Beta Project: Epsilion
by Visler
* * * * *
Author's Note: Yes, I changed my name. There are too many Shadow's out there, so I went
with something more original. Anyway... This is the last chapter of BP:E (Unfortunatly.)
I hope you enjoy. I had fun writing it.
PS If you want a sequal to BP:E (I know Formerly Known As does), I'm gonna have to hear
some reviews (flames count).
After thought: You might like to grab a tissue. This one gets a little sad...
* * * * *
* ----- ~ Chapter 14: Farewell to Darkness ~ ----- *
He felt funny. On the outside, he was burning up, but on the inside, he was freezing. A
feeling of weightlessness overcame him, and he felt sick. He dry heaved' a terrible
sensation.
Something warm and soft caressed his cheek. Then something cold and wet was slapped
across his forehead, shocking him to alertness. He shot up, catching something by
suprise and making her scream. He blinked, fucussing on her.
"A-Amy Rose?" he asked before wincing. She blushed and gently pushed him back to his
pillow.
"You scared the pee out of me, Shadow." Amy complained in a whisper. She watched as the
black hedgehog scowled and glanced around the hospital room.
"I'm not dead?"
"Well, you were." came an amused drawl. Shadow looked towards the door as two blue
hedgehogs came in. His jaw dropped.
"I should say the same." Epsilion smirked and looked towards the door as Maria entered.
"Ma-Maria?" Shadow stuttered happily. The blonde girl smiled warmly.
"I'm glad to see you again too, Shadow." Maria whispered leaning in to kiss his cheek.
He blinked and moved his gaze to Epsilion. "Don't worry about him, he's behaving well."
"Hm." Epsilion breathed and crossed his arms. His icy gaze fell on Shadow's ruby eyes.
Both stared at each other for a long moment before smiling. "How are you?"
"Do you want to know what heaven looks like?" Shadow whispered, chuckling. Epsilion
laughed and moved to sit on the bed.
"I already know... Brother."
"You went to heaven?" Sonic interupted. The dark twins laughed, surprising the room's
occupants.
"He was joking, Faker." Epsilion smirked and looked at Shadow. "He's insane, wouldn't
you agree?"
"You can bend with out breaking." Shadow replied watching Sonic. His eyes slowly moved
to the pink hedgehog. He smiled as she blushed under his gaze.
"I'm not crazy!" Sonic exclaimed in self defence. Epsilion and Shadow both laughed and
looked looked at him. After a moment, Shadow once again moved his gaze to Amy. Epsilion
noted this and smirked.
"Has Eros struck our belated love?" Epsilion teased and crossed his arms. Shadow glared
at him.
"Ian, shut-up." Maria warned tapping Epsilion on the nose. The navy hedgehog sneezed and
scowled at her.
"... Yes..." Amy whispered quietly. Shadow's ears perked up instantly and he looked at
her in shock. Epsilion and Maria also looked at her in suprise.
"You do know what I just said, right?" Epsilion asked, uncrossing his arms. Amy nodded.
"You asked if he was in love."
"Um... Amy, Ian asked Shadow. Why did you answer?" Maria whispered stepping towards the
young hedgehog. Amy smiled shyly.
"Because it's the truth."
"You love Shadow?" Epsilion exclaimed in disbelief. "Are you crazy?"
"No..." both Amy and Shadow answered in unison. Epsilion almost fell over in shock.
"Oh dear..." Maria whispered covering her smile with her hands.
"I was wondering when you two were gonna tell each other." Sonic replied crossing his
arms. Epsilion and Maria looked at him curiously. "Amy saw me propose to Sal and got
upset, so she ran off. Shadow saw her run and went after her. I'm guessing that Amy
realized she could never have me, so she fell back on the next best thing."
"Who are you calling 'next best'?" Shadow smirked, focusing on the cobalt hedgehog.
Epsilion laughed and turned to his brother.
"Afraid to be out done by a normal hedgehog?"
"If it weren't for me, that 'normal hedgehog' wouldn't be here." Shadow answered darkly.
His ruby eyes flashed, focussing on Sonic.
"And if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be here." Sonic countered. Shadow smiled and
nodded, causing him to blink.
"Then... I guess we're even." Shadow answered stepping out of bed. He streatched and
looked at Amy.
