A Horrifying, Yet Miraculous, Absolution
Ch. 26
[×]
There was a lot of things upon Gerald's plate, but the President's letter was not one of them. He had decided to accept the March meeting – December was an impossibility with everything moving at frantic paces. It was a golden opportunity to NOT remove him, because the elder Robotnik should use his brain: the following year was an election one and that man was to be voted out. There wasn't a need to do anything rash other than endear himself into whatever political strength was upcoming. That was the smarter, more accurate plan, and the perfect place to do so was at the capital city. He could show up, admit it was due to an invitation, but imply that, as a scientist, he only held loyalty to what would allow him to continue his research. If there was anything from analyzing that darkened future gave him, it was the realization of not burning bridges.
Besides, the most powerful man upon the surface of the planet had nothing against…
He wondered if it was the medication that had made him experience oversight at their leader's arrival. He was so engrossed with Maria's cure that he had forgotten their upcoming clandestine meeting. Gerald… did not want to undergo that experience again. Yet, at the same time, a part of him was thrilled: Shadow had chosen to reject everything that warlord stood for and had carefully presented his loyalty to the Robotniks – his child's true family. It was a treasure that his granddaughter held so dear and close; one that he accomplished perhaps not as overt but in his own way, too…
Ah… Shadow. His mind was beginning to burn whenever he saw his perfect son, just as how it burned when he saw his precious granddaughter… [The line between the two was blurred and warped under the heat. Gerald was losing his own will to fight because it was beginning to feel right to fall into- No, damn it! It DIDN'T!]
The scientist inhaled a deep breath.
Speaking of the boy, he was standing off towards the side. Not distraught. Not overtly worried. However, he was on high alert and guarded. Still, the words out of his mouth weren't warnings or medical musings. It was something else. "You… kissed me goodnight," his son softly added while rubbing his topmost quill, like he was afraid that was nothing but a hallucination. A false memory. A wistful thought that would never be true.
He answered carefully. "I have… done it before."
Black and red shook. "You did it. Not… your grief."
Gerald paused momentarily at that: the beakers within his containment field frozen in time as muscles stopped. Had he… truly never displayed anything physical beyond a few embraces to the boy while sane? [Was that why his child felt abandoned?] Had the scientist made the same mistake so many other failed families had done before? Carefully, he sat down the glass objects and picked up the next batch – all while his mind processed those terrible memories. The results were all the same: nothing overt. Subtle. A word of special meaning – of 'son.'
They had split apart after Maria's… event and he had- [He was glad that that man was deceased. But the damage was accomplished already, hadn't it been? There wasn't originally a chance to fix things because of the firing squad-]
Loyalty… He had just thought about that, but how had Gerald deserved such a level of devotion from Shadow? His granddaughter he understood, but… "… Would you want me to stop?"
The answer was quiet, almost impossible under the hum of the fan that created negative air pressure in the glassed off section the scientist was working by. "You can… continue."
He gave a small nod and slowly went back to work.
[x]
The question he needed to address, since the suboptimal plan was the only plan – and he might as well work on that if there wasn't anything else – was this: what could calm down that driving, basically instinctual, need for his son's 'blood' to consume? What was the end product that that fluid was attempting to create? What viability did such aggressive action have once separated from the host/Shadow's body? And could all those questions be answered, or partly addressed, when their leader arrived? How could he word such a thing without enacting suspicion?
That's what he was trying to solve first. By understanding, truth revealed itself.
However, that meeting day was at some point between now and then. He still had so much to do. December was at the end, and with the final week slipping away, the first fiscal quarter was at its death.
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop on you, but you mentioned previously that you could feel your 'blood' devour Maria's cells." He gave Shadow a gentle expression – didn't want the boy to feel like this was placing blame on a failed cure. "Can you explain that a little more since the next attempt will have to take that into deliberation?"
Alizarin Crimson blinked – the same color as those beams of light from the murder pictures, Gerald recognized – as the boy frowned. "It is difficult to explain. It was…" The hedgehog folded his arms over his chest and tapped a finger against his arm. "Data. Knowledge." Disgust played on ebony fur and a tanned muzzle. "I don't know with certainty and it could possibly be something else. It's as if that datum fulfilled an urge I wanted." He twisted in position. "There's a strange feeling in my core every time you mess with my samples. Soft. Quiet. Barely perceptual. It grows when you test with organics before becoming stilled again."
