The rest of the story will be told from Shadow's P.O.V. We got a bit of a heart-to-heart talk in this one. Hope you enjoy.
Unsurprisingly, Sonic was the one to finally make the first sound, a soft chuckle that quickly evolved into full blown laughter, almost howling with mirth as he clutched his sides, tension bleeding from him in sheer relief. Shadow looked up, curiosity and disbelief on his face as he watched the blue hero almost slide off his perch on the wood into the water.
"What's so funny?"
He managed to growl out. He found nothing about their predicament to merit such a response. Sonic just grinned at him, and Shadow could hear the pure joy and relaxation laced in his tone.
"What do you mean Shadow? We did it! We protected the planet. We are alive!"
He gave another helpless chuckle as he laid his quills back against the wood, eyes closed in relaxation.
"Never doubted it for a second."
Shadow just observed Sonic for a moment, trying to come up with an appropriate response, but upon finding none, said nothing. They laid there for another minute, Shadow kicking his legs lazily in the water as he laid most of his weight against the trunk. It was difficult and unwieldy with the blue hedgehog acting as dead weight on the log, causing them to be cast about by the waves, and Shadow struggling to keep the log even and balanced so that Sonic wasn't flipped off of it. Sonic noticed the other hedgehog struggling stoically and hesitated only slightly. He shivered as he slid off the wood opposite Shadow, clutching onto the wood for dear life, much more tense, but they were at least face to face now, and Shadow wasn't expending excess energy trying to keep both of them afloat. Sonic asked earnestly, seeking a distraction to keep his fear at bay.
"Are you injured anywhere?"
Shadow was caught off-guard at the unexpected question. Why did he care? He took a moment to take stock of his wounds. He was still unbelievably exhausted which was causing a headache and eyes trying to glue themselves shut. There was also some normal soreness from the bumps and scrapes he had acclimated over the fights that he had, but nothing too serious. No broken bones even or internal bleeding. A bonus. He reported gruffly, slightly uncomfortable and bewildered by how sincere Sonic was looking at him.
"I am fine."
Sonic pulled himself up a little higher out of the water to scan Shadow himself, humming thoughtfully.
"Looks like your back quills are a little singed. Sorry about that; atmosphere reentry was a bit rough."
He shot him a lopsided grin. Shadow took a second to survey his companion as well, not because he cared of course, but because he was curious. Just like he said, some of the dark blue head quills seemed to have darker ends that meant they had been burned slightly. He seemed to be holding his side as well, but if he was able to be so casual about this, he must be fine. Shadow noted nonchalantly, giving a small nod in his companion's general direction.
"You seem to be all right."
Sonic shrugged, wincing slightly.
"I've been better but been a lot worse too. Nothing is fatal though, and that's what I was worried about, having to treat something life threatening out here."
Shadow was absolutely puzzled. This guy made no sense. Why was he concerned about a person that had tried to kill him and destroy the planet not two hours ago? His thoughts were interrupted by Sonic's casual comment.
"Well, Chaos must not want us dead yet, huh?"
Shadow turned his head away, looking the other way. Was he going to talk the whole time? His headache was evolving into a migraine, whether it was from his fatigue or dealing with someone that talked more than Rouge and the Doctor combined, which was quite a feat, he didn't know. He just wanted to think of a way to get out of here, and sleep for three days. He growled, trying to hint to Sonic that he wasn't in the mood for chatter.
"I would say that we are in a pretty dire situation."
They were in the smack dab middle of an ocean, with no land in sight, and no way to get back home, on wood that could sink any minute, with no food or water to replenish their energy. Both of them were worn out, and one of them couldn't swim. It couldn't get any worse. He wasn't a pessimist, just a realist. This was going to be difficult to get through, and he just so happened to be stuck with this nuisance. Sonic let out a playful snort.
"You don't call this lucky? First of all, I managed to catch you when you decided to swan dive into the planet. I just so happened to catch your rings you had taken off and returned them."
Shadow turned back toward his companion, seeing the slight nod toward his wrists, where sure enough his inhibitor rings were glinting in the afternoon sunlight. He was surprised but relieved to find them on his wrists. Right now, with no Chaos energy it would have been ok, but later when he was back to full strength, he wouldn't have been able to control his powers. He rubbed them gently, comforted by their presence alone. Sonic continued as he dug around in his head quills.
