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.
Shadow's in Sonic Boom…Shadow the Hedgehog is FINALLY in Sonic Boom…I cannot wait for the English version episode to come out! XD Of course, they would have Shadow in the last episode of the season, too. Ugh. Now I have to wait for the next season as well…
Also, I've got some news:
Since I've had some additional ideas, I need to rethink the plot. Therefore, I'm on hiatus after this chapter. :/ Sorry, readers! It'll only be about a week or so, so don't fret. :D
The schedule will definitely be changed because of the change in plot (the story might actually be longer than the original now and the batches might be different). I had last minute ideas and was like, 'I've got to do it.' :) So I hope you readers won't be too upset with me.
The TCG schedule thing on my profile will simply say, 'On week hiatus for rescheduling…' Until I get the final (hopefully *crosses fingers*) schedule written down. Thanks!
ALSO: If some of you read this and are like, 'What about Sally?' She's not mentioned in this chapter because honestly...I fucking forgot last minute and was like, 'Fuck it.' So yeah...Sally will be mentioned later! It'll be great. *waves angered readers off* Go have a doughnut!
Chapter Fifteen:
The Leverage
That morning was the start of a new day.
No more llamas.
Shadow drank the orange juice greedily as Amy filed in. Sonic left early to help a customer in search of a swather. Sarah had left ten minutes ago. Overall, it was 7:58 a.m. on a Thursday morning.
Still no llamas.
No weird dreams to be exact.
Shadow slept like a baby, although the expression never made sense to him because the infants he had watched (Petunia and Jeffery) never slept soundly. Petunia woke up continuously and moved around a lot. Jeffery was the same, only had less nightmares.
I better they never dreamed about llamas before.
He was rather happy to see his cows and horses in place that morning. The cows seemed interested in the sudden pat they got on their forehead. The horses had a good rubbing and their coats were shinier.
I didn't sleep in either. I woke up at 4:30 and have already accomplished so much.
Shadow the Hedgehog felt good. It was a new day, and it was going to be better than yesterday.
Even the dog got a good scratching behind the ears. Butch had rested beside his master's chair up until Amy walked in.
"Good morning."
The rose hedgehog had to stop and stare at Shadow. "Good morning," she responded rather slowly. Making her way to the cupboard, she grabbed a glass and then filled it with water. "How are you feeling today?"
"Better." Shadow was rather talkative all of a sudden. It made Amy ponder. Perhaps the ebony male was still sick. "Although the new barn still hasn't built itself, I am the proud owner of no llamas and am still childless."
Green eyes half squinted at him.
Although Shadow definitely had a happier aura around him, his words were enough to make Amy think he was completely off his rockers.
"That must've been some nightmare, then." Amy sat beside him, as he was perched in his usual seat at the head of the table. "Too bad the new barn isn't built, though."
"The llamas didn't spit at me fortunately."
"And the child thing?"
Shadow paused as his glass of orange juice rested on his lips. It suddenly didn't look so bright and inviting anymore. It tasted mediocre, too. Setting the glass down, Shadow avoided Amy's look. "Yes."
"You had a nightmare…that you were a…father?" Amy guessed leisurely. Her fingers grasped the cold glass of water loosely.
Red eyes looked at anything but her still. "Yes."
"And how was that?"
He furrowed his eyebrows. "Never actually saw the children—but yo—" He cut himself off to save his words. "But someone implied I had kids with them. That and I believe she was wearing a maternity shirt."
"Oh?" Amy raised an interested, teasing eyebrow. She leaned towards him. "You know what a maternity shirt looks like now?" She blinked innocently, noticing that he was looking at the table rather than her.
"She had a growing stomach…" he mumbled.
Suddenly, his day wasn't so good anymore.
Why did Amy Rose have to show up and interrogate him about his nightmare? Why did she have to be the one in his nightmare that he was mated to and had kids with?
"Who was it?"
"What?"
Shadow was caught off guard and actually dared to look at her. Amy was blinking unknowingly at him still. Swallowing down the apprehension, Shadow clutched onto his glass.
"Who was she?"
"Why would that matter?" He glanced away.
