Archive of Our Own

“What can I say? I’m a ladies man. Everywhere I go, the ladies fall to my feet.”

Brags Sonic to his other male friends as he points his thumb at himself, holding his nose high and a big smile.

The blue hedgehog is at the beach outside Central City, sharing a bench with his little buddy Tails and Vector, who is busy munching down a sandwich.

Next to them, is Silver floating in a relaxing pose in the air with his psychokinesis, while Mighty is resting on a towel as he lays on the sand. Ray and Charmy are building a sandcastle together. Next to Mighty under the shade of a palm tree is Espio meditating, while Shadow is leaning against the log of that palm tree with his arms crossed and eyes closed as he tries to shoot Sonic’s blabbering out.

Knuckles wasn’t there in person as he had to keep watch over the Master Emerald, so Tails had him up on a hologram from his watch so he could still be a part of their hang out.

“You know Sonic, you’re not the only guy around that can woo the ladies. I myself can be quite the charmer.”

Says Vector with a grin, showing off his teeth, and snout covered with ketchup from his sandwich.

“Yeaaah… maybe, if you clean yourself up first.”

Said Sonic, not really impressed by the crocodile's words or grin.

“What do you mean by that, huh?”

Growls Vector at the blue hedgehog, clearly offended by his words.

“Dude, your face is covered with ketchup.”

Says Knuckles from the hologram before he glances over his shoulder to check on the Master Emerald.

Tails pulls up a bag from below the bench and looks around in it till he finds a napkin that he hands to the crocodile.

“Oh, thanks buddy.”

Says Vector as he takes the napkin to dry off his snout.

“But I agree with Vector. You aren’t the only one that can get ladies to flock around you. Any girl would want a guy like me.”

Says Knuckles as he returns his face to the hologram to see the other guys he is ‘hanging out’ with.

“Yeah? So why are you still single then?”

Asks Sonic with a mocking tone as he leans back a little and has his arms behind his head, grinning at the red echidna in the hologram.

“Hey! I know I can get a girl. I’m just single right now because I have to keep watch over the  Master Emerald all the time.”

Yells Knuckles at Sonic who is laughing at him.

“Don’t you have Rouge? I thought you two were a thing.”

Says Silver as he flies over Sonic and Tails’s heads to get a better look at the hologram.

“She’s only ‘interested’ in me because I got the Master Emerald.”

Nags Knuckles, crossing his arms and looks to the side, annoyed over thinking about the white bat girl, who always tries to steal the big gem stone from under his nose. Yet he doesn’t know that Rouge do have a soft spot for the echidna. She just sometimes uses the excuse she is there to steal the Master Emerald, but really is there to spend time with Knuckles.

“If anyone here is a ladies man, then it’s Mighty.”

Interrupt Ray out of nowhere, making the other guys look at the little squirrel, then over at Mighty who has lifted his head to look at his friend that now sat him in the spotlight.

“What are you talking about, Ray?”

Asks the armadillo with a confused look on his face.

“When you're at the gym, are all the girls looking at you, and many of them ask for your phone number. You even went on dates with some of them.”

Explains Ray, proud of his so-called big brother. Mighty gives a nervous chuckle as he scratches the back of his shell, feeling a bit embarrassed that Ray had to tell the other guys that.

“Well, yeah… I went on a few dates, and I also got a date here the upcoming Friday with a girl I've been out with before.”

Says Mighty as he waves it off and lays back down. Ray smiles as he thinks that means Mighty is more popular with the girls then Sonic claims to be.

Shadow, who had tried to not to listen to their nonsense, couldn't help but let out a small chuckle for himself, which caught Sonic’s attention.

“What are you giggling at, Shadow?”

Asks Sonic with narrowed eyes as he glares at the darker hedgehog.

“I’m not giggling, you buffoon.”

Snarls Shadow back as he opens his eyes just a tiny bit to give Sonic a glare back, still staying at his spot, leaning against the palm tree.

“It just sounds to me that Mighty is more successful at keeping his dates than you.”

Mocked Shadow, finding it funny that the blue hedgehog is frowning like a spoiled brat at him over something as silly as who can get affection from girls.

Shadow then looks away, as a small frown appears on his face.

Shadow doesn’t brag about it, but he has had his fair share of girls coming to him to either ask for a date or his phone number.

Apparently, after Shadow had become one of the good guys, and helped save the world a couple of times, earning his respect and being the top agent at G.U.N. has many girls landed their eyes on the now more attractive dark hedgehog.

But Shadow being Shadow, he turns away from their attention and blocks out their affection. None of the females who came to him have caught his interest. They only want him now because of his fame and wealth.

There is only one girl he knows that truly treats him as a friend, not looking at him for power and riches, but as a good mobian. She is the one he has his eyes on, but she of course was never in his reach.

Amy Rose, the only girl Shadow ever wanted to have a chance with. But that was like asking for rain in a desert.

For all the years Shadow knew her, had she always been running after the blue Faker, Sonic. Showering him with her joy and love, doing anything she could to help him or be with him.

Sure, now that they are older, he hasn't seen her run after her blue hero, but he believes she still loves him till this day, it would be weird otherwise if she just stopped loving him after so many years, right?

That is the only thing Shadow envy Sonic for, is that the only girl the dark male wants, is having her hopes on the blue male. How he wished he could have her for himself, just for one day, that would mean the world to him.

“Let's make a contest.”

Shouted Sonic as he stepped up on the table of the bench, pointing a finger at Mighty.

“All of you. Let’s see who of us can win the hearts of as many women as we can. The one with the most girls wins.”

Says Sonic, as he now moves his hand around, pointing at all the guys.

“Say what now?”

Asks Silver, who flies past Sonic with raised eyebrows.

“That is rather disrespectful towards the ladies you will drag into this, Sonic.”

Says Espio, as he finally opens his eyes from his meditation to look at Sonic.

“I agree with Espio. It’s not really nice to lead girls on and then just ignore them after your contest is over.”

Says Tails, as a certain pink girl comes to mind. Knowing full well that Sonic is a player, and have often led their friend Amy on, and then just run away from her after he got what he wanted from her.

Tails cares a lot about his blue brother, but when it comes to girls, will he agree he's an ass. He just never said it out loud.

“Hm, yeah okay, I can see your point. So how else can we make this contest to see who is the best man?”

Asks Sonic as he scratches his chin, thinking hard over it. The other guys just shrugged their shoulders. Shadow was the only one rolling his eyes as he looked away from the group.

But a sweet voice got his ear to flick and head snap back to the group where the voice came from.

“Hey guys. How are you all doing?”

This sweet voice came from none other than Amy Rose, the only girl on the planet that would be able to break Shadow’s neck from snapping his head to her direction too fast.

“Hey Amy.”

All the guys greeted her, as she stepped closer to the group. She is wearing a swimsuit that was kinda in two parts like a bikini but still connected with straps on the sides. The color is a light green with the pattern of small dark pink and purple flowers on. Amy has matured over the years, not only as a mobian, but also her body has gotten more curvy, and her quills have gotten a bit longer then to her shoulders, she got them up in a ponytail. From being a small cute bubbly pink girl, to now a beautiful adult woman, who still gives a smile so innocent to everyone. She is holding a stack of papers in her peach-colored arms.

“What brings you here, Amy?”

Asks Tails, even when he can guess she is also having a day off to relax on the beach like the guys are.

“I’m here with Cream and Vanilla. We planned on going to the beach for some time, and today just seemed like a good day. We’re seated a bit further down the beach.”

She points with a thumb over her shoulder in the direction where their spot is.

Vector jumps up from his seat with excitement and wags his tail as he looks towards the direction she points.

“Vanilla is here?”

Asks the big eager crocodile as he tries to spot the cream-colored rabbit among the other beach guests.

“Yo Ames.”

Says Sonic as he turns his head to look down at the pink hedgehog with a grin as he gets an idea. Amy looks up at the blue male with a lifted eyebrow, what is he up to now?

