Shadow the Hedgehog [AU] (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
endless_life_forever) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
specialzone2012-08-22 01:58 am
endless_life_forever) wrote in specialzone2012-08-22 01:58 am
Entry tags:
entry.
This place...
[ Shadow stepped upon the grass, his quills blowing in the wind. It was a beautiful day, the sky was blue, the sun shining... The black hedgehog often spent days in places like this, away from other people. The Earth truly was beautiful, even if he found he no longer cared for the people that inhabited it.
But his attention wasn't caught by the scenery... no, it was by the picnic table he saw and the banner strung high above it. The table was decorated with many tasty looking treats, and the banner was bright and happy-- the writing on it was so very familiar.
It said: "Happy Birthday, Sonic!"
That was a name he hadn't heard in such a long time. Shadow peered at the banner before looking back at the table... cupcakes, cake, drinks, chilidogs... So many foods that were very popular with his old friends.
But they were no longer around. They hadn't been around in over a hundred years... How was any of this possible? Was this some kind of trick, was someone trying to weaken his resolve, make him vulnerable? Toying with his heart like this... Shadow clenched his fists before suddenly knocking most of the food off the table. ]
Nghh!
[ It wasn't possible. They had all died and Shadow was the only one left. There was no way they could be here... as much as his heart wanted it to be true. It was some kind of trick. Still, he looked down at the fallen chilidog, its condiments spilled all over the grass. That was Sonic's favorite food... ]
Sonic...
[ ooc: more shadow, more problems. info in profile and journal. the world this shadow comes from is way in the future, but the world is not destroyed. just all his friends from the past are dead... such is the life of immortals. ]
[ Shadow stepped upon the grass, his quills blowing in the wind. It was a beautiful day, the sky was blue, the sun shining... The black hedgehog often spent days in places like this, away from other people. The Earth truly was beautiful, even if he found he no longer cared for the people that inhabited it.
But his attention wasn't caught by the scenery... no, it was by the picnic table he saw and the banner strung high above it. The table was decorated with many tasty looking treats, and the banner was bright and happy-- the writing on it was so very familiar.
It said: "Happy Birthday, Sonic!"
That was a name he hadn't heard in such a long time. Shadow peered at the banner before looking back at the table... cupcakes, cake, drinks, chilidogs... So many foods that were very popular with his old friends.
But they were no longer around. They hadn't been around in over a hundred years... How was any of this possible? Was this some kind of trick, was someone trying to weaken his resolve, make him vulnerable? Toying with his heart like this... Shadow clenched his fists before suddenly knocking most of the food off the table. ]
Nghh!
[ It wasn't possible. They had all died and Shadow was the only one left. There was no way they could be here... as much as his heart wanted it to be true. It was some kind of trick. Still, he looked down at the fallen chilidog, its condiments spilled all over the grass. That was Sonic's favorite food... ]
Sonic...
[ ooc: more shadow, more problems. info in profile and journal. the world this shadow comes from is way in the future, but the world is not destroyed. just all his friends from the past are dead... such is the life of immortals. ]
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[ SPLAT.
In falls one (1) Sonic the Hedgehog, landing face-first into the grass. His face is a bit bruised, as if this has happened to him once before now, more than likely because of his descent into the main hub. He stays suspended in a nearly erect position on the ground, almost cartoonishly, before his body slumps down. ]
Mmmmhnnng... [ He pulls his head out and gives a hearty shake, dirt flying in all directions. ] Hhhaaa- phew! What a rush!
[ He smirks, clearly not too uneasy after having landed from such a high point. (Did he just come out of nowhere? Hmmmm. Perhaps it's one of those portal rings he came from...) He basically has fallen right on his face multiple times before, so it's not like this is unknown to him, and...
Oh, hey! Looks like he's not the only one who managed to get here. ]
Fancy seeing you here, Shadow! [ His jovial, playful tone of voice rings out to him, coming in closer and closer as Sonic steps up behind him. ] Didn't think you'd follow me here!
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But despite that, he couldn't move. His instincts were clashing, telling him to run and stay, that this was both dangerous and safe. Because... Sonic was his friend, but this couldn't be the real Sonic. Sonic was dead. Shadow watched him grow old and die. With his own hands he...
