Contact. Personal, honest, genuine contact with those whose presence you can cherish, appreciate, gain strength from. To share a smile with, to share a touch with, to share a meal with. All resulting in an interchange of encouragement, for bonds to form and strengthen. Denying oneself from contact, even if one may be of the opinion that such isn't of much importance, will ultimately realize the dire effects it has on one's psyche. To be gone, closed off, unavailable, unapproachable, alone; important for short periods, but hazardous when too long.
Ever since the passing of the last of his companions, he has spent countless years in self-isolation, closed off from the world around him. And though wallowing in his misery, guilt, and grief could allow time to rush by, it does not mean that the time was spent productively. On the contrary, all it truly resulted in is the deterioration of his mind and body, a most unusual thing to occur to someone meant to be indestructible. But that phase has concluded, those dark hours have come to an end. The pain is still there, the great hurting is not what has concluded, but the time spent dealing with it alone has. While the pain may not come to pass now or anytime soon, he would rather balance it out with the company of others, than dwell in those thoughts by himself.
The pain is still there, but no more is it just the pain alone.
Following Shadow's grandiose return, discussions about his presence run rampant. From simple eyewitness reports to international news, it's unfathomable to grasp the monumental response to that event. The angelic hedgehog himself didn't anticipate such exponential fame from a mere appearance. To his surprise, his presence still carries some weight to it. Whether the people have been expecting him to return or held him for dead, this astounding reaction is something Shadow must take advantage of. In such a short span of time, he has reconnected himself with Chaos, returned to the public eye, rescued countless children, and regained his esteemed reputation. All this in a very short time; too short to think properly.
If the Ultimate Lifeform is to utilize this perfectly, he must carefully plan his next step. If he is to leave a proper impact on the world, he must tread carefully, for the ground is most fragile. He must find a place to think in peace, though he can no longer do so out in nature. People are actively searching for him, and his ethereal appearance is burdensome in this regard. If he is to be someplace hidden, he could also use it as an opportunity to intermingle with the people, with as much discretion as is possible in such a situation. Fortunately, his recent act of heroism has given him numerous names of families and households, all humble, all meek, all willing to invite him unequivocally. A household with a proper amount of members with proper amounts of kindness could suffice in hiding him for the time being; or, at least, so is worth trying.
Thus, in the morning hour, in which the city's blinding lights shine less, the dense slums are just somewhat less crowded, and the cramped roads less busy; the time window for discretion. To blend in with the dim lights, Shadow covers himself with the featureless ebony wing whilst decreacing the brightness of his golden wing. Moving through obscure passageways, he traverses the run-down neighborhood like a phantom, featureless, unidentifiable by the common passerby. Throughout his careful journey, he properly observes the state of these tired, depressive areas. As if hailing from an industrial nightmare, the baffling dirt and grime on each and every corner are sickening, the sanitary situation being far worse than he had remembered it. These tucked-away neighborhoods in this global megacity have gotten worse, and there are no signs of improvement. On the contrary, it appears as if the cheap metal roads and the fragile tin houses are destined to collapse very soon. Hope is an unheard concept in this grim hole.
Soon arriving at one of the many decaying homes, Shadow checks the number displayed on its front wall. 230601: precisely the number left by one of the mothers whose child he saved those few days ago. Everyone present was unquestionably grateful for the deed, yet there was something about her in particular that stood out. A distinct expression, a particular look in her eyes that made him feel at ease. From all that commotion, it was her gaze alone that grounded him back, her stare alone that got rid of any sense of nervousness he may have felt. Of all those who have offered their homes to him, it's her's that he gravitates the most to. And, with a simple knock on the front door, the one he ultimately chooses.