"Next, there just so happened to be a Chaos Emerald falling next to them, so I could grab it too."
Shadow's eyes widened as Sonic pulled out the gem, the turquoise surface reflecting the ocean's waves. Wait, no, he did have a faint recollection of using Chaos Control. How did he forget that? Sonic continued.
"Then, fortunately, I managed to wake you up enough for you to Chaos Control us closer to the earth, so we didn't burn up in the atmosphere, we managed to fall into water, which is slightly more comfortable than ground I guess, we didn't die on impact, and there just so happened to be a log out here to keep us afloat? No, Chaos doesn't want us dead. I am going to go thank the Master Emerald when this was over."
Shadow almost reached out to grab onto the Chaos Emerald. He hadn't really come up with a plan yet to get out of this mess, but it looked a lot less bleak with a Chaos Emerald in their hands. So maybe the Faker was right; they were lucky that such a fortunate series of coincidences made it possible for them to be here. Sonic noticed the longing look on Shadow's face and glanced down at the gem before holding it out.
"You can't use Chaos Control to get us out of here, can you?"
Shadow raised an eyebrow. He was just going to get a Chaos Emerald, just like that? Sonic was just giving it to him, after all the crap he put him through? Maybe it was just for the selfish reason of getting out of this predicament; that seemed most likely. Still, allowing a formidable enemy to hold such a powerful artifact, when he was well aware what he could do with just a singular gem, was borderline idiotic. Hesitatingly, he reached out, expecting Sonic to draw back his hand at any second, scolding him for thinking that he deserved it, but it never happened.
Sonic's gaze was clear and full of trust as Shadow laid his fingers against the surface. The Ultimate Lifeform closed his eyes, trying to evaluate how much Chaos energy he had left that could pair with the Emerald. The last bout of energy he had had actually been the last Chaos Control to teleport him and Sonic. There was some, already replenishing both in him and the jewel, trickling to pool warmly in his chest and palm, but not nearly enough. After a few moments he reported.
"Not now, but after I rest a bit, I can."
Sonic didn't look too surprised, sagging against the wood as he let out a sigh, ears drooping slightly in disappointment.
"Figured. Ah well, better than nothing."
They were quiet again, bobbing up and down among the waves. Shadow's eyes drifted closed, lulled by the gentle rocking and the warm heat from the afternoon sun. This would put him to sleep if he wasn't careful, and he knew he should stay awake because of his companion. He didn't truly trust Sonic yet.
There was no way someone was this…merciful to him, especially after all he had done. He had just managed to mess up big time by trusting the wrong person and almost blowing the world up with the Eclipse Cannon just because he was related to someone he knew. He had let his emotions get the better of him and almost caused the apocalypse, following the megalomanic Doctor in his plan to use the powerful weapon without question.
He couldn't afford to let his guard down, and he couldn't afford to give him his trust yet, when he had no idea what Sonic's motives were. Did he save him to exploit him, like the Doctor had, or did he have another reason? He needed to find out.
"Why?"
Shadow's brow furrowed, glancing over at his companion, who had seemed to read his mind and inquire the very question he was thinking of asking. Sonic nestled closer to the wood, settling in for a long wait, and Shadow saw the slight wince as it seemed to jostle an injury. Shadow waited for clarification, and when receiving none, decided to ask for it.
"Why what?"
Sonic's gaze was warm, and Shadow hated the sympathy and curiosity in his eyes.
"Why did you give me your rings and energy, and allow yourself to fall? You should have known we both could have made it."
"No, we wouldn't have."
He was certain of that. He had weighed their lives in that moment and found it more important that Sonic survive the battle, rather than him. The world needed a protector; it just wasn't him. He hadn't known Sonic very long, but anyone was better than himself, the antagonist that tried to take down the world in the sake of petty revenge. From what he could tell, Sonic wasn't a bad guy, unless he was a good actor. Shadow watched as an unwanted revelation dawned on the blue hero's face. There was a faint intake of breath before he whispered in disbelief.
"You didn't expect to survive…did you? You never had the intention of going back to the ARK from the beginning."
Shadow's silence was an answer in itself. Sonic's eyes widened at the admission.
"Why would you throw your life away like that!"
