Sonic Hill: Memories of a Shadow
Chapter 5: Destiny
-
'BEWARE OF HAUNTED MANSION' had been spray painted in thick, bolt red letters on the back wall of the residence, alongside a scrupulously crude drawing of a ghost. That depiction brought a nervous smirk to Shadow the hedgehog's white-skinned face. It was unlikely the asshole who had written that was aware of the fact that it was populated by monsters.
Whoever that was was most likely dead now. That thought didn't ease him in the least. The thing that did was the cold, icy air that surrounded him. Quite a bit chilly, it was, but certainly better than the stodgy confines of that old mansion.
Gerald's cryptic instructions had thus far proven simple to follow. After their conversation, he had unlocked the tunnel door and followed it outside. It was built awkwardly—serving as an underground passageway through the mansion—but the stairs at the other end of it lead back up to the ground floor correctly, not ten feet from the rear end of the place. The alleyway he stood in was the one he'd been spying on the map earlier—the one that lead north past the Creekside apartments and into Doggy Avenue, which could be used to escape the town. But currently, his interest in leaving was dabbled out. A great fervency coursed through his veins like purified water; he was on a mission. It was safe to assume the Creekside apartments were the ones his earnest friend spoke of; and if not that, it'd have to be its larger neighbor, the Woodside apartments. The backdoor of the former lie in sight from where he stood. It sat above a short stoop only about ten feet away, moderately concealed by the gloomy fog.
His heavy boots clopped against the rough pavement of the back alley, guiding him past a series of garbage cans and graffiti-ridden walls to the stoop. Zeal shining meekly within him, he entered the building.
Darkness loved Sonic Hill, apparently. While the darkness's depth was equivalent to the darkness in the mansion, with his lighter flicked on Shadow could observe that the apartments were certainly newer. Gray cement walls surrounded the metallic stairway, granting him no door or passageway to explore on this floor. So he climbed his way up the short stairs to find that it was identical to the first floor basically. Only, there was a door this time, a white one directly ahead. And thankfully, the main passageway of the apartments was unlocked.
He could hear them long before he saw them.
Straightjacket men—or demons, he still wasn't sure what to call them—loomed within the corridor like anxious patrollers on guard duty. The slick clops of their bare, skinless feet against the floorboards echoed throughout the darkness, driving Shadow into a state of intense fear. He could do nothing but hear the myriad tromp across the corridor, seeking him out with their eyeless sockets, until they entered the unnervingly small bubble of brightness his lighter breathed. When that happened, he could either fight or run like hell. And since he wasn't the most bellicose, heroic hedgehog in the world, it would most likely be the latter.
But first, the door. Being an apartment building, the long corridor was riddled with many claustrophobic rooms and doors. And since it was a public place, it was safe to assume they'd be less comparable to a labyrinth and more straightforward for the most part. With his range of vision fixated on the sea of darkness ahead, his fingers simultaneously gripped for the handle. When he turned it, he was crestfallen to find that it wasn't working correctly. The lock was broken, and the door wouldn't open.
Who knew where the next door would be – chances were the monsters guarded them unknowingly. One of them sounded closer than ever, forcing him to grip the handle of his cleaver. Their assiduous tromping echoed on and on, growing louder by the second.
"ooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOHHH!" cried the nearest straightjacket demon as it emerged from the wall of blackness. Its cry reverberated in unison with Shadow's. That is, until he slammed the blade down upon it's fleshless neck.
The sound was disgusting, and so was the shower of blood that erupted like a volcano from it's wound. With a weaker, less offensive moan, the monster stumbled over and fell flat on its face. Its cries ended quickly when the hedgehog kicked it in the head with all his might, breaking its neck and ending its feral life. Shadow barely got any time to breath, for another straightjacket demon entered his light-bubble to combat. Shadow didn't bother to fight it, knowing already he couldn't fight all of them at once. Just as the demon lurched backwards to spit its acidic vomit unto him, he broke into a sprint and fleeted across the long corridor.
