「 light in the darkness. 」

≻ . claimed

It had only been a few days since Sonic and Amy's engagement, but the land seemed to be filled with joy and excitement over such an occasion. All of them would be participating in the wedding, whether it be to help with preparations, the ceremony itself or simply to attend. It would be an event to bring them all together, to be happy.

Shadow saw no purpose.

Laying under the sun, back against a rock with the river flowing in front of him, he couldn't help but scoff at the idea. He'd been in and out whilst visiting Light, but all he could hear whilst passing through was all about the to be married couple. To him, it was almost sickening just how in love the two were; always gazing into each other's eyes, practically glued up against each other. If one could have eyes in the shape of hearts, Amy certainly would. However, it became less sickening when he imagined himself in such a situation; he and Light were certainly not in love, but he cared for her enough for it to appear to be so. She was the only thing certain in his future, should the world last long enough for there to be one. He and Light were immortal beings; products constructed in a lab without a date of expiration. As time passes, only the two of them will remain unchanged. For Shadow, that meant only she would last.

'Get a grip,' he growled at himself. He hated to think of the future, though not nearly as much as he despised the past. He liked to live in the present, focus on now rather than before or later.

An eye lifted open at a rustling in the bushes to his left. There were voices too, but they were almost drowned out by the waterfall.

"Hey, Shadow!"

Shoulders slumping at the voice, Shadow closed his eyes again, arms crossing.

"Sonic. To what do I owe the displeasure?"

Footsteps approached at his side and Sonic, accompanied by Amy, seated themselves beside him.

"I was talking to Light," Amy spoke, causing Shadow's attention to shift to her. "She said she wanted you to come to the wedding, but you told her no."

"That is correct," the dark hedgehog responded with a nod. "I received no invitation, nor have I any interest in such things."

"Geez, c'mon.. we're inviting you now," Sonic chimed in, Amy nudging him with her elbow in order to indicate for him to wipe the bothered expression from his face.

"You only invite me because you're Light's friends and me attending is what she wants."

Sonic and Amy exchanged glances, then matched frowns. "We're your friends too," Amy said which had Shadow snort in response.

"Hardly."

"Look, pal.. we just want you to be there. You don't have to stay for the whole wedding, just come along for the vows and all.. and maybe food, drinks.."

"Sonic's right. You don't have to—"

A thud in the distance cut Amy off, the attention of all three hedgehogs directing to the left where Knuckles tumbled over a stray rock.

"Who put that rock there!?"

Amy and Sonic's laughter was joined by Tails' as he stepped into view, Shadow simply rolling his eyes.