Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The city was drowning in smoke, fires tore their way through crumbling buildings; their flames twisting and reaching for the heavens. A metallic trace hung in the air, the scent overpowered by the burning smog invading living lungs. Not something the metal creatures needed to worry about. But Sonic the Hedgehog was not one of them yet.

Omega's gunfire ripping through Zombots nearby, the hedgehog coughed and spluttered; the noxious fumes burning at his throat.
He didn't have time for this.
His gaze narrowing, he stared ahead. A small army of Infected attempted to scramble over a bridge. There was no order. No strategy. Their existence fueled on a hunger they could never fulfil, a singular drive to infect the few living people who remained.

Sonic watched as they drew closer, their dead eyes transfixed on the partially infected hedgehog. He sucked in a breath, heart pounding in his chest. From fear or sheer exhaustion, he couldn't be sure.
He chanced a glance towards Omega, but the robot had his own problems. The bullets he continuously unloaded into the crowd tore holes into their bodies, but were quickly healing as they pushed forward.

Clearly Sonic would have to deal with the approaching mob himself. He just needed to keep them away from the survivors.
He readied himself for a fight, planting his feet to the ground and raising his fists. Doing his best to ignore the burning pain of metal seering its way into his skin and bones, inching its way across his body as the infection spread.

It was then a horn suddenly blared, and a familiar G.U.N truck forced its way into view. The hulking truck dug itself a path through the Zombot hoard, metallic bodies flying over the windshield and falling below the tires.

Sonic flinched, he knew the Zombots healed at an extraordinary rate and were unable to feel any pain. But still, they were still just ordinary people. Albeit ordinary people who now had fangs and claws that could easily tear your face off.

The truck made its way to the town square, tires screeching as it pulled up.
Sonic looked to the truck's armored door. With driving like that, he had a suspicion on who was at the wheel.
Surely enough the door swung open with a force, revealing the driver.
A certain black and red hedgehog stood over Sonic. A scowl crept onto his face as red eyes burned into Sonic's own.

Oh man, he looks more pissed than usual.

"There you are!" Sonic said, trying to keep an air of lightheartedness. "What's the matter, couldn't find a bigger-"

"Shut. Up." Shadow spat, pointing a finger close to the blue hedgehog's face.

Ok, not a good time for banter.

Sonic took a step back, raising his hands in defence.
"...Easy." He placated, softening his tone. "I was kidding."

Shadow was having none of it, he took a step forward into his space. Sonic was all too mindful of the vicinity.
"This is your fault. If I had put a stop to Eggman earlier, none of this would be happening!"

Sonic stiffened, something snapping in his mind. His gaze narrowed. He'd been infected, hadn't slept in days, and had watched in horror as his friends had succumbed to the virus. He was not about to take this shit from him.

Shadow wasn't the only person to have considered putting a stop to the mad doc once and for all. After all, Sonic had been dealing with Eggman's schemes since he was a kid. The man has been putting him through the wringer for years. He knew damn well the Doctor wouldn't change. But it wasn't Eggman he left under the care of Windmill Village, it was a man unburdened by a need to conquer and control. Someone with no memory of their many past encounters. Someone who finally seemed…happy. Truly happy.

"That was Mr Tinker, not Eggman." He barked. "I gave him the same chance I gave everyone who's tried to kill me over the years, including you! Tinker deserved a chance to be happy."

…A chance to be happy?

Shadow sighed, his tense shoulders dropping as he stepped away from his rival. His frown softened into something more akin to…understanding.

"...I apologise." He breathed. "While I do not agree with your decision. It is in the past. We have to focus on the here and now."

Shadow looked to the other hedgehog, who's expression had also softened.
"...What's the plan?"

"I need to run off my infection." Sonic replied, gesturing to the metal ooze gradually climbing its way up his arm. "Keep the Zombots away from the survivors. Do not let them touch you."

"I am immune to disease." The black hedgehog stated simply. "It is unlikely the metal virus will infect me."

"I wouldn't be so sure, man. This ain't exactly your bog standard cold."

The Ultimate lifeform was quiet at this. Professor Gerald ensured immunity from illness at the time of his creation, part of his experiments to create a cure for Maria.
However, there was never anything like this going around 50 years ago.

Hopefully he wouldn't have to find out.

"My speed has been keeping the infection at bay." Sonic continued in Shadow's silence. "If it happens, you should be fast enough to run it off like me."

"...I understand."

Sonic flashed his rival a soft smile.
"I need to go. Good luck."

With that, the hedgehog turned heel to run. His form exploding into a burst of blue as he tore through the Zombots in his path.

"...Same to you."

Chapter Text

The smoke blanketed the city in a choking black. Hundreds of burning red eyes shone through the smog, like headlights in the mist. The sparks from Omega's weapons occasionally flashing light to the vicinity, as he reigned bullets down onto the Infected.

Rouge stood atop the truck, directing survivors inside through her own spluttering. Shadow watched on with worry. Her eyes watered, blinking as she tried to retain her vision. She covered her mouth with a single hand, coughing against the glove.

If Shadow didn't get Rouge and the survivors out soon, they'd suffocate before Eggman's Army could even reach them.

Through the efforts of Omega and the few Resistance soldiers, the Infected had been kept at bay. Barely.
Some G.U.N support wouldn't have gone unappreciated, but the organisation had been on its knees since Eggman took over.

Guess we'll have to manage this ourselves.

A glint of metal caught Shadow's eye, an Infected attempting to crawl its way over the barrier. It's soulless eyes burning through him, snarling and clawing its way over the barrier like a feral creature.
The hedgehog felt something drop in his stomach. This was all so wrong.
Electric light fizzled into reality, the crackling form of a Chaos Spear bathing him in its green glow.
He sucked in a breath before launching the spear towards the Infected.
A direct hit, the chaos weapon piercing the creature's chest and sinking through its body. The energy dissipated, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

Shadow really hoped they couldn't feel anything.

The attack had staggered the Infected. It fell backwards, its body slamming to earth with an audible thud.

The Ultimate Lifeform could barely believe he was attacking civilians. Normal people. The people he had sworn to protect so many years ago.
But here he was, slashing through Infected as if they were any plain Eggman mech. In many ways, it was easier to pretend that's all they were.

All this, because the damn hedgehog wanted to give the Doctor a second chance. A man who destroyed half the moon in a display of power, tore up the planet to release an ancient god and held Sonic captive for six months while he took over his world. Was that a man capable of redemption? Someone worthy of a second chance, a chance to be happy?

