An ear poised forward at the faint noises rising from a small pink hedgehog. A voice he didn't recognize right away until curiosity drew him closer. When the sound was desperate, Sonic's heroic nature nearly kicked in before he caught sight of another figure first.

"Oi, what's up?" Sonic landed roughly near the other black hedgehog, weary dull eyes peering past him from where the sound was echoing. It was only then he realized just who the voice was coming from. He wasn't sure whether to be eager to greet or run away from the third hedgehog he just knew was looking around below.

Sonic sighed, already knowing what was going on before Shadow had to say anything. He walked to the edge of the island and looked down, assuring himself what he thought before was correct.

Ordinarily he'd have no second thoughts in running the opposite direction but he could only imagine what she or his other friends may be thinking at this point. She could also tell him more about what was going on with the public and media after that whole chaos ensued.

"...Sonic." By now, Shadow'd turned his attention back to the girl, and he looked back to Sonic, a serious expression on his face. A slight paranoia came over him for a moment, and the hedgehog thought for a moment that this could be a trap set up for the two, but it made no sense for Sonic's friends to go along with such, and the idea was dismissed completely.

"What are you going to do, now that they're looking for you?" There was a certain sense of emptiness in his tone that even Shadow himself couldn't explain.

He thought he already knew but when it came time to answering him Sonic was at a loss. "I don't know."

His initial reaction was to greet Amy and explain everything that was going on. Then he started to play and sort out the reactions that would bring and if it was truly the best thing to do. No doubt she'd believe him but he was afraid to get her involved. He was even more afraid of his own explanation.

"What can I say?" Sonic turned his back to the ledge, taking a few steps away as his eyes wandered to the soil beneath his feet, appearing distant.

"I know what she's going to ask and I... I won't be able to deny it." Eggman might have instigated the whole thing, but that's what he does. He was the villain. Sonic was supposed to be the hero. He didn't want to admit that he was able to lose control; and he didn't want to accept it could happen again, when he honestly didn't know.

"Hm." He supposed Sonic knew the others more than he did, but with the sense of desperation in the young girl's voice, he couldn't help but question, "Are you sure?" He took a couple of steps in the hedgehog's direction, red eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the lean, blue figure. Maybe she was here for answers. Maybe she didn't even know what was going on and was just looking for Sonic as usual? After all, how long had they been gone? He couldn't put a finger on the exact amount of time passed, and she was possibly only worried that Sonic hadn't been around her personally within the last few days.

She had been rather notorious for her possessive behavior.

And now, more than ever, Shadow had to question how he felt about that. He wasn't particularly secure with Amy running up and clamping her arms around his-- well. He wasn't comfortable with the idea of her attaching herself to Sonic.

"Maybe she's not angry with you?" he offered.

Sonic held his breath, listening intently, one more time, at Amy's intense cries. That girl... She'd probably still love him no matter what he did anyway. But no... he was determined to keep his mind made up.

Well, maybe not. It didn't take much of Shadow's prying to make him realize, in the next minute following after, he did want to see her. Strange, when he never thought he'd feel that way. Ever. He was sure if it had been any other friend of his he would have felt the same, however.

Sonic turned towards Shadow briefly, unsure if he should invite him down too. He'd follow if he wanted. He didn't plan on staying long with Amy anyway; considering just seconds ago, he intended not to see her at all.

"Maybe." He mumbled, looking back towards the ledge and racing off, dashing to the area around her; and landing semi-gracefully in front of her.

"You call?"

Before Shadow had even landed, Amy was on Sonic, arms around his neck, and the tears she'd held back all day began to stream down her face. She shook violently as she cried out his name once more, choking on her own breath as she tried to control her reaction.

Shadow folded his arms tensely. It was one thing to imagine the girl doing this, but for it to actually happen, and for the whimpering pink hedgehog to stand between Sonic and himself as if he were nonexistent, that was something else entirely. He tried to look away and failed, unaware of the almost accusatory expression he held as he stared at her peach arms warily.

