Chapter 1 Eggman
‘’Ugh’’ My head hurts. What Happened? My entire body feels sluggish. I try to sit up and look around. I am in bed… and something blue lies next to me?
‘’Sonic?’’ I look at him surprised. Sonic’s eyes flutter open. He blinks a few times and looks at me and sits up. ‘’Good morning, Shads. How are you feeling?’’
‘’Fine. What happened last night?’’ Sonic smirked. ‘’You mean you don’t know what happened last night? Your memory is really bad Shadow!’’ It seems he is having fun with my confusion. I roll my eyes at him. I look around for my chaos emerald.
“Looking for this?’’ Sonic holds a green chaos emerald in his hand. He looks at me smug. ‘’You..? Why do you have it?’’ I frowned at him. I try to recall what happened last night but just get a headache instead.
‘’Last night you got home from a mission. You tried to heal yourself with a chaos emerald like usual and then you fainted for some reason. I just brought you back.’’ Sonic casually explained as he fiddled with the emerald. “Again?’’ I murmured. Sonic looked at me worried. ‘’Is there something wrong with you?’’
‘’Lately it has become difficult for me to use my chaos abilities. Be it to fight or to replenish my energy.’’ ‘’What about eating food?’’ I shake my head ‘’It is the same, my strength feels depleted.’’ ‘’Why don’t you go to a doctor then? To get examined?’’ Sonic asked while stretching and getting off of bed. I follow suit. ‘’That is not possible. Only someone with the professor's research can do that. Which is just the doctor.’’ ‘’Eggman? That is a bad idea… What about Tails? He has read all project Shadow research material. Let him examine you.’’ Sonic’s mind seems set. ‘’Hmm maybe that is not a bad idea.’’ I contemplated.
‘’Come on Shads, let's go to Tails’ workshop.’’ Sonic walked out of the room. We have some breakfast and leave my house. I go to my Armed Buggy. Sonic looks at me quizzically. ‘’With my power like this there is no point in wasting any.’’ ‘’Why don't I carry you?’’ Sonic smirked. ‘’Why don’t you get in.’’ I reply, by the time I open the door Sonic is already in the passenger seat looking at me lazily. ‘’Lets get going then Shads.’’ I shake my head amused and step in.
While driving to Tails’ place we hear a loud noise, like a crash. ‘’Its Egghead, looks like he wants to show off his new toy.’’ Sonic was ready to leap off the Buggy. I turn the Buggy in the direction of the sound and Sonic jumps off. The doctor is attacking Station Square.
Sonic is attacked by the robot. “Hmm? Saw blades, huh? Not very original Egghead. If you are running out of ideas maybe you should retire already.’’ Sonic looked unimpressed. ‘’You rodent! We will see who has the last laugh this time.’’ the doctor was pressing a button. Sonic doesn’t pay attention to it and just attacks the robot. I finally arrived at the scene. I started using the Buggy’s missiles. Hitting the robots. ‘’Shadow you are here too… That's just great.’’ the doctor sarcastically remarks. Sonic finishes the big robot and goes for the doctor. ‘’Sonic! You have ruined my plans for the last time!’’ the doctor says as he shoots with the Egg Mobile. ‘’Is that all you got Eggman?’’ Sonic taunts. I have a bad feeling about this and get out of the Buggy, grabbing a gun. The doctor has a shield on the Egg Mobile. So I am certain a regular gun won’t do any damage.
Sonic homing attacks the doctor. And then…! Something comes out of the Egg Mobile, a needle? It hits Sonic! Sonic groans ‘’Still had a trick up your sleeve, Egghead?’’ Sonic collapsed on the ground.
‘’Ha ha ha ho ho ho… Finally you overconfident rat. Taste my newest creation!’’ The doctor was obviously enjoying the moment. I rush over to Sonic’s side. ‘’I leave him to you, Shadow!’’ the doctor said while escaping.
