The atmosphere in the room was relaxing. This was the first time I've been in Sonic's home. The Superbowl was on and they all watched it at the edge of their seats. I took no interest in watching it. I stood in another room watching the world through a large window. The different colors of fall brought peace to me. I began to remember…that just 4 years ago and 2 years before this present date…I was back on Earth again, alive…

4 years ago…

Where am I?...Am I dead?

I opened my eyes slowly- Ugh! I closed them again quickly. The light is so strong, it hurts. I tried opening my eyes again and I fought against the blinding light. My eyes finally adjusted and they wandered around. My view was to the heavens and I was laying at the bottom of a huge tree with colors of reds, oranges and yellows. I was laying flat on the ground, I couldn't move my limbs at all.

"I guess my fall from space must have shocked my nerves." I thought to myself.

I stayed on the soft grass, unable to move for 3 days. The weather was cruel, the cold air was painful but I took it all in. Through the days I tried to get my nerves to start working again. Finally after 3 days, I was able to move my index finger, soon then my thumb, then my middle finger. Slowly my body began to get back to normal. Soon I was able to sit up, stand up and slowly begin to walk.

After practicing, I was finally able to see where I was. It was amazing and beautiful, I knew I was back on Earth once again. Suddenly a sharp pain went through my body, I grunted in pain. If I were to stay outside for another night, I was a goner. I had to find shelter and I knew someone who'd help me.

It was beginning to get darker, the wind was picking up. The pain going throughout me forced me to stop and take a few breaths every now and then. I was so weak and tired, I had to hurry. Running only made the worse, so I walked the rest of the way.

Finally after almost half an hour I made it. I knocked on the door as hard as I could. My panting was heavy and my vision was getting blurry. I heard her grumble from inside, her footsteps were getting closer. The door swung open, and there stood my long time friend, Rouge. Her eyes shot open and her lips released a gasp.

"Shadow?!" she screamed.

My knees finally gave way and I let the world collapse around me…

"TOUCHDOOOWN!"

I heard the screaming from the other room. I sighed and went inside. The game went into half-time, the guys were slouched all over the couch so I sat in the single seater.

"Shadow, you're missing what heck of a game!" Silver told me.

I simply shrugged, "I'm not really interested in this."

"Sonic, I noticed you talking with Ella, what's been going on?" Knuckles smirked.

"We're together now." Sonic gave a small smile.

Of course, those two were made for each other.

"What about you, Shadow?" Knuckles asked.

I raised an eyebrow at him. What is he up to?

"You got anyone special?" Knuckles grinned.

"…No" I whispered.

"…What about Amy? You guys look pretty close-"

No...I don't want anyone in my life, I was an independent being.

"…the look in her eyes was so promising and-" Knuckles continued.

Shut up! Shut up! My mind was screaming! I wasn't interested in her. I felt time slow, Knuckles' lips moved so slowly…I could still hear him speak, word was spearing through my heart. Why talk about this pointless topic? I was going to go mad, stuck like stuck! I couldn't finally couldn't take it anymore…

"..and then the both of you will-!"

"Enough!" I stood up and stared right at him. My voice echoed through the house and it was completely silent, except for the TV commercials.

"Enough, Knuckles." I whispered with venom at the tip on my tongue. He was confused yet worried, I couldn't blame him, he didn't understand. I turned towards the front door and walked out.

My hover shoes crunches the dead leaves, I don't know for how long I walked. The colors and autumn scent seemed to calm me down. I was deep in thought. I didn't want to let anyone in life because I was worried I would lose them, just like Maria…we loved each other like brother and sister. She didn't deserve to be taken away. But that is the past and I vowed to put it behind me.

"Rose…"

The image of her seeped into my mind. I shook my head. What is this trickery? Suddenly I started to feel something different, I've never experienced it before. The images of her kept going through my head. Her laugh. Her body. Her voice. Her eyes.

"Stop!" I yelled and pressed my hands at the sides of my head. I mentally slapped myself. Minutes…minutes for her to get out of my mind. My hands fell to my sides and I let out a sigh. The damn feeling was gone.

I looked around realizing I stood in the woods, tainted with autumn. I sat by a tree, admiring the view. I was about to let sleep take over me, when a thought came into my mind, my eyes opened wide. Was this true?

"Am I here again because I was given another chance? Am I here to live the life I never had?..."

- - -

Author (ivoryebonykeys): *sigh* Another chapter done. Good job, ivory. *pats myself on back*

Sonic: I-V-O-R-Y-E-B-O-N-Y-K-E-Y-S…what the heck?

Author: Break it down, idiot. IVORY-EBONY-KEYS. As in a piano.

Sonic: Uuuh-huh..