Without waiting for long, the hollow copper door soon opens. They share a gaze once more, silent, as the moment speaks for itself. He recognizes her immediately. The cream-colored rabbit, a tender soul surviving in a most hostile environment. Though spots of dirt clearly taint her delicate face, she exudes a particular grace that makes it easy to overlook these imperfections. After all, she does the most anyone can in a place like this to appear as proper as possible. All the other residents aren't necessarily worse or harsher in character, yet she so evidently stands out from the rest. Tranquility can be found within her bright brown eyes, a statement he cannot make so easily about others. And, of course, she recognizes him immediately too. Shadow's ghostly appearance as he makes himself as unrecognizable as possible can still be discerned by her, for her keen eye makes no mistake. Thus, without a sound, she stands aside as he hurries inside, finally having found the proper place to stay low.
Though the current situation makes comfortable living impossible, her dire attempts at constructing a warm atmosphere are very much apparent. The eyes of her household watch him, in awe of his presence. But yet, he feels at ease here, as if despite their bewilderment, their genuine warmth and love for him far outweighs it. And though their faces are hauntingly familiar, the results of the tyranny, what lies beneath allows him to look beyond. It isn't their choice, after all. It isn't anyone's choice, it never has been. Mere disillusionment, but the truth is destined to come to light inevitably, one way or another.
Reclining on the floor, all gather around. As she hands all a warm bowl, Shadow holds it up close to his nose, immersing himself in the steamy, aromatic contents. Taking a sip, its extraordinary contents could elevate his mind to another world, its taste prepared with such sincerity that it feels otherworldly, a sensation he hasn't felt in decades. Revitalized, Shadow breaks the silence and utters in a lowly voice:
"Thank you. I truly appreciate your generosity. I haven't felt this welcome for so long, I've forgotten what it's like. Your kindness is what the world needs more of."
Before the mother can say anything in response, however, the youngest of her three children, an orange fox, no older than 12, curiously inquires:
"My classmates talk about you a lot. We all call you the angel hero guy. You sort of look like the others in your category, but you're different. Are you… the real one?"
With a sly smirk on his face, Shadow finally reveals:
"I am the one and only Shadow the Hedgehog, the original Ultimate Lifeform. I wouldn't tell your classmates that, though. If they don't believe I'm the real one, then they'll certainly not believe that you have met the real one. Perhaps they will never know who I really am. But that doesn't bother me. That won't hinder me from getting things done."
The second in line, the second-oldest, a red echidna, possibly around 16, asks:
"How did you gain those wings, however? Those in your category are reportedly perfectly molded after you, and they don't have those wings nor the same color."
Explaining, Shadow answers:
"I acquired them through the means of a power from my time. A power I firmly believe still exists, but has been hidden. If I want to be truly successful in what I plan on doing, I will have to find it and return it to the world."
The oldest of the children, a pink hedgehog, 19 at the least, questions:
"And what precisely do you plan on doing? You've come back from exile after who knows for how long, suddenly appeared to save our school only to be in hiding again. Where were you when we needed you all those years ago? What are you going to do now, now where we need you the most?"
Though the mother shoots her a sharp gaze, Shadow reassures them both with a calming expression as he states:
"You're right, I should've been there for you and for everyone else. Truth be told, I simply didn't feel ready. I've spent decades in guilt, dealing with all of my loss and pain. I eventually got stuck in a rut, with no end of it in sight. My immortality is both a gift and a curse, as I couldn't share it with those who were most close to me. But I recently made amends with someone of my time who was still alive, who, ironically, was instrumental to a traumatic event yet has taken the form reflective of mine. But the form he took was faulty, and thus, he was dying. In his last moments, I stood by his side, and we made amends. That moment made me realize that I still have so much to give, and so much to offer. I will not fall back again. I'm going to help us bring an end to this madness. I'm going to be the hero I have the potential to be. I hope you understand, and I hope you can support me with this…"
The room goes silent once more, with everyone looking at him, now understanding the mysterious figure much better. His sincerity appears honest, genuine, thus causing them to believe his words. Uncertain about something, however, the mother wonders:
"...that is very noble of you, but how do we fit into this? We lack the powers you do, and are outmatched by what those higher than us are capable of. I'm afraid we cannot be of any help in your cause, as great as it may be…"
Smiling at her sincerity and kindheartedness, the angelic hedgehog argues:
"Actually… Your family can play the most important role in this. I can destroy, I can save, I can speak a bit… But, quite frankly, I'm not the best with people, and I'm not a great leader either. I need others to spread my cause, and that is where your support comes in. You and your family are smart, kind; you can reach the hearts of those around you, and convince them to be on my side. It could cause a chain reaction for everyone to finally rise up. You can be the one to ignite the flame. I can be the force of power, you can be the voice of power. I was serious when I meant that the world needs more people like you. With your help, we can achieve just that."
