A few clouds threatened in an attempt to overcast what was a peaceful ceramic scene before them both. Tails laughed loudly as he and Cream played about on the monkey bars, chasing each other in a light game of tag as they ran around the small playground that was only occupying the two of them currently. They had spent a few hours there, pushing each other on the swings, taking turns on the slides and spinning on the merry-go-round until they were the last two children there. Supervising from a small distance sat Sonic and Amy on a small picnic blanket, the latter buttering the scones she had made with delicious jam before handing it to the boy who sat cross legged next to her. He smiled with the appreciation he felt, knowing it was a small task he'd be unable to do, and for once the smile on his face wasn't forced, nor was it simply to be polite, but a genuine happy to be here with you smile. It felt unnatural to be relaxed around a person he hadn't known for a long time, more so to be around a girl that treated him with so much kindness as she did. Maybe it was something about her calming manner or her glee for life that made him not feel anxious to be outside of the house, or maybe it was because not too far behind them Shadow sat with Rouge on a bench supervising them as they supervised the children.

On the bench Rouge chuckled lightly to herself, watching the young teens as Amy took out a napkin to wipe the jam off Sonic's face, causing the boy to blush and avert his gaze. "Isn't it sweet Shads? Look how happy they are" she cooed, holding her hands together in front of her face. Her face quickly dropped to an annoyed grunt as Shadow seemingly ignored her. "Are you listening to me?" she asked, noticing how Shadow seemed to show more interest in his shoes then in her conversation.

"Huh?" he finally looked up, "Sorry, what were you saying?"

Rouge groaned and rolled her eyes, "Forget it, what's on your mind? I thought you'd be happy, tomorrow we sent Eggman to the jail house and hopefully the chair."

Shadow shook his head, "I know, I am glad, it's just... I'm worried how Sonic will be about it" he sighed. "Shadow he's going to be fine, we've walked him through it all, he knows what he has to say and we've prepared him for all the possible questions. All you have to do is keep him calm and so far it seems like you've been doing a great job of that."

"But that's the thing, he hasn't reacted to any of it lately. I'm worried he's in denial about it, or he's penting everything up inside. What if he can't control himself when he sees Eggman? It could blow up in our face and everything will have been for nothing."

"Shadow... where is this coming from? I thought you wanted Sonic to be calm and to not get scared, now you're saying you want him to lash out?" the white bat asked, though not out of frustration, but out of genuine confusion and curiosity.

The former agent closed his eyes, a deep sigh rolling from his lips, "I just want to know he's ready for this. I would rather he get all the panic and fear out now instead of tomorrow where there's no turning back. If Breezie is on her A-game then-"

Rouge quickly cut him off, "Don't worry about that okay? It's taken care of" she said, dismissing any more questions before he could ask them. "Besides the kid is probably still on cloud nine from you finally popping the big question huh? Huuuh?" she teased while elbowing the black hedgehog in his ribs. The latter scowled and slapped her away, but he couldn't stop the small smile forming across his mussel. "Well... I'm pleased it's finally over with. I know Sonic will be a challenge, I don't think he'll ever not be one, but I guess if I ever were to have children I'd want a son to be like him" he mused quietly, his age finally showing. Even though he looked eighteen and will do so for the remainder of his life, the ultimate life form had been created over fifty years ago. He had lived the majority of his time on Earth alone, rarely taking care in anyone's existence until Maria came along and changed all that. Rouge will never get over how much of an impact that sweet girl had on him. She grew up knowing of the black hedgehog to be something of an urban legend, and now she was his partner in crime, his closest friend and sometimes his only companion. In her twenty four years of being alive, she knew where her priorities lay, because even if Shadow was unaware of it or simply hand no interest, she would kill to make sure he achieve his goal of revenge for Maria, he just meant that much to her now. He deserved to be happy for once in his life.

"Look, I know this is a big step for you Shadow, and I'm really proud that you've opened up your heart again" she smiled, leaning her head down on his shoulder as she watched the children play. Shadow looked away, but a soft smile remained. "Just don't ruin it by pushing the kid for a reaction by scaring him."