Doors passed by, each of which he tried lightening fast as he ran ahead. Locked, locked, locked; this wasn't looking good. A wave of relief hit him when he found one—a white one like the door he used to enter—open easily within his grip. What lie behind the door was not an apartment room, but in fact a second stairway.
'Might as well check the first floor then, I guess. Hopefully I won't have to come back up here empty handed.' He already felt avid to leave this place as soon as possible. The fact that no living thing was here except for those monsters was more than a little scary; at least in the mansion he knew Gerald was somewhere in there with him.
A soft thunk rung out with every step he took; his various items packed tightly around his waist appeared determined to ruin his stealthy jaunt. Not only that, but the feeling of them rubbing against his body was beginning to irritate his flesh. Had he no fur, that vexing would have been far greater.
He reached the bottom level, retightened his jacket around his hips, and pushed the door ahead.
In layout, the bottom hallway was identical to the former one. But, to his relief, it was void of enemies for the time being. That was always good.
He turned to the right and began searching the place for any passable doors, coming up with absolutely nothing at all, so he returned and searched the left side of the hall. To his pleasant surprise, the door to room 105 was slightly ajar, allowing him to enter freely.
Shadows were born. They crept up and down the walls as the hedgehog of the same name stepped in, suffusing the place with his noticeably weakening lighter. Its unreliable flame was deteriorating by the minute, vanishing bit by bit in response to the scant amount of lighter fluid left within its glassy chamber. Shadow knew he'd have to find that ritual artifact that Gerald aspired fast if he planned to get out alive. From what he could see, the room had seen better days. The couch in the far corner, lying underneath the boarded up window behind it, was mutilated. Strips of its white insides were strewn across its body, along with a few broken springs. The bookcase on the wall beside it looked just as old as the ones in the Boyd Mansion, though obviously someone much less tidy owned it. Or perhaps it was just the town's deterioration that did that - he didn't know. What he did notice though was something on the left wall, right beside the tilted bathroom doorway.
It was a cupboard of some sort, though it looked much different than any he'd ever seen before. It only had one storage hatch, but that was locked shut. Across its surface were five small, circular holes. Below that, there was some writing of interest:
'Three bright coins in five holes be
At one end sits the seducer of she
The wind from behind, the woman doth play
The formless one, null, lies furthest from they
The old one beside the serpent sits not
'Tis to the prisoner's left that he doth rot'
'Interesting…' Shadow speculated. If it was another puzzle like the one in the underground graveyard, he was out of luck. He didn't have any coins, and even if he did he didn't understand how they'd work into the puzzle. 'Well, I guess I'd have to put them in some sort of order to unlock it.'
The idea of searching every nook and cranny of these dangerous old apartments discomforted him. But he was in luck, because he wouldn't need to solve the stupid puzzle anyway. On top of the cupboard, resting there like it was waiting for him all along, was a single small, white bottle. Liquid of a pure white hue sat entrapped inside of it.
Like a mental ghost, Gerald's discourse voice raced through his brain:
('Next door, in the apartment building, there's a bottle of this white liquid. I don't know exactly where it is, but I know it's in there somewhere…that's all that I still need.')
"Bingo." Shadow flashed his divinely white teeth in excitement. Success was good, as always.
Wrapping his gloved fingers around the five-inch-high bottle, he picked it up and placed it carefully in his right fur pocket. That's when he noticed something else.
Where the bottle was standing, a thin magazine was visible. Not able to help himself, he picked it up and opened it wide, scanning the pages within for an idea of what could have happened to the town, or what had happened in the past.
Most of the pages appeared to be cut out, unfortunately. What remained were insignificant articles about new speed-bumps being installed, Midwitch Elementary getting its library a shipment of new books thanks to a local children's fundraising, the construction of a new tunnel in South Vale…nothing important. That is, until he reached the third page, where the myth section was. The article on the top read:
'The Myth of the Chaos Emerald'
Below it:
'Not much is known about this mysterious jewel, but its gray aura cannot be ignored. It has long been a loved and praised artifact of the local museum, but some believe that there may be more to it than its attractive appearance.
