limiterrings | (no subject)

[ shadow doesn't offer much in this situation, at times he doesn't want to, as far as he's concerned it's acquiring the chaos emeralds that will return to him his memory. the outcome of the world isn't any of his business, humans can burn along with this wasted potential of land that they walk on. humans never done him any favors so he responds in the way they respond to him — anger and bloodshed.

black doom always reminds him that shadow should kill the humans along the way, extinguish their futile lives because if they live then they'll get in the way. shadow agrees with that, they'll get in the way of what he has to do, therefore to make sure of that then each one has to go. the less they move, the better. g.u.n. has already sent out a warning across the nation, through the radio and on the news if anyone follows: stay away from the red and black hedgehog, do not initiate contact unless he's under control.

some people are unlucky, much like the young girl in his memories, this "maria" he recalls. every time he thinks of her, something inside of him shifts, and that rising anger shows itself as he glares at the human before him whose scooting away as quickly as they can. they're begging, they want him to rethink the situation, shadow used to be a hero, he used to help those he came across even if reluctant. as of now, those feelings aren't part of shadow's desire as a red glow pulsates at the tip of his fur, and then dies down once he realizes that he doesn't have to take his irritation out on this person.

no, all he has to do is ...

there's a gunshot, a red splatter and whatever waste shoots out from behind against the large window. without a care, shadow kicks the body forward, using it as a projectile to break the glass, and while beams tend to shoot down, destroying the city every so often, this time there's one body that hits the ground with a loud thump. taking a step forward, shadow walks to the edge of the window, looking out in his decision of where he needs to go to next considering the emerald is in this city somewhere. ]

[At first, Sonic didn't want to interfere with what felt like Shadow trying to find himself. He teased him during their meeting when they were all split in teams (How lovely he befriended Omega and Rouge.), challenged him and even when things started to go south... Sonic's efforts focused mostly on rescuing people and helping the military against the aliens, not... checking in one of the few people he knew could handle things by themselves.

Did he enjoy crossing his path with the other Hedgehog? Absolutely. It was weird to admit that, even if just to himself, but it wasn't like Sonic could often find people as fast as he was and every race had been breath taking on its own. Their... shared history made him a bit softer toward the Hedgehog as well, after all he had seen how much good Shadow could do and there was some trust there.

Now, though? Not only he was receiving alarming news after alarming news from his friends, but 'rescuing civilians' or working too closed to armed soldiers was being... problematic.

Why?]

Found... tracks.

[His werehog transformation had gone... crazy. Since the invasion started, something shifted around them and the more creatures invaded and filled up the sky the more difficult it was for Sonic to keep an anthropomorphic form. His size? Almost three times his usual one. His shape? He was more similar to an elongated, natural hedgehog mixed with a wolf than a person. He was almost obligated on moving on all fours, struggled to talk with a mouth full of sharp teeth (the true tragedy) and it took Sonic quite some time to get used to much sharper senses.

Right now? He was sitting on the ground, his nuzzle close to the communicator that allowed him to speak with Tails (at least for now) and he was moving between blood and corpses following a familiar scent. The hedgehog's tongue slid out and he tasted the red liquid on the floor... still human. All human. He didn't want to know how his senses allowed him to tell as much and he didn't want to think too much about it. Shadow was still not hurt, Sonic didn't know if that was a good thing or not because it merely meant the rampage was not going to end anytime soon.

Long, fur covered ears tilt to the side when a window is broken nearby and the quills covered creature lifts his head, eyes finally spotting a familiar figure.]

F-found.

[Taking advantage of his sharp claws and how his long tail allowed him to climb anything with ease, Sonic started moving upward, abandoning the safety of shadows and starting to climb toward the top of the building right in front of the one here he spotted his target. He heard plenty of soldiers over the radio talk about 'killing' him, but Sonic's hope was more to incapacitate him and find out why Shadow decided to act like... this.

Green eyes shining of their own light in the dark of the falling city, he wrapped his long tail around a pole, used his hinder legs to support the rest of his body and let out a loud screech, trying to get the other's attention. Come at him, bro.]

Edited 2025-03-24 15:33 (UTC)

[ in shadow's life, things never seem to go as right as he wants them to. a monster's eye circles around him, chuckling deeply with rotten intentions, goading shadow to continue his slaughter. the more he kills, the better things will be for him — remind these humans what they have done wrong, what they have took from him. he's killed many, their blood stain his fur, it blends into the crimson streaks as well as he looks up to the eye with an annoyed look.

shadow does everything on his own terms.

the voice carries explaining the situation of the city, once shadow has finished, he can meet him at the waiting spot. forget the chaos emerald and wipe out what humans still march this old stomping ground of theirs. the creature floats away, tendrils dangling as shadow looks through the smog in search of his next prey until a sharp screech cuts through.

he groans, ears twitching at the sound.

it's an unknown organism, something he's not familiar with, and he would believe it's one of black doom's familiars, but no. the way it calls out seems more like a threat, as if he's supposed to be the hero to these lumps of flesh that shadow has already disposed of along the way. he takes one step back with a glare, gun in his hand that he tosses to the side considering the bullets have already been used up. ]

Hmph. If you want to live, stay out of my way.

[ never has he seen anything like it though it has... some likeness to something, but what? that could be his memory playing tricks on him, it's probably meaningless as far as he's concerned.

however, he's given a warning. ]

[As if Sonic had another real choice, there. Either he tried his best or even more people would get hurt- and he was never going to turn a blind eye to others in need. He did stood there, balanced on the top of his current 'perch', studying his once rival. Shadow had been an enemy to Sonic, at least initially, then an ally, Sonic then mourned his death and celebrated his return (with snarkiness and... 'being Sonic'), but this hedgehog? If he had to answer the question 'friend or foe' he knew what the answer was

With one of the army's creatures daring to fly closer to him, Sonic snapped to the side, his arm stretching like it always did when he was in werehog form, grabbing the creature and bringing it to its fangs. He had no time for those... things. Not when the most dangerous creature in that army was in front of him, barely across a street.

Sharp teeth closed around the Black Hawk, skin breaking under the sharp blades in the 'hedgehog monster's mouth, and the invader's tail didn't even manage to hit Sonic before the other ripped its wings away, tossing it to the side.

One of them was covered in human blood, Sonic was now bathing in the blood of one of Shadow's kin.

Out of his way... he tried to. Sonic and Shadow weren't really close and, being the free spirit the Hedgehog had always been, he let the people he knew mostly figure out life by themselves. Tails (and somehow Knuckles) were the weird exception to his nomadic and untethered lifestyle, not the norm- but the time of being 'out of the way' was over. No more mindless murder, unless it was those monsters being torn apart- and he was going to stop Shadow.]

...

[His nuzzle is pointed up toward the sky and he lets out a loud, wild scream- it's no more than a screech, but hopefully wild enough to intimidate some of the smaller creatures away. After that? He jumped down, covering the distance between the two building with a single leap and, landing a bit below Shadow, immediately starting to climb toward the other. It was time to fight and he was not going to back off.]

[ whatever this thing is, there's something wrong with it, and shadow doesn't care to follow up. if doom's eye was still here, he'd request for shadow to handle it, but instead he turns his attention away from it.

he has to kill the humans here, fill himself with rage and follow through with their suffering for what they did to him. it's because of those humans that his happiness is gone, black doom has said it many times, all his memories will return as soon as they complete the ritual.

it'll take some time, but shadow makes progress pretty quickly and that's why he's trusted with this mission. unfortunately, the odd beast that's climbing around is a problem, an issue within itself and shadow had been kind enough to let it flee. it doesn't choose that path, instead it attemos to provoke him and closes the distance between them.

what the hell is that? nothing scares him anymore, but shadow takes a few steps back from the large window knowing it'll be coming this way. there's not much he has in terms of weapons, but there were various people here, units from g.u.n. that will work considering they all carried their own weapons. it's as soon as the beast comes to the top, the moon illuminating its presence that shadow scoffs at the sight, the blood that sticks to its fur doesn't bother him in the slightest.

some monster. ]

What, think I'm your next meal?

[ he asks, standing right by the door that enters into the hall of the building. the werehog-dog hybrid should know better given shadow's speed that one slight movement and the hedgehog will make a quick escape.

shadow isn't afraid, rather, his works is being postponed as long as he humors this monster before him. ]

Go away. You're not my prey.

[ below them though on a floor or two, there's the sound of a woman screaming. she hiccups asking if anyone is around to help her, that she's unable to move. that sparks interest in shadow, his eyes glancing down at the floor. ]

I missed one? I should get back to work.

Edited 2025-03-26 18:03 (UTC)

[ to some, shadow is a blemish on their past, a stain that appears over and over in their career, and the only thing that serves as a horrible reminder of their complete breakdown. it's unfair, it's irritating, and because that sole individual's existence is the downfall of many much more is why an idea came to mind.

get rid of him, get rid of all of them, make sure not one is left that way in all worlds, in all verses, he will never be an issue anymore. which leaves the world to be cut open, the people will watch their happiness crushed before them — the death of their loved ones, the the destruction of their will. that means the eternal reign of pain and fear will be never-ending.

simply infinite.

that's the situation at hand, it comes in the form of a headache, it feels as though they can't breathe, like their life is slowly being drained from their body. it's this one time that's different from the others, as though the world is being fragmented, breaking down the individuals affected within their very core. the world slows, sound completely stops until it picks up all at once enough to destroy a human's eardrums, or any common animal.

and then everything goes black, until color paints the very world they fall in— it's jarring, almost like water colors spreading onto a canvas, it's an arena first, and then people are slowly filled in one by one. it's difficult to call them people, they appear to be creatures of various sizes, but they all have one thing in common. they're like phantoms, incorporeal entities that have no unique shape. sometimes they glitch, when they blink, their body parts form somewhere else, and their organs slip outside their body and sometimes pull back inside (thanks to another entity behind with their arm phasing through to help). it's meant to be a living nightmare to onlookers, but the beings looking in: they're excited, awed by what they see.

it's like seeing the copy of a wild animal, why is there two, they don't know. however, the individual who rules over the proceedings of the fight is just as thrilled at the prospect of it. their language is hard to parse, but it slurs and sounds wet, and they say how the winner will be able to go free from their amusement. as disheartened as they are if true, they must follow the rules of the prophet that showed them the way.

that's why they're centered in the middle, in a sort of wide shield that keeps them confined and unable to leave out of it. besides, if they're smart, they'd know not to touch it. in shadow's case, it's not an unfamiliar circumstance to him when the whole world is like a cage to him — but his eyes land on what's before him, a hand resting against his forehead wondering if he's seeing things. if he's ill.

to him, he can only scoff in amusement, he's done this song and dance before. he doesn't know the technicalities of what's before him, but if they're like any other that he's seen then when he dashes forward without even speaking of his confusion of where he is, he's already swinging his foot right into the chest of the "clone", or "android" or whatever it is to send it flying back into the shield.

...

he's a little squishier than shadow would have expected. ]

[Barely the end of one journey to suddenly being tossed into another. Not that he was searching for it, or expected to go anywhere. He had accepted his fate. End it to protect the Earth that Maria once lived on and cherished. Payment for his transgressions. It should have ended there, but he continued to live. Why...? There's no where for him to go. No one to come back to.

What even is he, to be able to survive an event like that? Yes, he's always known he was more durable than most, but after getting a face full explosion and a fall from space, even he's aware it's impossible for anyone to live through that. Why him, and not her who should have kept living? So many questions muddled his mind the weeks after as he wander the planet in secrecy. Until one day, the land he walked on was no longer Earth's, but someplace foreign and otherworldly.

The lights blind him for a moment, ears turning here and there at the sound of cheers. An arena. What was this? Did he subconsciously teleport himself elsewhere without realizing? No, this was someone else's doing. There are things out in the crowd that did not appear human at all. A voice goes over the speaker, answering some his questions, but also giving him more. That's when his eyes locked onto his "opponent" on the other side. This is not like seeing Sonic, this is actually seeing another exactly like him.]

What...? [He's not alone? A flutter of hope, quickly snuffed out with wary caution. This has to be a trick. His moment of confusion proves to be a serious mistake as the other immediately goes on the assault without saying a word. This was not some messed up nightmare, he felt that kick to his chest. Fighting. Seems like that's all he does now since he woke up. Fine. All thoughts tossed aside, he suddenly blips out of existence before hitting the shield. The crowd oohs at the little trick. He'll reappear once more behind the other, using the momentum for a backhand strike.]

[ there's a groan, a furrow of his brows when the other "him" disappears with ease. how funny, is this what he's dealing with today? to shadow, this is just a cage that needs to be destroyed along with everything in it. he is desensitized to the idea of seeing his dead body, how many times has he crushed the pipes of his throat over and over and over again. the final "breath" when air sputters from the exhaust, or the oil that links that's so black reminds him of his dark beginnings. however, he doesn't hesitate, as far as he knows, he'll crush them all if he needs to.

his ears twitch, wary of his surroundings enough that staying in place is always a bad idea. the curiosity of the crowd annoys him, he's able to detect a change in the nearby current of the air as he curls forward, spinning backwards to narrowly avoid the attack. he's quick to uncurl, standing at full height as he reaches for the ankle of the hedgehog, for a brief moment, shadow's reaction is very subtle as though he's noticed something in the way he looks at his opponent before spinning on his heels to toss the other far from him.

whether he goes towards the shield or skids against the ground, it's none of shadow's concern. instead, he looks at the palm of his hand, thumb brushing along the surface of each digit. it wasn't his imagination. ]

...

[ the announcer has a necklace around it's neck, the item blinking every so often has caught shadow's attention.

even so, he can't ignore the other him within the arena. ]

Hm.

[Up to this point, he would always gain the upperhand against whomever he went against. Even Sonic had to work extra hard to finally get him down. So what happens when he's confronted with something that looks like him, and can immediately tell is just as formidable as him. No...it's more than just that. As they cross, he saw their face for just a moment before being sent away again.

It was a face that's been harden with time. Focused, like nothing else matter, but ensuring the other's defeat. The jets in his air shoes come to life, slowing his flight and he stablizes once more. His quills bristles, a feeling of uneasiness he hadn't felt before. Was it actually dread? No. He'll fall if he lets them get to him. But if this doppleganger can make him even feel that way...

He straightens his stance, watching. He saw the other do that same trick he's seen Sonic do. Must be something all hedgehogs can do apparently. He should recall and memorize. There's a few disgruntle members in the audience when nothing happens. Shadow doesn't care how they feel. He's not going to just jump in like he did before. He can tell his usual tricks won't work after only two exchanges. So what does he do now? He didn't even want to fight to begin with. A double of him or not.

Of course, this doesn't please the host of this tournament. Money isn't being made from watching combatants stand around. So they'll give them both, just a little push. A little shock to the system for not performing. Ah. This was familiar. Being back in that military base, a little "conditioning" when he didn't perform correctly. He can't stay down, get caught in those memories. That double is still in here with him.]

[ it's difficult to hold back a snarl at the sensation of electricity running through his body, fangs visible as he bites down on his tongue in irritation. it causes his quills to raise up, a sort of glow in crimson eyes as he tries to keep his anger down. he shouldn't let them get underneath his skin, but the disruption that courses through his veins and bones are a reminder that they're encouraging his violent behavior.

shadow isn't afraid to be violent, actually, there's so much he could do to try and rid himself of the weight off his shoulder. who does he blame? his eyes glare at the other version of him, his body double, a living, breathing creature he has found. kicking him first revealed that he's squishy, made of flesh, but grabbing his ankle and throwing him in any direction has indicated a pulse runs through his body. like a living organism, but that can't be, when all other copies are just lifeless machines.

the longer he doesn't move, the more electricity is sent through him, and one hand comes to his neck scratching at the area as though he wants to break through the fur and skin. he doesn't manage, but he takes a step forward and the sensation starts weakens, showing that the shock to his system is no longer used as an advantage to make him act.

the longer he stays still, the worse it'll be. ]

You.

[ for someone with his face, he isn't entirely disappointed as he's done his best in surviving. most robots that wear his skin are busted in one shot, but this one isn't a robot — where did this organism come from. is this some sort of ploy created by the creatures here, but they thank the prophet for allowing this to happen.

who the hell is that?

shadow starts with a sprint, his air shoes activating as he skates along the ground towards the shield — he skates up the side, avoiding the dangerous field with just a few inches between the bottom of his shoes and it. he climbs up pretty high so that he has the advantage to kick himself off the field, and spin dash downward to try and knock the other out of the air and into the ground.

the thing is he has to keep going, he has to keep fighting because shadow is used to this, he feels confident in this while his own thoughts are preparing for the near future. ]

[The double's voice snaps him to attention. They're going to make their move. They have to fight. Gritting his teeth, his eyes look franctically for them, catching a golden blur leaving the field. He moves slightly, just enough for the shocks to end. Finally. He's not given time to figure out how they're doing it. He tracks the double going up along the shield, coming at them with that spin attack.

He blips out of existence once more to avoid the strike. Appearing above the double now, left hand charged with energy as he aims a chaos spear at the other spinning hedgehog.]

[ he misses, why wouldn't shadow when his mind is six moves head and ignoring the initial threat. why is he here, for what purpose, what is this fight meant to justify, and why is it only him? this isn't something constructed by eggman, he's too focused on sonic the hedgehog, and black doom wouldn't do something like this, he's much more creative in how he wants to stretch shadow's capabilities.

it's only for a brief moment, but he doesn't move when the sensation of chaos comes down against his body and the attack connects causes shadows body to dive right into the ground underneath — it's a loud crash, dust picking up around the arena obscuring everyone's field of vision.

a force spreads through his body as he pushes himself up, and his surroundings covered by the dust. that's good, it works for him, but as he walks to the side and the land curves up... he has a feeling that a crater was left in the ground's place upon impact. where the chaos spear landed is right at shadow's shoulder, a visible mark noticeable where his fur has burned from the speed of his dash and the weapon landed.

when he glances up, figuring that the other is still taking the high ground that calculations run through his head. to have that ability means that there's something completely wrong here. ]

[Shadow isn't thinking about anything other than to survive. His double more hellbent on coming after him that he has to keep his attention on them. They both don't have a choice, he knows, but the double didn't exactly give a warm first impression. He wish it wasn't this way. He really wanted to know what he was looking at. Is there actually a race of dark hedgehogs, or...is this something else?

