Chapter 8 - Friend or Foe?
That stupid bat, I can't believe she had the nerve to show up like that… after what she did to me. The doctor told me how she left me to die on the ARK… now she shows up and acts surprised to see me still breathing? What a joke…
I was walking away from the bedroom when I ran into Eggman.
"Ah Shadow there you are, have you seen Omega?"
"Actually yes, I know you created him to spar with me, but me and Omega are actually becoming quite close. I helped him master some of his newer modifications you gave him, I think he will make a perfect partner for me once we begin our work!" I said with a smirk, the doctor smiled back wickedly.
"Oh Shadow I can't tell you how nice it is to have you back, I'm glad you and Omega are getting along, you two will be partners for a long time you know, since you're both practically immortal."
He has a point… I never thought of it like that, I'll have a friend forever in this robot.
I nodded and wondered off towards my living quarters to lay down for a while, the weird bat was still on my mind. I know the doctor told me about her… but I recognized her almost instantly… I don't remember anything… what if… no, she had to be lying, the doctor has been nothing but helpful to me, he wouldn't lie to me.
I laid there for hours pondering what actually happened on the ARK, I wanted to ask Eggman but I didn't want to offend him, he claims to have created me, and it would be wrong for me to disrespect him. I suddenly heard a knock on my door, after a moment the floating robot known as Omega entered.
"HELLO SHADOW, I SENSE YOU'RE IN DEEP THOUGHT" the robot called out in his monotone voice.
"Yes, captain obvious." I snapped back in a harsh tone.
"MY SENSORS TELL ME YOU'RE ALSO ANNOYED. WHAT'S THE MATTER?"
I was getting annoyed with the robot when an idea suddenly popped into my head.
"Omega, can you possibly do me a favor?"
"THAT DEPENDS, WHAT DO YOU NEED."
"I say we run a test… to make sure you can download files if we're on a mission. Go to Eggmans computer and download any files you can find that deal with me, okay? That way we know if you can download stuff and on top of that, you'll get to know me better."
The robot would have smiled if physically possible.
"GREAT IDEA SHADOW, I'LL SEE TO IT AT ONCE."
I watched as the robot flew out, I took this time to jump into the vent where the bat had been, following it all the way onto the outside. Once there I glanced around for clues to where she could've gone.
It appears she took my advice and left… smart bat. I turned and was about to climb back into the vent when I heard the trees rustling. I paused and slowly turned around, scanning the perimeter.
"Who goes there, show yourself!" I shouted, glancing around.
After a moment, a familiar face appeared. She looks familiar…
"Oh it's you! You saved me in the alleyway a few months back, funny I run into you, I'm kinda lost." the lavender cat called out. Great… she claims to know me too… why the hell cant I remember anything?
"Sure… what exactly do you need help with?" I finally spoke.
"... Well, i'm lost."
I widened my eyes when I realized she had already told me.
"Sorry, I'm a bit distracted, where do you wanna go?"
"Well, that's where things get complicated. I'm looking for this guy called Eggman, but I can't find him, do you think you could point me in the right direction?" she finally walked over and sat on a ventilation system next to me.
"Perhaps I could tell you, but if you don't mind me asking, what is it you want with him?" I asked, also sitting on the ventilation system.
"He is somewhat responsible for a terrible event that I'm here to stop, it hasn't happened yet but it will soon!"
My ears perked in interest.
"Hm, you wouldn't lie to me would you cat?" I studied her posture, she seemed exhausted, but unlike other people I've run into since I woke up at the base, she didn't seem scared of me.
"No, of course not! I kinda owe you my life you know?" She said with a chuckle. "Hey… thanks for saving me by the way, I don't think I ever got your name."
"Its Shadow, Shadow the Hedgehog."
"Do you remember who I am?" She said with a smile.
Shit she's onto me…
"Ugh… no." I said quietly.
She frowned. "Oh, I see." she began to stand but I quickly grabbed her.
"Listen, you actually have met me before and you're not messing with me?"
She looked concerned now. "Yeah… why would I lie about that?"
I sat her down next to me once more. "I'm going to tell you something and it'll sound crazy, but I need you to believe me. I woke up a few weeks ago and have no memory of the events that took place before it."
She nodded with a frown.
"I wish I could help but when we met it was only for a few minutes, you just happened to save me from getting jumped."
"I see…"
She noticed how my voice trailed off and patted me on the back.
"I'm sure you'll figure it out Shadow, by the way I'm Blaze the Cat. If we meet again and you remember me, I'll tell you more about me!" She stood and began to walk away.
