THREE LOVE TRIANGLES?

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CHAPTER 1

Saving Two Lives In One Day

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"Oh Soooooooooooniiiiiiiiic!" Amy called aloud running towards her hero in Emerald Coast Beach.

He stood in the shore watching the sea as the waves came up to the surface getting the tips of his shoes wet. Something was wrong about Amy's hero, he looked... different.

"Sonic?" she asked with a worried expression on her face.

She walked right next to him looking out to the open water. The sun was starting to set behind the mountains causing the sky to turn orange with light red. The clouds, seemed like cotton candy being puffy and the color of soft pink that made Amy's mouth water.

"Oh Sonic, do you think this is... romantic?" she asked blushing.

There was silence. Amy didn't get a response and turned towards her blue hero.

"Sonic, did you hear what I just said?" she asked.

Then she noticed that her blue hero, wasn't blue, but black and red. She saw that it wasn't Sonic at all.

"SHADOW!?" She asked in surprise.

The ebony hedgehog faced towards her slowly and smiled a way that made Amy's heart melt. He walked up behind her and pulled her into a hug.

"Hello my beloved princess." he whispered in her ear.

Amy couldn't move, she couldn't speak nor think. Inside her, she was actually enjoying what her crush's look-alike was doing to her. She blushed slightly as her heart started racing.

"Oh Shadow." Amy whispered with her eyes closing.

She could feel his warmth, and his soft, fluffy chest fur on her back. She slowly opened her eyes, placing her hand over one of his arms that wrapped themselves around her neck, but she felt nothing.

"Wh--what?" she looked behind her.

She saw Shadow right there, still hugging her, but she could also see through him. He started to disappear with the scenery going with him. He unwrapped his arms around her and took a step back with a sweet smile.

"Amy..." he called out to her in a whisper.

"Amy..." he called out again.

"Wait Shadow! What's going on here?" she asked reaching for him, but all she caught was air.

He called out to her again, "Amy... wake up... wake up... you're dreaming..." then everything turned black.

The only thing Amy could hear was a whisper from the wind.

"...Amy..."

XXX

"SHADOW!" Amy screamed tossing and turning then fell off her bed with a thump waking her up.

She was sweating and breathing heavily, then calmed down, knowing what it was.

She sighed, "Just another dream." she told herself getting up. She yawned, stretching out her arms. "That's the third time this week! Why am I getting so much dreams on Shadow lately?" she asked herself glancing at the clock.

It was only nine in the morning.

Amy yawned again walking to the curtains and pushing them aside letting the sun through the window, lighting her room. She opened the window to let in the fresh smell of moist morning air.

"Seems like it's gonna be another beautiful day!" she chirped heading to her closet and picking out her everyday wear.

When she picked her usual red and white dress with matching boots and a headband to go along with it, she went straight to the bathroom for her morning shower. After stripping down and getting the water temperature just right, Amy entered the shower, feeling the steaming water pour on her pink fur. The heat relaxed her. Closing her eyes slowly, enjoying her privacy while rubbing her arms, smearing the moisture.

She smiled cheerfully, continuing to mind her own business, daydreaming about her beloved Sonic and picturing his handsome face, it soon was all turning into nothing but a blur, then a picture on her hero's dark self came into view.

Amy shot her eyes open far and wide. "Why am I thinking about Shadow so much lately?" she scowled to herself. "It feels like I'm being haunted with his images." she thought, turning off the shower water, not feeling like taking her usual shower anymore.

After getting dry and dressed, she headed out the door. "I think I'll head to the market... as always." She decided, heading to where the Station Square super market was located.

XXX

"Ungh..." Rouge groaned walking into the living room already dressed in her everyday purple jumpsuit.

"Seems you're not the morning type." said a low, mysterious voice up ahead.

She yawned and lifted her head, "Not really Shadow. I'm a bat after all." she responded stretching her arms high in the air showing her perfect soft curbs, but Shadow didn't pay no mind.