He stays above the dust cloud. It be a mistake to go down and try to find them under such low visibility. It doesn't feel like the battle has ended though. And if they wait any longer...] You can't hide forever! [His hand twitch with small sparks of energy, waiting. Any chance he thinks he sees them, another spear comes firing down at the spot. He is intentially keeping his distance until he can figure out how what this double can do and then approach. Definitely doesn't want to get kicked or tossed around again.]

[ a voice filters through the tornado of dust within the shield, a groan follows right after, but it gives him time to think. initially, he would have killed without a second thought, buried his hands in more and more copies until they stopped moving. there's an issue above, that doesn't seem like a copy, with as much data as metal sonic has taken throughout their history, eggman wouldn't make a cheap imitation — hell, he's dealt with black doom so there shouldn't be anymore of him.

a spear cuts through the diversion, digging right into the ground but nowhere near shadow. is that his plan, throw wildly at the dark spots and hopes he hits the mark?

childish.

there's another, and as shadow moves from his position to force the copy's hand, another spear rains down.

good. this works in his favor, his own hands picking up the controlled energy of chaos from where they're embedded in the ground only to dash along the width of the dome, throwing one, then another up back towards shadow — he expects him to dodge them, either he goes forward or backwards because he won't go near the shield that has them trapped in here.

the third one? he sends it flying right to a direction that he tried to trick them into hovering towards. now, he doesn't expect it to work, but using their chaos energy and not his initially means he doesn't use up energy, but the third one is bigger, more concentrated, and mixing his with what the copy has been using? perhaps it'll lock on target. ]

[He expects retaliation, he just doesn't know in what form. He gets his answer when a spear is fired backed at him. He avoids it as another comes flying that he dodges as well. Well if they're like him, it's no surprise that can do the same. But he notices with the third one, as the dust starts to settle. They're...taking his own spears and sending them back?! He can do that?

That one in the double's hand is noticeably more juiced up. As they send it flying, he tries to dodge, but it's following him?!] -!! [He doesn't have time, minimize the damage. He's uncertain trying to grabbing this one like his double is a good idea, so his immediate reaction is to respond with his own spear. It doesn't have to destroy it, just redirect it. He feels the spear scrape his fur as he just barely avoids it. The spear continues on into the shields. They flicker, but remain intact. That was a crowd pleaser as there was a roar of cheers and applause.

Shadow is forced back onto the ground, near the far wall after that attack. His right side stung after the spear near skewered him. He can't think about it right now. Where is his double?]

...

[ shadow doesn't look in the direction of the spear, but hearing the way the shield sizzles and snaps at it there covered up by the cheering, his ears twitch slowly as he glares at the audience.

he has to keep moving.

quickly, his legs start to move in direction of where the other generally was, the dust slowly starts to clear out, and just in time that his double can see the outlined shadowed portrait of where he's coming from.

usually, shadow would account for it to clear, but he's suspicious of what's going on. the chaos spear, the ability to blip in and out of existence, his entire skill set is rusty, but shadow remembers those hiccups. they could be refined, but that takes years and years of pain, destruction and death —

who is this hedgehog supposed to be? that's why he baits him to give him the first move, now it's whether shadow will regret giving his double that luxury before he jumps out the obscuring whirlwind of sand. ]

[His ears perk up at the sound of the approaching double, eyes locked on. He braces for another strike that never comes. Instead his double is just...circling him? The action confuses him when they've been so forward up to this point. They're kicking up a whirlwind of sand though, trying to trap him instead?

He eyes their movement, seeing no indication of them approaching. Were they waiting for him to do something...? He cannot keep standing still for much longer. He just, has to go and hope this will work. Golden sparks come off his fur and quills as he starts to skate. Remembering how Sonic and the double could turn their own bodies into a weapon and...he starts to roll. Spinning even faster until he was able to climb out of the whirlwind of sand and escapes. He isn't finished, unfurling to take aim. Just as his double did, he comes spindashing down towards them. Is this what they want? He's at least anticipating for them to counter like before.]

[ not much has been done, why? shadow has been trying to understand the nature of this place, figure out who wears the mantle of prophet, why there's a look-alike here, as well as why are his moves not as fluid as they should be. it's like watching a very of him at stage one still learning the uses of his body, and making due with the little that he knows.

even those spears from before looked easy enough to snap in half, but the speed of how they formed tells shadow there's more to him. he has to keep his gaurd up, or one mistake might be an issue in the long term, and a small one does exist with the pain still in his shoulder from the previous attack. moving it even a bit sends a tremor of pain through the area.

the form of a spin dash is finally being utilized, and shadow isn't surprised when he finally does it, but how he does it. knowing that the sand and whatever debris between the dash when he exited out the tornado is possibly within his quills, shadow glares at the double coming to strike down and rather than knock away — he stands still before skating out of the way to ensure that his copy goes flying into the direction of the shield.

truth be told, a homing attack could make this easier and turn his body towards his target, but if he's finally using this skill, does he even know that? ]

[Once again, his double does the unexpected. Or maybe he was too hyperfocus on one scenario to consider a change of tactics. Judging by how he does not turn to continue chasing after his double when they dodge, he has not figured out the next part of spindashing. Rather than panic, he unfurls and stops himself short from hitting the shields with his air shoes. Looking as if done intentionally.

Now he's glaring at the double. Irritated. What were they playing at? Feels like he's being toyed with and he hates that.

Golden sparks come off him again, jets pushed further as he boosts off the shields. They flicker by the sudden force. He's speeding at his double in a golden blur. There's no murderous intent, he just wanted to hit this guy.]

[ shadow may not understand the entirety of this scenario, but he understands that the arena wants a show. his existence isn't meant to be for entertainment, that passes him off more. he brings one hand to his shoulder, briefly touching the mark that's been left. every time he recalls it, he has to decide if he's disappointed in himself or only something like him could leave a mark.

either way, he knows that the other when in spin dash cannot turn fluidly like he can. that doesn't mean letting the other get close because when he is, it's trouble, as if he were made for close combat (ha!). the look in his eyes is another tell, does he not understand the gravity of the situation, or does he simply not want to kill? what encourages him to keep fighting: his confidence or...? his copy's forward dash with the boost compliments him well enough, taking away a nice gap of distance between them.

it's quick, he swipes one hand forward in front of him. ]

Disappear.

[ it's the manifestation of what looks like chaos spears that form close by around his double, quickly aiming in his direction to try and penetrate him mid dash. ]

[He's fighting because he feels has no choice. Never felt like he ever did, everyone dictating his actions the moment he landed on Earth. Even now it seems. You do have a choice. That blue hedgehog's words has since crept into those long accepted thoughts. Even Maria said something similar, didn't she...? What does that even mean though? What does it matter for someone like him?

...No. There is one other choice he could make. It's been knocking at his mental door since he awoke back on earth, after the eclipse cannon exploded. But everytime he considers it, something keeps him from just ending it. What is it?

He sees those spears forming, unconcern. Let them come. Waiting until the last possible moment, he disappears once more, those spears just missing their mark. He'll feel a sting on one his quills later though, with how close they almost skewered him. He quickly reappears not from behind, but in front of his double, swinging his leg toward their face.]

[ it's not enough time to move away, but he can cross his arms in front of his face to block the swing. shadow isn't the type of hedgehog who's concerned with his looks, but places like that are vulnerable, and if anything happens to his sight then that's an issue which will be his downfall. he stays in place, the force of the swing connects, and it pushes shadow backwards along the ground — not within the crater, but a good ways near it.

he has a lot of energy, sometimes shadow feels as though the direction of it could go anywhere. not fully mastered, but it's doing what the copy wants so it must be fine to them. the pain in his shoulder reminds him that it's there, but there's no way he can remove his arms from the blocking stance that he has when knowing his clone can move within a blink of an eye.

his ears twitch to listen to his surroundings, but the sound of the cheering and applause at his clone's hit causes the audience to scream in delight. it comes in waves, words they couldn't understand seems to filter through the barrier to make some sense to them.

KILL HIM OR HE WILL KILL YOU

MY BETS IS ON THE FLUFFIER ONE

IF — — DIES, I WANT TO MAKE HIS FUR A COAT ]

[He makes contact, finally. But he doesn't stop there. Stopping there means the double will take advantage of the opening to retaliate. He chases, disappearing and reappearing from behind to try and punch them upwards as they slide into him. He'd keep the momentum going, but then the voices of the crowd reaches him as well.

Ears fall flat at what he was hearing. Kill. A moment of hesistation and he's quick to blip away to put some space between him and the double. Maybe he already knew this fight was more than just a battle to see who wins, but to hear it so clearly now...no. After everything, he can't. Be it human or someone that looks like him, he doesn't want to be the cause of more pain.

But then what? They won't let them out until one of them dies? And they'll get shock if they do nothing. He grits his teeth, unable to find a solution. Trapped. What was his double even thinking? They may look similiar, but he feels their mind works differently by how they've been conducting themselves. Seemingly more experienced, he has to quietly admit.

It's then he feels himself breathing more heavily, the pain of that first initial kick to the chest. He's starting to feel it. All the adrenaline has likely kept him from noticing.]

[ shadow has known from the start the sort of situation he was in, because in the face of a copy, he can kill them. he's done it many times, so this wouldn't be an issue to him at all. that's why he doesn't hesitate, it's why he's able to plan what he wants to do next, and why there are some hits he needs to take if he wants to win. the fact of the matter, he's unable to die, now whether this copy has that same luxury or not isn't something he knows, but there's no way he does.

the copy is an unknown variable, something he hasn't accounted for to live this long, and with the abilities he has and his body transitioning into new ones. what is shadow to think with those assaults against him as the other doesn't let up at all.

he isn't quick enough to avoid the hit from behind that sends him up, directly into the center of the arena where the crowd oohs and aahs! at the sight!

NICE NICE

YOU CAN DO IT FINISH HIM

KILL HIM

shadow curls into a ball, spinning in thin air to recalibrate himself before unfurling and his air shoes kick into overdrive to keep him floating in the air. the back of his head, sensitive enough, isn't spared from one hand touching there and it's the wet substance that stains white gloves which gives him an idea of what damage he's suffered.

he groans in annoyance, shaking his head as blood drips down onto the ground underneath. ]

Where...

[ unfortunately for him, he's unable to stop, not because they control him and force him to fight. no, he fights on his own terms, and survival benefits him the most, desperation to keep going, and what can he expose himself to if he's dead. shadow has always traversed within the darkness, doing what he can to make it to the next day, and no matter the means; he'll do what he has to.

sometimes, it means moving through the darkness again as well as his intentions. ]

Keep fighting.

[ it's like a command, another set of chaos spears to manifest around where the other. how they're placed is to fly forward to pierce his copy into the shield, but if he manages to get out of the way...

I WANT THE SMALLER ONE AS A PET ]

[There seems to be some favortism going on with the crowd. They're also not happy Shadow just, stopped in the middle of that attack. Oh well. His eyes are on his double, even while his mind is elsewhere. This guy seem more determined to get out, get somewhere. He doesn't have that same desire. There's nothing waiting for him if he manages to get out of this place. So...

He blinks, ears twitching as the double says something. It wasn't a taunt, it sounded like an order. He looks around, seeing those chaos spears. His brows furrow. Why did they feel the need to tell him the obvious? ...Where was he standing? Something, starts to come together in his head, eyes lighting up. The few times the shields reacted to their attacks didn't get lost to him. He was just more focused on the target in front, who has not been as aggressive as they were at the start.

Jets come on as he flys upwards, waiting for the spears to get close before disappearing. They hit the shields once more, flickering, but nothing more. When he reappears again, it's near the same spot, a spear prepped in his hand. He doesn't fire, he's waiting, expecting something from his double. If his hunch is correct, they should response in kind. He's just giving the appearance of a fight.]

[ it doesn't matter what they're saying, as long as they cheer and continue on then he can figure something out. survival, desperation, these sort of things stand out, and it's easy to tell that his double doesn't want to do this. a copy with his face that wont fight is new, but something that stands out. kicking back on his air shoes, shadow hovers towards the top of the dome as he glares down at his copy.

there's a genuine look of irritation, but where he's directing the feelings is hard to tell if he's truly upset with the hedgehog below him or the people.

the barrier flickers once, not coming down, but it goes black very briefly which cuts the outside from looking inside and the inside from looking out. even the sound dies down tossing them in complete silent but they will only notice this if they're paying attention to their surroundings.

with everyone so thrilled and enjoying the right, shadow doubts they caught it. ]

What are you waiting for?

[ shadow groans, hovering in place as he stares at the weapon in the double's hand. personally, he thinks he can dodge it easily which is what matters. ]

[Someone glaring at him reciprocates the same response back out of habit. With the way they're looking at him, he's still not absolutely sure he read his double right, or just grasping for another way out of this. But he's already committed. If he doesn't need to be forced to kill, he'll take the alternative that might exist.

Chaos spears are still a new trick to him. He picked it up while under the power of the emeralds, when he felt it was needed. So he can't summon as many as his double, but he's gotten familiar enough with the feeling as the fight continued. He summons three more spears at his side and proceeds to fire them toward his double. To the crowd, they look locked in to strike a fatal blow, but they should be an easy dodge for the double.]

[ it's true, he should be able to dodge them all, and he does so with the first two that comes in direction to him to hit at the shield around them. the third however, he grabs it with ease, forcing his own chaos energy into the weapon to build its power and drive it right into the shield on his own.

once it connects, there's the sound of something crackling as the shield tries to work against him — sparks fly, they cut and zap against shadow's body as he closes his eyes to avoid any damage to his eyes. lines of electricity cuts at his skin around his mouth, against his arm, but he continues to push the spear right into the barrier as it flickers on and off. every moment, he adds more energy into his copy's spear thinking that if its both of them and the barrier is to keep then in then maybe he can use that to his advantage to get out.

the one thing he won't do is remove his rings for the sake that if it's a final push, then that's what he'll use.

...

the sound of the outside world gasps at the action, some wondering if he's cheating, but it doesn't take long for the lights to go out within the dome to cover them in complete darkness, but the emerald light of the chaos spear illuminates the dome from the inside until... it disappears, and the sound of something hitting the ground with an audible thump is heard.

silence comes after. ]

[Somewhere among the audience discourse, the host of the show comes up on speaker. "Stop- Stop them! Shut it down, shut-"

What is the point of inserting a device to cause electricution if one does not properly use it?! Shadow is left aghast at what his double does. Are they going to make it through that? Meanwhile, he's just hovering in one spot, stunned by the action. He should be helping them break the shield as well. As he starts flying towards them, the lights suddenly go out. The light of the spear being his only guide, as he sees it fall and start to peter out.

He flies low to the surface, ears moving about to pick up a certain sound. There, to his left. The smell of singed fur reaches him first, and then he eventually locates the body of the double. Landing beside them, he reaches, hesistant. This is...almost like before. The smell of burning flesh, Maria laying dead on the floor amongst the rubble and fire.

"DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE! YOU HEAR ME?!"

An alarm blares within the darken arena. Emergency lights flashing red. Something was coming. The sound of a beast muffled roar from below.]

[ the shield was the first annoying thing, but his ears twitch at the sound of another voice phasing through. so that still works, hm? he didn't see any speakers around so it must be outside the dome that filters in despite shadow trying to kill off the visual and audio connection.

he doesn't need help up, actually, he doesn't know why this copy is even so close to him now. pushing himself to his knees, the hedgehog looks around in the darkness as the alarms sound out and his body freezes. it's no different than the ark, when intruders broke in and the sound of heavy footsteps filtered through. for the first time, there is a show of vulnerability as shadow's eyes dart left and right however what's lurking in the darkness is rarely seen with how the red flashes on and off.

the events that unfolded right after alarms like this grounds him, snaps him back into reality for a mere moment before he's gone again, no matter how much he hates it, it still hurts. he can't stay like this, though. slowly he comes to his feet, flinching only a little as he takes a step forward before allowing the ground to catch him by kneeling down.

damn, he pushed it. ]

...Damn it.

[ something's coming, but whatever it is, it's not like shadow can move from his spot when his body recalls such sounds during the darkest time of his life. ]

[He blinks, seeing his double come back to their senses. The imagery starting to fade as they move. They are holding on, barely. Through the flashing red lights, he sees they're not focused on him. Even when their eyes meet, they keep looking elsewhere for something.

The creature's roar gets louder as something starts to stomp through the arena. Something big. Shadow's attention turns to the new threat, momentarily surprised as it...looked almost like the creature from that alien film he watched once. There's notable differeneces, looking like an actual monster and not a human in a suit for starters. And it had an extra pair of arms, made out of wires and machinary, covered in some strange purple-like bubbly energy? Doesn't matter how and what. The time provided by his double is short.

He glances to where the other had shut down the shield, to the beast in front of him. That needs to be subdued first. His hand grips the double's shoulder for a moment, and they'll both disappear together. They reappear on the far edge of the arena, furthest away from the threat. He doesn't know if he'll make it out, but one of them has to take this opportunity to escape. A glance and he was gone again. The beast roams the arena in search for it's target. It does not appear to have actual eyes and must be using it's other senses to find them. Shadow will reappear above them, coming down with a powerful well-aimed kicked to the back of their head.

That got their attention. He takes a sharp breath. There's still some fight left in him. Either he knocks this beast down, or keep their attention away from his double long enough for them to do something.]

