Inside Our Star — Shadilver

by twinkle-circuit

Fate was written in the stars. A brief reunion between friends would lead to the blossoming of something far greater than the two of them. A question burned in their chests: should they save the future or solve the past? The answer was lost, yet to be found inside the Space Colony ARK.

2. Chapter 2

Inside Our Star

Chapter II – Dreams of an Absolution

Cautiously, I float in the air and then land on the windowsill.

I touch the gloves that were next to the mattress, feeling them. The cotton threads cheered the tips of my fingers. The fabric was so soft, giving me a warm hug to my chest. When I finish putting on the gloves, I attach them to the inhibitor rings on my wrists. Like handcuffs, they shrunk, coming into close contact with my skin. Its inscriptions lined up, burning in a strong cyan. My power is limited and all I can do is to let out a breath.

"I haven't been here in a long time." Shadow stretches his arms, and then throws himself on my bed.

At a glance, I watch the black hedgehog on the bed. He rested the back of his neck on his hands, getting extremely comfortable. His eyes were carefully closed. Their lashes, capriciously kissing each other. His lips, smiling succinctly and confidently.

"Well," I say as I check the inhibitor rings. "I would have called. If I had been able to talk to you, that is."

I press the lamp switch.

Opening his eyes, he stares at me as I step down from the window. The light that radiates from the lamp, like the spring equinox over the last snowflakes of winter, melted the frigid blue of the room with its orange aura. The crystals of the lamp vaguely refracted its light, reflecting it off all the walls of the room, creating small stars around us. Yet, however much the light surrounded us, nothing shone more than his eyes. His smile became softer, almost disappearing, although it did not. His eyes burned with a strong crimson and, like fangs and claws, they fixed on me. Behind an apathetic face, I feel a cold arrow strike my chest, and my heart skip a beat at his gaze.

Curiosity haunted me. I approach the bed, sitting next to him. With a certain enthusiasm in my voice, I asked him:

"So tell me there. What did you do for all that time you were away?"

Hearing my question, Shadow rests his eyes again, sinking into the mattress. He lets out a quiet grunt, slightly showing his canine tooth, as if growling an answer:

"Confidential information." He crossed his arms, stretching his legs. "Since we're asking questions, I want to know: what about you, what were you doing up so late?"

With my telekinesis, I pick up a T-shirt lying on the floor, making a baseball and throwing it right on his face. Bulls-eye! He jumps out of bed, frowning and looking at me with palpable anger. Unable to avoid, I laugh loudly, lying on the mattress. I drag myself to take the place where he was, right in the middle of the pillows. With a provocative smile and a playful tone, I pay him back with the same coin:

"It's also confidential information!"

He grabbed the shirt and tossed it back in my face with considerable force, frowning. Then he turned his face away from my vision, snarling:

"Do as you like, then."

I touch my cheek, hit by the powerful baseball made of a simple white T-shirt. Ouch...

He does not answer what I ask but wants to receive answers to his questions, and he still comes to tell me that I am the child? I shrug, jumping up from the bed. As I approach him, I ask him to close his eyes and after much insistence, I hold his hands, guiding him to sit in the armchair beside the bookshelf. It would be a great surprise – I was sure it would be! I head towards my closet, and among the various objects forgotten in time, I find what my heart longed for.

The sound of boxes being pulled right and left filled the room.

Grabbing what I was looking for, I face the black hedgehog. I raise my arm and, in a brief stroke, the strings sound, filling the environment between us. The sound awakens him. A vivid glow formed on his face. Words seemed to be missing and those that came to mind choked in the back of his throat:

"This is…"

Watching his reaction, a happy smile forms between my cheeks, red as cherries. Without hesitating, I nodded, completing his sentence:

"The ukulele you gave me when we were kids."

In my arms, there was the instrument. Its polished pink wood gracefully reflected the lamp's light, like the sun between the clouds after a long day.