He was laying down on the couch that he called his 'bed' and just woken up.

"Any plans for today?" she asked walking to the kitchen.

"Not any." he responded getting up and following her.

She opened the fridge to see what could be for breakfast, "Well, today Club Rouge'll be open as usual week days. We're low on wine, so could you go to the grocery store and get some?" she asked pulling out a jug of milk and a pack of eggs.

"Why can't you?" Shadow asked seriously, but sarcastically.

Rouge smiled slyly. "Let's just say, I have plans of my own."

Shadow scoffed, knowing that she would go to Angel Island and flirt with her, 'not-so-secret-crush', Knuckles.

He shook his head in disbelief. "You just can't stop toying with him. Can you?" he asked leaning against the wall, crossing his arms.

Rouge did a playful glare. "He's cute when he get's embarrassed. Plus... I haven't gotten my hands on that emerald of his in a looonnng time." Rouge took out a pan from the cupboard.

Shadow just rolled his, knowing that she already had an interest in him since it was pretty obvious. "You're a good liar Rouge. But just not good enough for me."

Rouge smirked at him, "My my Shadow. Your right about that. But I wouldn't call it lying... just hiding the true facts." she winked at him, placing the pan on the stove and turning it on high. "Why not we keep it secret between us. alright?" she did her sexy trademark smile at Shadow.

He just scoffed again. "Hmpf."

She started to crack the eggshells with a fork and plopped them in the pan that was now heating up by the stove. "Well, I also havta' do some clean up around the club, so just go and get the supplies we need."

Shadow only returned to his serious face and slightly nodded, "Fine." he responded and dashed off.

Everything was now silent as Rouge started cooking her sunny-side-up eggs. While she was doing this task, she was pondering. Pondering about 'her' Knuckles. She smiled evilly picturing his face on one of the eggs in her mind.

Suddenly, a flashback appeared in her thought. It was when she was locked up in a safe in Prison Island. Less than five seconds on the timer that would explode the whole island, including herself, and all hope lost for her. But... there was still hope when she saw a green flash of light before her. And there stood an ebony black hedgehog.

Her first real hero, the one who let her live so Knuckles would save her later once again. Rouge had to admit that Shadow was her life-savior there. She thought that she could handle anything by herself until that moment, and that was the only time she admitted that she really needed help.

Rouge sighed at the memories. "It only seemed like yesterday." she said to herself.

She looked up at the ceiling in wonder. Then, a picture on the same hedgehog who saved her in Prison Island, and multiple times, appeared in her mind.

"Shadow." she whispered.

Suddenly, the smell of burnt eggs entered her nose. "Oh, Shoot!" she scolded returning to reality.

She quickly threw the burned sunny-side-up eggs in the trashcan, getting frustrated with her thoughts. She tossed the pan in the sink, loosing her appetite.

"That's it! I'm gonna brighten my mood!" She told herself exiting out of Club. Rouge and started to flap her powerful, ebony wings and gained flight. She now soared sky-high, heading toward Angel Island.

Though, she forgot one thing before she left. Turning the stove... off.

XXX

Amy's P.O.V

I was just doing my every Monday agenda, going to the Station Square Super Market to get some supplies like milk, cheese, bread, the kind of basic stuff. After I got everything I needed, I waited in line in cash register line 13, I know, an unlucky number, but hey, it was the shortest there was. It's usually busy here in weekday mornings for people getting some donuts for breakfast and coffee for work. I was pulling out my money, until I felt a cold, round, metal behind my head.

I quickly knew it was a gun. I decided to use my trusty Piko-Piko Hammer, but before I could even move a muscle, that person, lifted me up off the ground and leaned me against the wall with a lot force. And this guy was HEAVY! I gotta glimpse of him. He seemed pretty tall, like six feet or taller, and his whole body, even his face was covered in black, well, except for the eyes, duh.

"Let me go you big jerk!" I demanded struggling to loosen his grip.

