[Shadow p.o.v.]
I stared at the cars and people entering and exiting the parking lot. A worker was helping an elderly couple load their groceries. A group of teenagers stood around a car trying to act cool while bobbing their heads to some music. I saw a large mouse family pushing three carts toward the store. Each cart had about 3 to 5 small children inside. The children were all talking at once and playing with each other as their parents and a teen mouse pushed the carts. I then turned my gaze to a red female fox walking back to her vehicle, pushing a cart that held her two little ones: a boy and a girl. The girl was a sky blue, and the boy was a bright orange. They looked about the same age.
Maybe they were twins?
Upon reaching their vehicle, the mother pulled out her phone and began speaking into it. She turned her back from the children, as she got further into her conversation. The orange fox boy was in the shopping cart seat, swinging his legs back and forth, while his sister was in the bed of the cart, apparently singing to herself. The kids looked rather sweet and innocent occupying themselves as they patiently waited for their mother.
I kept watching them, waiting to see what would happen next, when the boy abruptly stopped swinging his legs. Something had caught his attention. His face appeared alarmed as he turned to look at his sister. I also turned to look at the little fox girl, who was no longer singing, but had something in her possession. A package of 'Kanger's Donuts' was resting on her lap. [Author: Shadow knew what the girl had in her lap, because 'Kanger's Donuts' is Kangaroo Kroger's donut brand. Their packaging has a very unique and iconic appearance, making it hard not to recognize.]
The girl had already pulled of the seal, and was reaching inside for a doughnut. The boy yelled something at his sister, which made her freeze and their mother turn around. I couldn't see the woman's initial reaction, since her back was towards me, but I saw from her body language that she was not pleased. She snatched the donuts away from her daughter and started scolding. The girl lowered her head in shame, as her mother continued to rebuke her. She was interrupted, however, by her phone, and once more, continued to speak into it, moving the groceries to the vehicle.
The seemingly sweet, bubbly girl from before disappeared as gave her brother a deadly glare. He taunted and turned around, looking pleased. With their mother occupied, the girl reached for a package of baby wipes. She hurled it at the back of her brother's head. It was a direct hit. His head swayed upon impact, but quickly recovered to follow with a battle cry and a counterattack of potato chips. It was war!
Yep, definitely, twins! Tsk! Bad kids.
I tried to hold back a smile. I liked being here; listening to the mingled noise of the store, and watching the cars and people go by... The people I was sworn to protect. It was... relaxing. I took a sip of my cappuccino, as I relished these thoughts.
Mmm, that barista girl really knows how to make a GOOD cappuccino!
I took another sip as I viewed the dark clouds in the sky.
Looks like it's going to rain. I guess the weather report was wrong, again!
My multipurpose communicator beeped a reminder.
"Examine Star Case Files"
"Well, back to work." I groaned.
On my motorcycle, it takes me 30 minutes to get back to the hidden entrance of the Mobian's G.U.N. base and the way the weather was looking, I knew that I should probably be heading out now.
I started rising from my chair, but something inside stopped me. It was like I was glued to my seat. Although, if I was being honest, I'd say I didn't want to go. I looked at my communicator again. The digital clock read 1pm.
"You got more than a half an hour left, Shadow!" I reassured myself. "You can stay for another 15 minutes."
I smiled, snoozed the reminder, and gazed back at the window. I was relieved that I didn't have to head back to work, just yet. I closed my eyes to engulf myself in the sounds of all that surrounded me.
Car doors slam, horns beep, shopping carts rattle and squeak. Feet shuffle across the floor, children laugh, friends talk about work, love, school, and life. Workers greet, bar scanners beep and chairs glide across the floor. People serve, people eat, people drink, and people speak.
These people... are why I am here.
I guess I was so entranced in my peace of mind that I didn't hear someone come up beside me. My ears twitched when I heard a female voice say my name.
"Shadow?"
I opened my eyes and turned my head to see the one and only Amy Rose.
"Amy?"
Her eyes widened with delight, and mine with shock. It has been over 7 years since I last saw Miss Rose, when we both attended Vector's wedding.
"Amy." I said again.
"Shadow!"