Knuckles Echidna, head of the Sonic Hill Historical Society, states that it may be the only non-green emerald in the world. He also speculates that there's a possibility of there being more of them, possibly making seven in total. When questioned why, he stated:
"This town has a lot of history, and a lot of folklore in the past. It's said that a long time ago the original people who lived here used to worship seven multicolored emeralds, believing them to be the key to their god's 'ultimate power'. This 'ultimate power' could be manipulated for both good and evil, but whoever uses them could easily lose control and cause horrible, chaotic things to happen; hence the name," He then added: "When those people died out, the belief sort of did too, I guess. Most thought that the whole idea was hokey pokey, but since we've found this intriguing emerald, we're beginning to believe that maybe the Chaos Emeralds did exist as actual artifacts after all."
While many critics are skeptical of this, there have been reports of strange glowing auras seen at night in different areas of town.
The Sonic Hill Historical Society is currently offering a 5000 reward for anyone who finds and turns in these said emeralds.'
There was no date, but judging from the condition of the apartment room it was at least a few years old. Chaos Emeralds…that name rang a bell somehow. But he couldn't quite place what it was…
'The Sonic Hill Historical Society…I think I've been there before t—'
-BAM!
A panicked scream spread Shadow's lips open, which transformed into a grunt of pain when the floorboards collided with him. The lighter flicked off as he fell, shrouding him and his assailant in utter darkness. As fast as possible, he rolled to his side, hearing the thud of a single highheel land where the back of his head just was. He drew his magnum and aimed blindly towards the mannequin monster. It kicked him in the hand ere he was able to shoot, forcing it loose of his grip and flying through the air. It resounded from afar, deepening his terrified despair. Less than a second later, he felt the hard blow of its shoe colliding with his ribs, sending jolts of agony rushing through him. He covered his head instinctively with a cry, just in time to save himself from another dive into an ocean of hurt.
A barrage of kicks followed, all missing his head thanks to his instinctive movements. With his free hand he grabbed for the cleaver and yanked it out, shoving it with all his might into the leg of the monster. Its limb came loose above his grip and fell, followed quickly by the rest of the creature's form. Shadow screamed again while struggling to get the spazming doll off of him. Pushing hard, he shoved it to his side, then climbed back to his feet. He turned and tried to run, but only ended up tripping over one of the monster's legs and landing flat on his face. Still far from dead, the creature behind him began slamming its awkwardly bent leg down upon him homicidally. Of all the ways he could die, Shadow was certain getting pummeled to death wasn't the most pleasant of them. Flexing his weak muscles, he tried to reach forward for something, anything, to fend the creature off with.
With a snap, all three of the mannequin's remaining legs cracked backwards, allowing it to crawl over the terrified hedgehog like a deadly spider, unaffected by his sharp bent up spikes. Shadow pushed himself forward, scratching the dirty boards across his chest in complete panic. Surely it couldn't end like this, so simply and pathetically. Stretching his arm as far as he could, he almost shouted with relief when he felt the handle of his trusty revolver in reach. Pulling it into his grip, he rolled onto his back and shoved the gun's nozzle into the mannequin's chest. The revolver screamed, its feral roar reverberating throughout the whole apartment building, and the mannequin fell limp, dead.
Gasps of respiration escaped Shadow's lips. A sigh of relief followed.
"Jesus…"
Pushing the corpse off of him, he blindly searched the floor for his lighter. It was surprisingly easy to find. Flicking it on, he illuminated the room once more in its warm glow.
"…oh shit," Cold terror filled his veins not for the first time. Shadow shoved his hand into his pocket, expecting to feel the sharp edges of the broken vial mixed in with the slick white liquid sting his fingers. But surprisingly it remained intact, not in the least bit harmed despite the chaos that ensued around it. "Aah…thank goodness."
