8:40am

Its morning. The rabbits are just getting up. she wakes up and stretches. She looks at the clock and gasp hurrying up and then remembers there is no school today. She checks her phone. A message.

Amy's Text: "We're on our way."

Cream: "Oh crap! I forgot they were leaving today!"

She hurries into the bathroom. She takes a quick shower. She brushes her teeth. performs her daily hygiene routine. She comes out the bathroom wrapped in a towel and hurries to her room. She dresses in her favorite shirt and pants. She fixes and brushes her hair. Cheese wakes up. He floats up and flies towards her.

Cream: "Morning cheese."

Cheese: "Chao!"

Cream: "Hey can you help me with this."

Her string that keeps her hair in place. He floats behind her and wraps her hair in two pony tails hanging down the back of her head. She ties down her hair. now they look good. She stands up.

Cream: "Thanks cheese. I'm hurrying down stairs."

She walks out and jumps over the balcony landing safely on the sofa.

Vanilla: "What did I tell you about jumping over my barrier?"

Cream: "To use the stairs. But I always land safely here."

Vanilla: "Baby, just use the stairs. Don't be so sure you're gonna land safely."

Cream: "Yeah."

She stands up and walks into the kitchen.

Cream: "Amy and Shadow are on their way."

Vanilla: "I know. They just called."

Cream: "Spoiler alert. They're going to be gone for a while."

Vanilla: "Why?"

Cream: "Said they were taking a little vacay."

Vanilla: "To where?"

Cream: "I have no idea but she'll be here any minute."

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

Vanilla: "That must be them."

Cream runs up to the door excited and sees her two favorite ships.

Amy: "Morning Cream."

Shadow: "Hey."

Cream: "Hi guys."

Meanwhile

Tails workshop

Outside on the beach sand. The hedgehog and fox are doing some testing. There are holographic fighters and robots. He uses his electric swift slash. He's faster. He uses his sonic boost and bashes the robots into scrap. He air dashes them and slashes them into pieces. The blade seems to be melting away into the metal. He destroys the holograms with his lightning slashes.

Sonic: "DUDE THIS BLADE IS SO AWESOME!"

He spin dashes and destroys the last of the robots.

Tails: "Not bad man."

Sonic: "Sorry about your robots."

Tails: "Nah its whatever. I'll just rebuild them. But I got something for you."

Sonic: "Sure. Bring in the next batch."

Tails: "Easy man. Hey head up to green hill. I made a training course for you."

Sonic: "Okay."

He runs from the rocks and sand near tails workshop toward the grass. He burns off towards the town. Tails comes on Sonic's earpiece.

Tails: "Yo Sonic! Can you hear me?"

Sonic: "Loud and clear."

Tails: "I made an obstacle course for you at green hill."

Sonic: "Sweet."

He runs through traffic towards mobotropolis. The wind blows past him. He runs faster. He goes into mach speed and brushes past the city limits. He heads towards the valley. Passing acorn palace. The view of it. Sally walks out on her balcony to see her favorite person running as fast as he can. She stares out in the distant at the dust cloud knowing who it is. He plugs in his headphones and starts a song.

Play it if you choose

( watch?v=v1PgiBpTtao)

Bad Religion – "You"

He enters a cave and runs out into the light. The blue light and scenery. The green plains. He rushes and takes the path. he runs through the green plains. He comes across some egg pawns. They're different. They're yellow ish and blue. Guess tails pick up the pieces of eggmans work. He burst right through them. The locals, kids, wisp, and flickies all have a view. They watch him slash the robots in half with his new sword. More egg robots and holographic directions point to where tails wants him to go. He follows and leaves a trail of action and lightning. Everyone notices and is spooked by it. The kids watch.

Kid 1: "So cool!"

Kid 2: "Awesome."

Kid 3: "I wanna be just like him some day."

He follows the path and jumps across a large body of water. he runs and rolls down a hill with blitz on his back. he comes to a loop de loop and charges his way into a rocky area. More eggman flappers start to appear and he swift dashes slices. Them while clinging to the rocks. He slices a rock and kicks it towards them. Tails watches on the camera.

Tails: "Holy crap. His strength increased."

Sonic runs through a section and body of water. He runs across the water and finds GUN Robots. They fire bullets at him but he dodges. He's much faster than he usually is. He burns rubber and destroys the robot firing at him. A large egg hammer blocks his path to reach the goal part of the valley. He pulls out the blade and performs his signature spin dash. He charges for the robot who swings for him but it misses. He brushes past his legs and is right behind him. He jumps up and impenetrates the robots back with his blade. He channels the energy of the blade into the robot overloading it until the robots head blows off and fries it from the inside. he jumps off and the course is clear.

Tails: "That was awesome man."

Sonic: "Gloom and his goons are not gonna know what hit em. All that training paid off."

Tails: "Dude that was sick."

A few claps and cheers from some of the locals can be heard right behind him. Sonics favorite fan club applauding him. He bows down.

Sonic: "You're too kind. Too kind. I'll be here all week."

He runs away leaving the trail dust behind him.

Sonic: "Meet me at the acorn palace."

Tails: "I'll be there."

In shadow's of green hill resides a hedgehog in his armor. He watches the blue devil burn rubber across the hills and loop de loops. He was watching the whole thing.

Terios: "He's gotten stronger."

Meanwhile

Eggmans lair and black comet

The doctor sits in his chair while his robots work on their assignments. He sips his coffee and turns on his large computer screen. He gets a video call from Despara and joins the group call with four others. Gloom sits in the corner clearly visible to them.

Despara: "Dr. Eggman. You worthless sack of shit."

Eggman: "And a lovely morning to you."

Despara: "Oh I'm pretty far from having a lovely fucking morning. For someone so smart you make pretty shitty machinery. Your robots are as worthless as you are."

Eggman: "What do you mean?"

