Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The timeline was resetting. 

The Princess Elise had brought the flame of Iblis closer to her lips. And with a single breath, it was gone. The force that devastated an entire world, took countless lives, gone in an instant. And Sonic watched on in wonder. Followed by relief. 

Then it began. He could feel the magic or the power or the will of the universe or the hand of god, whatever it was, shifting. 

Iblis was gone. Its havoc no longer a scorched scar upon the world. Meaning the events no longer happened. Meaning...this was all about to be erased. 

Elise turned to look at Sonic once more. Possibly for the last time. Clearly she was afraid. Her words had reflected as such. Yet she had been brave enough to destroy the creature as only she could. He smiled kindly at her. 

Even if they would never remember this, he wanted the last thing she saw to be a friendly face. 

And she smiled in return. Her grin growing. And from her eyes tears flowing. Ones clearly of joy, perhaps with a touch of grief blended in. But mostly joy. It was over. It was finally over. 

And then the world went dark. 

It was all being erased. 

Iblis' destruction. Mephiles' deception. All the time traveling and fighting. 

In the end none of it mattered. For it never happened. 

Sonic blinked as he began to come to. The sunlight almost harsh as he slowly rose. Where was he? He took to looking around. Surrounding him was a giant rolling field. Grass for miles, swaying in the gentle breeze. How did he get here? Had he run and stopped for a nap? 

Then the memories flooded him. Overwhelming him so much that he dropped to his knees as he struggled to process it all. 

None of it ever happened. The timeline was reset. Yet Sonic the Hedgehog remembered everything. 

It didn't take too long for him to calm his breathing and settle himself. Okay...okay okay okay...alright, it's fine. Only have memories of something that didn't happen! It's totally fine! Not at all a bit concerning or confusing! 

Okay....well...maybe he wasn't the only one? Maybe the others remembered too? 

Only one way to find out. 

Sonic sped off from the beautiful field. Unaware of the presence of another spotting him. 
And following him. 

It didn't take long for Sonic to reach the small blue house with a giant attached hanger. The familiar sight greated him with a gentle breeze that blew through the few trees. Surrounding the property was mostly an open field. A necessity for landing the plane safely. Speaking of planes... 

Of course Tails was happily working on the great plane Sonic had gifted him. With the hanger doors wide open to let in the wind and sunshine. And unexpected but welcomed visitors. Of which Sonic was always the latter. Never the former. The hedgehog strolled on into the hanger as if he owned the place. Which considering his closeness to Tails, he might as well. The two tailed fox smiled and hummed to himself as he worked. And his smile grew even bigger seeing his best friend stroll on in. 

"Hey Sonic! There you are!" Tails cried. 

"Hey pal, what's going on?" Sonic asked. 

"Just adding a few last minute touches to the Tornado before I take her on a flight! I'm gonna head to Soleanna for the first time! They're having a celebration festival tonight I'd really like to check it out! You wanna come?" Tails explained. Those words stumped Sonic. 

"But Tails...we've already been to Soleanna." 

"What? No we haven't! Maybe you've gone by yourself, but I never have." 

"You don't remember?" 

"...no. What...Sonic what are you talking about?" 

"You don't remember anything at all? About Soleanna or Elise, or Iblis or that Mephiles guy? None of this is ringing a bell?" Sonic asked, feeling a weird panic growing in him. 

"No I have no idea...are you alright?" Tails asked with concern growing on his face. 

"I..." Sonic began. Great. How does one explain they have somehow have memories of events that didn't happen? 

"...Were you having nightmares again Sonic?" 

"No! No I'm not! And this wasn't a dream! It happened! It really happened! You were there! And Knuckles and Amy, and Shadow and Rouge and Omega! And there was another hedgehog too named Silver! It wasn't a dream!" Sonic insisted further. 

"Hey calm down!" Tails encouraged. 

"But! I-!" The words getting caught in his throat as he became overwhelmed. He couldn't explain why this was freaking him out so badly. But it was unnerving him deeply. Making his skin crawl. Nothing like this has ever happened to him before! 

"I finally found you," came a wheezed voice from behind followed by a cough. Tails and Sonic flipped around. 

"Sheesh you run fast," Silver coughed as he leaned against the hanger doorframe for support. 

"Silver!" Sonic cried out in shock, running up to the white hedgehog. 

"I'm alright, just winded. And I heard all that," he began. 

"So you...remember it too?" Sonic asked. A nod followed. 

"Yeah. I do remember..." 

Sonic glanced back at Tails. The young fox seemed somewhat taken aback by all this. Yet not quite as shocked as some might be. After all, in this world and at the side of Sonic the Hedgehog, you wind up experiencing some crazy things. 

"So um. You two have met before but uh. You don't remember it. Let me formally introduce you guys finally. Tails, this is Silver. Silver, this is my best friend Tails." 

A perk of excitement hit Tails as the fox came over closer to the two. It always filled Tails with pride and happiness hearing Sonic call him his best friend. He stuck his hand out to Silver. 

"Well I don't understand what's going on but it's nice to meet you Silver," he stated. Which resulted in a weird stare at his hand from Silver. 

"Uh...what...are you doing..." he nervously asked. 

"A handshake?" Tails asked, equally confused. 

"Do you guys not do that where you're from?" Sonic asked. With Silver shaking his head no. 

"Oh well. It's a pretty common greeting around here, especially on first meetings. Just shake his hand back," Sonic explained. 

"Okay. Um...nice to meet you too?" Silver hesitated then clasped Tails' hand with his. Shaking harshly. 

"Whoa whoa that's good enough. We'll work on that," Sonic chuckled. 

"S-sorry!" Silver let go of Tails' hand and quickly hid his own behind his back. Yellow eyes falling to the ground in shame. 

"It's okay, all good," Tails stated. Yet the other hedgehog still appeared ashamed. Sonic glanced back and forth between the two. 

"Listen Tails, I think Silver and I need to have a bit of a chat about what's going on. I'll catch up with you later, okay?" 

"O-okay. Bye then!" Tails cried. Sonic nodded to Silver who then began to follow him as they walked away from Tails' lab. 

"Let's go somewhere safe and talk. Figure out just what the heck is going on," Sonic said. 

"Okay. Um. Lead the way," Silver agreed. 

"Follow me back to my place. It's not far from here." 

The two ran at a moderate pace. Sonic quickly catching on that Silver couldn't quite run at the same speed as him or Shadow. But he could fly or maybe more like hover at about the same speed. 

"That telekinesis stuff is pretty cool, how'd you get that?" Sonic asked. 

"I...don't actually know," Silver admitted. "I've run into multiple people who developed powers that I've been told are "not normal for our kind" but no one knows why. The only consistent theory was having to do with Iblis' power. Like maybe we absorbed trace amounts of it and our bodies adapted. Something like that." 

"Huh. Neat. Well. Here we are," Sonic said before stopping before a large house. Two stories with a white exterior, surrounded by healthy trees and green grass. The kind of house that looked like a dream come true. Silver's jaw slacked some. 

"You live here!?" 

"Well, yes and no. The place is mine but I'm never really home. More of an outdoorsy type, you know?" Sonic explained. To that Silver couldn't respond. Still too in awe of such a magnificent home. Sonic strolled on up to the door and opened it for him. 

"Come on, Casa de Sonic is open." 

"Wow...it's so beautiful inside too," Silver said as he looked around. "I didn't know buildings could look pretty too." 

The statement didn't really shock Sonic. Seeing as how he could remember the desolate state everything was in during Silver's future. But at the same time, something inside him hurt for the hedgehog. He was clearly so enthralled with such simple things in life. Ones that even Sonic himself could sometimes forget like the beauty of this house. That little bit of time spent in the future was difficult. Painful to look at. Even more painful to breathe in. Of course Silver was overwhelmed and taken aback by everything. He'd clearly never known anything else. 

And yet now he was here.... 

Silver had stopped short of the living room that the entry way led into. Clearly hesitant to step further. 

"Go on. It's fine," Sonic encouraged. Rewarding him with a sheepish glance from Silver. 

"Y-yeah. Sorry." 

Careful steps forward into the room he went. Approaching the couch before very carefully touching it with his hand. The material easily squishing under the weight. A laugh left Silver. He looked to Sonic who nodded in return. It was safe to sit down. Silver gleefully sat on the couch with another laugh escaping him as he did. So soft! So comfortable! Rarely did they found couches among the destruction in good enough shape to sit on. Often times they were destroyed. Filled with more ashes than cushioning. But when there was very little comfort in your life, any at all was welcomed. 

Sonic meanwhile stepped into the kitchen. Vanilla the Rabbit had always been insistent with him that as a guest in her home, she needed to make him comfortable. Now it was his turn. Hmm. Problem though he realized as he looked through his fridge and cupboards. Being that Sonic was rarely home, he didn't have much for food here. Well. How about drinks at least? And that would be a no. Whoops. Guess it's time to go shopping, he sighed to himself. He grabbed a clean glass from the shelf. Well. "Clean." It was coated in dust. Probably like just about everything here. He gave the glass a rinse off before filling it with cold water. Then he stepped back into the living room and placed the glass before Silver. Even placed it on the coaster that Tails was always so insistent that he use. 

"Here. I don't have much but you're uh, welcome to the water at least," Sonic said as he sat down beside him. 

The way Silver's eyes lit up at that made a painful jab at his heart. Eagerly the hedgehog gulped down the entire cup. Clearly savoring it as he gingerly held the cup close afterwards. 

"You uh. You're welcome to get more from the sink whenever you want." 

Silver dashed for the sink, quickly figuring out how it worked. At first he pulled the hot water which made him yelp. Then he switched and got the nice cold water. Once again he eagerly drank some before refilling his glass and returning to the living room. 

"Th-thank you so much. Really,"  Silver said, clearly trying to not gush gratitude. 

Sonic couldn't help but be slightly amused by the sight. This same pale hedgehog who was being so polite and thankful for a simple glass of water, tried killing him. 

Then again, in learning of how Mephiles tricked him and told him of how killing him would save everything, he couldn't blame him one bit. 

Which was why he was so willing to forgive the young telekinetic. 

But none of that had to do with the issue at hand. 

He sighed and hung his head some. Trying to gather his thoughts. 

"I thought you destroyed Iblis," Silver spoke up. His own pose mirroring Sonic's. 

"I didn't. Elise did. She was scared to erase everything but she did so anyway," said Sonic. 

"So none of it should have happened," Silver said. 

"Yep." 

"Yet I'm here instead of in my timeline and we both so far seem to be the only ones who remember what happened. Even though again, none of it should have happened meaning we have no memories of it," Silver added. 

"...yep." 

Silver rubbed his temple. 

"Well. Do you have any ideas?" He dared ask. Sonic shook his head. 

"Does it really matter?" Sonic dared ask back. 

"Well...I'm worried that it could mean Iblis still exists. That it wasn't completely destroyed." 

"That's impossible. Elise blew out its flame. It can't have come back." 

"Really? You think a...a creature that powerful could be taken out so easily and not ever possibly come back. Ever??" Silver pressed. 

"I..." Sonic faltered to argue. "...Well look. Maybe it isn't Iblis. Okay. There's got to be some other perfectly logical explanation, as Tails would say." 

"Or maybe there isn't..." 

The two sighed. Logically they just ran in a circle trying to figure it out and now they were stuck. 

"Are you certain we're the only ones who remember?" Asked Silver. 

"Well no not for certain but...if Tails doesn't remember I think it's a good bet no one else would either..." 

"Fair enough." 

"Also hey...what are you doing here?" Sonic asked. 

"I have no idea," Silver sighed. His fingers slipped through his upright quills. 

"One second we were fighting Solaris. Then you and Elise disappeared. Next thing I know, I'm waking up in that field. And I saw you! And you ran off before I could do anything so I followed." 

"Yet with everything resetting you should have been sent back to the future. Well my future. Your...present I guess," Sonic sighed. 

"None of this makes any sense." 

"Wait if you're here...oh crud are any of my other friends not where they should be? Hang on." 

Sonic ran off before Silver could say anything. Leaving the white hedgehog alone in his living room. Barely a minute passed when Sonic skidded back inside. 

"Found em. Didn't stop to talk to them but everyone's accounted for. Well except for Shadow, Rouge, and Omega. Can't really get closer to the GUN base and I don't want them firing on me but. I'm gonna guess they're all fine," he shrugged. Then exhaled. 

"Glad they're okay," he admitted. With a quick smile spread across his face. All to cover up that brief moment of vulnerability. It was fine. Everything was fine. Sure some weird things were happening right now but everything was fine. 

Absolutely fine. 

"Are you okay?" Silver suddenly asked. Pulling Sonic from his not at all creeping up concerns. 

"Yep! All good! Just trying to think about what the heck's going on," Sonic half lied. Then walked back to the couch to sit next to Silver once again. 

"So...what's your thoughts?" 

"Well I wanna figure out what's going on. And then...go back to my...home I guess," Silver said. His golden eyes closed as he thought on that. Home. A place he's never truly seen. Only its ruins. Now he was going to get to finally live as he should have from the beginning. No apocalypse. No raging fires every day. Gosh, what would that even look like? Would the sky be blue like it is here? Instead of black, choked in smoke? Would there be grassy fields and flowers? Would there actually be other people? Ones who weren't at risk of dying any day, any moment, like before? Like the many he met and lost before now? Pain at the memories and the beauty of the possibilities mingled in his mind. A tear tried to rise but Silver suppressed it. Stop that. Now's not the time. 

"I was thinking maybe. Well. I was hoping that...if you were willing. Maybe you could help me," Silver hesitated. 

"No problem. What do you need?" Sonic offered. No hesitation. Just an immediate willingness to help. Silver's heart skipped a beat. 

"I know I don't deserve your help after...everything..." 

"Don't even start that," Sonic cut him off. 

"But! I-!" Silver began before being silenced as Sonic took his hand. 

"It's okay Silver. I understand the position you were put in. You did the right thing in the end, right?" 

"Y-yes?" 

"Yeah you did. That's the most important thing," Sonic stated firmly. Silver's hand trembled under Sonic's firm grip. And nearly forgot how to breathe under the intense gaze from his emerald eyes. Like a his fears were being dashed away. There was something about Sonic. Something that made him feel so...what's the word... 

Secure. 

A rare feeling for Silver. He could probably count on one hand the number of times he truly felt secure. Not just for a brief moment but really felt it. Deep inside of him. Like it was a guaranteed truth. That somehow everything would turn out okay, no matter what. 

Blaze made him feel this way. 

Oh Blaze... 

Was she somehow restored after sealing away Iblis inside of herself? 

Was she there, in the future, waiting for him? 

Would she even remember him? Or even...want to be his friend again? Without the end of the world forging their bond? 

He couldn't hold back the tears that started falling. His head hung, heavy from his thoughts. And just let it out. Unrelenting even as he felt Sonic pull him closer. Through his blurry vision he could just barely make out Sonic's shoulder and quills. Having been pulled closer, into a hug by the blue hero. 

Why? 

Why him? 

Undeserving. 

Undeserving, undeserving, undeserving. 

He cried harder. 

And for some undeserving reason, Sonic hugged him even tighter. 

"It's alright. Just let it out," he soothed. 

Sonic hated tears. Everyone who spent anytime around him was quick to learn. It killed him inside when someone cried. Something in him wanted to do everything he could to prevent tears from falling. 

But even Sonic knew sometimes tears were needed. 

It still hurt though. 

So he hugged Silver even tighter. 

Maybe if he hugged him hard enough all that pain would squeeze out. 

No Sonic, you know that's not how it works.

Well. Kinda. 

It doesn't take the pain out. But it does put the love in. Which certainly helps. 

And Sonic, though maybe not always the greatest at showing it, was very full of love. 

Something he could tell easily Silver desperately needed. 

The pale hedgehog suddenly ceased crying and pulled away. With a touch of red standing out on his face. He coughed into his hand. 

"I'm so sorry I don't know what came over me," Silver said with another cough. Gosh why. Why had he done that? Great going, genius. You freaking baby! What the hell was that for!? 

Because I...felt safe enough... 

Idiot. 

"It's okay Silver. I'm just glad you're okay," Sonic replied. His smile was still kind. Too kind. Silver glanced at him before turning away once again. 

So. Undeserving. 

There was a shake to his chest and jaw as he finally exhaled. 

"I'm sorry," he repeated. 

"You don't have to be." 

"Well. I am. I'm sorry." 

"You don't have to be." 

"I'm sorry." 

"Silver-" 

"I..." 

"Don't say it again. Please," Sonic pleaded. 

"I.....okay...." Silver finally conceded. 

Awkward silence fell over the room. Another apology was rising in Silver's throat. Growing dangerously to the tip of his tongue. But he tried to stifle it. 

"So how do we get you back home?" Sonic asked, unable to take the quiet. 

"I...have no idea," Silver said. "I only traveled through time before thanks to Mephiles..." 

"I have an idea. But I can't do it alone," Sonic began. His hands were clutched together. His brow furrowed in thought. 

"Chaos Control allows the user to travel between time and space. I'm sure that's how Mephiles sent you here in the first place. If we did that then I bet we can take you back to where you belong..." 

"...but?" Silver interjected, sensing it in Sonic's hesitation. 

"To be perfectly honest with you, I don't think I can take you there alone." 

"Wait what?" 

"Look, we both used Chaos Control I know but let's face it. You're not very experienced with it, are you?" 

"...no." 

"Right. And neither am I. Considering how far into the future we have to go...I mean, I just don't want you winding up stuck somewhere that isn't where you were trying to get to. So it'd be better if you had help but not me alone." 

"Okay. So. What does that mean?" 

"I want to ask Shadow if he'll help us..." 

"....oh..." 

There was once again an uneasy quiet over the room. Thoughts began racing in Silver's mind. Shadow the Hedgehog. That angry, Mephiles looking, er well, Mephiles actually looked like him? Whatever...uh. Red and black and at one point his enemy. Yet at the end he fought alongside him and Sonic as equals to take down Solaris. 

"...do you really think he'd help me? Considering..." Silver faltered. 

"I don't know. Shadow...does his own thing," Sonic admitted. "But I'd prefer to at least ask. He's more experienced with Chaos Control than either of us. Hopefully between the three of us we can get you there. Safely." 

"Well. I guess it's worth at least asking then. I...I trust your judgment," Silver added softly. 

"Appreciate that," Sonic replied. Their eyes met. Golden striking into emerald and back. With another apology wanting to tumble from Silver's mouth. Much as he didn't know Shadow, that same feeling was building quickly. Unworthy. Unworthy of his help, if he gave it. Shadow didn't seem like the type to give his help so easily. But even if he did... 

Unw- 

The thought stopped in its tracks as Sonic took Silver's hand. 

"I can see that anxiety starting to roll around in there. Don't let it start," he said kindly. 

"But! But Sonic! It's true! I'm not worthy of your guys help! I-" 

Sonic squeezed his hand which encouraged Silver to settle down. 

"...okay..." 

"Alright. Sounds like a plan then. I'll see about getting ahold of Shadow, then I'm sure we'll need at least one Chaos Emerald. Then we can try to get you home." 

"Wait I thought you had the Chaos Emeralds? You had 7 of them right before you did that...yellow thing?" 

"Oh the Super form? Yeah, pretty cool isn't it?" Sonic chuckled. 

"Yeah! I've never felt so strong and capable as I did! I could feel life inside me in a way I never could have dreamed!" Silver lit up as he described the experience. Sonic nodded along. 

"Yeah it feels pretty good. Unfortunately though the Chaos Emeralds are kinda a one and done thing. After they get used they scatter all over again." 

"Aw what!?" Silver cried. 

"Yeah. Not sure why they do it exactly but I'm sure the idea is to keep anyone from ever becoming too powerful. Ideally..." 

"Oh...yeah that. That makes sense." 

"I'll try to reach Shadow. See what we can do," Sonic explained as he stepped back outside. For a moment the bright sun blinded him. It felt so good though, warm and comforting. Better than the darkness of Silver's future. Or the dark past where Iblis had been born. He was always grateful for the sun. But especially after the dark times. He took in a deep inhale. Existing in the moment of calm. Then fiddled with his communicator watch. Its display lighting up before projecting upwards, creating a bigger screen holographically. 

Shadow hated it when Sonic reached out. Well, anyone really. And he always tried to at least respect Shadow's preference by not reaching out when not necessary. 

Today though, was necessary. 

He flipped through the contacts pulling up Shadow's and setting it to call him. Electronic beeps sounded off a few times before cutting off. No answer. A generic voicemail indicator flashed on the projection for Sonic to see. Okay then. He could leave a message at least. 3. 2. 1... 

"Hey Shadow, it's me. Look I. I know you don't like being reached out to so I'll keep this brief. I could really use a favor. If you get this, call me back. I'd really owe you one...thanks." 

Sonic hung up the call, the projection made by the device disappearing. Alrighty. Best he could do for the moment. Weirdly though, Sonic could feel something was very wrong. 

Just as Sonic was about to step back inside, a harsh sneeze left him. He rubbed his nose and sighed. Well that can't be good. 

Silver still looked rather antsy when Sonic stepped back in. Poor kid seemed to almost jump out of his skin when Sonic approached and cleared his throat. 

"So Shads didn't pick up, big shocker there," Sonic half chuckled. "Anyway he'll probably take a few days to get back to us. We can probably in the meanwhile take a look into that other theory of yours. Search for any sign of Mephiles or Iblis or...just anything that could indicate what's going on." 

"Oh. Y-yeah. Okay then," Silver stuttered. 

"And Silver?" 

"Y-yeah?" 

"Please calm down," Sonic laughed some once more. The whiter hedgehog shifted uncomfortably on the couch once more. 

"I...sorry..." 

"You're alright dude. As long as you don't go throwing any more cars at me!" Sonic laughed even harder. A loud groan left Silver who buried his face in his hands. 

"Uuuugh I'm so sorry!" 

"Aw come on, I was just giving you a hard time," Sonic said as he gave Silver a playful punch to the shoulder. Golden eyes shyly peered from out behind gloved hands. 

"You sure?" 

"Absolutely." 

With slow movements Silver pulled his hands away. Trying to let Sonic's words sink in. And accept them. 

"I...I can't...thank you," he finally said. 

"No problem." 

Peace went over Silver for only a moment. Then his eyes went wide once more. 

"I'm in a new place, in another time..." he muttered to himself. 

"What's that?" Sonic asked. 

"I...Is there a-a safe place I could stay?" Silver asked. "Really just about anywhere will do, Blaze and I stayed in all kinds of abandoned and broken spots, I just-" 

"With me," Sonic interrupted. 

The blue hedgehog replied so quickly and confidently that Silver felt unsure he had heard that correctly. Words failed to fall gracefully from him, leaving him a stuttery mess. 

"I mean it. You can stay here," Sonic repeated. 

"But Sonic!" 

"Don't 'but Sonic' me, I said it's okay. This place is a three bedroom house and ever since Tails moved out, there's two rooms that are empty. No reason for you to stay in some cave or something." 

"But!" 

"Don't start it again Silver. You already know what I'm going to say," Sonic stated firmly. That he did. But still. Apologies and protests bubbled. Wanting so desperately to be spoken. Yet Silver swallowed. It wouldn't change a thing. So instead he allowed something else to overtake the feeling. Gratitude. 

"I can't thank you enough. Really." 

"It's no problem. Really," Sonic said back. 

The silence that fell this time was comfortable. A smile even made it's way over Silver's face. He took in the nice surroundings once more. Sunlight beamed in from the large windows. Illuminating the white walls and large space. Really, he couldn't believe how nice this was. And the fact that Sonic was going to just let him stay here... 

"I can't believe you have such a nice house," Silver sighed looking around. 

"What's even more crazy is that it was given to me," chuckled Sonic. 

"Really!?" 

"Yep! A few years ago Tails and I saved the family who owned this place from Eggman. Guess they happened to be trying to sell it at the time and well uh. We had just recently lost our previous home and when we mentioned we were homeless they uh. Just. Gave it to us," Sonic explained with a gesture around. 

"That's incredibly kind," Silver marveled. 

"Anyway, speaking of Tails, he mentioned that he's going to be traveling to Soleanna tonight. Maybe we should see about tagging along. Who knows, maybe we'll find a clue regarding what's going on there," suggested Sonic. 

"Good idea," Silver said as he stood up from the couch. 

Soleanna...Back where this all started... 

"Alright. Follow me Silver!" Sonic cried. The two hedgehogs dashed off. One on foot and one by air. Preparing to face whatever may come. 

He really should not be here. 

Like, really really should not be here. 

If GUN found out, he'd be in big trouble for sure. Only the highest members had the clearance for these archives. 

But Shadow the Hedgehog needed answers. 

He had awoken that morning with something unexplainable going on inside his head. Memories. Ones he couldn't explain. Ones his teammates couldn't recall. 

"Shadow, no offense but are you feeling okay? You don't look so hot and you're talking a liiiittle bit crazy," Rouge sighed. After he explained it all for the 3rd time. 

"Shadow's biological indicators do not reflect any illness or injury that would otherwise explain these illogical statements," Omega reported. 

"I'm fine Rouge! I just understand why neither of you know what happened when you were both there!" Shadow growled angrily. What the hell was this...some kind of prank? It couldn't be. If it was only Rouge then maybe, but definitely not Omega too. The robot did not do pranks. 

"Well no offense but I think if we all teamed up to stop such a big baddie like you're saying we did, I think we'd remember it," Rouge dryly countered. "Are you sure you weren't just having a nightmare or something?" 

"Damnit Rouge, no!" Shadow cried as he slammed his fists down on the table. Drawing eyes from other GUN members to them for a minute. Thankfully they all knew better and the cafeteria quickly returned to its usual state. A heavy huff left Shadow. 

Mephiles. Iblis. The Scepter of Darkness. The Solaris Project. Sonic's death. The appearance of that white telekinetic hedgehog. Time traveling. Fighting Solaris. Even Shadow had to admit it all sounded rather insane. Would he believe it if anyone else was saying it? No. Definitely not. But why did he remember? Why was the feeling so real? A simple dream wouldn't shake him like this. No, there had to be answer! 

The rest of the day Shadow tried to shake the odd feeling. But it wouldn't leave him. Something was definitely wrong. 

And Shadow, who's memories could be such a fickle thing, needed to understand these memories he had. 

Which was why he plotted. By the end of the day he was able to access the deepest reaches of the archives thanks to some very careful moves and a swiped keycard. 

No one knew he was here. At least for now. 

He had only this one chance. 

There was nothing in the rest of GUN's archives mentioning the monsters in his mind. If GUN had anything on these creatures, the only place left to look was the furthest reaches. 

The hedgehog dug through everything he could. Most of these files were old so they were paper. Dusty old paper. He was definitely going to leave fingerprints across the boxes and binders. Well. At least he was wearing gloves. A small chuckle left him at the thought. And at this point he couldn't truly care if he was caught. After all. Isn't it better to ask for forgiveness then permission? 

Pages upon pages were turned. Plenty of information on old projects, ancient disasters, and GUN's dirty little secrets were back here. To anyone else this would certainly be a treasure trove. For Shadow it was just junk. Useless words printed on wasted paper. Ugh! Come on! There had to be something in here! A creature like Mephiles or Solaris don't just disappear without a trace! It was beginning to make Shadow visibly angry. He wasn't crazy!!! He didn't dream this!!! It was REAL!!! IT WAS AS REAL AS HIS OTHER MEMORIES! ....right???...right!? It had to be!!!! 

Another box pushed aside. Its entire contents were of nothing to him. He growled in frustration. There was a good chance he was running out of time and he had nothing... 

Yet another box quickly was looked through and pushed away. 

Then a buzzing interrupted the silence. Shadow jumped some, his heart raced briefly from the surprise. And that useless box he just went through tumbled down. Great. He swore under his breath and looked to his communicator watch. Incoming call from a number he didn't recognize. The call went to voice mail. Whoever it was actually left a message. He fiddled with the options, turning the volume down low to play the recording. A projection illuminated the lowly lit room. And who was it that called him? Why who could it be but that blue faker. 

"Hey Shadow, it's me. Look I. I know you don't like being reached out to so I'll keep this brief. I could really use a favor.-" 

The audacity of this blue bitch. Calling him asking for a favor. Gah. 

"-If you get this, call me back. I'd really owe you one...thanks." 

The message ended and the projection vanished. Stupid waste of time. Since when did that idiot have his number anyway??? Shadow seriously considered blocking Sonic's number for a minute before deciding against it. No point. That blue furball would just find a way to come racing back into his life and annoy him. Always did. 

Yet something in Shadow took pause. While the memory of Sonic's death played out in his head once more. He remembered the way it...stung. That dorky loser with his cheesy grin was suddenly gone. No longer running or running his mouth. Those eyes that were bright, almost burning, just...closed. And weirdly, he didn't seem at peace. Like...he just knew his time wasn't up. Shadow couldn't bear to look at his body. The feeling chilled him. Why did it hurt? 

Why was he so relieved after Sonic miraculously rose back from the dead? 

And frankly, why had he seemed so concerned in that recording? 

Wait...did he know something? Hmm... 

Great. The one person who might be able to help him is his Greatest Nuisance. Well maybe. If he really knew anything about this. Shadow sighed irritably to himself as he leaned down to pick the papers he had knocked over. Honestly he was so frustrated that he was itching to leave. Stupid dim lit dusty old archives with their nothing useful papers. Like this crap. Ancient reports on cloning attempts done in the earth zone. Shit was so outdated what was the point in having a giant box of these papers? Useless. Worthless. Waste of his time. No answers. He continued to mentally curse the whole situation. None of it made sense yet it was deeply under his skin. Just let it go already! Perhaps Rouge was right all along. Just a dream... 

No. 

No. It wasn't a dream.. 

Shadow threw the last of the papers back into the box with renewed conviction. 

Whatever happened was real. He was certain of this. And he was going to find out the answers. Even if this archive didn't have it, the answer was somewhere. And Shadow the Hedgehog would keep digging. 

After all, letting go wasn't his style. 

No matter how many buried secrets he had to dig through. Be it alien sightings cover ups or conspiracies and scandals involving government officials or whatever else was hidden back here. There. Was. An. Answer. Somewhere. 

"It's futile. The world will betray you. Why fight at all?" 

Just as Shadow reached for the lid to the box, something caught his eye. Something taped to the inner lid. 

A flash drive. 

What on earth... 

He snatched it up. The thing looked to be rather old. Yet...suspiciously it had only the thinnest layer of dust on it, in comparison to the rest of the box. Possibly as if it was newly placed. Or recently used...And it was the only digital form he'd seen at all thus far. This couldn't...no...could it be? 

Given the context of the box he pulled it from, it seemed highly unlikely that this drive contained anything at all about Mephiles. 

But still. 

He pocketed the flash drive anyway. 

He was going to confirm it for himself. 

More time passed. More boxes were gone through. Shadow even went back through boxes previously touched. No other flash drives popped up. Just more theories and conspiracies, affairs and illegitimate children covered up, ramblings and musings from various scientific minds, parallel and multiple dimensions, lots and lots of words and not one of them any that he was looking for. 

Then his ears twitched. Light thuds and a distant voice grew closer. 

"Not much is known about the Twilight Cage....it's, more of a theory than anything really......yes that's correct, it is theorized to be tied in with the disappearance of the Echidna tribe, based on...I understand. Yes I'm headed into the archives now. I'll bring you everything we have on it." 

Time was up. 

All this for nothing. Shadow lowly growled to himself and scrambled to put it all back. Just as the final beep of the card scanner went off, allowing the user inside. Quietly Shadow stepped around behind some boxes and peered out the corner. A human man, one he'd never seen before, scratched his white hair. Muttering to himself before thankfully walking the other direction. This gave him the chance to run out without any detection. 

Like the dying wind he was gone. Out into the dark halls with a pitch black sky matching in the windows. 

....when had it become so late? 

He lost hours in there. Damn... 

All for nothing. 

Weariness hit him as he returned to his private bunk. Many GUN soldiers weren't so lucky as to have their own space but the Commander made sure Shadow had his own. Just a way to keep the hedgehog happy. Roomates would have driven him out faster than he could run. The clock on wall read well after midnight. He dropped onto his bed. More frustrated groans left him. Wasted day. No closer. 

As he turned onto his side however he felt something odd against his hip. He reached into the pocket of fur and pulled out the flash drive. Right. That. He'd nearly forgotten about this. 

Surely it didn't have anything useful. Even if it did it could wait till morning, his body begged. 

His mind however raced. 

It was way past curfew. But Shadow was fast. He wouldn't be able to settle down. Not without knowing. He could run into the library and plug it in. Real quick. That's all it would take for him to know. No one else would ever even notice... 

Without so much as a glance back or a care to the wind, Shadow exited his bunk. 

"Oh you're back!" Tails exclaimed upon seeing Sonic return. Then looked a bit surprised to see Silver with him as well. 

"Hey pal. Still planning on going to Soleanna tonight?" Sonic cut into the fox's thoughts. 

"Uh, yep! In fact I think I've got her all ready to go! Soleanna is pretty far from here so I had to make sure the Tornado is ready to fly over so many zones." 

"Got room for two more?" Sonic asked. 

"Uhhhh..." Tails looked to the two hedgehogs. Silver looked away, shyly down to his feet that were tracing small patterns. Then there was of course Sonic. Looking chill and easy going as ever. 

"Well maybe if you road on the wings. Then Silver could take the back seat." 

"Sounds good to me. When do we leave?" 

"Um. An hour maybe?" 

"Right. Got it. Okay. So let me tell ya what's happening pal. Silver is gonna be staying with me for the next foreseeable future. We need answers about what's going on. Soleanna is where this all started, beginning with the Festival of the Sun. So...it'd be worth it to check it out," explained Sonic. 

"Oh...wow, okay. Um. Well. I still don't understand what's going on but you know I'll help anyway I can," Tails proudly stated. His smile beamed, met in equal measure by Sonic's own grin. 

"Thanks pal. I know I can always count on you." 

"Oh hey, Silver, you should take my old room. It has the BEST view of the stars! Honestly I still miss that," Tails went on to say. The attention being on Silver caught him by surprise and he fumbled for a moment. 

"Oh-oh. Um. Okay! Uh....cool. um no uh. Thank you," the white hedgehog said. 

"You're welcome!" 

"If you miss it how come you left?" Silver suddenly asked. 

"Huh?" 

"Oh gosh that, wow that was nosey. I'm sorry! Forget I said anything," Silver groaned, red flying over his face. A good laugh left the young fox. 

"What? No? Gosh Silver it's okay! Sheesh I thought I have trouble meeting new people," Tails continued. "And really it's mostly because of this," Tails gestured around to the massive hanger they were all standing in. 

"After our time spent in North America, I found myself really wanting a bigger lab so I can work on the Tornado and even more machines! The garage at our place before just wasn't cutting it anymore," Tails admittedly somewhat shyly. He looked sheepishly to Sonic who only smiled. Of course Sonic wasn't mad. He had been very supportive of the fox pursuing his happiness. 

"Yeah kinda is more of a single family car type of space. Not like this," Sonic chimed in. 

"Yeah. But thankfully we got really lucky! There was a hawk who lived here before who was also really into machines! And when we got back, he had just put the place up for sale! And when I talked to him, he sold it to me right away! Even threw in all his old tools and parts and everything! Said he was happy that the space was going to a fellow scientific mind and mechanically handy fellow!" Tails excitedly explained. 

"Wow! That's so cool! And lucky!" Silver replied in equal excitement. 

"Yeah! I mean, I won't lie it's still a little weird living on my own without Sonic but I mean, he's just a few miles into the the woods north from here. And I still see him almost every day. So you'll probably see a lot me too," Tails commented further with a friendly wink. A hand came to kindly touch his shoulder. 

"You're doing great on your own buddy. Really glad you were brave and took the chance. Even in just the few months we've been back and you moved out, you've grown so much," Sonic proudly said. The blue eyes of the fox went wide and he threw his arms around Sonic who laughed. The sight warmed Silver's heart. It was obvious to him that the two were close. The blue hedgehog scooped Tails into a hug too. Silver's heart skipped a beat as he watched. Honestly...a bit of jealousy struck him. It'd be so nice to have someone to be so close with like that. Blaze is....was wonderful. He missed her dearly. But she wasn't affectionate physically and he didn't want to make her uncomfortable. Even though he longed for it. Some days were harder than others and the two would wind up in each other's arms. Quietly breathing, torn on if they were grateful to have survived or just cursing everything for being so difficult. That was a rarity though. And now Blaze was gone. He turned away from the two. Stinging pain quickly approaching his eyes. No, not now. Don't you dare start crying again Silver! A sharp breath was inhaled. Then slowly released. 

"You good Silver?" came Sonic's voice. He spun around and tried to act casual. 

"Uhhhh yep! All good!!!" He expressed way too loudly. Dangit. Utter fail. 

"Uhhh. Okay then. Well I'm thinking we should grab a bite to eat since it'll still be a bit before we leave. You hungry?" Sonic offered. 

Silver's heart fluttered once more. This guy offered him water, a safe place to stay, to help him, AND NOW FOOD TOO??? 

Wow...Sonic really was a hero. A good person. A kind soul. 

I am REALLY glad I didn't succeed in killing you. 

"That would be amazing," Silver replied in a breathy tone. 

"Cool. Care to follow? And hey, you want anything Tails?" 

"A mint cookie from that one place?" Tails asked eagerly. Resulting in an unamused look in response. 

"Tails, how many of those have you eaten this week?" Sonic pressed. 

"Only a feeeeew," he playfully responded. 

"Not to sound like Vanilla pal but you've got to eat more than just mint things." 

"Aw come on Sonic! You eat junk food all the time!" 

"That's because I'm burning like a million calories a day!" 

The look of disappointment in Tails' blue eyes struck Sonic to his core. Darnit pal! Still so capable of wrenching at his heart. 

"I'm only kidding buddy of course I'll bring you a cookie," Sonic said. "But please eat something healthier for dinner before Vanilla chews us both out for our poor diets." 

"Deal!" Tails exclaimed with his expression now one of pure joy. The fox leaped into the air and gave Sonic a high five. 

"See you back here in an hour then?" 

"Yep! Then we'll head for Soleanna!" 

"Awesome. Let's go Silver!" Sonic bolted out the hanger. With Silver swiftly flying after him. 

"See anything you want?" Sonic asked while Silver looked over the menu. Nervously he looked back and forth between Sonic and the menu. Two panicked thoughts ran in equal measure through his mind. Number one being he had no idea what any of these foods were. And two, he couldn't actually read. This was never a problem before since reading just wasn't a part of life for those living in the destruction and many of the fellow survivors couldn't read either. But now? Oh boy. Letters and numbers were all over the place. Silver felt incredibly self conscious. 

"I um. I don't know what any of this food is," he admitted. It wasn't a lie at least. A few pictures were hung along the walls. Showcasing some of the various offerings. But none of it really helped him. 

"I-I'll just have whatever you're having," Silver quickly deflected. 

"Good call. You're about to try the best thing you'll ever eat. Four chili dogs please! Oh and two sodas!" Sonic ordered. Setting some rings on the counter top. 

"Coming right up!" The walrus behind the counter replied. Moments later a tray with the order and two empty cups was placed before them. Sonic grabbed a cup and began filling it from one of the strangest looking machines Silver had ever seen. Something with many colorful stickers and words on it and a bunch of levers. When Sonic pushed down on one, liquid came spilling out of it! Silver jumped back some at the unexpected noise it all made. Sonic looked startled by it momentarily. 

"Oh yeah. You guys probably didn't have a soda machine," he commented. 

"Uhhh....nope," Silver admitted. Another bout of embarrassment tinted his face. This new world was absolutely filled with so many things! He couldn't stop gawking at everything as they arrived into the small town to the point Sonic had to tug him along. 

"Just put your cup here," Sonic explained, grabbing Silver's wrist gently to guide him. "Pick whichever one you want and then press into it and then boom, you're all set." 

"I'll just try then one you got..." he muttered while mimicking Sonic's movements. This time it startled him less when the loud sounds went off. He couldn't help but marvel some at the way the machine worked. Then he filled up his cup almost all the way to the brim. 

"Here let's sit outside, it's nice out today," Sonic said leading them both to an outdoor seating area. Eating out in the sun...Silver couldn't think of anything more perfect. He wanted to never leave the sun again. 

The small town was rather quiet today. Rather normal for the area. They had the entire outer area to themselves. Sonic stretched and kicked back in his seat. While Silver was more hesitant before taking the other chair. Then accidentally spilled some of his drink. 

"Aw crap! I'm sorry!" He cried. Sonic sipped his drink and raised an eyebrow at the pale hedgehog. 

"Dude, it's okay. No one's gonna yell at you or kick you out. Here," Sonic said as he tossed a napkin. For a moment Silver looked confused. Then he figured it out at least, wiping away the spilled liquid. Then held the wet napkin in his hand. 

"So um what should I-" 

"Trash can is over there." 

Politely Silver walked over to the trash and tossed the used napkin. As he sat back down he seemed still rather antsy. Leading Sonic to wonder. 

"You're really nervous about all this huh?" 

Great, he really was that obvious huh? Silver hung his head. 

"I'm sorry! It's just that this world is so...different! There's so many things that I have no idea what they are and that's not even getting to the people! It was so rare to meet others and usually we'd all get separated or killed really quickly or people would seem like they want to help each other but then they'd stab each other in the back! I don't know how to talk to people or anything about the rules of this society or...or..." 

Thoughts ran so fast in Silver's mind that he fell quiet. Not only was there so much he didn't know but he was realizing too that what he did know was probably useless now. Survival wasn't the same. Iblis wasn't a thing anymore. Well, hopefully. What even else did he know? 

"Hey, it'll be okay. Between me and my friends, we'll help you get adjusted," Sonic promised. 

It was shocking how quickly those few words eased Silver. His racing heartbeat began to slow. The tense muscles of his jaw relaxed. Breaths came a little easier than before. 

Secure. 

How did Sonic make him feel so secure? Despite literally everything that was going on. Somehow the blue hedgehog kept managing to make him feel at ease. Like there was a magic to his words. He said so and so it was. Something like that. 

Again just like Blaze. 

"...I'm really sorry Sonic..." 

"Come on, don't be. And if you say sorry again I'm eating your chili dogs," Sonic teased. 

"Fine," Silver sighed then sipped his drink. Immediately jumping back from the shock it gave him and nearly spilling it. 

"Uhhh. You okay?" 

"THE WATER!! IT'S...IT'S ALIVE!?" Silver shouted trying to understand what he just experienced. The drink bubbled in his mouth! 

"It's really sweet and tastes good but why is it alive!?" 

"Oh no I should have told you," Sonic tried to stifle a laugh. And failed to. "It's not water, it's soda! It's not alive, it's fizzy from carbonation." 

"Carbonation?" 

"I think Tails could explain it better than I could but it's not alive, I promise. It's safe to drink," Sonic explained with a sip from his cup afterwards. Like he was proving it. Cautiously Silver sat back down and drank once more. The sensation was still so strange! But also fun!? Since when could food or drink do stuff like this!? Well. He was the past, so. Probably for a long time now. He then finally bit into his chili dogs. The flavor made his eyes go wide. Sonic nodded in approval. 

"OH MY GOSH!" 

"That my friend is the goodness of a chili dog." 

"Does all food taste this good!?" Silver asked in amazement. 

"Well the nice thing about food is there's a lot of variety to go for buuuut I think chili dogs are the best," Sonic shrugged. He smiled as Silver eagerly scarfed down his second one. A look of joy shined on his face. 

"What did you guys eat?" Sonic asked. Silver looked back up and swallowed before answering. 

"Um. Well uh. Canned foods when we could find them. What was it we usually found...uh...." His faced scrunched in disgust as the taste tinged his memories. "I think Blaze called them "sardines" if I remember right. And um "oysters?" Sometimes we found cans with fruits or vegetables in them, I liked those ones a lot better. Less slimey. And sometimes we found plants growing and we'd try to eat those but Blaze didn't want us to really do that. She said if they were growing near all this destruction then they're full of bad things for you. We didn't have a choice sometimes though. But usually we uh...we...ate bugs...when we could find them. But there was a lot of days where we just didn't eat because we had nothing..." 

Saying it aloud felt weirdly embarrassing suddenly. And thinking of it made his stomach flip. Was his face red again? He looked down to avoid Sonic's gaze. But the blue hedgehog was not disgusted or judging him. Well, maybe a little disgusted. Disgusted at the situation. Not judgemental in the least though. He instead nodded along. 

"Given what I saw of your future, that makes sense," he commented softly. Silver looked back up. The hero wasn't looking at him, no, his head was turned. Eyes staring off in the distance. It made Silver wonder what he was thinking. His stomach settled some though hearing him say that. Admittedly it was relieving that Sonic had been to the desolate future that Silver came from. It made things easier. Sure Sonic couldn't compare mere moments to a lifetime of it but. It helped. It made him feel like Sonic would believe him. Sonic had seen some of it with his own eyes. Witnessed the destruction. The power of Iblis. Breathed in that awful smoke filled air. The breeze went by once more and Silver gratefully inhaled. Clean air. Something he'd never take for granted. 

"So how old are you?" Sonic suddenly asked. Rocking in his chair as he leaned it back and forth. White brows furrowed together as the hedgehog thought about the question for some moments. 

"I'm....14. I think..." Silver explained. A question began on Sonic's tongue but died before it formed. Silver seemed to sense this. 

"It was kind of impossible to tell dates, you know? Blaze somehow could tell sometimes. I never really understood how she did it but like. She had this....thing. Um. I'm not explaining this very well. Um. Some kind of...thingy. And she'd put it down exposed to the sky and draw some markings around it. And after awhile she'd come back with what she believed to be the date. Every so often she'd just suddenly tell me oh you're 12 now Silver. You're 13 today. You're 14 now...I should have asked her more about it..." Silver's voice trailed off. It stung once more, thinking of Blaze. She was never going to try soda or chili dogs. She wouldn't be here to tell him when he was 15. It wasn't fair... 

"Interesting. I wonder what that device was. Only thing I can imagine anything like it is a sun dial but I'm sure that isn't right," commented Sonic. Internally he was processing his words. 14. Hypothetically. Really? Only 14 years old...gosh. A year younger than himself, more or less. Was there any way they could find out for certain how old he was? Maybe by dental work? Then again Silver's probably never had his teeth looked at in his life. Who knows how their condition is. But...wow... 14 years old and already filled with a lifetime of hurt. The thought made Sonic's heart ache. 

"Do you...think she's out there? With Iblis destroyed...then maybe she's...not gone?" Silver awkwardly asked. Desperately hoping that Sonic would know something. That there was some way. Whether was here or back in the future. Even if they were never friends again like they had been. She deserved the chance to live. His gut sank as he watched Sonic look down and stop rocking his chair. 

"I gotta be honest Silver. I have no idea. I...I would like to think yes but I just don't know." 

"Yeah. That's. That's fair." 

A warm breeze filled the silence between them. Bringing a rustle of leaves from the nearby trees. Golden eyes turned to watch the trees sway. One leaf even made its way over to their table. Landing gently next to Silver's hand. He picked it up and examined it. It was so small compared to his hand. Yet fascinating. 

"I'm sorry. That wasn't a fair question of me," he added softly. 

"I don't think so," Sonic replied. "I think it makes sense. She's your friend and clearly important to you. Of course you want to try to find her." 

"Yeah..." Silver returned to running his fingers over the leaf. Through his glove he couldn't feel the full texture but it enthralled him nonetheless. 

"Silver, I-" 

"Yeah?" 

Sonic fumbled. His mouth snapped shut and became a thin line. Nice going Sonic. This kid has barely ever seen the daylight and now you wanna drop information about multiple dimensions on him! 

"Yeah Sonic?" 

"Um....sorry. Forgot what I was gonna say. Heh, that happens more often than I care to admit," Sonic deflected. 

"Oh. Ha. Yeah I. I do that too sometimes." 

It made Sonic's quills bristle some to lie, even just a small fib. But right now it was for the best, he thought. Frankly, he didn't understand any of this multiple dimensions stuff either. Let alone throw time travel into the mix. Movies always went on and on about time paradoxes and consequences of your actions. But what was the truth? Could there really be a Blaze in this dimension as well as the Sol dimension? Were they somehow one and the same? Or when Blaze from this dimension disappeared, did the Blaze he knew too? If Iblis vanished than surely it would mean Silver's Blaze must still exist, right? The questions made his head ache. He didn't want to lie or keep anything from Silver. But at the same time he worried about getting his hopes up. 

Just for now, Sonic convinced himself. It's only a temporary lie. Once he had some more information, he'd talk to Silver regarding the Sol dimension Blaze. It was likely inevitable the two would meet anyway. He'd have to reach out to her somehow. Ask if she knew anything about Silver's situation. About the her that was here. It would be better that way. 

Just in case. 

Sonic was very familiar with that crushing pain of losing someone and hoping they would turn up again. Against all odds. Hell, sometimes he'd still find himself thinking and wishing that she'd come back. He missed her so- 

Silver very loudly burped. Pulling Sonic right back into reality. The white hedgehog covered his mouth and his eyes were extremely wide. 

"What was THAT!?" he cried out. A laugh erupted from Sonic. 

"That's called a burp. It happens sometimes. Have you really never experienced that before?" He explained between laughs. 

"I don't think so? I don't remember if so. What caused that???" 

"Soda will do that to you. It's like, the same stuff that makes it bubbly gets kinda stuck in your body so it has to come back out." 

"You said it was safe to drink!" 

"It is!" 

"So why does it do that then!?" 

"I have no idea!" 

The two stopped hollering. Then began laughing. Honestly they weren't entirely sure what was so funny. But something felt right. Laughs faded into content sighs. Silver continued to fiddle gently with his leaf. Sonic rocked in his chair, watching the trees. 

"We should probably get going," he finally said some minutes later. 

"Yeah," Silver replied. 

It remained quiet as the two stood up. Sonic dumped their trash and returned the tray. Then they began walking off before Sonic suddenly stopped. 

"Hey wait right here for one sec. I promised Tails a cookie," he explained as he stepped into the sweets shop. Incredible scents flew into Silver's nose. He could feel his mouth water at whatever that was! Into the window Silver peered. On display was more food! Or well, he assumed it had to be food! This had to be that stuff that smelled so good! Many of them so bright and colorful! With so many shapes to them! Which of these was this "cookie" Tails wanted? Could he try one too? Which one should he try!? Which of these would Blaze try!? 

"Looks good right?" Sonic's voice startled him. 

"Whoa! Uhhhh I mean uh yeah!! I don't know what any of it is but wow!" Silver replied. For some reason Sonic laughed at that. Then he held out something. It was a roundish shape, thick and golden brown, with darker brown spots scattered about it. Silver looked at in wonder trying to figure it out. Was this a "cookie?" 

"Well don't make me stand here all day, are you gonna take it or not?" Chuckled Sonic. 

"Wait this is for me? Seriously?" Silver's eyes widened in wonder. 

"Yeah dude! I wasn't sure if you'd like mint, Tails is practically feral for the stuff. So it's just plain chocolate chip. Now come on! Take it and let's go!" 

Eagerly Silver accepted the large cookie. 

"Wow oh wow thank you!" He cried. 

"No problem. Now come oooon!" Sonic pushed impatiently. And started walking off, clearly ready to break into a run. Silver placed the cookie into the pocket of fur at his side and headed after him. He'd enjoy that treat later. 

"Wait for me Sonic!"

It didn't take for the two hedgehogs to arrive back at Tails' place. The fox smiled seeing them arrive. Right on time. As was the usual with Sonic the Hedgehog! 

"All set to go?" Tails greeted them. 

"Yep! Ready to rock and roll," replied Sonic. Then from his pocket of fur he pulled out an oversized cookie. Holding it out expectingly for Tails. Mint chocolate! Twin tails whipped with such excitement that he flew over! 

"You got it! Thanks!" He cried happily. 

"Of course I did! I promised didn't I?" Sonic said with a wink. Into his own pocket of fur Tails stashed it. 

"I can't wait to eat this but I'm gonna save it for the festival," Tails exclaimed. "Alright, does anyone need to use the bathroom before we go? It's a long flight." 

"What's a bath room?" Silver asked. Sonic glanced at him for a moment. Oh boy, yet another thing they didn't have in the future, given all the destruction. Great. How should he explain it? Tails also looked rather confused by this statement. 

"How do you not know what a bathroom is?" Asked the puzzled fox. Their reactions made Silver cower. Self consciousness hitting him hard and fast. 

"Well uhhh. Whatever that is, it's something we don't have in the future," he sheepishly said. 

"It's okay Silver. It's uh. Hm. It's basically...look it's how we in the not destroyed world take care of our business," Sonic tried to explain. When Silver still seemed confused, he tried more bluntly. "It's where you pee and such." 

"Oh Chaos duh...I, gah, I should have realized," muttered Silver. "Uhhh. Yeah I could use that..." 

"Here, let me show you," Tails said gesturing for Silver to follow. Briefly Sonic was left alone as Silver timidly followed Tails out. Moments later though Tails returned. 

"Your friend is a little weird Sonic," he stated. "But I explained it to him so at least he's not gonna mess anything up. Hopefully." 

"Well that just seems to be how I roll huh? Oddballs, misfits, outcasts, incredibly intelligent two tailed foxes," Sonic shrugged. Which made Tails let out a small laugh. 

"Yeah I guess that's pretty true." 

"So you're gonna actually check out the festival then?" Sonic asked. 

"Yeah. Are you not going to?" 

"Nope. For one I already saw it, it just technically never happened," Sonic chuckled. "But secondly, Silver and I are gonna try to look around for any signs of Iblis or anything. So I guess we sorta will watch the festival but not really for the fun of it." 

"Oh..." Tails softly said. The mood in the room noticeably shifted. Sonic watched Tails look down, his fingers fiddling together uncomfortably. A sign he was unhappy. His own brow shifted. 

"Pal?" His voice came out so softly that Tails couldn't help but look back at him. Receiving an eyefull of Sonic's concerned expression. 

"When you...when you showed up, I thought you were going to come enjoy the festival with me. We...we really haven't spent much time together lately. You were so distant from everyone while we were in North America. And then after I moved out and it felt more noticeable. Then we stopped the Metarex and it still hasn't gotten better! If anything it's worse! Sure I see you regularly but it still feels like you've been avoiding me..." confessed Tails. 

"Buddy, no, I swear it isn't like that!" Sonic cried. 

"Really?" Tails asked. Clearly insecure and not quite believing. Prompting Sonic to step closer and wrap one arm around the fox. 

"Tails, you're my best friend. You know that right?" 

"I do! But I..." 

"I'm sorry pal. Really. I..." Sonic sighed. His eyes fell to the floor as he tried to explain himself. The other arm came to wrap around Tails. "I've just had a lot on my mind lately..." 

"Sonic, are you sure your nightmares aren't back?" Tails hesitantly asked. The hedgehog froze at that. With his arms noticeably stiffening around Tails. And a sharp inhale to try to recover quickly. 

"No bud. My nightmares aren't back," he muttered. 

"...Would you tell me if they were?" Tails dared to ask. His heart hurt as he watched Sonic flinch at that. Slowly Sonic turned to look at him. A hesitancy obvious on his face. 

"I would," he said. 

"Would you really?" Tails challenged back. 

"I would," he insisted. 

"Don't you trust me Sonic?" 

"Of course I do! You're my best friend! We've been pals more than half your entire life!" Distraught was beginning to overtake Sonic's expression as he spoke. 

"Then why? Why are you pushing me away?" Tails pushed back, holding his voice firm. The fox stared right up to Sonic who looked away. 

"I'm not pushing you away!" 

"Then why Sonic!? What's really going on!? Because from where I'm standing you've been pushing everyone away especially me, then you're talking about things that didn't happen, and now you're walking around with some stranger who claims to be from the future and doesn't even know what a bathroom is! Do you see why I'm a bit concerned?" Hissed Tails. He pushed Sonic's arms off of him in order to cross his arms around himself. A scowl present on his face. 

"I-! Okay yes! Yes I understand why you feel this way but I swear I'm not trying to push you away!" Sonic pleaded for him to understand. Even bringing his hands together and shaking them. Bright blue eyes locked on to shining green ones. Holding down and staring each other intently. 

"I'm okay Tails," Sonic promised. 

"Really?" flatly responded the young fox. As close as the two were, neither was afraid to call the other out. Even despite the age differences. They were too important to one another to not to. 

"It's just that you always say you're fine Sonic. When really you're not..." 

If a sound was heard after those words, it would have been a shattering like glass. The sound of Sonic's heart breaking. 

"I hate it when you worry about me," Sonic muttered. 

"I know. But looking after one another goes both ways," Tails reminded him. 

The two stood apart but close together. Sonic's eyes remained on the ground while Tails' stayed relatively on him. Anger, however, evaporated. Leaving behind only a chill they both felt. They hated fighting. Big or small. It felt inheritantly wrong. Unexpected warmth surrounded Sonic. Now Tails' eyes didn't meet his. They were closed tightly as his arms were wrapped around Sonic. An action that Sonic returned. They held that hug for some moments. Peace and warmth slowly returning across the two before they finally pulled apart. 

"Tails, I'm really sorry. But I promise you. I. Am. Not. Trying to push you or anyone away. I really just have been thinking about a lot of stuff lately and needing the space to do so. And now this...whatever is going on is happening. Stuff that for some reason, Silver and I seem to be the only ones that remember. And he's trapped here when he should be in his own time. I don't understand any of it either and I'm not gonna lie pal it's got me a little bit freaked out. But I'm fine. My nightmares are not back. I'm not hiding anything from you, or anyone," vowed Sonic. This time, Tails seemed a little more convinced. 

"And you'll tell me if that changes, right?"  Tails asked in a soft but serious tone. The implication perfectly clear. This was not a request. 

"I will bud. I will." 

A sigh left Tails. Seemingly finally happy with that answer. Their foreheads touched. With eyes closed comfortably. 

"Are we good?" Sonic asked. 

"Yeah. We're good," Tails replied finally opening his eyes. Up close they could see deeply into eyes, a place that felt like home. The way the details in their irises were so familiar yet there always seemed to be something new. Coupled by the changes in the faces surrounding those eyes. From dirt of long days to heavy eye bags of long nights. Always changing just slightly. But always home. Safe. And comforting. The two finally stepped back from one another. Feeling contented. Just as Silver stepped back into the hanger. 

"Okay I-oh. Am I interrupting anything?" He asked sensing the atmosphere. Simultaneously Sonic and Tails shook their heads. 

"Nope, all good. Ready to head out?" 

"Yeah! Soleanna here we come!" Silver cried. 

"Okay, Silver, why don't you climb into that back seat there and then-" Tails was interrupted by Sonic grabbing a hold of his shoulder. 

"Listen pal. I do really need to look into anything I can if there's really something going on here or not. But after we look for a bit, I promise I'll spend the rest of the festival with you," said Sonic. 

"Really!? You will!?" 

"I promised didn't I?" 

"Yeah, ha!" Tails cheered. With that Sonic jumped up to the plane's wings then moved to the front where he kneeled. Ready for takeoff. Tails helped Silver figure out the seatbelt then jumped into his pilot seat. Firing up the engine! 

"And Sonic? If I can help in any way too, I will," Tails promised. 

"I know," Sonic replied with a thumbs up. One Tails returned before turning back to the controls. Several switches and buttons later, the plane began to move! 

"Here we goooo!" He cried triumphantly as they prepared for liftoff.  "To Soleanna!" 

"To Soleanna!" Silver echoed! 

Sonic however did not respond. Already deep in thought about everything that happened in Soleanna before. The things that strangely no one else seemed to remember. Plagued by an even stranger enemy. One who hopefully was not going to return. Honestly he had no idea what he was looking for or even how to stop it if he did. As the plane reached higher in the sky, Sonic glanced back behind him. Tails was proudly smiling and Silver's face was lit up in wonder. Both of them met his eyes and nodded. To which he smiled and nodded back. 

Somehow he just knew everything was going to be okay. 

The search around Soleanna was not turning up any evidence of Mephiles or Iblis. And Sonic couldn't decide if this was a good sign or a bad one. 

Amongst the area there was nothing out of the ordinary. No hedgehogs that looked suspiciously like Shadow except gray instead of red and without a mouth. 

No fires where there shouldn't be any. 

No purple goo or smoke. 

And the citizens never heard such names before. 

Solaris was the only one any of them had heard of before. Why, Solaris was the reason for the entire festival! For it was their sun god and patron deity. "The Solaris Project" however, was something no one knew anything about. 

The sun was nearly set. Only a touch of its light remained in the sky. Soon the actual festival would begin. Dancers were lining in the streets. Fires began being lit. Vendors prepared for the masses. Slow music began to swell. 

"Hey Silver!? Where-" 

Sonic stopped shouting as he spotted the white hedgehog. Among a crowd of humans, Mobians stood out. Silver was staring at something. Frozen in place. Sonic moved to his side. 

"What'd you find?" He asked. Only to not receive a response. 

"Hey Silver? Hello?" Sonic asked, waving his hand. Still no answer. Which was when he realized that Silver was shaking. 

"Hey, are you okay?" Sonic shook his shoulder. He finally turned to look at what Silver was looking at. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary to him? Just a huge crowd of people carrying lights and lanterns and sparklers. Perhaps that was the problem, the crowd. He couldn't blame Silver. Sonic was no fan of large crowds either. Too overwhelming. But the fear on Silver's face seemed greater than that for some reason. Which was then that it occurred to Sonic. All those lights and lanterns and sparklers. The one thing they all had in common? Fire. All these fires present. On top of the massive amount of people that seemed to have grown five times what it had been, at least. Sonic stood in front of Silver and shook his shoulder harder. 

"Silver! Silver! Can you hear me? Listen to me okay? It's okay Silver. You're not going to get hurt by anything here," he repeated. Until finally golden eyes that were reflecting orange from all the flames finally blinked rapidly. 

"Whoa uh...oh chaos what happened..." Silver groaned. Eyes darting to the ground in steep shame. Rhetorical question. He knew what happened. He froze, again. 

"Come on. Let's go to the rooftops. Get away from this crowd," Sonic suggested. 

"Y-yeah. Good idea," Silver replied. Cyan surrounded them. Shielded them from the growing intensity of the orange. Then lifted them suddenly into the air. Before dropping them gently onto the nearest high roof. Sonic groaned. 

"A little warning next time? Don't like it when my feet unexpectedly leave the ground." 

"Oh. Sorry!" 

"It's all good dude. Really." 

Silver awkwardly looked away from Sonic. He couldn't believe he just did that! He froze! Just like that! Like he was child once more! Gah, he couldn't even remember the last time he froze in the face of fear like that!? It's been years! So why did he do so just now!? His hands went over his face. Sonic noticed this and gently touched his shoulder. 

"You don't have to feel embarrassed. It happens," he whispered. 

"Yeah. Oh it happens alright. To cowardly children like me! Not to strong survivors who've fought the living flames of Iblis for years!" Silver snapped bitterly. The shame drove him further into his own hands. His fingers grasping at his quills. 

"Why did I do that...why was I so scared of such a tiny controlled fire!?" He growled further. Unable to stand any longer, he droped hard onto the rough material of the roof. Ignoring the sting it gave his lower body. Then Sonic sat beside him. Looking at him with a concerned expression Silver ignored as he kept his face buried. 

"I'm a coward and a liar," came his muffled voice. 

"What are you talking about?" Sonic asked. 

Silver sighed. Then slowly lifted his head. It greatly pained him to look at Sonic but it was owed to him. 

"I heard you and Tails fighting earlier. I lied and acted like I hadn't but. I did." 

"Aw come on man. That's not really a lie. You were just trying to not get in the middle of us. It's alright." 

Hearing that somewhat helped. Noticeably Silver shifted some. Yet remained seated. 

"You get nightmares sometimes?" He asked. Then quickly turned away. "Damnit Silver that was so nosey! Stop that! Stop being so nosey!" 

"Hey. It's okay. I don't mind. And if I do I'll tell you," Sonic said. A low grumble came from Silver. Then he hid his eyes into his knees once more. 

"I get them. Frequently. Sometimes they're so bad I wake up in a panic and can't control my powers," he quietly confessed. "Maybe it's better if I don't stay with you Sonic. Don't wanna ruin anything. Or hurt you." 

"Silver. Listen to me. It's going to be okay. If you break something, it's fine. It's just stuff. It can be replaced. And if I get hurt, oh well! It happens! It'll be fine, we-!" 

"No! It's not fine! You've done so much for me already and I'm just gonna pay it back by breaking your things and hurting you!" Silver growled. 

"Or maybe that won't happen at all," Sonic pushed. 

The usual optimism of Silver was completely absent right now. Those insecurities that often raged as harshly as the fire monster itself were completely taking over. He could be so confident and brave in so many hopeless situations. But with himself? Almost never. It always was worse whenever he was alone. Blaze was right to worry about him. Just a lost, pathetic little kid. Like he was the day they first met. When she saved his life. And forever since. What was he thinking!? That, what, he could just waltz on back to the future no problem? That they'd even be friends once more if she was alive? That he wasn't at least partially responsible for the desolation of their world for falling for Mephiles' lies!? 

"I'm afraid of water," Sonic admitted. The unexpectedness of him saying that got Silver to turn to look at him. 

"What???" 

"I'm afraid of water," Sonic repeated. Glad he could at least get Silver to look at him now. 

"I'm so afraid of it that it's...really difficult for me to be around it. Let alone go in it. Heh. Sometimes it's so bad I can't even shower," he admitted. A hint of red on his face was barely noticeable in the lower light up here. 

"But other times I have no problem being around it. I've even dove in and saved friends from it before even though I can't swim! And it's like you coward! Why!? Why can't you just do that all the time!?" Sonic's words became a hollow laugh. 

"But I...uh...I've. Had to accept that sometimes it's too much for me and other times it isn't. It's not easy since I'm normally so, you know. Capable. Strong. I can do so much but can't handle some water sometimes? It's embarrassing. Frustrating. Makes me feel pathetic. But. Yeah. I've gotten better at admitting to myself when it's too much...." 

Sonic inhaled deeply before continuing. 

"And yeah I get nightmares sometimes. Really bad ones. Like, hard to even realize I'm awake afterwards bad ones. And I keep them to myself because I don't like telling people when I need help. Which leads to...well. It's not good when it happens." 

Sonic's eyes met Silver's once more. And Silver, well, he couldn't really believe what he was hearing. 

"Why are you telling me this?" He whispered. 

"Because I want you to know that you aren't alone. And that it's okay. We all have something that gets to us, you know? It doesn't make you weak or childish Silver. It just means you're a living being like the rest of us. You don't have to be strong all the time. You're safe," Sonic softly encouraged him. 

That was when Silver broke down once more. 

Secure. Secure. Secure. 

Unworthy. Unworthy. Unworthy. 

Secure. Unworthy. Secure. Unworthy. Secureunworthysecureunworthysecunworthsecunworsecunseun-! 

Sobs were cut off by a gentle arm reaching over his shoulder. Silver looked up to see Sonic holding him close. 

"Why are you helping me?" Silver gasped out. 

"Because I want to," Sonic answered simply. 

"But WHY!? What's in it for you?" 

"Well nothing really. And I'm okay with that." 

Such an answer dumbfounded Silver. 

"I like helping people. You need help. It's okay," Sonic assured him. 

A desire rose in Silver. One not entirely new but in a way, reborn. 

"I wanna be a hero just like you Sonic!" Silver loudly declared, jumping to his feet. New light beamed from his wide smile and golden eyes. Sonic however remained seated. With his head oddly turned down. Like he was ashamed. 

"I think you're a pretty great hero on your own already. You should keep on being a hero in your own way. Besides, I'm not that great," the final sentence coming out in barely more than a whisper. Shocking Silver to his core. 

"What!? How can you say that!? You're...INCREDIBLE!!!" He shouted! Making Sonic flinch. Yet before the blue hedgehog could reply, a boom loudly burst ahead of them. New light flooded the rooftops. Pulling their attention. 

"Oh. It's starting," Sonic muttered. His eyes went back down to the rough rooftop shingles. Silver however was fascinated. Boom! Again! And again! Another one! More loud sounds with bright colorful lights exploding in the sky! 

"What are those..." he barely breathed at the sight. Leading to Sonic looking up at him and smiling softly. 

"They're called fireworks."

"Fireworks?" Silver's eyes went wide. Yet he remained captivated by wonder. Sonic watched him tense before relaxing. Head held high to watch the fireworks intently. 

"I never knew fire could be so beautiful..." Silver gasped out. 

The two watched in a peaceful quiet. One boom followed by another. Colors illuminated everything then bled into one another. Fading then replaced by another just as fast. To Silver it almost even began to feel like his heart was beating in sync with the blasts. It all took his breath away. 

Oh Blaze, if only you could see this too... 

"Yeah. Fire can dangerous but also beautiful. Just like water can be. It's not always the same," Sonic spoke up. Silver turned to look at him. Pretty certain he picked up on Sonic's implication. 

"Like times of strength and weakness," he muttered. Earning him a nod from Sonic. 

"We still may not know what's going on. But Silver, I want you to know you don't need to be strong all the time right now. You can breathe and take it easy. Don't worry about it...just smile." 

Once more the blue hedgehog reminded him of the purple cat he spent his life fighting side by side with. It felt so much like something she would say to him. 

"Smile Silver. Please. That's all I need." 

And so he did. Looking back up to the fireworks, the smile stayed on Silver's face. Hope pushed the insecurities away just as a fire did to the darkness of night. Yes. Somehow. Someway. Things were going to be okay. 

Beep beep beep! A high sound rang out startling them both. Sonic immediately looked to his wrist. A hologram projected from it as he answered the call. Showing Tails in a sea of people, looking spooked. 

"Tails? Are you okay?" Sonic asked. 

"No, not really! I can't find you and I'm getting overwhelmed by the fireworks and the crowd!" The fox shouted into his communicator. Sounds of people and blasts easily overpowered his voice. 

"Hang on pal! I can see the building behind you! I'm coming for ya!" Sonic cried. In a flash the blue blur was gone. Seconds later he returned surrounded by yellowish orange. Carefully Tails climbed down from his arms. 

"Thanks Sonic. Sorry. I was trying to make my way back to the altar where we said we'd meet up but I couldn't find it in that crowd and the noise was getting to me and-" 

"Buddy you don't have to explain. Besides we aren't over at the altar ourselves," Sonic said. 

