Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“New Mail” is what the notification of the computer says, after opening the mailbox the message only says “congratulations” with a video attached to it, with a simple click it starts reproducing.

A ball man in a lab coat was standing in the middle of what appears to be a digital blue place with Numbers flying around him, he was standing backwards but then he turn around holding his right hand upwards as he does revealing that a pair of tiny black circular glasses that totally covers his eyes and a very long white mustache.< — ¡Hello! my dear friend I came to announce that you just got a ¡promotion!— the word “promotion” appear hover is head while he points with his finger—You have excel all expectations on your area of work that you will be transfer for your current workplace to the Space Colony Ark— The screen was then replace with the image of the space station for some seconds before returning to the ball man— But before all that let me present myself I am professor Gerald Robotnik head scientist and founder of the Ark, you may know my name for being one of the greatest scientist in JcJensons or maybe you know me for my archaeological discoveries… or maybe… just maybe you now me as the guy who make JcJensons pens so resistant— he holds a pen with his hand, even with the glasses on it was obvious that he was a little ashamed of that last thing.

After that e throws the pen away and resumes his speech— But enough about me let's get to important part and the reason why this video was send in the first place, in the Ark there a specific set rules of conduct that are unique to this place aside the obvious thing like not harass coworkers or no bring a bomb aboard, this rules were going to be presented in detail when you come but I goanna say the most basic ones so you can have a little heads up— if lift is left hand making a sky blue screen that had write “The Basics” appear by his side— first if you are working in the Ark as scientist please present to me any project that you may have in mine so then later I can presented to our investors so we can decide if it will approved or not, second if you are part of maintenance group you must report always whatever you find ether negative or positive in rather the systems of the Ark or in our Worker Drones witch bring me to the next rule— he proceed to extend his arms to the sides as a bunch of holograms of Worker Drones appear behind him— Yes we do have plenty of Worker Drones ready to help you in your job but remember is “your job” so nothing of sitting in chair while the Workers to all the work as you then take the credit ¡no sir!, if you are going work in the Ark you also have to you now? ¡Work! —.

He was getting more angry the more he talk but then he decide to pause, breath, and then continue— Sorry for that just… remember that the point of our Worker Drones is to help you not to do everything for you they are your helpers no your slaves even if some people think they are— that last part was pretty hard to hear— !Oh¡ and also the Workers are program to report any suspicious or indecent activity directly to me so you must behave or you will face the respective consequences… and also one last thing— the Worker Drones holograms disappear as he put his hands on his back lowering his head a little while the background gets a little more darker— If any Worker Drone is deactivated without a good reason there's goanna be very ¡serious! consequences for those who do it— the video glitch for a second— reasons that are considered invalid are: avoid that the Worker report certain conduct, consider the Worker annoying, boredom, fun or just because sake of it… those are just a few so be careful of what are you doing because believe me I will find ¡out!— the video starts wildly glitching out for a few seconds.

Before someone starts thinking that the computer was starting to fail the video stop glitching and Gerald raises his head— But considering how are most our new recruits I hope nothing of this never happen so…— he extend both of his arms in the while smiling— I welcome you to Ark a place that I hope soon become your— he lower his arms and put his right and on his chest— and that the crew inside become your family… oh and I also hope that you have got a good memory or you have been taking notes because we have received reports of errors in the videos like glitches or the suddenly dele— the video suddenly closes.

Opening again the message and the video are no longer there.

Chapter Text

— The Space Colony Ark is space station orbiting over at 248.548 miles from Earth surface, the colony is divided in two parts the first one being a hemisphere where all scientists both live and make their projects the second part just below the first ,is tower in the form of a very slim inverted pyramid with three rings surrounding it, here lies the Core of The Ark a special energy source that no only powers the previously mentioned part but also give energy to the anti-gravity rings that help kept the Colony in orbit and not fall in to the Earth. The Colony was created over 20 years ago by doctor Gerald Robotnik with the money being provided by JcJenson IN SPAAAAACEEE!!!! I hate say the full name The idea of the colony was to allow the scientists to do more risky project without threatening the safety of the planet in case a accident happens, but in the Colony there's no risk to great if the end result is to improve humanity life or in the case of JcJ if it means money for them So in conclusion the Space Colony Ark is not only fascinating piece of machinery orbiting the Earth but also a testament of how humanity always wants to best themselves. And with that i conclude my presentation thank you— applause is heard seconds later.

— I must say that it was a very solid presentation Shadow. I just have one question? — The teacher took his eyes off the computer and directed towards the peculiar drone.

— Yes Mr. Williams, what is the question? —

— Can you tell me why? — he turns the computer screen so the drone could see it— Your presentation is world by world a copy of the JcJ wiki about the Ark just with different order and replacing the name “Ark” for “Colony”? —

— I mmm… well… c-could just m-maybe be that the guy who wrote the article and I have a very similar way of expressing things— He has a nervous look in his digital eyes.

The only person in the room besides these two and the same one that was applauding after the presentation ended was a blonde human girl, who only needed to hear that to put her hands in the face.

— Oooh… Shadow—.

———————————————————

The drone exited the classroom he was wearing a black leather jacket with red strives in the sleeves and white triangle on the chest, the orange eyes of his visor only reflecting anger as he saw the paper in his hand.

— A damn F that presentation deserves at least a B- I add a lot to the thing aside from coping—.

—¡Shadow! — the blonde girl that was wearing a blue dress was just behind him— I know you are mad but could you please control your language… also you work still counts as a copy even if you change some things—

— Sorry is just… I ¡hate! This classes why the Professor put all that I have to know in a drive and then simple downloaded in to my head— he begins to walk the metal corridor with the girl by his side— And also what's the point of making a presentation about the Ark— he extends both of his arms to his while looking at the girl— ¡We live in the Ark! —

— Shadow grandpa already told you if we put the information directly into you is just going to be a carpet into your hub not making you really learn anything and is so much information to try to put into your memory without any long-term damage so this is the best way to learn. And also, this helps you to learn responsibility which you really need. I mean Mr. Williams gave us this homework last week—.

— Yeah, I get it— he begins to look to the floor— I just get frustrated over this. I mean you can do it so perfectly in everything. Meanwhile I fail everything— he stops walking while looking at the floor.

— Shadow not say that— she also stops and looks at him— I also messed up in some assignatures like any physical test when it comes to that you always beat me in that—.

— Yeah, but that's because you are sick and ¡I am made of metal! — he hits his chest with his arm making a metallic sound.

After doing this he looks at his and then at his chest, his eyes reflect a great sadness as he proceeds to pull down the zipper stopping half way of his jacket just enough for him to see the symbol in his chest that instead of being like every worker drone symbol this one was a red spiral with spikes coming out of him. This symbol was always a reminder of what he is and what he is supposed to do, he is no ordinary drone he is The Project Shadow, the Ultimate creation of the Ark, the answer to the mysteries of the universe, the cure for all diseases… the cure for Maria. And yet until now he has been nothing but.

— A failure— he keeps looking at the symbol— nothing but a failure, an experiment that has not been able to make the one thing it was created for—.

— Shadow please— she took his hand and put it between both of hers— Not say that about yourself you are not a failure you just need a little more time—.

— Maria, it has been 5 years since my activation and the only thing relatively impressive thing I have now is an above average strength and speed for a drone without upgrades—

— But that is still something— she looks at him directly in to his eyes— I know you are going to be able to do amazing things that no one will think possible, I know that you will break any expectation even grandpa expectation— he can only look at her with is mouth open— Even if it takes 1.000 years, I know you will make it—.

— That is very nice of you to say Maria but we both know you do not have 1.000 years—.

— You know I was only exagge— She starts wobble a little bit but Shadow helps her stand up— Uf… I hate when this happens—.

— I hate it too but this prof my point that until now I have not being able to heal you— he move her to the metal wall and both of them sit in the floor with their backs at the wall— And aside of your illness there also those idiots of JcJ I hear the professor talking with someone about them planning to no longer funding the project over the fact of my little progress— he hit his and on the wall out of anger— A lot of money was put into my creation, money that could have been used to found a more realistic cure for your illness than me—.

— But you are the one grandpa choose and if he thinks you are the right solution, I believe it too— she hug Shadow with one arm— And also you and I now that JcJ tend to do that treating of “maybe will not invest in this anymore” with every project in the Ark—

— Yeah, those guys will let their mothers die if they do not get paid for it— a tiny smile was forming on his face.

— So do not feel pressure of doing great things because you will do it eventually with time— she looks at him with a smile on her face— But you still need to pay more attention in class and remember to do your homework—.

— I was starting to feel better until you made me remember that—.

— Then how about this… “ahem, ahem” please can you tell me who you are? —

Every time Shadow feels down Maria impulses this thing of “who are you” to motivate him, is just something silly that occurred to her after watching an anime but until this day still works.

— I am Project Shadow but everyone refers to me as just Shadow— he stands up— I am a drone created with the only objective of being the Ultimate creation of the Ark and pushing humanity towards a better future— he holds his hand towards Maria. she takes it and stands up— And I will be the cure for every disease in the universe… this is who I am—.

— And you better never forget that ok— she took the zipper of his jacket and pulled it up— Do you feel better—.

— A little yes—

— Well maybe hearing the new song of Impact 40 will help— she put her hands on her back while innocently smiling and swinging.

— ¡What! — he's eyes hollow upon hearing that— You could skip the whole conversation and just say that from the beginning—.

— Ok I will do it the next time, come on let's go to my room so you can hear it ¡oh! better idea lest race to my room—.

— ¡No! no no no… after that little scare of earlier you are not goanna run to nowhere— he suddenly grabs her carrying her bridal style— You are going to go in the Shadow Express—.

— Ok this is way better— she pointed with her finger— Full speed ahead—.

Shadow readies itself, his feet have the shape of a white shoe with red lines but the important part was that in the sole of both feet they have thrusters, thrusters that begin to ignite and in seconds both Shadow and Maria start moving at incredible speed pacing through the halls avoiding hitting anyone in there way but they accidentally make a drone throw the papers he was holding, the poor drone only hear a “¡Sorry!” In the distance before he begins to pick up the papers.
After not more than a few minutes they reach Maria's room no matter how big the Ark Shadow could travel all those miles in minutes.

—¡Yujuu! Is always so fun to do this— she got off of Shadow armsi

— If he was going to see Dr. Tulip is gonna be fine— he put a smug face while saying that but quickly changed to a worried one— But if Dr. Artman is the one he was going to see then will have to go to maintenance—.

— Can we go later to see if he is ok?—

— Yes, we'll go check later but for now let's go and listen to one of the greatest bands ¡ever!— he made a rock gesture in his hand.

— Ok wild spirit lets go— they both enter the room.

——————————————-

Gerald was sitting at his desk, a sigh came out his mouth while his hands went to his head, another reunion JcJ another reunion that left him tired, always the same thing with the same questions “has the project evol in any ways?, Why has the project not been able to evol yet?, Are you sure if was a good a idea use a drone as base?, Are you building a life changing project or a pet?” And always end with the same statement “there better be progest of any kind or we are gonna close this project” he heard during every reunion for the last 3 years and he's getting sick of always hearing the same questions because the answer is gonna be always the same “we are working on it Shadow in not a ordinary drone is a something new that we not understand completely ¡we just need more time!” the only thing that seem to change is that there getting more angry and that is something that stressed Gerald even more, they normally do that menace of closing a project that gone for too long without results on basically every project just to never end up doin it but in the case of Project Shadow they really sound serious about this.

He looked at a picture of Maria in his desk, her smile was precious no matter how stressed or angry he was just seeing her make all of that go away. She was the nicest person he ever knew, she was a light in a world of darkness. That is why he has to find a way to make Shadow unlock is potencial, opening his computer he proceeds to think of ways to make that but suddenly someone knocks his door.

— Dr.Robotnik there is a problem with the printer—

— “Sigh” ok i'm coming— he left the computer open while proceeding to exit the office through the door— what is exactly the problem?—

The computer shows the blueprints of Shadow body, there not so different of a regular Worker Drone except for two things one of them is his feet that a line point that there name is “air shoes” and the other much bigger one is in his chest that instead of a core have what appears to be a yellow diamond the lines of the blueprints not only signalize the fact that is his power source but also is name “Chaos Crystal”.

