STH © SEGA
Sarah and Sam © Cozy Shadow
Flame, Petunia, and Jeffery © Phantomask
Italicized brands (like food labels, movies, and songs) belong to their rightful owner.
Any questions on the story? Ask TheDivines or leave a review (especially if you're a guest reviewer and cannot PM).
Chapters 15 and 16 will be updated Sunday, November 1st, 2015. …Hopefully. Happy Halloween! We got...one trick-or-treater so far...Woohoo...
Chapter Fourteen:
An Unexpected Visit
Just like Sarah didn't let Sonic's once-real name down, Amy teased Shadow all the way home.
"I can't believe it. Flame Summers can control you? Shadow the Hedgehog. The badass of all badass-ary."
The ebony male merely observed the road as he drove home—though he was really debating about dropping Amy off at the junction. Someone would eventually pick her up.
But that person could be a rapist for all we know. Rouge flashed in his mind, and then the moment he had lost his control in the store followed. I still can't believe I let it slip. It does make sense though. After so long like this, we get more in tune with our animalistic behaviors—plus we've grown.
Keeping his distance from the young flower had never been more imperative.
At least for now. Shadow noted to himself. After Amy's time of the month was over, things would return to normal. But if this is how it's going to be for as long as she stays here, I pray she doesn't stay for too long.
"Keep laughing," he decided to actually respond to her this time. "It's all fun and games until he starts controlling you for some theory."
"So, it wasn't the super speed?"
"Obviously."
"What could possibly make it so he can't control someone but can control a different person?" Amy mused to herself and gazed out the window. Everything was beginning to darken. "He can't hypnotize Sonic either, but he can with Manic.
"Your hover shoes gave you the super speed, but you have the ability of Chaos powers. Maybe the lack of Chaos emeralds made you vulnerable to Flame's control. But what if he can't control others with power? Like Blaze's fire powers or Silver's telekinesis. Maybe it has to deal with blood types or something, and has nothing to do with powers."
Her blabbing became annoying to the bolshie male. He really began thinking about dropping her off the side of the road.
"Blah, blah, blah."
Amy's ears swiveled in his direction. Green eyes stared at him quizzically.
Was Shadow the Hedgehog giving her sass?
That was a first. Then again, he definitely showed her that he had changed. Now, if she could just stop being so useless…
Looking down at her wrist, Amy rubbed it with her other hand. It was practically healed, but still felt odd upon bending inwards or outwards in a stretch. She cringed slightly at the sudden pain shooting through her wrist when she bent it.
"Stop that."
The aggravated tone made her blankly glare. "I can do as I please."
"You're only going to make it worse."
She ignored Shadow and went on rubbing her wrist. But she didn't bend it. Instead, she stuck with the circular motion of her fingertips.
"What are we going to do tomorrow?" The question popped out of her mouth before she could even realize she said it. But it was true—she wanted to know whether they would actually do something, of their lives would continue to be a bore.
"Whatever you like."
"I want to see Tails."
There was a pause. "I sort of meant alone."
Amy gawked at him with pleading eyes. "I'll let my wrist completely heal if you take me to Tails tomorrow."
"I could care less about your wrist."
"But—"
"The more you do that and make it worse, the longer I'm without a helping hand at feeding animals," Shadow growled under his breath. "And before you tease me about needing help, you better overlook the situation you're in."
"And I've thanked you countless times for it," Amy softened her voice. "But please? Can we go see Tails tomorrow?"
A sigh. A very exasperated and exhausted sigh.
"I have nothing planned," Shadow said. He didn't want to the let truth slide out because he didn't want to spend another day with Amy while they were in this certain current situation.
Amy mentally did a happy dance.
Unbeknownst to them both, they didn't know there was about to be a domino effect.
"I wanna go."
"Absolutely not," Shadow gripped the coffee cup. It was early Wednesday morning and the animals were fed. Sonic had been shoving food in his face when he decided to ask what they were doing today. Shadow regretted informing the blue speed demon that they were going to see Tails.
"But he's my life long best friend."
"Then see him on your own time. Besides, don't you have work today?" He eyed Sonic with a triumphant smirk across his muzzle.
Sonic faked a cough. "I'm sick."
Deadpanning, Shadow was beginning to regret the decision of letting Sonic inside his house four years ago.
And then Sarah walked into the kitchen, and the domino effect had yet to stop.
"Hey, they're going to Tails' today. We haven't been over there in a while."
The female stopped at the fridge. "We haven't, have we?"
"Nope. You've been saying you feel a little nauseous, and I think I'm coming down with something too," Sonic slid over the corner of the table and wrapped his arms around his wife-to-be. They both looked back at Shadow. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Shadow didn't want to hear it. But he knew it was coming—although he was mentally pleading to God that both wouldn't want to tag along. Amy was bad enough.
Brown eyes filled with mischief. "I'm thinking what you're thinking."
