{"submission_id":"1575697","keywords":[{"keyword_id":"9534","keyword_name":"amy rose","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"8637"},{"keyword_id":"1911","keyword_name":"badger","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"3244"},{"keyword_id":"2357","keyword_name":"creampie","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"12871"},{"keyword_id":"4195","keyword_name":"doggy style","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"4335"},{"keyword_id":"8539","keyword_name":"echidna","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"6950"},{"keyword_id":"123","keyword_name":"female","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"520785"},{"keyword_id":"33","keyword_name":"fox","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"135562"},{"keyword_id":"1008","keyword_name":"hedgehog","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"47862"},{"keyword_id":"10788","keyword_name":"knuckles the echidna","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"2556"},{"keyword_id":"165","keyword_name":"male","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"640455"},{"keyword_id":"11507","keyword_name":"male/female","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"40288"},{"keyword_id":"1003","keyword_name":"m/f","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"22958"},{"keyword_id":"1425","keyword_name":"rough","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"2659"},{"keyword_id":"39178","keyword_name":"shadamy","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"391"},{"keyword_id":"20724","keyword_name":"shadow the hedgehog","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"8504"},{"keyword_id":"28051","keyword_name":"sonamy","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"1594"},{"keyword_id":"115764","keyword_name":"sonic boom","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"1642"},{"keyword_id":"7252","keyword_name":"sonic the hedgehog","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"29069"},{"keyword_id":"196592","keyword_name":"sticks the badger","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"841"},{"keyword_id":"578","keyword_name":"tails","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"7891"}],"hidden":"t","scraps":"f","favorite":"f","favorites_count":"7","create_datetime":"2018-03-31 20:06:33.73341+02","create_datetime_usertime":"31 Mar 2018 20:06 CEST","last_file_update_datetime":"2018-03-31 19:39:28.252151+02","last_file_update_datetime_usertime":"31 Mar 2018 19:39 CEST","username":"Chinry","user_id":"447612","user_icon_file_name":"153322_Chinry_image.png","user_icon_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/153/153322_Chinry_image.png","user_icon_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/153/153322_Chinry_image.png","user_icon_url_small":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/153/153322_Chinry_image.png","file_name":"2239577_Chinry_ic13.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2239/2239577_Chinry_ic13.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2239/2239577_Chinry_ic13.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2239/2239577_Chinry_ic13.doc","files":[{"file_id":"2239577","file_name":"2239577_Chinry_ic13.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2239/2239577_Chinry_ic13.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2239/2239577_Chinry_ic13.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2239/2239577_Chinry_ic13.doc","mimetype":"application/msword","submission_id":"1575697","user_id":"447612","submission_file_order":"0","full_size_x":null,"full_size_y":null,"screen_size_x":null,"screen_size_y":null,"preview_size_x":null,"preview_size_y":null,"initial_file_md5":"627123f02925924711c748eae6149f93","full_file_md5":"627123f02925924711c748eae6149f93","large_file_md5":"","small_file_md5":"","thumbnail_md5":"","deleted":"f","create_datetime":"2018-03-31 19:39:28.252151+02","create_datetime_usertime":"31 Mar 2018 19:39 CEST"}],"pools":[{"pool_id":"49514","name":"Internal Combustion","description":"My full blown story about the trials and tribulations of Amy and Sonic's early relationship. Boom based.","count":"14","submission_left_submission_id":"1554176","submission_left_file_name":"2205572_Chinry_ic8.doc","submission_right_submission_id":"1576313","submission_right_file_name":"2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc"}],"description":"Unlucky for some. Unlucky for everyone in this chapter actually.\n\nI am not very good at writing action, so sorry if this feels off. We are nearing the end of this story now, and I wanted it to have one last bang (oh, pun intended). Now, I am a Sonamy shipper, but I'm hooked on the idea of a bond between Amy and Shadow that is just out of Sonic's reach. There's a panel in, Sonic Universe #22 I think, where Shadow and Amy battle. He knocks her out as he doesn't hold back on her, but the look of concern he gives her along with her faith in him to do the right thing in the end...I love it. I know THAT Shadow isn't THIS Shadow, but still.\n\nI'm rambling. The only other thing to note, is Amy doesn't feel the same crazy mind link because it is the MALES job to guard her. Real female hedgehogs might have a few mates during rumpy pumpy season.\n\nIf, ahead of the ending, you want to know the future for Shadow I can note you. It isn't covered in this story, and I'm not expecting you to read the sequel, but if it matters to you just let me know.","description_bbcode_parsed":"Unlucky for some. Unlucky for everyone in this chapter actually.

I am not very good at writing action, so sorry if this feels off. We are nearing the end of this story now, and I wanted it to have one last bang (oh, pun intended). Now, I am a Sonamy shipper, but I'm hooked on the idea of a bond between Amy and Shadow that is just out of Sonic's reach. There's a panel in, Sonic Universe #22 I think, where Shadow and Amy battle. He knocks her out as he doesn't hold back on her, but the look of concern he gives her along with her faith in him to do the right thing in the end...I love it. I know THAT Shadow isn't THIS Shadow, but still.

I'm rambling. The only other thing to note, is Amy doesn't feel the same crazy mind link because it is the MALES job to guard her. Real female hedgehogs might have a few mates during rumpy pumpy season.