Taken aback by this statement, she needs a moment to let those words settle in. Seeing the nodding faces of her brazen children, however, she ponders briefly before finally deciding:
"That could work… But how are we to go about this, exactly? What comes next?"
Appreciating her cooperation, he swiftly explains:
"I… would like for you to come with me. If we stay close together and move from area to area, our message can spread more quickly. I will do the deeds on which you base your message. And do not worry, I will be close by your side. I will not let them harm you. Follow me, and I will follow you."
Though hesitant, the mother doesn't take long to conclude:
"My two boys will stay here. I'm taking my daughter along. Give us a moment to prepare ourselves first."
Nodding, he agrees to the conditions before he finally inquires about their names, realizing he hasn't done so yet. However, all they can give him is a mix-mash of numbers and letters, another testament to the loss of identity in this new society. These aren't names, but mere callsigns, forced upon them by the institutions. Shaking his head, Shadow encourages them to think about new identities, to find a new, proper name that truly resonates with them. Nevertheless, giving them something to reflect on and the time to finish their preparation, Shadow decides to head off to the skies, giving himself some time to think as well.
Standing outside with his wings stretched out, the hedgehog elevates himself far above the clouds at impeccable speed without anyone noticing his presence. Up high, without a soul in sight, Shadow can properly clear his mind. With each step he takes, things become progressively more serious, as he has already established proper contact with the first people. But how can he play his part in empowering all the disenfranchised, in gathering more people together to fight the system? How can he inspire more to join the cause?
Perhaps the past can lend some insight.
The war. It was a time that influenced countless of things, leaving behind an impact that can still be felt today. Numerous things established after the war eventually shaped the world into what it is today. And as significant as those aspects may be, there is a certain memory that, for now, is most relevant.
Several months in, and still no end in sight. It's as if the more they resist, the more powerful the enemy becomes. The morale has reached an all-time low, with most leaving the battle and surrendering out of fear, believing that the fight is fruitless. And though the Resistance has made several attempts to revitalize interest, nothing has proved effective. At least, thus far. There's still one more opportunity to revive the spirit. One daring action left, one final option; if this doesn't work, then what will?
Being the firmest believer in hope, it's Amy, of course, who suggests it. The plan is simple; infiltrate the metropolitan prison camp in the heart of Station Square, practice utmost stealth to prevent unwarranted noise, and, most importantly, rescue each and every civilian inside and return them safely to the Resistance HQ. Though simple, it's far from easy. If they do anything wrong, anything that may give their presence away, then hordes of enemies will be sent after them immediately, and the prisoners inside and civilians around will be punished harshly. Not a single aspect of this can go wrong; they can't afford it. And while he is uncharacteristically nervous about this, Amy is too, yet she still appears cool. On their way to the city by riding his bike through a hidden tunnel city, the hesitant black hedgehog asks her once more:
"Amy… Are you certain about this? I realize this may be our only chance, but is this a chance worth taking?"
Firmly holding on to his waist as she sits behind him, the pink leader firmly speaks in a tone full of conviction:
"This is going to work, Shadow. We've got this. I know we do."
