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Chapter Text

"Time to wake up, hedgehog."

Shadow slowly opened his eyes and looked around. It took him a moment to realize he was back in Robotnik's fortress after having escaped months before, and that he was also in four-point restraints.

"How did I get here?"

"You can thank my henchbots for that." Robotnik's voice boomed from behind Shadow. "You made the mistake of falling asleep and letting your guard down. It's not exactly difficult to knock out a sleeping rodent. You've eluded me for too long, you little pest."

"I told you, I am not going to be exploited as a weapon. Just because you have me in your possession doesn't mean you can control me!"

Shadow scanned the area around him for his Chaos emerald, or as much as he could in his restraints. Robotnik held up the green gem and waved it in Shadow's face.

"Looking for this, rat? Some ultimate life form you are without a battery. But allow me to express my tremendous gratitude to you for providing me with an emerald. It will come in very handy for what I'm going to do next, and for future use."

Robotnik directed Shadow's eyes to an enormous metal contraption suspended from the ceiling that looked like a gun. Robotnik reached up and grabbed the end of it to point it directly at Shadow.

"Allow me to show you my newest creation," Robotnik said, smiling broadly and motioning to a huge, menacing machine.

"This device is capable of absorbing Chaos energy, and with the help of this delightful bauble you've provided, it can be operated at maximum power."

He continued explaining the workings of the device, pacing past and behind Shadow. "It works akin to a magnet attracting metal shavings. With it, I intend to drain you of every last speck of Chaos energy so that you will be no more threatening than a mortal hedgehog, ensuring you feel every part of what I'm going to do to you."

After he slowly circled fully around Shadow, he then leaned in closer with a smug smile. "You may thank my grandfather for this beautiful machine – I used his blueprints to build it. It was designed with you in mind – the plans referenced you specifically."

"What? Why would he design a machine to drain me of my power?" Shadow sounded genuinely hurt and even betrayed upon hearing that the professor planned such a device.

"You're an animal, and animals turn on their masters all the time. This machine was a way to subdue you, should you become too big of a threat. I've also implanted a device that will further dampen your abilities so you cannot conveniently use your teleportation tricks."

"You want to utilize me as a weapon, yet you want to drain me of the very power that makes me dangerous? Your motives are senseless."

"Perhaps, but that's not my concern right now. You see, you ran away from your master, and for that, you must be punished so you don't do it again. Worry not – once you've learned a lesson, you will get your power back. After I wipe your memory and re-program you."

Robotnik opened a panel in the side of the device and placed the emerald inside it. "Snivley, activate the energy absorber."

"Yes, sir."

Snivley pressed a few buttons on a console behind the Chaos device and then pulled a lever, bringing the device to life. The machine emitted a deep droning sound and glowed green before firing a beam of light directly into Shadow's chest. He flinched, believing he had been shot, but found he had sustained no actual injuries. As he watched the beam grow brighter, Shadow found himself engulfed in the same green light that had been shot into him and watched as his extremities took on the vibrant glow of his emerald.

As the machine ran further and made increasingly louder noises, Shadow began to feel weaker and unsettled as his energy was extracted. He felt as if his insides were being pulled out along with his power, and it terrified him to be robbed of his life force while being powerless to stop it. Try as he might, Shadow could not fight the machine that turned his very own Chaos emerald against him. Soon, the machine whirred and grinded to a halt.

"All traces of Chaos energy have been removed from the hedgehog, sir," Snivley reported.

"Perfect," Robotnik said, rubbing his hands together in satisfaction. He looked over Shadow's weakened form, admiring his handiwork as Shadow struggled to even hold his head up. "How does it feel to be a normal rodent, Shadow?"

A wave of exhaustion had crashed into Shadow after losing what remained of his Chaos energy, as if he hadn't slept in days. Was that how normal creatures felt? Or was he so used to being powered by Chaos energy that anything less felt insufficient? His flesh still crawled with residual sensation, well after the machine had been turned off. Every action felt so heavy - moving, blinking, even breathing.

Robotnik cracked his knuckles. "Now that you are in a more vulnerable state, it's time to carry out phase two of my plan."

Without another word, Robotnik struck Shadow hard in the face, eliciting a pained snarl from his target. The doctor continued to batter Shadow in the face, head and stomach, causing multiple lacerations and bleeding from his mouth and nose. The white patch of fur on his chest became stained red with blood from his injuries, and his eyes had begun to bruise. His lack of energy made him much more susceptible to injury - such trauma would have barely caused him to flinch normally, but he found himself unable to tolerate them in his compromised state.

"You're a coward," Shadow growled in a strained voice. "You weakened me and rendered me immobile so you could attack me without me defending myself. If you had any spine, you'd fight me without reducing me to this state."

"Why, my dear boy, what makes you think this is a fair fight?"

This earned Shadow another punch to the face. The force of the beating had begun to catch up with him in his enfeebled state and he was growing weaker by the minute. His head slumped down over his chest as he tried to catch his breath.

Robotnik grabbed a handful of fur and skin and wrenched Shadow's head up to look him in the eyes. "Don't tell me you're getting tired already. We're just getting started."

Shadow glared at Robotnik and used what little strength he had to spit blood in his face.

"I'm not afraid of you."

Robotnik grimaced and wiped the bloody saliva away with his glove.

"You act like you have some kind of leverage here. I was led to believe you were intelligent, but apparently I was mistaken. Because you absolutely should be afraid of me. You have no idea how easily I could kill you right now."

Robotnik then slugged Shadow in the gut with his metal arm to ensure a harder hit. Shadow was brought to tears and wailed in pain.

"You are so lucky you are more useful alive than as a machine. Otherwise, you would have been in a roboticizer or dead the second I had you."

Little did Robotnik know that Shadow wasn't the only hedgehog in the fortress. Sonic had infiltrated Robotropolis on a solo mission to do some spying and to plant some bugs in the bowels of Robotnik's stronghold. As he busied himself with spy gadgets, he heard cries of pain echoing through the corridors. Sonic placed the last bug under a pipe and followed the sound of the screaming. He found himself in a passageway overlooking Robotnik's lab and spotted the doctor throwing fists at something – or someone – strapped to a table. Doing his best to stay out of sight, Sonic snuck up to get a closer look at the situation. He saw some very familiar black and red spines.

"Oh no. He has Shadow. Why is he beating him up? How'd Shadow even get captured? I gotta do something!" Sonic thought.

As Sonic tried to figure out how to help Shadow, he was attacked from behind by a Swatbot that narrowly missed him and shot the wall beside him instead. Sonic could have effortlessly escaped the henchbot, but he came up with a plan to help Shadow that would involve him speaking to Robotnik. He put his hands up and allowed himself to be apprehended in order to have an audience with the evil doctor.

"Okay, I give up! Take me to the bald guy!"

The Swatbot marched Sonic down to the lab area and alerted Robotnik to its findings.

"INTRUDER FOUND IN THE FORTRESS, DOCTOR. SUBJECT IDENTIFIED AS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG."

Robotnik turned to greet his adversary. "Well, look who stopped by for a visit. To what do I owe the pleasure, hedgehog?"

"I was just in the neighborhood," Sonic said while tapping his foot impatiently.

"I'm busy at the moment. You'll have to wait your turn."

Robotnik continued to assault Shadow. Sonic could clearly see blood dripping from Shadow's mouth. He hadn't realized just how much Robotnik had done to him until he saw Shadow's injuries.

"Why are you doing this to him? Leave him alone!" Sonic shouted, struggling in the Swatbot's grip. 

Robotnik flexed his fingers into a fist. "No need for concern. He's worth much more to me alive than dead. But he's an animal that must learn a lesson about running away from his owner."

Shadow heard a familiar voice and frailly lifted his head to locate the source. "Sonic?"

Sonic stared in disbelief. "Ohhh man, he must be in bad shape. He called me by my name," he thought.

Robotnik wound up to hit Shadow again, but Sonic intervened. "Wait, stop!"

Much to Sonic's surprise, Robotnik stopped mid-swing. Sonic wrenched his hands out of the grip of the Swatbot and approached the doctor. "Take me in Shadow's place."

Robotnik raised an eyebrow. "What are you scheming, hedgehog?"

Sonic shook his head. "No scheme. I just can't let you do this to him. He couldn't have possibly done anything to deserve this." He yanked his arms out of the Swatbot's grip and marched confidently up to Robotnik. "Please, let me take his place. I'm sure I deserve this beating from you more than he does."

"I hate to admit it, but you make an arguably good point. Hmmmm..." Robotnik rubbed his mustache between his thumb and finger, contemplating which of the two hedgehogs would make a better prize.

Shadow rasped breathlessly, "Stay out of this, blue hedgehog."

Sonic folded his arms and looked at Shadow. "Oh yeah, 'cause you really got him on the ropes, don't ya?"

"Quiet, rodent," Robotnik turned and struck Shadow in the face one final time, knocking him out. Shadow's head fell forward and all his limbs went slack in their restraints.

Sonic jostled Shadow's shoulders a little in an attempt to wake him. "Shadow! C'mon man, wake up!"

"He's just unconscious. Don't worry your little blue head."

Sonic turned to face Robotnic, his expression more serious. "Well? What's it gonna be? Me or him?"

After considering the advantages and disadvantages of the deal proposed to him, Robotnik decided to accept Sonic's offer. But not before demanding Sonic be restrained first.

"I'm not stupid, hedgehog. Do you think I'll let Shadow go and then you'll escape immediately after his restraints are released?" Robotnik motioned to the table Shadow was bound to. "You get in here and then I will release him."

"Uh-huh. How do I know you won't just keep both of us if I do that?"

Robotnik grinned. "You don't know. But if you really want Shadow to have a chance of being let go, you have no choice but to do as I say. How much is his life worth to you?"

Sonic hated the quandary he was facing. He didn't know what happened to Shadow to make him so defenseless, but he couldn't just let Robotnik hurt him. Still, there was no guarantee that Robotnik would keep his word. He looked back and forth between Shadow and his nemesis, trying to figure out what the best choice would be.

Robotnik folded his arms. "I don't have all day, rodent. Make your choice."

"Fine, we'll do this your way," Sonic relented.

The doctor smiled and said, "Excellent. Snivley, release the black hedgehog."

"Do you think that's a good idea, sir?" Snivley asked.

"Do not question me, Snivley! Release him!"

"Yes sir!" Snivley replied nervously. He pressed a few buttons on the table's control panel, causing the restraints to release and sending Shadow crashing to the floor. He remained unconscious, even upon impact.

"He can easily be recaptured later, especially with his power drained," Robotnik said.

Two Swatbots picked Shadow up and held onto him while awaiting Robotnik's signal. One of them pointed its arm laser at Shadow's head.

"Make one wrong move and you'll be putting Shadow's head back together," Robotnik snarled while looking at Sonic.

"Okay, okay! I'll do whatever you say. Just don't shoot him," Sonic pleaded.

Two other Swatbots pushed Sonic into the now vacant table and locked the cuffs around his wrists and ankles.

Robotnik was quite content seeing his foe in the same vulnerable position as Shadow had been. He waved off the robots holding Shadow. "Swatbots, leave the other hedgehog outside like the trash he is."

Turning to his assistant, Robotnik said, "Fear not, Snivley. There is value in the thrill of the chase. Besides, the blue rodent is a more desirable target than Shadow."

Chapter Text

The Swatbots dragged an unconscious Shadow outside the fortress and left him on the ground. In the meantime, Robotnik couldn't help smiling over his new and more coveted prey.

"Ohhh, I am going to thoroughly enjoy this. I certainly hope that abomination was worth your freedom, rodent."

Robotnik showed Sonic no mercy as he began bashing him in the abdomen and the face. The savage beating at the hands of the evil doctor left Sonic severely bruised and bleeding in several places. Robotnik punched him particularly hard in his left arm, snapping the bone and causing Sonic to shriek in agony, but leaving him no option but to lay there and take the abuse. Another hit to the chest sent a piercing ache through him and took his breath away as some of his ribs were broken. Robotnik struck Sonic in the head multiple times, hard enough to make his vision blur and at one point, effectively concussing him. He felt severely sickened and dizzy.

Robotnik paused his violent assault to wrap his hand tightly around Sonic's throat. "You know, this is one of the most vulnerable areas on a creature's body. So easy to kill someone – or something – by cutting or crushing."

Sonic tried hard not to show his fear, but not even he could be fearless when the person who hated him the most could kill him in a second. Especially when he was powerless to stop the abuse. Robotnik tightened his grip, causing Sonic to panic as he tried to draw a breath. He struggled against his restraints and began to black out from lack of oxygen, but Robotnik let go before he lost consciousness. Sonic coughed violently as his lungs refilled with the precious air he'd been so cruelly denied.

"You're crazy!" Sonic managed to squeak in a scratchy voice.

Robotnik firmly clutched Sonic around the neck again as he was mid-gasp. "Not just the throat, but the neck is so delicate as well. A strike or twist in just the right place could render a person or animal paralyzed. Or worse."

The madman slowly started twisting Sonic's head around to emphasize his words, testing the limits of the hedgehog's spine. Sonic's heart thumped wildly in his chest as he feared Robotnik would truly break his neck. Try as he might to hide it, his fear became apparent when he began to breathe heavily and whimpered, every second of which Robotnik relished with a sadistic grin on his face. However, much to Sonic's relief and surprise, the doctor pulled his hand off his neck.

"But it would be far too easy to kill you now. And not nearly as entertaining. I think you have a few more bones that need breaking."

By the time Robotnik was finished battering Sonic, the hedgehog was exhausted and bleeding from his nose and mouth, and his lip has been split open. Both his eyes were black, he had sustained a broken blood vessel in one eye that turned the whole eye red, and his breathing was labored. This was all in addition to his broken arm, broken ribs and concussion. His whole body felt like it was on fire inside and out as he struggled to stay awake. Tears were rolling down his face, though he never gave Robotnik the satisfaction of hearing him cry.

Robotnik cracked his knuckles and said, "That was very therapeutic. Why, I feel twenty pounds lighter."

Snivley said under his breath. "In your dreams."

Without turning around, Robotnik said, "What was that, Snivley?"

Snivley stammered, "I said I enjoyed his screams, sir!"

"That's what I thought." Robotnik turned to look back at Sonic. "I think you've had enough for one day, rodent."

He turned to walk away, then stopped and swung back around to hit Sonic as hard as he could in the stomach with his metal arm. Sonic's eyes bolted open in shock from the unexpected strike. He had reached his limit - that hit to the gut caused him to cry and retch. As his vision faded in and out, the last thing he saw was the mad doctor's burning eyes staring him down triumphantly.

"Okay, now you've had enough."

Sonic finally lost consciousness from the pain of Robotnik's final assault. What remained unseen was that last gut punch was hard enough to lacerate Sonic's stomach and cause internal bleeding.

Robotnik decided he was far from done with Sonic and chose to keep him as his prisoner instead of roboticizing him immediately. After all the grief Sonic had caused him over the years, the doctor was eager to continue using Sonic as his personal punching bag until such a time that he was ready to turn him into a robot slave. Robotnik ordered Snivley to release Sonic's restraints, allowing his unconscious form to tumble carelessly to the floor. He then ordered his Swatbots to take Sonic to the prison ward. One of the robot servants picked up his limp body from the floor by his wrist, and Sonic was dragged through the fortress before being unceremoniously thrown into a cell that didn't have so much as a cot. Hours passed, and when he finally regained consciousness, Sonic found he was far too weak to move and could do nothing but lie on the floor where he had been cast.

Elsewhere in the fortress, Uncle Chuck was periodically checking the security feeds like usual and noticed his nephew in one of the prison cells. It was very unlike Sonic to get captured, and he feared something terrible must have befallen his nephew. Uncle Chuck rushed to check on him, and was appalled to see Sonic in such dreadful shape; the full extent of his condition had not been completely visible on camera. Uncle Chuck knelt down beside Sonic.

"Sonic?! How did you get here? What on Mobius happened to you?"

"Robuttnik absolutely thrashed me," Sonic rasped, his voice punctuated by painful breaths.

Uncle Chuck lifted Sonic's head and placed a piece of scrap metal under it. Perhaps not the most comfortable, but most likely moreso than the floor. Sonic couldn't even open his eyes because they were so swollen.

"Can you get up?" Uncle Chuck asked

"I can't. Everything... hurts so much. It hurts to even think," Sonic struggled to even speak, as pain from his injured ribs shot through him with every word.

"Let me take a look at you, okay?"

Uncle Chuck checked Sonic over and noticed the very evident break in his arm, as well as the superficial injuries to his face.

"This might hurt a little, but I need to check your eyes, okay?" Uncle Chuck did his best to open Sonic's swollen eyes without causing him too much pain. He became especially concerned when he saw Sonic's pupils were two different sizes, a common sign of neurological injury. Uncle Chuck did his best to try and set the broken arm with pieces of junk laying around in his secret hideout.

"I'm sorry Sonnie, but this is probably going to hurt a lot. I need to set your arm so it can heal properly."

"Do what you gotta do, Unc. It can't be worse than what Robotnik did."

It was particularly unnerving to Uncle Chuck that Sonic barely made any sound while he set the broken limb. He didn't even have the strength to cry out in pain, but the tears pouring down his face told volumes of his suffering.

Outside the fortress, Shadow had finally begun to come around. He didn't have much strength after being assaulted and losing his Chaos energy, but he managed to get himself up off the ground, albeit on shaky legs.

His memory of what transpired in the fortress was sporadic, but he distinctly remembered Sonic offering himself up to Robotnik before things went dark. He knew Sonic was likely tied down and taking the beating meant for him, but that was not Shadow's problem.

"Why should I help him? Just because he did something for me doesn't mean I owe him anything. I never asked for his help." Shadow thought. "He's the one who chose to get himself into this, so he can get himself back out. I have better things to do."

Wanting to put as much distance between Robotropolis and himself as possible, Shadow headed away from the fortress. But with each step he took, the thought of Sonic being wounded the same way he himself had been - if not worse - weighed heavily on Shadow's conscience, especially after Sonic gave himself up to ensure his freedom. Try as he might, he couldn't walk away from the situation.

"Damn that blue moron. At the very least, I will alert his friends so they can deal with him. If I can find where they are."

Some months prior...

Not long after the mission on the space colony ARK had ended, Sonic came across Shadow in the wild on Mobius. He thought for sure he was seeing a ghost because he remembered watching Shadow fall to his death, and yet there he was, in the flesh and perfectly fine.

"Shadow?" Sonic called after him.

Shadow's ear twitched in Sonic's direction and by the time he looked behind him, Sonic was already right there at his side.

"Is it really you?" Sonic asked curiously, poking Shadow in the arm to see if he was actually solid.

"Well who else would I be?" Shadow asked, already annoyed with his unwelcome visitor.

 Sonic's face lit up and he hugged Shadow tightly, much to Shadow's dismay. "I can't believe it! You're alive!"

Shadow squirmed in Sonic's grip before pushing him away. "What are you- GET OFF ME!"

"Sorry. It's just so good to see you again!"

Shadow crossed his arms. "I assure you, the feeling is not mutual."

"Aw c'mon, don't be that way. How are you? Where are you living now?"

Shadow motioned to the woods around them. "You're looking at it. And stop acting like we're friends."

"You live outside? Man, that really sucks. Hey, why don't you come back to my village with me? We have plenty of space and it's better than sleeping on the ground."

 "I'd rather sleep in a forest fire. The last thing I need is to spend more time around you."

Sonic shrugged. "Suit yourself! But if you change your mind, stop by anytime! You can find the entrance to Knothole in the Great Forest. Look for a big hollow log in a clearing – it's actually a door to the village. Just ask for Princess Sally, or tell 'em Sonic sent ya! That'll get ya VIP access!"

"Do you realize how vague those directions are? And what reason could I possibly have to set foot in your village?"

Sonic paused and asked with a silly grin. "Because... you love me?"

Shadow rolled his eyes. "Your confidence is misplaced, as usual."

Chapter Text

Shadow managed to find his way to the Great Forest from Robotropolis, but at a slower than ideal pace due to the injuries he'd sustained. Once there, it was a matter of finding the entrance to the village using Sonic's less than ideal directions.

"A big hollow log in a clearing. In a forest. He couldn't have given me less helpful instructions if he tried," Shadow thought, mentally kicking himself for getting involved in the first place.

Shadow roamed the forest, scrutinizing and crawling into every hollow log, finding nothing more than normal fallen timber. After poking around unsuccessfully for nearly an hour, he finally found a log he hadn't checked that looked particularly large – wide and tall enough to accommodate someone Sonic's height. He looked deeper into the log to see that it had no visible end like the other logs – it just kept going. He assumed that had to be the entrance to Knothole. He stood just outside the log, contemplating his next move.

"I must be insane to do this," Shadow thought. "I don't know these people. They could all be crazy. They'd have to be to live with that idiot."

He crawled into what was essentially a giant burrow and hoped for the best since he had no idea what awaited him at the other end. The tunnel took him to a steep, unexpected drop - Shadow lost his footing and tumbled down the chute clumsily before landing hard in the haystack at the end of it. The Freedom Fighters heard someone coming down the entrance shaft and gathered around to see who had arrived. They presumed it was Sonic back from his mission. However, they became suspicious when they didn't recognize the shoes sticking out from under the haystack. When a black hedgehog emerged and brushed the straw out of his quills, he was immediately interrogated by the villagers.

"Who are you? How did you find this place?" Rotor asked.

Shadow approached Rotor, his expression hard and implying a total lack of patience. "I must speak to your princess immediately. It's about the blue hedgehog."

Standing beside Rotor was Bunnie, who didn't trust the stranger and aimed her arm cannon at Shadow. "Now hold your horses! We ain't gonna just let you see the princess! We don't even know who y'all are!"

The black hedgehog grew more irate having to fight with complete strangers in order to do something he scarcely wanted to do in the first place. "Then take me to her at gunpoint, if you must. I will not beg you – the blue hedgehog is in jeopardy, and if you give a damn about him, you will let me speak to the princess NOW."

Bunnie was leery of the dark stranger, but she led Shadow to Sally with her arm cannon pointed at his back and ready to fire. Sally was in Rotor's workshop helping him with a mechanical project when Bunnie showed up, visitor in tow.

