Hey everyone. This feels weird; I haven't posted in so long! That's because of vacation and life. -sighs- You have no idea how badly stress has been eating my life away. I have no more life because of work. It's affecting my relationships as well.

And now school is starting! -keels over-

I'm trying my best to keep up with the story and writing, but it has been hard. I'll try to be as regular as I can with the updates. But I have some good news; I have another story coming out! Yes, another Sonadow. And this is more or less a short and comical one. A lot more...upfront than my usual ones. Also with a new twist. I might be publishing it any day, if I can write a new chapter for it soon. I'm still contemplating a name; it has to be just right.

I might make it an exclusive for I'm not sure. But if I do, you BETTER get your butts over there and comment on it! Don't be scared, they don't bite there. I'm still deciding on it, though. I have to make up my mind.

Anyway, on with the story. My comments are being long today for a reason.

One of the first thing my editor said to me when he read this chapter tonight was...

"Wow; Sonic is a dick."

And I very much notice this. I won't go into it too much now, but he certainly is in this chapter. If you look at certain general descriptions of Sonic, it usually states he is, 'self-absorbed' in most of them. I like to play into that a lot in my stories. Damn it...it's to the point he made me feel bad for Amy...

But don't worry, in the future, you'll have a great reason to hate her. -smiles evilly-

Name: 'Chained By Love'

Rating: Teen/PG-13 (might go up)

Pairings: SonicxShadow, possible KnuxRouge

Warning: Male/Male relationship; don't read if you don't like it

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Shadow stepped out of the small shower stall and shook his sleek coat, sending water droplets everywhere. He then grabbed the closest towel and brushed them through his wet quills. He sighed contently, enjoying the feeling of cleanliness. He then wrapped it around his waist, standing in front of the mirror.

Right away the hedgehog was happy with what he saw. He remembered that not too long ago and only a few months before, he looked amazingly thin and fragile. Now his body looked much more different from then. Both the black and red of his coat was sleek and glossy, the touch not rough as it had been. His ribs had not shown at all through his coat and he was happy to see some muscle. He was never built like a body-builder, but he certainly had always been fit. He was very much like his old self, apart for some exceptions.

When Shadow looked into his ruby eyes, which were always glowing with a serious spark, seemed to be much more...well, hurt. He knew why. So many things had happened in his lifetime for them to ever be the same. And there was of course, the chains, which still remained rusted and clamped around his neck and wrists. Except for those two things, he was pretty much the same.

The black hedgehog even believed he might be gaining his regular speed back as well. He guessed it was from both regular eating, exercise, and now his sneakers, which he thanked the blue hero for. They were extremely useful and he had really clicked to them, loving their abilities.

Shadow had to adjust to the use of the hover skates. When he first tried them out, they pretty much activated on their own. He started running at a high speed, it almost resulting in harsh crash and a laughing blue hedgehog. But after a bit of time using them and trying them out, Shadow got the hang of it. It really helped him with his speed by letting him skate across the ground and even letting him hover a bit. They'd glow gold whenever they went into use. Shadow was very thankful for having them.

He had a lot of time for trying them out since he went out many of the days in a week. This also contributed to Shadow becoming stronger, since had much more room to run and train. Sonic had taken him out in secret from Knuckles, who would be very angry if he found out he was doing this. Whenever the echidna would wonder to his Master Emerald, Sonic would sneak the black one out to let him roam the surrounding area. Once in a while, Sonic would race him; and when saying 'once in a while', it was at least once a week.

Whenever they would engage in a run, it was always a heated battle. After the few first times, excluding the first time where Shadow lost, it was barely a tie. Sonic would always race up and appear to be in the lead but Shadow would always pull into the equal place in the end. He was determined to never lose to him a second time, not wanting to feel the humiliation. Even if it was never brought up, both knew very well that the other remembered.

Then, as Shadow was getting fitter and fitter, it started to become an equal tie. Both would struggle to the max to pull in front but they'd both fail, always finishing at the same time. The blue hedgehog even acknowledged this, a smirk always on his face.

