{"submission_id":"1576313","keywords":[{"keyword_id":"1911","keyword_name":"badger","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"3244"},{"keyword_id":"211","keyword_name":"bat","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"18827"},{"keyword_id":"8539","keyword_name":"echidna","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"6950"},{"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":"11507","keyword_name":"male/female","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"40289"},{"keyword_id":"1003","keyword_name":"m/f","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"22958"},{"keyword_id":"5046","keyword_name":"rouge the bat","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"5522"},{"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"}],"hidden":"f","scraps":"f","favorite":"f","favorites_count":"7","create_datetime":"2018-04-01 16:09:23.690026+02","create_datetime_usertime":"01 Apr 2018 16:09 CEST","last_file_update_datetime":"2018-04-01 15:33:21.046829+02","last_file_update_datetime_usertime":"01 Apr 2018 15:33 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":"2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2240/2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2240/2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2240/2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc","files":[{"file_id":"2240544","file_name":"2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2240/2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2240/2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2240/2240544_Chinry_ic14.doc","mimetype":"application/msword","submission_id":"1576313","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":"704cd2be46ec4179c667fbd0e35ff8cd","full_file_md5":"704cd2be46ec4179c667fbd0e35ff8cd","large_file_md5":"","small_file_md5":"","thumbnail_md5":"","deleted":"f","create_datetime":"2018-04-01 15:33:21.046829+02","create_datetime_usertime":"01 Apr 2018 15:33 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"}],"description":"The end. No fooling, we're here. Thank-you so much for following this story for all these weeks. As I said it was already all online, but I have loved rewriting and adding to it on here, so you have seen the FINAL final version. Your support has meant a lot to me, honestly this is the nicest place I've uploaded my work on to. I want to write more for this website, not restricted to keep my language or smut in place. It's freeing being allowed to write \"fuck\" without fear of deletion if I'm honest.\n\nIf any of you want to read the sequel story (no obligation to) it's being uploaded here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12741227/1/The-Dangerous-Innocent\n\nIn short, Shadow fathers a kid with another Amy. The Amy of the 30 Years Later comic, where Sonic is married to Sally and that worlds Shadow is a toppled king. Now as it's in progress I won't say any more, but if you want to know the stories plans without reading it, again let me know and I'll note you.","description_bbcode_parsed":"The end. No fooling, we're here. Thank-you so much for following this story for all these weeks. As I said it was already all online, but I have loved rewriting and adding to it on here, so you have seen the FINAL final version. Your support has meant a lot to me, honestly this is the nicest place I've uploaded my work on to. I want to write more for this website, not restricted to keep my language or smut in place. It's freeing being allowed to write "fuck" without fear of deletion if I'm honest.

If any of you want to read the sequel story (no obligation to) it's being uploaded here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12741227/1/The-Dangerous-I...

