Chapter 1: Putting the Past Behind

Black Doom talked a big game. He boasted about his strength, believing himself to be the true Ultimate Lifeform. He told Shadow that he had no chance of defeating him, especially in his Devil Doom form. Shadow had no reason to not believe that Black Doom truly believed everything he said. It was probably the reason why in his dying moments, he was in denial.

"Im…Impossible! I am the Supreme Being that rules this universe! I am the Immortal life form! I am the ultimate power! Gaaaah!"

Shadow watched as the corpse of Black Doom plummeted down onto the evacuated city below them. "This is the end of you, and my accursed past." Shadow said. Black Doom was dead, but the day was not yet saved. Shadow stood atop the Black Comet that had rooted itself into the Earth. "There's only one thing left to do."

Using the power of his Super form, Shadow flew underneath the Black Comet and began to lift it. "To put my past behind me. Chaos Control!"

With those two words spoken, Shadow and the Comet disappeared from Earth, and Shadow had teleported the Comet in the Eclipse Cannon's line of fire. The weapon of the late Gerald Robotnik fired and destroyed the Black Comet, finally putting a permanent end to Black Doom and the Black Arms. Back on Earth, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Rouge and Dr. Eggman watched as Shadow saved the Earth once again.

Due to Shadow's amnesia and the sudden appearance of Black Doom, many of Shadow's associates had been worried about where Shadow's allegiance's lied. They did not believe him to be evil, but knew there was a possibility of Black Doom manipulating him and turning him evil. But Shadow's actions today put any doubts to rest. Shadow the Hedgehog was one of the good guys.

"I do hope he's okay." Rouge said, concerned for her Team Dark comrade.

"I'm sure he's fine Rouge. After all, he is Shadow." Amy replied with a smile and seemingly ever-present optimism. She had no doubts that Shadow was alive and well. What she did wonder about was when she would see him again. She never got to properly thank him for helping her save Cream and Cheese from the Cryptic Castle. Now she needs to thank him for saving the world as well.

Shadow stood inside Space Colony ARK, looking down on the planet he had just saved. Ever since Rouge woke Shadow from that pod Eggman had him in, he had been trying to learn about the past that he forgot. Who was he? Why was he here? Was he even the real Shadow? But now, Shadow remembered everything. He even learned things he didn't know before his amnesia, like how genetic material of Black Doom was used to make him. He could have moped over this revelation, could have hated himself for having the genes of a monster. But over the course of this journey in searching for the truth, Shadow had become tired of allowing the past to define him and his actions. Shadow looked at a picture of Maria and Professor Gerald in his hand. These two were the closest thing to a family he ever had. He would always remember them and he would miss them. But Shadow knew that he had to let them go so that he could live his own life. It was time to close this chapter so that a new one could begin. He looked down at the Earth one last time, for this would be the last time he would visit the ARK.

"Goodbye forever, Shadow the Hedgehog." He said as he tossed the picture aside. He turned and walked away before using Chaos Control to return to the Earth. Shadow had left his old self behind on the ARK. The Shadow that returned to Earth was no longer haunted by the past. It was behind him and there was no going back. This Shadow was focused on the future, focused on protecting this planet so that everyone, even him, could have a better tomorrow. He did have to keep his promise after all, to both Maria and Amy Rose.

Shadow's Chaos Control brought him to a forest. He would've liked to return to Westopolis, as that's where he last remembered seeing Sonic and his friends, but that was about a day ago. It was likely that there were GUN troopers still there assisting in the relief effort, and last time he checked, they had orders to shoot him on sight. Shadow wanted to find a way to get in GUNs good graces, seeing as they are the Earth's Military Defense Force. It would be difficult to protect the planet while being an enemy to an organization dedicated to protecting the planet. Luckily for him, there was someone at GUN he could talk to without having to worry about being shot at. Rouge the Bat. She was one of GUN's top agents as well as an irreplaceable partner. She had chosen to help him even after the GUN Commander Abraham Tower marked him as an enemy, putting herself at risk of being charged for treason. It was something she didn't have to do, something he wouldn't ask her to do, but she did anyway. That's how he knew he could trust her. Now it was just a matter of getting in touch with her.

Where's the most likely place I'd find Rouge? From what I know about her it would have to be someplace involving jewels. After all she never did give up her hobby of a jewel thief. If I recall correctly, there's one treasure she has her mind on a lot, probably because she's never been able to steal it. I remember! The Master Emerald on Angel Island, and Knuckles is the one that guards it. That's where I'll be likely to find her!