Sonic jumps down from the bench table he was standing on to stand next to her, where he places his arm on her shoulder, leaning a bit on her, having his face close to her.

“Ames, agree with me here. You think I'm the best, if not the hottest guy among us, right?”

Asks the blue male as he tries to use his charm, smiling seductively at her with his brilliant smile. She did after all have the hots for him for so many years, right?

Shadow tightening his grip on his biceps, letting a small growl out as he watches the display Sonic puts on to get his way with the pink girl. It disgusts him that he is messing with her feelings like that.

But to Shadow’s surprise, Amy doesn’t seem to be affected by Sonic’s charm. She is looking at him rather unamused, yet still keeps a polite smile.

“What’s this about? That was a rather random thing to ask.”

Says Amy, as she avoids answering his question.

“Sonic was bragging about how he's the ladies man, and now wants to make a contest on who among us can win the hearts of most girls.”

Explains Silver as he is floating over Amy’s and Sonic’s heads.

“Oh, did he now…?”

Says Amy with a small snarl as she gives the blue male a side-eye. Shadow notices her grip on the papers tighten.

“Yeah, but we told him it had to be in a way where the girls don’t get led on by it. Not that any of us knows how.”

Says Mighty, still laying on his towel, as he peeks over towards their pink friend.

“Oh, then maybe this can do the trick.”

Says Amy as she moves away from Sonic, who stumbles a bit as his support suddenly removes herself from him. She hands Vector, Tails, Sonic, Mighty, Silver, Espio, and even Shadow, who takes the paper gently from her hand.

The tip of his gloved finger slightly touched her bare finger as he took it, oh how he wanted to hold that hand gently in his. He looks at her as she gives him that sweet smile.

“What is this, Rose?”

Asks Shadow as he holds up the paper to read it. The other guys also looked at it in wonder.

“It’s a flyer for a competition that will be held soon, where guys compete with each other by showing off their skills or a talent. Then 4 judges will give their rank and the audience gives their vote to who they like. It’s… kinda a sexy competition for guys.”

Explains Amy with a small blush on her cheeks as she rubs her neck.

“So you could use this for your own contest by entering it. That way you won’t lead anyone on and get a fair judgment on who of you is the ‘best guy’”

Says Amy as she watches the guys reading it.

“Amy, why didn’t Ray and I get one?”

Asks Charmy, he and Ray look at her, feeling left out.

“Sorry guys, you two are a little too young to be in this contest.”

Says Amy, as she gives the little bee a pat on his head.

“How convenient. This is just what we need to settle this.”

Says Sonic as he grins.

Shadow rolled his eyes, finding the idea dumb. Heck anything the blue moron comes up with is dumb as he crumbles the flyer in his hand. Vector keeps reading.

“It says here there are prizes? What kind of prizes are we talking about?”

Asks Vector.

“Oh, I think they told me the 1st place will get 10000 gold rings. 2nd will get 5000 gold rings, and 3rd will get 2000 gold rings.”

Says Amy as she tries to remember what she was told.

“Nice! I’m in for sure.”

Says Vector, clearly having money signs in his eyes from hearing this. Espio shakes his head over his partner’s obsessions with money and gold rings. Shadow didn’t care less about the prize, he wasn’t planning on entering anyway.

“It says here the 1st place winner also gets to pick one of the judges to take out on a date?”

Asks Tails as he reads further down on the flyer.

“Yeah, the winner can pick any of the 4 judges to go with on a paid date. The two main judges are Honey the Cat, and Howie the Clumber.”

Tells Amy.

“And who are the two others?”

Asks Knuckles from the hologram.

“Well… hehe… the two other judges can’t make it. As one forgot about the show and is out traveling, the other one just got married, so she didn’t want to take part in the show because of that. Sooo… while they were setting the stage up, the producer saw Vanilla and me just a while ago, they asked us if we would take the remaining spots as judges for the show.”

Tells Amy as her blush got a bit darker, while she is rocking back and forth on her feet.

“Does that mean you and Vanilla can also be asked out on a date?”

Asks Silver as he lands on the sand next to the pink girl.

This question caught the black and red hedgehog’s attention. He looks at her to see what her reaction is and what she will say.

“Yeah, the winner can also ask Vanilla or me. Vanilla wasn’t sure at first, but Cream said to go for it as she doesn't go out much. And for me, why not? I haven’t really been on any real dates, since… ever.”

Sending another side-eye towards the blue hedgehog, before she continues talking.

“So why not try it out. I can always hope if I get picked that the winner is a nice guy, and we will have a good time together. Yet I kinda doubt I'll get picked, I’m up against Honey and Vanilla, they're both so beautiful in their own way.”

Says Amy as she lets out a small sigh, tilting her head a little to the side, but still keeps on her smile.

Shadow’s eyes widen to this information, the winner gets to take her on a date?

“Oh Ames, don’t say that. You know, if I win, I can pick you to come on that date with me.”

Says Sonic as he winks at her. Placing his arm around her shoulder, holding her close to his side. It was easy to see he’s trying to sweet talk her to get a good rank out of her. And everyone knew Amy always wanted to go on a date with Sonic. Shadow didn’t like this one bit.

“Na-ah Sonic. I said this competition is going to be with fair judgment. So I’m not giving you or the others a high rank so you can get an easy win. I will be strict, so you better work for it.”

Says Amy as she takes his hand to get him to lose his hold on her, stepping away from him once again, having her back facing him.

“You never asked me out on a date before, so why would you now? To win the bet? How nice of you.”

There was a hint of anger in her tone as she said that, and everyone was sure her Piko Piko hammer would come out at any moment now. Sonic stood ready to run.

But instead, she took a deep breath before letting out a sigh, turning around facing the group of friends, with a smile.

“Well, I will be going. I have to hand out these flyers and then meet up with Cream and Vanilla. So see you guys around.”

She gives a small wave with one hand and leaves the group of guys behind.

Sonic looks back at the guys with a smirk, holding the flyer up.

“So we’re doing this.”

Says the blue male.

Vector gives a thumb up, he is surely entering. Not only to win the prize money, but a date with Vanilla will also be nice.

“Tails, can you send me a copy so I can read it?”

Asks Knuckles from the hologram. Tails nods and scans the flyer with his watch, sending the scan to Knuckles’s watch. Knuckles reads it and says.

“I could use the prize money, but I can’t leave the Master Emerald.”

“If you want to enter, Charmy and I can watch over the Master Emerald for you. I plan not on entering it.”

Says Espio.

“Thanks man.”

Says Knuckles with a grin. Knuckles plans on beating Sonic’s blue ass.

“I can’t enter. This contest is on the upcoming friday, that’s where I got my date. And I’m not skipping it for this, the girl is too sweet, I’m not letting her hang.”

Explains Mighty.

“Tails?”

Asks Sonic as he looks at his two tail buddy.

“What? No no no no. Didn’t you hear? Vanilla is one of the judges. I don’t want to give a bad impression to her. What won’t she think if I enter a… sexy competition, while I’m dating Cream. No, I’m not taking part.”

Says Tails while waving his hands up in front of him. Sonic frowns a little, then he looks towards the silver colored hedgehog, asking him.

“What about you, Silver?”

Silver curls the paper and sends it flying with his psychokinesis towards a trash can.

“Sorry, I can’t either. I have to get back to my own timeline soon. Besides I got my dear Blaze, she’s my sweet kitty and all I need in my life.”

Sighs Silver lovely as he thinks of the lavender-furred cat princess, using his powers to float in the air again like he is on cloud nine.

Sonic looks at Silver discontented with his reply.

“So it only leaves Vector, Knuckles and me.”

Sonic then glances over towards the black and red male, Shadow, who is still reading the flyer about the competition while being deep in thought.

The blue male grin as he watches Shadow.

“I don’t expect you to join us, Shadow. You properly think this is a waste of time for you, huh? But then again, with how you are, I doubt any girl would vote for you. Saving you the humiliation.”

Mocks Sonic, still having his teasing grin on his dumb face.

Shadow narrows his eyes at the blue male and huff at his comment. He tightens his grip on the flyer and walks away from the group of friends, without saying a word to them.

