In the darkness of night,shined red eyes from within a dark forest,watching robots guard a large prison,lights from the watchtowers angled at the entrance of the prison. In this world,Eggman had successfully taken over the world when the Freedom Fighter's last attempt to take him down failed. Eggman,ruthless as he is,killed three of the members,capturing,scaring the survivors and throwing them in this exact prison,and left Sally in a coma, missing an arm and a leg. Now Eggman was looking for the biggest threat of complete dominance over the world,one last loose end he forgot to tie up,the last thing that stands in his way,Shadow The Hedgehog.
Shadow ducked behind some bushes,looking at a handheld computer,"I can't believe I'm doing this."He growled lowly as a holographic lynx appeared on the screen,"Can you give me any insight Nicole?"
"I'd need to hack their systems,"Nicole responded frowning,"but that'd leave me open to viruses."
"Grr,fine,"Shadow snapped,placing the handheld computer on the ground,"Looks like I'm going in blind." he said,ready to put his plan into action.
"Not without me."Shadow turned around,facing a red echidna,"I'm going to help."Knuckles growled.
"Aren't you supposed to be on Angel Island?"Shadow asked,narrowing his eyes.
"It was over taken."Knuckles clenched his fists,"I couldn't stop Eggman from taking the master emerald,then I got news that Sonic,Tails,Sally,and a few others are still alive."Knuckles finished.
"Bunnie,Antonie,and Rotro didn't make it,Big,Amy,Cheese and Cream are hiding in a secret base, I know where the base is."Shadow responded coldly.
"And Rouge?"Knuckles asked,trying to hide his worry.
"Rouge and Omega are doing an inside job,and I have Nicole with me."Shadow said,calmly watching as some trucks headed to the prison,undoubtedly delivering more prisoners,"I found our ticket in."Shadow smirked,"My plans have changed just a bit as well."
A truck lagged far behind,"Why did I get stuck with the heavy load? This truck can't take anymore of this!"The driver grumbled to himself as the truck came to a complete stop,cursing under his breath. He got out and checked the engine. With his guard down,he never noticed a black hedgehog sneaking up behind him.
Shadow put the truck driver in a choke hold,covering his mouth,as the struggling soon stopped,Shadow could now hear trapped animals,crying,scared,hopeless,"Knuckles,free them."Shadow said,releasing his hold of the now passed out driver.
"Knuckles broke the lock truck door,freeing the animals trapped in the back,who had their hands cuffed together. before turning towards Shadow who now had the trucker's clothing on.
"This better be worth it."Shadow growled before speaking to the fromerly trapped animals,"Alright,once you're free,head deeper into the forest,you'll find a dead tree near a gorge,DON'T FALL IN!"Shadow empathized the last three words,"Once you reach the gorge,by that tree should be a rope hidden in some bushes,tie it around the trunk of the tree and climb slowly down,you should find yourselves standing on a ledge,go one at a time to ensure that no one falls off. After you're on the ledge,you should find a narrow passageway,follow it the entire way,no going back. The last person to get on the ledge should burn the rope. Finally you should find yourselves in a large cave,you'll meet Big the cat,Cream the rabbit and her choa they'll take you somewhere safe."Shadow finished,handing someone the key that unlocks all the cuffs,"You get all that?"Shadow asked,"If not I'm not explaining again."
The animals nodded and ran off into the woods in a group,"That's...amazing."Knuckles said impressed.
"I've been doing this for quite some time,"Shadow said,getting into the truck,"But I've seen that many don't make it,"He said grimly,"I just hope this one will."Knuckles falsely put the handcuffs on while Shadow got in the driver's seat and drove up to the prison.
"You're here at last!"The guard grunted,"ID please."Shadow showed the guard the former trucker's ID,"Okay then,go in Josh,Also,we need you to deliver some supplies,just drive round back and we'll load them for ya'" Shadow nodded before driving in.
Now that Shadow and Knuckles were in,they could no search for the fallen heroes. Shadow got out of the truck and opened the back doors,"Keep a low profile,asked around for where Sonic,Tails,and Sally,"Shadow said before adding in a growl,"Don't draw attention to yourself." Knuckles nodded,getting out of the truck,"Let me know if you find out anything."Shadow whispered as Knuckles passed him.
"What's taking so long?!"A guard snapped at Shadow.
"Truck broke down,"Shadow responded in a different tone and voice,thanks to Nicole,"What'd you expect from à piece of junk like this one?"The guard growled,calling from some mechanics.
"Have a look around if you want,it's gonna take time to get it running again."Shadow nodded,heading into the main part of the prison while Knuckles talked to those who where outside.