"Good luck finding Eggman." I called out as she walked away, she glanced back with a smile and waved. I sat for a moment watching her disappear into the surrounding forest, then I climbed back into the vent and crawled towards the bedroom. Once I finally returned, Omega was floating, waiting patiently for me to return.
"SHADOW, WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE VENT?"
"I'll explain later, what did you find out?"
"THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF INFORMATION ABOUT YOU, WOULD YOU LIKE ALL OF IT?"
I nodded, waiting for the robot to continue.
"OVER 50 YEARS AGO YOU WERE CREATED ON A COLONY IN SPACE CALLED THE ARK, YOU WERE CREATED TO HELP CURE THE DAUGHTER OF GERALD ROBOTNIK, KNOW AS MARIA. GERALD IS YOUR CREATOR. HE WAS KILLED ALONG WITH MARIA IN A GUN INVASION OF THE ARK, THE DAUGHTER SAVED YOUR LIFE AND YOU WERE FOUND HERE EARLIER THIS YEAR. IN YOU TIME SINCE YOU'VE AWAKEN, YOU'VE MANAGED TO WORK WITH EGGMAN, ROUGE THE BAT, AND YOUR KNOWN RIVAL SONIC THE HEDGEHOG FOR MULTIPLE DIFFERENT REASONS. YOU'RE BIGGEST FEAT SO FAR IS SAVING THE WORLD FROM MASS DESTRUCTION. OTHER NOTES INDICATE YOU HAVE NO FRIENDS, BUT STAYED WITH ROUGE THE BAT WHILE YOU WERE AWAY FROM EGGMAN. NOTES ALSO STATE THAT YOUR MEMORY WAS WHIPPED TO MAKE YOU WORK FOR EGGMAN ONCE MORE. THAT'S ALL THE INFORMATION I HAVE ON YOU SHADOW."
I sat there in disbelief. So that bat that acted as if she knew me… was that Rouge? I feel bad… maybe there is a way for me to remember everything?
"Omega, is there anyway to get my memories back?"
"SCANNING FILES." …. "YES, YOU CAN UNDERGO A CRYOGENIC SLUMBER TO REGAIN MEMORIES OR YOU WILL NEED TO BE AROUND THOSE OF YOUR PAST LONG ENOUGH TO SLOWLY REGAIN MEMORIES."
I sat down glancing at the robot. "Hey, one more thing, do you know why you were created?"
"OFFICIALLY? TO SUPPORT YOU. THOUGH NOW THAT I'VE SEEN WHAT YOU CAN DO, I DON'T THINK THATS MY TRUE PURPOSE."
"Omega, would you be opposed to working with just the two of us, no Eggman?"
"NO, BUT HE DID CREATE ME, I FEEL A CERTAIN LOYALTY TOWARDS HIM."
"I understand, can you cover for me while I make myself scarce, I have some things to discover about myself."
"YES, IF EGGMAN ASKS I'LL TELL HIM YOU'RE GETTING FRESH AIR."
I almost smiled. "Thanks Omega, I'll come back eventually, I promise."
I stood and jumped into the vent, climbing out into the world once more. I ran as fast as I could looking for the nearest city. I eventually came across a "Night Babylon." This doesn't look or sound familiar… but maybe I've been here before. I ran over the green hills and spotted the town, the sun was setting on the horizon and the lights from the city filled the sky. I saw many humans walking on the sidewalks, so I figured sprinting would gain a lot of attention to myself. I decided to try and blend in as easily as possible.
Rouge has to be in one of these cities, hopefully I'll find her here. I walked for a while, getting glances from just about everyone I passed, eventually I turned onto a street with a large amount of people in front of a building. There was loud music coming from inside. What's this all about? I walked towards the front of the group of people, who seemed to be in some sort of line, and was greeted by a tall man wearing all black. He was in his late 20's, and he was ripped with muscle.
"Sorry sir, I can't let you in unless you're on the list." He looked down and noticed I wasn't human.
"Oh my apologies sir, you must be friends with Rouge! Please come right in!" he removed a rope from the doorway and pointed me into the dark building. I glanced up at the bright red neon light. Club Rouge… hmph, maybe it's just a coincidence. I walked inside and met the loud music along with the flashing lights. The club was filled with humans, but in the back corner there was a table with a blue hedgehog, a red echidna, a yellow fox and a pink hedgehog. I glanced around and noticed the white bat was behind what appeared to be a bar, talking to a familiar looking girl. I began making my way through the crowd when I suddenly heard someone call out from behind me.