A mixture of nostalgia and admiration washed his face, dissolving his dark features. His fingers innocently played the instrument, as if recognizing an old friend. In a tender voice, he said to me:

"You kept it for all this time..."

I sat on the floor, leaning against the side of his legs. I stroked his knee, and then gave it a soft punch. An awkward smile formed between my lips:

"It was a gift from you. I couldn't just throw it away."

He was trying to hide a lovely smile on his face. Me? Well, I could not help but radiate myself with his attitude, remembering the old days. Those memories that had long been kept inside my head now brought such a warmth to my chest. As if I were just a child again, I asked him:

"Do you remember how you visited me and then spent the whole afternoon teaching me to play the ukulele?"

Recalling memories buried inside, he smiled. Nodding fervently, he provoked me:

"Vanilla always showed the most beautiful smile when you played, even when there was still much left for you to learn."

He crossed his arms, looking at me from the corner of his eyes. I feel my face burn with that rascal's provocations. Filling my cheeks with air, I said:

"Hey, it's not my fault if I don't learn things as fast as you do!"

He then shrugged, looking at me with an inscrutable look – perhaps an inconceivable mix of compassion and indifference. His lips formed a fine line. With bittersweet words, he seemed to try to cheer me up:

"You were always a little slow, but you got better with time."

His tone was neutral, taking me by surprise. Even though I had known him for so long, it seemed that even I did not know how to interpret him well. Confusion takes over me, forcing me to ask:

"Should that be a compliment?"

He pulled the corner of his mouth as if judging my reaction. Snapping his fingers and the bones of his neck, he answered me with his already known frigid tone:

"What it should mean doesn't matter. Furthermore, it is not for me to say how you should judge what appears before you."

Why does everything he says always sound so snobbish?! Taking a deep breath, I calm down and hand him the ukulele.

"The strings ended up spoiling over time, but I was able to fix it. Here, I'm a little rusty. Besides, I would like to hear you play…"

Raising an eyebrow, an almost ironic look appeared on his face. He then nudged me:

"You would like to hear me play?"

I punch him in the knee, rolling my eyes.

"Shut up and get going."

He nodded, giving a short laugh, and began to strum the strings. I stamped my foot on the floor, marking the beat.

Flowing naturally, the words were born in my throat, rising to my mouth and flowing through my lips.

In the night-light, do you see what you dream?

All your troubles, are they all what they seem?

Look around you, then you may realize

All the preachers, all with their lies

And I might know of our future

But then you still control the past

Only you know if we'll be together

Only you know if we shall last...

We had created that song when we were children, together. Looking back, I feel that we had the opportunity to be happy without worrying about what was to come and what once was.

After the last note leaves my body, I feel my chest become heavier. A melancholy was beginning to settle in me and all I can do is to frown. Putting my hand on my chest, I could only ask myself: why did that have to change?

With my head hanging, I asked:

"When did this happen?"

A confused look formed on his face.

"What do you mean?"

Clenching my fists, I answer him right after he finishes speaking:

"I mean that. When did we stop playing until late?" My features sadden. "When did we drift apart?"

He, taciturn, told me:

"We didn't drift apart."

Frowning, I shake my head, and then I look away from his face. Without being able to control my damn mouth, the words come out:

"Then why don't you answer me why you disappeared out of nowhere, without even giving any explanation so I wouldn't worry?"

Shadow then fell silent, avoiding saying anything else. Why didn't he tell me the truth? He disappeared without thinking about what he would leave behind or whom hewould leave behind. It was stupid, just stupid, to expect him to be completely honest with me now. He never was. Still, that was not fair: I needed answers. Whether it hurt or not, it did not matter. I just needed to know the truth.

I look up at him, casting a sinister look, full of resentment:

"It's not fair, and you know it."

Leaving the ukulele on the bed, Shadow gets up, heading for the door. So you mean this is your decision?! Touching the doorknob, he hesitates and then begins to speak in a tone as cold as the night, breaking the silence:

"I think I'll get going..."