Shadow pulled out his Chaos Emerald, and used Chaos Control to teleport on Angel Island.

Rouge stood on a mountain overlooking the Altar of the Master Emerald. Even though it was late at night, Knuckles was still awake, guarding the emerald. Rouge was somewhat irritated having to watch him for so long. "At least he's nice to look at." She muttered.

"You know I'm starting to wonder Rouge…" a familiar voice spoke, causing Rouge to quickly turn around and see Shadow behind her. "Do you come here for the Master Emerald, or for the Echidna that guards it?"

"Shadow?! I didn't think I'd see you back so soon. And when did you start learning how to tease people?" Rouge smirked.

Shadow couldn't help but grin. "Well, I've been around you for a while, haven't I?"

Rouge chuckled at his response. She then gave Shadow an actual smile. "I'm glad you're okay, Shadow."

"Same to you, but why didn't you expect to see me so soon?"

"Well you had quite a bombshell of information about your past sprung on you. I thought you would want to be alone for a while to process all of it. Maybe do some soul searching."

"No. I'm done dwelling on the past. That's why I came to you." He said, to which Rouge responded with a confused look. "I want to continue to help the people of this planet, but I don't want to do it if the world sees me as a criminal. That's why I need your help to smooth things over between me and GUN. Can you help me?"

Rouge began chuckling at Shadow's request, earning a confused look from Shadow. "What about that is funny to you?" Shadow asked, irritation in his voice.

"You haven't kept up with the news, have you Shadow?" Rouge responded. Shadow once again looked confused. "Take a look at this."

Rouge handed Shadow a copy of this morning's newspaper. The article on the front page read:

Shadow the Hedgehog Declared World Hero by President

Yesterday evening, Shadow the Hedgehog, who was on GUN's list of priority targets based on charges of suspicion of working with the black alien invaders, saved the Earth from said invaders by killing their leader, then removing and destroying the Black Comet that had landed on Earth. The President came out this morning and said that the manhunt for Shadow has been called off, and has cleared his name of any criminal charges. The President also declared that Shadow would be recognized as a hero for his actions.

"Well I guess I should keep up with the news. If I did, I wouldn't have had to interrupt your... emerald hunting."

"Actually, I'm glad you came to me. See I was given a mission by the president himself. He wanted me to find you. So I was going to have to search you down eventually, but you just made things easier." Rouge smirked.

"What does the President want with me?"

"I think it'd be obvious. He wants to reward the hero that saved the world."

"That sounds nice, but I don't need a reward."

"Shadow, he's not going to shower you with rings. He just wants to give you a medal and shake your hand. It's not that bad. Besides if you want to make it clear that you intend to protect Earth, who better to tell that too than the president?"

Shadow crossed his arms and thought about what Rouge said. He couldn't think of any reason to not meet with the president.

"Will there be a lot of people there?"

"No, just the president, his secretary, and a few high ranking political and military officials. I'll be there as well."

"High ranking military officials. That means the Commander will be there."

"Commander Tower? Yes he'll be there. But don't worry, he won't try to hurt you. In fact, he'll want to apologize to you. And I think you should let him. I know your interactions with him haven't been positive, but hear him out. He's a good man, he was just misguided by grief."

Shadow had doubts about the commander, but if Rouge was going to bat for him, then he would give him a chance.

"Okay, I'll meet with the President…and speak with the Commander."

Rouge smiled. "Great. I'll let the President know."

The next morning, Shadow stood before the President inside the Oval Office. The President's secretary stood near him, holding the medal that would be presented to Shadow. As Rouge said, it was a small crowd. Just her, the Commander, three political figures, and two photographers.

"Shadow the Hedgehog," The President began. "The people of Earth owe you a debt of gratitude, one I don't think we can ever properly repay. However, I feel that we should still make an effort. I want to start by awarding you with the highest honor the United Federation has. In recognition of your heroism, it is my honor to award you the United Federations Medal of Honor."

The President was handed the medal by his secretary, and Shadow turned around to allow the President to wrap the medal around his neck. Once that was done, Shadow turned to face the President and the two shook hands. Everyone in the room applauded, while the two photographers took pictures of the moment.

"Again Shadow, I can't thank you enough." The President said smiling.

"It's not necessary Mr. President. I will always be ready and willing to help protect this planet."

"Well then the Earth is in good hands."