The Ultimate Lifeform was taken aback by the sheer outrage in Sonic's tone, gentle emeralds now blazing with anger. Why was he so furious on his account? He explained calmly, as if his death was a completely natural topic.
"I almost made a horrible mistake, so I was paying for it."
It made complete sense to him. He had betrayed his true calling, had forgotten Maria's promise, and had let her down. Traitors usually were punished by death. Isn't that what happened to Dr. Gerald Robotnik? He had betrayed G.U.N, causing Maria and him to pay with their lives. The hero's furrowed face relaxed with the confession. There was a second of uncomfortable silence, before Sonic snorted.
"That's noble, but stupid."
Shadow's ears flattened against his head as he frowned. Was Sonic making light of his dedication to his decision? Sonic continued.
"You really are arrogant, aren't you? I don't care if you are an Ultimate Lifeform, you can't pay with your one life for billions of others that could have been lost. That doesn't add up Faker."
Shadow's energy replenished instantly in a second as fury curled around his chest tightly. It was probably a good thing he had no Chaos energy, or he would have Chaos Speared Sonic into the sea. His quills bristled as he snarled.
"I almost caused the whole planet to explode and caused the moon to be shattered in half. I almost broke a promise to a dear friend that I had forgotten. I was a threat, and the only way to make sure that threat never happens again, is to take care of it. I need to pay for my mistakes Faker, and that was the best way. You just had to follow me and save me, when I didn't want it, or need it."
Sonic narrowed his eyes, and his spines raised defensively as well.
"Your brain is slower than your feet."
The insult cut deeply, igniting his rage. How dare he? He was the Ultimate Lifeform! Shadow raised his hand, intending to punch some sense into this stupid hedgehog. Sonic continued strongly, not even fazed by the blow about to come his way.
"You can't atone for your mistakes if you die. You can only do that by living and changing."
Shadow froze, fist stopping a half a foot away from Sonic's face. Sonic's fierce gaze didn't falter in the slightest. Shadow held the stance for just another second, before letting his hand fall uselessly by his side as his mouth dropped open. He hadn't thought of it that way before. Sonic persisted.
"Think about the good you did Shadow. Now that you remember your promise, you can act on it. You can fight for good, protect the planet now that you have your head screwed on straight. Protect the future and keep your promise and make sure it doesn't happen again."
Shadow paused, thinking about the bright blue beam that struck the moon, shattering it. How it could have easily been the earth, how many people could have died because of him. The thought terrified him, that he was such a powerful being, and that he was influenced into doing the opposite of his goal. He argued desperately.
"But what if I become a threat to the world again?"
He had been so easily manipulated, so easily following his heart and emotions instead of his head. What if once again he was misguided, choosing the wrong side and causing him to break his promise? What if he ended up taking lives and happiness from the people Maria wanted him to protect? That thought scared him more than anything, because he knew exactly how capable he was, how dangerous he could be.
"Then I will stop you again."
The answer was clear, without hesitation. There was no hatred in the claim, just a statement of the truth. Shadow almost laughed. Stop him, the Ultimate Lifeform? Was this guy insane? But no, Sonic's eyes shone with that cockiness that he had gotten accustomed to over the past few days. He was fully prepared to do it, leap into a fight with a smirk and without doubt.
That rose a new question though. What if Sonic was on the wrong side next round? What if he was the villain? Shadow's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Things are rarely so black and white."
There was that grey area, and circumstances were infinite in their possibilities. Sonic shrugged nonchalantly.
"Yeah, but I am not complicated Shadow; I will always fight for what is right. If you ever lose your way again, then I will knock you back on the right path, Ultimate Lifeform or not. I won't back down."
The challenging grin that accompanied the encouraging words somehow calmed any bitterness that Shadow had lingering in his chest. This hedgehog had basically just promised to keep him in check in the future, and Shadow knew he could do it as well, as he had tasted his fighting prowess aboard the ARK. How did he manage to make him feel better with a few sentences and a smile? The charisma and absolute faith in his own words somehow bled over into Shadow, making it just as believable. Who was this guy?
Wait no, he couldn't let his guard down. He was trying to feel him out, trying to get him to be vulnerable and then attack, maybe. Was that the case though? Sonic felt so transparent; either he was a master at hiding his real intentions, or he had no ill will toward him, which was hard to believe. Feeling a little bolder, and more curious, Shadow decided to voice his own thoughts.
