UlTTrRa SiK pRoDuCtIoNs pReSeNtZ:
LoVe'S bUrN
By: UlTtrrAa 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."
Third Person POV:
Rouge definitely had not seen this one coming, even if she had a crystal ball right under her nose. Approaching both her and Terrance was an infuriated hedgehog. Shadow at this very moment was like a bull…seeing red before his eyes. The hedgehog stared right through Terrance as if he was transparent, looking dead on upon Rouge.
Now, Terrance had absolutely no idea what was going on, but after surveying the scene: Shadow staring dead on at Rouge, and the bat avoiding his eye contact, he was able to put the clues together and now he decided to make his move.
"Umm, can I—"
Shadow's dead gaze on Rouge instantly shattered and with machine-like reflexes, he impulsively turned to look upon Terrance, and if possible, he gave the male white bat an even icier stare.
"...Help you?" Terrance finished unsurely.
"I came here to speak with her…" Shadow growled slowly, trying to keep his temper.
Shadow stared down at the bat before him, sneering slightly; what a pretty boy this character was! Hopefully fate would give him the opportunity to crunch in his nice, perfect face.
Oh wait a minute, hadn't he just witnessed them kissing? Yep, then fate had been kind to him; he'd get his chance to punch his lights out. Terrance stepped forward, "Look, whatever it—"
"I said I came to speak with her…" Shadow growled, now tearing his gaze away from Rouge, " Unless you wish to contest that..."
Terrance stepped away from the hedgehog who burrowed him with daggers; clearly, whoever this stranger was, he was looking for a fight. Terrance himself knew a little about self defense; being an all-league wide- receiver for his entire high school career helped with that.
But something unsettling about the hedgehog before him told him to drop the fight. Anyone else would have been eating dirt by now. "What's your problem?" Terrance asked.
"Step aside, fool, this does not concern you," Shadow said brushing past him. Then Terrance made a very critical mistake, he put his hand on Shadow's shoulder.
This was the last straw for the hedgehog; by reflex, Shadow grabbed the offending appendage and heaved Terrance over his shoulder. The talented wide-receiver caught himself, preventing more damage and had started a trek towards the furious hedgehog.
"Shadow! Terrance! Stop!" Rouge cried.
Apparently, neither of the males had heard her, as Terrance continued his trek towards the dark hedgehog. Shadow took an offensive posture, smiling sinisterly; poor thing, he did not know what he was getting himself into.
The black hedgehog took off, appearing before the football player before he could even finish his first stride. Terrance flinched, taken off guard by the hedgehog's incredible speed, 'H-how did he do that, I'm fast...but this guy is...smokin'!'
Before Shadow could hit Terrance with a blow, Shadow felt a hand grab his own balled fist. Shadow snarled, glancing over his shoulder, but his expression changed when he saw the person holding his hand, "...Rouge?"
Rouge slowly released his hand as she slipped over to Terrance's side. Shadow stared at her with an expression mixed with confusion and anger, "...What?"
"Leave me alone," she said weakly.
Shadow and Terrance both turned to look at her, "What?"
"I said, leave me alone, Shadow," Rouge hissed wretchedly, she hadn't meant the words to be so harsh, but they came out fluently, "Stay the hell away from me."
Shadow winced, as if someone had slid their nails upon a blackboard. He didn't know how to respond, and gazed upon her momentarily with lost eyes. Rouge looked at him sympathetically, wishing she could have taken her words back.
'Is he sad? What's going through his mind? Did I hurt his feelings?' Rouge pondered, searching his eyes for an answer.
" Shadow, I--"
Then another expression washed over his face, only this time one of anger, if possible, his words came out more malicious then hers, "What is with you? I only came to talk to you!"
And as predicted, Rouge became angered as well, "Oh, so now you want to talk to me? Well I'm through with words! And I'm through…with you!"
Rouge's eyes narrowed into small slits as her newly painted cherry-red lips had curved into a snarl.
" Fine, it doesn't matter to me," Shadow scoffed, enjoying the sight of Rouge becoming more upset.
"Fine!" Rouge said, clearly hurt; it wasn't his words that hurt her the most, it was the accompaniment of his callous tone.
