Trying to write again

Walking through Casino Forest was always a headache for Shadow. Most people avoided the zone because of the lights, but it was the fastest way back to his home. He knew he was going in the right direction but when he saw smoke coming from the forest, he knew something was off. His feet brought him toward the smoke and when he got close the music began to leave his ears and chanting filled instead. He couldn’t understand a word being said, perhaps being spoken in another language?

When he reached the fire's source, he saw a girl. At least what he assumed was a girl. Their back was to him, a black dress lay across the grass and a large brimmed hat rested against their side. In front of her was the fire he had noticed, yet around her there were cards freely floating about. They sparkled a golden color as they danced in the orange lighting. They had pictures and symbols strewn about them which piqued his curiosity. The girls long pink quills were floating in the air and they would move as if something were blowing them. 

“I call upon these cards” Her voice was heavenly, deep, and almost echoed. “to point me toward my future. Show me where my future love and fortune lay.” Her hands were raised toward the fire and the cards began to move with her. The images changed and the symbols began to look readable. Shadow took a step forward and the cards suddenly spun around her hands and then floated toward Shadow. He was going to take a step back until he saw the girl turn. Her emerald eyes shined as they stared at him. A beautiful green glow seemed to flow from her eyes, so soft yet he could feel the power radiating from it. 

When the cards stopped at him, he could read them. The Lovers, Strength, The Hermit, and The Star. Though the text on The Star was upside down the image on it was easy enough to explain the words. When he went to touch the cards the girl began to float toward him, the green glow now surrounding her body. When she made her way to him she placed a hand on his cheek and he felt captivated by her aura. 

Opening her eyes, she sees nothing but a blinding bright white color. Her vision is blurry, and her body feels sore. She only wanted to fall back asleep, yet there was a feeling she needed to wake up and move. As her eyes focused and her mind caught up, she could feel the warm fluffy blanket she had gotten from Rouge under her hands. She could hear the faint beeping of machines around her and heard the faint sound of breathing. 

She turned her head to see dark quills with a white blanket lying over him. Shadow was resting with the blanket carefully tucked under his chin. He looked so tired, yet he had a small smile on his face. She wanted to hold him. So, she slowly began to shuffle, but a sharp pain in her hips caused her to whimper and stop. Shadow’s eyes shoot open, and he slowly moves forward, the blanket falling, and a small bundle makes a soft noise, causing Shadow to bring up the blanket again.

“Rose, you shouldn’t move yet.” His voice was soft, but she could hear the concern. She only let out a soft groan, moving a bit to give Shadow the space to sit on the bed with her. Even that movement exhausted her. But Shadow quickly but carefully moved to lay next to her. He brought the small bundle to her chest, and she stared at their baby. 

It was a boy with light pink fur and quills that lay flat against his head, though they weren’t long so they stuck at a few different angles in different spots. He was so small, she was surprised that his hands were as small as they were. When she gently moved a finger into his hands his eyes began to open and she saw the most beautiful red eyes. They were lighter than shadows, but she could tell they would end up his beautiful deep red when he got older. 

“I love you, my Rose.” He rested his forehead against her shoulder and Amy let a single tear slip from her eye. She had everything she wanted. She had Shadow and their baby.

A place to belong and to feel at ease. That is what Shadow always longed for. A place where he could be himself, whoever that was, and not be a test subject or a “creature”. A simple being who could simply live. In this overly bright home he lived in, he could do that. There was a space for him. Amy helped him decorate it, painting it a neutral gray, with a small bit of glitter added. Amy said it would help keep the mood a bit more positive. And she was right. The reflections made it feel less like the cold gray of the ARC’s testing areas, and almost more fantastical and alive. 

He’s come to love music and will sing to Amy while they are in the kitchen together. While he isn’t perfect as a cook, he enjoys every flower bomb, smoke alarm and soggy dish because their laughter ended up filling the house. They lived together, had so many experiences that he had missed out on for so many years. He longed for this kind of life.

A warm home and feeling loved. That is what Amy always longed for. She wanted a home with people to fill it. She had family in the form of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, but it wasn’t the same. They didn’t live with her, except for Knuckles when he would get sick from time to time. But it wasn’t the same. She wanted someone to wake up with, to fall asleep on their shoulder while reading on the couch. She wanted someone to dress up with and enjoy a night at Twinkle Park. She wanted love in her life. 

When Shadow moved in, she was so excited, giving him an office to himself so he could explore all kind of new interests and hobbies. She was so excited when she heard him pull out her nana’s old record player and simply sit with a smile on his face as the scratchy music played. He was wonderful. When they first met, he was a bit standoffish and was prone to anger, having support in his life like Rouge and herself, helped him learn why he was angry and how to redirect it. 

