That City Girl (New Version)

by Cozy Shadow

It started with a phone call and a trip to the airport to pick up an old friend. Amy Rose came into Shadow's house only welcomed by Sonic and his girlfriend. After eight years since the gang split up, Amy's changed just as much as everyone else - including Shadow. She never would've guessed she'd up falling for him of all Mobians, though. [NEW VERSION]

28. The Tangled Web We Weave

STH © SEGA

Sarah, Peter, Samwell, Rosemary & the Wilson Family © Cozy Shadow

Flame, Petunia, Jeffery, and Sunny © Phantomask

---

Chapter Twenty-Eight:

The Tangled Web We Weave

Caffeine. Oh, how his body rejected it.

While it made others go absolutely crazy, the caffeine only made the feline more tired than he already was. But it helped the headache. Peter stood at the kitchen counter with the cup of coffee.

It was Saturday.

Thank God. I mean, I love teaching - it's great. Those kids are a blast and hilarious at times - so curious and smart - but five days in a row with them is more than I can sometimes handle.

That and having to go out late at night to fulfill a crazy man's plans wasn't typical for most.

Peter sighed, watching his girlfriend from the kitchen. Sally was already up and at 'em. She had been up since five - it was now seven. How she did it, he didn't know. At least, how she woke up early on a weekend. He was used to waking up early to get to work on time - he lived further away after all.

I couldn't do that to the glorious weekend given to me, though. Sleeping in is like a ritual that needs to be carried out.

Rubbing his eyes, Peter yawned.

He listened to the clicking of the keyboard as she typed away. From his spot, his vision told him that she was writing an email to one of the journalists in town that had kept bugging her. Peter watched the screen lazily.

While from his spot, a normal person wouldn't be able to see the words on the screen or be able to tell what she was doing. Peter used his gifts on a normal basis, however. Most times, it didn't even feel like a power to him. He used it so often that it had become second nature to him to practically look over Sally's shoulder from several feet away.

"What'cha doin'?"

"Don't pretend like you don't know," Sally snorted. She reached for her mug that was placed neatly on the desk in the living room. Taking a sip from her mug, she glanced over at her boyfriend with a playful look.

A corner of his mouth lifted. "Yeah. What pesky journalist is it this time?"

"Ugh, don't get me started." She waved the situation off. "Why don't you go and enjoy the weekend or something? You know I'm going to be here doing this all day."

"Eh, I don't know what to do," Peter shrugged in disappointment. What a beautiful day - and he had nothing to do.

"You could go get groceries later. We're running out of a milk."

"Of course we are," Peter mumbled as he took into account of how much milk he drank. It was a lot. Like too much.

"And eggs. You used them all up last night."

"I did?" He barely remembered coming home last night - much less making eggs for dinner.

"Yeah. I think you stopped off at the bar. Smelled like some strong whiskey, good sir."

Right. The bar. I forgot about that.

"Oh…" he looked down at the counter, pursing his lips.

"You told me that you wouldn't drive drunk again."

"I didn't...think I was drunk."

Sally positioned her whole body towards him, focusing her attention on him now. "You don't even remember last night, do you, Peter?"

He bit his lip and glanced up at her. "Not really, no. Did I do anything stupid? Say anything dumb?"

"No. You walked in. Made eggs and ate them. Slipped on the stairs. Went to the couch and proceeded to think that the pillow was me. Kept apologizing to the pillow. I finally got you to come upstairs - had to bring the pillow, though - and then I got you to bed."

"Oh. So, it was an eventful evening?"

She gave him a thin, sarcastic smile. "You're lucky I love you. And that you only go to the bar every once in a while. But still, Peter, you promised. I don't want to be the person to get a phone call at four in the morning saying that you were in a car accident because you were drunk."

"Right. I get it, Sally. I promise that I'll try to be better," Peter offered her a smile of sorts. It was lazy and she saw right through it.

"Hmhm."

Peter sighed as she went back to work.

"Why don't you go find something to keep you busy today? Like clean out the spare room?"

"Ugh," Peter straightened up and dumped the coffee in the sink, now unable to see her. The kitchen was in a small square room of the house but was open to the living room mostly. There was an island in the center of the kitchen. "I'd rather do anything else then go through that pile of junk."

"Peter."

"Fine. Fine." The feline muttered to himself as he walked through the living room and immediately plopped onto the couch. "Then I'll gladly go get groceries."

Sally laughed under her breath before looking out through the window in front of her. She hummed in concentration. "Hey, Peter?"

"Hm?"

"Do you know if the neighbors got a new car?"

"The Downies?"

"Maybe the Murkles."

Peter perked his ears up and stood from the couch. "Gerald would never spend money on anything but his Volkswagen." He peered out the window, standing behind her now, and watched the silver car a little to the left of the house across the street. "Doesn't look familiar. Why?"

"It's been there since you got home early this morning," Sally noted. She continued to type away as Peter stared down the car.

"Really?" He zoned out as he quietly asked the question.

"Yeah, I saw its outline in the dark when you pulled in. I don't know. It just seems off. Looks a little too nice of a car for either Downies or Murkles if you ask me. Both of those families still drive cars from the 80's." The chipmunk was completely oblivious to the frozen cat behind her.

Peter swallowed nervously. "Yeah - maybe one of the grandkids?"

"They don't have grandkids," she mumbled under her breath. "But, who knows? If I see Debra out and about on my afternoon walk, I'll ask her - "

"No."

Sally stopped typing and gave her boyfriend a confused look. "Excuse me?"

"Um," he blinked a couple of times to get his thoughts straight. "I don't think it's anything to be concerned about. It's just a car."

"Still - remember last year? That creep who stole a car and then stayed outside someone's home not a block from here? It wouldn't surprise me," Sally scoffed and puffed up her bangs. She waved them out of the way with one final swoop. "But I guess you're right." She turned to touch his arm softly. "You gonna go clean the spare room?"

Sally wasn't too concerned with how disturbed Peter looked, but she did notice. She could read people very easily - and Peter was tense as hell.

"Yeah...sure. Hey, maybe you shouldn't go on your walk then? You know...just in case."

Sally grabbed his hand and kissed the backside of it gently. "If it makes you feel better. Might want that tail to floof down, though. You look like a scaredy-cat," she teased.

Peter tried his best to laugh, but it came out weak and awkward. He coughed to clear his throat before he turned around and nodded. "Okay. I'll go ahead and start on that spare room."

Sally's smile never wore thin as she watched him leave the room rather hesitantly. Her expression calmed as she tried to reason why Peter seemed so upset suddenly.

Glancing back at the car parked across the street, she couldn't help but get a strange feeling like she had last night.

Peter had come home from the bar, smelling of alcohol. He made eggs for dinner. He mumbled to himself, mostly. He spoke about someone, which was unusual. I couldn't ever make out a name, though. And he seemed frightened. He kept looking around him as if someone were there. He kept looking out the door and the window - as if someone was following him.

Her light eyes watched the never-moving machine. Something about it seemed cold and unwelcoming. But it was empty and lonesome on the street - nothing but a mere parked car.

Whatever happened has him spooked, but I'm sure this is nothing to worry about. She waved off the whole idea of anything being wrong.

"He's a preschool teacher, Sally, and you are a retired hero," she spoke to herself, cracking her knuckles and getting ready to go back to work on the computer. "Nothing exciting ever happens to either of us."

---

She was used to him pestering her in the morning. It was their routine, really. As she tried her best at sleeping in on Saturdays, he was intent on bugging her awake.

"Sonic."

The blue blur cracked a smirk as his little mate whined. She was completely trapped in his arms, however. Even as she wiggled about, he never budged. Nipping at her shoulder, Sonic hummed softly. "I can't believe you cornered Blaze last night."

"Well, she had no right to tell Rouge. No right to tell anyone," Sarah refuted as she continued to cuddle into the blankets.

"I don't think I've ever seen Blaze look so out of place," Sonic held back a chuckle, still holding her firmly. "You sure showed her."

Sarah frowned. "I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not."

He stretched, resting his chin on top of her head awkwardly. "Partially."

She twisted around, planting her face into his chest. "Can you let go?" she mumbled.

"Since when do you want to wake up early?"

Sarah opened her eyes a little. "Since we have to go to the airport today."

Sonic snorted as he let go of her. He rested on his elbow. "You're not going."

"Excuse me?"

"We're not packing everyone into the truck and heading to the airport to see Rouge and Knuckles for what's going to be, like, a few hours tops."

She raised an eyebrow, twisting the sheets in her grasp. "Then what are we doing?"

"I talked about it with Amy last night. She thinks it would best if only her and I go. She's not sure if Shadow can...handle it. And frankly, I don't think he wants to come anyway."

Sarah crooned in thought. "Makes sense. He seemed a little torn up about not knowing what happened to Rouge - as torn up as he can outwardly show at least. So, the rest of us just stay here, then?"

"Elisa ever so kindly asked for some pies this year. I figured you could make something for them."

She gave him a slothful smile as she rolled back into the covers. "Don't I every year?"

A smirk played on his muzzle.

"Still pretty positive that those cookies were Shadow's doing last year."

"You'll never know."

He held her warmly, humor laced in his eyes. "Hmhm."

---

Amy was getting used to the calves - and having to hold the bottle so they wouldn't tip it out of it's holder.

She gave her companion a few glances here and there.

I can't just let the matter rest. If Samwell is going to hurt innocent people, we need to stop him. It's what we do as heroes. Even if it's been a long time since we've done anything heroic…

The pink female was trying to gather the courage to talk to Shadow about Scourge and Rosy again. And their daughter that apparently existed. Amy bit her lip.

He's made it clear that he doesn't want to meddle, but I can't just sit by and watch Samwell hurt them. I don't care if Scourge can handle his own - that doesn't mean he's always around the other two. They might need our help. They might even want it.

Not to mention, if Peter truly is a spy - which is likely - then that puts Sarah in danger, too. Who knows who Samwell's targeting exactly? Could be all of us at this point.

And Shadow has to see that.

He rarely worked alongside Sonic and the rest of the team. He doesn't know how we do things. We help those in need. He followed orders from Eggman most of the time. Or something to that extent.

Truth be told, she didn't have a clue what he truly did back then. She was too caught up on Sonic to even notice anyone else existed.

Things were different now though.

But they were still the same people when it came to defending others. And Amy wasn't going to let this slide - not one bit. She had thought about it long and hard ever since Shadow had made it clear he wasn't getting involved.

At least not yet. There's still time and chances to persuade him. I know it.

She became aware that the red eyes she had been looking at every so often were now looking back at her.

"What?"

"Hm?"

"You keep staring," he smirked as he speared the pitchfork into the hay bale. He was done with the heifers. She was hopefully done with the calves by now. Sauntering over to her, Shadow scratched the back of his quills. "I want to know why."

"Oh, I guess I was just...spacing out," Amy lied straight through her teeth. "Thinking, really."

Shadow wasn't an idiot, however. "Well, you're a terrible liar. Thinking, sure. But you kept giving me looks. More than just one long one." He leaned against the calf pen. The calf emptied the bottle and hit it with its nose. "Tell me, what's going on in that little head of yours?"

She grabbed the bottle quickly. "Well...If you want the honest answer. I was thinking about Scourge and Rosy."

His jaw clenched. "Lie to me."

She almost felt a smile come on, but she stopped it. "No. You wanted the truth. That's what I'm thinking about."

That wasn't exactly what he had hoped she would say. If anything, Shadow thought the glances towards him were for a different reason. He cleared his throat and looked away, glaring at nothing but air. "I thought I told you to not do anything reckless."

"I never said I was going to. Just said I was thinking about them. Could mean anything, Shadow."

"Yes, well, it ultimately means trouble for you," Shadow snorted and stared back at her with a somewhat harsh gaze. As if he were reprimanding her. "Why bother with their problem?"

"How can you easily say that?" Amy scowled in disgust. "We're heroes. We save people, Shadow. They need saving."

Shadow gave a sarcastic chuckle that made her shiver a little. He stood straighter to tower over her. "We aren't heroes anymore. We don't save anyone. And they don't need saving."

Oh, but no matter how hard he glared, she returned the favor.

That was what made her so captivating and maddening at the same time - something he never thought possible. Yet here it was, standing before him with pink fur - of all colors.

"Well, maybe you weren't exactly a hero. But Sonic and his team did help those in need. If I went to him now and told him everything, I bet he'd be willing to help."

The thought made his heart skip a beat. But in fright.

If she went to Sonic, then Sonic would most definitely let it spill that Shadow had already told him everything. Sonic never liked to hear the same story twice.