That's why this Sonic couldn't be real. And he was still young, like when they'd first met all those years ago... and now he was walking towards him, speaking as casually as he used to. Hearing that voice was really... destroying him on the inside. What was he supposed to believe? Had all those years of withdrawing himself from contact been for nothing? Was he still just as damaged as when he cast away Omega? ]
... Stop...
[ He couldn't say anything else. He couldn't... it was the only thing he could utter in this moment, when all hell threatened to break loose within him. ]
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[ Sheesh! That's a hell of a way to greet him. Regardless, Sonic wasn't about to `stop`, leave, or do anything of the sort. He's going to get to the bottom of this, and this means getting Shadow's help, right? They'll both find out what's going on and help each other get back to their main zone. It's as simple as that.
He casually strode up to him, raising an arm and attempting to sling it around his shoulders, a laugh bubbling up from within him. He's so cheery, so carefree, so unknowing that this Shadow's past is more tragic than his own. ]
How'd you get here, huh? Think Egghead slurped ya up into his egg cream, too?
[ Uh, he meant the Time Eater fiasco. He'd just beaten the thing with his younger self, and in a blinding explosion, he found himself falling here. ]
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This Copy even spoke in the same, non-sensical, jargon-filled way. An elaborate trick... had Eggman Nega really studied him this much? Did he know about the past, about Shadow's relationships?
It was too much... it was driving him mad. ]
Let go of me.
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He gave a lopsided smirk, looking straight at him. The twinkle in his eye, the goofiness in his grin... it's all exact. ]
What if I don't wanna?
[ Maybe, just maybe he will, but he has to admit that bugging Shadow has some sort of strange appeal. It's kind of funny to see him get all huffy over something as simple as affection. Like, come on, really? ]
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Hnngh....!
[ Shadow's body began to glow red, his eyes slitted before closing them tightly, feeling himself lose control inside, preparing to use Chaos Blast. ]
I said STOP!!
[ The energy began to push off of him, surely sending anyone near him flying, as well as destroying the already knocked over foods, burning up the banner and setting the tree and picnic table ablaze-- it had been a very long time since he'd lost control like this. Even when everyone had died, he hadn't quite lost it to this degree... but with all things bottled up, with enough trauma, there is always bound to be an explosion. ]
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[ Ouch. That was the last thing Sonic expected. Even his super speed didn't help him dodge that, and so he was sent flying a good ways away. He hit the ground with a rough `thud`, making him yelp softly. He just fell onto one of his bruised cheeks! Not cool.
He rose to his hands and knees, one hand going to the back of his head to rub it. Boy, he was going to be aching for a while, for sure. Shadow never usually did that kind of thing when he got angry with him! What was up with that? ]
Hey- hey! What was that for, huh?
[ If Shadow was looking for a fight, he was going to retaliate. He won't just sit around and let himself get beaten to a pulp for no good reason! Rude. ]
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This... This can't be real... it's not real, I know it isn't... I'm not weak, I'm not a fool, this isn't real... so then why does it feel...
[ He apppeared to be muttering to himself, not really making much sense at all. Seeing Sonic like this... it was too much. Images of the hero on his death bed flashed through his mind... the funeral... with his own hands, he scattered the ashes of his friends...
Hey, don't cry. It doesn't suit you, y'know? Besides... I know you'll protect the Earth. I trust you... we all do.
His mind was being wracked with painful memories, ones he'd long buried to avoid the pain, the torment... That was when he'd begun thinking if he just avoided everyone, he wouldn't have to face such pain again... The pain of outliving everyone around him. The pain of being so utterly alone. ]
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[ Wow. This was even more unexpected than the attack itself. He looked really distraught, but for what reason? In fact, Sonic never has seen him look this broken.
Did... Did something happen to prompt that? Geez. For Shadow of all people to be crumbling before his eyes, something big must have happened! He was never affected by anything, at least not so visibly. It all boiled down to Sonic wondering what was wrong with him, because there was no way something wasn't up.
He stood to his feet, a bit wobbly, but otherwise better than he could have been. He stumbled over to the black hedgehog, reaching a hand out to touch one of his.