Amy frowned at him. His nightmare was rather hilarious to her, but a part of her truly wanted to know who the female was. Her girly side told her that could've been her—since Shadow was avoiding her gaze and all. Her logical side, however, was there to say otherwise.
"Maybe it was actually the future."
Shadow choked on the sip of orange juice he had taken to evade answering further questions. He set it down and exhaled heavily after catching his breath. "I highly doubt that," he rasped.
"Oh?" Amy straightened up. "Why's that? Is she a celebrity you have the hots for?"
Shadow told himself to lie. "No," he truthfully spoke. He couldn't lie. He just wasn't about to tell the full truth either. "I knew her. Someone I used to know—or thought I knew."
A sudden image of Rouge flashed through Amy's head. She stopped her teasing and slumped down in her seat. A part of her was depressed and another part of her was angry.
Stupid, Amy. Of course, it's Rouge. Why would it be you? Stop thinking like a fangirl! Then again Rouge is taken…Still; it would make sense with his words.
Still, the thoughts of being with Shadow had never truly left Amy. Ever since Silver's suggestion, Amy found herself at battle with her thoughts.
Sometimes, she fooled her brain into thinking the Ultimate Life Form was being friendly because he actually liked her. Other times, she pitied herself because they could, and would, never be anything but friends.
It wouldn't work, Amy. Don't fool yourself. He doesn't like you. He's being a friend—that's all you two will ever be. She thought as a part of her seemed to crumble—the fangirl part. It seemed to die a lot. Then if Shadow made a single movement, her fangirl side was resurrected and more powerful than before.
"Maybe it means you two will be together again," Amy shrugged and got up from her seat. "There's no harm in trying to find a partner, Shadow. After I get back on my two feet, perhaps I'll start to date again."
She ignored his quills twitching, but she noticed it. She ignored it for the sake of her fangirl side. But, still, it was a noticeable movement from the male.
He's only being like that because we're both without mates, and I'm currently on my period. It doesn't help with our animal instincts telling us to settle down. Once my period's over, everything will go back to normal, and we'll be civilized people.
A blush had crept up on her cheeks however.
"And just where were you planning on finding a job? Where were you going to live?" Shadow's sudden questions made them both wonder. "Are you staying in this area or going back to New York?"
"I…" Amy stammered and went to grab her drink. Instead, her shaking fingers hit it, and the glass hit the table as the water spilled over Shadow.
The male was quick to stand, but the bottom of his shirt and top of his pants were wet. He growled under his breath.
"I'm sorry!" Amy bit her bottom lip. "I thought it was further than what it actually was!"
On instinct, Amy reached for the paper towel dispenser in the middle of the table and ripped a couple sheets off. Wasting no time, she pressed her hand against Shadow's wet clothes, just above his jeans. She felt the muscle of his lower abdomen and gulped in sudden realization.
Shadow had frozen completely upon feeling her touch him—the sparks shot through him lightly and disappeared just as quick.
"Oh," Amy's blush never failed to deepen. She looked away as she handed him the paper towel sheets. "I'm sorry. I panicked."
His hands skimmed hers. "They're just clothes, Amy." The paper towels were in his grasp now, and Amy quickly cleaned any water on the counter after ripping more paper towels off the dispenser.
Their arms brushed together in their haste to clean up the mess.
Eyes locked on to one another. Silence filled the gap between them and all around for extra measure. The blush never left her cheeks. His breath had never been so close to her before.
"Um…" Amy swallowed. She blinked away from the trance and finished cleaning up the mess. Shadow watched with a curious gaze.
Just what was that moment all about? He hadn't the faintest clue. But something—the feeling deep inside that had started to grow—seemed to develop towards the young flower. The feeling was still foreign to the hero, but he knew it had its eyes set on Amy.
But what was the feeling? Shadow didn't have a clue about that one either. Something like kindness with warmth and a protective layer was involved, that much he knew. He couldn't think of the specific name however.
The feeling was gone once the phone rang.
Amy stammered some more and rushed to grab it. Picking it up, Amy nearly whispered, "Hello?"
Shadow watched as he unbuttoned his flannel shirt. Amy had her back turned for now. She clutched the sink and did her best to block out her idiotic move of hitting the glass.