"How have you been!?" We were both surprised that we said it in unison. She kind of yelled it, but I just spoke it.
We laughed a little at ourselves. I stepped off my bar stool, suddenly feeling okay to leave it, and stepped back to get a good look at Amy. She was older, obviously, and had grown to almost reach my eye level. Her iconic red head band was gone and her quills were longer, the ends just reaching past her shoulders. Her dress was different too. It was still red, but was flowy, lacked the white trim, had short sleeves, and rested below her knees. The only thing about her appearance that was the same were her gold bracelets, boots, and white gloves and socks. (However, her socks were no longer rolled up.)
I was kind of bewildered by her new look. I liked it!
"You look.." I paused and gazed her over again "Good! You look good!" My voice had a hint of excitement to it. She smiled and shrugged.
"Thanks! I feel great, actually! And you look...", she paused, looking me over, "Um?.. Good, too!? The same, but good!"
I chuckled sarcastically. "Wow! Thanks! What a complement! I feel very special. I'm blushing in fact. You can't see it cuz of my dark fur, but it's there!"
Amy blushed. Her back stiffened and her shoulders went up.
"Oh! Shadow, you know I didn't mean it like that!"
Inwardly, I smiled. That's the Amy I know.
"It's just that,.." she continued, "you're the Ultimate Lifeform! No matter the time span, you'll always look the same."
I sighed and gave an eye roll. I knew she was right and wasn't trying to be rude. I was just slightly annoyed, that she couldn't think of something better to say. Was it that hard for people to see that I've changed?
"Yeah, well, I'm not entirely the same." I retorted.
"Oh!?"
"Yeah! For one, I've grown, height and mass wise." I saw Amy give off a weird face.
Why did I say that!
But I just continued. [Author: It's important to note the simple fact that, for Mobians, you can't see their muscles. I decided to keep this fact in the story. Shadow has been working out more, but you can't see his muscles. To show it though, we add more chest hair! : )] "My voice has more base, if you hadn't noticed. And I work now as the Commander of G.U.N."
After Amy heard the last bit, her weird face disappeared and was replaced with a look of disbelief.
"You're the Commander of G.U.N.?" she slowly asked, pointing a finger at me.
I folded my arms. "Don't look so surprised! I used to be G.U.N.'s top agent, once upon a time!" I said, not hiding my annoyance. I had taken Amy's question as an insult, but her next action proved I was mistaken.
Shadow, that's incredible! What an honor! You're G.U.N.'s first Mobian Commander!"
I bushed and gave off a small chuckle.
"Yeah, well, with great power comes great responsibility."
Man! That was dumb!
If Amy thought it was dumb, she didn't show it. She just giggled and leaned towards me.
"I see you're blushing!" she teased. "I guess you can see a blush through that dark fur!"
I rolled my eyes and smirked.
"You got me there!"
She laughed. I looked behind me to see if anyone was listening. Of course, no one was. Everyone was too busy in their own world to care about us. I turned to look at Amy again, who was still in her mocking position. I noticed the 'Sweet Bun' sub and drink in her hands.
She must have came up here to sit down and have lunch.
"Hey, would you like a seat?" I pointed to an empty bar stool next to mine.
She rose to her full height as she spoke, "Oh! Thanks! Probably be best."
Amy placed her things on the bar table and took the seat next to mine, as I returned back to my own.
"Yep. Standing around, like we were, would eventually get tiring." I included. "Besides, you need to eat." I nodded towards her meal.
"Thanks for reminding me!" Amy gasped, as she reached for her lunch and started devouring it.
I snickered. Amy turned to look at me, her face full of her sub.
"What!? I'm hungry!" she protested through a stuffed mouth.
"Yeah, but you don't have to eat it like it's your last meal!" I laughed. Amy rolled her eyes, but soon laughed too.
*********
[Amy p.o.v.]
I continued to eat my sub, but a little slower this time.
"So. What brings you here?" Shadow asks, as I was about to take another bite.
My mouth was still open when I turned my direction to him.
Seriously!? You want to ask me a question now!?
My mouth maintained its position as he gave a soft smile, waiting for me to answer. I sighed, leaning away from my sandwich and closing my mouth to form a pout.
