Chapter 18: Shadow's Pain, Sonic's Comforting
The team separated in the ARK to find different ways of stopping the energy before it impacted the Earth. Amy was left behind and told to play Bejeweled Blitz on the computer with a disappointed and bored look on her face. She wanted to help them and be useful, but Eggman forced her to play computer games because she had no power or battle tactics.
'Man, this isn't fair. Why can't I help and join the team? I felt like I did nothing!' Amy groaned as she laid her down on the computer desk, 'Why do they have to keep me out when they need me most?'
*ARK Base*
Tails opened the panels to reveal the wires inside. He started his analysis of all the circuits in front of him while looking for anything that could stop the blast. Rouge watched in awe of his genius mind.
"Wow, Tails, you are really good at this…" said Rouge in an impressed tone as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Thanks! This is just what I always dreamed of doing… I wonder how Sonic would react if he knew how much I had to learn from him to get to this point." He thought for a moment as his mind went back to the days when they were kids and they played together. Tails carefully cut the wire, his hands steady and precise. The room held its breath as everyone watched, hoping that this would be the solution they needed. As the wire was severed, a surge of electricity sparked and crackled, causing the lights to flicker momentarily.
Suddenly, a low hum resonated throughout the base, signaling that something had changed. Tails cautiously glanced at the control panel, his eyes widening in disbelief. The countdown had stopped. The imminent threat of destruction had been averted. Tails breathed a sigh of relief and Rouge patted his shoulder.
"Well done, Tails! You saved the day!" Rouge exclaimed, giving Tails a huge smile.
"Thank you, Rouge! It really means a lot to me! But we have to look for Sonic and the others now," he said quickly as he jumped to his feet and walked towards the door. "Right behind you!" Rouge replied with a nod before following him out the door.
*At the Security System*
Eggman was cutting the circuit wires to turn off the energy, which worked perfectly. Now all the danger from that explosion would be nullified and the planet wouldn't suffer any damage from the force. "Perfect! Everything should work fine now," he said triumphantly, "Just one more thing to add to my list of inventions to improve upon!"
He communicated Tails with a walkie-talkie to let him know the plan was working.
"Tails, everything's working. How does it go?" he asked. A few seconds later Tails' voice came through, "Everything's good. We're still trying to locate the others. We'll try to communicate again in a bit."
After hearing that, Eggman frowned slightly; he hoped Tails had found Sonic before the energy ran out. "Roger. I'll be counting on you," he replied as he began to communicate with Rouge, "Alright, Rouge, once I've finished, you'll have to go to the core and drain the liquid energy for Sonic and Knuckles so they can proceed."
"Roger," she answered before turning to leave the room. Eggman turned towards the main computer, where he had already placed the new data. "There we go. All ready to go to work! And I hope to see your face soon enough," said Eggman.
*At the Core System*
As Rouge hurried towards the Core System, her footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridor. The air was heavy with anticipation as she approached her destination. The Core System, the heart of Dr. Eggman's operation, was a massive, pulsating chamber filled with intricate machinery and glowing energy conduits.
As she entered the Core System, the sound of humming machinery surrounded her. The room was bathed in an eerie blue glow, casting elongated shadows on the walls. Rouge's eyes darted around, searching for any signs of buttons and switches.
She spotted two transparent containment chambers at the center of the chamber. Inside each, she found the control panels, buttons, and switches. Determination surged within Rouge as she moved closer to the chambers.
With her gloved hand, Rouge reached out to a control panel nearby. She examined the complex interface, analyzing the intricate codes and symbols. She knew she had to drain the liquid energy from the chambers, allowing Sonic and Knuckles to enter the ARK base.
Her fingers danced across the buttons and switches, her movements precise and deliberate. As the liquid energy started to drain out from the chambers, Rouge watched as Sonic and Knuckles began to proceed to the base.
"Nice work, Rouge," complimented Sonic.
"Thanks. Now go ahead and find your way, we're going to need their energy to shut down the system," said Rouge.
Sonic nodded, "Copy that." Sonic turned to Knuckles, "Let's go." Knuckles nodded.
*At the Fuse System*
Sonic and Knuckles had arrived at the Fuse System
Sonic and Knuckles stood in awe as they entered the Fuse System, a massive chamber filled with intricate machinery and pulsating energy. The room hummed with power, and the air crackled with anticipation. The duo knew that this was a crucial moment in their mission to shut down the ARK base.
As they approached the central control console, Sonic couldn't help but crack a confident smile. "Alright, Knuckles, let's do this!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with determination.
Knuckles nodded, his fists clenched tightly. "No problem, Sonic. We've faced tougher challenges than this before," he replied, his voice resonating with unwavering resolve.
Together, they assessed the control console, its array of buttons, levers, and switches stretching out before them. The console emitted a soft glow, guiding their eyes to the areas that needed their attention.
Sonic's nimble fingers flew across the buttons, intuitively deciphering the intricate sequence required to shut down the Fuse System. Knuckles, with his immense strength, positioned himself strategically, ready to pull any necessary levers or switches with precision.