Quick to the defensive, Shadow pushed her off, "I have no intentions of doing that, but I know Sonic better then you do, he cries when I make him take a bath. I asked him for details about the roboticiser and his hallucinations got so bad they had to put him on more medication just to get him to sleep. Whenever I bring tomorrow up he just smiles and agrees with whatever I say to him. I know he's struggling with it, but last time he bottled everything up he was sick and missed his date with Amy. He's a strong kid but he's still broken, and if he doesn't show some kind of emotion before tomorrow then I know he's going to throw himself off a roof, or worse, he'll attack someone and end up going back to prison" the worry grew evermore with each scenario Shadow thought of. Normally he'd call himself a fool for what he was thinking, but these are all instances that have already taken place.

Rouge sighed as she crossed her arms, knowing he had cause to worry, but also worse off that she couldn't reassure him that these things wouldn't take place. Perhaps a reaction would be best before the court case tomorrow.

Before she could say her thoughts Shadow stood up, deciding to call it a day. "Sonic, come on were leaving" he shouted out. Sonic looked over at his soon to be new father, and Shadow easily noticed there was a level of hesitation to follow him, not to mention, he could have sworn there was a wave of panic in the young boys face.

Amy helped him up to his feet, and Tails and Cream ran over to say their goodbyes. "Are you sure you don't want me to come tomorrow?" Amy asked, ignoring that the adults and younger children were fastly approaching them and forming a small group. Sonic however was not ignoring that fact as he shied away and lowered his voice. "No I... I don't want you too hear things" was all he could say before going silent in front of his younger brother who held his hand out of comfort. His eyes glanced over to the crimson pair staring at him. "I-I'll be okay. Really! It's not a big deal, just say my piece and I'll be home free" he laughed. Shadow furrowed his brow in disapproval. He waited for the young girl to say her goodbyes and for Rouge to take the children back to their mothers before he led Sonic back to their home, the drive being unsettlingly quiet as they did so.

Once they walked through the door Shadow threw his keys into the bowl and took off his rocket skates. He turned, ready to finally talk to the blue hedgehog, but the boy was making a beeline to his room. "Wait come here!" he ordered. Sonic stopped at the bottom of the stairs, his hand on the banister, so close to escape. A small chill ran down his spine, but he took his foot off the lower step and turned around to face his guardian, "What's up?" he smiled.

Seeing the hesitation, Shadow walked up to him instead, "Are you alright? Anything you want to talk about?"

"Nope."

"Oh" taken aback by the quick response, Shadow paused, choosing his words carefully. "Well, how are you feeling about tomorrow?"

Sonic gritted his teeth but kept his smile. "I'll be fine, can I go to bed now?"

"We haven't had dinner yet."

"I'm not hungry."

Shadow sighed, now realising why parents often complained about their teenagers. "Don't you want to try on your prosthetic again? See if we can get it more comfortable this time?"

"No it's okay, I just want to go to bed."

Finally he gave up, this wasn't a battle he was going to win, "Alright, just... sleep well" he said, watching as Sonic quickly rushed up the stairs, an audible bang of the door showing he had gone into his room.

Shadow threw his head into his hands, rubbing at his temples as he did so. He could have done so much more to get the hedgehog to open up, he could have told horror stories of what it would be like to see Eggman again, or the consequences of making a mistake, anything to make him get all his fear and worry out now before he had to face the trial for real. Unfortunately Rouge predicted him and told him not to. She had a point though. Perhaps Sonic was just trying to be brave and not wanting to get upset over something he couldn't control. Shadow didn't know, he didn't know which of the two was the correct answer to this problem.

Instead of trying to figure it out for himself, Shadow decided he was also going to get an early night sleep, tomorrow was going to be one of the biggest days of their lives and he needed to be rested for it.