"Sally girl, this feller showed up lookin' for ya. He says he's gotta tell ya somethin' about Sonic."

Sally turned around to greet the visitor and Shadow promptly got down on one knee and bowed his head as a sign of respect to her. Sally and the others seemed baffled by this gesture.

"Umm, what are you doing?" Sally asked.

"You are a princess. Is this not the proper way to greet royalty?" Shadow asked, without lifting his gaze from the ground.

Sally helped him to his feet. "There's no need for all that. I am a princess, but as a Freedom Fighter, I'm just Sally. But who are you? How did you find this place? And what happened to you?" She asked, motioning to his facial injuries.

Shadow flinched a little, not terribly fond of having a stranger touch him. "The blue hedgehog instructed me how to locate his village, and I came here to inform you that he was taken prisoner by Robotnik."

"Wait, how did he get captured? He was just on a routine mission! Sonic isn't usually that sloppy when he gets into Robotropolis, and if he is, he can get away by using his speed."

Shadow explained what had happened. "He made a deal with Robotnik and traded his freedom for mine. I don't remember much beyond that point because I lost consciousness after the doctor assaulted me. I woke up alone outside the fortress, so as far as I can tell, Robotnik released me in favor of taking the blue hedgehog prisoner."

Sally pinched her forehead in frustration. "And knowing Sonic, he had absolutely no plans for escape. Because, unfortunately, Sonic can only think one step ahead and relies on his speed to save him."

"If he had no plan beyond getting himself captured, I don't know if he'll be able to get away from Robotnik before he gets hurt, if he hasn't been already. If he wound up in the same position I was in, he cannot defend himself."

"Then we need to go to Robotropolis and get him out."

Sally was ready to accept Shadow's explanation, but Bunnie questioned her judgment. "Sally girl, now how do we know this varmint ain't a spy for Robotnik or somethin'? He could be leadin' us into a trap!"

"I suppose that's a possibility." Sally had to consider any ulterior motives, even if their mysterious bloodied guest had urgent news to deliver about Sonic. "Hang on, I have an idea."

Sally pulled Nicole from her vest pocket, opened the tiny computer and handed her to Shadow. "Nicole, run truth detector application."

"Starting application," Nicole said, followed by a couple of digital chirps. "Application active."

Sally explained the application to Shadow. "This is a program I've been developing for a while and now is probably a good time to give it a test run. Please hold Nicole while I ask you a few questions. The application will determine how honest you are being."

"Is this necessary?" Shadow asked, growing annoyed that these people wouldn't just accept his word so he could leave. "The more time you waste doubting me, the higher the odds your blue hedgehog could suffer serious consequences." 

"I'm sorry, but we have to learn more before we do anything else. Please tell us your name."

"Shadow."

"Where did you come from?"

"The space colony ARK."

"Are you affiliated with Robotnik in any way?"

"I was, but not by choice."

"Can you elaborate further?"

"Robotnik captured me, and once I learned that he intended to use me for nefarious purposes, I escaped confinement in Robotropolis. He recently recaptured me."

"What is your purpose for coming to Knothole Village?"

"The blue hedgehog has been taken prisoner in Robotropolis, and I came here to let you know about it so that you may help him."

"How did you find this place?"

"He described the location of the entrance to me in the event I needed to come here."

"Are you here on behalf of Robotnik?"

"No, I am here on the blue hedgehog's behalf. Why do you not understand this?" Shadow's patience was being tested severely, which Sally sensed hearing the growing agitation in his tone.

Sally asked for Nicole back. "I'm sorry for taking so long, but thank you for being cooperative with us. Please bear with me while Nicole analyzes your answers." She then spoke to Nicole directly. "Nicole, please review Shadow's answers and tell us if he has said anything dishonest."

Nicole lit up as she processed Shadow's answers. "Analyzing... Analyzing... Analysis complete. The truth detector application has determined that subject Shadow was telling the truth 100 percent of the time, based on questions asked."

Sally felt more secure in the knowledge that Shadow meant them no harm and saw little reason not to trust him. "Thank you, Nicole."

Bunnie, however, was still apprehensive about their guest, as were Rotor and Antoine. "Ah don't know about all this hoo-haw, Sally. You sure that thang Nicole did works?"

"My princess, he could still be lying, no? I do not think we should be trusting him. If he used to work for Robotnik, he could perhaps be ze robot?" Antoine asked, also skeptical.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have to agree with Antoine," said Rotor. "This could be a trick to get us all to Robotropolis to ambush us."

Sally was losing her own patience with her fellow Freedom Fighters and their doubts. "If he's a robot, how can he be bleeding and have a black eye, Antoine? Not even Robotnik makes robots that advanced. Besides, he passed a lie detector test! What more do you all want? If what Shadow is saying is true and Sonic is in trouble, we don't have time to argue!"

While Sally debated with the others over whether or not they should go to Robotropolis, a small bird arrived with a message tethered to its leg. It was one of the messenger birds from Uncle Chuck that often traveled back and forth from the village to the fortress. Sally removed the message canister from the bird's leg and opened it.

"Oh no," she said as she read the message out loud. "'Sonic badly injured. Bring power ring immediately.' We need to get to the ring pool right now!"

Upon hearing this urgent message, Shadow felt a sinking sensation in his heart. He thought for sure Sonic would have been able to escape. But learning that his rival had failed to get away and had been gravely injured filled him with a sense of dread, though he would never admit it. He remembered what a force Sonic was to be reckoned with in the past, so for Sonic to be injured as seriously as Uncle Chuck described truly put into perspective just how dangerous Robotnik could be.

As for Sally, Uncle Chuck's message was all the proof she needed of Shadow's honesty. They all went to the ring pool to wait for a ring to surface, and after close to two hours, the telltale golden glow beneath the surface of the water finally appeared and a ring bubbled to the surface. Sally reached into the water to retrieve the ring as Shadow watched the mysterious body of water curiously.

"What is that? I have never seen anything like that before." Shadow asked.

"It's a power ring. It's a source of power only Sonic can wield. He must be in pretty rough shape if Uncle Chuck is asking us to bring one there."

Sally tucked the ring into her backpack. "Okay, now we have to get to Sonic."

Rotor asked, "Should I get Dulcy?"

Sally sighed. "I wish we had something faster, but Dulcy will have to do. I just hope we don't get spotted by any of Robotnik's drones – she's not exactly a small target."

Shadow interjected, "Would it be feasible for me to deliver this ring to him? I know how to get to Robotropolis and my shoes allow me to run about as fast as he can."

"Well, that would be faster and safer than taking Dulcy," Sally contemplated Shadow's suggestion. "But I would need to go with you to show you to the rendezvous point so you know how to get back into the fortress unnoticed."

"Very well."

"I hate to ask this of you given what you've been through and also that we've only just met, but would you be willing to carry me to Robotropolis? It's what Sonic usually does when we go on missions there," Sally asked.

Shadow wanted to refuse because he was beyond done with the whole situation, but his conflict was with Sonic, not his friends. "I can do that."

He had come this far, so he decided he would see the situation through to the end and finally wash his hands of Sonic and his incompetence once the blue hedgehog had been secured.

All of the Freedom Fighters headed out of Knothole and into the forest. Shadow felt a little awkward as he picked Sally up - he just met this woman and he was being asked to carry her like a bride. She wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders like she would with Sonic, making Shadow's fur stand on edge - he did NOT like being touched.

"It's just for now. At least you don't have to carry that damn hedgehog," Shadow thought.

"Y'all want us to come with ya for backup?" Bunnie asked.

"No, you should stay here," Sally said. "Sonic might need to be taken to the infirmary when we get back and we need people here to take care of him immediately. Besides, it will be much easier for two of us to get in than half a dozen."

"Be careful, Princess," Rotor said.

The two of them took off toward Robotropolis, which was no small trip. As he picked up speed, Sally noticed Shadow was not running anymore, but was gliding over the ground.

"How are you doing that? You look like you're skating."

"Air shoes. They allow me to match the blue hedgehog's speed."

Sally also noticed Shadow's arms were a little shaky and that he would recoil here and there. He even almost dropped her at one point. The blood stains on his otherwise white chest fur did not go unnoticed either. Sally had been so worried about Sonic that she realized only while in Shadow's arms that she was asking him to carry her across a massive distance when he had been physically assaulted not that long ago.

"Are you all right? We can stop and rest for a minute or two."

Shadow's voice was a little strained as the run to the fortress left him worn out without his powers. "No, I will rest when we get there. We have to keep moving. The blue hedgehog needs your help."

Shadow couldn't believe those words came out of his mouth. He was showing concern for his rival?

"Robotnik must have hit me in the head harder than I thought."

In a way, he felt like he owed Sonic some sympathy after what he did for him. Shadow decided it wouldn't kill him to care a little bit this one time, even if it felt like it would.

Chapter Text

After a long and tiring journey on foot, Sally and Shadow finally reached their destination. Once in Robotropolis, Sally guided Shadow to one of the many weak points in the fortress where the Freedom Fighters had been able to get in undetected. No longer needing to be carried, Sally escorted Shadow through various corridors, chutes and ducts until they wound up in the prison area. Uncle Chuck was waiting for them.

"Thank goodness you're here, Sally." Uncle Chuck said as he held both Sally's hands. He looked in Shadow's direction after noticing she did not come alone. "Who is your friend?"

"Uncle Chuck, this is Shadow. He seems to know Sonic, and he arrived at Knothole shortly before your message did to tell us Sonic was in trouble."

"Nice to meet you, Shadow." The robotic hedgehog studied Shadow's features, realizing they looked familiar. "I think I remember seeing you around the fortress some time ago." Uncle Chuck gave it further thought. "Yes, yes I remember seeing you. Robotnik was trying to use you as a weapon, but I heard you had escaped."

Shadow nodded. "When I realized what he was planning for me, I was not about to let him use me to hurt others. Unlike most of his robot minions, I had the ability to refuse."

"You're very lucky he didn't roboticize you. He must have felt you were more valuable to him in your natural state."

"You still retain your free will despite your robot form? How is that possible?"

"Well, I'm not-" Uncle Chuck stopped himself when he saw Sally's expression had grown more worried."

"I'll explain later. Come on, you two. Sonic needs your help now."

As they followed Uncle Chuck's lead through the prison ward, Shadow stopped them. "Wait. I am familiar with this area of Robotropolis. There are security cameras. Robotnik will send Swatbots if he sees us on the camera feed."

Uncle Chuck explained, "Way ahead of you. I scrambled the cameras before the two of you got here. Little project I've been working on. What Robotnik will see for the time being is a segment of footage being looped of Sonic alone in his cell. As far as he'll be able to tell, no one else is down here."

Sally smiled a little. "You're a genius, Uncle Chuck."

"Just doing what I do. Come on, we shouldn't waste any more time."

Uncle Chuck led Sally and Shadow to the cell where Sonic was being kept, but before having her go into his cell, he warned Sally of the state Sonic was in.

"Before you go in there, you need to know he's pretty badly beaten up. I don't want it to shock you too much when you see him."

Sally quietly made her way into Sonic's cell and found him lying on his back on the floor. As she got closer, she gasped when she saw just how serious his injuries were. Even with Uncle Chuck's warning, it was still difficult for her to see him so bruised and bloodied. She had to turn back around and leave to compose herself. Her eyes flooded with tears - she'd never seen Sonic in such awful condition.

Uncle Chuck could see how distraught she looked and pulled Sally aside - out of earshot of Sonic and Shadow - and spoke in a hushed tone.

"Sally, he's not doing well. Most of the injuries I can see will heal, but it's the ones I can't see I'm worried about. I'm certain he's concussed and has broken ribs, and I've done my best to set his arm. But I don't know if he has anything worse going on like a brain bleed or a skull fracture. Robotnik also hit him very hard in the stomach multiple times and he could have internal injuries. Given how weak he is, I think this is a very real possibility."

He sighed, his words proving difficult even for him to say. "I don't want to have to tell you this... but he could die if we don't do something immediately."

Sally held her hand over her mouth. "No... no, he can't die. Did Robotnik really hurt him that much?"

Uncle Chuck continued. "Yes. He needs the power ring now. It won't completely fix everything, but it'll stabilize his condition a little, and every little bit helps. Were you able to get a ring?"

Sally pulled the ring out of her backpack. "It took a while, but we got one."

"Good. Have Sonic hold onto the ring for a little while." Uncle Chuck looked toward Sonic's cell. "You should bring it to him. I think it'll help a little if he gets to see you again."

Sally went back into the cell and knelt down beside Sonic on the floor, trying her best to put on a strong face for her beau. "I'm here, Sonic," she said, softly touching Sonic's hand.

Sonic was very weak, but he managed to open his eyes upon hearing a familiar voice. His expression perked up a little seeing Sally at his side.

"Sal?" Sonic asked. His voice was still harsh and strained from being choked.

"Try not to talk, okay? Save your strength."

Sally placed the power ring in Sonic's hands and closed his fingers around it. "You need to hold this with both hands."

Sonic didn't have much of a grip due to his lack of strength, so Sally had to hold Sonic's fingers around the ring using her own hands. The sight of the one she loved having been wounded so brutally was difficult for her to see and she fought to keep her emotions to herself. She knew she needed to be strong for the both of them at that moment.

"It's... it's going to be okay, Sonic. We're going to help you."

"What's... a nice place like you... doin' in a girl like this?" He managed a tiny laugh and instantly flinched in pain. Broken ribs and laughter don't mix very well, after all.

In spite of the distress she felt over Sonic's condition, Sally couldn't help rolling her eyes a little and smiled over his lousy attempt at a joke.

"I'm glad to see Robotnik didn't damage your terrible sense of humor."

Sonic smiled very feebly. "It's not terrible if it makes you smile."

The power ring glowed brilliantly in Sonic's hands. He could feel energy pulsing through him and returning a fraction of his life force to him, but it wasn't nearly enough to heal his injuries. Still, he didn't feel like he was peering over the precipice of death any longer. At the very least, he could hold the ring mostly on his own and could speak with a little less pain.

"How'd you get here? Dulcy?" Sonic asked.

Sally comforted Sonic by stroking his quills. "Your friend Shadow brought me here. He came to Knothole and said you needed help."

"No kiddin', Shadow did that? Is he here?" Sonic asked.

"He's outside the cell."

"Can I see him?"

Sally got up and poked her head out of the cell where Shadow was leaned against the wall. "Shadow, can you come in? Sonic is asking for you."

Shadow was surprised, but he obliged. While he wasn't fond of Sonic, it was still difficult for him to see just how much damage Robotnik had done. The injuries Shadow sustained did not go unseen by Sonic either, even seeing his peer through two swollen eyes. Shadow knelt down beside Sonic along with Sally.

"Sorry I didn't get to you sooner. Looks like Robuttnik really let you have it," Sonic said, referring to Shadow's visible injuries.

"Not as much as he let you have it, it seems."

"Yeah, he got me good." Sonic grimaced and grunted a little, trying to adjust his body on the icy metal floor. "You brought Sal here with the ring, huh?"

Shadow nodded.

"Thank you. You guys are awesome."

Sally turned to Uncle Chuck and said, "We need to get him out of here tonight."

Shadow shook his head. "He's in no shape to be moved. Doing so could worsen his injuries."

"I know, but he might not survive being hurt like this again, especially if it happens before he's had a chance to heal." Sally motioned to one of the camera. "Plus, if Robotnik sees Sonic has improved even a little overnight, he might suspect something is up. You don't get better that soon after a beating like that."

Uncle Chuck agreed. "I think she's right, you two. I know Sonnie's still in rough shape, but you have to get him out of here tonight. If Robotnik hurts him like this again before he's fully recovered, he won't live through it."

Sally turned to Shadow. "Shadow, are you able to carry him out of here and back to the village? I'm so sorry to ask you to do all this when I know you're in no shape to run, but you're our only hope to help Sonic."

"Damn it, not again. Not HIM too," Shadow thought. But they needed his help. As much as he loathed Sonic, not even he deserved such abuse. "I think I can do it. But how will you get back if I'm carrying him?"

"I know my way back. It'll just take me longer to get there - I'll figure something out. Our main concern right now is Sonic."

Sally took Nicole out of her vest and gave her to Shadow. "Please take Nicole with you. You'll need her to find out how bad Sonic's injuries are so she can advise on how to treat him, and I don't want you to have to wait until I get back to do it. Can you carry them both?"

"I suppose we'll find out."

Shadow tucked Nicole into his quills and then slipped his hands under Sonic's legs and back to lift him.

"Please be gentle with him. He has broken bones," Uncle Chuck said.

As slowly as he could, Shadow lifted Sonic off the floor, but he still wailed in pain as his broken ribs were squeezed.

"Sorry," Shadow said without much concern in his voice.

Sonic gritted his teeth. "It's... it's not your fault. Unc said I got some broken ribs."

At the very least, Sonic had the energy to cry out, which was an improvement over when Uncle Chuck had found him. Shadow himself winced having to lift Sonic - not because Sonic was heavy, but because Shadow had not had the chance to recuperate at all from the assault he'd endured.

Sally held Sonic's hand once more as Shadow held him. "Be safe, you two. The others will be waiting for you when you arrive."

Sonic gave her a weak thumbs up. Sally led Shadow back out of Robotnik's base so he could make his way to the village. She watched as Shadow ran off with her lover in his arms, until they disappeared from sight.

"Please hang on, Sonic. Shadow, please hurry." Sally thought.

Chapter Text

And so Shadow made the long trip back the way he came, with Sonic in tow and still weary from traveling on foot for hours before. The journey was arduous from the moment he left Uncle Chuck and Sally because Shadow was also impaired from Robotnik's abuse. But he had to carry on – Sonic was counting on him, and so were all his friends. Much to his surprise, Shadow found himself feeling troubled having to carry Sonic – not entirely because of his contempt for his blue peer, but because he was so accustomed to seeing Sonic full of energy and cockiness. Though he wasn't fond of Sonic, he still found it disturbing to look down and see his rival helpless and broken in his arms.

A few pained grunts escaped Shadow's lips as he dashed over the rough terrain. Try as he might to stifle the sounds of his suffering, Sonic could still hear just how much he was hurting.

"Thank you... for doing this," Sonic said, barely above a whisper,.

Shadow shushed him. "Try not to talk. You should save your energy."

"Are you just saying that... because you don't want to hear me talking?"

Shadow paused for a moment. "That's part of it."

"Well fine... be that way." Sonic said in jest, or as much as he could joke when it hurt to talk or laugh. "Hey, I'm gonna shut my eyes for a little bit. I'm so tired."

Shadow looked at Sonic, half annoyed and half concerned. "Please tell me you're not dying."

"I'm not. I just feel... super wiped out," Sonic said, his voice growing weaker.

"Do not make me have to tell your friends that you died before they could help you," Shadow said, mostly irritated, but with a hint of fear in his voice. "Do you swear you're not dying?"

"By the moon and the stars in the sky."

"What?"

"Make up your mind. Do you want me... to shut up or talk?"

"Right. Sorry. You should rest."

Sonic closed his eyes, and Shadow's gaze was glued to him the entire rest of the trip. He could feel Shadow's eyes studying him and said, "I promise I'm okay. Just keep goin' toward Knothole."

In Robotropolis, Robotnik didn't realize until long after Sonic was gone that his prisoner had vanished. He found out when a Swatbot doing security rounds alerted him to the empty cell. Robotnik went to check the cell himself to find Sonic was, indeed, gone. He checked the security cameras and saw Sonic very clearly laying on the floor, but upon closer inspection of the video feed, he spotted the moment the video loop restarted when Sonic's hand jerked slightly, but suddenly in the span of a single frame and then back again. The doctor was no fool - he realized he was viewing pre-recorded footage when he should have been seeing the feed in real time.

"SNIVLEY! THE HEDGEHOG IS GONE!"

Robotnik smashed the bars of the empty cell with his robot arm hard enough to dent them.

"Those blasted Freedom Fighters must have been behind this. I think it's time to re-evaluate my security system if they were able to sneak in and get out unnoticed so easily. I must also find out how they bugged my cameras. Those little pests are becoming infuriatingly clever."

After a lengthy and anxious run, Sonic and Shadow finally reached Knothole Village. At the very least, Shadow knew precisely how to get to the village and headed right for the entrance. Knowing from experience that it was going to be a rough ride, Shadow took a deep breath, held Sonic extra tight, reluctantly entered the tunnel and took a second fall that day. The two of them rolled down the chute, noisily bouncing off the sides the whole way down before landing harshly in the haystack at the end. Shadow was thrown onto his back into the pile of straw, knocking the wind out of him. He immediately checked on Sonic.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah. But man, we gotta work on your landings. I was already shaken, not stirred."

The other Freedom Fighters had been waiting since Sally and Shadow left so they could intercept Sonic immediately on arrival. With considerable effort, Shadow managed to get up with Sonic still in his arms.

"Follow me," Rotor said and led Shadow to the infirmary, where he laid Sonic down gently on a table.

Despite the pain ravaging his nerves, Sonic still found the energy to make jokes. "This is the worst vacation ever."

"Is he delirious?" Rotor asked.

"No, he's an idiot." Shadow pulled Nicole from his quills and handed her to Rotor. "The princess gave me her talking device to give to you for evaluation of the blue hedgehog."

Rotor accepted Nicole. "Thanks. We can take it from here."

Shadow left the room so Sonic's friends could tend to him and he waited near the village entrance for Sally to return. He wanted to both avoid interaction with the other Freedom Fighters and avoid being in the way. He watched from a distance as several of the villagers entered and left the infirmary, and Shadow could only wonder what was going on, or if Sonic's condition had become more serious. After what felt like hours, Sally eventually came back and landed in the haystack with far more grace than Shadow had managed - she even landed on her feet. Shadow greeted her as she descended the pile of straw and offered his hand to help her keep steady.

"It's good to see you've made it back safely."

"I'm sorry it took so long for me to return. How is Sonic?"

"I don't know. I took him to the infirmary and I haven't heard anything about his condition. I've been trying to stay out of the way."