"I-It's my fault Tails," Silver unexpectedly spoke up. "I was getting overwhelmed too so Sonic told me we should go to the rooftops." 

"That's Sonic for you. Always got an answer for everything." 

"Oh you know that's not true," Sonic chuckled sheepishly with a rub of his quills. 

"Although that reminds me, do you have your earplugs?" 

"Yep! Got them right...oh no," Tails groaned. He reached into his pockets of fur but no earplugs. "I must have left them in the Tornado. I definitely brought them though!" 

"Yep, you did bud," Sonic said as he tossed a white square to Tails. The fox let out a small cry. 

"You grabbed them for me!?" 

"Well I saw them just sitting on the dash so of course." 

"Thanks Sonic," Tails beamed as he placed the blue earplugs in. Instantly the booms muffled. Sweet relief. A sigh left him. 

"Better," he signed. Sonic gave a thumbs up in response rather than signing back. Tails was thrilled however that Sonic clearly remembered. 

"Did you find anything in the Soleanna library?" Sonic signed to him. Which Tails shook his head no. Nothing useful! The teo relayed back and forth a little bit regarding Solaris and the actual Festival of the Sun itself. But nothing still about any of the monsters they sought. 

"Well, Tails didn't find anything in Soleanna's library about them. Knew it was kinda a long shot anyway but still. Didn't hurt to look," Sonic recapped for Silver. 

"Okay. What's that thing you're doing with your hands?" Silver asked. 

"It's called sign language!" 

"So you're literally talking with your hands? That's so cool! We had like, gestures? Is that the word? Um. Anyway. We sorta did stuff like that in the future but not really a whole language!" Silver marveled. Wow the world was filled with so many wonders! 

"Yeah! Tails' parents were teaching him when he was little and I wanted to learn how to do it too! So I learned what I could from them before they...they..." Sonic unexpectedly stopped talking. His eyes moved downwards then back over to Tails. The fox watched the fireworks much more happily now the sounds weren't overwhelming him. He missed Sonic's concerned look. Silver didn't need any explanation. That look was one he was very familiar with. Death. Living in small groups and trying to survive together, it was inevitable. There was always the chance that the last time you saw someone was the last time you'd see them alive. Soon groups whittled down to only a few. Blaze and Silver often found themselves among the final survivors. If not the only survivors. With less and less people found afterwards. It stung his heart, the stark reminder that death and loss were simply timeless. There would always be grief and pain. Even without monsters or mad men to increase those odds. 

"So what happened before...uh. Everything that happened? Before the first time I met you?" Silver asked. 

"Well. That's actually a big part of why I wanted to be here tonight. I was here in Soleanna. Then Eggman attacked and tried to kidnap the Princess Elise. He wanted the power of Iblis," Sonic explained. 

"So...you think if this Eggman guy doesn't show up tonight then it means Iblis doesn't exist anymore?" 

"Seems like a good bet to me." 

"But even if he doesn't show, how can you be sure?" 

"I'm not. I'm just trying to make an educated guess," Sonic shrugged. 

Just then a greater roar from the crowd arose! 

"There she is!" people shouted! Sonic and Silver moved closer to the rooftop edge. A grand white boat moved down the river. Among the figures in it, clothed in white, there she stood. Elise. Waving to her people. And smiling. It was just like how Sonic remembered. Only this time Elise's smile was even wider than before. The boat came to a stop. The fireworks paused and the dancers bowed. Gracefully Elise stepped ashore. Her very steps seemed incredibly light. Like she was walking on air. 

"Just smile," Sonic had told her. In an effort to lift her spirits. In an effort to find any light she could in the dark. Now, it seemed like that was her life. A massive smile. Genuine and full of joy. 

"She seems happy," Silver spoke up. Sonic nodded. 

"I'm glad," he replied. 

Then a man who Sonic didn't recognize stepped forward. Greeting Elise with a large hug and cupped her face. 

"Who's that?" Sonic wondered aloud. 

"I know! It's her father! He was killed back when the Solaris Project successfully produced Iblis' flame!" Silver gasped. 

"So if he's here..." 

"Then...do Iblis and Mephiles truly not exist anymore?" 

The two hedgehogs looked to one another. Sharing a look of equal loss. 

"Elise my dearest daughter, today you will finally have the honor of lighting our altar and saying our thanks! And I give thanks to you my dear, for being the light of my life! May your smile never dim!" The Duke's voice boomed for the crowd. With cheers to follow! Then he handed over the mighty torch to his daughter. Sonic found himself holding his breath. This was it. The moment of truth waited. In his memory, Elise hesitated once accepting the torch. As if she was afraid. Here, she took it and confidently stepped forward. Her voice carried in the wind like a feather. Soft yet powerful. 

"We give thanks to the blessed flames. May we always continue to have peace. Sun of Soleanna, guide and watch over us with your eternal light!" 

Then she touched the torch to the altar. Ablaze it went. And the crowd went wild! Fireworks resumed and the celebration went into full swing. The torch light went out and Elise returned it to her father. And began waving once more to her people. 

Then what happened? This time, nothing. No sudden missle strikes. Or hordes of robots invading the city. No sign at all of anything Eggman. Only then did Sonic release his breath. Something Silver noticed. 

"So does this mean-?" 

"I'm not sure. But we'll keep looking Silver. And we'll figure out how to get you home." 

"Thank you Sonic. Really. For everything." 

"No problem." 

With it looking less and less likely that Eggman was going to attack, Sonic tried to relax. A stretch to his limbs helped while he watched the dancers move. His eyes fell to Elise who was dancing happily with another man. Then she kissed him on the cheek and suddenly Sonic shuddered. An action Silver took notice of. 

"Are you okay Sonic?" 

He didn't reply. Instead sat back down and sighed. 

"I'm fine, it's. It's nothing," he deflected. 

"If you don't want to talk, fine, but please don't lie to me," Silver muttered. Gutting Sonic where he sat. Gah. He didn't expect that at all. His head turned to look at Tails. Thankfully Tails was still enthralled with the performances happening on the streets. And still wearing his earplugs. Good. This was something he didn't want him to hear. 

"It's dumb, alright? I. It's really dumb," Sonic admitted before turning back to Silver. 

"I mean, how stupid can you be to be upset over things that never even happened?" He added with a self depreciating laugh. 

"Would you say that to me for being upset about all the people I've lost? All the death I've seen? Everything I've gone through that now 'never happened'?" Silver asked. His voice lacked anger or contempt. It was a plain question. Once more though Sonic felt like a sting. He hadn't expected that response from Silver. Nor had he considered that before he spoke. Careless. Insensitive. He sighed. 

"No, of course not," he whispered. His brow furrowed tightly. "And I'm sorry for saying that." 

"It's okay Sonic. I forgive you. Now, what was that you were saying about not being strong all the time?" Silver added in a teasing tone. That got a chuckle out of Sonic. Yeah. Guess he was being a hypocrite. Wouldn't be the first time though. Probably wouldn't be the last either. Always determined to look out for everyone else before himself. He sighed. 

"Look I. I feel stupid for being weirded out by it. I know I was...dead..." He stopped talking to look back to Tails. Thankfully his best friend wasn't listening. If there was one good thing about no one else remembering what happened, it was that no one had to remember him dying. His heart painfully skipped a beat. The memory of the intense pain that seered him before it all faded made him shudder once more. 

"It. It's already so weird and painful. Remembering that I died. And I can still feel the pain of it," he confessed. "But then I'm also uncomfortable in knowing that Elise kissed me. On my lips. I know I was dead for it. I didn't feel it..." 

A gloved hand began tracing patters into the textured roof shingles. Feeling the bumps through the cotton as best he could. 

"I've only kissed one other in my life up to this point. Right now, I'd like to keep it that way. But knowing that this happened to me..." 

"...How do you even know it happened then?" Silver asked. Although the real question on his mind was of the death itself. He dared not ask. 

"I don't know, but when I got the Chaos Emeralds, I could see the past. I saw my death from the outside. Freaky feeling let me tell you...And everything after up until I got the Emeralds. I've used the Chaos Emeralds how many times now? But never has something like that happened to me," Sonic explained. 

"So not only do I remember my death as in having experienced it. But I also remember seeing it the way anyone else would have. And both ways hurt." 

Those words both fascinated and horrified Silver. 

"That's...wow. I don't even know. Crazy..." 

"Yeah. Anyway I..." Sonic looked back down to Elise. Who was dancing with her father now. Smiling bright and happy as can be. Just like he wanted for her. 

"I feel dumb for being weirded out by Elise kissing me. Like, geez, I literally died and that's what I have to get hung up on?" Once more Sonic shook his head. Chastising himself internally even more. 

"I know she didn't mean any harm. I know it...somehow saved my life. I know I wasn't even alive to feel it happen. But I still feel so. Uncomfortable that it happened. Even though now it never happened," he sighed. Then added in a whisper. 

"It was only a kiss but I feel so violated." 

That word tugged on Silver's heartstrings. Violated. The same word Blaze had used. When a kiss that was not wanted was forced upon her. He couldn't stop himself from flinching at the memory. 

"Sonic I-," Silver paused. Should he really share this story? When it wasn't his? But now Sonic was looking at him. And for the first time since this morning he seemed exhausted. The need to help screamed inside him. 

"I don't think it's unreasonable of you to feel that way," Silver stated. Which was a truthful one. "In fact I think if I were you, I'd probably feel the same way." 

For such a simple statement, it seemed to have a great impact on Sonic. He exhaled deeply. Those blue quills of his lowered. Even his shoulders sunk down some. To Silver it didn't feel like much. But if he had to guess from Sonic's reaction, it meant something more. Silver felt grateful he could do something for Sonic at least. Who unexpectedly stood up and began stretching. 

"Ahhhhhhh-I have no idea why I'm telling you any of this," he groaned as he moved. Suspiciously avoiding eye contact too. 

"Aw come on. Do you think I'll go telling the dozens and dozens of people I know?" Silver responded sarcastically. 

"Nooo. I just don't tend to share my problems, that's all." 

"Well why not? Isn't it better to?" 

"Yeah but..." Sonic once more turned to look at Tails. Words dissipated. Leaving behind only a sad stare. Before Silver could attempt to push any further, the biggest firework of the night resounded. The boom making even Sonic and Silver cover their ears and squint at the brightness. Yellow sparks combined in the sky to create the crest of Soleanna! It burned brightly against the darkness! The loudest of cheers rose all around them! When they finally died down, Tails removed his earplugs. 

"The crest is the last of the fireworks show. The rest of the festival is going to be music and games and stuff," Tails explained. 

"Cool. How ya feeling bud?" Sonic asked. 

"Better thanks to my earplugs. What about you guys? I saw you were talking." 

"It's nothing. Just still trying to make sense of all this," Sonic said quickly before Silver could say anything. The white hedgehog awkwardly looked down. He didn't like lying or lying by omission either. But Sonic clearly didn't want to talk... 

"So you think you wanna leave soon or-?" Sonic asked. 

"Not entirely sure yet. I'd like to stay a little longer at least, get to hear some of the music," replied Tails. 

"Okay. That sound good to you Silver?" 

He expected to see anger in Sonic's eyes for some reason. A nonverbal threat being conveyed. Yet in those eyes he found none. Only the same Sonic kindness he was still trying to get used to. 

"Um. Yeah that. That sounds fine to me," Silver slowly replied. 

"Great. Then we'll wait a bit," Sonic said as he sat back down. Nodding his head along to the music that climbed up to this rooftop. A small smile even making its way over his face. Silver's hands went to his pockets of fur as he tried to think on this day. Hey? What's-oh. From one he pulled out the food Sonic had gifted him earlier. What did he say this was called? Chocolate chip? Was that right? He had no idea what either of those things were. Then he felt his stomach lowly rumble. Well. No time like the present, right? He unwrapped the treat. Instantly his mouth watered at the smell. Unlike anything he's ever smelled in his life! And he was sure it would taste nothing like anything he's had before too! But even this incredible smell couldn't distract the concern in his heart. Away from the treat went his gaze, back to Sonic and Tails. Even without knowing the two for long, it was clear they cared for one another. It was also clear to him that Sonic was hiding things. Holding them close to his chest, determined to not share them. Seemingly for Tails sake. Once again it reminded him of how Blaze would act. How more often then not she would hold everything close. Until the days she couldn't anymore. Then those days her heard her cry. Overheard her crying to strangers because it was easier than making him worry. And it hurt him deeply. Sure sometimes she turned to him. They would hold each other or talk about things. Yet she was constantly trying to be strong. No matter his urging for her to not be. No matter how much she told him that it was okay for him to not be. Why did she feel the need to be so strong for him? Or maybe it was only for her own sake. Even still. Why? He wanted to be there for her just like she was for him. Despite the doubts that creeped in, telling him he would never be enough for her. 

"Don't you trust me Sonic?"
"It's just that you always say you're fine Sonic. When really you're not..." 

Suddenly Silver had a strong suspicion that he and Tails were a lot alike. 

There was a strong gratitude in his heart for Sonic. But growing even more was a concern for him. That need to be a hero pushed. There's got to be a way to help. Maybe even this time he could get Tails involved. Surely he'd agree to helping out Sonic! After all, two heads are better than one! 

Worries of Iblis and Mephiles and returning to where he belonged began to be pushed aside. In favor of a new mission. Before he was to leave this timeline, he needed to help Sonic and Tails. Not just to repay them for their kindness but for their sake in the long run. Well, and to repay their kindness too. 

Then an idea struck. Something he guessed would probably be small to them. But in the future this was a big deal. 

(Maybe it isn't anymore. But it should be.) 

The cookie broke easily into three pieces. Little crumbs scattered as the telekinetic floated them over before the other two. Both which looked back at him in surprise. Tails especially. 

"How are you doing that?" Tails asked. 

"I...oh. Right. You don't remember," Silver said. 

"Well uh. I don't really know how but where I'm from, lots of us have...had some incredible powers. No one really knows why. And uh. Well mine is telekinesis." 

"That is so cool!" Tails marveled. Sonic nodded and looked at the floating offering. 

"Silver that's nice but you don't have to share, I want you to enjoy it," Sonic said as he pushed back the piece. Only to be met with cyan resistance. 

"No, please. Take it. I want you both to have some of it with me," Silver countered. 

"Really you don't have to," Tails interjected. 

"Guys, please. Take it," Silver sighed. "It's important to me that you do." 

"But I want you to have it Silver. That's why I got it for you," protested Sonic. Strangely Silver seemed very distressed by this. 

"Please!" He cried. Frustration and desperation mingled in his voice. Not wanting to upset him the two finally accepted their pieces. Cyan light vanished as large cookie thirds were placed in hand. 

"Thank you Silver," Tails said awkwardly. 

"Yeah. Thanks," Sonic muttered. Keeping a sharp eye on the hedgehog who's eyes were now hidden behind tight brows and a clenched hand. 

"I'm sorry guys. It's just that...since food was so scare, sharing it became this...Huge way to show your gratitude and love to someone. And rejecting it was an insult. I just wanna share with you two cause I'm really grateful for everything you did for me today," Silver slowly explained himself. His free hand still carefully holding that third piece of the dessert. Red embarrassment crawled over his face like a bug. With equal chills moving down his spine. Gah. Idiot. He should have realized that this kind of thing wouldn't carry the same weight to them. And he definitely shouldn't have gotten frustrated at them over it. As Blaze would tell him. You're so naive Silver. 

"Oh. I'm so sorry Silver. I didn't realize it was that important to you. Thank you, really," Tails said then bit into his piece. A loud hum of enjoyment followed. 

"Yeah. I. Feel like I should have realized that. Thank you Silver," Sonic added. Then ate his piece too. 

"It's alright. I didn't mean to get frustrated with you guys, I'm really sorry. My emotions rule over me sometimes," sighed Silver. 

Sonic went to say something before Tails chimed in. 

"It's no mint chocolate but it is really good. Thanks!" 

"Told ya you need to eat more than just mint things pal," Sonic teased. 

"Oh, like you and your determination to eat chili dogs at every meal?" Tails teased back. 

"Aw come on, the dogs are a classic!" 

"So is mint!" 

The fox and the hedgehog were soon playfully shoving one another. Their laughter a harmony like the music that played in the streets below. Silver looked over the edge to watch. People were still out in masses. Celebrating together. The altar fire was still lowly burning. While plenty of lanterns lit the area. It was fascinating to him. Fire was bringing everyone together. It brought a warm light among them as well as literal warmth from its heat. Various scents of baked goods and foods were coming from fires down below as well. He'd never thought fire could be anything more than a weapon. Something of a necessary evil at the best of times. It brought so much pain to the people of his timeline. They often shunned Blaze for her powers, fearing her to be an agent of Iblis. Even though her power usage was almost exclusively to fight off the monsters or to cleanse filthy water. Rarely were fires ever started by anyone since flames were already so prominent. But here? They were controlled. Not a living creature. Here it was a tool. One to bring everyone together. To celebrate. And it was beautiful. 

In the warmth of the light, Silver finally bit into his piece of cookie. Sweetness from its ingredients overwhelmed him, nearly making him cry. Whatever this was, it was the greatest thing he'd ever had! A small sob pulled itself from his throat against his will. And his tail unexpectedly began wagging. Creating a thud against the roof. Both sounds drew attention from Sonic and Tails. 

"You okay there buddy?" Sonic asked. 

"I. Yeah. I'm sorry it's just. This is the best thing I've ever eaten. It seems unreal," Silver choked back another sob. Gosh why was he getting so emotional over a food!? Damnit he couldn't even care right now. He needed to eat this whole thing! Messily he shoved the remainder into his mouth. Tails laughed at the sight. Then noticed Sonic discreetly signing to him. 

"Share?" 

"What?" Tails signed back. 

"Share? Yours?" Sonic signed again. 

"My...oh," Tails quietly said out loud. Remembering he had a cookie of his own. For a moment Tails shyly looked away. Truthfully he didn't want to share his large mint chocolate chip cookie. Mints were his thing, okay? If it's mint, it's mine! he would often joke. Sure sharing is caring and all but he was still 8 years old. Sharing one's favorite dessert at that age was still difficult. But he knew Sonic was right. It'd be not only fair since Silver shared first but also kind. Something Silver needed more of in his life. No Sonic didn't actually say it. Tails could see it in that look he was giving him though. He sighed. Darnit Sonic, why do you have to be right so often? 

From his own pocket of fur Tails pulled out his cookie. Still well wrapped but surprisingly it had already broken into three pieces. Huh. Maybe when Sonic grabbed him? Seemed kinda weirdly like fate or something. 

Then again it was just a cookie. 

But sharing it meant so much more. 

He offered a piece to Sonic first. Who of course accepted it and began eating. Then he walked over to Silver. Hand outstretched with a piece out for him. Silver's eyes seemed very bright in the contrast of the low orange light and the dark of night. It was the first time Tails really looked into them. 

"This is a mint chocolate chip. It's my favorite kind. I hope you like it," Tails said softly. 

"R-really? For me? Wow, thank you," Silver replied. He accepted it and Tails returned to where he was sitting before. A happy noise with more tail wagging thuds followed suit. 

"It's really good but it makes my mouth feel cold! Is that normal?" Silver cried. 

"Oh yeah. Especially if you drink water right afterwards. Really refreshing," Tails chuckled. 

"Well now I feel a little bad. I don't have any to share," Sonic chimed in. 

"Well you did buy us the cookies in the first place, so it's kinda like you already did," Tails pointed out. 

"You're sharing your kindness in a different way," Silver added. 

A soft smile came over Sonic's face at those words. 

"Thanks you guys," he muttered back. 

"Hey Sonic? I see some games down there! You wanna play with me?" Tails suddenly asked excitedly. The crowd seemed to finally thin out some. Enough for it to be easier to see some of the vendors from up here! Sonic peered out too also spying the games. 

"Sounds fun!" Sonic replied. 

"Hey Silver? Do you wanna come with us? Or would you rather wait here?" Tails offered. 

"I-I'd...I'd really like that actually. To join you I mean," Silver choked up some before clearing his throat. Touched by the offer. 

"LAST ONE TO THE BEAN BAGS IS A ROTTEN EGGHEAD!" Sonic shouted then raced down the side of the building. 

"HEY! Cheater!" Tails called after him, whipping his two tails together so he could fly after him. A laugh slipped out from Silver as he surrounded himself in the light blue energy of his powers. Taking flight after the two. 

"Hey Sonic! You may have gotten the head start but it's not gonna matter! Tails and I are gonna figure out how to beat you!" Silver cried out. Which earned him a cocky smile from the blue hedgehog who beat them both to the stand. 

"Oh really? What makes you so sure?" Sonic teased back, tossing a bean bag up and catching it several times while he spoke. 

"Because! It's no use!!!" Shouted Silver as he stole the bean bag away with his powers. 

"Ahhh! I never wanna hear you use that phrase again!" Sonic groaned. Making Silver laugh very hard. 

"Uhhh, what?" Tails asked. 

"Long story," Sonic grumbled. 

"Yeah, a story about how I kicked your butt when we first met!" 

"No you didn't!" 

"I so totally did!" 

"Did he really Sonic!?" 

"No! I just-! Had a lot on my mind! And maybe kinda underestimated him a little..." 

"Bet you'll never do that again! Especially after I win this game even without my powers!" 

"No way dude!!! I'm gonna mop the floor with your big goofy quills, Sonic style!" 

"Oh brother, here he goes again. Watch out Silver, Sonic gets prettyyyyy competitive." 

"No I don't! I just need to win!" 

"See what I mean?" 

"Ohhh I do." 

"You won't talk any smack when I'm the undefeated champion of this bean bag toss!" 

Strange occurrences were no stranger to Sonic and his friends. But this was easily one of the strangest they've experienced so far. Yet it wasn't all bad. Sonic smiled at Tails and then Silver. Both of whom smiled back at him. The fireworks continued to burst across the sky and the three of them watched peacefully. Tonight didn't grant them any answers. And they were okay with that. The rest of tonight was for settling down and in for whatever lied ahead. 

Tomorrow, who knows? 

A week passed. 

Silver stayed in Tails' old room per his urging. He cried when he laid down on a real bed. Mattresses were a rare luxury among the wreckage. Usually so destroyed and old that they were of little comfort. Now he had a whole space for himself. It seemed unreal. 

Sonic assisted Silver in some of the ways of modern living. First they had secured Silver his own hygiene products. The white hedgehog eagerly selected a minty toothpaste, sugary scented fur wash, and coconuty quill wash. Then had to quickly be told by Sonic to don't EVER EAT THAT! 

"It doesn't taste like it smells!" 

"That's cause it's not food!!" 

Every time Silver had to be told something about this new world he felt flustered and embarrassed. But not once did Sonic make him feel like he was dumb for not knowing. 

Slowly he was growing accustomed to this life. Though the guilt and need to pay Sonic back for his kindness persisted. 

Especially after the nightmares kicked in. 

The first night and second night went extremely smoothly. Peace and good rest were plentiful. More than Silver had ever known. Then the third night hit. And every night after that up to this point. Gripped by fears and guilt, Silver would wake up screaming and crying. And every time Sonic raced to his side and soothed him. 

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" 

Only to be met with gentle hushes and tender hugs from the hero. 

Only to be met with continued insistence that Silver didn't owe him anything. Despite the fact that Sonic was letting him stay here, buying him things, giving him food, all things worthy of paying back. He had no idea how yet but he hoped that a way to repay Sonic would show itself. 

Slowly he picked up on how to clean dishes after eating and how to prepare this weird machine called a coffee pot. Having it set up so it could make that weird drink Sonic seemed to like so much. For now it was little things. 

"Besides, I'm not that great." 

Silver still couldn't understand how Sonic could say such a thing! Not after everything he's done for not just him but clearly many people. Constantly away saving the world or just helping out a friend. All while asking for nothing in return. Just heading off wherever he felt like afterwards. 

Like wherever he was right now. 

Sonic mentioned that he regularly chose to not be home. Ever since Silver showed up Sonic was home more than regularly. Even sleeping in his own bedroom. A fact Tails let slip wasn't normal. Sure Sonic would often be gone for an hour or two at a time but never too long. 

Silver suspected it had to do with him being there. And hoped it didn't mean he didn't trust him. 

Sometimes Sonic came back with varying information about time travel or nothing new to report regarding Iblis and Mephiles. Other times with armfuls of groceries or household items. Tons of things Silver had to learn the names of. He wondered where Sonic was off to today. What might he bring home this time? 

Neither Silver nor Sonic was prepared for what today would bring. 

Today was a hot day so Sonic felt like cooling off. Prompting him to head for a colder Zone. The sun was still shining and the skies were clear but the temperature here was significantly dropped. Ahhh. Better. 

Sonic looked around the area. Mountains, trees, maybe some caves among those mounds. This sure was living! Freedom! The ability to go wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted! Nothing could beat that! 

"This would be a great place to snowboard," Sonic said to no one in particular. Plainly stating it like it was a mere fact. Beneath him the snow was packed hard enough to keep him from sinking. Nice. He decided to keep walking for a bit. Not stay for too long. Home was a pretty good distance away, even for him. And he didn't want to leave Silver alone for too long. 

Besides. After everything that'd been happening lately, it was nice being home these days. Much as he loved adventure and battle, he needed down time too. Eggman had been quiet lately. Something he was oddly thankful for right now. It made things easier in helping Silver. 

Oh Silver. The kid had a lot to learn still. And clearly he was struggling with so much pain still. Not like Sonic expected him to lose it all in a week. But it twisted his heart when Silver would cry out in the night. When his sobs were so blinding and pulling on his ribs enough to make him heave. And as Silver had said, sometimes he had no control of his powers. Not many objects were left in Tails old room. They all went flying under Silver's power however. Filling the younger hedgehog with an even greater guilt! No matter how much Sonic assured him it was alright. It's only stuff. Stuff can be fixed. Stuff can be replaced. His greater concern was on Silver. As long as he didn't hurt himself. Or run away. Or do any of the number of terrible things Sonic himself was familiar with feeling when his own nightmares came back. All that self doubt and hatred. The way it dogpiled you when you already feel like crap. Awful. Just awful. Between that and the panic attack Silver had had on his third day being here, when Sonic left for far longer than intended...yeah. He didn't want to leave Silver alone for too long. Not to baby him. Just to help him through this. Transitions were rough. Especially considering Silver woke up one morning in a never ending war then literally woke up the next in an all new time and space. 

Transitions were rough. Just like when he and Tails had to leave behind Knothole Forest. After everyone...he shook his head. Don't think about that. That'll just invite the nightmares right back. 

Tails at least moved on much easier. Maybe because he was so young when it happened. But mostly Sonic suspected was because Tails had him. Not to say that in a proud way. No, in a protective way. In that through the pain, Sonic was strong for Tails. Sonic comforted him when he cried or was afraid. They found a new home and made new friends, just as he promised. And above all, Sonic kept him safe as promised. Sure Tails got older, wiser, stronger, and more capable. Even seeing through some of those cracks in the brave face he put on. Calling him out for not taking care of himself. But Tails was happy. Tails adjusted. His nightmares faded and he stopped asking for the friends they lost. Sonic's own may still periodically come back. Yet he'd choose it all again for Tails' sake. 

From their little talks about it, Blaze seemed like she was that same way with Silver. He couldn't blame her. 

He had walked so far lost in this thoughts he hadn't realized he marched right up the side of a small mountain! Until his foot met no other land at the top. Nearly sending him right over the peak! He flailed and hollered until his balance was successfully regained. Whew! Close one. Wow! What a nice view! He inhaled the cold air. Getting a slight chill up here. 

"Hey Blaze. If you're out there. If you can hear me. I promise I'll look after him. I know he's capable and I'm sure you trusted him but you looked out for him. Tried to hide your pain from him so he could be stronger. I get that. If our situations were switched, I'm sure you'd do the same for Tails. So I promise. I'll do my best. Until he doesn't need me anymore. And as long as I can afterwards. Just like Tails. My dear little brother...I promise my heart is big enough for them both."

The statement was not spoken aloud. It reached out across the universe from the sincerity of his heart. For whatever it was worth. But they were not beautiful words thought in vain. His intentions were true. As long as he had the power, he would protect them both. Not because he thought they were weak or inable. Only because he felt they deserved to be protected. 

The cold air around him made his breath turn to foggy vapor. Overhead clouds moved in, turning the skies dark gray. A breeze kicked in, blowing directly into his face. Encompassing all around him. 

An incredibly warm breeze. One that shouldn't be possible in this weather. Sonic closed his eyes and soaked in the comfort of the moment. Bright green eyes opened once more. Back to the darkening Zone. He glanced at his communicator. The clock indicated it was getting late. He'd rather not leave Silver alone for much longer. 

He could have a little fun before he headed home though, right? 

He smirked and grabbed a broken tree branch from nearby. This thing would make a terrible snowboard. It was absolutely dangerous to even try. 

Danger was what made it fun. 

Without another care or concern, Sonic jumped over the peak with the tree branch underneath him. Laughing as his ridiculous descent took off. 

The ride was bumpy and difficult to avoid obstacles. Still Sonic laughed all the way down. Unbothered by the beginning snowfall. Even as it began to obscure his vision. 

Then near the end of the mountain, his ride unexpectedly ended. A rock snagged the branch. Launching Sonic! He flew through the air and flopped into the fleshly fallen snow. For some moments he didn't move. Then he popped back up, laughing and cheering! That was fun! He jumped up and shook himself. Alright. Good enough. Now time to head home. Fresh powder kicked up as red shoes raced across the field. 

Wearily he stepped. Pain shot through him with every movement. The cold was beginning to help at least. Numbing his extremities. It wasn't enough though. These injuries were absolutely fucking him up good. 

Worse was that he was still bleeding. Red droplets trailed behind him. Glaringly obvious against the white snow. 

At least with this storm coming in, it should cover that blood. Hopefully fill his tracks too. 

Really though, he needed to find a cave or something. It's been what a week now? He hasn't eaten in all this time and barely slept. 

All this running. Gah. So unlike him. To run instead of fighting. 

But what other choice did he have? 

"Humanity wasn't just jealous of your power. They feared it." 

There was nothing that Shadow found on who this Mephiles guy was. But as he limped further and further into the snowstorm, he couldn't help but think the dark entity may have been right about a few things. 

Even so. Shadow was not going to let anyone beat him. 

He may be badly injured. Weary and drained. But even so, he was still three steps ahead of them. 

This snowstorm was getting bad. Worse even. In mere minutes its force doubled. Tripled even. Sonic didn't like this one bit. Was he even traveling the right way anymore? Or going in circles? He had no idea. The way the storm obscured his sight was making it harder to tell. Was he just passing the same trees over and over? Identifying any markers wasn't working. 

Until he spotted something new. Something suspiciously familiar. He skidded to a stop. Was that...a person? Whatever it was, it seemed to be moving closer. Aw come on Sonic. You're losing it! He rubbed his eyes. Yet the figure still seemed to be coming closer. Slowly. This wasn't right. This had to be a trick of his mind. A struggle made by the weather. By a storm that was getting worse. His teeth chattered. The cold was definitely gripping him now. Conditions could easily be described as dangerous. 

But what if someone was in trouble? 

Whoever it might be wasn't crying out for help. Maybe they couldn't see him either. His mind was already made up. He had to at least make sure. Further into the storm he ran with reckless abandon. 

His ears went numb some time ago. Though the wind screams were deafening. What was he doing out here again? Why was he walking out here? 

Walking. Not running. Not fighting. Not... 

The beating his body had taken was taking its toll on him. 

The Ultimate Lifeform...didn't mean he was immortal. 

Especially not with....with... 

...what was he thinking about just now? 

Then he thought he heard it. A call being carried just above the wind. He got the vague feeling of his ear twitching. There couldn't be anyone else out here? Right? 

Unless they found him? 

Damnit. 

If that was true, he'd likely be done for. 

He couldn't fight like this. 

"It's futile." 

"-ey! Are you okay!? I'm here! If you can hear me, call back!" 

...his mind HAD to be playing tricks. There was no way. Of all the people. Of all places. Absolutely no way. 

"I'm coming! Just hang on!" 

"The world will betray you." 

"Shadow!? Is that you!?" The figure cried. Confirming what Shadow dreaded. Of course. If it wasn't them then it'd be him. There was no mistaking that voice. Or that blue figure that pushed closer through the storm. 

Faker. 

The snow whirled fiercely in the harsh wind. Obstructing his view. And the cold itself bit every inch of his body. But as he pushed back against the elements and got closer, there was no mistaking Shadow the Hedgehog. Standing in the middle of a snowstorm. But only just barely. The dark hedgehog looked up finally. Red eyes wearily resisted the wind's sting to see Sonic fighting to get closer. Until the two were finally barely inches apart. 

"What are you doing Shads!? We gotta get outta here!" Sonic cried over the scream of the wind. Yet Shadow seemed like he still couldn't hear. Instead his stance became more wobbly. His eyes seemed to glaze over, rolling almost to the back of his head. 

"Why fight at all?" 

His strength was failing. Yet the world continued to mock him further. Forcing him to have to turn to the one person he'd rather die than ask for help from. 

But Shadow the Hedgehog couldn't die yet. 

There was too much he needed to do still. 

Although that stupid Faker. Even up close like this it was so hard to see. Still, he could just sense that look. That concern that washed over his face over and over again. Stupid, stupid, faker. Always worried about everyone else. Even being so stupid as to try to stop him from falling to his death as his own Super form was fading. He hated that about him. So stupidly selfless. 

He hated even more how much he needed it right now. 

"I...need...a favor," Shadow weakly said, almost inaudibly. Then collapsed into Sonic's arms. 

"SHADOW!?" 

But Sonic's cry was stolen by the howling wind. 

He had seen Shadow in some rough shapes before. Most of the time brushing them off like it was nothing. Walking away with a few scrapes and bumps at worst. Aside from the Ark Incident. The one time Shadow didn't walk it off. The time Sonic failed to save him. 

He'd never seen Shadow roughed up this badly. But this time he was going to save him. 

A wound on his torso, right side, was bleeding. Not profusely now likely thanks to the cold. Yet it tinted his glove that brushed the injury. Very fresh. His breaths felt weak. Dangerously so. And his body was cold to the touch. Worst of all, his right leg and right arm looked very off. Sonic was no doctor but something was wrong with them. Whether fractured or broken. Crap, what was he supposed to do!? 

Well the answer was obvious. Help him. 

It was more a matter of how? 

For one getting Shadow out of this snowstorm was probably a good start. 

It felt impossible to think with the snow storming around him. So Sonic picked Shadow up as carefully as possible. Then did what he did best. Run.

Night had fallen over the Zone by the time Sonic arrived. Thankfully Silver managed to see Sonic racing up carrying something that seemed heavy? The telekinetic opened the door for the blue blur. 

Which was when he saw that something in Sonic's arms was a someone. It didn't take long for Silver to recognize who. 

Shadow the Hedgehog. Unconscious and looking worn down. Something definitely wrong with the right side of his body. Broken bones if Silver has to guess. Along with a nasty gash on his right side goung from his ribs to his hips. 

"Silver, I need you to use your powers to help me get him to the other room upstairs," Sonic gasped out. 

"R-right!" 

Cyan enveloped the three of them and opened the doorway to the third bedroom. Guiding them carefully inside. Allowing Sonic to carefully place Shadow on the bed. Then he stood back and exhaled harshly. 

"Oh my Chaos..." Silver whispered. Taking in the sight. This hedgehog who had been so powerful, so fierce, now looked like he'd been through hell and only just barely clawed his way back. 

"Thanks Silver," Sonic wheezed, his air finally returning to his lungs. 

"Y-yeah. No problem. But. What we do for him now?" 

"I...I don't know," Sonic confessed. "I. I'll go call Vanilla. That's the only thing I can think of. See what she says." 

Silver nodded and Sonic stepped out of the room briefly. Through the crack in the doorway Sonic's voice could be heard. 

"Vanilla, I am SO sorry I'm calling you this late but it's an emergency-" 

Silver turned his focus back to Shadow. He had no idea who "Vanilla" was but he trusted Sonic's judgement. If he thought she could help. Well. Hopefully Shadow would trust them too whenever he woke up. 

Somehow despite being completely still, Shadow's face exuded pain. Given the state of the entire right side of his body, Silver couldn't blame him. Instinctively he reached out to gently hold Shadow's left hand. In the future there was often times he found himself holding on to another survivor's hand as they struggled with pain. Or as they were dying. One kind touch to get them through. Shadow likely couldn't even feel it. Yet Silver hoped it was helping. 

"Hang on, um...Shadow. If you can hear me. We're gonna do everything we can to help you," Silver said softly. 

Shadow did not respond. Yet his hand seemed to tight around Silver's. Just as a hand came to Silver's shoulder. 

"Vanilla is on her way over. I'm gonna help her anyway I can but I'm not sure if that'll be much of anything," Sonic whispered. 

"I wanna help too," came Silver's instant reply. This was expected. Sonic nodded his head. 

"Okay. Whatever Vanilla says, goes, okay? If you don't know what something is, let me handle it. Got it?" 

"Got it." 

Thus they waited in that position. Hand on shoulder, hand in hand. Three hedgehogs bound by some unknown way. Fate? Destiny? Divine intervention? Chance? None could say. But one thing that the two conscious hedgehogs knew, this was not the end of it. Whatever was happening, this was only the beginning. 

Chapter Text

There had been a great war not that long ago. Ending about 10 years ago to be exact. One that strangely seemed lacking in a lot of precise knowledge surrounding it. Who had started it? No one knew for certain. Was it the humans or the Mobians? Both sides claimed the other was to blame. 

It didn't affect the entire planet, only a small portion. But that small portion had been devastated by it. Many Mobians died. So, so many. The numbers were so great that the following generation was being unofficially dubbed the Orphan Generation. 

Vanilla the Rabbit's heart hurt thinking of the recent report she had read. 10 years since the war ended. An estimated 75% of the children born around this time were orphaned. The entire Echidna tribe disappeared save for the one lone Knuckles. Nearly all of Cream's friends were among that far too high percentage. Amy, Charmy, Espio, Tails, Sonic, Knuckles, far too many of them. Most of them so young when it happened they couldn't remember what they lost. Yet it clearly affected them in some way. 

Like in Amy. One who tragically did remember losing her family. How she feared abandonment. How she seeked reading the future and her fortune as often as possible. In order to prepare for whatever may come. In the way she was determined to be as capable a fighter as any of her friends. Running, kick boxing, target practicing. Everything she could add to make herself stronger. 

Or in Espio. How he had once been so loud and enthusiastic. Excitedly telling her all about the latest training his father had given him. How he would become the best ninja ever! Only now to be mostly silent. Training was no longer an exciting activity but a requirement. A way to honor his lost family. It was now taken up like a sacred duty. Treated with all the dedication and respect the chameleon could give it. An honor he bore alone.

Or in Vanilla herself, she came to realize. In how losing her husband and so many friends made her develop anxiety. The realization that their wonderful lives, all of it could go away in an instant. Never see it coming. Would she lose Cream? Her precious baby? Or even worse, would Cream become another one of the many? The thought devastated her. 

It hurt to see so many young ones without parents to love and care for them. Whether they could remember what they lost or were alone from the beginning. She wished it was within her means to adopt them all. But sadly she did not have the resources for them all. Herself, Cream, and Amy who she did adopt, all got by on her husband's death benefits and own personal retirement package. She would not be able to take care of anyone else though. Besides. Most of Cream's other friends seemed rather adamant that they didn't need any parents anyway. They got this far in life without em! So why change that now!? 

Especially Sonic. 

The blue hedgehog was such an enigma to her. 15 years old with incredible powers. According to Tails he's been saving the day as long as he could remember! No wonder the teen had a bit of an independence problem. Always so determined whenever she'd ask him how he really is that everything is fine. That he's strong and mature and independent. That there's nothing Sonic the Hedgehog couldn't do! Even when Tails accidentally let slip sometimes that things weren't always as well as the hero pretended, he denied such accusations. 

Sonic was still a teenager at the end of the day. One who, she had guess, was also an orphan of war. Lost at such a young age he couldn't even remember his family. And has been fighting ever since he was a child it seemed. That's no way to live. Not for anyone. Even powerful hedgehogs. Still. He'd always, always, put on a huge grin and insist everything was fine. Refusing her offers aside from an occasional meal. It hurt, really. So she made him promise that if he ever needed anything, call her. That was always her promise to all of Cream's friends. But especially to him. Day or night. Anything at all. Please. Don't hesitate. Call her. He promised, he promised. Though silently she suspected his promise was one he wouldn't keep. Stubborn through and through. So determined to always do everything on his own. 

She didn't do any social media or the likes. But her communicator would always be on with the sound up. In case any of them needed anything. 

When her communicator began beeping one night, she jumped right up to grab it. Her heart raced when she read the caller ID. Sonic. Immediately her fingers hit the answer. The hologram projected, filling her dark bedroom. She turned away from the harsh light. Eyes tearing up at the sudden brightness. But she willed herself to adjust quickly and look to him. 

"Hello?" 

He looked so incredibly relieved that she answered. Then a rare look crossed his face that made her heart twist. Guilt. 

"Vanilla, I am SO sorry I'm calling you this late but it's an emergency-"  

"What do you need?" She cut him off. Surprising him. Yet he quickly brushed it off. 

"M-my friend needs help. He's really badly injured. I think I can bring him to you but I'm a little worried about moving him again. I-" 

"Sonic, no. Leave him where he is. Are you at home?" She asked, not quite certain about the walls behind him. 

"Yeah. Yeah I had to get him out of that snowstorm. So I brought him here." 

"Can you tell me what the injuries are?" 

"Uh...I think broken bones. And um. Bleeding. His side. Blacked out cold. I don't know what happened to him..." Sonic whispered. Never in her life had she heard him speak in such a hushed tone. His mouth twitched and she suspected it was an attempt to control himself. Was he afraid? The tone reminded her of herself, when Cream badly fractured a finger. The way she needed to remain calm even though she too wanted to panic that her baby was in such pain. 

"I am coming to you. I will be there in 10," she immediately replied. 

"You can be here in 5 if you let me come grab you," Sonic said. 

"No Sonic, I need to bring my medical bag and I do not want to risk any of the medicine bottles breaking. I promise you though, I will hurry." 

He seemed not thrilled with that answer. But he nodded. Accepting that this was how it needed to be. 

"Okay. I'll help in any way I can," he added. 

"I know you will sweetheart. Thank you. Be there soon." 

Then she hung up the call and jumped out of bed. 

A note was quickly scribbled down then slipped under Amy's door. Letting her know of the situation. An emergency call. She'd be back as soon possible. If she wasn't back by morning, Amy knew what to do. Unfortunately Gemerl was away. Doing a supply run in a further away town and wouldn't be back for some days. At least Amy was here. The pink hedgehog had no problem stepping into a healthy leadership role. Being the big sister Cream needed in her life. Many times Vanilla was grateful for Amy being in their lives. This was now another one. 

The old gray doctor bag she kept locked away in her closet was pulled out. Much as she trusted the girls to never play with these things, she still had to play it safe. But she certainly couldn't get rid of any of this. No, there would always be medical needs. And the former doctor would always be ready to help as best as she could. Practicing daily became too difficult after the war. After everything she saw...a shudder went through her. But doing private house calls on occasion kept her skills sharp. She rummaged through the supplies she left in the bag then added a few extras from the medical closet. Just in case. 

Satisfied with her gear, Vanilla placed it carefully in her vehicle and headed for Sonic's place. 

His friend. He didn't say a name. Not "Knuckles needs help" or  Tails needs help." Just "my friend." And he said he didn't know what happened to him. Her hands gripped the wheel a little tighter. For someone who moved at the speed of sound, trouble sure did manage to follow Sonic. 

The minutes ticked by. For Sonic, who was currently hyper aware of the time, it was torture. He trusted Vanilla at her word. But gosh if he wasn't also anxious as hell for her to be here. He decided to wait downstairs in the living room. Where he'd be able to see her arrival better. 

"Sonic, do you have a towel or something you can spare?" Silver's voice cut through his impatient pacing. 

"Yeah. Uh. Just grab whatever from the bathroom....wait why?" 

"Shadow started bleeding again, I'm gonna apply pressure to it." 

"Aw seriously? Dangit. Um. Good thinking Silver. Yeah just use whatever," Sonic replied. Pinching his brow as he spoke. This was unexpected and making him even more nervous. Heavy steps continued to pace back and forth the open living room area. Come on, come on! Hurry! Please! 

Silver meanwhile ducked into the upstairs bathroom and grabbed a towel. White. Bummer. But it would have to do. Then gently he brought it up to the wound on Shadow's torso. He held it carefully with his power while he examined Shadow's leg and arm. Swollen. Stiff to the touch. Difficult to move the joint at all, the way it felt locked in place. The leg even worse than the arm. Not good, any of it. 

Vanilla finally pulled up. And Sonic threw the door open for her. 

"HithankyousomuchforcomingandagainIamsososorrytocallyououthereatthishour butitreallyreallyisanemerge-!" 

"Sonic please! Slow down! I can't understand a word you're saying!" Vanilla cried as she grabbed the bag from her vehicle. Sonic's foot tapped in frustration as he tried to calm himself. Breathe dude breathe. She's here now. Everything is going to be okay now. 

"Sorry," he muttered. 

"It's alright. Now, where is your friend?" Vanilla asked. 

"Upstairs, bedroom to the right," Sonic explained. 

The stairs to the second story led to three rooms. A bedroom to the far left. The upstairs bathroom. Then the third bedroom upstairs. The only bedroom Sonic and Tails never did anything with it. Vanilla hiked up her long lilac nightdress some and made her way up the stairs. Sonic internally groaned. If there had been any way he didn't have to call her here so late he really would have. Vanilla was always so kind. So helpful. Offering anything she could. Despite being a single mother and the adopted mother of Amy. Accepting anything from her felt like borderline stealing. And asking for favors wounded his stubborn determination and independence. Or his pride. Maybe it was both.

This time though. This was more than Sonic knew how to handle. Vanilla was a doctor. She'd know how to handle this better than he could. A very real fear gripped Sonic for some moments as he stood at the bottom of the stairs. Shadow could die... 

NO! No he couldn't! He just couldn't! No way! He was full of incredible power! The Ultimate Lifeform! 

Yet he looked half dead when Sonic found him. Even Shadow himself seemed out of hope in the way he barely spoke then collapsed. And this wouldn't be the first time Shadow nearly died on Sonic. In fact he still couldn't believe Shadow didn't die after the battle on the Ark. No, only fell from space and wound up with amnesia after such a crash. A fall Sonic couldn't stop. No matter how much he pushed himself. Before finally stopping in a move to preserve himself. Keep himself from suffering the same fate. A fist slammed against the wall as he remembered. If only he had kept going. If he had held on a little longer. If he pushed harder. He could have saved him! Brought back more than just his inhibitor rings! Saved Shadow from this amnesia he experienced and all the pain that followed! Why did he stop!? He should have kept going! Sonic inhaled sharply to control himself. Before he got anymore wound up. 

Shadow. I promise you. This time, I won't let you down. 

Despite believing her patient to be unconscious, Vanilla still politely knocked on the door before entering. Surprisingly a timid voice responded. 

"C-come in!" 

Must be awake after all. Well perhaps he can explain what happened then. As she walked into the room, it shocked her to see two were present. One was a white hedgehog who waved nervously at her. Immediately she could tell he was young, younger than Sonic most likely. Another friend? Then her eyes drifted to the bed. The sight made her heart freeze. Another hedgehog. Red and black and badly injured. Aside from wounds, the same as the hedgehog Cream described. The one who's crimes Sonic was blamed for. The one who tried to destroy the entire planet out of revenge. The one who went on a rampage to go after Cosmo. 

And Sonic called him a friend. 

"Sorry um. Is there anything I can do to help you at all Vanilla? Towels? Bandages? Water? Coffee? I know you prefer tea but I'm all out so um..." his voice trailed off as he saw her stance. Stiff and on guard. 

She looked to him with her concern plain as day on her face. Making Sonic jump. Why was she so worried? Was it worse than I thought? 

A fear crossed her mind. If I help him, will he just go after Sonic or anyone else again? 

She steadied herself. 

No. Don't think like that. You don't know him. All you know is things Cream told you. After all she did say that he stopped his rampage. Teaming up with Sonic to stop the ARK from crashing into the planet. He helped fight Metal Sonic. Even ceased going after Cosmo and helped fight off Dark Oak. So clearly he can't be all bad if he did those things. Sure Cream seemed afraid of him still. But she was a child. A brave and smart one but still a child. Not quite ready to understand why good people do bad things or that bad people can change if they really want to. At least that's what she believed. 

One thing she did know. Right now, he is is her patient. He needed her help. Even if he did bad things before, or after, her help-that was on him. Not her. 

Besides. If Sonic could call him a friend, could he really be that bad? 

She turned to the white hedgehog who was also present. Aware that he was holding a towel up to his torso. 

"Is he bleeding?" She asked plainly. 

"Yeah. It uh just started back up real suddenly. Definitely think he'll need stitches," replied Silver. 

"Let me see him please," she asked firmly. Resolve now firm in her. This patient was going to be treated with the best of care just as any other. Silver stepped aside so she could kneel beside the bed. Bloody towel pushed aside so she could examine his wound. Dried blood blended into his dark fur bordering the deep gash. Unfortunately small signs of infection were present too. Not nearly as bad as it could be. In fact that was perhaps the most surprising part. This would clearly tried healing itself only to be torn back open. A miracle it wasn't worse. The white hedgehog was right. Definitely would need stitches. 

"Sonic, I need you to bring me hot water and any towels you can spare. I need to clean this and apply sutures," she ordered. No nonsense in her soft voice. This was her serious doctor tone. Sonic nodded and ran off. 

"You, discard this rag please and help me turn him to his side. Be very careful about this right side, they look awful," she ordered to Silver. 

"I think the arm is fractured but the leg is definitely broken. I think it's a stable fracture though," Silver explained his thoughts. 

"Oh, you have medical knowledge?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Surprising for a kid his age. 

"Not really no. Just um. More like I've seen a lot of injuries in my life. Picked up a few things I guess. Wouldn't say I have any really knowledge though," he whispered. Despite needing to focus, her heart leaped hearing that. Painfully. He spoke in such timid and hurt. Clearly this kid has also seen things. Her firm expression briefly broke so she could look to him. 

"I am sorry. I did not introduce myself or catch your name. My name is Vanilla," she said and held out her hand. For a moment he looked lost. Staring at her hand like it was foreign to him. Then he seemed to understand and shook her hand. 

"My name is Silver." 

"Got the water and more towels," Sonic said as he stepped back into the room. 

"Great. One second while we rotate him. Just need to be very mindful of these limbs. Ugh, Sonic we might need your help. Have to hold everything steady," she groaned. 

"Actually, I think Silver can handle this, can't ya pal?" 

The two eyed one another then nodded. Vanilla gasped as Shadow's body suddenly became embraced in cyan blue light. Slowly his body rotated. Turning his right side so it faced upwards now. Those injured limbs fully supported by the light. She looked in wonder at Silver. Hands outstretched with light glowing from his gloves. What a magnificent power! 

"You okay there? Can you hold this for a while?" Sonic asked. 

"Yep, no problem," Silver replied. 

Like an artist, Vanilla began to work elegantly on her craft. From her bag came a variety of bottles and sutures, bandages and needles. Chemical scent filled the room as she began with disinfectant. Years of knowledge served her well. There was little doubt in her mind that this hedgehog would recover well. At least physically. Whatever did this was surely to leave a mental scar. 

The gash was soon closed expertly. As long as he didn't strain himself. That should heal nicely. Maybe even leave only a very faint scar. 

The leg and the arm were a little more concerning as she had no way to really confirm the state of the bones. X-rays would be best but weren't an option right now. She steadied herself. You didn't have X-rays on the battlefield either. You can do this. Just need to carefully feel the bone... 

Breaths were held across the room for some minutes. Seconds ticked by agonizingly slow as she worked as carefully as possible. With all the gentle movements she could muster, Vanilla began the casting process on his arm. 

"I can feel the fracture in his arm. It's not completely broken. That's good. He will heal faster and less likely to have complications. Sonic? Bring me more hot water please." 

"On it." 

It fascinated Silver to watch her work. The way she felt all around Shadow's arm and leg, looking deep in thought. Then with the fresh water Sonic brought, combined rags with a strange liquid from her bag. Wrapping it around Shadow's arm. 

"The leg though...I think you are right. Out of place slightly. Not good. This will take longer to heal...Silver?" 

"Y-yeah?" 

"I need to wrap his leg too. Do you need a break? I'll need you to hold him very steady for me," Vanilla explained. Her expression was full of kindness and concern. His legs shook some. How he wanted to melt from her warmth. With a quick breath he steadied himself. 

"No, I'm fine. It's no problem. Thank you though." 

"Alright. I just wanted to make sure," she said. Then her brow tightly knit together once more. Delicate fingers pushed and prodded Shadow's leg once more. 

"This might hurt. I'm so sorry," she whispered. Then pushed. 

Yet Shadow was out so cold he didn't even flinch. She sighed in relief at that and began feeling the bone more. Then began to combine bandages with water and mystery solution around the leg. 

"To the best of my knowledge that bone is back in place now but I am going to need some X-rays to be certain. Silver, please keep holding him until the cast dries. Then put him back on his back. Sonic, I want you to help me take him to my old clinic in a week. Really I would prefer to do so now but I am very concerned about moving him at all. I suspect that that amount of time will not be too long where if it is healing wrong then it can't be corrected. Helps let the swelling go down some too," Vanilla said. 

"Got it. Anything else I can do for him in the meantime?" 

"He needs to stay off his leg as much as possible and not over exert his side. But also help him rotate often. Can't have him getting bed sores. Use extra pillows to prop his leg and arm. And do not get his casts wet! Give him foods with iron, vitamin B, and vitamin C if you can. He needs to make up for the blood loss. And water or some coconut water too." 

"Okay," Sonic nodded. 

"Are you sure you can handle this Sonic? We could transfer him to my house in the morning so I can take-" 

"NO!" Sonic shouted entirely too loudly. Resulting in jumps and odd looks from both Vanilla and Silver. 

"I mean uh. No. No thank you. It's alright. I can take care of him," Sonic stated much calmer this time. 

"Are you certain?" She gently pushed. 

"Yes Vanilla. I'll do what you've said and manage. Thank you so much for your help. We'll see you in a week?" 

"Well...if you insist. Then yes. You shall. But Sonic, please. If you have any questions or concerns or even any needs unrelated to this-" 

"I'll call you. I promise." 

Like a high noon standoff the two stood in opposition. Tension ran thick in the air. How badly she wanted to push. To act on her motherly instincts. Surround them all in the love and care that clearly was needed. Versus how badly he wanted to be strong. Independent. To take on the task at hand. The care needed at hand. By himself. For whatever reason he held. Internally Vanilla winced. He's 15! Yes he's so incredibly capable but this! This is a whole different scenario! Not just for him but for her patient too! 

On the other hand, he was so, so, stubborn. 

And it wasn't like he was negligent. Tails often spoke highly of how Sonic took care of him. Tending every fever. Nursing every wound. Staying by his side through every nightmare. Making sure Tails didn't eat too much junk food. Even ensuring Tails was well bathed or showered despite his aquaphobia. So clearly he was at least capable of caring for someone. But still this situation... 

...was one she wouldn't win. 

The sigh that left her was heavy. Weighted with the burden of being a doctor and a mother. And her duty to both heart and mind. 

A compromise was thought up. 

"I will do the X-rays in a week. But I would like to stop by once a day and check in on him as well. Once he is awake I should run some additional tests on him." 

"Done,"  Sonic immediately agreed. Much to her relief. This made her feel less like she was placing a heavy burden on him as well as not leaving her patient for too long. 

"Very well. Then for now I have done all I can. I am going to go home but gentlemen please, remember that if you need anything-" 

"We'll call, day or night, anytime, any reason," Sonic interrupted her. She let out a small huff. Irritated by his tendency to interrupt. Yet he smiled and her heart melted. Despite the late hour and his steep concern earlier, he seemed happy now. She couldn't stay mad in the face of that smile. Giving him one in back. And offered it to Silver as well. The younger hedgehog shied away but a smile made it across his face too. 

"It has been a pleasure to meet you Silver. Thank you so much for your help. Those cast should be dry in a few more minutes then you can lay him back down," she said. Slightly kneeling to catch Silver's eyes if she could. Through shyness the golden eyes finally met hers. Like the sun they shined even now in the middle of the night. But goodness his little smile glowed even greater. So much like Sonic's. Were they related somehow? 

"You're-uh. You're welcome. And th-thank you for your help too," Silver responded. 

With a bow she left. Sonic finally released a slow breath and stepped back over to Shadow. The casting was growing more tacky. Just as she said. Dry soon. Then they'd put him back down and sleep. In the morning they'd begin rotating him and trying to accomplish everything Vanilla wanted for him. It was obvious she didn't fully trust him with this. Hopefully when she stops by tomorrow, because oh she would, maybe he could instill more confidence in her. 

"Sonic, are you okay?" Silver suddenly asked. 

"Yeah I'm fine. How about you? Holding up okay there?" 

"Yeah yeah. Believe me this is nothing. Could probably stand here all night," Silver chuckled proudly. Then let out a big yawn. "Or maybe not." 

"Well feels like it won't be much longer now, then we can sleep. Tomorrow the real work begins," Sonic spoke through a yawn. A big stretch followed. Boy he was beat! 

"Hey Sonic, why did you get so mad at her?" 

"What? I didn't get mad???" 

"You yelled at her," Silver quietly pointed out. 

"Oh...pal that. That wasn't anger. That was...um. I was just...standing my ground you know?" 

"Why?" 

"Because I..." he paused and looked back to Shadow. The dark hedgehog was still deeply unconscious. Yet a pained look remained on his face. Still. He looked better than he had during that storm. When his eyes looked so far away and rolled back into his skull. Shaking and barely standing. Speaking of shaking. Sonic pressed his hand to Shadow's chest. Still noticeably cold even through the glove but much better than before. The gray blanket at the foot of the bed was pulled up to his neck. There. That should help. Sonic smiled softly. 

"He needs help. I have to help him." 

The answer seemed to be good enough for Silver. At least enough to make him not question any further. Sonic took the opportunity to run the bowl back downstairs and all the ruined rags to the trash. Then he fished out a travel cup with a lid and straw. This would probably be easier for Shadow to use if he wakes up. So he filled it and ran it back up. Gently placed on the bed side table. Then Sonic touched the casting again. Finally it felt dry enough.  

"Alright Silver, let him go." 

Carefully Silver rotated Shadow back. The darker hedgehog now on his back and very slowly released. Both sighed in relief. 

"Do you think he's gonna be okay?" Silver asked. 

Sonic looked to the dried blood on his glove. Shadow's blood. Blood on his hands. Because he didn't save him before. Sonic's eyes snapped shut in shame. 

"I have to do everything I can to make sure he is," he replied. 

"Oh. Okay..." 

That statement concerned Silver more than he let on. At least he hoped. He watched as Sonic looked away in pain. Then suddenly turned back to him with a big smile on his face. 

"Don't you worry though. I can still help you both no problem. Might take a few weeks more than anticipated but we'll still get you home Silver." 

"Oh. I uh. I wasn't...nevermind. Thanks Sonic," Silver hesitantly replied. Not at all the problem on his mind. Yet now he couldn't find the words to speak his true concerns. 

"Thanks for all your help today dude. Really made it easier. But I'll try to not ask for your help again if I can avoid it," Sonic added with a wink. 

"Why?" Came Silver's immediate question. One Sonic was caught off guard by. Suspiciously he turned his back on the other. 

"...I told ya already. I don't tend to share my problems." 

"But Sonic, don't-" 

"Goodnight Silver," Sonic cut him off. Then ran from the room. Leaving Silver horrified. 

Sometime after 4 am the nightmares struck Silver once again. Pushing him to sobs. Unable to soothe himself, his cries ripped from his chest. Pain that felt far too real haunted the waking moments. Loneliness gripped him as he heaved. Tonight he was on his own with his agony. You can do this Silver. It's just a nightmare! It can't hurt you! You're not a child anymore! Yet the terrors continued to leave him in a fit. 

Until a warm hand pulled him into an even warmer embrace. He couldn't help but immediately wrap himself around the source. Confusion pushed through the sadness. Yet familiar comfort kicked in. Along with the scent these nightmares brought into his life. Sunshine. Grass. Fresh air. How Sonic smelled like the outside so perfectly was a mystery to Silver. But it soaked into his blue fur and quills like it was a part of him. Or maybe he was a part of it? He couldn't think clearly through the nightmares. 

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he muttered. 

"It's okay Silver. Shhhh," Sonic soothed. A few more sobs broke from Silver. Slowly they broke down. Falling quiet as he hugged Sonic closer. Even in the dark he felt certain Sonic was looking at him with such concern. 

"I...I didn't think you'd uh...you'd help me tonight if I had nightmares. Not after I...Made you mad..." 

"You didn't make me mad. I just...didn't feel like talking," Sonic whispered. 

"You sure?" 

"Silver, even if I was mad, helping a friend is more important." 

"...oh..." 

They allowed the quiet to seep in around them. Silver's breaths finally calmed. Along with his racing heart returned to a slower pace. The thudding in his ears died down. 

"Sonic, who comforts you when you have nightmares?" He dared ask. The arms around his torso tensed. 

"...mostly no one. Sometimes Tails. I always tried to keep it from him but...some nights they were too much for me," Sonic admitted. They continued to grip one another. It was comforting. Like this was something they've done for years rather than only some days. 

"Why do you insist on doing things alone?" Silver asked. 

"Why do you want to know?" 

"Cause...it's not right...you shouldn't be alone. You don't leave me or Shadow or Tails or I think anyone alone...it's not right...you shouldn't be alone..." 

Exhaustion rolled right over Silver. Wow. Heavy eyelids tried to remain open. But in this comfort, this warmth, he was fading fast. 

"It's alright Silver. I'm fine," Sonic whispered. Then slowly pushed Silver back down onto his bed. The younger hedgehog's eyes were firmly closed as his head hit the pillow. His white blanket was pulled up to his shoulders. A soft rub to those shoulders as added by Sonic. Then he quietly stepped out of the bedroom. 

Darkness made the narrow hall seem more ominous than before. Sonic's fear of the dark faded some years ago. But he couldn't deny how powerful the dark could be. Capable of making such ordinary things seem so frightening. Sometimes it snuck up on him. Giving him a strong moment of vulnerability. He shook his head. No. This was a simple hallway in the upstairs area of his house. Behind him was one bedroom. All that remained was a door to his left, an upstairs bathroom. And straight ahead. The third bedroom. Nothing to be intimidated by. 

Although what was in that third bedroom was maybe another statement. 

Shadow didn't scare him. But whatever the hell happened to him sure did. What could be strong enough to hurt him so badly? More importantly, was it still coming after him? Why had he been running? Risking death out in a snowstorm? Against what? What fate could be so worse than death? 

Sonic's hand trembled as he carefully opened the door before him. Into the darkness he peered. Shadow's stillness blended in with his surroundings. Only his steady breathing stood out. Barely. Light footsteps took him into the room. To Shadow's side. A gloved hand reached out to Shadow's free hand. The glove stained with red blood. Indetectable without the light. Yet Sonic could feel its weight. 

"...you shouldn't be alone..." 

Unconscious surely Shadow couldn't feel or hear a thing. He squeezed his hand anyway. 

"You shouldn't be alone either Shadow. Whatever happened to you...I won't let it happen again." 

Then he quietly left the room as if he was never there. A touch of his warmth lingered in the air. 

Pain. It was the only thing that registered. Massive amounts of pain. 

Shadow's eyes flew open. Heavy gasps left him as the pain made his heart race. He looked around. Sunlight filled the unfamiliar room. While pain continued to wrack his skull especially with the action. The surroundings slowly registered to him. A window was along the wall to his left. Open, letting the breeze in. Brown walls surrounded him and a comfortable yet unknown bed was under him. Along with casts to his right leg and arm. 

What the fuck happened to him? 

What could he last remember? 

Fuck it's all so blurry. He was on the run from...and then this snowstorm hit the Zone he was trying to short cut through. That's right. He knew the storm was coming it. But he had to risk it. A risk that almost cost him his life. That was when... 

Faker. 

Was all this Sonic's doing? Where the hell was he!? 

Aches pulled him from his thoughts once more. His side especially stung. What the hell... 

Deep breaths helped. He would not cry out. He refused. But damnit he felt on edge. 

Then a knock was at the door. His head snapped to the right. As the hinges squeaked open, Shadow found himself holding his breath. 

A clutter of medical supplies fell to the ground. 

Standing before him was that white hedgehog! The one who traveled through time and had telekinesis! Who seemed equally in shock to see him. 

"Sonic!!! Shadow's awake!!!" He cried. 

"Hey! What's going on!?" Shadow shouted. 

"I think Sonic better be the one to tell you," Silver said. Then scooped down to grab the supplies he dropped. As a blue blur dashed its way into the room. The light faded. Their eyes locked. Sonic tensed as he looked at Shadow. Then seemed to relax. A very comfortable smile went up his face. 

"Look who's finally awake," Sonic said. Slowly and carefully he stepped closer to the edge of bed. Hands slightly raised. A way to show Shadow he meant no harm. When the other didn't protest, Sonic sat on the edge. 

"How are you doing Shadow?" 

"How am I doing? How the hell do you think I'm doing?" Shadow snarled back. 

"Pain, confusion, frustration?" Sonic guessed. 

"Don't forget hungry and thirsty," Silver added. 

"Oh yeah, can you go get some of that soup I made?" Sonic asked. 

"For sure. Be back." 

Now the two rivals sat alone. 

"I'm not hungry," came Shadow's low gruff reply. 

"You lost a ton of blood dude along with your broken bones. You need the nutrients," Sonic countered. 

Silence awkwardly took the room. Both seemed to have a dozen or so thoughts on their mind. With no idea where to even start. 

It was Shadow who finally tried. 

"What happened? After you...saved me or whatever." 

"Brought you back here. Had a friend look at you. She's determined you have a fracture to your arm and a break to your leg. Although now that you're awake she's gonna want to run some extra tests on you to be sure that's all." 

"What!?" 

"Aw come on Shadow. It's nothing invasive. We're just trying to make sure you're really okay." 

"I'm fine Faker!" Shadow growled and tried to stand. Sonic's hand immediately stopped against his chest. It didn't take any effort to stop Shadow from rising. He wasn't strong enough to push past the single force. 

"No you're not Shadow. You...you could have died-!" Sonic said lowly. Red eyes looked away. The expression was difficult to read. Anger was present clearly but something else was there too. 

"What happened to you?" Sonic asked in an even more hushed tone. Ears flicked. Clearly he heard the question. But Shadow refused to answer. 

"...I didn't ask for your help," he finally spoke some moments later. 

"Yes you did." 

"No! I didn't!" 

"You asked for a favor," Sonic pointed out. Drawing another angry huff from Shadow. The fact that he had to ask such thing! An insult! A wound to his pride like no other! 

"You pulled me out of that damn storm. Favor paid." 

"No. Look at you, you barely survived! Favor isn't paid until you're back in full health!" 

When Silver stepped back into the room, the two rivals were still locked in eye to eye combat. Red and green clashing like the opposites they were. Cautiously he cleared his throat. 

"Soup? If you want? You really should try it at least, it's very good. I-" 

Silver's words fell apart as Shadow's glare fell on him. He looked away. Intimidated by the injured hedgehog. Which brought a smirk to Shadow's face. Though the pleasure was short lived. He huffed irritably. 

"So if that one is here-" Shadow pointed to Silver. "Does that mean you remember it too?" 

"Remember it too?" Sonic asked. 

"...that monster. Mephiles." 

With a gasp Silver almost dropped the tray holding the soup. Thankfully his powers helped him catch it on time. And Sonic's eyes went wide. So Shadow could remember too. 

"I'm guessing by those stupid faces you both are making that's a yes?" Shadow dryly replied. 

"Well. Now that makes 3 of us who remember," Sonic commented. 

"That's all? No one else? Just you and the kid?" 

"Seems like it." 

"Only question now is why us? And how? And what does this all mean? Okay maybe there's a couple of questions..." Silver added. 

Of course this had to happen. Of freaking course. Shadow groaned internally. Why? Of all the people in the world did it have to be these two? The only ones who remembered besides him...what the hell? 

Shadow looked back up to the two standing before him. 

"Tell me everything," he demanded.

Minutes passed by turning into hours. Mid day light shifted into afternoon glow. And the three hedgehogs felt no closer to understanding any of this than they had before. 

At least Shadow finally ate something. Unable to ignore the gnawing of his stomach anymore. He nodded. This wasn't terrible at least. In fact it was actually pretty good. Not that he'd admit it. 

"So I called you after trying to think of a plan with Silver. I was hoping maybe you knew something or would at least help us out. I don't feel confident enough that I could get Silver back to his time using Chaos Control on my own," Sonic explained. 

"Oh so that's why you called me huh? Should have just said that. Admitting that I'm better than you at something would have gotten you better results," snickered Shadow. To which Sonic rolled his eyes. 

"Yeah yeah. Whatever you say Shads." 

Strangely Sonic seemed to grow quiet, a concerned look on his face. Glancing once again over Shadow's injuries. 

"I hate it when you make that face," Shadow snapped. 

"What?" Sonic looked back up. The look now gone away. 

"You're always so worried about everyone Faker. Why don't you take some of that concern and apply it to yourself for once." 

"What? Shadow! What are you talking about? You're the one who's been unconscious for three days and have half your body wrecked!" 

"It's been three days?" Shadow asked. Good gosh...he had no idea. 

"Shadow, what happened to you?" Sonic added in a soft tone. 

Shoulders tensed for some moments. Then loosened. Shadow glanced back and forth between Sonic and Silver. Red eyes closed, tightening. His one free hand came up to rub his temple. He couldn't tell them. Could he? 

"The world will betray you." 

His teeth gritted. No...he couldn't. 

"I can't tell you," Shadow muttered. 

"Why not?" Silver impulsively asked. 

"Because! ...because. I can't..." 

Uncharacteristically Shadow seemed...worried? 

"Sonic. There's something I need to do. I can't stay here." 

"You can't even move dangit!" Sonic replied absolutely flabbergasted by Shadow's stubbornness. 