"You're certainly catching up, bud." he'd always say, still not knowing his name.

Shadow, though content, wasn't completely satisfied with this.

He wanted to be the winner, no questions asked.

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It didn't take long for Shadow to step out of the bathroom, stretching as he made his way into the hallway. His shoes, cleaned and ready to be put on, were placed next to the door. He slipped them on easily and walked down the stairs, not expecting the blue hedgehog to be waiting for him. When he came into the living room he was standing there with an unusual face for him. It was one that Shadow had never seen on him.

Currently the hero had a mix between a worry and an annoyed expression. His jade eyes slowly focused on him and he smiled weakly; the black hedgehog could only guess he was forcing it.

"Ready to go outside?" was all he said, his voice tired and a bit sad.

Shadow wouldn't lie; he was concerned. He only nodded though, his shoulders also shrugging. The blue hedgehog walked past him without another look; this also surprised the streaked one. Sonic was usually very open and talkative but now, it was as if he wanted nothing to do with him. He slowly followed him out the door and closed it, looking into their surroundings. It was a vast forest and jungle that Shadow never got sick of, his feet ready to be running. When he looked to his side though, there sat Sonic at the stoop with his head lowered in thought.

The blue one was acting very strange. First off, he took Shadow out earlier than usual. It was now about noon; usually Shadow didn't go out until three in the afternoon. Actually, Sonic was usually never here at this time. Mostly he left early to some unknown location that Shadow never bothered to question. There was also the fact he was quiet and distant, not being his usual friendly and happy self. Shadow didn't bother to do anything about it and just ran off into the distance, using his time wisely.

Shadow raced through the trees at top speed, his shoes making it very easy for him to run. When he didn't have them it was much harder for the fact of stepping on objects and now he didn't have that problem. He'd jump and leap from trees to rocks, spinning into a ball like the hedgehog he was. He'd roll across the ground and then spring up when he finished. It was the same routine everyday when the blue hedgehog wasn't racing him. The black one always made sure to work out things he once took for granted before he was locked up. Surprisingly, the chains didn't restrict him too much since the links were long.

He'd usually go until he broke into a sweat, making sure his body was tired by the end of the outing. But now, something in particular was bothering him: why was Sonic so upset? He mentally kicked himself for wondering why and it was easy to tell. But Shadow didn't get why he was even slightly concerned. How was he to concentrate with the depressed hedgehog behind him? His shoulders drooped as he sighed. He knew he had to run back their and see what was going on.

It didn't take long for Shadow to make his way towards the sad hero, his shoes gliding across the ground. His feet which glowed with golden tones had skid to a stop, picking up a good amount of dirt with him. Sonic slowly looked up to the brown fog and blinked, seeing Shadow's form appear shortly ofter. His shoulders drooped and he didn't feel the right to look at him, certainly not in the mood.

Shadow had made his way over to him, much to Sonic's surprise. He sat next to him and gave him a curious yet kind expression, his head turned to his side. Sonic gave a guess to the hedgehog's feelings: he knew he was upset. He frowned and looked at him with depressed and jade eyes.

"Though you may not talk, you certainly know a lot."

The silent hedgehog had only shrugged, his eyebrow raising to push the hedgehog further. Sonic's chest rose as his back gently hit the steps of the deck, placing his gloved hands over his eyes. "I have so much going in my life. You have no clue what it is to be me, hedgehog." Was all Sonic said, which got a look from Shadow. The black hedgehog gave him a questioning expression which eventually the blue one saw, who in response crossed his arms.

"You've never heard of me...?" was all he said, in a mix of surprise and interest. Shadow gave a mild shrug and Sonic grabbed his arm despite his shock, dragging him into the house.

"Time to give you a history lesson, bud." Sonic had dragged Shadow to a door he never opened before. It was pushed into a corner of the house that no one ever visited or ever introduced to Shadow. The black hedgehog eyed the other and their surroundings in interest as Sonic stuck a key into the door. He turned the knob and had let him in, into a room that rarely anyone visited.

