Chapter 5.
Please Review.
No Flames.
A few weeks later.
Prison Island.
A bit of privacy was very hard to find in a rowdy, chaotic prison. But there were the rare days that people were a little too tired to cause fights and thus were a little calmer. Perhaps they were missing their families or were full on a large meal but regardless, it made the prison atmosphere a slightly less terrifying.
Absorbed in a book, Amy found it easier to escape into a completely different world and forget about where she was altogether. Though she had a loving boyfriend and caring friends, being trapped inside the same stone walls would bring anyone's mood down. But now, a smile graced her porcelain face as Amy read a new book, swaddled in one of Shadow's spare sweatshirts with her legs crossed comfortably on the old leather couch. Loose strands of light pink quills fell from her effortless messy bun, touching her cold pink cheeks.
Unknown to her, Amy's naturally angelic and calming aura would enhance when she was content. Somehow, it was enchanting, almost hypnotizing, to the other prisoners in the room. Because Shadow was elsewhere for once, many didn't hide their stares. Though they carried on with their activities and friendly chat, it was as if, like Shadow, they wanted to hide their violent and loud selves away from the little hedgehogette.
Seeing Amy jump at every loud noise like a frightened doe in a forest, any that threatened to cause a ruckus was practically escorted into the yard by Mighty, Knuckles and even some of the other prisoners. Knuckles and Mighty had taken a protective role to Amy who served them innocent smiles and desert akin to those of a gourmet restaurant.
Amy, of course, was too engaged in her brown book to notice.
"Psst, hey Amy?" Tails asked whispering next to Amy.
Tails was hanging around them more often now and sometimes, he'd even be brave enough to talk to Amy when Shadow was there too.
Amy hummed in question, turning all her attention to Tails with a smile.
"What's the seven-letter word for clergyman's gown?" Tails asked, giving a wave to his book of crossword puzzles with his right hand.
A few days ago, a woman in a fancy looking suit was walking around the prison with a clipboard and shortly after asking Amy what she thought could be improved, a large box of books arrived in the common room. They also started to play classical music over the speakers. It was supposed to be calming and apparently, it was working so Amy wasn't complaining.
"Cassock." Amy said, tapping her chin in thought with her left index finger.
Tails's eyes widened as he scribbled the word down with his right hand. "How are you so good at these?!" he asked Amy.
Amy just shyly shrugged.
"Our Amy's a genius." Knuckles said proudly.
Amy shook her head and blushed as Mighty nodded in agreement.
"Do you know what song this is?" Tails asked, pointing his left index finger at the ceiling.
Knuckles, Mighty, Tails, and Amy strained to hear the quiet melody of piano keys. Surprisingly, Amy did know the answer because it was one of her favorites.
"M-My Destiny by Anna." Amy said.
"Genius." Knuckles stated matter-of-factly.
"Did you know the guy would plunge his hands into the entrails of slaughtered animals to heal him?" Tails questioned.
Amy shrieked and covered her mouth with her hands in shock, utterly grossed out by Tails's fact. Before anyone could respond, Bark made his appearance known.
"You have a visitor, Amy." Bark said.
Amy's lips parted in brief shock, before quickly scrambling to her feet and excitedly following the prison guard out of the room and to her supposed visitor. Amy had no contact with the outside world in months so despite not wanting to see her family, she wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to bravely tell them that. In a safe, public area of course.
Only, when Amy saw who it was waiting for her in the visiting room, it wasn't her family.
"Flare!" Amy said before she speed walked to the red hedgehog and all but jumped into open arms.
Flare was her sister's boyfriend and the closest thing Amy had to a friend. Unfortunately, Amy wouldn't see him too often as Flare and Zinnia often broke up, only to make up again a week later. But whenever they were together, Flare would make a point to tell Zinnia to be nicer to Amy and sometimes he'd bring her weird sweets from his travels. Flare was like an older brother to Amy.
"Hey Rascal." Flare said, ruffling Amy's quills with his right hand as she grinned at him.
"NO TOUCHING!" a male brown beaver prison officer male yelled, scaring Flare and Amy apart.
Flare and Amy sat across from each other while Flare had his worried eyes fixed on her prison sweatshirt and pants, a startling contrast from her usual feminine dresses. Prior to prison, Flare had only seen Amy looking her best because that was how her mother forced her to present herself to anyone with eyes. Mrs. Lily Rose would've had a fright if she saw her youngest daughter's naked pimples and messy quills. But of course, Lily wasn't here to see Amy in prison.
Amy also took the time to look at her one and only visitor. Flare towered over Amy but was still shorter than Shadow and a little less muscular. Flare was still very handsome and was often featured in many magazines. If it wasn't for his chocolate brown eyes, they'd looked like siblings too with his quills the bright red shade as hers rosy pink.
"I'm sorry this happened to you, Amy." Flare said with pity heavy in his voice.
Amy shrugged, still with a smile dancing on her lips as she'd missed Flare incredibly.
"I-It's not too bad. I like it." Amy said.
Flare stared at Amy as if it were more the most ludicrous thing she could say, which from an outsider it probably was.
"Amy, you're in prison. Do you not understand how serious this is? I would've visited sooner but I only just got home yesterday and I didn't even know this happened. Zinnia said it was all rumors when I asked because she didn't want to worry me apparently." Flare questioned.
"Ooo, did you bring any sweets? I want to see the pictures of the animals p-please Flare please." Amy asked as she was bouncing on her seat at the reminder that Flare had spent the last 4 months in Mazuri to start a wildlife reserve. Flare's family was wealthy too so he could do whatever he wanted and fortunately for the animals and feral animals. Flare was a kind-hearted, generous hedgehog.
"No, I didn't bring anything. I rushed to see if you were okay and I'm honestly surprised you've lasted this long. Nothing... happened, right?" Flare questioned.
Flare stressed the word 'happened' with a mixture of emotions on his face, one being anger.
Amy didn't understand Flare's question.
"L-lots happened, Flare. I'm in prison but I'm okay." Amy said.
"I swear your family is ridiculous. I don't know what they were thinking, especially Zinnia. I'm done with her selfish ass." Flare said as he shook his head in disappointment. "You've really not been hurt, princess?"
"I promise. Most people here are really nice." Amy said as she ignored Flare's questioning look as she bashfully whispered. "I've got a boyfriend."
Amy tried not to take offense when Flare's jaw fell in shock.
"Y-you've got a boyfriend?!" Flare asked, surprised.
Amy nodded and giggled at the thought of her big scary Shadow meeting Flare, who goes golfing on Tuesdays and works in soup kitchens on sundays.
"He's super handsome and really really tall. Oh and he's got a million tattoos a-and thousands of muscles but don't worry, he doesn't fight people anymore and-" Amy said but was cut off.
"Amy." Flare said.
Embarrassment rushed to Amy's cheeks when the young lovestruck hedgehogette realized she had gotten carried away with the description of her loving boyfriend.
"Sorry." Amy apologized sheepishly but quickly added, "I've got friends too. F-Four I think."
"I can't believe my innocent little flower got a criminal boyfriend." Flare said as he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his hands over his face then he looked overwhelmed with bewilderment and exhaustion. "He's not forcing you is he? I don't care if he's the biggest guy here, Amy. You tell me and I can help you."
Amy felt appalled by the idea that Shadow could be anything but a cuddly sweetheart towards her.
"No Flare! Prison is absolutely terrifying but he protects me from it all. He treats me so much b-better than I deserve." Amy said.
"I highly doubt that." Flare said as he gave a sad smile. "I'm glad you have someone looking after you but please promise me you won't let him take advantage of you. Promise me Amy. I'm here to protect you too."
"I promise but you don't need to worry Flare. I love him a-and Shadow loves me back." Amy said.