"You see,Sally's in the fermery."A cat with russet colored fur,yellow/golden eyes,with white hands and ear tips said in a hushed voice to Knuckles,"I don't know where the other two are."the cat said in a hushed tone before giving directions to Sally's room.
"Thank you Russet,we'll find Flower for you,if we can."Knuckles said with a curt nod.
"Thanks,she's just a friend,haven't seen her since a month,"Russet said,moving slightly away from the dark hedgehog,"Good luck Knuckles the Echidna."Russet said,running off.(Yes! Character cameos XD,I do that on but there characters are literally part of the story,so I might do that on DA too :3)
"What's your name again?"Knuckles asked the catolfgon(Cat,Wolf,and Dragon,just don't try and pronounce it XD)`
"My name is Corbeau,it's french for Raven."Corbeau rolled her eyes,"And why are you asking the writer? You shouldn't ask me! Why am I now an Anthro?!"Corbeau changed into her original form before disappearing.
"Uhh?"Knuckles said awkwardly before talking to someone else.
"Sonic's held within a dungeon,"A guilty guard spoke,"I'm supposed to guard him in half an hour,I'll provide you with an entrance to his cell and an exit to the supply room,you should be able to directly reach the truck."
"What about you?"Shadow asked,"Why help me?"
"Because I've seen too much suffering,I want this all to end." the guard said,"There's a tunnel down in the dungeon that leads to the supply room."
Shadow nodded before walking away. Now we just need Tails. Shadow thought before seeing the two tailed fox fixing his truck.
"That should be it."The scared fox said,shaking as he moved away.
"Thank you kid."Shadow said,placing a hand on Tails's shoulder,"You want to get out alive,I recommend getting into the truck when no one's looking."Shadow whispered into Tails's ear,dropping the fake voice.
Tails immediately recognized Shadow's voice,"Okay."Tails whispered back just ask Knuckles walked up to them.
"So you found Tails."Knuckles said smiling at the fox,"What happened to you?"Knuckles asked,upset with Tails's current condition Shadow never noticed how thing he looked as well as the small wounds on the fox's body as well as to how thin he was.
"They punish us here for not listening or following the rules,sometimes we don't even do anything wrong and they still hurt us."Tails looked about ready to cry.
"Don't worry,"Shadow placed a hand on Tail's shoulder,"We'll get you out of here."
Later
And so our plan continued,Knuckles and Tails got Sally,I had to get Sonic. I somewhat dread the condition he's in right now, I didn't think it'd be as bad as Tails,but I was very wrong.
"Where is he?"Shadow asked,following the guard,"Right here."The guard said,unlocking the cell. Shadow was quite horrified at what he saw.
Sonic looked half dead,he had wounds,most of which looked infected,going up and down his body,as well as looking thinner then Tails. When he looked up at Shadow,there was only the look of utter defeat on his face,"Shadow?"Sonic said weakly before going into a coughing fit,"W-what are?"Sonic didn't get to finish as Shadow and the guard freed him.
He can't even stand! Shadow thought,scooping Sonic up in his arms. I can feel every bone in his body,"We're going to get you out of here."Shadow said,not looking down at the fallen hero. Sonic looked at Shadow,the dark hedgehog could only guess as to what Sonic was thinking,but he didn't want to answer his questions,"Lead the way."Shadow said,nodding to the guard.
It didn't take us long to get out of the god forsaken place,I was more worried about Sonic,he was so light,easy to carry without any trouble. It was strange,he could barely talk as all,I couldn't look at him,I was so disgusted as how Eggman treated him. What am I thinking? Shadow sighed inwardly as Knuckles and Tails pulled Sonic into the back of the truck,now loaded with supplies. The guard even joined him,his shift was now over.
"Get this load to Eggman,we're already behind schedule."A guard growled,not noticing the ex-guard get into the back of the truck.
"Yes sir."Shadow said with a nod,using his fake voice. Once they were far away from the prison,Shadow asked about the supplies.
"Mainly food,why?"Knuckles asked quizzically.
"There's a farm not to far from here."The ex-guard responded,"That's how we get the food."Knuckles raised an eyebrow,but didn't question it.
"I'm worried about Sonic."Tails said,holding into the blue blur,"What if-"Tails was cut off by Shadow.
"Don't you ever think that!"Shadow growled,"He'll make it."There was a long moment of silence before the ex-guard broke it.
"There's also first aid kits,medicine,antibiotics,etcetera."the guard finished.
"What's your name?"Shadow asked.
"I'm Rusty,Rusty the fox,"Rusty said smiling.(red fox cx)
"Thank you Rusty."Shadow said,smiling,"Get some sleep,we have a looong journey ahead of us to secret base,"Shadow then spoke to Nicole,"Nicole,I need the statis."
"The group you had freed all made it safely to the secret base."Nicole responded,a big smile on her face,"But it's running low on food and health supplies along with water."Nicole finished.