Chapter Text

Shadow was skating through a green meadow passing fast hill to hill feeling the wind in his face, how long was he doing this five minutes Ten Hours! at this point not even Shadow knows he just keeps going in circles for a little more until he stops.

He looked at the sky, seeing the stars and the moon. It was even more beautiful than watching them from the Ark, from here they felt even more far away, more unreachable. He actually extended his hand like trying to reach even if he knew it was useless until he heard a voice in the distance.

— Shadow come over here! the telescope is ready! — In a hill not so far away from Shadow Maria was waving at him Gerald was behind her with an old-style telescope set and ready to be use.

— Is not the most modern but it has a charm to it! —.

— No worry I'm coming! — He begins to skate towards them.

He was half way when the sky suddenly turns red for a second making him stop a look at the sky weird out the sky turn red again and again and again and again, Shadow starts to really gets scared of whatever is happening until he was able to see a text in the sky it takes a moment for him to read Automatic Waki–.

Everything around him disappears in one second leaving him the darkness confused until in his Hub a text a pear making him understand everything [Rise and shine Shadow].

His screen turn on with is eyes appearing on it, seen around him the transparent glass around him that form his capsule, he disconnect a cable from the back of his head and look around look around for a moment before the glass went up allowing him to exit the capsule thing that he do after extending his arms and yawn, he walk past the control panel that was in front of is capsule to take his jacket from the rack were he left it. After putting in on he hears a door opening and the lights turning on he sees the silhouette of a man in the door frame a very peculiar mustache was all that Shadow needs to know who he was.

— Good morning, Shadow— Gerald takes a walk forward making his way into the room— Do you have a good dream? —.

— It was good until I had to wake up, professor. Can you please change how I visualize the alarm? The one that I have now is… how do I put it…—.

— Scary—

— Unsettling! I was going to say unsettling— He puts both of his hand in front of him defensively— You will also be confused if out of nowhere the sky turns red—

— Ok ok whatever you said Shadow I goanna see if I can make it less “unsettling”, for now you have to go do the tests for today—

— You think finally is going to be any improvement— he begins to walk to the door.

— We just have to go and see— he follows Shadow— And later will have a talk about the F situation—

— Dammit—

———————————————————-

Shadow gazed at the planet behind the great window, his dark blue oceans surrounding the gray earth part, but what was Shadow looking was a single portion of green inside a silver ring until Gerald's voice got his attention.

— Everything is ready, Shadow, prepare yourself— He was in one of the openings of the hall, in front of him was a holographic sign that said Clear area: Project Shadow in test.

— Ok I wait for your signal— he put his hands on the floor ready to take off.

Gerald walks back into the control room and looks at the computer with 3 screens one of his screens showing Shadow still in position while the other has counters and speedometers ready to calculate Shadow speed and the last one showing the internal system of Shadow to make sure everything is fine; Gerald gets close to a microphone meanwhile other scientist operate the computer.

— Test of speed will begin in 3… 2…— Shadow thrusters ignite while he feels electricity pass through his entire body— 1… go! — 

Shadow takes off and begins to skate swinging his legs really fast in the beginning so he can have enough initial impulse, once he got enough of it the swing of legs became slower but his speed was still rising. He skated for the entire circumference of the Ark traveling hundreds of miles at such speed that for all humans or drones that stop what were doing just to watch him being the warning sign just see reddish-orange trail with Shadow figure popping in and out.

Gerald from the control room see the same trail in the hall through the monitor, he quickly looks at the speedometers they were registering Shadow rising speed the numbers going higher and higher until it stops in the same number that it always stops 500 mph and amazing speed indeed but it can always go higher.

— Let's increase the time of the test for 6 hours—

— Are you sure it is a good idea Professor? We not know if his metallic parts can be affected by long sessions, not to mention his— Gerald put his hand up making him stop.

— No… I’m not sure, but at this point is one of the best I got now—

Gerald is running out of ideas to unlock Shadow hidden potential until now every little change he makes to any test has absolutely no effect on Shadow abilities and he knows the patience of certain investors is running out so he really hopes that this little change does something, anything. He could try something more drastic but any idea he considers too extreme is discarded immediately he can't risk Shadow getting damage in an irreversible way, not after all he had to do to make him, he is desperate but he still had to play safe.

When the 6 hours pass and nothing change not even one little percent of Shadow speed has increased.

— At least there is no problem with any of his systems— the scientist forces a little smile trying to make Gerald feel a little better, he fails.

— Yes at least…  nothing bad happened— he approaches the microphone— Ending Test of speed, Shadow you can stop now—.

After hearing that Shadow proceed to stop, he moves his body back putting the sole of his air shoes in front so the thrusters stop his movement, he finally was able to stop and turn off his air shoes after a few seconds when all his momentum was lost.

Gerald came out of the control room and approached Shadow.

— There was any type of change in the speed—

— No, it remains the same as always— Gerald shakes his head to the sides reaffirming the negative about the progress, Shadow stops his feet on the floor angry — Do not get frustrated right now you have another test to go, so nothing of childish behavior until we are done, understand? — Gerald pointed his finger at Shadow.

— I… (sight) understand—

— Ok now come on, let’s not lose more time—

———————————————————————-

— Ok so let me see if I get it correctly the little box over there will help to determine his strength because it can multiply? —

— Multiply his density meaning his weight will increase allowing us to know how much can he carry without needing to bring heavy stuff into the Ark, now you get it—

— Yeah, I think but… will the box become bigger as we make it weigh more or will it still be the present size? And wouldn't it be dangerous if it falls when it has too much density? I mean a Hood here will pretty munch kill us—

— Arg yes it will remain small even if is heavy as a fucking truck! And no! it is designed to deactivate if perceives that is falling! Now if you have any more questions ask the Professor— The scientist put his hand on his face tired of his co-worker questions— How is it possible that you do not know about the thing that you are supposed to operate here?!

— The guy that normally do this got sick and is my first time doing this—

— ¡Fuck! — the door behind them opens.

— Gentlemen I cordially recommend that language is control during work— Gerald Walk toward them— Foul language is only allowed if something horrible happened and you are not able to control yourself—

— I-I-I’m sorry Professor Robotnik it just tha—

— Is not necessary to apologize everybody can slip off just try to control yourself a little more next time— Gerald point at him with is finger— and not let the anger get to your head nothing good comes out of that—

— Ok understood—

— Now let’s begin— he droops toward the scientist that was making questions— And I will gladly explain the details of it later, for now remember that his name is the Density Cube—

Shadow picks up the Density Cube which was totally black and looks toward Gerald and the scientists behind a glass window, he gives a thumbs up to signalize that he is ready.

— One last question does the Density Cube emanates radiation or why we are behind a protective glass—

— Shadow needs space so he can walk at the same time he carries the D.Cube we not only testing the strength in his arms, we do the same with his legs, and the floor of that room is made so he doesn't sink while carrying it, enough talk let's begin increase the density by 10—

As soon the scientist activate the D.Cube blue lines appear around the Cube and Shadow fell the weight instantly increase and he put more strength in his grap, like always he proceeded to walk with the D.Cube in one hand, his face not reflect any emotion as he do it this part was always easy for him so he just wait until more weight is put. The weight was increased every 30 seconds, and after 10 minutes making Shadow eventually have to use both hands and making his walking slower.

— Wow! 160,000 pounds! I know he's supposed to be strong but I never thought it would be this strong, how much more he can lift— the scientist turns his head at Gerald.

— This is maximum so far after this he become unable to walk and start to lose the grip— Gerald turns his head towards the other scientist that was checking Shadow body— Nothing significant about his body—

— No everything is fine—

— Ok normally next weight is put just like the other increasing the density by 10 but this time well try to put it little by little, it may be slower but maybe this simple change will help by giving Shadow body time to adapt, just please inform it anything happened and the test will end immediately—

— Understood Professor—

Shadow felt the slow weight increase as he started to have little problems maintaining his grap on the D.Cube, he grabbed the best he can and tries to continue walking he was determine in doing this the speed test maybe the same but he will be able to make a change in this one “At least a 1.000 pounds more that the last time please”  it was all his mind could think right now at he tries to take another step while the D.Cube weight keep increasing he starts to lose the grip on the D.Cube he closed his eyes at the same time that sweet appear on his screen, the weight increase to the point he was no longer able to walk he just center his attention in lift the D.Cube, he fell how his chest starts to get hotter as he was doing it but he was ignoring it the only thing he cares right now if lift the damn Cube.

He remains static as the heat in his still rising until the cube becomes more light when Shadow opens his eyes and sees that the blue lines on the D.Cube disappear, they finalize the test. He turned to look at the glass.

— How much I carry this time— Gerald looks at the screen while adjusting his glasses.

— A 100 pounds more than last time— he looks back at Shadow— It is a progress— Shadow proceeds to leave the D.Cube in the ground and walk to the door, his face showing a clearly angry expression.

— Ok it has the kind of attitude I was waiting of someone name Shadow—

— The last three years have been hard for his morale so this attitude is kind of expected, you can return to your projects. I will prepare his final test for today— Gerald left the room.

— Eh… can I ask you one last thing? —

— You take scientific curiosity to another level— he rests his head in his hand— What it is? —

— Why the thing that Professor Gerald Robotnik has been working on for the last 6 years, that apparently cost a lot of money and he put a lot of expectation on in… is a Drone? — 

— No one in the Ark knows buddy… no one knows— 

— Well now that's going to eat me at night— he looks at nothing for a few seconds— … and why he put a wig on it? —

—————————————————————

— We begin with the in 2 minutes Shadow— Gerald was walking with Shadow along the hall— Have you cooldown for the previous test? — he looked at him as he finished drinking a can that was labeled as refrigerant.

— No worries— he crushes the can in his hand— This was enough—

— I wasn't just talking about your body temperature, even if you are not saying it or expressionist I can see your frustration— 

— Well perhaps it's time for check your glasses Professor because I am fine— he throws the can into a recycling bin that was in the hall— I will wait in the room—

— Ok— 

Shadow entered the dark room and put himself inside a red glowing circle in the center of it waiting for the test to begin and then be over for today. The reflex test is one that Gerald never think himself but ratter was suggested by the principal head of JcJ Jensons making it in Gerald on words “the only thing he contribute besides money”, the idea was to text how fast can Shadow react to things in cases of falling object o in reaction in case of an emergency.

The test is rather simple Shadow had to intercept with his hands or feet holographic sky-blue spheres that will fly at him the spheres become smaller and fast as Shadow intercept them, by “intercept” meaning punching and kicking them which all ways make Gerald question the true reason of this test because of this specification but the test has been so helpful that he will let that slide.

The circle in which Shadow was standing turned green signaling the start of the test, he quickly readied himself as he looked at a blue point that appeared in one of the walls. In a matter of seconds, a sphere comes out and slowly fly towards Shadow when it is close enough, he punches it, as soon the collision was detected the sphere shatter like it was being destroy at this Shadow smile a little of all the test, he normally does this was his favorite because it's great release all the stressed he have during the day.

The spheres continue coming but Shadow easily hits them with his smile still on his face not matter how small they get or how fast they become he but every single one of them, he was like this for at least 5 minutes until he felt like something hit him on the side of his head.

— Eh? — he looked at his side, seeing in the wall on his side the same blue point that was in the front one.

From that point a sphere similar to the ones he was hitting come out of that wall Shadow move his hands hit it but while he was doing it that be miss one of the other wall, he tried to position himself he can hit the spheres that come from both ways with his hands but it was harder that he thinks and he still miss some but he still can manage.

At least that was until he felt a hit on the back of the head he looked back and saw a third point in that wall.

— is this serious!?— his face only reflects anger as he tries to stop the spheres from the three ways— Professor I understand the previous ones but- in this case- you- should- tell me- in advance—.

He gets no answer which only make him more mad about the situation, it's really hard to hit all the sphere now for every one he hits he mis at least three or at least he felt for a long while at least an hour struggling to hit the spheres this test as past from easy to stressful, when the last sphere was hit Shadow felt tired something that he usually not fell, he always have energy no spare but now he fell almost empty, a voice come out of the speakers. 

— Test over, targets hit…  2001 of 4000—.

“Wait… what! did I really miss that many " Those words resonate in Shadow’s mind, he always gets the perfect score in this test and now he barely makes it above the middle. As soon the door opens Shadow skates out of the room at great speed.

Gerald only looks at the monitor screen and sight.