Amy had no idea there was anyone else present as she sobbed, openly now, into the other's shoulder. After a moment, however, she tried once more to compose herself and leaned back, looking hopefully up into Sonic's eyes with a mix of relief and fear. "I thought you were hurt... GUN said.. but then my tarot..." Another choke escaped before she was able to speak coherently, ears folding back against a red hair band. "Where did you go?"

After getting over Amy nearly crushing him with her arms, he looked sheepish, but smiled assuringly despite the uncertainty flickering through revived eyes. Comforting her right away came as something awkward for him. He never was good at that sort of thing, but he hoped she'd calm down eventually. In the mean time, the best he could do to console her was to pat her on the back, a hug reluctantly returned as well.

"Hey, hey. Come on. Don't cry." Considering his hands full, he paid no mind to Shadow for the time being. "I had to disappear for a while, sort some things out. Still have a lot to do." That seemed like an understatement. "You don't have to worry though, I've been fine."

"I was so worried," and if she could stress that point anymore, she probably would, but for now she was too much of a wreck. "I heard on TV.. Sonic.. did Shadow hurt you?"

The sound of someone clearing their throat pointedly caught her off guard, making the hedgehog jump in place before turning her head to face Shadow. How long had he been there? "Oh. I... didn't know you were there... Shadow."

A soft grunt of acknowledgment was the only reply before he managed at last to turn away, looking especially put down by her comment as he stared at the earth. The sunset reflected off the water in the bay, catching his eyes and igniting the discontentment there.

A frown placed its self neatly on Sonic's muzzle as his eyes had immediately followed Amy's, his lips parting to take up for him before letting himself get distracted by the girl again.

Amy looked plainly disappointed in herself for being so careless and potentially rude, but if Sonic had indeed been hurt, she didn't know if she should feel so bad. "Let's go home...?"

Sonic looked at her, smiling miserably. "I can't." Surely she would have been able to figure that much out already though; he didn't want to get into too much detail about all the circumstances. "You go back and assure Tails and everyone I'm okay. What happened was..." Sonic rolled over a lie inside his head, "It was a mistake, an accident."

She started to argue when he jogged her memory, a long forgotten point drawn back into play. "Tails! Oh, I forgot. One second!" Amy released Sonic quickly, stooping to pluck free a radio that had been clipped to the side of her right boot. She upright herself, fidgeting with the device in an attempt to call the fox who was equally as concerned for the nature of Sonic's welfare.

Shadow watched for a moment before his eyes searched Sonic's eagerly, desperate for a sign that this was the time to take their leave. It couldn't be more clear that the Guardian found her company more than a little disconcerting, and if there was anything worse, he couldn't think of it now.

Sonic was considering the possibility the second Amy started fiddling with the radio. Glancing once at Shadow, he was well aware of his feelings on the matter, making up his mind to abandon the thought of seeing Tails too. Things were so complicated, it would be a lot easier to sort out if it was just the two of them anyway.

"No, Amy, I..." He meant to tell her he was leaving, but before he could even finish his sentence, a sharp pain ripped through his stomach like a crossing of bees, making his knees buckle as his arms instinctively cradled himself. He felt an unsettling churning in his gut and he remembered he was sick again. It took all he could not to do a repeat from this morning and spill whatever was left in his empty stomach on the ground. Spending as much energy as he did running around finally caught up to him, reassuring that he wasn't miraculously better yet.

Shadow's eyes widened with concern, his frame leaning in instinctively as a hand rose. His first reaction was to rush to Sonic's aid, but circumstances spoke against this and he allowed his hand to fall back to his side, the dark hedgehog gnawing anxiously on his lower lip instead when Amy, however, had no reserve, and she managed to call Tails's name out once over the radio before Sonic protested and collapsed. Immediately she dropped by his side, arms resting nervously on his shoulders as she faced him as best she could, and causing the striped, ebony hedgehog's stomach to churn perhaps just as terribly.

