#There will be some sonadow content in the future maybe...

[pinky-the-bunny]

Switched lives AU explained

This AU is still in development and I am NOT an artist (sadly) but here is what the AU has so far:

This AU is about sonic and shadow switching lives; shadow being the hero in the story and sonic being created in the ARK.

Shadows design: shadow and sonic don't really change much aside from shoe and glove design. For shadow, I was thinking of the idea that he would still have the air shoes but they are made by tails! The jet boots are still red and black but are a little bit more detailed with the idea that tails made them. As for his gloves, shadows would kind of just hear those high tech grey gloves that are also made by tails that can shock enemies on contact whenever shadow has to.

Sonics design: sonic would wear running shoes since he can still run pretty fast! He would also wear fingerless white gloves because in the ARK him and maria used to play wrestle together and maria gifted him some fighting gloves for them!

Story differences: Despite being the hero that saves people and beats up bad guys, shadow is still a bit of a mean guy because he sees himself as the ultimate hero that likes validation. Of course, he does want to help people in these situations since in his cold heart, he does care about the people he saves. Sonic in the ARK is a lot more tough... Sonic and maria were best of friends that would constantly play together and break the ARKS rules sometimes, until the day Maria got shot and sent him away. After 50 years, sonic became more of a vigilante than a bad guy (I had no idea how to make him a bad guy in the story as much as I LOVE unhinged sonic.) He remembers maria's words and tries to not do awful crimes but still does some bad stuff since he did break the rules back in the ARK and is just kind of a goofy guy like that. Of course though, he got to learn better after the events of SA2. He WILL get a 'bit' emotional if you mention her though...

Shadows relationships: With tails, he treats him nicer since they've known each other for a long time, He sees him as his little brother that he would protect if gotten hurt. with knuckles...they hate eachother. They would constantly fight and get into each others nerves, they see each other as more co-workers than friends. (At least, that's what they both say) Amy does have a crush on shadow and is VERY obvious about it with him. It constantly annoys him and he gets all angry at her everytime. (He does likes her company sometimes though)

Sonics relationships: sonic and rouge are besties! They gossip a lot together and used to steal some jewels together back when sonic was a vigilante. Sonic finds omega as a pretty cool guy to hang around with and he is pretty funny to him. He LOVES to mess with egg man every chance he gets to get on his nerves, he is technically his family after all.

Sonic and shadows relationship: they of course constantly fight but for sonic, he loves the guy! He likes to tease and mess with him while he tries to stop him cause of how funny he acts when pissed off. Shadow used to find the guy annoying and childish...and while he still does see him that way, he finds him more welcoming in the team now that he is not a vigilante anymore.

Aaaaand that is IT so far. I would love to go over what happens in the other games and the other character dynamics with them, but this would be way too long. Hope you like what I have so far though!

[sonysakura]

can you give any sonadow recs?

Do you mean fanfiction?? I'll admit I haven't really been reading Sonic fics outside of friends' stories, friends' recs and for participation in random events since 2022 or so. But I think I can!

First, technically this also counts as rec lists: 🔸 short rec list I made for Just Leave a Comment Fest in April. It is 5 fics I picked out of everything I had read for that event; 🔸 my reblogs of Sonadow fics and fic promos/previews.

Tbh I've wanted to do a properly organised Sonadow fic rec list for a long time, would be cool to have a spreadsheet or maybe a separate page for it... One day. This is just a fraction of my favourites due to a Tumblr post being unable to fit more than 30 divider images 💫

Since there are no restrictions in your ask, I'm going to exclude graphic sexual content, ongoing and discontinued stories, Lansoni and other subships just in case! ☝ Some info about the stories is listed/changed at my own discretion. Mostly Ao3 (stories locked to it are marked with 🔒) with some FF.net thrown in – 29 Sonadow stories in alphabetical order, from small one-shots to huge multichapters.

⚡ as the world burns by @ssolaris (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 19 314 words, 2/2 chapters) — Angst, Sci-Fi, Action

He's been drowning for a long time. And, somewhere along the way, he's forgotten how to breathe.

Apocalyptic future where Black Arms basically conquered the planet, and Eggman is still a threat, too, and there's deliciously heart-shattering Sonadow with Captain America: The Winter Soldier-like twist.

🪴 Beyond a Promise by @moralitas (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 48 804 words, 10/10 chapters) — Slow Burn, PTSD/Trauma, Slice of Life

Shadow the Hedgehog has decidedly left the past behind, but his guilt still haunts him and intrudes on his life. This is how he comes to realize that living in itself, is much more than just survival and following old promises. Life has much more to throw at him that weird monsters and life threatening scenarios- there's also a pesky blue annoyance.

Still one of the most memorable endings to a story, that makes me randomly remember about it in the middle of doing everyday tasks and think about angsty what-ifs... Extra points for Shadow & G.U.N. interactions, I'm an enjoyer of occupational novels, and there's a bit of it there; many details of Sonic & Shadow interactions I loved, too. But most of all, amazing Shadow's characterisation and development arc 🙏

🌀 bonded wind by @worksofyesterday [🔒] (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 10 421 words, 7/7 chapters) — AU: Soulmates

A swirl of white marks his ankle: Sonic has never given it much thought, except when Tails brings it up. If he meets this soulmate, he'll welcome them with open arms. If he doesn't? Well, it's too bad, but Sonic can live with that. ---- Shadow never wants to meet his soulmate. They will only ever be disappointed by him and the fact that he's only a monster in mobian skin.