He flinched. Wow, he was tense. ]
Come on... look at me!
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[ That was the only plausible answer, right? This could only be a terrible nightmare... something to torment him when he awoke. He often did dream about being with the others again, surrounded by friends whom he pretended not to care about... but in reality, they were truly precious, unreplaceable allies. ]
I watched you die, I watched all of you die! You can't be standing here talking to me, because I--
[ He was starting to let it all out... No, he couldn't, he couldn't just open himself up to a copy. It would only make things worse, especially if some malicious force was listening. ]
... Just stay away from me...!
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[ Sonic was not about to see him lose control here, not now, not ever. He brought both hands over now, clamping over Shadow's own. He held him, the cogs in his mind going 2500 mph as he attempted to reason with him. ]
Shadow, we're fine! Dude, what's coming over you, huh? Shadow...!
[ He then tried to yank his head up, just to try to get him to face him. The look on Sonic's face was difficult to match: pure, frantic concern. This was totally wigging him out. Shadow never acted like this. Ever. ]
Look, I'm fine!
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Don't touch me!
[ The black hedgehog shoved the other back forcefully, hatred and confusion burning in his eyes. ]
You made a grave mistake... pretending to be him...! I'll destroy you!
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[ He bolted past him, dashing to and fro, displaying the speed he was known for. That had to be proof enough for him! There was no reason it wouldn't be! ]
Sonic the Hedgehog, can't be any other! Y'know? Shadow?
[ He clenches his fists, ears flopping. Come on, believe him! He's not a fake...! ]
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The red glow in his eyes subsided, but his trembling did not. He shook his head vehemently, eyes now tightly shut, teeth clenched. ]
You don't get it... Even if everything about you is the same, you can't be him... Because I... I carried him when he was on his deathbed, I listened to his will... I buried him.
[ Shadow opened his eyes somewhat to look at his hands, both of which were trembling uncontrollably as he blinked back tears. ]
It... it was such a foolish idea... Everyone knew it. But you... He chose to go through with it anyway... even if... even despite his age, he went to his death... He had to have known that he couldn't... couldn't perform as he did when he was young...
[ Now he was only rambling on, talking only to avoid the emotion threatening to wash over him. Remembering that day... the day everyone lost such a precious person. It was truly the day the Earth stood still. ]
That's why... I will protect his memory... I will destoy all those who don his image in hopes of confusing me... You mock his memory by standing there, saying you're who you say you are... Don't make me laugh!
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[ Sonic paled. Wait, this Shadow carried him during his dying hour, listened to his will, buried him...? He's not dead, though! He was never dead!
That means...
He sucked in a breath. There was only one thing this could be. ]
Shads, I'm alive, but... y'know what? I think I'm from your past or something.
[ That sunshiny voice of his took a slight dip, shoulders sagging. This Shadow from the future, having buried him and reacted so violently to the possibility of a clone of him...
Wow.
He smiled shakily, hoping that maybe it'll be contagious and perk him up. That's right, he knew that Shadow would outlive them all, even him, and he would be all alone in the end.
At least, that's what he thought. ]
Heh...
Didn't know you cared so much.
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Could it be some sort of lie this one was weaving? Why would he lie to him, what would he have to gain? Of course... he would have everything to gain. To have Earth's Defender wrapped around your finger meant you could literally have anything in the world.
The idea that he could break so quickly disgusted him... but he really... really missed being around his friends. For so long he acted as if they were nothing more than an annoyance, and yet every day of his life now he wished that they were around, that he could spend those sunny days with them... those carefree days.
When Sonic spoke up again, Shadow's ears folded tightly against his head, and he stared at the blue hedgehog with tired, pain-filled eyes. ]
Is everything a joke to you? Does this make you laugh? Do you think it could never happen to you? You don't understand... there's no way you could understand... You've never had to bury your comrades. You've never had to watch them grow old, weak and feeble, while you stayed the same.
You disgust me.
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Shads, come on. What kinda planet are you on? What have I gotta do to prove it?
[ It's upsetting, really! He doesn't like seeing his friends upset. He reached a hand out, wanting to just... touch him, make him feel better. He's his rival and he aggravates him sometimes, a mutual feeling, yet he cares for him genuinely. He's still his friend. There is no denying that.
