Still adjusting?!

Two months pass and Sapphire is still adjusting to her new powers and right now, she's in the village square, hanging out with Amy, Shadow, and Tails. After a while, Sticks and Knuckles join them, taking them by surprise.

"Hey, Sticks, Knucks. What are you doing here?" Amy greets, asking

"We've got nothin' to do and came to apologise." Sticks answers

Sapphire then comes forward.

"I'm listening." Sapphire informs

"We're sorry about joining Sonic, we didn't realise how mean he was being." Knuckles responds, turning his head away

Sapphire then hugs the pair.

"You two are forgiven, I'm just happy that you know now. That's all that matters."

"So, are we friends?" Sticks asks

"Yeah, of course. I've wanted to be, if not stay your friend, for as long as we've known each other."

Sticks then sees Shadow and Amy behind Sapphire.

"What's Shadow doing here, and Amy too?" Sticks asks

Sapphire quickly freezes.

'You need to tell them the truth, Sapphire.' A voice says in Sapphire's head

"I've been really scared about saying this. Shadow's my boyfriend and Amy and I are friends." Sapphire admits, lowering her ears in fear

Sticks observes Sapphire and Shadow for a few minutes. Then...

"Y'know, you two suit and Amy bein' your friend, I'm cool with that."

"Really? But I'm your enemy/rival." Shadow responds, lowering his ears

Knuckles approaches Shadow and stops. Then...

"Any friend or date of Sapphire's is a friend of ours. Right?" Knuckles responds

"Yep, you said it Knucks." Sticks adds on

"If only Sonic was more accepting..." Sapphire says

Without anyone's knowledge, Sonic is watching from the side-lines and notices the new-found group hug Sapphire. Furious, he races home, and Sapphire hears him speeding away.

"Was that him just now?" Knuckles asks

"Yes, it was. Not that I'm meant to care, his betrayal and dismissal has gone on for too long. His apologies won't cut it, not this time." Sapphire answers

Sapphire then walks the opposite way to Sonic, furious and unhappy. Shadow tries catching up, to be stopped by Amy.

"Don't, I think she needs some time alone." Amy advises, soon adding, "Let's head to my place, I'll make us all lunch."

Soon after, Sticks, Knuckles and Shadow follow Amy to her house. After their lunch, Shadow teleports to Sapphire's house and notices her, ears lowered and flicking through the television channels. He then sits next to Sapphire, taking her gently into his arms, for Sapphire to start crying. Shadow notices...

"Are you alright?" Shadow asks

"I wish I didn't care about Sonic. But the opposite is true, I don't know what to do." Sapphire answers

"What are you thinking?"

"One side is saying forgive and try the friendship again, whilst the other is saying don't chance it, he'll just do it again."

Shadow then hugs Sapphire, kissing the side of her head simultaneously.

"Babe, instead of letting your mind speak, I think you should listen to what your heart wants. From knowing how sweet and pure your heart is, it'll want you to forgive Sonic and start a new chapter. That's the reason why I fell in love with you, and why your friends like you, paying no regards to your flaws."

Sapphire then hugs and kisses Shadow, flattered and happy about what he's said. After a while, and not noticing, Sapphire is on top of Shadow. Shadow strokes her side, as a notification. However, remembering that Sapphire likes this, it backfires as she moans from the delicate touch. Soon after, Sapphire notices that she's on top of Shadow, quickly blushing.

"Are you okay, baby?" Shadow asks

"Umm... I didn't realise that I was on top. Should I get off?" Sapphire responds, slightly flustered

"No, stay there. I like it when you're on top. Plus, I came back to cheer you up."

"Firstly, you've done that, and I thank you. Secondly, you've got something in mind."

"How did you know that?"

"I can feel, through your trousers, that your little friend wants to come out to play."

Sapphire then rubs her clothed womanhood against Shadow's dick, making him moan and heat up. Sapphire then kisses Shadow, licking his lip for entrance. Shadow gives up and invites her inside.

After some exploration, Sapphire finds his sweet spot and makes him moan, begging for more. Shadow then fights back, teasing Sapphire; this temporarily separates the two as Sapphire moans out.

"Oh, my! You're so good when you fight back baby."

"I know, and so are you."

Soon after, Shadow holds on to Sapphire, teleporting to her bed. After a while, the clothes are off, and both are gettin' busy. After a few hours, both climax; with some juices landing on the bedsheets. Soon after, Sapphire nuzzles into Shadow's chest fur as they both fall asleep. Night falls and Sonic is hanging around near Sapphire's house, looking for her and Shadow.

