Chapter Text
It was a common misconception that Shadow didn't need sleep. He did, but less than most, maybe only eight hours a week. When he did rest, he didn't have normal dreams. Instead, the Chaos Energy fueling him gave him prophetic visions of the immediate future of people close to him. Most of the time, the dreams were inconsequential, like someone stubbing a toe or finding some cash on the sidewalk. However, Shadow's dreams have featured Amy for the last several months. They'd seen and worked together over the previous ten years since she helped him on the Ark. He respected her and considered her a strong fighter. He's seen her grow into the warrior she was, and something in him has been pulling him towards her.
His dreams mainly consisted of Amy's day-to-day life, from training with her friends to baking sweets. Since the visions began, he'd been spending more time with Amy and their friends, and while he did respect Sonic, he couldn't help but get annoyed with how the Blue Blur treated Amy.
At one point, while gnawing on a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, Amy talked about seemingly everything and nothing all at once. The way she talked put Shadow in a trance, how passionate she spoke about any given topic, even if it was something as simple as doing laundry. He was so focused on her form that he didn’t even hear her watch going off until Amy picked up the signal.
“Tails, Amy Rose here, what’s Eggman’s deal now?”
“He’s flying around causing mayhem again,” the fox stated through the communication device, “he has another emerald, we need to get it back!”
“Shadow and I are on our way!” She summoned her hammer as she looked at the coordinates Tails gave her. “Shadow, can you teleport us to Central Square? I think you know the drill with Eggman.”
He nodded, shoving the rest of the warm cookie back into his mouth. In a flash, they went into the middle of the battle, Amy swinging her hammer and Shadow sending Chaos Spears in their enemy’s direction.
As the last bot broke after the battle ended and Eggman flew away, Amy approached Sonic.
“So, Sonic, now that the city’s saved,” Amy began, her arms behind her back as she rocked on her feet.
“No, Amy.”
“Oh, come on, Sonic! Just one date where you don’t get sucked into a book?”
“Like I chose to do that, like how I chose to turn into a werehog or be mistaken for Shadow constantly?”
“I know you didn’t mean to, I get it, but just one date? Like, I think the only twice you reciprocated my feelings, and one of those you were trying to get off a damn cruise ship! You know what, Sonic, I think you could be a little nicer.”
“C’mon, Ames, don’t be like that. I’m just not ready for a date.”
“Fourteen years! You’ve been saying that for fourteen years! I’m just- Ugh! I’m going home!” She began stomping off, before stopping and looking at Shadow. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Shads. Come by for cookies again, ok?” She gave him a small smile, tears pricking her eyes with her still red face.
Shadow looked at the blue hedgehog with a glare, goosebumps running through Sonic's being. He turned back to Amy with a softened expression. “Let me take you home.”
Several days after that encounter, as Shadow went on a reconnaissance mission with Rouge for G.U.N., he told the bat about his dreams.
"Hm, it sounds like to me you're falling for her, Shads."
"Falling? I've never tripped in front of her," he stated as he filled up his gun.
"Not that falling. You remember how Tails was flustered around Cream for the longest time some years back? Always bringing her flowers and little gadgets he built? Always blushing?"
"Yes, I found it strange when his behavior towards her changed. I didn't see any notable difference with Cream besides her getting bigger."
"Well, they're teenagers and dealing with hormones. I think he finally confessed when he was fourteen? Anyways, Tails was falling for Cream. And by falling, I mean falling in love, and she felt the same."
"In love? Like how Amy is in love with Sonic?"
"Pfft, if you want to call it that. She's been infatuated for years, but it's very clearly one sided, but she does seem to be calming down."
Shadow hummed in thought as he positioned his gun, aiming for a door control panel some yards away. "Why do I just now have these feelings? I've always respected and liked her, but not like this. What changed?"
"I can't tell you that, unfortunately. That's a you problem."
That thought has stuck with him for the rest of the mission and the trip home. During the flight back to the city, he took a power nap, letting his dreams take over. Maybe he would find an answer there.