She allowed some space between them, as she wasn't really sure what Sonic was sick with, but should he feel the urge to vomit, well, it wasn't something she intended to clean out of her dress and boots, if she had any say in the matter.

To beat the awkwardness rising in the air on his side of the situation, Shadow pointed out rather obviously, "He's been sick today." The monotone voice was his only saving grace, otherwise he might have sounded ridiculously ignorant at the moment. As it was, Amy shot him a suspicious glare.

An accusing glare.

And started to speak to Sonic in a cooing tone, hoping to make him feel better somehow by becoming more high pitched and hushed. Shadow felt his lip curl against his better judgment.

Amy's attempt to comfort him wasn't working, however. Sonic hated it, in fact. Her voice, no matter how soft, ended up as gibberish rattling his brain. A migraine was threatening to surface as he put out a shaky hand in hopes of nudging her further away, certain she was the one causing it. "I-I'm fine. Stop worrying." His voice was strained, holding something back. That something was still debating on whether or not to come out of his throat.

He struggled to get to his feet, an obnoxious static noise making him falter. Tails's voice came over the radio, calling out Amy's name. Sonic planted himself more firmly *back* on the ground, and looked up at Shadow. An almost apologetic look mixed with desperation. He felt horrible and as much as Shadow didn't like the company of others, there wasn't much he could do about it right now.

Stripes almost excused himself at the sound of the kit's voice - he did not need a larger audience - but when he caught Sonic's expression, one almost as pathetic as his own pleading glance he'd shot him only a second before, he frowned more deeply, a knowing expression on his face. How could he leave with the other feeling this way? The likelihood of Sonic's escape was slim at this rate, whereas Shadow's disappearance was.. in all honesty, probably expected and hoped for. Brows furrowed, he stood his ground and looked away from the piercing green eyes. He had to stay. There was no other option.

Unaware of the wordless communication going on between the two boys, Amy figured out how to work the radio correctly after a couple of tries, and after sending Tails the message, "TAI--...-nd Sonic a- ..with ..--adow." It took her a moment to realize she had to hold down the button the whole time, but when she did, she screamed into the receiver, "Come to Angel Island! Near the Red Mountain gate!"

"Oh, Amy..." Sonic held his hands against his ears as she yelled, her voice driving him near crazy.

"Roger!" Tails's voice came back seemingly just as loud considering the radio's set volume. The blue hedgehog was suddenly regretting ever confronting the pink one but didn't have the heart to yell at her as much as he did mentally.

Once again Sonic attempted to stand, this time managing to do so. He didn't want to look so sick when the fox arrived, certain to ask him a million questions. Maybe it wasn't too late to get out of this.

"I just caught a little something, Amy." He tried his hand at reassuring despite the accidental scene he caused; and the vivid paleness under his fur didn't help matters any either.

"Me and Shadow... Ah, we really need to get going." His stomach rumbled this time, intent on embarrassing him further. Despite his lack of appetite, his body was eager to warn him of his lack of nutrition. He hasn't had a decent meal since this whole mess started and his body felt like it was running even lower on energy.

Intent on ignoring this, he looked over at Shadow once more, apparently needing some assistance. "Right?" He was certain he'd back him up on this; although doubted anyone could be as stubborn as Amy once her mind was made up.

Shadow had kept his back to the two until his name was called. Not so sure that his words meant much in the matter, and seeing that Amy was clearly beating him to saying anything, Shadow kept silent for a moment to let her respond.

"But Sonic! We've been so worried! You're sick! And after Shadow dragged you into that mess, it's no wonder your immune system is down!"

Go back a few clicks. Since HE dragged Sonic into what? THAT was enough to warrant Shadow's undivided attention, and a few words himself as he interrupted her last word with an, "I most certainly did nothing of the sort."

Stubborn lime met Shadow's intense red for a moment before his lip started to curl.

