Author note: Didn't expect an update so soon? Well here it is! And thanks for sharing your thoughts. I will keep the story without pairings for now.
Shadow POV
I would be lying if I said I haven't seen an egg of this size hatch before. That however was a chao egg, and this is a complete different type of intelligent life form inside. My gut make a flip of mixed emotions, nervous excited and yearning. I blame the food, there is no chance I- the ultimate life form was excited for it hatch. I ignore the emotion that try to convince me otherwise. I could care less what happens to it. Yes, I sheltered it from harm's way but that didn't equal a bond to it! I am not its creator! I don't even know if I should let it hatch on its own or help it. I shake my head, why do I even consider helping it! Eclipse answer my question though by taking the cracked egg to his lap and start peeling it off.
I expected to see a mutated alien not a hedgehog. In fact, he is replica of me but with a few different color schemes. We share the same ebony fur, but his stripes are teal, chest fur light grey and muzzle pale. His eyes tightly shut and don't even open when fully freed from the egg.
"Wow he looks just like you!" Eclipse beam not bothered by the lack of alien signs. He isn't a hybrid after all. All that chaos exposure must have lead him to take my appearance. Maybe that's why the radiating energy is so similar to mine.
I scowl. "So it seems..." the hoglet curl into a tight ball on Eclipse lap. Instincts as one too...I wonder if his eyes are anything like mine, he has yet to reveal them.
Eclipse remove the gooey stuck on the fur, the process instead replaced with crimson thick liquid due to the blood nursing hands.
The hedgehog is completely silent and unmoving, if I didn't see his chest rise and fall as he breathes I would think he was dead. Judging on Eclipses overjoyed expression I could only assume that this was normal.
Eclipse gently pat him. "What shall we name him?" I throw a hard glare at Eclipse annoyed. I don't want to have anything to do with the hatchling.
"Come on, its technically your child."
I frown disapproving. "I did not make him! So he is not my creation nor offspring!"
"That chaos energy you shared shaped him to be your spawn. He is far from Black Death's creation." Eclipse is pushing it. I am not in the mood to deal with more alien nonsense. Eclipse probably read my mind because his expression shift to sour. He picks up the hoglet with no protest from the hatchling.
I expected him to leave sulking somewhere. But instead approach me and without permission place the hedgehog on my lap. My arms limb and useless cant remove him, only capable to tremble.
I glare "Get. him. off. me!" Eclipse chuckle nonchalant and make no move to do so. Instead settle down in front of me with a smug smile. I know what's he is after, and I won't fall for it!
The hoglet shift on my lap eagerly. The familiar chaos energy reach out for mine. I can't stop him, it wraps around in a gentle manner before it clicks. He let out a high-pitch noise in delight. I don't let my expression show of how uncomfortable this is. I might not like him, but he sure likes me.
"So I ask again. What shall we name him?" I turn up to look at Eclipse. Even if I decide to play along I wouldn't be able to come up with one.
Eclipse smile in joy. "I have some suggestions." I frown, great what could he possibly come up with...
"Disaster." My eye ridge twitch, is he serious?
"No."
"Destruction?"
"No."
"Devil?"
"No!"
"Apocalypse?" I am not sure how he knew that word but my answer still the same.
"For god sake NOO! What's up with these names!?" The hatchling flinch surprised by my outburst. If it isn't for the sake that I downright hate crying babies. I wouldn't shift my energy to soothe him. I feel the hatchling relax as if nothing happened.
Eclipse however isn't so pleased, in fact look somewhat insulted.
"They are alien names."
"No wonder they are so bad." Terrible, but I guess I could expect no less. I mean, what kind of name is 'Death' and 'Doom'? I am surprised Eclipse wasn't named into something in the lines.
"He is not going to have a mobian name!" Eclipse point out.
I smirk. "Eclipse sounds like one."
He displays his fangs with a hiss. "No it does NOT!" I chuckle in success, I managed to rile him up. He mutters something under his breath. Only able to pick up the words 'Hybrid scum.' Looks like I really hit a nerve. Perhaps I should name the hatchling, before Eclipse comes up with something far worse.
"Mephiles." Eclipses anger washed away and cocked his head curiously.
"It's not a mobian name. It's based on a demon." That fact makes him smile.
"Mephiles the darkling!" I frown, he looks more like a mobian than an alien. Plus if he was introduced in such manner they would know he is an alien.
"No, Mephiles the dark." I slightly change the last name.
"Alright acceptable." His tail wag now. I can't believe I just named the abomination.