"Amy, leave it be!" he hissed. She was beginning to aggravate him to the core. He thought he had managed to keep her curiosity subdued for longer than this. "If Scourge, of all people, needs our help, then he can come ask for it. We aren't heroes. Not anymore. Since when are you stuck in the glory days?"

"Nothing about them were glorious, Shadow. I'm not about to watch innocent people get hurt because of some asshole who thinks he can just get away with anything. Who knows how many people he's harmed?"

"If the police aren't involved, then we shouldn't be either. Amy, if we get entangled, the government is going to come for us," Shadow noted. The notion had previously dawned upon him.

"Then we don't let it get out. Not everything we manage to pull off needs to be a headline," Amy reasoned. "So, what if the government comes for us? They'd give us a warning, and we'd tell them the truth. Or maybe we should just go to the police ourselves and - "

"ENOUGH!" Shadow didn't hold back a yell this time. But, it came out more like a thundering roar - one which startled the poor rose hedgehog.

Her ears flipped back against her head at the shout. She glowered at him. "What do you have against all of this?"

He barely heard the question within the hiss she gave. His jaw clenched and unclenched. He didn't know how to tell this infuriating woman to put it to rest. "Amy, it's not our fight."

"And how do you know that?!" she flailed her arms about, letting the bottle drop to the ground. She walked away a little before turning back to scowl at him. "Since when do you decide what we can or can't do? With or without you."

"Even if we got involved, it wouldn't be your fight." He knew he was about to regret the words coming out of his mouth. But frankly, he couldn't close his mouth fast enough. "You'd just get in the way. You get in the way with chores," he motioned around the barn, "You got in the way during the war, if I recall. Hell, you probably did nothing but get in the way at your job. And I'm not about to watch you get in the way of something that may consist of deadly weapons or whatever the hell Samwell comes up with. He's demented, Amy, and we are not getting involved. I won't have you always playing the damsel in distress!"

The hurt in her eyes was clear.

But she looked down at the ground, picked the bottle up, and didn't say another word.

As she twisted around to go clean off the bottle in the back room, Shadow let out a sigh. His posture relaxed, as he noticed his quills had become a little frazzled. Staring at the back of her, Shadow did his best to apologize. But he knew the only way to stop her was to insult her.

"Amy, I am sorry, but it's true. You get in the way. And I don't want you getting hurt."

His words were sincere - she could tell. But despite his last sentence, that didn't make up for the ones before.

So, I'm just in the way then? Fine.

She continued to wash the bottle in the sink, letting the male outside the room to think about his actions.

Shadow didn't know much about females.

But as he stood there next to the calf pen, he knew one thing. The air between them had gotten tense quickly.

She just...needs some time. To not think so much about it - about my words and about Scourge and Rosy. She'll get over it.

Eventually.

---

Unfortunately, Shadow began doubting himself.

As he watched Sonic and Amy getting ready to go and see Rouge and Knuckles, he debated on going.

If Amy actually gets Sonic alone, she might try and tell him about Scourge and Rosy. And I have a feeling that Sonic will let something slip. If Amy figures out that we are getting involved, just without her, she'll come for my throat first.

Still...Perhaps I can warn Sonic ahead of time.

A strong part of him didn't want to face the bat in person. He couldn't go.

Not yet.

I'm not...ready to face Rouge. I just...can't.

He was ashamed to even think that he was being such a coward, but he had decided to not go. And so had many of the others, so he didn't feel as bad. Still, out of everyone there, he knew Rouge the best. At least in the past. But he had spoken to Rouge - caught up with her somewhat. It almost felt normal...but the thought of seeing the bat in person made the Ultimate Life Form feel a strong wave of guilt. He still felt as if he should've been there - should have known. Seeing her in person would be a big obstacle, but seeing her children would be an even bigger one.

No...We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. But not right now. I need to gather myself on that situation. It's in the past. He exhaled heavily as he cleared negative thoughts.

Now, the reunion was dwindled down to two: Sonic and Amy.

He figured it would have been a good thing for the two of them - to get a little alone time to talk. They hadn't seemed to have the time to really talk and catch up - just between the two of them. They didn't seem as close as before.

But now...now that he had to open his big mouth this morning. Or even ask her what she was thinking -

Hell, I should have just ignored her. Then maybe she wouldn't bring it up with Sonic. I'm positive she will. And the more she ignores me, the more positive I become.

Amy hadn't said a peep to Shadow. She was giving him the cold shoulder - but he figured she would get over it by the dance -

His eyes widened as he jolted upwards in his seat.

Silver, who sat beside him on the couch while watching the morning news, jumped a little. He stared at the unsociable hedgehog with a confused look. "You okay?"

"The dance. The date. It's tonight," Shadow muttered like a madman all of a sudden.

"So?"

"What the hell am I supposed to do on a date when she doesn't talk to me?" Shadow posed the question.

Silver blinked. "...What are you talking about?" he made a sharp reply with the tone that said he had no clue what Shadow was rambling on about. He didn't find it slightly interesting to begin with. Why the hell would Amy be ignoring Shadow?

"I...I might have said something to her," Shadow picked at the couch. "And, while it was merely to keep her from talking more about you-know-what, it might have also been a little insulting to her."

When he glanced up, he saw amber eyes full of boredom.

"Well, aren't you a charmer."

Shadow's face went blank.

Of course the white hedgehog would be of no help to him. He managed to convince Shadow into asking the girl out - that was as much work as he was gonna do, apparently.

"Well, what do you when you insult Blaze on accident?"

Silver put his finger to his chin as if to really think about the predicament. "Hm...Right, I don't insult her, first off."

Oh, this little shit.

Shadow growled under his breath, folded his arms, and looked away.

Watching the Ultimate Life Form pout at the wall was hilarious - Silver would admit that. But he figured he might as well loosen up a little.

"What did you say?"

"Doesn't matter."

"Shadow."

"I just need a way to get her to talk to me again. Stop with this cold shoulder thing. Why does that require knowing what I said?"

Silver's humorous gaze turned serious. "Shadow," he pried slowly, "what exactly did you tell her?"

He was being quiet on purpose. He figured Silver didn't need to know the exact words - mostly because he was sure that Silver would swing a fist at him. "...Nothing. I'll figure it out on my own."

"Shadow, stop being a child, and just say it."

Silver was getting more aggravated. Shadow tensed in his spot, not daring to look at Silver. He knew if he did then he would tell the truth.

"Look, if you insult someone to protect them, how would you at least go about apologizing in a way that makes them think it's an apology?"

"You want to fake apologize to Amy?" Silver blinked. "You've got to be kidding me, Shadow. Seems to me like you're quick with apologizing nowadays - what's holding you back this time?"

His ears flipped back. "Because what I said might have been a little too close to the truth - even if she doesn't believe it. But I only said it in hopes that she'd stop trying to convince me to get involved with the whole Scourge versus Samwell thing."

"But you are getting involved, Shadow." Silver let out an annoyed hiss. "This is so stupid. Why don't we just tell her?!" he whispered harshly. He was aware that Amy was in the bathroom just a few feet away. Thankfully, the door was shut and he could hear Amy and Sarah talking with Blaze. "At least then maybe she'd think the situation was more handled. Hell, she might even back off a little if she knew Sonic was helping you. She at least trusts him with these situations more than you."

Shadow clenched his jaw.

Why didn't he just do that? Just tell her the truth.

It seemed so simple.

Yet, he knew that it wouldn't work like how Silver explained. As much as he wanted it to end like that, he knew Amy was still going to do what she did best: get in the way. And the nightmare with Samwell wasn't reassuring.

If Samwell got his hands on her somehow…

Shadow stared at the carpet floor. Silver softened his glare at Shadow.

"...Because I'd never forgive myself if something happened to her."

His response was so faint, Silver had barely heard it. But when he did, he was a little surprised. He knew Shadow was harboring feelings for the girl, but this?

"Shadow, what are you talking about? It wouldn't be your fault. We get hurt doing stuff like this. Still, we sign up for it. We know the consequences that come with it."

"No. I'm the reason they met."

Silver gave him a confused look. "What?"

"I told you Samwell was interested in her. It was so clearly written on that sadistic face of his. I dragged her to town with me that morning. I dragged her into the store. I didn't stop her when she went off on her own. Something sparked in him when he saw that I wasn't a fan of them being within two inches of each other - like he had another twisted plan or something. But I should've never brought her with me. I'm the reason Samwell met her in the first place."

Red eyes stared at amber in such a way that it made Silver realize something.

"If something happens to her, it's on me," Shadow gritted his teeth and whispered.

There was an emotion in his eyes that Silver hadn't seen before. Ever. It was scaring him.

"And I don't think I can live with that."

Silver had to lean back on the couch after hearing the words. It was beginning to hit him like a freight train.

Shadow felt guilty.

He was tumbling into love with Amy Rose. And he felt guilty that she had met the one person who wouldn't hesitate to hurt her.

Swallowing, Shadow clasped his hands together. Gazing at his linked fingers, he merely mumbled, "I know...you and her have a relationship of sorts that I'll probably never understand. You know her very well. But, I know her, too. And whether we tell her or not, Amy is going to do something rash. Because it involves people getting hurt, and she won't let that happen. But she's too blind with that to even notice she's one of those that's probably on his list."

"Why would Samwell want to hurt her in the first place? Sure, he might be interested in her. But that doesn't mean she's at the top of the list," Silver noted.

"Samwell has made it clear that he doesn't like my presence. He doesn't attack the person he hates directly. At least not at first. He attacks the things that make them happy."

"So, Amy is a prime target."

"Exactly." Shadow continued to stare at the his hands. Silver leaned back to process everything still. "I just need to make sure Amy's not going overboard with this, Silver. It's for the best. If she throws herself into this, she's going to be the one killed."

"Nobody said anything about murder," Silver suddenly stood straight. His eyes widened at the thought. "How crazy is this Samwell?"

Shadow downplayed the query. "Like I told you, he's not the sanest person around. I did my own digging a while ago. With a different situation," he summarized what he had once told Amy. "And what I found showed me that Samwell has enemies. But he also likes it that way."

"Great. We're dealing with an absolute psychopath," Silver said in a sarcastic tone. "Well, I'm reassured."

There was a silence that fell over them.

Silver glanced at the hedgehog next to him. He certainly seemed like he was drowning in thoughts, and he probably was.

"Look, she'll come around sooner or later. And if not, I'll think of something for you to do to sweep her off her feet," he tried to give a grin, but it was beyond ineffective. "But, maybe you're right. Maybe it's best if she...didn't think too much about this Samwell thing."

All he got in return was a simple nod.

---

"It's been a while since I've seen them."

She was excited. Clasping her hands together, she sat in the passenger's seat with nothing but joy. And a little resentment towards Shadow still.

At least I said goodbye to him. He didn't say anything, though. Amy's grin faded as she looked out the window. Now it's like he's the one giving me the cold shoulder. But I'm not always in the way...I don't think.

Sonic's soft chuckle brought her back to reality. He drove his truck through their small town, looking at certain people as they drove by. "Well, I'll one up you. I haven't seen them in a long time."

She found the grin again. "The twins are nice, too. A little weird, as you might have heard. They like aliens."

"Yeah, what's up with that?"

Amy shrugged. "Honestly, I have no clue what really started it. But they just...like them. Rouge thought it was going to run out within a year."

"And?"

"It's almost been two years . They're still going strong with the tin foil hats."

"Really? Tin foil?"

"Oh, they go all out," Amy joked.

There was slight tension between them as silence filled the void, stifling their laughs. Sonic gripped the wheel a little tighter.

Amy noticed the motion, and had to look him up and down.

I haven't gotten the chance to talk to him like this...At least...not with these circumstances. Aleena and now Sarah. Completely different situations with different outcomes, but it's still a lot to process.

"How are you feeling?"

Sonic was caught off guard a little. "How am I feeling? Like...emotionally?" he didn't show it easily to Amy, but he was already curling up in a defensive ball mentally.

"Yeah. I didn't really get the chance to speak to you about your mother. Sonic, for as little of a time as I got to know her, she was an amazing woman. A wonderful mother if she managed to wrangle all three of you into being good people."

Sonic offered her a small smile. "That means a lot, Ames."

She cocked her head to the side, giving him a curious look that almost made him confused.

"What?"

"For some reason, I feel like it's been awhile since I've heard someone call me that. Maybe I haven't noticed."

"Maybe you're too used to being called Rose," Sonic teased. "Although, I'll never understand the nickname. Ames is so much better."

"Well, Ames sounds like a nickname you and everyone else would give me. Rose is different."

He scoffed. "Rose is your last name."

Amy furrowed her eyebrows. "Wait, has Shadow called me that in public?"

"Why? Does he call you that more when it's just the two of you?"

Oh, the teasing never stopped.