If, ahead of the ending, you want to know the future for Shadow I can note you. It isn't covered in this story, and I'm not expecting you to read the sequel, but if it matters to you just let me know.","writing":"With his hand around her neck and claws buried in to her hip, Amy didn't have much choice but to accept what was happening. He was rubbing himself between her thighs, stimulating her to the point of screaming in frustration. Each time her breath stopped short in her throat, right on the brink of orgasm, he would stop the delicious friction. When she finally tried to fight against him, Shadow would bite down on her ear and pull it painfully downwards.\n\n\t“Stop that!” she screamed, “it hurts.”\n\n\tReleasing her, he laughed, “So? I can do what I want with you now. You gave me that right.”\n\n\tShe whimpered, “how can you have changed so much?”\n\n\t“Changed?” he barked, “this was always the real me. You think you could change me? You are so full of yourself. Now take it like the bitch you are.”\n\n\tHe bent her over and thrust in to her harshly. Her body protested by tightening up, but it only encouraged him. Shamefully she could feel herself enjoying the moment, enjoying becoming his submissive little pet. She had let him mark her, but had she known what it would lead to she would have taken it back.\n\n\t“You're going to take it all inside you this time,” he growled, words shuddering as he reached his peak.\n\n\t“No!” she managed to gasp, “I'm...I'm still in season!”\n\n\tHis claws grabbed cruelly in to her scuff and she fell limp. He howled as he came deep inside her, and the rush of warmth that was usually such a intimate sensation felt like a total violation. \n\n\t“Then I hope you have nothing planned for the rest of your life, because you are going to be raising my spawn.”\n\n\tWhen he finally let her go, she screamed.\n\n*****\n\n\tAmy snapped her eyes open. She was sweating heavily and her breath came out in rasps. \nQuickly looking sideways she realised she was alone. It was just another nightmare.\n\n\tHer mind was a mess, and it fed her dreams that were illogical and simply the stuff of nightmare. She hadn't slept well all week, with one or two dreams a night plaguing her. She hadn't been this badly disturbed after her own time in the woods, with her own deepest fears played out. Shadow had played his part in several of her nightly terrors. The strange thing was she felt no fear towards him at all. She knew what was twirling in her mind was guilt for binding herself to him in lieu of Sonic. Guilt was a powerful demon.\n\n\tAs she pushed herself upright she yelped in pain, as a knife like stab jabbed through her shoulder. There was a quick flash of light and she found Shadow stood at the foot of her bed. She was becoming accustomed to his sudden appearances, even with all the visions she was having of him. She did not know how much his bond to her affected him, how much natural instinct was within him, but he had not been far from her side since that fateful day.\n\n\t“Were you on the sofa again?” she grumbled.\n\n\t“The roof,” he replied, walking over and seating himself by her, “lucky I was too it would seem.”\n\n\tThey both looked at her shoulder. Blood was making a vivid red circle in the middle of the white bandage. It could only mean she had popped her stitch again.\n\n\t“Nooooo,” she moaned, not looking forward to having a needle prodding her again.\n\n\t“Another nightmare Bud?” he asked, removing the stained fabric and inspecting the partially healed wound.\n\n\tShe simply made a noise. He had witnessed her fitful slumber while watching over her. Worried she was delirious from an impending infection Shadow had promised to make sure he would care her for injuries personally. Of course he had asked for details regarding her nightmares, but she remained vague about them and claimed they faded when she woke. They did not of course, but she would not let them get to her. She trusted Shadow, Sonic was still alive, she cared for them both. Nothing was going to end that.\n\n\tHe began to clean the split skin. She had found it strange to begin with, but licking the wound had proven to be effective. The saliva of the Ultimate Lifeform had healing properties too. He healed in a virtually impossibly short time, but with him so close to her she could see a scar in the ripples of his fur. He had done what he needed to to protect them both; no to protect all three of them. All she had managed to bring him now was pain and burden. She permitted herself a fleeting moment of pleasure as his proximity before snapping back to reality. She leaned his cheek against his and he stopped his movements, tilting ever so slightly in to her. Affection was not something he readily craved or gave; not at least until he had taken ownership of her well-being. He had almost begin to resent how much he wanted to wrap her up and take her away from all of this. From him.\n\n\t“Has he said anything yet?” Shadow asked as he fetched the needle and thread.\n\n\tShe shook her head, “Not to me. Tails is keeping him at his place, but I don't know how much he has opened up to him either. I've tried to visit but...I can't stand to talk to the back of his head any more.”\n\n\t“I could persuade him to open up.”\n\n\t“As if I could trust you alone with him. His ankle is still sprained. He can't run away from you.”\n\n\tShadow went to protest his innocence but Amy smiled at him. With a 'hmph' he settled himself back down and began to redress her shoulder. She winced less with each pierce of the needle, but her heart still stung as fresh as it had done the first time Sonic had turned her away.\n\n\t“He will come around,” she whispered with unconvincing hope, “once he realises you only marked me to save all our lives. He's just being his usual stubborn self.”\n\n\t“Right.”\n\n\t“Do you not think so?”\n\n\tShadow put the last of the tape on the dressing and looked sternly in to her eye, “I'm going home now. Can you be more careful with your stitches?”\n\n\tShe opened her mouth to respond, but with no words forming she simply nodded. She had told him many times over the past week that she was fine alone, but now the reality of his absence came crashing around her, she felt very alone.\n\n\t“Keep pushing Bud,” he said, turning his back to her, “it isn't like you to let him ignore you like that.”\n\n\tShe didn't divert her gaze from the spot he vanished from for several moments. Finally finding her resolve, she wiped the remaining sweat from her brow and settled in to a dreamless sleep. \n\n******\n\n\tHe said he didn't want to see her, so she stayed away. However with Shadows voice still ringing in her ear, Amy sat on one of the loungers near to Sonics hut, out of his sight but not abandoning him completely. She flicked through her book, not reading any of the words but needing to keep her hands busy. She would twist her head quickly now and again to look in the direction of his doorway, but he did not appear. After she had found both he and Tails missing from the little foxes home she had come to the beach to find them. There she had found them, but Tails had silently asked her to wait a while as they settled Sonic in. She again did as she was told.\n\n\tShe scratched at the tape holding her dressing in place. It would probably have healed quicker had she not popped the stitches so often, but she was clumsy. The dressing stopped her from scratching at it in the night, but it also served as a handy cover for any nosey villagers who might start to question how they had both ended up so hurt.\n\n\tFor everything he had gone through, Sonics physical wounds were superficial. He had sprained an ankle, which would need to be rested so he couldn't run very far. For once, he didn't want to. He was exhausted and hungry, but after he had satisfied those needs he had closed himself off from everyone except Tails. She didn't know what he could remember of his possession or his battle with Shadow, but he seemed to focus so well on the minimal, insignificant bite mark on her back. To save him further confusion she had blamed the bite on her shoulder on Sticks, and Sticks, ever the loyal friend had played along. 'Don't sneak up on me before I've had my tea' the badger had laughed.\n\n\tAmy didn't feel like she would be laughing any time soon. She was trying to respect he needed his space, but she needed to know they were okay. She had to know that they could get back to the normality they had finally found. She needed to know what the woods had shown him, what had caused such a darkness to take control. By her own experience he must have touched one of the creatures, and whereas she had Shadows voice call to her to help her fight, Sonic had been alone. She needed to mend the bond that had been broken; broken only to save their lives! He had to know that was why things had gone they way they had. \n\n\tThere was movement, and Tails emerged from the hut. Even from a distance she could see his shoulders slump when he locked eyes with her. All the same he walked over to her and she jumped to her feet, book discarded on the floor.\n\n\t“What has he said?” she demanded.\n\n\tTails looked wary, “He's not really saying much Amy.”\n\n\t“You've been in there for hours! Are you telling me he hasn't said anything?!”\n\n\tHe took a step back, “I mean...nothing significant! He's quiet, and what he does talk about is just day to day.”\n\n\t“Day to day? DAY TO DAY?!” she screamed. She called her Piko hammer to hand, throwing it as far as she could in to the horizon. Rage was building and she was trying to find an outlet quickly. \n\n\tTails spun himself airborne, “Please Amy, calm down, this isn't going to help. He can hear you.”\n\n\tBut the red mist had clouded her better judgement. She was exhausted from not sleeping well, and she felt detached from the world knowing that Shadow had deserted her too. The stress and upset she had tried to bottle up exploded.\n\n\t“Then he can listen to carefully to this! We all get scared once in a while, and maybe he should accept that even HE has to be now and then. YOU DESERVE THIS BLUE! For once why did you not just listen to me?”\n\n******\n\n\tShadow snapped his head around, looking behind him. He felt a bristle of anger run through his quills. He could feel the itch in his feet, like a thousand ants scurrying over his pads. His body ached with the struggle not to run to her.\n\n\t“Hey, White to Black, are you paying attention?”\n\n\tRouge's voice called loudly in his mini ear piece. He was checking in with her when his bond to Amy had interrupted and taken over the cells in his body. He had never known a force like it it all his time.\n\n\t“You said you had some news?” he asked, pretending he hadn't fallen silent on her.\n\n\t“Would this not be a better conversation face to face?”\n\n\t“Is it life or death?”\n\n\tHe heard her sigh with frustration, “I don't feel like any part of this assignment you've sent me on is.”\n\n\tHe didn't pay her snappy attitude much heed, “Then I'm leaving it to you. I'm going back to our world, check in with G.U.N before they suspect something. I'll check back in 48 hours.”\n\n\t“But Shad....”\n\n\tHe cut her off. He had to get out if there before his instinct took over. At that moment, in the heated desire to protect her, he might very well have killed that blue faker. \n\n******\n\n\tAmy had been lying on Sticks bed crying when the first sign of chill blew through. She had told her faithful badger friend everything of course, and Sticks had sat in silence and carefully listened to every word. \n\n\t“I had to see him Sticks. I lost my temper and I refused to listen to Tails,” Amy had explained, “I stood in his doorway and when he looked at me, I saw...I saw...nothing. The spark, it had gone. He was ignoring me before but I knew he would come around if I was just patient. Now...now...”\n\n\tSticks rubbed her back, “He's had the shock of his life. His mind is probably still there, it's just clouded. What must he have gone through to turn him in to that? You said yourself, he has no idea what real fear is, and then it's all he can see. Maybe he's ashamed of what he did?”