Starting with this chapter, I'll add theme songs for certain events where they seem appropriate.

Rowan Knighted Theme - "Going Under" by Evanescence

You might see some Shadowan fluff in this chapter if you squint...

Chapter 11: Aftermath

Tails and Knuckles ran over to Shadow. "You did it, Shadow! You beat her!" Tails cheered, punching the air.

Shadow opened his eyes and gave Tails a smile. "You weren't so bad yourself," he said.

There's more than one way to fight a battle," Tails said, smiling.

Shadow grinned, then turned to Knuckles. The echidna looked uncomfortable.

"I'm in your debt," he finally managed, gruffly.

"You're welcome," Shadow replied.

"Now if you'll excuse me, there's something I need to attend to."

xxx

Without warning, Rowan's Bow of Chaos started to glow brightly. The glow spread around her, causing her form to be outlined in light. When it faded, Rowan was wearing silver armor, with metal boots and a silvery headband with a light blue stone in its center.

Rowan finally managed to speak. "I…I've been knighted."

xxx

Shadow approached her and came to a stop. The two stared each other down for what seemed like hours. "Come with us," Shadow stated.

Nothing more needed to be said.

xxx

Back at Tails' house, a party was held to celebrate Ivy's defeat. After excusing himself from Sonic's 106th attempt to get him to drink a soda, Shadow walked onto the back porch, mulling over the events of the last couple days.

Shadow cocked his head when the sound of faint crying reached his ears. He walked around the corner to find Rowan sitting on the ground with her hands over her face.

At the sound of Shadow's footsteps, Rowan jerked upright and stared directly at him. Shadow raised a hand and looked away. "I'm sorry, I'll leave.." he said.

"No, no…it's okay," Rowan inhaled and wiped her eyes. Shadow came over and sat down next to her.

Neither spoke for a long time. Finally, Rowan broke the silence. " I was five years old when the Darkraisers took me in. They offered me a purpose…they said I was special.

"When I found out the Bow of Chaos had chosen me, I was overjoyed. I though that as a Knight I could repay them somehow for everything they did for me. They convinced me that your death would lead to a new age of prosperity and peace. " Rowan drew her arms around her knees. "I now know that was a lie."

"Then, I though I was fighting for a better world. I had a purpose…something to live for. Now…I have nothing." Rowan fell silent.

Shadow turned towards her. "Rowan…" he began. "You're not alone anymore. You have Sonic, Tails, Knuckles…"

His voice faltered slightly. "You have me…"

They stared into each other's eyes. "I understand, Shadow." Rowan whispered. "Thank you."

They remained that way for awhile. "Your eyes are purple," Shadow said suddenly. Rowan looked half indignant, half amused. "What, you didn't notice until now?"

"Well, I was mostly watching your hands…." Shadow admitted. Rowan laughed. "Well, I think I'll go back inside. See you around, Shadow." Rowan got up and reentered the house.

Shadow leaned back on a rock, smiling. "See you around, too," he whispered.

Aww...wasn't that sweet? The story isn't quite over yet, though! NEXT TIME:With the assassination plan derailed, the Darkraisers plan for the future...