"Hey, Ames. Listen, does Shadow have any plans today? I left in such a hurry to help this customer that I forget to ask him myself."
"I don't know. I'll ask him." Amy turned and was met with a shirtless Shadow. He wasn't paying attention. He was too busy ripping off a stray piece of fabric from his shirt. Amy grasped the phone tighter as her voice became dry.
What the heck is happening to me? I think I'm feeling the effects of this menstrual cycle and animal instincts now. Oh, no…Please just let it be the fangirl in me resurfacing.
"Um…" Amy cleared her throat and red eyes met her green. "Shadow wants to…I mean, Sonic knows. I mean…" She narrowed her eyebrows and closed her eyes. The shirtless male in front of her was not helping her think straight.
"Ames? Amy, you there? You okay?"
Shadow walked towards her and took the phone. "Yes?"
"Shadow, what's up with Amy?"
"Effects of primal instincts," Shadow guessed as Amy leaned up against the counter. "Now what do you need?"
"…Shadow."
"Better make it quick," the ebony male seemed to snap. He didn't care for Sonic's protective, fatherly gaze over Amy anymore and especially now. Sonic had been nothing but a pest last night—not wanting them in the same room and breathing down their necks. "I'm currently shirtless and who knows how long Amy can keep control."
"I swear to God…"
"Clock is ticking, Sonic."
"I need you to run into town for me and pick up the stuff on the list that's on the fridge from Home Depot. I would say not to take Amy with you but…"
"You need a female's opinion and Sarah's at work."
"Unfortunately. Keep an eye on Amy, Shadow. And if I learned that you did anything to her—"
"Noted. Goodbye, Faker." Shadow hung up and put the phone in its holder. Amy was still in her spot. He turned to leave and change his clothes, but Amy's hand latched out onto his arm. "Oh, no," he muttered in irritation.
The clock just ran down to zero.
Amy panted unevenly as she opened her eyes and looked up. Dilated and with a lost look, the green eyes seemed to search for Shadow. Her nose twitched and she tightened her hold. It didn't faze him.
"Amy. Let go."
He gripped her hand softly and tugged it away from him. She released a whimper. Shadow softly stared at her and held her hand, rubbing it soothingly. "Rose. Don't lose control. Fight it. You're not an animal. Just a few more days and everything will be back to normal." Until next month.
Her body went limp. Eyelids fluttered and Amy's green eyes were back to show more color than just black. She breathed out heavily and slumped against the counter. Shadow steadied her.
"Better?"
"I'm sorry." Her hand went to her head, as if checking for a fever. "I get like this sometimes. Sex driven more than anything. It always feels like I'm running a fever. It happened right before I lost control with my coworker back in New York…"
Shadow's hand was cool to the touch as he set it against her blazing forehead. He hummed in thought and cleared his throat. "I have to run into town. But I need you with me because I need a female's opinion. Sonic left a list on the fridge. We're just going to Home Depot. Think you can handle that?"
"Yes," Amy tried to catch her breath.
"Good," Shadow stepped away. "For extra precautions, I'm going to do something. Now, don't freak out. It's only so males don't see your vulnerability."
Amy squeaked as soon as Shadow was practically on top of her. His breath skimmed her ear as he seemed to rub against her. His scent filled her senses and she crumpled against his hold. A weak mewl came out of her as he rubbed their heads together. His nose buried into her shoulder as his hands held her hips steady.
The rose hedgehog was trying to think. It was impossible.
Shadow felt no animal inside of him. His control had banished the primal instinct from appearing for a long while.
Now, he was helping her.
If he made her smell like him, then it would appear they were mates. No males would take a chance at Amy then. And Amy wouldn't fall for them under her sex driven instincts and their seducing ways. Plus, Shadow could get his task done quicker if Amy cooperated.
He stopped after another minute. Amy was completely limp against him. Shadow sighed and picked her up. "I have to get ready and take a shower. You can stay in my room for now."
The extra time for her to acquire his scent was useful. So, Shadow didn't mind setting her down in his bed. He watched her as she curled up around the sheets and nuzzled the pillow before he set off towards the shower with new clothes in hand.