The dark male only had one thought in mind right now, and that was he had to win this contest. A date with Amy Rose was on the line, and he will do what it takes to win.

But Shadow didn’t have the slightest clue what to do in a sexy competition. But he knows one who does, and he is pretty sure this mobian won’t mind helping him out.

He had to find Rouge the Bat.

Few days later, friday finally arrived.

Behind the stage, are lots of male mobians waiting patiently for the competition to start. Among them are Sonic the hedgehog, Knuckles the Echidna, and Vector the Crocodile.

“Heh, it seems like there is a full house.”

Says Vector as he looks around on who they are up against. Knuckles stands with crossed arms while he is leaning up against a huge rock he brought with him. Sonic is tapping his foot as he looks at the rock Knuckles got.

“What’s with the rock?”

Asks Sonic with a lifted eyebrow. He wasn’t the only guy that looked weird at the big rock, many other competitors were confused what the rock was for, and how the echidna even brought it in the first place.

“Hmp, it’s for my performance. The flyer said to show our skills or talent.”

Replies Knuckles as he smirks. Vector and Sonic look at him for a moment before they look at each other and shrug.

Near the stage, leaning against the speakers in the shade is a dark silhouette looking out towards the crowd. Most of them are females in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors and species. But the dark silhouette doesn’t care about any of them, there is only one he is looking for. 

And he found her.

In front of the stage is a long table with 4 chairs. Two of the chairs were already taken by the two main judges, Honey the Cat and Howie the Clumber. Two females were walking towards the last remaining seats at the table.

A rabbit named Vanilla, the mother of Cream. And a pink hedgehog, Amy Rose, the only girl who was important to him.

Just seeing her, sitting there smiling as she talks with the other judges, got him to smile. Sweet, innocent, independent, beautiful, strong, and so much more… 

He watched her for a moment, till a stage-man called all the competitors to get ready. He let out a small huff before he looked up at the grid above the stage, where another silhouette was standing by. They nodded to each other as he stepped out from the shade of the speaker to join the other competitors.

It was Shadow the Hedgehog.

Out front, Vanilla and Amy are sitting with Honey and Howie, talking about the show, what they expect, and how to rank the guys.

“Mr. Clumber, if I’m not too rude, may I ask what you are doing here as a judge at a sexy competition with men for women?”

Asks Vanilla gently and curiously to the male dog sitting next to Amy, while Vanilla sits between Amy and Honey.

“Oh I don’t mind you asking. The producer for the show just thought that at least one guy should help on judging, you know, having a male’s input. And I just happen to be the only male around that doesn't have a problem looking at guys showing themself off in any way they might do.”

Explains Howie to the three women next to him. Both Amy and Vanilla let out an ‘ooh’ as they understood what he ment.

A stage-man came to them and whispered that the show would begin in five minutes.

Everyone got ready, the crowd of females were screaming and cheering on. One even already threw a bra onto the stage and the show hasn't even started yet. It got removed right away.

A golden brown male hamster came on stage with a mic in hand. The stage light landed on him, he waved to the crowd for them to lower their voices as he began to talk into the mic.

“Ladies and… very, very few gentlemen. I’m Bartholemew Hamston and we are here today on this lovely day at Central City’s beach, to see what the males have to offer here. And it’s my honor to share this evening with you and our lovely judges who will help us find a winner.”

He points his arms down towards the table in front of the stage with the 4 judges as the spotlight lands on them.

“I present to you from the right side, we have the best fashion designer to be known in Mobius, Honey the Cat.”

Honey stands up and sends kisses towards the cam and crowd as she greets.

“Next to Honey, we have the very lovely Vanilla the Rabbit, who runs the local VanillaCream Cafe.”

Vanilla smiles sweetly to everyone as she bow her head a little in a greeting. Bartholemew continues introducing the other judges.

“And next, we have our sweet Amy Rose. A fine hero from the Sonic Team and a respectful member of the Freedom Fighters.”

Amy gets up and waves her hand in the air as she gives her best smile, having a tiny blush on her cheeks from the introduction.

Bartholemew continues on.

“And lastly, we have Howie the Clumber himself. A well known and lovable judge who will join these fine ladies in ranking our candidates today.”

Said Bartholemew. Howie also waved his hand in the air as he fixed his glasses on his muzzle to look around.

“I will now explain the rules for you all, so lend me your ears and listen up. Our candidates will come on stage one by one, trying to charme or win your heart by showing off their skills or talent, or both at once. Our judges will rank them from 1 to 10. 1 being a bad score and 10 being the best. And you, our lovely crowd, have been handed a remote where you can press in your vote. Those who get the highest number will go on to the next round. So vote carefully, we are only doing two rounds and we have many handsome guys just waiting to show themself to you.”

Explains the hamster, he was handed a remote by a stage-guy that he holds up to show how it works, before handing it back.

“And finally, when we have found our 3 winners, they will be rewarded. 3rd place will receive 2000 gold rings. 2nd place receives 5000 gold rings. And 1st place will get 10000 gold rings. But not only that, 1st place will also get to pick one of our four lovely judges and go on an all paid date at Restaurant Swa.”

The crowd yelled up, screaming their lungs out. And once again… some girl threw some clothes towards the stage. A sock this time, and it landed on Bartholemew’s head.

“Yeah… thank you whoever you are for this… nice gift.”

Said the hamster as he pulled the sock off his head and held it with two fingers out to the side.

“Now. Let's get started, shall we? You have all waited long enough. Let the first candidate come out.”

Says Bartholemew, he steps aside as the first male mobian comes up on the stage.

Behind the stage, Sonic and Vector walk around while waiting for their turn. Knuckles didn’t want to leave his big rock behind, what if someone ran off with it.

“There sure are a lot of guys here. Maybe it won’t be that easy after all.”

Says the crocodile as he watches some of the candidates warming up for their performance. Sonic on the other hand wasn’t so nervous, he’s a hero and very much loved by many, so he didn’t think he had a hard time.

As they walked to the other side of the stage, Vector spotted someone they knew.

“Wow, look at that.”

“What?”

Asks Sonic as he can’t see what Vector sees. The crocodile is afterall taller than him and can see over everyone's heads. Vector points over towards a guy a bit further ahead of them and says.

“Shadow is here.”

“What? He is? This I gotta see.”

Says Sonic as he quickly makes his way towards where Vector is pointing. And sure enough, there is the black and red hedgehog, Shadow.

“Oh Chaos. It’s true, you are here. I never expected you to join something like this, do you really think you're that big of a hot shot?”

Asks Sonic as he places his hand on Shadow’s shoulder while laughing.

Shadow rolls his eyes and grit his teeth before he pulls his shoulder out of the blue male’s grip. He was hoping they wouldn’t run into each other so soon.

Vector is now standing next to Sonic, as Sonic looks Shadow up and down, examining the dark male’s outfit. Which is just his normal air shoes, his gloves, and his dark brown leather jacket from G.U.N. with a white tank top beneath. Nothing special.

“So, what will you do on stage? Glare everyone down? Threaten them to vote for you?”

Asks Sonic. He can’t help but find it funny that Shadow is taking part in the contest.

“As if I tell you, Faker. And by the looks of it, you don’t seem to have prepared anything.”

Snarls Shadow, as he looks at the blue male. He hasn't done anything, he is just wearing his typical red shoes and gloves. Same goes for Vector. If anything, Vector may have polished his necklace.

Sonic shrugged it off as he blew raspberries.

“Pfff… I got this.”

Sonic and Vector stays with Shadow while the competition goes on. Mostly because Sonic wants to tease Shadow, but Shadow blocks him out. He had placed himself at a spot where he could watch the judges, well mostly watch Amy.

A tiny smile plastered on his lips as he finds peace in himself just by seeing her having fun. Sonic then leans over his shoulder to see what he is looking at.

“What are you smiling at, Shadow?”

He asks, where he then sees their pink friend and rabbit friend. Shadow growls at him for being so close to him.