[ it would probably piss shadow off that there was some need to rescue him, there wasn't, but due to his focus not entirely there with the sound of the alarms— he wouldn't be able to tell. the noise continues to sound out, and while shadow feels locked into position, the animalistic roars that come from the monster assists in snapping him completely out of his memories. his eyes widen for a brief moment until they furrow into a glare, his body feels frozen, that if he focuses his attention on the monster than himself he feels as though he can move.

he turns his head to look at his copy and

and...

and....

they're not there. they're gone? crimson eyes dart left and right in search of where they could have went, and he's able to see a black spot of darkness within the red alarms flash above the monster that he recalls so well. how many times has that memory of the past haunted him, over and over again, the hazard and mayhem it causes due to its existence has a way of leaching onto whatever it takes part of. for the unknown alien race to have it, or a connection to it, he can only imagine what means of information they have on him.

them, rather. there's not something right about that hedgehog.

shadow pushes against the ground with one hand, but his body aches, but if this clone, this... copy... duplicate? whatever it is, it should be aware of how to handle it, right...? ]

[Sure he knows. A bunch of missiles and an ice laser brought the beast down according to the movie, and he has none of those things. But he'll find a way. He has to. The beast starts splitting strange orbs of energy from it's mouth. Fast, big, but he's still faster than the attack. He skates around them, trying to think. There are tubes all over it's body, powering it? Going to one place? Thinking about it, he thought he spotted something on the way down earlier, on it's back.

He teleports as the beast tries to crush him with it's foot. He's above it again. Some of kind large device was attached to it's back. That must be it. His opportunity to strike is lost though as one of it's metal arms swipes at him. Now he see why those extra arms exist. He raised his arms in time to block the brunt of it, jets pushed harder to regain balance.

With a boost he speeds up towards the arm, rolling up into a ball and slams into it. Those purple orbs of energy burst, revealing the metal beneath as it sparks. Unfurling, he takes aim at the device on it's back and spindashes towards it. Only to be met with more of those annoying purple orbs. He breaks through them easily enough, but they make him miss the mark. So he's back on the ground, looking irritably at weird monster that has made something of a barrier for itself with those weird floating orbs. And apparently can control where they go, as he has to move when one is fired at him.

Definitely has different movesets from it's movie counterpart. But he grasp the back device is it's weakpoint by how aggressive it got when he came too close.]

[ however, he can't remain frozen in time, as often as it happens, he must move. if he stays here, he feels like something horrible will happen, and whether it's to save his clone or himself, there's something about the choice in monster that pisses him off. irritable as ever, shadow manages to skate towards the beast and the double, dodging the purple orbs that float within his way.

with a quick jump, shadow curls into a ball bouncing from purple bubble to bubble popping them along the way in a quick path to knock against the device on it's back, causing the creature to scream in pain as shadow flips away and onto the ground right next to his copy with all the flair that he has to give. his maneuvers are so fluid, it's like he's done this before... again........... he's played these games before.

the creature thrashes, the bubbles all around the field explode into a wet pop that splashes onto their fur. ]

You. [ shadow speaks to his copy who's watching the creature, the look in his eyes seems lost and confused at what's before him. do they not know what it is? are they unable to take advantage of what's before them? ]

Follow me.

[ even with a hurt shoulder and blood at the back of his quills, shadow still has some energy. as the creature begins to turn its body, a massive red tail highlight by the alarm's lights covers the area to show them a bit of a visual on what they're dealing with here. running away from the tail, he's sure that his double is right behind him, or should be, because the game is cat and mouse. they need to bait the creature to start chasing them back and forth to the point it grows so frustrated that it'll shoot a sort of black orb from its mouth at them.

but they need to encourage the beast to do it, and whether this lizard decides to or not, shadow's sure he can force it.

mind the black blood that drips onto the floor every so often as shadow moves. ]

[Dude. I mean that's cool and all. He definitely was taking notes of the flawless manuveuring, but you could barely move just a moment ago! Why are they even still here? Escape already!

It's what he wants to say, but his double is addressing him instead. Being asked to follow. ...Who is he to say no after watching them land a hit when he couldn't? No he's not offended, or jealous. He just needs to do better. So he follows, making quiet observations of what they were doing, what the creature was doing.

...The spotches of blood here and there aren't missed. Whatever his double is expecting him to do, he has to do it correctly, the first time.

It seem like they were just doing the same motions over and over, but Shadow picks up they're tiring out the beast by doing this. It's slower then them, sooner or later, they'll have to change tactics. It stops trying to swipe at them, returning to spitting orbs from it's mouth. The pattern is hardly different from before, easy to dodge. Although, the twist is it's extra arm, now recovered and aiming to slam down on them to disrupt.]

[ because the stress of the situation if he ignores the alarms, if he focuses on the beast at hand, and for his double giving him time to clear his head makes this easy enough. besides, shadow is the ultimate lifeform, if he actually fell due to a creature like that then he'd be everything less than ultimate!

despite that, shadow notes the arm swinging down, but does the other know how to handle it. which is why they have to be quick, turning around so he's on the side of the arm that swipes and giving it a chance to hit at him instead if the lizard can do so. ]

I'll take the arm, you take... the rails when it lights up. Don't miss it.

[ a piece of advice or a path to his death? the don't miss it should answer all questions that this is an important matter. because don't be confused when the monster drops it's bubble-like arm down to try and crush both shadow and his double, but shadow's quicker... smoother, and it's not his legs that are hurt.

he kicks his double forward, a ways away from the arm before being crushed by it.

just like that.

...

... ]

[Rails...? The tubes? He's going to assume they mean the tubes, because this creature isn't going to give him a chance to process it. His attention moves away from his double, he can't concern himself with them until he completes the required task. Sure enough, the creatures will come to halt with it's attacks, breathing heavily from using too much energy apparently. The tubes nearest to it's mouth start to light up.

Rails. All right, that's what they are. His double must want him to get onto them and use them to get to the device on it's back. He jumps onto them, but instead of running, something clicks in his mind. A slight turn of his shoes and he's riding up along the rails, picking up speed so he gets some air at the end. He then spindashes right on into the device without anything stopping him this time. The beast roars as the device breaks even further, unable to properly replenish their energy.

How did...his double know all this? Have they fought this thing before? He comes back onto the ground, skidding slightly on his shoes. He looks for his double, uncertain of their current status after they took care of that arm.]

[ the monster's cry rocks the stadium, the shield beginning to crack in some areas, especially those where the chaos spears had dug into it. the monster's movements become more erratic, the stomping, and it's mouth attempting to lunge at shadow after grinding the tubes and attacking its weak spot. the inside of its dark maw comes closer until a swift wind shoots up from behind him, and as long as shadow doesn't blink, he won't miss it.

he'll catch his copy unfurling from his spin attack to manifesting a chaos speak to drive right through it's upper jaw. the energy splits right through, causing the monster to roar right in his face rather than try to eat him whole and begins to shake itself to try and get the double off from its body. it's a distraction at best, one where he has to hold onto his spear and not be thrown off by any means.

in pain, the beast allows those purple bubbles to manifest once again, they flying everywhere — hitting the wall, exploding on the ground, and even targeting wherever it needs to try and get shadow off. he doesn't believe he needs to call out to his copy when the bubbles are around, some flying in his direction too, but he can take as many tries as he needs to reach the top.

as for shadow tagging along on the jaw, he glares right into the eyes of the beast, his fangs bared as he pushes deeper into the flesh. ]

You're still as misbehaved as always.

[ this ride has always been the same: within the ark, within the white space... and now here. whoever has the information to manifest this creature knows shadow too well. the difference is that if this monster is familiar to him, what is familiar to his copy that needs to follow the specific pattern to achieve victory.

it almost feels like there's more than this out there if they don't manage to escape. ]

[Shadow keeps moving out of harm's way as the beast goes beserk. One more hit, he can feel that's all they need. A glance as he sees his double jump onto the beast's head, skewering their jaw with a spear. Their words, confirms they know this creature. He isn't allowed to ponder. With them keeping the head distracted, he realizes that he has to be the one to take this opportunity to strike.

In a last bit of desperation, the beast has brough back those orbs to defend it's back. There's no riding rails, or getting a safe teleport in this time. He stares at the orbs, frowning. He saw his double bounce amongst them. He has to do the same. He jets upwards to avoid an incoming orb, using the fall to get speed and start spinning into an orb. He lingers for a moment, unable to redirect to the next. A few times he had to unfurl just to keep going, but each time he hits an orb, even when one smacks him, he gets a better idea of what he's doing. What needs to be changed and adjusted. One. Two. Again. It's still unweildy to fight like this, but he needs to graspthe trick just enough, to bounce among the orbs and finally, lands a hard kick into the device. He was spinning around so much, he just said fuck it once he manages to get an opening. It's outer shell shatters, sparks flying as it threatens to explode. The orbs start to dissappate into thin air, the beast roar, sounding more like it was crying in agony.

Shadow teleports to where his double is, grabs them by the waist and they teleport a distance away from the beast, to avoid any possible explosions. He doesn't hold onto them once they reappear, dropping to one knee as he catches his breath. That was, a lot he had to make work in such a short window. He doesn't think even his fight with Sonic demanded this much from him.]

[ from one spot to another, where he was on the lizard that's starting to implode on itself within the flashing red lights leaves much to be desired. it's body collapsing down onto the ground, sliding right into the crater that shadow had made not too long ago within the fight. it's tail and head smacks against the ground to leave indents of its body, wind and smoke blowing throughout the shield which causes it to shatter only some.

his gaze falls down to the double that's right next to him, watching as he catches his breath, but they can't stay here. reaching for him, shadow scoops the the hedgehog underneath one arm as he quickly kicks his air shoes into gear. ]

Tired already?

[ laughable, it is, but shadow doesn't laugh at these situations, instead he kicks himself up as he skates out of one broken area of the dome. the sun, or whatever it is above, shines down to expose him and his double to the audience. a loud gasp from the crowd, the overseer of the battle commanding that they be captured, and even some sort of guns are pointed in their direction that shoots out a sort of web to try and catch them in the air.

quickly, he's able to dodge the net in the air as smoke filters from the cracks of the dome and he uses that as cover. racing to go into one as he weighs their options, he has to find somewhere to go.

it's time to go into the den of monsters, he supposes, realizing that the lizard had to come from somewhere, and so he thinks that location to start skating off to. ]

[He just let's the gesture happen. His body tensing for a moment, not knowing what his double was going to do. That's when they pose the question, getting a scowl out of him.]

Hardly. [He wants to lay down so bad. He's also not the one bleeding. Eyes squint as he raises a hand to shield from the sudden light as they escape the dome. He feels his double weaving through the air to avoid getting captured. He's normally compliant, but this doesn't sit right with him. He can handle himself. Jets come to life as he frees himself from his double. He should follow, but he stops, looking for something. Someone. And quickly.

He will get out of his double's sight for a moment, heading for a particular elegant looking covered platform, protruding out from the stands. Some important looking officials were scrambling about to find something. The voice of the familiar host screeching at them to find the device to shock them out of the sky. Thinking, recalling what his double did to his spears. He summons three, then combines them into one larger spear. The people on that platform panic, rushing to get out of there when they realize he was going fire it at them. He doesn't have time to get a precise shot on that device, but he hopes destroying that platform will be enough to crush it, or bury it. The spear hits it's mark, bringing the platform down, along with a section of the stand.

Task complete, he returns to where he left his double, searching. If they even bothered to stay or took this opportunity to escape on their own. He won't linger if he can't find them fast enough.]

[ he doesn't stay to watch what his copy has to do, once he left from out shadow's grasp then he no longer became his responsibility. instead, he's hovering to the ground where he believes that monster came from. he hangs there for a bit, eyeing the surrounding stage that starts to collapse on top of each other, and the weird spectators all glitching at the destruction of the area.

there's a faint voice that echoes in their heads: i will teach you fear, then pain.

shadow's eyes glare at his surroundings, turning around in search of where the voice came from, but there's nothing aside from the screams and yells of those who watch. he doesn't linger on it though, if there's anything to teach him fear and then pain, they should try harder.

the path behind him is a large cave, stalagmites and stalactites act like teeth at the mouth of it, but he wastes no time walking inside. his steps are wet, his reflection visible against the mirror-like walls, and what light filters inside helps reveal whatever path is before him.

he's sure that the copy will catch up, but now, what does shadow do about him. if he plays his cards right, a quick movement and he could snap its neck. it's not like he knows who that double really is, or if it's a tactic to be used against him. truth be told, shadow's used to working alone. ]

[...What the hell was that? Hearing voices in his head is strictly in nightmares. It's enough to tell him to get moving before whomever that voice belongs to shows up. He fails to locate his double though, which...he'll probably never know who they are now. A feeling of disappointment, missing a chance to get some answers. He dives into the smoke cloud for cover until he figures out his next movement. Where does he go from here? An escape route?

He eventually comes across the same makeshift entrance his double found. Despite the uncertainty he feels, he has no choice but to keep going. Anywhere to take him as far away from this cursed arena. He jumps down below, taking a moment to check his surroundings. An underground passage, where all their imprisoned monsters are kept? That be great, a sarcastic thought.

His ears twitch, picking up footsteps in a direction. Looking, thinking. Does he follow it...? Glancing down, the light shining in certain spots on the ground. Blood. Looking further down the path where the steps were coming from, he sees the trail of blood continuing the same way. He chooses to follow, walking at a steady pace, in case something decides to jump him.]

[ shadow doesn't stop his movements at all, making his way down, deeper into the belly of the cave. nothing has shown itself, all there is are reflections of himself and nothing else.

what is fear to him nowadays, it's something specific, so simple that even he's unable to cast away his past. his every waking nightmare is a fear, but he never speaks of it, all he does in response is wake up in destruction. be it with or without a chaos emerald. the drips of water shift to footsteps mixed along, they're not in the same pace as his own which he stops. he confirms that there's another outside of his own, but with how wary and steady they are, it makes sense that the owner of the sound is cautious themselves.

he already knows who it is, hence why he stops to look at the wall next to him that shows his reflection. the cuts along his cheek, where fur has been singed from the shield and where his copy had aimed at his shoulder. there's much more about his body that's taken various marks from the battle, but it's nothing that his body can't heal away. ]

[These reflections are...unwanted. Faces looking back, reminding him he was different. Having no where to belong, just a specimen to be used. He keeps his eyes forward the best he can, less the question of why he continues forward starts to dance in his mind again.

To find the other that looked almost like him, who had the same powers as him. Feelings that he may finally get answers rising like butterflies in his gut. That is the only thing he clings to now.

As he turns the corner, he sees them. The double staring at their own reflection up ahead. He takes one more step, but then stops. Instinct and past experience have trained him to keep his distance. Eventhough they were just working together. He's not in the best of shape if they decide to come at him again. His chest hurts, and he could feel the burns he sustained from the spears on his right side, and on one of his head quills. There's definitely some brusing on his back after getting hit a few times by those orbs.

He lets out a sigh, the silence deafening. Now that they're not forced to fight and in a space where nothing is happening at this moment, what does he even say? The answers may be right in front of him, and he's gone tight lip now?]

[ they are reflections that it seems like their expression changes when you look away, but that's simply a trick of the light. shadow remains in place as he notices that copy in the reflection, but he doesn't acknowledge them in the mirror, instead he only speaks while his eyes remain onto himself. ]

Keep moving.

[ that's all the copy can do anyway, keep moving and push ahead. the reason why shadow stops is to confirm his suspicions, not only that, he has energy to spend even if he's caught up in something again. the other one, however, seems to learn but also exhuast fuel as it comes, yes his show of destroying what they just left would have earned applause from certain individuals, but shadow doesn't know if that copy's tired.

resting here doesn't seem like a smart choice either, too out in the open, but isn't it strange they haven't seen any other monsters despite this place big enough to hold that one? ]

...

[ but he moves himself, away from the wall that reminds him of glass to start walking down the only path that they have for now. ]

[Shadow had boundless amounts of energy coursing through him, but his body has not been trained to endure the stress that longer fights would demand of it. When fights back home ended relatively quick, he never thought about conserving certain attacks over others. So that whole battle back there, did take a lot out of him, but he's keeping this fact hidden from his double the best he can. He still doesn't know if he can fully trust them just yet.

Being told to keep moving, doesn't get any complaints from him. They can't stay here or go back, they can only move forward now. He follows behind his double, still keeping some space between them. Interesting. From here, he noticed the double was short one head quill from the back. Big difference to tell them apart, besides their differing experience in combat. What else was there? He really wish he could ask, but he feels that might set them off. They seem...well, grumpier? Is that the word?

The passage gradually starts to change, smoothing out into pavement. Old dried blood from various scuffles that occured down here in the past can be seen, splattered on various parts of the floor and walls. Blood.] Your head. [He still occasionally sees fresh spots of blood on the floor coming from his double.]

[ he keeps quiet, his thoughts running a marathon on what he needs to do — find out why he's here, figure out what to do what's behind him, understand why the monsters have some relation to him, but not the other. not having an answer to most of what he's dealing with does cause him to growl under his breath, but it's not directed to his copy behind him.

footsteps brush against dried blood, the smell of the area fills his nose, but doesn't bother him at all. whatever has been down here has probably fought, died, and was eaten by another, bigger threat. luckily, shadow doesn't need to eat, it's just a luxury that he can do without so no matter how long this path goes... at least he won't grow famished. ]

...

[ initially he ignores him to see how far this cave carries their voices, there isn't much of an echo. ]

That's what happens during a battle, you aim and draw blood.

[ a common fact about fighting, but what does he want, a little more explanation on where he should have struck to kill him faster? he's not getting that, but shadow glances at the wall beside them where blood makes it hard to see their reflections. ]

It'll heal soon enough. [ the only worry they need is that nothing is attracted to the scent, but it's not like shadow's blood is normal so the chances of something appearing isn't zero. he's mindful, his eyes always shifting left then right as though waiting for something to move.

hm. ]

Do you bleed?