— I take care of him—

———————————————————

Shadow was again looking at the planet through the window with his arms crossed. The anger was clear in his face, one of his eyes was glitching in a similar way of an eye twitch as he was lost in his thoughts until he heard steps coming from behind.

— Appreciating the view?— Shadow did not respond— Remember what I tell you earlier about nothing of childish behavior until we are done?— Gerald walks so he can be on the right side of Shadow— Well we are done with the tests and even if I dislike that way of liberation I know that you need it so… let it out— Shadow close his eyes, take a deep breath.

— ¡Aaaaargh! — After the scream Shadow proceeds to punch and kick the air rapidly— Why? Why? … why?!— he stops.

— Yes, I know it was mistake not to tell you about the change in the te—

— It’s not that! I'm asking why my progress is stuck?!—

— You know there Is not at answer for that, at least for now there isn't— 

— Yes, I know! … yes, I know— he seems to calm himself a little— and I hate it—

— Well now that you release the aggressive side of your frustration, why don't we talk about it— Gerlad sits down, Shadow sees this and also sits down— So… tell me how are you feeling right now? —

— Horrible, not only there's no change in the first one, the second was so little that barley can be call progress and the third one is a total downgrade from previous times—

— Not beat yourself for the last one, as I just say that was my mistake—

— Yes, but that not make feel better either way— he looks at his hand— From what I suppose to be I Should be able to do it without you telling me—

— Oh please Shadow…— he pull up his glasses a little and pinch the bridge of his nose— I also already tell you that I did exaggerate a little during the propose so they approve your funding, you not have to take it so seriously— he look at Shadow but he was still looking at his hand— I shouldn't let you watch that video… (sight) that was really a bad idea—

Shadow stops looking at his hand and looks at Gerald, the words he just heard create a question that needed an answer. 

— Do you ever think I was a bad idea? —

— What? — Gerald fixes his glasses.

— Do you ever think it was a bad idea to make me? —

— Shadow… I… No…— he looks directly at Shadow eyes— I never think it was a bad idea to make you—

— Why? … why are you so sure that it wasn't a mistake to make me?— Shadow gets up and stars walking in place— You already said I was better not knowing what was the exact think that bring you the idea to make me, and even if I found that frustrating I decide to respected— he stops walking to look at Gerald— But you also tell me that there is a difference between having an idea, and if that idea was a good one so please… tell me why are you so sure that I was a good idea—

— That… is something I can tell you… and is a simple answer— Gerald looks directly at Shadow and raises both of his hands— I don't sure if it was a good idea… it just… feel like it was— Shadow can only look at Gerald with incredulity.

— But if you were not sure… then…—

— Why continue with the idea? Why does a great scientist like me follow nothing more than a feeling to do it?— Gerald stands up— Is because in this life there's always choices to make, but no one knows which ones are the correct ones, there thinks that a lot of people agreed that are good and can be used as a guide to make decisions, but in the end not even a scientist like myself knows with 100% accuracy— Gerald turn around looking at the planet— And even with those agreements of was is good humanity still makes bad choices that can still be seen until this day—

Shadow look at the planet, that piece of space rock as always attract him, at first he saw it as nothing more than a cool thing to watch when he at nothing to do, later he understand that's the place where humans originated, but the biggest surprise for him is the fact that the planet use to look a lot different years ago Gerald say the ocean were a more clear blue and the land were green instead of gray he even show him old pictures of it, he couldn't believe it that a planet could change that much. But then Gerald explained to him why it changed.

— We receive a lot of warnings from both our own species and the planet itself but we ignored and continued until the earth was empty. And even after that we are doing the same right now on other planets…— Gerald stays silent for a moment before looking at Shadow— that is a wrong choice in my opinion but apparently the rest think it is a good one— Gerald puts his hand on Shadow shoulder— The point is that no one knows if they make the right choice, but in my opinion the best way to get close to make the right one is by following your heart, I know it sounds like something out of a corny movie but following my heart was the thing that brought you to live so…— he smiles at Shadow— keep it in mind ok—

— Follow my heart? — he puts his hand on his chest.

— You know I speak metaphorically, right? —

— No… I understand what you mean. It just I never expect this conversation going in to this direction— 

— Another thing about life is the unpredictability you never know where you are going to end up ja ja ja— Gerald gives a little slap on Shadow shoulder and let go of him— So feeling better? —

— Yeah, I think so—

— Good now… about that F—

— O for the love of! —

— Now now… I'm not angry about that… well a little angry yes but I'm more concerned over the fact that apparently you not taken the lessons or your homework seriously enough—

— Hey this time I'm actually did the homework that have to count as an improvement compared to last times—

— Yes, that is true but the fact that it was a copy of something else and not entirely written by you makes this one doesn't count—

— I did some changes—

— If I take a painting and change the colors, does it mean that painting is mine—

— Arg… no—

— You need to be more responsible about this, I not make you to tests all the days of the week you have enough time to do your homework—

— I don't like it, beside this one was completely stupid I was supposed to make a presentation about the Ark but we live in the Ark including the teacher—

— The fact that you live in the Ark doesn't mean that you know everything about the Ark you should investigate more than just a wiki that you copied—

— Oh, come professor tell me something I don't know about the Ark—

— Let me think… oh! how about the fact that originally the Ark was supposed to look like my face— 

— Wait really? — his face shows confusion.

— Yes, it really was supposed to look my face— he chuckles a little— But lucky for me they convince me that is going to be scary for the people of the planet so we redesign it—

— Ok I didn't know that… there is reason why? —

— Just Robotnik stuff we like to leave or image in everything we made or own— he pulls out a pen showing that on his side has Gerald logo this one bean a silhouette of his face, mustache included.

— Ok… maybe I really not know everything about the Ark—

— You can't just take information from one place and thing that is everything you need to know, you have to investigate every possibility, every possible source so you can, that way you can have a lot of perspectives so you can more properly make a judgment— he points at Shadow with the pen— Add that with the follow your heart and your choices most likely will be good ones—

— Ok I understand—

— Good— he put the pen back in his pocket and watch the hour— By this time Maria medical checkup must be over, you can go and see her but you have to promisor that you will take your studies more seriously, ok? —

— Ok, I promise— he raises his hand— that at least I try— 

— That a little better, go on and say hi from me I still have work to do—

— I'll do it, goodbye Professor— Shadow waves his hand and walks down the hall.

Gerald watches Shadow Walks away until he can't no longer see him, he then turns at the planet thinking about the conversation he just had with Shadow, he moves his hand to his pocket and takes what it looks to be a little metal rod united to a mechanical cube with a button.

— I really hope… that I make the right choice— he takes out his tongue and puts the rod in contact with it, he then pushes the button and a wave of electricity moves through his head, this only lasts a moment and apparently, he is unaffected by this.

—————————————————————-

Shadow was walking in direction to the nursing area of the Ark, even if he like skating he also enjoy walking especially after a day of tests it was relaxing in some way, he was halfway through to the nursing until he look at one room that had his door open, inside there was a table with a daisy flower in a pot on it and this flower wasn't looking too good however was the owner it wasn't taking care of their it look dry with almost nothing of color, Shadow look at the flower with a sad expression he knows that in the Ark almost all that they do is work but seeing the flower it that state can only make it feel bad for the them abandon a left to die, suddenly an idea pop out in his head it was crazy but it could work, and it could help him practice for the future. 

He approached slowly to the flower while looking to his sides making sure the room is empty, once he was close to enough he touched the flower with his finger, from his finger a little ray of energy come out and past to the flower Shadow looks if the flower change in some way, nothing at first until the flower stars gain some color a smile starts to form on Shadow face as the flower heals.

That smile suddenly disappears as something else happens to the flower, the flower stern star twisting and turning of a thick black color the petals star to turn to that same color but with red lines that are similar veins and finally the middle of the flower turn orange but scarier that the color change is the fact that the texture of the flower was no longer like a plant but a strange kind of meat that was throbbing.

Seeing what he has done Shadow rips the “flower” out of the pot a skates fast out of there, he can feel how that thing his twisting itself in his hand trying to get out of his grap this only making him go faster until he sees what he was looking for a metal trash door in the wall, he open it and throw that thing there and after doing that he pushed a button that was on the side and the sound of a mechanism start was heard. Above the Button says “WARNING: incinerator for biological material please close before activated”.

Shadow looks at the hand that presses the button he puts it in front of him just close it into a fist and put it down. Is there something that he is doing wrong, do he have to do a certain movement, do he have to put in a certain amount of energy so this does not happen again, do he need an update to do it or he simply can't do it, all those thoughts invade his head. He decides it's better to ignore it for now, right now he only wants to see how Maria was doing this time he skates stray to the nursing leaving the area.

Chapter Text

Shadow wakes up just to greeted by her friend behind the glass smile and the phrase “good morning” written over her head, she wasn't wearing her dress but instead a rainbow shirt and blue pants.

— ¡Good morning! Do you sleep well— The glass goes up.

— Yes, the Professor change the way I visualize the wake-up sequence so is calmer now— Shadow disconnects the cable on the back of his head— Hey, I thought the Professor say no more drawings or writing in the capsule because of what happened last time—

— This time I check the marker and it’s not permanent so they not going to need to replace it— She shows the marker and points at the part that says “not permanent” she then put it back on her pocket— But whatever, today we have no homework and you have no test so… what to you want to do—

— Well, I don't know— he crosses his arms and put one hand on his chin— do you have any idea? —

— Well, it not really that fun but it be really helpful— 

— Ok, what is it? —

———————————————————

— Maria, I think we need a permit to do this— he was holding a paint bucket and a brush.

— No worries, I already talked to grandpa about this and he said yes so, we can continue— she was painting a red line on the wall.

— Ok… but do really think painting the walls and floor will be that helpful as you said—

— As I already told you, we were signaling where you most normally travel so the people that come from these areas are more careful so they do not accidentally crash with you— she stops painting and looks at Shadow— I mean just remember that poor drone with the papers, Mr. Drake and his coffee or the incident with the cakes— she raises a finger while mentioning the events.

— We were going in circles around that area and not really that fast, they crash us not the other way around! — he points at her with the brush— And beside that you really thing at red line is going to be enough to do that, because I not think simple paint will avoid those accidents—

— Maybe not to a 100% but it still can help and besides painting it really fun, I mean you like what I do to your legs— Shadow looks at his legs.

— Yeah, I must admit that I like how you made it look but I'm still not sure about this—

— Then how about se just pain one hall and if it really works then we do the others—

— Ok that better idea—

— All right I continue with the wall you do the ground—

Shadow finally joins Maria in painting the hall, putting the brush on the ground he proceed to carefully walk backwards making the line the most precise possible, different to Maria because she was making little lines one after the other that ultimately join to become a bigger one, both of them continue their own process for the entire hall some scientist and workers past true the hold and watch them do it , if someone ask what are they doing Maria simple says “Just some painting” since she was the granddaughter of the head scientist they let her be but some are a little mad that this was allow.

After what felt like hours there were almost finished with the hall, Shadow was concentrate in his part until he crashed with someone.

— Damm it! What are you doing you stupid piece of! — the man stops screaming finally realizing it was Shadow who he crashes— Oh… it “you”—

Shadow looked at the man, he was wearing a lab coat like all the other scientists and was holding a chart so he was obviously checking something during his walk. His brown eyes show disgust of what they're seeing, the man was Dr. Tadeos Artman a scientist of the Ark that was known for having a very short temper especially when it comes to Drones, Shadow can only sight at the situation.

— Yeah, it's me Dr. Artman— he crosses his arms, seeing the red hair scientist was the last thing he wanted to do today.

— Can I please be informed on what are doing? — he looked at the brush that was holding.

— Painting, isn't obvious—

— Ow… I see, and did you have the permit to do it— he inclined himself to look more directly at Shadow digital eyes.

— Actually, my grandpa did give us permission to do this— Maria put herself between Shadow and Artman— If you want a confirmation, you can go and talk to him—

— Oh, I don't need to, obviously that “grandpy” allow his little grandchild and her toy to play painting the entire Colony — Shadow was about to step in when he heard the word “toy” but Maria stopped him.

— Actually, we're trying to solve a little problem with the painting— Maria clears her throat and change her voice to a more serious tone—we are signalizing with areas Shadow skates more often so they are careful and avoid more any more accidents—

— Wow, what an incredible solution I would think of that, it not like there was an alternative like, stop skating when he isn't in a test! —

— ¡Hey! It's not only a good way of movement, but also helps Shadow practice his mobility—

— Of course, practice, it's not like you can simply download what he needs to learn into his brain— he points itself at the head.

