UlTrRa SiK pRoDuCtIoNs pReSeNtZ:
LoVe'S bUrN
By: UlTrAa ShAdDow
Disclaimer: I don't own any of Sega's characters….but I'd be a very happy guy if I did!
"You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see, but you can't close your heart to things you don't want to feel."
Rouge's POV:
I had just recently found my way to the Bay Bridge and I was appalled at the sight before me. My eyes glazed over as I saw a large fire burning in the midst of the great bridge.
'What happened here?'
A small tear unconsciously escaped my eye as I scrutinized the bridge; all my childhood memories of playing on the bridge together with a handsome couple was slowly disintegrating before my eyes. All that stood before me now was a skeleton of an ostentatious bridge that once stood tall and proud.
I slowly ambled across the newly tarnished bridge; the structures of the bridge that I could recognize made me reminiscence on precious memories that were slowly beginning to fade.
"Mommy! Daddy! Look at me! Look how fast I can run!"
I couldn't have been more than eight years old when I danced around the bridge, hoping to win the attention of my parents. A white bat stepped forward with a frown; that was my mother, dressed elegantly in a long, white dress that complimented her slender figure.
She was so beautiful; everyone thinks I'm attractive but if they saw her, they'd know that I pale in comparison to her.
"That's wonderful Rou-bear! Oh be careful! Stop running around dearie! Skin and asphalt don't mix very well! And you'll get all sweaty and smelly! Remember, we have to visit your dear Aunt!"
Ah yes, mother was very proper...how could I forget? I was such a little tomboy! Everyday I'd return home so filthy! It drove mother crazy! And I always hated the dresses mother tried to force me to wear!
They were such frilly, ridiculous things!
Another bat appeared next to my frowning mother, he was male, "Minerva, let the girl live a little! and besides, she's got a nice runner's stride! She'll be a great athlete someday, just like Daddy!"
Father...He was so strong, confident, he was the backbone of our family. Mother was always so high-strung, but father always knew how soothe her. They were perfect for each other.
" You spoil her much too often! She'll grow up and become so haughty!" mother scolded.
"...Just like her mother," father smiled at the look upon his wife's face.
"That's quite false, thank you very much!" My mother replied nudging my father slightly.
They fell into each other's arms, watching their daughter play, "...Just think, someday she'll love someone..."
Mother closed her eyes, " I hope she'll love someone as wonderful as you, Roy."
Father smiled as his daughter appeared before him, frowning, " Eww! I'll never love a boy! They have cooties!"
Father and mother exchanged looks before they laughed, " Someday you shall, Rou-bear."
As a little girl, I hugged my parents, "...But for a boy, I love you daddy..."
I blinked back the tears and gradually took flight. I couldn't take much more of this; the memories were too deep! Seeing my past being destroyed like this...it's heart wrenching. But I'd have to hang around long enough to find Shadow; hopefully I'll find him before my aching heart forces me to flee.
And besides...I have to find whoever's responsible for destroying such a great structure. Before long, my search for the dark hedgehog ceased; I spotted two dark hedgehogs who seemed to be engaged in conversation and out of the two hedgehogs I was able to distinguish crimson streaks.
Shadow...
I landed far enough from the two hedgehogs to be hidden but as I slowly approached them, the clicking of my heels were audible and they turned to look at me. At that moment, I could have face-fallen.
'Damn! So much for the secretive entrance!'
I was hoping to be greeted by one of Shadow's rare, warm smiles but instead he snapped at me. "Rouge! I thought I told you to stay away from here!" He hissed.
I have to admit I was taken back by his rough tone but then, looking at the other dark hedgehog I knew why: standing ten feet away from me was Scythe. A mixture of fear and anger boiled up inside of me; bastard! He certainly wasn't going to see me loose my cool.
Scythe looked a little baffled with the whole situation, but then realization hit him and a dark glint lingered in his eyes.
Forgive me if I'm wrong...and I may have been a little paranoid at the time, but I'm pretty sure that Scythe was eying me boldly from head to toe. His dark gaze over me was so intense and smoldering that I began to feel a little shy and I crossed my arms over chest.
'Just what is he staring at? This jump-suit isn't form-fitting in the least bit!' The silver-eyed hedgehog scoffed, now turning his gaze to a raging Shadow; I believe the ultimate life-form found his inspection quite annoying as well.
