's quills. He grinned victoriously when he held up the other's green chaos emerald before tossing it away somewhere carelessly. He rubbed his hands against his victim's sides. "Wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fun~" Shadow squirmed underneath him attempting to break free. Scourge merely smirked and grabbed ebony wrists, pinning to the floor. He relished the shiver Shadow released when he spoke into his ear again. "Stay calm and I'll make this pleasurable for both of us."

Shadow was panicking. This was exactly what he and Shadzie were arguing about; it was not that surprising in retrospect that his female counterpart had every right to be worried. He simply hoped that he would have more time before Scourge found him again. Now, he was trapped by the emerald hedgehog that was obviously strongly affected by his scent. Shadow briefly wondered if the fear he had right now was what other women felt when they were faced in a similar situation.

Shaking off any thoughts at the moment, Shadow forced himself to calm down. While Scourge believed the hermaphrodite was relenting to his wishes, Shadow was summoning all the chaos energy in his body to perform chaos control. Before Scourge knew what his victim was doing, Shadow had teleported away. The emerald speedster growled in frustration before he picked up the ever-familiar sound of a sonic boom. He smirked. It seemed as if Shadow didn't have enough chaos energy to make a full return to his friends forcing him to run after them.

With slight amusement that his prey was playing hard to get, Scourge took off after the source of the sonic boom letting out his own. In their haste, both hedgehogs had left the chaos emerald discarded.

A/N: This came out, in my opinion, sooo much better than the original version. The original was too OOC and as fake as a Barbie doll - makeup and all. I made Sonic admit his crush which struck me as odd since who would admit they had a crush on their rival of the same sex the same day they were finally accepting that? That and the first chapter of this story started with Sonic wanting to remain a bachelor. For him to suddenly want and accept a family was once again odd to me.

Oh yeah, and Scourge is back. Yay. :p

In the words of PewDiePie: "Happy Valentines day. Celebrate with you loved one or just at home alone worshiping your senpai by your altar."