He then climbs a tree and spots them, asleep in Sapphire's bed. As quietly as possible, Sonic enters the bedroom through the window; with a syringe of tranquilliser in his hand, he injects it into Shadow's arm and carefully gets him out of Sapphire's arms. A few hours pass, Shadow awakens and is in his clothes; looking around and noticing the unfamiliar surroundings. He then sees Sonic, coming out of the shadows.

"Sonic, why am I here; what did you do to me?!" Shadow asks, pissed off

"You're the enemy, Sapphire shouldn't be dating you." Sonic answers

"What's it to you? You never treated her right as a friend. What makes you think she'll forgive you for taking me as hostage?"

Sonic then knocks Shadow out and ties him to the nearest tree; he then speeds home and goes to bed. Morning arrives and Sapphire awakens, noticing Shadow's absence.

"Shadow, where are you?" Sapphire asks out

Sapphire then gets dressed and looks around the house, noticing that Shadow isn't home. Fearing the worst, she teleports to Shadow's location; finding him knocked out and tied to a tree. Sapphire quickly unties the ropes, setting Shadow free; she then holds onto Shadow and teleports to her bedroom. Using her magical aid, she carefully puts Shadow to bed and leaves him to recover.

Six hours pass and Shadow comes around, bewildered as to how he's back in Sapphire's bed. He then stretches and heads downstairs, to see Sapphire on the couch. Sapphire looks up, sees, and approaches Shadow.

"Hey, babe. Sleep well?" Sapphire greets, asking

"Yeah, why was I in your bed?" Shadow asks

"I found you in the woods, tied to a tree and knocked out. So, I untied you and brought you home. Why were you in the woods anyway?"

"Sonic came by and took me to the woods, whilst I think I was tranquilised."

"Wait, Sonic got in somehow, tranquilised you with a syringe of strong tranquilliser and took you hostage?!"

"Yes."

"That's why I found you knocked out this morning. Let me take care of this!"

"Sapphire, don't do this!"

As this is said, Sapphire teleports to the village square, searching for Sonic. Amy is out with Sticks as she notices Sapphire.

"Are you alright, Sapphire?" Amy asks, concerned

"That blue pincushion; he'll pay for what he did!" Sapphire responds, angry

"What did he do?"

"He came to my bedroom last night, tranquilised Shadow and took him hostage. Then, this morning, I found him knocked out and tied to a tree. That blue... Argh!"

Sapphire then teleports away, still searching for Sonic.

"I never thought he'd go that far. We need to do somethin'!" Sticks advises

As if on cue, Shadow appears.

"Have you seen Sapphire? Sorry to be rude." Shadow asks

"Sapphire's just disappeared, looking for Sonic." Amy answers

"Sonic will get pulverised by her. We need to find Sapphire, before it's too late!"

Without further discussion, the trio race to search for not only Sapphire, but Sonic too. After a few hours, the trio find both, in a clearing and about to fight. Shadow lowers his ears, knowing what to expect.

"If we don't separate them, it's gonna get really ugly." Shadow informs

"How do you know this?" Amy asks

"Someone other than Sonic decided it was a good idea to push her emotions. Little did they know that they'd get badly hurt afterwards. The said hedgehog ended up in hospital for the next six months."

"Did you see that happen?"

"The whole town saw and heard it all unfold. Nonetheless, we need to separate them, now!"

Without further discussion, Amy and Shadow pull Sapphire and Sonic apart as Sticks gets in the middle. Sapphire quickly notices the situation and snaps out of her daze. Shadow and Amy set Sapphire and Sonic free. Realising that their anticipation was too early, Sonic charges towards Sapphire and takes her down. Frightened, Sapphire is in silence and frozen.

"Do you really think you'll beat me? Think again Hawthorne, 'cos you'll get your comeuppance. Got that?" Sonic informs

Shadow then pulls Sonic off Sapphire, whilst Amy goes and comforts her.

"It's alright, Sapphire; you're safe now." Amy comforts, gently nuzzling Sapphire's ear

"You need to watch what you say around Sapphire; one of these days, she'll come back, and it won't be a happy ending. You'll end up in hospital, faker." Shadow warns

"Yeah, you're only saying that 'cos you're my rival and you'd rather see me on the floor." Sonic responds

"Faker, you don't know who you're dealing with. When riled up, Sapphire is uncontrollable and won't stop until she gets the desired result. I'll only say this once. You've been warned!"

Sapphire then falls unconscious, still frightened by the situation. Sonic then takes his chance and spin attacks the said hybrid, leaving her chest bruised in the process.

"Sonic, leave; you've done enough damage here! Go on, move it!" Amy shouts, now crying

Sonic then speeds home as Shadow goes to the girls, with Sticks following.

