Our story begins in the city; a place mainly taken up by humans, with a fourteen-year-old girl named Geraldine. She has brown hair and blue eyes and wears a long-sleeved t-shirt with a pair of denim shorts and trainers with no socks. Yep, a human girl with an Other-World-like appearance. Only she holds a secret, she can run at speeds excess of two-thousand miles an hour. Faster than a regular human, let's just say the least. This is the main reason why her mother keeps her out of school, and the public. Anyway, back to it. It's a bright-ish afternoon in the city and Geraldine is at home.
'Why do these days have to be so restrictive? It's so boring...' Geraldine thinks to herself, down and irritated
"Geraldine! Come here, now!" Geraldine's mother shouts, sounding agitated
"Coming, mother." Geraldine responds
Our protagonist goes to her mother, knowing what this is about she keeps silent, as her mother turns to her.
"Why did you have to turn out this way? You don't dress like us, you're faster than humans can biologically reach. Are you an alien?" The mother asks and points out
"How many times do I have to say this? I don't know why I'm different to you! To be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way." Geraldine asks and points out, becoming agitated
"Let me include this; you have no romantic interest in your race."
"Why in the world does that concern you?! These are my interests, and all I can say is. I am not your robot! Nor am I your exact twin, either!"
"Because you're abnormal. Your friends don't want to know you anymore and your father is considering a divorce. Also, you are my daughter, and you need to be more human."
"How can I be when it's my genetics that are dictating my interests and capabilities? By removing my father, you're removing one crucial part of my history. To be honest with you, my friends in school of whom you've stopped me from seeing, ring me up and wonder where I am when they're at school. Bearing in mind, that these are my friends from when I went to kindergarten. I'm going to speak to my dad. He's more important than my imperfections."
Geraldine's father returns home and enters the kitchen, to find Geraldine and her mother fighting about the same thing... again.
"Are you two fighting about the same thing as last time?" The father asks
"Yes, we are father. Are you considering a divorce?" Geraldine admits and asks
"Yes, I am. But it's to get away from your mother and take you along. You deserve better than what your mother can give."
"I don't want a mother at all. All I want, is more time with you, father. But, with mother always pulling me in here with her shouting and insults, that..."
"Never happens, I know. That's why I don't want to know your mother any longer, and take care of you myself, if that's what you want."
"I don't want to live in this world. It doesn't feel right to me. I want something different, new, and less city-like. I have no romantic interest in my race, and it doesn't feel right being near something that I don't feel a romance for. I'm sorry, father."
"I want you to be freer, less restricted and live life the way you want to. Do what you want to do, and don't let anyone get in your way. Go out if you want, and please come back every now and then. So, we can just talk and keep up-to-date on things."
"Really? You're letting me go?"
"I want you to be happier, less stressed and depressed. It's the least I can do."
"Thank you, father. I will visit, and I make that a promise I'll be sure not to break."
"Enjoy your new life, and the adventures that come with it. I'll make sure to stay here for your visits."
"Thank you, father."
"You're welcome. I love you, my daughter Geraldine. Oh, please get your name changed whilst you're away."
"I will do."
Geraldine waves goodbye and makes her way to find her new life. She starts off by getting to a remote spot, outside of the city. What Geraldine doesn't know, is that spot she finds is the beginning of a pathway to another world, and her new life. She soon notices a path and follows it. She walks the path and reaches a whole different world, where the inhabitants are hedgehogs, and a two-tailed fox that walk on two legs. Oh, and a cat and echidna.
'Oh, my goodness! This is so different to what I'm used to. Where am I?' Geraldine thinks out, quietly
Geraldine soon begins to lose balance and falls to ground, passed out. One of the inhabitants notices and calls out for help.
"Hey, guys. There's someone here, on the ground. Passed out?" The inhabitant communicates to the others
One of the inhabitants runs over to her aid. With Geraldine's hearing still partially working, she hears a part of the conversation.
"A human? What is she doing here?" One of the inhabitants asks, sounding like he's familiar with her kind
"I don't know. But what I do know, is she needs to be moved, and hidden from sight."