As Shadow gazed around he blinked, surprised by what he say. Against the wall upon nails and shelves were an array of medals and statues, all which were inscribed with the words, 'SONIC THE HEDGEHOG'. Most of them also brought up 'hero', 'excellence', and 'speed', but it varied with each trophy. He couldn't believe the large amount gold glimmering in the room but slowly looked the other hedgehog, who was leaning against the doorway.

His expression seemed fond and calmed, but at the same time upset and troubled. He too was looking at every piece in the room with happiness and respect. Everyday Sonic was thankful for every honorable mention he received, but there were other days such as today. He sighed and rubbed his temples, eventually breaking the silence in the tiny room.

"This is my trophy room. I get honors from fans, the government, the police; you name it, I've probably got it."

He went up to a random medallion hanging on fine strung-together cloth, holding it in his hand. He polished it quietly with the fur of his elbow and then let it be, giving a modest shrug. "I've gotten quite a few over the years. They never change in value to me. Each has an equal amount of respect and sometimes, I can't help to not look away."

The feelings on his face quickly changed from happiness to sadness, the blue one biting his lip. He then turned to the black hedgehog and hung his head. "But there are many of people who strongly dislike me." he said, his head hanging in shame. Shadow could right away tell it was a touchy subject. He continued to just observe the gold-plated awards in the room, in no way disturbing the other hedgehog.

"I battle almost everyday to save everyone lives. You have no idea how hard I fight, hedgehog. I train my body, my muscles, and my mind every moment I can to prepare for what is to come. I won't lie; sometimes, I don't think I'm ready. But every time danger shows its ugly face, I take the challenge!" he said with pride, his chest heaving out as he stood in the middle of the room.

"Now, Eggman is nothing but, there are some other things harder I still have to deal with!"

With the mention of the crazy doctor's name, Shadow's ears perked. Though it had been a bit of time, the hedgehog still remembered their encounter. He swallowed quietly and looked away from the blue hero, not wanting to bring that subject up. He didn't even consider the possibility of him finding out he was being held here. He bit his lip but ignored it as the other hedgehog continued, not wanting to think about it.

"I save so many civilians lives and honestly, each one is important to me." he said slowly, as if he was calculating his words. "But sometimes...I never make it in time to save everyone..." he said sadly, rubbing at his arm. Shadow's ears instantly perked at that phrase, listening to the hedgehog's word with much more deeper interest.

Sonic continued sadly, once in a while shifting in his spot. "Believe me, I try to help everyone. I try with all the speed and might I have to make sure everyone makes it out safely alive...but sometimes, trying just doesn't work." said Sonic, his voice having some frustration. "And the people who did die today, I'll never forgive myself for not saving. Yet the fact that people continue to blame me hurts me more than anyone can know..." he voiced softly, Sonic physically feeling his heart hurt. The memory of the ordeal was very painful, and it didn't happen too long ago.

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The well known hero had raced through the busy and continuous town, his feet never missing a beat. As he rushed through the car-filled streets he looked to each side, taking in the large buildings next to him. They were large, metal, and over powering to the sight. Some even appeared to go into the skies for miles. Sonic, who was far used to the monstrosities known as architecture, rushed by them without another glance. He was far too preoccupied with other matters.

At first, Sonic was afraid he wasn't going to make it to the area in time. As he continued on the sidewalk barely anyone moved out of the way, letting the hedgehog nearly crash into many things and hazardously make his way around. It wasn't too hard for him but there were times he almost had a nasty collision. He narrowed his eyes as he ran with all his might, keeping the power and grace he usually did.

It didn't take long for Sonic to start seeing wreckage as he kept running down the path. More and more buildings were looking wrecked and destroyed with each minute passed. It didn't take long before the hedgehog actually saw the cause of all of the destruction; it was none other than Eggman and he had a new machine.

