Episode 15: Heart in the Black Hedgehog
It has been three weeks since Sun has been rescued and Tails and Shadow are freed from the Chaos Emeralds, and Sun is still recovering from her injuries. One afternoon, Sun is with Sonic and Tails at the Power Ring Pool. At the same time, Shadow has his arms crossed as he leans against the tree. Most of Sun's injuries have been recovered, but still has to wear a cast on her left arm.
"So how are you feeling, Sun?" Sonic asks.
"I am feeling a lot better, but my arm still hurts," Sun says.
"It could have been worse," Sonic says.
Tails says, "We're glad that you're feeling better."
"Thanks," Sun says.
She then turns to see Shadow looking at her with a firm expression. Sun is a bit confused about the way Shadow is staring at her.
"What's wrong, Sun?" Sonic asks.
"It's nothing. I'm just wondering what Shadow is doing. He's been staring at me," Sun whispers to Sonic.
Sonic and Tails turn to see Shadow looking at Sun themselves.
"You have to admit. Shadow has been accompanying you for the past few weeks," Sonic replies in a soft tone.
"Since Sun left the hospital," Tails says.
"Is there something wrong with that?" Shadow asks.
"Oh it's nothing," Sun says.
"Yeah. We were just wondering why you've been accompanying Sun," Sonic says.
He then laughs, "If I didn't know better. I think you're interested in being Sun's bodyguard."
"Very funny," Shadow sternly says.
Sun giggles, "Don't worry Shadow, I actually like to have you and the others company."
"Glad to know," Sonic says, giving her a thumbs up.
"Still, what should we do now?" Sun asks.
Sonic places his hand under his chin, "I don't know. We haven't heard from Dr. Eggman and his robots for weeks. Surprisingly, Glittering Sparkle hasn't been heard from either."
Shadow walks over and sits down with Sun.
"I suggest it will be best for Sun to get better control of those abilities of yours," Shadow says.
"Why'd you say that?" Sonic asks.
"From what you explained, this Glittering Sparkle is now becoming stronger every time she uses that Dark Chaos Emerald Dr. Eggman created. From what Sun testify, Glittering Sparkle is also being corrupted every time she used that Emerald," Shadow says.
"In other words, I need to get stronger myself. It might not be easy, especially since my arm is still broken. I had trouble using it when Finitevus attacked me," Sun says.
"Yeah. I don't think it's a good idea to give you the heavy stuff yet. You still have to be in that cast for another two weeks or so," Sonic says.
"That is true, but maybe I can do something to help get my strength back," Sun says.
Sonic hops on his feet, "I say we can start by going on a run. Later."
With that, Sonic super speed away leaving Sun, Tails, and Shadow behind.
"Is he always like this?" Sun asks.
"Pretty much, but we love him anyway," Tails says.
Shadow rolls his eyes, "He is also annoying if one might say."
"I have to admit, Sonic really reminds me of Rainbow Dash," Sun says, and begins laughing.
"I wish I could meet your friends. They sound great," Tails says.
"They are. I really miss them," Sun says.
"Don't worry, we'll get you back home after dealing with Glittering Sparkle," Tails says.
Sometime later, in Uncle Chuck's diner, Sun is with Amy, Cream and Cheese, Bunnie, and Sally are having lunch.
"It was a great idea to have lunch together. Don't you agree, Cheese," Cream says.
"Chao Chao," Cheese happily says and eats a french fry.
"Uncle Chuck makes good food," Sun says.
"Yeah. Uncle Chuck runs the diner and makes good food in the diner," Bunnie happily says.
Amy turns to Sun, "So Sun, what do you wanna do?"
"I'm not sure. Sonic left to go on one of his runs and Tails decided that he wanted to join him. At the same time, Shadow has been well, acting strange around me," Sun says.
"Strange how?" Sally asks.
"I don't know. He's been accompanying me for the past few weeks, not that I mind. I don't really know much about Shadow, but he seems well…" Sun says.
"Serious about staying beside you," Amy suspects.
"Yes," Sun says.
She then shows a sign of concern.
"Is there something wrong, Sun?" Cream asks.