"Please, don't say it," Shadow whispered.
"Sick day."
The simultaneously said words were Shadow's doom. He had to deal with an unmated female on her period, a pest, and whatever the hell Sarah was.
He still didn't know what to call her—she was just there.
While plotting their accidental disappearances, Shadow's thoughts were interrupted by Amy.
Sarah was eating her cereal and Sonic had finished his food. Now it was time for Amy to find some. Rummaging through the cupboards, Amy felt eyes on her. More than one pair, too.
Turning, she was rather surprised, and intimidated, to see all three hedgehogs staring at her.
"Yes?"
"Guess who's coming to dinner," Sonic grinned at the quote.
Amy smiled back but it was more or less out of confusion. "What?"
"Sarah and Sonic are coming along," Shadow muttered unhappily at Amy, "Playing hooky to see Tails."
The pink hedgehog shrugged as she grabbed the box of cereal and ate it plain. "The more, the merrier."
Oh, how badly Shadow wanted to disagree.
Miles 'Tails' Prower loved guests. When they were invited.
But he knew who it most likely was when there was an unexpected knock on the door.
UPS.
Not today.
Tails was rather surprised to see four hedgehogs instead of his package that was supposed to arrive three days ago.
What in the world…
It wasn't strange for Sonic to drop by. It was strange for the whole household to drop by.
While Sonic had a dumb grin plastered across his muzzle, Sarah kicked the sludge off the steps. Amy waited patiently while waving slightly at Tails and offering him a small smile.
And then there was the fourth.
"Boy, Shadow looks cheerful as ever." Sarcasm had become the lonely fox's friend. He opened the door wider to let the four in. "What's with the sudden visit?"
"You mean you didn't call him first?" Amy turned on Shadow.
The black male looked rather surprised when she did. Something else flashed in his eyes, but Tails couldn't figure it out. Amy's scent was definitely more alluring though.
The fox, being smart, knew exactly what it was upon a second glance between the two.
Shadow better be careful before he dives off the deep end.
Tails closed the door and softly padded over to Amy. He watched Shadow out of the corner of his eye.
If Amy's barely started, then Shadow could be more aggressive—unless he's gotten used to it. His control his spectacular however.
The eighteen-year-old was on guard. The last thing he needed was Shadow, a powerful Mobian, to lose control.
Something tells me the sight wouldn't be pretty, and the aftermath even worse.
"It's alright, Amy." He gave her a wholehearted grin. "I could use the company."
The blush crept up on Amy, but she walked quickly away. Tails wasn't all too surprised to hear the low snarl building in Shadow's throat. The fox twisted towards him.
Blue eyes stared calmly into red, "How long?"
"Didn't notice until yesterday. Three today, though."
Shit. Tails thought as fear began to grasp at him. If Shadow doesn't keep it together, Amy might be stuck with him longer than they anticipated. But at least he's kept his cool so far—at most; he's got four more days to go.
"Don't lose it."
"I'm trying," he gritted his teeth. Shadow clenched his fists tighter and stared at the room Amy went into. "It feels like I've been placed in another body, with another mind."
"You get used to it." Tails shrugged as he explained. "I'm not surprised this is hitting you harder than it would have if you'd been younger."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, we are animals first," Tails reminded. "And animals live off basic instincts."
Shadow placed his hand out. "I don't need the lecture," he stopped Tails. "I get it. It's something I need to watch out for if Amy's going to be around longer than planned."
"And what was planned?"
"…Until she found a job. Frankly, that doesn't look to be any time soon. She's getting comfortable."
Tails smirked lightly and crossed his arms. Shadow gave him a knowing look.
"Nothing's going to happen between us. Neither of us is interested. The little situation yesterday doesn't change a damn thing."
Caught off guard, Tails raised an eyebrow. "What situation?"
Red eyes were wider by a fraction. He didn't mean to say that. It sort of blurted out. But he was sometimes prone to do it, being blunt and all. "I might have already lost control."
"Shadow."
"Nothing happened," the dark hedgehog assured. "It was only for a moment."
Tails let out a breath of relief.
Shadow truly was a fighter—that and completely stubborn. Even in things of love, he wouldn't fall so easily. Still, Tails knew not even the strongest could fight emotions. Eventually, friendship blossomed into something more—Tails knew that. He'd gone through that, and now it was gone. Love truly wasn't merciful if you didn't fight for it.
"Be careful, Shadow. The last thing we need right now is Sonic decking you all the way to Mars if you so much as touch Amy under the animal influence."
Shadow cracked a smirk, as if liking the sudden challenge. "He is rather protective of her, isn't he?"
"Amy's always been his little sister. Just like I've been his younger brother. He'll do anything if either of us gets hurt. And if it's you that hurts Amy, I'm afraid the punishment would get more personal."
Humming, the dark hero looked out the nearby window.