“I’m just watching what rankings are given out.”

Snarls Shadow, pushing Sonic’s face away with his hand on the blue male’s face.

“Hey, don’t mess up my good looks. I’m up soon, gotta look nice for Amy, hehe.”

Sonic laughs, fixing his quills by running a hand over them. Shadow rolled his eyes before looking back at her.

“Have you forgotten Rose said she will be judging us fairly?”

Replies Shadow, not moving his eyes away from the pink girl, he can see she really is focusing on the show, and clearly thinking things over before giving her rank. She was serious.

Then one of the stage-men called up Knuckles to be ready. Sonic, Vector and Shadow placed themself so they could see the stage better as they were curious what the echidna would do. Not to forget he brought that huge rock for the show.

Some of the candidates jumped out of the way in panic as Knuckles walked towards the stage, carrying the huge rock in his arms over his head. Some were sure that if he dropped the rock on his head, he would die on the spot.

Another stage-man stood by the stairs of the stage with a clipboard, as Knuckles came to him and he looked up, he also stared at the huge rock above him, making him gulp.

“Ehh… you ready?”

He asks the echidna. Knuckles nods.

“Okay, break a leg… No wait, I meant to say good luck.”

The stage-man got the idea that he really could break a leg if he was carrying that huge rock around, so better not attempt fate.

It was Knuckles’s turn now, and he stepped onto the stage, rock alongside him.

Howie’s mouth dropped by the sight, in disbelief someone could just come on stage with a huge rock with ease, it seemed to be heavy enough to break the stage under it. Honey whistle by the sight, impressed. Amy and Vanilla just sat there unfazed by it, they both know about his strength. They just smile at him.

“Ehhh… Hello. And who might you be?”

Asks Howie, still processing the rock in front of him.

“I’m Knuckles. Guardian of the Master Emerald.”

Was all Knuckles said. Howie sat there, waiting for him to say more, while Amy and Vanilla giggled, knowing Knuckles only makes short replies if he isn’t asked for further details. So Vanilla speaks up.

“So tell us Knuckles. What will you show us today, and what’s the rock for?”

Vanilla smiles sweetly at him, making Knuckles blush a tiny bit and does a little cough to clear his throat.

“Ehem, well… besides being a guardian, am I also a treasure hunter. I guess you can call it a skill, or talent, that I have a sense for finding treasures and gemstones. Before this contest, I went out searching for something to show off, and that’s what this rock is for. I can sense there is something inside it, I may not know what it is, but there’s something.”

Explains Knuckles as he gives the rock a pat. Honey lifts an eyebrow.

“And how do we know you’re telling the truth? It’s a rock… do you have any tools with you to open it up so we can see what’s inside?”

Asks the cat with a smirk while her tail sways from side to side.

“I don’t need tools Miss, I’ll punch it open with my knuckles.”

Replies Knuckles, holding up his fist. A lot of chattering was among the crowd, not thinking he really meant that. Vanilla and Amy gave a small grin, knowing full well he is capable of doing so.

“Ho-hold on a minute. Are you saying you will punch that rock open, with your bare fist?”

Asks Howie, he is very concerned now that he will damage himself with this stunt.

“No Sir.”

Saids Knuckles.

“Oh good. Got me worried there.”

Saids Howie and let out a breath and relaxed.

“I got gloves on. See.”

Again, Knuckles holds up his hands to show he is wearing gloves. A few females from the crowd were giggling, same goes for Amy, Vanilla and Honey. Howie on the other hand…

“Okay okay. Just… before you do that, let me have a look at that rock. I have to see now if it really is a real rock and not something faux.”

Says Howie as he gets up from his seat to get onto the stage. The echidna did after all carry the rock onto the stage as if it weighed nothing. It had to be fake. Knuckles steps aside for him so he can look at it. Howie knocks on the surface of it, it’s hard as a rock. He then tries to lift it, it’s heavy as a rock. Then he tries to push it, it’s solid as a rock.

Howie frowns a bit, and then dares to give it a light punch with his own fist. That was a bad idea. Everyone could almost hear the crack in his hand, followed by a high pitch scream.

"AAAAAH!"

Medic came to him right away.

“Yep…. au au… that’s, that’s a rock. Uuuh it hurts.”

Howie whines as he gets his hand looked at and helped back to his seat.

“That’s what I told you Sir.”

Said Knuckles, shaking his head over his dumb attempt to punch it.

“Well then… Go on. The show must go on, so do your thing.”

Said Honey, waving her hand as a signal for Knuckles to get on with it. Knuckles nods and places himself next to the rock, looking at it, like he is finding a good spot to hit it. Getting into stand, pulling his arm back, then with a hard punch, he slams his fist into the rock. The rock cracks into smaller pieces. Everyone around gasps, jaws dropped, wide eyes, some whistles, and a single female fainted.

Knuckles then steps forward and digs through the pieces, till he finds what he was looking for.

“Yep, here it is.”

Knuckles pulls out a decent size gemstone from within the pile of rocks. He holds it up to show it to everyone. As the spotlight lands on it, it gives off a rainbow glow. Once again, gasping can be heard, and people start clapping their hands, impressed by his performance.

Honey gives him a 8. Vanilla gives him a 8. Amy also gives a 8. While Howie gives him a 10.

“Why are you only giving him an 8? For Chaos, he punched a freaking rock.”

Asks Howie, as he points towards the stage with his now broken hand in a cast. The three females chuckled at him, as they knew of Knuckles’s strength.

Knuckles of course help the stage-men to clean up the stage. He did after all leave a mess.

Next one up is Vector. A piano gets pushed onto the stage. As he enters the stage, he bows for the judges and crowd, giving his toothy grin.

“Ladies and, ehh…”

Vector stops talking to looks out over the crowd and down at the judges.

“And one guy. I will play the piano and sing a song I wrote myself. And this song is dedicated to Vanilla the Rabbit. Enjoy.”

Amy had a bad feeling about this, while Vanilla smiles her lovely smile, intertwining her fingers, ready to hear what Vector will sing for her.

Vector starts playing the piano, and surprising enough, he is good at playing the piano. But… then he starts to open his mouth.

“This one is for my one and only true love, Miss Vanilla.

Miss Vanilla, you're so cool

And with my charm, we're gonna rule

Miss Vanilla, understand

I'm gonna love you 'til the very end

Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla

Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla

I love you, oh

Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla

Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla

I love you, oh

Mephiles, Metal Sonic, and Doctor Eggman too

A thousand troops of Badniks couldn't keep me from you

Miss Vanilla, at the end of the line

I'll make you mine, oh

Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla

Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla

I love you, oh

Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanilla, Miss Vanillaaaaaaaa!!!!”

After Vector ends his song, he smiles pleased with himself and a blush on his face for his confession to the rabbit of his dreams.

Sadly, not everyone is as pleased as him. Everyone is covering their ears from the awful singing, some screaming in pain, and some bottles are shattered.

Amy removes her hands from her ears and looks to Vanilla at her side. Vanilla is still sitting with her lovely smile and intertwined fingers, she didn’t cover her ears, she wanted to hear his song for her.

But…

“Medic.”

Yells Amy, as she sees Vanilla’s ears are bleeding. Medic rushed over to look at the rabbit. Vector gets concerned for her, but Vanilla just keeps smiling at him and tells him the song was lovely.

Honey gives him a 1. Vanilla gives him a 7. Amy gives him a 2. Howie gives a 1.

Next in line.

“Well then, it’s my time to shine. Watch and learn Shadow.”

Says Sonic with a cocky smile, as he gives the dark male a nudge on the arm. Shadow rolls his eyes, letting out a small ‘tsk’ sound. Sonic steps onto the stage.

The blue male winks and greets the crowd with finger guns, showing off his brilliant smile, being as charming as he can. A lot of females from the crowd are waving and screaming at him, and as expected, a pair of black panties got thrown towards him on the stage. Sonic catches them with his hand, spinning them around on his finger, all smug as he glances down next to the stage where Shadow is standing. But Shadow wasn’t paying attention to the blue male, he was looking at the judges with more interest instead, well Amy to be more correct. While Amy wasn’t looking very amused at Sonic and the black panties in his hand.