— No, he can't! Grandpa make it pretty clear! —

— Well maybe your grandpy is not as a smart as he thinks! — Shadow finally gets tired and steps forward.

— The Professor is as hundred times smarter than you ever be, the fact that you can see it just proves you own stupidity— Shadow points at him, just to Artman push his hand away.

— Shut it, you piece of metal! I'm one of the smartest persons on this space station— he points furiously at the ground.

— Really? Because all I can see is a 30-year-old man acting like a little child— this irritates Artman even more.

— You stupid Drone! I'm goanna— he puts his hands in position to grab Shadow but Maria once again gets in the way.

— You are goanna to do, what? Disassemble Shadow and throw it into the garbage— 

— Well… I… ye… no…— he was having a hard time to respond, until finally he gets tired of the situation— I got better things to do, you continue with your nonsense— he walks away mad as Shadow and Maria look him, when he was far enough Maria stick her tongue out to mock him.

— I can't believe grandpa didn't fire him yet—

— He must be a pretty good scientist or have pretty good contacts— when Artman was no longer visible Shadow continue painting— let's just forget about—

— Ok— she sounds a little sad about what just happens every time they encounter Dr. Artman. She sees the wall and remembers something— hey, when you finish come here, I need your help— she starts painting something else on the wall. Shadow finishes with the floor and approaches her.

— Ok, what did you need help? it looks like you finish to me—

— I just need to show me your logo— she put Shadow zipper down enough so she can see the logo.

— Why do you need to see it? —

— Because it is hard to replicate with only memory so I need to see it— she starts to paint the logo on the wall turning her head every 5 seconds so she can see the original— And people need to know what the red line means so I need to add it to the name, and… ready!— she moves so Shadow can see it, over the red line was Project Shadow logo and written on the side says “Shadow route”.

— “Shadow route” was that really the best name that you can think of? — he giggled a little out of reading the name.

— It's good in my opinion— she giggled as well. After some seconds without saying something, Shadow asked.

— Now what? — Maria thought for a moment.

— Wanna go to the café—

— Ok— they both walk away.

———————————————————————-

The Ark’s Café was made as a place of relaxation for the personal of the Ark went, they are off work, and it specifically a Café because apparently Gerald had an extreme love for coffee or at least is what a lot of people says, Maria and Shadow always stop here to relax as well and after the time they spend painting the hall and the encounter with Ardman now they really need to relax.

Maria sits in front of the counter with Shadow sitting next to her, she quickly sees a Drone with a barista outfit and gets his attention.

— ¡Hey! Do you know where Mr. Diamond is—

— Mr. Diamond is fixing a problem with the coffee machine right now, so I will be taking your order Ms.…— the white eye drone stops for a second apparently checking something in his database— Maria Robotnik granddaughter of Professor Gerald Robotnik—

—Ji ji ji Just call me Maria— her happy face changed to a curious one— Hey what is your serial number? —

— Is T-3194710—

— ¡Oh! You are new, so that why I didn't recognize you—

— You are correct, I was just assigning here yesterday— the Drone looks at Shadow— hey, I’m sadly must inform you, that chair is mean to be use by humans only, if you want to still be close to your designated person you only need to stand by her side— Shadow rolls his eyes when he heard that.

— One of the bad things to have new is having to past for this again,(sight) ear me out, and ear me good because I’m not goanna repeat, I'm the latest project of Professor Gerald Robotnik, my name is Project Shadow but you can address me as only Shadow, due to my state of a project I… have some… privileges over Drones like you— the Drone looks confused as he heard Shadow— I'm not like it… but it is what it is. So, in case is complicated for you to process and I do not blame you for it, you must see me as someone with the same level of importance as Maria or any other human here— Shadow looks to the floor in shame. 

— Well… Ok, I guess as a project its kind a makes sense to give you a little preferential treatment — even after the Drone apparently accepts what Shadow just says he was still looking at the floor— Then what were you like Mr. Shadow— Shadow stays silent for a moment.

— Coffee beans— he finally looked at him.

— Coffee beans? —

— Yes, I like the felling and Maria always have a—

— Cupcake with cream and sprinkles— all of them turned their heads to see who was talking.

A man wearing a similar barista outfit came from a door in the back. He had bright brown skin and a goatee beard with mustache, in one hand was carrying the cupcake that just mention and in the other he was holding a cup will with coffee beans.

— I was just finish repairing the coffee machine when I hear a little voice from here and I knew exactly what they wanted— her approach the two and leaves the cupcake and the cup in front of them, then he turns to the Drone— I'll take care of them, you go and take the order from the person there— the points at a scientist in a table.

— Understood Mr. Diamond— he starts to walk.

— Bye Terry— the Drone stops upon hearing that.

— Terry? —

— Maria like to give ich one of the Drones in the Ark a name, you just continue— Diamond gives the new name “Terry” a little pat on his back as he continues to walk, he then turns his head to see the two— So… what you to have been up to—

— Not too much really, we just paint a hall to signalize were Shadow mostly pass skating— she takes a bite to the cupcake— So there no more crashes—

— Like the one with the cakes— 

— We do not crash them… they crash us…— he takes one coffee bean and put it his mouth, his voice is really low.

— Look Shadow I’m sorry you have told that to “Terry” yourself, I was out to give the Professor his favorite coffee because I see him too streets lately and they never knew of him until today, and when I was telling him the basis the coffee machine just broke—

— It's not necessary to apologize, every time there a new Drone they have to wear it—

— Yes, but is not have to be you, I know that you hate having to tell that to other Drones—

— I don’t hate to telling them— he stops eating the beans— I hate having those privileges, knowing how they are treated outside the Ark it feels unfair for them and I can shake off the feeling that they hate me for it—

— That not true— Maria turns to see Shadow— the only one who do that is Hater—

— He's just the only one that expresses the feeling but that doesn't mean the other not feel that way—

— But that doesn't mean you should beat yourself about it because you never asked for those privileges, you were just kind a lucky I mean look at me— Diamond extend his arms— I’m the only human working at this café and that was because I was lucky that the Professor like my coffee, I got a change that a lot of people don't get and I know that some of my old co-workers were mad for the luck I have but I’m never asked for this all I did was accept and that it— he squatted to look at Shadow— and also is the fact that I never presume or brag about it because I really end up feeling bad if I do it, one is getting luck and other is how you react upon having it and for my book you are on good side I mean have you ever abuse those privileges to make the Drones do something just because you want to?—

— No, I'll never do such horrible thing—

— See, you not have to feel bad not only because you never asked for that but also you never even abuse them or take advantage of it—

— He is right Shadow; you are good guy in heart you always help the Drones that are having difficulties with their task—

— I don't like to see them struggle— he looks and his hand— I have some abilities superior to them so why not used them to help—

— You may have some privileges that make you superior to most Drones but still you treat them as equals and help them— he stands up— you are a good person Shadow, never forget that—

— No worry Mr. Diamond I'll make sure he ever forgets— she says as she hugs Shadow, he smiles at the gesture.

— Thank you, Maria, and thank you Diamond—

— Hey, a café is for relaxing so I just made sure that happened— He then looks at a group of scientists entering— I have to go attend other people. You finish your food and have a good day, bye— he waves his hand.

— Bye Mr. Diamond— she waves back along size Shadow— Wow first the thing with Artman and now this talk, this day isn't as fun as I thought it was going to be—

— I guess that is also luck, in this case bad luck—

— Yeah, how about we watch a movie in— she looks at sides making sure no one was listening— “the secret place”—

— Good idea, just let me finish with these— he takes another bean and eats it.

——————————————————

Shadow and Maria were walking down the hall until a kid with white hair and different color eyes stopped in front of them, Maria immediately recognized him.

— Hey Abe, what you’re doing? —

— I was looking for you, I want to ask you if like to see a cool movie I found—

— What coincidence I just going to see a movie with Shadow, maybe we can watch it all together— 

— I don't know— he looks at Shadow— I don't think he will like it there isn't any Drones in the movie—

— I don't mind; a lot of movies not have Drones anyway— 

— Actually— he looks away from Shadow— I just remember that I have to do something, maybe tomorrow, bye— he runs away.

— Aww, I want it to know what movie was—

— Artman and Hater I understand that there is some kind of a motif— he raises two fingers— but him seriously just hate me for no reason at all—

— He's probably just a little mad that I no longer spend that much time with him, just wait until he gets over it—

— I guess you are right— they both continue walking— but after 4 years he still seems to hate me—

They enter Shadow room, the capsule is in the center as always alongside the control panel, Maria approaches the panel from the back searching for something until she finds a little button hidden behind some cables, she presses the button and a hidden door opens in the wall right behind Shadow’s capsule. They passed through the door entering a room filled with pillows, drawings in the walls, a pretty big lunch box and what it looks like a tent made with sheets in the center of all, Gerald originally use this room as a second bed for him while he was making Shadow so he can continue as soon as he wake up, but after Shadow was activated he abandon it not finding it more use until Maria decided to make it a secret room for her and Shadow to hand out and watch movies, they can always go to her room but she likes the idea about having a place just for the two of them.

Maria enter the tent meanwhile Shadow close the door the think she find inside was little portable TV, the TV look like one of those old tube TV’s in white the only difference being that it has Gerald logo on the side because it was something that he made for her granddaughter when she decide to make this place her secret hide out alongside Shadow so both of them can peacefully watch what they want, Maria took a little remote and turn on the TV showing at list of shows, animes and movies, she was scrolling until she found out one she want to watch, Shadow enter to the tent putting himself at the other side of Maria.

— What take you long? —

— I was getting this— he shows at her a bag of marshmallows— So you not have to pause the movie so you can get up a geted your self—

— Hey, I get hungry when I see people eating— she takes the bad.

— So, what are we watching? —

— I always been curious about this one— she selects one that was call “A Reason to Fight”

— Ok, let's watch it— Maria just needs to hear that to put play.

—————————————————————-

After a long time, they were at half of the movie and Maria has almost finished the bag of marshmallows. They were really enjoying the movie.

— ¡No! No run away from him he just wants is to help you! — she was still chewing while saying this.

— Please finish what you are eating before talking. But I can see why is she running after the incident with the others she is scared that she might hurt him—

— All that he want is to save her from that, those poor two in love— she makes a dramatic pose just to exaggerate.

— Wait, how do you know they are in love? For me they look just as friends—

— I learn to detect— Shadow only looks at her with an expression that can only be described as “seriously?”— I’m serious I can do it, for example I know there is something between Derek and Carla—

— Counterpoint: they were assigning to the same area is obvious there were going to get along well, but that doesn't mean love—

— Counter-counterpoint: I’m almost catch them kissing—

— Wait! Really? Are you sure you don´t misinterpret things—

— Their faces were really close together when I found them so I said no, but I really felt bad for interrupting them. I just hope they were able to do it with no one interrupting—

— You know what, I goanna look closely to them so I can confirm it and know if your second ability is detecting love— he waves his hand in a jokingly manner— aside from knowing the gender of every Drone that you name—

— Whatever you said, now shhh and think something important is happening— both of them look at the TV again.

—————————————————-

When the movie was over and Maria as felt sleep with smile in her face, in the end she was right about the two characters in the movie so Shadow really starting to believe what she said earlier maybe true, he took another sheet and cover her looking at her in peace it's beautiful for him the day may not be perfect but this… this is enough to make him think it was a good day in the end. He would like to go sleep mode right next to her but sadly is obligatory doing it in the capsule so he left the room, he walk to the rack leaving his jacket and then enter the capsule taken the cable and connecting it in the back of his head causing the glass to go down, he look for a second seeing that Maria writing of the morning is no longer there he is glad that she remember not use permanent but he is also kind a sad about it to, seconds later his eyes disappear and his screen only show the words “Sleep-mode”.

The capsule starts to fill with a strange green liquid as Shadow's body stays still, all of the sudden something weird happens. Shadow screen still displays the fact that he is indeed in sleep mode but… his arms start to move. His movements were slow, the arms were raised in front of him like if he was some kind of zombie, the liquid reached Shadow’s waist when the legs tried to move forward but the movement stopped due to the arms reaching touching the glass. The liquid keep ascending while the hands touch the glass curiously like it was some sort of blind creature, the movement become more frenetic as the liquid was enough to make Shadow body to start floating, the legs tried to walk event if there are no longer in the floor and the arms are trying to get through the glass by hitting it but the glass it's extremely resistant and the arms are apparently unable to throw a proper punch.