Not uttering a word, Shadow takes a moment to reflect on those words as he continues driving. Riding through an endlessly flat, straight path, his mind wanders all over the place, as he still struggles to share even an ounce of her conviction. Though he has been on countless rescue missions before, with a vast majority of them being successful, it's different this time. The enemy is what can only be described as nigh-omnipotent, or, at least, comes across that way. With hordes of Badniks appearing out of thin air on every mission, it's obvious that some kind of trickery is involved. But what it is exactly is a mystery that refuses to be uncovered. And as long as the mystery remains, as long as the fear of the unknown persists, so does his grim outlook. From his stiffened posture and lack of words alone, Amy notices that he needs more convincing. She needs to convince him, for a lack of conviction is fatal in a mission that requires all of it. Thus, moving up close to him, she whispers in his ear:
"Halt here. We still have time. Halt here for a moment, please."
Taken aback by this unusual command, Shadow doesn't react for a moment before he cooperates and stops his bike. Not sure what she has in mind with this, he asks:
"...what's wrong?"
Hopping off the bike, she stretches her legs before turning to the hedgehog, remarking:
"Do you still remember your first adventure? When the ARK was operational again, and the world was set to be destroyed?"
Setting the bike to park mode, he hops off it as well, facing her and crossing his arms. Still unsure where she is going with this, he simply answers her:
"I do. In case you're asking me if my memory is still intact, it is. I remember those events clearly."
Her hands behind her back, Amy inquires further:
"What exactly were we up against?"
"A creation by Gerald, an ultimate weapon, a lizard capable of eradicating the entire population. But you know that, you were there. What's your point?"
"We were all different, on opposite sides, suddenly united out of desperation and fear. We had just been fighting each other earlier, but if we ever wanted a world to return to, we had to settle our differences and work together. Feeling outmatched, unsure whether to even trust each other, we fought. And we won. Hoping for a better outcome, we won the fight. It was hope that allowed us to win in a situation that should've been a lost cause. Do you remember all of that?"
Slowly catching Amy's drift, Shadow looks off to the side and soothes his uptight stance. Taking a moment to recall those feelings from back then, he remembers again what it truly was like. Lightening up somewhat, he answers her:
"Yeah… I remember…"
Taking a step closer to him, looking up to gaze at his crimson eyes, she finally explains:
"And that is exactly why I know we're going to win this. It's because I still have hope. It's not just a mindset, it's a conviction that gives me the energy to do this."
Gracefully feeling his cold left cheek with her tender, warm hand, Shadow feels a sense of comfort he hasn't experienced in some time. Feeling as if the world is good once again, he instinctively holds her hand too. In a kind tone, Amy continues:
"Hey Shad, we've got this. We've gone through so much these last few years, and yet, we're still here. We'll win, eventually. But we have to keep hoping. They can't take our hope away from us. I'm scared too, y'know I'm deeply, deeply scared… But that's OK because I'm still going to do this. And we have each other. Please… Hope with me. The people need it, so let's give it to them together. Let's free them together… Alright?"
Softly chucking at her earnest words and her contagious joy, Shadow whispers back, revitalized:
"Heh… Alright."
And thus, through hope, they indeed succeeded. Without a single casualty, the captives were freed, and faith in the cause restored. And with that restored faith, the Resistance could finally win just a few months later. The greatest way to inspire hope is to give it to those lacking it the most. The captives.
Swiftly returning to the household undetected, Shadow bursts into the mother's room and hastily inquires:
"The Volkshaven Facility…! Is that still the central prison camp?"
Though somewhat unfazed by his abrupt entrance, hearing him utter those words causes her to freeze up almost instantly as a blank, hollow gaze forms on her face. She remains motionless, despite his earnest efforts to get her attention. Before he can touch her shoulder, however, he is immediately stopped by the daughter. In a sharp tone, she commands:
"Don't touch her. It'll only worsen her state."
