A/N: Yeah yeah, I know my last chapter sucked, which is why I decided to make it up to ya'll with this chapter. This very very very, long, chapter. I was listening to 'Mama' by My Chemical Romance when I wrote Cream's part. Yay!

Like azngirlchibi said, I fractured my arm pretty bad. The doctors are mad at me cause I've been swimming and backflipping off of the ledge of the waterfall into my pool. Blugh, spare me. What's life if you don't live a little?

Thankies for the reviews, we do like them. Alright, I'll stop boring you. Here's the chapter.

Dedicated to Marianne

"Suffering also has its worth.
Through sorrow, pride is driven out
And pity felt for those who wander in samsara;
Evil is avoided, goodness seems delightful."

-Shantideva

Source: The Way of the Bodhisattva: A Translation of the Bodhicharyavatara,
Page: 81

Shadow felt better when he got control of his emotions, and he felt his common sense return as he started to turn away.

He thought this could be a moment between him and the forest, something that never happened, not really. He had just decided his excuse for his delay, when he heard Amy say. "Why don't you go inside Sonic?" she asked, and the blue hedgehog, sensing the same desperation in her voice, had done so. But he took the little boy with him.

Shadow stood, back to her, listening to the sound of the rustling trees and raging river. They stood back-to-back, both of them facing their paths they had chosen. In that moment, his stomach flipped, and he cursed it over and over in his mind.

Finally, the girl who had always belonged to his counterpart, smiled. He could feel it in the air.

He turned at the same time she did. He blinked, realizing with a kind of horror, that she was looking right at him. Into his eyes, as if she knew. Then, it hit him. She did! She was toying with him! As he looked into her eyes, he realized that she had known all along, from the moment she had stepped outside.

Then, her words parted from her mouth, as the corners of her lips tipped up and she revealed a very childish smile.

"Shadow..." she breathed, and every muscle in his body tightened. He felt his heart lurch forward, as he fought the expression of surprise that was trying to take over his face.

Then, she turned away, starting to walk back into the room. He watched her. Had he been mistaken? Did she just happen to look at him by mistake? He took a step closer, mesmerized by this girl who was beautiful and outrageous and unlike anything he had ever seen.

Suddenly, she stopped. And she tilted her head back to him, the moonlight making her face glow. He gasped silently, knowing now that she knew. Then, with that same silly smile still intact, she gave him a playful wink. Then, she vanished back into the room, leaving him with feelings that he could not begin to control.

Three Months Later...

Despite the fact that they were now the most wanted criminals in history, Amy Rose felt a sense of normalcy begin to return after three months flew by.

Even now, as they loaded up the ship to find another place to hide, it became almost a routine, to stay in a new place every other day, narrowly avoiding the jaws of death. It was almost ordinary to wake up and feel Sonic sleeping next to her, and even more odd, she was used to shopping at second rate stores for their clothing. She was used to eating junk food as they dodged air turbulence, and she was most certainly used to the idea of death.

Which, was why, on their third month anniversary, she bought a brand new digital camera. She had been taking so many pictures Sonic thought that she was trying to create her own movie.

But, when he had asked, she had simply tilted her head and smiled at him, saying. "Well, who knows if we'll even be alive for another month? After all, we made it this far. But that's not to say I won't be killed tomorrow!" then, she had flashed a picture of his sad frown, giggling and moving on.

"You shouldn't talk like that." he had replied, bitterly. Amy had simply shrugged and snapped a picture of Nathaniel in his brand new baseball hat.

Amy began to live life the way that only a dying person would. She began to savor precious memories, like the feel of Nathaniel's cheek as it brushed against her lips. Or the smell of baby shampoo, as Naomi splashed around in the water, sitting in between her knees as she giggled. Both of their bodies' slick with soap and water, she had taken pictures of those moments, too, but of course kept them to herself.

Nathaniel never liked the water, and it always took both of them to be able to calm him down after they had to wash his hair. She made herself remember the places they visited, and the people they met. She wrote things down in a small black book, as well as the moments that she had not been able to catch on film.