I hurry up to him, holding his hand before he can leave. Pulling him with a certain force, I make him look directly at me. He was watching me inscrutably. This conversation would not end here, not like that. I shake my head, looking him straight in the eye, and exclaim:

"You have no right to make that decision!"

His breathing becomes heavier and, as if a tear is going to come into his eye, he throws his arms around me, holding me. He hugged me tightly, leaving my head close to his chest. His heart was beating fast and hard. That – hugging me in times of stress – was his way of preventing himself from falling apart. He had always been like that. Since I met him, at least. Without even being able to form a sentence, I wrap that poor boy in my arms. Why do you have to behave like this when I'm mad? My anger turned to melancholy and the words accumulated in the back of my throat, with only a few managing to express themselves:

"I don't want this conversation to end like this, and I don't want you to leave again..."

I squeeze him closer to me. The smell of patchouli emanated from his body, bringing me inner serenity. As if my heart were a violin, I felt all its strings being played in an ethereal harmony. Complementing that pure instrumentation, his warm voice sounded:

"I can't tell you why I disappeared. There's still something inside me, and I need to find the answers I'm looking for until I can give you the honesty you deserve…"

He was always a person who carried the loss of his best friend and sister on his back. Maybe he was gone for that reason. Maybe not. Regardless, it somehow did not matter to me. I needed a friend now more than ever, and he seemed to need someone. Guilt takes over me, and all I can tell him is:

"I'm sorry…"

Shadow shakes his head, gently squeezing my shoulder.

"You have no reason to apologize."

I close my eyes, feeling a sudden inner peace. Shadow's body temperature was higher than anyone else's was, so it was like hugging my damn downy blanket. Always so comfortable...

Before I can continue our conversation, I feel my body get heavier and my head start to hurt. Consciousness left my body. I was so tired and it was already days without sleeping well. Shadow grabs me before I can slide out of his arms, carrying me to the bed. He then runs his hand over my forehead – it probably burned with fever. My mouth could not move and, without being able to answer him, I fell asleep. I hear his last words of the night slowly fade:

"Please rest. You're pushing yourself too hard."

...

In my dreams, I observe myself in front of a forest of rich flora, with trees growing as far as the skies allow. The sunlight crashed and illuminated the animals made of crystal. Light infiltrated their bodies. Endless trees and crystal animals, what an unusual sight.

I run through the trees, soon finding a lake. Without hesitating, I take a dip in those clear waters. Swimming towards the bottom, I observe a new surface and emerge, facing a large open field covered by a vivid green lawn with carnations and sunflowers.

The wind blew across my face, caressing my cheeks. As if to guide me, the wind blew me through the field, taking me to another lake. The water touched my feet, cooling me. I launch myself.

Swimming in water as cold as ice, I try to reach the surface in the depths of the lake. Maybe they would take me to a new place with more interesting landscapes.

Words orchestrated in a melody reached my ears, and I feel my heart skip a beat. They came from the surface. It called me by my name, like mermaids attracting sailors. Like arrows, the rays of light entered the water. For some reason, I started to swim quickly against the current; I needed to go to the surface. The lights intensified to the point where all I could see was a flash in my eyes.

With my head emerging from the water, I observe two silhouettes against the light, and, before I can observe who it was, I hear only one phrase:

"We love you, son. Do not forget that."

The scene moves into desperate darkness.

At that moment, I wake up with my heart wanting to jump out of my chest. I run my hands over my eyes, and tears are streaming down my cheeks, crashing into my blanket. Just like inside my chest, there was only a void in the room. Shadow was nowhere to be seen.

Sunlight came in through the window, and the curtains danced again in the air.

I shake my head, wiping away my tears and taking a deep breath. It was just a dream, I thought. It wouldn't do me any good to suffer from something unreal. Clearing my throat, I whisper to my body:

"Put a smile on your face, everything will be fine."

I get up, going towards the window, closing it. As soon as the wood of the window hit the windowsill, a sound woke the room and a voice came from downstairs:

"If you're awake, go down. The food will get cold."