Taking him to a side room, Shadow looks puzzled and asks:
"What's the matter? What did I do wrong?"
Lowering her tone, almost whispering, she explains:
"That place is attached to a lot of hurt. Dad's always been known in this neighborhood to not comply with the laws. In the big round-up they did a decade ago, they took him along with several others who had joined his cause. He was sent to that camp, where they overworked him to death. They documented his decaying physical and mental state for three years until he finally suffered a heart attack and died. Those recordings were sent to us and our neighbors and were meant to serve as a warning. Their fear-mongering worked, as now no one dares to say anything. It especially affected Mom. Merely hearing the name of the camp is enough to put her in a state of shock. She needs a moment to recover."
Taking a deep breath, Shadow covers his mouth, shocked to hear such devastating news. In a simple response, he says:
"I'm sorry…"
Uncomfortable by the silence, the pink hedgehog speaks immediately after:
"Now I hope you understand my frustration as to why you appeared just now. We needed you ten years ago. Who knows who needed you twenty years ago. But… Well, at least you're here now. We've always wanted to fight back somehow, but no one could do it like Dad. We'll still work with you, but you're going to have to give us something more to work with. So, then, what are you going to do now?"
Without hesitation, Shadow looks her dead in the eye and reveals:
"I'm going to destroy the camp. I will free every single person inside and bring them to safety, without a single casualty. And once everyone is out, I will lay waste to the entire facility, down to the atom. You will look after the rescued ones, you will be their voice. From there, I will head straight to the heart of the higher powers. I will trace their main base of operations, and I will overthrow them and get rid of them for good. Throughout everything and after everything, you will be the voice of the people. Can you work with that?"
Without hesitation, without a shred of doubt in her tone and not lacking any sufficient confidence, she answers:
"Yes, I will. You may call me 'Astra' now, by the way. It's what my dad used to call me. He used to always tell us to look up to the stars for hope, for their light always shines no matter what. Their light always persists. They are an example for us to endure despite everything, and to keep shining no matter what. I never really thought much of that, but thinking about it now, it is something that inspired me on occasion."
Smirking, Shadow remarks:
"It's a nice name. I'm sure your father would think so, too. He left behind a legacy for you to carry on, and you're going to rise far beyond it. I know it, and I'm certain he knew it too. You've already risen above whatever meaningless purpose they gave you. They turned everyone into clones of heroes from my time, rewriting and defiling their legacy. But with people like you, you'll not only restore their legacy but also create something new, something better."
Clones. All of them, everyone, clones. Normal people whose consciousness have been uploaded to an imitation of someone else. An imitation of select individuals.
Warming up to Shadow, Astra smiles too, now asking:
"...the person you mentioned earlier, the one who you made amends with… You stated that his clone body was defective, thus causing him to die. Who was he a clone of?"
…
The clock strikes, nighttime has arrived. During his time it was a time of quiet, a time in which the populous would go to rest. But the reverse is now the case. Night has become a time of increased activity, where the people are the busiest. All the streets are more crowded than at any other time. It's lively, it's energetic; the perfect time to get everyone to see. The perfect time for everyone to witness what is to come next, within the busiest part of the Megacity.
The clouds darken, all coming together and hovering high above the monumental prison camp. Volkshaven, wider than average cities from the former world, and taller than any mountain, is undeniably a structural masterpiece. A masterpiece, however, only achieved by the relentless labor forced upon the captives. It is the quintessential warning to the entire world, a reigning symbol of fear. All those wishing and craving for their bodies back are sent here, a hole for their wishes to be strung out. All those longings for an identity of their own are brought here, a void that ruins their minds until they no longer long for anything. A testament to fear and power, with countless captives inside, some having been there since the rise of the system, for through their cloned bodies they cannot age. Only suffer eternally.
