The day never starts well when a crazy vampire bat girl comes charging at you with a steak knife.

Let's go back a little.

Knuckles lived in a cave, like the elders of the tribe and other families. His cave was in the heart of their forest, shrouded in mist and covered in dense trees. In the mouth of the cave, Knuckles hung up a dark, thick purple curtain. Inside the cave, there were many corridors lit with glowing green torches that never sizzled out. In the deepest part was the alter for his precious emerald that his family has been watching for generations –the Master Emerald. It was Gold, and always warm.

Knuckles was polishing the emerald, smirking as it sparkled. "That oughta do it for today," he said triumphantly.

When he turned, a beautiful young girl was sharpening a knife nonchalantly, flat, glassy aqua eyes glaring at him. "Thank you for polishing my Emerald. Oh, it's such a pain, anyways."

Knuckles crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you mean by your Emerald, bat girl?" he barked.

She sighed, took her knife, and hurled it at him with perfect aim. It would have been wedged into the echidna's skull if he hadn't moved at the last second.

"What the...?" he yelled.

She smiled beatifically, and waltzed up to him. "Learn how to play the game, sugar. I'm a treasure huntress, you know what that means?" she asked sweetly.

Knuckles took a defensive stance in front of the emerald. "Uh, actually, no."

She frowned. "You aren't that smart, are you?"

"Hey!"

She waved it off. "Just give me the Emerald and I'll be on my way. I have better things to do than this, echidna," she growled, hand outstretched.

"Oh yeah? Like what?" asked Knuckles, trying to stall her.

"Ruling a country for example, so just give me the #!*% Emerald!" she yelled. She rolled her eyes. 'Idiot.'

Knuckles' eyes widened. "You're the Queen?"

She slapped her hand against her forehead. "Um, forget I said that..."

"C'mon, Queenie, spill!" he said happily.

"Don't call me Queenie!" she hissed. "I'm the Princess, fiancée of the soon –to –be King!" she declared. She smacked a hand over her mouth with a soft pop.

Knuckles smirked. "And you're calling me dumb?" he questioned.

She 'hmmph'd' and stuck her nose in the air. "How dare you say that, you smelly, rude echidna!" she screeched.

Knuckles looked hurt. "Smelly?" he asked. "Hey, babe, this is the scent of a real Werewolf!"

"Well doesn't that explain the smell," she sighed. "You smell like goat butt."

Knuckles gaped at her. "Well at least I don't smell like something that's been rotting for the last eighty years!"

She beamed. "Oh, that's good. I've been like this for two hundred years. Thanks, dillop."

He growled, punching the wall in frustration. Why did this girl make him feel like this? Not even Amy irritated him this much...

The vampire spread her long, large glittering purple wings spreading our triumphantly. "Hon, you should close your mouth. A bug might fly in."

Knuckles blushed and looked away.

Rouge frowned at the thought of making him embarrassed. And that blush was just so dang cute...

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm turning into my fiancé," she giggled happily.

"Y –your fiancé? The King?" Knuckles asked warily.

"Soon to be king," Rouge corrected, wagging her finger. She smiled. "And yes. He's a grouchy old hermit," she laughed. "Or at least that's what he says."

Knuckles looked confused. "What do you think of him?" he asked.

She pursed her lips, her eyes growing distant. "Every time I look at him, I still see the nineteen year old Vampire who tried to save me from his country. I see the rebellious old soul who was the only person who treated me like a living being when I was a slave." She began to tear up –the tears were venom – "But he just sees himself as an empty shell now. He won't even talk to me."

As she told her heart wrenching story, Knuckles hauled his precious gem into his bedroom which was nearly impossible to find. He walked back out. "What kind of a guy doesn't listen to his fiancé?

"Well, he tries to –he really does –but, you see, as a Vampire grows older, his soul withers away. It's a shame, too. He was such a powerful Werewolf too..." she sighed.

"He was a werewolf?"