Sally rushed to the infirmary to get an update. Shadow already felt like an intruder in Sonic's village; he did not wish to insert himself where he neither belonged nor wanted to belong, so he chose to wait outside the infirmary to learn Sonic's fate before leaving. He sat down against a tree, folded his arms over his knees and rested his head on his arms. He had been on his feet for hours and his entire body ached - the relief of simply getting to sit down was immeasurable. Exhaustion quickly conquered his consciousness, and Shadow was perfectly happy to surrender. The dark hedgehog dozed off fairly quickly, as he was so spent from the day he'd had.

Sally finally emerged from the infirmary and spotted Shadow asleep beneath the tree. Her expression softened realizing just how drained he was that he fell asleep sitting up and hunched over at a very uncomfortable angle. She softly roused him by touching his shoulder.

Shadow woke with a start and looked around him, but soon realized it was only Sally. "What? Oh, it's you, princess. Any word on his condition?"

"Yes. The least of it is superficial injuries as well as some broken bones. The worst was a concussion and bleeding into his stomach."

"Nicole said the bleeding was likely worse, but it was slowed by the power ring. So we will have to wait until another one surfaces to fully stop the bleeding."

"He's still bleeding internally? Is he going to be okay?" Shadow asked, his voice uncharacteristically concerned.

"We think so, yes. Nicole estimates that he is not bleeding at a fast enough pace to be of major concern, and so long as we bring him more rings, his condition will stabilize."

"That is good news."

"He also had a small fracture in his neck that could have turned out a lot worse had Robotnik hit him hard enough a second time. He's resting right now."

Shadow felt relieved. "It sounds like you didn't get him that ring a moment too soon."

Sally smiled and expressed her gratitude. "We couldn't have done it without your help. Had you not been available to run a ring to Sonic and then bring him back here as quickly as you did, he would have been in much worse shape. He might not have even made it out of Robotropolis alive."

She held Shadow's hands in her own. "I can't thank you enough, Shadow. I don't doubt you saved his life. You've done so much for him and for all of us."

Shadow smiled the tiniest smile. "It was the least I could do. Especially after what he did for me, as idiotic as it was. I will come back and thank him when he's feeling better."

"Won't you please stay here at Knothole? At least for a few days, so you can rest."

Shadow looked toward the entrance chute and stood up with much effort. "I should be on my way. I feel I've already overstayed. And I wouldn't want to impose."

"It's not an imposition if I'm offering. Please, we have vacant huts for visitors. It may not be fancy or modern, but it's a place to rest."

"I suppose I-" Shadow staggered, overcome with an overwhelming feeling of fatigue and dizziness. He had to lean against the tree he'd fallen asleep under to steady himself. Sally instinctively reached out and caught him.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I'm just... so tired right now. I'm not used to feeling this way."

Sally's concern switched to Shadow for the moment as she saw just how shaky he was on his feet. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I've been expecting you to do all these things for us when you're in almost as bad shape as Sonic. Please, I insist that you stay here to recuperate. You should not be out running around in your condition."

Shadow wanted to put that entire day behind him and never see any of these people again, but he was so worn down that he could hardly stand. After significant cajoling from the princess, he finally agreed to stay in Knothole. With her arm around his back to help him stand, Sally led Shadow to a small empty hut. It was quite primitive, but also simple and quaint. She led Shadow to his bed, which he practically sank into when he sat down.

"This is so soft. I've never slept in a bed before."

Sally sat down beside him. "What, seriously? Never?"

"Never. When I lived on the ARK and was taken prisoner by GUN, I was kept in cells."

"Oh my, really? Why did they do that?"

"I wasn't really seen as a person or a living thing – I was just an object to them. Then when I escaped Robotropolis, I would sleep on the ground or in trees."

"Don't you have a home now?"

Shadow shook his head. "No, I don't. I haven't had a home for a long time."

"I'm so sorry you've never even had a comfortable place to sleep. That sounds awful!"

Shadow shrugged. "I've never known anything else. So for me, it was nothing unusual."

"I only know a tiny bit about the ARK, from what little Sonic told me. I remember his mission there, or at least I remember him being gone for it. When he came back, he was really depressed."

"Any particular reason why?" Shadow asked.

Sally sighed. "He said his friend had died during the mission and it was too hard to talk about. He eventually started acting like himself again, but he never did tell me exactly what happened. All I know is his loss troubled him deeply for a long time. I think he felt guilty that he couldn't save his friend."

Shadow figured she was talking about him because no one Sonic knew died – or appeared to die – on the ARK, except for him. He had no idea his presumed death had such an emotional impact on his rival. He felt a twinge of guilt in his soul knowing Sonic cared for him when he did not reciprocate, but he pushed those feelings out of his mind.

"I'm the ultimate life form. He's an idiot to think I could die so easily," Shadow thought. "I almost wish he still thought I was dead. I wouldn't be in this damn mess if he did."

Sally stood up and turned to look at Shadow. "I would absolutely love to hear more about your life in space sometime - it sounds absolutely fascinating! But perhaps you can tell me later. For now, get yourself comfortable and get some sleep. I'm going to go check on Sonic again. Please let us know if you need anything, okay?"

Shadow nodded, and Sally left and closed the door quietly behind her. After the difficult day he'd had, Shadow crawled under the covers of his first-ever bed and fell asleep immediately. He slept for two straight days; Sally and Bunnie periodically checked on him, but allowed him to get his much-needed rest.

Antoine was especially disgruntled about Shadow being allowed to stay in Knothole.

"Just because he does ze one good deed, zat does not mean he can be trusted! Ze princess, she has gone crazy! I do not like zis hedgehog! He is getting too much comfortable with my princess!"

Rotor shook his head. "I know, Ant. I don't like this guy either. But Sally is pretty taken with him because he helped Sonic. I just hope we don't wind up paying for her trust in him."

"And just look at what ze lazy bones he is! He is to be sleeping for two days?! At least ze blue hedgehog gets up and does zings!" Antoine huffed and folded his arms.

Dulcy overheard the conversation between Antoine and Rotor and added her two cents.

"Now you two should give Shady a chance! Dragons can sense things like truth and purity, and I don't feel anything bad about him. I mean, look what he did for Sonic! No bad guy would help as much as he did!"

"I hope you're right, Dulcy," Rotor sighed.

Chapter Text

Once he'd had some time to rest, Sally went to visit Sonic in the infirmary the day after his ordeal in Robotropolis. He was nowhere near being back to his normal self, but he had enough energy to sit up and carry on a conversation. After some pleasantries and checking on his condition, she gave him an earful about what he'd done.

"Sonic, why did you let Robotnik capture you? That was so reckless!"

"I had to, Sal. I didn't really think a whole lot about it, but all I know is I saw Robuttnik clobberin' Shadow and my mouth started runnin' before my brain did. It's all I could think of to get him to let Shadow go."

"Just... he could have killed you. He almost did." Sally's expression went from stern to hurt. "You don't know how hard it was seeing you covered in blood and bruises that night. I was so scared I was going to lose you."

She stroked the side of his face, and her expression made no secret of the fact she was trying not to cry. He held her close in an effort to comfort her.

"I'm sorry, Sal. I am. I'd never to anything to hurt ya on purpose, I swear."

He let her go so he could look her in the eyes. "But it's not like I did a stupid thing for fun. I did it because I couldn't just stand there and watch my friend get beat to death. I just didn't know what else to do to save him."

Sally sighed. "I can understand your reasoning. You're very lucky Shadow can run about as fast as you. Things could have turned out a lot worse if I had to get to Robotropolis on Dulcy. There were so many opportunities for things to have gone horribly wrong."

She emphasized her words by pointing her finger in Sonic's face. "And this is a perfect example of a situation where your speed couldn't save you. You need to think about these kinds of things, Sonic! You're going to wind up dead one of these days if you aren't more careful!"

Sonic clasped her hand with both of his and lowered it from his face. "I know. But everything wound up working out one way or another this time. It was a close call, but I don't regret what I did. Shadow might not be here had I not done what I did."

Sally shook her head, and Sonic continued. "Hey, don't think about what could have happened. Think about what did happen, and that everyone is okay."

"You are so lucky things have a tendency to work out for you," Sally said with a hand on her hip.

"Luck has nothin' to do with it. I just have great friends who can save my butt when I do dumb things," Sonic said with a smirk, hoping to lighten the mood a little. Sally acted annoyed, but Sonic could see the little smile on her face.

She leaned in closer to Sonic. "I know you got punched in the face pretty hard, but how does your mouth feel right now?"

"It's fine. Why don't you check for yourself?" Sonic asked with a sly grin.

The two of them shared a deep kiss, after which Sonic smiled and said, "Ow."

"You said you felt fine!" She gave his uninjured arm a playful shove.

"I know, but I wasn't about to pass up a kiss! Hey, why don't you check again, just to be sure? It might be better now since you kissed it."

Several kisses later, Sally headed back outside to continue working on her project with Rotor that had been disrupted the day before by Shadow's arrival. Before she made it out the door, Sonic called after her.

"Hey, is Shadow still here?"

"Yes, he's been resting since we got back."

"Oh man, he's been out for two days? Whatever Robuttnik did to him musta been mondo bad to wipe him out like that. Can you ask him to stop by when he wakes up? I wanna talk to him."

Well past his second day of sleep, Shadow woke to a sunny afternoon and finally emerged from his lodgings. He didn't quite feel like himself yet, but he was markedly better than he was on arrival. As he stretched his legs and went for a walk around the village, Sally spotted him and caught up to him.

"Shadow!"

He turned and greeted her. "Good afternoon, Princess."

"I'm glad to see you're up and about! I don't mean to pester you when you've just gotten up, but when you get a moment, would you go and see Sonic today? He asked if you could stop by his room so he could talk to you."

Shadow honored the request and made a beeline for Sonic's hut. He knocked first.

"Yeah?" Sonic responded.

Shadow let himself in stood at Sonic's bedside with his arms folded.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Hey, Shads! Glad to see ya!"

"How are you feeling?"

"Absolutely rad! Except for the part where everything hurts like crazy, and I feel mondo wiped out. I never felt wiped out before."

Shadow sighed. "Getting beaten within an inch of your life will take a lot out of you."

Sonic continued. "I'm glad to see you're doin' all right and didn't need any special treatment like I did."

"I'm fine."

There was a bit of silence before Sonic spoke up again, this time with a slightly more serious tone. "Hey, if I tell you something, can you promise not to tell Sal?"

"I promise," Shadow said, slightly intrigued.

Sonic's expression turned solemn. "Back in Robotropolis, when I was layin' on the floor... I think I was dying. I could feel it happenin'. I can't explain it - it was just a feelin' I got deep down that I wasn't gonna be okay."

This confession from Sonic surprised Shadow. He had no idea just how close Sonic had come to losing his life, and he was even more surprised by the fact Sonic was able to be serious about anything for even a moment.

Sonic went on. "I can't tell you how happy I was to see Sal, but... I just couldn't tell her I wasn't gonna make it. I thought for sure I wasn't gonna see her again, and I never want her to know just how close she came to losin' me."

He paused. "Thank you for bringin' her to Robotropolis. I really needed to see her."

Shadow shook his head. "Bringing her there wasn't my idea. She insisted on accompanying me to show me how to break into Robotropolis to provide you with a ring."

"But you still got her there. And when she put that ring in my hands, I felt like I kinda came back from the edge a little. I didn't feel like I was definitely gonna die anymore – more like maybe I was gonna die. I felt like things might be okay after all."

"Your uncle is the one who requested the ring, and the princess retrieved it from the ring pool. I only transported it. You make it sound like I single-handedly saved you. I simply acted as an intermediary."

A look of bewilderment spread across Sonic's face. "Inter-what? You been talkin' to Nicole? She uses words like that."

Shadow just looked at Sonic in confusion. Sonic shrugged. "Anyway, don't sell yourself short, man. A power ring ain't any good to me when it's not in my hands. Doesn't matter whose idea it was. What matters is you got it to me when I needed it. And I bet it was no easy task runnin' to Knothole, then Robotropolis and back to Knothole after gettin' laid out by Robotnik."

Shadow ran his hand through his quills. "It was... challenging."

Sonic extended his hand to Shadow. He looked at it and then back at Sonic. "What are you doing?"

"It's a handshake, dummy. Don't they got handshakes in space?"

Shadow hesitantly grasped Sonic's hand and they shared a very weak handshake with the small amount of energy Sonic could muster in his state of continuing infirmity. Shadow wasn't fond of being touched so much that day, especially by more than one person. But he hoped his tolerance would last a little longer.

"Thank you. You saved my life. I owe you big for this," Sonic's voice and expression grew more serious. He wanted Shadow to understand his sincerity.

"Had you not taken my place, I would have taken that beating. I can't use those power rings to replenish my strength like you can – I can only use Chaos Emeralds for that, and mine is gone."

He looked down at his hands, remembering the green glow they emitted as his power was taken away. "Robotnik also did... something to me that suppressed my power further. I might very well have died had he finished what he started with me. So I should also be thanking you, because had you not done what you did, I might not be here."

Sonic nodded. "Okay, so we'll call it even. I saved you and you saved me."

Shadow sat at the foot of Sonic's bed. "I must know. Did you have a plan to get yourself out of there once you were taken prisoner?"

"Well duh! Isn't it obvious my plan was to get my butt kicked by Robuttnik and then almost die?" Sonic replied with a snarky smile.

"That's about what the princess said would happen. She said you're not very good at thinking ahead."

"Hey! That's not..." Sonic thought about it for a second. "Okay, she's not wrong. But I'm built for speed, not strategy!"

Shadow turned to Sonic after yet another bout of silence. "So, why did you help me?"

Sonic shrugged. "I didn't want Robotnik to hurt you."

"But why would you let him hurt you instead?"

"I figured I could get him to let you go if I traded places with you. Not like he would've let you go out of the goodness of his heart, and I knew he probably wanted me more than he wanted you." Sonic's expression turned a little smug, as if his plan was a stroke of genius. "I knew I had a bargainin' chip he couldn't refuse."

"I just don't understand why you would do something like that for me when we aren't even friends."

Sonic sat up in bed, albeit with considerable effort and ample wincing. He clutched his side as his ribs reminded him of the damage that had yet to heal.

"I know ya don't like me, but I still care about you. I think deep down, there's good in you. If I thought you were nothin' but evil, I woulda left you in Robotropolis and let Robuttnik finish the job. You ain't the nicest person I ever met, but you still matter."

Shadow was a little overwhelmed by Sonic's warmth and kindheartedness. He'd never had anyone care about him after losing Maria. But it wasn't only Sonic's thoughtful words that affected him so profoundly. He was also touched by the generosity shown to him by the princess, who had only just met him.

"I don't know what to say."

"It's all good, I know this whole people bein' nice to you stuff is probably new for you. You'll get used to it." Sonic paused a moment and then went on. "So are you leavin' tonight? Or are you gonna hang around a little while?"

"The princess has offered me accommodations and has asked me to stay for a few days. I may stay at least one more night to rest further, but I'm not sure I will stay for much longer than that."

"What? Why not?" Sonic asked, looking a little disappointed.

"I think some of your fellow Freedom Fighters are not fond of my presence here," Shadow said with the tiniest hint of sadness in his voice.

"Like who?"

"The walrus, the blonde fox and the rabbit. I don't know their names. They seem uneasy about me being here. I presume it's because they know I used to work for Robotnik."

Sonic shook his head. "No, you were captured, brainwashed and enslaved by Robotnik. Biiiiig difference. Anyway, don't let 'em get to you. They just don't know you yet. Maybe once they get to know ya, they'll warm up to ya."

"I very much doubt that," Shadow scoffed. "And who says I will be staying long enough for any of them to get to know me?"

"Ya never know! And if they don't learn to like ya... well, screw 'em! I don't like Antoine either and he hates me because he's been wantin' to get with Sal for, like, ever. But he never does because he can't compete with true sexiness!" Sonic said while brushing the hand on his intact arm over his quills, attempting to be suave.

"You are very lucky to have someone like Miss Sally, not only as a comrade, but as a lover. She's smart, brave, confident and beautiful. I can see why this Antoine is jealous."

"She's way past in every way!" Sonic said with a smile. "I don't know what she sees in me sometimes, you know? But I love her. Plus, I need her. I got a bad habit of just runnin' into situations without thinkin', but she's got enough brains for both of us, so it works out."

"In that regard, you probably need all the help you can get," Shadow cracked a tiny smile at Sonic.

Sonic groused, but smiled back. "Hey! Gimme a break! I'm layin' here with half my body broken and you're bustin' my chops on top of it! Man, nothin' like kickin' a guy when he's down!"

"I'm sorry, I will wait until you've recovered to insult your intelligence."

"You got a horrible bedside manner, you know that?"

"But seriously, you've been through a lot. The princess said you will need a lot of rest to recover from your injuries, even with the rings. I should let you get some sleep."

Sonic feigned shock, complete with holding his hand over his chest and forehead dramatically. "Why Shadow, are you sayin' you care about little ol' me?"

"Don't read too far into it," Shadow replied, the irritation in his voice palpable.

"Still, I probably should catch a few more winks. But man, this whole layin' down all the time and doing nothin' crap is gettin' real old real fast."

Several days and power rings later, Sonic was well into recovery and was pleading for chili dogs. Unfortunately, Sally refused to indulge him.

"Sonic, you have to eat healthy things to help you to get better! Chili dogs are not healthy!"

Sonic adamantly disagreed. "Yes they are! They're healthy for my mental health! Because I'm goin' crazy not being able to have my favorite food! It's bad enough I'm stuck in this bed all day long!"

"You can walk around if you need to move! It's not like you're paralyzed."

"I may as well be if I can't run!"

Sally sighed. "I'll bring you some fruits and vegetables to eat instead."

Sonic folded his arms over his chest and pouted. "Man, this is wack! I should have stayed with Robuttnik!"

"You're such a baby! You were more cooperative when you were half dead! You won't shrivel up and die if you eat some vegetables!"

"You don't know that! It's never been done before! You'll be sorry if I die of malnutrition!"

Bunnie overheard the two of them bickering from outside and couldn't help laughing. Shadow had come outside to see what all the fuss was.

"Well, the sugah-hog shoah sounds like his old self again! But if he keeps that attitude up, Sally might jus' break his other arm."

Shadow asked, "Is he always like this?"

"Oh mah stars, yes. That sugah-hog is just a l'il ol' fireball."

Sonic's voice rang out from inside his hut, "Chili dogs are too a food group! Ask Nicole!"

Shadow looked back at Bunnie. "Your village has my sincerest condolences."

Later that evening, Shadow wandered out to the ring pool. He took a seat on a log near the water's edge to admire the night sky and the beauty of nature surrounding the village - something he scarcely had time for when he was in survival mode, but wanted to take advantage of in the safety of the village. A few minutes later, Shadow heard footsteps approaching and leaves rustling. He immediately jumped up and assumed a defensive stance.

"Who's there?"

A familiar voice called out from the brush. "It's just l'il ol' me, darlin'. Mind if ah join ya?"

Shadow lowered his guard and sat back down. "Not at all."

Bunnie emerged from the brush. "Ah'm sorry if ah scared y'all, sugah. Ah wasn't meanin' to. Ah like comin' out here sometimes too."

She took a seat on the log beside Shadow. He looked around him at the forest and streams surrounding them. "It's very beautiful here. I don't understand how Robotnik could possibly want to turn all this into metal and smoke."

"Ah know he shoah ain't no nature lover!"

The two sat together quietly for a few minutes before Bunnie broke the silence.

"Could ah talk to you a minute about somethin'?"

"Certainly."

Bunnie sat with her hands in her lap. "Ah want to apologize to you for how ah been treatin' ya since y'all got here. It ain't right that ah've been actin' like you're some kinda criminal. Now ah know you said you done did things for Robotnik, but ah can't imagine y'all would help us so much if you was some kinda spy."

Shadow reassured her. "There is no need to apologize. I understand why you and your friends would be wary of me when I'm a stranger and I have a history with Robotnik, voluntary or not. I understand your need for security and that you may not be able to trust everyone."

"D'you think you could find it in your heart to forgive this ol' girl for bein' so mean? Us Southerners are s'posed to be welcomin'. My mama would tan my hide if she knew ah was so un-neighborly to someone."

Shadow nodded. "I accept your apology. But there is no need to feel sorry for trying to protect your home. I can only imagine how unsettling it must have been for a total stranger to show up covered in blood demanding to see your princess."

Bunnie laughed a little. "Oh yeah, that was a l'il scary when y'all showed up lookin' like ya just skinned a cat." Bunnie extended her normal hand to him. "Lemme introduce mahself proper. Ah'm Bunnie Rabbot. It's nice to meet ya, sugah!"

Shadow accepted her handshake. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Bunnie."

"Ah'm happy to see a new face 'round here, and we're all grateful for what you done to help Sonic. Ah shoah hope y'all be stayin' for a while!"

"I suppose that remains to be seen. Sonic is very lucky to be surrounded by so many friends who care so much for him." Shadow's expression fell with a hint of sadness to it. "Not everyone has such a privilege."

Chapter Text

A few months had passed since Shadow showed up at Knothole Village, and during the course of his stay, he had assimilated into their community. He wound up not leaving after a couple days like he had originally intended. This was due mostly to Sally, Bunnie and Sonic convincing him to stay in spite of the couple of Freedom Fighters who still had their doubts. "I'll stay a couple more days, if you insist," is what Shadow said each time he was talked out of leaving, and the days soon stretched into weeks. It took Shadow around three months of these interactions for him to realize that the others genuinely wanted him to stay. In the time he'd spent in the village, he had also mellowed out a little and became slightly more amiable. Being around people who treated him properly had made quite the positive impact on his personality, though he still preferred distance and solitude most of the time.

One evening, after Bunnie finished reading Tails a bedtime story, she and the princess had a talk and Sally brought up something important.

"I've given this a lot of thought, and I think I would like to make Shadow an official Freedom Fighter."

"Oh, Sally girl, that's wonderful!" Bunnie beamed.

"I'll hold a meeting tomorrow to see what everyone else thinks."

"Ah'm shoah Antoine and Rotor ain't gonna be too keen."

"It will be a majority vote. Hopefully we can get more votes in favor of inducting him into the group."

"Well he shoah got mah vote! He's like a l'il ol' crab hidin' in his shell sometimes, but he's a darlin'!"

