Into the Night
Final: Return
by Lady Virgo
"Ride upon the waves Rhythmless tide washing away"
///
Crash jumped slightly as Ring slipped through the door, easing the slow whoosh of the door silently. He stopped pacing, holding his arms tightly at the sight of the medical robot.
"How is he?" He asked.
With a haggard sigh, Ring ran a hand through his hair, bangs falling again in front of his eyes. "He'll be fine. Just a little rest is all he needs. There wasn't much internal damage so he should be up to speed by tomorrow." He trailed off and Crash frowned, chin trembling just slightly.
"How is he?" He asked again. This time, when Ring turned to him something inside of him seemed to have collapsed.
"He's not doing well at all." Ring said softly, eyes darkening with worry and guilt. "He would barely say a word, he wouldn't look at me.. When he finally went to sleep, he just sort of..cried a bit." Ring bit his lip and frowned. "And called for Shadow."
"Quick won't be able to handle it. Not like this." Crash said. "Quick's strength comes from his loyalty to those he cares about. After what Magnet put him through," he shook his head, "he feels like he betrayed Shadow. The one he cares about most."
Ring shot Crash a look, eyes narrowed into accusing slits. "And just where is Shadow? It's his fault Quick's like this. If Shadow had any sort of feelings or any ties to Quick, how could he have let this happen!"
"You don't get it!" Crash retorted. "Quick doesn't love him because the feeling is returned, he loves him because Shadow /needs/ him. He needs Quick like no one else does, and Quick loves him for that! He told Metal once that he was strong because everyone else was strong, too. Because they needed him and that need gave him strength. But when things changed, everyone was too afraid and Quick had no one. Except for Shadow."
"And is that supposed to make everything better? Is knowing why going to change the fact that he failed?" Even with that said, Crash knew that Ring was stepping down from the argument and let it slip. He was too stressed from what had happened to Quick, having a fight with Crash wasn't something he wanted to deal with right now. But, at the same time, he could never forgive Shadow for always being on Quick's mind, but not being there when he was needed most.
And neither could Shadow.
Crash had already turned to walk down the hall as Ring began to follow suit, his eye catching a glimpse of rippling shadows wedged between the inlet the protruded into the hall between doors. His teeth clenched at the sight. "Shadow.."
Inwardly he cursed himself for being overly anxious. The slightest slip like that would be his downfall, but Shadow stepped into the light unhesitantly. He was already seen, there was no reason to try to hide.
"What are you doing here?" Ring growled, marching up to the shorter robot. "You have no business here, you've betrayed us, remember?" Shadow said nothing, just watching the other calmly. "Why weren't you here when you were needed? Why do you come now? To cause him more pain?" Ring saw something subtle flash in Shadow's eyes and it stoked a fire in him. "I won't let you! Get the hell out of here and keep away from Quick! I'll never forgive you for failing him! No matter how strongly he feels for you, I'll never forgive you, I'll never let you get near him again!"
Shadow's mouth twisted into the slightest of scowls, lids partially hiding his dark violet eyes from view.
"Ring!" Someone called from down the corridor. "Ring, Skull got at Top again! We need you over here, he got torn up pretty bad!"
His fists twitched, never once did his eyes waver from Shadow's. But he had a duty to perform and, no matter what the reason, he would have to perform it. Shadow understood this and, with a last, measured glance at Ring, began to fade back into the dark.
"No, dammit, no!" He began to turn back to the door when the voices stopped him, demanding he hurry and fix the surrogate brethren. ".Dammit!" Ring clenched between his teeth. He spun, lashing out to kick a nearby wall as he hurried to his task.
~*~*~*~
He stood there, watching Quick as he lay, asleep, quiet tears spent. His cheeks glistened in the night, worried lines on his face, but to Shadow, it seemed somewhat beautiful. Perhaps because of the night, perhaps because he could watch Quick unabashed, not bothering to dwell on whatever feelings the sight may arouse. Or maybe because there was a certain beauty, even in pain. And that beauty hurt him deep inside. So he stood in the dark and watched as the moon streamed through the window, broken up by the naked skeleton of a tree, casting Quick in a jagged cage.
"So it happened." The shadows rippled behind him and Blues stepped up, half a step behind him. "Knowing his personality, you might even be able to pretend," he said softly, "that it hadn't happened."
"But it did."
"And it was your fault."
Shadow closed his eyes briefly. "I know."