Sonic grimaced at Amy's willingness to blame the matter on him when it was completely the other way around. It was no surprise Shadow was clearly offended. He was quick to intervene, not wanting an altercation to break out between them; he was rather taken aback Amy managed to distort her view to think that in the first place.

He looked at the worked up pink hedgehog, hoping to draw her attention. "No, Amy. Shadow didn't drag me into anything. It was Eggman, and I..." He frowned, feeling anguish.

"Trust me, it's not his fault. ...It's mine."

Both turned to stare at Sonic, clearly surprised. Amy couldn't imagine why in the world anything could be Sonic's fault (aside from him avoiding her, and she was sure it was only because he was shy and had very important hero things to do), and Shadow looked concerned, not sure that this was something Sonic necessarily wanted to get into.

Shadow swallowed, feeling guilty, and turned away once more, arms crossing over his chest.

The girl frowned in disbelief, unsure what to say. How could she argue with Sonic? But he couldn't be in his right mind, he was sick, and he just didn't like putting the blame on anyone else, that was it. All the same, she kept quiet, finally looking to her feet for some kind of comfort to make up for the awkward silence.

The sound of Tails's plane suddenly became evident in the air, going briefly ignored.

Sonic's lips pursed into a strong frown, his eyes remaining mostly on Amy. He didn't want to disappoint her, he didn't want to disappoint anyone. But it seemed there was no way around that now. "I'm sorry, Amy. Things are really complicated right now..." And Shadow guessed right, it wasn't anything he wanted to get into. He'd like to forget it all ever happened but he knew the chances of that were nonexistent.

Her ears perked and she looked towards the new arrival, descending slowly against the surrounding mountains. Her bitterness left, if only temporarily, as she met Sonic's eyes, pleading like she always did. She knew he still wanted to leave, but she couldn't let him. Still, she knew she had to tell him, however much she wanted him to stay, "GUN's looking for you."

This being no surprise to him, Shadow sighed, watching the color change to a subtle pink on the horizon as the sun started to settle. At last he peered back over his shoulder, feeling a bit more relaxed after clearing his thoughts, but all was not forgotten as seemed to be the case with Amy. He didn't budge from his spot, just offered a glance at the two hedgehogs before looking up towards the plane drawing near, just as Amy did the same.

The Tornado landed in a small clearing not too far from them. Tails had every intention of using his tails to fly the rest of the way to the group, in a hurry to reunite with Sonic, and hoping he was alright. Not just that, but he also had quite a few questions, ones Sonic would be anticipating. The hedgehog was surprised Amy didn't ask more. But she wasn't exactly letting go of the subject either.

"I know." The blue hedgehog said quite simply, at least figuring as much. It was upsetting, but nothing he didn't expect.

"...What is the media saying, exactly?" Or what is anyone saying? Part of him wondered if most of the people were believing Eggman's side of the story, or if anyone truly realized the monster he transformed into.

Shadow watched the two out of the corner of his eye a minute, before blinking slowly and glancing back to where the fox was coming in. The wind reached them, and Amy moved to hold her skirt in place as her knees came together, another hand on her bangs. She stole a glance at Shadow, then blinked back at Sonic, "Well... they're saying you two teamed up against the military to get some special technology that ended up being stolen..."

She couldn't help but lower her head as she gazed up at him apologetically, "They said Dr. Eggman had to help them... and that you two escaped. They..." her voice lowered to almost a whisper as she addressed Sonic, uncertainty present, and the true reason she was avoiding speaking much on the matter became, perhaps, a bit more clear, "showed security videos of you and Shadow fighting.. Sonic, if he hurt you..." She slowed to a stop, hoping he would permit her to take care of the ebony hedgehog.