Amy mumbled something incoherently. Sonic had to stop himself from completely torturing the poor girl any further. "He's done so a few times. Not when you're around, though."

"Oh?"

"The other morning when he got the fire started - wondered where you were. Called you Rose." Sonic shrugged. "He doesn't even try to catch himself anymore."

"Is he supposed to?" Amy wondered what Sonic's take on their relationship was now. Sonic had originally - to her knowledge - at least tried to get them together. A little. Not really. But the blue blur had the idea of them together first. She knew that much now.

But he stopped trying to get us together when Shadow told him to. I wonder what his thoughts are on this whole situation. Maybe he can help me in a way...I don't know what to do about Shadow right now. Whether to convince him into helping Scourge or not. Whether to actually fall completely and hopelessly in love with him…

She blinked the wild thoughts away.

Still. If I don't get him to even consider helping Scourge, I might just have to do what I said I would. Tell Sonic.

He would help.

Not only is Rosemary in potential danger, but so is Sarah. Which, sure, I could also use to help persuade Shadow, but he honestly would probably just tell Sarah to play sick for a few days.

"He can do whatever he wants," Sonic answered her question. "I just...I'm not used to seeing him like this."

"Like what?" she bit her bottom lip. "I thought you were the one pushing for us to be something in the first place."

"Well...Truth be told, my first thought was something along the lines. But whether it was a platonic or romantic relationship...didn't really matter to me. I just knew that when I proposed to Sarah, we'd be starting the next chapter in our life. And I didn't want to leave Shadow. As much as the guy likes saying he doesn't want us around, it's not that hard to tell how lonely he gets when we aren't there."

Sonic shrugged loosely. "I don't know. When you said you were coming, I first didn't know how to react. I mean, I figured I would never get Shadow to agree. He already had Sarah and I welcoming ourselves. Granted, we discussed things with him. We didn't just barge in like he enjoys saying. It's just the short version of the story. Anyway, I figured he wouldn't agree to having you here in a million years. But it was worth a shot. I gave it my best. Thankfully, he was really the only one who could go and pick you up, so it was easy to tell him to and quickly walk away before I got my ass kicked."

Amy slightly smiled. "So, despite your intentions, you didn't really know what to expect upon seeing him...like this?"

"Exactly. I thought maybe he'd warm up to you within a few months. Depending on how long you're staying, of course. But it took him forever to open up to me - a year and a half really. He warmed up to Sarah quicker, but that was because she's kind of like him in a way. Not all gloom and doom, though," Sonic snorted. "They both get along in silence, let's just say that."

"Well, I guess I was just persistent to get along with him."

"I guess so," Sonic shook his head in disbelief. "But I also can barely wrap my head around the fact that he actually asked you out."

Amy blushed. "He told you?"

"Of course. I mean, it was a way of distracting me," Sonic scoffed. "But he told me. The party tonight?"

"Yeah."

"You excited?" He turned to look at her for a short glance. Then his eyes were back on the road. "I mean, seeing Shadow change like this is definitely something new and almost entertaining, but are you enjoying yourself, Amy? Are you...remotely interested in him? Or are you just doing this because others are saying so?"

Amy relaxed in her seat. "Honestly, when I look back on our lives, Shadow the Hedgehog is the last person I would have ever guessed that I would end up liking. But I do, Sonic." She gazed at the floor. "We're alike now. Things worked the way they did, and somehow it's easy to open up to him about everything. Even if he just stands there and listens. I at least know he's listening."

Sonic gave her a genuine grin, not the cocky one he was famous for. "I'm happy to hear it, Ames. I can tell Blaze and Silver are a little more trouble for you right now. At least Blaze."

"Yeah…" Her ears flipped back and she stared out the window. The corners of her mouth drooping. "She likes to mother me, I guess."

"That's odd considering you're the more motherly one. If anyone is going to mother someone, it would be you."

"I mean, they did take me under their wings for a while," Amy noted. "And I owe them. But I can't just leave. Not now. Not when things are just starting to get good. At least with Shadow."

Sonic had to stop the perverted look on his face, but he managed to elbow her across the center console. She scoffed at his pathetic save of the expression he made. It was indescribable.

"Sonic. It's not like that. Jeez."

"I'm only teasing, Ames."

There was a long pause between the two Mobians. Amy glanced from the window to back at her companion. "So, you never really answered my question. If you're doing alright? What with your mother and Sarah - it's a lot to process."

"Yeah," Sonic trailed off as he looked forward. There was a distance in his eyes that showed he didn't really want to be there at that moment talking about it. But there was nothing he could do. "It's another speed bump that'll pass."

"And...the baby?" Amy was unsure if she should even call it that yet. It almost seemed surreal.

It was odd for Sonic, too. He licked his lips nervously at the question. He didn't want to say anything, but he knew Amy would keep prying. So, best that he just answer her straightforwardly. "I've been through my sister experiencing miscarriages. We never got hopeful. I'm not about to get hopeful now. And neither is Sarah. If anything, I think she's hoping for one."

"Why do you say that?" Amy narrowed her eyebrows. "Sarah wouldn't outwardly say that, would she?"

"No. Not out loud. But I know proposing was one thing. Kids is a whole different ballpark. She's slower at settling than some. She didn't care about the idea of marriage - and she made that apparent the first time we talked about it. But, I mean, eventually she figured it wasn't a bad thing. But she also made it clear that she didn't want kids any time soon."

"Do you think you're ready?" Amy quietly inquired. "If she doesn't miscarry. It's still early, I know. But, do you think either of you are ready?"

Sonic let out a long sigh of thought. "Jesus, I don't know. I mean, I've had to take care of my niece and nephew since they were practically born. I'm used to the responsibility of taking care of someone. Hell, I took care of the whole world at one point. But Sarah, no. I don't think she's ready. I think she's terrified."

Amy crossed her legs in the seat. She played with the hem at the bottom of her shirt. "I wish I could help her not feel that way. She seemed frightened. I just don't know if it's because of the baby or because of her parents."

"You and me both. Unfortunately, Sarah doesn't ask for help often. When it comes to mental situations, she keeps to herself. And that's what worries me." Sonic's lips were pressed tightly together. His grip on the wheel was firm. "But, I figure what happens, happens for a reason. We know better than to look at the past for too long - just look ahead."

Amy gave a small little nod. She bit her lip, wanting to ask him about one other thing. One other person.

"Sonic?"

"Hm?"

"Why is Scourge here?"

The sudden change of topic caught him off guard. Sonic figured Amy wouldn't keep shut about the whole situation. She wouldn't just keep trying to convince Shadow. He just had hoped that she wouldn't come to him.

He wasn't a good liar.

"Um, why do you ask?"

"I've met Samwell, as you may know. And I met Scourge."

Sonic's eyebrows furrowed.

On how many occurences? He became lost in his thoughts of just how many times Amy had ran into the two - and how much Shadow might not be telling.

"Sh-Sure," he stumbled already.

Amy linked her fingers together, clasping her hands. "Shadow said that he thinks Scourge came here because something happened between you two."

"No. No, Scourge just...appeared." Sonic didn't think too hard on the issue. He also didn't think of it as a coincidence. Why had Scourge randomly appeared in the same location as him? Hell, he didn't know or care. The bastard was away from him and his family for now.

"And you don't find that odd?"

"Not really, no. He wasn't much trouble."

"Even when he broke Shadow's leg?"

Sonic closed his eyes for a split second, and then landed them back on the road. Just how much was Shadow blurting out to this pink hedgehog? She hadn't even been here for that long.

"That was the last we heard of him." He really wished she would stop talking. Or he might say something he would regret - let it slip or something.

"Sonic, I don't think it will be the last we hear of him. Samwell is plotting something - especially since he knows we're all together right now. In the same location."

"That's a big leap, Ames," Sonic gave a nervous laugh.

Amy noticed how he refused to make eye contact anymore. He seemed to be shifty. "I overheard Scourge talking on the phone at a store. When you asked Shadow to go and get him things. Scourge was speaking to Rosy, Sonic. They're together, they have a child. And Samwell is holding Scourge like a puppet. Including others. But some may be working with him. Like spies, Sonic. Spies that spy on us."

"That's ridiculous, Amy."

He made short answers that refused to reason with her. Or even to stop and ask just what the hell was going on. To Amy, he wasn't questioning her whatsoever. He was dodging the situation.

Squinting at him, Amy pursed her lips. "Well, it might not seem ridiculous when Peter Worthington attacks Sarah at work. Or Scourge's child."

At that moment, Amy saw a flash of something in Sonic's eyes. And she knew she had hooked him.

Sonic swallowed as his gaze turned serious.

Oh, that bastard. Why the hell didn't Shadow mention the Worthington guy? How the hell is he involved? A spy...on us - on Sarah. Right where she works.

A sting of betrayal coursed through him. Why Shadow hadn't told him was beyond him, but he felt the need to know why. He gripped the wheel tighter in an attempt to not turn the vehicle around and go ask the hedgehog immediately.

If he knows Sarah might be in danger at her own work, why the hell didn't he say anything about it? Why? What was he trying to do? Keep us in the dark as well as Amy?

No, he would've told me. Especially since she's pregnant. Right? Maybe he doesn't know everything. Maybe Amy left out that part to him.

"...Did you tell Shadow about the-the spies?"

"Yes." She bit the inside of her cheek. His question - gave something away that made a small little notion in her pop into existence.

I never said that I had told Shadow. I mean, it might be assumed. But he only focused on the spies. "Did you tell Shadow about the spies?" Meaning Sonic knows I told Shadow about everything else. Meaning Shadow told him.

Meaning Shadow's a liar. He has told the others. Or at least Sonic.

The good in her was trying to tell her that it didn't mean the two were planning on doing something without her knowing. But the little anger inside of her said otherwise.

Why would Shadow tell him and not plan to do anything? If Shadow tells Sonic or anyone else about this, it means he's got a plan to do something about it. It means he's leaving me in the dust.

And why? Because I'll get in the way?

Oh, that dick. She wrinkled her nose in disgust at the thought of Shadow doing something like that. Why he wouldn't just accept her help, too. She wasn't always in the way. It wasn't true. How controlling Shadow was being now managed to set Amy off.

I swear, the next time I see him - I'm going to smack his head in with my hammer.

Both of the Mobians in the vehicle at that moment felt a surge of betrayal. They felt like they only wanted to corner and interrogate one person. Or punch him into oblivion.

To both of them, Shadow the Hedgehog had a lot to answer for.

---

"I can't believe we're actually doing this."

The echidna was tired as hell - he couldn't handle going back into a different time zone and practically re-living that morning.

Rouge smiled mostly to herself. The plane had landed, and passengers in the front were getting off. However, they were further in the back. She was in front of her boyfriend, seated still, and patient as ever.

The child beside her was not, however.

"When can we go?" the tyke tried looking over the seat, but he was too short.

"Dexter, sit down. We'll be able to get off soon enough. Just have to let the others get off first."

The small, black bat pouted as he sat back down rather roughly. He glared out the window. "Why'd we have to come anyway?"

"I told you," Rouge cooed. She leaned over to her youngest and kissed his cheek, despite him not liking it. "We're meeting some old friends. I thought you were excited to meet Sonic the Hedgehog."

His eyes lit up. "Is he really a hero?"

Knuckles snorted, making the smile on Rouge's face disappear.

"Hey," she hissed back at her partner. "Could you not?"

"What?" Knuckles shrugged in his seat. "We're not heroes anymore. Doesn't make him more special."

"Now is not the time for rivalry, Knuckles."

"What's that?" a new voice broke their attention from each other and to the bat seated by Knuckles.

He looked like Dexter - black bat with blue eyes, only he had a small tuft of hair growing on the top of his head.

"You know when you and your brother butt heads a little?" Knuckles questioned the curious child who nodded slowly, as if barely understanding the echidna. "Well, it's like that. Sometimes, Sonic likes to brag and be overly confident, which I hate. So, we get into fights."

"Do you win?"

Rouge glared at her boyfriend even harder.

"Every time," Knuckles winked.

Rouge scoffed before getting up in her seat. "It's close to our turn, get ready."

Dexter followed his mother's movement closely, until they were the next ones to leave the seats and go into the aisle. Knuckles had already risen when he looked back at the remaining family member.

"Got your stuff, Derrick?"

"Yup," the bat clutched onto his carry-on little backpack and grinned. Knuckles ruffled the tuft of hair on his head before stepping out into the aisle.

"You first."

Knuckles let Derrick race after his mother and brother. The echidna sighed, clutching onto his bag as he swung it over his shoulder.

This is going to be an adventure…

~.~

They were walking through the smallish airport, looking for the main entrance where their friends would hopefully be to welcome them.

