Coal and Shadow walked side-by-side next to the lapping water of the ocean. Coal gazed out into the sunset when Shadow stopped.
Coal turned to him puzzled. "What's up?"
Shadow took in a deep breath, pulled out a red and black rose—both wilted—from behind his spines, and shoved them into Coal's hands. Coal, who had barely
enough time to see what they were before she was holding them, looked down at the roses.
"Aw, thank you Shadow!" She looked up at him and saw that his cheeks were a light red color.
"You're… welcome." He said slowly and then started to shuffle off.
"Nuh-uh, buddy!" She ran after him and tackled him with a hug, causing them both to fall in the sand.
"AH!" Shadow burst out, then wheezed, "please let go."
"Never." But despite what she said, she let him go and stood to her feet, grinning.
FREEDOM! Shadow shouted in his head as he pulled himself to his feet.
"Why did I give her those flowers?" He muttered under his breath.
"Because you like me, and you know it." She teased, poking him in the stomach.
"Uh-huh, right." He pretended to not know what she was talking about.
She punched him lightly in the arm, smiling.
Together, they continued to walk along the beach, watching the sun sink completely behind the now blood-red colored water. Which Coal just found out was
his favorite color.
The next morning, the day Blaze said she would come back, they ate their waffles, pancakes, and French toast—while Shadow ate cereal—quietly, anxiously
awaiting Blaze's return.
Once they were finished, they cleared the dishes and headed towards the living room. Tails and Lizzy got one couch, while Sonic got the other all to himself.
Amy, Silver, and Icefire sat in the La-Z-Boys. Coal, of course, sat in one too, while Shadow sat on the ground right next to her because there were no more
chairs.
A gloomy atmosphere surrounded the friends. Silver was going to leave, they all knew it, but nobody said it. Especially not in front of Icefire. There was a flash
of light which Blaze stepped out from.
"So, have you made your choice?" She asked.
Silver got up from his La-Z-Boy. "Yes..."
"So?"
Silver looked at Icefire, then replied, "I will go with you, but… once we have destroyed the threat I'm coming back… home."
Blaze followed his gaze, her eyes narrowed but she didn't say anything about it, "Good, let's go."
She started to switch the teleportation device to the future when Icefire got up, ran to Silver, giving him a hug. This time he didn't hesitate to put his arms
around her.
"Go beat up that fire beast so you can come home sooner." She said smiling.
Silver laughed and replied, "I'll try to."
"Come on, Silver." Blaze snapped.
Silver stepped beside Blaze; the cat grabbed his hand and pressed the button. The white light enveloped them, then they were gone.
Icefire stared at the spot where Silver was just a minute ago. A tear fell, trickling down her cheek.