Chris was the first to wake up, groaning from the woozy feeling that accompanies someone when they just woke up from sleep. He stretched and yawned and was just about to move, but a weight stopped him.
Chris turned and gave a big smile when he saw Shadow still asleep beside him. Last night wasn't a dream! He gently hugged the sleeping hedgehog, then got up to get dressed.
Shadow woke up shortly after Chris left. He let out a tired moan, then opened his eyes. He sat bolt upright when he saw he was in unfamiliar territory.
Where am I? What happened?
"Shadow!" The hedgehog turned, tensing in case of an attack, then saw that it was just Chris. Chris waved at him, smiling brightly. "I have to give you something."
He walked over to his dresser and pulled out a golden band that was eerily familiar to Shadow. But for the like of him, he can't remember why. All he could remember was Chris, a space colony, and a blonde-haired girl.
Chris knelt in front of him and held the band out. "This belongs to you." Chris frowned in concern when he saw Shadow giving the band a look of uncertainty. "What's wrong? You lost this in space, didn't you?"
"Yes…I was in space…You were up there…" He let out a pained groan, and pressed his hands to his head, trembling.
"Shadow, what's wrong?" Chris knelt down beside him and grasped his shoulders in concern. Shadow continued to groan in pain, until finally he began breathing easily again. Panting, he leaned against Chris' shoulder to regain his strength.
"I…I can't remember…I can't remember anything…" Chris felt himself grow numb, and clutched onto Shadow tighter. "You only remember me?"
"Yes…we were up in space…but I don't know why…" Chris gulped, not sure if he should tell Shadow about what happened. "I could tell you…if you want me to."
Shadow turned toward Chris and observed him quietly. Finally, he muttered, "It's not that I don't trust you. It's just…I'd rather find out on my own." Chris nodded, somewhat relieved that he was not a part of this.
"If you ever need any help about it, I'll be glad to help you." Shadow gave him a curt nod.
"Master Chris! Breakfast is ready!" Chris turned toward Ella's voice, then asked Shadow, "Want to come?" Shadow gave him another nod, although it was a bit hesitant.
He followed Chris closely; he was in new territory, and he had to be careful.
He would have to be even more careful in the future.
Several miles away, a black and grey hedgehog began to take form from the shadow of a nearby tree. The hedgehog opened his eyes, revealing two lime-green eyes. He smirked, revealing a sharp fang.
"This is gonna be fun."