Geraldine's hearing soon stops, with her now fully unconscious. The conversation continues.
"I'll move her somewhere. You get back with the others, Tails."
"Oh, okay Shadow. I thought you served no-one."
"This is different. Get back with the others. First, get my gauntlets so I can lift her."
Tails soon retrieves Shadow's gauntlets. Shadow takes them and puts them on. Geraldine is soon lifted and taken to his shelter. Shadow arrives at his shelter, with Geraldine in his arms. He soon puts her down and admires her sleeping body, wondering why she's at his home, and why she's not in the city. Geraldine soon begins to move, prompting Shadow to begin tending to her needs. Geraldine soon wakes up, and notices Shadow.
"Wait, who are you? And... where am I?" Geraldine asks
"Let's say, you're still on the same planet as before you left the city. Us inhabitants live apart from humans. Which brings one question; why are you here?" Shadow asks, not telling Geraldine his name
"I know that I'm not fully human and have no romantic interest in my physical kind. I run faster than the average human, in fact, much faster. Also, I was born like that." Geraldine answers and admits her reasons
"Wait, so you're half Mobian and half human."
"What's a Mobian?"
"The species you're around now. I know, not a good description."
"Aside from this, what's your name? You're red and black, obviously."
"I'm Shadow. Usually, I serve no-one. But your case was different."
"So, you helped me when I fell to the ground, unconscious."
"Yeah, to put it mildly. I'm gonna leave you be. I'm not known for spending time with others, much."
"I've gathered as much, given your sudden need to leave."
Shadow soon stops in his travels, calming his need to leave.
"How did you...?" Shadow says, beginning a question
"How did I what?" Geraldine asks, bewildered
"Work me out. No-one here has been able to work me out."
"I didn't even know I could work you out. It was just an instinct and a guess, I suppose."
Shadow soon silences himself and leaves, keeping his feelings inside, and subtle. Geraldine soon has an idea and catches up with Shadow.
"Hey, Shadow. What about a race? One-on-one. You versus me." Geraldine asks and says, putting her idea into practice
"Are you out of your mind? You'll lose!" Shadow asks, and tries to point out
"You think that. We'll see. Let's race!"
Shadow soon works up his confidence in winning against Geraldine. The pair go to a more secluded place for their race. They both line up against a line that Shadow has drawn in the sand. They ready themselves. Three... two... one... and they're off. Midway through the race, the pair are neck and neck. Shadow soon stops, amazed by Geraldine's speed. Geraldine is soon ahead of Shadow by a few miles, he tries to catch up, and fails. Geraldine soon reaches the finish line. After some time, Shadow reaches the finish line.
"You said I wouldn't win." Geraldine says, keeping subtle but Shadow reads her intention
"I apologise. I misjudged your capabilities. You're a great runner, I'll give that to you." Shadow responds
"Thank you, Shadow. I didn't expect that, coming from you."
"What did you expect to come out of my mouth?"
"I expected you to lose your cool, and to retreat to your shelter. I didn't expect you to read my intention by what I said before."
"Let's say, you're different. As in, very different."
"You're trying to admit something but can't get the words together. By the way, in response to what you said earlier about this half Mobian, half human thing. Yes, I'm half Mobian and human. I guess you've already figured that out."
"But that doesn't sound right. Two humans make another one. Why do you have some sort of different make-up?"
"I don't know. All I can say, is it's a complicated thing to go into. All I know is, it skips every ten generations from my father's side of the family. Reason why it's complicated; so much family history to dive into and discover. It adds to the confusion. Am I talking a bit much?"
"Yeah, but I'll get used to it. I never really talk to the others, much."
"I don't see why not. They look like a nice bunch to be around."
"Yeah, with Sonic and Amy always flirtin', I don't wanna be around them. Not my thing."
"Oh, right. What do you wanna do now? We've raced against each other."
"Go home. That's what I always do."
"Okay. Just one question, if that's alright."
"Go ahead."
"Are you familiar with humans? You sounded it when you were talking to someone. Before my hearing stopped completely."