But then sometimes Shadow wondered the same of himself.

The hedgehog was snapped from his thoughts by a familiar hand on his shoulder.

"You're spacing out again." Rouge said softly, but with an heir of severity. "I need you to keep your head in the game."

"Sorry." He replied curtly, unaware he'd even zoned out until she mentioned it. "How are things looking?"

"Honestly?" She coughed. "...Not good. The smoke is only getting worse, and I doubt we'll be able to defend this point for long. Especially while we're missing Sonic."

"...And the survivors?"

"All aboard the truck."

"Right. Then we need to get them out of here."

"Ok. I'll drive the truck, while you and Omega-"

She was interrupted by a piercing screech from above. In a panic, the pair looked up only to see a winged Infected staring down at them, glowing eyes fixated on the pair.
On instinct, Shadow moved to protect his friend. Shielding the bat with his own body.

A wail tore itself from the Infected's throat. Arms outstretched, it dived for them.

A split second decision.

Shadow shoved Rouge to the floor, just out of the Infected's reach. Within a moment, Shadow feels freezing claws sink into his neck and is forced into the side of the truck by his throat. The creature keeps him hanging above the ground by his neck.

Rouge screams his name, he shouts for her to stay down.

It's instant. Cold metallic ooze latches itself onto the fur of his neck, seeping into his skin. It burns through the muscles of his throat, invading his sinews and trickling into his blood.

Guess Sonic was right after all.

He takes the Infected by the wrist, attempting to free his airway from the monster's deepening grasp. All too aware of the virus attaching itself to his hand, gloves doing little to protect his skin.

"Omega!" Rouge calls out. "Shadow needs help!"

"I AM UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE." The Robot replied. "TARGETS ADVANCING TOO RAPIDLY. SUSTAINED FIRE REQUIRED TO PROTECT TRUCK."

Face drained of all colour, Rouge moved to drag the Infected from her friend. Shadow realized this and quickly held up a hand.

"Stop!" He choked out. "Don't touch it!"

"But-"

"I said don't!"

Rouge backs away at this.

The Infected's hollow red eyes are locked with his, twin voids almost staring through the hedgehog.
Shadow clicks the sides of his boots together, the flames of his skates roaring to life. Bending his legs, he kicks out to the Infected. The skates' fire melting holes in the Infected's lower stomach.

Shadow prayed they didn't feel pain.

In its shock, the winged Infected drew its claws from the Ultimate Lifeform's throat. Both falling to the ground. Shadow collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. He watched, panting, as the Infected's wounds began to close. They wouldn't have long.

He needed to get this thing behind the barrier before it could infect anyone else. And, now he was already infected, hopefully keep any more from getting to the remainder of Team Dark and the survivors.
The hedgehog's stomach churned, of course he didn't want to do this. But he had to protect those still alive. Civilians, his friends, his family.

This is Who I Am.

Shadow shot his friend a grave look. She recognised it immediately, her own face scrunching in fury.
"You better not do what I think you're gonna do."

Shadow chuckled, doing his best to ignore the stabbing pain shooting down his chest.
"Am I that easy to read?"

"Only when you're about to do something stupid."

Shadow forced out a laugh, chest heaving. Fuck, he was in agony.

"Rouge…I need you to do me a favour."

The black hedgehog raised his wrist, gazing at a glittering ring. With a click, the inhibitor ring came undone. Both bracelets soon clattering to the floor.

"Hold onto my rings." He said, staring ahead at the Infected slowly rising to its feet. "I'll need them back once all this is over."

"Shadow, you can't-"

"I can turn their attention to me for a while. Let me give you a chance to escape."

The bat's already bloodshot eyes welled with tears. She couldn't do this. She couldn't lose him. Not again.

"Please. Run it off." She begged.

"I'll come find you both." He placated. "I promise I'll come find you."

Static hung in the air, Rouge's fur stood on end with the fizzing energy tangled in the atmosphere.
The black hedgehog's form exploded into light, his body surrounded with a golden halo. Electricity pricking at his skin.

This is what you would have wanted right? I'm giving them a chance to survive.

He offered Rouge a final soft smile, before launching himself towards the winged Infected. She could only watch on, unable to stop him, screaming for him to stay.

Her pleads fell on deaf ears.

The Infected screeched in his grasp, claws piercing the skin of his back. It would have drawn blood if the virus wasn't already seeping into the fresh marks.

Dragging it behind him, Shadow launched himself to the top of the barrier. A metallic sea shuffling below him. He threw his personal infector to the masses, silver climbing down his back and chest.

He'd barely managed to contend with ONE Infected, and he could already feel things…slipping away. Nevermind an ARMY.

He knew he wasn't going to be himself for much longer.

He sucked in a breath. And plunged himself into the shifting tide of Infected.

Chaos energy exploded around him as he landed punch after punch, kick after kick. An Infected threw itself at him, jaw gaping with razor teeth. Shadow clutched the creature by its open maw, slamming its head to the ground. Its teeth piercing through his skin.

Another yanked him back by the shoulders, seeping the ooze through his skin by its clawed grasp. Grunting with pain, muscles alight, the hedgehog sent out a shockwave of energy. The Infected was flung back into its unfeeling comrades.

Hands everywhere. Burning.

One tackled him to the floor, pinning him flat with a hand to the muzzle.
Virus melted into his mouth, silver latching itself to his tongue. He spat. Choked. It slivered down his throat.

His head…fuck. His head.

He clung to thoughts he knew were his own. Grasping for them in the chaos of his own mind. But new thoughts…barely even thoughts. New desire, new primal urges invaded his head.

A blue hedgehog. A bat. A robot. A blonde girl. A promise.

Search. Infect. Spread. Legion.

"I am Shadow The Hedgehog!"

Burning.

"I am the world's Ultimate Lifeform!"

Melding.

"I made a promise to protect the people of this world!"

Seeping.

"To give them a chance…to be happy!"

Bleeding.

"This is…Who I…Am."

Legion.

A new pair of crimson eyes blink through the smog. Headlights in the mist.

Chapter Text

This Infection shit hadn't exactly been a cakewalk to deal with ever since it had latched itself to his skin.

The pain was one thing. An agony seeping through his bones. His blood ran hot with liquid metal, veins on fire every second he was awake.

And he was awake a LOT. Not like he had much of a choice after all. His reliefs from the waking world were brief. They had to be. Sleep too long, and risk the virus completely overtaking him. Not that the pain let him rest long anyway. He was pulled from his most recent slumber by his own spluttering, liquid metal drowning his lungs.