"Never could throw away good ass, could you Shadow?" Scythe asked in a dark voice.
A dark, handsome smile crossed Shadow's face, one that almost made my knees buckle, "Heh, too bad you'll never get any."
Once Scythe heard that the color seemed to drain from his face and it distorted into an ugly grimace. Unlike Shadow's dark counterpart my face was radiant with color. 'Huh? What is he talking about? We haven't done ANYTHING!...Yet...Wait? What am I THINKING? AARGGH! There I go, thinking too much again!'
Before I could ponder on my new thoughts anymore, with a cry of rage, Scythe came at Shadow with blinded fury. His blows and strikes at Shadow were too fast for me to witness, but there was one thing I was able to notice; Scythe's struggle.
As fluent and as fast as Scythe was, spiraling blows at Shadow, Shadow made it seem as if he was having no trouble blocking his punches. I was amazed by Shadow's skill that could almost be considered graceful. Scythe seemed to be getting frustrated but Shadow kept his calm, cool composure.
As fascinated as I was in their showdown, my eyes slipped over beside them, and I spotted Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Cream. My eyes widened and I ran over to them. '...Oh no! What has befallen them!'
"Oh no! Sonic! Amy! Tails!" I screamed.
...Please, please let them be okay! The only one of my friends I saw conscious was Cream who was standing over Tails sniffling. I gently called her name and motioned for her to come.
Cream, whose young, endearing face was ruined with tears, ran over and clung to my leg screaming and wailing. At that moment I almost felt like a mom when I picked her up and wooed her.
Cradling her in my arms, I checked the others and made sure they at least had a fighting chance of surviving. I was very pained to see Amy in her condition; her dress and hair were soaked with blood and her pupils were dilated. I didn't know what to say to the girl, but I gently touched her pretty face.
"Do you t'nk I'll die Rouze?" She pretty much yelled out. I frowned slightly; if I was going to comfort this girl, I must swallow my fearful emotions.
"You're gonna live, Amy, don't worry. I'm pretty sure the paramedics are on the way," I reassured, "Now just rest, okay? After this, I promise we'll go to the mall and shop 'til we drop!"
I took a knee next to Amy and looked up once more at Shadow and Scythe's fight. Scythe was drenched with sweat and was backing away from Shadow who had a triumphant gleam in his eyes.
"Give up?" Shadow asked arrogantly, placing one hand upon his hips, "You're no match for me. You're insufficient, lacking...obsolete..."
Scythe looked taken aback, as if Shadow had slapped him in the face with a dueling glove. Scythe's silver eyes narrowed and he gritted his teeth. He stared down at the asphalt then turned to look at me.
I sat silently wondering what was floating through his head. A large grin spread across his face then he turned his focus back to Shadow who was staring at him, frowning slightly.
"You may be stronger than me hedgehog, but you're certainly too slow to keep up with me," he beckoned.
"I think not," Shadow replied simply, unfazed, "As a matter of fact, you're wearing proof of my superiority."
" Battle scars," Scythe snipped, "...they show who's fought harder."
Shadow smiled darkly, " Don't make me laugh, you're as good as gone. The only reason I haven't finished you off, is because of her, ( Huh, he motioned towards me.) she will not see such violence."
"Do not flatter yourself," Scythe replied, voice rising,"For I am about to end this feud...NOW!"
Scythe summoned a blazing silver aura around himself and he out reached his muscular arms towards the cables of the bridge. He balled his fist tightly and smiled wickedly; eyes glinting terribly.
"Now then," Scythe growled venomously, " Taste true power! Raging lance!"
Remarkably, he released what seemed like a wave of energy towards the cables, snapping them all one by one. The support frame of the bridge began to shake and rumble furiously. His plan became crystal clear and I looked up at Shadow.
"Shadow!" I screamed worriedly.
"Shit!" Shadow muttered under his breath.
"Shadow! He's bringing the whole bridge down! Whadda we do?" I cried. In the midst of the rumbling bridge, Scythe threw his head back, laughing. He took a step forward, smiling wickedly. Light danced insiduously within his silvery eyes.