I was strong, but the guy's weight was harsh! It was like he weighed a dozen tons! But around his height, that couldn't be true. I'd say over two-hundred, but that doesn't matter at this time right now.

"Give me all your money and this chick won't die! Seems there's been a shortage of hot babes, and we don't wanna loose another!" the man ordered to the cash register guy.

Okay, I had to admit, I like it that he thought I was cute, but that name... 'chick'? The heck. It sounded like a cheap name for girls. I was thinking of complaining to him, but decided to shut my loud mouth for an exchange for my own life.

Everyone was at first screaming, but when they saw the gun, everything in the store was silent with every person in sight with their hands up in surrender. I could see that he had some buddies with him with bigger guns pointing at the people. The cash register man slowly pushed some buttons to open the register and took out a plastic bag.

"Hurry up grandpa!" the guy who had me hostage yelled putting more weight on me.

I could hardly breath! Seriously, he needs to loose some pounds! The register guy then started to tremble, but did as he was told. I was just laying with my front body against the wall, helpless.

How pathetic, If I just pulled out my hammer quicker, then maybe this whole gang would already have been pancakes. I wheezed, and tried gasping for air. I turned my head slowly to see the guy that was threatening me, but he didn't allow it and pulled me off the wall and pushed me back against it, and that, hurt!

When the register guy was done, and was about to hand it to one of the gangsters, I heard a familiar voice, "What the hell are you doing?"

Everyone turned their heads to face the owner of the voice, and I did too. There he was, Soni-- wha? SHADOW? I was surprised that it wasn't my 'hero', but my hero's twin so called the Ultimate Life form. Though, either way, I was glad he was here.

"Sh--a--dow. He--lp!" I managed to squeak out between breaths.

"Shut up woman!" the guy said pushing the gun harder in my head.

Everyone stared in awe at Shadow, he just came out of nowhere to save me! Or not. Shadow acted all so calm, it just pissed me off. And yes, the same downward smile, serious eyes, that nonchalant expression. He walked up to me and the gang like he was just passing through.

"Let that girl go." he said calmly.

Yeah. He just called me a girl when he actually knows who I am. That stubborn black hedgehog.

The man behind me chuckled evilly, "So you're Shadow the Hedgehog, the Ultimate Life form eh'? You don't look so tough like we've heard. Boy's, beat em'." he ordered.

They did as they were told and surrounded Shadow.

"You are foolish enough to think you can harm me. I'm giving you one last warning. Again, let her go." Shadow repeated his order sounding a little impatient.

At least he didn't say 'that girl' again. I just continued to stare at the gangsters closing in on Shadow. I was just a little worried about him seeing how many gangsters he has to deal with.

I silently counted, and I continued to count in my thoughts, '17, 18, 19...plus the one who's putting his weight on me, that made 20. Wha--ow.'

I was now getting more worried if Shadow could handle all of these guys. Like, if he was focusing with one guys attack and dodging it, another could hit him without noticing. I wished him luck in my thoughts. I think he was going to need it anyway.

Then, after a moment of silence, and the people slowly backing away from the circle so they wouldn't get in the way for another hostage, or so I think, all of the black dressed gangsters charged for Shadow, who stood in the center with a red grocery basket beside him.

"Eat this!" yelled a short, fat gangster putting his knife in stabbing position and aiming for what I could see, his chest?

Well, I couldn't see anything but a dog pile of black getting on top of each other and trying to place their weapons in Shadow's flesh. The guy behind me, was cheering them on.

"Common' kill that black furred sonofvabitch!" okay, this guy didn't have any manners.

Where are his parents? Or did he learn such talk and manner from them. I heard battle cries, moans of pain, punches, kicks, violence. Then, the heavy weight on me, was gone. I fell to the floor, gasping for breath as I slowly turned to see what just happened. There before me, stood Shadow, my hero for the day. And the guy who was smashing me to death, laying on the floor, unconscious... or dead.

"Shadow? How did you-- what about the others?" I asked a little worried thinking Shadow killed them, I mean, knowing Shadow, he was a pretty violent type of guy.

