Resolution

Third Person P.O.V.

The dawn was breaking. The sky was slowly getting brighter as the sun made its appearance to the world. While the moon hid itself away for half of a day. A seemingly usual cycle of day to night. A cycle of life. A gift from god as many would say. People lived through day to night until the day came once again. Repeatedly. The cycle of life to death. The word 'death' brought despair and pain with it. Almost everybody feared death. It's inevitable. What could be said? If it's God's will our life ends then, so be it.

But, who wanted their life that had been predetermined to end just like that just because it's God's will for them to die then? No one wanted to feel death. As much as they think they've suffered enough and wanted to kill themselves, it is in everyone's nature to live. Sometimes, it just needed a little push. A somebody to lend a hand to you out of the endless void you once were.

Life is a gift everyone must cherish, protect and care for at all cost. It is not something you could pay back once it's gone.

This is certainly one of the reasons Sonic sought to keep his loved ones and almost everyone plus his enemies at certain occasions, save. Although at times, he did forget that his life is as important as theirs. He couldn't help it though. It's just how he is. No matter how much his personality was altered in the past, he couldn't change himself even if he wanted to. No, he just can't. He won't betray his late uncle Chuck's dying wishes. He fought to keep his promises until he was six feet under.

With Sonic

The supposed asleep hedgehog was now sitting on his bed, his back laid against the wall, deep in his thoughts, wide awake. The memory of last night was vividly clear in his mind. He needed to get stronger. Mayhem is slowly getting stronger the moment he was wasting his time, sitting a duck. And there is only one way to do so. Training. As hard as he could. With an opponent stronger than him. Or he couldn't and definitely won't go beyond his limits if he continued to train like he usually does on a daily basis when he's up against Eggman.

Eggman. That guy sure is out of radar for now. But, he would surely show his infamous mustache and smirk when all of this is over. Sonic couldn't help but wonder, 'What in the world is the old man doing'.

Sonic sighed deeply. He put a hand across his face, eyes closed. Through the holes on his hand, he glanced at the window, sun rays went through the curtain. He narrowed his eyes. He got off the bed and made his way toward the door. As he twisted the door knob and looked up in front of him, he made a surprised face.

"Shadow?" The blue hedgehog spoke in astonishment

The ebony red striped hedgehog blinked twice faster before clearing his throat and scratched the back of his neck. "I..err...I just wanted to call you for...breakfast."

Sonic gave him a look, in disbelief of what Shadow had just said but decided to quickly just brushed it off for now.

"Yeah, sure. I am pretty hungry myself." He grinned sheepishly.

Shadow rolled his eyes as the softness in his eyes disappeared as he regained back his usual composure. "Well, whatever." He shrugged him off as he started to walk away.

With his back against the blue blur, a small smile was formed on Sonic's muzzle.

'Looks like I rubbed him off a bit too much. Heh..' Sonic shook his head to himself as he closed the door behind him and started to walk. 'But, I could get used to this new Shadow.' He smirked to himself.

In the kitchen

The azure one entered while spotting his family members and Tails. They glanced at him when he entered then continued eating. Tails gave Sonic a smile as he invited him to join them. As he was about to grab a seat for himself, Shadow stood up, leaving his empty plate for the door.

Sonic eyed him and called out to him. "Hey, where are you going?"

Shadow stopped on his track. Without looking back at Sonic, his answer was, "I want to go training. By myself." He emphasized the 'myself' strongly.

Sonic, being the stubborn hedgehog that he is, he ignored what sort of excuse Shadow has for wanting to be left alone.

Sonic vanished into a blur and reappeared right in front of Shadow, blocking the way out.

Shadow scowled as he crossed his arms, annoyed. "Move, hedgehog." He stated calmly.

Sonic shook his head, grinning. "No."

The ultimate lifeform sighed deeply. "Just leave me alone for once." He tried to push Sonic's blocking hand to bolt out of there but to no avail. Sonic's stubbornness was too strong for his brute strength to handle. Begrudgingly he said, "You'll know where I would be. As it seems you're always good at that." He sighed in defeat.

Feeling victorious, Sonic grinned as he put down his hand, no longer blocking the way out. "You know it."

The ebony red striped hedgehog rolled his eyes. Then, he took off.

Sonic quickly grabbed his munch and bolted. Not before saying goodbye to Tails. The fox kit let out a sigh and shook his head while making his way to his workshop.

The hedgehog family ate silently, no conversation was made from one another. As their plate were empty, Aleena got up to do the dishes.

