This'll probably be my last fic for a while. I may start the two 3 shadows episodes I have in my head, or I may wait until after Shadow and Rush come out.

Cool Halloween pic on my DA and I finished Joz's Death scene for Halloween. Give those a look if you're bored.

Most of this is Shadow first perspective (italics).

All copyright stuff is in Chapter 1

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The 3 Shadows, Episode 8 - Deep Pressure

Chapter 10 - I'll never forget you

Shadow stared out into the starry sky. It was a peaceful night, one that didn't reflect the chaos of recent events. Like always he was thinking about Maria, the fun he had with her. She was his only friend though she was so much more to him. Like a Big Sister, sometimes even a mother. Suddenly he started speaking

My Darling Maria I miss you so much. It may have been a year but it's felt like so much more. Each day without you drags on as the pain I feel never dies. When I first came here I didn't understand why you wanted me to dedicate myself to protecting people. All I saw was the foul stench of corruption, the people betraying us.

If it wasn't for you dying plea I probably would be at Gerald's side, no worse I'd probably have destroyed this planet already, leaving nothing but empty space. But during my time here I have grown to understand this planet, this world far more clearly.

Corruption is everywhere. All I see and hear on the news is stories of crimes being committed, evil thugs beating up and destroying the weak and helpless. I've seen my master, your grandfather, become a mess of insanity. I've had to fight him even though I don't really want to. All I want is to be like a family with you and the professor by my side again.

You would've loved it on Earth. All the things we used to talk about are so true. The Countryside is beautiful, deep green as far as the eyes can see. City life is vibrant and colourful. The sky is a calming blue during the say and a breathtaking starlight paradise at night. The warmth of the sun, the fun of snow, the gentleness of rain and wind. All of these things many take for granted but not me. Being trapped on that hallow stale space station for so long I knew of nothing else.

But it's not just the environment of Earth that pleases me. This odd arrangement fighting Gerald, GUN and whatever may come our way is exciting. Each day the pain of not being with you merges with the excitement of a new adventure. So far I've fought Demons, Armies, Trained Assassins, and Huge Machines. I've helped millions of people, protected them from harm, and helped them through difficult times. Today I saved an entire army from a nuclear missile after flying head first into a massive laser canon.

Life here on Earth is in no way dull and I have two very loyal friends by my side the whole way. No-one could ever replace you Maria but these two at least make you forced absence somewhat bearable. They are the type of people I think you had in mind when you made that plea last year.

Firstly there's Miles Prower. A bright young kid that jumps for joy every time we start another adventure. So young, yet so smart. His gadgetry and unquestionable loyalty merges with a bottomless pit of enthusiasm to create a being full of life and energy. He is so skilled, so agile, so intelligent just dismiss him on his youth would be a mistake, and trust me we learned that early on.

Then there's Joz the bat. A Bat so skilled at treasure and bounty hunting that he was given the title of Master hunter. Strong, powerful, bold and an expert with a sword. With him at my side I know we'll get through anything. He's also very fun to be around, enjoys a joke and is very passionate in what he believes in. We've went through the mistakes of his past together already and it's led to a thrilling adventure every time, battling with Emotion as we try and do the right thing.

Even Gerald shows some good amongst the twisted insanity sometimes. His love for your cousin Ivo is a sign that above all else he is only human.

When I first came here I felt nothing but Anger and Sadness. Since then though I have learned to love the Earth and made invaluable allies, nay friends. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you though my life now is one full of excitement. I now feel at peace and strangely even happy.

I will never forget you Maria.

Shadow closed his eyes and a tear ran down his cheek. He told a deep breath and returned to the Mansion, waiting for yet another adventure.

THE END