He just crossed his arms and did his 'Hmpf' nudging his head a little at the direction where the criminals were. I looked to see, a black dog pile of guys, unconscious... or dead.

"You, you didn't kill them... did you?" I asked gasping a little.

I was surprised at how quickly Shadow dealt with the punks. He walked up to them and went inside the pile of unconscious or dead men, coming out holding the red grocery store basket with him. There was a loud cheer from the people who were there to see the whole thing. I just sat there, trembling, a little surprised at what just happened.

He walked up to me. "No, there not dead... yet." that last word made me shutter.

He faced towards the register guy who looked pleased with the work. Shadow did. "They won't be unconscious long. It would be wise if you have already called the police." Shadow warned and walked up to the register man and placed the basket on the table.

The man smiled brightly, "Since you saved us, and your friend over there, I will let you take these items for free. You don't need to pay, after the good deed you did."

Shadow shook his head. "No. I'd rather pay." he spoke and took out some dollar bills, I was guessing all of it since he just said he didn't like carrying money around.

The man shrugged and scanned the items. For me, I caught my breath and slowly stood up, sighing in relief that the worst was over. I looked over towards Shadow, who was just collecting the plastic bags with his, stuff. I guess he saw me looking at him and faced me with those... red eyes. I mean he faced me with his usual frown type look! I just stared at him back, but with no emotion, I just stared at his eyes. I didn't even know it, until now.

I glared at him and faced my back, crossing my arms and started to walk away. I think I heard Shadow say his 'Hmpf', but I ignored it. But still, I haven't thanked him yet for saving me. I continued to ponder, thinking about it until I made my mind. I was going to keep under control and use all my patience with him and try to thank, apologize, and invite him to tea for returning the favor.

Maybe even try to start some good conversations. I decided to leave my groceries, and I waited until he was out of sight, then I started to follow him.

XXX

Normal P.O.V.

Shadow was walking down the street heading back to Club Rouge. As soon as he was about to turn the corner, he heard a faint call of his name, but he ignored it thinking it was the people from the store who wanted to thank him from saving them.

'Why do they have to be so grateful? I just beat up some violent humans, and here they come, running over to just thank me. I didn't do much of anything anyway.' he thought continuing his strides.

Amy was trying to catch up running as fast as she could. It was good that the streets were empty so she could easily spot Shadow.

'Gosh, he's quick!' she complimented in her mind.

She then turned the corner, seeing the black and red hedgehog waiting to cross the street. She slowly walked up to him and tapped him lightly on the shoulder. Shadow slowly faced her with no emotion of excitement, only his usual expression.

"Oh, it's you... Amy Rose." Shadow greeted is his usual serious voice, and face.

"Um, Shadow, I just wanted to say...uh..." she was struggling to let her words out.

But for her, it was complicated to apologize or say thank you to anyone except her close friends. The walk sign lit up and Shadow proceeded to walk, ignoring what Amy was going to say.

"Hey! Shadow, wait up!" Amy called catching up beside him.

"What is it. I have some important business to take care of." he responded with a low tone.

'Hmpf... he still acts like the same old Shadow.' Amy thought crossing her arms and pouting cutely at him.. "Well, I just wanted to... thank you for saving me from those... jerks over there."

Shadow faced towards her with his serious face. "Not a problem." was all he said facing back straight ahead.

"At least he responded." Amt though with a small smile coming on.

"And also I wanted to... a-pol-o-gi-ze of-how-rude-I-was-back-there!" she struggled, and left off stringing her words together.

"Whatever. Drop it okay." Shadow responded without any care.

"He's just the exact opposite of Sonic." Amy thought with a low giggle.

Shadow realized her strange behavior. He faced towards her and stopped in his tracks. "What's funny?" he asked coldly.

Amy barley noticed his cold glare. "Oh nothing really. It's just you and Sonic look almost completely alike, but act almost completely different!" she started to laugh aloud.

