Tiny Shadow and Amy

September 26, 2022

Sonic stood there staring at the two toddlers staring back at him. "How long is it going to take to fix them?" Sonic pointed at them. 

The finger earned a growl from the tiny black and red hedgehog. The pink hedgehog clung to his arm as she glanced around looking like she would cry at any moment. 

"Okay," Sonic held up his hand as he backed away. "Okay. Mute the growl box buddy." 

The toddler Shadow bared his teeth as he stomped his foot. He then moved into a further corner of the kitchen with a toddler Amy before sitting down with her. 

Sonic thought it was oddly cute. Though he was sure canning Shadow cute would lead to pointy Chaos spears aimed at his face. 

"We're not sure." Aleena stated as she put two plates of food in the table. "Tails, Nicole, and Rotor are looking into it from a science perspective. Merlin is looking into it from a magic one. Hopefully we'll have a answer soon." She smiled at the children. "I made lunch. Do you two want to eat?"

Shadow looked between Aleena and the food as he contemplated it. Amy crawled more behind him as she squeezed his arm. 

"I kind of get Shadow, but Amy has never been so fearful." Aleena bit her lip. "Do you know what's causing it, Sonic?" 

Sonic shrugged. He met Amy on Little Big Planet when she was 8-ish. "Maybe it's because she doesn't know any of the adults here?" Sonic mused. 

Sonic sat on the floor and gave his best big brother smile. "Hey guys, I'm Sonic. What's your name?" When in doubt, meet kids on their level. 

The two stared at him. Tears pricked Amy's eyes as she curled up into Shadow's arm. Shadow, who had opened his mouth to answer, growled instead when he realized Amy was crying. He moved her into his lap and hissed more at Sonic. 

"Hey little guy," Sonic tried to reason with them. "I'm not going to hurt either of you. I just want to help." 

Shadow held Amy closer as he growled louder. 

Rouge walked into the kitchen holding a red chaos emerald. "I found Shadow's chaos emerald," she stated as she entered. She smirked as she took in the sight."I see you're still his least favorite person, Blue."

Sonic sighed. "Yep. And Amy isn't helping me."

"Perhaps you broke her heart one too many times " Rouge teased. 

"UGH!" Sonic threw his head back in frustration.

Rouge chuckled. "At least Shadow is being a good protective friend to Amy."

Sonic rolled his eyes. Sonic had noticed Shadow's crush on Amy a while ago. He pretended not to notice. But it was obvious to everyone when Shadow would arrive to every event Amy invited him to. Sonic felt bad for Shadow since Amy was clueless to his crush. Though Shadow wasn't attempting to woe her. "Shadow's always a good friend, isn't he?"

Shadow walked up to the two, Amy staying in the corner. 

"Hey buddy!" Sonic smiled. "You ready to stop growling?" 

Shadow glared at him before turning to Rouge. He pointed at the red chaos emerald in her hand. "Mine. Can I have back." He ordered.

Rouge shrugged as she handed the emerald over to him. "Just don't do anything dangerous with it, handsome."

Shadow nodded as he took the emerald. He marched back to the corner with Amy. Amy crawled into his lap. Shadow showing her the emerald. 

"Are you two not hungry?" Aleena gestured to the plates on the table. The two just looked at her. "Is there something else you'd like to have for lunch?" Aleena pleaded. The two hadn't yet eaten and toddlers constantly ate. The fact these two were refusing food was concerning. 

"Man, I hope they turn back soon." Sonic sighed. If they wouldn't warm up to his mom who was liked by most people, Sonic wasn't sure what they would do. 

"Chaos control!" Shadow yelled as he and Amy squeezed the red emerald. The two were engulfed in a bright light before disappearing.

Aleena began to panic. "Why is he able to chaos control?! Where'd they'd go?"

Sonic wrapped an arm around his mom as he tried to soothe her. "Don't worry. We'll find them. They can't have gotten far."

"I'll start the search for them." Rouge told Sonic as she left. Sonic nodded as he rubbed his mom's back in an attempt to comfort her. 

Manic was glad he decided on candles. They made the room smell nice, which was the main reason be had chosen them. But the light they emitted danced and played in every surface in a way that he hadn't known he liked until now. He wondered if Maria liked it as he leaned in for another set of kisses. Her breath was warm as it entered his lungs. He could take taste the cocktails she had drunk earlier. He clenched his hand around hers tighter. Everything about this felt right. It felt perfect, which Manic hadn’t felt much in his life was.

A bright flash of light made the two jump. Manic instinctively wrapped a blanket around Maria as she pressed herself against him.

They both stared in confusion as a toddler sized Shadow and Amy stood in their bedroom. Both equally confused. Amy ran up to the bed. She pointed at the blond hedgehog. 

“Maria!” Amy declared with a big smile. She began attempting to climb on the bed as Shadow joined her. “We missed you!” 

“You did?” Maria asked as Manic kept the blanket wrapped around them to cover them. “You were older last time I saw you. What happened?” 

The two kids paused, blinked then shrugged. “The odd lady who kept offering us food said some people were going to turn us back as soon as they found out how.” Shadow stated.