After Aleena was done with the dishes, Jules signalled Aleena to leave him and his brother for a bit. She took a hint, nodding and left to help Tails with whatever she could in her power.

Circe's eyes narrowed a little, confused of what his little brother was trying to do.

"He was here last night." Jules stated solemnly.

Circe's eyebrows furrowed, his fists clenched tightly in seething anger. "What did he want?"

Jules turned away his gaze as he answered. "Gloating."

Circe rolled his eyes, annoyed. 'Of course he would rub in our face like he has the power. As if he had not have them before.'

"But," The ebony king looked at his brother in a stern gaze. "I felt his energy." He shuddered while feeling the chills down his spine all over again. " It felt stronger than before. It was dark...and filled with intense malice than ever before. I'm afraid we didn't have a lot of time on our hands."

Circe gritted his teeth. "I'm aware. But, does the little time we have now will be enough?"

Jules replied with a sad smile. "Unfortunately, there was never enough time for life to grow at their own leisure. You do realise this, don't you?" Circe felt his muscles tense, biting the bottom of his lip. "But," Jules added. "There is always enough time for justice to prevail. Whether it's for good or bad. All of it is up to all of us. Us, are the frontliner, leader, the Vanguard, who leads everyone towards a path. A path forged with harmony and peace. If we didn't forge this path, who would? For God's sake, we are this planet's royal bloodline. We are Mobius's hope. Although, time is running out as for now, we need to pull through with everything we have." His tone filled with conviction, overflowing with determination.

Circe felt his muscles relaxed. His facial expression formed a warm smile. "I'm proud of you, bro." He nudged Jules' shoulder playfully. "You've changed but still the little Jules that I remember."

Jules was caught off guard, blushed in embarrassment as he coughed it off. "At any rate, now is that 'time.' he hinted.

Circe's eyes gleamed in acknowledgement as he grinned cockily and widely. "Oh? You are eager to lose again, aren't you?"

Jules crossed his arms and pouted as he stared at him challengingly. "Yeah? I beg to differ, big brother...I am absolutely delighted to smear my victory all over your sorry face when I claimed my payback for all those years ago."

Circe's grin turned wider. "You know the rules. Now, come." And then, the two brothers vanished to thin air via chaos control to somewhere for their little sparring match. Now onto the other two brothers.

With Sonic and Shadow

The azure one had just made his way to Shadow and his 'so secret place'. Sonic scoffed at the fact that he had found Shadow without breaking a sweat.

'I'm not going to brag but seriously, he needs to step up his game at least a little. I mean this is just sad. I'm itching for something more challenging. Well, I mean, yeah, we have Mayhem to deal with but still. I need to kill time in the meantime or else I'll die of boredom.' Sonic thought to himself.

The ebony red striped hedgehog saw the blue blur and scowled while rolling his eyes in annoyance. Without even knowing what the blue one was thinking, he could already tell that Sonic was making fun of him. Unfortunately, there's absolutely nothing he could do about it other than just accept and endure it.

Shadow let out a sigh. The azure one was a few inches from him, grinning ever widely.

Without giving any warning, the ultimate lifeform dashed forward, catching the blue blur off guard. The speedster yelped in surprise. Thanks for his unnatural reflex's, he managed to dodge Shadow in time.

"What the heck, Shadow?! What's the big idea??!" He questioned loudly.

Unfortunately, his question went unanswered as Shadow kept on going attack after attack, not giving Sonic any space to relax.

The blue blur grew annoyed by Shadow's lack of response. Thus, he went on the offensive as well, trying to bring Shadow on his knees as that would only seem the option he had left for Shadow to hear him out.

Although that left a bad taste on his mouth for doing such a thing to his apparently biological brother.

Sonic moved to the left, avoiding Shadow's frantic punches while giving Shadow a taste of his own medicine. As frantic as it seems, his attacks were almost unpredictable. The order was always changing. If not because of his speed, he would be the one on his knees right about now.

"I could do this all day, Shad." Sonic mocked as he dodged Shadow smoothly. "But I'm afraid our little game has to come to an end." The azure one curled up into a ball to launch a spin dash. Sonic picked up speed and launched.

Shadow took notice of the spin dash a tad too late. He scowled as he braced himself while firing chaos spears. He was a bit tempted to undo his inhibitors but that might be too overkill plus he would be fully drained, leaving himself vulnerable. As if he was giving Sonic a free win should his attacks fail.