It was an attempt to reassure Flare but instead his face paled and he sat up in his seat with urgency.
"Shadow?! Please tell me his name isn't Shadow Robotnik." Flare questioned as he begged.
"It is. How'd you know." Amy said as she laughed but clearly Flare wasn't finding the situation as funny.
"Of all the prisons you could be sent to, why did it have to be this one? Why didn't I realize? Of course I know who Shadow Robotnik is. Everyone knows Prison Island is the one he was sentenced to because everyone celebrated that the country's most notorious gang leader was finally caught. There was never enough evidence for years and then suddenly there was! He's bad news Amy!" Flare yelled in a whisper, his eyes darting around the room as if expecting Shadow to attack him at any moment.
Amy's mouth made an 'o' in amazement as she was in love with a celebrity.
"It's not a good thing Amy!" Flare said.
Quickly, Amy shut her mouth and nodded solemnly.
"I'm getting you out of here. I'll do anything and everything to prove you're innocent. I don't know all the details yet but I know you would never do anything to deserve a year in this place. It'll be okay. Trust me." Flare said with so much determination, Amy couldn't doubt him.
"R-really? You'll get me out? Will you get Shadow out too?" Amy asked.
Amy's pleading eyes begged Flare not to say no but he eventually said.
"He's a murderer. I doubt he's ever going to get out of here. Think about yourself, please Amy. You should be happy you're going to be out of prison." Flare said.
"B-b-but what about Shadow! I can't leave Shadow. He'd be so lonely and I-I love him." Amy said as her balled fists rubbed her teary eyes, sniffling pitifully.
If Amy didn't cry so easily she would've faked a few tears until Flare gave in but unfortunately, the thought of leaving prison without Shadow was almost heartbreaking.
Flare's head whipped around the room anxiously as the hedgehogette looked a second away from bawling.
"Please don't cry." Flare said, reaching out to comfort Amy but was stopped at the loud yell of the prison officer, causing Amy to cry harder. "Okay, I'll try. Just stop crying. I hate it when you cry, princess."
Amy wiped her wet cheeks with her sleeves, pouting as she realized she ruined Shadow's sweatshirt.
"Thank you, Flare." Amy said.
Amy realized it was highly unlikely that Shadow would be forgiven for his crimes but with Flare saying he would try, it gave her hope.
"He's not a b-bad person." Amy said in an attempt to ease Flare's inner turmoil that evidently displayed itself on his frowning face.
Flare hummed, nodding absentmindedly. "Just don't get in trouble. If I can't do anything, you can at least get out earlier on good behavior." he said.
When Amy agreed, Flare began to stand up as he had to leave as he was a busy man.
"Will you visit soon?" Amy asked sweetly with hopeful eyes.
"Of course and I'll bring you sweets next time to celebrate your stutter getting better. How did that happen?" Flare asked.
Amy smiled shyly at Flare's proud expression. "Shadow makes me read to him everyday so I guess that helped. I d-didn't really notice." she said.
"Maybe he isn't so bad." Flare said but he didn't sound like he believed his own words much.
In goodbye, Flare and Amy hugged until the brown beaver prison officer male made them stop and Flare kissed her affectionately on the crown of her head.
"Stay safe, little Amy. Love you." Flare said.
"Bye bye Flare. Love you too." Amy replied sadly.
Amy watched as Flare walked out of the room until Bark told her it was time to go back to her cell. However, black, red, and white fur, tattooed arms, and crimson red eyes caught Amy's attention at the entrance of the visiting room.
"Who was that?" Shadow asked in a hard voice as soon as Amy reached him, surprising Amy with the hostile glare in the direction Flare went.
"He's my friend. Do you have a visitor too?" Amy asked.
"I have to go." Shadow replied gruffly, still not sparing Amy a glance.
Shadow walked away to sit with a blonde male hedgehog with dark brown eyes. Tattoos peaked from under the blonde male hedgehog's dark blue suit, making Amy wonder who he was. When Amy noticed the blonde male hedgehog watching her in a curious way, she quickly turned and left to go to her cell.
Amy spent the next few minutes waiting for Shadow, fiddling with her fingers in anticipation of his reaction to the idea of leaving the prison. Shadow and Amy hadn't talked about what would happen when it'd be the end of her sentence, mostly because she refused. While Shadow wanted to be realistic about the situation yet comfort Amy with words of reassurance, Amy preferred to be in blissful ignorance. But now, Amy had a little hope that everything really would be okay. Perhaps Amy was just naïve but she didn't care. With Flare doing whatever he could to get Shadow and Amy out, they'd have the highest chance possible and she would be thankful for any reduction in Shadow's sentence, knowing she'd wait for however long it took.
People were going back to their cells for the night and Shadow shortly followed, striding in with angry footsteps and a clenched jaw. At first Amy thought Shadow was just in another one of his mood swings but then realized it was serious when he didn't greet her and instead climbed to the top bunk.
Amy balanced on the edge of her bed, standing on her tiptoes and peeking her head over the side of Shadow's bed. "W-what's wrong, Shadow? Did your visit not go well?" she asked.
Shadow was glaring at the stone ceiling with his arms behind his head as it was awfully hard not to admire his impressive muscles but Amy had to focus on the topic at hand.
"It went fine." Shadow answered sharply.
"My friend Flare visited me today. I have good news." Amy said, in an attempt to get his mind off whatever was bothering Shadow.
Shadow's frown intensified. "So that's his name. Since when did you get visitors?" he asked harshly.
Amy lips pursed as she was fed up with Shadow's grumpiness. "Since now, mister. Now do you want to hear the good news or not?" she asked.
Amy's tough act failed as soon Shadow looked at her as it made her want to cuddle into his chest just to hide away from it.
"You never told me you had a boyfriend outside." Shadow said.
"Huh?" Amy asked confused.
"I saw you with that guy, lovey dovey and sh*t. My friend even heard you saying how much you loved each other. Having heart eyes and everything!" Shadow said.
Amy gasped and shook Shadow with both hands as if trying to wake him up from his delusion. "What are you talking about? Is it drugs? Are you doing drugs? He's just my friend and he's going to help us get out of prison-" she asked but was cut off.
"Screw that!" Shadow yelled.
Amy jumped away from Shadow and stood on the other side of the small cell as he sat up, looking at her angrily. Amy wasn't sure if the anger was directed at her or what she just said or Flare but either way, she didn't like it.
"He's going to take you away from me! Who the f*ck does he think he is?" Shadow asked, breathing heavily.
Amy stayed quiet as she just waited for Shadow to calm down before saying anything that could possibly make it worse.
"You wanna leave with him?" Shadow asked.
"N-no. He's g-going to get you out too." Amy said, whimpering.
"Screw this. You never mentioned a Larry. I was feeling guilty about Rouge while you've been getting visits from some guy you apparently love." Shadow said, his voice filled with so much disgust it shocked Amy.
Amy was hurt that Shadow would think so low of her. Where did her cuddle buddy go?
"You're b-being mean. His name is Flare and he's like my brother." Amy said quietly.
"If he's like your brother then why did you never mention him? You never mentioned him at all and yet you're a bit too touchy aren't you." Shadow questioned, laughing without humor.
Amy sighed in exasperation as Shadow was being ridiculous. "We just hugged Shadow! I told you about my sister's boyfriend." she said.
"It's just too suspicious! I knew I couldn't have anything good. Am I not allowed to be happy for once in my life? God knows I don't deserve it and I don't deserve you but Amy you blinded me. You're just too damn perfect and I should've known it was too good to be true." Shadow questioned
"I didn't do anything wrong though." Amy said as her voice was barely audible and her eyes stung with tears at Shadow's words.
Amy didn't know if the sadness she felt was for herself or for Shadow.
There was a pregnant pause for a moment.
