Well, well, well. Here we are with yet another chapter of this unexpectedly successful story. It took me a long time to write this one. You know, I drew a few pictures for this, like "promo" images, or whatnot-but that's not necessary, not at all. So, I won't be uploading them. Anyway, let me quit rambling and get to the notes you'll need for this story. At two separate parts I switch to italics--the first time is to indicate thought, the second time is to indicate lyrics (yes, this is a partial songfiction). So, yeah. It should be simple enough to figure out. The song is "In the End" by Linkin Park. Cliché, yes, yes, I know, but oh well. After watching a music video by KojiChao (some of you may have seen it, it's dedicated to Shadow and based on SA2) I was inspired to include the song in this chapter. So yeah, just thought I'd say that. I've never done a songfiction before, so I may not have done it "right" or whatever, but I wasn't going for doing it correctly, just doing it how I saw fit. I wanted to somewhat integrate the song into their actual words. And finally, I'm through. You may read. Oh, by the way--I'm setting this present day, three years after Sonic Adventure 2 (Battle version people, which is copyright 2001), so Sonic and Knuckles are a bit older. I just decided this, so if I have their "original" ages in the previous chapters, let me know. Oh yeah, and also this is in a weird combination/somewhat alternate universe with some out of characterness, although I tried to make it believable. Also, this is the last chapter…for now.
Meaningless.3
Shadow kicks off his own shoes as he enters the room, never taking his eyes off the sleeping echidna as he walks up beside the bed, sitting himself upon it gently. He glances to the Guardian's massive, gloved hands. Such deadly weapons, and yet, Shadow can't help but see a childlike innocence as he looks down upon the nineteen year old.
"Does everyone look so innocent when they're asleep? Or only those who were truly born?" he wonders as he continues to look at the sleeping Knuckles. The red-quilled echidna lets out a slight groan in his sleep and Shadow notices the troubled aura surrounding him. "You're always stressing, even in your sleep," the Ultimate Life Form says with a sigh.
Shadow wonders how Knuckles has managed to breathe, let alone sleep, while laying face down in his pillow. He considers turning him onto his side and, after weighing the option, decides to. He gently nudges Knuckles at first, hoping that he'll turn over on his own. When the echidna doesn't move he begins to push his body onto its side. Knuckles groans as he is turned over, but doesn't wake. Shadow grins with satisfaction as he stares at the Guardian's sleeping face.
"How he's managed to protect the Master Emerald while being such a hard sleeper is beyond me," he mutters. A moment later, the echidna's face disappears from sight once again as Knuckles rolls back to his original position, reburying his face into the pillow. Shadow quizzically raises an eyebrow. How could anyone possibly sleep like that? He chuckles in amusement and lightly strokes the long dreadlocks hanging around Knuckles' hidden face. Almost immediately, the echidna bolts up, ready to fight whoever had awakened him.
"Shadow," he sighs with relief as he spots the black hedgehog. "Shadow!" he exclaims, panic replacing his short-lived relief at the realization of Shadow being in his room, in his bed!
"Sorry to wake you," Shadow says with an odd grin. "You can go back to sleep, I was content with watching you."
"N-no thanks," Knuckles refuses as he swallows a lump in his throat, shuddering with discomfort at the thought of Shadow watching him sleep.
"Suit yourself," Shadow shrugs, his grin having faded away. "You're an odd sleeper," Shadow reports, lying back on the bed.
"Am I?" Knuckles asks, trying to continue the conversation while desperately attempting to get as far away from Shadow as possible without being noticed. He is frozen in place, however, when those blood red jewels lock onto him.
"You sleep face down, and you seem to respond selectively to stimuli," Shadow continues.
"St-stimuli?" Knuckles repeats, wondering what exactly Shadow had done to him.
"You needn't sound so nervous. I merely attempted to turn you over, I thought you would suffocate," Shadow explains. "You didn't wake up," he continues, shifting closer to Knuckles, reaching a gloved hand toward the wide-eyed echidna. "Not until I did this."
Knuckles swallows the resurfaced lump as Shadow's hand reaches toward him, past his face, and lands gently on the back of his head. He tries to control his rapidly increasing heart rate as he feels the gloved fingers running through his red dreads, the intimidating gaze of the black-quilled one holding him in his petrified state. He waits for Shadow to pull away but, much to his confusion, Shadow moves closer to him, getting to his knees.
"Ah…ha," Knuckles hisses and struggles to get his muscles working as he feels Shadow's fingers trail down the nape of his neck, the other arm wrapping around his waist. Any chance of escape slips away as Shadow pulls their bodies close together, never breaking eye contact.
"Your heart is racing," Shadow points out unnecessarily. "You should relax," he suggests. Knuckles wishes he could, feeling as if the vital muscle would pound right out of his chest. But, given the circumstances, he doesn't think his heart rate will be going anywhere but up. He nods to Shadow in feigned ignorance and exhales deeply, managing to loosen his muscles. He prepares to make a mad dash for his manhood but is stopped when he feels Shadow's arms wrap tighter around him, and he stifles a whimper as he notices Shadow leaning in for a kiss.
"Shadow, wait," Knuckles pleads as he tries o pull away. He discovers it to be of no use when Shadow holds him tighter and firmly grips the back of his neck as their lips become locked together. Knuckles' eyes widen as much as his eyelids will allow as the black hedgehog kisses him with closed eyes, obviously waiting for the gesture of affection to be returned. Knuckles remains motionless, trying to will Shadow to stop, and feels an odd, warm sensation engulf him, urging him to return the kiss. As he tries to ignore it he feels the urge growing and, before he can stop himself, he presses his lips back against Shadow's. Shadow deepens the kiss, using his tongue to pry Knuckles' mouth open. The echidna complies and allows Shadow's tongue to mingle with his own, finally closing his eyes and allowing himself some enjoyment. Reluctantly, he wraps his arms around Shadow and the two remain, joined in embrace, joined in kiss, but each in his own thoughts.
I can't believe I'm doing this. Shadow is kissing me. Shadow! And as sickening as it may be…I'm enjoying it. This isn't natural. We should be beating the shit out of each other, not making out! But I don't want to stop…
He's finally giving in. I didn't think it would be so simple. No complaints, though. The quicker he accepts things, the better…
Shadow finally pulls away, his expression calm and content. Well, as content as he can look, at least. Knuckles almost feels tempted to pull Shadow in for another and looks away, furiously embarrassed. He feels Shadow grip his chin and allows his face to be turned until the two's eyes are aligned.
"You're a rather skilled kisser," Shadow states, adding to Knuckle's embarrassment.
"L-likewise," Knuckles forces out, unable to manage a proper thanks or return of the compliment.
"Such pride," Shadow chuckles. "You needn't be embarrassed," he points out.
"I don't get it," Knuckles blurts out, his earlier thoughts resurfaced. "Why did you act so cold toward me earlier? You acted like nothing had even happened back in the forest."
Shadow chuckles at the question and pulls Knuckles into a light embrace.
"Well, would you have preferred me to hold your hand in front of everyone?" Shadow asks, stroking the echidna's back. "Or hold you around the waist, perhaps?"
"N-no," Knuckles manages as he closes his eyes, realizing Shadow's reasons.
"I thought not. I was merely being respectful, Shadow explains, nuzzling the quills around Knuckles' concealed ears. He continues in something of a whisper, his voice still laced with its usual harsh mystery. "It would have been rude to be publicly affectionate without knowing your preferences concerning the matter."
"I-I see," Knuckles responds, half dazed by the feel of Shadow's fingers rubbing his back.
"Is that all? No thank you? How rude," Shadow begins. Before he can continue he is caught off guard by the feel of lips against his. Obviously surprised, he hesitates before closing his eyes and adding pressure to the kiss. As the two pull away from each other, Shadow looks over to a smirking Knuckles, obviously quite pleased.
"How does that suffice?" Knuckles asks as he lays back, his confident expression still worn.
"More than enough," a still shocked Shadow replies. "Heh, if only Sonic had seen that," he mumbles loud enough for Knuckles to hear him. The red echidna sits up a bit, clearly puzzled.
"Okay, Shadow, you lost me. If Sonic had seen that we'd never hear the end of it," Knuckles points out.
"Sonic acts the way he does because he's jealous," Shadow blatantly states.
"Jealous?" Knuckles brow furrows with confusion. "Of what, exactly?"
