*Will Smith pose*

"Amazing!" Tails exclaimed for the umpteenth time. It's not even an hour of observing and analyzing Omega and he's already getting on Shadow's nerves with his excited, unnecessary, outbursts.

"Is there a way to reverse the effect?" Shadow demanded impatiently.

"Reverse the effect?" Omega repeated, looking over at Shadow in confusion.

"Hold on, honey," Rouge spoke up. "Let Omega decide for himself. And even if he did, Tails would do everything he can to help. Right, Tails?"

"Right." Tails smiled wide.

"What?"

"You called me Tails."

Rouge smirked. "Focus, Fox Boy."

"Yes, ma'am."

"How are you feeling, Omega?" Amy asked.

"I'm...not sure…" The former robot mused quietly. "Everything's the same except it's not. I can remember everything in my programming, and yet I'm subconsciously reminding myself to breathe. I only know what feelings are by descriptions...I think this is...confliction? No, that's not it…"

"You're feeling out of place," Tails explained. "You're not in your natural state so you feel alienated and lost. Sonic was the same when he turned into a werehog."

"Yeah," Sonic agreed. "Kinda scary not knowin' who ya are. But you'll get the hang of it! You have us to help ya out."

"If Eggman used the same technology that turned you into a werehog to make that cannon, do you think Omega will turn into a werehog when the sun goes down?" Amy wondered.

"Only one way to find out, Ames. For now, let Tails do his thing. If anyone can help Omega, it's him."

"Aw shucks." Tails blushed from his best friend's praise. "That's very nice of you to say, Sonic, but don't you think we should give Shadow and Rouge the credit? I mean, they're the closest companions Omega has."

"The boy has good taste." Rouge purred in approval.

"Hmph," Shadow grunted, but he nodded his head. "You figure out a way to fix this in case it all comes down to it. We'll take care of the rest."

Tikal, who had been quiet all this time, finally spoke up from beside him. "Can I get you anything?" she asked Omega.

"No. I am alright."

"Okay."

Shadow could tell that Tikal was guilt-ridden, just by looking at her. She's not exactly good with hiding her feelings. She wore her heart on her sleeve and he's still trying to figure out if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe it's because they were so damn different. He had no idea.

He did know one thing, however, and it's that if Omega hadn't jumped in front of her to protect her, who knows what would have happened. Would Tikal have been hit by the blast? How would that have effected her? Would she have been turned into something entirely? A were-echidna?

"Shadow...SHADOW!"

"What?" Shadow hissed.

"You kinda zoned out on us there. What's up?"

"Nothing. Mind your damned business."

Sonic held up his hands. "My bad, Shads. Sorry."

"Whatever. Let's just focus on what we're going to do with him." He nods in Omega's direction.

"Aye aye."

"Way to make him sound like nothing more than scrap metal," Rouge commented.

"I was scrap metal before," Omega stated matter-of-factly.

Sonic snorted, Amy coughed down her giggle, and Tails averted his gaze so the others won't see him struggling not to laugh.

Shadow sighed.

The sooner they could leave, the better.

:~:

"Hey…"

Shadow looked up to see Tikal hesitating by the doorway.

"Mind if I join you?"

He shook his head in answer, and she took a seat across from him.

"I thought you went home," he said.

"I decided to stay for a little longer," she replied. "And...I wanted to make sure that you were okay as well."

"Don't."

"Don't what?"

"Worry. About me."

"Why?"

"You're better off."

"I don't understand."

Sigh. "Forget it."

She pressed her lips together before speaking again. "Must you always shut people out?"

Crimson eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean…" Tikal tread carefully. "I've just...noticed that you tend to be closed off from everyone else, and you only build up more walls when someone shows you kindness."

Shadow laughed bitterly. "Let's just say I have trust issues."

"I don't blame you. It's okay."

He wanted to believe her. Really, he did. But it's tough enough as it is with what's going on with Omega, on top of trying to figure out Eggman's motives, as well as his next moves, and making sure that the girl sitting in front of him comes to no harm. He remembered what she said to him that day, by the pool before they went to the cafe.

"I'm your friend, Shadow. Even if you're not mine."

Why did he find himself caring about her and her well-being? For once, Maria had not crossed his mind. If she were here, rest her soul, would she have liked Tikal? What would she have said about her? Be nice, she would have probably told him. Try to open up. There aren't many girls out there who are like her. Get to know her. Don't shut her out. Let her in.

