specialzone | you live an endless life forever

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you live an endless life forever

[ For Shadow, as far as he'd met, there were two Sonics that he trusted more implicitly than the rest. Implicit trust did not come easily for the black hedgehog, and trusting enough to tell another some of his past, though mild, was more trust than he'd give anyone casually. One Sonic he met while in Johto, who he was able to share some of his story with, and come to a point of understanding, especially at a time when he was trying to decide what to do with himself since two very important people had disappeared from the world.

The other blue hedgehog was one that had found him while Shadow had been suffering from hallucinations and intense fear, showing a side he never showed anyone else. That Sonic had stayed by him and managed to bring Shadow back to his former self.

Now, Shadow had holed himself up in a Station Square library, reading a few books. He had a pile of them on a table and was steadily working through all of them... But at the same time, he thought about his recent actions, recent decisions. Was he becoming what the Professor wanted him to be? What Maria wanted? Was Sonic right; that he should be whoever he himself thought was best? Living for oneself was something Shadow never did before. It would certainly take some getting used to.

He flips another page, catching up on history and technological advances made by mankind and different parts of the world. The information was greatly appreciated, allowing him to learn about the people he was supposed to help... for Maria's sake. ]

... Hmph.

[ He reads a quote at the bottom of one page. ] “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” Mother Teresa... [Shadow leans back against his seat, thinking about the quotation he read.] Is that really true, I wonder.

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Already? Jeez, you're gonna burn through all the books at this rate, and then what'll you read?

[At the question, Sonic's eyes looked up and he rubbed the back of his head in thought.]

Hm? ... Well, no, other than hangin' out with you, heh. Why? [He returned his gaze to Shadow and gave him another smile, somewhat teasing, but he would comply with the request had Shadow wanted it that way.] ... Did you want me to leave you alone?

I didn't say that. [ Shadow folds his arms again, looking away slightly. ] I only asked since you seemed adamant on having me try new things.

If not, then I'll take care of the Chao for a few hours.

[Sonic tilted his head slightly as he looked back at Shadow.]

Huh.

[Just the image of Shadow taking care of Chao was... all sorts of amusing. But never mind that!]

So you're really up for tryin' something else! No problem, just gimme a sec to think what we could do! But hey, I thought we were doin' what you wanted this time 'round since I picked last time. Fair's fair, y'know.

And here I thought you'd consider my teaching you how to use the OPAC would count as something done together. [ He smirks. ] Very well, I'll choose something.

[But what DID he like doing? If he had an objective of some kind, it'd be easier to find something to do. He wasn't really a "spur of the moment" kind of guy like Sonic was.]

There are many different zones in this place; warp rings that hold many destinations. I might have a better idea if we return to the hub, unless something in Station Square has caught your eye.

The O-what? Oh, that thing! [Sonic glanced over at the computer.] Hey, that was cool and all, and thanks for that, but it was just lucky since I found you here in the first place, heh.

[Going back to the hub was an interesting idea. But did he really see a warp ring for... ARK? Really? Why would... It was strange to think about. Sonic just began brainstorming, thinking of all the places they could potentially go.]

There's always somethin' to do in Station Square! But I gotta know what you haven't seen either! Like oooh, there's the arcade too next to the casino, or that art museum you were kinda interested in... An aquarium near the beach... I think there's an observatory with a giant telescope or somethin' like that too, but that might be kinda boring to you, huh?

An observatory?

[ Shadow is interested by that last bit; despite having lived in space aboard the ARK, he was still interested in lookout out at it. ]

Where is the observatory?

[Sonic's ears perked up briefly once Shadow answered.]

It's not in downtown, I can tell ya that. It's outside the city a bit since it's gotta be up high, you know? I can show you where it is if you wanna go there on your own some time.

You wanna go there now?

[Somewhat handwaving the checking-out materials of the library part here if they do.]

[ Looks towards the exit of the Library. ]

I forget that it won't be very interesting for you. After having been on the ARK, you've already experienced space enough.

[ For Shadow, it held deeper meaning to look through that telescope. To be able to see the ARK from the Earth... It would be like going full circle. ]

[Yes, he had experienced space. Even from his past adventures he had to hold onto various rockets and space shuttles just to fight his battles. Even fly through it. This last one had the same theme.

But space itself was so vast. That was the reason for constructing observatories and building rockets at all. To explore it all, all of which seemed unlimited in scope. He may have experienced it, but he didn't know much detail about it. Sonic shook his head, his eyeridge furrowing a bit as he did so.]