“Was the food good at least?” Maria asked, she needed whatever info she could get.

“Don’t accept food from strangers!” the two chanted, “It’s a rule Maria.” 

Maria chuckled. “It is. Uh…” She wasn’t sure what to do now.

“Hey kids, can we play a game?” Manic injected. The two nodded, waiting for instructions. “Good. It’s called cover your eyes while the adults get dressed game. The rules are very simple.” 

“We close our eyes until you’re dressed!” Amy giggled.

“Very good. If you both win, I’ll make you cookies.” 

“Chocolate?” Shadow tilted his head.

“Any kind you want.” Manic smiled. 

“Yes!” Shadow jumped.

“Alright. Start!” Manic chuckled at Shadow’s excitement. The two children covered their eyes while giggling. “Hurry. Their attention spans are small.” Manic whispered as he hoisted Maria out of the bed. Once her feet hit the floor, she ran to the closet. She pulled out a pair of pajama pants for each of them. Manic pulled out two tshirts. He slipped one over Maria as she was pulling up pants. He held her steady as he helped her put clothes on as he shimmied into the pants Maria gave him. Once Maria wasn’t in danger of tripping, Manic slid the shirt over his quills. The whole action took about two minutes. They checked each other over befosre turning to the kids. 

“Alright!” Manic called, “You two did great!”

“Cookies?” Shadow giggled as he shuffled his feet.

“Yes. And you two can open your eyes.” Manic smiled at the two.

The toddlers cheered as they dance around the room. Shadow paused after a moment and stared at Manic.

“Maria, whothis?” He pointed at Manic as he looked at the blond hedgehog.

“This is Manic.” Maria stated as she began checking them for injuries.

“Is he your husband?” Amy asked sweetly as she circled Manic.

“What makes you think that?” Manic mused as he watched Amy. 

“Because only married couples can be naked in bed together.”

The adults turned a bright red. It was let them believe a lie or have an awkward talk. Neighter wanted to have that talk. 

“Yes.” The two nodded in agreement.

“Congratulations!” Shadow cheered as he stumbled on the word. 

Maria tapped her fingers on the land line as the phone rang. It was still night time in her area, which meant day time in Rouge’s area. She hoped the night life loving bat would be awake. And have some answers.

“Hi Maria,” Rouge answered sounding tired.

“Hello Rouge,” Maria greeted. “I know you’re busy, but um… Shadow and Amy chaos controlled to my house. And they’re toddlers. Do you, by any chance, know why?”

Rouge sighed in relief. “We’ve been looking for those two. We’re not sure what turned them small. They were found earlier today that size wondering in a forest. All the brainiacs are looking for a solution.”

Maria nodded. “Well they’re safe with me. I’ll take care of them until a solution can be found.”

“Do you want me to send someone to give you a hand?” Rouge offered. Sonic wasn’t a good fit, but she was sure she could find someone to give Maria a hand.

“Thanks Rouge.” Maria assured her, “But I can handle two kids. Just keep me posted on that solution.”  They bid each other goodbye before she went to check on the sleeping toddlers. Maria wasn't as confident as she sounded with Rouge. But she was determined to try. 

Manic wondered how his parents handled triplets. Handling Shadow and Amy was a handful. And he was sure these two were better behaved then he and his twins were. Amy wanted to climb everything. Play with every craft she could. Manic was unsure if the carpet would ever be glitter free. 

Shadow was inquisitive. He wanted to know anything and everything. His line of junk food also moment that Shadow was constantly sneaking into the kitchen to eat. It was cute. Though Manic hated the mess left in the kitchen. 

Manic held Amy in a firm grip as he searched the kitchen for ingredients to make a healthy meal for two toddlers. Shadow was on his heels, a string of questions bubbling out after Manic answered one. They had pancake mix, flour, sugar, can peas, box Mac and cheese and spices in the cabinet. Manic noted as he went to the fridge. Oat milk, 3 eggs, two hot dogs, sliced cheese, a cup of yogurt, and some condiments. Manic b posted Shadow's head as he considered the options before him. They would need to go grocery shopping today. But hungry kids plus a store was a bad idea. 

Pancakes or Mac and cheese?

Manic debated as he looked at the children. They had eaten the last of the cereal for breakfast before causing mayhem. But it had been a struggle that they wanted to help cook every meal. 

Manic bent down and picked up Shadow, who giggled and hugged his neck. He put them in their seats at the table. "We're having Mac and cheese for lunch. Then we're going to the store for groceries."

The two nodded as they watched Manic pull out everything he needed. He let the toddlers go ham putting salt in the water before putting the pot on the stove to boil. 

Maria came in wiping sweat from her brow. "I found some kids clothes in the attic. Most of it is for girls though." 

"We also need to go grocery shopping so we'll get both at the same time." Manic strained the can of peas. 

"So what are you making?" Maria gestured to the pot on the stove.

"Mac and cheese," Manic answered. "With peas and hot dogs." 

Maria nodded as she pulled out a butter knife. "I'll do the cutting."

"Can I help?" Shadow asked with big round eyes. 