"Yes I can! I'm the Ultimate Lifeform damnit!" 

"Does that mean you're immortal?" Silver chimed in. Drawing another irritated sigh from Shadow. 

"No. It technically doesn't. But it doesn't matter. I'm powerful. I don't need help. I can do this," Shadow countered. 

"You. Can't. Even. Stand," Sonic argued once more. 

"It doesn't matter! What I have to do is more important!" 

"We can help you Shadow! Just tell us what you need!" Sonic cried. 

"I can't! I can't..." Shadow muttered. This time Sonic released an irritated sigh. 

"Fine Shadow. Fine. Don't tell us. But I'm not letting you leave. Whatever you need to do, you won't be able to do it falling apart. So I'm gonna keep helping you like it or not. Maybe you'll finally realize accepting help isn't such a bad thing," Sonic said as he began to leave the room. 

"Now that you're awake, Vanilla is going to want to look over you to make sure you're healing like you should. Be nice to her. Take your anger out on me if you must. Don't target her, she only wants to help," he added. Now Silver and Shadow were alone. Awkwardly the two looked away from one another. 

"Are you uh. Still hungry at all? Can I get you anything else?" Silver offered. 

"No. I'm done." 

"Oh. Okay. I'll just let you rest then," Silver said. He grabbed the tray and left the room. Finally leaving Shadow alone with his thoughts. Slowly he released his breath. Damn them both. So frustrating. So obnoxiously helpful when he didn't need it! 

At least...fuck. 

"It's futile." 

That damn voice wouldn't leave his head. Mephiles' words kept coming back. Again and again. Torturing him. Haunting him. And worst of all. So far he'd be right about everything. 

"The world will betray you. Why fight at all?" 

"Shadow, what you saw...you weren't supposed to see." 

"I'm sure I wasn't, Commander." 

His heart raced thinking of it all. The way it beat hurt his veins. Especially in his skull. He rubbed his temple once more. 

Unfortunately though Sonic was right. He couldn't accomplish his goal if he was falling apart. Much as he wanted to deny it, he was hurting. So badly. Aches surrounded him. Clouding the edges of his thoughts. And movements were too difficult. 

Maybe...he should... 

 "Are you alright Sonic?" Silver asked. Who didn't even look at him. 

"Yeah I. Sorry about that. Just got a little frustrated was all," Sonic replied. Into his own bowl went some of the soup. It was supposed to be for Shadow but dangit he was getting frustrated from hunger himself. A small bowl would help. He sipped it. Immediately the warmth and savory flavor perked his mood back up. 

"I just wish that...gah...I've...I've helped Shadow so many times now. And he still treats me like an enemy. I wish he'd just let me help him," Sonic explained. He sat down at the kitchen table. Slowly he stirred his bowl occasionally bringing it to his mouth. 

"Oh. Yeah that. That makes sense," Silver said. He also grabbed himself a small bowl and sat beside Sonic. 

"Well. Maybe he just needs more time. Don't give up on Shadow just yet," he added. That brought a smile back to Sonic's face. 

"You're right Silver. I haven't. Just a moment of frustration. We'll get through whatever happens next." 

A knock came to the door sometime later. Eagerly Silver opened for it. Happy to see Vanilla once more. She had kept her word, visiting every day to check on Shadow. But especially today after Sonic called, letting her know Shadow was finally awake. Clearly she hurried over. Though out of breath, she smiled when seeing him. 

"Hi Silver," she expressed. 

"Hi Vanilla! Shadow's finally awake. Although uh I started to go in to clean his stitches earlier but forgot to because of him being awake." 

"No worries dear, I can do it. I will need to look at them anyway. Where's Sonic? 

"He went for a run. Said he'll be back before you leave," he said. 

"Alright. Then I will go on up to see Shadow," she said. Then headed up the stairs. She gave a gentle knock on the door before walking in. 

He looked so much better awake. Fire burned in his red eyes. 

"Hello Shadow. My name is Vanilla. Please do not fret. I am a doctor. I have been coming by every day to check on you but this is the first time I get to finally meet you," she said with a smile. And an outstretched hand. That he did not shake back. Well. Rude but she had expected it. Sonic did warn her that Shadow wasn't exactly very sociable. Or friendly. It wasn't like he'd be the first like that she had ever had to deal with anyway. Plenty of ungrateful and unpleasant patients in the medical field. Hard as it was sometimes, Vanilla always treated them with her best care as she would any other. Shadow would simply be yet another in that line. Not the first. Nor the last. She put her hand away. 

"I am going to need to look at and clean your stitches first," she said, stepping to his right side. He didn't reply. Fine by her. Chemical scent of anti bacterial solution filled the air as she gently cleaned the area. 

"Good news is the sutures appear to be doing well. I may be able to remove them for you next week. And I do believe there will be minimal scarring." 

"It doesn't matter," he said quietly. 

There wasn't anything she could think to reply to that. But oddly it stung her to hear. 

"How are you feeling Shadow? Are you in pain?" 

"...yes," he admitted. 

"Where is the pain?" 

"...everywhere." 

"Is there any area where the pain hurts most of all?" 

"I don't think so." 

She fished through her bag. 

"I am going to check your eyes, ears, blood pressure, heart rate, and a few standard other check up procedures now that you are awake." 

He remained oddly quiet and calm. Letting her work easily. 

"How long am I going to be like this?" He quietly asked. 

"Anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks most likely. I can give you a better estimate after we get some X-rays done here in a few days." 

A groan left her patient. 

"Have some patience. The time will fly," she said as she finished looking him over. 

"There. Everything looks normal. Heart rate is a little high but I think that may be normal for you, given your power." 

What exactly did she know of his power? He glared. How well did Sonic know this woman exactly? Could she be with them? Every muscle in his body tensed. 

"Why are you helping me?" He growled. 

"I am a doctor and a mother. It is what I do," she replied plainly. 

"I'm dangerous you know. I could hurt everyone here easily." 

"I do know," she said, unphased. Working on as if he were talking about the weather instead of threats. 

"What if I went after that stupid faker huh? Or maybe after you and your precious little family," he spat. Technically they were hollow words. For the moment at least. He had no intention of attacking anyone who wasn't his enemy. But his anger was rising. And he wanted the world to back off! 

That threat did not bother her. Days ago that had been her fear. Now? She looked him plain in the face. Without any fear or shock or really any emotion at all. 

"You won't." 

Her confidence startled him. 

And the lack of control was making him angrier. 

"Back off!" He shouted. She jumped back. Startled, her breaths came out fast. But just as quickly as the fear formed, it dissipated. Control returned to her. 

"I am sorry Shadow. I meant no harm," she said. 

"Get out," he snapped. 

"What?" 

"GET OUT! I DON'T NEED YOU OR THAT FAKER OR ANYONE!" Shadow hollered with all his might. 

Vanilla took a deep breath. Steady. It's alright. Nothing here she couldn't handle. With slow movements she walked back over to her bag and grabbed it. 

"Very well Shadow. I have done enough of a check up on you to be satisfied for now. I will give you your space. But I will be back. Until then. Goodbye Shadow," she said with a small bow. Then left him alone. 

Sonic was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. Tapping his foot. 

"Vanilla? Are you alright?" He asked. 

"Oh Sonic, you're so sweet," she sighed. A soft hand rested on his shoulder. "I am perfectly fine. I can handle a patient yelling at me." 

"He shouldn't have done that to you. You're helping him," Sonic grumbled. 

"It is alright Sonic. I am not hurt. Shadow has clearly been through a lot. I am sure his mind is overwhelmed with all of this. He will need time. And I will be back tomorrow," she encouraged him. 

Sonic sighed. His head slanted and she moved her hand from his shoulder to the side of his face. Giving him a gentle stroke. Normally this kind of action would result in him pulling away. Affection from her seemed to make him shy away. Usually. Today though he leaned into it. Just for a moment. Nuzzling that kind hand. 

"Are you sure you are alright Sonic? I promise you that if you need anything you can tell me." 

He stopped. Then pushed her hand away. 

"I'm fine. See you tomorrow," he said. Was that sadness she heard in his voice? She wasn't sure. His eyes seemed so heavy. 

"...see you tomorrow," she repeated. With that she headed for her home. 

He sighed again as she left. Then his eyes looked up the stairs. Not long after returning from his run had he heard Shadow's yell. Darnit Shadow. Why do you have to be so stubborn? Why won't you let anyone help? 

Heh. Then again, the same has been said about him. 

But still. He couldn't just let that behavior go unchecked. 

Sonic marched upstairs and barged right into Shadow's room. 

"The hell," Shadow sighed. "Oh. You're back. What do you want?" 

"I told you to be nice to her. She's only trying to be helpful," Sonic snapped. 

"I don't know her and I never asked for her help. I have no reason to trust her," countered Shadow. 

"Then trust me," Sonic...pleaded? Was this fool actually begging? Chaos. So pathetic. 

"Why should I?" Shadow snapped back. 

"Really? After everything? Do you really think I'm your enemy after everything I've done to try to help you? It's all not good enough for you?" Sonic growled. 

"The whole world is my enemy. And I must fight back, like I always have. Like I always will," Shadow argued. 

"What has you so convinced the whole world is against you?!" Sonic cried. 

"It's futile. The world will betray you. Why fight at all?" 

"Shadow. If you do not surrender, I will be forced to do what I must to take you in. Dead or alive. Those are my orders." 

"Please, don't do this! I don't want to fight you!" 

"...I do not want to either. But I must obey my orders." 

Shadow's eyes snapped back open. The painful past played over his mind once more. His body began to shake against his will. Fucking hell... 

"Because it's the truth," he whispered. 

That seemed to soften Sonic's frustration. As irritating as the faker could be, he sure was perceptive. There he went, making that stupid worried face again. 

"No, it isn't. You are not my enemy. And you have even more friends at your back if you'd just let us," Sonic said softly. 

Ha. Friends. If only he knew. Idiot.

"No one is my friend. And I am no one's." 

"You had a friend once. Would Maria have wanted you to cut the whole world? Or to deny yourself help when you need it? And what about Rouge and Omega huh?"

It was a low blow and Sonic knew it. But he had to try something. The comment struck more than just a nerve. Judging by how much Shadow flinched. 

"Don't speak of Maria. You don't have the right to," he snarled. 

"Am I right though?" Sonic pushed further. Because if there was one thing that the Unstoppable Force knew how to do, if was keep pushing. 

A growl left Shadow's mouth but he looked away. Because he...curse him. Deep in his heart he knew Sonic was right about that. 

"She's not here," he whispered harshly. "They stole her from me. Even if they hadn't, her disease would have. Because this life is cruel and vicious." 

"...yeah," Sonic said. Weirdly that seemed to strike a cord with the blue hedgehog. Who moved to sit on the bed beside him. Still looking at him with those pathetic eyes. Damnit hedgehog, you're so irritating sometimes. No, most of the time in fact. 

"You're right Shads. Life is pretty brutal a lot of the time. But still. We only have one chance at it. And we've got to live it to our fullest. At least that's how I see it." 

"Oh spare me the speeches," Shadow huffed. Idiot. Looking at him with such hope in his eyes. "You don't know what it's like to lose everything and have to keep fighting." 

Then Sonic laughed? Baffling Shadow. 

"What's so funny? You think my pain is a joke to you?" 

"Sorry Shadow, no. Not at all. That's not why I'm laughing. Actually I'm laughing because...heh. It's ironic." 

"Ironic? The hell are you talking about?" 

"We're more alike than just our looks," Sonic commented. 

"What are you saying? Stop talking in these riddles." 

"Listen Shadow. Believe it or not, I know a lot about pain and anger. I...I could have been you. In fact at one point I was...dangerously close. I lost almost everything that day. If I had lost Tails too..." Sonic's breath hitched in his throat. Through his shaky breath he continued. "He's to me what Maria is to you. If I had lost him that day, I absolutely would have been the same as you. So yeah Shadow. I may not know precisely your mindset. But I know it better than you might realize. And I know that it's hard to open yourself back up after suffering such a loss. But at the same time...once you do, it's a freeing feeling. It's certainly better than being alone. Trapping yourself in with your hurt." 

Sonic stared deeply into his eyes. For once Sonic could really notice the details among his irises. Red shined brilliantly with yellow sparks spread throughout. Like fire among a blood red sky. 

"I know it's hard. But you have support. In me. And more. If you'd just let us," Sonic offered. Even outstretching his hand to Shadow. 

"We're your friends. You know that, right Shadow?" 

"Of course I do Rouge." 

"Then please! Let us help you! We can get this whole mess cleared up if you trust us!" 

"I...I can't!" 

Glossy wetness crossed over those firey eyes. Leading Shadow to snap them shut. 

"You don't understand," Shadow whispered. 

"Maybe I could if you'd tell me. Let me help you." 

"THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. WHY FIGHT AT ALL? WHY FIGHT AT ALL? WHY FIGHT..." 

"I can't..." Shadow grimaced. 

"Okay...but if you change your mind..." 

"Why?" Shadow asked. Much quieter in tone this time. "Why are you helping me?" 

"Because I see that you're in need and it's what I do. And frankly, it's just what I feel is right. I follow my heart and do what I need to do," Sonic explained. 

Shadow gasped. 

Stupid faker! Stupid! So selfless and wanting to help everyone! Why did he have to be like this!? 

Why did he feel so...grateful? 

"I'll be back later to help rotate you. Since Vanilla says you need to be rotated often to avoid bed sores. Does anything sound good for dinner?" Sonic asked. 

"I...no. Whatever works," Shadow said. He seemed so weary now. At least to Sonic. Dare he say his face seemed...defeated?

"Alright then," Sonic muttered.

"Sonic?" 

"Yeah?" 

"...no one can know I'm here. For my safety, and yours. No one. You shouldn't have even told Vanilla. So don't tell anyone else," Shadow quietly said. Like he was afraid of the walls listening in. Sonic nodded. 

"Alright. No one else has to know. See ya in a while." 

"...see ya." 

Once more Shadow was alone with his thoughts. Too many thoughts raced across his mind at light speed. Sonic's words. The the events of the past week. Maria. Mephiles. Damn it all... 

"Maria...what do I do? Do I dare trust someone like him? After everything I've been through? After what I learned this week?" He asked aloud. 

The breeze from his window kicked in. Drawing his eye to it. To its early evening light. 

He needed to accomplish his goal. He had to fight. Shadow the Hedgehog was not one to accept his fate lying down! But did fighting back mean having to do it alone? 

Gah. Ridiculous. He fought against the Biolizard, Neo Metal Sonic, Black Doom, and Mephiles and Solaris! What was stopping him from facing this!? 

The uncertainty. Doubt clouded his thoughts. Creeping in and crawling all over like insects. It made him itch just thinking about it. There was too many uncertainties present now though. Who even was he anymore? Was he even the ultimate lifeform? Could he truly do this? 

Could the victories of those battles have just been a fluke? After all, none of them were faced by him alone. 

Maybe he really did need help. 

Frustration quickly overtook his emotions. Shadow turned his head as best he could into his pillow and released a muffled shout. His side strained. Causing him more pain. Making him only scream harder. This! Fucking! Sucks! 

After releasing that, Shadow's chest felt marginally less tight. Heaviness struck his eyes. The thoughts began to move a little slowly than before. Yet the questions continued to burn. What was he going to do? Could he trust Sonic? 

Who even was he anymore? 

Maybe the pain was simply getting to him. 

A knock on the front door startled Sonic. Weird. Who could that be? He glanced at the time on his communicator watch. Still early evening. Maybe it was just Tails looking for some dinner. He chuckled to himself then opened the door. 

To be met face to face with Rouge the Bat. 

"Hey handsome," she teased. 

"Uhhhh. Hi?" Sonic started. What on Mobius was she doing here? Much as Sonic didn't consider Rouge an enemy, he couldn't really say they were friends. Especially not on the level of visiting each other at home. 

"How's it hanging?" She asked. 

"Um. Good I guess. I'm sorry, can I help you?" 

"Alright honey, I'll make it quick. I need to know if you've seen Shadow lately." 

Shadow? Why was she asking about him? 

"No one can know I'm here. For my safety, and yours." 

"I would think you'd know better than me. Especially both of you being a part of GUN and all," Sonic countered. Something wasn't right. Multiple red flags were waving rapidly in his mind. Even without Shadow's warning, this felt off. 

"Yeah well, you know Shadow. Rebel without a care that one," Rouge laughed into her hand. "Besides, I figured there was a good chance you might have seen him. Given you called him asking for a favor and all. Any chance he came by looking to take up that favor? Hmm? Maybe even claim one in return?" 

How could she have known he had called Shadow? Had Shadow told her? Or somehow she saw the message itself? He had noticed Shadow was no longer wearing his communicator. Either way, every second made him more uncomfortable. Something was definitely wrong here. 

Rouge seemed to catch his silence. Her flirty behavior quickly broke into a more somber tone. 

"Look Sonic, I'll be real with you. Something happened. I don't know the full details but Shadow is in serious trouble. It's been days since I last saw him and I'm really worried about him. I know you understand that," she explained. 

Oh he did alright. Yet... 

"Sorry Rouge. Haven't seen him." 

"Well you did call him, didn't you? Why?" She pressed.

"Haven't seen him," he insisted. "Furthermore, I just called him asking for some tips and pointers on how to use Chaos Control. Nothing too special." 

It wasn't a complete lie. For a spy like Rouge it probably wouldn't be enough to throw her off the trail but it had to work at least some. Whatever she was thinking, he couldn't quite tell. No surprise, she most likely had excellent control over her facial expressions. The excellent poker face helped keep her unreadable. 

"I see. Well. Do let me know if you hear anything? Please? I just wanna help him if I can. I know Shadow is difficult and not the most friendly but I...I value him as a friend," she sighed. She seemed so genuine and for a moment his heart hurt. Truly he understood her feelings. But Shadow also seemed genuine. As in genuinely concerned. It stung but Sonic knew he needed to keep his word. Whatever Shadow's reasons were, he had to trust him. 

"I understand that Rouge. I really do. Sorry I can't help you," he said. 

"Okay. See you then, big blue. And let me know if you do hear from him, you hear me?"

The breath in his throat caught for just a second. Hopefully not enough to tip her off in any way. At least he recovered quickly.

"Yeah. See you," Sonic said. Then closed the door. He remained in place for some time. Frowning towards the floor. That whole exchange didn't sit right with him. 

"Mmm. Hey Sonic," Silver said. The younger hedgehog had been in the shower. Sweet scents wafted off of him. And was drying his quills with a towel so white it nearly blended into him.

"Hey Silver?" 

"Yeah?" 

"Do me a favor and keep an eye for anyone hanging around outside, okay? Especially a bat. And don't go answering the door. And most of all, do not talk to anyone at all about Shadow. As far as you know, you don't know who that is and haven't seen him before." 

"Ummm. Okay? Why?" Silver asked. 

"Shadow said it was dangerous for anyone to know that he's here. Now an acquaintance just showed up asking about him. This whole thing doesn't sit right with me. Play it safe for now, okay?" 

"Oh. Wow that's scary. O-okay," Silver said. He stopped drying his quills for a moment to look to Sonic. 

"Is everything okay? With you? Or Shadow? Any of us?" He found himself asking. The frown Sonic held to the ground disappeared as he looked up to Silver. A confident smile overtook any negative feelings present. 

"Yeah, don't worry about it bud. We've got this. Little unusual circumstances but I'm always ready to roll with anything. Never fear the fall and all that. You know?" Sonic stated. Like he truly believed it. Like nothing could get under that thick skin of his. 

Even though inside, he felt unnerved. Things were getting stranger and stranger. One thing after another. A chill subtly went down his spine. He needed to keep his cool though. People were depending on him. Keep calm. Stay strong. Get through this. 

Thankfully Silver didn't see through him. 

"Okay. Yeah. You're right. We've got this!" Silver optimistically cried. Equal smiles passed between the two. In fact, Sonic's confidence felt lifted by it. It was encouraging that despite everything, Silver could be so hopeful. 

"Alright. Are you hungry at all? Cause I'm starting to get there," Sonic chuckled. 

"Yeah I could eat. Then again I'll never say no to food," Silver chuckled. "What are you thinking about?" 

"Have you ever tried this amazing thing called pizza?" 

Nightmares gripped him all that night. A strange sensation. Images that didn't make much sense yet disturbed him greatly. Faces mixed and melted into purple goo. Screams and voices overlapped one another. Robotic parts fell among the stars. His body crashed into earth and was swallowed whole by it. That was when Shadow woke up. Gasping and clawing at his throat. Air wasn't returning to him fast enough. Compression upon his body felt crushing. 

For minutes or perhaps hours Shadow laid there. Struggling to breathe. And feeling the pain devour him more and more. Grunts and groans left him. He tried to move some but it was too difficult to do beyond small motions. Damn. This was more than unpleasant. Bile built in his throat. He wanted to scream. He wanted to throw up. He wanted to run. He wanted to get the hell out of here! Chaos. 

And of course now that he was awake, falling back asleep was difficult. Even without the pain, sleep was always a struggle for him. If he had to guess, it was a part of his design. Organic matter with a minimal need for food, water, or sleep. All part of the Ultimate Lifeform. Then again. Was that even the truth? Was he really the Ultimate Lifeform? Was he who he thought he was all this time? Doubts were quickly rising with his heart rate. Damn it! He needed something and fast. No idea what but just something! 

A knock suddenly came to his door. Seriously? At this hour? Well he had no idea what hour it was but the darkness around the room definitely indicated it was late. 

The door creaked open. It was pitch black in the room. Yet Shadow had a suspicion he could tell who it was. 

"Hey Shadow? Are you alright?" Came Sonic's quiet voice. 

Yep. It was Sonic. Gosh how he wanted to be angry at the blue hedgehog. Just back off you phoney! Stay away! Yet he couldn't find it in himself to be. 

Desperate? Who, Shadow? Pfft. Never. Not in a million years. 

A jolt of pain went through him just then. As if life had to get another jab at him. Talk about kicking a man while he's down. One so strong he couldn't stop the groan that left him. Damnit. 

"Oh gosh Shadow? Are you awake?" Asked Sonic a little louder this time. A lamp light flicked on. Filling the room with a low yellow light. Making Shadow blink from the suddenness. He groaned once more and turned his head away. 

"Hey, are you alright?" Sonic asked once more. Looming over Shadow like an obnoxious guardian angel. Rapid blinks continued as Shadow adjusted. Looking up into the shadow that Sonic formed where he stood. The light behind Sonic outlined him like a halo. Chaos, what? He must be imagining things. The pain making him hallucinate. 

"What are you doing here?" Shadow groaned. 

"Well this is my house," Sonic chuckled. Only drawing a more irritated grumble from Shadow. He was too upset for these jokes! At least Sonic seemed to catch on to this. 

"Silver's been uh. Having a little trouble adjusting to being here. So I was trying to help him. Thought I'd check in on you too when I heard you. You sound bad. Are you in pain?" 

"...yeah," Shadow admitted. Chaos he hated that. Like stabbing his own self in the back. But his pride needed to take a backseat. For he wasn't strong enough right now. 

"Gosh it's...oh dang. Yeah. Those pains meds you had with dinner wore off some time ago. Hang on, I'll go get you some more." 

He didn't leave him alone for long. In a flash Sonic was back with a pill bottle and a fresh cup of water. 

"I'm sorry it's not anything stronger but it's all I've got for now. Maybe we can talk to Vanilla about getting something stronger for the night so you can sleep better," Sonic suggested. 

That was...awfully generous of him. 

"I...I'd like that," Shadow agreed. 

"Can you sit up or do you need help?" 

"I'm injured, not helpless." 

"Okay okay, just offering." 

Sonic waited patiently as Shadow pushed himself up with one arm. The movement was slow and painful but Shadow was stubborn. Labored breaths left him the whole time. However he managed to do so on his own. Carefully Sonic sat down beside him on the bed. He held out three pills for Shadow. Who took them then accepted the cup. Gratefully he swallowed. Downing all the water with it. 

"...thank you," he whispered. 

"No problem Shadow." 

They sat in the quiet of the low lit room for some moments. The pain pills couldn't possibly be kicking in yet but taking them made him feel better already. His eyes met Sonic's again. Emerald green seemed to glow in this light. And there he was again. Looking so concerned for him. Instead of infuriating him though, this time it filled him with...warmth? 

Geez. This pain had to be fucking with his head. This feeling...this vulnerability. Disgusting. Unbearable.

...Damnit. 

"Is that all you need? Can I get you anything else?" Sonic softly offered. 

"I..." 

Mephiles voice rang out in his head once more. Reminding him of his failures. The futility of it all. 

"Hey," Sonic's voice cut through the noise. His hand gently touched Shadow's. The dark hedgehog reeled some but didn't fully pull away. 

It was clear to Sonic that Shadow wasn't like Silver. Hugs and kind touches were encouraging to him. They pulled him away from spiraling thoughts. Soothing the telekinetic. Words of encouragement also worked wonders as well. Shadow though? Well Sonic wasn't fully sure. He was certain that touch was off the table but he reached for Shadow's hand anyway. Maybe a small one would have a big impact. Giving Shadow control to pull away without trapping him. It seemed to work. For now at least. He didn't pull away although he looked uncomfortable still. Just as Sonic started to pull his hand back, Shadow squeezed it. That caught Sonic off guard but he relaxed. Welcoming it. He even carefully squeezed back. Then Shadow pulled his hand back. That was enough for now. Yet he seemed to be more relaxed. 

"I..." Shadow began again. Then stopped himself. Idiot. Don't you dare. Stop it! You can't be so vulnerable! 

Damn him. Damn everything. 

Damn this pain. Mental. And physical. 

"I. Had a dumb nightmare. And I keep hearing Mephiles in my head. Like he's inside me. Taunting me..." he confessed. 

"It's not dumb Shadow. I promise," Sonic encouraged. 

"Yeah well. Easy for you to say," Shadow huffed. 

"Do you want to talk about?" 

"...no," Shadow said. 

"Okay. Well. If you change your mind, you can always tell me," Sonic said. That was all he could offer for the moment. Until Shadow gave him any indication otherwise. 

"...thank you," Shadow murmured. 

Strange to him how relieving it was. To be able to say it. And not be forced to talk about it. Just being able to admit that there was something under his skin...it felt wonderful. Like he could finally breathe easily for the first time since he awoke. 

"You're welcome Shads. You sure there's not anything else I can do for you?" Sonic offered. 

"You mean other than literally everything you're already doing for me?" Shadow chuckled at that. "Seriously Faker. You need to look out for yourself more. Someone's gonna come along and take advantage of your kindness someday." 

"Eh. That's on them. Not me. I do what I think is right," Sonic shrugged. Then stretched his arms out high. 

There he went again. Insisting on doing things his own way. Same old irritatingly helpful stubborn hedgehog. 

Yet in his vulnerable mindset, Shadow felt more inclined to reach out. That helpfulness...Chaos. He must be losing it. How could he be wanting Sonic's help? Logic argued in his mind. He couldn't trust him. He'd regret this. Mephiles had been right about everything so far! 

Yet something else kicked inside him. He couldn't place his finger on what it was. Perhaps it was his fighting spirit. Perhaps it was Maria, reaching out to him as she could from across every barrier. But something in him reminded him. 

No matter who he really was, he had to determine his own destiny. No one could decide that for him! Even bad injured, he may be down for the moment. But not out. Mephiles was a liar. He deceived Silver into doing his dirty work for him. He stabbed Sonic in the back like a coward. Instead of facing him head on because he knew he wasn't strong enough. And he was wrong about him. 

"It's futile." 

No Mephiles. What's futile is you trying to defeat me. I told you that I will fight like I always have. Nothing will change that. 

"Sonic? I...What happened to me was..." 

Damnit. Could he truly trust Sonic? 

Perhaps...he could start small. 

"I...I found something. The day you called me, asking for your favor. Deep in the GUN archives. Something I wasn't supposed to find...they're the ones who did this to me." 

"What?" Sonic gasped. "But you're one of their own agents!" 

"Not anymore. I'm considered a deserter now. A traitor to the force. That's why no one can know I'm here," Shadow explained. 

Eyes wide open in shock, Sonice stared at Shadow. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. No wonder Shadow was in such a bad shape! He wasn't worried about some single opponent! He had the force of Mobius' largest military force after him! 

"I'm sorry I put you in danger. This is more than you bargained for when I asked you for a favor," Shadow said. He sighed. Alright. That was more than enough openness. Already he began to criticize himself for the vulnerability. But he countered himself. It's only fair Sonic knows what he's really up against. That way he can decide for himself what he wanted to do. 

It wouldn't surprise him if Sonic chose to abandon him. This was too big of an ask. Besides, this was his fight. His alone. 

"I've got your back," Sonic vowed. 

"But...why?" Shadow found himself asking. And what was this stinging feeling behind his eyes? 

"How many times do I gotta say it Shadow? I do what I feel is right. And I never turn my back on someone in need. Especially a friend." 

Friend? 

Friend... 

How could he call him that? After everything!? His stomach churned. 

"We'll figure out how to tackle this more later. Maybe even Silver or Tails can help out too. If you'll let them," Sonic added with a wink. Then stood up. Heading for the door. 

"Gah! Sonic!" Shadow began to protest. 

"Don't sweat it Shadow. You really should rest now," Sonic said as he began to close the door. 

"And sweet dreams," he added. With a gentle click the door was shut. Leaving Shadow alone. Entangled in a mixture of emotions. A web he continued to be caught in until he finally drifted away. Back into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Text

The absence of pain was a relief to Shadow. Through blurry vision he took in the sunlight. A cool breeze moved through the curtains. Slowly he adjusted. The breaths he took in came easier. Much easier than before. No pain. He even could push himself with his left arm better than yesterday. 

Then he remembered everything that happened last night. Weakness. Confessions. Trust. Every muscle in him tensed. Several veins even pressed out against his skin. Damnit! How could he have been such a fool!? Allowing himself to be so open and weak!? Especially when he was already in a compromised position!? Damn! It! All! 

Shadow laid there for some moments seething. Then of course because the world was against him, Sonic came knocking. 

"Hey Shadow, are you up?" He asked. Shadow immediately froze. Be still as possible. Maybe he'll go away. 

Of course things couldn't go Shadow's way and Sonic walked right on in. Arms full of stuff. Shadow tried to shut his eyes but not fast enough. 

"Alright sleepy head, I saw that," he teased. Drawing a gruff sound from Shadow. Who refused to open his eyes. 

"I brought you some stuff. Figured now that you're awake you'd want some things to do," he said. The sounds of items being placed at his side finally drew Shadow's gaze. A radio, a few novels, some suduko and word problem booklets, even a coloring book with some colored pencils. All placed on the bed side table for him. 

"I uh. I don't actually know what you like. And you've only got one hand available to you so I tried to make sure it was stuff you could still do," Sonic explained. 

Still Shadow huffed and turned away from Sonic best as he could. Something that didn't go unnoticed. 

"You okay there Shads? Hungry? Need more pain meds? Or ready to rotate?" 

"No." 

"Oh. Um. Okay. Is there anything I can do?" 

"Leave me alone." 

"Oh...okay then..." 

Unable to think of anything else, Sonic headed for the door. Stopping just before the exit, he turned to look at Shadow once more. He sighed. What could be going on in that head of his? Maybe he felt he couldn't trust him still? Perhaps he could encourage trust somehow. 

"Hey Shadow. Um. You might want to know. Rouge came by yesterday." 

"WHAT!?" Shadow cried. Forcing himself to sit upright and stare at Sonic. 

"Yeah. She was asking if I've seen you. Said she was really worried about you. Course I told her I hadn't. I've keep my word okay?" Sonic said. 

Unfortunately this seemed to have the opposite intended effect. Rage filled Shadow's eyes. His fist tightened. Teeth clenched tightly. Then, he suddenly tried to stand. 

"Whoa what are you doing!?" Sonic cried. 

"Getting the hell out of here!" Shadow hollered. 

"What!? Why!?" 

"I can't stay here damnit!" 

"Hey slow down!" 

"No! Get out of my way Sonic!" Shadow cried. Although really Sonic wasn't in Shadow's way. Truth was he could barely stand on his one leg. Pain coursed through the other too greatly to put any pressure on it. With his free arm he gripped the table. Barely holding himself up. 

"Shadow, where do you think you're going?" Sonic asked in disbelief. 

"Anywhere but here," Shadow growled. 

"But why?" 

"DON'T QUESTION ME DAMNIT! JUST SHUT UP AND GET OUT OF MY WAY!" 

Using all his strength, Shadow wobbly stood. His elbow kept giving away. Forcing him to quickly readjust before he fell. This show wouldn't last for much longer and they both knew it. The fires that drove Shadow would soon be fumes. 

"Dude. You can barely stand. Let alone run or fight anything," Sonic sighed. 

"COWARDS RUN! I WIN!" Shadow snarled. 

"Didn't look much like winning when I found you. Still doesn't," Sonic snarked. Come on Shadow. Take the bait. If he could drive Shadow to anger, then he'd burn through his strength much faster. Then maybe they could talk about whatever was driving this 

"I-!..." Shadow suddenly fell quiet. Shaking in either fury or failing strength. Probably both. Small groans escaped him. Mingled with his heavy breaths. Then his strength finally failed him. First his elbow then his knee. Both giving out on him. Immediately sending him hurling towards the floor. Only to be caught by Sonic. Gracefully he moved, using the momentum to get Shadow sat back on the bed. 

"There we go. You okay?" Sonic whispered. 

But Shadow didn't reply. 

"If you'd tell me what this is all about, it'll make things easier. Maybe you don't even have to fight-" 

"NO!" Shadow suddenly snapped. "Stay out of it! It's not your fight!" 

"Are you listening to me? Maybe there doesn't have to be a fight." 

"WHY ARE YOU TRYING SO HARD TO HELP ME!? WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND ME, I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP!!!" 

"When I found you, you were bleeding, with a broken leg. Out in the snow. With GUN forces after you," Sonic argued. 

"I DIDN'T NEED YOUR HELP THEN AND I DON'T NEED IT NOW!" 

This anger mystified Sonic. Every muscle of Shadow's body radiated rage. Especially his glare. In fact, it reminded Sonic of the dangerous stare he would bestow upon his enemies. Remind them that they were facing the Ultimate Lifeform! Now prepare to lose! Was this really where they were now? Back to being enemies? 

"What's with the change of heart huh? What happened to what you were saying last night?" Sonic softly asked. 

Just when I thought he was finally trusting me. 

"A moment of vulnerability brought on by pain. It won't happen again!" Shadow snarled further. Damn you Sonic! Take the hint! I won't rely on you or anyone! 

THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. 

"Why are you so determined to think you don't need any help huh? Are you worried we'll think less of you?" Sonic quietly pushed. Come on darnit! What's driving this!? Where did this change of heart come from!? 

"I. DON'T. NEED. YOUR. HELP." 

"Everyone needs help sometimes Shadow." 

"I AM THE ULTIMATE LIFEFORM! I DON'T!" 

"Well...fine. You don't need it. But you're going to get it anyway," Sonic settled. 

For some moments Sonic thought he finally won. The stunned silence overtook the anger. The fires even seemed to no longer rage in his red eyes. Only to reignite moments later. Engulfing him once more. 

"WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU!?" Shadow demanded. "YOU THINK I'M GONNA OWE YOU A FAVOR??? THAT I'LL FEEL A SENSE OF DEBT TO YOU?? OR SOME KIND OF EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION TO GET ME TO "LIKE" YOU? WHAT!? WHAT IS IT!? WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?" 

"Weren't you listening to what I said last night? I do it because I want to. Because I feel it's right." A statement he believed in. A truth he clung to. Even in the face of advisory. 

"You're insufferable you know that?" Shadow spat out. 

"Yeah. Too bad you're stuck with me," smirked Sonic. 

"I hate you," Shadow dug the verbal knife even deeper. Noticing that finally got a reaction out of the blue hedgehog. Very obviously flinching at that statement. Those green eyes even snapping shut. 

"How many times must I save you before you stop seeing me as an enemy?" Sonic whispered. 

"How many times do I have to say it to get it through to you that we're not friends?"  Shadow growled. 

"...Why do you hate the idea of being friends with me so much?" 

Once more Shadow was struck to silence. Blood pounding in his ears was the only sound. Except for the memories flooding in his mind. Screaming and overlapping together. 

"Shadow, you're my best friend." 

"Seems like I'm your only friend." 

"*Giggle* Does it matter? You still are." 

"Maria?" 

"Yes?" 

"You're my best friend too." 

"It's futile." 

"We're your friends. You know that, right Shadow?"  

"Of course I do Rouge."  

"Then please! Let us help you! We can get this whole mess cleared up if you trust us!"  

"I...I can't!"  

"The world will betray you." 

"Men! Don't let anyone related to this place escape!" 

"Why fight at all?" 

"Shadow. If you do not surrender, I will be forced to do what I must to take you in. Dead or alive. Those are my orders."  

"Please, don't do this! I don't want to fight you!"  

"...I do not want to either. But I must obey my orders."  

"Omega! Please!" 

"This is your last chance Shadow. Surrender." 

"I can't!" 

"Then I ask that you forgive me for what I must do. I am sorry, my friend." 

"Why risk your life for those who will persecute you later?" 

Shadow couldn't bring himself to look to Sonic. Or bring an answer to his lips. Even though something formed in his mind. 

I can't...I can't go through that pain again. 

"....Okay. I can see you need some space..." Sonic muttered. He slowly rose from his squatted position and began to head for the door. 

"Listen Shadow, I gotta leave for the day. Something important to take care of. So if you need anything, Silver can help you. I'll be back later today. And Vanilla should be by again today too. You gonna be okay?" He stopped and asked. 

"I don't know..." Shadow whispered. At least he was being honest. 

"I wouldn't leave if I didn't have to. But I have to do this to try and get some answers about all this," Sonic explained. 

"Whatever," Shadow replied. Unable to look at him still. 

"...It's going to be okay. Really. Whatever is eating at you, I'll help you get through it..." 

For a second Shadow actually looked to them. Green and red collided. Yet sparks did not fly. No anger. No strife. Only weariness came from Shadow. Like he could sleep for a million years. 

"Relax. It's going to be okay," Sonic added. Then finally left the room. 

"Hey Silver," Sonic said as he headed down the stairs. 

"Hey, morning," Silver beamed. 

"Listen, I got something important to ask of you." 

"Yes?" 

"I have to go today. Gotta try something to find some answers to all this. Okay?" 

"Oh. Uh. Okay?" 

"That being said. Can you handle being alone until this evening? And take care of Shadow?" Sonic hesitantly asked. 

"Oh. I-" 

"If you can't or don't feel comfortable with it I completely understand. I'll call Vanilla or maybe Tails, anyone to come over and help. I just wanted to ask before I did anything. This might seriously give us a chance at some answers though so I have to take it and-" 

"I'll do it Sonic," Silver replied firmly. 

"...r-really?" Sonic asked. 

"...yeah. Yeah. I. I won't lie I feel nervous about it but um. I can do it," Silver continued. Determination filled his young face. 

"Okay. Great. Uh. Wonderful. Thank you," Sonic smiled. Immediately filling Silver with happiness to hear. His tail began wagging excitedly. 

"So there's lot of leftovers in the fridge. Think you've got a good enough grasp of the microwave?" 

"Yeah I've got it." 

"Okay good. Now if Shadow starts feeling miserable, you can give him these pain pills," Sonic explained while holding up a small white bottle. "No more than 4 at a time, got it? And pay attention to the time when you give him it. Do not give him more than 4 in 6 hours. It's all here in the directions if you can't remember." 

Directions. Oh boy. Sonic still had no idea he couldn't read. This might be a good time to tell him...no. He could remember it. Surely. 

"Last thing. Since I'm gonna be gone for so long let me give you...hang on I need to grab it." 

To another room Sonic dashed then returned to Silver's side. Holding up a device similar to the one Sonic wore on his right wrist. 

"This is a communicator. My old one. Little bit out of date and clunky but still works," Sonic explained as he handed the device over. "The number is old so no one should be calling it other than me okay? So if it rings, answer it. And it should have everyone else's numbers still stored in the contacts. Know how to work this?" 

"Absolutely not," Silver admitted. 

"Alright, here, let's test it really quick." 

Buttons were fiddled with as Sonic tried to remember his old number. Then he got it, the device in Silver's hand rumbled lightly. Along with beeping loudly. 

"Whoa!" 

"See that green button there? That's the answer one. Hit that." 

As he did a hologram projection left both their devices. Showing both hedgehogs in the projection. 

"Wow! That's so cool!" Silver cried. His voice echoed from Sonic's device. 

"You got all that then?" Sonic asked. 

"I think so." 

"Great," Sonic said then hung up the call. The projections vanished. Leaving the two hedgehogs to be face to face once more. Smiling at one another. Although Sonic's dropped quickly. 

"I'm really sorry to ask this of you Silver. But tonight's a blue moon. I have a chance to find some answers to all this but I can't do it here. I'll hurry back as soon as I can." 

"Hey. It's okay. I'm happy to help. And really, thank you." 

"For what?" 

"Well, everything. You're trying so hard to help me. And now I finally feel like I have the chance to help you too even if only a little. So thank you for everything." 

"Oh," Sonic replied quietly. Appearing to be rather touched by those words. White fur arms outstretched. Eager for a hug. A hug that Sonic easily gave in response. 

"Alright. See ya later Silver." 

"See ya." 

In a blue flash Sonic was gone. The house now only contained two hedgehogs. And the one downstairs looked upstairs uncomfortably. Shadow had been yelling a bit ago. Very angry sounding. Seems like he wants to get out of here. But why? 

 Shadow groaned as a knock came to the door once again. 

"Leave me the fuck alone Sonic," he growled. 

"A-actually it's me, Silver," came the muffled reply from the other side. 

"Leave me the fuck alone Silver," Shadow repeated. Plenty of venom in his voice. The door opened anyway. Savory scents filled the air. With obvious hesitance Silver stepped into the room. Pizza on a plate in his hands. 

"H-hey, are you hungry?" He offered. Holding it out for him. 

"No." 

"Oh. Um. How about your pain? Are you hurting?" He sat the plate down and remembered what Sonic said. No more than 4 pills in 6 hours. Be aware of the time when you give it to him. Yeah, got this. 

"No." 

"Okay. Uhhhh that's. That's good at least right?" Silver tried to lighten the conversation. Once again being struck by the striking glare of Shadow. Against his will his legs shook. 

Silver willed himself to be brave. He was safe. Shadow wouldn't hurt him. Even if he tried, his power was weaker than his own right now. He would not lose to Shadow the way he had before. When their fight in the past resulted in his injury and near failure. Yet he couldn't deny Shadow frightened him for two reasons. One, Shadow himself simply exuded intimidation. Power. Rage. Formidability. All radiated off the hedgehog. And two, Shadow reminded him so deeply of Mephiles. 

Clearly this had been that monster's intention. Stealing the likeness of Shadow. To frame him? To trick others? Simply because? Silver couldn't say. But even beyond their physical alikeness. The way their red eyes pierced. Their deeper, unfriendly voices. Mephiles' voice like a cruel roar whereas Shadow's reminded him of a cold whisper. Both speaking harsh words. Unrelenting in their goals. Inward Silver took a shaky breath. They were not the same. Just because they were similar did not make them the same. Sonic trusts Shadow. Shadow helped them in the end. Shadow needs help. Pull yourself together. 

"If you wanna keep laying there I should really rotate you. Since Vanilla says we need to do so often to prevent bed sore," Silver spoke. It impressed him honestly how confident his voice came out this time. 

"Don't touch me," growled Shadow. 

"I don't have to touch you. I can just use my powers," Silver commented. Picking up the grumpy hedgehog for emphasis. Cyan blue effortlessly working. 

"HEY! Put me down!" Shadow cried. 

"If you insist," Silver shrugged. Gently placing him back down. Really he had been tempted to just drop him. But that wouldn't be good for his injuries. So he didn't. This time. 

"Do that again and I'll tear your hands off," Shadow hurled the insult with all his venom. 

"Yeah yeah," Silver brushed him off. Just an attempt to remain brave. Although truthfully he didn't doubt Shadow could. Not now. But eventually. Hopefully this guy didn't hold grudges. 

"Besides, I don't care what that rabbit says. I don't trust her," Shadow added. 

"Well why not?" Silver immediately asked. Mentally kicking himself. He shouldn't ask so many questions. 

"Hmph. Because. She's a stranger. And I don't trust anybody." 

"What about Sonic? Don't you trust him?" 

"Absolutely not." 

The lack of hesitance shocked Silver. Seriously? After everything? How could he not? Granted he didn't know the full history between these two but it seems like they've worked together more than once. 

"Well why not? Hasn't he helped you more than enough times to be worthy of trusting?" Silver asked. 

"Maybe you're all too trusting. Bunch of fools," Shadow snapped. 

"But Shadow..." Silver began. 

"In fact, I can't understand why Sonic lets you stay here either. You tried to kill him too. Idiot." 

That stung. Silver was certain it was intentional. He looked away from the dark hedgehog. Breathing heavily for some seconds. Unworthy. Unworthy, unworthy, unworthy! Shadow was right. He shouldn't be here. Then he remembered all of Sonic's encouragement and kindness. How over and over again he told him that everything was okay. That they will be okay. And that in the end, he deserved help too. It calmed the young hedgehog. It's alright. 

"Well...Circumstances have changed," he countered. Earning him a scoff of disbelief from Shadow. 

"A-And if you think about it, your circumstances have changed too. You kind of need to trust Sonic and maybe even me too now. I get that isn't what you want. But you're a bit stuck right now," Silver pointed out further. 

"Shut up." 

"Why Shadow? Don't like hearing the truth?" Silver snapped back. The hedgehog was slow to anger. Yet once he was there, he was a powerful force himself. Stubborn and near unstoppable. Shadow for some reason had no response. Helping Silver's growing frustration settle back down. In fact, it reminded Silver who he was really dealing with. Someone who called himself the Ultimate Lifeform. Whether that was true or not. Silver couldn't say. Now though? That same powerhouse was in this situation. One of powerlessness. A feeling Silver knew all too well. The anger and fear of not being capable enough. Not strong enough. The anger in Shadow's face shifted in Silver's mind. Perhaps this was less personal and more situational. Maybe he could help in some way? A sigh left him as he tried to think. 

"Listen Shadow. I don't really know you or your whole situation. Sonic clued me in that someone is after you and that's about it. But...Sonic trusts you. And that's good enough for me." 

"What's your point?" Huffed Shadow. 

"That you can rely on him and me too. I get you may feel powerless right now but you're not alone," Silver said kindly. 

Damn you kid...what do you even know? 

"How do you know that you can even trust me?" Shadow lowly hissed. "Maybe I'll just come after the both of you as soon as I'm able to. Maybe I can already do so now and am just waiting for the right moment. And Sonic isn't here to protect you this time." 

A cruel small laugh left Shadow. 

"I trust Sonic and he trusts you. I think that's enough for me to learn and follow suit," Silver held firm. 

"The first person you ever trusted ended up being a murderous half of a demonic spirit who tried to destroy the world. You should rethink your sources," Shadow snickered. Ah yes the moral upper hand. He felt convinced he held it right now. 

"Mephiles isn't the first person I trusted actually. I've had to trust a lot of people in the future while fighting to survive. He isn't even the first person to betray me. It's just that Mephiles unfortunately asked for a huge amount of trust and betrayed it tenfold." 

Oh. That....had not occurred to Shadow. 

"Yes it's...Difficult. To trust again after something like that. Hard to trust others or myself even. That what if I make the wrong choice? But you know what Shadow? I'll learn to trust again." 

"....why?" Shadow asked in utter bewilderment. 

"Well....why not?" 

"...Hmph. You shouldn't. That trust and that blind optimism you have will get you killed kid. Trusting others always turns out for the worst. That's why you're better off alone." 

"That's a lonely way to look at it," Silver commented. 

"Yeah well. It's what I have to do," Shadow replied. This time completely lacking any venom or fire. In fact he sounded...sad? Maybe it was only tiredness. Though Silver suspected it was more than simply body tired. More like the kind of weariness that seeps into you. Into your bones. Deep inside your ribs. Burrowing somewhere in your heart and lungs. Making it so you feel too drained to even breathe right. Something he felt so many nights too. A tiredness that makes you ask why go on at all? What was even the point in trying? 

"You know. I think we're more alike than you realize," Silver said. "And circumstances have changed. Maybe if you'd let us help-" 

"No. I...I can't," Shadow mumbled out. 

"...Okay," Silver relented. 

Because if there was another thing he knew oh so well, it was that sometimes, you can't change someone's mind until they're ready. Which clearly Shadow was not. He headed to leave, stopping just before the threshold. 

"If you need anything, just holler for me," Silver said. Their eyes locked. Gold and red staring into one another. This time not clashing harshly but melding gently. Like maybe Shadow was accepting his words? Had he gotten through to him somehow? Shadow broke away first. Closing his eyes once again. Leaving Silver standing and staring. A small breath left him. Or not then. Okay. 

As he left the room however, a new resolve was in Silver. Just as he would be here for Sonic, he would do the same for Shadow. Whether he liked it or not. Because he needed the help. Optimism swelled in Silver's chest. The need to be a hero coursed through him like his powers. 

Somehow, I'll find a way to help him too.

Trust. T, R, U, S, T. Five simple letters. Meaning "firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something." 

It was too simple of a word to carry such weight. 

When he was first created and released among the ARK, trust was easy. The Professor and Maria were all that he knew. Despite being a literal bioweapon, they treated him with love and care. And yes, he came to think later, perhaps a certain level of trust as well. After all, he could have easily turned on them at any point. Whether anger or boredom, any instinct from his Black Arms DNA. Yet they trusted him. And he trusted them. 

But the world was not trustworthy. 

"Humanity wasn't just jealous of your power. They feared it." 

They certainly provided that when they invaded the ARK. When they captured and executed the Professor. And killed Maria...an innocent girl. His best friend. He still couldn't understand it. Distrust in him? Fine. Wanting to stop the Professor? Very well. He supposed he could see from a certain point of view why they would want to interfere. But shooting Maria. A sick, defenseless girl. They didn't even give her a chance. Practically shooting her on sight. Shadow grimaced once more. 

"Men! Don't let anyone related to this place escape!" 

His desire for revenge was understandable at least. In minutes his entire life was turned upside down. His family ripped apart from them. Helplessly watching from inside the escape tube Maria shoved him into. Her screams muffled by the glass. But not enough to keep from haunting him. Then he was sent hurling through space and locked into a cryostasis sleep. The trauma playing out freshly before his eyes when he finally awoke many years later. His fire immediately ablaze. Maria's blood was long gone but his desire to spill others in her name was fresh as an open wound. 

Deterring from that path wasn't easy. In fact, he only did so once he remembered Maria's final words. 

After that? Trust was never easy again. 

Rouge and Omega. Team Dark as Rouge jokingly called them. A name that somehow stuck. Fitting for a team that somehow came to work really well together. Even good enough to work as one unit under GUN. 

Though a question Shadow often found himself faced with was why? Why join the organization that destroyed his life? Why Omega and Rouge? 

Truthfully? He had no answer. 

At least in doing so, he had the chance to help protect the world like Maria asked of him. 

Hero? No way. He could never be a hero. He didn't seek the title or any "redemption." Only to keep his word. 

And maybe. Just maybe...to not be alone anymore.

Trust was still so difficult. But like? Even if only some? Liking someone came easier than expected. Those two with their unusual charms and arguably ambiguous morals somehow clicked with him. At least he could tolerate being in their presence more than he could for some. 

Then Rouge joined GUN. Omega quickly following. Both with their own reasons for doing so. 

So where did that leave Shadow? 

Alone? No, they could still see each other. Even speak via communicators. That didn't have to go away. Well. It didn't have to go away. But he'd still be very lonely. Sure he could survive it but...

How about direction then? A goal for himself now that life onboard the ARK and revenge were off the table? 

...nowhere. 

He had no direction. 

He could do just about anything. Nomadic lifestyle. Vigilante. Find some private cave in a far off corner of the world and claim it as his own. Yet. He didn't want to leave behind his frien- 

No. Not friends. Not anymore. 

They betrayed him. 

A stinging sensation hit the backs of his eyes. Shadow shifted to ignore it. 

It took time but he had grown to trust his team. Not with his life per say. But enough. Just enough for him to recognize the change. 

And yet they betrayed him too. 

He inhaled sharply. 

It was never going to end was it? He was created into this world for a purpose of helping others. Only to be repeatedly betrayed. 

Pain began to push back against his body. Sending throbs all about him. A sharp digging pain from his side especially. Enough for him to cry out some. Then bit the inside of his cheek to stop it from happening again. 

Just like his trust. Never again. Try all you want Sonic and Silver. You fools are too late. 

It's going to be okay. Really. Whatever is eating at you, I'll help you get through it. 

That you can rely on him and me too. I get you may feel powerless right now but you're not alone. 

WHY RISK YOUR LIFE FOR THOSE WHO WILL PERSECUTE YOU LATER. 

Listen Shadow. Believe it or not, I know a lot about pain and anger. I...I could have been you. In fact at one point I was...dangerously close. I lost almost everything that day. 

You know. I think we're more alike than you realize. 

THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. THE WORLD WILL BETRAY YOU. 

I can't, I can't, I can't... 

Hours passed by. Day turned into early evening. Shadow had at least become a little more agreeable. Allowing himself to be rotated every once in a while at Silver's urging. Probably not as often as Vanilla would have liked but it was something. As for his vicious words, Shadow actually kept his mouth rather shut. Mostly only giving one word responses to questions asked. 

Still no sign of Sonic. 

It made Silver uneasy. 

He said he'd be back and he will. Yeah well that's what Thomason and Red said and they never did. Or what about Ankle and Malorie. Ari and Cat? How many times did you watch people swear they'd be back only for them to never return? Or worse find their bodies next time you went out? No no, stop that, stop it. This is different okay! Sonic is more powerful than any of us! And Iblis isn't around! That you know of. Gah! Shut up!" Silver argued back and forth with himself. A habit he should seriously work on stopping. Talking out loud to oneself resulted in a lot of strange looks here. 

He bit his tongue. Hoping the small pain would be enough to keep his panic in check. 

Gah Silver what is WRONG with you!? Why are you so DEPENDENT on everyone!? You should be STRONGER by now! You've been here almost 2 weeks now and you're still having nightmares regularly and can't handle being alone!? Idiot! Isolation is nothing new! So why do you lose it every time!? 

...it wasn't working very well. 

The bitter taste of blood filled his mouth. Clearly haven bitten his own tongue too hard. Ow. Great going. 

Then there was a knock. Instantly he perked up. Sonic was home!? Thank goodness. 

He didn't question why Sonic would knock on his own front door instead of just coming in. Until he opened the door and saw not Sonic standing there. 

"Hi Silver!" Tails greeted him. 

"Oh! Tails! Uhhhh hi! Hi I whoa sorry. Wasn't expecting to see you," Silver greeted back. "Also uhh, Sonic actually isn't home right now." 

"I know. That's why I'm here, he texted me a little bit ago," Tails replied. 

"Texted?" 

"Yeah, I'll show you," Tails said. Pressing some other buttons on the communicator, a hologram once again popped up. This time however instead of a face or sounds, a wall of text came up. Oh boy. Did Tails expect him to read that? 

"Oh uh. I see, yeah, Silver stuttered. Seemingly not noticing Silver's hesitance, Tails began to read the message. 

"Hey bud, listen can you do me a big favor? I'm trying to find some answers about everything that's going on and it's taking me longer than expected here. Not sure when I'll be back. Can you go over and stay with Silver? I'm sure he could use the company. Feel free to eat whatever you want and crash in my room if you need it. Really sorry to bug ya but it's important. Also can you tell Silver that Vanilla called? She had to cancel so she won't be coming over tonight. And stay downstairs! You do not want to see what's up there LOL. Thanks x a million pal. I owe you a ton of mints for this. TTYL." 

"Oh. Wow. Okay then," Silver said. 

"Yeah so that's why I'm here. Any idea what he's up to? Asked Tails. 

"Not a clue." 

"Heh. That's Sonic for ya. Always gotta run off without telling anybody his plans. Anyway, can I come in now?" 

"Oh right right yeah sorry," Silver said as he stepped aside. In stepped the two tailed fox. He breathed deeply as he took the place in. Not much has changed since he left. But even if it had, despite moving out, this place would always be home. Especially in the welcoming arms of Sonic. 

"So what was Vanilla going to come over to do?" 

"UM! Sheeeee was going to uhhhhh help me with some medical stuff?" Silver stammered out. The lie tasted worse on his tongue than the blood. Unfortunately, it was necessary. No one could know about Shadow beyond them three. Sorry Tails. Although he wondered why she had to cancel? Shadow did yell at her yesterday...did he frighten her off? Please no. 

"Oh cool. Yeah she's really smart with all that stuff. And a great teacher!" 

"Y-yeah! I really like having her around. She's really nice." 

"I think if she could she would have adopted me and Sonic the second she laid eyes on us," Tails laughed. 

"Oh you're both orphans?" Silver began. "Darn it that was so nosey I'm so sorry." 

"No it's fine, I'm not bothered by it. Yeah we both are. Or at least I have to assume for Sonic. He says he can't remember ever having parents. Said he remembers someone was taking care of him at some point but he can't remember much. My folks died when I was really little though. I don't remember them much either but I know they really cared about me. And Sonic has been taking care of me ever since," Tails explained. 

"Wow that sounds really nice," Silver marveled. To which Tails nodded. 

"It is. I mean, sometimes I think he worries about me too much. And he doesn't like it whenever I try to take care of him too. Wish he would let me do the same sometimes. But he's soooo stubborn," Tails let slip with a chuckle. A small gasp left him and his eyes widened. Then he looked to Silver who was remembering what Sonic had said to him in Soleanna. 

"I just don't tend to share my problems, that's all." 

"Um, don't...don't tell Sonic I said that, okay? Sorry. I. I shouldn't say things like that. I know he wouldn't want me to," Tails admitted sheepishly. Despite not being the one who did it, guilt struck Silver. 

"Hey don't worry. I won't say anything okay?" He encouraged Tails. Even putting a hand on his shoulder like Sonic often did for him. 

"Besides I kinda already noticed that myself," Silver added. A pair of small laughs filled the living room. 

"Yeaaah. He's the best. But in that regard, he's the worst," Tails chimed in. 

They went quite for a while. Sitting in comfortable silence upon the green couch. It didn't last long however. 

"So how badly did you guys wreck the upstairs?" 

"What!?" Silver asked far too loudly. Completely taken back by the sudden question. The fox giggled some. 

"Aw come on Silver I won't be mad if you guys ruined my old room. I don't live here anymore it's your space now. I just wanna know why I'm being told to stay downstairs suddenly. Sonic never cared before if I went anywhere. Even in his room. Soooo what's the damage?" Tails eyed him with a playful suspicion. 

The nervous grin that split Silver's faced hurt his cheeks. Come on man think of something! No one could know about Shadow! Especially given he didn't know Tails' history with the dark hedgehog. If any. Darn it Silver say something! This is officially suspicious of you! Indeed the young fox's expression went from playful to confused. Bordering on true suspicion. Think of something dangit! 

"Are you okay?" Tails asked. 

"YEAH! TOTALLY FINE, WHY DO YOU ASK?" he replied way too loudly. Blue eyes narrowed behind yellow eye lids. Tails didn't even need to say anything. Yep. Deserved that one. Great going Silver. A great pain struck the back of his head. Probably from thinking too hard. 

Then, before he could even attempt to cover it up, a shouted rang from upstairs. A howl of pain. Tails immediately sprung into action. Flying for the upstairs! 

"Stay back Silver! It might be a thief!" Tails called. 

"Actually it's really not!" Silver cried after him. Light blue wrapped around him. Sending him after Tails. But not fast enough to beat him. The fox already threw the door open and gasped loudly as Silver landed. 

Sitting upright and gripping his side sat Shadow the Hedgehog. Pained groans left him with gasped breaths. He could barely hold his head up to take in the sight of the figures before him. 

"SHADOW!?" Tails shouted. 

Silver was in a mental panic. 

And Shadow wheezed, his entire body shaking from the agony. 

Rage overtook Tails. His blue eyes now stormed like a cloudy sky. Raining an intense hellfire gaze directly into Silver. 

"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE!?" he screamed! 

"I-I-I-S-Sonic found him a few nights ago! He's in really bad shape so we've been trying to help him you know!?" Silver cried. Angrily Tails continued to look back and forth between the two hedgehogs. 

"Do you have ANY idea who this is!?" Tails hissed. 

"He's uh well uh not really? But he helped me and Sonic fight Solaris! A-and Sonic says he needs help so we have to help!" 

Shadow continued to ache. Yet he seemed to pay attention to what was being said. Looking to the two before ducking his head back down. Fighting the urge to shout again. His hands grasped firmly around his side. Where his stitches were. 

"Help!? Help him!? Silver! This guy is evil! And dangerous!" 

That was when Shadow finally spoke. Well, more like wheezed out. 

"I'm not evil. You guys just keep finding yourselves in opposition to me." 

"Not evil!? NOT EVIL!?!?" Tails nearly screeched. 

Silver took in a deep breath. Then stepped between the two. Facing Tails. 

"Okay sounds like you two have some history with one another! Maybe if we just calm down we can worth this out!" Silver attempted to ease them both. Drawing a disgusted laugh out of Tails. 

"History!? Oh we have history all right. Hey Shadow! Why don't you tell Silver all about how "not evil" you were when you tried to blow up the planet!" 

"What?" Silver gasped. Turning his head to look back to Shadow. Their eyes briefly met before Shadow looked away. 

"Or how about when you FRAMED Sonic while we were in North America! For crimes YOU committed!" Tails continued. 

"I NEVER FRAMED HIM!" Shadow managed to yell out. "It isn't my fault that the humans and even Sonic's own friends are too stupid to recognize that we look nothing alike beyond both being hedgehogs!" 

"You were plenty happy to let him suffer for what you did! You attacked him over and over again! And then! You attacked my friend Cosmo!! You tried to kill her!!!" Tails screams broke into sobs by this point. 

Silver couldn't believe what he was hearing. His eyes glanced back and forth. Between the injured hedgehog and the crying fox. Both radiating pain. But worse was the way Tails' words sunk into him. Could Shadow truly be that horrible? Sure Sonic had made it clear that Shadow wasn't exactly Mr. Nice Guy. But this? All of this? The fact that Shadow was hardly denying it... 

"Shadow...is it true?" He could barely dare to ask. Through his pain Shadow looked up. Meeting Silver's eye. As a one word answer slipped through his gasps. 

"Yes." 

For the first time that Silver could remember in so long, his blood ran cold. Sending chills all throughout him. 

"Yes I tried to destroy the world. I wanted to avenge Maria! My best friend! An innocent girl who's life was stolen by the humans! They gunned her down Silver! A sick kid!" Shadow gasped out further. The statement made Silver's bloodflow resume. Turning to boiling. What!? How!? How could anyone commit such an evil act!? 

"I wanted revenge for her by destroying the planet that stole her! But when I remembered how much she loved this place and wanted me to protect it, I stopped! I couldn't go through with it!" 

"But you...framed Sonic?" Silver whispered. Just like Mephiles. Just like Mephiles. Just like Mephiles! Just like-! 

"I wasn't intending to! But he got in my way! So yes I let him take the fall for my crimes and attacked him multiple times! But we teamed up after I chose to abandon my revenge! The Professor who created me also wanted revenge on this world and his whole scheme would have worked if Sonic and I hadn't worked together to stop it!" Shadow cried. 

"You still tried to kill Cosmo you monster!" Tails sobbed. 

"She was a Metarex spy!" 

"Unintentionally!" 

"I had no way of knowing before then! You know as much as I how dangerous the Metarex were! They had to be stopped at all costs! I didn't hurt her!" Shadow argued, stopping himself before a cruel remark followed. 

You did it instead.

"I don't care! You're evil!" Tails continued to scream. 

"Hey let's breathe, I'll get Shadow some pain medicine. We can call Sonic and maybe if he explains his thoughts you'll feel-" 

Silver was cut off by Tails standing firm. Holding his arms out and stepping to block Silver from leaving the room. 

"No! I knew it! You're bad too! I knew it!" 

"What are you talking about!?" Silver cried. 

"You're helping him! That means you're bad too!" Tails screamed. 

"So do you think Sonic is bad then!?" Silver countered. Stopping Tails in his tracks. His arms then face fell. Several sobs built before finally spilling over. Acting on instinct Silver moved in to hug him. Only to be pushed away. 

"Tails. I'm sorry. I. I didn't know about Shadow's past. But clearly Sonic does and he chose to help him anyway. He brought him back here. Asked Vanilla to help patch him up. And wants to protect him from some very bad people. I...I don't know why Sonic chose to do this, I can't speak for him. But I trust him. This is what Sonic wants. Can you trust him with this too?" Silver softly asked. 

"I...I..." Tails stammered. Through tear soaked eyes he looked to Shadow then Silver and back. 

So that's why he said to stay downstairs evidently. More rage kicked back in. 

"WHY WOULDN'T HE TELL ME!?" cried Tails. The genius couldn't make sense of it! Yes Sonic was awful about admitting when things were wrong or bothering him. But this!? THIS!? 

"Because I asked him not to," Shadow coughed. 

"What?" 

"I asked him not to. Told him it was safer if no one knew. Him not telling you wasn't because he doesn't trust you or because he wanted to hide it from you! He did it because Sonic is a big soft idiot who looks out for others above and beyond what he should! Even for people like me," Shadow continued. Coughing and wheezing between his words. 

"I teamed up with you all to stop the Professor's revenge plan and to destroy the Metarex. I stopped Sonic from sacrificing himself to ensure they were truly all gone. I helped you all fight against Neo Metal Sonic. And when the alien race that makes up part of my DNA came to this planet wanting me to help destroy it, I refused! I destroyed them instead! I worked with Sonic and Silver to destroy the mighty Solaris. But I also did the other things you said I did....Kid, I'm no hero. I don't deny that. I'm...not proud of my choices..." Shadow nearly fell forward in pain. Screams pulled from him against his will. At the exact same moment the pounding in the back of Silver's skull intensified. Making Silver cry out and hold his head as Shadow held his side. In equal intensity both suffered. Unable to hold back their shouts. Tails watched in horror. As Shadow began to fall, Tails ran forward to push him back. Allowing him to fall back onto the bed. The sight was painful to take in. Shadow, easily one of the strongest enemies they've ever dealt with, howling in pain. A cast on both his right leg and arm. His side being gripped for dear life. His anger was quickly vanishing. Buttons were pressed at lightening speed. Bringing up a call from his communicator. 

"Come on Sonic, pick up!" Tails whispered. Silver was struggling to hold himself up by one arm. The other desperately pressed against his head. Every second the phone rang felt like an eternity. 

Then it went to voicemail. DARN IT SONIC! Of all the times to not answer! Frustration mingled with panic as he spoke into the voicemail. 

"Sonic! You need to come home now! Shadow and Silver are both losing it! Also yeah I know about Shadow! You better explain yourself! But come home first!" 

Then he hung up. He looked back to the two. Without a clue of what even to do. 

Then the pain lessened. 

Not left them but at least enough to where they both stopped screaming. Silver looked around in bewilderment while Shadow gasped on the bed. 

"What...was...that," Silver groaned. 

"A-are you okay?" Tails asked. 

"That was...the WORST pain I have ever been in in all my life," Silver sniffed. Which was when Tails saw tears had been streaming down his face. Which Silver tried to quickly cover up. 

"Why did it seem to be...connected? To Shadow's?" Tails pondered. 

"I. I don't. Gah ow," Silver mumbled. Then a horrifying thought occured to him. 

"Shadow? Do you think Sonic just felt that too?" 

"The fuck if I know," groaned Shadow. Tails gasped. That....might explain why Sonic didn't answer. But! But how!? Supernatural injuries?! Shared across three people!? Look for a science guy Tails considered himself to be pretty optimistic in terms of the strange and unexplainable. After all they lived in a world of magic gem stones and fantastical creatures! But this!? How could anyone explain that!? His fingers moved to redial for Sonic. Small ringings filling in between scattered gasps. 

Once again no answer. 

Tails didn't leave a message. 

"Chaos. I'm getting those pain meds now. Hate me if you want," Silver muttered. Then quickly exited the room before Tails could protest. Which he wasn't going to. Instead he approached Shadow. And reached out an arm to him. 

"Here. You'll want to sit up to take those," he offered. The red eyes that met his seemed hesitant. Then slowly he reached out. Accepting the hand up. Carefully Tails pulled so Shadow could sit upright. 

"Thank you," he whispered. 

"You're welcome," Tails mumbled back. 

They avoided eye contact afterwards. Completely unsure of what to even say. After that? Words seemed kind of pointless. 

Yet Shadow spoke up anyway. 

"Kid. I...I've been...thinking on my life. Moreso than ever before. Trying to figure out who I am and what I'm going to do. I can't change what I did. But for what it's worth, I'm sorry." 

Tails gasped. A finger dipped into his ear and scratched. 

"I'm sorry I must have something in my ears because I think I just heard an apology? That can't be right. The Shadow I know would never apologize," he remarked. 

"Well I'm not the Shadow you know! Hell I...I'm not even sure if I'm the Shadow I know," he said back. Before Tails could question that statement however Silver returned with the pain pills. 

"Okay looking at the time. Committing it to memory. Here Shadow. 4 pills," Silver held them out for him. Taking them with the water from his table, Shadow downed them as quickly as possible. Then sighed. 

"Shadow, I..." Tails began before faltering. He glanced to Silver then back to the floor. Up to Shadow. Down to the floor again. 

"I don't understand what's going on but...I do trust in Sonic. So I......" 

He stopped himself and breathed deeply. 

"I accept your apology. But I can't forgive you yet. Or trust you." 

Shadow nodded. 

"I understand," he whispered. In truth, he hasn't expected the fox to do so. Hell even him accepting the apology was more than expected. Really he figured the kid was gonna tell him to shove it. It's what he would have probably done. 

Then again these were better people than him. 

"I'm gonna go downstairs now. I need to think....um. Goodnight Shadow," Tails said softly. 

