Hello! I bet you're all surprised to see an update! I was able to get some motivation for another one-shot thanks to the Guest who reviewed my story. To the Guest who read my work since the beginning, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm glad you like the one-shots, so this one-shot is dedicated to you!

This one-shot is an AU Sonadow, related to one of my commission pictures that featured Sonic and Shadow dancing with each other. If any of you want to see the art, you will find it on Tumblr under my username, so please check it out! I hope you all like it!

Wine glasses clinked together as the ladies and gents enjoyed their refreshment. A large buffet of food had been spread on the tables, as the maids and butlers served the guests drinks said to be imported from countries that is nearly impossible to obtain. A beautiful melody wafted in the air as the musicians played – not too loud nor too quiet. But just the right amount of tune for the guests to happily chatter away.

Though what is surprising is that all the guests are dressed in the finest clothing, matching the theme of the party dubbed 'Masquerade'. Wearing the latest fashionable clothing along with their masks, the guests were able to blend in and mingle with the crowd, letting themselves enjoy the party.

Up on the balcony where they can see the party from above, a tall menacing figure who resembles the devil tapped his claws against his armchair, dressed in royal clothing fit for a king. "Anything yet?"

A creature who resembled a hedgehog with a dark gray/pale purple color with a white muzzle, yellow teeth, red accents on his head, arms, and legs, black-colored sclerae with glowing amber-like gold irises, thin serrated black pupils, a classic devil tail, pair of spikes on his arms, a single small spike on the back of his legs, three fingered hands, a pair of small quills on the back of his shoulders, a spiked red mantle on top of his shoulders, and a royal velvet suit with a pair of black dress shoes and a mask to cover his face shook his head no. "He still hasn't made a decision, father." He peered over the balcony. "Elder brother still has the same expression on his face just like before."

The king, known as Black Doom, narrowed his eyes in anger. "I told Shadow he must have a bride by his side to be his queen once he takes over the throne. I was generous enough to let him pick one from the parties I hosted, but he still hasn't even picked one!" He clenched his hand into a fist and slammed it against the armrest. "He better pick one today or I shall arrange to have him marry a noble girl from a royal kingdom!"

"I am certain elder brother knows."

"Eclipse, do not test me."

"As you wish, your highness."

Down at the podium standing on the red carpet, a tall black hedgehog with his quills flared up, red stripes, crimson eyes, brown muzzle, a black sweater with a red and black vest over it, black dress pants, black dress shoes, a red cape attached to the back of his shoulders, black gloves, a choker with a red pendant, and a fancy dark mask with red designs on them bowed to the female mobian in front of him.

As she curtsied to him and then turned to leave with grace, he heard one of the advisors call out another name and which family the next girl is from. Shadow had lost count on how many had greeted him, but knew what they all came here for.

To gain his attention and hope he would court one of them.

Unfortunately, Shadow has no interest in that. Even though he is at the desirable age to find a bride, none of them are to his liking. True they are all pretty and came from noble families, but they all lack what he is looking for. He wished he did not have to choose a bride, but he has no other choice. His father Black Doom hosted this masquerade party in order for Shadow to find a potential queen before he takes over the throne.

As the eldest 1st son, Shadow has the right to take over the throne. Eclipse is still too young to take the throne, and his deceased older sister Maria couldn't take it since she is a female and not a male. However, Shadow knew Black Doom only wants him to take over the throne because he is exactly what the king wanted him to be – a perfect son.

Too bad for the king that it'll be another pointless search because there's no one here Shadow is interested in. It's the same routine as the previous 2 parties, and he doubt this 3rd party would help him find his future bride.

Shadow held back a grimace when the advisor announced another lady from a noble family, and she obviously went overboard with her appearance. He could tell she is a female brown fox, wearing a black dress that had trouble hiding her assets. She even curtsied very low, wanting to show him how well developed she is. Shadow closed his eyes and gave her a polite bow, wanting her to go away.

As he stood up and opened his eyes, he spotted something from the distance. Or rather someone.

He could tell she appeared lost, as she was busy gazing at the palace in awe. However, her appearance is different, and he wanted to get a closer look. Stepping off the podium with his eyes not leaving his sight, he hurried over to where the person, ignoring the stunned looks from the other maidens who tried to gain his attention.