Shadow climbed to his feet and brushed himself off. He'd survived that battle, and he wasn't about to stick around to engage in another one. It was time to go back to the mansion. He couldn't wait to leave. With his new treasure in hand, Shadow exited the apartment.
-Later…-
The study door closed behind him discreetly, projecting a noise barely audible to even Shadow's triangular hedgehog ears. His jog out of the apartments, across the alleyway, and into the mansion had ended a short period of time ago. Finally he was back.
His boots eased across the elegant carpet blanketing the floor. He made his way across the short distance between the entrance door and the door to Gerald's room, then raised his hand to knock. His fist didn't even touch the surface when the man spoke up.
"You made it back."
Startled, Shadow regained his composure and nodded. He knew the man couldn't see him do so, but it felt as if his eyes simply penetrated the wooden barrier. "Yeah."
"That's the only item I couldn't get myself…" Gerald began remorsefully, with a hint of honest relief. "I'd known about it, but by the time I'd been aware of where it was, I couldn't leave this house anymore…"
Shadow stared down at the White Chrism once more, wondering how that strange liquid really worked. His eyes slowly edged towards the doorknob, which he placed his hand firmly upon. "Gerald, can you open this?"
"It's a dead end," the old man replied. "There's nothing for you beyond here."
"Fine," Shadow placed the bottle on the bookshelf beside the door. "I'm leaving this here for you then."
"Thanks."
Shadow contemplating leaving again, but realized he couldn't now. There was nothing out there at all; there'd be no point. "Do you really believe in miracles?"
"It's the only thing I can hope for now…" A downhearted grunt, and: "The gods are still here, Shadow. You know that. Anything can happen in Sonic Hill."
"Yeah…but what happened here anyway?"
"You know the answer to that question too," Gerald said matter-of-factly. "After all, you were made in this town."
That hit home. An anguished frown formed on Shadow's face. The truth hurt. It hurt a lot. "Yeah…"
"Well, maybe 'made' isn't the right word for it. You're not quite like the other demons…" Not acknowledging Shadow's plight, Gerald spoke in almost a whisper. "…born. You were born in this town."
Overcome with sadness at his revelation, the hedgehog had not a clue of how to reply.
Gerald seemed to notice. "I'm sorry Shadow…"
"No, don't be," Looking down and closing his eyes, the hedgehog gave a weak, wry smile. "I knew it already…just didn't realize it."
"I know how that is."
He bit his lip. He only had one undying question left that needed to be answered for him, though he feared he knew the answer to that one too. "Gerald, I have one last question."
"What is it?"
"Who's Tails?"
"Tails…?" There was another long period of silence, in which the man seemed to be pressing himself hard for the answer. "Oh, you must mean Miles."
"Miles?"
"That Miles, he's been a bad, bad boy…" he spoke with a slight hint of amusement. "He's looking for the you that isn't you."
Shadow wondered what he meant. "You mean…Sonic?"
"Yes."
"Because he's kind…?"
"Perhaps. Or maybe because he's afraid."
Shadow frowned and stared forward at the door. Everything was beginning to make sense. "I think I understand."
"Shadow, do you believe in destiny?"
He answered quickly; too quickly. "No."
Light chuckling could be heard from the other end of the door. "Heh…I used to not believe either when I was younger. But over these last few years, I've come to believe that maybe some of us really are born with a particular purpose, a certain fate, which we solely exist and live out our lives for."
The hedgehog gulped, feeling endless despair smother his feeble wishes. "But what happens when we carry out that purpose…?"
"Heh, that's a good question Shadow," Though he couldn't see it, Shadow felt that Gerald was smiling from behind that door. "I guess I'll find out soon enough."
"Yeah, me too."
"Shadow…thank you…"
Taking in a deep breath, Shadow sadly replied: "No, thank you..."
There was nothing more to say. Wrapping his gloved fingers nervously around the doorknob, Shadow turned it and pushed it open, revealing what lie beyond the door.