Sonic's spin dash collided with Shadow, pushing back with such force. Shadow tried his hardest to stay in place, enduring the force of Sonic's spin dash made but to no avail as he felt himself losing balance while being pushed back.

He grunted in pain, gritting his teeth. He couldn't take it anymore and so the moment he gave up he was knocked back, colided into a tree.

The azure uncurled himself, standing a few feets away from Shadow.

"So, had enough yet?" Sonic questioned, a grin formed on his muzzle.

Shadow groaned with annoyance, narrowing his stare at Sonic.

"Not on your life hedgehog." Shadow wiped off the blood near his lips as he started to get back up again. "There are...things that you rub off on me," He started as he was slowly getting on his feet, using the tree as his support. "One of those things is to never give up until the battle is won. No matter how bad your condition was, you keep on fighting. That is what I admire about you. You are too persistent for your own good."

Sonic's emerald eyes widened in surprise.

'And here I thought, he always finds me annoying to be around with.' Sonic thought.

Sonic crossed his arms against his chest. "Like you any better. Always keeps everything for yourself. Seriously, you need to trust people more." Sonic answered with sarcasm in his tone.

"I don't need to hear that from you of all people." Shadow pointed his index finger at him, glaring. "From what I've seen from you so far, you, yourself pushed people away, doing everything on your own. Therefore, don't you dare tell me to trust people when you know you aren't any better." Shadow spat, frantically pointed his index finger in sheer anger.

Sonic's eyes widened for a moment. He sharply looked away, ashamed. Shadow moved closer to the blue hero. Shadow could have sworn he saw Sonic's emerald eyes glistening like glass. As quickly as he tried to focus if it's real or not, it was gone.

Sonic, still not facing Shadow, gritted his teeth as his muscles got more tense.

"I know I am no better than you, heck I am no better than anyone. This is just one of my insecurities that I couldn't get rid of. I couldn't do anything about it. I have practically lived with it since I was little. I was never free. I always felt this..shackles holding me down. I envy you sometimes. You, despite being grumpy and cranky, always free like the wind unlike me." Sonic admitted as he closed his eyelids, feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden. How he wished he could let it all out. But he knew that his tears had already all dried up long ago from the moment he grew tired of crying over the spilt milk.

Shadow bit his lip, speechless. He took a deep breath. He held both sides of Sonic's shoulders tightly. "Then, don't shoulder all the burden on your own. You have your friends, family, and me. You aren't in the past. You are here. No amount of apology could fix what had happened. You, yourself said to live in the present. Now it's your turn to take your own advice." Shadow pulled him to a hug.

Sonic felt himself trembling. At first he didn't return the hug but as moments passed by, he eventually took off his mask, let it go. Tears started to fall down like a waterfall as he sought for comfort. Everybody had always thought that Sonic was happy-go-lucky all the time, nothing could make him depressed with the facade he put on show. Little did they know, he was also just a frail hedgehog that sought comfort that he couldn't get when he was little.

Sonic sobbed for quite some time as Shadow patted his back. It's amazing how long Sonic's mask holds up for so long. By the looks of it, Sonic hadn't cried for a very long time. No wonder he kept distance between himself and others. Sure, he was close to some of his friends especially Tails but the keyword was close. Nobody really questioned anything about his mentality as Sonic only let them see what they should see and not what's behind all the smiles he gave. He might do most of them on instinct all to keep himself safe. However, that trick was no longer effective as it used to be. Slowly but surely, the mask cracked. And Shadow was the first one to see it.

"I...hate to be hurt. It's painful. I..couldn't think straight. I always felt like I was drowning in a sea of helplessness. I tried so hard to keep my emotions under control so that it didn't happen again. I hate to be hurt but I despise hurting others more. And so I put on a mask. But I couldn't lie to you could I?" He chuckled to himself, tears started to fall on his cheeks again.

Shadow tightened the hug, trying his best to comfort his little brother. Something he didn't do often to others.

Sonic felt appreciated, and yet he felt frustrated with himself at the same time. He was frustrated at being unable to conceal and control his emotions which led to his family and friends being worried about him to no days end. He felt suffocated. Nonetheless, he felt blessed to have people who cared about him when he had always used to feel on his own all the time. Truly, the world had really changed throughout the time he closed his heart for his own happiness. Either he was just to blind to see the world changed for the better during all of his heroic acts or he just couldn't simply let go of his past to feel true happiness again for himself.