His dream again consisted of Amy cleaning her home and getting ready for the night. She was tapping on her phone, smiling as it dinged with responses. His cheeks blushed as he dreamed, watching her perform just the most basic tasks. It felt soft, at peace. He wouldn't mind being with her, helping her do the dishes, feeding their Chao, and winding down on the couch with a good book. He could almost see himself with her in the dream, just being there. As she crawled into her bed, still smiling at her phone as it dinged, her little Chao flew into her bed, snuggling close. She giggled and tapped on the screen. In a soft voice, she petted Chao's head and said, "It's like he knows."
The loud voice of the commander yelling roused Shadow from his dreams, forcing him to give a stink eye. How dare he interrupt his vision? The command was yelling about getting ready to land and buckle up. Shadow ignored the order. He's the Ultimate Lifeform; he didn't need this crap.
Once on the ground and his phone back in his possession, he noticed a relatively new text message.
'Hey, Shadow! Rouge said you'd be back by about now. I just want to know how you're doing :)'
His eyes widened. Amy texted him? Amy texted him! His heart pounded against his chest as he quickly typed up a response.
'I just landed. It's pretty late, don't you have work tomorrow?'
As he hit send, he couldn't help but recall the vision and wondered if that was the text message that made her smile.
"Hey, Shadow!" Rouge called, catching Shadow's attention from his phone. "I know you're going to say no, but Topaz is offering a ride to your place if you want."
"Uhm…Actually, yeah, I'm pretty tired. I don't know if I can go that far."
Rouge's eyes widened at her best friend's answer. "Wait, seriously? Damn, Amy must be making you soft."
Shadow just rolled his eyes as he followed his friend outside. His phone pinged again as he climbed into Topaz's backseat, the two girls' chatting and mildly flirting in the front seat.
'I'm getting ready for bed now, but I just wanted to ensure you returned in one piece. I don't know why. I just couldn't sleep without getting a text from you.'
He couldn't help the slight smirk as he typed back. 'Of course, I would, Rose. I'm the Ultimate Lifeform. Practically indestructible and immortal.'
He almost felt Amy's eyes roll as she responded to his text. 'Gee, tell me something I don't know. Gn, will I see you tomorrow?'
'Sure. Leave me only the freshest blueberry muffins :) And tell your Chao I said Hi.'
'Lmao, she just came into bed. Your timing is excellent, as always.'
He chuckled softly, remembering the vision. He could only hope that Amy slept well tonight. He closed his own eyes, a soft smile on his face.
Once at his apartment, he wished Rouge a goodnight and thanked Topaz for the ride. Inside the studio apartment, he collapsed on his couch, which he slept on primarily. He didn't own a bed, having never needed one. He almost fell asleep immediately as soon as his head hit the throw pillow that Amy gifted him. It was black and red with a band logo patch, yet it still smelt like her. He grasped the pillow tight as his consciousness shifted into the visions and his own Chao cuddled into his chest fur.
This vision wasn't like before. Massive storm clouds rolled over the night sky, thunder sounding shortly after flashes of light glowed inside them. His vision shifted back to Amy, sleeping soundly in her bed. She looked so sweet until thunder crashed into her room, stirring her from her sleep. Bright lights, loud thunders, and the sudden rush of rain crashed against her window. The sounds of the storm worsened as it rolled into the city. It was angry, violent, trees shaking, power lines threatening to fall. One did, and the power went out in Amy's block. The lightning was close, dangerously close. A bolt struck the top of the apartment building's power lines, and the bright orange fire grew on the top of the building. It increased, eating at the concrete despite the heavy rain.
As soon the flames reached Amy's window, her scream awoke him with his own. He held his head as he panted, sweat dripping down his quills. That was the worst vision he ever had; he had never been that scared since the Ark years ago. Suddenly, he heard a rumble of thunder from outside. Looking out the window, he saw the impending storm clouds.
He wasted no time. Grabbing his phone, he called Amy. "Pick up, pick up…."
On the third ring, she answered. "H-Hello?"
"Amy, it's Shadow, I'll be there in a minute, but you need to get dressed and pack a small bag."
"Shadow, what? What's going on?" She yawned into the phone.
"No time, just trust me, ok?"
She was quiet for a moment before groggily saying, "Ok, ok, I'll see you in a minute," she hung up.