Dark blue drapes, dusty with age, hung down upon the boarded up windows. Each limped down to the carpeted floor, equally worn with age.
(dont cry)
Dead lights clung to the ceiling, far surpassing their lifetime. They left the room shrouded in a dismal layer of darkness. On the right wall, the form of what used to be a king-sized bed lay stripped and beaten on its once beautifully crafted post.
(dont cry)
In the room's center, beside an old-fashioned wooden chair, a circular table stood proud. Carved across its perimeter were various symbols and writings, showing off its perfected craftsmanship just like the rest of the abandoned mansion.
(dont cry…)
Placing his hand over his face, Shadow the hedgehog burst into tears. Tears of sorrow and regret at knowing the real truth, which he'd hidden from himself all along. His gloves were soaked in seconds, overwhelmed by his exposed sorrow. It was too much to bear all at once…
Gerald was right - there was nothing left for him here. With his face contorted in despair, he slowly exited the study for the final time.
On the surface of the old table, beside a newly burnt out candle, lay a single, colorful birthday card.
-
-Clop…
-Clop…
-Clop…
-Clop…
The cool air brushed through his dark fur, chilling him slightly despite his natural coat of warmth. Regardless, he paid no mind to the weather. In fact, he barely even noticed it. His mind had dived too deep into an altered state to acknowledge where he was.
He didn't know how long he'd been wandering around, nor care. Somewhere along the way, his leather jacket had slipped off from around his waist and fallen behind, along with his belongings. Only the magnum revolver, gripped firmly in his hand, remained. That was all he still needed.
'Even if I'm not real, it's still me, Shadow, isn't it…?'
He honestly didn't know. He felt he'd never know. Stopping, he stared ahead into the gray fog blanketing the street. 'But if no one knows who I am, and I don't know who I am…do I really even exist?'
To think he'd felt lost, alone, and confused ere entering themansion. Now the idea of his ignorance all those hours ago seemed like bliss. Warily, he stared downwards to the single revolver in his hand. The Bad Thought crossed his mind, and it seemed like a beautiful idea.
'One bullet left…'
But was he really so brave as to do it?
After short consideration, he realized: yes. Yes he was. He had not a thing to be afraid of.
'No one will find my body anyway.'
Obviously. Just like the other monsters, he'd probably disappear.
He spun the revolver chamber around, hearing the rapid clicks as its doorways to death opened and closed over and over. One out of six or six out of six, he'd be bitten by the bullet either way. Slowly, he raised the revolver to his face, placing the head of the weapon against his right temple—
(its just too hard to be alone)
—and shut his eyes tight. That deadly carousel began to spin. Taking in a deep, shakybreath, he squeezed the trigger tightly.
-CLICK!
-cli-clink
…
…
…
-CLICK!
-cli-clink
…
…
-CLICK!
-cli-clink
…
…
…
-CLICK!
-cli-clink
…
…
…
-CLICK!
-cli-clink
…
…
…
His eyes opened wide.
Reconsidering his plot, he edged the revolver away from his head and stared back down at it thoughtfully. No, he couldn't go. Not yet.
But why...?
After staring at it for what felt like hours, he decided he knew why. With the flick of his wrist, he tossed the gun away. It thudded somewhere from afar, long gone to him forever.
He didn't have the map any longer, but he didn't need it. He knew where to go, and was pretty sure of what he had to do. That was fine. Whatever lie ahead, he'd just have to face it on his own. He didn't care how hard it'd be. Rosewater Park was only a few blocks away…so perhaps there was something to live for after all.
"Tails…"
Crimson eyes staring straight ahead, Shadow the hedgehog headed towards the park…
-
-
-
-
"Sonic?"
…
"No…you're not…"
"Do I look like your boyfriend?"
"Uh…I…how'd you…yeah, my late boyfriend. But he died…"
…
"I can't believe it! You could be his twin! Your face…your build…only your fur and spikes are different…"
"My name is Shadow. I don't look like a ghost, do I?"
Fin.