Soulmate AUs are a rarity for this ship, and I love Soulmate AUs 💜 This one dives into the hedgehogs' in-AU backstories as well which is always interesting to read about!

💋 careful what you wish for by @gregoftom (Gen, No Warnings Apply, 2 014 words) — Romance, Flirting, First Kiss

"H-hey Shadow, calm down, I j--" "What. The hell. Was that," "Uh... a kiss?" Sonic says, and his expression turns to that annoying sideways smirk, except his eyes convey something similar to fear, but not quite. Good, that's close enough. Shadow should be feared. Respected. Maybe this will teach Sonic something about the respect that Shadow commanded. "A kiss," Shadow repeats, eyes narrowing as crimson bores into grass green. "...Why?"

Sonic kisses Shadow out of nowhere... And if this is what could happen in canon, this is how it would happen. This is how they would react. With a slightly bittersweet aftertaste 🥺

🌊 exposure therapy by @milkcartonkidd (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 3 523 words) — Established Relationship, Hurt/Comfort

“Stop! I’m gonna die!” Sonic gasps, scrabbling for purchase at Shadow’s forearms, “I’m gonna drown, Shadow, you’re drowning me—” “Sonic,” Shadow sighs, “It’s waist deep. You’re standing.” Sonic looks down. He is, in fact, standing. “...Oh.” - Shadow tries to help Sonic get over his fear of water, with mixed results.

Amazing banter between them 🔥 Also claws & paws~

🎆 Fireworks by LockedWings (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 433 words) — Romance, Fluff

Simple, short Sonadow fluff supposed to be for the New Years, takes place on the beach.

Dare I say, poetic... ✨

📱 Hello & Goodbye by @arctic-sylvalum [series] (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 8 031 words, 2/2 works) — AU: Different First Meeting

In which Sonic is the gung-ho leader of the Freedom Fighters, and Shadow is a very serious agent of GUN. And then they meet.

I love the idea to pieces! ❤️‍🔥 Maaan, re-reading this now, this absolutely had huge influence on my Happy Endings..., I should really add the link to my Notes.

🛁 Home by Spongeiticus (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 2 370 words) — Established Relationship, Romance, Fluff, Domestic

Sonic appreciates Shadow, and Shadow loves to be pampered.

One of the first fics I read when I returned to active fandom back in 2020! Many great quotes there!

🌓 I turn to stone, when you are gone by Kotanny (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 984 words) — Angst, Hopeful Ending

Shadow escapes Infinite’s virtual reality only to find the world in pieces, all the while still grappling with the knowledge of Sonic's death.

A chilling study of Shadow's mind during Forces with melancholic Sonadow references...

🛏 I'm Here by @gerudo-mask-replica (Gen, No Warnings Apply, 4 411 words, 3/3 chapters) — Angst, Fluff, Trauma, Comfort, Sharing a Bed

The night after Sonic and friends return from the Starfall Islands, he finds himself outside Shadow's bedroom window. He doesn't really know why. Or so he tells himself.

A post-Frontiers story, descriptive in a great way... Sonic and Shadow share beds, books and conversations 🤭 Very soft and gentle!!

🫂 Inadequate by Kotanny (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 3 626 words) — Established Relationship, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Self-Esteem Issues

Shadow has been struggling with his worth lately and Sonic is there to remind him how valuable he is. ___________________ “Pff, right…” he mumbles quietly, and it seems it has been a mistake or a blessing, because Sonic decides to capture his lips again; an involuntary purr escapes Shadow’s mouth. “My ultimate life form” Another kiss."The best of the best–.” And another– Sonic giggles mischievously as his face turns beet red; his black ears flatten against his head, overwhelmed by the compliments. “S-stop saying that.” “Stop saying what?” Sonic leans to Shadow very close, too close. “That you are perfect?–” Oh, God.

Wounded pride and Shadow not being able to keep up with his own expectations – stars, this fic resonated with me so much 😭 Sonic is being a perfect supportive partner in there, coming up with so many great pet names!

💥 It has come to this by @arctic-sylvalum (Mature, Major Character Death, 23 385 words, 9/9 chapters) — AU: Sonic Adventure 2, Angst, Adventure, Grief/Mourning, Codependency

“I will never let you die,” Sonic vows. Where once he smiled and grinned he is now only dead-serious steel. “I will keep saving you again and again, if that’s what it takes. If this Black Doom character tries to mess with your mind and tear you apart, I will destroy him.” He’s still clinging onto Shadow. “I will."