There was no window in his room, so all Sonic had to go on was the clock on his night stand. It was 1:36 in the morning, his bedroom was only lit by a soft glow from the night light Shadow got for him to help him sleep. He hadn't been able to sleep for the past three days though, not properly anyway. Whenever his eyes rested long enough to drift all he would see is flashes of Eggman, laughing sadisticly as he walked a free man, taking Sonic along with him while everyone just watched as he ripped away at his body, removing more limbs and skin and blood. Sonic couldn't bare that image anymore, it was every slept he had ever since he and Shadow went through the formalities of what would happen during court. He wanted to be sick, he woke up drenched in his own sweat and toppled over as he started to retch. For the past couple of days he had coped, doing everything to avoid the topic of Eggman and to try and not dwell on these images that plagued his mind tormentingly. But Shadow knew something was wrong, and Sonic didn't know how to handle it. Tonight however he did.

Sonic grabbed a bag from his wardrobe and quickly packed a few essentials that he may need. He packed jumpers as it was autumn and he didn't want to be on display with his amputee. He packed socks and gloves, a book he was learning to write with and a picture of Amy that she had given him as a reminder to be brave for tomorrow.

Throwing the bag over his shoulder, he quietly made his way down the stairs and approached the front door. He opened it wide... and stood still. He felt his legs freeze in the stance they were in, ignoring his every command to move them forward and get the hell out. Yet, as he looked out into the dark, unwelcoming world, he felt his body cripple. His hand squeezed the door knob so tightly that it sent pains up his arm and neck. Sonic wanted to run, but his lungs couldn't handle merely looking outside. He hyperventilated, his body screaming for him to get back to where it was safe while his brain told him to run away.

Eventually one of the two won, and he made his choice.

Shadow slept with little ease. At first all he could do was stress about the following day and every worse case scenario, his brain had never been so imaginative before. But with the help of the soft breeze that blew from his half opened window, and the soft blanket that he rolled himself up in that protected him from the cold of the air while allowing the wind to calm him, he was quickly asleep. But not a heavy one. This was why he woke up at the sound of his door slowly creaking open.

"S-Sonic..." he asked while wiping at his eyes, head feeling groggy from the sudden awakening. He leaned over and turned on his lamp, now able to focus his eyes on the figure in front of him.

Sonic stood with his arm crossed on his stomach, his body in physical distress as he tried so desperately not to release the sob he held on to.

Shadow felt his heart swell at the sight in front of him, pity and empathy taking a stronger hold then he had ever felt before. "Oh Sonic... come here" he whispered gently, holding out his arm to bring the other one closer. Sonic allowed the tears to roll down his face as the cry he'd been fighting broke free. He lowered down to the bed and fell into the older ones embrace, his only arm clinging tightly to Shadow's back as he held onto him. The black hedgehog did nothing to stop him, drawing him closer as the other buried his face into the white fur of his chest. He could feel how much he trembled in his grasp, hear the sounds of agony and fear as the boy wept on him.

"I don't want to do it, I don't want to go... Shadow please! Please don't make me do this!" Sonic wailed in a final act of desperation. Shadow lowered his muzzle against the boys head tiredly, taking in a deep breath.

"It will be okay son, I promise. I'll be there the whole time. Nothing will hurt you tomorrow."

"Noooo please! I'll do anything I swear, I-If I go t-tomorrow t-then I'm gonna die" he sobbed. Shadow ran his hand through his blue quills, "No you wont" he said sternly, "Tomorrow the nightmare will be over and then that's it."

"He'll kill me... Eggman will have someone waiting for me... h-he wont let me g-get away..."

Shadow began to feel his own eyes water, he quickly wiped at them before the other could notice. "There are too many police and G.U.N agents there, it's going to be impossible for anything or anyone to get anywhere near you, you understand?" He had to wait for a short moment, but he felt Sonic reluctantly nod his head in agreement, but it didn't stop the boy from crying out his fears.

But for Shadow, he could finally breathe in relief. His fingers traced along his new son's cheek, his thumb wiping the tears as they fell, but unable to catch them all.

"You're gonna be okay?" he whispered softly, closing his eyes as he allowed sleep to take a firmer control of him. Sonic didn't want to talk anymore, he knew it was pointless, all he wanted was his father to hold him as he cried, and as that was the role Shadow had promised to be, it was the role he intended to fulfil. He laid back down into the pillows, adjusting himself so the blue teen could follow suit. Soon the sobs quietened to hiccups, then the hiccups quietened to deep breathing, each of which Shadow could feel the warm breath against his white fur which was also damp from the tears. Only when he was completely satisfied that the boy was asleep he allowed himself to drift also, unaware that that was the first night Sonic had slept without distress in three days.