"Yes, I'm familiar with them. I was created by one, disrespected by another. That's why I don't like them. But you. You're not human, or Mobian. You're both, I like that about you. Your difference makes me forget the past, start afresh."
"Thank you, Shadow. I'm not going to ask about your past, because you look like you've put it behind you. Plus, it's not any of my business."
"Thanks. What's your name? I never asked."
"Geraldine. My parents were rushed into picking a name, went with the worst one a parent could pick. I want it changing, though. So, does my dad; he hates it, just as much as I do."
"So, you're basically stuck with an unwanted name."
"Yeah, pretty much. I've got better names in mind. It's just picking one that fits with my identity."
"I've got one. Sapphire. Your eyes are blue, like sapphires and you're as pure as one."
"Y'know what. That's one of the names I had in mind. But, for a different reason; of which, I'm not gonna say. How did you manage to...?"
"Guess it. Well, I know you for one thing. Also, you match the description, perfectly. Just to compliment, no other reason. That's all."
"Are you sure about that, my friend?"
"Wait, I'm your friend?"
"I don't see why not. You're calm and collected. Also, you're worthy of my time. Just to put it mildly."
"Hey, that's my phrasing."
"It seems like I've adopted your words, like a child learning how to speak. Sorry, I'm terrible at putting words together, in that way."
"It's all good. Do you have anywhere to stay?"
"No, I've only just settled in."
"Looks like you're sticking with me. Let's move."
"Wait a minute, we're friends. I'd rather get to know you better first. No offence intended."
"That's all good. Do you wanna ask something?"
"Yeah. What are those you're wearing, on your arms?"
"A pair of gauntlets. That's how I managed to lift you and get you to my shelter."
"Wait, so you were the one carrying me, and I was inside your house?"
"Yes."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No. You passed out, you needed somewhere to rest. It's that simple."
"Okay, fair enough. Are you going home, or sticking around? It's up to you."
"I'll go home. It's my usual routine after some time with someone else."
"I'll see you around."
"Goodbye for now, Sapphire."
The two friends part their ways. Geraldine (now named Sapphire, until she visits the city) goes to find a resting place for the night. As for Shadow, he takes off his gauntlets and calls it a day; well, tries to.
'Why is she so different? Wait, is this the one thing I don't like? I don't know… maybe.' Shadow thinks to himself, trying to sleep
As the others, apart from one of them, they're sleeping. The awake inhabitant tries to sleep, and remembers how he helped Shadow earlier on, by calling out and getting the gauntlets.
'Wait, I helped Shadow out. Not that he'll return the favour. He is Shadow after all.' The inhabitant thinks to himself, going to sleep
Morning arrives, and Shadow hasn't slept, for the first time. By the way, Shadow is our second protagonist, if you haven't figured that out already. As for Sapphire, she's awake, full of usable energy.
'Now, to see how my new friend is getting on.' Sapphire thinks to herself
Sapphire arrives at Shadow's shelter, knocks on the door, and waits for a response.
"Who's there?!" Shadow asks, suddenly alerted
"Hey, there. It's Sapphire." Sapphire says, calming the tone
"Come in, come in."
Sapphire enters Shadow's shelter, to notice that it's a mess.
"What happened? It's a mess." Sapphire asks and says, keeping her voice down
"I've not slept. Tried to sleep, made a mess. It always happens when I don't sleep. I remember what I did the night before I tried to sleep." Shadow says, trying not to rush his words, with no avail
"Whoa, there. Slow down, take your time. You're not getting anywhere, by rushing your speech. Now, tell me again. But slowly."
Shadow calms his anger and slows his breathing. So that he can speak.
"I've not had any sleep last night. The shelter is a mess, and I made it. It happens when I don't sleep. Usually, everyone leaves me to my devices and that doesn't help me out. There, it's been said."
"Does this always anger you the morning after?"
"Explains why I was alerted when you knocked my door. The anger still bubbles, but not much."
"You're angry because you're tired, right?"
"Yes. Why did you ask that?"
"You need to sleep. Are you able to do that during the day?"
