Chapter 11: Meeting Wave

Shadow was enjoying his job. The people that he worked with were great, and he enjoyed their company. He had been living in Station Square for a few months now, and the hedgehog was getting used to his new life. Shadow had also gotten the hang of his new powers too. He used them to help in any ways he could find. However, he had still not found anyone to love. Shadow kept trying to get close to people, making friends as often as he could. Nothing was working out the way he wanted it to. He sighed and shook his head. Shadow walked home from work and into his own house, sitting down and watching TV. He wondered how Sonic was doing.

"I hope Mephiles isn't treating him terribly," Shadow said.

He sighed and shook his head; there wasn't any use thinking about it. They were separated now, and there was no way of getting Sonic back. Shadow stood up and went into his room, sitting on the bed to think. He held up the Chaos Emerald in his gloved hand, looking at it.

"I should find something to distract myself with," Shadow told the emerald.

Shadow sighed, wondering if he still had his shapeshifting powers; most likely he did. Perhaps he could transform into a small bird an go for a flight. Shadow focused and soon transformed into a dove. Hopping, he looked around. The dove hopped onto the open windowsill. It chirped, and then flew off. Flying through the air, Shadow looked around. The small dove's body was much lighter than what he was used to, and he enjoyed feeling the air around him as he flew.

Flapping its wings, the dove landed on a tree in the forest and scanned the area. It was enjoying its little trip, and began chirping. Another bird, a female one, landed beside Shadow and nuzzled him. Shadow looked over at her in slight alarm and chirped again. The female dove chirped back, nuzzling Shadow again. Shadow blushed. Shifting away from her slightly, Shadow wasn't sure what to do. He hadn't really gotten this kind of attention before. Hesitantly, he nuzzled her back. The bird chirped happily, then flew away. Shadow hesitated and followed her. Chirping after her, Shadow tried to ask where they were going.

Where are we going? He asked.

The female looked back at him and flew back over. Somewhere nice.

Shadow nodded. What is your name? And why have you taken an interest in me?

Wave, the bird said. There's just something interesting about you. The dove chuckled and nodded. The two flew on and landed on a branch. Shadow looked at the swallow and smiled as best he could. Wave looked at him and nodded back. I've never really had this kind of affection before, she said. You seem pretty nice.

Well, I don't have much of a reason to be anything else. I just met you.

Wave nodded. What's your name?

Shadow.

It's nice to meet you, Shadow, the swallow said. She held out a wing and put it around Shadow's body. The dove blushed and looked away. Was this the person who he was meant to fall in love with? A small, common bird? He looked back at Wave after a few moments. She was definitely pretty, as far as birds went. He smiled and nodded, then looked around.

Shall we just fly around for a while? The dove suggested.

Sounds fine to me.

The black dove nodded and flew off as Wave followed him. They flew for hours, getting to know each other. Finally, it was getting dark, and wave returned to her nest as Shadow landed in it as well.

Nice nest, Shadow said as he looked around.

Thanks, the swallow said. Would you mind staying here for the night? I could use the company, especially after my mate died a few weeks ago.

I wouldn't mind. Shadow settled down in her nest once he found a good spot.

Wave smiled, then nuzzled against him and the two birds fell asleep. When they awoke the next day, Shadow stretched. He flapped his wings and looked at Wave. A smile formed across his beak and he looked around, wondering if he should head back home or stay here. Hopping to the edge of the nest, he looked back at wave. It wouldn't be polite to leave before she woke. The swallow opened her eyes, looking at Shadow. You going somewhere?

I haven't decided yet. Shadow looked back off the nest.

Wave nodded, then chirped. She spread her wings and flew off to get some food. Shadow watched her, wondering if he should follow. After a few moments of deciding, he followed her. The two birds looked at each other and landed on the ground, searching for food. They eventually found some an went back to the nest. Shadow watched Wave eat for a few moments before mimicking her.

A few minutes later, the two birds flew back to the nest. Shadow hesitated. Wave...I have something to tell you. This isn't my normal form. I'm really a hedgehog; I'm a normal dove right now because I can shapeshift.

Wave looked at him in confusion. Why did you turn into a dove?

The dove shrugged. I just wanted to do something fun for a while. Do you mind?

Not at all. Meeting you was nice. The swallow shifted her position. How long were you planning to stay as a dove?

I'm not really sure, Shadow said. For a while, I suppose. I'm enjoying spending time with you.

Really? That's nice to know.

Shadow smiled, chirping happily. What shall we do today?

Is there anything you'd like to do? Wave asked. She could think of a few things, but maybe Shadow would have a more interesting idea.

I don't know. Maybe we could fly around for a while. What did you have in mind?

I was thinking we could go somewhere, Wave said. I'm not sure where to go exactly. Somewhere with a nice view?

Sure, Shadow said, smiling. He flapped his wings and they flew off. Shadow loved being a dove, especially the feeling of flying through the air. The two birds flew for a while before landing on a telephone pole, looking out at the city.

So where do you live? Wave asked.

My house isn't far from here, Shadow said, pointing towards the city with a wing.

I've been around the city numerous times before, but nothing ever really caught my attention.

Shadow nodded. It is a nice place.

Wave smiled. Do you have any family or friends?

My parents died a while ago...and I do have friends around here...Tails, Silver, Knuckles...

Wave gave him a smile. I've seen them around the city before. They seem like great people.

They are, Shadow said. He flapped his wings and chirped, then few back to the nest as Wave followed him. Shadow sighed; maybe he would fall in love with Wave after all. Is there anything you'd like to do? Shadow asked Wave.

The swallow shook her head, nuzzling against Shadow's feathers. The black dove blushed and chirped happily. Wave chirped as well, still nuzzling against him. Shadow smiled and closed his eyes as he lay against Wave, then fell asleep.