Amy purred against the scent of a male. It had been forever since she had been like so, and the hopeless romantic loved it.
She closed her eyes in peace and inhaled the scent of a familiar hedgehog—she couldn't remember his name at the time however. Hopefully, the female would wake up sane after Shadow finished his shower.
For now, she slipped easily into the dream world.
Amy was silent during the drive.
Shadow didn't mind. She had time to collect her thoughts and make sure she kept control. It was difficult at first, he noticed. He had to physically buckle her in her seat. She became limp with his touch.
The rose hedgehog leaned up against the cool window and breathed heavily. Her little power nap in Shadow's bedroom helped calm her nerves. "Shadow?"
"Hm?"
She needed to hear some one's voice. She felt all alone suddenly. Like in New York. It was different now—having company almost all of the time. "What all do we need to get?"
"Whatever's on the list, I suppose. I didn't quite look at it. I was busy." Busy dealing with Amy. He didn't say the last part, but they both thought it.
Amy slunk down in her seat and twiddled her clasped fingers. "Do Tails and Cream talk often?"
"They did a year or two ago." His voice was comforting to hear. Amy didn't feel so alone anymore. She tilted her head in his direction as he continued, "I failed to mention something last time though."
"What?"
"They had a falling out maybe a year ago. I don't know the details, but I do know that they were having a secret relationship."
Tails and Cream secretly dating? Why? It didn't make sense to Amy. She bit her bottom lip.
"Why on Earth would they do that?"
Shadow exhaled. "They were both young. I'm not sure if her mother didn't approve or if she found someone else—people don't tell me things that match."
"Who told you what?"
"Tails said the latter. Sonic talked about her mother not approving. That was all he said. He seemed pretty upset with the situation. I'm sure he lectured Tails on it. The fox boy is fine though. I mean, he was living on his own by age fourteen."
"How is that even legal?"
"The government gives anything to the world's heroes. That and Sonic had a good talk with them too."
"Sonic really does back Tails up, doesn't he?"
"He backs anyone up."
Amy glanced out the window. She sighed and watched the window get foggy by her nose. "Then why did Tails give me her number?"
"He gave you Cream's number?"
"Yes. The day we met up with him at the grocery store."
Shadow hummed in thought. "I don't think that's a good idea, Amy."
"What?"
"Conversing with the rabbit. Sonic doesn't like her."
That was news.
Amy sat up straight and watched the ebony hedgehog carefully. His gaze was shifted towards the road, and both hands were on the steering wheel. The radio was tuned in on an old rock n' roll music station—which seemed rather fitting for Shadow.
"But why would Sonic despise Cream?"
"With the little information I have to go on, I assume she broke up with Tails. He did look heartbroken a winter ago."
Amy couldn't believe it. "But Cream was always so nice…That doesn't make sense."
"People change," Shadow shrugged and glanced at her. "You said so yourself."
He got her there.
Amy looked back out the window, trying to process the information. She didn't want to admit that what Shadow said was true. She didn't want to think about Cream as a different acting person, especially one that secretly dated or broke hearts.
She wanted the old Cream back, but people did change.
The rose hedgehog just didn't want it to be true.
"Okay, we go in, get the stuff, get out. Got it?"
Shadow pushed the cart as manly as possible while making sure Amy stuck to his side. A male in the parking lot had already given them a look—more like Amy a look.
The ebony hedgehog felt a growl rumble deep in his throat.
Sliding doors opened for them and the two were inside Home Depot. Amy clutched onto his arm, shakily following him.
"Got it."
"No wandering off."
"Got it," she whispered again. Her eyes searched the big, giant place.
And then the scents hit her.
Hot cheetah over by the cashier. Smoking hot beaver at the return desk. And the worker…was positively drool worthy.
Amy whimpered and let go of Shadow's arm. The dark hero mumbled in a reprimanding manner, linking their arms together again. "Don't get sidetracked."
Again, she whispered, "Got it."
Shadow tugged her along and went through an aisle. The list was rather long, but held specific items sold separately. The dark male wanted to scratch his quills out. Not only did he have to shop for Sonic, he had a long list and a vulnerable female without a leash.