Her mind was racing, she had to think of a way to get him back...but how? Then her eyes fell upon the young, handsome bat beside her. Without second thought, Rouge grabbed the football player by his collar, and forcefully kissed him.
If possible, Shadow's mouth would have dropped to the floor, he watched Rouge wrap her arms around Terrance, kissing him passionately, giving him a taste of her favor; and of course Terrance was more than happy to follow her lead.
The dark hedgehog suddenly felt a painful aching in the pit of his stomach; he felt as hollow as wood. He stood stupidly, gazing at his love, the one he had once given his heart to, the one he protected so fiercely…who now had her lips entwined in another man's.
With every passing second, the hedgehog felt himself beginning to tremble; shaking with fear and anger. This was too much for the dark hedgehog and he felt himself loosing control, losing his composure. Suddenly a very furious, almost insane look crossed his face. He clenched his fists and turned away, skating off at the speed of sound.
Rouge watched him tear off; her external appearance was perfectly clever and calm, almost arrogant, but the inside was crying and shouting, "Shadow! Shadow! Save me! Forgive me! I love you!"
Before the hedgehog left, she had seen his face contort, as in the manner of preparing to cry…
" Jerk, come on, let's go somewhere else, he's finally gone," Terrance said, entwining his arms with hers.
The haughty expression on her face disappeared and she began to blink back tears as Terrance led her away from the scene.
A suburban neighborhood…(7:30 PM…)
"Must I really do this, this is nonsense! And overly feminine!"
"Every guy needs a soft side."
"Well, not me and if I do this, what's in it for me?"
"Stop it! Would being nice for a second kill you?
"…Yes…"
Scythe was in the young, yellow hedgehog's room, and rather displeased. He crossed his arms glowering at her. How could she have some of his stature doing such childish and girly things?
"Okay, now that you're done with your tantrum," Daisy harrumphed, "we shall begin!"
The yellow hedgehog smoothed out her dress, then leaned forward, smiling at the frowning hedgehog before her. "Would you like s'more tea, mister?" Daisy asked picking up a tea kettle.
Scythe sat across the table from Daisy with his arms crossed, scowling at her. He had absolutely no desire or plan in playing tea time with a little girl. So he stared at her, not saying one word.
"It's your turn to talk now, remember your lines!" She whispered to him, then she cleared her throat and continued, "So would you like s'more tea, sir?"
"Girl, this is stupid! I shall not be involved in such balderdash…"
"Huh? What's a 'balderdash'?" She asked innocently cocking her head to the side.
"It means that I won't be involved in this shit…"
Daisy gasped, "No! No! No! You shouldn't say such nasty words!" Scythe smiles "But…I'll forgive you, if you keep playing teatime with me! (Scythe frowns) Okay, now where were we…oh yes…it's your turn…"
Scythe sighed, 'For once I think I might be actually missing the doctor…'
"Come on and hurry up Scythe…this teakettle is really hot!" Daisy sniffled, blinking back her tears.
Scythe grimaced, "Yes, I'll take a cup, miss."
Daisy smiled, "Thank you! It's fresh from the pot and piping hot! So, where do you come from stranger?"
Daisy fills up a pink, gaudy mug with steaming tea, and Scythe discontentedly watches the steam circle and swirl in his mug, then continues his role, "Well, I really don't..(Damn this is so hokey…why am I doing this?) have a home, I travel wherever the wind takes me."
Scythe sipped the tea and almost gagged, coughing violently.
...This was not in the script.
"Oh, how mysterious mister—"
"Virgo, Virgo Starchaser… "
Daisy gasped, appearing surprised, "The Virgo Starchaser? The hero who single-handedly captured twelve hoodlums with only one hand? Oh my! I only thought you were a legend!"
Virgo smirked, "Yes, most folks around here don't know the real story… By the way, thank you for the tea, miss—"
"Summer, Summer Starlet," Summer replied brightly, wiping the counter down.
As Summer cleaned the table, she felt a soft hand touch her arm. The brown-eyed waitress slowly raised her gaze to stare into the silver eyes of Virgo Starchaser, "My, I never realized…how lovely you are, ma'am.."
Blushing, Summer laughed, "Thank you Mr. Starchaser…I think you just want a free cup of tea!"