The contraption was as big as they usually are, the size of some of buildings surrounding him. Its main body, which seemed to be a pod where Robotnik sat in, had arms on a spinning axis. There had to be at least eight of them spinning around and slicing everything apart. Though they were long they were made of a strong metal and at the end of each coil was a sharp looking dagger. They seemed thin as air but they could rip through anything.

Sonic didn't act fazed as he saw this, knowing that he could beat the crazy scientist. He didn't pause anymore as he rushed towards the robot, Sonic automatically preparing himself. He ran as fast as he could in that moment and then curled into a ball, giving the robot a direct hit. Although it weakened it and had gotten the Doctor quite angry, it had not damaged it. Sonic came flying back and skidded across the ground, smirking with bravery. He was confident he could conquer him.

Eggman had brought the many arms to a stop and they all seemed to be concentrating on Sonic. He certainly noticed that they were spinning towards him and it would be hard to escape all of their grasps. He was reminded just how many there where when a sudden car had just missed colliding with him, the blue hedgehog having to jump very high to dodge it. He looked back at the roaring metal as it skidded across the ground with a worried look, but was caught off guard. A single arm looped around and had nearly slashed his side, Sonic being very lucky he wasn't sliced in half. He took a deep sigh of relief; Sonic didn't bother worrying about it, since it just skimmed him. He really had to worry about everyone else.

Sonic knew he'd need a lot more hits until he could completely bring down the robot, once again racing towards it. He rolled into a ball and had hit it once or twice, enough to knock some more blows into it. This is when a few arms had come off due to the crash. Eggman, sitting within the pod in the middle, had to think fast. He quickly grabbed any objects large enough to toss at the single hedgehog, the many metal appendages left working as fast as they could. The hero dodged everything thrown at him, his body running and jumping the opposite ways the thrown items went. Just when he was doing good and never got tagged, he was caught off guard by a scream.

He turned his head to see the further destruction happening because of him avoiding the objects, seeing a large amount of buildings and people hurt. He gasped but not only by the sight he saw, but what came colliding into him. One of the large metal tentacles hit him square in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. He went flying right into a building, which nearly collapsed from the impact. He slowly sat up in his spot and rubbed his head, the hedgehog in a huge amount of pain.

The dazed hero didn't have long to sit there, one of the many arms wrapping around him. He cursed under his breath and came face to face with the cockpit of the machine, it opening down the middle to reveal the cause of the mess. Dr. Eggman laughed right at the blue hedgehog in his clutches, an eyebrow raising at him.

"Well, well, well. The day I finally catch you, I have no desire to keep you." he said, a bored look playing in his face. Sonic growled at him and fought against the restraints around him, a snarl sounding from his throat.

"Is that so?" he asked, his own brow mimicking the others. "And what exactly is so much better than me?" Sonic smirked a bit but it faded with Robotnik's laugh, who sat back in his seat.

"That doesn't concern you, hedgehog. I was on a search before you rudely interrupted me. Now, I must be going." The arm holding onto the hero raised into the air, Sonic's face going into a slight show of panic. "I'll be seeing you around!" Eggman used a lever to pull the arm all the way back and then pushed a red button directly next to it. Before Sonic could even draw in a breath he felt himself go flying into the air.

He frantically waved his arms as he was getting closer and closer to plummeting to the ground. Thinking quickly, he rolled into a ball and landed safely with a whirl. Sonic jumped out of it and onto his feet, turning to the doctor. He knew he needed to destroy it or he'd tear his way through anything to find whatever he was searching for. Whatever that was made Sonic curious but he had to stop him first.

Once again the hedgehog rolled into a ball and accelerated as much as could. He was getting ready for one of his oldest and most famous moves, his spin-dash. He powered up and then released when he could take it no more, going off the ledge of the cracked street. He flew into the machine and collided right into the cockpit and cracked the glass, shattering bits and pieces everywhere. He tightly closed his eyes not to get any into them and at the last moment grabbed onto the closest of its broken arms. He held on tightly even as Eggman attempted to throw him off it, which only caused Sonic to fall right into the cockpit. He landed on both feet and one hand, standing in front of his enemy in triumph. He narrowed his eyes and stood powerful, a frown on his lips.