"Did you? Did you know that this would happen?"
It hurt. "Yes."
"And you just let it happen."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because," he paused for a moment, slightly turning his head towards Blues, "I don't know what to do."
Red eyes narrowed at him, black in the dark. "Why don't you?"
"I'm.." Quick's breath hitched slightly in his sleep. "I'm incomplete.."
Blues gazed at Shadow in silence for a moment. "No. No, you're not. You're just weak."
"I failed."
"Because you don't even know who you are."
"I'm not you."
Blues snarled. "Is that all you can say about yourself? Is that the only way you can define who you are? By saying you're not me? No, you /aren't/ me. Because I have the strength to protect those I care about."
"I'm not.."
"You don't even have the strength to admit that you care for someone. And because of that, you'll never be strong."
Shadow turned to Blues, a dull fire in his eyes. "I have strength."
"No. Not like this you don't."
"I will protect him."
"How can you protect him?" Blues asked. "He's the one who would protect you. He knows who he is, he knows where he belongs. And all you do is run."
Shadow's neck arched as he turned towards Blues, cold confidence returning to his stance. "I won't fail again."
"How will you not?"
"I'm returning to Skull Fortress."
Blues' eyes narrowed. "What good will that do?"
"I can protect him. I won't allow anyone to hurt him."
"You hurt him. You hurt him when you're gone, you hurt him when you're near. There's nothing you can do to ever protect him."
Shadow began to get angry and Blues saw his eyes flicker for a moment. "What would you know about protecting? All you do is hide, yourself! You don't know these feelings I have, you don't know how it hurt deciding to set him up to this!"
"And yet you did."
"It had to be done!" Shadow nearly yelled. "How can I face him when I don't understand who I am?"
"And it's worth having him break like this?" Blues said coldly. "That is not who /I/ am. I calculate, but I would never put someone I hold so dear in that situation."
"I am not you." He growled. "Because you're unloved. You've been rejected by everyone, you'd never understand why I did it."
"Enlighten me, oh learned one." He crossed his arms, his own temper beginning to burn through.
"I left because I didn't know who I was. Because of that, I couldn't react to him. How can I accept him for what he is, how can I accept what he feels for me, that he cares for who I am if I can't decide if who I am is worth caring for?"
"Then why do you doubt yourself now? You planned it, you knew what would happen. So then why are you acting like you never thought it would happen?"
"Because I thought like you. I didn't consider how it would effect anyone else, just how it would benefit in the long run."
Blues bristled at that. "So you think I'm selfish?"
"You're self-centered. You're selfish. You're the only thing that matters to you."
"And you?"
"I was just a toy for you. Something to entertain you and help you make a mess of Wily and Light's lives for some stupid vendetta."
"You allowed yourself to be used. That doesn't make you better than me."
"No, but I finally understand you."
"Oh?"
"And I'll never allow myself to become someone like you."
"Like me."
"Yes."
He narrowed his eyes. "Fool. You still don't fully understand the ways of emotion. You've blocked them up until they drowned you. Then you're too disoriented to realize just what you're doing or saying."
"You wouldn't know any better. You're no more aware of what you are than I am."
"Don't be stupid."
"You won't understand until-"
"Until what?" Blues snapped. "Until I make stupid mistakes? Until I find someone to treat like dirt and go crawling to whenever I'm confused? Like you do to Quick? Like how you just use him in order to fulfill your own goals, like it doesn't matter what he feels for you. Hurting him and justifying that it's for the 'greater good'. And then you'll go back to him, claiming to care when all you're really doing is just re-cementing his feelings for you so you can hurt him all over again until he finally abandons you. And then all you'll have left is the emptiness that he left behind until it consumes you. Is that what you want me to experience? I have more dignity than that!"
"When you fall," Shadow's voice went low, threatening, "it'll be even worse than what I feel for Quick. No matter what you do, all you'll ever do is hurt him. He'll plague your mind every moment and you'll know nothing except for how much it hurts him whenever you're not there. And how much it hurts when you're around because you can't let go enough to let him know that you hold any sort of emotion for him. Because you're too self-centered and too frightened to take the chance, but you're too selfish to let him go, to let him find his own happiness. And in the end it'll destroy you, because all you're concerned about is you, never him, until you destroy both your chances at happiness."
