Fields of green stretched over the great expanse of Spagonia. Rolling hills spread over the sparsely populated farmland reaching over into the horizon. The sun held itself low in the sky, the night turning into day, replacing the stars in the sky with a myriad of colors to meet the flowers growing below. Above hung the forever half-moon, the twinkle of the ARK afar as the day bled into the twinkle of the stars. Farmers raised to meet the hour. Lights flickering on within the houses that dotted each hill to tend to fields and make their work. To live their life freely, and continue a worriless existence.

Groggily, two hedgehogs treaded the winding pathway. Another restless night. Another day to be met. Another adventure to be had.

Steps were slow as they rounded down the hill dotted with trees. The wind blew gentle over their bodies, a welcomed reprieve from the harsh arctic from days ago.

Days. Silver contemplated as he stared across the horizon with a sigh. The sun peeked out from over the hilltops, greeting the face of contemplation as he stood atop the hill. It seemed almost yesterday that they were sitting at the same table as Alder, discussing the future and all that had transpired over 200 years. A flash lesson in history over dinner the same night as their decision to trek to Shamar. Discussions of world economics and relationships. Maps and books pulled out over in the evening glow of the fireplace to pour over late into the night where today became tomorrow.

Studies had only been focused on Spagonia and Shamar. The developments of G.U.N. had been much too recent to have history books written about them it seemed. Alder's knowledge of the organization had been informative but much too emotional to piece together a proper image. Experience had taught them to regard them carefully, but Alder's reasoning wasn't much help.

"They plan to rule the world!" Alder spoke fervently.

"When did this happen?" Silver inquired, with an almost annoyed frown.

"I do not know. Several years ago. But it is their intentions!"

"Yeah, but why?" Sonic bit down on some bread, chewing slowly, disinterest heavy on his face. "Seems to me it's over nothing."

Alder shook his head with a frown. "You must trust me!"

Trust was all that the two could give. Experience had taught him that the locals were the most honest people when it regarded local governments and populations. G.U.N.'s hunt for the two of them was peculiar; and if Alder said they were a bad group of people, Silver wasn't going to turn himself in to test that theory.

Perhaps Babylon would give them better answers.

"You got that look on your face again," Sonic gave a playful poke on Silver's shoulder.

Silver shook the thoughts away from his head as he turned towards Sonic. "What look?"

"You know," Sonic waved his hand around Silver. "That look of you're thinking way too much."

"I can't help it," Silver sighed. "I'm just—"

"Thinking about the future." Sonic spoke the words before Silver could. Finally passing the hedgehog to begin their descent beyond the hill. The sentence spoken way too many times over the past few days. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

An awkward silence fell over the two of them. Sonic's steps turning to a run, and Silver trailing close behind dressed in cyan hidden beneath the trees.

Only the sound of a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves as they passed by without barely a notice. Silver's eyes a downward cast whilst Sonic stared at the world around them.

It was familiar. Had no one told him that Sonic got sent flying 200 years in the future, he wouldn't have given it a second thought as he ran through the rolling hills of Spagonia. The sights were so familiar as they walked past vernacular buildings of the open fields, the same stone and shingle house he had been accustomed to when he traveled here last. There were some things, of course, that were different. Light fixtures that were much too widespread than they were before. Machines that were only seen in large cities such as Metropolis had spread to even the most remote of villages. Occasionally, a more modern and futuristic building would pop up along the way that stood out like a sore thumb.

It was both refreshing and exotic to him.

The beauty encapsulated him as the sun filtered through the trees. A yellow glow emanated from nature as morning blossomed. Farmers and people of all sorts made their way outside, offering smiles and waves to each other.

They showed interest in the passing hedgehogs when their sprint had simmered to a walk. They offering a curt greeting which Sonic provided a smile and a wave. Sometimes they would offer food in their kindness. Yet Silver seemed unaffected. That same face haunting him.

It annoyed him.