When the capsule is full of liquid the arms and legs stop their movement and go limp, no more movement… No more attempts to flee… just a “Drone” floating.

Chapter Text

— Shadow you have to go—

— I’m not leaving you behind—

— You have to there no time—

— ¡No! Both of us will make it just… continue—

— Shadow no! —

The TV shows the message “The ship got away; mission failed”.

— Dammit! — he moves his hand in a way that almost looks like he is about to throw the game control to the TV, lucky he controls the necessity and doesn't throw it.

— I told you to continue, if you did it you could destroy it and we could complete the level— she says from her bed, she was wearing her usual blue dress.

— That stupid energy shield so resistance that it needs the two of us to break it down— he threw his hands up— who designed this—

Both of them were in Maria's room playing in the console that she has; they have been stuck in the same level for Just a few minutes but for Shadow it felt like hours.

— Whoever make it probably try his best but it wasn't enough— 

— Whatever let’s try some other game, how about the sports one? — he approached a box that had all the games.

— Nah, how about it we put the dance pat and we play one of the dancing games—

— No, your condition is more stable here but it's better not take risks—

— Come on! I feel great today so you at least let me try— Shadow still doesn't look at her, she then starts to wobble in the bed— ay… Shadow… Shad—

— That trick doesn't work on me anymore— she stops with a mad expression on her face.

— Ok, let's play the sports one, at least I can pretend I’m exercising— she lay down on the bed.

— Understood— he takes the game from the box and then slowly approach to Maria— and hey— he takes her hand making her look at him— I’m promise then when I heal you, you will able to dance as much at you want— this phrase makes her smiles.

— Thanks Shadow, I know you will— she then pushes him in direction to the console— now go and put it so we can play—

Shadow approached the game device to put the other game, Maria was holding her control ready to play… just then the universe decided to play a bad joke on her as she started coughing.

— Maria, if you want me to bring you snacks you coul— when he turns around to look at her his eyes hollow at the realization that she isn't faking it — Maria! — he run at her and tried to hold her up, her coughing gets louder and louder, which only scared him even more.

————————————————————-

Shadow was in waiting room of the nursing area, he was walking in circles extremely worried over the situation with Maria after he carried her there “If it's too late, if her illness reaches a critical point… does… that mean…  he… fail” he shakes his head trying to not let those thoughts overwhelm his head, he maybe scares but he shouldn't jump to conclusions yet he just needs to wait until they tell him about her. He sits in one of the chairs of the room, his hands come together and intertwines his finger trying to calm himself, his mind racing over the situation that is happening. He starts to slow his breath cycle so he can calm down eventually doing it, replacing his thoughts with others.

Why does it have to be her? Why does a good girl like her have to suffer? From what he knows she simply got sick at a young age, at first they think it was a cold but then they discover something new and much worse, they called “Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome” or N.I.D.S. he doesn't know a lot about the illness and sadly nether the doctors who discovered, he only know 2 things first: the Ark low gravity allow her condition to be more stable, to the point that some might think she isn't sick at all and second: is that until today… There is no cure, no treatment that is effective and surgery appears not to be an option. A good radiant girl was going to die just because the universe chose her to be the first one to carry that illness!

He needs really need to distract his mind with something else, he ears something on his side and look at two Drones struggling to carry a big box that was probably containing medical equipment, he approached the two Drones. 

— ¡Hey! Do you two need help? —

— Yes, w-we really ne-need some help he-here— the box was almost about to fall.

— Ok first off let it be the ground— they do what Shadow say.

— Thanks, a little more and I thi— The Drone looks at Shadow and his green eyes quickly shift from relaxed to angry — Great, it has to be you— only hearing that makes Shadow realize who this Drone was.

— Hi Hater, nice to see you too— he waves his hand a little— just let me grab from the side and—

— ¡No, no, no! We just need a break and then will deliver the box to the designated place; this is two Drones job—

— Don't you say earlier that they should give us a third Dro— Hater put his hand in front of him to shut him off.

— Yes, I say a third will be useful but we did go pretty far being just two and besides— he points with his thumb at Shadow— he isn't a Drone like us—

— Oh, is he a new model? I don't remember seeing a Drone with that eye color in my old area… or those clothes… or feet… or hair? — 

In the Ark some Drone are specialize in some areas all depending on the information there were program to or if they receive modifications of any kind, the way to difference every Drone is with the eye color examples are: white/café workers, blue/medical assistance and green/standard Worker Drone.

— It’s because this “special” guy is a project—

— Wow a project— he looks amazed at Shadow— what’s a project? —

— Oh nothing, just mean he supposed to be superior to us— 

— Wait what? —

— Ok, that's its Hater! —  

— See how he calling me by a stupid name, he doing it because he can— 

— Shut up— he got close to Hater.

— What did you say? —

— I order you to shut up! — just when he said that the eyes of Hater light up for a second before he tried to speak again just so that his mouth will not be open— Ok that just to the trick for a while—

— What just happened— 

— I guess they never use and order to you— he takes a deep breath— it just a secondary program that make a Drone do things in case they are denying to do something, it just works if the Drone already identifies the person who say it as a superior—

— Ok, that explain some things in my old working area— 

— Ok, now let me clarify this, yes what he just say is true I’m a project— the Drone raise his hand and was about ask something— it mean that I was created here in the Ark as an experiment and for a purpose, meaning that I am in the same as a new power source or a new tool for mining planets, for that I was given a certain amount of privileges so I am not harm because that will mean a lot of money lost in my creation— while he was talking Hater was mimicking him just to mock him— and one of those privileges is that I’m consider superior to all the Drones in the Ark, so that why I was able to make Hater finally shut up— he point at Hater with his thumb.

— Yeah, it just met him and can tell he really talks a lot—

— Yes, that's him, but I like to inform you that even if I have these privileges, I no see you as an inferior and I will like you to think as a normal Drone that will glad to help you— Hater stars doing sings that was clearly mean to say “Do not trust him”.

— Mmm… ok I believe you— Hater put his hands over his head— you seem like a nice guy, I understand why you name this guy Hater, like I say he really talks and all that he says is pure hate— Hater just stares at him with an angry expression.

— Yeah, is true—

— Hey, can you give me a name? —

— No sorry, but it a friend of mine that came up with the names and she… kind of busy right now, so you will have to wait—

— Ok, I'll wait for that. Do you still want to help? You could replace Hater if you want— Hater just keeps having the same angry expression.

— Of Course, just let me fin—

— Hello! Is there someone here who bring a girl name “Maria Robotnik”? — Shadow turned his head and saw that it was a Nurse Drone who said that.

— Here! — he raises his hand, then he turns his head towards the Drone— Sorry but I must go—

— It's ok I understand, don't worry we were close anyway— he once again picked the box up alongside Hater that at this point, he just resigned himself.

— I almost forged, Hater— he looks at him— I order you to talk…— Hater was about to say something— After 3 hours—

The eyes of hater light up signalizing that the command was received, he just stares at Shadow angry about the fact he can't scream at him and goes away alongside the other Drone that has a smile over that fact. Shadow approaches the Nurse Drone.

— Tell me what is her condition— 

—Lucky, it was just a little scare her condition is stable now— Shadow sight in relief— she only needs to rest for a while—

— Ok that's good… has this been informed to Professor Robotnik? —

— Other Drone was already sent to inform him—

— Ok… I’m going for a walk now— he puts his hands in his pockets— I'll return to check on her state later—

— Understood, have a good day Mr. Shadow—

Shadow walk out of the nursing area trying to clear his mind, she was going to be fine it was nothing more than a scare… but he still thinks about it, the fact that this is a reminder of the reason that he exists, JcJ see him as a Deluxe product that once he his consider completed they sell him at high price, but he knows the true reason of his creation, cure Maria. Anything else is secondary his main goal is to cure her, but until now the results were null not only in his tests but also in is “personal” experiments, Gerald maybe don't like the idea of him doing testing of his own but with his progress stopping he decide to some things to try control his energy and somehow “unlock” that ability, but even his own attempts also fail and he is ashamed from some of his ideas (especially the one with those batteries and the water) but it still frustrating that not even those can make any special ability come out to at least calm those idiots of JcJ for a moment, but at this point he just have the idea of removing his arm and use his b-.

KABOOM!

The sound of an explosion stops his thoughts, his walk really takes him far away from the nursing area to the point that he reaches the experiment area that was at the other side of the Ark. He quickly runs towards the room where the explosion was heard, when he enters the room, it was full of smoke but as soon as he enters the ventilation system starts to clean up the air so no one suffocates, he sees a scientist on the floor and quickly helps him stand up.

— Are you ok Mr.? —

— Yeah… (cough) I think it was too much energy— Shadow looked at the ground seeing what appears to be two platforms destroyed alongside a metallic sphere in the ground, that was enough to make Shadow know who’s the scientist that he was helping.

— Another failed attempt Dr. Tulip? — the aforementioned was now standing up and trying to clean his lab coat.

— Yes sadly, but this time I really feel that it was close to work— he takes a pair of glasses from the ground and put them on— it just couple of fixes so it not blowup, hey do you see my assistants— 

From the other side of the room two Drones with green eyes just stand up recovering from the explosion.

— There you are, is everything alright? —

— Everything ok Dr. Tulip— the Drone who says it does a thumbs up, but when the other Drone tries to do the same it reveals that his hand was no longer there and he was leaking a lot of oil on the floor — except for that— the Drone eyes hollow upon seeing his partner missing limp.

— Ok, now that's bad— Tulip point with is finger at the Drone who is still have his two hands — You should take him to maintenance so he gets fixed—

— The damage Is not too bad… I just ne-ed to find my hand— the Drone tried to pretend it was ok but the oil loss was already affecting his systems.

— That is goanna be difficult because your hand was clearly destroy in the explosion and needs to be replaced—

— But Doctor you will need assistance in cleaning the mess—  

— I help him you should take him fast to maintenance before he shoots down— Shadow takes a cloth that he found in the floor and passed to the Drone that is still intact— take this, use it to prevent him to lose more—

Without another word the Drone does what Shadow says and covers the wound of his partner with the cloth and slowly takes him outside.

— One he is repair we return to continue assisting Dr. Tulip—

— Is ok you to go, Shadow will be help enough for now—

— Are WE gett-ing HaiR? —

— Wow, you really lost a lot of oil, come on let go to maintenance— the two Drones leave the room.

— I’m probably have to make a protective wall for possible explosion so they not harm either me or the Drones—

— You know that by saying that it looks like you are creating bombs— he crosses his arms and looks at Tulip— which I have to remember you is Illegal— 

— Ah! come on Shadow this is only the third time this explodes— he throws his arms up

— Jajaja, I’m just messing with you, I know you are not the kind of scientist— 

— I know, I was just following along with the joke— he laughs a little and proceed to walk to a broom that was in the wall— There is a second one over there, just not throw away anything metallic I like to—

— Check it to see more clearly what go wrong, I know that— he goes for the other broom— and omitting the obvious explosion how was going the experiment—

— Pretty good in my opinion… I mean what explode was the rings and not the test sphere so is progress in my book— he and Shadow begin to sweep the place.

— I guess that a good perspective, that means that at least will not affect the object—

— Yes, now I only need to figure out how to transport the object without overcharging the system— 

— Well, you just have to remember to tell me when you do it, I like skating but teleportation sound like an easier way to travel—

— Yes, I know, I’m still surprised no one thought of that before— he took one of the pieces of destroyed rings and put it over a table— Hey, where is Maria? You two normally do not separate for too long—

— She… — he stops for a moment— She… at a coughing attack while playing and… I have to take her to the nursing—

— Oh! … — Tulip look really remorseful for asking— I’m… sorr—

— You not need to apologize you just were curious — he resumes the sweep— and I was informed that was nothing more than a scare, so she will be fine—

— That a good thing at least— he takes the metal sphere from the ground and holds it— But I understand that makes you feel bad so… you want to talk about it? — 

— Maybe when we finish cleaning—

— Ok Buddy— Tulip leaves the sphere alongside the pieces of the ring.

