Chapter Nineteen: Friendly Talk

Back in Sherwood Forest, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Espio were sitting at camp with the Merry Men. Shadow was nowhere in the camp, but that didn't stop most of them from enjoying themselves. They were eating and drinking the food and drinks that Espio has provided earlier this afternoon.

"I'll tell you what Friar Espio, you definitely are the main man of this evening! This would not be possible without your help." Knuckles complimented, half drunk.

"All too kind, Knuckles!" Espio thanked.

"We're just being honest, Father! We just had to make sure first, because we didn't want to feel like we were taking advantage of you, in case you thought we were just using you for the food." Tails added.

"Well, it was my job to look after the people. Give them something to keep their hopes up. And seeing as you people were in need of help, I was just being the man of my word, and provided the help." Espio explained.

"Well either way, we appreciate the help, Friar. A lot of people were most definitely losing so much hope here. That's why myself, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow have trained these men to become fighters. So then, they can help us fight Mephiles and his men." Sonic explained.

"That sounds like a very dangerous mission there, Sonic my boy. It takes a lot of courage to do what you're doing." Espio complimented.

"Yeah, well we have to do this. Because if King Silver isn't here to stop this, we will take matters in our own hands." Knuckles added.

"Or we will die trying." Tails finished.

"Speaking of Shadow by the way, where is he?" Espio asked.

"He's been in his hut nearly all evening. I'll go check on him." Sonic stated.

After that, Sonic made his way towards Shadow's hut. He was getting slightly worried about him, because they have not seen Shadow since the afternoon after training the men. When he finally reached the hut, Sonic chapped on the door.

"Who is it?" Shadow called.

"It's me, Shadow. You mind if I come in?" Sonic asked.

"Help yourself." Shadow told him. After that, Sonic went inside and took a seat next to Shadow. He was sharpening his sword.

"How are you, Shadow? We haven't seen you all day." Sonic asked.

"Well, not many things to enjoy myself with recently." Shadow replied.

"Yeah, I understand what you mean. Here, eat something." Sonic told him, as he handed Shadow a watermelon.

"Thank you." Shadow thanks, and he then cut the watermelon, and ate the pieces.

"So, what is it that's troubling you, Shadow? Thought you would have your spirits up now we have food." Sonic stated.

"My spirits are up. Just not as high as everyone here." Shadow replied, with his head down in shame.

"Is this still about your wife?" Sonic curiously asked. Shadow nods his head.

"Indeed so. I have been so determined to find her, I feel like I haven't even made an effort. No effort at all in finding her. I have not seen her in three years." Shadow sadly stated.

"Well, you're in the area you said she's lead to. So it's only a matter of time." Sonic told him. Shadow sheds a sad tear.

"But that's not the problem." Shadow cut him off.

"Well, what is the problem?" Sonic asked again.

"Even if I do find her, how will I know if she still loves me? How will I know if she even wants to see me? And most of all, will she even remember me?" Shadow stated, as more sad tears were shedding. Sonic sat facing Shadow, and placed both hands on his shoulders.

"Shadow! Never think so negative. She still loves you, and I know she does." Sonic sternly told him.

"Really?! How would you know that, Sonic?!" Shadow snapped.

"You saved her life, Shadow! You protected her from being captured, and that's nothing anyone can forget. She is still out there, Shadow. And like I have told you, I will do whatever I can to help you find her. But I cannot do that for you, if you're thinking so negative, and not trusting me." Sonic told him again.

"I know, and I'm sorry! I just miss her so much! Three years of misery, three years in prison, and three years without her!" Shadow sadly stated, as he rested his head on Sonic's chest, and sobbed uncontrollably. Sonic could only place a hand on Shadow's head.

"I know you do, Shadow. I'm sure she misses you too. I will help you, Shadow. But I need you to think positive first, alright? Remember what I have told you? About keeping the faith?" Sonic asked. Shadow slowly raised his head to face Sonic.

"I remember that all too way. One of the first advises you've ever given me." Shadow replied.

"Exactly! And as long as you think positive, and keep the faith, you can accomplish anything in your life. Doesn't matter how impossible people say it is, nothing is impossible." Sonic explained to him confidently. Shadow smiles weakly, and wipes the tears from his eyes.

"Thank you so much, Sonic. This friendly chat has boosted my confidence a lot." Shadow thanked.

"Any time, Shadow. You coming out for a drink?" Sonic asked him.

"I'll be out in a minute. I'm just sharpening my swords here. Once I am done with that, I'll come out and join you." Shadow explained.

"Alright, talk to you later, Shadow." Sonic told him.

"See you later, Sonic." Shadow responded.

After that, Sonic makes his way outside of the hut, leaving Shadow to continue his work on sharpening his swords. As soon as Sonic made his way outside of the hut, Vector was outside.

"Sonic, I have come to alarm you that we have visitors!" Vector told him.

"Really? Any idea who they are, Vector?" Sonic asked.

"Not too familiar for me. But there's an orange echidna, white bat, and a pink hedgehog." Vector explained. As soon as he heard the pink hedgehog, he was surprised.

"Amy!" Sonic exclaimed. After that, he rushed off to see the visitors. Vector was confused.

"What's gotten him off in such a hurry?" thought Vector.