\n\n\tAmy didn't seem to hear her, “He told me to go,” she coughed, “that I should go to where I belong. What...what does that even mean?!”\n\n\tAs Amy had broken down, Sticks made her rest her head and cry out the last of the shock. She wanted to burn that wood to the ground, not something a creature so in touch with nature felt lightly. Her pink friend was fading to grey before her. She would have to intervene and force Blue to come out of his shell. Time to face reality. He had to know those ghosts had manipulated him to feed on his fear. Whatever he had seen, it wasn't fate, it was just a nightmare. \n\n\tThey had been holed up in her burrow for an entire night. Their ancestors were burrowers and even Amy still found comfort in them when she was at her weakest. Sticks was an expert and through carefully maintained fires and a well sealed doorway they had been cosy. So when the chestnut creature opened her door she squealed at the rush of cold air that hit her fur like a sledgehammer. She slammed the door shut.\n\n\t“Sticks,” Amy sniffed, “what's going on?”\n\n\t“The retailers have turned down the temperate of the sun in an evil scheme to get us to buy more coats!” the badger cried in reply, eyes wide and mind racing.\n\n\tAmy didn't have the energy to argue and she walked over to open the door herself. When the wind cut through her she cried out in shock and she too slammed it back shut.\n\n\t“I don't think I've ever felt a chill like that this close to the coast! We've been up mountains before it's got that cold!”\n\n\t“I told you,” Sticks snapped, “RETAILERS!” \n\n\tAmy began to sort through the monster pile Sticks had hoarded towards the back of the burrow, looking for as many blankets as she could find.\n\n\t“That wind has blown in too suddenly. The villagers aren't prepared for weather like this. We need to go see the Mayor and make sure we get together emergency supplies for those who need it.”\n\n\tSticks forgot her paranoia for a moment and admired Amy Rose. Her emotions could be changed as easily as flicking a switch. She was also more a hero than she would let on and in times of crisis she was prepared. The hedgehog wiped away the streaks of make up that ran down her face, bundled up what she could, and made for the door without so much as a hesitation. \n\n******\n\n\tThe wind picked up in the short time it took them to reach the village. Cloud cover had buried the sun, so it was dark even though it was mid morning by that point. The villagers were appearing from everywhere and the girls met up with Tails and Knuckles. A few wore coats but the vast majority were either wrapped in blankets or nothing but their own arms. Amy handed out what she had to hand.\n\n\t“Where's Sonic?” Amy immediately asked as she reached the guys, kicking herself for asking after him too readily.\n\n\t“I helped him back to my place,” Tails replied, “he can't stand for very long yet. Without any power though he's going to get bored.”\n\n\t“No power?” Amy mumbled.\n\n\t“Didn't you notice?' the Fox asked angrily, still angry at her for her outburst at Sonic, “it's been out for hours. We were just in the middle of a Monochrome the Monkey marathon when....”\n\n\tAmy didn't wait to hear any more before she stormed in to City Hall and made a beeline for the Mayors office. His door was wide open and as she permitted herself entry she was able to confirm what she feared the most. It couldn't explain the weather, but there would only be one reason to lose power now. The Meroki crystal was gone. \n\n\t“Oh Amy Rose!” the Mayor exclaimed, kicking the bag he was clearly packing to the floor, “I'm glad you and Sonic are here! You see...”\n\n\t“Somebody took the crystal. We've lost our power. It's getting colder outside by the minute and people cannot heat their homes,” she snapped.\n\n\t“I was going to say that!” he protested, “Wait where is Sonic?”\n\n\tShe stood before the hole in the wall that housed the Crystal. They had only found the village a new one a couple of years previously and it was set to power the village for years to come. As her friends followed her in they too understood the perilous situation they were in as they clocked the missing artefact.\n\n\t“Did the retailers take the crystal too?” Sticks asked.\n\n\t“Retailers? Oh no,” replied Mayor Fink, “it was Shadow.”\n\n\tAmy titled her head sideways before she burst out laughing.\n\n\t“That's almost as nutty as the retailers theory.”\n\n\tThe Mayor remained sour faced, “He was seen leaving through the front door. I'm sure it was all caught on camera too, but of course with the power out we can't check.”\n\n\tAmy scoffed, “In the middle of the night, when nobody should be out, someone is sure they saw him sneak out the front door with the crystal? What would he even need it for?”\n\n\tThe Mayor puffed up his chest, “A black figure was seen sneaking away. Who else do we know who is black? Last we knew, Miss Rose, Shadow was working with Doctor Eggman and that traitor Staci. He could be doing this for either of them.”\n\n\tOf course Amy wouldn't have any of it, but she couldn't tell the Mayor the truth about Staci and Shadow. Instead she tried a different angle.\n\n\t“Reliable witness?” she asked, addressing the Mayor.\n\n\t“I am not at liberty to divulge that information,” he replied, fidgeting with his collar.\n\n\t“We have bigger concerns,” Sticks called from the window, and they all walked over to stand by her. The sky was now black and snow had started to fall in heavy sheets. \n\n\t“We need to get everyone in the hall!” Knuckles called, running out of the room, “warmth in numbers!”\n\n\tThey all jumped in to action. Tails said he would go fetch Sonic, but Amy's mind was racing and she didn't really hear him. Most of the villagers were running their way anyway, and the more able bodied were searching the homes of the elderly and anyone with young. Visibility was getting worse by the minute and the cold was painful against her exposed limbs. Her senses were on high alert and she could just about make out the shapes of her team mates running through the village. They had come across snow storms in the past, but never this close to home and never on this level. She had clothing at home more suitable to this kind of weather, but at this rate she may never find her way back there.\n\n\t“Chumley!”\n\n\tUsually the voice of Lady Walrus was nothing more than an annoyance, as was her youngest sons ability to get him in to danger. But in this weather, it sent a colder chill up her spine than the snow. He was still only a toddler and very much in danger. Amy called in to the bleak sky for Lady Walrus to go back inside, and that they would find Chumley. She saw the large outline recede, albeit slowly. Her wails of panic seemed only to grow louder as she walked away.\n\n\tShe could hear four other voices calling out for the child. At most there should have been three. Sonic was in no state to be outside. Ignoring her previous feelings in the wake of the urgent situation, she buzzed his communicator.\n\n\t“Sonic, get to City Hall, we'll find him.”\n\n\t“He needs finding. I can hear him close by.” came his blunt reply. \n\n\t“You are hurt, so just give me your location” she snapped in to her device, “we don't want to have to look for both of you.”\n\n\t“No, I'll bet you aren't keen on doing that again.”\n\n\tShe opened her mouth to respond angrily, but a hard gust blew so hard it caught her air supply off for a second. Her heart began to race with adrenaline and shock as she heard a creak cut through the whistling winds. It started as a heavy groan but once the sound of splintering wood joined it she knew what was happening. Her eyes scanned blanketed sky for the sight of the tree falling, and towards the Library she saw the outline of it rushing towards the ground. The sound of it's impact thundered all around her, but even that could not drown out the sound of Sonics cry of pain.\n\n\tShe pushed against the blistering cold towards him. The outline of Knuckles and Sticks became clearer as they approached the chilling groans of agony. Her heart was in her throat, but the odd curse mixed in with his yells were at least a sign he was alive and had his wits about him.\n\n\tHis blue finally showed through the driving snow. She could see his leg was trapped beneath one of the branches of the fallen oak. Chumley was sat to the side of him, looking scared and confused. Amy knelt by them both and scooped up the child, holding his trembling body close. Sonics eyes were clamped shut.\n\n\t“I got this!” Knuckles cried over the howling winds, and he furiously dug away at the ground below Sonics trapped limb. Sticks put her hands under his armpits, ready to pull him free when given the signal.\n\n\t“Where's Tails?” Amy cried.\n\n\t“He's back at City Hall I think,” Sticks yelled back, “it will be chaos back there. Get Chumley to safety!”\n\n\t“But...Sonic....”\n\n\t“Go!” Sonic snapped, turning sharply to her. His face was contorted with the pain and the sharp kick of the wind, “These guys can get me out. Get the kid out of here.”\n\n\t“But you're going to need hospital treatment,” she snapped back, “and we don't know how much back up power the doctor has.”\n\n\t“Amy! NOW!”\n\n\tShe raised to her feet and ran. Chumley held on to her for dear life and this small act was the only thing that could break her away from her fallen partner. The snow was already so deep she waded the rest of the way.\n\n******\n\n\tTails met her at the door, ushering her inside. He threw a blanket around her shoulders and prised the baby walrus out of her arms. \n\n\t“Well done Amy,” he smiled, “Sticks just beeped me, they got Sonic out and they'll be back any minute.”\n\n\tHer smile was weak, but she gave him one all the same. She had faced a lot in a short amount of time. Strong as she was, even she must have had her limits, they all did. He carried Chumley over to his Mother, and once he got the local physician giving the baby the once over he headed back for Amy. He knew the situation was looking dire but with Zooeys caring nature and basic nurse training they would be able to keep everyone safe for now. A storm this strong could not last.\n\n\tBefore he could find her the door burst open and in staggered his other three friends. From their extremities he could tell it had only gotten colder and those who could provide medical care rushed about to get them looked after. Sonic was in agony and given painkillers right away. Knuckles had scooped up Sticks and had wrapped her in to a bear hug and try and warm her up. Even with all the villagers in one room like that they cold seeped in. They were only lit by lanterns and even the mildest expression of fear was heightened in the poor light.\n\n\t“Amy?” Sonic called, the haze of drugs now kicking it, “is Ames back?”\n\n\tTails smiled at his fallen companion, “She and Chumley got back fine. Just rest for a bit, she's probably off investigating the crime scene.”\n\n\tSonic nodded and conked out. But as Tails searched for Amy he began to get a strange feeling in his stomach. As much as Blue could be reckless, so too could the rose. He tried to reach her communicator but she was not responding. Even in the crowded room her fur should stand out, so she had to be further in the building, alone with her thoughts. He passed on his concerns to Knuckles and Sticks, and they explored the hallways and rooms thoroughly. She was no longer there.\n\n\t“She looked as white as the snow when she was with us earlier,” Sticks mused, “that was a pretty nasty noise coming out of Sonic.”\n\n\t“They've barely spoken since he went in to those woods,” Tails added, “he hasn't really been himself. I know he doesn't want to push Amy away, not really. But when she got mad...”\n\n\t“She turned in to Amy,” Sticks interrupted, “and even now when he's told her he doesn't want her she's out there in this frozen hell, no doubt worried about his medical care.”\n\n\t“I'll find her,” Knuckles said, proudly puffing out his chest, but Tails shook his head.