Yet that hand sagged back down. His heart dropped. He wasn't going to stop until Shadow got him here, but... man, this sucked. ]
You've gotta remember... you know, the time-eating thing Eggy sent on us? That thing's gotta have something to do with this! I was kickin' it up, you know, with little me! Remember?
[ He exhaled, fists closing again. Come on, Shadow. Come on. ]
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In that time, hadn't he met that boy? That boy who wanted so desperately to help him in the present? That white hedgehog... and his friend, the cat. He'd met them all before, that was why they were so familiar to him...
Yes, he did remember Time Eater. He remembered being ripped out of time and stuck in a white limbo, where he would fight Sonic in exchange for a Chaos Emerald. It was impossible but... there were two Sonics at that time... One small and chubby, the other his friend. Shadow's eyes widened once more and he couldn't help but stare at Sonic more closely. ]
... Then... You're that... little one. [ If it was a Sonic from Sonic's past, a younger Sonic, then it only made sense, right? Would that become an endless time loop? It could explain this fiasco... because in Shadow's timeline, Sonic was indeed dead, but a younger version could still exist in an earlier timeline...
And though it should have comforted Shadow, the truth had only grounded him more firmly in reality; Sonic was dead. This Sonic was from the past, not his own timeline... It was silly to think that this Sonic could be his. ]
... I see... so that's it.
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[ Heh. Heh...
...
Sonic finally felt that confronting him in a bit of a closer proximity was possible without getting torn to pieces. He saw him again, the Shadow he knew, the one that could handle just about anything thrown at him, his rival and friend.
He was a risk-taker. Of course he was going to reach out and place that hand on Shadow's shoulder. Of course he was going to grin at him and try to perk him up, even though there was still that chance that Shadow would try to kill him again.
He just wanted him to be okay. ]
It's me, Shadow. [ A bitter chuckle came from him. ]
Remember what I told you? `I die hard.`
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He was trembling again, and... were those tears? Was Shadow crying? A truly rare sight, even in his own timeline. He hadn't cried since... since that day... over 100 years ago. His other hand dug into the ground, uprooting some grass. ]
I... hh...
[ I've missed you. is what he wanted to say, but he couldn't. He could never say something like that, but it all came to a head now, that he was unable to keep it bottled up anymore. Shadow considered himself strong, that he didn't need to rely on anyone... that he was able to hide his feelings and continue on without breaking down. Strong and resolute... until now. He finally came to grips with just how broken down he was on the inside, and how much it was tearing him apart.
Omega... I'm sorry.
If only he could find his friend again and apologize. What kind of Guardian of Earth did he turn out to be? Someone who pushes away his allies and keeps to himself... That's not what Sonic would have wanted for him... Omega had tried to tell him that. Rouge would surely have been upset with him, but... ]
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[ Sonic froze at first, taken aback by the fact that Shadow was definitely sobbing. There was no way he wasn't. Here he was, Mr. Supernatural and Unsmiley, just throwing it all away and breaking down in front of him.
He was surprised, but like hell was he going to turn him away. In fact, this just made him want to be at his side even more. ]
Shadow, hey...
[ He dropped down to his knees, a hand reaching for the one covering his face. He gently grasped his wrist, and in that moment, his smile was completely gone, heart broken.
This Shadow...
This Shadow lost him and it hit him very hard.
He knew Shadow cared about him, however secretive he was, but he never thought it would have been to this extent. It made him want to see his present-day Shadow again, to inform him of this encounter and tell him that he would never be alone, even after he was dead.
He tightened his hold, leaning to whisper to him. ]
C'mon. You don't have to cry. I'm here for you, yeah? Just like... old times? Yeah?
[ Old times for him, at least. ]
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But that became harder and harder to do... especially as they each disappeared, one by one, until his future was filled with darkness, like his heart. He had always protected the Earth, and though it was filled with light and beauty, he held disdain for it because his loved ones were no longer there, and no one seemed to remember them...
When Sonic held his wrist, it stirred Shadow enough for him to look at the blue hedgehog, see those bright green eyes... so youthful and filled with life. Shadow was a mere relic in comparison, much older than the one from this Sonic's present, no doubt. So much more cynical... ]
I...