He was about to Chaos Control his way to her apartment when he saw the state of his own. He cleaned up the trash with a quick run and made it pleasant for a girl coming over.
He shook his head as he threw a shirt into the hamper. "Dammit, Shadow, focus! Save Amy! Chaos Control!"
In a flash, he stood inside her living room. The pictures, the running dishwasher, and the little things made this a home. He looked around, taking everything in. He had time; the power wasn't out yet. Heading down the hall, he softly knocked on Amy's door. "It's Shadow," he said softly, hoping not to spook her.
She opened the door, rubbing her eye as she held a small backpack, a blanket, and her sleeping Chao.
"Shadow, I trust you, but I swear to Chaos itself that this better be life and death."
"I wouldn't do this if it weren't." He held out an arm, and she walked towards him, nuzzling his shoulder. He stopped for a moment, blushing at the contact.
'Focus, Shadow, she's tired.' He wrapped an arm around her, using his other to hold the emerald.
"Chaos Control," he said softly, holding the two tightly as they flashed into Shadow's apartment. Taking her to the couch, he gently laid her and her pet down. His own Chao snuggled into Amy's. She yawned and curled up on his couch, and Shadow took a moment to cover her with her blanket. "Stay here, you'll be safe."
With another Chaos Control, he landed on Amy's building just as the lights went dark. Just in time. Getting ready, he squinted up into the rain, his quills drenched. He didn't even have time to call anyone; he had to protect the structure himself.
One bolt…Two…Three…" Chaos Shield!" He yelled, holding up the emerald. It formed a glowing dome above his head as the first bolt hit it. He could feel fire running through his veins as he held the bolt back. It only lasted a second, but he was panting as the shield dissipated with emerald. He gulped, shaking his head. "I can do this, I need to do this. Not just for Amy, but everyone in the building." He talked himself up, taking a deep breath as he stared at the sky. Using his speed, he put up another shield to protect the building just in time as another strike hit the air above him.
As he fell to his knees, he cried in pain, the rain creating steam off his fur. He's stopped more significant threats prior, right? He could handle some lightning. Lifting his emerald again, he cried another command, the shield coming up again, but much weaker this time, and barely kept the lightning at bay. He fell onto his hands, panting hard as the pelting rain chilled him and the fire of electricity burned him. His legs buckled as he got up, almost falling back down as he looked back up, his eyes darting around and scanning the clouds through the heavy raindrops.
"Shadow! Shadow!" His ear twitched as he heard his name through the rain and thunder. He tried stepping in the direction of the sound, but his legs felt sharp. Why couldn't he move? His eyes went back up just in time. He lifted the emerald for another weak shield; the blast forced him onto his back this time.
The red fur was singed black at this point, and his vision faded between clear and dark. The last thing he saw was pink, white, blue, and orange before passing out.
His visions were fuzzy at best, with unclear shapes, muffled voices, bright fluorescent lights, flashes of bright colors, and feelings of anger and sadness. His final vision felt the clearest, with bright pink, a warm environment, and pressure on his hand.
He didn't know how long he was out, but when Shadow opened his eyes, he saw Amy sleeping on his blanket. No, it wasn't his blanket, but a hospital's. He looked around, taking in the environment. He was in a hospital room, with machines hooked up to his arms and head. There was a sticky note on one of the monitors "Dr, Ask the Bat if vitals are normal."
Shadow looked back at Amy and slowly moved a hand towards the top of her head. Her quills were greasy, like she hadn't showered in days. He noticed she was still wearing the same blue nightshirt from the other night.
It took her a minute, but she stirred awake, looking over at Shadow. She snapped up as soon as she saw his eyes and her own filled with tears. "Shadow!" She moved to hug him. He braced for a bear hug, like the first one she gave him all those years ago, but she was gentle, barely wrapping herself around him as she cried into him. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, rubbing her back.
"How long was I out?" He asked as soon as she finished her cries, looking at her face. She was sniffling but had the biggest smile, one so contagious he couldn't help but return softly.
"Just a couple of days. As soon as you left me in your apartment, I called Rouge, I knew something had to be up, and she told me about how you dream. I called everyone and rushed to you as fast as we could, but by the time we get up there, you were already smoking! Like, your fur was almost on fire! We called paramedics instantly as Tails ran your vitals. You made it, but just barely." As she spoke, her eyes were wide, tears welling back up as she recalled that night.