A bright, blinding white light engulfs the clouds, now encircling the camp itself. Ultralight beams shoot out from the clouds, grabbing the attention of everyone around. Bolts of bright thunder appear, creating deafening, dynamic sounds. Continuing this series of unnatural events, an ear-piercing, divine yet terrifying scream dominates every other sound. Silence follows, with everyone stopping their duties and looking up to the sky. Another scream, haunting. Silence once more, the vicious guards outside the facility looking around, searching for the source of this. Another scream, demonic. Feelings of slight panic fill the atmosphere, with no one capable of providing any clear insight into what is going on. Silence, one more time. As the guards look up once more, however, the clouds become aglow with a celestial gold, before numerous beams of light strike the officials down and vaporize them immediately. The clouds part, with Shadow emerging, his angelic appearance illuminated greatly.
Gazing at the shocked expressions on the countless civilians around, Shadow stretches out his dark and light wings before breaking into the facility. All the troops inside fire their weapons at him immediately, but their attacks are futile. Staring at their highly advanced firearms, sharp whips, electric-infused daggers, and various other horrendous tools, the bright hedgehog gains a better sense of the torture those inside have to endure. Without mercy, Shadow emits a burst of lightning identifying and targeting each trooper, wiping them out within an instant. Their screams and shouts fill the air before they are eternally silenced. However, unbothered by their deaths, the Ultimate Lifeform swiftly seeks out all the captives. Bursting through the first few floors, destroying every inch inside, he soon discovers one of the many floors filled with cages, cages overfilled with people.
Their faces are dead, their souls have been crushed. Most decaying corpses have more color than the malnourished, battered, scarred bodies of the captives clinging to life. No matter how long they have been stuck inside, from four decades to four days, they all appear the same, the systematic abuse making them lose a sense of themselves. Whoever they once appeared to be, whoever's body they were forced to assume, has turned into a gray, dull husk barely capable of walking. With only a very small few still retaining somewhat of their eyesight, they gaze up to Shadow's heavenly appearance, a bright light, light that has been denied from them for too long to remember. With the little bit of strength they have left, some struggle to lift their finger to him, amazed by his presence and wishing nothing more but to touch him.
Shadow sinks to his knees, moving close to one of the cages, his index finger stretched out and making gentle contact with the one belonging to a decaying woman. Heartache and regret overwhelm, as decades of Shadow's dismissive nature have permitted all of this to occur. And though he isn't directly responsible, he feels the guilt of not being there when the world needed him the most. He failed to hear the planet crying out his name, the outcries of the people praying to an ignorant, selfish savior. His wings sink, tears running down his cheeks. The legacy of those he looked up to and all they have fought for is now personified before him, souls barely alive. He could not save them then, for he is a false savior. All that is left for him to do now is to fix the wrongs of his neglect. All he can do now is repair and heal. All the healing he can only do through one power.
Lifting his head up high, Shadow wipes off his tears with his white, smooth garments. Elevating above the ground and his wings outstretched again, the hedgehog goes within himself once more. Though he has acquired substantial power, this stunt will require something truly immense. Entering another deep meditative state, his request doesn't require absolute silence again. All it requires is a powerful will. A will to help the people, to right all his wrongs, to fix the damage he could have prevented, to repair what he has left broken, to listen to the words he has ignored. Connecting his mind to the bright clouds encircling the building, he taps into all the words that have spoken of him, all the mentions of his name. All the countless prayers to him, all outcries and hope put into his name; all of it. From decades past to now, he finally hears them all, listening to them all in a moment's time, but what feels like a century. All of it he not only hears but also from where it comes. Many are from this facility, many more are scattered throughout the planet. And even those not calling out to him, but hurting just the same. All the hurting, all the weeping, the dying, the ones losing hope; he hears them, he knows their faces, he knows where they are. Pushing his powers further, he can finally offer an immense power for his answer.