As they worked in perfect sync, the Fuse System began to respond. Sparks erupted from the machinery, and the room trembled with the impending release of power. Sonic and Knuckles remained focused, undeterred by the intensity of the situation.
With each successful maneuver, the energy in the room shifted, gradually reducing the Fuse System's potency. Sonic's speed and Knuckles' brute force were a formidable combination, their teamwork proving to be their greatest asset.
As the final moments approached, the chamber seemed to hold its breath. The energy crackled and surged one last time before gradually subsiding. The once thunderous room now fell into an eerie silence, signifying the successful shutdown of the Fuse System.
Sonic and Knuckles exchanged triumphant looks, their smiles wide and contagious. "We did it!" Sonic exclaimed, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Now let's regroup with Rouge and ensure the ARK base is fully deactivated."
Together, they hurriedly made their way back to Rouge and others, the satisfaction of their accomplishment fueling their steps. The journey ahead may still be challenging, but with their combined skills and determination, Sonic, Knuckles, and Rouge were ready to face whatever lay ahead in their mission to save the day.
*Meanwhile the Main Control Room*
"Looks like ARK is stable," said Orbot.
"That's good," Cubot said. "But there seems to be a small problem. We haven't received word from them since they left the control room about five minutes ago."
"What small problem?" asked Orbot curiously.
"The Energy Wave has taken its toll. There's very little power left in the core, and all the systems are shutting down. We have no choice but to destroy the core now," said Cubot.
"You're right, but we need Shadow to help us do that. Do you think he'll notice?" asked Orbot.
"I'm not sure. But even if he doesn't, the core will eventually self-destruct," Cubot replied.
Orbot nodded, a frown appearing on his face. Suddenly, a door opened to reveal Sonic, and the others entered the room. Cubot looked at them in surprise, wondering what they were up to. Sonic strode forward, his emerald eyes fixed on Orbot as he spoke.
"Hey, Orbot, how's it going?" asked Sonic.
"The ARK's is stable, but we don't have much power left. You have to help us get rid of this core before it self-destructs," Cubot replied.
"How are we going to do that?" Sonic asked.
Orbot gestured toward the core monitor screen, which showed the core's status: "The core is still powering down, but it isn't completely done yet," he explained. "We've only got about 19 minutes before it shuts down completely."
"Okay. What do we need to do to make sure that happens?" questioned Sonic.
"Well, we could try to remove the core," suggested Orbot.
Cubot nodded in agreement. "Yes. We need Shadow to help us out," he said.
Sonic glanced over at Knuckles. His friend was staring at the screen with an intense look of concentration. "What do you think, Knux? Can you take care of the core and use the Emerald?"
Knuckles thought for a second and then replied, "Yeah, I think I can."
Amy entered the room with a scorned look on her face feeling useless for playing Bejeweled Blitz for a long hour. She hated being left behind.
"So, Amy, have you finished your game?" asked Eggman.
"Why do let me play this stupid game when I was trying to help? I could have been more useful than just sitting here and doing nothing! Besides, everyone else is supposed to be helping, too! Why am I only getting treated like this?!" complained Amy.
Eggman shrugged indifferently. "Because you're not an actual member of our organization, remember? It doesn't matter what you do outside of work."
Amy growled.
"We have no time to waste. You have to get Shadow," said Orbot.
"Okay, I'll go talk to him," said Sonic.
"Are you sure, Sonic?" asked Tails.
"I'll go with you," said Amy.
"No, Amy. You stay here," said Sonic firmly.
"But-"
"No, Ames. I've got this. You stay back with them, alright?" Sonic pleaded.
Amy frowned, but she reluctantly nodded. Sonic stepped out of the control room, leaving Amy alone with Orbot and others. He walked past the corridor leading away from the main chamber, heading deeper into the facility. He came to a halt and opened the door to see Shadow staring at the window with his crossed arms over his chest. Sonic entered the room and tried to talk to Shadow.
"Shadow," he called out.
Shadow didn't turn around, he could see the reflection of Sonic in the window. "Go away, Sonic," he muttered.
"Come on, bro. You know I won't leave you alone if you aren't talking to me," said Sonic.
Sonic walked toward Shadow, hoping that his counterpart would understand what he was about to say. He stopped a few feet away, unsure of how to begin. He took a deep breath and looked Shadow in the eyes, his expression serious.
"I know you've had some disagreements in the past, but I need your help. I need you to believe me. Shadow, we're a team," Sonic said, his voice filled with concern. "We've been through too much together to let something like this tear us apart."
Shadow finally turned to face Sonic, his crimson eyes burning with a mix of anger and pain. "You don't understand, Sonic. You can't possibly comprehend the weight that I carry."
Sonic took a step closer, his emerald eyes reflecting his determination. "Then help me understand, Shadow. Talk to me. Tell me what's eating you."