"I thought you wanted me to eat?"
"Yeah, but I also want to catch up. So stop eating."
I looked at Shadow like he just asked me to do the chicken dance. What a hypocrite!
"Normally!" I sang, "It's the person who isn't eating that does all the talking." I hinted raising my eyebrows, but his face never showed the slightest bit of change. "But since you insist!" I sighed, "I come often to Kangaroo Kroger's to get something to eat at 'Sweet Buns'."
I waved my sub in the air for proof.
"I came up to the balcony to chow down, but after seeing how full it was, I thought all the seats were taken. I was going to head back down the stairs, when I saw you. There, can I eat now!?"
"Ah, I see! You like Sweet Buns." Shadow said, completely ignoring my question. "I hear their food is good."
I was about to take another bite, but I had to stop myself to speak.
"Good? It's great!"
"Well, I wouldn't know. I don't eat there."
"You don't eat at Sweet Buns?" I questioned, pointing to his takeaway coffee cup that read 'Sweet Buns'.
"No, no! I only go there for the cappuccino." He chuckled and took another sip of his coffee.
"Welp, your loss!" I said, taking a quick bite of my sub.
Mmm, their sandwiches were phenomenal!
"I love it there!" I said dreamily, with a stuffed mouth.
Shadow laughed, "I can tell!"
"It's been my favorite lunch spot ever since I started taking classes."
"That's right! Rouge mentioned you going back to school. You wanted to become a.. What's the word?.. medical helper?"
"Medical Assistant."
"Oh! Yeah! Medical assistant. How's that working for ya?"
"Pretty good." I said quickly. I wanted this little "catch up" to end as soon as possible, so I could continue eating. "I've been working as a medical assistant for 7 years, now. I work for an owl named Dr. Joseph Primer under his practice 'Healing the Soul: Family and Life Counseling'. During my time working with him, I've wrote a book and started a YouTube page!"
Shadow whistled. "A writer, YouTuber, and medical professional!?" he mused listing them off on his fingers, "Impressive! You've been busy since I last saw you."
I gave a small smile. I could tell that he was genuine. He actually cared to know about my life. I didn't want to admit it, but I was starting to enjoy our "catch up" time. He was different, yet the same. He had...
Balance.
"Thanks!" I smiled. "But, I'm even more busy now that I'm back in school again."
I placed my sandwich down, not feeling interested in eating it now.
"Oh! What are you studying this time?"
"Psychology."
His face changed, but I couldn't read what it meant.
"And what made you decide to do that?" he questioned. The sound of his voice told me that he didn't agree with my decision.
"My boss, Dr. Primer, had suggested that I go back to school and study psychology. He actually teaches some of the higher level classes there!"
"Hmm." was all that he said, as he rested his face on his knuckles.
He looked at me in silence. His face was furrowed and stern. I looked about the room nervously. I didn't know if he was looking at me or just in my direction, but it was getting uncomfortable.
Why is he staring at me? Doesn't he know it's rude to stare!
His sharp red eyes met mine and I could feel him judging me. I was definitely creeped out at this point!
Maybe it wasn't a good idea to continue this chat.
Stupid, stupid! Got carried away by him carrying about you, now he's glaring at you like you stole his chaos emerald!
I could tell that he didn't agree with my choice of study, but that doesn't give him the right to make me feel.. feel..
What was I feeling? What is happening to me!?
I was so confident before! So sure of my life, but now, I'm starting to feel like that confused pink hedgehog again, who didn't know what she wanted. Who didn't know what was good for her.
No! I won't let him make me think this way of myself! I guess he is still a creeper after all, but I'm not going to let him think he can dominate me!
"Shadow, you're staring."
Wow! You sound real tough Amy.
Finally, he spoke.
"Amy." His voice was unlike his face. It was soft and concerned. Was I wrong about him?
"You do know that you don't need to go to school to learn about psychology, right?"
"I know that, but I'll miss out on a lot of knowledge if I don't go!"
"You can actually learn a lot more than you would in college, Amy, if you just read some books and research articles or search YouTube and the web. Don't waste your money! It'll be better for you in the long run, if you teach yourself."
"How can you say that? You act as if you know."