"Yes. Shadow was created by an alchemist, Professor Gerald Robotnik. The Professor only had one weak granddaughter at the time, and he needed a strong son to be king one day –to be his successor. Shadow was the strongest Werewolf in the whole country. He was kind, a peacemaker, and loved by all. Until our old King, Black Doom, stole him from the werewolves and transformed him into a Vampire. When the alchemist and his 'sister' brought him back, confused and agitated, the present King of the Werewolves found out and killed his family. It was a horrid day for him. He hasn't forgotten it, and was intent on killing the heir to the throne."

"Why the heir?"

"Because the heir to the throne when he was alive was his best friend. He trusted him more than anyone –even his sister – and might have even loved him. They were a cute couple, but the heir told his father of what had happened to Shadow, and the father killed his family. Before they could get to him, however, Shadow had transformed into what they had described as 'the night creature. Half Vampire half Werewolf.'"

Rouge looked sad. "The heir tried to apologize, begged for forgiveness, but Shadow was too far gone into his depression. He told the prince that if he ever saw him again, he would quench the fire in his throat with his very blood. He wanted to avenge his lost family."

Knuckles was silent. He felt bad for this guy, Shadow, even if he was the king of the Vampires. Nobody should have to go through that. Nobody.

"You said that before you were a slave," Knuckles pointed out. "Why were you a slave?"

Rouge sighed, looking at the empty alter but not saying a word about the missing emerald. "I used to be the protector of this very emerald. My name is Rouge."

Something clicked. "Rouge the bat?" he gasped.

She nodded, smiling. "And Shadow said nobody would remember..."

"Actually, nobody remembers but me..." he said, sweat dropping.

She looked annoyed. "You could've lied..." she muttered.

"Sorry. But I AM the protector. I know you. You lost the emerald to the Vampires!"

She pouted. "I gave up my life for the Emerald! My family!" she shrieked, pinching his ear.

"OW OWOWOW!" he cried. "I think you just burst my eardrum!" he yelled.

She stomped her foot on the ground, her leather boots shining like the glint in her eyes. "They killed my family, and all I had left was my emerald. Then they came after me," she sobbed. Rouge collapsed on the floor, hugging her arms around her knees. "Worst, most horrible days of my life!" she cried.

Knuckles was pretty lost on the 'sympathy' thing, but he sat down next to the bat and put an arm around her shoulders. He waited till she calmed down, smirking as she hiccupped. She slowly went on. "Shadow gave me real food when I was a slave, gave me blankets, clothes... He even got me out one day. We were at the edges of the forest, and he told me that this was my chance to go. But I was scared. I didn't want to leave him."

Knuckles shrugged, a pang of envy striking him. He hugged her tighter.

She looked at him, then his arm and slapped his hand away. "You pervert! Get your hands off me!"

Knuckles looked shocked and stood up. "Who you calling a pervert, lady?"

"You, that's who! You shouldn't be touching an engaged woman!" she yelled, standing as well. She held out her hand, showing him the glittering ring with an annoyed expression.

"I hugged you! What are ya going to do, call the cops?" he asked sarcastically.

"Humph, I'd rather get rid of you my way," she sighed. She took another knife from the leather sash and let the point graze his neck. He winced as he felt a trickle of blood race down the base of his throat.

"Hey, who said that you needed to kill me? I mean, come on. I was only trying to comfort you," he said hastily. He put his large gloved hands up for protection. Even if he was a Guardian, she was also a guardian. Now she's a two hundred Vampire Princess.

It was like putting him in front of King Kong, and somebody handed him a Styrofoam sword to protect himself.

She lowered her knife. "True..." she murmured; eyes downcast. Rouge looked up. "You know what? I like you, Guardian. What's your name?"

Knuckles wondered if he should tell her. But as the saying goes: It's better to tell the crazy vampire girl your name than to have a knife wedged into your skull.

So maybe he just made up that adage. But who cares?

"Knuckles," he answered.

Rouge smiled and placed her dainty hand in his, giving it a firm shake. Knuckles wondered how tiny a hand could be. "Nice name. You're good at listening to me. I'll be back tomorrow," Rouge said, turning away with a fabulous flip of her hair. Her wings fluttered behind her, stretching to their fullest. They glittered magenta and sparkled, flowing out larger than her by double.