[ to be fair, shadow didn't do much, but that's because he was focused on something entirely different than the opponent he had. it's a question though, and if his copy wanted, it could go question for question. ]

[Well, that much he figured. He was more wondering if they were going to do something about it. If they were all right? Well if they can still walk, yes, he suppose. Just as he was about to clarify, they answered anyway. Sort of. He feels he should just leave it at that.Now a question is being returned to him. It puzzled him for a moment, mostly cause they had him thinking they were going to do something with a question like that.]

...Yes. [His ears twitch, thinking he heard something, distant. After a moment, it doesn't occur again. Picking up his pace again, he stares at some claw marks on the wall. The question comes now that they've started talking.] ...That creature back there, you fought it before? [They knew what to do, which begs to question, is the monster from the movie actually a real alien? And also, why did...whomever runs this place, specifically send that creature when one of them knew how to deal with it?]

Hmmn...

[ it's not a wrong question to ask, but isn't he too curious? though, gaining information isn't a bad thing at all, but what is obvious and what is new? it'd waste both their times if he have to speak on what they should both know, but shadow is starting to realize the hedgehog behind him doesn't run off proper data.

he continues forward, vivid memories flashing through his mind about the creation of that monster, and what it was meant to be. that monster, then another monster, and then his own creation... just a string of monsters built for a specific purpose, it's just he managed to find his before that creature could fulfill its own. ]

I have.

[ every time he comes across it, there's always something new, different, but it didn't manage to obtain that second phase it tries to do.

...at least there's no impending doom weighing on his shoulders from seeing any eggs around in the case, so it's not like the creature bonded to this cave or anything. ]

It is not familiar to you?

We- [He stops what he was going to say. Because it would bring up her into his thoughts. He doesn't want to think or talk about her right now.]

...It sort of looked like a monster in a movie I watched. Not real. [It was literally a man in a suit. But even so, that movie hit a little too close to home. About himself.] Did it mean something to you? [Remembering his double had said something to it.]

[ "we" he starts, but whoever that could entail leads to something unexpected. a movie, huh? it's the first time he's heard it described like that. to hear that monster to be called "not real" makes him click his tongue. almost like his life is both a joke and a spectacle, but he doesn't know where to place this copy of his on a scale of if he's telling the truth or lying. ]

Real as they come.

[ he pauses, it's not information he gives often. ]

My past has a way of appearing in odd places, that's all.

[ what shadow won't do is say that parts of his past haunts him, no, he won't let it be known that he can even be disturbed by it. his copy doesn't need that information. ]

[An eyebrow raise at that. It's connected to their past, how? He has a feeling he won't get an answer if asked. He can live with that for now, not particularly wanting to get into his own himself. What little that has been spoken between them at least gave him some insight about his previous thoughts. He thought before, maybe there were a group of hedgehogs that shared similiar abilities like him. That doesn't feel like the case with the one walking in front of him. They recognized same monster, yet both interpreted it differently.]

Who are you? [The inside voice ended up becoming the outside voice. Maybe he just wanted to hear how they will answer, to give himself something. Will he get the answer is another question. There were distant muffled voices. Sounded like they were in a panic. In the next, the underground shook slightly. That can't be good.]

[ this is said matter of factly, condfident in his answer. ]

I am the Ultimate Lifeform.

[ he is also a monster, he is also if said by others... a friend, even a hero, but initially he should have been a cure.

shadow has a feeling when this copy responds that he — his thoughts quickly shift to the sounds nearby, he holds his composure to prevent himself from falling from the shake.

the cave's ceiling drops a few pieces of rock around them as it breaks apart, but not enough to call for danger. they should be wary due to those panic noises being selfish concern or they're troubled that two hedgehogs are getting away and they're preparing something to find them again. ]

How annoying....

[...Ah. That's what the scientists said he was too. A title given to him that felt more like a curse placed onto him. What did a title mean, when all he ever was to everyone was a tool, a freak. His double....his other seem to hold that title differently. Like he was proud of it. Why? How?

He glances around the passage walls, frowning. The underground shakes again, more violently. He takes a few steps forward, more in line with his other.] Are they trying to bury us? [That might explain the lack of seeing any other life down here.]

[ his head turns to look at his copy, the expression he wears is telling that he isn't bothered by the statement. ]

Then so be it.

[ shadow's death wish is pretty apparent, but unlikely given his circumstances of being unable to die. he doesn't seem afraid of the risk for himself, but if the copy brought it up, is there a chance there's something about the situation he doesn't like? ]

They'll presume us dead, that gives us more freedom than we have now.

[ another shake, but he knows better than to sit there and talk about what their hunters are doing, they need to also start doing to make the aftermath easier. ]

We need to find somewhere that'll be less affected by the blast if there is one.

[A moment of confusion as his other just accepts it. But as they continue, he gets it. Pretending to be dead once more. Even wherever here is it seems. Wonder if his other has done this a few times...he doesn't really want to get into the implications of what that means right now.

He takes a few more steps ahead of them. Places like this usually have side paths, or pockets of weak points in the infracstructure. If he had a clear idea of where they actually were, maybe they could just teleport somewhere if they can't find shelter in here. If they're willing to bring this place down, does that mean there's no obstructions above?] You can teleport too, can't you?

[ that is an option, but is it a good enough one to warrant him doing anything. his skillset, to them, appears limited and that's what he wants. the less they know, the better. ]

Yes.

[ to answer the question, as to why he hasn't used it is all part of thinking six steps ahead compared to their hunters. ]

Do you have a path you want to take?

[ they have no idea where they are, they don't know if it's a bluff and they're tricking them to teleport somewhere that they can capture them.

the other did let shadow decide how to leave the shield during the arena, then shadow can allow the copy to make this call. shadow will continue walking, glancing at the split of caves that they could walk into if his copy is interested. ]

[He looks to them. Up to now, he just let the other dictate where to go, what to do. It hadn't fail them up to this point. That isn't to say he can't make his own decisions, having to figure out how to navigate the world alone. It's just being put on the spot from them was...well the confidence in his idea becomes uncertain.]

...I'm not sure, but the path must be clear above. [He looks up, frowning. Are their captors also anticipating them to escape that way? Maybe that's why his other didn't propose it initially.] It's a last resort. [The underground shakes again, more frequently. He moves closer to his other, noticing the splits along with them.] That one. [He points to an opening ahead to their right that looked large enough for them to fit into.]

You have to be sure.

[ that's the thing about leading anyone, insecurities will hold a person back and lead them into more danger. between him and sonic, the airhead runs into trouble unsure of it'll work but is confident in his actions that it should.

shadow will make it work when he chooses to do something.

however, he can't scold this copy of his, he can only add suggestions as he looks to the cave the other chooses. without hesitating, he skates, ducking a bit to slip inside. whatever's wet on the floor as he kneels down, he doesn't go out of his way to figure out what it is.

once again the cave shakes, the crystallized walls cracking then shattering onto the floor. of course, when a threat tries to put him in danger, he can't help but groan in annoyance. ]

[Have to? When he's been wandering aimlessly, not knowing what he wants to do himself, let alone capable of leading anyone. He doesn't say any of that. Not the time or place, but the expectation just feels foreign to him.

He sees his other speed off into the space without question and follows after them. It's a tight fit, but they will both be able to take shelter. Will it hold is another. He's curled up slightly in the space, feeling the other pressed against him. At this point, the underground was shaking continuously. Walls and debris falling around them. Complete collapse imminent.

He couldn't hide how terrified he was by all this, body shaking, nervous breathing. It's unnerving, when he normally fights the problem or avoids them altogether. Now he has to learn to sit through the danger itself. He survived a fall from space though, he should make it through a whole cave-in. That's what he keeps telling himself, but he can't push back that feeling of uncertainty of the unknown. He closes his eyes, hoping it would help. Just, listening and feeling all this destruction around him, still unpleasant. The noise occasionally almost sound like explosions, hits too close to an event he doesn't want to recall again.]

[ the difference where this copy visually shakes, pressed up against him is something that shadow can't ignore. if this is a clone of him, it's pathetic at best, but there's something about his circumstances compared to his own — his experiences are different or his data is corrupted. he doesn't know the biolizard, the connection that he or it should have to it.

it's like he's ... scared, afraid. it has been some time since he could ever remember such a feeling that wasn't anger and hatred, the need for revenge would drive him, his moments of disbelief that turned into malice. it's new, something he's unable to just ignore when this copy carries his face. normally eggman would only make those robots unable to make expressions, only carrying out the need to kill and destroy what's around them, but this one acts so...

...

who are you is what he wants to ask. what could they have created that this of all things becomes terrifying? shadow too hates the noise, it reminds him of a time, but there's no alarms, and there's no gunshots so he does better than the one beside him. as things crumble down, the ground splitting in various areas as the ceiling falls... something sparkles that catches his attention out in the debris that gets knocked against a piece of rock into another. ]

...You stay here.

[ as dangerous as it is to go out there, shadow's body slowly shifts away from the one next to him. ]

[It is rather pathetic, and he hates when others see him vulnerable. But nothing can be done about it. It's a new experience, overwhelming. His mind in constant battle over wanting to get out, or keep staying there. Other thoughts keep flashing in his mind. A fire, the area going bright and then...the ringing in his ears. His ears twitch, picking up something else, the other's voice. Isn't the world still coming down out there?

He curls up more tightly, easier for them to get out, but also to give himself comfort. He's going to be left on his own. He will at least open his eyes again. A look that was trying to understand what the other was doing.] Where...? [He tries to hide that bit of desperation in his voice. Whatever their thoughts are about him, they were still the only thing "familiar" in this unknown place. What will he do if he doesn't see them again? And...last thing he wants is to find a dead body that looks almost like him once this is over.

He glance pass his other, trying to occupy his mind with something else. Maybe he can see what it they're looking at out there. And that's when he notices it. It was quick, but something shines among the falling debris. But is it honestly worth going out there for that?? His other thinks so, but he can't tell from here what it is.]

[ the copy can look out there and see technically nothing but large rocks falling, glass shattering and shooting out into the ground as everything begins to crush what's below. he'll see something hit against a falling rock, a type of dull colored emerald that flashes red when turned at an angle. it's in a familiar shape that he could probably pinpoint anywhere if he recalls what it reminds him off.

this is what shadow wants. even if the energy within the gem has probably faded some, it will still be useful if it's what he thinks it is. if it even means the same thing here where it does back home, but these gems have an odd way of appearing in strange places.

that's why shadow is already crawling his way out, quick to roll onto the ground and dodge a falling rock that's able to cover half of the entrance of where the copy is.

on his hands and knees, shadow attempts to stand up, but one shape rock comes down, which he narrowly avoids by disappearing and appearing on top of the falling object that crashes to the floor and shatters upon impact. it's dangerous, sharp pointed ends fall down like rain that threaten to impale shadow, but he doesn't seem to be afraid. the look in his eyes shows determination, he's calm with every move that he makes, and wary of his surroundings as he tries to catch up to the gem that continues to be knocked against other pieces. ]

[Well, that piece of debris makes it harder for him to see what's happening. He's not too concerned about being trapped just yet. He knows he can break through all this. He'll have to unfurl though so he can shift position to see and make sure his other was still moving.

They're very much, moving. As if they've been through this obstacle course before. It was both amazing and horrifying to watch as they narrowly avoid getting skewered. He doesn't know or realize it himself, but he would react and move just as naturally when put under various situations. Even when he was at the base, there had been instances of him displaying quick reflexes just after being released from the meteor. He could not imagine this is how he looked to others though. The gap of experience between them just seems so far apart.

The emerald finally comes to it's resting place, rolling underneath some debris. A large piece of the ceiling breaks apart and starts to fall over that same area. The emerald would get further buried if his other doesn't get to it, but then, they risk getting crushed. That piece of the ceiling was far larger than anything his other had avoided previously. He feels his body react before his head catches up with him, punching the bit of debris blocking the entrance as he tries to crawl out of the space. Would he make it in time?]

[ it's risky, but his chances grow even more if it's within his possession. at first, the gem around the neck of the host called his attention, it was familiar in energy — it wouldn't surprise him if they were siphoning the power of the emeralds into it. at most, this is a dead emerald with only so much energy left or none at all, and this is what shadow risks his life for.

up onto his feet, using surrounding rocks to jump off of and the occasional spin dash to breaking it in two in order to get through. it seems easily doable until the larger rock comes through, his abilities tested at losing the emerald or being crushed upon retrieval.

he has to keep moving no matter the consequence of his actions, and if he's taken out here and they unearth his body all he can hope for is that it's unusable. death hasn't really been kind to him, his body geared towards survival no matter the circumstances and then there's his dna.

if he's unable to die then he knows what's out there won't let him die either as long as he exists. that's why shadow tries for it, running underneath the piece ready to crush him, and it's with a swift kick against the emerald in the direction of his copy.

maybe he knows, maybe he doesn't. he doesn't have the time to use it correctly because time is not on his side to harness the power, but he mouths the words "chaos control" to the copy. whether they can utilize it or not, even a weak version of it may make a difference here. ]

[He's not going to make it. The ceiling nearly on top of them that he wouldn't be able to speed in and get them out without them both getting crushed. He hears something rolling towards him though, the sound distinctly different from the crumbling of debris. An...emerald? Like the one of the seven Sonic used to power himself, only this one was larger.

He picks it up in both his hands, feeling a faint power coursing through it. Familiar, like how the power from the emeralds back home felt to him. It is made with the same energy coursing through him. He sees his other mouth something to him. Two words. Faintly, he remembers some kind of research the scientists were looking into, but it never got anywhere at the time. Those two words came up then. He has no time to ponder, he needs to act. React to whatever happens next. He lifts the emerald before him, sparks appear from his hand to give it a little more power. The emerald shines just a little more brighter. Once again, this feels natural even without the knowledge of how and why.]

Chaos...Control!

[The space around them suddenly comes to a grinding halt. Nothing was moving, or just barely by an inch. Colors have became pale and distorted, like Shadow had gain a new sight of the world around him. He's taken aback, but he can't sit there to process what he had done. Not knowing how long this will last, he understands he needs to take every opportunity given in this moment to act. Somehow he knew he could still move in this space like normal as he rushes to his other, kicking and punching aside the debris. They don't move, but once time returns, they'll have been pushed out of harm's way. He doesn't know if his other can move in this moment as well, so his priority is to make sure they can get out as well.

The surface is now open to them. There will be no glorious city waiting for them though. Just a dingy district of facilities that surround the dome they were just in. Further eventual investigation will reveal this was nothing more than a outpost of such. A space created for the sake of bringing otherworldly travelers in to entertain within the dome. Sure enough, there will be flying armed vehicles waiting for them above, ready to shoot them if they are not quick enough to react. Will time still stop long enough for them to avoid them?]

[ time stops, the world's color grows dull, almost like being underwater — sound fades out into nothing, and this is a world that shadow understands much like breathing air. his eyes glance to the side, then to the other as he can hear rock above him shatter into pieces. he made a good choice then, it seems even this individual is capable of harnessing chaos energy in the same matter as him.

if he didn't then it would have been something of the end for them, but shadow's quick to jump up, catching his footing on pieces of rock that's flat enough for him to use. he uses these to his advantage to quickly follow after where his copy is, the look in his eyes as he meets the others is one that acknowledges that he's done good. as for the emerald, he allows the other to keep it, besides with how much juice is left within it, he knows it won't have much use for himself.

as swiftly as he can, shadow makes it to the top to take in what's waiting for them, and the vehicles do not go unnoticed. rather, he glares at the one that's already shot a sort of missile and net in the direction of where they think one of them would be. jumping towards it, shadow flips upside down, kicking the missile in the other direction, and hop over to grab the edge of the net. there's some sort of sticky substance on it, and he jumps into one of the aircrafts to hook it around the driver.

whatever it does, he'll figure out once the world goes back to normal, but he isn't against turning the wheel on the vehicle to ensure it goes crashing into another. he points two fingers at another one, suggesting that his copy should follow suit with the others, because as soon as time begins and everything crashes into each other — they'll have to run while they're all distracted.

but the question is which way. ]

[The look when their eyes met, he felt some relief that the other didn't seem disappointed. Despite his moments of weakness, he can perform when asked of him, even if he doesn't fully understand the command. He had to be trained and conditioned to perform near flawlessly in his task, or else the base probably wouldn't have been standing for as long as it had been.

He comes up to the surface with his other as they've gone ahead to deal with one of the vehicles. The emerald, disappeared from his hand for the moment. Whether he's aware he did it or not, is uncertain. He's already looking at the other flying vehicle as his other instructs him to do the same. It's like dealing with G.U.N on his tail once again. He knows how to deal with that. He teleports up, appearing on the side of the pilot. He gets a clearer view of the area from up here, noting it quickly as he breaks into the cockpit. The controls were alien to him, but turning a stirring wheel is still universal apparently. He turns, then kicks it to keep it jammed in one direction.

Once completed, he jumps towards the other, looking for his double.] Here! [Soon as he spots them, he reaches for them. Expecting, hoping they grab hold so he can teleport them both out of there. He saw a building that looked abandoned in the distance while he was handling the other pilot. That's where he would take them, successfully getting them inside an old empty room, and putting quite some distance between them and all the action as time returns to normal. The sound of a distant explosion being the indication that the flying vehicles have made contact into each other.

He had landed on his feet in the new area, but after a moment, collapses onto the floor to catch his breath again. Whatever that "chaos control" was, didn't know how much it would drain him until they were finally out of danger, for now. Could be because he had made the choice to give it a little more power, lack of familiarity to properly control that power, or both.]

[ the thing is shadow doesn't work with others that well, he likes to work alone and if not that then with the team he knows best. however, how he feels about himself in general is different — he trusts himself to make close calls, he believe in himself to be able to do things that others aren't capable.

even when the hand is extended to him, he would normally ignore it in favor of finding his way out. only because this odd hedgehog who has his face offers that hand and understands the gravity of the situation is why shadow takes it without hesitation. it's in and out, from one place to another, and inside of the building that acts as their cover once the machines come crashing into each other is almost music to shadow's hears.

it's the burst of air that blows inside of the buildings and cracks the glass to bust those and them back more, causing them to roll on the floor, and then he's quick to recover onto his feet. ]

We have to move.