Countless of times Silver would return to the present time (or the past). Countless of times Silver would recount tales of woe and tragedy. Countless of times Silver would hold Sonic tight with tears in his eyes unable to utter a single sentence of the horrors which he had seen.

Countless of times…

Countless of times…

And now Sonic stood in the future. Able to see the greenery of the trees. Able to feel the warmth of the sun. Able to feel the chill of the cold. Able to smile, greet, and laugh alongside the people who lived ordinary lives. Able to see with eyes unclouded the future that Silver never told.

It was perfect.

Not completely so, of course. Nothing was perfect. Nothing could ever be perfect. But to Sonic, this was a future that he had always dreamed of. A future where people lived in freedom. Lived without oppression. Lived… to live.

Yet that perpetual gloom that stained Silver's face never left. It kept heavy on his face.

Was this not enough?

Sonic held out a pastry for Silver to take. A local delicacy, the shop keeper had told him. The sun held high in the sky, covered only slightly by the delicate clouds that offered a small reprieve from the afternoon's heat. A small village nestled upon the hills overlooking the land. Fields endless as the people worked tirelessly upon them. Songs of merriment echoed across fields of flowers. Children frolicking and playing upon cobbled streets. Life worth admiring.

Silver held his gaze onto the floor as he sat upon the bench. Hardly noticing Sonic had approached him. His face the very same Sonic had ever seen. Countless of times.

"Silver," Sonic coaxed as he sat beside his friend.

"Huh?" Silver snapped to his senses. Eyes blinking as he focused on the pastry that Sonic held out to him. "O-Oh…" Carefully he took the swirled bread topped with white icing, expression unchanging. "Thank you." He nursed the pastry, returning to his previous vacant expression towards the ground. Ignoring the beautiful sight of the village nestled quietly in the hills. Ignoring the future he had so endlessly toiled to save.

Sonic frowned, having already finished half of pastry. A finger pointed down towards Silver's. "You're supposed to eat that, you know?" he tried to break the ice with a joke. But days of the same attitude was becoming frustrating to him.

"O-Oh…" Silver sat upright, staring down at the pastry now. It was as if he had just recognized that Sonic had given him food. "Sorry," he took a moment to contemplate the food. Several seconds passed before he finally took the tiniest bite from the bread. Chewing it slowly, hardly even bothering to savior it.

I can't take this anymore!

"What's wrong?" Sonic turned his body to face his companion. A serious expression now replacing the always jovial carefree spirit. "You've been acting like this ever since we left Alder's place. Are you still thinking about everything?"

Silver was taken aback by the bluntness of Sonic's words. There was a pause, a moment to think. "Yeah, I guess I am." His gaze shied away from Sonic's prying eyes, shifting uncomfortably on the bench. "It's nothing…"

"Nu-uh. I'm not taking that as an answer again." He shook his head, squinting at Silver. "Like, yeah. Ok, I get it. Things aren't really ending up how you picture them being with the whole me being here and everything. But I just figure that you'd be a bit happier seeing the future being so perfect like this." He gestured to the village around them. "You mention how it's always destroyed or post-apocalyptic, but everything looks pretty perfect to me right now."

Silver's ear twitched. Finally, he met Sonic's gaze. "What do you mean by that? I am happy." But the face remained unsure. His voice breaking.

"You say that but…" Sonic took a deep breath in. Trying to find the right words. "You sure don't act it. Its like you keep worrying over things that don't exist."

"I'm worrying over things that do exist!" Silver turned full to face Sonic, his voice exploding now. "In fact, it's the only thing I keep thinking about! How you being here is going to affect everything. How the future is going to be negatively affected by your presence here and—"

"But its not!" Sonic stood, already exhausted by the argument. "Look!" He gestured to the village. The children playing on the road. The farmers greeting each other. The fields lush with harvest. The sound the birds were making in the summer's day. "Nothing's wrong!"

Silver shook his head, staring up at Sonic. "You wouldn't understand—" Already he tried to drop the conversation. But Sonic wasn't going to let it slide this time.