“Sonic!’’ I shake Sonic but he isn’t responding. I look at the escaping doctor and throw a Chaos Spear at him, unable to contain my anger. The Egg Mobile shield blocks it partly. Inside it the doctor seemed to panic but I didn't pay him any mind. I grab Sonic and carry him in my arms. I hold the chaos emerald in my hand. ‘’Chaos Control!’’ We teleport to Tails’ workshop.
‘’What happened!’’ Tails rushes over to us, immediately examining Sonic’s unconscious form. ‘’The doctor shot him with something.’’ Tails face looked grave. ‘’Bring him in.’’ Tails gestures to a room. I carry Sonic inside. Every step I take drains my energy. I force myself to move forward. I bring Sonic to the examining table and place him gently. I look at his unconscious form. It is strange to see him so… quiet. I collapsed. I try to use the chaos emerald one more time to regain my strength, to no avail. I lose consciousness, as I take one last look at Sonic…
Chapter 2 Tails
I slowly open my eyes and see an unfamiliar ceiling. I try to move my body to sit up. ‘’Shads! You are awake.’’ I hear Sonic say. I look at him as he walks to me. I frown at him. ‘’? Is there something wrong, Shadow?’’ he asks, I sigh. ‘’Shouldn’t I be asking you that?’’ I simply say as I move my body, still feeling heavy and sluggish. I look at him and he does a spin around to show me he is fine. ‘’Hmm’’ I grunt and stand up.
‘’So what did the doctor inject you with?’’ I asked as I examined him with my eyes. ‘’Tails is still looking at that.’’ Sonic shrugs. I nod at him. He smiles at me and takes a step closer. ‘’Shadow are y-’’ Sonic gets cut off by Tails opening the door. He looks at us ‘’Did I interrupt something?’’ Tails asks as he stands at the doorway. I look away and cross my arms. For some reason my heart seems to be pounding louder than usual. Sonic rubs his nose. ‘’It's nothing, Tails. Did you find something?’’ Tails entered the room feeling a little awkward as his eyes flicker between Sonic and me. I uncross my arms and nod at him. Tails nods back.
‘’The reason your powers are draining and replenishing is because your inhibitor rings are damaged’’ Tails explained. I frown ‘’Damaged? Where?’’ I look at the rings on my hands. Sonic leans in looks as well. ‘’There!’’ Sonic points at a very small crack. ‘’Hmm… Is there anyway to fix them?’’ Sonic asks Tails. ‘’Yes, with the right materials!’’ Tails nods. Sonic puts his arm around me. ‘’I told you Shads! Tails can help you.’’ Sonic shows a cocky smirk. I shrugged his arm off. I took off my inhibitor rings and handed them to Tails.
‘’How long will it take?’’ I ask Tails. ‘’As long as I find all the material… three days should be enough.’’ Tails said storing my rings. Sonic follows him ‘’So what do you need me to find.’’ Sonic said obviously used to this situation. I move my arms, without the rings I feel much lighter. But it will be that much easier to drain all my strength. I must not use any of my chaos abilities. Speaking of… ‘’Tails!’’ I say walking towards him. Sonic looks at me curious. I ignore him. ‘’What about Sonic? What did the doctor shoot him with?’’ I ask. Tails looked at me and stayed quiet for a moment looking surprised at me.
‘’No- nothing yet. I have examined Sonic’s body, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.’’ Tails answered with. ‘’That is strange…’’ I murmur to myself. What is the doctor up to this time? I take another look at Sonic. ‘’Shads I am really fine.’’ Sonic said with full confidence. ‘’That's exactly what is bothering me. The doctor must have injected you with something, but we don’t what it is and what it does.’’ I say. ‘’Worrying about it won't solve anything. How about we just ask him directly?’’ Sonic suggests. I look at him baffled. ‘’In our condition? That is suicide.’’ I replied short. ‘’Speak for yourself Shads, I feel great.’’ Sonic said with a thumbs up and smile. I looked at Tails exasperated, he looked back at me with an awkward smile indicating that he is used to this. I shake my head, having no words. ‘’Come on guys! Just waiting like this won’t solve anything!’’ Sonic reiterates. ‘’You're right, Sonic. How about we wait a bit longer to see if anything changes in your condition first?’’ Tails suggests. I nod in agreement. ‘’In the meantime we can ask our friends for help!’’ Tails adds. ‘’Going to Eggman for answers is a good idea, but both of you shouldn’t take risks. The materials I need to fix the inhibitor rings are on Angel Island.’’ Tails explained.