Despara: "I've been calm and patient for a week. They haven't made any progress from digging into spanabor walls."

Eggman: "The spanabor walls surrounding spagonia. Old historical relics of the great city of light. Well they can't just sink their teeth into them. Those hard stone walls are filled with titanium."

Gloom: "And what happened to being discreet? We wouldn't want to cause any attention by sinking an old historical monument."

Despara: "These humans and their walls don't mean shit to me. How could I fear them?"

Gloom: Don't underestimate them lady. We may have defeated one nation. What about the rest of the world? We made our point not to stand in our way. They will be vigilant or could possibly have a card up their sleave."

Lev: "He's right my lady. I say we take our time before we get to moving on spagonia. So doc is your weapon ready?"

Eggman: "Almost. Just need a few more wisps."

Behemoth: "I say. These creatures do have their uses. These wisps and their powers are very enticing. Imagine if we had these creatures before."

Eggman: "I tried that once. Did not work out. But this time, I made a few upgrades to it. also thanks for the dark magic. I believe with the powers of yours and my genius I can build the ultimate weapon and finally get rid of that meddlesome hedgehog."

Gloom: "Which one?"

Eggman: "Sonic! Y'know the blue one?"

Gloom: "Oh yeah."

Despara: "Speaking of him. I still question why he's still alive?"

Dragono: "That's what I'm asking? Why did we let em go?"

Gloom: "Why not. Besides I owed them for what they did for me on the ark."

Despara: "I told you the humans would try to kill you."

Gloom: "They didn't thanks to my brothers mate."

Despara: "Speaking of your brother. The pink one. tell me about her."

Gloom: "Beautiful. Has a voice of an angel. She reminds me a lot of maria."

Despara: "I propose we go after her."

Eggman: "You sure you want to do that? Shadow doesn't play around with her."

Gloom: "I see where she's going. But no. not just yet."

Behemoth: "Why not?"

Gloom: "It'll only infuriate him more. Then he'll be coming. besides his blood is still useful to us. When the time is right we'll get her. Right now she's not a priority. Also, I have Terios keeping surveillance on them. he'll fill me in if they get in the way."

Despara: "You sure it was a good idea having Terios keep an eye on them."

Gloom: "Yes I do. He won't fail me."

The other forth person talking on the monitor comes on.

?: "I say. The one known as Shadow. Should he be a risk to us?"

Gloom: "Yes. But he's also an asset. I do love him but in a distance. Should he ever come between us or our plans. You do what you have to do. I give you all my permission if he gets in the way, you kill him. but bring his corpse or take alive if you can. Kill or capture the choice is yours. But I want him."

Behemoth: "Understood."

Dragono: "Right!"

?: "Wunderbar! His DNA could prove useful to my research and benefit our cause."

Despara: "Hmph. That gives me and him some alone time if he ever comes."

Eggman: "Ho ho ho ho. I like the sound of that. Also Despara, hold out onto the spagonia operation. I got plan."

Gloom: "What kind of plan?

Eggman: "The explosive kind."

Meanwhile

Castle acorn

She finishes dressing up. she has her jacket on and Nicole in her pocket. She finishes brushing her teeth. and walks out her room. The guards are their waiting for her.

Guard 1: "My lady."

Guard 2: "My lady."

Sally: "Hey guys."

She walks down the hallway. the maids greet her and say good morning. Sally replys back nicely to them all while heading towards the front door.

Elias: "Hey Sally."

Sally: "Morning Elias."

She hugs him.

Elias: "So any luck from yesterday."

Sally: "They're on their way here to pick me up. We're going to discuss it with rotor."

Elias: "Sonic?"

Sally: "Yep."

Elias: "How's he been doing?"

Sally: "Hasn't changed besides his appearance."

The door opens with the blue hedgehog standing.

Sonic: "Your majesty's."

Sally: "Well seems like you had a good run."

Sonic: "Needed that morning rush."

Elias: "Wow sonic. You changed."

Sally: "You should really change that do rag around your neck."

Sonic: "It's a desert scarf. And if you have a better one for me I'd gladly take it."

Sally: "I'll get you one."

He walks towards the king and hand shakes him.

Sonic: "So where is your old man?"

Elias: "Asleep."

Sonic: "Good. Keep an eye on him. I don't want no one close to go missing again."

Sally: "oh it'll be the last thing they do if they try coming after him."

Tails flies in and enters the courtyard.

Guard: "Morning Mr. Prower. If you're looking for Sonic he's in the dining hall."

Tails: "Thanks."

He walks down the hallway while being greeted by the maids and guards and other political workers. He waves hi and makes it into the dining room seeing his best friend eating breakfast.

Tails: "What you guys didn't save any for me."

He sits at the table.

Sally: "You mean good morning brat. I taught you better than that."

Tails: "Sorry. You've been gone for so long I forgot."

Sonic: "Oooohhh Burned."

She glares at him annoyed. She smiles at him while twirling a knife on the table. Tails gets the picture.

Tails: "I'm sorry. I've been hanging around him for far too long."

Sally: "I noticed."

Sonic digs into the plate being given to him. Tails gets his and eats.

Sonic: "I forgot how this stuff steals your soul."

Tails: "We should hurry up. Amy is leaving in an hour."

Sonic: "Oh yeah. I forgot."

He starts eating but not too fast.

Elias: "Amy is leaving?"

Sally: "She's heading back to Mercia. Just a little vacay and visit."

Elias: "Hm. Understandable."

Tails: "Shadow is going with her."

Elias: "He's going with her?"

Sonic: "Yep."

Tails: "To this day. I'm still shocked them two would ever be together."

Sally: "Y'know I hardly ever knew shadow. I pictured he was the loner type."

Sonic: "Well you're not wrong about that. Seems like Shadow took a change. Right before we got sucked in to the island."

Sally: "So about him. His brothers. What did you guys find up there on the ark?"

Elias: "Yeah."