"You're coming back?" he asked incredulously.

She turned her head slightly to shoot him a smile. "But of course. My Shadow will be out training the troops for the next few weeks, so I need someone to occupy my time. Congrats," she said, swinging her hips as she walked out the curtain. "See you tomorrow."

Knuckles watched her leave, his cheeks burning for some unknown reason.

He blinked a few times, trying to clear his head. "Wait..."

"She's coming BACK?"

...

Shadow looked out of one of the windows from the house in the forest. He was locked away in his room. Sonic was snoring away, latched to his side.

'Hmm... This kid is always surprising me...' he thought. His gloved fingers sifted through Sonic's blue quills. His crimson eyes looked down at Sonic's face. It was dawn, so in about five seconds Sonic would go from this grizzly appearance to a normal teenage hedgehog.

Shadow smirked as he remembered how even Sonic's Werehog form could pull off cute.

...

'As of now, I cannot say if I can return your feelings. My fiancé is still lurking around these parts...'

Sonic forced a smile. "S'kay. It's weird, yeah. I know."

Shadow leaned forward and placed his lips next to Sonic's right ear. "But if I knew for sure that she was not here," he whispered. "I'd say I feel exactly the same."

Sonic exhaled heavily and slapped Shadow on the back of the head.

"Ow! What the heck was that for?" he barked at the younger hedgehog, rubbing his head.

"You scared me there! Don't do that!" he growled playfully.

Shadow snarled and got up. "Well?" he said. "Are you waiting for an invitation? Training begins now. Get up. Find the bear cave. Go."

Shadow chuckled as Sonic grumbled, racing off into the forest.

...

Shadow softly kissed Sonic's head. "You're a good kid. Sleep well."

Sonic's eyes fluttered open the second Shadow said that. He rubbed his peach muzzle.

"God, you made me run around the forest five times last night. How long was I out?" he wondered.

"About the rest of the night," Shadow said, getting up from the bed. "Open your mouth, Sonic," he instructed.

Sonic was curious. "Why?" he asked.

"Just do it."

Sonic gave a childish groan. "Fine," he said, smiling.

Shadow put a finger under Sonic's chin. He inspected Sonic's sparkling teeth. "This is good. Your fangs have grown in."

"What?" shouted Sonic.

"Keep your mouth open," Shadow grumbled. He secured both hands on Sonic's face. He gently kissed him on the lips. "Here, does that make it better?"

Sonic smirked. "I guess so. What's on the agenda for today?" he asked, curling his arms around Shadow's waist. He rested his head on Shadow's chest.

"Well, I have to go to the palace today. Would you like to join me?" he asked.

Sonic stared at Shadow, wide eyed. "The Palace?" he asked.

Shadow smiled softly. "Yes. I need to talk to an old friend and check up on some of my newest creations. You can get a tour around the palace... I'll show you where my room is."

Sonic smirked. "Um. Sure. Why not?" he asked with a shaky laugh.

Shadow looked out the window and took Sonic's hand. "Follow me."

...

The palace was –in a word –awesome.

It was bigger than any mansion times, like, five. It was made of stone, and had various banners hanging around it.

Shadow looked bored as he walked up to the palace. He dragged the awestruck hedgehog behind him.

Sonic looked up at Shadow, and smiled. "You look so... Kingly."

Shadow grimaced. "Don't say that," he snarled.

Sonic looked hurt. "Sorry," he apologized.

Shadow just stared ahead blankly. "I cannot act the same way around my people as when I'm around you. When I say to do something, do it."

"Geez, you're bossy," Sonic observed.

Shadow frowned.

Sonic didn't mind that Shadow could be an ass sometimes. The rest of the time made up for it. Like when he was teaching him lessons, or helping him through the transformation... or just talking.

Suddenly Shadow tensed.

Sonic looked up to see a lavender Cat with a light pink dress and white frill march up to them. The dress cut off right under the shoulders and above her breasts. Two long, white, flowing sleeves that flew past her waist concealed her gloved hands. Her soft pink heels clanked against the stones eerily. Her long lavender hair stuck straight up from a purple hair tie, and some just fell behind her ears. A single violet gem rested on her forehead. Glowing Amber eyes stared into Shadow's crimson ones.