"I think we have all that,but we're going to be using some of it to help Sonic and Tails get stronger,Sally seems quite fine,and it won't be long before Eggman starts looking for us when his supplies don't come at all." Nicole only responded with a curt nod before vanishing back into the handheld computer.
Over the next few days,Sonic and Tails slowly grew stronger. I had to let Knuckles,or Rusty take over driving when Sonic had nightmares...He always awoke crying,I've never seen him like this,it only fuels my rage for Eggman for doing this to the poor hero. Sonic's so fragile,so...frail like a baby. I look at him,and the only thing that shows in his eyes is fear,but when we make eye contact,I can a small bit of hope shining in the back,defying the fear he felt. I realized then,that he trusted me with his life.
"We're here."Shadow said as they drove though a very dark tunnel,"This tunnel's like a maze,but at the same time,a puzzle only few know how to solve. After a few minutes of driving around with the take almost on empty,there was a bright light leading into a land that wasn't touched by Eggman or his robots.
As Shadow got out the car,no longer wearing the trucker's outfit,he was greeted by exspecting eyes of those he'd saved. Shadow's eyes narrowed,"Bring two stretchers."Shadow ordered,. A small kid ran off into the crowd,a few minutes later, two nurses came,Amy was one of them.
Shadow looked at Sonic,he was sleeping peacefully as of this moment ,but Shadow didn't know if he wanted the people to see him like this,but it had to be done. Shadow carefully picked up Sonic,the civilians were horrified,as to be expected,out of the corner of his eye,he could see Amy's eyes swelling with tears,but she fought them back as Shadow placed Sonic on the stretcher,"Get his wounds clean,they could be infected for all we know,make sure he gets enough to eat."Shadow spoke to Amy who nodded and wheeled Sonic away towards the hospital.
When Sally was shown,they people weren't as horrified when they been with Sonic,Sally was more tolerable for them.
Now was Tails's turn,the two tailed fox had been waiting patiently in the truck with Rusty,both talked over the journey to this place and had grown close,like a secondary father figure for Tails,"Rosemary Prower and Amadeus Prower,please make way for the two."Shadow said,in a commanding tone,"Tails."Shadow said in a lower tone.
It was a….happy reunion,people cried,but I didn't,I was worried that they might not accept Rusty.
"We have one more."Shadow sighed as the cheering went down,"He is no an ex-guard of the prison we found Tails,Sally,and Sonic in."At Sonic's name,everybody seemingly shuttered,"It was thanks to this guard,we were able to get out safely without attracting any attention to ourselves,"Shadow made eye contact with Rusty,still hidden within the truck,"I'd like you to meet Rusty."
The fox stepped out of the truck,he looked at the ground,slowly,yet surely,people went up to thank him,and soon all where doing so.
"So what now?"Knuckles asked once Shadow told the people to unload the supplies from the truck.
"We wait."Shadow responded,heading to the hospital not looking back at Knuckles who stopped in his tracks.
Couple weeks later
Shadow had been visiting Sonic everyday,most the time more than once due to his nightmare. When Shadow entered Sonic's hospital room,he found the hedgehog reading a book. Sonic wasn't as malnourished as before,but he still looked thin. Most of Sonic wounds have closed and are healing quite well,except for a few where the doctor said they might never go away.
Sonic looked up at Shadow,"Oh hey Shads."He smiled.
"I'd never thought I'd see you reading a book."Shadow said solemnly,"So much had changed in such a short time,"Sonic nodded his agreement,"The people want you back out there,fighting for them,."Shadow looked into Sonic's eyes,slightly surprised to see uncertainty in them.
"Before Shadow continues,Sonic spoke in quiet,shuddering tone,"I don't know if I want to go back out there,"Sonic looked blankly down at the book he was reading,"I don't think I can,after what I've been through."
"That's what I told them,"Shadow said,walking over to Sonic bed,"But they think you're there only hope,"Sonic opened his mouth but closed it when he saw that Shadow had more to say,"A month before your rescue,Nicole found out where you where,but your location wasn't exact so I waited,hoping to find more information when Nicole couldn't gather anymore,it was just the two of us then,it took us time to find this place,but when we did,I was surprised to see Amy and the others,they told me where you really where. I knew I couldn't go in blind,so,I studied the prison from afar…"Shadow let a long silence over take the room,"If I would have known about your condition sooner,maybe then…."
"It's okay Shads."Sonic said smiling before his ears pent down on his head in sadness,"I feel safe when I'm with you."he mumbled,blushing slightly.
Shadow smiled before giving a nod,"I won't force you to do something you don't want to do."Shadow closed his eyes,"There are some people who want to see you again."