Angel Island? The professor researched it when creating me. That did make sense. ‘’We should come with you!’’ Sonic said, interrupting my thoughts. ‘’What?’’ I said surprised. ‘’It will be faster if I go too,’’ Sonic explained. ‘’You are not going anywhere.’’ ‘’Oh? You think you can stop me?’’ Sonic challenged me. ‘’Try, you will find out.’’ Taking a step closer. Sonic just grinned. Tails gets between us. ‘’Sonic? Shadow! Don't fight in my lab please. You should just both come with. I can monitor you that way.’’ Tails said diffusing the tension. ‘’Tails, you shouldn’t have Sonic let him have his way like that. You are encouraging his reckless behavior.’’ I said unamused looking at Sonic’s victorious smug smile. ‘’Hey Shadow you shouldn’t be rude to my little buddy like that.’’ Sonic gives me another challenging smile. I look away from him, folding my arms ‘’Hmph’’ .
‘’I will prepare the Tornado.’’ Tails left. Sonic walked after him with his arms behind his head and he looked back at me. ‘’You coming?’’ I followed them begrudgingly. I will just keep an eye on Sonic. We leave for Angel Island.
Chapter 3 Angel Island
Once we arrive on Angel Island we get off the plane and Knuckles arrives to meet us. ‘’What brings you here?’’ he asks us. Tails gives him the details. I lean by a nearby tree and cross my arms, keeping an eye on Sonic. He noticed my gaze and looked back at me. I don't avert my eyes. He walks towards me. ‘’Hey Shads. Are you still upset?’’ ‘’I thought you would follow Tails and Knuckles?’’ ‘’Nah‘’ Sonic said as he sat under the tree. ‘’Knux told us to keep an eye on the Master Emerald.’’ Sonic explained. I sat down next to him. ‘’How are you holding up?’’ ‘’ Fine.’’ I look at him ‘’What about you? Have you noticed anything?’’ ‘’Nope’’ Sonic answered casually. I stared at him. He looked me in the eyes. ‘’Shadow, I am fine. I mean it. I haven’t noticed anything since Eggman shot me with... whatever. I fainted but everything feels normal now.’’ Sonic explained honestly. ‘’Hmph, is that so?’’
I wonder what made Sonic faint, the doctor seemed so confident. And yet Tails hasn’t been able to detect anything… As I close my eyes and think. I feel a cold breeze. I hear the rustling of leaves and grass. I open my eyes and notice Sonic also enjoying the serenity. He opened his eyes and smiled. I can’t help but smile as well. It feels like the tension has been resolved. We stay like this for a while. Just enjoying each other's presence.
I hear rustling next to me. It seems like he has fallen asleep. How can he fall asleep at a time like this? I sigh and close my eyes. Listening to the wind and Sonic’s breathing next to me.
I open my eyes as I hear Knuckles and Tails return. Sonic stood up and stretched. ‘’That was a great nap Shads!’’ Sonic said, obviously pleased with himself. ‘’You are more tolerable when you are quiet.’’ I reply with a smirk, Sonic extends his hand to me. I take it, he pulls me up. Sonic looks at me, his face closer to mine. ‘’Maybe you should shut me up more.’’ Sonic winks. Before I can reply, Tails and Knuckles arrive. Sonic takes a step back. That blue hedgehog… doesn’t he know you will get burned if you play with fire? I will shut him up alright.