Sonic finishes eating. He looks up.

Sonic: "I don't know where to start."

Tails: "It turns out that Shadow is a clone of Gloom. Gloom was the original project. He made two more. Shadow and Terios."

Elias: "Terios?"

Sally: "Yeah. We met him at the white house."

Sonic: "That I'm still not understanding. We all thought he was dead. We saw the footage."

Tails: "We found some footage in the walls of the ark. Seems like they kept a secret up until now. minus shadow of course. Gloom and Terios. Turns out something went wrong up there 50 years ago. They said that his vitals weren't responding. That he died up there."

Sonic: "Seems like they didn't check twice. I'm honestly scared. Seems like shadow was holding something out this whole time."

Tails: "Well he didn't know Terios even existed."

Sonic: "But he knew Gloom and didn't bother to tell us."

Tails: "Wasn't his fault. He didn't need to."

Sonic: "Yeah. But he could've told us all this before it started. I mean I shouldn't back him up against the wall for it but hey we thought finished the job. And Eggman tried taking over the world again."

Elias: "So let me get this straight. He's got clones of him?"

Tails: "Yeah."

Elias: "Should we be worried about an army of him?"

Sonic: "No. They said themselves they are all they know. No army, no clones, and no surprisingly androids that we don't know about cause eggman created but that's a whole another can of worms."

Tails: "He tried to copy shadow into robots. Just eggman being eggman."

Sally: "Why am I not surprised?"

Sonic: "So gloom showed up there. Teleported i guess. He got us an emerald and got into a fight with us. Seems like he wanted to be kidnapped so he can get into GUN."

Sally: "It was all part of his plan."

Sonic: "Yeah. He wanted to get taken in. That was around the time you were kidnapped."

Sally: "Yeah."

Sonic: "Seems like he's been one step ahead every time. the more we uncover the truth he's there ready to strike. So now, I'm ready to catch up and stop him. all of them."

Tails: "But first we need to get to eggman."

Elias: "Of course. Get to the doctor. Get to Gloom."

Sonic stands up. He stretches.

Sonic: "Yep same thing, new adventure. So now. lets go see Amy."

Tails finishes eating.

Tails: *Muffle* "Right!"

Sally: "Okay."

Docks

The four walk along the harbor. Boats and people moving stuff. A bat in a different outfit from her usual stands near the one they're going on. She has her pink briefcase and shades on. she sits on top of it waiting. Until she finally gets a glimpse of them.

Amy: "Rouge."

Rouge: "Hey Ames. Hello girls."

Cream: "Hi Ms. Rouge."

Rouge: "Hello Shadow."

Shadow: "I still don't understand why insist on going. It's only for a week."

Rouge: "That's enough time for me to relax."

Amy: "Thanks for getting us a ride. So this your boat?"

Rouge: "An old friend of mines. He owes me."

The boat is a bit of a luxury. An Aizmut 100 jumbo.

Shadow: "Hmph, not bad. Not bad at all.

Cream: "It's pretty."

Rouge: "Yep. and guess who's our driver?"

A red echidna walks out in a sailor suit and hat.

Knuckles: "This is your captain speaking. We leave in 10."

Shadow, Amy, and Cream: "Knuckles?"

Knuckles: "That's captain knuckles to you."

Amy: "You know how to sail?"

Knuckles: "Heck yeah. I always thought about sailing and running a business for it. But my loyalty is to the master emerald. Well at least until the next generation takes my place. Plus, I do a lot of treasure hunting. The guy who owns this let me borrow it."

Cream: "Nice."

Amy: "I always wanted to go on a yacht."

The wind starts to pick up.

Rouge: "Seems like he just got here."

They all turn to see sonic caring sally coming up fast.

Sonic: "You guys weren't planning on leaving without saying bye, would you?"

Shadow: "Nope you're just in time."

Amy: "Hey guys."

Sonic: "How long will you be gone?"

Amy: "Oh. Only for a week and a half."

Knuckles walks forward in his attire.

Knuckles: "Oh hey. Thanks for the help fellas when I needed you this morning. Real nice help."

Tails: "Sorry knux. We were busy."

Sonic: "So you have been holding out on us? You know how to sail and you own your own yacht?"

Knuckles: "Well yeah. As a treasure hunter, I do have adventures of my own ya know. This rich guy owed me a favor so I asked to use his boat. besides it's not like you'll get anywhere near water."

Sonic frowns and starts blushing.

Tails: "oooh burned."

Sonic: "Yeah very funny. So that means you'll be gone too right?"

Knuckles: "Nah. I'll be coming back. They're the ones visiting not me. They can stay however long they want."

Sonic: "But wait why boat? Tails, can't you fly them towards Mercia?"

Tails: "Yeah, but both my planes were destroyed. Chaotix took one and we crashed the other one trying to save you. So I'm gonna have to start from scratch again."

Sonic: "Oh."

Shadow walks past them and starts putting amy's luggage and his backpack on board. Rouge walks up.

Rouge: "Well captain. Ready to go?"

Knuckles: "Yeah. I'll be there."

Sonic: "Man just when I get back you're the next one to go."

Amy: "At least I'll be sure to come back."

Sonic: "Hope so."

Amy: "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

Sonic: "Oh I know you will. I'm just a little worried about him."

They both stare back at shadow on the boat.

Amy: "I understand your concern. But I wouldn't worry about him too much."

He steps off the boat and walks back towards the crew.

Shadow: "Ready to go?"

Amy: "Yeah."

Sonic: "You guys stay safe out there."

Sally: "Tell Rob we said hi."

She hugs the both of them. Cream steps close and Amy kneels down and givers her a big hug.

Amy: "Watch the house for me."

Cream: "I will. You have fun."

she lets go and boards the boat. Knuckles starts it up.

Knuckles: "All aboard!"

Vanilla: "Have fun Amy!"

Amy: "See you all in a week guys!"