"Well, I know it's going to sound strange, but did Shadow have… um, I don't know gone through an ordeal or something?" Sun asks.
"Why'd you say that, sugarcube?" Bunnie asks.
"Well, it's hard to explain, but when I first saw Shadow, even though he seems serious and stern, I… I can sense sadness in his eyes. I have this weird feeling it has something to do with him always being by my side," Sun says.
Sally and the others look at each other in concern.
"I know it sounds weird, but I can't help but thinking Shadow has gone through something awful, Something that seems to cause him heartaches," Sun replies.
Sally sighs, "You're not wrong about that. In fact, you're actually on the mark."
"How so?" Sun asks.
Amy sighs, "It actually happened a few years ago. Actually, what happened took place over 50 years ago."
"Fifty years ago?" Sun asks.
"It's a long story, but in short… Shadow was created 50 years ago by Dr. Eggman's grandfather. He had a friend named Maria who was his only friend. Sadly, G.U.N invaded the ARK and Maria was shot when she tried to save Shadow," Sally says.
Sun eyes wide as tears verge from her eyes, "Oh no."
"Yes. Shadow was reached to earth, but was found and placed in suspended animation before he could get out. A few later, Dr. Eggman released Shadow and had him gather the Chaos Emerald and Sonic was framed. When we found out Eggman and Shadow were involved we did what we can to follow his tracks to Space Colony ARK. However, Shadow was not the only one who suffered from Maria's loss. Gerald Robotnik, Eggman's grandfather was too. He then used Shadow to carry out his revenge on the planet for what G.U.N did to Maria before he was executed," Amy says.
"How awful. But… Why would this G.U.N do this?" Sun asks.
"The leaders of the project worried Professor Gerald will use Shadow for evil purposes, but ended causing Gerald Robotnik to do just that. Eggman used Shadow to gather the seven Chaos Emeralds and bring them to the ARK so he can use the Eclipse Cannon," Bunnie says.
"However. The professor rigged the ARK so that the ARK will crash down destroying the planet. Shadow also wanted it to happen because of what they did to Maria. But I was able to convince him otherwise, and… Shadow remembered his promise he made to Maria that he will protect the planet and he did," Amy says.
Sun sadly says, "I… I had no idea Shadow went through something that awful. Maria must have meant everything to him. I… I'm sorry."
"I know it's hard and I don't know if Shadow plans on telling you. I do think he will appreciate it if you want to help him," Sally says.
Sun sadly says, "I do hope I can help him."
Unknown to Sun and the girls, Shadow continues to watch over them and has heard everything that the girls say, especially the girls telling Sun his backstory. Even though he doesn't appreciate them telling her but he feels uneasy for Sun to know. He soon leaves on the spot.
Sometime later, Sun is walking out of the city to see a large clearing in front. She can't help but feel concerned about Shadow. She can't get what the others say about Shadow's past out of her head. She hopes that she can talk to Shadow later when he feels up for it. For now, she is meeting Shadow just outside of New Mobotropolis for some training. Sun looks and smiles to see Shadow standing close to the tree.
Sun says, "Hi Shadow."
"You are a little late," Shadow calmly says with a frown.
"Um sorry. The girls and I were talking during lunch and um… I'm sorry," Sun says.
Shadow says, "Whatever, let's get started with your training."
"Okay," Sun says.
Shadow and Sun walk a few distance away from the city so there will be a large space.
"Alright. I want you to show me what you can do," Shadow says.
Sun becomes confused, "You mean my powers?"
"Yes. I want you to show me your ability. Show me what you can do," Shadow says.
"If you say so," Sun says.
Sun then uses her geode necklace allowing her to transform into her outfit. She gains her wings, pony ears, and extended hair.
"Alright. Here I go," Sun says, and takes off into the air.
Then Sun uses her magic to create fire with a working hand. Sun then activates each charm to activate her powers. The Sonic charm makes Sun speed fast and then with a spin dash. The Tails charms allow Sun to make Tornadoes with her wings. After that, Sun uses the Knuckles Charm to create spiked fist and she slams to the ground. Finally, she uses her medallion and the Amy Charm to create a large hammer and she slams it to the ground. Then Sun lands on the ground.