“Well if it isn’t Sonic the Hedgehog himself. The blue hero of Mobius. What brings you here?”

Asks Howie with delight. Amy and Vanilla puts on a neutral smile, while Honey is rolling her thumbs, till she pulls up a sketchbook to sketch an idea for a new suit.

“Heh, well you see, being the hero to you all, and special to you lovely ladies, I thought that while I was in town, why not join this contest with some of my fellow friends. Giving you a good look till your heart desires.”

Says Sonic prideful yet with a hint of tease in his tone as he does a pose with his arm stretched out doing the peace sign, and winking toward the cam. Few females scream like fangirls.

“So what were you planning on showing us?”

Asks Amy with a hint of annoyance towards him. Howie and Vanilla pick up the bad vibe from the pink girl next to them, but doesn’t say anything.

“What isn’t there to see? All of me is right here.”

Says Sonic, pointing a thumb at himself, smiling charmingly towards her.

Vanilla moved her chair closer towards Honey. Howie notices the rabbit’s movement, he has also heard rumors of the temper Amy has, so just in case, he also moves his chair a bit away from her. Amy narrows her eyes toward Sonic on the stage.

“So let me get this straight. You enter this competition, without having anything prepared to show us, while other candidates are doing their very best to give us a good show, all while you think your title as a hero and good look is enough to show off?”

Asks Amy with a small snarl, actually showing her tiny fangs. Some of the crowd started chatting that it is rather paltry of him not to bring anything to the show. Making Sonic flinch by the question from Amy.

“You already know I’m the fastest thing alive, leader of Team Sonic, I fight for justice, saved the world a couple of times. Ring any bells?”

Asks Sonic with a lifted eyebrow.

“Oh, oh oh, Sonic. Have you maybe forgotten something? I may not be the fastest thing alive like you, but I am a part of your team, fighting alongside you, and helped you save the world with our friends. And yet I don’t use that to brag about myself in hope to win a competition of any kind. Not only that, you running fast is your ability, this contest was to show your skills or talent, which I can’t see you do.”

Says Amy as she leans back in her chair with crossed arms and an unimpressed look on her face. She already knew Sonic wouldn’t take the contest seriously and wouldn’t have anything prepared. Vanilla for once isn’t smiling and shaking her head disappointed. Howie agrees with Amy as it is actually true what she is saying, also Honey agrees.

Behind the stage is Vector and Knuckles covering their mouth not to laugh at their friend being told out. It’s true, Sonic was so high of himself to think he could win alone by showing his face.

And Shadow is actually enjoying the show of Amy Rose burning Sonic infront of so many mobians.

As the crowd starts mumbling and chatting about Sonic’s lag of performance, is the blue hero starting to panic.

“One moment.”

He says and in a split second he runs off, then after a minute is he back with his guitar in hand.

“Let me make it up to you. I’ll sing your favorite song, Ames.”

Says Sonic and is about to play his guitar, but gets stopped.

“And now you're bribing me, again?”

Says Amy with a lifted eyebrow, still having her arms crossed. More and more chattering was to be heard from the crowd.

“Again?”

Asks Vanilla, she looks suspicious at the blue hero, then back at the pink girl next to her.

“Yeah, before the contest he said to me, and I quote, ‘You know, if I win, I can pick you to come on that date with me.’”

Explains Amy as she glares at Sonic.

“And now bribing your own friend again, on open air nonetheless.”

Says Honey, she was getting tired of his standup. Sonic could feel the sweat on his forehead.

“This won’t do. I’m sorry to say this, but I have to disqualify you.”

Says Howie, as he takes a clipboard, where he crosses Sonic’s name off the list, before he waves his hand to hint Sonic to get off the stage.

The blue hero stands there in disbelief and shock over what just happened. He got… disqualified.

“HEY! I WANT MY PANTIES BACK, YOU CHEATER!”

Yells a female from the crowd. Sonic was still holding the black panties in his other hand that he had forgotten all about.

Sonic just stood there unable to believe he got disqualified. Knuckles then went on stage, he carefully took the black panties out of Sonic’s hand and threw it towards the crowd where the female called from. Then he grabbed the shocked blue hero and dragged him off the stage.

Howie was mumbling something to Amy who was shaking her head, Vanilla letting out a heavy sigh, and Honey continued to sketch in her sketchbook, as they waited for the show to go on.

Backstage, Sonic was still shocked over the event as he stood with Knuckles and Vector.

“Tsh. You’re an embarrassment. Not only for yourself, but also for your friends and the hedgehog kind.”

Says Shadow with a hint of a growl as he walks past them, not sparing time looking at the blue male. Vector scratches the back of his head nervously while Knuckles got his arms crossed and nods in agreement.

Sonic did also feel awful and embarrassed, yet the remark from the black and red male got him to snap at Shadow.

“As if you can do any better. Go on then, show me what you got.”

“I will, when it’s my turn.”

Was all Shadow said as he went back to his spot to keep watch where he could see the stage and the judges. Shadow was rather pleased to see how Amy Rose roasted Sonic in front of so many, it gave him hope that maybe she wasn’t so much into the blue moron anymore.

A few other candidates were having their turn before it finally was Shadow’s turn.

Shadow zipped his leather jacket closed, pulled the collar up on the jacket, then ran his hands through his quills to fix them.

He looked up towards the grid above the stage, where he once again got eye contact with the silhouette standing up there. The silhouette gave him a nod. Shadow was ready.

He stepped forward, getting on stage, while Knuckles, Vector and Sonic watched him. Sonic with his arms crossed and a smug, expecting him to do very poorly.

The black and red hedgehog walks in and places himself in the center of the stage, hands in his pockets as he faces towards the judges, a neutral frown on his face, not saying a word.

Amy and Vanilla are surprised to see their friend Shadow at a competition like this, both giving him a small wave as he gives them a small nod back before he closes his eyes.

“Now then, and who may you be?”

Asks Howie the dark male, but gets no response from him, not even getting a glance from him either. Howie gets a bit nervous and unsure what to say. Amy then leans towards him and whispers.

“Don’t worry, he isn’t much of a talker, this is normal. Just let him do his performance.”

“Ah, very well then. You may start.”

Says Howie, giving the sign to start the show.

Shadow then turns around so his back faces them and the crowd. He pulls one hand up from his pocket and snaps his fingers. All light turns off, taking everyone a bit off guard.

After a few seconds some music starts playing, some type of heavy yet tasteful bass drop music.

Then a red glow lightened up on the stage. It came from Shadow, he is using his chaos energy to lighten himself up on the dark stage.

He outstretched his arms to the sides, and the red glow moved itself to his hands. Swaying his glowing hands up and down slowly before he turns around on his heel, making the red glow look like it’s a circle around him. He then slowly opens his eyes halfway. His red eyes are giving off a glow as well. And he locks his eyes on Amy, she is his focus point, not moving his eyes off her, as if she is the only one there to look at and no others.

Amy can feel it, his eyes on her. At first she looked behind her, but no, it was her that he focused on. A small blush creeped onto her cheeks as she watched him. It was as if he was dancing only for her.

Shadow’s dance followed the beat of the music smoothly, while the red glow of his hands did a lightshow around his body. And each time his body was facing away from Amy, did he close his eyes, so he didn’t look at any others then her.

He did a spin on the stage, red glowing around him, till he made a stop. The red glow on his hand slowly stopped as he started to slowly unzip his jacket. The crowd of females started to scream up and whistle at him, now he was being a tease, a sexy tease for that matter. Eyes still locked on Amy. and just before he had fully unzipped the jacket, he teleported away. Shocking everyone as where he went.

But the dark male reappears in a flash right behind Amy. Having his back against her and facing the crowd with closed eyes, as he rips his leather jacket off with one hand, now standing there in his white tank top.

A couple of females from the crowd tries to reach their hands to him over the fence while screaming at the hot hedgehog in front of them.