Robotnik hummed in thought. "I can understand your dislike." That didn't sound… safe. Urges? Was it their instincts that had imprinted since- -his child had evolved? Remember the White Space: Shadow had been 'ripened up' to serve as a 'completed' Destroyer for the Black Arms. This aligned to that, correct? "Do you remember every piece we mixed with your fluids?"
The boy rubbed those golden rings as he recollected. "I think so."
So, Gerald asked for details and Shadow went down the list in order: normal human samples, sickened humans, humans with genetic diseases, the other researchers own samples as a comparison; so on and so forth. Yet, the hedgehog never labeled anything as the right title– they were merely carbon molecules. Lipids. Cellular complexes. Things. He pointed out flaws and compared them to what he knew from the control that Robotnik had injected at the beginning: one sample had a predisposition for certain defects; heart failures; a rare skin condition; cancers. A small smile danced those carbon, red, and tanned features – one not filled with love or hope, but stained in an emptiness that made Robotnik subconsciously shiver. The boy's tone was the opposite of his face: serious and contemplating and dedicated in order to help all he could to find a way to fix Maria.
Was his son aware he was… enthralled at the clinical dissection of maladies he spoke about?
No.
Gerald didn't believe so.
The smile faded as his tampered child continued down the list towards the end. "I knew which packets were yours and Maria's, though. The rest was… noise."
The scientist paused. "What do you mean?"
An ear flicked. "I just… knew that datum were ones I had to keep… safe. Within." He shook his head, like it cleared something up. "It seems I do have access to Maria's genetic makeup…" And yours, went unsaid.
He didn't know what to think. On one hand, this proved his subpar idea had merit and promise: Shadow already had Maria's genome and was clearly capable of judging against other DNA sequences. It was amazing how… effortlessly the boy did it – faster than the supercomputer locked away in a separate floor. On the other hand, Gerald felt something in his gut. Intuition. Something about this was dangerous. But what? Why? "What did you mean 'noise?'"
There was a shrug. "It was just carbon."
"'Just carbon?'" Not… human? Or human cellular tissue? Not… life?
"Yes. Only carbon-based molecules and their related structures. Was that incorrect?" Shadow spoke with more confusion. He could tell that the researcher was searching for something the hedgehog hadn't given.
It technically wasn't wrong. Just… clinical.
[x]
The ARK's elongated hallways did their normal thing: reflect. The cameras watched from their high towers as Gerald walked besides the boy, slightly ahead and towards the right. The upcoming meeting with their leader was on his mind now that he had left the medical lab. He needed to know the exact date… When was it? He needed to search- -and that was difficult because they were not expected even the last time. He had written the date on the journal, but when…?
A scientist racked his brain.
Before the New Year? No. There was a party that he ignored for Christmas because Shadow was slated to awaken soon and he suddenly crashed unstable. Dangerously unstable. He was afraid he was going to lose the black and red Mobian hybrid. Maria had already been so enamored by the form Gerald crafted the DNA into: unassuming. Fluffy. Cute. She would be devastated if he hadn't taken care of-
Ah. So not then.
When?
His precious Maria was sad that day. Why? Why? Because…?
Gerald's foot stepped the wrong way – inwards at an angle – and he tripped. His jostle didn't make it far before he was arrested; red eyes watching guarded and careful.
"We can't keep you on chlorpromazine much longer," Shadow whispered despite knowing the cameras only carried imagery. His expression was nothing but worry. "Your body is suffering the side affects more often." He carefully placed the scientist back on two, well grounded, feet. "We should run a scan on your mind to ensure no damage had been accomplished permanently." Those red eyes shifted. "And I won't take 'no' for an answer."
The overprotective aura was… palatable. "If there is… damage?"
No response.
"Ah." Gerald knew the answer. His drugs would mysteriously vanish. [Good. He required them no longer. Using them was delaying cures because he was always at arm's length with himself. Had not both sides agreed that these delays were his own fault? Right? What was wrong of resting aside for his true self? Did not Gerald hold all the love required for his children; the anger for motivation; the craftiness to make people believe he could accomplish nothing when he had already set things into motion-!]
He wasn't ready. That side was still too strong; too wild-
Gerald would save his children.