This love and support she showed was showed back. When she would feel down about being left behind by her friends, they would have their own adventures. Staying the night at Angel Island and simply enjoying each other’s company under the stars was one of her favorite memories. Visiting Chao Gardens, Prison Island, Pumpkin Hill, everywhere they would go they enjoyed their time together.

In the rare instances where they needed to sperate for one reason or another Amy would stare at the stars, thinking of her lover who came from up there. He came form the stars she used to wish upon when she was just a child. When she longed for any substantial relationship. She would sigh in fondness and sadness, counting the days until Shadow would finally return.

Shadow wouldn’t look to the stars, but instead he would stare at the flowers no matter where he was. They reminded him that Amy had helped him remember that life deserves a chance. That there is beauty everywhere in the world as long as you search for it. As long as there is hope and love in the world, it is worth living for and worth fighting for. 

Deep breathing and the crackling fire in the fireplace were how Amy woke on the winter morning. She had decided Shadow needed a vacation after everything their life had thrown at them. She could see the tension in his shoulders and how tired he seemed to look daily.  When they had first arrived at the cabin, he was hellbent on being active and productive, until she began to rub his shoulders and hum one of his favorite tunes.  He didn’t last long before he fell asleep in her lap, her fingers running through his quills. When she eventually got tired herself, she brought him to the plus bed the cabin had waiting for them. 

She felt so peaceful when she watched Shadows breathing. He always tended to be a bit more aggressive and high-strung, but he knew how to keep it under control. So, seeing him truly relaxed was the best thing for her to see on this relaxing morning. She slowly went to free herself from the blankets until a strong pair of arms pulled her back. She let out a gasp and looked to see Shadow was still asleep, clutching around her middle tight. She smiled and decided that staying in bed a little longer was not a problem.

For years Amy had been able to see him when no one else could. She assumed he didn’t notice her staring, since no one usually could see him. But one day when she sat by the broken wall that barely contained the beautiful, abandoned garden, he finally spoke. 

“You realize I can feel you staring.” His voice was smooth and deep. He made her quills bristle. His eyes were red, as red as they could be when you’re a ghost. “Why do you keep coming here?”

“I love the flowers in the garden. It’s a beautiful place to sit and enjoy my lunch.” She smiled, taking a bite from her sandwich. He watches her as a scowl crosses his lips. 

“That can’t be all. I’ve scared away dozens of people, why do you keep coming back?”

“Can’t say. Why are you still sticking around here? Revenge?” She set her food on her lap looking up at the ghost. His eyes widened and his scowl turned sad. 

“No… I don’t deserve something like that.” He sat next to Amy, and he looked out on the garden in front of them.

“Then why?” She softened her voice.

“Atonement.” He stared at a small blue flower at his feet and as he put a hand near it, it gently swayed. “I’ve done horrible things to wonderful people in my past. So, I stay to protect this garden, as a way to atone for my actions.”

“What happened?” The ghost looked over to her and his eyes looked deeply into hers. 

“I killed my family.” He waved his hand. “This was our home and in the rubble of our homes destruction, this garden thrived.”

“I am so sorry.” His eyes shut tight. “You lost your family and of course you wouldn’t want people to disturb your home. I won’t come back if you don’t want me to.” His eyes shot open and stared at her glossy eyes.

It was like any other adventure. She was traveling in search of some excitement. With Shadow gone on missions and Sonic out who knows where she felt the need to figure out her own emotions toward the two. Sonic was the one she had loved since childhood. He was her hero. But then there was Shadow. While complicated, he was very kind and brave. He was gentle even though he didn't like to show it. She had feelings for both boys, but she didn’t know where to go from there.

Her feet took her towards the mountains, the landscape was bare and empty. There wasn't an animal or plant in sight. When she made it to the top of a small hill she could see the pumpkin-like tops. Pumpkin Hill? She wasn't trying to come here. She could see the sky turning darker by the second and began to worry. She remembered Knuckles’ warning about the ghosts and monsters that reside here. She began to hurry toward an empty area, hoping to find her way out when a mist began to obscure her vision. 

“Oh no.” She tried to look at her feet, seeing how thick the coverage was. She could see them, but barely. 

“Oh no?” Amy looked up to see two figures standing in the mist.

“Hello?” She shouted.

“Hello.” Her voice seemed to echo back. She could see the figures clearer and realized they were herself. Both were Amy Rose, pink quills, and emerald eyes. One looked happy and the other looked distant and closed off. “How are you…”

“I am you.” Both said in unison. 