"All debts are paid... You're fully healed... Can we go home now?" Epsilion complained.
Maria turned and tapped him on the nose. He scowled. "What?"
"Behave."
"I am behaving. I just want to-"
"Enough, Epsilion." Maria warned. The navy hedgehog crossed his arms and turned away.
"I can't believe you want to return to that cold space colony." Sonic replied tapping
his foot.
"It's our home. It's where we belong." Epsilion answered looking to his brother and
ignoring Maria's warning glare. Shadow stood staring at the ground, no emotions playing
across his face.
"Stay here. Make Knothole your new home."
"We can't stay in a place where we're feared." Epsilion answered moving to his brother.
"Nor can we stay in a place we fear."
"If you stay here long enough, people won't fear you, and you'll get used to the planet."
"How long is long enough?" Shadow whispered sadly, almost to himself.
"Please?" Sonic begged one last time. Shadow closed his eyes as a single word left his
twin's lips:
"Sorry."
* * * * *
It was beautiful outside. They had never seen the sun rise before, and it mezmerized them.
It would be the last thing they saw of the planet from its surface, but they didn't
appear to mind. They were returning; going bac to the place they were born and reborn
again. Though they feared it, they knew this time the ARK would welcome them.
Home. Difined so very long ago as one's own abode or a place that offers the comforts of
home. They were wrong. Home is a place where family reigns surpreme, and love for one
another is eternal. They knew their home; loved it as they loved each other. They would
return, thankful to be near something they recognized.
They smiled and turned to the small group that had woken early just to see them off. A
few had tears in their eyes, while others held looks of depression and happiness. This
group, this small group, had become their friends. They trusted them and even grew to
love them. Though it pained them to leave them behind, they felt they had to.
Shadow was the first to move, stepping towards his old rival. It was time to settle
things once and for all. He scowled, causing the blue hedgehog to fall back. He
extended his hand to Sonic and smiled. The other blinked and cautiously gripped Shadow's
hand.
"Thank you... My friend." Shadow replied silently. Sonic smiled broadly.
"You're verry welcome." Sonic whispered, wrapping his other hand over Shadow's.
"So... This is good bye?" Sally asked stepping forward. Shadow and Epsilion looked at
her, then at each other.
"Good bye is not forever..." the twins whispered in unision.
"... But farewell lasts a lifetime." Sonic finished. Epsilion looked at him and nodded
while Shadow smiled.
"Come back and visit us any time." Sally whispered, embracing Shadow in a hug. He looked
at Sonic, and when he smiled his consent, hugged her back.
"Middle of the night sound okay?" Epsilion teased as Sally moved to embrace him. She
paused, raising and eyebrow at him.
"Emergencies only?" She bartered.
"Deal." Epsilion smiled and hugged her as she hugged him. Shadow playfully smacked him
upside the head.
"Nut." Sonic couldn't hold back the guffaw of laughter tha instantly built at Shadow's
actions. The black hedgehog soon joined him. One by one, those present joined in until
everyone was laughing.
"What are you guys laughing at?" came a bewildered voice. Sonic, after finally getting a
hold of himself, turned to the voice and stood dumbstruck. The pink hedgehog stood before
him as usual, but it was the pair of suitcases at her feet that made him question his
sanity.
"Where are you going, Amy?" Tails asked, also noting the girl's suitcases.
"You're not moving out already, are you?" Knuckles asked, stepping forward. Amy shifted
her eyes to Shadow and smiled.
"I'm leaving with them." the pink hedgehog answered happily. Shadow narrowed his eyes in
confusion.
"When did we make that arangement?" Epsilion blurted, stepping in front of Shadow.
"Ian." Maria wanred, causing the navy hedgehog to sonter back behind Shadow. "I invited
her to join us.
"Don't worry, Sonic. Rob gave his consent." Sally smiled, kissing her fiancé on the
cheek. The hedgehog sighed.
"As long as all of you promise to come to our weddin, I'll let her go with you."
"You'll have t give us a date before we can come." Epsilion replied crossing his arms.
"We'll have to tell you when it will be a little later." Sally answered going to Amy.
She pulled a pink envelope out of her vest pocket and handed it to her. "Open it when
ever you fell lonely or afraid, but not now."
"Okay..." Amy whispered, hugging the older girl. A quick tap on her shoulder alerted
her to someone else. She turned to the blue hedgehog adn blinked.