No matter the cost.
They walked a little slower; Shadow's muscles ready to catch any other fall; a mutter of, 'Now I'll need to be careful Maria's friends don't try to pull up the flooring.' The ears twisted as every sound – the face pulled into a neutral expression with a slight hand wave whenever other scientists saw the two passing.
… It was New Year's Eve.
That was when that Demon arrived. The ARK was silent as others had already gone home and Gerald wanted to be alone to watch the specimen die – he hadn't stabilized the Mobian. Another failure. Maria couldn't – shouldn't – watch the hope they carried burn at the supposed start of new beginnings. She should have one last good day at parties with Abraham. Hide and go seek. Something other than stay with a disheartened man that laughed at the idea a DEMON's offspring could save him. The Inhibitor Rings were useless golden tissue papers. Chaos Energy had attacked from the inside out – the larva's DNA at taking reigns of such power was incomplete or incompatible with that of a Mobian's that could do similar. It was as if something was missing…
He saw the symbol of the sun and moon first.
A reflection on the glass that showcased the stars.
"Gerald Robotnik. It's not habitually I use names with lesser entities. Consider yourself worthy of my direct visitation."
"-essor?"
The scientist reached out to Shadow's topmost quill and gave a simple pat. "Just thinking."
Thinking…
His gaze went back towards the hall, past the walls; off towards where Maria resided in her room under recovery. The spectacles returned soon enough towards the boy, who watched every movement with baited breath. Tense. Ready to fight if needed. Aware-
Gerald couldn't have his son in the same meeting.
He told Shadow he wouldn't be alone.
But… couldn't their leader also be aware? Didn't that blood carry superb Chaos Energy manipulation? Could not Black Doom seek out beings or objects of Chaos [and organics] like Shadow could? Would anywhere vanished from sight be considered 'safe' for his child to hide? Anywhere that wasn't the laboratory where the Ultimate Lifeform was supposed to be sleeping?
Shadow HAD been missing something the original time – the final infusion purposefully kept away to see if 'the creation was worth receiving the true source of the Black Arms.' Their leader would be expecting the same this time – would want to ensure that tether remained for that future promise. [Revenge on the Earth was HIS, not some warlord's!]
When I go, you will be watched, child. Be searched for. I can't let you meet, Robotnik mused.
How was Gerald going to break his word? How? Shadow needed to be invalid, or at the least persuaded to stay away, in the lab. He wanted the two youths to remain hidden, because what if that thing could sense and spot holographic illusions as well? What if Black Doom discovered Shadow was 'harvestable?' They would fight and there would be death. No. He had to keep his son safe. He had to keep Maria safe. He had to keep his family safe-
[And the other him agreed, didn't he?]
[… Gerald was losing against his own thoughts…]
[And it pained him.]
[Anything to save them.]
[… Anything…]
He could… send Shadow into sleep again. That worked the last time. Would it work when the boy understood that something large was on the horizon, however, was a separate question – he doubted that the hedgehog was allowing himself to sleep in the first place. It would be too suspicious to try again, wouldn't it? Or, maybe he could set aside plots and underhanded actions to discuss with his son? The boy would understand… right?
Which way?
What method?
While his mind raced, the two reached back towards the main laboratory where Shadow's empty tube – the one labeled PSUL2.018-BD in internal memos – reflected his turbulent expression. Gerald started with the easy way after ensuring he could speak freely once more; after the boy unclipped his handkerchief and pulled off the device around his throat for the normal maintenance it required. "Maria will want to do something."
A nod. Shadow was aware. "I was thinking on putting her on Abraham duty."
A frown. "Her friend?"
Another nod. "He was a witness to your discussion with Black Doom. Maria will be happy to stop that from occurring. She can hang out with him everyday if you can't recall the exact-"
Gerald took a deep breath. "New Year's Eve. Near midnight. That's when it was."
Red eyes watched his creator. "That soon…" A hum as he moved his hand in a thinking pose. "Maria can make it work. We can have her celebrate the countdown with him, which she'll do willingly if I tell her the date. She'll stop all the witnesses she can. Problem: the General will be included. I know you do not particularly enjoy her presence, but there'll need to be a reason why Maria isn't with us that night."