[ that's what shadow knows more than anything, to continue to work on his feet without stopping. it's with this in mind that he walks over to where his double is, tilting his head as he looks at the other.

someone able to use the ability of chaos control surprised him before, but he doesn't seem too surprised... but why, how is he able to do it but not know of that monster? from the look of things, that ability seems to have taken quite a lot out of him that seeing him catch his breath makes shadow wonder a few things.

aside from the visual differences and memories, it's a question he's finally decided to kneel down to look at who has saved his life with a simple question next. ]

Who are you?

I know. [He says breathlessly. He's aware he can't keep laying here, but his damn body doesn't want to move right now. His eyes are closed, his breathing slowly starting to steady. He can hear footsteps of his other approaching. Probably to scold him for still laying here. But no matter what he wants or demands of his body, it refuses.

Who are you?

There was a skip in his breathing. Not the question he was expecting right this moment, but a simple question should have gotten a simple reponse. It only gave Shadow pause. Then a quiet admittance.] ...I don't know. [There are a number of things people had expected him to be, but those aren't his own thoughts and opinions. His entire life was dictated for him up till recently. Never finding the answer about himself. He takes a long deep breath, opening his eyes to stare up at the ceiling, unable to look at his other who carried so much more confidence.]

I was given a name, told I was the Ultimate Lifeform, but... [Brows furrow as he frowns. That feeling of not knowing, just doing without any explanation behind it. A small part that's scared of himself, what he can do that the scientists didn't uncover yet about himself.] It doesn't mean anything when I don't know who or what I am from the start.

Hmph.

[ the only thing he can muster as he gets up from the floor, no longer kneeling down next to his copy with interest. that answer isn't the best one, because shadow can only ponder those words and what they could have meant for him. those days of running desperately for answers of who he was, those foolish days of where he'd "throw away" his past and say "goodbye" to himself.

as the ultimate lifeform there was a responsibility, the creation that was meant to be a cure for all illnesses, to be able to make everyone on earth happy — smile, other little things he wouldn't have believed when he first woke up. yet, he looks down at this "ultimate lifeform" wondering if he even believes himself to be that. ]

Well, Ultimate Lifeform, you've got time to figure it out.

[ he's unable to say that he'll have people to help him figure that out along the way, but shadow doesn't know what the other has.

from the sound of it, it sounds like nothing. asking questions such as who gave him that name would be a start, it's basically an answer in some way that might grow into an even harsher truth. ]

Let's go. [ yet, is it shadow's place to say anything about how he feels. no one would have understood him, unfortunately, he's never been the type to put his feelings into words for another person. instead, he pushed himself to prove that he was what he believed himself to be. ]

[They sounded disappointed. Not surprising. Quite a difference in response when he asked them the same question before. Figure it out. The title ringing hollow to him. He shifts himself to a sitting position, giving himself a moment before finally getting back up. Staggering a bit, he manages to straighten himself up, looking to his other expectantly. Ready. Well, so he keeps telling himself.

Another fight anytime soon might actually bring him down hard. He's not saying that, not wanting to admit to it and be left behind.

This building doesn't seem to have anyone occupying it at least. No sound of anyone obviously hiding or someone equivalent to a soldier that he can hear. But where are they to go? How do they actually leave this place? A thought. A risky one, but-] Should we look into where those flying vehicles came from? [Hijack one and get a better idea of their situation.]

[ shadow always sounds disappointed.

the ultimate lifeform who hasn't found their purpose yet, he won't pity them as that's something he hates himself. however, he can tell that this one searches for a tender touch that he doesn't have, she... would beg to differ, but who he is now couldn't give this individual what they're looking for. ]

Hm... [ he scoffs, shaking his head. ] I have to finish whatever brought me here.

[ that would put them on someone's radar, and those high-speed car chases is more sonic's style than his. he has to take the sneakier, silent alternative until he can figure out what it is that wanted him or them here. ]

If that interests you, why don't you take it?

[ shadow now looks over to the other, it's not a gentle or scolding look, it's more so... there's no wrong or right answer. ]

You are the Ultimate Lifeform.

[He blinks, eyes lowered as he considers the other's objective. Who did bring them here? How? Why? Why them specifically? Now that it's been put into his mind, he wants to know too. He looks up again, the question directed at him. Them furthering re-enforcing his title. It does the opposite and make him resent it more. It only brought him pain, grief and imprisonment. His eyes doesn't meet the other, shaking his head.]

Just...call me Shadow. Or anything else. [They're both named Shadow, aren't they? That would get confusing very quickly. Either way, he doesn't feel like he's done anything to earn the title of "Ultimate Lifeform". He lifts his head, looking at the doorway.] But I want to find who's responsible for bringing us here.

[ anything else? it's almost like an insult, but he hasn't done anything to prove himself as the ultimate lifeform, but if biolizard only exists as a movie, does that mean that there was no one to make a cure for? these are sensitive questions, some that makes him stare at the copy wondering if he failed there too.

... ]

This is your chance to escape, Seven.

[ because calling him shadow will be confusing, but shadow has always been the ultimate lifeform, and if he isn't ready to carry the weight of that title then there's no need to hold that either. ]

Whoever did this has no connection to you.

[Seven. He looks to his other, wondering why that name in particular? It's inoffensive enough that he isn't bothered by it, but he is curious. Either way, he accepts it, wanting to just move on from that whole Ultimate Lifeform talk. Unlike that subject, he's very sure of what he wants to do next, and it's not to escape anymore. Thinking further, where would he even go afterwards anyway?]

How do you figure it's not? I was brought here against my will. [He didn't ask to come here. There's still no explanation about what's going on between them. How is it the two of them are able to just...exist in the same space? If that even makes sense. And he still had questions about his other. If they are willing to deal with him.] I'm going with you. [In a rare moment, he speaks clearly what he desires.]

[ there's a low groan that filters from shadow's throat as he looks between the doorway across the room and then to seven. he's not really good at having someone that isn't in tune with themselves following him around, especially when they appeared so scared not too long ago. ]

You were.

[ but it feels personal, like someone chose shadow in particular because why no one else? why just himself... or a copy of himself, but there's always a chance that seven isn't who he is. he could be a plant that these aliens are using to watch over him, to keep him close to always know where he is.

why does shadow keep him knowing the danger it may bring? ]

As long as you don't get in my way.

[ he wants to add he can do whatever he wants, but even that seems like a double edged sword. ]

Of course. [He heard that bit of reluctance, but he doesn't let it bother him. He doesn't plan to be a hinderance and will perform when demanded of him. Which...he lifts his hands, holding the emerald that his other had provided to him.]

In that case, could you explain what I did? I...just want better control over it. [He has become awfully aware that he tends to use his chaos powers with little regard of conserving it. If his tired body is any indication. Knowing the possible challenges to come, he has to rethink his approach. And in the long run, it would benefit his other to educate him, so that he is more efficient in his performance.]

[ that icon really showcases his heart...

is that how he parsed it? to not be in his way, he'll have to learn certain techniques to understand them better? it makes sense, then again, why wouldn't he be interested in a unique skill that could freeze time? at first, shadow is quiet not in a way to keep him away from that knowledge, but only that the skill isn't used to his advantage in the way shadow uses it. ]

Hm... then explain to me, what was it like?

[ an answer.

all he waits for is that. ]

[How was it? He looks down at the emerald in his hands, thinking. He really wasn't given much chance to process it, not knowing how long time would stop, needing to do a bunch of things within that time. It was...certainly not a sensation he's ever experienced, so the words to describe it take time to form.]

...Like I was being pulled and suddenly put underwater. [A sensation he is familiar with, having adjusted between breathing air to liquid and back often, when still in the base. But it wasn't as rough of a transition, just a sudden tug and then he was fully acclimated. Like he's done this before.]

I felt the effected space like it was an extension of myself, and yet not. I could sense certain things in the space, how far it reached. It was...draining. Energy being taken to keep it maintained. [He must have created a large effected area on his first go. Because he didn't know what he was expecting. In that moment, he didn't think about anything, but doing everything he could so they could both escape.]

[ shadow listens, occasionally looking at this version of him... something of him, not fully him, but is capable of utilizing his skills. is it because they're next to each other or are they that closely connected? ]

With that, you can achieve ultimate power.

[ he sounds proud of himself, but why wouldn't he be? only specific individuals can tap into the power that the emeralds hold. before, he wouldn't have been able to believe anyone else could do the same as him, but he is smarter than what he was before.

since seven was able to use it, it means he's open to a wide range of skills, but some come at a heavier price. ]

Space and time, all at your control with a simple command.

[ his words are fact, crimson eyes falling into the ruby red gem in the other's gloved hand. shadow's own hand closes into a fist, the crunch of his glove audible in his ears as he emphasizes the control that belongs to him. ]

It stretches as far as you can will it. You weren't familiar with it once you came into existence?

[ small differences are unique differences. ]

...So they are the same. [Despite the difference in emerald size, he thought this one felt just like the ones back on Earth. So this is what one of them can do, even when it's "power" was already nearly spent. At least he knows he can charge it, but only if he has to.

His other spoke how amazing it was to have such capabilities to use this power, but he isn't as thrilled about it as they were. It was only a moment, where his expression showed he was thinking about the possibilities, only to furrow his brows as he thinks about all the tests. All this power, just to be used for who knows what. The few experiments he was privy to did not...seem pleasant. Like what he used to completely wipe the military base off the map, or to power the Eclipse Cannon. He had to wonder why humans would want all that destructive power for.]

No, but I don't know what my life was before the humans found me. [His first memory was waking up in a tube full of some breathable liquid, with a bunch of humans in labcoats staring at him on the outside. There were soldiers among them, pointing their weapons after the meteor revealed his existence. Just a mildly stressful environment to wake up to.] After...I figured out I could manipulate the space around me. [Time was not a factor until now.]

[ they are different, so vastly different that shadow can tell even in the way they walk — he, confident, and the other, insecure. shadow could never see himself in such a miserable state, desperate, confused and blind with rage, but insecure of his desires and who he is? it's new, such feelings of visible sadness and fright, the way he doesn't understand the limitless power that comes from the emerald.

who are you, and why is he different?

he's quiet, pondering over the specific words used: "before the humans found me". that's not what it was for him, his stern gaze remains looking forward in the dark hall ahead of them where glass, paintings and even the walls are damaged with cracks and covered in dust. ]

Your circumstances sound troubling.

[ not scripted much like his own, but even then he was filled with pain and anger, he grieved in a way that brought destruction to those that hurt her. even if his beliefs were in the wrong place, at times, it felt right despite how wrong it was.

his own confusing beginning led to offering shadow a foundation, if he couldn't depend on anyone, that he had himself. seven, the one beside him, doesn't even seem like he could carry himself for long without breaking down.

metaphorically speaking, that is.]

...

[Their single response tells him a few things. One, that he might have given more information than he should have. The other is, because of that, he's figuring out that the other's history must be drastically different by the way they responded to what he let slip. Was it the detail about his life before coming to Earth? Or his lack of understanding his own capabilities? The way they carry themselves was a big tell already, and he doesn't know how to feel about this growing gap between them. Annoyed? Resentful?

Sadden, that there's such a difference existing between them. The answers about himself, may not come from them in the end. His demeanor shifts ever so slightly, by his expression turning colder instead of softer.]

...Unless you plan to explain yourself, my circumstances doesn't have anything to do with what we're talking about.

[Or maybe it does. Whatever. He felt his other scrutinizing him and he hated it. He got plenty of that from the scientists. Doesn't need it from this guy with his face too.]

Edited (ENGLISH IS HARD) 2025-03-18 03:11 (UTC)

[ what audacity does this one have to tell shadow to explain himself? it's funny to hear from someone who couldn't even begin to explain the root of their existence. shadow only offers a brief look at their cold expression, one that he also wears on occasions, but never for the reason of why he is.

shadow isn't helpful, he isn't kind, and even now if he wanted he could swipe the emerald from him and get rid of seven with ease. he doesn't understand that shadow allows him to come along, that shadow allows him to do what he's doing, that any of these possibilities are even within his reach because of him.

now, he isn't searching to be thanked or even seen as someone that the other can depend on, no, it's that shadow notices their differences, but even a child would get upset at not knowing their full potential. ]

Your circumstances have everything to do with it.

[ however, he seems unwilling to elaborate until his next string of words. ]

What do you want to know?

[He dares and he will keep firm on it. Even when he knows his other is more capable, he fights, adapts and endures. It is something he at least knows about himself, something he was freakishly efficient at, even before the scientist began their testing. Even when those days were relatively peaceful, the reflexes were there. It was ingrain in him, like the knowledge about his powers that his other claims he should also know. If he gave himself a moment to think about it, he might have eventually come to the realization that being such a proficient fighter, could be a hint about his life before Earth.

But he's not there, his mind is focused on who is standing in front of him. He was given the platform to ask his other about them. He's been wanting to know since they first saw each other in that arena, but couldn't find the courage to press. Now he does.]

Where did you come from? [Why are you the way you are?]

The space colony called ARK.

[ these words leave from between his lips as easy as anything else, there's nothing suggesting him lying and seems genuine in the way he answers without hesitation.

whether this means anything to the other doesn't matter to him, but the memories, the distant smell of chemicals, the closeness of the stars that could possibly fall into the palm of his hand, and her smile in the reflectiin of the glass when she'd look down at earth praying that one day she could view its wonders.

a place of nightmares, but memories he cherishes the most. ]

Both [ he turns his head not to look at seven, but to look behind him... past endeavors, past victories, that monster they faced. ] of us originated there.

[ he doesn't sound upset or angered by this concept, it's a truth to him, fact that will remain unchanged. as to why the biolizard or something just like it existed is a question still unanswered. ]

[There is no recognition to be seen in Shadow's eyes as they bring up the space colony, no shift in his expression. There is no record of anyplace called the ARK. There's only a remnent of a weapon that hovers above the Earth now, with a moon sliced in half in the night sky.

He does not turn his head as his other looks passed him, understanding what they're referring to. A manner of keeping a connection between them? They've been through a lot of already together in such a short time, yet there's no clear answer to it all. What keeps them sticking together perhaps?

But space, that is where he came from. A small bit of familiarity. Was it the same for them? But it's...they said a space colony. An artificial location created for others to live on. Not a planet. Or did they also not know their true origins and their life only began there?

...No, they do know. It's the impression they give to him. He's thinking, eyes wandering as to what the other's answer implies. Thinking about how they responded to his own answers. Lack of an origin point, while they have one.] ...You did not come from another planet?

[ maybe he should be glad he never heard of the space colony, he wouldn't have to learn the loss, or the pain of what came with that place. knowing that his existence is a... ]

I was created within the ARK in space, it overlooking planet Earth.

[ he is but a man-made organism created by a scientist, if anything, he should have never existed. him being born into this world is nothing as satisfying as properly coming into existence, there are those that play god, and he is just a sample of what humans are capable of. their progress and knowledge boiled into the extreme. ]

That question I cannot confirm or deny.

[ why is he answering him in the first place. ]

This blood that runs through my body is...

[ he grows silent as he realizes now is not the time, especially because he doesn't sense anything remotely close to that in this unknown location. ]

[A...creation? One possibility that went through his mind based on their exchange. To hear it be confirmed by his other still takes him by surprise. His expression softens, looking at them, thinking of the implications. What his other must have gone through themselves. With all that confidence they boasted, he forgets they're still reflections of each other, in a sense.

If his other was created by humanity, he's already knows their cruelty. Where he was trained into whatever role they ask of him, his other was already created to meet their purpose, scripted. How his other would know all the things they did about themselves. The kinds of tests they must have put them through. His brows furrow, his grip tightening over the emerald. What good are humans, using others that aren't like them for their selfish needs? Why did he spare a planet that hasn't been so kind to him?

Cause it's wrong. She wouldn't have wanted that. There are no winners with revenge.

And thinking like that...would mean condemning the one who did not share in their cruelty. The only human who gave him any semblance of being just normal. She's still one of them. He closes his eyes for a moment, regaining composer.

Eventhough his other said they're a creation, they continue on as if there wasn't a clear answer. Talking about their blood. Tilting his head. Is that not an artificial construct as well...? He's starting to wonder about something after learning all of this. He doesn't know his life before landing on earth, so he doesn't actually know, if he was born naturally, or also a creation like his other. He stares at his other for a long moment, considering.]

...My memories start on Earth, when they found me inside a meteor. [Would saying that mean anything to them? Eitheway, he felt it was only fair to share that detail, after his other opened up about his origins.]

[ no matter how many times he scans the area before them, there's only dust covered on the floor that leaves their trail with every step, and even the crack of glass underfoot. whatever this building used to be, or what it was used for, the walls seem to have photographs barely hanging with different gentleman all in white lab coats, and their faces scratched out with black ink.

the air around them goes cold, enough that it sinks under each their fur right to the skin and creeps deep onto their bones. it doesn't bother shadow any, the ultimate lifeform is immune to the constant changing weather, but this seems so sudden that it does call for his attention.

somehow, this hall has been going on for some time, but maybe this is the consequence of speaking about himself with someone who is also himself? though, his words grow distant as he speaks, seven mentions a comment, and shadow's eyes widen just a fraction, and there's a hitch in his breath as he turns to the younger one by hum.

he doesn't understand why, but one arm moves first to grab the wrist that holds the emerald, a few shards of small, broken glass in his glove. shadow holds onto him, eyes looking down with exhaustion and disbelief as meteors tend to be pieces of comets. remains.

leftover.

his hold grows a little tighter, the red of his quills light up in a small hum, but shadow clenches his teeth and shakes his head. no, that budding irritation that grows deep within him is something he has to hold back, it's not like that. it can't be. is it a trap, a fake-out, an... extension of? no, it can't be, because shadow doesn't sense anything in relation to him, unless... how could he tell when it's like looking into a reflection of himself.

it would feel... normal.

he releases seven as quick as he grabbed him, it's not that shadow isn't capable of keeping his composure, but if the others life had been so different, was that not altered as well? is there a chance that...

