Chapter 8: A Symbol of Thrill?!
"-CONTROL!"
For a moment, things were pitch black. Her eyes quickly adjusted in the darkness. While she would have kept them shut, they fluttered open, focusing on a patch of white fur just inches away from her face. She felt something-someone- grasp her waist tightly. Her cheeks burned. Her gaze trailed up, following the white patch to black and crimson streaks. Poised, right before her, with a Chaos Emerald sparkling and shining was him. Shadow.
For a moment she forgot herself. She forgot where she was. And for that beautiful but fleeting moment, she forgot who he was too. Her gaze focused on him as she clung to his body. The hedgehog held her tight and close to him. His eyes shut, brow knit in concentration, he stood stock still for a moment. She drew closer to him, remembering the blush on his cheeks, his cold hand, the tenderness in his eyes. And those words that he had said to her. Just for her. "Promises are forever."
"Tikal?" He rumbled as the spirit snapped back to reality. She pulled away from him, quickly transforming into her orb to hide her blushing cheeks.
"You said something about wanting to start searching for the shards, right?" She chirped.
The hedgehog lowered the emerald, tucking it away and crossing his arms, gaze narrowing suspiciously on her. "I don't recall."
"Well, uh," she nervously started, fluttering around. "Perhaps we should do that, it is our job after all,"
Shadow frowned, clearly unimpressed. He sighed through his nose batting his hand. "I think we should try over by Red Mountain Zone," Tikal said quickly. "I was getting a strange aura when we passed by en route to the Chao Garden."
"Fine. We'll investigate." He mumbled, starting towards the gated entrance to Red Mountain. Tikal stayed in place as Shadow continued ahead. "Are you coming or not Tikal?" He gruffly called.
That tenderness she had seen was gone. In fact, nothing she had seen just moments before remained, excepting Shadow himself. He remained, not his demeanour. Perhaps it was just a snap of kindness. Tikal thought to herself as she cleared her throat. "Actually, if we're going into Red Mountain, we should be more prepared." She said. "Guardian Knuckles set up more traps after Dr Eggman last attacked. And I do believe Chaos told me about something about the tectonic plates shifting."
"Then I'll be fine on my own." He said, turning towards the entrance. The spirit followed him.
"Mis-" She caught herself. "Shadow. I must insist that we take precaution. I haven't been in the zone for ages-"
"Whatever," The hedgehog hissed, batting his hand back towards her. His frowned deepened, his hand going back to cross over the other.
Tikal stopped for a moment. "I-" She started as the hedgehog simply stood, casting a scathing gaze over his shoulder. His red eyes burned as he looked down upon the spirit, slightly scaring her. "I... I'll be a moment." She murmured, zooming over the bridge and back towards the Altar of the Master Emerald.
Most certainly, the moment in the Chao Garden had to have been just an out-of-character snap. She thought to herself. She went through her mind, justifying why he would have been so... different back there. It was the heat. She thought. Yes. It was purely heat of the moment.
The spirit travelled up the staircase and transformed back into her physical manifestation at the top of the Altar. Chaos bubbled in his pools, teasing her about her blush. She self consciously touched her burning muzzle and winced, kneeling down to peer into the pools of water. Sure enough, she was still red. The echidna drew a small amount of water into her hands and gently pat her cheeks in a vain attempt to stop her blushing.
"Chaos," she said. "Will you guard the Island for a little bit longer?"
I thought you were finished in the Chao Garden with Mr Unsmiley, The water deity said, unimpressed.
"I am, but we're going to search for shards in Red Mountain." Tikal said, hopping down from the Altar and looking around it. At the back was a basket, tucked into a section of the Altar that had been damaged. The basket was full of extra supplies that Knuckles collected on his various adventures. She pushed through various items before finding the spare shovel claws that the Guardian had acquired. She picked up hers, forged back in days of the Golden Age of Mystic Ruins, her time of living. Well, perhaps if you weren't canoodling with the outsider, you wouldn't have to be away so often. He called.
Tikal gripped them before stepping backwards and looking up towards the Altar. "Chaos, I am not canoodling with Shadow. This is a job that we both have." She said simply.
Then why, pray tell, were you embracing each other, oh young priestess? Chaos asked, audibly bubbling as Tikal's eyes grew wide. "Th-That was just for the teleport back here. It was nothing." She said firmly.
Right. Nothing... Chaos said. The God shifted in his pool, eventually regaining his physical form. Go on and carry forth your quest. I will watch the island. He said tiredly.
"Thank you Chaos. I promise we'll be quick."