"What exactly are you looking for, Eggman?" cried the blue hedgehog, wanting to know just what was so important.

The doctor only laughed as he sat in his seat, a sudden seatbelt wrapping around his large waste. He looked at him with an evil glint, giving a scoff towards him.

"A creature more powerful than you. And if I get a hold of him, he'll even defeat you!" he said, pointing at him with more laughter. Sonic could have no response because Robotnik shot into the air from the main seat, obviously being an escape. Sonic watched him soar into the sky and growled. Once again, the doctor had managed to get away. He sighed and his shoulders drooped but didn't have long to rest. The machine he was standing in was beginning to fall and when it did, it clashed to the ground with a loud tremor. Dust and pieces of cement went flying, causing a huge cloud of filth. Sonic coughed in his spot and wheezed, looking up at his surroundings.

Around him was total destruction and chaos, to the point of people running in hysteria. Water from a broken hydrant sprayed the streets and at that moment a light post came falling to the ground. The place was filthy with debris and dust, some buildings were even reduced to rubble. Others had broken brick and some had fallen to the ground. Anyone who looked at it knew there was going to be a huge clean-up.

But the buildings were Sonic's last concern. When he looked into more detail of the wreckage he noticed that more than one person was dead from the destruction. His heart had sunk and his anger had rose, taking a deep and sturdy breath. He let it out as he tried to regain control of his feelings. He lowered his head as the sirens of police cars made themselves noticed, knowing they wouldn't be happy about what happened today. He didn't even really care about that. Not only were many people lifeless around him, but he was one of the reasons behind it.

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When Sonic finished his explanation, he looked to the ground. Shadow could only try to keep a blank face as his mind was concerned. He knew he could very well be what he was looking for. He bit his lip when the other hedgehog didn't look up at him. Not only did he feel worried, but his heart sunk. If he was what Eggman was looking for, more people would of died because of him and Sonic felt at fault. He hoped he wasn't the reason and turned his attention back to the saddened hero.

Sonic sighed and slumped against the wall, running his fingers over his crossed arms. He looked highly disturbed and upset as he continued. "Sometimes, I really want to give up. I consider just quitting and stopping, because of the many people who die." he paused. "It doesn't happen very often, but it has. And every time it does, it makes me want to quit more and more." he looked up to Shadow with saddened eyes, as if they were to leak. "The fact they died because I couldn't help them breaks my heart. No one knows how it feels."

Shadow stared at him with slight shock, blinking. He certainly did know what he was going through. He very much could relate to how the other hedgehog felt due to the ARK incident. His heart continued to get lower and lower at the sight of the fallen hero. He was beginning to feel for him more and more. When Sonic had his head lowered, Shadow slowly placed his hand on his shoulder. Sonic looked up in shock at him and the black hedgehog shrugged, not knowing what else to do. The blue one studied the other's eyes eyes and seemed to sense it, seeing a mix of compassion and just plain confusion on how he could make him feel better. He smiled weakly at him, happy he was trying.

"You don't have to worry about it; I'm rambling. But I feel like I can tell you anything. I guess it's the fact you can't tell anyone." the usual glint in Sonic's eyes gleamed in his eyes for a split second and then his chuckle at the look the other hedgehog gave him. His laughter slowly died and the sad look returned, even when Shadow joined his side. "Sometimes, I don't feel like anyone can relate. Tails is too young; I don't want to involve him in my own problems. And I'm unsure if Knuckles would understand, let alone listen. Not that he doesn't care but he has his own problems." he looked at Shadow, jade meeting scarlet. "I don't know anything about you. I hope you've had it better from me, though it honestly doesn't look like you did."

