This is a fanfiction, and as such, most of the characters in the story are not mine. Most characters are © Sega, and are not used with permission.

Chapter 13: The Journey Ends

Day 42

It was early in the morning, and the people of Lalberdean were putting the last of the supplies in a small truck for Shadow. In the week since Renquiest was beaten, there were no more attacks from the dragons.

A few days ago, a truck was seen driving down the mountain, carrying the last of Renquiest's men, trying to escape from the dragon's roost. When they were caught, they gave up with no struggle to a village on the other side of Cordeng. So far, no decision had been made on what to do with them, but Shadow had suggested that the punishment be lenient, as they had been "scared straight". Joshua was also questioned for his involvement that he strongly denied; with no hard evidence, he was let go. With all that had happened, the people in the mountains just wanted to put everything behind them, instead of carrying out a witch hunt.

Kirkigard had declared that the war between them and the dragons was over, and Shadow wanted to return home A.S.A.P. He had spoken to Tikal last night and told her that he was returning. It would take several days to make the trip back, but Shadow didn't like long trips; and he was sure that there were some at home who couldn't wait either. He wondered if he should have waited and told Tikal when he was almost home, to surprise them; opportunity lost.

Shadow emerged from the mess hall, there was no sense going on a long journey on an empty stomach. He was wearing the fur clothes and cape that the villagers had given him; though not visible under the cover of the drapery, he was also carrying the two scythes he took into battle, both had left a bloody stain on the fur coat from the battle a week ago. For some time he debated weither or not to bring them back with him; they felt like a part of him, but it would also bring some questions from their namesakes, especially since he had them engraved with the letters 'R' and 'B'. He decided to take them with him, but there was still time to change his mind, right up to when he left, or he could just throw them out the window anywhere from here to Mobotropolis; but if he left them, then the choice was made. So he took them.

As he headed towards the truck, he was greeted by a group that rivaled the one that saw him off when he left Mobotropolis.

"Thank you for helping us."

"That was awesome!"

"I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it."

"You did a real nice jorb there."

"Give our thanks to the Queen."

Shadow was now standing in front of the truck, before him was chief Kirkigard. Directly behind him were a few of the guards, and Kirkigard's mother and two siblings.

"Shadow, I've been considering how to best say this; you're a total jackass, and I don't know what we would have done without you."

The bear reached out his hand and Shadow took it. The hedgehog looked over to Kirkigard's mother.

"You alright Karma?"

The tan furred female seemed to stifle back a tear. "I'll be fine, I have to be."

"Are you gonna come back?" Marcy asked.

"I don't know, I might."

"Yeah, well if you get bored with the girls in Mobotropolis, you can come back to me, and we can get married."

Shadow grimaced. "I'd like that, but there are some in Mobotropolis who wouldn't like that."

"Bully for them."

Shadow looked at Brian. "Hey kid."

"Hi."

"You still miss your dad, don't you."

"Yes."

Shadow knelt down. "Let me tell you something, there are worse things in this world than losing your father. I for instance, I haven't seen my family in years. I have a father, a mother and a sister, but I haven't seen them in years, and I have no idea what's happened to them since; I spend some nights lying in torment, not knowing where they are. If I can live with that, you'll do O.K."

"And your brother?"

Shadow had a momentary lapse; in talking with Brian about the false memories that Void had given him, he had forgotten that he came here pretending to be Sonic's brother.

"Well, I know what happened to him. So in that case, we're at least even; we both have family that we know we lost."

"I guess."

"Buck up kid, I think your brother is gonna need an awful lot of help to run things; you can help him, can't you?"

"Yeah!"

"Good for you."

Shadow turned back to Kirkigard. "Well, I guess this is goodbye."

"We're never gonna forget you."

"I hope every…"

Ringing throughout the town, the rapid clanging of a bell electrified the air.

"Dragons!"

The call, which for months was a signal of attack, caused an immediate stir in the village.

"Hold it!" Kirkigard called to his people, asking for calm. "Everyone calm down, our fight with the dragons is over; let's see what they want."

The people started to quiet down, then moved back to give the dragons enough room to land. The three dragons landed in the village; the lead dragon was most unique, for it was not a whole dragon. Shadow and Kirkigard came forward to meet them.

As chief of the village, Kirkigard made the opening comment. "Queen Tiamat, you are looking… well."

The dragon queen, who had been previously seen as a devastated torso, was now whole. All parts of her body that were destroyed were replaced by a form made of living crystal; her tail, front left leg, all her feet, and part of her face glittered like the gems found in the stone, and her wings looked like living panels of stained glass. Her left eye was also replaced, shining with a familiar red glow.

"Thank you, Mr. Sancot. We came when we heard that Shadow would be leaving and returning home."

"That I am, your highness."