"Because. That's how I learned about psychology. I did my research and applied it to my life." He shrugged, nonchalantly.
Shadow understands psychology!? Is that why he looked at me so sternly? Because he knows that there's another way?
I looked into his eyes. They were sparkling. I wanted to ask him so many questions! What has this hedgehog been doing all this time? From what I already heard, it sounded like a lot! I wanted to know more about him.
His eyes dimmed and looked away, as mine wanted to search deeper into his. He looked over his shoulder, checking the activity behind us.
Why is he trying to avoid me? Wait! Is he blushing!?
I decided to give up trying to see Shadow's eyes, and brought my attention toward the window. I remained silent as I took in all of what Shadow said.
Don't waste your money! It'll be better for you in the long run, if you teach yourself.
"Are you working and going to school?" Shadow asked, interrupting my thoughts.
"Yes." I replied. "It can be a bit tiring, though. I was thinking about taking a few months off of work, but... I don't know."
I turned to look at the scenery, trying to avoid the concerned eyes of the Dark Hedgehog. I could tell he wanted to ask me something, but was hesitant.
"Amy, is it because you need the money? Are you having financial struggles?"
"NO!" I yelled, a lot louder than I intended. A few people looked in our direction. I mouthed a "Sorry", and they returned back to what they were doing.
"Sorry." I sighed, directing this apology to Shadow. "It's not like that. I used to, but not anymore."
"Then what?"
"I've been saving up to put a down payment on a vehicle I've had my eye on. I also want to purchase a condo near the beach."
"What car are you interested in purchasing?"
"A green 2018 Honda HR-V!" I said dreamily. [This is actually the car I've wanted ever since I could drive!]
I could envision myself gripping the steering wheel, leaning back against the dark grey leather seat, and smelling that new car smell.
Oh, yeah! Once I get enough money, I'm going to purchase that car!
"Green!?" Shadow questioned, with a smirk "I thought you'd want red."
"Ha! Ha!" I said sarcastically. He grinned.
"I'm not all one dimensional, you know!" I spat.
He grinned some more.
"So, those two things are the reason why you're hesitant on taking off work?" Shadow asked, continuing the conversation.
I nodded.
"Well then, sounds like to me you've got a decision to make."
I looked to Shadow with interest.
"What do you want more? A piece of paper that says you can read people well, or a vehicle to take you from point A to B and a house to cover you."
"Wow! You make it sound like it should obviously be the latter!"
"Its your life!" he leaned backed, raising his hands. "But most people would go for the latter."
"Tck!" was all I could say, as I let out a huff further showing my disapproval.
A silence fell between us, with Shadow's words still lingering in the air. I didn't want to admit it, but Shadow had a point.
"But I really want that piece of paper!" I whined.
Shadow laughed at my childish behavior. I didn't really appreciate it. I looked at him with a pouty face, trying to show pain in my eyes.
"Well, whatever you decide," he concluded, "I'll respect your decision either way." He paused. "In fact, I'm kind of glad you DID return to college!"
What!
Did this hedgehog suffer from short term memory loss!
What! Shadow had just told me it would be better not to continue school and now he's saying the opposite!? He really is a hypocrite!
"Do you realize, you just totally contradicted yourself, just now!" I lectured.
Shadow smiled.
I noticed that he was doing a lot of that lately.
"I know." he said calmly, "I was just thinking,.. if you hadn't gone back to college, you wouldn't be here. And I wouldn't have seen you again, till another one of our friends has a wedding."
Wait! Is one of our friends thinking about getting married? What does he know that I don't!?
"It's been awhile since I've seen anyone from the old days." Shadow continued, "I hang out with the guys and sometimes Rouge, but it's good to see another old friend."
He gave me a genuine smile, but all I could do was look at Shadow with surprise.
Did he just call me an old friend? Did he really see me that way?
I finally returned his smile and gently touched his arm. I didn't know what to say, but I wanted him to know, that he considering me a friend... meant a lot. We looked into each others eyes. His were sparkling again, and he didn't avert them this time, either. I loved it when they were like that!
A loud beeping sound interrupted the moment.
Shadow groaned and reached for a device on his wrist that looked like a watch. He silenced the beeping and looked back to me.