"Did they send you?" Shadow asked.
"W-what? Who?" Amy asked.
Shadow groaned in frustration and turned his back to Amy. "I'm done with this. Just leave me alone Amy." he said.
"Did we just break up?" Amy thought.
Amy didn't want to ask as she was afraid for the awkwardness and heartbreak that would follow if the answer was anything less than she hoped. Amy was confused, hurt, and unbelievably sad about what had just happened as this wasn't the Shadow she loved the one that was kissing her awake that morning and telling her bad jokes until she begged him to stop. Giving up on trying to understand, Amy just replied with a soft okay and went to cuddle up in her sheets that still smelled like her Shadow. This time, Amy wasn't ashamed to be crying herself to sleep as she didn't muffle her sobs because she wanted Shadow to know how much he hurt her and he deserved to lose sleep over that.
...
A few days later.
Amy had lost count of the amount of days since she and Shadow had talked. While it felt like weeks, it could've easily have been days.
Shadow would make it a point to avoid Amy at every opportunity, only making her more confused about the situation. Amy was worried it would be painful to be around Shadow, but he wouldn't give her a chance to experience that as he was actively trying to spend as little time with her as possible. Amy would rather take the pain than not see Shadow at all.
Amy had unfortunately gotten used to Shadow sitting a few seats away in the canteen, quickly and quietly eating his food in an eager to leave. Knuckles and Mighty were awkwardly put in the middle like two children with divorced parents.
Luckily, Shadow kept to himself so Knuckles and Mighty would still accompany Amy around the prison as it would've made the whole situation a lot worse if the innocent little prisoner was left to fend for herself without her usual protective bodyguards.
She wondered if he would actually care if something happened to her.
"Oi. He's looking at you again." Knuckles said.
Amy frowned as Knuckles said that. "You don't have to say that every time he's in the room." she said, mumbling.
"But it's true." Knuckles said, insisting.
When Amy ignored Knuckles, he pouted like a child.
"I just want you to know he still cares." Knuckles said.
"Then-then why did he break up with me? Why is he giving me the silent treatment and why does he hate me?" Amy asked, almost screaming the words in Knuckles' face but refrained from doing so, knowing that the other prisoners didn't need to see her having a mental breakdown.
Heartbreak is so overwhelming.
"Okay, relax. You're being dramatic. He didn't break up with you and he definitely doesn't hate you." Knuckles said.
"But he is giving me the silent treatment." Amy replied moodily.
Mighty hugged Amy to his right side with his right hand and kissed the left side of her head warmly. "Just give him time, sweetheart." he said.
Perhaps Mighty was right. Shadow was an emotional person, evident in his frequent mood swings. So maybe when the anger and jealousy disappears, Shadow's judgment wouldn't be clouded then maybe he will listen to Amy's explanation and actually believe it. Amy had a little hope or maybe she was just delusional and it was all wishful thinking. Either way, Amy wasn't giving up on her Shadow.
Amy glanced over her brown book to sneak a glance, only to find Shadow already looking at her as neither looked away but where her gaze was more longing, he held more disgust and resentment.
Suddenly, a light beige fur broke Amy's gaze. Bark was looking down at Amy with worry, making her stomach churn at the thought of what he was about to say. Surely it wouldn't be too awful as there wasn't much more misfortune Amy could take.
"Sorry Amy. You're switching cells." Bark said.
Amy immediately stood up, almost outraged. "What? W-why?" she asked as she shouted up at Bark.
It was extremely difficult to feel intimidating when everyone was so much taller. Taller, buffer and a lot more capable of throwing a mean punch to name just a few of the reasons.
Bark frowned, looking upset to see Amy in such a state. "I don't know. The Governor just said 'take you to your new cell'." he said.
"No no no no there has to be some sort of mistake. Amy's done nothing wrong, why would she be moving?" Mighty asked, pulling Amy to his right side protectively, ignoring the loud bell that signaled them to go to their scheduled work or lessons.
"That's correct she hasn't done anything wrong." Bark said.
After a moment of Knuckles, Mighty, and Amy staring up at Bark, silently pleading for answers, Bark gave one look at Amy's large jade green eyes and sighed.
"All I can say is someone wanted her moved and it was in everyone's best interest to do so apparently." Bark said.
Amy immediately knew who it was and a quick glance across the room presented Shadow leaning against the wall with crossed arms and a look of approval on his face. Amy knew it was time to admit defeat. Shadow and Amy were no more.
...
It was a long quiet walk to Amy's cell, soon to be her old one as her fingers were shaking with anxiety while she racked her brain for ways to greet her new cell mate. Though Amy would miss her Shadow terribly, it would make the situation a lot easier to handle if it brought her a new friend as she supposed a change of scenery might be welcomed, even if all the walls were the same.
Inside Amy's room was empty - emptier still without the sound of her giggles as Shadow tickled her, playful torture he liked to call it, where as she would simply call it torture. Amy's usual mess of blankets and pillows were on her bunk too. Despite her mother's usual telling off, Amy was never one to make the bed, Shadow's singular pillow was on the top bunk as he insisted on sleeping away from her no matter how much she cried for cuddles. At the time, the apparent break up was nothing but words for the naive hedgehogette. Shadow silently forced Amy to take his blanket. No matter how many times Amy threw it loosely over Shadow's large body, she woke up when both their blankets tucked around her, always making her think he couldn't be that mad at her surely but how she was wrong.
It was painful and quite impossible to sleep in a cold and dark prison and even worse yet without protective arms and the man attached to them. Maybe any other time Amy wouldn't have cried like a baby, begging for cuddles but she couldn't help it when the fear and loneliness crept in the room like a thick fog. Amy gave herself the pass for looking like a clingy girlfriend, well, ex-girlfriend now she supposed.
Amy picked up her books and threw them on her thin blanket, leaving the other cover on Shadow's bed. Amy contemplated taking the chao stuffy but the painful reminder was too much. Amy's toothbrush was her only belongings and along with her pillow, she wrapped everything up creating a sad little sack.
"O-okay, I'm ready." Amy said to Bark with a timid smile.
Amy put on a pretense of happiness, falsely hoping that it would transform her mood. Bark and Amy silently walked to the mystery new cell, leaving the scared hedgehogette in her own thoughts. Amy wondered if she'd have a cell mate or if she'd be alone. If there was a cellmate, could they be friends? Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if Amy kept a positive mindset. Most people were now in their rooms, while the stranglers walked around Amy, making her careful not to trip over her own feet. The large blanket parcel made it difficult to even see them. It was only a few cells over, not that far from Amy's original one but far enough for it to feel completely foreign to her. No Shadow in sight. To Amy's relief, there wasn't anyone in the cell and if she did have a cellmate, he was very tidy. There weren't many signs of life apart from a nearly put together bottom bunk. Amy was a little excited about being a top bunker.
"Okay little miss, I'll leave you to it then. Go to your lesson when you're done settling in." Bark said firmly before he left.
There wasn't much to settle in. Amy's belongings were limited so after putting her little toothbrush by the sink and tossing her bedding on her bunk, she was done.
Amy decided she'll feel better after her lesson when she's surrounded by people. Even if they were random prisoners, they were always entertaining during a boring literacy lesson. Only when Amy walked in mid lesson, the awkwardness she was feeling heightened her anxiety about the whole day, making her wish she had gotten there faster. It went quick but slow at the same time. Amy's thoughts are full but also empty.
"Amy?" a light blue female dog with grass green eyes asked.
The light blue female teacher dog's concerned eyes drilled into Amy, zoning her back into reality.
"Are you okay, Amy? You're quiet today, more than usual." the light blue female dog asked, rubbing Amy's back comfortingly with her right hand.
Amy just nodded solemnly.