In short, Shadow fathers a kid with another Amy. The Amy of the 30 Years Later comic, where Sonic is married to Sally and that worlds Shadow is a toppled king. Now as it's in progress I won't say any more, but if you want to know the stories plans without reading it, again let me know and I'll note you.","writing":"\tThat was how they were found. Amy still wrapped safely in his arms, Shadow fighting to stay awake. Knuckles smashed through the rock, a thick layer of ice making the task harder than usual. The white bat that had led them there squealed with delight and soon he was cracking stone like it was chalk. He really wanted to impress her, and spurred on he had forgotten the confusion they left back in the village.\n\n\tShe had flown in that morning, along with military men. The villagers had only known Eggman, so when a dozen humans in military uniform had burst in they all tried to flee. Rouge, the pretty white bat, and flown above the crowd and bellowed for them all to hold still. Knuckles had fallen in love on the spot, and lay his trust and devotion at her feet while he round up Sticks and Tails. As the humans had brought in supplies, Rouge presented them with their missing crystal.\n\n\t“Oh it's such a pretty rock,” she had sighed in a sultry voice, “but for the greater good I will give it up.”\n\n\tSticks had jumped in to fight mode, “And why do you got it, Toots? Was it you who stole it? Who are all these guys? Are they all related to Eggman? I knew this storm was a plot by the corporations. What kind of brand is G.U.N?”\n\n\tKnuckles had pushed forward and taken hold of Rouge's lovely, long fingers, “She means no harm, she's just a little coo-coo. How may I be of service?”\n\n\tThe bat had smiled, “My my, I was told you were an idiot, but what a tall, handsome idiot you are. I need you and your friends to come with me.”\n\n\t“I'll do anything for....the one who brought back our crystal,” Tails added, beaming a goofy smile at her. Sticks and Zooey had both growled. The white bat winked at both of them, squeezing her cleavage together.\n\n\t“Good. I got a distress call from Shadow, but I can't reach him on his communicator. If he's here, he's probably with that Rose.”\n\n\tThey didn't need asking twice after hearing about Amy. They had spent the last day waiting for the storm to die down enough to go out after her. Or at the very least hear from her. After the signal from both her communicator and Blue Force One had vanished, they feared the worst. With little else to do they waited out the storm, and that was when help had arrived in it's unlikely form.\n\n\tWith Sonic still doped up and broken they went without him. The military men loaned them a couple Snowmobiles, and Knuckles had jumped up behind Rouge while Sticks and Tails followed on their own. The sun was beaming down on the white snow, and the bat had trouble seeing so she let Knuckles drive. At least that's why she said she swapped positions, but Sticks noticed she seemed to rather enjoy wrapping her greedy arms around the echidna. \n\n\t“That's one way to keep warm, I guess,” Rouge had smirked when they found the sleepy pair.\n\n\t“Don't be stupid!” Sticks snapped in return, “Look, her clothes must have got wet, they're frosted over. This is the best way to preserve body heat!” The badger rushed over to check Amy's pulse, relieved to find her heartbeat slow but consistent. \n\n\t“I'll bet,” she moaned, “how about it handsome, fancy a cuddle?”\n\n\t“IthinkIcoulddothatMiss!” he had cried a little too eagerly. \n\n\t“Knucks don't you dare!,” Sticks snapped, “stop staring down her top and focus ON WHAT WE CAME HERE FOR. Get them bundled up and back to the Doctor.”\n\n\t“Both of them?” Tails asked uneasily.\n\n\tShadow released his grip on Amy enough for Knuckles to scoop her up and wrap her in a blanket. Sticks held out a hand to Shadow, unable to vocalise her gratitude to him. She wanted to show she trusted him.\n\n\t“Leave Shadow to me,” Rouge smiled, patting Knuckles on the forearm, “I'm going to get him back to headquarters. I've seen him in worse shape than this, but I would prefer him not end up in the hands of some rural quack. Take that pretty pink girl back, but don't go forgetting me. I'll be back soon enough.”\n\n\tSticks roared, “Dotor Quack is a highly trained professional! Who do you think you are? Who said we want you back?”\n\n\tRouge laughed as she eased Shadow to his feet, “I've got a lot to clear up honey badger. Somebody wanted your whole village to perish last night. Aren't you the least bit interested who?”\n\n*****\n\t\n\tHe was finally breaking through the haze of his painkillers. His ankle no longer hurt but the medicines used to block the pain somehow made him feel much worse. He was sleepy and he was nauseous and the cast around his leg felt heavy.\n\n\tHe looked sideways to the bed next to his. Amy was still hooked up to a drip and she was buried under a few blankets. It had been two days since the storm and the weather had virtually returned to normal. The mysterious bat and the humans had restored the crystal and power had filtered back. Damages were being fixed and Rouge had said she would return to bring the criminal responsible to justice. Their appearance had tipped the balance of their reality, and the Bat Spy had claimed their presence in his world was only temporary. By Shadows command they were to come and go only to protect the village. Popping to a parallel dimension was old hat now, but they came from a different one entirely. He shook his head; he had bigger things to think about.\n\n\tWith some difficulty he eased himself off the bed and pulled up a chair next to Amy's side, limping on his cast. She had been asleep for most of the time she had been there, and when she was awake she was incoherent. Their friends had stopped by to see them, and they had all spoken to her to keep her mind active. They had little information for Sonic as the only one present who knew what had happened was Amy. Doctor Quack had concluded that Amy was suffering from exposure, and that Shadows actions had probably saved her life.\n\n\t“I'm thinking of installing a front door,” Sonic grumbled sleepily, “that wind was pretty nasty. The snow has soaked everything inside my hut. Not that there was much to ruin I guess.”\n\n\tShe remained unmoving.\n\n\t“I spend a lot of time at your place anyway. Would it be so bad if I...I dunno....ditched the bro pad for something a bit cosier? So, whenever you wake up, I can fetch you a healthy breakfast?”\n\n\tShe sighed heavily but there would be no words. He didn't even know if she could hear him.\n\n\t“I've never failed you Ames, at least I've always been able to rescue you if you needed it. I...didn't want to push you away. Hell, if anything I've never wanted you closer, but what if I hurt you? What if you're better off...with Shadow?”\n\n\tShe lay so still, it was hard to believe she was even there. Sonic was going to move back to his own bed when there was a flash by the window. He was starting to hate it, but at least this time he guessed it was coming. Perhaps, since had he maybe saved her life, he had some right to drop by. Come to claim his property back.\n\n\t“I was wondering when you'd show up,” he groaned, “visiting hours are over Shadow.”\n\n\tHis ebony twin gave him a frown, but his face flashed with a hint of sadness as he traced his eyes over Amy's prostrate form.\n\n\t“How is she?” Shadow asked in barely more than a whisper.\n\n\t“Alive,” Sonic snapped, unable to hide his discomfort.\n\n\t“I've not come here to cause trouble.”\n\n\t“No? Going to just steal her away while she's unconscious?”\n\n\tShadow snorted like an angry bull, “You are pushing your luck.”\n\n\tSonic shrugged, “Why is it that, whenever you appear, Amy is put in danger in some way?”\n\n\tShadow crossed his arms, “I think you'll find if you look back, you are the reason she's like this.”\n\n\tSonic stood up to charge, but a bolt of pain shot through his ankle and he fell back on his butt. He took a few deep breaths before he spoke again.\n\n\t“I didn't intend to break my ankle. I didn't plan for the weather to go to hell. I didn't tell her to go out and find another crystal.”\n\n\tShadow shook his head, “You were adamant you were going to pass through those woods with ease. Instead they nearly destroyed you. You, in turn, nearly destroyed us. Then you proceed to push her away rather than stand by her side. Because she cares about you she took foolish risks for you anyway. At your hand, one way or another, she has nearly died twice in a short space of time.”\n\n\tSonic stared him down, but his anger was failing as a spark in his memory was being ignited, “What do you mean, nearly destroyed you?”\n\n\tShadow scowled at him, “So you don't recall what happened in the woods?”\n\n\t“I saw what my future held. Your jealousy is going to take you over one day. If I stay with Amy, you will eventually kill my famil...”\n\n\t“Me? My jealousy? You fucking idiot!” Shadow barked, but as Amy frowned lightly in her sleep he took a second to calm himself.\n\n\t“You were told those images in the wood were just visions,” he carried on, “they are not real predictions of the future. It knew you feared loosing her to me and they played that fear against you. YOU became the monster you still perceive me to be and had we not broken through to you, you might very well have killed us both!”\n\n\tAt those words, the fog lifted from his memory and he could see flashes of what he had done. Images he hoped were just nightmares were now so tangible. His fight with Shadow, the feel of his teeth sinking in to Amy's shoulder, the unrelenting rage that blocked out all logical thought. The moment Shadow had marked her, the moment Sonic had lost his biological ownership of her, he had to come back to reality to claim her back.\n\n\tSonic tried to find words, but there were none, so Shadow continued.\n\n\t“I accepted that Bud would never be mine long ago. She has, and always will be yours. The only crime she is guilty of is trying to heal herself, to better herself. I am bound to her until you make her yours again, then the bond breaks and she and I are free. Are you so dense you thought she would stay with me just because I bit her? When she wakes up you will beg forgiveness. And then, for Chaos sake, will you both be happy with what you have?”\n\n\tSonic took a deep breath, and the words were out of his mouth before he could regret saying them.\n\n\t“Before those woods, fighting you was the closest I had come to being scared. Losing Amy to you, well that was pretty scary too. I...hadn't considered her not...being there. With me.”