Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Sonic couldn't stay still. Since this morning, he had already reorganized his bookshelf three times, and he still wasn't satisfied. First, he had arranged his comics in alphabetical order, then by preference, and now he was trying to sort them by cover color. But nothing felt right. He frantically moved the books around, picking them up, putting them down, swapping their places with a restless expression.

His fingers were slightly trembling, and his gaze darted constantly from one shelf to another, desperately searching for a way to channel his anxiety. He knew he was all over the place, but he couldn’t help it. His heart was beating too fast, and he felt as if a ball of static electricity was coursing through his entire body.

Comfortably seated on the couch, Shadow was watching him in silence, a cup of coffee in hand, his third since the morning. He was stressed too, hence his excessive caffeine intake. Yet, unlike his husband, he knew how to keep his composure. In less than ten minutes, they would be attending their first prenatal appointment for the first trimester of pregnancy.

It had been a few weeks since Sonic discovered he was pregnant, a revelation confirmed by a blood test after several pregnancy tests. Without wasting any time, they had started looking for a gynecologist.

Rouge and Amy were the only ones aware of the pregnancy. Rouge had recommended a specialist, Harper the Anteater, the gynecologist who had cared for her in the past. Skilled and discreet, she had managed to uphold medical confidentiality despite the persistence of journalists.

Both of them had been eagerly awaiting this appointment. Yet, as the date drew closer, countless questions swirled in their restless minds.

Sonic wondered if he was truly ready to be a parent. He never really had a parental figure in his own life, would he be capable of raising a child? Sure, he had looked after Tails, but the young fox had always been independent and far too intelligent for his age. In reality, Sonic had barely needed to step in. This time, things would be completely different.

For his part, Shadow was consumed by fear. The fear that they would receive bad news, that this newfound happiness would be cruelly taken from them at their very first appointment. He had spent countless hours researching online, alone in the dark while Sonic slept peacefully. He had read about everything that could go wrong, explored every possibility, every risk. And yet, despite the anxiety tightening his chest, he hoped with all his heart that their child was doing well.

It was now time for them to leave.

“Sonic,” Shadow called, snapping him out of his daydream. “We need to go.”

Sonic jumped and turned around hastily. “What, already? But I haven’t finished organizing yet!”

He glanced at the clock, then at the bookshelf, and finally at Shadow. He wasn’t ready.

Everything was becoming more real, more tangible. He was going to be a parent, for real this time. It was only now that the full weight of this responsibility was hitting him. Inside him, he was carrying life.

A knot formed in his stomach. He felt like vomiting, and this time, it wasn’t because of morning sickness. Why was he so stressed? After all, it was he who had asked Shadow to start a family. So why, now that everything was becoming real, did he feel panic rising within him? It was a panic that shouldn’t have been there.

“Faker… You can continue when we get back. Come on, let’s go.”

He extended his hand to him.

Sonic sighed and threw one last glance at his bookshelf before taking Shadow's hand in his. Shadow pulled a yellow Chaos Emerald from his spines and, with a Chaos Control, teleported them directly into the clinic's private waiting room, avoiding any risk of being seen by other patients.

They didn’t have to wait long before a nurse called them in. She led them to Dr. Harper’s office, where she was already sitting behind her desk, waiting for them.

“Good morning, Mr. Hedgehog. Nice to meet you. Please, have a seat. So, what brings you here today?”

Shadow and Sonic exchanged a glance. The blue hedgehog gave his companion a subtle nudge with his foot, encouraging him to speak, but the hybrid crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. No way.

“Erm... we're here for my first ultrasound,” Sonic finally said, feeling awkward. He crossed his legs, nervous. “We found out a few weeks ago that I’m pregnant, and Rouge recommended we come see you.”

“And she was right to do so. Our clinic specializes in this type of pregnancy.”

Shadow furrowed his brows slightly.

“What do you mean by that?” he asked.

The doctor smiled kindly.

“The Chaos users, even among Mobians, are rare. Since both of you are, your child has an 80% chance of being one as well. This makes pregnancies more complex, but don’t worry, everything should go smoothly.”

Sonic felt his stress soar. He hadn’t known that his chaos energy could complicate his pregnancy. A knot of anxiety formed in his throat, his breath growing shorter. He lowered his gaze to his belly, as if the answer might be found there, but it only intensified his discomfort.

Beside him, Shadow tensed as well. His jaw clenched imperceptibly, and his fists tightened around the armrests of his chair. He didn’t like being caught off guard, especially when it came to Sonic and the baby.

He placed a firm hand on Sonic's thigh, a gesture that was both subtle and reassuring.

“It will be fine,” he assured him in a low, but determined voice.

Sonic looked up at him. In Shadow's scarlet gaze, he saw a silent promise: no matter what happens, I'll be there.

“There’s no need to worry,” Harper continued in a reassuring tone. “We’ll simply monitor your pregnancy more closely, with more frequent ultrasounds and blood tests than with a typical pregnancy.”

Sonic nodded slowly, but his heart was still beating a bit too fast. The thought that his body could complicate things because of his chaotic energy deeply unsettled him. He already knew he was going to struggle with the changes to his body.

He had mentally prepared himself for this challenge ever since he announced his desire to start a family. He wasn’t the biggest fan of needles or medical exams, but for the sake of their child, he was determined to endure it.

“I'll do whatever it takes,” he assured.

Harper gave him an approving smile. “Exactly. And rest assured, you’re in good hands. We’ve already helped several patients with special abilities. You’re not an isolated case.”

Despite himself, Sonic felt slightly reassured. It wasn’t much, but at least he wasn’t a unique, uncontrollable phenomenon. He took a deep breath and tried to relax.

“Alright... as long as we're doing our best.”

“That's all that matters,” Harper confirmed, taking notes on his file. “Now, I’ll ask you a few questions. You’re trans, correct?”

“Yes, I had a mastectomy a few years ago.”

“Have you stopped your hormone therapy?”

He nodded. “Yes... I stopped when we decided to have a child.” He squeezed Shadow's hand. “I wanted to maximize my chances of getting pregnant.”

“That's very good. I’m sure you know that you shouldn't take testosterone during your pregnancy, as it can lead to birth defects.”

“Yes. I did a lot of research. I wanted to be prepared,” the blue hedgehog affirmed.

“I must still warn you. Pregnancy will transform your body. It’s a complex process that can also impact your mental well-being. It’s possible that it may cause gender dysphoria.” She handed him a brochure. “In this document, you’ll find all the information you need to better understand these changes. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust if you feel any discomfort.”

Sonic grabbed the brochure and flipped through it absentmindedly, while Shadow read over his shoulder. It was rare for him to feel true discomfort with his body. He had come a long way in finding a balance between his identity and physical appearance. Yet, he knew that the pregnancy was going to disrupt that harmony.

When he realized he was a trans man, he had gone through years of questioning, doubts, and sometimes rejection. His body had always been a battleground, between who he truly was and how the world saw him. Testosterone had given him a sense of rightness; he finally felt at home in his own body. But now, having stopped his treatment to carry their child, he knew that balance was going to be disrupted.

When he and Shadow had discussed their desire to start a family, they had debated long and hard between adoption and pregnancy. The idea of seeing his body change again, of regaining certain shapes he had wanted to erase, scared him. Yet, deep down, he knew it was what he wanted. He wanted to carry their child, to feel that unique connection.

That didn’t mean it would be easy. There would be days when he would feel out of sync with himself, when he would struggle with dysphoria. He knew it, and Shadow did too. Sonic closed the brochure and gently held it between his fingers. He took a deep breath and looked up at Shadow, who gave him a look full of support and tenderness.

“It will be fine,” Sonic murmured. He was confident.

Harper continued with a few more questions. She asked Sonic the date of his last period, which had been six months ago due to his treatment. When had he stopped taking his contraceptive? About 4 months ago. When had he first noticed symptoms? Three weeks ago, with bloating and nausea. When had he been sexually active for the last time? About a month and a half ago, on Halloween.

Then, after a few calculations, she announced, “Based on your answers, you're probably in your tenth week of pregnancy. The ultrasound will confirm the due date, but in general, I’m not wrong.”

The medical exam began. The gynecologist measured his height, weight, and took his blood pressure. Then, she asked questions about his speed and the impact of his powers on his body. Sonic hesitated, unsure how to answer, but fortunately, Shadow intervened to fill in the gaps.

“It’s essential to understand how your Chaos energy affects your body," Harper explained. "As the pregnancy progresses, the fetus will draw from this energy. Some patients struggle to cope with it. However, your energy levels are exceptionally high. In theory, this shouldn't cause any issues.”

“Will I still be able to run?”

The gynecologist gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Until your fifth month, yes. After that period, it will become too risky to move at high speeds safely. However, I encourage you to continue moderate physical activity. You’ll still be able to run, but at a normal pace. And most importantly, at the first sign of fatigue or a drop in chaotic energy, you’ll need to rest immediately,” she explained.

Sonic let out a sigh of relief. The thought of having to stop running for nine months seemed unbearable to him.

“I'll make sure he doesn't push his limits,” Shadow intervened, his tone firm.

Sonic rolled his eyes, smiling softly. He loved Shadow, but he was worried that this pregnancy pushed his husband to be even more protective than usual. 

Harper closed her notebook and continued with an encouraging look.

“Let’s move on to the ultrasound now.”

Harper invited Sonic to lie down on the examination table. Shadow sat beside him, his hand still firmly gripping Sonic’s, like an anchor in the storm of emotions swirling inside him.

The blue hedgehog felt his heart beating in an irregular rhythm. He wasn’t sure he was ready. Seeing the ultrasound would make it all real in a way he hadn’t yet dared to face.

Harper took a bottle of gel and squeezed a generous amount onto his belly.

“Be careful, it’s a bit cold.” Sonic shivered despite the warning, his skin reacting to the chilly contact. “This gel will help us see what’s going on inside,” the gynecologist explained as she turned on the machine. “Ready?”

Sonic exhaled slowly, his breath trembling, then nodded. Shadow, on the other hand, tightened his grip on Sonic’s hand, as if to remind him that he wasn’t alone.

Harper placed the probe on his belly, and the screen lit up, projecting a mix of grays and blacks. For Sonic, these images were just an indistinct chaos, a storm of abstract shapes that he couldn’t understand.

Harper expertly slid the device, searching for the right angle.

“Here... I’ll show you.” She pointed to a small dark spot in the center of the screen. “There it is. Here’s your baby.”

Sonic stared at the screen, his eyes wide open. It was... so tiny. A small, shapeless form, almost insignificant. And yet, it was this little thing that was making him nauseous, that would change his body. He let out a nervous laugh, not entirely sure why. To think that such a small being was causing him so much turmoil.

It wiggled like a little worm, their little worm.

As Harper took some measurements, checking the nuchal translucency and any visible abnormalities, Shadow watched the screen with an almost reverential intensity.

He saw his child.

And he was fine.

A shiver of emotion ran through his body. There was no extra limb, no deformity caused by his Black Arm blood. Relief washed over him, dispelling his last fears.

Harper made a few adjustments and gave them a reassuring smile.

“Everything is perfect. According to my measurements, you are ten weeks pregnant. Just as I told you. He will be born during the week of July 13th. Would you like to hear his heartbeat?”

The two nodded, unable to speak, their throats tight with emotion.

Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum.

His eyes immediately blurred with tears. He brought a trembling hand to his mouth, unable to contain the overwhelming emotion that surged through him.

Shadow, on the other hand, briefly closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to chase away the moisture that threatened to betray his unease.

“It's our child,” his voice trembled under the weight of the upheaval.

Shadow didn’t reply. The words seemed insufficient. Instead, he gently leaned down and kissed Sonic's forehead, a gesture more expressive than a thousand words.

Harper watched them with a tender smile. “Yes, it's your child,” she confirmed. “160 beats per minute. A very good rhythm.”

Shadow cleared his throat. “Can we know the gender?”

“It's still too early. However, at our third appointment, I’ll be able to tell you. I'll print out a few images for you.”

The two parents left the clinic, still in shock from what they had just experienced, but with a radiant smile on their faces.

That evening, lying side by side, they admired the ultrasound, their fingers grazing the paper as if they could touch their baby through it. Sonic absentmindedly stroked the paper with the tips of his fingers before turning his head toward Shadow, who was lying next to him.

“Do you think it will be a boy or a girl?” he asked, curious.

Shadow answered without hesitation. “A girl.” 

Sonic blinked, surprised by his certainty.

“What? I bet it's a little guy. Only a really tough guy could make me sick every morning.”

Shadow rolled his eyes. “Idiot, you know that it doesn’t work like that.”

Sonic chuckled. “Alright, Mr. Know-It-All. So, what makes you say it's a girl?”

The black hedgehog hesitated for a second before answering, his voice slightly softer than usual.

“Nothing special... I just think I'd like to have a daughter. Like Cream.”

Sonic stared at him for a moment, then an enormous smile stretched across his face.

“Awww, Mr. Grumpy has a soft heart. You're too cute.”

Shadow grunted and turned his head away, his cheeks slightly reddened.

“I'm not cute. I'm going to bed.”

He turned abruptly and pulled the blanket over himself to hide.

Sonic watched him, amused, then moved closer, placing a hand on his back through the blanket.

“I love you too,” he murmured softly, closing his eyes with tenderness.

In the silence of the night, a gentle warmth enveloped them. Cuddled together, they fell asleep with smiles on their faces, their hearts filled with a new kind of happiness.

Chapter Text

Sonic was slumped over the toilet bowl, his eyes fixed on the tiles, searching for a focal point in his discomfort. He felt a familiar lump in his throat, a cold shiver creeping up his esophagus. He didn’t have time to take a breath before his previous night’s meal violently resurfaced. With a weary sigh, he spat into the bowl and wiped his mouth with the towel he had carefully prepared for this purpose. He hated his morning nausea.

At first, he had believed they would disappear after the first trimester. But Harper had warned him, they could last throughout the entire pregnancy. He had laughed at the time, certain that his body wouldn’t betray him like that. He had been wrong. Every morning, his stomach painfully reminded him of his mistake.

And that wasn’t the only inconvenience. His already naturally sharp sense of smell had become an absolute nightmare. He never would have imagined kicking Shadow out of the house just because of the smell of his coffee. Yet his husband had no choice, he had to drink his cup outside and take a shower upon returning, or risk being banned from coming near. If Sonic could still catch the faintest whiff on him, he would spend the next hour throwing up.

For his comfort, Rouge had gifted him a gorgeous pink ruffled rug, specially meant for the bathroom.

"It'll be easier on your knees," she had teased with a mischievous wink.

Sonic could only thank her. Considering how much time he spent kneeling in front of the toilet, it was an unexpected yet deeply appreciated gift. Just thinking about the time he would have spent on the cold tiles made his knees ache.

Sonic collapsed onto the bed as soon as he left the bathroom. He curled up around his pillow, desperately searching for a position that might soothe his troubled stomach.

A soft knock on the door announced Shadow’s arrival. Dressed in his biker jacket, helmet tucked under his arm, he stepped closer to the bed.

"I have to go," he said, placing a comforting hand on Sonic’s shoulder.

"Stay," he mumbled, grabbing his arm.

The black hedgehog allowed himself to be pulled into the bed, lying face-to-face with his husband. He gazed at him lovingly, then placed a gentle kiss on the tip of his snout.

"I wish I could, but I have work. I'll be back tonight."

Sonic snuggled against him, his voice muffled in the white fur of the hybrid. "I don't want to..."

Reluctantly, Shadow pulled away from his embrace. "I have to go. Rouge will come in the afternoon, you won't be alone." He kissed him one last time. "I love you."

Shadow gave a faint smile before leaving the house. As for Sonic, he slept until noon.

When he finally opened his eyes, the sun was already high in the sky. He rolled out of bed with a grunt and stretched lazily. His phone, lying on the nightstand, read 12:15. He let out a resigned sigh, yet felt relieved to not be experiencing any nausea.

Usually, he wasn’t much of a sleeper. He enjoyed starting his days with a run just after sunrise, relishing the feeling of the wind against his quills. But now, his mornings had welcomed a far less glorious routine: a long one-on-one with the toilet bowl.

With another sigh, he dragged himself to the kitchen. Rouge was supposed to arrive at 2 p.m., giving him enough time to eat, get ready, and tidy up the mess that had accumulated in the house. When he entered the kitchen, a sticky note on the fridge caught his attention.

"I've made you some broth, just heat it up. Don’t burn down the kitchen."

Sonic rolled his eyes as he crumpled the paper. His husband could be a real comedian without even realizing it. He lifted the lid of the pot and poured himself a cup of the still-warm broth, savoring its gentle, comforting aroma.

Settling into the living room, he collapsed onto the couch, enjoying the warmth of the broth as it soothed his stomach. He knew that if Shadow were here, he'd get scolded for not eating at the table. But for now, he was alone, with no grumpy hedgehog around to bother him.

A mischievous smile on his lips, he even dared to rest his feet on the coffee table, mentally defying the imaginary voice of Shadow, already protesting.

After finishing his bowl, Sonic placed it in the dishwasher. He was grateful that Shadow had taken charge of decorating their kitchen; otherwise, he would have only had a microwave and a half-empty fridge.

He had barely stepped out of the shower when he heard the front door open. Not worried at all, he made his way down to the living room and was greeted by the sight of Rouge, her arms full of bags.

"Did you pick the lock again?" he asked, crossing his arms.

"The door was locked, and you didn’t answer when I knocked. I just opened it," she replied with a mischievous smile.

Sonic rolled his eyes. "If you had been patient, I would’ve opened it for you." He glanced at the overflowing bags of decorations. "Don’t you think this is a bit... excessive?"

"Of course not! It’s a big event, and it deserves to be celebrated properly."

"Rouge, it’s just a meal with our friends. No need to go overboard."

"Oh no, no, sir!" she exclaimed, pointing a finger at him. "You and Shadow already decided to get married in secret, I’m not letting that slide this time. This announcement has to be perfect! I’ll handle the decorations, and Amy will do the cooking. It’s going to be wonderful."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and Sonic sighed, knowing full well that he wouldn’t be able to change her mind.

"We didn’t get married in secret," he corrected, crossing his arms. "We just went to the courthouse for a quick ceremony. You know, like any normal person would," he added, raising an eyebrow.

"Your wedding should’ve been a huge celebration," Rouge retorted. "But you were so eager that you rushed it. And the worst part is, you waited six months before telling us!"

"We forgot, okay?"

Rouge stared at him, incredulous. "Sweetheart, no one, except for you two, forgets to announce their wedding."

"Actually, you just came here to bother me, didn’t you?"

"No, no, just to help! You and Shadow have no sense when it comes to planning a party. So, how many people are we going to have in total?"

Sonic thought for a moment. "Well, there’s me and Shadow, Tails, your family, Omega, Amy, Silver, Blaze and their son, all the Diamond Cutters, the Chaotix team, Germel, Vanilla and her two kids."

"So we should be 20 people and two robots."

"Good thing I brought two folding tables," she said, nodding with a satisfied look. "Shall we set everything up in the living room?"

"Yeah. If we move the couch, we can form a U with the tables."

Rouge snapped her fingers.

“Perfect! Time to work.”

Sonic knew he had no say in the matter. Rouge was in charge, and he would just have to go with the flow.

"So, how are you feeling?" Rouge asked as she hung a garland on the wall.

Sonic, perched on a stool to adjust another decoration, shrugged. "Meh... Morning sickness is a real pain. Some smells make me want to run away, and I’m always tired." He hopped down from the stool and stretched slightly. "By the way, thanks for the rug," he added with a small smile. "It’s literally saving my life."

Rouge let out a small laugh. "I had nausea all the way through my pregnancy. I even threw up on the day I gave birth. That rug helped me a lot."

Sonic grimaced. "Great... I guess I’ve got some rough days ahead," he mumbled.

"Luckily, not every pregnancy is the same. I’m sure it’ll be okay for you," Rouge reassured him.

He looked at her, biting the inside of his cheek as he searched for the right words. A question had been lingering in his mind for a while.

"Hey… how did you prepare yourself to be a mom?" Rouge lowered her gaze slightly, surprised by the question. Before he could add anything, he quickly corrected himself. "Well, you don’t have to answer. I know your pregnancy was a tough time…"

She gave him a gentle smile and shook her head. "No, no, it’s a valid question. After all, your situation is different from mine." She softly squeezed his hand in hers and pulled him toward the couch. They needed to sit down for this conversation. "When I found out I was pregnant, it was a real surprise," she admitted as she sat down. "And when I told Knuckles... he ran away."

Sonic nodded, frowning. "Yeah, we fought a lot about it. Unfortunately, he beat me up more than I could get hits in."

Rouge gave him a grateful look before continuing. "I was alone, with hungry journalists tracking me day and night. Thankfully, you, Shadow, Amy and Omega were there. You all supported me so much. But in my mind, I had already convinced myself I was going to raise my child alone." She paused, reminiscing about that time. "I read a lot, asked Harper for advice countless times... But in the end, nothing really prepares you for parenthood. Yet, you make it work. We make mistakes, sometimes big ones..." She chuckled softly, her eyes shining. "But we learn, we improve." With a quick gesture, she wiped her eyes before continuing in a softer voice. "And unlike me, you're not alone. Shadow is with you."

Sonic watched his friend in silence. He already knew all of this, but hearing it from her, with that tone full of emotion, gave the story a new dimension. He and Shadow had taken Rouge in after Knuckles left. The poor woman had collapsed at their place, lost, not knowing what to do. It had been a tough time for everyone, but especially for Rouge.

"I guess it's normal to be scared," he murmured.

Rouge nodded. "Oh, totally. My pregnancy was a terrible experience, and when Knuckles came back after the birth, I made him pay for it."

"And he totally deserved it," Sonic agreed without hesitation.

Rouge gave him a wry smile. "Then our relationship improved. And look at us now... We're married." She gently turned her ring between her fingers, a glimmer of tenderness in her eyes. "I know Knuckles feels guilty. And deep down, I'm still angry at him for all of it... but we're working through it together."

Sonic took a deep breath and placed a hand on Rouge's. "You're stronger than you think," he murmured.

She flashed a smile, her gaze glowing with a soft light. "You too, sweetheart. And you're going to be an amazing father, I’m sure of it."

Sonic lowered his gaze, a warm sensation spreading in his chest. Yes, there was no point in worrying.

"Now that the emotional moment is over, we have decorations to finish!" said the bat with a renewed enthusiasm. "Come on, hop hop hop, let's get to work!"

***

When Shadow came home from work, he found his husband sprawled in the middle of a pile of cushions on the couch, looking exhausted but content.

The dining room had been completely transformed. String lights, intertwined with golden ribbons, snaking along the walls, casting a soft, warm glow. Above, elegant chandeliers floated lightly, resembling a sparkling rain.

The tables, carefully arranged in a U-shape, were covered with stunning snow-white tablecloths, embroidered with delicate patterns. Beautiful centerpieces, made up of scented candles and little rhinestones scattered with care, added a bright touch.

In a corner of the room, Sonic’s stereo system stood proudly, accompanied by a huge speaker that promised the perfect musical ambiance for the evening. Everything had been carefully planned, and despite Sonic’s obvious fatigue, the blue hedgehog couldn’t help but smile as he saw the wonder in his husband’s eyes.

"Impressed?" he asked, amused.

Shadow scanned the room before meeting Sonic's gaze. "A little, I admit... You did a great job."

A satisfied smile spread across Sonic's lips as he sank back into the cushions, enjoying the result of their hard work.

"Even if it was Rouge who organized everything," Shadow joked, placing his helmet on the entryway table.

"Hey! I helped a lot," Sonic protested, crossing his arms.

“I believe you.”

After putting away his jacket, Shadow settled onto the couch and instinctively wrapped an arm around Sonic’s waist. Without hesitation, Sonic nestled against him, seeking his familiar warmth.

"Everything went well?" Sonic asked, his voice slightly muffled against his husband's white fur.

"Yeah, no issues. I helped the newbies with their shooting training."

Absent-mindedly, Shadow let his fingers glide through Sonic’s fur. He suddenly stopped, intrigued by a different sensation. His fur was… softer. Thicker. A slight shine even seemed to reflect under the dim light of the living room. Frowning, he straightened slightly, pulling away from the embrace to take a closer look.

"What's wrong?" Sonic asked, perplexed.

Shadow ran his fingers over Sonic's fur again, his eyes narrowing in surprise. "Your fur... it's different."

Sonic stared at him for a moment, perplexed, before rubbing his own fur. His expression shifted from confusion to astonishment. After a few seconds of contemplation, he suddenly jumped off the couch and rushed toward their room. Shadow watched him, ears slightly lowered, waiting for an explanation.

A few moments later, Sonic returned, flipping through a book at lightning speed until he found the page he was looking for. With a victorious smile on his lips, he held the book up in front of Shadow’s eyes.

"Look, it's completely normal!" he declared, pointing to a passage with his finger. "My fur changes because of the pregnancy. It becomes softer and fluffier for the comfort of the baby."

Shadow quickly skimmed through the text, thoughtful. He then turned his gaze back to Sonic, and then to the fur covering his arms.

"Hmph… Your body is already preparing to welcome the baby," he noted in a neutral tone, but with a hint of admiration.

Sonic shrugged with a smile.

"Yep. Honestly, it's pretty cool. I would've preferred it without the nausea, but hey… you can't have everything."

Shadow gently brushed his husband’s fur again, appreciating the new texture. His eyes lit up with an amused glint.

"I’m going to end up getting used to this," he murmured in a suggestive voice.

Sonic raised an eyebrow, a flirtatious smile spreading across his face.

"We could take advantage of it tonight," he whispered, leaning in just a little closer.

Shadow raised an eyebrow at the provocation.

"But I wouldn’t want to tire you out too much. You’ve had a busy day," he pointed out with a teasing tone.

Sonic rolled his eyes before straddling his husband's lap, his arms wrapping around his neck.

"Me, tired? I don’t see what would make you say that," he retorted with a mischievous smile. He brushed the hybrid’s jaw with his muzzle. "I’m full of passion," he added, sliding a hand over Shadow's muscular chest before slowly lowering it down to his stomach.

The black hedgehog straightened under the touch, his gaze darkening with a barely restrained desire. Then, without warning, he pulled Sonic closer and kissed him with an intensity that made the blue hedgehog shudder.

But, just as his husband was about to deepen the kiss, Shadow gently pushed him back.

"Come on, Faker," he said as he got up, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Let's go eat... We’ll have a busy night."

Sonic stared at him for a second before letting out a small laugh.

"You're asking for it, Shadow."

"Always," the other replied with a sly smile before heading toward the kitchen, leaving Sonic shivering with anticipation.

***

Everything was ready. Amy and Rouge had arrived before everyone else to help set the table. Amy, an exceptional cook, had prepared a feast fit for a king.

"You really didn’t have to go this far," Sonic repeated for the tenth time, looking at his friend.

Amy didn't even bother to respond anymore, too busy putting the puff pastry-wrapped sausages in the oven. Meanwhile, Shadow was pulling extra chairs from the garage with Rouge.  

"I'm surprised Blue managed to keep the secret for so long," the bat remarked, a sly smile on her face.

"Me too," confirmed Shadow, carrying four chairs at once. "It's quite an achievement." 

Rouge crossed her arms, curious. "He didn’t even show me the ultrasound. I insisted several times, though."

A slight chuckle escaped Shadow as he set down his load. "Of course, he doesn't even know where they are."

"How’s that?"

"I hid them. Otherwise, everyone would already know. He's way too clumsy."

Rouge raised an eyebrow, amused. "And they say I'm the sneaky one. You're worse than me."  

Shadow let out a sigh, casting a nervous glance at the clock. Each passing minute felt heavier. He wanted the party to be perfect, for everything to go smoothly... But he also knew how easily Sonic could get carried away and speak without thinking. What if the surprise slipped out? What if someone noticed his behavior? He shook his head to push those thoughts away and hurriedly continued with his preparations.

The first guests arrived shortly after. Omega approached Sonic, a bag in his metal claws, and handed it to him with all the delicacy he could muster.

"ROUGE TOLD ME TO GIVE YOU THIS POINTLESS DECORATION. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT."

Intrigued, Sonic opened the bag and pulled out a beautiful bola. He gazed at the item for a moment before looking up at Omega with a genuine smile.

"Thank you, Omega. I really appreciate it."

"THERE'S NO REASON TO THANK ME," the robot replied in a firm tone. "I WILL NOW EVALUATE THE QUALITY OF THE FOOD PREPARED BY A BIOLOGICALLY INFERIOR BEING."

Without waiting, Omega turned on his heel and headed toward the kitchen, where Amy was still busy. Sonic watched him go, amused. He wondered how a robot with no taste buds could judge a meal, but he let him be.

Sonic absentmindedly twirled the bola between his fingers. He wasn’t entirely convinced by its supposed relaxing properties, but to him, the gesture meant more than anything. With one last look at the gift, he decided to go thank Rouge in person before putting it away in his room.

When Tails walked through the door, Sonic’s eyes lit up with a genuine spark of happiness before he pulled his heart-brother into a tight hug.

"Tails! I’ve missed you so much!" The fox smiled, touched by the warm welcome. "It’s been a while..." Sonic murmured, his eyes shining with emotion.

"Yeah, I've been really busy with Professor Pickles. Sorry I haven't been able to come by more often."

Sonic ruffled Tails' bangs, laughing softly. Since Eggman's last defeat, his little brother had decided to work with Professor Pickles. He mostly stayed in Spagonia, which kept the two brothers from seeing each other regularly.

"Don't worry. This party is the perfect chance for everyone to reconnect!"

As if to illustrate his words, the doorbell rang again. Sonic nearly jumped for joy when he saw the Chaotix enter, accompanied by Vanilla, Cream, Chomper, and Germel.

"Espio, Vector, Charmy! I’m so happy to see you guys!"

Espio, as dignified as ever, handed him a bottle of wine. "For the party."

"Thanks, you didn't have to."

Sonic, far too excited to pay much attention, immediately handed the bottle to Shadow. The latter grabbed it automatically, without a word, too focused on scanning the room, watching every movement of Sonic, making sure he was alright. That morning, the nausea had been particularly harsh on him. They had even wondered if they should cancel.

Rouge spotted the bottle and exclaimed, "Ooooh, a fine wine! Come on, let’s open it!" She leaned toward the black hedgehog, who was clearly tense. "Relax a bit, you’re acting suspicious," she whispered to him.

Shadow let out a sigh before going to fetch a corkscrew. Yes, he needed to stay calm. Everything would go smoothly. Nothing unexpected would happen. Yet, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that something was bound to go wrong. Their life was always full of twists and turns.

Rouge opened the bottle and served everyone. As usual, Sonic politely declined a glass. But this time, it wasn't just a matter of taste.

Suddenly, he was lifted off the ground, squeezed in a powerful hug by Vector. "Sonic! It's so good to see you!"

The hedgehog let out a soft grunt as his back cracked under the crocodile's brute strength. Shadow, on the other hand, furrowed his brow, his fists clenched.

"Take it easy, Vector!" he said, his tone a bit too authoritative.

"It's fine, it's fine, I'm good!" Sonic reassured, stretching and laughing lightly. "No harm done."

"Of course. Sonic's a tough guy," the reptile asserted, giving him a pat on the back. He received a dark glare from the hybrid in response. "Alright, no need to look at me like that," he grumbled, raising his hands in the air.

Shadow slowly relaxed the tension in his shoulders, but his gaze remained fixed on Sonic, concerned. He never strayed too far. His behavior soon caught the keen attention of the detective.

Meanwhile, Charmy was buzzing around the buffet, battling with Amy, who was stopping him from snacking before everyone else. Vanilla offered Sonic a tender hug, Cream handed him a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and Chomper, true to himself, tried to nibble on him before being scolded by his mother.

Germel gave him a simple nod, keeping an eye on the little alligator. Chomper was now 6 years old and very clumsy. The robot had to follow him like a shadow to prevent him from getting into trouble.

He directed everyone to the living room, serving a drink to everyone while waiting for the rest of the guests. Shadow placed the bouquet in a vase and set it on the table. The flowers complemented the decorations perfectly .

As everyone was chatting, Knuckles entered without even knocking. The door slammed violently against the wall, causing the frame to shake and a few photos to fall to the floor.

"Seriously?!" Shadow grumbled, turning toward him, already irritated.

The echidna quickly apologized, but he was too busy struggling with his daughter to really pay attention. Opal, a three-year-old little echidna, was clinging to his dreads with the strength of desperation, laughing out loud as he tried in vain to calm her down.

Rouge immediately approached, amused. "Let me help you, you big goof," she said, taking the little girl in her arms with a smile.

Free from his daughter's grip, Knuckles sighed and struggled to fix his hair. Shadow, arms crossed, stared at him with a look that was both condescending and exasperated.

"A powerful warrior defeated by a three-year-old child..."

"Don't mock me," growled Knuckles, hitting him on the shoulder. "Kids are exhausting. You'll see when you have your own."

He stopped abruptly, immediately slapping a hand over his mouth as he looked around. Shadow cast an accusatory glance at Rouge, whose ears drooped slightly in embarrassment.

"What? I had to tell him. We agreed no more secrets, that was our deal."

Shadow sighed, but Knuckles raised a solemn hand, placing his fist over his chest.

"Don't worry, I won't ruin the party," he assured. "I swear it, as the guardian of the Master Emerald."

Sonic arrived at that very moment to greet them. With a wide smile on his face, he pulled Knuckles into a hug, thrilled that his "brother" was finally here. Then, with the same enthusiasm, he greeted Opal and spun her around in the air at full speed, causing the little echidna to burst into peals of laughter.

"You can babysit her from time to time," Rouge commented in a falsely nonchalant tone.

"Don't listen to her, Faker. She's just trying to take advantage of us," replied Shadow, crossing his arms.

"It would be my pleasure," Sonic confirmed, setting the little girl down, who quickly trotted over to Chomper, busy playing in a corner of the living room. He turned to his husband with a soft smile. "Don't be grumpy, I don't mind. And besides... I need more experience with kids," he added, planting a kiss on Shadow's cheek.

"If you want, I can also lend you my boy," a voice suddenly intervened from behind them.

The two hedgehogs jumped and turned in unison toward the entrance. Silver and Blaze were standing there, watching them with amusement.

"You scared me..." Sonic whispered, placing a hand over his heart.

"Sorry, that wasn't my intention," Silver replied, shrugging.

Shadow, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow. "Isn't Cloud with you?"

"No, we decided to leave him at the castle," Blaze explained with a smile. "He's still too young for dimensional travel."

Silver then approached Sonic and pulled him into a hug, whispering in his ear, "Congratulations."

Sonic froze, his eyes widening slightly. "You... know?"

Silver winked at him. "Time traveler," he reminded him, laughing.

Sonic ran a hand through his spikes, slightly embarrassed. He always forgot that Silver was from the future, especially now that he had decided to settle permanently in Blaze's dimension.

Their last guest arrived shortly after. From a van that had seen better days, the Diamond Cutters stepped out. Belle was accompanied by her loyal Motobud and gave to the couple a beautiful wooden sculpture. Jewel warmly thanked them for the invitation, while Lanolin, in turn, handed them a bottle of wine.

Tangle helped Whisper out of the vehicle, and Sonic quickly rushed over to give them a warm hug.

"I’m so happy to see you!" he exclaimed. "How’s everything going?"

"We're good, still on the road... though we've slowed down a bit recently," Tangle replied, supporting her girlfriend.

Shadow, ever the planner, had already cleared a seat for the wolf, and she sat down with relief.

"Thank you. My prosthesis is being repaired," Whisper explained, massaging her stump with a grimace. "I have to wear my old one, but it's much less comfortable."

Amy immediately handed her a cushioned pillow to elevate her leg. Whisper murmured her thanks before gratefully accepting the glass that Sonic offered her.

"The journey was long," Lanolin admitted, stretching. "But we wouldn't have missed this party for the world."

"Yes, it really feels good to see all of you again," Belle added with a smile.

Silver, curious, leaned toward them. "So, what are you working on right now? Since I left the group?"

Since the arrest of Clutch and Mimic, Silver had decided to leave the Diamond Cutters to fully dedicate himself to his family life. Tangle, Whisper, Belle, Jewel, and Lanolin, on the other hand, continued to work together, carrying on the legacy of the Restoration.

"Nothing too serious," Jewel replied. "Just a mysterious individual stealing Eggman's technology."

"Another Clutch?" Vector ventured, wary.

"No... We still don't know who it is. Some say it's a bird, others claim he's as big as an elephant, or that he has a shell as hard as a turtle's... The testimonies vary a lot. But based on the traces we’ve found, it's the same person."

"Could we help you?" Espio offered, intrigued.

"That would be great! But with his super speed, I'm sure Sonic could catch him in no time," Tangle enthused.

"Sorry, but I won’t be able to participate... Ask Shadow instead, he’ll be more qualified," Sonic replied, shrugging.

A heavy silence fell over the room. Those who hadn’t heard the news yet froze, staring at the blue hedgehog in disbelief. Shadow had to hold back a laugh at the sight of their stunned faces.

"Are... are you okay?" Tails asked, standing up from the couch.

"Yeah, yeah," Sonic assured, feeling a bit awkward under all their stares. "I'm just a little sick. I won't be able to join the adventures for a few months."

"But... you’re never sick," Vanilla objected, furrowing her brows.

Sonic took a deep breath, then put on a hesitant smile. "Yes, and that's exactly why I invited all of you. I have big news to share with you..."

As everyone leaned in, hanging on his every word, Sonic and his friends' communicators suddenly emitted a sharp beep.

"What?! Not now!" Sonic groaned, glancing at his watch.

Eggman was attacking.

Chapter Text

Sonic was studying the map intently. The attack was taking place in Golden Bay. At full speed, he could be there in fifteen minutes. His gaze hardened as he tapped nervously on his screen. Everything pointed to a classic Eggman assault… and yet, it was happening at the worst possible time.

“Tch.”

He shut off his screen violently and strode toward the closet, furious. He couldn’t just stand there doing nothing. Adrenaline was already pumping through his veins. With a brusque motion, he grabbed his jacket. 

It was then that Shadow appeared in front of him, nearly blocking his way. He placed his hands firmly on Sonic's shoulders, his gaze dark and concerned.

"You are not going, right?" he asked in a deep voice, with a hint of apprehension troubling his usually calm composure.

“Oh, I’m going," Sonic replied firmly.

"You told Tangle earlier that you wouldn’t be going on any adventures for months. You can’t go back on your word, and we both know why."

Sonic shoved his arms roughly into the sleeves of his jacket, his jaw clenched. He then turned to his companion, his eyes filled with both rage and tears.

“That damn Eggman had the nerve to interrupt my big announcement. We had prepared everything to make sure it went perfectly. I can’t let this slide. It’s beyond me.”

“Sweetheart... I understand that you're angry, but you can't act on impulse anymore. Not now.” He almost placed a hand on Sonic’s stomach, but stopped himself. Their guests were watching them.

Sonic shoved him away and angrily slipped on his combat gloves.

“He’s going to regret it.”

“Sonic, it’s not reasonable.”

“What’s not reasonable is letting this attack happen without intervening!” His voice rang out in the room. The atmosphere grew heavier. Everyone fell silent, watching the exchange with concern.

“Sonic, Tails can take the Tornado and get us there,” Amy suggested, hoping in vain to calm the situation.

“He’s not fast enough. By the time you get there, he’ll already be gone. We don’t have any Chaos Emeralds, so no teleportation.” He pointed a finger at his husband. “You, me, and Silver are the only ones who can stop this in time.”

“But in your condition…” Shadow insisted, his voice softer.

Sonic's left eye twitched. He knew exactly where Shadow was going with this. He hated being treated differently, especially now. He was furious and really needed to let off some steam.

“I can handle it.” 

The tone was sharp, almost cutting. Shadow briefly clenched his fists. He knew Sonic was right. But ever since he’d learned about the pregnancy, an uncontrollable protective instinct had taken hold of him. He wanted to stop him, make him take a break, tell him he couldn’t afford to take so many risks now. But Sonic wasn’t the type to listen. A frustrated sigh escaped the black hedgehog.

“Alright…”

He wasn’t convinced, but he had no choice but to follow. Silver had already gotten up, giving Blaze a quick kiss on the cheek before waiting for them by the door. Sonic then made his way to Vanilla, who had also stood up. Her gentle, perceptive gaze seemed to pierce right through him.

"I’m entrusting the house to you."

"Don't worry." Her voice was soft but firm as she placed a gentle hand on his arm. "I'll keep an eye on everyone. But be careful... I know you're aware of your limits." 

Sonic stared at her for a moment. That sentence... He understood immediately that she knew. She had figured out what he was still hiding from the others. Vanilla wasn’t foolish. She had watched him and his friends grow up. He regarded her as a motherly figure, and in one sentence, she had just reminded him that she knew him better than anyone. 

He slightly turned his gaze away before nodding. "Don't worry. I'll be careful... but that egghead is going to learn a good lesson."

A flash of determination flickered in Vanilla's eyes. "Make him bite the dust. He asked for it. It's sacrilege to ruin such a day."

"Don't worry, buddy, we've got everything covered," Vector confirmed with a confident smile, giving a thumbs-up. "Just make sure to watch after yourself."

Sonic felt his body tense up immediately. Of course, Vector knew too. He was one of the best detectives in the region.

An acrid taste rose in his throat, heavy and nauseating. How many others knew? Knuckles, Silver, Vanilla, now Vector... Who else? Given the way Espio was looking at him, it wouldn’t take the ninja too long to figure it out. He could almost see the wheels turning in his little brother’s mind. This was his news. His moment.

And it was stolen from him.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his gloves creaked under the pressure. An uncomfortable heat surged within him, a mix of humiliation and anger that he couldn't control. He had always hated when others made decisions for him, when they treated him differently, when they hid things from him under the guise of looking out for him.

And now, it was worse. Because it concerned his own body. Because he should have been the one to choose when and how to talk about it. Instead, the truth was getting gradually uncovered, piece by piece, out of his control. All because of that damn Eggman.

His breath quickened slightly. He felt his muscles tense, a shiver of adrenaline racing down his spine. He wanted to scream, throw something, explode. Shout the news to everyone. Reveal the truth because it was his choice, his announcement, his pregnancy.

But he couldn't. Not now. So he swallowed it all. He buried that anger beneath a fragile layer of control, compressing it deep inside like a bomb ready to explode at the slightest disturbance.

"Thank you." His voice was hoarse, barely more than a strangled whisper. He turned on his heels before anyone could see the furious glint in his eyes.

He didn't want to be looked at with concern. He didn’t want their reassuring words. He just wanted to fight. Eggman was going to pay. 

Robotically, Shadow joined Silver and Sonic at the entrance, his gaze still dark and dissatisfied. He slightly tightened his fists. He knew Sonic could handle himself… of course he could. But that damn worry clung to his mind like an oppressive shadow, pulling, gnawing at him.

“We’re heading straight to Golden Bay. No detours, understood?” he ordered in a sharp tone.

"Don't worry, that was the plan," the blue hedgehog reassured him, finishing putting on his shoes. "Gotta go fast."

They surged forward, leaving behind a streak of blue, white, and red. Sonic led the race, an unusual tension straining his muscles. Shadow, skating just behind, cast irritated glances in the blue hedgehog’s direction, while Silver, floating with his telekinesis, maintained a calm and focused expression. After fifteen minutes, the Golden Bridge appeared over the horizon, majestic despite the chaos unfolding below.

The city was under full assault. Everywhere, Badniks spread terror. The population fled in panic, seeking refuge behind the security perimeter set up by overwhelmed police officers. Despite their efforts, Robotnik's machines kept rebuilding, relentlessly. A shiver ran down Sonic's spine. This scene... It was eerily reminiscent of the Metal Virus nightmare.

“He's going all out,” Sonic muttered, whistling in disbelief.

"He’s probably somewhere in the middle of his army," Shadow suggested, analyzing the situation.

"I'll go ahead as a scout," Silver announced, rising higher into the air. "You take care of the civilians."

"Alright. Come on, Shadow, let's help with the evacuation."

"Don't overdo it."

"I'll handle the robots, you take care of the civilians."

Sonic rolled his eyes and cracked his knuckles before diving into the fray. With a well-placed kick, he decapitated the first badnik in his path. He really needed to blow off some steam. With a spin dash, he tore through the robots blocking his way, their metal frames crumpling under his attack. Strangely, he felt like his quills were sharper than before. Probably a side effect of the pregnancy, like his fur. Whatever, he wasn’t going to complain. He needed to clear the area.

"Take that, you rusty tin can!" he shouted, his body brimming with exhilaration.

On his side, Shadow, tense, scanned the area with sharp eyes. He noticed several civilians halting in their tracks, their gazes fixed on Sonic, mesmerized. Some, unaware of the imminent danger, even took out their phones to record the scene. A low growl rumbled in his throat.

"Pathetic."

He sliced through the air and snatched the phone from the hands of a stunned human, holding back the urge to crush it between his fingers.

“Hey, man! What’s your problem?!” the man protested.

Shadow glared at him, his voice icy and sharp as a blade. "Move. You're in the way."

The human, panic-stricken, quickly retreated. Without wasting another second, Shadow charged toward another group, forcefully pushing the civilians toward the secure zone with brutal efficiency.

Meanwhile, Sonic was relentlessly attacking the badniks, a blur of blue that was impossible to discern. His strikes were lightning-fast, too quick for the machines to react. Yet, as soon as he destroyed one, it began to rebuild itself right before his eyes.

"All the civilians have been evacuated," declared Shadow as he joined him.

Sonic sighed, watching the metallic wrecks reform. "We're going to have to find a way to destroy them for good, or we'll just wear ourselves out."

With a precise gesture, Shadow launched several Chaos Spears, shattering the new wave of enemies into pieces. But once again, they immediately reformed.

"If you're getting tired, you can always head back," Shadow said while dodging an explosion.

"As if!" Sonic spat, smashing a Badnik with a Spin Dash. "I've got a thing or two to say to that Egghead before the day's over. That'll teach him to ruin my big announcement."

He made a graceful leap, but his foot struck a piece of rubble. He lurched forward. In a flash, Shadow grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back just in time.

"Stop messing around, or you're really going to get hurt," he growled, shooting him a glare. "I know I won’t get you to head back, but at least stay focused."

Sonic flashed him a bright smile. "Thanks, Shadz. Don't worry, I'm being super careful." He stole a quick kiss before dashing off toward a new group of enemies.

"Idiot..." Shadow muttered before following him, making sure he didn’t get himself into trouble.

They kept fighting with ruthless efficiency until Silver arrived.

"I've located the problem," Silver said, landing beside them. "Eggman is using a central robot equipped with a crystal similar to the ones in Eggperial City. It's the one regenerating the machines."

Sonic grimaced. "Those damn fake Chaos Emeralds again..."

Shadow crossed his arms, his expression hardening. "If we destroy it here, the explosion will blow the whole city. I can try a Chaos Control with the crystal to send it somewhere else, but we'll have to be quick."

Silver nodded. "With my telekinesis, I can lift the robot to make it harmless."