Shadow clenched his fists, the tension in the room growing thicker. "I've spent my whole life fighting against the darkness within me. I've embraced my past, my pain, and turned it into strength. But lately, it feels like I'm losing that battle. I can feel the darkness creeping back, consuming me from within."
Sonic listened intently, his heart aching for his friend. "Shadow, you're not alone in this. We're here for you, every step of the way."
Sonic clenched his fists. "Tell me what happened during the invasion, Shadow. Wasn't there some kind of plan to end it all?"
Shadow closed his eyes, his head bowed, his brow furrowed. "It's none of your concern, hedgehog. And why bother do I have to help you? Just go and fix things by yourself."
Shadow walked past Sonic, bumped into his shoulder, and pushed past him as he headed toward the exit. But Sonic stopped him, reaching out and grabbing his wrist.
"Shadow… please," Sonic pleaded.
Shadow released Sonic's grasp, "Let go of me!"
As Sonic's grip tightened on Shadow's wrist, both hedgehogs locked eyes, their expressions filled with frustration and hurt. The room seemed to buzz with tension, their emotions palpable.
"Shadow, you can't just walk away," Sonic said, his voice tinged with desperation. "Please, we have to the best of help."
"Why the hell should I trust you?!" Shadow shouted angrily, wrenching his arm free from Sonic's grasp.
"Because you promised! What about the promise made to Maria and her wish?! Don't you want to fulfill it!? Do you, Shadow?!" yelled Sonic.
Shadow growled angrily, baring his fangs as he glared at Sonic, and threw himself at the blue speedster.
"Don't you dare say her name!" roared Shadow. "I don't need to hear your voice saying her name again! I told you that I wasn't interested in stupid friendship! But you wouldn't listen!"
Sonic reacted with his emotional pain, and Shadow continued.
"I just... I just can't stand it anymore. All these years the one thing I wanted was to protect her, I wanted her to live! She pushed me to the pod, locked in. I was trying to save her, but I failed! I couldn't save her! I couldn't fucking save her! All because I couldn't even save her, then she was murdered! I was so helpless that day...and yet she still wanted me to promise to protect humanity..." Shadow shed those tears from his eyes, and Sonic's eyes welled up the tears.
"Even if I could have saved her, I couldn't have prevented her death! And now I have to live with the fact that it was because of me that she died!" Shadow gritted his teeth, his tears flowed freely down Sonic's face.
"I... I couldn't save her and now she's gone. She's gone, she's gone! Oh, God..." Shadow sobbed.
Sonic stood up and hugged Shadow, the ebony hedgehog clinging onto him desperately, burying his face in his shoulder. Sonic rubbed his back, whispering words of comfort.
"Shhh. I know, I know. It's alright, bro. I've got you. I'm right here. Nothing bad's gonna happen. I promise. Everything's gonna be fine," whispered Sonic, soothing Shadow to calm down.
'He had so much pain in his past. Maria lost her life because he was unable to protect her,' thought Sonic.
Sonic hugged Shadow deeply while stroking his back, letting him know that he was there for him. Eventually, he felt Shadow relax slightly against him. After he calmed down, Shadow wiped his tears away with the backs of his hands.
"Better?" he asked.
"Yeah. Sorry for being riled up," apologized Shadow.
Sonic shook his head. "Don't be. It's okay to cry. Nobody blames you or thinks less of you for it. They know you're hurting inside. Just don't blame yourself."
Shadow gave him a slight nod. "Sonic?"
"Yeah?" he responded.
Shadow stared at him for a moment and Sonic wondered what was going on with him.
"What?" asked Sonic innocently.
Shadow kissed Sonic on the lips, and Sonic's eyes widened. Then he closed his eyes and kissed him back passionately. Sonic's heart raced as he felt Shadow's lips against his own. He felt a warmth spread from his chest and knew that he had finally found the one he had been searching for. His hands moved to Shadow's waist and he deepened the kiss. His heart pounded as he explored Shadow's mouth, feeling the intensity of their connection and the love they shared.
'He kissed me again. Just like back in the jungle,' thought Sonic.
Shadow pressed his lips to his and his hands explored his body eagerly. He felt a thrill of excitement as his strong fingers caressed his athletic body. He pulled him closer, deepening the kiss as he explored further. His touch ignited a passion within Sonic, and he felt a warmth coursing through his veins. He wanted him, and the intensity of his desire was almost overwhelming. Sonic wrapped his arms around his neck, responding eagerly to his touch.
Shadow laid the azure hedgehog down on the floor, and smiled down at him lovingly. He leaned down and gently kissed Sonic's neck, eliciting soft moans and gasps from the blue hedgehog. Shadow continued kissing along Sonic's neck, making his way lower until he reached his collarbone, raked his fangs across the sensitive skin beneath it, and then licked the spot. Sonic shuddered and let out a low moan, his hands gripping his shoulders tightly. Shadow felt a thrill of satisfaction course through him as Sonic leaned into the touch, and he continued his attentions, finding the spot that made Sonic squirm and moan with pleasure.