[ He pulled back, wiping his eyes on his arm roughly, not wanting to continue this embarrassing act. Crying like this... what kind of Ultimate Life form was he? He wasn't supposed to cry, wasn't supposed to break down like this... ]
I'll... be fine...
[ Maybe. It wasn't so much a lie as it was an attempt to gather himself together. He had to be strong... he couldn't afford to let this happen again... but even so it felt good to let it all out. ]
It's been... so long since I heard your voice... Surely I would have forgotten you, eventually... But you're here... as impossible as that is, you're...
[ He could feel the tears coming again and he turned away-- the realization was hitting him. If Sonic was here, then his friends were also alive, right? Younger versions of them, right? ... But not his versions. That second part kept him grounded, and somewhat distanced from what was going on. ]
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[ He spoke so bitterly, yet so sweetly, knowing that as much as he tries to reassure him, it's difficult to recover from that. To be left all alone, losing all of his friends...
Sonic shut his eyes. What would that be like? It would be awful to lose them all, to live forever and ever without seeing them again. Tails, Knuckles, Amy, even Eggman... all gone. He didn't ever want to imagine that.
He didn't want to go through losing someone again anyway, much like he lost Shadow the first time. When that happened, he felt horrible. He couldn't save him. He just wasn't fast enough.
Yet...
He's alive, and he's going to stay alive.
He relinquished all control then, snaking his arms around him and tugging him close. He embraced him, nuzzling into him and giving a soft purr into his neck, tail flipping about. Shadow needed this, didn't he?
Haha...
He is really going to bug the hell out of his Shadow as soon as he sees him again. ]
I'm here.
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~~~
[ After some time, Shadow rubbed his eyes, sitting up in order to push Sonic away gently. ]
... I was lost... for a very long time. Seeing you again has made me remember that I cannot give up, and that I must protect the Earth, no matter what happens. That I cannot... live in solitude any longer.
I hope the I from your timeline understands this. He may not want to, or may think of it as a waste of time, but... it's important that he understand what will happen. Perhaps it's better to let him find out on his own, but... If I could protect others from the sorrow I've endured, I would.
[ Shadow turned to look over at the partly scorched tree-- the picnic table was still burning somewhat, and the banner was no more... and yet he felt more relaxed than he had in quite some time, despite the destruction he'd caused. To be able to let out those heavy emotions...
It was truly a relief. ]
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He grinned, feeling much better himself. He grounded him to some extent, and that was all he needed now, really. ]
Dunno if he does, but hey. How about I pass on that message of yours? [ He laughed softly, pressing his palms to his knees. ] Don't want him to think I'm some fake and try to blow me up. I'm not ready to die yet!
[ Jesting, just as Sonic always did and always will do. ]
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With great effort, Shadow attempted to stand up, walking over to the tree. This spot... really resembled where he called home in his own timeline. Except the hill was covered in white flowers. It wasn't long before he was leaning against the tree, sitting down once more, taking in a deep breath. ]
You can tell him for me... I'm not sure I could bear the sight of seeing my younger self.
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[ Sonic grinned, following along with him whether or not he liked it. He flopped down beside him, tossing his arms behind his head and kicking back. Man, this spot really was beautiful. Hopefully Shadow really did appreciate the Earth just as much as he did. Such a lovely, amazing planet... ]
Yeah. [ His smile softened. ] That's what I'm gonna do.
[ He yawned softly. He was beginning to get a little drowsy. The whole Time Eater business took a lot out of him. ]
Hey...
I'm gonna stick around.
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Are you? Isn't it more your style to be constantly on the move? You don't have to stop that for me.
[ When Sonic had gotten much older, Shadow witnessed the hero's frustration at not being able to constantly be on the move... and the eventual result of those frustrated feelings. And while he wished Sonic had just listened to his friends and not tried to keep being a hero when he just couldn't do it anymore, Shadow didn't like the idea of Sonic keeping quiet and not running around. It was like pulling the wings off of a butterfly-- detrimental and cruel. ]
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[ Sonic shuffled a little closer to him, their shoulders just lightly bumping together. He inhaled deeply, the fresh scent of nature's fruits wafting subtly among them. Not only that, but he caught the aroma of Shadow's natural musk, much like something very earthy, rich, perhaps with a bit of spice.