Tails' house was homey and big enough for more than just him, but the fox was still young. He didn't need to think about settling down and having a family. Sonic was twenty-five and gladly hitting that point.
I, on the other hand, am not.
Shadow could make it, he decided. He could survive without love—that's why he had friends, right? To not need love. He cared for his friends, so he didn't need any more company than that. He didn't need any deeper connection.
"I'll keep that in mind," he noted about Sonic's protectiveness. "I planned to avoid her. Unfortunately, she decided that coming over here was good idea. The others thought so too."
"If Sonic and Sarah came, I don't see why you couldn't stay home. If you were so against coming in the first place, I mean." Tails wasn't trying to insult Shadow. He just knew that the ebony male liked his solitude still, and only enjoyed Sonic's company when the blue blur wasn't acting like an irritating child.
"Frankly, I didn't have much of a choice once Sonic and Sarah knew. I didn't drive here. I was held hostage in the back seat."
"And the Ultimate Life Form couldn't fight back?" Tails snorted in humor.
Shadow ignored the chortle. "It was either visit you or fight two girls, one of which was making it very hard to focus on reality."
"Got'cha." Tails ushered him to the kitchen, noticing the trio had gone into the living room to no doubt play his Wii. "But I am glad you have a new companion. It's not like Sonic and I won't be around anymore, but Sonic might get busier within a year or two."
Shadow grasped the glass of water that Tails suddenly offered him. He held it and stared down at the clear liquid while thinking. "It wouldn't surprise me if Sonic became a father in the future."
"Yeah. He does like kids. He'll be a good father," Tails nodded in agreement as he looked out the kitchen window. The morning was still cool and foggy.
Things were silent for a second.
"I actually meant that Sonic and Sarah have sex a lot. So it won't be surprising if she gets knocked up. But you know, the good father and liking kids is true, too."
A sigh was inevitable at that point.
"Yes! I am winning, ladies and gentlemen!"
Amy didn't find the Wii much fun to play after Sonic won every game they played.
Sarah chose to sit on the couch, drink her hot chocolate, and read. Shadow was practically asleep as his sockless feet were about two inches away from Amy's thigh. Tails watched Sonic, who was busy winning, and occasionally talked about wedding plans with him. Sarah would pitch in too, of course.
Amy, overall, was busy looking at Shadow's toes.
It's the first I've ever seen him without socks on.
The red streak on his legs carried on like they did on his arms, which meant his little piggy toe and the one next to it were red. Just like his pinkie finger and ring finger were red.
Amy was rather surprised the first time she saw him gloveless.
Eight years had made all the difference. Of course, the heroes weren't fighting and gloves looked rather odd in the human world, so they ditched the gloves altogether. But Shadow had been a part of the few that remained wearing gloves—making him even more different from society.
It seemed his red markings were another reminder of that.
She had never seen anyone with toes or fingers like it. Finding it rather interesting, Amy stared at his clipped toes. She was really resisting the urge to—Oh, what the hell? Shadow was asleep anyway.
Sonic had been in the middle of basking in another victory and answering Tails' questioning about the food menu of the wedding when Amy's voice broke their conversation.
It normally wouldn't have been weird, but Amy was speaking in a baby tone.
Three heads turned to look at her. The fourth didn't need to turn, instead he watched over half opened eyelids while his arms rested behind his head and his toes played the victim to Amy's scheme.
"And this little piggy had roast beef."
Sarah closed her book. Sonic set the Wii remote to his side. Tails gaped in shock.
"What is she doing?"
"Ames?"
"Is she doing This Little Piggy with Shadow's toes?"
Despite them talking, Amy continued with a smile on her face. She found it rather humorous, especially since she was the only one that saw Shadow's confused look. The others were too busy gawking at her.
"This little piggy had none."
"Amy. I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"He's not doing anything though."
"Still. It's Shadow."
Shadow didn't care for their words. He was busy watching the puny female in front of him play with his toes.
Play with his toes.
Just when he thought Amy Rose couldn't get any weirder, she was there to set a new record of weirdness.
Still, he didn't find himself annoyed with the action. It didn't quite tickle, and her fingers were soft to the touch against each toe.
"Rose."
Amy stopped abruptly and looked up. Her ears perked towards the ebony hedgehog as she suddenly laughed humorously. "Yes, Shadow?"
Even she noticed the nickname. Her girly side was there to blush, but her logical side was there to acknowledge it as Shadow merely at peace with her.
He didn't have anything to say. Again, her action hadn't annoyed him for some reason. Guessing he was too tired to care, Shadow tilted his head down and closed his eyes again. Amy's feet curled up suddenly. He bent his knees and turned to the side slightly, letting their toes touch.
A throat cleared.
Amy glanced at Tails. "What?" she laughed lightly. "Even he needs to know This Little Piggy."
~.~
Sonic ventured into the kitchen, looking for food in the fridge, when Tails meandered in after him.
"So…Amy's little foot fetish. That was interesting."