I wonder if they sell those here…
Red eyes glanced at a chain in all seriousness before he mentally shook his head.
No, Shadow. You're not chaining Amy to the cart no matter how much it would help this visit go by smoother.
"What are we doing?"
"Finding counter tops first. Apparently Sonic wants to remodel his new house," Shadow muttered and then yanked Amy along for the ride.
"Can I use the restroom?" she meekly asked a blush crept up on her muzzle. Timidly, Amy looked down at the cement flooring.
Shadow rolled his eyes. "Yes, whatever."
Since he knew where to go, Shadow led her to the restrooms.
Next to the lavatories was something on the list: shower nozzles. Shadow glanced down at the long list and read Sonic's extra note of preference. The blue speedsters really thought everything out.
"I'll be right over here. Meet me here," he ordered the pink flower as she stumbled into the bathroom.
Amy breathed out a sigh of relief as soon as the door closed.
She could focus now.
Staring at the mirror, she combed through her long quills and set it up in a ponytail. Fixing her shirt, Amy looked at her attire. Not bad overall. Any guy in the store would fall for her, she just knew it.
Now she just had to ditch the deadweight.
I'm not going to be his little pet. Amy poked her out of the bathroom door and searched for the certain male she didn't want to attract. He's nowhere in sight. Good.
Zipping out of view, Amy hurried down one aisle and out of the way of the restrooms. She knew she had to be quick or else Shadow would catch onto her.
But something nagged at the back of her brain and told her to explore this new, glorious place with Mobians of the opposite sex that were single and ready to mingle.
It didn't take long to find one either.
Another good looking worker was setting bolts into their rightful containers and scratching something off his clipboard. He was a maroon hedgehog, a little shorter than Flame but still taller than Shadow, and he had welcoming green eyes.
He looks good.
Her instincts were making her head towards him to see his full potential. Amy was merely following those instincts like a love-struck teenager.
But what if he's got a girlfriend? Or wife? And kids? Oh, God. This is a terrible idea.
Two steps into the aisle and Amy raced away.
The worker glanced up but saw nothing but a flash of movement. He shrugged and went back to stocking the shelves.
Amy panted as she ran towards an open door.
Freedom!
She ran through the sliding door that had opened just for her. Stopping abruptly, Amy noticed it wasn't quite outside. It was, but it was the garden center.
Bare and boring.
A young human worker sat on his chair by his forgotten cash register stand. Amy discreetly walked out and back into the warmth of the store.
Okay, not freedom.
She eyed the people around her. Most were humans. It was as if God had known her plan and made all the males hide. Amy scowled and walked through the potted plants inside of the store.
She eyed a snake plant, which was simply tall and striped.
Standing there for a good five minutes, Amy pondered to herself. Part of her told her to go back to Shadow. Another part told her to ditch him altogether and go find a hot date.
But the pink hedgehog would not be swayed. She had to maintain control, like Shadow. Amy focused on looking at the boring plant and forgetting that males even existed.
"Finding everything okay, Miss?"
The sweet voice caught her ears.
Amy whipped her head to the right and was met with green eyes much like her own. They were warm and humorous filled.
Looking at the sudden intruder, Amy noticed one thing. He was Mobian. And a he.
Technically speaking, those were two things, but Amy didn't care. She simply stared at him longer than usual. He seemed to be her age, and was probably a college student working there. He had the worker's vest on top of a long sleeved navy blue shirt.
He had light gray fur and his quills were put up in ponytail. A silver piercing was snug against his left ear. Amy bit her bottom lip at the attractive thing in front of her.
"Just fine."
"Oh, my God…" The worker seemed to pause as his expression became one of a realization. "You're Amy Rose."
She was sure her cheeks were red still. "Yes. That's me."
"Wow. You're even more beautiful in person," he flattered. "My name's Joshua."
Amy shook his hand lightly. There were no tingles. She didn't know why that mattered though.
…Because there are sparks when Shadow and I touch…
Get a grip, Amy! It doesn't mean anything. Now you have this fine looking man in front of you that's actually interested. Talk. To. Him.
Don't say anything weird though.