Shadow takes from the ground another piece of the rings and leave it with the other in the table, he stop a second to look at the blueprints of the experiment before going back to clean, Dr. Tadeous Tulip has work in this just some years before Shadow was created and in the Doctor own words the idea was even older, he was planning to use this as a way to travel to planets instantly so mines can receives support instantly in case of an emergency and if he can make them way bigger they can also be used to transport the minerals. But that will be depending in what way is the teleporter is going to be, because during all is test Tulip then to change the way of teleportation searching for the one that works, right now he has tried: A Lazer, capsules, a space suit, some sort of portal gun, a hat, platforms and the most recent the rings. 

Shadow and Tulip finish cleaning the room and leaving all the pieces of the experiment on the table, right now they are sitting in two chairs.

— So now you want to talk about what's on your mind? —

— It's nothing too deep; I was just scare of what happened at the moment but I’m better now— he smiled a little.

— I believe you in that but, I’m can still feel that is something else in your mind—

— Well… It's… just… the fact that I hate see her like that, she is so full of life one moment and then…—

— She was put in a bed and force to rest; it sucks that a nice girl like her have to pass for this—

— It… breaks me seeing her like that— he lowers his head.

— You and everyone who knows her— he takes off his glasses and cleans them a little— the universe definitely has such sick sake of humor— he puts his glasses back on.

— Hey Tulip… do you think I will be able to cure her? —

— Well… I mean you were created to do that, even if I not know how… so I say yes— Shadow put one hand on his head.

— Yeah, sorry for the question it's just… recently I can't stop thinking about it— 

— Its ok, that happens to me sometimes with my experiment— he points to the metal pieces in the table— 

— I guess you are correct but— he straightened his head taken off his hand— failure in my case means she will…  die— his eyes hollow.

— Yes… that is… the sad truth—

— I don't want her to die…— he lowers his head again— not for my fault—

— Wow wow wow, wait a minute— he puts his hand in Shadow shoulder and points at his eyes — look at me, look at me— eventually he does that— and now ear me, no one wants Maria to die, no one likes the idea of that happening, but if that ever happened it's not goanna be your fault!— he takes his head both hands to make sure not to look away— If she dies is because of that damn illness, ok!? You have nothing to do with her death! — Shadow stays quiet but nods with his head— Good! — he lets go of Shadow's head— umm… so-sorry for that… it's just… I not like you to think that way—

— I know it's not the first time you do this—

— Yes, but I thought that after the previous you will get the message, not hate yourself for something that is out of your control—

— I understand it, it's just— he looks at his hand— I should have the control, but I’m still stuck. All of the Professor's ideas haven't worked— Tulip looks at Shadow with concern, but then he has an idea.

— Hey, how many people back up the Professor with you? —

— Like 3 in terms of knowing the details of my creation and how I work, but normally he just takes the ones that are available to help during my tests—

— Well, is there anything special with those 3—

— In the Professor own words, they were the only ones that believe in the idea of creating me— he then realizes something— wait are you planning—

— In helping you? Yes, and following what you told me all I have to do is someone that believes in you and guess what, I already do—

— That is just what the Professor tell me I don't know is there another requirement that you need too, and beside what about your project? —

— I’m going to still work on it. I just goanna need to reformulate my schedule— he takes out his phone to see his normal schedule— it's going to be a little complicated but I’m sure I’ll figure out—

— Ok, that's good for you but— he gives a look at the door before approaching Tulip— if you accept that means… you will also have to be inform in… more detail… about… me—

— Well that not will be a problem for me I always was a little curious about what make you unique because beside some parts— he points at Shadow’s hair and air shoes— everything looks standard for a Drone—

— There is more to me that meets the eye and…— he scratches the back of his head— is possible that can change the way you look at me— 

— Nah— he tilt his head— I’m sure that no matter what I learn my vision of you will remain the same, a fascinating guy with good heart but with some insecurities like anybody— Shadow look away with some embarrassment over that description, Tulip then gets up— and I know that a certain girl will agree with me— this make Shadow look back at Tulip— it pass a lot time since you come here, so maybe she’s wake fight now, but there's only one way to find out—

— I guess you're right— he stands up and starts walking to the door while waving his hand— thanks for the talk, Tulip, maybe I see you later— he leaves Tulip alone.

— You really are amazing Shadow— he then looks back at his phone— maybe if I move my planetary observation to just the Sundays, I’ll have the time to help you—

———————————————————

Gerald was working in his office when suddenly his phone started ringing. Without looking he took his phone out of his pocket and answered.

— I’m busy right now, so whatever this it must be important—

— Oh, believe me Gerald this is important— Gerald stopped what he was doing in the computer, he recognized the voice.

— What do you want James? —

— I was just going to inform you of something—

— What is it? —

— I have been talking to my colleagues and we are thinking, that best thing right now is to cancel Project Shadow— Gerald almost fell from his chair when he ears that.

— What!?—

— We simple not see more sustainable to continue, in all this time that thing as done nothing that a regular Drone with some upgrades cannot do, so we think is better if our resources were put in something more promising—

— Shadow is something more than a Drone, we need time to figure out a way so that potential comes out—

— I already heard that speech over and over again Gerald, but it simple doesn't do the trick anymore—

— What are you even planning to do with him, just sale him like any other Drone—

— Oh no no no, we will simply disassemble him and use his parts with something more useful. I actually had been thinking that crystal will look good in my hall—

— You want to take one of the most powerful energy sources, and use it as decoration! —

— Well, you use it to make a toy for your dying granddaughter so I think we are on the same page—

— You don't even think you and are similar in some way— his voice as started to break— you guys really are about to just cancelled something that it could be the salvation of a little girl—

— We have to look for our company Gerald we can afford to lose more for something that doesn't benefits us— Gerald was about to respond— but some still decide to give your project one last change, so to a petition of those guys we are giving you until the end of the month, if that Drone doesn't do something extraordinary in that time, then you know what happens, Understand? —

— Y-es Yes, I understand? — he was trembling.

— Good, so I'll leave you to work. I have my own things to attend to. Goodbye Gerald— the call ended.

Gerald could only put hands over his face, tears coming out of his eyes at this news the project that can save his granddaughter was going to be cancel by those guys, the dead of that sweet girl was almost certain and this point making useless everything he has done at this point. When he was trying to recover, he heard a knock on the door.

— Professor Robotnik his this a good time, I was sent here to inform you something about your granddaughter—

Chapter Text

— Wait, what?!—

— What I said was, that unleash Shadow does something extraordinary before the month ends… the Project and in with that I mean Shadow will be… cancel—

Gerald hates telling this to the two of them but he knows that keeping it a secret would be worse so he decided to tell them in private. Shadow and Maria were in their secret room; they taught Gerald just want to pass time with them which only makes the news more hurtful.

Both of them were sitting on the floor outside of the tent trying to process this news, Shadow looked completely lost. He didn't even move or look at Gerald all that he did was stare into nothing, Maria on the other hand.

— How can they make a decision like that without you?!That is completely unfair! —

— Sadly, as investors the decision of canceling the project it's up to them, not me—

— Yes! And he just took advantage of that! — she then stands up— he makes his own private reunion without you for that exact reason! So, he can convince the other to cancel! — she begins to walk in place.

— Yes, that is something that “he” must likely do, but right now we need to think with a cool head so you should calm down “especially” from what happened yesterday— he puts his hands up trying to calm Maria.

— I know! It just… — she decided to listen to Gerald and sit down— It's not fair, Shadow doesn't deserve that— when Shadow hears that he turns his head to look at her sad.

— Sadly, in my experience that… is how life usually works— he looks at the ground.

During his life Gerald as seen similar situations like this happen not only a project that want to do something good being canceled for monetary reasons, but the fact that good people gets punish for nothing, Maria sadly is another example of that… but this time is going to be different, Gerald raise his head and looks at them.

— But as I said we have until the end of the month, we still have a chance… a small one but is still a chance—

— But how? — Shadow finally raises his head looking at Gerald— How are we going to make me do something more? all previous attempts fail— his voice sounds desperate and hopeless.

— We are going to have tests all this remaining day and… even if I don't like it try more extreme methods—

— Wait how extreme are we talking about—

— The kind of extreme that is just barely to the point of breaking Shadow— Maria cover her mouth— but never to the point of causing irreversible damage, we still prioritize Shadow safety— this calm Maria a little, Gerald then walk to Shadow and bends down while putting his hand in his shoulder— I know you are scared I am to but, we shouldn't let this stop you instead use it to continue— Shadow eyes look away for a moment— This isn’t defeat yet Shadow you still have a chance— suddenly Shadow’s other shoulder was also touch.

— Remember when I said “you will break any expectation”— Shadow looked at Maria— Well considering what Grandpa said I think it's time to do that, and I know you will shut up those idiots that think low of you— she smiles at Shadow with determination in her eyes.

Looking at her and hearing that just give Shadow what he needs it a reminder of why he exists and a reason to not fail, he turns his head towards Gerald.

— Well, I guess that there are no other options right now other than try— Gerald and Maria take their hands off from Shadow’s shoulder as he stands up— When do we start? —

— Considering the limit that James “kindly” give us and the current hour I will say— he looks at his clock for a moment— that right now—

————————————————

Day 1(4 weeks until the end of the month).

A door opens as Dr. Tulip passes through holding some papers in front of him while talking to himself.

— Ok I think I got it figured out, now just ask— he looked in front of him seeing Gerald looking at a monitor with another scientist sitting in front of the computer— Hello Professor, I hope I’m not interrupting somethi— he was approaching him until he saw what was on the monitor.

He sees Shadow in the middle of a room over a green circle, nothing special there, the thing that makes him stop is the fact that Shadow was apparently hitting a sky-blue rectangle that was coming at him which leaves Tulip really confused. Gerald notices Tulip behind and turns around.

— Thadeus? Did something happen? Or do you need some materials for your project? — Gerald was a little annoyed with the interruption but he still wanted to help if Tulip needed it.

— I wanna ask you something— he was still a little confused over what he just saw.

— Then ask—

— Yeah, but now, I have other questions related with the original, so do you have a moment? —

— Ok— he turns to the scientist in the computer— keep checking and inform me about any change— he walks towards to Tulip— now, ask away Thadeus—

— Ok first I already told you that I prefer Tulip—

— Yeah, sorry I forgot— he scratched the back of his head.

—That Ok Professor, second that was original my first one— He pass the papers to Gerald— Is that I was goanna solicit to be a part of the scientist that help with Project Shadow— Gerald took the papers and starts to read them— here it has everything that I can help with alongside the reasons of why I think a should be include— he smile a little.

— I must say you did a pretty good Job with these— he looks at all the papers— but sadly—

— If it is about the hours of work, the last one is a schedule I made myself— he points to the paper that he was referring to.

— No no, it’s not that believe me that I really like the idea of more people helping Shadow voluntarily but— he returns the papers to Tulip— But I simply have not time to include anyone right now—

— What? Why? —

— Tulip… (sight) you have a good heart and I know you want to help, so I'm going to tell you but this doesn't leave this room— he gets closer to Tulip — James and the other heads of JcJenson give us an ultimatum, if Shadow doesn't achieve anything remarkable to the end of the moth he will be cancel and later disassemble—

— What?!—

— Yes, I know I don't like it either, but as the people who funding both Shadow and the Ark, they have the last word— he looks down sad— so right now I must focus all my attention into Shadow and I not have the time to properly introduce you to everything you need to know—

— Can't you just show me a video or something? —

— The normal introduction does have a video part, but I’m normally prefer talking personally and even if you watch the video, I know you will have a lot of questions and answer them will take too much time— he puts his hand on Tulip shoulder— I know you really want to help but right now is not a good time—

— Then when is going to be a good time? —

— Sadly, we have to wait until the end of the month to find out— he opens the door— now I suggest you go and continue with your day— Tulip hesitates before answering.

— Ok… I understand— he walks through the door— Good luck Professor— he leaves the room.

Gerald looked at the door with only and thought passing through his head “I hope to have luck” he then returned to the computer.

Day 5(4 weeks until the end of the month).

Shadow was drinking a can of refrigerant while sitting on a chair, the smoke and the fact that certain parts of his body look a little red showing the reason why he was drinking that being the overheat that happened during the test, Maria was on his side holding another can.

— Is your temperature reducing now? — Shadow just finishes with the can and throws it to his side.