"There's thousands of souls on this bridge, let's just see how much of a hero you really are. Can you save them all?" Scythe mocked, "Hell, can you save yourself?"
Shadow glared at the dark hedgehog, who began to make his break away. "Shadow!" I cried again, "Forget him! We need to help our friends! Please!"
I could tell from the expression on Shadow's face that internal turmoil was broiling inside of him. He wanted to chase the offender and yet help his friends. Shadow grimaced, then turned to face me, " I will not aid them."
I gasped, " What?"
"They are not my allies, I have come to destroy them," Shadow replied, sounding very mechanical.
I was silent, staring at him, shaking with anger, "..If..If you do not help me..."
"However, I shall aid your efforts," Shadow replied.
"Grab Tails and Amy! You're a strong swimmer," he commanded.
"What about you?" I asked.
"I'll get Sonic...and do not fear, for I'm the ultimate life form," he said. I saw a slight smile upon his face, maybe there was a chance for him to beat Eggman's machine after all.
"What are you staring at? Get the show on the road!" he barked.
...Then again...
"Right..." I presented a false, wavering smile, but it soon faded when I heard the bridge began to moan and creek.
The strong cables that held the left side of the bridge began snapping like rubber bands and the bridge swayed to the right, acting like a sloping hill, as everything and everyone plummeted in the water.
Thousands of screams curdled the air and both Cream and myself screamed as we inevitably fell backwards, splashing into the icy, azure water. Shadow quickly grabbed Sonic and they both plunged into the water.
We both surfaced, and I tried to comprehend what Shadow was saying as he splashed around frantically, but with so much water he swallowed, it was very hard to understand him. " Roge, id ou geet omy an' ailz?"
I blinked, Amy and Tails! Oh shoot! I looked around furiously searching for them both and I easily spotted Amy who was bobbing helplessly in the water. I grabbed her and she joined Cream who had her arms wrapped around my neck.
With their combine weight I was struggling to stay afloat and I found myself gulping down salty water. But I had to go on and find Tails.
"Tails! Tails? Where are you!" I cried frustratedly.
"There he is, Rouge!" Cream said breaking her shell of taciturn. I looked up to see the little fox dog-paddling in the water. I forgot he knew how to swim but I anxiously approached him, as I knew his strength was fading.
"Hold on to me Tails, you're tired," I said.
"But what about you?" He asked considerately. This was no time for questions! Does one question the orders of his commander when they are at war? No!
"Just do it!" I snapped. Slowly, Tails wrapped his arms around my waist and I began to swim off. With the burden of three people weighing me down I barely had my nose above the water.
I turned to find Shadow and I felt my heart sink when I realized I couldn't find him. Emerging from the water, I spotted a gloved hand with a couple of golden bracelets upon it. I realized the victim was Shadow, who was sinking quickly. How stupider can I get today? Hedgehogs can't swim! So what about Scythe? Forget him, Shadow's my goal now.
"Shadow!" I cried.
I dove under and soared through the rushing water as I grabbed his hand. With all of my strength evaporating, I was pulled under deeper and I struggled, trying to bring us all to the surface.
Pumping my legs as hard as I could, I tried to reach the surface, ignoring the amount of water I was swallowing. I began choking on the water I was inhaling through my nose and I felt Tails trying to lead me to the surface, but there was no way I was going to let go of Shadow.
Moments later I began to feel dizzy and a red haze filled my mind. I slowly slipped into unconsciousness and released Shadow. The last thing I remember was watching Shadow and Sonic fall deeper towards the ocean trenches.
"Rouge? Rouge?"
"Miss Rouge, are you awake?"
"Ugh..."
I slowly opened my eyes to see Tails, Cream, and a few people in white coats hovering above me with bright, clean faces. Oh, was I so groggy and out of it. I must look terrible too!
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Miss Rouge," the white-coated vixen replied, "Oh by the way, I'm Dr. Laurel Vixen."
I nodded weakly, trying to be as polite as I could with this throbbing headache. I felt extremely dizzy and light-headed, not to mention that I felt as if my stomach was having a war with my insides.
"Tails, Cream, I'm so glad to see you're okay," I croaked hoarsely, "Is everyone else okay? What about Sonic and Amy and Shadow?"
"Sonic's fine, we'll bring him so you can see him," Cream said.
