Don't own anything Sonic/ Sega related.
Choices.
Tails' Workshop-- Mystic Ruins ( Two weeks after Purple Emerald.)
Sleeping Quarters.
Shadow stared at the ceiling as he listened to the song that was playing . His body felt numb, just like his mind. He had come to this room with a good reason. But now, an hour later, he couldn't remember his own name, let alone why he was there in the first place.
The blue hedgehog was quiet, thinking over the events that had happened in the last hour or so. Having been in a light coma for the past ten days, and having lots of energy. Sonic felt he had a lot of catching up to do, but... not like this.
Their bodies were close and resting on a bed of stars, both were on the floor, having missed the bed . As the song ended, Shadow turned his head sideways and met green orbs , that seemed to twinkle. Sonic turned his head away and stared at the ceiling. It was silent for sometime, untill Shadow spoke.
" That, shouldn't have happened."
" I didn't hear you complaining. You seemed to enjoy yourself."
" It was wrong. You have.. " He thought for the right words." ...technically cheated on Amy."
" I don't care. The way I see it, I want you both. If I want you both... then I'll have you both. Nothing wrong with sharing."
" There is ,blue hedgehog. I can't live my life like this, I can't wait for you to make up your mind. As of tonight, I'm going to be out of your life, forever."
" What do you mean?"
" I mean, my debt is paid. I saved your life, like you saved mine. It's time I moved on, I need to find my real purpose for being here. I can't be here just for your enjoyment, Sonic."
Sonic blinked. " You're breaking up with me? After all we've been through, you're gonna break up with me... just like that?"
" Yes."
Shadow sat up and picked up his shoes.As he slipped them on, Sonic sat up beside him and stared ahead. The black hedgehog stood, walked to the door and rested his hand on the handle. He didn't turn around, but simply spoke.
" Life is all about choices, Sonic. I've made mine, it's time you made yours."
Then he was gone.
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Shadow made his way out of Mystic Ruins, away from Staion Square , away from Sonic and his friends. He found himself in the countryside, somewhere he had been before.
Standing outside a big metal gate, Shadow pushed the button on the inter-com. Nothing happened, he pressed it a second time, getting the same result. He frowned and began to climb it. Jumping down onto the gravel path below, he dusted himself down and jogged up to the front door.
After looking around the outside of the Manor house, it was clear that no one was home. He sighed and sat on the front steps. He looked around and noticed and pale envelope sticking out of the bushes. Leaning forward, he picked it up and opened it. He was alittle surprised when a bulky, rusted key fell into his gloved palm. He looked inside the envelope for a note, and found none. He blinked then slowly smiled.
The owner was expecting him.
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As Shadow walked into the Lobby of the Manor house, he gaped in awe as his shoes echoed on the stone floor. How could such a sweet girl live in a place like this, and go to public school ? He came to the middle of the room to the seating area, two couches sat parelle to each other, a wooden table ran between them. The fireplace on the wall opposite was grand in design and was strangely alight, its golden glow made him feel comfortable.
The table itself was covered with old books, CDs and magazines. He stepped closer and found another pale envelope. He turned it over in his hand and spotted a red seal in the letter R. With narrowed eyes, he tore the envelope open and began to read the hand written letter :
Dear Mr Hedgehog,
Welcome to my humble home ! I would greet you in person, but at the moment I'm on a school trip to Icy Peaks. I do hope to be back shortly.
Please feel free to explore the house and gardens, treat the place as your own. There should be some meals in the kitchens you can re-heat, I'm afraid there's not much choice in the pantry, my butler is on holiday too. I took the liberty of preparing a guestroom for you, incase you do decide to stay.
Unfortunately, the main grounds are out of bounds for the time being. There seems to be a problem with the hedge maze, apparently a lot of homeless people have been turning up in there. However, the flowers gardens and the stone fountain at the side of the house are there for your enjoyment.