Do right by her.

Shadow inhaled deeply. He's not good with expressing his...feelings, but…

Aw hell.

"Shadow...talk to me," she encouraged.

"I don't - know how to -" he grunted, frustrated with himself.

Tikal hummed before getting to her feet. Shadow felt all the warmth in the room vanish at the thought that she was about to leave. Had she finally had enough? Did she grow impatient with him?

"You look like you could use a hug," she said, holding her arms out.

Shadow blinked. Dammit, now he felt stupid for even thinking - forget it. He won't dwell on it now. He's not exactly prone to touching others unless it was to protect them, and he sure as hell wasn't a hugger. But she's been patient with him all this time. She deserved his cooperation.

Using his fists for leverage, he slowly came to a stand, his heart beating a little faster with every step he took towards her. He reached her in two short strides, not knowing what to do with his arms, but when she leaned in and let her arms drape around his torso, he awkwardly folded his arms around her back. God, this was embarrassing.

But also...comforting…

Not like he'd admit this out loud or anything.

Up close and pressed against him, she's soft and her hold was gentle and she smelled like peaches. The longer they stood in the embrace, the more relaxed Shadow became, and he found himself holding her comfortably; the right way. And, just perhaps a little tighter.

The hug lasted no more than fifteen seconds, but when it was over and they had to part, Tikal pulled away first. She was smiling at him, and he felt the sudden urge to return it. But he resisted.

"Better?" she asked.

Shadow folded his arms across his chest. "Hmph."

Tikal giggled.

:~:

"Ames. Amy, hey." Sonic shook her gently.

The pink hedgehog made a cooing noise, blinking drowsily and looking over her shoulder; the back of her head indirectly rolled into the blue blur's palm. "Sonic?"

"Yeah, it's me." He grinned down at her and her bundled form. She had fallen asleep on the couch earlier so he decided to put a blanket over her while she napped. She practically cocooned herself in. "It's gettin' late. Want me to take you home?"

"What time is it?"

"Six o'three. The sun's goin' down."

He hoped that she'll take him up on his offer, so she'll be away from potential danger.

Buuut -

"Nah. I'll stay."

- he knew that she was too stubborn to leave him and their friends.

Stifling a yawn, Amy pushed herself into a sitting position while he remained in a kneel, watching her face carefully. "Ya sure? You don't have to stay if you don't want to."

"Sonikku…" Amy started to smile as soon as the realization hit her. "Are you worried about me?"

"No. I-I mean, yeah! Of course I worry about ya. Why wouldn't I? I just want ya to be outta harm's way in case anything goes wrong and don't look at me like that."

She giggled. "I know. But I'm not that scared little, defenseless girl anymore. I can take care of myself. I can even call my team if you want backup!"

"I know, I know. But I don't want to put that responsibility on you guys. Imagine how Omega feels about all this! How d'ya think he'd feel with all of us here on standby, waitin' for somethin' bad to happen, huh?"

"I guess you're right…"

"Here, lemme sit next to ya." Sonic stood and turned around so he could sit on the couch with her. Moving her feet, Amy shifted so she could sit with him properly, still wrapped up in the blanket. "I know you can take care of yourself, Ames. Old habits just die hard, yanno?"

"Yeah. I know." Amy cupped her hand over his and gazed at him in earnest. "But you don't need to protect me all the time. I wanna be here to protect you too. A-And Tails, of course!" she added, blushing faintly.

He laughed, despite the racing of his heart. "Yeah. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you...GUYS. You guys," he corrected himself, clearing his throat.

"Mhm!" Amy hummed, now looking pointedly at the wall.

They were still holding hands.

'S funny how comfortable he was with her now, compared to how he used to act around her when they were younger. Back then, his focus wasn't on finding relationships. It was about saving the world from Eggman's evil clutches! Doing whatever it took to make the world a safe place! He was only fifteen, and a busy fifteen year old at that! How could he not have grown tired of the girl who kept throwing herself at him every five seconds?

Despite his annoyance, however, he did consider Amy a friend, and knew she had the best at heart. When she wasn't chasing him or hugging him or proclaiming herself as his girlfriend, she was actually sweet and baked good cakes and made him laugh every once in a while.

Now, everything's different. Something's changed, and he had a feeling that shift from discomfort to anticipation started after his return home. He didn't know what drew him to her, what coaxed him to want to see her first, but one thing was for certain: his departure had effected her the most.

