EDIT: The original first chapter was really short, and since I thought it could use some more writing, here it is! Nothing was really removed form the original chapter, but I added a lot more, just to give it some length and depth.

Anyways, hope you like this chapter, and, if you choose to read the rest, enjoy those as well!

Oh and I own Sonic and co...........in an alternate universe where I am the supreme ruler of GNOMES! Muahahahaha!

Shadow tensed up as he walked through the grass, still wet from the morning dew that had showered earlier. He felt as if he should be on the defense, that something was going to happen. He just wasn't sure exactly what.

He sighed, everyone was busy with something. A weird, lavender cat had showed up a few days ago, so everyone was busy with her. Even Robotnik was busy with trying to grow hair, not that Shadow wanted to think about that.

To add to his bitter mood, Rouge had kicked him out of their apartment. Rouge ordered him to either cheer up, or leave. Sonic and the others were coming over for a visit, including the strange visitor, and she made it clear that having Shadow groan and complain while they visited would put a damper on things. So, here he was. Bitter, moody, angry, and above all, bored.

The only thing for Shadow to do, was to sit down and think. The sky was still a soft pink as Shadow sat down on the wet grass. At first, he didn't really know what to think about, then thought about many things. He thought about the upcoming winter, his time aboard the ARK, the last Christmas he spent with Maria, and, to his misfortune, his thoughts drifted to Rouge and the others.

What would they be doing now, he asked himself. What's so special about that cat anyway? He caught a glimpse of her, before he left the apartment, that is. Her fur was a light purple, eyes was a deep cold, and, well, there wasn't much else to her. From the way she acted when he passed by, she wasn't the type of person he would expect Sonic to be friends with. She seemed more shy, to herself. If what he thought of her was true, then how in the hell could she be able to stand Sonic, or the others? They were all nuts, that's what Shadow thought. Either nuts or crazy…or moronic…whatever suits them best.

The clouds drifted by slowly, so slowly that it seemed the hands on a clock would move faster than they were. This kept him content, immediately calming him. It was nice to stare at the sky, even though Shadow didn't really see the point in doing so. He overlooked the city below him, and relaxed his arms slightly. He didn't feel the need to be on edge, not anymore.

Until he heard footsteps.

Shadow turned his head to see the lavender cat he spotted earlier. She was just as surprised as him, she had been expecting to be alone. She hadn't realized that someone was already sitting there. She opened her mouth to say something, but didn't. Instead she stayed rooted at her spot.

"Who are you?" Shadow demanded, close to a growl. Friendly fellow isn't he?

"I'm Queen Blaze the Cat, guardian of the Sol Emeralds, you?" The lavender cat crossed her arms defiantly.

Shadow eyes widened, he hadn't expected her to actually answer. "Shadow the Hedgehog."

"The name seems appropriate," she commented, obviously referring to his dark fur and blunt speech.

He frowned in response. He wondered if he should try to shake her hand. He decided against it. She might be friends with Sonic and them, but they were fools anyway. This girl could be dangerous, Shadow couldn't quite tell.

"So," he started. "You're foreign here, I assume."

"You're right. How did you know?"

He gave her a look-over. "You're friends with Sonic. You're supposed to be at my apartment, visiting."

"Oh, well about that…I needed to get out. I'm still not used to all of them, so I went for a walk, and here I am." She paused. "Are you a friend of Sonic's?"

"No."

His rich voice said the word viciously, and Blaze knew right then and there that Shadow the hedgehog was someone to watch out for. She swallowed and looked up to the sky. "You look like you could run fast like him."

Shadow didn't expect her to say that. "What?"

"Sonic, he runs fast. You can tell that when you first meet him." She rolled her eyes. "I mean, you look like you can run like him."

"I can run faster than that faker."

She peered at the ebony hedgehog. There's no way anyone could be faster than Sonic. It just wasn't possible. Maybe as fast, but not faster. "I doubt it."

"'Doubt it?'" he questioned, insulted. "Listen kitty, there is no doubt. I'm the Ultimate lifeform."

Blaze smirked as she laughed, "Ultimate lifeform huh?"

"What's so funny?" Shadow asked, raising his voice.

Blaze cocked an eyebrow, picking up the anger in his tone. "Why would they give you a name like that?"

Shadow stood so he was eye-to-eye with this…this…thing. "That's what I am, want me to prove it?!"

Blaze sighed, "I'm not looking for a fight, I was just wondering why you would be a lifeform!"

"Why would I tell you?!"

"I didn't expect you to!"

"Then why did you ask?!"

"I was trying to make conversation!"

"Maybe I don't want one!"

"That's fine by me! Forget I ever talked to you!"

Blaze quickly turned on her and walked off, heat and anger radiating off of her. She wanted to burn his head. Her first encounter with Sonic went smoother than this, and that, is pretty bad. Screw him, I'm leaving…

Shadow huffed. It was the first time someone had actually stood up for themselves against him. Why did that seem so strange? He shook his head, not bothering to think anymore.

Even if he tried to ignore it, he had the strangest feeling it wouldn't be their last encounter…

Hope you like this version better than the older one!

Read and review!

-Peachykatara