Chapter Four: Conversation in the Shadows
Sonic was taking his little run around Angel Island, he had no idea that Tails has alerted Amy that he was on Angel Island. He had been running around for five minutes, and ran on top of a mountain. He looked along the horizon, and could just about see Station Square in the distance.
"The place where I was a hero to these people, now they see me as a criminal." Sonic sadly stated.
He then runs down the side of the mountain, and then ran at high speed to another side of the island. As soon as he stopped, he looked along the horizon again, only this time, it was just the ocean he was staring at.
"Enjoying the view, Blue?" a mysterious voice called.
This startled Sonic for the moment, and he turned to face where the voice was coming from. What he saw was a black hedgehog, with red stripes, red eyes, white gloves, red, white and black shoes, and gold rings around his wrists.
"Shadow? What are you doing here?" Sonic wondered.
"I would ask you the same thing, but I kind of already guessed why. I saw on the news that you're a wanted man, for an apparent murder of Eggman." Shadow mentioned.
"Well, that's what they say. But I swear, Shadow, I didn't murder him." Sonic explained.
"I know." Shadow added.
"You know?" Sonic was confused.
"Yes. Because first of all, you're not the kind that would ever do that. I know you foil Eggman's plans time and time again, but I can't ever see you being a murderer." Shadow added.
"Well, glad to know you're on my side. Although unfortunately, it'll take more than your words to convince people." Sonic mentioned.
"You're not wrong there. People prefer to see visual proof. Makes me wonder if you have any plans on how to do this." Shadow wondered.
"Well, now that you mention it, I do. Tails is building a lie detector." Sonic started.
"Really? A lie detector? That won't prove anything. You can't even use those in court, because they're not 100% accurate. It only goes by percentage." Shadow mentioned.
"That is true, yes. But Tails is actually in the works of making one. You know how much of a mechanical genius he is. Remember the story I told you, when me and him were on Planet Wisp, and he created a translator for the Wisps?" Sonic asked him.
"I do remember that, yes." Shadow replied.
"OK, well, Tails is not making any ordinary lie detector. In fact, what he is actually doing, is that he is making one, so that it is 100% accurate. The elements that he needs are right here, on Angel Island." Sonic explained.
"And how far is he into getting these elements?" Shadow wondered.
"I'm not sure. But he has one already, because Knuckles has a few in his palace. Tails most likely is gathering the other materials." Sonic added.
"Well, he's getting somewhat there. What else does he need?" Shadow asked.
"Sand from Sandopolis, dirt from Red Mountain, mushroom from Mushroom Hill, and a molten rock from Lava Reef. The one Tails already has is the gem from the Hidden Palace." Sonic again explains.
"So, just five things?" Shadow asked.
"Just five things he needs, and one he already has. So really, he only needs four." Sonic finished.
"Well, OK. I think I may be able to help him, and you with that quest. I take it you are all spending your nights with Knuckles, at his palace?" Shadow insisted.
"Yep. That is exactly the plan." Sonic replied.
"Why does Tails need those things from Angel Island though? Couldn't he just use sand, and dirt from other places?" Shadow thought.
"It doesn't work like that, Shadow. Angel Island has been around for centuries, and it is magical. So anything from this island is magic along with it." Sonic explained.
"OK, well, that makes sense. In that case, do me a favour, Sonic. Run back to the palace, and tell everyone that I will be making my way to Sandopolis shortly. And let Tails know that he has me to help him find these elements." Shadow demanded.
"You not coming with me back there yet?" Sonic wondered.
"I will be right behind you, once I get the sand from Sandopolis. I just need to have a moment to myself for just a little while." Shadow replied.
"OK, I will catch you later, Shadow. Come round, whenever you can." Sonic told him.
Then after that, Sonic dashed away, and made his way back towards the palace, while Shadow stayed in the exact same spot he was at, when he spotted Sonic. He looks up into the sky, and sighs sadly.
"This is what you wanted, right, Maria? Even though I have fulfilled my promise to you, you still want me to live life to the fullest, and help in any way I can. But even though it has been over fifty years since I have lost you, and over ten years that I have fulfilled my promise to you, but I still feel as if I am still missing something. Something I have yet to fulfil, but I still haven't done so, because I have no idea what that is." Shadow thought.
He just continued to look into the sky, in sadness. He thought long and hard about what he was thinking. But he couldn't think what could be the issue he is having.
.
(Shadow singing)
Still have your number on my phone
And although you don't know, I listen
I'd still call, and wait for the tone
Just to hear you saying, "Leave a message"
.
Shadow closed his eyes, and he was daydreaming of himself with Maria on Earth. They were both sitting on the grass, under a tree, looking at the sun. Shadow gave a faint smile, and Maria was smiling very warmly.
.
(Shadow singing)
Since you've been gone I've had to find
Different ways to grieve
There's days that I don't even want it on my mind
But tonight I'm weak
.
Shadow placed a hand on Maria's, and he then turned to face Maria, and Maria looks back at Shadow.
.