I must stress, DO NOT go into the Ballroom ! I'm having some things from my last trip put into strorage, and there have been... delays. ( It's a right mess in there, I can tell you ! )
If you do decide to stay, I have a small favour to ask. I'm expecting a package on the 18th, I would be very greatful if you could sign for it for me. The item it should contain is very precious to me, and has taken me ages to find and to bring back home. If you could, ( and I know you will ) place it in the safety chamber in the Lab downstairs. I will deal with it when I get back.
Once again, please make yourself at home.
I hope to see you soon.
Your friend , Glorianna. XX
Shadow folded the letter in half and put it in his back pocket. He knew from his earlier exploration of the house, that the guestrooms were along the left balcony from the grand staircase. He walked up said staircase and headed, not left, but right.
He came to the first door and opened it a crack, he peeked inside and found a vast Library full of old volumes, odd nick-nacks and a large,wooden globe in the corner. Many faded maps and family portraits decorated the walls. He closed the door softly and continued along the balcony.
The next room was like the first, but this one had a big desk by the window. On it was a high-tech looking computer and other gizmos. Shadow had a nose around, he picked up one of the many golden discs on the desk, and read the penned label. He frowned slightly as he took in the name, the one name he didn't want to see at the moment.
Movements of Sonic Hedgehog--Summer 1
Why would Glory have this stuff recorded? Was she just like the rest of her family afterall ? Upon nosing around some more, Shadow found a whole collection of discs, all of Sonic and his friends, their movements recorded at some point over the years. Shadow shook his head and dropped the discs onto the floor. He had to get out, and fast! He stepped from the carpet onto a wooden panel...
And the door closed from the inside, as it locked in place, alarms started ringing and buzzing. He was trapped!
The computer screen came to life. He stared as a video began to play, on it was the face of the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. Of course he had seen Glory before, but at a distance, up close she was breath-taking.
Her hair was chocolate brown, high-lighted in places with gold and red streaks. It was softly curled and bounced on the tops of her shoulders. Her eyes were blue and crystal clear, they reminded him of Maria.
" Attention. Please identify yourself. You have five minutes to comply."
Shadow looked around, he finally spotted a small inter-com and pressed the button.
" It's Shadow, the black hedgehog ?"
The face on the screen flickered for a moment. Then it softened. Glory smiled at him via the screen, she waved.
" Hello, Shadow ! Finally we meet face to face..well, after a fashion. The flickering on the screen was the programme switching to manual mode. I control it here from my laptop, I've waited so long to see you. Did you find the key okay ? Is your room to your liking?"
" Glory, I've just arrived ! I haven't been to the left wing yet. I was having a nose around and I tripped your alarm. I'm sorry."
" Sorry? Why would you-- oh wait, what room are you in?"
"The big study."
" Ah, forget it, that alarm is always going off. I was doing my homework in there last week and I got locked in, it took me nearly four hours to get out ! Anyway, don't stand there like a lemon, take a seat. We have a lot to talk about."
Shadow grinned, and took a seat in front of the computer. Seeing what his room looked like could wait.
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Eggfleet Flagship.
Eggman stood in front of the chair, or throne if you like, and for someone who was putting everything they had into taking over the world. He was terrified!
" You promised me the power of fire, you promised me two of the sacred Chaos Emeralds ! All I have from my carefully, plotted plans, is one pathetic jewel. Explain yourself, Eggman !"
Eggman wiped the sweat from his brow, he trembled before the throne. His eyes darted left to right, looking for a way out.
" I see... you are incompetent. A fool trying to play God, now hear me and make sure you listen well. I AM A GODDESS ! The last of the Order Of Seven. I came to you because you have the power of mechines to help me take back what was stolen from me. In return for your help, I have promised to rid you of your pest problem once I have all seven Emeralds and return to the Higher Being I once was. "
" Y-your Highness, please... It was Sonic and his friends that stopped me getting the Red Emerald. But we have the Purple and I have good news, I have found the location of the Grey Emerald."
" The Grey Emerald? The one the other six follow?" The throne creaked as The Goddess sat forward. She studied Eggman with her golden eyes, she sat back with a smile on her face. " There could be hope for you yet, my sweet rotten egg. Just don't fail me this time. Is there any news on the location of the Turquoise Emerald ?"
" Erm, no. Not yet. The scanners are picking up it's signal in the Ruined Labyrinth area, but not clearly enought to pin-point it . Something is blocking it."
The Goddess smiled even more, showing her yellow teeth.
" My brothers were in the Order of Seven. They helped with the charms that protect each Emerald. This Emerald will only show to the right one, it's protector in this time."
" And who is it's protector? "
" Someone who doesn't like getting their feet wet. The Emerald will only appear after the trial of a daring rescue... under water. If we want this Emerald, we must make the trial go our way. We need to bait the rescue correctly, so the protector has no choice but to give up their Emerald or risk losing everything they hold dear."
This time ,Eggman grinned.
" Someone who hates water?...I know just the person we need to bait the trap."
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Mystic Ruins-- Jungle.
Sonic stood under the waterfall, the cool water pierced his skin. He bent his head to wash the back of his quills, he reached around to his side and whinced as he found a small open cut, he looked down and spotted numerous bruises on his legs.
The person who had made them was gone.
Sonic frowned and brought his hands up in fists, anger rose from deep inside him. Raising his fists, he hit the stone under the waterfall. Punching it again, and again, he cried out as blood poured from the wounds on his hands. He turned away, panting, and looked at his hands, the feeling he had now was the same feeling he got when he and Shadow were together. He grabbed his head and took calming breaths, once calmed down, he smiled softly to himself and carried on with his shower.
" Sonnie !"
He turned slowly, and nodded.
" Amy."
Amy smiled at him as she took a seat on the bank nearby.Sonic finished his shower quickly and sat next to her, she took out two apples and handed him one. He looked at it confused.
" You left so suddenly, you forgot breakfast." She frowned at him. " You must remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
" Huh, I guess I did forget."
" Are you alright? Did Shadow really upset you this time?"
" How'd you mean?"
Amy sat up and hugged her knees to her chest.
" We heard lots of shouting and screaming coming from your room. I wanted to go and see if you were alright, but Tails told me not to. It when on for ages, we heard Shadow call you horrible things, rude things even. We heard you scream back and then a loud thump, I guess one of you hit it the CD player because it started playing. It blocked out everything else that you shouted at each other, then when it finished, Shadow stormed out of your room. He looked really upset, and he had a cut on his side, it looked like someone had slashed him with their nails. It looked like---"
She stopped suddenly and looked at Sonic. The boy hedgehog had stretched and by doing so, revealed his side to her. She leaned in for a closer look.
" Sonic, these marks are just like Shadow's..."
She raised her own hand, placed it on his side, out stretched her fingers and drew them down as if she was stratching him. She blinked as they traced the marks perfectly.
" Sonic... you and Shadow were just having a fight, right ?"
Sonic didn't look at her, he looked at his shoes.
" Sonic? "
" I'm sorry, Amy. I can't be involved with you anymore... I can't choose, because I love you two both, I can't choose..."
" You love us both? Whose us ? " She looked at the marks again, and blinked. " Oh goodness ! It's Shadow ?! You mean, you and Shadow are.. an item? "
" Were." He corrected her, " He came to my room. We had a fight, but our fights awlays ended up on the floor, or the bed. Which ever's closer. Afterwards as he left, he told me to choose... but I can't ! "
" You..slept with him ? "
Amy stood and turned her back on him.
" Did you feel anything for me, at all ?"
" How can you ask me that !?"
" DID YOU !? "
" I did, once. Now I'm not sure what I feel, and for who.."
Amy hugged herself hard and swallowed.
" Then I will make the choice for you..."
Sonic looked at her back, he blinked and shook his head. He began to rise.
"...Don't..."
" Good-bye, Sonic the Hedgehog."