\n\n\tShadow rubbed his forehead and groaned, “I will say this one last time blue hedgehog. She is yours. By her own choice. Don't let that go.”\n\n\tEmerald eyes met ruby. Sonic opened and closed his mouth several times, trying to perfect the right come back. In the end, he settled on the way he found most comfortable.\n\n\t“Who can blame her for looking your way? You're basically just me in a tux.”\n\n\tIt was small. It was barely visible had he not been looking so closely, but a hint of a smile crept in to the corner of Shadows mouth. With another quick flash he was gone and Sonic was left to his thoughts. He would sit there and work his mind out properly this time. Amy deserved that.\n\n******\n\n\tShe had been fighting to open her eyes for hours, but finally Amy got both lids to cooperate. It was night time so there was very little light to scorch her iris, but all the same it took a few blinks to finally focus on her surroundings. \n\n\tShe was in a bed, but not her own. It was too hard on her back but as she tried to squirm she realised her arms were pinned. On one side she was hooked up to a drip, on the other was a cobalt blue hedgehog, snoring peacefully. She could feel his fingers knotted in to hers and she gave a quick squeeze.\n\n\tFinally her eyes settled on the figure stood silently in the doorway.\n\n\t“Staci?” Amy croaked, her throat dry as a bone. \n\n\tThe lilac bandicoot walked over and poured a glass of water from the jug by the bedside. She held it against Amy's lips, and her craving for liquid overpowered any concerns and she guzzled it down.\n\n\t“Careful now Rosie, you're gonna choke yourself,” Staci whispered, pulling the glass away, “you must be sweatin like a polar bear in a sauna under all them layers.”\n\n\t“Beats the cold,” Amy replied with more ease this time, “has the weather...?”\n\n\t“Bout average for this time of year. That is to say, bright and beautiful. Apart from the odd snowman clinging on for dear life, y'all wouldn't know what occurred.”\n\n\tAmy let out a whoosh of air, “Is everyone safe?”\n\n\tStaci snorted, “All 'cept you. I aint never seen a blue rose before, but thanks for tryin ya best for me. Folks call me dumb but y'all take the biscuit.”\n\n\tAmy frowned at her, “I was trying to save the village.”\n\n\tStaci threw her arms in the air, “Oh lil Miss hero of the people. Your friends think you're dead and Shadow took a nasty hit saving your drowning ass but least y'all get to be a hero!”\n\n\tAmy tried to retaliate but she was too weak, so she asked, “Why are you here?”\n\n\tHer old enemy folded her arms tight. She pressed her lips tightly together and subconsciously shook her head. Amy watched as Staci walked over to the side Sonic was sleeping on and gently flick his ear.\n\n\t“Y'all look like death warmed over and he still lays there like you're Cleopatra. I came here Rosie, to confess my sins. Mind if I sit?”\n\n\tAmy indicated to the bottom of the bed. She couldn't wait to hear this. She was almost tempted to wake Sonic up but he was still out for the count.\n\n\t“Now Blue there,” Staci started, “he is a good looking boy. And that Shadow? Oh girl the dreams I have had about him could send me straight to the devil.”\n\n\t“A priest might be a better choice for this Stace.”\n\n\tStaci stuck out her tongue, “Belt up Pinkie. What I am sayin is, ya got them fightin over y'all. And I just could not get that. For certain y'all cute in a very homely way, but look at me! I'm hotter than the setting sun.”\n\n\t“If not a priest,” Amy interrupted, “maybe a hairdresser?”\n\n\t“I stopped wantin you dead only recently Rosie, I can just as easily switch back. I have spent a summer with all the boys y'all can imagine. Some far better looking than ole Blue there. Even if some were Perci's rejects, I was swimmin in dick.”\n\n\tAmy wrinkled her nose, “Oh you've blossomed in to such a lady.”\n\n\t“During my exile that YOU had a play in?” the bandicoot snapped. Sonic grunted but remained asleep. Amy bit her lip and nodded for her to carry on.\n\n\t“Sadly for you, I was peachy with the situation,” Staci smiled, “the boys, well don't they just love a damsel in distress. Why I do believe I am talkin to an expert in the matter?”\n\n\t“I will let that slide,” Amy growled.\n\n\tStaci placed the back of her hand dramatically on her forehead, “I would tell them my tragic lil story; about how my whole village believed a lie and banished me! They would lavish me with attention sure...but by morning...well I was yesterdays news. Each time it happened, I would think of Blue.”\n\n\t“Sonic?” Amy asked, her heart fluttering for a second of panic, “Staci I know you liked him but...”\n\n\t“I'm not here to make a claim Rosie girl,” Staci said with a dismissive wave, “see, I fell in love with a boy, and for the first time I can recall, I think he was in love with me too. I...I had a chance of havin what you have.”\n\n\tAmy did not smile. There was a crack in Staci's voice, a voice trying to hide sorrow. She remained silent while the girl composed herself. Finally she carried on.\n\n\t“My sister, well she taught me a wonderful word. 'Infatuation'. She said Ash, she said he was infatuated with me, not in love with me. Well I took that with a whole bucket o' salt. He never once looked at Perci, he only had eyes and ears and time for me. I gave my heart to that boy. I suddenly knew...I could understand jus how much I hurt y'all. In just weeks that boy became my whole world, my reason to wake up in the mornin'.”\n\n\tHad Amy been able to, she might have reached out to her old nemesis to offer a supportive hand, but all she had were words. She licked her dry lips, and held on to Sonics hand a little tighter.\n\n\t“Staci I never wanted you chased out of town. But to expose the truth would have exposed the lie. You know how this village idolises Sonic. If they caught wind that he had lied...”\n\n\t“Ash stole the crystal.”\n\n\tAmy froze, “what?”\n\n\tStaci looked her square in the eye. Tears were flowing freely down her flushed cheeks.\n\n\t“Ya heard me. He told me they would pay the price for what they did me. I...I didn't think he meant it! I had hammed up how y'all treated me. I made it out to be so much worse. He is smart ya see Rosie, like so so smart. I didn't think someone like that could love me over my sister. He studies the weather...he knew that storm was comin' but he didn't try to warn y'all! He...took the crystal jus' before the weather got real bad.”\n\n\tShe paused to take a breath. Amy could see her shoulders shake.\n\n\t“He's a stoat ya see. Even if the weather turned nasty early he would be able to get out easy. He appeared at my door...crystal in hand...told me y'all would learn a lesson.”\n\n\t“Staci, you...”\n\n\t“I fell in love with a psycho Amy! I was so scared, I didn't know what to do! I hid the crystal under my bed. I tried to call y'all, but by that time, it was too late. He heard me tryin to warn ya'll about the storm and he snapped. I managed to get away, I couldn't stay away knowin' what I knew. I got here as quick as I could, he made it so hard, but when I arrived all those soldiers were here. I hid, once it all calmed down out there, I came here.”\n\n\tAmy suddenly felt very weak again. Her throat had closed itself, but it was out of her own painful sorrow at Staci's story. After all this time the bandicoot had finally felt real love, and she thought she had received it in return. It broke Amy's heart. The years she had spent so jealous of this girl, the months she had spent hating her, but only a brief moment here and there did she try to understand her. \n\n\t“If I hadn't told him such lies, this might never have happened. I put y'all in danger. I'm going to confess to the Mayor in the morning. Banishment is too easy a punishment. I gotta face up to what I done.”\n\n\tStaci didn't look back, but she stood up and flew from the room. Amy tried to raise herself but the effort overwhelmed her and she passed out. By the time she awoke, the sun was high in the sky and it was too late.\n\n******\n\t\n\t“I have to say, that was one of the more dramatic arrests I've seen. And I've seen a few.”\n\n\t“I'll have to take your word for it. I asked Knuckles but he used the word 'gunfire' too often for me to believe him.”\n\n\t“Gee Ew En. G.U.N was involved, not guns. He's lucky he's got that body or he'd be a lost cause.”\n\n\tAmy laughed, “Even more so around you Rouge. I think he's smitten.”\n\n\tThe white bat tapped a finger against her chin, “Oh I don't doubt. If he fancied that bandicoot then I must be a Goddess to him. Speaking of which, how is she?”\n\n\tAmy brought her knees up and rested her chin on them, “Very quiet. There was a moment there where she was truly scared and I don't think she will forget it in a hurry. After you swooped in and revealed what that Ash guy had been doing, and what Staci had risked to get to us, the villagers welcomed her back. Crowd mentality is so fickle. I think Staci will blame herself forever.”\n\n\tRouge chuckled, “Taking all that blame on herself. She fell for the wrong guy, we've all done it, haven't we?”\n\n\tAmy scowled at her, “Don't push it.”\n\n\tThe bat laughed even louder, “I'm just pulling on that skinny leg of yours sweetheart. For what it's worth I think you did Shadow some good. He's come out of his shell lately.”\n\n\tAmy tried to look nonchalant, “I take it he's still...out...there?”\n\n\tRouge nodded, “There being an alternative universe. That's our home. Or it's mine anyway, he's quite happy to jump back and forth. Of course being alternative rather than parallel means we are safe to stick around without this world being...”\n\n\tAmy flicked some sand off her towel, “Destroyed blah blah science, I know. Eggman would love you, for more than just the obvious two reasons.”\n\n\tRouge laughed loudly, “To think Shadow was sent here to keep an eye on all of you. G.U.N were off the mark about this world alright. At least with Staci's little psycho ex trying to kill you all, Shadow didn't have to feel his mission here had been wasted. Three years deciding if you were a danger to us and all he comes away with is the sniffles. Well I say three years, he's know for some time. Honestly, I think he just likes it here.”\n\n\tAmy nodded, “Now you know we are...mostly harmless...will you be leaving too?”\n\n\t“One more morning of staring at the muscles on that echidna, and then yes I will be off,” Rouge smirked, winking at Amy.\n\n\t“We have a lot to thank you for. Staci would be in prison, our crystal would still be in the hands of that Ash guy, and Shadow and I might have been buried in that cave for good.”