Virgo arched an eye brow, "But do you really know what I want?"
"What?" Summer asked breathlessly.
Scythe, still uninterested walked over to Daisy and dipped her backwards in his arms as he leans forward.
"M-mister Starchaser…" Summer gasped, dainty hands covering her flushing face.
Virgo gazed at her intensely, "Please, call me Virgo…"
Summer turned her head slightly, "Virgo…Please I.."
Virgo turned her face so she gazed into his eyes, "Fill this hole in my heart, Summer…and take the rain clouds out of my sky…"
Summer closed her eyes and puckered up; waiting for a kiss from her hero, but Scythe stared at her blankly and…
" …Okay, that's all of this I can take!"
…He dropped her.
"WAH!" Daisy fell backwards, missing her tea table, "Hey! That's not in the script!" She watched Scythe slowly exiting her room, "HEY! Where are you going? I want my romance--er, tea party!"
Scythe turned to look at her and in his most romantic voice he said, " Ma'am, Virgo Starchaser has to go yonder and take a manly pee-pee on the potty. Ta-ta."
Daisy sighed as Scythe headed away, laughing at his own humor, "...Well, at least he's in character..."
Sapphire Lake Park...(9:30 P.M.)...
"Want some cake, Cream?" Tails asked.
"Oh please! That sounds yummy!" Cream chimed.
"And after cake, wanna dance?" Tails asked.
"Again? Yeah!" Cream said with a mouthful of buttercake.
They both chomped down their food and ran to the floor. Next to them on the floor was Sonic and Amy dancing together.
"Hey Ames, watch this new break dancing move I invented!"
"Are y'u s'pose to be doiwg 'at kind of stuff?"
Sonic dropped his crutches and began break dancing…at way too fast speeds…Then Amy heard a loud crack! And she ran over to him.
"SONIC! WHAT WAS 'AT?" She cried.
"I don't know…but can one possibly…break their ass? I think I just did…"
Amy dragged Sonic and his crutches off of the dance floor. As soon as they left the floor, a slow song began to play, and Rouge cuddled next to Terrance, rocking slowly to the rhythm of the music.
"Enjoying yourself tonight, Rouge?" Terrance asked thoughtfully.
"Mmm, yes I am, thank you Terrance," Rouge said softly.
She snuggled her head upon his chest, listening to the soft thumping of his heart. Before long, the gentle, slow jam finished and they left the floor, with Terrance leading her by hand.
They sat under a tree, enjoying the gentle breeze, and splendid night time festivities. Rouge was busy admiring the stars, pointing out each of the constellations…however, Terrance was busy admiring the star gazer.
"My, look at the stars, they're beautiful, aren't they?" Rouge asked.
"Just perfect," Terrance said not removing his eyes from her.
Rouge looked over at him and laughed, "Okay then Romeo, how about you get us a couple of drinks? Punch for me, please!"
Terrance smiled at her, "How can I say no to such an angel?"
Then he strolled over towards the refreshment table, whistling, and waving to a few familiar faces. While Terrance strolled away, Rouge looked up into the stars, and she swore that she saw a consolation that resembled a hedgehog. Her smile faded then she looked miserable yet again.
"Shadow..."
At the Sapphire Lake... (Library…)
A little distance away from the Park, was a two-story library, which had a very clear view of the lake itself. Shadow rested in one of the rooms strictly prohibiting any sort of noise besides page flipping.
Shadow buried his face away in the depths of his fingers. He slowly moved his hands from his face once he heard giggling. He looked up to see two females giggling at him and once he looked at them, they both squealed and hid their faces in magazines.
Shadow rolled his eyes, then went to his least favorite section of the library, known as the noisy room. With a turn of a knob, he entered the room which was filled with laughter and pointless chattering. The television in the room was rather loud as well.
Shadow took a seat in there, more than relieved to be away from those two girls. He looked around at everyone in the noisy room; they all seemed to be happy and carefree…he felt like the odd man out in this matter.
He looked up at the television, and ironically enough, it was one of those mushy, love soap operas. This just wasn't his day and then suddenly, the soap opera was interrupted by a newscast.
"We interrupt this program for a breaking story, but we have the latest cover story about demolition of the three hundred year-old Bay Bridge, and now we turn to Luke for our story."