"I hope we're not late."Sonic recognized that voice.
"Uncle Chuck?!"Sonic said surprised.
"I'm not alone kiddo,"Chuck said as he walked over to Sonic's bed.
"Your parents are here too."Shadow smirked,seeing Jules and Bernadette come into the room out of the corner of his eyes.
Shadow left,leaving the family to reunite. Sally had woken up from her coma a week ago,she as well was having a family reunion. Shadow's eyes narrowed when he looked into Sally's room,only a few doors away from Sonic's. How'd their mission fail? Sally herself said it was full proof,how could she lie? Or was it something else.
Shadow pushed the question to the back of his mind and continued on his way out of the hospital,all eyes turned to him,the people were expecting an answer,but all Shadow did was shake his head. I need to figure out how their mission failed,but I need to get close to both Sonic,and Sally. Sally won't be as easy. Shadow was heading towards his home,'It is required for everyone,' Nicole told him,so he begrudgingly agreed.
"Shadow!"Amy called out his name,running to catch up to him.
"What is it Amy?"Shadow growled lowly,he'd stopped to let the pink hedgehog catch up.
"You have to give a speech today!"Amy panted out.
"Thanks for reminding me,"Shadow said closing his eyes and crossing his arms,"When is it?"
"Noon."Amy responded.
"Kay."Shadow said looking at the sun,"It's almost noon,about in an hour."Amy nodded before walking away to continue with her daily activities. Sometimes I hate being a leader. Shadow continued on his way to his house.I hope they realize I'm just fulfilling Maria's promise.
"Nicole."Shadow called the holo lynx's name,which in turn,she quickly materialized in front of him.
"Yes Shadow?"She asked.
"I need you to pull up anything and everything related Freedom Fighter,mission FREEDOM."Shadow responded,"And set a timer for 45 minutes."
Nicole nodded,setting the stopwatch first before recovering the files,"Most of the files are broken,others were deleted when Eggman tried to take over my system."
"It's fine,I'll piece it all together,and find out the truth on what truly happened."Shadow said,opening one of the holographic files.
45 minutes later
The alarm went off just as Shadow finished going over a fifth file,"Nothing useful ."Shadow grunted as the the files disappeared along with the timer.
"Sorry that the files couldn't be more useful."Nicole apologized.
"It's fine,I'll go over the rest of them after the speech."Shadow said leaving his home. Just was Shadow left his home,he bumped into Amy,"Really?"Shadow said dryly looking at Amy with narrowed eyes.
"I was just making sure you weren't going to be late."Amy said,embarrassed to be caught.
"Whatever,"Shadow changed the subject,looking away from Amy,"Sonic and Sally need to be present at the speech as well,"He looked at Amy,"Are they ready?"
"Sally is,"Amy nodded,"Sonic refuses to let anyone touch him,even his parents and Tails."Amy sounded like she was going to cry,"He's asleep right now too."
"Then he should have a nightmare soon."Shadow sighed. Shadow lived about five houses away from the hospital,so it was quite easy to find him. A few moments later,a nurse walked up to,no words where shared and Shadow made his way to the hospital.
Sonic's parents and his Uncle looked at Shadow when he came into the room. Sonic's mother was holding Sonic's handr. Sonic was shivering and crying,Bernadette looked about ready to cry,"What did Eggman do to him?"she asked Shadow,letting him take hold of Sonic's hand.
Shadow looked at Bernadette,his eyes said it all,"Can you leave?"Shadow's question was more of a command. Hesitantly,the hedgehogs left. Shadow waited a few moments before he spoke,"Sonic."He said in a soft tone,"Listen to my voice,it's all just a dream,its not going to happen again,I WON'T let it happen again."Shadow gripped Sonic's hand harder,"Sonic,I need you to wake up now."In an instant,Sonic was awake,sill shivering with fear,but no longer crying,"Sonic,"Shadow said in a calming yet commanding tone,"I need you to repeat after me."Sonic nodded,"I'm safe. I'm fine. Nothing's going to hurt me, No one will hurt me."Shadow said,locking eyes with Sonic,"Can you repeat that?" Sonic nodded,"Then repeat it."
"I-I-I'm s-safe. I-I'm fine. N-n-othing's going to h-hurt me, N-no one will hurt me."Sonic repeated in a shaky tone.
"Repeat that four more times."Shadow said,giving a curt nod. Sonic repeated it,his voice growing more calm each time. Sonic was now calm,he hadn't realized he was hugging Shadow tightly,"S-sorry."Sonic let go of Shadow.
"It's fine."Shadow said smiling,"You can come back in."Shadow said more loudly,"And bring a wheelchair." Jules nodded,heading back into the hallway and got one.
"Wha! Where are we going?!"Sonic asked when Shadow picked him up and place him in the wheelchair.