The following morning, Sally quietly informed select members of the village of a secret early meeting in the hopes of keeping the news from Shadow until an official decision was reached. Once everyone was present – Sonic, Bunnie, Antoine, Rotor, Tails, and herself – Sally called the meeting to order.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I will keep this brief. After much consideration, I have decided I would like to appoint Shadow an official Freedom Fighter so that he may truly become a part of our village. However, I want to hear everyone else's opinion before making a final decision. I will open the meeting to comments now."

Sonic sat with his feet propped up on the table. "Totally gonna vote in favor of him stayin'!"

Tails said, "Me too! I like Mr. Shadow!"

Bunnie said, "Ah vote yes for the new sugah-hog!"

Sally said, "Of course, my vote is in favor. He has more than proven himself by going to such great lengths to save Sonic."

Antoine harumphed. "I am not to be agreeing. I still think this stranger is having interior motives by being here. I am sorry, my princess, but I am to be saying 'no.'"

"Very well. Rotor? I want to hear from everyone."

He shrugged. "Does it matter what I think? The votes in favor of your decision are going to be the majority."

"Everyone's opinion matters to me. If you have any concerns, I want to be able to address them, no matter the outcome of the vote."

"Maybe I'm just overthinking, but I just don't know if we can trust someone who worked for Robotnik. What if he's a double agent? He might be trying to share our coordinates with Robotnik to lead him here."

Sonic interrupted. "Rote, he never 'worked for' Robuttnik. The fat guy found him after he crashed to Mobius and brainwashed him into workin' with him. I knew him before that happened. He helped Robotnik at one point, but it was to finish his own mission, not 'cause he's evil. Give him a chance - he's all right."

Rotor sighed. "I vote yes. I just hope I don't regret it."

Sally nodded. "Then by a vote of five to one in favor, I move to make Shadow a member of the Freedom Fighters. We will hold a swearing-in ceremony this afternoon, assuming he will want to become one of us."

"Cool! Can we have a party afterward, Aunt Sally?" Tails asked excitedly.

"Yeah, Aunt Sally, can we have a party? Can we? Can we?" Sonic asked, mimicking Tails' tone.

Sally laughed. "Yes you two, we can throw a party. It's been a while since we celebrated. We'll have to get some food and wood together for a bonfire. Should we make this a surprise for Shadow?"

Sonic shook his head. "That's a nope, Sal. I'm gonna guess Shadow ain't the kinda guy who likes bein' surprised. Might be better to let him know about it before."

Meanwhile, Shadow had been wandering around the village, wondering where everyone had disappeared to. Sally spotted him after the meeting was adjourned and called out to him. "Shadow! Shadow, wait!"

"Where is everyone? Was there a mission today?" Shadow asked, looking side to side at the empty village.

"Not exactly. But I need to talk to you about something."

"Is everything all right?"

"Yes, everything is fine. I promise what I have to discuss is nothing bad." She smiled at him in anticipation. "After some consideration, I have decided that I would like you to officially join the Freedom Fighters."

"Really? Me? Do the others know?" Shadow asked in surprise.

"Yes, it was put to a vote and the majority of the votes were in favor of you joining us. You don't have to accept, but I would very much like to make you a Freedom Fighter and make this your home. What do you say? Will you join us permanently?"

Shadow smiled. "It would be an honor."

"Wonderful! There is a brief ceremony to swear you in that will be held shortly in the center of the village."

"So soon? Do I need to do anything special?"

"Just show up."

The villagers had all gathered in the center of Knothole, where Shadow was waiting. Princess Sally emerged from one of the huts adorned in a long blue cloak lined in white and her jewel-studded crown. She was carrying a scepter with a golden ring on the end and the royal crest of Acorn centered in the ring. Such a special event warranted the proper attire, after all. She approached Shadow to begin the ceremony.

"Thank you all for coming to witness the swearing in of a new Freedom Fighter. It's been a while since we got to do this. As you all know, Shadow has been with us for about five months after having assisted in rescuing Sonic from Robotropolis. He has proven himself worthy of the title of Freedom Fighter that day and every day since. Today, we make things official."

She faced Shadow. "Please kneel."

Shadow did as he was told and got down on one knee, bowing his head.

"Shadow the Hedgehog, as a member of the Freedom Fighters, princess of Knothole Village and future heir to the throne of Acorn, I ask you to commit to the three elements of freedom fighting. Do you swear to aid in the war against Robotnik to help bring his reign to an end?"

"I do."

"Do you swear to devote yourself to securing freedom for all Mobians and protecting the freedom already achieved?"

"I do."

"Finally, do you swear to uphold the values of the Freedom Fighter every day? Righteousness, courage, fellowship and equality?"

"I do."

"Then by the power vested to me by the kingdom of Acorn and the village of Knothole, I hereby appoint you an official member of the Knothole Freedom Fighters." She gently tapped the scepter over both his shoulders.

"Now rise, Shadow the Hedgehog, our newest Freedom Fighter."

A chorus of cheers erupted from the villagers as Shadow stood back up. Rotor was still feeling a little sour over a former tool of Robotnik's being in the village, and Antoine just glared watching Sally fuss over yet another hedgehog. But Shadow was too busy being showered with congratulations to notice the two villagers who disagreed with Sally's decision.

Sally raised her hands in an effort to get the villagers' attention. "Everyone! Everyone, there will be a celebration this evening to mark Shadow's induction into our group."

"Whoohoo! PARTY TIME!" Sonic shouted.

Evening arrived and the village was bustling with action. Wood for a bonfire was piled up and Dulcy used her fire breath to light it. Villagers were busying themselves preparing food to cook over the fire. Music played the entire night, including Sonic rocking out with his guitar. So many of Shadow's new teammates approached him to shake hands and congratulate him. Bunnie lifted him clear off his feet and gave him a big hug, nearly crushing him with the force of her robot arm.

"Ah'm so happy y'all are a Freedom Fighter now, sugah-hog! Welcome aboard, darlin'! We're glad to have ya!"

"I'm glad... to be here..." Shadow said in a strained voice. Bunnie realized what she was doing and quickly released him.

"Oh dear, ah'm sorry. Sometimes ah forget mah own strength with this ol' metal arm. You okay, sugah?"

Shadow nodded. Tails ran up to him and gave him a much gentler hug. "I'm happy you decided to stay here, Mr. Shadow! I can't wait to fight bad guys with you and Sonic!"

Sonic finished his song and ran over to Shadow. "Hey man, how are ya doin'?"

"I'm not used to getting so much attention, or hugs for that matter. It's kind of nice, but it's a little overwhelming."

"You can always bounce to one of the huts for a few minutes to chill out if it's too much. I know you're a wallflower."

Sally approached the two hedgehogs. "Sonic, did you know there are chili d-"

Sonic didn't even wait for her to finish her sentence before he took off faster than either Shadow or Sally had ever seen him run. His speed created a vortex of air in his wake that dragged several other villagers along with him.

Sally smoothed out her hair after Sonic's dash mussed it up. "I figured that would make him happy." She turned to Shadow. "How are you doing tonight? Are you enjoying the party?"

"I am, but you didn't need to go to so much fuss for me."

"It's no fuss. Besides, it's very much a worthwhile reason for a celebration when we swear in a new Freedom Fighter. We haven't had reason to celebrate for a long time."

"Thank you. Not only for this, but for allowing me to join your group. It means a lot to me that you saw me fit to be one of you."

"It wasn't just my decision. The others wanted you here too."

"I just hope I can live up to the standards of a Freedom Fighter."

Sally put her hand on Shadow's arm. "You already have. You'll do just fine."

Sonic came back over with a chili dog in his hand and raised it in the air.

"Let's hear it for the hedgehog of the hour! To Shadow!"

The others followed suit and raised their drinks in kind.

"TO SHADOW!"

Sally had left to mingle, leaving Shadow by himself for a moment. It gave him great pause knowing that everyone in the village was celebrating him. Even if he wasn't much of a partier, he'd never felt so appreciated in his life. The party carried on well into the night, with the bonfire finally being extinguished just as the sun was coming up.

Chapter Text

Not long after Shadow's induction into the Freedom Fighters, he joined them for his first official mission. The objective was to steal roboticizer parts in order to try and create a de-robotocizer – something which they had attempted making in the past, but did not see lasting success.

Sally stood before the others to give a mission briefing.

"Okay you guys, this should be a pretty standard mission. We need to collect roboticizer parts. As you know, we're still trying to reverse engineer the technology to try and turn the Robians back to their natural forms. We've had limited success in the past, which Bunnie can attest to, but we need more parts to continue experimenting."

Sally threw her backpack over her shoulders. "If no one has any questions, let's get going! Find Dulcy and let her know we will be leaving immediately!"

Sally, Bunnie, Antoine and Tails flew part way to Robotropolis on Dulcy and then walked the rest of the way to avoid Dulcy being spotted. Sonic and Shadow ran ahead and waited at their usual rendezvous spot. Using one of their usual entry points, the Freedom Fighters infiltrated the fortress and made their way deep into the city.

"We should split up into groups to cover more ground." Sally said, and began explaining which way everyone should go.

"Bunnie, you come with me and we'll head toward the east wing. Antoine and Tails, you two go to the prison level. Shadow, you go with Sonic and go to the center of the fortress. Keep your radios on and meet back here in one hour. Be safe, everyone."

The six of them separated into three groups and headed in different directions. Unfortunately for them, they were not being as stealthy as they thought. They were unaware that Robotnik was already privy to their presence after having installed more security cameras around the city.

"It appears the Freedom Fighters have entered the fortress, sir. Shall I send a team of Swatbots after them?"

"No, Snivley. Not yet."

"Is that wise, sir?"

"Do not question me! I will allow them to go about their little mission for the time being, then we will flush them out and deal with them." Robotnik took a closer look at one particular camera feed. "Oh? And what's this?"

He spotted Shadow with Sonic on the security feed.

"My, what an interesting plot twist. Those bothersome little insects have found the black hedgehog."

Robotnik did not need to sic his robot minions on the Freedom Fighters, for Antoine's ineptitude managed to capture the attention of nearby Swatbots.

"INTRUDER ALERT. FREEDOM FIGHTERS LOCATED IN THE PRISON WING. ALL NEARBY UNITS RESPOND."

Antoine dropped the parts he was carrying and made a run for it, with Tails not far behind. Robotnik sent out a signal to all the Swatbots to be on alert for the remaining Freedom Fighters. The Swatbots worked together in a surprisingly well-coordinated effort and blocked off the escape routes. Antoine and Tails had no choice but to flee deeper into the fortress instead of toward the outer limits.

"Ze Swatbots, they are seeing us! We are doom-ed!" Antoine screeched into his radio.

Sonic sighed. "Oh look at that, Ant got himself spotted."

"Should we go find him?" Shadow asked.

Before Sonic could answer, a group of Swatbots stormed the room where he and Shadow were salvaging parts and shot at them.

"SURRENDER, FREEDOM FIGHTERS."

"They know we're here. Let's juice, Shadow!"

Sonic led Shadow to several of the exits he knew around the city, all of which had either been blocked off or were guarded by Swatbots. "Man, this is lame. There are Swatbots everywhere. Must be Robuttnik tipped 'em off."

"What now? Do we fight? Or do we run?" Shadow asked.

"We only fight if we got no choice, and right now, we got a choice. Run!"

Shadow followed Sonic and matched his speed, but they repeatedly ran into clusters of Swatbots that were deliberately positioned to corral all the Freedom Fighters in the same place. After running through several corridors and rooms, the two hedgehogs wound up in the same room where Sonic had rescued Shadow months before. Sally, Bunnie, Tails and Antoine were also all there, having been chased into the room from different parts of the fortress.

The Swatbots surrounded the Freedom Fighters and pointed their lasers at them, prepared to fire. Sonic and his friends all stood back to back and took on defensive stances when Robotnik emerged from his control room.

"What a lovely surprise to have you all visit me. Unfortunately for you, I became wise to your break-ins and installed much more security. There was no way you were pulling the same tricks and getting away with it."

As he circled around the throng of Swatbots, he specifically approached Shadow.

"How convenient to have both hedgehogs arrive in the same visit so I don't have to track them down separately. What lies did you tell these pests to get them to take you in, Shadow? Do they know you have the capacity to destroy an entire planet?"

Shadow narrowed his eyes. "I will not be defined by what I am. I will be defined by what I choose to be."

"Ohh, how poetic," Robotnik said dramatically with his hands clasped together. He then pointed toward the Freedom Figthers. "Swatbots, get them! Bring me the hedgehogs alive, but eliminate or robotocize the rest!" Robotnik quickly retreated to his control toom to allow the Swatbots to deal with the intruding Freedom Fighters while he oversaw the battle.

"All right, fat man. If it's a fight you want, then that's what you'll get!" Sonic said, clenching his fists.

And so began a skirmish between The Freedom Fighters and an army of Swatbots. They may have been outnumbered, but that wasn't going to stop them. Tails flew up close to the ceiling and tricked one of them into firing a laser at him, which he dodged. The shot struck a piece of machinery, sending it crashing down and taking out several other robots at once.

"Yeah! Strike!"

Bunnie had the firepower to match the Swatbots' lasers and took out a bunch of them herself with a few well-placed blasts. When her cannon had to recharge, she resorted to crushing Swatbots like cans with her robot arm.

"Y'all need to learn some manners!" Bunnie said after hurling a Swatbot across the room.

Sally was able to plant small explosives on some of the Swatbots and used Nicole to detonate them. Sonic ran circles around the Swatbots and caused them to shoot one another in their confusion before running back to Sally.

"Whoa, we got bombs now?! Sal, gimme the rest of 'em. I'll stick 'em on a bunch of Swatbots."

Sonic darted between the remaining Swatbots, sticking the tiny explosives to them before they had a chance to react. He ran back to Sally when he ran out of bombs.

"Do it to it, Sal!"

With the press of a single button, Sally managed to fell another dozen robots. She high-fived Sonic for his help.

Even Shadow was holding his own just fine, despite being without his powers. He didn't need Chaos energy to fight, and he was not shy about making use of his hand-to-hand combat skills. The first Swatbot he approached was drop-kicked, sending it flying into two other Swatbots. He kicked the head off another one, and then broke the arm off a third Swatbot and used it to beat the robot until sparks flew out of it.

"Way past, Shadow! Where'd you learn to fight like that?" Sonic asked.

Shadow threw the severed metal arm to the floor once he was sure the Swatbot it belonged to had stopped moving. "Just because I was made to help people doesn't mean I can't defend myself. You can thank Julian's grandfather for teaching me how to fight."

"I didn't know we were on a first-name basis, Shadow," Robotnik spat through a speaker.

Shadow looked right into the camera. "We aren't. I just make sure to differentiate between the competent Robotnik and the useless one."

"Hey, how come I never saw those moves when we fought before?" Sonic asked.

Shadow smirked a little. "I didn't think you were worth the effort."

"Oh, thanks. Jerk."

"Don't get cocky, you two. We're still surrounded and we can't let our guard down!" Sally called out.

In the control room, Robotnik was not the least bit pleased watching his robot army being felled by the Freedom Fighters. "What is wrong with the Swatbots?! They're losing to a bunch of animals! Snivley, deploy more! I am not going to be bested in my own fortress by rodents!"

The battle continued as more Swatbots poured into the room, stomping over the remains of the crushed robots. Laser blasts flew across the room, driving the Freedom Fighters to dodge and take cover. After demolishing yet another Swatbot, Shadow turned around in time to see one aim its arm laser at Sally. Her back faced the offending robot and she was unaware of the danger she was in as she focused on the robots in front of her. Shadow ran as fast as he could toward her.

"Sally! Watch out!"

He shoved Sally out of the path of the laser, but did not have enough time to get out of the way himself. The laser blasted straight through his back and out his chest. Shadow immediately clutched his chest and collapsed to his knees.

Sally looked up from the floor just in time to see Shadow get shot. "SHADOW!"

"NO! You shot the hedgehog, you imbeciles!" Robotnik hollered and beat his fists onto the control panel in the room, causing sparks and smoke to pour out of it. "I'm surrounded by idiots!"

"You made them that way," Snivley said under his breath.

"WHAT?!" Robotnik roared.

"I said we should upgrade them today, sir! The Swatbots, that is!"

Sally rushed to Shadow's side to find him gasping for air. She realized how badly he was injured and called out to Sonic.

"Sonic! Help!"

Sonic looked over to see Shadow on the floor and Sally knelt beside him. "Bunnie! Cover me!"

"You got it, sugah!"

As Bunnie kept the Swatbots at bay, Sonic rushed to Shadow's side. "Shadow, what happened?" He rested his hand on Shadow's back.

"I... I can't breathe," Shadow said, his voice pained and labored.

Sonic pulled his hand away and saw it was stained with blood. He pulled Shadow's hand away from his chest to see even more blood on his glove.

"Oh man." Sonic picked Shadow up and said, "He's hurt bad, Sal. I gotta get him outta here."

****If you would like to read the bittersweet ending, please skip to chapter 15 from here****

****If you would like to read either the happy or sad ending, please continue reading up to chapter 10, then follow the instructions at the end of that chapter****

"No... you can't. They... they need you here," Shadow said through strained breaths.

Sonic looked down at Shadow. "You need me more right now."

Another Swatbot fired toward the three of them, nicking Sally's shoulder and scorching her flesh. She screamed and grasped her arm.

"SAL! Are you al-"

She winced and said, "I'm fine, it's not that serious." It was obvious she was trying to fight the urge to cry. "Look, we're sitting ducks right now. Go now, as fast as you can. There are too many of them and we're going to have to retreat. Take Nicole with you, and see if you and Rotor can keep him stable until we get back."

Chapter Text

"Oh man." Sonic picked Shadow up and said, "He's hurt bad, Sal. I gotta get him outta here."

"No... you can't. They... they need you here," Shadow said through strained breaths.

Sonic looked down at Shadow. "You need me more right now."

Another Swatbot fired toward the three of them, nicking Sally's shoulder and burning her. She screamed and grasped her arm.

"SAL! Are you al-"

She winced and said, "I'm fine, it's not that serious." It was obvious she was trying to fight the urge to cry. "Look, we're sitting ducks right now. Go now, as fast as you can. There are too many of them and we're going to have to retreat. Take Nicole with you, and see if you and Rotor can keep him stable until we get back."

Sally reached into Sonic's backpack and pulled out a power ring. "You'll need all the help you can get. Now go! We'll find our way out, but you have to help Shadow right away."

Sonic looped the ring around his wrist and rushed out of the fortress with Shadow in tow.

"Hang on for me, Shadow," he thought.

Sonic ran as fast as his feet could carry him, sprinting hard enough to leave gouges in the ground and flames in his wake. More and more, Sonic pushed his limits - he hadn't a moment to spare, and neither did Shadow. When he looked down, he saw that Shadow had lost consciousness. Sonic shook him a little to try to wake him.

"Shadow?"

Nothing. Sonic jostled him a little harder.

"C'mon, please say somethin'!"

Still nothing.

"SHADOW!"

Shadow's body hung limp in Sonic's arms, not responding to any of Sonic's increasingly desperate attempts to elicit a response. Fearing the worst, Sonic fought back tears, held Shadow even tighter and ran faster than he'd ever run back to Knothole, leaving a path of destruction behind him as his breakneck speed uprooted trees and displaced bodies of water. Finally, the entrance to the village was in sight. Sonic bolted straight down the tunnel, running through it so hard that he cracked it on the way down. He dashed clear through the haystack at the end, blowing it away completely. The soles of Sonic's sneakers had steam coming off them from the sheer speed at which he ran. It might have only taken him a few minutes to get back, but every moment felt like an hour not knowing if Shadow was even still alive.

Dulcy spotted Sonic in a big rush as he skidded to a halt past her. "Sonic, what's goin' on? What's wrong with Shady?"

"We had to retreat. Everyone else is on their way back. Go find them and get them back here fast, Dulcy! We're gonna need Sal's help."

Dulcy took off without another word. Sonic dashed right to Rotor's workshop and threw his shoulder into the door to open it since his hands were full.

"ROTOR! Where are you?! I need help right now!"

Rotor looked up from the project he was tinkering with. "What is it? Everything okay?"

Sonic ran to Rotor and showed him the shape Shadow was in. "No! It's not okay! Shadow got shot and I can't wake him up. Sal gave me Nicole to figure out what to do for him."

Rotor looked at Shadow's seemingly lifeless form and blood-stained fur. "He doesn't look good. Let's get him to the infirmary."

Once there, Sonic laid Shadow down on a table and Rotor held Nicole over Shadow's chest to take further readings.

"Nicole, tell us about Shadow's current condition. Please tell us his vitals."

Nicole beeped and hummed for some time as she checked Shadow over.

Sonic was understandably more impatient than usual and paced nervously back and forth. "C'mon, Nicole! Sometime this year!"

The beeping of Nicole's sensors continued. Sonic leaned over Shadow, looking for even the smallest sign of life. "Please tell me I didn't get here too late."

Nicole finally had an answer for them.

"Analysis complete. Pulse detected. Breathing detected. Heart rate is weak and rapid. Respirations are slow and irregular. Blood pressure is low. Subject Shadow's condition constitutes a medical emergency."

"He's just unconscious, Sonic. But he's not in good shape either. What can you tell us about his injuries, Nicole?"

"Shadow has sustained a penetrating flesh injury, with entry and exit wounds to his back and chest, most likely caused by a projectile."

"We can see that. What got damaged inside his body that we can't see?" Rotor asked.

"Anatomy unknown."

"What do you mean 'anatomy unknown?!' This ain't the time to malfunction, Nicole!" Sonic shouted.

"No malfunction detected. Anatomy and genetic makeup of subject Shadow are not comparable to any known anatomical or genetic data on Mobius. DNA appears to be extra-terrestrial in nature. Origin unknown."

"Speak English!" Sonic cried.

"It means Shadow is an alien," Nicole said.

"What? That doesn't make any sense! How can he be – never mind! Nicole, can't you make an educated guess how to help him?! He's a hedgehog! Use me as a reference! We can't just stand here and do nothin'!" Sonic's cries grew more and more frantic, knowing each second mattered as far as Shadow's condition.

"Understood. Analyzing... analyzing... subject Shadow appears to have sustained severe cardiac trauma, presumably from whatever caused his external injuries. He is also currently experiencing internal exsanguination."

