Past Secrets
Chapter 33 - Shadow Never Fades
Dark's POV
"Dark; I'm so sorry, but we have to go." Said Amy sincerely as she held my hand.
I looked into her emerald eyes and couldn't stop crying. Just looking at her; made me think of my brother. About how much he loved her and about how much he cared for her.
I then looked back at the destroyed base and pictured what I forced myself to witness.
Why? Why did Shadow do that? I could have helped him. Instead he decided to do it alone. Without his brother. He knew I would always be by his side until the end, but still he decided to leave me behind. At the least I can get some peace about Eggman being dead, but I can feel my mind slipping away in the end.
Without Shadow; I'm nothing anymore. Before when I thought he was dead after the escape, I was always upset. The training took part of my mind off him, but the other part was always leaking my feelings about him. I guess that's why I worked so hard at preparing for Eggman's demise, because I had Shadow pushing me mentally.
But now he's truly gone, and I watched as it happened. The bullets piercing his skin, the blood pouring down his black fur, the pain in his eyes, and the love he had for me and Amy and all his friends.
"What will I do without him? Who will guide me?" I asked myself.
"BANG!"
"What was that?" Asked Silver.
Something hit the car and bounced off into the snow. Something heavy and something metal, because it left a small dent in the hood.
"I'll go see what it was." I replied.
"Be careful Dark." Said Amy in a soft tone.
Amy was still crying and I think she's just happy to have me alive. I can see in her eyes that she is deeply hurt and broken, but I'm more broken and unstable then anyone here right now. I'm just trying my hardest not to unleash my feelings in front of them all.
I opened up the driver side door and stepped out of the car into the cold snow. I couldn't feel the cold, I just knew it was freezing. I slowly walked forward till I reached the front of the car. I slowly peered my head around and witnessed a strange shape made in the snow.
I walked over towards it and got on my knees to get a closer look. The object was completely in the snow, so I would have to dig it out to see what it is.
I put my hands in the snow and felt for the object.
My eyes widened in disbelief when my fingers came in contact with it.
There were two of them and they both felt the same. I began to pull them both out of the snow.
"Oh my god." I said to myself quietly as I stared at the objects.
I lifted them both up to my face to be sure.
Shadow's inhibitor rings. Both of them. Covered in his dry blood. I could barely see the gold. I immediately fell down against the car's bumper and began to cry into my own chest fur.
I slowly looked at the inside of his rings to find the engraving that had mine and Maria's names on it. My rings have his and Maria's names on it as well. We did it in case we lost one of them.
I began to cry harder and harder, the pain was just too unbearable.
As I was crying; I heard Amy and Silver get out of the car and coming towards me.
They stop once they saw me holding Shadow's rings.
Amy began to cry a bit more, she then came to my side and sat down next to me, while putting her hand on mine.
"Maybe he wanted you to have them." Said Amy softly in my ear.
I slowly nodded my head in approval.
I didn't want to expose my true feelings right now, so I just held them in and began to sit up.
Once I was standing I looked down at Amy and offered her my hand. She smiled and took it nicely and stood back up.
I looked at Silver and said.
"I'm going back to the base to go find my bike."
Silver and Amy looked at me in disapproval, but I didn't care. I just started walking back.
"Dark! Don't go, its gone!" Shouted Amy.
I turned and looked back at them.
"That bikes all I got left of my family, I won't leave until I see it for myself." I said.
I began to run as fast as I could towards the base. As I drew closer it was getting obvious that that bomb was meant to kill all of us. Thanks to Shadow that didn't happen.
I stopped myself at what was left of the entrance to the base and looked towards where the garage used to be. My bike was laying on it's side in the snow. It was scorched by the blast and half of the bike was burning hot.
I got on my knees once again and looked around to make sure it was ride able. It was certain the heat would melt me, but honestly; I don't care anymore if I live or die.
I began to reach for my bike when Silver, Amy, Tails, and Knuckles came driving towards me in Sonics car. I turned and looked at them to also see Sonic passed out in the back seat.
"Dark don't touch it!" Shouted Amy.
I just ignored her and started picking up the bike.
"Dark!" Screamed Amy.
The metal was so hot my hands began to bleed and my skin slowly started to melt off piece by piece. Silver covered his mouth at the smell of my burning flesh as Amy ran to me.
I leveled the bike and then just as I was done; Amy grabbed me by the shoulders and turned me around towards her. I looked into her eyes with an expression that basically told her how I felt at the moment.
She was honestly afraid of me now. I didn't blame her.
I lifted up my hands and pushed her away from me gently. She backed up with tears on her face.
When she was away from me, I got on my bike and started the engine.
"Dark stop!" Shouted Silver.
I didn't listen. By now I couldn't care what happens to me.
I began to drive off leaving Amy and everyone behind.
4 hours later
I drove back to North End. I was planning to go home and rest. At the least I was going to get a shower to take my mind off things; even if it was for five minutes. I parked in the street and walked up to the front door. As I put my hands on the door to open it, I looked and saw a red spot on it. I moved in closer to see what it was and it was blood, but how? I asked myself.