"I'll... uh... I'll miss you, Amy Rose." Sonic whispered before hugging her. She blinked
at his actions, but quickly fell int the embrace.
"I'll miss you too, Murice." Amy teased. Sonic immedeately killed teh hug.
"Don't call me that, midgit." Sonic teased before dashing off. Amy watched him go before
turning to Shadow and Epsilion.
"Murice?" Shadow implied, raising an eyebrow. Amy and Sally laughed, but knew better than
to tell. Shadow shrugged. "You ready to go?"
"I guess." Amy answered looking arround. She nodded and went to the black hedgehog,
falling into his shy, yet intimate hold. "Let's go."
"Good bye, everyone. We'll keep in touch." Epsilion whispered taking Maria by the hand.
he looked to Shadow for the order. The ebony hedgehog took onel last look around and
nodded.
"Chaos! Control!" They were gone.
* * * * *
Author's Note: As stated above, if you want a sequal, you're gonna have to respond to this
fic. Until then... This is Visler, signing off.
* * * * *
She couldn't tell how fast they were moving, but the sensation was wonderful. She wondered
if this was the reason Sonic loved to run. She sighed and thought about the envelope
Sally had given her. Since Shadow had his hands on her waist, it was easy for her to open
it. She smiled as she pulled out the photograph. It was old, taken when she had just arived,
but it would remind her of all her friends in Knothole.
Amy Rose looked down at the planet in time to see a blue streak disappear over the horizon.
In the desert sand behind him was a memorial she would never forget. The three simple words
brought tears to her eyes as she whispered:
"Farewell to darkness."
* * * * *
~ FAREWELL TO DARKNESS ~
I'll say farewell to darkness
As the new dawn breaks
Watching the skies
As your last star fades
It isn't goodbye
That we all know
So, until our ends
I'll say farewell to darkness
And hello to friends
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
All characters, excluding Epsilion, are copywrite of Sonic Team and Sega. I do not in any
way hold any claim to them.
The poem, Farewell to Darkness, and the story, Beta Project: Epsilion, are copywrite of
the author, Visler. Please ask for permission to use.
by Visler
* * * * *
Author's Note: Yes, I changed my name. There are too many Shadow's out there, so I went
with something more original. Anyway... This is the last chapter of BP:E (Unfortunatly.)
I hope you enjoy. I had fun writing it.
PS If you want a sequal to BP:E (I know Formerly Known As does), I'm gonna have to hear
some reviews (flames count).
After thought: You might like to grab a tissue. This one gets a little sad...
* * * * *
* ----- ~ Chapter 14: Farewell to Darkness ~ ----- *
He felt funny. On the outside, he was burning up, but on the inside, he was freezing. A
feeling of weightlessness overcame him, and he felt sick. He dry heaved' a terrible
sensation.
Something warm and soft caressed his cheek. Then something cold and wet was slapped
across his forehead, shocking him to alertness. He shot up, catching something by
suprise and making her scream. He blinked, fucussing on her.
"A-Amy Rose?" he asked before wincing. She blushed and gently pushed him back to his
pillow.
"You scared the pee out of me, Shadow." Amy complained in a whisper. She watched as the
black hedgehog scowled and glanced around the hospital room.
"I'm not dead?"
"Well, you were." came an amused drawl. Shadow looked towards the door as two blue
hedgehogs came in. His jaw dropped.
"I should say the same." Epsilion smirked and looked towards the door as Maria entered.
"Ma-Maria?" Shadow stuttered happily. The blonde girl smiled warmly.
"I'm glad to see you again too, Shadow." Maria whispered leaning in to kiss his cheek.
He blinked and moved his gaze to Epsilion. "Don't worry about him, he's behaving well."
"Hm." Epsilion breathed and crossed his arms. His icy gaze fell on Shadow's ruby eyes.
Both stared at each other for a long moment before smiling. "How are you?"
"Do you want to know what heaven looks like?" Shadow whispered, chuckling. Epsilion
laughed and moved to sit on the bed.
"I already know... Brother."
"You went to heaven?" Sonic interupted. The dark twins laughed, surprising the room's
occupants.
"He was joking, Faker." Epsilion smirked and looked at Shadow. "He's insane, wouldn't
you agree?"