She turns to Shadow and asks, "What do you think?"
"Hmm, you seem more powerful than you look," Shadow says.
"Thanks," Eve says.
"Hmm, I have to question what the other two do," Shadow says.
Sun looks at the Cream and Cheese Charm, and her new charm that shakes like Shadow the Hedgehog.
"Well. The charm that has Cream and Cheese allows me to talk to Chao. As for the one that shaped like you… I'm not sure," Eve says.
"Hmm, why not give it a try. You'll never know what it does, unless you use it's power," Shadow says.
Sun nods her head, "You're right."
Sun then activates her Shadow Charm. Suddenly Sun's hands begin to glow a strange green aura. Then at her right hand, a light green Chaos Energy in the shape of a spear appears in her hand.
"What is that thing?!" Sun asks, surprised.
"That's Chaos Spear. I'm guessing the Charm that has my appearance allows you to use Chaos Control," Shadow says.
"I guess so," Sun says.
The next moment, Sun has been teleported and ends up on top of a boulder close by.
Sun becomes surprised, "Huh?! How did I do that?!"
Shadow walks over, "Teleporting is one of my abilities in Chaos Control. I think it will be a good idea to slam that spear into the rock."
Sun looks at the spear, "Um okay."
Sun then jumps off the boulder and lands on the ground. Then throws the Chaos Spear at the rock and the boulder then cracks and soon, shatters to pieces.
Sun says, surprised, "Wow! I never knew Chaos Control was this strong."
"It is, and it's not something that should be taken lightly," Shadow says.
"Right. Still, with my left arm still injured, I can still feel the pain from it while using my powers," Sun says.
"I guess so. We should stop for right now," Shadow says.
Sun nods her head, "Okay."
Shadow then leaves and heads back to the city. Sun then decides to follow.
"So Shadow, what do you do around here?" Sun asks.
Shadow doesn't say much and turns his head away.
"Um, do you have any hobbies?" Sun asks.
Again, Shadow doesn't answer.
Sun sighs, "It's okay if you don't want to talk. If you want to talk, let me know. Okay."
Then Sun simply smiles at Shadow. Shadow turns to see Sun showing a calm smile on her face. For some reason, he can see a young girl with blonde hair, blue eyes, and blue color clothes replacing Sun. Shadow turns his head away from Sun and clutches his fist. Sun becomes confused to see him acting like this. She then notices the tears coming from Shadow's eyes.
Sun asks, "Shadow… are you alright?"
Shadow doesn't answer Sun's question. Instead, Shadow speeds off and heads back to the city.
Sun sadly sighs, "I guess the past Sally and the others told me about is hard for him."
Sun then begins to walk back to the city and meet Cream and Cheese at their house.
Back in New Mobotropolis. Sally, Sonic, and Tails are looking for Sun and Shadow.
"Where could they run off to?" Sonic asks.
"I'm sure they're fine. As long as Sun is with Shadow, they'll be fine," Tails says.
Suddenly, Shadow speeds past them at top speed. Sonic, Sally, and Tails become confused to see him running off and Sun isn't with him.
"What's up with him?" Sonic asks.
"I don't know, but where's Sun?" Tails replies.
Suddenly, someone calls out, "Sonic! Tails! Sally!"
The group turns their head to see two yellow mongoose. One is wearing a purple, green, and black color tank top, skirt, and shoes. She also wears earrings and wristbands. She also has long purple hair and green eyes. Next to her is a mongoose with black hair, glasses, black and red shirt, blue jeans, black shoes and a white jacket. He has black bracelets with silver studs.
Sally says, "Mina. Ash. It's great to see you."
"Sure. Especially hearing that Sonic and Tails are back. Let's not forget Amy, Cream and Cheese," Mina says.
"Yeah. We kind of like to see it for ourselves to see if it's true," Ash says.
"As you can see the rumors are true. Sonic and Tails are back. Amy, Cream, and Cheese are back too," Sonic says.
"Yeah. It's a long story, but we've been explaining it a lot every time someone asks," Sally says.
Tails giggles, "Trust me, I asked the same thing when I was trapped in a Chaos Emerald."