— A little yes, but it's still not enuf— he raises his hand and Maria quickly gives him the can that she was holding— Thanks but you should really get a little more distance— he starts drinking the can but stop to talk again— After all I am right now a heated metal— he continues to drink, when he finish that one he open his mouth again.

— And I can get a burn if I accidentally touch you I know— she takes another can from a bag on her side— I know, and I also know the exact distance I have to keep— she gives offers him another can— and besides this is like when you take care of me when I got a fever, so I consider this a way to thank you— she smile.

Shadow stared at her, her smile was bright as always, he took the can she was offering while he drank it, he only thought in his mind was “I have to succeed… for her”.

Day 7(3 weeks before end of the month).

Shadow tries to lift the D Cube over his head as his body starts to turn red from the heat, Gerald can only look in concern as Shadow struggles to do it.

Day 9(2 weeks before end of the month).

Gerald was writing in his desk ideas of how to make Shadow unlock his potential, but most of the papers end up in the trash can.

Day 12(2 weeks before end of the month).

Maria is in her bed resting after an attack that she just had, normally she will be accompanied by Shadow or her grandfather but this time she was alone.

Day 14(2 weeks before end of the month).

Dr. Artman was walking to a hallway until he see a orange light in front of him as he see that the speed test of Shadow was taking place, his face cannot express is anger as he as to go for an alternative route to get where he was going, he can't believe that Professor Robotnik was still trying with his absurd project, after all that thing is a Drone it could be never more than that.

Day 18(2 weeks before end of the month).

Shadow is in his knees with his eyes closed and his body completely red from the overheating, even his jacket was starting to catch on fire, lucky the entire room that he was in released tons of cooling spray to cool him down, but still that hurt a lot… but he has to keep trying.

Day 20(2 weeks before end of the month).

Diamond looked with a sad expression at Gerald, the scientist was looking at the papers furiously, he did not even take a sip of the coffee he had on his side. Diamond does not know exactly what is happening to the Professor but he knows that it was hitting him hard.

Day 21(1 week before end of the month).

Shadow was skating as hard as he was possible for him not even after hitting his Max speed, he doesn’t slow down the leg movement, he had to go faster he had to make it. He was totally laser focused in his goal to go faster, his Air-shoes start to increase his power as he continues, Maria's future depends if he succeeds, he has to make it.

As he was going his legs crossed… Before he could do something, he trips… his head went straight to the floor… and his visor cracked.

Day 23(5 days before end of the month).

Shadow was on the exterior of the Ark, he was looking at the stars trying to calm his mind but his eyes showed that it was not working, it could work if he were with her after all they normally do this together, but right now he wants to be alone that’s why he goes outside being only hold by the gravity floor in what he was sitting. His hand went to his visor, even after it was repaired, he can still remember the feeling of being break, that was the first time he breaks some part of his body, but that was easy to repair unlike his current problem, in just five days the month will end, in five days he will be take a part, in five days… Maria will die. Without him she has no hope of getting a cure, she is doomed… because of those idiots she will die… because of that illness she will die… because of… his failure she will… die.

His eyes went up looking at the stars again.

[REPLAYING MEMORY]

— Aren't they beautiful—

A younger Maria was standing beside Shadow in front of the glass that showed a view of the stars, Shadow was just a week old but even with that Maria already considered him a friend, so she tells him to follow her so they can see stars, an activity that he doesn't find any logic in.

— They are points of light; I don't comprehend what's the appealing of watching them—

— Well aside from help me relax when I have a bad day, they are also extremely fascinating—

— How does a bunch of tiny lights can be fascinating—

— Well, it is because they are not some “tiny lights”— Shadow turns his head at her.

— They aren’t? — before Maria could answer.

— They are stars, just like sun that earth is orbiting—

— Grandpa! — Maria runs towards Gerald and hugs him; he hugs her back.

— Wait, how are they the same thing? They are much smaller— He scratches his head; Gerald lets Maria go and approaches him.

— Well for starters, they are not small they are just very very far away— 

— How far exactly? — 

— Light years, they are so far that the light we see—

— It just made it to us— she puts herself between Gerald and Shadow— so we just seeing the light now, its takes so much time to the light travel here that the start maybe as already die—

— Well look who had been paying attention in class— he pats Maria in the head— That's my little niece—

— So… the light shines, even to thought the start is gone— Gerald and Maria look at him, they were surprised by Shadow words to describe what they just say, is little poetic which is amazing considering he is just one week old— I still not see the appeal— Gerald sigh at what he said.

— Well, there is another thing which made them interesting and is the fact that— “Hey!” The memory pauses like a video as Shadow hears something “Hey!”.

[STOPING MEMORY REPLAY]

— Hey!— Shadow look at his side seeing a person in a light brown space suit with the logo of a wrench in his chest, behind him there is a group of brown eyes Drones wearing a similar outfit minus the helmet— We need to check this area, so could you move and do nothing in other place?— his voice was coming from the Space-Speaker in his suit, another creation of the Ark the Space-Speaker allows the sound waves to be possible to hear even in outer space, but only from certain distance since is not finished yet and not in sale for the same reason, but still is has been already installed in some suits and Drones for testing, especially in maintenance crews like those who Shadow is looking.

Lacking that speaker, Shadow had to use the screen to communicate— “Understood, I move away”— he stood up and walked away from them, even if he was a little too far, he still was able to hear.

— Stupid Lazy Drone— Shadow simply ignore the comment, he is not the first human that is questioning the fact that a Drone its doing nothing, its normally just the new employees who think like that until they are informed of his situation and they no longer commented anymore, but some even after they are informed still see Shadow as a waste just for no having a clear function in the Ark.

But waste it’s just how Shadow was feeling right now, He was supposed to be the cure for Maria that was his job and even if he still have five days he knows that he fail, he was going to be shot down and disassemble and Maria will die in a bed in immense pain, he won't be even able to be with her when that happens, he stops walking at look up. Looking at the stars used to give him hope, make him think of the future that will soon come, now they only show a future that could have happened but it never did. As Shadow was looking, he noticed something off… he focused on something, something that was blocking the view of the start for a few seconds, that something was… moving, he still couldn't make out what it was but he noticed’ it was moving dangerously fast directly to… without any second thought he activated his Air-Shoes move towards the maintenance crew.

— Remember to let any piece fly too far away! if any of you lose at least one piece I'll make you come back here and put the replacement! — he looked at the Drones as they were starting to open plates to check the internal wiring. He was standing next to a box with cables that he and the Drones were attached to. It was a safe mechanism so they did not fly away into space — And that is only the best-case scenario! So-uh — he stops as he looks at his side, seeing Shadow skating towards him — Hey, what are you?  ahh! — he sees Shadow jump and instinctively crouch while covering his head.

The reason why Shadow jump was to intercept the thing that he saw and it was going to hit the maintenance guy directly in the head, as soon Shadow catches the object he goes down again to the gravity floor do to the object movement, luckily enough his momentum was enough to avoid squashing the maintenance guy making him hit the floor a little far from his position. The maintenance guy noticed that nothing happened to him so he took his hands off his head and looked to the sides. When he looked at Shadow he was holding in one hand the object that almost hit him… a meteorite just a little smaller than his head.

— Wow! That almost— he points at the sky during his realization; he then stands up and looks at Shadow — I guess there is some use for you—

Shadow didn't pay attention to what the maintenance guy was saying as he was concentrated in the space rock that he was holding “The Ark Radar can detect meteorite even smaller than this” the meteorite doesn't any peculiarity, it look like the ones he see in the astrology class one of the few classes that he actually interest him “If the Radar detect they should be any maintenance crew outside for their safety, they would be sent after any small crash” he look up “How the Radar could miss this…” his eyes suddenly hollow “One”.

— Hey! I already thank you, so could you please move now! — Shadow still didn't react at the screams as he kept looking up— What are you even looki— as soon he looks up he freezes in place.

That meteorite wasn't the only one in reality there were several more, some smaller, some bigger that the one Shadow caught, all of them in direction towards the Ark.

“The Ark can take a few hits without major consequences, but that many is going to really put it in danger”  he was trying to think what to do now “should I get inside and warn them, should I get all the maintenance crew out of here, are they even the only ones out besides me, what I do what I do what I do what I do what I do!” He puts his hands on the side of his head trying to calm down himself and think more clearly, but when he doit he remembered with hit and some pain that he was holding the first meteorite on one hand, he looks at it and then to his Air-shoes "it's probably not the best idea, but… I’m goanna do it".

— We are death, we are fucking dead! — his screams of terror were interrupted when he saw one of the meteorites being hit by another, sending it in the opposite direction. He looked to his side, looking at Shadow who had just thrown the meteorite he caught earlier, Shadow looked at him.

— "I'll try to stop as many as I can” “You get them out here and inform the inside” — he begins to prepare to jump.

— Wait? get who out here?— at that question Shadow only look at him and point at the Drones that still don’t know what's happening, he look at Shadow confuse— are you serious?— Shadow just kept looking at him showing that he really was serious— ok ok I'll do it— Shadow just nodded and finally jumped, he just turned around towards the Drones— hey! We have an emergency! Put everything back to his place! And then come over here! — meanwhile the Drones were adapting to new orders he uses his radio— Hello Radar of the Ark, what the fuck! —

———————————————————————-

— Professor, I really don't think that it's healthy for you—

Gerald was in the café trying to think of a solution over the Shadow situation but no matter how much he tried he simply couldn't think of any, he had his tongue out using again that electric metal rod thing, the reason why Diamond was concerned.

— This is Neuron Stimulator— he hangs up the metal rod— the electric current that creates stimulates the neurons of my brain so I can come up with ideas way faster— he puts his tongue out and use the NS— the number of volts is pre-set so it doesn't go over board and cause damage, so in other words is completely safe— he used again.

— Yes, I believe you Professor, but I don't think doing it repeatedly is good for your health— Gerald stops and attempt to use it again— I mean a cup of coffee can't kill you but if you drink like… 500 it could— Gerald Sight left the NS down on the table.

— That's true, sorry is just… I need to find a solution but my brain seems to have block—

— I did notice that you have been stressed these last few weeks— he takes a chair and sits in front of Gerald from the other side of the counter— Do you like to talk about it— Gerald sight again.

— Okay… the thing is that… if Shadow doesn't make any type of progress until the end of the week… he is going to be canceled and destroyed subsequently—

— Man…— he looks extremely shocked— does… Is it a unanimous decision? or it was only… James? — he sounded a little annoyed.

— He said it was, but I'll not be surprised if he was the one to propose the cancellation first— he fixes his glasses— no matter how I phrased to the others he always knew my reason to begin this project, and he didn't like it—

— If is not something that allow him to make more money for him, it’s a lost— when he says the last phrase he extends his arms as a form to remark— I’m surprise that guy haves a daughter—

— I have two theories about that, one he was trying to improve his image make him look like a family man, or two and the most probable he simply got careless one day—

— Yeah, is most probably the second one je je— he and Gerald laugh a little before stopping— So… Is there something I can help with? — 

— First Tulip now you, I appreciate the sentiment but Shadow is more complicated that people think, both mentally and mechanically—

— Well, it’s normal to try to help, discounting James and his “friends” everybody will do anything to help a girl like Maria— 

— That's true… even more for me… after that accident she is the only family I have left— behind his glasses his eyes start to fill with tears at the tragic memory.

— Sorry… for remind of that, but you should let that pain stop you from finding a way out of this situation—

— Yes, I know, but still… there is no denying what going to happen at the end of the month… that Shadow and Maria life… is going to end— he put his head down meanwhile some tears start to escape his eyes.

— Please Professor, I know that you will be able to think of something—

— Even if I did the time is too short, the only thing that could save both of them is luck itself— he was about to break when suddenly he heard footsteps, he raised his head looking back and saw a Drone just in the entrance of the cafe.

— Professor Robotnik, your presence is needed in the radar station, is an emergency—

——————————————————————————

[1 Play]

“100, 300, 400? Argh better stop counting a just center on stopping them” Shadow shakes his head to center on what he has to do, thanks to his Air-Shoes he is able to move in space thanks to the propulsion, but this was the first time he do it so he needs to concentrate so he can stop all the meteorites he can, he will protect the Ark… he will protect his home.