He could see nothing humorous about it. He just scoffed and continued to walk, ignoring the cute, pink female hedgehog. Amy caught up to him. "Can you just leave me alone?" he asked, trying to hold his impatience.

"Fine-fine! But before I do. I just want to invite you sometime at my house. You can come whenever you want. Just for paying you back from earlier. And when you helped me many times before that." she smiled sweetly.

Shadow saw her smile. It looked so innocent, that he had to agree. "I'll do so when I get the time." he told her quickly.

"Alright. See you some other time." Amy said her good-bye and headed off.

"Hey, Amy." Shadow called out to her.

Amy turned towards him. "What?"

"What is my purpose for coming over?"

"For some cake and tea of coarse!"

"... I don't eat cake."

"What! Really?" Amy was surprised. Shadow was the first and maybe the only person Amy met who didn't like the taste of cake. "Well, how about tea?"

"What kind of tea?" he asked suspiciously, continuing to walk with Amy again beside him.

"Anything you want! I have about a dozen different types of tea. Like green tea, white tea. china tea, chai tea, any type of tea."

Shadow smirked. "I'm surprised a young girl like you has much items."

Amy placed her hands on her waist, with a bit of disappointment. "I'm not a little girl. I'm twelve years-old. And you're what? Fifty?"

Shadow didn't show anger or disappointment. "I don't age. Remember?"

Amy looked a bit surprised. "Well, when's your birthday?"

Shadow looked towards her, a bit confused for an odd reason that made Amy wonder. "... I don't have one."

"Everyone's gotta have a birthday!" she said between laughs.

Shadow didn't like how she was taking things. "It's true." he mumbled.

Amy stopped her laughing, trying to act mature. She did feel a bit sorry for Shadow not even knowing his birthday. "I'm... sorry." she said acting serious.

Shadow turned towards her. "At least you understand that." Shadow stated with a nod and a slight smirk.

Amy thought that the grin on him was actually... cute. They continued to walk together on the sidewalk, talking about unimportant, everyday things, but it seemed that Amy always had to start each conversation.

Soon, she started to enjoy herself chatting with him, what it seemed, her newest friend. She felt... happy around him, and she was glad that she was getting along with the dangerous, 'dead' serious, Ultimate Life form.

XXX

Rouge's P.O.V.

Okay, to be honest, I was the one who started this nasty fight. I was just teasing Knuckles about taking the Master Emerald behind his back like always, and... well you know how gullible he is. Yeah, he attacked me with his gigantic fist and plunged me to the ground. That... is no way to treat a lady.

Well, you know me, I got him back by kickin' his guts and sent him flying about...1, 2, 3... approximately 11 stories high. Well, I couldn't really tell since the bright sun just came outta nowhere. I thought it was gonna be a cloudy day... my bad then.

Well, as soon as Knuckles landed with a thud, that shook the ground... okay, first... man do I have strong sexy legs or what!? And today, Knuckles had two bad enemies, me, n' gravity. Ouchie, that thud's gotta hurt! He got back up and came right up at me.

I dodged all his so called tough punches, but it wasn't as easy as it looked. He then played a trick on me and used both his fists, one aiming for my gorgeous face, and one on my sexy hip. I dodged the hip one, but barley had time to doge the face, so I just turned my head to the right, and he hit that instead. It sent me flying outta Angel Island to down below, the city of Station Square. Jeez, that Knuckles sure is strong to send me flying here. I was impressed, but at the same time, pissed.

I think I fell into a little beauty sleep since Knuckles punch was too strong. I just continued to fall, and then I fell on something bumpy, but soft and warm. I looked to see, and then I was surprised to see that it was Shadow, but I was sitting on his... you don't wanna know, let's just say I fell on something that can make him sense my big, beautiful butt. I quickly got off him, wiping off the dust on my fashionable suit.

"Well, it's a surprise to meet you... like this Shadow." Shadow was coughing slightly, but recovered and stood up rubbing his... where I fell on him.