The blue male snorted as his head was practically stuck in the fridge. He reached for the milk and grabbed it, standing straight. "At least they aren't arguing. But last night was weird…"
Tails tilted his head slightly. His ears twisted in Sonic's direction and the direction of the living room. An hour had passed since the toe incident. Sarah and Amy were talking in the living room, and Shadow remained asleep.
"Last night?" The fox wasn't sure if Sonic knew about Amy's current situation.
Most likely, his "brother" didn't know, since he had accepted the animal instincts a long time ago upon being with Sarah. Sonic didn't have to fight his primal side. That and being with Sarah meant Sonic rarely looked at another female with interest of being more than friends.
"Yeah," Sonic grabbed a glass from the cupboard as he spoke. "It was a little strange. Amy and I were in the kitchen when she started talking about their day. Flame had Amy watch the kids while he went job hunting. His hypnotizing power was all Amy could really think about."
Tails huffed. "She won't be able to figure it out. I couldn't."
Sonic gave the fox a look. "Don't be jealous if she does, then. But anyway…Shadow walked in and left pretty hurriedly. I can't help but feel like something happened between the two."
"Sonic, Amy's—"
"They were doing so well the past few days, too. I really thought they'd get closer," Sonic muttered to himself. "Not at snail pace. Instead, Shadow just took her advice about the cough syrup and tea thing and ignored her like usual. Amy did the same to him."
"Amy's—"
"Maybe I'm trying too hard," Sonic kept going and ignored Tails.
The fox was about to give up in telling him the news. What if Sonic became too protective of Amy? It wouldn't surprise him. After Cream…Sonic hardly let me call her…And then she—Ugh. This isn't about Cream and I. It's about Shadow and Amy.
But I have to tell Sonic. Shadow might not be able to control himself all of the time, and Amy's menstrual cycle isn't just a one-time thing. It's every month. Sonic has to at least be there to protect her—Sarah needs to be there, too. Just in case. Better to be safe than sorry.
Sonic was still talking to himself, although he thought Tails was truly listening. "I need to be a bit more secretive in my matchmaking. And before you say anything, no. I'm not giving up. I'm not leaving the poor bastard alone. He's helped me and this is the only way I can think of repaying the favor. I know those two can be good for each other, but they have to see what I see.
"I see them evening each other out. I see the puzzle pieces fitting in our puzzle, but only if Shadow's and Amy's go together. I see them being more than friends. Why can't they just accept that? I mean, sure. Both might have some trust issues. I ran from Amy all of the time, but she moved on with Silver and has accepted I'm with Sarah.
"Shadow—well, why wouldn't he have trust issues? Almost every human on this goddamn planet hates him. I've watched him suffer more than any hero should. Amy could be good for him—why can't he just admit it? I know he sees it."
"Because Shadow's always been the loner," Tails commented. "He's used to the solitude. And he might not know what to do with his feelings, just like you said in the store. But maybe it's also because he doesn't want any more responsibility than he already has—and we know he'd feel that way if Amy becomes something more to him. He feels that way now."
Sonic grunted as he leaned against the counter and peered out the window. It was getting a lot of attention today. A light sprinkle of rain had started outside, but nothing else was new. "He cares for all of us. He just…doesn't show it."
"Maybe you should start showing him then—that showing affections isn't bad. Eventually, he has to open up. Then maybe he and Amy's friendship will become something more. But, listen, Sonic, there's something I've got to tell you—"
"Tails, that's brilliant!" Sonic turned around and held onto Tails' shoulders. His glass of milk was left disregarded on the counter a long time ago. "I'll show affection for you guys! Then he has to slowly start following in my footsteps. I mean, he's already begun doing stuff like I do and vice versa.
"I actually rinse my glass out now, and he actually eats breakfast. I lean on the steering wheel, and he began to lean in the exact same way—though it was probably because it looked comfortable and it is. Beside the point!" Sonic was obviously happy with this new found plan. "There's always a reaction. Like that one guy's law."
"Sir Isaac Newton. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction," Tails muttered. It seemed pointless to tell him the news. "But, Sonic—"
"This is going to work. If Shadow doesn't fall for Amy this way, I don't know what else to try—"
"Amy's in heat."
There was a silent pause. Tails watched as Sonic became stern.
A glint of anger passed through those green eyes. "What?" His voice was dangerously low and raspy as a hiss formed.
Tails gulped, feeling slightly bad for Shadow. "Technically, she's just on her period. Humans call it 'in heat' since we're animals with human capabilities. But Mobians have a menstrual cycle like female humans, not an estrous cycle like some female animals. So, the term 'in heat' isn't really true for Mobians. Plus, Amy's not being sexually responsive to any of Shadow's actions—"
And in a flash, Sonic was gone.
Tails realized his ending words and widened his eyes. The words made it sound like Shadow had actually tried to seduce Amy. But he didn't—he wouldn't. Would he?