"...okay.......Night kid," Shadow found himself replying. Their eyes locked. Blue meeting red. Colors that often symbolized opposite sides. Blue being the good guys. Red being of evil. In the space where they met, they found something of an understanding in one another. Uneasy ground. A truce for now. Possibly in danger of flipping at any time. For now though? There could be peace for the time being. Somehow Tails even managed a friendly smile. And Shadow, well, his was harder to pull through his pain. Yet he gave one anyway. It actually...really impacted Tails. When he finally closed the door his heart felt heavy. Numb footsteps got him down the stairs and over to the couch. He dropped with a heavy sigh. Emotions making his stomach flip flop every which way. Up to the ceiling he looked but didn't really see. Past events playing over his eyes. Until he saw Silver leaning over him. 

"Hey...you okay?" Silver asked. 

"I'm uh...I...think so. But honestly I'm not sure," he confessed. 

"My head feels heavy. Too many thoughts," he continued. Silver slowly joined him on the couch. 

"I know that feeling," Silver commented. Together they looked up. Thinking about what happened. Tails glanced at his communicator watch. Not even an hour since he arrived? Really? Geez it felt like it had been hours. Normally this kind of exhaustion followed tons and tons of hard work. Hours upon hours of thoughts and works out in his plane hanger. Some new invention. Another new improvement. Always something buzzing about in his skull. Even when he was too tired to think anymore, the thoughts kept trying to go go go. That was usually when he felt so drained like this. Rarely after something of such emotional turmoil. In fact last time he could remember feeling like this was after he had to shoot Cosmo. Her death was...necessary. He cringed just thinking that. How about, it was her will? That felt like a less awful way to think about it. That night he cried himself into an uneasy sleep in Sonic's arms. When he woke up, Sonic's arms were locked so tightly around him, he could barely move. And he was certain Sonic was in an uneasy sleep too. Then, because of course the thoughts just had to ramp up instead of settling back down, he wondered what Sonic was thinking. Was he mad? Sad? Guilty? Much as he tried to not show it, Sonic could have very complex emotions. Perhaps that was why he had been so stoic. Holding still, eyes shut, while Tails had raged and blamed and sobbed into his chest. Tails wasn't proud of that. Raw emotion, wounded heart. All screaming from every inch of him. It wasn't fair!!! Yet after some time Sonic scooped him into his arms. And walked the two right to Tails' bed and just tucked them both in. The exhaustion hit hard after that. Despite the awakened heaviness that would strike later, he at least found peace in his brother's arms. 

Come to think of it. That was the last time he could remember in so long that Sonic held him and they had fallen asleep together. When was the time before that? ...Geez he couldn't even remember. 

He really wished Sonic was here right now to hold him and help him fall asleep. Even though it was early. Even though he might just find himself awake with a flurry of thoughts later. It would work wonders for him right now. 

Tails began to work his communicator once more. Calling Sonic. Please answer. Oh please, please answer. Just for a minute. Forget the answers to all the questions he had. Right now he just needed his big brother to assure him that it was going to be okay. 

No answer. 

Tails sighed and let his arm drop with a heavy thud. 

"Tails?" Silver suddenly asked. 

"Mm?" 

"I'm really sorry I didn't tell you. I-" 

"I know. You were just doing as you were asked to. I get it. I really do." 

"Well...I'm sorry. I had no idea Shadow um...has such a...complex history," Silver settled for. 

"It's not your fault. I bet Sonic didn't wanna scare you so he didn't tell you. Or maybe he just thought it wasn't worth mentioning. Always trying to see the best in people," Tails sighed. 

"I don't...like telling lies. Or keeping secrets. And I really like you Tails. I. I'm not. I have nothing else to hide," Silver said. 

"Why are you telling me this?" 

"Because I...I want you to trust me." 

"...okay..." 

"You...you don't trust me though. You think I'm a bad guy," Silver whispered. 

"I didn't say that!" Tails protested. 

"Yeah you did. Upstairs. And you made it clear the other day that you think I'm trouble. When you and Sonic were fighting," Silver admitted. Tails cringed. Did he really say that? Unfortunately he had already forgotten. Words spoken in emotional states didn't stick around as easily for him. 

"I. Oh gosh. I'm really sorry Silver. I didn't mean that. I'm not...For as smart as I am, I'm not as good with my words or feelings as I could be," Tails confessed. 

"I get that. And um I forgive you." 

"I forgive you too Silver. Really," Tails assured him. 

A gloved hand reached out to him. Silver reaching. Tails smiled and reached out back. Holding hands with Silver was a little strange. Not just in that they didn't know each other very well. But literally, Silver's hand felt somewhat unusual. Like the faintest vibration was present in his palms. 

"Are you shaking?" Tails asked. 

"No. But I've been told my hands do," Silver chuckled. "I think it's a side effect of my powers." 

"Weird. But fascinating. Probably makes any steady hand work difficult. Like if you had to draw a straight line," Tails said. 

"Or I can just use my powers to do so no problem," Silver pointed out. 

"Ah. True true." 

This was...different. But nice. It wasn't being hugged close by Sonic levels of comfort. But Tails had to admit he could get used to this. 

"A-are you hungry at all?" Silver offered. 

"Um. No not really," Tails sighed. Stomach still not quite settled from the chaos of earlier. 

"Oh okay. Uh. Can I...do anything for you?" Silver tried to offer. That was sweet. Was Vanilla or perhaps Sonic even teaching him that? 

A silly request came to mind. He laughed some in spite of himself. 

"Um...oh gosh it's dumb. I..." 

"Yeah?" Silver encouraged. 

"No, forget it. It's too dumb," Tails pushed back. 

"Tails, please." 

"...oh alright. I was...gonna ask if you wanted to...watch a movie with me? Well. Do you know what a movie is?" 

"It's uh, the thing you do on that right?" Silver asked with a point to the television. 

"Yeah! Exactly right. The TV can be used for movies, shows, games, entertainment at its finest," Tails laughed. 

"Yeah um. Sonic and I started watching something the other night. But uh there was this scene with a forest fire and I got too scared," Silver's voice trailed off. Red even scattering over his face. Clearly embarrassed. It actually helped Tails feel a little less embarrassed. 

"I do that sometimes. When there's lightening in a movie, sometimes it scares me just as much as real life," Tails said. 

You're afraid of lightning?" Silver asked. 

"Yeaaaah. I know it's dumb but-" 

"I've seen lightning hurt people in awful ways. In, in the future I came from. It was constant. Not all the time but often enough. Very unpleasant. Your fear is...not unreasonable," Silver tried to encourage the young fox. Surprisingly it worked well. They worked off each other well in a fact. A smile making its way easily back over both their faces. 

"So um to make the movie work you need one of these right?" Silver moved over to the shelf. Rows of DVDs and games lined it. 

"Yep. Gotta pick the right one and then place it in the game console. Really for a guy who's never home I'm surprised Sonic bought a Dreamcast 5. Newest system out there right now and not cheap. Guess he does like his games more than I do though," Tails shrugged. 

"......what?" 

"Nevermind." 

"Okay...what am I looking for then?" 

"It's uh. Oh it's silly. Cartoon. Absolute kids movie. I mean I am still a kid but this is like, meant for kids even younger than me. You're gonna think it's so lame," Tails sheepishly said. 

"Tails, until two days ago I didn't know what a movie even was. And if it makes you happy, I would be honored to experience it with you," Silver protested. 

That got a small choked reaction from Tails. The unexpected sob formed suddenly was barely contained. 

"You okay?" Silver asked. 

"Y-yeah yeah. I'm good," he smiled. And it was the truth. This was the first time in a long while he could remember somebody other than Sonic taking an interest in any of his things. It felt really really good. 

"So um it's called Plane and Simple. It has a big yellow plane on the cover, it looks a lot like the Tornado actually," Tails went on to add. 

"Oh! I think I saw that the other day," Silver said. Words? Well Tails would have to be the one to say if the title was right. Yellow plane though? That seemed familiar. They spent some moments more looking before Tails loudly groaned. 

"Oh darn it, what was I thinking? I took it with me when I moved out! Duh! It's not gonna be here. Forget I even-" 

"No I know it's here somewhere. I swear I saw-wait! This one right!?" Silver excitedly held up a DVD. With a smiling big yellow plane on the front. 

"That's it! But!? What!?" Tails cried. He flipped open the case. Inside the brand new DVD shined. On the other side of the inner case was a sticky note? Messy, familiar handwriting stood out to Tails. 

"For my best bud, always gotta keep a copy of your favorite movie on hand ;) Enjoy bro. Love, Sonic." 

Oh...Tails felt tears rising. He willed them to not fall, clutching the DVD to his chest tightly. Such a simple thing. And yet. Wow...sure this wasn't the same comfort as being held and encouraged by Sonic. But this was so powerful right now. Reminding him of his brother's love. 

"Are you okay Tails?" Silver asked in restrained panic. 

A tear slipped out when Tails opened his eyes again. It slid over his wide smile. 

"I'm great Silver. Really."

Seconds later Tails was operating the game console and the tv remote. Getting the kids movie to play. Bright colors filled the room along with happy music. 

"You ready?" Tails asked. 

"More than!" 

Tails hit play and the fun began. Both pairs of eyes were glued to the screen immediately. Although after some moments something felt off. Tails spotted Silver's hand resting on the couch beside him. Carefully he scooped Silver's hand into his. Golden eyes moved from the screen to meet his. Wordlessly he asked once they joined together. Was this okay? Silver rotated his hand. Letting their fingers lock together. The slight vibration to his hand already feeling comfortable and natural. They relaxed and enjoyed it. It wasn't like snuggling up close to Sonic when they watched movies together. And he didn't want it to be. This was different. And nice in its own way. A different connection with someone else. Dare he say...a new friend? 

For some reason thinking that word made him look up to the room up above to the right. The one closest to the stairs that led up there. Where Shadow lay. Who was Shadow friends with? Did he really have any other than Maria? Did he consider Rouge and Omega to be friends? If Shadow had friends, would he be different than he was today? 

The questions continued to tick in the back of his mind as he pushed them aside for now. 

Gasps nearly pulled Silver's lungs out of his body as he awoke scrambling from his nightmare. Or maybe that was his stomach that was rising in his throat. Nausea and dizziness smashed against Silver in unrelenting waves. Worst of all his head ached! The same horrible way it had earlier. Though thankfully not nearly as strong. Breaths were difficult yet tears flowed easily. 

It was only a nightmare! It was only a nightmare! You're awake! You're awake! Stop it! 

Internal chastising of himself held no power to the fear that gripped him. Replaying those awful images in his head. 

This time, oh it wasn't enough to simply remind him of his trauma or make small twists on events that happened. Tonight his dreams cast him as the villain. As the danger to them all he feared he could be. Mephiles stood before him and Silver snapped. Enraged by the monster's lies and betrayal he began suffocating the beast. Not with his powers but with his own bare hands. The head rotated creepily. Shifting wildly between people. First as Blaze. Then Sonic. Then Shadow. Lastly as Tails. All while still slowly spinning and distorting strangely. Moans of pain left them all. Asking him whyyy. Why did he do this to them? Why Silver? Why did you hurt me? You're evil! You're evil! You're a monster! Why! WHY!? 

Skipping dinner tonight had probably been for the best. 

He couldn't even contain his volume. He shoved a pillow in his face to try to muffle the sound. But all it did was deprive him of oxygen, frightening him more. Desperate to control himself he began punching the pillow. Hard as he could. Soft and hard collided in dull thuds. It worked well enough. He still gasped for air from the work of the movement but his lungs no longer felt held hostage. And he could pretend the pillow was Mephiles' stupid face! 

He wished so badly that Sonic would come in and assure him once more that everything was alright. Yet the blue hedgehog was nowhere to be seen. Silver was on his own tonight. 

The pillow punches soon matched the throbs in his head. In frustration he finally chucked the pillow away. Doing nothing for his head but it weirdly still made him feel better. Inhaled breaths were shaky. In fact all of him was shaky. Restlessness hit him. Oh no. Oh great. Inhale Silver. And exhale. Just do what you always do whenever you feel like this. Go on a walk. You'll feel better. Blaze always encouraged this. Often joining him if his troubles awoke her. Or perhaps she was already awake. Burdened with her own mind. She never did say and brushed off any apologies he gave. If she was here right now, that's what she'd say to do. Go on a walk. 

His head continued to pound. Giving him a new thought. Since he and Shadow seemed to hurt simultaneously earlier, he'd go check on him. 

Carefully out his bedroom door he went. Was it wrong to think of it as his room by now? Neither Tails nor Sonic seemed bothered by it in the least. Focus darn it Silver. The distance between the rooms wasn't that much. He was right before Shadow's door soon. Then he listened closely. 

Surprisingly he heard nothing. No groans or swears or anything to indicate Shadow was awake and suffering. Yet this did little to comfort him. Quietly as he could, Silver cracked the door open. 

"Shadow? Are you awake? And hurting?" He whispered. 

Nothing. 

"Shadow?" 

Well if he was actually asleep he didn't want to wake him. Gently he pushed further inside. Just enough to try to see Shadow's figure. 

The full moon light filled the room. What was that Sonic had said about tonight being a blue moon? That light didn't look blue to him. No it was the same kind of gentle white light the moon gave off in the future. On the rare nights one could actually see it. So soothing to him. And helpful in this case. For it allowed him to see Shadow's face. The dark hedgehog was asleep indeed. Although his face appeared scrunched up some. Like even in sleep there was no peace. Silver sighed and gently closed the door. If he could have he would have given Shadow more pain pills when he came in to rotate him for the last time of the night. But it hadn't been 6 hours yet. And Shadow himself, somber and silent, barely reacted to Silver's presence. 

What could be going on in that mind? 

Quiet steps were taken down. Some moonlight peeked through but it was very dark in the lower half of the house. Should he turn on a light? It probably would be fine right? Just pace the "living room" as he was told it was called. Pace that space a little. Don't bother Shadow or Tails. Turn the light back off when done. See? No problem. 

Before he could flick on the light however a sound made his ears twitch. He listened closer. What was that? Was it...crying? After some moments he realized it was indeed crying. And it seemed to be coming from a room he had yet to go near. Sonic's. Through the kitchen he quietly moved. Approaching the door on the other side. The sound while still soft, definitely was coming from here. He swallowed nervously. Then knocked on the door. 

"Tails? Hey are you okay in there?" He asked, cracking open the door. Moonlight didn't fill this room was easily. A mound in Sonic's bed could be spotted though. Then from the blankets popped a small head. Gosh he looked so, so small like that. 

"Mm fine Silver, go away," Tails mumbled. 

"Hey no you were totally crying. Tell me what's wrong," Silver insisted. 

"Did I wake you?" Tails asked. 

"No. Woke up on my own. Had a nightmare," Silver stated as he sat on the bed beside Tails. Desperately the fox wanted to hide back into the blankets. Retreat like a turtle into his shell. Where nothing could get him. Or ask personal questions. But Silver was already here. His eyes sparkled in the pale moonlight. Purple eyebags illuminated for him too. Clearly struggling with sleep himself. Once again he felt so reminded of Sonic by the white hedgehog. Sonic's eye bags eventually lifted. For a time though the heavy purple under his eyes was as much a staple on his face as his smile. 

Even so, Sonic was always there if Tails needed anything. Even in the middle of the night. 

...fine. Tails sighed. 

"I sometimes can't sleep all through the night. Gotta wake up and have my thoughts race," he began. Then paused to wriggle his hand out from the blanket. Quietly asking. A question Silver thankfully understood. Their hands united again. The small action providing much comfort. 

"I couldn't stop thinking about Shadow and everything that's happened. I'm...I'm mad Silver. I'm so mad because I want to hate him! I want to hate his guts so badly! But now I've seen him suffer more than once! I know that he lost his best friend and his memories and he's in sooo much physical pain. I can't look at him and just see a dangerous enemy anymore! He's a Mobian just like you and me even if he is some kind of alien hybrid one. He's got feelings and fears just like us. He's...he's...maybe not even a bad guy. Just lost. And alone! And I- Chaos I...." 

Their hands separated as Tails buried his face into his own once more. Twin tails wrapping around himself. Snuggled up between his chest and arms. 

Tails was a capable kid. Everyone knew it. Sonic especially. Always encouraging him to keep going. Keep trying. Go above and beyond! If anyone can reach the stars, it's you little buddy! The hard thing though was that he was still a kid. Some things were still beyond his understanding. Out of reach with his life experiences. The balance between trusting in Tails' capabilities and protecting his childhood was one Sonic tried so hard to walk. Even when sometimes it was so frustrating. Don't baby me he'd yell! Yet after leaving Knothole after their painful loss and losing Cosmo, Tails understood a little better why Sonic walked that line. And how difficult it must really be. Experience was a great teacher. Sometimes though its biggest lesson seemed to be pain. Grief that went on and on. All for what? 

For a smart, capable kid, Shadow was an enigma to him. Shadow did bad things and good things. For the wrong reasons and maybe even sometimes the right ones. Why? Why did he do that? 

Was Sonic walking the line with Shadow too? Taking into account his good and evil and trying to help the good in him? That had to be it. But why? Again why? After everything? Just cause Shadow sometimes did good things, did that really mean he could be a good guy? Wouldn't all the bad things he did overshadow them? 

All these questions bounced in his skull. Driving him insane! You're a smart kid Tails! You should know this! You should be able to figure it out! Why is this so hard!? 

He started to cry in frustration. 

Right now Tails couldn't be Miles "Tails" Prower, 8 year old boy genius. 

Right now he could only be Miles "Tails" Prower, 8 year old. Who didn't always understand this great big world. And needed his big brother. 

"I'm so sorry Tails," Silver whispered. Unable to think of anything to do for the young fox. He scooted over and embraced the mass of fur and blankets. That surprisingly helped. Muscles melted like a puddle against him. 

"Mnmm-anna-eep," came from against his chest. 

"What's that?" Silver asked. 

"I just wanna sleep," Tails clarified. Shifting his head just enough to free his mouth. White fur tickled his nose. 

"You're soft," he added. 

"Heh. Thanks," Silver chuckled. Blaze always complimented that about him too. Guess he was destined to be a good pillow. 

"Will you stay?" Tails asked. 

"Stay?" 

"Yeah. Stay. In here with me?" 

"Oh. Um. I mean, this is Sonic's room. I don't really think he'd want me in here..." Silver said. 

"It'll be fine. He won't get mad. Please?" Tails begged. Sky blue peeked up to him through yellow and white furs. Making Silver die on the inside. Darn it! How was he supposed to say no to such sad eyes!? Well hopefully he was right... 

Besides, he knew all too well how sometimes some company was desperately needed. The presence of another soothed on those hard nights. 

"Yeah I'll stay. Of course I will," Silver smiled. 

"Mmmm thanks," Tails murmured. They laid back and Tails moved so he wasn't hogging the whole blanket. Soon the two were nice and cozy. 

"Thank you. For...for trusting me," Silver whispered back. 

Too close to sleep, Tails didn't respond. Before he was completely gone though his thoughts went to Shadow once more. Would he want to sleep next to someone too? Bringing comfort to him and his confusingly complex mind? Or maybe a stuffed animal would help. 

Footsteps. That was definitely the sound he heard. His ears flicked trying to figure out the direction. Up? Silver shifted. Quickly remembering to be careful as Tails was still hugged up against him. The steps moved further away. Not willing to put down his guard so easily though, Silver carefully sat up more. Years of light sleep to be on guard kicked in. Pure instinct hit his thoughts. Someone was here. Was it the people Sonic warned him of? Were they here to take Shadow? 

The footsteps moved closer.  Descending thuds. Coming down stairs. Small light formed around Silver's hands. Ready for a fight. 

Somehow it hadn't occured to him that the footsteps might belong to Sonic. 

Until the blue hedgehog was opening the bedroom door and nearly had a large book smashed into his head. Thankfully Silver stopped just in time. Releasing the book from his powers. 

"Sonic!" He cried. Accidentally waking Tails. The fox groaned and turned some. Bleary eyes blinked. Then lit up when he saw Sonic. 

"Sonic! You're back!" 

"Hey bud. Hey Silver," Sonic greeted. 

"Oh, hey, I uh I can, I can go. Sorry, I-" 

"It's fine. You can stay," Sonic mumbled as he walked closer to the bed. That was when Silver realized how weary Sonic seemed. His eyes were barely open. His shoulders sagged and his knees were bent. Tails sat up eagerly. 

"Are you okay Sonic" Silver asked. 

"Mmm it's....4 am. Mm. Had a, a, long day tryin' ta...ta find answers." 

Like his knees finally gave out, Sonic dropped heavily onto the bed. Yellow arms wrapped around him. And his own wrapped back. 

"You're back! I'm so happy you're back," said Tails. 

"Mmm really sorry pal. Didn't. Didn't mean ta take so long. Couldn't. Call," Sonic explained through a yawn. "You guys make it okay?" 

"Yeahhh I. I guess," Tails started. 

"He knows about Shadow," Silver bluntly stated. 

"Hey! I wanted to be the one to tell him," Tails protested. Truthfully though right now he didn't care. Eggman could be up there for all he cared. Sonic was back. That's all that mattered to him right now. Familiar comfort instantly made him feel at ease. Tiredness returning. He snuggled up closer to Sonic's chest. Mmm he smelled so good. Like grass and campfire. 

"Mmm. Sorry pal. Wasn't trying to keep anything from you. Just....mmm. Need to keep you safe-" 

How did Tails know that was what he going to say? 

"-needed to know more about...what's happening. Before I. Before I...said anything." 

"It's okay Sonic. Get some sleep," Tails whispered. 

"With pleasure. You too Silver," Sonic murmured. The three settled. Blanket spread easily over them. Warmth radiated. Silver had to admit this was probably the most comfortable he'd been in...maybe forever. 

"Goodnight Sonic, goodnight Silver." 

"Goodnight Tails and Silver." 

"Yeah. Goodnight Sonic, goodnight Tails." 

Saying it made him giddy. His tail wagged some. 

Yet despite it all he couldn't quite settle down. Anxiety tried to gnaw at him. 

"...Sonic?" 

"...yeah?" 

"Did...did you find any answers?" Silver barely could bring himself to ask. Yet he had to know. The answer either way frightened him. 

From over the silhouette of Tails' head he saw Sonic peek over to him. Emerald green shined out from under eyelids so heavy. The words that followed didn't scare him. But didn't comfort him any either. 

"I don't know."

Chapter Text

The Previous Day

Shadow had been unpleasant this morning. Big shocker. Still though. It stung.

Where had that trust he gave him last night gone? Why was Shadow so angry and determined to be left to his own with this situation? 

Did...something more happen to him? Like someone betraying his trust? Was that why? The reason behind his denials and refusals? 

Sonic had no proof of that but...it would make sense.

And if he had to guess further, that betrayal may have had something to do with Rouge and/or Omega. His eyes narrowed. Remembering how she came to his door. All sincere seeming and so worried about him. Red flags went off when she spoke but could it really all be a ruse? A trick to reveal Shadow? Then again, maybe she was as in the dark as he was. If Omega was the one to blame instead. Or perhaps neither. Perhaps it was someone else entirely.

Or he was thinking too hard about this and Shadow was just being stubborn as usual.

No time to dwell on any of that though. 

A today only kind of opportunity was knocking and he had to take it. Or be stuck waiting for the next blue moon. 

He hated leaving Silver alone. Especially with a now conscious Shadow to take care of. Hopefully those two didn't kill each other while he was gone.

This needed to be a quick trip. If he could help it. 

Soon his goal was in sight. Floating high up above him. Angel Island. Home of Knuckles and the shrine of the Master Emerald. Sonic rubbed his nose and smiled with an adventurous glint in his eye. 

Getting up there was going to be fun.

Leaves blew by. Carried on the gentle breeze. Not a cloud in the sky. And the sun was shining brilliantly. Nothing could ruin this moment.

Well. Almost nothing. In fact, Knuckles the Echidna could think of quite a few things that could ruin this moment. Thankfully it seemed like none of them were present or going to show up right now. 

A sudden gust of wind struck Knuckles as he sat. He dared open one eye. Then huffed slightly at the sight.

He stood corrected. 

For there, screeching to a stop, stood Sonic the Hedgehog. 

"Hey there Knuckles," greeted the hedgehog. 

"What do you want now?" Knuckles groaned. Unfortunately for him, the answer usually seemed to be "annoy the life out of him." Guised under some request of "needing help" or "can't a guy just come by for a visit? I know it gets lonely up here." 

"Heyyyy. Soooo. Listen Knux. I know you're gonna immediately say no, so please hear me out before you do?" Sonic lightly pleaded.

Oh no. This was definitely not going to be any good. 

"Hmph. What now? And if you already know that I'll say no, why do you even bother?" Knuckles snarked. 

"Because it's reallyyyyy important," Sonic said. 

This had better be good. 

"What?" 

"Okay. Listen. I need to use. USE. Not borrow. Not move. USE the Master Emerald," explained Sonic. 

"Absolutely not," came Knuckles immediate reply.

"Knux! Please hear me out. I promise I'm not going to take it or harm it or anything. I just need its power for a while," begged Sonic.

"No. If you need power so badly go find the Chaos Emeralds," countered Knuckles.

"I've been trying all week! I haven't been able to find a single one and I have to do this today because of the blue moon!" Sonic cried. 

Well. That was unexpected. A red brow raised in intrigue.

"So you're only here as a last restort?" 

"That's right."

"How did you even get up here? I didn't hear the Tornado."

"Oh I figured out a little trick or two a long while back. But I can't tell you or you'll just try and make it so I can't get up here anymore," teased Sonic.

He was certainly right about that. Knuckles scoffed. Sonic, actually planning ahead for once? Coming to him as a last resort? Unusual. Very unlike the hedgehog's standard rush in now ask questions later style. And all in relation to the blue moon tonight? ...fine. He could at least listen to what he had to say.

"Fine. I'll listen to your story but I make no promises."

"Thank you oh my gosh," sighed Sonic.

"I don't have all day."

"Fine, fine. I'll keep this short. Look, travel and communication between dimensions is nearly impossible except under certain circumstances. One theory is that the blue moon does make it easier, you know along with solar and lunar eclipses, the seasonal solstices, other unique solar system situations-"

"Your point?" Knuckles huffed.

"Point being I need to try to reach out to a different dimension. But I need enough power to do so. Which I don't have on my own and I couldn't find any of the chaos emeralds to try to use," explained Sonic.

"You need to reach out to a different dimension..." replied Knuckles. Skepticism apparent in his voice.

"Yes. Just to talk to someone. I'm not going in. I need a window, not a door." 

"And what exactly do you need from this...person in another dimension?"

"...okay. That's the part where things get crazy..." Sonic said.

"It always is with you," Knuckles dryly remarked.

"No this...is on a whole 'nother level..."

The look on Sonic's face shocked Knuckles. Green eyes went wide. Staring at the ground like he expected it to fall away from him. Something seemed to be truly under his skin. Very unusual. 

"Sonic, what's going on?"

"I...don't know how to explain it. Something crazy that both happened and didn't happen," he replied.

"...what?" 

"Yeah I know, I know! It! Gah. I..." 

For a split second his eyes shut as his fingers rubbed at his temples. Then they shot back open. Knuckles could see how exhausted Sonic looked. Strange. He didn't seem that worn out moments ago. In fact when was the last time he had ever seen Sonic look so bleary eyed and heavy under his eyes? Probably...not since he and Tails left Knothole Forest. For reasons Knuckles himself didn't know. Whatever it was seemed to haunt Sonic for months afterwards. Every time he saw the hedgehog, he looked like he was caught between being a corpse and a ghost. Right now he didn't look as bad as he had in those days. But there was something familar in the way his eyes glazed over. Looking far away and tinted with fear. 

"You're really worried about something aren't you?" Knuckles asked.

Timidly Sonic shook his head.

Wow. He actually admited it. That was incredibly rare. The kind of thing Sonic might feel but never confess to. Always keeping it close to his chest. Concern escaping his face when no one was looking. Knuckles had seen it before. Never mentioning it but he had seen it. Inside the hedgehog was not as cool and calm as he pretended to be.

Now he was admitting his concerns. This was...big.

"Very well Sonic," Knuckles said. "I'll allow you to use the Master Emerald. As long as you keep your word. 

"I promise," Sonic vowed.

Sometimes Knuckles didn't quite know how to feel about the hedgehog. Their history began rough as enemies but shifted into something of a friendship. Perhaps even more like a family. A family that drove him crazy that is. Often Knuckles found himself thinking why did he bother with the likes of him. Sonic was many things. Stubborn. Obnoxious. Difficult. Loud. Always on the go. Things of that nature. Very opposite of himself. Except stubborn. Ha, in terms of that, they were equally matched. Otherwise though. They were opposites in nearly every way. So why did he put up with someone who made him so frustrated so often? 

For whatever it was worth, there were good qualities to Sonic too. One that Knuckles greatly appreciated was his honesty. Another being that Sonic kept his word. In all the years they knew each other. As much as Sonic angered the Echidna, he always kept his word.

Knuckles stepped aside so Sonic could walk up to the gem. Massive in scale and shining brilliantly in the sun. A shade of green that matched Sonic's own eyes. He marveled at it. Feeling its energy all throughout him as he stepped closer. Sonic laughed a little. The power felt so overwhelming and unusual yet also good. A sensation he couldn't describe. 

"You mentioned the blue moon is part of why you're here. Do you need to wait for its light? Some kind of ritual?" Knuckles inquired.

"I'm not really sure Knux. The book didn't say anything about being night or day. So I figured I'll try day first then night next," Sonic explained. 

Great. Of course it couldn't be a simple thing and then go. 

"Fine. Do what you have to. But know that I'm watching." 

"I know I know, sheesh. Have a little faith in me will ya? I gave you my word." 

Sonic then began to do something with his communicator. Bringing forth another projection. A still image. Knuckles looked to it. It appeared to be a photograph taken from a book. Something depicting a great white palace. 

After staring at the photograph for some moments Sonic closed his eyes. Reaching out towards the Master Emerald. Not touching it however. For even from the small distance away he was from it, the magic stone radiated warmth. 

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat," Sonic whispered. 

Knuckles watched with held breath. Waiting for whatever was about to happen.

...

...

...there was nothing. 

"So is something supposed to be happening or is the something just you standing there looking like an idiot?" snickered Knuckles. Earning a groan from Sonic. 

"Ahh! Come on! Please! The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!" Sonic cried. Arms still outstretched. The image of that castle still freshly in his mind's eye. 

Nothing happened.

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

...

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

...

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

Yet again there was nothing. Aches in his arms made them sag. Anger flared. Why wasn't this working!?

"THE SOL DIMENSION, PRINCESS BLAZE THE CAT!" he shouted.

"Alright Sonic, stop before you hurt yourself."

"GRAAAH! WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING!?" 

"Look, calm down. Breathe. There you go," Knuckles encouraged. Somehow actually getting through to the stubborn hedgehog. Who certainly wasn't known for his patience. Heavy gasps preceeded Sonic dropping to his knees.

"Come on, come on," he growled. A gloved hand pressed his shoulder. 

"Calm yourself. You can figure it out." 

Sonic breathed. Finally somewhat controlled now. Then slowly he rose back to his feet. 

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat," he tried once more. Not even bothering to hold out his now sore arms. Nothing happened again. He sighed in frustration. 

"What am I doing wrong here..."

"Perhaps nothing. Traveling between dimensions is still a mostly unknown practice. At least to my knowledge," Knuckles commented.

The hand on Sonic's shoulder squeezed. 

"Try taking a break before you burn yourself out."

"...fine," Sonic sighed. Away from the Master Emerald he stepped. Face buried in the images of his communicator once more. Searching for the answers. 

"What am I missing here," growled Sonic under his breath.

"What if you're just too early? What if you really do need the light of the blue moon?" Suggested Knuckles. 

"I...maybe you're right," Sonic groaned. "Just means I came all the way up here hours ahead of time for what?" 

"You could help out a friend by picking me some of the berries from the other side of the island and digging up some roots for me," Knuckles said with a slight snicker.

"Aw what!?"

"My emerald, my rules. Since you're such a pal I'd really appreciate the help," Knuckles teased. Fully enjoying the look of annoyance Sonic shot him.

".....fine, pal. Sure would love to help out," Sonic sarcastically replied. Earning a decent chuckle out of the Echidna. Stomping as he stepped away from the Emerald.

"There's several collection buckets in my shack!" Knuckles called after him. Which Sonic irritably waved off. Once more making him laugh. Of course Sonic was annoyed about it but he would do so. And do a good job even. 

The price of being close with Knuckles the Echidna. To be loved like family was to be teased like family.

Earthy brown, leafy green, and various rich berry shades all stained Sonic's gloves as he worked. Not that he really minded. A simple wash would take that right out. No what he did mind though was the dirt digging into his fur. The sweat dripping down his face and mingling into his quills. Gross. Not exactly how he wanted to stand before Blaze. Hopefully the princess wouldn't mind it too much. 

Occasionally he would stop before the giant gem and try to call out to her once again. Each time was met with nothing. Then he would return to his gathering. 

Another bucket was filled and Sonic carefully ran it back to Knuckles' shack. His red friend gave a smile and wave from where he sat. Armed now with a fishing pole with the longest string possibly ever.  Easily long enough to Knuckles to sit before the emerald and still send it flying over the island's edge into the ocean below. 

"That thing is ridiculous," Sonic commented. 

"You always say that everytime you see it," Knuckles replied.

"We'll it's true."

"But it works."

"How??? How does it work?" Sonic cried. The thing practically defied physics!

"Same as any other fishing pole," Knuckles laughed.

"I swear you're pulling my leg. That thing can't possibly be effective. You'd have better luck with like! I don't know! A net and a crank on the island's edge! Or something!" 

Then of course, because the universe simply had to keep messing with Sonic, the line began to tug. With rapid arm movements Knuckles reeled it in. His strength working well to bring the large fish up. He laughed victoriously. Leaving Sonic's jaw slacked. 

"HOW!? How!? How did that work!? How did you not lose it on the way up!? What would you have even done if it snapped your line!?" Sonic cried in bewilderment. All while Knuckles continued to laugh.

"It works because I am knowledgeable and skilled. And if it snapped then I would simply repair it."

"That's like a mile of line! That would take forever!!"

"And I have plenty of time on my hands while I watch the Master Emerald."

"Seriously, this is a prank Knuckles. I KNOW IT IS! I don't know how but I'm gonna figure it out!' 

"Instead of worrying about my obviously superior fishing skills why don't you get those last buckets filled?" Smirked Knuckles.

"Superior fishing skills!?" Sonic shouted.

"Well? It's true isn't it? The fish can smell your fear of the water and they keep far away. You never catch anything," Knuckles poked the nerves harder. Oh it wasn't often he got to rip into Sonic but when he did, it sure was a treat. Looks like today was a pretty good day after all.

"I DO TOO!?" Sonic hollered. His competitive side being thoroughly challenged.

"Oh yeah? You gonna prove it then?"

"YOU'RE ON KNUX! I'm gonna catch twice as many fish as you and twice as big too!"

Eagerly Knuckles handed over the large pole. Laughing as Sonic struggled to hold it. Deceptively heavy! But Sonic was determined. 

"I'll show you Knuckles. You'll have fish coming out of your quills when I'm done!"

"I don't have quills but I would like to see you try." 

Competitive but good natured laughs between them. When was the last time they hung out like this? Egging each other on but spending time together without the fate of the world attached to it? Well. More or less. The confusing situation at hand was momentarily forgotten in favor of fishing. At least it helped the time pass by. Minutes ticked by like the sweat that rolled down their foreheads. 

The contents of her medical bag were now checked and double checked. Satisfied, Vanilla smiled. That should be good. Now hopefully her patient was feeling a bit more cooperative today.

Shadow the Hedgehog. A mystery. A conundrum. A patient all the same.

Hopefully Sonic knew what he was doing. That he could handle such a task. Physically sure it was more than likely. But what about his mind? 15. Gosh. 15 years old. Perhaps she should have pushed harder to take responsibility over Shadow. Not leave this to the teenager. Even though he was the most stubborn, most capable 15 year old she ever met. She sighed to herself. 

"Vanilla? Does something trouble you?" came a robotic voice beside her. Drawing her eye and a small smile.

"No Gemerl. I am alright. I am simply thinking about a patient. Thank you."

"You will figure it out Vanilla. You always do," replied the black and yellow robot.

"That is very kind of you, thank you," she said. 

"Are you preparing to leave?"

"Yes I need to make a house call again. And I believe I'll do so another time or two this week. I pulled some vegetables out of the garden. Can you handle starting dinner while I am gone?"

"Of course." 

"Thank you." 

Mid afternoon light effortlessly illuminated the small home. Such a lovely day. A bit warm, perfect for playing outside. Or sitting on the porch in the shade with a book. That's how most of today had been spent. But now she had to get ready and try to leave so she could be back by about dinner time. Ideally. 

A timid knock on the door caught her ear.

"Yes?"

"Mama? It's me," came Cream's voice from the other side of the door.

"Yes dear, come in," Vanilla replied. Slowly it swung open. The small 6 year old politely stood there. Hands now held behind her back. Instantly Vanilla sensed something was off by the timid look in her eyes.

"Sweetheart what's wrong?"

"Mama, Amy keeps saying she feels too hot."

Strange. That complaint had been coming from Amy all day. And complaints weren't like Amy. She was a hard worker and generally quite a happy girl. Despite her rough childhood. 

"Are you girls drinking enough water?" Vanilla asked once more. To which Cream nodded.

"We have been yes but Amy is still saying she feels too hot! Now she's laying down in her bed and wants to be left alone!" Cream explained.

Oh. How strange. Vanilla's lips pursed together. 

"Hold on. I will come look at her."

Minutes later she stood outside the girls' shared bedroom. 

"Amy? Are you alright there?" Vanilla asked as she knocked on the door. Getting a groan in return. 

"I am coming in, okay?"

"Yeahhhhng." 

Into the room Vanilla carefully stepped. Surprised to see the blackout curtains drawn. The room completely shrouded in darkness. From the hallway light she could barely see Amy curled up and hiding in her bed. With Cheese and Chocola cooing softly at her feet.

Then an awful smell hit Vanilla's nose. Enough to make her reel back some and cover her face.

"Oh! Goodness! Amy you smell awful!" She commented. 

"I know, I'm sorryyy," Amy lightly wailed. Their eyes finally locked. Tears were falling from her puffy red eyes. Instantly Vanilla ran to her side. 

"I don't smell anything Mama," Cream commented. 

"Oh Amy, come here sweetheart, shhhh," Vanilla soothed and pulled her girl in for a hug. Amy sobbed as she did so. Burning heat radiated from her forehead. Realization struck Vanilla.

"Amy, are you-"

"I think so," Amy whimpered. Vanilla hugged her closer.

"Shhhh sweetheart it is okay, I've got you."

"Mama V, I feel like I'm dying," Amy whispered. Drawing a loud gasp out of Cream.

"What!? No! Amy! You can't be dying! Mama! What's going on!?" Cream began to panic. Chitters of pain also arising from Cheese and Chocola. 

"No! No, shhh Cream sweetie it is okay." Vanilla turned from one daughter to the other. Rubbing the soft spot behind her large ears that Cream found so soothing.

"Dear, Amy is feeling a bit sick. Do you remember how we talked a little bit that your body will change as you get older?"

"Yes Mama."

"Good. It is okay, Amy is not dying. It is just her time for some of these changes to begin."

Her words weren't working as well to comfort the child as she wanted. To her knees she lowered herself. Allowing their eyes to meet on an even level. One of Vanilla's hands was still being held by Amy. The other hand reached out to Cream and held her two small hands in one gentle grasp.

"The change is a bit scary and overwhelming right now but it will be okay. It is all part of growing up. And I will take care of you girls every step of the way," Vanilla promised. 

That seemed to work. A smile managed to cross Cream's face.

"Hey Cream?" Amy weakly called.

"Yeah Amy?" Cream asked stepping closer to her sister's side. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I feel pretty rotten right now but I promise you I'm going to be okay," Amy managed to say with a stronger conviction. Though tears were still falling from her eyes, a smile worked its way up her face. 

"Are you sure Amy?" Cream asked, some fear still peaking through her voice.

"Of course Cream. I've got Mama V helping me now. I just need some rest. Okay?"

"...okay."

Up onto her tippy toes the small rabbit pushed herself. Orange and pink warmly met in a loving hug. 

"Feel better soon Amy," Cream whispered.

"Do not fret Cream. She will feel better soon," Vanilla kindly added. Receiving a smile from both her girls. 

"Do you want to watch some television while I help Amy?"

"Oh yes please Mama!"

"Very well, ask Gemerl to help you put something short on."

"Yay! Bye Amy!" Cream called as she skipped out of the room. Happily followed by the two Chao. Leaving them alone now. Sniffles started up once more.

"Mind if I turn on the light dear?"

"No. Sorry. Just kinda hurts my head right now," Amy replied.

"The lamp will be good enough," Vanilla said as she shut the door all the way. Then flipped on the lamp by Cream's bed. Giving the room enough light for her to see better. Without aggravating Amy's eyes. Oh how they were still so red and puffy. Absolutely miserable. Vanilla sat gently back on the bed beside her.

"I feel gross Mama V," Amy whispered. 

"Gross as in physically or just mentally?"

"....both. My head is so heavy and sweaty but my arms and my chest feel so cold but then...down there I feel so...warm," Amy explained. Red rising to her face as she spoke. A glove was removed in order to press up against Amy's forehead. Definitely a high fever. Vanilla exhaled lightly. They had talked about this when Amy was younger but now that it was happening it felt a little unreal. 

Amy was experiencing her first heat. A sign of puberty beginning. 

"Let me go grab my thermometer to ensure you are not burning too high. Be right back."

"Okay..."

Her voice came out so small. Among the red blanket she burrowed herself back into she looked so small too. 

Vanilla hurried. Grabbing the thermometer then looking undecidedly at some bottles of pills.

The unfortunately thing with first heats was that they often came with a high fever. Sometimes a few heats even afterwards would have the fever as well. But usually nothing like that first one. A fever that often times ran high and refused to break until it was done. Medicine rarely helping break it or even ease up the symptoms. Amy's misery fresh in her mind's eye made the decision for her. The pill bottle was also grabbed. 

"Amy, I am back," Vanilla spoke as she knocked on the door. 

"Yeah come in," Amy replied. 

Once more as the door opened an awful smell struck Vanilla. She attempted to not respond as strongly as she had the first time. It was still seen by Amy though who winced.

"Do I really smell that bad?" She asked, clearly embarrassed.

"I am very sorry Amy. I think to others no, you will not smell bad. It is just that to me, as I am older and my pheromone receptors have changed with age...yes you smell bad," she explained. 

Ah pheromones. A royal pain really. Another unfortunate side effect of being in heat. A smell meant to attract a mate. It felt so...uncivilized and primal. Of course it was natural, it was no one's fault. The body simply does what it does regardless of what anyone wants. But still. It was frustrating and embarrassing sometimes. When everyone around you can smell you and know undeniably that you're in heat. The harassment that could follow...

Vanilla shook her head and held the thermometer to Amy's temple.

"Do you think...Sonic will think I smell good? Or, or bad?" Amy asked. 

"Well..." That was a bit of a difficult question. Though it was no surprise Amy asked it. Her attraction to Sonic was running as strong as the day she first met him. When he saved her life. If not stronger.

"I...I suppose it is likely that it will. However...pheromones, attraction, it is all very...different from person to person," Vanilla said.

"What do you mean?"

"Well I...There is a lot we still do not know or understand about these things. Yes Sonic is in the right age range, it is likely to him you will smell good. However it does not mean that he is attracted to you or wants any relationship with you..." Vanilla carefully worded. That was a difficult thing about Amy's feelings for Sonic. Clearly he was uninterested. Yet this seemed to only make Amy more determined with every rejection. As much as they've talked about appropriate behavior, those words always seem to leave Amy's mind as soon as Sonic came back around. Perhaps what they say about love making you do stupid things...

"Oh..."

"But there could be other factors too perhaps. Some do not start their puberty until later. It is very possible Sonic does not even have pheromone receptors developed yet. So he might not even be able to tell."

"...yeah. Just like Cream is too little."

"Correct."

*beep beep*

The thermometer finished its reading. Oh dear. Definitely running high. Vanilla grabbed for the fever medicine and offered Amy two pills.

"I am not sure if this will help much as heat fevers tend to be strong but you are running very high," she said. However Amy wasn't responding. Hands took the pills and swallowed them like she was on auto pilot. Her tears thankfully slowed but her eyes looked so far away.

"Amy?" 

"...I just want him to like me sooo much," she whispered. Vanilla's free hand came up to rub behind Amy's ear.

"I know sweetheart. The feelings of love can be...so hard sometimes," she said softly in response. An all too familiar pain. Of loving someone who couldn't love you back. Whether because they didn't feel the same. Or because of death...

"It's embarrassing. I can't stop thinking about him. I...I want him so badly," Amy started to cry again.

"Dear no, do not cry, hey...shhh..." Vanilla soothed her. 

"But. But he doesn't like me and it hurts! And I feel so awful for wanting him like this even though he doesn't want me! But I want him to like me! It just feels so unfair! I don't want to feel so deeply!" She cried. Hugging her adoptive mother tightly. Vanilla exhaled sadly as Amy cried more. Emotions. Gosh they could be the worst sometimes. So fickle and wavering. Yet so demanding and controlling. Amy was no stranger to this. All her emotions were very big. Her joy, her rage, her grief. Subtlety wasn't her way. Everything Amy felt came at her with all its might. Together they tried many techniques to help her not feel so ruled over by her emotions. With limited success. Now that she was entering puberty it was likely going to get harder. A small kiss was placed to the top of Amy's head. None of this was to say she wanted to control how Amy felt. Not to squash out her feelings or dictate her in any way. No, Vanilla was simply concerned about the actions that might follow such strong emotions. Like how anger used to be accompanied by Amy smashing everything in sight. Her goal was just to help Amy have enough control over her emotions before she reacted in a way that lead to regret. Or worse, trouble. 

"It is okay to have deep feelings Amy. Just remember to be careful how you react to them," she reminded her. 

"Well I think it's frustrating! I wanna be able to just shut my feelings off sometimes! They're as useless as these stupid heats!? What's the point of this!? What are we, animals!?" Amy yelled. Quickly losing her sadness into anger. Her warm hug turning into a tight grip. The dress Vanilla wore became balled up into Amy's fists. 

"Don't answer that," came her muffled irritated voice right after that. Burried into Vanilla's torso. The diaphragm force that made Vanilla's small chuckle was felt against Amy's face. Careful fingers combed through Amy's quills. 

"I know dear. It is all so much to take in and it is all very overwhelming. I did mean it when I said however that I will be here to take care of you every step of the way. I will do anything I can to help you," Vanilla promised. 

The arms around her torso wrapped tighter. This time not in anger but in fear. Like if she let go, then she would lose. 

"I wish my parents were here," Amy confessed. Then looked up to Vanilla with tears having resumed their fall. 

"I'm really sorry, I feel awful for saying that after everything you've done for me-!"

"Shhhh. I understand Amy. Please do not feel bad. I understand this feeling."

"But! It's not right! I shouldn't feel this way cause they're gone and I'm so lucky to have you!" 

"No Amy it is not bad. Listen to me, shhhh. I really wish that your family could be here for you right now as well. Not because I do not wish to care for you but because I know that they are your family no matter what. That there will always be a part of you that misses them and loves them and no one will ever replace that. I do understand this Amy and I do not hold it against you one bit. It is actually as it should be because they are your family."

"But-"

"No buts dear. I promise you that your feelings are not a bad thing. Be it missing your family or your crush on Sonic. And I also want to be sure that you know however that I love and accept all that you are."

Every emotion Amy felt was intense. Grief. Sadness. Fury. Jealousy. But this was not confined to only her negative emotions. The positive ones were strong as well. Joy. Relief. Love. All flowing through her right now. Pouring out of her in tears as she sobbed and hugged Vanilla even tighter. 

"Thank you Mama V," she choked out.

"Always Amy."

"I feel *sniff* so lucky to have you."

"I feel that I am the lucky one. Blessed with two such wonderful girls."

"...I think my mom would have liked you Mama V."

"Do you really think so?"

"Mhm. Especially if she could see how good you're taking care of me."

Now it was Vanilla's turn to feel a prickle in her eye. A single tear suddenly washed over her cheek. She quickly moved a hand to wipe it away before returning to embrace Amy. 

"Please don't leave me..." Amy whispered.  

"Oh no baby, never. Never leave my family, I swear it," Vanilla said with another kiss to Amy's head. Finally Amy seemed to calm some. Her grip loosened and she leaned back.

"How are you feeling?"

"Weirdly not as bad as I was," commented Amy. "I guess I really needed that."

"Perhaps the medicine is helping you. You should drink some more water though. Your body has much to make up for."

"Okay."

"I will be back momentarily alright Amy? I need to make a quick phone call."

"Okay Mama V."

A large sigh of relief left Vanilla as she exited the room. For she was thankful that Amy seemed to be feeling a little better. Poor girl. Gosh she deserved so much better than life was handing her. Were Vanilla's efforts enough? Of course she could never replace Amy's family. She didn't want to. But could she ever measure up? Was everything she did on par? She could only hope. As deep as her love was, her doubts were in equal measure.

She steadied herself with deep breaths. 

You are trying. You care about Amy. You love her just as much as you love Cream. You do everything you can for them both. You can't prevent every bad thing in life from happening to them but you can prepare them and be there for them. You are a good mother Vanilla Rabbit.

The mental words worked enough to push back her anxiety. Breathing finally became easier. That's right. She had the control. Emotions will not rule her or stop her!

Anger was slow to take hold over Vanilla. Even sadness didn't grip tightly as it did for others. But fear? Oh fear was powerful against her. Its teeth sinking deep into her skin. Infecting her with its vicious venom. Not allowing it to rule her was difficult. Just as she was trying to teach Amy to not allow her emotions to control her, Vanilla was trying to learn this too. 

When she finally felt steady once more she began to dial on her communicator. Guilt kicked in to do this but she was needed here today. And he had wanted her to trust him hadn't he?

Rings were cut off by the call being answered.

"Hello? Vanilla?" Came Sonic on the other line.

"Hello Sonic dear, I am so very sorry to call you like this but I must inform you that I cannot leave to go check on Shadow this evening..."

"Is everything okay Vanilla?" Knuckles heard Sonic asking. The hedgehog spent a minute or so barely inside earshot. Speaking into that weird "communicator" device. Whatever. Seemed like nonsense to him. When Sonic walked back up to him, a frown was spread over his muzzle. 

"Everything good there?" Knuckles inquired.

"Yeah just uh. Unexpected change in plans. I was planning on Vanilla swinging by my place but she says that Amy and Cream really need her tonight. Uh. Hm. Gonna have to make different arrangements," Sonic replied. Then went right back to messing with his device.

"Regarding?" Asked Knuckles. But Sonic didn't reply. Letters formed into sentences. Occasionally stopping so Sonic could think about what he was saying. Until a large paragraph finally came together and was sent off. 

"Okayyy. Tails can handle this. Now, where were we?" Sonic said.

"You were filling me four extra buckets of berries because of your horrible loss at fishing," smirked Knuckles.

"Aw come on!"

"Rules are rules! Aren't you a hedgehog of your word?" 

"Uuuugh. Fiiiiine."

Today was easily the most Knuckles laughed in days. The sensation made his cheeks hurt. 

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

...

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

.....

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

"Sonic you're gonna ruin your voice if you keep trying that."

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

"Actually no please do keep doing that if it'll get you to shut up," Knuckles teased. Sonic tossed a glare at him before turning back to the emerald.

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

"Why are you still trying this? Didn't we decide that you need to wait for the moon light tonight for that to work?"

"Gaaah. I don't know okay!? You might be right but I need this to work! I can't just sit around and wait and hope it works!? The book didn't specify day or night so I have to try!" Sonic growled.

"You've been trying all day Sonic. I think it's obviously not going to work right now."

"It's sunset now genius! Maybe something will change!

"Orrr maybe you're being impatient and still have a few hours to go," Knuckles pointed out. 

Sunset was indeed slowly falling over the island. Warm orange light blanketed them. And an equally warm breeze lazily drifted by. Green glow of the massive gem stood out even greater against the painting that crossed the sky. While green eyes looked deeply into the jewel with determination. 

Logically Sonic knew Knuckles was probably right. After all, why emphasis the blue moon? If not for the need of its light? But Sonic couldn't feel so certain. There was simply too much at stake. Very important answers needed to be found. This was greater than the world being in danger! All of time and space could be affected! He couldn't wait!

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!" Sonic cried again. Feeling the scratch in his throat as he did so. 

"You're going to burn yourself out Sonic."

"The Sol Dimension, Princess Blaze the Cat!"

"Give it a rest will ya!? We'll figure it out tonight!" 

"I can't wait that long Knux! The Sol Dimension, Princess Bla-ahhhhHHH!" Sonic began to scream!

"Sonic! What's happening!?"

Even if Sonic could speak through the pain, he would have no words to describe it. Throughout his chest pain radiated. Like fire and ice raged a war. His lungs and heart were collateral damage. Screams left him but he could hardly hear it over the ringing in his ears. With a hard thud he fell into the ground. Gasping and grasping his chest. It all hurt so bad that his limbs were turning numb. Fingers tingled as he pushed against his chest. Unable to stop the onslaught. Red crossed his blurred vision. Was that Knuckles? He couldn't say. He couldn't think. All he knew was this pain. Whiteness filled his eyes. Erasing anything he might have seen. 

Then it all went black. 

Crackling. The sound made his ears twitch. Small pops joined the steady sound. Ugggh. Everything hurt. Were his eyes open or was it just that dark out? No. It couldn't be. That sound. That smell. Smokey and earthy. There had to be a fire. Why was there a fire? Where was he? 

A groan left his sore throat. Making him cough. Then slowly the heaviness over his eyes lifted. His vision was blurry still but he could see some light. Likely a fire. Where...where was he? Soreness struck his arms as he tried to push himself up. Worse however was the ache in his chest. Forcing him to gasp. Oh Chaos what happened? 

At last he made it to his feet. Finally able to see. He was inside a wooden shack. Knuckles' shack. That's right. He was on Angel Island. The buckets full of freshly picked berries confirmed it. The shack was small. With only a few steps he made it to the door and pushed it outwards. Struck instantly by the much cooler night air. 

Knuckles immediately looked up from the cauldron and fire he was hovering over.

"Oh good you're alive. I was gonna have to kick you out of my bed if you didn't wake up soon," he teased. Sonic stumbled a little as he walked up closer. Chills passed through him. The smell of fish and something earthy rose from the cauldron. Ginger? Definitely ginger and something else too though his mind was too groggy to really figure it out. Sonic flopped a little too hard onto the ground before the fire and groaned more.

"Seriously. Are. Are you okay now?" Knuckles asked.

"I...think so? What happened?" Sonic mumbled.

"You were trying to reach that other dimension again. Then you started screaming."

That's right. It was becoming more clear in his memory now. 

"....right..."

"What was happening Sonic?" You were grabbing your chest and you weren't reacting to me at all then you passed out. I thought you were having a heart attack or something," Knuckles said quietly. 

"I...Chaos, I have no idea what happened. All I know is that was...I think some of the worst pain I've ever felt in my life..." Sonic whispered. He stared directly into the fire. Its warmth comforted him yet reminded him of the pain. Seering all throughout his chest. Knuckles watched him with great concern. That image would unfortunately remain in his mind. Of how Sonic collapsed and screamed. Tears flowing so easily from his eyes as he wailed without stopping. Until it all suddenly did. Not long after it began Sonic suddenly passed out. Barely breathing. 

"I'm...I'm glad you're okay. Really," Knuckles said. Then scooped up a bowl and offered it.

"Care for some soup?"

"Thanks."

He had no idea how hungry he was until he took the first sip. Appetite came rushing in afterwards. That's right. He had skipped breakfast this morning, having not eaten since last night. Not intentionally! Just that sometimes he forgot to take care of himself. Like food. Accidentally skipping meals for hours then wondering why he was so hungry later. Whoops. Eagerly he devoured the dish. Not to mention it felt incredible on his scratchy throat.

"Mmm. Good stuff," he commented.

"Well you can't really thank me for that," Knuckles chuckled. "That's all the goodness of nature." 

"Too true, too true."

"...are you okay Sonic?" Knuckles asked again. Not looking to the hedgehog but rather down into his own bowl as he sat beside Sonic.

"Think you already asked me that pal."

"I'm serious Sonic."

"...why? What...what...I. What do you want from me?" Sonic muttered.

"You don't seem...like yourself today," Knuckles began slowly. "Ever since you arrived. You seem on edge and worried about something. You kept pushing to try to make that...window or whatever you wanna call it happen. Then of course the thing with that pain. And when I set you in my shack, I...Couldn't help but notice the dark circles under your eyes. Haven't seen those in a while. Which tells me you're not sleeping well lately."

Sonic listened carefully to Knuckles words. Not once meeting his eyes. 

"Are your nightmares back?" Knuckles carefully pushed.

"No Knux. My nightmares aren't back," he sighed.

"You know you can be honest with me. You don't have to protect me like you do with Tails." 

"I'm not lying!" Sonic cried. Now looking directly into the purple eyes of the Echidna. Determined to prove he was being truthful somehow.

"Okay, okay. I believe you. I just also know how you can be," Knuckles said.

"Oh yeah? And what's that?" Sonic snapped. 

"Protective and loyal to a fault," Knuckles said plainly. "I know it...isn't always a healthy thing to do but...I respect that of you." 

Irritation on Sonic's face morphed into something more somber. As much as there were times where Knuckles could not care what was on anyone else's mind, especially Sonic when he got on his nerves, it didn't mean he never cared. In fact, the echidna often cared far more than he showed it. But as a warrior he needed to be strong. On guard. Rarely did he allow moments like this to be reality. Moments of his true compassion.

"I'm really not lying Knuckles. My nightmares aren't back."

"Good."

"I...I'm actually not sleeping well because I uh. I have a house guest who's not um. Not doing very well. He's actually the one having the nightmares. I've been waking up in the night to help him," Sonic explained.

"Oh. I see."

"Yeah."

The phrasing there sparked Knuckles' curiosity. He shouldn't ask, he really shouldn't ask. 

"House guest huh? Is this a new friend? Or...more than a friend?" 

Through the orangey yellow light of the fire, the faint red blush on Sonic's cheeks still showed.

"No no not like that, just a friend. Really. Actually he's kinda...tied up in all this confusing stuff. So I'm helping him out......besides Knux. You know I'm still.....way too in love with Sally," his voice fell into a whisper.

"...yes but. She's gone now. It's okay to let yourself move on," Knuckles said.

"That's funny coming from you," Sonic lightly teased. In spite of himself Knuckles let a low rumble in his chest out.

"Fair enough."

"Heh, got ya," Sonic snickered some. Finally getting the tiniest bit of payback for all the teasings of today. 

"Really though Sonic. Even if you can't move on from her...I think you need to let go of your guilt of that day." 

The unexpected comment struck Sonic right through the heart. Nearly dropping his empty bowl. 

"What makes you say that?" Sonic asked through gritted teeth. Now gripping onto the bowl much too tightly.

"Because while I know protectiveness has always been a characteristic of you, whatever happened that day made it worse. Don't think that just because I might not be around as often as some of the others that I haven't noticed that you've gotten much worse about taking care of yourself in favor of everyone else," Knuckles explained his observations. Also taking plenty of note how Sonic tensed. Gripping the bowl so hard he was shaking and keeping his eyes firmly on the ground. 

"I don't know what happened on that day and I know you don't want to talk about it. You don't have to," Knuckles reminded him. "But if you want to keep helping this friend of yours and Tails and everybody, you need to help yourself too. Your guilt will continue to push you to your absolute limits if you let it. Do not let it."

A snarky reply rose in Sonic's throat but died on his tongue. Much as he wanted to lash out in response, Sonic knew it was pointless. Knuckles already saw right through him. An angry response would only prove his point further. So he chose a different tactic. One that worked well enough. Even if everybody could see right through it. Deflection. Sonic stood and stretched himself some. Locking eyes on the sky which was dark with clouds.

"Aw come on! Where's the moon!?" 

"The wind is picking up. They will pass by," Knuckles said. Definitely seeing through the move but letting it slide. Sonic was stubborn. And done with this conversation. Fine. Maybe he'd at least think on those words. Eagerly Sonic ran back before the Master Emerald. The gem continued to shine brilliantly even in this darkness. Even releasing warmth still that could be felt at a distance away. Knuckles watched from next to the fire. That idiot. Hopefully he'd get some sense in his thick skull before anything happened to him.

In minutes the wind indeed picked up and began to move the dark clouds across the sky. Slowly allowing the light to peek through. Until finally the full light was revealed. The blue moon. In a scientific sense it was simply a second showing of the full moon in a month. Nothing special right? Well, somehow it seemed to carry a little magic with it. At least some believed. Sonic hoped those people were right this time. If this didn't work, he had honestly no idea how he'd get any answers. Up his arms went. Channeling the energy once more.

"The Sol Dimension! Princess Blaze the Cat!" He cried. Miraculously, this time something stirred. The air whirled and came alive. Sonic could feel the energy as it moved through one hand then back out the other. A green rift began to open. Knuckles gasped and slowly rose to his feet. In all his years he'd never seen such a thing done! Truly the capacity of the Master Emerald must be next to none. Wider the rift moved. Becoming rectangular and revealing the same castle as the one picture Sonic had been studying earlier. A breathy laugh escaped him. This was incredible! Without promoting, the image began to change. Seeming to move inside the castle. Stopping in what looked like an office room. Dimly lit and empty. Sonic frowned. What was going on? 

Then she stepped into view. Her heels clicked as she stepped graciously across the floor. Right for her desk. A cup of tea carefully set down. Lavender fur and purple and white attire. She looked the same as last time he had seen her. 

"Hello!? Blaze! Can you hear me!?" Sonic called. Resulting in Blaze briefly shrieking as she saw the rift. Embarrassment clear upon her face though she attempted to remain dignified looking and stepped towards the rift.

"Sonic? Is that you I am hearing?" She called.

"Yes! Oh my gosh yes! Knuckles it worked!" Sonic laughed. From over his shoulder she could just barely see a red fellow. 

"That's incredible!" The red one spoke. Her memory stirred some. Oh that's right. The one who attacked her thinking she had stolen the Chaos Emeralds! Quietly she felt embarrassed that she couldn't remember his name. Cream had come to his defense however. 

"Yeah! Hi Blaze! Can you see me at all? I can see you!" Sonic called back into the rift.

"You needn't be so loud! I am right here and am perfectly capable of hearing you speak," Blaze scolded him. 

"Haha, sorry! I've never done this before!"

"Neither have I..." Blaze marveled at the rift. "How is this being accomplished?"

"Well I know there really isn't an equivalent of it in your world but here, in addition to the Chaos Emeralds, we have something called the Master Emerald and my buddy Knuckles here is letting me use it aren't ya pa?" Sonic teased.

"Hmph. Don't make me regret this!" The red one called back. Knuckles. That was his name, right. Good thing he said it just in case an addressing would be needed. 

"Do pardon my asking but what is the meaning of this? I am certain you are not reaching across space just to, how do you say, chit-chat?" Blaze inquired.

"Yeah no sorry. Um actually no I uh," Sonic stumbled over his words. Come on brain! Knock that off! He tapped his foot impatiently. Work darn it! He took in a deep breath and was able to steady himself.

"Listen Blaze, I gotta ask you forgive the sudden call and urgency but something crazy has happened and I need to ask your help on it," he explained.

"Crazy? That is an odd choice of words. What could have possibly happened?" She asked. 

"If you knew what happened you might not think so."

"Oh? Pray tell then. What is this that happened?"

"It's a bit of a long story and believe it or not, you were there."

"I...what?" Blaze asked. Simply dumbstruck by that. What in either of their worlds could he be talking about?

"Sonic if this is a prank it is puerile and a cavalier waste of my time, be serious now." 

"Blaze, I swear to you. On all I hold dear. Friends and chili dogs alike. I am being 100% honest with you no matter how insane it all sounds," Sonic vowed.

Doubts made her eyes narrow. Pessimism and suspicions were a bit of an occupational hazard for the princess. But Sonic had always been true with her. Even when she pushed back and insisted she could handle Eggman Nega alone. He offered her friendship and honesty. Even with as silly and carefree as he was in comparison to her more uptight, reserved personality, pranks and lies didn't seem like him.

"Very well Sonic. Though my better judgment wishes of me to think differently, I am choosing to trust in you."

"Oh gosh thank you," Sonic sighed. 

"Well then. Do get on with your explanation then please. It is rather late and you have stated that it is a long story," Blaze urged him.

"Okay yeah sorry. Would've called earlier but something something, gotta have the light of the blue moon, not the middle of the day," Sonic replied. The one called Knuckles behind him making some sort of scoff noise. 

"Anyway. So this all starts actually in the future. In a kingdom here, in this dimension, not yours. You were here. Same look, same name, same powers, everything."

"That's preposterous," Blaze muttered.

"I know, I know, I don't understand it either. But. Somehow it was you. Surviving alongside your friend Silver the Hedgehog-"

"I know no one by that name."

"...yeah. Figured you might not know him. Or remember him."

"Remember him?"

"There...gets to be time travel in all this."

Blaze pushed a hand against her forehead. Perhaps crazy wasn't an odd choice of words after all.

By the time Sonic finished his story his throat hurt again. He paid it no mind however. Various exclamations of shock and numerous questions from both Knuckles and Blaze kept him focused elsewhere. 

"So now Silver for some reason is here in this timeline. He's staying with me right now while we try to figure out what's going on and how to get him back to the future. Though nothing explains why either of us can remember the events."

"I...do not know what to say," Blaze whispered.

"So you've reached out to everyone after you...got back so to speak?"

"Only person I talked to about it was Tails. Everyone else I just did a run by. Made sure you were all still here and what not," Sonic shrugged.

"What about Shadow? Much as he's not a helpful type of guy it seems like he might be interested in taking down this Mephiles guy for a second time," Knuckles commented.

"Shadow is...tied up with other things right now. GUN stuff you know?" Sonic half lied. Though he trusted neither Knuckles nor Blaze would go blabbing to the military force about Shadow's location, it was still safer to keep that bit of information hidden for now. And really, it wasn't a complete lie. It was however a problem for later.

"So Sonic. What precisely did you intend in coming to me with this story?" Blaze asked. Brows in a steep pensive look. 

"I wanted to know if you or anyone in your world has any kind of information on Mephiles. I know what's going on is tied to him somehow. Is there anything at all you can think of?"

"How do you know it's Mephiles and not the other one, Iblis? Or that combined form Solaris thing?" Knuckles asked. 

"I...just know. I don't know how but I feel so certain it's him specifically."

Blaze had fallen quiet. Making small paces in front of the rift. Deep in thought clearly. Sonic wanted to ask her what her thoughts were but also not disrupt her. Her heels clicking with each step like the seconds hand of a clock.

Some moments later she stopped and turned back to the rift. 

"Sonic, while I do not know anything about two of the monsters you speak of or anything with all this time travel or Scepter of Darkness, I certainly will have the matter looked into. The Sol Empire is vast with much history and knowledge. If anything can be found I will share it with you."

"That would be so incredible, thank you so much," Sonic sighed. Wait...two of the monsters? Just as his look became quizical she spoke again.

"Yes Sonic, two of the monsters are an unknown to me. Iblis and Solaris," she said like she was reading his mind. "However, that other one...Mephiles."

A chill visibly made her shake. 

"Do wait here please. There is something I must show you."

"O-okay," Sonic replied as she walked out of view. From the corner of his eye he spotted Knuckles handing him another bowl. Filled only with broth this time.

"You sound like you could use this," Knuckles said. 

"Thanks." 

"That...wow. is certainly some story," Knuckles began. "I. I can see now why you feel so concerned."

"Mmm. Mhm," Sonic nodded while slurping broth. 

"I can't believe something like this could have happened and then we lose our memories of it all!" Knuckles added.

"Mm! Hey that does remind me. What exactly can you remember? I know it was almost two weeks ago now but is there anything from that day that stands out to you?" Sonic asked. 

"I..." Knuckles began. Then frowned. 

"I can't remember," the Echidna sighed. Confusion and frustration blended together which surprised Sonic.

"You can't remember anything odd? It was a bit back, I don't blame you. You don't have to feel upset," Sonic said.

"I...gah. I'm sorry."

"Don't be pal."

They smiled at one another and fell silent. Until a yawn left Knuckles. 

"Oh. Shoot. Must be passed your bedtime huh?" Sonic asked.

"No idea. I sleep when I feel ready to and rise when I wish. Numbers on a clock don't dictate me," Knuckles proudly stated. A freedom Sonic respected.

"Heh, yeah. Love that....oh I should probably check in on Tails and Silver," Sonic said as he flicked his wrist. Yet as he pressed the buttons on his communicator, nothing happened. Weird. More presses still didn't amount to anything. Sonic smacked it impatiently. 

"What's wrong with this thing!?" He snapped. Still unable to get it to work. Uh oh.

"Technology, am I right?" Knuckles snickered. 

"Damnit!" Sonic cried.

"Whoa whoa hey. No need to get so angry."

"That is HILARIOUS coming from you, hot head!" Sonic growled and shook his wrist furiously. Smashing too hard on the buttons for any reaction. Yet the hologram projector produced no image and the screen remained black. 

Darn thing was fried. 

"I guess the power of the Master Emerald is too much for electronics. Or at least this one," Sonic sighed. He should have realized. He should have taken it off. 

He hoped everything was going alright back home.

Thankfully Blaze came back into view to distract him from his frustration. Holding a single paper in her hands. Frowning still as she stopped in front of the rift.

"Sonic, what I am going to say next is perhaps...infantile of me. And I suspect not useful in your search but..." 

Her lips pursed then stretched into a tight line. Brows narrowed so tightly they almost touched it. Causing her eyes to almost close completely. 

"I have seen the monster you called Mephiles before," she stated. Barely above a whisper. Like she was afraid. Or couldn't believe what she was saying herself. Perhaps even both.

Sonic could hardly believe it. 

"You have!?" He cried.

