Chapter 7: Boughs of Bewilderment

There was never much of a doubt that Gerald would be able to gather the necessary funds to make Maria's holiday wishes come true, but from which sources the rather large sum he procured remained to be seen. The infamous Robotnik always managed to find a way to make his precious granddaughter's desires come to fruition. "You see Shadow, my boy…" the Professor had divulged that evening as the two shared a casual stroll down one of the many impersonal, steely corridors of the ARK, "...There are times when one has to practice a careful and calculated judgement on what details to offer. In other words, there are instances where it's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask permission." He nudged against the youthful hedgehog with a creaking hip, chortling playfully as Shadow gazed upwards, listening with keen attentiveness to his creator's words of wisdom. Over the years, the aging scientist had grown quite fond of his alien comrade. Not quite enough to see him as his true kin of course, but enough to spurn on a paternal urge to mentor the young creature. Shadow seemed eager to learn, and the aging man had not yet passed up a chance to lecture a willing audience.

He could, at the very least, not deny how intelligent Shadow was. Quite exceptional, really, and far beyond Professor Robotnik's wildest expectations or calculations. Not only did Shadow pass each of his tests with flying colours; be it combat simulations, Chaos honing, or intelligence measurements, but the hedgehog had also become an integral companion and source of support for Maria. Although none of the experimental cures generated from Shadow's biological material had yet to manifest into a physical cure for NIDS, it was evident that his presence in her life had done wonders for Maria's emotional and mental well-being. The two were inseparable, and on days where Maria's condition was so poor that she was unable to see Shadow, her disposition would take a serious downturn. On Shadow's part, he didn't vocalize his upset when separated from the young blonde, but the observant Professor noticed his test scores would suffer, ears laying flat in displeasure as the Ultimate Lifeform spaced out until he got to see her again. A part of Gerald fretted over the possibility of an unhealthy codependency forming between the two, but then again, their strong bond served his purposes for the moment.

"Professor, does that lesson also apply to you?" Shadow's calm, yet still somewhat tentative voice, cut through Gerald's thoughts. He stopped walking for a moment and eyed his creation, understanding what Shadow probably meant but not quite enjoying the implications. Shadow took his silence as his cue to elaborate: "What I mean to say is, as much as I do respect your judgement Professor, if there ever came a situation where I assessed that disobeying your orders was the correct course of action, would you trust me to do so? Even if it made you angry, would you bequeath your forgiveness to me if I acted without your permission?" Shadow had also stopped walking and although his shivering palms were an indication of the anxiety gripping him at being so bold, he still managed to assertively maintain eye contact while submitting his inquiry. It was obvious this question held some deeper meaning for him. Professor Robotnik took his time to reply, evaluating which context or connotation Shadow could possibly be referring to.

The two continued their stroll in silence for a minute, Gerald still deep in consideration, and Shadow patiently awaiting his response. As they ambled along, the hedgehog couldn't help but admire Maria's holiday handiwork. Clumsily taped tinsel in various festive shades lined the hallways of the domestic zone of the ARK, and every so often hand-cut paper snowflakes would adorn a window or two. Maria had attempted Christmas wreaths, however without real pinecones from Earth she eventually gave up. "It's just not the same without that natural forest smell…" she had declared sadly, pouting and turning away from her Christmas crusades for the day. "This entire holiday project is probably why Maria is so exhausted…" Shadow worried.

Choosing to tread lightly, the scientist finally responded with feigned naivety: "Do you mean, disobeying me in some sort of emergency context? Or are you trying to usurp me or something, lad?" Shadow's eyes widened at the unexpected statement, missing the sarcasm entirely, "Of course not, Professor! I just wanted to know how far my autonomy extends in your mind. You created me, and I wouldn't have life if it weren't for you. Yet, I still have free will. I have feelings, ideas, and dreams which you did not bestow upon me. Sometimes I wonder if you would permit me some of them…" His voice trailed off as the pair approached the door to Maria's room within the sickbay. She had undergone several treatments and tests that day, and Shadow knew that she was most likely still inside, either asleep or groggily awaiting his visit. But, not yet. He needed to finish this important conversation with the Professor first. His eyes gently traced the door longingly as they sauntered by, Gerald silently lost in contemplation at Shadow's words. Was he referring to his connection to Black Doom? Was the boy concerned that he may lose control at some point and have to destroy himself to prevent disaster? A million doomsday scenarios whirred through the genius' mind- none of which were the least bit accurate.

Shadow was thinking about mistletoe.

He had read about it in one of Maria's Christmas books. A strange, veiny-like plant with small white berries that, when hung with a red ribbon during the holidays, blessed those standing underneath it with the bravery to kiss one another. Technically, the hedgehog was only three and a half years old, but he was likely already going through puberty with the way his mind couldn't seem to stay focused. No matter how he tried to distract himself, his mind inevitably wandered back to the mistletoe and how it might feel to meet Maria under it. How he would carefully take her hand into his and smile up towards her… His cheeks heated up furiously as he fretted in his mind, oblivious to the odd glances Gerald was giving him.

"The Professor would never approve of me kissing Maria even if I asked properly. Kissing isn't a respectful or diplomatic action, it's intimate and close. Plus, there's a possibility that my saliva could contaminate her. My fangs could hurt her, too. Maybe this is a terrible idea, after all. What if Maria doesn't agree to it? What if she hates me for asking? I don't want her to think ill of me… But Maria has every right to refuse. After all, I'm a completely different species. I'm not even sure exactly what I am. And Maria, she's… She's beautiful and human. I know she cares for me, but maybe it's not the same as this deep longing inside of me… to luh…luh…" Shadow squeezed his eyes shut and suddenly stopped walking mid-step, blurting out;

"LOVE!"

Gerald's brows raised at the random outburst. For once in his life, the man was completely dumbfounded, staring at the strange, fluffy beast blushing bright scarlet with wild pupils and an indignantly flickering tail. Shadow's own eyes were saucers, apparently completely bewildered himself, as he quickly moved his hands to cover his mouth in shock and embarrassment. "F-forgive me, Professor! I-uh…" It was the first time he had ever seen Shadow genuinely flustered, and Gerald wasn't sure what to think. "Shadow, are you feeling alright? You are behaving rather oddly today. Would you like me to request the nurse to perform a check-up of your vitals in the infirmary?" Jumping at the opportunity to escape the awkward situation and the potential chance to pay a call to Maria, Shadow agreed in earnest. "Thank you, Professor, I think I may have overworked a bit during the testing session today. I'll go ask one of the nurses for an IV drip." With that, the Ultimate Lifeform turned tail and skated away as fast as his air shoes could possibly allow, leaving one very confused mad scientist behind.