Chapter 21: A Day in Station Square

Meanwhile, Shadow was working at GUN. His shift was almost over. Looking at the clock, he allowed a smile to come to his face. He stood up and left, then became a dove and flew back to Tails' house. When he got there, Shadow flew into the backyard. He landed next to his sons on a branch.

How was your day? He chirped.

All right, Shade said.

Did you do anything fun?

The two looked at each other. Not really.

Shadow smiled and flapped his wings. Well then, let's go into the forest and get something to eat.

The younger birds followed him when he flew off. As they got to the forest, they landed on the ground to search for worms to eat. They ate hungrily and landed in their former nest.

Is there anything else you wanted to do? Shadow asked his sons. The two chicks shook their heads. Then we'll go back to Tails'.

They did so and went in the backyard. The three birds landed on one of the trees and looked around. Tails walked out and saw them. They landed on his shoulders and chirped happily.

Tails looked at the birds, laughing. "I'm glad to see you too."

They nuzzled against him. Tails pat each bird on the head, still laughing. The three birds left and landed on the three. Tails smiled at them.

"Are you going to stay like this?" He asked them. "You seem to enjoy your true forms."

Shadow was the only bird who didn't nod at him. He turned back to his hedgehog form. "I might," he said. "Maybe later."

Tails gave him a smile. "Are you still looking for the one you love?"

"Of course. Haven't found anyone yet."

Tails nodded. "I guess it's something that takes time." Shadow nodded and sighed. "How are you going to spend time now?"

"I'll probably spend time with my kids as a dove."

"All right. Just let me know if you need anything."

Shadow nodded, the turned back into a bird and flew back to his sons. Tails smiled and walked back into his house, watching the three birds. They seemed to enjoy simply flying around the backyard. Tails chuckled and looked at the clock, then went to bed. Shadow and his sons were flying around, and then went into the birdhouse.

Are you going to stay in this form, dad? Jet asked.

Shadow shrugged; he just might. It depends. I like this form.

What about looking for the one you love?

The dove nodded; he would do that too. I'll do that as well, don't worry.

Jet and Shade nodded, then went to sleep. The adult dove chirped and did as well. The next morning, everyone woke up and started going about their usual business. Shadow had changed back to normal and went to GUN. Jet and Shade sighed, turning back into hedgehogs and walked into Tails' house.

Tails turned when he heard them approaching, a wide smile on his face. "Good morning."

"Hi," Shade said. "What are we doing today?"

"I didn't really have anything planned."

"Alright," the hedgehog said. "Jet and I are going for a run around town after breakfast. We'll be back soon."

Tails nodded. "Be careful," he told them. "I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you while Shadow wasn't here."

"We'll be fine," Shade said, looking at his brother.

"I'm sure you will be."

The three got breakfast and sat at the table to eat. When they were done a few minutes later, the brothers left the house. Jet and Shade sighed, looking around Station Square. it was a really cool city.

"We probably aren't allowed to go see father, are we?" Shade asked.

Jet shrugged; he didn't know. The two hedgehogs continued to walk around, and then headed back to the house. They remained there for the rest of the day, waiting for Shadow to come home. When he did, he immediately went to sleep. Jet and Shade looked at each other and both were thinking the same thing: when was Shadow going to find someone to love?

"Tails," Jet asked. "When do you think father will find someone to love?"

The fox looked at him. "I am not sure. He hasn't really made an effort for it yet. Shadow needs to find the right person."

The two nodded. they understood as well as children could, and ran off to find something to play with. Tails smiled, watching them leave, and looked at Shadow. He hoped that would happen soon.