"Only once. But I have...never forgotten it," she replied. A shake scarcely detectable in her voice. Then she flipped the paper over. A child's drawing it was. A bit messy and heavy handed throughout. Yet there he was. A purple hedgehog. Crystal like objects litered his limbs and quills. Bright red sclera with ominous green irises stood out against it all. And the background was full of reds, oranges, and yellow. Fire. Completely surrounded by fire. The drawing seemed to depict Mephiles floating. Arms curled with razor sharp claws at the end of roughly created fingers. Like he was preparing to lunge. Striking with both hands.

"That's what you fought?" Knuckles asked. Feeling disturbed by it. That thing managed to destroy the world. It killed Sonic...

"Where did you..." the question died as Sonic tried to ask it. Finding himself unable to speak as he looked at the art. For a child's drawing it was simple. Not a perfect rendering and yet it gripped him. Perfectly capturing the monster. Somehow. Like a piece of the evil was inside the paper. Starring back at him. It made him shiver. 

"Yes. Looking at this gives me the same feeling. I wanted to destroy it as soon as I finished creating it. But I could not..." Blaze found herself confessing. For some reason she needed to preserve this abomination. Much as it felt like the evil must be burned away. 

"I saw this creature only once. In my dreams. It was 5 years ago, not long after my 10th birthday. I do not know why I recall this so precisely. Nor do I understand how or even why."

"That...whoa. What...what happened?" Sonic asked.

"In my dream I awoke suddenly in a foreign place. Surrounded by unfamiliar architecture and flames. No one else was around. I remember calling out but I could hardly breathe due to the smoke. Then out of the smoke...he came. Laughing at me and he pointed to me. I was...I was so scared," Blaze paused. Confessing weakness like this disturbed her. Yet she suspected Sonic understood. He must understand. He said this monster killed him! Fear was not an unreasonable reaction to something clearly that powerful. She found her strength to continue.

"I was terrified. And I ran. Or. Tried to. The entire environment was full of many obstacles. Nothing I did seemed to matter anyway. He was always right behind me. Laughing all the while. I have never forgotten that laugh." 

"Yeah. It's...it's truly evil," Sonic couldn't quite explain. Though Blaze nodded her head. Certainly understanding. Knuckles did not quite but nodded as well. Even without understanding, he grasped the concept easy enough. Those eyes were very haunting. If he truly did see that creature himself too, how could he ever forget such horrible eyes? 

Supposedly Mephiles was at least part, the power of a god. An enemy that powerful...Unlike anything they ever faced.

"That thing chased me and laughed at me until I could run no more. Then it hovered over me and actually spoke to me although it had no mouth....He said that I had nowhere left to run Princess. That soon I and all the worlds will be sacrificed to the flames. That I was powerless to stop it. And he...he said to me 'welcome home' before...I...I do not know what came after that. There was much smoke. So much I could not see nor breathe. I awoke in sobs and coughs....My parents...tried to convince me it was nothing more than a nightmare. Harmless illustrations invented by the child mind. I have always felt it though. Deep down. I know that was no mere nightmare. I have never forgotten that laugh nor those eyes. Like it truly saw me the way no nightmare creature ever could. It saw right through me to my very atoms and it wanted to destroy them all...I witnessed something evil that night. And now, I know that it is the truth," Blaze finished. Her hands shook. A single tear slowly made its way down her face. Remembering how afraid and powerless she felt against that thing. How all alone she was. It dropped from her sharp cheekbones onto the drawing. Bleeding through it. 

"That's...so scary," Sonic exhaled, having forgotten to breathe. 

"How does that help us any though?" Knuckles quietly asked.

"Wait, us?" Sonic asked.

"Listen Sonic I can't promise much but. That...Mephiles thing. I-...My sacred duty is to the Master Emerald. Something that destructive is a threat to it. I must assist in destroying it," Knuckles deflected. All the while thinking to himself about how...unusually afraid it made him feel. A being capable of decimating the world like that. Of killing Sonic in a single blow. All of it making his blood boil. Though he tried to keep it smothered as he stood there. Sonic nodded. Thankfully not pushing. 

"This is my problem...but I would appreciate the help," Sonic said.

"And what of the other one? The one you called my friend? Silver I believe you said his name was?" Blaze inquired.

"Well he's at my place right now. I didn't...I thought this might all be a bit overwhelming for him right now so I came alone," Sonic explained. 

"Very well. As stated I will have all of our records searched. Even among fantasy and folklore. The next time we speak...do please bring Silver," Blaze asked. The request surprised Sonic but he chose to not question it. Well. He was going to have to explain the existence of the princess to Silver at some point. Before he ever was surprised by her unlikely but possible appearance in this world again or mention in conversation and crushed to learn that she wasn't "his" Blaze. Oh boy. This was going to be a fun conversation. 

"Alright. Will do," Sonic said. 
 
"Is there anything else any of us can do?" Knuckles asked. 

"I...I have no idea. I don't know what I'm doing. I'm just. Hoping. Something shows up. Something that will make sense of it all. And we've got to be certain that Mephiles and Iblis are gone. Which I. Can't be so sure of with everything else that's happened," Sonic confessed. 

"This is not an unreasonable thought," Blaze commented. 

"Thanks."

"How should we next meet? Meet here at the next blue moon?" Knuckles suggested.

"While I do not know when that will be for your world, I concur. I shall also look into communicating between dimensions here as well. In case I need to contact you sooner," Blaze said. 

"Wow. Um. Thanks you guys," Sonic replied. 

"Do not fret Sonic. We will find answers. For both our sakes and our worlds."

"I hope so," Sonic muttered.

"Do please forgive me Sonic but if that is everything I must go. I have much to do still and the hour is late," Blaze spoke. Stifling a yawn by a graceful hand. 

"Y-yeah, yeah. I. I think so," Sonic said. 

"Very well. Goodnight gentlemen. Until we next meet," Blaze said with a bow. Sonic and Knuckles politely waved back.

"So how do we turn this thing off?" Knuckles asked.

"Goodbye Blaze!" Sonic called. Green enery crackled once more. Suddenly snapping the rift shut. Bright sparks faded away. The two jumped from the loud sound then looked to each other.

"Guess that's how," Sonic said. 

"I guess."

"...Knuckles? Your offer to help is generous and all but. You don't have to. Really."

Knuckles began to walk off but stopped because of Sonic's words. A glare was present on his face as he looked back to the hedgehog.

"...why are you looking at me like that?"

"Sonic! Are you serious right now!? First you collapse on my shrine and then you tell me you were killed by an evil god and now none of it ever happened but it possibly could somehow come back and you wanna stand there and act like you can handle this all alone!? Are you crazy!?" Knuckles yelled. Sonic grimaced. Clearly made uncomfortable. The way he started to shrink. Not quite all the way into a ball. But definitely approaching it. 

"For as often as you call me a knucklehead and a thick skull, it's really you who's the most stubborn," Knuckles huffed.

"...I know."

"Why do you preach so much about being reliable for us all but then try to shoulder it all yourself? Huh? Do you think we're not capable? Because in case you need a reminder Sonic, I once easily wrecked you while you were in your Super form. I'm plenty capable."

"You did that when I was 13. And you had the sneak attack advantage. Not quite the same as going toe to toe with my Super form," Sonic grumbled.

"What was that??" 

"No! It's not that I think you guys aren't capable!"

"Then you're doing it to be protective," Knuckles pressed. 

"I..."

"Face it Sonic, I've got you cornered. Admit the truth or figure out a better lie," Knuckles said with almost a smug tone to his voice. 

"Why? What's the point in making me admit or not admit to it? What's wrong with being protective?" Sonic cried.

"So I can remind you that being a protector is a sacred honor and a noble purpose. However. You have to know that there's limitations you have to respect too," Knuckles said.

"Oh like you'd ever let it go if anything happened to the Master Emerald," Sonic sassed. 

"No. I would not. But I also have learned that while one must honor their duty, one must also take care to not lose themself to it. As a way to honor themselves as well. You taught me that Sonic. It's the reason I've learned to open up more. How I've made friends. Even...family...outside of my missing tribe..." Knuckles declared. 

As he shrank lower, Sonic's eyes went further to the ground. Unable to look at the firey Echidna. 

"Honor is important but there's more to life than it. I'm not saying don't be a protector Sonic, I'm only saying don't lose yourself to it. Your self blame for what happened to Sally and your nightmares and your constant refusal to ask for help or take good care of yourself, it's all connected. And-"

"WHAT DO YOU CARE HUH!?" Sonic shouted. Unexpectedly rising to full height, his quills flaring outward in his anger. And fists tightly clenched.

"YOU CAN'T EVEN STAND ME HALF THE TIME. WHY ARE YOU LECTURING ME ABOUT IF I'M TOO PROTECTIVE OR NOT!?" 

"Cause someone has to look out for you too you stubborn 'hog! What am I supposed to do, let you burn yourself out till you drop dead?!" 

"I'M FINE KNUCKLES!"

"Yeah yeah you always say that till next thing you know the nightmares are back and you're feeling suicidal again or having a damn heart attack!" 

Rage evaporated from Sonic the instant Knuckles said that. Reminding him of that pain he had been in. Pain he didn't dare reveal to Tails. Ever. Yet in pure emotional desperation, the young teen had told his red rival of the dark thoughts in his head. The ones that plagued him throughout the day before turning into even more nightmares when he finally did sleep. His arms crossed over himself in a subconcious self soothing hug. Knuckles' own frustration subsided as well. Then stepped closer to Sonic. Although he didn't touch him.

"I'm sorry to bring that up," he said quietly. 

"I..." Sonic couldn't even think of a way to respond at all. Finding himself studying his shoes.

"I know you care about us all and that's why you do this. I know you don't want anything to happen to us. But the same can be said with us about you...I already lost my family once Sonic. I don't want to lose you too."

Then in a rare, genuine moment of physical affection between the two, Sonic pulled Knuckles into a hug. The fighter found himself briefly startled by this but took to it. Hugging him back. A deep exhale from Sonic's entire torso was felt.

"Mm sorry Knuckles," Sonic muttered. Exhaustion choosing just then to catch up with him once again. Great. What perfect timing. 

The two pulled apart. Finally meeting each other's eye. 

This kind of emotional connection really wasn't their thing. Soft words and physical touch like this was. Rather unusual to say the least. Not to say though that it never happened. Clearly tonight it was needed. With their concerns spilling out of their mouths. This wasn't their norm but tonight it was nice. 

"I know I get carried away, I don't. I don't wanna lose anyone else," Sonic mumbled. Eyelids began drooping though tears wanted to rise. Knuckles placed a hand on Sonic's shoulder. Feeling tiredness all throughout himself as well. Even stifling a yawn that tried to release itself.

"You're a good friend Sonic. When you're not being annoying that is."

"Hey."

"Heh. Got you again."

"Geez why are we being so nice tonight huh? Must be tired," Sonic lightly teased.

"Heh. Maybe." 

"You're not bad yourself though Knux. When you're not being a complete knucklehead."

"Fair enough." 

They smiled at each other. Then both let out a big yawn. Sheepish chuckles followed.

"It's getting late," Sonic said.

"Think it already is late," Knuckles replied. 

"I...should go. Thanks for your help today Knuckles." 

"Yeah...you're welcome."

"Take care Knuckles."

"Take care Sonic."

"See ya."

"Yeah. See ya...wait Sonic?"

"Yeah?"

"You should probably go see Vanilla about that chest pain. Just in case."

"....I will."

"Will you really?" 

"......no."

Unfortunately Knuckles had guessed as much. Though he didn't expect Sonic to admit to it.

"You should."

"Yeah. You're right."

"Will you?"

".....I...I'll try."

Good enough. At least for now. The two gave each other a nod. Then Sonic dashed off. Knuckles still wasn't sure how Sonic got up to Angel Island. But as he heard Sonic's thrilled laugh in the distance, he figured it must be an exciting way. 

Low embers was all that remained of the fire. Scarcely emitting any glow now. Or any warmth. Ashes lazily drifted outward as Knuckles smothered the remnants. Clouds began to roll in up above again. Turning that moonlight that had been so bright and brilliant into dim once more. Knuckles looked to it. His fists tightened. Much as he didn't want to admit it to himself, that story scared him. 

Sonic could be many things. A liar wasn't one of them. 

If Sonic said that's what happened, then Knuckles believed him.

Then there was the fact that Blaze herself had also seen that terror before herself. Even if only a dream, they were far too similar for it to be only a coincidence. 

Something was coming. He felt sure of it. 

But how does one prepare to face an enemy so godlike?

The moonlight was completely snuffed out by the darkness.

The entire Zone was covered in thick darkness when Sonic made it back to the house. Although he could hardly tell through his falling eyelids. His run home had taken way longer than it should have. No energy. Gosh a rare feeling for him. One he didn't like either but he was too tired right now to think about it. He tried to look at the time on his communicator. Oh right. Darn thing was fried. Wouldn't work. He groaned. At least there was a clock in the kitchen. But first before he let himself flop into his own bed and get the sleep he needed so much. There was something he had to do. Heavy, weary footsteps made their way up the stairs. Mentally he groaned. Trying to not be so loud. First into Silver's room he carefully pushed. 

"Silver? You okay in here?" Sonic whispered. No response came. And with it being so dark in here he honestly couldn't tell if Silver was even in here or not. Hmm. Maybe he fell asleep downstairs? Quietly he turned around. Then did the same for Shadow's room. In there it was a little easier to tell that Shadow was present, thankfully fast asleep. Hopefully he wasn't miserable. Tomorrow he'd have to hear all about how the day went without him. 

Back down the stairs he went. Silver wasn't in the living room either. That made him feel nervous but exhaustion was fighting for him. He needed to sleep. Before anything else could be done. 

He pushed the door to his own room open and was blinded by light blue light.

"Sonic!" He heard Silver's voice cry. The blue light faded and Sonic blinked away the tears.

"Sonic! You're back!" Tails also excitedly greeted him. 

"Hey bud, hey Silver," Sonic replied. Relief washing over him to know they were both here and safe.

Sonic tried to push through the exhaustion long enough for their questions. To explain to his best friend why he hadn't told him about Shadow. But he was losing that battle fast. At least those two seemed to pick up on that easily enough. Sonic encouraged Silver to stay and the three were settled quickly. Sleep almost finally winning when Silver's voice cut through once again.

"...Sonic?" 

"...yeah?" 

"Did...did you find any answers?"

Sonic turned himself some to look over Tails. Directly at the anxious hedgehog. Through it was so hard to see in this dark, Silver's eyes glowed. Capturing and reflecting any light back like the sun. Gosh he wanted to be able to comfort that anxiety so much. He wanted to be able to say anything, anything at all that might encourage him. 

But that wouldn't be the truth.

And truthfully, Sonic had no idea what he had on his hands now. Perhaps a start? Maybe? 

"I don't know."

The truth left Sonic as did his consciousness.

Hours later the sunlight pushed through the curtains trying to fill the room from the small openings. Silver found himself the first to rise. Quickly remembering what happened last night as he spotted yellow and blue near him. Tails and Sonic. That's right. He had slept here in Sonic's room last night. Was that why he felt so rested? Even in comparison to the wonderful room he had for himself? 

Sonic's room. Wow. Silver slowly took in the room. This was the first time he'd been in here. Last night he wasn't at all concerned about looking around. Now though his curiosity was sparked again. Sonic never said that Silver couldn't go into his room but the white hedgehog didn't want to be rude. Even though he was incredibly curious. What does a hero like Sonic the Hedgehog have in his bedroom? 

For one it seemed rather like the other rooms in the house. White walls and wooden floors. With shelves and a dresser placed along those walls. But unlike the shelves in his and Shadow's rooms, these ones had actually stuff on them. Like, a lot of books for start. Carefully Silver climbed out of Sonic's weirdly shaped red bed. He'd have to ask about it sometime. Hopefully this wasn't too rude of him but Silver wanted to look around.

Many, many, many books filled one and half shelves. Even without being able to read, Silver found the covers fascinating. Rarely were books ever found in a good condition in his time. Pages were burned away. Torn to pieces. Literally melted away and scattered to the winds. Finding one in a good condition always made Blaze happy though. Whenever he found one that wasn't destroyed he always handed it over to her. She was so kind, asking if he was sure if he didn't want to read it first. Always responding to her with a shrug that reading wasn't his thing. He should have been honest with her. Perhaps she could have taught him. Yet the thought made his face feel warm. Blaze was already so, SO cool. She was the stronger one between them. The one better with the other survivors even when they were hostile to her. Poised and unphased. When he was the one in a panic, she kept him calm. In a losing battle, she would always save him. Asking anything more of her felt...wrong. The world may be in ruins but Blaze deserved it all and then some.

His heart raced and his face felt even warmer. Maybe he better stop thinking about this for now. Complicated feelings lead to frustration after all.

Back to the books he found himself looking. A mass variety littered the shelf. Some books looked cartoony like that movie Tails loved. Bright colored costumes and big bold letters. Others were more subtle. Limited images with their titles. Darker colors. Hints of a more ominous story inside. While others were more obvious what the novel was about even without the ability to read. Soft colors in the background of two lovers. Embraced together. Lips locked. Romance books. Silver felt himself blush a little harder as the cat on one cover made him think of Blaze once again. Nope, not thinking of that right now.

Silver looked at every book cover. Once he had seen every cliff's edge, every pen tip, every blurred face and pair of hands that didn't quite reach each other, he moved onto the other shelf.

Maroon red shimmer caught his eye first. Something roundish and large, easily bigger than his hand. He marveled at it. Wondering if he dare pick it up even with his powers. Ultimately deciding against it. It sure was pretty though. What the heck even was it? 

Next to it he spotted a white cloth, folded neatly. It looked like one of those "wash cloths" Sonic had in the bathroom. But this looked much softer. The urge to touch it too hit. Again though he resisted. This was probably already nosey enough as is.

The third item on the shelf was another mystery to Silver. Something round and grayish. A green orb held in place by its gray sides. Was this a ring? Seemed too big to be one. But what else could it be? The green was warm and inviting. Reminding Silver exactly of Sonic's eyes. 

He started to look at other things when Tails began to stir. Quickly Silver tried to act like nothing was happening. Awkwardly standing there.

"Mmm hey Silver," Tails greeted him. 

"O-oh, h-hey."

"Mn, you okay there?"

"Me? Y-yeah yeah I'm great. How about you?" Silver asked. 

"Much better now. Really glad Sonic's home," Tails said as he looked to his big brother. Still fast asleep beside him. He smiled at the sleeping figure. A finger came up to Tails' mouth as he carefully climbed out of the bed. Then pointed to the door. Silver got the idea. Quiet. And leave the room. Which the two did. 

"Geez. I can be an early riser but Sonic is usually up before me, even when he goes to bed after me. Whatever went down yesterday much have made him exhausted," Tails observed.

"Wonder what he did," Silver commented.

"I'm sure he'll tell us after he wakes up. I wanna let him sleep for a bit longer."

"Y-yeah yeah of course."

A loud tummy rumble left the fox. He chuckled some at that.

"We shouldn't have skipped dinner last night. Sonic is gonna flip when he hears about it."

"Yeah well. Didn't feel like I could eat after all that," said Silver.

"...yeah. Me neither," Tails admitted. 

"Are you okay Tails?" 

"I think so. I think I wanna talk to Sonic about all this still. When he's awake."

"Fair enough."

Both of them looked towards the upstairs area. To the door at the top of the stairs to the right. Where Shadow was. Silver still could hardly believe what Tails said about the other hedgehog. How vicious he was. Trying to destroy the entire world. How could Sonic have such mercy on such a guy?

Then again Silver knew he absolutely could not judge. Ever. Not after his own cruelty. Falling for Mephiles' lies. Allowing himself to be twisted around his clawed fingers so easily. You're so naive Silver. 

"I hope Sonic knows what he's doing at least," Tails said with a shake of his head.

"Okay okay enough dwelling on that. Are you hungry Silver?"

"Absolutely."

"I'm not a very good cook so I think I'm just gonna make a pb&j. Does that sound good to you?"

"What's a pb&j?" 

"Oh. Right. Um. Let me show you. I bet you'll love it."

Soreness moved through ever muscle as he stirred. A yawn and a groan mixed as they left his mouth. Teary blinks eventually cleared up as Sonic finally sat up. He stretched and looked around. The other two were clearly up. Judging by the vacant bed. Mmm. What time was it anyway? He glanced to the communicator. Oh right. Still fried. Gah. At least he could smell freshly brewed coffee. Thank goodness. He needed it to cope with his heavy head this morning. 

With a slight stumble Sonic made his way out of his bedroom and into the kitchen.

"Morning Sonic!"

"Yeah! Morning Sonic!" 

Seated at the table were the white hedgehog and yellow fox. Their combined beams from their smiles made Sonic blink some. Or maybe that was just the sunlight entering the kitchen. Maybe. Who knows? 

"Silver set up the coffee pot for you so it's ready!" Tails called. Which Sonic nodded at then headed right for it. Still struggling with the ache in his head as he overheard Silver asking Tails for his uneaten bread crusts. With the perfect amount of creamer in his cup, making it not too sweet but not too bitter either, Sonic sat at the table with them. 

"Mmmm. Mmorning," Sonic finally mumbled out. 

"Did we wake you? I'm really sorry," Silver said.

"Mmmn no. Just. Hmn. Up on my own," Sonic said back. Finally sipping the warm caffeine drink he needed.

"Still don't understand how you can drink that stuff Sonic. It tastes bad no matter how much stuff you put in it and for me it makes me super tired every time," Tails commented. 

"You're 8 years old, you don't need coffee. Besides tastes change. I'm sure you'll feel differently when you're older. Especially with all the late nights you pull that you shouldn't be and try to lie to me about," Sonic scolded, made worse by his tiredness. Tails swallowed a little. 

"You're right. Sorry." 

"Mmph. Gotta be careful there pal or your brain will have trouble cooking up even a basic motor."

"Speaking of late nights, seems like you had one," interjected Silver. Followed by "ow Tails! Why did you kick me!?" 

"Mmm yeah. Sorry 'bout that. Also Tails um. Turns out my communicator is fried-"

"Seriously Sonic? Again!?" 

"Sorry. Didn't think about the fact that the Master Emerald might wreck it."

"Wait Master Emerald? You went to Angel's Island?" Tails asked. 

"Yeah. Listen, can I explain this all later? It's a long story and I'm not up for this yet," Sonic grumbled. Holding his hands over his eyes. This was going to be quite a wild tale.

"Sure Sonic, we can wait," Silver said.

"Has anyone checked on Shadow?" Sonic asked.

"Not yet. I was going to wait until after we ate to see if he was awake or needed anything," Silver commented.

"Mm. Could you go do that please?"

"No problem."

"Thanks." 

Once Silver was out of estimated earshot, Sonic leaned in.

"Tails," he started plainly. In his "we need to talk" tone. Even though Tails was expecting it, it made him feel queasy to hear it. Was he mad at him?"

"Y-yeah?"

"I know Shadow has done...some pretty bad things," Sonic began. "But he's done some good things too."

"Oh...kay?" 

"I. I'm not asking you to trust him or to forgive him for it. Okay? I'm only asking you trust me."

"I...Sonic I do but. But I don't understand why!" Tails hissed in a whisper.

Sonic didn't respond for a moment. Staring down into his coffee cup. Into the muddied reflection of light. 

"I don't feel like Shadow has been given a lot of chances to prove he can do the right thing-"

"Oh yeah well it's almost like trying to destroy the world one time is enough to get you labeled the bad guy," Tails snapped.

"-but. I've seen it multiple times now that when given the chance, he can and often does. And now he's in a lot of trouble and I...I have to help him Tails. I have to give him a chance," Sonic explained. 

"What kind of trouble?" Tails eyed suspiciously.

"It's...I don't know the full details. But it's big. That's why he's...injured the way he is."

Hearing that made the young fox's ears flatten. Sky blue eyes looked troubled like a sudden rain storm. 

"But Sonic!" 

"What pal?" 

"I...I..." Tails gripped his twin namesakes as words failed him. Fighting to get the right meaning out. 

"I do trust you! It's Shadow I don't! What if he attacks you again! Or me!? Or anyone!" He cried in a high pitched whisper. 

"I won't let him," Sonic vowed. 

"But he's...he's-!"

"Faster than me? Stronger than me?"

"....yeah."

"One, that's debatable. Two, even if it's true, I won't let him."

"How?" 

"Trust me pal."

"Is that code for I don't actually know but I'll figure it out, cross that bridge when we get there?" Tails sassed.

"....Maybe," Sonic said with a look off to his side. Classic playful moment of Sonic's. Tails couldn't help but laugh. Seeing his brother smile again and hearing him laugh made Sonic smile too. It didn't last long though. Yellow tails were embraced tighter.

"I couldn't stop thinking about it last night. I know Shadow has been hurt before. And after losing Cosmo...I think I understand his feelings. But at the same time...I...I don't get him," Tails confessed quietly.

"...I know bud," Sonic said as he reached a hand across the table. Two hands united. Much as Silver had been a comfort last night, Sonic's comfort was still superior. 

"I miss Cosmo, Sonic. I miss her a lot. But I still can't imagine doing anything like Shadow did."

Sonic rubbed his thumb against the hand he held. Remembering how once so long ago Tails' hand was completely swallowed into his palm. Now their hands were almost the same size. His heart beat faster. 

 "I know Tails. I...I know people are hard sometimes. People do good things and bad things and it's all very confusing. But, I have to help Shadow," Sonic said, balancing soft kindness and the firmness that this was happening. 

That tone. Tails knew what it meant. Stubborn Sonic had his mind made up. Darn it. 

"Do you even know what you're doing?" Tails whispered.

"I'm...trying."

"Um. I. I'm not....I don't hate him Sonic. For some reason I just can't. But I'm scared," Tails admitted. "That's why Silver was in your room last night. He heard me crying because I was frustrated." 

Hearing the word crying from Tails was more than enough to make Sonic leap from his chair. Holding his dear brother close. The fox's face snuggled against the warm smooth skin. 

"I've got you pal. No matter what," Sonic whispered into his ear. The sound like a warm breeze. Flowing right through to his heart.

"...okay," Tails finally conceded. Pulling back to look at Sonic in the eye. Purple eye bags were present under those green eyes once more. Geez when had those returned? And those Sonic smiled kindly, Tails could sense a hesitation. Not to mention see all the remaining dirt that ground its way into his knees. All across his fur. Even into his quills. Sheesh Sonic. You really just went to bed like that last night? 

"Promise me though? That you'll keep me in the loop? Not just with Shadow but this whole investigation thing and...and how you're doing?"

Sonic looked Tails directly in his eyes. Slowly raising a hand to the side of Tails' face and ever so gently rubbed it. 

"I promise."

"Okay."

"We do gotta talk about what happened at Angel's Island. I just need a bit with my coffee okay? Then we'll all talk. The four of us." 

"Okay Sonic...also you need a shower," Tails added. Making Sonic look down. 

"Aw come on. Seriously?" Sonic groaned. 

"It's in your gloves too," Tails laughed. Sonic sighed as he investigated.

"Well, laundry and a shower today, great." 

"I can start the laundry for you while you have your coffee," Tails offered.

"Would you really? You're the best bro a guy could ask for!" 

A huge smile broke across Tails' face hearing that. In a rare action for Sonic, the hedgehog removed his red and white shoes. Then slipped off the white socks he wore. Exposing his blue paws to the kitchen floor for the first time in forever. He yelped slightly at the cold feeling but adjusted quickly. Next came the stained gloves. Revealing the more humanoid hands underneath. Lacking the fur along his arms that most other males of many species had, Sonic's hands were smooth skin only. Plus the fingernails he kept short underneath. The gloves were more of a formality for Sonic. Since he didn't have the fur to keep clean there like others did. Once removed Sonic took hold of his mug again. The heat feeling much more intense without the thick cotton in the way. But it was nice. 

"You want me to wash your bedding too since you slept in it like that?" 

"That would be phenomenal of you pal."

"Alright. And I'll grab your laundry basket too."

"Nothing in there but some socks."

"Well I'll wash it all anyway."

Just as he said, the laundry basket in Sonic's room only contained a small layer of socks on the bottom. Not that Sonic didn't have other clothes. The dresser certainly had a wild mix of things that caught his fancy one time or another. But overall Sonic just didn't like to wear them much. Especially since they'd get worn out so fast whenever he ran somewhere. And with the post war life normalizing not wearing clothes, no matter who you were, there wasn't really a need for it. So the washing room in the back of the house never saw much use. Even less now that Tails moved out. Today though was finally the day. The blankets and sheets on Sonic's bed didn't appear to have gotten much dirty from the messy hedgehog at least. Off they went. Into the basket then into the washer. Sonic was working on his second cup of coffee when Tails stepped back into the kitchen.

"Thanks pal."

"No problem."

"Alright let me go check on Shadow and Silver," Sonic said under his breath. Making his way up the stairs next to where Silver was standing with his arms crossed.

"Everything okay up here?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah fine someone is just being stubborn," Silver replied.

"I told you I'm fine!" Shadow snapped. From inside the bathroom rather than his bedroom. Wordlessly Sonic looked for an explanation. 

"I went to check on him like you asked and he's all insisting he's fine and then he goes to stand up! And start walking! Says he can take himself to the bathroom no problem! Despite nearly falling several times saying otherwise," Silver grumbled.

"Aw fuck off! I proved you wrong didn't I? You do not need to stand out there waiting on me like I'm some hospital patient!"

"I don't even have to touch you Shadow! I can hold you with my powers!" Silver reminded him. 

"Don't you dare!" 

"Wow. Can't believe I missed all this," Sonic said. Guess he really got absorbed into his conversation with Tails.

"It's alright," Silver sighed.

"No it's not alright! You're just as bad as he is! All with the hovering and the concerned expressions! Gah! It's obnoxious!" Shadow cried from the other side. 

"Dude do you need some coffee or something? Or pain meds?" Sonic offered. 

"...yes," Shadow sighed. 

"To both?"

"Yeah..." 

"I'll get them for you. But will you please let Silver help you walk back to your room so you don't fall? You have got to be careful, you're really not supposed to put any weight on your leg right now," Sonic pleaded.

"....fine...and I take it black."

"You got it Shads."

 After some minutes Shadow was back in his bed. Sitting upright and holding a steaming cup of black coffee. With pain medicine now in his system and coffee finally getting there too, he sighed contently. Then looked awkwardly to the three around him.

"Sorry. I can be really cranky without my morning coffee," Shadow admitted. 

"Heh. Understandable dude," Sonic commented. 

"So...is there any reason you three are all sitting here, looking at me like this?" 

"We've got a few things we need to discuss," Sonic said. 

"Firstly. Tails. I know you asked me to not tell anyone else that you're here Shadow but. Obviously Tails knows now."

"You two, the kid, and the rabbit," Shadow pointed out. 

"I understand why you want as few people as possible to know you're here. But-"

"But I won't tell anyone that you're here. I promise," Tails cut Sonic off. An act that startled his big brother before making him smile. He smiled back before looking to Shadow again. Face falling back into a neutral expression.

"Since I'm already involved in trying to help solve this whole Mephiles mystery it'll be easier if I knew about you anyway," Tails pointed out.

"That's...okay," Shadow allowed. Not meeting the kit's eyes.

"I still don't trust you or forgive you Shadow. But I....hm. I'm willing to give you a chance," Tails said firmly.

That got Shadow to look up at him. Storms seemed to be inside those red eyes. Cloudy and wet. Their gaze wasn't locked for long before Shadow snapped his eyes shut.

"Thank you," he whispered. 

"You're welcome," Tails replied. Wondering to himself what could possibly be going on in that mind now. 

"So, are we good?" Sonic asked. Both nodded. Okay. Wonderful. He inhaled then slowly released. And turned to Silver specifically.

"What I'm gonna say next is gonna be...confusing. And maybe a little hard to hear. I'm gonna try to make this make as much sense as I can."

"Okay?" Silver asked in confusion. What could that possibly mean?

"Shadow, how familiar are you with other dimensions?" Sonic asked.

"I know they exist, more or less. That our world has occasionally had some crossover but so much of it is surrounded in mystery and theory still," Shadow replied. 

"Yeah. Well. Are you familiar with one called The Sol Dimension?"

"Yes it's the one dimension that GUN has the most information on."

"Yesterday when I took off, that's what I was trying to do. I reached out to the dimension. And the leader of the Sol Empire....Princess Blaze the Cat."

Silver gasped and his eyes went incredibly wide. 

"BLAZE!?" He cried.

"Now Silver listen to me, this is not the Blaze you knew," Sonic tried to explain.

"WHAT!? BUT!? BUT HOW?! HOW CAN IT NOT BE!?"

"Silver I already asked about it. She has no idea who you are. She has no memory of the events that happened."

Hearing that crushed Silver. He dropped to his shaking knees. Fists tightened and tears dropped to them and all around them.

"She's alive though...! She's alive! Even if she doesn't remember me," he sobbed out. Sonic watched. Unsure of what he should do here. Maybe now wasn't a good time to try to touch him. It seemed like he needed a minute. Tails however didn't think this way and moved to Silver's side. 

"I'm okay. I...wow...I..." Silver heaved.

"You knew and you didn't tell me!?" He suddenly jumped up and accused Sonic. Pointing with tears still streaming down his face.

"I didn't know for certain until yesterday!" Sonic cried. Hands held up defensively.

"Silver, listen to me. I met Blaze once before. Before I ever met you. I knew her as the Princess of the Sol Dimension. I was really confused to see her with you in the destroyed future but with everything else going on I didn't have time to question it! And she didn't seem to recognize me! So I tried to find out a way to reach across to the other dimension to talk with her if I could and see if she knew anything! If she was even there!" Sonic quickly explained. Silver's already weak anger broke once more. Crumpling like he did before. Only this time Sonic caught him. Letting him sob into his chest. 

"I don't understand any of this either," Sonic said softly into his ear. "I don't know if Blaze somehow got taken out of her dimension and then put back after the timeline was erased or how there was somehow two Blazes. I don't know Silver. I swear I'm telling you everything."

The words processed in his mind. Turning into more grief for his lost friend. Who sacrificed everything to stop Iblis. It should have been him! She should have been the one to get to sleep in a soft bed and watch fireworks and eat cookies! She didn't deserve to die like that!

"She was by my side for years Sonic! How could she be in two worlds at once!?"

"I don't know," Sonic admitted. Still holding Silver close as he knees gave out beneath him once more. Carefully Sonic helped the two of them drop to the floor. Now they sat at the foot of Shadow's bed. 

"She wants to meet you though." 

That sliced through Silver's sobs.

"She...she does?"

"Yes. When we next discuss anything she may have found, she asked for you to come next time so she can meet you."

"So maybe...there's a chance she'll remember me?" Silver asked. His eyes lighting up in hope. Which crushed Sonic internally. 

"I wouldn't get your hopes up," Sonic encouraged softly. Trying to bring Silver back down to reality. It worked. Too well. Upright white quills nearly knocked into Sonic's face as Silver hung his head.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he choked out again.

"It's okay Silver. I get it," Sonic pulled Silver into a hug this time. Letting the white hedgehog mourn.

Shadow couldn't really see what was happening by this point. View blocked from the footboard of the bed frame. Only blue and white quills sticking out were visible. But he could hear everything easily enough. 

Emotions. Something the dark hedgehog normally scoffed at. At least, on the outside. An attempt to shield himself. Snark and anger could protect him from his own feelings. Or be affected by other's. A snarky reply wanted to rise on instinct. To tell Silver off for being such a baby. People die or lose their memories all the time, it isn't all about you! 

Yet in a move that many might not recognize as an act of kindness, Shadow kept his mouth shut. 

Unable to think of anything nice to about this situation, he chose to say nothing at all. 

What nice thing could possibly be said about this situation? Sonic didn't seem like his loudmouth excited self so obviously he didn't find anything good. In fact the situation started to look more hopeless. An order of insanity for the party of the three! All of this was some kind of crazy shared hallucination! At least that's what it was beginning to feel like. 

The last sip of his coffee tasted less bitter than the truth he was swallowing. 

Silver finally calmed at least. Slowly rising back to his feet. Wiping his remaining tears. Redness in his now puffy eyes stood out against his brilliant white fur. Sonic was back to his feet too and gave him an assuring pat on the back. While Tails did the same on his other side.

"I'm sorry," Silver said awkwardly to the three of them.

"It's all good dude." 

"I think everyone here knows a thing or two about losing someone. So we get it," Tails assured him. Not seeing that as he gave a kind look to Silver, Sonic gave one of concern to him.

"Sorry. Let's get back to what you were trying to tell us," Silver mumbled. 

"You sure you're okay?" Sonic asked.

"No. I think I will be though," Silver admitted.

"Okay. Um...so where was I?"

"You reached out to the leader of the other dimension," Shadow reminded him.

"Right, thanks. So. Well um. Blaze herself didn't know anything about Solaris or Iblis but she said that she will have the empire's records looked into. Then the next blue moon we'll talk again if she's found anything."

"So you didn't really find anything," Shadow sighed. Confirming what he knew. 

"Not entirely. I did at least learn something," Sonic said.

"What's that?" Tails asked.

"We aren't the only ones to have ever met Mephiles."

Three heads snapped up to look at Sonic. Wide eyed and even jaws slightly gaped open.

"What!?" The three cried. 

"Blaze told me that when she was younger she saw Mephiles. Only once in a nightmare-"

"Oh a nightmare. Brilliant," Shadow growled. 

"It was too similar to be a coincidence Shadow. Her drawing of it was exactly the form Mephiles had when he wasn't trying to disguise himself as you. With the freaky red eyes and everything. Plus the fires everywhere," Sonic countered. 

"Dreams aren't going to help us with reality. Face it Sonic we're all going crazy." 

"What about the pain we suffered yesterday huh? Was that not real? Was that crazy of us?" Silver snapped.

"What pain?" 

"Oh Sonic it was awful. These two both started freaking out in pain. I tried to call you while it was happening but I guess you were busy. And never got my message," Tails explained.

"Y-yeah. Shadow's side and my head were both going so intensely in pain, I thought my head was gonna explode," Silver added. Much to Sonic's horror. 

"The simultaneous factor of it all is the strangest part to me," Shadow said. "Yes I was hurting before but the intensity went way up suddenly and then Silver was too. But then it stopped for both of us out of nowhere."

"This was yesterday?" Sonic quietly asked. A hand faintly pressing against his own chest. 

"Yeah. Not long after I showed up," Tails said. 

"Are you okay Sonic?" He added noticing the concern crossing Sonic's face.

"I...the same thing happened to me yesterday," Sonic whispered. 

"What!?" Tails and Silver cried together.

"Yeah I. I was on Angel's Island when there was this pain in my chest. It was so awful. I...I actually passed out from the pain," Sonic admitted. Even Shadow's eyes widened at that. Tails let out some kind of shriek before messing with his communicator. 

"What are you doing bud?"

"Calling Vanilla! This is officially too weird and you three need to be looked at!" Tails cried. But Sonic threw his hand between Tails and the wrist device. 

"Hey hey. There's not anything she can do for us right now that's worth calling her over here."

"But Sonic!"

"Vanilla will be back over later today. We can talk to her about it then. Let's not rush her over here for something that already happened and for all we know won't happen again. Okay?" 

"...fine."

"Thanks pal. We will talk to her, okay?" 

"Alright alright fine," Tails grumbled. Darn it Sonic. Why do you have to be so stubborn and so difficult when taking care of yourself? 

"Okay."

"So let me see if I understand this correctly. We have no answers as to any of this. All we have are a couple of matching memories that no one else has, a nightmare, and one unexplained shared pain experience that could just be a coincidence," Shadow grumbled.

"...yeah pretty much," Sonic shrugged.

"Fucking hell," Shadow sighed. To which Sonic shrieked and covered Tails' ears.

"Hey not in front of the kid!" He hissed.

"I already know all the swears Sonic," Tails said in annoyance.

"What!? Where?"

"From YOU," Tails said as he pushed Sonic's hands away. "When you talk to yourself or are miserable you can swear so much." 

"...oh."

"And don't baby me!" Tails cried.

"You're right. Sorry Tails."

"Hmph. Fine I forgive you," Tails grumbled but pushed himself against Sonic anyway. Sneaking a worried arm around the hedgehog. Trying to not seem too scared.  

"Don't get so discouraged Shadow. We'll figure it out. We'll see what...what Blaze says. And keep going," Silver spoke up. 

"Right on Silver," Sonic said with a smile. Shadow shrugged.

"I guess," he muttered. 

"You okay Shads?" Sonic asked.

"Mmm. Got a lot on my mind is all. Is that everything?" 

"Think so." 

"Okay."

"Yeah. We'll uh. We'll give you some space."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. Let's go guys," Sonic said. The three now vacated the room. Leaving Shadow to sit with his thoughts. 

"Oh hey sounds like the washer is done," Tails said. The fox squeezed through to the front. Following the sound that made his ears flick. Back down stairs Sonic and Silver walked. The white hedgehog's head still noticeably hanging low. At the bottom of the stairs Sonic put a hand on Silver's shoulder.

"Hey. Are you sure you're okay?"

"N-not really. I'm not mad at you though. This whole thing is. Is. It's so unfair. You know?" Silver stuttered.

"Yeah. It is."

"I feel like...like it should have been me. Not her," Silver confessed. "I tried to seal Iblis within myself but it rejected me. But took her. It isn't fair."

"Did you love Blaze?" Sonic unexpectedly asked. Making Silver jump slightly. With blush hinting at his pale cheeks.

"Um. I'm not. I. Mmm. Not. Really. Sure," he carefully spoke. 

"I mean...I care about her of course. And that's a big part of love right? A-and she's sooo beautiful. Easily the most beautiful person I ever met. But a-at the the same time. I. I don't really know? She's also the only real friend I ever had y-you know? I never got as close with any of the other survivors. S-so I'm not really sure. Do I love her? Do I think of her like family? I don't know. And I never asked. I. I didn't. I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, you know?" 

"Yeah I get it Silver. Sorry. Wasn't trying to put you on the spot like that."

"It's okay. Only thing I really know is Blaze is my friend. No matter what. And I miss her so much."

"Yeah. But hey," Sonic grabbed Silver's hands into his.

"No matter what is going on with this whole situation, you're gonna live. You're gonna live life to the fullest. And you're probably gonna still miss her throughout it and wish she was here by your side but you find things to live for. Even through all the guilt and pain, you living a beautiful life will make it worth it to her."

Tears returned to Silver's eyes. Fingers that were locked into Sonic's trembled.

"How do you know this?" He asked, his voice shaking. Though Sonic kept a firm grip on Silver's hands, his eyes slowly shut and he turned away. 

"Some things you just have to learn from experience," Sonic vaguely muttered. Before Silver could ask further, Tails walked back into the living room. 

"Alright you'll have some fresh bedding here soon-oh. Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt." 

"You didn't pal," Sonic said. Letting go of Silver's hands and turning back to the fox.

"Sooo what's the plan for today?" Tails asked.

"Well to be honest after everything yesterday, I kinda wanna take today and just hang. My head sure could use a break. Take it slow and easy today," Sonic replied.

"What!? Take it slow and easy!? Who are you and what have you done with Sonic?" Tails teased. 

"Aw come on pal. You know I really do like to slow down sometimes. Just don't talk about it much. You know, got a reputation to protect and all," Sonic lightly joked back with a wink. 

"Yeah I know I know. Just giving you a hard time," Tails chuckled. 

"Heh. Okay."

"And maybe also take a shower. Since you're such a mess."

"Aw rude bud. You wound me."

"That sounds really nice actually," Silver commented. Gaining him smiles from both the fox and the hedgehog. 

"Sure thing. Maybe we could watch a movie while I fix Sonic's communicator?" Tails suggested.

"Sounds good to me. And did I ever tell you you're a life saver?" Sonic grinned.

"You know it!"

"Yeah. Maybe afterwards we can call Vanilla, see if she's able to come over today. I know she wants him to get some X-rays to double check on his healing. Need to talk to her about when we should do that," Sonic explained. 

"Good idea. In the meantime though, I vote Plane and Simple!" Tails cried. 

"You always pick that," Sonic teased.

"Pleeeeeease Sonic?" 

"Yeah please? I liked it a lot actually," Silver said.

"Well if you two insist," Sonic sighed dramatically. Bringing cheers from the younger two. 

"But next time I get to pick!" Sonic added.

"Watch out Silver, he's gonna pick Chao in Space," Tails chuckled. 

"Aw don't diss Chao in Space! It's a classic!" Sonic cried.

"It's a disgrace to the field of science."

"It's called science FICTION pal, it's not meant to be factual."

"Yeah well it's no favorite of mine." 

"Well then maybe I'll watch it with Silver and Shadow so you don't have to."

"That sounds good to me Sonic!" Silver cried.

"Yeah? Well then next time."

"Alright Sonic hand over your communicator, I'll have this fixed in no time."

"Classic Tails. Thank you."

While the three of them sat down to begin the movie, Sonic's eyes went back once more up to Shadow. Hopefully he was doing alright up there. And would he actually like Chao in Space? 

In his room, Shadow was slowly reading through one of the books Sonic had left for him. The crime mystery felt unappealing right now but at the same time he needed to distract his mind. The thoughts and confusion was giving him a headache. So into the words he buried himself. For now. Besides. Not like there was much he could do in the meantime. Nothing but wait. Gah. Frustrating as that was. Hopefully there would be an answer soon. A sign, a hint, anything. 

"Maria...if you can. Please.." he found himself whispering aloud.

Lost in his thoughts, Shadow was completely unaware of the figure moving just outside his open window.

Chapter Text

When the credits rolled on Plane and Simple some approximately 90 minutes later, Sonic stood up eagerly. Yawning and stretching. 

"Alright, now what?" He asked the crew around them. 

"Mmm I'm pretty hungry Sonic. Can we have lunch?" Tails asked.

"Sure thing pal, anything sound good?"

"Mmm. Grilled cheese and tomato soup?"

"No problem."

"I didn't think there could be so many different kinds of food but there is! Will I ever be able to try it all?" Silver asked.

"Oh man I have no idea. I've been all around the world and I still haven't tried it all," Sonic replied.

"Hey, maybe we should take Silver and Shadow to a food festival some time!" Tails eagerly suggested. 

"Silver and Shadow?" Sonic asked, giving Tails a curious eye. The fox looked away for a moment. A slight tinge of red to his cheeks.

"Yeah. Both of them. They might enjoy the experience," Tails replied quietly. A soft hand came to his shoulder. Rarely did Sonic touch Tails without his gloves on because of the habit of wearing them. This was nice though. Warm and soft. Fingers easily pushing through the fur to settle comfortably atop the joint. Giving it a small but soothing rub too.

"That's a great suggestion Tails. I think we totally should," Sonic said warmly. Bringing a big grin to Tails' face. It felt a touch weird in retrospect thinking to say Shadow too. But in the moment it felt right. And Sonic had been right. Maybe Shadow just needed a chance. After all, Knuckles had been an enemy once and now he was one of their best friends. Silver too from Sonic's story had also been against him. Yet he turned out to be a really nice guy. So it was decided. Even if it felt a little strange. Tails would give Shadow the chance. 

But if he messed up, boy was he gonna-

"What's a food festival?" Silver asked.

"Oh buddy it's this awesome thing where people from all over gather and try out different kinds of food!" Sonic cried. Those words making Silver light up. His tail wagged eagerly.

"That's a thing!? Oh wow oh my gosh! We gotta go!" 

"Well we'll have to see. But it does sound pretty great. Heh. Maybe when this is all over, before we send ya back home," Sonic said.

"Oh. Right. Home..." Silver said quietly. The train of thought stopped before it could begin though as he watched in curiosity what Sonic was doing. A can was opened, pouring out this red stuff. Then Sonic poured this "milk" stuff into the can and then into the pot. Weird. What was that for? 

"How did you learn how to cook Sonic?" Silver found himself asking as he watched. 

"Ha uh...mostly by myself. Had to figure it out I could feed Tails and myself. Vanilla has taught me a lot too though," replied Sonic.

"Wow. Vanilla seems really nice."

"She is," Sonic nodded.

"Is she kinda...like your mom?" Silver asked. 

"Heh. No she's not my mom but I think she wishes she was," Sonic said. Eyelids half closed in a content way as he stirred the soup.

"What makes you say that?" 

"Well she's always so, so nice to me. Always trying to offer anything she can. At first I thought it was just gratitude for saving her life but no. I think she found out I don't have parents same as Tails and thought she should step up for us best as she can."

"Wait you don't have parents either?" Silver asked. Sure Sonic had mentioned Tails being an orphan but...

"Yep. On my own from the get go. Whatever folks I did have probably died off in the war. Happened to most of us," Sonic shrugged. His tone was light. Indicating a sense of unbothered. Yet his shoulders slacked. Eyes looked more downward than they had been. Even his smile seemed forced. Like something was weighing it down. 

"Oh...do you. Do you wish she was? ...darn it Silver! Nosey! Stop that!" Silver shouted to himself.

"It's. It's fine man. Don't stress it," Sonic said flatly. The smile now gone. Replaced entirely by a frown. 

"I...I don't know. Yeah she's kind and all but accepting anything from her when she already has so much else to deal with...feels wrong," Sonic admitted. Quietly. Almost as if he were speaking more to himself.

"Is this a I don't share my problems thing?" Silver whispered. Remembering what he had said in Soleanna. Earning a shrug from Sonic.

"I guess."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Hey Sonic need any help?" Tails offered as he returned from the bathroom. Both hedgehogs jumped but calmed soon after.

"No I'm good thanks. Be ready soon!" 

The moment was gone. A smile was back on Sonic's face. Yet it felt the same as before. Forced. And Silver felt it wouldn't be wise to push the issue.

So instead he reminded himself of the vow he made. Somehow this kindness would be repayed. All of it.

While Sonic moved to start grilling the cheese sandwiches, Silver moved over to Tails.

"Hey Tails, do you know anything about this war that happened?" 

"Oh that? Well. It's hard to say. Nobody seems to really know what happened. Just that one day a whole bunch of bombs went off all around various Mobian territories. People accused the humans of doing it but the humans say the Mobians did it to ourselves as an excuse to attack. Either way, it was awful. Lots died on either side. Till finally a truce got called I guess. I think that's all anyone really knows for sure."

"That's horrible. Why would anyone do such a thing when this would, this life you get to live, is so beautiful?" Silver asked in horror.

"I don't know...I don't understand people most of the time as it. But especially stuff like this. I just don't understand it," Tails sighed. 

"People get caught up in dumb things. Pride. Stubbornness. A belief they're right. Rage. It could be any reason Tails. You don't have to feel bad for not getting it. I think most of us most of the time don't get it either," Sonic called from over by the stove. Eyes kept firmly on the food. Yet in his voice that carried over the distance, it felt bogged down by weight. 

"Y-yeah. I've seen a lot of. Um. Fighting. And turning on each other. When. W-when we should have been all helping one another. Y-you know? And it was stupid. Cause if they had just asked, we would have helped them. But they attacked us so we had to stop them. It was the worst feeling," Silver sighed then gritted his teeth. It disturbed him that this wasn't an apocalypse only problem. Yet another constant in life. No matter the times. All the more reminding him of something he heard another survivor say one time. People will be people. Be they human or mobian. Guess this was the kind of thing that applied to. 

"That's awful. I wish they hadn't done that," said Tails. 

"Me neither."

"So Silver do you have any family? Kinda got the feeling it's just you and Blaze but-?" Sonic began.

"No you're right. Just me and Blaze. I mean, when I was really little I was part of a survivor's group before I met her. And they all helped me. Guess we were kinda like a family. But then everyone died and I was the only one left. And that's just how my life stayed. Always moving on to different groups for as long as I could. Being alone for long stretches at a time. Until I met Blaze. Then it became the two of us versus the world," Silver sighed. Faint blush touched his cheeks thinking about it. How he met her as a young child one day. When she saved his life out in the dark burning environment from some decrepit beast. The fire that burned all around her made her glow like an angel. For someone who wielded fire, she was the coolest person he ever met. She was brave, she was strong, she had a good control over her emotions. All things he lacked. All things he wished he could be. And he tried to be for her. For himself. Now, he wanted to be these things for Sonic and Tails and Shadow. 

"Well bud. Can't say for sure what's going to happen next but. You won't be alone anymore," Sonic smiled warmly as he placed a plate of freshly grilled cheese sandwiches down on the table. Strong tears pushed to fall from Silver's eyes.

"Oh wow yum thank you Sonic," Tails said. Jumping into his chair then patting the seat beside him. Encouraging Silver to sit too. But Silver was caught up in his emotions for the moment. Looking at the meal and replaying Sonic's words in his head. Sonic didn't notice as he put bowls on the table then a bowl and plate onto a tray.

"Gonna go take this one up to Shadow really quickly, be right-"

"Sonic?"

"Yeah?" 

"Th-thank you," Silver gasped out. Sonic stood there with a tray in his hands, his eyelids half closing as a smile grew on his face.

"No problem Silver."

Then he was gone. Headed for the stairs. And Silver slowly sank into the chair beside Tails. 

"You okay?" The fox quietly asked.

"Y-yeah, yeah. Just. Feels good to hear that. You know?" 

"Yeah. Sonic's great at making you feel so safe," Tails replied, speaking from experience.

"You're really lucky to have him for a brother," Silver said.

"Yeah I know. I'm really thankful for him. I don't know what I'd ever do if I lost him." 

While the conversation shifted away from this topic as Silver and Tails ate together, Tails still found himself eyeing Shadow's room. Sonic had gone up there and closed the door. No suprise there. But still. Uneasiness remained in the lower regions of his gut. Not just because of Shadow. In he took a careful breath then slowly released. Shadow alone wasn't the problem. No it was the thought of losing Sonic that now worries him. Whether from Shadow or any other threat. Or because Sonic was too reckless. Putting others over himself once again. Would it cost him everything? Losing his parents didn't hurt as much since he could barely remember them. But losing Sonic? That would be devastating. Especially after losing Cosmo. That fresh hurt feeling so prominent in his chest and mind. If that feeling was hell, then what kind of suffering would losing Sonic be?

Not one he wanted to know.

"Maybe you should live with Vanilla. If she can take you. You'd be better off with her than you would be me that's for sure."

"But Sonic?"

"She's a good mom. A real mom! And you deserve that, you deserve a real family! I can't give you that..."

"But I've got a real family!"

"...what do ya mean squirt?"

"Well, a family is just people who care about each other more than anyone else, right?"

"...I suppose."

"You're it Sonic! You're my mom! You're my dad! And you're my picket fence!" 

The memory of his younger self speaking with the younger Sonic rang out in his mind. Audibly and visually it was still as fresh as the day it happened. When had it happened? Gosh had to be...maybe two years ago? Hmm. Sounded about right. Had to be around the time they left Knothole Forest. More or less. Tails didn't quite remember. He did however remember the look in Sonic's eyes. Like he was trying so hard to not cry. A thunderstorm forced them to hole up in some random cave. Without any food or stuff for a fire. It was freezing and they were clinging together. A small flashlight was all they had for light. That's when Sonic started randomly talking about family. Perhaps in an effort to distract the kit from the horrible lightening that stormed outside. Suddenly suggesting that he take Tails to go live with Vanilla. Yet when Tails countered, calling Sonic his family, Sonic's eyes shut. And he pulled Tails even closer. 

"I love you little bro."

"And I love you Sonic. We're gonna stick together, no matter what right?"

"...of course."

"Sonic, what's wrong?"

"I...I just wish I could give you so much more."

"What do you mean?"

In hindsight Tails grasped what Sonic likely meant. How he wanted to give him more than this cold cave with an empty belly. But perhaps the look on his face frightened Sonic. Somehow tipping him off that he needed to be strong right now. Tails was just a kid. This wasn't his problem. The look of grave concern on Sonic's face jarringly shifted into a playful grin.

"Like giving you more noogies!"

"Hahaha! Nooo! Sonic stoooop!"

"Never!"

The topic had been dropped after that. Sonic never really suggesting it again. Yet Tails couldn't help but wonder if the thought cropped up in his mind. Returning like a weed.

He hoped that if it did, that Sonic would always stamp it out. 

"Shadow, are you hungry?" Sonic had asked before stepping into the room. Armed with nothing but his tray of food. On guard for more of Shadow's hostility. 

The Ultimate Lifeform glanced up. Then shrugged.

"I could eat," he said.

"Well here. Grilled cheese and tomato soup."

"Oh..."

"What's up? Don't like it? Cause I mean I can get you something else-"

"No, actually. This is great. I. I simply haven't had this in...a very long time," Shadow explained. Eyeing the tray almost with hesitance. 

"Oh okay. Well. Hope you like it then."

With the tray sat over his lap, Shadow picked up a sandwich half. Warm gooey cheese filled his mouth. A hum of pleasure left him. Gosh it had been too long since he last had one of these. A simple meal made for Maria's more sensitive palette. She couldn't wait to try the more complex foods of earth. But for now she was happy at least with simple, childhood comfort foods. And Shadow was very happy to eat these kinds of foods too. Relishing in the happy memories. 

Of course it couldn't last though.

Thinking on happy memories brought back painful ones. 

Then there was the reminder about the state of his memories. Of the fact that none of it...

Shadow jumped that train of thought. Because that was a whole different mess that he couldn't handle right. He needed to think of literally anything else right now.

"Sonic?"

"Yeah?"

"Is the rabbit going to be coming by again today?"

"Possibly. She couldn't leave her kids yesterday but today might be different. Why do you ask?"

"...how much do you really trust her?" Shadow asked in a very hushed tone. Almost too low for Sonic to even hear.

"With all my heart Shads," Sonic vowed. 

Yet this seemed to do very little for the dark hedgehog.

"You don't know what GUN is capable of. The lengths they'll go to. You shouldn't have involved her."

"Well Chaos Shadow, what was I supposed to do!? You needed medical attention! She's a doctor! I trust her! Can you please trust in me for once!?" Sonic replied, restraining his voice to keep from yelling. Interestingly Shadow's ears flattened. He sighed and his red eyes looked to the ground.

"I can't," he said. "And I don't want anyone being hurt because of me."

"You really think they'd do that? Just to find you?" Sonic asked. 

"Yes," Shadow replied. Instantly and firmly.

"What did you do Shadow?" Sonic found himself asking once again. Fear all too apparent in his voice. And if he had to guess, the darn hero wasn't worried for himself. 

"I..." Shadow stopped himself. The voice in his head reminding him once again. Repeating like a broken record. The futility of it all. The inevitability of it all. Failure. Betrayal. Why fight at all? Shadow shook his head and didn't look back to Sonic.

"I found something I shouldn't have. That's all I'll say."

"That's what you said last time."

"And that's all I'll say," Shadow remained adamant on. "It's better this way." 

"Seems like a bit of a steep price for snooping," Sonic argued. 

"The Commander is not one to cross."

"Sure. But still. Destroying half of your body like that. What are they trying to do, kill you!?" 

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. I don't know really. All I know is I can't be caught," Shadow confessed. He finally dared to look back up to Sonic. Standing there with his arms crossed and a strong frown on his face. 

"What?" He growled at the blue hedgehog.

"I could help you more if you'd let me," Sonic insisted.

Here we go again.

"No. It's my fight and I'm strong enough to handle it."

Strangely enough Sonic didn't argue this time. Though he expected his rival to stand up to him as he had before. Determined and stubborn and insisting. Their wills clashing like they always have. But no. This time Sonic sighed deeply. An uncovered hand grasping at his chest for a moment. Head hung low. The green of his eyes seemed dimmer when he looked to Shadow once again.

Defeated.

That's the word Shadow would use to describe it.

"Okay Shadow," Sonic sighed. "Will you at least let Vanilla look at you without screaming at her this time?"

"Fine. I will," Shadow caved.

"Okay. I'll go call her then. See if she'll come by then."

Sonic left the room. Leaving Shadow with an odd gut feeling. Sure on the one hand it was nice that he hadn't argued with him this time. But on the other, it was strange that he hadn't. What was going on inside that mind?

Beeps lead to ringing. And waiting. Very impatiently as the projection illuminated the hallway. Thankfully Vanilla answered quickly. She always answered quickly.

"Hello?"

"Hey Vanilla."

"Sonic! Oh goodness hello dear. Is everything well?"

"Yeah I guess. I just was trying to find out if you were gonna come by to check on Shadow again?" 

"Yes that is my intention. I will be over in approximately a a half an hour. Unless you feel sooner is necessary?"

"No that's fine. Thanks Vanilla."

"Anytime dear." 

He hung up just in time to avoid her hearing the groan that he couldn't hold back from escaping. Sharp pain pulsated his chest again. It had been there before now. Knocking against his ribs in a dull thud. But while he was talking to Shadow it had magnified. And getting worse. 

Gripping the edgerail tightly, Sonic's knuckles and vision were turning white. 

"Are you okay?" came a voice to his side. Panicked, Sonic turned. Silver stood there, his fear not at all hidden. 

"I'm fine Silver," Sonic gasped out.

"Doesn't look fine to me. You're hurting," Silver flatly responded. 

"N-nothing I can't handle, okay?"

"Sonic, let me help you!"

"No! It's-gah. It's fine. Not like you could do anything anyways."

"Then let's ask Vanilla about it."

"I will, I will," Sonic grumbled. 

"Will you really?" Silver eyed him suspiciously.

"Yes. This hurts."

Narrowed eyes softened hearing that. Silver's stance changed back into one of concern. Unsure of himself, he moved with hesitation. Mimicking the comforting motion of a hand clasping Sonic's shoulder. Giving it an encouraging squeeze too. Sonic finally looked up to him. His expression twisted Silver's heart. The look was of pain and his skin looked pale. Sweat even dropped from his forehead.

"Do you have a fever?" Silver asked.

"Don't think so. Why?" Sonic asked back.

"You look awful. No offense. Same as whenever anyone developed a fever...you know. Before." 

"Oh. I. No I don't think so...you're not hurting right?"

"Me? No, I feel good. Why?" asked Silver.

"It's. Just kinda weird. How we all hurt yesterday at the same time, miles apart. But now I think it's just me," Sonic explained.

"Huh. You're right. I feel fine and Shadow, I'm guessing, is also fine. Weird."

"Very," Sonic sighed. All at once however his pain disappeared. Making him jump back from the railing some. Fingers carefully pressed into his chest as he pondered. 

"That's...really weird," he commented.

"What?"

"The pain is gone now."

"You don't have to lie to me Sonic."

"No I'm serious! It's just gone!"

"Whaaat." 

The two hedgehogs looked to one another in utter confusion. But it was the truth. Like a miracle the pain had ceased. Breathing came to him much easier now. It was even obvious on Sonic's face, no longer scrunched up in misery.

"How on earth..." Sonic muttered.

"Hey Sonic, do you think that. Like. Um. All of this? Is? Connected somehow?" Silver asked.

"I don't know...might explain it but..." Sonic pondered. "I'm...I'm gonna check on the dryer real quick. We'll. Ugh. We'll see what Vanilla says when she gets here."

"Okay."

Not longer after Tails opened the door for Vanilla the Rabbit.

"Why hello Miles! I did not expect to see you here!" She greeted him. Resulting in a nervous laugh from Tails. Unsure if he should try to correct her regarding his name or not. It still felt weird to be called by his real name. Even though Tails was a nickname, it felt more right. After Sonic had gotten him comfortable with the idea of embracing what made him unique. Perhaps he was making a face or something because Vanilla suddenly corrected herself.

"My apologies, you prefer to be called Tails. That is all I should call you. I do not understand why this slips my mind so frequently." 

"O-oh. Um. Well it's no big deal Mrs. Vanilla. But I appreciate it," Tails said with a smile. 

"Of course dear. Now, is my patient ready for me?" 

"Ready as I'm sure he'll ever be," Tails said as he stepped aside for her. Allowing the rabbit into the home once more. 

"Hi Vanilla," Sonic said. Jumping up from the couch to greet her.

"Hello dear, I-oh goodness. You are in need of a shower Sonic," she cried eyeing how dirty his fur was. And that he was without gloves or shoes.

"Yeah I know, I was waiting for you though. After you're done with the checkup and all," Sonic shrugged.

"I see," she said. Not entirely thrilled by that comment but letting it slide.

"He said he'll be nicer today. And he better be," Sonic added in a low voice. Frustration still heard on the tip of his tongue.

"I can handle a difficult patient Sonic. But thank you. Now I must go see him," she replied kindly. 

With a knock on his door and a rough call from the other side, Vanilla once again stepped into Shadow's room. Nothing appeared to have changed except he was sitting upright in his bed.

"Hello again Shadow."

"...hello."

"I would like to check on you if I may."

"...you may."

"Wonderful. And if I may, I do apologize for upsetting you during our last check up. I assure you I meant no harm in anything I said or did," she stated.

Seriously? He was the one yelling at her and she was apologizing? Please. She's just as bad as that faker. No wonder he trusts her. Geez. He huffed.

"Is something the matter?"

Yes. This entire situation! The whole damn world! There is a lot that's the matter! But rather than answering like that Shadow shook his head.

"It's nothing." 

"Oh...very well then."

The checkup went relatively without issue. He sat patiently while she used various tools from her gray medicine bag. Oxygen. Heart rate. Temperature. Reflexes on his uninjured limbs. Other things that Shadow wasn't entirely sure what were. The rabbit at least seemed pleased. 

"Have you been being rotated Shadow? Either on your own or with assistance?"

"Yes. The blue pest makes sure of it." 

"Good. It is really at my assistance that he ensures it. A bed sore can be rather damaging."

"Hmph."

Then she moved onto examining his side. A thin tight line became her lips as the examination revealed something discouraging. The signs of infection had yet to improve. They weren't worsening at least. But this was not a good thing at all. Furthermore the sutures themselves didn't seem to be healing. They were holding well but skin heals quickly. Yet these looked exactly the same as the day they went in. Hmm...

"Shadow, has your side been continued to be cleaned and disinfected?"

"Yes. Sonic makes sure of it. Three times a day and probably more if I would let him," he growled in response.

"Strange. Have you damaged it more?"

"What? How?"

"Like perhaps straining yourself trying to stand or laying on it?"

"No. Why?"

"Your wound does not appear to be any different. Granted it has only been two days but it seems rather odd to me." 

"I am the Ultimate Lifeform. My healing factors should be greater than that of anyone," Shadow snapped.

"Yes. However the facts here cannot be denied," Vanilla replied plainly. Making Shadow huff. 

"Perhaps you're just misunderstanding what you're seeing, Doctor."

"Now Shadow. I understand you are unhappy with the situation but you do not need to insult me," Vanilla sighed and pressed the chemical coated rag into his side. He sucked in sharply through his teeth.

"You did that on purpose," he snapped.

"That is simply not true. Doing harm to a patient violates my oath. It is one I still believe in with all my heart," Vanilla promised. Frowning at the fact that his side was still so sensitive.

"However. I am sorry that this stung. I did not think it would still."

Now Shadow went quiet. Looking quiet pensive. An expression Vanilla caught in the corner of her eye while she finished cleaning him. 

"There is...perhaps something that happened," he suddenly spoke up.

"Oh? What was that?" She asked.

"I...hm...Yesterday. I experienced a strange pain sensation. Unlike anything I've ever felt before. Even with this wound," he said quietly.

"Strange pain sensation?"

"Yes. There was a sudden increase of pain. More intense. Out of nowhere. Blinding."

"Oh my."

"It felt so sharp, like something was digging into me. For several moments it was incredibly overwhelming. Then it suddenly ceased and I haven't felt it since." 

"That is...very unusual," Vanilla agreed.

"I don't know what to make of it," Shadow admitted.

"Well. I am afraid pain flares are not unheard of. For any seemingly random reason," she carefully stated. "Was there anything else about it? Anything that happened prior to that might explain why it happened?"

"There was..." Shadow hesitated. Those fiercesome red eyes of his turned downward. Was he embarrassed? Unsure of himself? She waited patiently for whatever he would say next.

"This is going to sound crazy," he sighed. 

"I have worked many years in the medical field Shadow even through wartimes. I am rarely surprised anymore," she said.

"My pain...occurred simultaneously with pain that Sonic and Silver also experienced. All in different parts of our bodies," Shadow slowly stated. 

Slowly Vanilla blinked. Mentally repeating the statement she just heard. What? That could not be right. Could it? No. There was no way. Yet...

"I seem to have surprised you," Shadow commented. With the smallest hint of a chuckle to his tone.

"You are being serious with me, yes?" Vanilla pushed lightly. A joke did not seem like Shadow. But she had to be sure.

"I'm fully serious. It was the worst pain I've ever experienced, made stranger still by the fact that Silver and Sonic both also experienced it and it suddenly stopping all at once."

"That...I...yes Shadow, you have surprised me," she conceded. 

"So you have no idea what to make that then, Doctor?"

"No. I am afraid not..."

"Hmph. Alright then."

At a loss for words, Vanilla began to look over his casted arm and leg. Trying to think over that certainly strange experience he described while also checking on the broken bones.

"I have no idea what to say regarding that pain. For the time being, unless it should happen again, I may be forced to call it a coincidence," she sighed.

"Hmph. Fine."

"As for your bones. Well. From what I can tell right now they seem to be healing well. However due to your circumstances I did place you in a cast without proper X-rays. I do need to ensure that you are healing properly."

"What do you want then?"

 "I cannot do it today however tomorrow I want you at my old clinic. We will take your casts off and do an x-ray. Then I will recast you."

"How many others will be at your clinic?" Shadow asked suspiciously. 

"I...well it will be a work day so who is to say?"

"I can't go."

"What?" 

"I can't be seen Doctor."

"What do you mean Shadow?"

"...even just by being here everyone near me is in danger. A clinic means more people. More people who either will be in trouble themselves or put me in trouble by revealing my location," Shadow explained. Shocking Vanilla. 

"Shadow, no one is going to harm you or anyone," she tried to encourage him.

"That's not true. They've already hurt me once. They won't stop until they finish the job. And no one can stand in their way," he lowly warned her. Her heart sped up. What he was saying sounded ridiculous! Like he was describing an assassination plot! Against him!? And anyone who helped him. Fear began its old tricks once more. Biting down into her. Beginning to make her doubt. Clouding her judgment. Vanilla caught herself however. Taking in deep breaths with slow releases. Anxiety will not control her. Shadow seemed ever so curious as he watched this play out. 

"There is a back door. We can wheel you in through the back into the x-ray room. Exposure to others will be minimal that way," she suggested. 

"I can't," Shadow countered. 