Maria felt herself faulter. 

"If Maria holds your hands, fine. But only with a butter knife," Manic put the cutting board on the table. 

Maria gulped as they drove up to the store. They had planned this trip. Double, triple checked. Went over it with the toddlers several times so they knew. But seeing the building, Maria felt anxious. What is they broke something? Her mind raced with all the possible chaos Shadow and Amy could cause. Manic held her hand as he parked the RV. They shared a knowing look. He was also anxious and that made her feel better.

Amy dangled her legs in the shopping cart. Shadow refused the cart kiddie seat, so Manic held him firmly. 

"I'll get the clothes with Shadow while you get the food," Manic confirmed before the two split.

"Why do we need clothes?" Shadow asked as Manic held a shirt up to him. 

"Because we don't have enough clothes for toddlers like you to wear." Manic answered.

Shadow nodded before sharing his head at the shirt Manic picked up. "I don't like that dinosaur." 

Manic nodded as he put it back. "What kind of style does our little man want to wear?"

Shadow hummed as he glanced around. He wiggled out of Manic's grasp and walked around looking at the clothes, but staying close to Manic. He paused at a shirt with a motorcycle on it. "I like this!"

Manic chuckled. "I should see about getting you and Amy a bike later."

"Really?! Like that one?" Shadow grinned brightly. 

"Not like that one. Engines and tiny tots like you are a bad mix." Manic stated. "A bike with pedals would be best." Shadow deflated a bit before perking back up.

"Will it look cool?" Shadow smiled.

"The coolest, Shadow." Manic patted Shadow's head. Luckily Shadow stuck close as he picked out clothes. Several ladies cooked and awed as they saw the duo. 

"Are you helping your daddy with the shopping?" An older woman beamed at Shadow. Shadow started at the woman before going to cling to Manic's leg and stare at get from afar. The woman chuckled. "Your son is such a cutie." She complimented Manic before going about her day. 

Shadow watched her leave before looking up at the green hedgehog. "Manic?"

"Yes buddy?" Manic looked down at the shy boy.

"What's a daddy?"

Manic pursed his lips as he picked up the small hedgehog. "A dad is a male parent. A parent….

Amy's Neighbor

Written September 19th, 2022

Blue eyes stared at Shadow in shock. She fiddled with her fingers as she attempted to speak.

Shadow was used to people being nervous around him. His background and reputation made most people afraid of him. 

“Hmm… Did miss Amy Rose move?” She finally managed to get out clearly.

Shadow shook his head. “Rose still lives here.”

A bright smile appeared on her face as she moved a stray blond quill out of her face. “I’m her neighbor.” She pointed to her house next door. “I normally come by to housesit when I’m in the area. Since Miss Rose is often in Knothole.” She rambled nervously.

Shadow nodded as he finished planting a flower in the flower bed he was working on. “I’ll call Rose down for you.” He stated simply.

“Oh. Okay. Thank you!” She called after his retreating form.

“Rose,” Shadow called as he walked into Amy’s craft room. The pink hedgehog was embroidering a cloth piece that was ment for a bigger blanket.

She smiled at Shadow as he entered. “How is your gardening going?” 

“Good. Your neighbor is here. Blue eyed blond hedgehog.”

“Oh,” Amy hopped up. “She’s Maria Lavender. Our parents were friends. We used to play together when we were little.” Amy skipped to the front door. “Hi Maria, welcome back!” 

Maria beamed, “Same to you.” 

“This is my friend Shadow. He’ll be staying with me for a while.” Amy introduced the two. Shadow simply nodded as he went back to his flower garden.

“Hello Shadow,” Maria gave a nervous wave. “I’m Maria Lavender. You can just call me Lavender if it makes you more comfortable.”

Shadow nodded as he grabbed his gardening tools.

“Since you’re home, do you want to catch up over some tea?” Amy smiled.

“I’d love to. Should I come back when Shadow is done gardening?” Maria smiled as she watched him garden.

Shadow shook his head. “You two have tea and catch up. I’m fine.”

“Okay,” Amy lead Maria inside. “Shadow’s really nice once you get to know him.” Amy assured her as they entered the kitchen.

“I’m sure,” Maria murmured. She helped Amy prepare the tea. “This is the first time you brought a friend to your family home. Is there a special occasion?”

Amy shook her head. “Shadow wanted a quiet place away from the city for a bit. Gun’s provided housing is like smack dab in the middle of the city. With a lot of construction.” Amy waved a hand. “So I invited Shadow here.” 

“Welp. He’s gardening,” Maria chuckled to herself. “So I feel like he’ll be visiting often.” 

“That would be nice. Shadow’s a lot of fun to hang out with.” Amy hummed as she stared into her tea cup. 

Maria’s eyes caught something in those green eyes that made her jolt up. She opened her mouth before closing it. “Amy, describe how Shadow makes you feel.”

Amy gave her friend a questioning look.

“Humor me please.” Maria smiled softly.