"Hey Shadow, Rouge told us what happened, you better not be here to cause trouble!"
I turned and met the group that had been seated in the back corner.
I opened my mouth to speak, but suddenly the music stopped and a voice came over the speakers.
"Parties over, everyone get the hell out!"
The crowd sighed and everyone started moving towards the exit, all you could hear was mumbles from the disappointed crowd.
I didn't move nor did the group in front of me.
"I said OUT!" The voice yelled, I turned and saw the bat was on stage with a microphone. The group slowly turned and began to walk away while I stood there staring down the bat. After everyone had cleared out except me, the bat and the lone girl at the bar, she flew over to me and landed a few feet away from me.
"So, you decided to show up at my club, what now, you here to hurt me again?" she said in a harsh tone.
"Listen… Rouge, right?"
I watched her face soften. "Shadow… don't you remember me?"
"Yes… and no. My memory had been erased, I need your help… I realize you weren't lying when you said you knew me so I figured you'd be the best person to come to."
She stood there for a moment then hugged me tightly.
"I thought you hated me Shadow.. I had no clue you had your memory whipped, I'm sorry." She pulled away and noticed my confused face.
"So… I'm assuming we were foes before all this? My robot companion had a lot of information on me, he said I didn't have any friends."
"No, we weren't foes, but not quite friends, more like partners, or I guess you could all me an ally." she walked over and grabbed my arm, then guided me over to the bar where the line girl was sitting.
"Do you remember her?" the bat asked.
The girl looked at Rouge confused then back towards me.
"Hey Shadow! How are you?" The girl asked happily.
"Uhhhhh."
"Oh honey you really don't remember shit do ya?" Rouge laughed, patting me on the back.
"This isn't funny…" I said grinding my teeth together.
"Oh I'm sorry sassy pants, this is Jessica, she helped you when you first woke up, she was the first person to help you, and she introduced us to each other."
I glanced over at Jessica, I felt bad for not remembering her.
"You're familiar, both of you are, but I really don't remember anything, I'm sorry."
Rouge simply laughed.
"What now?"
"Nothing hon, it's just not like you to apologize."
"What do you mean, am I different than I used to be?" I asked worryingly.
"No no, it's not that. I'll explain once I get you settled down, I'm assuming now that you know I wasn't lying that you need a place to stay?"
"Yes… Eggman is likely using me if what you say is true."
She smiled and guided me upstairs. There were two bedrooms on the hallway and some sort of office.
"This is my room and my work office, and the door on the far left is your room."
I paused and she glanced back at me.
"What's wrong Shady?"
"My room? Did I used to live here?"
She let out another chuckle.
"No, but it's my guest room, and you're likely gonna be here awhile so make it yours as long as you want it." She said with a smile, waving me towards my room. I followed and sat on the bed, she sat next to me.
"Listen, I know you don't remember anything, but I'm gonna do my best to help you okay? Get settled in and I'll come talk to you in a little bit okay hon?"
"Sure." I said as I laid back on the bed.
She stood over me with a large smile as she began walking out of the room.
"What's that all about?"
She stopped in the doorway and glanced back. "It's good to have you back Shady." she said as she closed the door.
This is going to be more complicated than I thought. I laid there for a little over an hour, I took a quick nap then found myself thinking about what could be coming next. That cat said Eggman was going to cause something and she was gonna save the future… maybe I should go find her. I stood and left the room, I began heading down the stairs when I ran into the bat who was sitting on the couch watching TV. She noticed me and grabbed the remote to mute the TV.
"Hey Shadow, wanna talk now or ya busy?"
"Well, I had something on my mind, but I assume it can wait. What is it you wanna talk about?" I walked over and stood next to her, crossing my arm and studying the bat. She was wearing a red tank top and black sweatpants.
"Shadow, my eyes are up here." She said with a giggle, pulling up her tank top so it's not as revealing. I caught myself blushing and quickly turned away. She simply continued laughing.
"Come sit, don't be so distant, I'm just trying to help ya Shadow."
I slowly turned and glanced at her. I gave a slight nod and sat down on the couch next to her, my arms still crossed.
"So, is there anything in particular you want to know?" she asked, playing with the strings on her sweatpants.
"Actually, yes. My partner Omega told me I spent a lot of my time away from Eggman, apparently we stayed together. Why was that?"
She let out a deep sigh then leaned back on the couch.