(Shadow singing)
So, I will now pull out pictures, ones with you in them
Laugh and cry a little while reminiscing
By myself
I can't help
That all I think about is
How you were taken way too soon
It's not the same here without you
I've got to say, missing you came in waves
And tonight I'm drowning
.
Both Shadow and Maria both stood up, and they looked into one another's eyes. Shadow's smile grew more warm, as this was really the only way he could see Maria. The only way he could really see Maria, is either by dreaming, or one day, when he dies. But he wasn't sure if he could die, as he is an artificial lifeform, created by Dr. Eggman's Grandfather, Dr. Gerald Robotnik.
.
(Shadow singing)
Yeah, I know you're in a better place
And one day I'll see you again
But it's killing me we can't be face to face
I miss my best friend
.
So, I will now pull out pictures, ones with you in them
Laugh and cry a little while reminiscing
By myself
I can't help
That all I think about is
How you were taken way too soon
It's not the same here without you
I've got to say, missing you came in waves
And tonight I'm drowning
.
Yes, tonight I'm drowning
.
Shadow's smile then turns into a sad frown, and sad tears fell from his eyes, and he wraps his arms around Maria's waist. Maria wraps her arms around Shadow's head. They embrace for a while, while Shadow was crying uncontrollably, and Maria still smiles warmly.
.
(Shadow singing)
I know it's a part of life
But I wasn't ready to say goodbye
.
Maria placed a kiss on Shadow's forehead. And after that, the daydream had ended, and Shadow opens his eyes, into the real world. Shadow used his hand to wipe his eyes, and noticed his tears were also real.
.
(Shadow singing)
So, I will now pull out pictures, ones with you in them
Laugh and cry a little while reminiscing
By myself
I can't help
That all I think about is
How you were taken way too soon
It's not the same here without you
I've got to say, missing you came in waves
And tonight I'm drowning
.
Yes, tonight I'm drowning
.
Shadow stood there in silent, and he breathes heavily. Tears continued to flow from his eyes. He was not sure why he was crying. He knew it was because he missed Maria, but he was thinking that can't be the only reason.
"What is wrong with me? Why am I crying? I know I miss Maria, and I occasionally cry about that, but this time, it feels different. It's like I am crying for another reason, but I don't even know what it is. What is it trying to tell me, Maria? I don't understand. Please, send me a sign." Shadow pleaded.
"Are you alright, Shadow?" a voice called out.
Shadow turns around, and sees a white female bat, with teal green eyes, blue eye shadow, pink lipstick, she was wearing a black sleeveless outfit, with pink heart chest plate, white high heeled boots, with pink hearts at the toes, and long white gloves.
"Yeah, I am fine, Rouge. What are you doing here?" Shadow wondered.
"I could be asking you the same thing. And what is wrong, Shadow? Why are you crying?" Rouge asked in concern.
Shadow shook off, and he wiped the tears away from his eyes.
"It's nothing. That doesn't matter right now, I will tell you later. Anyway, we have to get to Sandopolis, as soon as possible." Shadow told her.
"Hold up, Sandopolis? Why are we going there for?" Rouge wondered.
"Well, do you remember the news last night, where Sonic is wanted, because he was accused of murdering Eggman?" Shadow started.
"I do remember that, yes. And I don't think Baby-Blue would do anything like that. Like, EVER! But what does that have to do with it?" Rouge asked again.
"Well, Sonic is actually staying with Knuckles, until the real truth comes out. Tails is also there, and Sonic tells me he is making a lie detector, which he says is to be 100% accurate. Better than any lie detector ever made. So accurate, the court would consider using it." Shadow finished.
"A lie detector, to prove Sonic's innocence. That definitely sounds like Tails to help his best friend out." Rouge complimented.
"Yeah, Tails does mean well, when it comes to helping others. Especially Sonic, as they're best friends." Shadow added.
"OK, so, what exactly is the plan here? Besides going to Sandopolis, what does Tails need for this lie detector?" Rouge wondered.
"Well, it's five things they need. Tails already has one, as Knuckles had one of them already. So he really needs four more things. Molten rock from Lava Reef, dirt from Red Mountain, mushroom from Mushroom Hill, and sand from Sandopolis. This is a magical island, and they only need the elements here, elsewhere won't work." Shadow mentioned.
"OK, well, I guess we're going to Sandopolis then." Rouge stated.
Shadow nods in agreement. Shortly after that, Shadow jumps on his motorcycle, and Rouge hops on the back of him. She wraps her arms around Shadow's waist, and Shadow sighed shyly.
"You alright there, Shadow?" Rouge wondered.
"Uh, yeah, I'm fine. I'm just looking for the key." Shadow lied.
He finds his key, and he switches on the engine. And after that, Shadow drives the motorcycle at high speed, with Rouge, towards Sandopolis. Shadow thought for a moment.
"Why is my heart beating the way it is? Like, it's naturally doing this, when I'm around Rouge. What is she doing to me? Is this the answer to my problems?" Shadow wondered.
With that, they continued to make their way towards Sandopolis, to help Tails prove Sonic is innocent, by collecting the sand.