My head throbbed, making me frown in pain. I hadn't slept well in a few weeks, and I was still up late the day before. Sleep had helped me a lot, but my head was still tired. I pull myself together and go down the stairs. I then see a rather unusual scene: Shadow was in an apron, placing eggs with bacon and toast on two plates, then sitting at the table.

I go down the stairs slowly, one step at a time, holding on to the rail. A shy smile formed on my face, surprised to see him so domestic. Approaching, I ask:

"What is it?"

He finished separating the food, sliding the plate on the table, handing it to me. There was a considerably larger amount of food on my plate than there was on his. With his apathy, he replied:

"Real food, unlike what you and Blaze usually end up roasting on the stove. Feel privileged."

He narrowed his eyes, watching me as I sat down at the table and grabbed a fork. He was certainly curious to know how I would judge his food. Expectations were rising to the sky and my hand was shaking a little. Was his food as good as it made it look? Well, it looked great – that was something. The golden eggs and well done; the bacon looked crunchy, but it still seemed to have its most tender and juicy portion; and the butter melted on toast like a small stream. It was a divine vision.

I should not eat something that beautiful; it would just be cruel to that work of art. Shadow then disquieted, rushing me:

"You're too slow. Eat already!" He snarled, tapping his fingers restlessly on the table.

Whimpering, I push the plate away from me, avoiding the temptation that it was to smell such well-made breakfast. Just remembering the food Blaze and I used to cook, my appetite grew more and more. My stomach rumbled and my mouth watered. However, I should persevere and carry my mission to my chest. A divine creation could not be devoured like that. It was heresy for the breakfast gods.

I drop the fork from my hand on the table. I… I must win.

"I cannot. Everything is beautiful!" I whimpered.

Shadow's eyes ignited and he then adjusted his gloves, stretching his fingers. A look filled with fury and determination formed on his face as he snapped his neck, getting up and approaching me. Grabbing the fork with one hand, he held my jaw with the other, opening my mouth.

"Since you can't, I'll make you eat."

He then stuffed a portion of bacon and eggs into my mouth. I could taste the delicious taste of bacon – salty, somewhat greasy and smoked. A tear came out of my eye. I had been defeated and the taste of defeat was delicious.

Before I could swallow, however, I hear the living room door open and, looking to the side, I come across a tired Blaze, locking the door as she enters.

"Good morning, Silver. I'm sorry for the delay, it's just..."

She then turns around, watching that scene. I sat on a chair being fed by someone else. Shadow gave her a terrifying look as he stuffed the food down my throat. Blaze was looking at us with an inscrutable look, just turning towards the stairs, saying:

"I think I'm going to my room..."

I reach out my hand, trying to reach my possible savior. With my mouth full of food, I let out a muffled and suffered scream:

"No!"

When I hear the sound of his bedroom door closing, I hit Shadow on the arm and ask him for truce. He then sighs, makes me swallow and returns to his chair, sitting down. He shakes his hand, indicating for me to continue:

"So stop being so soft and eat already, I don't have all day."

I run a hand over my neck, stroking it after being so mistreated.

"You are very rough!"

A harmonious smile appeared on his lips, and then he propped himself up on the table with his elbows, looking at me.

"At the end, you ate. That's the only thing that matters."

I pursed my lips, ignoring his condescension. Going back to cutting my portion, I take the food to my mouth. As soon as it touches my tongue, my eyes sparkle and I forget the pain, eating the food completely, almost licking the plate. Shadow folds his arms, laughing and leaning back in his chair. With a provocative tone, he said:

"You're welcome."

A blush spreads on my face. In a squeaky voice, I answer:

"Well, you didn't give me enough time for you to answer! Still, thanks for the food and thanks for worrying even though I don't quite understand why."

He raises his eyebrows and, in a calm tone, says, taking me by surprise:

"Do I need any reason to help a friend?"