\n\n\t“It was Shadow who stationed me to spy on that bandicoots twin. Closest I could get to Staci without rousing suspicion. Of course, we didn't expect it to get to the stage it did.”\n\n\tAmy smiled, “Will he..will both of you be back?”\n\n\tRouge leaned her head back and breathed deeply, “Oh I'm certain of it. You can't imagine what it is like to find a world to feel safe in.”\n\n\tAs the girls stared out at Tails, Sticks and Knuckles playing a very basic game of baseball further down the beach, Sonic sneaked up behind Amy and shook out the sand from his quills all over her.\n\n\t“Ah Sonic! You idiot!,” she screamed, feigning trying to pull away as he sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. \n\n\t“What are you hens clucking about?” he said, nuzzling Amy's shoulder.\n\n\tRouge pouted, “Oh, Amy here was just telling me about the size of your....”\n\n\t“Rouge!” Amy squeaked.\n\n\tSonic just shrugged, “Don't be too disappointed you'll never see it in person. You'll just have to believe her.”\n\n\t“Don't encourage her!” Amy squealed even louder but she was drowned out by Rouge laughing deeply.\n\n\t“You know you guys make this life seem very appealing,” the gorgeous white bat sighed. She stood up and stretched out her impressive wings. As she walked away, she added, “and speaking of appealing, I'm about to go get this bikini very wet and clingy in front of that red hunk.”\n\n\t“I like her,” Sonic moaned deeply as soon as Rouge was out of ear shot.\n\n\tAmy dug him in the ribs, but she knew he was just teasing her. He kissed her neck and rested his chin on her shoulder. They both fell silent as they looked out over their corner of paradise. For the first time in a very long time they both felt secure about their lives. The world was at peace and the innocent no longer faced any guilt. They were bound to each other, much as they had been since the day they first locked eyes. Since the day he had saved her, the same day she proved she didn't necessarily need saving. From then on they had fought Eggman as team mates, as friends, and now lovers. But he hadn't attacked since the storm had hit. It was so quiet.\n\n\t“Hey Ames?”\n\n\t“Yes, Sonic?”\n\n\t“Wanna go bother Eggman?”\n\n\tShe turned to him and kissed his cheek, “It's a date.”\n\n[b][i]2 Years Later[/i][/b]\n\n\t“What, what is it?” he asked, but she slapped a hand over his mouth. She indicated for him to follow her lead.\n\n\tThe both peaked carefully around the giant prop hiding them from sight. They could see Staci up ahead, in a rather tight embrace with Justin Beaver. His youthful appearance had ebbed away, and his new look and attitude left so many girls reeling. In the midst of screaming teenagers and celebrity rumours, it would take a personality as strong as Staci's to face that.\n\n\tJustin and Staci had moulded each other in to the happier beings they were. Staci had found it hard to come to terms with falling in love with the psychotic Ash, and Justin wouldn't believe anyone could love the real him. In their desperation to close off the world around them they had found each other in the darkness.\n\n\tAmy had known something more could be lurking, and the temptation to meddle had been intoxicating. She wanted to start over again with Staci, and Sonic had shattered Beavers image. So Amy had taken the time to get to know her one time enemy, and Sonic had coached Justin on how to be himself and have a successful career. Staci had then helped give Justin the confidence he needed to pursue a new musical career, eventually becoming his stage manager, and he had found her tragic story to be his muse. They inspired one another.\n\n\tOf course his darker image had made his popularity explode, and for their part in his re-imagining Amy and Sonic and the guys, along with Staci, had been invited to the concerts he held all over their little world. The boys had even taken it upon themselves to help set up the show, but mostly because they got to stay backstage through the entire event once set up. \n\n\t“I knew it,” Amy whispered excitedly.\n\n\t“He has been flirting with her like crazy,” Sonic muttered back.\n\n\t“I knew she had a bit of a crush on him but she swore she wouldn't act on it.”\n\n\t“With her reputation, is it any wonder?”\n\n\tAmy pushed them back out of sight, pulling him down to her level by his scarf, “You listen here mister, she likes this guy. I'm guessing she doesn't want to jeopardize her job by hooking up with the act.”\n\n\t“Okay okay,” he said, holding his hands up, “I guess she has changed a bit in the past couple of years.”\n\n\t“She has,” she sighed, genuinely feeling happy for her, “so, we never saw what we just saw, got it? We can't push them quicker than they want to go.”\n\n\t“Jeez are you going to be this demanding when we're married?”\n\n\tHe was smiling when he said it, and she was too. Kissing him softly she replied, “Of course.”\n\n******\n\t\n\tHe locked eyes with her, and she tip toed over to his hiding spot. She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him until he thought he would pass out. It had been a while since he had been embraced in such a fashion. There was no resistance, no shame. She was still the same old Bud. When she pulled away she took a tight grip on one of his hands. He tried not to pay attention to it.\n\n\t“When Rouge showed up I hoped you would be here too! She wouldn't tell me if you were with her and before I knew it she'd gone running off after Knuckles! He is going to be over the moon to see her again. Luckily he hasn't got Sticks hounding them this time. Okay I'm babbling,” the pink hedgehog beamed, “don't you want to come back stage? It's not much fun out with the trucks.”\n\n\tShadow smiled, “Then why are you here?”\n\n\tAmy looked a little guilty, “I get bored. The guys are all still busy while the show is running. Besides, I get a clear view of the stars from back here.”\n\n\tHe grinned at her, “Funny, that's why Rouge is back stage.”\n\n\tAmy laughed, “Yea we do seem to accumulate a few actors on the side of the stage. So full of themselves. It was a bit of a novelty at first but turns out, they aren't all that special. They keep barking at Sonic to fetch stuff, but he keeps getting orders wrong just to wind them up. Not sure he likes those who are better known than him.”\n\n\t“I see faker never changes,” Shadow snorted.\n\n\t“No. But you have. What's with the dye job?”\n\n\tShadow absent mindedly ran his hand down his quills. GUN had covered up the red streaks with black and flattened down the flick so they curled down in a smooth wave shape. His colouring was too unique and being easily identifiable was not helpful on spy missions.\n\n\t“I'm under cover. Not here, another world, where there is another me. We can't be away for too long, but this world is so peaceful, it's a relief sometimes.”\n\n\tShe covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter, “That's because you were the biggest threat. You actually do look like Sonics shadow now.”\n\n\tHe punched her arm lightly, “That might be the idea.”\n\n\t“There's another Sonic? Are you tailing him? Does that mean he's done something bad? Or might he be in trouble?”\n\n\tHe gave her cheek a quick pinch to calm her down, “I can't speak about it Bud, not even to you. I just came to see how you are. How has he been?”\n\n\tShe looked behind her, her brow slightly furrowed as she turned back, “Do you still worry about that...dark turn he took?”\n\n\t“I worry about you facing that again.”\n\n\tShe peeled her hand out of his and rested it on his chest, “He has his moments. Not of anger, he's just lost in his thoughts sometimes. I think he must see those woods, but when he does he scares himself and snaps out of it. Either way I don't need you to worry about me. You worry about this Other Sonic....wait, is there another me?”\n\n\tHe looked skyward, and she followed suit for a moment. No matter what she said, he would always be worrying about her. Not that she couldn't handle herself.\n\n\t“How are you? I should start with that,” he asked, looking back at her gentle face.\n\n\t“I'm good. I'm off to study Ancient Languages at University in a few months time. Maybe decipher what is actually written in the caves back home.”\n\n\tShadow nodded, “I'm glad you're doing what you love. How did faker take the news you were moving away for a while?”\n\n\tShe looked coyly at the ground before flashing her engagement ring.\n\n\tShadow wasn't surprised at the small jolt in his gut, but he was happy to see her happy all the same. She and Sonic shared a bond that had been tested more than once, and through it all it had proven strong. Whatever he had wanted at the time, he would never have achieved that with her.\n\n\t“Congratulations,” he muttered, flicking her nose playfully, “going to shackle yourself to the kitchen sink.”\n\n\t“Hey don't be like that. Sonic and I are the same as we ever were. Marriage just adds sugar on top. We'll be the same until we're old. Besides, I told him if he ever upsets me I'm going to ditch him and coming running to you.”\n\n\tHe laughed once, “I don't doubt. However tonight is not the night for running away with me. I best go. I'll be back soon, I'm just in the middle of something right now.”\n\n\t“But...”\n\n\t“Amy, are you out here?”\n\n\tThe pink hedgehog turned to see Sonic walking down the exit steps towards where she stood. She turned back to Shadow, but there was an empty space where he had stood. She knew his missions were dangerous from the little Rouge would spill, so these brief meetings were bittersweet. It seemed knowing that he was still alive was the most she would ever get out of him now.\n\n\tThat part of her life was closing, but she still had the best thing she could have hoped for. She ran over to Sonic and took his hand, happy to see the bright blue of his fur fighting against the black backdrop of the night.\n\n\t“What are you doing back here?” he asked, “trying to escape that hideous music again?”\n\n\tShe smiled and leaned her head head against his chest, “Nothing really. Thought I saw something. I guess I'm just chasing shadows.”","writing_bbcode_parsed":"\tThat was how they were found. Amy still wrapped safely in his arms, Shadow fighting to stay awake. Knuckles smashed through the rock, a thick layer of ice making the task harder than usual. The white bat that had led them there squealed with delight and soon he was cracking stone like it was chalk. He really wanted to impress her, and spurred on he had forgotten the confusion they left back in the village.