It'd be nice if you promised to not bring back the outsider. His presence bothers me. He grumbled. Tikal sighed, glancing up to the god. "I've already had to play peacemaker with Miss Rouge, the Guardian and Shadow, please Chaos, don't force me to try to please you as well,"
Fine. It's not like you were bound to the Master Emerald with me for four-thousand years. I guess I'm nothing to you. He said turning away from the priestess.
"Oh Chaos, you know that you're my closest companion." She said tenderly, turning to look back up to the Altar. "And besides, Shadow means nothing more than an accomplice to me."
"Then it's with relief that I say that the feeling is mutual, Tikal."
Tikal's eyes grew wide as she turned around. Shadow stood, his arms crossed over his chest. He was at the foot of the bridge, his red eyes focused on her. The deity quickly shifted back into a puddle and slid back towards his pools, murmuring a brief Good luck, you'll need it to the spirit.
"You were not supposed to hear that." Tikal said quietly, her gaze on the grass below her feet. "I apologize if it sounded less than pleasant, but-"
"No." He rumbled. "It's business. This is my post. Here." He walked past her and towards the Altar. "Yours too."
"Shadow?" She asked quietly. "I'm afraid that I don't understand."
"This is your post." He growled. "You're to stay here. That's what Knuckles wanted. That's your duty."
"But we're to find the shards together-"
"I'm to find the shards." Shadow said, turning to face her. She shrunk back as the hedgehog took a step towards her. Chaos quickly took a physical form, standing on guard. The spirit felt his gaze on her but was unable to check as she locked her gaze with Shadow's, unable to look away. His muzzle was creased deeply in a frown as she reached out to touch him. Her fingers brushed against his chest, his fur soft against her fingertips. "Shadow," she said quietly. In the close distance, Chaos hissed lowly. "We're to do this together."
"I don't care." He rumbled, as his fingers curled around her wrist tightly as Chaos charged. Tikal held her free hand out to the Water God, halting him momentarily. With great concentration, she telepathically told Chaos that she could handle this. She lowered her hands, retracting back to her person as Shadow straightened up and turned back towards the bridge.
"Wait," she said, reaching out towards him again. The echidna started after him, ready to give chase. Shadow stopped, waiting for her.
She ran her thumb over her shovel claws. She briefly caught her reflection in them, blinking rapidly as she sighed under her breath. "Please, take these? For protection." She held out the claws to him. "Red Mountain can be dangerous. I... I wouldn't want to see you hurt."
Shadow glanced over his shoulder at the garment. "They are mine and were forged from the finest materials we had at the time. They're incredibly strong and built to last. It would... give me peace of mind if you took them." She pleaded.
It was silent and still for a moment. Tikal shut her eyes, clutching the claws, desperately hoping he would take them. Partly for peace of mind, like she had said, but to see Shadow forgive her. If he did take them, it was a sign that he was not angered with her. Or at least, calm enough to warrant tolerance.
She felt her palms empty. Her eyes opened and Shadow held the claws in his hand as he produced his Chaos Emerald. "I'll be back before nightfall." He said. "Do not leave the Altar."
"Travel safe!" Tikal called, clasping her hands to her chest. She waited, watching as he took a few steps away from her before raising the jewel and shouting the words, Chaos Control. He teleported away in a flash of bright white light. Before he vanished, Tikal saw the claws dangling loosely in his right hand.
That was another reason for him to leave. He's far too emotional. Chaos said as he slithered towards the Altar. Tikal followed after him, her hands still clasped before her.
"Emotional? How?" Tikal asked. "He's like a wall."
He grabbed you, Tikal. He looked like he was ready to rip you apart! Chaos exclaimed. All because you said he meant nothing to you!
"I did not say he meant nothing." She said, hurrying to catch up to the water god.
Well he sure took it that way. These new-aged Mobians are awful. Too emotional and stubborn. It was better back in the Golden Age... The only emotion shown then was at an honourable death.
"Or declarations of war. Or attempting to steal the Chaos Emeralds for conquest." She murmured, her gaze growing half-lidded.
That's different. That was passion. This is just emotions surging. It's bad. He's bad. The sooner he leaves, the better we'll be. Chaos said, slithering up the steps and returning to his pools.
Tikal walked up the steps, stopping before turning back to look at the entrance to Red Mountain. Her brow knit as she clasped her hands together and shut her eyes. Please Shadow... Forgive me. She thought.
While Shadow had gone off to search for the shards, Tikal tended to the shrine. She found an old rag and a clay bowl for water and cleaned up. She tied her dreads back using one of her clay bands to keep them in place. She tied the skirt of her dress to make a pair of puffed pants for better mobility.