"And I'll blast it with Homing Shots to expose the crystal," Sonic said.

"Which will give me enough time to use Chaos Control," Shadow added.

Sonic flashed a confident smile. "So, what are we waiting for?"

Shadow smirked and charged forward. "You're just slow, Faker."

"Hey! That's cheating!"

Silver couldn't help but laugh. Even in the middle of a battle, those two still found a way to argue. He could hardly believe that these two idiots were his great-grandparents. To think he had grown up believing they were just legends.

The trio cut through the enemy lines with perfect coordination. Sonic and Shadow cleared the path, slicing through the Badniks at an incredible speed, while Silver hurled the metal carcasses away from the buildings to minimize the damage.

After a frantic chase, their target finally appeared: a gigantic Badnik standing at the center of the city, its chest containing a massive fake Chaos Emerald.

Sonic clenched his fists. "This is where it all comes down."

Shadow nodded. "Then let's finish this."

A mechanical laugh echoed above them. "Hohoho! Look at this... vermin."

"Eggman! What are you up to this time?!" Sonic shouted, his frustration clear as he glared up at the villain.

"Nothing too special. I'm just enjoying this wonderful afternoon," Eggman replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"You ruined my party, Egghead. You're going to pay for that."

"And you spend your days ruining my existence. Today will be the last."

"As if I'd let you," Sonic growled, getting into a fighting stance.

"Take this!"

With a theatrical motion, Eggman activated the weapon systems of his colossus. A barrage of lasers rained down on them. The three of them dodged with lightning speed, weaving through the blasts.

"We need to neutralize it before it turns everything to dust!" Silver shouted, protecting himself by creating a shield around him.

Sonic accelerated, slipping beneath the robot before delivering a brutal Spin Dash to its shoulder. The metal groaned under the impact, and the left arm almost detached. Silver followed up by extending his hands, his telekinetic energy wrapping around the right arm. With a colossal force, he tore it off with a deafening crash.

Eggman cursed. "As if that's enough to stop me!"

Missiles shot out from the back of the machine. Shadow leaped into action, his eyes glowing red. He summoned several Chaos Spears and hurled them with deadly precision, detonating the projectiles mid-flight.

But already, the robot's arms were regenerating, the energy from the crystal pulsing stronger.

"We need to destroy it now!" Sonic roared, dodging another salvo.

Without wasting a moment, Shadow soared into the air with his rocket shoes and closed his eyes, concentrating a devastating energy in the core of his chest.

“CHAOS BLAST !”

A blood-red wave exploded around him, shattering the robot’s head and leaving Eggman vulnerable. Silver, his forehead beaded with sweat, extended his hands and lifted the machine into the air.

“Sonic, now!”

The blue hedgehog gathered chaotic energy around him, forming several destructive spheres before launching them at the robot's armor. The metal gave way under the impact, exposing the crystal. The machine hissed violently, electric arcs crackling across its frame.

Without any hesitation, Shadow slammed Eggman to the ground. The mad scientist crashed heavily, his bald head striking the pavement. Without wasting a moment, Shadow surged forward, placing his hands on the cold, unstable material of the crystal.

“CHAOS CONTROL !”

In an instant, the crystal vanished… teleported high into the sky. Time froze for a second, before a scarlet explosion lit up the atmosphere. The shockwave swept through the clouds, and a shower of glowing sparks rained down on the city.

On the ground, the Badniks collapsed one by one, deprived of their energy source. In the next moment, an eerie calm settled over the ruins of the battlefield. Sonic, breathless but satisfied, exchanged a knowing look with his teammates. But his smile quickly faded when a groan of pain made him turn his head. His gaze fell on Eggman, sprawled on the ground, his face twisted in agony. Anger flared up once again.

"That'll teach you to ruin my day," Sonic grumbled, grabbing the scientist by the collar. With a sharp motion, he yanked him upright and forced him to his knees. Eggman groaned but offered no resistance, too dazed from the impact. "Seriously, of all the days, you had to pick this one?!" Sonic lamented, gripping the handcuffs that Shadow handed him.

The authorities were already approaching, closely followed by a horde of journalists armed with cameras and microphones.

"The vultures are coming," Shadow muttered, raising an eyebrow. Eggman tried to make a move, but a sharp pain shot through his back, making him wince. "No point trying to escape," Shadow grumbled, lifting him up with a firm movement.

Sonic rolled his eyes and tilted his head back with a long sigh. "I really don't feel like dealing with this right now."

Silver placed a hand on his shoulder, his air sympathetic. "I can handle this," he offered, levitating Eggman with a simple gesture. "Go home and enjoy your day. I'll join you later."

Sonic hesitated, then furrowed his brows.

"But... you're going to miss the announcement," Sonic said, his voice tinged with concern.

Silver smiled faintly. "Don't worry about me. I already know the truth. This is your moment. Go ahead."

A grateful smile lit up the blue hedgehog's face. Without thinking, he pulled Silver into a quick hug. Silver froze instantly. Sonic quickly pulled back.

"Oh, crap. I always forget you're not really into physical contact..."

Silver turned his eyes away, clearly embarrassed.

"Hurry up and get out of here before they arrive," he urged, glancing toward the approaching crowd.

"You got this, Silver! See you later!" Sonic called out before leaping into action, Shadow's hand firmly anchored in his.

Away from the chaos, away from the cameras, they sped at full throttle toward their home.

When they arrived, everyone was still gathered in the living room. The only difference was that the television was on, airing a report about the attack. The screen showed Silver, his face calm, answering the journalists' questions with his usual detachment. Meanwhile, Eggman was being escorted to an armored vehicle, handcuffs around his wrists.

Sonic crossed his arms, staring at the image. He knew full well that this arrest wouldn’t last. Eggman would find a way to escape... as always. Amy was the first to get up to greet them. She handed them a bottle of water with a compassionate smile.

"How did it go?" Amy asked. Sonic grabbed the bottle and drank it in one go, letting it fall limply onto his lap. "A breeze," he bragged, before collapsing onto the nearest chair with a long sigh.

Rouge, who had been sitting there just moments ago, raised an eyebrow before settling herself on the armrest.

"Are you sure you're alright, Big Blue?" she asked, beginning to massage his shoulders.

"Perfect," Sonic mumbled, closing his eyes.

He just needed a few seconds. He was tired, probably because of the pregnancy. Shadow soon joined him, sitting on the armrest of the chair as well. The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly. All eyes were on them.

Their argument hadn’t escaped anyone.

Taking a deep breath, Sonic grabbed Shadow's hand and gently squeezed it. A silent signal that his husband understood immediately. Shadow stood up and disappeared into his office for a moment before returning with a cardboard folder.

The blue hedgehog straightened up, pulling away from Rouge’s enticing hands. He scanned the room, meeting the eyes of his guests, all filled with questions. It was time to make his long-awaited announcement.

"Sorry for the little delay," Sonic finally said, his tone more serious. "As you've probably guessed, we invited all of you here for a very specific reason." He glanced at Shadow, who opened the folder and pulled out a sheet. When he turned it around, revealing an ultrasound, the room suddenly fell silent.

“I’m pregnant.”

The silence lasted only a fraction of a second before an explosion of reactions shook the room. Vector jumped up suddenly, triumphant. "HAH! I knew it!"

Vanilla, who had already suspected, placed a hand over her chest, looking at the picture with a teary-eyed look.

"I'm so happy for you... You'll be wonderful parents."

Espio desperately tried to hold back Charmy, who was buzzing with excitement and bombarding them with questions.

"He is so small...!" marveled Cream, her eyes fixed on the image.

"It's just a stain," Chomper commented in a blasé tone.

"No," Sonic corrected, placing a hand on his belly with a mischievous smile. "It's a little worm."

"WHAT?!" exclaimed Charmy, horrified. "But... but I thought it was a hedgehog!"

"It's a baby," Espio replied calmly. "Stop buzzing around, you're going to end up breaking something."

Tangle, bursting with energy, tried repeatedly to hug Sonic, only held back by Whisper's firm grip. Unfortunately, several guests were knocked over by her tail.

"Congratulations," the wolf murmured finally, lowering her eyes.

Belle, on her side, pressed her Moto Bud against her chest, her mind already imagining all the toys she could make for the baby. Jewel shook Lanolin in all directions, while the poor sheep clung to her horns, worried about the future. She was certain that Sonic and Shadow's child would be a real little demon.

"I’m going to lose my wool," she murmured, trembling.

Knuckles and Rouge leaned against each other, watching the scene with tenderness, holding their daughter close. They wondered how their announcement would have gone if their relationship had started on better terms.

"You know I love you," murmured the echidna, looking at his wife with eyes filled with love and sorrow.

“Yes, I know, dummy. I love you too.”

Tails, on the other hand, was frozen on the couch. He was clutching his two tails, staring at the ultrasound as if his brain was struggling to process the information.

"I'm going to be an uncle... I'm going to be an uncle... I'm going to be an uncle...!" he repeated over and over, his eyes wide.

Blaze, more discreet, simply raised her glass towards the couple as a sign of respect. She now understood why Silver had been so nervous about coming to this party.

Not far away, Omega and Germel were whispering to each other.

"I WILL RAISE HIM TO BECOME THE ULTIMATE DESTROYER OF EGGMAN," declared Omega enthusiastically.

"No, your role is to protect him," countered Germel patiently.

"I WILL PROTECT HIM BY MAKING HIM A WAR MACHINE."

Amy then returned from the kitchen, carrying a huge cake.

"Wait, we haven't even eaten yet," Sonic panicked.

"Who said we can't start with dessert? Come on, grab a plate, I'll serve you a slice."

The conversations picked up again, filled with bursts of laughter, congratulations, and lively debates. Even Silver, who had eventually returned, settled among them, finally enjoying the evening.

At one point, someone asked, "Do you already have any name ideas?"

Sonic and Shadow exchanged a knowing glance before the blue hedgehog replied with a relaxed smile. "We prefer to wait and see the baby before choosing. No rush."

Lanolin placed a hand on her forehead, desperate. "Please, don't do that! You're terrible at picking names!"

A burst of laughter filled the room, and even Shadow cracked an amused smile.

Sonic leaned back against the armchair, savoring the moment. His announcement hadn’t gone as he had imagined, but deep down, he didn’t care. The weight of the secret was no longer there. Now, all that was left was to prepare for the arrival of the baby and face the inevitable media frenzy that would soon explode.

But that would be a problem for later. For now, he planned to enjoy the evening with his friends.

Rouge quietly approached the couple after the crowd had dispersed to enjoy the cake.

"Well... that went better than expected," she whispered.

Sonic, his mouth full of cake, raised an eyebrow.

"What could have been worse than an Eggman attack?"

"Oh, I don't know... maybe a divine entity?" Rouge replied nonchalantly. The two hedgehogs stared at her, shocked. "What? You always find yourselves in the worst possible situations. It's only logical that I imagine the worst."

Shadow shook his head with a sigh before taking Sonic's empty plate and offering him his own, half-eaten. He watched Sonic devour his slice of cake with a look that was half-amused, half-exasperated.

"Don't overeat, we still have to sit down for dinner after."

Sonic shrugged and took another bite.

"From now on, I’m eating for two," he declared proudly. "I have the right to eat whatever I want."

Before Shadow could reply, a whirlwind of golden fur cut him off.

"SONIC!" Tails threw himself at him in a sudden hug, almost knocking him over. "Why didn't you tell me?! No, how could you not tell me?! You can't keep a secret!"

Sonic burst out laughing, ruffling the fox’s tufts. "Sorry, buddy. Shadow and I wanted to wait to make sure everything went well before announcing the news... But yeah, trust me, it was really hard not to say anything."

Tails grumbled as he pulled away, quickly smoothing down his ruffled fur.

"Pff... You could’ve told me at least. I have so many ideas! I’m going to show him everything about mechanics!"

Sonic smiled, touched. "Who knows? Maybe it'll be a little genius, just like you."

Tails' eyes lit up.

"Do you already know the gender?"

"Not yet. We'll find out at the next ultrasound, in two weeks."

"You already have plans for the nursery? I could build the crib," the fox exclaimed, already drawing up plans in his mind.

"We're going to turn one of the guest rooms into the baby's room. We're waiting to find out the gender before deciding on the decoration."

"Although we both agreed on a space theme."

"Aww, that's adorable," teased Rouge, elbowing Shadow. "Parenthood makes you all soft."

“Leave me alone and go make-out with your husband.”

"I won't leave you. You would miss me too much."

"By the way, Sonic... How did your family react to the news?" Amy asked as she joined them after finishing serving everyone.

Sonic stopped dead in his tracks, his spoon frozen in mid-air, still like a statue. His eyes were wide open, his face contorted in a grimace of horror.

Amy narrowed her eyes. "You told them, right?"

Sonic looked away, uncomfortable. Shadow seemed like he had stopped breathing. His muzzle, usually tan, had turned slightly white.

Rouge crossed her arms, exasperated. "Don't tell me you forgot to inform Sonic's family."

The blue hedgehog grimaced before burying his face in his hands.

"Maybe I forgot?"

Amy and Rouge exchanged a glance.

At the same time, they said: “You are morons.”

Chapter Text

The landscapes slowly passed by the window, blending into a kaleidoscope of dense forests, golden fields, and small peaceful villages. The sky, a clear blue, allowed a radiant sun to shine, bathing the road in a soft, spring-like light. The air was pleasantly mild, neither too hot nor too cold, for this early March day.

Sonic, his head resting against the window, absentmindedly watched the passengers in the cars they passed. Some seemed lost in thought, while others chatted or sang along to the music drifting through their slightly open windows. The blue hedgehog let out a small sigh. The journey was still long. They had left after lunch and were expected to reach their destination by the end of the day. Mobotropolis, their goal, was located on South Island, and the only way to get there was by taking a ferry at Seaside City. 

At the wheel, Shadow drove with his usual calm, his head swaying slightly to the rhythm of the music filling the car. Taylor Swift's latest album, echoed through the vehicle, a playlist that Shadow seemed to enjoy more than he would ever admit. If he was stressed, he didn’t show it.

"We should buy a new car." His deep voice broke the silence.

Sonic blinked before suddenly turning his head toward him. “What?!”

Shadow remained focused on the road, impassive. “Our garage is full of sports cars and racing bikes. Nothing really suited for… car seats.”

A silence settled in. Sonic crossed his arms, thinking. When they had bought their new house, Tails had given them a huge surprise by building an enormous underground garage. They had stored their numerous cars, motorcycles, and Extreme Gears there.

It reminded him of Tails' hangar, where his little brother carefully stored his planes and various prototypes. Sonic had been the one to teach him the basics of piloting, but he knew that, even without him, Tails would have eventually developed this passion.

"I'm sure Speed Star does the job just fine," he finally said with confidence. 

It was his favorite car. Dompa Motor had built it to match his style. When he wasn’t racing, he always used this car to attend major events.

Shadow let out an exasperated sigh. “Faker, we need to be responsible. We need a family car.” He slightly furrowed his brows before muttering, almost to himself, “Lanolin is so right, we’re terrible at naming things…”

Sonic raised an eyebrow, amused. “Says the guy who puts Dark in everything he can. Honestly, I’m surprised you haven’t served me a dish with a name like, Dark Guacamole yet.” He chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood a bit.

Shadow rolled his eyes, but his seriousness didn’t falter. “Sonic, this is important. Our child's name will follow them for their entire life.”

The blue hedgehog’s smile faded slightly. He turned to Shadow with a reluctant pout. “A name can change. I chose mine. If our child isn’t happy with theirs, they can choose another. You know Mobians are less strict about that than humans.”

Shadow remained silent for a moment, his fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly. He seemed distant. “I know it’s not the same. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since the party, that’s all.”

Sonic sighed softly and placed a hand on his now-rounded belly. “I think we should wait until our son is born. His name will come to us naturally.”

“And I think we need to think about the name for our daughter.” He emphasized the last word.

“Or instead of arguing, we could wait for the ultrasound and think about the name after we’re sure of the gender.”

He gently stroked the bump under his jacket, an almost unconscious gesture. The pregnancy was now quite visible, and he had to constantly wear a zipped-up jacket to keep their secret. But the cold season was coming to an end, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide his belly under layers of clothing. Journalists were starting to catch on. His absence from sporting events, interviews, and public appearances was raising suspicions. Normally, he was always on the move, except when an Eggman threat was looming.

Sonic wished he could fully enjoy this rare moment of peace. Eggman wasn’t likely to show up for a while, his last defeat probably having calmed him for at least the next month. Yet, the closer they got to their destination, the more he felt a knot of anxiety forming in his stomach.

He loved his family. His mother, though strict, was a loving and fair woman. His little sister, Sonia, had a tender heart, but she didn’t let anyone walk all over her. As for his little brother, Manic, despite his sometimes gruff attitude, he was a true joker, always ready to get himself into the worst situations.

And yet, he rarely visited them. The last time he had seen them was at the end of the war against Eggman, over a year ago. He hadn’t been able to be there for their joint birthday, and when it was time to choose between spending Christmas with his family or with Shadow, he had opted for a romantic holiday instead. He could pretend it was due to circumstances, but the truth was much more complicated. These long absences weren’t an exception. His family had been used to them since he was very young.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see them. He would have liked to visit more often, and share simple moments with them. But each return to Mobotropolis meant locking himself into a framework of royal protocols. His family wasn’t just any family; they were the royal family of Mobotropolis. Their daily life was governed by rules that felt too rigid, too old-fashioned for his taste, rules that no longer had a place in his way of living.

That was exactly why he had left. He didn’t want to be the heir to the throne. He wanted to explore the world, run where the wind took him, live adventures without restraints. His freedom was his greatest treasure. His refusal to accept his role had long been a point of friction with his mother, to the point where, at the age of ten, he had made a radical decision—he ran away. He had grown up far from the palace, made new friends, and built a life free from royal obligations. And even though he didn’t like seeing himself as a hero, he knew he had become a symbol for many.

Years later, Aleena had finally contacted him through a letter. Sonic had wondered for a long time whether he should reply. In the end, he had returned to South Island. It had been a difficult visit, filled with tense conversations, tears, and comforting words. Against all odds, his mother had accepted his decision to leave. She didn’t like it, he knew that, but she had respected it. He would be eternally grateful to her for that.

Since then, he visited them occasionally, but it remained rare. So rare, in fact, that his own sister had learned of his marriage to Shadow by reading the newspapers. Sonia had literally screamed in his ears over the phone, and he had honestly thought he was going to lose his hearing.

And now, he was returning to Mobotropolis with even heavier news to announce. He was going to be a parent.

Sonic knew that announcing his pregnancy wouldn’t be a simple formality. In any family, the arrival of a child was a life-changing event, but in a royal family, it was a political statement. This child wouldn’t just be his son, he would be a legitimate heir, directly tied to the line of the throne.

He still carried the title of heir to the throne, even though he had done everything to distance himself from it. His mother, as queen, had never officially abolished his status. Not out of stubbornness, but because disavowing him from the line of succession would have been a much too complicated matter. Mobotropolis, although prosperous, remained a monarchy with its traditions, laws, and rigid protocols. If she disinherited Sonic, it would raise the question of succession, spark endless debates within the royal council, and could even weaken the kingdom's stability. 

Until now, he had been able to avoid the issue by living far from the palace and focusing on his own battles. But now… now, he was going to become a father. And his child, whether he wanted it or not, would be directly integrated into the line of succession.

He had never wanted that role for himself, and even less so for his unborn child. He refused the idea that one day, a child who wasn’t even born yet, could be trapped in that suffocating system of rules, under the constant pressure of royal expectations. 

Sonic glanced at Shadow, who had his eyes fixed on the road. His husband had never had any attachment to that kind of structure. He was a soldier, a being created for war, who had to learn to forge an identity beyond orders and missions. He was so much more mature than him. The blue hedgehog sighed, turning his gaze toward the silhouette of Seaside City drawing closer.

If his mother decided to officially recognize the child as the heir, he would be in the spotlight from the moment he was born. He would grow up with an immense weight on his shoulders, surrounded by courtiers, advisors, and laws he hadn't chosen. Sonic couldn’t accept that. He wanted his son to be free, to run wherever he pleased, to choose his own path just as he had done.

He knew his mother would be reasonable. Aleena wasn’t the type to impose a fate against her children’s will. But she also had to think about the stability of the kingdom. If she removed Sonic and his son from the line of succession, it would automatically mean that Sonia would become the direct heir. But was his sister ready to take on that role right now?

Sonic closed his eyes for a moment.

As soon as his mother officially entrusted him with the crown, he would hand it over to Sonia. There was no other solution. His sister was made to be sovereign. She had always possessed that sense of responsibility that he had never wanted to take on. She understood the political game, knew how to navigate between the nobles' expectations and the needs of the people.

He was so scared. More scared of this meeting than any battle against Eggman.

Shadow, on the other hand, seemed strangely relaxed. Sonic glanced at him out of the corner of his eye as their car boarded the ferry. The hybrid knew his family only from a distance. He had never met them in person. Yet, he didn’t seem the least bit stressed. How did he manage to stay so calm? Normally, it was him who got anxious over insignificant details.

Sonic already knew how things were going to unfold. Sonia would adore Shadow; she was the type to appreciate quiet, mysterious guys, so that was a given. Aleena, on the other hand, would probably judge him based on his bad-boy appearance before eventually warming up to him in her own way. As for Manic… He was likely to be a bit of a jerk, just for fun. His little brother loved to tease people, and Shadow, with his rigid attitude, would be an easy target for him.

Sonic sighed and rubbed his face. “How are you so calm about it?” he finally asked his husband, his finger playing with his wedding ring.

He raised an eyebrow, his hands still on the steering wheel. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Sonic stared at him, incredulous. “Seriously? You’re meeting my family for the first time. My mother is literally a queen. And I’m having an existential crisis about what our child even means in all this mess. And you’re not stressed at all?”

Shadow simply shrugged. “I’ve been on missions to hostile planets, fought cosmic gods, survived years of manipulation and scientific experiments. Your little brother might be a pain, but I think I can handle it.”

Sonic blinked before shaking his head with a nervous laugh. “You really underestimate Manic.”

Shadow gave a slight smile. “Maybe. But one thing’s for sure, your family loves you. You don’t need to carry all of this on your shoulders, Sonic. This trip, it’s not a confrontation. It’s an announcement.”

Sonic looked down at his rounded belly, his hand instinctively gliding over it as if to reassure himself. The anxiety was still there, weighing on his chest like an invisible shadow. Yet, Shadow’s words helped him keep his feet on the ground.

“My family worries me, but it’s the nobles who are going to be the biggest pain,” he murmured. He turned his head slightly toward Shadow, searching for his gaze. “I don’t think you realize the magnitude of the announcement we’re about to make. Once my family finds out, the castle will know. Then the city. Then the island… and finally, the rest of the world. Once it’s out, the pregnancy will no longer be a secret.”

Shadow crossed his arms, his expression remaining impassive, but Sonic could tell he was already analyzing the situation, looking for the best approach.

"Then we'll have to face the media storm that's going to hit us," he concluded in a calm tone.

Sonic nodded, then ran a nervous hand through his quills.

“We can handle the journalists. Amy and I have already planned an official response as soon as the news breaks. But the biggest problem… will be the nobles on the island.”

Shadow got out of the car as soon as they boarded the ferry, preferring to enjoy the sea air rather than stay cooped up inside. Sonic quickly joined him, and together, they leaned against the railing on the deck, gazing out at the ocean stretching endlessly before them.

Fortunately, his mother had made sure to privatize the ferry for their arrival. No curious passengers, no nosy journalists, just them and the crew tasked with bringing them to their destination. A rare bubble of calm before the storm of family reunions.  

Shadow stared at the waves below, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His dark eyes followed the hypnotic movement of the water, his brow furrowed in silent contemplation.

Sonic, on the other hand, allowed himself to close his eyes for a moment. The sea breeze blew against his quills, bringing with it distant memories. The salty air of South Island had always given him a strange sense of freedom, even though he had spent most of his life running away from this place. Despite his instinctive fear of water, he couldn’t deny that he had missed the scent of the ocean.

The silence between them was comfortable, until Shadow finally spoke in a calm tone.

"I know the nobility can be... let's say, annoying. But it's not like you owe them anything."

Sonic opened his eyes and turned his head slightly toward him, an ironic smile lingering on his lips. "Technically, yes. I'm still the heir, Shadow. My name is in all the royal registers, and as long as my mother hasn’t officially designated Sonia as heir, or I hand the crown to my sister during my own coronation, the line rests on me... and therefore on our child."

He lifted his eyes toward his husband, looking for a reaction, but Shadow maintained his gaze, composed.

"They're going to want to trap us in their archaic traditions. Protocols, ceremonies, obligations. They'll want our child to be raised like a prince or princess, surrounded by tutors, deprived of freedom... Everything I ran away from."

Shadow briefly turned his head toward him before shifting his attention back to the road. "And what does your mother think about it?"

Sonic sighed. "I don't know. She struggled to respect my choices, but over time, she understood. Understood that the castle life wasn’t for me. But now... it's different. It's no longer just about me. This child, he's also her grandchild. He represents the continuity of the kingdom, whether we want it or not."

He bit his lip, his anxiety creeping back in. "There will be discussions, royal councils, political arrangements. Some might try to force me to take my role back, others will try to influence the upbringing of our child. And then... there's the matter of the bloodline."

Shadow raised an eyebrow. "The bloodline?"

Sonic nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon where the sky blended with the ocean. The sea breeze ruffled his quills, but the tension in his shoulders remained.

"For the nobles, the royal succession is a matter of blood and continuity. Our child will disrupt their archaic view of the royal family. I am an heir who has always refused my role... and now, I come with a child conceived outside the traditional frameworks they deem acceptable. To some, I am still a princess, not a prince." A shiver of disgust ran down his spine.

His voice grew darker, more bitter. He turned his eyes away, as if fearing to speak the rest.

"You're not a noble... and above all, you're considered domesticated ."

He grimaced as he said the word, his face twisting in disgust. Just saying it made him feel like throwing up.

It was a term he despised. In Mobotropolis, the distrust, even hatred, towards humans was deeply ingrained, passed down from generation to generation. The island had always fought to preserve its independence, rejecting any outside influence in favor of its age-old traditions.

Humans were not only seen as outsiders, but as oppressors, colonizers. A reputation forged in blood and fire, inherited from a time when they had invaded the island, imposing their dominance through force. Their occupation had been a dark era, marked by conflict, imposed laws, and brutal repression.

But Mobotropolis had never bowed down. After years of relentless struggle, a war of independence eventually broke out, a rebellion fueled by pride and the desire to reclaim their sovereignty. A war that claimed too many lives, including that of his father.

The humans had eventually left, driven out of the island, but their shadow still lingered in the minds of the Mobians. Their departure had not erased the scars left behind, nor the resentment deeply rooted in the hearts of the Mobians. Even today, access to the island was forbidden for them, and any trace of their influence was meticulously erased.

Shadow, despite his Mobian appearance, carried within him that indelible mark. Raised by humans, designed in their laboratories. He was seen as a creature shaped by the hand of man. A domesticated Mobian. Not a true Mobian.

Shadow remained silent for a moment, his gaze still fixed on the ocean. His expression was impassive, but Sonic knew that his words were making their way into his mind.

"Domesticated, huh..." he murmured finally, his voice tinged with restrained contempt.

Sonic grimaced. He hated that word as much as Shadow did. He knew how insulting it could be to him.

Shadow stayed silent for a moment, his gaze lost in the dark waves crashing against the ferry’s hull. Away from prying eyes, he seemed more vulnerable, but his expression remained closed, impenetrable.

"I'm sorry," Sonic whispered, running a nervous hand through his quills. "You know I don't think like them, but... that's how they see you."

Shadow briefly averted his gaze towards him, his face masking an indefinable emotion. "I don't care what they think."

But Sonic knew it wasn't that simple. Shadow had grown up surrounded by distrust and rejection. He had been an experiment, a tool, a weapon. Never a person in the eyes of those who had created him. On the Ark, he had been tolerated only by Maria. On Earth, he had been hunted by GUN, used by Black Doom, feared by the entire world. And now, here, in Mobotropolis, he was once again reduced to a label, a domesticated creature, unworthy of the royal family.

Sonic felt a deep anger rising within him. "It's not right, Shadow. You shouldn't be treated like this."

Shadow shrugged slightly, as if it didn't affect him. As if he had accepted this fate long ago.

“I’m not going to fight these idiots. I already know that we can’t make them change their mind.”

But Sonic, on the other hand, couldn’t accept this inevitability. He gripped the ferry’s railing, feeling the cold metal beneath his trembling fingers.

"The nobles are going to be unbearable," he muttered. "Maybe...?" He hesitated, searching for the right words. "For them, the royal family has to be purely Mobian, from a perfect lineage. I'm already a problem because I refused to follow their path, but now that I have an illegitimate child, they'll see it as a betrayal."

Shadow raised an eyebrow, a smirk flickering on his lips. "A betrayal, really? Aren't they being a bit dramatic?"

Sonic couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh, but his amusement faded as quickly as it had come. He lowered his gaze to his stomach, his hand gently gliding over it.

"Maybe, but that's how they operate. They'll want explanations, proof, and if my mother officially recognizes this child as an heir..." He sighed deeply. "They'll want to study him like a phenomenon. Analyze his blood, check if he's 'worthy' of being part of the royal family. And some will even try to discredit him, treat him like an anomaly."

The very thought of having to justify his child's existence twisted his stomach in knots.

Shadow clenched his fists, his gaze darkening. He was not the type to let anyone question what was his.

"Let them try," he said coldly.

Sonic felt a shiver run down his spine. This wasn’t an empty threat. Shadow wouldn’t fight to be accepted... but if anyone dared to harm his child, he wouldn’t hesitate for a second.

“Shadow…”

"No," he interrupted, his gaze burning with determination. "No one has the right to question our child. Not those nobles, not your mother, no one."

Sonic felt a warm sensation spread through his chest. Hearing those words brought him a comfort he hadn't imagined. He knew that Shadow would fight tooth and nail to protect their child. But the weight of tradition was a subtle enemy, far harder to fight than any opponent.

The ferry glided slowly toward the harbor, and as it neared, Sonic felt his heart tighten. Mobotropolis rose before them, imposing and majestic, bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon. Its towering spires sparkled under the sun, a blend of ancient architecture and modern engineering, where carved stone stood side by side with riveted metal and tinted glass. Steam vents rose here and there between the buildings, a sign of the ever-present technology that kept the city's heartbeat alive.

The wide avenues teemed with life. Mechanical-powered trams slid along rails embedded in the cobblestones, their toothed wheels turning silently, while suspension bridges, held by elegant copper cables, connected the different districts. The market, visible even from the harbor, overflowed with colorful stalls, where merchants proudly advertised their goods in a chorus of lively voices.

The façades of the buildings were a living testament to the history of Mobotropolis. Some still bore the scars of past conflicts, walls patched with steel plates, signs where ancient wood met finely decorated gears. The city's main clock, a marvel of steampunk craftsmanship, stood proudly above the large square, its hands carved from an alloy of gold and bronze, reminding everyone that time moved forward, but the city never forgot its past. 

As soon as the boat docked, the bustle began. A dozen royal guards immediately sprang into action, forming a perimeter around Shadow's vehicle. They wore armor in the colors of the crown, proud and disciplined, and their imposing presence made the atmosphere even more solemn.

A mouse dressed in a spotless coachman’s uniform approached and bowed respectfully before offering to take the wheel and drive them to the palace. Shadow raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

"Nobody touches my car," he declared in a sharp, no-nonsense tone. 

The coachman hesitated for a moment, then stepped back, nodding, clearly intimidated. Sonic bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from smiling. He knew his husband well enough to understand that no one, except him, would have the honor of driving his precious vehicle.

But that detail was the least of his worries. He had done everything to announce his arrival at the last minute, hoping to avoid an overly extravagant reception. He should have known it was a lost cause. His mother and sister were experts at last-minute organization.

Then, as the escort started moving through the cobbled streets of the capital, he realized that a discreet arrival was now impossible.

The passersby, initially surprised, turned their heads as they recognized the familiar blue figure. A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd, and within seconds, the news spread like wildfire. Voices rose, cheers echoed between the stone and steel buildings.

"It's him! It's the prince!"

"Sonic is back!"

“Our hero!”

The crowd quickly grew, Mobians rushing from the sidewalks and shops, dropping everything to see their heir in the flesh. Some raised their arms, others waved flags or signs, and several children tried to catch a glimpse of Sonic by climbing onto their parents' shoulders.

Sonic sighed and sank deeper into his seat, lowering his ears slightly. He had hoped to go unnoticed, but he should have known that his return would never slip by quietly. Beside him, Shadow kept his eyes fixed on the road, unshaken, though he had tightened his grip on the steering wheel just a little.

"Do you want me to switch to escape mode?" Shadow asked in an almost serious tone, a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.

Sonic gave a tired grin. "As tempting as that is, I think we’re going to have to play along."

Slowly, Sonic straightened up, offering a quick smile to the crowd chanting his name. He raised a hand in greeting, immediately triggering an even louder wave of cheers. He might not have liked the protocols, but he loved his people. After all, he had risked his life countless times to protect this island, to give it back its freedom. Every face in that crowd represented a victory snatched from Robotnik.

He turned his head slightly toward Shadow, a mischievous smile on his lips. “Want to give it a try?” he asked in a light tone.

Shadow didn’t take his eyes off the road, but Sonic caught the hint of a smile stretching his lips.

"No thanks. I'm far less popular than you."

Sonic burst out laughing. “You really have no idea how many fans you have. You’ve got the perfect profile, mysterious, dark, a bit taciturn… People love that kind of character.”

Shadow huffed, as if he found the idea absurd, but he didn’t try to contradict it.

"Dark and mysterious, huh? Is that why you fell for my charm?" he murmured, amused.

"Yeah. It draws people in." Sonic crossed his arms, leaning back in his seat as he glanced at the growing crowd lining their path. "They love that kind of thing. You should see the fan clubs Tails found while digging around online. There are entire pages dedicated to you."

Shadow rolled his eyes, but Sonic noticed the way his fingers unconsciously tapped against the steering wheel. He didn't like attention, but the idea of sparking that much interest clearly wasn't entirely unpleasant to him.

"As long as no one tries to jump on me, I'm fine," Shadow declared with a sigh.

Sonic laughed softly, but his amusement quickly faded as they approached the palace. The streets widened, the buildings grew more imposing, and the very atmosphere seemed to shift. Here, the hustle and bustle of the city gave way to something more structured, more solemn.

Then, finally, the castle of Mobotropolis revealed itself in all its raw grandeur. Perched on its hill, it dominated the city like a relic of the past intertwined with the ambitions of the future. Its tall towers, once carved from immaculate white stone, still bore the scars of war. Shell impacts and cracks had been reinforced with riveted metal, giving the building a look that was both noble and industrial. Copper domes gleamed under the sun, and weather vanes shaped like gears slowly turned in the wind.

Steam pipes hissed here and there, snaking along the façades like living veins, powering the castle's mechanical systems. The massive stained-glass windows, once simple works of colorful art, had been reinforced with sheets of armored glass, and the large wooden doors were now lined with steel plates, adorned with intricate engravings that told the story of the revolt that had freed the island.

As they moved forward, Sonic could feel a familiar tension settle in his body. This place hadn't changed, yet it almost felt foreign. The massive castle door, reinforced with steel, creaked open slowly with a mechanical grating. A light steam hissed from hidden pipes in the walls, powering the unseen gears that kept the structure running.

As the car passed through the main entrance, the inner courtyard stretched out before them, pristine despite the signs of modernization. The royal family flags fluttered in the wind, attached to intricately carved steel masts where clockwork motifs blended with the ancient symbols of the monarchy.

Finally, their vehicle came to a smooth stop in front of the grand staircase made of steel and marble. A butler immediately stepped forward, opening the door with a measured bow. Sonic took a deep breath before stepping out. He hadn't set foot here in far too long, and yet, everything seemed unchanged.

"Your Highness, Her Majesty the Queen is waiting for you in the throne room."

Sonic swallowed discreetly. He stepped out of the vehicle, immediately assaulted by the curious gazes of the servants and the few nobles present in the courtyard. The official announcement hadn't been made yet, but everyone knew that a major event was about to unfold.

Sonic took a deep breath and slid his arm around Shadow's, pulling him gently closer. His husband, surprised, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply following his pace. As they moved through the richly decorated halls of the palace, murmurs rose around them.

The gazes, initially directed at Sonic, quickly shifted to Shadow. He could hear the nobles whispering, their voices filled with curiosity and barely concealed disdain.

“Who is that?”

“Quiet! It’s the prince's husband.”

"Which house does he belong to?"

"He's a domesticated."

"What?! The queen allowed this pet to set foot on our island?"

Sonic felt anger rising within him. His grip on Shadow's arm tightened as he quickened his pace.

"Idiots..." he growled, his eyes dark.

Shadow leaned in slightly, his breath brushing against Sonic's ear. “Don’t worry, these aren’t the first vipers I’ve encountered.” His voice was low, amused, but Sonic could hear the steel beneath his tone.

A chuckle escaped him. If these nobles thought they could intimidate Shadow with their venomous whispers, they were in for a disappointment.

Discreet gasps rose as Sonic pressed a little closer to his husband, deliberately playing with the situation. He would have loved to kiss Shadow, just to see their faces twist in outrage. But he knew his limits. Shadow wasn’t comfortable with public displays of affection, and Sonic respected that.

Instead, he simply intertwined his fingers with Shadow’s, under the stunned gazes of the nobles.

When they reached the massive golden doors of the throne room, a parrot dressed in an elegant page’s outfit blocked their path with a flap of its wings. Its meticulously groomed plumage contrasted with the stern expression it wore as it adjusted its ruffled collar.

"Please wait here, I will announce your arrival in accordance to the protoco—"

Sonic rolled his eyes, exasperated, before pushing the heavy doors open without waiting for permission. The parrot let out a sharp, scandalized cry at this blatant disregard for royal protocol, but he ignored it completely.

The throne room of Mobotropolis was the beating heart of the palace, a harmonious blend of royal grandeur and advanced engineering, a testament to a civilization where tradition and progress had always moved forward hand in hand.

The ceiling, adorned with a complex network of copper pipes and intricately crafted gears, pulsed gently to the rhythm of the machinery that regulated the suspended lighting. Majestic chandeliers of glass and brass emitted a soft, diffused light, powered by energy crystals embedded in delicate metal frameworks. Their glow cast shifting shadows across the enormous stained glass windows lining the room, works of art depicting the heroic deeds of past monarchs.

The floor alternated between polished marble and steel plates engraved with complex patterns. The columns that rose up to the ceiling, once simply carved, were now integrated into the living mechanics of the palace. Thin steam conduits ran along their bases, intermittently releasing a light puff of air that maintained the perfect temperature in the room.

And at the center, elevated on a circular dais adorned with engraved arrangements of interwoven circuits, sat the royal seat. A masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship, where purple velvet met finely wrought metalwork. Its backrest was adorned with a massive golden cog, symbolizing the perfect balance between the past and the future.

His mother stood at the center of the room, tall and imposing, draped in a long gown of deep blue. Her piercing gaze fell upon him, filled with a calculated serenity. She was not surprised. She had been waiting for him.

To her right, Sonia stood proudly, adorned in a sumptuous gown that highlighted her status as a princess. Her gaze gleamed with excitement, tinged with obvious amusement. On the other side, Manic starkly contrasted with the scene. His blasé expression was emphasized by the oil stains still visible on his snout, remnants of an obviously interrupted task. He wore simple, wrinkled clothes, and it was clear he had been pulled away from his workshop against his will.

There was no one else in the room. His mother had surely dismissed everyone for more privacy. If Sonic had been a conventional heir to the throne, he would have performed a formal bow, gracefully lowering himself before his mother and siblings. But he had never been a prince like the others.

As soon as he crossed the threshold, he let go of Shadow's arm and rushed without hesitation toward the queen. Forgetting all protocol, he wrapped his arms around her, briefly inhaling her familiar scent, a subtle blend of orange blossom and the old archives of the palace.

“I’m so happy to see you, my son.”

Chapter Text

The embrace lasted only a second before Sonia joined in with a delighted laugh, enthusiastically wrapping her arms around them. She hugged her big brother tightly, her overflowing energy contrasting with their mother’s composed presence.

A little off to the side, Manic observed the scene with his arms crossed, an amused smile on his lips. He had never been the touchy-feely type, but the sincere gleam in his eyes betrayed his joy at seeing his brother again after all this time.

Aleena eventually pulled back, her maternal gaze carefully examining every detail of her son's face. Her hands gently framed his cheeks, as if she needed to make sure he was real, that he was whole. Then, her expression changed.

"What happened to your ear?!" she exclaimed, a hint of horror in her voice.

Sonic smirked and rubbed the mutilated appendage with his fingertips. “Let’s just say I had the bad idea of having a one-on-one with a saw,” he joked.

But his humor did nothing to dispel the worry in his mother’s eyes. He knew what she saw, the scars marking his skin, remnants of Infinite and those six months of captivity that he could never fully erase.

The silence hung heavy for a fraction of second before Sonic forced a smile onto his face. He had no desire to talk about the past. Not now.

"But I'm fine, don't worry." He puffed out his chest slightly, trying to appear as confident as possible. "Nothing disabling.”

Aleena watched him for a moment, her gaze searching for the slightest crack in his confidence. She knew all too well the impact of wounds, those that scarred the flesh and those that ate away at the soul. The war had already taken her husband, and her own body still bore the marks of those dark years. Her left shoulder, once shattered, was now nothing more than an assembly of mechanics and steel, a prosthetic incapable of restoring the mobility she once had.

"My son..." she whispered, her voice tinged with a worry she could not hide. "Why do you always put yourself in situations like this?”

Sonic shrugged with a mischievous smile. “I like attracting trouble.” He let out a small laugh, light and almost carefree. But he knew she wasn’t fooled.

Preferring to steer the conversation away before it became more difficult, he turned to his husband and gestured for him to come closer. “Mom, Sonia, Manic…” He took a deep breath before announcing, with a mix of pride and apprehension, “I’d like you to meet Shadow. My husband for two years now.”

Shadow hesitated for a moment before awkwardly bowing before the queen. "It’s an honor to finally meet you, Your Majesty.”

He expected a formal response, a bow in return. But instead, Aleena pulled him into a hug in an unexpectedly warm gesture.

The black hedgehog froze instantly, his body stiffening under the sudden embrace. For a brief moment, he remained motionless, unsure of how to react. He wasn’t used to public displays of affection, especially not from a queen he had only just met.

Sonic, noticing his husband's discomfort, quickly intervened. "Mom, he doesn't really like being touched.”

His mother stepped back immediately, a flash of guilt crossing her eyes. "Oh, I'm so sorry! It's just that... I'm so happy to meet you, I couldn't help myself!”

Shadow took a deep breath before nodding. "It's nothing, Your Majesty." He now understood where Sonic got his touchy tendencies from.

"Call me Aleena," she corrected with a warm smile. "You're part of the family, after all. I have so many questions! How did you two meet? What was your wedding like? What do you like to eat? And the island, what do you think of it? Oh, but what an idiot I am, you haven’t even had the chance to visit yet!”

Sonic rolled his eyes with an amused sigh. He understood his mother’s enthusiasm. When he talked about his family, he rarely mentioned his private life. She was going to try to gather every bit of information she could over the next four days on the island.

"Mom, maybe we could talk about it over dinner?" Sonia suggested diplomatically.

"Excellent idea! Talking over dinner is perfect." Aleena gave her daughter a grateful look before turning her attention back to Shadow. "Sorry for the barrage of questions, I’m just so happy to meet you! When I found out my son was married through a magazine Sonia was reading, I thought it was a joke.”

Shadow glanced at Sonic, who pretended to be very interested in the ceiling. "Yes, we’re sorry we didn’t give you a heads-up," Shadow finally spoke up. "The truth is... we just forgot to bring it up with everyone.”

Aleena shook her head, half-amused, half-exasperated. "I’m not even surprised. Sonic has always had selective memory. I shouldn't be shocked." She sighed and motioned for them to follow. "Come on, follow me, we’ll settle in the main living room.”

As they walked through the long corridors of the palace, Shadow cast keen glances at the portraits hanging on the walls. Each one depicted a hero of the revolution, immortalized in a solemn pose, their gaze filled with resolve.

Manic quietly approached Sonic, his trademark teasing smile on his lips. "She almost emptied the entire pantry for you, you know.”

Sonic raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "That doesn’t even surprise me.”

Manic studied him for a moment before adding in a more serious tone. "But something's been bothering me. I know you avoid coming to see us, and I totally get it. But it feels like introducing Shadow is just an excuse.”

Sonic tensed slightly. "Manic," he warned.

"Relax, I’ve got nothing against him," his brother reassured, raising his hands. "I mean, I just met him. But you, I know you. You wouldn’t come all this way just for a formal introduction. There’s something else.”

Sonic looked away. "No... I just missed you guys, that's all. And I've missed too many important moments.”

Manic let out a small, incredulous laugh, shaking his head. "Brother, you’ve always been a terrible liar." He gave Sonic a friendly pat on the shoulder. "I’m willing to bet you have something to announce. And don’t worry, I’ll be there to bury your body when Sonia kills you.”

Sonic swallowed. "She… she wouldn’t actually do that, right?”

Manic raised an eyebrow, feigning seriousness. "Lock your door tight tonight. She did not take finding out about your marriage through the press very well. She would’ve liked to hear it from you first.”

He grimaced. "Great…”

Manic patted his shoulder sympathetically. "In any case, I just hope whatever you have to tell us isn’t going to be your death sentence.”

Sonic swallowed hard. Announcing his pregnancy was bound to be eventful.

Meanwhile, Sonia walked alongside Shadow, a bright smile on her lips. “So, you’re the one who managed to tame our wild hedgehog?” she teased.

Shadow crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Not sure 'tame' is the right word.”

"Pff, it’s actually me you should be congratulating," Sonic huffed, gently pushing his sister. "You can’t imagine how complicated it was to woo him!”

"It’s just that you were awful. I couldn’t make sense of any of your attempts.”

"How long did it take?”

"Almost a year," the blue hedgehog lamented. "He's the most emotionally dense person I know.”

Manic burst out laughing. "Honestly, I thought Sonic would end up either alone or married to adventure itself. So, hats off to you, man.”

"Very funny, Manic," Sonic replied sarcastically. "You should consider a career in comedy." He tugged at the collar of his jacket, suddenly feeling the warmth of the room. Sonia watched him from the corner of her eye.

"Do you want to take off your jacket? I can ask someone to hang it up.”

"No, it's fine, don't worry," he replied quickly.

He had to keep it on until he announced the news. His belly was rounding out, and the fabric was the only way to hide the bump. Their gynecologist had assured them that the pregnancy would remain discreet; with his build and the small size of hedgehog babies, his belly should hardly show.

But fate had other plans. Shortly after their last appointment, his belly had started growing suddenly, contradicting all the predictions. This development had worried Shadow, but the doctor had quickly reassured them.