"What about you? Why did you do it?"
The soft curious question was barely audible over the waves. Shadow turned back to look Sonic in the eye. The cobalt hero cocked his head to one side, raising an eyebrow.
"Do what?"
Shadow observed him carefully, watching for deceit and hidden intentions.
"Why did you follow me?"
Why would this adventure loving hedgehog risk his life to save his own, a former enemy? Sonic just blinked, and despite what Shadow had expected, kept his expression and body language easily readable as he stated as if the answer was obvious.
"Because I thought you were going to die, and I thought I could keep that from happening. I am the hero after all."
Shadow snorted with a roll of his eyes.
"I am the Ultimate Lifeform. Surely you didn't think I would die from a little fall."
Sonic pulled himself a little further up on the log, squirming a little to get more comfortable. He shrugged.
"Don't give me that; you didn't expect to survive either."
Shadow rolled his eyes again. Well, he did have a point, but then again, he probably could survive a tumble from space. He was made to be durable. Sonic continued flippantly.
"See, you weren't super anymore, and I wasn't completely confident that you would survive. Even if you did live, I had no way of knowing how to find you or make sure you got medical attention if you needed it. I thought it would better your chances if you didn't fall alone. So, I just…acted I guess."
Shadow couldn't help but gape at him, as the blue hero shrugged so nonchalantly. And he was upset about how he had tried to sacrifice his life for him when he was just as reckless? How hypocritical.
Still, there was no way that he was that pure…right? Maria was the only one that he knew of that had such an honest heart, who wouldn't hurt a soul. No, Sonic wasn't afraid to trade blows, the difference between him and Maria. But just as he wasn't afraid to fight, it seemed he also wasn't afraid of forgiveness as well. That couldn't be true, could it? Did he read him wrong? He prodded a little harder.
"But why try to save me?"
Sonic looked honestly confused by the question.
"Why not?"
Shadow blinked several times, brain short circuiting at the absolute moronic example of naivete that was in front of him. He had given him every reason not to save him. This guy…did he honestly forget everything that had happened between them? How could he not recognize his mistakes, his failures of disregarding Maria's promise?
"I have done terrible things to you, and this planet. You truly are a naïve idiot, aren't you?"
Sonic narrowed his eyes and bristled, ready to snap back, but Shadow growled, making him hold his tongue. He held out a hand, counting on his fingers with frustrated aggression.
"I framed you for stealing the Chaos Emeralds, I had you sent to prison in my stead, I had beaten you, I worked with your archnemesis, and I collected the Chaos Emeralds to have the earth destroyed. I was trying to kill you less than three hours ago. Why would you almost throw your life away for someone who was trying to destroy this world? Are you saying that the person who did all that is worth saving?"
Sonic's quills flattened back into their natural shape, anger in his face dying completely. He was completely calm during Shadow's outburst, watching as frustration toward him, turned once again into self-loathing. The bite in Shadow's tone wasn't directed at him. He waited until Shadow stopped to take a breath, before interjecting gently.
"You also realized your mistakes and saved the earth."
Shadow spat venomously.
"You could have easily done that by your—"
"No, I couldn't."
Shadow froze, shocked into silence. All previous cockiness gone, replaced by refreshing genuineness. Sonic extended a gloved hand, clenching it into a fist, giving a knowing smile as he stared at it, not meeting Shadow's gaze as he confessed.
"Hate to admit it Faker, but you are wrong in that account. I am confident in most skirmishes, but it was pretty touch and go there for a while. Sure, I would have eventually defeated that overgrown ugly dragon, but it could have been too late to save the Earth. Not to mention I am no expert at Chaos Control like you. I had all the power, but without your precise skill, the ARK could have ended up in Chaos knows where or maybe wouldn't have even stopped at all. This wouldn't be here without you."
He gestured out, toward the brilliant blue sky and serene waves, the fruit of their labors; the earth intact in all of its beauty. If not for the two hedgehogs this would be a desolate lifeless wasteland, unsightly with destruction and death. Sonic turned back to Shadow, tone full of belief in his words.