\n\n\t“Look at your communicator,” Tails said, a tremble in his voice, “it indicates the weather is dropping by the minute. It's not safe for any of us to go out there. The only one quick enough to chance it, was Sonic.”\n\n\tThey all looked at each other with blank faces. It was quickly dawning on them the gravity of the situation.\n\n\t“She'll have just gone home,” Knuckles said, nodding his head, “Can't leave behind her healing crystals, am I right?”\n\n\t“Not the time Red,” Tails sighed.\n\n\t“Sorry. Not the time to force a laugh eh?”\n\n\tThe fox froze, “Force...force...oh I am such an idiot!”\n\n\tHe quickly brought up the tracker on his communicator. Blue Force One had been installed with a tracking device years ago and even through the storm he should have been able to bring it up.\n\n\tHe did, and much to horror it was moving. Not only that, but Amy's little pink dot was riding on top of it.\n\n\t“She's gone looking for another crystal,” Tails whispered, his stomach dropping through the floor as he racked his brain for something in his inventory that could handle deep snow and strong winds. There was nothing. Amy was in terrible danger and they couldn't do anything to save her.\n\n\tAn all too familiar feeling.\n\n*****\n\n\tHer wonderful, cosy little home was so cold she could have cried. The icy temperatures seem to draw the happiness out of everything it was touching. Regardless of whether or not it would pass quick, they needed power right away. It wasn't just that Sonic was injured and needed medical care right away, there were villagers, young and old, who would already be struggling. They couldn't warm themselves with just the blankets and clothing they had. Small fires could be contained inside but they would not be enough.\n\n\tThere was no way Shadow was the culprit, but there was no time to try and find out who it was. She would have to go back to the Temple and try and find another Meroki Crystal. The Ancients ran their civilisation on them, they had unknown power, they would have had more than one stored away. She would take Blue Force One and find her way up the mountain, dig out a new crystal, and be back before anyone had to succumb to the frozen storm batting down on the village.\n\n\tIt only briefly crossed her mind that the two events were too close to be coincidental. The cold was already affecting her thought processes, so before she could regret her decision she buttoned up her ski gear and headed out.\n\n\tThe world was white. The wind felt like it was stripping her fur off her skin. How could such a vibrant, beach side paradise have been wiped off the face of the planet in such a short space of time. Even in her boots the snow was a struggle, and by the time she neared Sonics hut she was already reaching exhaustion. The ocean crashed violently against the shore, but the blue waters were thick and sludge like. She looked out to the horizon and wondered how Eggman was coping. There was no safe way to get to him now.\n\n\tAs she passed by the doorway to Sonics hut she paused. It was deserted of course, virtually empty even when he was there, but it conjured up a thousand memories. Their first meeting as children, their first awkward kiss, many many fights, and most recently where he had pushed her away.\n\n\tShe shook her head. Tears would be a dangerous thing to shed in this weather, so she set about digging out Blue Force One. By some miracle Sonic had kept it covered and once the blanket was off she settled in to the drivers seat. After some calculated button pushing, the machine around her warped itself correctly, and she set off for the mountain.\n\n\tThe weather was treacherous when they searched for the crystal before. Back then they could have powered through on foot, but as she found once behind the wheel that weather had been nothing. The snow covered mountain was horrendous in it's regular state, but as she was finding, in a storm it was deadly.\n\n\tOutlines became vague shapes, shapes became nothing and soon the world around her was pure white. Her eyes stung in the biting wind and even the thick scarf covering her nose and mouth were covered in icicles. Had seen been able to see anything, or even been able to feel the change in surface below the wheels, she may have been able to avoid her terrible fate. As it was, there was no time to react after a sharp crack pierced the air. Like broken glass, the frozen lake below her cracked in to a thousand pieces, and she was dragged in to the black, icy depths.\n\n*****\n\n\tEven the Ultimate Lifeform had his weaknesses, and his was lying half frozen in his arms. Until he had marked her he had no idea how strong that bind would tie him to her. No matter how far he got from her he felt the uncontrollable pull to come back to her. He needed to protect her, to hold her. He had wanted to for months, but now it felt like he would break in two if he didn't. \n\n\tThe storm had caught him off guard. He was inexperienced with snow, but with his instincts he had begun to close in on her. It was easy enough to teleport to the places he already knew but he had not found her in the village. Her footprints had been buried under the snow. The blessing of his mark was the unnatural ability it had given him to sense her very heartbeat. Like a beast stalking it's prey, she couldn't get away.\n\n\tHe heard the ice crack before he had seen anything. He had been flying high, fighting against the painfully cold gusts, but at that sound he dived and followed his heart. The water was so cold even he had felt his vision go black for a moment, but he reached in to the depths and found her hand all the same. She cannot have been in the water for more than half a minute, but she was not awake. Her breath came out in ragged gasps as her body fought against the icy chill.\n\n\tShe was too weak for him to teleport them to the village. It was a shock to the able bodied, in her state the action might very well kill her. The area around them was a white out, but he saw a speck of black against the backdrop. A cave, his cave, not ideal but at least a place he could shelter them and bring her back from the brink. He could feel himself starting to weaken but his resolve to keep her safe was keeping him going. For now at least.\n\n\tHe glided over the snow, the white powder melting under his rocket shoes. The temperature was so low it froze again almost instantly. As he made it to the mouth of the cave he was relieved to see the soft, pink glow of the Ancients marking was still present and he carried her deep inside. There would be no wood for kindling and none could be dried effectively. They were out of the wind, and as the cave went deep down they were warmer than the surface. As best as he could he blocked up the entrance to the cave to put a barrier against the icy blow. The storm would pass soon enough. He had already tried reaching Rouge, but there was only a static crackle to be heard. All the same he set the headpiece buried in his ear in to Emergency mode. It would continue to give off a distress call. \n\n\tHe took off her dress carefully, making sure it hadn't frozen to her fur. It caught on the bandage on her shoulder, and he carefully peeled the whole thing off. The bite wound was deep but it was healing well. He removed her boots and stockings, replacing them with his own shoes and socks to at least try and cover her a little. Lastly he replaced her sodden gloves with his own, keeping only his inhibitor rings. He didn't feel comfortable doing this without her consent, but she was in more danger lying in wet clothes. He lay back and rested her still trembling form on top of him, wrapping his arms around her tight. In the flashes of his memory he could see Maria. He could see his powerless self watch helplessly as she lost her life. He would not lose anyone while he could fight.\n\n\tHis ear twitched at the sound of her whimpering in her sleep. There was one place he could not protect her, perhaps the one place he still haunted her. He could understand why that blue fool wanted to experience what she had been through, but while Shadow had confidence she could fight her demons he hadn't been so sure about Sonic. His fears had been justified. Just as Shadow had always known fear, Sonic had never faced loss. Somewhere in between the two of them stood Amy Rose, capable of facing her inner demons but also of living a content life.\n\n\tHe wanted her, but he did not wish his life on her. Much as it killed him inside to admit, she belonged with Sonic, and the fool had made it clear he couldn't live without her. If blue was aware of how close he had come to losing her, to still losing her, he would snap out of his selfish attitude. Shadow knew Sonic still perceived him as a threat, and it must have seemed justified when he had lost his mark on Amy. Of course Shadow had not tried to bite her that hard, but perhaps his animal instinct had won. Part of her would always be his after all.\n\n\tShe stirred, her hand tugging lightly at his chest fur. She tried to lift her head but he held her down gently.\n\n\t“Don't waste your energy Bud, lay still.”\n\n\t“Sha...dow,” she whispered, her voice juddering as her jaw shook, “what...hap....”\n\n\t“You were stupid is what happened,” he snapped, before taking a calming breath, “what were you doing out in this weather? Everyone else has stayed sheltered.”\n\n\t“Crystal...stolen...Sonic...hurt...he needs...hospital. N-n-n-no power!”\n\n\tA voice in the back of his head was trying to speak, but he pushed it to one side as Amy curled in to a foetal position. She was still so cold to the touch but too weak to move. He rubbed her back, and pulled her up closer so her nose rested against his neck. He needed to feel her breathing, and he leaned his cheek against her forehead. Her scent, even now, intoxicated him.\n\n\t“They will all be fine. The storm will pass. Once it's safe to take you out there I will get you home.”\n\n\tShe nuzzled against him, “Our home.”\n\n\tHe didn't understand her meaning, and he didn't want to encourage the conversation in a way that would take advantage of her weakened state. She belonged in the village and he did not, that was the way of it. \n\n\t“Shadow?” her tiny voice asked.\n\n\t“I told you not to waste your...”\n\n\t“Wh-why didn't...you w-w-want to k-k-keep me?”\n\n\tHis hand stopped still on her back. She didn't move or even open her eyes, nothing to indicate she was even aware she was speaking. To answer seemed such a painful process when they were both already suffering so much. To answer and not be able to run away almost made him angry with apprehension. But they were bound, not just by the temporary mark, and perhaps he would ease his soul to do what he feared.\n\n\t“Because it would be keeping you. You did not want to stay, and I accepted that. You...belong with him.”\n\n\tShe gave a small cry, “H-he p-p-pushed me....away!”\n\n\t“He's a fool who got scared. When he finds out you ended up at the bottom of a lake trying to help him...he will forget his childish pout. And you will be happy.”\n\n\tShe let out a long moan, as if a ghost was escaping from her, “I want you happy too.”\n\n\tThe tension in her body was gone and she was asleep again. He took comfort in the feel of her breath and her heartbeat, now stronger than they were. As strong as he was he too was fighting the effects of being in the icy lake, and soon enough he too had fallen asleep. For a frozen moment, they looked like two lovers passing the night in each others embrace.\n\n\tSomething they would never be. Loving her was far too foolish. ","writing_bbcode_parsed":"With his hand around her neck and claws buried in to her hip, Amy didn't have much choice but to accept what was happening. He was rubbing himself between her thighs, stimulating her to the point of screaming in frustration. Each time her breath stopped short in her throat, right on the brink of orgasm, he would stop the delicious friction. When she finally tried to fight against him, Shadow would bite down on her ear and pull it painfully downwards.