"Well I'll explain this the best way I can Shadow, this man who was formerly a commander, Towers, he killed-"
"Yes he killed everyone on the ARK and blamed me, I mean while I was on Earth why was I with you so often?"
She curved her lips in thought. "We were running from GUN, well really Towers, which ended with you and me hopping from safe house to an RV. We got kinda close during our short time together, but you really don't remember that do you?" I watched as her face showed sadness. Why is she so sad when she talks about me?
"Rouge, I assure you I'm the same person… I just don't remember anything. What did we do?"
"Well, we did a lot, be more specific."
"Did I protect you?"
"Yes, you saved me more than once, in fact when we first met I was a spy, my mission was to get info on you, but you showed me who Towers really was and I began working with you, all of that happened after I kinda almost got you killed… but really I was the one that got hurt from it, you left with a few scratches and an attitude, that's about it!" She said with a big smile. "You saved me later on too, you were weak at a point, and you needed rest badly. Eggman has you in a hospital room, but GUN attacked, I ran in to protect you but in the end you Chaos Controlled me away, where we began staying at my safe house."
"I see, so why did we get a RV?" I relaxed a little more as she continued to talk.
"Hold on Shadow were not to that part yet! So… you won't remember this but I had a boyfriend named Knuckles… he was the red echidna from last night. Anyways, me and him broke up… turns out he cheated on me but that's not important right now, you helped me! It was the first time you showed me any type of comfort, you actually hugged me and it kinda surprised me! You rarely showed any type of compassion for anyone or anything while I was around, but every once in a while you were pretty sweet to me." I watched as she grew sad again.
"What's wrong now?" I pushed her chin up to look at me.
"I told you thank you when you did but… I never got to tell you how thankful I truly was." She scooted over and hugged me again.
Okay, the only thing I truly remember is how touchy she is. I wanted to pull away but then I thought about what she said, this was just her way of showing appreciation, so I let her have her moment. She pulled away and I saw a tear rolling off her cheek.
"Oh don't start crying." I said, feeling bad.
"No, it's happy tears Shady, I really missed you, I thought you died you know… and when I finally did find out you were alive you didn't remember me… I mean you still don't… but it's different you know?"
I nodded. "I understand how confusing it must be, but you're acting like I can't get to know you again, you know I will right?"
Her smile brightened again. "You mean you're gonna stick around?"
"Well, kinda. I want to get Omega out… if everything I've learned about the doctor is true, then he's probably just using him and doesn't truly care for him… that's if I can convince him to come with me."
She stood and reached her hand out for me to grab.
"C'mon then, let's go get him together."
I thought about it, then took her hand and stood. Guess I'll see if she can handle herself in combat.
"Listen, you should let me do the talking to Omega, he will see you as a target."
She nodded and placed her hands on her hips.
"What?"
"Lead the way, hero." She said with a smile.
That word sent chills down my spine. Hero? I don't think I'd go that far.
I lead her out of the club and towards the base. Along the way we made small talk, she asked me what I had been doing since I woke back up, I replied telling her how Eggman has been making me train Omega. I asked her the same, what has she been doing since I left. She didn't answer though… she changed the subject.
Later, we arrived at the secret base. I knew where all the security cameras and traps were placed, so we entered undetected. After dodging a few close calls with roaming guards, I finally found Omega. He was idle in his room, likely powered down.
"Hm, we could try and move him while he's powered down, or we could wake him and have to convince him. Either way won't be easy, what do you think Rouge?" I called over my shoulder to her.
"Wake him and convince him, if things get sour I'd rather him help us instead of fight us."
"Good point."
I walked over and examined the sleeping robot. I found his switch and flipped him back on. After a moment he greeted me.
"WELCOME BACK SHADOW, HOW WAS YOUR TRIP?" his voice was the same dull tone as always.
"It was fine Omega. I need you to come with me, we're leaving the doctor behind."
"SHADOW, I THOUGHT WE TALKED ABOUT THIS ALREADY. THE DOCTOR CREATED ME, IM LOYAL TO HIM."
"Omega he's gonna get you destroyed!"
"DO YOU NOT HAVE FAITH IN MY SKILL? YOU TRAINED ME!"
Shit.
"I didn't say that… he used me before and he's using me now… he's likely using you too, you can be so much more than Eggman's toy Omega, you can come with me and Rouge and we can help you!"
"ROUGE! ROUGE THE BAT? SHE'S HOSTILE, ENGAGING TANGO."
I heard Rouge shuffle behind me, she was in a fighting stance. Omega had his gun powering up when I quickly stepped between the two, facing Omega.