An AU of SA2 where the ARK did crash into the planet and destroyed it, no survivors except for Sonic and Shadow. It is depressing and heavy, and it's fucking fantastic. So worth a read. M-rated "for Mass Character Death" as stated in the tags 🥲

💓 Judge my sins, not my feelings by yellothebeeloved (Mature, No Warnings Apply, 228 479 words, 22/22 chapters) — Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Manipulation, Possession/Sharing a Body, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn

Maybe he's not meant to touch. It's the newest excuse he thought of in hopes that he could prolong the game a little more; a careful ruse to enjoy the bittersweet torture of seeing the days pass them by, while he pretends he doesn't seek azure blue whenever he's restless. At first, all he wanted to do was watch: but now the desire to touch, to have, to affect is at a point where he's not sure whether reaching for Sonic would truly be fruitless. He wonders that especially when Sonic's eyes light up upon seeing him. When he corners Shadow, when he invades his space and he touches and takes and then excuses it by calling it a fight. Shadow truly wonders then: if only he was brave enough to reach out, what would his grip find? Loose stars or a battle-worn body? Standing up, he glances at Sonic again, whose eyes have now met his own. There's something heavy in the eye contact, something Shadow doesn't dare name. Neither of them say anything, and yet Sonic's eyes move away from him again, like they did. Shadow warps away, hiding from the stars once more.

M-rated for sexual tension and general horniness! So much UST, guys... Sonic and Shadow's dynamics is so special here, with both of them being aro as well. There's so much queer intimacy that I just can't explain the vibe of, just that it's special. The plot is so suspenseful and full of intrigue – I was running to read every update when this story was ongoing. It all starts with Shadow losing his body to some entity, and no one knows that it happened...

🧬 Misstep by Tirainy (Mature, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, 17 775 words, 2/2 chapters) — Established Relationship, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Depression/Trauma, Amputation, Suicide Attempt, Unhealthy Relationships, Happy Ending

What does it take to bring down a hero? A single wrong step, apparently. What does it take to build one back up? That Shadow does not know, yet.

M-rated for all that stuff in the tags obviously. It is heavy. One of my favourite Tirainy's stories, though I enjoy many of them 🙏

🪥 Moments by TheGuardianKnux (Gen, No Warnings Apply, 1 833 words) — Romance, Humor, Domestic

Sonic and Shadow weren't like other couples. A bit outside the box. But with a look at a few moments in their relationship, maybe then people can see just how much they shine together.

So domestic!! 😭 And just the right amount... This story is in a rare balance of them complimenting and pushing each other.

🌸 Petals by Tirainy (Gen, No Warnings Apply, 2 413 words) — Romance, Angst, Hanahaki Disease

One day Sonic wakes up coughing out flowers. It probably says a lot about his life when he does not start panicking immediately.

The first ever hanahaki fic for this ship on Ao3, and it has a pretty unusual twist, too! I re-read this one sometimes, really like the flower imagery in particular.

📕 shadow’s fairy tale by @wubbowrites (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 10 989 words, 3/3 chapters) — Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Crushes/Pre-relationship, Falling In Love, Slice of Life, Homophobia/LGBTQIA+ Themes, Chatting & Messaging, Christmas

While being dragged on a Christmas shopping trip, Shadow spots a familiar storybook in a store window. A particular memory hits him.

Truly a Christmas fairy tale for Shadow with beautiful writing, great pacing and a pinch of very specific sort of angst. Soft and warm in the end...

🩹 Shatterproof by @arctic-sylvalum (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 3 332 words) — Romance

Shadow didn't make a big deal of it at all, so Sonic tries to drop it too. Unfortunately being a reckless adventure-seeking teenager who doesn't care about dangers unless others get involved, makes Shadow's latest trick seem really cool. Fascinating, let's stick with that. Sonic gets kinda stuck on the idea of Shadow being immortal.

Sonic discovers Shadow's immortality while Shadow realises the implications of his own immortality on his relationships 🥺 Beautiful fic... Also there's Shadow hanging out with everyone which is cool!

💤 Sleep Paralysis by IsdR2017 (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 913 words) — Romance, Suspense

Dreaming during sleep paralysis is a scary thing.

A curious little story where Sonic has a nightmare about something he isn't supposed to remember... Mostly it's just relatable for me lol

💅 solace by @quillifer (Mature, No Warnings Apply, 6 000 words) — Fluff, Gradual Relationship, Friends to Lovers

When Shadow offhandedly invites Sonic to hang out with him, he doesn't expect it to become a regular thing. He also doesn't expect to see Sonic letting down some of his barriers, shedding his bravado, and going running with him in silence, but it soon becomes the new normal. And maybe—it's a big maybe—Shadow is getting used to having Sonic to himself.

Claws & paws! CLAWS & PAWS! Very important! Just the right amount of angst and earning/pining/longing, too... A perfect Sonadow fic. M-rated for being suggestive/mentions of sex!

💬 stay by @ssolaris (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 6 816 words) — Romance, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort

Five times Shadow lied - and one time he didn't.

A Shadow centric 5+1 spanning over a long time and touching upon SA2, '06 and Forces plot points. Shadow's characterisation is on point ✨👌

🌟 Symphony by @whitejungle (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 693 words) — Romance

An AU(ish) take on a moment in the last story from Shadow’s perspective.

A moment in Sonic '06 when they go Super... but slightly different in the softest and heart-clenching way 💓

💍 Tension by Monovailable (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 3 511 words) — AU: High School/Future, Outsider POV

Mr. Robotnik was probably the most infamous teacher at the school. The man never seemed to have a smile on his face - Ian doesn't even think he knows how to. He was strict, and punishing, and most of the students tended to have opinions on him ranging from neutral to downright terrible. If you were quiet and got your work done, he was okay. If you were anything else, the man could probably put you in an early grave with the force of the glares he'd give sometimes. All in all, Mr. Robotnik and Mr. Maurice were about as opposite as you could get. Where Mr. Robotnik was all grumpy faces and eternal anger, Mr. Maurice was bright and energetic - rarely seen without a smile on his face, and always in a good mood. Which is why it was so odd that not only did Mr. Maurice willingly choose to spend his free time sitting in with Mr. Robotnik, but that there seemed to be an ungodly amount of capital T /Tension/ between the two.