"He is your son actually!" Eclipse snap.
"Stop mind reading!" I downright despise it! I better recover quickly so I can finish what I started!
"You need me." Eclipse state without aggression and expression. I stare at him in silence. If it's all about the disorder thing then he couldn't be more wrong. I am fine on my own always have always will! Instead of starting an argument I turn to focus on the hoglet in my lap. Mephiles rest peacefully, he might as well have stayed in the egg. He is just as active, except the energy now currently stronger due to the lack of shell in the way. It's almost visually revealing.
The odd occurrence is that Mephiles is boosting my chaos energy. The pain plaguing my body is decreasing drastically. Not sure why or how he is doing it but It just hit me, that's the reason he is so quiet! Mephiles isn't inactive! He is spending all energy to heal my internal pain. I feel the strength return and finally able to move my limbs efficiently. I don't show the recovery to Eclipse and hope he hasn't read my mind.
Eclipse break the silence. "He is probably hungry." My eyes previously focused on the hedgehog look up to the alien. It's safe to stay that Eclipse isn't aware, good. Though he is probably right about that statement.
Eclipse tail pierce the deer and cut a slice like before. I recoil in disgust and immediately pick up the hedgehog from my lap. Not caring if it's a recovery give-away. Mephiles let out a small purr in delight and nestle his pale muzzle in my chestfur. I don't like that movement not one bit, it's uncomfortable, and almost made me forget why I picked him up in the first place.
"You do NOT feed him with that! Who knows what it can be contaminated with! I was in no risk of danger eating it thanks to my immune system but gambling Mephiles has too is unwise!" I am not sure where this anger is coming from. But the thought of potential harm inflicted on the hedgehog sent me over the edge.
Eclipse grin. "Is this father instincts I am seeing?" I didn't realize how this must look like. That fact brought heat to my muzzle. I can't believe I act so defensive for an alien no less! Eclipse don't hide his amusement, he flashes a derisive smile.
"No! it's common sense." I defend, that was at least my intention! Although in the past wouldn't care a fly for another alien. Of course, Mephiles decide it's the perfect time to nuzzle my chestfur. I tense up with a grimace.
Eclipse chuckle amused "So what do you want to feed your son with?" I throw a glare at the entertained alien. He just can't spare me from more humiliation, I will make sure to remember that.
"Prepared food at the very least and not from the wild." Why am I even bothering at this point? I have never liked kids let alone babies. Loud, annoying, dirty, time consuming the list goes on. Yet I can't put Mephiles in that category. His small hands tug my fur lightly and purr loudly. Reaction not out the blue, I am positive he read my thoughts. Great, another mind intruder.
"So where to get that from huh? Human supplies?" Eclipse voice turn sour. I nod, it's more quality than wildlife.
"How am I going to do that? Humans have security cameras everywhere. I rather be presumed dead than alive and wanted."
"You won't need to, I have food stored at home." I make sure to keep Mephiles positioned comfortably on my chest before I get up on my feet. I planned to keep my recovery a secret, to use it against Eclipse. But I can't fight him here, not with…Mephiles around. I mentally slap myself for my uncharacteristic behavior. I am letting my alien genes get the better of me. However, if I get home I can use it to my advantage.
The alien wide eyed in surprise jump up to his feet. "How did you recover so fast!?" Eclipse sounded somewhat worried. Perhaps in fear that I will fight him using Mephiles as a shield. That thought disturbed me greatly.
"Mephiles somehow boost my energy." Eclipse turn to stare at the hatchling.
He frowns. "Make sense…Fine, I will teleport us there but I swear if you try something stupid I will punish you!" Immense fear stab my gut out of nowhere. I grit my teeth, the threat shouldn't scare me. I am positive the alien DNA triggered this reaction. I decide to not comment. In attempt to avoid it, but my gut don't allow me to brush it off. Why does this mean anything!? Is this fear going to interfere my plan?!
"We are going to settle this once and for all later." I be damned if I don't. When I remove Eclipse from existence I will be free me from all his alien influences.
Eclipse grin as if knowing the outcome. "Sure." Those amber eyes make me feel insecure. The threat still lingering, its greatly bugging me. I don't think I can even fight him in this state if it came down to it. That fact terrifies me to the core.
"Teleport us already!" I snap in attempt to remove the focus from the threat. Eclipse don't like the outburst.
"You are in no position to order me anything. Or do I have to remind you of your current situation?" Voice turn dark, playful taunts gone. His stance threatening claws flex eyes burning in aggression.
