The oppressive humidity of the cell was suffocating, clinging to Shadow like a second skin. The uniform, a constant itch against his body, seemed to exacerbate the discomfort. But it was neither the heat nor the fabric that kept him awake. It was the dreams—the relentless, vivid memories of Maria, her voice a soothing melody amidst the chaos of his subconscious. In every dream, just before the inevitable tragedy, she whispered affirmations of his current path, lending him a fragile solace.

Shadow's eyes snapped open at 4 AM, his senses immediately alert. The oppressive humidity of the cell clung to him, but it was a mere annoyance to the Ultimate Lifeform. His gaze flickered to the source of the acrid smell permeating the air - Scourge, lounging on the bottom bunk, a lit cigarette dangling from his fingers.

Noticing Shadow's attention, Scourge grinned lazily. "Rise and shine, Stripes. Want a drag?" He extended the cigarette upwards.

"No," Shadow replied curtly, his voice devoid of emotion.

Scourge scoffed, taking another drag and exhaling a cloud of smoke that dissipated against the barred window. "Didn't figure you for such a Boy Scout, Shadow. Or should I say 'poster boy' for the reformed villain?"

Shadow's eyes narrowed. "My choices are none of your concern."

"Oh, but they are," Scourge countered, leaning forward with a predatory gleam in his eyes. "See, I've been thinking. You and me, we're not so different. Both created to be the best, both seen as villains. But you... you're trying to play hero now."

Shadow remained silent, his face an impassive mask.

Scourge continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Come on, Shadow. We both know you could break out of here without breaking a sweat. So why don't we? You, me, causing some real chaos out there. Just like old times, eh?"

"I'm not here for your amusement, Scourge," Shadow growled, a hint of irritation seeping into his voice.

Scourge laughed, a harsh sound in the quiet cell. "No? Then why are you here, Shadow? Trying to prove something to yourself? Or maybe to that blue boy scout?"

Shadow's fists clenched involuntarily. "None...of your...concern."

"Sure, sure," Scourge drawled, crushing out his cigarette. "Keep telling yourself that. But remember, Stripes - you can't outrun who you really are. No matter how many good deeds you do."

Shadow turned away, his crimson eyes fixed on the wall. "You don't know anything about who I am."

"Maybe not," Scourge admitted with a shrug. "But I know this - guys like us, we're not meant for redemption. So why fight it?"

Shadow remained silent, but Scourge's words echoed in his mind. As the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the barred window, Shadow found himself questioning, not for the first time, the path he had chosen. But he pushed those doubts aside. He was the Ultimate Lifeform. He made his own destiny, regardless of what anyone - including Scourge - thought.

The mess hall buzzed with tension as Shadow entered, his crimson eyes scanning the room coldly. Inmates whispered and sneered, their hostility palpable. Shadow ignored them, his face an impassive mask as he collected his tray of unappetizing slop.

Scourge sidled up beside him, grinning maliciously. "Quite the welcome committee, eh Stripes? Bet you're used to better treatment."

Shadow remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead.

As they moved through the hall, the taunts grew bolder. Suddenly, a glob of food struck Shadow's back. Laughter erupted, and the air crackled with anticipation.

Shadow froze, his fists clenching. Chaos energy sparked around him, his eyes flashing dangerously.

Scourge's grin widened. "C'mon, Shadow. Show these losers what the Ultimate Lifeform can do!"

For a moment, Shadow's control wavered. He turned slowly, facing the sneering inmate who'd thrown the food. The room fell silent, inmates backing away from the impending conflict.

"What's wrong, freak?" the inmate taunted. "Forgot how to fight without your fancy powers?"

Shadow's eyes narrowed. In a blur of motion, he was suddenly in front of the inmate, gripping his collar. "I don't need Chaos Control to deal with pathetic scum like you," he growled.

The inmate's bravado faltered, fear flickering in his eyes.

Scourge laughed. "That's more like it! Teach him a lesson, Shadow!"

But Shadow paused, Maria's voice echoing in his mind. With a low growl, he released the inmate, shoving him back. "You're not worth the effort," he spat.

Turning away, Shadow strode to an empty table, ignoring the mixture of jeers and awed whispers.

Scourge followed, disappointment clear on his face.

"Boo! What's the matter, Shadow? Gone soft?"

"Again, I'm not here to entertain you, Scourge," Shadow replied coldly.

Scourge scoffed. "No, you're here to play martyr. How noble." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "But we both know this isn't you. The real Shadow wouldn't take this lying down."

Shadow's eyes flashed. "You know nothing about the real me. I choose my own path. And right now, that path doesn't involve wasting my time on insects like him... or you."

Scourge's grin faltered, replaced by a scowl. "Keep telling yourself that, Stripes. But sooner or later, you'll remember who you really are. And when you do..." He leaned in close, his voice a menacing whisper. "I'll be right here, ready to watch this whole place burn."

Shadow said nothing, his gaze fixed on his untouched food. As Scourge sauntered away, Shadow allowed himself a small, grim smile. Let them think he'd gone soft. Let them underestimate him. In the end, it would be their mistake to make.