"Hello, Lord Shadow. I've been looking for you everywhere," said the cat, clearly pleased.

Shadow gave a firm nod, not showing the least bit of emotion. "Princess Blaze," he acknowledged.

She frowned. "Do not call me Princess. I have not been called that for the last five hundred years, and I do not intend to be called that now," she said in a strange angered manner.

Shadow gave such a frosty glare that even Sonic flinched.

"I am the new king, am I not? I shall call you what I like and shall not be chastised for such. If I hear that the smallest hint of discontent, you will have to face me," he said. For some reason, Sonic could see Shadow doing horrible things to the girl.

Blaze paled –even whiter than she naturally was –and stepped back a few inches. "Ah, Princess is fine," she said shakily.

Shadow just stared at her blankly.

"Um, anyway, Espio is looking for you," she mumbled. She wouldn't meet his eyes, and for some reason Sonic could not fathom, Shadow seemed enraged by that.

"Do what you must and bring him to me. I shall be in my chambers," Shadow said, irritated. He grasped Sonic's hand and roughly dragged him down the walkway before Blaze sped up to him.

"So who's the young knight?" she asked, trying to make small talk.

"This is Sonic," Shadow said dryly, eyes flickering to look at said hedgehog. "He is..."

"Your newest creation?" Blaze asked with a smirk. "What a beautiful creature," she observed, looking straight into his eyes. "His eyes are like emeralds, are they not?"

Shadow ignored her.

She frowned. "Well, good luck meeting the Missus," Blaze said with a small nod. She looked at the two uncertainly before running off.

Shadow noticed a silver hedgehog watching them.

"Silver!" he called. "Oh, do stop acting like you can't hear me and get over here," Shadow barked.

A Silver hedgehog with strange blue markings walked over bashfully. His quills stuck up everywhere, and his flat, Amber eyes flitted nervously back and fourth. "Hi, Shadow."

"Shadow?" the addressed snarled. He bared his fangs and towered over the younger one, crimson eyes blaring. "I am your King, you little ingrate. Now why were you listening to my conversation with Miss Blaze?" he demanded.

Silver looked like he would've blushed. "Well, I've been looking for her..." he mumbled.

Shadow sighed, letting his anger go. "She's going to find Espio. Find him and you find her," he said simply.

He watched the younger hedgehog walk away shakily before adding, "And don't let me find you late for our lessons."

Silver looked like he was about to jump out of his skin.

Shadow huffed. He looked down at Sonic, and felt horrified with himself. Sonic looked... scared. Of him.

He felt like a monster.

Shadow –once again –grabbed Sonic roughly before dragging him up to his room. The vampire was breaking loose as the raging sun bared down on him, and he needed to get away from it.

Shadow's room was at the top of the palace. It was a large room with coffins and other knick knacks. Glowing torches and candles lit up the room. On the far wall was a painting of Shadow and Rouge together. Shadow's crimson eyes glowed sexily, even though it was just a painting. His left arm was curled around Rouge's waist. The bat's wings extended beautifully behind her, and she wore a tight black dress. Shadow smiled, his fangs sharp and bared. A film of blood covered the pearly whites of both Vampires.

Sonic shivered as he felt the eyes of the Princess from the painting watching him. He walked over to look at the coffin. Words in a different language were carved into the shining wood.

Sonic looked over at small pictures of the couple. Strange, he thought. Somehow, the hero had stumbled across a small family portrait. It had a happy, sapphire eyed girl with golden blonde hair and an old man with a large stomach and a particularly large moustache. The man wore a white lab coat and the girl had on a blue dress with a silvery parka. Shadow was a regular young hedgehog, eyes glowing happily as he hugged his family. The picture was extremely old, and the parchment it was painted on was extremely thin.

Sonic smiled softly as he held it in his hands. Shadow really was a happy, living creature once upon a time.

"What are you doing?"

