Chapter Two

Shadow and Rouge are riding on Shadow's motorcycle. Shadow's eyes scanning all around for another sign, Rouge using a scanner device to search by signal for an emerald shard. Soon, Rouge announces:

"Shadow, we've got another reading, pull over!"

"Finally, another piece. You've proven yourself useful"

Shadow and Rouge get off the bike and are wading through a dense field of tall, dry grass. The sun is setting in the distance and as the two of them go deeper into the field they eventually separate. Wandering farther and farther Shadow almost feels lost. Suddenly, between the blades of grass Shadow spots the warm green glow of the emerald shard! He approaches quietly and carefully. He reaches out and gently cradles the shard in his hands and is again washed over by a burst of white light.

Shadow regains his composure and looks around. Noticing the flames have subsided he can see the vast, barren ashes stretching out into a bleak wasteland. He wanders hoping to see the echidna again. Eventually he finds her standing cold and still. Frozen in awe she can barely express the turmoil weighing upon her. Shadow approaches and gently puts and hand on her shoulder.

The young echidna woman turns sharply, gasping in surprise! Shadow exclaims:

"Don't be afraid! I'm Shadow, Shadow the Hedgehog."

"Well... I'm Tikal. What are you doing here? I thought everyone died during my father's attack."

"I don't know how or why I am here. All I knew was that I felt something when I saw you earlier."

"Earlier?!"

"I don't know how to explain it, I found these pieces of the Master Emerald and when I picked them up there was this flash and I was brought here... to you."

"That's strange. How do you even know what the Master Emerald is?"

"Like I said... it's hard to explain. Why was everything on fire and what do you mean by 'your father's attack'?"

"My father was also a general and we were at war. He used the Master Emerald to unleash a monster. It was a disaster."

"I'm so... sorry for you."

The two of them take a moment to analyze each other. Then their tensions slowly ease and Tikal lets out a weak sob. Shadow begins feeling that strange feeling inside of him again. He feels it almost pushing him to hold Tikal. He slowly approaches her and puts his arms around her. Feeling a relief... a closeness to her, it all felt so right to him.

Shadow gently said to Tikal:

"You know, this isn't the first time I've seen this kind of destruction. There was a time when I had a home and someone who cared about me. Her name was-"

Cut short Shadow is snapped by to the present! He looks up in horror to see the shard snatched from him. Rouge blows him an air-kiss and winks.

Filled with absolute rage he screams:

"HOW COULD YOU! GODDAMMIT! I was so close!"

Struck by a wave of shock and awe Rouge freezes in place trembling. She turns around and slowly walks backward toward the bike. Regaining her confidence she asks him:

"What was that all about? Seriously Shadow... aren't we... friends?"

"It was starting to make sense... then you took the shard."

"I never said I would play along. I only agreed to help find these things."

"Forget it Rouge. You wouldn't understand. Either help me find the next piece or leave me alone."

"Alright, alright, alright. Let's get back on the road."

The two of them continue to ride into the night in silence. Rouge can feel what she has done tearing Shadow apart inside. She leans in closer saying:

"Whatever you need from these emerald pieces must mean an awful lot to you. I know it's none of my business but I'll help you find the next piece and when you've found it I'll leave you be."

"You better mean it."

Grimacing toward the road Shadow reflects on his feelings "How do I understand these feelings. That girl was so hurt and I felt like we connected... somehow." The motorcycle gas gauge began to dwindle again. They pull off the highway and into a truck stop. Shadow then puts some gas in the tank and takes his wallet from his motorcycle's hidden compartment. After paying for the gas he turns to Rouge and says:

"I'm getting something to eat. Rouge, do you need anything?"

"I'll just go in with you."

The two of them walk into the diner and seat themselves by a window where the motorcycle is visible. A waitress comes by and asks for their drink orders. Shadow starts the orders:

"I'd like a coffee, black."

"I'd like an iced tea with a wedge of lemon please."

The waitress walks off with their orders. Rouge looks over at Shadow who's staring out the window lost in thought. Shadow looks back at her and grumbles:

"What?"

"I'm sorry about earlier. When we're done here I'll give you my tracker so you can finish what you started with that emerald."

"Really? Thank you Rouge."

The waitress returns and takes their orders. She brings them their food and Shadow takes Rouge's tracker. They finish their meal and Shadow gets back on his motorcycle. After riding for what feels like hours Shadow gets off his motorcycle and nestles against it on the side of the road. Shadow then gently drifts to sleep. The next morning Shadow checks the tracker and is shocked by the signal strength!

To Be Continued