He was exhausted, drained. Dark bags forming below his dull green eyes. Shoulders sagging as his arms hung heavy. He was nowhere near as agile now, his usually measured steps faltering. Hadn't been the first time a recovery run ended with his face in the dirt.
He was more moody now than usual. Snapping and raising his voice in times which didn't call for it, at people who didn't deserve it. Nobody could blame him, but the guilt was just another thing crushing on his chest.

But the worst thing; more than the exhaustion or the pain. Was the betrayal of his own mind.
He could feel it, every fucking second, seething in the recesses of his head. White hot and screaming.

Search. Spread. Infect. Legion.

Base instincts, clutching and pulling at rational thought.

It would be so easy, all it takes is one touch to spread. Seek out others, share your gift. Give into it, become legion.

It begged him, cried for him to stop fighting it. But Sonic kept pushing, kept forcing instinct back down to the corners of his mind.

His mind had been invaded by foreign force before. Dark Gaia twisted his thoughts when his body transformed on the star-speckled nights of the Broken World crisis.
He clung to his own thoughts then, still very much himself inside the hulking navy beast. He would do it again now.

But his friends hadn't been so lucky.

The hedgehog's mad dash came screeching to a halt, pulse racing and sweat dripping onto his muzzle. He paused on a ledge, overlooking the burning city below.
Guilt pulled at his heart, twisting in his stomach.

Charmy, Cheese, Chocola…Who knows how many others around the world…

None of this would have happened if he'd have just let Shadow-

No.

Just because some bozo did the wrong thing doesn't mean he didn't do the right thing. Mr Tinker deserved his second chance.

Sonic sucked in a breath. His infection had recessed to a manageable degree for now, he had left the others to defend the truck long enough. The sooner he got back, the sooner he could protect them.

He was not going to lose another friend today.

A blue streak tore its way through the city. Or whatever was left of it. Sonic weaved and danced through the Zombots littering the streets, blasting through an occasional crowd.

He came to the clearing, coughing against the smoke invading his lungs. The were barriers still intact, just barely. Obviously the Zombots had made their best attempt at getting through. But noticeably, no truck.

It wouldn't take the blue hedgehog long to discover its whereabouts. His ear flicked, the undeniable sound of Omega's gunfire ringing a distance away.
They couldn't have gotten far.

Two hands gripped the steering wheel. Knuckles turning white, claws pricking into her palm.
Each breath was quick as they ripped from her lungs, chest feeling as if it was going to crush in on itself. Heart lodged in the bat's throat.
Tears glossed her vision, spilling onto her muzzle. Eyes smeared black with her destroyed mascara. She pawed at her eyes, soaking her glove. She could barely see the road ahead.

He'd done it again.
Fuck! He'd done it again! He had to go and play the hero, didn't he? He just HAD to save her from that damn Zombot. Just HAD to sacrifice himself to protect the survivors. And where had that got him?

The big bad Ultimate Lifeform, another mindless slave in the Doctor's Army.

Shadow the Hedgehog and his fucking promise. Giving the world a chance to be happy.
But where was his chance? Why was he not allowed to be happy?

…Why did he leave her again.

A tap against the window. Rouge is hurtled from her thoughts.
In her panic, she expects glowing eyes to be staring through the glass. She glances to the passenger side. A brief sigh of relief passing her lips when her gaze meets with green instead.

The blue hedgehog grinned, gesturing for her to wind the window down as he clung to the side of the speeding truck.

With a flick of a button the window winds down. Sonic leans inward, on hand one-liner clearly about to spill.

But then he catches her gaze, sees the glass in her eyes and her damp muzzle. Her full body trembling.

His grin disappears.

"Rouge…what happened?"

A sob tore through her, a lump forming in her throat.

"...Rouge?"

She said nothing. She didn't need to. Her watery gaze dropped to the passenger seat. Sonic followed her solemn look.

There, glinting in the evening light, two rings of shimmering gold.

And Sonic's mind is cast back, to endless space and a world on the precipice. The soft acceptance in his rival's face as the brilliant light faded from his body, leaving black and red fur in its wake. An outstretched hand batted away.
A body falling to Earth.
Golden rings, entrusted to a friend.

He looks to Rouge now. The knowledge that they've been here before hangs heavy between them.

"...What happened?"

"The idiot got infected!" She spat, slamming her hands to the wheel. "Saving me! I told him to run. But he wouldn't listen!"

Sonic was, for once, without words. His heart dropped.

"...He stayed behind. Tried to buy us some time to escape."

The hedgehog grimaced, guilt smacking him in the chest.

He knew damn well that Starline was to blame for this; restoring Tinker's memories and returning Eggman to the villain he truly is inside.
But Shadow was right, none of this would have happened if they hadn't left Tinker to roam free. Or if Metal Sonic hadn't been set free and weaponized again.

Sonic had gave them both a chance, an opportunity to finally do the right thing. To stop the destruction, the madness, the violence. And in giving them both free reign, the world and everyone on it were in danger.

He'd given them the chance to choose, and they chose wrong.
Now, Sonic, his friends and everyone on the planet was paying for it.

Shadow was paying for it.

He'd lost another friend. And it was his fault.

And Shadow couldn't be an ordinary Zombot. Raw chaos flowed through the Ultimate Lifeform's veins, power unmatched. Shadow the Hedgehog was a weapon with a conscience. Now? He was just a weapon. An emotionless, remorseless weapon.

And that made him more dangerous than ever.

Sonic chanced a glance at Rouge, her eyes transfixed to the road ahead despite her tears.
"Rouge. Where is he now?"

Chapter Text

The truck rumbled down the road, hitting nearly every pothole and corner at speed. Sonic hoped the survivors inside were alright, the speed Rouge was travelling at was likely to leave some bruising.

Not that the reckless driving wasn't justified.

A small group of Zombots had been tailing them since they escaped the city, more emerging from the surrounding woodland once they had sensed non-metallic skin. A few had attempted to catch up and attack, mostly winged Zombots which Omega had promptly shot out of the sky from his position atop the truck. Sonic stood with him, trying to keep his balance despite Rouge's driving.

Most Zombots had kept their distance, many physically unable to keep up with the truck.

Most Zombots.
Except for one.

Sonic's stomach twisted when he saw him, shoving his way through the silver crowd. His heart lodged in his throat as two glowing red eyes bore into his soul.

Shadow the Hedgehog, The Ultimate Lifeform. An empty, metallic shell.

His twisted new form glinted in the evening sun. His once black fur, now a crimson metal sheen. Very little of his gloves remained, only tattered cuffs and flimsy fabric left on his hands. From his fingertips protruded a set of wicked claws, far sharper than anything the hedgehog had when flesh and blood. The same went for his teeth. His jaw hung open, revealing a razor sharp maw.

This was all so wrong.

Sonic grimaced, guilt tugging at his soul. Heart pumping through his chest.

The metallic hedgehog scampered to keep up with the truck. His feet hit the floor, instead of gliding across it.

At least his rocket shoes are deactivated. Whatever crazy abilities Gerald had given him still granted him speed beyond that of normal mobians. But they'd be in a hell of a lot more trouble if Shadow was as fast as Sonic.

A thought hit him. Something he hadn't even considered before.

What would happen if he fully turned? If instinct ruled his mind, and liquid metal ran through his veins? If his eyes were empty and his fur reflected the sun's radiance?
Sonic's speed was natural. It was a part of him, unlike Shadow's technology.

And because it was natural, it would remain in his metallic form.

A shiver ran down his spine.
The ground his Zombot form could cover in so little time, the amount of people he could infect.

A Sonic without thought, without freedom, without love.

He couldn't lose himself to the virus. He couldn't be controlled by the person he hated most.

But something in the recesses in his mind seemed…almost happy at the idea. Wanting him to succumb, to become a puppet, to give up his freedom and let the Doctor finally prevail.

He quickly squashed the feeling.

The hedgehog was ripped from his thoughts by the drumming of rapid gunfire next to his ear.

Omega's glare was transfixed to his teammate, unloading ammo directly into the metal hedgehog.
His bullets tore open gaping holes in Shadow's body, ripping apart his metallic skin.

Sonic forced back a scream.

"Omega, stop!" He shouted, tugging on the robot's arm to throw off his aim. "That's Shadow!"

"NEGATIVE." Omega retorted, synthesised voice devoid of emotion. "HE IS AN EGGMAN ROBOT. HE THREATENS THE SAFETY OF YOU, ROUGE AND THE SURVIVORS."

"He's your friend!"

"...AFFIRMATIVE. SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG IS DESIGNATED: ALLY."

Sonic looked to the hedgehog below, stomach dropping at the sight of his friend. Shadow's limbs hung open, a hole ripped through his head.

"Then stop shooting him!"

"NEGATIVE. DATA SUGGESTS THE MECHAHAZARDS CANNOT BE DESTROYED. THEIR BODIES HEAL RAPIDLY. THIS UNIT CAN ONLY SLOW THE MECHAHAZARD: SHADOW DOWN."

Omega's head twisted to face him with a mechanical whir. He looked Sonic in the eye.

"I CAN NOT HURT SHADOW."

Sonic sucked in a breath, his gaze returning to his roboticized friend.

Shadow's wounds were already threading themselves together at an exponential rate. The Ultimate Lifeform healing far quicker than the rest of Eggman's metal legion.

The Zombots felt nothing, right?
They couldn't hurt them if they tried.
No pain, no emotion.

All of Shadow's trauma, the memories of all he'd endured, his entire life. Gone in an instant.

And in a way…it was so beautiful.

Sonic had been in pain too, no matter how much he refused to admit it to his friends.

The lives lost when Station Square flooded.
His failure to save Shadow from falling to Earth.
Chip's sacrifice, for a world he'd only just started to know.
His inability to save Tails from the Deadly Six, resulting in his roboticization.
Six months in a cell, while the world fell to the Eggman Empire
Charmy, Cheese, Chocola, Shadow.

It would be so easy to give in. To let it consume him, body and mind. It would be so beautiful, an eternity of mindless existence.

No suffering, no guilt, no more mistakes.
To give up your worthless freedom, to submit to the flawless creation of a genius.

You could become…perfect.

A dint in the road.

Sonic is thrown from the truck, face landing in the dirt.
His senses return, Rouge's voice shouting his name.

Vision cloudy, he grimaces, pushing his face from the road. He looks up, red eyes baring down at him.

A grip on his quills, dragging him up. Pain ripping through his head, his feet unable to touch the ground.

Shadow snarls, bearing his teeth.
Claws outstretched, he holds his free hand back to strike.

The metal hedgehog swipes at Sonic, his claws piercing his chest as he rips through his skin.

Reality slams into him.

Sonic screams.
Scarlet oozes from the cut, dripping down his body. Shadow's new claws drip with the same dark red.

Sonic kicks at him, just able to worm out of his grasp.

He holds his hand to his chest, biting his cheek with the sting. He brings his hand to his face, gasping at the soaking white glove dyed red.

Shadow swipes for him again. Sonic is too quick for him, dodging his attack but slamming into another Zombot. Metal latches to his back quills.

He pulls himself away from it, just in time for Shadow to lunge at him. The blue hedgehog holds a punch, expecting it to make contact with his rival's chest. He squeezes his eyes shut.

It makes contact for a second, but something feels wrong.
His hand touches nothing, but something cold envelops his wrist.

He opens his eyes.

To his horror, his arm reaches through Shadow's body. His hand protrudes through the metal hedgehog's back quills.

He'd wounded him. But he'd healed around his own arm.

Bile burned the back of Sonic's throat. He desperately tried not to retch at the sight. At the feeling of cold, solid metal trapping his wrist inside his friend.

He took a deep breath. Staring into Shadow's open maw, inches away from his face.

He pulled his arm back.

But he is too gentle.

He grimaces.

With a rough tug, he yanks his limb from Shadow's metal body. Leaving a hole in its wake. It closes seconds later.

Metal climbs up Sonic's arm.

Hands everywhere.

Zombots grip onto the hedgehog's shoulder, holding him in place.

Shadow's hand snakes around his neck, clutching at his windpipe.

Let them change you. Please let them change you.

Sonic speaks, barely a whisper as Shadow's grip grows harder.

"Shadow, this is my fault. I did this. To everyone."

You deserve this.

"I'm so sorry."

Search. Infect. Spread. Legi-

A familiar voice rings out.

"Sonic!"

The surrounding zombots are illuminated by a cyan aura. Sonic's throat is released from the metal hedgehog's grasp. He chokes out a breath. He gazes up with glassy eyes as the Zombots are thrown into the air.

White fur and the whirring of twin tails.

Silver and Tails hover above, their eyes filled with horror.

Tails looks to Sonic, gasping at the blood seeping from his chest.

"I've…I've cleared you a path." Silver forces out, voice trembling. "You need to run."

Sonic offers the pair a shaky smile, before blasting off with an explosion of blue energy.

Shadow's empty stare burned into his mind.

Chapter Text

The evening sky danced with colour, brilliant gold and glistening silver weave and battle through the pink and purple clouds. Liquid metal is pulled from the earth. It melts from the trees and grass. Once metallic flowers sway gently in the summer breeze, their radiant colour and soft petals restored.

A pair of lidded eyes gazed upwards, at a sky exploding into brilliant fire. The virus clung to its host, screaming as instinct faded. It needed life, needed form. It didn't want to die.
But the Doctor's twisted creation was nothing compared to the power of the Chaos Emeralds.
Metal was ripped from his cells, pulled from his veins and seeped through his skin. The burning faded, the cool breeze danced across his skin.

…He could feel again?

The black hedgehog raised a hand to his face. He could feel everything. The fabric of his glove against his paws, the soft grass cushioning his back, the warmth of the sun against his fur.
But something was missing. A cool pressure against his wrists.

And reality hit him, his lazy eyes widening.

My rings…Where are my-

Electricity shoots up his spine, static pricks at his skin. His veins burn. Not with liquid metal, but with raw chaos energy.

Shadow sits bolt upright, a wave of power ripping at his core. He lets out a shout and grips at the grass beneath his hands. His body is alright. Fangs bite the inside of his cheek. Fuck, it feels like he's going to explode.
He barely registers the presence kneeling to his side. Her panicked shout of his name is distant, he hardly hears it over the crackling against his eardrums.

But then it stops. Red eyes snap to glassy teal. Cold metal clasps around his wrists, a linen glove ghosts the fur of his arm.
Panic flashes through his mind.

"No! Don't touch me! I'm-"

It dawns on him. No fire in his veins, no metal latched to his body. The words playing on his mind like one of Maria's records becoming stuck. Search, infect, spread, legion. Gone.
His mind was his own again.

The virus…was gone.

"It's ok." The soft voice beside him spoke. "It's over."

"...Rouge?"

The bat flashed him a watery smile, her glassy eyes welling up with tears.
She threw herself to him, enveloping the hedgehog in a warm embrace.

In any other situation, Shadow would have weasled his way from his friend's grasp. Touch like this was overstimulating.

But he'd felt nothing in so long. His body, like his mind, had been so empty and cold. And now everything was so real again, his body yearned for something to just feel.
And so Shadow the Hedgehog, The Ultimate Lifeform, found himself pulling his friend into him. Holding on as if she'd slip away.

"I thought…" Rouge began, struggling to speak past the lump in her throat. "I thought I'd lost you again."

Shadow pulled her up by the shoulders, his grasp tight against her. He looked into her face, her makeup running onto her muzzle.
"You didn't." He said. "I'm here."

Shadow stiffened.
"...But how am I here?"

Rouge said nothing. Tearing her gaze away from him to the fiery sky above.
Shadow followed her gaze, soon becoming transfixed by the twin golden figures above. A sight he knew all too well, his mind casting back to the glowing forms against twinkling stars.

"...Silver and Sonic?"

Rouge nodded, a broken smile creeping across her muzzle.
"I can't believe it actually worked. They actually did it."

Shadow stared to the heavens, Silver's cyan aura continued to pull at the metal still clinging to earth. Sonic's arm was outstretched to some kind of portal, a glimmering light in his hand.
Even at this distance Shadow could tell they were struggling. He knew these Super Forms well from experience. Knew with this energy output the forms were not sustainable.
He knew they didn't have much time left.

"Rouge…" He gritted out, dragging himself to his feet. "I need to get up there. They need my help."

He stumbled, falling into Rouge's side as she struggled to keep him standing.
"Absolutely not!" She scolded, her voice raising in pitch. "You've depleted all your energy, you need time to recover-"

"No! I can do this!"

"You can barely stand!"

He gritted his teeth.
"I don't care."

"But I do Shadow!" She spat, tightening her grasp around his waist. "Please! I just got you back. I will not let you risk yourself again!"

Shadow moved to pull away, but her grip was steadfast and he was so tired.
"This is my purpose. I have to help. I have to protect them. I made a promise."

"Shadow!" Rouge cried. "You are more than just your promise!"

Shadow's eyes widened, his jaw dropping. He tried to force out a reply, but a boom from above tore their sights to the sky.
The horizon exploded into a wave of turquoise, chaos energy rippling through the air. The portal snapped shut.
A lone figure plummeted to earth, gold trailing behind the silver hedgehog as he fell.

Sheer exhaustion pulling him into unconsciousness, Shadow collapsed into Rouge's arms.

Chapter Text

The chill of night seeped into her bones, a shiver dancing up Rouge's spine.
The sun had dropped a few hours ago, like Shadow into her arms and Silver plummeting from above.
Disappearing from the sky. As Sonic had.

The Restoration's search for the blue hedgehog had trickled into the dead of night, the silent lull of twilight occasionally shattered by shouts of his name.

Shadow, despite the weeks spent trapped as a metallic monstrosity, had taken off after Metal Sonic as soon as he was able to walk. Disappearing after the machine into the night.
Still fulfilling the damn promise, even to his own detriment.

Which had been the last time she'd seen him, no trace of the Ultimate Lifeform in the days following. The same went for Omega, who'd been missing since that night.
Her communicator was even quieter than usual, no buzz against her wrist signalling a message despite the many attempts at calls from her end.

She'd just gotten her team back, only for them to be separated once again.

The days following their salvation had melted together. From person to person, the air hung heavy with the knowledge of events.
The streets were destroyed, millions without homes, buildings crumbling. The destruction after Eggman's Empire had taken over had been bad enough. But this?

A sliver of hope sparked in the gaze of a young hedgehog, despite the dark bags beneath her eyes. Amy had taken Rouge by the hand, slipping something into her grasp.

A little pink letter, sealed with rose shaped wax. She flashed her a tired smile as Rouge broke the seal, unfolding the letter to reveal red calligraphy.

Team Dark,

For your invaluable contributions during the events of the passing weeks; you are formally invited to a party in Spiral Hill this Saturday to celebrate the Restoration's victory.

Much Love,
Amy Rose

P.S No firearms
P.P.S That means you Shadow and Omega

Rouge flashed her a smile, promising her presence. Agreeing to pass the message on to her teammates if she ran into them.

Her smile faltered.
Wherever they were.

She'd been on Angel Island when it finally happened. Lounged across the Master Emerald, bathed in the warm afternoon sun.