\tShe had flown in that morning, along with military men. The villagers had only known Eggman, so when a dozen humans in military uniform had burst in they all tried to flee. Rouge, the pretty white bat, and flown above the crowd and bellowed for them all to hold still. Knuckles had fallen in love on the spot, and lay his trust and devotion at her feet while he round up Sticks and Tails. As the humans had brought in supplies, Rouge presented them with their missing crystal.

\t“Oh it's such a pretty rock,” she had sighed in a sultry voice, “but for the greater good I will give it up.”

\tSticks had jumped in to fight mode, “And why do you got it, Toots? Was it you who stole it? Who are all these guys? Are they all related to Eggman? I knew this storm was a plot by the corporations. What kind of brand is G.U.N?”

\tKnuckles had pushed forward and taken hold of Rouge's lovely, long fingers, “She means no harm, she's just a little coo-coo. How may I be of service?”

\tThe bat had smiled, “My my, I was told you were an idiot, but what a tall, handsome idiot you are. I need you and your friends to come with me.”

\t“I'll do anything for....the one who brought back our crystal,” Tails added, beaming a goofy smile at her. Sticks and Zooey had both growled. The white bat winked at both of them, squeezing her cleavage together.

\t“Good. I got a distress call from Shadow, but I can't reach him on his communicator. If he's here, he's probably with that Rose.”

\tThey didn't need asking twice after hearing about Amy. They had spent the last day waiting for the storm to die down enough to go out after her. Or at the very least hear from her. After the signal from both her communicator and Blue Force One had vanished, they feared the worst. With little else to do they waited out the storm, and that was when help had arrived in it's unlikely form.

\tWith Sonic still doped up and broken they went without him. The military men loaned them a couple Snowmobiles, and Knuckles had jumped up behind Rouge while Sticks and Tails followed on their own. The sun was beaming down on the white snow, and the bat had trouble seeing so she let Knuckles drive. At least that's why she said she swapped positions, but Sticks noticed she seemed to rather enjoy wrapping her greedy arms around the echidna.

\t“That's one way to keep warm, I guess,” Rouge had smirked when they found the sleepy pair.

\t“Don't be stupid!” Sticks snapped in return, “Look, her clothes must have got wet, they're frosted over. This is the best way to preserve body heat!” The badger rushed over to check Amy's pulse, relieved to find her heartbeat slow but consistent.

\t“I'll bet,” she moaned, “how about it handsome, fancy a cuddle?”

\t“IthinkIcoulddothatMiss!” he had cried a little too eagerly.

\t“Knucks don't you dare!,” Sticks snapped,  “stop staring down her top and focus ON WHAT WE CAME HERE FOR. Get them bundled up and back to the Doctor.”

\t“Both of them?” Tails asked uneasily.

\tShadow released his grip on Amy enough for Knuckles to scoop her up and wrap her in a blanket. Sticks held out a hand to Shadow, unable to vocalise her gratitude to him. She wanted to show she trusted him.

\t“Leave Shadow to me,” Rouge smiled, patting Knuckles on the forearm, “I'm going to get him back to headquarters. I've seen him in worse shape than this, but I would prefer him not end up in the hands of some rural quack. Take that pretty pink girl back, but don't go forgetting me. I'll be back soon enough.”

\tSticks roared, “Dotor Quack is a highly trained professional! Who do you think you are? Who said we want you back?”

\tRouge laughed as she eased Shadow to his feet, “I've got a lot to clear up honey badger. Somebody wanted your whole village to perish last night. Aren't you the least bit interested who?”

*****
\t
\tHe was finally breaking through the haze of his painkillers. His ankle no longer hurt but the medicines used to block the pain somehow made him feel much worse. He was sleepy and he was nauseous and the cast around his leg felt heavy.

\tHe looked sideways to the bed next to his. Amy was still hooked up to a drip and she was buried under a few blankets. It had been two days since the storm and the weather had virtually returned to normal. The mysterious bat and the humans had restored the crystal and power had filtered back. Damages were being fixed and Rouge had said she would return to bring the criminal responsible to justice. Their appearance had tipped the balance of their reality, and the Bat Spy had claimed their presence in his world was only temporary. By Shadows command they were to come and go only to protect the village. Popping to a parallel dimension was old hat now, but they came from a different one entirely. He shook his head; he had bigger things to think about.

\tWith some difficulty he eased himself off the bed and pulled up a chair next to Amy's side, limping on his cast. She had been asleep for most of the time she had been there, and when she was awake she was incoherent. Their friends had stopped by to see them, and they had all spoken to her to keep her mind active. They had little information for Sonic as the only one present who knew what had happened was Amy. Doctor Quack had concluded that Amy was suffering from exposure, and that Shadows actions had probably saved her life.

\t“I'm thinking of installing a front door,” Sonic grumbled sleepily, “that wind was pretty nasty. The snow has soaked everything inside my hut. Not that there was much to ruin I guess.”

\tShe remained unmoving.

\t“I spend a lot of time at your place anyway. Would it be so bad if I...I dunno....ditched the bro pad for something a bit cosier? So, whenever you wake up, I can fetch you a healthy breakfast?”