"Okay, if you say so. Try not to let boys get to you. I know there are a lot of romance books in the library that provide a good escape. But don't forget where you are okay. It's unlikely to find your sole mate in prison." the light blue female dog said.
It seemed like the light blue female dog was just trying to give Amy some hard truths. The advice, although unwarranted, was maybe something Amy needed to remind herself.
"But don't worry because you'll be out of here before you know it and then you'll have all the time in the world to meet the right tall, dark and handsome nice boy." the light blue female dog said with a reassuring smile.
Amy frowned at the emphasis on the word nice as her Shadow was the nicest person she knew or at least he was but there was never anything wrong with his niceness.
Not wanting to carry on the conversation, Amy just nodded again. Noticing that everyone had already left, Amy sat up, signaling she was leaving to the light blue female dog and left to go to her new cell not knowing what would await her.
A forest green woodpecker male with dark brown eyes is what awaits Amy.
The words tall, dark and handsome quickly came to mind as the forest green woodpecker male was doing sit ups on the floor like Amy was used to Shadow doing and didn't stop when she stood at the door, surprised to see the sweaty stranger. A familiar stranger but a stranger nonetheless. It frustrated Amy that she couldn't put her finger on exactly where she's seen the forest green woodpecker male before.
"Cute little things aren't you." the forest green woodpecker male said as he panted between sit ups, beads of sweat dripping down his chest.
Amy blushed and mumbled a hello before scurrying to the other side of the room, wondering how to tackle the climb to her bunk.
The forest green woodpecker male made Amy nervous but nowhere near the same level of nervous Shadow made her feel. Shadow made Amy feel shy with a fuzzy feeling in her chest. This forest green woodpecker male just made Amy want to hide from his piercing dark brown eyes that didn't leave her small frame.
Amy tried to ignore the forest green woodpecker male, eager to hide herself under the covers as soon as possible. With one foot on the ladder, the forest green woodpecker male at what seemed like lightning speed rushed uncomfortably behind Amy and pushed her up with his hands planted on her butt.
"Let me help you out there." the forest green woodpecker male said, sniggering.
The action made Amy squeal and scurry away then she stared at the forest green woodpecker male in fear.
"You can't d-do that!" Amy said.
Raising an eyebrow with a smirk. "I was just helping you." the forest green woodpecker male said.
Amy's eyes were wide and her bottom lip trembled as she felt a cry threaten to escape. "Why do I always get myself in these situations?!" she thought, angry at herself despite it not being her fault.
Knowing it would be a waste of breath responding, Amy just lied down and pulled the covers up to her chin as she was on high alert, extremely conscious of the weird woodpecker in the room.
Amy didn't know what the forest green woodpecker male's intentions were, perhaps it was innocent and he was in person so long that he forgot that it wasn't a social norm to help women up by grabbing their bums but somehow, Amy could tell the man knew exactly what he was doing and from the look on his face, he also knew what he wanted to do to her too.
Shadow's once loving voice rang in Amy's head, while it used to be full of possessive paranoia, it was now her voice of logical reason that she should not fall asleep with the forest green woodpecker male in her cell.
However, if Shadow was there, he'd know his sleepy girl would've exhausted herself from the anxiety and fear and passed out within an hour.
...
A few hours later.
Hands were on Amy. Why were there hands on Amy? Did Shadow come back? No. Shadow and Amy broke up.
Amy woke up with a start but didn't jolt up as she was held down by heavy hands on her chest as her feathered cell mate was touching her cheek, looking into her eyes with a false love, a manic lust.
A scream ripped from Amy's throat and her arms thrashed as hard as she could to get the forest green woodpecker male away from her. The forest green woodpecker male covered Amy's mouth with his right hand and reached his head down to nuzzle in her neck, muttering threats in her right ear.
The forest green woodpecker male's words were terrifying and his voice alone induced a paralyzing fear Amy had never felt before. Hearing the words the forest green woodpecker male was saying and the low animal tone in his voice, Amy recognized this man as he was often around Drago.
Amy became hysterical at the realization, knowing what a man like this would be capable of. Pure determined desperation came off the forest green woodpecker male. Disgusted from the forest green woodpecker male's touch, Amy bit down hard on his right hand, biting her own lip in the process but she didn't care. Though the forest green woodpecker male didn't move off Amy, the distraction provided an opening for her to free her left leg.
Amy successfully kneed the forest green woodpecker male with her left leg aggressively in the groin and screamed again for help. Luckily, it was the afternoon and everyone was in their cells, in hearing distance of the forest green woodpecker male's pained groan and Amy's muffled cries for help. Quickly, there was a commotion outside. The doors were open and people were there trying to get in or just watching. Amy didn't know as she couldn't see anyone, eyes clouded with tears held tightly shut in fear of seeing the monster's revengeful face. Amy braced herself for her punishment but it didn't come but instead, the weight was roughly lifted off her and thrown onto the floor with a series of violent attacks.
The sound of fist and feet breaking bones encompassed the room as it made Amy cringe into herself but the relief was evident when she shakily peeked over the edge of the bed to see Shadow's rage-covered face. A mixture of yells still barely reached Amy's ears. Amy could hear muffled demands of the guards to stop, mixed with questions on what happened and cheers for Shadow to keep going. The loudest of them all was Shadow saying over and over again, "I'm sorry, Rose. I'm so so sorry." Shadow didn't even say anything to the forest green woodpecker male that he was battering. Fists still flying, Shadow seemed in a completely different world, zoned out as Amy trembled where she sat. Only when the guards came closer and reached the bunk to try and get Amy down, did her head whip to the uniformed animal men and a panic stricken scream rip through the prison halls as they all immediately backed away and a few cheers died down to look at the hedgehogette in a mixture of concern and shame.
Amy scrambled off the bed and ran as fast as her short legs could take her, the guards were weakly attempting to stop her as they knew they shouldn't allow her to leave but, it was a unique, messy situation and they realized the hedgehogette needed time alone while they needed to sort out the mess of a man that was left behind, if the forest green woodpecker male was still alive. Thankfully the showers were empty so Amy wouldn't have noticed if they weren't because her sore eyes only saw the dark corner of the room when she planted herself there and began to release all the emotions she was feeling, recounting the painful events.
Amy tried to contain her violent sobs as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks, replacing the old ones as they fell. The slightly wet floor was cold and uncomfortable under Amy's butt as she hugged her legs to her chest, wanting to be as small as possible and she felt like she was drowning and floating at the same time. The memories replayed vividly in Amy's mind as if it were happening all over again and she could do nothing to stop it.
Loud footsteps came running towards Amy, increasing her rapid breaths as they came closer and her head was tucked into her knees and only when hands grabbed her wrists, did she look up. Amy screamed and tried to yank her hands away from the tight grip.
"Shhh. It's just me, Rose. It's just me." Shadow said.
The soothing, husky voice calmed Amy immediately, as if she was put under a spell. As Amy's heart rate slowed to its normal pace, the familiar scent filled her nose and she immediately hugged his waist, nuzzling her face into Shadow's chest.
Shadow pulled Amy onto his lap so she could hug him in a more comfortable position and as usual, his arms wrapped around her small body, comforting her with just his presence and he rocked them back and forth soothingly and whispered calming things in her right ear.
"You're safe. I promise, you're never going to be hurt again. I'll protect you." Shadow said.