"Don't you ever leave me again, Sonic the Hedgehog!"

"Don't you worry, Amy. I never will."

A promise he made that he's destined to keep. He always kept his promises.

He watched this girl grow up and blossom on her own. She didn't chase him. She ran with him. She still baked, she still worried about him, but now she gives the most awesome hugs (not the suffocating ones she used to give, unannounced; but the warm, cuddly ones that left him feeling warm and fuzzy inside) and his aesthetic is lowkey Amy kicking butt and coming out on top...like, wow...talk about mesmerizing, man.

He knew she was still in love with him. That much was clear. And it's adorable how much she tried to cover that up now, by being one of his best friends and trying not to overwhelm him with the things she did. But her backing off was what really opened his eyes; what made him realize how good he had it, how this girl has been with him and devoted herself to him ever since she was nine. It's been almost ten years since then.

And now he's starting to feel something for her too. He's not the romantic type, but he goes with the flow. He doesn't know where their relationship is going, but he likes it. A lot. And...he wants more.

Her head made its home on his shoulder, and the silence continued, but it's comfy. He leaned his head against hers and closed his eyes in relaxation.

"Gettin' sleepy, Ames?"

"Not even close," Amy mumbled, nuzzling him.

Sonic smiled crookedly.

I guess I'll just rest my eyes for a little while...

:~:

"SONIC."

"Wha? What happened?!" Sonic bolted up, looking around wildly for the source. The voice woke Amy up too, clutching the arm that Sonic instinctively threw out to protect her, as disoriented as he was.

"Wake yo ass up." Knuckles' tone was demanding, but there was humor in his eyes. He just so have happened to walk in on Sonic and Amy sleeping together, and had waited for a few seconds before yelling Sonic's name.

"Knuckles?" Sonic wiped the sleep out of his eyes. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough. If I had waited a minute longer, ya'll probably would've started spooning." He smirked. "Ya nasty."

"Shut -"

"Don't start." Amy rubbed her temple. "Whazzgoin'on?" The rest was a mumble behind her hand as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as well.

Knuckles waited until both of them were paying attention to him before breaking the news. "Omega turned into a werehog."

"HE WHAT?" Sonic and Amy yelled simultaneously.

"And we lost him."

"YOU WHAT?"

"But don't worry! We got backup. We'll get 'em back."

"Why didn't you wake us up?" Sonic snapped.

"Sonic," Amy touched his arm. "Remember what Shadow said? He didn't want us to interfere unless necessary."

"I don't know about you, Ames, but this sounds very necessary! Can't believe I slept through that…"

"I just got here, man," Knuckles threw his hands up, closing his eyes. "From what I know, Omega was out with Shadow and Rouge when it happened. The Tornado was gone when I got here. Looks like Tails left you hangin'." He smirked. "How you feel?"

"Knux, not now." Sonic stood up. "Just tell us what else you know on the way! C'mon, Ames!"

"Right behind ya!"

They manage to get a hold of Tails on the way there. He gave them his coordinates, and it didn't take them long to realize that he was in the Station Square area. Turned out that the others had split up into groups to cover more ground, and since Sonic, Knuckles, and Amy were already together they decided to stick together. The backup that Knuckles was talking about was none other than Cream, Sticks, Silver, Blaze, the Chaotix, and newbies to the gang Zooey the Fox, Perci the Bandicoot, and Sally Acorn.

Sonic chuckled to himself as he ran with Amy in his arms.

The gang's back together again…

It's good to know that, after everything they've been through, even if some of them are harder to keep in touch with than others, one call sends them all running. Every new person is welcomed with open arms and a place to fit in, even if it takes them a while to adjust. Now that he's reflecting on it, Sonic thinks about how it used to be just him and Tails. Then Knuckles. Then Amy.

And now they've come full circle.

"How's it looking down there?" Tails asked through his communicator.

Shadow, Rouge, and Sally were walking through the streets of the southern side of the city. Out of the three, Sally was the one to respond first, lifting her wrist to respond to the young fox. "Cold down here. I don't think we're getting any warmer," she informed, her long auburn tresses bouncing with each step she made.

"Same here," Perci said as she walked with Sticks and Zooey on the northern side.

"Here too," Vector added, Espio and Charmy keeping their eyes on their surroundings from the eastern side.