The meeting with the President was over, but now he had to speak to the GUN Commander. Luckily he didn't have to look very far. A few minutes after leaving the President's office, the Commander found him.

"Shadow."

"Commander." Shadow nodded.

"Would you mind speaking with me for a moment?"

"I don't mind. Lead the way."

Shadow followed the Commander into his office. The Commander sat at his desk and motioned to the chair in front of the desk. "Please, have a seat." And Shadow did.

"What did you want to speak about, Commander?"

The Commander let out a heavy sigh. "Chaos, where do I even begin? I wanted to apologize first of all. Apologize for…well everything. For 50 years I considered you and Professor Gerald to be the source of my pain and grief. I blamed you for taking Maria, and my family away from me. And it made me use my position in GUN to try and get revenge. And then I find out it wasn't you that killed the people I loved, it was the organization I now lead."

"Apology accepted."

The Commander looked baffled. "Really? Just like that?"

"Just like that."

"Can I ask why?"

"I've recently learned a very important lesson. I've learned to stop allowing the past to decide what I do. And holding a grudge is exactly that, allowing the past to decide what you do. That's why I'm forgiving you."

"I see. I think I need to follow your example. I recently became a grandfather you know? I should be paying attention to that, but instead I've been focused on a pointless pursuit of vengeance. My family died 50 years ago. I need to accept that it happened and there's nothing you or I can do to change that. And then I need to focus on the family that I have now. My wife, my children, my grandchild. As the Commander of GUN I will work to ensure that the world they live in is a safe one. But when I'm off duty, I need to be the husband, father, and grandfather they need me to be." The Commander explained. Shadow nodded his head in response. "Forgive me, I was rambling a bit there."

"It's no problem, Commander."

"I guess the only thing I can say further on the matter is thanks. Thank you, Shadow. For saving the Earth, and for forgiving me." The Commander said. "Now I would like to make you an offer."

Shadow raised his brow. Rouge didn't say anything about this. "Offer?"

"I'm not sure if she ever told you, but Agent Rouge has constantly suggested recruiting you as an agent of GUN. She's our top agent, so if she's giving someone a glowing recommendation, they must be the real deal. And after seeing what you did, and knowing everything else you're capable of, I'm in agreement with her. You would make an excellent agent. So I'd like to offer you a position as an agent of GUN. I'd completely understand if you declined, given you're history with the organization…"

"Will my focus as an agent be the protection of Earth and its people?" Shadow cut him off. The Commander was surprised by the sudden response.

"Yes, of course. GUN's focus as an organization is protecting Earth."

"Then I accept."

The Commander smiled. "That's fantastic! Now there's just a couple of small details to take care of. First off, Agent Rouge has told me that you have no form of housing what so ever. Is this true?"

Shadow never really thought about that until just now. Oh yeah, I am homeless…

"That's correct. I don't own a home. Never got around to it." Shadow replied.

"Well that's no problem, we'll have a home near GUN Headquarters issued to you."

Shadow's eyes widened hearing that. "Wait! You're giving me a house?"

"Of course. We take care of our people here."

"Oh…well thank you." Was all Shadow could say.

"Now this second matter might seem a little strange. Given that your running speed is on par with Sonic, the use of a vehicle would actually slow you down. However, GUN policy dictates that all GUN personnel have at least one vehicle for transportation, no exceptions. So would you like a car, or a motorcycle?"

While it was true that he was faster on foot than either vehicle at max speed, Shadow had rode on a motorcycle a few times during the Black Arms invasion. And Shadow found out that he really liked the feeling of riding one. He couldn't quite explain it, but he just really liked it. Also, it was nice to not have to use your legs every once in a while.

"I'll take the motorcycle." He answered.

After finishing his talk with the Commander, Shadow found Rouge waiting for him in the lobby of the building.

"How did it go?" She asked, a coy smile on her face.

"I think you know exactly how it went."

"What makes you think that?"

"I know you Rouge. I know how good your hearing is, and there's no way you weren't eavesdropping on our conversation."

She chuckled. "Seems I can't fool the ultimate lifeform. Yes I was listening. I hope that's not a problem."

"Of course not. But I must ask, why were you so adamant about having GUN try to hire me?"

"Well there are multiple reasons. One is that you would- or should I say will, make a great GUN agent. Two, it's because I think you needed some direction in your life."

"What do you mean by that?" Shadow questioned.