The boats engine starts to rumble. Knuckles powers it all on and he accelerates the motors. It sets sail out in the water. Rouge and Amy wave off to their friends. Everyone else waves back.

Sonic: "Later Ames!"

He waves off looking at the ship floating across the water. He glances at the boat.

Sally: "You're already missing her are you?"

He blushes and looks back at sally.

Sonic: "Hey. It's only a week. She'll be fine. It's just shadow I'm thinking about."

Sally: "C'mon. I know what'll cheer you up."

In the distance around the docks. He hides behind a wall. He watches from the side seeing the boat head to Mercia.

Terios: …

He walks away knowing where they're headed. He can't stick around.

Black comet

Flashes and jolts. Chaos spears and heavy amounts of electricity destroy the soldiers and black wings around him. Spikes are being forged and shot out towards his enemies while Lev watches. He beats and fights off Black arm soldiers and oaks that come at him with full intention to kill.

Gloom: "too easy."

He teleports away and appears in front of some kicking and knocking out the soldiers training with him. he holds one of the soldiers by the neck and stares around at Lev.

Gloom: "Hmph. I expected better."

Lev: "Seems your reputation procedes you. No wonder Lord doom crafted you."

He drops the black arm. He breathes in and out from Glooms strong grip.

Gloom: "Get better."

Black arm soldier: "Yes sir."

He stands and walks away.

Gloom: "How far we have fallen? The soldiers from 50 years ago put up more of a fight. Now we're weak."

Lev: "Got something on your mind?"

Gloom: "Yeah. a whole lot."

He walks away from the center of the arena made for battle. He walks towards Lev. Hands to his side balled in fist.

Lev: "That power of yours. Comes from the power of chaos correct?"

Gloom: "Yeah and we're gonna need more of it."

Lev: "How much?"

Gloom: "Enough to bring the life of the other comet back."

Lev: "The Doom rock? We're still not finished with that."

Gloom: "I can speed up the process."

Lev: "If you can, why didn't keep the emeralds?"

Gloom: "We got plenty of time. Besides when we do bring the other ships back on, we can use the remains to have two bases."

Lev: "Sounds like a plan."

Gloom: "But I can't do it alone. That's why I need shadow alive."

Lev: "You're gonna harness his power."

Gloom: "I'm gonna push him to be all he can be. Bring out the best in him."

A black arm guard runs up to them and kneels.

Gloom: "Yes?"

Black Arm guard: "We have a situation."

They follow him towards the board room and opens a call from eggman. Terios and Despara join the call. The screen comes on with him in his egg ship with hot coa coa.

Gloom: "Talk to me."

Eggman: "Your soldiers have gone mad up here in Holaska."

Gloom: "What do you mean?"

He turns the camera to four points. The black arm soldiers are screaming out in agony. Gunfire is happening everywhere in the open cold. A battle it seems.

Gloom: "What in the hell is going on?"

They turn on the transmission.

Black arm lieutenant: "Sir we don't know what's going on down here. Our own men just started getting sick. An ambush? We don't know. *Grunts* hurry! Ahhhh…"

It ends there. Eggman comes back on.

Lev: "What the hell?"

Gloom: "Oh my god."

Despara: "Interesting."

Eggman: "My robots were able to get footage."

They show the footage of the enemy. They're not mobian, nor any other human soldier. The soldiers look monstrous. Venomous. There is black and green goo flowing within and around each of them. pink. They're eyes glowing. There's blood coming out of their mouths.

Gloom: "That's... They're our own. We're killing our own?"

Lev: "Something is not right. they look different."

Eggman: "I'll have my robots to bring back samples."

He controls his eggship as the battle of the abandon ice facility commences. He flies away as explosions and gunfire happening. The call ends there with just Lev, Gloom, Despara, and Terios still there.

Despara: "what was that?"

Gloom: "It is not anything I've ever seen."

Lev: "I don't understand. Why are our soldiers attacking us?"

Terios: "I don't think they're ours anymore."

Gloom: "He's got a point. They're not ours anymore. The doctor will bring back some more intel. I say send reinforcements. Scout and scan the area. It's hazardous."

Lev: "Wise choice."

He walks away while gloom stays in the call between the three of them.

Terios: "What was that?"

Gloom: "I don't know. I've never seen it before."

Despara: "Me neither. Looks like they weren't in control."

Terios: "That facility. I heard there were some testing there."

Gloom: "Yes. Gerald used to be a researcher there a long time ago. They discovered material there that was unattainable."

Terios: "What kind of material?"

Gloom: "I don't know. That's what we're trying to find out. So how's Shadow doing?"

Terios: "He's making his way towards the kingdom of Mercia."

Gloom: "Why?"

Terios: "Seems like they're all taking a break."

Gloom: "a little vacay huh? Okay. Keep an eye on him. I'll call you in if I need you."

Terios: "Understood."

He hangs up.

Despara: "You sure it's safe to for him to be spying on them. knowing him he's bit of a wild card. He could turn against us."

Gloom: "Nah. I doubt it. He needs me as much as I need him. but you are right. He is bit of a mystery. I might pull something off."

Despara: "Then I say we order him back and keep watch."

Gloom: "Not just yet."

Meanwhile

The boat is out in the middle of the ocean. The blue skies and the sun shining all around them. they've been going at it for like 20 minutes now. Shadow sits back at one of the inside seats with his eyes close. Knuckles focuses on keeping the boat steady and steering it towards the direction of Mercia. He does lose his focus seeing Rouge in a pink bikini. She lies down onto one of the pool lounge. The sun shining down on her body giving her a tan.

Rouge: *Exhales* "Never felt like this in a while."

Amy: "You should check out our beach if you're trying to tan up."

Rouge: "They got a beach there?"

Amy: "A beautiful resort. Tried taking sonic there one day, but water isn't his thing."

Rouge: "That's nice. So how were things going for you lately?"