Please don't say anything weird.
"Amy Rose."
Joshua gave her a laugh. He let go of her hand and crossed his arms coolly. "I know that already."
"I mean," Amy closed her eyes in thought. She shook her head and looked at him. "I'm sorry. I'm not used to this."
"Used to what?"
Oh, shit. He's not flirting. He probably has a girlfriend or something and just wants an autograph. Think of something, you idiot!
"Talking to fans. I mean, I lived alone for a long time. I got recognized, yes, but not like this. I mean, the people would wave or take a picture with me. I never actually had a conversation. Again, I lived alone so I don't exactly know where all of my communication skills have run off to—"
A finger pressed against her lips softly to shush her. Joshua smirked with humor. "Well, I'm honored."
The rose hedgehog took a step back and stared at her feet. The worker cleared his throat after another minute of silence. "So there wasn't anything you needed, Miss Rose?"
"Well…" Amy glanced around.
She was suddenly calm.
She wasn't lost in the animal drive thing—maybe because someone talked to her as if she wasn't an animal. And it felt nice. It relaxed her primal side. "I'm looking for someone."
"Oh?" Joshua shifted to rest on his other leg. His arms went back to fold across his chest again. He eyed her up and down, "Friend? Sibling?"
Her mouth opened to speak but nothing came out.
"She would be looking for me."
Amy felt the sparks around her wrist before she ever heard his voice.
Turning slightly, she noticed red eyes were observing Joshua.
Trying not to fall under buckled knees, Amy took a step back and leaned up against the almost filled cart Shadow had as company.
"Sh…Shadow the Hedgehog," Joshua said breathlessly and in surprise.
His green eyes were wide, and he became fidgety. His arms weren't crossed in a casual posture anymore—instead, one hand gripped the pot of the plant and the other hand hung nervously from the pocket of his work vest.
"Holy…"
Shadow stood taller than either of them. He didn't exactly see this worker as a threat. In fact, Amy seemed to calm down.
"Is there something you need?" Shadow posed the question carefully and with a hint that Joshua should do the same in his answer.
"Uh, no, sir. It's my job to help people in the store. She looked confused at the…the plant," Joshua pointed to the snake plant. "I should…I should get going."
Amy watched in slight disappointment as he hurried off. It would be the last she saw of him. And he was nice too. She sighed against the cart and hung her head as Shadow huffed in curiosity.
"I wonder why he left so abruptly," Shadow pondered. "A little rude, considering he never asked if I was finding everything okay."
"Did you?"
Red eyes broke from the direction the worker had vanished to the cowering female below, "Most of it. After I noticed I was tricked."
"I'm sorry."
"It was a stupid decision, Amy," Shadow lectured and then paused. "Still, you acted pretty composed."
"He didn't treat me like an animal—no. He didn't treat me like an animal going through heat. It felt nice to be talked to like a normal person. It felt nice to be recognized as Amy Rose instead of 'that girl in the corner' for once."
Shadow raised an eyebrow. "You didn't get attention in the city?"
"Not really. At least not the last three-ish years. But I guess people have to forget about the side heroes after some time."
Shadow was rather shocked with her words. "I didn't know you wanted to be seen as a hero."
"It would be nice once and awhile."
"Wouldn't being accepted as normal be just as good?"
She wasn't sure if she heard envy laced in his tone, but she wouldn't be surprised. Amy craned her neck up as her ears remained flattened against her head. "Are you angry with me?"
"Not anymore. The more I searched, the more annoyed I got. Then I finally decided to do what I came here for. It seems my decision wasn't an entirely bad one."
"What do you mean?"
Pools of vermillion continued to gaze at her with placidity. "You're not losing control anymore. I do believe the worst is behind us now."
"Let's hope."
Shadow waited for her to turn around. He pushed the cart, not giving her a chance to move out of the way. Instead, Amy was between the cart and Shadow. She flushed and gulped nervously as they walked.
The pink hedgehog ignored looks that any of the humans gave them. Some glanced at the two with questioning. One seemed to lightly smile at the oddly cute scene.
Amy disregarded them all.
Suddenly, Shadow stopped at an aisle and let her go. "I need a door knob."