"Nicole, you're tickin' me off! Talk normal!" Sonic yelled.

"Shadow has been shot through the heart and is bleeding out from both his internal and external wounds."

"What do we do about it, Nicole?" Rotor asked, sensing Sonic was about to throw Nicole out the window.

"Treatment unknown. Under normal circumstances, such an injury to the heart would have been fatal within minutes. It is unknown how Shadow is still alive with this type of injury. Pressure should be applied to the visible wounds to stop the external bleeding."

"Well if he's still alive, maybe that means he's gonna be okay!" Sonic said, trying to be optimistic.

"The probability of any living creature sustaining such a serious injury to a vital organ and surviving is almost zero," Nicole responded.

"But it's not zero, right?" Sonic thought for a few seconds. "What about a power ring?"

"Expected effect of power ring on subject Shadow unknown," Nicole said.

"A ring ain't comin' up for a long time. Do you got one in your storage shed, Rote? You got everything in there."

Rotor thought for a moment. "You know what, I might. Keep an eye on Shadow and let me look. You keep pressure on his wounds to try to stop the bleeding while I'm gone."

As he held a cloth over Shadow's chest wound, Sonic overheard the familiar clamor of the contents of Rotor's shed spilling out. After searching through his seemingly endless supply of hoarded junk, Rotor came running back a few minutes later with a ring.

"Good thinking, Sonic. I did have one stashed away for emergencies. But I don't know if it'll work on him."

"One way to find out. Give him some juice."

Sonic put the ring in Shadow's hands to activate it. The ring began to glow, and Shadow's body took on a faint glow of its own as he became imbued with the ring's power. Rotor held Nicole over Shadow to monitor him.

"Nicole, keep us informed of any changes to Shadow's condition. He has a power ring and it appears to be reacting."

Nicole beeped and hummed as she studied Shadow's vitals. "A minor improvement is noted in subject Shadow's condition. Breathing and heart rate have improved slightly. Bleeding has slowed slightly."

Rotor was amazed. "I can't believe it. It actually helped a little. I thought these would only help you, Sonic."

Sonic watched as Shadow's body glowed with a golden light, equally surprised. "I guess we're more alike than I thought. Is the ring gonna totally fix him, Nicole?" Sonic asked.

"Negative. Power ring insufficient for full recovery."

"So what does that mean?" Sonic asked impatiently.

"The ring isn't strong enough to fix all the damage," said Nicole.

"WHY NOT?! They saved me!" Sonic shouted.

"Yeah, but you didn't get shot, Sonic. His injuries are a lot worse than yours were."

"Ring power is insufficient because subject Shadow appears to utilize Chaos energy, which is significantly more powerful than power rings."

"Chaos energy? So we'd need a Chaos emerald? We don't got an emerald. What if we just gave him more rings once they come to the surface? How many rings would we need to have the power of one emerald? What's the exchange rate?" Sonic asked in a rapid-fire manner.

"Given the rate at which the next ring will surface and the rate at which Shadow's condition is deteriorating, he will experience cardiac arrest or fatal exsanguination before the next ring is expected to appear in approximately eight hours."

Sonic sighed. "Rotor, I can't deal with her right now. Can you translate?"

"It means Shadow's heart will stop or he'll bleed to death before the next ring comes up."

Shadow began to stir a little and opened his eyes.

"Shadow! You're awake!" Sonic looked at Rotor and asked, "That's good, isn't it?"

Shadow tried to speak, but he was swiftly reminded of the damage he'd sustained and his voice caught in his throat. He hissed through his teeth as pain shot through his chest.

Sonic put his hand on Shadow's shoulder to keep him from getting up. "Don't move, okay? You're hurt pretty bad right now. We're gonna try to help you."

"What now, Nicole?" Rotor asked.

"Rotor, Sonic, please take me outside with you."

Rotor and Sonic looked at one another, but did as Nicole suggested and went outside to hear what she had to say. As they reached the door, they heard the telltale crash as Dulcy made a less-than-smooth landing and demolished an empty hut. Sally and the others climbed out of the debris and ran to Sonic and Rotor.

"How is Shadow? Is he all right?" Sally asked.

"I don't know yet, Sal. Nicole told us to bring her outside." He held Nicole up to speak directly to her. "What's the deal, Nicole? Why are we doin' this outside when Shadow is inside?"

Sonic handed Nicole back to Sally. "Nicole, status update on Shadow?"

Nicole lit up as she spoke. "Since he has regained consciousness, I did not want Shadow to overhear his prognosis because it might cause him distress. Subject Shadow's cardiac injury is very grave and will continue to worsen, although it appears to be happening at a slower rate than normal for reasons I cannot explain."

"What can we do?" Sally asked.

"Subject Shadow's injuries are incompatible with life. Palliative care is recommended at this point."

"In English, Nicole!" Sonic shouted.

"Shadow will not survive his injuries. It would be best to try and make him comfortable for the time he has left."

The others gasped upon hearing Nicole's prediction. Bunnie covered her face with her hands and cried. Sonic refused to accept Nicole's prognosis.

"WHAT?! NO! There's gotta be somethin' we can do! He's the ultimate life form! He survived fallin' to Mobius from space, for cryin' out loud! You can't tell me a laser is gonna do him in!" Sonic shouted as he paced nervously. "What about an emerald? Nicole said he recharges with Chaos energy!"

"We have no idea where to even start looking for one, Sonic!" Sally said.

"We could ask Knuckles to borrow his! I'm sure he'd understand if it's to save someone's life!"

Nicole chimed in. "This would be an ineffective course of action. The distance to the Floating Island is too great to retrieve the emerald and return in time, even with Sonic's speed. Also, Shadow cannot be moved in his current state without further risk to his health."

"But we gotta do somethin'! We have to! We-"

Sonic began to break down as the gravity of Shadow's condition truly hit him. He looked sadly in the direction of the infirmary and then turned to his friends.

"He's gonna die, isn't he?"

"It appears that way, unfortunately. I am sorry, Sonic, but Shadow's injuries are beyond treatment. He will most certainly not survive the night," Nicole said.

"Thank you for all your help, Nicole." Sally said sorrowfully and closed the tiny computer.

"I should've gotten him here faster. Maybe he'd be okay if I did," Sonic said, his breath jagged with sobs.

Sally put her hand on his shoulder. "You went as fast as you could. You even had a power ring to make you run faster. He's just hurt too badly."

Sonic dried his eyes. "So what do we do now?"

Sally held Sonic to try to comfort him. "The only thing we can do. We say goodbye."

Chapter Text

As the others tried to comfort one another, Rotor carried Shadow back to his bed so he could rest somewhere more comfortable.

"Thank you," Shadow said faintly.

Rotor nodded. "Sure. I'm sorry we couldn't do more." In spite of his opinion of Shadow, Rotor still found it hard to see him in such a way.

After getting Shadow situated, Rotor went to talk to Sonic, Sally and Bunnie. He spoke quietly so Shadow wouldn't hear him. "I'm sorry, but I don't think he has long. If anyone needs to say anything to him, you should do it soon."

"Wait, Mr. Shadow is... gonna die?" Tails asked tearfully, the severity of the situation finally becoming apparent to him.

Sally got down on one knee and put her hand on his shoulder. "I'm afraid so. He's hurt very bad."

"But, he just became a Freedom Fighter! And he's strong and fast like Sonic! He can't die, Aunt Sally!"

Tails started crying, and all Sally could do was hold him close and try to comfort him.

Sally, Bunnie, Tails and Sonic all gathered outside Shadow's room so they could each go in and say their goodbyes.

"Ah'll go first. I got a feelin' he's gonna want to talk to Sonic and Sally the most, so I want y'all to have more time with him. Tails, you wanna come in with me too, darlin'? So you don't gotta go alone?"

Tails just nodded. Before going in, Bunnie whispered to him, "Listen close now, sugah. Please don't say nothin' about what's happenin' to Shadow, okay? I don't know if he knows how bad things are and we don't wanna scare him."

"I won't," Tails said, rubbing his eyes with his hands.

Bunnie entered the room, holding Tails' hand. Each step she took toward him felt like the heaveist she'd ever taken. She took a seat in the chair by Shadow's bedside and Tails chose to stand. Shadow looked terrible and his breathing was slow.

"Hey there, sugah-hog," Bunnie said, and held Shadow's hand. He opened his eyes and smiled a little.

"It's nice to see you both."

"Ah'm so sorry all this happened."

"Thank you for saving Aunt Sally from those Swatbots. That was really brave!" Tails said.

"Is she all right?" Shadow asked.

"She's fine, darlin'."

"You really kicked those Swatbots' butts too! That was so cool! It was like somethin' out of a movie!" Tails looked at Shadow with the same admiration as he did with Sonic.

Bunnie's voice grew a little weepy." Ah'm happy to call you mah fellow Freedom Fighter and mah friend. I wish Sonic didn't go and get himself whooped by Robotnik, but had that not happened, y'all wouldn't have come here. Ah'm glad that beatin' he took had a silver linin'."

"I'm glad I found my way here as well. You've all changed my life so much."

"Y'all need anything, sugah?" Bunnie asked, and stroked the side of Shadow's face. She was at a loss for words - she'd never had to look death in the face, but she knew Shadow needed all of them more than ever.

"No... but thank you for coming to see me," Shadow said weakly.

"Sally girl is gonna come and see you too. Y'all... y'all take it easy now, okay?" Bunnie's voice cracked a little, as much as she tried to hide it. She adjusted Shadow's pillow and blankets to make sure he was comfortable, then kissed him on the head before leaving.

Tails gave Shadow a hug before he left the room. "I hope I can grow up to be a hero like you, Mr. Shadow."

Sally visited with him next. She entered his room to have what she knew in her heart would be her last conversation with him. As she sat on the edge of his bed, Sally took his hand in hers.

When Shadow turned to face her, he immediately saw the singed fur and reddened skin from the hit she took in Robotropolis.

"Your arm. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. It's just a scratch, really."

"I'm sorry I shoved you. Did I hurt you?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm fine. But why did you do that? Why would you jump in front of something that would hurt you?"

"I saw you were about to get hurt. I couldn't let that happen."

She held his hand with both of hers. "Shadow, I could never fully express how much I appreciate what you did, but you didn't have to put yourself in harm's way for me."

"I have people in my life now who are worth taking a risk for," Shadow said weakly.

Shadow clutched his chest and groaned, feeling the effects of his wounds once more. "What happened... after Sonic left? Did anyone else get hurt?"

"No, everyone is okay. We had to withdraw because we were outnumbered, but the rest of us got out without an issue."

Her eyes started to water and the pain in her heart became evident in her voice. "I'm so sorry things turned out this way. Thank you for what you did. You saved my life. I just wish it didn't have to be like this..."

She shed a few tears and Shadow softly squeezed her hand. "Please don't be sad. I'm glad I could finally be of use to someone for a good reason." He leaned back against his pillows and managed a tiny smile. "I think Professor Gerald would have been happy to know his creation finally helped someone."

Sally wrapped her arms around Shadow and pressed her head against his, embracing him one last time as tears streamed down her face. "I'm so sorry..."

Shadow used what little strength he had to hold the princess close. "It's okay. I'd do it all again if I had the choice."

She let him go and stroked the side of his face, both to comfort him and herself. Shadow peered at the doorway. "Is Sonic out there? Could I see him?"

Sally brushed the tears from her eyes and sniffled a little. "He is. I'll send him in."

After leaving Shadow's room, she found Sonic in a chair with his elbows on his knees, holding his head in his hand. She spoke to him quietly.

"Sonic? Shadow wants to see you."

Sonic didn't look up. "I can't go in there, Sal. I can't handle seein' him knowin' I'll never see him again."

"But he's asking for you."

"I can't. It's... it's too hard," Sonic said, a pained sadness evident in his tone.

The princess sat down in the seat beside her lover. "Sonic, you'll regret not saying goodbye to him for the rest of your life if you don't go see him now. And imagine how crushed he'll feel knowing his friend couldn't take a moment to see him when he's dying."

Dying. Sonic began to tear up - he still hadn't fully accepted Shadow's fate.

Sally put her hand on his shoulder. "I know it's going to be hard, but please, you have to do it. This isn't about you, it's about him. He needs you right now. This is your last chance to see him."

Sonic sighed. "You're right, Sal. I just hope I can be strong enough to face him."

"You don't have to be strong all the time, you know. This is difficult for all of us, and I know it's particularly hard for you since you know him better than the rest of us. But what's important now is to see him. Go and make one more memory with him."

Sally walked with Sonic to the door to Shadow's room, holding his hand up until the second he entered the room. He walked slowly over to Shadow's bedside, trying hard to fight back tears. Even in his impaired state, Shadow could tell Sonic wasn't okay, as well as Sonic thought he was concealing his emotions. Sonic sat down on the edge Shadow's bed, facing him.

"Hey man, how are ya holding up?"

"I suppose... I could be better," Shadow said and rested his hand on his chest.

"Yeah, you... you can say that again," Sonic replied with a forced, sad smile.

There was a pause where Sonic just didn't know what to say. He just couldn't find it in himself to try to be funny and lighten the mood like usual. And he wasn't used to dealing with loss staring him right in the face. Try as he might, he just couldn't find the right words knowing Shadow would die in that bed, and very soon. But Shadow wasn't dumb – he could sense the grief his fellow Freedom Fighters were feeling.

Sonic's head drooped in sadness. "I'm sorry I didn't get you here sooner. Maybe if I had, you wouldn't be like this."

"Don't blame yourself. I know you did your best."

"I just don't understand how this hurt you so much. Like I remember seeing you free-fall from ARK, and you managed to survive that. How did getting shot with a laser do this to you?"

"I was in super form then. Almost nothing could hurt me." Shadow adjusted himself so he could try to sit up a little.

"But when Robotnik captured me, he used some kind of machine to drain the Chaos energy out of me, and then said he put something in me to prevent me from regaining my energy. My injuries might have been less severe if I had access to my normal powers."

Sonic stayed silent, out of fear that if he opened his mouth, he'd start crying. Shadow could tell he was struggling to keep things together.

"I need to thank you for something."

Sonic's ears perked up. "Me? For what?"

Another bolt of pain shot through Shadow's chest, this time making him cry out. Sonic jumped up. "Shadow! Oh man, what should I-"

"It's... it's fine." Shadow took a deep breath to collect himself. "With the exception of Maria and the professor, you and your friends have been the only ones to treat me with anything resembling decency. Everyone else treated me like a threat or an object. You all made me feel like I had a purpose."

Sonic could tell Shadow was using every bit of his strength to have one last conversation. "You don't gotta thank us for being nice."

"That's easy for you to say when you have people who treat you right on a regular basis. I haven't been treated like that for decades. Your acceptance of me as one of your own means more to me than you realize."

He held his chest and winced a little as the wave of pain that hit him subsided a little. "Thank you for that, and thank you for being my friend."

Sonic stared at Shadow in disbelief. "What did you say?"

"Thank you for being my friend."

"I'm your... friend?"

After trying for so long to win Shadow's friendship, it finally happened – Shadow called him his friend. Sonic didn't say anything at first because he was so astonished, but his shock promptly turned to a tearful mix of joy and sorrow. All the emotions he'd been concealing came pouring out after Shadow's admission. He threw his arms around Shadow, collapsing against him and holding him close. Shadow was caught off guard by the abrupt display of affection, but he soon felt Sonic's shoulders quivering as the sobs he had been trying to suppress could no longer be curbed. It dawned on him that Sonic was crying. Shadow said nothing, but held Sonic as he wept.

"It's all right. It's okay," Shadow said softly in an effort to comfort his grieving friend. "I'm sorry it took me dying to tell you that. I'm sorry I wasn't better at showing it."

Sonic went into that room hoping to keep a stiff upper lip for Shadow's sake, but he wasn't prepared for what Shadow had said to him. And there he was, being comforted by the person he had intended to try and comfort. Sonic realized just how much Shadow genuinely cared when he went on to use his meager remaining strength to soothe the blue hedgehog's heartache. As he noticed a small lull in Sonic's tears, Shadow spoke up.

"You know, I feel really lucky."

"You do? Why?" Sonic let go of Shadow and dried his eyes on his glove.

"I have people in my life now who care enough about me to cry over me. I never thought I'd have that," he said, then grimaced as another bolt of pain shot through him. "Don't think I don't know what's happening to me. People don't cry when someone is going to live."

"I'm so sorry we couldn't do more to help you," Sonic said as he squeezed his eyes tightly shut in despair.

Shadow continued. "It's not your fault. Look, I couldn't protect someone I cared about fifty years ago and I was never able to forgive myself. I've made up for my failures today by protecting someone else."

He put his hand on Sonic's shoulder. "No matter what happens to me, I want you to know that I have done more living since I came to your village than I have the entire time I've been alive. I felt happy for the first time in a long time because you and your friends allowed me to be a part of your lives."

Shadow pulled his gloves off and handed them to Sonic.

"I want you to have these. I don't think I'll be needing them anymore."

Sonic's expression fell as he looked down at the black and white gloves.

"Come on. Don't... don't talk like that."

"Then how about you just... keep them safe for me for now."

Sonic accepted the gloves - though he knew the truth, he tried to convince himself that he could give Shadow his gloves back someday in an effort to comfort himself. He stayed with Shadow well into the night, talking about everything and even finding a couple things to smile about with him. He also had to watch Shadow suffer from more frequent bouts of chest pain and clearly saw Shadow was fading as he lost the light in his eyes. A ring was still hours away from surfacing and Sonic knew it would be too late, given the rate at which Shadow was declining.

Neither of them knew what time it was by that point, and Shadow said, "It's late. You should probably get some sleep."

Sonic shook his head. "I'm not gonna be able to sleep tonight. I don't think anyone is."

Shadow turned to face Sonic with stern eyes. "Listen, is it okay if I'm alone for the night? It's just... I have a lot of thinking to do tonight. I should do it while I still can."

"Are you sure? I can stay with you."

"I'm sure. Thank you for coming to see me. It means a lot to me."

Shadow bid Sonic goodnight. Sonic gave Shadow one more hug before hesitantly leaving.

"As long as you remember me, it'll never truly be goodbye," Shadow said in an attempt to ease Sonic's aching heart.

"I couldn't forget you, even if I tried."

As he walked out of the room, he took one more look back at his friend knowing it would be the last time he'd see Shadow alive. Just when he thought he had no more tears to cry, Sonic's face hurt once more as his eyes flooded. The steps he took out of Shadow's hut were the hardest he'd ever walked.

In truth, Shadow's motive for asking Sonic to leave was not entirely honest. While he had some peace to make, he also wanted to spare Sonic the sight of him dying, which he felt approaching.

Chapter Text

During the night, Shadow's condition took a turn for the worst and he deteriorated rapidly. He could feel the last of his energy and his senses fading away as he grew weaker by the minute. As the icy grasp of death strangled the remnants of his life force out of him, he felt frightened for the first time in his life because he didn't know what to expect when his life ended. Would it be painful? Would he simply fall asleep? Would it take a long time, or would it be over with quickly? He never thought he'd be able to die since Professor Gerald had told him he was immortal. All he knew was he felt an overwhelming sense of dread and darkness in his entire body, and the worst part was he was completely conscious for all of it.

Consumed by fear, he attempted to call out for someone to be with him, but with his diminished energy, he couldn't muster much more than a whisper.

"Please, someone come back. I didn't know it was going to be like this. I can't do this alone..."

Another intense cramp crushed Shadow's heart further, and it would be the last one he ever felt, for his body had nothing left to give. Shadow suddenly found himself without breath and he fought futily to pull just a little more precious air into his lungs. His vision grew dark as his heart beat for the last time. While his body failed and shut down, his terrified mind raced, more active than ever before. But he was powerless against the reaper's grip, and in the cruel hands of fate, he found himself awake to feel every second he grew closer to expiring. His only company in his final moments was the pain that still set his nerves on fire, even as he lay dying. Shadow's awareness withered rapidly as the effect of a stopped heart and lack of oxygen took its toll. The last of his senses finally fizzled out as he faded into oblivion.

Or so he thought.

Before the darkness completely devoured him, a magnificent blue glow filled the room and both time and death felt as if it had come to a halt. From the beautiful light before him, a translucent human figure emerged surrounded by a soft light. The phantom visitor gradually made its way to Shadow's bedside, half floating and half walking. He was petrified, for he had no idea who or what was in the room with him. He closed his eyes, afraid to see what was going to happen next, but unable to escape. His spectral guest reached down and stroked his head and face, which felt like a gentle breeze on his fur and skin. Shadow opened his eyes upon feeling this unforeseen sensation, and when he looked up, he saw the face of his very first friend smiling back at him.

"Maria? Is it really you?"

"Yes, it's really me," Maria said as she wrapped her arms around Shadow and hugged him for the first time in decades, her embrace still just as warm and welcoming as he remembered.

"Oh Maria, I've missed you so much! It's been so long!" In his suspended state of being, Shadow found the energy to hug Maria in return. "But what are you doing here? How are you here?"

She held his face in her hands. "It's time for you to come home now, Shadow. I'm here to help you to the next part of your journey."

"My journey?"

"I'm so proud of you for protecting that young girl from getting hurt, and for saving your blue friend's life. But your time on Mobius is done, I'm afraid. I came because I saw how scared you were and I didn't want you to be alone. But you have much more living to do where you're going, and I'll be able to join you."

Shadow's ears perked up a little hearing this. "You mean... we can be together again?"

"That's right. You don't have to be afraid anymore." She extended her hand to him and he accepted it. Despite his physical weakness, Shadow managed a smile. He began to cry a little seeing his dearest friend again after such a long time.

"Oh, Maria. Finally."

Shadow's fears melted away knowing that not only would he not be alone in death after all, but the person he loved most would be there with him. His mortal life force was gone, but his mind and heart were at peace knowing what awaited him.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes," Shadow spoke the last words he'd ever say in his earthly body.

Maria took his hands in her own and slowly pulled his soul from his body. Shadow felt strange all over as his spirit was detached from his corporeal form, but the sight of Maria's smile comforted him during his transition. His vision went black for just a moment and he lost feeling throughout his whole body. All of his physical senses stopped and he existed in complete nothingness as little more than an essence in a spiritual void. But just as quickly as he lost all feeling, he could see and hear again, he felt alert and light, and was free from the pain of his injuries. A comforting warmth encircled him like a blanket. He looked down at himself to see that he had taken on a form similar to Maria's and his wounds were gone.