Amy: "Oh. Just trying to find myself again. I've been worried about shadow. A lot."

Rouge: "Why? What's going on with him?"

She takes off her shades to get a good look at Amy.

Amy: "Well, He's been talking to himself."

Rouge: "That's nothing new. Anything else?"

Amy: "In his sleep."

Rouge: "hm. He may be a sleep talker."

Amy: "No, you're not understanding. He conversates with himself. I don't think he's crazy but I think something abnormal is happening to him."

Rouge: "Maybe paranormal."

Amy: "That's what I'm figuring. So many crazy things has been happening to him."

Rouge: "C'mon. I mean yeah. he's obviously stressed out. I mean he did find out he has another secret clone of himself. I mean at this point I'd just lose my sanity. But shadow's always been a tough one to crack. he probably needs a break from it all."

Amy: "Yeah. He's calm under pressure a lot of times. I mean he does have a soft side. There are times where he just wants to be alone."

Rouge: "Yep. That's Shadow for you."

Amy: "But I notice something. He dozes off sometimes. I watch him scan the room from time to time. He starts talking in some language that I don't even know. He doesn't even know he's talking to himself."

Rouge: "Hm. That's odd."

Amy: "One night I saw him get out off bed and disappeared until morning. I asked where'd he went last night, he said he never left."

Rouge: "Okay. H e's not the type to be lying."

Amy: "No. He would never lie."

Rouge: "And you're sure he left?"

Amy: "Yes. He had his arm around me and I noticed he let go and got up. He jumped out my bedroom window and came back. seriously though he needs to understand that doors were made for a reason."

Rouge: "Shadow will take any route that opens. Now yes, that hedgehog was always bit of a wild card but now ever since then things are changing about him. It's like he's coming out of the closet lately. His whole world is changing. His demeanor changed. His ego. Ever since you got to him. I don't know what you did to him on that island but you made him come out into the light."

Amy: "Well, I was always able to get to him. I really do have a power to change the way people think."

Rouge: "Be careful with that. Sometimes it may send people off course, including yourself."

Amy lies back looking up at the clouds. She really does believe that from relatable experiences. She sits back thinking how shadow choked her on the island. She lets it slide and remembers her teaching him how to bake. He burnt the first cake but he tried again. It was fun for her. She remembers his smile while doing it. And the footage with Maria on the ark. It brings a bit of joy to her. she blushes just thinking about it and lets the sun and wind take her away while she dreams it all.

Amy's conscience: "Who knew under all that darkness, seriousness, and edgy introvert, Shadow would be the kindest and most sweetest thing to ever happen? Guess most of those years I've mistaken him for a monster. Turns out he's just as normal as us."

She thinks about shadow and Maria. It's like having a daughter who's not even there. Her spirit lives on within him. Rouge looks back at Amy. She faces up and scoots around with her one leg up while still letting the sunlight hit her.

Rouge: "So amy?"

Amy: "Yeah."

Rouge: "Back on the island, how was it?"

Her eyes open fast and glances at Rouge.

Amy: "How was what?"

Rouge: "Ooohhh, don't think I don't know."

Amy: *Blushing extremely hard* "U-uhhh… what're you talking about?"

Rouge: "Nothing just not happens while you're alone with home. You don't just fall in love like out of the blue. C'mon, it'll stay between us. They can't hear us. Knuckles is behind that glass driving this thing along with shadow sitting down sleeping. C'mon tell me. Was he gentle?"

Amy: *Blushing* "NOT YOUR CONCERN ROUGE!"

Rouge: "What? we're both ladies here. considering how grown you've gotten. It happens to all of us. A change in demeanor, look, and emotions. And you I noticed a big change. Was he good? Did he hurt you? Did you like it?"

Amy: "That stays between me and him. But it's like we were made for each other. He understood me more than anyone ever did."

Rouge: "Awww. That's sweet. Besides I figured something happened between you two. Hardly ever see him opening up like that."

Amy: "Yeah."

Rouge: "So what do you guys be doing lately?"

Amy: "Oh we do almost everything. Go to some of our favorite resturants, coffee shops, and other places to eat. We went roller skating once. He was teaching me. Taught how to bake. His cooking and ideas are fantastic."

Rouge: "Oh yep. That guy can cook."

Amy: "He's a real help. Thought about getting a house together because my place is a bit small."

Rouge: "Sounds great. In fact. That sounds like a good idea."

Amy: "Yep. we've been thinking about the places around Vanillas. Maybe a two bedroom house."

Rouge: "Do you still plan on having children?"

Amy: *blushes* "Okay, really? You're still on that?"

Rouge: "Well do you?"

Amy: "Mmmm… tsk. Well. I hope so one day."

Rouge: "Good. Give me some god children."

Amy: "What about you?" *Mockingly*

Rouge: "Oh, I know I'm getting kids from someone I know."

She stares towards knuckles who tries looking away pretending he's not checking her out and looks back at her. she winks at him making him blush embarrassingly.

Rouge: "I just hope they come out with brain cells unlike knucklehead right there."

Amy: *giggles* "Yeah."

Inside the boat, He's sleeping on a couch like table and is dreaming. Knuckles focuses his intention on the busty babe outside with the sun beaming down on her. He gets the pleasure of looking at her figure while driving the boat over water towards their destination. He's been at it for like almost an hour now but continues to go on. he knows the way towards the city he's heading to. he does have a glimpse of tall infrastructures almost 2 klicks out. He starts hearing shadow talk.

Knuckles: "Yo shadow. Are you okay?"

Shadow: Finis dierum venit. Mundus ultra tuum mundum ponte non intelligatur.

Knuckles: "Shadow?"

He turns around to see the dark hedgehog sleeping.

Knuckles: "Meh. I'll wake him up when we get there."

Amy looks out to see the city coming up. not her hometown but the city that has a train station that could lead her to there.

Amy: "Hey look."