"A door knob?"
"Yes. A door knob. Sonic's list is rather scattered and for the entire house. I have to note down the prices of lawnmowers. You go find a door knob."
"What does the house and door look like?"
"How should I know?"
Amy yearned exasperatedly. "I mean, what color?"
Shadow shrugged anyway. He was obviously going to be useless. Amy groaned, "Fine. I'll get whatever looks nice for anything and is mildly priced."
"Good enough."
He vanished, and Amy was left alone.
She bit her lip and tugged her stray quill before marching down the aisle. She went through an intersection and turned right, looking up at the banners overhead before finding 'Doors.'
Door knobs had to be there right?
Turning a hard left, Amy nearly squeaked at the sight before her.
She vanished into the next aisle after back tracking as quickly as possible. Pausing, Amy caught her breath as her heart rate increased upon seeing the particular figure.
Scourge.
Just how small was the world?!
I wonder what he's doing here…
Biting her lip, Amy took a step to leave. But then curiosity had her wrapped around its finger. She turned and braced herself.
Amy crept down the aisle next to the one Scourge was in.
Oddly enough, bathtubs were lined up against the opposite wall of Scourge's aisle. She watched through a crack as she stood between two tubs.
Scourge was busy looking at a piece of wood. A worker spoke with him. There were no door knobs down that aisle.
Amy could just leave.
But she stayed.
"She wants something medium toned. Whatever the hell that means," Scourge muttered to the worker as they stared at samples of wood.
"Well, there's always this particular row." The worker motioned to something above that Amy couldn't see. She figured it was more examples.
A sudden phone rang.
Amy clutched her pocket in case it was hers, but thankfully it wasn't. Scourge reached for his jacket and grunted as he pulled his cell phone out. "Speak of the devil. Excuse me."
"I'll be over here," the worker stated as he ventured off to an old couple walking through. He followed them and started talking. They took a right and disappeared.
Amy nimbly stepped over the plank boards that the tubs were rested on as she followed Scourge down the aisle. He had no cart, just his phone in his hand as he answered it. "Hey. What's up?"
Even with good hearing, Amy couldn't hear a voice on the other line.
"I'm here as we speak." Scourge sighed in an annoyed tone. Then the voice said something, and he snapped to attention. "Why the hell are you at the house?!" he hissed in a whisper.
Amy flinched. A plank creaked but Scourge didn't notice.
"Get the hell out of there." Another pause. "Because you know what Sam'll do. God damnit. Why do you have to be so stupid?"
A longer pause, and then Scourge seemed to interrupt whoever was on the other line. "Fine, fine," he snarled. "But I have a reason to worry. It won't be me that's sorry if Sam catches you there. It's gonna be you. He's got the place bugged, I'm sure."
Amy furrowed her eyebrows. She clutched onto the back of the metal shelf. She barely saw green fur here and there. The rest of the scene was listened to.
Who's he talking to? What are they talking about?
Someone's obviously not where they should be. Scourge seems…worried? A bit more pissed off than concerned, but still. It's there in his tone.
Could…Could this be the leverage? Scourge is keeping someone a secret, and he doesn't want Samwell to know?
"Of course you can't see the cameras. Why the hell would you be able to see them?" Scourge growled under his breath and gripped the same shelf Amy was. A shelf—a mere four feet—separated the two from seeing each other. Good thing the shelf was stocked full of useless junk. "I'm telling you, that Worthington guy is a piece of a work. He can hack into anything—machines are his forte."
This time, Amy felt something click in her brain. Not fully, but it made itself known.
Worthington…I've heard that name before, I swear. But where?
She struggled to remember. When nothing came to mind, she put it on the back burner and listened to Scourge speak after another long gap of muteness.
"I don't even see why you're at the house. It's not your house. It's not our house. Go home, babe."
Amy widened her eyes.
She has to be the leverage! Whoever Scourge is hiding from Samwell has to be the leverage, I just know it…but something seems a bit fishy here. I still feel like I know someone named Worthington. It's not the first time the name's popped up—I've heard it before. Maybe they're not the same people though...