...

it's obvious that there's something, shadow knows something, and yet it ignites something deadly inside of him. at first, it was confusion and loss, he needed a guide, the second time, he had to get rid of him no matter what he lost along the way.

they say third times the charm, but maybe it's not like that. it's simply coincidence.

there's the sound of something laughing beside them, in a completely unbroken glass portrait where a group of scientists laugh underneath the black scratch outs. ]

[There's a sharp dinging sound as the Chaos Emerald drops from Shadow's hands. He couldn't care to pick it up, not when his other suddenly grabs him the way they did. He let his guard down, not expecting such a reaction out of them. The way his other looked at him, like he was suddenly a threat they had overlooked. His quills also flare up, sparks flying.]

What are you-! [And just as quickly as they grabbed him, they let go. Shadow quickly backs himself towards the opposite wall, away from them, gripping the arm they held so tightly onto. That's going to leave a bruise. Blood had been drawn from where the glass had scraped against his flesh. He keeps his eyes on his other, glaring, wondering what he had done for them to suddenly assault him. They're usually calculating, meticulous in their actions. So maybe he shouldn't fault himself too much for not catching them.

But why though? And why does their uncharacteristic reaction fill him with such dread? How he came to Earth meant something to them. Something bad, if they would suddenly attack him. He doesn't have a chance to ask as the space around them starts to do something strange. Were his eyes playing tricks on him, or were the walls starting to look more distorted? The pictures in the frames don't even look right. There are new voices he didn't hear before. Whispers and laughter. The area shakes. Have they been discovered??

But then the walls behind them both will suddenly give away. They're given the sense of falling, but they're not moving, the world around them was. They fall not onto the floors below, but into darkness. And suddenly, they were back on solid ground once more, seemingly back underground. This one felt and looked different from the last time they were here though. There are no glass reflections, the walls were made of concrete and built like they were inside a tube-like tunnel. Pipes were also running through the area, occasionally hissing as they let out some pressure. There were piles of rubble scattered about, parts of the walls having collapsed due years of neglect it seems. Even the pipes were showing their age.

Shadow is still on his feet, pressing a hand against the nearest wall, getting his bearings after whatever just happened. Where are they now? He looks, searching for his other. Conern, or making sure they don't suddenly jump him.]

[ everything is dark, there's nothing he can see in front of him, and as he takes a few steps forward, the hiss of steam hits against his body. he moves his legs from the sensation as he glances down at the busted pipe, the once old and worn wallpaper is now concrete, and there's tubes that run in and out of them like veins. one hand comes to his head as he looks around, the other missing from his sight and possibly placed someone else.

if this is all a mind game, it sounds about right, but that isn't anything black doom is capable of doing. he's too straightforward, he makes it known what he wants from shadow, after all, his favorite pet project that he's trained has to be aware of his end. yet, there's no warning, nothing of the sort aside from the steam blocking out any other sound that his ears could pick up.

where is he? were they always here... how annoying, he realizes as he brings his hand away from his head, and the color in his quills loses its shine too.

without the other nearby, shadow figures that he can't stay where he is, and that he has to keep moving. one step after the other, he glances at the walls in search of anything familiar. nothing stands out to him which makes him even more wary, whatever's down here, or whoever has brought them here has some sort of idea of what they want. splitting them up for what reason? to catch them when they're not paying attention? or are they being forced to stumble across each other soon enough.

whatever it is, shadow turns around to look behind him in search of the past that they were previously on, but there's nothing.

...

he doesn't have the emerald either. it's left with that other version of him, or what he believes to be an extension of black doom himself. what happened, what went wrong, there are steps that don't add up compared to his own recollection of how he went to earth. can he do it, can he kill someone that may be in relation to him without knowing so? the confusion that was in their voice, how unsure they are of who they are, of who they want to be.

as impressionable shadow was during those times when he knew nothing. ]

[Shadow wanted to call out when he could not locate the other as he walked. But he has to stop himself, not with current circumstances should he do that. Would his other try to attack him again? For now, maybe he should figure out where he is, find a way out of this place. A place, that felt strangly familiar and yet not. He felt his shoe bump into something, looking down to see the ruby colored chaos emerald had fallen down with him. Deciding it best to keep with him, he picks it up.

His ears twitch, hearing sounds of footsteps? His other? No, sounded like there were more than one set of footsteps. He looks up, there are pipes along the ceiling, he teleports above to keep out of sight.

Wait...these pipes, how they're laid out. That can't be right. He hears voices again, too far to make out what's being said. Following his gut, he starts to move among the pipes and walls. Retracing his steps as if he was back at the facility. If he's correct, then when goes into this room up ahead-]

-?! [This...was not the room he spent much of his time in, resting in a tube. In fact, the room's appearance looked drastically different from everything else.

His other will find evidence that wherever he is, this place had been lived in at one point. Papers and books scattered amongst the floor, all blank. Empty and beaten lockers along the wall. A pair of dusty roller skates. There are also voices that can be heard, but they are incomprehensible. Light dimly peeks into the passage from a room up ahead. Faint sounds of computers and other machines beeping coming from that room.

Upon entering, the beeping sounds will fade away. It was a room that looked like it was used for data keeping of some sort. Machines can be seen lined up along the wall that have long since been out of service. At it's center, shattered remains of what appeared to be a glass tube that once held something.]

[ the room isn't particularly large, and there's barely any light aside from the ones that flicker and hum above, using what little power source it has to run. there's nothing lively about this room, it gives off a dead, cold and mechanical feeling with all that's inside. this room inhabits what's needed to operate the machine in the center, and the wires are still connected as well. if it wasn't for the dust that covers it inside and out, the chamber looks like it could be used again if desired... as though it was meant for longevity. if the copy dared to enter, he would find that it's perfectly built for someone his size. computer screens cracked, a few bullet holes through one, and some others on the floor that appear unusable. however, there's one on the side that flickers on and off as though trying to reconnect. it's blue screened, then it goes black, but there is a working keyboard underneath that has yet to be destroyed — all it's missing are a few keys, but the buttons probably still work without.

aside from dust on the ground and broken computer pieces scattered here and there with glass, there's paperwork dated, signed and information written down that makes no sense at a glance. off to the side is a casted away old, black journal that's hidden underneath the shadows, possibly hard to miss.

there's the sound of keyboards clicking and writing being scribbled, but if he moves at all, it'll stop. the sound never reappears and he can continue on to look at whatever interests him in this room. ]

Where... am I?

[ this location isn't anything familiar to him, no matter how many times he scan the room, he can't find anything like it. in the middle is a sort of culture tank, a large visible hole that he can see from what little light filters in the room. the place is overgrown with flora, as though it's been abandoned for years that he couldn't count on just both his hands.

slowly he lifts his head up to note how roots have penetrated through the ceiling and moonlight slips between the cracks to give the room an ethereal glow. despite the calmness of the area, it's hard to ignore the age and the frustration of things pushed around as though there was someone in a rush.

one foot after the other, he walks down the steps until his feet click against the concrete surface. kneeling down, he'll pick up one of the pieces of paper that's spread across the floor, walking with it to see if there's anything he can read on it. he doesn't have high hopes thinking the bugs have probably chewed away too much, or the ink and pencil has faded, but he'll give it a try. ]

[Shadow takes cautious steps into the room. The tech in here seem a little more advanced, futuristic almost. The sounds suddenly go away once he was standing at it's center. Only a low hum keeps it from being completely silent. He stares at the chamber before him, something about it making his fur bristle. It look to be just the right size for...hm. If this room is what he thinks it is, why is it here? Why is he here?

And wouldn't this put him in...space? A light flickers within his peripheral vision. Turning, he sees a computer still barely functioning. A bullet hole on the top corner, distorting what's on the screen. A frown. He's never used a computer before, but he knows they hold information. How does he access it though? He walks over to it, staring at the keys the humans would hit to make something happen. Should he though? What if he triggers something? But this place seems pretty beaten and long abandoned. Nothing should function anymore, right...?

He presses a key that hadn't been lost. Nothing. Another. The blue screen flickers and then goes white. A string of letters and numbers appear on the screen, all nonsense to Shadow. But it goes blank again, then showing only two words in large font.

"PROJECT SHADOW"

Information starts to scroll pass. Limitless energy, chaos emeralds, immortality, weapon advancement, cure. They would come up often. There were some blurred images among the information, one of them looked just like the monster they both fought in the arena.

"PROTOTYPE"

There was another photo, one of this very room, but not in it's current decrepit state. There was an awfully familiar looking old man in a labcoat with an impressive mustache, standing in front of the chamber. It actually had something occupying it. The other he presumes. And there...who was that? A dark spot beside the older man. It looked like someone had put an ink splotch over them, but he can see there's something, or someone hovering next to them. The computer suddenly flickers though and shuts off before he could really decipher it.

A disgruntle sound. Of course it would leave at a cliffhanger. Still, that computer provided quite a bit of information concerning his other. That monster from before, was what came before their creation. The purpose of his creation, well it seem to be for a a number of things. High expectations. What sort of demanding test they must have gone through to reach such things as "immortality" and a "cure"? Cure for what? He hears something, like a door sliding open. To the left of the empty chamber, a door had indeed appeared, almost beckoning him to go through it. Looking around, he doesn't see anything else he could glean from this room, deciding to take the bait. Moving forward is his only option.

Just as he reaches the door though, he notices a black book laying unassumingly on the floor. He hadn't notice with the room being as dark as it was. He goes to pick it up, slowly going through the pages. They're mostly blank or blacked out. One page wasn't. It was a page full of drawings, of their air shoes, the inhibitor rings. They...looked to be drawn by a child? His eyes widen at a realization. The old man in the photo, he looked familiar for a reason, and these drawings from a child. These can't be done by...if they are reflections of each other, then that would mean, it's possible there's a reflection of her. Maybe he already had an inkling for a while, but now the evidence is staring him in the face. It makes him anxious.]

A meteor crash was witnessed in the quiet side of Oklahoma, USA.

[ the contents of the paper in hand is what he reads aloud to himself, swallowing down the information begrudgingly. it's the meteor-like cocoon, the location that he's found himself in doesn't bode well because why would it when he takes a look at his surroundings? it talks about the unusual creature found within, an organism that they had bestowed the title of "ultimate lifeform". an alien from space that came to earth.

however, he doesn't let that stop him as he takes slower steps to continue reading what he can make out of this. ]

Chaos Energy has been documented...

[ he stops, his thumb brushing against the dust of one side to take out the smudged word hidden underneath. it's illegible where he stands, and rather than try to make out what he can't within the darkness, shadow moves to where the light filters through the ceiling to have a better look at the paper. ]

Open a path to humanity's new era.

[ that frightened, unsure, and lost individual was meant to progress the world, that is what they had in store for him. the examples written at the bottom of higher energy sources, space flight, and even weapons were meant to make the human population stronger, build them a future where they could change and influence what was around them. he can neither say if that's a good or bad thing when he reads it, humans tend to have too much power within their hands.

the crunch of glass underneath his shoes catches his attention, taking his attention away from the paperwork over to the wide tube in the middle. it seems like wherever he steps, he can hear the glass cracking, almost like it wants him to go that way. he doesn't reject the suggestion at all, slowly making his way over to it, his fingers following the cracked outline until his hand stops. ]

Project Shadow, you were meant to serve for a great purpose.

[ he mumbles this to himself as he figures if this is here then the tube in the middle must suggest that this must be where he was stabilized. in the dusty wreckage of the tank, he can see some of his reflection, but he notices something drawn on the surface too. a simple curve, but telling that something was there. looking down, he looks at the shards of glass to pick one up that has the same sort of marking, but no place to put it. shadow in his time on the ark would have no choice but to take part in experiments, but he learned along the way because if he excelled, then the chance to save her would as well.

even though he has immortality, even though he was meant to be a cure. that purpose never saw its use because even then, her death wasn't through her illness.

for a brief moment, his hand curls around the shard, but it punctures his glove causing it to push against his inner palm. it snaps him back, reminding him that he can't break what he has. kneeling down with a shake of his head, he puts the paperwork down in exchange for another shard to match up with the tank. it's no different from cutting open a body and stitching it back together, if he follows the lines properly then he's sure he can piece it back together. a clumsier hand would treat it like a puzzle, not minding the imperfection and setting it there to force it into place to see if it fits.

but no, he cannot do that with this. he needs a gentler touch, he will piece the shards one by one, setting them in place hoping that no breeze wafts by to undo his work. for once, even shadow holds his breath to prevent it from knocking over as he slots what he can in the proper area until the writing all comes together. what he had thought would be a string of words, or a number presents him with something different. unexpected.

in his face is a drawing, it reminds him of a child's work with how comical it appears. aside from the split cracks between the black line, the ridge of shadow's eye raise in confusion, realization, and then a click of his teeth as his hands curl into fists at the sight. it's almost like he's telling what's in front of him not to exist, that it's simply a fluke, but there's nothing around here that talks about medical science, he hadn't noticed one thing mentioning illnesses and cures.

he's quick to grab the paperwork again on the floor, flipping it over again but what he comes to is human advancement, the human life that could excel from the energy. no matter how many times he flips the sheet of paper wanting more, something else, the differences start to show themselves again. quickly looking back to the container, he can see his reflection where the drawing is somewhat, and his fist tightens around the paperwork before dropping it.

what's the meaning of this?

even the simplest breeze can cause destruction, the paper that sways back and forth and hits the ground triggers the glass on the culture tank to tremble, and shards falling towards the surface. shadow's on alert, rushing forward to grab them at the expense of what cuts through his gloves and pierces his claws. whether he did this because of what connection it has, or to prevent any sounds from echoing out the room, it's hard to tell on his face as he sets what he's caught onto the floor. warm, bright red blood has begun to stain through the white surface of his gloves yet again.

a slow exhale leaves from him as he walks away from the tank not wanting to cause any other issues, but there's a table that catches his interest. there's not much layered on top of it aside from one sheet of paper, the white color has turned a dingy yellow, and the edges frayed from the years passed. much like the other one, but this one seems to have a little more data. there's numbers, and a small blurb of text at the bottom that he can look into.

start from the top, search for the claim. ]

COULD CHAOS ENERGY GROW EVEN MORE IN YOUNG ORGANISM?

Chaos Energy, an unknown fuel resource found exerted from the organism, the Ultimate Lifeform. No matter how much is siphoned, the individual appears to be an endless fountain that would swell up one night, and rejuvenate by early morning. Endless possibilities could come from this creature, and even more so when it is older. They are a child, maybe around the age of 15, so what would come in 10 more years? ▓▒? 35 years? A geyser of energy that's "supposed" to support mankind.

Data will be checked during testing phase.

QUERY: Can a child ▓▒▓▒ and ▓▒▓▒▓▒ us?

UPDATE HERE:

During the middle of testing, the subject had disappeared from the table, and in its place with a teddy bear with the electrodes stuck to the body. How unfortunate, there seems to be a fluctuation in the readings and would have been resourceful to know. Will look back into it once we find the project.

QUERY: Why does energy fluctuate?

UPDATE HERE:

Before QUERY of why does energy fluctuate?
Its energy appears to fluctuate reliant on what or who it is interacting with, with positive interactions displaying a favourable increase.

That thing scares me. There's something terrifying about dealing with a monster that can use that energy at will. Will this really save the human race or will it kill us all? It looks at me with those big eyes but I can't tell if it wants to threaten me or if it's scared of me. I'm the human! Why would I be the scary one! It can't be trusted.

The energy isn't the same when with us, it reacts better when it's with its bonded ▓▒▓▒▓.

Before QUERY of can a child save and evolve us:
No. I can't stand that damn monster. It'll slaughter us.

[ he can hear a door click unlock, the creak of it blowing open indicating that his time is done here.

whoever is leading him is showing shadow this information on purpose, had it showed him too much or is it trying to say he's been to harsh because the reality is that the living organism is nothing but a child. it would make sense why his abilities aren't as heightened as they should be. though, he's never really had a childhood himself, growing up as fast as he did and the years went by.

he wouldn't have been able to tell what a child version of him would have even looked like if it stared him in the face.

looking over to where the door has opened, there's another long and dark hallway, but he knows it'll lead him somewhere. he returns his attention back to the table, and the sheet of paper that was once there is gone, no longer available for him to read. ]

[Shadow carries the black journal with him as he exits the room. One glance back, and it seems like all the lights had gone out. Power was no longer running through the room, just an abandoned set piece now. Turning back to the hallway, he immediately notices that it no longer looked like the underground base. The walls are smooth, modern with metal and machines built into them. There was a minimalist feel to the area, as if decisions were made to only use the most necessary materials and nothing else.

Blood drips from the arm the other had grabbed, staining the sterile floor as he walks further into the hallway, taking in the sudden shift. The distant footsteps return, along with the voices. Sounds of people going about their business in this place. Some of their conversations, decipherable.

"The girl seems to be doing much better today."
"Are you certain she's really sick? She's always so full of energy and cheerful."
"You really think she's pretending when she's beridden? Really?"
"Ah, y-you're right...I just hope Professor Robotnik's 'Ultimate Lifeform' really stands up to their name and bring us results soon."
"Yes...the ARK would lose much of it's light without her. "

A girl. Sick. A cure.

He stops, their conversation still playing in his mind. Is she...not well, where his other comes from? Were they made for the purpose to save her? Something is caught in his throat, a creeping suspicion that he might already know the result. He wants to be wrong though. Wishing of all wishes, but it's probably pointless now. These events have already come to pass.

He keeps walking, all he can do to keep himself occupied. As he turns the corner, there was another room, more light coming through it. It seem more inviting than the first, but it could be a red herring. Eitherway, the passage seems to end with the room, so he has no other choice, but to enter. He is met with a room even larger than the first. It had large windowed panels on all sides, like an observatory. Outside, a view of space with the Earth below, lights dancing just above it.