This is just absolutely ✨perfect✨👌 Like, "written for me" perfect. Relatable, same headcanons, my fav tropes, etc. In the story Sonic and Shadow work as high school teachers in the future, and their students feel this tension between them… OC-centric!

🎤 Those Eight Letters by GuardianDragon98 (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 3 144 words) — Romance, Angst, Songfic

Shadow had to agree with Rouge. The song was written with guys like him in mind. Shadow's having a hard time expressing his feelings for a certain speedy blue hedgehog and Rouge is the best wing-woman ever.

One of these fics that stuck in my memory 🙏 Sometimes a confession... doesn't lead to a happy scene.

❤️‍🔥 till we touch the sun by @ssolaris (Teen, Major Character Death, 159 110 words, 26/26 chapters) — AU: Sonic Forces, Adventure, Angst

He never thought everything could fall apart quite like this.

I was reading this one as it was coming out, and I want to re-read now... It was another one of those fics I'd drop everything to read an update for... A lot of things go very wrong, so be prepared for it to be heavy, but the Sonadow is really up my alley here, and there's Knuxamy, too... and an awesome characterisation+lore for Gadget with past Infidget... so many characters and all of them are written so well. Guys, this fic is iconic.

🏫 to falter, to fall by @quillifer (Mature, No Warnings Apply, 8 172 words) — AU: High School, Rivals to Lovers

Sonic and Shadow's rivalry is a hot topic among their peers, but when their counselor decides that enough's enough, they have to suffer through their punishments together or face the consequences. In order to bury the hatchet for good, they have to try to understand each other, and along the way, they discover that pure hatred isn't what's been fueling their fights after all.

Same as solace, M-rated for being slightly suggestive I believe 👍 Fantastic dynamics between the hedgehogs here, immaculate vibes, and this also has a side of Rougikal (+Knuxouge) and I have been enlightened ever since...

💝 Valentines Confession by Burning Underground (Gen, No Warnings Apply, 1 139 words) — Romance, Humor

When a blue hedgehog runs into you on Valentine's Day, you just have to roll with it.

It is so silly!!

☕ We never met but can we have a cup of coffee or something? by @whitejungle (Teen, Major Character Death, 3 630 words) — Angst, Trauma/PTSD

It's been almost two months since Sonic lost someone he didn't even know, but he can't stop thinking about it.

Everyone must already know this story (unless you're very new) and its spiritual sequel singularity (which is ongoing, so I'm not listing it here, but I couldn't not make a mention of it anyway 🫶). annuska's fics in general are wonderful, and it was difficult to choose my absolute favs to showcase!

🟦 Your Favorite Color by @supershadsy (Teen, No Warnings Apply, 3 391 words) — Comfort

A typical day of training takes a turn down memory lane when Sonic and Shadow discover relics from the Space Colony ARK in the depths of GUN HQ.

Sonic and Shadow hanging out through sadness and silliness ❤️‍🩹 A beautifully written story that I feel is probably one of those that influenced my own way of writing Shadow's relationship with the past...

That's it for now! Send me another ask for more recs or with a specific request for stuff I excluded (subships, sexual content, etc.)! This was fun to put together ✨

To the authors who were mentioned: PM me if you want me to unmention you. I asked some people if they're okay with being mentioned, but not all of you... Stars divider by @enchanthings.

[sparklingjay]

So I've seen a lot of fans (especially sonadow fans) concerned about what Ian Flynn said in this recently bumblekast:

I got this video from here (maybe give them a like for providing the video if you have an account)

In this video, there is a question if the Shadow from the current Tailstube is still the current direction for Shadow or if it's just exaggerated to be funny. Ian answered this question with a: "That is very much his current direction. That is after lots of notes and revisions."

But I would like to remind people that this has been Shadows direction for more than the past decade. His competitiveness, arrogance, aggression, and lone wolf personality have been exaggerated for a long while now, which doesn't have to mean that he will be written badly.

Forces Shadow was written under those same restrictions. And he was pretty decent.

IDW had its bad moments, but it wasn't all bad, and it gave us some of our favorite sonadow moments.

These moments were all written under the same current direction for Shadow.

And most importantly:

Prime Shadow had those same restrictions or "mandates", and he was the best written Shadow in years. Even better than most of the 2000s games writing.

In a serious setting like Sonic x Shadow is probably going to be, Shadow won't act like Takeover Shadow or Tailstube Shadow (and they aren't even all that bad tbh, it's just simpler funnier writing, they all act a little dumber than they usually are to make it more entertaining).

For now, let's not assume the worst just because the direction hasn't changed. We all want to see those "mandates" gone so Shadow can have his complexity back, but it doesn't mean it's all bad.

He can still be a good character, and his dynamic with Sonic (and other characters) can still be good, and I'm sure we will still be getting some good Sonadow content.