Despite her soothing reassurance, Shadow couldn’t help but to keep a keen eye on Sonic. Each day, he checked for the slightest change, noticing the way his belly started to show more and more. What was supposed to be a discreet pregnancy was becoming harder to hide with each passing day.

They finally arrived in the dining room. A long, richly decorated table stood at the center of it. Aleena sat at the head of the table, Sonic to her right and Shadow across from him. Sonia sat next to Shadow, while Manic took a seat next to his brother.

The servants carefully placed several refined dishes at the center of the table, each releasing appetizing aromas that instantly filled the room.

A seasonal vegetable salad opened the feast. Next to it sat a loaf of warm, perfectly golden bread, accompanied by herb-infused butters and a selection of black and green olive tapenades.

A large seafood platter, a symbol of the island, proudly sat at the center. Pink shrimp, open oysters, crab meat, and thin slices of marinated fish, served with a lemon sauce.

Next, for the meat lovers, plates of tender roast game, slowly steamed in a copper pot, coated with a wild berry sauce and served with honey-roasted vegetables and thyme. On the side, a creamy potato gratin with caramelized onions and aged cheese. To accompany these dishes, a selection of local wines and fruit juices.

Each dish was a true work of culinary art, awakening the taste buds even before the first bite. Sonic was relieved that his nausea was finally starting to subside. Of course, he still had occasional bouts, but tonight, he could enjoy the feast. At least, the dishes that were allowed for him.

His mother had made sure to have his favorite dishes prepared. What a shame that he couldn’t touch the seafood... and it didn’t go unnoticed.

"You're not having any oysters?" Aleena asked with curiosity, glancing at him.

Sonic, who was about to take a bite of his salad, paused for a moment before shrugging. "I'm just not in the mood for seafood tonight," he replied with a smile that was meant to seem casual. "Sorry, I know you had all this prepared for me.”

He hoped that would be enough to end this conversation, but Aleena didn’t seem entirely convinced. She watched him for a moment before gently shaking her head with an indulgent smile.

"Don't worry, even I get different cravings sometimes."

Sonic discreetly let out a sigh of relief, but his respite was short-lived.

"And besides, maybe you should watch your diet a little..." she added innocently. "You've put on a little weight."

Sonic froze. His gaze instinctively dropped to his jacket, and he quickly tugged slightly at the fabric to make sure it stayed closed. Despite his precautions, he knew it was noticeable. He let out a small nervous laugh before replying.

"It's just the winter fat taking its time to disappear," he said, proud of his excuse.

Aleena raised an eyebrow, amused. "After all this time? Really?" She crossed her arms, thoughtful, before smiling mischievously. "Actually, it's not that surprising. You were quite a chubby little hoglet. An adorable little ball of energy!"

Sonic felt panic rise within him as she turned her gaze toward Shadow, who was silently eating beside him.

"Oh, Shadow, I absolutely have to show you all the pictures of Sonic when he was a baby!"

He nearly choked on his bite. "Mom!" he protested, his cheeks slightly red.

Shadow, who had been content to observe the scene with amusement until then, finally turned his gaze toward him, a faint smirk on his lips.

"Oh? I'd be curious to see that," he said with a teasing look.

"No, no, no, we're not doing that!" Sonic declared, holding up a hand in a gesture of prohibition.

But Aleena was already laughing, clearly delighted at the idea of digging up those precious memories. As for Sonic, he knew he had just lost that battle.

"My son, there's no need to be ashamed. You were an adorable child. You always ate a lot. Capable of emptying a pantry in a day."

Sonic rolled his eyes, crossing his arms, fully aware that he wouldn't be able to escape this embarrassing conversation. His siblings, also trapped in the childhood memories their mother loved to tell, groaned in unison.

"Mom, stop..." Sonia groaned, resting her chin in her hand. 

"You always tell these stories," Manic added, grimacing.

"And for good reason! You were adorable," Aleena insisted with a fond smile.

Sonic sighed, glancing at Shadow, who was still staring at him with an expression far too amused for his liking.

"A real little glutton," Aleena continued, ignoring her children's protests. "He would sit in front of the fridge and wait for the cooks to open it. As soon as he had the chance, he'd sneak into the kitchen and come back with cheeks as full as a hamster's."

Shadow raised an eyebrow, his smile widening slightly. "Interesting," he commented in a teasing tone, clearly enjoying the situation. He shot a sidelong glance at Sonic before adding, feigning deep thought. "So that's why he gets up in the middle of the night to raid the fridge..."

Sonic immediately felt the heat rise to his cheeks. He opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. The truth was, Shadow wasn’t wrong. Lately, his late-night cravings had been out of control. More than once, he’d found himself in the middle of the night, standing in front of a half-empty fridge, nibbling on anything within reach.

But it wasn't his fault. It was the baby’s fault. Totally. He groaned, frustrated, and curled up slightly in his chair, crossing his arms and avoiding eye contact. 

"I knew I should've stayed home..."

"And yet, you don't know everything," Aleena continued, unfazed. She suddenly stood up and left the room, leaving Sonic in a state of deep panic.

"Wait, where is she going?" he asked, looking around the table. 

Sonia and Manic exchanged a look before both flashing a sly grin at him.

"Ah, dude, you're screwed," Manic chuckled.

A drop of sweat trickled down his temple. He knew exactly where she was going to get those damn photo albums. "Shadow, I forbid you to look," he warned, pointing an accusing finger at him.

"Oh, but I didn't say anything," the other replied, resting his chin in his hand, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Before Sonic could reply, Aleena returned, holding a thick leather-bound photo album in her arms. "Here it is, I found it!" she said proudly, opening it in front of everyone. He hid his face in his hands. It was over.

The queen placed the photo album on the table with a triumphant smile. Shadow sat up slightly, clearly curious, while Sonic remained frozen, hands covering his face, praying for the earth to swallow him whole.

"Alright, let's see... Ah! Look at this, Shadow!" Aleena exclaimed as she turned to the first page.

Sonic dared to take a peek and immediately felt his face burn. There, right in the center of the page, was a photo of him as a baby, all bundled up in a blanket, eyes half-closed, a pacifier sticking out of his mouth.

"Oh, that's too cute," Shadow teased, a mocking glint in his eyes.

"No, no, no! This is private!" Sonic exclaimed, trying to close the album, but Aleena gently pushed him back with an amused smile.

"Wait, I haven't shown you the best one yet," she said, turning to a new page.

Sonia and Manic leaned in as well, a predatory smile on their lips. They had already endured this humiliation, so seeing Sonic suffer through it this time was a treat.

"Oh! This one's great," Manic laughed.

Sonic felt his heart skip a beat. He knew that photo. And sure enough, there it was. A picture of him as a baby, his round belly full, stuffing his face with mashed potatoes, his cheeks covered in food, with a perfectly satisfied look on his face.

"Look at that face! He was such a little glutton, I swear," Aleena laughed.

Shadow placed a hand over his mouth, trying his best to stifle a laugh. "I have to admit... it suits him," he finally said, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Could I get a few copies of these photos? A mutual friend of ours would love to see them."

"No! We’re not showing this to Rouge! Do you want me dead?!" he exclaimed, finally snatching the album with a swift motion.

He intended to close it immediately, but his gaze fell on a particular photo. He stopped dead in his tracks.

It was an old image, slightly yellowed with time, showing him with Sonia and Manic, just after their birth. Their father was holding all three of them in his arms, his smile radiating pure happiness. An expression Sonic had never seen with his own eyes.

Because one month after this photo was taken, he had passed away.

Sonic stood frozen for a moment, his breath caught in his chest. With a slow motion, he lightly touched the image with his fingertips. He felt his heart tighten. What would his own child look like? Would they be blue like him? Black like Shadow? Maybe they would inherit the deep purple of his mother or Sonia… or the bright green of Manic.

Shadow noticed Sonic's sudden silence and looked down at the album. He saw the photo, and his expression shifted to something more serious. "Sonic?"

The blue hedgehog flinched slightly, as if coming out of a daydream. He closed the album gently, his gaze still fixed on the cover. "Nothing... just... this photo," he murmured.

The black hedgehog observed his face, noting the melancholy in his eyes. With a discretion that was his own, Shadow placed a hand over Sonic's, a silent but comforting gesture. Sonic gently squeezed it in return.

"Well, how about we go back to eating?" he said, desperately trying to change the subject.

He hoped the attention would shift away from him. "Oh, now you want to eat?" Manic teased. "I thought you already emptied the fridge last night." Everyone burst into laughter. Luckily, his brother was there to lighten the mood.

The meal was lively, with their mother recounting their childhood misadventures. After finishing the first course, Aleena placed her napkin on her lap and turned to Shadow, her eyes sparkling with interest.

"So, Shadow, tell me everything. How did you meet my son?"

Shadow, who had just raised his glass to his lips, hesitated for a moment before replying. "It was… rather unconventional, I suppose."

Sonic rolled his eyes, a sly smile on his face. "Just say we met while fighting."

"When are you not fighting?" Manic chuckled.

"Says the one who’s always looking for trouble," his sister retorted.

"At least it's the problems that find me. And I’ve found a wonderful problem," Sonic said, throwing a flirtatious glance at his husband.

"Ugh, don't flirt in front of me. I'm going to vomit," complained the green hedgehog.

Aleena raised an eyebrow, amused. "Children, calm down and let Shadow speak." She folded her hands under her chin. "Now, let's get back to it."

"Let's just say our first encounters weren't exactly... friendly," Shadow admitted.

"He tried to kill me the first time we crossed paths," he clarified, poking a piece of bread on his plate.

Sonia raised an amused eyebrow, while Aleena placed a hand on her forehead, exasperated. "Classic," sighed Manic, shrugging. "Everyone wants to kill you at some point." Without missing a beat, Sonic delivered a kick under the table. Manic choked on his bite, coughing loudly while Sonia burst into laughter. "Seriously?!" groaned his brother, catching his breath.

"Shut up and eat. Shadow had his reasons, but well, things have changed, and we've learned to trust each other."

Aleena shook her head, a fond smile on her lips. "It's incredible how love always finds its way. It reminds me of how I met your father," she sighed nostalgically.

"How did you meet him?"

"Why did you ask that question? We've heard that story so many times."

"Manic, stop being rude," Aleena scolded. "I was, like the rest of my family, held hostage in the castle. Then one day, Resistance fighters managed to infiltrate. That’s how I met Jules. We fought side by side, then fell in love and got married. He was a great man," she said with adoration. "And your wedding... what was it like?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.

"Quite intimate," Shadow replied. "We wanted to avoid the media attention."

"We mostly rushed into it. He proposed after yet another fight against Eggman, and we went to the nearest town hall," the blue hedgehog explained, laughing.

He still remembered that day. Shadow had been acting strange for weeks, but Sonic didn't know why. Then it happened during yet another attack from Eggman.

The buildings were collapsing under the missile strikes. The ground shook with the repeated assaults of Eggman's robot, a steel monster with sharp claws and smoking cannons. Only Sonic and Shadow were facing it, two blurry flashes dancing between the explosions.

Sonic chuckled, leaping off a piece of debris before charging at the enemy. "You're a bit slow today, Shadow! Getting old or what?!"

Shadow, a few meters away, landed gracefully after a series of precise dodges. He didn’t respond immediately, his red eyes fixed on Sonic as chaos raged around them. Then, suddenly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he said, "Marry me."

Sonic, who had been about to bounce off a metal wall to attack, missed his foothold and stumbled. He barely caught himself in time before staring at Shadow with wide eyes.

"Excuse me?!"

Shadow didn’t flinch. He stood there, looking completely serious despite the storm of flames surrounding them. "You heard me perfectly."

Eggman's robot aimed a cannon at them, but Sonic couldn’t even focus. His mind couldn’t process the words from his boyfriend.

"Shadow, this is literally not the time-"

"I know." Shadow took a step closer, his gaze intense. "But if there's one thing I've learned from fighting by your side, it's that the perfect moment doesn't exist. And I'm tired of waiting."

Sonic's heart skipped a beat. He wanted to say something, to joke, to tease, but the sincere gleam in Shadow's eyes stopped him. He felt the heat of an explosion behind him, the adrenaline of the battle pumping through his veins, and he understood.

Then, Sonic smiled, a wide, bright, pure smile. “You’re an idiot Shads.” And without warning, he shot towards him at full speed, grabbing him by the collar to kiss him mid-air, a kiss as fiery and fleeting as a falling star.

Eggman's robot fired a missile. They dodged at the last moment, still pressed against each other, the entire world reduced to the deafening sound of battle and the frantic beat of their hearts.

"I accept," Sonic murmured, his eyes sparkling with adrenaline and emotion. "So, what are we waiting for? Let's finish this and go get married."

Shadow blinked, surprised by his sudden enthusiasm. "Right after the fight?"

Sonic laughed, dodging a debris that crashed just beside them. "You already have the ring, right? So why wait?" He stepped closer, briefly brushing Shadow's gloved hand before locking eyes with him. "I can't wait to call you my husband."

A fleeting silence, drowned in the chaos of destruction. Then, Shadow gave a rare smile, almost tender. "Then let's make sure we don't die." And they charged back into the fray, together.

Sonic snapped back to reality at the sound of the queen's voice. "So you’ve had a human marriage." A grimace covered the queen’s snout, though she tried to hide her disgust. 

"Oh, you know Sonic," Manic laughed, trying to deflect attention. "The king of improvisation. I bet he didn’t even plan a suit in advance."

"I had a suit," Sonic grumbled.

"Just a jacket," Shadow clarified, looking unimpressed.

"Classic," Sonia remarked with an amused smile.

"Why not have a Mobian ceremony?" Aleena interrupted.

Sonic exchanged a glance with Shadow before shrugging. "We got married on a whim."

His mother seemed surprised, then slightly annoyed. "An impromptu wedding? My son, you’re the heir to the throne!"

"Exactly, Mom," he replied. "I wanted a wedding for us, not a huge event where the entire kingdom would be invited."

But Aleena wasn't giving up that easily. "What if we organized a proper ceremony now? One in the pure Mobian tradition, with the rites and ancestral blessings? Shadow, I know you're not familiar with our customs, but I'm sure you'd appreciate it."

Shadow placed his glass on the table and crossed his arms. "I doubt that wearing extravagant outfits and getting blessed by an elder will change anything about our marriage."

Manic burst out laughing while Sonia stifled a smile behind her hand.

"Mom, stop," he sighed. "We don’t want another ceremony."

"But why not?" She insisted. "It would be an opportunity to celebrate your union with your people… with us."

"Because we're already married," Sonic replied gently. "We don't need to prove anything to anyone."

Aleena seemed to hesitate, her gaze studying her son as if she were still searching for a way to insist. But seeing his resolute expression, she finally gave up on the idea. "Well... I'm just sad I couldn't be more present for you both."

"I'll try to visit you more often," Sonic promised, even though he knew it wouldn’t be that simple.

The rest of the meal went smoothly. Sonic shared his latest adventures with his family, who hung on his every word. Shadow occasionally added a few comments to clarify certain details.

"Well, what do you want for dessert?" Aleena asked. "Sonic, we have some sundae, just the way you like it, if you want."

"That’s great, but… uh… I’m more in the mood for strawberry shortcake."

A silence immediately fell over the table. His entire family stared at him, looking deeply shocked. Even Shadow, usually stoic, raised an eyebrow before ordering a simple coffee, leaving Sonic to handle the bomb he had just dropped.

"But Sonic, you hate strawberries."

He felt panic rising within him, a knot forming in his stomach. Oh no. He lowered his ears slightly and swallowed.

"Uh… yeah, I know… but, um..." He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, looking for support from Shadow, who, of course, simply watched the scene with a neutral expression. He wasn’t going to help. Of course not.

"It’s just that… lately, I’ve started to enjoy it… well, it’s complicated."

"Really?" His sister squinted. "Sonic, you didn’t even want to touch one when we were kids. You’d literally gag at the sight of them!"

"I know, but this time… it’s different."

"Are you sick?" Aleena asked, worried.

"No! Well... yes... no, not really!" He ran a nervous hand through his quills and bit his lip. "I mean..." He took a deep breath. He had to say it. This was the moment.

He stood up abruptly, clumsily trying to take off his jacket, then froze, his fingers gripping the fabric. His thoughts were a mess. Why was he stressing so much?

"Listen... I... I know our visit was a surprise," he began, carefully avoiding their inquisitive gazes. "I mostly wanted you to meet Shadow... but I have... something else to tell you."

His breath quickened slightly. With a motion less smooth than he would have liked, he finally removed his jacket and let it fall over the back of his chair. The silence that followed was deafening. Sonia was the first to react. She stared at him for a moment, then her gaze slowly dropped toward his stomach.

"Sonic..." She raised a trembling finger. "Is it..."

Aleena brought a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide. "My son... is it...?"

Sonic felt his heart pounding in his chest. He searched one last time for comfort in Shadow’s gaze, who gave him a simple nod. He took a deep breath, placed a hesitant hand on his stomach, and then gave a soft, slightly nervous smile.

"Yes, Mom." He swallowed his last hesitation and finally said, "Shadow and I... we're going to have a child."

The silence that followed was almost deafening. His mother blinked several times, as if expecting Sonic to joke. Sonia seemed frozen, while Manic opened his mouth, though no words came out.

"You're... pregnant?" she finally managed to whisper, her voice trembling.

Sonic nodded, his fingers playing with the zipper of his jacket. "Yes," he replied in a softer voice.

The queen placed a hand on her heart, tears shining in her eyes. "By Chaos..." Then, to everyone's surprise, she jumped to her feet, walked around the table, and wrapped Sonic in a hug. "My baby... you're going to have a baby!"

Sonic barely had time to react before he found himself enveloped in a suffocating hug. He felt relief wash over him. He had feared her reaction, worried about disappointment or judgment... but instead, his mother was beaming with happiness.

Sonia stood up as well, an immense smile lighting up her face. "Am I going to be an aunt?!"

"Yes," Sonic whispered, a little overwhelmed by the speed of the events.

Sonia let out a small cry of joy before hugging him tightly in return. Manic, however, stayed seated, still blinking as if he was trying to process the information. He ran a hand through his messy fur, let out a breath, and then smiled.

"Dammit, bro... you're really full of surprises."

Aleena finally pulled away, placing her hands on Sonic's cheeks with emotion. "How long have you known?"

"I'm in the beginning of my fifth month. We wanted to wait as long as possible to announce it, to avoid the journalists."

He wasn’t going to tell her that they had completely forgotten to inform them. He could see Sonia rolling her eyes, not fooled. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the servants celebrating the news. By tonight, the whole island would know.

"You have no idea how much this news fills me with joy. I'm going to be a grandmother." Aleena smiled tenderly before exclaiming, "We absolutely have to celebrate this!" She turned to a servant. "Bring sparkling fruit juice! My son is going to have a child, this is a day to remember!"

Sonia and Manic laughed, and soon, the initial tension faded, replaced by a warm and festive atmosphere. His announcement had gone well. Now, all that was left was to face the public's reaction.

Chapter Text

Sonic collapsed onto the bed with a long sigh of relief. The mattress was so soft that he almost sank entirely into it, as if he were being swallowed by a cloud. After the announcement, his mother had kept them up late into the night to celebrate the news. He was glad that his family was taking everything so well, but today had exhausted him. All he wanted now was to sleep.

Fortunately, his sister, ever observant, had noticed his exhaustion and quickly called a servant to escort them to their room. Located in the royal wing, it looked more like a luxurious suite, with an elegant lounge, a spacious bedroom, and a private bathroom. Their belongings had already been dropped off, and Sonic didn’t waste a second before letting himself fall onto the bed.

A sigh of pure bliss escaped him as he buried his muzzle into the fresh, fragrant bedding. The moment he laid down, his eyelids grew heavy, and he fell asleep almost instantly.

"Hey, sweetheart, you need to take off your shoes."

Shadow's deep voice reached him like a distant hum. Sonic groaned in response, burying his face further into the pillow.

"Let me sleep..."

"Faker, I know you're exhausted, but you can't sleep like that."

"Yes, I can."

"Stop being difficult."

Sonic lazily lifted a leg. "Do it for me. My feet are too swollen, it's a hassle..."

Shadow let out a resigned sigh. He knelt at the foot of the bed and carefully untied Sonic's shoes before removing his socks. A mischievous smile curled on his lips, and without warning, he lightly brushed his finger across the sole of the hedgehog's foot.

"Hahah— stooop!" he protested, squirming to escape the tickling.

"Now that you're awake, go take a bath. I've already run the water."

“No.” 

“Sonic…”  

"I said no."

Shadow raised an eyebrow, then, without a word, he slid his arms under the hedgehog's body and lifted him effortlessly. "Alright. If you don't want to walk, I'll take you there."

“Shadow, no !” 

Too late. Shadow was already heading toward the bathroom, indifferent to Sonic's protests.

"Shadow, put me down right now!"

Sonic squirmed in the black hedgehog's arms, gently punching his chest, but Shadow didn't flinch. He held him firmly, as though Sonic weighed nothing, and walked calmly toward the bathroom. He made sure to hold him without squeezing too tightly, being careful of his slightly rounded stomach.

"You’re tired," Shadow growled, adjusting his grip. "You stink."

“Hey !”

"And I’m not going to let you fall asleep without at least relaxing a little."

"I'll drown myself in the bath, just to annoy you."

"You'd float like a balloon," Shadow replied with a smirk, placing a hand on his stomach.

The door opened, revealing a breathtaking bathroom. Tall mirrors framed the walls, reflecting the soft light from the crystal chandeliers. A massive white marble bathtub, filled with slightly steaming water, stood at the center of the room, flower petals floating on the surface. The air was filled with the scent of citrus and lavender essential oils.

Sonic scrunched his muzzle. "Seriously? Petals?" he said, grimacing.

"I asked the staff to prepare something relaxing," Shadow explained, crouching down to set Sonic at the edge of the bathtub. "I thought you'd appreciate it."

Sonic blinked, surprised by the gesture. Shadow didn’t often do things like this, but when he did, it was always with an unsettling sincerity.

"You’re heavier than before."

"You just told your pregnant partner they’ve gained weight. It's a miracle you're still alive."

Shadow rolled his eyes. "I meant that you should avoid overexerting yourself."

Sonic grumbled but didn’t reply. He could feel his legs heavy, tired from the day and the extra weight he was carrying. He sighed and began to step into the bathtub.

"Do you want me to help you?" Shadow offered, crossing his arms.

"Try and I'll drown you."

"At least I know how to swim."

He splashed him in retaliation. Shadow gave a faint smile but didn’t move, letting him do it. Sonic eventually slid carefully into the water, a sigh of relief escaping him as the warmth enveloped his aching body.

"Oh damn... that feels so good..."

Sonic tilted his head back, his eyelids half-closed, savoring the warmth of the water as it soothed his tired body. Shadow crouched beside him, dipped a hand into the warm water, then gently placed it on his rounded belly.

"Did you feel it move?" he asked softly.

Sonic cracked an eye open, a slight smile on his lips. "I think so, yeah. It's weird, like little bubbles popping... Honestly, it feels more like I have gas."

He chuckled softly, and Shadow shook his head, amused. "Charming."

"What? It's the truth!"

At twenty weeks pregnant, Sonic knew he should be starting to feel the baby move, but for now, it was still just a light, almost imperceptible sensation. Shadow gently stroked his belly with the tips of his fingers, looking thoughtful.

"I can't wait to be able to feel it too."

His eyes softened, filled with tenderness. Sonic looked at him for a moment before smiling. "Don't worry, you'll be the first to feel it... after me, of course."

Shadow raised an eyebrow. "Always trying to turn everything into a competition..."

"That's why you love me."

"Unfortunately, yes."

Before he could reply, Shadow leaned in and kissed him, a slow and deep kiss that made the blue hedgehog shiver. When they pulled away, Shadow gently slid his hand back onto his belly, lightly stroking his skin.

"Do you want me to help you wash your quills?"

Sonic raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "Is this an excuse to grope me, huh?"

"Maybe."

"Hm... go ahead then. I'm too tired to protest."

Shadow flashed a victorious smile and grabbed a bottle of shampoo. He squeezed a small amount into his palm before gently starting to massage Sonic's scalp and spikes. The latter sighed with pleasure, completely surrendering to his expert touch.

"Mmh... it's not that bad..." he murmured.

"I know. I have extraordinary hands."

Sonic cracked an eye open, a smirk on his face. "Then show me what they're capable of."

Shadow leaned closer to his ear, his voice dropping lower, more velvety. "With pleasure... Your wishes are my command, my prince."

Sonic shivered as Shadow's deep voice brushed against his ears. He cracked an eye open, curious, but his companion wore his usual unreadable expression, focused on the massage. Yet, his movements told an entirely different story. His fingers, slow and precise, slid between Sonic’s spikes with infinite gentleness, as if he were carefully working to chase away every trace of fatigue.

"Hm... you really just want to wash my spikes?" Sonic murmured, half suspicious, half seduced.

Shadow gave a barely perceptible smile. "Of course. What do you think?"

Sonic let out a small laugh. "With you, anything’s possible..."

Shadow didn’t respond, but the corner of his lips tugged up slightly. He continued massaging, his fingers becoming softer, more comforting. Sonic completely relaxed, his body sinking further into the warm water.

"If you keep this up, I’m gonna end up falling asleep..." he mumbled, his voice sluggish.

"That wouldn't be a bad thing. You're exhausted."

"Hm... maybe... but I like it when you take care of me."

Shadow paused for a moment before continuing, this time more slowly. Sonic, eyes closed, smiled slightly.

"I'll always take care of you," Shadow said, his voice a soft whisper.

Sonic felt his heart skip a beat. It wasn’t just the words, but the way they were said. With absolute certainty, without hesitation.

"You're really too soft sometimes," he murmured, almost amused.

Shadow grunted. "Shut up, Faker."

Sonic chuckled softly, but he was quickly interrupted by the feeling of a warm hand sliding from his spikes down to his belly. Shadow placed his palm gently, caressing the stretched skin with the tips of his fingers.

"You're really obsessed with my belly."

"I just like seeing you like this."

"Tired and huge?"

"No. Fluffy, soft, and... radiant."

Sonic looked at him with a raised eyebrow before turning away, his cheeks taking on a faint rosy hue. "Pfft... idiot," he mumbled.

Shadow chuckled softly before starting to massage Sonic's shoulders, easing the built-up tension. "It's crazy..." he murmured. "Four more months, and we'll be parents."

Sonic slowly opened his eyes and met Shadow’s gaze. In his crimson irises, there was a mix of wonder and apprehension, raw and sincere emotion

"We're going to be great parents," he reassured him, gently cupping his cheek. "I just know it."

He hesitated for a moment before murmuring, even softer, "I love you."

Shadow remained silent for a moment, then he nodded and pulled Sonic a little closer, wrapping his arms around his submerged body. "Me too."

The silence settled between them, accompanied by the gentle lapping of the water. Shadow kept his arms around his husband, savoring his warmth and the softness of his fur. Then, without warning, Sonic jolted slightly. "Oh!"

Shadow immediately lifted his head, concern in his eyes. "What?"

Sonic stared at his belly, his eyes wide. "It moved..."

For a moment, Shadow stood frozen. Then, he quickly placed both hands on Sonic's belly, waiting for the slightest sensation. "Seriously?!"

Sonic held his breath. A few seconds passed... then, very faintly, a tiny pressure under their palms. A flutter, a light but very real tap. Shadow stayed still, his fingers pressing gently against Sonic's skin. His expression shifted entirely, filled with a mix of surprise and pure wonder.

"...I felt it," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Sonic smiled, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. "I told you you'd be the first."

Shadow didn’t respond immediately. He simply lowered his head and rested his forehead against Sonic’s belly, as if to get a little closer to the tiny life growing inside him. "It’s really... our baby."

Sonic ran a trembling hand through his dark spikes, his heart swelling with love. "Yeah... Our baby."

They said nothing more. Just a silent embrace, in the warm water, an intimate and precious moment that they fully savored, as three.

Shadow was comfortably settled in the bed, his back propped up against the pillows. Next to him, Sonic slept deeply, lightly snoring, his body sprawled out like a starfish, taking up a good portion of the mattress. Every so often, his legs would twitch, as if running in his sleep, before he abruptly changed position to turn the other way.

The hedgehog let out a soft sigh, amused. He was used to his husband's restless nights. After all, he didn’t need as much sleep as Sonic did. Taking advantage of the calm, he decided to check out the public’s reaction after the announcement.

Without wanting to get up, he grabbed Sonic's phone from the nightstand. A smartphone, he recalled as he weighed it in his hand. The screen lit up, revealing a mosaic of colorful apps. Shadow watched it in silence, his brows furrowed. Why the hell did technology have to be so complicated? His own phone was an old Nokia, with a handful of contacts and no unnecessary distractions. That was more than enough for him.

After a few seconds of hesitation, he finally found the Google app. He tapped it with the tip of his claw and began searching for a major news outlet. Navigating the internet turned out to be a challenge. Between the advertisements for running shoes that flooded the screen and the links that opened without warning, he almost threw the phone in frustration several times. But his patience finally paid off. At last, he found the article he was looking for.

"Sonic the Hedgehog: A Joyous Event on the Way!"

At the top of the page, the video of the official announcement was playing on a loop. Tails and Amy had helped Sonic film it, making sure it was broadcast on the evening news to get ahead of the nobles of Mobotropolis and their rumors. Sonic wanted the announcement to be made his way, without leaving room for misinformation.

Shadow ignored the video and scrolled through the article, skimming it quickly. Nothing surprising: a reminder of Sonic's role as a hero, a summary of their life together, and then the announcement of the pregnancy. Next came speculation about the baby's gender, the possibility of a multiple pregnancy, and even hypotheses about its future appearance. 

But what really interested Shadow were the comments. He scrolled further down the page and began reading. As expected, the reactions were mixed.

Some comments overflowed with genuine joy:

SpeedsterFan92: "Congratulations to the future parents! This baby is going to be a future hero, for sure!"

BlueHeroLover: "OMG OMG BZKFKZKDODOF. My heart is exploding, I can't WAIT to see what the baby is going to look like!!!"

AmyRoseFan1: "This is too adorable! Sonic is going to be an amazing dad, and Shadow... well, he's going to have to learn to smile a bit more, but I'm sure he'll be a protective dad!"

A fleeting smile passed across Shadow's face. Some comments were a bit over the top, but he couldn't deny that it stirred something inside him. He had never sought the public's attention and had always preferred to stay in the shadows, away from all the fuss. Yet, seeing so many people genuinely happy for them... he hadn’t expected it to affect him this much.

Then, as he continued scrolling through the comments, another category caught his attention. His fans. Sonic had teased him more than once about how his physique and mysterious aura attracted certain people. Shadow had always brushed it off. But now, reading these comments, he was confronted with an… unsettling reality.

TheUltimateHedglord: "Oh my god... Shadow as a dad is going to be so sexy. Imagine him holding a baby in his arms, his serious and protective gaze... I’m melting."

EdgyButHot: "I've always had a bit of a crush on Shadow... But now, knowing he's going to be a dad? It's even worse. A possessive and ultra-protective Shadow with his baby and Sonic? My heart's not ready."

FangirlOverload: "Sonic is so lucky... Imagine Shadow whispering sweet words with his deep voice... or worse, calling you 'my heart' in that super serious tone."

Shadow froze, his gaze slowly drifting from one comment to the next. 

What the…?

He felt a strange warmth rise along his cheeks. Was he really blushing over these stupid comments from strangers?

He cast a quick glance at Sonic, deeply asleep beside him. For a moment, he was tempted to wake him up and show him these ridiculous things. Sonic wouldn't miss an opportunity to tease him. But he hesitated, sighing and shaking his head. People were really weird.

He kept scrolling, now landing on much less pleasant messages.

ConspiracyMobian: "This is a joke, right? Shadow, a father? This guy was literally created in a lab. He’s not even a real Mobian."

HistoryMatters: "We're talking about the Shadow who almost destroyed the planet, right? And now we're supposed to believe he's going to be a responsible father? Ridiculous."

ShadowHaterN1: "This guy is a damn alien. Their kid is going to be an abomination. This shouldn't be allowed to happen."

Shadow’s fingers tightened slightly around the phone. A familiar tension rose within him, a mix of anger and weariness. He should have expected it. No matter what he did, his past would always follow him. To some, he would forever remain a "lab experiment," a "scientific mistake," incapable of truly belonging among them.

He took a deep breath, trying to push the irritation aside. And then, among those toxic messages, another comment caught his attention.

RealHero78: "People talk without knowing anything. Shadow has proven time and time again that he's more than just an experiment. He fought for this planet, just like Sonic. If anyone deserves the happiness of being a parent, it's him."

Shadow remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on those words. A simple comment. From a complete stranger. But for some reason he couldn’t quite understand, he felt something inside him loosen.

He slowly placed the phone back on the nightstand and watched Sonic, whose snoring hadn't stopped. People could say whatever they wanted. Question his legitimacy, doubt his ability to be a father. But the most important thing was that Sonic was happy by his side, and their unborn child.

He lay down, with his husband immediately snuggling up against him, burying his snout in the fur on his chest. The hybrid fell asleep with a smile on his lips.

The next morning, they quickly slipped out of the castle to allow Sonic to show his husband around the city. The earlier they left, the more they minimized the chances of running into annoying nobles. They soon crossed paths with Sonia, who joined them for a quick breakfast before parting ways.

Shadow hesitated for a moment about taking the car, but Sonic reassured him. It was better to walk through the heart of the city and take the tram, allowing them to fully enjoy the lively atmosphere of the place. The city was full of life, with its bustling streets, modern buildings, and colorful shops.

Sonic showed him around the shopping streets and the lively restaurants. Despite the early hour, the streets were already crowded with people coming and going, greeting each other and chatting happily. Passersby would approach them, offering warm congratulations on Sonic's pregnancy.

The hybrid watched with some surprise at how easily Sonic interacted with his people. As a prince, Sonic seemed completely at ease among them, blending into the crowd with a disarming spontaneity. Shadow, on the other hand, couldn’t quite understand how he could feel so free in such a prestigious role. It wasn’t common for a prince to blend so naturally into the mass of people. It made him smile inwardly. Sonic truly was a free spirit, despising the conventions and expectations that his status brought. He had never sought to conform to the rules. And that was what made him strong, but also, at times, vulnerable.

As they walked through the city, a few strangers approached them. Shadow tried to maintain an intimidating stance, hoping it would make them leave him alone, but it was clear that his icy gaze didn’t have the same effect on these people as it did on others.

One of them addressed him with a respectful smile, calling him "Prince Consort." Shadow raised an eyebrow, surprised by the title. He wasn’t exactly sure of its precise meaning, but he was certain it wasn’t a term he usually went by. He turned to Sonic, a bit confused.

"I'm not part of the royal family," he said, confused.

Sonic burst out laughing upon hearing Shadow's words. "No, but you're the prince's husband, so you're technically a 'Prince Consort,'" he explained with a smile, amused by his husband's confusion. "It's just an official title for the spouses of heirs or monarchs, really. You don't need to be royal by birth to have it."

Shadow remained silent for a moment, processing this information. "That's… strange," he murmured, still somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of being referred to that way.

Shadow furrowed his brows, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to understand. "So… I'm supposed to be a prince, but without actually being royal?" He shook his head, clearly lost in the complexities of the royal system. "This is really complicated."

Sonic, amused by his husband's confusion, shrugged. "It’s like that in a lot of kingdoms. The prince consort is there to support their partner without necessarily having royal blood. You see, it’s not about birth but about marriage." He let out a small laugh. "The nobles love making things complicated, but you just have to focus on our little world."

He bit his lip, thoughtful. "It seems… weird. Why all this? Why do there have to be titles and rules just to live together, to be happy?"

Sonic shrugged, a gentle smile on his lips. "Titles don’t mean anything, Shadow. What matters is what we have, us. Not a title or a crown." He turned to him, adding with a wink, "I’d rather have a husband who’s himself, not a boring prince."

Shadow felt a bit more at ease at that remark, but he couldn't help but wonder why things had to be so complicated. "So, I don’t have to worry about all that… Good," he finally said, somewhat relieved. "I’d rather be by your side without all these formalities."

Sonic smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Exactly. And you don’t have to prove anything to anyone, Shadow. You’re already perfect just the way you are."

At noon, they stopped at a park to have a chilidog. According to Sonic, it was right here that he had discovered this life-changing dish. Shadow listened to his husband, staying vigilant. From the corner of his eye, he could see some passersby stopping to watch them and take pictures. He wanted to tell them to stop, but his husband stopped him.

After the meal, they left the city. Sonic wanted to show him a special place. It was a small run, not too fast, as Sonic's pregnancy kept him from going at his usual speed. Shadow stayed close to him, always ready to catch him in case he stumbled.

They stopped in the middle of a vast green meadow, bordered by a crystal-clear lake fed by a waterfall whose gentle murmur set the peaceful atmosphere. Sonic sat by the shore, gazing at the reflection of the sky in the clear water. Shadow sat beside him, silent, waiting for his husband to break the silence.

After a few moments, Sonic sighed softly, a nostalgic smile on his lips. "This is where I first fought Eggman."

Shadow turned his head towards him, intrigued. "Really?"

Sonic nodded. "Yeah. He was capturing animals to harvest their energy. I was eight at the time."

Shadow slightly furrowed his brows. "So young..."

Sonic let out a small laugh, absently pulling at some grass. "Yeah. This is where my life changed. For the first time, I felt something powerful... a call to adventure. So, I decided to go. I ran away all the time, sometimes for days, even weeks. And every time I came back, my mom would give me a huge lecture."

Shadow watched him in silence, trying to imagine a younger, even more impulsive Sonic than today. "It couldn’t have been easy," he murmured.

Sonic looked up at him, a mischievous smile spreading across his lips. "Oh, no. I'd rather fight Dark Gaia again than face my mom's wrath."

Shadow couldn't help but smile faintly at that remark.

"Then, I met Tails when I was ten," Sonic continued, his tone softening. "And that's when I made a decision. That time, I never went back. I chose the road, I decided to live freely, go wherever I wanted, run without ever looking back. I had a destiny laid out for me: to be the heir prince, follow orders, take the throne. But I gave it all up to do what truly made me happy. Because of that, I lived countless adventures and I met you."

A silence settled between them, only disturbed by the sound of water cascading from the waterfall. As they enjoyed the calm of the plain, a low rumble disrupted the harmony of the landscape. Shadow immediately sat up, his senses alert, while Sonic, without even looking up, let out a deep sigh.

"Of course... He had to ruin this moment."

Above them, the Eggmobile descended slowly, casting its shadow over the lake. Inside, Eggman sat with his arms crossed, a scowl of displeasure twisting his face. Shadow immediately shot to his feet, ready to strike, but Sonic remained seated, clearly annoyed by the interruption.

The blue hedgehog rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Took you long enough, Eggman. I was starting to think you finally decided to leave me alone."

The scientist's grimace deepened. He didn't deliver his usual grandiose speech, nor did he make any theatrical threats... He just stood there, silent, looking frustrated. Which, in itself, was deeply strange.

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "You okay, Egghead? Swallowed a bolt the wrong way?"

Eggman growled and suddenly slammed his fist on the dashboard, his face turning red with rage. "WHY?!" he suddenly shouted.

Sonic and Shadow exchanged a puzzled glance.

“Uh… Why what?” Sonic asked, intrigued despite himself.

Eggman threw his arms up in exasperation. "Why did you decide to REPRODUCE?!"

Sonic blinked, then smirked. "Oof, that's quite a personal question, Doc."

Eggman ignored the remark and continued his outburst. "For OVER TEN YEARS, I've had to deal with this insufferable blue pest! And now, I'm going to have to put up with a MINI-Sonic too?! No, no, no, this is OUT OF THE QUESTION!"

Shadow crossed his arms, more and more confused. "What are you talking about, Eggman?"

"I will NOT be the last Robotnik! If you think I'm going to let my lineage end because of this genetic abomination you call a baby, you're fooling yourselves!"

Sonic burst out laughing. "Oh wow. Is that your plan? Build a robot baby to fight my kid in ten years? Am I supposed to be worried?"

Eggman pointed a finger proudly. "I’m going to create the perfect heir! A superior intelligence, a flawless machine! While you, you'll have... a whiny hedgehog who'll drool everywhere and keep you up all night!"

Sonic shrugged. "Honestly, that's fine by me. Tails did worse when he was little."

Eggman growled one last time before yanking hard on the lever of the Eggmobile. "YOU'LL SEE! The name Robotnik won't disappear! I'll make sure your little spawn won't have a moment of peace!"

Then, with a deafening roar, he spun around and shot off at full speed, disappearing over the horizon.

Sonic watched him disappear before shaking his head. "Well... I think he’s definitely lost it this time."

Shadow sighed. "I doubt that means he’ll leave us alone."

Sonic gave him an amused smile. "Well, at least he's busy with his baby fever. It gives us a bit of a break."

Shadow crossed his arms, thinking about what he had just heard. Then, suddenly, Sonic turned to him with a mischievous smile. "You know, technically, you’re part of the same family since Gerald is your creator."

Shadow made a face of pure disgust. "Don’t associate me with that idiot."

Sonic burst out laughing. "Alright, alright! But admit it, the idea is kinda funny."

Shadow turned his gaze away, grumbling. "I don’t have a family... except for you."

Sonic smiled softly and took his husband's hand, intertwining their fingers. "Don't worry, that will never change."

Meanwhile, in a remote cave deep within the Mystic Jungle, a Darkling suddenly sneezed.

Chapter Text

The end of their stay in Mobotropolis went by without any major incidents… or at least, almost. As promised, Aleena organized a ball in honor of the upcoming birth, despite Sonic's protests. The event drew an impressive crowd, which made organizing it significantly more complicated, but the queen was determined to have the entire nobility in attendance.

The couple was showered with praise and overwhelmed by a mountain of gifts, to the point where they no longer knew what to do with them. In the end, Sonic decided to donate most of them to charity, keeping only those given by his family and close friends. Some nobles whispered that it was an insult, but Sonic couldn’t have cared less. He preferred that the gifts benefit those who truly needed them rather than sit in a corner collecting dust.

Of course, the nobility couldn’t resist meddling. A few members of the council questioned the legitimacy of the child, arguing that since Sonic and Shadow had not been united according to South Island’s official traditions, their future baby should not be considered part of the royal family. Sonia quickly shut them down, reminding them that their opinion held no value whatsoever and that no laws had been broken.

That didn’t stop some from making unpleasant remarks. Shadow, true to himself, didn’t hesitate to let a subtle, or not-so-subtle, threat hang over those who dared to disrespect his family. A single glare, a menacing stance, and mouths would suddenly snap shut.

Aleena tried to reason with her son. “Sonic, you could at least tell your husband to stop terrifying people.”

"Oh, he's not doing anything wrong," Sonic replied, amused, arms crossed.

"Nothing wrong?" She raised an eyebrow. "He just made a duke run away by staring at him for ten seconds."

Sonic shrugged with a smirk. “What can I say? I’ve always had a thing for bad boys.”

Aleena rolled her eyes in defeat, while Shadow, though silent, allowed a faint smile to appear on his lips.

In the end, their stay with Sonic’s family had gone rather well. When the time finally came to leave, emotions ran high. On the fourth day, Sonic and Aleena embraced for a long time, tears flowing freely.

"It's the hormones," Sonic mumbled, wiping his face with the back of his hand, trying to save face.

But Shadow wasn’t fooled. He could tell that his husband was genuinely moved to be leaving his family after days they had spent together. Despite his protests, Sonic was deeply attached to his loved ones, and the departure weighed on him more than he was willing to admit.

Barely back home, they didn’t have time to catch their breath, their third medical appointment was already waiting for them. The second-trimester check-up. This time, it was an especially exciting moment because they were finally going to find out the baby’s sex.

They hadn’t prepared anything for the baby’s arrival yet, apart from clearing out one of their guest rooms. They preferred to wait until they knew more before diving into the decorations.

Shadow, however, couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. He had noticed for a while now that his husband’s belly was slightly rounder than expected for this stage of the pregnancy. It worried him, even though he didn’t want to alarm Sonic. One thing was certain, though, the baby was in perfect health. It moved a lot.

"I swear, he's already trying to break speed records in there," Sonic complained, placing a hand on his belly as he felt a well-placed kick. "He never stops!"

Shadow placed his hand on Sonic’s rounded belly, feeling another kick beneath his palm. A faint smile formed on his lips. “A true heir,” he murmured with amusement.

Sonic rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile as well. Ever since Shadow had discovered his title of Prince Consort, he hadn’t stopped teasing him about it, using it as an excuse to play the noble with a falsely superior air. They both knew, however, that they would keep their child far from the court and its ridiculous protocols.

"A true heir, huh?" Sonic mocked, crossing his arms. "So, my dear Prince Consort, are you already planning to teach him how to rule over Mobius?"

Shadow raised an eyebrow, his expression perfectly stoic, but Sonic could tell he was amused. "Let’s just say I prefer to make sure my child has ambition."

Sonic burst out laughing and shook his head. "Yeah, yeah. And I prefer to make sure he stops running around in my belly," he said, grimacing in discomfort.

Shadow placed a hand on his hip, feigning deep thought. "You're asking someone to stop running. Sacrilege."

A small smile appeared on Shadow's face, which made Sonic snicker. No matter how much he liked to play the stoic, the black hedgehog wasn’t immune to these little verbal sparring matches.

Anyway, they would soon have answers… and Shadow secretly hoped everything would turn out well. Harper was waiting for them in her office, a welcoming smile on her face. She shook their hands before inviting them to sit down comfortably.

"So, how's it going?" she asked, turning on her computer.

Sonic sat down in the chair, crossing his arms over his rounded belly with a tired smile. "Honestly? Pretty well! My nausea has eased up a lot, although some smells still make me want to run away. I'm a bit more sensitive, but nothing dramatic, and as for my mood... Honestly, I'm mostly just happy."

Harper nodded, taking note of his comments. "That's a good thing. And how's your energy level?"

Sonic pouted. "That's where it gets tricky. I’m running a lot slower. I think I might have to stop..."

"Which was expected," Shadow interjected, his expression impassive.

Sonic shot him a dark look. "I know. That doesn’t mean I have to like it. I can still jog, just nothing too fast."

"Which is completely normal. Your energy is focused on the development of the fetus, which naturally hinders your supernatural abilities. I recommend you continue exercising, but don't overexert yourself."

The hedgehog let out a long sigh, slumping in his chair. The thought of not being able to run frustrated him greatly, but he was a responsible adult. No matter how much it annoyed him, the baby’s health came before his own selfish desires.

"And you, Shadow? How are you handling all of this?"

The black hedgehog crossed his arms, looking thoughtful. "His cravings have become uncontrollable."

Harper raised an eyebrow, amused. "Uncontrollable, really?"

"He wakes up in the middle of the night and literally empties the fridge," Shadow explained, his tone dry but with a hint of tenderness in his eyes. "I get up to find him sitting on the floor, eating everything in sight."

Sonic shrugged. "I’m hungry, what do you want me to do about it?"

Harper chuckled softly before continuing. "And aside from that?"