I feel a heat appear on my cheeks and a silly smile on my lips. Feeling awkward, I nudge him:

"Watch out, you're starting to sound like Sonic."

His eyes opened in shock, then frowned. He then frowns and lets out a grunt. The mere fact of making a comparison between him and Sonic was enough to irritate him completely. I laugh at the situation and his features soften.

"Sorry, sorry! Seriously, now. I ended up being afraid that our relationship would fall apart. After yesterday and everything, that is..."

I cross my fingers, watching my hands as I avoid looking at him. He sighs and in a mild tone, tells me:

"Silver, I have my problems and I always try to solve them the way I can. You do it too, in your own way, but you do it."

With a confused look on my face, I tilt my head to the side, wondering what exactly he meant by his words. Shadow grabs the saltshaker in front of him, shaking it slowly as he cautiously watches him. After a brief silence, he begins to speak:

"You lock yourself up at home; you think is the best way to deal with your problems. You think that way. I, on the other hand, prefer to go far; it helps me to think better."

Those words made me thoughtful, making me whisper to myself:

"My problems…"

I remember the dream I had earlier, distressing me. In my mind, it burned a short, far-fetched memory of the time I came from: the sight of my parents and then just a poignant darkness, engulfing me. My head droops and I am crestfallen, staring at my boots. A melancholy tone comes from my lips:

"I dreamed something that made me feel weird... I think I saw my parents..."

Their black silhouettes like darkness crashing against the flash of light before my eyes. The icy water surrounded me, trying to swallow me to its depths, but, fighting against that force, I tried to reach the warm embrace of those people that I never had the chance to meet. I wanted to meet them; I wanted to love the parents who should be so important to me.

In a way, they really were more important than I could understand – they had saved and protected me.

I think what broke my heart the most was I knowing why they saved me and sacrificed themselves for me: avoiding future destruction and ensuring that we all had the right to be happy.

In life, we all have a mission – something we should aim to achieve. I knew about my mission, but I think I ended up losing my focus. I ended up locking myself up at home, letting myself be destroyed by these dark feelings of defeat. In a way, I was being selfish.

The bells on the side of the window sounded in the wind, bringing an ethereal melody to the window. The sounds of my heart beating hard and quickly contrasted with the music that reached our ears. Shadow's voice grew warm, stroking my heart with his words:

"I know it's difficult, but you're not alone."

I give a shy smile. My voice was shaky, but I persisted:

"Then why do I feel so alone?"

I always knew the answer...

Shadow then stood up, putting his jacket back on. Going towards the bowl of keys, he picks up the key ring with his motorcycle key. I lift my already red face from crying, and ask:

"Where are you going?"

He then goes towards the living room door, opening it. Turning to me, he gives me a serious look, then telling me:

- Do not worry. You come with me. Go tell Blaze that we are leaving, I don't want her to worry about you and I know you don't want that either." He leaned against the door, leaving it ajar. "I'll be waiting."

I take a deep breath and head for the stairs. My steps are heavy. Soon I reach the door to Blaze's room, giving it a gentle knock before turning the handle after not hearing any response.

Peering through the crack in the door, I watch her sleep quietly in her bed. She should be so tired of working all day... I smile a smile of respect for her determination. I pick up a page from the notebook on the desk and write a note for when she wakes up:

I will go out for a while. I don't know how long it will take, but please do not worry. I'm not alone.

Leaving the house, Shadow throws me a helmet; I grab it with my telekinesis. Curiosity takes over me, and I ask him:

"Where are we going?"

Without blinking, he climbs on the motorcycle, it was a Fat Boy from Harley-Davidson in black, if only its look were cool like that, I imagine how much fun it would be to drive that machine. Shadow put on his helmet and then slapped the back seat, inviting me:

"A place that will make you better."

I spend some time completely still, wondering where exactly it would take me. A place that would make me better? Before I could lose myself in my thoughts, Shadow snaps his fingers and says:

"We don't have all day, hurry up."