"We discussed it in the forest, did we not?" Shadow asks. Knuckles takes a moment to think back.
"You said Sonic would be jealous of the fact that we've got each other," Knuckles remembers.
"Yes, but even more so, he would be jealous to see that the object of his affections has been claimed by his darker counterpart," Shadow explains.
"What?" Knuckles blinks in surprise.
"Have you not noted Sonic's antics?" Shadow asks, now sitting on the bed's edge, staring out the window with a stern expression. "Have you not noticed that he is always happy around you? Have you not noticed his attempts to get your attention, not dissimilar to the way a schoolboy treats the girl he likes? Have you not noticed his attempts to drive you further away from me than you were?"
Knuckles says nothing, speechless, and moves to the edge of the bed beside Shadow, letting his legs dangle over the side. He glances at Shadow's un-readable face before staring out the window along with him.
"I never noticed," he voices quietly.
"Though I denied it, he already knows about us. He ran off," Shadow informs. Knuckles frowns and, with a sigh, gets to his feet. "You're going to look for him?"
"You know how Sonic is; he can be completely subject to his emotions. I don't want him doing anything rash," Knuckles points out as he slips his shoes on.
"Very well," Shadow nods, his gaze un-shifting. "Hurry back."
With a nod, Knuckles leaves the room, and moments later Shadow sees a red blur rushing down the road.
As Knuckles rounds the corner he spots Sonic sitting at the back of an alley at the edge of town, his face cradled in his hands.
"I knew I'd find you like this, Sonic," the shadowed echidna voices. Sonic looks up at the sound of the familiar voice
"Knuckles," Sonic hisses, cutting his eyes up at the figure before him as a song sounds from a window high above, showering them with familiar lyrics.
It starts with
One thing/ I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind/I designed this rhyme
To explain in due time
"I came to confirm what you assumed about Shadow and I," Knuckles states plainly.
"So it is true," Sonic says quietly, his eyes falling to the ground.
"It's true. And you've got to accept it. You've already failed at keeping me away from Shadow, and no matter what you do from hereon out, you won't be able to pull us apart," Knuckles declares.
"But why, Knuckles? Why did you go to him?" Sonic questions in a pained voice, squinting back tears. Knuckles sighs, unsure of how to answer.
All I know
Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down to the end of the day
The clock ticks life away
"All I know is that I've been running out of time. I was on the verge of losing my purpose in life altogether. I refused to believe that I was no longer needed as Guardian, it seemed impossible," Knuckles explains.
It's so unreal
Didn't look out below
Watch the time go right out the window
Tried to hold on/but didn't even know
Wasted it all just to
"I have nobody but myself to blame for that denial, but Shadow showed me the one thing that will make life worth living, even without the responsibility of the emeralds," he finishes.
"Knuckles, don't you see?" Sonic pleads for understanding in a shaky voice. "All this time I've fought for your attention. And then the hedgehog from hell came along. Made to be me, only better. And all the time I spent fighting for you was wasted. I tried to hold on; I did all I could…"
Watch you go
I kept everything inside and even though I tried/it all fell apart
What it meant to me/will eventually/be a memory/of a time when
"And you went to him," Sonic almost whispers. "I hid the way I felt, but I still fought for you, for your attention. But everything I've done has crumbled to dust. I'll never forget how important you were to me," Sonic manages, his voice finally breaking. He looks up at Knuckles with a tear-streaked face. "Why couldn't you see?"
I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
"I tried so hard! All these years have amounted to nothing! Everything I've ever gained has been taken away. Nothing matters anymore, Knuckles! Nothing!" Sonic voices shakily, trying to calm himself.
One thing/I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind/I designed this rhyme
To remind myself how
For a few moments, neither speaks, the vocals and music of the song still being laid upon them.
"Sonic…"
I tried so hard
In spite of the way you were mocking me
Acting like I was part of your property
Remembering all the times you fought with me/I'm surprised
"No, don't say anything, Knuckles. I can't believe it took me this long to realize that it didn't matter what I did. No matter how hard I tried you never gave me the attention I wanted. And I continued trying. After all the fights we've had, after you put me through so much hell to keep me from the emeralds when we first met, after I proved I was worthy of your trust and continued to be treated like dirt I still kept trying.