"Is Sapphire alright?" Sticks asks

"She'd passed out before Sonic spin attacked her. I don't know if she'll come around now that he's done that." Amy answers

Shadow gets closer to Sapphire, starting to cry. Then...

"Are you alright though, Amy?" Shadow asks, still upset

"I'll be fine, I'm more concerned about Sapphire. We need to find a hospital, now!"

With Shadow carrying Sapphire, the trio race to the hospital in village square. A nurse approaches: noticing Sapphire, she instructs the trio to follow her. Sapphire is carefully placed on the hospital bed, as she begins stirring.

"I'll care for Sapphire. I want you three to be her support network when she's discharged. If there's anyone else to help you too, I'd highly recommend that you find them and explain what's happened." The nurse informs

"Thank you, nurse." Shadow responds, bluntly

"It's all in the service, Shadow the Hedgehog. Please do take care, all three of you."

The trio then leave the hospital; then, Shadow starts crying and Amy notices.

"Are you alright, Shadow?" Amy asks

"I hate seeing Sapphire like that, unable to care for herself. I'm going home. I'll see you both later." Shadow answers

Shadow then teleports home, laying on the couch and drifting off to sleep. As for Amy and Sticks, they're feeling sympathetic towards Shadow.

"You can see how much Shadow loves Sapphire, it's sad seeing him like that. Shadow needs support but doesn't have anyone now that Sapphire's in hospital." Amy informs

"Maybe, you, me, Knucks and Tails could be his support." Sticks proposes

"You might be right. Let's find them."

Amy and Sticks search for Knuckles and Tails, to find them both in Tails' workshop. Tails notices the girls, standing at the entrance.

"Hey girls, what's the trouble?" Tails asks

"Sapphire's in hospital and Shadow needs support, whilst she's there." Amy answers

"So, you want us to go to Sapphire's, right?" Knuckles asks

"Yep, that's right." Sticks answers

"Count us in, then. Let's get moving." Tails instructs

The group then heads to Sapphire's house and Amy knocks on the door. With one eye open, Shadow hears the door.

"Who wants me now?" Shadow asks himself, slightly irritated

Shadow answers the door, to see Amy, Tails, Knuckles and Sticks waiting.

"Hey, Shadow. It's us, your friends." Amy greets

Shadow then silently invites the group inside. Sticks then looks around, recognising the house.

"Isn't this Sapphire's house?" Sticks asks

"Yes, she's allowed me to move in with her." Shadow answers, bluntly

"We came to the agreement that you need a support network. So, here we are." Tails responds

"Very subtle Tails, very subtle." Amy sarcastically remarks

"Ames, was this your idea?" Shadow asks

Amy then rubs her upper arm, nervous. Then...

"Yes, it was my idea. I thought it would be nice if---" Amy admits

Shadow then hugs Amy, crying into her shoulder. Then...

"Thank you, Amy. This means the world to me."

"I know it does, and that's what friends are for."

The rest of the group then joins the hug, comforting Shadow.

"We're all friends here, Shads." Tails responds

"What about Sonic?"

"He's puttin' your girlfriend through hell and back. I couldn't care less about him." Sticks answers

As for Sapphire, she begins to come around as she hears someone enter the hospital; she then sees a nurse trying to push them back. Sapphire looks outside and sees Sonic trying to reach her. Sapphire then uses her powers to send Shadow a message. As for Shadow, he quickly receives the message.

"We need to get to the hospital, now!" Shadow informs

"Has Sapphire come around?" Tails asks

"Yes, Sonic's trying to get to Sapphire's room and she's in danger."

"How do you know that?" Amy asks

"Sapphire's used her powers to send me a message. We need to leave, now!"

Without further questioning, everyone races to inside the hospital, to see various nurses and doctors trying to get Sonic out of the building. A nurse then approaches Shadow, worried.

"Shadow, you need to get to Sapphire's room. She's seen part of this unfold and is scared senseless."

Shadow nods, teleporting to Sapphire's room and noticing her in a force field, seemingly protecting herself.

"Sapphire, are you alright?" Shadow asks, concerned

Sapphire then looks up, seeing Shadow and letting her force field down completely. Sapphire then runs to Shadow, hugging him tightly.

"Shadow please, get me out of here!" Sapphire pleads, frightened

"I'll take you to my old home; you'll be safe there." Shadow responds, comforting Sapphire

With Sapphire holding on, Shadow teleports to his former home. Sapphire quickly separates, lowering her ears.