Sonic put it down quickly and turned around. "Nothing," he said. He gave a timid smirk.

Shadow just gave him a hard and long stare. He shrugged. "Whatever," he sighed, and was about to walk out the door.

"Where are you going?" Sonic asked.

Shadow's eyes flicked back to look at Sonic for a moment. "I have lessons. My students are waiting for me. I have delayed them enough. Stay here," he added.

Sonic frowned. "Why can't I come? I mean, I have to learn all this stuff too."

Shadow wondered if he should bring his newest creation down. He knew his students didn't like to share, and were actually aggressive about it. But on the other hand, it would make him not have to worry about what the younger one was doing while he was training...

"Very well," Shadow said, his voice emotionless. "Do not fight with my students, avoid eye contact and sit patiently. I shall not hear a word out of you, will I?" demanded the Vampire.

Sonic nodded, though he felt a tad bit hurt by Shadow's remarks. He just gave his trademark grin. "What, me? I'm an angel, Shads," he snickered.

Shadow looked at the other dryly and did not respond. Just as he was about to open the door, it slammed right open.

Rouge the Bat, fiancé of Shadow and Princess of the Vampires had her nose buried in a book. She had on a purple tank top, black spandex pants and her black leather boots. She bumped into Shadow, startled.

"Oh, sorry hon," she apologized. "I was just reading about that emerald you wanted me to look for," she said, pointing to the book. Her silvery hair was out of her ponytail and shimmered past her waist. "I hate going through the forest. Disgusting. I nearly tripped and killed myself trying to fly over a tree." Rouge smiled, though, and looked at Shadow. "What?" she asked. "No hello kiss?"

Shadow bent down and kissed her lightly. "There," he said. "Now I really must go. I have lessons..."

"Who's this?" she interrupted.

Sonic looked up. "Um, I'm..."

"Do not answer unless I command it," Shadow snarled. Sonic shut up. "This is Sonic, my newest creation. A true masterpiece, if you ask me. A half blood: Werehog and Vampire," he said, a hint of pride in his tone.

Rouge's eyes widened. "What a feat, my husband!" she cried. Shadow shrugged. Rouge looked at Sonic like he was a horse waiting to be bought. "Oh, nice abs," she said, throwing a wink at Sonic.

Sonic stared at her blankly.

"Please do calm down. I won't rip your throat out," she giggled.

"I'm just..." Sonic tried to think up an excuse. "Tired," he decided.

Rouge smiled sweetly. "You should rest here tonight, sugar. We have an extra coffin in the back. It would be nice to have visitors," she added.

Sonic showed the smallest of grins –he hated this girl. Her sugary voice did not sway him in the least.

Rouge beamed. "Great! I'll go get it ready. Have fun at lessons you two!" she said proudly.

Shadow smirked, just a bit. He bid her farewell before telling Sonic to 'Come along.' He led Sonic through the chambers.

"So what do you think of Rouge?" he asked suddenly.

"I don't like her," Sonic mumbled.

This caused Shadow to smile. "Of course you don't," he teased. When Sonic blushed, he lifted his chin up with a finger. He kissed the younger gently, though tried to hold in his laughter. He was just too cute.

This action sent Sonic's mind whirling. Hesitantly, he buried his fingers into the thick black pelt on Shadow's hips. His breathing became ragged when Shadow's arms wound around his waist. Sonic moved his arms to wrap around Shadow's neck.

Shadow's eyes opened at a soft moan. He smiled at the younger hedgehog in his arms. "You're adorable," he murmured.

Sonic blush. "Yeah, yeah... Just don't tell the guys, okay?"

"Promises, promises..." he muttered before snatching up Sonic's lips with his own.

Sonic's brain turned to mush. He couldn't think about anything but those soft lips on his own, or just the fact that it was Shadow kissing him. Not Amy.

And he also relished in the fact that Shadow was his at the moment, and not with Rouge. He had to hold himself back from ripping the bat's throat out.

Shadow departed, leaving Sonic distraught. They broke the kiss before it should've ended, and it left Sonic wanting more. Shadow looked down at him blankly, and whispered, "Stand up straight and look normal."