Amy sighed. “He’s my friend. It’s nice to hang out with him.” Maria urged her on. “I always feel secure when he’s around. It’s awesome when he acknowledges how hard I actually work. He’s a great sparring partner too. He provides just enough of a challenge instead of babying me. My palms actually gets sweaty during our sparring sessions.” Maria nodded as she made a few mental notes. “Shadow also gives great hugs. He’s super warm.”

Maria giggled after several minutes of Amy Gushing about Shadow. Her pink friend glowing. Amy paused and gave the blond hedgehog a questioning look. “I think you have a crush on Shadow. It’s very cute.” 

“Maria!” Amy blushed as she slammed her fist on the table causing everything to jump before clattering back down. 

Maria cleaned up a bit. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have pointed it out to you.”

Amy hid her face in her hands. “You’re not the first one. But ugh…” 

Maria patted Amy’s back. “I get it. Your crush on Sonic was painful. It’s hard to put yourself out there.”

Amy nodded. 

“So take all the time you need.” Maria assured her. “In the meantime, I would like to come hang out with you two more. I am curious about her friend dynamic.” 

“You know for someone who doesn’t date.” Amy looked up at her friend, “You give good advice.” 

“Your cards tell you the future,” Maria played with Amy’s quills. “But I remember my past life. It gives one a different view on things.” 

Amy nodded. “I’ll make you a new dream catcher for your nightmares.” 

Maria smiled, “Thanks. Let’s all go to the farmer market for the herbs tomorrow.”

Maria left with a smile. She waved goodbye to Shadow after complimenting his garden. She hummed as she opened her front door and kicked off her shoes. She had only ever expected to see Shadow on tv. Seeing him in person again felt awkward. But it was nice once she got over her shock. She giggled to herself as she went to pick an outfit to wear. Shadow was a little heart breaker. She felt conflicted. When she woke up, she had been a baby. Though she was aging like a normal mobian, Maria was well aware she was made by Professor Gerald Robotnik. She could feel chaos energy easily. She never got sick and injuries healed quicker than others. It also didn’t help that she had a copy of Maria’s memories in her skull. It only ever confirmed her suspensions. 

Her confliction came from wanting to tell Shadow everything but also not wanting to tell Amy she was made in a lab. She grew up with Amy. Amy told her nearly everything. She told Amy about the nightmares from her ‘past life.’ She comforted the girl when each of their parents passed. 

Maria was sure Amy would always love her like a big sister, but Maria had hidden this secret for years now. She was certain Amy would be hurt no matter what. And the thought and image of Amy being hurt was too much. 

The morning was chilly as Maria walked up the wooden steps. She knocked and hummed as she shifted on her heels. She wore a floral shirt and overalls with a deninum jacket. 

“Good morning!” Amy opened the door within a few minutes. She wore a cute yellow sun dress with matching sandals. She held a wooden woven basket. “You’re early.”

Maria chuckled, “Early bird gets the worm.”

Amy stepped onto the porch as Shadow followed. Shadow paused on the porch, staring off into the sky. His ears twitching. He turned and went back inside and came back with a brown jacket. He held out the jacket to Amy as he closed the door. 

Amy beamed brightly, “Thank you Shadow!” Amy put the jacket on before locking the door. 

Maria found herself observing every little interaction between the two. Shadow as quiet. But the way he stuck close to Amy and smiled at her every action. Maria wasn’t sure if Shadow was acting on manners he learned on the Ark or if he had a crush on Amy. Perhaps he saw her as a sister like she did? Jumping to conclusions wasn’t good. She decided to gather more data first. After all, data is what proved a hypothesis right or wrong.

Amy happily chatted with a male shepard dog selling herbs. Maria shifted on her heel as she watched the man flirt and Amy not noticed. She froze as her ear picked up on a low growl. She shifted to look for a dog. Amy had a bad experience with an aggressive dog as a kid and was still afraid of aggressive dogs today. Amy did her best to hide it but she was certain Amy did not want that weakness exposed in front of Shadow.

Maria clasped her hands over her mouth as she realized the growling was coming from Shadow. She had no memory of him doing that before. Maria struggled not to burst into laughter.

“Hypothesis confirmed?”

Maria walked up to Amy and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Amy, do you think we can take a lunch break?” She smiled as she rested her head on her shoulder. Her giggles escaping now that she was safely hidden by Amy. 

“Sure!” Amy smiled before finishing the transaction. Maria chuckled more, once she heard the boy gulp as he realized Shadow’s death glare. Maria held onto Amy as she nearly curled up in laughter.

“What kind of pun did your penpall send you?” Amy began to giggle with her.

Maria hummed as she looked away. “I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to tell you.”

They sat down at a wooden bench for brunch. Maria placed a plate of fresh fruit and pancakes in front of Amy. She placed a plate of chocolate pancakes with sausages and strawberries in front of Shadow. She had a plate of blueberry pancakes with mango.

Shadow arched a brow at Maria. He wondered if Rose had told the blond hedgehog his food preferences. 

Maria realized she went based on her Ark memories. As she gave a nervous laugh. “I took a guess. You strike me as a chocolate dude.” She lied. “Did I guess wrong?”

“No.” Shadow responded as he began to eat. 