Nathaniel and Naomi had grown so much. The newborn white of their quills had faded away and had been replaced by a beautiful forest green color. Naomi's were styled in a tumble of adorable curls, while Nathaniel's hair was a wild mess that only made him cuter.

Their faces had filled out, and they were starting to crawl, requiring her to keep a constant watch less they go into places they shouldn't. While Naomi was proving to be a slow, cautious child, Nathaniel had already tried to roll over and was determined to cause as much trouble as possible.

"Amy?" Sonic called, loading the last suitcase into the trunk. "We're ready to go."

Amy smiled. She would have to write down that when the sunshine hit his face just right; his eyes matched the tops of the trees that surrounded them.

"Can we stay for just a bit longer?" she asked, holding the camera in her hand. "It's actually sunny today. I made a lunch big enough for all of us." her eyes began to glisten. "Just another hour or two. It's such a beautiful day."

Sonic gave an amused laugh. "You know, sometimes I think you forget that we're supposed to be on the run." But then, her eyes took on a hurt look. And her lower lip began to tremble as tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

Damn, she always pulled that face on him. The one she knew he could never resist, not even if he tried. He sighed. "Well, I guess it couldn't hurt..." he paused. "And, I do love your cooking..."

So, they set up a blanket in the middle of a clearing, she laid out all the things she made. While Amy fed Nathaniel small bits of mashed potatoes, Sonic held Naomi high enough so that she tried to walk. Her footsteps were light, and she took about three steps before she became uncomfortable and wanted to be back on the ground again.

As she nibbled on a piece of a dinner roll, Sonic stared at Amy. "Why is it that you always get Nathaniel, and I get Naomi?"

Amy stopped her cooing long enough to reply. "I don't know." Then, she looked at him. "Why, do you want to hold him?" she asked, and as Sonic looked at the boy's face, he could have sworn the child gave him a coy look. Sonic jumped, was he getting paranoid? Was he really afraid of a three month old?

He shook his head, and they ate in silence until Amy finally spoke. "Are we ever going to talk about it?"

"About what?" Sonic asked, looking up from his current gaze on Naomi.

Amy took a spoonful of ice cream and ate most of it off, before giving the rest to Nathaniel. "About Shadow." she whispered, and Sonic blinked in surprise.

She took one look at his face, and she gasped. "You mean, you don't know?" she asked, as the blue hedgehog raised an eyebrow and shook his head. Amy instantly shrunk back. "Oh, then never mind." she dismissed the conversation completely, face beat red. Sonic thought about this before he cried out in panic.

"Amy, are you in love with Shadow?"

"Drop it." Amy shot back, her voice edgy.

Unfortunately, the blue hedgehog took this as a yes, and he felt his heart break in despair. His face crumbled, his eyes hurt and his quills and ears hanging low. Amy did not notice over the pounding in her ears.

Did he not know that Shadow had saved them? That almost three months ago, he had caught them, but miraculously let them go? Had he not sensed him, too? Amy frowned in thought. How had he not heard the rustle of leaves as the black hedgehog announced his departure?

Amy sighed. Better he didn't know, she decided, before snapping out of her daze and lifting Nathaniel to the light. The sunshine radiated off of him, as Nathaniel clapped his hands and giggled. His miniature sports outfit was completed by the cutest little pair of Nikes.

"Nathaniel, what sound does a dog make?" she asked, delighted when his little face scrunched up and his lips pursed tight.

"Gur." he almost growled out. "Gur."

Sonic chuckled, forgetting his earlier despair. In his arms, Naomi giggled and clapped her hands. Now that her hair was getting long, Amy had been able to put in a little bow that matched the navy blue dress she had bought her. He looked at Naomi and noted that as he hugged her, she smelled just liked Amy. Of course, he knew why.

He blushed, wondering what happened to the pictures Amy had taken of herself and Naomi. Not that he wanted to see them, he was just curious. Knowing Amy, they were probably in the last place he would ever look.

Though he would never admit it, bath time with Nathaniel was one of his favorite times of the day. Mostly because afterwards, he would get to watch Amy hold the little boy, giggling past the soap bubbles in her hair as they admired a job well done.