"Are you alright, babe?" Shadow asks

"I feel like such a child, defenceless and helpless. I get frightened so quickly." Sapphire responds, with her back to Shadow

Shadow then hugs Sapphire from behind, nuzzling her ear.

"I'll never treat you any different; neither will Amy, Tails, Knuckles and Sticks." Shadow responds, comforting Sapphire

Shadow then sits Sapphire on his lap, nuzzling into her neck simultaneously. Soon, Amy appears as Sapphire falls asleep, curling into a ball.

"Is Sapphire, okay?" Amy asks

"Getting over the fear, slowly. But she's exhausted from her most recent meltdown." Shadow answers

"Sapphire's not safe where she's currently residing. Can she live here?"

"I don't mind taking her in; I used to live here."

"What about Tails, Knucks and Sticks?"

"I don't know, there isn't enough space for all six of us in this cave chamber."

"They can't stay where they're residing; Sonic might go after them too."

"Wait, he can go as far as hurting his friends?"

Amy lowers her ears, then...

"Yes, he sometimes does that to get what he desires. I don't know why I like him. But that's just the way it is, I suppose."

"You don't need a man like that. Even Tails has treated you better than him."

"I know, if there was another hedgehog out there, I'd be willing to erase Sonic from my love life."

"I know the hedgehog that Sapphire hurt. His name is Scourge; he seems more your type."

"Come to think of that, have the two made up?"

"Yeah, they made up two weeks after the incident and have been great friends ever since. I could take you where he lives if you want."

"Yes, please. But bring Sapphire with us. We can't risk leaving her alone in here."

Holding onto Sapphire, with Amy soon holding on, Shadow teleports to Scourge's house. Shadow knocks on the door, for Scourge to answer.

"Oh, hey Stripes. Long-time no see." Scourge greets

"Hey, Troublemaker. Been up to much?" Shadow greets, asking

"Nah, been worried about Sapphie to be fair."

Scourge then notices Sapphire in Shadow's arms, curled in a ball.

"Is Sapphire alright?"

"Sapphire's currently fast asleep, exhausted from a meltdown."

"Come in then."

Shadow, carrying Sapphire, and Amy then enter. Scourge notices Amy and starts blushing; with Amy reacting the same way.

"Err... who's the woman? She looks good." Scourge asks, getting nervous

"That's Amy, Sonic's friend-not-friend. It's complicated."

"Umm... hi, I'm guessing you're Scourge." Amy responds, nervously

"Yep, that's my name, trouble's the game. Unless... that's not your thing." Scourge introduces

"I could use a change of pace, hot stuff."

Scourge quickly gets flustered, stuck for a response. Then, Amy kisses his cheek.

"You're quite the charmer, I like that."

"Well, someone like you deserves charm and respect. Yep, I've heard about how Sonic's been treating you and Sapphire. Neither of you need someone like that."

"I agree, charm and no respect. Get outta here."

Scourge and Amy then get inside, closing the door behind them. The pair then sits on the empty couch, talking away and getting to know each other. After a while, Sapphire awakens, uncurls and recognises her surroundings.

"Baby, why are we at Scourge's house?" Sapphire asks, tiredly

"Amy wanted someone new to think about. So, I'd suggested your friend, Scourge." Shadow answers, petting Sapphire's quills

"Aww, thanks Shadsie. Amy's heart has been breaking, if not has been broken, for months. She needs someone other than Sonic to be with."

"Does it hurt seeing Amy like that?"

"Of course, it does. Amy's my best friend, and I don't want her being treated like anything less than the queen she is. Although, I've gotta say, Scourge and Amy are really hitting it off."

"Yep, I knew they'd get on."

Sapphire then nuzzles into Shadow's chest fur, as a thank you. She then hears a purr from Shadow's chest. Shadow returns the gesture by nuzzling into Sapphire's soft side tuft, hearing the same thing from Sapphire's chest.

"I love you, bae."

"I love you too, Sapphire Hawthorne."

Sapphire then looks up, for Shadow to wink at her. Sapphire then softly chuckles, hearing Shadow do the same. After an hour, everyone gets up.

"I think it's time we all headed home." Amy says

"Would you like me to walk you home? It's the least I can do, for Sapphire's amazing friend." Scourge offers, kissing Amy's hand

Amy blushes stuck for a response. After a minute...

"I would love that, Scourge. Thank you."

"It's what I'm here for, Rose."

"I'll see you both soon. It was great seeing you again, Scourge." Sapphire responds

"Same to you, Sapphire. Bye for now."

Sapphire holds onto Shadow as he teleports back to the cave chamber. Now both on the cave floor, they both fall asleep oblivious about the future.