"You can bend with out breaking." Shadow replied watching Sonic. His eyes slowly moved
to the pink hedgehog. He smiled as she blushed under his gaze.
"I'm not crazy!" Sonic exclaimed in self defence. Epsilion and Shadow both laughed and
looked looked at him. After a moment, Shadow once again moved his gaze to Amy. Epsilion
noted this and smirked.
"Has Eros struck our belated love?" Epsilion teased and crossed his arms. Shadow glared
at him.
"Ian, shut-up." Maria warned tapping Epsilion on the nose. The navy hedgehog sneezed and
scowled at her.
"... Yes..." Amy whispered quietly. Shadow's ears perked up instantly and he looked at
her in shock. Epsilion and Maria also looked at her in suprise.
"You do know what I just said, right?" Epsilion asked, uncrossing his arms. Amy nodded.
"You asked if he was in love."
"Um... Amy, Ian asked Shadow. Why did you answer?" Maria whispered stepping towards the
young hedgehog. Amy smiled shyly.
"Because it's the truth."
"You love Shadow?" Epsilion exclaimed in disbelief. "Are you crazy?"
"No..." both Amy and Shadow answered in unison. Epsilion almost fell over in shock.
"Oh dear..." Maria whispered covering her smile with her hands.
"I was wondering when you two were gonna tell each other." Sonic replied crossing his
arms. Epsilion and Maria looked at him curiously. "Amy saw me propose to Sal and got
upset, so she ran off. Shadow saw her run and went after her. I'm guessing that Amy
realized she could never have me, so she fell back on the next best thing."
"Who are you calling 'next best'?" Shadow smirked, focusing on the cobalt hedgehog.
Epsilion laughed and turned to his brother.
"Afraid to be out done by a normal hedgehog?"
"If it weren't for me, that 'normal hedgehog' wouldn't be here." Shadow answered darkly.
His ruby eyes flashed, focussing on Sonic.
"And if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be here." Sonic countered. Shadow smiled and
nodded, causing him to blink.
"Then... I guess we're even." Shadow answered stepping out of bed. He streatched and
looked at Amy.
"All debts are paid... You're fully healed... Can we go home now?" Epsilion complained.
Maria turned and tapped him on the nose. He scowled. "What?"
"Behave."
"I am behaving. I just want to-"
"Enough, Epsilion." Maria warned. The navy hedgehog crossed his arms and turned away.
"I can't believe you want to return to that cold space colony." Sonic replied tapping
his foot.
"It's our home. It's where we belong." Epsilion answered looking to his brother and
ignoring Maria's warning glare. Shadow stood staring at the ground, no emotions playing
across his face.
"Stay here. Make Knothole your new home."
"We can't stay in a place where we're feared." Epsilion answered moving to his brother.
"Nor can we stay in a place we fear."
"If you stay here long enough, people won't fear you, and you'll get used to the planet."
"How long is long enough?" Shadow whispered sadly, almost to himself.
"Please?" Sonic begged one last time. Shadow closed his eyes as a single word left his
twin's lips:
"Sorry."
* * * * *
It was beautiful outside. They had never seen the sun rise before, and it mezmerized them.
It would be the last thing they saw of the planet from its surface, but they didn't
appear to mind. They were returning; going bac to the place they were born and reborn
again. Though they feared it, they knew this time the ARK would welcome them.
Home. Difined so very long ago as one's own abode or a place that offers the comforts of
home. They were wrong. Home is a place where family reigns surpreme, and love for one
another is eternal. They knew their home; loved it as they loved each other. They would
return, thankful to be near something they recognized.
They smiled and turned to the small group that had woken early just to see them off. A
few had tears in their eyes, while others held looks of depression and happiness. This
group, this small group, had become their friends. They trusted them and even grew to
love them. Though it pained them to leave them behind, they felt they had to.
Shadow was the first to move, stepping towards his old rival. It was time to settle
things once and for all. He scowled, causing the blue hedgehog to fall back. He
extended his hand to Sonic and smiled. The other blinked and cautiously gripped Shadow's
hand.
"Thank you... My friend." Shadow replied silently. Sonic smiled broadly.
"You're verry welcome." Sonic whispered, wrapping his other hand over Shadow's.
"So... This is good bye?" Sally asked stepping forward. Shadow and Epsilion looked at
her, then at each other.