But of course, it was nothing compared to the mornings. When he would wake up to her sleeping form next to his. As strange as it was, Amy had never made a big deal out of sleeping in the same bed, and so neither did he. She acted as if it were the most natural thing in the world, as if nothing could ever happen. Even stranger, he noticed that his terrifying dreams were often cured by getting closer to her.

Sometimes, when he was sure she was sound asleep, he got close enough to smell the baby lotion she put on after applying it on the twins. Once, his mind had gotten the better of him, and he had rested his forehead on her spine.

He had fallen asleep that way and barely woke up in time to cover up his actions. Though he would never tell anyone, he loved the way her body sunk into each mattress they slept on. How she rested her weary head on her forearms, hair spread out on the pillow as she breathed softly.

Her hair had gotten long, scraping past her shoulders. While nights were weary and long, she was always energetic. Even more so than usual. On the darkest days, she was happy enough for the both of them.

He loved the way she knew what he needed. He liked the way she sung to Nathaniel, ranging from low and deep to fast and upbeat. It was the only remedy for him after bath time. He came to await the next opportunity to hear the infamous lullaby she and Nathaniel loved so much. "Bye and bye," she would sing. "The moon is half a lemon pie."

Naomi loved music too, but not nearly so much as her brother. Though, he came to realize that she was in love with heights. Even though she was cautious in everyday things, it was obvious, the way her eyes brightened as they would soar higher into the sky.

Amy broke his train of thoughts. "Sonic! Look! Hurry!" The blue hedgehog, carrying Naomi, made his way to her. When he sat down next to her, she lifted Nathaniel into his face, eyes shining.

As she stuck her finger into the babies' mouth, he opened wide and Sonic could see that his gums were white and tender. Past the pink skin, he could faintly see the tooth underneath, waiting for the chance to burst free. Amy awed. "He'll be teething soon."

Nathaniel's odd eyes began to shine as he clicked his tongue. Naomi reached for her brother, as her hand brushed against the line of his jaw. "Ah!" she giggled. "Baboo."

Amy nodded. Then, her shoulders sagged. "I wish they were here to see this." she whispered, turning her head and nuzzling his arm with her soft face.

He smiled at the joy he felt, that he didn't have to share these moments with anyone else. Just him and Amy, it was enough to make him rest his cheek on the crown of her head, ignoring the pounding of his heart. Both of the children relaxed, and Sonic realized that he was once again, more or less, a part of a family.

Finally, he confessed. "I wish we could stay like this forever."

Suddenly, Amy seemed to shrink away from him. As if his words had displeased her. "Yeah, well," she turned away, parting away from him and biting her lip. "We all wish things."

Lately, Rouge felt that her mother was not in fact as dead as she knew she was.

For she could hear the voice, as sure as she always was. Her mind had been recalling memories that she had long since tucked away. Her mother had not been a bat, but a mongoose, of all things. She had married a bat, and given birth to Rouge. Who was, and not quite, her own person.

She remembered her mother's face. Her eyes caked with her favorite sapphire blue eyeliner, and long fake eyelashes that she wore everywhere. Even to go outside to get the mail. She even wore them on her husband's funeral, days after her birth.

She thought of her mother's scent, the smell of all her skin care creams, which made her bronze skin flawless and beautiful. Lately, she could feel the touch of her mother, tracing the bones in her hands as she whispered against her skin. Metacarpals, she had named them as she moved over them, Radius, Ulna...Her mother had married a scientist, while she herself had been a poet.

Rouge remembered her mother's questions.

'Why do bats like the darkness? Rather than the light? Why do they prefer to spend their time in the one place most people fear? Dark, light, the difference is stark and constantly contrasting.'

"Because dark is a way," Rouge spoke out loud. Answering her mother's question ten years later. "And light is a place." she ran a finger over her soft tan cheek. "Because light is death, in retrospect. Because death comes with light and most of us aren't ready to die."

"Did you say something Rouge?"

Rouge turned to the startled echidna. "No, Knuckie," she blinked. "Nothing important."

"You've been awful quiet lately."