"I don't understand." He affirmed Silver's words with a nod, but he wasn't going to be so easily brushed aside. He thrusted his arms up towards the sky, giving a spin as he gestured towards the world around them. Peaceful. Uncaring to time. Happy. "But what's so wrong about this?" He felt the warmth of the sun spread over him. Felt the happiness seep into his body. Felt everything that Silver so desperately fought for. But that warmth, that happiness, that joy, seemingly never reached Silver.

"It's too complicated to explain." Silver stood, turning away from Sonic again as he began to pack up everything in the dinky little bag that Alder had given them. Another attempt to end the conversation.

The world was complicated. But that was because it was made so.

Sonic pressed his knuckles onto his hips, a frown. "How is this complicated? The world is safe. Nothing more complicated than that."

"But when you leave…" Silver's voice trailed off, finding the right words as hurried hands paused.

"The world isn't going to end when I leave." Sonic approached Silver. Every reply given to the other in a rather matter-of-fact tone. Still confused by the other's worried emotions. "If it didn't end 200 years ago then it won't end tomorrow."

But even with the softness of Sonic's words, it gave no reprieve from the thoughts that addled Silver. He watched as Sliver made several faces. Watched as his mouth opened several times to speak but no words would come out. Thoughts swarmed him, and he watched as the other attempted to make sense of them whilst trying to hide from Sonic's watchful gaze. Would it be another excuse? Would it be another lie? Would it be another truth hidden from Sonic?

No matter what it was, Sonic would get through to him somehow. One way or another.

Eventually.

Because Silver was Sonic's friend. Even if the moments they shared together was brief. They already shared so many memories together.

"It's just that…" Silver began to find it more difficult to breath. Mind racing for an explanation, yet still too scared to utter the truth of his feelings. The words shaky on his lips. "The future is just…" He shut his eyes hard. Steeling himself to the emotions.

But the explanation never came.

The people continued to play in the streets.

The farmers continued their work in merriment.

The world continued to spin. Uncaring to everyone upon it.

And Silver spun around with it. Never uttering those words that sat so heavy in his chest. Those feelings buried once more.

The shaking never stopped as Silver continued to hurriedly put together the bag, choosing to ignore Sonic instead. The tingling in his fingers never went away as every touch felt muddled by the emotions that coursed through him. Dread still hung heavy atop Silver's head, weighing into his heart and strangling the always-so-calm demeanor. Even as Silver tried to hide his face away from Sonic, he could not hide the tears that begun to roll down his cheeks. He bit his lip, hiding the gasps of breath of the quiet sobs.

Things were so much easier between the two of them when there was that distance. But all the time spent with Sonic in those quiet moments of the day, exploring the familiar new world, it became impossible to hide what had been so apparent. And Silver hated that. He had once admired Sonic's care free spirit. Now, it turned to envy… perhaps even hate.

A pawn to time. A curse of a time traveler.

And he didn't want the pity.

But those selfish thoughts always came back to nip at him. Now faced with that reality, he could not help but anguish over the perfect future. The thing he had toiled endlessly to create.

Why?

Because it… Because he… Because…

"I'm going to be alone."

And he was selfish enough to go back to see his friends again and again and again.

Because he was alone in this future.

His heart had finally unfolded to Sonic.

It wasn't the explanation that Sonic had been expecting from Silver, but it wasn't completely unprecedented. There was always that linger before he left to return home. Always the second look back before he slipped away to the future. He could see the apprehension in Silver's body every time he would leave. A strange relief that would only begotten from the same hug in greeting that they would always share. It should have been obvious to him before, but how could he had known the silent suffering of the time traveler?

It wasn't really something that was taught in time traveling school.

Loneliness.

Those thoughts, those feelings, were much too complicated for Sonic to mull over. Even as he looked at Silver, tears endlessly falling from his face, Sonic couldn't stand to linger over the feeling much too long. They were better solved with action, not with moping.