\tShe sighed heavily but there would be no words. He didn't even know if she could hear him.

\t“I've never failed you Ames, at least I've always been able to rescue you if you needed it. I...didn't want to push you away. Hell, if anything I've never wanted you closer, but what if I hurt you? What if you're better off...with Shadow?”

\tShe lay so still, it was hard to believe she was even there. Sonic was going to move back to his own bed when there was a flash by the window. He was starting to hate it, but at least this time he guessed it was coming. Perhaps, since had he maybe saved her life, he had some right to drop by. Come to claim his property back.

\t“I was wondering when you'd show up,” he groaned,  “visiting hours are over Shadow.”

\tHis ebony twin gave him a frown, but his face flashed with a hint of sadness as he traced his eyes over Amy's prostrate form.

\t“How is she?” Shadow asked in barely more than a whisper.

\t“Alive,” Sonic snapped, unable to hide his discomfort.

\t“I've not come here to cause trouble.”

\t“No? Going to just steal her away while she's unconscious?”

\tShadow snorted like an angry bull, “You are pushing your luck.”

\tSonic shrugged, “Why is it that, whenever you appear, Amy is put in danger in some way?”

\tShadow crossed his arms, “I think you'll find if you look back, you are the reason she's like this.”

\tSonic stood up to charge, but a bolt of pain shot through his ankle and he fell back on his butt. He took a few deep breaths before he spoke again.

\t“I didn't intend to break my ankle. I didn't plan for the weather to go to hell. I didn't tell her to go out and find another crystal.”

\tShadow shook his head, “You were adamant you were going to pass through those woods with ease. Instead they nearly destroyed you. You, in turn, nearly destroyed us. Then you proceed to push her away rather than stand by her side. Because she cares about you she took foolish risks for you anyway. At your hand, one way or another, she has nearly died twice in a short space of time.”

\tSonic stared him down, but his anger was failing as a spark in his memory was being ignited, “What do you mean, nearly destroyed you?”

\tShadow scowled at him, “So you don't recall what happened in the woods?”

\t“I saw what my future held. Your jealousy is going to take you over one day. If I stay with Amy, you will eventually kill my famil...”

\t“Me? My jealousy? You fucking idiot!” Shadow barked, but as Amy frowned lightly in her sleep he took a second to calm himself.

\t“You were told those images in the wood were just visions,” he carried on, “they are not real predictions of the future. It knew you feared loosing her to me and they played that fear against you. YOU became the monster you still perceive me to be and had we not broken through to you, you might very well have killed us both!”

\tAt those words, the fog lifted from his memory and he could see flashes of what he had done. Images he hoped were just nightmares were now so tangible. His fight with Shadow, the feel of his teeth sinking in to Amy's shoulder, the unrelenting rage that blocked out all logical thought. The moment Shadow had marked her, the moment Sonic had lost his biological ownership of her, he had to come back to reality to claim her back.

\tSonic tried to find words, but there were none, so Shadow continued.

\t“I accepted that Bud would never be mine long ago. She has, and always will be yours. The only crime she is guilty of is trying to heal herself, to better herself. I am bound to her until you make her yours again, then the bond breaks and she and I are free. Are you so dense you thought she would stay with me just because I bit her? When she wakes up you will beg forgiveness. And then, for Chaos sake, will you both be happy with what you have?”

\tSonic took a deep breath, and the words were out of his mouth before he could regret saying them.

\t“Before those woods, fighting you was the closest I had come to being scared. Losing Amy to you, well that was pretty scary too. I...hadn't considered her not...being there. With me.”

\tShadow rubbed his forehead and groaned, “I will say this one last time blue hedgehog. She is yours. By her own choice. Don't let that go.”

\tEmerald eyes met ruby. Sonic opened and closed his mouth several times, trying to perfect the right come back. In the end, he settled on the way he found most comfortable.

\t“Who can blame her for looking your way? You're basically just me in a tux.”

\tIt was small. It was barely visible had he not been looking so closely, but a hint of a smile crept in to the corner of Shadows mouth. With another quick flash he was gone and Sonic was left to his thoughts. He would sit there and work his mind out properly this time. Amy deserved that.

******

\tShe had been fighting to open her eyes for hours, but finally Amy got both lids to cooperate. It was night time so there was very little light to scorch her iris, but all the same it took a few blinks to finally focus on her surroundings.

\tShe was in a bed, but not her own. It was too hard on her back but as she tried to squirm she realised her arms were pinned. On one side she was hooked up to a drip, on the other was a cobalt blue hedgehog, snoring peacefully. She could feel his fingers knotted in to hers and she gave a quick squeeze.

\tFinally her eyes settled on the figure stood silently in the doorway.

\t“Staci?” Amy croaked, her throat dry as a bone.

\tThe lilac bandicoot walked over and poured a glass of water from the jug by the bedside. She held it against Amy's lips, and her craving for liquid overpowered any concerns and she guzzled it down.

\t“Careful now Rosie, you're gonna choke yourself,” Staci whispered, pulling the glass away, “you must be sweatin like a polar bear in a sauna under all them layers.”

\t“Beats the cold,” Amy replied with more ease this time, “has the weather...?”

\t“Bout average for this time of year. That is to say, bright and beautiful. Apart from the odd snowman clinging on for dear life, y'all wouldn't know what occurred.”

\tAmy let out a whoosh of air, “Is everyone safe?”

\tStaci snorted, “All 'cept you. I aint never seen a blue rose before, but thanks for tryin ya best for me. Folks call me dumb but y'all take the biscuit.”

\tAmy frowned at her, “I was trying to save the village.”

\tStaci threw her arms in the air, “Oh lil Miss hero of the people. Your friends think you're dead and Shadow took a nasty hit saving your drowning ass but least y'all get to be a hero!”

\tAmy tried to retaliate but she was too weak, so she asked, “Why are you here?”

\tHer old enemy folded her arms tight. She pressed her lips tightly together and subconsciously shook her head. Amy watched as Staci walked over to the side Sonic was sleeping on and gently flick his ear.

\t“Y'all look like death warmed over and he still lays there like you're Cleopatra. I came here Rosie, to confess my sins. Mind if I sit?”

\tAmy indicated to the bottom of the bed. She couldn't wait to hear this. She was almost tempted to wake Sonic up but he was still out for the count.

\t“Now Blue there,” Staci started, “he is a good looking boy. And that Shadow? Oh girl the dreams I have had about him could send me straight to the devil.”

\t“A priest might be a better choice for this Stace.”

\tStaci stuck out her tongue, “Belt up Pinkie. What I am sayin is, ya got them fightin over y'all. And I just could not get that. For certain y'all cute in a very homely way, but look at me! I'm hotter than the setting sun.”

\t“If not a priest,” Amy interrupted,  “maybe a hairdresser?”

\t“I stopped wantin you dead only recently Rosie, I can just as easily switch back. I have spent a summer with all the boys y'all can imagine. Some far better looking than ole Blue there. Even if some were Perci's rejects, I was swimmin in dick.”

\tAmy wrinkled her nose, “Oh you've blossomed in to such a lady.”

\t“During my exile that YOU had a play in?” the bandicoot snapped. Sonic grunted but remained asleep. Amy bit her lip and nodded for her to carry on.