"You talk enough for the both of us." Rouge shot back, just wanting to be left alone with her memories. Even if they weren't pleasant, they were more tolerable than the present. The red echidna could not help the frown that appeared on his face.

"Are you against me, too?"

She knew the answer. "No." she whispered. "You just want to live." she closed her eyes. "Anyone can understand that." she comforted him, because she loved him and the thought of being against him sent her heart to breaking. But suddenly he was looking into her eyes and holding her close.

"I'm not doing this for myself. Damn it all to hell if I kill two children just for my sake." he seemed tired, she wanted to know why. Knuckles gritted out. "I could not stand to be responsible for your death."

The passion in his voice was obvious. "Why?" she questioned, begging him to say it.

He grinned. "You know why." he leaned in and caught her mouth. Suddenly she understood, and she cried, because it was a relief to know. And to be in tune with it.

'I'm afraid.' she realized. 'I'm afraid of the light. And you will be the one to save me from it.' she cried while he touched her face to wipe away her tears. 'The only one who wants to save me.'

"The moon is half a lemon pie," Amy continued, Nathaniel cooed as twisted his hand through her wet and dripping hair. "The mice who stole the other half, have scattered crumbs in the sky." she kept singing, as Nathaniel hummed the beat with her, chuckling as his sister watched in Amy's wet arms.

"Bye and bye, bye and bye." Naomi reached over and tapped Nathaniel's arm. Amy sighed. "My darling don't you cry. The soft clouds gather in the sky."

Her singing was cut short as a knock interrupted her thoughts. Thinking it was Sonic, she squeaked and set the twins down, rushing to replace her bathrobe with something more decent. When she had slipped on a nightgown that wasn't covered in baby puke, she opened the door.

Only to find that no one was there.

Instead, a small package had been left in front of their hotel room, decorated beautifully in a whole rainbow of colors. Amy unwrapped the gift, knowing the manager of the hotel, a sentimental old woman, had taken the time to buy her a gift.

The woman had fallen in love ever since they got here two days ago; she had kissed the little twins and replied happily, almost singing. "Congrad-o-lations new mommy! Be sure to let me baby-sit them if you need me to!"

Amy laughed, as she saved the pretty red bow, and carefully undid the wrapping paper, before lifting the box.

There was an envelope inside, but the main gift was a rather large book entitled: The Mother's Guide to Baby Success! Amy chuckled, she had seen this award-winning book all over the front page one day, five star rated and recommended for any mother of any age.

Of course, back then, she had simply amused the idea, before moving onto the section about her famous blue hero's latest news. Now, it seemed so odd, she didn't think she'd ever have to read this book. Even now, she felt uncomfortable about being called a mother. It was a strange feeling that she tried to avoid.

Still, it was such a nice thought, and she could use some tips. Especially lately. She sighed, sitting down on the bed while Nathaniel sucked his thumb. Amy had barely gotten any sleep last night, instantly awakening at their slightest cry. They were teething, in a lot of pain no doubt. Luckily, Tylenol had worked wonders.

But solving the pain did not stop the crying. There were so many reasons for a baby to cry, to be changed, to be held, to be fed, to be sung to. Sonic had tended to them once, but he needed to drive the plane, and could not afford to be up all night.

Despite his protests, she had forced him to stay back and let her do all the work. Amy sighed and opened the book, looking at the introduction: Sleeping all through the night! How to keep your little dumpling snoozing all through their little nappy-nappy!

"All through the night?" Amy awed. "Three hours would be good enough for me." Nathaniel began to wail as Naomi started to whimper. With her free hand, she handed Naomi her beloved pacifier, and then picked up Nathaniel and settling him in the crook of her arm.

She gave him her index finger to grasp before turning the page with the same free hand. 'Hello mother,' the text read, 'I am going to tell you the key to keeping your baby happy. If your baby cries often and seems generally onry, he might keep you up all through the night.'

"Nathaniel." Amy responded to the book, as the little boy seemed to give a grin. 'Now, what do you think keeps both people, and little dumplings happy?'