My adrenaline kick in but I can't make a move, to petrified in fear.
He takes one step closer, enough to shatter my immobility to act. I back off in a haste but inhale a sharp breath as my back touch the wall. Eclipse blink confused but push on, anger seemed to have faded.
However, adrenaline far too high to even consider his relaxed features as a good sign. Not until now notice I was trembling. Most likely failed to mask my terrified expression as well. The amber eyes observe me, brow soften in sympathy.
"Calm down..." He soothes with a tender tone. I far from comprehend the situation. Said words take instant effect. As if on command expel the inner turmoil with a snap of a finger. Emotion finally under control but my dignity severely hurt.
I hung my head ashamed, I let some petty fear of something so trivial overwhelm me. I sense Eclipse intent gaze on me.
"It's not your fault." I keep my eyes glued to the hatchling.
"I said you would feel changes." He reminds me of the alien disorder, it doesn't comfort me. Only make it worse. I- the ultimate life form so easily defeated by some mere DNA symptoms. Now I finally know how it feels to be sick and vulnerable. I absolutely hate it.
"Why…" I don't put more to the sentence, Eclipse is poking in my head as it is. I leave him to it, saves me the trouble to speak including telepathy.
"Why you acted the way you did…in short instincts." That was an unexpected answer.
I snap my head up to glare at the alien. "Explain!" Far from satisfied with the short version. I feel movement on my chest, Mephiles woke up but all he does is nuzzle my fur. That's enough to calm me down.
"Alright but I won't go through all. It's a bit too much and I am sure Mephiles is hungry." I don't question it, Eclipse know hatchlings more than I do.
"Do you know aliens have ranks?" He question, I shake my head. That sounds utterly ridiculous.
"The top is the one called Black in title. Black Doom and Black Death. There are more to this of course but that's unimportant right now." He brush it off. Something I will make sure to ask about later, unless I decide to kill him first.
"Then second highest is the darklings. They have different shape and forms and can be confused as an underling in appearance." And here I thought Eclipse was the only one. Black Doom didn't really go through any biological details. So his army probably had darklings in it.
"Underlings are the lowest rank. They can pretty much be called foot soldiers. Or servant, but they have their own thoughts and feelings. So they aren't mindless!" He ended quickly as if I was going to proclaim them inferior to human free will. I remain silent instead.
"You must have noticed the different shapes of aliens. Flyers and bulky ones etc. They have different alien DNA signatures. The Black oak with bulky muscles has the most of it. While the rest in step wise have weaker."
"The point is?" I am not interested in these underlings he speak of. They are easy to kill no matter what type.
"The amount of alien DNA in your body determine your rank. And since you are a hybrid, your position in the rank system would be?" He wants me to answer.
"The lowest." I reply with a deadpan expression. I don't take the almost extinct race system seriously.
"Exactly. But in strength you aren't but instincts don't acknowledge that. So because of this, my rank alone completely outmatches you." I scowl disapproval. Eclipse continue nevertheless.
"So if you stir a friction of disturbance to a higher rank your instincts will react. It tenfold by the disorder you are suffering. It would have ended badly if I had not interfered." I wasn't grateful, he put me in this situation to begin with.
"I rejected the food before. Nothing happened then." I point out.
"It wasn't enough to rouse it. Plus, I didn't threaten you." I disagree, his actions were threatening to kill me. Intention not there, but how could a so-called instinct know the difference? I decide to not question it.
"Why didn't black Doom use this against me!?"
"He couldn't, you weren't ready to advance. But he tried multiple times although aware it was in vain. You unconsciously rejected all his attempts." To learn that Black Doom tried to manipulate my genes during the invasion made me uncomfortable.
I will not succumb to this kind of instincts! It being active or not. This just caught me by surprise and surprise only. I am not on the bottom of some primitive rank system! Eclipse is not above me!
Eclipse mouth curve into a smile." Brother...I don't see you as inferior but my equal." I stare at him speechless. The fury replaced by warm reassurance. My cue to insult him, to declare myself better than equal. That he is nothing more than an abomination of a dead race. But I can't, I blame the alien influences. For a moment, forgot that he is my enemy. Those soft amber eyes almost got me fooled.
I break eye contact. "We should leave." Out of the corner of my eye I see the deadly tail wag side to side for whatever reason.
His hand touch my shoulder. "Let's go." Next second we are standing in my bedroom. I was glad to be out from the cave. Still not free quite yet, but I just realized something. Blood smeared on my muzzle stuck on various parts of my fur. Eclipse in a far worse shape than me. It's even on Mephiles!