Fine! I'll tell ya if your that curious. I fell on his face. His nose! Yeah, he sniffed my butt, and it smelled good so leave it that way! Well, okay, all butts smell-- oh, I'll just shut up. Anyway, I noticed that pink hedgehog was with him. I saluted in a flirty two finger way.

"Long time no see sweetie. You've been wasting your precious time chasing that blue boy instead of looking for more valuable things like jewelry?" I teased.

"Where the heck did you come from, a twin Rouge sent from the gods? I can't even stand the original." Amy came with a come back.

I smirked. She was a good. "Well, maybe the 'gods' sent another one since the 'original' one was so gorgeous, and just needed more glamour in the world."

I could see that pink girl's eyes catch fire with her giving me a death glare. I just glared right back.

Shadow then just shoved some plastic bags in front of my face. "Here's the wine you asked me to get." He then looked at me up and down.

"He's check'n me out!" I thought secretly, posing to him.

"You've been fighting with that echidna again." he finally spoke out.

I plopped to the ground in my mind. Seriously! This guy is the only man I know who doesn't check out the girls beautiful face and hot bodies... like me. Hey, I have the right to brag about it. I worked hard to get in a body like this.

The guys should enjoy these types of bodies! I had to be on a strict diet and avoid carbs, and I also did a lot of kick-boxing, so I could show off my sexy legs. And yes, I shave them every time I take a shower.

Alright! I'm going too far! I don't shave cause my legs are fury with tan colored fur! I mean hello! I'm a bat! The only flying mammal here! Shaving are for those humans. Girls gotta shave. It's a lady-- I'm going too far!

Well, as me and annoying pinky where continuing to give each other death glares. I guess Shadow could see flames surrounding us. He interrupted our starring contest by doing a fake cough, or I think it was. But that little pink gal really just... Pisses Me Off! She sure has an attitude problemo'.

Well, anyway, it seems that pink girl and I ignored his 'fake' coughing and continued to give death glares to each other with the flames rising by the second. Just then, Shadow walked in between us, giving me a sort of scowl. I knew he was thinking that I should act more appropriate due to me being six years older than that pink she-devil. But what really bothered me was that it seemed like he was on her side.

XXX

Normal P.O.V.

"I can't believe you let her go that easily Shadow!" Rouge yelled in complete fury.

Shadow glanced at her with a scowl. "Well you weren't taking it maturely yourself." he responded.

"Still! Why did you let her get the last bite outta me!?"

"Because you started it."

"I did not!"

"You did too."

"Did not!"

"Did too."

"Did not!"

"Your acting like a spoiled brat." Shadow mumbled, continuing to walk down the side-walk with Rouge walking beside him.

"Well you just pressed my buttons there!" Rouge was still flaming away.

Shadow grumbled under his breath, then replying to Rouge's comment. "Well at least I took it more maturely than you. If you call yourself a lady, then start acting like one already."

That shut Rouge's mouth. There was silence between the two of them, with Shadow sensing that he just exploded her last nerve and that she was trying to think of a good comeback. But he made a good point, even Rouge secretly agreed that she had to mature more now, but she would have never admit it in front of any living being. With Shadow thinking that he made her think he had said a put down, he sighed, not saying anything and walked on.

Rouge gave his words he said a replay: '"Well at least I took it more maturely than you. If you call yourself a lady, then start acting like one already.'" She repeated his saying over and over, until she couldn't hold back and blurted it out. "Fine! I admit I don't act as mature as a real lady woulda' done it! There, happy!?"

Shadow, went speechless, never expecting to here those words pass her lips so smoothly.

"And don't you dare tell a single soul about this Shadow, otherwise, I'd kill the life outta ya." Rouge threatened.

Shadow slightly chuckled, which surprised Rouge, with him rarely smiling, and now it's jumped on to laughing. He then soon stopped. "Fine." he said back in his serious voice.

XXX

Rouge's P.O.V.