"Good bye is not forever..." the twins whispered in unision.
"... But farewell lasts a lifetime." Sonic finished. Epsilion looked at him and nodded
while Shadow smiled.
"Come back and visit us any time." Sally whispered, embracing Shadow in a hug. He looked
at Sonic, and when he smiled his consent, hugged her back.
"Middle of the night sound okay?" Epsilion teased as Sally moved to embrace him. She
paused, raising and eyebrow at him.
"Emergencies only?" She bartered.
"Deal." Epsilion smiled and hugged her as she hugged him. Shadow playfully smacked him
upside the head.
"Nut." Sonic couldn't hold back the guffaw of laughter tha instantly built at Shadow's
actions. The black hedgehog soon joined him. One by one, those present joined in until
everyone was laughing.
"What are you guys laughing at?" came a bewildered voice. Sonic, after finally getting a
hold of himself, turned to the voice and stood dumbstruck. The pink hedgehog stood before
him as usual, but it was the pair of suitcases at her feet that made him question his
sanity.
"Where are you going, Amy?" Tails asked, also noting the girl's suitcases.
"You're not moving out already, are you?" Knuckles asked, stepping forward. Amy shifted
her eyes to Shadow and smiled.
"I'm leaving with them." the pink hedgehog answered happily. Shadow narrowed his eyes in
confusion.
"When did we make that arangement?" Epsilion blurted, stepping in front of Shadow.
"Ian." Maria wanred, causing the navy hedgehog to sonter back behind Shadow. "I invited
her to join us.
"Don't worry, Sonic. Rob gave his consent." Sally smiled, kissing her fiancé on the
cheek. The hedgehog sighed.
"As long as all of you promise to come to our weddin, I'll let her go with you."
"You'll have t give us a date before we can come." Epsilion replied crossing his arms.
"We'll have to tell you when it will be a little later." Sally answered going to Amy.
She pulled a pink envelope out of her vest pocket and handed it to her. "Open it when
ever you fell lonely or afraid, but not now."
"Okay..." Amy whispered, hugging the older girl. A quick tap on her shoulder alerted
her to someone else. She turned to the blue hedgehog adn blinked.
"I'll... uh... I'll miss you, Amy Rose." Sonic whispered before hugging her. She blinked
at his actions, but quickly fell int the embrace.
"I'll miss you too, Murice." Amy teased. Sonic immedeately killed teh hug.
"Don't call me that, midgit." Sonic teased before dashing off. Amy watched him go before
turning to Shadow and Epsilion.
"Murice?" Shadow implied, raising an eyebrow. Amy and Sally laughed, but knew better than
to tell. Shadow shrugged. "You ready to go?"
"I guess." Amy answered looking arround. She nodded and went to the black hedgehog,
falling into his shy, yet intimate hold. "Let's go."
"Good bye, everyone. We'll keep in touch." Epsilion whispered taking Maria by the hand.
he looked to Shadow for the order. The ebony hedgehog took onel last look around and
nodded.
"Chaos! Control!" They were gone.
* * * * *
Author's Note: As stated above, if you want a sequal, you're gonna have to respond to this
fic. Until then... This is Visler, signing off.
* * * * *
She couldn't tell how fast they were moving, but the sensation was wonderful. She wondered
if this was the reason Sonic loved to run. She sighed and thought about the envelope
Sally had given her. Since Shadow had his hands on her waist, it was easy for her to open
it. She smiled as she pulled out the photograph. It was old, taken when she had just arived,
but it would remind her of all her friends in Knothole.
Amy Rose looked down at the planet in time to see a blue streak disappear over the horizon.
In the desert sand behind him was a memorial she would never forget. The three simple words
brought tears to her eyes as she whispered:
"Farewell to darkness."
* * * * *
~ FAREWELL TO DARKNESS ~
I'll say farewell to darkness
As the new dawn breaks
Watching the skies
As your last star fades
It isn't goodbye
That we all know
So, until our ends
I'll say farewell to darkness
And hello to friends
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
All characters, excluding Epsilion, are copywrite of Sonic Team and Sega. I do not in any
way hold any claim to them.
The poem, Farewell to Darkness, and the story, Beta Project: Epsilion, are copywrite of
the author, Visler. Please ask for permission to use.