Shadow looked back and saw his body had been left behind, a sight that he found most surreal. As delighted as he was to see his beloved Maria once more, he felt despair knowing his new friends would be heartsick when they discovered his remains the next day. He peered out his window in the direction of the other Freedom Fighters' huts.

"I'm so sorry to leave you all. Goodbye, my friends. Thank you for everything."

Maria held Shadow from behind. "They'll be okay, Shadow. It will be hard for them at first, but I promise when they heal, they will smile when they remember you."

Shadow's sorrow was short-lived, and he soon found himself engulfed in a gorgeous light. Maria still held his hand in hers, and all his fears and sadness vanished. The two of them departed from Knothole Village to go on their new journey, together.

Sally got up the following morning after a night of broken sleep and knocked on Shadow's door before entering. When she received no response, she slowly pushed the door open and went in. Shadow was still laying in his bed, but with his eyes open, frozen in an empty stare. His head hung to the side. Sally shook his shoulder lightly.

"Shadow?"

Not so much as a flinch or a blink. She already knew he was gone by the way he looked, but she had to make sure. She held Nicole over his chest and tearfully asked her, "Nicole, do you... do you detect any vital signs?"

Nicole beeped a few times before responding. "Negative, Sally. No pulse or respirations detected."

Sally set Nicole down, then cradled Shadow's body in her arms and cried.

"I'm so sorry, Shadow. I'm so sorry." She closed Shadow's eyes so he could at least appear to be sleeping, and also so she didn't have to see his lifeless gaze again. "You put up a good fight. You're not hurting any longer."

"How am I going to tell Sonic?" she thought. She didn't want to do it, but Sonic had to know what happened. Sally made her way to Sonic's hut to tell him the news before anyone else. Sonic had managed to doze off by the time Sally entered his room and she shook him awake.

"Sonic, wake up."

He buried his head under his pillow, still half asleep. "Just five more minutes."

Sally's voice was breaking with strangled sobs. "Sonic, get up. It's Shadow."

Sonic pulled his head out from under his pillow when he heard the change in her voice. He knew it couldn't be good.

"He's gone."

Sonic didn't say anything - he couldn't find the words, but his eyes grew wide and filled with tears. While both of them had been expecting the worst, it still hurt to have to face the actuality that their friend was really gone. The two of them held one another through tears.

"I never thought I'd have to deal with the same friend dying twice."

"Wait, Shadow was the friend you lost when you were on the space colony?"

"Yeah. After we dealt with the Eclipse Cannon and the Biolizard, I watched him fall to Mobius and I figured he died. Because, I mean, who could survive that? But then I ran into him a few months later. I guess bein' in super form let him survive the fall."

Sonic paused, a sob catching in his throat. "But this time is different. This time... I know he's not comin' back."

Sally got up and headed out the door with Sonic following close behind.

"We need to make arrangements for a funeral," Sally said.

"I need to see him one more time."

"You're sure you want to see his body?"

"Yeah. I know he won't be able to hear me, but I gotta say a couple things to him."

The two of them made their way back to Shadow's hut. He looked rather peaceful, all things considered, and Sally and Sonic stayed in the room with him for a few minutes.

"I can't believe he's gone. He died saving me," Sally said tearfully.

"I feel awful. I got him away from Robotnik, but in the end, Robotnik got him anyway. If he didn't steal Shadow's Chaos energy, he might've been okay. If we knew where his emerald went, he might've been okay. If I just ran a little faster, he might -"

Sally stopped him. "I know, there were a lot of things that might have changed the outcome of this whole thing. But given the circumstances, we all did our best for him when he needed us, including you."

Sonic's expression went from dispirited to enraged. "I swear I'll make that fat bald prick pay for this if it's the last thing I do!"

Sally dried her eyes. "I should go tell the others. They need to know too."

Sonic said, "I'm gonna stay with him for a couple more minutes to say goodbye."

Sally closed the door behind her and Sonic knelt down at Shadow's bedside. He was haunted by how still his friend was – he knew he was dead, but it somehow still just didn't feel real. He didn't have to see a body when he lost Shadow the first time.

"I'm sorry things turned out this way. I'm really gonna miss you. Wherever you are, I hope you take care of yourself, and maybe one day I'll see you again. You were a good person. You were... my friend."

Sonic put his head down on the bed. He didn't feel like he had to keep his emotions under wraps like the previous evening, and he was able to finally release all the anguish inside him and sobbed into the sheets. Being in the room and seeing Shadow's lifeless body made it sink in that he was truly gone, and Sonic was finally feeling the weight of his loss. He was especially hurting believing Shadow spent his last moments on Mobius alone and in terrible pain.

"Why didn't you let me stay with you?"

Sonic gripped the sheets in his fist. If only he knew Shadow's final hour was not as full of suffering as he believed. Once he was able to collect himself a little, Sonic continued talking to Shadow as if he were there and could hear him.

"Thank you for saving my girl. I never got the chance to tell you. I could never thank you enough for what you did for her, or for me."

As he got up, Sonic held Shadow's hand before leaving. "You'll always be a hero to me."

Chapter Text

Sally did her best to put on a strong face in front of the others as she called a meeting to announce the news of Shadow's passing.

"Thank you all for coming. It saddens me to have to share with you that our friend and fellow Freedom Fighter Shadow succumbed to his injuries last night."

The villagers shared reactions of shock and grief upon hearing the news. Bunnie held Tails to try and comfort him.

Sally continued. "We will hold a funeral for him today and inter him in Knothole's cemetery. I will need help from some of you in order to give him a proper burial." She turned to face Rotor. "Rotor, would you be able to make a casket for him?"

"Of course," Rotor replied.

"Bunnie, you and Dulcy are the strongest. Would you be willing to help lower him into the grave?"

"Sure, sugah."

"Sonic, you can dig faster than any of us could with a shovel. Could you create the burial plot?"

Sonic didn't say anything, he just nodded his head.

"Rotor, can you come with me to measure him so you know how... how large to make the casket?"

Her voice broke a little. Tails ran up to Sally and asked, "What about me, Aunt Sally? What should I do to help?"

Sally put her hands on Tails' shoulders. "Oh Tails, honey, you don't have to do anything."

"But I wanna! Shadow was my friend too! I wanna do something for him!"

"Okay, why don't you go into the forest and find some really nice flowers?"

Everyone set to work with their assigned duties for Shadow's sendoff. Sonic made short work of his job and dug a deep hole within minutes, but given the reasoning behind the digging, it felt like hours to him knowing he was creating Shadow's final resting place. Rotor worked for a few hours on a casket - he didn't have much to work with on such short notice, but he still managed to make something presentable. The inside was lined with soft red cloth. As he saw Sonic pass by the workshop, Rotor called him in to look over his handiwork.

"Do you think this is okay, Sonic?"

"Yeah, big guy. It looks good. Thanks for doin' such a good job."

"I'll be right back. I need to get Shadow."

Sonic stopped him. "Lemme do it, Rote."

"You sure? You don't have to, Sonic. I know you've been taking his death really hard."

"I want to. It's one last thing I can do for him."

Sonic made one final trip to Shadow's hut. Despite having seen his body already, it was still difficult for him to see it again, and especially to hold it. He carefully lifted Shadow from his bed and carried him out to the casket, tears running down his face the entire time. He gingerly placed Shadow into the freshly-carved coffin and folded his friend's hands over his chest. Tails and Bunnie came into the workshop and tucked the flowers Tails picked into the casket around Shadow's body. Bunnie placed a single flower under Shadow's hands. Even in death, he somehow managed to look morbidly beautiful - nary a sign of the suffering he'd endured in his last moments on Mobius as his hands concealed the injury that took his life. Bunnie and Dulcy carried the casket out to the cemetery and laid it beside the empty plot. Once everyone had gathered around the grave, the Freedom Fighters prepared to lay their fallen teammate to rest.

Sally began with a eulogy.

"Shadow told me he had a difficult life, having been created for good and then misused for evil. But using his free will and the inherent good in his heart, he chose to stray from evil and to not be a force of destruction. He saved Sonic's life, and he gave his own protecting mine. He may not have seen himself as one, but Shadow was truly a hero. He is a perfect example of someone being born into darkness and choosing to turn to the light. It's only on the darkest nights that the stars shine the brightest, and nobody will shine brighter than Shadow."

Sonic also shared a few words.

"Me and Shadow had a rough start – we were definitely NOT friends. Even when I warmed up to him, he still didn't like me. But I knew he was a good guy and deserved a chance, and I'm happy the princess saw it in her heart to welcome him into Knothole to be one of us. I'm sorry he had to lose his life to the likes of Robotnik, but it's a risk all of us take and I'm happy he found a new life here, even if it was only for a little while. He changed so much since he got here, and he told me last night just how happy it made him to be part of our village. He saved me and Sally, but I think in a way, we saved him too. We gave him a home, love, companionship, and purpose when he had none."

Tails walked up to the casket with a book in hand. He gently placed the book among the flowers.

"This is my favorite book. I wish I could have showed it to you, but I hope you get to read it wherever you are now." He leaned in and whispered, "I won't spoil the endings."

As Sally closed the casket, Sonic took one final look at Shadow. It was hard for him to accept that it would be the last time he'd ever see him, and he said one last goodbye. Once the casket was sealed, rope was fitted around each end of it. Dulcy held one rope and Bunnie held the other in her robot arm, and the two of them slowly lowered the casket into the ground. Everyone picked up a shovel and helped fill the plot together, nary a dry eye among them.

Sally noticed Sonic seemed to be having a hard time and she pulled him aside. "Sonic, you don't have to do this."

"I'm fine," he said curtly.

"Are you sure?" Sally asked.

Sonic jammed his shovel into the ground. "Would you all stop treatin' me like a baby?! Yeah, it's hard dealin' with Shadow dyin', but quit actin' like I'm some kinda kid you gotta protect from the truth!"

Sally and Bunnie stopped and talked to him.

"We're sorry, sugah. We didn't mean to make ya mad. We just care about ya."

"We know how hard you're taking all this, and we just wanted to try to make it a little easier for you to deal with."

Sonic softened up a little and hugged both of them. "You guys are the best."

A bouquet of flowers was left atop the freshly dug earth covering Shadow's grave. After the burial, Rotor got to work on a headstone to place in front of the site. Sonic walked off to be alone for a while, and upon his return, he passed by Antoine. He was watching Sally in the graveyard, knelt over Shadow's grave. Unlike everyone else in the village, Antoine wasn't exactly brokenhearted over his comrade's passing.

"Hmph. Good riddance to bad rubbeesh, I say! Eet eez bad enough the princess is choosing that blue fuel over someone like me, but then she likes zis intruder as well also?! Ze trash, he took itself out, I think. Robotnik's leetle vermin did not have any place belonging here!"

Antoine turned around to leave and ran face first into Sonic, who was not the least bit pleased with what he had overheard.

"Oh! Sonic Hedgehog! What a nice day we are to be having today, no?" Antoine said nervously.

Sonic grabbed Antoine by his coat and put a clenched fist right beside his face.

"That's my friend you're badmouthin', you worthless piece of crap! I don't care if you didn't like Shadow, but if I ever catch you talkin' about him like that again, you'll be chokin' on your own teeth! Get it, Ant?"

"Oui, oui, I am getting it!"

Sonic shoved Antoine to the ground and stepped over him. He then went to check on Sally and knelt down beside her, only to find her in tears.

"It's my fault he's gone. I should have been the one to get shot, not him," she sobbed, holding her hands to her face.

Sonic lifted her chin and turned her head so he could look in her eyes.

"Sal, if there was ever a time I needed you to listen to me, it's right now."

She stayed silent, but gave him her full attention.

"What happened to Shadow wasn't your fault, okay? You didn't make him stand there and get shot. He wasn't your bodyguard. He saw you were about to get hurt and he chose to protect you. He wasn't stupid – he knew he could get hurt, or worse. If any of the rest of us saw that happening, we would've all done the same thing. You didn't deserve to get shot and neither did he, but he made a choice."

Sally sniffled and held Sonic's hand as they both said goodbye one more time. She was surprised by the maturity Sonic displayed in his efforts to comfort her. It was highly unusual for Sonic to be the voice of reason between the two of them, but when he couldn't be strong for Shadow, then maybe he could be strong for Sally. Sonic was also wearing Shadow's gloves, and would continue to do so to honor his fallen friend.

Once it was completed, Shadow's gravestone read:
Here lies Shadow
Friend and Freedom Fighter
Born a weapon, died a hero

END

Chapter Text

Shadow grew progressively weaker through the night and he sensed the end of his life creeping up on him steadily. He felt it in his whole body, and try as he might, he just could not prepare himself for what was happening. It was something beyond pain or fatigue - it was an unshakable feeling of stark terror that seeped into his very soul. He would have never admitted it to anyone, but Shadow was afraid for the first time in his life. Afraid of something he could not stop that he never thought he could experience. Was this how normal creatures and people felt in their last moments? He wanted to run to someone - anyone - just so he didn't have to face his fate all by himself. But he was too weak to move or even call out, so all he could do was wait.

"I wish you were here, Maria. I didn't know it would be like this," Shadow thought out loud. A few tears rolled down his face. "I was wrong. I don't want to be alone..."

A mighty cramp shot through his chest, after which he realized he could no longer breathe. As he struggled to pull another breath into his lungs, the loss of his functions made Shadow feel frightfully ill. His heart pounded and he began to cry, terrified of what was happening to him and even more terrified knowing he could not stop any of it. In spite of a full moon lighting up his bedroom, his surroundings darkened. Shadow tried to resist, but he simply had nothing more to give and could not stop his body from shutting down. One by one, his senses left him and the remnants of his existence slipped away. His heart beat one final time, unable to persevere through his wounds any longer. Shadow's body seized up as death was upon him while his consciousness remained intact through everything.

"I'm not ready..." he thought.

When the last of his vision left him and everything went almost completely dark, the room filled with a dazzling blue light. Shadow squinted to try and find the source when he saw a human figure manifest in the room. His spectral company appeared to be neither solid nor transparent, and Shadow wasn't sure if what he saw was real or a figment of his death. The peculiar apparition's appearance startled him, as he didn't know who or what it was or if it meant him any harm. Was it death itself coming for him? The figure slowly made its way toward him.

"No... please, no..."

He closed his eyes, fearing what would come next, but too weak to escape or defend himself. Much to his surprise, his odd guest held his hands and stroked his face with a feather-light touch. Once it had gotten closer to him, he was able to see more clearly with his fading vision that the eyes looking back at him were those of his dearest friend.

"Maria? Is it really you?"

"Yes, Shadow. It's really me," Maria said with the same lovely smile on her face that Shadow remembered from so many years ago.

"I can't believe you're here! I never thought I'd see you again! I've missed you so much," Shadow said, crying as Maria held him in her arms.

"It's so good to see you again, Shadow."

"But... how are you here? I don't understand."

Maria didn't say anything. She simply held his hand. Given the state he was in and the state Maria was in, Shadow realized what the purpose of her visit had to have been.

"You're here because I'm going to die, aren't you?"

"You are walking along the edge of life and death right now because of your injuries, and I've come to find out if your time on Mobius is truly over. If so, then you will be able to come back with me."

"I can?" In that instant, all the fear and anxiety plaguing Shadow's mind disappeared. If he could see his death through to the end, he would be rewarded with an eternal reunion with his beloved Maria.

He held her hands and pleaded. "I want to go with you! I've waited so long to see you again! Please, I don't want to be without you any longer."

Maria stroked the side of Shadow's face to soothe him. "Slow down. Let me hold your hands for a little bit and see."

She held Shadow's hands for a long time and felt the energy within his body, or what remained of it. She looked into his soul, his heart and his memories, especially those of his most recent past with the Freedom Fighters. She looked at him with a soft smile.

"Shadow... I think you should stay here."

"What? But why? Don't you want us to be together again?"

"Of course I want to be with you. But your friends need you here. Whether or not you realize it, the people in this village really care about you. They will be devastated if your physical life comes to an end. Let me show you."

Maria waved her hand before the two of them and showed Shadow visions of the Freedom Fighters in real time. None of them could sleep knowing they had seen Shadow for the final time hours earlier. Bunnie was sitting on the edge of her bed and crying into her hands.

"Ah shoulda been nicer to him when he showed up. He didn't do nothin' to deserve how I treated him. And we woulda lost Sally and Sonic if he didn't do what he did. Darn that Robotnik and his Swatbots! Ah'm shoah gonna miss that l'il sweetheart. Ah hope poor Sonic is gonna be okay."

Next, she showed Rotor, who wasn't quite as upset, but still found himself consumed with guilt. "He couldn't have been as bad as I was making him out to be if he saved both Sonic and Sally. I never got the chance to apologize to him. I should have treated him better. He seemed all right."

She waved her hands again to show Sonic and Sally together, comforting one another. Sally was very distraught. 

"It's my fault. I should never have made him a Freedom Fighter. I should have sent him away after he helped you. He wouldn't have gotten hurt if I did. He's going to die because of me." Sally sobbed in Sonic's arms as he held her tightly against his chest.

Sonic was just as upset, but was also trying to be strong for Sally and comfort her. "Sal, there is no way you could've known this would happen. He chose to protect you. I'm sure he knew he could get hurt doin' that. Don't blame yourself."

Sally asked, "Should we go and stay with him? He might be afraid to be alone right now."

"He asked to be alone. I really wanted to stay with him, but he said he wanted to do some thinkin' while he still could."

Even Tails was struggling to come to terms with Shadow's fate. "I wish Mr. Shadow wasn't gonna die. He's really nice - he's a lot like Sonic. I'm really gonna miss him."

Shadow's eyes brimmed with tears seeing his friends were so upset over him.

"I didn't think this would affect them all so much. How can they care this much about me when they've only known me a few months?"

Maria smiled. "It seems you have made quite an impression on your new friends. Your blue friend is taking your condition the hardest and he would be most heartbroken over losing you."

He looked at Maria. "But... I want to be with you again. I care about them all, but you mean more to me."

She shook her head. "I'm sorry, but we can't be together just yet."

Shadow's head fell in despair and his ears drooped over his head. A few tears spilled down his face.

Maria held his face with both hands. "I promise you, we will be together again one day, Shadow the Hedgehog. It's just not the right time now."

Shadow cried and clutched Maria's hands. "I can't stand the thought of waiting longer to be with you again. Take me with you. Please, let us be together again."

"Please don't cry," Maria said as she tried to comfort Shadow. She then lifted his chin to look in his eyes and brushed his tears away.

"Can you stay? For me? Be strong on Mobius, be with your new friends, be more than just a weapon or an experiment. Live some of the life I never got the chance to live. Then, one day, it will truly be time for you to come home. Can you do that for me?"

Shadow sniffled. "I will. For you, Maria."

She kissed him on the head and hugged him. "Thank you, Shadow. I love you, and I'm so proud of who you've become. You go and live a good life with your friends."

Shadow looked down and touched the wound on his chest. "But... my injuries are fatal. My heart was punctured."

Maria placed her hand on Shadow's chest and he felt a sensation of warmth fill his whole body. The aching and heaviness in his chest lifted, and he felt like he could breathe once more.

"This will help you. Now you must rest so you can get better." Maria got up and walked toward the other side of the room from where she had entered, then turned back and smiled at Shadow one more time before she disappeared.

Shadow wept and reached out for her as she faded from view. "I love you, Maria."

"Goodbye, Shadow. Be good."

With some of his life force returned to him, Shadow managed to get himself out of bed. He scrambled to the corner of the room where Maria had been standing moments ago before fading away. He reached for her when she wasn't there anymore – all that remained was a dark, lonely room and the glow of the moon coming through the window. He sank to his knees and cried, realizing she was gone.

"NO! Please come back! I can't lose you a second time! Don't go! Maria, please! Not again!"

He sobbed hard into his hands and clutched his head, eventually crying himself to sleep on the floor.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Shadow was awakened by Sally shaking his shoulders. She found him still on the floor from the night before.

"Shadow! Shadow, are you all right?"

He lifted his head a little and looked around. "I... think so."

"You scared me! I came in to check on you and you were on the floor. I thought you were... well, never mind. Let's get you back in bed."

Shadow was feeling a little dazed from being woken up so suddenly. Sally got him back on his feet and she put her arm around his back to steady him and help him back into his bed.

"I'm happy to see you seem to be looking better than you did last night. Do you mind if I let Nicole check your vitals?"

"Go ahead."

Sally held Nicole over Shadow's chest to allow her to get a reading, and Shadow watched curiously.

Nicole beeped and buzzed many times before saying, "Vital signs are not ideal, but are within reasonable range. Vitals are significantly better compared to previous reading yesterday. Please allow me to check again later for more potential improvement."

Nicole made a few more sounds before saying, "I have also detected an implant in Shadow's body that appears to be suppressing his innate Chaos energy."

"So that's what Robotnik put inside of me that kept me from regaining my strength."

Sally set Nicole down on Shadow's bed and hugged him, the tearful joy evident in her voice. "I'm so happy you're still with us. How are you feeling?"

"Surprisingly, I feel okay. The pain is gone."

"Are you feeling up to company? I know the others will want to come in and see you, especially Sonic."

"Yes, I would love to see everyone."

After hearing the good news, the other Freedom Fighters began to pile into Shadow's hut, both excited and astounded to see he had made it through the night.

"Ah'm so glad y'all are still here, you sweet little muffin! Don't you go scarin' us like that again!" Bunnie said while hugging Shadow, taking care this time to not crush him.

"I know I always feel better when Aunt Sally reads to me. How about I come back later and read you a story?" Tails asked.

Shadow smiled, "I'd like that."

Sonic high-fived him, and while he cracked jokes, it was obvious he was trying hard not to be emotional.

"Guess you're a real hedgehog after all! No faker could live through gettin' shot by a Swatbot."

Shadow grinned a little. "So are you saying it would have killed you?"

"What? Hey! No way! I coulda taken it no problem! It's gonna take more than some bucket of bolts to take me down!"