Awkwardly, I nodded. I get on the bike, being forced to have my abdomen close to his back. That position made me feel a little embarrassed. Shadow then turned his head, murmuring:

"Put on the helmet, we will not leave until you put it on."

He was always a little inconsequential, but he seemed to care about our safety, it was a commendable attitude. Finishing up, I put on my helmet and then his motorcycle woke in a powerful snore, scaring me briefly.

The wind blew us as we went on. The sky was clear, with few clouds, and the sun had just risen. Cutting the wind, we were going towards the furthest parts of the city. My insides burned with such curiosity. It was truly a radiant gesture what Shadow did. Wanting to help me so readily, despite our brief understanding of the previous day. I felt that he cared strongly for me, and that was enough to make me feel better.

"Hold on tight and close your eyes, I want it to be a good surprise." Said Shadow.

Excitement washed over my chest, fueling the fire inside me even more. Wanting to get some details out of it, I ask:

"Just like the surprise with the ukulele?"

"Maybe even better." He gives a short laugh. "Now, close your eyes."

Just as he told me, I close my eyelids and cling to your coat. He then, with one hand, takes my hand, placing it to hold me directly at his waist. I feel a certain embarrassment running through me.

Without being able to observe, I concentrate on the sounds around me. The sound of traffic disappeared, so the only audible noise was Shadow's motorcycle engine. In addition, it was also possible to hear birds fervently singing their usual melodies. Along the way, we chatted away. Shadow told me stories of the missions he had already participated with Rouge and other more curious events that he had already gone through. After an hour, the bike braked and, still without opening my eyes, Shadow helped me down, guiding me along a path.

I hear him knock on a door and soon someone opens it. Before that person could say anything, Shadow asks them to be silent and then tells me:

"You can open your eyes, Silver."

Opening them, I let myself be carried away for the moment and soon tears of happiness trickle down my face. I throw myself into a strong hug, exclaiming:

"Mom!"

My mother hugged me tenderly, giving me a kiss on the forehead, caressing her.

"I missed you, sweetheart." Her tone was as calm as ever, but I knew she was as happy as I was.

Composing myself, she wipes away my tears. A big smile formed on my face and the gaps in my heart diminished. Looking around, I don't see Cream.

"Mommy, where's Cream?"

A concern washed over my face. Where was she? Before I could fear anything, she calmed me down:

"She's playing with Cheese. Go and see her, I'm sure she'll be very happy to see her brother."

I walk into the house, a sweet, hearty smell of apple pie filling the whole place, cheering my nose. Shadow then meets up with my mother, asking her:

"How are you, ma'am?"

Mom frowned her forehead and lips, tapped her clog on the wooden floor and exclaimed:

"Why, Shadow. You don't have to call me ma'am, Vanilla is enough!" Her evil-looking features soon melted, giving him a big smile. "Come here. It's great to see you again, boy."

They then hug each other while I enter the house where I spent so many years of my life. The sofa was covered with one of those wool sheets. On the living room table were pictures of Cream, Cheese, Mom and me. Beside them, curiously, there was a photo that I no longer remembered taking: it was a photo with my family and with Shadow by the side. Although I did not remember when it happened, it was enough to soften my heart.

As my mind traveled in my nostalgia, Cheese – Cream's Chao – jumped into my arms, catching me by surprise. A voice comes from the end of the corridor, yelling:

"Cheese, stop running so fast!"

Cream then comes running and, seeing me, hugs me tightly.

"Silver and Mr. Shadow!"

I kneel down, receiving her in my arms. I pat her head.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

That had been the best surprise I could receive. I had isolated myself inside the house and, being so depressed, I could not find the courage to see my family. Mom and Cream were not my blood relatives. I had been adopted shortly after appearing at that time, but regardless, they are my family and always have been. Mom once told me that she had found me in the middle of the forest and that, even though I was alone, I didn't seem to be afraid. She always said that I was "a very brave little man" and that always brought a funny smile to my face. Lately, I could not feel myself being anything like that.

