Shadow approached the guardians face and stared at him for a couple of minutes-Maybe he'll wake up-but nothing-What an excuse for a guardian you are!-he said out loud-W…What? What was that?!-Knuckles jumped and adopted a fighting pose, but when he saw Shadow he felt like his legs were made of jelly-Sh…Shadow!? Oh my fucking God you are alive! But…But how?

-Wait, What? You do know me?-Shadow interrupted

-Well…yeah, you were a pain in the ass two months ago, but at the end, you and that idiot hedgehog saved us all. What are you doing here?

-Well…I must say this isn't my decision, I kinda fell on your Island after the ARK incident.

-So, you been here two months from now and I never saw you? What the hell?! How come?!

-Well, besides you are the worst guardian ever…-Shadow chuckled-I stayed in the same spot those two months until now.

Knuckles felt uncomfortable with Shadow joking like that, like they knew each other for a while, when that wasn't true, at least not for Knuckles.

-Cut it out!-he shouted-Or your lucky landing in my island will turn into a tragedy!-he menaced Shadow with his fist, Shadow just glanced at him-Hmp, whatever-then he sat down in the first of the steps

-Whaa..What do you think you're doing?-asked Knuckles, almost yelling.

-Making myself comfortable-Shadow smirked and made a sign with his hand asking Knuckles to sit next to him, but the echidna just stared at him upset-Shadow…you don't know me so I'll tell you that I don't like strangers in my island.

-Well, actually I'm not a "stranger" you know me better than I know you, and, I've lived in this island for two months now and you didn't kick me out so, I can say this is my home now-Shadow noticed that he was upsetting Knuckles, and was enjoying it, finally he was having some fun and was ready for the fight.

-Argh! You think you're so funny huh?! Well let's see if you can keep that smile after I'm done with you!

-That must be the OLDEST trash talk ever! And I'm old you know, I'm over 50 years-Shadow smirked again. Knuckles blood was boiling by now.

He jumped towards the Hedgehog in order to punch his face, but Shadow, naturally, was faster. Knuckles then turned and graved Shadow's fist, who was about to punch him in the stomach-This isn't going to be an easy fight hedgehog!-with that statement he threw Shadow in the air, he felt hard into the ground-Shit, that guy is strong!-Shadow thought, making an effort to stand up after the impact. But before he could do anything Knuckles was standing in front of him-Ready to give up?-he asked cocky-Shadow just frowned and kicked knuckles down-I might not be able to pick myself up but you're going down with me!

-What the hell is wrong with you?-!-Asked Knuckles, screaming his lungs off.

- With me?! What's wrong with YOU! I approached pacifically to your shrine, we were talking and all of a sudden you were trying to kill me but of course, I'm the one that's crazy and shit!-

Knuckles frowned-You're invading MY island!

-No I'm not! I didn't want to be here in the first place.

-So why don't you get out!

-I can't! I lost my chaos emerald so I can't "chaos control" me away from this island ok!

-You're unbelievable! You fell from outer space and survived but you can't just jump from this island to the sea in order to leave…What…the…fuck….-He was right; he could have done that…he felt so stupid.

Suddenly they heard a loud noise coming from the sky-What the…-exclaimed Shadow

It's a thunderstorm-said Knuckles-we must find a shelter. When the storm is over, I'll help you leave my island-that said he stood up and gave Shadow a hand-Come on lazy pants! We don't have that much time!-Shadow grabbed Knuckles hand and they started to run, hands still holding. Shadow felt himself blushing but he didn't pay a lot of attention to it. Finally they found a cave up in a hill and entered, Knuckles let go of Shadow's hand and sat, Shadow followed. They both remained silent a couple of minutes, but Shadow broke the silence-Thank you-he muttered.

-Hey! Even if I don't like the idea of you been here, I wouldn't let you by yourself in the rain. Weather can get really harsh in the island-he looked at Shadow and gave him a quick smile-You know, besides all of these I'm glad that you're not dead.

-Huh? How come?-asked Shadow, full of curiosity, Knuckles seemed so harsh before and now he was "glad" that he was alive?-Seriously, you were trying to kill me and now you're happy because I'm ok?

-Hey, I'm not "happy" ok? Is just that It wasn't fair, you saved the day after all…everyone was so sad because of your "death". I wonder how they will react when they find out that you're alive, and here!

-Yep…I know…-Shadows gaze turned a little sad, like he was hiding something-What's wrong?-asked the guardian.

-Neh, never mind, it's just that I'm not that much into crowds.

-Me neither, I've been used to living alone all my life in this island, when I first met Sonic, he was an intruder, eventually we fought together against Eggman and that's how our "friendship", if you want to put a name on it, developed. Then I met the others, but you know I've never considered myself a part of the group. I'd rather be here all by myself, guarding the emerald.

You don't have a family?-asked Shadow, all of a sudden.

-I'm the last one of my race-answered Knuckles, Shadow's eyes widened in surprise.

-Wooh, I didn't knew that I'm sorry.

-Don't be-Knuckles broke the eye contact and looked at the entry of the cave-Man this rain won't stop any sooner, guess we'll have to spend the night here.

-Whatever-Answered Shadow. His mind was a complete chaos at that time, the red guardian seemed to be a lot like him, alone in the world, stubborn as a brick wall, no crowd friendly, sarcastic, strong and fast (not as strong and fast but whatever…) and…he barely bear Sonic too.

-You know, you never told me your name-Said Shadow with a smirk.

Oh that's true! I'm Knuckles the Echidna-Knuckles extended his hand and Shadow took it in a handshake- So that's what you are! An echidna, no wonder I didn't knew what animal you were, you're the only one left. You must be in an endangered species book or something…

-What?-Knuckles raised an eyebrow.

-Never mind, I'm talking nonsense-Shadow smiled.

-Wow, that's new; I think I never saw you smile before-Knuckles smirked, Shadow looked so funny smiling.

-It has been a long time since I did, actually it hurt my cheeks a little-he smirked-this is nice.

Yes, indeed-answered Knuckles-Who will knew you weren't as unbearable-Knuckles jokily punched Shadows shoulder.

-Auch!-screamed Shadow-What was that for?!

-Did that little punch hurt you? Ultimate cry baby?!-

-Well, you'll be "crying" too if you fallen from outside the earth! Well, actually you'll be dead, so…I win!-Shadow smiled-Seriously this is hurting me-he rubbed his cheeks.

Knuckles laughed like he haven't in a long time, he turned his sight at the entrance of the cave again, the rain decreased but the lightning wouldn't cease-You know, you're right; you don't have to leave the island if you don't feel like it.

-Wait…what?-asked Shadow, raising an eyebrow-Do you want me to stay?

-I didn't say that, I just said that you can stay if you want to, if you're not a menace to my emerald or the island, its fine by me-Knuckles shrugged-just be sure to pay me a visit sometime, you know, for training purposes.

Shadow half smiled-Sure, why not.