Howdy folks. This story is one of the very first pieces of fan fiction I'd written and it is God knows how many years old! I'm currently in the process of re-writing it, simply because I look back on it and I just cringe! Lol (Even though I still get very nice reviews for it )

Here is the first of the re-written chapters. Enjoy! R+Rs make me very happy indeed!

DISCLAIMER: The work shown herein is a work of pure fiction. I own none of the characters used (Sonic, Shadow, Amy Rose etc) as they belong to SEGA/Sonic Team.

Chapter 1

Morning is approaching the world. One creature stands to recognise it amongst the woods and he does so happily, his once troubled and dark mind at peace and familiarised with the time of day.

The early sun rises from behind the hills and trees and the figure wonders through the beautiful scenery. He smiles to himself as the golden light touches his skin through the branches above him and his eyes sparkle in wonder, as did the dew on the grass beneath his feet. A light rush of Spring wind blows then and Shadow sighs as the cool air brushed through his fur and lightens his senses to the morning.

Now, nine years after the life-altering battle surrounding the space colony ARK, Shadow had grown to become respectful toward the planet he once sought to destroy. He'd grown in mind yet not in appearance, his stature only slightly changing in height. Compared to his companions, Shadow hadn't aged a day. These companions, also, had changed in the eye of Shadow's mind. Once enemies and troublesome, they'd grown on him and as the time went by he became used to their ways, despite how differently he acted around them.

Presently, he lives in the forest; the nature is most dear to him and he prefers it to the bustle of rushed life that exists in the city. He shelters every night in an abandoned cave, which is warm and comfortable and suits his needs perfectly.

Despite this though, Shadow can't help but think about what it would be like to see his companions again, one of them especially, who created a hole within his heart with each passing day of being absent.

Amy Rose.

At this thought, Shadow stops walking and focuses his eyes ahead. His mind dives back to the time when he first realized the strange feelings he bore for her, at the time when he was lost and confused as to what was truth or lies. She'd helped him, he remembers. She reminded him of Maria's true wish and guided him into making the right decision. He remembers how he'd kissed her before he left to fight and promised her that he'd help save Earth, just as he'd done to Maria.

Shadow sighs and slowly moves his gaze upward to the bright morning sky.

"I must see her…" he whispers to the trees. "It's almost her birthday, if I'm correct…"

"No, I've not seen him for a few months now. I know he's around, like, near you somewhere. But he's constantly moving, you know? How would I know where to send the invitation?" Amy questions into the telephone, her finger casually twirling through the twisting cord.

The young hedgehog sits in the living room of her apartment in Station Square, the telephone pressed to her ear as she wondered aloud to her friend on the other end. She too had grown a lot in six years, both in mind and body; her once childish way of thinking had almost gone now and, just about to turn 21, she'd become an adult.

"I'm sorry Amy," a voice replies into the phone. "But I haven't seen him either. Keep a hold of his invite anyway. Maybe he'll come to the city one day?"

"Tails, he hates the city," Amy replies. "I can't see any reason for him coming here-"
"He would for you, Amy." Tails says. "He cares about you a lot, you know?"

Amy sighs.

"Yeah…I care about him too…"

Amy begins to remember, then, the familiar feeling she experienced so many times before, but for another hedgehog; not the one she'd chased for so many years in the past. She knew she'd always care for Sonic, but since the day that Shadow had kissed her and spoken such soft words to her, Amy knew where her heart lay.

Despite looking alike, Shadow and Sonic were very different to the young Amy Rose. Constantly, Sonic had pushed her away, disregarding her emotions yet still caring for her as a friend. Shadow, however, was the first to treat her as gently as he had done when they spoke aboard the ARK. She'll never forget the rush in her belly as Shadow's lips had touched her own.

"Please," he'd said to her, breaking the kiss "Be here to see my promise to you."

And she saw it.

Jus then, Amy's thoughts are broken by the sudden series of loud knocks on her front door and she gasps briefly at the intrusion. Excusing herself from Tails, she gets up with a sigh and heads for the door.

"Coming!"

She opens the door with a swift turn of the handle and, as she lifts her emerald green eyes to regard her visitor, her heart thuds with shock, recognition and excitement.

"You…you're back." She gasped.
"Yes," Shadow replies. "I'm back."