‘’Did you find anything?’’ Sonic asked Tails and Knuckles. Tails nods. ‘’But why are the materials on my island?’’ Knuckles asked. ‘’It must be because of the professor's research. There are records of him visiting Angel Island.’’ I explained to him. ‘’I wonder how he pulled it off. Didn’t the echidna’s stop him?” Sonic wondered out loud. We looked at Knuckles. ‘’Protecting the island is our duty! Of course they would! But the island is big and our tribe was already near extinction.’’ Knuckles said fiercely. He obviously held a lot of pride in his tribe and duty. Tails clapped. ‘’Anyway we found everything. Let’s go back to my workshop!’’ Tails went on ahead to the tornado.
As Sonic said goodbye to Knuckles, I noticed Sonic’s leg. ‘’Sonic!’’ I say alarmed. He looked at me unaware. I bend down on one knee to examine his leg. His left leg is red and swollen around his knee. ‘’Did something bite me?’’ I glare at him. ‘’Is this where you got shot?’’ He nods after a short pause. Whatever it was must have been activated now. ‘’Do you feel anything?’’ ‘’No-nothing! I didn’t even notice.’’ Sonic said while moving his leg around. Tails noticed we didn’t follow him. And walks towards us. He examines Sonic’s knee immediately. ‘’I am fine.’’ Sonic insists. He runs forward to show us, or at least he tries to. But falls down instead. We hurried to him. ‘’My leg hurts a little.’’ He says. A little? I doubt that. ‘’We should hurry to my workshop!’’ Tails grabbed Sonic’s arm to help him up. ‘’Leave it to me.’’ I say. I bent down and carried Sonic in my arms. He sighs. ‘’You had to carry me twice in one day.’’ he sounded a bit disappointed in himself. ‘’You don’t want to be carried by me?’’ He looked at me seemingly surprised by that question. ‘’I guess it isn’t that bad.’’ I held him close to me. ''No it isn't.''
In his condition, taking him to the Tornado is too dangerous. It will be better to Chaos Control. ‘’Tails, I will bring Sonic to the workshop.’’ I bring out my Chaos Emerald. ‘’Wait’’ Sonic yelled. But I had already Chaos Controlled us away. ‘’What is wrong?’’ I asked as I set him down on the lab table gently. Fatigue overwhelms me. ‘’You weren’t supposed to use Chaos Control! And you call me reckless!’’ I sat down next to him. ‘’Circumstances forced me to. I know my own limits.’’
I examine Sonic’s knee. What exactly did the doctor inject him with? As I am in deep thought, I notice Sonic being quiet. I look at his face. He seems in thought as well, a rare sight. ‘’What are you thinking about?’’ ‘’About Egghead. It isn’t like him to pass on an opportunity like this. I mean, he did all this so I wouldn’t be able to stop him, right? Then why hasn’t he done anything yet?’’ Sonic questions. He is right. ‘’I was too focused on what he shot you with, I didn’t even notice.’’ ‘’Ah shucks, Shadow you are that worried about me?’’ he says bashfully. ‘’That isn’t the point. Maybe the doctor doesn’t know if it worked. After all, it only activated just now.’’
I stand up. ‘’I will tell Rouge to keep an eye on the doctor.’’ I plan on leaving him immediately. ‘’Wait Shadow, you just used Chaos Control! You should rest!’’ he said hurriedly, grabbing my arm. He is right in my current condition, I shouldn’t use the Chaos Emerald anymore. ‘’I will use a vehicle instead.’’ ‘’Just wait till Tails arrives, he can contact Rouge.’’ Sonic suggests. I shake my head. ‘’It will take too long. I will go myself.’’ Sonic opened his mouth to say something. I bend down and get face to face with him. I get closer and bring our lips together. He freezes surprised. It only lasts a couple of seconds but it feels like time stopped. I take a step back. Sonic looks at me and blinks. ‘’Be good and stay here, wait for Tails to arrive.’’ I leave before Sonic has time to recover. I finally shut him up.
Chapter 4 Confession
I get to the Armored Buggy I left behind earlier. I drove to Rouge’s casino. When she doesn’t have a mission and isn't hunting for treasure, she tends to be here. And she doesn’t take her communicator with her. ‘’What a rare guest, handsome. Have you finally learned how to enjoy yourself?’’ She welcomes me with. I explained the situation to her. ‘’Leave it to me, hun. Big blue has done so much for us. And I am not the type to owe favors’’ She winked and flew off. I look at the darkening sky as I leave the casino. The air has gotten colder. Tails must be back by now. ‘Has he listened to me?’ I wonder as I head back to the workshop.