Then again, being the hedgehog he is today, he cared about others too much before himself. Throwing himself head first in the faces of danger while grinning with confidence and cockiness like there's no tomorrow. Most would actually think of him as an actual moron, trying to get himself killed when he wasn't supposed to do so. As he could just turn a blind eye and look away like most people do. However, that wasn't him.

Sonic's eyes glazed over with unshed tears. His cheeks were swollen. He looked miserable. Miserable than one of his worst days. On top of that, Shadow saw it all. A side to him that he worked so hard to not let anybody see him in such a state. Who would look up to a miserable, pathetic and depressed hero as a ray of hope? The answer is simple. Nobody would.

As times went by, Sonic and Shadow still in their brotherly embrace, Sonic said in a quavering voice,"..Why..?"

Shadow let go of Sonic and stared at Sonic's emerald eyes, still gleaming and brimming with sadness.

"Why, it is only natural isn't it," he wiped away the tears from Sonic's speechless expression." For me to do this kind of thing to my little brother?" He smiled warmly without any hint of sarcasm.

Sonic's face remained the same, not moving a muscle. "..But..you only knew that fact just a few days ago!" He questioned in a louder note but not in an angry manner as he clenched his fists and shut his eyes tightly, tears escaping his eyelids. " Not only that, we are not even friends! Complete strangers before this whole thing happened. Why bother reforging the lost bond we once shared. It's over!" Sonic half-opened his eyelids, eyes gleamed his uncontrollable sadness. "I mean, you have hated me since the beginning haven't you? The only reason you stayed because I am always a pain in your neck, annoyed you till no end. You got strangled up in this mess all because of me. It's all my fault. I guess we better off never met each other."

Out of the blue, Sonic felt his cheeks were swollen, reddening. Not from the tears he shed, but from the slap Shadow gave him. Shadow looked at him with anger but not the 'he hates him' anger. He was disappointed.

"Stop talking." Shadow said in a commanding tone as Sonic only looked at him utter confusion and pain.

"But it's my fault! All of it! I am the cause of all this. I shouldn't have opened up to anyone." That last sentence more leaned towards Sonic himself than others.

As it would stand now in Shadow's eyes, Sonic wouldn't stop acknowledging only his bad qualities.

Shadow couldn't take it anymore. He punched him in the face as Sonic was pushed back. Sonic wanted to say something but Shadow won't let him because after all, all his useless ramblings won't do him any good. Who would have thought that the hero of mobius has this kind of emotions locked within him just under the surface. He must have been suffering for so long. On top of that, he kept everything to himself.

"Listen here, hedgehog." He demanded, grabbing his chin up. "Do you have any regrets in you?"

Sonic's face scrunched up, looking away from him, especially his eyes. "Some but not many." He replied.

Shadow asked calmly, "Let me clarify that. Do you regret ever becoming a hero? Do you regret ever meeting all of your friends and creating memories with them all? Do you not treasure anything at all??!" Shadow bombarded him with questions which Sonic knew from deep inside of him had only one word as an answer.

"No." Sonic wanted to object to his own answer but Shadow won't let him.

"I know you wanted to atone for what had happened in the past. However, don't do it on your own. We all are here for you. Like uncle Jules said so. You needed to trust us more." Sonic glanced at him sharply.

"How did you-" Sonic asked in confusion as Shadow quickly replied.

"I was there. I felt his presence. I was a moment too late to actually hear what the madman said though. But, I heard everything the moment you and uncle spoke to each other." He stated. "I just said a moment ago didn't I? Don't shoulder your problems on your own. You must know when to ask for help." Shadow stared at him solemnly.

Sonic frowned and looked away, tears finally stopped. His mouth wanted to say something but he couldn't put them into words.

Shadow offered his hand to Sonic. The azure gazed at the hand and turned his gaze back at Shadow's amber eyes, confused.

Shadow smiled. "Don't beat yourself up for every little thing, Sonic. We are here for you because we wanted to. Not out of obligation or needed to." Sonic smiled in return as he took Shadow's hand.

"By the way, you look way past uncool there hedgehog." Shadow teased as he patted Sonic's back, smirking.

Sonic snorted, caught off guard by Shadow's little tease as he crossed his arms, pouted. "Don't start." Sonic looked away, a small smile formed but he dared not to let Shadow see it as it wasn't one of his smiles he usually gave.