But this girl…She's obviously Scourge's girlfriend—maybe even his wife. That doesn't explain what all is happening though…
The news was beginning to jumble into a million different possibilities. It came down to the conclusion that it just wasn't Amy's business.
Still, she couldn't help but listen.
"I couldn't make everything today, babe, I'm sorry. She'll be fine. It's just school."
Amy bit her tongue. Her heart raced faster. Her fingers reached back and almost missed the tub, but then her hand clutched onto the rim.
Something tells me Scourge is hiding more than just one person.
She slunk down against the back of a tub. Looking at Scourge's legs, Amy gaped in shock. Her eyes were wide as she stared.
How had a visit to a hardware store lead to this?
The odds were slim, but Amy couldn't believe it had all happened. Perhaps she was dreaming. Maybe she fell asleep in one of the tubs. Yeah, that's it. Shadow was going to walk by and wake her up any time soon.
No. This is real. This is happening.
Green eyes stared at the metal shelf before focusing on Scourge's shoes again.
Scourge's side of the story is different than what Shadow, or maybe even Sonic, assumed. I have to ask Sonic why Scourge moved here in the first place. And how Scourge became affiliated with Samwell Turner to begin with.
Something doesn't make sense, though.
Why would Scourge be trying to tear Sonic and the others down when he has his own family?
Unless…
"I know it's not exactly the safest environment with Worthington there, but we've got to play this cool and not draw attention to ourselves. As long as Sam gets what he wants—No, I know he's a lunatic, but listen, as long as he gets what he wants, he won't harm you or our daughter."
Amy swallowed heavily.
The news pressed against her chest. Unwanted. She shouldn't be listening to this. It made her sick to her stomach. How cruel was Sam to use this type of leverage against Scourge?
Something tells me the rumors Shadow heard weren't half true. That the reality is far worse. Scourge doesn't want to make Sonic's life hell—Sam does.
"Listen, I've got to go. I'm busy trying to decide between mahogany and redwood. Apparently there's a difference." Another pause. "Then why don't you do this?" Scourge sighed in irritation. "You're the one so bent up on remodeling the house."
Amy waited as the person on the other line spoke.
Scourge gave a scoff. "Going out in public is safer than being at the house. Did you leave?"
…
"Good. Who knows what Sam'll say when I talk to him tonight."
…
"I'm sorry, babe. Kiss her goodnight for me, will ya?"
Amy continued to bite her tongue. She didn't want to say anything by accident. Although, she had so much to say—this was a different side to Scourge after all.
"Love ya, too. Bye."
Just like that, Scourge was gone to find another worker.
Amy was left to lean up against the tub still. She breathed heavily in and out.
Still processing the news, Amy unsteadily stood and got out of her hiding spot. She searched the aisle and saw no one.
Even Scourge has a normal life like the others.
Or had.
An image of Samwell shot through her head. She stumbled along the aisle, forgetting about her previous task and now looking for Shadow.
She wanted to leave, to go home. But if Sam's own second-in-command was being followed, there was no doubt someone was watching her right now. Amy looked around but saw no one.
Sam doesn't want Scourge to turn against him. So, we know Samwell needs Scourge for something. Maybe to know any weaknesses…But if Sam has spies out already, they'd know our weaknesses. And if he does have spies out, how long have they been in our lives? And who are they?
The infiltrators could've been anyone. It made Amy shiver to the bone. Her entire life on Earth might've been watched, recorded, and memorized by someone else.
The power that Samwell held suddenly terrified her.
He's obviously not afraid. And he most definitely has some sort of plan, but who knows how long it's been cooked up in that brain of his?
She hurried along the aisles, searching for Shadow. Where the hell were the lawnmowers? Amy followed the signs above her in haste while also looking for the familiar hedgehog.
But what sort of person would use that type of leverage? The innocent lives of others? A villain. That's who, Amy.
But still…she felt pity for Scourge. He had probably come to Earth and fell in love. He had probably turned over a new leaf, settled down, and had a family. Then someone came into his life and threatened to take it away from him.
The thought sickened her.
It'd been ten years though. Ten years since she had actually dealt with an enemy that meant business.
Some villains are worse than others, Amy.