"Really now. So you and the others being trapped in the Chaos Emeralds aren't rumors either?" Mina asks.
"Nope," Sonic says.
"Just making sure. Now onto the other matter, I heard about this girl with incredible magical powers. What's her name? Where did she come from? Does she like music? Spill!" Mina asks, excited.
"Her name is Sun. She's a human from a different world, but Chaos Control brought her here. Since then, we've been fighting alongside her and made her an honorary Freedom Fighter. Sonic and the others have been trapped in the Chaos Emeralds, but Sun got everyone but one out of them. She's been with us since she arrived," Sally says.
"Really? That sounds cool," Ash says.
"How do you know about her?" Tails asks.
"Word begins to travel fast for some time now. Everyone talks about a magical girl who fight against Dr. Eggman with the Freedom Fighters, so we wanna check it out," Ash answers.
"Make sense. As of now, we're trying to find her and it seems Shadow ditch her," Sonic says.
"What was that about me ditching her?" A stern voice asks.
Sonic turns around to see Shadow.
"Well, you ran back here and Sun is not with her. What happened?" Sonic asks.
Shadow turns his head away, "I don't wanna talk about it."
Sonic groans, "Fine. We'll go find Sun on our own."
With that, Sonic and Shadow head off to find Sun.
Sally sighs, "Sometimes the past is not easy to let go, even though you did."
Meanwhile, Sun walks past the entrance to enter the city. During the time, Sun can't stop but thinking about Shadow and seeing him beginning to shed tears.
"Poor Shadow. What happened must have been so hard on him. Losing his best friend and believed to be dangerous. It must be so hard for him. From what Sally and the girls said. It must have been so hard for Shadow. I wish there's a way to cheer him up," Sun says.
Suddenly, Sun has an idea, "I know. I can make him something… a cake. I'm sure that will cheer him up.
Sun then runs odd to Cream and Cheese's house to tell them about her idea to help cheer Shadow up.
Sometime later, Sun is in the kitchen with Cream and Cheese. The girls are wearing aprons and Cheese is wearing a chef's hat.
"Thanks for helping me make the cake, Cream," Sun says.
"I'm glad to help out. Mind if I ask why you want to make Shadow a cake," Cream replies.
"Well. I think Shadow is still having trouble letting go of his scars. I thought maybe making something can cheer him up," Sun says.
"That's very nice of you. Let's make him the cake," Cream says.
"I think Shadow is going to love the Chocolate Cake I have. Pinkie taught me how to perform cake decorating," Sun says.
"Yay!" Cream and Cheese cheer.
With that, Sun, Cream, and Cheese bring out the ingredients to make the cake along with frosting. Cream gets the butter, eggs, milk. Cheese gets a bag of chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and chocolate stuff. Sun then brings out the rest of the ingredients along with the mixer, wisk, knife, fork, and other supplies.
"There we go… now let's start getting ingredients set up," Sun says.
Cream and Cheese nod their heads.
Meanwhile, Sonic and Shadow search for Sun outside of the city. So far, they aren't able to find her. They search around the Great Forest, Knothole, and other nearby places. Sadly, Sun isn't anywhere to be found.
Shadow speeds back to the city and thinks, "Where could that girl be? She couldn't have gone that far. Maybe she did return to the city."
In the kitchen, Sun stirs the cake batter as Sun cracks the egg and puts them in the bowl. Cheese then pours the milk into the bowl. After that, Cream puts some butter on the pan and Sun puts some flower in it and dusts them off. Soon enough, the girls and Chao finish making the bake batter and pour them in two cake pans that are covered in flour. Sun then puts the cakes in the oven and sets the timer for them to be done.
Sun then turns to Cream and Cheese, "Now that the cake is in the oven, it's time to make the frosting."
"Okay," Cream says.
"Chao," Cheese says.
Just then, Vanilla walks in and says, "Hello, how are you all doing?"
"We're doing fine mother. We're making a cake for Shadow," Cream says.
"Aww. That's very sweet of you," Vanilla says.
Then turns to Sun, "Now dearie, remember to go easy on your arm."