He propelled himself towards one of the closest catching it and throw it away, he proceed with another and another until he see one that was pretty close of the Ark and goes straight to it but as soon as he catch it, he has to readjust to avoid crashing himself due to the speed he was going, when he stabilize he throw that rock to another, he continue with this approach but he was still not enough “This is works but if difficult to catch each one and throw it, I have to change of tactic” as think he looks at his hand, he closed turning it to a fist, when he do it he look at it and got an idea “I guess it’s time for put what I learn in that test in action” he see one of the closes and after a quick calculation he punched it with all that he have, the meteorite was launched in and angle that make him stop another four, after that punch Shadow hold his hand while fastly opening and closing his fingers “So that was it fell punching something for real… it really hurts” he close his hand again and keep it that way “but better get used to this”.

Shadow continued to stop the meteorites but with punches and kicks directing them towards others to stop them, from below the maintenance guy was looking at him with amusement.

— Ok, that is a little impressive— he then looks back at the Drones— Are you finished?!— the only answer he got was a thumbs up from the farthest away Drone— Good! — he pressed a button on the box causing all the Drones to be pulled towards him through the wires — Okay now, let's get out here! We not know how much longer he can keep those at bay— he points at Shadow momentarily before taking the box and start running 

————————————————————————

[1 Paused]

— What happened?!— Gerald screamed the loudest he could while trying to catch his breath.

He looked at the room, specifically the radar room and things didn't look or sound, mainly because of the alarm, one of the two workers there looked at Gerald totally scared.

— Pro-profess-sor Robotnik, it's a disaster I-I-I don't know what happe-n ev-ev-every— Gerald holds him by the shoulders trying to calm him down.

— Calm down, I cannot help you with what happening, if I don’t know what’s happening—

— Well both of us were doing or job seeing the screen, trying not to fall asleep we turn around to ask our Drone to bring us coffee— he points with his thump the Drone who was the same who bring Gerald— but when as soon we turn back, we were looking at this— he pointed towards the screen, showing in green an image of the Ark and in front of it at least 1.000 points all moving towards it.

— What?! how? — he leaves the worker he was holding and approach towards the screen— meteorites don't appear out of nowhere—

— Well in this case they did—

— I Can confirm It Professor— the Drone raise his hand— while they were given me the specifics on the kind of coffee they want, I was looking at the screen and I confirm that they in did appear out of nowhere—

— Ok will question that later, what about the maintenance crews? —

— We were able to inform them so they could evacuate…  with angry remark from their part but they are getting out— 

— Know the only thing left is know what to do, we never have so many going at the Ark we now know what will be the level of damage, this could pretty much destroy completely the Ark if they keep coming— 

Gerald stood still, this never happened before, normally the meteorite that come towards the Ark are small enough to do that much damage, and even if a bigger one appear they will detected with more than enough time to think a solution, but right now he doesn't have time and even if there are small with that many they can really do damage to not just the exterior but the interior as well, there were out of options “we should get everybody ready to evacu” Gearld noticed something.

— Why some of them are changing course— he points towards the screen, that shows exactly what he just says.

— I didn't notice that. I turn on the external cameras— using the keyboard the screen changes now showing the exterior of the Ark, they not only see the meteorites but some sort of orangey light moving that was apparently reflecting them— what's that? — 

— Shadow— 

———————————————————————-

[1 resume]

— Arg! What the hell are these things made of?!— he shakes it hand.

He understands at some point why pain was programmed in his system but right now he seriously hates it. Shaking his head to concentrate again and blast off continuing to hits does stupid meteorites, hitting each one of them with all his force with the intention of sending them back to the deeps of space, he punch them kick them, his metal crashing with the rock, as fast as he his mind couldn't stop thinking “how many of this are, I already feel like I punch a thousand, or eight thousand, this getting tiring… no! Center Shadow everybody in the Ark will be in danger if enough of this make it through… Mr. Diamond… Dr. Tulip… The… Professor… M… Ma… Maria!”  Filled with determination Shadow put his Air-shoes to all he can and continue, he it those damn rock even harder that before to the point that some even crack a little, he even started ignoring the pain he was felling, he has to protect the people of the Ark, he have to protect the people that he like, he have to… protect… her.

After Shadow punched another meteorite, he quickly got ready for the next one… but when he searches for other, he didn't find it any, he looked everywhere to find any that he misses, desperately look everywhere but his optics not find anything, little by little he start relaxing, he doit, he actually does it. Allow himself a little rest he simply starts floating while looking at stars “Wow, that was… weird, but they are safe… she is safe”.

[1 End]

———————————————————————-

— He stopped… All of them… not even a single one passed him… that was something… a little… remarkable— 

— Remarkable, that was awesome! —  he points with is both hands at the screen— I thought it was only a Drone with roller skates— 

— Well, I guess it is Professor Robotnik creation, but I never expected to be able to do this— he turned around and looked at Gerald— we normally do not come out of the room, so can I ask exactly what else that thing can do? — Gerald did answer.

He also didn't expect or even think that Shadow could do something like stop all those meteorites, he knows that he is special but even this amazing, they were at least enough to make a four-digit number, and yet he stop every single one "I guess shouldn't be surprise, but still, what he can do thanks to that crystal and his” his thoughts were interrupted.

— Professor Robotnik, Mr. Wallace is trying to ask a you question— the Drone slightly touches him making Gerald react.

— Oh sorry, I was lost in my tights for a second, what was the question? — 

— I ask what else that th— and alarm starts sounding— now what!?— he turns back around and change the monitor to see the reason for the alarm— now you got to be kidding me! — 

————————————————————————

“It's weirdly comfortable looking at the stars this way, but I should get back” Shadow was getting ready to boost himself towards the Ark given one last look at the stars, when he looked he realized something was coming towards him, he caught it before it could hit him, “Wait, what?” what he just caught was… one of the meteorites that he threw away “Did it turn back? No that's impossible, it must be just another one that was behind all the others, yes that must be it” he looks forward to realizing something scary, it seems that his first idea was right… all of the meteorites are coming back, Shadow eyes completely hollow, at first all he can feel was fear, he thought that he saved the Ark, but it came back… it came back! Shadow fear turns into rage, his eyes light up as he punched the meteorite he caught sending it farther away, is thoughts intensified “I wanted to relax, I wanted to spend one last day with my friend, if you want to stop me from doing that… then you make a mistake” with incredible force he boosts right into them.

Shadow moved as fast as he could, he hit them with even more force, he really was starting to become in a flash of light, his chest was starting to heat up, he was pushing himself at all that he could. Suddenly after punching one he noticed something passing by his side, a meteorite with a black coloration was moving way faster than the others, it was leaving a little red stella behind him, he was approaching more and more Shadow prioritize that one and go straight to it, when it was a meter of hitting the Ark Shadow pass it and give it the most powerful kick he could give, the heat of his chest intensified as his body moved into position, his leg back up and like a spring release all his force with his movement, to add on the second that his foot hit the meteorite his Air-shoe goes overdrive and send the black rock the farthest away, to the point wasn't even able to see it.

Shadow stop one second after the kick, he look up seeing that they were still coming and at the distance he was able to distinguish how some of he just hit away were staring to return in course towards the Ark without reason “Did the universe suddenly decide to destroy the Ark without reason, then is not to different from the JcJ director, the only thing setting them apart is that I can hit you guys all that I wan-arg!” Shadow fell a stabbing pain in his foot, when looked down he almost didn't believe was he seen, it was broken… the impact with that black meteorite just broke his foot, it fill of cracks all over it with some sparks coming out of it, when he realized what happened he grab his foot in pain “and I thought my screen breaking was bad, this is worst, way worst!” Shadow tried to ignore the pain but it was extremely hard, while he was holding his foot a meteorite passes just beside him, when he noticed it was late the meteorite impacted the Ark destroying part of the gravity floor. 

That event alone was enough to make him continue even if he still feel pain, Shadow try to boost towards but the lack of one Air-shoe make him lean toward one side instead of going straight, when he try to hit one he miss by a little margin, when he look down that one also manage to hit the Ark, Shadow try again and once again fail, the Ark receive another hit as a consequence. 

Shadow continue he manage to reflect some but still fail others, the Ark was hit ten times, and even the ones he hit start to return back, the sight wasn't any inspiring, the meteorites not stop coming, they are enough to destroy the Ark, and even if they are deflected they return, anybody in this situation will be down hopeless, but Shadow… all of this was infuriating, after one fail hit he was let spinning in the vacuum of space, as he do it his thoughts start to increased  “I won't let you do this” his eyes close “Thats my home” his first close “My friend is in there” his chest start to light up “I want one last day with her” he suddenly start spinning way faster “You will not destroy it” his eyes open now turned red “I’ll destroy you” he look at one of the meteorites when he do it from his vision a reticle appear on it, he start to spin, his energy start to form around him creating a sphere of energy, after that he move into a straight line towards the meteorite, as soon they clash the meteorite was destroyed completely.

[2 Play loop]

After this he look up seeing the rest the reticle one again appear in his vision and was send towards another destroying it as well, move one for one, he will no longer send them away instead destroying them, not leaving even little pebbles behind just a little cloud of waste that can't do damage to anything, at this point Shadow was a lightning that destroyed everything on site, the number of meteorites reduced drastically, when Shadow finished with those he looked up seeing the black one that broke his foot still moving extremely fast. With all his force he go right at that black meteorite, when they impact the meteorite show how resistant it was holding more than the other, but the energy sphere that form around Shadow was starting to act like a saw, even being more resistance it was still slowly breaking it, when it about to break the sphere disappear as Shadow proceed to punch it with all his rage, his fits made contact with it, and in seconds that stupid rock was reduced to nothing. 

[2 End]

Shadow takes a moment to “breathe” as he starts to calm down, as his mind slows down, he starts to realize something, what was the thing he just did? He has never done that before, it was something he was programmed to do either, and yet it felt “Natural… this day really was weird, I am awake? Or am I still in sleep mode?” When put his hand on his chin he feel a sudden pain, when he look he realize that meteorite decide not only to break his foot but his hand as well “Ugh, no I'm awake… this feel pretty much real” he start to hold his hand "First the visor, then my foot and now the hand, what a day” he stay still for a while trying to recuperate himself, his eyes return to his orangey color.

—GOOD WORK —

————————————————————————

After that Shadow return to the Ark, he was in his room sitting on a table put one of the walls, this was where Gerald normally does maintenance in him, well regular maintenance is normally just checking that everything was ok but on this occasion is actually repairing him, which it was what he doing in the other side of the table.

— Luckily the damage was more superficial that you think— he was welding Shadow’s foot

— Wait really? —

— Yes, you probably think it was more serious because you never experience this level of pain, its reparable but still it's weird that you receive this much damage, one thing is the screen but other thing completely different is the limps—

— You can blame that black meteorite, what was that thing made of? — 

— For the coloration I will say material similar to obsidian, but I can say anything concrete without analyzing it which at this point is impossible— 

— Yeah, sorry—

— Don't feel bad, considering the situation it was necessary, but that reminds me— he stops welding leaving Shadow’s foot on the table.

— You mean the thing that I do? —

— What else? — he smiles and chuckle— The guys of the radar were going crazy when they see it, I was bombarded by a lot of questions, and it's really hard to answer when you also have them—

— Yeah, I guess it is expected…— he rubs his neck with the only hand he has.

— I’m not going to ask you exactly how you do it, is clear that you don't know— he squatted down and put his hand on Shadow shoulder— But I want to know what you feel when it happened, how it feels— 

— It feels weirdly natural— he looks at his hand.

— Anything else—

— The heat in my chest seem to disappear, my Hud display some king of lock on in the meteorites I was going for and the color of my Hud change to red—

— Ok, this as to be tested to get more information— he returned to welding Shadow’s foot— As soon you are repaired, so just wait a little more—

— How long exactly— he sounded a little tired of waiting, even if as just been a couple of minutes— It's weird having the— before he can finish the door suddenly open leading in Dr. Tulip.

— Professor I heard that something bad happened, is there anything I can… help? —

Tulip frost in place, his eyes were completely open and couldn't look away, he looked at Shadow unable to pronounce words, he has seen Drones being repaired before but this was something he has never seen… coming out of Shadow’s limps… where his foot and hand should have been… There were tentacles… tentacles made out of some sort of black meat with red stripes in some parts, they have the form of what that resemble the missing parts where they are coming from… they were moving with a squishy sound.

Everybody remained quiet until Tulip was able to express the emotions he was feeling in that moment.

— Aaaaaaaa! —