“I’m glad.” Maria took a bite of her food.

“So… what joke did your penpal send you?” Amy asked as she swallowed a bite.

Maria chewed slowly as she thought of a good enough lie. Her penpal hadn’t sent a joke today. “It’s not really appropriate.” She fibbed. 

“I’m not a baby anymore,” Amy pouted. Maria often treated her like a child.

“I know.” Maria smiled as she moved a stray quill out of Amy’s face. “But Shadow might not like the joke.”

“I don’t find any jokes funny.” Shadow stated. “But I don’t mind hearing them. And Rose won’t drop it until you tell her. So just tell it.”

Maria pouted. Shadow had found jokes funny before. She took a bite of her food. She’d get a chuckle out of Mister Straight Face. Once she finished her bite, she smirked.  “What did the alien say to the garden?” She waited as Amy attempted to answer. 

“Take me to your weeder!” Maria answered the joke with a chuckle.

Amy laughed whale Shadow stared at her face neutral.

“That joke isn’t inappropriate.” Amy giggled.

“It is when your penpal is talking about a different kind of weed.” Maria joked. She turned to Shadow. “I guess the doctors on the Ark told you every space joke in the Milky Way, huh?”

Shadow simply nodded. Professor and several doctors told dozens of these silly jokes to Maria to make her laugh. He had found them funny at the time. They weren’t now.

“If you ever get conned into stand up comedy,” Maria mused, “Just tell all the best ones. If Amy’s in the audience, she’ll laugh the whole time.”

Shadow nodded as he went back to the food. Rose’s friend was odd. She had been anxious and scared of him yesterday. Today she was cheerful, comfortable, and oddly familiar with him. He had also noticed her watching him with interest. It was different from GUN and Eggman, who saw him as a tool. Different from the people who saw him as a ticking bomb. Different from Rouge and Rose observing their friend. It felt unfamiliar and yet vaguely familiar at the same time. 

Once they were home, Maria helped Amy put everything away. Amy yawned as she sat down. Maria chuckled, “Do you want to take a cat nap?”

Amy tilted her head back and forth. “Aren’t I too old for cat naps?’

“Nonsense!” Maria grabbed Amy’s hand and lead her to the back porch swing. “Everyone can take a midday sun nap.” she sat on the swing and brought Amy to lay her head on her nap. She carefully ran her fingers through Amy’s quills. Amy hummed as her eyelids drooped. 

“Lullaby…” Amy muttered.

Maria giggled, “Of course,” Maria began singing the first lullaby she knew. It was an old one. Professor Gerald taught it to Maria Robotnik. Having those memories gave her several lullabies and stories to recite to Amy. Once Amy was fast asleep, Maria looked for the swing pillow to replace her lap. She puffed her cheeks out when she didn’t find it. She looked down at Amy contemplating how to move without waking her up. She flinched when she felt hot chaos energy pressing against her throat. She looked up at Shadow’s glare. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” Maria frowned, meeting his glare with one of her own. 

“Professor made that song up for Maria.” Shadow held the chaos spear closer to her neck. “How do you know it?” 

“One,” Maria leaned back on the swing to distance her neck from the spear, “Rude. Amy is sleeping on my lap.” She hissed as she covered the pink hedgehog’s ears with her hands. She slid her glove off of her hand and held it up for Shadow to see the mark of the Black arms on the back of her hand. “Two, Professor Gerald Robotnik was a sneaky genius.” She didn’t want this conversation to happen. But lying to Shadow was a bad move. Especially an angry Shadow.

“Explain yourself.” Shadow ordered as he glared at the mark. He had the exact same one on his hands.

“Put away the weapon and sit down first.” Maria bargained. “And be quiet. Amy is sleeping.” She kept her voice at a whisper.

Shadow grumbled as he sat on the swing. He lifted Amy’s legs to rest in his lap. “Talk.”

Maria rolled her eyes at the order. “Professor made me after you. He uploaded Maria Robotnik’s memories into me. A digital copy at least. I was a back up in case a cure couldn’t be found. However, I was never aged up. My parents were sailors. They fished me up in an ark capsule. Woke me up who was physically a baby and decided to adopt me. I aged normally up until I was 21, when now it seems I’m barely aging. Thanks to Maria Robotnik’s memories I was able to figure things out easily on my own.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Shadow asked as he rubbed Amy’s back. Amy’s tail wagging in her sleep.

“I didn’t want to. One, I’m the only person besides Amy who remembers both of our parents. Family is super important to her. She would have planned a family reunion for us rather we wanted her to or not. Plus, Amy has told me nearly everything since we were kids. She’d be devastated if she found out I kept something this big from her. And you have enough issues. I doubt I’d be any help with any of that.”

“I don’t have issues.” Shadow glared. “That I can’t handle.” He added after a moment.

Maria chuckled before shushing herself. “Really? What do you call growling and glaring at the merchant boy who was flirting with Amy?”

Shadow stared at her with shock. A blush strongly forming on his muzzle as his ears turned red. He opened his mouth before snapping his mouth shut. 