\t“Stop that!” she screamed, “it hurts.”

\tReleasing her, he laughed, “So? I can do what I want with you now. You gave me that right.”

\tShe whimpered, “how can you have changed so much?”

\t“Changed?” he barked, “this was always the real me. You think you could change me? You are so full of yourself. Now take it like the bitch you are.”

\tHe bent her over and thrust in to her harshly. Her body protested by tightening up, but it only encouraged him. Shamefully she could feel herself enjoying the moment, enjoying becoming his submissive little pet. She had let him mark her, but had she known what it would lead to she would have taken it back.

\t“You're going to take it all inside you this time,” he growled, words shuddering as he reached his peak.

\t“No!” she managed to gasp, “I'm...I'm still in season!”

\tHis claws grabbed cruelly in to her scuff and she fell limp. He howled as he came deep inside her, and the rush of warmth that was usually such a intimate sensation felt like a total violation.

\t“Then I hope you have nothing planned for the rest of your life, because you are going to be raising my spawn.”

\tWhen he finally let her go, she screamed.

*****

\tAmy snapped her eyes open. She was sweating heavily and her breath came out in rasps.
Quickly looking sideways she realised she was alone. It was just another nightmare.

\tHer mind was a mess, and it fed her dreams that were illogical and simply the stuff of nightmare. She hadn't slept well all week, with one or two dreams a night plaguing her. She hadn't been this badly disturbed after her own time in the woods, with her own deepest fears played out. Shadow had played his part in several of her nightly terrors. The strange thing was she felt no fear towards him at all. She knew what was twirling in her mind was guilt for binding herself to him in lieu of Sonic. Guilt was a powerful demon.

\tAs she pushed herself upright she yelped in pain, as a knife like stab jabbed through her shoulder. There was a quick flash of light and she found Shadow stood at the foot of her bed. She was becoming accustomed to his sudden appearances, even with all the visions she was having of him. She did not know how much his bond to her affected him, how much natural instinct was within him, but he had not been far from her side since that fateful day.

\t“Were you on the sofa again?” she grumbled.

\t“The roof,” he replied, walking over and seating himself by her, “lucky I was too it would seem.”

\tThey both looked at her shoulder. Blood was making a vivid red circle in the middle of the white bandage. It could only mean she had popped her stitch again.

\t“Nooooo,” she moaned, not looking forward to having a needle prodding her again.

\t“Another nightmare Bud?” he asked, removing the stained fabric and inspecting the partially healed wound.

\tShe simply made a noise. He had witnessed her fitful slumber while watching over her. Worried she was delirious from an impending infection Shadow had promised to make sure he would care her for injuries personally. Of course he had asked for details regarding her nightmares, but she remained vague about them and claimed they faded when she woke. They did not of course, but she would not let them get to her. She trusted Shadow, Sonic was still alive, she cared for them both. Nothing was going to end that.

\tHe began to clean the split skin. She had found it strange to begin with, but licking the wound had proven to be effective. The saliva of the Ultimate Lifeform had healing properties too. He healed in a virtually impossibly short time, but with him so close to her she could see a scar in the ripples of his fur. He had done what he needed to to protect them both; no to protect all three of them. All she had managed to bring him now was pain and burden. She permitted herself a fleeting moment of pleasure as his proximity before snapping back to reality. She leaned his cheek against his and he stopped his movements, tilting ever so slightly in to her. Affection was not something he readily craved or gave; not at least until he had taken ownership of her well-being. He had almost begin to resent how much he wanted to wrap her up and take her away from all of this. From him.

\t“Has he said anything yet?” Shadow asked as he fetched the needle and thread.

\tShe shook her head, “Not to me. Tails is keeping him at his place, but I don't know how much he has opened up to him either. I've tried to visit but...I can't stand to talk to the back of his head any more.”

\t“I could persuade him to open up.”

\t“As if I could trust you alone with him. His ankle is still sprained. He can't run away from you.”

\tShadow went to protest his innocence but Amy smiled at him. With a 'hmph' he settled himself back down and began to redress her shoulder. She winced less with each pierce of the needle, but her heart still stung as fresh as it had done the first time Sonic had turned her away.

\t“He will come around,” she whispered with unconvincing hope, “once he realises you only marked me to save all our lives. He's just being his usual stubborn self.”

\t“Right.”

\t“Do you not think so?”

\tShadow put the last of the tape on the dressing and looked sternly in to her eye, “I'm going home now. Can you be more careful with your stitches?”