“I am one who found new love.” Said the Amy who smiled.

“I am one who stopped pursuing.” Said the other.

“I fell in love with someone who needed more support than others thought. He was distant yet kind and always by my side. He needed someone who could open up to him the same way he needed. Trauma and sadness were difficult times to go through, yet it also led to the happiest times too.” This Amy smiled and held her hands over her heart.

“I finally moved past a love that was not reciprocated. I realized I was always chasing and chasing with a finish line that was always moving. I moved past my need for his love and grew to be a strong person. I may not have the romantic love I always dreamed of, but my family and I are so much closer now that I have moved past it.” This one looked at her and gave a small smile. Both looked up.

“Which will you pick?” They both asked raising a hand to her. She desperately wanted to grab both of their hands. Why couldn't she have all of that? Why was she not allowed to have this love without sacrificing something else? 

She shut her eyes and took in a deep breath. When she opened them the mist had faded away and the two figures of herself were gone. She looked around the area to see a few ghosts floating around, the full moon was shining brightly. It was beautiful and bright.

Sitting at the dock was the best way to relax. The beautiful sound of moving water and the rustling of the trees always made Shadow sigh in contentedness. He got to escape from his worries and fears. He sits alone and enjoys the silence. But he feels alone.

As his eyes scan over the water, he sees someone swimming on the other side. They have bright pink fur, but that's all he can see. When they dive under the water and reappear, suddenly they're much clearer. She has deep green eyes that almost hypnotize him. She swims closer and he can see the smile on her face.

Her name is  Amy. She stays in the water as the two chat. She gets to know him, unlike most people. She asks why he is alone here at the lake and he tells her that he has no friends. He usually comes to the lake to forget about his troubles, yet this girl had never been here at the same time. She seemed so comfortable floating in the water, her quills floating.

“Have you ever taken a dip in the water?”

“No, it's far too cold for me. I just like looking at it from here.” 

“It’s super easy to get used to! It only takes about fifteen minutes!” 

Her eyes looked so warm and inviting, he didn't want to say no to taking a dip. Her hand reached up and touched his dangling leg and he could feel a chill rush through his body. She feels so cold, yet she isn't shaking. As her thumb rubbed against his leg he felt a sense of calmness. Maybe he would take a dip.

He placed his hand over hers and she continued to talk with him. He felt comfortable and he almost felt no chill from her touch. She gently began to grip his leg and he felt his mind get foggy. He wanted to swim. He wanted to feel the water against his fur. As her arms gently pulled him toward her he could hear the water rush into his ears. 

He could hear his pulse pounding and when it slowed down all he could focus on was the beautiful pink girl in front of his blurred vision. His arms moved through the water so slowly yet they found their way around her. He felt tired as he felt his limbs tangle with hers. She was undeniable. Her colors and her cool touch were the last thing he could picture as he slowly began to fade away.

Her voice was so melodic as she made her way through the woods. There was a friend she was excited to see. The flowers were beautiful this time of year. She skipped through the ring of mushrooms with a heavy bag on her back. As she made her way through the colors around her seemed to shift, almost more of a green hue, unlike at night she had originally met her new friend. She had noticed during the past few months her roses had grown stronger and fuller. The trees in the area that grew fruit were plentiful.

“Oh, Shadow!” Her voice sang out to the trees. She giggled when she felt the temperature slightly dip. “I have some new books! And plenty of snacks!” She walked to a tree and sat the bag down and the shadowy fae appeared before her, slowly forming into his hedgehog form. 

“Hello, Miss Rose.” He nods his head.

“Oh, you know the formalities aren't necessary. Come see what I’ve brought this time!” He sat in front of her as she took out coffee beans and cookies. His tail immediately made its way to the beans and he slowly began to eat. She explained the plot of all the books she brought. Several murder mysteries, historical novels, romance, and a few adventure novels. Shadow’s eyes sparkled at every option available to him.

Since their meeting and Amy’s insistence on being friends, Shadow had found a love of literature. Though there were many things Amy needed to explain, he loved to read and have her read to him so he could hear the creativity of average mortal beings. There were a million different scenarios and he was fascinated with it all. He knew of the stars but to see how technology developed to have mobian reach them was impressive.

“Do you have any favorites out of these?” His voice echoed and his teeth made a loud crunch of the coffee beans. 

“Hmm. I’ve always been a fan of romance, but the murder mystery genre has caught my attention much more lately.” She grabbed a cookie and pushed a few of the books she had read before toward him. Shadow was enraptured by her summaries of the books she had read and gently grabbed one. He carefully picked it up, careful with his claws.

