“Mister Shadow?” Shadow awoke to his ear being tugged. He opened his eyes slowly, a young light brown rabbit staring down at him. A blue Chao with a red bow stood beside her.

  Shadow sat up and glanced around. I must’ve fallen asleep,’ he thought to himself.

  “Mister Shadow?” the rabbit girl repeated, this time with a bit more worry in her voice.

  Shadow sighed and looked at him. “What is it, Cream?”

  “Are you alright? You look sort of pale…” she responded, holding her small hand out to help Shadow to his feet.

  Shadow nodded and took the rabbit’s hand, pulling himself to his feet. “I’m okay..” He grimaced softly as his new upright position sent a wave of nausea to his stomach. “Wh-what are you doing here alone anyway, kid?”

  Cream smiled. “I’m not alone, I’m with Cheese!” She held up her Chao happily. Her  brown eyes sparkled up at Shadow with the innocence that only a six year old could have.

  “Well, if the Doctor were to attack, would Cheese be able to protect you!?” Shadow snapped. Cream squeaked and shrunk back, scared.

  “M-my mommy is nearby too, Mister Shadow….” whimpered Cream.

  Shadow looked at her, seeing the fear in her eyes. What had he done? “Cream…I didn’t mean to yell at you..” he began.

  Cream looked up and smiled. “It’s alright, Mister Shadow!” She then ran off.

  Shadow sighed to himself. ‘Note to self…learn to control temper before the baby is born.’ He patted his stomach self-consciously. His stomach was still churning. Another reminder of  his not-so-distant future.

~~~~

  “I don’t care what you think, I’m going to look for Shadow!” called Sonic over his shoulder. He didn’t wait for a reply from Rouge. He dashed outside, searching frantically for the black and red hedgehog. This was all his fault…he shouldn’t of gotten drunk, he shouldn’t of done that…thing.

  Sonic sighed. Hopefully Shadow would forgive him somehow; he’d do anything. “Shadow!! Can you hear me?” he shouted, cupping the area around his mouth so that his voice would travel better. There was no response, so Sonic ran faster, travelling quicker. Shadow had to be somewhere! He ran by Cream, Cheese, and Vanilla, who were having a picnic. “Hey, have any of you seen Shadow?” he asked them, slowing down so he wasn’t deafened by the sound of wind.

  Cheese bobbed his head. “Chao! Chao!”

  “Cheese and I saw him earlier,” stated Cream, standing up. “Why?”

  Sonic stopped running.  “Shadow…..he’s in a delicate condition right now, and I need to talk to him.”

  Cream pointed to the north. “I saw him that way earlier.”

  “Thanks Cream!” Sonic dashed off.