A/N- I'm probably going to say this twice, but the events of this chapter and the next happen somewhat at the same time. This one focuses on what the girls did and the next one will be the guys.

The Blue Blur Slows Down Chapter 21

Amy POV

The first thing we did when we got to the mall was head to the food court since it was about lunch time. Cream, Blaze and I all had no trouble deciding what to get, but Maria just stood there looking a little overwhelmed. I decided to see why.

"Can't decide what to get?" I asked.

"I guess you could say that. I don't know what most of these foods are. I mean, what's pizza?" I laughed at that thinking it was a joke. "What's so funny?" Maria asked her hands on her hips.

"You weren't joking?"

"No I wasn't. Up on the ARK we didn't really have much variety in the food we ate. And plus, with the disease I had, I had to watch my diet." Shadow never told us any of that.

"Are you okay?" Was all I could ask.

"Oh, yeah, definitely. Turns out hedgehogs are immune to it."

"Well, that certainly is convenient."

"Yeah, I guess it is. Now, what should I get?" Maria asked putting her hand to her chin

"Try the pizza, it's really good." I suggested.

"Okay, I will. Thanks Amy."

"No problem. We'll be sitting over there when you get done." I said pointing to where Cream and Blaze were. I took my salad over to the table and sat down next to Blaze. A few minutes later Maria came over and sat down too. We started talking about what was happening lately.

"So, what is everyone doing for Valentine's Day?" I asked eventually.

"I'm not sure," Blaze started, "Silver said he had a surprise planned for us."

"That's weird, Sonic said the same thing to me. Maybe they planned it together."

"Maybe. What about you Maria?" Blaze asked. Maria fidgeted a bit in her seat.

"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you two are talking about." She finally said. Did they do anything on that space station?

"Valentine's Day is a holiday where you do or give something special for someone you like." I said explaining.

"I think I understand. So, I would do something nice for Shadow?"

"Exactly."

"Okay, I think I have an idea for something."

"I'm sure he'll like anything you do for him." I said assuring her. I turned to Cream. "What about you Cream?"

"I don't know. I was thinking about just spending the day with Tails because he's always so lonely on Valentine's Day."

Blaze POV

I had always wondered why Tails is like that so I decided to ask about it.

"I hope this isn't too personal, but why is he like that?" When I asked that Amy and Cream got really quiet.

"Well, it happened before you and Silver showed up." Amy started. "And it's a sad story, so don't say I didn't warn you. It all started when the planet was attacked by evil robots called the Metarex. They took the Planet Egg, the essence of our world, and left with it. With our planet dying, Tails built a spaceship that was powered by the Master Emerald to chase the Metarex. Along the way we met a girl named Cosmo who came from a planet of plant people. She joined us on our adventure and Tails took a liking to her. She seemed to like him as well. Eventually we caught up with the Metarex and a final battle began. Sonic and Shadow used the Chaos Emeralds to transform, but it wasn't enough. The only one who could reach the Planet Egg and the leader was Cosmo. When she got there she said that Tails had to shoot the spaceship's huge laser at her to destroy the leader. Tails didn't want to do it, but eventually he did with tears in his eyes. And that's why he's like that." I was speechless after Amy's explanation. Unconsciously my hand moved to my wedding ring and I wondered how Silver would take it if I had to sacrifice myself. I didn't like the thought. Luckily, Amy snapped me out of those thoughts. "Oh, and you know that plant he keeps in his workshop?"

"The one he practically guards with his life?" I asked.

"Yeah, that one. Sonic somehow got one of the seeds Cosmo spread out when she died and gave it to him."

"Seems like everyone has or had such a sad story around here." I said thinking aloud.

"They've been sad beginnings, but it's the end that counts. I mean look at us now, you're married, I'm about to get married, and Maria is alive. I'd say that's pretty good." Amy said cheerfully.

"I guess you're right Amy." Then I looked over to my left and saw Tails ordering food. "Hey Cream, why don't you go talk to Tails, he's right over there." I said pointing.

"Thanks Blaze, I think I will." Cream said getting up. After she was gone Maria spoke up.

"Can we go clothes shopping after Cream comes back? I mean, I like this dress, but I need some less formal clothes."

"Sure." Amy said. "I bet I could find something good for you."

"Okay, just nothing too revealing. I'm only 16 and I don't want to give Shadow the wrong idea."

"I understand." Amy said. Maria really seems to like Shadow. I wonder how he feels. Anyway, about that time Cream came back to the table.

"Did you talk to Tails?" Maria asked.

"Uh, no. Actually I ran into Scourge and he wanted to know if I could hang with him tomorrow." Scourge? I thought he went to look for a house.

"What about Tails?" I asked.

"I'll spend the day with him the next day." I was sure she would do that, I just wasn't sure about Scourge. Especially since he was currently leaning in and whispering in another girl's ear.

Maria POV

So, after we ate, Amy took us to her favorite shop in the mall to get clothes. I looked inside and felt unsure.

"Things really change in 50 years." I said absentmindedly.

"Don't worry, you'll find something." Amy said. And she was right, although she made me try one like 15 different outfits.

"Okay, this is the last on I'm trying on." I said as I put on the outfit I liked the best. It was a light blue shirt with a darker blue button up shirt to go over my shoulders. I decided to keep it unbuttoned since it was kinda warm. I also had on a pair of jean short that I thought may be a bit short, but it was the longest pair I could find. I topped it off with a new pair of light blue sneakers. I came out of the changing room and showed everyone.

"You look great!" Cream said excitedly.

"Choo Choo!" Cheese added.

"Shadow will love it." Amy said.

"It's very you." Blaze added. "It's like you're Maria 2.0."

"Thanks guys." So we all paid for the clothes we got and walked out of the shop.

"So, have you seen anything to get Shadow?" Amy asked.

"Yeah, you guys go on ahead, I'm going to go see if it's done yet."

A/N- I just can't stop referencing Sonic 06' can I? Oh well, it could be worse. I can't think of anything now but there has to be right?