For a long while neither spoke, just stood, glaring at each other with the same intense eyes, until they both looked away. When Blues spoke up, his voice seemed to be raspier than usual, trying to gather the order that they had shattered across the room.
"So much for the rule about no verbal attacking.."
After a hoarse pause, Shadow replied, "I was talking about myself."
And in a sort of dead horror, Blues thought the same thing about his own words.
~*~*~*~
Even if Ring hadn't said anything about Shadow being in Quick's quarters, his 'capture' would've only been a matter of time. Once Blues was safely away from the fortress, Shadow stepped into the corridor, not bothering to duck out of sight of the security cameras, not bothering with any sort of tricks or stealth.
The time for that had ended. Now was a time for a new beginning with old acquaintances. And an old problem.
He hadn't even gotten out of the third wing when Shadow suddenly found himself surrounded by the Enforcers, and just as quickly found himself standing in front of Dr. Wily.
"What the hell are you doing back here, traitor?" The doctor spat. The computer screens around his desk cast an eerie glow on his face, making it seem far more skull like than ever. "Do you think that we need your worthless talent here? Answer me!" He slammed his palm down as the silence permeated the answer.
"I wish to return to Skull Fortress." Shadow said calmly. Over his head, he knew Pharaoh and Magnet were exchanging grins.
"You're a stupid one, aren't you?" Wily sneered. "Why should I take you back?"
"Because." He rose to his full height and appeared to dwarf the others in the room. "I know how to get Blues."
The human's jaw clicked shut and the others looked at Shadow warily. "Get Blues? What are you talking about?"
"I know how to create a bioroid, one that will be able to one-up your enemies. Especially Blues. The physical properties, tactics, skill, even the personality for it. I've got it all planned out." Shadow dipped his head slightly. "I personally don't care how these battles with Rock go on, nor do I really much care for what happens with Blues. Everything you need, I have planned out all ready. All you have to do is allow me back into Skull Fortress."
"Wily-sama." Pharaoh spoke up to the side of Shadow. "I don't believe we should trust him. He's betrayed you before and helped Blues on top of that."
"I agree." Magnet pitched in. "He was useless in the third war, he'll be no different now."
"Believe what you will. But if you manage to persuade him out of agreeing to my proposition, you two will be the ones that'll have to deal with the fact that you've set back Dr. Wily far, far behind." He rose his eyes to Dr. Wily. "Well, doctor?"
With a long pause, Dr. Wily finally decided...
"Fine. I'll allow your return in exchange for the blueprints. However," he steepled his hands, "don't think I'll just /let/ you waltz in. You'll pay dearly for all the trouble and humiliation you've caused me. Pharaoh, Magnet," he swiveled his chair around, waving a bony hand carelessly, "do as you see fit."
The two stood at attention, pleased grins on their faces as the other Enforcers cackled quietly behind them. "Yes, sir."
~*~*~*~
His room was as empty as when he left it, but the space shrank under the bulk for the Enforcers. Shadow was turned around, held between Flash and Snake. Magnet approached him, tilting his chin up, dark smile curling his lips.
"My, my, look at who I get to play with." He ran a thumb over Shadow's lower lip. "I've been waiting for this chance for a long time. I won't let anyone one up me." He moved back to Pharaoh, letting his arm circle his waist. "Boys, you're welcome to him. Do as you will."
Their grins widened, Flash licked his lips, grip tightening around Shadow's arm. "With pleasure."
Skull closed on him, sharp teeth pulling harshly at his ear. "Scream all you want to. It'll make it more fun."
He didn't bother with the others, feeling oddly calm despite what was happening. "I don't care, whatever you do. But," the others seemed to fade away, leaving just Shadow, Pharaoh and Magnet. They froze, something catching inside at the tone of his voice. "If you ever harm Quick again," then, it seemed, he was fading into black himself, leaving just his eyes, glowing softly, deadly, "I'll kill you both." Those orbs brightened, like two bright, violet voids, tearing a hole in the two robots from the dark emptiness.
And abruptly, the darkness vanished, and Pharaoh swallowed, not quite sure what had happened with that frozen fear that weighed deep inside. In a passing glance at Magnet, he said in an amazingly level voice, "Take your time with him. Let us know when you've finished."
Shadow watched them leave, still boiling inside. I'm sorry I couldn't stop them, Quick. He thought. And perhaps you'll never forgive me for letting this happen. But, even if you hate me, let me be near you. Allow me this one piece of selfishness, of cowardice.