"You helped save this world Shadow, and you did so willingly. You could have easily refused or stabbed me in the back when it was over, but instead, like a hero, you gave me your energy for me to return, sacrificing yourself to make sure I was safe. I think that shows you had a genuine change of heart. That alone confirms you deserve another opportunity to prove yourself."
Shadow was struggling to wrap his head around this. Ever since he was awakened from cryosleep, his entire being was filled with sorrow over Maria's death, and a deep urge for vengeance against the unjust world that had taken her away from him. He had done nothing but lash out against the world since then, and this hero had taken the brunt of most of it. He hadn't latched onto revenge like Shadow but had put aside that toxic hatred that consumed from the inside. How could just two of those small actions make up for half the stuff he did? Shadow asked hesitatingly.
"You would forgive me that easily?"
Sonic just beamed back, no trace of deception on his face.
"Sure. I believe in moving forward, not dwelling on the past. I also believe in giving second chances; I don't think there is anyone that is truly evil. I mean even Egghead himself teamed up with us to stop the Eclipse Cannon. If he can put aside our differences for the greater good, surely I can give you a second chance too, right?"
The bright beaming smile was too radiant to look at. Emotion, thick and suffocating wrapped around his throat, making it hard to breathe. Was he so lucky, to get and deserve a second chance? Shadow bowed his head, resting his forehead against the trunk of the tree. He tensed as he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"I don't think you are evil Shadow, just were a little misguided. You don't need to blame yourself when you managed to prevent most of your evil actions. Just make sure it doesn't happen again."
Shadow felt his soul cracking, breaking under the weight of the easily given pardon; it was almost heavier than the guilt he had previously. Self-hatred broke apart and slowly disappeared. He hadn't failed. Not yet. He hadn't failed Maria, or her promise. He had managed to save it just in time. Cursed tears burned in his vision, but he refused to weep, would rather drown then to show weakness to Sonic.
He might have managed to save the world, but that still didn't excuse all of the crap he had put Sonic through. He had been especially hard on him, practically ruining his reputation, not to mention almost killing him several times, both at Central City and Prison Island, where only other priorities had managed to persuade him away.
"But I did horrible things to you. I almost killed you."
He despised how broken his voice sounded, how watery his protest was that indicated he was close to tears. He heard the playful chuckle, as the hand patted his shoulder easily.
"So? I almost die three times a week anyway and I didn't exactly let you off easy either. Eggman likes to do horrible things to me too, but I don't think he is completely evil."
Shadow didn't dare raise his head to show the blue hero the raw emotions that were still present on his face. He was really dismissing it just like that as if Shadow had just accidentally bumped into him on the street. There was a small pause, before Sonic continued in a slightly more serious tone.
"Besides, you did all those things in the past. People can change. It is what you decide to do from now on that defines you Faker."
Shadow blinked heavily, forcing his tears to disappear with the slight annoyance that came from the nickname. He peeked up over his forearm at Sonic, to see him grinning. He asked once more, filled with uncertainty, still disbelieving the claim.
"You really don't hate me?"
Sonic snorted, rolling his eyes as he reassured.
"No Shadow, I don't hate you. In fact, I would much rather be your friendly rival when all of this is over. It would be great to have someone else reliable to battle Eggman occasionally. Besides, fighting you was hard, I would rather not do it again if I could help it."
The grin once again made its appearance, and emerald eyes sparkled with mischief.
"But if I did, I know I would win."
Shadow just blinked at him, not rising to the tease. This was…unexpected. There was no ill will in the claim, a friendly challenge instead of hate. Sonic actually wanted to be friends with him? Yes, that was the simplest explanation of all of his moronic actions. Instead of taking the path of deceit, he was offering a hand of friendship instead.
A faint hope blossomed and promptly withered in his chest. A friend? He didn't have a lot of experience with having friends, or keeping them for that matter. The only one he had was Maria; any other person he preferred to keep at arm's length, treating them with professionalism in the sake of completing a goal. Maria was the only one who treated him with true kindness, and he had cared deeply for her…and the anguish of her death was still an open wound, raw and heartbreaking. It had been fifty years, but for Shadow who had been asleep most of them, it felt like only a few weeks ago when she had been shot in front of him.
Was he prepared to open up to have another friend so soon? What if he cared about Sonic, only for him to die as well, leaving him once again alone in the world? He didn't want to go through this grief again.