"Hey, Shadow," Silver spoke up as he and Blaze explored the western side. "Why don't we call up Tikal? I'm sure we could use her help."

"No. She stays home. She's safe that way."

"Okay but plot twist: what if Omega goes after her? I mean, it's always like that in the movies and someone always ends up getting killed and the main protagonist loses his lover forever and -"

"Silver."

"Yeah, man?"

"Shut up before I come through this communicator and strangle you."

"Yuh kay."

"Silver? What kind of movies do you watch?" Sally snickered.

"Come over and I'll show you my movie collection, Sal! I got all the classics. The past is awesome!"

"The future is better," Blaze commented.

"Yeah, true," Silver said.

"Hey! Don't dog the past." Sally grinned.

"Or the present," Rouge added.

"We're getting off-topic, guys!"

"The fox is right. Change of plan. Silver, Blaze: you two go check up on Tikal. If she's there, bring her with you."

"I thought you sa -"

"On it," Blaze interjected, giving Silver a look. "What do you want us to do with her once we pick her up?"

Shadow stopped walking, expression fierce.

"Bring her to me."

:~:

"Ya see anything, Cream?" Tails asked.

"No," Cream sighed sadly, lowering her binoculars. "What if we don't find him?"

"We'll find him." The fox peered back at her and flashed her a reassuring grin.

"But what if he doesn't want to be found?"

His face fell slightly. The rabbit kinda has a point! What if Omega didn't want to be found?

No, no...He wanted our help. We're his friends! We won't give up on him!

"Not a problem." He gave her a wink that would make Sonic proud. "We've done the impossible before."

Cream let out a sigh in relief, feeling assured and more confident at her friend's words. They can do it! They'll find their friend and everything will be okay!

Well, at least she hoped…

:~:

"Oi! Slow down, will ya?!" Knuckles barked, gliding towards the ground.

Sonic skidded to a stop. "Sorry. Not in my nature, pal." He winked before looking down at the girl still nestled in his arms. "You okay, Ames?"

"Never better." Amy smiled up at him.

"Oh, give me a break," Knuckles snorted, walking past the two stupidly-in-love hedgehogs. "Ya'll are gonna make me sick, you know that?"

"No one told you to be all up in our business." Sonic laughed, catching up to the echidna's impatient stride effortlessly. "What's up with you?"

"Nothin'," Knuckles grumbled.

"Ya sure?"

"Yes."

"Pooositive?"

"I should've left your asses at home."

"Too bad. You woke me up from my beauty sleep, and now you're stuck with me."

"I hate you."

"Love you too, bro."

Amy rolled her eyes as the two old friends continued to bicker. She knew it was their way of expressing their love for one another (clearly), but honestly she would have much rather been paired up with Cream and Sticks.

Oh, well, she mused to herself, watching the way Sonic's eyes lit up with mirth as he burst into hysterics. At least I have Sonic...

:~:

"Guys..."

"What is it, Charmy?"

"I have to pee."

"Cheese and rice."

"Charmy, why didn't you go before you left?"

"Vector! You know I have the bladder of a squirrel!"

"Do I have to take you to the doctor again?"

"NO!"

"I'm sure this is all a big misunderstanding..."

"Everything's a misunderstanding to you, Espio."

"Let the boy pee."

"Yes! Please let me pee!"

"Are you kiddin' me? We're tight on the clock here!"

"Please?"

"No!"

"Please?"

"No!"

"Pleeeeaaase?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"You got thirty seconds."

"That's not enough time!"

"TWENTY-SEVEN..."

"Okay, okay, I'm going!"

:~:

Meanwhile, in a quiet house sheathed in the forest of the Mystic Ruins...an echidna sleeps the night away, unaware of a large shadow creeping towards her house...

#ListentoSilver2K16.

Did anyone catch the fact that Shadow didn't even bother to correct Silver when he talked about the lead protagonist and his "lover"? I giggle.

Anyway, hey everyone! I'm trying to get better with these updates. I know you guys like this story a lot and I love it too much to leave it unfinished. To make up for lost time, I made sure I added Shadikal moments and Sonamy moments that I hope you'd enjoy.

The gang's back together! Whoop whoop! Will Silver and Blaze reach Tikal in time? Where is Omega's state of mind?

The next chapter will answer these questions, as well include some more interactions between the gang! Be sure to hit that review button and tell me your thoughts! I love hearing from you!

Peace!