"I have a speech today,and I need you,Tails,and Sally there. The people also need to see that you're recovering."Shadow said wheeling Sonic out of the hospital as his parents and uncle held back at the hospital entrance. There was a stage in the middle of the of the sanctuary.
Everybody's eyes turned towards them,Sonic didn't make any eye contact. Shadow offered his hand to Sonic who gave it a grateful squeeze and made some eye contact with some of the animals watching,giving a small,false, smile at them as well.
Tails and Sally were already beside the stage when Shadow wheeled Sonic up to them. Tails ran over and hugged Sonic happily.,"Ten minutes to spare."Shadow said smiling.
"Yeah,"Amy said nodding,"Ten minutes to fix your quills!"She handing him a comb/brush.
"No thanks,my quills are fine,"Shadow said,turning away from Amy,"They look better messy."Shadow sneered.
Amy got out her hammer,and banged it on the ground,"Shadow!"She growled angrily.
Shadow rolled his eyes and took the comb/brush. It didn't take long for Shadow to finish his messy quills,"I'm done,happy?"Shadow said wirely as he gave Amy back her comb.
Amy smiled and nodded,"Just on time too!"She handed Shadow the mic and pushed him onto the stage.
"Hnph."Shadow's eyes narrowed for a quick second before turning to the people in front of him and took a deep breath,"Thanks you all from coming here,"Shadow said emotionlessly,"Eggman's forces have gotten stronger,creating something of a vise like grip on our world,I'd been trying to stay under Eggman's radar,trying to free trapped civilians like you,but only a couple of weeks ago,with help from Knuckles and a guard,we managed to free Sonic,Sally,and Tails from a prison,"Shadow stopped,letting an uneasy silence fall before he continued,"What I saw there was…"Shadow searched for the right words,"something unthinkable."Shadow closed his eyes,for the first time allowing himself to remember the animals(idrk what to call them,they're Anthros cx) in the prison,"They were,partly starved and beaten for those on the surface,"There was an uproar of anger from the crowd which quickly quieted down when Shadow's gaze raked past them,"Those in the dungeon,"Shadow had to pause to stop his voice from shaking from the memory,"they had it the worse,I'd swear some of them were dead if it wasn't for the small movement of their chest when they breathed,of the blinking of their eyes as I passed by."Shadow could feel his emotions swelling in his throat,some of it seeping through into his tone,"I made eye contact with every single one of them,there was nothing I could offer to them,all I could see in their eyes was helplessness,fear….."Shadow paused once more,letting his words seep in,"I could sense hopelessness and dread in that dungeon. Rusty told me that those who rebelled against the Eggman Empire where shown no mercy,he said that the dungeon is the worst place to be." Shadow sighed,"For a couple of weeks,Sally,Sonic,and Tails have been recovering from the prison,I'd like them to come up on the stage."
Tails was the first,he was pushing Sally's wheelchair,Sonic hesitated,he wasn't prepared for this,but he could see Shadow's eyes,he sighed and nodded to Amy.
Three Months Later
Sonic ran around the sanctuary from the moment he could stand,which was about two months ago,he wanted to keep his mind busy,off the traumatizing things he'd experienced in that god forsaken dungeon,but he'd always have a scar to remind him,Sonic slowed his place,he was the first one up as usual,unable to sleep,unable to forget,he shuddered slightly from a breeze that flew on the back of his shoulders,were the scar was.
"You should be wearing something."Sonic heard a voice,recognizing it immediately,he turned to face Shadow who was holding something,"Winter's almost here and the sanctuary can become quite cold,colder at night then the day."
"Is that a sweater?"Sonic asked,pointing at the thing Shadow was holding,"You shouldn't have Sonic said teasingly."
"It's actually a requirement."Shadow said,handing Sonic the sweater,"Amy made it for you."
"Amy made it?"Sonic said confused,"I didn't know that she,"Sonic cut himself off as another breeze blew past him,making him shudder,"Never mind,"Sonic said shaking his head,"How come you don't have one?"Sonic asked.
"I'm the ultimate lifeform,I can handle the cold."Shadow said with narrowed eyes.
Sonic laughed,"Of course you are."he said,smiling,all his worries was about to walk away until he heard Sonic's voice,"Hey Shads!"Shadow turned and looked at Sonic,"Thanks!"
"For what?"Shadow asked.
"Thanks for giving me hope again."Sonic smiled and gave a curt nod before he continued on his way.
Sonic never took the sweater off after that day….
Three weeks later
Sonic was training with Knuckles,"I see you haven't gone soft Sonic!"Knuckles grunted,blocking and eagle kick.