"How do we know they're coming?" Knuckles asked Rouge quietly as they walked hand-in-hand. The twins raced in front of them, pointing at all the gifts in the gift shop window.

"Amy was excited about it last night," Rouge waved him off. "I have no doubt she'll at least be there."

"And Shadow?"

Rouge bit her lip nervously. "We'll see."

"Do you want to see him? Right away, I mean?"

"I don't know, Knuckles. Things seemed fine after the last time I spoke to him over the computer. But...you know, I never know fully when it comes to that hedgehog. Just like I don't know fully what's going on between him and Amy."

Knuckles stopped shorting, making Rouge halt. He gave her a confused look. "What?"

"Oh," Rouge gave him a sly grin. "Wait until you hear about it all. Seems to me like things are happening."

"Happening?" Knuckles blinked once as if to put emphasis that the word didn't explain anything. "What the hell does that mean?"

The twins were now pushed up against the window, staring at every little thing and thinking about going into the store. But upon looking back, they realized Rouge and Knuckles were completely unaware of the situation - the gift shop. Dexter made the first move into the gift shop, even though Derrick gave him a look that said he shouldn't do it. But after his brother did so, Derrick was quick to follow anyway. It left Rouge and Knuckles to continue whatever it was they were doing.

"It means that Amy isn't telling me everything, still, and Blaze actually is."

"Blaze? You talk to Blaze?"

"I know her and I haven't been as close as I have with Amy, but I will let you know that she's mostly the one telling me everything. Sarah's pregnancy. Something going on between Amy and Shadow. Manic and Sonic's relationship after Aleena passed away."

"Back up a little."

"Sarah?"

"No, a little further," Knuckles had his eyes closed as he motioned to her to continue. He knew she was grinning from ear to ear - he just didn't want her to enjoy it too much.

"The thing happening between Shadow and Amy."

"Thing?" Knuckles opened his eyes - and they were crazy. Rouge was a little taken aback at the sudden level of madness his eyes were showing. "What thing? They can't have a thing! It's Amy. And Shadow. Them having a thing shouldn't belong in the same sentence."

"Well, it just might," Rouge patted his shoulder. Her ears twitched, well aware that her sons were currently taking every plushie toy off the shelf in the gift shop. "And you won't interfere."

"Why the hell not?" Knuckles gritted his teeth. "How could you not tell me this? Look, you might trust Shadow - I do not. Amy is like my little sister. Shadow is...is -"

He was given a sharp glare that told him to choose his next words very wisely.

"Well, he's not like a little sister to me - brother, I mean." Knuckles stammered before catching his breath and sighing heavily. "Look, if something is happening between them, maybe we should be a little cautious, okay? I mean, we shouldn't get all giddy like you clearly are."

"God, you sound just like Blaze. All she talked about was how it wasn't a good idea. Granted, that was a while ago when she first arrived. Now, it almost seems like she's warming up to the idea. She still doesn't trust him, though. Or the whole idea of them being together."

"Who would?!" Knuckles practically shrieked. "It's Amy Rose and Shadow the Hedgehog. First of all, how? Secondly, how?!"

Rouge rolled her eyes and gripped his hand tight. "Hun, I would love to chat more about this and your protectiveness over Amy, I really would. It's adorable. But I trust Shadow. And if you dare intervene and ruin whatever friendship they have, at the least, I will punch you. Now, let's go before the kids destroy the gift shop."

Knuckles was brought back to the reality as a clash of glass broke their conversation. They whipped their heads to look over at the gift shop. An angry worker was shoving the kids out of the store while another swept up a broken, glass statue.

"Whose kids are these?!"

---

The airport didn't look familiar to Amy at all, but the old friends that she greeted did.

Seeing the white bat in person made Amy more emotional than she thought she would get. Rouge wasted no time in giving Amy a warm embrace as Knuckles tackled Sonic.

"Hey, man!"

Rouge and Amy pulled away abruptly upon hearing the two males. As soon as Sonic was released from the bear hug, he gave Knuckles a once over. "Damn, Knuckles - keeping in shape after all these years?"

The echidna huffed. "I see you haven't."

"You're looking a little old there," Sonic motioned to his side dreads. "Is that a little gray coming in?"

"Watch it, Hedgehog. I can still take you down."

"Nah, you're not fast enough, old man!"

Rouge gave a slight hum of humor. "Sonic? You aren't going to greet me?"

Sonic gave his full attention to her. He exaggerated a bow to her, "M'lady. Looking beautiful as ever, Rouge."

She flicked her hair over her shoulder. "Duh," she chuckled. Her smile faded as he opened his arms for a hug. Returning the embrace, the ivory female whispered, "Sorry for your loss, hun."

Sonic let go and cleared his throat. "Yeah, thanks. It's...We'll get through it." He gave them both a nod of appreciation. "Just glad you two are still with us."

"Definitely puts it into perspective. What, eight years, and none of us have died yet?" Knuckles shrugged. "It's a miracle. Although, I did always think Silver would be the first to go after what happened at that petting zoo in Indiana."

Sonic rolled his eyes at the long forgotten memory. "Well, you can tell him that when you see him."

"Speaking of which," Rouge looked over at Amy, "Where's the rest?"

"They opted to stay home. Didn't really find it...fitting."

"You talking about all of them or just Shadow?"

Amy swallowed apprehensively. "Shadow, mostly. I think Silver and Blaze weren't too keen on seeing you all again. Blaze always sort of disliked you for some reason."

"My stylish good looks, probably."

An exchange of chuckles went through the four. Sonic coughed and clapped his hands. "So, we just escorting you to the hotel?"

"Yeah. Yeah, we'd figure we should get settled in and then find some food for the - " Knuckles stopped short as he glanced behind him and Rouge. "Babe, where are they?"

Sonic hadn't seen Rouge in years, true. It was shocking enough to see her and how much she changed now, but the idea of her being a mother was completely different to him. So, when she did a complete 180 and looked like a scared mother hen, Sonic was reminded of the twins.

"Right, right. The twins - where are the little rascals?"

"That's a good question," Rouge mumbled under her breath, observing the crowd like a hawk. "Damn it. I don't want to just yell in public. Look at all the people."

Knuckles chewed the inside of his mouth as he scanned the crowd. "It's not helpful when they're short."

Sonic vaguely recalled what they looked like. Amy had endless amounts of pictures to show him, apparently. Frankly, he wasn't surprised when Amy pointed the twins out at a gumball machine.

"There they are," Amy smiled. "Dex! Derrick!"

The two black bats turned their heads at a familiar voice. Delight went through them as they raced towards the hedgehog they called their aunt.

"AUNTIE AMY!"

Sonic stepped back a little as the twins launched themselves at Amy. She caught them gracefully as she bent to the ground, hugging both of them tightly.

"Jeez, kids," Knuckles whispered under his breath. "Sonic, this is Dex. And that's Derrick."

Knuckles pointed them out, true, but Sonic still didn't know which one was which. "They look exactly alike, what're you talking about?"

"Not if you look closely enough," Knuckles patted him roughly on his back and chuckled. "The louder one is Dexter. The quieter one is Derrick."

"They're both yelling," Sonic continued to look back and forth between the twins that were still currently hugging Amy and bombarding her with questions.

"Did you see the plane land?"

"Did you see us in the plane?"

"Do you live here?"

"Mama says you live here."

"She says we might live here, too."

"Is it nice here?"

"Are there aliens here?"

"Oo! Or people who have seen aliens?!"

Amy laughed as she couldn't keep up with them. "Would you two calm down? There's someone that you need to meet."

She got up and motioned to the blue hedgehog that stood behind her. The twins both shuffled in their places, but didn't make any moves toward Sonic. Cautiously, one of them glanced to Rouge.

Sonic lightly waved before bending down on one knee. "Hey. I'm Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog."

In that moment, one of them - the smaller bat - lit up. His eyes got wider as he grinned from ear to ear. "He said it! Mama, he said it!" The bat hopped in one place, his little wings flapping.

Sonic gave a light smirk. "I said what?"

"Oh, you know. Your name," Rouge winked.

"My name?"

"You say it in a specific way, haven't you noticed?"

"I mean...maybe. Way to make me self conscious about it," Sonic muttered under his breath.

The smaller bat wasted no more time in going straight up to Sonic. "Mama says you fought against Eggman! She says you and Auntie Amy and Dad all fought together!"

Sonic smiled warmly at the child. His energy reminded the hedgehog of his niece. "Yeah, yeah, we did. Fought for the greater good."

Knuckles cleared his throat and gave the bat a raised eyebrow look.

"Oh, right." He fidgeted in his spot. "I'm Dexter. My brother is Derrick," he motioned to the other bat that was now beside Rouge, grasping her jeans.

"Hey, there." Sonic did his best in trying to motion Derrick over, but the shy bat hid behind his mother's legs.

Rouge patted her son's head in reassurance. "Don't worry. He's like that with everyone, unfortunately. He'll warm up to you though. It's when he hides behind Knuckles that you know he won't ever talk to someone," she joked.

Sonic shrugged. "No big deal. My niece hardly says hi to strangers, too."

He stood and watched Dexter race back to Amy and clutch her hand. The bat did a little dance, trying to tug her away, asking more questions about possible aliens in the area.

Sonic chuckled to himself, mainly, as he watched. He put his hands on hips and glanced over at Knuckles. "Luggage?"

Knuckles motioned to the pick-up area as Rouge led the way with Derrick following closely behind. Amy had to help Dexter in the right direction, as the young bat seemed to want to wander off. It was such a big area, with hardly anyone in there now, that it was easy for the child to want to explore anything that caught his attention.

But as the airport had quieted down, it became noticeable to the two males left behind that no one had even stopped to look at them. No one asked them for a photo or an autograph. Knuckles fidgeted in his spot. "Is it always this peaceful out here?"

The thought was almost too good to be true. He had lost count how many times people would stop him on his way to work. In such a populated area, people still cared. But it was different out here.

"No one really cares around here whether you saved the world or not," Sonic snorted. "Makes 'em sound arrogant and ungrateful, but honestly, they keep to themselves. And it's nice. Because now we get to do the same."

Knuckles nodded in understanding. Sonic sighed in agreement before furrowing his eyebrows as a thought hit him that made him curious.

"They call you Dad?"

There was short silence between the two Mobians.

Knuckles gave him a look that almost felt reprimanding to Sonic. "What else should they call me?"

---

"So, what have you been up to in Florida?"

Sonic gripped the styrofoam cup filled with water. They were out in the hallway of the hotel - Rouge was settling the boys in and unpacking. Amy was probably catching up with Rouge. Knuckles had wanted to stretch his legs. Sonic came with.

"Hopping from job to job, really. Taking care of my family. Normal stuff," Knuckles shrugged as he looked out the second-story window.

A quiet street was out in front of them, and he was almost excited to get a good night's rest with no cars honking outside. It was odd - he felt like he was in another world entirely, not just a different part of the country.

"Nice. And the twins are how old?"

"Five, Sonic. They're five," Knuckles stood straighter and observed the hedgehog. "What's with the small talk? You know I hate it. I know you hate it."

"I just...it's been a while?" Sonic was confused as to what the echidna was getting at. "Is this not catching up?"

"Well, since you've asked how old the twins are three times now, I'm beginning to wonder," Knuckles scoffed. He leaned against the window sill and stared back out at the world. "Don't think I haven't noticed the tension between you and Amy. What's up with that?"

"What?"

"You two weren't talking to each other until we got out of the airport. I'm assuming your car ride over here to escort us was just as quiet? Wouldn't know - what with being in the rental and all - but I'd give good money on that."

"Alright," Sonic hoarsely spoke. "It's not all sunshine here, Knux. There's stuff going down."

"Yeah, between you and your fiancée. Your mother passing away - my condolences, again…" Knuckles bitterly looked at the parking lot. "Shadow and Amy?"

"While those are all good things, those aren't the reason why Amy and I didn't speak to each other much."

Knuckles narrowed his eyebrows before turning to his old friend. "You didn't kiss her, did you?"

"God, no. It's more like...there are these people who want to kill us type of thing."

The quiet hush that fell over them, and Knuckles' sudden glower at Sonic, was enough to tell the latter that the echidna wasn't happy.

"Is no one ever going to catch me up on things?! Jesus, someone wants to kill you - and I just brought my family here," his eyes went wide. "I just brought my kids. Rouge. What the hell were you thinking letting me come?!"

"Relax," Sonic tried his best to calm the hothead. "It's just this maniac. Shadow's apparently handling it all by himself at this point because he's failed to tell me everything, and he's trying to shove Amy out of the process of helping us." His sarcasm at the end might have not helped much to the situation, however.

"What? A maniac? How is that supposed to make me relax?"