Shadow glanced at Sonic, then his gaze softened slightly. "We felt the baby move."

Harper looked up with a smile. "Really? That’s a big moment."

Sonic nodded eagerly. "Yeah, it was amazing! At first, it felt like little bubbles, but now I can really feel actual kicks. And Shadow was able to feel them too."

The black hedgehog said nothing, but a faint smile lingered on his lips. Harper made a note before looking up at them. "Anything else?"

Shadow glanced at Sonic out of the corner of his eye, his gaze lingering on his rounded belly. Even though the doctor had already reassured them about it, a small voice in his head kept whispering that something wasn’t quite right.

He crossed his arms, his expression tightening slightly as he thought. Sonic, on the other hand, kept chatting with Harper, unaware of the thoughts swirling in his husband’s mind. Finally, Shadow spoke, gently cutting into Sonic’s flow.

"Doctor, is it... normal for his belly to be this big at this stage?" he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral, but betraying a hint of worry.

Sonic turned his head toward him, raising an eyebrow. "What? Are you implying that I’m fat?" he said, with a mock pout of indignation.

Shadow rolled his eyes. "You know very well that's not what I mean."

Harper, on the other hand, didn’t seem surprised by the question. She nodded with a reassuring smile.

"That's a good question, and you're not the first expectant parent to worry about it. There can be several reasons for this: the way the baby is positioned, Sonic's weight gain due to his frequent cravings, or even just the physiology of his body adapting differently to the pregnancy." She paused before adding, "But to be sure, we’ll check everything with the ultrasound."

Shadow nodded, trying to ignore the lingering unease that weighed on him. He gently squeezed Sonic’s hand under the table, a subtle yet meaningful gesture. Sonic, ever carefree, shot him a smile and squeezed his hand back.

"Don't worry, Shads. I'm sure everything's fine."

Shadow didn’t respond right away, but he sincerely hoped Sonic was right. Harper invited the blue hedgehog to lie down on the exam table. As before, she applied the cold gel to his belly before moving the probe over his blue fur. The screen lit up almost immediately, revealing the image of their baby, much more developed than before. Gone was the worm-like appearance from earlier: this time, the small silhouette growing inside him was clearly distinguishable.

"Look, it looks like he's waving!" Sonic exclaimed, watching the little paws move.

With a few adjustments, Harper activated the audio, letting the rapid, rhythmic sound of the heartbeat fill the room. Shadow and Sonic exchanged a tender look, completely absorbed in the moment.

But Shadow quickly noticed a troubling detail. Harper was slightly furrowing her brows, a concentrated look on her face. An alarm went off in the black hedgehog’s mind.

"What’s wrong?" he asked, his voice sharper than he intended.

The doctor hesitated for a second before responding in a measured tone. "Your baby is larger than average."

Sonic blinked. "Uh... is that serious?"

Harper scrolled through a few measurements on the screen before continuing, "His head diameter is above the 95th percentile, as are his abdominal circumference and femoral length. In other words, your child is significantly larger than average, but his growth is still proportional. There are no signs of any abnormalities."

Shadow felt his muscles tense. "But...?"

The gynecologist clasped her hands in front of her. "A larger baby can complicate delivery. A difficult labor, an increased risk of hemorrhage, potential injuries for both the parent and the baby..."

Sonic paled slightly, instinctively placing a hand on his belly. Shadow felt a cold pressure crush his chest. His breathing became shorter, more erratic. And then, all around him, the world seemed to tilt.

The walls of the exam room seemed to dissolve, replaced by harsh, bright white light, too intense. The familiar scent of the room was replaced by the smell of disinfectant and blood. He was no longer there. He was somewhere else.

A piercing sound ripped through the air.

Bip. Bip. Bip.  

The gunshots he knew all too well had vanished, replaced by the persistent hum of medical machines. A medical alarm blared in the background. Voices raised in urgency filled the space, but they were muffled, distorted, surreal.

Around him, figures in white coats moved swiftly, their actions sharp and precise. They spoke in a language he couldn’t understand, medical terms drowned in the chaos. Gloved hands struggled to hold onto the life that was slipping away.

And at the center of it all...

Sonic.  

Lying motionless, his skin too pale under the surgical light. His chest barely rising, covered in electrodes, surrounded by cables and tubes, trapped beneath a sheet stained with anxiety. His belly, the one that carried their child, obscured by a surgical drape. Invisible. Out of reach.

The machines were going into a frenzy.

Bip. Bip… Biiiiip—  

A long, continuous sound.

No.  

No, no, NO ! 

Shadow wanted to move, tear those damn machines away, scream that they better save him. But his body didn’t respond. He was frozen, just like that day, like before, when another blonde figure collapsed before his eyes. He was going to lose someone again. He was going to fail again.

Then, a warm pressure on his hands.

The clinical light faded. The voices of the doctors vanished. He was back. Sonic was there. Kneeling in front of him, his hands holding his, his cyan eyes burning with worry and love. He was there. He was breathing.

"My love... Hey, it's over. I'm here. Breathe with me."

Shadow took a sharp breath, the air burning in his lungs. His fingers instinctively tightened around his husband’s, seeking reassurance that he was real. There were no bloodstained sheets. No screaming machines. Only Sonic, his heartbeat pounding beneath his palm, alive. But that deep-seated fear... that shadow from his past... refused to fade.

Shadow gripped his hands even tighter, lowering his forehead to rest against his. His entire body trembled as if he were freezing. His erratic breath slowly steadied, syncing with his husband’s slow, measured breathing. Sonic never broke eye contact, his thumbs gently tracing soothing circles on the back of his hands.

"Love, talk to me. How do you feel?"

Shadow swallowed repeatedly, trying to clear the knot in his throat. "I... I'm fine." An awkward lie. Sonic knew.

"What happened?" he asked softly.

The hybrid opened his mouth, but no sound came out at first. He lowered his gaze, focusing on their joined hands. He felt ridiculous. Why had he reacted like that? He was no longer supposed to be that broken kid who let his memories haunt him. He had worked so hard to overcome his traumas. And yet, they had chosen to haunt him again.

But the image of Sonic’s motionless body on that table clung to him like a nightmare too real.

"I’m scared," he finally murmured, his voice hoarse. "Scared that... that something will go wrong. That I’ll lose you, and the baby. Scared that the dream of starting a family will be what makes me lose everything."

He had lost Maria, helpless, unable to intervene. He didn’t want to live through that again.

Sonic blinked, surprised by the confession. Shadow wasn’t the type to express his emotions so openly. He squeezed his hands a little tighter. "Hey, I’m here. And I’m fine."

Shadow closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. "You can’t know that."

A silence settled between them. Sonic understood. He knew that Shadow had lost too many people in his life. That he had watched the person who meant the most to him die, helpless behind a glass. So he did what he knew best, he brought him back to the present. He placed a hand on his cheek, gently guiding Shadow to lift his eyes.

"Listen to me carefully. I'm healthy. Our baby is too. I’m sure there are plenty of options available to help us. We'll be careful, and we’ll follow Harper’s advice." His tone was soft, but firm, unshakable. Shadow clung to it like an anchor. "And besides," Sonic added with a smirk, "you know me, right? I’m not the type to get knocked down."

Shadow let out a small, bitter laugh, shaking his head slightly. “Idiot”.

“Your favorite Idiot.”

Sonic lifted himself slightly onto his knees and placed a soft kiss on his husband's lips. Shadow didn't respond immediately, but he didn't pull away either. He let Sonic stay close to him, feeling his warmth, his reassuring breath against his skin. An anchor in the present.

After a few moments, his breathing calmed, and his husband's voice broke the silence.

"Alright... Do you feel capable of going on?"

The hybrid took a deep breath before nodding. "Yes. I... I need to be here, to understand what's happening." He squeezed Sonic's hand a little tighter in his own. "Just keep your hand in mine. I need to feel that you're here."

The blue hedgehog gently closed his fingers around his, smiling faintly. "Always." A slight smile passed across his lips. "I'll just let Harper know."

The gynecologist reappeared a few moments later, offering each of them a glass of water. She had given them time, respecting their need for privacy without a word. Shadow downed his glass in one go before straightening his shoulders slightly.

"What are our options?" he asked finally, his tone now serious again.

Harper sat down again across from them, gently resting her hands on her knees. Her gaze shifted from Shadow to Sonic, reading the tension still evident in their expressions. She took a brief breath before answering, choosing her words carefully.

"There are several options available to you, but it all depends on what you want and how the pregnancy progresses. At the moment, there are no signs of complications, but the size of the baby means that the delivery could be more difficult."

Sonic nodded slightly, while Shadow kept his hand firmly gripped in his, as if to anchor himself in the moment. He tried to remain composed, to hide his internal panic, but he couldn’t stop his quills from bristling under the surge of stress.

Harper continued, "In most cases, we recommend closer monitoring to track the growth and anticipate any difficulties. If the baby continues to grow at the same rate, a vaginal delivery could become risky. We could then consider a scheduled cesarean to avoid complications."

The silence that followed was heavy. Shadow felt a slight tension in Sonic's hand. He knew what it meant. Sonic wanted a natural birth. He had talked about it from the very beginning, with that bright enthusiasm that was so characteristic of him.

That's why he had wanted to carry a child. Despite the changes his body would go through, he wanted to fully experience pregnancy. Moreover, the recovery time after a cesarean was long, which would prevent him from running for much longer than expected. A true torture for him.

"Is there...?" Sonic hesitated, carefully searching for the right words. His gaze briefly settled on Shadow before returning to Harper. "Is there a chance I could give birth naturally?"

The gynecologist offered him a gentle, understanding smile. "It's not impossible, but we need to be aware of the risks. If labor begins naturally and progresses well, we can consider a vaginal delivery under very strict monitoring. However, if the baby shows signs of distress or if labor becomes too difficult, we'll need to intervene quickly."

Shadow remained silent, but his dark gaze grew more intense. He didn’t like hearing about distress and complications. "Is there another option?" he asked, his voice colder than he intended.

Harper nodded. "Yes, we could consider an earlier induction, around the 37th or 38th week. Of course, it will depend on the baby's size at that point, but given that a fetus gains about 200 grams per week, delivering a bit earlier could result in a slightly smaller baby. This would make it easier for the shoulders to pass through and significantly reduce the risks of tearing and hemorrhage."

Sonic frowned slightly, his thumb absentmindedly tracing small circles on Shadow's hand. "Doesn't that carry risks for our child?" he asked, worry evident in his voice.

Harper gently shook her head, her tone reassuring. "No, not at this stage. At 37 weeks, a baby is considered full-term. Its organs are fully developed, and it can breathe on its own without medical assistance. Of course, we will conduct tests to make sure everything is optimal before making a final decision."

Sonic nodded slowly, processing the information, while Shadow remained tense, his jaw clenched.

"We still have some time to think it over," Harper added. "The important thing is that you know you’re not without options."

He crossed his arms, his jaw tight. "What’s the best option to minimize the risks?"

Harper gave him a sympathetic look. "We still have time before making a final decision. We’ll closely monitor the baby’s growth and adjust the plan accordingly. But, Shadow..." He looked up at her. "There’s no perfect solution. Whatever the choice, you’ll have to be ready."

Sonic placed his hand over Shadow's, gently squeezing his fingers. "It’s going to be okay, Shads." Sonic exchanged a look with Shadow, silently seeking his support.

"We'll talk about it together," Shadow murmured, his voice softer this time.

Sonic squeezed his hand a little tighter and nodded. "Yes... We'll decide together."

Harper gave them a moment to process the information before glancing at her screen. A playful smile touched her lips. "Before we finish, would you like to know the baby’s gender?"

Sonic quickly lifted his head, excitement gleaming in his eyes. Shadow, on the other hand, remained more reserved, but Sonic felt the subtle pressure of his hand around his, a sign that he was just as eager.

"Oh, absolutely!" Sonic exclaimed, a wide smile lighting up his face.

Harper nodded and scrolled through a few readings on the screen before gently announcing, "Congratulations... It's a girl."

A suspended silence.

Sonic blinked, as if he needed a moment to process the news. A girl. Their girl. His heart raced, and a trembling laugh escaped his lips as he brought a hand to his mouth, overwhelmed by emotion.

"A girl..." he murmured, his breath short, as if the words themselves were a precious gift.

A soft sound caught his attention, and he turned his head toward Shadow… only to see the faint outline of a victorious smile forming on his lips.

Sonic immediately furrowed his brows. "Oh, no… Don't tell me that—"

Shadow crossed his arms, his expression one of undisguised satisfaction. "I was right."

Sonic let out a dramatic groan before slumping back against the chair, exasperated. "No, no, no, this can’t be happening... I was sure it was going to be a boy!"

Harper, amused, watched them exchange glances. "You two bet on the baby's gender?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sonic pouted. "Yeah… And now, Mr. Know-It-All is going to remind me of it until her birth."

Shadow raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "You wanted to play, you lost. I hope you're ready to honor your side of the bet."

Sonic rolled his eyes before laughing softly, unable to stay upset for long. Then, his smile softened, and he turned his gaze back to Shadow. "We're going to have a girl..." he murmured, this time with all the tenderness and wonder in the world.

Shadow remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the screen. Then, slowly, he placed a hand on Sonic's belly, a hesitant gesture, but one filled with sincere emotion. "A girl..." he repeated, mesmerized.

Their daughter.

Shadow took a deep breath, slowly releasing the air he hadn’t realized he was holding. His heart beat loudly, too loudly. A faint smile finally stretched across his lips. Small, subtle, but sincere.

Sonic chuckled, moved, and literally threw himself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "I’m so happy..." he whispered against his shoulder.

Shadow wrapped his arms around him, letting his hand slide up to gently stroke his quills. "Me too," he simply murmured.

He was scared. Of course he was scared. But he trusted Harper, and above all, he trusted Sonic. They were strong. Together, they had faced threats capable of destroying worlds, defied gods, and survived the impossible. The birth of their child, as challenging as it might be, was just another trial on their path.

Chapter Text

On the horizon loomed the secure GUN compound, imposing and familiar to Shadow. The black hedgehog slowed down as he approached the gate, slipped a hand into his jacket, and pulled out his badge. The security guard gave him a brief, approving nod, then signaled to his colleague to open the barrier.

Before Shadow could leave, the man flashed him a smile and congratulated him on the big news. He immediately understood what he was referring to. The announcement of Sonic's pregnancy had caused a media tidal wave. Shadow had only checked the public's reaction once, out of curiosity. He still didn’t know the full extent of the response… but according to Amy, the feedback had been mostly positive. As for him, he had chosen to stay away from the chaos. Phone off, network disconnected. He had taken a week off to visit Sonic’s family and attend the ultrasound.

Since then, he hadn’t had any contact with GUN. He wasn’t surprised that the news had made its way to his colleagues. He just hoped to avoid a flood of congratulations. Being the center of attention had never been in his nature. Still, he should’ve seen it coming… It’s not every day the world’s number one hero announces his pregnancy.

He parked his motorcycle in his designated spot, the purr of the engine gradually fading. In front of the locker rooms, a few colleagues were casually smoking, enjoying their last moments of calm before the start of their shift. Shadow greeted them politely as he passed. They responded with a mix of respect and congratulations.

One of them offered him a cigarette, which he declined with a shake of his head. He only smoked on rare occasions, usually during times of intense stress. It was a bad habit he’d picked up during the dark days of the Black Arm invasion. Sonic didn’t like it, and Shadow knew that. But at least he had cut back to the bare minimum.

He thanked them briefly before hurrying inside, preferring to avoid any drawn-out conversations. In the locker room, a few agents—mostly humans—were getting ready, slipping into their field uniforms. No one paid him more attention than a routine nod of acknowledgment. And that was just the way he liked it.

Relieved, he opened his locker, stowed away his biker gear, then put on his GUN. uniform: a fitted bulletproof vest, a jacket bearing the agency’s official logo, and a tactical belt with his standard-issue weapon secured to it.

Quickly adjusting his quills, tousled from wearing the helmet, Shadow left the locker room and headed toward his office. As he walked down the hallway, his gaze lingered for a moment on the door directly across from his own. Closed. Rouge hadn’t arrived yet.

He settled into his chair, let out a sigh, and began powering on his terminal… but he didn’t even have time to rest his elbows on the desk before there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," he growled, already irritated.

The door creaked open slowly, revealing Topaz with a smirk frozen on her face. Upon seeing her, Shadow let out a barely concealed groan. Of course. Just like Rouge, Topaz loved gossip. And if there was any proof that she had been waiting for his arrival, it was the fact that she showed up so early in the morning. She had come to gather details. To get confirmations. Maybe even a bit of something juicy. Shadow sighed inwardly. He hadn’t even had time to grab a coffee.

As if she were reading his thoughts, Topaz placed a steaming cup of coffee on his desk. "So, how's the soon-to-be parent doing?" she asked in a falsely innocent tone.

Shadow took a sip, more to buy himself some time than out of desire. She knew him too well; that brief moment of silence was an obvious tactic. Topaz rolled her eyes and sat down without waiting for an invitation, slumping into the chair across from him. She rested her elbows on the desk, hands under her chin, and stared at him with that unbearably curious look.

"Is everyone aware?" he asked, setting the cup down.

"Yes. The news made the front page of all the newspapers, TV shows, and websites. Some of the colleagues even want to get you a congratulatory card."

"Unbearable," he grumbled.

"Unfortunately, you can't escape it, Mr. Celebrity," she teased.

"Sonic's the celebrity," he retorted.

Topaz sighed in frustration. Shadow didn’t realize how important he was. He had the annoying habit of putting himself down. She leaned in closer, her chair creaking in protest.

"So, how's it going?"

"None of your business."

"Oh come on... We've been colleagues for eight years. You owe me that much."

"Seven," Shadow corrected, finally turning on his computer, which had taken forever to start up. He hated technology.

"Same difference. You could at least tell me the baby's gender, right?" she asked, giving him a pleading look.

"Ask Rouge. She'll be happy to tell you all about it," he grumbled, scrolling through the first files displayed on the screen.

"You'd be surprised, she's keeping tight-lipped. Can't get a single piece of info out of her."

"Which means it's none of your business."

A knock at the door saved him from the conversation. He looked up. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal a red wolf, his prominent glasses perched on his snout. Gadget. Once just a recruit during the war against Eggman, the one who had helped free Sonic had since joined G.U.N. after the dissolution of the Resistance. Now, a member of the mixed brigade led by Shadow—comprising both humans and Mobians—he had proven himself to be a competent and reliable soldier.

"Commander Shadow, Mr. Tower would like to see you in his office."

Shadow froze. There was only one reason for the director of GUN. would want to see him in person. And it surely wasn’t to offer congratulations. No, this summons was most likely about Sonic’s pregnancy. Or, more specifically, the unborn child.

It wouldn't be a courtesy meeting, but a barely disguised interrogation. Tower would want to know if the child posed a threat. The relationship between Tower and him had always been... complicated. It had taken Shadow a long time to come to terms with the idea. For years, in his mind, Tower had remained that fragile, tearful boy who hated him. To find him again as an adult, strong, determined to defend Earth against the Black Arms, had been a brutal shock.

He had tried to kill him. And yet, after the fall of Black Doom, Tower had extended a hand to him. He had offered him a position within GUN.

Shadow had understood that his integration into GUN. was primarily to keep an eye on him, to control his power. But over the years, Tower had learned to respect him. He had entrusted him with more and more responsibilities, eventually allowing him to lead his own brigade.

But the distrust remained, lurking just beneath the surface. And Shadow knew it. If his child posed even the slightest risk, Tower wouldn’t hesitate to act. Radically.

Taking a deep breath, he left his office, Gadget by his side. The wolf followed him in silence, casting discreet glances his way. As they reached the director's office door, Gadget gave him a small smile, trying to reassure him.

Shadow didn’t have time to respond. He knocked, then entered.

Tower's office was as austere as he remembered. Dark furniture, walls devoid of decoration, and that almost clinical smell that never left G.U.N.'s headquarters. A large window behind the desk offered a view of the military facilities. Nothing was left to chance; everything was meticulously calculated.

Tower was already there, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing out the window without turning around. He didn’t make a move when he heard the door close behind Shadow.

A silence settled. Long. Too long.

Shadow remained still, arms crossed. He knew Tower well enough to understand that this silence was deliberate. A tactic. A way to remind him who controlled the room. Who set the rules. He hated this little game, but if Tower wanted to play, he was ready to play along.

"Agent Shadow," Tower finally said, without turning around. "Thank you for coming promptly."

His voice was calm, even, almost gentle. But Shadow knew the tone he used when addressing a sensitive topic. "You didn't really give me a choice," he replied simply.

Tower finally turned around. He had aged, his temples graying, but his mismatched eyes were as sharp as ever. Unyielding. Clear-eyed. He slowly returned to his desk, sat down, interlaced his fingers in front of him, and stared at the hybrid as if trying to uncover a secret.

"Sit down."

Shadow remained standing. A faint smile tugged at the man's lips, but he didn’t comment. They both knew Shadow was stubborn. Just as stubborn as his husband. Tower let another silence hang in the air, heavier than the last.

"I suppose you have an idea as to why you’ve been summoned."

He nodded.

"Very well. That will save us some time."

He leaned slightly back in his chair, and his gaze grew colder, more analytical.

"The announcement of Sonic's pregnancy has sparked... a lot of attention. And not just in the media."

Shadow felt his body tense slightly, but he didn’t respond.

"We've received several alerts from our international surveillance networks. Foreign powers, radical groups, some former enemies. They're all asking questions. They all want to know what this means."

He paused for a moment, then added, "So do I."

He hated this. Hated that his future child was the center of attention. Sonic's fans, he could tolerate. They were loud, intrusive, but harmless. But law enforcement? G.U.N.? That was a whole different story.

His quills bristled as the tension rose within him. He didn’t want his child to be seen as a threat. A weapon. A monster. The very idea that an innocent being, still unborn, could be judged, labeled, dissected by fear… it disgusted him.

It was him, years ago. Exactly him. And he wouldn’t let it happen again. But despite the storm brewing inside him, he showed nothing. He simply held Tower’s gaze, unmoving, with silence as his only shield.

Tower, on the other hand, was still playing the calm card. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk, his tone almost compassionate, almost human.

"I imagine you don't want to discuss this," he began. "And I'm not here to intrude on your private life. I’ve respected that. I could’ve sent men to question you directly at your home. I chose to wait for your return to have a... civilized discussion."

Shadow could have laughed. He didn't, but his contempt was clear on his face. G.U.N. didn’t even know where he lived. The only address they had was an old apartment abandoned since his marriage. His real home, protected by Tails, was invisible to radar. And even if GUN. somehow found their trace, they wouldn't stand a chance. Angel Island would always be there as a last resort. A fortress in the sky. He was ready. He had planned for every scenario.

Tower continued, unshaken. "But you're not just anyone, Shadow. And neither is Sonic."

Shadow didn't respond. He simply crossed his arms, standing tall, solid, his eyes dark and unyielding.

"This pregnancy... it’s not just good news. It’s not just a couple’s story. It’s a global event. Historic, even. Do you understand what that implies?"

He knew. He knew better than anyone. And he was ready to defend that life, against the whole world if necessary. Tower stood up. Slowly. He circled the desk and positioned himself facing Shadow. Small, but imposing. Master of his space. Of his fear.

"The first child born of a union between a Mobian and a Black Arm. Two heroes. Two users of Chaos at a level never seen before."

He let the silence linger.

"We don't know what this will result in. Genetically. Energetically. And what if this child is unstable? Dangerous? What will we do?"

It wasn’t a question. It was a veiled threat. Shadow’s fists clenched, imperceptibly. He had conducted tests. He knew that his Black Arm genes posed no risk to the child’s development. But what about the future? The powers to come? What could the child represent in the eyes of the world?

Tower began to pace again, taking small, measured steps. "I’m not your enemy, Shadow. But you know better than anyone that our mission is to anticipate. To predict every threat. Even those that don’t exist yet."

He stopped. And fixed his gaze into the black hedgehog’s eyes. "Even those you love."

A tense silence fell over the office. The kind that comes before a storm. Tower remained still, frozen in that calculated stance, upright, rigid. Shadow, on the other hand, was an obsidian statue. Outwardly, nothing betrayed the quiet rage simmering beneath the surface. But inside… it was a very different story.

He felt like a project again. A test subject, analyzed, dissected, watched. But this time, it wasn’t himself on the line. It was his child.

His futur.

His family.

Tower spoke again, his voice still calm—too calm—almost icy. “This isn’t about judgment, Shadow. It’s about caution. National security. You are one of the most powerful beings on this planet. So is Sonic. What you’ve created together could… exceed all our projections.”

He took a step toward him—not threatening, but calculated. Measured. “Just imagine… if this child were to lose control someday. Or be influenced. Manipulated. You know the risks better than anyone. It would only take a moment. One mistake.”

A slow breath, barely audible, escaped Shadow. He didn’t answer, not yet. But his crimson eyes burned a shade brighter, betraying the storm rising in his soul. 

Tower stopped less than a meter from him. He lowered his voice, as if sharing a secret. “Just because he’s your child doesn’t mean he’ll be harmless.”

A heartbeat. Then another. Each word etched itself into him like a burn.

"And if one day... we have to make a difficult choice, I hope you'll be able to make it too."

felt his gloves creak against his palms, his fists clenched so tightly. But he didn’t move. He didn’t need to. His anger didn’t explode in actions. It seeped. It froze.

"What I see..." Tower murmured, finally stepping back and returning to his place behind the desk, "is an unstable equation. An anomaly. A variable no one can control. Not you. Not Sonic."

He sat down. And slowly, he added: "And you know how much GUN hates not having control."

A heavy silence fell back into the room. But this time, it was no longer empty. It was saturated. Charged. Shadow slowly lifted his eyes, locking gazes with Tower. His look was no longer neutral. No longer human. It burned with a threatening gleam.

It was the same look he had given the day he almost succeeded in killing him. Even in the face of the blazing stare of the black hedgehog, Tower didn’t look away. He simply interlaced his fingers in front of him, leaning against his desk, as though speaking to an ordinary subordinate.

"You speak of my child like an object, a risk to be analyzed. An anomaly," Shadow spat, his voice low and controlled, but each word laced with a poison perfectly distilled.

"I’m talking about a reality," the human corrected, still calm. "What you represent, you and Sonic... what you create together, it transcends the boundaries of the personal. This is not an opinion. It’s a fact." His voice was low. Razor-sharp. A blade barely unsheathed.

"You call it an anomaly. A variable. A risk factor." He took a step forward. The floor seemed to vibrate beneath his feet. "It’s a baby. An innocent being. Not a subject of study. Not a file marked as a potential threat. And certainly not your problem."

"Not yet," Tower admitted without flinching. "But I must consider that it could become one."

A brutal silence, like thunder without sound. Shadow locked eyes with him, searching for the slightest crack in that mask of authority. Nothing. Tower remained unmoved. Professional. Distant. And worse still: sincere.

“It’s not out of hatred, Shadow. Nor blind distrust. It’s because it’s my job. Because it’s your job too. To anticipate. To prevent. To protect. Even from what we love.”

Shadow stepped back slightly. Not out of retreat. Out of control. He was breathing slowly, very slowly, to contain the Chaos rumbling within him.

A normal man would have been terrified at the sight of sparks dancing across his fur. He had killed before—humans, mostly GUN. soldiers—before Rouge and Sonic brought him back from the edge. And yet, despite his obvious rage, despite the danger he posed, Tower didn’t flinch.

"You think I'd let anyone lay a hand on my family? You think I'd stand still if you decide my child is an unstable variable?”

“No,” Tower replied without hesitation. “And that’s exactly why we need to talk about all this now.”

Shadow stared at him for another moment, then slowly looked away. He turned on his heels and walked toward the door, each step betraying the restrained tension in his entire body. Then, he turned back, facing him once again.

"I let you monitor me. Classify me. Use me. Because I believed in a cause. Because I thought we had learned from the past.”

He straightened up, his gaze still locked onto his. His teeth bared, sharp canines gleaming under the glow of the lights.

“But if you lay a hand on my family… if all you see in my child is a threat to be neutralized…” He paused. His voice dropped a notch, so low it became almost a whisper. Almost a vow. “…then I will become exactly what you fear.”

A deathly silence followed his words. Tower, for the first time, seemed to weigh his words carefully. The air in the office, heavy, became suffocating. Even the lights seemed to flicker.

Shadow took a step back, regaining control. "My child will be born free. Protected. Loved." He turned his head slightly, without looking at him. "And anyone who dares to take that away will face two Ultimate Lifeforms.”

The hedgehog had just placed his hand on the doorknob, ready to leave. The air was still thick with tension, his muscles tight, his mind on high alert. He didn’t want to hear another word. Not a single one.

But Tower's calm voice caught him, sharp and precise. "He has been seen alive.”

Shadow stopped dead in his tracks.

“Eclipse.”

The name echoed in the room like a death knell. A shadow from another time, one he had believed was gone forever. Dead after the events of Dark Gaia. He didn’t turn around immediately, his fingers gripping the door handle tightly. His spines quivered despite himself.

"What?" he breathed, lower, more dangerous.

Tower stood slowly, circling his desk again with that cold mastery that had never wavered. He now spoke with a clinical gravity, the kind used to announce things that one doesn’t want to believe but cannot ignore.

“A week ago, right after the announcement of Sonic's pregnancy, in a desert region of Equinox. An abandoned outpost, hit by a massive energy spike. The readings are conclusive. Traces of partially degraded DNA, but the analysts are certain: Eclipse is alive.”

Shadow turned slowly, his red eyes piercing through the artificial light. A mix of shock, rage, and protective instinct blended in his gaze.

“What?”

"He's been active for several months, but it was only last week that he was identified. An independent group, the Diamond Cutters have been tracking him from the start, and they were the ones who reported his presence to us.”

He remembered the last time he had spoken with the Diamond Cutters. It had been during the announcement of the pregnancy. They had mentioned their latest investigation, an individual stealing Eggman's weapons, though the description had been vague. Now that he knew it was Eclipse, it was obvious. The description they had given matched his brother.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?”

"Because we had to confirm it. And because we had to observe. Think. Measure what it meant... for you. For what you are. And now, for what you’re passing on.”

Shadow stepped forward, fists clenched once more. This time, he didn’t feel like shouting. He wanted to understand.

"You think he might want to harm my daughter...?"

"The timing is too perfect. Even if it’s just a theory. We don’t know how he survived. What he’s become. But if he’s here, if he’s active… then everything changes.” Tower stopped one meter from him. “What I told you earlier… about the risks, the surveillance… It wasn’t just talk. That’s why I’m questioning you. Not to judge your role as a parent. But because if Eclipse is back, he’ll come for what you’ve created. Maybe to use it. Maybe to break it.”

Shadow felt the ground shift beneath his feet. Eclipse. He had hoped to never hear that name again. He had fought him, body and soul. He had seen himself in his brother’s movements, in his violence, in that raw, ravenous rage. He had nearly lost. Without Rouge and Omega, he might never have broken free from that mental grip.

No one had ever known the truth. No one, except the other members of Team Dark, knew he shared blood with Eclipse. He had erased that information from the reports—buried the truth beneath classified files and carefully maintained silences. He didn’t want to be seen as one of them . Not again. He had spent years building a new name for himself. A new role. Proving he was no longer the professor’s weapon, no longer a dormant agent of the Black Arm. He was a soldier. A protector. A husband. And soon… a father.

"Can he transform into a Black Arm Queen?" Tower asked in a clinical tone.

Shadow nodded slowly, his jaw clenched. “He has the capability. He carries the central DNA. He can spawn. Create a hive.”

Only Black Arm who carried the direct bloodline of Black Doom possessed the ability to perpetuate their species. Among them, the Queen held a central role, constructing organic cocoons in which the larvae developed. The incubation process lasted approximately four months, during which she had to be fed regularly to maintain her vital strength and allow the embryos to mature. In the end, a fully formed adult Black Arm would emerge, ready to fight. This cycle—methodical and ruthless—ensured rapid proliferation, nearly impossible to contain once initiated.

“Then he could have hidden. Built an army,” the human commented.

Shadow shook his head, more forcefully this time. “No. That’s impossible. The Black Arms are unstable. Voracious. They can’t hide. Not for this long. A hive reveals itself through its hunger. And there’s been nothing, no trace, no noise.” He was trying to convince Tower, but also… to convince himself.

There was a heavy silence. Shadow felt trapped between two truths: the one he refused to admit—his brother was alive—and the one he feared the most—that his innocent child might become the target of the latter.

"He would have already attacked," he murmured, almost to himself.

"We'll find him," Tower concluded. "But in the meantime, we need to anticipate. The child... your child... is at the center of all of this. And whether we like it or not, it's beyond us."

A long silence followed. Then Shadow slowly nodded, without a word. When he finally spoke, his voice was calmer, but heavier than ever.

"He won't have her." And he left, this time for good.

Shadow walked away from Tower's office, his steps heavy, the tension seeping through his stiffened shoulders. He ignored the greetings in the hallway, passed by Gadget without a word, and pushed open the door leading outside. He needed air. Space. Silence.

The daylight seemed too bright, almost intrusive. Shadow descended the stairs of the building, barely acknowledging the soldiers he passed. His steps led him instinctively toward a secluded corner of the base, a place few ventured: the abandoned hangar, half consumed by rust and weeds. There, he stopped.

The smell of metal and dried oil surrounded him. The silence was almost suffocating. He closed his eyes and rested his head against the cold wall, his arms crossed over his chest. The information churned in his mind, repeating endlessly.

Eclipse was alive. And perhaps, somewhere, he was waiting.

The thought that this being, this blood brother, could cast even a single glance at his husband or the child they were expecting made something primal stir within him. A raw, visceral instinct, rooted deep in his flesh. It was more than just a need to protect. It was a threat to his family.

He remained frozen, his gaze lost in the shifting shadows of the sky, until a familiar flutter disturbed the air around him. A light, subtle beat of wings, almost imperceptible... except to him. He didn’t need to turn his head.

"I saw you leave Tower's office," Rouge murmured. Her voice, though softened, betrayed a sincere concern. "And I saw your face."

He remained silent. She didn’t try to fill the void. She sat beside him, crossing her arms, her wings fluttering in the breeze. She wouldn’t ask questions. She would wait.

For a long time, he kept his eyes fixed on the horizon. Then, in a low voice, almost choked: "Eclipse is alive."

She didn't move, but he felt the immediate tension in her body. Her wings stiffened, imperceptibly, and her breath quickened, just a little.

“He was identified last week,” he continued. “Tower just told me. They think there might be a connection with... the pregnancy announcement.”

Rouge straightened up slightly. "Shadow... this is too big to be a coincidence. He's right. And you know it."

"Dammit..." he growled through his teeth. "I thought I was done with the Black Arms. After the Time Eater, after Infinite... I thought I'd finally earned some peace."

She placed a firm hand on his arm, grounding and present. "You're not alone. I'm here, and so is Sonic."

"He must not know."

She stared at him, confused. "What? Shadow, if he's in danger, if he's after your child—"

"The pregnancy is already complicated. You've seen it. He's tired. I don't want to add this. I don't want him spending the coming months worrying."

"But lying isn't protecting him."

"It's not a lie. It's a delay. He's safe. Our home is untraceable. Tails made sure of that. And if he goes out, someone will be with him. Always."

Rouge clenched her teeth. She didn't like this. And he knew it. "He won't be able to stay inactive, Shadow. If he learns the truth too late, it'll be worse."

"I know," he murmured. "If he knows, he'll want to participate. Fight. Search. I can't let him do that. Not now. He's strong, I have no doubt about that. But I'm so scared. Scared of losing him. Scared..." He finally turned his eyes toward her. Tired. Determined. "Trust me. It's for him."

Rouge sighed deeply. She took a step back, giving him the space he requested. But when she spoke, her voice was serious, almost threatening. "Fine. I'll keep quiet. But if things go wrong... you tell him. Immediately."

"I promise you."

Chapter Text

He felt like he had been trapped in that room for hours. Time seemed to stretch, stuck in the silence. Sitting directly on the floor, an abandoned home decor magazine resting on his legs, Sonic had been staring at the same double-page spread for a long time without really seeing it. His fingers, restless, had run through his quills over and over again, making them even messier. He was biting his claws without even realizing it, a prisoner of his thoughts.

At his wit’s end, he took off his reading glasses and rubbed his eyelids, hoping to shake off the fatigue weighing down his eyes. Then, with a groan of exasperation, he let himself fall backward, lying flat out on the oak floor, arms spread wide. The white ceiling stared back at him, silent and unrelenting.

He and Shadow had cleared out the room across from theirs to turn it into their daughter's nursery. And, for some reason, maybe a surge of paternal pride or a sudden fit of stubbornness, Sonic had decided he would handle it all by himself. As soon as they found out the baby’s gender, he rushed to lock the door, declaring that no one, especially his husband, was allowed to enter until everything was perfect.

But it had been over two weeks now that he’d been going in circles, unable to make a single decision. The magazines Rouge and Amy had given him were scattered everywhere, open to pages he no longer even looked at. Everything was blending together in his mind: pastel tones, patterned wallpapers, DIY ideas, Scandinavian, bohemian, vintage vibes... It was a nightmare.

One night, completely overwhelmed, he broke down. He called his sister in tears, his voice trembling, unable to string together a coherent sentence. Sonia, panicked, couldn’t understand a single word of his rambling and ended up handing the phone to their mother, who was already preparing the royal fleet and organizing a full-scale family rescue mission.

He didn’t know how Aleena had done it, but she had understood. She had listened to him, calmed him, reassured him. She had even offered to come help, with that gentle yet firm tone that made her so incredibly effective. It was a real shock. His mother had never left South Island in her entire life, and yet she was willing to do it for him. That touched him deeply, even though he knew she wouldn’t actually come and he broke down in tears all over again.

Then, once he had calmed down, he refused. Proud, stubborn. He wanted to do it on his own. He needed to. He wanted to be able to tell his daughter one day, “Your daddy did it all himself.” And now, he was kicking himself for it. He had no idea what he was doing. He’d never had a sense for decorating. It was Shadow who had taken charge of the whole house and that had worked out just fine.

What surprised him the most was that his husband hadn’t complained more about not being allowed to help. But the black hedgehog had his mind elsewhere. An important mission with GUN often kept him away from home, sometimes for several days in a row. Sonic wasn’t too worried about it. Shadow’s job was complicated, and missions could last for days on end. What he was hoping, though, was that they'd grant him parental leave at the end of his pregnancy. If not, he’d be more than happy to storm into GUN headquarters and have a word or two with Tower.

He had tried to draw inspiration from his own childhood bedroom… but he had never really spent much time there.

When his family had reclaimed the palace, they had arranged a lavish bedroom for him: a bed far too big, gilded walls, velvet curtains, thick carpets. Everything screamed wealth and royalty. But he, his brother, and his sister always ended up sneaking into their mother’s bed. They had spent too many nights huddled together, seeking a little warmth during the war. Luxury didn’t stand a chance against the instinct for survival and the need for love.

Later, when he started going out to explore the island or face off against Eggman, he eventually adopted a completely different lifestyle. He slept under the stars. When the weather was nice and warm, he would lie in the grass, beneath the open sky. When the weather turned bad, he made do with makeshift shelters: a tree, a rocky overhang. He had even dug burrows to protect himself from the cold in the winter. An odd way to live, but he made do with it.

When he moved in with Tails, his little brother had prepared a room for him with the utmost care. But Sonic hadn’t really changed his habits: he still slept outside more often than indoors, or dozed off on the old, stiff couch in the living room rather than in a neatly made bed.

It wasn’t until he moved in with Shadow that he discovered comfort, real comfort. Shared warmth. Tenderness, security. He loved sleeping close to him, feeling his presence, his caresses, his kisses. It had become his favorite place in the world. He had even set up his own reading nook, with a soft pouf and a small bookshelf filled with his favorite books.

That’s what he wanted to offer their daughter. Not a magazine-worthy room, but a place she would love. A space where she would feel comfortable. Where she would want to spend time. And above all, a space that could evolve with her, as she grew, with her changing desires and personality. A cocoon, soft and warm, filled with the love they already had for her.

Still lying on the floor, Sonic let out a soft sigh and placed a hand on his belly. He knew certain magazines by heart, down to the typos and the absurd ads. He closed his eyes for a moment, hoping to find inspiration in the silence. Yet... despite all the pages turned, despite all the ideas rejected, he felt like he was getting close to something.

The room he wanted to create wouldn’t come from a catalog. It would come from his memories. From what he wanted to pass on.

The next morning, he woke up early, still sprawled on the floor, his neck stiff but his heart lighter. He knew that if Shadow had been there, he would have been scolded for falling asleep on the floor.

He got up slowly, ran a hand through his quills, a futile gesture as they were still a mess, then stretched long, cracking all his joints. He abandoned the magazines and his notebooks for the moment, made himself a simple breakfast, then went to take a shower.

Once he was done with his shower, he put on a loose t-shirt and comfortable shorts. Because his belly was growing day by day, he preferred wearing clothes, especially when going out. He didn’t like the idea of being seen like this, as if his body were betraying him. He felt strangely... exposed.

Vanilla had given him several maternity clothes, gently telling him that he would need them sooner or later. At the time, he hadn’t really understood. But now, he saw clearly.

Pregnant Mobians often developed a kind of instinctive behavior towards the end of their pregnancy: more nervous, more aggressive, they preferred isolation. Staying at home became a visceral necessity.

But Sonic couldn’t stand being confined. The clothes served as a mental barrier for him, a way to feel more in control and push back against the animalistic urge that was slowly awakening inside him.

He had mentioned it once to Rouge, who burst out laughing, telling him he’d end up refusing to go to the hospital to give birth. It had surprised him; he liked their gynecologist a lot and was keen on giving birth in the hospital, surrounded and safe. But Vanilla and Blaze had confirmed the bat’s words, looking serious.

Apparently, it was a real habit among Mobians: disappearing into nature a few hours before giving birth, searching for a secluded spot to give birth alone.

He still remembered the day when Shadow had to use Chaos Control to teleport Rouge to the hospital, after finding her perched in their attic, panicked, just after her water had broken. At the time, Sonic had thought it was just a quirk of bats. After all, they loved hanging from the ceiling.

Vanilla had dug burrows in her garden before giving birth to her two children. And Blaze… Blaze had locked herself in a closet. Literally. The Queen of the Sol Universe had had a hard time revealing this secret, her fur blazing with embarrassment.

He didn’t want to end up in a tree, in a burrow, or hiding under a piece of furniture. He was determined to stay in control. Besides, his labor would be induced, so everything should go smoothly. At least, he hoped so.

He shook his head and went out for his usual morning walk. It was just a simple walk through the forest surrounding their house. He didn’t encounter anyone, as their home was tucked away in the middle of nature. He brushed the tall grasses as he passed, enjoying the sunbeams piercing through the tree foliage. He took his time soaking in the nature around him before heading back home, not having completed his usual route.

He hurriedly took off his shoes and grabbed his notebook and pencils. This time, he wasn’t going to look in the magazines. He was going to look within himself.

First, the colors. He thought of the sky, the grass, the sea. The landscapes he had sped through, but which had always calmed him. He chose a soft blue, slightly grayish, like the sky just before the rain. A peaceful hue. In contrast, he imagined a wall with a light mural: rolling green hills, one covered with a field of sunflowers and another with lavender, a few white clouds hand-drawn.

Next, he thought about the furniture. No four-poster bed or heavy pieces. He wanted something simple, low, and modular. A small light wood dresser, rounded-edge shelves at child-height, a fluffy cloud-shaped rug.

He also imagined a mini slide and some foam obstacles to create a little indoor course, a space where she could climb, jump, crawl. A place that invited movement, exploration. On the side of his notebook, he scribbled: "Floor play area. Less furniture = more space to run."

He thought of a large open shelf, with colorful bins where she could put away her toys herself. A chair for bedtime stories, the same model as the one where he had learned to read, with Tails, many years ago. He could already picture it, that chair: an old thing to restore, found in a flea market, with wide armrests and a hand-made cushion. He could paint it midnight blue and add a blanket made by Shadow. He loved crocheting with Cream and Vanilla on Sundays.

And then he wrote at the bottom of the page: "Reading corner: mini wall bookshelf, with her future favorite books. Remember to include 'The Little Hedgehog Who Wanted to Fly.'"

The most important thing was the details. Family photos in beautiful raw wooden frames. A string of lights shaped like flowers, for the evening. A mobile hanging from the ceiling, with stars, planets, and even a little fabric rocket. A wink for Shadow.

He wanted this room to speak of them. Not just of her, but of the life she was about to join.

He re-read his notes, connected the elements together, added arrows, little hearts, stars. For the first time since he had started this project, he wasn’t stressed. He was... happy. Inspired.

He could already imagine it, his daughter, running around, laughing out loud, climbing onto the chair to reach a book, hiding behind the curtains... Yes. That was exactly it. A room that breathes childhood. Love. Freedom.

He spent the following days immersed in his project, a new energy in his every move. It was no longer a chore, but an adventure. A mission he had given himself, and one that, for once, required neither speed nor a race against time. Just care. Tenderness. And a bit of patience.

He proudly announced to Shadow that he had finally come up with an idea for the room. His husband tried to see the project, but he didn’t give in. One of the rare times he was actually able to keep a secret. So while he was locked in the room working, his husband was busy organizing their baby shower.

They had hesitated for a long time about organizing it. But as soon as Sonic had the idea, it became impossible to stop him: they needed a party to reveal their baby’s gender to their friends. And not just any party—something joyful, simple, but memorable. So, despite his silent protests and a few louder sighs, Shadow got to work. He was practically tearing out his quills trying to find the right balance: not too grand, not too modest. Just enough to celebrate the start of the seventh month, surrounded by the people they loved.

Meanwhile, Sonic focused entirely on the room. He started with the walls. The soft blue he had chosen spread slowly, like calm waves. He took his time, carefully rolling on the paint, often stepping back to check the harmony. Once he was done, he began to hand-paint the hills, the flowers, the little clouds. He wasn’t an artist, but he wanted everything to come from him. Every clumsy stroke carried a piece of him, and that’s what mattered.

Next came the floor. He laid a soft cream-colored rug over the hardwood, then arranged cushions shaped like stars, fruits, and clouds. In one corner, he set up the little foam play area: a slide, soft tunnels, and a few stackable shapes. He smiled, imagining his daughter climbing the blocks, shouting victory from the top with all her tiny might.

He assembled the light wooden dresser with varying degrees of success and a few curse words, added the rounded-edge shelves, and mounted the wall bookshelf at child’s height. Then, he tackled the armchair. It was an old thing he had found at a flea market with Tails—worn out, creaky with every movement. He took it apart, re-stitched the cushion with midnight blue fabric, and added a soft cover. It had served for many years and would continue to do so.

On one of the shelves, he placed the very first book: "The Little Hedgehog Who Wanted to Fly." He briefly reread it out loud, his heart swelling with emotion. It had been his favorite book when he was little. His mother had kindly sent him the original copy. Its cover was faded, its pages yellowed and crinkled, and yet he was so happy to have it again. He promised himself he would read it to his daughter as soon as she could truly listen.