It got so far
Things aren't the way they were before
You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
Not that you knew me back then
But it all comes back to me
"And you haven't noticed how I've changed. You never noticed anything about me! I wanted you to know me! And you never took the time…"
In the end
You kept everything inside and even though I tried/it all fell apart
What it meant to me/will eventually/be a memory/of a time when I
"I wanted to be the one you opened up to, but I never was. I've never been anything to you Knuckles. Never…"
I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
"Sonic! I've been your friend for a long time, and your rival for even longer! My focus was the Emeralds, which was my duty. I never considered needing anything more. I didn't open my eyes until I didn't have anything left! And you are not the one who showed me that there's more to life. So even though you may have tried, I see you the same way I always have," Knuckles explains, unable to look Sonic in the face.
I put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
And for all this
There's only one thing you should know…
"So this is it? I've officially failed," Sonic says in a low voice, forcing himself to his feet. "I trusted you would understand," he continues, inching toward Knuckles. "But I've come to the end. Just know and remember," he begins as he stands before Knuckles, raising his eyes to meet his.
I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
"Remember how hard I tried. How hard I tried, and how little it mattered," he finishes. "Are you sure you love Shadow? Or are you just trying to?"
"Bravo, Faker," an ominous voice interrupts from above as the lyrics to the popular song fade to silence, as if meant exclusively for the conversation that had taken place.
"Shadow!" Sonic snarls, wheeling around to see Shadow leap down into the alley.
"Isn't our dear Guardian confused enough without you urging him to deny the feelings he's finally recognized?" Let him alone, and settle this with me," Shadow summons with a cold stare.
"Why should I? This has nothing to do with you! This existed long before you ever became a factor!" Sonic shouts.
"You're wrong; this has everything to do with me. Am I not the one you're angry with? Although I'm superior to you, I was modeled after you, Faker. You and I are alike, which is shy our hearts hold the same desire," Shadow speaks.
"You have no heart; you're not even truly alive! You weren't born, and you don't lead a true life! You're nothing but a weapon, Shadow, so don't try to mimic the emotions of true living beings!" Sonic argues.
"Take that back, Sonic!" Knuckles demands, stepping in. "Every life on this planet is unique, and just because Shadow wasn't born like you or I, just because he doesn't age the way we do, that doesn't make him any less alive, but more unique. I know his feelings are real. And if you think back to when we first learned of him, he was completely guided by his emotions, not dissimilar to the way you are, Sonic!"
Sonic keeps his eyes locked on Shadow's, narrowing them further as Knuckles's words cut into him. Shadow returns the glare relentlessly, unfalteringly, remaining as still as stone. The collision of emerald and blood doesn't cease with Knuckles's words, as a battle is silently agreed upon. A rage-filled Sonic speeds toward the Ultimate Life Form in a blur of blue quills which whistle slightly as the air blows through them. Shadow sidesteps the attack of his heroic counterpart with ease, not blinking as Sonic skids to a halt a few inches away from making impact with the back wall of the alley. The Blue Blur takes no time to recover and flies toward his opponent with a high kick, ignoring the sharp pain in his wrist as it is struck by something protruding from the wall. Shadow turns halfway toward Sonic and catches his foot, kicking him at the back of his knee to knock him to the ground.
"With all that rage, you haven't got even the slightest chance of defeating me," Shadow speaks.
Knuckles looks upon the two without shock, the outcome having been predictable. Sonic winces at the pain from hitting the ground, and before he can open his eyes he feels a heavy weight on his chest. He looks up to see Shadow pinning him down with one foot. He stares up at him in silence with a hateful glare, defeated. He looks away as Knuckles walks up to Shadow's side, locking his eyes onto the ground next to him. The short battle ends without words, as suddenly as it had begun. Shadow removes his foot from Sonic's chest and turns to leave, beckoning Knuckles to accompany him. Knuckles reluctantly agrees and follows Shadow out of the alley, leaving Sonic on the ground. The blue hedgehog lies on the cold ground, embraced by the darkness of the alley, wishing that he had not been fortunate enough to survive all the adventures he had had. He feels himself overcome by a sense of calmness, and finally notices the red, warm liquid flowing from his painful wrist, closing his eyes as he spins deeper into a quiet vortex of nothing…