While that happened, Eclipse is busy talking to his father about a cheesy romantic tale he remembered reading. "The young prince bowing to the assembly, when suddenly he stops. He looks up. There, she stands. The girl of his dreams."

Eclipse didn't notice Black Doom gaining a surprised expression when he noticed Shadow leaving the podium, hurrying over to where his eyes were looking at. Checking to see whom caught Shadow's attention, he saw it was a female blue hedgehog wearing a blue dress covered in stars, blue heels with star designs, white gloves, and a fancy blue mask with a blue rose attached to the side.

"Who she is or where she came, he knows not nor does he care," Eclipse continued his story. "For his heart tells him that here, here's the maid protesting to be his bride." He laughed. "A pretty plot for fairy tales, father. But in real life, it was far doomed to failure."

"Failure, eh!?" Black Doom cackled, grabbing his son's face and turned his head to point to where he's looking at. "Take a look at that, you foolish child!"

Eclipse gaped, seeing his older brother Shadow bowing to a pretty blue hedgehog wearing a blue dress covered in stars, before kissing her hand. As for Black Doom, he continued to laugh in a dark tone until it faded away.

"Who is she? Do you know her?" Black Doom questioned Eclipse.

Eclipse shook his head. "No, father. I've never seen her before."

"That's one thing in her favor."

Seeing them approach the ballroom, Black Doom stood up from his seat and made gestures with his hand, calling out to the musicians. "The waltz! Quick! The waltz!"

The composer quickly tapped his stick against the sheet music stand, and started composing, as the musicians played their instruments. He then pointed his stick at a female anthropomorphic white rabbit, dressed in a white gown with a mask on, as she started to sing.

L'âme en peine
Il vit, mais parle à peine
Il attend devant cette photo d'antan

As they stopped at the center of the room with lights on them, they both got into position: Shadow's left hand holding her right hand with his right hand placed on her waist, while the blue hedgehog placed her left hand on his shoulder as her right hand is held by his left hand. They started to dance the waltz, moving around in a circle as their eyes met with each other.

Il, il n'est pas fou
Il y croit c'est tout
Il la voit partout
Il l'attend debout
Une rose à la main
À part elle, il n'attend rien
Rien autour n'a de sens
Et l'air est lourd
Le regard absent
Il est seul et lui parle souvent
Il, il n'est pas fou
Il l'aime c'est tout
Il la voit partout
Il l'attend debout
Debout une rose à la main
Non, non plus rien ne le retient

The prince and his mysterious princess continued to slow dance with each other, ignoring their surroundings as they only admired their partners, wondering who is the person behind the mask.

Dans sa love story
Dans sa love story
Dans sa love story
Sa love story
Prends ma main
Promets-moi que tout ira bien
Serre-moi fort
Près de toi, je rêve encore
Oui, oui, je veux rester
Mais je ne sais plus aimer
J'ai été trop bête
Je t'en prie, arrête
Arrête, comme je regrette
Non, je ne voulais pas tout ça

Leading themselves out of the ballroom and over to where the steps leading to the courtyard are, both Shadow and the blue hedgehog finished their waltz and took a stroll, wanting to be close with each other.

Je serai riche
Et je t'offrirai tout mon or
Et si tu t'en fiches
Je t'attendrai sur le port
Et si tu m'ignores
Je t'offrirai mon dernier souffle de vie
Dans ma love story
Dans ma love story
Dans ma love story
Ma love story

They walked past the water fountain, as the blue hedgehog touched the water for ripples to appear, showing a reflection of the starry night and full moon.

Une bougie
Peut illuminer la nuit
Un sourire
Peut bâtir tout un empire
Et il y a toi
Et il y a moi
Et personne n'y croit
Mais l'amour fait d'un fou un roi
Et si tu m'ignores
J'me battrais encore et encore

They continued their waltz at a garden hidden from view by the tall trees. The area covered in the most beautiful flowers as both the prince and his blue masked maiden danced around the garden with grace and elegance, happy to be in each other's arms.

C'est ta love story
C'est ta love story
C'est l'histoire d'une vie
Love story
Des cris de joie
Quelques larmes on s'en va
On vit dans cette love story
Love story, love story, love story…

Now they walked on the arched bridge, painted white as it led them to a private garden, a place where no one knew about except for Prince Shadow. Planted with the rarest and most stunning flowers, there was also some lavender planted and trees to surround the area, creating a secret spot for anyone who wish to reside in. The blue hedgehog marveled in awe at how pretty the flowers were, while Shadow gazed at his masked princess with a fond look filled with love.