Quick..
by Lady Virgo
"Ride upon the waves Rhythmless tide washing away"
///
Crash jumped slightly as Ring slipped through the door, easing the slow whoosh of the door silently. He stopped pacing, holding his arms tightly at the sight of the medical robot.
"How is he?" He asked.
With a haggard sigh, Ring ran a hand through his hair, bangs falling again in front of his eyes. "He'll be fine. Just a little rest is all he needs. There wasn't much internal damage so he should be up to speed by tomorrow." He trailed off and Crash frowned, chin trembling just slightly.
"How is he?" He asked again. This time, when Ring turned to him something inside of him seemed to have collapsed.
"He's not doing well at all." Ring said softly, eyes darkening with worry and guilt. "He would barely say a word, he wouldn't look at me.. When he finally went to sleep, he just sort of..cried a bit." Ring bit his lip and frowned. "And called for Shadow."
"Quick won't be able to handle it. Not like this." Crash said. "Quick's strength comes from his loyalty to those he cares about. After what Magnet put him through," he shook his head, "he feels like he betrayed Shadow. The one he cares about most."
Ring shot Crash a look, eyes narrowed into accusing slits. "And just where is Shadow? It's his fault Quick's like this. If Shadow had any sort of feelings or any ties to Quick, how could he have let this happen!"
"You don't get it!" Crash retorted. "Quick doesn't love him because the feeling is returned, he loves him because Shadow /needs/ him. He needs Quick like no one else does, and Quick loves him for that! He told Metal once that he was strong because everyone else was strong, too. Because they needed him and that need gave him strength. But when things changed, everyone was too afraid and Quick had no one. Except for Shadow."
"And is that supposed to make everything better? Is knowing why going to change the fact that he failed?" Even with that said, Crash knew that Ring was stepping down from the argument and let it slip. He was too stressed from what had happened to Quick, having a fight with Crash wasn't something he wanted to deal with right now. But, at the same time, he could never forgive Shadow for always being on Quick's mind, but not being there when he was needed most.
And neither could Shadow.
Crash had already turned to walk down the hall as Ring began to follow suit, his eye catching a glimpse of rippling shadows wedged between the inlet the protruded into the hall between doors. His teeth clenched at the sight. "Shadow.."
Inwardly he cursed himself for being overly anxious. The slightest slip like that would be his downfall, but Shadow stepped into the light unhesitantly. He was already seen, there was no reason to try to hide.
"What are you doing here?" Ring growled, marching up to the shorter robot. "You have no business here, you've betrayed us, remember?" Shadow said nothing, just watching the other calmly. "Why weren't you here when you were needed? Why do you come now? To cause him more pain?" Ring saw something subtle flash in Shadow's eyes and it stoked a fire in him. "I won't let you! Get the hell out of here and keep away from Quick! I'll never forgive you for failing him! No matter how strongly he feels for you, I'll never forgive you, I'll never let you get near him again!"
Shadow's mouth twisted into the slightest of scowls, lids partially hiding his dark violet eyes from view.
"Ring!" Someone called from down the corridor. "Ring, Skull got at Top again! We need you over here, he got torn up pretty bad!"
His fists twitched, never once did his eyes waver from Shadow's. But he had a duty to perform and, no matter what the reason, he would have to perform it. Shadow understood this and, with a last, measured glance at Ring, began to fade back into the dark.
"No, dammit, no!" He began to turn back to the door when the voices stopped him, demanding he hurry and fix the surrogate brethren. ".Dammit!" Ring clenched between his teeth. He spun, lashing out to kick a nearby wall as he hurried to his task.
~*~*~*~
He stood there, watching Quick as he lay, asleep, quiet tears spent. His cheeks glistened in the night, worried lines on his face, but to Shadow, it seemed somewhat beautiful. Perhaps because of the night, perhaps because he could watch Quick unabashed, not bothering to dwell on whatever feelings the sight may arouse. Or maybe because there was a certain beauty, even in pain. And that beauty hurt him deep inside. So he stood in the dark and watched as the moon streamed through the window, broken up by the naked skeleton of a tree, casting Quick in a jagged cage.
"So it happened." The shadows rippled behind him and Blues stepped up, half a step behind him. "Knowing his personality, you might even be able to pretend," he said softly, "that it hadn't happened."
"But it did."
"And it was your fault."
Shadow closed his eyes briefly. "I know."