Sonic was panting quietly but tried to compose himself as a few Vampires walked by them, all lowering their heads under the freezing glare of their King. True, they had seen nothing, but Shadow had to act like the cruel King, or else...

Shadow dragged Sonic along, once again. Sonic complained about the rough handling and the creeps who were trying to get a sneak peek. Shadow just listened and bit back a smirk.

"Be patient," he murmured.

Sonic pouted and sighed. "You walk like an old man."

Shadow looked shocked. "An old man?"

Sonic nodded. "You'd be eating my dust," he said cockily. "I mean, after all, I am the fastest creature alive."

Shadow grinned. "Well I'm the fast creature of the undead. Beat that, Werehog," he chuckled. He winked at Sonic before shooting down the hall.

Sonic was gaping. "You... GET BACK HERE! FAAAAAKER!"

...

"You cheated."

This is what Sonic's been saying for the last ten minutes.

"For the final time, Sonic, I did not cheat. I use my own energy to power my hover skates, so just get on with your half life," Shadow snapped.

"But you used that Chaos Control thingy! YOU. CHEATED," Sonic snarled, quills bristling in anger.

"I'm not even going to respond to that, Sonic. You may be cute, but you're damn annoying," Shadow grumbled as he walked into the battle arena. It was a large space outside, with bleachers. It was rounded off into a circle, and a group of Vampires waited in the center. Sonic wondered how they were all able to be in the sunlight.

Shadow walked up to the group, and all the vampires either bowed or curtsied. Shadow remained unresponsive, but he nudged Sonic's shoulder, and hissed, "Bow."

Sonic did just that, hastily.

Shadow put his hand on his shoulder when he signaled that it was time to get up.

"Hi, Lord Shadow!" the girls squealed happily.

"Hello, girls," he responded blankly. The girls laughed giddily and twirled stray quills around their fingers, trying to look cute.

Shadow took absolutely no notice.

The males... well, there weren't many. There was Silver... and... actually, he was it. He looked nervous, but tried to act serious.

Shadow talked about what they were going to do, but said: "Rather than tell, I do. Get up."

The girls would always pretend to fall at the last moment so Shadow would catch them...

Only to drop them flat on their backs.

Shadow was now battling Silver, but he always won. It didn't even look like he was trying. "Stand up straight," he barked. "Never lose sight of me," he growled. "Stop daydreaming and fight!"

Silver looked pretty beat up.

The two were moving incredibly fast, Shadow evading the attacks with ease, and Silver barely missing his by inches. Sonic watched, sucked into their fight. He had the #1 fan foam finger and everything.

It ended quickly.

Shadow had the other pinned to the ground, fangs just touching the skin on his throat. "Dead," he whispered.

Silver groaned, "Again?"

"Again," Shadow confirmed grimly. He helped Silver up, but smirked a bit.

Silver timidly smiled too. "Um, thanks," he said.

Shadow nodded. "That was good. I've needed to work out."

Silver looked over at Sonic. "He's not dead," he said bluntly.

Shadow nodded. "Yes. He is a half blood. Half Vampire half Werewolf. He is my newest creation, and I'm proud to say it."

"How old is he?" asked Silver. "30, 40, 50...?" he guessed, since Shadow usually kept the Vampires hidden until they could protect themselves.

"Actually, he's only a month and a half," Shadow said smugly.

Silver looked shocked. "And you brought him HERE?" he gasped. "They'll eat him alive!"

Shadow just stared at Sonic chatting with the girls. "He is a good kid, Silver. You know I only get the best."

Silver blushed. "Uh, thanks?"

Shadow waved it off. "Never mind that. Where is Espio?" he asked.

"Err; he was supposed to be here an hour ago. Why do you ask?" Silver said, surprised at how friendly Shadow was being.

"We were supposed to train as well," Shadow said, a bit disappointed that his competition was late.

"I can fight against ya."

Shadow froze at that voice, slowly turning around to look a Sonic. "What did you just say?" he demanded.

"I could fight you. Should be easy enough," Sonic chuckled.