In conclusion:

Shadow won't act exactly like tmosth Shadow, archie Shadow (which are actually not very in character with early 2000s Shadow anyways) Sonic 06 or Sa2 Shadow in the near future. But he (probably) won't act like vegeta edgelord Shadow either. Those were only his worst moments.

I'm still excited for Sonic x Shadow Generations because there isn't a good reason why I shouldn't be!

[livewireprojects]

Very Late ClarkxBrainy Week2024 Day 6

So I wanted to make a final pic for Clark x Brainy week but as you can see I took a long time to work on anything. I am very aware this doesn't really count anymore but I wanted to draw one last image for the ship week.

Day 6 was crossover I almost drew the two as mobians or Transformers because my recent hyperfixations are Sonic the hedgehog(specifically Sonadow & have Sonadowtober stuff going on) & Transformers Animated(I need to find more Bumblebee/ProwlBee content) but didn't want to work on designs for them especially because I have to finish up other things.

I then thought about Wolf's Rain which was an interesting anime so I drew the two as if they were in the show. Clark has a little bandana/cloth tied to his neck(kind of like it's the fabric of his cape) & Brainy has a necklace based on his Brainiac symbol. For some reason I had issues drawing wolves.

Wolf's Rain is a 30 episode anime that takes place in a future were the world is freezing over with certain cities in domes that keep the snow/cold/darkness out, abandoned towns & at one point a robot reactivated that implies a possible war happened. There's a legend that wolves will lead a place called paradise but wolves have been extinct for a very long time now.

The main characters are a group of wolves that end up becoming a pack & leave the town they all managed to meet in to search for paradise. It turns out wolves have learned to hide & some how have learned to make human forms, they can talk & interact with real humans but the wolves' human forms are illusions so if they try to grab you with their hand in reality they're biting you with their teeth to grab you. Because these human forms are illusions they can't do thing like drive a car or hold something a normal person would.

The main characters go on a journey with a flower maiden who is a flower given human form via alchemy & is the key to finding paradise. The group go threw multiple places that lead to them becoming close as they try to get closer to their goal.

I'm not sure what Clark & Brainy are doing, I made an oneshot in the past of them having kids & being apart of the main characters' pack with implications of Clark looking for Kara who is missing. I guess maybe Clark & Brainy at some point meet the main characters & join them on their quest to find paradise.

Ok I finally am done with Clark x Brainy week until next year. If I'm lucky I'll try to get things done early but no promises. See everyone next time.

Link to the week themes

[cgmayra]

Ok, are you still doing Sonamy prompts? 'cause if you are, here's a 'silly' one: Remember how you said you wanted to do an actual GOOD SonamyShad love triangle? Ok. Now, have you heard 'Satisfied' from the Hamilton musical? There, see. Eliza is Amy, but if you want to, you can switch Sonic and Shadow for Alexander or Angelica, you can make Shadow the outcast or you can do a platonic/romantic Sonamy where he is the outcast! (not sonadow) IDK, I just love the feels. :') You're the best!

(x) This lovely preview image was used with permission! Please support the Artist as well~<3

Yeah, I love that musical! I see Amy as Eliza a lot actually xD But I usually ship Sonamyshad as Sonic and Shadow having feelings for Amy. >////< sorry if that wasn’t clear! Anyway, taking inspiration from it, here you are!

Prompt:

The drink in his hand wasn’t much of a calming substance.

Long ago, Shadow had begun to feel… stirrings… for Amy, but such things were ‘disagreeable’ with him and his lifestyle. Instead, he kept it bottled up. Didn’t say much about how she made him feel during the time they all did missions together to put an end to a foreign enemy, nor the fact that he had chosen to partner up with her during that time instead of Rouge.

Rouge was the first to pick up a strange ‘attachment’—so to speak— coming from him when it came to Amy Rose. He was quick to interject when roles and aids were being called out, and always strongly enforced that he and Amy were a good balance of brawn and wit.

It was beginning to get controlling though, and although Amy never suspected anything, Sonic’s presence in her life was overwhelming to Shadow… he began to get eerily jealous of Amy’s admiration for him. He became more persistent in being with her, and even went so far as to drive a wedge between the two by keeping Amy away from Sonic…

However, these attempts failed.

Amy was always seeking out Sonic, never realizing Shadow’s harbored feelings, and soon…

Well, the wedding was a surprise.

Shadow clanked the glass down hard on the table, tsk’ing as the merry crowd gathered and cheered at some joke Sonic had said.

Although he respected Sonic… he didn’t owe him any favors.

He quickly gorged in one fatal gulp the rest of the drink, wiping his mouth and prepared to leave with a scowl on his face.

“Hmm?” Rouge, fancied up, moved slightly from Knuckles’s embrace to cock her eyebrow up at his obvious upset exit. “Leaving so soon?”

He only grunted in a sigh.

His eyes narrowed, not liking her eyes on his back, before…

“Alright, alright, alright! Let’s hear it for the lovely couple! And now, a toast!”

A toast?

Shadow stopped a moment, pivoting his head slightly to the side, but not fully looking back just yet. “Odd..” he didn’t think they would start without-

“And here’s the lovely bride now!”

Shadow couldn’t help it. All he needed was to watch a piece of fabric fly by the corner of his eye for the temptation to be too great and turn around to look at her.