Then the day finally came.

Three months of waiting, three months of caring for a prisoner, three months of preparing both literally and mentally all lead up to this morning, and for once Shadow thought he might be the one to be sick.

He refused to show to his younger companion how his nerves were threatening to get the better of him however. Sonic was not strong right now and Shadow needed to be for both of them.

It wasn't just three months of him waiting for this day however, it was almost three years. He was finally going to see Eggman pay for his crimes, for taking the lives of so many people, for corrupting those desperate enough to listen to him... for tricking him into slaughtering his best friend. This day had to go right, he couldn't afford for it not to.

Shadow pulled the car up into a parking space designated for him, and after switching off the engine he looked over to the boy next to him. Sonic remained quiet as he stared out the window, absent mindedly biting his fingers after taking off his glove for the journey. He knew Shadow would yell if he got a hole in his glove. Today they both had to dress smart, which meant a trip to the tailors a couple weeks back, Rouge deciding to treat him as Shadow already had his apparel. She had gotten him a well fit black suit jacket, along with a white shirt underneath. There was originally a tie but it felt too suffocating to wear it. It was a nice suit, but nothing too fancy or overdressed. Shadow was wearing his grey suit jacket with a waist coat and shirt. Apparently court was the only time this outfit would make an appearance, which was often in his line of work.

It all felt so odd to him though, Shadow had to help him dress this morning, but first he had fitted on his new prophetic, replacing the lost limb and covering the part of his breast plate that was missing. When the arm had arrived they needed a doctor present to make sure it didn't cause anymore damage to the healing. He advised against wearing it just yet, but Rouge had insisted, wanting to do some grand reveal or something. So with care Shadow strapped it around his chest and around his neck, making sure it aligned with his other arm and that it was on tight enough without feeling constricted.

And now, wearing it properly for the first time, to Sonic is just felt heavy and pointless. He couldn't use it, it was just made out of plastic and metal, all for appearance to fill out his shirts and jumpers. Although he did have to admit, seeing it concealed under his clothes and gloves, it was nice to look like the way he used to... the way he did before Eggman.

Shadow opened up the car door for Sonic, seeing the boy too lost in thought to realise they had pulled up. The kid snapped his head up at the sound though, and took his fingers out of his mouth, not noticing they were starting to bleed a little. Shadow sighed before taking a tissue out of his pocket and wiping the hand clean from blood and saliva, once finished he put the glove back on his hand to cover up the damage. "Come on, time to get this over with... you ready?" he asked.

Sonic shook his head, but, with Shadow's help, didn't fight to stay in the car.

His feet felt that familiar parallelisation as he looked up to the building that towered above him, looking threateningly close to collapse and engulf him if he took a step inside. And as if Shadow could read his thoughts, the black hedgehog placed his hand on his back and pushed him forward without saying a word.

Once inside Sonic let Shadow deal with everything, all the formalities, checking in and getting the information needed. Soon a policeman lead them down a few corridors, up a few flight of stairs and directed them to the room their case was to be held in. They were both able to see Rouge standing in front of the door, waiting patiently for them to arrive. Instead of her normal skin tight cat suit, she wore a dark pink dress, a very modest one at that. Shadow was grateful she seemed to be on best behaviour.

"Hey boys" she greeted with a flirtatious smile. "Rouge" Shadow replied, Sonic stayed quiet.

Next to her stood two familiar faces, a purple chameleon and a large green crocodile. "Hey there Shads, been a long time since we seen you at the office, how was babysitting?" Vector joked light heartedly. Shadow huffed with annoyance. Why were these idiots here?

"Come on boys settle down. It's nice for you to finally join us. We have a couple of minutes until it starts so I suggest we get our seats" Rouge said, giving a private yet knowing look to the others. Vector and Espio took that as their cue to go in and leave them alone to talk.