\tShe opened her mouth to respond, but with no words forming she simply nodded. She had told him many times over the past week that she was fine alone, but now the reality of his absence came crashing around her, she felt very alone.

\t“Keep pushing Bud,” he said, turning his back to her, “it isn't like you to let him ignore you like that.”

\tShe didn't divert her gaze from the spot he vanished from for several moments. Finally finding her resolve, she wiped the remaining sweat from her brow and settled in to a dreamless sleep.

******

\tHe said he didn't want to see her, so she stayed away. However with Shadows voice still ringing in her ear, Amy sat on one of the loungers near to Sonics hut, out of his sight but not abandoning him completely. She flicked through her book, not reading any of the words but needing to keep her hands busy. She would twist her head quickly now and again to look in the direction of his doorway, but he did not appear. After she had found both he and Tails missing from the little foxes home she had come to the beach to find them. There she had found them, but Tails had silently asked her to wait a while as they settled Sonic in. She again did as she was told.

\tShe scratched at the tape holding her dressing in place. It would probably have healed quicker had she not popped the stitches so often, but she was clumsy. The dressing stopped her from scratching at it in the night, but it also served as a handy cover for any nosey villagers who might start to question how they had both ended up so hurt.

\tFor everything he had gone through, Sonics physical wounds were superficial. He had sprained an ankle, which would need to be rested so he couldn't run very far. For once, he didn't want to. He was exhausted and hungry, but after he had satisfied those needs he had closed himself off from everyone except Tails. She didn't know what he could remember of his possession or his battle with Shadow, but he seemed to focus so well on the minimal, insignificant bite mark on her back. To save him further confusion she had blamed the bite on her shoulder on Sticks, and Sticks, ever the loyal friend had played along. 'Don't sneak up on me before I've had my tea' the badger had laughed.

\tAmy didn't feel like she would be laughing any time soon. She was trying to respect he needed his space, but she needed to know they were okay. She had to know that they could get back to the normality they had finally found. She needed to know what the woods had shown him, what had caused such a darkness to take control. By her own experience he must have touched one of the creatures, and whereas she had Shadows voice call to her to help her fight, Sonic had been alone. She needed to mend the bond that had been broken; broken only to save their lives! He had to know that was why things had gone they way they had.

\tThere was movement, and Tails emerged from the hut. Even from a distance she could see his shoulders slump when he locked eyes with her. All the same he walked over to her and she jumped to her feet, book discarded on the floor.

\t“What has he said?” she demanded.

\tTails looked wary, “He's not really saying much Amy.”

\t“You've been in there for hours! Are you telling me he hasn't said anything?!”

\tHe took a step back, “I mean...nothing significant! He's quiet, and what he does talk about is just day to day.”

\t“Day to day? DAY TO DAY?!” she screamed. She called her Piko hammer to hand, throwing it as far as she could in to the horizon. Rage was building and she was trying to find an outlet quickly.

\tTails spun himself airborne, “Please Amy, calm down, this isn't going to help. He can hear you.”

\tBut the red mist had clouded her better judgement. She was exhausted from not sleeping well, and she felt detached from the world knowing that Shadow had deserted her too. The stress and upset she had tried to bottle up exploded.

\t“Then he can listen to carefully to this! We all get scared once in a while, and maybe he should accept that even HE has to be now and then. YOU DESERVE THIS BLUE! For once why did you not just listen to me?”

******

\tShadow snapped his head around, looking behind him. He felt a bristle of anger run through his quills. He could feel the itch in his feet, like a thousand ants scurrying over his pads. His body ached with the struggle not to run to her.

\t“Hey, White to Black, are you paying attention?”

\tRouge's voice called loudly in his mini ear piece. He was checking in with her when his bond to Amy had interrupted and taken over the cells in his body. He had never known a force like it it all his time.

\t“You said you had some news?” he asked, pretending he hadn't fallen silent on her.

\t“Would this not be a better conversation face to face?”

\t“Is it life or death?”

\tHe heard her sigh with frustration, “I don't feel like any part of this assignment you've sent me on is.”

\tHe didn't pay her snappy attitude much heed, “Then I'm leaving it to you. I'm going back to our world, check in with G.U.N before they suspect something. I'll check back in 48 hours.”

\t“But Shad....”

\tHe cut her off. He had to get out if there before his instinct took over. At that moment, in the heated desire to protect her, he might very well have killed that blue faker.

******

\tAmy had been lying on Sticks bed crying when the first sign of chill blew through. She had told her faithful badger friend everything of course, and Sticks had sat in silence and carefully listened to every word.

\t“I had to see him Sticks. I lost my temper and I refused to listen to Tails,” Amy had explained, “I stood in his doorway and when he looked at me, I saw...I saw...nothing. The spark, it had gone. He was ignoring me before but I knew he would come around if I was just patient. Now...now...”

\tSticks rubbed her back, “He's had the shock of his life. His mind is probably still there, it's just clouded. What must he have gone through to turn him in to that? You said yourself, he has no idea what real fear is, and then it's all he can see. Maybe he's ashamed of what he did?”

\tAmy didn't seem to hear her, “He told me to go,” she coughed, “that I should go to where I belong. What...what does that even mean?!”

\tAs Amy had broken down, Sticks made her rest her head and cry out the last of the shock. She wanted to burn that wood to the ground, not something a creature so in touch with nature felt lightly. Her pink friend was fading to grey before her. She would have to intervene and force Blue to come out of his shell. Time to face reality. He had to know those ghosts had manipulated him to feed on his fear. Whatever he had seen, it wasn't fate, it was just a nightmare.

\tThey had been holed up in her burrow for an entire night. Their ancestors were burrowers and even Amy still found comfort in them when she was at her weakest. Sticks was an expert and through carefully maintained fires and a well sealed doorway they had been cosy. So when the chestnut creature opened her door she squealed at the rush of cold air that hit her fur like a sledgehammer. She slammed the door shut.

\t“Sticks,” Amy sniffed, “what's going on?”

\t“The retailers have turned down the temperate of the sun in an evil scheme to get us to buy more coats!” the badger cried in reply, eyes wide and mind racing.

\tAmy didn't have the energy to argue and she walked over to open the door herself. When the wind cut through her she cried out in shock and she too slammed it back shut.

\t“I don't think I've ever felt a chill like that this close to the coast! We've been up mountains before it's got that cold!”

\t“I told you,” Sticks snapped, “RETAILERS!”

\tAmy began to sort through the monster pile Sticks had hoarded towards the back of the burrow, looking for as many blankets as she could find.

\t“That wind has blown in too suddenly. The villagers aren't prepared for weather like this. We need to go see the Mayor and make sure we get together emergency supplies for those who need it.”

\tSticks forgot her paranoia for a moment and admired Amy Rose. Her emotions could be changed as easily as flicking a switch. She was also more a hero than she would let on and in times of crisis she was prepared. The hedgehog wiped away the streaks of make up that ran down her face, bundled up what she could, and made for the door without so much as a hesitation.

******

\tThe wind picked up in the short time it took them to reach the village. Cloud cover had buried the sun, so it was dark even though it was mid morning by that point. The villagers were appearing from everywhere and the girls met up with Tails and Knuckles. A few wore coats but the vast majority were either wrapped in blankets or nothing but their own arms. Amy handed out what she had to hand.

\t“Where's Sonic?” Amy immediately asked as she reached the guys, kicking herself for asking after him too readily.

\t“I helped him back to my place,” Tails replied, “he can't stand for very long yet. Without any power though he's going to get bored.”

\t“No power?” Amy mumbled.

\t“Didn't you notice?' the Fox asked angrily, still angry at her for her outburst at Sonic, “it's been out for hours. We were just in the middle of a Monochrome the Monkey marathon when....”

\tAmy didn't wait to hear any more before she stormed in to City Hall and made a beeline for the Mayors office. His door was wide open and as she permitted herself entry she was able to confirm what she feared the most. It couldn't explain the weather, but there would only be one reason to lose power now. The Meroki crystal was gone.

\t“Oh Amy Rose!” the Mayor exclaimed, kicking the bag he was clearly packing to the floor, “I'm glad you and Sonic are here! You see...”

