Naturally, the Emerald City PD and Emerald City FD were on scene at June Ave, in addition to a couple of ambulances from the Mobius State Hospital System. The scene had drawn quite the crowd, which the police were struggling to keep in check as Stauerbach and Moroder checked out the scene.

"Do you think…?" said Moroder.

"Maybe," replied Stauerbach. "The weapon may be different, but I don't doubt that our vigilante would stoop to shooting unarmed people of any race."

"NO! MY BABY!"

Stauerbach and Moroder's attention was drawn to that of a middle-aged blonde woman who was crying loudly when she broke the police barricade and lifted up a sheet on one of the stretchers, possibly seeing her own child's body.

"It never gets any easier, does it?" said Moroder.

"Nope."

"Hey Shadow!"

Shadow awoke to see Hope's blue eyes looking back at him. He smiled.

"You know, you can call me 'Shaddy' if you want to. I do wish I had an equally arresting name for you, but yours is precious enough as it is."

Hope giggled. "Come here!"

Hope gave Shadow another kiss.

"No matter how many times we touch, the magic never goes away," said Shadow.

"Come on, let's see what Rouge has made for breakfast!"

When they got to the kitchen/dining room, Shadow and Hope found that Rouge had cooked a special breakfast: steak and eggs. Hope gave off a happy "mmmm" when she took the first bite from her steak.

"Rouge, you're something else for knowing that I like my steaks medium rare!" said Hope.

"Well, I like them that way too," said Rouge, "unlike SOME people I know."

Shadow paused in the middle of cutting his. "What? What's wrong with medium well?"

"ALTHOUGH I DO NOT CONSUME BEEF, THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR LEAVING SOME PINK IN IT," said Omega.

"Omega, shut up." Shadow continued cutting his steak.

After freshening up, Shadow was going to the spa when he heard footsteps behind him, so he turned around.

"Hope? What are you still doing here?"

"Today's Saturday! I don't have to work weekends!"

Shadow nodded. "I see."

"Besides…I've been looking forward to spending time with you!"

Shadow smiled. "I'd love to spend time with you, too! Before we get started, there's something I wanted to tell you…"

"Yes?"

"I like the way you do your hair."

"Awww…thank you! Rouge was right about you being a sweetheart!"

"I suppose she was. Now if you'll follow me, please…"

Shadow led Hope up to the spa and to his favorite grassy patch.

"What are we doing here?" asked Hope.

"Every morning, I practice meditation. It makes me feel happy. Would you like to try it with me?"

"Sure!"

Hope and Shadow sat down on the grassy patch facing each other.

"First, close your eyes," said Shadow.

Hope did so.

"Now, let's get comfortable for a few minutes," said Shadow.

Shadow and Hope sat there for those few minutes.

"Now, take a deep breath in through your nose," said Shadow. "Let the positive energy into your body."

Hope obeyed Shadow's command.

"Now, let that deep breath come out through your mouth, along with all the negative energy," said Shadow.

Once again, Hope followed Shadow's directions.

"Once again, in through your nose…"

Hope inhaled through her nose.

"…and out through your mouth."

Hope exhaled through her mouth.

"Continue to repeat this process," said Shadow.

Hope repeated the process for a few cycles.

"While you're breathing, think of a place that makes you happy," said Shadow. "Focus on that place as best as you can."

Hope thought of an evergreen forest near a bunch of mountains, or at least tried to.

"It's OK for other thoughts to enter your head," said Shadow. "Don't push them away if they do. Notice them…just observe. They're only thoughts. You'll get to your happy place eventually."

Having had a rather lonely childhood, it was only too easy for Hope to think about her parents and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. She wanted to break down and cry, and her breathing did sharpen a bit, but the way she was breathing as Shadow told her to, not to mention his mere presence meant that she didn't push the thoughts away as quickly as she would have. Granted, they were still unpleasant, but this was the first time in ages that they didn't feel as unpleasant as usual. As he'd said, she managed to reach the mountainside forest, but only for a few seconds at most. She eventually stopped trying, opened her eyes and tapped Shadow on his knee.

"Shaddy…"

"Hm?"

"This was nice, but I'd like to try something else now."

Shadow opened his eyes. "Do you have anything particular in mind?"

"Well, I like to exercise when I can."

"Fortunately for you, there's a gym and a sports arena in this mansion."

Hope let out a happy gasp. "What doesn't this mansion have!?"

"I know, right?"