---

Muffled music is playing somewhere in the distance once his other enters the hallway. Following the sound will take them into a room with a pillow fort at it's center, a record player propped near the wall where the source of the music was coming from. Light is flickering from within the pillow fort, the source from an old television that had been setup within. Currently it only shows static, with some old VHS tapes scattered around it. Unlike the previous room, this one did not seem have been worn down by time yet. It as if one has gone back to when the base was still in use.]

[ the area is quiet, no sound passing through the dead, black hall that shadow stands in. instead, the outside world is just as muted as well, but the lights, oh the lights are breathtaking, they're spectacular. they illuminate the world in a plethora of different colors much like the christmas lights draped along a makeshift tent. the way they wave over the clouds, above the sea, it's dream-like to the point that even the colors manage to illuminate the emptiness of the space where shadow stands overlooking the earth.

stars twinkle, a hum-like pulse if he dares to look at them.

against the glass, he can see handprints make their way onto the surface, staining them as heat generates making the impression visible. they're small, they don't belong to an adult nor a creature like himself. out the corner of his eye in the reflection of the glass, was that a young girl he had saw or simply a trick of the light? all there is are those two handprints, and his own reflection looking back at him.

that is until one bigger, hesitant handprint settles onto the surface. it's fading away fast as though unsure of the action, but the two smaller handprints remain as if someone was enjoying the chance to look over the world below.

...

the same cannot be said of where he is now, there's a minimal amount of light that comes from lights strung upon sheets, and the static of the tv that isn't playing anything. his own hands still bleed from holding the shards of glass from the other room, but when he looks in this one, there doesn't seem to be anything dangerous. it's completely different from the last room he was in, this one giving off comfort and safety much like a child's room. he stays clear from the tent, instead his body walks over to where the sink and stove is. there's a pleasant smell that wafts from the area, not meant to dull his senses, but it's nothing he recognizes as a medicinal beverage. normally there's a strong smell, but this smells sweet and nothing like what shadow knows.

however, the tv hums softly, and there is one cassette on the ground for him to acknowledge, he understands. he kneels down, picking it up, there's a title written on the front "beware the alien freak!!!" his blood gets onto the cassette, but he's mindful as he slips underneath the tent where dolls are squished up against one another, a board game setting to the side where there's black and red coins, and even the occasional cards with various colors that looks a little different than normal gambling ones — the aroma of popcorn tickles his nose — as he pushes the video tape into the machine in front of him.

everything is so calm here, there's a sort of happiness underneath this tent that causes shadow's ears to fall back against his head. it's not a place that he's used to, somewhere he thinks he should be. it almost feels like he's mocking this location by even being here to insert this video.

yet, he has to. ]

[The lights above the Earth distract him from everything else in the room for a moment. And the fact that it appears he was actually, in space. There's so much confusion, but considering what happened back in that abandoned building, was this all really here? He continues forward into the room, some distant sound of a transciever of sorts comes in and out, but no words can be deciphered. It just added to the ambience of the room.

He comes up to the glass, staring up towards the stars. They shine so much more brightly up here. He couldn't help but think about her. She would've loved this. He then glances down at the Earth below, the lights dancing, mesmerizing. What are they...?

"The aurora borealis!"

Shadow drops the journal with a start when a voice suddenly breaks the silence. Looking around franctically, he saw no one. It is still just him, alone in this room, with that transciever noise still going, seemingly closer. He takes a moment, remembering to breath. The other reason it caught him off guard, was that it was a girl's voice he clearly heard. Not hers, but...for a moment, he thought he was about to see their reflection. She sounded...cheerful, excited to bring up what those lights were. Pressing a hand to his head, he leans down to pick up the journal. He stares, noticing a page was no longer blank. There were photos now, photos with the same girl in each one. The images were faded black and white images, but he can immediately imagine her with blond hair and a blue dress. Sometimes she was by herself, sitting in a wheelchair, other times with the same older man he saw in the last room. He's sure of it now, this old man is a reflection of Professor Gerald. And that would mean...the girl is...]

Maria. [He has never seen the girl, nor heard her name uttered in this supposed space that belonged to his other. But he feels certain, that is her name. There was one last photo on the page. A group photo of her, with Professor Gerald and his other. Together, all with smiles, blissfully unaware of the troubles unfolding around them. His thumb gently presses against the photo. A bloodstain forming over the photo as he had forgotten about his bleeding arm.

He looks up toward the glass, thinking he heard or saw someone run pass him. His eyes narrow, noticing something that wasn't there a moment ago. Two handprints. Small human handprints. He stares, but there's no one there, just him reflecting back. Another larger handprint starts to form, but it quickly fades. Like it had never happened. His expression softens. That hand never reached hers. He lifts his non bloodied hand, looking at it for a moment. Would it be intrusive...yet those handprints seem to be inviting company. Slowly, he presses his hand over the small handprints. Somehow, the spot felt warm, gentle. Spreading into his hand, and up his arm.

The room suddenly goes dark. Red lights start flashing as the an alarm starts blaring. Shadow quickly removes his hand from the glass in a panic, taking a step back as he looks around.]

What?! [Blinding white lights flash into the observatory from the outside.

"THIS IS THE GUARDIAN UNITS OF NATIONS! PREPARE TO BE BOARDED!"

His whole body went tenses, his eyes widen, a few sparks escaping his quills. Ships, a fleet of them outside, approaching his location. G.U.N. And just as quickly as they appeared, that everything suddenly went dark, even on the outside. It was someone had pulled the plug on the projector screen. Complete silence. All Shadow could hear, was his own heavy breathing, and the occasional sparks from his quills.

Light peeks into the room as a new door opens. Beckoning him to move forward once more.]

[ should he be here? underneath this makeshift tent where a movie plays, where there's games and dolls and a type of kindness and love interwoven within everything here? the tv glitches some until the move plays, black and white, huge comical letters following the appearance of a funny looking monster.

to him, that was at one point gerald's madness, his anger and sadness mixed together within the biolizard. in front of him, it looks like a playful and silly creature compared to the original, but the actors within the movie point and scream, it's terrifying to them. this version is the one that his double had spoken about where shadow couldn't tell if he was relieved or offended that something so frightening and so willing to kill could be portrayed in such a useless light.

now that he sees it, he thinks it's relieving to see it. much more so when he understands who could have been under here with him watching it. yes, if anything, he would never expose her to the horrors, he would never want her to know of the pain that the professor endured. those two people, good people, and maybe in this life too, wonderful, good individuals that should never have met the fate that they did. shadow's head tilts down as he listens to the tv play, the airhorn of a roar, and he chuckles wryly.

as many times as shadow has put that monster out of its misery, killed it so that it would no longer suffer — the creature was unable to learn, it couldn't adjust like shadow could, and those tubes and wires were only a sort of life support. what's before him is a simple movie, refreshing, something meant for children, to make them laugh. why is he here, what is he doing here, why must he be witness to a time that is without sickness or any visible pain. there's comfort and happiness that's neatly placed right underneath the roof of the constructed tent.

something hits him, he doesn't know what it is, but something small bounced against his chest and he can only look one way. of course, in the direction that it was thrown and where he sits, by his side he'll find a small picture frame that's completely in tact. this doesn't have the professor in it, this time, it is only both him and her, her and him, smiling and happy. in his hands, it feels warm, he can hear the sound of child-like laughter in the distance, but he knows if he looks up that no one will be there. all he has is this picture within its frame, but a small crack appears right over the heart of the hedgehog within the photo.

the crack spreads like an infection.

shadow doesn't know if he should drop it or keep it in his hand, but he finds that his hand hurts, his wrist actually. like something is telling him to come, that he needs to move. there's the sound of screaming, but he can't tell if its the television or something out there. returning his attention to the television shows a dated, box television that's filled with dust and the screen cracked. everything within the tent has little bugs running through the animals, board games broken in half or completely missing from what he saw before.

the fabric of the tent has been gnawed by moths, ripped down halfway, and in his hand is a dusty frame with an old picture with faded spots here and there. upon realization of what he saw is no longer there, life having been drained from the scene and now leaves him in a dark, dreary area swallowed by darkness. he gets up realizing that there's nothing left of what was, and even that sweet smell has switched to something bitter and dry much like what's left of this place. there's the distorted sound of guitar that plays, shadow shakes his head, and doors slam against one another as someone bursts in with controlled panic to their voice.

"kids! we have to go, now!"

shadow's brow raises at the individual before him, someone he hasn't seen, but that impressive moustache says it all. he swallows down the saliva in his throat, something so real found in a dilapidated place like this? he shouldn't be surprised, this entire event has been unbelievable, but... ]

Professor? No— you're not him, y—

[ alarms blare, shadow's ears fall against his head, the sound isn't something he enjoys, rather it instills a type of paranoia in him. it's his vulnerability showing, but there's that sensation of something, or someone pulling him along. he gets up, his eyes closed as he tries to block out the sound, the fear as he's pulled into a run. no, this is one thing he can't acknowledge, this place isn't real nor does it have power to influence him, and yet he can feel a small hand around his wrist.

his head tilted forward to look at the ground, and in the corner of his eyes he can see a blue dress, and fair-skinned legs and white socks do everything in their power to prevent tripping.

however, he won't look up. what is this, why is this happening. in his hand remains the portrait as he holds tightly onto it, blood dripping into the center of the picture, staining it more. yellow lights flush the hallway, illuminating their path as he's pulled along. there's the sound of heavy footsteps, the clicks of loaded guns, voices that carry down the hall. ]

[Shadow just stood there in the darkness, the sound of those alarms still ringing in his ears, that booming voice of G.U.N., threatening to board. The hand that touched those handprints clenches. There was still warmth, or perhaps he's only imagining it was still there. Things, also didn't go well up here.

"Hurry Shadow!"

His ears perk up, her voice again. But he is still alone, with only a door of light, tempting him to press on. He starts to walk, his feet feeling heavy. He did not want to keep going, he did not want to have to see what comes next.

Back into the hallway once more, still the same futuristic space tech and yet...there was something cold and unwelcoming about it. No alarms, no GUN in sight, but the lights were dimmer, some flickering. Signs of a lack of maintenance, some machines on the wall covered in some kind of tarp. There are voices again, hushed ones.

"It's only a matter of time. Are we any closer to finding the cure?"
"Forget about that, G.U.N. is on our asses to bring them results!"
"Who was in charge of watching the prototype? How did it get out of containment?!"
"They're coming. Once they find out what the Professor's done. It's over for us."

He felt something crimple under his shoe. A newspaper? He could see at a glance in big bold letters. FIRE IN THE SKY FESTIVAL! There was a picture, hidden beneath his shoe. He's hesitating for some reason to pick it up. Like a part of him was fighting against it. The same feeling of dread he felt when his other suddenly assaulted him. Leaning down, he slowly picks the paper from the ground. Flattening it out, he sees...a meteor? Or a comet? Smaller text underneath the big one. 50 Year Return of the Black Comet Eyes flicker for a moment, the Black Comet. In 50 Years. He presses his other hand against his head, his mind suddenly feeling like it was sending little jolts painful shocks. He had never heard of this comet up to this point, and yet his mind insisted this should be familiar to him.

"On the comet's return....."

These words suddenly pop into his mind, old, forgotten, lost to time. But where had he heard them? Who said that? Something....was clawing at his mind to be remembered.

A new door opens to another room ahead. The sounds of beeping from a machine, someone's heartbeat. The raise and fall of air being moved, another machine to keep supplying air to someone. The light from the door shown dimly into the hallway, threatening to go out at any moment. The feeling of death looming.

---

The lights continue to flash, but they turn from red to a more dull yellow. The level of urgency seemingly decreasing as his other gets dragged into the next room. Those he had been running with, like phantoms they are not there with him. He's been lead into a large circular room, with what looked like there was a track along the wall, with an observation tower at it's center that can be entered into. Yellow lights still continue to the flash, but the area takes on a more abandoned appearance.

When entering the tower, there's a small chamber attached to wires from above at it's center. Seemingly there to be used to siphon something into it. Among all the controls, there was a machine that seems to track seismic activity, a dusty sheet still left behind. There was also a few smaller monitoring televisions in this room. Static, but there seem to be scenes, trying to play on them, flipping between static and a new one.]

[ there's the sound of something popping, like a bubble of sorts that comes to the surface of the sea. the sound runs like a fish tank with the filters active, bubbling up until it stops. this isn't visible, as it is only heard, it's like...

being submerged underwater with how muted and distorted the sounds are, things move slow, his vision will blur and he'll feel a sort of grogginess take over. the double will feel that way, almost like he's drowning, that he's unable to breathe if he decides to go any closer to that door. despite the threat that looms, his body may feel as though there's no choice at all.

once he's close enough to the door, ready to walk inside, that uncomfortable feeling that wrapped around his throat will disappear like his head has finally found the surface.

...

it's exhausting, being dragged into another room where he stumbles and falls to his knees. it's not a good look on shadow, never has been, however the weight of the situation and triggered something inside of him that his body refuses to accept. he has to catch his breath, his body doesn't want to move, it's not a weakness, but the endless path of pain and suffering that he's unable to stop, like a nightmare he's unable to wake up from.

it eats away at him, mentally it warps his thoughts, physically it staggers his movements that he's unable to push himself up off the floor. his ears raise, swivel a bit, and he exhales as his eyes stare down at the ground. were they really there, why did it feel so real, and when will he wake up? the portrait still remains in his hand, blood having covered over top of the girl's image, but none having spread to where his double occupys the photograph.

there's no one dragging him so he can get up on his own time, the pressure of the area feels almost draining. one hand comes to his head, palm smoothing against quills to try and soothe the upcoming migraine. no matter what, he can't stop here, this isn't even his problem, these have nothing to do with him — but aren't all shadows meant to suffer the same way?

this underlying fear that they have of the past, their loss coming to light, it's complex but to watch them hurt, and then hurt themselves. it's such a beautiful sight, as long as they are unresponsive by the end, what more could a nightmare want?

shadow finally manages to take a look at the location that he's in, the building is a wide curve, there's something on the wall that looks more than just a design choice. he takes a step forward, but there's something holding him back. shadow turns his head, and in his hand where the frame is feels heavier, that he must let it go here.

this is but the last connection he has with her in essence. she is not his, but she is still a comfort, but maybe there's a reason why when he let's go, and he's able to move forward. he still has his strength in his legs, not looking back anymore as there's nothing to return to in hindsight. push forward, this place wants him to move in one direction towards the end?

he stops right in front of a tank, empty much like everything else within the room. there's nothing inside, but with them lined side by side tells him that they were stockpiling something. it doesn't come to him instantly just yet, he turns away from it to move to the machinery that's still attempting to stay on with what energy this place is able to give. his eyes glancing at the screen and then to the paper with marks stretched left and right, documenting the output of whatever they were testing proved worthwhile.

shadow looks back to the screen, watching to see when it'll flick back. he has a feeling that maybe something can be found in it, give him a clearer picture. ]

[He has a feeling of nausea, his head throbbing numblingly, still trying to remember something. The feeling of being underwater, causing this heavy sickness. Wasn't he still in space? He struggles to walk, to breath the closer he gets to that door. Is it all in his head? Some force telling him not to go in, the opposite of what this place has been doing to him. In this moment, he could feel the mental exhaustion after traversing these rooms and hall. Mentally, not phyically?

"You and grandfather, are doing your best."

Her voice, it comes through muffled, from inside that room.

"I'm just as happy to spend time with you here."

The warmth was still in her voice, but it sounded weak, distant. They push him to keep going until- You will wait here, until the promise day. Shadow grips the edge of the door frame, his breathing erratic, eyes unfocused. What was that? What were those words? They didn't come from her. It was...a mission. His objective? In his moment of confusion, he doesn't notice right away that the air no longer felt so oppressive. He could breath normally again, his blurred sight returning after he blinks a few times. Another glass window to the space outside, next to it, an empty hospital bed. The machines beside it still running despite having no occupents. Faintly, there were sounds of something being scribbled, but as far as he can see, there's no one else here. That strange bubbling sound can still faintly be heard.

With his senses slowly returning, he can start to take in the scene before him. Though his head continue to throb in the back, he fully enters the room, approaching the hospital bed. The bed sheets were undone, and there was still this warmth to it, like someone had just been laying there. Could he be imagining it, but he could hear someone triyng to breath...? His hand, hovers over the bed for a moment. There's...a faint presence, he could sense it.

There's a clipboard attached to the bed post before him, with a decent stack of paper clipped to it. The page in front has TEST #-- the number itself scratched out. At the bottom of the page, something stamped in big red ink. [INCONCLUSIVE] He reaches to take the clipboard, looking over the actual contents. It talked about documented testing with Project Shadow, solution #-- with Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome [NIDS]. Ending in failure. He felt himself tense, his stomach turning upon realizing what the other pages likely were about. Sure enough...and he wished he had been wrong. Flipping through the pages showed the different tests with Shadow to cure the illness that their Maria was inflicted with. All ending in failure. This guilt, to be unable to do what they were created for, must have weighed heavily on his other.

He felt a rush of wind all of the sudden. Like someone was running pass him. A new child voice echoes through the room and down the hall.

"Tell that freak to stay away from me!"

Silence. Being called a freak, a monster, all too familiar. There was a gurgling sound of fluids, bubbling louder. It sounded like it was actually in the room this time. Out of the corner of his right eye, there was a tank. It was not there just a moment ago. Something was inside. It was not him, or his other. His heart skips a beat. That feeling of dread creeping back up. He did not want to see it, but his feet start to move him. As he moved from the bed, there was this a sound like a long sigh, like someone was giving their last breath. Then nothing. The machines attached to the bed all stop.