“Rose, please hit your neighbor with your hammer.” Shadow switched subjects.

“Shadow, she’s asleep.” Maria whispered.

“No she’s not. She’s pretending.” Shadow spoke confidently. “She woke up when I had the chaos spear at your throat.”

Before Maria could retort, Amy kicked Shadow in the side.

“That hurts Rose.” Shadow rubbed his side.

“I figured I’d let you talk it out.” Amy moved to sit up.

“Fuck nugget.” Maria muttered in shock. 

Amy sighed as she laid a hand on Maria’s shoulder. “I’m not mad at you for keeping it a secret from me. Though please don’t tease Shadow for being a protecting friend.”

Maria sucked in her cheek to keep from laughing. “I’ll keep it in mind. But I make no promises.”

Amy heaved a sigh. She didn’t have the energy to argue with her today. “I’m going to make tea. Do you two want any?” 

“Yes please.” Maria answered as Shadow nodded. 

“Cool, I’ll make tea while you two have a nice get to know each other catch up chat.” Amy walked inside her house. She turned back to the two. “No fighting.” 

Maria gave a bright smile to Amy before turning to look at Shadow with a neutral expression. Shadow was staring at the doorway where Amy had been. “Well at least you have good taste.” She joked. 

Shadow blushed as he turned to glare her into silence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Hm-mm.” Maria hummed. “I’ve known Amy her whole life. I’ve seen boys trip over themselves for her. And I have Maria Robotnik’s memories. And those include you.” She poked Shadow in the cheek. “Frankly I’m conflicted. If the two people I see as siblings start dating how will the dynamic be? What do I do if you two get into fights?” Maria mused aloud. “I’ll give you this, you’re a looker and kind. But you hide behind that scary shell. You’re like a burnt marshmallow.”

“Burnt Marshmallow?” Shadow arched a brow at her.

“It fits you.” Maria waved her hand, “Crunchy outside, soft gooey inside.”

“I’m not soft or gooey.”

The Witch Adopts the Duke's Precious Niece Ch2

PREV 

Chapter 2

"Soley, be careful!" Diana called at the young child. 

Note: Soley - butter cup flower or sun island. 

The young child had long curly dark purple hair. Her golden eyes sparkling as she climbed a tree. "I'm fine, mom!" Soley called. "I'm showing mother how well I can climb."

Diana sighed. "Your mother is very proud of how well you're growing, but please, I worry."

Soley sighed as she swung her legs from her tree branch perch as she thought. She looked at Diana's pleading navy eyes. Her light lavender hair was pulled back into a messy bun. "Okay." She sighed as she climbed down, Diana reaching up to steady her. "Mom, are we going to town?" She pouted as she looked at the wheel barrel of vegetables. 

Diana patted Soley's back. "Yes. We need to sell the excess food and buy some eggs, milk, and other things."

Soley pouted. "I don't like how the people there whisper about you."

Diana sighed as she placed the young child in the cart. "I know. I don't like it much either but so long as life is peaceful and we're alive and well. I can endure anything they say about me."

Soley nodded. 

"If they say anything about you or your mother, tell me and I'll pull a magic prank on them." Diana grinned. Soley laughed at that. 

The market was busy and very noisy. Apparently a big noble from a city came to visit. Everyone wanted to impress the new rich people. 

Diana walked to her usual customers who bought vegetables from her. The sells went easily as Soley dangled her legs off the side of the cart. Soley felt a Shiver down her spine. She carefully glanced around. She noticed a soldier walking around. His eyes focused on her mom's cart. Soley shrunk under the cart. "What did he want with Mom's cart?" There was no law that she knew of that prevented mom from selling vegetables. Soley frowned as she noticed the man circle around to watch them several times. 

"Mom," Soley called as Diana gave some carrots to a baker for some bread. 

"What is it Soley?" Diana cave to to check the girl for injuries. Soley silently reached out her hands to be held, giving her golden puppy eyes. Diana gave a soft laugh as she picked up the girl. She softly pat Soley's back. "You're do cute." She assured. 

Soley buried get face into Diana's shoulder. "There's a weirdo circling." She whispered. 

Diana's grip got tighter. "Don't worry, we're almost done here. Then we'll go home and I'll make you a warm dinner." Soley nodded as she hugged Diana. 

"Just one more store." Diana thought to herself as she made her way to the butcher. It was her least favorite stop since a worker there struggled to take no for an answer. Hopefully Bob would be there to push the sleazy Steve away. 

The butcher's was noisy as Diana balanced a basket of veggies and Soley. 

"Well if it isn't the nomadic gardener," Steve seemed to laugh at Diana with a smirk. 

Diana sighed, trying to keep her face neutral. "Hello Steve. I brought vegetables for Bob. Is he in?"

"He is, but are you sure I can't help you?" Steve grinned. 

Diana felt her anger rise. "I appreciate your offer, but Bob is the one paying me, so I want to make sure he is happy with the vegetables."

"You know if a loose woman like you would agree to my offer, you wouldn't have to go around selling vegetables and who knows what else." Steve gave her a lustful look. 