Shadow smirked. He felt relieved. Shadow did not do much except for knocking some sense into him but he was glad the blue hedgehog was no longer in the state he was moments ago. Shadow was surprised that he would actually listen to him rather than be in complete denial knowing his stubborn nature. But still, at least he did listen.

"Um..Shadow?" Shadow's ear perked up. "..Can we train together?" Sonic asked as he looked away, embarrassed.

Shadow snickered. "I mean, sure. If you can catch up that is." He said challengingly. "I hate to wait on a slowpoke such as you. Catch me, then we train." He added mockingly as he bolted into a black and red streak.

Sonic's emerald eyes sparked with sudden interest as he took off, leaving blue streak in his wake, chasing after the ultimate lifeform.

Before he took off he said, "He just never learned do he?" He shook his head to himself. "I am the fastest thing alive!" Sonic shouted, went after his brother.

Somewhere not too far away from there, the oval shaped human saw the whole thing, the pep-talk the two brothers had. He sighed in relief. The reason he was there because his device caught in the building up of negative chaos energy around the area. On top of that, he knew what was causing the sudden increase.

He, despite being his enemy, couldn't help but felt worried. Worried that the past might repeat itself. Plus, what good would it do if he can't rule anything if the world was in chaos just because of a certain hedgehog losing his composure.

"Hate to be you, hedgehog." Eggman murmured as he flew away in his egg mobile.

Somewhere unknown (Scenery was seems like somekind of an old castle ;) )

A rather compelling, powerful presence surrounded the ominous room. A throne where the dark one sat with a malicious grin. His minions, creatures made out of darkness brought in a certain ivory bat and a pink hedgehog.

They seemed calm from the outside. But, inside, they were scared out of their mind, feeling the compelling presence the dark demon emitted wasn't helping either. But, they knew better not to show any signs of fear. Especially in front of him.

"Welcome, Rouge the Bat, Amy Rose." He said with malice.

Rouge sent him death-stares, her hands tied with two of his guards holding her on her knees. While Amy was stunned in her place, similar to Rouge's condition, speechless.

Mayhem got off his throne as he made his way towards Rouge. "No need to be so feisty. I didn't do anything to deserve this kind of treatment. Yet.. " He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him.

Rouge struggled in his grasp as Amy felt helpless as she gritted her teeth in anger. "What do you want from me?" Rouge asked.

Mayhem smirked darkly. "From you? No, No. But I need you in order for my plan to work." Mayhem paused as he shifted his gaze to Amy. "Especially her."

The ivory bat scowled with anger. "What are you planning?"

Mayhem chuckled as he let go of Rouge's chin while putting his index finger under his lips. "That I can't tell you. I'm sure you can figure it out. However, by the time you realise it, it will all be too late." He turned around, making his way back to his throne. "If you do connect the dots before my plan was guaranteed to succeed however, there'll be hell for you to pay." He stated with solemnity. He signalled his minions to bring them away.

But before they were dragged out of the room, Amy couldn't keep her mouth shut anymore. "What are you planning to do with Sonic? I swear of you ever touch a fur-!" She questioned with seething hatred for the dark demon, teeth and fists clenched tightly.

Mayhem turned his gaze into Amy's eyes, grinning evilly. In a blink of an eye, Mayhem was a few inches from a caught off guard Amy. The wicked smirk remained unchanged.

He wagged a finger right before Amy's eyes. "Tch.Tch..Oh..~ Sweet.. girl Amy Rose~..." He put a finger on her lips as he winked one eye, grinning. "That's a secret, Sweet Rose.. and there's nothing you could do to stop what's coming."

Amy frowned, brows furrowed with anger. Mayhem chuckled, turning around as they were dragged out of the room.

After he was on his own, he let out a malicious, demented chuckle, siting on a throne. "Oh, my chosen. Time is running out~ I can't wait for you to feel despair yet again and letting out the sweet, delicious, beautiful you that you kept inside. I just have to push the right button. Am I right, Chaos, God of Destruction? It's funny how it runs in the bloodlines. What can I say, like father like son. Your lineage's despair had always been the best. It's no wonder legends said you are a Destroyer. So prone to negative emotions.."

A/n

How are you? I hope this chapter is long, given how long I left you all hanging during this time of quarantine... '( Anyway, a lot of foreshadowing eh? I think I know where this story is going which is a good thing. Let's hope i don't mess it up... XD Anyway thanks for the reviews, follows and favourites! Means a lot to me... ') So, Broken Promise next! I hope you all take care during this time of year. Stay at home, avoid corona. Love you all! :)