Yay! I'm back! Here's my new story, Life's Temporary. This first chapter is also an insight into the time setting of the story and what the gang have been up to. It's set 10 years after the ARK u see!
The outline is that SHadow now leads a great life but then, after 10 years in hiding, Eggman emerges and blasts Shadow into a world where he is unknown and Eggman rules all. He must journey through this horrible world and find a way out.

It had now been just about 10 years after he was last seen, The ARK incident. Sonic and the gang were all grown up and had gone through many twists and turns.

Sonic was now 25. He wasn't as immature as he had been 10 years ago but he was still active. His love or speed and relatively care free lifestyle was still intact. He'd still often be seen going for runs around Station Square and would often leave the city, toward the desert.

Tails has just had his 20th birthday. He lived in Mystic Ruin and would spend hours upon hours designing and building various inventions. He and Sonic (along with his other friends) managed to keep contact via video phone, so he would also chat to Sonic or Amy about his latest builds.

Knuckles had gone back to Angel Island to guard his precious Master Emerald, as his ancestors had done before him. At 26 he was still going strong.

Shadow had discovered his true love for Amy and they were now expecting a baby together, but they weren't planning on getting married. They resided in Station Square, in a nice big apartment 2nd to top floor and facing the beach. With the baby due within a matter of weeks, Shadow couldn't be happier. However he hadn't changed much over the past 10 years. He still liked to be on his own from time to time and reflect on his memories; Maria, the ARK….

He knew that they may not be real memories but had decided a long time ago to just enjoy what he had of them, regardless of whether or not they were true.

We now come into their apartment.

Shadow was sitting on the balcony, staring at the vast blue ocean. The sun twinkled off of it and he could hear the sound of laughter coming from the sand. He took in a deep breath through his nose and closed his eyes as he took in the tranquillity.

"Such a great day" he said to himself.
"What was that, Shadow?" a voice came from behind him.

Shadow blinked and turned around. Amy walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands as she'd just done the washing up. Shadow jumped down from the balcony as Amy walked to him.

"I was just saying," Shadow said, "It's a nice day today."

He placed his hand on Amy's belly and kissed it.

"That it is." Amy agreed looking at the bright blue sky. She looked down at Shadow, over her pregnant belly. She smiled.

"I can't believe it Shadow." She said excitedly. "Just a few weeks to go now!"
"Yes and it'll be great. I'm going to make sure you're both protected and I shall love you both for eternity." Shadow replied.

He stood upright and smiled at her. She blushed a little.

"I know Shadow. Ditto." Amy said.

They kissed on the lips.

When they pulled apart, Shadow put his arm around his beloved Amy and they looked at the sky together.

"We should go down there too." Amy said listening to the laughter coming from the beach.
"Good idea. Better to be outside than cooped up indoors." Shadow replied.

He kissed Amy's head and walked back indoors. She turned as he did so, watching him. Shadow zipped around the apartment and within a few seconds a collection of beach accessories were laid out by the door.

"I have the stuff ready." He said grinning. Amy chuckled.

"OK I'll go get my sandals then be right with you!" she said.
----

Meanwhile, down on the beach Sonic the Hedgehog, world renowned hero and fastest thing alive, was relaxing on a deck chair. He wore cool black shades which glistened in the sunlight. By his side was a small table which held aloft a big half eaten ice cream sundae and a large drink topped full with ice.

The hedgehog sighed with relaxation.

"Oooooooh yeah! This is the life. No worries, no responsibilities. Just utter bliss at the beach!" he said aloud.

Just then a few kids noticed him and asked for his autograph, which he was more than happy to do. After they'd gone he picked up his drink and took a big slurp. He placed it back on the table and stretched out his arms. He put one hand behind his head and lay the other down at his side.

The calm sounds of the sea and the softness of the wind were almost hypnotic and it didn't take long for Sonic to fall asleep.

After what didn't seem long to Sonic, he heard a familiar voice.

"Well well well. Look what we have here!" the voice said.

Sonic fluttered his eyelids open. As his vision went back into focus he saw Shadow and Amy looking down at him.

"Hey there, faker." Shadow said.

Sonic sat up quickly.

"Hey guys! It's good to see you!" he said happily and stood up, taking off his shades.
"Wow Amy! Look how big you've gotten!" he said holding his arms out for a hug.

"Thanks! Only a few weeks left!" she said and gave Sonic a big warm hug.

Sonic chuckled and finished his hug. He held out his hand to Shadow.

"Congrats dude," he said. Shadow took it and shook it.
"Thanks" he said.

The three hung out at the beach for the rest of the day. They had a great time recollecting memories and relaxing in the sun. The sun soon began to set and people began to leave for their homes.
Sonic helped Shadow and Amy pack their stuff and began walking with them up toward the short promenade.

"It's been great seeing you Sonic" Amy said.
"You too, Amy. It's been too long!"
"I wonder how everyone else is." Shadow said.

"Hey we should get them all to come down here next week! It'll be great to see them too." Sonic suggested.
"That's a great idea!" Amy said.
"Yes, blue hedgehog. Your simple mind has pulled through, this time!" Shadow said chuckling.

"Har har de har har!" Sonic replied sarcastically. "What do say….Wednesday? It'll give me 4 days to buy some cool new shades!"

"Ok then! It's settled! We can write out invites!" Amy said clapping her hands happily. Shadow nodded.

"All right then," he said, "I guess we'll see you next Wednesday."
"Awesome" Said Sonic.

He waved goodbye to Shadow and Amy and rushed off toward the centre of the city.