"I didn't know Hyacinth grew around here," the blue hedgehog said.

Shadow chuckled a little. "I got these from a flower shop. I made sure they were planted with uttermost care and love."

"You like to garden?"

"I do. It's a hobby I truly enjoy."

"Me too. There's something about plants and flowers that makes you want to learn more about them."

"Indeed, my dear," Shadow guided her to the wooden bench, where they both sat down. He then gazed at the sky. "Such a beautiful night. All the stars are here."

"Along with the full moon," the blue hedgehog pointed to the full moon shining brightly at the sky.

Shadow saw the moon's ethereal glow, but seeing the moon reflecting his masked maiden left him speechless. He then realized something, and opened his mouth to speak. "Your name."

"Hmm?"

"What is your name?" he held his maiden's gloved hand.

Blushing a little, the blue hedgehog looked at her lap in interest. "S-Sonic…"

"So-nic," he let the name roll in his tongue. "I like it."

Shadow saw Sonic's blush darkening, and decided he wanted to try something else. Placing one hand on Sonic's cheek, turning her head so she could look at him, he slowly leaned in, wanting to feel her lips against his. Sonic understood what he was doing, and also leaned in. But before their lips could touch, a loud chime reverberated from the clock tower standing not too far from the castle.

Eyes widening to see midnight is approaching, Sonic quickly stood up. "Oh my goodness!"

"What's the matter?" Shadow looked at his princess with concern.

"It's midnight."

"Yes, so it is."

Placing his hands on her waist as he leaned in to kiss her, Sonic bent down and touched his arms. "Goodbye."

Sonic ran away from him, but Shadow quickly got up and grabbed her wrist. "No no. Wait. You can't go now it's only-

"Oh I must! Please. Please. I must!" Sonic tried to get out of his grip.

Shadow got closer and held both of his hands. "But why?"

Sonic looked back at the entrance of the palace. "Well I...I…" It dawned on Sonic as she raised her finger. "Oh, the prince! I haven't met the prince."

Shadow arched his eyebrow. "Prince? But didn't you know-

The bell from the clocktower rang loudly, causing Sonic to gasp as she got out of Shadow's grip and ran off. "Goodbye!"

"No wait!" Shadow used his speed to appear in front of her. "Please don't go yet."

"I-I must leave already-

Shadow hugged Sonic and kissed her, causing Sonic to gasp as the kiss deepened. Feeling hands keeping her in place, Sonic moaned and tried to push him off, but his grip is strong. She took a step back, but ended up losing her balance and fell back on the grass, causing Shadow to land on top of her.

Breaking the kiss, Shadow pulled off his mask, revealing his face. "I am the prince. Prince Shadow of the Doom Kingdom." He then gently pulled off Sonic's mask, seeing her true face. "You are so gorgeous, my dear Sonic."

"I-I really need to get going, my prince," Sonic turned red. "I-I am in a hurry and-

Her words were silenced by Shadow's lips kissing her, feeling his hands roam her figure. Sonic gasped and stopped him, breaking the kiss. "W-Wait! You mustn't kiss me!"

"And why not?"

"T-There's something I have kept from you!"

"Which is?"

"I-I'm actually a boy…"

"I know."

"And I- Wait! What!?"

Shadow smirked, booping his nose with Sonic's nose. "I'm able to tell the difference between a male and a female by their aura. Also, I can feel how you excited you are from your forbidden area."

Sonic shrieked, pushing him off but with no avail. "B-But aren't you grossed out that you kissed a male!?"

"Not at all. In fact, I enjoy kissing a male, as long as its only you~"

"B-But you're a prince and I'm a…"

"A what? A male prince? Commoner?"

Sonic looked away. "N-Nothing for you to know about…"

Shadow frowned, grabbing his chin so Sonic would look at him. "No matter which family you're from, I do not care. I've chosen you as my bride, who shall rule beside me."

Sonic shook his head. "Your king won't accept it. You need a female who can give you a child and-

"I'll find another way. I'm not changing my mind about you," Shadow kissed his neck. "And if anyone dare oppose me, they won't like the consequences."