The spirit scrubbed and washed the exterior of the Altar. He's probably still upset with me. I would be too. She thought to herself. It was a rude thing to say, but I don't want Chaos to get jealous of our...
She stopped, sitting back on her calves. Her brow furrowed as she wrung out the cloth and fanned it out. What are Shadow and I? She thought, hands clasping around the damp rag. I suppose we are working partners in this job, but he seems to detest me. Partners can have a varying degree of tolerance but... but I don't think Shadow has that for me. At all.
Her mind raced back to the moment where he had looked for tenderly at her. For a brief moment, he had been tolerant and kind to her, but it was just that: a brief moment. Every time she approached him, every time they conversed, every time they interacted, he seemed inconvenienced by her presence.
Something panged in her chest, aching slightly. She shut her eyes, clasping her hands together. I've felt this before, she thought. Sadness. The echidna tensed, brow furrowing. No. This wasn't an emotion. It was her connection to the Master Emerald.
It had been a while since she'd felt the telltale rapid pulses of an approaching gem shard. The aura she'd felt earlier was nothing in comparison to the sensation of jewel hunting. There was a dull ache that came with jewel hunting and the thrill of the feel... The idea of being so close to finding treasure that could bring you great fortune and fame among your community. The jewel hunters in her tribe had dubbed the connection a symbol of thrill.
Chaos let out a low grumble before slithering down the side of the Altar and materialized beside the spirit. She quickly rose to her feet, looking nervously to the God. Do you feel that? He asked.
She nodded, setting her rag down and taking a few steps forwards. She squinted into the distance, looking across the bridge, her eyes searching rapidly for any sign of a shard. We should go look. Chaos said, slithering beside her.
"No, you should stay here. You can protect the Shrine better than me."
Tikal you're not expendable. We should go together. He said, his lime eyes focused on the priestess.
Tikal fanned out her skirt to its normal style, turning to Chaos. "We promised the Guardian that you would watch the Shrine while Shadow and I were gone."
If I remember correctly, it was you that said that. And the outsider. Chaos said before bubbling up annoyed.
Tikal cringed in pain as the pulsating became more intense. "Please just stay!" She pleaded. "I'm going. I promise I'll return!"
The spirit didn't wait for Chaos' reply, instead morphing into her spirit form and zooming ahead towards the bridge. Following the pulsating ache, she zoomed towards the entrance of Red Mountain, flying over the metal gate. It grew ever harsher, thrashing against the insides of her head and surging to her core. It had never been as intense as this before, so why was it now?
"Tikal?"
The spirit stopped, transforming once again before she turning around. Braced against the rocky pass was Shadow, slightly beaten up. "What are you doing here?" He asked. "I told you to stay back at the Shrine."
"I-" She started, unable to find words. "Me? What are you doing here? Why are you hurt?"
"I'm not hurt." He hissed quickly as Tikal reached out to steady him. The ache from shard hunting subsided briefly as she Shadow gripped her arm tightly, his nails driving into her fur.
"Yes you are! You look as though you faced off with a beast! What happened?"
"That doesn't matter." He muttered under his breath. His crimson eyes met hers. His clenched fist opened up, revealing a few shards. Tikal's eyes widened at the sight of them. "Come on, we have to get you back to the Shrine. I'll heal you."
He ripped his arm from her grasp, scowling at her. "I'm the Ultimate Life form, I do not need your help." He spat. He stumbled ahead, tripping over his own feet and grumbling a cuss.
The spirit frowned slightly before sighing. "For one moment, can you please lower your guard?" She asked, hurrying to follow after him. "I just want to help you Shadow. Accept it, please."
The hedgehog frowned before slowing his pace. The echidna approached him, keeping her distance from him. Their walk was filled with silence, save for the gentle brush of grass underneath their feet.
As they approached the Shrine, Tikal noticed the water god standing guard. She called out to Chaos: "I'm back. I'm okay. I have Shadow and he's hurt." Her voice was low and quiet.
Wow. Shhhocker. Chaos snappily replied. He reverted back to his pools as her gaze wandered to Shadow, whom clutched the shards in his palm. She held out her hand to him. "Here. Let me help." She said softly.
The hedgehog instead continued forwards, seemingly unphased by her and his injuries. He continued to the staircase, stopping to glance over his shoulder. Tikal's brow furrowed as she walked up the Shrine, gathering some cotton and dried healing herbs from the side of the Altar. Shadow stood at the bottom of the staircase still. "Aren't you coming up?" She called, brow furrowing. "Your wounds won't heal on their own."