Rouge turned her attention to Sonic, placing a hand on his cheek as she smiled, "Look at you, you look so handsome in that suit! How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

Sonic could only breathe uneasily, not knowing if it was possible to answer. "Is Eggman in there now?" he asked hesitantly, not wanting to know the answer.

"No sweetie, they'll bring him out last. Don't worry, you're going to be sitting in the bench between me and Shadow and he'll be restrained the entire time."

"We've also had extra guards on patrol from G.U.N to ensure your safety, they'll be doing a constant sweep of the place" Shadow added on after, "You're completely safe."

Drawing in a sharp breath, Sonic relaxed if only a little. He was safe... he was safe- he thought to himself repeatedly.

Shadow was ready to open the door for them all to walk through, but Rouge quickly grabbed his hand, "Wait Shadow, I need to tell you something first..."

She was interrupted when the door in front of them opened from the other side. Out walked a beautiful green hedgehog who wore an expensive red pant suit and adorned herself with golden jewellery.

"Breezie" Shadow hissed, recognising her immediately. She had been a thorn in his side for so long when it came to Eggman. She was an exquisite lawyer with an almost perfect record.

"Well hello dark and handsome, glad I got to run into you before the parade started" she smiled, holding her hand out to Shadow, only for him to refuse it. "I'm surprised hell gave you a day pass to let you come here" he retorted. Breezie merely laughed "Sharp as ever I see. Well I suggest you play nice, this is the first time we'll be working together so I suggest you might want to lighten up."

"Wait what? What are you talking about?" Shadow asked in confusion, but Breezie brushed him off and turned to Sonic. "Hi there Miles, I know this is a bit of a surprise and all but things got switched around last moment. I've got all the information I need though so don't worry, my questioned will be the same as the ones you discussed with your other lawyer. If I think of anything good I'll give you time to answer and keep it simple" she smiled. Sonic was taken aback, forgetting that they were using his fake name, and that Eggman's attorney was acting like this. He turned to Shadow for answers but the other hedgehog looked just as confused.

"Right" Breezie looked at her gold watch "We are running out of time, so get yourself in there, go go go, it's show time kid" she ushered while pulling Sonic close to the opened door, the boy barely understanding what was going on, so when Shadow started speaking he stood silently in the doorway, his mind drifting from the conversation to what was in the court room.

"I don't understand, you're working as our lawyer now?" Shadow asked.

"Seems you understand pretty well."

"But you're Eggman's personal attorney, why would you go against him?"

Breezie flicked at her hair, "Excuse me, but I only belong to the highest bidder, which just so happens to be this little gem stone over here" she sung while placing her arm around Rouge's shoulders and pulling her in close, making a scene of what she said. When Shadow looked at her, he wanted some kind of indication that Breezie was screwing with him, yet Rouge could only look down in shame.

"Why... why would you swap lawyers? You said we had a solid case?"

"Shadow!" Rouge quickly calmed herself after accidentally snapping, "We were scraping at the barrel... I'm sorry, I did what I had to do."

He didn't understand, Breezie was a good lawyer yes, but why was Rouge ashamed of this plan... why wasn't she acting like herself? Why wouldn't she have told him?... unless... who was the lawyer that replaced Breezie?

"Oh no" Shadow gasped, a sudden thought, a preposterous idea entered into his mind. He pushed past the two women and came to Sonic's side, his eyes widened in worried as he grabbed Sonic's arm.

The boy didn't respond. He couldn't move, couldn't tear his eyes away from the one person he saw standing at the front of the judges bench, talking to a group of people Sonic held no interest in. He could feel sweat fall from his face, his lips trembling at the sight before him. His biggest fear, the scenario he never pictured among his personal turmoil. He wanted to scream but nothing came close to that noise. His chest rose heavier then he thought possible and his eyes burned from refusing to blink. He was completely paralysed and his brain only said one word again and again. RUN.

It was his father. His real father was the one standing there, the one that stood on the side of the accused, the one lawyer who could get any criminal off with no consequences and who sported a perfect record.

His father, whom he ran away from after hurting his little sister and destroying their family... was here.

RUN.