In an instance, Sonic grasped Silver's wrist. Surprise took over Silver as he was figuratively, and literally, pulled from his spiraling thoughts. A gasp escaped the hedgehog as he looked up from the ground to stare at Sonic in shock. There was little time to react to Sonic sudden grasp as Silver was dragged away without hardly another word from his companion.

In a flash, Sonic stepped into a run. Slow enough for Silver not to be dragged behind, but fast enough for Silver to barely keep pace. "Wh-?" Silver gasped suddenly pulled from his tears. "S-Sonic?" He stumbled forward, dragged along in Sonic's hand as they rushed through the winding road into the distance towards the unknown of nowhere. "Wait! I can't run like you-!"

But Sonic never answered. Instead, he kept his grip on Silver's wrist firm as they rushed into the intoxicating new world of Spagonia. The beautiful land unfurled itself for the two of them as they rushed forward into the wild prairie. They ran. Never looking back. Past the town. Over the hills. Though the fields. Into the arms of nature. Enveloped in its beauty.

Silver was able to find his footing, barely keeping the pace of Sonic's whims. There was confusion at first as he was dragged across the countryside. Though the emotions still ailed him, the surprise thrill welcomed a new perspective to his eyes. Laid before him, the masterpiece of the future began to open itself to Silver as they stepped off the beaten path into the endless meadows of green dotted with flowers of all kinds.

Wind rushed through Silver's body. He was familiar with the caress of that breeze, having felt it so many times before as he coursed through the air dressed in cyan, this time was different. No longer was he concentrated on the powers that swelled inside him, but now he felt how his legs carried him forward. Pushing him through nature. Forced to feel the blades of grass brush against his legs and the wind push through his fur.

With the wind, it took the despair away.

No longer was his mind preoccupied by pain. Now settled the feeling of amazement as nature opened its arms to welcome the two of them. Flowers swarmed their steps as they breezed through the open fields of life. Melting into him, replacing the worry with something new.

Silver gasped as he tripped over a rock. Tumbling forward and breaking the pace that Sonic kept. He crashed into the other and rolled through the meadows, engulfed in the pillow of green that caressed their fall.

The two laid there for a moment. Silver gasped for breath as he basked in the sun that spread warmth through his body. Sonic sat up from the fall, a laughter bubbling from the blue hedgehog as he shared in that same warmth and caress of nature that surrounded them. For a moment, Silver stared at Sonic from the ground in confusion. Watched as his friend found laughter even if their journey was brought to an abrupt end. Watched as he laughed even through the pain of their tumble. Watched how care free Sonic was, a free spirit not chained to time.

And Silver could not help himself but to join him. Joining that joy that they had created for themselves. Warmth spread through his body, tingling in emotion that was indescribable to him.

What was this feeling? This freedom?

It felt as though all his worries had melted away. That he never had any to begin with.

Silver laid his head back in the grass sinking into the ground as the laughter carried itself with the wind. Eyes closed as he pressed his hands to his stomach allowing him to feel that joy and happiness he had almost forgotten.

But the laughter would fade.

The warmth waned.

And again, those terrible feelings spread over him.

The frown returned. Happiness was fleeting as he opened his eyes again, watching the clouds in the sky and the parasite of worry in his chest returning.

But before the emotions could take hold completely, a flower was suddenly placed on Silver's forehead.

"Huh?" Silver blinked as he looked up at Sonic who now sat next to him. A smile plastered on the other's face. Silver raised his hand, taking the flower from his forehead to stare at it.

"We helped make this, Silver." Sonic plucked another flower, holding it out in front of him with a smile. Silver stared at Sonic for a moment, watching him as he admired the flower that the two of them create. "If you ever feel alone, just remember that we helped make this future together."

Silver stared for a moment longer, before his eyes crept back to his own flower in his hand. Eventually it was swept away in the wind, floating in the distance to never be seen again. Those words comforted him, but it could not help the worry that sat deep in his chest. The frown settled on his face again as those terrible thoughts ate at his mind.

"I just…" his words trailed off as tears welled in his eyes again. Hand falling back on his chest as he clutched his heart. "I can't help but worry about what tomorrow might bring."