"You tell me because at this point I want to wrangle Shadow's neck," Sonic took a sip of his water and set it down on the window sill. "It's this guy named Samwell Turner. Scourge works for him. They've been around for a few years - we knew of them. But it was never a big problem until now."

"Oh, so you knew of them, but you never thought that these people who wanted to kill you would - I don't know - kill you?" Knuckles wanted to punch Sonic's face in at the amount of stupidity coming out of his mouth.

"Look. I only know some things, apparently." Sonic gritted his teeth and stared at the hotel door where Amy and Rouge were on the other side. He kept his voice quiet as he looked back at Knuckles. "Long story short, Scourge and Rosy have a child which Samwell might hurt because Scourge isn't exactly working with him. And Samwell supposedly has people like spies around us - that part I just found out from Amy, not Shadow. And one of those spies happens to work with my pregnant wife. So you see the problem?"

"Shadow's holding out information, why?" Knuckles was still grasping the situation. "Why the hell does Samwell want you dead?"

"Damned if I know. All I knew at one point was that Shadow was keeping Amy out of it to avoid her from doing something stupid. Silver was working on figuring out where Scourge lived so we could go talk to him - "

"And do what, have him join us?" Knuckles sneered. "That would be the day."

" - Right? And Shadow withheld information that might have been useful - that there are people in our lives that have been following us. Amy was serious about it. So, who knows how long these people have been around. If one truly does work with Sarah, then he's been there for years. Watching every step of hers and Scourge's child, no doubt. And sometimes us considering that I've met the guy."

"You've met him? And you never thought to ask him anything about his personal life?" Knuckles questioned.

"There wasn't really a reason to consider that he was working with Samwell since he works with small children throughout the day," Sonic blankly said as his expression told Knuckles to shut up. "But it doesn't bother you that Shadow is trying to do this all by himself? He probably hasn't told Silver about the whole spy thing."

"Shadow was always a lone wolf, though. Is it really uncharacteristic of him to keep to himself on these situations when we both know he loves to handle things on his own? Unless, he's changed," Knuckles gave Sonic a look that said he doubted it.

"True. Shadow wouldn't say anything if he didn't want to. But he's trying to keep me or anyone else from telling Amy. She's the one who found all of this out in the first place, though."

"And he's stopping her why exactly?"

"To avoid her from getting into more trouble," Sonic waved it off. "Trust me, it's been a rollercoaster and a half."

Knuckles motioned for him to stop talking about the issue. "Alright. Let's just be clear though, that this Turner guy wants you dead?"

"I'm assuming."

"So, Rouge and I are good, right?"

"Well, all of this sort of happened around the time Amy showed up. Then Silver and Blaze. This guy might be crazy enough to want all of us for some reason," Sonic suggested.

"That's just great, Hedgehog."

"Look, Knuckles, it's not my fault - "

Sonic was suddenly pinned up against the wall. An angry echidna held him there roughly. "Listen to me, Sonic. Listen good. If anything - anything - happens to my family, Samwell won't be the one to kill you. We had good times and bad times. We were heroes and partners back then. Those days are over, Sonic. And don't think for a moment that I will hesitate to protect what's most important to me now."

He got an understanding nod in return.

"I get it, Knuckles. I have people I want to protect, too. Everyone, if I can. But right now, I don't know what's going to happen. I just want to pummel Shadow for answers since it's clear he isn't telling me everything. He wants to be involved in this. He wants to hurt Samwell, I can see it in his eyes. Now whether you're in on this or not, Samwell might already know that you're here."

Knuckles gritted his teeth and glared. "That's what I'm afraid of...But count me in. And find out what Shadow has to say. We all have to be on the same playing field to understand what's going on with this guy."

Sonic felt his pocket vibrating suddenly. He sighed as he and Knuckles dropped the conversation entirely. He looked at his phone and shook his head. "Speak of the damn Devil."

"Hey," Knuckles motioned between the phone and the hotel door. "What's going on between Amy and Shadow, anyway?"

Sonic gave the longest eye roll in history. "Don't get me started."

~.~

Amy watched the twins run about in the small hotel room. "Rouge, are you sure?"

"Positive, Amy. But, hey, if we get kicked out of here for being too loud, I'll let you know. You know, unlike how you let me know when you lost your job and - "

"Yeah, yeah, okay." She stood up from one of the beds. "It's just a little cramped for them is all."

"They're kids, not dogs," Rouge snorted and waved her off. "Besides, there's a pool and a TV. They'll be plenty entertained if you ask me."

Amy gave a sigh. "Okay, I guess. They're your kids."

"Damn right."

"But speaking of which, when are you going to introduce said kids to the rest of the group?" Amy questioned.

"Well, you said that the funeral was tomorrow, right?"

"Yes. You're welcome to come, ya know."

Rouge shook her head quickly. "No. Knuckles and I have already talked about it. We didn't find it right. Besides, we have the twins. We really shouldn't, Amy."

"I know." Amy glanced towards the door, hearing Sonic and Knuckles talking outside in the hallway.

"So...after the funeral then?"

"Monday. We'll get our rest tomorrow. I feel out of space and time right now," Rouge sat down on the bed. "I have to write an outline for the book anyhow by the end of the week."

"The book about us?"

"Everyone thinks it's a good idea. So many people want our version of the story - the actual version. I'm just surprised it's taken me this long to think of writing it."

"Well, you'll do a good job of it. As long as you don't mention the whole, ya know, me being obsessed with Sonic thing."

Rouge chortled. "Oh, I'm mentioning that."

Amy grinned fakely and cracked her knuckles. "Please don't. It was an embarrassing time in my life."

"Oh, come on, Amy. Everyone has those moments. For most people it's cringey prom photos from the past. Or first day of work horror stories. For you it's that tiny little detail of your life that you were obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog, and he constantly had to save your ass."

The two shared a laugh before it quietly died down. Amy's grin disappeared. "Rouge...back then...did you think that I got in the way?"

The bat gave her a confused look. "What do you mean?"

"Of the fighting. Of the rescuing people. How eventually it would become a plan to rescue me because I got in the way? Because I managed to screw up everything and make myself a damsel in distress so many times?"

"Amy, where is this coming from?" Rouge shook her head in disbelief.

"Call it a lost train of thought…" Amy mumbled as she looked down at her clasped hands. "But am I?"

Rouge made eye contact with the rose hedgehog. Blue eyes showed uncertainty before she sighed and gave in. "I...Amy, I didn't like you back then. You were this annoying little girl. But you - I mean, sure you might have messed up some of the plans. But if none of that happened, then how would you have become this beautiful person I see today? That I know and consider part of my family?

"Amy, you try your damndest to help people. And in those situations, will one screw up? Of course. It's natural - you're not perfect. But you continue to help, Amy. You never stood back down - you never walked away from trying to help Sonic and the others. You never quit, Amy. I don't see that as someone who got in the way for the wrong reasons. I see that as someone who got in the way for the right reasons."

"So, I'm not a total screw up?"

"Well, I wouldn't say that," Rouge teased. She gave Amy a look before opening her arms for another hug. It was probably the twentieth hug of the day, but Amy didn't mind.

The pink hedgehog practically collapsed in her hold. "Rouge, something is happening. Something that might be bad. And I don't want to get in the way, but I don't want to let others get hurt."

Rouge furrowed her eyebrows. "What do you mean?" She pulled back as Amy sat back on the bed.

"You remember Scourge?"

The door opened before she could get another word out.

Amy wiped any oncoming tears as she faced away from the two males entering the room. Rouge gave Knuckles and Sonic quick glances before sighing and putting on a fake smile. "Time for you two to head out?"

"Yeah. Shadow called. Needs help getting some calves back in. A lot got out somehow." Sonic groaned as he put his phone back in his pocket. "So, you all coming up soon?"

"Monday. We'll get your address. We have the rental car, so we're good there."

"Of course," Sonic grabbed the pen and paper by the nightstand. Rouge walked over to him.

Knuckles took that as his cue to say goodbye to Amy.

The echidna and hedgehog shared a bond - a sibling like relationship from the moment they both cared for Rouge and the twins. Knuckles knew how to read Amy just as well as Rouge did.

And he knew when Amy was in distress, to say the least.

This was one of those moments. But the look she gave him in return told him that it wasn't the time or place to talk about feelings. Knuckles gave a small look at Sonic - knowing very well why the tension between the two hedgehogs was strong.

Whatever this situation is with this Samwell guy and Scourge...it's getting underneath Amy's skin more than Sonic realizes. More than Shadow must realize, too.

By the looks of Amy and reading her behavior, Knuckles could tell she was focused on this Samwell situation. That had to be it. Especially if she was hell-bent on being a part of it.

Which is never a good thing. She's more persistent than Shadow and Sonic combined. Shadow's a fool to think he can tell her what to do - just to keep her safe. If something is going to happen, Amy's going to be in the middle of it by choice.

She won't back down.

Even if Shadow makes her. Seems odd, and I'm not sure I completely trust the guy. But this whole secrecy and keeping Amy out of it isn't going to be good for their...well, whatever their relationship is.

If this silence and friction keeps up, Amy might just leave.

Knuckles cleared his throat and erased his thoughts. He wrapped Amy in a hug, whispering into her ear, "You'll call tonight, right?"

"Sure. We have a party to go to, but I'll try to call if it's not too late."

"The twins haven't had enough of you, it seems," Knuckles let go as she stood. "Monday will be an adventure."

"Eh, isn't every Monday?" Amy shook her emotions away as she joked with the echidna.

God, everything is so tense in this room right now. Her thoughts were running wild in how to escape the room as quickly as possible.

Rouge gave her a hug goodbye, and then so did the twins. Amy watched as Sonic said his goodbyes, starting with the twins first. Derrick was still too shy, but he did manage to make eye contact. After Rouge, Sonic got to Knuckles.

The two seemed to share a long, knowing look that made Amy suspicious.

Shadow would go behind my back and tell Sonic...but would Sonic tell Knuckles about everything? I mean, maybe. I was about to tell Rouge, so it's possible that's what they were talking about while in the hallway.

And Knuckles' look...He knew something was up the moment he walked back in the room. But did he know the reason? And if Sonic really told Knuckles, what side would he be on? Knuckles is like a brother. He'd protect me, but he wouldn't hold me back. Not like Shadow. Shadow wants to hold me back. Knuckles wouldn't fight against me.

He and I would be equals. Maybe that's Shadow and I's downfall. He doesn't see me as an equal fighting partner. He sees me as something fragile. Something that trips over her own feet.

In that case...would Sonic see me like that, too? He's saved me countless times in the past. He was used to doing so, and rarely complained for the most part. At least to my face. But now does he want to hold me back?

Amy pursed her lips in thought as the two said goodbye.

Maybe Rouge is right in her words. I always got in the way because I was protecting others first and foremost. Sometimes, I would slip up and become the one who needed saving. But as I grew and learned to defend myself, that didn't stop me from hesitating at the sight of danger. People need saving. And if they aren't going to save themselves, I'll step in to do it.

If Scourge needs help, then fine. Him of all people...No. For Rosy and their daughter. Innocent lives that are worth more than mine. Samwell can't just keep taking. And Shadow can't keep trying to stop me.

I'm going to be in the way, Shadow.

But I'm going to do it on purpose.

---

There was a lot more dust in the house, and he wasn't completely sure if the open windows and fan were helping any.

Peter put his hands on his hips and sighed. The spare room was looking better. A lot of old college junk was in the trash, and anything else that he had gotten a few years ago was too. Some things he had kept - collectibles and photos. Not many of them were filled with good memories, but he chose to keep them anyway.

It was a little past twelve-thirty, he figured. Without even noticing, the feline wasn't the only one in the room anymore.

"Hey, Tiger."

He jumped. "Jesus, Sally!" Staring at his girlfriend with wide eyes, he relaxed his shoulders. "Did you have to give me a heart attack?"

"It was hardly a little fright," she begged to differ. It was at this point that he noticed she was in her running clothes - leggings and a t-shirt.

"You went running?"

"Yeah. You know, I figured a parked car across the street shouldn't stop me," she smiled. Oh, how her smile was beautiful. Peter wasn't relaxed any further however. "And I did indeed see Debra. She says it's just her brother's car. Something about him coming up for a visit, blah, blah, blah. You know how she is - she proceeded to give a whole life story about how he's a bum and probably needs her money," Sally explained.

"So...it's just his car?"

"Yeah," Sally leaned against the doorway. "So, you know - you don't have to be afraid anymore." Her words were slow to come out of her mouth, but she figured he wouldn't second guess her tiny fib.

"I wasn't."

"Hmhm…"

Peter fidgeted in his spot before he made eye contact with her again. "You going back to work? Writing away?"