That left his tail thumping against the grass. He did like his presence, no matter how much they bickered. ]
Sticking around for anyone who needs me.
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Now that his old friend was with him, Shadow wasn't certain about what to say, just sitting there quietly. He looked down, a light smile on his lips as he closed his eyes. ]
... Hm. I see.
[ It truly felt good to be at peace like this... He hadn't felt soothed in years. ]
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[ Sonic suddenly beamed, leaning downward to really get that smile in his view. He never saw his Shadow smile like that, not even once. (Okay, maybe there was this one time, but he didn't know he was watching.) It made him want to leap for joy, his heart flipping around inside of him. His tail was definitely going crazy now, practically spinning as it wagged. ]
What's that? [ He laughed softly, a finger reaching to ghost over those lips of his. ] Nice smile, Shadow!
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Hmph. Don't draw so much attention to it...
[ He was really beginning to feel like himself again... especially with Sonic here, like old times. His meddling, as annoying as it was, was also a strong part of him... and even as irritating as Sonic could be, Shadow did appreciate it. He wouldn't have Sonic any other way. ]
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[ Sonic tried to lean around him so he could see it again, unless it was already gone. Sheesh, it almost never happened, so he was going to enjoy it while he could! ]
Looks good on you!
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[ Even if he spoke like he didn't like it, he really did. He felt so lucky right now... ]
It's just a smile.
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[ Sonic pulled back, smiling so wide that his teeth showed themselves. ]
You, like... never smile! Gotta enjoy it while it lasts!
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I have more to smile about in these last few hours than I have had in over a hundred years.
[ He closes his eyes again, leaning his head back against the tree bark. ]
I will be strange seeing everyone else again. They will have no idea what I've been through, but... I suppose it's better that way. [ He stops, as if thinking of something. ] How is Rouge?
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[ He dips his head back down, leveling himself so that he can face Shadow. His tail curls around his hip now, the tip still flicking slightly. ]
Don't think anyone's going anywhere any time soon.
[ He then reaches a hand out to pat Shadow on the shoulder, an attempt to solace him just a little further. ]
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Hm. Not yet, anyway.
[ ... right, this pessimistic attitude. It was hard curving it when he knew what the future held. ]
... Sorry. I'll try to stop thinking this way. You should enjoy what the future holds.
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[ ...
Sonic faced away from him, seeming as if he was interested in something off in the distance, but in truth, his mind was churning thought after thought. This was how Shadow felt about him? He missed him after his passing instead of inwardly celebrating?
... Heh.
That made his heart feel all fuzzy. ]
Y'know, if we just kinda chilled out, I think we could've been pals or something.
[ I mean, he thought of Shadow that way, but whether or not it was mutual never seemed clear. ]
there really isn't a good word for "nakama" in english
The "I" of the past could never have said this, but I am no longer him... I have seen more than he will see in the present, and one day he will understand my pain....
But I consider you my comrade. Probably the most important...
i know right SOBS
That...
That really felt bittersweet. His Shadow might never tell him that much, but this one did.
At any rate, though, knowledge is power, and that left him smiling as always. ]
... Yeah. We're buds 'til the end, even if I'm not around. [ He chuckles a little, his expression brighter than the sun now. ] You're never really alone!
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Shadow nodded. ]
Mm.
[ His eyes and head still hurt from his recent breakdown, so he decided he would just relax against this tree, maybe even doze off. He hadn't felt this safe in years... Not even the Doctor attacking would make him feel nervous. This was true peace. ]
Haa...
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Gonna just... stick around, 'cause I still care for you.
Shadow...
[ Sonic leaned his head against his shoulder, making himself perfectly comfortable on Shadow's weight. He's going to just go to sleep now himself... ]
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I understand.
have the sweetest end tag ever
[ The soft whisper was the last thing Sonic said in that moment before conking out, laying alongside Shadow and sleeping peacefully. This wasn't any ordinary, got-to-rest sort of sleep, though.
That is, if his nose-whistling and purring was any indication. ]