Reflection 003: The March to a Darker World
Under cover of night, Shadow was nearly invisible as he blended in with his namesake. The wind was gentle, whispering through the leaves of the broad tree the black hedgehog stood beneath. A light flashed by, a blazing sentry in the dark. The deep rumbles of diesel engines filled the night air, and men shouting to one another could be heard in the distance.
"Sounds like fun," murmured a smooth female voice from among the leaves. Shadow smirked.
"Fun is having that Chaos Emerald in our possession," the hedgehog replied.
The flutter of wings descended from the tree branches, and Rouge landed lightly beside the ultimate life-form.
"That would take all the fun out of it, though. Just teleporting everywhere," the bat said, "Call me old fashioned, but you can get more of a rush putting your tail on the line every once in a while."
"Perhaps if you're still capable of effectively putting your tail on the line."
Again, the light flashed through the leaves, playing a dappled pattern across the fur of the two creatures. The rumble of a retreating engine called out in the night, and the voices settled down. For a moment the wind picked up, a cacophony of branches hissing at the military compound.
"Seems he's taking his own sweet time," Rouge commented, eying the solid concrete wall that separated them from their goal.
"He'll be ready in time, Rouge. I'd rather he get it right than do it fast," Shadow said, though even he was starting to grow impatient.
The night was still once more as the wind finished its fit. Somewhere, the singular song of a nightingale floated alone upon the starlit sky. The compound was settling down, like a bird nestling into its nest, and sounds from within were dying slowly away. Neither the bat nor the hedgehog said anything—both were absorbed in what might be happening within the compound.
Another rumble echoed throughout the night, but this time it was different. Cyan eyes met ruby ones, and Rouge rolled her eyes.
"Took him long enough," the bat said, stepping forward, "I was beginning to wonder if robots could get cold feet." Shadow chuckled and walked alongside her.
"I don't think Omega would bail on this one. For a robot, he's always been highly willing to bend a few rules. He has whims, even if he'd never admit it."
Rouge cocked an eyebrow at Shadow. "You think so?"
Shadow nodded. "I've been denying my own whims for so long, I would know if someone else was."
"That's very honest of you."
The hedgehog smirked. "Enjoy it. I'm not sure how often you'll get such truths from me."
With a laugh, the thief replied, "What, you think you're still a mystery to me, Shadow?"
"It's what I'm aiming for."
Rouge bopped the ultimate life-form playfully on the nose.
"Smart ass. I'm a bat—I live in the dark. Even if you hide in the shadows, I'll be able to see you, clear as day."
She launched herself high into the air, beating the winds into submission with her wings and easily clearing the wall. Shadow took a few steps backwards, giving the hurdle a once-over before dashing vertically up it. He cleared it easily, turning in the air and landing lightly on his feet. Even under the cover of night, Rouge and Omega were discernible among flickering flames and scrambling lights.
"I'd rather it be you than most anyone else," the hedgehog muttered before joining the fun.
AN: I know I didn't mention this in this incarnation of the Book of Shadow, but there are several different stories running here, instead of just one. None of these first three reflections are from the same story line, for instance. There are... *checks notes* sixteen different story lines, and none of the titles are by themselves (326 of those in all). At the end of I Am I will post my notes on these stories, but bonus points to anyone who can pick out the various themes before then.
Er, got busy working on another fanficiton so this didn't get out until really late at night.
Still, posted 9 May 2012