"That being said, why don't we get a little exercise in and then play some volleyball?"

Shadow smiled. "As you wish."

"Just let me get dressed for it, OK?

Shadow followed Hope to his room, where he waited outside as she changed. When she exited, she was wearing a reddish-pink sports bra, black spandex shorts and white/blue/red sneakers.

"Follow me," said Shadow.

Shadow led Hope down to the gym, where she once again gasped at the array of exercise equipment.

"Wow, this is great!" said Hope. "I can't decide where to start!"

"Start wherever you wish," said Shadow. "I'm going to do some pushups and then get into weightlifting."

"OK!"

Shadow proceeded to do pushups, while Hope began with stretches. She couldn't help but take notice of him as he went on to do 200 pushups.

"Wow, you're good!" said Hope.

"That's nothing. Watch this…"

Shadow loaded one of the barbells with 200 kg of Olympic-grade plates and proceeded to bench press it all. Hope let out another gasp and clapped as she watched him do it.

"OK, you can stop now!" said Hope.

Shadow kept doing bench presses.

"Um…I think you've proven your point…"

Shadow stopped after only 25 bench presses.

"Hey tough guy, can I feel those muscles?"

Shadow nodded. "You can."

Shadow flexed one of his biceps, while Hope knelt down and squeezed. She let out a happy gasp when she did so.

"My, those are some great muscles! How did you get so strong?"

"I was created that way."

Hope frowned. "OK, there's no need to brag that much, Mr. Atlas!"

Shadow crossed his arms. "Please excuse me for telling the truth."

Hope laughed. "You're too funny! Now enough comedy, let's keep going!"

Shadow and Hope went to where the dumbbells were kept. Hope grabbed a pair of 10-pound dumbbells, while Shadow grabbed two 50-pound dumbbells. She lied down on a bench and did some lying dumbbell flyes, where – starting with the dumbbells held out from her sides – she lifted them up until they were straight above her, keeping her elbows straight the whole time. This strengthened her chest muscles. While she was doing this, he was engaging in more laterals. Eventually, they stopped.

"OK, I'm going for the leg machine now," said Hope.

While Hope went to the leg press machine, Shadow went for a nearby pull-up bar. Again, they got in quite a bit of exercise.

"How about we go for the treadmills next?" said Hope.

Shadow and Hope walked over to the treadmills, whose control panels were set at a height meant more for someone as tall as Shadow.

"Is there any way to bring the control panel up?" asked Hope.

"Observe."

Shadow pushed down a lever on the side of one of the control panel's support posts, unlocking it and allowing it to be adjusted so Hope could reach it easily. He pulled the lever up again to re-lock it.

"Oh, cool!" said Hope. "Thank you!"

Shadow smiled. "You're welcome!"

Shadow and Hope hopped on their respective treadmills, pressed the "Quick Start" buttons and started off at a medium walk. It wasn't exactly the same as walking out in the fresh air, but both parties found it enjoyable.

"Hey Shaddy…"

"What?"

"Race ya!"

"You're on!"

And so, Hope gradually cranked up the speed on her treadmill – as did Shadow – until they were both in a full-fledged run. Though not as much of a maniac about it as Sonic, Shadow enjoyed a good run, especially considering he was doing so with a girl he loved. He cranked his treadmill's speed up a bit more, not enough to go at super speed, but still enough where he felt he could give Hope a run for her money. After running like this for a couple of minutes, he understood why the Blue Blur got such a kick out of it. Soon, Hope punched the "Cool Down" button on her treadmill. When Shadow observed her doing so, he followed suit, and they both walked at the reduced speed that the treadmills were going at until they stopped completely. After hopping off of her treadmill, Hope wiped the sweat off her brow.

"Phew, you nearly wore me out there!" said Hope. "That was fun, though!"

Shadow smiled. "So, are you still up for volleyball?"

"Yeah, just let me rehydrate…"

"There's a special fridge down here with bottled water and sports drinks."

"Cool!"

It didn't take Hope too long to find the fridge, and after drinking half a 32-ounce bottle of Green Apple Gatorade, she and Shadow went to the sports arena, which she also marvelled at.

"This place just keeps getting better and better!" said Hope.

Shadow nodded. "Yes, it is quite impressive. You can help me set up the volleyball net if you so desire."

"OK!"

Shadow and Hope grabbed one end of a volleyball net that was on the sidelines and hooked it up, after which Shadow went to grab a volleyball from the ball closet. He also walked over to E-23 Scorekeeper – a humanoid robot that resembled a referee – and activated it.