"Shadow, I did my best to ensure that your bones were aligned but for your health I must know for certain. If your bones are not aligned right then they will not heal right. It could permanently affect your ability to use your limbs, surely you know this," Vanilla pleaded. 

Unfortunately she was right about this. Resulting in a long sigh from Shadow. Which told her he knew this too. 

"Between Sonic, Silver, Tails, and myself, I am certain we can keep you safe," she added softly.

Safe.

...safe....

When was the last time he truly felt safe?

...he couldn't say. 

Even now with Sonic's efforts to hide him and help him, Shadow didn't feel truly safe.

It was strange. How even for someone as powerful as he, as fast as he, trouble always seemed to be one step right behind him.

"....very well. I...don't trust that any of you will be able to really keep me safe. But I'll allow you to try," he relented. A careful exhale left Vanilla. Thank everything. 

"We will do our best for you Shadow. You have my word."

"Hmph. Words don't mean much Doctor. Actions are what counts."

"Then tomorrow our actions will prove it," Vanilla said while packing away the supplies she brought. 

"We'll see," he muttered. Chaos why was he agreeing to this at all?

"Until tomorrow then Shadow. Goodbye," she said. Then quietly left the room. Allowing Shadow the solitude to think.

From the top of the stairs Vanilla spied Sonic sitting on the couch. Reading a book of some kind. As if he felt her eyes upon him, he looked up. Then jumped to the bottom of the stairs. Patiently waiting for her descent. 

"Sonic, I think we have waited long enough. Tomorrow I want Shadow to come to my old clinic for x-rays on his limbs."

"Got it," he nodded eagerly.

"He seems...very concerned about not being seen," she worded carefully. "There is a back door. I told him we will wheel him in through it to get to the room."

"Okay...question. How do I wheel Shadow in, I don't have a wheelchair," Sonic asked.

"I can pick you boys up and bring one from the clinic."

"Alright. Done," Sonic agreed. 

"Also, please be certain to keep on top of the cleaning of his side wound. It does not appear to be healing like it should," she added.

"Huh. Weird. But you got it."

"Do you have any other questions for me Sonic? Anything I can do before I leave?" She carefully asked. The words Shadow said previously ringing out in her mind. Leading to a concerned expression naturally falling on her face as she looked to him. Making him twitch uncomfortably.

"Um...no? Why-why do you ask?" He said.

"My pain...occurred simultaneously with pain that Sonic and Silver also experienced. All in different parts of our bodies." 

"I simply want to be sure. Anything you need for Shadow? Or Silver? Or yourself?"

His head reached up and touched his chest. An action that seemed to be subconcious. And his eyes drifted downwards. She couldn't keep from reaching out and taking his hand into hers. Clasping around his ungloved hand like a dome. Keeping him safe. Yet he shook ever so slightly.

This was the moment. He needed to speak up. Explain his chest pain. He told Tails he would. He told Silver he would. He told Knuckles he wouldn't.

Which side would win out? 

There was a weight in his mouth. Strapping his tongue down. Attacking his sense of taste with bitterness like metal. 

Just say it. Just say it. A few easy words. My chest hurts. I don't know why. I don't know what to do about it. Please help me. Any of those would do. Just say the word. She'd drop anything she could to help you. You know this. She's asking you to tell her. To trust her. Come on Sonic! You trust Vanilla! She WANTS you to tell her if something is wrong! And there is! It hurts! Just tell her! 

"You do not need to do this all on your own. If you need anything, let me help you," she quietly said. 

He swallowed. Then his other hand came up to meet hers. Cupping around the sides of the dome she made. Shaking still. And for a moment his eyes looked back up into hers. Such beautiful green eyes. Brilliant like a gem. Eyes that had once been rich like the earth. Intense brown that slowly changed over time. His eyes had been somewhere in the middle of the change when she first met him. When he saved her life. Brown and green mixed together like dug up ground. And for a moment those eyes seemed to well up. Like water trying to push past the earth to spill over. And his shaking hands were warm. So much so that she felt it though her own gloves. 

"Sonic?" She asked in a whisper.

Yet he didn't respond. Not with words at least. Rapid blinks however followed. And he looked down. No longer meeting hers. Then he pulled his hands back. The warmth replaced by a sudden coldness in their absence. 

"No. There's nothing," he muttered. 

"...are you certain?" She carefully pushed. Even reaching out once again. Cupping his face. Yet unlike the last time she had done this he did not reciprocate such affection. Last time he had nuzzled into her hand. An unexpected but welcomed reaction. This time however he responded more as she expected from him. He pushed her hand away. Refusing still to meet her gaze. 

"There's nothing you can do," he responded.

Those words broke her heart. 

"Sonic dear..." she tried but lost the words. His eyes worked up towards hers. Seeming as saddened as she.

"I'm fine," he said quietly.

Always fine. Always with the "fine." Always with the lies. 

But what was she to do? 

Forcing him would only make him push away.

Being too distant however might result in him thinking she doesn't care.

This same crossroad Vanilla found herself at many times before was now under her feet again. Two roads leading to a place she couldn't see. Both in the hopes of leading to and guiding Sonic. To help him. If she could. Because he needed it. No matter how much he denied it.

Once more she took the same road she always did.

"Okay. I understand. But if there's ever anything I can do-"

"Just call you. I know," he cut her off with a small smile. One she returned.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Vanilla had no idea if what she was doing counted as that. Was she simply going in circles? Doomed to always wind up at this same crossroad again, never progressing? Or was she pushing through? With every attempt chipping away more and more until eventually, one day, finally making it to the other side? 

There was no way to say. 

So she would have to wait.

And hope for the best. 

"Take care now Sonic. And go get that shower," she chuckled.

"Alright alright I will. And hey, are Amy and Cream okay?" He asked. 

Oh. Such a sweet boy. Not only to remember but to ask. 

"Yes they are better today, thank you for asking." 

"That's good. Tell em I say hi will ya?"

"Of course dear. Until tomorrow," she said with a polite curtsy.

"See ya," Sonic casually replied. 

Then she was gone. The air in the house seemed a little less warm. But Sonic sighed in relief. Subconsciously his hand went back to chest. Lightly rubbing the area that hurt. The area that still hurt even now. 

Completely unaware of the blue eyes upon him. 

"Hey Sonic your bedding is dry now," Tails informed him sometime later. Up from his reading Sonic looked to him. And flashed a grin. 

"Thanks pal. Guess that means I better shower finally before I get that stuff back on it," he chuckled. Still noting his dirty appearance. 

"You should have done so already, silly," Tails teased. 

"I know, I know, gaaah," Sonic said as he stretched. Then moved for the downstairs bathroom before Tails could say anything else. 

Plain white tiles lined the bathroom. Nothing remarkable about it. Just a simple bathroom completed with a bath and shower. Those tiles struck Sonic's bare paws with coldness. He shuddered. Yuck. Not a feeling that was enjoyable at all. At least the water would warm it up in here. He turned the hot water valve to get it warming up. Instantly a steady stream of water rushed from the facet. Then it kicked in. Heart racing. Shallow breaths that weren't pulling in enough air. Shaking. Skin crawling. Without thinking he shut the water back off. The silence was immediate relief. And the water flow shifting to a few drops. As the drips slowed, so did his heart rate. 

"Okay Sonic stop that," he chastised himself aloud. A habit from childhood occasionally came back to him. 

"It's just a shower, okay? It's not gonna hurt ya. Come on you know this," he hissed lowly.

The thing about fear though is that it loves to override logic. Knowing isn't always enough. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it helped.

Sometimes.

"Just turn it back on and take a quick shower Sonic. You can do this," he spoke. Yet his voice continued to shake. And his hands refused to turn the facet back on.

"Come on! Stop being a coward!" He finally yelled at himself. Listening to the echo returning to him.

Coward. Coward. Coward.

"Sonic? Are you okay in here?" Tails' voice surprised him from behind. Making Sonic jump. 

"Uhhh yeah of course pal, why wouldn't I be?" Sonic deflected with nervous laughter. Great going. That totally wasn't obvious at all. 

Which of course Tails saw right through him. Yet he didn't speak. Instead the young fox walked up to Sonic. Searching in his eyes for some moments. Before Sonic could ask anything Tails hugged him. And Sonic lightly hugged him back. It was a short hug. Tails let go quickly. Removing his gloves and then taking one ungloved hand into Sonic's still ungloved hand. Skin meeting soft skin and sharing warmth. It had been a long time since they'd held each other's hand without gloves. Unlike his own, Tails' hands had some fur along the back of it. Lightly his thumb rubbed into that fur. All while Tails stood there. Watching. Waiting. Then without a word but eye contact still locked, Tails turned the water back on. Immediately Sonic jumped. But Tails' grip kept him grounded. Not trapped where he couldn't escape. Just firm enough to ease him. Holding him. The free hand reached under the water. Adjusting the knob slightly. After a second feel he wordlessly encouraged Sonic's hand to go under too. He resisted. Trying to tug away. So Tails brought his other hand to gently hold Sonic's arm. The water droplets from his fingers reacted against his skin. Resulting in goosebumps. His breaths quickened. Words of protest died in his throat though. Too trapped by the sensation of fear. Paralyzed, Sonic could only watch as Tails slowly moved his hand closer to the running water. Agonizingly slow. Giving Sonic the chance to protest and get away. But he was frozen. Warmth ran across his fingers. He jumped slightly. 

"Does this feel okay?" Tails quietly asked. 

Does it feel okay? How does it even feel? Sonic's mind seemed too numb to find an answer. Nerves tried to send signals. Slowly pushing through his wall of fear as the water continued to fall over his hand. And Tails' as well. Still holding his careful grip onto Sonic's as he held them both under the facet. 

Tingles danced across his lips. Weight held down his tongue. He could barely open his mouth. So through the heaviness of his skull, Sonic pushed. Making a slow nod. 

"Okay, good. I'm gonna turn the shower head on now and then you'll get in, okay? I'll be right here, okay? Nothing is going to happen to you. And if it does I'm right here to help. Do you understand me Sonic?" Tails explained. 

All Sonic could do was barely move his head down then back up. A good enough answer for Tails. The sound of a heavy water stream shifted into a lighter sound. Water falling now like contained rain. Then Sonic felt his arm being tugged. Numbly he moved. Managing to get his feet functional somehow. With Tails' guidance he safely stepped over the tub edge and into the shower. Now warm water pelted him head on. Causing Sonic to jump back some but he adjusted easily. Metal on metal screeched as Tails pulled the curtain.

"I'm right here, okay? I'm right here," Tails reminded him. 

For some time Sonic didn't speak. Didn't move. Didn't even think. He just stood there. Somewhere between numbness and sensation. Letting the warm water hit him over and over again. Finding his breaths somewhere in between the drops. Shallow eased into slow and steady breaths after some time. Feeling was returning to his limbs. Sonic blinked. It was okay. He was in the shower. The shower won't hurt you. See? You're in it. You're fine. Tails is right there. You're okay. You're okay. 

"Are you able to talk right now?" Tails asked. Referencing the occasional mutism that strikes Sonic. Particularly when he's anxious. It's been something that's gotten better with time. But it never truly went away. 

"Yeah, yeah. I'm okay to talk," Sonic replied. Thankful that his mouth was recovering from the numb feelings.

"Do you want me to uh. Come in with you? Help you get started on scrubbing your quills at least?" Tails offered.

"N-no pal. You don't need to do that.'

"You sure? I don't mind, you used to get in the shower with me and help me," Tails said.

"When we were both a lot littler," Sonic countered. "No I can do it myself."

The talking helped ground him some. Giving him a stronger sense of sturdiness. Sonic finally reached out for his quill wash. Minimal scent from the goopy liquid made its way to his nose. He didn't like the scented products. Besides. He always ended up smelling like the outdoors anyway. It suited him better. Knots in his quills slowly worked their way out. While Sonic thought back. To when he and Tails had both been small. Too small for this big scary world. The inheritors of a war. One that took Amadeus and Rosemary Prower. Probably Sonic's own parents too. Before he could ever get to know them. Form a single memory of them. At least for a short while he could learn from Amadeus and Rosemary. Even though Sally's father Maximilian distrusted the outsider hedgehog, not everyone pushed him away. Sally, of course did not. Her friends became his friends too. And Tails' parents did what they could to teach him. From sign language and basic math to reading and figuring out this world. Were they like parental figures to him? Not really. At least not while they were alive. That appreciation for them didn't come until later. Sonic sighed to himself. Idiot. He didn't deserve their kindness and help. He didn't deserve them. He didn't deserve Vanilla. They were all the closest thing he'd ever known to parents. Yet the Prowers went out on a mission one day never to return. And Vanilla? Well it was only a matter of time till he let her down too. Aside from every time he lied to her face and she looked right through him. He saved her life once before. He kept Cream safe. But when would it end? Who was next among his loved ones to die? Would he fail to save Vanilla the next time? Or would it be Cream? Would he have to drag himself before Vanilla and tell her of how he failed to save Cream? Just like he had to before Maximilian Acorn? Forced to take that anger and pain as punishment? Subject to the fire and fury and raw hatred in the eyes of someone who he wanted to love him? 

The thoughts burned hotter than the water. Making him reel backwards. But Chaos. Unlike the water, he couldn't step back from his own thoughts. No. They would always rain on him no matter what. Cling to him like damp quills on a cold morning. 

That's why he didn't ask Vanilla about the deep ache in his chest. He didn't deserve her help. Eventually he'd just let her down too. It'd be better if neither of them were too attached when he did so. A mistake he'd already made too many times. Fool myself once, fool myself a second time. Fool myself a third time and might as well thrown myself into one of Eggman's spike pits...

It was only a matter of time. Someone else was next. And he had to do everything he could to keep it from happening. Sacrifice himself before anyone else could get hurt because of him again. Be it Vanilla and Cream. Or Knuckles or Amy. Or Chaos forbid, Tails.

At least his little bro was here. And safe. 

...and being worried about him. Idiot.

"Mm sorry pal," Sonic muttered.

"What's that Sonic?"

"I'm sorry. That you're having to worry about me and help me right now," Sonic sighed. Watching the bubbles swirl and disappear. Down into the dark drain. It made him shudder and he closed his eyes again. Focusing on scrubbing through his long quills. 

"Don't be. You know I'm always wondering if you're okay," Tails replied.

"Yeah but-"

"Sonic, no. Don't start that. Just like you care about me and worry about me, I care about and worry about you too. Okay? That's not going to change," Tails insisted.

"...I know."

Moving on from his quills Sonic then grabbed his fur and skin wash. Guaranteed to clean even the thickest fur. Removes strong scents including pheromones. Clean scent. His eyes glazed over the familiar words. Before finally dropping a handful of the stuff into his other hand. Trying to find a mental distraction from his two great pains. Water and worries. Gosh Tails...such a great kid. But it wasn't fair. He shouldn't have to worry. Why did he have to worry? Why couldn't he just be strong enough so Tails never had to worry?

"...Sonic?"

"Yeah bud?"

"...why didn't you tell Vanilla about your chest pain," Tails dared ask. Which made Sonic stop moving. Oh great. He knew about that huh? Dangit. More worries for Tails. He shouldn't worry. He's just a kid! Yes he's the most capable kid Sonic knows! But still! This wasn't right! Kids shouldn't have to be fighting in wars and losing their family and friends and have to worry about who's next! The longer Sonic took to answer the more it made Tails' heart race.

"Because there's nothing to worry about," Sonic finally said quietly. 

"You passed out from the pain! That's not nothing!" Cried Tails.

"Well what's Vanilla supposed to do about it huh? Yes it hurt and it didn't make sense but it happened and it's done! What could she possibly do!?" Sonic snapped. 

"I...I don't know! She's a doctor, I'm sure she could think of something!" Tails countered.

Their arguing fell. Listening as the water fell too. Soaked fists clenched at his side. Then slowly released as Sonic breathed. His aquaphobia becoming the last thing on his mind. 

"...I'm sorry Tails."

"I'm sorry too."

"I..."

"You're need to take care of yourself too Sonic. How many times do I need to say it?" Tails mumbled.

"You and Knuckles both. He gave me an earful about it too," Sonic chuckled. Tails gave a small laugh. It died quickly though. Resuming the awkward silence among the pattering water.

"You said you were going to ask Vanilla about your pain," Tails sighed.

"...I know."

"But you didn't."

"I know."

"Why didn't you?"

"...I don't know." 

"You want me to not worry about you Sonic? Stop doing concerning things like that..."

"...I'll try pal." 

Once more conversation died. Sonic's hands scrubbed at his body but his mind was so very far away. Both Tails and Knuckles, two of his oldest friends, got on his case about not giving himself enough care. Vanilla kept trying to offer him everything she could. Shadow told him to save some of that care for himself. Silver seems to think the world of him and wants to repay him for it all. 

If only it was that easy. 

If only he could just listen to them and just do that. Shut off the part of his brain that won't let him worry for himself and be just plain selfish for a bit. 

Not selfish. Vanilla would chastise him for that. It's not selfish, it's essential. 

Well. It felt selfish. 

With how powerful he is. How capable he is. It seemed more essential to take care of everyone else first. A job that never ended. Especially not with Eggman around. 

No more lives lost. Not while he could help it.

If he could help it. Failure.

He scoffed to himself.

"You okay?" Tails asked. 

"Mmm. Frustrated with myself," Sonic admitted. At least he was finally clean. Or good enough. Glancing at himself which, eh, seemed clean enough. Whatever. He couldn't take anymore of this water. 

If only negative thoughts could all be washed away too. It'd be much easier than the way it was all buried under his skin.

Off the water went. Tails helped out by handing over a clean towel for him. Skin and short fur dried quickly. Those long quills though? Ugh. Another reason to hate water. Wrapping the towel around his quills like a cone, Sonic finally stepped out of the shower. The fox jumped. His eyes still seemed to be heavy with concern.

"You okay pal?" Sonic asked.

"Better now," Tails sighed.

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Come on, I'll help you make your bed," Tails offered. Leading the way to the laundry room. The two of them grabbed his sheets and blankets. Easily getting them back to his room. Reassembling the bed in no time. Sonic flopped onto it with a grin. Still warm! It felt wonderful. A thud beside him made him open his eyes. Yellow fur surrounded his side. A tail moved aside. Revealing sky blue eyes looking adorably up at him. Reflexively Sonic moved an arm over to hug him. They both relaxed at the touch. 

"Hey Tails?"

"Yeah?"

"Are we good?" 

"Yeah Sonic. We're good." 

Their foreheads came together. Fur met damp towel. Lightly nuzzling together.

"You okay bud?"

"Yeah. Getting sleepy."

"You wanna head home?"

"Mmm. In a bit," Tails sighed contently. "I wanna lay here for a bit. Is that okay?"

"Always buddy. Just let me know and I'll go with you. I mean, unless you don't want me to."

"No I um. I. I'd like that. Maybe even stay for dinner? Just, you and me?" Tails carefully asked. 

"Yeah. Sure thing," Sonic soothed him. Pulling him closer. Leading the two laying together like that for many minutes. Sonic hugged Tails even closer. Forever thankful for their brotherhood. 

His throat was parched. And the water at his side was empty. Shadow groaned. Dinner had been a while ago. Sonic had left with the fox. So Silver had brought him leftover soup and water and medicine. It was appreciated. But now he needed more. 

Not one to sit about, Shadow swung his legs to his side. While he still couldn't move the injured limbs, he was getting better at rotating his hips. A sign of his strength returning. A steady breath in and then he stood. Pain flared throughout his leg. Forcing him to exhale harshly. While suppressing a groan. Sonic mentioned the kitchen being downstairs. Just a short walk down and back. Use the stairs as a crutch even. Yeah. He could handle this.

Of course he could handle this. He is the Ultimate Lifeform!!!

...a status he wasn't truly confident in anymore.

Not that he'd ever admit that. Ever. 

Darkness from the mid evening hour was present. All around him. Thankfully he had excellent night vision. Seeing wasn't the problem. Balance was. Every step was painful. Much as he was trying to minimize the pressure on his injured leg, it couldn't be avoided. Of course he had to have a broken arm too. With both arms this might have been more manageable. But nooo. Had to have half his body crushed. Fuck. This sucks. 

After what felt like an eternity moving from the bedroom to the top of the stairs he finally made it. Looking down, it seemed much more opposing than it had in his mind. He swore under his breath. Damn stairs. Pfft. As if some stairs could stop him! Of course not! Steadying himself, he took the first step down. Immediately regretting it as the pain in his broken leg was massive. Causing him to reel back. Okay, fuck that. Clearly the angle and the weight down on it meant he couldn't step with the injured leg forward. His breaths came quickly to soothe the ache. Okay. Okay. So he'll have to hop. Which was more noisy. Arguably more dangerous. And definitely more humiliating. Not as much as asking for help though. 

The pain subsided enough. Time to do this. Bracing himself and gripping the rail tightly, Shadow made the small jump. Thud! Gah. It was stupidly loud. But it worked. One step down. Too many more to go.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

If Silver wasn't still awake, he probably was now. 

Chaos. This was working but it was frustrating. 

Then it wasn't. 

Another leap went off as planned. Yet the landing wasn't right. Just a bit too far forward. Making Shadow's foot land on the edge rather than the center. Sending him falling foward. A curse started to leave him as all he could do was brace for impact. His eyes snapped shut.

Yet impact never came. Was he dreaming all of this? His eyes opened back up. Still seeing the dark stairs before him. As well as a cyan blue light. What the hell? Then he felt himself moving! 

"You shouldn't be walking on that leg."

Silver's voice made his head turn. Seeing the white hedgehog standing just outside his bedroom door. With his hand reached out. Saving Shadow from his fall. A tiny flex of his fingers moved the dark hedgehog back to the top of the stairs. 

"If you need anything I told you to just call for me," Silver sighed. "You could have hurt yourself even worse."

"I don't need any help," Shadow huffed.

"Doesn't seem that way to me. Now, what were you looking for?"

"...water," Shadow admitted.

Against his will, Shadow was being picked back up by Silver's powers. Protests were ignored as Silver placed him back into his bed. Shadow swore more. That damn power! Fighting Silver was no easy feat. Especially when trapped in that mental grip of his. Once caught, it was difficult to escape. Much as he loathed to admit that. The light remained around him while Silver moved out of sight. Forcing Shadow to stay. Sat upright at least. A minute later Silver returned with two large glasses of water. He handed one over to Shadow and placed the other at the bedside table. Only then did the aura around Shadow vanish.

"...thanks," Shadow sighed. Carefully drinking his water afterwards. 

"Hey Shadow. Why are you so stubborn about accepting help?" Silver asked.

"Hmph. Because I don't need help," Shadow replied. 

"Really?" Silver asked suspiciously.

"Really." 

"Shadow. Seriously. It's not a big issue to bring you some water. I can help you. You shouldn't let yourself get hurt more or worse because of your pride."

"It isn't a matter of pride," Shadow snapped. 

"Really? Then what is it? Would it really kill you to just trust me? Trust Sonic? Trust that we'll help you?" 

"IT MIGHT!" Shadow hollered. Shocking Silver into silence. Heavy breaths left Shadow. He sipped his water more. Glaring at Silver the whole time. 

"Why do we keep having this conversation," Silver sighed.

"Because you're an obnoxious kid who can't learn to shut the hell up," Shadow growled. But Silver only rolled his eyes.

"Mock me all you want. It won't change this situation. You still need our help," Silver stated with an annoyed sigh. Drawing a quick huff from Shadow. All while something nagged in his mind. A voice he wanted to shut up. A quiet, little voice. Saying he's right. They're both right. You're in deep shit Shadow. If you don't accept their help then what will you do?

Not listen to stupid little voices in his head that's what.

The sneer of Mephiles played in his mind again. Even without a mouth the creature spoke of cruelty. A cold, hollow laugh echoed from him. All a part of the evil he exuded. 

Wasn't...he also listening to a stupid little voice in his head? When he allowed Mephiles' words to replay and haunt him?

Or would that be trusting his gut? Noticing a pattern and coming to a logical conclusion based on that pattern?

Honestly? Shadow wasn't sure of anything at this point.

Who am I? What do I stand for? What am I doing with my life? Who is friend or foe? Do I even have any friends? No...I don't...
...do I? ...Maria? I have no answers. No direction. Please...if you can. Help me...

While he sat there glaring at his shoes, Silver shook his head. 

Did I get it all wrong Blaze? Am I not meant to help Shadow? He seems to not want it. I don't think we've ever met anybody as against help as Shadow is. What do I do? Do I keep pushing? I'm so unsure. I'm starting to think I'm not good enough to help. I'm no hero. Not like Sonic. If you're out there. If you can hear me. Please. I need your help. Still. I'm still not strong enough on my own....

Unaware of the similar thoughts in each other's mind, the two glanced at one another. Locking eyes for just a second before separating.

"...thank you. For not letting me fall," Shadow finally muttered. Unable to look up at Silver. The thanks turned Silver's head towards Shadow. Leading him to watch Shadow for some moments. The ebony hedgehog held his head low. Red eyes slowly shut and shook his head lightly. Clearly thinking something. And his fist tightened. 

"You're welcome," Silver replied. Yet Shadow still didn't look back to him. Remaining quiet.

"Anything else I can help you with?" Silver asked.

Make it stop. The pain. The running and hiding. The endless circles I'm running in looking for a purpose. If you can do anything to make it stop. You're powerful enough. You could end my life. That would make it stop. End my suffering, please.

The thought ran through Shadow's mind faster than he could process it. Making his heart skip a beat. No, he couldn't do that. He couldn't ask that. Even though...it was so tempting. There could finally be peace. A sweet release in dea-

Shadow. You have to live.

Maria's plea echoed loudly in his mind. Snapping his head upright. Her name nearly tumbled from his mouth in search of her. Barely resisting the urge. 

"Shadow? Are you okay?" Silver's question seemed so far away. Barely registering while the memory called back to Shadow. 

Of course it was only a memory. Of course it wasn't actually Maria calling out to him.

He disappointment was soul crushing all the same. Vision went to darkness as he closed his eyes once more. 

"There's nothing you can do," Shadow whispered. 

"Okay. If you change your mind though," Silver offered. 

When Shadow didn't answer, Silver took that as his sign to go. Leaving the other to sit with his thoughts. 

Some time passed. How much? He had no idea. His thoughts had been far too distracted. Swinging like a pendulum. The glass of water in his hand was slowly sipped like whiskey. Like he was sitting alone in a bar. Waiting on something. Anything. A distraction of any kind. While his eyes had wondered back over to the things Sonic had left for him, nothing appealed to him. Till they sat there forgotten. If he could pull himself from his thoughts enough to see them, he would have taken any of them up in a heartbeat. But no. Instead he sat there still. As still as a statue. A statue was a good way to think of himself right now. Stuck. Frozen without much purpose. Someone else's craft without his own say. 

Too deep in his thoughts. The last of the water was downed some time ago. Completely unnoticed already. The glass in his hand trapped in his tight grip. At risk of breaking any moment. Just like him.

An odd similarity between glass and statues he noted. Both could be devastatingly fragile. 

A rustle at his window didn't stir him any. 

A figure slipping carefully inside didn't detract him. 

Even as the individual came closer to Shadow, he remained undisturbed while buried among his hundreds of thoughts.

If it had been anyone else, they might have wondered if he was asleep with his eyes open. 

But she knew him better.

Not asleep. No, wide awake. Riding along his train of thought so deeply that he was practically in a trance.

She reached out with elegant gloves and delicately picked the glass from his hand. Hmm. Plain, old, common house glass. Shame it wasn't a crystal flute or anything of the sort. Then again. It wouldn't be like Sonic to have such an item. With the gentlest chink the glass was placed on the bedside table. And Shadow still didn't notice. 

Really she didn't want to be here. To disturb him. Or reveal that she knew all along that he was here. Oh he was not going to be happy to see her. Not one bit. 

It was absolutely necessary though. 

Shadow needed a friend in these times. Especially one on the inside. 

Would he really trust her though? After everything they've been through? Good and bad? 

Only one way to find out. She whispered his name. Yet he didn't respond. Her nostrils flared. Seriously? Rude. So she tried a little louder and he still didn't budge. Fine. So much for easing him into this. She reached out and grabbed his shoulder giving him a solid shake.

"Shadow!" She cried while doing so. Finally snapping him into awareness.

"ROUGE!?" He cried. "WHAT ARE YOU-"

"Shhhh! Don't alert the kid that I'm here," she whispered covering his hand with her mouth. Taking in the full heat of his rage. Those crimson eyes practically glowing with fire. His other hand moved quickly. An attempt to bat her away. Anticipating this though she grabbed his hand and locked her fingers around his. Attempting to subdue him without hurting him further. Clearly he was hurt enough. A growl was muffled by her hand.

"Shadow please! Please just hear me out!" She begged. 

He continued to thrash for a bit afterwards. Even attempting to bite her hand. Unsuccessfully. She hissed at him and held firm. Finally he flattened his ears and exhaled harshly through his nose. Though his gaze was still burning hot, he stopped flailing. Releasing his grip against her fingers and settling down. 

"Okay? If I let go of your mouth you're not gonna try to yell right? I know Sonic and Tails aren't here. But please, don't call for Sonic's friend. Just give me 5 minutes to talk to you?" She pleaded. His brow clenched tighter. But he closed his eyes and nodded. Slowly she released his mouth and hand and backed away from him. For a moment he held perfectly still. Not looking at her nor reacting. But when his eyes opened once more, they bore into her. No longer the fire but a freezing cold. Intensely disgusted with her. Why was he granting her such grace when she betrayed him? The blanket curled into his grip as he formed a fist. 

"What are you doing here?" He snarled.

"It's nice to see you too by the way," Rouge sighed. "I'm so glad you're alive. I was...I was really scared for you."

"Alive no thanks to you or Omega."

"Shadow, I TRIED to stop him! Did you not hear me shout at him or see me literally climb on his head!?" 

"I don't believe you were trying to save me, you just wanted the reward for bringing the deserter yourself," Shadow spat.

"Hun. I have absolutely no intention of telling GUN anything about you."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Because I've known for days now where you are and I've kept my lips sealed tighter than a vault. I've swung by every day to make sure Sonic is taking care of you, which lucky for you he is. Seriously Shadow, if I wanted to turn you in for a reward, I'd have done so already. You along with Sonic and Mrs. Rabbit and everyone else who's been aiding and abetting a fugitive. I've been misdirecting GUN as much as possible. Hell even me standing here instead of turning you in makes me as much a traitor to GUN as you are. Please, trust me," Rouge explained. 

"Never again," Shadow growled.

"Okay. Fine. Don't trust me. But at least listen to me. I'm only finally revealing myself because I have to warn you."

"Get to the point then."

"That thumb drive you stole? It has a built in tracker on it. I know you tried to hide it from GUN and wherever you put it is good. But not good enough. A signal managed to finally show up on their radar. It's still not very precise but you know what that means."

Damnit. His fist tightened further. He had tried to hide that thing where they could never find it. Had he realized there was a tracker within it....

"I should have destroyed that damn thing," he hissed. With a shake to his breath. Barely containing his rage. 

"...what was on it that was so worth stealing?" She dared ask. Only to receive a glare for an answer. Arms went up in a defensive position.

"Okay okay fine, just asking." 

"...how long? Until they can fully lock onto the tracking signal?" Shadow sighed. 

"My guess? You've got 48 hours. Maximum."

This was bad. Really, really bad. Shadow's fist was so tight that it was shaking now. His heart raced with his thoughts. He needed to know everything that was on that drive. No matter what, it could not fall back into GUN's control. If they destroyed it he would never have his answers. But better he destroy it first if he had to. How the hell was he supposed to get it in this state though? 

"I know you won't tell me where it is Shadow. I. I don't blame you for that..." Rouge began sadly. Between her flattened ears and sorrowful voice, she expressed pain and regret. Which he huffed at. Still not believing her any. Her eyelids dropped. Feeling very heavy suddenly. 

"But you're clearly in no shape to go get it yourself. And they're still on the lookout for you. So if you want my advice? You'd better tell Sonic and co the whole story. Tell them where it is and let them go get it for you." 

"How do I know you won't simply tail them and swipe it from them?"

"I...I guess you can't. Unless you're willing to trust me when I say that I promise I won't do that. I promise, Shadow," Rouge stated. 

Willing to trust? What a riot. He almost actually laughed at that! The logical side of his mind however tugged for his attention. She's right you know. You can't let them get the drive back. No matter what.

It's a trap, his skeptical side hissed. Clearly this is one of Rouge's misdirections. A lie to uncover the drive. 

What if she's telling the truth though?

What if it's all lies?

The consequences either way would be devastating. 

And in theory he was on a time limit. The clock already ticking without him.

"Why are you telling me this?" Shadow asked.

"Because Shadow, despite what you might think, we're still friends. And I will choose you over GUN. Every time," Rouge assured him. Unsuccessfully. She stepped forward, reaching out to him. His fist released the blanket. Taking a swipe at her in response.

"We were never friends," Shadow growled lowly. 

The hand that reached for him now covered her mouth. Choking back a sob. An action he refused to trust was genuine. After all. Rouge was one of the best spies that GUN has. Emotions were as easy for her to manipulate as were other people. She could be an award winning actress if she wanted. But she chose this life. Of lies and theft. To think he could ever thought even for a brief moment that she was capable of anything more than her own selfish desires. It made him sick. Bitter like the bile that was rising in his throat. She mistook him for a fool. And he wasn't going to play her little game.

"I won't fall for your lies anymore. And you're never getting that flash drive. Now get the hell out of here before I remind you how powerful I am even without half my body working," he threatened. Watching with sick pleasure how she receded from that. The way her tail pressed against her legs and her ears flattened. But most of all her eyes. The tears that weld up in them making them sparkle like a crystal. Reflecting her hurt. It was all an act of course. He saw right through her. He was confident of that. 

"O-okay," her voice broke ever so slightly. Like a hairline crack in glass. Which brought a sneer to his face. Satisfied that she feared him so. With slow movements she moved towards the window. Carefully climbing out of it so her legs dangled on the other side. Before jumping though she turned back to him once more.

"Take care of yourself Shadow," she whispered. Then before he could give another snide response, she jumped. Flying off into the night. He laid back finally. Smug warmth flowing all throughout his chest. Giving him an all too satisfied feeling. But like a flash in a pan, the spark extinguished quickly. Leaving him feeling cold and hollow. Stop that. This wasn't the time for doubts. Yet the doubts flooded in. Filling that space in his chest. Making him ask himself over and over again.

What if she's telling the truth?

What if she's lying? 

Can I take that risk?

Do I trust her? 

Do I trust him? 

Can I trust anyone at all?

What if? 

What if?

What if?

The hollowness in him ached. Struck with an even intenser coldness. As if Mephiles was rising through the gaps between his ribs. Leaving them coated in frost. Passing through him up to his mind. A dark laugh echoing around him.

"It's just as I told you Shadow. The world will betray you." 

Chapter Text

Gasps pulled him upright. Sending him into a fit of heaves. As he doubled over, sweat dropped from his forehead. 

Worst of all though was the way Shadow's side seered in pain. 

Through the ache however Shadow had one question on his mind. Had it all been a dream?

Nothing in the room appeared different. No evidence that Rouge had been there at all. Or Mephiles for that matter. 

Perhaps it really all was only a dream. 

Yet his gut told him otherwise. The same strong sensation that told him the encounters with those monsters had not been a dream at all. Which turned out to be right. 

So. Rouge had been here. With a warning. One that may or may not be true. 

Now he was at the same place as last night. Wondering what he was going to do. 

The increase in sharpness in his side distracted him from that thought. Too fast for him to prevent a loud groan from escaping him. Teeth clamped down on his lower lip. Air sucked in between the space hissed in his ear. Gah, this pain! Why!? Why was it still so strong!? 

Then there was a knock on the door. Of course they just had to intrude on him now.

"Shadow? Are you okay in there?" Sonic's voice came from the other side.

"Fuck off!" Shadow snapped.

"So that's a no," Sonic replied.

"Don't you-"

Before Shadow could finish, Sonic had already stepped into the room. Holding black coffee and a white pill bottle.

"Good morning to you too," Sonic lightly teased. "Here. You clearly need these."

The gesture surprised Shadow. And he groaned further as he sat back up to take the items from Sonic.

"Here, let me help-"

"I can do it myself!" Shadow cried.

"Okay okay, sheesh."

Shadow snatched the items away. Downing them with such a need it could almost be mistaken for greed. Sonic didn't mind though. The faker never minded. Not a care spared for himself. Idiot. Why don't you just be selfish like the rest of us huh? Why are you so GOOD? Where's your darkness huh? Your flaws? 

"Something the matter Shads?" 

"All of this," growled Shadow.

"Ugh seriously, do we need to have this conversation again?"

"I can't go out there Sonic. I won't. I can't be captured by GUN." 

An encouraging hand came and pressed itself down on Shadow's left shoulder. Giving him a small squeeze.

"Not gonna let that happen to you. Okay?" Sonic vowed.

And for a moment the way those green eyes burned filled him with light. For a moment he actually believed in Sonic.

Then the moment was over.

Shadow weakly shoved Sonic's hand away. The intended rudeness and anger not conveying. A small sigh left Sonic.

"Vanilla will be by soon. 20 minutes or so. She said there's less people in the early mornings so that'll be a good time to go. So be ready," said Sonic.

"Whatever," Shadow replied. Leaving Sonic once again to exhale deeply from his nose.

"It's gonna be okay Shadow. We'll be in and out and back home safely. You'll see."

What Shadow wanted to do was sneer about the optimism. A snarky reply to fall from his lips about how foolish Sonic was.

What actually left him, red hot with venom, was "This isn't my home. And it never will be."

To which Sonic blinked. Then shrugged.

"I mean I didn't say-"

"Yes you did," growled Shadow.

"Well fine. You don't have to think of this as your home. No one is forcing you to. But you know, it could be. Door's always open," Sonic casually shrugged again. Making Shadow even more exasperated. 

"What!? What do you mean-what!? Why!?" Shadow shouted. 

"Why not?" Sonic said. Watching as Shadow looked even more dumbfounded than before. 

"Seriously. I don't wanna keep Vanilla waiting. Be ready in 20."

Silver found himself feeling weirdly restless today. Unable to stop fidgeting with his communicator watch. Well. It was Sonic's old one. But it was his now. His. So few times in his life did he get to ever own something. It was a bit thrilling actually.

And Sonic couldn't help but notice this.

"You alright there buddy?" The blue hedgehog asked.

"Y-yeah, yeah. Fine. All good. Just a little anxious I think. A little nerve-wracking to be uh going to the um. The place where Vanilla used to work, right?" 

"Yeah. Appreciate you willing to help with this. It'll make things go smoother," Sonic said. "And afterwards I'll get us some lunch."

"Yay!" Silver cried. Then a beeping sound rang out and his wrist buzzed! It made him yelp slightly. 

"Whoa you getting a text message?" Sonic asked.

"Uhhhh I don't know??? What button should I hit?" 

"Here, this one."

A small message illuminated from his projection. 

"Oh hey it's Tails. Guess he still remembers my old number," Sonic explained. 

"Oh! Cool! Um...what's it say?" Silver asked.

For a moment Sonic gave Silver an odd look. Making him question what he did wrong. Yet before he could ask Sonic read off the message.

"It says Hey Silver! This is Tails, I think my information should still be saved in this device but just in case so you know who it is. I figured we should probably make sure we can communicate directly too in case you need anything or if I find anything. Anyway that's all. TTYL!" 

"What's tee-tee-why-el?" Silver asked repeating the weird letters Sonic had read off.

"It's an acronym, it means talk to you later," explained Sonic.

"Oh. Okay."

"You feeling okay?" 

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Just...um....Everything that's going on. You okay?" 

Silver stared very intently into Sonic's eyes.

"This is literally the greatest time of my life."

"You sure Silver? Cause if things aren't okay-"

"I'm serious. Like. Um," Silver faltered momentarily as he reached out and grabbed Sonic's arm. 

"There's nothing else you could do to make things better, okay? Blaze being gone isn't your fault. My nightmares and anxiety isn't your fault. You're doing more than enough to help me and now I have more than I could ever dream! I mean, I can eat whenever I want to now! And there's so many delicious options! I have bed! I can take a shower whenever I want, I've never been this clean in all my life!" Silver laughed with joy as he listed his blessings. It brought a small smile to Sonic's face. But there was still something off behind those emerald eyes.

"Sonic. I'm serious. No things aren't perfect but...they're better than I could have dreamed and I-I couldn't be more thankful," Silver promised.

Without Sonic's indication, Silver couldn't be positive that hearing that was what Sonic needed. But his ears perked up. And he seemed ever the slightest bit less weighed down. 

"Thanks pal."

"No, thank you."

"No. Really...Thank you."

"I...you're welcome Sonic."

Then came the expected knock. Finally it was time. Sonic peeked out just to be sure. Indeed he saw Vanilla standing there. He threw open the door, greeting her with a smile.

"Hello Sonic dear," she said as she stood there gripping a wheelchair.

"Hi Vanilla."

"Hi Vanilla!" Silver greeted more excitedly.

"And hello to you too Silver dear," she giggled at that. "Is Shadow ready?"

"Well he better be," Sonic sighed.

"I do hope this chair is comfortable enough for him. We shall attempt to make this as fast as possible though," Vanilla stated.

"Fast? Heh, now you're speaking my language!" Sonic quipped. "Come on Silver let's go get him."

She watched as the two hedgehogs disappeared into the room upstairs. Not a sound was heard.

Until a distinctive, gruff "HELLO NO!" echoed throughout the house.

"Come on Shadow, you're just making this more difficult than it needs to be!" Sonic cried.

"Is everything alright up there?!" Vanilla shouted. A mess of white quills poked out from around the corner towards her.

"Uhhhh Shadow is trying to once again insist that he can walk down the stairs. Even though he literally tried to do the same thing last night and nearly fell on his face," Silver informed her.

"I was fine!"

"Here we go again." 

A rare huff of impatience left her. Really Shadow? Hitching her skirt in one hand, Vanilla headed upstairs herself.

"Shadow please submit before Silver has to forcibly take you downstairs," Sonic's exasperation became louder as she approached.

"If you do that then I'll fucking kill you both, you hear me!?" Shadow growled defiantly.

"Come on Shadow! It'll take like 5 seconds! You can swallow your pride for that long right?!"

"I can make you eat my fist in 5 seconds!"

"Alright boys, please, settle down. This aggression is very unbecoming of you," Vanilla sighed from the doorway. The three hedgehogs turned to face her. As Silver had said, Shadow was clearly trying to walk by himself. He had made it to his feet. Yet Sonic stood in his way. Managing to get an arm around the other to keep him steady. But also keeping him from walking. And Silver stood back awkwardly. Waiting. Her eyes locked on with Shadow's. The might of his crimson couldn't hold. Sinking into the earth of her own soft brown eyes. It made him shudder.

"Shadow, did I or did I not tell you just yesterday that you cannot be walking on that leg yet?" She asked. Waiting for his answer.

"...you did Doctor."

"Then why are you attempting to walk on it today? You do not seem to have forgotten," she continued. He broke eye contact finally. Unable to take whatever that feeling that staring into them was bringing.

"Because I want to move again. I'm tired of being trapped," he growled. 

"This is understandable. However. Given your injuries and as I have previously told you, you cannot right now. So now I will tell you something new. Something I had to tell myself a lot when tending to those wounded on the battlefield," replied Vanilla firmly.

"...what?"

"Suck it up, buttercup." 

A chortle left Sonic. 

Shadow muttered something under his breath. Locking eyes with her once more. Quickly losing that battle as he looked away again. He sighed. Clearly unhappy with this. But accepting of it finally.

"Fine Silver. You can carry me."

"Yay, glad I don't have to force it and then face your wrath later," Silver said.

"Oh you'll still face my wrath later. Just you wait," Shadow sneered while a blue aura enveloped him. With his arms crossed and a strong scowl on his face, Shadow was ready to go. It made no difference to Silver. Easily taking Shadow downstairs and plopping him into the wheelchair. 

"That was...pretty funny Vanilla," Sonic quietly told her. 

"I do not entirely think so but thank you dear."

"Wish I knew what his deal is. Keeps going back and forth on everything. Like he's fine one minute then he's mad again later," Sonic said. This vent caught her off guard. She turned to look at him. Gosh he looked so drained. The purple under his eyes was especially concerning to her. And the sag to his shoulders twisted her stomach.

"Do you think I'm doing something wrong Vanilla?" He asked suddenly. Looking up at her and trying to seem less tired. Less like a child beneath her. Instead a capable adult before her. Like an equal. For some reason that just made it all so much worse.

"I...I do not think so. I believe what you and Shadow tell me about the care you are giving him. That you are doing the best that you can. No dear I believe this is all on Shadow. Being a patient can be difficult. The pain, the fear, the loss of freedom, it is all a lot to grapple with. And as the caretaker, you become an easy target. Easy to blame for the situation. Does that make sense?" She offered him. He shrugged. 

"Yeah. But...ugh."

"I know dear. I may be retired now but in all my years practicing it was something I saw often. Please. Do not blame yourself," she soothed him. Ever so carefully reaching for his face. Before the fingers could meet his cheek however he turned away. Still seeming unconvinced.

"...Do you need-"

"No."

"...Alright."

Perhaps her words would sink in. Hopefully. Perhaps he just needed a little space to think. So she headed back downstairs without him. The air seemed a few degrees cooler as she approached Shadow. 

"Well Doctor, shall we get this waste of time over with?" He huffed.

"It is not a waste of time and you know it."

"Whatever."

"Aw come on Shadow, you don't gotta be so grumpy," Silver pouted.

"I'm stuck and I'm stuck with you two," Shadow snapped. Not finishing the full thought that came to his mind. 

And I need your help.

Help...gah. Disgusting.

But Rouge's little visit last night had him still on edge. 

"I am going to push you into my van now, are you ready?" Vanilla asked.

"...yeah."

"Hey Sonic! Are you coming!?" Silver called back into the house. The wind hit them before they saw the blue blur. 

"Yep! Yep. All good. Ready as ever," Sonic grinned. 

"Alright boys. We shall make this fast as possible I promise," Vanilla said. Buckles and straps were adjusted all around the chair. Securing it in place. Then Vanilla hopped into the driver seat. 

"Hey Silver you should take the seat up front next to Vanilla. Take in the view," Sonic suggested.

"Really? Cool! Thanks."

That left Sonic with the seat beside Shadow. It wasn't super close per say. There had to be enough space for the wheelchair after all. But it was still close. Sonic climbed in. Ugh. He didn't love being a passenger. Car rides were sooo boring. Well. With the wrong company at least. There was an occasional time or two with Knuckles and Tails that had been good times. But these were rare. Even rarer after coming back from North America. After spending near every day together, things going back to the way they were was...a little lonely. Not that he'd admit that. Sonic the Hedgehog, lonely? Never. Not when he had the ability to go anywhere he wanted any time. Not when he was so good at meeting people and forming bonds with them wherever he went. Crossing generations, worlds, species, any of it. He had so many friends!

Yet he couldn't explain the hollow ache inside him. A frustrating pain in his chest. Not like this mystery pain that he couldn't explain. No this one was different. Something that comes and goes and leaves him wondering what the hell was wrong with him. 

After buckling in his seatbelt he glanced to Shadow. Did Shadow ever feel this way too? It wasn't hard to imagine so. Not that the dark hedgehog would ever admit it. Clearly he would rather die than admit weakness. Perceived or literal. It did leave Sonic wondering though. If there was anything he could do for him about that. Perhaps then Shadow would be less aggravated. Less hollowness in his chest where a fire could rage. 

Ugh. This would be easier if Shadow didn't have his walls up so high.

Then again, where's the reward without the risk? 

Besides. Breaking things was his specialty. He chuckled to himself as he watched the woods go by, slowly shifting into a small town. Until the car finally came to a stop. 

"We're here," Vanilla informed them. 

"Wow! You used to work here?" Silver marveled at the building. Shadow huffed again.

"It's rather small," he noted.

"Yes. I had many offers to work in bigger facilities in bigger cities. But I rejected them to stay here," Vanilla said as she began to undo the wheelchair's binds.

"How come?" Silver asked.

"Well. My husband was working close by which allowed us to spend more time together. And we were discussing having children which would be more difficult if I took a more demanding job." 

"Oh. Okay. Who's your husband? Can we meet him?" Silver excitedly asked. Surely someone who Vanilla chose to be with had to be also very very nice, right? 

"You're sweet Silver. But I am afraid that would be impossible, for he has passed away. One of the many, many, casualties of the war," Vanilla replied. Though her tone was flat, a hint of pain left her near the end. It had been such a long time now. It shouldn't still hurt. But it did. Like a sting that wouldn't stop. A pain that was small in scale but was merciless.

"Oh. That's sad."

"Yes Silver it is."

"This war that happened seems like it was dumb. No one knows who started it which is already dumb and for what? What did anyone gain?" Silver muttered. 

"I do not know. Nor do I think anyone does. But I agree," Vanilla nodded.

"You guys live in such a beautiful time and place. Why would you waste that..." Silver sighed.

"I wish I understood sometimes too," Vanilla sighed as she finally got the final buckle free. 

"Ready Shadow?"

"Yeah."

"I...suppose. That the only answer we may ever have is that people were confused and hurt by the events. And hurt people hurt people," Vanilla sighed. Shadow sighed too. Yeah. Did he ever know it. 

"Here Shadow, this should also help," Vanilla changed subjects as she stuck a blanket into his lap and a large hat onto his head. It slid over his eyes. Filling his senses with the smell of the earth. He yelped and pushed it off.

"What the hell!?"

"It's just a hat Shadow?" Silver stated in confusion.

"Oh..." he looked positively sheepish about this. "Sorry..."

"It's a good look for you," Sonic snickered. 

"Shut up."

The hat was large and tan, clearly a sun hat of some kind. With a large faded pink ribbon wrapped around it. Very fitting of Vanilla. Not at all for Shadow. The tips of his red and black quills barely stuck out from underneath. Much to his resentment, Shadow got the idea and sighed. Fine. He slumped back into the wheelchair. And pushed the blanket over his legs and up his chest as much as he could. A pink blanket covered in daisies. Gah. A way to cover his identity yes. But at the cost of his dignity.

"Let's just get this over with," he muttered.

"We shall Shadow. Come now," Vanilla said.

"Oooh can I push the wheelchair?" Silver excitedly asked.

"Hands off," Shadow snapped.

"You may Silver but stay by my side please," Vanilla replied.

"Yay!" Silver cheered as he took Vanilla's place, gripping the handles of the chair.

"Do you enjoy making me miserable? Is this a thing with you? You sadist," Shadow grumbled.

"I, no? N-no Shadow it isn't like that," Silver stuttered.

"It's cool Silver, Shadow's just being a grump," Sonic cut in.

"If you were stuck with you, you'd be too," retorted Shadow.

"Boys..." Vanilla softly warned them. The three immediately stopped talking and straightened their spines. 

"All's good here," Sonic defended. 

"Good. Then let us head inside," she said, a bit firmer this time. The three nodded in unison and stayed quiet. Walking inside behind Vanilla in a perfect row. Shadow. Then Silver. And Sonic taking up the rear. 

"Alright boys, into here," Vanilla quietly said. Opening the door that lead into a very dark room. 

"I-in there?" Silver asked.

"Yes. This is where we will do the x-rays."

Keeping quiet the three hedgehogs made their way into the room. Low lights provided just enough to see. Except for Shadow who could see perfectly. After everyone was inside Vanilla locked the door. Then turned up the lights. Resulting in everyone blinking away from the sudden change.

"Alright listen to me. I am not a radiologist. I will need some help for this part. This is someone who does not know you Shadow and they are sworn to my secrecy. This will also be a very fast process if we work together," Vanilla stated very firmly. 

"What!?" Shadow cried. "ANOTHER person!?" 

"Shadow, please. They do not know who you are nor will they ask any questions. Their only focus is getting your x-rays. Please do not fight me. You want this to happen quickly and it will," pleaded Vanilla. 

"...damnit..."

"Come on Shadow. Think of how great it'll feel to be able to run freely again and not be trapped like you are right now because your bones actually healed properly," Sonic egged him on. Clearly it worked as Shadow huffed. 

"Fine. Just do what you need to do."

"Very good. One moment please." 

Soon a fifth mobian entered the room. A tall monkey wearing scrubs and a lab coat. Who looked to Shadow then Vanilla. When she nodded, they approached a long table. A quick additional wipe with a sterilizing cloth was done then they gestured to the table. 

"Boys, this is Rom. They will be helping us today," she informed them.

"Can you climb up here or do you need assistance?" Rom asked of the black hedgehog, their eyes meeting only briefly.

"I got him," Silver spoke up. Using his powers to place Shadow on that table. Sitting upright still as he had been in the chair. 

"Stop doing that," Shadow muttered.

"Good. Now can you lay back for me please," the monkey asked. Completely unphased by Silver's powers. Shadow complied. Releasing a deep breath as his back hit the cold metal. 

"I'm going to need to cut Dr. Vanilla's casts off of you. This will only take a second. Hold still please." 

High pitched whirling filled the room. A tiny medical sawblade fired up and made quick work of both casts. Air hitting his skin immediately felt wonderful. Then the smell of dead skin and sweaty fur hit him. His nose wrinkled away from it. Gross. 

"I am going to give your limbs a very fast wash to get rid of all that dead skin and such, thi-"

"No, hands off," Shadow immediately countered. Then wondered why he did that. After all, it was admittedly very icky. 

"If I don't, the excess could interfere with the x-ray," they countered to him.

"...yeah. Ugh. Fine," Shadow relented.

True to their word at least the radiologist moved quickly. Damp cloths swiped over his limbs and the table once more. Getting rid of it and especially the smell. Thank everything. It allowed him to relax a little easier. Actually that felt really nice. He took a look at his right side for the first time in some days. Without the casts the unnatural swelling was much more obvious. But noticeably better than when Vanilla first put the casts on. Her heart beat a little faster at the sight. It still looked rather miserable though. Hopefully this wasn't all too much for him. 

"Since we only need to do your right side this will be pretty easy but I still have to position you so we can see what's going on. Can you turn so you're on your left side please?" 

With some difficulty Shadow managed this on his own. Chaos this was beyond humiliating. Especially when his eyes locked on to Silver and Sonic watching him. Both of them having the audacity to look worried about him. Fucking hell. Silver's hands were up to his face, holding his muzzle yet somewhat mingled into his own chest fur. Sonic's stance was wide. Like he was ready to run. The look of determination on his face was one Shadow was oh so familiar with. Stupid determined face. Stupid heart of gold. Why was he like this? Then he spied Vanilla. Her hands clutched together over her chest. Chaos, why. Why did they all have to look at him like that? Like they...fucking care about him or something? Angrily he looked away. 

"We'll do your leg first. Can you move it outwards so it isn't against your body?" 

Rotating his hip Shadow was able to do so. The radiologist did something Shadow couldn't see then the table began moving. 

"Our system here is pretty advanced thankfully. We won't need to rotate you a bunch to get all the angles we need. Just hold as still as you can then we can get to your arm," they explained to him. A strangely shaped machine rotated all around him. Not that he'd ever admit it, but medical equipment made Shadow very uncomfortable. Too much unknown attached to it. But even worse. Too many memories. The way so many machines were a part of Maria's life. All she ever knew was machines. A cold, sterile environment with so little life and so many machines. Shadow still had so many questions about how and why the Professor created him and the choices made about him. But one thing he long suspected was that one of his goals was to give Maria a companion. A friend. Something. Anything. Anything more than hopes and dreams and promises, only to forever look down at the world beneath. Never to walk it. The only way she could ever be on earth was seeing her own reflection in the Ark's windows. Shadow was supposed to have changed that. He was supposed to keep her company and be her friend until his DNA could cure her. And he couldn't.

And then the men from GUN came.

He was the ultimate lifeform. Supposedly. A bio-weapon designed for combat among other tasks. He could have protected her. He could have saved her. And he couldn't. 

The pain in his side began to rev up once more. Though that wasn't the reason why tears welled up in his eyes.

The machine continued to whizz and whirl around him. The sounds mocking him as he laid there. 

All these people trying to help you. And for what? They're so worried about you. They want to help you. Even though you're a failure. And a weakling. And a coward. You wouldn't do the same for them yet they're wasting their efforts on you anyway. Hilarious. It's all a trap. You don't deserve it. They're going to leave you so you have to leave them first. The world will betray you. The world will betray you. The world will betray you. The world will betray y-

"You will be okay Shadow," Vanilla's soft voice sliced through his thoughts. He lightly gasped. Blinking away the tears as he saw her standing overhead. The way she stood reminded him of how Sonic had been not so long ago. The light behind her. Outlining like a halo. Her softness only exemplifing that appearance. He found himself at a loss for words.

"Are you hurting? Are you scared? It is alright if the answer is yes. I will not tell the others if you do not want," she leaned in and whispered into his ear. Her warm breath tickled him lightly. Making his ears twitch. 

"I..."

"Do you need anything? Anything at all?" She tried to offer. 

"...I..."

Help. I need help. I can't...I can't do this.

The thought couldn't quite manifest into words. He remained in his quiet shocked state. So she slipped her hand into his. Giving him a gentle squeeze. Just enough to encourage him. 

"I'm right here if you need anything. We all are," she added and gave him the tiniest kiss onto his temple. Still he didn't react much. Only sort of staring and trying to process what the hell was happening. Then she backed away.

"Okay, your leg is completed now let's get that arm. Can you move it more outward for me?" The radiologist asked of him. It was hard to process what was being said. All the sounds seemed so far away now. He couldn't think. His head was swimming. Drowning. Floating. Sinking slowly. Chaos. 

Somehow he processed just enough to actually move his arm as requested. The monkey smiled and said something else that wasn't caught. Everything was...so much right now. Vanilla's kindness mingled with Rouge's warning last night. Because one can of worms just wasn't enough huh? Was she telling him the truth after all? Could she have been serious about choosing him over GUN?

The machine fired up over him once more. Rotating and spinning. Making a plethora of mechanical and uncomfortable sounds. He had the mercy of his head being too full to process any of it. 

"There you go. All done. Hang tight for a minute though till after I read your x-rays, okay? Just in case we need to do any others," Rom stated. Once the radiologist backed away, Silver and Sonic rushed to Shadow's side.

"Hey, are you okay man?" Sonic asked. 

"Y-Yeah you seemed like you were really scared or s-something. But, but we aren't gonna let anything happen to you," Silver added.

And Shadow just stared blankly at them. 

They were...worried. About him. What...why?

It didn't make any sense.

Any logical reason. 

Why did they...care?

The more he questioned it, the less sense it made. 

"Shadow, you're shaking," Sonic whispered. 

Yet he didn't react to this. He couldn't feel it. Nor could he stop it. Then he felt warmth. Warmth that embraced his entire hand. Finally that was when his eyes darted. Trying to find out why he was warm. And he saw Sonic's hand wrapped into his. Clasping it with one hand. The other placed around the unheld parts. Protecting it. Like a dome. Then he felt warmth on his other side. When he looked to the other side he saw Silver holding his other hand in the exact same way. Both their eyes upon him with similar concerned expressions.

And all he could think was why.

Then it became the question that fell from his lips.

"Why?"

Silver looked at him in confusion. Sonic shook his head.

"Shadow Shadow. How many times do I need to say it? I'm trying to help you because I feel that it's the right thing to do. Regardless of what anyone else thinks. And I won't speak for Silver but I've got a feeling he feels similarly," Sonic said with a smile. Gripping Shadow's hand that bit tighter. 

"Y-yeah. I do," Silver affirmed. Also tightening his hold on Shadow's other hand.

In his chest Shadow could feel his heart racing. Something about all this made him feel...strange. Yet. Familiar.

This feeling of being so loved. When was the last time he felt so cared for? 

Maria. 

Is this why this is happening to me Maria? Are you somehow influencing this? Trying to make sure I'm okay? Or is it really just that there really can be others who care about me? No matter how much I don't deserve it? 

No. It wasn't just Maria. Team Dark. They had been a team. They had been...

"We're your friends. You know that, right Shadow?" 

"Of course I do Rouge." 

"Then please! Let us help you! We can get this whole mess cleared up if you trust us!" 

Been...

"We were never friends."

Images played over his eyes. Of Maria. Of Rouge and Omega. The friends he's made and lost along the way. And just behind those images he could see Sonic and Silver. Standing over him. Looking anxiously at him. Then the images all became blurry. Swears flew about his mind. Only a choked sob left his throat. No, no, no! He will not cry, damnit! He can't! 

Strangely Sonic's head tucked down as the tears started to fall. Light pressure applied to the black hedgehog's shoulder. Warm breath ever so slightly tickled his chest as Sonic very gently nuzzled the underside of Shadow's muzzle. For a second Shadow's breath caught. Just as he released it he lost it again as Silver mimicked the motion. White upright quills tickled Shadow's neck. Something both a laugh and another small cry left him. But now neither one was looking at him. Yet he could feel them still. Their grips on his hands. Their heads on his shoulders. It was soothing. But it was also so scary. For such gentle touches, they made his heart race. Adrenaline spiking. This intimacy...felt wrong. Yet...

More tears fell without his control. Another strangled sob clawed out of him. He was losing all composure. And for what!? Because he was given some unjust kindness!? Reminding him of how lonely he was deep inside!? How much he missed having a close friend!? That his life didn't used to be chaos and questions!? Fighting, fighting, endless fighting!? And how much he just wanted to give up!?!?

The nuzzling increased in intensity. Still moving at a slow gentle pace. But stronger than it had been. Enough to tear through his thoughts. Brining him back down to earth. To the bright lights he was exposed under. The cold metal slab beneath him. Opened up like an autopsy.

"We're right here Shadow," Sonic whispered against his skin. 

"And we're not going anywhere. Well. Um. Not without you," Silver added. 

Shadow could feel the tears falling over the sides of his face. He was very grateful they weren't looking at him right now.

"Thank you," he whispered. Aimed technically at Sonic and Silver. But it was also a thank you to the universe. To her. His guiding light.

"...alright get off me so I can sit up," groaned Shadow some moments later. They backed off and his arms immediately went for his face. Wiping away any evidence of tears. Yet when he removed his arm a pair of knowing smiles greeted him.

"...what?" He dared asked. 

"Oh nothing Shadow, nothing at all," Silver replied almost sing song like. 

"Nothing at all," Sonic repeated. Tossing Shadow a wink. The dark hedgehog grumbled about this. Well. At least they weren't teasing him about being emotional. 

"I have your results," the radiologist said as they stepped back into the room. Making everyone jump. 

"Everything alright?" They asked.

"Yep! All's good. Just checking in on my brother. Massively appreciate the favor you're doing here for ol' Sonic the Hedgehog," Sonic leaped to deflect. 

Brother? Shadow almost scoffed at that. Faker. 

"It's not a problem Mr Hedgehog, I'm glad I could help out. Really appreciate everything you've done for us over the years," they replied. Sonic chuckled slightly at "Mr Hedgehog," his ears flattening a little in embarrassment. That got Shadow curious though. Had they set up a lie in advanced? A little misdirection perhaps? Seems very unlike the noble hero Shadow knew Sonic to be. But. Then again. He had to suppose there was more to this Faker than what meets the eye. 

"Anyway. So, your bones are in excellent condition. I was informed that your leg was somewhat out of place when Dr. Vanilla here first saw you but thankfully you've got one of the best doctors in all the zones looking after you. She got that back into place no problem and both limbs are on the fast track to healing."

"Oh Rom, stop it. You're too sweet," Vanilla waved the compliment away with a tiny blush.

"No can do ma'am, I stand by those words. And ever since you retired I miss working with you. Happy I could help out today," they said back. 

"How much longer until I'm fully healed?" Shadow asked. 

"Hmmm. Going to have to estimate a month at minimum. Probably another 6 weeks still for the leg. But all things considered you're looking very good," Rom stated to Shadow. The response made him sigh. Damnit. Why was this healing taking so long!? He was supposed to be an advanced creation! Increased healing was one of his many advantages! Why was this still so slow!?

"Anything else I can help you folks with today?" The monkey asked of the room.

"Mmm. Think we're good?" Sonic asked. Shadow gace a curt nod. Fine. Yes. But he was still mad at the situation. 

"Nothing further," Shadow said.

"Very well. Now let's get you back into some new casts."

The rest of the visit moved quickly. Shadow's right arm and leg were wrapped up into fresh wrappings that formed casts. Once dried Silver placed Shadow back into the wheelchair and tucked the blanket around him.

"Don't forget your hat, brother," Sonic teased lightly by tossing the sunhat back over his quills. A gnash of teeth gleaned from underneath. 

"You know you love me!" Sonic teased further.

"I'm going to kill you," Shadow growled back.

"And then you'd regret it!" Sonic laughed while Shadow could only huff. 

His frustration with the hedgehog and the situation was enough to fill the ocean with. The comment struck him though. Regret. He would regret it. Would he? If he had decided to get rid of the annoying pest at any point during their times of conflict? 

Shadow glanced at the wide grin beside him. Sonic still feeling rather weirdly happy about his jab at Shadow, clearly. Hmph. Obnoxious hedgehog. But. He supposed that yes. He would indeed come to regret it if he had killed Sonic. 

Someday. In the far future. Maybe. 

The hat hid the small smile that crept up his cheeks. 

"Are you boys ready to be taken back home then?" Vanilla asked.

"Yep all good, right guys?" Sonic asked.

"Y-yeah th-thanks for your help Mrs Vanilla," Silver said. 

"Yes...and...thank you, Doctors," Shadow added. 

"Hmmm you're very welcome. Not sure that I'll be seeing you again anytime soon but it was nice meeting you and helping you today," Rom said to the three. 

The air finally felt a little lighter. Relief was prominent in Shadow. Despite the unusual fact that his healing wasn't working as intended, at least he was healing. The long wait suddenly didn't feel as foreboding. He'd be back to running soon. And that made Shadow smile even more. Enough that the hedgehogs beside him both noticed it. They eyed one another and smiled more themselves. This was nice. Very nice.

Then the moment ended in a violent strike of pain. In a split second the three went from fine to screaming. Shadow's side pulsated, sending ripples of pain up and down his body. Something clawed inside of Silver's skull. Like it was fighting to get out. While intense heat and freezing cold clashed in Sonic's chest. Painful groans and screams mingled into a choir of pain. Vanilla shrieked and ran to their side. Asking what was going on and what she could do. None could answer. They all doubled over. Shadow nearly fell from his wheelchair but Vanilla caught him. Holding him closely to her chest to push him back into place. Silver thrashed as he clutched his head. Because of this he accidentally slammed his forehead onto one of the wheelchair handlebars. Vanilla cried out. Rom caught Silver as he fell backwards. Sonic dropped to his knees and wheezed for air. Barely he managed to hold himself from full on flopping onto the floor with one shaking hand holding him. The other grabbing at his chest skin. Tears fell from all their eyes. Trying to maintain her steady breaths Vanilla looked to each of them. Her eyes fell lastly to Shadow whom she was still holding upright. His dark eyelids were slammed shut. Wetted by the tears that leaked from underneath. The words he had said to her rang loudly in her mind.

"My pain...occurred simultaneously with pain that Sonic and Silver also experienced. All in different parts of our bodies." 

Was this the same that he had referenced? Oh Chaos this was horrendous! Perhaps she should have pushed Sonic to open up to her if this was what they had all gone through.

No time for what ifs now though. Unfortunately there was only the crisis currently in their hands. One she had no idea how to stop. 

"Should we call someone in?!" Rom asked over the screams. 

"There is not anything anyone can do I think!" She called back. Shadow continued to nearly fall forward despite her holding him so she kept her arms locked around him. His lower quills were beginning to stab into her arm but she held strong. Small cuts were nothing compared to this.  Oh heavens what was she to do!? How could she make this stop!? Sonic's strength finally gave out. He collapsed with a thud beside her. And he didn't move when she called his name. 

Unfortunately, Vanilla was beginning to panic. This was unreal. It was unfair! With all her medical knowledge she had no idea what this could even remotely be! They should not be experiencing whatever this was!

Seconds passed like eternity. And then it was over. Screams were traded for gasps. The three hedgehogs slowly found their grip back on the present. Looking around to one another. Silver groaned and held where he hit his head. Shadow made eye contact with Vanilla. Warm brown eyes brimmed with tears. Just as his crimson ones did. 

"What...was that?" She barely dared to even breathe.

"That...is the same thing that...happened to us the other night...Doctor," Shadow said in between breaths.

Confirming what she feared, a hand flew over her mouth. Barely able to surpress herself from a gasp. Then she looked to Silver. Who was finally pushing himself up from Rom's hold and thanking the monkey for their help.

"Dear are you alright? Let me see your head," she ordered.

"I'm okay M-Mrs Vanilla. The pain is gone now."

"Let me see your head," she ordered once more. This time he wordlessly obeyed. Leaning in and pulling away his hand. Red clashed horribly against his white fur and quills. With purple and swelling forming fast too. Just above his right eye. 

"Oh heavens you are so lucky you did not injure your eye with that. Rom could you please-"

"Ice. On it Doctor," they replied as they lept up. Quickly leaving the room. 

"What's ice?" Silver asked. This question went ignored however as Vanilla finally turned to Sonic. Still collapsed on the floor. Unresponsive. 

"Sonic? Dear are you alright?" She asked and shook him. Still he didn't stir. Completely passed out. Vanilla surpressed the taste of bile in her mouth. All of this made her feel sick. It wasn't right! What could she do about any of it!?

As Rom reentered the room, Vanilla posed a question.

"Do you have any other openings today?" 

"Uhhhh...no. I've got a meeting in 15 and then I'm booked all the way through the rest of today," they replied.

"Do you have any openings tomorrow?" 

"Uhhh...well I can check but I think so-"

"Good. Please add these three to your schedule where you can. I am ordering an MRI," Vanilla ordered. 

"Uhhh, but Vanilla? You don't...work here anymore," the monkey reminded her.

"Please Rom, you saw what happened. This is not right..." Vanilla begged softly. "I do not wish to inconvenience you or ask too many favors and for heaven's sake if I must pay for it I will. But please. They need help."

They hesitated for a moment before looking at the rabbit again. Up to the three hedgehogs. Back to her warm brown eyes. Brown paper towels clutched around a bag of ice was handed to her. 

"I'll see what I can arrange," they replied with a small bow. Then stepped out of the room once more. A deep sigh of relief slowly pushed from her. There. Be calm. Be at ease. Shadow watched in a small amazement. 

