This one-shot was just one of those random ideas one. I realized that a lot of my late themes had been rather short and just kinda romantic little snippits, and I decided I needed some more angst and plot. I also have been wanting to try and tie in some actual canon games and just twisting the storyline a bit to make it a bit more interesting. I'm debating doing a Sonic Rush Remix thingy where Shadow is included as well. Or maybe a Sonic X inclusion? I dunno. I guess we'll see.

Anyways, so this one isn't as romantic, nor as well written than some others I've done.e. I wanted to try and play out a scene that had to do with if the entire gang had been there when Silver tried locking Iblis within himself, while still having thriving hints of romance between Blaze and Shadow when she makes the sacrifice. It was very difficult for me, and I personally don't like this one as much...again, but decided to post it anyways.

I know I just recently updated, but I figured I owe it to some of you since I had that period where I didn't update at all for a while.

So! As everyone knows from my previous chapter, I have been struggling with ideas, and would like to thank everyone who has been supporting, putting out ideas, and pushing me on to continue. I'll give some shout outs next chapter, but right now I'm in a hurry. Announcement! I will be camping for a week, so you won't be hearing from me because I will be in the middle of the woods xD I promise I'll hop back on as soon as I can!

(Again, not as well planned out)

I don't own Sega characters.

Loss

They all watched in sadness.

It was a bittersweet moment really, as the young white hedgehog took steady steps towards the edge of the cliff. Surrounding them was the ruined world, seas dried to cracked thirsty ground, plant life all but a myth, sky scrapers fallen to demolition of flames and ash. It was a sad sight indeed.

But all that was destined to change, as Silver gripped each gem in his palm like a vice. All stood by watching, the determination clear in his sunshine yellow eyes as he stepped to the lava pools shore.

"Good luck Silver," Sonic called solemnly, even his usual optimism dampened at the fate of his younger friend. The blue hero would offer himself up for the world if it was his choice, but everyone knew that it had to be a figure from the future time.

Amy was sniffling, crying for the loss of her new friend, as was Cream, though she was still somewhat disturbed by the sight of the soot ridden world. Rouge leaned on her hip, ears drooped as she watched the scene unfold; she felt pity for the hedgehog. Tails and Knuckles were silent in their thoughts, though the young fox looked more-so distraught.

Shadow himself stood by stoically. He didn't envy the fate of his young new acquaintance, as no one knew where he would end up, whether he would survive, or be sent to a different world and/or dimension. To his right, he glanced sideways at the lilac feline beside him. He had been surprised to see Blaze mixed up in all of this, and even more so when he learned of her connections with the telekinetic hedgehog as a best friend.

Her arms were drooped to her sides, hands clenching and un-clenching in suspense as she watched her best friend take slow steps towards unknown fate. Golden eyes never left her friend's form, and though they had already shared a meaningful goodbye, Shadow could still detect traces of hurt in her nervous antics. But there was something else in her eyes, like a hidden knowledge she kept to herself. It sparked his curiosity.

He had always enjoyed the feline's company, finding himself compatible to her in many ways. She always stood so straight and poised, like she was ready for a battle to unfold at any second. He quickly shook himself free of thoughts and turned back to the main point of attention.

"Chaos emeralds, lend me your power…" Silver began, and all watched in awe and distraught as flames began swirling about, dancing in circular patterns with the energy that flowed from the emeralds in hand. His chant caused a frequent glow to emit from the powerful jewels and the process continued.

"Seal us into another dimension, to rid of these accursed flames!" he yelled, and grunted harshly at the contact of the flames that the energy had absorbed, and began pulling toward him like a vacuum, hitting him harshly in the chest.

His grunts became more frequent, and everyone watched in growing concern as Silver began dropping to his knees. The flames seemed to become more and more determined to push through his essence, no matter the refusal of his soul.

Shadow watched the scene, and barely noticed the subtle yet swift movement to his right as a blur of purple ran forward.

It all happened so fast.

Blaze was suddenly at her friend's side, as she ripped the gems from his grip and kicked him harshly to the side, sending his body sprawling onto the hard dirt. "Sorry Silver. But not today you're not."

Shadow's ruby eyes widened in revelation, as Blaze held out the gems, silently beckoning the flames and energies to absorb within her.

"Wait, Blaze…" he called, stepping forward and uncrossing his arms in growing agony. He knew what her intentions were…couldn't there be another way?

Silver sat up quickly, whipping around with a panicked look, "Blaze, what are you doing!?" he shouted, his voice filled with hurt.

The feline ignored the calls of the hedgehogs', as well as Creams growing tears in her chocolate eyes as she felt the flames painfully enter her body.

Turning to face her friends, she gave a soft smile at the astonished and horror filled wide eyes of them all. "Sorry guys. But I'm the one with flames already in my soul, I will be the vessel." Each word was struggled as the pain increased, and a supernatural feeling began overwhelming her.

Shadow shook his head in reluctance. No…not her. His thoughts screamed to do something. He couldn't lose Blaze. At seeing her body begin to fade, he felt an attachment for the independent she-cat awaken inside himself, a feeling he had ignored around her before. She couldn't be the one to have such a fate…

All too soon, the emeralds fell limply from her hands, sparkled of pure energy danced around her as the flames continued to filter inside of her soul. Her body was lifting off the ground, descending achingly slow into the sky, as her eyes darted about to meet the gazes of her friends.

She seemed to have a silent conversation with each of them, sending a message of encouragement and hope that lightened the hearts that would mourn for her. When her eyes met Shadow's, she blinked, and softly smiled.

It was then that her voice filled his head, a faint whisper in his conscience that echoed through filtered thoughts.

'I had always taken a liking to you. Maria would have been so proud. Goodbye Shadow the Hedgehog…'

His heart constricted at her physic message, causing his pulse to putter in dread and peace. Somehow the feline had communicated a personal thought to each member, though Shadow was barely aware of Silver beginning to cry harshly, and Sonic smiling sadly at whatever thought he had received. Cream began bawling as she buried her face into Amy, who protectively wrapped her arms around the young rabbit, her own jade eyes watering like a faucet. The others didn't respond as vividly, though each seemed lost in their own thoughts.

All watched in amazement as her fading figure caused an eruption within the smoke filled skies, and it was almost immediate that the sun's veil broke through the surface of ashen clouds; the fire dissipated into air as a sapphire sheet painted the horizon and changed the entire atmosphere of the future.

They did it.

The future had been saved…but as Shadow recalled the glint in her eyes when her gaze had lastly fell upon him…he had a dark feeling that he had lost so much more.

A part of his own future had just been ripped from his grasp.