Shadow frowned, giving a mix of a nod and a shrug. He was lucky he wasn't feeling forced into telling his past; not that he could, anyway. Sonic didn't take long to continue, giving a bit of a scoff as he looked before him. "And Amy wouldn't understand...she's so dumb." Shadow was surprised by this and in silence cracked up. Even if he was quiet the blue hedgehog felt his shaking shoulders, looking over to him. He guessed he was laughing and smiled a bit himself. "I'm not fibbing, she's actually very stupid. I'd be surprised if she knew her left from her right." he sighed, giving a deep frown. "I honestly can't stand her sometimes. As a girlfriend...she's not my type." He looked at Shadow with a blank look, his eyes a bit wide yet calm. "She's not even that, you know."

The black hedgehog looked at him in surprise. Why was he kissing her if they weren't 'together'? Wasn't that only something you held with someone you loved? As if Sonic read his mind, he continued to talk with little thought. "I met her one day because she said she was my, 'biggest fan'. I only saw her as some crazed, obsessed girl at first but as I got to know her, I saw her as one thing: easy target." he smirked slightly, shrugging. "So, I befriended her. I introduced her to both Knuckles and Tails and they shared similar feelings. Knuckles pretty much can't stand her and he thinks she is annoying. Tails is quiet about it, but I know he dislikes yet tolerates her. No one honestly likes her, which is why our...relationship has to be kept a secret. You have no idea what I'd go through if they found out."

The black, unknown hedgehog stared back at the other in a mix of shock and disgust. He pretty much...used her? Sonic sensed what he was thinking and looked down. In a sudden shyness he shrugged, not liking the look he was receiving. It certainly reminded him what he was doing was wrong. "I know, I know...it's not right..." he sighed. "Don't get me wrong, I like her but as a friend. I don't know; I can't help it." he smiled weakly. "Like many typical guys, I give in to a girl who literally throws herself at me. I've only kissed her anyway, I'm not that cruel..." the hedgehog claimed, trying to defend himself.

Shadow only shook his head, trying to convey his silent point: it just wasn't right. Sonic once again felt this, sighing. "I don't plan on staying with her for long. I'm already starting to feel guilty...and you're not helping." he said, rubbing at the back of his neck. Shadow gave a grunt and crossed his arms, giving him a cold shoulder. Sonic sighed, not wanting to Shadow to dislike him. He was just starting to build a friendship with him. He nudged him a bit, his brows lowering. "I'm sorry, okay? And why should you be so upset? From what I've noticed, you don't like her that much yourself." Shadow opened his eyes and nodded. Sonic returned a look, his ears drooping. "I guess that doesn't make it any better, though." The cobalt one looked frustrated yet concentrating. "I think the feelings are mutual, actually. I don't think she really loves me like she says. She actually constantly brings up going public with the relationship; I think she wants to be famous." Shadow felt less and less sorry for her after hearing that. Him feeling bad for her quickly passed and he resumed with disliking her.

Sonic sighed and looked to the ceiling, then back to the hedgehog next to him. He smiled a bit, not able to hold back. The hero was starting to feel better and better. "I have to thank you for listening. Hopefully, if you ever do talk, I can return the favor." he said, a glad glint in his eyes. Shadow looked back to him with a serious yet content expression, nodding. They locked eyes for a good set of minutes, both finding it very hard to pull away. But before either of the two could do or say anything, they had jumped in a combination of surprise and fear.

Someone was banging roughly at the door, and they did not sound happy. Their gaze was broken as they looked to the door in confusion, Sonic raising an eyebrow. "Who could be knocking so loudly...?" he thought aloud, it not taking long for him to find his answer.

Once again there was a strong knock and then a voice, one very gruff and unwary. "Sonic the Hedgehog, this is the Guardian Unit of Nations and we need to speak to you on the regards of Shadow the Hedgehog."

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Ooh, cliff hanger! I do have a love for them.

Wonder what will happen next? Comment and Review, please.