"Thank you Shade, and now, I have some footage to show you, regarding our historic bridge."
A picture began to play with the news reporter's voice giving a narration, almost as if the film was a book.
"Just recently, we received this information from one of our satellites. This signal was broadcasted from the Sahara desert."
The image on the television showed a picture of a golden pyramid, and waiting at an edge was a red echidna. Muscular arms locked crossed his chest, he stared off into the distance as if he was expecting an arrival.
His eyes were narrow, and his jaw was firmly set into a grimace. The wind blew scattered quills into his eyes, but they remained unblinking and focused.
Shadow stared harder at the picture, and undoubtedly knew that it was the revved up Knuckles, with those same, familiar, cold, lost red eyes. Eggman had used his invention upon the echidna yet again and now, he was using him as his primary defense.
The picture suddenly changed its focus onto Eggman, who was looking rather pleased with himself. He sat behind a large marble desk, with his hands clasped together. Looking pleased with himself as usual.
"Good day and night to all, if you have received this broadcast then this means that the Bay Bridge has been conquered. Fortunately enough for me, this means that I am able to commence my second phase of my plan."
Footage of the demolished Bay Bridge was played. Shadow narrowed his eyes slightly as he gazed upon footage of both Scythe and his past self standing on the bridge.
Their mouths moved soundlessly, giving proof that their had been some dialogue between the two. However, he snapped to attention as he instantly recognized Scythe's gesture as he pointed towards the cables of the bridge. The audience in the library gasped at the silverish light that spawned from his hands and snapped the cables effortlessly.
The footage ended and returned to Eggman, he continued, smiling, "However, unfortunately for you all, there shall be, let's say new propositions. This is directed towards the president or to any high ranking military personals, if you do not surrender the government, and give me total tyranny, then the Bay bridge shall not be the last structure to fall."
He Paused slightly, as if thinking, "…I have always had my sites set for New York…or maybe even Washington DC…You have seventy two hours…and if you keep me waiting beyond then, I shall make you regret your existence upon this Earth."
The picture faded and the newscast continued; the people in the room began chattering and asking questions. Just what was all of that about?
"Is this for real?"
"Who's Eggman?"
"Why is his base in the Sahara Desert?"
Then, another voice entered the room
"Umm, excuse me, but is there a 'Shadow Hedgehog' in this room?"
Shadow turned his head towards the entrance of the room, and there, standing before him was Rouge waiting awkwardly, peering around the room.
Some of the people looked at her in awe, others ignored her and a good majority of the male audience in the room whispered profane comments about the bat's hourglass figure.
Shadow stared down at the table; decisions, decisions, should he rush over to Rouge like a puppy, or should he leave her there, high and dry. Well for one thing, he wasn't going to run over to her and appear desperate; it just wasn't his style. Slowly, Shadow rose out of his chair.
Once she saw Shadow rise out of his seat she looked at little startled but motioned him to follow her, 'This ought to be good…' he thought to himself.
Rouge led him to the scenic route of the Lake where they had walked around together awhile ago. Although her back was to the hedgehog, she could feel his eyes boaring through her. The tension between them was uncomfortable, so...
"Shadow," She said sighing, "look I have something to say and—"
"Don't even waste your breath," Shadow said bluntly, "I don't want to know nor do I care."
"Shadow!" Rouge cried, "Please listen! This isn't about us! This time it's about Eggman!"
"I'll find him and I'll finish him, done deal," Shadow said hastily
"In the Sahara Desert? That place is huge!" Rouge said skeptically, "You won't find him until you've died of dehydration!"
"Rouge, I really don't care anymore," Shadow hissed, "He could blow up everyone on this planet, and I'd just watch it all unfold!"
Rouge closed her eyes and turned her head slightly; every word he had said, he had meant. But how could he be so cold? This wasn't the same guy she we sparred with in the gym, or the same guy she had dinner with.
"Then why are you going back there?" Rouge asked gently.
"For revenge, how dare he encapsulate me, and think he can get away with it scott-free," Shadow said, "He's going to get his tenfold."
There was a slight silence between them until Rouge snapped her head in Shadow's direction with eyes aflame, "Selfish!"
Shadow narrowed his eyes, " Excuse me?"