"I won't. Besides, Cream and Cheese have been helping me a lot with the cake," Sun says.
"Okay. I'll be outside if you need me," Vanilla says.
"Okay," The girls answer.
Vanilla then walks out of the kitchen and allows the girls to continue working. The girls then begin to work on making frosting. Using milk, shugar, chocolate powder, and other methods. They put the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. Sun, Cream, and Cheese mix different bowls and allow them to make three bowls of frosting. One of them is chocolate and the other two are white vanilla.
"There. Now we make three different frosting," Cream happily says.
"That's right, but we're not done yet," Sun says.
Just then, the timer goes off and the group looks to the oven.
"Looks like the cake is done," Sun says.
Sun grabs oven mitts and Cream help out taking the two cakes out of the oven and set them at the window to cool down.
"The cake should be cool in a few minutes. Until then, let's mix some red and black in the bowl," Sun says, holding the two small tubs of food coloring.
Sun gives the red to Cream, "You take care of the red and I'll do black."
"Okay," Cream says.
Sun and Cream each put some food coloring in the bowl and begin to mix them. The girls turn to each other as they smile with glee.
Still searching for Sun, Sonic and Shadow meet with each other close to Cream's house.
Sonic groans, "Where is she? Just how far could one girl go?"
"We asked a few people and they said that Sun definitely went into the city," Shadow says.
Suddenly, they hear someone calling out, "Sonic! Shadow!"
The two hedgehogs turn their heads to see Vanilla working at her garden.
"Hey Vanilla. Listen, have you seen Sun around here?" Sonic asks.
"Yes. She's in the house with Cream and Cheese," Vanilla says.
Sonic and Shadow look dumbfounded.
"Sun is in your house? Right now?" Shadow asks.
"Yes. She's in the kitchen. I'm sure they don't mind you visiting," Vanilla says.
"Thanks Vanilla," Sonic says with a smile.
In the kitchen, the girls have finished with the chocolate cake covered in chocolate frosting. In the middle of it, it's a frosting picture of Shadow that matches the charm on her bracelet. Of course, the girls are a bit covered in frosting.
"The cake looks delicious and it's very pretty too," Cream says.
"Thank you Cream. I do hope Shadow likes it," Suns says.
Just then, Sonic and Shadow hurry in the kitchen.
"Sun, we finally found you. We were looking everywhere for you," Sonic says.
"What were you doing?" Shadow asks.
Sun blushes a little and says, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry about you. After Shadow left, I've decided to come to Cream's house."
"Why?" Shadow asks.
Cream smiles and says, "Sun made a cake for you. To cheer you up."
"For me?" Shadow says, confused.
"Um yeah. I've noticed you felt a bit down, so I decided to make you something that will cheer you up. I don't know what cake you like, but I hope you like it," Sun says.
Shadow looks at the cake that has his face and then looks at Sun who is holding a smile on her face.
Shadow shows a calm smile and says, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Sun says.
Not long, Sonic, Cream, and Cheese are having a piece of cake and they think it's delicious. Sitting outside of the house, Sun and Shadow are having cake together.
Sun turns to Shadow, "Shadow, are you okay?"
"Not really, but I'm feeling…" Shadow says.
He then turns his head away, "Never mind."
"It's okay Shadow. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Sun says.
Shadow says, "Actually, I know I acted a bit strange, but you look a lot like my friend Maria."
"You mean the friend from the ARK?" Sun asks
"Yes. I heard the girls were telling you about my past. Seeing you with that smile… it felt like I was staring at Maria," Shadow says.
Sun asks, "Is that why you've been acting strange around me?"
"Yes. I'm sorry for leaving you alone. I just felt weird about being around you. But at the same time, I want to stay by your side. Protecting you," Shadow says.
Sun smiles and leans to Shadow and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
"You're very sweet, Shadow. You may have dark fur and a very stern or strict personality, I can tell that you're a good hedgehog. I'm glad that you're my friend," Sun says.
Shadow smiles, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Sun says.
With that, the two continue to sit together. Shadow then remembers when he and Maria sit together while watching the planet from the ARK. Shadow and Maria are happy to be together and to be best friends.