"You have done much for us, we have no way to repay you, but I do have a request."

"And that is?"

Next to Tiamat, Dulcy came forward. "I want to see the land that you come from. Let me go back with you and show me where you live and the people who are your friends."

"You have saved our people, at least let us give you a ride home."

Shadow bowed slightly. "I would be honored, Queen Tiamat."

The hedgehog turned to Kirkigard. "Are you going to be alright?"

Kirkigard looked towards Tiamat. "We've got work to do, but we'll be alright."

* * *

It was later that day, high over the city of Mobotropolis that a strange black mark appeared. Nobody noticed it at first, thinking it was just a bird flying overhead; but as it drew near, more and more paid attention. As the spot in the sky grew and took shape, crowds started to gather. Some were mesmerized by the flying beast, while others screamed and dispersed when it came too close.

At the palace, Geoffrey raced out the large doors to see the incoming flight, heading straight for him.

"On your toes! Incoming!"

Several guards scrambled and took positions around the front of the palace.

"What is that thing?"

"Don't anybody do anything until I order it!"

The black spot had now grown to full size and color, and Geoffrey could make out the reptilian figure flying towards him; he couldn't believe his own eyes, a dragon, a real life flying dragon swooping down on Mobotropolis. What did it want? Was it attacking? So far it hadn't shown any hostile action aside from just showing up unannounced.

From on the dragon's back, the last remaining bit of blackness called out. "Look out below!"

"Shadow?! Everybody stand back, hold your weapons!" Geoffrey turned to another guard. "Get Queen Sally."

The guard ran into the palace just as Dulcy touched down.

The skunk moved up towards the head of the creature. "Shadow, what is this?"

From the palace doors, Sally emerged with the guard. "I know, I know, I saw it through the window."

Shadow called down from Dulcy's back. "Good afternoon, your highness; I bring a visitor."

"Yes, I can see that."

"This is Dulcy. Dulcy, Queen Sally."

The hedgehog leapt off Dulcy who bowed to the queen. "I am honored to meet you, and I bring best wishes from Queen Tiamat."

"Thank you." Sally turned to Shadow. "I take it things went well."

"Very, I managed to handle the dispute between the miners and the dragons to everyone's best interest, and diplomatically too."

"I'm sure. Looks like we'll have to move up your welcome home party, Tikal said you wouldn't be back for another week."

"Change of travel plans. Now, speaking of home…"

Sally waved him off. "Right, right; I'm sure Bunnie and Rouge can't wait to see you too."

"Thank you, your very generous highness."

Shadow sped off.

Sally turned to the dragon. "I welcome you to Mobotropolis, I hope that you enjoy your stay. Antoine!"

Behind Sally, the coyote in question appeared. "Oui, Madame."

"Would you see to miss Dulcy's needs."

Antoine was a little startled by the large creature, wondering just what needs she would have. "Of course."

"Thank you, Antoine."

Sally turned back to her guest, but Antoine sought her attention for a bit more.

"Pardonez moi."

"Yes."

"Your highness. If zee miners and dragons were to work together to mine and fly Fyr crystals to Mobotropolis, it would be an incredible boost to our economy."

Sally was only partially listening to Antoine. "Yes, yes, draft a proposal or something; I have a dignitary to host."

* * *

Elsewhere in Mobotropolis, Shadow was racing through the streets until he found his way home. Reaching the door, he barged in, not even bothering to knock; afterall, it was his house.

"Rouge! Bunnie! I'm home!"

Rouge was the first to appear, coming from the hallway. "Shadow?!"

Rouge ran into his arms and embraced him in a huge hug.

"We thought you wouldn't be back for a few more days. When did you get back?"

"A couple minutes ago, I had to land in front of the palace since there wasn't enough room around here."

"Land?"

"I'll explain later."

Rouge then noticed Shadow's haircut. "And what in Hell happened to your spines?"

"I'll explain that after later."

Bunny came into the room after hearing that Shadow was back, hugging him the same way Rouge did. "Shadow!"

"Bunnie, great to see you." Shadow then noticed that Bunnie was a little bigger than he remembered.

"Did you put on… a little… ? !"

"Welcome home, Daddy."

END

Omochao: "Uh oh! Looks like Mother Nature has played an April Fool's joke on Shadow."

Knuckles: "Yeah, lets see how tough that black weirdo is now."

Shadow: …

Omochao: "Shadow's fainted."

Knuckles: "Ha!"

Omochao: "Before we leave, Black Mantle has a message he wanted me to pass on. To anyone reviewing this story, please do NOT mention anything about the end, least of all the little surprise awaiting Shadow's return. This was a little something that the author, whose real name does not begin with any letter in the English alphabet, wanted to pop at the readers, and not to be ruined by some party-pooper with a stupid review. So 'mum's the word."