"Sorry. It's work."
"Do you have to go?" I asked.
"I should." he began, "But I don't have to go just yet."
I gave him a face that read "Yeah, right!"
"Shadow, if you're needed at work, you should go!" I scolded.
"Since I'm a Commander of G.U.N., I don't need to hurry back to work." he said resting his arms on the bar table and gripping his coffee. "Everyone says I need to take more breaks anyway."
Shadow concluded his statement by swishing his mug around and drinking the last remains of his coffee.
"Mmm!" he hummed, smacking his lips. "I should get another cappuccino!" He said to me, while wiggling his eyebrows.
What a weirdy!
I sighed and rolled my eyes, trying hard not to crack a smile. I couldn't believe this guy!
"Alrighty then! But if you get yourself in trouble for being late, don't blame me!" I pointed my finger at him to let him know I was serious.
Shadow's eyes rolled.
"Pfft! Whatever." he mumbled, sounding like his old self again. He rested his arms on the table, holding his empty cup in both hands, as he watched over the parking lot, emotionless.
I smirked.
Good old Shadow!
I took the opportune silence to finish my turkey sub and lemonade. I offered Shadow some of my sweet potato fries and he declined, but I continued to nag until he gave in. We sat there eating the rest of my fries in silence, until I decided to speak up.
"Hey, Shadow."
An ear twitched.
"Hm!
"How did you become G.U.N.'s Commander, anyway? I mean, choosing who will become the next G.U.N. Commander is a weighty matter. Why did they choose you?"
"Why do you think?" He gazed at me in the corner of his eye.
"What type of reply is that!" I snapped.
"A good one!" he smirked.
"No it's not! Obviously! I don't know, that's why I'm asking!"
Shadow leaned toward me still holding that smirk.
"Think. Amy."
I finally did what he said and thought. Then a thought actually came.
"Wait! Is it because you're the Ultimate Lifeform?" I said annoyed.
"Ding! Ding! Ding!"
"So let me get this straight!" turning in my stool to face him. "When the old Commander decided to retire, he chose you to replace him because you're the Ultimate Lifeform and you're mean and buff!" I started jostling around like a muscle man.
"No! That's not the only reason why!" he said annoyed.
"Oh!? So, is it cuz you're a hothead in addition to you being mean and buff!?"
"Shut..grr..Quit it!"
I snickered. I shouldn't have done that to Shadow, but what can I say, I like getting under people's skin sometimes!
I am so bad!
"The reason why" Shadow said, regaining his composure, "was because I met the qualities of being the next Commander of G.U.N. You see, a Commander must be courageous, tactful, possesses leadership abilities, and is a seasoned fighter. He must be approachable, firm yet reasonable, collected, and can sympathize when needed. These are the same qualities that made you and Knuckles fit to lead the Resistance."
"You saw those qualities in me and Knuckles?"
Shadow shrugged.
"I'm very perceptive."
"I can tell."
He looked at me with a smirked.
"So," I went on. "You passed G.U.N.'s personality test. Then what? Did you have to do anything else? Like something to prove your physical capabilities meet their standards?"
"My past missions with G.U.N. proved that my physical capabilities go above and beyond their standards. Besides, I'm only the Commander for the Mobian side of G.U.N."
"What!? I didn't know there was two."
"There wasn't at first, but after Ultimatum, Abraham Tower decided it would be best to divide the organization into two parts: the Mobian side and the Human side. Two sides of G.U.N., both with the same cause: to protect the lives of all. Tower proposed that by doing this, G.U.N. would be able to cover more ground. Before he retired, Tower assigned me to be the Commander over Mobian's G.U.N. and his niece, Amanda Tower, over the Human's G.U.N. Together we form the United World.
"Wow!" I whispered. "I never knew."
"It's okay. You're not alone. The reformed organization is still new. It was just the other day, when..."
As our conversation went on, I couldn't help but notice that there was a change in Shadow. I already saw the difference. He was balanced. However, speaking with him more made the balance more noticeable, and made me to question.
What has happened to him?
I couldn't put my finger on it! Physically, he looked the same, an attribute I knew came with being the Ultimate Lifeform, and his demeanor was still stern and austere, yet his vibe was more relaxed and... friendly!