From the ceiling, he hung the mobile. There wasn’t a crib yet—Tails was absolutely determined to build it himself. Sonic had agreed, but requested something simple, in pastel colors, which would go perfectly with the rest of the room.

When everything was in place, he sat down in the armchair, his back a little sore, but his heart light. He looked around, taking in the soft silence of the room, the evening light brushing against the walls. It had taken a month, but everything was done. Finished just in time for the baby shower.

The day of the baby shower arrived with a brilliant blue sky and a light breeze that made the curtains flutter throughout the house. He had kept the nursery door closed, wanting to reveal it to everyone only after announcing the baby's gender. So he had stuck a sign on the door that read, “No entry until the surprise! :3”

In the garden, Shadow had prepared everything with a discreet yet touching meticulousness. The trees lining their property were decorated with pastel-colored garlands of pennants, gently fluttering in the breeze, creating a festive atmosphere without overdoing it. The whole scene formed a soft, colorful bubble, almost suspended in time.

In the center of the garden, a large table covered with a finely embroidered white tablecloth drew everyone's attention. Shadow had set it with meticulous care: delicate porcelain plates, cutlery aligned with millimetric precision, napkins folded into little bootie shapes. The whole arrangement had a delicate charm, somewhere between rustic simplicity and understated elegance.

The dishes he had prepared stood proudly in the center: vegetable puff pastries, skewers of fresh fruit, mini sandwiches in playful shapes, and even a few homemade sweets. Everything was colorful, perfectly balanced, and above all, handmade.

In the refrigerator, safely tucked away, rested the gender reveal cake, kept like a precious secret. Its neutral and elegant decoration gave no hint of the pastel-colored heart hidden inside.

A corner had been set up with a selection of chilled, alcohol-free drinks. Infused fruit juices, flavored iced teas, and a few homemade lemonades. The hybrid knew that Rouge would complain about the lack of alcohol just to tease him.

His husband proudly admired his work, and Sonic couldn’t resist the urge to join him. As soon as he approached, Shadow naturally welcomed him into his arms, as if he had been waiting for this moment all day. He pressed a soft kiss to Sonic’s cheek, leaving a trace of warmth and tenderness.

"It's beautiful," he whispered, his voice slightly trembling, his eyes shining with emotion.

Shadow slid a hand under his light shirt, gently caressing the rounded belly with a small, tender smile. "Thank you... I can't wait to see the baby's room," he admitted, almost in a whisper.

Sonic laughed softly, nestled against him. "Be patient, you'll see it after the party." Shadow let out a low grunt, but he was still smiling.

As with the announcement of his pregnancy, the guests arrived gradually, in small, joyful, familiar groups. They had invited the same close ones as last time, with a few additional friends they wanted to include in this precious moment.

Unfortunately, the Diamond Cutters hadn’t been able to free themselves this time, held back by a mission deemed too important to be postponed. So Sonic made sure to send them a personalized card, filled with affection, to announce the baby’s gender. Even from a distance, he wanted them to be part of the moment.

Everyone was chatting and sharing the meal in a relaxed atmosphere, filled with laughter and warm conversations. Sonic, true to himself, moved from group to group with natural ease, catching up with everyone, exchanging jokes, making sure everyone felt welcome. Like a true social butterfly, he flitted between his guests.

Surge and Amy were openly looking for each other’s gaze, exchanging teasing glances and half-hidden smiles. The tenrec didn’t hesitate to throw in a few barbs, slightly provocative, despite Amy's barely concealed disapproving looks. Sonic watched the scene with an amused smile, choosing instead to steer the conversation elsewhere. He sincerely asked her how her rehabilitation was going.

Since the end of her destructive activities, Surge had committed herself to a personal reconstruction program. She worked at a rehabilitation center, performing community service tasks, while undergoing regular therapy to confront the scars left by Starline. It was a difficult path, but one she had chosen to follow, fiercely independent in her own way. Amy had helped her through every step, which had brought them much closer together.

Meanwhile, Kitsunami was living with Amy, who had accepted the role of tutor with seriousness and kindness. The young boy was also undergoing therapy, alongside his schooling, to help him rebuild at his own pace.

While Surge and Amy continued their discreet flirting game, Kit stayed on the sidelines, sitting in a corner of the garden, his noise-canceling headphones on, shielded from the commotion. He calmly played with Cream's Chao, focused, his gaze peaceful.

Knuckles tenderly took care of his daughter, rocking her with a gentleness that contrasted with his rugged appearance. By his side, Mighty watched the little echidna in awe, fascinated by her tiny size and her still clumsy movements.

Not far from there, Rouge was trying, with all the subtlety we know her for, to discreetly add alcohol to the drinks. Unfortunately for her, Shadow was keeping a close watch and intercepted her attempts one after another, his gaze dark but with a slight smirk revealing his incisors.

Omega, on the other hand, had inadvertently inherited a new role. That of a chew toy for Chomper. Despite the threatening cannons integrated into his armor, the young crocodile seemed unperturbed and continued to gnaw on the robot’s steel plates, which remained oddly still. Germel, an unwilling spectator of the scene, watched with growing weariness. His parents, on the other hand, seemed far removed from these concerns. They were chatting cheerfully with Big, who was holding Froggy close like a precious treasure.

A little further away, Blaze and Silver were chatting with Espio, the three surprisingly close, like a trio bound by a subtle but sincere camaraderie. They had come with Marine, still as energetic as ever, who was participating in an animated card game with the teenagers present: Ray, Tails, Cream, and Charmy. The young flying squirrel often won the rounds. Although no one could figure out how he hid his cards in his fluffy tail, it fueled amused suspicions, though never confirmed.

Sticks was sneaking between the flowerbeds and bushes, searching for invisible enemies. She wore a strange aluminum headpiece to protect herself from aliens, startling several guests with her odd behavior.

The atmosphere was light-hearted and friendly. Even the arrival of the Babylon Rogues didn't spoil the mood. They came to steal food, as they had nothing better to do. They were strangely included by Sonic, who gave each of them a plate so they could serve themselves. Jet ate grumbling, although he was oddly touched to have been included.

A table had been left empty for everyone to place a gift, but it was nearly overflowing with affection piled up. Sonic stood there for a moment, moved. He could see the crib that Tails had made with his own hands, carefully varnished, with rounded edges. His little brother would stay after the party to set it up and explain all the quirky features it had integrated.

Rouge, true to herself, had gifted a plush toy that looked exactly like the Master Emerald. Sonic rolled his eyes with a smile; he was going to have to keep an eye on her to make sure she didn't turn their daughter into a budding thief.

Vanilla, with her usual delicacy, had sewn several blankets by hand, each in a shade inspired by the colors of the Chaos. Soft, warm, perfectly folded, they exuded tenderness.

Against all odds, Surge had found a plush toy of her own likeness, slightly too big and a bit grimacing, confidently claiming it would be the kid’s favorite. Sonic had laughed, still touched by the effort.

Some gifts were special, like the mini aluminum helmet which must have been a gift from Sticks. Then, there were other gifts that were simpler, but just as sincere: small clothes, wooden toys, carefully chosen children's books.

Satisfied, Sonic approached his husband, who was currently being bombarded with questions by Amy, who was talking at full speed while waving her hands. As soon as he spotted him, Shadow took the opportunity to skillfully extricate himself from the conversation and join him. The blue hedgehog greeted him with a tender kiss, prompting a series of teasing whistles from their guests. He rolled his eyes with a small amused smile, then grabbed Shadow's hand to pull him a little to the side, away from the surrounding bustle.

"Is everything okay?" the hybrid asked immediately, always so attentive.

"Yeah, yeah, don't worry. I think it's time to bring out the cake. Everyone's eaten well... and I think Vector's gathered all the bets."

He had spotted the crocodile earlier, moving from group to group, looking like he was conspiring, secretly collecting envelopes. He had clearly organized this behind their backs, and neither of the soon-to-be parents was in on the secret.

Shadow checked his watch, frowning slightly. "Let's wait a little longer."

"What's going on? Are we waiting for someone else?"

He had barely asked the question when a car pulled up in front of the house. Curious, he quickly approached the vehicle, then stopped short upon seeing the Mobotropolis emblem printed on the doors.

The driver's door opened, revealing his brother, who shot him a knowing wink. A second door opened shortly after, and his sister stepped out, giving him a small wave before gently opening the rear door. With a slowness that felt almost ceremonial, their mother emerged. She placed one tentative foot on the ground, then the other. She was here.

Stunned, he stood frozen for a few seconds, mouth slightly open, eyes wide with disbelief. His sister and brother had already left the island before, mostly for political reasons, but always just for short periods. His mother, however, had never left their homeland. This was the first time she had ever set foot on the continent and it was for his stupid baby shower.

Tears sprang unexpectedly. He ran toward them and embraced them with an intensity that almost hurt. He was so overwhelmed that no words could escape his lips without being drowned in sobs.

His mother gently rocked him, whispering soothing words to help him calm down. When he finally caught his breath, he asked, shaken, "What are you doing here? Mom... you always said you'd never leave the island..."

"It's Shadow who invited us. He wanted it to be a surprise," she replied, her eyes sparkling, gently caressing his cheek.

Sonic immediately turned toward his husband, still standing a little further away, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on him with a quiet yet intense tenderness. Without a second thought, he rushed toward him, his heart overflowing, threw himself into his arms, and kissed him as if nothing else in the world mattered anymore.

"Thank you... thank you... thank you..." he whispered between each kiss, his eyes filled with tears. "I love you so much."

He buried his face against Shadow's neck, unable to hold back the flood of emotions. Shadow wrapped his arms around Sonic, holding him tightly with a controlled, almost protective strength. He didn’t say a word, but his embrace spoke for him. He buried his muzzle into Sonic’s quills, closing his eyes for a moment, savoring the warmth of their closeness.

Around them, the party seemed to have frozen. The guests watched the scene with a mixture of surprise and emotion. Sonic straightened slightly, sniffed loudly, then ran his hands over his face, awkwardly wiping away his tears. The little bit of makeup he had applied for the occasion had smudged.

“It's the hormones,” he muttered, trying to laugh through his tears, though his voice was still shaky.

Shadow simply rolled his eyes at his silly excuse. Once Sonic had calmed down, he gestured for his family to come in so he could introduce everyone.

As everyone settled back into their places in the garden, laughter and conversation slowly resumed. The guests still whispered about the surprise arrival of Sonic's family, while Sonic, still a bit shaken, tried to stay upright without bursting into tears for the fifth time in ten minutes.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed slightly, and an exclamation was heard from inside the house. "The cake is coming!"

All eyes turned toward the house. Shadow appeared, focused, holding a large cake carefully decorated with small floral patterns made with piping and details clearly crafted with love.

He placed it on a vacant table and rubbed his hands together, satisfied. Amy and Vanilla complimented him on his work. He had baked it himself. It had taken him several days of trial and error before finally achieving the desired result. He could have bought one from a bakery, but he really wanted to make it himself.

The garden was calm as Sonic stepped toward the cake, one hand resting on his belly, more out of habit than necessity. The guests had gathered around, phones raised, smiles on their faces. The joyful tension before a big reveal hung in the air.

He grabbed the knife, looked at Shadow beside him. "You coming? We'll cut it together."

Shadow stepped closer and placed his hand over his. Their eyes met for a brief moment. Then, with a slow but determined motion, they cut the first slice.

The room held its breath.

And then...

A vivid green appeared at the heart of the cake. Not pink. Not blue. Neon green. Almost supernatural. Almost... radioactive. A hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned, confused, toward the two future parents.

Sonic, mouth slightly open, raised an eyebrow. “…It’s… green?” He slowly turned his head toward Shadow, who was staring into the cake with murderous intensity. “It’s green?!” he repeated, caught somewhere between disbelief and bursting into laughter.

Shadow pinched the bridge of his nose, let out a deep sigh, and murmured with icy resignation, “This can’t be happening. I used the wrong food coloring.”

This time, Sonic burst out laughing. A real, genuine laugh that made his knees buckle and forced him to brace himself against the table to stay upright. The guests weren’t far behind—laughter rippled through the room like a wave.

Even his mother chuckled, murmuring, “At least it’s original.”

"Well..." Vector said with a wink, "What does the green mean? An alien baby? A little chaos?"

"Green is just the best color, the kid's got good taste," exclaimed Surge.

Jet nodded, spreading his feathers out in front of everyone. "Green is the superior color." Wave shoved a piece of cake into his beak, silencing him.

He caught his breath, his cheeks flushed with laughter and emotion. He picked up the slice, gazed at it fondly, then took a bite. He looked up at his husband, moved. "It's so good. And it's perfect. Because you made it. And honestly? This kind of twist... it's so us, right?"

Shadow, still a bit embarrassed, couldn't help but smile slightly. "I admit it. Nothing's ever simple with you."

He stepped closer and kissed him on the cheek. "Not with you either. And I love you for that." He turned to face the crowd and raised his slice of cake.

"Alright, let me reassure you, it's not a little green alien, but a girl. We're having a little girl! Let's eat to that!"

Cheers of joy erupted once again. Vector jumped for joy, having won most of the bets. Tails ran into his arms, tears streaming down his face, swearing he would be the best uncle. His mother let a few tears slip, the woman who never cried.

His joy was so overwhelming that he couldn’t help but cry for the sixth time that day.

Of course, their peace was once again interrupted by the sharp sound of the doorbell. Shadow went to answer, cautious, and froze immediately, his muscles tensing, ready to strike.

Metal Sonic stood on the doorstep. A ridiculously tight red bowtie around his metallic neck, and in his outstretched claws, a carefully wrapped gift. He was simply waiting.

As soon as the robot was spotted, Shadow took up a defensive stance. The reflex was immediate: most of the guests stepped in front of him, forming a protective line, some armed with whatever they had on hand, a wooden spoon, a pillow, a bottle of orange juice.

Tails, standing beside him, was frantically typing away on his tablet. "He hacked our system! How did he bypass the firewall?! He recognized my encryption, this can't be possible!"

Metal Sonic raised a hand and projected an hologram. The image of Eggman appeared instantly, more theatrical than ever, arms crossed, his mustache trembling with satisfaction.

"Greetings, poorly polished vermin!" he yelled, his carnivorous grin firmly in place. "I heard you were having a delightful little party... I couldn’t possibly miss the chance to present a gift to my greatest rival."

He groaned. "Not now..."

"As the greatest genius of this century, and the ones to come, let’s be honest—it was astonishingly easy to breach your pathetic defenses. After all this time countering that filthy fox, I can recognize his programming."

"Hey!" Tails protested, offended, tapping furiously on the screen of his Miles Electric. "He’s about to see what I’ve got in store for him."

"I've designed a special gift for your little offspring," Eggman continued, puffing out his chest. "Because one day, she will have to face... my heir! She must know from an early age who she’s going to lose to."

A devilish laugh echoed through the hologram... only to be abruptly cut off by an unfamiliar voice, soft and calm.

"Doctor, here is your Austrian goat milk latte."

A hand passed a delicately decorated cup to the screen. Eggman grabbed it and took a long sip, his mustache now splattered with foam.

"Ahhh… I love the way you make them," he said in a tone that was almost... affectionate.

An incredulous silence settled over the garden. No one had ever heard the mad scientist use such a tender voice. Even Shadow seemed more shocked by this statement than by Metal Sonic's intrusion.

"Alright. Get back to work! My heir won't build itself," Eggman resumed, clearing his throat to regain his usual villainous tone. "Anyway! Enjoy my gift. I’ve got an heir to create. Cubot, Orbot, cut the transmission."

The hologram flickered out abruptly.

Metal Sonic handed the package to Shadow, who grabbed it mechanically, still stunned by Eggman’s "moment of tenderness." Then the robot activated his thrusters and vanished with a metallic hum.

Surge was already about to leap to chase after him, but he was held back by the arm, a amused smile on his lips. "Let it go... no need to chase him."

Shadow still held the package in his hands, staring at it as if expecting it to explode at any moment. "You think there’s a tracker? A microphone? A mini laser beam?" he asked bluntly.

"Or just a killer robot, knowing him," Rouge added, her arms crossed, looking just as wary.

He stepped closer and tapped the top of the package. "Honestly, given his message... I'm afraid it's just a gift. And even worse: a sincere one."

Tails quickly ran a scan with his Miles Electric, then shook his head, surprised. "No signal. Nothing strange. It’s just... an object. Wrapped. By Eggman. Which honestly, makes me even more scared."

Shadow carefully opened the package. Inside, he found a metal box decorated with a poorly cut sticker featuring Eggman's face in chibi form. He opened it. Resting on a red satin cushion was... a plush. An Eggman plush. Ridiculously soft, outrageously cartoonish, with oversized glasses, a twisted wire mustache, and a padded belly that just begged to be squeezed. Which Sonic did, purely out of curiosity.

The plush immediately came to life, its eyes blinking, and a synthetic voice echoed from its belly: "I am the greatest genius of all time! You’ll thank me later! Mwahaha!"

A second press triggered another phrase: "Bow before your future emperor, little furball!"

The third reply came in a more dramatic tone: "One day, you too will understand my greatness! But not now. Now, it's nap time."

He burst out laughing, unable to contain himself. "Oh no... he made a talking toy of himself. It’s so... Eggman."

Shadow held the plush as if it were a bomb, caught between discomfort, indignation... and disbelief. "I refuse to let our child touch this."

"Oh, come on," he said, snatching it from his hands. "She’s going to love it. It’s soft, it talks on its own, it’s ridiculous... basically perfect for a baby."

"I refuse," Shadow growled, shooting him a dark glare.

The sun had long since set, and the house was gradually returning to its calm. The laughter had faded, the last string lights swayed gently in the wind, and the presents formed a colorful mountain in one corner of the living room. The Eggman plush had been locked away in a closet in the garage, destined to be forgotten forever. Satisfied, Sonic gently closed the door after saying goodbye to his family. They would sleep in a hotel before heading back to South Island early in the morning, unable to stay away for too long. Leaning against the wood, he sighed in exhaustion. He was tired... but his heart still raced with everything that had happened.

Shadow entered the room, wiping a trace of cake off his cheek. He gave him a curious, expectant look. "So? Are you finally going to show me that infamous room?"

A smile lit up his tired face, and he took his husband’s hand, his fingers gently slipping between his. "Come."

They made their way upstairs slowly, their footsteps soft on the wooden floor. Arriving at the closed door, he hesitated for a moment before gently opening it. Shadow stood frozen, speechless.

"…Wow," he whispered softly.

Sonic watched him, his arms crossed over his stomach. "It’s a mix of everything we love… and everything I want to pass on to her."

Shadow approached, his fingers lightly grazing the wall-mounted bookshelf, the shelves with rounded edges, the cloud-shaped rug, and the lovingly restored armchair. He stopped in front of the mobile hanging from the ceiling, now hovering above the bassinet that his little brother had made.

“"You've thought of everything..." he murmured, his voice slightly broken.

"Every detail. It was really hard. I almost gave up, but I made it."

Shadow turned around, his eyes shining. He walked back to him, placing one hand on his cheek and the other on his round belly. "She’s going to love it."

He closed his eyes at the contact, savoring the suspended moment. They stayed there for a long time, rocked by the tender silence of the room, hand in hand, one against the other.

He could hardly wait, longing to welcome their little girl.

Chapter Text

The Great Rainforest stretched its dark green mantle endlessly, dense and suffocating, an ocean of intertwined vines, giant ferns, and trunks as ancient as the Earth itself, silent witnesses to a bygone era when dinosaurs reigned. The air, heavy and saturated with humidity, clung to the skin like a second layer, turning every breath into an effort.

With each step, Shadow sank deeper into the soaked, spongy ground, almost alive, swallowing his boots and seeming intent on devouring him whole. His fur, plastered to his body, was soaked with sweat and rain, sticky, uncomfortable. But he didn’t have the luxury of slowing down.

Without a word, teeth clenched, he pressed on, carving his path through the hostile vegetation. His blade, forged from pure Chaos energy, sliced through the plants with surgical precision. With each movement, a trail of crimson sparks briefly lit up the verdant darkness, a warning to the forest itself: he wasn’t here to turn back.

“INEFFICIENT MOVEMENT DETECTED ,” Omega commented from behind. “ PROPOSAL: ELIMINATE VEGETATION WITH FIRE.”

“You want to burn us alive!” Rouge exclaimed, taking to the air.

“NEGATIVE. HUMIDITY LEVELS ARE EXTREMELY HIGH. NO RISK OF COMBUSTION”

He kept moving forward, jaw clenched, though his body protested with every step. A rough sigh escaped his lips, heavy with exhaustion. He quickened his pace, not out of hope, but out of instinct. If he walked faster, maybe he could outpace them.

His trembling fingers rubbed his face, trying to push away the migraine that had been pounding in his skull since dawn. It was useless. The pain, dull and unrelenting, throbbed behind his temples like a never-ending alarm. It felt as if his head might burst from the pressure.

His limbs were heavy, leaden; every movement required a monumental effort. His gait was no longer that of a warrior, but of a man drained, ready to collapse. Even his shoes seemed to weigh more than they should, sinking into the soaked earth as if the ground itself was trying to swallow him whole.

He had lost track of the hours, maybe even the days. Sleep eluded him. No… it was no longer just absence, it was deprivation, an emptiness that gnawed down to the bone. He wasn’t even sure what kept him upright anymore, instinct? Rage? The fear of abandoning those he loved? Or simply the habit of not falling?

One thing was certain: he had to keep going. He couldn’t stop.

Behind him, the sinister cracking of dying trees echoed. Omega was clearing a path with no regard for subtlety, as if intent on grinding the entire forest into splinters. The cracking, the tremors beneath his feet, the sharp scents of sap and crushed wood, all of it grated on his nerves. And over that chaotic din, like a needle driven straight into his eardrum: Rouge’s voice.

“Seriously, this humidity is torture! My fur’s going to frizz and my wings are starting to mildew…”

Shadow came to an abrupt halt. His whole body tensed, like a drawn bowstring on the verge of snapping. He gripped the hilt of his sword so tightly his knuckles turned white. A thin line of cold, acidic sweat trickled down the back of his neck. He drew a deep breath, but the damp air caught in his throat. He felt like he was suffocating. His lungs refused to cooperate.

“I told you I wanted to do this mission alone.” His voice was a growl hoarse, low, and laced with a tension he could no longer hold back.

“You know damn well we never let you go solo when you're like this,” Rouge replied, arms crossed, her gaze sharp.

“What state ?!” He spun around, eyes bloodshot. “I’m perfectly operational.”

“CONDUCTION BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS… ” Omega stated flatly. “RESULT: SUBJECT SHADOW DISPLAYS CLEAR SIGNS OF ACUTE STRESS, EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY, AND DENIAL.”

The look Shadow shot him could have melted titanium. But the robot, unbothered, blinked calmly? as if nothing had happened.

Then, without warning, a tree crashed down in front of them. Its shattered trunk sprayed mud and splinters across his legs. The impact rang through his ribcage like a hammer blow.

Chaos energy crackled on his skin, pulsing through his soaked gloves. In a sharp motion, he drove his sword into the sodden earth? right at Omega’s massive feet. An orange burst of light flared across the nearby ferns.

“WILL YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE?!”

The scream tore through the forest like a lightning strike. Silence fell, instant and absolute. Even the birds went mute, frozen by the raw violence of the outburst. Rouge, hovering in mid-air, flapped her wings slowly, her eyes locked on him, stunned. Omega’s rotary saw wound down with a fading whirr.

Shadow was panting. His heart felt like it was slamming against his ribs, a trapped animal desperate to escape. His arms were shaking. His legs too, but he refused to collapse. Not in front of them.

“Sweetheart… no need to shout,” Rouge said softly, approaching with cautious steps. “We’re here to help you, not make it worse.”

He turned his head toward her, slowly. He wanted to scream again, to throw everything away, to hit something until it broke. But it wasn’t rage surging through him. It was something else. Pain. Fear. A silent panic he could barely keep buried.

“Then… help me,” he whispered, his voice ragged. “By staying quiet.”

“OBSERVATION: CRITICAL TENSION LEVEL. RISK OF INTERNAL CONFLICT AT 86%. REINITIATING MEDIATION PROTOCOL ”Omega pivoted slightly toward Rouge, his sensors glowing in the stifling darkness of the forest. "SUGGESTION: REDUCE NON-ESSENTIAL COMMENTS REGARDING HAIR."

“Thanks for the tip,” Shadow growled through gritted teeth. “I’m about two seconds away from driving this sword into my skull just to get a moment of peace.” He didn’t mean it, not truly. 

“No need to go that far,” Rouge murmured, stepping closer. She placed a hand on his damp cheek, her palm warm against the cold, exhaustion-soaked skin of his face. A simple gesture, but it carried a deep, aching worry. “When was the last time you actually slept, Shadow? I mean real sleep. Not a five-minute coma between nightmares.”

He looked away. “I don’t need sleep. I am the Ultimate Lifeform.”

“LIE DETECTED,” Omega cut in flatly. “SUBJECT HAS GONE 96 HOURS WITHOUT SLEEP. VITAL SIGNS INDICATE SEVERE EXHAUSTION, EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY, AND REDUCED COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE.”

“You’re talking nonsense.” His voice was more fragile than he intended.

“MY DATA CONTAINS NO FALSEHOODS. UNLIKE YOUR STATEMENTS.”

Rouge raised a hand. “Stop. Both of you.” She took a slow breath, then locked eyes with Shadow. There was no sarcasm now, no playful mockery, only raw pain. “Love… Sonic’s worried. He called me. Wanted to know what’s going on with you. He misses you. He says he doesn’t recognize you anymore.”

A low growl rumbled from Shadow’s chest. “I’m fine.”

“You're not fine at all,” Rouge snapped, her tone rising. She jabbed two fingers hard against his chest. “You don’t sleep. You barely eat. You don’t talk to your husband anymore. You don’t touch him. You’re pulling away. And he feels it, Shadow. He’s pregnant, vulnerable, and you’re scaring him. He called me, in tears. Tears, do you understand? At the end of his rope. Because of you.”

A heavy silence fell. Rouge’s words echoed in his mind like punches. He froze, unable to speak. His heart clenched, sharp, aching, crushed beneath the weight of a truth he’d refused to face for far too long.

He saw Sonic again in his mind’s eye, seven months along, gently stroking his rounded belly as if to soothe the life growing inside. That soft smile, etched with worry. Those downward glances when Shadow came home too late. And the same quiet phrases, whispered into the silence: “Do you want to talk?” “I’m here, you know…”

Invitations he’d ignored. Reaching hands he’d pushed away. Excuses. Silence. Work. Missions. Until Sonic stopped asking. Until the silence took over everything. He thought Sonic had given up. What a mistake. What a fucking mistake.

“What did you tell him?!” he suddenly shouted, grabbing Rouge by the shoulders with a burst of uncontrolled force. “You didn’t tell him anything, right?! Tell me you didn’t say anything! ”

He shook her, hard, too hard. Rouge broke free in an instant, her wings snapping sharply against her back as she staggered back a step, rubbing her shoulders with a pained grimace. Shadow saw the dark stain bloom on her torn fabric, a thin line of blood. He’d lost control. He’d hurt her.

The guilt hit him like a gut punch. He stumbled back, throat tight, fists trembling.

“I told him you were overworking yourself. That this mission was eating you alive.” She lifted her chin, despite the pain. “I didn’t lie, but I left out a few truths. But if you keep spiraling like this, if you keep hurting him while pretending it’s to protect him…” Her voice sharpened like a blade. “I’ll spill everything. You hear me, Shadow? Everything. ”

He lowered his gaze, unable to meet Rouge’s burning eyes. Shame tore through his gut like claws. He had no right to fall apart. Not now. He had to keep searching.

He hadn’t found any tangible clues, no direct proof that Éclipse was truly back. And yet… he felt it. That creeping presence in his nightmares, that indistinct figure lurking in the shadows of his mind. It haunted him every night, like a cold breath on the back of his neck. He saw its shadow in reflections, in the trees, in the empty streets.

But on every patrol, every search, the result was the same: nothing. GUN had deployed entire resources, launched investigations in old Black Arms bunkers, scoured sealed laboratories. All they’d found were a few stolen parts in an old classified hangar, with some DNA traces,just enough to prove Eclipse had been there… but not enough to track him.

The engineers had been clear: those fragments could be used to build something dangerous. A weapon. He had to find it and stop it before it was too late. Unfortunately, his search was pulling him further away from Sonic.

He shouldn’t have lied to her. But how could he explain that a ghost they thought was dead might be back, threatening their daughter? How could he say he wasn’t sleeping—not because of insomnia—but because he was afraid Eclipse might see him in his nightmares? What if he was stalking him through his mind? What if he was waiting for the right moment?

No. Sonic didn’t need to know. He would protect him.

He clenched his fists, his gloves already stained by the jungle and the dried blood of his own injured palms. He had to handle this alone. He had to eliminate it. Once and for all.

“It’s better if he doesn’t know,” he murmured. His jaw clenched so tightly it looked like his teeth might break. His eyes, however, shone with exhaustion, a fatigue he stubbornly denied.

Rouge froze, then her voice sharpened: “And you? You’d rather drown in your own darkness, pretending it’s to protect him? Shadow, he’s already worried. So that plan’s failed!”

He stayed silent, fists clenched. Then, in a colder tone: “I know…” He took a deep breath. “But when Knuckles left you, when you cried and couldn’t breathe, I listened. I didn’t go after him to break his jaw, even though every part of me wanted to.” He slowly turned toward her. “So grant me the same favor. Let me handle this my way.”

Silence fell again, heavy and suffocating. Rouge pressed her lips together, unsettled. The beat of her wings grew irregular, hesitant. He knew he’d gone too far. He knew it was a low blow. Yet the words had slipped out, sharp and uncontrollable.

He saw her eyes mist over. She looked away, but he had already read the pain rekindled in her gaze. He bit the inside of his cheek, furious with himself.

“Rouge… I’m sorry.” His voice was barely a whisper. “I…” He knew no excuse would fix how far he’d crossed the line.

She stayed silent for a moment, then nodded softly without looking at him. “Communication, Shadow…” Rouge said gently, rubbing her eyes, clearly exhausted. “That’s what saves a couple. Not silence. I learned that the hard way. I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did.”

Shadow looked away, his jaw clenched tight. He closed his eyes as if trying to smother the fire burning inside him. “Rouge… I…” He inhaled slowly, his voice rough, almost broken. “I can’t tell him. I want to protect him.”

“Love…” she murmured, stepping a little closer. “You’re not protecting him by isolating him. You’re leaving him in the dark, where worry takes over. I know you’re scared. Scared you won’t be strong enough this time.”

“I will protect him,” he snapped back, harsher now. “I am the Ultimate Lifeform. I can do it.”

“No, Shadow. You can’t do everything.” Rouge spoke calmly but firmly. “Sonic isn’t a helpless civilian. He can fight. He can survive. He’s saved you as many times as you’ve saved him.”

“ And yet he couldn’t defend himself against Infinite…” Shadow’s voice cracked. “I wasn’t there. And during the Metal Virus, I watched the man I love suffer in silence. I couldn’t stop it. I was too slow, too distant, too blinded by my goals. And now…” He lifted his eyes to Rouge, shining with a mix of rage and anguish. “Now, my brother is lurking somewhere. What if he finds him? What if he hurts him, hurts our daughter? What am I supposed to do?”

Rouge felt her heart tighten. She hadn’t heard Shadow speak like this, not with so much fear in a long time. “Shadow… you can’t carry all of this alone.” She gently placed a hand on his arm. “You have Sonic. And soon, a little girl. They’ll need you, yes… but not as a soldier. As a father. A husband. A man who can say, ‘I’m scared, help me.’”

Shadow lowered his head, his shoulders finally bending under the weight he had been dragging for far too long. “I don’t know how to do that,” he admitted in a whisper.

“You’ll manage. You just have to tell him the whole truth.” She reassured him, pulling him into her arms.

He finally gave in, his strength suddenly breaking, as if Rouge’s words had shattered the last barrier. He leaned against her, burying his head in the hollow of her shoulder. His arms wrapped around her with desperate force, as if he would collapse if he let go.

Silent tears streamed down his cheeks, hot, frustrated, uncontrollable. His whole body trembled, no longer with rage, but exhaustion, that fatigue he no longer had the luxury to ignore. Rouge said nothing. She simply ran her fingers gently down his back.

“You’re not alone…” she murmured.

A mechanical sound echoed. Omega approached slowly, his robotic arms opening with a touching awkwardness. “EMOTIONAL INTERACTION DETECTED. SUPPORT REACTION ENGAGED.”

Without another word, he enveloped them both in a massive yet surprisingly gentle embrace. The cold metal of Omega contrasted with the warmth of the moment, but at that instant, there were no machines or missions, just a flawed team, a dysfunctional but united family.

When he finally got home, night had long since spread its ink-black cloak over the city. After escorting Rouge and Omega back to the GUN base, writing a report that no one would really read, answering the same useless questions... it was past 10 p.m. when the lock gave a tired click under his fingers.

A metallic click, a sigh from the lock. And then emptiness. Not a single light was on. No crackling radio, no background music left on out of habit. No hum of the TV or smell of reheated food. Just darkness and a heavy silence.

The kitchen was in the same state as that morning, except the countertop was slightly messy. Two empty cups. A plate clearly set down in haste. The atmosphere was frozen, as if the house was holding its breath.

Shadow furrowed his brow, unlocking his helmet and biker jacket.
“Love? I’m home.” His voice echoed weakly in the empty apartment.

No answer. He raised his voice slightly, stepping into the hallway:
“Sonic? Can you hear me?”

Still nothing. Not even a breath. He glanced into the bedroom: the bed was unmade but empty. The bathroom: dry, towels folded neatly. He quickened his pace, heart pounding in his temples.

No noise. No recent sign of his presence. Where is he?

He stopped in the middle of the living room, standing there, motionless, fists clenched. A cold shiver ran down his spine. A dull, irrational, but all-consuming dread. What if something had happened? What if Éclipse had found their address? What if he had taken advantage of his absence?

He pulled out his phone, which he had kept off all day. By the time it powered on, his fingers were already dialing Sonic’s number, almost blindly. A ringtone sounded—silly, cheerful—the one Sonic refused to change. Shadow spun around abruptly, following the sound to the couch. The phone lay there, resting on a pile of blankets. Abandoned.

His breath caught. He switched into emergency mode. He ran to the back door and flung it open. His fingers trembled as he prepared to call Rouge to warn her of a possible disappearance.

At that moment, the glass door leading to the garden swung open abruptly. Sonic entered, his steps heavy, arms crossed, eyes stormy. He wore a long shawl draped over his shoulders and held an empty mug in his hands. He didn’t even glance at him as he took off his shoes to slip on slippers.

Not a single look.

Without a word, he removed his shoes, put on his slippers, and headed to the sink. Slow, mechanical, almost ceremonial, each of his movements seemed charged with contained anger. Shadow followed, stunned.

“Where were you?” Shadow asked, his voice still caught between relief and worry.

Sonic simply shrugged.

“I was worried,” Shadow continued, softer now. “When I came home and you weren’t there, I panicked.”

Sonic didn’t answer. He stayed with his back to him, hands pressed against the countertop, shoulders tense, his spine bristling as if on high alert.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt? Is it the baby?” Shadow asked, stepping closer, hand reaching out to him.

But as soon as his fingers brushed Sonic’s arm, the other pulled away sharply, as if his touch burned.

Sonic slowly turned around, and Shadow was shocked.

His eyes were red, swollen from tears held back too long. His cheeks still bore the traces of tears that had fallen. But it was his gaze— that gaze—that pierced him. Not explosive anger. No. A dull pain. A sadness that bit into every word he was about to say.

“Love… what’s going on?” he asked, his voice trembling, gripped by an even greater worry.

Sonic didn’t answer right away. He blinked, took a shaky breath. Then: “What day is it today?”

Shadow frowned, caught off guard. “Huh?”

“Tell me the date,” Sonic repeated, more sharply. But his voice was already breaking.

“The… 15th of May.”

Sonic nodded slowly, eyes fixed on the floor. “Is that all it means to you? The 15th of May? Just another day? A damn Saturday?”

Shadow’s silence was answer enough. He searched his memory, but nothing came, nothing but another day drowned in the relentless search for his brother, exhaustion, and fear.

Sonic raised his eyes, and this time the tears flowed freely. “Today was our appointment at the hospital, Shadow. The one for future parents. The one where we were supposed to learn how to take care of our daughter. The one you promised you wouldn’t miss.”

Shadow froze. A slap wouldn’t have hurt more.

“I reminded you this morning. You told me: ‘I’ll be there, I promise.’ You looked me straight in the eyes when you said it. You kissed me and left for work as usual. I was sure you’d come. I was stupid to believe it.”

Sonic clenched his fists, his shoulders trembling with emotion.

“I waited. I checked my phone every two minutes. I called you, but it went straight to voicemail. Then I found myself alone in that waiting room, surrounded by other couples. I saw their pain in their eyes. I was alone, and I had to pretend everything was fine.”

He took a step back, as if he could no longer bear being near him.

“Your phone? Off. Your absence? Unexplained. And now you come home as if nothing happened, with yet another excuse I don’t even want to hear. Do you know what time it is, Shadow? It’s past eleven o’clock. And do you want to know what hurts the most? It’s not that you were late. It’s that you didn’t even think about me. About us.”

Sonic looked away, a strangled sob caught in his throat. He buried his face in his sleeve, trying to stifle the sound of his crying. His round belly, highlighted by the soft light of the living room, seemed heavier than ever, as if it carried not only a life to come… but also the full weight of his sorrow.

“I felt so alone. So very alone…” His voice cracked on the word, rough and worn. “And it’s not new. Since we announced the pregnancy to the public, I feel like you’ve been drifting away.”

Tears streamed freely down his cheeks.

“Since the baby shower, it’s gotten worse. You’re never here. Always on a mission. Always busy. And me? I’m left here, in this house that echoes with the emptiness of your absence. I try to hold on, not to fall apart, but I just can’t anymore. I called Rouge, but she didn’t tell me anything.”

He placed a trembling hand over his belly, fingers lightly tracing the tense curve. “My body hurts, Shadow. It disgusts me. My belly, my chest, all of it… it’s become foreign. I don’t recognize myself anymore. I can’t even go outside without feeling like people are judging me, looking at me like I’m a monster. So I stay locked in here, telling myself maybe you’ll come. That you’ll hold me, kiss me, tell me everything will be okay. But instead… I’m left with the silence of an empty house and an absent husband.”

Shadow stepped closer, hand shaking as he reached out. “I… love…”

But Sonic stepped back, wounded.

“I thought we both wanted this child. That we dreamed of this little girl together. But right now… I just feel like I’m the only one who wants her. The only one carrying this family. Literally.”

“That’s not true!” Shadow shouted, heart breaking. “I want our daughter. I love both of you more than anything in the world.”

“Then why weren’t you here today?!” Sonic’s voice cracked, heavy with a painful mix of grief and anger. “Why did you leave me to face this alone again?! Do you realize that in two weeks we’ll find out if I can deliver naturally or if it’ll be a C-section… Will you be there?!”

He took a step forward, eyes shining with tears, breath uneven.
“Will you be there, Shadow? Or will you find another excuse? Will you be there the day our daughter is born? Or will you be absent like today?!”

Each word hit like a slap, but what hurt the most wasn’t the anger. It was the fear behind it. The fear of a father who didn’t know if he could count on his husband when it mattered most.

“What could be so important, Shadow?! What justifies your absence again and again?! What’s more important than me? Than our daughter?!”

He looked away, unable to meet his gaze. His throat tightened, his breathing uneven.
“I… I can’t tell you,” he finally whispered, voice rough, almost inaudible.

He wanted to speak. To scream. To tell him the truth. But fear was choking him.

Because saying Eclipse’s name out loud was more than admitting he had returned. It was giving him form. It was opening the door to the nightmare he desperately tried to keep at bay. To let his brother sense him, and come. Come to take what was left of him. Come to tear them from his arms. Come to destroy the new life he had built after so many losses.

He clenched his fists, eyes fixed on the floor. When he slept, he saw his face, marked by a cruel smile as he tore his whole family away. He wasn’t afraid for himself. He had survived the worst. But Sonic, his friends, his family, he couldn’t lose them. He wouldn’t survive it. He knew that.

How could he say that to Sonic? How could he talk about a brother born from the same violence as him, but deprived of the love he had known thanks to Maria? How could he explain that his own blood was the threat hanging over their family?

But Sonic heard only silence. That cold, sharp silence that had hurt him far too many times. That emptiness that was more painful than a harsh confession. More painful than any truth.

Since they got together, their relationship had been built on trust, solid, patiently earned, painfully deserved. Shadow had opened his heart to him, sharing his deepest scars. He had spoken of Maria, of Gerald, of his self-loathing and hatred for his origins. Of his fear of eternity and a life he would have to live while all his friends left before him.

In return, Sonic had spoken of his family, of his fear of settling into a relationship and losing his freedom. Of his adventures and the many fears he kept locked away. After his release, he confided in Shadow the horrors inflicted by Infinite, the tortures, the manipulations, and the loss of his identity at every visit. Together, they had built something and promised never to let silence settle between them. To tell each other everything, even the worst.

And yet… now, Shadow was silent. He was hiding something. Something so big, so heavy, that he preferred to keep Sonic in the dark rather than share the burden. It was a betrayal. Not a betrayal born of shouting or lies, but a soft, insidious betrayal, the kind that quietly cracks the foundations.

Sonic stepped back. His arms dropped to his sides, limp, as if drained of all energy. Of all will. In his eyes, pain took the place of anger. A silent, deep pain. The pain of a heart that no longer understood why it was being denied the truth.

“Once again, you’d rather let me guess,” he said, voice heavy with quiet bitterness. “As if I were too fragile. As if I couldn’t understand.”

Sonic was a force of nature. He could face gods. And yet, Shadow still couldn’t bring himself to speak. He looked up at him, fear etched into every line of his face, but the truth remained trapped in his throat.

His husband’s expression hardened. Sonic stepped back again, his gaze distant, frozen in cold pain. Then, without a word, he headed upstairs. Shadow followed, heart pounding in his chest, only to find him hastily stuffing clothes into an overnight bag. Every movement was sharp, precise. Determined.

“What are you doing?!” he asked, voice tight, barely holding together.

Sonic barely looked up. “I’m going to stay at Tails’s. At least he doesn’t let me drown in silence. At least with him, I don’t feel invisible.”

“Sonic… please…”

The blue hedgehog paused just long enough to meet his gaze. He didn’t need to shout. His voice, low, broken, was enough.

“I’m not leaving you, Shadow. But tonight, I need to breathe. I need not to cry alone. I need to remember what it feels like to be with someone I trust…”

The door slammed.

Then the screech of tires, furious, ripping through the silence of the night. The sound faded, but the pain lingered, hanging thick in the air, unbearably tangible.
Shadow didn’t move. Frozen at the bottom of the stairs, he stared at the emptiness Sonic had left behind, his hands trembling.

He hadn’t been able to stop him. And he knew. Rouge had told him. She had begged him to act. And what had he done? He chose to ignore it, to deny it, to push reality away like a bad thought. He had convinced himself it was for everyone’s good. To protect them.

But he had failed. And worse, he had betrayed them.

A first shiver shook his body. Then another. Until his entire being began to tremble, like a tightly drawn string on the verge of snapping. His hand gripped the banister, fingers digging in until the wood cracked beneath his grip. He didn’t even feel the splinters piercing his skin, nor the warm blood soaking his glove. Physical pain was nothing compared to what was tearing him apart inside.

All he could feel was grief, and disgust. Disgust for himself, for having abandoned his husband.

His breath suddenly quickened. A surge of panic hit him, brutal, violent, uncontrollable. His breathing was ragged, torn, gasped too fast. The air wouldn’t come. His chest was caving in, crushed by an invisible hand.

“I am… the Ultimate Lifeform…” he choked out in a pathetic rasp. But the words rang hollow. Empty. Ridiculous.

A lie. Just another lie.

His vision blurred. The walls were spinning. His heart was pounding, beating in his temples like a war drum. He stumbled back, legs weak, hit a step and collapsed to the floor, knees first, then his whole body. He crumpled onto the hardwood, his forehead resting against the cold wood, wracked with tremors.

Sonic was gone. And he had let him go. Not because he didn’t love him, but because he loved him too much. So much that fear had won. The fear of losing everything. The fear of speaking Eclipse’s name, of shattering the fragile veil of silence. He couldn’t risk drawing his brother’s attention. He couldn’t provoke him. Because Eclipse wouldn’t come for him. He would come for Sonic. For their daughter.

He loomed over it all like an unstoppable shadow. Shadow could hear his voice in his mind: “Do you really think you deserve this, brother? A family? A daughter? I’m going to take it all from you. I’m going to burn it down.”

The words echoed in his skull like a sentence. Inevitable.

His hands clawed at the floor. He curled into himself, crushed under the weight of his own body, his own guilt. And he cried. Not a few quiet tears. No. He sobbed, uncontrollably, gutturally, broken.

He didn’t want to be a Black Arm. To be part of that race of monsters. Of power-hungry creatures. He didn’t want to be a weapon.

He just wanted to be a loving husband and father. Even that, he had failed.

“Sonic…” he sobbed, the name breaking from him in a shredded whisper. “Come back… please…”

He murmured it again. And again. And again. A prayer, muffled between tears and ragged breaths. A plea cast into the silence of the night. No one answered. He remained there, alone, lying in the quiet, with only the echo of his regrets to keep him company.

Chapter Text

When he got out of the car, Tails was already waiting for him, the door wide open. Without a word, he rushed toward him and held him tightly, welcoming his brother into his arms like someone catching another just before they fell. Sonic collapsed immediately, his sobs shaking his shoulders as he clung to him like a lifeline in the storm.

Tails asked no questions. He gently led him inside, closing the door behind them as if to shut out the outside world. He guided him to the couch, keeping him close, rubbing his back tenderly, his presence steady yet unobtrusive.

He helped him sit down on the couch, then wrapped him in a soft blanket. He placed a steaming cup of hot chocolate in his hands, something he had prepared in advance, knowing that sometimes there was nothing more to do than simply be there. He asked no questions. He waited.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low and hoarse, but each word was a burden lifted. He spoke of loneliness, of the heavy silence in the house, of the cold bed when Shadow came home too late or not at all. He spoke of emptiness, of feeling cast aside, of becoming invisible even as he carried their child. He said how much he loved the little life growing inside him… and how much he hated what the pregnancy was doing to his body, his mind, his heart.

He described the growing strangeness he felt in his own body, as if he were undergoing a transformation he had never truly consented to. And yet, he had known this would happen. He had wanted it, at first. Or at least, he had believed he could prepare for it. But the mind isn’t always as obedient as the will.

Dark thoughts kept circling, repeating, growing louder in a silent echo that offered no relief. They slithered beneath his skin like invisible snakes, slowly consuming everything he loved about himself. Everything he was. Everything he thought he was.