Shadow rolled his eyes. "I have never met someone so high on the fumes of their own ego as you."

"But we're friends now! You said it yourself! No take-backsies, Shadow!" Sonic said, wagging his finger in Shadow's face.

Shadow slammed his head against his pillow in exasperation. "You're going to make me regret saying that. I just know it."

Once everyone had been in to visit with Shadow, Sally tried to shoo everyone out of the room.

"I know you're all happy to see Shadow is doing so well, myself included. However, he is recuperating from a life-threatening injury and the best thing he can do now is rest. We should leave him alone and give him a little breathing room. I need to talk to him alone for a minute anyway."

As everyone left, Sonic stayed behind. When Sally looked expectantly at him, Sonic held up his index finger, implying he wanted to stay for just a minute longer. She smiled at him and allowed him to continue visiting. Sonic took a seat at the foot of Shadow's bed and his tone changed from silly to more sober.

"You don't know how happy I am to see you still here. You gave us all a big scare. I thought for sure we were gonna lose you."

"I did as well," Shadow said as he looked toward the corner of the room where Maria's spirit had departed. "It seems fate had other plans for me."

Sonic handed Shadow back his gloves. "You were wrong, by the way. So you're gonna need these."

Shadow slipped his inhibitor rings off to put his gloves back on and clipped the rings over his gloves. Sonic's expression melted into a smile and he just stared at Shadow.

"What is it?" Shadow paused, studying Sonic's mannerisms. "Wait. You're going to hug me again, aren't you?"

"Yup!" Sonic said with a smile tinted with tears. "And you can't escape because you gotta stay in bed! Sal said so!"

Sonic threw himself into Shadow and held him tight, and Shadow begrudgingly returned the gesture.

"I'll allow it. Like I have a choice. Is this going to be a regular occurrence?"

"Maybe! But that's what friends do! You said I was your friend, so if you don't like it, it's your fault!"

"Chaos, what have I gotten myself into?"

Shadow may have acted like he was irritated, but he was smiling just as much as Sonic as they held one another.

"All right, I'll leave you alone for now. But I'll check on ya later." As he left the hut, Sonic waved to Sally and said, "He's all yours, Sal."

Sally entered the room and closed Shadow's door behind her. She sat down on the edge of Shadow's bed.

"I hope it's okay if I ask you something?"

"Certainly."

"Is it true what Robotnik said? That you have the power to destroy a whole planet?"

Shadow's expression fell, for he feared where the conversation was headed. He was reluctant to answer.

"It's... true. When I am at full power, I am capable of massive destruction. It's why the government kept me imprisoned – they feared I was too dangerous. I can control it, but humans seem to think I'm nothing but a wild animal acting entirely on impulse."

"And it's why Robotnik captured you, isn't it? He wanted to weaponize your power."

Shadow nodded. "Yes. These rings on my wrists and ankles keep my powers manageable. Without them, I could do immeasurable damage, but I would also run the risk of dying. The people who made me wanted to keep me safe and allowed me the ability to control my powers, but someone like Robotnik would have no such concerns."

Sally didn't say anything, but Shadow sensed tension in the air. "I understand completely if you want me to leave now that you know this about me. I imagine this information is frightening. I'd hoped I could leave that part of my life behind me."

He closed his eyes, preparing for eviction from his new home. Instead, he felt two hands holding his. Sally looked him in the eyes with sincerity and compassion.

"A wise person I know once said that he would not be defined by what he is, but rather, who he chose to be."

She smiled at him and continued.

"You've proven to me and the others that you have chosen the path of good rather than living up to your destructive potential. While I can't stop you if you choose to leave us, I don't want you to go. None of us want you to go. This will always be your home. You're a Freedom Fighter, and more importantly, you're our friend. Please don't leave because you think we're going to be afraid of you. I promise, you are always welcome here, and you are one of us."

Shadow smiled. "Thank you. For everything."

"Nicole said you had an implant in your body that prevented you from harnessing your power. Maybe we can try to remove it so you can be totally back to normal."

"You know, maybe this should be my new normal, " Shadow said. "Maybe the best way to prevent others from trying to exploit my power is to not have it anymore."

"We can figure it out later." Sally cupped his face with her hands and kissed him on the head.

"But for now, you really should get some rest. You have a lot of healing to do after what you've been through. I'll stop by and check on you again later, and I'm sure the others will drop by too."

Once she left his room, Sally went to meet up with Sonic.

"I can't believe how much better he looks today."

"Yeah, you'd never guess he just got shot like twelve hours ago. Hey, I thought Nicole said Shadow gettin' shot was gonna kill him."

"You're right, she did say that." Sally took Nicole out of her vest pocket. "Nicole, you said Shadow would die from his injuries. How did he survive when he was in such bad shape?"

"I do not have a logical explanation for Shadow's recovery. By all scientific and medical logic, he should have succumbed to his injuries. It is possible his extra-terrestrial DNA facilitated his recovery," Nicole responded.

"Extra-terrestrial DNA?" Sally asked.

Sonic stood tapping his foot. "Yeah, Sal, I think Nicole's goin' crazy. You better run some tests and make sure she's still workin' because she was tryin' to tell me yesterday that Shadow's an alien."

"I can assure you, I am functioning properly, Sonic, my main hedgehog," Nicole said.

Sonic shrugged. "All right, whatever. Shadow's alive and that's what matters. Maybe he had an angel lookin' out for him last night."

Later in the day, Antoine stopped by Shadow's room to pay him a visit, knocking on the door first.

"Allo, monsieur Shadow. I have not to be introducing myself proper. I am Antoine, Freedom Fightair Extraordinaire!"

"Um, hello," Shadow was quite surprised to see Antoine act so welcoming when he'd been so cold toward him since his arrival.

"I hope to see you are feeling better soon, but I would like to ask if I could have ze conversation with you?"

"Sure."

"First, I must be thanking you for keeping my princess safe. I am thinking you must be ze okay person if you would protect my princess from danger." He put his hand to his forehead and stood up straight.

"I salute you for being ze hero! I am glad to see someone else getting all ze attention around here that eez not Sonic Hedgehog, even if that person is not moi."

"I was, um... glad to help."

"Second, I must be to asking you, what did having be shot by ze Swatbot feel like? How much was it hurting when it happened?"

Shadow was a little blindsided by this bizarre exchange. "Probably the worst pain I've ever felt. But I was not fully powered when it happened. Had I been able to recharge my powers, I would have handled it better."

Antoine leaned in a little closer and spoke more quietly. "I am wanting to know zis because I see how much ze princess is impressed by you saving her. You see, I am thinking if I am getting shot for her as well also, she will have ze good impression with me and realize I am ze true hero!"

Shadow just stared for a few seconds, trying to absorb what he'd just heard. "You... want to get shot. To impress Princess Sally?"

"Oui! It is ze genious plan, is it not?"

Shadow was becoming increasingly baffled as the conversation progressed. "Well, I wouldn't recommend getting shot because it could kill you. I was very lucky to survive my injuries."

"It is to be worth it if I catch the eye of my princess!" Antoine insisted. "Perhaps then she will finally notice me instead of being so enamored with that blue fuel! And if I am to die, then I will be ze mortar!"

"Mortar?"

"Oui!"

Shadow's puzzled expression did all the talking.

Antoine explained, "You know! Mortar! Ze person who is adored and praised because they are to be dead for ze good cause!"

"Do you mean a 'martyr?'"

"Oui, that is what I was to be saying! Mortar!"

Shadow shook his head. "Well, good luck if you choose to carry out your plan. I advise against it because it's dangerous, but I can't stop you either."

"Very well, it is decided! I will get shot by ze Swatbot laser in Robotnik's fortress and ze princess will swoon heels over head for me for my being so brave! Nothing could go wrong possible!"

Antonie shook Shadow's hand. "Merci beaucoup for your wisdom, monsieur Shadow! I must to be going, for I have ze planning to do for ze next mission!"

He raced out of Shadow's hut just as Sonic was walking in. Shadow watched Antoine leave and thought out loud, "What just happened?"

"Good morning, Sonic Hedgehog!" Antoine said to Sonic as he bolted out the door, with Sonic dodging him on the way in.

"Hey. What was Antoine doin' in here? He wasn't hasslin' you, was he?" Sonic asked as he entered Shadow's room.

"No. He introduced himself and thanked me for saving the princess."

"Well that's good that he's not being such a jerk about you anymore."

"He also apparently plans to get himself shot to impress her."

Sonic blinked a few times, unsure if he heard what he thought he heard. "Wait, what? Back up and tell me that again."

"He wanted to know how badly it hurt to get shot so he would know what to expect."

"Ohh man, are you serious? He really is a head case. We'll have to keep an eye on him on the next mission so he doesn't get himself killed."

"I feel like this Antoine person might be in serious need of therapy. Is Nicole qualified to offer such services?"

Sonic laughed. "Ant? He's beyond therapy. At this point, I think we should just put him in a cage and charge admission."

"I didn't think it was possible, but there's someone here crazier than you by a wide margin."

Despite not getting out of bed for most of the day, Shadow still kept quite busy visiting with his friends and teammates. As much as he enjoyed everyone's well wishes and company, he also appreciated being alone with his thoughts as the hour grew late. The outpouring of love he received from so many people who had known him for only a little while astounded him and gave him much to think about.

Later in the evening, he got himself out of bed to stretch his legs and sat on his window sill, enjoying the cool night breeze and admiring the stars. His mind went to thoughts of Maria. While he still wasn't sure if their meeting was real, he could not ignore the feelings it caused him. Maria's visit triggered so many sensations: sorrow, yearning, joy, comfort, conflict. She had asked him to stay on Mobius longer and went so far as to cure his deadly injury to ensure that he could. Clearly, it meant a lot to her that he remain on Mobius for the time being.

Shadow chose to fulfill her request and live for the both of them. She said herself they would be together again one day, so all he had to do was be patient. Knowing for sure it wouldn't be goodbye forever brought him a sense of comfort that he hadn't known before.

"She's worth waiting for."

END

Chapter Text

Recap from chapter 8:

Sally rushed to Shadow's side to find him on his hands and knees, gasping for air. She realized how badly he was injured and called out to Sonic.

"Sonic! Help!"

Sonic looked over to see Shadow on and Sally knelt beside him. "Bunnie! Cover me!"

"You got it, sugah!"

As Bunnie kept the Swatbots at bay, Sonic rushed to Shadow's side. "Shadow, what happened?" He rested his hand on Shadow's back.

"I... I can't breathe," Shadow said, his voice pained and labored.

Sonic pulled his hand away and saw it was stained with blood. He pulled Shadow's hand away from his chest to see even more blood on his glove.

"Oh man.” Sonic turned to Sally and said, "He's hurt bad, Sal. I gotta get him outta here.”

Shadow gripped Sonic's wrist and spoke through strained breaths, “Robotnik... has my emerald.”

“Shadow, it's not the time to worry about that!” Sally said as she removed her vest. She held it against the wound on Shadow's back to try and stop the bleeding.

“You don't... understand,” Shadow gasped. “I can... use it to recover.”

“You can?!” Sonic and Sally said at the same time.

“Why didn't ya say so?!” Sonic asked and then looked around the room. “Where is it?”

Shadow pointed a shaky finger toward the Chaos energy absorber suspended from the ceiling.

“In that thing?” Sonic asked.

Shadow nodded.

“Gimme a second and I'll get it. Sal, stay here with him.”

Sonic bolted from Shadow's side and sped toward the Chaos absorber, dodging laser blasts along the way. Once he reached the machine, he looked over every inch of the device. After locating a small door on the side of the machine, he pried it open. Alas, there was no emerald in sight, but there was an empty spot where it appeared a Chaos emerald could fit, much like a battery. He closed the compartment cover and ran back to Shadow.

“No dice, man. It's empty.”

“Robotnik must... have it...”

Shadow collapsed to the floor, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath.

“Shadow!” Sonic cried as Shadow laid in a heap on the floor, still clutching his chest. “Oh man, hang on!”

A laser struck the floor barely an inch from Sonic's sneaker, and he knew the next one might not miss if they stayed put. The Swatbots were mostly inept, but much like the one that shot Shadow, sometimes they got lucky.

“He's getting worse, Sonic. What should we do?” Sally asked.

“You better take cover before you get shot.”

“What about you and Shadow?”

“Don't worry about us. You guys keep movin' so you're harder to hit.”

“Be careful,” Sally rested her hand on Sonic's shoulder for a moment before putting some distance between herself and the Swatbots. Sonic looked down at Shadow, knowing every second he stood and did nothing brought Shadow closer and closer to death.

“How can I get the emerald from Robuttnik? There's gotta be a way,” Sonic thought.

Sonic considered what he could possibly do. As he scanned the lab for ideas, he caught a glimpse of the roboticizers and the gears in his mind began to turn.

“What if I put Shadow in the roboticizer? It would save him,” Sonic thought, then immediately realized what a horrible idea it was and shook his head.

“No. NO! I can't do that to him. Gotta think of somethin' else.”

While quick on his feet, Sonic couldn't think nearly as fast as he could run and he knew Shadow was living on borrowed time.

“Come on, Sonic. THINK!”

As he looked back up at the roboticizers and stared at them for a few seconds, another possibility came to him – he didn't like it, but he felt he was left with no other choice. Sonic knew what he had to do, and he had to do it fast.

“I got an idea,” Sonic said to Shadow, then sighed very deeply. “Sal isn't gonna like it, but I don't know what else to do. Try not to move.”

As he rose up from the floor, Sonic ran up to the camera connected to the room where Robotnik had taken cover.

“Hey, fat man! I know you can hear me! Tell your rust buckets to stand down. I wanna talk a deal with you,” Sonic said with his arms folded.

The screen blinked to life and Robotnik's face appeared.

“And what would that be?”

“You have Shadow's emerald, right?”

“Yes.” Robotnik hissed. “What are you getting at?”

“Use it to save him. I know you took his power away. Gettin' injured this bad without his Chaos energy will kill him.”

“And why exactly would I want to do that?”

“You wanted to use him as a weapon, didn't you? You said yourself when you caught him he was worth more alive than dead.”

“What's in it for me? You don't expect me to do this for free, do you?”

Sonic folded his arms. “No, of course not. That would be something a decent person would do.”

“Then tell me, hedgehog. What are you willing to give for Shadow's life?”

Sonic pointed to himself. “You can have me.”

“Nice try, rodent. You pulled that once before.”

“I mean it this time. No tricks. You can roboticize me right now and I won't run or fight.”

Sonic looked back at Shadow, noticing the blood that had pooled under him.

“Just... please help him. He'll die without getting his Chaos energy back.”

Sonic tried to mask the desperation in his voice because he knew Robotnik would take advantage of it. But he couldn't help the despair he felt knowing he was watching Shadow die.

The monitor went black, and Robotnik emerged from his hideout seconds later to talk to Sonic face to face. With a wave of his hand, all the Swatbots ceased their attacks, but stood ready for further orders.

“Prove it. Get into the roboticizer.”

Sonic took a couple steps toward the machine before Robotnik stopped him.

“Leave the backpack. I know you have a ring in it. Then, once the process has begun, I will revive the black rodent.”

Sonic scowled over having to abandon his backpack. He was hoping to short out the roboticizer with a ring before it turned him, but it seemed Robotnik was one step ahead of him. His escape plan was thwarted prematurely, but if he backed out, Shadow could wind up dead, either from his injuries or by a Swatbot.

“Fine,” Sonic reluctantly slipped his arms out of the backpack straps and let the bag fall to the floor.

“Show me the emerald so I know you got it,” Sonic insisted.

In an unexpected display of cooperation, Robotnik honored Sonic's demand. He pulled a green emerald out of his pocket and held it up in front of him.

“As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. Shadow is of no use to me dead, and allowing such a powerful weapon to simply die like a common animal would be such a waste.”

“We got a deal, then?” Sonic asked.

Robotnik thought about it for a few seconds and looked in Shadow's direction before facing Sonic again.

“Very well. I accept your offer.” Robotnik paused, then raised his hand. “Oh, and for a little added security...”

He motioned to his Swatbots, and four of them immediately surrounded Shadow. They all pointed their lasers at his head.

“If you or any of your little friends try anything, Shadow will be nothing but a stain on the floor.”

Shadow never felt more helpless than at that moment, and for the first time, he felt afraid for his life. He was too weak to fight back or even get up. As he continued to bleed out, his vision began to go dim around the edges.

“No... not like this...” Shadow thought as his consciousness dwindled.

“All right. I swear, no funny stuff,” Sonic said. “Just don't let them shoot.”

“Then we have an accord.” Robotnik motioned to the robotocizer. “After you.”

Sonic walked toward the machine, but Sally ran to him and tearfully stopped him. “Sonic, NO! You can't do this!”

Sonic held her hands, his eyes heavy with defeat. “I gotta, Sal. It's the only way to save him. Don't try to stop it because he'll kill Shadow if you do.” He paused to try and collect himself in an attempt to reassure her, but the fright in his voice was palpable. “Please just... let it happen.”

“There has to be some other way! We need you, Sonic! I need you!” Sally refused to let him go and pleaded with him to reconsider.

Sonic held her close to try and comfort her. “I don't know what else to do, but I can't let Shadow die. I had to make Robotnik an offer he couldn't refuse.”

“You are testing my patience, rodent,” Robotnik said, his arms crossed.

Sonic turned and went to him, trying to put on a strong face. “Gimme a minute to say goodbye, would ya?”

“It's your choice. Shadow might not have a minute, you know,” Robotnik taunted.

As Sonic turned back around to face his friends, the Freedom Fighters all gathered around him, tears rolling down their faces as Sonic resigned himself to his fate.

“You ain't gotta do this, sugah-hog! We can think of somethin' else!” Bunnie begged him.

“Sonic, this is crazy! You can't throw your life away!” Sally struggled to talk through the tears fracturing her voice and soul.

“Can't back out now. I made a deal.” Not even Sonic could act brave as his eyes glistened with tears. “I love you guys. I'm sorry.”

Tails held Sonic in a tight hug, refusing to let go and crying into Sonic's fur. “No, Sonic! You can't go! Don't let him turn you into a robot!”

Sonic did his best to console the tiny fox and held him extra tight, trying not to break further in front of his kid brother. “I'm sorry, pal. You... you be good, okay? Stay with Sal.”

Tails turned and buried his face against Sally as Sonic let him go, unable to watch his best friend walk to his doom.

Even Antoine wasn't very keen on Sonic's decision. “This eez perhaps too extreme of a plan, no? You should maybe to be rethinking this!”

“Ain't no time to think anymore, Ant. Shadow can't wait. I gotta do this. Take care of Sal for me, all right?” Sonic offered Antoine a handshake.

Antoine accepted the gesture, then saluted Sonic.

Robotnik stood with his arms crossed. “As touching as this is, I suggest you get in the roboticizer sooner rather than later, hedgehog. From the looks of things, Shadow doesn't have any time to spare.”

Sonic turned to look in Shadow's direction to see that he had stopped moving.

“Oh no. Okay, okay, I'm going!”

In spite of the dread rushing through him, Sonic faced his choice. With his head hung low and each step heavier than the last, he trudged to the robotocizer and stepped inside the tall transparent cylinder. A Swatbot closed and locked the machine's hatch behind him.

Robotnik grinned, his elation beyond comprehension watching his greatest enemy surrender to him.

“Excellent,” he snarled while staring Sonic down through the sides of the roboticizer and rubbing his hands together. “Snivley, prepare the chaos energy absorber.”

Robotnik then handed the emerald to his nephew. “Place the emerald in the core and set it to energize. Wait for my signal.”

Snivley placed the green gem inside the energy absorber, locking it in place.

“Emerald in place, sir.” After flipping a handful of switches and pressing a series of buttons, the machine beeped and thrummed to life. “Chaos absorber set to energize and awaiting further instruction, sir.”

Hardly able to contain his delight, Robotnik smiled viciously ear to ear, knowing his dream was only moments away from coming true. His hand hovered over the power button, twitching in anticipation.

“Goodbye, hedgehog.”

Chapter Text

Robotnik switched the roboticizer on. A dull droning sound filled the air, growing in intensity as the machine warmed up.

“SONIC!” Sally made a move toward the machine, but Robotnik stopped her.

“Not another step, princess! Unless you want your precious blue hedgehog's choice to be all for naught! All I need to do is give the signal and Shadow is history!”

Sonic pressed his hands against the sides of the tube. “Sal! Don't!”

All Sally and their friends could do was watch helplessly as Sonic was taken from them. The roboticizer hummed and chirped as the process finally began.

“Roboticization in progress,” a computerized voice echoed through the lab.

At first, Sonic felt nothing except for some heaviness and static in the air around him. But as the roboticizer entered the next stage of the transformation, he could feel a searing heat radiating through his flesh to his very core. Within mere seconds, his entire body was consumed by boiling heat as fire flooded his veins. Sonic clawed at his skin as he burned from the inside out, and he could only watch in helpless horror as his body began metamorphosing before his eyes. His vibrant blue fur stiffened and turned to lustrous chrome, starting with his extremities. The metal growth crept up his arms and legs like water soaking into cloth, spreading to his torso and neck.

Sonic screamed as he was further devoured by a robotic shell – he never knew just what nightmares lay inside the insidious roboticizer, and he wished so much he never had to find out. He scratched madly at the inside of the machine, his nails tearing through his gloves.

“MAKE IT STOP!” Sonic howled as he lost more of himself to the roboticizer.

“Not a chance, hedgehog!” Robotnik cackled.

Sonic beat his fist against the inside of the machine.

“It's for Shadow. It's for Shadow...”

He tried to remind himself of the reason for his sacrifice as his insides morphed into wires and gauges. As his lungs lost their need for air, Sonic panicked further when he found he could no longer breathe. Machinery had taken away his functions and senses, but left him with enough cognizance to know he was turning into something dreadful.

After conquering the rest of his body, Sonic could feel the icy tech slithering its way into his brain, shutting down his consciousness and thoughts. His vision grew darker, and try as he might, this was one enemy he could not fight off with speed or willpower. Sonic grasped his head, digging his nails into what remained of his flesh. He fell to his knees, letting out a final cry as he succumbed to the conversion. As the shriek faded, all that could be heard was the sound of the roboticizer. It was the last sound Sonic would ever make in his natural form. All the Freedom Fighters could do was watch Sonic's agonizing transition.