"Did you? Did you know that this would happen?"
It hurt. "Yes."
"And you just let it happen."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because," he paused for a moment, slightly turning his head towards Blues, "I don't know what to do."
Red eyes narrowed at him, black in the dark. "Why don't you?"
"I'm.." Quick's breath hitched slightly in his sleep. "I'm incomplete.."
Blues gazed at Shadow in silence for a moment. "No. No, you're not. You're just weak."
"I failed."
"Because you don't even know who you are."
"I'm not you."
Blues snarled. "Is that all you can say about yourself? Is that the only way you can define who you are? By saying you're not me? No, you /aren't/ me. Because I have the strength to protect those I care about."
"I'm not.."
"You don't even have the strength to admit that you care for someone. And because of that, you'll never be strong."
Shadow turned to Blues, a dull fire in his eyes. "I have strength."
"No. Not like this you don't."
"I will protect him."
"How can you protect him?" Blues asked. "He's the one who would protect you. He knows who he is, he knows where he belongs. And all you do is run."
Shadow's neck arched as he turned towards Blues, cold confidence returning to his stance. "I won't fail again."
"How will you not?"
"I'm returning to Skull Fortress."
Blues' eyes narrowed. "What good will that do?"
"I can protect him. I won't allow anyone to hurt him."
"You hurt him. You hurt him when you're gone, you hurt him when you're near. There's nothing you can do to ever protect him."
Shadow began to get angry and Blues saw his eyes flicker for a moment. "What would you know about protecting? All you do is hide, yourself! You don't know these feelings I have, you don't know how it hurt deciding to set him up to this!"
"And yet you did."
"It had to be done!" Shadow nearly yelled. "How can I face him when I don't understand who I am?"
"And it's worth having him break like this?" Blues said coldly. "That is not who /I/ am. I calculate, but I would never put someone I hold so dear in that situation."
"I am not you." He growled. "Because you're unloved. You've been rejected by everyone, you'd never understand why I did it."
"Enlighten me, oh learned one." He crossed his arms, his own temper beginning to burn through.
"I left because I didn't know who I was. Because of that, I couldn't react to him. How can I accept him for what he is, how can I accept what he feels for me, that he cares for who I am if I can't decide if who I am is worth caring for?"
"Then why do you doubt yourself now? You planned it, you knew what would happen. So then why are you acting like you never thought it would happen?"
"Because I thought like you. I didn't consider how it would effect anyone else, just how it would benefit in the long run."
Blues bristled at that. "So you think I'm selfish?"
"You're self-centered. You're selfish. You're the only thing that matters to you."
"And you?"
"I was just a toy for you. Something to entertain you and help you make a mess of Wily and Light's lives for some stupid vendetta."
"You allowed yourself to be used. That doesn't make you better than me."
"No, but I finally understand you."
"Oh?"
"And I'll never allow myself to become someone like you."
"Like me."
"Yes."
He narrowed his eyes. "Fool. You still don't fully understand the ways of emotion. You've blocked them up until they drowned you. Then you're too disoriented to realize just what you're doing or saying."
"You wouldn't know any better. You're no more aware of what you are than I am."
"Don't be stupid."
"You won't understand until-"
"Until what?" Blues snapped. "Until I make stupid mistakes? Until I find someone to treat like dirt and go crawling to whenever I'm confused? Like you do to Quick? Like how you just use him in order to fulfill your own goals, like it doesn't matter what he feels for you. Hurting him and justifying that it's for the 'greater good'. And then you'll go back to him, claiming to care when all you're really doing is just re-cementing his feelings for you so you can hurt him all over again until he finally abandons you. And then all you'll have left is the emptiness that he left behind until it consumes you. Is that what you want me to experience? I have more dignity than that!"
"When you fall," Shadow's voice went low, threatening, "it'll be even worse than what I feel for Quick. No matter what you do, all you'll ever do is hurt him. He'll plague your mind every moment and you'll know nothing except for how much it hurts him whenever you're not there. And how much it hurts when you're around because you can't let go enough to let him know that you hold any sort of emotion for him. Because you're too self-centered and too frightened to take the chance, but you're too selfish to let him go, to let him find his own happiness. And in the end it'll destroy you, because all you're concerned about is you, never him, until you destroy both your chances at happiness."
For a long while neither spoke, just stood, glaring at each other with the same intense eyes, until they both looked away. When Blues spoke up, his voice seemed to be raspier than usual, trying to gather the order that they had shattered across the room.