"Silver, come here please."

He did as he was asked though he flinched when she moved to put the ice pack above his eye. Arms even raising in a defensive manner on instinct. Her heart flinched as well. 

"I am not going to hurt you," she soothed. He peered over his arms.

"S-sorry. I. I'm. I'm more used to...to..." 

"Shhh. You do not have to explain..." she assured him. Slowly his arms lowered. Bawling his hands into fists that he held firmly at his side.

"O-okay." 

Her free hand held gently under his chin. Then carefully as she could she placed the ice pack to his forming bruise. He cried out some and backed away.

"That...that hurts," he muttered. 

"I am sorry...."

"N-no no no it. It. It's okay. It. I'll be fine. It's okay. It only hurts a little. I'm sorry," stuttered Silver. This time he reached for her hand and pushed it up against the bruise. A gasp still left him and his face tightened. But he held firmly. 

"I'm okay," he assured her this time. Putting on such a brave face for such a small hedgehog. His bright eyes and tiny frame seeming far too small against his chest fur and mass of quills. Gosh he was young. Young and hurt. Everything inside her screamed. She wanted to hold him. But it wasn't her place to do so. Besides. He was "used to" something more unpleasant. Or she had to guess by his reaction. Gosh where did Sonic even find this kid??

Speaking of Sonic...

Still he lay on the floor unmoving. She released the ice and Silver took over holding it up to himself. 

"Sonic, oh Sonic dear please wake up," urged Vanilla as she lightly shook him. 

"We were told that when this happened before that Sonic had passed out for several hours," Shadow spoke up.

"He was not with you when it happened?"

"No he was not Doctor." 

Once more panic tried to rise in her. As well as anger. In him. But mostly at herself. She should have pushed him. She should have made him open up about the pain! Before it turned into this once again! Oh she wanted to rip into him so badly for not taking care of himself!

Instead she grabbed him and carefully pulled him up towards her. Cradling his unconscious body. She listened to his heart. Then checked his pulse. A little fast. But normal for him she theorized. His breathing seemed good too. Not too shallow. He felt so light in her arms. And thin. Bony underneath that fur. Curses was he even eating!? She couldn't stop herself from lightly nuzzling his face in worry. 

A decision was made right then and there. Rashly but determined. Vanilla typed on her communicator and began calling thr house.

"Rabbit Residence. Gemerl speaking," the robot answered. 

"It is me Gemerl," Vanilla replied.

"Hello Vanilla. How may assist you?"

"Gemerl please prepare the living room and kitchen. We will be having three extra guests," she said.

"Very well. Is that all?"

"Inform the girls as well please."

"Of course ma'am."

"We will be home soon. Thank you Gemerl. Goodbye."

"Guests?" Shadow eyed her suspiciously. This was certainly above and beyond anything Shadow expected. Vanilla sighed.

"I cannot in good consciousness simply send you three home now. Not after...not after that..." her voice fell into a whisper. Silver looked a little uneasy.

"Is everything okay?" He asked.

"I do not know Silver. I...I am worried about you three," she confessed. 

"So, what, we're under observation for the next however long then?" Shadow asked. Not at all unfamiliar with this. But not exactly comfortable with it either.

"Essentially yes," Vanilla nodded.

"...very well," Shadow sighed. At least this was an observation he knew about. Rather than the secret ones The Professor often implemented on him. Reminding him that he was not a free creature. Rather, a lab rat. Who happened to have a large cage. 

"Your hat fell," Silver said suddenly and plopped the hat back onto Shadow's head. Covering his face once more. Shadow huffed but didn't react otherwise. Vanilla looked back down at Sonic in her arms. Still out cold. And gracious when did those dark circles start forming under his eyes again? Oh Chaos what was happening to you Sonic the Hedgehog? 

"Silver, can you help bring Shadow out to car so I can carry Sonic? Or vice versa?"

"Or what?"

"Or the other way around?"

"Y-yeah yeah I can do that. Uh...Shadow? Is it okay if I push your wheelchair this time?" Silver asked to Shadow instead of Vanilla this time. Remembering how upset the hedgehog had been with him before. 

"You may," Shadow agreed to it. 

Swiftly they all moved back out to the car. Vanilla buckled Sonic into the front passenger seat then buckled Shadow's wheelchair into place. Silver hopped in beside Shadow. 

"Are we all ready?"

"Yes."

"Y-yeah."

She smiled to the two hedgehogs in the back. It fell as she looked to Sonic once again. Slumped over against the door. Chaos...

The ignition roared to life. Like the fire that burned inside her.

"Look Amy! Mama's home!" Cream cried from the window that looked out the front of their house.

"I wonder who our guests will be. It isn't like Mama V to change plans so suddenly," Amy said as she came up behind her. The doors to the vehicle opened up. An unfamiliar white hedgehog stepped out. 

"Who's that Amy?" Cream asked. Cheese chattered in confusion beside her.

"I...have no idea," Amy replied. Yet she couldn't look away from the stranger and his upright quills as he walked next to Vanilla. Something about him drew her in. Like he was...familiar somehow? ...No way. That couldn't be. She'd totally remember a fluffy white hedgehog with quills that stood up from his head like that, right? Right?

Then a wheelchair was wheeled out from the other side. Whoever was seated it in was hidden under Mama's gardening hat. Then Vanilla opened the passenger door. Amy's heart raced when she saw the familiar blue in her arms. In fact she couldn't stop herself from racing out the front door at the sight.

"SONIIIIC!" she screamed and skidded to a stop right before Vanilla. Tears started falling fast as she took in his exhausted state.

"What happened to you!? Oh Sonic!" Amy cried.

"Amy, please, let me get Sonic inside," Vanilla urged. 

"Oh. Um yeah okay," Amy stepped back. Her eyes locked on to the golden ones of the stranger. Yeah...he seemed familiar. Yet she couldn't place it.

Weirdly enough though he gave her the same kind of shocked expression in return. Like he was also trying to remember her. 

The stranger under the hat made mo efforts to identify himself. 

"Silver," Vanilla called. The white hedgehog shook his head and began to push the wheelchair inside without a word. Silver huh? Interesting name...

Seriously why did he seem so familiar?

"Girls, we need to talk," Vanilla called. Amy snapped herself from her thoughts and stepped back inside.

"Your ice pack is melting," huffed the stranger in the chair. Holding out the bag for the white hedgehog to take back.

"WHOA! What!? It was ice but now it's water!?" Silver cried.

"You've got a lot to learn kid."

Wait. That voice. That voice was familiar too...

Vanilla cleared her throat.

"Girls, I do not wish to frighten you but there has been...a small situation - " she gestured to the three hedgehogs in various states of injury. "I am requesting of them to stay with us for the time being."

"What happened to Mr. Sonic?" Cream asked somehow before Amy could.

"He passed out at my old clinic. I think he mostly needs the rest," Vanilla explained. Sonic was laid out on their couch. Head on a pillow and a light blanket wrapped around him. Signature red shoes pulled off of his feet even. He looked cozy. Except for his face. Blue brows came tightly together. A steep frown was the shape his mouth held. Like he was in pain. Amy's heart positively ached for him.

"Then we have these two as well. Say hello to Silver-"

The white hedgehog who resumed trying to hold a now floppy bag of water up his forming face bruise waved awkwardly.

"And to-"

"They don't need my introduction Doctor. They know who I am," spoke the seated stranger. Slowly the gardening hat was removed. Revealing the black and red hedgehog underneath. Amy gasped but Cream loudly shrieked.

"SHADOW!?"

Cheese let out a series of unhappy shrieks.

Immediately Vanilla moved to her youngest daughter's side and grabbed her hands.

"Sweetheart I know you are afraid and that you had a few bad run ins with Shadow in the past but I promise you that he will not hurt you," Vanilla soothed. Shock warped into anger for the pink hedgehog.

"What is HE doing here!?" She demanded to know. 

"He is my patient," Vanilla firmly stated.

"But he's a bad guy!" Cream argued. 

"Irregardless. Shadow will be here under my care for the time being," Vanilla continued. 

"But Mama! He tried to hurt Mr. Sonic! And Mr. Sonic got in trouble for things that Shadow did! And he tried to destroy the world!" Cream argued further, fear apparent in the little girl's voice. Which reminded Amy of being up on the Ark. Yes Shadow had tried to destroy the world but...but he stopped. He remembered his promise. A single tear fell down his face. Confliction tossed and turned inside Amy. Replacing her anger.

"But Cream, don't you remember? Shadow didn't go through with it. In fact he and Sonic worked together to try to stop the real bad guy from ending the world," Amy explained. Chaos this felt wrong. How else was she supposed to explain what happened though? Cream wasn't there on the Ark. Cream didn't see Shadow go from raging vengeance to a somber silence. Yes it was absolutely bad that Shadow even tried in the first place to enact vengeance.  And yet. After hearing what happened to his best friend. His only friend....Amy couldn't exactly blame him for it either. So yes Shadow tried to take revenge on the world. Yes he abducted Chris and hurt him. Yes he even eventually would attack Cosmo thinking she was a Metarex spy. But. Was he really a bad guy? And how was she supposed to explain all this to a 6 year old who saw the bad stuff first hand?

"Sonic saved my life."

"Huh?"

Amy looked in utter shock at the source of the deep voice. Whenever she'd seen Shadow in the past aside from that one moment of regret, he wore a heavy frown. A steel gaze that burned red hot. He was determination, embodied. Even if the morals of that mission were questionable. Now though? He looked...tired. Without the hat in the way Amy truly took in sight. This powerhouse was reduced to an exhausted state, sitting in a wheelchair with two casts on. Both on his right side. Geez. What happened to him?? If Shadow really was the Ultimate Lifeform, then what in the world could mess him up this badly!? Nothing good. That's for certain.

"What?" Cream asked in her shaking voice. Shadow steeled himself for what he was about to do. Then held out a hand for Cream. The small rabbit shyed away in fear. Gripping her mother's skirt. Vanilla pushed her forward though. Just enough to encourage her to step forward. Another encouraging touch from Amy was also given to the rabbit. Cream took a deep breath. Cheese muttered some unhappy sounds. But bravely forward the two walked right up to Shadow. Then slowly she put one hand into his.

"See? I won't hurt you," Shadow softly said. 

"You feel like Mr. Sonic does..." Cream noted.

"How so?" Shadow asked.

"It's...it's hard to explain. Mr. Sonic just feels a certain way. Like if I close my eyes and he were to grab me, I would know it was him. And I would feel safe."

"Do you feel safe with me?"  Shadow asked.

"...no," Cream admitted. 

Then Shadow said something no one else could have expected.

"I'm sorry."

Silver tried to not jump too much at that. 

Even Vanilla raised a brow at that. As well as a smile.

"I...Yes. I've done a lot of bad things kid. I'm not proud of that. But Sonic saved me anyway," Shadow explained. "And you see these casts that I'm in?"

"Yes."

"Your mom also knows I've done some bad things and she helped me anyway too. Not because she's a bad person. But because she's a very good person. Someone so good who helps people who don't always deserve it," Shadow said.

"Like Mr. Sonic does?" Cream asked. 

"Yeah...like he does," Shadow agreed. 

They stayed like that for half a minute or so. Silently staring at one another. Cream's eyes occasionally darting over to the casts. Then back to his eyes.

"Your eyes are really pretty Mr. Shadow," she said suddenly. He blinked and looked down. Pretty? Him? That almost made him laugh. A hint of red hit his muzzle. 

"I...thank you," he attempted to be polite.

"So does this mean you're a good guy now?" Cream asked. Still holding onto his hand. For some reason the question made him wince. Unable to even look at her. The warm brown eyes she had that matched her mother's. Yet where Vanilla's were warm despite the knowledge and hardship of life, Cream's radiated childhood innocence. She was certainly younger than Maria but it reminded him of her all too well. When the starlight would pierce the glass windows. Reflecting in her eyes. As she looked out into the unknown with such wonder.

"I don't know what I am anymore," Shadow replied truthfully. 

"But I'm trying to be better. I made a promise to someone a long time ago that I would," he added finally looking into her eyes again. The little rabbit's breath hitched.

"Amy was the one to remind me of that. Back when I wanted to destroy the world," he said. Glancing to the pink hedgehog. When they made eye contact something warm washed over Amy. Was it relief? Hard to say. That seemed to be the closest word she could use. Something oddly reassuring was in his gaze. 

"But there's some bad people who want to hurt me too. And Sonic saved me from them. He's trying every day to protect me..." Shadow said with a look over to the still passed out hedgehog. Obnoxious faker. Trying so damn hard for everyone else. Neglecting himself. Idiot. It was seriously gonna get him killed someday. 

Hopefully not today though.

He looked to the girl once more. This time she seemed somehow even more brave. 

"So Cream...if it's alright with you. Can my...friends and I stay here for a bit?" Shadow asked. 

Silver had been quietly observing this whole time without much reaction smiled at that. Friends. He liked hearing that very much. 

Cream thought for a second. Only a second. Then nodded.

"Yes. I'm okay with that. Even though really that's up to mama," she replied. 

"Yes dear I think that is a wonderful idea," Vanilla spoke up. Cream glanced back at her mother and smiled then turned back to Shadow. Her smile remained on her face. And he smiled back. 

"Thank you Cream."

"You're welcome Mr. Shadow." 

Vanilla admired the scene before her. Then cleared her throat.

"Girls we have some laundry we should hang outside. Let us give these gentlemen a few minutes to themselves. It has been a rather long morning for them."

Cream took one last long look at Shadow. Finally letting go of his hand. Then she waved to him and Silver and rejoined her mother. The three left the room. Leaving behind a still unconscious Sonic and a two now relieved hedgehogs.

"That was pretty cool Shadow," Silver said. 

"You think so?" Shadow asked.

"Definitely." 

A small smile came up Shadow's face as his eyes closed. Almost smug. But Silver knew it wasn't. He couldn't keep from smiling too. Shadow's eyes popped back open and they caught each other. Their smiles held. 

"I think that ice pack is officially no more," commented Shadow. 

"Yeah it's just water now. That's so weird but cool..."

"Do you really not know what ice is?" Shadow asked. Not sounding too judgemental. Hopefully. 

"I come from a world on fire Shadow," Silver replied flatly. 

"That's fair."

"Why did the ice become water?"

"It's...basically when things get too cold they freeze. So water turns from a liquid into a solid," explained Shadow.

"Whoa...I didn't know something like that could happen...heh. The world is so fascinating," Silver chuckled. Looking at the world through the refracted imagine the now water in the bag gave him. 

"Wait so why did Vanilla want me to put this ice stuff on my head?" 

"Ice can help with bruises. Speaking of which. Let me see your head."

The younger hedgehog cocked his head to the side but did as told. Coming closer for Shadow. A hum left the other hedgehog while he observed. Purple becoming more present than before.

"Unfortunately that's definitely bruised."

"Ha. That's okay. Happens plenty. Blaze always said I could handle any head trauma cause I'm such a hard head," Silver proudly responded. 

Shadow didn't have the heart to tell him that that statement probably wasn't necessarily a compliment. Probably. 

So he opted for a quick change of subject.

"Blaze was very important to you, I get the impression?" 

It didn't escape Shadow's notice how Silver's ears, nearly hidden by his massive quills, flattened. Or how his smile turned strangely sad. And the way his knees sunk a little. 

"Yeah. She...she was my everything..." Silver sighed. Restrained sadness audible in his voice. Slipping out of his heart and up his throat. 

"I can barely remember my life before she showed up. I was just...drifting along from survivor group to survivor group. U-until the day I met her. When she saved my life. And everything changed after that. I don't know w-why she bothered with me half the time. I mean. I know my powers are great. It's honestly the reason most groups bothered to keep me around most of the time. But I...I d-do plenty wrong. E-even with these powers...I'm so naive..."

"Hey, no," Shadow cut Silver off. Red intensely stared into the wavering gold. This time though not in anger like times of the past. There was determination. But there was also kindness. 

"I don't know Blaze and I won't pretend I know her reasons. But I'm sure she wouldn't have kept you around for only your powers. You're...very kind Silver. Even to me..." 

The two of them bowed their heads. Shyly not looking to one another. Both their eyes fell to Sonic. Then back to each other.

"This is the second time this has happened. And the second time Sonic has passed out," Silver stated quietly. 

"Yeah...."

"D-do you...think he's okay?" 

"...I hope so..."

Silver stepped closer to Sonic. A careful hand came to Sonic's forehead. Moving over it just gently enough to try to soothe him. The uncomfortable expression remained locked on to Sonic's face. Silver sighed.

"You really feel Sonic saved you? Or were you just saying that?" Silver asked softly. The question made Shadow gasp a little. Even wirh his back to Shadow now, Silver could feel the way Shadow peeled his eyes off of them. 

"Yes. I do..." Shadow finally confessed.

At least Silver granted him the small mercy of not looking at him. 

"I can't ever repay Blaze for everything she did for me...I'm not going to let the same happen again. Because...Sonic saved me too," Silver whispered.

"He's not going to let you. He'll just...insist it was the right thing to do," replied Shadow. Thinking about how often the blue hedgehog did indeed insist that with him.

"I'm going to," Silver insisted. Not a quiver to his voice like Shadow was so used to hearing.

"How noble..." Shadow muttered. The comment began as sarcasm yet as it left him it warped. Falling somewhere between insult and truthful. A nuance Silver didn't pick up on.

"You're gonna be okay too Shadow. You know that?" Silver suddenly said. "Whatever's all going on...it's going to turn out alright."

"What makes you say that?"

"I...can't explain it. I just...feel it in my bones I guess," the white hedgehog sighed. His eyes looking to the far off. 

"Mmm. Wish I could feel something in my bones other than pain," grumbled Shadow. Covering his muzzle in shame.

"Oh crap. Did your medicine wear off? Do you need help?" 

"...I could use some medication..." Shadow admitted.

"I-I'll ask Vanilla about it," Silver jumped up and headed outside where the others had gone. Once he left the room Shadow pulled his hand away from his mouth. Revealing a small smile underneath. That kid wasn't so bad after all. 

Hours passed by. And still Sonic wouldn't wake. Lunch was eaten. Excluding Amy who couldn't stomach a thing. The pain on Sonic's face still gripping her too much. On her knees at his side she waited once more. Wishing for him to wake up. Occasionally a hand reached out. Giving his face a gentle stroke. Vanilla told her not to bother him. Allow him to wake on his own. But this was killing her. He shouldn't hurt like this. He shouldn't be passed out like this. Mama V had been rather tight lipped about what happened. The temptation to ask of Silver or Shadow was there. Yet she resisted. 

Cream and Cheese were certainly also upset. Yet the two focused on something else. Something they always did. Bring a smile to those around them.

The pair did their best to distract Amy until Vanilla finally called her away. Okay. Who could they look to next? 

In the living room Shadow remained in his wheelchair for the time being. And Silver sat in mama's rocking chair. Shadow was preoccupied with a book while Silver gently rocked back amd forth with a smile big enough to meet his closed eyes. That looked fun. Cream hummed and walked over to him. Holding a book in her hand.

"Excuse me Mr. Silver?" She asked.

"Huh? Who, me?" Silver asked back. Cream nodded and smiled.

"Hi there. Would you mind reading this book to Cheese and me? I was about to ask Amy but Mama called her to the kitchen. I'm not at the reading level for this one yet," explained the young rabbit. Up for Silver to see she held the wooden book. A Chao with a plate of cookies was depicted on the cover. Very cute. Yet Silver sweated a little looking at it. He glanced to Shadow. Just barely missing the fact that the red eyes had glanced up at him. 

"Y-your name is Cream, right?"

"Yes." 

"Well Cream I...I uh. Um. Ah. I..." 

Once more Silver glanced at Shadow. Thankfully the dark hedgehog appeared engrossed in his book. Yet he was indeed listening. Not to be cruel or secretive. Just a side effect essentially of having heightened senses. He couldn't help but overhear the words being spoken in the same room as him. Which is why Shadow could perfectly hear Silver whisper.

"I don't know how to read."

Unfortunately for Silver, Cream loudly repeated what she heard.

"What!? You don't know how to read!?"

The young hedgehog winced loudly. He looked to Shadow again. For some seconds there was no reaction. Then red met gold. Just a quick glance. Darn it. A hefty sigh escaped Silver. He looked away in shame. 

"Um. Yeah. I uh. I. I never learned how to read," he admitted. Voice back in his regular tone. No point in trying to hide it now. 

"But Mr. Silver? Why didn't your parents teach you how to read?" 

"I..." Silver swallowed uncomfortably. "I don't have parents..."

"...Oh..."

Cheese chittered. Clearly upset by the turn of events. Somehow Cream seemed even smaller. Like she was shrinking away. Guilt smashed into Silver. Oh no oh no oh no!

"Hey-hey wait Cream, I-I-I it's okay! Don't be sad, I'm not mad at you," he tried to soothe her. 

"You're not?" Cream whispered. 

"No I'm not. It's okay. I uh. I. I just. I'm not...used to a lot of things about this place. I...I had a...a very bad life before..." he struggled to explain. 

"I was...in a lot of danger every day. I didn't get to do a things that kids normally get to do. Um...and I didn't have parents. I just stayed with...with whoever would take me. So there's-there's uh. A lot that I don't know still."

"Oh..." 

"But it's okay that you asked Cream I promise I'm not mad at you for it, y-you didn't know. I. I'm. I'm just kind of. Like. Ahhh. Really awkward. A-and-" Silver's embarrassed rambles was cut off. Tiny arms worked their way around his thin torso. Her small head almost disappeared into his chest fur save for her giant ears. 

"I'm very sorry you went through that Mr. Silver," she whispered against his skin. 

"...oh...uh..." Silver's mind was so struck by her gentleness he couldn't even react. So he stopped trying to speak. Allowing his instincts to simply take over. The part of him that longed for a kind touch. A side that was so rarely indulged. He relaxed into her hug and tenderly hugged her back. A sob tried to rise into his throat. 

"Please don't cry Mr. Silver. Everything will be okay," Cream added. 

His grip on her tightened. 

"Thank you Cream," he whispered back. 

However long they stayed like that, Silver didn't know. But he did know that he desperately needed that. It was so healing for his soul. They finally began to part. Slowly untangling from each other. Silver missed it already. 

"You're very soft Mr. Silver. And you smell like sugar."

"Thank you."

"Hey kid," came Shadow's voice. 

Both hedgehog and rabbit looked up to him. 

"Um...Cream," Shadow corrected himself.

"Yes?" 

"Come here." 

Cheese expressed several sounds of frustration.

"It's alright Cheese," Cream said as she walked right up to the dark hedgehog. 

"Can I see your book?" Shadow asked. 

She handed it over without hesitation. Shadow looked it over. Then did something very unexpected.

"Would you like me to read this to you?"

"Would you really!?" Cream gasped loudly. 

"Sure. I'm getting a little bored with this other book anyways," Shadow shrugged. 

Cheese let out happier sounds. 

"Cheese is saying thank you Mr. Shadow!" Cream cried.

"...heh. It's. It's nothing," Shadow chuckled.

"Well. It means a lot to me," Cream said. Their eyes met again. Unlike before there was no fear in her eyes that Shadow could sense. He couldn't think of a response. Just a nod for her. 

"I know some of the words in this book but I can't read all of it so I need help," Cream explained. Suddenly looking very embarrassed? 

"Hey, that's okay. You don't have to feel embarrassed that you can't read. You'll learn," he said to Cream. Yet also looked to Silver as he spoke. Their eyes caught. Blush went up Silver's face. He nodded briefly then looked away. Cream didn't quite notice the shift in focus as Shadow's eyes quickly came back to her. 

"I. I don't want to bother you though," she whispered.

"I said it's okay didn't I?" Asked Shadow.

"...yes."

"Then let me read it to you."

"...okay," Cream finally nodded. Warm rays of her bright brown eyes struck him again. Honestly this kid was kind of incredible. Though she was young. And certainly not on the power level of himself or even many of Sonic's other friends. She was so brave. And powerful in her own ways. Apparently this rabbit could kick hard. Fly with her ears. Even destroyed one of the Professor's other projects, Emerl. It had shocked Shadow that GUN had a file on this little kid. Something he had seen at some point after he joined with them. A small file that seemed to only reference her battle with Emerl and her ties as known associate of Sonic's. Not something he would have ever predicted when he first met this child. When he made her tremble in fear.

Now she stood before him. Unafraid. Asking him to read her a book. Heh. What a riot.

Before he could begin the store Cream suddenly climbed into his lap. She moved so fast and naturally he didn't even process it was happening until cream colored fur filled most of his vision. She sat on his left leg. Her weight perfectly balanced. He blinked. Is this really happening? Then Cream seemed to catch on. Blinking and looking mystified herself.

"Oh dear. I'm sorry Mr. Shadow. I don't know why I did that."

"Do you usually climb into your mom's lap for stories?" He asked. 

"Yes. And Amy. And Mr. Sonic too when he reads me stories. But I should have asked first, I'm sorry," Cream replied as she began climbing down. 

"It's okay Cream...you don't have to get down."

"Really?" She asked.

"Really," Shadow assured her. Giving her a genuine soft smile.

"Your smile is very pretty," she said.

"Oh...thank you," he responded. "Yours is too."

She giggled. And Shadow couldn't lie to himself. This was nice. 

No fear. No terror. No pain. The fires of determination and a possibly deadly goal were all the furthest things on his mind right now. There was only this. Peace. And a little girl's smile. It warmed his heart. An unfamiliar sensation. But not a completely foreign one. Rather one he hadn't felt in so long. He'd almost forgotten what it felt like.

Maria. You would love this family.

"Are you ready to start then?"

"Oh yes Mr. Shadow!"

"Chao Chao!" Added Cheese. Shadow's small grin remained. 

"Okay then....If you give a Chao a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw..."

Just as Shadow finished reading a second book to Cream, Vanilla's head poked into the living room.

"Silver dear. May I ask for your help for a few minutes?" She asked.

"Of course Mrs Vanilla," he replied as he jumped up. Shadow and Vanilla's eyes met. Cream still seated comfortably in his lap. It was obvious what happened here. She smiled so big and so softly. Cream matched her mother's smile. Shadow broke their eye contact but a smile continued to grow on his face.

She started to ask if everything was going good in here. But decided against it. The answer was obvious.

"H-how can I help?" Silver asked.

"Oh. Um. Right. Ah. Allow me to show you," Vanilla said as she led him back into the kitchen. Amy was in there. Rolling and kneading away at some dough. 

"I am so sorry to ask for assistance from a guest but I am afraid I need some more hands if I am ever to feed to this number of people dinner in time. Please forgive me. I truly am unprepared," Vanilla chastised herself.

"It-It's okay Mrs Vanilla. I don't mind. Really. I. I'm used to helping out actually. Well uh. Where I could..." Silver said. 

"That is very nice of you Silver. I appreciate it. I had to ask Gemerl to run back to the market to get us a larger chicken for me to cook. Amy is working on bread. And you can help me by chopping these vegetables if that is alright," Vanilla showed him a cutting board. Various colorful foods lined up perfectly besides a large knife. Like a beautiful art piece. At least to Silver it was. He searched his memory for what these were. The orange ones look familiar...surely they had cans of it at some point. What did Blaze call them...Carrots. Was that right? 

"Is something the matter?" Vanilla asked..

"Um! No! No. Sorry. I um. I...don't...know what these are..." he admitted. 

"Oh. Heavens I am sorry Silver. I can take care of it dear I really should not have asked of a guest-"

"No no, please Mrs Vanilla I want to help. I'm just not really sure what these are or how I should cut them," Silver defended.

"Are you certain?"

"I am."

With his insistence, Vanilla explained each vegetable. Carrots, he had been right about that. Celery. Potatoes. Leeks. Garlic. Onion. She cut up a carrot into bite sized pieces. If he could mimic that and put them into the pot that would be great. Did he feel comfortable using a knife? Was he sure? With his insistence that he was ready, she allowed him to begin. 

"I need to check on the laundry very fast, I will be right back you two," Vanilla excused herself. Leaving the two hedgehogs to work in the kitchen. Amy glanced up from her dough. It should be ready soon. Then it'll rest so it can rise. The bread would be the last of the dinner dishes to bake before serving. That fresh bread smell really completed the whole meal. Even before getting that warm taste. So she took a moment to watch Silver work. Pushing down with far too much might. His chopping was slow but it was working at least. Still though. He could do better.

"You don't have to push down so hard to chop them. Let the sharpness do most of the work," Amy explained to him. He stared for a moment. Then he grabbed a new carrot. Instead of forcing down like he was, he pushed lightly. A satisfying thunk followed. Silver smiled. 

"Oh. Y-yeah that feels better. Thank you...um. Amy was it?" 

"Yeah. Amy Rose-Rabbit." 

He nodded but didn't converse further. This let Amy return to her dough. Finishing the process. Then setting it aside. Silver got through the carrots and celery. Now working on slicing potatoes.

"So Silver, you're friends with Sonic?" Amy asked.

"Y-yeah. Yeah I am," Silver replied. Slightly unnerved by the unexpected question. But he had to guess more were coming. He was a stranger in her house after all. 

"He's never mentioned you before. How come we've never met before?" She asked further. 

"Heh, well uh...." Silver paused. Now maybe wasn't the best time to explain. Technically we have met before. You just don't remember it. He certainly remembered her though. How nice and helpful she had been. Then how bravely she stood in defiance of him. Declaring how she would choose Sonic over the word every time. A stance that at the time confused him. Made him question. Wasn't that selfish? Then again...if he was in that same situation with Blaze...would he really choose any different?

And really now that he'd been living with Sonic. Owing him his entire new life... 

He didn't really wonder why Amy would choose Sonic over the world anymore. 

"It's...a recent development," Silver finally settled on. After being silent for way too long. Darn it. You look like a total liar now. Amy nodded though. He tried to not look at her. Very uncomfortable now. Another question was coming, he could feel it. But he really wanted to be done with questions. 

"Did you ever...live in an orphanage in Knothole Forest?" Amy asked.

"...what???" 

"I'm sorry to ask that. It's just that you seem so familiar. And I can't figure out why. But I feel so certain that I've met you before,"  Amy explained. 

"I uh....um. I am an orphan. At least I think. But I um. No. I never lived in Knothole Forest," he awkwardly explained. 

"Oh. I see. I'm sorry."

"It's okay." 

A soup base on the stovetop bubbled. It was the only sound in the kitchen. Aside from the occasional chop of knife meeting wood as Silver cut the vegetables. Amy was frustrated she couldn't place him. This déjà vu sensation was strangely powerful. Could her tarot deck help with this? No, it's not for those kinds of questions silly. She shook her head. In her frustration to get off that topic, her mind wandered down a direction it often did. Back to Sonic. She glanced towards the living room. He was still passed out back there. Oh...that was scary. What happened to him? Why was he still so out of it? 

She probably shouldn't ask. If Mama V didn't offer up that information freely, then it wasn't hers to know. Yet...

Her heart continued to ache. She had to know. She had to help. If there was anything, anything, she could do for him...

"Hey Silver?" She began.

"Yeah?"

Then she paused. Gah. She was being nosey. But was it really so wrong if it was for the right reasons? 

"Can...you tell me what...what happened to Sonic?"

The white hedgehog froze at her request. He stood completely still and unblinking. Oh no. Did she push too far? 

"I..." he began.

"...yeah?"

"I...I can't...I can't explain it..." he winced. 

"What do you mean?"

Before he could even attempt a response, Vanilla stepped back into the kitchen. A basket with various linens in her arms.

"Amy, ready to take a moment and put your sheets back on your bed?"

"Oh. Um. Yeah. One sec," Amy replied. Pulling off her pink, flour coated apron. Amy and Silver locked eyes as she began to walk out. Something in his gaze unnerved her. In a way she couldn't explain. She sighed as they moved to her shared room with Cream. 

"Is something wrong dear?" Vanilla's voice cut through her tensed thoughts.

"It's nothing. I'm just still worried about Sonic. And I wish I could figure out why Silver seems so familiar," replied Amy. They moved in a fluid harmony. Removing the old ones. Shaking the clean ones then getting them placed perfectly. Vanilla tending to Cream's bed while Amy fixed her own.

"Have patience. The answers will come to you," Vanilla said.

"Yeah. You're right," Amy said back. And that was that. Or rather. It was supposed to be. Amy intended to leave it. Logically she knew Vanilla was truthful. And again it really wasn't her place to intrude. But...

Amy's motions paused. Subtlety shaking as she held her blanket. Shaky like her small breaths.

"...Amy?" Vanilla asked.

"Mama V, I need to know! What happened to Sonic!? Why's he unconscious like this! And what do Silver and Shadow have to do with any of this!?" Amy cried. An unwilling tear fell from her eyes. She snapped her eyes shut to prevent more. A futile effort. More sprung from her without her control. Forcing her to hide her face in her blanket to try to stop it. 

It always amazed Amy how Mama V was so willing to drop everything and run to their sides. Both her and Cream. 

"I'm sorry! I'm just so scared for him!" Amy added. Met by Vanilla's hushing sounds. Soft gloves over warm hands wrapped around her, holding her head against Vanilla's chest. And a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

"I know you are dear. It is alright that you feel this way. Do not apologize for it," Vanilla whispered. 

The support of her emotions was something Amy couldn't be more thankful for. It was something many didn't understand. Especially the orphanage she had been in. With so few resources and so many children to help. Outbursts of emotions simply couldn't be handled. It was too difficult to manage on top of all that stress. Amy understood this. It was hard to stop though. When her emotions like a tidal wave were determined to sweep everyone up in it. Along with her. Mama V understood this. Mama V didn't try to make her hold the wave back. Rather, learn to swim in it as best as she could. Avoid getting pulled under. And especially do her best to not pull anyone in with her. 

"What if he doesn't wake up? Amy asked. With her eyes closed Amy couldn't see Vanilla's face. The shift in her stance however was felt. The warm embrace around her tightened. 

"I...will do what I feel is best if that should happen. I will use my knowledge and the signs his body gives me...and I will get him the help he needs," Vanilla stated. 

That made sense. But why wasn't it more comforting to her?

"Is he gonna be okay?" Amy sobbed.

"I....believe so dear. You know how Sonic can be. Bouncing back from impossible odds all the time," Vanilla said, a small chuckle forming on the end. True. A very true point. Amy laughed a little herself.

"Do not fret Amy. Please know I am doing everything I can for him. I believe though that right now the thing he needs most is some rest. Hence why I have not attempted to wake him," explained Vanilla.

"...okay," Amy sighed then finally let go. Teaful eyes looked back up to Vanilla. At least now though she seemed less...defeated. 

"I'm sorry Mama V," she added. 

"Shhhh. Hush dear. It is alright," Vanilla soothed.

"You know what might help Sonic feel really good when he wakes up?" Vanilla suddenly suggested.

"What?" 

"Perhaps some of your delicious strawberry pudding for dessert afterwards. Do you think you can make some while we finish up dinner?" Vanilla winked at her. 

"Oh!!! Oh I'm sure you're right! He'd love that! Sonic loves my strawberry pudding! I'm gonna make a giant batch of it!" Amy gleamed and began to race back to the kitchen.

"You will need to pick strawberries! We do not have any in the fridge!" Vanilla called after her. She chuckled as Amy called back then clearly ran for the front door. Slamming it a bit too hard. That girl. Such a fire. Well at any rate. Best get back to the kitchen. Gemerl should be back with that chicken any time soon. The timing should be just about perfect. Not bad considering today certainly had not gone as planned. As for Sonic though...heavens. Amy was not wrong to be worried. It very much was concerning that he was still so passed out. Perhaps if by dinner time he wasn't awake...

Vanilla's concerns for Sonic became distracted as she walked back into the kitchen. Hearing sobs. Yet not seeing any source of it.

"Silver!? Dear, are you alright?!" Vanilla called as she sought out the hedgehog. The sobs ceased. Immediately making the room eerily silent. Then she spotted some white quills poking out behind the lower cabinets. Down to her knees she crawled around the corner. Finding the young hedgehog indeed sitting behind the counter. Clutching his knees and trying to not cry anymore.

"Oh dear, what is wrong?" She whispered. The light in his eyes was almost doused by his tears. Darkened in this shadow and the the wetness. Red filled the whites of his eyes. He looked at her for only a moment before loudly sobbing once more.

"I don't know!" He cried out.

She tried to soothe him. Putting a careful arm around his shoulder and humming softly. Slowly it worked. His shuddering breaths calmed. Although his tears kept falling. 

"I-I-I was...doing what y-you asked me to-to d-do. Cutting the-the vegetables. B-but when I got to um to the. The. White one. I just. Started crying. And I couldn't stop!" He wailed. Gripping his head and groaning loudly.

Vanilla chastised herself. She should not have asked him to cut up the onion.  

"Silver, I am so sorry. I should have realized when you said you did not what these vegetables were that you would not know," she began.

"W-what?" He asked.

"The white vegetable? The onion? Did you notice how it had a strong smell?"

"Y-yeah."

"Onions have a chemical in them that irritates your eyes. Which makes you cry," explained Vanilla. 

"...-wha....what? Why????" Silver asked with utterly wide eyes.

"I am unsure of that. I can only suppose it is a form of the plant trying to protect itself," she shrugged.

"S-so I'm. I'm not just crazy or something?" Silver asked in a timid voice.

"No dear. You are not."

"Mama? Is everything okay?" Cream asked as she moved into the kitchen. Then she walked upon them sitting on the floor.

"Mr. Shadow and I could hear crying. So I said I would investigate!" Cream declared proudly. Power pose and all. Then she looked down. Unusual for her. Since she was so small she had to usually look up at people. But here was her Mama and Mr. Silver. Sitting on the floor. He was crying.

"Oh no! Mr. Silver! Why are you crying!?" Cream cried. 

"I-I'm okay Cream. I didn't know that onions can make you cry!" He tried to brush it off with an embarrassed laugh.

"Oh nooo! Those mean onions! I don't like them when they're raw. They're so smelly! And they make me cry too! But they're yummy when they cook into the food," Cream said. With Cheese chiming in agreement.

"Yeah. I guess I hadn't ever noticed that when Sonic cooks. I-I try to help him sometimes b-but I've never cut an onion before," Silver nodded. His tears were slowing down at least. And stuttering a little less. 

"I am so sorry Silver. I did not mean to put you through that," Vanilla sighed.

"I-it's okay Mrs. Vanilla. I'm okay."

"Are you certain?" She asked. Watching as the last of his tears fell. He rubbed at his eyes. Clearly itchy. Still burning bright red. Making his now glossy gold eyes stand out even more brilliantly. It reminded her of Sonic in a way. Not that he ever cried in front of her. But that brilliance. That shine. An amazing young hedgehog. Oh please don't have picked up his bad habit of holding it all to himself...

"I..." he started. Then faltered. 

"...Cream?"

"Yes Mama?"

"Can you please go get the eye drops from the bathroom please?" Vanilla asked. Without looking at her daughter. Keeping her eyes firmly on Silver. There was more he wanted to say. Clearly. 

"Got it Mama," Cream said. Then was gone. Silver released his held breath.

"What is it Silver?" She asked him.

"I thought...I...I saw my re-. Re-. Um. What's the word? Reflection? In the pot. I. I looked at myself. I could s-see how red my eyes got. And then I thought I saw...Mephiles..." Silver barely whispered.

"Mephiles?" Vanilla asked. He nodded. Eyes looking far away, like he was afraid. 

"What's Mephiles?"

"...a monster..." Silver's voice shook. Then his fear visibly turned to anger. His body shaked and his eyes narrowed.

"It's all his fault. He did this. I could have had a normal life if he hadn't ruined the entire world. I would have had parents and know how to read and know about normal foods if it wasn't for him! He's the reason Sonic and Shadow and I are in pain, I'm sure of it! All because this stupid creature couldn't just leave us ALONE!" Silver shouted.

"Silver!" Vanilla cried.

He looked up and gasped. Completely without intending to, he was making everything in the kitchen float. Including Vanilla.

"Alright Mama V! I've got enough strawberries for the pudding, I'll- AHH!" Amy cried as she walked back into the kitchen. Witnessing what was happening. Just in time for Cream to also do the same. 

"MAMA!?" Cream screamed.

"GIRLS EVERYTHING IS OKAY! Silver just...got a little worked up! Everything is alright. Silver is going to put everything down now, right?" Vanilla called. The hedgehog looked frozen though. A mortified expression on his face.

"Hey! Silver! Snap out of it!" Amy cried. 

"Nooo no no no no it's all my fault. MY fault. If I hadn't listened to him. I'm so stupid. I'm so naive. Oh Chaos why did I listen to Mephiles. It's all my fault," Silver muttered. Eyes locked onto the roof. And not releasing anything from his powers. Thankfully he wasn't commanding anything to move. Everything held still. Like suspended animation. Except for his new tears that rolled down his cheeks.

"SILVER!" Amy called. 

"Excuse me. Let me get to him," Shadow's voice came from behind her. She jumped slightly. 

"He's like in shock or something," Amy explained.

"I know. I can help him," Shadow insisted. 

"Okay," Amy stepped aside for him. With his one good arm Shadow wheeled himself over to Silver's side. Thankfully the kitchen was spacious enough for him to get to the younger hedgehog easily enough. 

"It's all my fault, it's all my fault, I did this..." Silver continued to mumble.

"No you didn't kid. Knock it off. Don't you dare blame yourself for what that fu...freak did," Shadow corrected himself. Don't swear in front of the little girl. That would be preferable. His free hand came out to gently touch Silver's shoulder. 

"You didn't destro...do what he did. He tricked you. That's all. It could happen to anybody," Shadow insisted. Yet Silver kept muttering.

"Hey! Can you hear me!?" Shadow yelled. 

"I....I..." Silver blinked finally and looked to him. "Shadow?" 

"Hey kid. You're kinda having a freak out. And freaking everyone else out in doing so. Could you put the Doctor down please?" Shadow asked. 

"Huh? Wha-OH MY GOSH! I'm so sorry!" Silver cried looking around at all that was being affected by his powers. Then he gently released it all. Everything returned to earth with the carefullest placement. Including Vanilla.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't realize I was using my powers! I wasn't trying to do anything! I just...GAH!" Silver clutched his head. 

"Hey, no, shhhh. Silver, please do not. Are you alright?" Vanilla asked.

"Am I alright!? No I'm not alright! I could have hurt you! And I didn't even know!" Silver groaned.

"You just panicked a little there don't beat yourself up over it," gruffed Shadow.

"I'm so sorry," Silver repeated. 

"Silver, Silver. Hey. Listen to me. I understand. I am not mad at you. And I do not think the girls are either. Is that correct girls?"

"Yeah. It's okay Silver. I was just startled by it was all," Amy agreed.

"Yeah, it scared me a little but it's okay Mr. Silver."

"Chao Chao!"

"I'm really sorry," he repeated. Refusing to look up at them. Vanilla's heart wanted to leap from her chest. This poor kid...

"Silver, you were very helpful and I appreciate it. But perhaps now you should go back to the living room. Sit down and relax. Dinner will be a while still but I do not need any more help. And it sounds like Amy is making us one of her special desserts," said Vanilla. At the mention, Amy grinned.

"Y-yeah. Yeah. I'll. I'll do that. I'm really sorry," Silver sighed.

"If you apologize again I'm gonna smack you," grumbled Shadow.

"....sorr-OW! Hey!" Silver protested as Shadow followed through on that threat. Punching Silver hard in the arm. And laughing at his upset expression.

"I did warn you," he smirked.

"It's not funny," Silver grumbled.

"Yes it is. Would've been even funnier if it was your face but I decided to be nice and not do it," Shadow chuckled.

"Oh. How considerate of you," Silver sarcastically responded. Which only made Shadow chuckle more. 

"Come on. Let's get out of here," Shadow said and began to wheel himself out. 

Once they were in the living room, Shadow lowered his voice.

"You said you saw Mephiles?"

"Uhhh. I. Um. I don't know," Silver whispered back. 

"Well what happened?"

"I uh. I saw myself in the pot. And then my eyes were like...all red from the crying. But it for a second seemed like...like where my eyes are gold, Mephiles has the green you know? It was like for a second my gold changed to green."

"Was that the only thing?" Shadow asked. 

"Yeah. But...I don't know. It might have just been in my head..." Silver sighed. Keeping his head hung in low shame. 

"I have...been sometimes hearing Mephiles..." Shadow slowly admitted. That got Silver to look up at him.

"You what?"

"It's...it's not. The only things I'm hearing are things that he actually said to me. Nothing new. But I can hear it so strongly in my mind...it's...frustrating. Is my mind simply playing tricks on me? Or is there something to it. I don't know," Shadow explained. 

"Shadow that's...why didn't you say this before?" 

"I! Don't...Actually know," he admitted. "It may not even be real."

"Still though," Silver shrugged. 

Shadow released a deep breath and contemplated. So that's one count of seeing Mephiles, maybe. Multiple of possibly hearing Mephiles. Two counts of simultaneous pain. And two counts of Sonic passing out afterwards. Damn it. This had to all have a connection. A meaning. But what!? Damn...

"Any chance you have any bright ideas?" Shadow asked.

"Nope. Do you?" 

"Unfortunately not." 

"Hmmm."

"Hmmm."

"When are we supposed to speak with the Blaze of that other dimension?" Silver asked.

"I can't recall. The next blue moon I believe. Which I don't know when is," Shadow answered.

"Ugh. Come on Sonic, wake up. We need you. Er. Um. I need you I guess," Silver said.

"No...you...had it right the first time," Shadow whispered. Silver didn't look to the dark hedgehog. But he did smile hearing that.

Over an hour later dinner was all finished baking. The last of it was cooling and resting. Dessert was chilling in the refrigerator. And everyone was sitting in the living room. The four younger ones were wrapped up in an intense game of Go Fish. From her rocking chair, Vanilla watched lovingly. Sipping on a cup of evening tea. 

It was then that Sonic finally woke up. Gasps shot him upright. Violently he heaved. Like he had been pulled out of the deep water. And clawing at his chest.

"OH SONIIIIC!!!" Amy screamed in delight as she pounced on him. Suffocating him into her embrace. While he was still struggling for breath.

"AMY MADELINE ROSE-RABBIT! Behave yourself! Give Sonic some space!" Vanilla cried in horror.

"Right, sorry," Amy sheepishly said as she backed off. Sonic continued to hack. Finding it difficult to breathe at all.

"Are you alright Mr. Sonic?" Cream asked.

"Mmm fine...where am I?" Sonic managed to ask between coughs. 

"You are at our house," Vanilla informed him. Sonic continued to groan and hold his head. 

"How did we get here?" He asked. Barely able to look at everyone.

"Do you not recall? You passed out at my old clinic. I drove you all here afterwards," Vanilla continued to explain.

"Oh...how long was I out for?" 

"Approximately...8 hours." 

"Geez," Sonic groaned.

"H-how do you feel?" Silver asked.

"Mmm. Tired."

"Seriously? After all that sleep?" Shadow snickered. 

"Yeah. And hungry."

"Well. You woke up with near perfect timing. Dinner is almost ready," Vanilla smiled at him.

"Oh. Thank you," Sonic said. 

A loud ringing interrupted them. Vanilla looked to her communicator. Now who would be calling her at this-oh. The caller ID read Rom. 

"Excuse me everyone. I must take this."

Vanilla quickly walked to her bedroom then accepted the call. 

"Hello Rom?"

"Hey, um hello Doctor. It's me. Uh. Obviously," they chuckled a little. "Ahem. Um. Sorry that I'm calling you this late. I got swept up in everything else I had to do today. Didn't get a chance to look at...what you asked of me..." they paused. Seeming like they were rather conflicted. 

"Listen Vanilla. I. I agree with you. Something about what happened today...definitely wasn't right. Now I don't know what good an MRI will do for them exactly but..."

"...What is it Rom?" She asked of her friend.

"...I will. Do the MRI. For all three of them. Off the books. Tomorrow morning, before the clinic opens. Do you think you can get them here that early?"

"I do believe so. Truly Rom. Thank you," Vanilla exhaled.

"I know it's the right thing to do but. You know how it is Doc. I could get in a lot of trouble if anyone found out. Maybe even lose my license. So just. Don't mention this okay? Or let any of them mention it?" 

"I will make sure they know. Let me talk to them and then I will get back to you."

"Okay then. Thanks Vanilla. Bye."

"Goodbye." 

Sweet relief. Thank heavens Rom could make something happen so quickly. Although oh dear. Hopefully they would not get into any trouble. She better talk with the boys about this. 

In the living room, the Go Fish game turned up in intensity as Sonic joined in. Well. It could wait until after they were finished at least. 

Some minutes later Cream was proudly declared the winner. Leading to cheers from from all. Even Shadow who mustered up a smile and congratulated her. In all earnesty. Vanilla of course also laughed and congratulated her little girl. Then cleared her throat. 

"Girls? Will you help Gemerl set the table for us all?" 

"Yes Mama," Cream eagerly replied.

"We can help too-" Silver began.

"No Silver. I would like you to stay here please." 

"O-oh. Okay..." 

Once the girls left the room, Vanilla turned to the three hedgehogs.

"I apologize. You did not do anything wrong. I only need a moment to speak with you all," she explained. "I am rather concerned by what happened today. Especially since this is not the first time it has happened it sounds like..." 

"Y-yeah. It's the second," Silver said. 

"I see. In any case. I have requested of Rom, whom you met today, to give you each an MRI. To see if we can find a causation for these pains," explained Vanilla.

"Is this really necessary Doctor?" Shadow asked. 

"I believe so. What is happening to you three is unnatural and frankly, concerning."

"What's an MRI?" Silver asked.

"Magnetic Resonance Imaging. To put simply, instead of looking at your bones, we will be looking at your muscles and organs to see if we can find what may be causing the pain."

"Oh. Um. Okay...." Silver said. The younger hedgehog looked down. His skull clearly buzzing with questions.

"It will be a short procedure and it will not hurt, Silver. It is not too dissimilar to how we looked at Shadow's bones today," she added. For what it was worth, it seemed to ease the hedgehog a little bit. Those thin shoulders slouching a little more after hearing this. 

"Is this happening then?" Shadow questioned.

"Yes. Tomorrow. Early in the morning," Vanilla nodded. "If it would be easier, I could even arrange for you three to stay the night here. That way we can all just leave together in the morning. Making it easier for Shadow especially."

"Why did we even bring a wheelchair? I could have. Could've just used my powers to lift Shadow. We didn't need the chair..." grumbled Silver.

"That's true but much as I don't like it, using the chair helps hide my identity. Which I still need at this time, just in case," Shadow pointed out.

"Oh. Right..." 

"...Sonic? You are rather quiet. What are you thinking?" Vanilla asked the blue hedgehog. His green eyes staring firmly into the ground. 

"I...it's nothing," Sonic sighed.

"Are you opposed to staying the night? Or another concern?" Vanilla tried to keep her voice from shaking as she asked. 

"No! No. It's nothing," Sonic sighed. Shadow raised an eyebrow at that. Very interesting. Not truthful, he suspected. Faker, Faker, Faker. 

"Are you certain?"

"Yeah. It's fine." 

"...very well."

"I have no opposition to staying the night Doctor. If you ultimately feel is best," Shadow sighed. "Unfortunately we need answers about what these pains are." 

"Y-yeah. Sounds okay to me," Silver agreed.

"I am glad to hear this. Sonic?"

"...what?"

"Are you opposed to staying the night? I am sorry to say I do not have a room for you boys but the couch can pull out," Vanilla said.

"...no. It's fine."

"Very well. I am glad to hear it. Hopefully this will mean we can get you all some answers sooner than later," Vanilla sighed. 

"Th-Thank you for trying to help us so-so much Mrs Vanilla," Silver said. 

"It is my pleasure. And certainly not a problem," she added. Strongly emphasizing the not. Suspiciously Sonic wouldn't meet her eyes.

"Is that all, Doctor?" Shadow asked.

"Yes. It is time for dinner now. Let us get some food into you. Especially you Sonic, I do not believe you have had anything to eat all day." 

But Sonic didn't respond. 

Dinner went splendidly smooth. Vanilla made enough for everyone to eat enough and still have leftovers. The chicken was juicy and flavorful. The bread was warm and soft. Each vegetable was crisp. The soup had a perfect balance of taste and texture. Shadow had never tasted anything so good in all his life! Having only one arm to eat with helped him keep from scarfing down at least. Silver though had no such will power. Chowing down far too quickly nearly tearing up as he did so. Although Vanilla did have to politely remind him of table manners a few times. Right. Sorry.

The food was delicious. It always was with Vanilla. But Sonic could barely bring himself to eat anything. Even though Vanilla had been right, he had not eaten much that day at all.

And Vanilla could not stop looking at him with such concern on her face. Her own stomach twisting and turning. Between bites though her mind kept going.

Perhaps this was an overreaction on her part.

Perhaps she was being a little bit foolish.

Besides.

It wasn't like he was her kid.

He belonged to no one. Free as the wind.

Yet...

A teenager. 

A hero.

An orphan. 

A fighter.

Alone.

Not really alone. He has his friends.

But...

It still hurt to think about.

Did it hurt him? 

Or did it not matter? Since it's all he's ever known?

Yes he's capable. But how did Sonic make it on his own all this time? Without parents or some kind of guardian?

Who taught him to speak? To read? To write? 

Who hugged him whenever he was scared? 

Maybe she should stop worrying...

He's so capable. He's so stubborn. He can do almost anything. Maybe he really is fine and she's only worried for nothing.

But...

Slowly Sonic took a few more bites. Every time he did she could not deny it made her feel that little bit better.

When was the last time Shadow had eaten at table like this? Around a freshly made meal? With smiles all around?

Not since the days of the Ark.

It wasn't like this every day. 

Somedays it was just him and Maria. When the Professor was simply too caught up in his projects to come to the table. Go ahead without me. I'll join you as soon as I can.

Other times it was him and the Professor. When Maria was too sick to even get out of bed let alone eat. Confined to her oxygen machine and getting nutrients from her g-tube. 

But the days that were like it...

Oh the way it made him smile. When the Professor would light up. Launching into stories about his life. Adventures on earth. Falling in love. Discovering the most incredible things and diving into science to learn even more. And of course talking for hours about his various scientific advances. One day Maria. We'll leave this place. Go back to earth, where we belong. I'll take you anywhere you want. You'll finally be able to meet your parents. I even hear you have a younger brother on the way. Someday Maria. Someday.

Shadow loved those nights. 

Sometimes he couldn't stop thinking. What he wouldn't give for one more night.

Really, that should have clued him in that he had not put the past behind him as much as he would have liked. 

Would the past ever truly be laid to rest?

Munching on the delicious food, Shadow looked around the table. The table being round meant he could be rolled up to any area. So he was squeezed right between Sonic and Silver. Directly across from him was Vanilla. Gemerl sat next to Vanilla but did not have a plate. Amy and Cream were on either side of the robot and the rabbit. Everyone was smiling. Even Sonic finally perked up some as Cream who was next to him told him about how Mr. Shadow read books today since Mr. Silver can't read. Causing the white hedgehog to turn beet red. Sonic at least quickly deflected by asking her if anybody reads books to her better than him? Well. Sorry Mr. Sonic but Mama does. His ego deflated like a balloon. Everyone laughed. Especially Shadow. 

Vanilla and Shadow locked eyes. Wordlessly she mouthed "Thank you."

He wasn't positive what for. But it didn't stop him from wordlessly returning a "welcome." 

Then came the dessert. A glass bowl filled with something bright pink. Amy declared it her famous strawberry pudding. Made with fresh strawberries! And plenty of love. With a wink tossed at Sonic. He groaned lowly and didn't meet her eye. Shadow couldn't help but chuckle at that. Earning him a glare from the blue hedgehog. Which prompted Shadow to do something he had not done in forever. He stuck his tongue out. Like a child. Something he had seen Maria sometimes do. Picking up on occasionally doing himself. He didn't quite understand what it meant exactly. But it was a way to tease. Well. It certainly worked. Making Sonic visibly recoil some. Prompting him to start challenging Shadow. At least until Vanilla asked of them to stop. Which they did. Not before Sonic stuck his tongue out back once though. Shadow smirked into his pudding.

Which was admittedly also rather delicious. Maria always loved desserts. The Professor wouldn't let her have them too often. Explaining how her diet needed to be strict for her health. Alongside limitations of what could actually be brought up to the Ark. Yet he couldn't deny her 100% of the time. Occasionally granting her some kind of sweet. Something that despite being a rare treasure, Maria shared with him. Every time. Even when Shadow tried to refuse so she could enjoy it all. 

Looking around the table full of smiles and filled with good food, a question wandered Shadow's mind. He spent so much time lingering on the past. That he forgot to think of his future. Could his future be this bright? Filled with warmth like this? Surrounded by good company like this? Yes meal times spent with Rouge in the GUN dining hall were nice. Omega would even often join them despite not needing food. Just to sit with them. And it was nice. But it was restricted. Stifled by the military air. 

So he asked himself again. Could this be his future? Away from GUN. Free to roam this world like Sonic was? Able to find good company and good food whenever he liked? 

He'd like to think that the answer was yes.

"Give me one second you three," Vanilla said as she tugged at the couch. She tugged and tugged and tugged. Until it finally gave away. Springing open to reveal a hide-a-way bed.

"WHOA! THE COUCH TURNED INTO A BED!?" Silver cried.

"Yep. They do that sometimes," Sonic chuckled at Silver's wonder. 

"I am certain it is not the most comfortable bed in the world. Yet it will work. Here, take these as well," Vanilla added as she worked on the bed. Applying fresh sheets, clean blankets, and more pillows. Creating a very cozy sight indeed.

"We're ready for bed Mama V," Amy called. 

"Okay! Be right there!" Vanilla called back. "Before I go, is there anything else I can do to make you boys more comfortable?"

"What time do we have to be at the clinic by?" Asked Sonic.

"Around 6. If not a bit sooner. We will need to try to be out of there by 7. The MRIs should not take very long but we shall see," sighed Vanilla.

"Got it."

"I. I think I'm good Mrs Vanilla," Silver yawned. 

"I as well Doctor," Shadow nodded. His pain had begun to flare up after dinner. He was given medication at least which helped. All three were given a toothbrush to use and a turn at the bathroom. Sonic looked around.

"Nope. Think that's everything," he said.

"I am glad. But do let me know if that changes," she said.

Sonic chewed his inner cheek.

"We will. If we need anything," Shadow filled in for him.

"Wonderful. If that is all then. Do you need help getting out of your chair?"

"No. Silver?"

"On it."

Cyan enveloped the black and red hedgehog again. He allowed himself to relax into its light grip this time. The sensation was a little strange actually. Something between being inside lightning and thin gelatin. Nothing physically there to touch or feel. Yet that was the sensation it reminded him of. The hum and warmth of live electricity with the bounce of jelly. Phantom sensations he could almost actually touch. It only lasted a moment. Just long enough for Silver to place him from wheelchair to bed. Then he was met with the softness. He stretched as he could. Oh this felt like heaven after being in that thing all day. 

"Thank you Doctor. For everything," he said to her in all earnesty.

"It is my pleasure," she replied with a small bow. 

"I will leave you three to your own space then. But I am just down the hallway there if you need anything. Please do not hesitate," she said with a long lingering stare at them. 

"Okay. We won't. Goodnight!" Silver expressed.

"Yes. Goodnight Doctor," said Shadow.

"....Goodnight Vanilla," Sonic said lastly. 

Her heart fluttered hearing them all say it.

"Goodnight boys," she said. Then left them to go down the hall and wish her girls goodnight too. She knocked on the door. Waiting for them to call her in. 

"Come in!" They cried. 

"Hello girls. Are you ready for bed?" She asked.

"Yes. We are," Cream smiled at her mother.

"How are Sonic and the others?" Amy asked.

"I believe they are comfortable. I hope tomorrow we can find them some answers and make things better," Vanilla said quietly. 

"Mama V? What happened to them? Why was Sonic passed out like that? And Shadow's all beat up. And Silver, oh his face..." 

"Amy...I cannot share that information. If you want to know, you will have to ask them yourself," Vanilla sighed.

"But why not? You're not a doctor anymore. You aren't bound by patient privacy laws," Amy questioned. Vanilla sat on the edge of Amy's bed. Taking one of her daughter's hands into hers. Giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Technically you are correct. However. I will always be a doctor at heart. Just like I will always be a mother at heart. Every time you girls go on adventures, I worry about you dearly. But I try to give you the trust and freedom to make your own decisions as much as possible. And someday when you are all grown up and you move out and maybe even have your own families, I will still worry. But I will also still love you with all of my heart," Vanilla explained. Amy's shoulders slumped. Releasing a small sigh from deep in her chest. 

"I guess it isn't fair of me to ask. I wish Sonic would stop keeping things to himself so much though. I wanna help him. Not just because I love him so much but even just as his friend," Amy said. A hand moved to under her chin. Pushing it lightly back up. Enough so she could see Mama V smiling at her. The hand shifted to a nuzzling motion. Comforting Amy. 

"You have such a kind heart Amy...I cannot speak for Sonic. But I am certain he values that friendship. Perhaps even someday he will allow your help. When he learns to stop being the most stubborn hedgehog we know," her words turned into a laugh. Which Amy joined in on.

"But do keep in mind dear, your value is not tied to your usefulness. You do not need to bend over backwards for everyone. You are allowed to say no or enough is enough. And you are also allowed to acknowledge that sometimes you cannot help. So do not lose any sleep over this situation, alright?" Vanilla encouraged.

"I know Mama V. I won't forget it. I just wish I could at least try," Amy whispered. 

"A heart is a heavy burden but I will carry it with pride," Vanilla sighed and hugged Amy closer to her.

"What's that from?" Asked Amy.

"A part of poem I wrote once. I wrote many a long time ago but I never did anything with them. Perhaps someday I will find the old things and we can read them. As long as they are not too embarrassing," Vanilla chuckled in spite of herself.

"I like the sound of that," Amy said hugging her mama back. "I love you Mama V."

"And I love you too Amy."

"Mama?" Cream asked from her bed.

"Yes dear?"

"When you get worried about us or Mr. Sonic, does it make you mad?" Asked the little rabbit. Catching her mother by great surprise. 

"I- what? No? Why would you think that?" Vanilla asked. Moving to Cream's bedside. "I am not mad at you for asking, I want to understand why you think that." 

"I..." Cream hesitated. Cheese who was tucked in beside her gave her a nudge. Cream sighed.

"At dinner you kept looking at Mr. Sonic and you seemed very upset with him," she explained. "And it made me wonder if you get mad at us for making you worry.

"Oh. I see...no dear. I do not get mad at any of you for making me worry."

"Do you promise?"

"I promise, Creamsicle," Vanilla said with a kiss on her forehead. Making the young girl giggle at the nickname. Then the two wrapped into a big hug.

"I know I can be rather silly sometimes. The way my worries overtake me. But that is not anger. You need not worry about that," Vanilla added. Assuring her youngest. 

"Okay Mama."

"I love you Cream."

"I love you too Mama."

"You are also such a sweet girl Cream. And I'm very thankful for you both," Vanilla sighed.

"Mama?"

"Yes?"

"Will you read me a story before you go?" Cream eagerly asked.

"Ohhh. I suppose. As long as you are sure that I am still the best story reader," Vanilla chuckled.

"Always Mama. You're the best in the whole wide world. Because you're the best mama in the whole wide world."

Vanilla attempted to subtly wipe away the tear that hearing that brought.

"Is something wrong Mama?" Cream asked. Catching the action.

"No dear. Not at all. I am simply so happy."

While Vanilla tended to her girls, Sonic, Shadow, and Silver took in their situation. 

"So. MRIs in the morning. Maybe get some answers on the pain. Or maybe not. And then what?" Silver asked.

"I don't have any clue bud," Sonic replied slowly. 

"Are you okay Sonic?" Shadow asked. "You've been out of it ever since you got up." 

"Mm fine," Sonic mumbled.

"Don't give me that crap," growled Shadow. 

"Excuse me?" Sonic snapped right back.

"You're not fine. You're being affected by this pain in a way that Silver and I aren't. You've been like a zombie since you woke up. Talk," Shadow demanded.

"What do you care?" Sonic growled.

"What?"

"I keep on trying to help you and you insist you don't need it and that you want to get as far as you can away from me. What's it matter to you whether I'm fine or not?"

"H-hey hey guys let's not fight?" Silver tried to intervene.

"I'm not fighting, I'm interrogating," Shadow insisted.

"Save it for someone else," snapped Sonic once more. 

"The hell Sonic?" Shadow muttered.

"It's not important, okay?" Sonic huffed. 

"Liar."

"Am not."

"Are to."

"Am not!"

"Are to!" 

"Guys!" Silver hissed. "Let's not fight! Please? Look It's been a long day and we have to be up early. Let's just go to bed."

"Ugh. Okay. You're right kid. Let's. Let's do that," sighed Shadow. 

"That bed won't fit all three of us. Not comfortably at least," Sonic pointed out.

Shadow looked to the sides of him from the middle in which he sat. Well. He seemed to be right. There wasn't much room left. Maybe enough for two but three? That was pushing it.

"Silver, why don't you and Shadow keep the bed. I'm fine on the floor."

"N-no wait maybe you two should take it. After all I'm. I'm used to sleeping on floors. It's, it's how I've slept most night any-anyway," Silver stuttered. 

"I said it's fine, will you two please just take the bed?" Sonic snapped. 

"I mean. We could all fit. It would have to be a close squeeze but it would work," Shadow pointed out.

"No," Sonic huffed. 

"But Sonic!" Silver cried.

"Fine. He wants to mope then let him. At least take a pillow and a blanket then," Shadow growled, tossing the items at Sonic. Reflexively catching them perfectly.

"What do you care?" Sonic replied bitterly. Dropping them to his feet. 

There was perhaps a hundred things Shadow could reply with in that moment.

What he chose was "you idiot."

"Guys, come on, don't act like this," Silver pleaded once more. Failing to help any as the two older hedgehogs remained irritated with one another. 

"Leave him Silver," Shadow muttered. But Silver couldn't. His sunken brows and drooping jaw went unnoticed by Sonic. So he slowly walked over to the blue hedgehog. Who has dropped to the floor in frustration. Stopping just behind him, Silver reached out to touch his shoulder. Like Sonic had done for him. To encourage him.

"Sonic? What's wrong?" He whispered. 

The instant Silver's hand connected with Sonic he recoiled. For even with the gloves on, he could feel it against his fingers. Ice. Just like the pack for his eye.

"You're very cold," Silver said. "You should really get into the bed with us to warm you up. Cold can be very dangerous."

"Silver..." Sonic began. Then faltered. Words falling into a slow sigh that left him as he shook his head. And not looking up at Silver at all. 

"Don't worry about it. Okay? I'm fine. I need some space. That's all," Sonic mumbled.

"B-but. But Sonic-"

"I said I'm fine. Please..." Sonic's voice lowered. 

It hurt. It really did. Watching Sonic's shoulders sink and his head sink lower. Knowing at his body felt cold as ice. Hearing that desperation in his voice. At least he was finally accepting the pillow and blanket. Sonic dropped to the floor entirely. Carelessly pulling the blanket over himself. Fine. Maybe if he slept he'd feel better. Then be more willing to talk about whatever was eating at him. Hopefully. 

So Silver went back to the bed and climbed in on the right side. In the event that Shadow rolled over, he wouldn't fall off the bed at least.

"I-Is this okay Shadow?"

"Yeah it's fine. Got enough room?"

"Y-yeah."

"Okay. Goodnight kid."

"Goodnight Shadow. A-and goodnight Sonic," Silver said. 

There was no response. Making Silver's heart sink a little more. Had they done something wrong? Or was this going to be yet another one of those things Sonic refused to open up about? Maybe he should call Tails...

Later. He probably couldn't get away with it now. Then Sonic would really be mad with him.

With the tiredness kicking in, Silver's mind started drifting off. Yet just before he was gone he managed to hear a quiet voice.

"Night guys. Sleep well."

Enhanced senses was both a blessing and a curse for Shadow. On the one hand it had many practical uses. 

One of the downsides was it affected his sleep. Making his already minimal need to sleep less effective since he was such a light sleeper cause of it.

Then again one didn't need enhanced hearing to hear the whimpers coming from the floor. 

"Sonic? Hey," Shadow hissed. Attempting to wake Sonic without waking Silver. Unsuccessfully. The whimpering continued. Damnit. With half his body broken he couldn't crawl out of bed to get to him. If at least had use of his other arm...damn. 

In the dark, Shadow's night vision allowed him to see Sonic twitching and shaking. Small sounds pulled from him. Yet through it all he seemed to be asleep still. Was he having a nightmare? Or writhing in pain? Regardless. Shadow felt compelled. He had to do something. 

A bold thought took to mind. This was probably not a great idea. But it should work. He would just need to move carefully. Closing in on the bed's edge, Shadow stuck out his arm. Carefully...carefully...his palm hit the wood. Perfect. Okay. Now to carefully drag himself forward. 

Inch by inch Shadow moved. Until finally his hips were almost off the bed. Time to make the jump. Carefully now...and-!

Thud! Shadow hissed momentarily. The impact hurt more than expected. But it worked. He landed on his left leg and hip. Keeping his right limbs safe. Now he was on the floor finally. Felt like it took him an eternity to get down here. Sonic hadn't woken though. Still twitching and groaning. It was honestly a miracle Silver hadn't woken yet. Between that and the thud. Back to Sonic though. There was still at least a solid three feet or more from where the blue hedgehog had dropped himself and the bed. Damn. Alright. Time to scoot himself best he could. 

Eventually he was finally beside Sonic. He sighed in relief and lightly shook him. Coldness struck his hand. Making him gasp lightly. Sweat was clearly running down Sonic's face. Yet his body was freezing. Chaos, a fever? How long has this been developing? Damn it you idiot. 

"Sonic. Wake up."

Yet he remained in his disturbed slumber. Brows so tightly together they were almost a knot. And his breaths were shallow. 

"Sonic damn it wake up," Shadow hissed a bit louder.

Still no response. 

"Come on Sonic! Wake up!" Shadow spoke loudly as he could without raising his voice too much. Shaking hard as he could. This finally worked and Sonic shot upright. Gasping and clawing at his throat. Eyes wide open in a panic. Sputtering and mumbling as he looked around.

"Sal? Sal where are ya?" Shadow heard him say through all his gibberish.