Sighing, Tails did the nerdiest thing he could think of.
"I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies but not the madness of people."
He quoted Sir Isaac Newton.
Because that was the thing to do when dealing with impossible friends.
Amy and Sarah had been talking.
Shadow had been sleeping.
While Sonic and Tails vanished into the kitchen, Amy glanced over at Sarah. She was reading a book and trying to have her hot chocolate last. Shadow was almost curled up all the way as he was sound asleep.
"So..."
Sarah looked up from her book. Reading glasses slipped down a bit before being completely pulled off. "So?"
"Have you figured out everything for the wedding?"
"Most of it. There is some stuff I would like your opinion on, though. Like the flower centerpieces and anything else to decorate the place with."
"Where are you getting married at?"
"It's up by this town called Blackmoor. It's kind of in the mountains. Anyway, there's a swimming pool place there and not far off is this barn that's specifically made for weddings. We went there when one of my college friends got married. It was the first place Sonic suggested, and I agreed. It's quite beautiful."
"That's good," Amy nodded her head, "How far away from here?"
"Two hours, maybe."
"Okay. Flower centerpieces?" She tried to make conversation with Sarah. She was the Maid of Honor after all, "Anything in mind?"
"Well, we wanted it to match the color scheme. While I really wanted to put 'Come to our Fourth of July wedding on May 5th' on our invitations, I restrained myself. Would've been a laugh though…Anyway, I wanted roses for the red, but Sonic thinks that's too generic."
"White roses?"
"Tablecloths are probably going to be white. Sonic didn't want them to blend in."
Amy cocked her head to the side and narrowed an eyebrow. "Why do I get the feeling that Sonic's more into this wedding than you are?"
Sarah set the book down completely and leaned over. She clasped her hands together, "Because it's just a wedding. I'm not a fan of big weddings, and I'm not trying to overdo it. Simplicity in reality, creativity in art. For me, a wedding is not art. It's a ceremony that could be done without fancy objects or extra people."
"I'm not sure if you're being kind to Sonic by doing this or if you're just complaining…"
"A little of both," Sarah shrugged. "It's the least of my worries right now."
"What are you talking about?"
"For one, my parents. They aren't overly fond of Sonic."
"But he saved their lives…" Amy was beyond confused. How could anyone dislike Sonic if they weren't already trying to kill him?
"They think he's a bit of a showoff. Sonic's only Skyped with them once. They're in Hawaii now on some retirement vacation, but my mom still works although she keeps griping about wanting to retire. When I told them I was dating Sonic the Hedgehog, they thought their only daughter was insane. Then they Skyped and haven't let it go since."
"Let it go?"
"He won't want to settle down. He's just looking for sex. He's not a commitment type of guy. He'll use you. Go back to your other boyfriend—we liked him. Same ole, same ole," Sarah shrugged again. "But I just ignore it. I mean, Sonic and I have stayed by each other for nearly four years now. He's been nothing but generous, loyal, respective and committed."
"And you?"
"Loyal to a fault," Sarah responded. "If the person doesn't have common sense though, I fail to respect them. Generous when I'm not being a pain in the ass."
"Commitment?"
"One of my many phobias. I'm a bit of a scaredy cat trapped inside a blunt bitch and wrapped in a nerdy, artsy video gamer. Only the people who get used to it stick around."
"I guess that's for the better," Amy noted. "Then you get honest people with common sense and similar interests."
"Exactly. My mother thinks I'm a bit too dependent though. On Sonic, particularly. She's the big pusher about breaking it off with him. I'm not gonna lie, she keeps telling me over texts about the future. After the wedding, what marriage is like—kids. She's trying to scare me out of it; I can tell."
Amy mulled it over as Sarah looked at her. "Are you afraid of marriage?"
The lime green hedgehog was silent. She glanced over at Shadow, who was still fast asleep. Sighing, Sarah unfolded her legs. "A little. I'm not sure what to expect. But it's like me to freak out about things until it happens. Then I'm fine."
"What about kids?" Amy feared. "You're not the kid person, but Sonic is. What happens when you're not ready and Sonic is?"
Sarah glanced away. "That's one thing I'm afraid of the most. After marriage, I know it will only be a matter of time before Sonic wants kids of his own. Seeing him with Petunia and Jeffery only confirms it. I just hope he'll understand my answer."
"Which is?"
"I'm not ready." Sarah picked at the fabric on her shirt.
They stopped talking until a thought hit Amy. She stared up at the other female in the room. "What are your other worries?"
"What?" The question caught her off guard.
Amy leaned back on the couch. "You're worried about the wedding. About the future. But you only stated one worry, which was your parents, but implied there was more than one."
A slight smirk. "Nothing gets past you, Amy. Well, almost." Sarah folded her arms across her chest and exhaled heavily. "I'm just concerned about something is all. Nothing for you to worry about."
