Shadow's boots echoed through the sterile halls of Prison Island's most secure wing, the sound reverberating off the cold walls, each step taking him deeper into the heart of the facility. The guards escorting him were visibly tense, their hands never straying far from their weapons despite the restraints that bound Shadow's wrists. The pale grey uniform they handed him was a stark contrast to the black and red that had become his signature, and he grimaced at the sight.
"Put this on," one of the guards commanded, avoiding eye contact.
Shadow complied silently, his movements measured and deliberate. The fabric felt foreign against his skin, a constant reminder of the reality he was about to face.
As he was led through the common areas, the chatter and commotion of daily prison life fell to a hush. Inmates glanced up from their activities, their eyes lingering on the infamous Shadow. Among the stares, Shadow heard the murmurs of those who saw him as a symbol of a fallen cause, a few expressing their discontent that he had not completed the mission to annihilate Earth. He let out a quiet groan. Idiots. All of them.
Eventually, they arrived at his designated cell. The guard with the keys, a young man whose eyes flickered with a mixture of fear and respect, leaned in slightly.
"Shadow, right? I... I think it's brave, what you're doing," he whispered, almost hesitant to speak the words. "But, uh, be careful with your cellmate. He's... well, you'll see."
Shadow stepped inside, immediately assessing his surroundings. On the bottom bunk sat a green hedgehog, scars crisscrossing his fur. Their eyes met, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
"Well, if it isn't the famous Shadow," the green hedgehog drawled, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Name's Scourge. Looks like we're roomies."
Shadow crossed his arms. "I know who you are."
Scourge chuckled, leaning back. "Course you do. So, what's the Ultimate Lifeform doing in a dump like this? Thought you were all about saving the world now."
"My reasons are my own," Shadow replied curtly.
"Hmph. Typical." Scourge's grin turned predatory. "Well, don't expect any special treatment just 'cause you're GUN's pet project. In here, you're just another inmate."
Shadow's eyes narrowed. "I don't need special treatment. And I'm nobody's pet."
Scourge stood, stretching lazily. "We'll see about that. This place has a way of breaking even the toughest guys."
"I'd like to see it try," Shadow retorted, a hint of challenge in his voice.
Scourge laughed. "Oh, I'm gonna enjoy watching you squirm, Stripes. Welcome to hell."