"But don't be too hard on him, he's taking it all too hard," Tails said.
"Taking what too hard?" I asked.
"Let's just say he's probably the slowest fastest hedgehog in the world," Tails said.
I arched an eyebrow in confusion but soon I heard loud, annoyed, angry yells.
"Hmm, a loud, and rambunctious voice...yep, that's definitely Sonic," I replied.
Moments later, Tails pushed in an angry Sonic who didn't look too thrilled with the fact that he was being pushed around in a wheelchair. He had his arms crossed and kept his jade eyes towards the ground.
"This isn't permanent, is it?" I asked quietly.
"Of course not, this is just until his back regains its strength, and until his quills on his lower back grow back," the female doctor replied.
"I'm gonna get Shadow! He fried the spikes right offa my ass! Every time I use the can, my ass burns!" Sonic screamed angrily.
I burst out laughing, "Don't worry, Sonic. If you want, I can buy you some pull-ups."
I fell into a deeper laughter and received a small smile from the cerulean hedgehog and a middle finger that followed.
"Well, at least it doesn't hurt to put that out," Sonic said.
"So, how's Amy?" I asked.
"She's perfectly fine, but the white-coats won't let us see her yet," Sonic said, " I wonder why."
"I'm just so glad that everyone's okay. I know there were a lot of lost lives, it's a tragedy," I said softly.
There was a moment of silence, but it was tawdrily interrupted when Tails blurted, " Wanna see Shadow now?" Everyone was quiet, staring at the little fox, then Sonic threw a paper-wad at Tails. "What room is he in?" I asked, ending the awkward silence.
"201," Tails replied.
With unwavering resolve, I slowly took to my feet...and of course, overestimating my strength, I slipped and would have fallen if it wasn't for my bed. Everyone's eyes widened and Dr. Vixen immediately ran over to me. Using her as a crutch and a guide, I was slowly taken to Shadow's room.
Together we opened the door, and in the bed was a slumbering black and red hedgehog. Once I laid my eyes on him, I felt relieved and smiled; he looked like a completely different person when he was asleep.
He looked as if he was completely relaxed. Seconds later, I detected a squeaking sound and I saw Tails bringing in the newly handicapped hedgehog.
"Is he going to live?" I asked.
"He'll definitely live," the doctor replied, nodding her head, "It's just a matter of time before he awakens again, but I reassure you he'll come to." I sighed, revealing my displeasure and I almost found myself lost in another cascade of tears until Laurel interrupted me.
"You know, if it wasn't for him I don't think you would have made it," the doctor said to me. She paused momentarily then continued, "Are you two a couple?'
I blinked then smiled, "Not exactly...and how did he save me?"
"Well, when we found you two, even in his weakened state, he was giving you CPR. If I'm correct, he had been giving it to you for two hours straight. The poor guy fainted when we arrived," the doctor said.
Blushing, I looked at the doctor, then at Shadow, "Really?"
"Wow, that's quite impressive!" Tails chirped.
Sonic scoffed, " Pssh! Yeah! I could make out with an unconscious chick for two hours straight, too!"
Tuning out Sonic's chatter, my eyes fell upon Shadow with a warm gaze. At that moment I couldn't help but look at him. If I could have, I would have let passionate and loving words flow easily from my lips, but the lump in my throat prevented me from doing so.
'So he really does care for me...'
I had a feeling the doctor knew what was going through my head and she smiled. "Well, I think I'll leave you alone now, " the doctor said with a smile. I took a seat on the bed beside Shadow, and I slowly caressed his face, "Thank you, Shadow."
"I think that's our sign to leave Sonic," Tails whispered to him.
"Hey, I'll leave when I'm good and ready!" Sonic hissed.
Tails wheeled the blue hedgehog out of the room, who was now sulking like a little preschooler. I watched them disappear then I turned to look at Shadow once more. I closed my eyes and gave him a kiss on his lips. I laid my head on his chest and closed my eyes.
"Thank you again, my love," I said softly, eyelids fluttering closed.
"Hey, don't do nothin' to him while he's asleep Rouge...He wants it allllll when he's awake!"
I instantly snapped to attention, "Crumble and die Grandpa Sonic!"
To be continued!
Chapter Twelve Theme: "Last Resort"- Papa Roach