Shadow looked dumbstruck. "Are you daft? You have seen all my students, who have been training for the last ninety to one hundred years, and none have defeated me. Nobody has defeated me," he growled. His crimson eyes flared angrily.

"Scared you're gonna lose?" taunted Sonic.

Shadow hissed at the arrogant hedgehog. "No. I never lose. What a shame it will be to lose such a valued creation," he spat. His fangs lowered from his lips and sharpened.

"Don't have a temper tantrum, my lord," Sonic teased. "C'mon, Count Flabula. Let's fight," he snickered

A snarl ripped out of Shadow's clenched teeth. He stepped forward, beckoning Sonic with his fingers. "Come here. It's time for you to taste your own blood."

"It's no fun if there's not a scar in it."

"Good. This will be loads of fun."

...

By the end of the fight, both creatures were panting. Shadow's legs felt like they were about to give out underneath him as he gasped for air. His entire body felt sore, but pain was not on his mind. The only thought that passed was: 'Why can't I beat him?'

Sonic was thinking the same thing. When fighting Shadow, he realized that he had found his match.

Shadow was in a rage. Never before had anyone gotten so close to beating him. This was his downfall. Never before had he met his equal.

Never before had he felt so alive.

He felt the wind rushing by as he raced towards the cerulean hedgehog. In this form, his counterpart was smaller and more agile. Shadow was his size –maybe a few inches taller –but nonetheless lethal. Shadow's moves were deadly, and only got worse after every moment.

But enthralling for the younger. All it took was a snarky comment before Shadow nearly had him in a death grip.

'Why can't I defeat him?'

Before they could attack one another again, Rouge landed between them.

"Stop! What are you trying to do, kill each other!" she screamed. She ran over to Shadow, who regained his composure. "Are you okay? What did you do to Sonic?" she demanded.

"I didn't do anything!" he sighed. "Listen, I need to get some sleep. Where are you going?" he asked as Rouge began to walk away.

"It's almost nightfall," Rouge said. "I think I found out where that emerald is. I will NOT get lost trying to find it this time!" she declared.

Shadow kissed her cheek and bid her farewell.

...

Back in Shadow's room, the first thing the grouchy vampire did was hop into his coffin.

"You're just angry that I won!" Sonic yelled.

Growling was heard from the inside. "You didn't win."

"Yeah, yeah," Sonic laughed with a roll of his eyes. "Whatever you say, Shads," he chuckled.

No response.

"You okay in there Shads?"

Nothing.

Sonic walked over to the coffin and gently opened the lid. A vision of Shadow with arms crossed over his chest laid on the cushions.

But it wasn't REALLY his king.

Sonic closed his eyes and jumped in.

...

"Whoa..."

It was like the biggest Master Bedroom ever. Rich colors were on the walls and sheets of the bed. Shadow was pacing back and forth until his head snapped up at the sound.

"What are you doing in here?" he demanded.

Sonic smiled. "I couldn't wait to see you," he said.

Shadow frowned. "This coffin is enchanted with the power of Chaos. By no means should you be able to get here."

Sonic shrugged. "My friends always told me I was 'special.'"

Shadow raised an eye ridge. "I don't think that they were too far off, my blue friend."

Sonic rolled his eyes. "Stop talking like an old man. We're alone, remember?" he asked.

Shadow's shoulder dropped. "Ah, yes. I forgot. Sorry," he apologized. He combed his fingers through his black quills. I've been all out of sorts lately."

Sonic walked over to him and wrapped his arms around Shadow's waist. He gently kissed the older male.

Shadow broke apart to look Sonic in the eyes, standing a few inches taller. He placed his hands on Sonic's chest and brought him close. "Did you know that I love you?" he asked quietly.

Sonic purred at the touch. "Well..."

"Well...?"

Sonic moaned as Shadow kissed at his jaw. "I... Chaos, can that wait till later?" he groaned.

Shadow shrugged. "Sure. Why not."

...