Sonic rubbed his stomach idly, the sharp pangs he felt beginning to die down into something a little less agonizing. "Apparently Eggman was up to no good again and somehow tricked GUN agents into working with him. They were trying to take me in when Shadow arrived." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, though whether it was related to his current sickness, or the thought of what happened, they may not be able to tell; but it was a little bit of both. "Shadow... he..." In an attempt to explain why they were fighting, the words ran off from him. He wasn't sure how to say it without Amy bringing up more questions.

"Sonic!" Tails's voice intervened, briefly catching his attention. He looked over, forced a smile on his face as the fox landed on the ground and trotted to a stop next to him, looking expectedly eager.

Miles wanted to hug him but managed to resist, his twin tails swishing up and down excitedly as he momentarily ignored Shadow and the other pink hedgehog.

"You're okay." He stated though questioned himself a moment later. "Well... Actually, you don't look so good. But at least you're alive." That was the main thing!

"GUN has been looking all over for you." Well, not just him; eyes darted to Shadow as well. "What happened to you guys?" The excitement transformed into concern as a frown pulled at his lips.

Sonic looked overly reluctant to continue this conversation.

Shadow cut in, staring at the rolling waters below. "I think it's best if we leave." He suddenly didn't like being out in the open like this, senses screaming at him as he focused on their surroundings with all his ability. Perhaps it was the new arrival, perhaps it was the atmosphere within the group, or perhaps he had a good reason to feel so suspicious of the environment so immediately. Whatever it was, the simple discomfort of Amy's company was turning into paranoia.

They could leave.. sure. But not without her. Sensing a change in the black hedgehog's temperament, Amy grasped Sonic's left forearm, leaving his right one free to tend to his stomach. She watched the striped Guardian with a wary eye for a beat, then turned back to Tails. "Is there room for..." she pursed her lips as she paused, then resumed quickly after a thought, "all of us in the plane if Sonic's not up on the wing?"

Easily excited, she looked hopeful, if only for a moment, "I could sit in his lap, if I need to!" But.. Sonic was sick, right? Maybe not a great idea. It seemed backwards and awkward enough, but if it would make things better for her hero, "or he can sit on mine."

Tails fidgeted and stared thoughtfully, wondering if it'd be such a good idea. "Well... I think it could be possible..." Though it wasn't the safest way to fly.

Sonic interjected, not so comfortable with leaving their safe area, and especially not with the idea of sitting on or being sat on by Amy. "You guys go. Me and Shadow will stay here." He insisted, "There's less of a chance of us being spotted by GUN if we stay in one location."

"But Sonic... What will you guys do for food or shelter?" Tails frowned, once more looking concerned for his hero. "Isn't there anything we can do?"

"No.. " Amy also started to argue, silently at first, so silently that her word of disagreement could easily go unnoticed by the other three. Finding her voice quickly, she countered a bit more loudly, "No, Sonic! You can't! It's not fair!" although she wouldn't specify whether it was unfair to the two male hedgehogs or to herself. "Besides, you're WAY sick. If someone doesn't take care of you, you might get worse! Someone has to feed you and make sure you're comfortable and entertain you and--"

"I'll do it." Before Amy could finish, and before he knew what was said, Shadow interrupted with his eager remark, then turned away immediately upon catching a glimpse of Sonic's emerald eyes. Was he staring at Shadow? Glaring? He didn't have the courage to turn back to see. Despite the fact that his intent went well over Amy's head, and probably the kid fox's, he was still absolutely embarrassed with himself, muttering excuses along the lines of, "I mean, can't have any more with us.. two is plenty..."

Taking the response at face value, but deciding firmly that Shadow was a schizophrenic, Amy gaped openly at the grumbling creature, leaning a bit more closely to Sonic for safety, "What..is he saying?"

Slowly, a smile curved at the corner of Sonic's lips, small and barely there. Amusement and life flickered in his eyes.

"Oh, don't worry, Amy." Sonic cooed, the distraction making him nearly forget all about his nausea.

"That's just Shadow being considerate. It seems we've bonded a lot through this whole deal. ...Haven't we, Shadow?" A mean smile ignited his facial features although the prolonged subject also flew over Tails's head, who glanced back and forth between the two cluelessly.