The hedgehog scoffed walking up and standing at the top. He promptly returned to crossing his arms over his chest and shutting his eyes. Tikal gathered her supplies and moved towards him. He was covered in dirt and bruises, a few cuts even that marked his body. He had been breathing heavily earlier, but he seemed normal now. Tikal studied him for a moment, her blue eyes focused on his arms and tracing down to his hands, clutched in fists.
She felt the Emeralds' aura grow stronger as she took a clay bowl and dipped it into the pools. Chaos hissed slightly as the echidna hushed him. She turned back to see Shadow rest the pieces by the foot of the Shrine. He reached for a clay bowl of water and slipped from it before before turning away and walking down the stairs.
"Wait!" She called. "Where are you going?"
"Lost World Zone." He said. "More pieces are around here. I have to find them. It's my job."
"But you're hurt," Tikal said, rising to her feet. "You cannot go on your own!"
"I'll heal."
"How? You're-" she stopped, forcing the word out. "Mortal. You're mortal, mortals' wounds only repair after healing!"
The hedgehog turned around, facing her. His crimson eyes focused on her. She wanted to shrink back. But no, not again. He would not make her fear him for the second time in a day, not when she was attempting to help him. She stood her ground, her gaze focusing on his muzzle. Her brow furrowed as she noticed the scrapes and cuts that had adorned his face were beginning to fade. She blinked, as if it were to help, but in that second the scuffle of his battle had all but disappeared. She reached out to him, her fingertips grazing against his fur. "Shadow..." she whispered, spellbound by the fading marks. "Are you... A god?"
He shook his head as she pulled away from him. Tikal knotted her hands. "What are you exactly?" She asked quietly.
The hedgehog was silent for a moment, as if he were ignoring her. The spirit held his gaze momentarily before taking the clay bowl and returning the water to the pools. Chaos bubbled up as she set the clay bowl upside down beside his small moats. "I'm the ultimate life form." He said simply.
"That doesn't exactly answer my question," she said. Tikal kneeled down, folding the rag and setting it atop the overturned bowl.
The hedgehog stared her down. She sighed, resting her hands in her lap. "Shadow," she said quietly. "You have a connection."
His ears perked up, gaze narrowing on the echidna. She twiddled her fingers for a moment, busying herself. She let the silence wander and wade for a second, for the both of them to collect their thoughts. "To the Emeralds. I can sense it." She said.
The hedgehog remained silent, his gaze focused on her hands. "I'm assuming, its why you'll 'heal', as you said." She murmured. "I knew they could allot such powers but... I thought it was only me and Chaos."
"You have a connection too?" He asked, slightly surprised.
"Yes. I'm surprised you didn't know." She said, her voice raising. "I was sealed inside the emerald for ages? It... only seems right that I'd have a connection."
Shadow glanced away, his lips downturned into a frown. "Regardless-" she said, standing to her feet. "Whatever healing your body does, it won't do it fast enough-"
"You do not know m-"
"Peace." She said holding out her hand. "I only wish to help you Shadow, remember, our goal is the same. The Emerald is recovered and Angel Island returns to the skies. Our common goal is just that."
The hedgehog frowned, thinking on her words for a brief moment. "Here." She said, gingerly taking his hand. Her grip was firm, yet still gentle. "I only wish to help," she said gently. "Please, just let me."
Shadow's arm went lax as Tikal wrapped her hands around his. She silently led him towards the Emerald, placing his hand against the stone. "I sense that your energy is low... Your healing would take much longer." She said. "If you just..."
"I understand. Rest with the emerald... As you did." He murmured.
"Yes. Exactly." Tikal said. "Just until you feel stronger."
The hedgehog sat down, his palm flat against the Emerald. His gaze focused on the stone floor and trailed up to Tikal. The priestess held his gaze for a moment, and for a second, she swore she saw him look tenderly upon her once again.
"I'll... Rest myself." She said. "I wish you well, Shadow."
The hedgehog said nothing in reply, instead closing his eyes and exhaling quietly. Tikal turned to the blanket left out from the night before and rested it overtop Shadow's shoulders. She turned to leave and heard a gruff "thank you" as she retreated down the steps. She turned back, gazed upon the hedgehog before hunkering down on the grassy grounds of Shrine Isle and listened to the ocean waves lapping against the earth.
A/N:
Welcome to peacemaker: Shadow is a whiny pissbaby, knuckles n rouge r probably bitchin or making out in the gun safe, tikal is confused af n chaos is savage
My reason for not updating sooner was that I got stuck in fe hell n couldn't get out
Thanks for the reviews as usual... they mean a fuck ton to me
Also... shout out to koko Lockhart n darkblaze14 for being sounding boards for some content in this chapter theyre blessings blease give them that Sweet, Sweet Validation™