The bat had needed some time away from the world below, and what better place than an island floating high above the earth (with a glittering emerald to boot.) Knuckles had protested at first, accusing her of plotting to steal his precious gem, but obviously appreciated an offer of company (as long as the Master Emerald stayed put.)

A buzz against her wrist.
She sat bolt upright, nearly dropping her sunglasses and scaring the life out of the Echidna sitting on the shrine below.

Eyes widening, she clicked the switch of the communicator. Watching as the holographic screen sprang to life.

Rouge The Bat
Monday 9:45pm
Hey handsome, where did you run off to? 💕
Seen Just Now

Rouge The Bat
Tuesday 8:51am
Hey, can you call me when you get the chance?
Seen Just Now

Rouge The Bat
Thursday 7:35am
Shadow it's been days. Can you please call me?
Seen Just Now

Rouge The Bat
Thursday 12:48pm
Shadow?
Seen Just Now

Rouge The Bat
Friday 3:23am
This isn't the time for the silent treatment.
Seen Just Now

Rouge The Bat
Friday 4:01am
Please.
Seen Just Now

Rouge The Bat
Friday 4:16am
Can you just let me know you're OK?
Seen Just Now

Shadow The Hedgehog
Just Now
I'm OK.

Eyebrow raised, Knuckles watched on as the bat quickly began to type.

Rouge The Bat
Just Now
Where the hell have you been??
Seen Just Now

Shadow The Hedgehog
Just Now
Needed time. Meet me?

Rouge The Bat
Just Now
Where?
Seen Just Now

Shadow The Hedgehog
Just Now
Forest Hill. This evening.

Black ears flicked to the sound of the gentle beating of wings and shoes pressing into the grass. Quills shifting in the breeze, Shadow gazed out over the rolling hills. Watching on in silence as the orange sun slowly sank below the horizon, its rays peeking between the distant mountains.
A sigh slipped past his lips.

Rouge let out a huff of her own.
"Where have you been?" She asked, hands forming at her hips. "I was getting worried."

Silence.
The black hedgehog crossed his arms.

The bat pinched her brow.
"If you can't talk about it, I'll leave it be-"

"I was searching." He said simply, his stare still affixed to the distant horizon.

"Searching?" She repeated. "Searching for what?"

He lowered his head.
"Omega…and Sonic."

Rouge paused, her glare softening.
Behind all the brooding, the ego, the sullen silences. Shadow The Hedgehog was just a person who cared. Rouge knew this better than most, in the fleeting moments his true self bled through the cracks of this wall he'd built around himself. She supposed this was another one of these moments.

"I can't find them." He said, sucking in a breath.

He turned to her, wearing an expression Rouge couldn't place.

She held in a gasp at the state of her friend before her.
His fur was unkempt, sticking up in places and spotted with mud. His gloves were tattered, the material barely clinging to his hands. The cuffs were torn in places and were missing fingers. As if he hadn't changed them since his transformation. Dark bags hung heavy beneath his eyes, his pupils dull.

"I've been searching for days and just. Nothing. As if they've disappeared from the face of the Earth."

Rouge averted his stare for a moment.
She understood his concern, and worried for her friends as well. But she saw the neglect, the panic in his eyes. Him searching without rest wasn't going to do anyone any favors, especially not him.

"I'm sure…" She began, honestly unsure herself. "I'm sure Omega will get in contact soon. After all, it's not like the big guy to stay quiet for long."

He let out a small chuckle at that. At least that's what Rouge thought his soft huff was.

"As for Sonic? He's known for this, not the first time he's ran off. He probably just needs time to himself after all…this."

"...Maybe."

The air hung heavy between them.

Him worrying about Omega? Rouge understood. The robot had been one of his first friends besides herself after all.
But Sonic? The person he'd fought over and over, and claimed to hate so deeply. Why did he fear for his safety?
Unless he didn't hate the hedgehog quite so deeply after all.

"Why Sonic?" She chanced to ask, snapping Shadow from his own thoughts.

"...What do you mean?"

"Why are you so worried about him?"

The black hedgehog paused. He shut his eyes before letting out a sigh.
"I owe him." He spoke, forcing the words from his mouth. "Now he's gone."

"Owe him?" She questioned. "Owe him for what?"

"For protecting you."

He uncrowded his arms, raising a hand. His gaze turned to the tattered glove, watching as his claws pressed against his palm.

"...From me."

Rouge took a step closer, offering a gentle hand to his shoulder. One he didn't shy away from.
"You did all you could to protect us, Shadow. And, even if I wished you hadn't, you saved me from the Infected that attacked me."

Shadow didn't respond.

"Everything's going to be okay now. We're both safe. We'll find Omega, and we'll find Sonic-"

"I hurt him." He choked, the words burning like venom on his tongue.

Rouge raised a brow in surprise.
"What do you mean?"

"Sonic." He spat. "I can…remember pieces. We fought, my mind wasn't my own."

She felt his body stiffen below her hand.

"I wounded him." He said, watching as claws dug into his skin. I clawed open his chest."

She swallowed.
Sonic's injuries from that day had been evident to everyone, the blood mangled fur, the bruise around his neck and the oozing rip across his chest.
She couldn't have been sure of the culprit, desperately making an escape in the truck at the time. She had hoped another Infected had gotten lucky. But she should have known better.
And he could remember it, the pain inflicted. Not just to Sonic, or Knuckles on Angel Island but potentially the innocents just trying to escape infection. Those who didn't stand a chance against the Ultimate Lifeform.
The people he'd promised to protect.

"...It wasn't your fault." She said, slipping her hand into his; stopping the dig of his claws.

"I know." He replied, meeting her eyes. "Doesn't change the fact it happened."

"I…understand."

Shadow sucked in a breath, pulling his hand away from hers.
"I have to find them. I've caused enough trouble. I still have a promise to fulfil, to protect the people of this world. Including Omega and Sonic."

Rouge flashed him a gentle smile.
She should have known he'd never change. A promise to the world, sealed in the stars. The risks he'd taken, the sacrifices he'd made. All for the little girl who could never see Earth from the ground.
How could he refuse?
At the very least, if he would never truly stop putting himself in harm's way, he didn't need to bear the burden by himself.

"Alone?" She asked softly.

Shadow shrugged.

"Y'know, Shadow." She began, broaching the proposition. "We'll find them a lot quicker if we look for them together. Or hell, let the Restoration help. I'm sure they want to find them too."

He looked at her with tired eyes.
"I would…" He said quietly. "Appreciate the help."