"No thank you," Diana clenched her teeth. She moved her hand to cover Soley. The cold didn't need to hear such things. 

"Oh come on," Steve reached out for her. 

Soley began to growl and glare at him as Diana stepped back from him. 

He paused and glared at Soley. "You have some nerve!" He yelled, "After I offer to take in dirty things like you!" He raised his hand to strike them.

Diana got into a stance to protect Soley. Her brain whirring as she cast a protection spell on Soley. 

A cloaked knight appeared out of no where firmly grabbing Steve's arm. He tested it back to hold Steve down. "Don't you have shame trying to hit a woman and child?" The knight lectured. He twisted the arm for emphasis, "Now apologize to both." He ordered.

"I… I'm… I'm sorry." Steve started with tears in his eyes. 

The knight nodded as he dropped Steve's arm. "Now git." He growled in Steve's eat. Steve got up and bolted as the knight adjusted himself. He coughed into a balled up hand. "Sorry for the disturbance everyone. Please go about your day." He said in a very friendly manner. People slowly moved about their day. 

He turned to face Diana. "My apologies for butting in like that Miss." He gave a soft bow. 

Soley gripped Diana tighter. "That's the weirdo." She whispered to Diana. 

Diana nodded as she held Soley closer. "Thank you for your help sir." Diana answered politely.

Bob walked up to them. "So sorry about Steve, Diana." The large heavy set man looked apologetic. "I told him to leave you be."

Diana sighed. "This gentleman was kind enough to help us." She gestured to the knight. "I have the vegetables you wanted."

Bob nodded, "Let me pay you extra for the trouble."

Diana smiled. "That's very generous of you. Thank you Bob." She tapped Soley on the shoulder. 

"Thank you Mr Bob!" Soley gave a bright smile. 

"You're very welcome, Soley." Bob smiled as he took the crate of veggies. He walked back to get Diana's payment. 

"So…." Diana elongated the word, "went have you been circling our cart?" She asked the knight. 

"Oh." He paused. "That does make me look like a weirdo." He removed the hood in his cloak. He had curly dark purple hair just like Soley. His eyes a warm brown color. "Your daughter looks just like my sister. So I thought my sister shrunk in size or had a kid since I haven't seen her in so long. My apologies if I have made either of you uncomfortable."

Soley scooted closer to him from the safety of the cart. "Do you have a picture of your sister? If so, can I see?" Soley asked curiously. "Please?" She added.

He smiled, "Sure." He pulled a locker from under his shirt. He opened the locket to show to the young girl. "She was a very lovely young woman."

Soley gasped as she tugged Diana's arm. "Mom, she looks just like mother!" She squealed.

Diana leaned forward to look at the small portrait. Her eyes widened. "She really does look like your mother, Soley." 

The knight tilted his head, "Pardon me, but aren't you her mother?"

Bob returned with a crate with milk and meat cuts. 

"Thank you Bob," Diana smiled. Bob nodded before he turned to look at Soley. He paused as he saw the knight's face. He gave an incredulous look to the knight before going back to his shop. 

Meanwhile.

"Diana is my mom. But I also have a mother. So I have two moms." Soley explained to the knight. 

"Oh!" He nodded. "My sister was named Julia. If your mother's name is the same, she might be my sister. May I ask, how she is?" The knight looked very hopeful. Like he greatly missed his sister but was afraid to approach her. 

Soley felt sorry for the man. She looked at Diana, who was now walking back with a crate from Bob the butcher.

"Bob gave us some extra milk and meat." Diana showed the items to Soley.

Soley smiled as she nodded. She pointed at the knight. "Mom, can you tell Mr. Knight about mother. He thinks she might be his sister."

Diana nodded. "Would you mind walking with us as we talk?"

"Not at all." He saluted. 

Diana nodded. "I find Soley with her mother when Soley was a few hours old. Her mother was too far gone. I gave her a burial and raised Soley as my own."

"Oh…" the knight deflated. "I'm sorry to ask about something so painful."

"I feel worse for Mr. Knight, " Soley stated as she swung her legs off the cart. 

"Soley's mother had some jewelry," Diana stated. "Can you describe any of it to me?"

The knight nodded as he thought. "My sister and I didn't talk next when I was sent to the front lines. She ran away after a fight with our parents. Even if they are the same, I don't recall much of her jewelry. I have her a metal bracelet with a red green inlayed into it. On the metal clasp plate I engraved…"

"Julia?" Diana interrupted. She clearly remembered the bracelet. It was rather simple compared to the rest of her overly fancy jewelry.

"Yes!" He bounced like an excited puppy. "I had her name engraved in it!' The wind seemed to leave sails as a realization hit him. "She's gone." He muttered.

Soley gave him a sympathetic look. Then a thought dawned to the young child's mind. "Mom, does that make Mr. Knight my uncle?"

Diana gave a solemn nod. "It does."

Soley formed fists of excitement. "Can I get to know Uncle, mom?"

Diana looked the knight up and down. "I don't see anything about him being a bad person." She smiled at her daughter. "So if you want to, you can."

"Yay!" Soley pumped her first. "Hi Uncle, I'm Soley. What's your name?"

