Shadow wasn't a fan of the woods. He tolerated them.

They brought memories that he hated to stir.

Still, this was where Silver, the excitable son of Dionysus, lived. The Hedgehog had told Shadow that this was the only place he knew as home. The Dryads and Satyrs had pretty much raised him. That accounted for his energetic and curious personality, and his overall trust of everyone.

Shadow admired his childish innocence. He felt an urge to protect him. Even if he hated the feeling, he embraced it with open- yet angry - arms.

As he walked, plants seemed to bend away from him, as if trying to dodge his aura- lest they wilt from his power.

He paused for a moment, his ears pricking up to listen. Rushing water, rustling wind, tweeting birds.

Wind pipes and distinct calls of party-like singing.

He ran to the sound of music, dodging trees and roots. So, he came to a clearing and saw the lively sight.

Satyrs were playing their instruments, dancing about. Dryads were swaying playfully, and some were spinning about. A figure was dancing about them, jumping and clapping to the music.

Shadow almost felt himself smile. "Silver!" He called, catching the attention of the figure. The pale Hedgehog before him smiled, his gold eyes twinkling. He rushed over to Shadow, his long white hair trailing behind him like tangled roots.

The god wasn't expecting Silver to grab his hands and pull him over to the Satyrs and Dryads. That's exactly what happened, though.

Silver held Shadow's hands as the two spun about. The former seemed completely lost in the music, chanting along with it and dancing.

Finally, the music stopped with a loud cry of pipes. Silver let go of Shadow's hands and stepped back. He laughed, tossing his head back and jumping excitedly.

"Shadow! I'm so happy to see you!" He greeted. Shadow nodded, resting his back on a tree. He felt quite dazed by the dancing and music. He hardly left the Underworld- didn't dance or listen to such cheerful music.

Yet, it was exhilarating. He did... enjoy being around Silver and his energy.

Silver beamed, though curiosity was in his eyes. "So, what are you doing up here? Aren't you supposed to be guarding the Underworld?" He asked, bouncing up and down and hand-flapping as his excitement started to rush out of him.

Shadow cleared his throat. "Well, I hast tidings. We are part of a bodement to defeat the titan Ivo." He glanced away for a moment. "As much as I would hate to bring thou into this all, the fates themselves hast chosen thou to be a part of it."

For a moment, Silver didn't react- just the same smile placed on his face. He glanced at the Dryad and Satyrs, who seemed mildly concerned. "I..." He looked back over to Shadow.

"I actually knew." He laughed anxiously.

The god looked confused. Silver fidgeted. "You see, I was just minding my own business, then I heard it. A call inside of my own head, calling the lines of a strange poem."

Shadow said, "Methinks I remember some lines of it- the Falling Prophecy, I receive it's bid.

"A child of Hermes, clad 'i blue. A child of Aphrodite, blooming. A fiery, feline monsoon."

Silver perked up a bit at the last thing Shadow mentioned. "I think I know one of them! My friend Blaze!" His ears flicked excitedly. "And I know where to find her."

He grabbed Shadow's hand again and ran off toward the edge of the tree line. Shadow squinted at the light that leaked from the tree leaves. He was not at all used to the brilliant pride of Apollo and the blinding light of Helios. So, as the glare glittered in his scarlet eyes, Silver led him about. The young Hedgehog leaped across rocks and roots, laughing and nonsensically singing.

Shadow could just hardly see faces within the trees. He could hear delighted giggles from the plant life. As Silver slowed, searching for whatever he was looking for, Shadow stepped back.

"Why, Lord Shadow, we haven't seen you in weeks." One Dryad whispered to him. Shadow nodded at her. "The Naiads haven't seen you in longer."

"Well... I don't hie by the water much. Not like there is much water 'i the Underworld." Shadow dismissed. "Could thou say to 'em that I miss their company?"

The Dryad nodded and, with a blink of an eye, disappeared into the green and brown of the woods. He looked back over to Silver, who was smiling and motioned him over.

The gateway to the Sol Dimension was a mass of fiery coals. They were circled around a glittery path of fire. Silver squinted his eyes, noticing something. "It seems warmer than usual." He noted.

"Someone went in here not too long ago."

Shadow glanced at the gateway, then to Silver. The latter smiled slightly. "Blaze must be making new friends." He speculated. With that, he stepped into the fires and he disappeared. Shadow quickly followed him into the flare.

~~~

People had, in fact, gone to the Sol Dimension before the two.

A small group of hybrids were talking with the Queen, whose eyes were misty with thought.

"This... prophecy- you say that it involves my daughter?" She asked, her voice thick with doubt and confusion.

One of the people Silver could see - a Squirrel with brownish-auburn hair and darker skin with vitiligo - nodded. "Yes, yes, I know it's super weird. But we really need her help." She said.

Silver, standing where the gate had brought him and Shadow to the castle, cautiously approached. "Esteemed Queen of the Sol Kingdom." He called, getting the attention of the others.

"I believe they're telling the truth- with the prophecy and Blaze." He continued, motioning to the teens and child (which he was a bit confused by).

The Queen paused, glancing Silver up and down. He'd never really been aware of how she felt about his presence. Whether she tolerated him or enjoyed having him around.

Finally, she cleared her throat. "Blaze will be back soon. We'll see what she chooses." She glanced behind him. "And who are you?" She asked.

The other's attention was brought to Shadow.

Shadow bowed slightly at them. "Good day, mine title is Shadow. God of grief."