He gently touched her cheek, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "I'm so sorry, Rose. I didn't mean to scare you. I…I…" he sighed. "So Rouge told you how I dreamt?"
She nodded, sniffling softly as she leaned into his hand. "Y-Yeah, about how you see glimpses of the future."
He pursed his lips, eyes scanning around as he attempted to organize his thoughts. "Yes, I do. That night, after I returned home, I had a horrible vision about the storm. Your entire building caught fire, and I heard your screams from inside. I didn't have long to act, and I had to get you to safety first. I couldn't live with myself if I failed and you were in danger."
She smiled widely. "Shadow, you saved more than me, you saved everyone in that building, and…" her smile faded. "No one knows you saved them."
He sat up with some difficulty, groaning softly as he neared her. "I saved you. That's all I care about."
Her smile returned. "So Rouge wasn't kidding when she said you were crushing on me?"
His eyes widened as his cheeks burned fiery red. "Uhm, well, uh…I wouldn't- I don't- uhm, uh…Ugh!" He grabbed a pillow and hid behind it. "Next time I see that bat, she's dead!"
Amy's only response was a giggle. "Shadow, it's ok! I kinda already knew."
He looked up from the starched pillow and up at her own soft blush. "You…You knew?"
"You didn't exactly hide it. Plus, after what Rouge told me, it made sense why your timing was always perfect, especially when I was baking. Here I thought you had super sniffers or something." She lightly touched his nose for emphasis.
He growled a little. "I wanted to tell you, I just," he sighed softly, "You still flirted with that blue idiot and I didn't want to hurt you by confessing."
She lifted his head and scooted closer to him. "You could never hurt me, Shadow." Tilting her head to the side, she placed her lips gently on his in a sweet kiss. He had to follow her lead to kiss back, but he held her close once he did.
"So," she started as they slowly broke the kiss, "maybe a date after you get out of here?"
He chuckled softly. "I'd love that."
She nuzzled against his cheek, gently wrapping herself around him. With a soft smile, he nuzzled her back, his own arms wrapping around her. Staying like that for a few moments, the two enjoyed the comfortable silence together.
Unfortunately, it was short-lived as the rest of their friends entered the room.
"Finally! I thought you two would never get together!" Sonic hollered as he sat next to Amy. The sudden outburst forced the two to separate, and a heavy blush formed on both faces.
"Yes, I'm feeling ok, thanks for asking, Sonic," Shadow responded to the unasked question.
"Eh, I wasn't worried. You're Shadow, I've seen you survive worse."
"Sonic, you were freaking out worse than Amy and Rouge combined." Tails stated as he walked in with Rouge, Knuckles, Cream, and Omega.
Shadow blinked as he saw them file into the small room. So many people came to see him, in a vulnerable state, just to ensure he was ok. His heart fluttered a little while his mouth crept upwards into a soft smile.
"Thanks for coming. You're all true friends." Shadow admitted with a slight chuckle, placing his hand on Amy's. It was heavily bandaged, like the rest of his body, but he could still feel her gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, though. I'm getting weaker."
"Shadow Robotnik the Hedgehog, what on Earth are you talking about?" Rouge inquired, her hip jutted and brow raised.
"I got hit with lightning four times before I passed out. I should have dealt with more." He glanced down at his bandages, the burn cream ironically burning his nose.
"That's because it wasn't normal lightning!" Tails almost gleefully explained. "It was Eggman! He stole an emerald and built a machine to simulate massive electrical storms. His plan was to burn down the city in the dead of night, or at least all where we lived. Amy's apartment just happened to first in his path."
"But if it was Chaos Energy that struck me, shouldn't I have been energized? My entire being was literally made from the stuff."
"I'm still working on the diagnostics of the machine. Amy damaged it pretty bad when she took it out of the sky."
Amy smiled a big grin at the mention of her destruction. "Oh, it was nothing! It won't be the last time I knock that egghead out of the sky."
Shadow simply chuckled, leaning his head on hers. "That's the Amy we know. Strong and fierce."