The machine rumbled to completion and then fell silent.

“Roboticization complete,” said the voice from the control panel.

“Excellent,” Robotnik growled fiendishly. “Snivley, recharge the black hedgehog.”

“Yes, sir.”

Snivley looked toward the Freedom Fighters and pointed at them.

“One of you, bring the hedgehog here.” He motioned to the table where Shadow had been restrained only a few months prior. “And don't try anything, or else,” he warned in his smug, nasal voice while motioning to the Swatbots still surrounding Shadow.

Bunnie spoke up and immediately drew the Swatbots' aim to herself.

“Ah'll do it. Just please don't shoot 'im! He can't defend himself or nothin'!”

“Then don't give them a reason to shoot,” Snivley said.

“Okay, y'all just take it easy! I'm just doin' what ya told me,” Bunnie said nervously, afraid the slightest misstep would make the Swatbots fire.

Bunnie went to Shadow's side and carefully picked him up. “Ah'm here, darlin'. Ah'm gonna help ya.”

He grunted in pain, and his body hung limp in her arms. As much as she didn't intend to hurt him, Bunnie felt a speck of relief knowing Shadow was still alive enough to feel pain.

“Ah'm so sorry, I don't mean to hurt ya,” Bunnie said as she held Shadow snugly against her chest and carefully carried him to the Chaos absorber.

“Y'all hang on for us, okay? Ah shoah hope Robotnik ain't joshin' us right now.”

Shadow's voice was shaky and harsh as he used what remained of his energy to speak.

“Please... tell me... Sonic didn't... do what I... think he did.”

Bunnie's voice cracked a little. “Ah'm sorry, sugah. But... ah don't think he's Sonic no more.”

Shadow's ears fell against his head and a burning ache shot through his chest – only this time, it wasn't from his injuries. His heart sank realizing all those awful screams he'd heard came from Sonic.

“Damn it... why...” Shadow rasped as a tear fell from his eye.

After laying Shadow down on the table below the energy absorber, Bunnie made her hands visible and backed up to avoid provoking the Swatbots into firing. Satisfied, Snivley obeyed his uncle's previous commands and switched the energy absorber on. But rather than using the Chaos Emerald to drain power out of a target, it was run on reverse settings, effectively filling the target with pure Chaos energy. A beam of light shot out of the tip, directly into Shadow. His body emitted a radiant green glow as he became imbued with Chaos energy once more. The others watched in awe as his wounds gradually closed up, and as Shadow looked over at them, even his eyes glowed with the same brilliant green hue as his power was returned to him.

After his injuries had healed inside and out, Shadow relished the feeling of a full, deep and painless breath once more. Soon, the pain disappeared and his strength returned – he was back to normal. As the energy filled his body and he could focus more, a thought crossed his mind. He remembered the implant Robotnik had placed in him that hampered his powers and wondered if he could use the emerald to his advantage.

“I might be able to overload the device and short it out if I expose it to large amounts of Chaos energy.” Shadow thought. “But first, I have to find out where it is. Somehow.”

In order to obtain such a massive amount of power, Shadow had to put on an act he hoped would appear convincing to Robotnik and Snivley, lest he arouse their suspicion. He kept his improved state to himself and did his best to present as weak.

“Please, can you... increase the power? It's... it's not enough,” Shadow begged breathlessly, hoping he still sounded believable.

“Sir?” Snivley awaited Robotnik's orders.

“Yes, fine,” Robotnik rolled his eyes and waved Shadow off, as he was still too busy focusing on Sonic's emergence from the roboticizer. “I suppose you need more after being without power for so long.”

Snivley significantly cranked up the power level on the energy absorber and blasted Shadow with much more power than he had originally, causing him to moan and convulse on the table. As the emerald's essence flooded through him, he could feel an unfamiliar sensation of pressure and heat growing in his head.

“That must be where the power dampener is,” Shadow thought.

It seemed that saturating Shadow's body with superfluous energy alone wasn't enough. Rather, he would have to concentrate and channel the extra power to a particular place to truly overload the device – in this case, his brain. It would put his mastery of Chaos control to the test, but he couldn't risk begging for an even larger energy boost. Shadow closed his eyes, endured the pain and focused on the force inside him. Using all his willpower, he gathered the extra energy and drew most of it to his head. Shadow then braced himself, knowing what he was about to do was going to be excruciating.

As the pressure in his head grew to almost unbearable levels, Shadow released his control over the Chaos energy within him and allowed it to erupt through his skull. Through the godawful ache shooting through his brain, an intense snap of pain pierced through his head, strong enough to blur his vision. Shadow's prediction proved to be correct – the surge of energy shorted out the device embedded in his brain and caused it to burn out and explode. Shadow gripped his head and begged for an end to his suffering.

“Stop! Stop! ENOUGH!”

Snivley hastily powered the energy absorber down while Shadow's body seized from the damage done to his brain. Soon, his cries faded and his body fell motionless as plumes of smoke rose from his quills and ears. The blank stare in his eyes as he fell slack against the table haunted the others. Shadow's tortured cries had caught even Robotnik's attention, and he, Snivley and the Freedom Fighters all watched Shadow for some sign of life.

“Not Shadow too!” Sally cried.

“Oh no, it was too much for him,” Bunnie gasped, holding her hands over her mouth.

“Shadow didn't die, did he?” Tails asked through tears.

“Snivleyyyy...” Robotnik droned calmly, yet ominously behind his nephew. “Did you just KILL THE HEDGEHOG?!”

Snivley began to fret and stammer. “I... well, that is... you said to give him more power, sir!”

“NOT THAT MUCH!” Robotnik bellowed.

However, Robotnik's wrath subsided as he saw Shadow stir out of the corner of his eye. Had Shadow still been without his powers, such a severe injury to his head would have surely proven fatal. But with his abilities back in his possession, he was able to withstand the trauma he had caused himself and recovered. He slowly got up from the table, holding his head with one hand and steadying himself on the table's edge with his other. Robotnik smiled, relieved to see his biological weapon wasn't out of commission after all.

“Why Shadow, you're back just in time to see my newest creation,” Robotnik said with a triumphant grin. He hit a button on the control panel, releasing the doors on the roboticizer with a hiss. Shadow's ears perked up upon hearing the sound.

“Sonic...” Shadow said as he approached the machine.

A cloud of steam from within the roboticizer dispersed, revealing a silhouette resembling Sonic. A red metal foot stepped out of the vapor, and both Shadow and the Freedom Fighters stood aghast as they witnessed a fully metal Sonic with glowing red and black eyes emerge from the machine.

“I SERVE LORD ROBOTNIK. ROBOTNIK IS SUPREME,” Sonic said in a mechanical voice.

“NO!” Sally sobbed and fell to her knees.

“Ohhh, this is better than I could have ever hoped for! The blue hedgehog will make a fine addition to my collection,” Robotnik gloated delightedly, admiring his metal masterpiece.

The sinister doctor was so captivated by his new toy that he didn't realize the threat growing behind him. Seeing what Sonic had done for him and what Robotnik had done to Sonic drove Shadow into a rage. Forgotten were his wounds and pain – all that remained was fury. Green chaos energy crackled around his hands and inhibitor rings, and his eyes blazed with a vengeful fire that could only be quelled with blood. Shadow allowed his power to swell without restraint, shorting out machines around him and filling the air with concentrated Chaos power. He was no longer the frail, mortal hedgehog Robotnik had reduced him to for months. Shadow the Hedgehog was back, he was awash with power, and he was furious.

Shadow made a beeline for the energy absorber, each step leaving residual wisps of Chaos energy in his wake. He effortlessly ripped the panel off the side of the machine and tore the emerald from the chamber without even undoing the lock holding it in place, leaving dents in the metal from his fingertips. He tucked the emerald into his quills, then turned and set his sights on Robotnik. Snivley attempted to alert his uncle to the approaching danger.

“Sir? Sir, there is an urgent issue that requires your attention!” he said while frantically pointing at Shadow.

“Not now, Snivley,” Robotnik said without so much as looking in Snivley's direction, as he was still reveling in his victory over Sonic.

“But sir, it's-” Snivley let out a cowardly squeal and took cover as Shadow approached, not wanting to be anywhere near the hedgehog in his agitated state.

Robotnik's joy over Sonic's new form instantly shifted to panic when he turned to see what Snivley was going on about. Shadow's body glowed and sparked with raw energy as he stalked toward Robotnik, his hands clenched into fists.

The evil doctor attempted to flee in multiple directions, but Shadow used his Chaos Control to cut him off each time. Shadow soon grew tired of the pitiful chase and punched Robotnik hard in the face, sending him flying a substantial distance before he collided with one of his many machines. Sparks poured out of the equipment on impact, and Robotnik lay slumped against the wrecked device with blood leaking from his nose. The attack wasn't just for Sonic – it was payback for the way Shadow had been beaten.

The Swatbots all turned their attention to Shadow and fired at him to protect their master. But their lasers merely bounced off him like raindrops, unable to penetrate the Chaos energy swirling around him. Shadow was in no mood for the doctor's robot flunkies and he used Chaos Control to destroy all of them in what appeared to be the blink of an eye. Each of the Swatbots broke apart and collapsed mid-laser.

But Shadow wasn't done yet. He teleported around the room and demolished multiple machines, including the Chaos energy absorber, setting many of the devices on fire in the process. In a matter of minutes, Robotnik's lab and most of his Swatbots were in ruins as Shadow rampaged through the room. The doctor looked up just in time to see Shadow approaching him, eclipsed by the glow of burning machinery.

Robotnik's eyes grew wide. For once, he was genuinely afraid for his life with Shadow back at full power, and he knew he had nowhere he could run. He tried pleading.

“Now... now Shadow, is that any way to treat the person who just saved your life?”

Considering Robotnik had essentially taken Shadow's life months before, his comment made a fierce hatred churn deep inside the hedgehog. The look in Shadow's eyes bordered on insanity, and his anger only boiled hotter when he laid eyes on Sonic once more. He was not about to let Robotnik get away with what he had done to either of them. Shadow grabbed him by the collar of his suit and got right in his face.

“Change. Him. Back. NOW.” The venom in his voice sent chills down his friends' spines. They'd never seen Shadow so enraged.

“I... I can't,” Robotnik sputtered. “There is no way to reverse the process.”

Shadow gripped his collar even tighter. “For your sake, you had better be kidding.”

“Roboticization cannot be undone,” Robotnik said in a trembling voice.

Shadow's eyes narrowed. While still holding Robotnik with one hand, Shadow held his other hand up and materialized a Chaos Spear in his palm. He raised it over his head to strike the doctor down.

“You will pay for what you've done to my friend!”

As he prepared to deliver a killing blow, Shadow felt a hand on his own. Sally stopped him and held back his fist holding the spear. He turned and glared at her, his eyes wild.

“Shadow, stop!” Sally begged him.

“Step away, Princess,” Shadow warned. The energy emanating from his Chaos Spear sent a burning sensation through Sally's hand and down her arm, but she didn't let go.

“Don't do this! You don't have to be a weapon!”

Her words fell on deaf ears. Shadow charged his Chaos Spear further, leaving Robotnik a shaking mess. Sally held Shadow's hand firmly with both of hers.

“You can't kill him! He's the only one who can figure out how to turn Sonic back.”

“He needs to atone for what he's done.”

Sally stood directly in the path of the Chaos spear so she could look in Shadow's eyes and try to get through to him.

“Get out of my way!” Shadow shouted.

“He is the last person on the planet I want to save, but we have no choice,” Sally said, her expression and voice firm.

Sally guided Shadow's hand down and away from its target, the spear still smoldering in his grasp.

“Please listen to me. We might never get Sonic back if you kill him now.”

Shadow's hand shook as he tried to decide if he should follow his instincts or listen to the princess. He wanted to kill Robotnik for what he'd done. He wanted nothing more than to rid the planet of the nefarious doctor. He wanted to bury that Chaos spear in Robotnik's neck and watch him choke on his own blood. But deep down, Shadow knew Sally was right. He couldn't damn Sonic to lifelong imprisonment in a robot husk just to punish the person who turned him into a mindless machine. Nor could he destroy what could be Sonic's only hope for a cure. Shadow cursed in frustration and hurled the spear into one of the machines on the other side of the room. The resulting explosion blasted a hole clear through the wall. Shadow turned his attention once more to Robotnik and got within inches of his face.

“If you can make these metal atrocities, then you can unmake them. Fix this, or you will pay with your life.” Shadow snarled.

“Yes, of-of course!” Robotnik sputtered.

Shadow shoved him to the floor and stood over him.

“There is nowhere on Mobius where you can hide from me. If you try, I will find you, and you will suffer more than you could ever possibly imagine.”

Shadow turned and walked away, but then stopped, and without looking behind him, said “I will be back, and for your sake, you had better have found an answer by then.”

Chapter Text

As he turned to face the robot Sonic staring him down, Shadow's wrath melted into sorrow seeing what Sonic had become. The robot hedgehog stood poised to shoot, with his arm laser aimed at Shadow. Remembering that Uncle Chuck still maintained his consciousness through roboticization, Shadow thought it might be possible for him to get through to Sonic. He had to try to reason with him, if only to find out if his friend was still there.

Sonic charged his laser in preparation for an attack. “SURRENDER, FREEDOM FIGHTER. DO NOT RESIST.”

Shadow got his Chaos energy under control so he didn't approach Sonic as a threat – or worse, short him out. He walked in Sonic's direction with his hands at his sides.

“I know you're in there. You have to fight it. I know you can.”

Without another word, Sonic fired his laser at Shadow point blank, striking him in the head. The shot went through his forehead and and exited the back of his skull. Shadow toppled backwards as blood splattered on the floor. The Freedom Fighters recoiled and cried as they watched the ghastly scene unfold, assuming they'd lost Shadow. But, much to their surprise, Shadow did not fall over dead – he held his head and stumbled, but remained standing. Such an injury would have proven lethal in his previous condition, but with his strength returned to him, Shadow could heal from a deadly strike before he even hit the ground.

Shadow steadied himself, then stood back up and faced Sonic again, only to be shot a second time, right above his right eye. Again, Shadow staggered as the shot knocked him off balance, but he simply shook off the wound. Shadow continued to get back up each time Sonic shot him, his head full of holes and streams of blood running down his face.

Shadow cautiously paced toward Sonic, refusing to fight and leaving a trail of red droplets on the floor behind him.

“I won't give up on you! Shoot me all you want.” Shadow said, brushing the blood from his face with his glove. “I won't die that easily. Not now.”

Sonic stared Shadow down for a long time while pointing his laser at his head, preparing to shoot him yet again. But instead of firing, Sonic cocked his head to the side and then slowly lowered his laser. He looked as if he was studying Shadow closely. Shadow approached him guardedly, and Sonic's glowing red eyes began to flicker.

“Sonic?” Shadow asked, inching closer.

Sonic's eyes stopped glowing entirely and he shook his head.

“Shadow! I can hear you! I'm... I can't control it, but I'm in here!” His voice had a tinny ring to it, but it sounded much more like him. “I'm sorry I shot you. I tried to stop.”

“I'll be all right. We'll find a way to change you back.”

Sonic began to buzz and groan, and Shadow noticed the red light in his eyes began to faintly blink on and off again. His robotic form was taking control of him back.

“Please try to fight it! You are stronger than Robotnik's machines.”

“I can't! It's too much! I'm... I'm losing control!”

Sonic clawed frantically at his head and stumbled backwards. “I don't want to hurt you guys! Get out now! Get away from- “

Sonic's eyes fully regained their menacing red glow and his mechanical voice returned. “INTRUDER ALERT. ELIMINATE FREEDOM FIGHTERS.”

He fired at Shadow again, which Shadow mostly dodged. The blast only managed to singe the fur on the tip of his ear.

“We'll come back for you, I swear,” Shadow said before he turned and ran. Sonic fired a barrage of lasers at him and the Freedom Fighters. “We need to leave,” Shadow said as he approached the others.

Shadow tried to hustle everyone out of the fortress, but Sally stood frozen in place. She could do nothing but watch helplessly as the one she loved had become just another one of Robotnik's mechanical drones. Sonic was too busy firing at the others to notice her standing alone. Sally advanced toward Sonic, as if to see if the nightmare before her was real, but a hand grabbed hers from the side.

“I'm sorry, princess, but we have to go,” Shadow said gently. “I was able to withstand getting shot, but the same cannot be said for you.”

Sally still stood paralyzed by the sight of her beloved Sonic having been turned into a metal monster. Shadow stood in front of her to break her free from her trance.

“Sally. Please.”

It was no use. The princess was in shock, and appeared to simply stare right through Shadow. By that point, everyone else was out of range and Sonic began firing at Shadow and Sally. A laser blast singed a hole right through Sally's vest, but she didn't so much as flinch.

“Damn it,” Shadow groused before finally picking Sally up and carrying her out of the fortress, but not before one final laser blast hit Shadow's left side, taking a chunk of flesh with it.

After the Freedom Fighters escaped Robotropolis and returned to Knothole, everyone went their own separate ways to try to cope with the loss of their leader in their own ways. Tails found himself having to largely get through it alone as Sally was too distraught to comfort anyone else. Antoine was the only one among them who wasn't upset. On the contrary, he saw it as a boon – with Sonic out of the way, perhaps he could have a chance to win the princess' heart. A dark cloud hung over Knothole Village that day as everyone mourned the loss of their hero and fellow Freedom Fighter.

Bunnie led Shadow to the infirmary and insisted on tending to his injuries, despite his protests. “Y'all are bein' stubborn as a mule!”

“I'm fine! It's just a few scrapes!”

“Can't ya just let me help ya, sugah? You're bleedin' like a stuck pig!”

“I can heal just fine on my own.”

“Well obviously ya can't if ya got all them holes in your head still!” Bunnie's tone softened. “Please, just... let me help y'all. It ain't no good for nobody to be bleedin' that much. It'll only take a few minutes.”

Shadow sighed and let Bunnie clean his wounds. While his internal injuries seemed to heal, his superficial ones seemed to be taking longer. As Bunnie applied bandages to Shadow's head and face, the dark hedgehog found himself consumed by survivor's guilt. Sadness, anger, loss, shock – all these feelings pulsed through his mind as he acknowledged that Sonic had given his life for him a second time.

“Why? Why would he give himself up for me again?” Shadow thought out loud.

“He told me he watched y'all die up there on that space station, or he thought ya did. He didn't want to lose ya again, I s'pose,” Bunnie answered as she carefully cleaned the blood away from Shadow's eyes.

“That sugah hog would jump in front of a train for a total stranger. So y'all can imagine what he's willin' to give.. for the people he loves... ” Bunnie's voice began to crack as she struggled to get her thoughts out.

Shadow's voice was somber. “All this time, I thought he was just an optimistic idiot. He really is a hero.”

He pounded his fist against the wall behind him. “And I won't rest until we get him back.”

Bunnie cleaned the wound on Shadow's side, causing him to flinch.

“How were y'all able to get shot fulla holes like that when that one Swatbot nearly did ya in?”

“My powers were returned to me. When Robotnik stole my energy before that, I was as vulnerable to injury and death as any of you.” He looked down at his hands. “But now that I have my abilities back, I cannot be killed. At least, not by things that would normally kill other living creatures.”

“Mah stars. And I thought the sugah-hog's rings were strong. Them emeralds must be somethin' else. Ah shoah am glad you're on our side.”

Bunnie hesitated before asking, “Did Robotnik really mean it when he said y'all could wreck a whole planet?”

Shadow nodded. “It's true.” He held up his hands. “These rings on my wrists and ankles are meant to keep my powers under control. Without them, I could be used as a weapon of mass destruction.”

“So takin' them there rings off would be like pullin' a pin outta a grenade?” Bunnie asked.

“More or less, yes.”

“So that's why he wanted y'all so bad.”

“He saw the potential in my powers and sought to use them to hurt people. I made a promise to someone a long time ago that I would never harm the people on this planet, so I couldn't let him use me like that.”

“You got a good heart, sugah-hog. I can see why Sonic wanted to be your friend.” Bunnie finished bandaging the wound on Shadow's side. “All patched up, darlin'. Y'all feelin' okay? Is your head hurtin' any?”

“Nothing I cannot handle. Thank you for helping me.” He looked around. “Where is the princess? I want to check on her.”

“Ah think she's down by the ring pool. She's takin' losin' Sonic mighty hard. Ah don't know if she's gonna come back from this.”

Shadow got up and went to the ring pool. He found Sally sitting on a log overlooking the water with her face in her hands. He sat down beside her.

“I'm sorry all this has happened. But we'll figure out how to get him back.”

“I just can't believe he's gone,” Sally lamented, her voice just as broken as her heart.

“I don't think he's gone forever,” Shadow said, trying to be reassuring. “You said yourself you've had some success in turning roboticized citizens back to normal.”

Sally shook her head. “The effects were only temporary. Bunnie was normal for a day or two before she changed back.”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance in your endeavors to reverse the roboticization process. Maybe my emerald can be of use. Combined with the power rings, who knows what is possible. We won't know until we try.”

“Maybe,” Sally said while wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

Shadow clenched his fists at his sides. “All I know is he gave himself up for me twice, and I will not let his sacrifice be in vain.”

Sally started to sob again, and Shadow attempted to comfort her.

“He was still alive in that metal body. I heard him. I spoke to him.”

That caught Sally's attention. “You did?”

“He said he wasn't able to control his free will, but he was able to suppress it for a few seconds to talk to me and understand me.”

For just a moment, her eyes lit up just a little. “If you were able to get through to him fresh out of the roboticizer for even a second, then there is hope.”

“I'm sure it will just be a matter of time before his uncle finds him. Perhaps he can be of help as well. Charles overcame the influence of his robot form on his own. Even if Sonic's body is lost, his mind and identity could still be salvaged.”

Sally  watched as a ring bubbled to the surface of the pool. She smiled just a little and said with a hint of confidence in her voice, “And he's far too strong-willed for his own good. If anyone can overcome the grip of Robotnik's machines, it's Sonic.”

Shadow rested his hand on Sally's shoulder in an effort to console her. “We'll find a way to get him back. I promise.”

END