"Omega.. last chance, we can still be partners if you come with us."
"SHADOW, HOW COULD YOU BETRAY ME AND THE DOCTOR, SHES MANIPULATING YOU!" the robot physically couldn't sound betrayed, but I could tell he was.
"DAMN YOU OMEGA, SHE HAS NOTHING TO MANIPULATE ME WITH! SHE TOLD ME EVERYTHING YOU TOLD ME! SHE'S TRYING TO HELP US!" I yelled, clenching my fists as I grew more and more frustrated with the robot.
"SHADOW, LEAVE BEFORE I HAVE TO PUT YOU DOWN."
"...Excuse me?" I stared up at the robot.
"I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU BUT IF YOUR FORCE ME TO I WILL, MOVE AND LET ME ELIMINATE THE TARGET SHADOW."
"For a robot, you're an idiot." I quickly jumped up and kicked him through the wall. I quickly followed it up with a series of quick punches, denting his armor more and more with each punch. More robots began to appear as the alarm began blaring.
"Rouge, there's robots aren't as strong as Omega, you fight them and I'll-
I was hit and sent flying through the other wall. Omega now had control, he held me by my throat.
"GAME OVER HEDGEHOG."
I smirked. "C'mon- Omega- Y-you can't possible think I'm done yet can you?" I hit him with a chaos spear to one of his weak spots.
"OUCH."
"I know all your strengths and weaknesses. I trained you dammit! I will end you if I have to, so don't fucking make me Omega!"
"KEEP TALKING SHADOW, I'LL SHOW YOU WHO THE SUPERIOR BEING IS."
We both collided, sending each other backwards, then we continued back and forth, I threw hard right punches while he cut me with his long claws.
*Outside POV*
Meanwhile… Rouge had her own problems. She was taking care of the robots with ease, but they just kept coming and coming.
"Jeez, you guys just don't get the message do ya? I'M NOT INTERESTED!" She landed a spinning kick on the nearest robot, sending its debris into surrounding robots.
She kicked and clawed her way through wave after wave of robots until she finally cleared them out. She hunched over to catcher her breath.
"Wow… I've been out of work for too long… need to get back in shape." just then she looked up and noticed Shadow and Omega still battling.
She quickly attacked Omega, landing a swift spinning kick to the robot. I left a small dent, which angered Omega and caused him to leave a deep gash along Rouges stomach. She fell, screaming in pain and Shadow stepped between them.
"That's enough Omega." He said between breaths, Omega didn't seem to buy into what Shadow was saying.
"SHADOW, STEP ASIDE AND LET ME FINISH HER."
"Damn you Omega."
Shadow quickly kicked the robot back and picked up Rouge bridal style. She was still crying in pain from her wounds. Shadow carried her as fast as he could out of Eggman's base. He didn't realize it at the time, but Rouge sure did… Shadow was holding her very tightly, Rouge had been held by Shadow before, but never like this. He was moving as fast as he possibly could, breaking nearby windows from his pure speed. Once they arrived back at Club Rouge, Shadow placed her on the couch and decided to get to work cleaning and stitching the wound.
*Shadows POV*
"Rouge, do you have a first-aid kit anywhere?" I glanced at the white bat, she was wincing in pain as tears were flowing from her bloodshot eyes.
"In the bathroom… top drawer on the left… hurry."
I was there and back in a flash, I went as fast as my legs allowed me. I also brought a towel from the bathroom to help clean the wound. I grabbed the bottle of alcohol and prepared to pour it on the wound.
"This is gonna fucking suck." I gave her the towel. "Bite down on this, it'll help, I promise." She did as I told and I poured the alcohol onto her stomach. I watched as tears poured at a faster rate than before, I knew it hurt but I knew it had to be done. I'm so sorry Rouge. I said to myself, then I slowly took the towel from her and cleaned the wound, then I got the needle and thread from the first-aid kit.
"Ever had stitches before Rouge?" I asked as I threaded the needle.
"Yeah…" she said in a nervous voice.
"Don't be scared, I was created to do this." I carefully guided my hands across her wound and began stitching away. After a few minutes of stopping for her to complain, she was finally stitched up.
I stood there and glanced down at myself, blood covered my chest and hands, I even had some on my face.
"Well, I need to shower." I said with a slight smirk, she held her hand out and I took it.
"Thank you…"
"Listen, we will discuss this another time. For now, rest."