He was stunned from head to toe, unable to look away and unable to close his mouth.

The longing to have Sonic never exist grew again… and jealousy turned to envy instantly.

She was beautiful.

Then, Sonic all but disappeared.

So did the party.

The guests.

The tables and it’s over-glorified food and beverages.

He found himself walking after her as if daydreaming, moving parallel but out of sight behind the crowd as he watched her through the slits of their bodies all tightly together in a line to welcome her.

“To the Groom!” To the groom… the groom…

“To the bride!” To the bride… to the lovely bride…

“To their future!” Amy…

“To their union!” To this revelation.

“And the hope that you’ll provide!” This can’t be happening…

Shadow stopped walking as the sides of his face pulled down in utter anguish.

Had he fallen so deeply into this… this fascination with her that he couldn’t even snap himself out of the trance she had on him? Could he really just not walk away? But watch this act be done?

His fists clenched along with his jaw… jagged in a line upon his teeth were the full bearings of his fangs.

“He doesn’t deserve her…” It was so faint, so completely drowned out by the crowd, that not even his own ears could pick up his muttered betrayal.

But someone did see his mouth move.

“Shadow?” Amy turned to look straight through the crowd, lifting a gentle and angelic hand towards him.

“Oh?” The crowd turned, as the announcer from before gestured to Shadow. “Do you have anything to say?”

“…Simply…” he held his head high, realizing he had to now.

Looking at Amy’s eyes… seeing her concern in them…

Did she know?

“…That you always… be satisfied.”

She smiled.

Rewind. “Chaos…” he slowly pulled the Chaos Emerald out, hurriedly walking back and away from everyone, heading outside.

“Control.”

“I remember that night… I just might regret that night for the rest of my days…” Shadow moved through the forest, seeing a weary Amy, struggling to breathe, crawling towards the only safety she could perceive.

He watched her, knowing exactly what he did and responded to her with… and thinking maybe history could repeat itself in a different way this time.

He approached her.

“S..Sonic?”

He felt a twinge of pain.

His face scrunched up, but he lowered himself down as her face moved up to get a better look at him.

“Are you alright?” He was following the script, not sure when to change it.

There’s eyes remained locked as long as Amy could muster them before she collapsed and he picked her up.

“Here.” He gave her something to drink as she gulped it down, hitting her chest a moment as she coughed up smoke.

“Explosion.” She explained with a weak voice. “Thank you… Shadow.”

“Rest. You need it.” He moved the drink away from her and as he did so, lightly brushed his fingers over her hair.

She didn’t notice.

She never did.

It was so secretive, the slight pleasure he obtained from those ‘slide-of-hands’ he all but perfected over the course of time they spent together… but now…

She coughed again, “I’m so lucky you found me…”

He didn’t respond, just helped lift her up more so she could breathe…. Then… leaned her back against his own as he rested upon a stump.

“A pity your hero didn’t find you.” Shadow retorted to, at last, going by his old words, but they held new meaning now.

It wasn’t a silly taunt anymore.

It held so much… more now.

“Hmph. You’re just like me then. I’m never satisfied with my rescues either.”

That triggered something in him, a sudden urge to lean down and claim her his right then and there. A kiss… forbidden and deadly… but could it change fate?

“There’s still a million things I want me and Sonic to accomplish.” She smiled, that same… unyielding smile of total and pure joy.

How could she be so content? With a boyfriend like him!?

Shadow turned away, tsk’ing again, as Amy giggled.

“But just you wait.” She retorted, looking down and away from straight up into his face. She lightly stroked Shadow’s hands around her waist… “I’ll make that Sonic respect me.”

I already respect you.

Shadow looked away, fighting the urge to pull her up further and take hold of her mouth and never give her time to breathe again.

But what good would that do? The second she caught hold of fresh air again, she would run back to her Sonic. Nothing he could do could change that.

The conversation lasted two, maybe three minutes… but it was in that moment that Shadow began to feel something for Amy.

They both played games of wit on their missions. They enjoyed the other’s company. She even got him to smile on more than one occasion.

What did she see in that blue menace?

Then again… currently speaking, with Shadow’s feelings and all, he was the true menace to her ‘happily ever after’…

“Do you ever wonder what would happen if Sonic wasn’t the one you end up with?”

She fidgeted, sweating a little in his arms as she didn’t speak.

She was flying off of hope, and nothing more.

Beautiful… and boy, did she know it.

She played innocent and cute so well… but he saw sides of her that he was sure even Sonic didn’t get a chance to see.

He wanted to take her far away from here, far into his arms and into a void where neither of them could escape from. A place where no ‘Sonic’ existed… but then he looked down to her face, hearing only silence, and watched in humiliating shock with her eyes light up.

“I’m just helpless, you know?”

And truly, he knew she was-

“Helpless?”

Her eyes simply screamed-

“Helplessly devoted to him~” she swooned, melting into Shadow’s arms with sighs as his own twitched and shook uncontrollably.

It didn’t matter. Nothing he did would ever matter to her more than Sonic. More than her own diluted feelings for him.

Then Sonic came.

“Woah! Amy! I finally found you!”

Shadow glared up at him, spooking Sonic slightly as Amy’s face lit up with smitten grandeur at his arrival.