When I get back, Sonic is lying on a couch. When he sees me he attempts to sit up but falls down on the couch. His condition got worse… I run to him kneeling down at the couch. ‘’Sonic!’’ he shake his head ‘’I am fine.’’ He pats down next to him. I sit down. My eyes are not leaving him. He coughs awkwardly. ‘’So Shadow… how did things go with Rouge?’’ He asks without looking at me. I can see his ears are reddening. Is Sonic the Hedgehog blushing from a kiss? Feeling embarrassed is he? He is endearing like this. I would enjoy this more if we weren’t in this situation. I sit closer to him. he turned around at the noise. I grab his hand. ‘’I have told Rouge about our situation. She will monitor the doctor.’’ Is he even paying attention? I lean closer to him. ‘’What about you?’’ He takes a moment to answer. ‘’Tails is… researching tests he took.’’ He answered flustered. His gaze shifts between our hands and my face. ‘’Shadow…you-’’ ‘’I found it Sonic!’’ Tails opened the door and stepped in while talking. He looked at us. Sonic tried to pull back his hand. But don’t let him go. Tails stared at our hands. ‘’What did you find?’’ I prompt Tails to continue. Tails adapts ‘’Sonic got hit with a muscle loosening/damaging virus.’’ ‘’Muscle. That is why it hurts to move my body!’’ ‘’Is there a cure?’’ I ask. ‘’I am working on it.’’ Tails nods and leaves. ‘’Shadow! Let me go.’’ Sonic is still trying to pull away. ‘’Why? You seemed happy when I hold your hand.’’ It is so fun to tease him. I lean in and kiss him. Sonic was beat red as I let go of his hand. My vision blurred for a moment. I put a hand to my head. ‘’Shadow!’’ ‘’I just need rest.’’ I stand up. Sonic helped me up. ‘’Let’s get you to bed. We slowly walk to the bedroom. He helped me to the bed. He lays down next to me. I have a hard time staying conscious. Sonic sits up and brings his head closer to min. ‘’Shadow, I like you.’’ I hear him say softly. I can feel his lips against mine. I lose consciousness.
When I open my eyes it was bright outside. I move my body to sit up. ‘’Shadow you are awake!’’ Sonic came back from somewhere. ‘’You shouldn’t move around.’’ He walks over to me. I pull him on top of me. Our noses touch. I can feel his breath. ‘’Shadow… did you hear?’’ He asked while avoiding my gaze. ‘’Yes.’’ I say simply as I watch him blushing. ‘’Your answer?’’ He finally looked in my eyes. ‘’Isn’t obvious?’’ ‘’Come on Shadow! You know what I mean!’’ he said impatiently. I nod and look at him seriously. ‘’I like you, Sonic the Hedgehog.’’ He blushed even more and leaned closer. I wrap my arms around him, and kiss him. This time we take our time. ‘’Shadow, you seem really used to this. Have you ever dated before.’’ he rests his head on my chest. I shake my head. ‘’Never.’’ ‘’Then how are you so good at this?’’ He looks up at me. ‘’I just do what I want to. Isn’t it the same for you?’’ ‘’Nah, I felt really embarrassed. Especially when Tails saw us holding hands.’’ ‘’Is that why you wanted me to let go? You don’t want him to see us together?’’ He shakes his head quickly. ‘’No it isn’t like that… I just want to get used to it before I tell him.’’ I nod. ‘’I understand. I will keep our secret until you are ready.’’ ‘’Thanks Shads.’’
I tighten my hold on him, bringing him closer to myself and kiss him again. I move my hand against his spines on his back. He pushes back against and breaks the kiss. ‘’Shadow, we aren't feeling good right now.’’ ‘’Don’t worry we will feel better soon.’’ I say and kiss him again.