\t“Somebody took the crystal. We've lost our power. It's getting colder outside by the minute and people cannot heat their homes,” she snapped.

\t“I was going to say that!” he protested,  “Wait where is Sonic?”

\tShe stood before the hole in the wall that housed the Crystal. They had only found the village a new one a couple of years previously and it was set to power the village for years to come. As her friends followed her in they too understood the perilous situation they were in as they clocked the missing artefact.

\t“Did the retailers take the crystal too?” Sticks asked.

\t“Retailers? Oh no,” replied Mayor Fink, “it was Shadow.”

\tAmy titled her head sideways before she burst out laughing.

\t“That's almost as nutty as the retailers theory.”

\tThe Mayor remained sour faced, “He was seen leaving through the front door. I'm sure it was all caught on camera too, but of course with the power out we can't check.”

\tAmy scoffed, “In the middle of the night, when nobody should be out, someone is sure they saw him sneak out the front door with the crystal? What would he even need it for?”

\tThe Mayor puffed up his chest, “A black figure was seen sneaking away. Who else do we know who is black? Last we knew, Miss Rose, Shadow was working with Doctor Eggman and that traitor Staci. He could be doing this for either of them.”

\tOf course Amy wouldn't have any of it, but she couldn't tell the Mayor the truth about Staci and Shadow. Instead she tried a different angle.

\t“Reliable witness?” she asked, addressing the Mayor.

\t“I am not at liberty to divulge that information,” he replied, fidgeting with his collar.

\t“We have bigger concerns,” Sticks called from the window, and they all walked over to stand by her. The sky was now black and snow had started to fall in heavy sheets.

\t“We need to get everyone in the hall!” Knuckles called, running out of the room, “warmth in numbers!”

\tThey all jumped in to action. Tails said he would go fetch Sonic, but Amy's mind was racing and she didn't really hear him. Most of the villagers were running their way anyway, and the more able bodied were searching the homes of the elderly and anyone with young. Visibility was getting worse by the minute and the cold was painful against her exposed limbs. Her senses were on high alert and she could just about make out the shapes of her team mates running through the village. They had come across snow storms in the past, but never this close to home and never on this level. She had clothing at home more suitable to this kind of weather, but at this rate she may never find her way back there.

\t“Chumley!”

\tUsually the voice of Lady Walrus was nothing more than an annoyance, as was her youngest sons ability to get him in to danger. But in this weather, it sent a colder chill up her spine than the snow. He was still only a toddler and very much in danger. Amy called in to the bleak sky for Lady Walrus to go back inside, and that they would find Chumley. She saw the large outline recede, albeit slowly. Her wails of panic seemed only to grow louder as she walked away.

\tShe could hear four other voices calling out for the child. At most there should have been three. Sonic was in no state to be outside. Ignoring her previous feelings in the wake of the urgent situation, she buzzed his communicator.

\t“Sonic, get to City Hall, we'll find him.”

\t“He needs finding. I can hear him close by.” came his blunt reply.

\t“You are hurt, so just give me your location” she snapped in to her device, “we don't want to have to look for both of you.”

\t“No, I'll bet you aren't keen on doing that again.”

\tShe opened her mouth to respond angrily, but a hard gust blew so hard it caught her air supply off for a second. Her heart began to race with adrenaline and shock as she heard a creak cut through the whistling winds. It started as a heavy groan but once the sound of splintering wood joined it she knew what was happening. Her eyes scanned blanketed sky for the sight of the tree falling, and towards the Library she saw the outline of it rushing towards the ground. The sound of it's impact thundered all around her, but even that could not drown out the sound of Sonics cry of pain.

\tShe pushed against the blistering cold towards him. The outline of Knuckles and Sticks became clearer as they approached the chilling groans of agony. Her heart was in her throat, but the odd curse mixed in with his yells were at least a sign he was alive and had his wits about him.

\tHis blue finally showed through the driving snow. She could see his leg was trapped beneath one of the branches of the fallen oak. Chumley was sat to the side of him, looking scared and confused. Amy knelt by them both and scooped up the child, holding his trembling body close. Sonics eyes were clamped shut.

\t“I got this!” Knuckles cried over the howling winds, and he furiously dug away at the ground below Sonics trapped limb. Sticks put her hands under his armpits, ready to pull him free when given the signal.

\t“Where's Tails?” Amy cried.

\t“He's back at City Hall I think,” Sticks yelled back, “it will be chaos back there. Get Chumley to safety!”

\t“But...Sonic....”

\t“Go!” Sonic snapped, turning sharply to her. His face was contorted with the pain and the sharp kick of the wind, “These guys can get me out. Get the kid out of here.”

\t“But you're going to need hospital treatment,” she snapped back, “and we don't know how much back up power the doctor has.”

\t“Amy! NOW!”

\tShe raised to her feet and ran. Chumley held on to her for dear life and this small act was the only thing that could break her away from her fallen partner. The snow was already so deep she waded the rest of the way.

******

\tTails met her at the door, ushering her inside. He threw a blanket around her shoulders and prised the baby walrus out of her arms.

\t“Well done Amy,” he smiled, “Sticks just beeped me, they got Sonic out and they'll be back any minute.”

\tHer smile was weak, but she gave him one all the same. She had faced a lot in a short amount of time. Strong as she was, even she must have had her limits, they all did. He carried Chumley over to his Mother, and once he got the local physician giving the baby the once over he headed back for Amy. He knew the situation was looking dire but with Zooeys caring nature and basic nurse training they would be able to keep everyone safe for now. A storm this strong could not last.

\tBefore he could find her the door burst open and in staggered his other three friends. From their extremities he could tell it had only gotten colder and those who could provide medical care rushed about to get them looked after. Sonic was in agony and given painkillers right away. Knuckles had scooped up Sticks and had wrapped her in to a bear hug and try and warm her up. Even with all the villagers in one room like that they cold seeped in. They were only lit by lanterns and even the mildest expression of fear was heightened in the poor light.

\t“Amy?” Sonic called, the haze of drugs now kicking it, “is Ames back?”

\tTails smiled at his fallen companion, “She and Chumley got back fine. Just rest for a bit, she's probably off investigating the crime scene.”

\tSonic nodded and conked out. But as Tails searched for Amy he began to get a strange feeling in his stomach. As much as Blue could be reckless, so too could the rose. He tried to reach her communicator but she was not responding. Even in the crowded room her fur should stand out, so she had to be further in the building, alone with her thoughts. He passed on his concerns to Knuckles and Sticks, and they explored the hallways and rooms thoroughly. She was no longer there.

\t“She looked as white as the snow when she was with us earlier,” Sticks mused, “that was a pretty nasty noise coming out of Sonic.”

\t“They've barely spoken since he went in to those woods,” Tails added, “he hasn't really been himself. I know he doesn't want to push Amy away, not really. But when she got mad...”

\t“She turned in to Amy,” Sticks interrupted, “and even now when he's told her he doesn't want her she's out there in this frozen hell, no doubt worried about his medical care.”

\t“I'll find her,” Knuckles said, proudly puffing out his chest, but Tails shook his head.

\t“Look at your communicator,” Tails said, a tremble in his voice, “it indicates the weather is dropping by the minute. It's not safe for any of us to go out there. The only one quick enough to chance it, was Sonic.”

\tThey all looked at each other with blank faces. It was quickly dawning on them the gravity of the situation.

\t“She'll have just gone home,” Knuckles said, nodding his head, “Can't leave behind her healing crystals, am I right?”

\t“Not the time Red,” Tails sighed.

\t“Sorry. Not the time to force a laugh eh?”

\tThe fox froze, “Force...force...oh I am such an idiot!”

\tHe quickly brought up the tracker on his communicator. Blue Force One had been installed with a tracking device years ago and even through the storm he should have been able to bring it up.

\tHe did, and much to horror it was moving. Not only that, but Amy's little pink dot was riding on top of it.

\t“She's gone looking for another crystal,” Tails whispered, his stomach dropping through the floor as he racked his brain for something in his inventory that could handle deep snow and strong winds. There was nothing. Amy was in terrible danger and they couldn't do anything to save her.

\tAn all too familiar feeling.

