I stood at a window, staring up at the space craft in the sky. I didn't know what I would find up there, but I knew it would be something I wouldn't like. I just hoped we would be able to defeat them before anymore innocent lives were taken. And I hoped that Esme was safe. The only reason she was taken was because she was connected to me. And she's too big of a bargaining chip to just kill her. They knew it would draw me out.

So, Eggman used Metal Sonic to draw out Sonic and his friends. But he needed to make sure that I would come too. So, he took the one person who started to become like family to me again. I didn't want Esme to go through what Maria went through. And I wasn't sure I was strong enough to lose another friend.

"What you thinking about?" Amy caught my attention as she walked over to me.

"Won't the other's miss you?" I asked giving her a side glance.

She shrugged. "Well, at this point in time, it's all gadgets and technology. I'm more of the strategist. And if needs be, I smash the problem with my hammer. I'm more in the way in there at this point."

My eyes went back up to the sky. We remained silent for a while.

"Sonic told me your story." She continued the conversation.

I let out a curt laugh. "He's told everyone my story. It seems like he knows my story better than I know it."

She let out a giggle. "He's just trying to be a friend. When you showed up, Tails and Knuckles weren't too thrilled with you being around. They gave me all the bad things that happened trying to dissuade me from interacting with you. But Sonic, he wanted me to know all the good in you and how much you care."

"I'm not sure it matters if you know how 'good' of a person I am." I stated. "I'm not planning on sticking around after this mission. I'm just fulfilling a promise."

"So," Amy leaned forward. "You're not going to lead G.U.N.s Team Dark?"

I looked down.

"Look Shadow," she took a step forward. "I may not know you well, but I can tell from the little time I've spent with you that you keep your word. You may act all big and tough, but really, you're just as scared as the rest of us. And believe me, we are all scared. Though Sonic, Knuckles and Tails may not show it, they are terrified about failing this mission."

I glanced over at her. "And you? You're terrified like them? You don't look it."

"That's because I've been fighting this fight practically my whole life." She placed a hand on her chest. "I've fought the Black Arms, and since the Ark explosion, I've fought the Metal Sonics. But every time I go into battle, I'm terrified that I will make a mistake that will cost me my friends, family, all of those I love. But I've learned that I need to be able to move past those fears and be the one they need to save them."

"Being brave despite the fear, huh?"

"Well, being brave doesn't mean there's an absence of fear." She turned back to the window. "I can also kinda tell that you're keeping your distance from the rest of the team because you don't want to grow attached."

She was a very observant hedgehog.

"Having friends doesn't make someone weak." She continued. "I think it makes someone stronger. You may be scared to lose them, but what's better? Not having them at all and living a life alone and miserable? Or having them, having the happiest moments of your life with them to end in some sadness. But remember, grief is love continuing."

I looked down at the ground. "Maria said something like that. 'The light still shines even when the star is gone.'"

"So," she turned to ask me. "Isn't it important that you too are happy?"

I let out a small laugh. "Why is it whenever I have some time alone with someone, I get a lecture?"

"Because you're still sulking." She turned to go back to the team. "Come on dark and broody. We have a planet to save."

"Did you get that from Rouge?" I turned to follow her.

A laugh escaped her throat. "I'll never tell you!"