UlTrRa SiK pRoDuCtIoNs pReSeNtZ:

LoVe'S bUrN

By: UlTrAa ShAdDow

Disclaimer: I don't own any of Sega's characters….but I'd be a very happy guy if I did!

-Well, here's the first official Chapter of 'Love's Burn!' Enjoy the story! Oh and F.Y.I. at the end of each chapter is a song that it's theme.

-If you happen to have that song on hand to listen to, it'd probably enhance your viewing pleasure! Anyway, welcome to the world that unfolds in Love's Burn!

"You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see, but you can't close your heart to things you don't want to feel."

Rouge's POV….

I can't believe it! I'm going to see my dearly beloved Knuckles! My heart feels so light and giddy! It's been almost two weeks since I've last seen him! I mean ever since Shadow's been gone….I've never seen him!

Well…. anyways, I know how Knuckles feels about foreign visitors coming to Angel Island, so I decided to take a private chopper there. Oh I can't wait to see him again!

Why I'll get to see his dazzling amethyst eyes, and his strong body! And not to mention his cute smile! Oh I can't wait to see him! I impatiently waited for the chopper to land, once it did; I paid the pilot at once and began to run off.

"Miss?" the pilot beckoned.

I turned around to look at him, "Yes?"

"Umm, do you want me to come back for you later?" he asked.

I shook my head, "No, I have my way of getting back, but thank you anyways!"

The pilot nodded and the chopper left as I waved him off. Finally! Time to see my Knuckles! I spun on my heel to face the gorgeous green paradise, which made up Angel Island. With luggage in hand, I began my journey to find Knuckles. I must have traveled miles through the grassy terrain, but nothing could keep me away from that fine echidna of mine!

After sopping through knee-deep mud for a while, I came upon an opening in the bushes. I peered through, trying to make little noise as possible and I saw a tall red echidna snooping around in the jungle terrain as if he was hunting something down. In eager excitement I pummeled Knuckles with a hug, knocking both of us to the ground.

I laughed, "Long time no see treasure hunter!"

A bit startled, Knuckles' amethyst eyes fell upon me, "H-hello Rouge…. how have you been lately?" He stood up and helped me up, "I've been fine lately…but I'm even better now that I found what I was looking for."

He paused for a minute, "And what have you been looking for?"

I gave him a devilish grin, "I don't know, you tell me handsome."

"But that's why I asked---mmm."

I cut Knuckles off mid-sentence with a kiss that lulled him into following my romantic lead. Before we got any more serious, Knuckles broke off the kiss and smiled at me. He rose to his feet,and helped me up as well. Knuckles started to walk off then motioned me to follow, "Come on, this isn't a proper place to...um...socialize, let's go somewhere safer."

I laughed and ran after him carrying my luggage. It looked like this day was going to be even better than I had imagined. Now, I wonder whether I'll be able to get the echidna anywhere near water today. I have this cute bikini I know he'd be dying to see me in...

Hand in hand, he took me to some sort of shrine where my eyes fell upon a giant green stone. Immediately I knew where I was; the crumbling, ancient stone structure, the tall multiple steps, and even the fabulous look out over the ocean.

I was at the hallowed shrine of the Master Emerald. I don't exactly know all the history behind this place, but I know enough to know that if anyone tried to steal the gem, Knuckles would be ready to fight.

"This is the Master Emerald I must protect," Knuckles said gesturing his finger towards the emerald.

It is beautiful! I mean it was the largest stone I've ever seen in my life! Not to mention the way the sun touched the emerald seemed to make it afire and sparkle. The sun's strong beams set the jewel aglow and refracted thousands of miniature rainbows. Naturally I was enchanted by the large jewel's majesty.

"It's absolutely beautiful Knux! No wonder why wanted it so much!...Still do, actually," I laughing to myself. But strangely, Knuckles charged our conversation, "So that was only you in the forest, right?"

"Only me," I answered still admiring the large opulent gem. He nodded his head then his eyes scanned my luggage, "Oh, I see that you have plans to stay with me?"

I spun to face him, "Yep! Isn't that wonderful? Now you and I can have the time together we've always wanted…just the two of us. No more Sonic, no more Eggman...just you and me."

Knuckles frowned a bit and this got my attention, it just irked me a little, "What? Don't you want me to stay here?"

"Well, I'm happy to see you and all but…I can't…."

He turned his back to me and I treaded closer to him, "Can't what?"

"I can't allow you to stay on this Island, I mean, I must protect this Master Emerald…I can't allow myself to fall to any distractions…" He walked towards the Master Emerald and stared at his reflection longingly, "...My Emerald...my destiny..."

"But Knuckles, I came all this way to see you…"

I looked down at my feet, starting to feel a little upset; I mean I had traveled how many miles to get here and spend some time with my beloved boyfriend!? "Oh, so it's always about the Master Emerald, huh?"

" Rouge, I do care for you but this, what I'm doing here," Knuckles turned to look at me with a stone face, "It runs in my blood. So between you and the Master Emerald…"

I stepped in, "Knuckles, is it the Master Emerald, or me?"