I hear footsteps close by. I reluctantly let go of Sonic. He looked at me surprised as I pushed him next to me. I sit up and grab my communicator. Tails opened the door. ‘’Shadow you are awake. That is good.’’ ‘’Hey what's up Tails.’’ Sonic said readjusting himself. ‘’I wanted to check up on you two.’’ He examined Sonic. ‘’What is the progress on the cure?’’ ‘’It is almost complete. It should be done tonight or latest in the morning.’’ I nod feeling relieved. ‘’Once I am done I will focus on your inhibitor rings.’’ He adds looking at me. ‘’You should get some rest first. Overworking yourself will lead to mistakes.’’ I reply as I turn back to my communicator. Sonic smiles and looks at me. ‘’Shads is right. You should get some rest.’’ Tails looks at us both for a moment before nodding and leaves. He definitely knows.
‘’You are so nice, Shads.’’ He nudges me teasingly. ‘’Really though, thanks’’ He said genuinely ‘’Don’t I deserve a reward?’’ I pull him closer. He kissed me and looked at me. ‘’Not enough.’’ I deepen the kiss. I move my hand to his back. Sonic breaks the kiss. ‘’Shadow!’’ ‘’I know’’ I hold him close instead. ‘’Shads, your chest fur is so soft.’’ I don’t know how to respond to that.
Chapter 5 Rest
My communicator rings. I grab and pick it up. Sonic sits up and looks at it curiously listens. “Hello Shadow~’’ I hear Rouge’s voice. ‘’Rouge did you find anything?’’ "Oh, hun did I ~. The doctor has been quiet and I just got some juicy intel on why. Apparently he isn't feeling good.’’ She explains. ‘’What?’’ Sonic yells surprised. ‘’Blue, you are with Shadow? How interesting.’’ Sonic face shows he instantly regretted it. ‘’Shadow isn’t feeling well so…’’ Sonic doesn’t finish his sentence. ‘’So you are taking care of each other? How sweet.’’ she says in a teasing tone. Sonic shuts up. I can’t help but chuckle. ‘’Rouge, do you know what the doctor has?’’ I changed the topic. Teasing Sonic is just for me. ‘’Well wouldn’t you know. Apparently his plan backfired. What ever Sonic got his by, he inhaled it. And now he is bedridden. Ordering his robots around to make a cure. It is quite entertaining so watch.’’ Rouge obviously was having fun. ‘’I wish I could see that. Eggman got what he deserved.’’ Sonic relaxed. ‘’So Shadow? What do you want me to do?’’ ‘’Continue keeping an eye on him. ‘’I will look around. I heard the doctor recently excavated a beautiful gem. Wouldn’t want it to be in the wrong hands~’’ Rouge hangs up.
‘’What is wrong Shads?’’ ‘’I have a bad feeling about this…’’ ‘’You heard Rouge. Egghead is busy with his cure. Which is good for us.‘’ Sonic laid back and looked at me. ‘’Right?’’ ‘’We will see.’’ Sonic looked at me and sighs ‘’Come on Shads. Be more positive.’’ I didn’t reply. He just snuggled in my arms and fell asleep. I watched him for a moment. I can’t just do nothing. I carefully take his arms off of me. And slip out of bed.
I went to Tails, to see how far along the cure is. I knock on the door. ‘’Come in.’’ I open the door. ‘’Shadow is there something?’’ Tails asked without turning around. ‘’How did you know it was me?’’ I ask Tails as I enter. ‘’Sonic doesn’t knock.’’ He said and turned to me. ‘’That sounds like him.’’ I can’t really picture Sonic knocking on my door either. He just enters like he owns the place. I shake my head. ‘’I wanted to ask about the cure you are making. Do you need any assistance?’’ I ask as I look at his desk. I take a closer look at a vile. ‘’I have helped the professor with his research in the past. ‘’Two heads are better than one.’’ Tails agreed. Tails gestures at a stack papers. ‘’To be honest I have hit a wall.’’ He shows me his progress and how he got there. We work together on the cure.