"Oh?"
"Not exactly your business."
"Oh…"
It was as if Shadow had said the words instead of Sarah. The two were similar in keeping their noses out of other people's business most of the time. Amy was a little too curious about everything.
Still, Sarah contrasted from Shadow. Shadow would've dropped the subject, but Sarah didn't. "If you were faced with one of your fears, what would you do?"
Amy tried to piece together what she meant by that. But Sarah said it herself—she had many fears. It could've been anything. "Depending on the fear would depend on what I would do."
"Something life altering."
Trying to think, Amy responded after a slight moment of silence. "Well, how bad is it?"
"Could be good. Could be bad. Let's say it's neutral. It has the ability to be either. Like him," Sarah nodded her head towards Shadow, who looked innocent when asleep.
Amy stopped to stare at the male. She mentally shook her head and went back to Sarah. "I would face it. I wouldn't run from it, that's for sure. But you and I aren't alike. If you're secretly more of a scaredy cat than I am, then you'd probably run from it or seek aid from another. I would do what I could on my own first, and then accept help if I need to later on."
Nodding, Sarah pondered over the words. "And what if there's more than one fear I'm facing? And they aren't alike at all?"
"Well…In battle, I would fear for my life. And I would fear for others. But I knew that my life had to come second. The other people had to come first."
"Sonic was right when he said you were selfless beyond comparison to any other being on Earth."
Ignoring the blush, Amy thought about her previous words. "Does that example help though?"
"Not really. One fear is neutral—the outcome can be good or bad. One fear is…completely bad." Brown eyes met green in an intense gaze. "What would you do?"
Amy had to stare in wonder.
Neutral and bad. How would I work with that? Oh, I need an example, but what? Well, I could fear spiders. They aren't particularly bad or good. It depends on the move I make. But my other fear is their poison, which is bad. But nothing about the example is life altering unless I make the wrong move.
"I guess…You should play it safe. Make the fear that's bad not happen. Let the neutral fear do what it does."
Sarah slumped against the couch and closed her eyes. Her response was obvious silence, but Amy didn't mind. Instead, the pink hedgehog leaned forward, although they were a good seven feet away from each other.
"Can I ask what one of the fears is?"
"Only one."
Amy bit her bottom lip. "The bad fear?"
"My mother."
The rose hedgehog only had a few seconds to think about her words.
Sarah fears her own mother? Or does she fear what her mother would do or say—which would ultimately be bad? I'm going with both. They go hand in hand, really.
If her mother is truly as bad as she says…I don't want to meet her.
"SHADOW!"
Her few seconds to think were up.
The alarm clock blasted out, but it was no match for him.
Shadow shut it off quickly and groggily sat up. He woke up in his house while lying in his bed. But things weren't the same. His brain told him things weren't the same.
Glancing at the clock, it didn't say five in the morning like it normally did. Instead, it had weird Greek looking symbols. He shook his head and the numbers came back to read: 5:32.
Oh, no. He'd slept in thirty minutes.
Not even bothering to get changed, Shadow walked out of the room. Down the hallway, he zipped past the living room. Opening the front door, he only saw piles of snow. Pajama pants were wet by the time he took five steps.
Glancing up, he saw across the house what looked to be a barn. A barn—a new barn—stood before him. Shadow couldn't remember making the new barn, but it looked nice.
He was late in feeding the animals, so he didn't care how the barn built itself in one night.
Hurrying to the barn, he opened the door and walked in.
Oh, what a sight.
It was then that Shadow began thinking something was wrong. Instead of cows, there were llamas. Instead of horses, there were more llamas. The inside of the barn looked nice though.
"Hey! Why are you slacking? Get to feedin'!"
Sonic's voice boomed overhead.
Shadow craned his neck to look up. In the loft, Sonic stared down at him with an angered look. "What makes you think that you can rest? Get to work!"
Instead of retorting, Shadow quickly finished feeding all of the llamas that weren't his. But strangely, he felt like they were. Everything made sense, yet something in the back of his mind told him he didn't own a single llama.
Shrugging everything off, Shadow headed back inside for breakfast. It was the normal routine after all.
The snow piled up and he barely got into the house. He was greeted with the smell of eggs and bacon—and also an unexpected sight.
"Sheesh, there you are. God, you're so slow," Sarah spoke as she rested her hands on her protruding belly. "Where's Sonic?"
He couldn't respond.
But the sight of Sarah heavily pregnant didn't make him confused.
His mind seemed to think everything was all right. Like his alarm clock only showed Greek symbols at first, that his new barn had built itself in one night, that he owned llamas, and that Sonic ordered him around. Not to mention Sarah. And the fact that Sarah and Sonic were still in his house—everything made sense in his brain.
But there was that nagging voice that kept telling him, 'This isn't right.'
"God, you're so annoying," Sarah growled. It was obvious she was rather moody, especially when a little mini Sonic ran up and hugged her around the legs. "Ugh. Look, Amy's making breakfast."
