Scourge's presence at Shadow's table was a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere of moments before. Where there had been a charged silence, now there was the sound of Scourge's untidy eating and the general clamor of the mess hall returning to its usual state.

Shadow watched with a detached amusement as Scourge made himself comfortable. "Didn't think you'd want to associate with someone who's 'gone soft'," he remarked dryly, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

Scourge, his face half-hidden behind a pile of nondescript food, waved a hand dismissively. "Pfft, everyone here knows that's bullshit," he said, bits of food escaping as he spoke. "They've seen what you can do. They're just blowhards trying to rile you up."

He then paused, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as he picked at the edges of his food. "Bet they're drugging this slop. Trying to keep us in line."

Shadow scoffed. "Your paranoia is showing, Scourge. Your powers are weak because you're out of practice, not because of some ridiculous conspiracy."

Scourge's eyes flashed dangerously, but he forced a laugh. "Big talk from GUN's lapdog. How's Blue doing these days? Still playing hero?"

Shadow considered his response carefully. While he and Sonic had a complex relationship, he was not one to gossip or reveal too much. "Sonic is... as he always is," Shadow replied, measuring his words. "Unstoppable, insufferable, and apparently, still too fast for you to handle."

"As if," Scourge spat, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes - frustration, perhaps? "I'll take him down one day. Him and that whole goody-two-shoes act."

"You couldn't even handle me," Shadow stated matter-of-factly. "What makes you think you stand a chance against Sonic?"

Scourge leaned forward, his voice low and menacing. "Don't underestimate me, Shadow. I've got plans. Big plans."

Shadow met Scourge's gaze unflinchingly. "Empty threats from a washed-up villain. How predictable."

Tension crackled between them, but Shadow found himself reassessing Scourge. Despite his bravado, there was a cunning in those eyes, a survivor's instinct that Shadow recognized.

"Your plans," Shadow said, his voice neutral. "They involve getting out of here?"

Scourge's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by Shadow's sudden interest. "Maybe. What's it to you?"

Shadow leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Nothing. Just curious about how far your delusions of grandeur extend."

As the bell signaled the end of breakfast, Shadow stood. "Enjoy your schemes, Scourge. They're all you have left."

Walking away, Shadow couldn't help but feel a twinge of... something. Not quite respect, but a recognition of potential. He filed the information away for later. In this game of survival and redemption, every piece on the board mattered.

—-

Visitation day at the prison brought a rare change of scenery to the monotonous grays and metallic coldness that permeated the facility. It was on this day that the outside world intruded upon the isolation of the inmates, bringing with it a breath of what life used to be.

Shadow hadn't expected any visitors; he had resigned himself to the silence of his cell and the contemplation of his actions. So when he heard his name called out for the first morning slot, a flicker of surprise crossed his otherwise impassive features.

The visitation room buzzed with muted conversations. Shadow sat rigidly across from Sonic, separated by a clear barrier.

"How's prison treating ya, Shads?" Sonic asked, his trademark grin in place.

Shadow's eyes narrowed. "It's tolerable," he replied curtly. "I assume you're here for more than small talk."

Sonic leaned back, his casual demeanor a stark contrast to Shadow's tension. "Can't a guy check on his rival without an ulterior motive?"

"Rival?" Shadow scoffed. "Last I checked, you couldn't keep up with me."

Sonic's grin widened. "Big talk for someone behind bars. But seriously, Shadow, how are you holding up?"

Shadow's expression remained impassive. "I'm fine. This place is merely a temporary inconvenience."

Sonic nodded, his eyes betraying a hint of concern. "Well, things have been pretty wild out there. Eggman's up to his old tricks again."

As Sonic recounted his recent adventures, Shadow listened intently, his mind cataloging every detail. Information was power, and he wasn't about to let his confinement leave him in the dark.

"Sounds like you've been busy," Shadow remarked dryly when Sonic finished.

Sonic chuckled. "Yeah, but it's not the same without you around to keep me on my toes."

Shadow raised an eyebrow. "Missing the competition, hedgehog?"

"Maybe," Sonic admitted with a shrug. "The others send their regards, by the way. Even Knuckles, if you can believe it."

Shadow's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Tell them... their concern is noted."

As the visit neared its end, Sonic stood. "Keep your head up, Shadow. We'll have that rematch when you're out."

Shadow smirked. "Looking forward to putting you in your place again."

Sonic laughed. "We'll see about that. Take care, Shadow. The world's a bit less interesting without you in it."

As Sonic left, Shadow's smirk faded. Less interesting...huh.

—

Evening fell over the facility, casting long shadows through the barred windows of the visitation room. Rouge and Omega's arrival was a stark contrast to Sonic's earlier energy. Rouge's grace and Omega's imposing frame brought an entirely different atmosphere.

"Well, well," Rouge purred, sliding into her seat. "How's prison life treating you, handsome?"