What will come when everyone goes home?

He couldn't make them stay. But he couldn't be so selfish to go with them either. This was home.

But it didn't feel that way anymore.

Another flower was placed on Silver's forehead. Again, he looked up to stare at Sonic. That smile still persisting. "Then run."

"Run?"

"If you have time to worry, then just run." Sonic nodded his head as he plucked another flower. "There's no use in worrying over things you can't change; and if you can change it… then just take action to change it."

Silver paused for a moment, contemplating Sonic's words. He looked away from him, staring through the blades of grass. "What if… I know how it will end?" he stared into the sky once more. Watching the clouds form into the dreams he always held. "What if I know what choice I'll have to make but I don't know which to choose?"

A shrug was given in response as another flower was placed on Silver's forehead. "You'll know what decision you'll make when you get there. But there's no use worrying about it now."

"What if I make the wrong choice? What if I regret my decision?" Silver clutched his hands tight as he closed his eyes. His heart beating fast.

"What if you don't?" Sonic finally pulled himself up off the ground, holding his hand out for Silver to take. "No matter what, the memories we make together will last forever. For now, let's just run."

Silver watched Sonic for a moment, before carefully taking Sonic's hand to pull himself up. Hands brushed over his quills as the flowers fell from his head into the wind. He watched them for a moment. Watched how carefree they were to exist without worries. But before he could let those thoughts consume him again, he felt the tug of Sonic's hand on his wrist.

Run.

A sigh escaped Silver's lips as he closed his eyes once more. Steadying himself and letting those thoughts sink away.

"Right…" he breathed out as he looked at Sonic. An uneasy smile managed its way on his face. Then soon, the two broke out into a run. And soon, those feelings washed away once more.

But the end would always loom over him. As it always did.

"They confirmed it?"

From stained windows cascaded a myriad of colors upon two figures who sat upon the pews in faux prayer. Their voices hushed whispers as they stared at the beautiful images that spelled futures yet told. G.U.N. fatigues sat heavy on the child who sat beside the heavier soul of his sibling. His look somber as he stared down the length of the cathedral, his lips turned to a frown as giddiness swept over his sister.

"They wouldn't lie to me," he replied. He shuffled through his coat, carefully passing a note to her.

She took it quietly. Her eyes taking in each and every letter that bled into the paper. Hungry. Tired. Exhausted. But fervent.

"We've waited a long time for this."

"I know." But there was apprehension in his voice.

"I knew it was him. I felt it." She whispered with a smile. But it was not one of glee.

There was a silence as the monks passed through the halls of the church. Incense wafted into the towering ceiling.

"Are you sure you want this?" he took his sister's hand, giving a small squeeze.

"And you don't? We gave up everything for this chance. Don't you remember?" He fell silent as she stood. Her eyes never betraying a glance towards him, kept now to the stained glass above. "You told G.U.N. his little secret?"

He nodded his head slowly. "I'm not sure he even remembers."

"Typical of him," she snorted. She pressed her hands together in prayer. Eyes closing as her shoulders relaxed. "I'll be sure he remembers when I'm done with him. Its what it would have wanted."

He opened his mouth to speak, but fell silent as she turned towards the exit without a second look. For a moment, he wanted to reach out to stop her, but his hand fell short as he simply watched her through the large wooden doors. Sorrow overtaking him. When the doors had closed behind her, he let out a sigh as he reclined back into the pews. Eyes staring up towards the stained glass that glittered above him. Images of stories that he had seen thousands of times before when they would come here to converse unfolded in front of him. Stories of mythologies he never bothered to learn. Stories of gods he never cared to remember.

Why should he? They weren't those same glass windows he had seen when they were children. They never would be now. Not ever again.

He hardly prayed since that time.

But this time, he pressed his hands together. Closing his eyes. Picturing those same stained-glass windows from a time never existed.

"I pray when this is over…"

Those memories came to greet him.

"…that I could see your smile of happiness once more."