\t“Sadly for you, I was peachy with the situation,” Staci smiled, “the boys, well don't they just love a damsel in distress. Why I do believe I am talkin to an expert in the matter?”

\t“I will let that slide,” Amy growled.

\tStaci placed the back of her hand dramatically on her forehead, “I would tell them my tragic lil story; about how my whole village believed a lie and banished me! They would lavish me with attention sure...but by morning...well I was yesterdays news. Each time it happened, I would think of Blue.”

\t“Sonic?” Amy asked, her heart fluttering for a second of panic, “Staci I know you liked him but...”

\t“I'm not here to make a claim Rosie girl,” Staci said with a dismissive wave, “see, I fell in love with a boy, and for the first time I can recall, I think he was in love with me too. I...I had a chance of havin what you have.”

\tAmy did not smile. There was a crack in Staci's voice, a voice trying to hide sorrow. She remained silent while the girl composed herself. Finally she carried on.

\t“My sister, well she taught me a wonderful word. 'Infatuation'. She said Ash, she said he was infatuated with me, not in love with me. Well I took that with a whole bucket o' salt. He never once looked at Perci, he only had eyes and ears and time for me. I gave my heart to that boy. I suddenly knew...I could understand jus how much I hurt y'all. In just weeks that boy became my whole world, my reason to wake up in the mornin'.”

\tHad Amy been able to, she might have reached out to her old nemesis to offer a supportive hand, but all she had were words. She licked her dry lips, and held on to Sonics hand a little tighter.

\t“Staci I never wanted you chased out of town. But to expose the truth would have exposed the lie. You know how this village idolises Sonic. If they caught wind that he had lied...”

\t“Ash stole the crystal.”

\tAmy froze, “what?”

\tStaci looked her square in the eye. Tears were flowing freely down her flushed cheeks.

\t“Ya heard me. He told me they would pay the price for what they did me. I...I didn't think he meant it! I had hammed up how y'all treated me. I made it out to be so much worse. He is smart ya see Rosie, like so so smart. I didn't think someone like that could love me over my sister. He studies the weather...he knew that storm was comin' but he didn't try to warn y'all! He...took the crystal jus' before the weather got real bad.”

\tShe paused to take a breath. Amy could see her shoulders shake.

\t“He's a stoat ya see. Even if the weather turned nasty early he would be able to get out easy. He appeared at my door...crystal in hand...told me y'all would learn a lesson.”

\t“Staci, you...”

\t“I fell in love with a psycho Amy! I was so scared, I didn't know what to do! I hid the crystal under my bed. I tried to call y'all, but by that time, it was too late. He heard me tryin to warn ya'll about the storm and he snapped. I managed to get away, I couldn't stay away knowin' what I knew. I got here as quick as I could, he made it so hard, but when I arrived all those soldiers were here. I hid, once it all calmed down out there, I came here.”

\tAmy suddenly felt very weak again. Her throat had closed itself, but it was out of her own painful sorrow at Staci's story. After all this time the bandicoot had finally felt real love, and she thought she had received it in return. It broke Amy's heart. The years she had spent so jealous of this girl, the months she had spent hating her, but only a brief moment here and there did she try to understand her.

\t“If I hadn't told him such lies, this might never have happened. I put y'all in danger. I'm going to confess to the Mayor in the morning. Banishment is too easy a punishment. I gotta face up to what I done.”

\tStaci didn't look back, but she stood up and flew from the room. Amy tried to raise herself but the effort overwhelmed her and she passed out. By the time she awoke, the sun was high in the sky and it was too late.

******
\t
\t“I have to say, that was one of the more dramatic arrests I've seen. And I've seen a few.”

\t“I'll have to take your word for it. I asked Knuckles but he used the word 'gunfire' too often for me to believe him.”

\t“Gee Ew En. G.U.N was involved, not guns. He's lucky he's got that body or he'd be a lost cause.”

\tAmy laughed, “Even more so around you Rouge. I think he's smitten.”

\tThe white bat tapped a finger against her chin, “Oh I don't doubt. If he fancied that bandicoot then I must be a Goddess to him. Speaking of which, how is she?”

\tAmy brought her knees up and rested her chin on them, “Very quiet. There was a moment there where she was truly scared and I don't think she will forget it in a hurry. After you swooped in and revealed what that Ash guy had been doing, and what Staci had risked to get to us, the villagers welcomed her back. Crowd mentality is so fickle. I think Staci will blame herself forever.”

\tRouge chuckled, “Taking all that blame on herself. She fell for the wrong guy, we've all done it, haven't we?”

\tAmy scowled at her, “Don't push it.”

\tThe bat laughed even louder, “I'm just pulling on that skinny leg of yours sweetheart. For what it's worth I think you did Shadow some good. He's come out of his shell lately.”

\tAmy tried to look nonchalant, “I take it he's still...out...there?”

\tRouge nodded, “There being an alternative universe. That's our home. Or it's mine anyway, he's quite happy to jump back and forth. Of course being alternative rather than parallel means we are safe to stick around without this world being...”

\tAmy flicked some sand off her towel, “Destroyed blah blah science, I know. Eggman would love you, for more than just the obvious two reasons.”

\tRouge laughed loudly, “To think Shadow was sent here to keep an eye on all of you. G.U.N were off the mark about this world alright. At least with Staci's little psycho ex trying to kill you all, Shadow didn't have to feel his mission here had been wasted. Three years deciding if you were a danger to us and all he comes away with is the sniffles. Well I say three years, he's know for some time. Honestly, I think he just likes it here.”

\tAmy nodded, “Now you know we are...mostly harmless...will you be leaving too?”

\t“One more morning of staring at the muscles on that echidna, and then yes I will be off,” Rouge smirked, winking at Amy.

\t“We have a lot to thank you for. Staci would be in prison, our crystal would still be in the hands of that Ash guy, and Shadow and I might have been buried in that cave for good.”

\t“It was Shadow who stationed me to spy on that bandicoots twin. Closest I could get to Staci without rousing suspicion. Of course, we didn't expect it to get to the stage it did.”

\tAmy smiled, “Will he..will both of you be back?”

\tRouge leaned her head back and breathed deeply, “Oh I'm certain of it. You can't imagine what it is like to find a world to feel safe in.”

\tAs the girls stared out at Tails, Sticks and Knuckles playing a very basic game of baseball further down the beach, Sonic sneaked up behind Amy and shook out the sand from his quills all over her.

\t“Ah Sonic! You idiot!,” she screamed, feigning trying to pull away as he sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

\t“What are you hens clucking about?” he said, nuzzling Amy's shoulder.

\tRouge pouted, “Oh, Amy here was just telling me about the size of your....”

\t“Rouge!” Amy squeaked.

\tSonic just shrugged, “Don't be too disappointed you'll never see it in person. You'll just have to believe her.”

\t“Don't encourage her!” Amy squealed even louder but she was drowned out by Rouge laughing deeply.

\t“You know you guys make this life seem very appealing,” the gorgeous white bat sighed. She stood up and stretched out her impressive wings. As she walked away, she added, “and speaking of appealing, I'm about to go get this bikini very wet and clingy in front of that red hunk.”

\t“I like her,” Sonic moaned deeply as soon as Rouge was out of ear shot.