Rouge sits up and stares out towards the city. One of Mercia's beloved landmarks. The buildings are different from mobotropolis.

Rouge: "Is that it?"

Amy: "Not entirely where I'm heading. It's Terminson. The City close to Snottingham. I'm heading there. we can take the train."

Rouge: "Aww."

Amy: "Don't worry. We'll be back for the beach."

Rouge: "Good."

She stands up and walks inside to see Shadow asleep and knuckles keeping the boat on autopilot.

Knuckles: "So that's the place huh?"

Rouge: "Yes but she says they're gonna take a train to Snottingham."

Knuckles: "It's beautiful."

Rouge: "I know."

Knuckles: "I might actually just stick around. maybe view the ports."

Rouge: "I might find the newly clubs. Wonder what they got good to drink there.

She walks towards the bathroom and starts changing into the formal she was wearing. She's not wearing her favorite outfit yet but now she's wearing khaki pants and black heels. Her white button down shirt with shades on. she walks out and notice shadow starting to come to. He gets up and starts stretching.

Rouge: "Well, you sure slept good."

Shadow: "Yeah."

Rouge: "Seems like you haven't been getting much sleep lately."

Shadow: *Stretches* "I've been feeling like hell lately."

Rouge: "Well you're lucky to be on this trip with us. Seems like you need it way more than we do."

Shadow: "The only reason I agreed on coming was to meet her mother finally."

Rouge: "Oh. I knew she had family here but I never knew her mother would still be alive."

Shadow: "Eggman did seize control of this place for a period. Guess she was shipped away to be protected from his attacks."

Rouge: "You got it right. that's exactly what happened to her."

Knuckles: "That Eggman. Always meant for destruction. Does he ever get tired of this? always being everyone's bane of existence? Don't take this personally shadow on the blonde girls part but it seems no matter what happens the robotniks always bring death and destruction to the front door everywhere they go. I mean Gerald and now we got egghead."

Shadow: "I agree. Non taken by the way."

He stands up stretching, waking his body up.

Shadow: "So how long before we're there?

Knuckles: "About a mile out."

Shadow: "Good."

In the front of the boat amy looks out into the beautiful city. she knows the streets and ports. The beach looks beautiful. The sand glowing gold with people and children having fun. She grabs her bag and looks out at the city. Shadow walks out and stares out into Terminson.

Shadow: "It looks nice. Looks almost like Spagonia."

Amy: "Yeah. Spagonia is Mercia's ancestor."

Shadow: "heh, guess I know what to expect when I get there. So what will I expect when we meet her?"

Amy: "Smart. Intelligent. Wise."

Shadow: "Will she be as beautiful as you?"

Amy: *Giggles* "Yes."

Shadow: "Great another clone."

Amy: *giggles* "Really?"

Shadow: "I'm just saying. It could be like that."

Amy: "Get over yourself."

Shadow: "Hey at least your family isn't dysfunctional."

Amy: "Thank chaos."

The boat gets close to the boating port. Amy stands on the side of the boat where the ramp slowly comes out for them. Rouge walks out with her bag. Knuckles walks out to see them all leave.

Knuckles: "Well guys. Good luck out there."

Amy: "You sure you don't want to come with us?"

Knuckles: "Nah. I'd love to but I don't want to leave this baby anytime soon. Besides I gotta rent a spot out. Think I might hang around town for a few days."

Rouge: "Stick around long enough, we'll might be back to enjoy the beach."

Knuckles: "You know where to find me. Well at least she does. I'll be hanging around here."

Amy: "Thanks again knuckles."

They walk off. While knuckles stays onto the boat in the port. They walk away from the harbor and follow Amy's direction through the streets. Shadow notices this place is not that techno. Not like mobotropolis and the rest of the world. this place does have heritage. Children playing football in the streets. It's not run down or poor but they know how to get their hands dirty. A lot of workers around. sustainable society. It's a place to be called home.

Amy: "Down the street guys."

Shadow: "This looks like a nice place."

Amy: "Hmph. It is."

Rouge: "So this snottingham. How far is it?"

Amy: "14 Miles away. Trains here go fast so we'll be there in another 30 minutes."

A trolley passes by while cars and trucks go. They walk onto the side walk on a hot sunny day. they follow towards the train station down the street. Amy talks to one of the guys at the register.

Amy: "3 tickets to snottingham please?"

Cashier: "You got it."

She places down her cash and id and the guy checks the picture of Classic amy. He hands it back and gives her change back. Three tickets are stamped out for them.

Amy: "Lets go guys."

They follow her up the stairs. They wait another 2 minutes for the train. Not a lot of people around. they all board the train and pick their seats. It's bit of a luxury but for everyone's sake. There are nice people all around. nice trolleys. Shadow does catch a few eyes staring at him. kids and adults. Some shocked to see him or scared. There was only one whisper of his name from one of them.

Shadow: "Hmph. Guess my reputation proceeds me."

Amy notices him.

Amy: "What's the matter Shady?"

Rouge: "Wait what did you just call him?"

Shadow: "Really out here in public?"

Amy: "Yeah."

Shadow: "Especially around her."

Rouge: "Oh I don't got a problem with it. I think it's cute she gave you a nickname."

Shadow: "That I did not consent to."

He sits down across from Amy. A little light and two empty glasses in front of them. Rouge sits at another spot with her bag on another seat.

Rouge: "Wow. Gotta say, these are nice trains. Almost like a five star hotel."

Shadow: "Guess you weren't kidding about you coming from royal blood."

Amy: "Something like that. But we shared our wealth. Shared our ideas."

Shadow: "Sounds like this country had it's problems figured out."

The train horn starts to sound.

*Choo* *Choo*

Conductor: "All aboard!"

A few people hurry and scramble onto the train. Everyone is sitting down. The doors close. A group of kids sitting together at a table. the train slightly starts moving.

Amy: "Home it is."