‘’I can see why they call you a child genius. To have done this much, on your own is outstanding.’’ I am impressed. ‘’I am not that good. Sonic is the amazing, it's like he can do anything.’’ Tails said with a smile on his face. ‘’Yes he is.’’ agreed quietly. ‘’You care a lot about Sonic.’’ I state. ‘’He is my big brother.’’ ‘’I can tell he cares a lot about you.’’ I said to Tails. That must be the reason he wants to hide our relationship from Tails. ‘’The same goes for you.’’ Tails said. I pause what I am doing for a moment, and continue like I heard nothing.
‘’What a rare duo!’’ Sonic says as he enters. Walking weakly over to us. Leaning against the wall. ‘’Sonic!’’ Tails and I said. I hurried to his side. ‘’What are you doing here?! Why didn’t you stay in bed?’’ I wrap an arm around his waist to steady him. ‘’Haha… I can’t lay down all day. I am fine.’’ ‘’You are anything but fine. You can’t even stand on your own!’’ I sigh and look at Tails. ‘’I am going to bring Sonic back. And stay with him so he doesn’t wander around and distract you.’’
‘’No, don't bring me back! Don’t you know how difficult it was to get here?!’’ Sonic protests. ‘’What do you want then?’’ I am annoyed. ‘’How about we sit outside? You know get some rays?’’ Sonic suggests. He must really hate being cooped up inside. ‘’It is night. What are you talking about?’’ ‘’Watch the stars with me then.’’ Sonic said with difficulty. He was leaning more on me now. It must hurt to stand like this. ‘’Fine.’’
I brought him outside. ‘’I wonder if we can see the ark today.’’ Sonic asked out loud. I bring him slowly down to the grass in front of Tails’ workshop. ‘’I doubt it. It only shows up once a year.’’ I sat down next to him. ‘’This is the first time we are watching the stars together.’’ ‘’Yes it is.’’ He grabbed my hand. ‘’Hey what about your job?’’ He asked while looking at me curiously. ‘’I am on sick leave.’’ ‘’But you were working before in the same condition?’’ ‘’Isn’t because there is a certain someone who needs my attention?’’ I say while lacing our fingers together. ‘’Is it because of me? Ah Shadow.’’ He said flattered. He leans on my shoulder and falls asleep. I pick him up and carry him back inside. I place him on the bed. And lie down next to him. I cover us up in the blanket and fall asleep as well.
Chapter 6 Home
I wake before Sonic. I get up out of bed soundlessly. I took a look at Sonic. He is deep asleep. Seeing him like this makes me think of Maria. There were days she was fine and others she just laid in bed.
I go find Tails. I see the lights are on in his lab. Could it be that he worked the entire night? I knock on the door and enter the lab ‘’Have you stayed up?’’ ‘’Yes I am almost done!’’ I nod and help him finish the cure.
Once we are done we go to Sonic who is still asleep. ‘’Does he need to be awake to administer the cure?’’ ‘’Yes. That we can also know if there are any side effects.’’ I sit on the bed and gently wake him up. Now that I think about it. He is always the one that wakes me up. ‘’Sonic’’ I gently shake him. He opened his eyes. I help him sit up slowly. He leans against my chest. He looks over and sees Tails. Sonic tries to sit up properly but fails. I guide him back to lean on me. Still trying to act strong? I just sigh.
‘’The cure is ready, Sonic! I sadly didn’t have time to test for side effects, but it should be fine. No, I am sure it will be!’’ Tails said determined. ‘’It is something you made. I have no doubts.’’ Sonic said with a smile. Tails nodded and prepared the injection. ‘’It should have an effect immediately.’’ Tails injects Sonic next to the red mark on Sonic’s leg. Under the cover I grab Sonic’s hand. After a moment Sonic squeezed my hand. Tails was checking Sonic’s vitals. ‘’I am feeling it.’’ Sonic squeezed my hand again. I look at Sonic. He must be hiding his pain. ‘’Tails, why don’t you rest. I will let you know if need be.’’ Sonic smiles gratefully at me. Even in this condition he doesn’t want to worry Tails. ‘’I’’ Tails yawned as he was about to speak. Obviously tired. ‘’You are right, I will take a nap.’’ Tails left.