Yet again he turned his back to me. It seemed as if he was having a difficult time finding his words, but and when he did, it was for the worst, "I CANNOT HAVE ANY DISTRACTIONS! Don't make me choose!"

"And you shouldn't have any then," I looked up with a heavy glare, "What do you mean, 'I must protect the master emerald and I can't fall to distractions?' Am I just a distraction to you!"

Knuckles turned to face me, "I mean I can't keep you company and watch the emerald…and I don't want you here on the island all alone…it's dangerous here. Especially at nightfall."

I crossed my arms, "Oh? Well you seemed to have made time to notice me when you lost your precious emerald!"

Knuckles sighed, sounding rather exasperated, "Exactly…I lost the emerald, and I went to retrieve it….and I happened to meet you on the way there….so I technically…." I gasped in disbelief , "So then…what about your feelings for me? And when you told me 'I love you Rouge' Huh? Was that all some kind of lies you told me?"

I glared at Knuckles, but I noticed he couldn't return my stare; he simply turned his back on me and said softly, "I think it'd be best if you left…."

I turned my head away from him disgustedly and felt hot tears welling up in my eyes. I wasn't going to cry in front of him. I wasn't. I can't, won't show weakness before him. Bitterly, I wiped away my blurring eyes with the back of my palm.

I hate crying and everything about it: how hot tears seem to leave a burning trails down your face, how its a battle to keep your face straight, and ultimately, a person only cries when experincing deep emotion.

All of this, just to be shot down? I feel so...

"FINE! I GUESS IT WAS ALL FOR NOTHING THEN? HUH? KNUCKLES, SINCE YOU LOVE THAT STONE MORE THAN ME KEEP IT! DAMN! I WISH I NEVER KNEW YOU!"

I felt him put his hands on my shoulder, " Rouge, don't be like tha—"

(Smack!) He paused in the middle of his sentence looking at me as if I had reported news of his mother's funeral. He slowly raised a hand to his newly reddening cheek; he appeared more shocked than hurt. Hmph, boys and their pride.

I felt my lips shivering in bitter anger then, with blurred vision, I tore through the forest. I'm not going to let him see me cry. That would be weak, and I, Rouge the treasure huntress am not weak.

...I feel so hollow...

I thought I heard Knuckles call out my name, but I ignored him. How dare he do that to me! After all the trouble I went through to find him! And all he does is send me back home! Well forget him! I won't need that jerk anymore!

...I feel so miserable...

...And ultimately, alone...

I found my way to the edges of the floating Island. I looked down towards the sea and then out towards the horizon. How could I possibly get back home? I lied to the pilot telling him that I wouldn't need a ride home.

I had planned on taking a ship back home but there were no ships in the sea that I could find, and the option of flying home in the darkness would most certainly be a dumb idea. Then, an idea hit me.

With a quavering hand, I plucked out my cell phone from my bag and called the pilot again. Although I was sure that he wouldn't give me a ride back to Station Square, he seemed more than happy to. I thanked him than hung up. That stupid pilot! Jacking up the prices like that! Well, anything to get off of this place.

I waited twenty minutes until I saw a bright shinning light and the chopper landed. The pilot stuck his head out the window and smiled at me, I frowned slightly, 'Yeah you would smile, after asking for about double your original amount. Are there any good guys left in this world!?'

"Welcome back Miss!" He exclaimed. I smiled at him falsely and climbed aboard with him.

"Where would you like to go?" he asked.

"To Station Square please," I answered wiping the tears away from my face.

"Rouge!"

Oh please, please don't be him, I couldn't stand it if that was Knuckles calling out for me. I turned my head to set my sights upon the red echidna.

And it was him. Usually his quick movements were fluent and graceful, but now he was stumbling over himself, " Please don't go! I'm...I'm sorry!"

"Miss?" The pilot asked more so unsure of his position; he was trapped right in the middle of something that was unfolding like a soap opera.

I climbed into the doorway of the aircraft. With wind whipping stray locks of hair into my face, I stared at the scrambling red echidna; then let me give the best performance of my life and finish this soap opera well, "...No, you're right Knuckles...we can't be together..."

Knuckles stared at me with an odd, sad expression as I continued, " Our worlds are too different...you have your Master Emerald...and I..."

"Rouge..." Knuckles said, exasperated.

"...I have nothing..."

I shut the door and signaled the pilot to leave. Nervously, the pilot dabbled and pressed a few buttons and the helicopter began to levitate.

The chopper began to leave as I glanced down at the Island. I saw a red echidna appear trying to call my name out. I stared at him for a while then rolled up the window and turned my head.

The chopper was leaving and I stole a glance down at him and what pained me was that he had his face buried in his hands. I felt my heart being torn from my torso, and I instantly looked away from him. What was really going through his head?

After being returned to Station Square, since I had little money, I decided to walk home. It was terribly dark, and to make matters worse, it was raining. But nothing seemed to matter to me, I was still in a stupor from the incident at Angel Island.

Actually, now that I think about it, the rain was a good thing. It hid away my wet eyes and my melancholy fairly well.