Amy blinked. "A fresh diaper?" she guessed with a giggle as she turned the page.

'Why, routine, darling, it's all about routine.' Amy pursed her lips in confusion, but decided to keep going.

'Think about it, how would you like it if you didn't know when you would be fed next? If you woke up not knowing what time it was? Or when you were going to take your next nap? Or when your mother would decide to have some private time to herself, hm? You would be a grouchy-pants, and rightfully so! This is why they are unhappy. On the next page, you will learn step-by-step, how to set up a fool-proof schedule that will keep your little honey-bee as happy as a ray of sunshine!'

A routine, huh? Amy thought about the idea. It made sense, she supposed, and just because they were on the run, didn't mean she couldn't be organized. After all, she had slept until two yesterday, the lunch Sonic had made for her stale and old sitting on the nightstand beside her bed. A routine could be just what she needed.

And maybe she and Sonic could both get involved.

The thought made her blush, as Nathaniel began to hum and kick his legs. Licking her finger, she turned to the next page and became lost in the words. Amy didn't even hear the door open, revealing Sonic, cheeks flushed from the rushing wind of his morning run.

He looked to see Amy, hair wet and falling in waves, holding onto Nathaniel. Her eyes were crinkled and her face was scrunched up cutely in concentration, it was enough to make his heart melt.

Amy then sighed, looking up to see Sonic, and her whole face burned with mortification. Especially holding a book in her arms that re-named her as a mother. She had been concentrating on the picture beside the graphs and plans and recommendations. The author had been smiling with a beaming baby in her arms, her eyes had been so warm, a no-nonsense brown color that had Amy immediately remembering Vanilla.

She closed the book, jade eyes looking up. "Oh..." she smiled. "Hello."

But Sonic had already seen the cover. "Baby success?" he questioned with the smallest of grins. "Did they address the whole: destroying the universe issue?"

Amy stood up, setting Nathaniel down. She looked excited, enough to make his
lungs constrict.

"Well," she set her hands on her hips in her own impersonation of her new tutor. Then, she hardened her face like hers had been in the picture. "That's not a nice addy-tood!" she managed to say with a straight face, before it caved in and she was soon giggling, making Sonic fight his chuckle down. Somehow Amy always had a way of cheering him up.

Finally, he broke down and gave her a smile.

"What's with the book, anyway?"

Amy looked up, before grabbing Naomi and swinging her lightly. "Hotel manager. Isn't that just the sweetest thing? Poor woman, she's too blind to even tell that she's helped out the world's most infamous pair of twins." She said it with a bit of bitterness, but as soon as Naomi smiled, her face was chipper once more.

Then, she yawned. This did not go unnoticed.

"Why don't I watch the twins?" Sonic asked, hopeful. "Just for a few minutes, you look so tired."

"I was just in the middle of making the babies a regular routine." Amy yawned again, rubbing her eye with her free hand. "It's sworn to make happier babies."

"How about, I read the book," Sonic offered, holding out his arms. "And you take a nap."

"I'm not tired." Amy replied, but she handed him Naomi anyways. Then, she sat on the bed. "I'm not going to be able to go to sleep."

Within twenty minutes, however, she was deep in dreamland. Cheek rested on her arms and legs curled tight underneath her.

Sonic smiled, his eyes sparkling, before draping a blanket over her. He watched her face, that same goofy smile plaguing his own. "Night, Amy." he laughed, before looking to see that Nathaniel was asleep too. Sonic carried the twins onto the other bed, before reading the section that read: Feeding and Nappy-Nappy!

As Naomi played with a small stuffed animal that they'd gotten for five dollars, Sonic sighed, feeling more at peace than he had on his morning run. In fact, he nuzzled Naomi as she giggled, he felt over-joyous.

Better than he had when life had been normal, as though this lifestyle was more like a fun adventure. Sonic stared, before deciding that God was telling him to stop his useless wandering. And use that time, to spend with Amy, and the children.

"Mama." Cream whispered as she approached her mother. "Please, Mama."