We all sat down at the kitchen table and ate the apple pie Mom had made. Although I was not too hungry after the hearty breakfast I had, there was always room for my mom's famous pie. We spent the morning chatting away and just having fun. After a series of embarrassing conversations about me from the time I was a baby, I decided to see my old room.

When I open the door, I come across my room exactly the way it was when I lived there. My bed was made up, my books and drawings on the desk, and there were some plushies on my dresser. I sit on the chair next to the desk, stretching my arms.

Someone knocks on the door, and then opens it. It was Shadow. He approaches the desk, grabbing one of the drawings that were in a folder. His eyes reveal his curiosity and, seeing them, I see what he was holding. It was a drawing I had drawn of the two of us. Noticing his reaction, I tell him:

"It's a rough around the corners, but I hope you like it."

He denies, answering me:

"It's not rough. In fact, it is very well done..."

"Thanks! Also, I would like to thank you for bringing me here." I pull my lip almost forming a smile. "I wouldn't be able to do it without your help. Thanks for everything, really."

"No need to thank me."

I stand up and stomp the floor, putting my hands together in protest and exclaiming:

"Still, I want to reward you somehow!"

He scratches the quills on his head, giving in:

"Since this is the case, I accept to receive this drawing as proof of your gratitude."

I nodded my head fervently, my eyes burning with determination:

"If that's what you want, then that's what you get."

We went down the stairs and went outside the house, walking through the forest next door. Only Shadow and me. It was so good to know that, despite everything, we still had each other. Soon night came and we sat on the floor. The moon appeared – it was a snow moon just like that on that fateful day! Clear as snow, as well as being larger than it normally was. However, even though the moon was interesting, my mind was fixed only on the stars. In a dreamy tone, I tell him:

"They are beautiful, aren't they? The stars I say."

Shadow shrugs, responding with certain disdain:

"Why are you so fixated on these stars?"

I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with air. Pointing my finger at the sky, I trace the most diverse designs with the stellar points.

"They appear in the sky every day without fail, not always in the same way or in the same amount, but still, I never saw a sky without stars. Even when the sky is in the densest shade of blue, resembling darkness, the lights of the stars always shine. It is inspiring, really." I wake up from my trance, deconcentrating myself. "I ended up rambling too much, sorry!"

His head hanged, lowering his vision. He then denied my request:

"Do not apologize. I see greatness in your thinking… You are really interesting."

I smile with his transparency. He looks at me and, in his eyes, I can see the reflected stars.

I think I love you.

Before I could return a compliment or even speak a few words that were stuck in my throat, a meteorite descends through the skies, crashing into the Earth a few kilometers from us.

Without hesitating, I used my telekinesis to launch myself into the sky, carrying Shadow with me until we found an object amid flames. We landed, approaching that object. The grass was on fire and the object was severely deformed, but I felt like I had seen it before...

"This is…"

It was an escape pod; similar to the one Shadow had used to come to Earth. Without understanding what was happening, I turned my vision to the hedgehog beside me.

His eyes were shaking and his breathing was heavy. He started to hyperventilate. Feeling a strong headache, he falls on his knees to the floor, screaming in anguish. I hold him by the arms, trying to calm him down, but there was only terror in his eyes and he could not speak. In seconds, he collapsed, falling to the floor.

...

"Don't let anyone escape!"

I ran through the corridors of the Space Colony SRK towards the room with the escape pods – there we would be able to escape to Earth. A government task force had invaded the colony, killing all the people who lived there.

Entering the room, Maria locks the door and holds me in a capsule. I scream and hit the glass, trying to get rid of the enclosure, trying to save her.

"The door won't last long! I ask you... Shadow. Please do this for me ... All the people on this planet..."

I shake my head, uselessly beating my fists against the glass and shouting with all my voice:

"Maria!"

With her last strength, she activated the evasion system. As the capsule was preparing to launch itself into space, I could hear her last words:

"Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog."