Wahoo! You guys are the best! Thanks to your reviews, I a continuing this crazy and fluffed out story! WOOT! :)
Shadow: *groans* No...
Sonic: YES!
Shadow: *kicks Sonic*
Sonic: OW! I mean, boo...
Stop being mean to me! I'm continuing this chapter whether you guys like it or not!
Shadow: Go grab the rope, Sonic.
Sonic: On it.
W-What? What the hell are you two going to do to me? Guys?
Shadow and Sonic: Roxie's in a bit of a tight situation right now, so just read the story. She'll also be away for a few days, so don't be expecting any surprise updates anytime soon.
HELP! CALL 911! This is ABUSE! I WILL MAKE YOU UKE, SHADOW, SO HELP ME!
Sonic: all the more reason to do this...
"I don't think I should come..." said Sonic as he walked behind the scurrying Shadow.
"Pfft, I'm not going to let you do anything anyway, faker. You're staying outside," he said in a deadpan voice.
"What?" Sonic moaned, thinking, 'to hell with the, I'll just listen to Shadow for once thing.'
"Listen; and listen well, hedgehog," Shadow snarled. "I'm going through hell just to feed this oversized piece of Sushi, and the last thing I need is for you to come in and ruin everything."
Sonic was gaping and wide-eyed at the young Shadow, whose serious and cold face had melted into a huge smile, peals of laughter following suit. He... looked exactly like his elder form. That was pretty scary.
"Ha, ha... Ah, Sonic, you never cease to amuse me..." he sighed happily.
Sonic seethed. "Well, at least you're having fun..." he mumbled.
Shadow just winked at the hero as he lifted the bucket of rank slop with incredible strength. "Well, that lizard won't feed itself," he sighed. His ruby eyes glancing at Sonic. "You coming or what?" he asked.
Sonic pulled out of his pout and grinned. "Of course. I have to protect little Shadow from hurting himself..."
Shadow's muzzle contorted into a feral snarl, a low hiss making its way through bared fangs. "Watch yourself, hedgehog," he growled.
Was this Adult Shadow he was speaking to?
'No, but I'm so proud of my younger self.'
'Shut up!' Sonic howled in his head.
The young Shadow froze. "What'd I say?" he asked, eyeing Sonic.
Sonic looked just as confused. "What?"
"You told me to shut up! I didn't even say anything this time!" Shadow argued.
"I didn't mean to tell you that. Got this," he grunted, slapping his head, "stupid little voice in my head."
'Ow, take it easy! There isn't much room in here.''
"Yes there is! Dammit, I take it back, Shadow!" he crowed.
'So you DO admit that you're brain is quite petite.'
"No, I don't!" he yelled. "Faker!"
'Hypocrite.'
"That's mean, Shads..."
"I haven't said a thing!" young Shadow screamed. He huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, one hand massaging his temples. "I'm going to need serious shrinking after a whole year with you..." he muttered. (For all who don't know, shrinking is also another word for therapy.)
Sonic hit his head again.
"On second thought, I think that it will be you who needs the therapy," Shadow said in a sour tone.
Sonic blinked. "What?"
Shadow groaned. "Let's just leave already! While you're talking with your 'little friend,' I'll go tell the nice people with the white jackets you are in need of help."
"I don't need help," Sonic muttered. "I'm just stuck being haunted by you..."
"Stop being a crybaby, you mental case, and just follow me," Shadow said, trying to understand the hero to no avail.
"I am not a mental case," Sonic mumbled, rubbing his head.
"You tell yourself that, blue boy..."
The two had finally made it to the biolizard.
Shadow looked at the slumbering figure with a broad smile gracing his face. "Ye –heah! Time for some fun! I've been dead bored for the last few days. All I have for company is you, you little blue fuzz ball..."
"I'm not that fuzzy..." Sonic complained with a pout.
"You're right. It's fat."
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing," Shadow said, waving it off. "Stay here like a good boy. No need to get you killed, right?" he asked, patting Sonic's head. "At least not yet."
With that, Shadow dashed over to the creature.
The biolizard was asleep, soft grunts escaping cold lips every few moments. Steam rolled out of its reptilian nostrils, showing it was completely exposed.
Shadow jumped and grinded up a rail like string of scales to the center of the creature where a giant pink bulge rested. Shadow launched himself into the air, rolling into a ball with deadly quills. He shot himself at the creature, its horrid, agonized scream nearly shaking the entire colony.
Sonic covered his ears.
Shadow landed on one knee, picking himself up slowly and glaring holes through the monster.
"For a prototype, you're quite annoying," he grunted. He lifted a piece of meat and hauled it into the creatures open. Better than the food than you, is what the Professor always said.
The monster growled in satisfaction, chasing Shadow in circles. It liked the food, but it would rather digest something live. Perhaps this little rodent would make a good snack.
Shadow finally tumbled, the tail of the biolizard like a bat... and Shadow the baseball.
Sonic eyes widened and ran into the arena, yelling, "No, Shadow!"
Shadow looked at Sonic with confused eyes. Shadow knew that if he fell he'd just get back up again. The biolizard would snap at him but never actually had the brains to eat him. So, all in all, Shadow had usually managed to survive.
Sonic picked Shadow up as quickly as he could, trying to maneuver away from the giant house pet.
"... Move to your left... now," Shadow advised, Sonic just barely missing the sweeping tail.
"Damn, Shadow, how the hell did you ever defeat the finalhazard?" Sonic gasped.
"The what?"
"Oh, yeah, you're young Shadow. It's nothing, you just that defeat something and save the world," Sonic said over the roar of the creature.
Shadow rolled his eyes. "Oh, if it's only that..." Shadow's eyes darted to the large mouth doing a sneak attack. "Sonic, watch ou-" was all Shadow got out before he fell to the ground with Sonic.
A large paw like hand... thing... (A/N: I'm not very good with the biolizard. I'm a comedian, not a Vet.) Was about to smack Sonic into next week. Shadow pushed Sonic out of the way, receiving the bad end of the deal.
Shadow was flung into the far wall, a sickening crack heard from across the arena. Shadow's form went limb, blood escaping a gaping wound on his chest.
"SHADOW!"
Sonic found himself barging over to the still figure, pushing his legs faster as the biolizard's mouth was inching dangerously close to the ebony creature.
Sonic hauled Shadow over his shoulder, wincing at the feel of the crimson liquid seep into his blue pelt. Sonic threw himself through the exit, running down the hall as fast as he could.
"C'mon... stay with me, buddy," he said. Then, inside his head, he was begging for the older Shadow to come back. There was no response.
...
In Eggman's base... who knows where... he had Shadow splayed across a hospital cot. The creature was breathing evenly... as he had been for the last week.
Suddenly, the creature's form begins to fade... as if he did no longer exist...
Eggman stood, biting his finger nails, wondering what he did wrong...
...
Shadow's breathing became labored as inexplicable pain coursed through his veins. He whimpered, putting a death like grip on the hero.
Sonic's eyes were burning. "You're going to be okay," he murmured, clutching his friend tighter. "You're going to be fine," he chanted.
...
Shadow began to moan, Eggman rushing over to check on him. Did he put something wrong in the serum? It was a simple medication, putting whoever took it into a deep sleep...
...
Sonic finally made it to Professor Gerald's office. He could've kissed the man for putting his name on the door.
Sonic kicked open the door, seeing Maria sitting next to her grandfather, and Tails just across. They all looked at Sonic with wide eyed faces.
"You need to help Shadow!" he blurted out, handing the Professor the broken experiment.
"Shadow," Maria breathed. The young girl turned pale, walking forward with shaking hands.
Tails also came up. "He's broken a few ribs," he said, fingers grazing the chest. "His ankle was nearly crushed, minor damage done to his back..."
The Professor looked up at Sonic with weary and desperate eyes. "What happened to him?" Gerald asked quietly.
"... He saved me from the biolizard," Sonic whispered.
Gerald helped Maria lay Shadow down on the cot, a raspy groan escaping tan lips. "M-Maria..."
"It's okay now, Shadow," Maria cooed. "You're okay. We're okay," she said, squeezing his hand.
He yelped in pain. It was broken.
"Sorry, sorry!" she apologized, taking the other hand. She petted his midnight fur soothingly and sat down in a chair next to the bed.
The Professor went to work stitching up Shadow's chest, looking dismal. "Oh... I... should've never let him talk me into letting him feed that monster... don't even know why I created it... Oh..." he mumbled under his breath.
Sonic was curled up in a tight ball next to Maria, rocking. The girl's sapphire eyes fell upon the downcast creature, her free hand reaching for his.
Emerald eyes snapped open when he felt pressure on his palm. Maria was smiling at him gently. "He'll be fine," she reassured.
"It's my entire fault..." Sonic mumbled. "I shouldn't have come... he told me not to..."
Maria gripped his hand soothingly. "Its okay, Sonic. I would have done the same thing... Shadow is such a child sometimes, and he says he doesn't need help when he really does. He has such a thick skull..."
"I heard that... Maria..." Shadow muttered.
Maria giggled. "See? Shadow's already back to being an obnoxious teenager."
"You know, I'm RIGHT HERE!" Shadow pointed out.
Maria smiled. "Oh, I know. That's what makes teasing you so much fun!"
Shadow grunted as he lazily closed his eyes.
Sonic had a ghost of a smile on his lips. With a shaking hand, he too petted the resting hedgehog.
Shadow began to purr.
Maria giggled, and Sonic smiled. "He purrs! Wow!"
Shadow leaned into the touch, smiling.
"Haha! Two weaknesses found in the same week! Imagine that!" Sonic crowed.
Shadow's ears folded down and cracked open an eye. "Will you shut the hell up?" he asked in a strangely calm way that made it much more menacing.
The friends paled and shut up.
"Good..." he said in a happy sigh.
Tails was busy setting Shadow's leg in a proper position. "Okay, Professor, he's ready."
"Are all the bones set?"
"Affirmative."
"Then let's get Shadow back in his pod," Said the professor.
Maria and Sonic looked babbled. "What?" They both gasped, clinging to Shadow's quiescent form.
The Professor frowned. "Shadow must rest. You two can play with him tomorrow..." In a smaller voice, "Or... you know... three days..."
"Three what?"
Once again, the friends spoke in synch.
Gerald held his ears. "Will you two stop yelling?" he demanded.
Maria tugged at Gerald's lab coat. "Grandfather, you're surely mistaken! Shadow always heals quickly! Remember that time where..."
"Don't. You. Dare," Shadow snarled, ruby eyes glaring daggers at his best friend.
Maria laughed. "So I guess we don't remember."
"No, we don't," Shadow said, winking at his friends. "Guess you two just love me so much..."
Pillows were thrown and feathers were spilled.
Shadow was out for the count; Sonic and Maria being yelled at for hurting him.
"Sorry," they sighed.
Shadow thanked Gerald, took the crutch Tails was giving him and nearly beat Sonic to death with it. Hey, to Shadow, revenge was beating the crap out of the blue hero. Nothing better than a big stick and a hero too stupid to run away. Shadow was going to have his fun, whether Sonic liked it or not.
"I'm sorry! Yow! SHADOW, IT WAS A DAMN PILLOW, NOT A BRICK! OUCH!" he said, screaming in pain.
"This is for coming in when I told you not to," Shadow said with a smile, throwing his crutch down on Sonic's foot HARD.
"Yah!" Sonic cried. "Shads, I RUN with this foot!"
"Is that so?" asked Shadow with a sly smile. He stomped the crutch down again, laughing as Sonic fell to the ground groaning. Just for fun, he hit Sonic once more on the head. Sonic grunted, looking up at Gerald and Tails.
"Honestly, I think he's good to go."
The brainiacs shrugged. Sonic had a good point. If Shadow was able to beat the hell out of Sonic, he should just be bedridden.
And not allowed to have and sharp items anywhere near him.
Maria helped Sonic with a smile. "Sorry," she apologized. "He gets aggressive after near death situations."
Shadow snorted. "You say that as if it's normal, Maria."
Well, for you, it is. Don't make me tickle you Shadow."
Shadow grumbled, walking on his crutches out of the room, muttering about, 'how the world is so unfair because you aren't allowed to kill your best friend.'
Maria rolled her eyes as she and Sonic walked out of the room. "You know, Shadow, one day I'll be gone and you'll miss my teasing terribly!" she called after the retreating hedgehog.
"'Aint that the truth," Sonic muttered under his breath.
Maria opened the door for Shadow, letting Sonic enter inside without her.
"I'm going to go sleep in Grandfather's quarters," she said with a weary smile. "The only bad thing about with him is that I mistake his snores for earthquakes."
Sonic laughed.
"Anyway... I'm about to leave. You do like sleeping with Shadow, right?" She blushed. "I mean, sleeping in the same room. Not... you know what I mean," she babbled.
Sonic winked at her. "When he's done beating the crap out of me I'll tell you."
She kissed Sonic on the cheek. "Thank you for being so nice to him. If you don't already know it, Shadow thinks you're great. You'll get past all of THE HORRIBLE THINGS HE SAYS TO YOU!" she yelled, making sure Shadow had heard her.
"Dammit, Maria! I just fell down! I already put my crutches on the other side of the room!"
Maria rolled her sky blue eyes. She beamed at Sonic. "Go ahead and have 'fun.'"
She left, skipping down the hall. "By the way, Tails is sleeping with us, too!" she yelled.
Sonic nodded. "Thanks for everything, Maria!"
"Welcome!"
Sonic shut the door with a soft smile. Sonic could see why Shadow loved her so much.
And Sonic could see why Maria loves Shadow so much. He did too.
You see, Sonic liked Shadow when he acted as a rival towards him a week ago. He liked being around him, even if he passed it passed it off as hate. That's why he couldn't bare to see Shadow falling, slipping away... Sonic liked him.
But now it's love.
Sonic loved both Shadows. The young Shadow was like Sonic. Young, arrogant, shooting off snarky comments every five minutes. Older Shadow was cold... emotionless... in pain. But he did what he had to make do with Maria's promise. The older Shadow still loved and missed Maria. Sonic wanted to make him feel better. He would.
Sonic loved them both, every bit of them. He knew Shadow had flaws, in both times, but he loved Shadow enough to get past them.
It became love when he saw Shadow was about to die. He found out that if Shadow was gone... Sonic just can't get over friends gone, but when he loved somebody that much... he just couldn't let Shadow go.
Emerald eyes glanced over to the resting form on the bed. A peach muzzle shifted into a soft smile.
Shadow looked so innocent when he was asleep. His chest moving up and down in slow motions, his lips slightly agape. In anyone's eyes, Shadow was beautiful. This was the Shadow Sonic fell in love with...
Sonic sat down on the bed with Shadow. After all, it was the only bed in the room. Sonic took one of Shadow's limp hands and squeezed it between two of his own. The darker one didn't seem to notice.
Sonic laid down on the bed, face only inches away from Shadow's.
Sonic leaned in and kissed Shadow on the muzzle, whispering, "Sorry I'm such a nuisance, Shadow. I love you."
Sonic then nuzzled his head into the crook of Shadow's neck.
When soft snores sounded throughout the room, a pair of blood red orbs slid open, a gloved hand reaching for his burning cheek.
Shadow was wide awake when Sonic had kissed him.
Sonic kissed him... and said 'I love you...'
Shadow didn't know why his arms were tightening around the azure body as his head rested on Sonic's shoulder.
He'd ask him if he meant it in the morning.
...
GOOD! IT'S DONE! WOOT!
Shadow: Whew. *looks at Sonic and mutters* pervert...
Sonic: WHAT?
Shadow: Nothing.
A/N: I'll be going away, so when I get back it'll probably be another few days with me and this damn writers block, so the next update will be next week. And thank you all for the encouragement. Bye!