Shadow then turns around, only opening his eyes as he looks at Amy’s back. Before she can turn her head to look at him, he places his leather jacket over her shoulders, leaning to her ear and whispers to her.

“Hold this for me.”

His deep husky voice sends a chill up her back, making her blush even more. Yet her hands grips onto the jacket on her shoulders, holding it.

Shadow then teleports away once again from behind her, to only reappear back on the dark stage again, relighting his hands with the red glow to continue his dance.

Then he gripped onto the collar of the white tank top, starting to slowly rip it apart, where his white chest fluff started to show. His red glowing eyes didn’t leave Amy’s eyes at any moment. She gulped by the teasing show he did ‘for her’.

The crowd got more wild, jumping and screaming higher, few fainted.

Shadow turned around, showing his back before he ripped the tank top fully off to let it slide off his back quills to the floor, kicking it out of the way.

Slowly turning back with now his full exposed white chest fluff, letting his red glowing hands run over it slowly as well over his head quills, eyes never leaving the pink female.

Another gulp was earned from the blushing Amy.

Then Shadow held out his hand, the red chaos energy formed itself into a spear in his hand. He stabbed the spear into the stage. Not letting go of it with his hand. The dark male then walked and danced around the red glowing spear as if it’s a pole.

The crowd loved it. They were getting a pole dance from a hot dark looking hedgehog, oh he was really giving them eyecandy.

Shadow then holded out one hand and snapped with his fingers, and the silhouette from above the stage threw something high up into the air. It looks like a small bomb, freaking a few mobians out.

Shadow stopped his movement, pulled the red spear out of the stage and threw it at the item in the air. Hitting it with ease.

The item and spear exploded into a show like fireworks over the beach, with confetti falling down over the stage and crowd, all perfectly timed with the music ending.

Everyone claps and cheers for his performance. Shadow isn’t faced by the cheering, he just places himself at the center of the stage with arms crossed, facing the judges with closed eyes.

“Oh my Chaos. Wow, just wow. That sure was a show you put on. I say that was a very nice one to end off with.”

Says Honey as she clapped her hands, she had surely enjoyed the show enough to stop sketching in her sketchbook.

“For one who doesn’t talk much, you sure put a lot into motion.”

Says Howie, just as pleased with the show.

“It was a delight to see you dance. You are very good.”

Says Vanilla who is also clapping her hands.

“... eh, yeah… it… it sure was something.”

Stutters Amy, still blushing hard while she feels warm all over. She did not expect that from the ultimate life form, himself. Heck, she didn’t know what to expect, but surely not something like a striptease. And why was he looking at her doing the whole thing?

“Lets rank.”

Says Honey.

Shadow first now opens his eyes just a bit to see the result.

Honey gives him a 10. Vanilla gives him a 10. Howie gives a 10.

Shadow looks at Amy, who still blushes hard as she fumbles with her sign, not looking up, hiding her face in the collar of Shadow’s leather jacket that she still got over her shoulders. She slowly holds up her sign, giving him a 10.

More screaming, cheering and clapping comes from the wild crowd of females.

Shadow gives a small bow of a nod with his head before he walks off the stage, making a small satisfied smile for himself.

“Dear, I didn’t think Shadow would be one to enter something like this. Or show his interest in you like that.”

Whisper Vanilla to Amy as soon as the dark male was out of sight. Amy widens her eyes to the rabbit next to her by her words.

“He what? What do you mean?”

Asks Amy in shock, that couldn’t be right.

“Didn’t you notice how he kept looking at you? Like you were the only girl around him, dancing for just you. He must really like you to do something like this.”

Tells Vanilla as she gives the pink blushing girl a smile.

“Th-that can’t be right. He could be looking at someone behind me.”

Says Amy, as she quickly looks over her shoulder as to prove her point. Vanilla shakes her head.

“No dear. You were his focus. Whenever he was looking away or when he stood behind you, his eyes were closed. He didn’t want to look at anyone else. Plus…”

Vanilla then lifts the sleeve of the leather jacket Shadow left behind for Amy to hold.

“He gave you his G.U.N. jacket. I know this jacket is important to him, and you got to wear it. Cream once asked him to try on his jacket where he declined her. You are special to him dear, believe it or not.”

Tells Vanilla as she slips the sleeve down again, still smiling sweetly at Amy, that looks at her surprised. Letting the rabbit’s words cross her mind, her cheeks turn even more red from blushing as she slides back in her chair, pulling the jacket up to hide her face. The jacket had a scent of lavender that slowly calmed her down, making her wonder if Shadow also smelled like lavender.

And… If he really did like her?

Behind the stage, the other guys are staring in disbelief at the dark male as he walks off the stage. Sonic’s eye were twitching over what he just witness.

As Shadow walked passed the blue male he said with a smug.

“That’s how you do it.”

Making Sonic grit his teeth that Shadow did prove him right.

It was now time to see who would go on to the next round.

Bartholemew went on stage after some stage-men cleaned and fixed up the stage.

“Everyone. It’s now time to reveal who will go on to the next round. The 10 contestants who got the highest rank and votes from you all will go on to the second round. Those who will be called out, please enter the stage so we can see you once again.”

The hamster got an envelope where he pulled a piece of paper out with the names on. He starts calling out.

“Buckley the Deer

Alan Quail

Grant the Porcupine

Justin Beaver

Bow Sparrow

Duke the Giraffe

Knuckles the Echidna

Ash Mongoose

Marshall the Bear

And lastly,

Shadow the Hedgehog”

The 10 males steps onto stage one by one, waving and winking to the crowd of cheering females. Vector sighs that he didn’t get picked, but pats Knuckles on the back for good luck with the next round. Sonic is glaring at Shadow that doesn’t pay him any attention. 

Sour loser.

“These are our final contestants that you will get to see and hear from one more time. Then the 3 last standing will be our winners. Gentlemen, please stand ready till you’ll be called back on stage.”

Cheering and whistling was heard as the guys went off stage, waving the girls off before leaving.

As Knuckles and Shadow returned backstage, Sonic dared pointing a finger right at Shadow’s nose and snarl.

“I don’t believe this. What in Chaos did you think you did with your performance? Using your chaos energy? What if you lost control of it? Did you think of that? Huh? You could have blasted everyone around us. And who threw that bomb thing over the stage? Got a secret helper to help you cheat?”

Sonic kept poking his finger at Shadow’s nose, till Shadow slapped his hand away.

“For your information, I got full control of my chaos powers and can use it as I please. For the secret helper, the flyer pointed out an assistant for helping on the performance was allowed. Just like the giraffe guy used an assistant for his magic show. I did what was allowed and kept to the rules, without getting disqualified, like someone else did.”

Replies Shadow back, crossing his arms with a pleased grin.

“Oooooh ohohoh… burn.”

Says Knuckles and Vector in chorus. Sonic sends them a glare to shut up, till a stage-man comes over and asks Sonic and Vector to leave backstage as they aren’t a part of the contest anymore.

Vector gives the echidna and dark hedgehog a peace out sign before he follows after the blue hedgehog who already is stomping off. Knuckles shaking his head over Sonic’s behavior and Shadow just letting out a huff.

The show continues, where after some time with the other contestants, it’s Knuckles’s turn. He gets on stage.

“So, mister Echidna. What can you tell us about yourself?”

Asks Howie, holding his clipboard and pen, ready to take some notes.

“You can call me Knuckles. And like I said earlier, I’m the guardian of the Master Emerald. I’m the last one of my kind.”

Tells Knuckles with arms crossed. A few chattering was heard from the crowd.

“The last one? What do you mean by that if I may ask?”

Howie lifts an eyebrow at him while tapping his pen to his chin. Amy and Vanilla lower their smiles as they feel a bit sad for their friend as they know what he meant by it.

“Not at all Sir. What I mean is I’m the last one of the echidna kind. I have no family left or any memories of them as I was left to guard the Master Emerald at a very young age. The only ones I have left to call family are the friends I made over the past years.”