As I sat listening to the black hedgehog, with my face resting in my palms, I couldn't help but stare, a bit dreamily. His words became muffled, as I thought more of our past, his transformation, and our friendship. I admired him.
That's when I decided,
I like him this way!
I didn't notice that Shadow had stopped talking and was looking at me a bit confused and alarmed. I guess he caught me staring at him.
"What!? Is there something on my face?"
"Oh! Uh.. no!.. I", I stammered. I could feel my face grow red. I swallowed and took a breath.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare. It's just..." I trailed off, as I looked into his eyes, "I-I can't help but notice the change in you."
"You mean I'm not as grim or stiff as before." he stated, bluntly.
"Pretty much!" I smiled nervously, " What caused you to be different?"
Shadow furrowed his brows and looked toward the window.
Oh, no! Did I say something wrong!?
"Do you know why I was so grim before?", he asked, still gazing at the window.
Was that a rhetorical question?
"Well.." I started.
"Because the world was in danger!" he firmly interjected. "Eggman was threatening to conquer the world, and I couldn't rest until he was subdued! These people," he gestured his hand toward the window, "deserve to live in safety and have the chance for happiness. I gave a promise long ago to protect the world, and I will do everything in my power to keep it! So, when Eggman and all his evil was destroyed, I was able to breathe."
His voice held such determination and passion, that it was inspiring. He turned back to me. His eyes were sparkling once more and he wore a small smile. I refrained myself from giving any dreamy stares.
I knew he wasn't a cruel being as some perceived him to be.
"And then this is where my study of psychology came in."
"I see, but you still work for G.U.N. Why?" I asked.
"Because the bad guys are still out there. With people like Starline and the Deadly Six wandering about, you can't stop."
"Shadow." I said, thoughtfully.
"Yeah?"
"I like you this way!" I concluded."You've really grown!" He laughed.
"Well, I didn't know my behavior was being quizzed under your 'Self-Improvement Test,.." I started to laugh. He did not just say that! "But I'm glad I passed!", he said with a triumphant smile.
"I didn't mean it like that!", I protested, giving him a shove. He laughed. "I'm just glad that you've loosened up a bit, so that the world can see the good person that I already saw in you."
Shadow opened his mouth to speak, but then smiled. I smiled back. His red, powerful eyes gazed into mine intently, but I wasn't afraid. They were lovely; the eyes of a dear friend that I had almost forgotten. Another loud beeping interrupted the moment. Shadow looked at his wristwatch and turned it off.
"Work?" I asked.
"Yeah. Duty calls!" Shadow said, as he mounted off his stool and grabbed his leather jacket. I followed suit.
"I should probably head out, too. I don't want to get caught in the rain."
"You think it's going to rain, too!?"
"Of course! Have you seen those clouds!? The weather report is never right!"
He laughed. "True that!"
We walked down the stairs and out of the building, stopping just in front of Kangaroo Kroger's front entrance. A silence fell between us as we turned to face each other.
*********
[Shadow's p.o.v.]
"Welp!" Amy started, breaking the silence. "I'll see you around, Shadow!"
"Yeah! See ya around."
As Amy turned to walk away, I felt that I had forgot something. But what was it? Before I fully understood what I was doing, I called out to her.
"Amy, wait!"
She stopped and looked at me with concern.
"What is it Shadow?"
I began rubbing the back of my neck as I slowly said my reply.
"Can I... give you a hug?" My arms were outstretched and I wore a sheepish grin, with my head slightly down. I felt kind of stupid asking this when we both were about to leave, but I didn't want to let her go, until we had done this. I saw her face questioning my motives.
"I don't want to leave without giving you a proper goodbye."
She smiled and answered warmly "Of course!"
We hugged, a short, friendly side hug. I got a whiff of her hair. It smelled nice.
I wonder what shampoo she uses?
"It was good catching up with you, Amy." I said, as we broke from the hug. "I really enjoyed it."
"Me too!" she agreed with a smile. And with that she turned on her heels and waved goodbye.
"Bye Shadow!"
"Bye Amy! I'll catch you later!"
I didn't know then how true those words would be.