The train leaves the station. Moving fast. The train takes the tracks outside the city. It starts to travel 70 mph. Amy looks out the window imagining Sonic running alongside the tracks. He could outrun this train if he wanted to. Shadow looks out the window to see a lot of trees. Hitch hikers and cyclist riding their bikes along the country side. Farmlands can be seen. Shadow watches her look outside the window. He looks along to see the magnificent beauty of Mercia. Tree forts from the early days and outpost.

Shadow conscience: "Maria. She would've loved this place."

Amy starts to fall asleep from the train ride. Rouge sits and orders a drink from one of the train company associates. She has her phone in her hand and takes a picture of Amy and Shadow. She takes a selfie shot of herself posing. The chatter of the kids continues. They all notice the black hedgehog sitting in the same train car.

Whispers:

"Yo it's him man."

"Dude, it's him."

"Bruh, that guy was one of those black creature things at the UF."

"Is that really him?

"He looks so hot."

"I pictured him bigger.""

"Go talk to him."

"I'm not getting near him."

"So cool."

"Scary looking guy."

Shadow overhears the chatter but ignores it. He does glare at their direction seeing them all stare at him. they all turn away hoping they didn't get made by him but they obviously did. They decide to be a little more quiet but still talking about him.

Shadow's conscience: "Hmph. Kids."

Shadow has gain a lot of eyes around him. it's almost like he's an upcoming celebrity since Gloom made him that way. Fear or glory. His name is now almost everywhere he goes. Shadow feels an immense energy around him. He thinks about everything that happened for two months. Almost all his friends were in the hospital recovering from the incident. Amy going through a depressive state but shadow trying his best to keep a smile on her. Everywhere he went shadow got stares around him. Most people prays him for fighting for the side of good. Some reject him and call him out for what he is. But it's nothing further than the truth that people spread about him. He's one of them. How can he be trusted? Positive and negative energy being thrown at him. He could care less. He has a new life purpose to protect the one he cares more. His whole life never had any meaning until now. He now has something worth fighting for. He takes out a photo of himself and Amy that cheese took a long time ago. Her on his back. He stares blankly into it giving him motivation. He puts it back and doses off. His eyes closed. Shadow starts to feel something. Something familiar. A force following him. He thinks of it. of his brothers.

Shadow's Conscience: "Where are you guys? What are you planning Gloom?"

A touch comes up on his shoulder. A kid. Not from the same group staring at him. a skinny kid with glasses. Mobian coyote. His fur is black.

Teenager: "Sorry to disturb you. I saw you on tv. Can I have a picture of you?"

Shadow is a bit shocked. In his mind he's blushing, but in reality he keeps his persona. Some random person walks up to ask for a picture. It makes sense for himt o want a picture shadow thinks. He smirks.

Shadow: "Sure thing kid."

Teenager: "Great."

He takes out his phone and selfies with shadow. He still has his arms folded and a grin on his face. The guy snaps a pic smiling.

Teenager: "Thanks. My friends and family are not gonna believe this."

Shadow: "No problem."

Teenager: "So you're name is shadow right? The one who fought in the United federation."

Shadow: "Yep."

Teenager: "We saw you on the news. You were so cool."

Shadow: "Yeah, I get that a lot."

Teenager: "What brings you to Mercia?"

Shadow: "Visiting. Vacay."

Teenager: "Good to know. Do I have your permission to post this?"

Shadow: "Sure thing pal."

Teenager: "Awesome. Dude I just needed to say, You're an alpha. A god tier badass."

Shadow: "Heh. I wouldn't say that but that's very kind. Thanks."

The boy's mother calls for him.

Mother: "Phil! C'mon honey, get ready. We're going to get off soon."

Phil: "Well that's my call. Nice meeting you. see around."

Shadow: "Heh. Yeah see ya."

He walks off. The train is starting slow down. he grabs his bag and his father and mother walk off with him. Shadow returns to his peace of mind and notices Amy looking at shadow. She's smiling. Shadow starts blushing. She grins with her eyes halfway open. A sense of her known ego kicks in. the train starts heading to it's next destination not far from there.

Shadow: *Blush* "What?"

Amy: "Didn't know you were such a celebrity now."

Shadow: "Heh heh. Neither did I."

Amy: "Is that a good thing?"

Shadow: "For me. I could care less. This whole thing can play out however it wants."

Amy: "That's good. At least you're using your powers for good."

Rouge: "What a waste. You could be using that gift to your advantage. Get free meals from restaurants."

Shadow: "I don't know why I encourage you."

Rouge: "You got potential Shads. Potential that you can be all you can be. Why let it go to waste?"

Shadow: "Hmph. I'd rather blend in than stand out."

Rouge: "Hm. I can understand that. So how's it feel?"

Shadow: "A bit undertaking but sometimes annoying. But I keep a straight face while doing it."

Amy: "Hmph. Hey rouge, did I mention a time where a news outlet tried to interview us. Shadow threatened them off."

Rouge: "On tv?"

Shadow: "Hey they were stepping over boundaries. She just got out of the hospital and we didn't need that kind of attention."

Rouge: "Oh Shadow."

He starts chuckling to himself.

Shadow: "Honestly. Your hammer is very useful most times."

Amy: "Oh I know. believe me I know."

The train is almost there. they come across a beautiful town with large estates. A castle can be seen in the distance. Amy checks her phone. A text from Rob.

Rob text: "A driver will be waiting for you at the station. Oscar is an old friend and is an amazing driver. He's a brown hog."

The train starts to slow down. Snottingham.

Amy: "Well guys. This is it. Almost there."

Shadow: "Nervous?"

Amy: "A little. It's been a while."

She stands up grabbing her bag. Rouge finishes off her drink and leaves a tip. Shadow walks out first. They leave the train station and Amy looks around for a brown hog mobian. She walks up to him.

Amy: "Oscar?"