Escaping Sarah and her change in behavior, Shadow went into the kitchen cautiously.
"Oh, there you are!"
Lips suddenly crashed with his. His arms automatically snaked around hips and tugged the lips closer. His eyes had shut a long time ago as he enjoyed the sensation.
He'd never felt this feeling. He had never kissed anyone before—at least that's what the sensible side told him. The Shadow in the dream acted as if he were kissed all the time. It still left tingles of warmth either way.
Then the lips were no longer on his, and he was peering down at Amy, wearing what looked to be a maternity shirt.
A sudden warning went off in his head. 'This is definitely not right! This is completely wrong! What's happening?! Why is everything going by so fast?! What is this?!'
But Shadow in the dream felt no confusion.
"I'm just finishing up. Can you go wake the kids?"
Kids. He had kids.
'Okay, Shadow. Time to wake up. This is getting insane. You don't own llamas, Sarah's not pregnant, you're not with Amy, and you certainly don't have children with her!'
The Shadow in the dream didn't respond. Instead, he walked out of the kitchen after giving Amy another peck on the cheek. Then he was gone and down the hallway. His legs seemed to carry him instinctively.
'Mayday! Mayday! Get out of here! WAKE UP.'
He reached for the door knob on the right, where Sarah and Sonic's old bedroom was. Shadow barely twisted the knob when someone hollered his name.
"SHADOW!"
Panting, the ebony male breathed heavily up at the ceiling. Things became clear.
It was a dream.
It had all been a scary dream.
His new barn wasn't completely built. His alarm clock wasn't whack. He didn't own llamas. Sarah and Sonic had no kids. He and Amy certainly weren't together. And he wasn't the father of her children either.
Shadow was at Tails' house. He'd fallen asleep on the couch. That's it.
Catching his breath, Shadow noticed he shot forward upon waking up. He glanced over at Amy and Sarah. The two females were watching him warily.
And then Sonic came storming into the room.
The ebony male was still trying to avoid Amy's eye contact, as well as Sarah's now too. Now he had to deal with Sonic still ordering him around.
It was obvious the hero wanted to clobber him, too.
Sonic stood, shaking in front of Shadow. Tails hurried into the room with worried eyes.
"Sonic—" The fox was cut off though.
"You bastard."
"She was pregnant with your kid, I swear!"
…
…
…
That definitely wasn't what they expected to hear. But Shadow could only think of the nightmare that had just enfolded.
"…What?" Sonic blinked and raised an eyebrow. "I'm talking about Amy."
Reality became clear to him completely. Events of yesterday and the day before and the ten years prior all came back to him. Shadow slumped down. "Right…I just…had a nightmare."
Sonic kept his brow raised. It certainly wasn't like Shadow to trail off during speech. "Are you feeling okay?"
Everyone watched the ebony male with concern.
It'd been a long time since Shadow had dreamed. Actually dreamt. And it just had to be more of a nightmare than anything.
Red eyes were wide the entire time upon waking up, but Shadow didn't realize it. The dream and reality were blurring, and he couldn't tell what was happening anymore.
It felt like something or someone was messing with him.
"…There were so many llamas."
It was almost midnight.
The bright light of the computer screen blared throughout the basement room. Amy typed away while talking to a certain someone.
She figured the day couldn't get any odder after the toe thing. And then Shadow turned around and made them seriously question his sanity.
Silver: He really said that?
Amy: Wouldn't stop mumbling about llamas for the next ten minutes. We just decided to leave, and get him home. I don't think it's the cold talking though.
Silver: What could it possibly be? I'm laughing my ass off, though.
Amy: He said he didn't have many dreams. I guess he was so exhausted and so much had happened that he finally dreamed when he fell asleep—but it turned out to be some nightmare.
Silver: A nightmare about llamas. Classic.
She bit her fingernail. Fifteen minutes until midnight. She should be in bed—but the couch was uncomfortable, and the day was too weird not to say anything to her best friend now.
Amy: I don't think that's all it was. He said something along the lines, "She's pregnant with your kid, I swear." He sort of yelled it out. But I don't think he was talking about me, since Sonic said he was talking about me, and Shadow seemed even more confused. I think he was talking about Sarah in the dream.
Silver: Sarah, then? Maybe he was having a nightmare about them still living in his house. XD
Amy: Could be. I'm worried for him though. Despite the whole "animal instinct" incident, I don't hate him. He's a friend. Sort of. Well, he has his good moments.
Silver: Speaking about animal instincts.
There was a pause, so Amy typed.
Amy: What?
Silver: Remember Sally Acorn?
The name had been engraved in Amy's head the moment Sonic started to date Sally back in Mobius.
It was six months before the Eggman disaster. They'd broken up mutually after those six months, thinking it would be better if they focused on saving Mobius first.