"I'll never go soft Knuckles!"Sonic laughed. Sonic wasn't wearing the sweater today,it was being cleaned,so he had decided to train with Knuckles,well Knuckles more or less command him to. Sonic charged up a spin dash and was about to let it rip(idk what to put XD) when a kid came running in his path,Sonic quickly braked and came to a skidding halt,nearly hitting the kid.
"Sorry!"The kid said and continued on his way.
"Well at least you didn't hit him."Knuckles commented helping Sonic stand. A breeze blew,making Sonic shudder,"I think that's enough training for today,"Knuckles sighed,"See ya tomorrow."Sonic nodded and headed into the house.
Sonic shared a home with his parents and uncle,he was happy to see them again,but sometimes he didn't feel safe in his own bed,so sometimes he stays at Shadow's place until someone made a Shadow plushie and gave it to him.
Sonic was surprised to find Shadow talking to his parents.
"Sonic,I was looking for you."Shadow said,noticing Sonic in the doorway,"Let's talk."Shadow said,leading Sonic back outside.
"So what do you wanna talk about?"Sonic asked,feeling slightly annoyed.
"It's time you stopped sticking in the sanctuary,"Shadow responded,"I have a raid am supposed to do this night,ordered by King and Queen Acorn,"Shadow paused,seeing uncertainty in Sonic's eyes,"They wanted me to bring you along,I told them I didn't think it was a good idea,but they wouldn't listen."Sonic looked at the ground before feeling Shadow's hand on his shoulder,"I'll be with you every step of the way,just….stay strong."Shadow sighed before walking away. Sonic's not ready for this,he needs more time! Shadow thought,looking over his shoulder once at Sonic.
Shadow stood alone on a field,greenery surrounding the dark hedgehog,it was a dream and Shadow knew it. What should I do Maria? Shadow thought before he felt a strange tug,spiritual tug, a voice soon followed,calling his name. It was,familiar,with all the other things happening to Shadow,he'd no time to think about Maria,but now,just hearing her voice filled Shadow with deep despair,but he pushed it away,following the voice.
"Maria?"Shadow said quietly,his voice carrying on the wind,and echoing over the field.
"Shadow."Maria responded,but she was nowhere to be seen,"You have to take full responsibility of your role."She said softly.
"What do you mean?"Shadow asked,not understanding what Maria ment.
"You are to lead the people into the light,to be their light in the darkness,"Maria said,he voice was the gentle,blowing breeze that surrounded Shadow,"But you have to accept your role,"Shadow opened his mouth to speak,but felt as if he should let Maria finish,"Sonic is no longer the hero he used to be,and he will never be the same,but you won't fight this alone,Sonic will always be by your side,like you are by his."Maria's voice started to fade,along with the dream,"Sonic is vulnerable and fragile,you have to protect him,even if he says he can handle it on his own."Maria's voice progressively faded until it was almost unhearable.
Shadow woke with a start when he heard knocking on his door,Shadow stumbled as he got up but recovered quickly and opened the door,"I'm ready to go I guess."Sonic said shyly.
Shadow looked at the sky,remembering Maria's words,"No sweater?"Shadow said,quirking a brow.
"Apparently it got lost."Sonic said dryly.
Shadow gave a curt nod,"Let's go."Shadow sighed, Sonic turned around,heading towards the secret exit of the sanctuary. Shadow found himself looking at the scar that crossed Sonic's left shoulder,he felt anger boiling inside him but he pushed it down and followed Sonic. I know why you wear the sweater,it's to hide the scar.
At raid site
Shadow could hear Eggman's voice,"What do you mean Sonic escaped!?"Eggman asked,just NOW getting the news,"He escaped three months ago!? HOW COULD YOU BUFFOONS LET SONIC ESCAPE!?"Eggman was now screaming at the stop of his lungs as he oversaw the transportation of good into a new storage.
Shadow looked over at Sonic,both locked eyes for a moment before Sonic quickly looked away,he was shaking and his breathing was fast,"I-I-I c-c-can't d-do t-t-this."Sonic stammer in a whisper,slowly backing away before he felt Shadow grab his arm.
"It's too late for that Sonic,"Shadow said,pulling Sonic closer to him,"Stay quiet,stay calm."He repeated in a whisper to Sonic,keeping him close. Shadow had seen the fear in Sonic's eyes as they slowly lost hope.
Sonic buried his face into Shadow's chest fur,choking back sobs that threatened to put them in danger of being found out. Sonic,for the first time, noticed how Shadow was shaking,as if scared too,but he could tell it was something different,"I don't want to do this."Sonic cried,forcing himself to keep his voice low.
"You can,"Shadow said firmly,"Just stay calm,take deep breaths,this will be over before you know it,just stay calm."Shadow repeated,tightening his grip on Sonic as one of Eggman's robots passed by,not seeing their hiding spot. They were hiding behind some crates,Eggman said they were not to be moved until the next day.