Shadow's words were dripping with sincerity and despite the advice of everyone around her, Amy trusted him so she believed his every word. Shadow's strong heartbeat comforted Amy, muffled under his sweatshirt but it was still there, a constant to focus on. It was confident and real and it reassured Amy that Shadow was really there stroking her bare back under her clothes, his rough hands providing warmth. Shadow had told Amy many times that he was there, and he wouldn't leave her ever again, sniffling into her quills as he did so. Amy believed Shadow, she really did. If Amy didn't, Shadow definitely seemed determined to smother her until she did so. It was almost like Amy had to comfort Shadow with how remorseful he was. But of course, Amy didn't give Shadow that satisfaction and she just allowed him to repeat his sorry words and relished in his coddling, giving herself permission to feel safe in his arms. There was nothing but the faint sounds of prisoners talking. Shadow and Amy haven't said anything for a while now and he had now stopped incessantly apologizing and she was zoned out - eyes stinging and swollen shut, lips chapped and cut from her self-inflicted injury and nose sore from wiping the snot on the many wads of tissues beside her. Amy was vaguely aware of what had happened after Shadow came to save her, but the memories were cloudy. After a while of uncontrollable cries into Shadow's chest, she slowly grew tired of the action, exhausted and drained. Shadow carried Amy to his room - her old room. Amy recognized the smell and the stuffed chao that greeted her, unaware of what she had been through.
"Rose, baby, I'm sorry. Do you understand?" Shadow desperately asked in Amy's quills, holding onto her tighter.
Amy didn't say anything but nuzzled her nose deeper into Shadow, preferring to delay talking about the situation and would rather ignore it altogether but he didn't let her though. Shadow halted his strokes, which made Amy whine and do a little shake, indirectly asking him to continue.
"No more until you answer me, love. I'm worried that if you don't say anything you'll turn mute." Shadow said.
Amy wondered if that would be such a bad idea and her past life didn't involve making her opinions known and it was only Shadow that actually liked listening to her.
"Words, Rose. Speak." Shadow said begging seriously now.
Sighing, Amy swallowed some saliva to wet her dry throat. "It's not your fault." she said, managing to croak out.
"Don't be ridiculous. Of course, it is my fault." Shadow said, seeming insulted that Amy said otherwise. "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have been anywhere near that scumbag. I would've been able to protect you. I thought they'd put you in a cell alone. I told them to put you in your own cell."
Shadow held Amy firmly closer to him as he explained, getting angrier as he recounted his experience.
"Y-you couldn't have known what was going to happen." Amy said, whispering.
Amy didn't put more effort in comforting Shadow as she was there for solace of him, not to ease Shadow of his guilt. Nevertheless, Amy wasn't going to lie to Shadow and she wasn't going to lie to him and make him feel worse than he already clearly does - it wasn't in her nature.
"It only happened because I was jealous and angry. I refused to listen to you because of it." Shadow said, admitting honestly. "It's like I had something pure that made me feel happy for once in my life and I couldn't believe it. I self-sabotaged and believed all the wrong thoughts in my head."
Shadow wasn't wrong. Amy was in no way mad at Shadow about the attack, but she did resent him a little for breaking up with her and letting his jealousy ruin them.
"You don't trust me. I am mad at you about that." Amy said.
"You have every right to be mad at me little Rose. I'll prove to you that I do trust you, I promise. It was my insecurities. I saw this guy that was out, free and ready to give you the world whereas I can give you nothing. You are my everything Amy but I worry I can't be yours." Shadow said.
Amy scoffed. "Now who's b-being ridiculous." she said.
But that was the thing with insecurities, everyone had them and it's almost impossible for anyone to be rid of them. Amy would just have to reassure Shadow that he is everything she'd ever need and more. However, reassuring Shadow was low on Amy's list of priorities at the moment.
"Just leave me alone." Amy said, groaning defeatedly.
Though Amy then contradicted herself by snuggling into Shadow's chest more, taking comfort in the man that annoyed her.
"Amy!" Erazor yelled through the cell doors.
Erazor and Amy didn't open though so she was glad they could speak through the steel frame.
Amy rolled off Shadow then emotionlessly looked at the shame ridden, uniformed man.
Erazor walked closer to the door. "Ah Amy. I just wanted to see you to personally apologize for what happened - the prison guards told me. I'm extremely sorry for the role we had in this. Please let me know if there's anything at all we can do for you." he said, whispering.
Erazor seemed sincere in his apology but like Amy said to Shadow, she repeated plainly, "you couldn't have known what would happen." she said, repeating plainly
And just like Shadow, Erazor didn't seem to accept Amy's words either.
"Well, I've made the arrangements for you to stay in this cell again and counseling is available to you any time. It would be with Rouge and I really recommend it." Erazor said.
Amy imagined she'll consider counseling when she's out of prison then maybe she'd get a bulk discount after all the trauma.
Erazor proceeded to say Amy wouldn't have to work today, which Shadow took as them both taking the day off. Erazor didn't dare to argue. Shadow was not only furious with himself, but with the entire staff, specifically the head of the prison who approved the transfer of cells.
Apparently, the forest green woodpecker male that attacked Amy was only in prison for a white collar crime so it understandable he was chosen to be her new cellmate. It simply shows no one ever knows the true darkness deep inside a person.
Amy didn't even know the forest green woodpecker male's name. If it was mentioned briefly, Amy refused to listen and was reluctant to ask, feeling it would make the forest green woodpecker male feel more of a feral animal as it should be impossible for any other normal animal to do what he did to her. The forest green woodpecker male was a monster, plain and simple.
...
2 days later.
Amy hadn't moved all day and the next day and she was sure there must be a c-shaped dent in the bed of where her body lay. The guards must've been ordered to leave Amy alone because nobody disturbed her. All Amy wanted to do was lie there and she wasn't aware of anything happening around her because she didn't care to tune in. With no thoughts in Amy's head either, she was empty but being empty was a lot better than the occasional flashes of forest green feathers, the feel of harsh, hard yellow beak, the phantom whiff of body odor...
Amy's eyes clenched at the thoughts that came back to her. It's over. It's over. After deep breaths, Amy's face relaxed and her body untensed and the thoughts left once again. This repeated often.
Amy wasn't sure how often because she wasn't sure what time it was and it was definitely after lunch because Shadow had come back with some food. After a few measly pinches of bread fed to her, Amy refused any more on account of having no appetite at all.
It felt weird being around Shadow now but he didn't push Amy to use words like he usually did and he didn't touch her unless she reached for him for the occasional cuddle whenever she wanted it. Since the other day, Shadow had spoken about everything other than the attack and it infuriated Amy.
Amy's eyes suddenly glared at Shadow as he was sitting against the wall opposite her, waiting patiently for her next call for cuddles. Shadow's eyebrows scrunched in confusion.
"What's wrong, Rose?" Shadow asked.
Amy rolled her usually soft jade green eyes at Shadow and rolled over to glare at the wall.
"You hungry now? I saved you some pudding. I know how much you like these cheap little pudding cups." Shadow asked.
Amy ignored Shadow but he carried on, just as he has been doing all day.
"For such a good little baker, I can't believe you like this crap." Shadow said.
There were sounds of Shadow's feet on the cold ground before his shadow loomed over Amy, careful not to touch her without an invite. An unmistakable loud sound of annoyance escaped Amy.
"Huh? You say something, Rose?" Shadow asked.
"I said..." Amy said but stopped.
After a pregnant pause, Amy sighed with as much force as her petite body could handle. "UGH!"
There was a moment of silence.
"Um, okay? Is something the matter?" Shadow asked.
Amy spun around, narrowly missing the top bunk and stared up at Shadow through scowling eyes.
"Yes Shadow. Something is the matter!" Amy said.
It almost made Amy laugh when Shadow jumped away from her.
"Why are you being nice?" Amy asked in a strong falsely curious tone.
Again with Shadow's annoyingly perfect face looking confused. "Why shouldn't I?"
"Because you broke up with me!" Amy said, shouting loudly, tears brimming in her eyes. The emotions she kept tightly in a locked jar was now overflowing and it made her more furious with herself. "Because- because I was attacked."
"I know Amy, I know! Fucking hell what do you want me to say." Shadow said, shouting back.