The bag I was carrying was starting to get on my nerves due to the sound of wine bottles clanging together and the plastic bag making those popping noises. I then heard sirens and out from the street came three fire trucks, and several police and ambulance cars.

"There's been a tragedy. As it seems." Shadow said as he walked up beside me as we both watched the fire cars go by.

They turned the corner, where we were heading.

"Oh no." I whispered, and ran ahead of Shadow dropping the bag of wine.

I didn't care if the bottles broke of not, I just knew what happened, I sensed that I just knew what was happening.

"Rouge! What are you doing?" he called out to me, but I didn't pay attention.

When I turned the corner, there I saw one of the worst things I've seen. My club, was burning down. I didn't waste time to just stare. I needed to get a few things in there. I ran towards the giant blaze, and every second I got closer, I felt the heat building up inside of me and the fire in my face.

"No! Stop!" Shadow called out running after me, but I continued to run into the club.

When I entered the burning building, I could see everything I owned, burning in flames. My eyes just watched in horror.

'Why is this happening to me?' I asked myself, but ignored my thoughts and the flames and went straight to my headquarters before the upstairs burned down.

When I entered, I saw all my furniture, being burned up in flames. My bed, the nightstand, my wardrobe, everything except...

"The safe!" I cried out, running towards it.

It was a good thing that this baby was fire proof and that I was smart to put it no where near anything or under anything. I quickly just grabbed it, not caring about the rest of the things I was leaving behind because they were already up in flames.

I hurried to reach downstairs, but I barley managed to touch my toe to the first step, as fire started to now flare the whole staircase and all of it started to tumble down, and I fell down with it. I screeched as loud as I could. This was one of the first times I could remember being scared and me even admitting it.

I finally landed on the floor with a loud crash, I couldn't feel anything, anything but pain. I felt death taking over me, I slowly opened my eyes to see a giant hole that lead up to my bedroom. But that hole seemed to be covered up with Knuckles' face. I felt all dizzy, thinking that I would die, so I just whispered that face's name, thinking that it would be my last word that I would speak.

I then heard faint sounds in the background of the flaming blaze, thinking it was a dream. I heard my name being called out by the voice who I saw everyday. I slowly loosened my clutch on the safe, and whispered his name.

"... Shadow..."

XXX

NORMAL P.O.V

Shadow heard Rouge's screams and without second thoughts, ran into the blazing building. He didn't want to loose another friend like before. When he got to her headquarters, he started to search.

"Rouge! Answer me! Where are you! Rouge!" Shadow called, but there was no response.

He was now getting worried for the first time and decided to check the living room, but it was difficult since the furniture that was tumbled was in the way and he couldn't jump, or he'd catch fire. But he managed to barge through with his useful Chaos Spears. He went over to the couches calling her every breath he took.

He checked the kitchen and her bedroom, her closet, even the bathroom. There was no sign of her, but he didn't give up that easily. He then went back and leaped downstairs avoiding the already burned-down stairs with fire and checked the entry way, but before he did, he heard moaning close by.

"Rouge!" He called out and followed the voice of his ally.

It came from underneath the ruined staircase. Shadow quickly threw the burned wood aside, to find his closest friend, laying there, unconscious. There she was. Her arms were loosely wrapped around a safe. He could see that she was bleeding and burnt on some parts of her body. With the fire catching her clothes, he whisked the flames away and lifted her up out of the floor.

He decided to also bring the safe she held, thinking some important papers from the government were in there, or the chaos emerald she stole from the museum a couple weeks ago. He was then heading out, hearing the sirens and men yelling. It was already difficult getting in, but getting out with his hands full, would be the real challenge. He heard Rouge moan in agony.

"Don't worry. You'll be okay." he thought, hoping Rouge could tell what he was thinking.

He felt for any soft parts of the floor or any creaks and went around it. After awhile, he could feel his head getting dizzy. He was breathing in too much smoke. But he continued on with his only thought was the get him and Rouge to safety.