“Sonic!”

“Miss me?”

“Aways!” she coughed then but tried to move out of his grasp.

“..Shadow?”

Shadow continued to hold her.

He closed his eyes, ‘That’s when I realized… three fundamental truths at the exact same time.’

He handed her off to Sonic, who played the charming rescuer even though Shadow did all the work of helping her stay alive.

“I was worried about’cha. You gave everyone quite a scare, Amy.” He smiled warmly down to her, so friendly and full of hidden love she wouldn’t discover until another few years.

“Hehe, worried? Scared? Oh, Sonic!” she wrapped her strong arms around his neck, being careful to be gentle. Something… Shadow knew because she replicated it when he held her through missions as well.

Sonic held her bridal style, the exact same way he did.

So why was it different?

Shadow turned away, fists turning white as the gloves over them before he folded his arms and took a deep breath, turning away from the ‘happy’ couple.

“I miss you all the time! Why can’t you understand that?” she sighed, but Shadow knew from the tone of her voice that she was only playing.

He knew her.

Every gesture and mannerism…

But he wanted so much more than knowledge…

He gritted his teeth again, stifling any noise of aggravation he may make towards them.

Shadow reminded himself that Amy was his first love, that he was an abomination made on the Space Colony Ark, and that was why he let Sonic take her away that day.

Nice going, she was right.

He turned to the two.

He will never be satisfied.

He walked over to them, “What are you doing?” Sonic asked.

Shadow turned him around, “I’m about to change your life.” He stated and gave Sonic a little ‘nudge’ so to speak, “Go take Amy around the lake. Try and be somewhat chivalrous and give her a good time.”

“W-what!?” Sonic’s face lost it’s ‘cool attitude’ and suddenly was in shambles as Amy blushed and looked surprised back at Shadow.

He faked his smile and walked away from the two. “My only job in this life is to protect humanity and let them live out there dreams. So maybe that is why…” He pulled out his chaos emerald.

“I let Amy have her dream…” he was plenty far enough away for Amy and stubborn Sonic with his nose up in the air to avoid Amy seeing any further expression of his embarrassment on his face, although totally applying what Shadow said and giving her a night to remember… one that left Shadow without any chance to climb—but then again— he already knew he had lost.

“Even if she’s clueless.” He smirked, holding the emerald out, “That doesn’t mean… I want her any less.”

He teleported through time back to Amy and Sonic’s wedding, folding his arms as he watched her walk down the isle, Sonic sweating buckets and having to be fanned by Tails’s twin tails just to stay calm and not overheat from anxiety.

Cold feet?

Shadow snickered, before looking away, leaning on the door and not looking back.

“I’d have to be naïve to set her feelings aside,.. it’s just another reason why I-“ he gripped his head, suddenly feeling the rush of sorrow crash inside himself. “Maybe that’s why…” he started to feel a migraine the size of a walnut in his head, only growing bigger as he turned fully away from the scene and covered his face, trying to get some air.

“I gave her to Sonic… Now that’s her groom.”

He looked up through his fingers, glaring.

“Thank you for all the help you’ve done, Shadow.” Amy’s eyes beamed with praise.

He looked down at her hand…

“If it takes fighting a war to be with you…” he grabbed it, dropping down to one knee and surprising her, seeing her blink fast as he kissed her hand. “Then it was worth it.”

Sonic later bent to one knee… shocking her even more… frustrating Shadow even more…

Shadow walked out of the church, “I’ll leave you to it.” He lifted a hand up, dismissing the happy couple, letting Sonic win over himself.

Who was he kidding… Sonic had him beat before Amy even knew of his existence.

Three….

He knew Amy like he knew his own mind by now.

Sonic came out later, basking a minute in the moonlight before Shadow approached him.

“Shadow?” he straightened himself up, seeing Shadow’s demeanor looked off.

“What’s up? The food not good enough for ya? Hehee.” He smiled obviously, as Shadow took a deep breath to calm his rage, and then looked up within the shadows of the darkened trees towards him.

“Take care of her Sonic… you’ll never find anyone as trusting or as kind as Amy Rose…”

“Uhh… I think you mean, Miss The Hedgehog.” Sonic raised an eyebrow. Just as oblivious as her…

Shadow rolled his eyes.

Even he didn’t fully realize Shadow’s feelings for Amy.

He wondered… if he had told Sonic of his feelings… would he have been silently resigned? Would she have been his? Or would he have been lying about being indifferent to it all?

Either way…

If Shadow had succeeded in driving a big enough rift between them, she would have acted content and fine, but she’d obviously be lying as well.

Shadow left then… But deep in the night, when he dreamed or fantasized… It was always her eyes, Maria’s words in her mouth, as she would lean her back against his chest just like that first night… looking up at him…

Even if she never loved him…

At least he kept her eyes in his life…

But he’d never be satisfied.

[pinky-the-bunny]

If you guys are curious to know more about this AU though, then please ask me questions in my inbox. I am new to the fandom so please understand if i don't answer every single one.

Switched lives AU explained

This AU is still in development and I am NOT an artist (sadly) but here is what the AU has so far:

This AU is about sonic and shadow switching lives; shadow being the hero in the story and sonic being created in the ARK.