So, Shadow was going to tell his dear granddaughter how to manipulate the scenario. Crafty. Intelligent. Was even aware of the pitfalls. "It's obvious: you attempted to use Chaos Heal on a new organic organism and exhausted yourself. As such, I had to be besides you to ensure stability. We'll say it begun December 28th, far enough in advance to not be overly suspicious."
"Efficient. Simple. Easy. I agree."
Now for the bite. "You'll… be staying in the lab."
Black fur bristled and eyes narrowed. Shadow was aware he was about to get regulated towards the sidelines. "I will not leave you alone!"
Large hands grabbed around shoulders. "And when Black Doom sees you – feels you – in your 'completed' form as something awake, what will you do, my child? Fight? Kill him? Win? At what costs?"
There was a tsk; clenched fists; a scowl. "If you meet him at-"
"Let me guess. You want it in the Reactor, because there's enough Chaos Energy in there you think you can hide away within." Gerald ensured his tone was serious, but not chiding or aggressive or upset or all those other negative emotions Maria nor Shadow should hear directed at them. "It won't work. My granddaughter has studied on her own and has invented some amazing theories about Chaos, but one will make hiding you impossible there. You shine like a sun. If I were able to make an Energy reader that was long range, you would be screaming. He will know you're there. It'll be bad enough that he'll be able to discover how potent you've now become. However, you, according to his plans, will be at the cusp of death. Incomplete. Not a threat."
The two countered back and forth as the clocks ticked in their silence observation. Hours slipped with neither side willing to give up their position. There was no yelling. No screaming. No heated arguments that would be looked back as unnecessary or regretful. Just two individuals convinced what they were doing was right.
And, eventually, Shadow yielded.
Gerald sighed at that. The pressure lessened. He felt… better.
The boy knew.
Hated it.
But knew.
[x]
If he had remembered such a meeting early enough, he would have had time to make Shadow interface with the Eclipse Cannon's faux angel ore and inhibited the signal of his Chaos Energy for just those required twenty-four hours. If he had more time, he wouldn't feel sick to his stomach from the fear that wanted to ride up his back. Was it because the clandestine talk with their leader was oncoming? Or the fact that his granddaughter and son had to pretend that the thing's arrival was not to be and had to be exposed because that was what was expected? Then there was the boy himself: just because his son relented didn't mean that he wasn't vocal in trying to get Gerald to change decisions. It was every glance. Every subtle nod. Every movement.
Basically, Shadow begged him not to do what he was going to.
"At least take something," came a last line of defense. A final plea. "A way to communicate with me in case something happens."
The scientist eyed the P-1s, who were hovering around the boy like a veil. The lights from above caught the highly reflective surfaces, and whatever Maria was doing with them made them more organized – which meant deadly. [His granddaughter truly was too pure for this world…, unaware of how bringing growth could create the passion for action. The AIs had one sole focus: protect Gerald, because it was 'Its' motivation.] "I'll tell the Artificial Chaos to find you," he relented at the end – at the most. "But there is a limit on how close they must come as well. They must act as if they are merely doing their normal rounds."
"And if they can't notify me fast enough?"
Gerald lowered himself to share a gaze. He mustered his courage. "They will. They are… effective messengers when required." His stare lingered towards his son's head – where a brain would have been; a mind.
The synthetic chirp of acknowledgement gave the scientist the answer he required.
"Yes, Fath… Professor." Shadow looked absolutely defeated.
He gave a reassuring pat. "Now, now. You are quite sick from Chaos exhaustion. Don't need my little patient to overburden themselves in recovery."
The comment didn't really rise up his son's spirits. Instead, they galvanized something. A final warning. "Be careful. He can…-" Crimson eyes shifted towards the ground as fingers gripped onto his own fur. As always, there was trauma – one Robitnik wished he could wipe away, but Shadow kept it on a ledge too far. "-Chaos Control without voice or movement. The second I feel it happening, I will be there – damn the consequences of potential onlookers. There would be only one reason why Black Doom would use it: to kill you."
[x]
There was a lot of messy blonde hair being stylized by an old man's hands. The brush was molded plastic in the shape of a bunny; the paint that created the face worn by long years of usage. Although Gerald was in a position to buy a new brush and have it shipped on a shuttle during the logistical runs, Maria liked this one in particular. It was the one he gifted her upon arrival towards the ARK, and that bittersweet smile hurt the scientist. He knew that face, for ever so briefly she held it: she was aware that this was the same brush that she combed her hair with on that final day.