His once-familiar silhouette was slipping away, replaced by a version of himself he no longer recognized. Every new curve, every ache, every mark of this pregnancy reminded him of his body before, before he understood what he had been before.

It wasn’t the pregnancy itself that weighed on him the most, but the way it pulled him away from who he believed he was. The agile, fast, unstoppable hero… had become someone slowed, dulled, watched. He felt like a stranger in his own skin. Even the simplest outing felt like a trial, not just physically, but mentally. He imagined judgment in every glance, even the most innocent, and eventually began to avoid mirrors as much as the streets.

The worst part was his chest. It had grown, swollen under the effect of hormones, transformed into a permanent symbol of something he could no longer bear to see. It caused him physical pain, every step, every sudden movement, every brush of contact made him wince, but it was the mental suffering that broke him the most.

Even under loose clothing, even wrapped in the largest sweaters from his closet, he could feel it. That weight. That constant pressure against his ribcage. That intrusive presence that seemed to remind him every second that he was no longer the master of his own body. He would cross his arms in front of him, curl up, try to forget… but nothing worked. The weight was always there, oppressive, nauseating.

He couldn’t look at it, couldn’t even think about it without his stomach turning. Sometimes, the urge to vomit came just from thinking about it. A dull, brutal nausea, not just physical, but a visceral reaction, the reflex of a mind at war with itself.

The discomfort had crept in slowly, like a thickening fog, until it clouded his entire mind. And Shadow’s growing absence, his silence, had only made it worse. Instead of feeling supported, seen, loved in his vulnerability, he felt abandoned. Forgotten.

He was happy to bring his daughter into the world. He loved carrying life within him, feeling the first movements, resting his hand on his belly and imagining the future. What would she look like? Would she have his fur or Shadow’s, his eyes or hers? Would she be fast like him, or command chaos like her other parents? He couldn’t wait to meet her. But his mind, a silent, treacherous thing, had chosen this precise moment to strike, the moment he was most vulnerable, most open, most fragile.

He wanted to feel wonder. Truly. He wanted to look at himself in the mirror with tenderness, to smile at the transformation, at the miracle unfolding within him. He wanted to cherish this body that was creating life. But he couldn’t. Every reflection showed him an image that filled him with disgust. That wasn’t him. Not anymore. And that revulsion settled like a shadow, slowly seeping into everything he did, everything he thought.

Now that he had taken refuge at Tails’ place, it wasn’t the fatigue or the pain that overwhelmed him the most. It was a shame. A deep, visceral shame. Shame for having come to this point, for not having been stronger. Shame for feeling so estranged from his own body. Shame for withdrawing, for running instead of facing things head-on.

Above all, it was Shadow’s absence that hurt the most. His husband, the one who had promised to be by his side through every step, every fall, every victory. He wasn’t there. He hadn’t seen him break down. He hadn’t heard the cries for help, even the ones whispered into the silence. And maybe that was the cruelest part: being alone in a pain he so desperately wished to share.

His brother had listened to every word without interrupting, eyes lowered, fists clenched tightly on his knees. Each time Sonic paused, searching for the right words, Tails would gently squeeze his arm, as if to remind him he was there, and that they had all the time in the world.

Tails had become an anchor, a steady point of refuge for his brother. Sonic couldn’t help but feel moved. His little brother had grown so much. In a year, he would be an adult, and yet in Sonic’s mind, he still saw the small fox cub he had taken in. He had been the one to raise him, feed him, comfort him. And now, the roles had reversed.

The teenager felt powerless in the face of Sonic’s pain. He had seen his brother face gods, survive imprisonment, resist the Metal Virus. But this wound was different. More intimate. And far more painful.

Tails felt anger rising within him. His fur bristled, his twin tails twitched with rage, and he struggled to hold back the growl of fury burning in his throat. All of this, it was Shadow’s fault. His absence, his silence, had broken Sonic. The one who always tried to keep smiling… He was going to pay.

But revenge could wait. Right now, his brother needed care.

It wasn’t until dawn that Sonic finally calmed down. Tails gently laid him down in his old bedroom. Despite his exhaustion, he grabbed his laptop and set up camp by the door. He wanted to stay close, ready to step in if Sonic woke up.

He first sent a message to Amy and Knuckles to let them know what was going on. The echidna replied almost instantly, asking if he should go break Shadow’s nose. Tails hesitated. A part of him wanted to say yes, but he knew full well that Sonic would never allow it. So he simply asked the guardian of the Master Emerald to stay on alert, just in case.

Amy’s fury was no less intense. Reading her messages, Tails could easily picture the screen of her phone cracking under the force of her grip. Her words were filled with anger, rage, and deep compassion. She suggested taking Sonic to a spa retreat to help him relax. Tails gave a small, tender smile and silently applauded her through the screen. It was a good idea. Maybe it would help his brother. Maybe it would give him a much-needed change of scenery.

The rest of the morning, he worked tirelessly. He took control of Sonic’s home defenses, connected the system to the security cameras, and scanned every corner. That’s when he saw him.

Collapsed on the living room floor, unmoving, his face buried in his hands, Shadow was crying. Tails felt a strange pang in his chest… followed by a cold, almost sadistic satisfaction. Seeing him like that, pitiful, broken, brought a fleeting sense of relief. A small revenge. But not enough.

He slammed the laptop shut. The sharp sound of the lid echoed like a guillotine blade. He stood, moving silently through the morning-stilled house. He had to be quiet, not to wake his brother. He needed rest.

He returned to his workshop and, with trembling hands, activated an advanced security interface. An idea had just taken shape. He was going to build a portable barrier: a simple bracelet, thin, discreet. Nothing flashy. A device capable of detecting Shadow’s presence and repelling him, using his own Chaos energy against him.

The mechanism would be simple: if Sonic clearly stated that he wanted to see Shadow, the block protocol would deactivate. But unless those words were spoken, Shadow would remain outside. Rejected just as he had rejected Sonic for weeks.

Tails stood there for a moment longer, bathed in the bluish glow of his screens. Part of him wondered if this was right. If this was really what a good little brother would do. Then he shook his head, adjusted his protective goggles, and resumed soldering the components with renewed determination.

He had to protect his brother. And Shadow wouldn’t take another step toward him unless explicitly invited.

In the days that followed, Sonic was never alone. His friends took turns by his side, doing their best to lift his spirits. On the morning he woke up, after a restless but healing sleep, he was greeted by the familiar, comforting smell of a chilidog, carefully prepared by Tails, who also handed him a small box. Inside rested the bracelet he had built the night before. “A personal security system,” his brother explained simply.

Sonic gave him a long look, and Tails, lowering his twin tails, explained how it worked. The blue hedgehog thanked him for his honesty and activated it. He wanted to keep Shadow away for a few days, just enough time to breathe before asking him for answers.

After that, his little brother took him to see his therapist. It had been months since Sonic had spoken to him, the last time was to deal with the aftermath of the Metal Virus and his fear of physical contact. This time, he told him everything. And when he left, he felt a little lighter. Freed.

The rest of the day was calm. They spent it under a blanket, just the two of them, watching old movies and animated series that had made them laugh when they were younger.

The following morning, Amy and Surge showed up at dawn to pick him up. He didn’t have much of a choice: they were heading to a seaside spa retreat. Tangle and Whisper were already waiting for them there.

As soon as he arrived, Tangle rushed toward him, wrapped him in a tight hug, and coiled her tail around the two of them with enthusiasm, before dragging him inside without the slightest bit of mercy.

The day passed in a bubble of gentleness. He was pampered without pause, massages, scented treatments, manicures, skincare and fur care... He relaxed in the jacuzzis, savoring the warmth of the water. Even though he didn’t know how to swim, he loved the feeling. He felt lighter, almost forgetting about his heavy belly and aching legs.

Amy was constantly making sure he was comfortable, attentive to his every need. She had booked the entire spa just for them. He had no idea how much it had cost her, but he knew he’d never be able to repay her. The pink hedgehog simply loved making others feel good, taking care of them was her way of showing love.

Surge, true to herself, kept throwing him absurd challenges, which he met on autopilot, barely resisting. Despite her sharp tongue, he could see the kindness in her eyes. She liked keeping up her tough act. Still, the tenrec held his arm to steady him, stepped into the water before him to check its depth, small gestures, but they showed how much she cared, despite their rocky past.

Tangle, ever the playful one, kept dragging him into her antics. She splashed him unexpectedly, laughing at his bewildered expression before darting away too quickly for him to retaliate.

Whisper, as always, kept to the background. Quiet, but ever present, she watched over him with a careful gaze, like a reassuring shadow never far away. The wolf had taken off her prosthesis, using the opportunity to swim. Since losing her leg, she made a point of swimming at least once a week to keep her body strong. She said it helped ease the phantom pain.

Time slipped away without him even noticing.

That evening, they dined in the spa’s elegant restaurant, joined by Rouge and Blaze. The bat pulled him into a tight hug without saying a word. She didn’t ask any questions, didn’t even mention Shadow. And yet, he knew she had gone to see him. They were best friends, and Shadow must have called her after he left. She had probably tried to reassure him.

Seeing her, he couldn’t stop the guilt from creeping in. He had left Shadow alone. And he knew just how much his husband struggled with abandonment. He had lost so much in the past. Watching him walk away must have hurt him terribly. The weight of that thought nearly crushed him. He pictured the moment Shadow realized he wasn’t coming back right away, that he needed space. The look on his face. The emptiness of the house. The heavy silence. Maybe he should have gone back. Held him. Told him it wasn’t about him.

His gaze dropped to the bracelet Tails had given him. He stroked it absently, lost in his thoughts. A gentle hand landed on his wrist. Rouge, sitting beside him, was watching him with a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. She shook her head softly.

She knew exactly what he was thinking. And she didn’t want him to go back on his decision. "Let him learn from this," she murmured, then got up to greet the others.

Sonic sat frozen for a moment. His heart was torn, between pain, love, and the strange sense that he had betrayed someone who meant more than anything to him.

Then he looked up and saw Blaze. He didn’t know how they had managed to get her there. Her kingdom always needed her, and living in another dimension made everything harder. But she was there. For him.

That simple fact tightened his throat. All these faces around him, these silently caring presences. His heart swelled until it overflowed.

He broke down in tears, like an idiot, right there in front of his barely touched plate.

As the days passed, he began to feel better. More at ease in both body and mind. Each night, in the soothing calm of his room, he would settle into bed and speak to his daughter. He told her everything that came to mind, his thoughts, his memories, his dreams for her. With one hand resting on his belly, he gently stroked the taut skin, sometimes feeling the sharp, confident kicks of his child. These moments of connection filled him with a newfound tenderness. He had discovered that talking to her before bed calmed her, and in return, she gifted him with long, uninterrupted nights.

During this week of respite, he also took time to visit a few friends. He stopped by Vanilla’s house and savored her homemade cookies, still warm, just like the old days. When Cream came home from school, she took him to the Chao Garden. They shared simple but precious moments, playing with the Chaos, laughing out loud at their little acrobatics.

He spent another day with Mighty and Ray. The two seasoned adventurers loved long hikes and exploring the most remote corners of the world. Aware of Sonic’s limited stamina, they brought him along to pick apples. In truth, he mostly sat and listened as his two friends chatted away, gathering fruit. They had recently visited the Northstar Islands to spend time with Trip. Sonic was happy to hear news of the Sungazer.

The next day, Sonic decided to visit the Chaotix Team at their agency. To his surprise, the detectives weren’t working that day. He found all three of them outside, enjoying the sun in the courtyard.

Vector and Espio were sprawled out on the parking lot pavement, stretched full length, soaking up the warmth radiating from the asphalt onto their scales. Charmy, meanwhile, was sitting at a small table, hunched over his homework. The teenager was chewing on his pencil, staring at his dozing guardians with a mix of frustration and envy.

Sonic was greeted with a lazy wave and a half-murmured hello from the two half-asleep reptiles. He rolled his eyes, amused, then went to sit beside Charmy.

He helped him go over his language homework, English this time. Charmy was struggling with some verb tenses, and Sonic, with his excellent auditory memory, turned out to be a surprisingly good tutor. His many travels had helped him pick up several languages. He spoke six fluently: Mobian, English, Spanish, Japanese, Greek, and Arabic.

As he corrected the bee’s mistakes, Sonic couldn’t help but think back to those quiet evenings where he and Shadow would teach each other their native tongues. Shadow, having grown up exclusively among humans, had only spoken English and Spanish when they first met. Sonic, on the other hand, had been raised in a mostly Mobian environment.

He remembered Shadow’s fierce concentration, the frustration when he mixed up conjugations or stumbled over too-open vowels. He also remembered the tenderness in those exchanges, the bursts of laughter when Shadow butchered a word spoken too fast.

Over time, Shadow had come to speak Mobian fluently, though his accent remained thick and his grammar occasionally shaky. It had become a shared language. A bridge between their worlds.

Sonic smiled softly at the memory as he helped Charmy reword a sentence. Those memories warmed his heart.

The following day, Sonic decided to visit Knuckles. Tails insisted on flying the Tornado himself, flat-out refusing to let Sonic pilot the plane in his condition. He dropped him off on Angel Island, promising to come pick him up by the end of the day.

Knuckles was waiting for him, standing watch in front of the Master Emerald. Not far away, his daughter, a lively little echidna, was struggling to climb the temple steps. Her father, clearly overwhelmed, was doing his best to stop her from falling flat on her face.

As soon as she spotted Sonic, the little one let out a joyful shriek and bolted toward him, tripping multiple times over her clumsy little feet.

“Uncle Nicky! Uncle Nicky!”

Sonic crouched down, grunting a bit as he did, to catch her in his arms.

“Nicky, Nicky, let’s race!”

“Sorry, sweetheart, I can’t run right now.”

She gave him a puzzled look, then asked, perfectly innocent, “Is it 'cause you got fat?”

“Opal!” Knuckles gasped, horrified. “You can’t say stuff like that! I’m so sorry, Sonic…” He scooped up his daughter, who immediately squirmed furiously in his arms. “No, stop wriggling, hold still, young lady!”

Sonic burst out laughing. “Don’t worry, Knucklehead. Besides, she’s not entirely wrong.”

Knuckles sighed and tried to explain. “Sweetheart, your uncle can’t race because he’s pregnant. He got bigger because he’s carrying a baby in his belly.”

Opal tilted her head, clearly deep in thought. “Then he has to take the baby out so he can run again.”

“Aww, sweetheart… It doesn’t work like that,” Sonic murmured with a tender smile. He gently took her from her father’s arms. “But if you want, we can do something else. How about a treasure hunt?”

The little girl’s eyes lit up instantly. “YES!”

Knuckles rolled his eyes, a tired smile tugging at his lips.

“You have no idea what you’ve just started. Rouge keeps trying to turn her into a professional thief. Now, on top of my wife, I have to stop my brother from influencing my daughter.”

“We both know Rouge always gets what she wants. She doesn’t need my help.”

While Opal darted off toward a nearby grove, convinced she’d find hidden treasure there, Sonic and Knuckles sat down on the temple steps, in the shade of the Master Emerald. A peaceful silence settled over them, broken only by the chirping of tropical birds and the distant, excited shouts of the little one.

Knuckles was the first to speak. “She adores you, you know. Every time we mention your name, she asks when uncle Nicky’s coming back.”

Sonic smiled, both hands resting on his slightly rounded belly. “She’s amazing… Once my daughter’s born, we’ll have game nights together, all of us. You’re doing an incredible job with her.”

Knuckles shrugged, looking a little embarrassed. “I’m just doing what I can. I really messed up during Rouge’s pregnancy. I’ve been trying to make up for it every day since. I… I was an idiot.” He let out a deep sigh. “She’s got your energy, that’s the hardest part. Always wants to race. That’s your fault, you know.”

“Oh, you mean she’s lively, funny, and resourceful? She’s just better than you.”

Knuckles rolled his eyes, but a genuine smile broke across his face. Sonic fell quiet for a moment, his gaze drifting toward the clear Angel Island sky.

“I fake it. Sometimes. So people don’t worry too much…” Sonic admitted softly. “I’m tired, Knux. Mentally, physically. And I feel kind of… lost, you know? Being pregnant, it’s… it’s wild. And then there’s Shadow…”

Knuckles slowly turned his head to look at him, his eyes following his daughter as she climbed a tree, laughing. “It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when everything changes at once. I was there a few years ago.” He paused. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Sonic sighed, placing his hands on his belly, as if seeking some kind of anchor. “I know he wants to be a dad. Just as much as I do. We promised each other, on our wedding day, to always talk, no matter what. But for the past few months… he’s been pulling away. He doesn’t talk anymore. He just shuts down, and I… I know he’s trying to do his best, in his own way. But his silence… it hurt me. I needed him, and he wasn’t there.”

Knuckles placed a firm but comforting hand on Sonic’s leg. “You know… I think I get why he made those choices. I mean, Not that I agree with them!” he added quickly, catching the sharp glare Sonic shot his way. “Just… I think I understand what might’ve been going through his head.”

He took a deep breath, his eyes drifting back to his daughter, who was laughing and waving a branch.

“When Rouge told me she was pregnant, I panicked. Like, really panicked. I was terrified of becoming a father. I couldn’t picture myself taking care of a kid. You know, my parents left me alone really young, with nothing but the duty to protect the Master Emerald. I grew up thinking that role was all I had, all I was allowed to be. Letting myself love Rouge… and even more, welcoming a child? I thought that meant betraying that duty.” He clenched his fists, his voice laced with shame. “So I left. I abandoned her. Pregnant, scared, full of doubt… I told myself I was doing the right thing, that I needed time to figure it all out. But the truth is… I was just scared. And it wasn’t until I saw her pushing forward, holding on without me, that I realized how selfish I’d been. And how I, too, had the right to have a family. To live for something more than that damn duty.”

Sonic listened in silence, his eyes slightly glassy. “But you came back,” he murmured. “She forgave you.”

Knuckles nodded slowly. “Yeah. But I had to fight to earn her trust back. And even now, sometimes, I feel like I still have something to prove. But that’s normal. It’s the price you pay when you let down the people you love. Shadow… he’s got to walk that path too. And you need to remember, you don’t owe anyone forgiveness. You did what you had to do to protect yourself.”

Sonic took a deep breath, his gaze lost in the horizon of Angel Island. “I’m afraid he won’t want to come back. That he’ll stay locked in his silence, fighting his fears alone.”

“Then give him time,” Knuckles replied in a calm voice. “And in the meantime… lean on those who are here for you. Me. Tails. Amy. Even Surge,I heard you two have been having a good time together.”

Sonic chuckled softly, a tear rolling down his cheek. A triumphant shout cut their conversation short. Opal was running back, waving a shiny stone she’d clearly just dug up.

“I found treasure! Look! It’s a magic stone!”

Sonic laughed, gently scooping her up in his arms. “Wow, you’ve really got an eye for adventure, little explorer.”

Knuckles stood up, stretching, a tender smile on his face. “You’re welcome here anytime. Whether you want to talk, rest, or escape civilization.”

Sonic nodded, hugging the little echidna a bit tighter. “Thanks, Knux… really.”

They spent the rest of the day playing with Opal, running, or rather, walking after her, laughing, helping her climb trees, and picking up strange stones she called “magic stones.”

The rest of the week passed faster than Sonic had expected. Several times, he touched the bracelet on his wrist, hesitating to deactivate it. Each time, he pulled back. He wanted this week. A peaceful week, no explanations, no confrontations, no tightening in his chest every time he thought of him.

He didn’t even ask Tails how many times Shadow had tried to see him. He knew his husband wasn’t the type to sit back and do nothing. He had probably made several attempts. But for once, Sonic wanted to put down the weight of his responsibilities, just for a little while. To breathe.

He enjoyed the company of his friends, but also of his family. He called his sister Sonia just to check in and give some news. He carefully avoided the topic of Shadow, knowing their mother would be ready to start a war if she found out. Sonia, always attentive, sensed something was wrong. But she didn’t ask questions. She simply listened, told him he wasn’t alone, and that he could call her whenever he wanted. He thanked her from the bottom of his heart.

The following weekend, he went with Tails, Amy, and Knuckles to Seaside Island, answering Sticks’ invitation to spend a few days by the sea. From the moment they arrived, the sun, the salty air, and the laughter of his friends did him a world of good.

They all settled on the beach. While the others played an animated game of volleyball, Sonic sat quietly under an umbrella, his feet in the warm water, sipping fresh coconut juice, sunglasses slipping down his snout. He watched his friends with tenderness, a touch of nostalgia tightening his heart.

Sunday morning, as he slipped on a light shirt and draped a towel over his shoulder, he glanced at his bracelet for a few seconds. Then, without overthinking it, he deactivated it.

“I hope your father has a good explanation… otherwise, I’ll reactivate this damn thing,” he muttered, gently rubbing his rounded belly.

He settled under the shade of a palm tree, rocked by the gentle lap of waves and the cheerful shouts of Sticks and Amy debating a technique for bare-handed fishing.

And then, he heard it. That familiar sound. The unique whistle of the hybrid’s jet shoes, somewhere between an electric hum and a quick breath. A sound he would recognize anywhere.

He didn’t need to look up to know Shadow was coming. His heart sped up slightly. He took a deep breath, resting a hand on his belly, as if anchoring himself to something tangible.

 “Come on,” he whispered. “Don’t make me regret turning off this damn thing.”

He didn’t need to turn his head. He felt him before he saw him, the air growing heavier, chaos energy humming violently. Revealing his distress, his anger, but also his sadness. The footsteps came closer. Silent, measured. Then stopped right beside him.

A long silence stretched between them. The salty air seemed suspended around them. Their friends had moved away, surely to give them some privacy. Sonic tapped his fingers lightly on his coconut, watching the waves crash onto the sand. He didn’t want to be the first to speak.

“I’m sorry.” Sonic stayed silent. It wasn’t enough. Not yet.

“I know my apologies… probably don’t mean much to you anymore, not after everything I’ve done. But I still want to say them. To repeat them, if I have to. Because I realize now how much I’ve hurt you.”

Shadow knelt down in the sand, level with him. He took his hand in his own, gently. “I’m sorry for making you believe you were alone. For letting silence slip between us, like a poison. I was convinced I was acting to protect you. But in the end, I caused you more pain than any enemy ever could.”

Sonic finally looked at him. Shadow’s head was bowed, his shoulders trembling, fingers clenched tightly around Sonic’s as if afraid that a single wrong word would shatter this fragile moment. 

“I’m sorry for being a bad husband. An absent future father. I’m sorry for not keeping our promise… to always tell each other everything.”

A long silence settled between them once again. Then Sonic, in a calm, almost weary voice, asked, “So… tell me the truth.”

Shadow took a deep breath. His fingers tightened briefly around Sonic’s hand before he finally dared to raise his head. “My past came back to haunt me. Shortly after the public announcement of your pregnancy, GUN detected DNA traces. Fragments… proving that my brother is alive.”

Sonic’s heart skipped a beat. “Eclipse…” he whispered.

“Yes. When I found out… I panicked. I thought of you. Of our child. Of everything I had to lose. That coincidence, his sudden appearance right after the announcement? It wasn’t a coincidence. Not to me.”

He looked up at him, and Sonic saw something rare in his eyes, raw vulnerability, without any barrier. 

“When they told me Eclipse might be alive, my first instinct wasn’t to talk to you about it. My first instinct was to shut down. To act alone. As always. Because I thought that if I let you in on it, you could get hurt. You could be in danger. And that, I couldn’t bear. But in trying to spare you… I did worse. I betrayed our promise.”

His voice faltered.

“You were alone. While I was obsessed with a threat still unclear, you had to face the pregnancy, the doubts, the pain… without me. I ran away from my role. From my duty. Nothing, nothing can erase that mistake.”

He moved closer, his trembling hand sliding over Sonic’s belly, as if he dared not lay his palm there.

“I may not deserve your forgiveness. But I’m here. Not to watch over you from afar anymore, but to be present. To stay. Because I love you. And because I already love our daughter.”

Sonic looked at him silently, his throat tight, emotion gripping him. Shadow lowered his eyes again, breathing unevenly.

“I don’t even know if I still deserve to talk to you. I was cowardly. I ran away when I should have stayed. Looked you in the eyes. Told you what was happening, what I was feeling. But I said nothing. Nothing. I let silence destroy everything. I let your gaze grow cold. I saw the pain settle in your voice, and I did nothing. Nothing. Just… kept disappearing.”

He gently tightened his fingers around Sonic’s.

“It haunts me. Every night. Every time I looked at one of your photos. Every time I walked past our room. I lied to myself, saying it was to protect you. To protect you both. But the truth is, I was scared. Terrified, even.”

“I’m not what you’d call a good person. I’ve never really known how to express what I feel. But I can promise you one thing, Sonic: I won’t run away anymore. Even if the fear comes back. Even if Eclipse appears. Even if I have to face hell. I want to be here. With you. For you.”

This time, his voice was filled with that characteristic strength, raw, unwavering.

“So if you want to yell at me, blame me, tell me to leave… I’ll understand. But if you give me even the slightest chance, I’ll take it. I’ll earn it, every day, until you have no more doubts about me.”

He stayed silent. For a long time. Too long. His gaze was lost on the waves, but his fingers trembled slightly in Shadow’s hand. Emotion tightened his throat. He wanted to speak, but the words wouldn’t come yet. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if pulling his head out of water.

“You know, Shadow… I was angry with you. Really. I still am, a little. Because you weren’t there when I needed you. Because I was scared, lost, and you were… always absent. Yet, you’re here. Now. Kneeling in the sand, apologizing like the world depends on it. And you know me, I’m not vindictive… but I don’t forget either. It’s going to take time, Shadow. I can’t just pretend nothing happened. Like I didn’t cry alone hoping you’d be there.”

His eyes blurred for a moment. He smiled sadly.

“But I love you, too. And I never stopped. Not for a second. Even when I wanted to slap you. Even when I thought you didn’t care anymore.” He slid his hand over Shadow’s, the one resting on his belly. “This little one here… deserves that we do better. That we be better. Not perfect, no, because clearly, that’s never going to happen for the two of us… In reality, we can never be perfect, but we can do our best.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “So I’m not forgiving you yet. Not just yet. But I’m giving you the chance to prove it to me. I’m letting you come back.”

He opened his arms and gently pulled Shadow close to him. The hybrid collapsed against his chest, forehead resting on his shoulder, breath short. Sonic ran a hand through his quills. He could feel the black hedgehog’s tears wetting his fur.

“Just… stay, okay? Stay, Shadow. And talk to me. Even if it’s ugly, even if it’s hard. I don’t need a hero. I just need you.”

“I’m not going anywhere anymore. I promise you. I love you so much.”

There, in the sand, under the shade of the palm trees, with the salty wind and the sun as witnesses, forgiveness began to grow.

Chapter Text

The last month before the birth flew by. Between medical appointments, fatherhood preparation classes, and final purchases, the two hedgehogs barely had a moment to breathe. Then came the day before the big event. During his final check-up ultrasound, he had been able to finalize his birth plan with Dr. Harper. His daughter, already well-developed, was considered too large to wait any longer. They decided to induce labor at the beginning of the 38th week. This way, he could give birth naturally. He wanted to avoid a C-section. He had chosen to carry his child and wanted to experience his pregnancy all the way through.

Fortunately, the baby was in a good position. He was already experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, and his cervix was sufficiently dilated, everything indicated that a natural birth was possible. He had chosen not to get an epidural, which made Rouge roll her eyes, convinced he would regret it. He had simply laughed, claiming he was ready to face the challenge and had already endured many pains in his 24 years of life.

Shadow, for his part, hadn't missed a single moment. He had finally taken his paternity leave, entrusting the search for his brother to the rest of his team. All their loved ones had been informed, and each of their friends remained on high alert, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of danger.

They had chosen one of the best hospitals in the region to welcome their child. As a precaution, Tails had discreetly installed his own security systems, hidden, yet highly effective. He had even hacked into the GUN. database to gather as much information as possible about Eclipse. Despite Shadow's elite status within the organization, his hybrid origin remained a barrier, many sensitive details were still out of his reach.

On the night of June 28th, the two soon-to-be parents went to bed, their hearts full of emotion. The next day, Sonic would be admitted to the hospital, and labor was scheduled to be induced on the 30th. Excitement, mixed with a hint of apprehension, hung in the air.

They had carefully packed their things: spare clothes, toiletries, and everything they needed to welcome their daughter, clean diapers, a soft little blanket, a carefully chosen stuffed animal, and a breast pump. Nothing had been left to chance.

As he lay down in bed, Sonic struggled to fall asleep. Shadow, nestled behind him, held him in his arms, one hand resting gently on his belly. His fingers traced slow, soothing circles, but neither of them could find sleep. A heavy silence settled, comfortable, yet full of unspoken thoughts.

Then, in the darkness, Shadow let out a small chuckle, which he quickly tried to cover with a discreet cough. “What’s so funny?” Sonic whispered, curious.

 “Nothing…” Shadow replied, a smile in his voice. “I was just thinking… about us, not even a year ago. And look at us now.”

Sonic gave a faint smile in return. “From saving the world to changing diapers… Yeah, we definitely took a sharp turn.” He shifted slightly, their daughter wriggling happily under his skin as if joining the conversation. “I can’t wait to run again. Really run. The wind, the speed… I miss it.”

Shadow gently squeezed his hand and placed a soft kiss on it. He brushed his fingers over the wedding ring on Sonic’s finger, the one they usually kept hidden beneath their gloves. Such a simple symbol, yet so precious.

“I never imagined myself becoming a father,” he murmured. “Not really. I didn’t think I could do it… But I remember the day Gerald and Maria realized we were together, during the Time Eater incident. I was so afraid they’d reject me, that I had dared to find happiness after their deaths. But their smiles, their acceptance… it proved to me that I’d made the right choice in accepting my feelings for you.”

Sonic turned his head slightly toward him, his gaze soft despite his exhaustion. “I’m sure they’d be proud of you today. I know I am.”

“Maria would have loved to meet her niece…” Shadow whispered, his voice barely hiding the emotion behind it. Sonic felt his embrace tighten, the hybrid burying his face into his blue quills. That simple gesture was worth more than a thousand apologies, and Sonic knew it. “Thank you… for not giving up on me. Even when I didn’t deserve it.”

Sonic gently intertwined his fingers with Shadow’s, squeezing them with genuine tenderness. His heart beat a little faster. It was for moments like this that he kept fighting. “We’re a team, remember?” he whispered with a half-smile. “I hope you’re ready to back me up the day after tomorrow.”

Shadow let out a short laugh. “You can crush my hand and curse at me all you want.”

“Careful, I might actually break your fingers,” Sonic teased.

“No worries, I heal fast,” Shadow replied, a smile in his voice. He tightened their joined hands slightly. “I just hope you don’t get any wild ideas about digging a burrow and running off. I’m not going through the nightmare Rouge put me through again.”

Sonic burst out laughing. “Tch… that whole instinct story’s not happening to me. I’m being induced at the clinic. Zero chance of an instinct-driven escape. Besides, how could I run from you? My belly’s so big I can’t even move properly anymore.”

They shared a real, honest laugh, the kind that wipes away all tension. Then calm returned, like a soothing breath. The silence was no longer heavy, but filled with intimacy. A rare moment of peace. Slowly, their breathing fell into sync. And, in each other’s arms, they finally drifted off to sleep.

They had no idea what awaited them tomorrow.

***

When Shadow opened his eyes, an unusual heaviness weighed him down. His body, usually accustomed to fatigue, felt more numb than usual. He instinctively reached out to the other side of the bed, which he found empty. However, the warmth on the sheets indicated that Sonic had been there recently.

A yawn escaped him as he struggled to sit up. “Love? Are you okay?” he called out in a hoarse voice, his feet struggling to find solid ground. He staggered slightly. The room swayed, as if it couldn’t decide whether to stay steady or not. With a hand against the wall, he forced himself to move forward.

The light from the bathroom filtered under the door. It was open. Empty. “Sonic?” he called a little louder. Still no answer.

Something clenched in his chest. A dull tension, faint at first, then more persistent, like a silent alarm echoing through his foggy mind. He searched every room upstairs, stumbling over his steps, bumping into a chair. Nothing. Not a single trace of him.

Panic gripped him as he rushed down the stairs, nearly falling as he slipped on the rug. The ground floor was just as empty. Yet Sonic’s shoes were still there, neatly placed by the front door. Heart pounding wildly, he ran to the garage… but stopped dead in his tracks.

The sliding glass door in the living room was ajar, and in the distance, the small gate to the garden swung gently in the wind, wide open.

Sonic was gone.

A cold shiver ran down his spine. Desperately searching, he grabbed his phone, left on the nightstand. His fingers trembled too much to enter the code on the first try. It took him three attempts before he could finally dial Tails’ number, the keys blurry before his eyes.

He didn’t even wait for the full ring. “Pick up, Tails… Pick up…” he whispered, short of breath, his eyes fixed on the outside, where Sonic had vanished.

“Hello?” Tails answered, his voice still heavy with sleep.

“Sonic is gone.”

A heavy silence settled before the fox responded. “Wait… what?”

“He’s gone! He’s nowhere in the house, the sliding door is ajar, the garden gate too. He went out. Alone.” Shadow’s voice was shaking, a mix of quiet fury and panic.

Tails immediately sat up, now fully awake. “Okay, breathe. Maybe he just went out for a short walk?”

“On the day we’re supposed to go to the hospital? Seriously? You know him, he wouldn’t just leave like that. Not now. This is too… too big to be a coincidence.”

Tails gritted his teeth. He could hear Shadow pacing back and forth, his footsteps echoing like an alarm. “Give me a second. I’ll try to locate his phone.”

The rapid tapping of keys echoed through the phone as Shadow stood frozen in the middle of the living room, his eyes locked on the tree line of the nearby forest. Every fiber of his body screamed at him to rush in blindly, but he forced himself to stay still.

“I’ve got him,” Tails announced, focused. Clicks, zooms. “It’s weird… he’s moving fast.”

Shadow’s blood turned cold. “He’s in a car? Was he kidnapped?”

“No. The area’s too rough, there’s no road for a vehicle. And the movement is too smooth. He… he’s running.”

They both knew Sonic wasn’t supposed to be able to run. His Chaos energy levels were too low to reach supersonic speeds, and his belly was too much of a burden for optimal movement. He could hurt himself, and the baby. He had to be found, fast.

Shadow clenched his fists. “Give me his exact location. I’m going after him.”

“I’ll alert the others. Keep me updated.”

He took a deep breath, gathering all the Chaos energy still within him. In a blink, he shot forward, leaving behind a flickering halo of energy. The world blurred, every tree, every stone blending into a streak of indistinct color. He had only one thought in mind: the red dot blinking on his phone screen.

Sonic was far, but Shadow was faster. He would catch him. He had to.

He didn’t know how long he’d been running, his body on autopilot, but finally, through the foliage and the warped lines of the landscape, he saw him.

His fur gleamed in the rays of dawn. He was running fast, far too fast for someone in his condition. He stopped every now and then, sniffing the air, examining rocks, a tree, a dip between two bushes. Then he darted off again, even faster.

He’s looking for a place… to take shelter.

Shadow pushed himself to catch up. He had just gotten within a few meters when Sonic suddenly turned around. His quills stood on end, crackling with static electricity, and he growled. A deep, animalistic, primal sound. A warning growl, teeth bared.

Shadow froze. Struck like lightning.

Never… never had Sonic looked at him like that. Not even during their worst fights. He had never growled at anyone, not even their worst enemy.

Fear gnawed at Shadow’s gut. Snapping back to his senses, he resumed the chase. With a swift motion, he pulled out his phone, his hand trembling slightly, and called Tails.

“Shadow?” the fox answered immediately, his voice worried.

“It’s his instinct,” Shadow cut in, panting. “He’s running. He’s looking for a safe place to… build a nest.”

A muffled curse came from the other end, followed by rapid keystrokes. “Damn it… I should’ve seen it coming. It all lines up. He’s deep in nesting instinct. In that state, he’s not rational anymore. His body will only care about one thing: protecting the baby.”

“What do we do?!” Shadow growled, eyes locked on the silhouette of his husband sprinting away again. “We can’t let him give birth alone, out here in the woods. It’s too dangerous. The baby’s too big. If labor starts now, without help, he could…” He didn’t finish the sentence. He didn’t even dare to think about it.

“There are two options,” Tails replied, his tone serious, almost cold. “Either we follow him, let him build his nest, and try to secure the area so he can give birth there…”

“Impossible. He needs medical care. He has to go to the hospital.”

A tense silence followed. Then Tails spoke again: “Then you’ll have to catch him. And drag him back to the hospital. No matter what he says or does. He might not understand it right away, but it’s the only safe option.”

Shadow cursed under his breath, jaw clenched. “If I had a damn Chaos Emerald, I’d teleport us both right now.” He clenched his fists tighter, watching Sonic ahead, his movements increasingly erratic. “I’ll bring him back.”

Shadow moved forward again, slowly, hands raised in a calming gesture. But Sonic growled, eyes wide, muscles taut. He tried to dart off to the side, but Shadow stepped in front of him, blocking his path. With every attempt to dodge around, the hybrid anticipated, cutting him off, forcing him to backtrack.

Sonic’s movements were growing more erratic, his breathing ragged. He stared at Shadow with eyes the hybrid no longer recognized, stripped of their usual mischief, consumed by pure, instinctive panic. And it shattered Shadow’s heart.

He doesn’t even see me anymore. He doesn’t recognize me.

Slowly, he shortened the distance between them, noting the tremors in his husband’s legs, the sweat beading at his temples. He was at his limit. Every breath took effort. The Chaos within him was burning out.

“Sonic… calm down,” Shadow murmured, his voice rough. “You’re exhausting yourself. You can’t keep going like this.”

No response. Just another growl, weaker this time. Shadow stepped closer, arms stretched toward him.

“Let me help you. I’ll take you somewhere safe. A nest… just for you…”

Ten meters.

“I’m here. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m here to protect you, just like I always have.”

Eight meters. He could see his legs faltering.

“I promise, everything will be oka—”

He didn’t have time to finish.

Sonic leapt. A blue blur collided with him, teeth sinking deep into his arm. Pain exploded, white-hot and blinding. He cried out, stumbling back, stunned. Blood gushed, hot, fast, real. The world tilted on its axis. He could feel his energy draining.

Before he could react, Sonic delivered a savage blow to his leg. A sickening crack rang out. The bone gave way. Shadow collapsed, breath knocked from his lungs. He tried to reach out, to call his name, to stop him… But his body wouldn’t move.

He looked up, just in time to see the blue quills vanish into the trees. For a split second, he could’ve sworn Sonic turned back. Just for a moment. And he could’ve sworn… his eyes were red.

He forced himself to sit against a tree, grimacing with every movement. With each passing second, he felt his strength slipping away. His connection to the Chaos energy was blurred, perhaps weakened by panic or exhaustion... or worse.

His trembling fingers finally retrieved his phone from his pocket. The screen was cracked but still functional. Desperation lending him what little strength he had left, he tapped Tails’ name. The ringing seemed to stretch into eternity before the sleepy but concerned voice of the fox answered: “Shadow?”

A long silence followed. Shadow swallowed his pride, the bitter taste of blood in his mouth, and whispered in a hoarse, broken voice, “I need help.”

***

He had to run. His muscles knew it, his bones knew it. His entire being demanded only one thing: to find a safe place. A closed, hidden, warm place where he could hide. Where his little one would be safe. The call was there, pounding relentlessly against his temples, dull and unyielding. A wild pulse, foreign yet so natural. He no longer thought, he felt.

Something was calling him from afar. Not a sound. Not a voice. A visceral, ancient call, stronger than himself. He didn’t know where he was going, but his body guided him. Each step brought him closer to a place he had never seen but would recognize the moment he set foot there.

They had tried to stop him. A figure in his path, a presence too close. He had growled, bitten, struck. His heart had clenched for a moment, a brief tear in the fog of instinct, but he had no luxury for hesitation. He had eliminated the threat. Regained just enough energy to keep going. To survive.

He slowed sometimes. Forced to stop to breathe, bend his knees, feel the weight pulling on his center of gravity. But each stop felt dangerous. Every breath taken was one second too long, an opportunity for a predator to strike. He was too exposed. Too visible.

He resumed his run, arms wrapped tightly around his belly, like a protective barrier, like a promise. I will protect you. No one will hurt you.

He felt hunted. Watched. Even though he knew, somewhere deep inside, he was running from those who loved him. But instinct made no distinction. Everything that stood between him and his nest was an obstacle. And obstacles, he overcame them.

He squeezed his hand over his belly a little tighter, feeling a response, a small kick, maybe a pressure. He exhaled weakly, legs trembling, but his eyes remained fixed on the horizon.

He was close.

He could feel the tension in his mind becoming more solid. He could almost hear a voice whisper: come to me .

“Hey, idiot! What exactly do you think you’re doing?!”

A green figure suddenly appeared in front of him, blocking the path. Sonic stopped dead, his feet digging grooves into the soft earth. His eyes narrowed. Short breath, muscles tense, he immediately took a defensive stance: quills bristling, teeth bared, back slightly hunched, arms instinctively wrapped around his belly.

In front of him, Surge watched with a mix of irritation and caution. “Wow…” she said, tapping her hands together, sparks flying from her reinforced gloves. “They weren’t exaggerating, you really have gone feral.” She let out a nervous laugh. “I was ordered to take it easy on you, so you’ve really got cha—”

But she didn’t get to finish. Sonic lunged forward with fierce speed, taking advantage of her lowered guard to charge. He used his shoulder as leverage and shoved her out of his way. A sickening crack echoed as he crushed his foot with the momentum.

“AAARGH!” the tenrec screamed, collapsing to the ground, her foot twisted at a worrying angle.

But Sonic was already far ahead. He focused what little energy he had left into his legs, each stride faster than the last. He was almost flying above the ground, driven by a single purpose: escape. Find what was calling him.

He could feel their presence becoming more and more tangible. Suddenly, a flash of white sped past him, kicking up leaves and dust. A fraction of a second later, Surge was back in front of him, blood dripping from a probably broken nose. She spat on the ground.

“If you think I’m just going to let you get away that easily, you’re dreaming, hedgehog.”

A wild, brutal, desperate chase through the forest. Sonic leapt from tree to tree, slid across wet leaves, climbed over trunks, squeezed through narrow passages. But Surge always came back. Faster. Crazier. Every time she appeared, she struck. Not to stop him. To wear him out.

But Sonic… didn’t give up. 

Not when his instinct was screaming so loudly. 

Not when he felt the call so close.

He was no longer himself.

His breath was rough, his gaze blazing. A scarlet red tint slowly flooded his irises, consuming the green he was known for. Dark miasmas began to rise from his fur, creeping like living shadows, twisting around him in a toxic dance. His figure vibrated, distorted by the unknown energy he radiated.

Instinct. Rage. Terror. Everything was mixed together.

Surge didn’t even have time to react. The first blow struck with unprecedented brutality, hitting her side with a chilling crack. She screamed, her ribs had just given way under the impact.

The second cut her off at the throat, a precise, instinctive, almost animal movement. She staggered, swayed, gasping for air.

The third was the most violent. A blast of energy exploded from his fist, sending her crashing into a tree with a dull crash. The trunk cracked under the impact. She collapsed to the ground, motionless, panting, her body shaking with uncontrollable electric spasms.

Sonic stood frozen, his chest rising with rapid breaths. His black aura swirled around him, red lightning running over his skin like burning veins. He slowly turned his head toward the path ahead.

The call was stronger. Closer. Without a word, without a glance at the one he had knocked down, he vanished into the woods.

***

Tails was piloting the Tornado 2 at full speed, the engines screaming under the strain. Surge had been seriously injured. Amy had taken her immediately to the hospital, her face set and jaw clenched.

And Shadow… Shadow refused to stop. Despite his broken leg, despite the pain, he kept tracking Sonic, hopping on one leg if necessary. His determination was impressive… and worrying.

He had finally called the Babylon Rogues, asking them to follow Sonic from a distance and keep an eye on him. Jet had protested violently, ready to rush in to face his rival once again, but at the sight of Surge, unconscious and broken… he fell silent.

That was what pushed Tails to make a radical decision. A decision he knew deep down he would regret. But he had no choice left. Before the plane had fully landed, he jumped from the cockpit, gliding down on his tails to the ground. 

In front of him stood a massive metallic structure: Eggman’s laboratory. Cold, intimidating, as inhospitable as in his memories. 

But Tails didn’t slow down. He approached and struck violently on the steel doors. He didn’t have to wait long. The doors slowly opened, revealing not Orbot or Cubot, but an unknown man. Well-dressed. Square glasses. Calm eyes.

“If you’re here to destroy the lab, know that we’re very busy. Could you come back later?” he asked politely.

Tails frowned. “Who are you?”

“I’m the doctor’s assistant. You can call me Stone. And you? Why are you here?”

“I need to speak to Eggman. It’s urgent.”

Stone pressed his lips into a discreet grimace. “The Doctor is… unavailable.” From afar, one could hear the mad scientist’s screams with video game music playing in the background.

“This is really important,” Tails insisted.

“You can tell me your request. I’ll decide if it’s necessary to disturb him.” Tails hesitated. He wasn’t sure he could trust him… but time was running out, and Sonic needed help. He didn’t have the luxury to hesitate.

“I need Metal Sonic,” he finally said. “To capture my brother… without hurting him.”

Stone blinked, surprised, then a broad smile slowly stretched across his lips. “That’s… wonderful.” He clapped softly. “Metal was starting to get bored. He’ll be delighted to face his eternal rival in a… let’s say, more controlled environment.” He turned and shouted into the lab: “Metal, my boy, we need you!”

The robot appeared in seconds, fast and silent. He stood next to Stone, his red eyes fixed on Tails. There were some crumbs of snack cake on his armor. The man gently patted his head. The killer robot emitted several beeps… which oddly sounded like satisfaction.

 “Here’s your mission, Metal: you must capture Sonic without harming him. Understood?” Metal nodded vigorously with a series of affirmative beeps. “Perfect. I think we have an agreement.”

Tails, still frozen in place, watched the exchange with a mix of relief and confusion. Since Sonic and Shadow decided to start a family… Eggman had been doing stranger and stranger things.

“Uh… thanks?” he murmured, a little lost.

Stone winked at him. “At your service.”

***

He was almost there.

Sonic could feel every beat of his heart pounding in his temples. The call was deafening now, like a war drum pounding inside his skull. His body, exhausted, obeyed only pure instinct. He could already see the clearing, lost in the middle of the jungle. The one who was calling him was there.

One more step.

Two.

Then the air vibrated.

A metallic whistle tore through the silence. A swift shadow fell from the sky. Too fast for him to dodge. He tried to leap aside, but it was too late.

Arms of steel encircled him. Cold claws clamped around his waist, lifting him a few centimeters off the ground. He howled, more with rage than fear, his Chaos energy crackling across his skin, trying to push the attacker away.

His red eyes gleamed in the darkness, expressionless, cruel. His mechanical double didn’t need words to be understood. He wasn’t here by chance. He was hunting him.