Kissing down to his bare shoulder, Shadow felt Sonic's hands grabbing his shoulders, causing him to look over and saw tears forming in Sonic's eyes. Worry etched on his face as he wiped away his beloved's tears. "Are you alright? Did I go too far with my actions? I humbly apologize for scaring you."

Sonic shook his head, cupping Shadow's face. "It's me who must apologize to you."

"You have nothing to apologize for."

"Yes I do. I'm making you think I'm real."

"But you are real."

"Except I'm not a real character in this story. I'm just someone who shouldn't be here."

Confused on what he was saying, Shadow's eyes widened in shock as Sonic's body suddenly started to fade. Not wanting to lose him, Shadow held him close, begging him not to disappear and to stay by his side. His pleads were unheard, as he felt Sonic stroking his quills, whispering comforting words to him.

"I wanted to visit the ball before I had to leave. Thankfully, I did and was able to have the most wonderful night of my life," Sonic sniffed, as he now turned see-through. "Thank you for dancing with me, Prince Shadow."

He then vanished, leaving behind no trace of him except for a sunflower held in Shadow's hand. Feeling tears leak out of his eyelids, Shadow sat up while on his knees and let out a heartbreaking roar, wailing as he held the flower close to his chest.

Just when he finally found the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, he lost her. Not to someone else. Not to death. But instead, due to fate. How could fate be so cruel to him?

Opening his eyes to gaze at the night sky, he whispered softly to himself as he held the sunflower close to his heart. "I'll never forget you, my sunflower. My heart will always remember you."

Sonic opened his eyes, sniffing as he sat up from the bed. Wiping his eyes, he looked over to see his siblings also waking up. After he checked to make sure there were no more tears, he sadly smiled at his siblings. "Mission success."

"Good job," Manic gave him a thumbs up, but it felt forced.

Sonia wiped her eyes with a tissue. "It's for the best, you two. You remembered what the oracle said."

"Keep the magic alive in every fairytale novel," Sonic sighs. "But do not catch the attention of the main characters."

Manic subconsciously rubbed his arm. "It's hard though since they felt like real people."

"Nor must we gain a relationship with them, for they are already bound to someone else in the novels," Sonia sadly smiled. "Thankfully, that was the last book, so we're now done."

"Good, because I need to go out for a run," Sonic hopped off the bed and ran out the room, ignoring Sonia's loud cry to wait. He sped through the halls, dodging the robed sages who jumped out of the way as he made it out of the temple.

Running through the meadowed field helps Sonic clear his head from anyone or anything. Besides music, running is what keeps him going. He's glad there had been no danger recently, especially after the defeat of Dr. Eggman and his evil companions. For now, get a break from everything by going fast.

"Please don't go yet."

Sonic closed his eyes, fighting back tears as he recalled the time he was pulled into Cinderella's fairy tale novel. His mission was to help Cinderella get to the ball, but in the story, she somehow caught a cold and had to remain on bedrest as her animal friends tended to her. Not wanting her to feel dejected in missing the ball, Sonic offered to go see what the ball is like and come back before midnight so they can re-enact a scene in which she was able to go to the ball and meet the prince.

The outfit chosen for him is different from Cinderella's ball gown, and the setting is a little different since the ball was titled a masquerade. However, Sonic didn't think much of it as he followed the plot and tried not to attract any attention to himself.

Unfortunately, he ended up getting Prince Shadow's attention, and Sonic had never seen such a handsome hedgehog like him before. If only he was real and not a story character in the novel.

"It's definitely different from what I heard about the story of Cinderella," he muttered to himself.

Sonic looked over at the horizon, gazing at the sun about to set. He changed his course back to the temple, not wanting to be late for supper. After that, he'll go to bed and try to get some sleep, hoping not to think about the handsome dark prince who is called Prince Shadow.

And here it is! Now I'm not sure if I wanna make a part 2 out of it or not since it's a bittersweet AU, but it depends on how many reviews I can get for part 2 featuring a happy ending. The updates will be slow, depends on whether or not people like these one-shots. Give me some reviews, and I'll update another one-shot. Let me know what you all think!

Also, the song I used is called Love Story by Indila. I highly recommend you listen to her songs. They are amazing!