Amy walked away from him. Sonic sat down and sobbed into his chest. He was torn at what he should do. A part of him begged him to chase after Amy, the other, a small voice in his head went I told you so! It's your own fault ! He really hated that little voice.
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Amy walked along the jungle path, the tears falling from her eyes. She should've seen the signs, the odd looks that the two boys were giving each other, the time spent in the forest and here,in the jungle. The way that Shadow had become more polite to Sonic over the last few weeks.
She didn't see where she was going, and ran smack into , Dr Eggman !
" AH ! YOU!! "
Eggman smiled at her and drew back his fist, he hit her right across the jaw. Amy fell to the floor, out cold. Eggman just stood over her limp body with a blank look on his face. He bent over to check if she was still alive.. and something strange started to happen.
The mad Doctor slowly morphed into The Goddess herself. The weakened woman knelt by Amy and ran her hand over her side, the gesture at a distance seemed gentle, but The Goddess with her long talons cut Amy deep. Blood seeped from her red dress, staining it even more. The Goddess seemed happy when Amy didn't stir.
" You'll do.. you'll do nicely."
Holding onto Amy, The Goddess took out the Purple Emerald and held it high. Uttering a quiet prayer, she used Chaos Control to warp them back to Eggman's Flagship.
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Once she was gone, A pale face poked out from the bushes. Chocolate- brown hair spilled from the cap on her head. Blue eyes widened at what she'd just seen. Glorianna shook her head as she climbed out, she tripped over her camera strap and fell forward.
Or would've done, if two gloved hands hadn't held her fast.
" Thankyou."
" You're welcome."
Glory looked up and met green eyes, she gulped.
" You're.. you're him ?! "
Brows furrowed.
" Him, who? "
" You're Sonic ! Oh no ! What have I done ? Shadow will be so cross with me!"
" Sh- Shadow !? You've seen him? Where is he?"
Glory shook her head and made to get away, but Sonic held her tightly.
" TELL ME WHERE HE IS !?" Sonic shouted at her.
" No! We made a promise, I won't break it ! I won't !!"
" TELL ME !! "
Glory slapped him across the face, Sonic reeled back and rubbed his sore cheek. He growled at her.
" You shouldn't have done that. I'm in no mood for games."
" I don't care, I'm not telling you where Shadow is. He made his choice, and if you want to see that pink hedgehog again, I suggest you make yours."
She threw the golden disc at him.
" It looks like you're not the only one looking for the Chaos Emeralds. I don't know the full facts yet, but it looks like that pink hedgehog is involved now. Now, if you don't mind.. I have family to get home to. Good-day."
" Wait !"
Glory turned and folded her arms protectively over her chest. Sonic walked up to her and bowed his head.
" I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. It's just.. my life is the pits right now and everything got on top of me." He sighed, " Can I ofter you a ride home, as a peace gesture ?" He held out his hand.
" Well..."
" Please ?"
She melted under his child like eyes, she nodded. Sonic stood closer and scooped her up into his arms.
" Settled?"
" Yes, thankyou. I live in the countryside. If you could drop me off at the deserted Manor house, I can make my own way from there."
Sonic nodded and took off at full speed out of the jungle. Glory looked around in wonder, everything was blurred and she even lost her hat ! Sonic adjusted his hold a few times, and gave her a cheeky smile, which she returned .
It was night when they came to the Manor house. Glory was sleeping in his arms, Sonic gazed up at the windows and found no lights on. He sighed, now what was he going to do? He couldn't leave Glory out in the cold, so he made a choice. He decided to take Glory home, she could make her own way back in the morning.
Running back to Mystic Ruins, Sonic thought over the day and the days ahead. The next Emerald was for him, the trial said so. He shuddered, he hated water. Another thought popped into his head as he jogged along the mountain path, back to his home. Life was full of choices, if he made the wrong one Amy could die, if he made the right one... He shuddered again, he didn't want to think that far ahead yet.
What would come, would come. No matter what crummy, or life changing choices he would have to make.
More coming soon!