I entered the house carefully incase someone was here. I slowly searched the house room by room and found not a single sign that there was an intruder around. I let down my guard and entered my room.
When I closed the door and went to turn around; I quickly glanced at my bed to find Shadow's teddy bear on it. I looked around the room in confusion and walked towards the bear. The bear didn't have the rose on it from before and that's the first weird thing I noticed. The next thing was the fact that the bear had holes in it. He had one in the arm and five in the legs, also it had 2 on its back and four more in the chest. Around each hole was blood. Fresh blood.
I reached out for the bear and picked it up with both my hands. Once I had it in my grip; Ibrought it close to my face and then looked into its eyes. The eyes were pure crimson and I began to get lightheaded.
I dropped the bear and fell back onto the floor and passed out.
Dark's Mind
I sat up and I was in a dark room that felt cold and uneasy all at the same time. I quickly looked around and found a door at the other end of the room. I ran towards it. Once I was close enough I opened it and peered inside.
Inside was another dark room with a table in the center of it. I slowly walked towards it minding my step and looked on the table to find an M1911 on the it with one bullet. I picked up the gun and loaded the bullet. Once I pulled back on the guns receiver, another door appeared at the other end across from me. I walked towards it and opened it up.
Inside was a body on the floor. I ran up to the body and began to shake the person shoulders.
Hey are you ok? I asked.
The body turned and it was Shadow.
Hello brother. Said Shadow.
AHHH! I jumped back and slid myself towards the wall behind us. Shadow stood up and walked towards me.
Why did you let me die Dark? Asked Shadow.
I was scared.
I only want to talk brother. Said Shadow as he clutched his fists.
I was scared for my life and pointed the M1911 at him. He stopped and looked at me.
Are you really going to shot your only brother, Dark? Asked Shadow.
Stay back! I shouted.
I can help you Dark, just answer this question. Said Shadow while moving closer towards
me.
What question? I asked.
Shadow got on his knees and bought his head closer until it connected to the gun's barrel.
Do you want to live? Asked Shadow while putting his hands on my thighs.
I didn't respond. I was too scared.
Well do you! Shouted Shadow while putting his hands on my waist.
I was too scared, I couldn't think.
DARK! Shouted Shadow while putting his hands around my neck.
Yes! I yelled at him.
Shadow began to smile and choke me.
Say it again! Ordered Shadow.
Yes! I yelled.
He began to chock the life out of me.
Louder! Ordered Shadow.
I want to live! I screamed as loud as I could.
Dark's POV
AHHHHH!…. I woke up in shadow's room with an M1911 on the side of my head.
I quickly tossed the gun back into the closet and ran out into the bathroom.
I went to the sink and turned on the water. I began to splash myself in the face.
"What just happened? Why did I almost kill myself?" I asked.
I slowly felt someone behind me and looked into the mirror. In the mirror stood…. Shadow.
I quickly turned around and he was gone. I looked back into the mirror and he wasn't there either.
"I'm going crazy! Hahaha. Get yourself together Dark. Don't let it overwhelm you." I said to myself.
I then went to the shower and turned on the water. It felt hot. Especially because of the burns
I have on my hands. I then looked away and got undressed.
My fur was standing on end and I could feel my six pack tensing up. I then took off my black boxers and looked around the room one last time. Everything seemed ok.
I then stepped in the shower and closed the glass doors.
I put my head in the water and my parted hair fell down across my eyes. I turned around out of the water's reach and moved it aside, then went back in.
"Thud!"
I jumped and instantly turned my head towards the glass doors. The door's were punch and began to crack slowly. Whatever hit them wasn't around. I watched with wide eyes as the cracked formed letters. I slowly began to read it to myself as each word appeared.
"Come….down….stairs….Dark."
My heart sank into my chest and my body began to shake with fear. The cracks on the door then instantly faded away back into perfect form, as if nothing ever happened.
I looked at my body and I could practically feel the fear rolling off me, and I swear I got smaller if you know what I mean, when that thud hit the glass.
I quickly hit the water off and exited the shower. I grabbed my boxers and pant's and began to put them back on. As I lifted my head; I looked into the mirror and once again Shadow stood there. This time I didn't turn around, I just stared at him. He began to smile. His face had blood on it and I could make out the bullet holes in his chest.
I continued to look at him and he started to fade away. Once he was gone; I put on my tee and threw on my jacket and walked towards the door. I grabbed the doorknob and started to turn it open. Once the lock clicked someone pushed against the door throwing me back into the glass doors of the shower. I hit it back first and fell down in pain against the shower. I closed my eyes and heard someone walking towards me slowly. The figure stopped in front of me and knelt down next to me. He grabbed my head and forced me up. I opened my eyes and starred into his crimson eyes once again. He smiled and let me go. I leveled myself against the doors and waited for something to happen. We stared into each other's eyes for about a minute then he spoke to me.
"Dark?" Started Shadow.
I looked at him and nodded for him to continue.