Hey, hey, hold up, I didn't say anythin' about how I felt about it yet! 'Course I'll go and check it out with you. I think it'll be interesting either way!

[Sonic gave Shadow a smile, using his head to motion toward the exit.] So are you gonna come along or what?

[ Shadow walked right past Sonic, eying the books he left on the table. He'd deal with them some other time... he had the feeling that they weren't going anywhere. ]

If all I'm looking for is a giant telescope, it shouldn't be too difficult to find.

[Sonic watched as Shadow walked past him. Perhaps today was just a day to follow the black hedgehog around. It wasn't a matter of resigning himself to it since he was usually the one to lead, but more of a way to observe the black hedgehog and the decisions he made. Thus he did follow after Shadow.]

No, but I'm still goin' with you. [There was a reason Shadow had been adamant about seeing it.] 'Sides, I've never been there to see it myself.

If you want to go with me, then you better be able to keep up with me, blue hedgehog. [Shadow gives Sonic a look before activating his jet shoes, taking off into a skate-run, the flames scorching some of the pavement. He hadn't had a good run all day, and if Sonic was around, it was a good enough time as any to get a work out.]

Tsh, like that's gonna be hard! C'mon, I expected a challenge!

[As if on cue, Sonic took off running after the black hedgehog, always up for a little friendly competition especially if it came to running. But as he did run along side him, he thought about why Shadow insisted on calling him what he always had. That was something else about Shadow that he knew was strikingly different: the manner in which they addressed others. Formalities, titles, and ranking aside, most everyone had a name. That was normal, but for some reason, Shadow hardly ever said Sonic's.

Was it out of habit or some evidence or proof of their rivalry? Or perhaps it was just to maintain some distance between them, some distinction after being compared to each other for so long. There was obvious emphasis on their color contrast, let alone personalities.

Sonic hadn't minded though as he was proud to be true and blue. Though wouldn't being addressed by name also show another difference between them?]

I do have a name, y'know! You should use it once in a while!

It's not as though you don't know who I'm addressing. [ Looks at him. ] There aren't many other blue hedgehogs in the world, I imagine. [ Not that Shadow knew; he was foreign to Earth. Sonic and his friends were the only other creatures that resembled him that he'd ever seen. A hedgehog that was just as fast, just as strong and even resembled him... it was remarkable.

But he couldn't see him as an equal yet. Maybe a better... Shadow didn't feel that speaking to him with his name was called for. They were not equal. ]

We're not equals, blue hedgehog. [ Still cold, still hard to crack the surface of his protective shell, hiding away his inner feelings... even if Sonic had seen him at his most vulnerable, there was still embarrassment and shame where once there was the feeling of superiority. ]

Hey, yours truly is the one and only, so 'course I know! [Sonic winked at the black hedgehog and gave him a thumbs up. That may have changed given their current circumstances, but from what he knew from his world, he was the only one.

Shadow was as terse as ever. Perhaps Sonic hadn't minded that either as he could rely on that consistency. The blue hedgehog's bright smile changed subtly, becoming a bit more gentle, which in turn made the tone of his voice less so much on the teasing and a bit more reflective or thoughtful, though he may not have realized the change himself.]

Yeah, then what are we? You can't just say things like that and leave it and expect me to get it. Cuz if we aren't one thing, we're definitely somethin' else, y'know.

[Shadow frowned. He wasn't sure what to call Sonic. He shakes his head somewhat.]

...

[Despite not thinking of Sonic as his equal, Shadow did hold respect for blue hedgehog. Enough so that calling him by name was an option... Maybe even an honor at this point.]

There it is, Sonic. [ He points at the telescope, able to see it quite clearly now, though he's more focused on how strange it is to say the other's name. ]

[Sonic had looked up to where the observatory and telescope were as Shadow pointed it out, but took his eyes away from it a second later to look back at the black hedgehog. He had seen the observatory before in the distance, but never up close. While typically he may have been fascinated and would have scrutinized the new sight before him, he was just as focused as Shadow had been on the use of his name.

Sonic smiled a little more.]

Heh, that wasn't so bad, right? Thanks.

And hey, just so we're kinda clear? We might not be equals to you, and I can get that. But you're you and you're still my friend. And being or not being equals or whatever doesn't matter to me.

[He offered the same smile, but then quickly turned his attention back to the observatory. He beckoned to Shadow to have him head toward it.]

Now c'mon, you wanted to check this out, right? Let's get inside! I wanna see how this works!

[ Shadow looked at Sonic a moment, thinking over his words. How can this boy be friends with him so casually? Despite the things he's done, the people he's injured?