"Yeah. My editor wants the new chapter I've been working on. They're still on the fence about me doing actual fiction. I'm going to keep pressing it though. I want to expand my horizons," she jokingly said the last part in a dramatic way, but Peter wasn't phased. Her smile wore off. "Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Peter walked towards her but only to get past her and into the hallway. "You know, I think I'll go get the groceries. You have a list? Or just want me to grab some stuff?"

"We both know you take too long when there isn't a list. And we also know that if there is a list, you lose it anyway and take twice as long," Sally followed him to their bedroom where he changed his shirt.

"So, no list?"

Sally smirked and gave a nod. "Better make it just a long trip instead of twice as long, I figure. Besides, it's been a few days since we've gotten to just relax - just the two of us," she spoke as she came up behind him and hugged him.

Peter didn't want to freeze, but he did. Sally backed off as he tensed up.

"Peter, are you okay? You're really tense. Need a massage?" she pecked his shoulder.

Trying to give her the best, reassuring smile that he could, the feline put the new shirt on. "I'm fine, honestly, Sally. It's just stress. You know, from work."

She raised her eyebrow. "From preschoolers? They color all day. It's essentially a babysitting job."

The words were a little hurtful, he found. Peter narrowed his eyebrows a little. "They're...It's not just a babysitting job. They learn, I teach."

"Honey, they're not even kindergarteners yet. You don't really teach them anything that they'll remember," Sally tried not to scoff but mostly failed. She watched as Peter coiled back. "I mean, I don't mean to be rude, but I've studied this before. Especially in Mobians. The kids that you teach don't really learn anything when all they're there for is to keep them out of trouble while their parents are at work."

"Are you saying my job isn't worth something?"

"You babysit, Peter," Sally repeated. "I never met a kid from your class that learned something valuable."

"You never met any of the kids from my class," Peter gritted his teeth. "You refuse to even show up at the school."

"You know why - "

"You know what," Peter stopped himself short. His tone had risen but he fought it back down. Slightly glaring at his girlfriend, he held up his pointer finger as if he was about to say a comeback. Instead, he exhaled heavily. "I'm gonna go get some groceries."

"Peter, wait - " Sally tried to catch him as he hurried out of the room. "I didn't mean it - I mean, you're right. I don't exactly know what you teach them. I'm sure you teach them a lot of things - "

She continued to speak into his ear as he went to the front door and put his shoes on. He grabbed the car keys and went for the door knob. He stopped short and looked her in the eyes. "Are you ashamed of me?"

"I - " She was caught off guard by the inquiry. "No, Peter. I'm not ashamed of you. I just...have my opinions on your job, is all. I don't personally see why a school of that small of a town needs preschool when they don't learn anything - "

"They do learn things, Sally. And I like that school. I like that town. I like the people," Peter spoke harshly. "I like it a lot better than this place. These people."

Her eyes were anything but apologetic now. "If you like it so much, why don't you just move there?"

"I would. Honestly, I would love to. But you don't. I know you have your past issues. I know you don't want to see him. I know it sucks that you two landed so close to each other, but maybe it's for a reason, Sally. You said you two were best friends way before lovers. Why can't you just accept that you miss your friends? I want you to be happy, Sally. And if being away from that town makes you happy, I'm not about to force you into going to some party at the school or to go see them. But I want you to know this - they're happy. But I bet they'd be happier with you, too."

Sally slowly shook her head. "No. I can't take that bet, Peter. Nasty words were thrown around between him and I. I think it's best if I stay away. Besides, they're happy. Him. Shadow. Even Amy, now. And…"

"Sarah. Her name is Sarah. She's funny, smart, beautiful, and great with the kids," Peter didn't care if Sally looked uncomfortable. "You should at least know her name. She knows about you."

"What? You told her? Have you told the rest of them, too?!" Sally lashed out and backed away from him in shock.

"No. Of course not. And Sarah said she wouldn't tell anyone, including Sonic. And Sarah keeps her promises."

"Unlike you. Maybe you could learn something from her if you think she's so special - "

"For the love of God, stop it!" Peter grabbed her by the forearms. He pressed his lips against hers in a mad fury of emotions. She didn't stop him. Pulling away, Peter pressed his forehead against hers and gazed into the blue eyes he had become so familiar with. "You being jealous isn't you, Sally. You don't hate her, and you know it. You just want to be there with them. Look...maybe you could come to the St. Patty's Day party they put on for the kids. I don't wanna force you to go, but I'm suggesting it."

She huffed with tearfilled eyes. "Do you guys just celebrate every holiday or something?"

"It's an excuse to throw a party for the kids and get the community involved. And they'll most likely be there," Peter noted. "Sarah manages to rope them into it somehow every time….Please?" He licked his lips in anticipation for her answer.

It was a small nod, but he noticed it. Grinning, Peter kissed her again. She wrapped her arms around him, but he already pulled away.

"I'm gonna go get those groceries," he whispered with a low, playful gaze. "And then we can relax together."

"Is that what kids are calling it these days?" Sally temptingly mumbled back at him as she managed to sneak in one last kiss.

Biting her lip, Sally watched as he opened the door and left. Sighing, she wrapped her arms around her abdomen.

Okay. The next party they have, I'll go. I can do this. I can see them again after so long...it'll be fine. I'm sure Sonic won't completely hate me. Maybe. He might not want to talk to me, but at least Amy will.

With some optimism and determination in mind, Sally marched back to her computer. She was going to give that editor a piece of her mind while she was at it.

Sitting back down, Sally failed to notice what had happened across the street. Peter drove away without even noticing his surroundings for once. Neither of them seemed to have a sudden care in the world. As to most, it probably meant nothing.

The car across the street still sat there, but not alone anymore.

A maroon wolf was seated on the driver's side. She rolled down the window as Peter's car disappeared on the next street. With a dark look, her gaze shifted towards the house.

Good ole Pet's house.

---

The calf was cornered. Eyes wide with fright, he stood there with shaking legs.

"Would you just grab him? He's tame," Shadow called to the white hedgehog.

Silver remained in one spot, frozen. He stared down the calf, and the calf stared right back. Its ears flicked back and forth as it listened to the sound of Shadow walking closer.

"I thought you said you were gonna help," the ebony hedgehog mumbled. He motioned the calf. "He's not moving. He knows he's trapped. What are you waiting for?"

"I - well, I don't know. How do you grab him?" Silver whispered, his eyes continuously locked onto the animal.

"Well, for starters, you actually have to go up to him."

"Right. But for the sake of preparation, how would you go about getting him?"

Shadow rolled his eyes. "Jesus. Silver, the calf has a halter on. Just grab it."

"The thing around its face?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I can do that." Silver breathed in and out. "And if he makes a run for it?"

"He won't. I lead them," Shadow droned as he watched the white hedgehog ever so slowly reach his hand out.

Silver's fingertips grazed a metal part of the halter. His fingers went around the loop as the calf twitched his head up a little, but ultimately made no other movements. As he got closer and stood straighter, Silver shook his shoulder and cleared his throat.

"See? That wasn't hard."

"Right. You lead them? Meaning?" Silver stood in place as the calf licked his hand. It was a strange texture. Slimy. He didn't like it.

"Meaning I use a lead rope and walk them around. Eventually they learn to follow. Like a dog on a leash."

"You can do that with a cow?"

"Animals have some similarities, you know," Shadow snorted. He motioned Silver to the other side of the barn where the calf pens were.

Silver tugged on the calf's halter and found that it easily followed as Shadow had said. "Oh. You're not so bad," he mumbled under his breath. The calf wanted to continue licking his fingers in response.

When the calf pen was in sight, the calf left Silver in the dust, getting back into the calf pen that was now open thanks to Shadow taking off a board. He sighed and stared at the two calves in the pen.

"Well, that's two. More to go, though."

"How do they get out?"

"A weak board in the back that I have yet to fix. Some of the other calves in the field get out from a part of the fence that might be broken or something. Sometimes they just shuffle underneath."

"Really?"

"It's amazing what they'll do for food," Shadow sarcastically answered as he put the board back up so the two calves had to remain put.

Silver watched the two calves as Shadow walked away, ready to get more into the pens. The white hedgehog hadn't really thought this whole "helping" thing through. Truth be told, he came out to the barn with Shadow for a different reason.

"You think of a way to apologize to Amy yet?"

Shadow sighed. "How would you go about it?"

"You asked me that earlier and I told you - don't insult her in the first place," Silver mocked. He turned around to face Shadow. "But I am curious. You want to protect her from this whole thing, I get it. So would I. Hell, I do. I think it's best if she stay out of it. She tends to go...overboard, so to speak. Definitely doesn't think first before doing. But why so much secrecy, Shadow? When will the point of hiding things from each other be the breaking point? If you keep going on this track, the both of you won't ever trust each other. Is that really how you want things between the two of you?"

Shadow raised an eyebrow. "It seems you've thought of this more today that I have."

"I don't typically wave things off like you. Some stuff is more important, Shadow. Some stuff you can't just wave off. Amy going and getting herself possibly killed because of this Samwell guy? I'd call that important."

The white hedgehog followed Shadow out of the barn. While the latter searched the outside nearby area for calves, the former kept talking.

"What else is there, Shadow? Amy goes and does something - gets in trouble. You're afraid you won't be there quick enough. But what about the rest of us? We're a team. Sure, we haven't done this whole hero thing in years, but that doesn't mean it's not a part of us. It'll always be a part of us - even you, who a lot of people don't see as a hero."

Shadow stopped short. If this annoying nuisance was going where he thought, Shadow would have to try and hold back the punches. This type of thing coming from Amy was tolerable. From Silver? He wasn't sure he would really try to refrain all too much.

"And your point to all of this is what exactly?"

"Maybe you should remember that we're all here, Shadow. Amy realizes that, clearly. She wants us to be a part of this. She's not saying she's gonna do this alone. But if you continue to push her out of it when Sonic and I are helping, then she won't have any other choice but to go it alone. She could help us just as much as we could help her. Hence why it's called being a team. Not that you would have much experience with that."

"What?" he growled.

"You worked with Rouge occasionally and a robot from time to time. Don't act like Rouge was the most heartfelt being back then. And a robot."

"And I would dare to say that it felt more than you could ever feel," Shadow gritted his teeth. "Rouge was also kind and understanding. Don't go and speak ill of someone you barely know."

"I'm not trying to, Shadow," Silver explained. "But what I want to know is why we're holding back on Amy. I mean, I get it. She's definitely pressing this matter more than I would deem safe. But if she keeps thinking about it like this, she might get herself in danger long before we even know or have the chance to help her."

"Hence why we keep an eye on her."

"I'm not here to babysit, Shadow."

"Then I will," he hissed quickly. Turning to face the other male, Shadow glowered darkly. "Silver, if you're not going to be of any help with the calves or with my situation with Amy, then leave."

"Shadow, it's...I'm not trying to be harsh right now. I'm not trying to pick a fight with you. I'm just beginning to wonder if this is really a smart idea. As a team, we never left someone in the fog. We're the only ones we know that we can trust right now."

"Yes…" Shadow trailed off. "She did talk about the spies. Worthington from the school. Scourge, technically."

"What?" Silver was caught off guard by his sudden mumbling of spies. "This unhinged psycho has spies? On who? Us?"

"Those that lived here, yes. Worthington is a teacher at the same school Sarah teaches at."

"Well, that's just great. You told Sonic, right?"

The silence gave him that answer.

"Jesus, Shadow! How many more secrets are we holding from each other?! When will the lying stop?!"

"It's not lying. Just withholding the truth."

"That's a part of lying!" Silver was on the verge of ripping his quills out. This exasperating hedgehog was too much to deal with. "Look, it might seem like you know what to do or how you want to handle things, but that's it. If you're hiding stuff from Sonic of all people, then maybe it's you that we should be kicking out of this situation."

Shadow whipped his head in Silver's direction and gave him the darkest glare he had ever given. "Silver, don't step over a line you are not meant to cross."

"Oh, I will, tough guy." Silver gritted his teeth. "We're adults, Shadow. No more time to treat me like a child - or the rest of us. You apologize to Amy. You include her. You tell her the truth, and you just might be able to save whatever there is left of your relationship with her. And you tell Sonic the truth, too."

"Or what?" Shadow mocked. "What are you going to do, Silver? Tell Sonic? Good, then I won't have to. Tell Amy? Then by all means, maybe it just wasn't meant to be between her and me."

Silver paused. He clenched his jaw and looked at the ground before peering up at Shadow. "She really means that much to you? So much that you actually think you two are meant to be? How old are you, Shadow? Twelve-year-olds talk like that. Not you. Never you."