He then saw the exit, and felt relieved and headed out, but then a window glass shattered due to the rising temperature of the heat. Shadow dodged most of the pieces, but some ripped through his skin and he started to bleed. But it wasn't too serious .

He reached the door and kicked it open revealing the fresh, cold air and brighter than fire, sun. He was more than grateful to finally get out of the heating blaze.

Shadow was already feeling too lightheaded, and it was getting harder and harder for him too breath. He then went too dizzy to even stand and clasped to the hard ground, unconscious.

XXX

Shadow finally gained consciousness and slowly opened his eyes to see a white wall ceiling in front of him. He was then fully awake and wondered what happened after he fell unconscious, if Rouge was okay, and where he was. He then saw a young raccoon woman wearing a white nurse uniform with her black and brown locks tied together in a bun.

"Don't move. Just stay calm and breath slowly." she commanded in a soft voice.

Shadow needed his questions answered. He tried to speak, but he only coughed out a drop of blood mixed with saliva. The nurse held him down and placed a breathing tube over his mouth and nose.

"It's okay, your at the hospital so just relax." she informed, but didn't make Shadow less tense.

"R--Rouge..." he asked hoarsely.

"You mean that bat gal? She's in the emergency room being taken care of since she has some serious injuries. I don't know if... she'll make it though." she answered, speaking her final words slowly. She than sat down next to him that made him feel uneasy since she was a bit too close.

She smiled sweetly, "Other than that, I saw you bring her outta that burning building. That was a very brave thing you did. Most would of just let the fire fighters handle it, but you... you're different than the others."

Shadow didn't know how to act. His breathing suddenly went normal and he could finally breath in air without problems. He took off the tube and breathed in the free air. The nurse continued to smile innocently.

Her eyes widened as she realized who she was speaking to. "Hey You--you're Shadow the Hedgehog!" she almost screamed in excitement.

Shadow gave her a look. "And who cares if I am?" he asked carelessly.

The nurse only blushed. "Oh, no reason. I just found out." she said with a hint of slyness in her tone.

Shadow suddenly felt like something was about to happen and he wouldn't like it. He was still a little tired from what happened, and it seemed like the heat took away most of his energy. He slowly closed his eyes.

"The Shadow the Hedgehog. The Ultimate Life form who saved the world more then twice! The dark, mysterious sexy midnight black hedgehog!" The nurse thought to herself with a grin as she stood up from her chair and bent down towards the black hedgehog to make her move.

She was certainly an insane young lady who seemed obsessed with the dark hero. After a few moments of Shadow falling to sleep, he suddenly felt the air in front of his face becoming warm. He sensed something in front of him, and shot his eyes open to see the nurse right in front of him about a inch away from his face. She got startled and jumped back.

"What were you doing?" Shadow asked.

The nurse snapped her head in all directions looking for something, for no reason. She didn't answer.

"Hey, I asked you what you were doing. If you were going to--" he was cut of with the same breathing tube forcefully being pushed on his cheeks.

'Courtesy' of the female raccoon nurse.

She was a of a sudden jumpy and nervously excited. "Don't move! Don't speak! Stay calm! Breath normally! You'll Live! Don't speak! Stay calm! You're not gonna die!" she barked out orders out of control repeating them. "Dang! I was so close too!" She cursed to herself, still snapping out repeated orders.

Shadow now was very confused what happened to her all of a sudden, but he just laid there since there was nothing more he could do at the meantime. He still wondered why she was so close to him earlier, and cursed silently.

To be continued...

On the Next Chapter: Shadow finally gets some sleep after the crazy nurse leaves him alone. And for a violent person such as himself, he has a sort of romantic dream, about Amy Rose...

AN: Thanx a million to everyone who read this and reviewed in the past. Now for those who are new, go to the poll and pick your favorite couple and love triangle you want at the end of this story.

I wonder if I put enough drama for this for the ladies, or too much of it for the men. I know it was a lil' freaky but hey, I ain't good with the drama much. R&R and tell me what you think of it.

Until The Next Chap

X-treme