I patted her head and walked off to shower. I didn't show it, but I was hurt. Omega did a number on me, not only did I train him, but he also learned from me, so he knew my moves, he read my files, he could be my best friend or my worst nightmare. As I turned on the shower and slowly removed the bloody clothing from my body, I glanced into the mirror and noticed a scar across my left eye.
Omega.. you may have done some damage this time, but I swear I'll see you fall, especially after what you did to Rouge… I climbed into the steaming hot shower, wincing a little as the water hit my wounds. I leaned against the wall and let the water wash the blood from my skin. Not only was I in physical pain from what had happened, but I was in mental and emotional pain.
Part of me actually saw him as a friend… who am I kidding, Eggman created him, he can't be trusted… and poor Rouge, if I made her stay she would probably be mad at me, but at least she'd be unharmed. I need to be more careful with my choices around her… I decided to save my thinking for later and focused on cleaning up. After a long and much needed shower, I threw on a pair of loose shorts, then I went to check on Rouge. I walked over and saw she was watching TV, so I decided to stand next to her and watch along with her. It wasn't long before she starting calling me out on things.
"Shadow, you know you're fur is still dripping right? And you know you're not wearing a shirt right? And you know your muscles are way more visible when your fur is wet, right?"
I chuckled and glanced away from the TV, turning my glance towards her. "Is that a problem?" I said, sitting next to the bat.
"NO! I mean no, whatever you're comfortable with."
"Hey, focus on getting better then worry about me. I did wanna say I'm sorry that I let that happen." I glanced towards the ground, not wanting to face her directly with my defeat.
She rubbed my chin, causing me to glance back up at her. "I chose to go with you, you have nothing to be sorry over." she said with a smirk. "Plus, you stitched me up and let me stare at you without a shirt, I saw we're good now!" She began laughing, and even I couldn't help but laugh a little. I noticed she stopped and her eyes widened.
"What?"
"Oh my god… I've never heard you laugh.. your laugh is ADORABLE."
Great, way to let your guard down Shadow.
"Let's forget this happened." I leaned back, rubbing my quills.
"For now, maybe, but I'll never forget that!" she said, her smile bigger than ever.
I quickly tried to change the topic but she wasn't having it. "So what-"
"Why don't you laugh more often?"
I stared at her blankly. "What?"
"You heard me!" she pushed my arm in a playful way.
"I don't know, I wasn't exactly created to show emotion."
She rolled over onto her side, glaring up at me. "Makes sense… but you do show emotion, in your own way. You apologized, and I didn't have to ask you to!"
I sat there for a moment realizing she was right. Did I change when I lost my memory? I don't remember exactly how I used to act, but from what I've gathered it sounds like I could be helpful or hurtful at the blink of an eye.
"Rouge?" I broke the silence, causing her to glance back at me.
"Yes hon?" she replied calmly.
"Am I evil?"
"The only evil thing you've ever done is stand there without a shirt on!" she said in a joking tone, when I didn't laugh her face grew rather serious. "Listen to me carefully okay? Anybody can be good or evil, especially when they're confused. You were never evil Shadow, though you possess a power that most people find… unnatural." She sat up slowly, wincing in pain as she did. I quickly laid her back down.
"Ah no, you stay resting. What did you need?"
She smiled weakly. "Some water and some sleep."
"Okay, I'll be back."
"We will talk about this tomorrow... I promise!" she said in a tired voice.
I got up and walked into the kitchen, grabbing her a water and grabbing me a bag of chips. In the extremely short amount of time that I was gone, she was already beginning to fall asleep. I stood there for a moment, observing how peaceful she was. So far everything she's told me has been true… it sounds like she's the closest person I've got here on Earth, I should give her a chance. I placed the water on the table and rubbed my hand through her fur as I walked out.
"Goodnight, friend."
Little did Shadow know… Rouge wasn't asleep yet! Now for some this chapter may not have been a huge deal, but Shadow really has never had a "friend" since Maria. He's having a bit of an internal struggle since his memory isn't intact, so I think it's going to lead for some interesting things for me as a writer to play with. Anyways, a little conflict with Omega this chapter, I know it's technically "cannon" for Shadow and Omega to be partners along with Rouge, but like I said, this is my take, so Omega and Eggman are getting buddy buddy. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I actually have written the entire story already, so another chapter will follow soon, and not long after that the next story in this series will start, so stay tuned. There will only be two more chapters! Next chapter, Shadow will have to decide between revenge and what's truly right, and we all know with Shadow having clouded memories, it's sure to be interesting!