Shadow cleared his throat. "You were the one to talk me into asking her out. And yes, I might have feelings for her."

"Might is an understatement, I'd say."

"Well, then what would you call this, Silver? What would you call this terrible relationship between Amy and I that I'm trying to save?" Shadow raised his arms up a little to form a T - as if to let Silver observe him entirely. His entire body language and the emotion in his eyes. "What would you call that feeling that makes you want to keep someone safe? To keep them away from harm at all costs, even if you aren't safe? To keep them away from making the wrong decision because it puts them in harm's way even more?"

Silver backed up a little as the hedgehog vented.

"I can only care about people oh-so much, Silver," Shadow scrunched his nose up. "But since she's been here, I've given every damn that I have. And I'll admit this whole feeling for her is something I've never felt for someone before. But you can threaten to tell her the truth again and again," Shadow growled under his breath as he stepped closer to Silver until they were almost touching noses. He glowered even more so. "And I would continue to lie and stop her from making any foolish decision she has."

After a moment's silence, it was clear Shadow was waiting for Silver to make a move. The white hedgehog pursed his lips in thought as he stepped away from Shadow.

"Well, then. I'll give you the chance to tell her the truth, Shadow. Because it's what you do," Silver nodded as he stared down the hedgehog. "When you love someone."

Shadow took a startled step backwards.

Love? No one said anything about love. Commitment. Everything that I've seen that's happened to others - Sonic and Sarah, Silver and Blaze - that's what's happening now, isn't it?

Realization crashed over him like a tsunami. He breathed in deeply and let it out slowly. "You're implying that I...love Amy Rose?"

Silver smirked as the words came out. "Don't worry, it'll get easier to say," he sarcastically responded. "Now, you're gonna tell her. And Sonic. About all of this. We're all a team, Shadow. Friends. Family?"

The bolshie hedgehog grumbled under his breath at the pest. "Fine," he spoke through a clenched jaw.

"Wow. Was not expecting you to give in so easily, I'm not gonna lie."

"It's best to tell Sonic," Shadow nodded his head in thought. "Especially since Amy's probably already told him. He sounded pissed over the phone. Like he was trying to hold something back."

"The whole Worthington thing?" Silver inquired. "Yeah, I'd be pissed, too. You know, it'd only be my future wife who's carrying my unborn child in danger. No biggie."

"Your sarcasm is on high today, isn't it?" Shadow crossed his arms against his chest and scowled once more.

He was greeted with a sarcastic grin.

"Alright," Shadow groaned as he rubbed his forehead.

Silver patted his back and walked towards the truck before stopping short, staring at the new glowering life form in front of him. Shadow had failed to see the intruder, however.

"But, Silver, I must say - it's not just Worthington. I believe Sonic's brother-in-law is involved somehow." He made his way to turn around and follow Silver to the truck. "I have my reasons, which I will explain as soon as we - "

Shadow and Silver both stared in surprise at the person.

Blaze, in all her fiery glory, glared daggers at them. "You mind letting me know what the hell is going on, Silver?"

~.~

"'Is she dead yet?'" Silver gave him a look. "That's morbid. That's what the text said?"

"I remember it clear as day," Shadow mumbled, gripping the steering wheel tight.

It was currently very crowded in the small truck. Shadow was driving. Silver was in the middle. And Blaze was on the opposite side so as to prevent her from strangling Shadow.

She was quiet and seething at the same time. It made Shadow uneasy - just a little.

"But what about the fact that Flame married Sonia. Had kids with her? What does that mean?"

"It either means I'm looking too far into it and it's nothing, like he said, or it means that the spies have been around from the start," Shadow cleared his throat, "Which in turn means that Samwell has been planning this from the moment we left Mobius."

"A plan for ten years," Silver raised his eyebrows. "He definitely wouldn't want to screw it up, then. Maybe that means he actually knows what he's doing."

"I wouldn't doubt it."

Blaze gritted her teeth, arms folded tightly across her chest. "You two are seriously going to continue acting like this?"

"What do you mean?"

Oh, her boyfriend was something else. What he was - she wasn't sure. All she knew was that she didn't like it, and she kind of wanted to punch him. However, the cat wasn't prone to being violent to her beloved. Despite his idiotic tendencies.

"You two have failed to tell us that we are in possible danger. And you're acting like a bunch of heroes trying to keep us all out of it. At this point, it's not about hiding things from Amy and Sonic. It's about when the hell you were going to tell everybody!"

Silver flinched at her low hiss. He leaned over to Shadow a little. "This would be a good example of why you don't hide things from your significant other."

The flame lit in Blaze's eyes.

"Oh, that is it, Silver the Hedgehog! You both are about to be put six feet under! I know that's dramatic, but I swear to God, I cannot express the anger in me right now!" She balled up her fists and glared at the both of them. "You two both knew about this crazy guy, and Scourge wanting to kill us, and all you two can do is sit there and act buddy-buddy with each other?! Silver, you don't even know him!" she pointed harshly at Shadow, who returned it with a little sneer before looking back at the road.

"That's a little low, Blaze. Again, we don't know Shadow that well, true, but shouldn't he be given a chance?" Silver stammered - not wanting her to bite his head off.

"That's like saying I should give this Samwell guy a chance because I don't know him!"

"No, it's not," Shadow interrupted with a snarl. "I don't want to kill you. He does. There's a big difference, Blaze, and you're overreacting. If anything, you should be glad that I was trying to keep Amy safe by keeping her out of the situation."

"Keeping her safe?! All that's happened since she's been here is trouble and chaos with more trouble! Do you really think she'll actually be happy here for the rest of her life?!" Blaze gave an exasperated laugh.

Shadow picked up the speed of the truck - he really didn't want to spend anymore time with the two of them. The sooner he got home, the sooner he could be by himself - what he wanted in the first place before everyone showed up!

"Who's to say she isn't happy here already?" he tried to stay calm. He really did. "You can't speak for her, Blaze. God knows you've been a pain in her ass. I don't understand how she was friends with you in the first place. Right now, it seems she'd be a lot happier here than anywhere with you."

"Harsh," Silver whispered, but he was already kicked out of the conversation a long time ago.

Blaze was actually growling at this point - which was unusual for the feline. Silver wasn't sure whether or not they should stop the truck and sort it out like civilized beings, or if he should let her continue to vent to the one hedgehog she seemed to despise most.

"She's lost her way! It's not my fault she's irresponsible!"

Shadow derided, "What a way to talk about your friend, Cat."

"You're one to talk - what with how you speak about Sonic and all. You should really take a good long look at what you've done in your life, Shadow, and really question if it's good to drag Amy into the situation."

"I'm not forcing her to stay here, Blaze. She's doing so on her own choice."

"And it's a lousy choice - we both know it!" Blaze leaned over as if to spit in his face, but she didn't. She held back. But all of them knew she wanted to.

A silence fell over them - low and dark.

Shadow glowered at her from the corner of his eye as Silver gave her a look of disbelief. He couldn't fathom the idea of Blaze being like this to anybody, even Shadow.

And yet there she was. Clearly wanting to mark him as a monster like so many other people had done before. Spit on him. Throw a milkshake at him. Whatever it would take to make him feel lower than the dirt they all walked on.

The look in her eyes was that familiar look of absolute loathing. Whatever chance Shadow had to convince her that he'd be good for Amy was long gone.

For the moment, he thought she'd give up and sit back in her seat. But she wasn't over yet.

Lowly, Blaze spoke through gritted teeth, "If you think a hellish person like you could ever treat someone like her decently - give her the happiest life she could have - then you're fooling yourself for the sake of being selfish and having her for yourself."

"Blaze." Silver stared at her with wide eyes. "We're done here, okay? Cut it out. Amy is a grown woman. And Shadow is a respectable hero. If you aren't going to realize the fact that he was also fighting by our side in the war, then…"

He never finished his sentence. The white hedgehog bit his bottom lip in hesitation. "Then maybe we aren't much of a team, you and I."

"You're taking his side?" Her tone wasn't bewildered. It was almost if she expected this of him.

Silver leaned back and refused to look at her. "Blaze, we have to realize who the real enemy is right now. It's not Shadow. It's Samwell Turner. He wants to kill all of us, most likely. That includes Amy. And if you both want to do the right thing, it'll be getting rid of him first and then going at each other's throats later."

Amber eyes glared one last time at the ebony hedgehog. She sat back in her seat, suddenly calm and collected as she usually was.

"Fine. You know where Scourge and Rosy are. We'll visit them Monday."

"We?" Shadow questioned under his breath. "Silver and I will go. You aren't - "

"I'm going, Shadow. Try to stop me." Her gaze told him to not try to hold her back. Unlike Amy, there wasn't stubbornness in the feline. She wasn't going to try to fight him to go. She was just going to go.

It was Shadow's turn to reluctantly agree. "Fine…"

"And once this Samwell situation is under wraps, we're going back to New York, Silver. Back to our apartment."

"The one we haven't touched in who knows how long?" Silver practically forgot about the place. He was used to traveling all the time.

"Yes. And if need be, perhaps there will be three of us going."

She looked out the window for the rest of the ride home. Silver was quiet, as was Shadow, but both understood her words as soon as they left her mouth.

Shadow exhaled heavily as his grip on the wheel remained firm.

Should push come to shove, Blaze won't stop herself from telling Amy what to do. What she considers to be the right move for Amy's future.

She'll try to make Amy go back to New York.

His whole being hated the idea. Shadow couldn't stand the idea of Amy being forced to go back to New York with Blaze and Silver - if she didn't want to, that is.

Because despite him not liking it entirely, there was still that small voice in the back of his head telling him otherwise.

Is she right, though? With everything that I've done - everything that's happened in my past to define who I am...can I really bring Amy any sort of happiness? Am I doing this out of selfishness? Is wanting to be happy with Amy being selfish?

Her going back to New York...she could live a different life than this one. What a quiet, mundane life this is. It bores her, I can tell. But she's also happy here. Then again, she was happy in New York, too.

He swallowed as his head went in circles with thoughts. The house was coming into view as they drove closer to home.

Well, at least his home.

I don't know, anymore. I don't know if I can give Amy Rose a life she deserves. A happy life. A good life. She'd want to settle down, have kids. Could I really live that life? I'm best at being by myself.

The thought would have normally made him send her packing with Blaze and Silver, but there was uncertainty. He didn't know what he wanted. He didn't know what she wanted.

I'm lost and because maybe...Blaze has a point.

---

Amy and Sonic came back earlier than Shadow had expected.

"How are they doing?"

"They're doing good."

"The twins?"

"Interesting. They were interesting."

He watched from afar as Sunny and Manic seemed to be the only ones who wanted to hear anything about the visit. Sonic spoke mostly while Amy got a sandwich ready.

"They're visiting Monday," Sonic noted as he stole a piece of lettuce from Amy and merely started munching on it.

Amy gave him a confused look. "You only want a piece of lettuce?"

"Well, unless that sandwich is for me…" he pointed at the sandwich but Amy pushed it further away from him. He gave her a light smile and looked back at his brother and Sunny. "So, anyway, it was pretty much uneventful."

"Cool," Sunny nodded as she glanced at her phone. "Sounds fun. Hopefully they get settled in."

It was clear the female was done with the conversation as she trailed off. Manic playfully rolled his eyes before giving Sonic a nod. "So, what made you both high tail it back here so fast? I'd figure you'd go out to lunch or something."

"Nah," Sonic shook his head. "I got some business to do."

"Business?"

"Yeah, not the work kind," Sonic gave Manic a knowing look before shifting that look to the ebony hedgehog that was watching from the other room.

Shadow shifted uncomfortably at the sudden eye contact.

Sudden business? What business - oh. Right. Amy told him. But, he already knows. He gave a confused look out the window. Unless she told him everything, like I suspect. She told him about Peter.

The grass was showing through outside even more so now. It was god awful to look at, but it was the start of spring. Shadow leaned against the window and bit his bottom lip ever so slightly that it was hardly noticeable.

But she didn't say anything about Flame. Because she doesn't know about that part. That text he got. I can only keep thinking about that text. Silver's right. If Flame is part of this and is on Samwell's side...then Samwell has had this planned from the get-go.

But why would Flame go to the lengths of marrying Sonia and having kids? His love for his children and wife are undeniable. He can't possibly…

It hit Shadow like a freight train.

Of course. Scourge is being roped into this whole mess because Samwell knows about Rosy and their child. He has leverage there. And with Flame...Flame probably went in too deep and fell in love with Sonia. Samwell's probably using him, too.

I'm starting to get the feeling that some of these people are being used by Samwell. That some of them aren't there by choice. It's a completely sound idea. I don't doubt it.