"Be honest with me Shadow. Once you got your memories back, what were you planning on doing with your life?"

"I told you, I wanted to protect the planet."

"You did, but how did you plan on protecting the planet? Did you have anything specific in mind?" Rouge inquired.

Shadow was quiet for a moment. "I didn't think of anything in specific, no." He admitted.

"Just as I thought. That's because you didn't have any direction. And having a job is a great way to give someone direction. It's why I got Omega to join up with GUN."

"Omega's an agent too? When did that happen?"

"About a month ago. It wasn't hard. All I needed to tell him was that he would get to destroy a lot of Eggman's robots, and he would be rewarded for it."

"Hmph. That certainly sounds like Omega."

"And the final reason is because you needed to stop being a brooding vagabond. If you're going to live on Earth, you should have a home to live in. But given that you don't have a job or money, being a GUN agent would take care of that. Now you have a house and a job! You can still brood if you need to but now you'll do it from the comfort of your own home like a normal person."

Shadow couldn't help but smile. "You really have been looking out for me, haven't you?"

Seeing Shadow smile made Rouge smile. Smiling was something Shadow scarcely did, almost as if the facial expression was alien to him. He would smirk, he would grin, but rarely did he ever show a genuine smile. When he did though, Rouge always thought it was a joy to see. She would never admit it, but Shadow was like a brother to her. They often annoyed each other, and they were different in many ways, but anytime she needed him, he was always there for her. And so she would be there for him in return.

"Well, we're partners, Shadow. And good partners watch each other's back." She replied.

"Thank you, Rouge."

"Sure thing. Now why don't you take that new bike for a spin on your way to your house?"

"I think I'll do that." Shadow said before taking his leave from the White House.

With Shadow gone and on his way to his house, Rouge remembered a certain pink hedgehog that really wanted to see Shadow. Rouge took out her phone and dialed said hedgehog's number.

"Hello Amy!"

As Shadow enjoyed the feeling of riding his motorcycle, he thought about how quickly his life had changed within the just a few days. Very recently he was an amnesiac vagabond wanted by GUN that was desperately searching for his past. Now he remembers everything, he's employed by the very organization that tried to hunt him down, and he now actually owns a vehicle and property.

Things were, for the first time in a very long time, going well for him. That was a strange feeling to him. Shadow is used to things being taken from him, not given to him. It's almost surreal, like the only explanation is that this is just a dream.

But it's not a dream. It's all real, as real as I am.

Shadow eventually arrived at his new home. Commander said it has two bed rooms, though he wasn't sure why, he'd only need one. He parked his bike into the garage and then came back outside to get a good look at the front of his new house. All of sudden, Shadow feels the body of another person on his back along with two arms wrapping around his torso, pulling him into a hug.

"Found you!" A familiar voice of a girl says. He knew who it was that was hugging him from behind, it was Amy Rose. Many people knew her as Sonic's biggest fangirl, but Shadow viewed her in a different light. Amy was an incredibly important person to Shadow, even if she didn't know it. She was the one that made him remember the promise he made to Maria. Amy's words broke through the false memories Professor Gerald had implanted into him regarding the promise. She helped put him on the right track, and she did it again when he found her at Cryptic Castle, ridding him of Black Doom's influence and getting him to do the right thing, like saving Cream and Cheese.

The position they were in was quite familiar. It looks like she mistook him for Sonic once again.

"Rose, do you feel a sense of déjà vu?"

"No Shadow. Because I got the right hedgehog this time!" Amy said and giggled. Shadow was surprised to hear that. Amy released Shadow from her hug, and he turned to face her.

"You mean you were looking for me?"

"Of course I was Shadow! I've been wanting to see you since you saved the Earth!"

"I see. Can I ask how you found me? This house wasn't mine until a few hours ago."

"Oh that's easy! Rouge called me and told me you were coming here." She smiled.

"Hmph. Of course she did." Shadow scoffed, though truthfully he wasn't upset about it. "So, why did you want to see me?"

"Well, a lot of reasons. First I wanted to thank you. Thank you for helping me save Cream and Cheese from that Castle, and thank you for saving the world. For the first time since I've known him, there was a threat to the world that Sonic couldn't stop. You were the only one that could stop Black Doom. Sonic even admitted that."

Shadow's never been good at taking compliments. He wasn't sure how to respond to them.

"I appreciate your gratitude, but it's not necessary." He replied. "However, next time you see Sonic, tell him he has nothing to be ashamed of. He's capable of dealing with many threats, but there are some threats only the Ultimate Lifeform can deal with."