\tAmy dug him in the ribs, but she knew he was just teasing her. He kissed her neck and rested his chin on her shoulder. They both fell silent as they looked out over their corner of paradise. For the first time in a very long time they both felt secure about their lives. The world was at peace and the innocent no longer faced any guilt. They were bound to each other, much as they had been since the day they first locked eyes. Since the day he had saved her, the same day she proved she didn't necessarily need saving. From then on they had fought Eggman as team mates, as friends, and now lovers. But he hadn't attacked since the storm had hit. It was so quiet.

\t“Hey Ames?”

\t“Yes, Sonic?”

\t“Wanna go bother Eggman?”

\tShe turned to him and kissed his cheek, “It's a date.”

2 Years Later

\t“What, what is it?” he asked, but she slapped a hand over his mouth. She indicated for him to follow her lead.

\tThe both peaked carefully around the giant prop hiding them from sight. They could see Staci up ahead, in a rather tight embrace with Justin Beaver. His youthful appearance had ebbed away, and his new look and attitude left so many girls reeling. In the midst of screaming teenagers and celebrity rumours, it would take a personality as strong as Staci's to face that.

\tJustin and Staci had moulded each other in to the happier beings they were. Staci had found it hard to come to terms with falling in love with the psychotic Ash, and Justin wouldn't believe anyone could love the real him. In their desperation to close off the world around them they had found each other in the darkness.

\tAmy had known something more could be lurking, and the temptation to meddle had been intoxicating. She wanted to start over again with Staci, and Sonic had shattered Beavers image. So Amy had taken the time to get to know her one time enemy, and Sonic had coached Justin on how to be himself and have a successful career. Staci had then helped give Justin the confidence he needed to pursue a new musical career, eventually becoming his stage manager, and he had found her tragic story to be his muse. They inspired one another.

\tOf course his darker image had made his popularity explode, and for their part in his re-imagining Amy and Sonic and the guys, along with Staci, had been invited to the concerts he held all over their little world. The boys had even taken it upon themselves to help set up the show, but mostly because they got to stay backstage through the entire event once set up.

\t“I knew it,” Amy whispered excitedly.

\t“He has been flirting with her like crazy,” Sonic muttered back.

\t“I knew she had a bit of a crush on him but she swore she wouldn't act on it.”

\t“With her reputation, is it any wonder?”

\tAmy pushed them back out of sight, pulling him down to her level by his scarf, “You listen here mister, she likes this guy. I'm guessing she doesn't want to jeopardize her job by hooking up with the act.”

\t“Okay okay,” he said, holding his hands up, “I guess she has changed a bit in the past couple of years.”

\t“She has,” she sighed, genuinely feeling happy for her, “so, we never saw what we just saw, got it? We can't push them quicker than they want to go.”

\t“Jeez are you going to be this demanding when we're married?”

\tHe was smiling when he said it, and she was too. Kissing him softly she replied, “Of course.”

******
\t
\tHe locked eyes with her, and she tip toed over to his hiding spot. She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him until he thought he would pass out. It had been a while since he had been embraced in such a fashion. There was no resistance, no shame. She was still the same old Bud. When she pulled away she took a tight grip on one of his hands. He tried not to pay attention to it.

\t“When Rouge showed up I hoped you would be here too! She wouldn't tell me if you were with her and before I knew it she'd gone running off after Knuckles! He is going to be over the moon to see her again. Luckily he hasn't got Sticks hounding them this time. Okay I'm babbling,” the pink hedgehog beamed, “don't you want to come back stage? It's not much fun out with the trucks.”

\tShadow smiled, “Then why are you here?”

\tAmy looked a little guilty, “I get bored. The guys are all still busy while the show is running. Besides, I get a clear view of the stars from back here.”

\tHe grinned at her, “Funny, that's why Rouge is back stage.”

\tAmy laughed, “Yea we do seem to accumulate a few actors on the side of the stage. So full of themselves. It was a bit of a novelty at first but turns out, they aren't all that special. They keep barking at Sonic to fetch stuff, but he keeps getting orders wrong just to wind them up. Not sure he likes those who are better known than him.”

\t“I see faker never changes,” Shadow snorted.

\t“No. But you have. What's with the dye job?”

\tShadow absent mindedly ran his hand down his quills. GUN had covered up the red streaks with black and flattened down the flick so they curled down in a smooth wave shape. His colouring was too unique and being easily identifiable was not helpful on spy missions.

\t“I'm under cover. Not here, another world, where there is another me. We can't be away for too long, but this world is so peaceful, it's a relief sometimes.”

\tShe covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter, “That's because you were the biggest threat. You actually do look like Sonics shadow now.”

\tHe punched her arm lightly, “That might be the idea.”

\t“There's another Sonic? Are you tailing him? Does that mean he's done something bad? Or might he be in trouble?”

\tHe gave her cheek a quick pinch to calm her down, “I can't speak about it Bud, not even to you. I just came to see how you are. How has he been?”

\tShe looked behind her, her brow slightly furrowed as she turned back, “Do you still worry about that...dark turn he took?”

\t“I worry about you facing that again.”

\tShe peeled her hand out of his and rested it on his chest, “He has his moments. Not of anger, he's just lost in his thoughts sometimes. I think he must see those woods, but when he does he scares himself and snaps out of it. Either way I don't need you to worry about me. You worry about this Other Sonic....wait, is there another me?”

\tHe looked skyward, and she followed suit for a moment. No matter what she said, he would always be worrying about her. Not that she couldn't handle herself.

\t“How are you? I should start with that,” he asked, looking back at her gentle face.

\t“I'm good. I'm off to study Ancient Languages at University in a few months time. Maybe decipher what is actually written in the caves back home.”

\tShadow nodded, “I'm glad you're doing what you love. How did faker take the news you were moving away for a while?”

\tShe looked coyly at the ground before flashing her engagement ring.

\tShadow wasn't surprised at the small jolt in his gut, but he was happy to see her happy all the same. She and Sonic shared a bond that had been tested more than once, and through it all it had proven strong. Whatever he had wanted at the time, he would never have achieved that with her.

\t“Congratulations,” he muttered, flicking her nose playfully, “going to shackle yourself to the kitchen sink.”

\t“Hey don't be like that. Sonic and I are the same as we ever were. Marriage just adds sugar on top. We'll be the same until we're old. Besides, I told him if he ever upsets me I'm going to ditch him and coming running to you.”

\tHe laughed once, “I don't doubt. However tonight is not the night for running away with me. I best go. I'll be back soon, I'm just in the middle of something right now.”

\t“But...”

\t“Amy, are you out here?”

\tThe pink hedgehog turned to see Sonic walking down the exit steps towards where she stood. She turned back to Shadow, but there was an empty space where he had stood. She knew his missions were dangerous from the little Rouge would spill, so these brief meetings were bittersweet. It seemed knowing that he was still alive was the most she would ever get out of him now.

\tThat part of her life was closing, but she still had the best thing she could have hoped for.  She ran over to Sonic and took his hand, happy to see the bright blue of his fur fighting against the black backdrop of the night.

\t“What are you doing back here?” he asked, “trying to escape that hideous music again?”

\tShe smiled and leaned her head head against his chest, “Nothing really. Thought I saw something. I guess I'm just chasing shadows.”","pools_count":1,"title":"Internal Combustion: 14 and Epilogue","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"application/msword","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"1","rating_name":"Mature","ratings":[{"content_tag_id":"3","name":"Violence","description":"Mild violence","rating_id":"1"}],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"t","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"13","views":"92","sales_description":null,"forsale":"f","digitalsales":"f","printsales":"f","digital_price":""}