Thus, through the sky and all its elemental forces, Shadow transfers his powers and spreads them across the globe. Reaching all those locked up, abused, and persecuted, Chaos reaches them. The power long lost returns greater than ever before, entering their bodies and supplying them with unparalleled strength. Not only do their bodies heal and regain the color they lost, but clarity returns to their minds as well. Collapsing to the ground, Shadow struggles to get back on his feet, as both his wings now adopt the ebony, featureless appearance. However, though feeling exhausted, seeing those around him healing through Chaos fills him with joy, giving him the energy needed to get back up. Revitalized and feeling stronger than ever before, they burst through the cages themselves and help Shadow back to his feet. With smiles finally returning to their faces after so long, they express their gratitude with a generous bow, an expression of deep admiration. Delighted by this gesture, Shadow feels as if welcomed by the people again, as if he is still worthy of being there for them. Thus, without a minute to spare, he utters:
"Get to the others. Spread the word of Chaos, the power you now share."
Not waiting any further, the liberated people burst through the other floors and get to rest of the captives, who are now also tearing through their cages. Throughout the globe, all those in captivity now free themselves, using their newfound powers of Chaos to burst through their prisons and wipe out their oppressors. Things are moving swiftly, with the liberated ones in Volkshaven escaping shortly after, as Shadow has already removed anyone who may give them resistance. With the building soon cleared, the hedgehog flies high up in the sky. Gazing at the vile building from below, the Ultimate Lifeform gathers his powers once more. Emitting another blinding bright light from his body, the white void steadily engulfs all of Volkshaven, eradicating even the hints of its existence. With the colossal structure that has remained there for decades and could be seen countless miles away suddenly gone, an immense statement is made. Descending to the ground, the bright light vanishes alongside the clouds, thus clearing up the sky. All the civilians, along with those liberated, clamor around him, stepping on the now empty area.
And though they all wish to see and admire him, Shadow's gaze shifts off into the crowd, detecting the one he has brought along. Shining a light on Astra, he illuminates a path for her, causing the crowd to step aside and make space. Though nervous at first, with each step she takes she senses a sensation of confidence filling her, the pink hedgehog's face now beaming with genuine pride. Moving close to Shadow, the white hedgehog steadily lifts up a part of the ground below Astra, allowing her to be seen visibly by the immense crowd. Adding a shining halo above her head, she shines forth, with everyone's attention now directed toward her. A moment of quiet ensues, with Astra's eyes darting around the many people before she finally speaks, the clear starry sky shining on her too:
"Hope is in the stars. It's what my father told me. A hero of his childhood once said it, so he shared it with me. He trusted them to shine every night, for they always provided a source of light next to the moon. Despite everything that occurs down here and up in space, the stars shine forevermore. Their light always remains. Their power can be imitated. Despite all the pain and all the hurt we've been through, we too can shine forevermore. Our light can always remain. And our power can inspire others. We may have shattered our chains, but our fight is not yet over. This world is one of many that still need to be liberated. And once they are liberated, we need to find new measures to maintain our freedom. But we finally have the power to do so, and the means to finally fight. It is Chaos that allows us to fight. They have taken it away from us, but we finally have a taste of what we can accomplish with it! Those elsewhere need it too. And we will give it to them. With Chaos, we will finally take back our future, our bodies, our freedom! We will hope again. and we will rise! Our hope is in the stars, so let us reach to the stars, and let our light shine throughout the universe! With Chaos, let us take back who we truly are and fight and live together, united and in harmony! Chaos Control!"
In unison, the crowd cheers, all chanting the words "Chaos Control", words that haven't been uttered in such a long time. Now providing a beacon of hope, the crowd is ready to fight, ready to lay waste to the system. Astra is one of the people and will be the voice of the people. Shadow looks further down the crowd, spotting the rest of her family too. Her mother and her brothers, all cheering for her too. Through people like her, Chaos can finally flourish again and create a better world. And Shadow will be there, all the way. To be there for them, and fight alongside them. With all he can offer, with all of his power; with all of him.