Shadow raised his arms in exasperation but once he locked eyes with Amy's, they were glistening with matching tears. Amy didn't respond, too busy sniffling the snot back up her nose. Thankfully, Amy wasn't feeling particularly self conscious, despite being a self-proclaimed ugly crier.
"I know I broke up with you over something so fucking stupid. I'm being nice to you because you were attacked! You're a victim of something evil and that guy shouldn't be alive right now. He still breathing but I swear Amy, I fucking swear, next time I see that guy he's dead." Shadow said through gritted teeth.
"It's not about you Shadow!" Amy said finally screaming, angry fists balled on either side. "It-it's about me! I was the victim! That guy attacked ME!"
"Rosel-" Shadow said but was cut off.
"I'm going-I'm going through all this while I'm heartbroken!" Amy said, choking. "B-but I'm not because you're here. I'm so confused. It's not fair, Shadow!"
"I kn-" Shadow said but was cut off again.
"It just makes me so angry that THAT guy touched me. He's not you and he touched me and- and it should never have happened. Why did it happen?! Again! It- it's not my f-fault." Amy said, looking down at her dull gray sweatshirt.
Shadow's dull gray sweatshirt because the other was taken into evidence against the attacker.
"Is it w-what I was wearing?" Amy questioned, whispering.
"No Amy." Shadow said.
Amy's head snapped to Shadow. "I know it's not because it doesn't m-matter! I-I want to rip m- my skin off! I can't s-stop smelling him. It's l-like he's on me. It's like he's still on me Shadow. I c-can feel him. I-I- I-" she said as she was hyperventilating now, retreating into herself like a scared feral animal.
Amy dug her nails into her elbows, clutching tightly to her chest in fear that she really will rip her skin off.
Seeing this, Shadow jumped to scoop Amy into his arms and rocked her back and forth.
In the softest voice that was audibly possible. "Feel my skin touching yours, love." Shadow said rubbing Amy's wet cheek, her breathing still labored.
"Smell me, Rose. Breathe in and out. In and out with me..." Shadow said.
Amy followed Shadow's instructions. With Amy's eyes closed, it was easier to focus on what was happening there and then, rather than what had happened in the past. Amy felt Shadow's kisses on the crown of her head.
"Will we have to do this every t-time I think about it?" Amy quietly asked, sad and embarrassed that it may be a likely possibility.
Following another long loving kiss. "I will do this for the rest of my life if you need me to. I'll never leave you again my Rose. You have my word." Shadow said.
"We're not even boyfriend and girlfriend because you broke up with me you- you idiot." Amy said.
As soon as Amy finished the word, she received a swift spank on the butt and a disapproving look from Shadow. It only made Amy smile though because a glimpse of her Shadow was back.
"I apologize, okay? Will you please be my girlfriend and the love of my life again?" Shadow asked.
"Okay." Amy said, accepting Shadow's truth with a poke on his chest. "But you're my slave for like a week."
After a light chuckle vibrated through Shadow, he agreed happily.
Shadow and Amy spent a while in the same position, neither one of them wanting to be the first to move in fear they'd go back to square one- her being angry at him and him being too awkward to make the first move. The thought made Amy giggle to herself, her scary Shadow being awkward.
Amy spent the rest of the day happily cradled in Shadow's arms listing off all the things she wanted to make him do to make up for the pain and anguish he caused her. They got more and more ridiculous the more she thought but the idea was enough for her, especially since he agreed to each and every one. She wondered how far she could push him.
Once they got more relaxed, Amy's stomach rumbled, finally feeling the empty space make itself known.
"I'll see if there's any food left." Shadow said.
Shadow looked at Amy with such love in his eyes as it was strange to think he had broken her heart just a few days before. However, the break up was much easier to understand when Amy thought of it through his eyes. Embarrassingly, Amy could be just as jealous as Shadow. It was strange to her how people could be insecure and so clearly infatuated with each other at the same time. When Shadow came back to their cell, with a confident, proud smile from stretched ear to ear and a packet of sour sweets in his hands, Amy could only push any insecurities aside and return a loving grin.
...
A few days later.
Cabin fever was really setting into Shadow's little Rose, which was surprising because he knew Amy lived the life of a hermit prior to prison. Shadow wished there was more he could do to ease Amy restlessness but evidently, he was limited to changing from bottom to top bunk and walks around the same brick walls over and over again.
Shadow didn't mind though, because he loved hearing Amy's timid ramblings as he walked the halls. It gave Shadow a glimpse into his and Amy's future - both elderly and white quilled, having their early morning walk to stretch their legs so they don't go unused, gossiping about their neighbors.
Shadow's hand clutched Amy's tighter at the happy thought. The soft pink quills were dancing in the air, the heavy wind blowing past them as Amy absentmindedly walked on the tables outside - the different level gave her some variation she had said.
"I love the fresh air." Amy said sighing, closing her eyes with pure bliss on her face.
Shadow looked up at Amy, the blue sky somehow reminded him why he called her his Rose.
"Are you having a good time?" Shadow asked, placing a kiss on Amy's left hand with his right hand and paying no attention to the other prisoners around the yard.
Amy nodded and proceeded to carefully jump off the table with Shadow's help. "I wish we could go out though." she said.
Despite them being outside already, Shadow knew Amy meant out. It would be years before Shadow could leave the prison walls legally and selfishly, he was dreading the day Amy would be granted the privilege to leave him.
"Guess you'll be a little jealous of me then?" Tails questioned.
Tails had walked to Shadow and Amy, excitement coming off him in tons. Shaking with happiness rather than the usual fear and anxiety whenever Tails was around anyone but Amy.
"I'm leaving! I'm out, finally!" Tails said.
This made Shadow scoff at the timing the yellow-orange 2 tailed fox had. Now Tails would have to deal with cheering his rabbit girlfriend up while she denies she's upset. The rabbit girl was very obvious in her emotions, despite what she might think.
"W-what? When?" Amy asked.
Shadow didn't know whether to awe Amy's sad little voice or to be jealous that she would miss her old cell mate but he pushed back the latter. Shadow loved that Amy wore her heart on her sleeve and felt every brief friendship so strongly.
Shadow told Amy not to be upset, while an aura of sadness came off her. Which Amy denied, of course though it was normal in prison life for friends to go in and out regularly, Shadow could understand how it'd be difficult for her, especially with it being her first time losing a friend to freedom.
"In a bit. I have to pack my stuff and do some paperwork or something. But I can NOT wait. Amy, I get to see my girlfriend again." Tails enthusiastically said.
Tails looked like he was about to cry from happiness and it strangely made Shadow respect him more. Perhaps Shadow would've felt the opposite before meeting his Rose.
Speaking of which, Amy did a little clap in excitement, clearly forgetting her own sadness at the sight of her friend's happiness.
"Oh-oh goodness! That's so fun. I hope you do lots of activities together." Amy said.
Shadow put a light right hand on the small of Amy's back and pushed her towards the soon to be released prisoner. "Well give him a hug and let him get going, Rose." he said encouragingly.
Shadow knew it was what his sweet rosy pink hedgehogette would want to do but was too shy to say goodbye to her friend properly, and Tails definitely wouldn't risk initiating contact as this was evident from the bewildered, questioning look he received.
Shadow laughed lightly and gave a nod of confirmation. Tails and Amy hugged each other warmly, of course with Shadow watching the guy closely. Shadow was relieved that of all the people Amy could've gotten as a first cellmate, it was the young boy that was devoted to his long term girlfriend.
"Okay enough now." Shadow quickly said and pulled Amy to his tall frame, then laughed when she immediately went to stand on her tiptoes for a forehead kiss from him.
Tails then announced he was going to prepare to leave, giving Shadow and Amy each a nod goodbye. This reminds Shadow that he had somewhere to be as well.
"I'm sorry, Rose. I'm going to have to leave you for a bit. I need to take a call." Shadow said.
Shadow signaled for Knuckles to come over to them.
"O-okay. I'll be fine by myself." Amy said softly, although looked unsure of her own words.
Shadow laughed harshly, narrowing his eyes at the rotten criminals around them as they had shown pity for Amy when she got attacked and he knew a lot of them liked her like she was their own little sister but the thing with Shadow, he didn't trust anyone but his Rose.
"There is no chance I am ever leaving you alone. Knuckles is going to chill with you." Shadow said.
Amy rolled her eyes when Knuckles ruffled her quills with his right hand, looking relieved nonetheless. Knuckles left Amy with an adoring kiss on her soft pink lips.
It pained Shadow every time he left Amy, feeling a recurring anxiety from what had happened. However, it was important Shadow didn't miss the call with his friend, didn't miss the call with his friend, though he was more of an informant on anything that Shadow asked for.
Shadow casually walked past the crowd of people waiting to speak to their loved ones, criminal acquaintances and lawyers. Nobody, not even the guards, said anything when Shadow picked up the phone with his right hand to make his call.
The usual automated voice repeated, "connecting your call... connecting your call... connecting your ca- "
"Shadow. How are you, mate?" a familiar blonde quilled dark brown eyed male voice asked.
"No time. I've left my girl so give it to me quickly. What's the update?" Shadow asked, clearly impatient and not asking to be tested.
"I've done what you asked and it's not looking good. There's a mountain of evidence against you and the lawyers are saying even if you can appeal, there's no point." the blonde hedgehog male said.
Shadow sighed loudly and rubbed his face in frustration. "The lawyers are imbeciles. What's the point of having multiple if they're not going to do anything, Nick." he asked rhetorically.
"Mephiles really had it out for you - planned it all thoroughly." Nick said, mumbling.
The name made Shadow's jaw clench tightly as it had been a long time since the betrayal but it didn't infuriate him any less, the same way his heart painfully tightened every time he thought about what happened to his family.
"I've been here long enough. I can't be giving orders from inside anymore. It's turning the gang into shambles." Shadow said.
Shadow knew if his father was alive to see the state of his life's work now, he'd be extremely disappointed. That was the last thing Shadow wanted because carrying one of his family business was important to him. Shadow was lucky that Amy understood and wouldn't ask him to choose between the two loves of his life, though he quickly realized that he'd choose the girl in a heartbeat and the fact he didn't have to choose just emphasized the fact he found his soulmate.
"Understood. Nack's gotten himself caught with possession. You'll be seeing him soon." Nick said.
Shadow was told as they already had a lot of gang members in with him, both purposely sentenced to increase Shadow's numbers in prison and newly recruited. Though he would've taken charge of the facility himself, there was no need when he could get instant credibility. As great men say, work smarter not harder and Shadow was anything but dumb.
Nack in particular was just some of the brains in the gang and it was always easier to sneak in new information and contraband with a fresh prisoner.
"Good. Is that all you have for me?" Shadow asked, moving the conversation along as his limited phone credits were running out.
Another thing Shadow hated about being locked up was that phone calls were earned. Though Shadow had his connections to abuse, these were something he couldn't get more of unfortunately.
It was also inconvenient that prison guards would listen to Shadow's calls. Though Shadow and Nick never said anything about the contents of the conversations, Shadow was careful. However, Shadow was conscious of the other criminals eavesdropping behind him, who turned their backs as a sign of respect giving him an extremely false sense of privacy.
"I actually have some news about your girl." Nick said, tentatively.
This reminded Shadow that he had asked his gang to keep an ear out for any news that was related to Amy and he knew the guys from the gang had been gossiping about how much their leader has changed in the past couple of months. The words "whipped" had been repeated. But Shadow just allowed it, knowing the more they were used to the thought of his precious Amy, the more defense she'd have on the outside.
"It's looking like people are trying to re-open her case." Nick said.
Shadow frowned in confusion. "Who?" he asked.
"Sorry Boss but we're not too sure. A bunch of people - a few thousand have signed on a petition to prove her innocence. She's actually pretty famous y'know and with the attack, it's gotten more media attention." Nick said.
Shadow wasn't surprised about her popularity outside of the prison walls. It did surprise Shadow, however, that there'd be a sudden surge of support for Amy to be released from prison as her parents didn't do anything to stop the sentencing from happening in the first place after all. Shadow suspected it would've been her sister's supposed boyfriend, Erazor, his nose turning up in a snarl at the assumption or quite possibly one of the many prison guards that were protective over her, obviously more so after they let the attacks happen in their own wings. Particularly, Bark saw the sweet hedgehogette as his own daughter.
"They're aiming to at least move her to an all girls prison and I think her parents are going to back it - they've been getting a lot of backlash." Nick said through the phone.
This could be the worst thing for Amy's safety as gender didn't matter to Shadow. In Shadow's line of work, he quickly discovered women could be just as dangerous as men and his Rose was naive as she'd be making friends with people who he'd guarantee would not have innocent intentions, she was too tempting to taint. Regardless, whether Amy liked it or not Shadow made the life long promise to her that he'd never let her go anywhere unprotected again, not in a world of criminals and gangsters. Shadow realized he wouldn't be able to protect Amy whilst locked away, not if she was getting out much earlier than he mentally prepared for and he had already planned many self defense and common sense lessons before it was time for them to separate but now time was running out for them both.
"It's not happening Nick." Shadow said, voice low and threatening. "Expedite the plan. I'm not waiting any longer."
Shadow needed to protect Amy and he needed to get out.
...
A few days later.
Amy listened with a happy smile on her face as she had her head on Shadow's chest, listening to the deep rumble as he read Cinderella word by word. Though a little staggered, Amy appreciated the effort Shadow put in emphasizing his words, making it as dramatic as possible. Shadow also quietly, yet with full confidence, changed his voice to match the characters. Amy remembered how thrilled she was to see the brand new book on the shelf in the prison common room as it was a dark, violent version of the classic fairy tale which made it a lot more fitting to be seen in such a place. Shadow was still treating Amy like a princess and doting on her every need and she didn't think it would be possible that his unique infatuation for her could increase but it did the moment she woke up and he wished her a happy birthday.
While locked away, time wasn't a factor. Maybe for some that were counting down the days but the longer Amy was in there, the more she couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Amy would be anywhere else and she would only trade one room with steel bars, for another room with flowered wallpaper. Amy pined for the outside - to feel the freedom of walking to the ice cream shop, reading in her regular café and seeing the newly released books herself but after endless time of wishing for something that wasn't coming for a long time, Amy gave up and lost the will to leave and she was content and settled for the time being until the next yearning for freedom hit. On days like her birthday however, Amy was torn. While the supposedly special day should hold meaning, it never did while Amy was with her family. It was more of a day Amy did whatever she liked, everything that made her happy all in one day and she was thankful that Shadow was someone that made her abundantly happy and the love that he showed her was a blessing she didn't take for granted. A love like theirs only came once in a person's life, if they were to be so lucky to have that, and for the first time in her life, Amy truly felt like someone genuinely appreciated her being alive.
As soon as Amy woke up, Shadow had scattered cut up pieces of pink paper hearts on the floor of their cell and apologized profusely for the lack of balloons and other decorations, claiming Shadow's crafting skills had reached their limits with the hearts. Amy wondered if that is what had been occupying Shadow's time. Shadow was recently disappearing more often, taking more phone calls and it made Amy worry. The change in routine increased her anxiety and made Amy feel like something bigger was happening but she reasoned that perhaps Shadow's leadership was more in demand from the gang. Reluctantly, Shadow would tell Amy about the terrifying stories involving murder and drugs and all the things she was never exposed to before and she would force him to tell her once she had wracked up all her courage, treating it like a true crime documentary. Although, it was still unnerving that Amy's gentle giant Shadow was a large part of the horror. Accepting of Shadow's gang was one thing but being supportive was something else entirely, something that Amy hasn't reached as of yet.
"Are you still listening?" Shadow asked, whispering into Amy's quills, followed with a loving kiss.
"Of course? Why? Do you want to stop?" Amy asked pouting even though Shadow couldn't see it.
"No, my Rose. I just thought you might be bored. I don't know how you read so much so fast. I keep tripping over my words, it's embarrassing." Shadow said, admitting.
While that was true, Amy still adored Shadow reading to her, enjoying both the undivided attention he gave her and the story itself.
"You like me reading to you though?" Amy asked in confusion.
Usually, Shadow would listen to Amy read for hours and at the same time it would be all the books she knew he had no real interest in.
"Yeah but I just love your voice and seeing you in your element, you know this." Shadow said.
"Well guess what Shadow?" Amy asked.
"What, Rose?" Shadow asked.
Amy turned her head awkwardly to look up at Shadow and grinned. "It's my birthday. Do you know what that means?" she asked.
This time Shadow didn't say anything and just looked at Amy expectedly with his familiar loving expression. In response to Shadow's silent question, Amy sang, "You do what I want! So keep reading mister."
Knowing Amy was the only person in the world to give Shadow orders and him not to follow with a negative, aggressive response, she rubbed her head on his stubble muzzle fondly and closed her eyes, awaiting the continuation of her new favorite book.
...
A few days later.
"I put a tenner on Dingo doing a hat-trick after half time." a large dark blue bear male with brown-red eyes said, sitting in front of one of the screens.
The entire room shook with men pushing in front of each other to achieve a better view than possible in prison and at competing volume levels, yelled excitedly what their counter bets were. Every few weeks, the football would be the most frightening time Amy experienced while incarcerated and she dreaded it as it was like the world was mocking her when they dated the biggest football event of the year on her birthday. Amy jumped out of her fur and skin and further into Shadow's every time there was a near goal as she suspiciously felt him pull her closer every time, making her feel he was enjoying it.
Although he would find a quiet place for her whenever she asked, Amy didn't want to pull Shadow away from the rowdy atmosphere. Shadow hadn't spent time with Mighty and Knuckles in a while in his attempt to make things up with Amy and she was worried they'd drift apart because of this and after experiencing what it was like to have no friends, she couldn't think of anything worse. When Amy expressed her concerns to Shadow however, he only laughed at her silliness saying, "True friends stick with you no matter how much time passes."
Shadow nudged Amy out of her thoughts. Being stuck in Amy's head was better than experiencing the overstimulating ruckus around her. Even the prison guards were getting involved.
"What are you thinking, my Rose?" Shadow asked softly.
"Nothing." Amy said.
"You are thinking it's your birthday and Valentine's Day so why are you watching crummy football with a load of sweaty men." Shadow said smoothly in her ear, causing Amy to giggle.
Amy saw one of said men scowl at her from the corner of her eye. "No I'm not!" she said.
A deep chuckle came from Shadow's throat as he continued playfully. "And you're thinking you would much rather be with your handsome, handsome boyfriend on a special date celebrating your special day." he said.
Amy just hummed in agreement, knowing Shadow wasn't wrong but it was sad to acknowledge because the dates she dreamed of all consisted of things outside of prison. While Shadow would continually make the effort to change their routine and create small activities for them to do, their options were very limited.
Amy wondered why Shadow would bring up something quite sad to think about. However, from the cunning smirk on Shadow's face, he clearly had something up his sleeve. With ease, Shadow lifted Amy out of the comfortable position she had in his lap and onto her feet.
Mighty looked giddy, a smile from ear to ear stretched across his face. "Ooo, is it time? Have fun!" he questioned.
"Yeah, have a good birthday, Amy." Knuckles said.
Perplexed, Mighty looked at Amy's boyfriend's still smirking face. "Birthday thing?" he questioned.
Shadow shushed Amy playfully and wrapped his right muscled arm around her waist leading her out of the common room.
"Where are we going? I don't think we're supposed to leave." Amy asked and chewed on the left sleeve of her sweatshirt nervously.
"You really think I'd have to be there if I didn't want to be there? Silly girl." Shadow asked, laughing at Amy's shrug and then her head shook in response.
Amy would never understand why Shadow was even in prison, positive that Shadow could probably talk his way out of anything if he wanted.
Shadow and Amy walked silently around the empty halls, past multiple wings. Everyone but Shadow and Amy were preoccupied with the football and those that weren't, like Mrs. Ginger, were given the day off to spend time with family.
Amy let herself be ushered, knowing she didn't know her way around the prison at all despite it being months since she arrived. Shadow was her own personal guide so Amy never needed to figure out the maze of stone walls, but she was happy with that especially when it led to surprises.
Shadow and Amy turned a corner and stopped in front of a utility cupboard-a suspicious utility cupboard.
"Are we going to make out?" Amy asked, assuming that would be the most possible reason she and Shadow were standing outside the private room as her boyfriend looked a little too excited to be mopping the floors.
"Hahaha. Possibly." Shadow said, flashing his pearly teeth and winked. "But that's not all we're going to do, my adorable birthday girl."
Slowly and dramatically, Shadow opened the door to reveal an explosion of fairy lights strung on the walls of a larger room than a utility cupboard. It appeared to be a small break room with a dark blue sofa, a grey table and some kitchen appliances. Those however, were easily overlooked by the colorful pillows scattered on a large patterned blanket in the middle of the room.
The dimmed room was ethereal. Although, it very quickly blurred with tears as Amy looked at the dreamy scene in front of her.
"I-I've not seen fairy lights in so long, Shadow." Amy said.
Shadow rubbed Amy's back affectionately with his right hand and pushed her to the thick blanket, much thicker and prettier than any blanket she had ever seen in the prison.
"I knew you'd like them." Shadow said with pride. "I got the guards to lend us one of their break rooms for a few hours. I also asked people outside to send me the most beautiful cozy things and the governor approved them for your birthday. Of course, not as beautiful as you. Sorry to disappoint."
"It's definitely cozy." Amy said, whispering in awe.
Amy sat down whispering in awe and she sat down cross legged on the floor, feeling the soft, colorful fabrics beneath her with her astonished eyes never leaving the twinkling lights as it was better than any date Amy could dream of.
"Thank you." Amy said.
"That's not all!" Shadow said.
Beneath one of the strategically placed pillows, Shadow retrieved a DVD player. It looked extremely old, which wasn't surprising because Amy didn't know they still existed.
"Okay, don't judge, I see you judging. Their tv is broken but luckily Bark, the old geezer, had this somewhere. I thought we could watch..." Shadow said.
After another pillow and another dramatic pause, Shadow presented Cinderella.
"This! It's not a gory one like the book but I thought you'd like it anyway." Shadow said.
Amy would've physically swooned if she hadn't already sat down but internally, every sort of happy emotion inflamed her heart.
"I love you." Amy said.
Shadow cupped Amy's face in his right hand and kissed her as if he was forcing love into her and she felt it. Every bit of love Shadow had to give, Amy felt it and it filled her whole self with disbelief. Disbelief in having been so lucky to meet the light of her life in a place built for darkness, just like the fairy lights in the dim room they were cuddling in.
"I love you, my Rose. You are my world. I am so happy you exist and you're in my life. My funny... clever... kind... loving girl." Shadow said, pecked Amy between each word, making her emotionally giggle against his lips. "Now let's watch this film while I get the cake!"
"There's cake?!" Amy asked, excitedly.
End of Chapter 5.
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