Explains Knuckles, it’s easy to see he feels a bit upset as he tells about it, but his mood lifts once again when he mentions his friends. A few from the crowd let out an ‘awwww’ by his story.

“Can I ask, as the last one of your kind, are you then hoping to find someone special, if you don’t already have one, to help grow your family?”

Asks Honey, giving him a charming smile and a small wink.

“... I hate to admit it, but I’m single, always been. But there is one that I… guess I kinda like… but she doesn't take me seriously, plus I don’t always trust her. I don’t know… it’s complicated.”

He got a small blush on his cheeks as he told them this, shrugging his shoulders as he looked to the side. Another ‘awwww’ was earned by the crowd.

“If you win, who will you pick as your date after this contest?”

Asks Howie, as he writes down some notes.

“In all honesty, none of you.”

Replies Knuckles.

Gasps and shocked faces are among the crowd of females. Honey looks a bit offended, Howie confused, while Amy and Vanilla gives no reaction.

“Can we get your reason for that?”

Asks Howie.

“Well, not to be rude toward you Sir, I just don’t swing that way. Amy is one of my friends and like my little sister, sure I could go out and eat with her, but I know she would rather go with someone else than her big brother. Vanilla got someone’s else's heart, and I’m sure we all know who that may be after today’s event. And Honey, I’m sure you're amazing… but I won’t feel good about myself if I went on a date with any of you when there is someone else I like. Sure, she doesn't see me that way and I have a hard time trusting her as she always messes with me… but I still want to stay loyal and faithful towards her, even when we aren’t together.”

Explains Knuckles as he rubs his neck in embarrassment. Again, but this time a lot louder ‘Awwwww’ came from every female around who heard him. Making Knuckles blush.

“Aww, that’s so sweet Knuckles. I’m sure Rouge would be super touched hearing this.”

Says Amy with a big smile, knowing full well from this explanation that he is talking about the white bat girl.

“Don’t you DARE tell Rouge that I said any of this! She will laugh at me and tease me!”

Yells Knuckles as he panics, quills bristle, pointing his glove hand at her while glaring at her. Either Amy or Vanilla feels threatened by him, they just keep smiling at the embarrassed echidna with a blush on his face that is just as red as his fur.

Then someone yells at Knuckles from beside the stage. Knuckles turns his head to his right to see its Shadow calling him.

“That’s a bit too late, Rouge heard it all.”

“WHAT?! HOW?”

Yells Knuckles with even more panic in his voice. Shadow then points upwards. Everyone looks up to see where he points and the spotlight lands on the silhouette that had helped Shadow doing the show.

The spotlight reveals the silhouette to be none other than the Rouge the Bat. The one and only Knuckles didn’t want to hear his confession.

“Oh my sweet Chaos, Knuckie.”

Rouge is holding her hands on her blushing cheeks, holding back tears, and before Knuckles can react or move from his spot, she flew down and right into him, tackling him with a hug, arms around his neck and smothering him with kisses.

“Oh Knucklehead, ‘smooch’ why didn’t you tell me sooner ‘smooch’ you felt this way? Were you too ‘smooch smooch’ shy to tell little ol’ me? ‘Smooch’ You’re too sweet for your ‘smooch’ own good sometimes. I promise ‘smooch smooch’ to leave your Emerald alone ‘smooch’ if you start showering me ‘smooch’ with your love and affection ‘smooch smooch’ from now on, what do you say, big guy?”

Says Rouge while covering him with kisses. Lucky his fur is red or all her lipstick would be easy to see all over his face. Not giving Knuckles a chance to get away from her, as he tries to push her off him and out of her grip, being all flustered and embarrassed.

“AHHHH! GET OFF ME BAT GIRL! STOP THAT! WE-WE’RE IN PUBLIC, PEOPLE ARE WATCHING!”

He yells at her, while his eyes flicker around, one hand trying to push her off while waving his other hand to try to cover the view for everyone around them, but fails miserably.

The crowd now gave the biggest ‘AWWWWWWW’ ever, starting to clap and wishing the newly found couple congratulation. Amy pulled her phone out to take a couple of pictures of them that she knew Rouge would love to have later.

Knuckles gave up on getting Rouge off him as they walked off stage, so the next contestant can have their turn. Rouge is still holding him, but is now nuzzling him as she purrs lightly. Knuckles peeks at her out of the corner of his eye before letting a small sigh out, while trying to hide the tiny smile that creeped onto his lips. Maybe this wasn’t so bad afterall.

After some time, it was Shadow’s turn to reenter the stage. And so he did.

As soon he was in sight of everyone, was the crowd screaming and whistling after him. He didn’t pay attention or reacted to any of it. Shadow only glanced out of the corner of his eye towards the judges, catching eye contact with Amy Rose.

As soon their eyes lock, she blushes, looks down as she starts fidgeting with his jacket that she still got over her shoulders, hiding her blushing cheeks with the collar of his jacket. This sight makes the dark male smile very shortly as he is being spoken to.

“Hello dear. How are you?”

Asks Vanilla, giving him a smile as always.

Shadow places himself at the center of the stage once again, arms crossed, standing straight like the soldier he is.

“Good, thank you.”

Replies Shadow to the rabbit, giving her a small nod.

“Do you know this gentleman Miss Vanilla?”

Asks Howie as he leans over to look at her. Vanilla nods at him.

“Yes I do. Shadow has watched out for my little girl Cream many times. He has never said no to babysit her, and Cream is always delighted when he plays teatime with her.”

Explains the mother rabbit. This info makes Howie raise an eyebrow at the black and red hedgehog. Who would ever believe this dark serious looking male would play teatime with a little girl. A few females from the crowd giggles, while others find it sweet.

Shadow doesn't seem fazed by it.

“Cream makes excellent tea, and she is having fun. It’s a win-win.”

Explains the dark male.

“What else can you tell about yourself?”

Asks Howie, taking his clipboard and pen, ready to take notes. It was easy to see that Howie found Shadow intriguing just like many of Shadow’s new fangirls from the crowd.

Shadow had his eyes closed and was quiet for a moment. Then he opened his eyes, looking up at the sky that slowly is turning dark, starting to tell his story.

“To make a long story short, I have a past that I’m not very proud of. I haven’t always been the good guy, and many still don't see me as one till this very day. I have done things that are questionable and shouldn’t be forgiven. Why did I do those things? My… human sister was killed in front of me, so I got blinded by rage.”

Explains Shadow, as he lets out a heavy sigh from telling about his life so openly, still looking up at the sky, where he can see the first star starting to show up.

Amy and Vanilla looked at each other, knowing this all too well.

“Then what got you to turn a leaf for the better?”

Asks Howie even more intrigued, yet a bit unsure what kind of mobian they got on stage right now.

“Someone dared to tell me what I was doing was wrong and I should help instead. I didn’t listen at first, why should I? But then this mobian reminded me of something my sister told me before she died. A promise she got me to make. If it wasn’t for this reminder… would I have put my sister to shame and dishonor her wishes. From then on, I’m doing everything I can to be of help wherever it’s needed. Either be babysitting or helping save towns.”

Tells Shadow, as an image of his sister, Maria, smiles at him in his memories.

“May we know who this mobian is?”

Asks Howie.

Shadow turns his attention back to the judges, his red eyes soften as he looks at the pink girl, having a tiny hint of a smile.

“Someone who became very important to me and still is to this very day. Not a single day goes by without me being grateful for what they did. And I hope they know how special they are to me”

Never leaving his eyes from the pink girl as he says this. Amy slowly but finally looks up to look at the dark male. He was talking about her, she knew he was, she was afterall the one who talked to him back at the ARK, asking him to help them save the world. 

At that very moment, their eyes lock. As if it’s just the two of them, nothing around them matters. Shadow’s expression is soft and warm towards her. Amy can feel he is sincere with every word he said and his loving stare at her. She really is special to him.

It made her feel warm as butterflies started to swarm in her stomach. Her grip on his jacket tightened as she pulled it tighter around her, using his jacket to hug herself.

“So tell me handsome, who will you take on the date if you win?”

