Shadows of the Heart

Escaping Feelings

Amy Rose, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails continued to conquer battles against the forces of evil. The team had always been successful, but Amy's victories always felt hollow. Her usual enthusiasm was replaced by an overwhelming sense of guilt and confusion. Ever since the incident at Eggman's base, where she and Shadow had shared an intense moment of intimacy, Amy's life had been a whirlwind of turbulent emotions. She was distant and less chipper than how she usually was. Her interactions with her team and team Dark were detached especially with a certain ebony hedgehog who's she completely avoided since then.

The danger they had faced in Eggman's base was real, but it was the aftereffects that were proving to be the most challenging for Amy. Now, every battle and training session was marred by her inability to focus. The shadow of what had happened loomed over her, making it difficult to concentrate.

Sonic had noticed Amy's change in demeanor. Her usually sharp reflexes were dulled, and her interactions with the team were more distant. During their training sessions, he had been going easy on her, but even that wasn't enough to get her back on track. Today, during their sparring session, Sonic was particularly concerned.

As they started, Sonic kept his attacks gentle, aiming to give Amy a chance to get back into the swing of things. However, Amy's responses were sluggish and unfocused. Her eyes seemed distant, lost in thoughts that had nothing to do with their training.

Sonic, noticing her lack of engagement, tried to get her attention. "Amy, are you okay?"

"I'm okay," she replied mechanically, her gaze avoiding his as she swung at Sonic.

Sonic wasn't convinced as he smoothly dodged an attack from Amy. "You don't seem okay. Ever since that day at Eggman's base, you've been acting different. What's going on?"

Amy forced a smile, trying to brush off his concern. "Nothing's wrong."

Sonic wasn't buying it, aiming an attack which Amy barely blocked. "Did something happen there?"

Amy's face stiffened. The question struck a nerve, and she tried to deflect. "It was rough staying alive in that base, Sonic. We were exposed to deadly gases, or did you forget?"

Sonic's eyes narrowed, sensing her unease. "That's not the whole story, is it?"

Before Amy could respond, she was jolted back to the present as Sonic's fist made contact with her face. The blow wasn't hard, but it was enough to knock her off balance. She fell to the ground, and Sonic was immediately by her side, his face etched with concern.

"Amy, are you okay?" Sonic asked, his voice full of worry. "I'm so sorry."

Amy, still lost in thoughts of Shadow and overwhelmed by her emotions, barely registered the question. Sonic's concern only heightened her sense of guilt and confusion. It wasn't until Sonic called her full name that she snapped out of her reverie.

"Amy Rose, what is the problem?" Sonic's voice was firm as he stood tall, but it was clear he was genuinely worried.

Amy, her emotions spilling over, rose up and faced Sonic. "I should be asking you that?!"

Sonic's expression softened but remained serious. "We're all worried about you and you're making it worse by not telling us. We're trying to help."

Amy's heart raced, her face flushing with anger and embarrassment. "I don't need help. I'm telling you, nothing is wrong. I'm fine!"

Without another word, Amy turned and stormed off, leaving Sonic with a mix of confusion and suspicion. Tails, who had been watching the exchange, approached Sonic with a thoughtful look.

"She's still acting strange, huh?" Tails asked, noticing Sonic's frustrated demeanor.

Sonic sighed heavily. "I don't know what her issue is. I just wish I could get her to talk."