“Do you suppose you could read some of the romance books to me like last time?” 

“Of course! Oh, there are some of these that are so sweet! I love the drama in this one!” She began to ramble, yet Shadow's eyes never left her form. A cookie in hand and excitement shining from his eyes. He loved how trusting she was and how much she shared with him. But when there was a sudden wind in the air Shadow took to his feet and eyed the trees.

“Shadow?” Amy fell back against the tree behind her. “What's wrong?”

“Someone is here.” Shadow let out a soft hiss to try and figure out which of his kind had found him. There was a strong breeze yet the smell of spices permeated his nose. “Enough! Come out Scourge!”

A thud to the forest floor caused Amy to gasp when she saw the hedgehog in front of them. He was bright green in color with scars along his chest. His eyes were bright blue yet there was a red aura around him. There was a heat that Amy could feel coming off his body even several feet away. Shadow’s tail flicked and his eyes narrowed at Scourge.

“Well, well, well!” The hedgehog let out a dry chuckle. “You found a little mortal friend. Is she just a toy or can I have a bite?” He took a step closer and Amy tried her best to shrink into the tree.

“Enough! Why are you here? She causes no harm to our home!”

“Oh, I know that. But our Queen is not happy she is here.” He took steps towards Shadow and the shadows around him began to appear, his size began to change and Scourge finally began to shake. 

“You need to leave us now!” His voice growled so much the leaves shook from the trees and his shadows billowed around Scurge. “Unless you truly want to fear my shadows, you will leave.”

As Shadow stared down at Scourge his shadows dispersed when there was a gentle touch to his tail. Yellow eyes trailed downward to see Amy’s hands gently petting him. She was so soft and warm. As his eyes closed he slowly began to shift down and Amy took her hands back. When he was their size Amy put her hand on his arm. He began to calm down and Scourge chuckled. 

Throughout the universe, there are gods and goddesses who are always keeping balance on the planet Mobius. There are some that are always revered and celebrated and those who are cursed and demeaned. Of this balance, there is the Sun and Moon. The deity of the moon was one of water, calmness, and stability. She is shown as a pink hedgehog, with beautiful emerald eyes that always warm the hearts of those who see them. 

Then there was the deity of the Sun. He was the deity of fire, strength, and growth. He was depicted as a black hedgehog, whose quills pointed upward, rising like the sun. His eyes were deep red, full of warmth, and strong. He was able to strike fear in one's enemy and often was depicted on the armor of fighters. 

Both deities were in countless tales. Some involve war, creation, protection, and even family. One tale was one so bittersweet yet filled with hope. This tale involved the two as lovers. Constantly at work, balancing each other and caring for the planet's children. They would have little time with one another but when they did they were indistinguishable. They were the beauty that are lunar and solar eclipses. These are the tales that Mobians tell to explain the things of their world and they are so close to the truth. 

Shadow, the deity who lives in the Sun, prides himself in his strength and courage. He fuels the fire in soldiers whenever he comes to the planet. But when he is not around during times of war he helps farmers grow their crops. Gives their hearth warmth during the winter seasons and fuels their heads with the idea of growing stronger and wiser day by day. As the hours toll on, he leaves letting his love take over.

Amy, who lives in the dark, prides herself on the kindness and calmness in her heart. He helps those who work hard during the day to rest. She guides the way for ships at night and calms the waves so they can return home to their families. She has flowers planted in forests that glow in her light and she cools down the planet after warming itself to exhaustion. When her time is up, she waits to see her love on his way.

It was an average day. Eggman was up to no good and Team Sonic was there to stop him. Busted robot parts litter across the forest floor and Eggman with his back against the wall was where they were now. Amy and Knuckles on one side of him and Tails and Sonic on the other. Shadow stood in the tree charging up a Chaos Spear.

There was a small village they were defending, most of the families had gotten away before anything got too crazy, but now that they were nearing the end of their battle, the adrenaline had them all on a high. But when the noise of crackles caught Amy’s attention that was all Eggman needed to get away.

Knuckles tried to break apart the machine he was riding in, but he barely missed. When Sonic ran toward Knuckles and Amy, Shadow jumped down from the trees and watched as Sonic began pointing and yelling. Knuckles wrapped his arms around Amy and then both kneeled to the ground and Sonic ran off. Tails shouted to him but there was no response.

“Was she injured?” He watched as Knuckles squeezed Amy tightly to his chest. His eyes wandered to Shadow and he could see Amy shaking. 