"GREETINGS, MASTER SHADOW," said Scorekeeper. "WHAT WILL YOU BE PLAYING TODAY?"

"Volleyball," replied Shadow.

"WHAT GAME SETTINGS DO YOU WANT?"

"15 points to win."

"UNDERSTOOD."

Scorekeeper pressed a bunch of buttons on its right arm, thereby activating the scoreboard. Shadow walked over to the center of the arena.

"Since you're taller than me, I think it's only fair that I get to go first," said Shadow. "Any objections?"

Hope smiled. "None at all!"

"Very well. Serve's up!"

Shadow served the ball. In spite of not being able to reach the top of the net without jumping, he was able to send it over the net, although Hope still hit the ball. Neither side seemed particularly willing to let the ball touch their side of the arena, and the back-and-forth action continued for quite a bit until Hope dove for the ball, only for it to hit the net when she hit it, thereby allowing Shadow to get the first point. The game got no less frantic from there, and though Hope was good – even surpassing Shadow at one point – he proved to be even better, winning at 15-5.

"Good game." Shadow smiled and shook hands with Hope.

"It was!" said Hope. "I'm SO glad Rouge took me in!"

"When she gets home, I'm thanking her for introducing me to you."

"Oh, you're too sweet!"

"I've never particularly thought of myself as that, but hearing that makes me feel better about myself."

"You should, sweetie!"

"Also, before we leave, there's something I must tell you…"

"Yes?"

"I don't care what anyone says; you have a beautiful body."

Hope clasped her hands together and held them next to her head. "Awww…you're way too kind!"

"I really like your legs, too."

Hope giggled. "Shaddy!"

"No really, I do."

"You know, I'd give you the biggest hug for the way you're talking to me right now, but I don't want to make you all icky and sweaty!"

"There are a few showers down here, too, if you wish to wash off."

"Great!"

"I'll put everything back, too."

"OK!"

While Shadow was dismantling the volleyball net, putting everything away and getting the lights and scoreboard shut off, Hope went to one of the gym showers. He went up to his room and lied down on his bed with a smile on his face. One thing that made his heart soar was hearing the word "Shaddy" in Hope's voice. Although he'd always thought of the nickname as being one of Rouge's childish creations, owing to his post-Soleanna betterment, he came to view it as a sign of caring from women who used it on him. He sighed happily. Then, he heard knocking on the door and got up.

"Come in," said Shadow.

Hope entered, wearing nothing but a towel.

"I must say," said Shadow, "women look beautiful wearing just a towel."

Hope laughed. "Just let me change, huh?"

Shadow nodded. "As you wish."

Shadow exited his room and let Hope change. When she exited, she was wearing a light blue tie-dye tank top and white shorts with neon green stripes.

"Don't I owe you something, nice guy?"

"Huh?"

Hope knelt down and gave Shadow a big hug, which he returned happily.

"Gosh, that cheek of yours feels so nice pressed against mine!" said Hope.

"Thank you. Yours feels nice, too."

Hope let out a happy sigh and squeezed Shadow a little tighter, and he did the same. Eventually, they let go.

"So, what else do you want to do?" asked Shadow. "This day is yours, after all."

"Why don't we listen to some more music?"

Shadow smiled. "Sounds good."

Shadow pulled out the bin of tapes from under his bed and pulled out a tape marked "VADER'S MOST BRUTAL VOLUME 1". He popped it into his combo player, and a few seconds after hitting "PLAY", the player assaulted the room with the sound of "The Calling". Hope's reaction was instantaneous: she dropped her jaw and put her hands on her cheeks, even gasping when Piotr Wiwczarek's growly vocals kicked in.

"SHADDY!"

Once the shock had worn off, Hope went over to the player and stopped the tape.

"What was that all about?" said Shadow.

"Look, I like metal too, but don't you think that's a little too…I don't know…brutal?"

Shadow crossed his arms. "What's wrong with death metal? It's a perfectly cromulent subgenre of rock, you know."

"Maybe to you, but some of us would prefer not to have our ears attacked by…whatever that was!"

"All right, since I love you, I promise I won't subject you to any more of it. Just give me the tape and let me rewind it, OK?"

"OK."