A young hedgehog girl –possibly the age of sixteen – was running down long, dark hallways desperately. She panted for air as she forced her legs to take long strides down the corridor. There were no candles; the only light was the silver light of the moon illuminating the darkened halls.

The girl had brown quills and peach fur. Her sapphire eyes shone with fear as she ran, a dark figure in the shadows following her in hot pursuit.

She stopped for a moment, body tense, as her bright eyes scanned the halls for an escape. She bolted down the first hall she set her sights on.

Her long strides didn't mask her gasps as she struggled to get away from her stalker. She gave a shriek as she found that she had met a dead end.

The predator stepped forward, his face illuminating in the darkness.

It was Shadow.

His irises glowed murderously as a clawed hand forced her chin up, making her look at him.

"Our little game is coming to an end, my dear. I am bored of such entertainment. I'm thirsty," he hissed. To make his point, fangs lowered from his lips.

The girl gasped, pressing herself to the wall and slinking to the ground.

"Such fun, hunting down prey as beautiful as you," he sighed, hands tightening on the girl's jaw. Tears formed in her eyes, not only from the pressure, but the fear of the lethal creature above her.

Shadow bent down, looking her straight in the eyes. He placed his lips at her ear. "Normally I wouldn't dare sully my insides with one as insignificant or as scrawny as you, my dear. But tonight, I will make an exception, just for you."

A sob escaped her throat, pure terror shining in her eyes. "Why are y-you doing this?" she whispered.

"I am too weak to leave my domain. I have no choice but to feed on you pathetic slaves, wench," he sneered. "So if I was you, I would gladly close that mouth of yours and pray that I don't rip you to shreds, just for the pleasure of seeing your blood on the ground."

"Why do you want to hurt me?" she asked, clearly stalling.

Shadow sighed. Seeing pain through others eases my own," he snarled.

"B-but..."

"Enough!" he howled. "This is the day you die.

Fangs snapped out lower as his head whipped like lightening to her neck.

Screaming was heard from all over the palace, Vampires of all kinds shuddering.

The hunt was over.

...

Sonic was sleeping like the dead.

His arms were wrapped around Shadow's waist, his face buried in Shadow's messy chest fluff. They were sleeping in a large king sized bed. Sonic was smiling softly, definitely enjoying the dream he was having.

Shadow had one arm lying limply on Sonic's hip, the other resting by the blue one's side. He woke up groggy, rubbing his crimson eyes with ungloved hands.

"Get up," Shadow murmured.

"Ah!" Sonic yelled, bolting upright. His head conked right into Shadow's, both falling over.

"Ow, Shadow grumbled. "You have one hard head, kid," he muttered.

Sonic blushed. "Sorry," he apologized. Peach lips gently kissed the ice cold forehead of his crush.

Shadow sighed. "Its fine," but he met the lips of the younger with his own. He broke it, holding Sonic's face gently in his soft hands. Sonic couldn't believe the dream last night. How could that have been the same Shadow?

"I have this feeling that I had to do something..." Sonic muttered.

"What about go home? You've accompanied me inside this coffin for the last three days, remember?"

Sonic felt a wave of panic nearly sweep him away. "Crap!" he yelled. "I have to go!" he whispered. He got off the bed and started to jump.

"What are you doing?" asked Shadow.

"Well, I was dropped into here, when I was transported, so I think I'll have to jump to get out," Sonic said.

Shadow rolled his eyes. He knew Sonic wasn't the smartest of creatures, but this was just too funny. He wrapped an arm around Sonic's waist and led him to a door. When he opened it, a burst of colors came forward. "Go on," Shadow urged. "I'll be back at our home by tomorrow. Spend some time with your friends. It'll do some good for you, okay?" he said, smiling.

Sonic looked uneasy. He didn't really want to leave, but then he thought of Knuckles' pissed off face and Tails teary eyes, he decided to go. With one last farewell kiss to his mate, he ran out the door.

Too bad he crashed right into a wall.

...

I am SO sorry I can't explain anything! But PMs are back up and I'll try to update more often, promise!

Shadow: pfft. Yeah right.

Sonic: In other words, NEVER AGAIN!

Stop being so negative!

Bye!