"Too bright. I sleep at night, like everyone else. It saves the mouths chatting away."
"Are you sure that's helping you? Not to ask questions too much."
"It's good. I don't know whether it helps. But when I can't sleep, I know it doesn't because I'm usually left sleepless for some nights after."
"Are you getting angered again?"
"Yes. Now, I can't hide that very well, can I?"
"You do try. I can't say that you don't... now, that would be a lie."
"Yes."
Sapphire soon breathes, keeping her cool around her friend.
"Do you want me to leave you, for a while?" Sapphire asks
"Yes, please. I just need some time. On my own."
"Okay. I'll see you later if that's alright."
"That's all good. Goodbye, for now."
Sapphire leaves to let Shadow get some rest... or rather, try to. She soon realises that her friendship for Shadow is getting stronger, with every moment together; this doesn't mean romance. Remember, Shadow doesn't like seeing it. Nor does he know what it is. As for the others, they're together and quieter than normal. No talking here. As for Sapphire's (Geraldine's) father, he's having talks with Geraldine's mother. Of which, I'm not going to disclose. Not what this story is about. Even though, it does have some significance.
Anyway, back to it. As for Shadow, after some hours of tossing and turning, he manages to get to sleep. Sapphire, however, is trying to find activities, with no avail. She soon decides to go to Shadow's place. Sapphire arrives there, and knocks on the door, with no response. She quietly enters, to notice Shadow fast asleep in his paradise of mess. Sapphire soon admires Shadow's sleeping body, remembering that the friend status isn't gonna change anytime soon.
'Whoa, he's got something that I've never seen. That figure really does catch my eye and keep me hooked.' Sapphire thinks to herself, becoming enamoured by Shadow's sleeping appearance
Sapphire soon decides to sit next to her friend. Getting tired, she lays down and falls fast asleep. As for Shadow, he soon awakens, to find Sapphire sleeping next to him.
'How does this feel right? We're only friends, after all.' Shadow thinks to himself
Shadow soon gets up on his feet and clears some space for Sapphire, to be able to move in her sleep... if she even does that. Sapphire soon begins to move, staying asleep, luckily for Shadow. After some time, Shadow moves nearest to the entrance and sits on his floor.
'Why am I doing this? I'm never like this.' Shadow thinks to himself
Sapphire soon begins move and awaken. Shadow notices and stays put. Sapphire awakens and sits up.
'Did I fall asleep? Wait, where's Shadow?' Sapphire asks in her head
Sapphire looks around, to notice Shadow near the entrance; seeming like he's about to leave. Shadow is now standing, not knowing whether to leave or stay. Sapphire soon gets up, looking at Shadow and wondering what his intentions are.
"Shadow, are you alright?" Sapphire asks
"Yes. I'm all good. Sleep well?" Shadow answers and asks
"Yes, thank you. How did you sleep?"
"I slept well, thank you. Why did you turn up out of the blue?"
"That's what friends are for. Plus, I said that I'd see you again today. Friends keep to their word, and that's what I'm good at."
"Thank you, Sapphire."
"You're welcome. Do you want me to help clear up, or do you ride solo?"
"I'll deal with it. Thank you for offering."
"You're welcome. I'm gonna leave you to it. I'll see you around, Shadow."
"Goodbye for now, Sapphire."
Sapphire leaves, wondering if she's made the right decision. She soon decides to bring up the courage to talk to the others.
"Hey, there. I know Shadow. Who are you lot?" Sapphire greets and asks
"Hi, there. I'm Tails. I'm the one that helped Shadow find you. And you are..." Tails answers and begins to ask
"I'm Geraldine but known as Sapphire here. Who's the blue hedgehog next to you?"
"He's Sonic. Blue, fast and a good friend of mine."
"That's good to know. I'll get to know the rest of you, at a different point. I'll do that in a timely manner."
"Okay. Goodbye, Sapphire."
"See you soon."
Sapphire soon leaves to her rightful place.
'Hey, her name Sapphire fits with this world.' Tails thinks to himself
Sapphire walks back to her resting place. In the sand, nearest the waters. She arrives and sits down, looking out into the waters.