Asks Honey with a smirk and a wink, as she interrupts the two hedgehogs’s moment. Snapping them both out of it. Amy blushes and she again hides her face with the collar of the leather jacket, and Shadow puts on his famous frown.

“Not telling.”

Was all Shadow said. He got a little annoyed that the cat took away the chance for having a moment with Amy.

“Very well then. Thank you for your story and time.”

Said Howie as he made a few notes. Shadow gave a small nod before walking off stage. The crowd clapped and cheered, feeling touched by his story.

The hamster, Bartholemew, enters the stage right after Shadow left, waving his hand at everyone to lower their voices.

“Ladies, ladies, and few gentlemen. Now it’s finally time for you all to put in your last vote on who won your heart. As soon as the votes are in, will we count them, and reveal the winner. So start voting!”

Yells Bartholemew into the mic, clicking and chatting can be heard as everyone is voting on the remote they were handed.

After a while, the votes have been counted, and some discussion has been made behind stage. Bartholemew reappears with an envelope in hand.

“Time has come. In this envelope are the 3 winners of this year’s Competition. I will now announce them one by one.”

Everyone was silent as he opens the envelope, pulling out the paper with names on.

“And the winners are…”

Some time later, mobians were chatting and laughing together as they cleaned up from the competition. A few participants stayed behind, either helping with the cleaning or just chatting.

Knuckles stood with Bartholemew, shaking hands with the echidna, thanking him for being a good sport on switching his place with one of the other winners.

Turns out Knuckles actually won first place, but doing the show he had pointed out he didn’t want to take any of the judges out as his date. So before the reveal to the crowd, had the producer asked Knuckles if he would switch his first place with one of the other winners, as they needed the winner to pick a judge for the date part. He was of course promised to still get the prize, and Knuckles didn’t mind as long as he got his rightful prize.

So Knuckles switched his spot with the third place winner, who was Buckley the Deer. And Buckley didn’t mind this agreement one bit, as he also got the first place prize of the 10000 gold rings, and the date.

And for everyone’s surprise, Buckley chose Howie the Clumber as his date. Even Howie was surprised, but he didn’t mind one bit.

The second place winner was none other than Shadow the hedgehog.

At first the producer wanted to switch Knuckles and Shadow around, but Shadow being who he is, he declined it. Sure he entered this damn contest to win a date with Amy Rose, but he still had a sense of pride.

Shadow of course was disappointed that he didn’t win the chance to go out with Amy Rose, and maybe started to regret he didn’t switch with Knuckles, but he also believes that Amy wouldn’t appreciate going on a date with one that didn’t win fair and square.

Letting out a sigh as he stands alone to the side, holding his prize, a check on the 5000 gold rings. He of course didn’t care about the prize as he wasn’t in need of money.

He watches as the pink girl is chatting with the white bat, as they wait for Knuckles being done talking with the producer. Knuckles joins the girls, while he talks with Rouge, Amy then spots Shadow over to the side. She then says something to the newly founded couple, giving the bat a hug, the echidna patting her shoulder before she walks over towards the dark male.

“Hey Shadow.”

Was all she said as she reached him. She is still wearing his jacket over her shoulders. Shadow couldn’t help but think it looks good on her.

“Afternoon Rose.”

Replies Shadow, he leans back onto the wall behind him as he watches her scratching her chin with a finger, small blush on cheeks as she looks to the side. Chaos, no matter how often he sees her, she is always so cute and beautiful.

“I never expected you to enter this. I get Sonic did, and knows he only dragged Knuckles and Vector into it for the fun of it. But you?”

She peeks at Shadow a little as she asks the black and red male this. Her eyes were trying to read him, he could feel it, as if she was looking for something from him.

“I’m in no part of Faker’s dumb contest or bet. I entered for other reasons.”

Says Shadow to the pink girl in front of him. His expression slowly relaxes and softens as he tries to keep the conversation going with her. He wants to talk with her as much as he can as she gives him her time.

“What’s your reason?”

Asks Amy, now getting curious, what could be his reason to enter something that she thought would be a waste of time for the dark male.

“The prize.”

Is all Shadow said. This got Amy to tilt her head a little as she watched him. Oh Chaos, she looks so adorable doing that.

“The prize? Are you in need of gold rings? If you are, then you could just have asked me, I wouldn’t mind lending you some.”

She tells him with a small smile, always ready to help a friend out. But Shadow gives a slow shake with his head.

“No, it’s not the rings I’m in need of or interested in.”

Says Shadow. He gently reaches his hand out to grab a hold on one of the sleeves of his leather jacket. Holding it as if it were her hand, his thumb petting slightly over it as he lets a small smile escape his lips. He then turns his face away from her as a small blush now slowly creeps to his cheeks.

Amy can once again feel those butterflies in her stomach. Seeing him, Shadow the Hedgehog, the Ultimate life form, having this sweet gentle side towards her. And remembering the words he spoke on stage, about someone special to him.

“Shadow… if you had won… who would you have taken as your date?”

She asked. She had to know. Her heart was beating fast now. It took a moment before he opened his mouth.

“You.”

“Me? Why?”

She could feel her heart beat faster, her body got warmer, and it didn’t stop as he turned his head back to look her in the eyes. Those red ruby eyes, love, love was showing in them towards her.

“Because you deserve to be treated. And it would be an honor if I could get the chance to spend time with you.”

Shadow never expected himself to open up to anyone, but here he is, letting his heart say what needs to be said. But before he could continue was he stopped by a pair of oh so soft lips.

Amy Rose, the one and only who ever dared to approach him back at the ARK, once again, she dared to approach him, but in a very different way this time.

She had launched herself at him, her hands cupping his cheeks, standing on her tiptoe, eyes closed as her lips locked to his in a kiss.

Shadow stood there, eyes widened, arms stretched out from his body, quills bristled, fur raised in shock over her doing. He could feel his body heat up, all the way from his toes to the tip of his ears. He was flustered, but also happy. Oh so very happy, like he has never been before. His tail was even wagging in response, she was after all kissing him. Him of all mobians.

After a moment that felt way too short for Shadow, Amy pulled herself away from him. She let out a small chuckle as she noticed blush on his now goofy face and hazy eyes. He really had it bad for her.

“You know... you don't have to go around and win contests to go on a date with me. Just ask me instead.”

She says in a whisper as a small blush lands on her cheeks. A sweet smile on her delicate lips, smiling at him. Shadow is surprised by her words, did… did she really mean that?

Smiling back at her, he takes her hand gently to hold it up as he places a kiss on her small knuckles, never removing his eyes from her.

“Very well then. Rose, would you like to go on a date with me?”

He asks. His voice may be deep and husk, maybe even rough and scary for some. But right now, Amy hasn't heard anything so beautiful before.

“Hmmm... I have to check my calendar, but I'm sure we can find time, just for you and me.”

She teases him a little, tapping her finger on her chin to look like she is thinking. Shadow smirks at her, still holding her hand, like he always wanted to do.

“I will look forward to it.”

He can’t stop smiling. Amy is smiling back, then starts to remove his leather jacket off her to give it to him, but he stops her, he quickly puts it back over her shoulders again.

“Hold on to it a bit longer, that way you know I’ll definitely come back. So keep it warm for me, will you, Rose?”

His hand cups her cheek, petting it gently with his thumb, and she actually leans into his touch. Giving him a small nod.

Vanilla can then be heard. She calls for Amy to come help with something.

Amy slowly steps backwards to walk over to the rabbit friend.

“Call me tomorrow, so we can find a day for our date.”

She tells Shadow. He nods back at her, not breaking eye contact with the pink girl at any time. She waves her hand to him before turning around to run over to Vanilla. Shadow waves his hand to her as well, as he watches her run off to her friend.

Rouge walks over towards Shadow as Amy runs past her, smiling. Rouge smirks at the dark male’s expression, asking him.

“So, big guy. Pleased with yourself?”

He replies with a big smile, tail still wagging.

“I’m more than pleased. I got the best prize I could ever ask for. A date with Amy Rose.”