"STATEMENT: WE ARE HERE TO ASSESS YOUR CONDITION AND PROVIDE TACTICAL UPDATES," Omega intoned.

Shadow's expression remained neutral. "Rouge. Omega. Your visit is... unexpected."

Rouge leaned forward, her voice low. "Oh, don't act so surprised. We've been busy keeping things running smoothly in your absence."

"I assume GUN hasn't fallen apart without me," Shadow remarked dryly.

Rouge smirked. "Please. We're professionals. Though I must say, it's been dreadfully dull without your sunny disposition."

"OBSERVATION: TEAM EFFICIENCY HAS DECREASED BY 12.7% SINCE YOUR INCARCERATION," Omega stated.

Shadow's eyes narrowed. "I see. And the missions?"

Rouge's playful demeanor shifted slightly. "Let's just say things have been... interesting. We've stumbled upon some unusual energy readings. Reminds me of a certain ultimate lifeform we know."

"AFFIRMATIVE. THE SIMILARITY TO YOUR CHAOS ENERGY SIGNATURE IS NOTABLE," Omega added.

Shadow leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Tell me more."

As Rouge detailed their recent findings, Shadow's mind raced with possibilities. "Keep investigating," he said quietly. "This could be significant."

Rouge nodded, a sly smile on her face. "Don't worry, we've got it covered. Just focus on getting out of here in one piece, okay?"

"SUGGESTION: PERHAPS WE COULD ASSIST IN ACCELERATING YOUR RELEASE," Omega offered.

Shadow shook his head. "No. I'll handle this my way. Just keep me informed."

As the visit ended, Rouge stood, stretching languidly and blowing him a kiss he pretended to ignore. "Take care, Shadow. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"That leaves a lot of options open," Shadow replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"STATEMENT: WE WILL CONTINUE OUR MISSION UNTIL YOUR RETURN, SHADOW," Omega said.

As they left, Shadow's mind was already formulating plans. His team was out there, working towards something big. And he'd be damned if he let these prison walls keep him from being part of it.

—

The familiar clang of the cell door echoed as Shadow returned to the confined space he temporarily called home. He was barely a step inside when Scourge's voice sliced through the air, a harsh rasp filled with bitterness.

"I saw him, you know. That self-righteous blue hedgehog prancing in here like he owns the place," Scourge sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Sonic and his smug little face. I'd love to wipe that grin off with my fist."

Shadow moved to his cot with practiced indifference, sitting down while Scourge continued his tirade from across the cell.

"And then there was that bat chick—Rouge, was it? Quite the looker, heh, you're lucky, Shadow. If I had visitors like that, I wouldn't be wasting my time in this dump," Scourge rambled on, a lecherous smirk twisting his features.

Shadow, having endured enough of the diatribe, closed his eyes and tuned out the green hedgehog's words. He thought about Sonic, Rouge, and Omega's visits, the warmth they brought into the cold cell, and the stark contrast to Scourge's loneliness.

He opened his eyes, looking directly at Scourge, pondering the razor-thin line that separated them. There was a time when Shadow could have easily found himself in a similar position—alone, without allies or friends, driven by anger and resentment. But choices, circumstances, and perhaps something deeper had set them on different paths.

Scourge, noticing the silence, fixed Shadow with a glare. "What's wrong, bat got your tongue?"

Shadow sighed, unfazed by Scourge's attempt to provoke a reaction. He had heard it all before, and there was little point in correcting Scourge's assumptions or engaging in his rants.

Instead, he turned to face Scourge, his red eyes meeting the other hedgehog's bitter gaze. "Why don't you try it, Scourge? A new leaf, I mean. Perhaps then you'd see more to life than this cell."

Scourge's sneer intensified. "And what? Be a goody two shoes like you and blue boy? Don't give me that crap. You're just as selfish as the rest of us, always looking out for number one. Sooner or later, you'll stab GUN in the back like everyone else who's had the misfortune of trusting you."

An uncomfortable silence fell over the cell as Shadow studied his cellmate, considering his next words carefully. "You're right, Scourge. I am selfish," he finally said. "But even I recognize the folly of constantly burning bridges, making enemies of everyone around me. A solitary existence may appeal to you, but I've learned the value of having allies... of giving loyalty and receiving it in turn."

Scourge snorted derisively. "Loyalty? From the ultimate lifeform? Don't make me laugh."

"It's your choice to mock me," Shadow said evenly. "But know that the offer remains open, should you decide there's more to life than this cycle of violence and incarceration. GUN could- "

"Save your breath, Shadow," Scourge cut him off harshly. "I don't need your pity or your second chances. I am who I am, and I don't plan on changing for anyone." He turned away, effectively ending the conversation.

"You don't get it, Shadow.I'm not you. I don't flip-flop sides whenever it suits me."