"You're so selfish!" Rouge said raising her voice.
"Are you done yet? Why don't you go back to Terrance now?" Shadow hissed, raising his voice above hers.
Rouge turned to look at him, "So this is what your angers' about, you're jealous of Terrance! Aren't you? You're acting so immature!"
"Jealous? Jealous? Of him? Ha! That really makes me laugh!" Shadow scoffed, "As if I was jealous of that guy!"
"I think you're just jealous 'cause I kissed him!" Rouge said scoffing at him.
"Jealous of him 'cause you…kissed him? It's not like I couldn't steal one off of you when I wanted…"
Rouge laughed, "Oh really? You think you're that smooth?"
"Try me…"
"Fine!" Rouge said with a smile, "But--"
Rouge was cut off mid-sentence as she felt Shadow's warm lips pressed against hers. Once he broke off the kiss, Rouge's face flushed a deep red, and Shadow laughed. Game set and match.
"Th-that doesn't count!" Rouge replied.
"You think that was something, little girl? Just watch this!" Shadow said with a demonic smile. Rouge stepped away from the dark hedgehog, " Sh-shadow stop! ...Ahhhhhh!"
Rouge began to run as Shadow chased after her. Since he was thoroughly enjoying this, he left her run a couple of meters until he caught her, effortlessly. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to the ground.
"Ahh!" Rouge cried as she was tackled.
"Did you really think you could escape the ultimate life form?" Shadow asked, wrapping both arms around the laughing bat.
He began to tickle Rouge, sending her into a laughing-frenzy. And with his lighting fast movements, Rouge was barely able to keep her breath. She eventually fell backwards landing in a thick, green flower patch, giggling, "Shadow! I can…barely…breathe! Stop it!"
Shadow plopped on the ground next to her looking rather smugly, "You never were ready for the ultimate life form, Give up!"
"Never!" Rouge cried, and just as soon as she had fallen, she sprung up to her feet and tackled him. The momentum of her spring had knocked Shadow backwards and they both ended up tumbling down a hill, rolling and screaming like idiots until they reached the bottom.
Shadow punctuated his landing and pinned her. Blinking, Rouge looked up at Shadow as he smiled not too subtly; the king had to claim his throne; somehow, "I win."
"Yes you win," Rouge said softly, smiling lovely.
Shadow suddenly noticed that he was piled on top of Rouge, out of courtesy he quickly made an effort to get up off of her but then, he felt a gentle tug on the collar of his shirt.
…It was Rouge! He glanced back down at her and explored her face. She looked back at him with a lovely, seductive gaze in her eyes, and with her index finger, she motioned him to come nearer.
"Touch me," she whispered in his ear, "Talk to me,"
Shadow stared at her; he slowly placed his hands upon her face, slowly tracing his fingers around the edges of her smile. Then…almost like a vision, he saw something. He saw both himself and Rouge walking around the lake…
'What is this, some kind of dream? A fantasy possibly?' Shadow thought to himself.
Every time either one of them spoke, their mouths moved, but nothing came out, then he saw Rouge crying, then he watched himself wipe away her tears and kiss her…
…Returning to the present, Shadow looked at Rouge, her loving gaze shone upon him, "I'll never feel this way about anyone else," Shadow whispered, running a hand through Rouge's hair, "And I'm sorry if I ever hurt you, I promise, I'll never do it again. And I swear to you, I'll protect you and only you, with all my heart and soul."
She smiled then took one of his free hands and slowly placed it upon her chest. Shadow looked at her with wide eyes, speechless. She was goregous; the way the moon lit her face, the way she smiled, just everything.
"Love me…" she whispered to him, "My heart desires only you, Shadow…kiss me…explore me…"
Shadow smirked, " Can do!"
The bat released a loud squeal of delight as Shadow kissed her.
Sapphrie Lake Park…
Terrance had returned from the punch table with two full cups of red jiggling juice in hand, and took his spot on the bench. By the way, he never even bothered to look up at his date for the evening...or at least until it was too late.
"I'm back buttercup---Er…Rouge? Rouge? Where are you? Rouge? Hello? ROUGE?"
To be Continued!
Chapter Fifteen Theme: 'Love' -Keisha Cole