"You need only ask." She said, placing a gentle hand on his arm. Her voice turned stern. "But not until you get some sleep and fix yourself up a bit. You look like shit."

He chuckled.
"Yes…I suppose I do."

"Promise me you'll take better care of yourself."

Shadow sighed, on the verge of rolling his eyes.

"Promise me." The bat repeated, eyes narrowing.

"...I promise."

"Great!" She said, her face lighting up. "Oh, and before I forget…"

Shadow watched in confusion as a pink envelope was pressed into his hand.

"Rose invited us to a little get together tomorrow night, something about celebrating the world not ending."

He raised a brow.

"I know it's not really your thing."

"...Are you sure they want me there?" He asked, doubt clear in his tone. "I've not exactly been a help in all this."

"I wouldn't have escaped alongside the refugees if it wasn't for you." She smiled. "Besides, it's addressed to Team Dark, silly. Aren't you part of the team?"

He stared down at the letter, pretty pink paper slightly crinkling in his hand.

If nothing else, he could ask around. Get some clues to Sonic and Omega's possible whereabouts.

"...I'll think about it."

Chapter Text

Well, the party had been a disaster.

Loud people and music and dancing wasn’t exactly his idea of a good time anyway. There had been party poppers too, but they’d been placed unused on a table ever since Shadow had arrived for some reason.
Rouge however, seemed to be enjoying herself, flitting around from person to person. The black hedgehog watching on as she chatted and laughed from his position leaning against a wall. Crowds had never been his thing, especially after he’d spent time shuffling around with the Infected masses.

The intention had been to find intel on Sonic’s and Omega’s location, hopefully finding a lead from one of the blue hedgehog’s allies. But in actuality, he had been sticking to the sidelines ever since he had arrived. Occasionally engaging in small talk with the few people who had approached him first. Namely Amy, Tails, Espio, Cream and Rouge. (The wolf girl had been avoiding him like the plague however.)

The bat was on her third visit to his little corner of the town square, offering the hedgehog a drink and something to eat. Which he had accepted from her with a small smile. Just listening to her as she gossiped. Talking about whatever nonsense their allies had spilled.

It was nice. Familiar.
Like things were finally going back to normal.

As normal as things could feel while his friends were still missing.

Rouge sighed happily, having finished her one sided conversation. They watched the party proceed in comfortable silence, just happy to be in each others presence again. The bat swaying in time to the music blasting throughout the square as Shadow took a sip from his drink.

Which was when the earth beneath their feet began to shake, Rouge steadying herself on Shadow’s arm. The pair shared a look, turning their attention upwards. To something forcing its way through the buildings.

A mechanical hand ripped its way through the rubble, quickly followed by the rest of the hulking mech. A familiar voice ringing out through the speakers.

“Tremble in fear, fools! I am Doctor Eggman! Greatest of party crashers in the fiercest of party crushers!”

The agents watched as the mech’s capsule slid open, the Doctor stepping out and resting a foot on the controls of his creation. Shadow biting back a scowl as the man threw his head back in maniacal laughter.

“I must simply thank you for gathering together in one place! It makes destroying you all so much easier.”

Oh, he was so fucking dead.

He felt Rouge freeze beside him and followed her eyeline to the chassis of the machine.
There, hardwired into the mech, was E123 Omega.

Rouge outstretched her wings, turning to Shadow with a stern expression.

“You help folks down here, I’ll go get our friend.”

The hedgehog nodded, turning tail to gather with the small forming crowd of Resistance members.

With a beat of her wings she rocketed herself upwards, closely followed by Sonic's younger brother.

She noted the boy's expression as they soared towards the chassis, dodging and weaving between gunfire. Determination narrowed his features, made a change from the spaced out stares the kid had been giving all evening.

In some ways, she pitied him. He'd already lost Sonic once, during the war. And now his brother had disappeared once again.

He missed him.

Rouge could say she had never felt the same about someone she cared about. That she'd never been affected by a loss such as that. That she'd never been afraid he was gone forever.

She could say that.
But she'd be lying.

The pair made a beeline for Omega, narrowly avoiding his artillery. Rouge gritting her teeth as her friends' glowing eyes locked onto her. He raised an arm to her, barrels whirring around his wrist.

The whirring grew faster. She let out a gasp.
But the shot never came.

She watched as Tails grasped onto Omega’s arm, knocking him from his line of fire. Sending miniature rockets screaming into a nearby building, debris hurtling to the ground.

Rouge saw her chance while he was distracted. The robot attempting to throw the young fox off, who was now gripping the machine for dear life.
She shifted to Omega’s back, prying her hands between him and the mech. She tried pulling her friend from the chassis, but it was no use. Omega appeared to be hardwired into the Doctor’s creation.

And worse still, Eggman himself seemed to have caught wind of their plan.

The bat caught his eye as the capsule seating him slid open once again, a wicked grin stretching across his features as he brought something to his body.
Her eyes opened wide as he took aim.

Tails let out a startled cry as she dragged him out of Eggman’s path. Moments later, a streak of light tore its way through the air, casting the surrounding buildings in a dark blue hue. The beam ripped its way through a building, leaving a hole in its wake.

The shockwave alone sent them hurtling towards the ground.

Shadow tore his sights upwards, as a familiar scream ripped his attention from his so far fruitess assault on the hulking mech.

Tails seemed to have regained his bearings and was upright and flying again.

Rouge wasn’t so lucky.

His gaze narrowed, flames licking against the sides of his air shoes. He was gone in a shot, weaving between resistance members and gunfire in a streak of black and red as he tore his way through the plaza.

He watched as she plummeted towards concrete at speed, opening his arms as he slid beneath her.

She collapsed into him, the hedgehog gritting his teeth as she fell into his arms at force. Moving his hand to protect her head lest it smash against the ground.

He rolled her over in his arms, briefly checking for signs of injury. But his gaze quickly tore to the machine standing over them. Dwarfing them as it casted their forms into shadow.

He grimaced, staring upwards as the Doctor retched up his maniacal laughter, training all the mech’s weapons on the pair below.

The weapons began to whir, and Shadow found himself pulling her tighter towards him.

The heavens tore themselves open as something seemed to fall from the skies, burning like the stars it surpassed. It tore its way through the clouds, racing towards earth like a meteorite. Screaming like a firework, landing in the plaza with an explosion of colour and flame. Positioned right between the mech and its targets.

Bullets met with flame, melting in a fiery haze as the Doctor screamed bloody murder to the figure who shifted amongst the fiery aura.

Wide red eyes met with green, a familiar grin stretching across the figure's muzzle.