“Amy doesn't do well with fire.” Knuckles put his hand on her head. Shadow looked up to see Sonic running to put the fire out and he joined him. With their speeds combined the fire was easily extinguished. Sonic was out of breath and Shadow was concerned for a moment until Sonic ran towards the group. 

Amy was being held by Knuckles. As Shadow made his way towards the group Sonic stared at Amy. He could see Sonic whispering to her and he nodded to Knuckles. Knuckles set her down and Amy stared at Sonic and Shadow with watery eyes. But when the two hedgehogs stood next to one another she wrapped an arm tightly around them both. Shadow put an arm on his hip and Sonic’s hand found her head. They stayed quiet for a moment before Shadow’s eyes looked at Knuckles. He seemed exhausted. Tails was the one to break up their moment, saying he would give Amy a ride home. Amy pressed a kiss to Shadow's cheek and walked with Tails.

“What was that about?”

“Shadow… Amy doesn't like fire. It's a big thing to her.” Sonic started to kick the dirt under his feet. 

“Big thing how?” He growls at how unclear Sonic is being.

“She lost her parents in a fire. She doesn't remember much since she was so young, heck I don't remember much from that age either. But she just remembers the fire and her parents getting her out.” Sonic’s voice began to fade as he spoke and he sighed looking at Shadow.

“I’ll keep an eye on her.” He stated flatly as he ran away in a flash.

His feet took him to the closest city to Amy’s home and he walked through several large stores before he finally teleported into Amy’s house. He could hear the shower running and decided to act fast. He set his bags in the kitchen and got to work. He made a tray of her favorite foods: Small sandwiches from her favorite shop, the bubble tea she had been raving about a few weeks prior, a small bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries that always got her to smile when she took a bite, and several types of cookies.

 He brought the tray to the living room and began to make the couch comfortable. Her softest blankets and pillows were laying on the couch ready to make her a proper nest. When the shower stopped he could hear her slowly walking around so he decided to make a bit of noise so she realized he was there. 

There was dust in the air as Amy’s humming filled the house. Her life had been changing so much in the past few years. Her friends were moving forward with their lives and so was she. Her feelings for Sonic, while once nothing but love, changed into admiration and support. Her friends, now growing, Tails grew taller than Sonic, shooting up in the last years or so. Her quills were longer and she could see how she had changed over the years. Amy was changing and so was the world around her. 

There were boxes lining the bedroom wall, and old clothing being donated and given to anyone who would take them. She slowly was clearing out space for a brand new change in her life as well. She nodded to herself when she looked over at the clock. She was having a great time. She wandered down to her kitchen and smiled at the lovely bouquet on her table. The smell of lavender was amazing. 

She walked to a drawer in the kitchen and placed it on the table and began warming some water on her stove. She grabbed two cups and there was a knock on the door. Her face lit up as she set the cups on the table. Her feet quickly took her to the front door and as she opened it her favorite red eyes and black quills made her heart warm. He looked tired.

“Hello.” His voice was rough and his eyes were heavy. 

“Hi. Come on in.” She moved out of the way and he slowly made his way inside. “I bought that soap you like if you want to take a shower before we eat?” She could hear him already shuffling towards the bathroom and she smiled. 

She made her way to the kitchen and grabbed the snacks she had prepared the day before and made some sandwiches. The kettle begins to whistle and she grabs the tea bags from her small jar and makes their drinks on the table. She began humming to herself as she set the table and sat down. She was excited.

When she felt Shadow’s chin resting on her shoulder, she giggled as some water dripped down her arm. She gave him a gentle tap on the head as she laughed.

“You’re wet still, dry off would ya!” She turned to see a towel hanging around his neck. She huffed and grabbed the towel, ruffling his quills. She could feel a satisfied hum come from the back of his throat. His eyes were closed and she could see his small smile across his face. When her hands finally stopped and his eyes opened she could see the loving look few others had ever seen. She gave him a small kiss on his nose and gave his cheeks a gentle pat.

“Come sit down.” As he did his tired eyes found the small box on the table and he looked up at Amy.

“And what is this?” He pointed.

“It’s for you.” She gently slides it over and it rests next to the cup of tea. She grabs her cup and dips the tea bag a few times. “I know that G.U.N has been giving you so many more missions lately and that Rouge and Omega haven't always been working with you. So I thought this might be a bit more comfort for you.”

His fingers lifted the top of the box to show a small key with a painted pink and black heart on it. The top of the box fell to the table as Shadow’s eyes went to Amy. Her face was red and her smile didn’t fade. Shadow picked up the key and ran his thumb over it, his eyes fusing on the heart.