Oscar: "You must be little Ms. Rosie. Rob told me a lot about you. you look just like Madam Ailinda."

Shadow: "Ailinda?"

Amy: "Mom."

Oscar: "So you brought friends. You're the infamous Shadow the hedgehog."

Shadow: "So?"

Oscar: "So?"

He walks towards him. he stares him down, sizing him. The buff hog with tusk poking out a bit but sharpened. Two ear rings.

Oscar: "You both are inspirations to us in Mercia. Seeing you and her bravery in action at the white house in the United Federation was amazing. You'd be a big help to us around Snottingham."

He squeezes shadow and hugs him shaking him a bit. Literal brute with a nice attitude.

Oscar: "Come Rob awaits us at the estate."

He holds the door for the three of them. Amy puts her bag in the back and hops in with Shadow and rouge. Oscar gets in the drivers seat and starts it. He drives through traffic. Fast. Amy holds on a bit but doesn't want to be rude. Shadow has his arms folded listening to Oscar talk about the things she missed and his life. Rouge starts turning white and blank a bit. his driving is good but rocky. They almost crashed 4 to 5 times. They make it to a forest and the ride is smooth sailing. Amy starts scanning around remembering the places she knows. Flashes of her as a toddler. She remembers the riots and action she had to see growing up. She can only remember a glimpse of her father. Shadow looks at Amy. She looks a bit depressive. He notices her left hand twitching a bit. She's tapping her fingers fast on the side. Rouge notices too. They both don't say anything yet. Oscar still babbling on about Rob the great and his missions. They come across a large mansion. Trees and everything trimmed. Perfection at it's finest.

Shadow & Rouge: "Wooaahh."

The place has plenty of flowers growing. Mostly roses.

Shadow's conscience: "I see where she gets her name from."

A light green hedgehog stands out in the front seeing Oscar coming up. He has on a white button down shirt. Black slacks and shoes. Oscar rolls up on the walkway.

Oscar: "Well. Here we are ladies and gentlemen."

Amy: "Thank you for driving us."

She opens the door and stands out. Rob starts walking.

Rob: "Amelia."

Amy: "Rob."

They both hug.

Rob: "It's been too long cousin."

Amy: "I know. how have you been."

Rob: "Fine. Just fine."

Some butlers walk up and grab their bags. Rouge and shadow exit the jeep. Glad that they finally made it.

Shadow: "Well. Isn't this nice."

Rouge: "Oh my god… she's a fucking princess."

They walk up towards Rob and Amy.

Rob: "Ah. You must be Shadow the hedgehog."

Shadow: "How's it going?"

They shake hands.

Rob: "I've heard so many stories about you. Thank you for watching over her."

Shadow: "It is my pleasure."

Amy: "And this is rouge. She's a close friend of mine."

Rouge: "Why hello there handsome."

He shakes her hand as well.

Rob: "Welcome. Thank you for coming."

Amy: "Hey Rob. Is she here?"

Rob: "She is. She's waiting for you. Just follow me. I'll have the guys bring your things."

She walks in. Her heart starts to beat fast. She brings her hand in close, keeping her cool. They walk in and the place is beyond words.

Rouge's Conscience: "This girl… This girl has been holding out on us the whole time!"

Shadow: "Nice place."

Rob: "Thanks. Belonged to our family for generations."

Rouge: "Escuse me, you guys wouldn't happen to have a girls room. It's been a long trip."

Rob: "Of course. If you'd follow Lisa here. She'll take you."

The maid greets her and Rouge starts following her somewhere else. They go up some stairs and follow down the hall.

Amy: "I never thought you guys would bring this place back to life again."

Rob: "It's our home. We never leave it. Not even the doctor could kick us out long enough for us to retake it."

Amy: "So mother, how has she been doing?"

Rob: "She's been doing fine. In fact she misses you."

Amy: …

Fear is starting fill her soul. Her arms and legs shaking. Shadow holds her hand. She is able to breathe normally again. She looks at Shadow. He knows that feeling all too well. They follow Rob down the halls and come across a door where two butlers reside. Their pistols strapped next to them. Skilled gentlemen with assassin looks. Shadow gets the idea and adds the pieces together faster than what sonic could figure out.

Shadow's conscience: "I guess being rich could also make you a target."

Rob: "She waits behind this door for you. I'll leave you two alone."

Amy: *Breathes in and exhales out* "Thanks Rob."

Rob: "I'll be around if you need me."

He stands back and the guards stand on the doors. They don't open it for her because of personal reasons. She reaches the knob a bit shakingly. She grabs the knob and slowly turns it. The door creeps open and a room with chairs. The room with a bed. Old lamps a table and pictures of Amy when she was a baby and rob. A book is on the side of the bed with pill bottles. No one is in there but there's another path towards outside. Birds can be heard chirping. Amy and shadow walk through as the guards keep an eye on them. Amy walks to the door that leads to the outside slowly. Her eyes get a bit wider and shadow can see that. He walks up next to her and sees another pink hedgehog outside in the garden. Her back is turned away. She can't see them just yet. She is picking flowers and putting them in a basket. Amy takes her first steps towards her as the guards close the door behind them. Shadow follows but at a good distance. He doesn't say a word but knows her thoughts as well. Amy walks up while the lady still tending and doing what she's doing. The sun light beaming down on her. It's like dying and going to heaven. Her hair is long. Longer than Amy's. The similarities match. She doesn't say anything for ten seconds and decides to make a sound.

Amy: "Mom…"

The lady in a blue dress and slippers stops what she's doing. She leans up and looks behind her. The most innocent and old face you could ever see. Amy doesn't cry nor shed a tear but uncontrollable sadness is within her. Shadow is shocked and amazed by her beauty. He always knew what she looked like but he could never have imagined this moment. They stare at each other. A few wrinkles around the face. Glasses she has on to help her see a bit better.

Ailinda: "Amelia."

To Be Continued…