Amy giggled at his statement. She thought it was funny how Shadow could change from humble to arrogant in a flash. "I'll be sure to let him know."

"So what are the other reasons you wanted to see me?"

Amy sighed in a way that indicated slight frustration. "Because we're friends! Do I really need a specific reason to visit one of my friends to see how they're doing?" She said.

The question was a strange one to Shadow. While he did have friends like Rouge, Omega, Amy, etc, he really didn't visit them unless he had a specific reason to do so. However, numerous talks with Rouge have led him to understand that his way of thinking isn't the same as most other people. He also didn't want to upset Amy. "Well…no. I suppose you don't need one?" He answered, which earned him a look of joy from Amy.

Okay, good! That was a good response. But what now? What do I do now? I don't think she wants to speak with me standing outside my house? Maybe…

"Um…would you like to come inside? My house, that is." He offered awkwardly.

"I would love to! I'm excited to see how it looks!"

"Well then we'll find out together, because I haven't even stepped inside here yet." Shadow used his key to unlock the front door and opened it. He held it open for Amy. "After you."

Amy couldn't help but blush at the kind gesture.

"Rose? Are you alright? Your face is red."

Shadow's panic shook Amy out of her thoughts. "No no no! I'm fine Shadow!" She assured, her blush going away shortly after. "I was just surprised. I never expected you to be such a gentleman."

"What do you mean?"

"Holding a door open for someone. That's a very gentlemanly thing to do. How'd you know about it?"

"Well…back on the ARK, Maria and I read a lot of books about various Earth traditions. I remember one about holding doors open for people. Apparently it is a chivalrous gesture."

"It is. Thank you for keeping chivalry alive, Shadow!" She teased and then walked inside Shadows home. Shadow followed shortly after. "Wow! This is a good looking house!"

"You think so?"

"Yeah! I like the crimson red wallpaper. It compliments your quills. Why? Do you not like it?"

"No, I wasn't saying that. It's just I don't really have an eye for good home décor, so I'm going to trust your opinion on the matter."

"Oh! Well, I'm glad you trust me."

Shadow gestured to the black couch in his living room. "Please, have a seat. I'll see if I have any drinks and be with you in a moment."

"Sounds good." Amy cheerfully replied before taking a seat on the couch.

Shadow went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. As he expected there wasn't much. "I'm afraid bottled waters are all I have right now."

"That's okay! I'll have one!"

He took two bottles, one for him, one for her. He sat on the other side of the couch with Amy and handed her a bottle.

"There you are."

"Thanks Shadow."

Shadow gave her a nod. He took a sip from his water, unsure what to do next. He never was great with conversation, especially when it came to getting one started. Luckily he was sitting with Amy Rose, who excelled at conversation.

"So Rouge told me about how you're going to be working with GUN." Amy said, already getting the ball rolling.

"That's right. Turns out she'd been pushing for them to hire me for some time. I guess getting rid of the Black Comet convinced them that I might be good for the job."

"I'm surprised you took the offer so quickly. I thought you would at least ask for some time to think about it."

"Why is that?"

"Well I don't think I need to remind you that GUN hasn't been very kind to you."

"GUN is…certainly not a perfect organization. They have made mistakes. But overall the people in that organization want to help Earth and its people. And that's what I want to do too. There's no point in me holding a grudge against them. No good would come from that. Helping them on the other hand, would do a lot of good." Shadow explained. "What do you think Rose? Am I making the right choice?"

"Of course you are! But it doesn't matter what I think. Because you're more than capable of making the right choice by yourself."

"I-I know that. It's just that I really value your opinion on things like this." He began. "Because if it wasn't for you…I wouldn't be the way that I am." Shadow said somberly.

Amy looked confused. "Because of me?"

He knew he had to explain. "Rose…I got my memories back…all of my memories. And one of those memories is when you spoke to me on the ARK. When you asked me to help save the world…to give people a chance. Do you remember that?"

Amy nodded excitedly. "Yes, I do remember that. I've always had so many questions about that conversation. What was it that I said that convinced you? What was it that made you shed a tear?"