I didn't really want to do this but… "You take him." I pass over the hoglet to Eclipse without protest including Mephiles, but he is sleeping.
"I need to take a shower and you!" I point at the alien.
"Do not go anywhere and spread that blood in my house!" I shouldn't treat him so casually, he is not a guest.
Eclipse grin. "Or I can join you." I knew he would say that. Lack of privacy is driving me mad.
"No." I start walking, hoping that he stays behind. But judging on the following footsteps he doesn't.
"I need to make sure you don't run away." Escaping isn't my style of tactic, but I see his reason. I get to the bathroom.
"Alright then, you can stay- "I slam the door shut and lock before he gets a chance to enter.
"Outside and guard." I finish the sentence. I know he can break through easily but that's the risk I take for privacy. Thankfully he leaves me alone. I remove my attire expect the inhibitor rings and throw the dirty clothing in the laundry basket.
A hot shower is exactly what I needed. I finish quickly, the thought of a bloody alien roaming in my home didn't sit me well. I put on a pair of new gloves and socks before I leave the bathroom with my skates on. To my relief, Eclipse hadn't left the spot.
"Your turn and take Mephiles with you." I throw the responsibility on him, taking care of a newborns hygiene is a torture.
"You are just going to escape!" Eclipse growl frustrated, I guess it would be a good opportunity.
"I am not going to run off, you have my word." I quickly respond before any potential alien symptoms erupt. How am I going to fight him like this…?
He wasn't happy. "Fine!" he snaps and without another word enter the bathroom. I can only hope he knows how to use the shower. Not that its rock and science, but he probably does. He has poked my mind multiple times today. The thought of that disturbs me. I decide to prepare the food while they shower.
I get downstairs to the kitchen and roam through my fridge. I guess meat is what Mephiles would want, and not that fake milk babies drink. I don't get far before I sense a presence, it's not Eclipse nor Mephiles. They have an entirely different vibe, this one is though still recognizable…
It soon clicks. "Rouge." I close the fridge and hide the fear building up, Eclipse is still here and if he finds out…
"How did you know!?" She joins me in the kitchen somewhat annoyed. I need to get her out of here, question if I should outright tell her. No, she will bring the whole G.U.N to my doorstep not to mention put Mephiles in danger. I mentally hit myself, Mephiles means nothing to me!
"Hello? Shadow?" She waves her hand in front of my face. At that very same moment catch whiff of an addicting aroma. Rouge bought a perfume? I thought she didn't like them. The smell cover her whole body. Isn't that a bit excessive? I can't concentrate on anything else than that perfume. No..not perfume. The protein her flesh organs blood all of it! I yearn it, I want it I must-
"I know I am sexy darling but no need to drool about it." Said sentence enough to break my trance. Without warning I leap out from the kitchen. The scent is far too strong, I can't fight it! I am petrified, I almost attacked her. I stop at a safe distance from the scents influences.
I extend my palm in a stop gesture. "Stay where you are!" I command still in visual sight for the bat. She stares at me dumbfounded. My chest rise and fall with rapid breaths. I wipe the drool off my muzzle in disgust.
"What's wrong?" A loud bang turn our eyes to the direction. It comes from upstairs, of course Eclipse had to make a racket.
Her green eyes turn to me. "Is someone else here?"
"NO!" I yell in clear lie. She wears that evil gleam in her eyes. My odd behavior less interesting now.
"Oh? Then you won't mind me checking it out." Rouge and her cursed curiosity of prying in other people's business will finally kill her! She darts for the stairs before I can stop her.
"Rouge! Stop! I am serious!" I take after her at safe distance. I reach the top of the stairs only to see her open the bathroom door. Why on earth didn't he lock it!? Rouge don't scream, she just stares in shock. I expected crimson red to paint my walls, but no instead Rouge is pushed aside by a familiar hedgehog.
"Father!" Mephiles comes running for me soaked head to toe. How can he talk let alone run!? The wet hedgehog leap into my arms and I am forced to catch him. His eyes open and focused on mine. Moss green with slit pupils. I feel just as lost as Rouge.
"Eclipse Teleported, its only me. Don't worry." Mephiles assure me with telepathy, this doesn't calm me down not the slightest.
"YOU HAVE A SON!?" Damn it…
Author Note: I really don't like OC, so I hope you didn't mind the alien to be Mephiles. It's the perfect character to fill the bill. But I would love to hear your thoughts about it.