"Are you scared of me?" Asked Shadow.
I didn't know how to respond.
Shadow nodded his head.
"I see. We'll it's ok. Just remember, I rose will greet you." Said Shadow.
"What does that mean? Do you mean Amy?" I asked him.
"No, not Amy. When that day comes you'll understand." Replied Shadow.
I looked at him and he began to fade away into thin air.
I regained control of myself and I was shaking.
"You losing it Dark. Shadow's dead. It's just your mind screwing with you." I tried to tell myself.
It didn't help, I was shaking a lot and I was getting pale. I stood up and began to walk downstairs. The second I got downstairs I went into the kitchen to get something to eat. I opened up the fridge and pulled out an apple. I took a bit out of the apple and shut the door.
"Hey Dark!" It was Shadow. He was on the other side of the door.
"AHHHH!" I fell back and my apple fell with me.
Shadow had an apron on and he held a pan in his hands.
"Taste this Dark and tell me if it's good. I was never one for cooking, but I wanted to make Maria something special for her birthday dinner." Said Shadow.
I began to crawl away from him and he began to disappear before my eyes. The apron fell onto the floor along with the pan. It was as if he was a ghost.
I turned around while trying to stand back up and when I did, Shadow was in the living room sitting on the couch in front of me with the remote in his hand. He stared into my eyes and said.
"Come and sit Dark, your favorite show is coming on; we have nothing to do today; so I think this would be a great way to bond a bit."
I put my body against the wall and slowly inched my way towards the front door. Shadow watched me the entire time until I opened up the door. Then he disappeared and the remote hit the floor. I quickly took my keys out of my pocket and started to run for my bike.
I was so scared and disoriented that I tripped as soon as I reached my bike and fell and hit the handlebars. I cracked my head open and began to bleed out on the road next to my bike.
"Ahhhhh….God. Get up Dark." I forced myself up and on my bike. I slowly put in my keys and started the engine up. As soon as I got it running I heard someone next to me. I looked over to my side and Shadow was on his bike with the engine started.
"Come on Dark, you rushed me out here; don't waste time. We have to get Eggman." Said Shadow.
I began to giggle to myself realizing I 'm truly going mental.
Shadow faded away again and hopefully for the last time. I started to drive down the road and out of town into its outskirts.
I was most definitely insane and hopeless. If this is how my life is going to be now that he's gone, then I don't want to live at all. This might be the blood loss talking , but I think I know what I have to do.
The outskirts of North End was just woods and cliffs leading down into the river below.
"Ring!"
I looked around and it was my phone going off in my pocket. I reached in and pulled it out and looked at the caller id. It was Amy. "But how did she get my number?" I asked myself.
"Ring!"
I slowly answered the phone and brought it close to my face.
"Hello…?" I said slowly.
"Dark, it's Amy. Are you ok?"
"How'd you get my… number?" I asked while ignoring the previous question.
"You won't believe it but, we found Shadow's cell!" Replied Amy.
"Where…?" I asked slowly once again.
"It was in the snow next to the place where you picked up his inhibitor rings. We were going to give it to you, but you drove off too fast. Anyway; we looked in the contacts list and you were the only one in there so I added it to my phone along with Silver, Knuckles, and Tails who all did the same as well." Replied Amy.
"What do you want Amy?" I asked in a quiet tone.
"I want to know where you are and if your ok?" Replied Amy.
"Just leave me alone Amy, you can't help." I stated.
"What are you talking about Dark? Are you ok?" Asked Amy.
"I'm sorry Amy. I have to go. I have to go visit Shadow." I replied.
"Wait, what! Dark what are you doing?" Shouted Amy.
My blood began to roll into my eyes.
"Dark!" Yelled Amy.
"I tell Shadow that you love him Amy." I said while beginning to lose control over my bike.
"Dark! Please don't do anything crazy! You need help! Please stop and tell me where you are so I can help you!" Pleaded Amy.
"Goodbye Amy…"I said while driving off the road.
"Dark don't!" Screamed Amy.
I was heading towards the cliff and before I could reach the drop, my bike hit a huge log and I was sent through the air towards the edge. I rolled and rolled closer and closer to the edge and finally I fell over.
"Dark!" I heard Amy scream my name through the phone that was still in my right hand.
When I rolled off the edge I lost my grip and my phone fell into the river below hitting the boulders sticking out of the water.
I held onto the edge with my left hand. The second I started to roll I realized what I was doing and I was now desperate to stop myself.
My left hand was slowly losing it's grip on the edge and just as I was about to fall Shadow approached me and knelt down in front of me.
"Take my hand Brother." Said Shadow as he reached out for me.
I smiled and using my right hand I reached for his hand and to my demise, it went right through his.
I completely lost my grip and fell off the cliff.
"AHHHHHHH!" I screamed all the way down till I hit a flat boulder.
"SMACK!"
"AHHHHHHH!" I screamed louder then I have ever done before in my life. My back cracked on impact and my legs which hit feet first snapped and left me on the boulder alone and unable to move.