There, stepping forward from the flame, was Sonic The Hedgehog.

Chapter Text

It worked.

The faces around him were warm and real, albeit a bit surprised. But not a trace of the cold silver sheen he had become so used to over time.

Shadow watched on in silence, jaw hung agape as Sonic stepped from the flaming aura. Nonchalantly dusting cinders from his fur as Tails updated him on the situation.

Without so much as a word he sped across the body of the mech. Eggman screamed his usual curses, it was already apparent that this wasn’t going to be the victory he hoped it would be.

Sonic glared at him amidst his tantrum, the memories of these past weeks were returning to him. Blaze had opened the floodgates, and he was trying not to drown.

Later.

In a flash of blue the machine is pulled apart as he rips metal from its hinges and wires from the mechanics. His attention turns to Omega. He finds a nook in his shoddy installation into the larger mech.

He presses his back to the cool metal of the hulking machine, and forces down the memories which pop up with the sensation. This wasn’t the time.

Angling his feet behind Omega’s back, he pushes the badnik forward. Wiring and hold plating easily ripping away with the force.

As soon as Omega hit the ground, the rest of his team were on him. Rouge carefully propping him up as he set his sights back towards the now panicking Doctor.

Shadow stood by him, preparing for whatever Eggman would try next.

He wouldn’t even look at Sonic.

Sonic leaped from the chassis of the mech, narrowly avoiding Omega’s torrential bullet rain.

It didn’t last long, the robot collapsing onto his back with an almost frustrated “AMMO DEPLETED”

“It’s all good man. You did your part.” He half laughed.

“DO NOT PATRONISE ME.”

Rouge sighed, propping up her teammate once more before offering Shadow a good humoured eye roll.

Shadow couldn’t find the comedy in the situation.

The usual threats and piss-takes between Sonic and the Doctor faded into the background. His attention instead transfixed on Sonic.

On the scars nestled into his fur.

He watched as the Doctor attempted his cowardly retreat, Sonic squaring up to him in his usual brash manner.

“Still sore about that whole ‘getting infected and nearly becoming a mindless machine’ thing, eh?”

“That’s part of the list, yes.”

There was a bite to Sonic’s retort, a venom in his tone reserved for a certain few.

Shadow should know, he’d taken that tone with him in the past.

“My next sinister plot will be unbeatable!” The Doctor spat, turning tail to leave. “Until next time, you wretched hedgehog.”

“Until next time Doc.” He said, and his tone dropped into something akin to discontent. “And the time after that, and the one after that.”

“Maybe you’ll eventually come around.”

“You still believe that don’t you?”

The sun had set behind the still partially destroyed buildings, the last few strands of orange and pink drowning in bluer tones.

The rest of the evening had been spent cleaning up Eggman’s mess yet again. Putting out fires, disassembling the mech and sweeping away shattered glass.

Sonic was so ready to go. To run as far away from all this as possible. To new adventures.

He’d come up to the rooftops to reflect, an attempt to put things right in his head. And to feel the cool breeze of a summer evening on his skin, listen to the leaves rustle, and finally breathe a sigh of relief.

He hadn’t felt like himself in weeks now, living in bodies and minds that weren’t his own. It finally felt like he was coming home.

He turned to see the figure behind him, the last and only person who he wanted to see right now.

“Believe what?”

“That the Doctor is capable of change.”

Sonic shrugged, turning his sights back to the darkening horizon.
“I have to believe that.”

Shadow sighed.
“Chances are worth nothing when one will not take them. I don’t understand why you refuse to see that.”

“Because I know people are capable of change. I’ve seen it. Knuckles, Blaze, Silver-”

He whipped around to catch his eye.
“Even you Shadow. You changed.”

Shadow grimaced as Sonic swung around to face him directly. Claw marks unobscured.

“...Maybe not as much as you think.”

Sonic raised a brow and followed his eyeline. He brought his hand up to his chest, felt the marks and bumps through his gloves.

Oh.

Sonic swallowed, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck. The bruises still fading around his throat.

“This?” Sonic said, forcing out a brief laugh. “Shadow this is nothing.”

“It’s not nothing.”

“It didn’t even hurt.”

He cringed, recoiling in on himself in a way Sonic had never seen before.

“Yes…it did.”

He began to wring his hands, pulling at the cuffs of his gloves.

“I remember.”

Oh. Oh shit.
If he remembered that then he remembered…everything he did.

No, not what he did. What Eggman forced him to do.

“I want to apologise.” He continued.

“You absolutely do not need to that-”

“And…to thank you.”

Sonic raised a brow. Things must've been really dire for Shadow The Hedgehog to want to thank him for anything.
“Thank me? For what?”

Shadow averted his curious stare, instead fixing his glare to his limiters as he twirled one around his wrist. Whatever he wanted to say to him, it didn’t want to come easy.

“For protecting Rouge.”

Sonic could hear it in his tone, and the way his words trailed before he seemed to quickly stop himself. But the ‘from me’ went unspoken.
He smiled gently, more as a comfort than anything else.

“You’re welcome.”

You’d do the same for me.

He nudged his head and patted the space next to him.
Shadow sucked in a breath but relinquished, joining him on the edge.

“The Doctor is never going to change, Sonic.” He finally spoke, dangling his legs over the roof alongside him. “I know you want to do what you believe is right but…”

He paused, thinking over his words.

“How many times is he going to hurt people before you can see that?” He grimaced. “How many times is he going to hurt you?”

Tumbling through space with one glittering hope of survival.
Body twisting beyond himself as the world below shattered.
Six months alone.

"I need to protect every life. Including yours."

The pinks and oranges of evening disappear into the dark.

And Sonic remains silent.

“A day is going to come where Eggman finally crosses the line. It may be sooner than you think.”

Shadow screws his eyes shut and lets out a breath.

“When that day does come, stand with me. Or at the very least, do not get in my way.”

“Let's hope that day never comes.”

There’s rain in the air, soft and cool, and Sonic smiles despite himself. Throwing his head back as the tiny droplets splash against his skin and seeps into his fur.

Shadow doubts he’ll ever understand him, how could someone be so trusting, so sure of himself, so forgiving? So willing to give so many chances to those who surely did not deserve them?

Although he supposed, without that, he would have never found this life.

The skies opened, the rain hammering down. Sonic laughs like a madman, throwing his arms out and letting it drench every inch of him.
It splashes across Shadow’s skin, cooling him against the humidity of these summer nights.

Despite everything, they could both agree on something.

It was good to feel again.

It was good to be alive.