‘’How are you?’’ I am worried once we are alone. ‘’I am fine, really.’’ ‘’Don’t act strong with me.’’ ‘’No need to be so worried. I just feel like my muscles are pulling.’’ I look at him. His eyes are closed. He must be trying to endure the pain. I hold his hand. That is all I can do. This powerlessness reminds me of her. I am supposed to be the ultimate life form. Yet I can’t do anything for the people I care about. Be it then or now.
‘’I will be fine, Shadow. Don’t look so glum.’’ Sonic takes me out of my thoughts... Even in this condition he consoles me. I hold him closer. His weight and warmth grounds me. We stay like this for a while. Once the cure started working he fell asleep. I can finally be at ease. At some point I fell asleep as well.
When I woke up I was laying alone. I sat up and looked out the window. The sun was high in the sky. I get out of bed and wear my shoes. I open the door and go to the living room. Sonic was nowhere to be found. And Tails was still resting. I wrote a letter to Sonic letting him know I left.
I must check on GUN to see what they've been doing in my absence. And Rouge hasn't contacted me. I leave Tails Workshop. And go to my parked buggy.
He really can’t sit around for a moment. I suppose I am the same way. I drove away. Something blue passes me by. Next to me, a relaxed Sonic lounges. ‘’Hey Shads.’’ ‘’You read my letter?’’ ‘’Yeah, and searched for you right away.’’ Sonic smiles ‘’Let me come with you.’’ I shake my head ''You just got better. Go back and let Tails examine you when he wakes up. To make sure-’’ Sonic kissed me suddenly. Shutting me up. ‘’I am fine Shadow. Just as good as new.’’ This time I was the one who was shut up. I park the car. ‘’Shadow?’’ I bring my hand to the back of his head and pull him into a passionate kiss. Sonic blushes. ‘’Sorry that wasn’t enough for me.’’ I teased him.
My communicator rings. ‘’Rouge here~’’ Rouge sounded happy. She must have discovered something. ‘’The doctor has been hard at work making the cure. He threw quite a tantrum. I was so entertaining to watch! He vowed to never use this type of approach. And you’d never guess it, but I got myself a Chaos Emerald. Right under his nose! I wish I could have seen his reaction myself.’’ ‘’Good job Rouge. There is no need to follow the doctor anymore.’’ ‘’So how are you and Sonic doing?’’ Before I could reply Sonic answered. ‘’Dont worry about me, Rouge. I am all better now!’’ ‘’Oh? You are still together?’’ Rouge asked in a teasing tone. Once again Sonic regretted speaking. ‘’Rouge, I will contact you later.’’ Sparing Sonic from more teasing. I set the communicator away. ‘’Well, at least we won’t have to worry about Egghead for a while.’’ ‘’You are right.’’ I turn the car back to the road. ‘’Are you going to work?’’ I stay quiet for a moment. ‘’No, without my inhibitor rings my power is always draining. In my current condition I can faint anytime.’’ ‘’Then?’’ ‘’I was going to check on them.’’ ‘’What do you mean?’’ ‘’To see what they have been doing in my absence. To make certain that what happened on the Ark won’t happen again. But this goes both ways. They are keeping an eye on me since they fear me.’’ I explained.
‘’I regret calling you a workaholic…’’ Sonic looked at me. ‘’But I thought you and that commander got along now?’’ Where did he hear that? It must be Rouge… ‘’I am in no position to judge him. But he willingly enrolled himself in GUN even after what happened.’’ ‘’But you still have people you trust, like Rouge and Omega, right?’’ ‘’I suppose.’’ I focus on driving. ‘’And me ofcourse!’’ Sonic adds with a smile. I remain silent but can’t help but smile. ‘’So where are you taking me?’’ ‘’Home’’ This is the first time I called that place home. It is because of him. Sonic sat laid back on the passenger seat relaxed. And I could feel myself relaxing as well.
