Shadow had once been a name in the fighting world. A seasoned competitor, he had entered countless tournaments and walked away victorious more often than not. Fighting wasn’t just something he did, it was something he mastered and knew like the back of his hand.

But over time, the thrill dulled. The roars from the crowds, the sting of combat, even the rush of victory, it slowly became routine. Boredom seeped in, and with it, the need to pursue change. That’s when the ebony hedgehog ultimately decided to let go of his world of tournaments and turned to something new: bodyguard work. The work was simple enough—get paid, keep someone safe, and if things got messy, knock a few teeth out. Easy money.

Now twenty-six, Shadow found himself standing in the warmth of a luxury apartment while the world outside was buried under December snow and icy rain. Silver, the ever-energetic manager, had hired him for the night. His job? Protect a certain someone who was due to arrive any minute. A music star, Silver had explained. The name meant nothing to Shadow at first. Sonic.

Shadow had been expecting him to be another stuck up celebrity who thought the world revolved around him. Ugh. He wasn’t looking forward to it. The front door jiggles, the sound of keys getting inserted into the keyhole heard, and then the doorknob turning and opening, revealing a hedgehog with eyes that resemble emeralds and vibrant blue quills faintly dusted with the snow from outside. And that smile. The singer wore a scarf around his neck and covered his muzzle and a warm brown coat. He’s gorgeous.

Shadow’s expression betrays nothing as he watches the blue hedgehog shut and lock the door behind him and lets outs mix of a laugh and a shiver, slipping off his coat and hanging it on a hook nearby.

“Man, it sure is chilly outside.”

He says, turning to face Silver and the unfamiliar ebony hedgehog while dusting off some of the remnants of snow left on his fur.

“Hey, Silver, who’s this?”

He asks.

“This is Shadow. He’ll be your bodyguard until further notice because of some..hectic behaviors from some fans I’m worried about. I’ve already filled him in on what to do, but introductions are on you.”

The white hedgehog explains with a small smile, his yellow eyes darting from Sonic to Shadow- the ebony hedgehog making no move to say anything. Yet.