No, this wasn't a fragile young girl who was already sick with a literal death sentence. The probability of Sonic dying was slim at most, considering he had survived a fall from space like him, without the Ultimate Lifeform title. He doubted he would die anytime soon, but that meant more time to get to know him and more time to get close. Not to mention, did he even want to be friends with this loud, cocky, heroic annoyance? He had done nothing but irritate him with most of his actions and words.
Shadow sighed inwardly as he pulled himself further up on the log. No, he was overthinking things. Even if he did want to be 'friends' supposedly, he had no obligation to accept now, or anytime. Sure, Sonic was a good person, but he was also annoying, and Shadow would rather not just jump into it. He responded to the taunt dismissively.
"You wish Faker. You and I both know I would win."
Sonic didn't acknowledge the fact that Shadow had ignored his request, instead looking elated, eyes glinting competitively.
"I kicked your grumpy butt all over the ARK."
Shadow snorted, unconsciously relaxing at the argument.
"Do I need to remind you about Central City? Or Prison Island?"
Sonic's eyes narrowed playfully.
"Prison Island was a tie."
Shadow rolled his eyes.
"Sure, it was."
He paused, noticing how easily he had fallen into the quick and lighthearted banter, almost comfortably. Too easily. How did Sonic do that? It kind of irritated him honestly, how this blue hedgehog could get him to lower his defenses he had perfectly constructed. He was supposed to be feared, a weapon, an Ultimate Lifeform, and the Faker just decided to approach him like they were lifelong friends. Sonic continued, challenging glint in his eye.
"So, with one win and one loss each, and a tie, we gotta settle it when we are back on dry land. To prove who is the best."
Shadow just leaned his head against the wood, stifling a yawn. Finally, the effects of his battle were catching up with him. It had been a struggle for a while, keeping his eyes open and fighting the sleep that threatened to sweep over him at any chance like a stray wave, but he had not given in to his body's demands because he thought Sonic was a threat. That paranoia and heated emotions over their argument had been quite the stimulant, keeping him alert with his eyes on his opponent for an attack that would never come.
Now, he was sure of the opposite. Sonic not only didn't mean him any harm, but had actively tried to protect him, although it was somewhat foolish and Shadow didn't understand the hero's sense of morality. No, Sonic had no plans to manipulate him, or stab him in the back, so his mind had decided it was time to rest. Crimson eyes blinked slowly, trying to stave off sleep for just a while longer. He could make it until they got to dry land. He would rather not worry about letting go of the only thing keeping him afloat.
"Aww, does little Shadow need his naptime?"
And just like that, he was fully awake again, narrowing annoyed eyes at the teasing blue hedgehog.
"No, I am fine."
He stated bluntly. Sonic gave a short chuckle, before his eyes softened.
"No, go ahead. The sooner you rest, the quicker your Chaos energy replenishes right? Which means we can get out of here faster."
Shadow observed Sonic carefully. He was right, but then again, showing weakness to him was less then preferred. What kind of Ultimate Lifeform would he be if he needed rest like this? Not to mention, he wasn't the only one who was exhausted. Sonic's quills drooped, waterlogged as he clung to the log for dear life, eyes bright, but dimmer than they were on the ARK. Surely he needed rest as well.
"What about you?"
Sonic looked surprised at the barely masked concern. He gave a small thumbs up.
"Me? No, I am not that tired. You used far more Chaos energy then me, so I can go for a few more hours. I am not sleeping out here, that is for sure.
Shadow noticed the tiny fearful glance at the waves around them, and the unmistakable shiver. Shadow figured out in less than a second, smirking smugly.
"Afraid of a little water Faker?"
Sonic turned to glare at him slightly.
"I can't swim remember? I have had enough bad experiences with water for a lifetime thank you."
He sighed, before settling further onto the log.
"Anyway, I can take watch while you sleep. I will wake you up if something happens."
Shadow decided not to push the issue. All mental fortitude was now gone with the immediate need to nap taking priority. He tried to curl his arms around the wood comfortably and nestled his cheek into his arms. Sleep, which had started off at the edge of his mind rolled in like a morning fog, hastened by the gentle rocking and relaxing sound of waves swishing around them.