A wide-eyed glare was shot towards Sonic, and Shadow's beige lips parted to initiate a poorly judged, "Fuck you!" before he decided this was, perhaps, not the greatest choice of words, and he only ended up closing his mouth without a word. He grunted and looked away once more, thinking that Sonic didn't quite deserve any sort of response, and what he did was more than what he should have.

Amy had been at the ready, looking prepared to pull out her Piko Piko Hammer when the striped hedgehog spun about quickly, looking rather wild and angry. There was no need to materialize her weapon, she realized soon after, because Shadow had no interest in even pursuing the blue male's words of amusement. She was only slightly disappointed that she didn't have the opportunity to blame this whole thing on him again. Or beat him to a pulp.

"Sonic..." desperate eyes finally fell back on the mischievous emerald. "I don't think it's funny. You really could get hurt.. well.. you know.." she learned once today that Sonic didn't want her to accuse Shadow directly, but she desired for him to understand that she knew. She KNEW what Shadow was like... Because none of it was Sonic's fault. No way!

Sonic had turned his attention back to Amy, that moment of fun diminishing with every word she brought to surface. "You worry too much, Ames. Ya know I never stay down and out for too long."

Tails brightened at Sonic's usual show of confidence but couldn't throw away ALL the worry and doubt that filtered through his mind. "Sonic... what are you going to do?" A question so simple, the azure hero couldn't answer.

Sonic forced a smile. "Just leave that up to me. Besides, I wouldn't want to bring you two into this mess. It'll be best if you guys head back and stay out of trouble."

He looked pointedly at Amy, certain she'd attempt to speak up again. "Don't worry." He assured with a handsome wink thereafter, "Trust me."

Famous last words. Shadow wasn't sure if Sonic really was so trustworthy. Given his show back in the forest only days before, he had already proven to be a liar, and rather manipulative. It was only in a charming sort of way that kept Shadow from being too bitter, but it had landed Sonic with the stitches on his forehead and Shadow with more than a few battle wounds himself.

Amy, who was only slightly reassured by the hedgehog's bold expression, felt her grip slacken on his arm. She knew, deep down, this would happen all along. Sonic never stayed in one place, whether for good or worse. He was constantly moving.

She could think of nothing else to say, a sharp pang in her gut distracting her from her thoughts of Shadow ruining Sonic's image. What could she say? He wouldn't listen. Never did. One day, she told herself, one day he would come to her. But it still wasn't that day, however unfortunate.

"Let's go." Shadow frowned, feeling even more uncomfortable with his surroundings. He took a couple of steps back towards the ledge and paused, hoping to hear Sonic's footsteps behind him.

Sonic almost felt bad for abandoning Amy when there was still so much doubt in her mind. She was never easy to get away from though. The fox was easy so long as he supplied him with enough assurance which was simple in itself to accomplish.

Although reluctant to see Sonic head off alone again (having only so much faith in Shadow), Tails never objected. Unaware of the fact that he and Amy had been played upon like pawns, leading to the most wanted hedgehogs in the area, followed by a major threat.

Sonic froze alongside Shadow, grabbing his forearm suddenly so he wouldn't make any abrupt movements. It was faint, but dread consumed his insides as his green eyes rose towards the sky, the last rays of dying sun acting mischievous in the manner of protection for a corrupt source.

There, he could see it, coming out of the brightness that blurred his vision only momentarily.

Helicopter propellers resounded faintly in the background and a sharp whistling noise became louder and louder, the subject in which Sonic managed to spot.

"Watch out!" Certain Shadow would've caught on as fast as himself, he turned around to take care of Amy and Tails.

He jumped towards them, one arm wrapping around each before forcing his legs into over-drive in order to jump out of range of a missile that had been launched directly at them.

Shadow was right to be paranoid. GUN was commencing an all out ambush.