Amy: Yeah. I remember. What about her?
Silver: Have you kept tabs on her?
Amy: Not really. She was nice and all, but…I never actually saw her as a friend. All because I was obsessed with Sonic. I never gave her a chance. Didn't hear anything from her after the group went to the city.
Silver: She and Sonic got into this huge fight. She'd lost her parents and her throne. Then her boyfriend. They were going to get back together after everything was resolved, but neither predicted that Mobius would be entirely lost. We all figured it would survive. Then when we realized it wouldn't, Tails made the portal with the use of the Chaos emeralds and the Master Emerald.
Silver: After we got to Earth and defeated Eggman once and for all, Sally wasn't sure she wanted to be with Sonic anymore. The long battle got her thinking about life or some shit. Sonic got upset. The two exchanged some nasty words and left. Sonic came with us, and Sally was left as an outsider.
Amy frowned at the news.
She couldn't believe it. Miss Perfect became Miss Outcast. Why had they fought though? That wasn't like Sonic and Sally. They were such a perfect couple back then—Amy was sure they would've gotten married. That's why she felt some surprise when Sonic said he was dating someone else. That girl had vanished after two months, though.
And then eight years went by. Somewhere along that time, Sonic had met Sarah. Sally was supposedly forgotten.
Amy: I feel bad for her now. What happened to her?
Silver: Don't be. She's making it pretty good as whatever the hell she does now. She studies Mobian behavior. Apparently, she's kind of obsessed with the idea of how mates respond and interact.
Amy: There's the "speaking of animal instinct" thing I was waiting for. So, she's like some professional on it?
Silver: In Mobian behavior? There's no one better. Blaze occasionally talks to her actually, ever since she read Sally's first book. She's got five out so far. They're like psychology books but about Mobian behavior. It was a little interesting in the first book—at first. Then I got lost on chapter seven and gave up reading them altogether.
The rose hedgehog pondered for a moment or two.
Amy: And what? You want me to read Sally Acorn's books?
Silver: It might help—dealing with Shadow and all. They're under the name Ally Scorn though. Some Mobians still know her as Princess, so she published under a different name. Blaze had a hunch when one of Sally's examples in the story was very similar to a story Sally told Blaze once. Whole reason Blaze figured out it was actually Sally.
Amy: But wouldn't people know she's Sally Acorn if she's so good at what she does?
Silver: That's what I asked. Blaze did, too. She only responded that people knew her as Ally Scorn. Not Sally Acorn. Only a few know her real name. The rest think Princess Sally Acorn is dead and that Ally Scorn just looks similar. She looks a bit different now, though.
Amy: At least she's doing good and keeping busy—forgetting about Sonic. Did she hear Sonic was dating? I mean, the first girl was totally in secret, but Sonic said it to the public. There was some news article about it.
Silver: It was Mina.
Those words couldn't have been a bigger dagger. Mina? How could Sonic go to Mina?
Amy: …Wow. How did those two meet again?
Silver: Mina was trying to get noticed. She was thrown into a new planet, literally. With people who just didn't like her music. They still don't. She dated Sonic for a while when they met up. I think he reached out to her.
Amy: What happened to their relationship then? If not Sally, it should've been Mina.
Silver: That's what I thought. They broke up by the time we moved to New York. Apparently, Mina thought Ash was dead.
Amy: Impossible. We knew familiar faces that went into the portal. I was there when Ash went in. He was frantic and looking for Mina. That's one of the most vivid flashbacks I still have. It was right before the portal started to collapse in on itself.
Silver: Long story short, Mina broke it off with Sonic to go back to Ash. They've been together ever since. I think they got married last spring. Sonic didn't seem to mind, though. I mean, I was there. We were at one of her gigs. Ash just strolled right up, looking at Mina as if he'd found Heaven. Tears were a-flowing that night. Let me tell you.
Amy: You don't have to. XP But what about Sally? Back to her.
Silver: What about her? She heard about Sonic and Mina. Blaze and Sally caught up about two years ago, when the first book came out—Blaze never told you because it was Sally. She didn't think you'd be too interested. Sally wasn't completely heartbroken about Sonic and Mina though, but she could've been hiding it. She's got a boyfriend now, for about three years or so.
Feeling slightly better for the chipmunk, Amy grinned somewhat and continued to type in response.
Amy: Good for her. It's nice to see some do better than I ever did. But at least we all made it out. Some weren't as fortunate. Where is Sally now, though?
There was a long pause. All the screen said was 'Silver is typing…'
She picked at her nails. Butch was asleep at her feet. The screen was seriously bright. The clock was now midnight.
It was a new day.
A new day, and she was still stuck there like the helpless little girl she'd always been.
At least Mina was doing well. At least Sally was moving on. Everyone seemed to have it better than Amy, but maybe she was just feeling pity for herself.
The familiar ding broke her train of thought.
Silver: She lives pretty close to you actually.