It's been almost twenty minutes since I stepped out of the airplane and I already can recognize the streets. Finally I'm almost home. I need a good, hot bubble bath. Then I could order some take out, that sounded really good right about now; some Chinese takeout and some Chaos Cola, that sounded really good right now.

I reached a fork in the road and frowned; the street way would take about ten minutes to get home, but the alley would be a quick, sweet two minutes. Too bad it was extra dark today. Well, whatever, I want my Chinese takeout now. And with that, I took a turn through a dark alley way and I heard footsteps….

My breath caught and I slowed down slightly; were those really footsteps I heard, or am I just paranoid? No, I continued to hear them; a chill ran down my spine, and not just from the poor weather. Hesitantly I glanced back to see catch sight of some shadows behind me….

Shoot...I was being followed. But it would be just my luck...On all days to deal with something like this. So what should I do? Play it off and act as if I'm oblivious to the unwanted company? Or just run as fast and as hard as I could?

I began to quicken my walking pace to a light jog, than it increased into a full out sprint. I heard the following footsteps encroaching my position; whoever was following me, was catching me. Dammit!

Before I could turn the corner, I was tackled from behind. I yelped, and landed on my stomach, grunting. I rolled onto my back looking up to see my stalkers. As I tried to crawl away from them, a fist crunched into my face and I landed on my stomach. As my head was spinning, I heard laughing and I was pressed against the wall, face first, and ended up dangling by my neck, not wanting to know what they'd do to me next.

I heard mal-intentioned snickers and felt rough hands groping and tussling my clothes, now my tears were streaming out my eyes. I grimaced as I choked back a sob; this day was horrible and I felt completely helpless. Now I was sobbing; the need to cry too great to stop. Why? Why can't I just go home? All I want is some takeout and a coke. I just want to take a hot bath and sleep.

...Gee, I was right...I really am alone...

As I hung by my neck, I heard punches, kicks, and loud swearing. Eventually the grip on my neck loosened and I dropped to the floor gasping for air, blinking back tears. While trying to fix my clothes and appearance, I looked up in the rain and saw one tall figure. Shakily, it was approaching me.

I backed away from the figure and cursed when I realized I had ended up in a corner. I don't care anymore, whoever this guy is; he picked the wrong girl to mess with. He was going to get one hell of a fight from me. I wasn't going to back down anymore. Just as I curled my stray fists into balls, I gasped recognizing the boy before me.

"S-shadow?" I spoke hoarsely, "y-you're alive?!"

He said nothing, but I noticed he began to stumble backwards and he took a knee.

"Shadow?" I called concernedly. I ran over to him and held him. I shook him, trying to rouse him into clear consciousness. He opened his eyes and looked at me; Shadow certainly wasn't all there.

"Uuuhhhh, R-rouge?" he moaned weakly.

He collapsed into my arms and with his extra weight, I stumbled into a wall. He was a guy, so he had several pounds over me. I gasped as I smacked into a ruddy brick wall. Geez this guy's heavy!

"Don't worry Shadow," I whispered, "You're safe with me, I promise." With a grunt, I slide him over onto my back and carried him. Something tells me that if he was conscious, he wouldn't want to be carried this way, it would probably smash his ego.

Boys and their pride. I made my way to my apartment taking slow, heavy steps. I gazed into the raining sky and saw the outline of my apartment where I'm sure we could finally both seek some refuge.

I brought him into my bedroom and set him gently on my bed. He released a soft groan, and I began to stroke his head. While I looked at him, thousands of questions flooded my mind. Well, I could ask him questions later, now I have to help him. I slowly turned on one of my bedroom lights to get a better look at my hero. I gasped when I saw all the gashes, bruises, and cuts on his body.

Geez, what had you been doing Shadow? I cleaned all of his wounds and bandaged them immediately. I looked at him a while longer before I covered him with the thick quilts in my bed. He sighed and his normally angry facial features seemed to relax. I smiled. So how should I thank my knight in black and red armor? Don't princesses give kisses or something?

Wait a minute, a kiss? I blushed at the thought of giving him a quick peck on the forehead, and I quickly left into my bathroom. Kiss? Me kiss Shadow? Shadow the Hedgehog? The only guy in the universe who had no sense of humor or ever parted his lips in a smile?

That was Shadow in my bedroom, I doubt he'd value any type of affection I'd try to give him. He was one of the coldest, most icy people I had ever come to know. Yeah, I'm sure he'd like a kiss from me.

With a sigh I circled my fingers in my bathwater and smiled; it was just the way I liked it; warm, but hot enough to give you one good burn on your first submersion. Once my tub was filled with frothy, sweet-scented bubbles, I removed dirty clothes and slowly stepped in and submerged in the hot water.

I purred delightfully as I sank into the water. Yes, this was heavenly, next in line was to order my takeout. I looked at Shadow and sighed; I had left the door cracked slightly, what!? I'm not a floozy!

I just want to make sure he's okay. And from where I sat, Shadow looked as if he was getting a well-deserved rest. Once again my head was filled with thoughts, and silently,I hugged my knees, thinking.

Maybe I'm not alone, anymore...

To be continued!

Chapter One Theme: "Fighter"-Christina Aguilera