"After Dr. Eggman released me from my imprisonment, and up until the moment you spoke to me, I hadn't experienced a single positive interaction with someone else. Sonic, understandably, didn't like me, as he was being framed for crimes I had committed. The Doctor's lust for power only reinforced my negative feelings towards humans. And I didn't trust Rouge. I knew she had some ulterior motive for helping us. Then you came along. You didn't blame me for what was happening. You didn't get mad at me for saying that I had no reason to help. You were so kind, so pure-hearted. You saw good in me that I didn't believe existed. Your kindness and your plea for help, it broke through the alterations the Professor made to my memory, and made me remember the true promise I made to Maria. It wasn't revenge, it was to give people a chance to be happy, to let them live for their dreams."

Shadow began feeling a powerful wave of different emotions. It almost got to a point where Amy would have seen a tear fall from his face a second time but he composed himself. Amy put a hand on Shadow's shoulder.

"You okay, Shadow?" She asked, genuine concern in her eyes and voice.

"I'm alright, just give me a second." He said, looking away from her.

"Sure…take as long as you need."

Shadow took a deep breath, exhaled, and then resumed. "I just need you to know how important that act of kindness is to me. You helped me remember my true purpose, helped me to keep my promise. People believe that Sonic and I saved Earth that day, but to me, you will always be the real hero. You were the only one onboard the ARK that day that could have convinced me to help. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be here." Said Shadow. He then raised his eyes to look right at Amy's own. "What I'm trying to say is thank you, Rose. Thank you for helping me when I needed it most and no one else would try. And know that I'll continue to keep my promise I made to you and Maria."

Amy's eyes watered very quickly, and tears began shedding not long after. Shadow became very concerned. He wondered if he said something wrong.

"Rose, I-"

He was cut off as Amy threw her arms around Shadows neck, wrapping him in a strong embrace. She buried her head into his chest and continued to cry. Shadow was not use to this level of physical contact with another person. Maria had hugged him a few times but that was 50 years ago, and she was never crying or holding him so tight. He had to do something, not just have his arms at his sides. Instinctively, he gently wrapped his arms around her body, returning the embrace.

"Rose! Tell me what's wrong! I don't want you to be sad!"

He could then hear Amy giggling between her tears. She lifted her head from his chest and gazed into Shadow's eyes. "You can be pretty clueless sometimes. It's cute." She said. "I'm not crying because I'm sad. I'm crying because what you said to me made me so happy. Because it's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."

Shadow was relieved to hear that Amy's tears stemmed from happiness. For the second time today, he smiled.

"Shadow…you're smiling!" Amy beamed.

Usually when someone points out that Shadow's smiling, the smile quickly transforms into a scowl. He gets embarrassed about it. But there's something about Amy that makes Shadow lower his guard, and prevents him from getting rid of that smile.

"I guess I am." He chuckled. He liked seeing her smile, but he wouldn't be content until those tears went away. Tears of joy or not, he just didn't like seeing her cry. He needed to help get rid of them, but he didn't have a handkerchief or tissues to offer her. "I don't have anything for you to wipe those tears with. So just…use me like you were earlier."

Amy's eyes widened at his suggestion, and she could feel her cheeks heat up. "A-Are you sure? You don't have to do that."

"No, I don't. But the offer still stands."

"Okay then. I'll try not to take too long." She said before putting her face against his shoulder.

Wait a minute I probably have a towel in the bathroom! Aw, damn it! Too late now.

After a couple of minutes, Amy's tears went away. She finally released Shadow from her hug and pulled herself away.

"Thank you, Shadow."

"You're welcome, Rose."

"I'm really glad you remember our conversation in the ARK. It was something I always wanted to talk to you about. When you didn't make it back to the ARK, I was sad. We all thought you were dead, and so I thought I'd never get to talk to you about it. Then I saw you again, still alive when Metal Sonic tried to do what he did. I was so happy. But then Rouge told me that you didn't remember anything, and even told me that you might not even be you, but an android. That made me sad once again, and I lost hope in getting to talk to you about it. But then you slowly started getting your memories back, and when you were fighting Black Doom, Eggman said that you weren't an android, you were THE Shadow. And it made me think that maybe, just maybe, you might remember our conversation."

"And I did. I'm assuming you were satisfied with what I had to say on that matter." Shadow joked with a cheeky grin. Amy chuckled.

"No, I'm afraid I was incredibly disappointed with what you had to say." She quipped.

"That's a shame. I hope you'll someday be able to forgive me for such an atrocity."

They both laughed.

"Well Rose, we talked about the conversation on the ARK. Is there anything else I can do for you?" Shadow asked.