"So much for the rule about no verbal attacking.."
After a hoarse pause, Shadow replied, "I was talking about myself."
And in a sort of dead horror, Blues thought the same thing about his own words.
~*~*~*~
Even if Ring hadn't said anything about Shadow being in Quick's quarters, his 'capture' would've only been a matter of time. Once Blues was safely away from the fortress, Shadow stepped into the corridor, not bothering to duck out of sight of the security cameras, not bothering with any sort of tricks or stealth.
The time for that had ended. Now was a time for a new beginning with old acquaintances. And an old problem.
He hadn't even gotten out of the third wing when Shadow suddenly found himself surrounded by the Enforcers, and just as quickly found himself standing in front of Dr. Wily.
"What the hell are you doing back here, traitor?" The doctor spat. The computer screens around his desk cast an eerie glow on his face, making it seem far more skull like than ever. "Do you think that we need your worthless talent here? Answer me!" He slammed his palm down as the silence permeated the answer.
"I wish to return to Skull Fortress." Shadow said calmly. Over his head, he knew Pharaoh and Magnet were exchanging grins.
"You're a stupid one, aren't you?" Wily sneered. "Why should I take you back?"
"Because." He rose to his full height and appeared to dwarf the others in the room. "I know how to get Blues."
The human's jaw clicked shut and the others looked at Shadow warily. "Get Blues? What are you talking about?"
"I know how to create a bioroid, one that will be able to one-up your enemies. Especially Blues. The physical properties, tactics, skill, even the personality for it. I've got it all planned out." Shadow dipped his head slightly. "I personally don't care how these battles with Rock go on, nor do I really much care for what happens with Blues. Everything you need, I have planned out all ready. All you have to do is allow me back into Skull Fortress."
"Wily-sama." Pharaoh spoke up to the side of Shadow. "I don't believe we should trust him. He's betrayed you before and helped Blues on top of that."
"I agree." Magnet pitched in. "He was useless in the third war, he'll be no different now."
"Believe what you will. But if you manage to persuade him out of agreeing to my proposition, you two will be the ones that'll have to deal with the fact that you've set back Dr. Wily far, far behind." He rose his eyes to Dr. Wily. "Well, doctor?"
With a long pause, Dr. Wily finally decided...
"Fine. I'll allow your return in exchange for the blueprints. However," he steepled his hands, "don't think I'll just /let/ you waltz in. You'll pay dearly for all the trouble and humiliation you've caused me. Pharaoh, Magnet," he swiveled his chair around, waving a bony hand carelessly, "do as you see fit."
The two stood at attention, pleased grins on their faces as the other Enforcers cackled quietly behind them. "Yes, sir."
~*~*~*~
His room was as empty as when he left it, but the space shrank under the bulk for the Enforcers. Shadow was turned around, held between Flash and Snake. Magnet approached him, tilting his chin up, dark smile curling his lips.
"My, my, look at who I get to play with." He ran a thumb over Shadow's lower lip. "I've been waiting for this chance for a long time. I won't let anyone one up me." He moved back to Pharaoh, letting his arm circle his waist. "Boys, you're welcome to him. Do as you will."
Their grins widened, Flash licked his lips, grip tightening around Shadow's arm. "With pleasure."
Skull closed on him, sharp teeth pulling harshly at his ear. "Scream all you want to. It'll make it more fun."
He didn't bother with the others, feeling oddly calm despite what was happening. "I don't care, whatever you do. But," the others seemed to fade away, leaving just Shadow, Pharaoh and Magnet. They froze, something catching inside at the tone of his voice. "If you ever harm Quick again," then, it seemed, he was fading into black himself, leaving just his eyes, glowing softly, deadly, "I'll kill you both." Those orbs brightened, like two bright, violet voids, tearing a hole in the two robots from the dark emptiness.
And abruptly, the darkness vanished, and Pharaoh swallowed, not quite sure what had happened with that frozen fear that weighed deep inside. In a passing glance at Magnet, he said in an amazingly level voice, "Take your time with him. Let us know when you've finished."
Shadow watched them leave, still boiling inside. I'm sorry I couldn't stop them, Quick. He thought. And perhaps you'll never forgive me for letting this happen. But, even if you hate me, let me be near you. Allow me this one piece of selfishness, of cowardice.
Quick..