Her mother did not speak. Ever since she heard about the entire thing, she had completely disowned her. Now, her days were spent ignoring her daughter and the rest of the world. Her mother had not looked at her in months. Cream could not begin to describe the despair in her heart.

She watched her mother knit, a pair of socks, the color of her eyes. The ones that were the same color as her own. Cream watched her mother's still face, never before had she been so cruel. Lately, she took to eating and sleeping with the Chaotix, leaving Cream by herself. Even Cheese didn't look her in the eye anymore.

Didn't they understand, she wondered, that she didn't have a choice? That she would either be against them, or killed by her own friends. Cream set out the plate of sugar cookies, a small apology, as she began to leave. Then, having a mind of her own, she spoke lowly. "Mother. If you loved me, you would want me to live."

Suddenly, her mother was standing up, and she was on the floor. Cream was outside herself, but as she touched her burning cheek, she did not feel the pain.

Vanilla growled. "Don't you dare say I don't love you!" Tears were streaming from her own eyes. "I gave up the man I loved, for you. I gave up my entire way of life for you. And in the end, you've turned out exactly like your father." she spat, not hatefully, but out of anger.

Cream stood up, but she was past feeling sorry for herself. "That's not my fault, Mama!" she screamed. "No one told you to do all those things! It was your decision!"

She stomped past her mother. "I'm going to stay with Tails." she muttered on her way out. "At least he understands." she slammed the door with a surprising force.

Vanilla watched her daughter leave. Hours later she was still in the same spot, waiting for the world to stop turning. Hadn't it already? Maybe she was already in hell, it seemed fit. Vanilla sighed.

'No one told you to do all of those things!' her daughter had said. 'That was your decision!'

Her answer came in a soft whisper. Because she understood Amy better than anyone else. Because she knew the meaning of sacrifice.

She closed her soft brown eyes. "Yes, it was my decision." she concluded. "And the best one I ever made." On the couch, Cheese was sleeping. Vanilla touched the chao, the only trace left of her little girl.

"Chao..." Cheese whispered.

Vanilla breathed. "The best decision I ever made." she repeated, before she paused and swallowed. "Oh, Cream," she spoke as if her daughter could hear. "Cream...even now..." she concluded. "You were worth it."

"Amy," Sonic whispered as he rolled over to face her still form. "Are you awake?"

Her voice was tired, groggy. "Yeah?" she questioned, turning over to face him. She was wearing a baggy t-shirt, the one the color of her hair. She rubbed her eye cutely, before yawning. "What is it?"

"Are you mad at me?"

She looked at him. "Why would I be mad at you?" she asked, clearing her throat.

"Because it's all my fault." Sonic murmured as Amy raised an eyebrow. "It's my fault we have to live like this."

Amy jumped back. Then, a look passed over her face. "Like this?" she questioned. Was there hurt in her voice? Then, her face hardened. "Don't be so vain." she hissed. "I would have run away without you. I would have done it all by myself." then, she turned away from him. "Go to sleep."

Sonic felt offended, but he felt guilt and hurt more than anything. And it took all his willpower to ignore how silky smooth her skin looked. "Amy..."

Amy buried her face into her arm and concentrated on slowing her breathing. When he seemed to be tricked, he tip-toed out of the room, no doubt to gather his thoughts. Once he left, Amy noticed Naomi was starting to whimper. Amy took her and led her to the other bed. While Sonic was contemplating, Amy and Naomi were left alone to dream.

A/N: Back to azngirlchibi :) I'm not feeling all too well right now... apparantly, I might have developed slight insomia (a medical condition where you can't fall asleep and/or have difficulty doing so). It's very light though (I hope), but I'm kinda tired most of the time. Also, something weird is happening to the structure of my bones, and I don't mean like, I look like a cripple weird, but like, my bones are a little disproportioned. It's not bothering my writing, but it's not exactly helping me lighten up my mood either :P

Ah, whatever. I'll get over it :P

Thanks for reading!

Anonymous Reviews:

Marianne: LOL, I'm a teddy bear? That's gotta be the most original compliment (which I hope it was :P) I've ever heard. Anyways, you're not the only SonAmy freak, so relax :P SonAmy freaks unite!