Even the relationship the hedgehog has with the Doctor isn't quite to the point of hating one another... After all, Eggman had expressed some hesitation in putting that plan to work, as he'd confided in Shadow.

What a strange kid. ]

Very well.

[ Shadow began to head up towards the observatory, not bothering with running. For Shadow, running was a means to get from one place to another quickly... but it was starting to grow on him as being fun instead of just a means of transportation.

He could tell that for Sonic it was always fun. Probably even more so in the face of death. An interesting thought.

The large telescope caught Shadow's eye once more, and he quickly headed inside the observatory in order to get a better look. No doubt he was going to feel some pain at looking at the ARK... but it would be worth it. ]

Hey, even if it isn't all right with you, it's the way it's gonna be!

[If Sonic had been asked to explain why he felt that way, the answer might have been so simple. He gave the benefit of the doubt and had always seen the good part within everyone, as overshadowed as it may have been by ambiguous morality. There was always a way to bring that good part out. And Shadow had done it all on his own at the very end, right when it counted the most.

Sonic followed Shadow into the observatory, now the curiosity and fascination of being inside the structure catching his attention. He whistled, impressed with the giant telescope. It had to be awesome, it had to show him all of space, maybe even all the way out to the edge of space! How awesome! The world out there was huge, which only meant there were so many more adventures waiting for him.]

This is so cool... Hey, hurry up, Shadow! What's takin' you so long? Let's go!

[Heading over to the giant telescope right about now because patience, what is that?]

[ At the requesting of the blue hedgehog, Shadow let out a disgruntled sigh, walking over to the telescope. Part of him didn't want to go. ]

This is no mere telescope. There was something similar aboard the ARK, though it was incomplete. You'll be able to see even the most minute details on whatever is orbiting the planet, something you'd never be able to see on a regular telescope, or even others that tried to be used for space.

I recognize this model. It's old; perhaps just as old as the one I know.

[ He gestures to Sonic. ] Go ahead and take a look.

[Sonic whistled again, also just as impressed with Shadow and his knowledge about telescopes. Shadow would be since he was interested in astronomy at all. The blue hedgehog looked again at the viewing device, then up toward the rooftop, out where the telescope had extended.

He did pause though before using the telescope. He didn't quite know how to use it or focus it correctly. Not that it intimidated him, but it was like the library's OPAC or online catalog. This was all Shadow's terrain, being knowledgeable about these kinds of things.

Shadow had been the one who wanted to come visit the observatory. Why did he suddenly not want to take the first shot at looking through the telescope?]

... It's still out there, isn't it?

[ Shadow watched Sonic tinker with the telescope, somewhat amused. He didn't offer to give the other a hand, since he knew that the hedgehog would rather do things his way.

But at the question, Shadow nodded. ]

It should be. Unless this world we're in hasn't included it. The Eclipse Cannon was designed as a form of defense, against what I wasn't told, but it was something that the Professor feared would "destroy the Earth".

[Looks at his hands.] Aside from that, it was a way to orbit the Earth, watch over it. But I suppose the Professor's intentions fell on deaf ears.

[Sonic didn't like to think that this wasn't their world. It resembled it so much, it was almost cruel. That world at home was the one he had fought to protect, the one that they both had protected. The resemblance should have been comforting, but it was all the more a reminder that this wasn't home.

The blue hedgehog quieted, looking up again at the telescope. His sight seemed to pierce through the observatory rooftop and through to the sky, to space. If it was still out there, it was so far away, a remnant of the past, immediate and distant.

Sonic turned back to his darker counterpart now. He had to try this. If he didn't, he would never know.]

Hey... So what was it like up there?

[ Shadow's gaze was piercing now as he stared at Sonic. ]

Of course you wouldn't have paid attention while you were there.

[ He sounds somewhat offended, but he can't blame Sonic entirely. The ARK as it is now is nowhere near what it was like 50 years ago... Back then, it was home. Now it was just an empty shell. ]

[So defensive. Sonic also couldn't blame him back. Perhaps he hadn't been clear. Time to make it crystal then.]

You're doin' it again, the thing where you're not listenin' to me.

... What was it like up there. Before. Before any of this.

[It was as crystalline as it was going to get. He always found himself skirting around the issue. It was a sensitive topic, secretive and hidden and concealed and yet something Sonic had wanted to know more about, but always found himself blocked at the gate. And Shadow was a vicious sentinel and gatekeeper.]

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I am so making stuff up I am so sorry if this is wrong

LOL maaan that is a-okay. Station Square gets bigger in every game.

True! Thank you. <3

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