*****

\tHer wonderful, cosy little home was so cold she could have cried. The icy temperatures seem to draw the happiness out of everything it was touching. Regardless of whether or not it would pass quick, they needed power right away. It wasn't just that Sonic was injured and needed medical care right away, there were villagers, young and old, who would already be struggling. They couldn't warm themselves with just the blankets and clothing they had. Small fires could be contained inside but they would not be enough.

\tThere was no way Shadow was the culprit, but there was no time to try and find out who it was. She would have to go back to the Temple and try and find another Meroki Crystal. The Ancients ran their civilisation on them, they had unknown power, they would have had more than one stored away. She would take Blue Force One and find her way up the mountain, dig out a new crystal, and be back before anyone had to succumb to the frozen storm batting down on the village.

\tIt only briefly crossed her mind that the two events were too close to be coincidental. The cold was already affecting her thought processes, so before she could regret her decision she buttoned up her ski gear and headed out.

\tThe world was white. The wind felt like it was stripping her fur off her skin. How could such a vibrant, beach side paradise have been wiped off the face of the planet in such a short space of time. Even in her boots the snow was a struggle, and by the time she neared Sonics hut she was already reaching exhaustion. The ocean crashed violently against the shore, but the blue waters were thick and sludge like. She looked out to the horizon and wondered how Eggman was coping. There was no safe way to get to him now.

\tAs she passed by the doorway to Sonics hut she paused. It was deserted of course, virtually empty even when he was there, but it conjured up a thousand memories. Their first meeting as children, their first awkward kiss, many many fights, and most recently where he had pushed her away.

\tShe shook her head. Tears would be a dangerous thing to shed in this weather, so she set about digging out Blue Force One. By some miracle Sonic had kept it covered and once the blanket was off she settled in to the drivers seat. After some calculated button pushing, the machine around her warped itself correctly, and she set off for the mountain.

\tThe weather was treacherous when they searched for the crystal before. Back then they could have powered through on foot, but as she found once behind the wheel that weather had been nothing. The snow covered mountain was horrendous in it's regular state, but as she was finding, in a storm it was deadly.

\tOutlines became vague shapes, shapes became nothing and soon the world around her was pure white. Her eyes stung in the biting wind and even the thick scarf covering her nose and mouth were covered in icicles. Had seen been able to see anything, or even been able to feel the change in surface below the wheels, she may have been able to avoid her terrible fate. As it was, there was no time to react after a sharp crack pierced the air. Like broken glass, the frozen lake below her cracked in to a thousand pieces, and she was dragged in to the black, icy depths.

*****

\tEven the Ultimate Lifeform had his weaknesses, and his was lying half frozen in his arms. Until he had marked her he had no idea how strong that bind would tie him to her. No matter how far he got from her he felt the uncontrollable pull to come back to her. He needed to protect her, to hold her. He had wanted to for months, but now it felt like he would break in two if he didn't.

\tThe storm had caught him off guard. He was inexperienced with snow, but with his instincts he had begun to close in on her. It was easy enough to teleport to the places he already knew but he had not found her in the village. Her footprints had been buried under the snow. The blessing of his mark was the unnatural ability it had given him to sense her very heartbeat. Like a beast stalking it's prey, she couldn't get away.

\tHe heard the ice crack before he had seen anything. He had been flying high, fighting against the painfully cold gusts, but at that sound he dived and followed his heart. The water was so cold even he had felt his vision go black for a moment, but he reached in to the depths and found her hand all the same. She cannot have been in the water for more than half a minute, but she was not awake. Her breath came out in ragged gasps as her body fought against the icy chill.

\tShe was too weak for him to teleport them to the village. It was a shock to the able bodied, in her state the action might very well kill her. The area around them was a white out, but he saw a speck of black against the backdrop. A cave, his cave, not ideal but at least a place he could shelter them and bring her back from the brink. He could feel himself starting to weaken but his resolve to keep her safe was keeping him going. For now at least.

\tHe glided over the snow, the white powder melting under his rocket shoes. The temperature was so low it froze again almost instantly. As he made it to the mouth of the cave he was relieved to see the soft, pink glow of the Ancients marking was still present and he carried her deep inside. There would be no wood for kindling and none could be dried effectively. They were out of the wind, and as the cave went deep down they were warmer than the surface. As best as he could he blocked up the entrance to the cave to put a barrier against the icy blow. The storm would pass soon enough. He had already tried reaching Rouge, but there was only a static crackle to be heard. All the same he set the headpiece buried in his ear in to Emergency mode. It would continue to give off a distress call.

\tHe took off her dress carefully, making sure it hadn't frozen to her fur. It caught on the bandage on her shoulder, and he carefully peeled the whole thing off. The bite wound was deep but it was healing well. He removed her boots and stockings, replacing them with his own shoes and socks to at least try and cover her a little. Lastly he replaced her sodden gloves with his own, keeping only his inhibitor rings. He didn't feel comfortable doing this without her consent, but she was in more danger lying in wet clothes. He lay back and rested her still trembling form on top of him, wrapping his arms around her tight. In the flashes of his memory he could see Maria. He could see his powerless self watch helplessly as she lost her life. He would not lose anyone while he could fight.

\tHis ear twitched at the sound of her whimpering in her sleep. There was one place he could not protect her, perhaps the one place he still haunted her. He could understand why that blue fool wanted to experience what she had been through, but while Shadow had confidence she could fight her demons he hadn't been so sure about Sonic. His fears had been justified. Just as Shadow had always known fear, Sonic had never faced loss. Somewhere in between the two of them stood Amy Rose, capable of facing her inner demons but also of living a content life.

\tHe wanted her, but he did not wish his life on her. Much as it killed him inside to admit, she belonged with Sonic, and the fool had made it clear he couldn't live without her. If blue was aware of how close he had come to losing her, to still losing her, he would snap out of his selfish attitude. Shadow knew Sonic still perceived him as a threat, and it must have seemed justified when he had lost his mark on Amy. Of course Shadow had not tried to bite her that hard, but perhaps his animal instinct had won. Part of her would always be his after all.

\tShe stirred, her hand tugging lightly at his chest fur. She tried to lift her head but he held her down gently.

\t“Don't waste your energy Bud, lay still.”

\t“Sha...dow,” she whispered, her voice juddering as her jaw shook, “what...hap....”

\t“You were stupid is what happened,” he snapped, before taking a calming breath, “what were you doing out in this weather? Everyone else has stayed sheltered.”

\t“Crystal...stolen...Sonic...hurt...he needs...hospital. N-n-n-no power!”

\tA voice in the back of his head was trying to speak, but he pushed it to one side as Amy curled in to a foetal position. She was still so cold to the touch but too weak to move. He rubbed her  back, and pulled her up closer so her nose rested against his neck. He needed to feel her breathing, and he leaned his cheek against her forehead. Her scent, even now, intoxicated him.

\t“They will all be fine. The storm will pass. Once it's safe to take you out there I will get you home.”

\tShe nuzzled against him, “Our home.”

\tHe didn't understand her meaning, and he didn't want to encourage the conversation in a way that would take advantage of her weakened state. She belonged in the village and he did not, that was the way of it.

\t“Shadow?” her tiny voice asked.

\t“I told you not to waste your...”

\t“Wh-why didn't...you w-w-want to k-k-keep me?”

\tHis hand stopped still on her back. She didn't move or even open her eyes, nothing to indicate she was even aware she was speaking. To answer seemed such a painful process when they were both already suffering so much. To answer and not be able to run away almost made him angry with apprehension. But they were bound, not just by the temporary mark, and perhaps he would ease his soul to do what he feared.

\t“Because it would be keeping you. You did not want to stay, and I accepted that. You...belong with him.”

\tShe gave a small cry, “H-he p-p-pushed me....away!”

\t“He's a fool who got scared. When he finds out you ended up at the bottom of a lake trying to help him...he will forget his childish pout. And you will be happy.”

\tShe let out a long moan, as if a ghost was escaping from her, “I want you happy too.”

\tThe tension in her body was gone and she was asleep again. He took comfort in the feel of her breath and her heartbeat, now stronger than they were. As strong as he was he too was fighting the effects of being in the icy lake, and soon enough he too had fallen asleep. For a frozen moment, they looked like two lovers passing the night in each others embrace.

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