Shadow slightly loosened his grip on Sonic,Maria's words ringing in his ears,"Shadow…"Sonic whispered,making Shadow look at him,"What happened to your chaos abilities?"
"Eggman had been blocking the chaos emeralds,so I couldn't use my powers anymore,but I can if I can find an emerald."Shadow whispered back.This is getting to risky,Shadow thought,narrowing his eyes as he peered over the crates before quickly moving his head back. Eggman's still there. What's so important that they'd send us here...Shadow was now in thought for a few moments before focusing back on Sonic who had shuddered.
Shadow had unconsciously moved one of his hands over the scar one Sonic's shoulder,it felt like it was sill healing,or might not fully heal ever,making it sensitive to the touch,Sonic was biting his lower lip as Shadow,now barely touching the scar,traced his hands over it,his eyes nothing more then slits,"I shouldn't have brought you along."Shadow growled in a whisper,moving his hand away from the scar,"That scar's too fragile,and if it's that sensitive,even to wind,Shadow stopped there,not wanting to finish the sentence.
"I don't want to be the hero anymore."Sonic confessed,"I don't think I could ever be my normal self,after all that's happened,I"Sonic stifled a cry,"I shouldn't be out here."Sonic wanted to leave,but Shadow had a strong grip on him still and had not let go.
Shadow stroked his fingers through Sonic's quills,his eyes softened,"You don't have to be the hero anymore,you don't have to be the sidekick,"Shadow said,placing a hand on Sonic's cheek,"You can just be Sonic the hedgehog,a normal mobian,you DON'T have to FIGHT."
Sonic smiled,tears threatening to fall down his cheeks,"Okay…"Sonic whispered,"B-but let's get this done with."Shadow smiled and nodded,"I can sense something familiar here…"Sonic said,not exactly remembering the feeling. He didn't know what it was,but,he felt like he should know it.
"I know what it is."Shadow said,peering over the crates just in time to see a chaos emerald be transferred into the new storage house,"It's a chaos emerald."Shadow growled lowly,letting go of Sonic. He could feel the familiar sensation of chaos spear at his fingertips,but he dared not use it.
"Maybe you can keep Eggman and his robots busy while I go get it?"Sonic suggested,unsure if he was saying the right thing. Suddenly a shadow appeared over both the hedgehogs.
"Sonic!"Shadow shouted,pushing the blue hedgehog out of the way as a robotic claw struck over his left eye,wounding him,but not blinding him. Shadow could see Sonic frozen in fear,unable to move,"Sonic! Get out of here!"Shadow growled,cupping his hand over his eye.
"I,"Sonic said,shaking,"I can't move."He choked out.
"Sonic,please."Shadow begged,he'd keep his promise to him,even if it means he'd have to die. The robot was preparing for another strike while Shadow got ready to use chaos spear. Just as the robot was about to strike,a blue blur broke its arm before destroying the robot itself ,"Sonic?"Shadow looked at the shaking hedgehog.
"I-I couldn't l-let it hurt you."Sonic said,his voice shaking. Shadow only smiled and nodded.
"I'll draw Eggman's attention,you focus on getting that emerald."Shadow said before jumping over the crates,trailing a small amount of blood.
Sonic took deep breaths,waiting for Shadow to draw Eggman's attention.
"Shadow!"Eggman yelled in anger once he spotted the dark hedgehog,blood dripping down his face.
"Eggman,"Shadow responded coldly,"I'd like you thank you personally for giving me this wound,"Shadow pointed at his left eyes,"Which your robot caused."
"Why your welcome Shadow,"Eggman grinned,"To bad you won't be leaving here alive!"He laughed before telling his robots to attack him.
Once distracted by Shadow,Sonic ran into the storage house(warehouse call it what you want)he could feel the emerald nearby,but were? Sonic searched the whole place till he finally found it and ran out,bashing a few robots that surrounded Shadow,surprising Eggman.
"You got it?"Shadow asked,shaking the blood from his eye.
"Yes."Sonic nodded,handing Shadow the chaos emerald.
"But how!?"Eggman asked angrily.
"How is the lease of your concerns right now Eggman,"Shadow growled,"the resistance only grows stronger and more anger,they've found out what you do to those in the prisons,"Shadow sneered,"Be careful where you treat."Shadow the chaos controlled him and Sonic back to the sanctuary.
Sonic collapsed on the all fours,his heart was racing and he could barely breath,he felt Shadow's hand on his shoulder and looked up at him with a smile,"Let's...never..do that...again."He panted,wanting to curl up and cry.
"Don't worry Sonic."Shadow said,giving Sonic the emerald before picking him up bridal style,"I'll make sure you stay on the sidelines."