He chuckled at that. "Hi Soley, I'm Bedrich Driscoll Von Autumn. It is an honor to meet my niece. It is also an honor to meet your mom." He did a soft bow. 

"Likewise. I'm Diana." Diana gave a small bow. "Von Autumn sounds familiar." Diana stated after a moment. "You much be a great knight to have your name known all the way out here. My apologies that I can't recall your accomplishments."

Bedrich sucked in his cheek in embarrassment. "That is fine. The fact that you have heard my name is a blessing."

Diana found the nervous embarrassment kind of cute. She smiled at Soley. "Soley, what do you think about inviting your Uncle Bedrich over for lunch sometime?"

Soley bounced in joy. "That would be great! Uncle bring flowers for mother! We can tell her about how you've been doing."

Bedrich smiled at that. "I would be honored." 

Krissie: I have written about 4 chapters so far. so I'm going to schedule them out. So enjoy about 2 chapters a month. one on the sixth and the 13th. so enjoy.

NEXT

Book store Cafe

 10/12/2022

Sonia grinned as she noticed the handsome man sitting down at a table. He was reading as he waited for his order. His black fur with red stripes was stricking. He gave off rough and tough, but well mannered. 

She santered over as she waited on her order. “Hello there,” She smiled, “My name is Sonia. What’s yours?”

He glanced up at her before turning his gaze back to his book. 

Sonia smiled, not to be deterred, kept going. “The cover of your book looks interesting. Is it a good read?”

He gave a short nod.

Sonia kept up her flirting, only getting small nods as acknowledgement. 

“Rose,” One of the barista’s called after a few minutes.

The man got up to get the coffee, leaving the book on the table. He returned holding a to go cup.

"Rose is a really lovely name," Sonia complimented. He must have been self conscious having a girly name. He liked at her with sharp red eyes. 

"My wife name is indeed." He started matter of factly. As he gathered his book. "Have a good day, miss."

Sonia was embarrassed. She had didn't the last 5 minutes flirting with a married man. She should have taken his disinterest as a sign to leave him be. But she had to be determined and stubborn. She collected her coffee and went to get the book she wanted. 

She paused as she saw Amy in the section she was walking towards. "Amy!" She called to the pink hedgehog. Amy looked up from the book she was skimming. 

She gave a soft wave. "Hi Sonia, long time no see."

"I just got in yesterday." She explained. 

"Welcome back," Amy smiled. "Anything new?"

"I spent 5 minutes flirting with a hunk tho politely ignored me because he was married while waiting on coffee. It was mortifying." Sonia explained. 

Amy rubbed her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. "That does sound embarrassing. But at least you know when to quit."

"Rose, I found the book you were looking for." Shadow came around the corner. He grabbed her a book in ancient languages. 

"Thanks Shadow." Amy beamed as she took the book. "Shadow, this is Sonia. Sonia this is Shadow." She introduced the two. Shadow gave a curt nod. 

"You got married?" Sonia stated after a moment. Her jade eyes stared at the pale pink hedgehog. She was a bit offended she wasn't invited. More so that she wasn't told. 

Amy tilted her head before giggling as it clicked in her brain. "Shadow doesn't like flirting or socializing. So he sometimes just tells fibs to mess with people."

The Witch adopts the Duke's Precious Niece Ch1

Krissie: I wanted to try to write a webnovel similar to the webnovels/comics I've been obsessed with reading. So enjoy this new series!

Chapter 1

This world was interesting. And I was luckily born into a role that wouldn't put me at risk. I was an extra. On top of that, a witch. I was more a powerful witch, but I got joy from the simple magic tricks I could do. With my knowledge of the novel, I traveled to a place relatively unharmed by the novel's events. 

Sure, I didn't have access to a convence store, but my magic made gardening easier. For anything else I could disguise myself to sell the excess in the neighboring villages and buy what I lack. 

I hummed as I walked to my garden. The sound of a child crying caught my attention. It sounded human. Humans had never entered my forest before. Perhaps it was a kid who got lost? I didn't want rumors that the forest ate people starting. I gasped in shock as I found a fresh new born baby crying next to a dead woman. I scooped the baby and checked for injuries. They were still coated in a film. 

It was obvious that the woman was long dead. She must have given birth as she was dying. I took note of the injuries on her body. 

My heart ached as I held the crying baby close. I used a spell to levitate the body back to my house. The gardening would have to wait. I cleaned up the child and slowly spooned them soup. I used magic to clean the mother's body while I did so. Once the baby was full and sleeping, I wrapped them in blankets and let them sleep in a clothes basket. The bed was too dangerous. 

I carefully cleaned the mother's clothes. She has expensive jewelry. Odd that a noble lady would be in a forest. Should I put the jewelry away for the child? I bit my lower lip. A baby has no need of jewels. I cat a spell to preserve the now cleaned body. I covered the wounds before putting her in a make shift coffin. 

"Rest well ma'am." I whispered as I gave her a burial under a tree. I walked back inside to see the sleeping child. I sighed as I watched them. "You're going to need a band."

NEXT