She slapped her own cheeks. They bloomed rose.
Still, he brushed on, letting her strands become as smooth as they could. Her body was already in her favorite blue dress and vest; shoes on pale toes. A different 'armor' than his own – a lab coat and a brown turtleneck with his business pants – but critical all the same.
Gerald was a hypocrite. Just like how Shadow did not want him to be alone with their leader, HE did not want Maria to be alone with the General.
And just like he had done to his son, Maria convinced him that there was no other option than direct action. It would be strange to have the 'wonder drug' be tired if he had 'Chaos Accelerators' with a basically completed Eclipse Cannon to tap into without her being sad and mopey and needing comfort from her friend on a holiday. The girl was to be 'abandoned' for the lab, again, and she understood, but that didn't make it hurt less…!
… He didn't like it.
Cyan eyes watched his reflection in a mirror, where her own gaze observed herself. Pale hand patted his own that was still grooming gently. "Don't be so anxious, Grandpa! I can do it!" [She knew Black Doom was to arrive, but didn't know that he knew she knew and it was all just a giant mess, wasn't it?] "Your super special secret meeting with your super mysterious investor will go on fine with me on the case to ensure Operation Abraham Distraction!" Her voice was nothing but optimism and pride.
"What if the General asks you about Shadow?"
"I respond," the girl added with a clap of her hands by her heart as she swayed to and fro, "that he's just the cutest little black bean ever that is just too tired to play with."
"And if she hints that she doesn't believe that his Chaos skills are flatlined in growth like the reports hint at?"
More sash-swaying to showcase utter devotion. "That's not true at all! The adorable hedgehog has successfully managed to break apart genome structures that use not strength, but finesse, in Chaos Energy! How is that not an improvement?"
"And if she asks about me?"
A wink at herself, knowing Gerald would receive it. "The smartest man in the universe will help Shadow get better by Jan 6 – the day the military and civilian personal of the ARK gets off their holiday break. You are working very hard to ensure there's not even one day lost for work!"
The woman would stay suspicious, but without proof, what was she going to do? Deny her nephew the ability to play with his only friend onboard the station? Little boys got lonely.
And the only thing in her office was the photo of Abraham's smiling face with the Commander besides him.
That was her weakness.
Gerald was going to exploit it.
Silence. Then, cautiously, "… Grandpa?"
"Yes, my dear?"
"You alright? You stopped, um, brushing, um, my hair." The young girl took in a deep breath and her eyes squeezed shut. "I-I understand you must be under a LOT of stress cause-! Cause this mysterious, super important investor sounds incredibly scary!" [Subtly was so far out the window, but her concern was ever forwarded. She was scared for him underneath that brave face. Both Maria and Shadow were.] "You've been working so hard. And, um, I want you to be safe, and um…"
Ah. A mistake. He glanced down at her, ensuring his reflection was harder to observe and read. "I only stopped because I finished combing your hair soft." Her bangs were brushed behind her ears. "Don't worry. I have met this investor before. It'll be alright. It'll be just like that time in September." A grin split his features. "Have fun at your New Year's Eve party – and do not hesitate to have P-1 defend you if needed from the General."
Don't hesitate to make that woman understand true fear as well if you must, Maria.
The Artificial Chaos in question shifted in the background, wearing a little bowtie around one of the antennas of the mechanical construct. It was… silly, but his dear wanted to ensure that her escort was ready for the adventure as well. She sniffled herself back into a ray of sunshine. "I won't! P-1 and I will have a grand ol' time! Abe will just love the AI! You'll be successful! Um, oh! And Shadow will get well soon!"
He nodded and watched her leave. The door slid behind the youth, leaving Gerald all 'alone.' Somewhere, possibly just a few feet away underneath the very floors in access panels, were his own set of P-1s 'patrolling' conveniently around him. He reminded himself of his own excuse: the military wanted to watch for Dr. Robotnik because they had suspicions over Project: SHADOW. Pay them no mind, Black Doom – they'll never get too close and had no cameras to play back to their owners.
A valid excuse. Reasonable.
One certain warlord would laugh revoltingly, but understand.
"Anything for them," Gerald promised aloud once again before he left.
There was a consultation to attend.