But if I tell Sonic about Flame being a spy now, along with Peter Worthington, he might just lose his shit. Sarah can be kept here, safe and sound with us by playing sick. But Sonia? It would be noticeable if we were to take her and the kids away to safety. And Flame. God knows what would happen between Sonic and Flame.

Sonic isn't one to be violent to family. He never hated Flame - trusted the guy from the start. But now? If all these years were a lie to get close to us...do we really know Flame? Maybe we do. Maybe he wants help from us to save his family.

A sudden rush of protectiveness came over him as he thought of Sonia and the kids.

Petunia. Jeffery. This is becoming bigger than saving Scourge and Rosy's child. If Flame does something to piss off Samwell before Scourge does...then it's the kids and Sonia who get the repercussions.

Fire went through his veins and he saw red. A growl built in his chest at the thought of Samwell even daring to harm Petunia or Jeffery. They were just kids. Kids he dared to say that he helped raise. Kids that were caught in the middle of this unknowingly.

Shadow came back to reality and blinked several times.

I have to tell Sonic the truth. Flame's a screw up. He always is. I see him messing something up far before Scourge. And if we're not there to help, then something could happen to the kids and Sonia.

"So, if it's not work kind of business, what the hell are you talking about?" Sunny questioned as Shadow abruptly walked out the front door.

The house shook a little as the door slammed shut.

Amy raised an eyebrow between Sonic and the closed door, noticing beforehand how Sonic stared at Shadow so harshly. Her common sense told her it was about Samwell - it had to be. What else would Sonic be in such a hurry to talk about with Shadow? She was also aching to corner the black hedgehog and demand the truth.

The truth.

So many lies and information being withheld from everyone. She figured the rest of the household didn't even know about Samwell existing. She ate her sandwich in silence though.

"What's up with him?" Manic asked.

"Don't know," Sonic mumbled. There was a short pause. "Where's Sarah?"

"She's taking a nap," Sunny whispered mainly to herself. All three of them still had eyes for the door. Amy had eyes for her food. "Said she felt tired. Silver and Blaze are downstairs - seemed like they had fight after they came back with Shadow from the barn and getting the calves."

"He got them to help?"

"Well, Silver. But Blaze left a little after they did. She walked. Was going to tell them lunch was ready," Sunny confessed. "I don't know what happened, Sonic, but Silver and Blaze seemed pretty quiet. They all seemed...upset with each other, Shadow including."

"Hmph." Sonic knew all too well what could have happened. The glance he gave Manic said that his little brother could give a good guess as to what it was about, as well. "Well, then. Perhaps I'll go talk to Shadow."

"Okay, hey you don't mind if I play the console thingy in there?" Sunny pointed into the living room. "I was wondering…"

"Yeah, it's fine. It's Sarah's. She eat lunch?" Sonic asked as if in a trance as he got up from the leaning against the counter. He headed to the front door.

"Yeah…" Sunny and Manic watched as he left slowly and quietly.

When the front door shut, Amy left to the living room to finish her sandwich. Sunny glanced at Manic and gave him a confused look. "What the hell is going on with everyone?"

"Look…" he lowly whispered, licking his lips. Gazing at her intensely, Manic spoke, "I'll tell you tonight at the whole dance thing. But I'm gonna warn you, it's not good."

He got up and left his girlfriend to remain even more confused than she already was.

~.~

Shadow barely made it into the shop when Sonic came storming after him.

The combine needed work and so did the swather, but the ebony hedgehog saw he wasn't ever going to get to it. Not with the blue blur hot on his tail.

"Hey! I got a bone to pick with you!"

Shadow made a quick move to turn and face Sonic. The latter abruptly came to a stop. A hush fell over them that was rather uncomfortable yet both knew exactly what the other was thinking.

"Well?" Shadow waited. "Go ahead, Sonic. Say what you want to - "

"When were you going to tell me about Peter Worthington?" Sonic's voice cracked and his quills quivered. His fists remained at his side and his jaw clenched. He searched for some emotion in the ebony male's eyes - any emotion would have been nice. But there was none.

Shadow opened his mouth to say something, but instead he merely exhaled and gave a sort of laugh. A knowing laugh.

"...So, she couldn't keep her mouth shut like I told her to."

"Shadow. Tell me the goddamn truth."

"You want the truth?" the Ultimate Life Form backed up, standing at an equal height and not feeling threatened at all by the shaking hedgehog in front of him. "Fine, hero. Amy overhead Scourge talk about a Worthington who was good with electronics - said he was a spy. Remind you of someone we know?"

"You fucking prick," Sonic hissed.

In less than half a second, Sonic had Shadow pinned against the combine.

"Going at this alone is like you, Shadow, it really is. But not telling me about Peter - who works with Sarah - is where you messed up. That psycho wants nothing better than to kill us. Shadow, get your goddamn head out of your ass and TELL ME THE TRUTH! WHAT ELSE IS THERE?!"

"Peter Worthington is undoubtedly a spy, and probably knows a lot since he and Sarah are so-called friends," Shadow remained stoic in expression but his sarcastic responses made Sonic's quills ruffle. He let Sonic hold him there.

"Sarah. Shadow, it's Sarah. She could get hurt or worse. You might not want to protect Rosy and Scourge - or their child - but what about Sarah?! I know that you weren't particularly fond of her in the beginning, but you can't look at me and say she isn't like family to you now."

His grip loosened enough for a split second. Shadow swatted him away as if he were a fly. Sonic caught his balance as Shadow stood tall once again.

"If it was just Scourge and his family in trouble, do you really think that I would get involved that quickly? That easily? Ever?"

Sonic wasn't sure if he should throw a punch at the damn hedgehog or not. He wanted to, but where would that get them?

"So, what else is there? Does Silver know about the spies?"

"Yes."

"You told Silver before me?" Sonic hissed. "That's my wife in danger, you dick."

"Technically not your wife yet," Shadow mumbled under his breath but Sonic gave him a look that said not to correct him. "And it was barely this afternoon. I told him the truth. And he told me to tell you the truth - and Amy. And then Blaze showed up and now she knows. So, that's the majority of the household knowing, now. In fact it might be all if Manic opens his mouth to Sunny, which he probably has."

"And you're going to tell Amy the truth? Everything? You're not going to keep trying to hold her back? Because I'm not gonna lie...I might have told Knuckles today. And I think we both came to the conclusion mentally that holding back Amy isn't going to be a good thing."

"Yes, Silver says the same," Shadow reluctantly agreed. He remained still, as if contemplating everything hard. "But she's a loose cannon, Sonic. A lot of you are. And maybe that's the reason I kept things to myself. I'm used to not telling people my moves until the moment is right and I say 'checkmate.' You should be grateful that I'm protecting you all, anyway."

"Grateful? Shadow, are we not friends? Are we not practically family?" Sonic snarled in distaste. "You have the audacity to act like a fucking king right now? Are you kidding me? Remember, Shadow, at one point the world was holding a gun to your head and the only people stopping them from pulling the trigger was me, Knuckles, and Tails. So, maybe you should be a little more grateful to us. Knuckles body slammed a guy once just for trying to trip you - or do you not recall that incident? Cleveland, Ohio? No? Doesn't ring a bell? Or how about that time in New Jersey when he told a whole crowd to fuck off because they were telling you to die? He was like a big brother to you and I don't recall you thanking him once."

"What's your point to this, Sonic?" Shadow felt embarrassed suddenly.

He had blocked out a lot of the bad memories, and he was almost ashamed that he didn't recall any of the ones Sonic was listing. But they must have been true. Sonic wasn't much for lying. And he rarely used such vulgar language unless he was trying to make a point.

It was quite possible that the Ultimate Life Form felt like a small child being reprimanded, but he wasn't about to admit anything, as usual.

"Or the time Tails told you about this place? Huh?" Sonic had wide eyes that made him look like a lunatic, but he wasn't about to just quit. Sometimes, Shadow needed to be brought back down to their level. "He introduced you to Frank, who gave you a life here. We all bent over backwards for you, Shadow. Now quit acting like a god, get off your high horse here, and tell me the goddamn truth like a teammate would! Like family would!"

Shadow wasn't quick to respond. He left Sonic there, waiting for an answer. The dark hedgehog merely thought of every word that had been said.

Red eyes stared back at green with the utmost sincerity. "You want the truth then?"

"Yes. Everything you know about this situation - you tell me. Now, please." Sonic was begging at this point.

Shadow took a step back. "Alright. Here's what you need to know: We're going to talk to Scourge on Monday. Blaze made the executive decision. She and Silver are also leaving after this situation is figured out and they may or may not convince Amy to go with them. She was pretty adamant on saying that I'm no good for Amy, and she might be true. Other than that, nothing eventful has happened today."

It was quiet for a few minutes. All that could be heard was Sonic catching his breath and calming down.

Sonic let his shoulders relax as he gathered the information. "Good...Okay, then. There. That wasn't so hard, was it?" He leaned against a metal table that had a toolbox on it. Sonic rubbed his forehead and exhaled heavily. "Blaze and Amy will work things out, though. I don't think Amy's leaving anytime soon."

The words made something in his chest flutter. Shadow waved it aside quickly, though. "The cat might be right, Sonic. Amy deserves something better than this. She deserves someone better than me."

"C'mon, man," Sonic rolled his eyes and gave him a soft expression.

"Sonic." With a serious gaze, Shadow made the blue hedgehog trail off from whatever comforting words he would have tried to say. "With all sincerity, even you talk to me at times like I'm something far different from the rest of humanity. And maybe you're right. I'm not human. I'm not even technically Mobian. Biologically speaking, I'm not the best suit for her. And in a behavioral way...I'm not the best person for her," he kept his voice from cracking or shaking. But there was still something inside of him that felt like it was crumbling with every word.

Sonic scoffed and looked down at the table. "Listen, Shadow, take it from someone who's experienced this with Amy...if she loves you," he glanced up at Shadow with almost a humorous look in his eyes, "she's not going to give up on gaining your affection in return."

His jaw clenched at the idea of Amy being so stubborn that she'd stay with him. It made him a little happier - a little lighter. He wanted her to be that stubborn to make things work. But he wasn't sure if he could reciprocate feelings like her. He wasn't sure if he could love her as much as she could ever possibly love him. And Amy Rose could love someone a lot. It was overwhelming.

Sonic got up from his spot and clapped Shadow on the shoulder. Giving him a thin smile, he spoke, "Besides, you two have a date tonight. Might want to start getting ready for that before you get all greasy in here."

He got the tiniest of smirks in return.

With that, Sonic twisted around and headed towards the door. He wanted to go check up on Sarah, maybe even talk to Silver and Blaze now that his main priority was out of the way. It seemed a little too easy to the retired hero, but he knew when Shadow was being genuine.

"Sonic."

Stopping short, the cobalt glanced back over his shoulder a little. Shadow seemed to be lost as his eyes were glazed over and he was staring at the floor.

"There's one last thing you need to know. About the spies. It's not just Peter that we have to be concerned about. Or Scourge."

Shadow blinked, breaking his trance and gazing up at Sonic.

The hedgehog before him narrowed his eyebrows in confusion, but he waited nonetheless. "What do you mean? Who else is there?"

One last exhale before he figured Sonic would want to strangle him once more.

"Flame."

---

.

I would love to explain why it took me so long to update - but honestly, things just got personally hectic. I needed some time to try and get my head straight, pretty much. So, I hope this was worth the wait and that you all enjoyed this chapter! Chapter 29 is under works, and I'm actually writing to it, I promise. :) I think it got a little harder for me to write to TCG because it was in that slow moment where I had to get the ball rolling, and I hate scenes like that, lol. So, now we should be getting into the end of this hill of a journey. At this point, all of my story notes have become scrapped and I'm now just writing, fixing, writing some more. It'll be fine. Everything's fine. XD

Lots of stuff happened this chapter just to get everything out of the way (all the mistrust and whatnot that Shadow's ultimately created). But we still have the dance - Shadow and Amy's date! Which will probably be the entirety of next chapter at this rate with some other stuff. I hope the easement of Peter and Sally was okay. That's the..."getting the ball rolling" part that was very hard for me to write for some reason...Yeah. Then again, I've edited this thing so many times over the last few weeks that I can't help but stare at it and be displeased with it all like always...Anyway. I hope you all enjoyed and look forward to next chapter!

I want to give a big thank you for all of those that have supported me for so long and have kept with this story - whether it be from the very beginning of the new version or all those years ago when I started the old version! Speaking of which, I updated the old version's note at the end of the story - I would really appreciate it, if you haven't already, to go and check that note out because it does have some information that I don't really wanna repeat since this author's note is getting way too long already! Okay? Okay, thanks!

Have a great rest of the week, keep those positive vibes a-flowin', and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Arrivederci!