Sonic nuzzled Shadow's chest,blushing softly,"Thank you."he said,nearly falling asleep in Shadow's warm arms as the ebony hedgehog carried him back to his house.
Few moments later
Sonic was fast asleep on Shadow's bed,curled up into a ball. Sonic had refused to go back to his parents,saying he was too tired and didn't feel safe so Shadow let him stay.
"Nicole…"Shadow whispered the holo lynx's name.
"What is it Shadow?"Nicole asked,materializing in front of Shadow,"I hope it's nothing about your research,it lead us to dead ends."
"It's not,"Shadow showed her the chaos emerald,"I need you to scan over it,make sure it's not,you know." Nicole nodded before noticing blood dripping from Shadow's eye.
"Don't ask."Shadow growled,knowing what Nicole was going to ask,"The bleeding will stop soon."
"But it'll scar."Nicole pointed out.
"What if I want it to scar?Shadow asked and Nicole said nothing more and started to scan the emerald. Shadow let out a yawn,so much has happened this night it drained him of his energy,
Shadow went over to his bed,watching Sonic for moment. Sonic was no longer curled up in a ball,he was twitching slightly, an obvious sign he was having a nightmare,he twisted and turn,trying to shake the nightmare off.
Shadow sighed,touching Sonic's arm,Sonic jerked awake,tightly gripping Sonic in a hugging Shadow who didn't object,"I-I-I'm sorry…"Sonic fought to keep his voice down and under control.
"Sonic,"Shadow said softly,sitting down on the side,of his bed, pulling Sonic into a deeper hug,"Just calm down,I'm here…"Shadow glared at Nicole from the corner of his eyes. The holo lynx gave a nod,"You're safe,"Shadow kissed Sonic's forehead which seemed to calm him down.
Shadow was about to get up until he heard Sonic whimper in a low tone,"P-please d-don't leave m-me."His voice shaking.
"I won't,I'll always be with you."Shadow smiled at Sonic.
"I-I k-know"Sonic said smiling back at Shadow,"B-b-but I-I c-can never g-go back t-to s-sleep after a n-nightmare."Sonic sobbed.
"Okay,"Shadow said laying next to Sonic,"I'll stay with you."Shadow pulled Sonic close to him,his arms wrapped around Sonic's back. Sonic was curled up against Shadow.
The next day,Shadow was the first to wake,he looked down at Sonic,smiling when he saw the cobalt hedgehog. After a few moments of silence Sonic stretched his limbs only to recoil sharply at the pain in his shoulders,"Take it easy."Shadow said ,running his hand through Sonic's quills a couple of times before sitting up,"You know you're welcome to come over whenever you want to."Shadow said smiling.
"Thanks Shads,"Sonic said,nuzzling Shadow's chest fur,"You've changed a lot,yet,stayed the same."Sonic commented.
"It's war,it happens."Shadow sighed,knowing that it was true but wishing it wasn't true,everything about him has changed.
"What about your eye?"Sonic asked noticing three jagged scars angled downwards on Shadow's left eyes
"It's fine." Shadow said smiling,"Guess you could say the scar marks the first victory
Three Years Later
I now understand what you meant Maria, Shadow thought,the sanctuary had to be moved when Eggman invaded it a couple of months ago,Amy,Tails,Knuckles,and even though he was scared,Sonic,helped defend it until all the people had left,Sonic and Shadow got out unscaved,while the others weren't so lucky. The King and Queen knew there was someone to blame,so they blamed it on Rusty,to which Shadow and Sonic defended that he was with them the whole time. Then they tried to blame Shadow for secretly working with Eggman.
Flashback
"Then maybe it was Shadow who'd told Eggman where we were."King Acorn said,glaring at Shadow.
"What!?"Shadow growled.
"Are you MAD?!"Sonic added,standing beside the dark hedgehog,"Shadow'd never betray us!"
"But he has a history with working with Eggman!"Queen Acorn added. Soon a big argument broke out,half defending Shadow,the other half not.
Suddenly,Shadow yelled,"SHUT UP ALL OF YOU!"The authority in his voice unmistakable,making those quiver in fear when his gaze raked across all of them,"For a Queen and a King you constantly ignore the real threat here!"Shadow growled,glaring at them,"In time like this there shouldn't be a king or a queen,but leader."His gaze then raked over the crowd of people once more,"Follow the acorns if you want,they'll just place the blame on anyone,"Shadow turned and walked away,Knuckles,Amy,Tails,Big,Cheese,Cream,and Sonic followed him,and soon he was joined by others.
Flashback ends
There is no longer a queen or a king,just a commander and the ones I trust the most.,"I am commander Shadow,leader of the Resistance."