Sonic struggled with the strength of despair, his quills bristling, his wild blows striking the metal shell of his clone without slowing him down. The metal groaned under the impacts but did not give way.

“Let me go!” he shouted, one hand still resting on his belly, protecting what little lucidity remained.

An almost animalistic howl escaped his throat, then he sank his teeth into the automaton’s arm, but to no avail. Metal tightened his grip, cables shooting out from his back to anchor into the ground and stabilize their position.

They didn’t move.

Panting, trembling in every limb, Sonic was drained of strength. His legs hung limply in the air, unable to support his weight. His whole body seemed to scream, torn between exhaustion and frustration. The dark miasma that had enveloped him until now slowly dissipated, as if the instinct, frustrated in its quest, was retreating into a shadowy corner of his mind.

Metal Sonic lowered his gaze toward him, his red sensors gleaming with a cold light. Several beeps escaped from his chassis, betraying an attempt at communication, perhaps a question, an assessment of his condition. But his mind was clouded; he could no longer understand. Everything seemed distant, unreal.

His eyes flicked around in panic, lost. Nothing familiar. Not their room. Not Shadow. He had just gotten up to go to the bathroom. And then… nothing. Emptiness. A long tunnel of wild running, blurred trees, distant screams. And now… this hole in his heart.

Fragments of memories returned brutally. The growls. The bite. The snap of a bone. The blood.

Panic surged inside him, dull, burning, uncontrollable. His breath caught. He had hurt Shadow. He had hurt Surge. He had lost control.

A sob rose, breaking what little composure remained. Tears streamed down his cheeks, trembling, uncontrollable, as his body curled up as much as the metal grip allowed. Muffled whimpers escaped his throat, heavy with remorse and fear.

Metal Sonic, after a moment’s hesitation, awkwardly lifted a hand and gently tapped his quills with a mechanical, almost clumsy gesture,like an attempt at comfort learned by imitation. Then, without a word, he tightened his grip, activated his dorsal thruster, and lifted into the air. Destination: the hospital.

Neither of them noticed the figure lurking in the shadows of the trees, hidden deep within the canopy.

Chapter Text

Metal had taken him straight to the hospital. Shadow was waiting at the reception desk, arms crossed and a displeased frown on his muzzle. His left leg was held in a brace. Sonic felt a pang of guilt stab through his heart: he had hurt his own husband. He had broken his leg. Why had he done that? He didn’t understand why Shadow’s mere presence had triggered such a violent reaction.

When Shadow saw the fixed, serious gaze his partner gave his leg, he stepped forward and pulled him into his arms. He gave a small nod to the robot, who activated his jet and shot off like a rocket to rejoin his masters.

“Your leg…” Sonic murmured in concern.

“It’s fine. Everything’s fine. I’m almost completely healed,” Shadow lied as he held him close.

“I’m sorry… I… I don’t understand what happened.”

“It’s nothing. Your instinct just took over. I’m already healing,” his husband reassured him gently, stroking his back. “And how are you? You must be exhausted after running so much.”

“I’m a terrible husband…” he whimpered, bursting into tears against his chest.

“Of course not. You’re wonderful, my love. You’re the best husband I could ever ask for.”

Shadow hugged him tighter and guided him to the hospital room that had been prepared for them. It was spacious, with large windows, a big comfortable bed, a table with a few chairs, a corner with yoga balls, and a fully equipped bathroom. He settled Sonic onto the bed, wiped away his tears, and ran his fingers gently through his quills to calm him.

“Feeling better?” he asked. Sonic nodded. “Do your feet hurt?”

From running barefoot, his paw pads had burned and torn. He lifted one foot with a grimace to show the damage to the hybrid. Shadow quickly cleaned the wounds, applied a healing cream, and wrapped them in bandages.

“That should help. Tell me if you feel any discomfort.”

“It’s okay. You should sit down and stop putting weight on your injured leg.”

“I’ll do that if you promise to stop feeling guilty. That’s usually my job.”

Sonic let out a small laugh before sighing in defeat. “Okay…”

Shadow took the nearest chair, feeling immediate relief. He hadn’t realized how much he was hurting, too focused on his husband.

“Do you want me to call Harper so she can explain how things are going to go?”

Another nod. Shadow pressed the call button. Harper entered with a broad smile on her face. "How are you doing, Mister Hedgehogs?"

"Sorry we didn’t make it to the hospital at the scheduled time," the blue hedgehog apologized, sniffling, ears drooping. Normally, he should have come in the early morning, but it was already mid-afternoon.

Their gynecologist approached gently and took his hand in hers. "Don’t worry. We’re used to pregnant patients who are a bit… elusive. Normally, we recommend home births for Mobians. Unfortunately…"

"I know. I have to be induced, so I need to follow a strict medical protocol to ensure our safety," he growled, clearly frustrated.

"I understand that the situation isn’t ideal, but we’ll do everything we can to make sure your delivery goes as smoothly as possible," she said, turning to Shadow. "For that, we can bring in some objects from your home to help create a nest. It’ll be a comforting space for you to retreat to during contractions."

"No epidural. We agreed on that, right?"

"If you followed the preparation exercises I recommended, you should be fine. You have a high pain tolerance. I’m confident. But I want to be honest: the medication used to induce labor causes contractions that are very painful, fast, and intense. It’s going to be hard and long. First births almost always are."

"I stand by my decision," he declared firmly, eyes full of determination.

Harper nodded gently. "Very well. May I examine you?"

"Yes."

"Perfect. I’ll start with a scan to assess your energy levels. After such intense running, they might be low. If that’s the case, we may need to delay the induction until you’ve recovered."

She pulled out a medical tablet and slowly passed it over Sonic’s body, from head to toe. It wasn’t the first time he had undergone this kind of exam, so he stayed still, eyes fixed on the ceiling. But his expression changed when he saw hers. She furrowed her brows slightly while reading the screen.

Immediately, Shadow stood up from his chair, alert. "What’s going on?"

She quickly looked up, reassuring. "Nothing to worry about, I promise. On the contrary, your energy levels are surprisingly high. Even higher than during your last appointment." She turned the screen toward them. "Have you been in contact with a Chaos Emerald recently?"

"No," Sonic replied, just as surprised as she was.

A smile spread across the gynecologist’s face. "All the better. That will work in your favor. You have more than enough energy to endure labor and delivery."

Sonic exchanged a glance with Shadow, a mix of relief and tension in his eyes. Then, Harper approached the bed with a professional yet warm smile and set her tablet down on the side table.

"Let’s begin the physical exam, okay? I’ll proceed in two steps: a vaginal exam to check how your cervix is progressing, then an ultrasound to assess the baby’s position and vitality."

Sonic swallowed hard. He was tense, despite the reassuring presence of Shadow sitting beside him on the edge of the bed. He had never liked... thorough examinations.

"I’m here," Shadow whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder.

The blue hedgehog nodded, a bit nervously. Harper stayed attentive to his every reaction, many of her patients had a tendency to bite when instinct took over.

"Sonic, I know this is never pleasant. You’re allowed to be anxious. Tell me if you want me to slow down or stop, okay?"

"Okay... go ahead. I’m ready," he murmured, without much conviction. He kept his eyes shut, focusing as much as he could on the warmth of Shadow’s hand against his fur.

"Almost done. You’re doing very well," Harper encouraged. "Your cervix is soft, well-effaced… dilated to about one and a half centimeters. That’s good progress. Your body is already getting ready. We’ll be able to start the induction through IV." She carefully withdrew, checked that there was no abnormal bleeding, then removed her gloves and tossed them into the bin. She handed him a damp tissue. "You can wipe yourself off, gently. Take your time."

Sonic nodded, his cheeks red. He cleaned up, then pulled his gown back down as Shadow helped him sit up. Harper gave him a moment to regroup before setting up the ultrasound machine.

"Now let’s take a look at the baby." Harper spread the gel on his round belly gently, using soft, circular motions. "There. I’m placing the probe… here we go."

A muffled, rapid sound filled the room, the baby’s heartbeat, lively and steady. Sonic turned his eyes to the screen. He had seen their daughter many times before, yet it never ceased to move him.

"I can’t wait to meet her," Shadow whispered, awestruck.

“You’ll be holding her in your arms very soon,” the gynecologist assured them. Then she gently pointed to each part of the little being growing inside him. “Here’s the head… well positioned. There’s her back… and her legs, curled up. Everything is in place. She’s very active. Look at those kicks. She’s saying hello.”

Sonic smiled in spite of himself, eyes glistening. “She’s always moving… especially when I’m trying to sleep.”

“That’s a good sign. A baby that reacts and wiggles around is a healthy baby. The amniotic fluid is normal. No abnormalities. Everything looks perfect.” She wiped off the excess gel with a warm towel and gently patted his belly. “That’s all for today. Tomorrow morning at six o’clock, we’ll begin the induction. Do you have everything you need to settle in tonight? The staff will help you set up the nest if needed. Don’t hesitate to bring things from home.”

She stepped away to record the data on her tablet. Sonic lay back down, exhausted but relieved. “Thank you, Dr. Harper.”

She gave him a sincere smile. “You’re very brave, Sonic. Truly. And you’re well surrounded.” She nodded respectfully to Shadow, then quietly left the room, gently closing the door behind her.

That evening, Tails and Amy arrived, their arms full of blankets, pillows, clothes, and plushies. Together, they arranged everything in one corner of the room, where the floor had been specially padded to build the nest. The spot was perfect, far from doors and windows, but open enough to have a full view of the room. Ideal for feeling safe.

Amy arranged the blankets around the edges of the nest, creating a soft cocoon. Tails silently sorted the items, neatly folding the clothes he had brought. Shadow, still a bit stiff from his injured leg, stacked pillows to create a protective barrier around the center.

Sonic settled in between two cushions with a small moan of contentment. He felt at home, almost forgetting he was in a hospital. His urge to escape faded, allowing his tense muscles to finally relax.

“I’m sorry I hurt Surge…” he murmured. “I didn’t know what I was doing—”

“Don’t worry, she’s fine,” Amy reassured him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “She complains a lot, but honestly, that’s nothing new.” Sonic gave a guilty little smile. “Though she will demand a rematch.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “I’d be happy to give her one.”

“That’ll have to wait a few months,” Shadow cut in sternly, arms crossed. He fixed Sonic with that intense look he reserved for those he loved most. “You’ll need to rest after the birth,” he added more softly.

“But I—”

“Sonic.” A single word, firm and final.

“Pfff…” he groaned, looking away with a pout.

Tails stifled a laugh while Amy shook her head, a fond smile on her lips.

They all ate together, played cards, and shared a few stories before visiting hours forced them to part. Before leaving, they promised to come back the next morning. The two soon-to-be parents decided to go to bed early. The day ahead would be long… and probably one of the most important of their lives.

In the dim calm of the hospital room, Shadow couldn’t fall asleep. He was afraid. A deep, visceral fear, lodged in his chest. Fear of seeing Sonic in pain. Fear of complications during the birth. Fear that Eclipse might come to harm them. He could have buried those worries, hidden them behind his usual mask. But he had promised not to face his demons alone anymore. So, in the dark, he spoke. In a low voice, almost a whisper against Sonic’s fur, he shared his fears.

Sonic listened without interrupting, his heart clenched at the vulnerability in his partner’s voice. He answered first in silence, holding him tighter in his arms, then whispered a few words in his ear. “I’m ready. I’m strong, we’re strong, and our friends are strong. We’re in the best hospital. We’re in good hands.” He placed a kiss on the hybrid’s temple.

Shadow closed his eyes, letting his fears ease, just a little. The warmth of the nest, Sonic’s presence, and the promise of their friends… all of it formed a barrier against his paranoia.

Morning slowly dawned in the hospital room, bathed in pale light. When the nurse entered at exactly six o’clock, Sonic and Shadow were already awake. They had gotten up very early. Sonic had insisted on taking a shower to feel clean and ready.

The nurse was a cream-furred mongoose, dressed in a pale pink uniform that matched her gloves, which she was adjusting as she walked in. She wore a badge: Alice – Maternity.

“Good morning! I’m Alice, the nurse who’ll be taking care of you today. How are you feeling this morning?”

“Very well!” Sonic answered with a big smile, bouncing slightly on the medical bed, clearly impatient. “I’m excited to get started.”

Alice gave a small, amused smile at his enthusiasm. “Perfect. First, I’m going to check your cervix to see if there’s been any progress since yesterday.” She put on new gloves with precision and performed the exam gently and efficiently. “Mhmm… no significant change,” she noted. “So I’ll administer oxytocin. It’s a synthetic hormone that will trigger contractions.”

“Yes, I know. Harper already explained everything to me,” Sonic replied with a nod. He was trying to stay calm, but his eyes shimmered with a mix of excitement and tension.

Alice carefully prepared the IV, disinfected Sonic’s skin, and inserted the needle with practiced ease. “There we go, it’s in place. The first contractions should begin in about thirty minutes. I recommend walking and staying upright as much as possible. That position helps speed up labor and makes it a bit easier. I’ll be nearby, but if you feel anything or need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”

"Alright. Thank you, Alice."

Shadow, who had remained silent until then, was observing everything with meticulous attention. Sitting beside the bed, his arms were crossed, his gaze fixed on the nurse’s precise movements. Yet despite his rigid posture, his hand had naturally found Sonic’s. He squeezed it gently, like an anchor, a reminder that they were there, together.

A memory surfaced unexpectedly, Maria, lying on a medical bed, pale, fragile, yet her gaze so bright. A dull pain twisted in his chest, as if the past was trying to shake him during this fragile moment. Fortunately, his husband’s voice pulled him back from that past.

"Could you repeat that?" he asked, a bit more brusquely than he intended.

Sonic looked at him gently, not reacting to the tone. "I was asking if you knew when the others were going to arrive."

Shadow instinctively checked the time on his phone, regaining his composure. "Tails and Amy should be here in an hour. Rouge and Knuckles will stop by around ten, after dropping Opal off at daycare." He hesitated a moment, then added: "Did you send a message to your family?"

Sonic lit up immediately, clearly proud. "Yes, look!" He practically shoved his phone in Shadow’s face, showing the family WhatsApp thread. "Sonia’s over the moon, she wants hourly updates... Manic just sent a thumbs-up emoji. And Mom..." He chuckled softly. "Mom still doesn’t know how a smartphone works, so Sonia writes for her."

Shadow raised an eyebrow, slightly amused despite himself.

"I’m sad they couldn’t come..." Sonic said, lowering the phone.

Shadow nodded, then gently pressed his forehead to Sonic’s and kissed him tenderly. "They’ll be here in two weeks."

Sonic closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the contact. He nodded, but a shadow crossed his face. "I think she got into a lot of trouble for that surprise visit."

His baby shower had turned into a diplomatic crisis. The Queen had literally fled the palace with Sonia and Manic to visit him. The nobles had not appreciated what they saw as an affront to tradition and "royal dignity."

"They were furious," Sonic added, crossing his arms. "As if spending time with your children was some kind of betrayal."

Shadow felt the anger rise in him again. "I should’ve gone to tell that bunch of old fossils exactly what I think."

He shook his head, a tired smile on his face. "Mom forbade me, and that applies to you too. She wants me to focus on the baby. She said..." He hesitated, then mimicked the Queen’s voice with exaggerated sarcasm: " No politics is worth disturbing the peace of an unborn child ."

Shadow smiled, amused despite himself. He knew how formidable the Queen could be, but he had also come to recognize that fierce benevolence she reserved for her children. “She’s right. You need to rest. Let her handle politics for once.”

“Hm… I usually don’t care what they say, but now it’s starting to get on my nerves. Just like those stupid journalists. Nothing but shameless vultures.”

“I love seeing you angry,” Shadow replied, before kissing him again, a little longer this time.

For the next two hours, Sonic and Shadow decided to take a walk, hoping to help things progress naturally. The hospital had wide, bright hallways decorated with green plants and calming paintings, which made the atmosphere surprisingly peaceful despite the circumstances.

They passed by a few other patients, many of whom recognized them. A woman tried to take their photo, but a nurse stopped her and threatened to confiscate her phone. Even at the hospital, he wasn’t safe from his fame.

Shadow limped slightly beside him, giving a dark look to anyone who dared stare too long. Meanwhile, Sonic carefully pushed his IV foot, dragging the drip behind him with annoyance each time the wheels squeaked over the floor joints.

They walked down to the inner courtyard, a small peaceful garden reserved for patients and their families. A stone bench, partially shaded by a blooming magnolia tree, offered them a brief respite. The morning breeze was soft and gentle, and the air lightly smelled of wet grass.

They stayed there for about twenty minutes, enjoying the calm, speaking quietly about anything and everything, the weather, a new game coming out, the name they still hadn’t chosen. Then, without warning, Sonic stopped mid-sentence, his fingers tightening slightly on the stone bench.

“Oh…” he breathed.

Shadow immediately turned to him, alert. “Was that a contraction?”

Sonic nodded, his brow slightly furrowed. He placed a hand on his belly and took a deep breath. “It’s not really painful. Just… a strange pressure. Kind of like a dull cramp, in the lower back.”

Shadow pulled out his phone and noted the time. Then, without saying a word, he held out his hand to Sonic to help him up. “Shall we go back up?”

“Another lap? Just around the courtyard.”

“Alright.”

They walked two laps around the small garden before heading back to their room. As they slowly made their way up the corridor, a familiar figure appeared at the end.

“Sonic! Shadow!”

Tails came running, closely followed by Amy, a bag slung over her shoulder and a big smile on her face. The fox stopped just in time to avoid knocking over the IV stand, panting but beaming. 

“Hey buddy!” He tousled his brother’s furr, causing Tails to step back shyly. “Have you been here long?”

“No, we just got here. Alice told us you were out.”

“Hmm… let’s say we wanted to enjoy the calm before the real chaos,” Sonic replied with a tired little smile.

“And I wanted to make sure he didn’t try running up the stairs,” Shadow added, shooting an exasperated look at his husband.

“Shads, I just wanted to test my legs!” Sonic protested, laughing, then placed a hand on his belly. “But don’t worry, I’m not ready for a marathon.”

“Contractions?” Tails asked, approaching with a worried expression. “Are you in pain?”

“For now, it’s okay. They’re there, but nothing regular. More like… strange cramps.” He sighed in defeat. “And my back hurts.” He groaned, stretching out.

Amy nodded gently, reassured. “That’s normal, it’s the latent phase. Your body is slowly getting going. It can take time, but it’s a good sign.”

“Great, I love waiting,” he grumbled, dragging the IV behind him as he headed back to bed.

The fox handed him a warm cup. “I thought you might want some herbal tea. Chamomile, it helps relax muscles. And for you, Shadow, black coffee just the way you like it.”

Shadow took the cup without a word but nodded in thanks. The soon-to-be parents settled into their nest; Amy spread a blanket on the floor so she and Tails could sit.

“We plan to stay with you all day, so just let us know if you need to walk, lie down, or just rant a bit,” she said with a wink.

Sonic laughed softly. “I’m already on the third option. I think you’re rubbing off on me.” He teased, nudging Shadow with his elbow.

The atmosphere in the room was peaceful. There was waiting, yes, but also warmth, smiles, and knowing looks. Sonic relaxed against the pillows, his hand in his husband’s, while they played several board games to pass the time. All that was left was to let time do its work. Alice came by now and then to check progress, but it was slow.

He was so eager to see his daughter. To finally hold her in his arms, tiny and warm against his chest. He wondered what she would look like, would she have his eyes? Shadow’s ears? He was already dreaming of the moment his partner would hold her for the first time, the look Shadow would give her, the unexpected tenderness in his gestures.

Of course, he was stressed. To say otherwise would have been lying to himself. Who didn’t feel a flicker of anxiety at the thought of giving birth? What troubled him the most was the possibility of a C-section. He knew it wasn’t a defeat, that it would save their daughter if needed. He would accept it without hesitation if it proved necessary. But deep down, he hoped with all his heart to avoid that option. He wanted things to happen naturally, as much as possible.

The hours passed… slowly. The quiet tick-tock of the wall clock marked the minutes, almost drowned out by the soft whispers between Amy and Tails. Sonic, propped up against a well-placed pillow, shifted positions every twenty minutes, annoyed by the stiffness in his back.

“Are you okay?” Shadow asked for the umpteenth time, sitting beside him.

“Yeah… it’s just annoying,” he replied, rubbing his belly. “The contractions are there, but they calm down every time I think they’re about to get stronger. It’s just long…”

Tails looked up from his tablet. “You could stay like that for hours. The important thing is to rest as much as you can.”

Amy nodded. “We’ll wake you if anything happens. Promise.”

He grumbled but eventually lay on his side, back turned to everyone, looking sulky but clearly tired. Shadow slid a hand over his hip, comforting him silently.

Just after ten, the sound of heels echoed down the hallway, followed by the brisk click of a door. Rouge appeared first, as impeccable as always, closely followed by Knuckles carrying a gym bag and a box of donuts.

“We’re here!” announced the bat with a proud smile. “Opal’s dropped off at daycare, and we’re here to keep you company all day.”

“I brought food,” added Knuckles gruffly but with good intentions.

Sonic sat up slightly, half awake. “You came!” He smiled, visibly happy despite his exhaustion.

“Of course we came. You weren’t going to give birth without me, right?” Rouge approached the bed and gently patted his shoulder. “So? How’s it going?”

“Four centimeters. Nothing exciting.”

“We’ll make it exciting then,” she replied, settling onto the blanket with a wink at Amy.

After hugs and teasing, they all settled around the table to eat. Knuckles told a ridiculous story about his trip to daycare dropping off Opal, while Amy gasped in horror at Surge’s messages demanding a “fair rematch this time, no hormones or dark chaos.” Nobody really understood the last part, but Surge loved to exaggerate.

Tails was tapping away on his tablet, discreetly checking the surveillance cameras he had installed around the hospital. He didn’t say much but nodded occasionally, as if reassuring himself.

Time seemed to slow down, becoming increasingly long for the blue hedgehog. They all knew the active phase would come later and that patience was needed. Around 1 p.m., Alice entered quietly, a soothing smile on her face.

“Everything okay? Need anything?”

Sonic shook his head. “No… just… hoping she finally decides to show her little nose.”

Rouge burst out laughing. “She doesn’t want to leave her cozy nest. Opal was in such a hurry to get out. Dilated in only thirty minutes, an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I thought I was being split in two.”

Shadow placed a hand on Sonic’s belly and murmured, “Take all the time you need, sweetheart. But not too much either.”

Four hours had passed. Sonic alternated between walking and stretching and had discovered the joy of using yoga balls to ease his aching back. Alice came by from time to time to check in, and the contractions were starting to become more regular and intense. They even began to hurt. Rouge was impressed by his endurance; during her labor, the bat had stayed lying on her bed, writhing in pain.

As he got up to go to the bathroom, supported by Shadow, he froze, eyes wide open. A strange warm sensation suddenly flooded him. He looked down and felt warm liquid running down his legs, shortly followed by a contraction more intense than the previous ones.

“Shadow... I think my water just broke,” he said, gripping his husband’s hand tightly.

He didn’t have to say it twice. Tails rushed to press the call button. A minute later, Alice entered the room as their friends stepped into the hallway to give them some privacy.

After a quick check, she nodded, smiling. “Confirmed. Your water broke and you’re at six centimeters. It’s official, active labor has begun.”

Sonic let out a nervous laugh, one hand on his belly. “Great... awesome… now it’s getting serious.”

“From now on, the contractions will intensify. I’ll check in every thirty minutes to see how things are progressing.”

The following hours were long and exhausting. The contractions had grown stronger and closer together, leaving barely any time to catch a breath between waves of pain. Yet his body was taking its time to reach ten centimeters.

Sonic struggled to find a position that brought relief. Lying down, sitting, standing, nothing seemed enough. Still, he kept walking, holding onto Shadow’s arm whenever the pain paralyzed him, his legs buckling under the assault of his own body.

He thought back to that morning, how lightly he had taken the first contractions. He would have laughed, if the pain hadn’t tightened his throat. Now, he inwardly cursed himself for thinking it would be bearable.

He saw the worry in Shadow’s eyes, that dark, attentive look, heavy with helplessness. His husband couldn’t stand seeing him like this: bent over, gasping for breath, his face contorted in pain.

So Sonic did what he did best: joke. He threw out quips between breaths, forced a smile. He tried to keep up the illusion of control he knew was already lost. But even their friends, quietly watching in a corner of the room, saw through the facade. His humor sounded hollow, stretched thin by exhaustion.

“Please, stop looking at me like that or I’m gonna have to hit you,” he growled at his husband, his eyes burning with a mix of fatigue and irritation. He couldn’t bear that worried expression anymore, as if he was about to crumble before him.

“I…” Shadow opened his mouth but was cut off.

“Shads, listen, I’m not gonna die, okay? I’m not the first person to give birth, and I sure won’t be the last. So stop staring at me like I’m about to fall apart. If it gets too much, go get some air, I swear, I’ll be fine.”

Just then, Rouge intervened in a soft but firm voice: “Don’t worry, Blue. We’ll go get some air together; it’ll do you good.”

Shadow squinted, worried: “But… what if something happens?”

Rouge gave him a reassuring smile. “Tails will be flying overhead; he can warn you immediately if there’s any problem. We’ll just take a short walk, just the two of us, and then come right back.”

Shadow frowned, still worried but accepting the compromise. He crossed his arms, a bit defensive. “Do you really think that’s a good idea? Even just for a few minutes?”

Rouge shrugged confidently. “Look, I understand you’re worried, that’s normal. But staying locked in here watching him suffer isn’t helping him. And it’s not helping you either. You need to take a little step back. You have the right to breathe a little.”

He sighed. “And what if he needs me?”

“If that happens, Tails is ready to jump in in the blink of an eye.” Rouge smiled softly, placing a reassuring hand on her best friend’s shoulder. “You need to be strong for him. Not just frozen here by anxiety.”

Shadow looked away, his throat tight. “I’m scared. Scared of what might happen.”

The bat looked him straight in the eyes. “It’s normal to be afraid. But your fear can’t keep you from being there for him. You have to keep your head above water and not drown.”

Shadow lowered his head, breathing slowly. “I just want him to be safe. To not suffer more than necessary.”

“Honey, childbirth is painful. There’s no avoiding that. So take a moment to catch your breath.” Rouge winked. “A little walk will clear your mind.”

Shadow nodded, finally a bit calmer. “Alright. Just for a little while.”

Rouge smiled, satisfied. “Perfect. We’ll be back soon.”

At 7 p.m., Knuckles and Rouge had to leave. They excused themselves gently, their daughter was waiting for them. Shadow promised to send news as soon as there was any change. Amy and Tails stayed, settled quietly in chairs in the room, present without being intrusive. Their simple presence comforted Sonic, even though he no longer had the strength to talk to them. Deep down, he still hoped the labor would finish before visiting hours ended, so they could be there. He knew it was a vain hope. His body was progressing slowly. Too slowly. Barely a centimeter per hour.

“I thought it would go faster…” he murmured between contractions, his eyes wet with fatigue.

Shadow gently squeezed his hand and kissed his sweat-dampened forehead. “You’re making progress. Slowly, maybe… but you’re moving forward.”

Sonic clenched his teeth. He wanted to snap back, to growl, to tell him to stop repeating what he already knew. But he bit his tongue. Shadow was trying to do right by him. Trying to support him. Still, it irritated him.

Since this morning, everything was moving at a maddeningly slow pace. He, the fastest creature in the world, stuck in a process that neither speed nor willpower could speed up. It had been thirteen hours since labor began. He knew inductions could last a long time, sometimes up to forty-eight hours. He’d read all the articles, listened to the doctors. Still, the waiting was driving him nuts.

It wasn’t just fatigue or pain. It was the feeling of losing control over what was happening inside his own body. And even though Shadow was doing his best, patient, loving, attentive, Sonic felt anger rising in his throat for reasons he couldn’t explain.

He knew it wasn’t rational. He knew it was hormones. Impatience. Fear. But that fire of irritation simmered just beneath his skin.

He turned his head slightly toward Shadow, more tired than angry. “Sorry. If I’m… grumpy.”

Shadow smiled softly, tenderly stroking his cheek. “You have every right to be. You’re bringing our daughter into the world. I’m just here to take it all in.”

He let out a small, shaky laugh, caught somewhere between pain and tenderness. For a few seconds, he leaned against the comforting shoulder of the man he loved.

The setting sun cast rosy reflections on the walls. The contractions had temporarily spaced out, giving Sonic a brief respite. Now, they were alone in the room, the visiting hours had ended. He sat nestled in the bed, his back slightly reclined against a stack of pillows, legs pulled close. Shadow was by his side, holding his hand, their fingers intertwined. The warmth of his palm was reassuring.

“Feeling better?” Shadow asked in a low voice, almost a whisper. He gently wiped the sweat from Sonic’s fur with a damp cloth.

Sonic nodded softly. “For now. She decided to give me a little breathing room…” He placed his other hand on his belly, stroking it slowly. “I feel like she knows.”

Shadow tilted his head. “Knows what?”

“That I’m tired. That I need to rest.”

They exchanged a look. Shadow didn’t need words to understand all that Sonic wasn’t saying: the fear, the impatience, the fatigue, the pain.

The hybrid lifted their joined hands and placed a kiss on them. “You’re incredible.”

Sonic gave a tired smile, his eyes shining. “I don’t feel incredible. I feel… exhausted, sweaty, and hungry.”

He wasn’t allowed to eat, in case a cesarean became necessary. He had to remain fasting, ready for possible anesthesia. That waiting weighed on him as much as the pain.

Shadow gave a faint smile. “I’ll prepare a feast for you as soon as we get home.”

“I want sushi. It’s been so long. Right after I give birth, I want you to bring me a sushi platter.”

“Your wish is my command, my prince.”

Sonic chuckled softly, then closed his eyes for a moment. He savored the silence. The calm. This moment was suspended in the storm. Just the two of them.

He lay back a little more, resting his head on the hybrid’s legs. “Do you think she’ll have your eyes?”

“Even if she does, we’ll have to wait two weeks before she opens them.”

They shared a tender look. Then silence returned, comforting. They stayed like that for several minutes, curled up together, listening to the steady rhythm of their mingled breaths. Then a stronger contraction came on, slowly but surely building like a heavy wave rising. Sonic breathed in slowly, squeezing Shadow’s hand tightly.

The calm was over.

The wave of pain rose, heavier, deeper than the previous ones. He arched slightly, his breath caught in the grip of the contraction. Shadow tightened his hold on his hand, grounded, silent, eyes fixed on him, ready to act at the slightest signal.

He struggled to sit up. “That one… was different,” he gasped, feeling another coming.

Shadow nodded. “Lower?”

“Yes. And more… urgent.” He had to get on all fours to ease the pain. “Damn.”

He had entered active labor, and he could feel the baby starting to engage in the pelvis. The final stretch was beginning. Shadow rushed to press the call button, and minutes later, Alice and Harper entered the room.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like someone’s trying to tear me open from the inside.”

She nodded, understanding. “I’m going to examine you, okay?”

Sonic nodded, jaw clenched. Shadow helped him onto the bed, the pain forcing several pauses to catch his breath. Silence fell as she checked his progress. Shadow watched every movement, every furrowed brow. When she looked up, she gave a small smile.

“You’re at ten centimeters, and the baby is engaged.”

A rush of adrenaline, fear, and relief swept through him. He was there. Finally, He wanted to laugh, cry, sleep, all at once. He turned his eyes to Shadow, breath short.

“Do you hear that?” he whispered, voice trembling. “She’s coming…”

Shadow gently cupped his face, their foreheads touching in a reassuring, tender contact. “It’s going to be okay. You can do this. I’m here… and I believe in you.”

Suddenly, a wave of panic surged through him, brutal and uncontrollable. His breath caught, his lungs felt like they were compressing. His throat tightened until he felt suffocated. He couldn’t think, much less speak. What if he couldn’t do it? What if it was too much? What if he wasn’t made for this? Why had he ever thought it was a good idea? He was going to fail. He’d be a miserable parent. Unfit. Undeserving.

“Hey!” Shadow’s voice cut softly through the turmoil in his mind. He tightened his grip, forcing him to look up. His reddish eyes locked with his eyes, full of assurance and trust. “Stop. Stop doubting. You can do this. You will do this. You’re the strongest, most incredible person I know.”

Sonic blinked, overwhelmed. Shadow’s words were like an anchor thrown into a storm. Slowly, the dizziness faded. The panic began to loosen in his chest. He nodded, unable to speak, then threw himself into Shadow’s arms. He held him like he might disappear. In that embrace, the world started to take shape again.

He could do this.

“You still want to give birth standing up?” the hybrid asked.

“Yes,” he breathed without hesitation.

They helped him to his feet. He placed his hands on the bed’s railing to stay upright. Shadow was by his side, one hand steady on his waist, the other tightly gripping his. Harper and Alice moved calmly around him, preparing the space on the floor, laying down a cushion and towels, checking everything with a professional yet gentle eye.

A new contraction hit, brutal, relentless, it bent him double. He crushed his husband’s hand on his own, hearing bones creak under the pressure. He screamed through clenched teeth. He bit his lip, feeling the blood fill his mouth.

“Breathe with me, Sonic,” Harper murmured. “Let it pass. It’s helping you. Don’t forget to breathe.”

He clung to her voice, to Shadow’s arm, to his own will. His lower belly was on fire, his legs trembling, and without Shadow’s firm grip, he would’ve already collapsed. He could feel the pressure rising, becoming more intense by the second. It felt like he was going to explode.

He was drenched, the sweat soaking his hospital gown against his fur. Every breath was agony, his lungs burned. He couldn’t stop the stream of curses spilling from his lips as the contractions grew longer and the time between them shorter.

“You’re going to have to start pushing.”

He braced himself, waiting for the next wave to crash through him like a volcanic eruption. The contraction was even longer and tore through him like an electric shock. He screamed, unable to contain it. He could feel his muscles stretching, pulling, burning, tearing. He was crying without even realizing it, his tears mixing with the sweat beading on his face.

He pushed.

Shadow murmured his name, again and again, holding onto him like an anchor. He was there, steady, encouraging. And yet, his voice was growing fainter. The edges of Sonic’s vision began to darken, and sounds blurred into each other.

“You’re doing great. Keep going,” Harper encouraged.

He pushed again. And again. Minutes. Hours? He no longer knew. Time didn’t exist. There was only that awful loop of pain, of screaming, of gasping for air.

“Breathe, Sonic. Breathe with me,” Harper whispered gently. “You’re almost there. We’ll let the next one pass. A short break, then we’ll go again.”

He panted, drenched in sweat, muscles straining to the breaking point, legs shaking. He didn’t even know how to breathe anymore. His lungs were on fire. His head was spinning. His whole body was burning.

“I… I can’t…” he sobbed. “It hurts so much.”

“Hey,” Shadow took his face in his hands. “You can do this. You’ve faced worse than this. You’re almost there. We’re about to hold our daughter. You’re doing an incredible job.”

He blinked, fighting back tears, fighting the exhaustion threatening to swallow him whole. Shadow’s words gave him strength again. He nodded weakly, unable to answer any other way. He couldn’t feel his legs anymore. He was hot, then cold. He was trembling. He didn’t even know where he was. He was losing his mind.

“Come on, Sonic, let’s keep going. Get ready to push with the next one,” Harper murmured. Her voice sounded so far away.

Another contraction hit, harsher, wider, more demanding. It left no room for hesitation. He pushed. This time, he screamed. A deep, raw scream, unrestrained. He felt his entire lower belly stretch, his skin burn, his muscles tear under the pressure.

“She’s coming down, you’re doing wonderfully,” said Alice calmly, but Sonic could barely hear anymore. He was truly faltering. His knees nearly gave out, but Shadow held him firmly.

“I’m here, I’m here,” he whispered again and again, his forehead pressed against Sonic’s sweat-soaked temple. “I’ve got you. Don’t let go. You’re almost there.”

Another contraction. Fiercer still.

He pushed again, with what little strength he had left. He felt a crack. A sharper, cleaner pain. He screamed again, a cry of rage and desperation. Something had torn, he could feel it. He could feel the blood, warm, sliding down his thighs.

“There’s a tear. But she’s coming,” Harper said quickly, focused. “Here, give me your hand. Do you feel that? That’s her head. Keep going, you’re about to hold your baby girl. Just keep pushing!”

So he did. Again. And again.

Lost in the unrelenting tide of pain, he no longer knew if he was screaming or crying, breathing or suffocating. The world around him had become a haze of burning sensations, exhausting effort, and blurry light. He couldn’t make out voices anymore, or faces. There was only the pushing. The fire. The exhaustion.

And then… he heard it.

A cry. Faint, high-pitched, but real. It was his daughter.

His legs gave out completely as strength drained from his body all at once. He collapsed gently onto the bed, caught just in time by Shadow, who helped him lie on his side, his back supported, breath ragged.

Alice and Harper moved quickly around the baby, a graceful dance of precise, practiced gestures. Warm towels, sterilized instruments, soft murmurs passed between professionals. “Born at 11:23 p.m.…” Alice said with a gentle smile as she wiped the newborn. “You really like keeping us in suspense, huh?”

Shadow, standing beside Sonic with his hand still tightly clasped in his, choked back a sob. His eyes were shining, overflowing with tears. “She’s here! Look, Sonic… she’s really here!” His voice broke, thick with emotion. He leaned down and kissed his husband’s burning, damp forehead. “You were amazing. It’s over, my love. She’s here.”

With a warm smile, Harper held out a pair of sterilized scissors. “Would you like to cut the umbilical cord?”

Shadow nodded silently, throat too tight to speak. His hands trembled slightly as he cut the last link still tying their daughter to Sonic. Moments later, wrapped in a soft blanket, the baby was laid gently on Sonic’s chest, skin-to-skin. She squirmed weakly, her fists clenched, her face red from crying.

She was big. Bigger than Opal had been at birth. A heavy baby, and Sonic’s body felt every bit of it. Everything burned. But despite the exhaustion, he held her close, studying her blurry features, her soft quills, her slick skin, the sparse tufts of fur already starting to appear.

“She’s… all wrinkled,” he whispered hoarsely, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Shadow laughed through his tears, running a hand tenderly over Sonic’s sweat-matted quills. “She’s beautiful.”

On Sonic’s chest, the baby let out a tiny sigh. 

Her quills were short, soft, almost flattened against her tiny head, a fragile hint of what they would one day become. Their light gray hue gradually darkened toward the tips, like a distant stormy sky. On her chest, a small tuft of fine, silky white fur was already visible, clearly inherited from Shadow. Her tiny muzzle, wrinkled in subtle discontent, bore a pale beige shade, almost identical to his.

The rest of her skin, still bare and delicate, was speckled with a few tufts of light gray fur. Her tiny paw pads, a pastel pink so light they were nearly translucent, instinctively drew his hand, he couldn’t help but gently run a finger over them. She let out a small, disgruntled chirp, a tiny protest that made them both smile.

The color of her eyes could only be guessed, as they remained stubbornly closed during the first two weeks of her life. Her little gray ears, tipped with black, were pressed close to her head.

Her tiny nose kept twitching, soaking in the scent of both her parents. Instinctively, her fists grabbed hold of Sonic’s fur, her face nuzzling into his chest, searching for warmth.

Sonic struggled to keep his eyes open. His head leaned against Shadow’s shoulder, heavy and unsteady. He was panting, muscles loose, body drained, soaked in sweat. His blurred gaze drifted toward Shadow, he could see him talking, crying… but the sounds felt distant, muffled, as if underwater.

He wanted to stay awake, to hold his daughter just a little longer. He really did. But he was so cold… and so incredibly tired… His eyelids began to fall halfway. Just a second, he thought. Just a second to rest…

“Sonic?” Shadow’s voice turned sharp, worried. He cupped his face with both hands. “He’s so pale! Sonic, stay with me! Stay awake!” Panic edged into his voice.

Sonic tried to whisper something, but only a hoarse breath escaped his throat. His body was trembling slightly, completely spent. An alarm suddenly blared beside them. Harper’s head snapped around, her expression tightening.

“His blood pressure is crashing. Alice, oxygen, now!”

Hands moved quickly around him. Shadow took their daughter into his arms, stepping aside to give the medical team space. Alice swiftly grabbed the oxygen mask while Harper checked his vitals. The beeping from the monitor had quickened, its irregular rhythm ratcheting up the tension in the room.

“Sonic, can you hear me?” Harper asked firmly, gently tapping his cheek. “Stay with us. Breathe.”

A cool pressure wrapped around his face as the mask was placed over his nose and mouth. The compressed air burned his nostrils, but it was life itself. He inhaled, shallow at first, then a little deeper. His heart was still pounding loudly in his ears, but slowly, the world returned. Sounds became clearer. The lights are less harsh. The edges are less blurred.

Among them, Shadow’s voice, cracked, panicked. “You’re going to be okay. Do you hear me? I’m here. Stay with me! Don’t you dare leave us now, Faker!”

Sonic blinked. A single tear rolled down his cheek. He tried to lift his hand, weakly, reaching toward him. “Sha…” he whispered.

Shadow caught it immediately, holding it gently to his cheek. “I’m right here. Look, we’re both here,” he said, showing their daughter in his other arm. “You’re going to be fine. Just breathe. That’s all you need to do.”

Harper gave a relieved nod. “Blood pressure’s rising. He’s responding well to the oxygen. He just needs to recover.”

Alice approached with a warm blanket and draped it over him with a gentle touch. “You’ve lost a lot of energy. We’ll start an IV. The placenta still needs to be delivered, and we need to stitch the tear. You’ll have to stay lying down for a while, okay?”

Sonic gave a barely perceptible nod. He was shivering, but his lungs were finally starting to work again. Each breath no longer felt like a battle. The dizziness faded. His fingers stopped trembling.

Time blurred, suspended in a haze of exhaustion and medical care. When the placenta was delivered and the tear finally sutured, his condition stabilized. The oxygen mask was removed, the danger of relapse passed.

Harper returned to his side with a soft smile. She gently handed him the baby, now bundled in a pink blanket, dressed in a tiny onesie and a matching pink hat. “She’s doing perfectly. A beautiful 4.02-kilo baby, much bigger than average. Congratulations.”

Something broke inside him, not from pain this time, but from sheer emotion. Silent sobs wracked his chest, too drained to make a sound. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he held his daughter for the second time. She breathed quietly, peacefully. She was okay. She was here.

Shadow stood still for a moment beside them. He looked at her. Then at him. Seeing them both safe and well. He placed a trembling hand on Sonic’s shoulder, leaned down, and kissed him with infinite tenderness.

His voice was strained, barely audible. “I’m so… so relieved…” He clung to him like a castaway to a lifeline. “I thought I was going to lose you…”

Shadow had held strong through the hours of pain. But now that the worst was over, his defenses crumbled, one by one. The black hedgehog buried his face in Sonic’s neck, his breath broken by sobs he could no longer hold back.

Sonic turned his head weakly, resting his cheek against Shadow’s, his eyelids half-closed. “We’re here. She’s here. It’s over, Shadow…”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The silence that followed was gentle, almost sacred. They were alone in the room, nestled against each other. The atmosphere was soft, wrapped in the peaceful breathing of the newborn curled up between them. They hadn’t told anyone yet. They just wanted to savor this moment.

Their little girl stirred slightly, soothed by the warmth of their bodies. She let out a tiny yawn, revealing a small pink tongue, and almost immediately drifted back to sleep. Being born must be exhausting.

Sonic’s eyes were still half-lidded, fighting against the exhaustion that threatened to pull him under, but he didn’t want to sleep. Not yet. Not before giving her a name.

Shadow was watching him, silently, attentively, as if he could read his thoughts. “You’re thinking about something,” he murmured, brushing his fingers gently across their daughter’s cheek.

Sonic nodded softly. He looked at their baby. They had never really discussed names. He wanted to see her first, to know what she looked like.

“I want to name her Ash.”

Shadow blinked, then repeated with quiet curiosity, “Ash…?”

“Like embers. Something that’s been through the fire. She burned me from the inside out.” He chuckled at his own joke. “We just went through hell and came out the other side. And look at her fur, it’s the color of ash.”

There was emotion in his voice, a mix of exhaustion, yes, but also immense, unconditional love. He traced his fingers lightly across the tiny forehead, barely wrinkled beneath the room’s soft light.

Shadow stayed quiet for a moment, then a slow smile spread across his face. He leaned in closer, placed a hand on Sonic’s arm, and looked down at their daughter. “Ash. I like it. Then it’s Ash the Hedgehog. Our little flame.”

Sonic closed his eyes for a moment, relieved, comforted. “Amy’s going to spoil her so much she’ll forget she even has parents.”

Shadow chuckled softly. “We’ll have to keep an eye on her, or if Rouge gets too involved, we might end up raising a little thief.”

A knowing silence followed, then Sonic shifted slightly, looking suddenly thoughtful.

“By the way… we still haven’t told them who the godparents are.”

“We’ll deal with that tomorrow,” Shadow replied, gently stroking his cheek.

He gave her her first meal under the guidance of the midwives. He had hesitated for a long time about breastfeeding. He had chosen to become pregnant and give birth naturally, so it only made sense to go all the way and nurse his daughter.

At first, it was difficult. They had to find the right position. Almost immediately, Ash latched onto him, her tiny fists gripping his fur with surprising strength for a newborn.

Once she was full, she fell asleep almost instantly.

"She's so adorable." He yawned so hard it felt like his jaw might come off.

“You should sleep now.”

“No. I’m exhausted, but more than anything, I’m really, really hungry, and you made me a promise.”

“The infamous sushi…” Shadow muttered with a hint of amusement. He checked his phone, ignoring the flood of messages that had come through. “It’s two in the morning. Love, are you sure you don’t want to wait for breakfast?”

“Please,” Sonic insisted, flashing a smile far too cute to resist.

His husband sighed, defeated, and kissed him on the forehead. “Alright. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

He slipped silently into the hallway. The hospital was quiet at this hour, almost empty, dimly lit. It only took him about twenty minutes to return, a small bag in hand containing the precious food.

But when he pushed open the door to the room, his heart skipped a beat.

The bed was empty.

Chapter Text

Sonic gazed at his daughter with silent adoration. The little one was sleeping soundly on his chest, her tiny nose twitching from time to time. He couldn't help but think that being born must be a real shock. After nine warm months, lulled by his breathing and heartbeat, she had been torn from that cocoon and thrust into a cold, unfamiliar, noisy world. He understood her discontent.

Ash already wore the same expression as Shadow when something displeased him, nose scrunched, eyebrows furrowed, ears turned outward with perfectly silent indignation. Sonic smiled, touched. She had clearly inherited that expressive little pout from her father.

He slowly shifted in bed to find a slightly more comfortable position but a groan escaped him instantly. A sharp pain radiated through his still-aching muscles, sending a shiver down his spine. Every movement seemed to awaken in his lower abdomen the burning memory of what he had been through.

With the utmost care, he lifted Ash and laid her beside him on the mattress, wrapping a protective arm around her to make sure she wouldn’t roll away. Yet even then, she clung to him, one hand gripping a tuft of his fur, her warm, calm breath against his skin. She didn’t want to let go, and truth be told, neither did he.