'Why does here feel more like home? Is it the species I've met, friends I've made? What makes this place so special?' Sapphire thinks out loud, attracting Shadow's attention without her knowledge
"Maybe, it's how you got here. Or how you got to know who's here." Shadow says, having heard Sapphire
Sapphire turns, noticing Shadow.
"You heard what I've said?" Sapphire asks, bewildered, and slightly threatened
"Yes. We live close by, and you're out in the open. Easy to hear, too. Not that the others can hear you." Shadow answers and speaks
"How do you know that they haven't heard my words?"
"They're usually busy talking to each other or minding their own business. We're both in a more remote part of the land. Less noticeable, less audible to the others."
"That makes sense."
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Still coming to terms with how fast I've settled in. That's all."
"Let's say you've calmed down faster, than what I've managed when I first came here."
"I know. Here is so different to my old home. It's less crowded to put something out there."
"It must be. Which doesn't explain why you were calm in about ten minutes after sticking around here. Are you sure that you're alright? You seemed a bit threatened when I spoke."
"Yep. All good."
"You don't sound it. I'll come to you and try to make it easier."
Shadow goes and sits next to Sapphire. Sapphire soon begins to move, still unsettled from when Shadow first spoke.
"You're moving again. Are you alright?" Shadow points out and asks
"Still slightly unsettled from when you first spoke. But getting better, with time."
Shadow soon goes about putting his arm around Sapphire's shoulders, to calm her emotions.
"What are you doing?" Sapphire asks, in bewilderment and calming down
"I want to keep you calm… or try to. I'm not all that great at it. But this is the best I can do." Shadow admits, answering Sapphire's question
"It seems to be working. I've needed this kind of thing for years. A real friend who can put up with the ups and downs."
"So, all you've been looking for is a friend, that actually cares."
"Mostly. You see, I don't have any romantic interest in humans. I only see them as friends, strangers, or family. Nothing else. It doesn't seem normal to the person I've mostly lived with... my mother. My friends were cool with it, given that I was in school, during my time in the city. Not in the real world where they'd class you as abnormal."
"I bet it felt pretty dark for you, right?"
"Yeah, that's one word to use. My differences made it more difficult to trust people other than the real friends I'd made, and my father. But I just dealt with it and moved on with my life."
"Has all this happened since you were younger?"
"Since I was eleven years old. Kindergarten and elementary school weren't that bad at all. But, as soon as I left those facilities, it just got bad, and kept getting worse over the years. I don't need sympathy, and never usually get any of it. It's what I'm used to, and I just deal with it."
"So, did you run away from your home?"
"No, my father let me go and live my own life. So that I feel less down and closed in."
"You've got a great father. I don't get why you've been disrespected like that. For something so minor."
"Yeah, when you make headline news the next day. Then, it's no longer a minor thing. You get unwanted attention, and just deal with it. That's what happened with me. I hated it, I just wanted to run away at that point. Then, it all stopped within a week. But my mother continued her words. It just got tiring after that."
"I'm guessing you didn't manage well."
"I've broken down a few times, thanks to all of it. It just got the better of me, and I felt down as the result."
"Does this mean that the city just abandoned you after your headline fame?"
"Yes. That's why I hated it after that. I just got abandoned by everyone. My mother, so-called school friends and the people that read my story in the papers. That was the most draining thing that I've been through."
"I didn't realise your pain. How much worse it was than my own."
"It's still disrespect. I'll just leave you be. I don't wanna bring you down in my misery."
"No, don't. I'll come to you, to keep you calm and satisfied."
"Are you sure? This is my misery. I don't want others taking it to bed with them."
"I'm certain. You get my pain, I get yours, to a degree. Friends are there for each other, like you said but in a different way."
"Okay, I'll stick around. I'll spend more time getting to know you, as well."
"That sounds good to me."
After some time together, getting to know each other's likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, the pair are closer, as friends. Soon night begins, and they part their ways. Oblivious to what the next few months are to hold.