Shadows design: shadow and sonic don't really change much aside from shoe and glove design. For shadow, I was thinking of the idea that he would still have the air shoes but they are made by tails! The jet boots are still red and black but are a little bit more detailed with the idea that tails made them. As for his gloves, shadows would kind of just hear those high tech grey gloves that are also made by tails that can shock enemies on contact whenever shadow has to.

Sonics design: sonic would wear running shoes since he can still run pretty fast! He would also wear fingerless white gloves because in the ARK him and maria used to play wrestle together and maria gifted him some fighting gloves for them!

Story differences: Despite being the hero that saves people and beats up bad guys, shadow is still a bit of a mean guy because he sees himself as the ultimate hero that likes validation. Of course, he does want to help people in these situations since in his cold heart, he does care about the people he saves. Sonic in the ARK is a lot more tough... Sonic and maria were best of friends that would constantly play together and break the ARKS rules sometimes, until the day Maria got shot and sent him away. After 50 years, sonic became more of a vigilante than a bad guy (I had no idea how to make him a bad guy in the story as much as I LOVE unhinged sonic.) He remembers maria's words and tries to not do awful crimes but still does some bad stuff since he did break the rules back in the ARK and is just kind of a goofy guy like that. Of course though, he got to learn better after the events of SA2. He WILL get a 'bit' emotional if you mention her though...

Shadows relationships: With tails, he treats him nicer since they've known each other for a long time, He sees him as his little brother that he would protect if gotten hurt. with knuckles...they hate eachother. They would constantly fight and get into each others nerves, they see each other as more co-workers than friends. (At least, that's what they both say) Amy does have a crush on shadow and is VERY obvious about it with him. It constantly annoys him and he gets all angry at her everytime. (He does likes her company sometimes though)

Sonics relationships: sonic and rouge are besties! They gossip a lot together and used to steal some jewels together back when sonic was a vigilante. Sonic finds omega as a pretty cool guy to hang around with and he is pretty funny to him. He LOVES to mess with egg man every chance he gets to get on his nerves, he is technically his family after all.

Sonic and shadows relationship: they of course constantly fight but for sonic, he loves the guy! He likes to tease and mess with him while he tries to stop him cause of how funny he acts when pissed off. Shadow used to find the guy annoying and childish...and while he still does see him that way, he finds him more welcoming in the team now that he is not a vigilante anymore.

Aaaaand that is IT so far. I would love to go over what happens in the other games and the other character dynamics with them, but this would be way too long. Hope you like what I have so far though!

[pinky-the-bunny]

Also, I meant wear not hear. I really suck at spelling correctly when I type fast.

Switched lives AU explained

This AU is still in development and I am NOT an artist (sadly) but here is what the AU has so far:

This AU is about sonic and shadow switching lives; shadow being the hero in the story and sonic being created in the ARK.

Shadows design: shadow and sonic don't really change much aside from shoe and glove design. For shadow, I was thinking of the idea that he would still have the air shoes but they are made by tails! The jet boots are still red and black but are a little bit more detailed with the idea that tails made them. As for his gloves, shadows would kind of just hear those high tech grey gloves that are also made by tails that can shock enemies on contact whenever shadow has to.

Sonics design: sonic would wear running shoes since he can still run pretty fast! He would also wear fingerless white gloves because in the ARK him and maria used to play wrestle together and maria gifted him some fighting gloves for them!

Story differences: Despite being the hero that saves people and beats up bad guys, shadow is still a bit of a mean guy because he sees himself as the ultimate hero that likes validation. Of course, he does want to help people in these situations since in his cold heart, he does care about the people he saves. Sonic in the ARK is a lot more tough... Sonic and maria were best of friends that would constantly play together and break the ARKS rules sometimes, until the day Maria got shot and sent him away. After 50 years, sonic became more of a vigilante than a bad guy (I had no idea how to make him a bad guy in the story as much as I LOVE unhinged sonic.) He remembers maria's words and tries to not do awful crimes but still does some bad stuff since he did break the rules back in the ARK and is just kind of a goofy guy like that. Of course though, he got to learn better after the events of SA2. He WILL get a 'bit' emotional if you mention her though...

Shadows relationships: With tails, he treats him nicer since they've known each other for a long time, He sees him as his little brother that he would protect if gotten hurt. with knuckles...they hate eachother. They would constantly fight and get into each others nerves, they see each other as more co-workers than friends. (At least, that's what they both say) Amy does have a crush on shadow and is VERY obvious about it with him. It constantly annoys him and he gets all angry at her everytime. (He does likes her company sometimes though)

Sonics relationships: sonic and rouge are besties! They gossip a lot together and used to steal some jewels together back when sonic was a vigilante. Sonic finds omega as a pretty cool guy to hang around with and he is pretty funny to him. He LOVES to mess with egg man every chance he gets to get on his nerves, he is technically his family after all.

Sonic and shadows relationship: they of course constantly fight but for sonic, he loves the guy! He likes to tease and mess with him while he tries to stop him cause of how funny he acts when pissed off. Shadow used to find the guy annoying and childish...and while he still does see him that way, he finds him more welcoming in the team now that he is not a vigilante anymore.

Aaaaand that is IT so far. I would love to go over what happens in the other games and the other character dynamics with them, but this would be way too long. Hope you like what I have so far though!