It was strange… not to feel her moving inside him anymore. No more little kicks against his ribs, no more sudden jolts in the hollow of his belly, no more sneaky pressure on his bladder when she decided to stretch out in the middle of the night. A strange emptiness now reigned within him, as if a part of his body had been torn away too abruptly, too soon, despite the long nine months that had passed.

He had waited so long for this moment. He had clung to the idea that one day, she would be there, in his arms. That he would no longer have to settle for imagining her. And now she was here, so small, so warm against him. So why the ache in his heart?

He found himself missing the pregnancy.

Not the nausea, not the fatigue, not the pain or discomfort. No. Just… that unique feeling of having carried her. Of having been her universe, her refuge, her everything. It was over now, and that bond, so intimate, so exclusive, would never exist in quite the same way again. She was outside now. She belonged to the world. In a way, he felt like he had lost her a little.

He absentmindedly stroked her tiny fingers, so fragile, so delicate. She slept deeply, carefree, and yet so vibrantly alive. He knew the bond wasn’t broken. It had simply changed. Evolved. He would just need time to get used to it.

He blinked, trying to stay awake. He had to wait for Shadow, who had gone to get him something to eat. He was already craving all the foods he hadn’t been allowed to enjoy in months. Everything he’d been forbidden during the pregnancy, raw fish, cured meats, overly sweet desserts… He dreamed of them. But his body didn’t agree.

His eyelids were growing heavy, his mind dulled, rocked by the warmth of the bed and the peaceful breath of his daughter against him. Fatigue knocked at his consciousness like a slow, gentle tide, inevitable. He yawned one last time, and his eyes closed on their own. His arm remained around Ash, protective, but loose enough not to weigh on her.

He didn’t know what had woken him. He was certain he had only drifted off for a few minutes. And yet, something deep inside him, a primal instinct, screamed that something was wrong.

His heart began to race. He forced his eyelids open, despite how heavy they felt. The room was dark, lit only by the orange glow of the streetlights seeping through the partially drawn curtains. The world seemed blurry, undefined. Made only of shadows whose shapes could just barely be guessed.

Instinctively, he reached out beside him. But his fingers met only empty space. The sheet was still warm. Ash had been there, right there, but she wasn’t anymore. A cold shiver climbed up his spine.

Panic surged. He looked around frantically, eyes scanning the shadows, breath catching in his throat. Had he dropped her? Or worse… crushed her in his sleep? He sat up abruptly, grimacing at the searing pain in his hips, his gaze scouring the room.

And then he saw it.

An unfamiliar shadow, standing in the middle of the room, bathed in the distant glow of the streetlights. A thin figure, clearly Mobian size,frozen, unmoving. And in their arms… a tiny shape. His heart clenched violently. His throat was dry. He couldn’t speak, couldn’t even scream. Someone was holding Ash, and it wasn’t Shadow.

Adrenaline surged through him like a bolt of fire, burning everything in its path. Sonic no longer felt his bones cracking or the tearing of his stitches, nothing mattered but Ash. Getting Ash back.

With a frantic, near-impossible leap, he lunged forward, breath ragged, and crashed into the stranger. His shoulder slammed into their chest, his arms locking around their waist, yanking them violently backward.

The figure stumbled, pushed off balance by the impact. “What—?!”

The cry of surprise turned into a snarl of anger. They tried to stay on their feet, but Sonic clung to them like a living vice, his claws digging into the coarse fabric of their chest. His body screamed in agony, but his will was stronger than the pain.

Ash whimpered, a high, distressed sound. She was still in the stranger’s arms, held awkwardly in one arm while the other struggled to push Sonic off.

“Let go! You’re going to make me drop her!” the man growled, trying to shove him back without hurting the child.

But Sonic wouldn’t let go. Panting, teeth clenched, every muscle in his body aflame, he refused to surrender. “Give her back! She’s my daughter! She’s mine!”

The scream echoed like a thunderclap. In a surge of pure rage, Sonic delivered a clumsy knee to the stranger’s abdomen, then clung to his shoulder with a strength multiplied by panic. They both crashed to the floor in a brutal impact.

The cold tiles greeted them mercilessly. The blow made Sonic grit his teeth, but he managed to wrap his arms around the warm, tiny body of his daughter, pressing her to his chest, now soaked with sweat and tears.

Ash was crying, her small body writhing in terror. Her tiny fists beat weakly against him. He tried to crawl, tried to flee toward the door, dragging his aching body, each inch a silent scream. Too slow. Too weak. The shadow came at him again.

He didn’t think. On pure instinct, feral, primal, he opened his mouth and bit. Deep. Tearing into flesh and muscle, feeling his teeth hit bone. His jaw clamped down on the intruder’s arm like a steel trap. A vile taste flooded his mouth, metallic, but thick… bitter… almost burning. It wasn’t blood. It was something else. Something toxic. Inhuman.

Sonic nearly gagged. He let go of the bite, gasping, his tongue scorched by the infernal taste. It was enough for the kidnapper, who took advantage of the moment of weakness. With a furious snarl, he tore Ash from Sonic’s arms.

“NO!”

Sonic reached out in desperation, but the man stepped back and kicked him brutally in the face. His head slammed against the bedframe with a sickening crack. A sharp pain shot through his forehead, and blood began to pour into his eyes. Dazed, he could hear nothing but Ash’s cries, heart-wrenching, so close… and yet out of reach.

Reeling, Sonic looked up and saw the stranger pull out a familiar gem. A Chaos Emerald, purple. Its shimmering surface glowed faintly in the dark.

No.

No, no, no…

The air around them twisted as the gem was raised high. He knew what was coming. The stranger was going to teleport, with his daughter. Vanish without a trace. No way to follow.

He didn’t think. He jumps.

Using the last of his strength, he hurled himself forward and grabbed hold of the man’s legs. He wouldn’t let him go, not with his daughter.

The Chaos Emerald flared to life in a blinding surge of violet light, and with a high-pitched, tearing sound, all three of them vanished in a flash of purple.

Leaving behind an empty hospital room, the floor smeared with red and green blood.

The moment his feet touched the ground, his stomach twisted violently. A wave of nausea slammed into him, and he didn’t even have time to straighten up before he doubled over, wracked with brutal retching. With a sickening sound, he vomited what little food he had managed to eat over the past two days, dark, acidic sludge, as if his body had nothing left in it but fear and exhaustion.

Tears welled in his eyes. He was trembling, breathless, half-curled in on himself. Every spasm tore through his already ravaged insides. He knew he had to get up. He had to. His daughter was there, just a few meters away. He could still hear her crying.

But his body betrayed him. Too weak. Too tired. Too broken.

His arms gave out. His legs followed soon after. He collapsed limply to the ground, his face pressed against the cold tile, sliding in his own bile and blood. A miserable whimper escaped his throat. Every movement was agony.

Only then did he manage to lift his head. Where was he?

Around him stretched a vast, elegant room. Modern furniture with smooth, almost too-perfect lines. A soft glow emanated from a circular ceiling fixture, where a massive chandelier hung like a crown. This didn’t look like a cell. Or a criminal’s hideout. It looked like… a home. Too quiet. Too clean.

A few meters away stood his captor.

The stranger gently rocked Ash in his arms, murmuring something in a low voice in an attempt to soothe her. His powerful arms moved with startling tenderness, every motion deliberate. A terrifying contradiction.

Sonic wanted to scream, to crawl toward her, but all he managed was a pitiful scraping sound as his claws dragged across the floor. His body tried to rise, but failed. He collapsed again, slipping in his own vomit. His skin was on fire, his fur slick with sweat and blood, and his lungs refused to draw in air. He was panicking. He couldn’t breathe.

His vision flickered, blurred like a mirror cracking under the weight of exhaustion. His heartbeat thundered in his ears, uneven, deafening. The world tilted around him. He had nothing left to give. Just a dull, constant pain in every fiber of his being.

And yet, just before he lost consciousness… he saw him.

The man slowly turned toward him, the scene unfolding in surreal slow motion, like a dream too vivid to be imagined. Sonic’s breath caught. He realized, with sudden clarity, that this wasn’t a hallucination.

Eclipse.

Sonic had only ever seen a few pictures, poorly framed images, taken from old reports or rare military archives, but there was no mistaking it. The creature standing before him was Eclipse the Darkling.

His skin was pitch-black, marbled in places with a scaly, almost reptilian texture, a direct inheritance from the Black Arms. Glowing red markings, like burning scars, snaked across his arms, torso, and head. His silhouette resembled Shadow’s, but it was rougher, more savage, more menacing. And his eyes… two bottomless black pits. No light. No soul. They stared at Sonic with cold contempt, like someone inspecting a bug crushed beneath their shoe.

Sonic wanted to scream, to protest, to beg, but the breath caught in his throat. He was nothing more than a broken, hollowed-out body, half-conscious, lying in a pool of bile. His eyelids grew heavy, warmth drained from his limbs. A final tear slid down his cheek.

“Rhygenta, deal with our unwanted guest.”

Those were the last words he heard.

Then everything went dark.

A dull pain pulsed in his skull before he even opened his eyes. He let out a weak groan, his mouth dry and sticky, his throat parched. His entire body ached, numb, as if he’d been trampled by a giant robot. The childbirth had taken everything out of him. Slowly, painfully, he cracked open his eyes and looked around in a daze.

“Shads?” he called, trying to understand what was happening.

He was no longer at the hospital. He was lying in the bed of an unfamiliar room. The walls were painted in pastel colors, decorated with childish drawings, stylized animals, clumsily outlined flowers, smiling suns. In the back, a white wardrobe stood next to a small desk, buried under a mountain of scribbled papers, scattered crayons, and open marker pots. It looked like… a child’s room?

He froze, eyes staring into nothingness, unable to make sense of what he saw. Shouldn’t he be at the maternity ward? Had they moved him? Where was his daughter?

For a moment, everything was blurred. Then the memories hit him like a freight train.

Eclipse!

He bolted upright, heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst, only for a searing pain to explode in his lower abdomen. His body, still broken from giving birth, gave out immediately. He collapsed to the side, gasping, arms shaking, unable even to sit up.

His face pressed into the sheets, which smelled of unfamiliar laundry detergent. Soft. Almost floral. But foreign. Like everything else. He was alone, in a room he had never seen before. And Ash wasn’t there.

His daughter was out there… In the hands of a mad alien.

His heart clenched painfully in his chest. He had to get out of here. He had to find Ash. He had to take her back.

He gathered his strength, planted his palms against the mattress, and tried to sit up. A grimace twisted his face. His abdomen pulled taut, his muscles screamed. A dull, burning pain radiated from his hips to his ribs. Every movement tugged at the stitches, at the torn, battered flesh. He collapsed back onto the pillow, panting, trembling with frustration.

Okay. Not now. Not yet. He needed to rest. Regain at least a shred of energy. Then he’d find a way to escape. He had no choice.

A curse slipped through his lips in a breath. He should’ve kept his communicator. But no, he’d taken it off during labor, unable to bear even the slightest touch against his hypersensitive skin. A stupid decision. A mistake. And yet he knew Eclipse was back. Shadow had warned him. They had prepared. Tails had secured the hospital. Why hadn’t anyone been alerted? What has gone wrong?

Now he was trapped. Cut off from the world, with no way to contact his husband or their friends.

He rubbed his face, still numb with sleep… and froze. His fingers hit a bandage. Someone had treated the wound on his forehead. Curious, he lowered his hand. His stitches had been redone. A chill ran down his spine.

Someone had sewn him back up. His stomach turned. A wave of nausea crashed over him. That meant… Eclipse had cared for him.

Sonic doubled over with a dry heave, squeezing his eyes shut to keep from vomiting again. The very thought that he … that he had come near while he was unconscious, acid clawed at his throat, and his breath caught painfully in his chest. He felt violated. He buried his face into the pillow and stifled a raw cry, strangled between rage, fear, and humiliation. Silent tears welled up and spilled from his eyes, shameful and bitter.

He didn’t know how long he stayed curled up on the mattress. There was no clock, no window, no sense of time. So when he heard the distinct sound of a lock turning and the familiar creak of a door opening, it startled him.

With great effort, he turned his head. That’s when he saw it, the door he hadn’t noticed, on the far side of the room.

He stayed lying down, eyes barely open, half-hidden beneath eyelids heavy with exhaustion. His gaze was locked onto the shadow that had silently slipped through the door. He forced himself not to move, keeping his breath slow and even, pretending to still be asleep.

If he could make them believe he was asleep, maybe he’d have a chance. One opening. One second of inattention to strike, and flee. Find his daughter and get far away from here. Except it wasn’t Eclipse.

The figure that entered the room resembled him, yes, but it wasn’t him. This one was slimmer, more graceful. Her skin was a pale, almost translucent blue, speckled with fuchsia markings that shimmered faintly under the low lighting. The glowing patterns framed her single black eye and extended across her head.

She carried a tray between her long claws. He could see a plate filled with food, and the scent rising from it made his stomach twist painfully. He was so hungry.

He studied her without moving. Her tail, long and powerful, swayed lazily behind her. It was similar to a Darkling’s, except its tip ended in a strange musical note shape.

She froze the moment she saw him. Her gaze found him instantly. She stopped like a statue, her lone eye locked onto him with surgical precision.

Then she spoke, in a calm, composed voice: “I know you're awake. No need to pretend.”

Sonic pushed himself upright slowly, every muscle screaming in protest. He met her gaze, unable to hide the icy hatred boiling beneath his skin. “Where is my daughter?”

She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she approached slowly, placing the tray on a small side table next to the bed, her movements measured, like someone approaching a wounded animal. But her eye never left him, cold and precise like a blade.

He watched her, fists clenched in the bedsheets. He wondered what would happen if he tried to scratch her, or bite. Would he have time to hurt her? Escape? Reach Ash? She didn’t show any fear. Worse, she turned her back on him without hesitation, rummaging through the bag she’d brought with a casualness that bordered on insulting.

“You’re tougher than I expected,” she finally said, pulling out bandages, gauze, and several opaque vials. “Fighting after a tear and ripped stitches? Not recommended.”

Sonic propped himself up on one elbow, his breath short. His throat was dry, his muscles trembling with contained tension. “Answer me, damn it!” he growled, his voice hoarse. “Where is Ash?!”

She slowly turned her head toward him, tilting it slightly. Her tail flicked faster, betraying a restrained irritation. “She’s safe,” she said simply. “Unlike you, if you keep struggling.” Then, with cold assurance. “I need to check your stitches and change your bandages.”

“Don’t touch me!” he shouted, striking her hand with a force that even surprised his weakened body. “Stay away from me!”

She barely moved back, her face expressionless, her crest slightly raised. She didn’t retaliate, but her gaze darkened. “I’m here to heal you,” she said flatly. “Stop making things difficult.”

“They took my daughter from me,” he spat, tears in his eyes. “And you think I’m going to let you come near me? That I’m going to trust you? Are you kidding me, or do you live in another world?”

She sighed deeply, weary, as if he were just one more problem in an already overloaded day. She ran a clawed hand across her face before fixing her gaze back on him. “Listen carefully. You’re in critical condition. If your wounds get infected, you won’t survive long. And if that happens… you’ll never see your daughter again.” Silence. “If you let me check your wounds, I’ll tell you where she is. I’ll answer your questions.”

He stared at her, chest heaving. The urge to send her flying burned in his veins, but a shiver of anxiety paralyzed his fingers. Ash. He couldn’t afford to lose this chance, even if every fiber of his being screamed mistrust. He swallowed painfully. “One question… first. Is she okay?”

The Darkling looked at him for a long moment, then slowly nodded. “She’s fine. She’s asleep.”

He closed his eyes briefly, just a heartbeat, just enough to survive the echo of that answer. Then he slowly extended his arm, wordless. The gesture trembled, but he did it. “You better keep your promise,” he growled.

She stepped closer, placing her instruments gently on the bed. She didn’t smile. She said nothing more. But in her single eye, a gleam shone, a victorious spark.

“Did you redo my stitches?” he asked, voice low and rough. “Yes,” she answered bluntly. “Otherwise, you’d have bled out. And I think we both want to avoid that kind of scene.”

He looked away, jaw clenched. He didn’t need a reminder of how much his body was betraying him. “What do you want with my daughter?” he asked next, eyes fixed on her movements.

A silence fell. She stopped, as if hesitating. “Mmh… I don’t know,” she finally said, her tone too neutral to be genuine.

He immediately locked his gaze on her. She was lying. He felt it in the tension of her posture, in the rapid flick of her fuchsia tail against the floor. Her eye had slipped too far from his, avoiding direct eye contact. “You’re lying.”

She shrugged and resumed her work as if nothing had happened. “Father didn’t tell us anything.”

A cold shiver ran through him. “Father?”

She seemed to remember something and gave him an almost amused look. “Oh! I forgot to introduce myself,” she said with fake lightness. “My name’s Rhygenta, and Eclipse is my father.”

He froze. The girl’s words faded, drowned in the turmoil of his thoughts. Eclipse… had a daughter?

His mind raced, momentarily forgetting the pain, the fatigue, even Rhygenta’s presence in the room. How? When? He had never heard of any offspring. Not a word. And above all… had Eclipse tried to create a new colony? No. He and Shadow would have known. It was impossible to hide.

Creating a Black Arms colony required colossal logistics, astronomical energy. They had sifted through all the data, all the journals left by Gerald Robotnik. Notes, sketches, even video recordings. Everything pointed to the same thing: the Black Arms functioned like a hive. A single queen, once Black Doom, gave birth to the entire colony. Each new generation was born in cocoons, demanding absurd amounts of food as soon as they hatched. Hungry, voracious larvae that pushed the Black Arms to conquer planet after planet. Each world was a pantry. An infernal cycle, broken only when Shadow destroyed his own father.

If there had been an attempt at rebirth, if they had tried to rebuild… it would have been noticed. There would have been devastation, disappearances. An echo. But nothing. No alerts. No planet emptied of its resources.

“How old are you?” he finally asked, his throat dry.

Rhygenta, still busy fixing a bandage on his hip, answered in a neutral tone. “I’m five years old.”

Five years. His stomach twisted. She was so young and yet she seemed completely grown. He knew the Black Arms grew very quickly, but seeing it was something else. She must have been born the year of the Dark Gaia incident… five years ago. That placed her birth just before, or just after, the meeting between Shadow and Eclipse. Impossible to know. Was she the product of a long-prepared plan? Or… a mistake, an isolated experiment?

In any case, there had been no attempt to reform the hive since. He looked at her again. She didn’t resemble the other Black Arms he had fought.

She looked back at him, surely guessing the questions burning on his lips. “I can see you have a lot of questions for me. As agreed, I’ll answer them.” She took the tray and carefully placed it on his lap. “Ask your questions. And eat.”

He lowered his eyes to the steam rising from the steaming bowl. “What is this?”

“A simple vegetable soup. Blurk made it. You need to rehydrate, your condition is critical.”

“Blurk?” he said, testing the liquid with the tip of his tongue. “Ah, it’s hot…”

“Blow on it, you’re not a child, are you? Blurk is my brother. There are four of us, me and my brothers, Blurk, Cyzer, and Cregal.”

Sonic frowned. Four children, so there were five Black Arms in total. That would greatly complicate his escape. “Where am I?”

“At our place.”

He looked up at the ceiling. “Hey. That’s not a real answer.”

“I answered your question, as promised,” she said with an almost irritating calm.

“I want more details.”

“You’re in Cregal’s room.”

He grunted, but pressing further wouldn’t get him anywhere. “Why did your father come after me? After my daughter?”

Rhygenta took a moment before answering. She looked at her own hands, as if weighing her words. “You were collateral damage. Father only wanted the child.”

Sonic set the bowl down on the table with a sharp sound. “As if I was going to just let him do that. What do you think? That I was going to hand her over? She’s MY daughter!”

“I know,” she said more softly.

He straightened up a bit, back against the pillows, breathing heavily. “For five years you did nothing. Five years of silence. Why now?”

She finally looked him in the eyes. And for the first time, her mask of neutrality seemed to crack.

“Because your daughter is a Black Arm.”

Chapter Text

“So what?!” he snapped angrily.

The fact that Ash was partly Black Arm wasn’t a surprise. Shadow himself was half Black Arm. His husband’s hybrid nature had always been the main obstacle to conceiving their daughter. They had asked themselves a thousand questions, doubted, hoped. They didn’t even know if it was biologically possible. That’s why they had gone to see a GUN. geneticist. They wanted to make sure the pregnancy wouldn’t be risky.

At first, Sonic hadn’t wanted to ask the military organization for help. But Rouge’s arguments and Shadow’s concerns had convinced him to turn to the scientist. After Professor Gerald’s death, GUN. had inherited all knowledge related to Shadow’s creation and genetics. He didn’t like the organization his husband worked for, far from it. The less he saw of them, the better he felt.

The geneticist they had met had reassured them. Shadow was mostly hedgehog. Having a child would be complicated, but not impossible. Ash was living proof of that. Of course Shadow’s genes had been passed on to their daughter.

It was a possibility they had forbidden themselves from considering. He knew it could happen, but Shadow hated his alien DNA. He hated using the powers he had inherited from the Black Arms. His husband had always struggled with low self-esteem. He didn’t like to think about his creation, much less his hybrid nature. So, they had simply looked the other way, hoping luck would be on their side.

Honestly, he didn’t like the Black Arms, but that was because of Black Doom. That monster had manipulated Shadow, tried to control him, and pushed him to commit atrocities in the name of a fate he had never wanted. Sonic understood. Better than anyone. Despite all of that... he loved him. He loved everything Shadow was, even the parts he himself had trouble accepting.

After the Time Eater incident, the black hedgehog had been disgusted by the new powers he had gained. Sonic… had found them terrifying and fascinating. He blushed slightly as he recalled certain nighttime experiments they had conducted together, moments of intimacy where the Doom Morph had proven to be… interesting. Now that he thought about it, that night lined up almost perfectly with their daughter’s conception date.

He shook his head, as if to chase the image away. This was neither the time nor the place to be thinking about that.

“If she develops powers like Doom’s… we’ll deal with it,” he muttered through his teeth.

Shadow could literally manipulate Chaos energy, teleport, create devastating explosions, and heal from almost any wound. He himself could run at the speed of light, bend the laws of physics at will. With the Chaos Emeralds in their hands, they could become gods.

Ash had been conceived between two living anomalies. They had never expected a “normal” child. She was bound to inherit their control over Chaos energy. According to Dr. Harper’s statistics, a child born to two Chaos users had an 89.9% chance of being a Chaos user as well.

The fact that Eclipse wanted to kidnap her because she was part Black Arm was a fucking excuse. The Darkling was probably just trying to hurt his brother, again, like he had years ago.

“So I’ll say it again,” he growled through clenched teeth. “What do you want with my daughter?!”

Rhygenta calmly picked up the tray, apparently unfazed by his fury. “She’s part Black Arm,” she replied in an oddly gentle tone. “She needs to be with her own kind.”

He didn’t know much about Eclipse, or what he truly wanted. Everything he knew came from what Shadow had told him. His brother wanted to rebuild a hive, to recreate a Black Arm colony from the ashes of their defeat. Eclipse dreamed of a resurgence, of a future for their species. To make that happen, he wanted Shadow to join him. To abandon everything he had become and embrace his alien origins.

Of course, Shadow had resisted. He had fought with every fiber of his being to stay free. Eclipse had even tried to control him mentally, to chain him from the inside. Fortunately, Shadow hadn’t been alone. Rouge and Omega had helped him break free from Eclipse’s mental hold.

At the time, Sonic had been relieved he said no. Deep down, he still held on to a fragile hope, that someday, Shadow could look at himself without hatred. That he might come to accept who he was. Ash might have alien DNA… but she was his daughter. Their daughter. Nothing, not even a long-dead galactic bloodline, would change that. He was sure Shadow would agree. No matter what she was, he would love her and do everything he could to protect her.

He steadied his voice, anger burning behind every word.

“She’s a hedgehog first. Like me. Like Shadow. If she has Black Arm genes, we’ll learn how to handle it. Together. As a family. She needs to be with us. With her parents. Not locked up here. Not with you.”

Rhygenta closed her eyes with a sigh and shook her head. “You don’t understand…”

“Then explain it to me!” he shouted, suddenly grabbing her arm.

“You promised to answer my questions!” he snapped, breathing hard. “We had a deal!”

She yanked her arm free with a sharp motion, rubbing her wrist with a tense expression, seemingly surprised by his strength. She immediately cast a pointed glance toward the door. Sonic froze, bracing himself for another Black Arm to burst in. But nothing happened. No footsteps. No sound.

The Darkling was still staring at the door, her body as tense as a wire stretched to its limit. Then, slowly, the tension in her shoulders eased. She turned toward him, her expression more guarded than before.

“I’ll clean up the mess,” she said flatly, “and then I’ll answer your questions. But not that one.”

He frowned. “What—”

“I’m not allowed to answer it!” she snapped, a little too quickly.

Sonic stayed silent, watching her movements as she crouched to pick up the debris. Every motion betrayed a carefully restrained nervousness. She glanced at the door again, as if listening to something, then shook her head in irritation.

Once the shards were gathered into a corner, she sat cross-legged on the floor, placing her hands on her knees, back straight, waiting.

He didn’t have the luxury of wasting time. If she couldn’t answer that question, then he’d shift the angle. He had to know where Ash was. How to find her. What Eclipse was planning. Everything mattered.

“Were you aware of your father’s project?” he asked, voice calmer now.

“No.” She shrugged, her gaze dark. “He didn’t consult anyone. He just... decided. Like that. On a whim.”

Sonic narrowed his eyes. She was telling the truth. The kidnapping had clearly taken her by surprise as much as it had shocked him. He could see the disapproval in the tightness of her jaw, hear the barely veiled contempt in her voice when she spoke of Eclipse’s decision.

“Then why steal old parts from Eggman’s machines?” he pressed, sharper than he meant to.

He studied her reaction carefully. That detail, that lead, he had discussed it with Tails. His friend had said the stolen components carried enough power to fuel a rocket. Not just a generator. Something was off.

Rhygenta blinked, looking genuinely confused. “Egg who?”

He straightened, surprised. “Eggman. The mad scientist, builds robots, mustache, shapes like an egg? Seriously? You’ve never heard of him?”

She shrugged again, her expression neutral. “Never heard the name. If you’re talking about the old scraps he picked up recently, it was to repair the greenhouse generator. That’s what he told us.”

She didn’t know Eggman. That was… strange. Either she was lying with incredible skill, or Eclipse had truly kept his children isolated from the rest of the world, cut off from everything. From history. From war. From civilization.

Silence settled over the room, broken only by the soft dripping of water from the shattered bowl. Sonic shook his head, eyes fixed on her.

“Your generator must be pretty hungry then. According to Tails, that kind of hardware could power a rocket. Or two. Not a greenhouse.”

She didn’t reply right away. Her gaze drifted slightly, lost in a thought she didn’t voice.

“Does your father steal parts like that often?” he asked, breaking the silence again.

“Yes,” she said simply. “He brings the materials, and my brother Cregal repairs or repurposes them. He’s very talented.”

Sonic crossed his arms, his mind racing. If Cregal was the family’s engineer, then he was the one to look into. Maybe that brother knew more, or was more willing to talk. He just needed one crack. One slip. If Eclipse was trying to destroy the world, he had to know. He wouldn’t let another Eclipse Cannon happen. It had taken years to get used to the moon’s new state.

“And… this generator, what else does it power besides your greenhouse?”

She turned her head toward him, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if she had just realized his questions weren’t as innocent as they seemed.

Rhygenta stayed silent for a moment, lips pressed tightly together. He could see it in her eyes, his question had thrown her off. Not like an attack… more like a doubt she’d never considered before.

“Nothing else. As far as I know,” she finally replied, a bit more curtly. “Plants. Temperature control systems. Lighting. That kind of thing.”

Sonic squinted, searching for the crack. She wasn’t lying… not entirely. There was hesitation, a small uncertainty in her voice. She was starting to doubt what she'd been told.

“So you're telling me your brother uses spaceship thrusters to grow tomatoes?” He tilted his head, a smirk forming on his lips.

She looked down, annoyed. “I’m not an engineer. And anyway… it’s our home, not a military base.”

“Exactly,” he cut in, “your home has a generator more powerful than the one at the GUN base on West Island. Don’t you think that’s a little strange? That a so-called simple family man is stockpiling high-performance tech in secret, while accidentally kidnapping a half-Black Arm child?”

She clenched her fists, breathing hard, her voice trembling with a rage she was struggling to contain. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t know anything about your daughter. I found her here… same as you.”

Sonic stepped forward, eyes burning with emotion. “Then why won’t you let me see her?! I can tell it bothers you. You’re not okay with what’s happening.”

She looked away, visibly uncomfortable. “Father will take care of it. He took care of the four of us.”

“It’s not the same! She’s still a baby. An infant! She needs me. She must be hungry, it’s been way too long…” He reached out toward her, pleading. “I need to feed her. Please.”

Rhygenta frowned, confused. “Father must’ve given her something. I don’t understand why you’re so worried…”

“She needs milk! My milk. I breastfeed her.”

A stunned silence fell over the room. Rhygenta blinked, as if she had just heard something utterly absurd.

“Milk?” she repeated, baffled. “But… she’s a Black Arm. Why would she need milk? And… we don’t have any. No one here drinks it.”

Sonic buried his face in his hands, on the verge of breaking down. “You really don’t get it, do you?! She’s not a full Black Arm. She’s half-Mobian, like Shadow. Mobian babies need milk to survive! That’s basic biology!”

Rhygenta stared at him as if he were speaking a foreign language. Her brow furrowed in confusion, her eyes blinking too slowly, like she was desperately trying to connect puzzle pieces she didn’t even know existed.

“You… feed her… yourself?” she asked, as if the idea itself were incomprehensible.

“She’s a newborn,” he replied, voice tight with tension. “Not even a day old. She can’t digest anything but milk. And not just any kind! I have to feed her.” He locked eyes with her. “It’s vital. If she hasn’t had anything to drink since you took her, she’s in danger.”

Rhygenta opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She looked completely thrown. In her eyes he saw a mix of disbelief and dread, as if a wall of certainties had just crumbled beneath her feet.

“Among the Black Arms… we don’t do that,” she murmured at last. She froze, as if some terrifying truth had just hit her. “But if she’s as Mobian as you…”

“She is!” Sonic snapped, furious. “And if you don’t understand that, then you’re letting her die!”

A deafening silence followed his words. Rhygenta stepped back, pale, arms tight around herself. She no longer knew what to think. He could see her breathing quicken. He had to make her understand the urgency, for their daughter’s sake.

He was certain she didn’t know about formula milk. He had to be convincing, make her understand that taking him to his daughter was the only way to keep her alive. It broke his heart to have to use Ash’s health this way, but it was the only card he had left to see her again.

He hated lying. It wasn’t his thing. That was more Rouge’s territory. Or even Shadow’s, when it came to manipulating a mission to his advantage. Sonic was honest. Too honest, sometimes. But he could play a role. Amy had told him that often. They’d performed a play together once for a charity gala. He had loved it, making kids laugh.

He only wished his emotional state right now was just an act. But the panic rising in his chest was all too real. His throat tight, hands trembling, the image of his daughter alone, starving… none of it was fiction. He didn’t need to pretend.

“Father doesn’t know,” she whispered. “He… he doesn’t know. He thought… he thought he was saving her.”

She looked up at him, this time with a flicker of genuine panic in her eyes.

“If what you’re saying is true… she could be—”

“Then take me to her!” Sonic shouted, tears brimming in his eyes. “I’m begging you! I’m not asking you to help me escape anymore, or betray your father. I just want to feed her. I just want to see her. I want to make sure she’s alive!”

A heavy silence fell. Rhygenta stood still for several seconds, frozen, as if her thoughts were clashing violently in her head. Then, slowly, she nodded.

Sonic didn’t waste a second. He sprang to his feet, still weak, leaning against her for balance. His body protested, but his heart beat with renewed strength.

They left the room together. And again, Sonic was struck by the nature of the place. No cold metal walls, no clinical lighting. No… this was a house. A huge house, yes, but a home. The walls were painted in warm tones and covered in paintings. The only strange thing was the total lack of windows.

He slowed briefly, his eyes drawn to a canvas showing a field under a stormy sky.

“My brother Cyzer painted them,” Rhygenta said, noticing his gaze.

He didn’t answer, but kept looking. Farther down, framed photographs lined the wall. Some showed landscapes, others animals, but most featured a family. Eclipse, younger, surrounded by his children. He recognized Rhygenta immediately, marked by the fuchsia stripes that set her apart.

The others were unfamiliar, but their traits were striking. The most massive of the trio was nearly monstrous, with shoulders like walls and hands so big they could crush him. His markings were a deep blue, his head and back covered in spikes. What made him truly different were the three eyes staring directly at the camera.

The second brother was leaner, quicker. Taller than Rhygenta, but shorter than the colossus. A massive crest ran along his skull like a blade. His cyan markings gave off a chilling impression.

The last one was smaller, a bit chubby. He always stayed in the background in the photos, his gaze discreet, almost faded. His markings were blood red… like Shadow’s. He also had three eyes.

A pang of emotion struck Sonic’s chest. This wasn’t what he had expected to see. Not an evil lab, not an alien military base.

Why had Eclipse decided to kidnap his daughter, risking losing his own in the process? He had to know that Ash’s disappearance would bring enormous risk to himself and his family. The world’s governments would be searching, GUN would be searching, Shadow would be searching. Why throw away a peaceful life just to go after a newborn?

He didn’t know how long they walked. He tried to memorize the path, but his mind was too consumed by the anxiety twisting his insides. Ash was all that mattered.

At last, they stopped in front of a nondescript door, identical to all the others they’d passed. Rhygenta frowned, staring at it as if trying to guess what was happening on the other side. Then, after a brief hesitation, she nodded with a look of quiet satisfaction.

“Father’s not here right now.”

Sonic barely suppressed a sigh of relief. She opened the door.

The room looked like a child’s bedroom straight out of an IKEA catalog. The contrast hit him like a slap. He couldn’t help but imagine Eclipse wandering through a store, picking out every piece of furniture only to… steal them?

But his eyes were instantly drawn to the cradle in the center of the room. Without a second’s pause, letting go of Rhygenta’s support, Sonic rushed forward. Ash was there.

Red. Silent. So weak she couldn’t even cry anymore. Her tiny body trembled faintly, her eyelids shut, breathing shallow. A stabbing pain tore through his chest.

He reached out, gently scooping her up into his arms, holding her close to his heart with infinite tenderness. She was so light. So fragile. He felt his hands tremble as he pressed her against his fur. Then, following pure instinct, he softly licked the top of her head, hoping to spark even the tiniest bit of life back into her.

The contact had the desired effect. A faint whimper slipped from her lips, weak, but alive, as she nuzzled against him, searching for the familiar scent of her father.

“It’s okay, sweetheart… Daddy’s here now.” His voice came out as a breath, trembling, broken, but full of love.

He pulled down his top, positioning her gently against his chest. Instantly, Ash latched on, driven by sheer survival instinct. She began to suckle weakly, but with heartbreaking determination.

Ash was curled up against him, so small, so warm, and so fragile in his arms. Her tiny fingers clutched at his fur, trembling, as if afraid he might vanish again. Sonic rocked her gently, one hand on her back, the other cradling her head against his chest.

He didn’t move. He couldn’t hear Rhygenta, or the sounds in the hallway, or the world beyond. There was only her. Ash. His daughter. His baby.

His heart beat with a painful rhythm, a mix of relief and guilt. His stomach was hollow, his breath short. They had taken his daughter. She could have died without him. He stroked her back with the tips of his fingers, slow and gentle, trying to give her warmth, comfort, safety.

“I’m here now… I’m here, sweetheart. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.” He spoke in a whisper, just for her. Every word vibrated in his chest, resonating like a vow.

Sonic buried his nose in her quills, holding her close. She smelled of milk and sugar, and despite everything, he smiled silently. He didn’t want to let her go. There was no safer place for her than in his arms.

He purred softly, content. He couldn’t help but study her, searching for any signs of her Black Arm heritage. Aside from her large size, she looked like a perfectly normal baby hedgehog. Maybe Rhygenta had lied. But no, he had heard the sincerity in the Darkling’s voice when she had told him the truth.

It didn’t matter what his daughter would grow up to be. He would be there for her.

He kissed her forehead, then closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to breathe fully for the first time since her abduction. Ash was alive. She was with him. And as long as he lived, he wouldn’t let anyone take her from him again.

Rhygenta stood frozen at the doorway, silent.

She watched Sonic, curled protectively around Ash as she finally fed. He whispered tender words, promises, those only ever said to newborns and never forgotten. The warmth of the moment, Sonic’s closeness and vulnerability, moved her deeply.

She knew what parental love looked like. Her father, Eclipse, had raised all of them with devotion. He had fed them, rocked them, taught them to read the stars and the emotions behind words. He wasn’t cold, nor cruel. On the contrary, he had always had gentle gestures, patient words, and a quiet but constant pride.

Why had her father separated a parent from their child? He would have been just like Sonic if someone had torn them apart when they were little. She understood why he had acted as he did, taking a child born just hours earlier. Urgency had taken over reason. And yet…

She couldn’t help but think: There had to be another way.

She took a few steps forward, very slowly, as if any sudden movement might shatter the bubble of tenderness surrounding Sonic. “Is it… is it normal for her eyes to be closed?” Rhygenta asked in a whisper.

Sonic looked up gently and nodded. “Baby hedgehogs are born blind. Their eyes open after two weeks. Same with their ears. She’s almost deaf.” He tenderly stroked Ash’s back, his voice softening even more. “But she finds her way through smell. That’s the strongest sense we have, even as newborns.” He smiled a little, looking proud, and rubbed his nose with a boyish air. “Our sense of smell is incredibly sharp. Scent is how we connect to the ones we love.”

Rhygenta slowly crouched down, knees tight, as if she didn’t quite dare get any closer. She gazed at Ash with an almost painful intensity.

“How did your species survive?” she murmured, shaken. “Your offspring are so… fragile.”

She reached out a hesitant hand and brushed Ash’s soft cheek with her fingertips. The baby stirred faintly, letting out the tiniest squeak, like a bubble of air breaking the silence. Rhygenta flinched slightly, then bowed her head, deeply moved.

“Did she recognize me?”

“She knows your scent now,” Sonic replied, a little calmer. “She’ll remember you didn’t hurt her. That’s all that matters to her.”

Rhygenta clenched her fists, unable to respond right away.

She stayed frozen, emotions tangled in her throat, unable to form a single word. She no longer knew what she was feeling. She wasn’t even sure what was right anymore.

A sharp crack echoed in the hallway. The door burst open. Sonic immediately straightened, clutching Ash protectively, while Rhygenta jumped in surprise. In the doorway stood Eclipse, rigid, his shoulders tense, eyes burning with fury.

“Rhygenta… would you care to explain why you brought him here?” he growled, his deep voice crashing through the room like thunder.

Rhygenta stepped back, as if the floor had crumbled beneath her. “Father…” she stammered. “He needed to see his daughter… she was hungry… I didn’t know—”

Eclipse raised a hand to silence her, rubbing his face with a weariness laced with frustration. “My daughter… I know you have a gentle heart,” he said in a low but taut tone. “I should’ve asked your brothers to watch him. Not you.”

“Then he’d be dead,” she snapped back, voice trembling but resolute. “He’d be dead, and Ash would’ve followed not long after, because we wouldn’t have been able to feed her.”

A dark, oily aura flared around the Darkling as his anger swelled. “What do you mean, unable to feed her? I raised all of you. You never lacked anything! I am perfectly capable of taking care of her.” Eclipse took a step forward toward Sonic, but his daughter blocked his path.

“No!” she cried, her voice trembling with emotion. “You’re wrong, Father. I saw the state she was in when I entered this room—”

“She is not your niece!” Eclipse roared.

Rhygenta didn’t flinch. She stood her ground, her gaze burning with a newfound determination. “Shadow is my uncle, and that child is his daughter.” Her voice dropped, firm and unwavering. “Which makes her my niece, whether you like it or not.”

“That traitor is not my brother!” Eclipse snarled, eyes blazing. He shoved his daughter aside in a sudden outburst, lunging toward Sonic, but she was instantly back in front of him, pressing her hands against his chest, holding him back.

“Father, please… listen to me. Calm down. You made a mistake. A serious one.”

A heavy silence fell between them. The two Black Arms stared at each other, locked in a silent exchange, speaking in a language that belonged only to them, woven from instinct and shared history.

Finally, Eclipse turned away abruptly, pacing the room like a caged predator. The dark aura around him pulsed and contracted with every step.

“So you’re telling me…” he said, coming to a sudden halt, “…that she would’ve died?”

Rhygenta nodded slowly, her breath unsteady. “Yes. She would’ve died of dehydration within days. You couldn’t have known… but now you do. We need Sonic. She needs him.”

Eclipse stood still for a long moment, his shoulders slumped, jaw clenched. He didn’t answer right away, as if the truth refused to settle inside him. Then his eyes fell on Ash, tiny and peaceful, nestled against her father’s chest.

“How long?” Eclipse suddenly asked, his voice lower but still hard.

Sonic looked up, startled to be addressed again. “What?”

Eclipse’s burning gaze locked onto his. “How long until she matures?”

Sonic’s brow furrowed, suspicion flaring. He instinctively pulled Ash closer, his body forming a living shield between her and the Darkling. “What do you mean by mature?”

Eclipse growled, irritated by what he saw as defiance. “How long does it take for a Mobian to reach adulthood? Independence. When she no longer needs you in her life.”

A stunned silence followed.

Then Sonic answered, slowly, incredulously: “Fifteen years. On average.”

A gasp of shock escaped Rhygenta and Eclipse’s lips almost in unison: “Fifteen years?!”

Sonic took a slight step back, ears lowered, already sensing how much that fact shook them.

“That’s too long,” Rhygenta hissed, clearly disturbed. “Way too long.”

“Wait, how long does it take for a Black Arm to become an adult?” Sonic asked, confused.

“Six months,” Eclipse replied flatly.

Sonic blinked, stunned. That was… fast. He looked down at Ash, still sleeping peacefully against his chest. He silently hoped her genes wouldn’t make her grow at such a pace.

“Father, this is madness,” Rhygenta added, turning to Eclipse. “We can’t keep him locked up for that long. And Ash… she’ll grow, she’ll change. She’ll need interaction, a real life.”

Eclipse clenched his jaw and shut his eyes tight.

“Hey!” Sonic barked, standing up, anger flaring. “I’m getting real tired of hearing you talk about my daughter like I’m not even here. What do you want with her? Why did you try to take her from me?”

Rhygenta and Eclipse locked eyes again in that same intense, silent way. Sonic watched them, catching the subtle gestures Rhygenta made, a glance, a shift of her chin toward him, a slow blink. She was pleading his case. Eclipse’s face, however, was closing up, his features turning to stone.

Then, without warning, Eclipse gave a stiff nod. Rhygenta nearly jumped with joy, her shoulders relaxing all at once as though a massive weight had been lifted from them.

Eclipse, in contrast, turned slowly toward Sonic, his eyes gleaming with restrained resentment. “I’ll tell you,” he growled, “even though I don’t want to.” He shot a venomous glance at his daughter before adding, in an even colder tone, “I suggest you sit down.”

Sonic’s instinct was to refuse immediately. He didn’t want to show submission to this alien who had threatened his family. He wanted to stand tall, out of pride, out of spite. But he still hadn’t recovered from the birth. The pain in his hips was constant, stabbing. Standing for even a few minutes was torture. With a reluctant sigh, he sank into a low chair, still holding Ash close to his chest, and exhaled slowly despite himself.

“Fine,” he muttered, settling in more comfortably. “I’m listening.”

He waved a hand dismissively, signaling for Eclipse to talk, but his eyes were blazing. He was ready to hear whatever bomb the alien was about to drop, but he wasn’t ready to give up. Not now. He was still looking for an escape.

Eclipse crossed his arms, his stare unflinching. When he finally spoke, his voice was deep and heavy, cutting through the room like a blade: “Do you know what a hive mind is?”

Sonic pressed his lips together. “It’s… that thing you guys use to talk inside each other’s heads, right? Some kind of collective telepathy?”

The Black Arm grimaced with contempt. “Yes. A thing like that, as you say. Except that this thing is the very essence of our survival.” He didn’t raise his voice, but each word rang with pride and weight. “Even before we leave our cocoon, before we are even born, we are connected to that mind. It is our breath, our instinct, our warmth...”

He laid a hand on his own chest, as if to seal the confession. “All Black Arms are tied to it. Except for a few... exceptions.”

The name Shadow wasn’t spoken, but its absence cracked through the air like a whip. No one needed to say it.

“This mind is led by the queen of the hive. Before, it was Black Doom, my father. Now, it’s me.” 

Rhygenta listened in silence, her throat tight.

“For the first six months of our lives, the hive mind is vital. It guides our essential functions, our growth, it keeps our body and soul in balance. Without it, we die. It’s an unbreakable rule. All children must stay close to the hive to survive.”

Sonic felt his throat close up. He finally understood what Eclipse was trying to say, and yet, he refused to accept it.

Eclipse stepped forward, locking eyes with the hedgehog. “Your daughter is a Black Arm. Even if she’s also Mobian. She needs the hive to live. If I hadn’t brought her back... if she had stayed over there... she would’ve died by morning.”

Sonic leapt to his feet, clutching Ash to his chest, breathing hard, trembling. “No.” His voice came out rough. “You’re lying.”

“I’m not lying,” Eclipse answered coldly. “You think I took your daughter just for fun? You think I don’t know what it costs?”

“You’re lying! You’re a damn liar!” The words cracked through the room, desperate and furious. Tears burned in Sonic’s eyes, unable to face what it all meant, because if Eclipse was telling the truth… then Sonic owed him his daughter’s life.

“I want proof,” he said, his voice suddenly firmer.

“Right before you went to the hospital... your instincts kicked in,” Eclipse said steadily. “You ran, without thinking, driven by a force you didn’t understand.”

Sonic flinched, heart tightening.

“That pull, that irresistible need to move, it was your daughter,” the Black Arm continued gravely. “She was reaching out, trying to connect with me. To find the hive mind. That’s how I knew you were pregnant. And that the child… was one of ours.”

Sonic’s knees weakened. He clutched Ash tighter, as though to anchor himself. The memories were rising, pain, confusion, the moment he lost control. He had hurt his friends, drawn on a power he didn’t recognize. Something like Shadow’s Doom Power.

He had told himself it was just his imagination. A hallucination brought on by the stress of pregnancy. But now...

“It wasn’t you,” Eclipse said softly. “It was her. Your body felt her. She felt the hive.”

Sonic closed his eyes. A chill ran down his spine. What Eclipse was saying… made sense. He couldn’t deny it anymore. Even if he hated to admit it, everything fit.

“Now you understand why I couldn’t leave her there,” the Darkling added. “She was desperate to connect to her hive. To me. You thought I took her, but I saved her.”

Silence fell, heavy and suffocating. For the first time in a long while… Sonic had nothing to say.