Shadow grabbed the tape from Hope, popped it back in, rewound it, and swapped it for a tape marked "70S GOLDEN ROCK VOLUME 1", another tape from Sonic. This one began instead with "Wheel in the Sky" by Journey, a far more acceptable and pleasing tune to Hope's ears. Even if it wasn't death metal, Shadow liked it, and he was able to relate to the message of going places and not exactly knowing where he'd end up the next day. By the time Side B concluded with "Feel Like a Number" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, Shadow and Hope had gotten their fill of rock.

"That was great stuff!" said Hope. "I didn't know you were into that!"

"Actually, Sonic gave me that tape."

"He did, did he?"

"Yes, he's been sharing tapes with me for a while, attempting to broaden my horizons with different types of music. Up until recently, I never would have considered listening to them, but as I've grown warmer, I've decided to venture outside of my usual domain of heavy metal. I must say, even if his tastes are more commercial than mine, there's something refreshing about them."

"I can see why you'd think so! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have lunch now! Heck, I think we should invite that robot of yours along!"

"Omega doesn't mind being alone, but I think he appreciates company nevertheless."

"OK!"

For lunch, Shadow and Hope had leftover fried chicken and sides from yesterday, while Omega had his daily dose of motor oil.

"How are you doing today, Omega?" asked Hope.

"ALL SYSTEMS ARE FUNCTIONING AT OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE. THEREFORE, YOU MAY SAY THAT I AM DOING WELL."

"So tell me, where did you come from?"

"I WAS CREATED BY THE MEATBAG NAMED DR. IVO ROBOTNIK, ALSO NICKNAMED DR. EGGMAN. I AM THE SOLE EXCEPTION TO HIS HABIT OF CREATING INFERIOR PRODUCTION LINE MODELS."

"Wait…my uncle actually created you!? Whoa…this is too weird! Now tell me, how did you, Shadow and Rouge meet?"

"IT WAS AN INTERESTING STORY. YOUR UNCLE CONSIDERED ME TO BE A PROBLEM-RIDDLED PROTOTYPE AND SEALED ME AWAY IN THE SAME ROOM WHERE SHADOW WAS BEING KEPT. ROUGE BROKE IN, PERCEIVING SHADOW TO BE A SECRET TREASURE OF YOUR UNCLE. HAVING DETECTED HER INTRUSION, I ATTEMPTED TO OBLITERATE BOTH HER AND SHADOW. WERE IT NOT FOR HER MOTHERLY DISPOSITION, THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN POOR FOR BOTH PARTIES."

"Hmph, you can say that again," said Shadow. "Personally, I think Rouge would've had the worse end of it."

"But why would my uncle just lock you up like that?" asked Hope.

"WHEN I GAINED SENTIENCE, MY ANALOGIC CIRCUITS AND DATABANKS WORKED IN TANDEM TO INFORM ME THAT AN ALLIANCE WITH YOUR UNCLE WOULD BE FRUITLESS AND LEAD TO MY DESTRUCTION. IN THE INTEREST OF SELF-PRESERVATION, I DESTROYED A NUMBER OF HIS INFERIOR PRODUCTION LINE MODELS BEFORE BEING DISABLED. FORTUNATELY, HE WAS UNABLE TO KEEP ME IN THIS STATE PERMANENTLY."

Hope smiled. "Well personally, I'm glad you joined up with Shadow and Rouge! It seems like they care for you more than my uncle ever did!"

"INDEED. IN SPITE OF SHADOW'S ALOOFNESS, THEY BOTH TREAT ME VERY WELL."

"Hey, I got better, didn't I?" said Shadow.

"Yeah, and you really don't seem to mind that I'm related to a total madman!" said Hope.

"According to what I know, your uncle wasn't always a madman. He seemed to genuinely want to emulate Gerald in his earlier years. As to why he went down the path he's gone down, none of us could tell you, not even Sonic."

"MY DATABANKS ARE LACKING IN THAT AREA AS WELL," said Omega.

After putting the rest of the food away, throwing away the bones and washing their plates, Hope waved at Omega.

"Thanks for staying for lunch, Omega!"

"YOU'RE WELCOME, HOPE. I FIND YOUR NAME FITTING GIVEN THAT I LACK TOTAL ABHORRENCE OF THE ROBOTNIK FAMILY NAME."

"Hey, it's only a family name! I promise I'll make the most of my life!"

"IF YOU CONTINUE TO ASSOCIATE WITH SHADOW AND ROUGE, I PREDICT A 99.9% PROBABILITY THAT YOU WILL HAVE A HAPPY AND FULFILLING LIFE."

Hope chuckled. "See you later, Omega!"

Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.