"Actually, there is." Amy began. She twiddled her fingers nervously. "Shadow? Do you consider me a friend?"

Shadow looked curious. "Yes, I'd say that you're a friend. I don't think I would let someone who's not my friend cry on me. I'd even say you're a good friend."

Amy beamed. "Thanks, Shadow. I think you're a good friend too. It's just that, we don't really know too much about each other despite being friends. And I'm not talking about your past. I'm talking about you as a person. Things you like or don't like. Hobbies, stuff like that."

"When you put it that way you're right. I guess we only know each other on a surface level. How do we change that?"

"Well I think we should hang out more! Cause I had a good time today. What do you think?"

"I don't have a problem with that idea."

"Great!" Amy's eyes lit up. She looked outside and saw it was dark out. She looked at her watch to see it was 8:00 PM. "Oh it's getting late. I'm going to have to head home Shadow."

"That's alright." Something then popped into Shadows mind. "Wait a minute, Amy, how did you get here? I didn't see a car."

Amy looked embarrassed. "Uh…I ran here."

"How far is your house from here?"

"Pretty far. I could probably get back in 30 minutes if I go at top speed."

Shadow groaned. "I'm not even going to ask why you chose to come here on foot. But I'm not letting you run back this late. I'll drive you there."

Amy followed Shadow to his garage. He got on his motorcycle and started it up. "Hop on!" he said. She listened and sat behind him. "Now hold on to me." He then instructed and she did so. She told him her address and Shadow hit the gas.

They arrived in front of Amy's house in 10 minutes.

"Thanks for bringing me home." Amy said.

"Don't mention it. Just be sure to have a ride next time. If you can't get one, just get in contact with me."

"Okay, but I don't have your phone number."

"Oh, right." He pulled out the cellphone he only recently got from GUN. He also barely knew how to use it. "I only know how to make calls and look at contacts. Don't know how to add them though. Rouge said she would teach me later."

"I know how to do that. Here! Give it to me so I can put my contact info in." Amy suggested. He handed his phone to her. "There! Here you go."

"You were fast. Thanks."

"Speaking of fast, I was wondering why you didn't just pick me up and run here. You're as fast as Sonic, so you could have gotten here within seconds. You could've even used Chaos Control to get here instantly. So why the bike?"

Shadow smirked. "Well I guess you get to learn something about me. You're right, I could have done either of those things and got us here in no time. The reason I didn't is just because I really like riding this bike." He admitted, which earned a smile from Amy. "I'm sorry if you didn't like the scenic route, I probably should have asked."

"Oh no, no! I enjoyed the ride." She assured. "So, do you want to hang out some time next week?"

Shadow thought about it. "Hmm…does Thursday at eleven sound good?"

Amy seemed to glow upon hearing this, her excitement could hardly be contained. "Yes, that's perfect!" She got off his bike and ran to her front door. "Good night, Shadow!" She called out and waved goodbye.

"Good night, Rose."

After Amy entered her house, Shadow pulled his phone out. Going to his contacts, he went to Rouge and pressed call. After a few rings, she picked up.

"Hey Shadow! How's my grumpy partner's day been?" the bat responded with her seemingly ever present teasing tone of voice.

"I think you've got a good idea of how it's been."

"I have no idea what you're implying with that statement."

"Knock it off Rouge. Rose came over to my house, and she said she got my address from you."

"Okay! Guilty as charged. She really wanted to talk with you Shadow, and I promised her I'd get her in contact with you when I ended up finding you. You're not upset about that are you?"

"No actually, I'm not. I actually wanted to let you know I had a good time with her."

"Really?" Rouge actually wasn't expecting that response, the teasing in her voice was absent. "That's great! I'm really glad to hear that! Guess you should be thanking me."

"I should…but I'm not going to." Shadow responded, smirking.

Rouge chuckled. "You're no fun."

"But seriously, Rouge. Don't make it a habit of giving my address to people without me knowing."

"As if I would do such a thing! Also don't worry about Amy, I had her promise not to tell anyone else."

"Shit I didn't even think of that. Thanks."

"Sure, sure. Now go ahead and get some rest. You're gonna be starting VR training tomorrow."

"Right. See you tomorrow."

"Bye!"

Shadow hangs up. He steps on the gas and begins driving home to get ready for his first day at GUN.

A/N: Hey. It's been a long time since I've written a story, and the first time I've written a Sonic the Hedgehog story. Sorry if I'm rusty, and thanks for reading!