 "Sonic, hey, it's me," Shadow whispered. Yet Sonic looked right through him. Like he wasn't even there. 

"Sal?...Tails? Where are you?" His voice cracked. 

"Sonic. Sonic! Listen to me. I'm right here. It's me," Shadow tried again. Shaking Sonic's shoulder once again. He was still freezing. Should he get Vanilla? Or wake Silver? Damnit.

Then Sonic's head dropped. He trembled. And ceased speaking. For a second Shadow had no clue what was happening. Was he dreaming this whole thing? 

Then Sonic slowly moved his head back up. His eyes almost seemed to glow. But maybe that was the glistening of the tears that were dangerously close to falling.

"Shadow?" He asked in a quivering voice.

"Uh. Hey there," Shadow replied. What in the world was this? Why did Sonic look right through him a second ago only to see him now?

"What happened? Where are we?" Sonic asked.

"We're still at the Doctor's house. Don't you remember?" 

"Uh....yeah. Yeah it's coming back to me," muttered Sonic. His fingers gripped at his head. 

"Ow...hey wait a minute. What are you doing on the floor?"

"I crawled out of the bed," Shadow explained simply.

"Dude!? Why???"

"You were freaking out. I was trying to wake you."

"You could have just thrown a pillow at me or something??? You shouldn't risk your limbs like this, especially for me," Sonic huffed.

"Don't tell me what to do," snarked Shadow. "Besides, I've been calling your name and shaking you but you wouldn't wake up so a pillow wouldn't have done it."

"...oh," Sonic sighed. 

"...what's wrong?" Shadow asked.

"It's nothing."

"Knock that off. Talk."

"What do you care?"

"Maybe it's my turn to be the obnoxious overly helpful hedgehog this time," Shadow stated in a monotonous voice. Yet he couldn't maintain it. Breaking into a small laugh after speaking. The deep rumble that was his laugh felt infectious. Vibrations striking Sonic in his heart, filling him with the urge to laugh. So he did. For that moment, everything was okay. There was no pain nor panic. Only quiet laughter. For a moment they forgot their worries entirely. Then the laughter slowly died. Leaving the two in a silence. Though this time not entirely awkward. Sonic looked down to his lap. With a small smile still holding on his face. Sonic probably couldn't see in the dark as well as Shadow could. But if he could he would certainly see a similar smile on his face too. 

"So. What's wrong?" Shadow pushed.

"...can I help you get back into bed first?" Asked Sonic.

"Fine."

"Alright. Come here."

Although it was a bit annoying and awkward, Shadow wrapped his good arm and leg around Sonic. While he put support under Shadow's injured limbs. Three. Two. One. And up. Effortlessly Shadow was lifted. Then placed carefully back into the bed.

"Do you have a fever? You're very cold but I could see you sweating," asked Shadow.

"No I. It just happens sometimes," sighed Sonic. He sat beside Shadow after carefully released him. 

"Alright you got me back into the bed. Now talk. What's going on?"

"I..." Sonic hesitated. Hiding his face into his hands.

"I'm angry," he finally admitted. "I'm angry and I hurt and I'm tired. There? Happy?"

"Why?"

"Come on dude. Don't do this to me." 

"Sonic..."

"You're not going to stop until I tell you huh?"

"Nope."

"Uuuugh."

"Heh. See how it feels?" Shadow snickered.

"Yeah. Gah. It. It's just. Hard. You know? I don't like to share my problems," Sonic sighed.

Shadow nodded. Trying to think of response. Very quickly though a voice beside him spoke up.

"You two sure have that in common you know."

"Ah! Uhhh hey Silver. How long have you been up?" Sonic asked nervously.

"Since I heard you two laughing," the youngest hedgehog said. Finally stirring from where he lay. Having the lightest fur and quills, his outline was easier to make out in the dark. So his movement as he sat up was easy to see. Especially his golden eyes almost glowing in the dark. 

"So. We're finally in the mood for talking are we?" Silver asked. A hint of an edge in his voice.

"More like it's happening whether I like it or not. Which I don't. But it's happening," grumbled Sonic.

"Well. I'll take it," Silver replied. Noticeably happier sounding this time. He couldn't help it. It was a relief to hear Sonic agreeing to open up. The blue hedgehog cracked his knuckles. Took in a deep breath. Then let it all out. 

"Okay. Okay okay okay. So. Um. Well. I. I've been. Really freaking out. About...all of this. Trying to find answers. And I haven't been sleeping well. I mean. That's pretty normal for me. I've never been a great sleeper. But it's been worse lately. And-hey. No. Silver. Don't. It's not because of you."

"I didn't say anything?"

"Even in this dark I can see that concerned look you're getting. No. Don't blame yourself, I know you're going to try," Sonic insisted.

"I...okay..." Silver relented.

"Thank you. Now um where was I? Um. Sleep. Right. So like. I haven't been sleeping well lately. I'm forgetting to eat more than usual. It's double frustrating because...I can't figure out what's going on and I can't manage to take care of myself. I mean, I'm the 'Hero of Mobius' they say. I'm supposed to be this strong icon and whatnot. But reality is I'm scared of water and can barely shower myself. I can barely sleep. I can barely eat. I have all this power and yet it feels like it's never enough! Why can't I just fix everything!? People suffer when I fail! Why is it so hard!? Why am I having these pains that are so intense it feels like dying all over again!? Why am I passing out so hard after!? Why are such stupid little things like a bad dream freaking me out so badly!? Why can't I make everything right!?" 

After Sonic finished ranting, he panted hard for breaths. Shadow shut his eyes. 

"That's a lot you're trying to carry Sonic," he said quietly.

"Yeah..."

"I'd say it's too much even."

"...yeah..." 

"I know the feeling," Silver mumbled. "To be given a great power but feeling like it's never enough. Every life lost...feels like it's on you. Even if there really wasn't anything you could do..."

"Yeah. That....exactly," Sonic sighed.

"You're having nightmares again?" Silver asked. 

"No. Tonight's the first time in a long while," said Sonic.

"Tails is gonna wanna know about it."

"I know. I'll tell him. I promised I would..."

"What was your nightmare about?" Shadow asked. Surprising the other two.

"It's. Pretty stupid actually but...it really scared me."

"Talk."

"Okay okay. Geez. I was uh. I was in the field with Elise. Then I got...you know. Killed by Mephiles. But this time it was...different somehow. Like. Um. How to describe it. I got hit in the chest. But Mephiles disappeared and so did the beam that went through me. Everything seemed fine for a minute. But then he came out of me. Like...like a purple fire. Right through my chest. And when I spoke, it was his voice. Talking about the destruction of the world and the chaos he was going to cause. Then he thanked me for making it all possible. Uuugh," Sonic groaned and shuddered. 

"That's scary. I don't like that..." Silver whispered.

"...I hear him in my head sometimes," Shadow began. "And Silver thought he saw him earlier while you were still passed out." 

"Y-yeah. And he's been in some of my nightmares as well," added Silver.

"Ah, well great. So much for see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," Sonic chuckled sarcastically.

"This all feels too...I don't know the right word for it. Too...real I want say...to be just a coincidence," Silver said. 

"Uuugh. I don't know guys. I just don't know..." Sonic groaned. Which was when Shadow reached out and grabbed his hand. 

"Listen to me. If there's any semblance of that monster still out there, we'll find him and destroy him. But if this really is just all in our heads, then so be it. I won't stop though until we know it for certain. Can I count on you to stick with me?" Shadow asked. Determination leeching from him. He could see Sonic's jaw open in awe. Then he nodded and squeezed his hand tighter. 

"You bet."

"Until the end of time itself," Silver added throwing his hand into the mix. Three stacked on one another. United as one.

"Not gonna lie, this is the coolest I have ever felt. Aside from when we stopped Solaris," Silver chuckled. 

"Do you feel better now Sonic?" Shadow asked. 

"You know. I really do. Heh. Sorry. Got kinda...overwhelmed by it all I guess," Sonic admitted. 

"Well. If you were me you wouldn't but that's what second best gets you," smirked Shadow.

"Excuse me!?"

"You heard me."

"Do not think I'm not above hitting an injured hedgehog Shadow!"

"Guys! Quiet! It's the middle of the night still and we're not at home," Silver hushed them.

"Oh right."

"Hmph. Victory is mine."

"Oh I'm so gonna deck you later Shads."

"Try it."

"Shadow please," Silver hissed.

"Fine fine. I'll end my victory parade for now. To be continued," he snickered again as he laid back finally. Sonic smiled while shaking his head again.

"You're unbelievable sometimes you know that?"

"Well. One could say the same about you too. You and Silver," Shadow added in a chuckle.

"You flatter me Shads. Okay...Goodnight guys," Sonic said as he stood up from the bed.

"Wait Sonic, where are you going?" Asked Silver.

"Back to the floor."

"Why-why don't you stay?" 

"Well. Like I said. Not really enough room for all three of us..."

"If we all lay on our sides we will," Shadow argued.

"It's fine, really," Sonic insisted.

"Please?" Asked Silver in a quiet voice.

"We'd be pushing Shadow into a sandwich," Sonic countered again.

"Just get into the bed hedgehog," Shadow growled. 

"Okay okay sheesh!" Sonic finally relented and climbed in. Facing Shadow as he got on his side and under the blankets as well. 

"Comfortable?" Asked Shadow. 

"Yeah actually. Are you?"

"With you this close to me? Never," Shadow teased. 

"Shut up," Sonic laughed. "What about you Silver?"

"All good here," Silver said from the other side of Shadow. Both hedgehogs facing inward towards Shadow as he lay on his left side. Not much room was left but it was just enough for the three. 

"Okay. Goodnight guys," Sonic yawned.

"Yeah. Goodnight," Silver also yawned.

"Wait," Shadow began. Looking intently into Sonic's eyes as he spoke. As he paused. Searching.

"What's up Shadow?"

I need help. 

I need your help. 

I need help. I don't know who to trust and I can't do this on my own but I...can't help but feel that I can trust you and Silver...

I need help.

Come on just say it.

SAY IT.

SAY IT DAMNIT.

THREE LITTLE WORDS. I. NEED. HELP.

IF I DON'T GET AHOLD OF THAT FUCKING FLASHDRIVE SOON I'LL LOSE IT TO GUN. AND THEN I'LL NEVER KNOW THE WHOLE TRUTH!!!

Shadow blinked and shook his head slightly.

"Nevermind. It can wait until tomorrow," he muttered.

"You sure?" Asked Sonic.

"Yeah."

"You really sure?" Silver asked too.

"Yes. Let's get some rest. We still have an early appointment tomorrow," Shadow sighed.

"Okay then. We'll talk tomorrow. Goodnight you guys," said Sonic.

"Mmm goodnight Sonic. Goodnight Shadow."

"Goodnight."

It took the two hedgehogs surrounding him less time to fall back asleep than himself. He stayed wide awake for some time. Listening to their breathing. Slowly growing warmer as three bodies shared their heat. 

Weeks. Even days ago. Shadow would have hated this. Despised it even. The very thought would have made him ill. Let alone adding in the very idea that he would need and even want their help. But slowly. Just like his body, he was warming up to them. Shadow's thoughts went to Rouge and Omega once more. The way he lashed out at Rouge for trying to warn him...had he been too harsh on her? Distrusting of her when he should have been thankful? 

Thinking made his head hurt right now. And he was feeling sooo comfortable.  Maybe he should sleep on it...

Maybe they will forgive him...

Maybe he could trust them all...Because they were his...His...friends.

Chapter Text

The warmth of the bed was too comfortable to leave. In fact Shadow wanted to never leave it. Ever. Gentle floral scents from the homemade laundry detergent wafted from the linens. Filling his senses with a sweet scent. Everything was so comfortable right now. Except for the one thing. That seering pain in his side. Shadow twitched. Desperately trying to not cry out. Trying to not open his eyes. As soon as he did it would be all over. 

Chapter Text

The X Tornado landed with a graceful but heavy thud. Only the deepest sleepers could miss it. But sleep had not found the three hedgehogs. Though weariness was deep in each of their cores. Tonight they would have to sleep after their mission though. Unease was present for everyone. 

Sonic's hand shook as he wrote a note for Vanilla. Internally he groaned. How was it possible to sleep so much yet be so drained? Was the stress getting to him?

“But Sonic, you can't go! You all need to rest!” Amy protested. Her warm hands clutched his arm. Leaving Sonic to pause. To slowly turn around. To take her hand in his. Amy's breath hitched. 

“I know you're worried Amy but. We have to do this. Time sensitive. So give this to your mom for us will you? And be sure to tell her thank you for us.” 

“Aren't you coming back?” Amy asked as she accepted the note. 

“I don't know what the plan is Amy. You know me. I think on my feet,” he chuckled. She gave a small laugh in return. Yet the worry did not leave her face. Sonic noticed. Then moved a gentle hand to her chin. Her heart swelled.

Tell him, her inner voice said. You've gotten your first heat. You're a woman now. Now there's no reason we can't date. Come on be brave and ask him out. 

“I promise we'll make it back,” he said softly. His voice cutting through her thoughts. Amy's head shook. No this wasn't the moment. Clearly he had other things on his mind. Very important things. He promised he'd be back. They could discuss it another time. 

“Will you promise to explain all of this to me when you get back?” She asked almost shyly. 

“When I can make any sense of it, absolutely. Thank you Amy.”

“You're welcome Sonic. And uh. Shadow? Silver? Be safe out there.” 

“We will Amy, thank you,” Silver said with eagerness. 

“Yes. Thank you and especially the Doctor for her assistance.” 

“Goodbye Mister Sonic, Mister Shadow, and Mister Silver. I hope we see you again soon,” Cream said softly. Cheese chirped beside her. 

“Don't worry Cream. We'll be back before you know it,” Silver proudly said. 

“Goodbye Cream,” Shadow smiled at her. She grinned and waved back. Amy began waving too. 

Sonic looked out the window giving Tails a thumbs up. It was returned by the fox. Then Sonic whipped around to look to the other hedgehogs.

“Alright. Hopefully we don't make Vanilla worry too much about us,” he sighed. 

“I think worry is built into her very bones. Kinda like someone else I know,” Shadow commented. 

“Who, Silver?” Sonic chuckled.

“What? Me? Huh?” Silver asked, his head swiftly rising up. 

“Don't worry about it,” Sonic teased. 

“That's just going to make me worry!” 

Shadow chuckled some.

“We better go. Silver, can you get Shadow in that plane safely?”

“Y-yeah yeah. Of course. Shadow? Are you ready?”

“Let's get this over with,” grumbled the dark hedgehog. 

“So, yes?” Silver asked.

Shadow nodded. Then the warm cyan enveloped him again. Away the three went out the door. Watched sadly by the girls.

“Are you sure they're going to be okay Amy?” 

“Of course they will be. They're with Sonic after all,” Amy confidently said. 

“Mama's going to be so sad that they're gone,” Cream added. 

“I think so. But Mama is will understand. What she's not gonna understand is our chores not being done. I'm sure she'll be back soon. 

“Okay Amy.” 

“Chao chao!” 

“Welcome aboard Tails Airlines! Please fasten your seatbelts! We're headed straight for the danger Zone!” Tails called to the three seated hedgehogs. 

“Is it really called that?” Silver asked. 

“Nah. I mean. It kinda is a dangerous zone to fly in when the weather's bad but it's not literally called that,” Sonic said. 

“That's exactly why I dove into it. I needed the storm's cover. I just…” Shadow trailed off. Leaving Sonic to nod. He didn't need to finish that statement.

“It'll take us about 2 and half hours to get there so you guys can rest while you can. I'll need Shadow to guide me to whatever it is we're looking for,” Tails chimed in again. 

“It's a cave. It's hidden among the stalagmites.”

“How did you ever hope to find it again Shadow?” Sonic asked. 

“I didn't exactly. More importantly was keeping it out of GUN's hands. 

“Fair I guess. So we find it. We deactivate the tracker. Then what?”

“Then I figure out what was meant by “Project Umbra.” 

“Well Umbra is Latin for Shadow. So it sounds like they could have had their own Project Shadow,” Tails said.

“But that doesn't make any sense. Why would GUN also have a Project Shadow?” Sonic asked.

“Cause they were jealous of the real thing,” Shadow smugly stated. 

“I mean that does make sense. If GUN was trying to secretly copycat Shadow but he risks exposing it, no wonder they want this flash drive back,” Tails mused further.

“For once you make sense fox.”

“For once you could keep quiet.”

Sonic couldn't keep from snickering. 

Time passed. Rest refused to take them. So much of the journey was spent in silence. Silver occasionally marveled or questioned about the the things they flew over. Before they knew it, the X Tornado was face to face with a massive blizzard.

“Uh oh,” Silver grimaced.

“Actually this is a good thing. We need the coverage,” Shadow said.

“Okay. I think I can do this safely,” Tails said. Adjustments were swiftly made around the pilot. Audible wing shifts could be heard from outside.

“You think?” grumbled Shadow. 

"You think the X Tornado can really handle the severe weather of this Zone Tails?" Sonic asked as they flew closer. 

"Sonic the X Tornado handled going to space!" Tails argued back.

"Okaaaay, just being sure," Sonic said.

"But if this some kind of trap Shadow I swear to Gaia..." Tails muttered.

"Kid, sending you all in a trap doesn't benefit me in any way," Shadow grumbled.

"Oh, because that's the only reason you shouldn't send someone into a trap."

"The hell you want from me, a lie detector test?" 

"Guys can we focus on what that is!? Why are we flying into it!?" Silver panicked at the sight. 

"This Zone is beautiful when it's not storming but uh yeah when it storms it's bad. Really, really bad," Sonic said. 

"Yeah. I'm...lucky that you found me out there. I...might not have done so well if you hadn't," admitted Shadow.

"Aw Shadow? Is that a thank you?" Sonic grinned cheekly.

"...maybe."

The dark hedgehog expected more playfulness from him but surprisingly Sonic let it be. Flashing him a small smile. The response left in the air. Shadow found himself unable to keep from giving a little smile back. 

"Guys uh we should turn around, I-I don't like this. This looks bad," Silver stuttered.

"We have to Silver. The flash drive is in there and I need to get it before GUN does. You're gonna have to trust in the fox that this ship will be okay," Shadow assured him.

"Tails..." Silver started.

"I know it looks bad guys but trust me okay?" Tails called back.

"Always little bro," Sonic confirmed. Tails took his eyes off the storm to look to Sonic. Who gave a wink with a thumbs up. It gave Tails a big confidence boost. Then he gave one back. Returning his face to storm. 

"Alright. Hang on everyone! We're going in!" 

The dark sky vanished. Blinding white flurried all around in its place. Bringing its own kind of darkness. A strange collision of white and overpowering all like the night. It overtook any visibility there might have been. Silver was horrified and mesmerized.

"We're doing okay guys but hang on! Might get a bit bumpy!" Tails called. Then was immediately lurched as the whole plane was rocked by a gust. Silver shrieked.

"Okay one problem Shadow! How are we supposed to find this place?!" Sonic cried.

"The cave had a unique shape to it's opening and top! We should be able to see it from above!" Shadow called back 

"Yeah, should! Let me guess, you found it before that storm had set in that day!?" 

"Uh...yeah," Shadow admitted. The plane rocked badly again with the wind. Silver began to panic. 

"Silver bud we're cool! It's okay!" Sonic called over the screaming wind. But Silver was hyperventilating bad. 

"Kid, we're okay," Shadow reached to shake Silver. His touch seemed to have the opposite affect though. The way Silver jumped back and cried out right as the plane rocked with the turbulence again.

"MakeitstopmakeitstopMAKEITSTOP!!!" Silver screamed, unleashing his power. Light blue blasted through the darkness. Almost blinding everyone. Then. It was silent. 

The violent tossing ceased. Silver breathed heavily. 

"Whoa...Silver...are you doing this?" Sonic asked breathlessly.

"I-I don't know. I can't look. Is there a shield around the plane? I've-I've never made one this big be-before," Silver stuttered. 

"Open your eyes kid. Look at it," Shadow encouraged. Silver shook his head. Then breathed. Trying to trust. One eye slowly opened. Then the other as he gasped in amazement. 

The storm outside the X Tornado was frozen. Every snowflake suspended in place as the ship effortlessly glided through them.

"I...what...," Silver could barely breathe. 

"That's incredible Silver!" Sonic cried.

"I...I'm doing this?" 

"Well unless you have a better explanation," Shadow chuckled.

“What did I tell ya. You're awesome,” Sonic smiled at the white hedgehog. Their eyes met. 

And for a moment Silver felt something he rarely ever felt before. A sense of power. Capability. Confidence. Instead of his usual shying away, Silver sat up proudly. 

“Heh. Yeah. I am pretty awesome. Y-you know. Sometimes,” he chuckled in embarrassment at his prideful remark. 

“Don't let it get to your head,” Shadow chuckled. Much to Silver’s shock. He turned to the other hedgehog and saw something of a warm smile. A stunned expression took hold of Silver. Then he smiled back. 

And Sonic took in the sight and kept smiling. 

“So Shadow! See anything that resembles your cave yet?!” Called Tails. 

“It looks like a diamond from up top! Stands out against the natural formations! 

“Diamond huh? Man made?” 

“Hard to say but well. It reminded me of Rouge. Something…” Shadow trailed off. Unable to quite complete his thought. 

Trust. 

It all went back to trust. 

He couldn't trust her. 

But he trusted in Sonic. 

He trusted in Vanilla. 

Why hadn't he just trusted her? 

Friends. 

They were friends. 

Weren't they? 

But friends don't attack friends. 

Like how Omega attacked him. And she just stood there. Horrified. But stood there.

Then again…would he have done much better if he were in her role? 

“Shadow?” Tails asked.

“Hmm?” 

“Do you see your cave at all?”

“Not yet. I remember going over a mountain range before I found it. That's how I spotted it's unique shape. Then I just knew.” 

“Got it, a mountain range and a diamond. Shouldn't be too hard to find. Especially with Silver hold the storm at bay.”

“I don't know how much longer I can hold it,” Silver admitted. 

“You can let go anytime. I've got this.”

“N-no. I. I can. I want to,” Silver stammered. 

“Ooookay then,” Tails sighed. “Though I have to admit, it does make flying easier.”

Sonic however, said nothing. But he watched. The frozen snowflakes they glided past reminded him of stars. They glistened in the X Tornado's lights. A hint of cyan enveloped them. As they passed they continued to hold. Even the howling wind seemed to quiet down. It was a little eerie. But it only served to remind Sonic of that storm from before. How fortunate it was he happened to be here when Shadow was. 

Shadow, who was still so injured and even more still so haunted. A hedgehog who looked out into the darkness, holding back pain. Unaware of Sonic's watchful eyes.

“Oh Shadow,” Sonic thought. “Will you ever be free?”

"Hi girls, hi boys!" Vanilla said as she pushed the door open. Her and Gemerl's arms loaded with groceries. Yet to her surprise the living room was empty. The couch bed restored to being only a couch. 

"Hey Mama V. You need a hand?" Amy asked in a rather flat tone.

"Amy dear, where are the boys?" She asked. 

"They left," Amy sighed. "Said they had to track something urgent, time sensitive and all. But to tell you that they are extremely thankful for all that you've done.”

"I...oh dear," Vanilla stated. That was unfortunate news. Not something she had planned for. Amy passed the note to Vanilla. 

“Dear Vanilla, 

Sorry to take off so suddenly. I know it's not ideal. Believe me it isn't ideal for us either. We'll be back, I promise. Just have to go find something real quick. 

-Sonic.” 

Vanilla sighed and slipped the note back into her pocket. Worry began to take hold of her.

“I was hoping they would stick around. I really need to see Shadow's injuries Especially with the impromptu surgery I had to give him." 

"Yeah, I told them that but Sonic insisted they had to. He promised that they'll be back."

"Well. Perhaps I best call them and try to-"

A rapid knock at the door cut her off. Goodness. So urget. It was early evening, who could that be other than Sonic and his friends? Surely no one would be trying to visit at this time?

Just as she approached the door a voice called out.

"Vanilla Rabbit! We know you're home! Open up or we will enter by force!" 

Her heart froze. It was GUN. It had to be. 

"Gemerl, whatever happens next, protect the girls," she commanded. The robot whirled a response. Indicating an agreement.

"Please back up girls, I must handle this," she whispered further. Then called out to the door.

"I am coming! Please be patient!" 

When the door opened a team of 5 Mobians dressed in dark military gear walked right in. A tall hawk stepping directly to Vanilla. 

"Evening ma'am," he spoke as if this was a friendly visit rather than a sudden invasion. It made her seethe underneath. Composure at least was a strength of hers.

"Good evening gentlemen. How may I help you?" She spoke like a perfect hostest. 

"The truth is what we're interested in. Have you seen this criminal before?" The hawk held out a tablet to her. Appearing on that poster was Shadow. Wanted for crimes of abandonment and treason. And an impressive bounty. Her eyebrow cocked slightly. Gracious. Shadow was in some serious trouble. No time to ponder on any of that however. Darn it. Some one must have seen Shadow at the clinic. 

"Well officer I can confirm that I have seen him before. There have some incidents that caused our paths to cross," she explained. In her peripheral vision spotting Amy and Cream peaking out from the kitchen. Darn it girls. Please oh please don't have been spotted. A wolf in the group sniffed in disgust as he looked towards the kitchen area. Drat. He must have been able to smell Amy's heat. Or somehow saw or otherwise knew they were there. For the love of Chaos please just don't hurt them. Whatever happens next, not them. Don't punish them for her choices. 

"Don't be a smartass with me," the hawk hissed.

"I am not sir. I have physically seen this hedgehog before but I cannot say I know him."

"Really? Well we got a call from someone at your old clinic saying they saw you helping this guy out this morning. You know that assisting a wanted criminal will get you charged with treason. You especially should know this Mrs Rabbit," the hawk's voice turned to a cold laugh as he spoke. Of course GUN continued to hold her husband in ill will even in his death. Despite him doing nothing wrong except not be blindly loyal. 

Also Bertha. Gods damn her. It had to be her. Always so rude and hard to work with but Chaos, next time she saw her...

"I am aware. However that was not this hedgehog I was assisting. If you look into my records, which I am sure you already have, you will see I quite frequently volunteer my time and help to our elders and Mobians with disabilities," she cooly responded. 

"Yeah yeah you're a saint on earth. Your husband always said so. We know what your records tell us. But what secrets do you keep in the dark?" He continued, swapping the picture on the tablet. Revealing an admittedly not too damning photo from the security camera of the clinic. Vanilla could be rather clearly seen. A figure red and black could been in a wheelchair. Thankfully the blanket and hat helped cover him quite well. Blue and white figures were just barely out of frame. Considering that bounty and this terrible evidence, GUN must want Shadow pretty badly if they went to all this trouble.

"I see the similarities however I can assure you that this was not the same individual you are looking for," she stated.

"Really? How many other Mobians out there are black and red. Quite the rare combination. And you've confessed to knowing him," the hawk pushed back.

"That is all correct but so was my statement," she lied effortlessly. The hawk growled.

"Search the premises," he ordered. The 4 other Mobians spread out to cover the cottage.

"This is your last chance bunny. Confess. Because if we find even a quill or a single fur that tells us he was here, you're all getting it," he lowly threatened. 

"I understand you will. You will not find anything," she held strong. Even though her knees threatened to collapse underneath her. 

The screams for the kitchen almost did her in. Somehow she found the strength to remain standing. Though she clearly flinched. The hawk laughed at that. 

"Boss! There's a bot in here, guns raised!" One called out. Gemerl's weapons were armed, the buzzing loud in the air.

"Calm down your robot Mrs. We're only looking around. After all, you said there's nothing we'll find so why be up in arms?" He laughed his cruel tone again. Oh he definitely knew. And he saw it as a game. Vanilla swore inside. Unless a miracle came through she didn't see a way out of this. The kids didn't deserve to be punished because of her or Shadow. And yet...

Her motherly instincts fought with themselves. 

No, she needed to hold strong. Not bow before the wills of these tyrants. 

"Gemerl, let them search. It is okay," she spoke. Almost convincingly.

The buzzing powered down. The hawk chuckled and she resisted flinching this time. Instead staring him right in the eyes. If this is how it had to be then so be it. She would not go timidly. 

And if these agents thought she was just a sweet but helpless little bunny, they had another thing coming. 

"There's an awful lot of used sheets in this laundry room. What do you think little girlies? You been having a sleepover with a friend of mommy's?" The wolf walked back into the kitchen to taunt them. Gemerl had lowered his weapons but continued to stand guard in front of them. Amy and Cream stood in the corner with Cheese and Chocula sunk behind Cream's shoulders. Cream's arms wrapped around Amy. Amy held one arm tightly to Cream. The other ready to summon her Piko Piko hammer. These punks were gonna get it if they tried messing with her family!

But when the wolf spoke it gave her an idea.

"You don't wanna look in those! I-I'm in heat!" Amy cried in feigned embarrassment. 

The embarrassment on the wolf's face looked rather real at least. 

"Oh. I uh. I. Well. That would explain the smell, yuck," he muttered. Weirdly unable to look to her now. 

"Y-yeah! It's so embarrassing," Amy continued. "I'm going through sheets like crazy! So there's no reason to go looking through them or anything!"

"I'm gonna...go look in a different room," the wolf slinked off. Amy sighed in relief.

"You've also got quite a few groceries here. Expecting company Mrs. Rabbit? A new man?" chuckled the hawk, gesturing his wing to the bags on the floor she had not been able to put away. 

"Soon yes. My daughter's birthday is coming up. Which if you looked at my records you will know is not a lie," she continued to hold strong. The 4 other Mobians returned to the living room.

"Uh boss we've got nothing. Not even a single quill," the wolf spoke timidly. A wing slammed down on the table. Everyone but Vanilla jumped. Oh he wasn't happy about that.

"Here's what I think Mrs. Rabbit. No, I KNOW. This traitor has been hurt badly by one of our agents during his attempted arrest. He came to you for help since you traitors flock together, bonus being that you're such a bleeding heart good doctor. You've been feeding and caring for this criminal and now you're hiding him. And when we catch his ass, you're all gonna be punished the same. And I'm gonna enjoy playing my part in that," the hawk growled.

"My husband was no traitor. All he did was speak against that pointless war then died for it. Yet you people refuse to let his name lay in peace," Vanilla hissed. Allowing her anger to really show for the first time this whole occurrence. That was dangerous. She needed to regain composure. Fast. In she breathed then out.

"I am sorry gentlemen but I am unable to help you with this. If there is nothing else, I must be getting dinner on the table," she said. The 4 other Mobians shifted uncomfortably. The hawk and the rabbit continued to stare each other down. Until he finally looked away. Defeated.

"Men let's get back to HQ," he huffed. The 5 of them beginning to leave. Yet just before fully exiting the hawk looked back to her.

"This isn't over Rabbit," he said. Then slammed the door. Yet Vanilla stood firmly until the sound of an engine faded away. 

"Gemerl, please check outside to see if any of them are hiding out there." The robot nodded then slipped out. Amy and Cream ran around the corner. Only when she turned and looked to her girls did Vanilla finally fall apart. Dropping to her knees as she tried to turn them. Her arms embracing them so tightly as she sobbed.

"I am so sorry girls, I am sorry."

"It's okay mama, we're okay," Amy said. 

"Yeah it was scary but we're okay," Cream agreed. 

"I am so sorry. You should not be in fear or danger because of my decisions," she continued to sob.

"Mama, it's okay. If Sonic asked me to help Sh....him, I'd do so too. Regardless of GUN. I trust him more than them," Amy said proudly. 

"That's right. Just because they're big and strong doesn't mean they're right! They're bullies! And I won't be bullied!" Cream declared. The two Chao chittering in agreement.

Vanilla wiped her tears. Oh these girls. What did she ever do to get these perfect girls?

"Did they search the sheets? I had not washed them yet but I saw there was quills in them," Vanilla said. 

"I managed to scare that one off from looking at them because of my heat," Amy admitted. 

"That was brave Amy. You did not have to do so but it is very fortunate for us that you did so." 

"Of course I had to. You were out there lying to them and being brave and I had to as well." 

Vanilla hugged Amy and Cream close again. Gemerl stepped back inside. His beeps indicating a search that resulted in nothing. 

"Listen. We cannot stay here. That hawk definitely knows. He will be telling the Commander what happened then they will search again. This time they won't leave so easily.”

"What are we gonna do Mama?" Cream asked. The child asked not in fear. Her voice was strong. Determined. 

"We will have to go somewhere else. Hide while they tear this place apart looking for evidence. If we are still here they will take us in. We cannot trust GUN. No matter what they say. They are powerful and will exploit all for their agenda. Your father realized they were bad and wanted out...I only wish he could have done so alive," Vanilla sighed. Never would she have expected to fall into GUN's poor graces again. 

"How do you know that's what's gonna happen?" Amy asked. 

"They pulled this exact tactic after he spoke out against the war efforts. They came and searched the house for any evidence that he was on the opposing side. They found nothing. Then they came in the night and took us into custody while they searched the house a second time. All that for speaking out. They did not find anything of course but it was so frightening. Being questioned and imprisoned and...hurt...for a crime that was not committed. Eventually we were released but...it always felt like someone was watching us afterwards. I knew from then on to never trust them. Not even when they told me your father was killed in the war," she choked a little. "It could be true. Or it could be a cover up. I do not know...and I will not let them do the same to you."

Vanilla pulled them in tightly again. Old wounds tearing open again as the memories returned to her. Being isolated for hours. Denied food and water. Screamed at and hit. Returned to the dark isolation when she couldn't give them anything. No answers. No phone call. Nothing. Then a sudden release after 3 days with no explanation or compensation. Leaving with their lives was the compensation. The treatment basically made her a prisoner of war. Who then had to return to a home that had been torn apart. All by the supposed good guys.

But at least she had Basil. For a while. Before his call to action. Their last goodbye so soon after their torture. She sobbed harder. 

"I am sorry girls I should not tell you this."

Both of them were horrified. Not at her lack of composure of course. But at the horrors she revealed. Cream couldn't say anything. Only cry in sympathy for her mother's pain. She hugged her even tighter. Perhaps the tightest they ever have. 

"Oh Mama V, I'm so sorry," Amy cried and hugged as well. Little Chaos cooed at them and offered gentle pats. Even Gemerl lowered to a knee. A kind hand put to Vanilla's shoulder. 

"I have tried to return to something of a normal and good life and do good for this world. I never told anyone what GUN put us through because it was over...I wanted it to be over. Stay over. I have endangered you two now though, I am so sorry."

"Don't be mama," Amy said. "You were brave. You didn't do anything wrong. Besides, we have Sonic helping us. If he knew what happened I bet he'd take them all on by himself."

Sonic...oh gracious. That poor boy. Him and Shadow and Silver alike. All in danger. If GUN didn't already know Sonic and Silver were helping Shadow, they probably would soon. She needed to warn them this happened. But in a way that GUN would not be able to trace. Surely they've already tapped into her communicator. If she called him, they would swarm him like hornets. 

"We need to warn Sonic about this. Then get somewhere safe," Vanilla said firmly. Her daughters nodding in agreement. Then in a harsh whisper she added.

"Whatever Shadow did, they want to stop him badly. I hope he burns them all down for it." 

“I see it!” Shadow's voice cried out. A rare excitement from the dark hedgehog. He even let out a breathy laugh. “I was starting to worry if I imagined it all!” 

Sonic and Silver peeked out the glass siding. Sure enough, a mountain range with a large diamond shaped cave some distance away from it laid. 

“Wow,” Silver breathed. 

“Shadow, was any of it metal by any chance?”

“Yeah the whole thing was.” 

“Got it. Sonic, I'm sending you in with a head lamp and a small metal detector!” 

“Nice! Thanks pal!” 

Quickly they landed. Gear was tossed to Sonic. 

“Silver, you can let go of the storm now.” 

“Just let me give Sonic enough time to get in there and back,” Silver replied. 

“Fine fine. Your powers after all,” Tails shrugged.

“I'll be fine Silver. And quick,” Sonic promised as he finalized his headlamp. 

“Sonic?” Shadow asked. 

“Yeah?” 

“...”

“...what Shadow?” 

“...be careful out there.” 

“What? I'm sorry do I need Vanilla to check my ears? Was that…? Worry?” Sonic teased.

“Shut up. Fine. Get yourself killed for all I care,” Shadow grumbled. 

“Heh. Don't worry about me Shadow. I've got this.” Sonic said. He held up a fist. Shadow had briefly looked away but looked back. Eyeing the expecting fist. He sighed. Then reached over and punched it back. Sonic made a blast noise and Shadow immediately groaned.

“You're so annoying, get out.” 

“Ha! Admit it, you like me. I've grown on ya,” Sonic teased. 

“Never in a million years now go find the damn thing!” 

“Yes sir!” Sonic teased with a salute. “Be right back everyone!” 

Cold air greeted them as the roof lifted. Sonic leapt. He spun and winked to his friends then dashes inside the cave. 

“He's so cool. But sometimes I wanna throw another car at him,” Silver chuckled. 

Shadow snickered. Then frowned. A sudden thought hit him. 

“Hey uh Tails. Does Sonic have a way to communicate with us inside there?” 

“Yeah he's got his communicator device. Though the cave and if Silver ever lets go of the storm that might make the signal not so good. Why?”

“I just had a worrying thought…if GUN already found the drive and set up a trap for whoever went to retrieve it. It of course being intended for me.”

“That's…” Tails faltered. A part of him wanted to argue. Yet another couldn't. It made sense. If he was a super villain or a shadowy organization, it felt like the kind of thing he might do. 

It might not be necessary to but Tails whipped up his communicator. The wrist tech pulled up a screen so Tails could type. Quickly a message was sent. 

“Watch out for traps.” 

Hopefully Sonic wouldn't just brush it off. 

The dark room was lit only by a small desk light and 3 computer monitors. And it was quiet. So very quiet. Enough that one would think someone was sleeping in this room. But this was just how The Commander liked his office. His heterochromatic eyes were rather sensitive to light. 

A knock on his door pulled his attention from the computer screens. 

“Come in.”

“Sir. Agent Rockwell reporting,” the tall dark haired woman who entered said. She stood perfectly in form with a tablet in her arms. Every bit the form GUN expected from its people.

“Go ahead Agent.”

“We're receiving a strange report. A blizzard in the Arctic Zone has stopped.”

“...Agent, I don't understand how that's-”

“This is not a normal storm ceasing sir. Look  at the video.”

A screen was placed before the Commander. He watched with initial annoyance. An eyebrow crooked once he saw how the blizzard froze into place. Every flake hung in midair. Even what few trees there were no longer bowed to the mighty wind. Curious. 

“I see. This is highly unusual for sure. What are the working theories.”

“Well sir, we're sure it's either some weather controlling tech or a Mobian's powers.”

“Impossible. No Mobian has ever shown powers of that degree before. They would have been on our radar long ago if so. As for the technology angle…well…I suppose this could be the work of Doctor Eggman. Perhaps a test before he uses it against civilians?”

“We thought so at first sir but look at this aircraft that's flying into it. Correct me if I'm wrong sir but isn't that the plane of Miles Prower?” 

An icy blue and brightly yellow eye watched with growing curiosity. 

“We are tracking the activity of Miles Prower correct?” 

“Yes sir.”

“Good. The child is potentially as dangerous as Doctor Eggman. I suspect then it must be his technology we are witnessing. Never the less. Let us upgrade our surveillance on the fox for a few days. I want to know who he is with and where he is going.”

“Right away sir.”

“And Agent?”

“Yes sir?”

The Commander paused. Upon his desk sat 3 computer screens. One of which currently was exclusively for a specific purpose. Shadow's wanted poster. It remained frozen on his screen. The Commander stared into Shadow's image. Almost willing for Shadow to crawl right out of it. To grovel at his feet and beg for mercy. But he knew better. Shadow would rather give up his life than do such a thing. 

If that's what it took, so be it.

They could start over. And over and over. As many times as it took.

“How is the search for Shadow going?”

“Uh well sir we sent Gideon the Hawk's team out on a tip. Nothing found so far but you know Gideon. He won't rest until he finds something.”

“Good. And how are Rouge and Omega?”

“They appear to not be on speaking terms at the moment but we are continuing to monitor their activities. Omega hasn't left base since his confrontation with Shadow. Rouge has left several times but these appear to all be in service of her jewel thieving. No evidence yet to suggest either are protecting him.”

“Excellent. Continue to monitor them.” 

“Of course sir.”

“And if evidence is found that one or both of them is assisting him...have them killed.” 

“Will do sir.”

The Commander was left once more to his darkness and his silence. Everything was nearly perfect. Only one glaring flaw remained in his way. He stared once more to Shadow's Wanted poster. 

“You will be mine again, Project Umbra.” 

Darkness surrounded the hedgehog. And cold. Brr! Should've brought a jacket. Well too late. Better just hurry up and find this. Then get out.

Light from the headlamp did not much to pierce the dark but it certainly was better than nothing. Small light from the metal detector added little. Its beeps echoed across the cave.

Nothing yet. Nothing except mounds of jagged stalagmites and stalactites. Like groups of crooked teeth. Sonic ran the metal detector over each he passed. Nothing. Only the soft beep to alert him that it was searching. 

Deeper in Sonic went. Enough that he started to wonder how far in Shadow went. And then he heard it. A second beep. A little faster. Faint but there. Sonic whipped the metal detector around. There! He heard it again! Quick steps moved forward. The beeping grew. Louder. Faster. Louder. Faster! Until it was a steady high pitched wail. Echoing off the cave like screams. Sonic looked around. Surely he had to be right on top of it! 

And then a glint. A glint flashed from the rocks. Sonic snatched it with reckless abandon. With it in his hand, Sonic shut the metal detector off. And he stared. Sure enough it was a small metal flash drive. Glaringly out of place deep within this cave. Dark in color, blending in with the cave's darkness. With how far in it it was, it seemed no one would find it unless they knew it was here. Which obviously had been Shadow's intent.It was a wonder to Sonic how many secrets might be hidden on this little drive. Enough to destroy lives over. 

"Do you have it?" Shadow asked the second Sonic was in sight. 

"For sure," Sonic said revealing the tiny drive.

"Nice!" Silver cried. Then looked over in confusion. "Is this what all the fuss is over?" 

"Yeah kid. It really is," nodded Shadow.

"I've got a spare empty computer for us to use back at my lab. That way in case it has any viruses or anything on it," Tails said.

"Let's not go there. If the tracker really does exist then you'll lead GUN right to you. And you shouldn't be getting in trouble for helping me..." Shadow lowly stated.

"Oh. Yeah. Okay good idea Shadow....thanks."

"...you're welcome."

"Let's hurry back," Sonic said.

"I at least have my laptop. Maybe we can fly somewhere else to check it. Everyone-"

The ring of the communicator cut Tails off.

"Huh. That's weird. I'm getting a voice call from Vanilla." 

"Oh no! Is she okay?!" Silver asked. 

"They got her..." Shadow noticeably tensed and whispered.

"You don't know that," Sonic argued. It didn't ease him any like he hoped.

"I'm gonna answer."

"Don't," Shadow said.

"Keep the video off and don't mention Shadow," Sonic said over him.

"Okay," Tails opted for Sonic's choice. Hitting the accept button.

"Hello?"

"Hello Tails. Are...are you alone at this moment?"

"I..." Tails glanced to Sonic for support. Sonic nodded at his little brother.

"I'm with Sonic," Tails replied.

"Good. Are you safe?" Vanilla's relief cut through her tense voice.

"Y-yeah? I think so."

"Good. I would not call like this if it was not urgent...Tails, we have been compromised by pests."

Shadow's spine shot upwards. Silver started to speak but covered his mouth. 

"Ohhhhh. Uh. Okay. Um. So what now?" Tails tried to speak. Pests? Was she being literal right now?

"They have left the property for now. But I know their tactics. They will be back those vermin," she spoke lowly. Deliberate with her words. Sonic didn't like it one bit.

"What are you going to do?" Tails asked.

"We are getting out of here. I know you and Cream were promised an upcoming playdate and I am sorry that will need to go on hold until we get somewhere safe."

"What? What are you-?"

"Shhh. Just roll with it pal," Sonic whispered.

"Oh. Uh. Right. Well darn. I was super looking forward to that. I'll have to just see you guys when you get back then," Tails awkwardly replied. Lying and espionage were definitely not his strong suits.

"I am so sorry to disappoint you," Vanilla spoke sounding on verge of tears. It made Shadow feel sick. "I know there is so much to be done still. All this set up I had planned for you all."

"No no! Miss Vanilla it's okay!" Silver cried.

"It'll be okay Vanilla. We'll get by til we can reschedule," Sonic spoke over him.

"Thank you for understanding. I am so sorry again."

"Vanilla, why don't you guys meet up at my place?" Sonic offered, trying to continue her sneaky language.

"Are you sure it is safe? And what about you? You all need a place to stay, surely?" Vanilla asked.

"Eh you know me. Never in one place too long. And I can confirm my place is pest free and has some great defenses against them. That way you can rest easy tonight," Sonic encouraged.

"I...If you are certain..."

"Yes."

"Alright. We shall go there then."

"You know the way."

"I do. Thank you Sonic and Tails."

"You're welcome. Tails will be by later to check in on you, okay?"

"Yes. Thank you again most dearly." 

"Be safe."

"You too."

Tails hung up the communicator. Then looked over to Sonic. 

"So what exactly just happened?"

"GUN is on to her. She was trying to warn us in a way that isn't obvious," Shadow explained. His fist slammed down on the seat side.

"Easy now this isn't the X Tornado's fault," Tails said.

"Sorry," mumbled Shadow. 

"But what if they hurt her and Amy and Cream!?" Silver cried.

"They won't Silver. Our house has some pretty good protection that we'll activate for them. It's location isn't public knowledge or anything."

"Rouge knows where it's at," Shadow pointed out.

"If she hasn't ratted us out yet I'm sure she won't now."

"Yeah until they torture her for the info."

"They're gonna torture her!?" Silver cried.

"No! No one is getting tortured!" Sonic cried back. 

"Not yet," grumbled Shadow.

"Your bad attitude is torture Shads."

"As is your overly positive one."

"Guys!" Tails cut them off. "Where are we going? We need to get out of here."

"Ohhh my head," Silver groaned. 

"Oh geez you're still holding back the storm? Kid you're incredible," Shadow said. Realizing the storm was still frozen out there. 

"Tails, do you remember the way to...our old home?" 

At that Tails froze. Shadow and Silver looked on in confusion.

"I...I thought we were never gonna go there again," said Tails.

"I don't think we have much choice pal...if we're all at the house I'm worried it'll draw GUN there. At least there it's...it's extremely off the grid. No one would think to look for us there. You don't have to stay but I think I should to keep them safe."

"Sonic...I don't think that's a good idea," Tails countered.

"I don't think so either but I don't know if there's much choice."

"You just said it yourself. The house has defenses. With you and me and even Silver and Amy there too we can protect everyone." 

"If this thing does have a tracking device in it though we're just leading them right to us."

Tails put his head in his hands and groaned.

"It'll be okay pal."

The look Tails shot him from behind his gloves told him how much he didn't believe him.

"Fine. We go there for the night. We confirm if there's a tracking device in this thing or not. And if there isn't we go back to the house immediately. Got it?" Tails ordered.

"Yes sir," Sonic replied. It seemed to ease Tails. Though not by much. 

"Ugh guys I don't think I can hold this much longer," Silver replied in a groggy tone.

"Alright Silver hang in there we're getting out of here!" 

Buttons pressed and switches flicked. Tails moved into the natural rhythm of control he had over his plane. Getting her fired up to resume flight. In a flash they were back in the air.

"Silver if you wanna let go now it's okay to do so," Tails informed him. But Silver seemed unable to hear him. The white hedgehog dropped to the ground and groaned more loudly. Sonic sped to his side.

"Hey man it's okay."

"No no no no get away from me," Silver muttered.

"Silver? Hey," Sonic reached out to him. Bad idea. Silver threw Sonic back with his powers holding him against the plane glass.

"I WON'T LET YOU HURT ME EVER AGAIN MEPHILES!" Silver screamed, tears in his eyes. 

"Silver! It's me! I'm not Mephiles! I'm not trying to hurt you!" Sonic cried. But it was no use. The blue light tightened around Sonic cutting off his words. And Silver? The poor hedgehog seemed frazzled. Sobbing and forcing a tighter hold on his seeming to be nemesis.

"Crap! Silver!!! Put him down!" Tails cried from his pilot seat.

"Kid this isn't your enemy!" Shadow cried. Silver screamed and threw Sonic from up high to crashing into the floor. The X Tornado jerked from the impact.

"I'LL CRUSH YOU!!!" Silver screamed, beginning to warp the plane around Sonic. The blue hedgehog couldn't even cry out. 

"Oh my GAIA!" Tails cried as he fought for control over his plane.

"Shit," Shadow forced himself up with his working half of his body. The plane jolted again sending the unsteady Shadow flying into Silver's body. Accidentally but fortunately pinning him against the back wall. Silver's control over Sonic, the plane, and the storm all released at once. Winds like shrill screams resumed and a white flurry picked back up around them. But Tails had his control back. They pushed through the rest of the storm without much save some turbulence. Sonic coughed and groaned.

"Your power is unreal Silver," Sonic managed to grin despite it all. 

"Uuuuuugh. What happened?" Asked Silver. "Um...hello Shadow," he awkwardly added realizing the darker hedgehog was pinned up against him. Their noses almost touching.

"I'm sort of stuck like this," Shadow grumbled. Left hand grasping onto a handle in the wall for dear life to keep upright. 

"Oh uh let me help," Silver said. Effortlessly putting Shadow back into his seat.

"Thank you. Now DO YOU MIND EXPLAINING WHAT THE HELL THAT WAS!?" 

"I...I don't know what happened," Silver admitted. "One second everything was fine then my head was hurting and suddenly I could see Mephiles."

"Shit where's the flash drive?" Shadow asked suddenly.

"I've got it Shadow," Sonic said as he finished peeling himself from the floor. A massive dent remained. He then handed it over to Shadow.

"I imagine you'd feel better holding onto this."

"Yeah....thank you Sonic."

Bright green eyes stared into those firey red ones as he spoke. Then disappeared behind eyelids for a big smile to appear instead. Even a big thumbs up joined.

"You got it Shadow."

"I still don't get why you insist on going to all this trouble just for me," Shadow said. Firey eyes now hiding behind weary eyelids. That took a ton of energy out of him. More than he'd like to admit. 

"It's no trouble. Really." 

Silver fixed the metal with his powers. Then dropped to a seat and buried his face. Sonic wrapped an arm around him.

"Don't start it man."

"I'm so sorry Sonic."

"There it is. What did I say about that?"

"Seriously please just listen, I am so sorry."

"Okay, apologies accepted my guy. We're good, we're cool, we're way past cool. You don't have do this," Sonic encouraged him.

"I attacked you though," Silver spoke through his tears.

"You thought I was an enemy. I think that's fair." 

"I could see him Sonic. I could hear him, I could SMELL him! ...am I going crazy?" 

"If you are then we all are. As if we don't have enough problems already," chuckled Sonic. The arm he had wrapped around Silver gave him a squeeze. White quills dropped against his head as Silver leaned into the touch.

I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy...

"I'm not worth-"

"Don't say it."

"....okay..."

"Actually it was kind of awesome. You had a literal giant storm stopped outside and you were taking on your enemy. Pretty sick," Sonic said.

Silver didn't speak. But Sonic could feel his body relaxing. He watched while Silver stared out at the sky. Night had long fallen. They left the stormy zone behind them. Dark but clear skies with tiny stars dotted about them instead of harsh snow. And in the air they looked ever so slightly closer to reach than on the ground.

"I can't believe this world sometimes. That there's more to it than fire and death. Bright lights, colors all around, instead of just darkness and fire. There's good food. There's good people like you..." 

"Yeah..." Sonic agreed admiring the stars with him. 

"They look pretty far. Has anyone ever gone to a star before?" 

"I don't think so. Planets yes. Stars, I don't think so."

"It used to be so rare to ever see even one of them. But there they are. Just a whole sky full of stars..." Silver marveled. 

"Yeah. A sight I never get tired of either."

Silver moved his eyes to watch Sonic's. To see the reflection as they sat together and watched the stars.

Secure. Unworthy, but secure. 

"I know you said you like helping people but...isn't this too much? Isn't there a limit to helping someone enough?" Silver asked.

"Not really. Besides. Choosing to not help someone has consequences," Sonic said in a low tone.

"...What does that mean?"

But Sonic fell silent. There wasn't enough words to describe the vileness he felt inside. Remembering the day that he chose his own selfish heart over the needs of others. Bile rose in his throat. Yet he surpressed it. Can't think of any of that. It's in the past, right?

Yet they were flying directly to that exact place where he failed to help. And it cost him nearly everything. This was surely a bad idea. He struggled to swallow his rising sickening feeling again. Tails was right. They shouldn't go there. Leave the past behind. 

Yeah. Like that has really worked out for any of them.

Deep into the night they flew. Still the unease never left Sonic. So much so that he couldn't rest. It had finally claimed Silver. The heavy use of his powers making it easier. Shadow had stayed awake for much longer. Claiming he didn't need it. Only to minutes later be fast asleep. Sonic chuckled. And paced.

And paced.

And paced some more. 

Gah. Boring. 

Fine. Time to go bug the pilot. 

Sonic stepped behind the pilot seat. 

“You're not asleep at the wheel right?” Sonic asked, flicking Tails’ ear.

“Hey! Rude,” Tails huffed. “And no I am plenty awake.” 

“You've been doing a lot of late nights playing Minecraft again haven't you?” 

“...Maybe.” 

“Tails…”

“Sonic.”

The two stared each other down for some moments then laughed. 

“So uh. Any answers?” Tails asked.

“No. Frankly just more questions.”

“That's the worst.”

“What do you do when you come across a problem you can't solve?” Sonic asked. 

“Well usually I try to approach it from a different angle. And then I push and push until it fixes it or if I run into the same problem again, I start over.” 

“Hm. I'm not sure how to approach this one from a different angle though pal.”

“Yeah. Well. Sometimes though I do what you taught me. Keep moving forward.” 

“Good man Tails,” Sonic chuckled and patted his shoulder. The fox grinned. 

“Oh um. I almost forgot,” Sonic sighed. 

“Hm?” 

“I promised honesty with ya pal and uh. Well. I had a nightmare the other night.”

“WHAT!?” Tails cried. The plane harshly veered right as Tails turned it. Sonic cried out and pulled it back. 

“Hey! What are you doing!?”

“Turning around! We're not going back to Knothole if you're already having nightmares!”

“It wasn't about that!” Sonic cried. 

“I can't risk it!” Tails cried. 

“I'm FINE buddy! It's not as bad as it sounds!”

“You nearly ended your life when you had those nightmares Sonic! I can't lose you!” Tails screamed. 

Both let go of the wheel. Autopilot kicked in. Two heavy breaths clung to the air around them. Intense gazes cut through it all. 

“Tails, buddy, I…I know it got bad for a bit there. Okay? I know that. But I promise you it's not gonna get that bad again. Yeah it still hurts that we lost everyone. It really does. But it's not as hopeless as it once felt,” Sonic whispered. Being the first to look away. The fox’s expression softened. 

“You sure?”Tails could only ask. 

“I know it pal. We've made so many amazing friends and…I know none of them would want me to. Besides. I can't leave you behind.”

“You almost did.”

“...Yeah. I almost did. Once. You saved me. And I'm not making that mistake ever again.”

Then Sonic, who hated tears so much, wiped one away from his eyes. Every muscle in Tails weakened. Like gravity had been turned up. But actually it had lifted over them. The air much easier to breathe than before. Sonic held up his arms and Tails dove into them. 

“It's okay pal. I'm okay. We're okay.” 

“Okay…” 

They clung tightly. Never wanting to let go. 

Tails was one of only a few, perhaps even the only one, who could see beneath Sonic's mask. The cool guy. The unbothered. Even the arrogance at times. All a persona. Once so long ago it hadn't been. But now? Sonic put on a face for the world. And Tails had to be sure that Sonic wasn't falling apart behind it. 

Yet the two brothers were so alike. More than they knew sometimes. Where Sonic hid behind his cool guy persona, Tails hid behind his intellect. Nothing can bother you when you're so smart right? Obviously the problems can be logiced away. Ignored. They were unimportant compared to the work that had to be done. Obviously that's how it worked. Obviously. 

But Tails was still an 8 year old. The smartest and coolest 8 year old ever. But still so, so young. People tended to forget how young. How vulnerable he could be. Not Sonic though. Sonic knew where his brother hid. As did he in return. And the two pulled each other out of the darkness hand in hand. 

Sonic wasn't so sure if the nightmares would ever stop. Or the guilt. If he would ever take off his mask for all the world to know. Your hero is actually a wreck inside. Your hero is in fact no hero at all. Borderline fraud. Failure. Perhaps even a monster in his own right. But he knew he had Tails. 

“A-Ar you guys oh-okay here?” Silver asked. 

“All good Silver,” Sonic said without looking up from the embrace. 

“The fox's flying is crap!” Shadow cried.

“You're welcome to take over any time you want! Just know you're gonna need both hands!” Tails snapped back. Then laughed. 

Sonic looked up finally. Silver's worry transformed to a smile. And Shadow's scowl had a hint of playfulness to it. 

He couldn't help but think maybe he was even gaining a few more to let his guard down some. 

A beeping pulled Tails out of Sonic's arms. Quickly he resumed flying. Buttons were pushed and levers adjusted.

“What's going on?” Silver asked. 

The plane lowered. Slowly losing altitude. It shifted steadily beneath their feet. So little could be seen outside. Yet the tops of trees came into view. Pressure in their ears popped. Tails spoke not a word. Focusing intently on his task. 

“We're landing Silver,” Sonic said. 

And just like that, a thud alerted them to the ground. Only then did Tails look up. Directly to Sonic. 

“Welcome home.”

Home…

…Home…

An itch went right under Sonic's skin. 

This had been a bad idea.

Tails tried to warn him. 

Too late though. They were far out in the middle of a small island way out in the ocean. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. 

The glass roof panel of the X Tornado lifted. Fresh air rushed in. Clean. Clear. And quiet. Almost too quiet. Delicately balancing the line between peaceful and eerie. A short gust pressed against Sonic's face. Almost like a kiss. Like the island itself was saying it missed him. 

“Where are we exactly?” Shadow asked. 

“Guys…welcome to Knothole Forest. Where Tails and I used to live.” 

“These trees!” Silver cried. “They're huge! They're majestic! Oh why would you ever wanna leave a place like this!?” Silver cried as he leapt from the plane. Absolutely mystified by the sight. 

“Well. Uh. We had no choice,” Tails said. 

“Ohhh. Yeah that. That happened to me and Blaze a lot. What happened?”

The awkward glances and silence the hedgehog and fox shared didn't tell Silver anything except that he messed up.

“Darn it Silver! So darn nosey!” He cursed himself. 

It-It's fine Silver it's just. Hard to talk about,” Tails said. 

“In fact, let's not! Come on Silver! Let's get Shadow down.” 

“Why? I thought we were just confirming if this thing has a tracking device and then leaving.” 

“Uhhhh sorry Shadow but I need to check on the damage from Silver attacking Sonic. I think it's just cosmetic but I have to be sure nothing more severe got affected. I'll look into the tracking device part first though.”  

“Ugh, fine. I guess as long as you can confirm that they aren't tracking us.” 

“Sonic? Can you get us a fire going while I start looking?” Tails asked as he whipped out a headlamp. 

“You know it,” Sonic replied with a dash. In moments he was back. Arms loaded with wood. 

“Silver? I need you to remember something.”

“What's that?”

“This fire will not hurt you.”

“Oh…Ye-Yeah. I will.” 

“Okay,” Sonic said. He quickly formed a ring of dirt in the ground then placed some of the wood. Then Sonic ran in place on top of the wood. Igniting it. Silver cried out in surprise as Sonic leapt off the fire then added more wood to it. The blue hedgehog whistled. 

“Easy as pie.” 

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Now do you have any stuff for chili dogs?” 

"Uhhh. I have the stuff for s'mores.”

“Perfect! Silver, you're gonna love these,” Sonic said holding up a bag of chocolate and marshmallows. 

“What a s’more?” Shadow asked. 

“Aw come on don't tell me you've never had one before!” Sonic teased as Silver lowered Shadow from the plane to his wheelchair. 

“I will not miss this thing,” Shadow grumbled. 

“Oh! Sonic! I could have totally made adjustments to Shadow's chair!” 

“Oh man you're right. Guess we'll have to deal with it back home.” 

“Can you make it fast?”

“Absolutely. Maybe not as fast as you but certainly fast.”

“Nice. I would appreciate the upgrade. Augh-” Shadow suddenly groaned.

“Oh no. Shadow we don't have any of your medicine,” Silver realized.

“It's okay kid. I'm…fine without it.”

“Shoot. I'll get to work. Sonic. S'more duty!” 

“On it boss,” Sonic replied. He grabbed three stick and showed them to Silver and Shadow. 

“Welcome to S'more making. It's really easy and I promise the fire will not hurt you. Let's go.” 

The three hedgehogs sat around the fire listening to Sonic explaining the dessert. While Tails sat a little further back. The fox used his headlamp and a small toolkit to literally pry open the flash drive.

“What are you doing kid!?” Shadow snapped.

“You gotta just trust me Shadow. Focus on your marshmallow, it's on fire,” Tails said without looking up. Shadow glanced to his stick spotting it was indeed incinerated. All coated in darkness with hints of white and brown sticking out between the cracks. Silver shrieked. Sonic laughed. 

“Knuckles must like his like that, he always burns them too. Or he just really doesn't get the concept,” Sonic commented. 

“Hmph.” Shadow stubbornly added his marshmallow to the graham cracker and chocolate as Sonic showed them. Hm. Not bad actually. Very sticky though. He groaned at the sight of residue on his gloves. 

“It'll come off don't worry about it,” Sonic said lifting his marshmallow back. Silver however continued to stare into the fire. The marshmallow long abandoned. It became one with the fire. Melting from stick and being devoured by flames. 

“Pal?” Sonic asked. But Silver didn't respond. “Hey you uh. You good there?” 

“I can't believe fire is so…”

“...so?”

“...beautiful.”

“...yeah. It can be.”

“Sonic?”

“Yeah?”

“I'm still scared of it.”

“That's okay,” Sonic said, putting a hand to his shoulder. 

“But it's beautiful and it's keeping me warm and I. I don't understand why…Why someone would want to destroy such a beautiful world…” Silver’s voice fell to a whisper. 

“I don't know either,” Sonic sighed. 

“It's because they all wanna play Gods and Masters,” Shadow grumbled. “To make their world in their image. Their way. The ultimate arrogance.” 

“I suppose you're right Shadow.”

“And Mephiles is no exception. Sure he was hurting being separated from Iblis or whatever. But it didn't give him the right to destroy the world. Just like I didn't have the right either…” Shadow sighed. 

“Whoa. You good there Shadow?” Sonic asked. 

“I've just been thinking a lot on my actions. And why I did them. Who I want to be. That's all.”

“That's…very mature of you.” 

“One thing is for sure. I will never again work for GUN or serve another Master than myself.” 

“You think so?”

“I know so Sonic. I have a mission already. Maria's final wish. To help people. I suppose I thought serving GUN would serve that purpose. But now I see I was running from it. And I will not run away anymore,” Shadow vowed. 

“That's very noble of you Shads. But also like. It's your life. You don't have to only be a hero.” 

“I want to,” Shadow said tightening his fist. “I'll do it my way. But I'm going to help people.” 

“Wow. Never thought I'd hear that,” Sonic mused. “You've come a long way Shadow.”

“I. I heard what you and the fox. I. I mean Tails were saying earlier,” Shadow admitted. “The past can hurt. And it still does. But things aren't as hopeless as it once felt.”

“Well. I'm glad about that,” Sonic said. 

“Oh yeah. What was that conversation about Sonic?” Silver asked. 

“Uhhh. Actually Silver, I don't really want to-”

“Whoa! Shadow! You were right!” Tails cried. Everyone turned to the fox. Within a tiny pair of tweezers was something so small they couldn't see it. But it blinked. A tiny red light. For a tiny red piece of tech. Tracking tech. 

“This thing is buried deep inside the memory. It's definitely a high tech tracking device. I've never seen one so small.” 

“What are you waiting for kid!? Crush it!” Shadow cried. 

Tails dropped the piece into his hand. Then tossed it into the fire. A satisfying crackle followed by a pop sounded. 

“Wow. That's it?” Silver asked. 

“Yep! GUN should be off our tails now!” Tails said. 

“Thank goodness,” Shadow sighed. 

“Woo-hoo! S'mores for everyone!” Sonic cheered. 

“Now we can take this anywhere and they won't know what we've read,” Tails said. But as Shadow grinned, Tails’ face fell. 

“Whatchya thinking bud?” Sonic asked.

“I have a concern. Let me get my laptop.”

“Good. I'm dying to know more about this Project Umbra nonsense.”

“You said The Commander said YOU are Project Umbra?” Sonic asked. 

“Yes. I had a glimpse of some of the files. It seems it's for a weapon. I don't understand how I plan into that though.” 

“Oooh maybe they were making you a killer mech suit. Like Neon Genesis Evangelion,” Sonic suggested.

“Like WHAT!?” 

“Oh I forgot you're old, of course you wouldn't know.” 

“EXCUSE YOU!?” Shadow growled.

“I don't know what that is either Sonic,” Silver whispered.

“We'll watch it when we go home. It's confusing but it's awesome,” Sonic replied. 

“Guys. We have a problem,” Tails said. “They didn't just put a tracking chip into the device. There's a tracking code baked into the files.”

“What? How do you know?” Silver asked.

“Well then get rid of it!” Shadow demanded.

“It's not that simple Shadow. Without the cipher, I risk deleting or corrupting files.” 

“So is GUN tracking us right now?” Sonic asked. 

“I'm not connected to internet right now so I think not but we better just assume yes.” 

“What do we do about it then?” Shadow asked. 

“I think we're better off learning everything we can now and abandoning the drive. Get off the island immediately after,” Tails said. 

“...Okay. Let's do this,” Shadow said.

“Whatever it is Shadow, we're right behind you,” Sonic promised. 

“I know,” Shadow nodded. “Give me the computer kid.”

Tails handed Shadow the laptop. Placing it on his legs. It sat lopsided because of Shadow's cast. 

“These are the files,” Tails pointed out. 

“I read this one,” Shadow said. “And part of that one when the Commander found me. He told me what I saw I wasn't supposed to see. I don't fully understand what though he was so-”

“Oh hey that one is a video file. Try that one,” Tails pointed to one of the many files. Shadow tapped it. Sonic and Silver held their breaths. 

Upon the screen came the face of the Commander. 

“Huh. Big boss himself,” Sonic said. 

“Wow this is old,” Shadow commented. 

“Why do you say that?” 

“He doesn't have grey hair yet. He does now.”

“Oh.”

“I am Commander Abraham Tower. Current leader of Guardians Units of Nations also known as GUN. I am authorizing a new albeit highly illegal project under the title of Project Umbra. These logs I am recording are for internal purposes only and are highly classified. 

Now currently, cloning is illegal by the world's nations which therefore makes this operation highly illegal. However, my former superior, Commander Walters, was sitting on a gold mine and failed to see it. I tried to tell him of this many years ago but he never listened. But now that I am Commander. I will see it be so. Behold, GUN's most powerful weapon.”

The video shifted from the Commander to a test tube. Sleeping inside it was Shadow.

Everyone cried out in shock. 

“Gerald Robotnik was a genius. He created such a powerful being from a mixture of Mobian and an alien race known as the Black Arms DNA. It was called Project Shadow. But when Commander Walters was ordered by the United Nations to shut the project down, he could have never known what would happen. His granddaughter, and, my dear friend Maria, tried to save Project Shadow. She sent him plummeting to earth before she was cruelly shot to death by GUN soldiers."

“Men! Don't allow anyone related to this place escape!” 

He remembered hearing their footsteps thudding down the hall. Equipment rattling. He remembered running. Her hand started to sweat but tighter she held on. 

He remembered most of all the pained look in her eyes as she said goodbye before pulling the lever. 

It was a look that continued to haunt him. Much as he tried to let it go. 

The memory played in Shadow's mind once more. He looked away only for a moment. He had to focus. 

“Commander Walters at least tried to stop them from killing her. He failed,” Commander Tower added bitterly. “But was able to have mine spared."

“Did you know this guy Shadow? If he knew Maria,” Tails asked.

“I don't recall,” Shadow said. 

“For reasons I'll never understand, we were all shot down that day. Except for Gerald Robotnik and myself. The GUN agents on earth searched for Project Shadow. But unfortunately, the Professor's great creation was found days later. Dead in the test tube he was sent to earth in.”

Shadow gasped hard. 

“WHAT!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN DEAD!?” he shouted to the screen.

“Commander Walters had the body placed into a cryogenic tube to keep it safe. To keep it out of the hands of our enemies. For many years that lifeless body did nothing. But no longer. With its DNA held so impact, we have successfully been able to clone Project Shadow into a nearly identical creation. This is my magnum opus. To recreate what Gerald did so many years ago. The United Nations feared him. And they were right to. I have seen with my own eyes what Project Shadow could do. But Project Umbra is my own. He will serve at my command. The world will know and fear his power as I have. He will be GUN's most powerful weapon once he is ready.

These logs may be damning but damn it all if I can't gloat a little. For I have created the Ultimate Lifeform!”

Tails cried out as Shadow shoved the laptop away. Nearly throwing it into the fire.

“THIS CAN'T BE!” Shadow cried. 

Every memory of the Arc played before his mind's eye. The testing. Maria's smile. Her laugh as they played together. Being forced back into a tube for the night. Running. Thinking that he needed to just grab her and run. Why didn't he just grab her? The pain. The pain the pain the pain. 

This couldn't be happening. 

Shadow's body shook. The Commander's voice was far away. Echoing inside of him. Playing out on the laptop speakers. Tails and Silver and Sonic crowded his blurry vision. 

No, this couldn't be.

None of it was real. 

None of it was real. 

None of it was real. 

None of this is real. 

The pain. The suffering. The running. It served nothing. 

And Shadow began to scream. A hand grabbed at the side of his skull. This wasn't real. It couldn't be!