A small creature was being preserved inside the tank, nothing like any animal or human. Alien. He stood there in silence, staring. A single eye on it's larval body, staring back. Words form in his mind. Black....Arms. This is his first encounter of such a creature, and yet why does he already know what it is? Why does he suddenly see a flash of multiple creatures like it in his mind? A hedgehog's back to him, standing amongst them. His other...himself? A hand presses to his head, pressure starting to push against it. The sight of this thing, the comet, why do they make his head hurt? What are these images and words that he keeps seeing?

"This is a death sentence for every human being on Earth."

Another voice, neither Maria or the child from before. Older, much older. A ceiling light flickers on in the room. Shadow presses his head against the glass of the tank, the creature inside, wiggling it's claw-like appendages at him. He can only turn his head so he could see what this room was presenting to him now. Gerald Robotnik, his other's Gerald, sitting beneath it the light, tied to a chair. He has seen better days. Just behind him...there was something there. Someone, looming in the darkness, out of sight.They fill Shadow with fear by just being a presence there. Who...?! Gerald continues to speak, with such despair and hatred in his voice. Not too far off from how the Gerald he knew had felt toward the end.

"All of you will be destroyed, along with your beloved planet Earth."]

[ it's for some time that the feed shows nothing, how long has he stood here, and the moment that doubts start to flood is when he hears something interesting in the monitor. it's applause, various people clapping at what's being shown on the screen — a disclosed location, the information at the edge of the screen doesn't reveal, but the drone propelling right above the scene captures video evidence of something surreal.

there's a black speck, he can't make out what it is, but he figures that with everything that was shown here that who else could it be? but by himself? out there? it's a somewhat empty field with all sorts of devices compiled in the middle, a few trees here and there, but not any living creatures in sight. shadow doesn't judge the scene just yet, if they're applauding, then there's something to see.

this happens so quick that if he had blinked he could have missed it, whatever foreign object was in his double's hand is filled with energy, possibly the same kind spoken about previously. it snaps and crackles from the visual until it's dropped onto the ground, and is still powered by the energy he directed into it. shadow crosses his arms, his eyes attached to the feed, and another uproar of cheers fill the room despite no one being here.

through some of the voices, he can pinpoint which cheer was the same scream from the previous room.

...

he focuses his attention back to the video, the object having expanded to a giant black hole — his eyes widen briefly, eyeridge furrowing at the sight as what's around the open plain, and the objects nearby starts to be pulled into an unknown entry. wherever it goes, it's unknown as they don't come from behind, instead it feeds and expands, eating more and more of the location.

the ground, the nearby trees, the objects in the center, and even the surveying drone shaking and tilting at the sight. the range of the ability is terrifying to some as they gasp at the visual starting to flicker, the world spins, and the drone yanked from the sky collides towards the black hole. how massive the creation has become from what it was simply at the start explains the testing so far, to some, it'd be impressive, and the watching the drone be swallowed up and connection disconnect once taken away leaves the screen filled with white noise. that's until it clicks twice, and another feed is replacing the previous one from an outside source far away in a zone of safety. there are some fingers that obscure the screen, but it's able to show how much the hole eats away at the surroundings, a living disaster that that pops with chaotic energy, and only devours itself once a great chunk of its surroundings has disappeared.

another round of gasps call out behind him, someone else claps, and a young man curiously asks what other power sources could steam from the ultimate lifeform, if he has that, then worlds outside their own is within their reach. shadow doesn't see that though, he remains staring at the screen searching for his double, trying to see what their thoughts are on this ability of theirs. it's not anything that shadow himself knows, a technique that's never been in his possession, but one highly valued by his double it seems with how the researches "ooh" and "aah".

aren't these the same ones who are terrified in the coming days? months? years?

though, what they think at the moment doesn't matter as shadow clenches his own fist, once again finding their differences. while it may not be an ability that he has, it almost feels particularly fitting for what they had envisioned for their project shadow. if he can do this, what more is he capable of, whereas shadow's own abilities instill confidence and power within him, he cannot say the same for his double. is he afraid of what he can do, if this was within the realm of his powers, why hadn't he used it when they fought.

shadow can't say he would have dodged it, he can't say he would have lived. as impressive as it is, there is a gap within their knowledge and abilities, and this is one he wouldn't have seen at all. there's more to him that the other isn't letting on, and shadow keeps his mind open to what else the other could be keeping from him.

there's a loud clap overhead, and the paperwork begins to print out from the machine he's standing in front of. the small pen that documents the wavelengths of the energy output clicks alive, and the room lights up almost blinding him as he steps back, one arm covering his eyes until he can adjust to what's in front of him. once the light dims down enough for him to see, it's the race track in the middle that begins to start up, illuminating the entire room.

he can hear the sound of a presence running in the circular dome, over and over, power circulating as the pen begins to twitch faster and faster on the sheet before him, even directly off the sheet to expose how powerful the output is. whether the energy that wafts through the air is real or not, it's enough to make the fur on shadow's body stand. his ears twitch from the noises that circulate around the room until the sound of scribbling is heard right next to him. ]

DATE: X/XX/XXXX
PROJECT SHADOW
Written by Researcher R.

A unique creature, today's data that has been gathered today shows complete control of a Black Hole. He really is a being from outer space, having those sorts of abilities, what other skills can he control that's only seen in space? A coworker said if only his skills had something to do with the Milky Way, he'd smell like raspberries and rum.

Re: Black Hole.

Wherever the drone has been taken, there's no way to regain it ever again. We'll ask if he can return it to its original state, but I believe that whatever goes through is never to come out. Fitting for someone with the title of Ultimate Lifeform, fitting and terrifying.

The amount of Chaos Energy that comes from his body is being circulated into the tank, we will begin dissecting and breaking down the molecules. This power will have many uses, it'll replace the fossil fuels where mankind can grow off this instead. However, how much energy can this one creature emit, and what to do if it's capable of dying? We'll harvest, make sure some is kept for later, but that shouldn't be an issue with how much has already been siphoned.

He doesn't seem bothered by it at all, and still continues on with his every day life. With his bonded human, it keeps him compliant with the testing as she is Professor's granddaughter. Today, we will put him through more rigorous testing. This time, we will use humans and animals to see if the Black Hole will accept those, building a mental barrier to the idea of death. After he circulates energy into the tank, we'll guide him to a room where there are various traps and hidden weapons within the walls, either he finds the exit or faces punishment when he finds a dead end. He needs critical thinking to avoid being electrocuted when entering the wrong room. We will test his survivability to see what skills he use, and to train his endurance.

The Professor's granddaughter won't be back until late, so that gives us three more hours to test the Ultimate Lifeform.

[ the writing stops, whoever had been analyzing the data so far seems to have something else better to do.

another sheet of paper is placed before shadow, a different handwriting from the previous researcher. the writing is slowly written onto the sheet as though someone is thinking, but their thoughts are formed which leaves an unsavory taste in shadow's mouth after the previous one. ]

DATE: X/XX/XXXX
PROJECT SHADOW: TRAINING
Written by Researcher 8

• Submerge test subject underwater, see how long it will last.
• Place test subject in box underground, see how long it takes for him to escape.
• Check pain receptors, apply heat, encourage electrotherapy, see how much his body can take.
• Starve test subject to see how well it holds up, send it into test field without being fed.
• Remove body parts
• Use ~~Maria (*fake)~~ doll? as a

[ the scrawl is then ripped in two, paper ripped in more than one way and begins to trickle onto the floor right by shadow's shoes. various dots of red stain the white paper, and in shadow's grasp is where a few torn sheets fall from. his breathing is heavier, the expression he wears is a twist of anger and irritation, and he can feel his fangs brush against his tongue. how much more can shadow endure, seeing her name, seeing what these humans wanted to perfect for their new era...

this is completely different from the testing shadow has ever endured, there's something that clicks in him, that sort of burning hatred he had once before. before, humans were selfish, some things were what they deserved, but as they write, as they speak their opinions, it's all starting to get underneath shadow's fur. but he has to remember, this isn't his problem, these are not his issues, but that child who huddled against him afraid within that small cave... did he ever learn hatred, animosity towards them.

...

shadow takes a step back, shaking his head. this is not his hatred to feel, he's not meant to be subjected to this and feel for others. all this is doing is getting into his head, making him feel anger and pain that isn't his own, and he finds himself growing irritable. his hand lifts, hitting against the machine causing it to split in two, electricity popping from the device before the stylus slowly stops moving and ceases all function. ]

[The room shakes violently all of the sudden. Red emergency lights starts flashing along with alarms. He could hear people screaming and rushing in a panic back out in the hallway. Shadow ends up falling over due to the sudden movement. The back of his head hits something hard that wasn't there before. As if he needed more headaches. Pressing a hand against his back, he felt a barrier of sorts behind him. Looking around, he realizes he had been put inside a tube. When-

BANG!

There was a sound of a gunshot, cutting through all the noise. Deafening, the world going silent for a moment. Small red lights, peeking through the darkness, visors, worn by G.U.N. agents, just out of sight, surrounding him.]

"I found Maria's name among those who died when the ARK was shut down." [Professor Gerald was still monologing. As he does, the dark figure behind him becomes more solid, a form starting to take shape.] "She meant everything to me! And I couldn't bear the thought that she died because of my research. I lost everything! I had nothing more to live for! I went insane!! All I could think about, was to avenge her! Somehow, someway, I got scared as I no longer was able to control my thoughts. All I could think about, was that I wanted it all to end. Based on my original projections, I was able to complete my project; Shadow. I designed its mind to be perfect, pure..."

"Our creation."

[A deep, menacing voice cuts through the monologue. His head starts to hurt again. This voice, not quite the same, but he feels this is the voice that's connected to the words he could not explain-] WHO ARE YOU?! [He screams into the darkness, hands pressing the sides of his head. He couldn't take it, his head, swimming in so many thoughts and images that he could not comprehend. No, that he somehow knew, but did not want to acknowledge them. This was...all of the other's past, isn't it?! So why does it effect him in this way? Why...did the black comet and that creature in the tank cause such agony for him? His eyes watch the darkness behind Gerald finally take on an appearance. His quills flare up, a mixture of anger and fear at the sight of them. Three glowing red eyes, horns, cloaked in darkness. Not human, alien.

Black...Doom. The name naturally comes to him.]

I will leave everything, to him. If you wish, release and awaken it to the world..."

[The world starts rushing past him as he's suddenly ejected from the room wild inside the tube. Flying through space, heading towards Earth below, the sight of G.U.N fleets surrounding the ARK above.]

"Shadow...my greatest creation." [Shadow looks around, the Earth below, suddenly turning a decaying red. A shadow eclipses his small capsule. A large black comet appears where the ARK once was. Was this all actually there, or a part of Shadow's memories manifesting itself? His eyes widen, seeing more ominous creatures of different size and shapes around the comet. The meteor he came in, somehow he knew, was a part of this comet. The one he recognize as Black Doom, suddenly appears before his capsule. Looking at him, acknowledging his presence in this space. This was, no longer his other's memories.]

"You've gone beyond all my expectations in such a short existence. Our success rate in conquering planets have increased tenfold since you've led my troops. Rejoice, for you are the perfect soldier I had long envisioned." [He says to rejoice, but there's only a look of horror in Shadow's eyes. Images...his lost memories start to trickle back in, like a stream, then suddenly into a rushing rapid. A foreign planet on fire, destruction everywhere, the race on the planet screaming in despair. The black comet hovers omninously over it, large tendrils burrowing into the planet to drain it of it's resources. The Black Arms, taking organisms as prisoners to either be used to further perfect their own kind, or as fuel. Others deem undesirable, slaughtered without remorse. And him...with a spear in his bloodied hand, his expression cold, unfeeling and focused, standing in front and leading the charge. He didn't think he could actually make such a face until he was staring right at himself.]

"Your next task, I can only entrust to you. I will send you to our next target, Earth. Your mission is to infiltrate, assimilate before our arrival."

Understood. [He utters the words without prompt, automatic. His horrified expression not suited for his monotonus response. And just like that...the memories from before his time on Earth, came in like the flood. All he can do is scream, twisting inside the little capsule in space, where no one can hear him. He pulls at his fur and quills, sparks flying around him, tears streaming down his face. Spots of blood float around the capsule from his injured arm.] It's not true...it's can't be! They're lies! All of it!!

[They are all true.

The looks the scientist gave him. All those test where he unleashed his immense power. He was truly a monster in the end. And then, the world suddenly comes crashing to a halt. There was nothing, only darkness. Shadow, left lying on an unfamiliar floor.]

[ it looms underneath his skin, the sensation of nails dragging nice and slow causing unnecessary pain, but it's meant to amplify the moment. the amount of hate, the pain, the lack of trust, no matter what did humanity deserve to be spared by maria's will? technically, it's not that this world has her grace, his maria wouldn't know a thing about the countless lives that mean little to him. besides, shadow knows hatred, he knows scorn, he despises those around him because of this growing anger of his. even in another world where there is no sickness seen, the inevitable happens due to the selfishness of others.

shadow's eyes widen, the light in them barely there, as though it's hanging on for dear life in keeping him sane. that wild energy inside his body wanting to be set loose, wants to break free could expand and swallow all around him in destruction, but there's something holding him back. there's footsteps, there's the sound of gun's clicking, it's the same sounds from before shadow entered this room. he clenches his jaw, swallows down the saliva in his mouth and then there's that bright light illuminating the entire room, but this time it isn't from the race track.

it came from a gun shot, a whistle of fumes, energy expands — a burst of power that swallows everything in its path. him as well, but it feels like pressure, nothing as real as the past when everything goes up in flames. a child's scream follows after and the world is filled with smoke, a burning smell, broken down walls and pipes screaming with hot air. the scream sits in his ears for longer than it should, he's never heard her sound like that before. even in his last moments with her, all he could remember was her face and that bullet wound, a stark red to the pale blue of her attire — like an eye that stared at him.

for what reason would he be shown all of this, was it to trigger something inside of him — his hatred, his pain, telling him that no matter what life he leads the ending will always be the same. of course, that must be it because in this dark room is only him and his own thoughts.

why am i here?
what was i doing?
i hate them.
what was the point of saving humanity.
they will always betray me.
us.

no, that's not...

on cue, a light snaps on from above, two cones of light fall in two separate places. one is where that young girl lays in the debris, the professor holding her close as he calls her name. she's unmoving, blonde hair obscuring the look on her face from where he is. he turns his head to the other cone of light to see what's underneath, and as his eyes fall upon a familiar body that's not his but his double's. shadow brings a hand to his head, the pain growing ever more as he can feel something underneath his skin moving, adjusting, but not now.

such a sensation hasn't been available to him in quite some time, mostly because he ignores it, he doesn't need it. however, the hand on his head drips liquid in a different shade, as black as his fur, and what left of his heart within his chest skips a beat. his eyes move to the body of the dead girl, the drop of "blood" on the floor, and then to the body of his double who lays there unmoving. this isn't his past, in any scenario, he's sure that maria would want shadow to look after himself, take care of what's left, but no matter the end.

these are things he cannot change.

his legs move further and further away from the dead body of that double's maria where he comes to stand right above his copy. in shadow's eyes, all he can see are scars, blood, pieces removed, quills taken, some leftover. in his gloved hand is remnant of another where he had held, what must have been split from the explosion, the last touch of a connection... this is all that he sees, the light in his eyes practically gone to leave just a dull emptiness in his gaze which to the copy would be shadow just looking through him.

it's hard to ignore if the copy looks at him, and near his hands where some black substance seems to be slowly manifesting, even curling around his legs as though it's keeping him there. as if the body is trying to... acclimate to something he's been ignoring for quite some time.

... ]

He's unresponsive, ha ha ha. Now we can finalize our work.

[ within the darkness a loud voice echoes out, condescending to those around, nothing as proud as the deep, jarring voice that the double had heard before. this voice is smoother, menacing and confident to those who hear it.

within the darkness does something appear, a giant, silver fox-like mask. the left eye visible through a red visor, and the other completely hidden from what seems to be a black thunderbolt. the mask looks down at the two beings, one unmoving and the other laying against the floor. there's a chuckle, sounds as though the mask is impressed at what they see. ]

I can taste your terror, child. All that anxiety and doubt... it's delicious. I am amazed that you were able to break free from my mental constraints.

[ that wasn't supposed to happen, but it seems something else came into play. something much more delicious that the being finds it too good to pass up, to watch either of them crumble is all this mysterious being wants. ]

The same rules apply. Kill your opponent and you can go home. Look at that, he probably doesn't even realize you're there.

[He can barely comprehend what's running through his mind to be aware of his surroundings right now. His life before wasn't very long, yet there was just so much that his head felt like it could explode at any moment. All sensations in his body, he couldn't feel any of it, trapped in his mind castle.

His first planet, merely a soldier, wanting to prove to their master that they were capable of what they were created for. The second, rose in the ranks as captain of his own squad. Anyone who stood against him, foe or comrade, would meet their end. A nusiance, a threat to his rise in power. The third, the ultimate test as he took control of Doom's whole army. Everything he had learned up to that point, honed in for complete world domination in a manner of days. Now we come to the fourth, Earth. Where everything was lost and he was met with scuitiny from the scientists and soldiers who found and studied him. The girl who looked passed his appearance and saw another kid, who just wanted to be treated like one and have a friend.

But that was all a lie. He's no child, he was a created to kill, lead, conquer for his master. A betrayal to the girl who saw something brighter in him. His body shudders, gritting his teeth. It hurt. Everything he knows and done before his time on Earth, being weigh down by a single girl's love. He couldn't bear to live with this guilt, of what his true purpose was. Even if he hated what the humans have done to him, to her. Something...someone keeps telling him that isn't how it should be.

You always have a choice.

He starts to hear another voice taunting them with amusement, a voice outside his mindscape. It is unfamiliar to him, no information in the data banks. They demand one of them to kill the other. His other. The more they talked, the more he's getting the picture that the owner of this voice, while he doesn't know how, is the cause of everything that's been happening to the both of them.

He can't see his other, his back currently to them, but he had sensed their presence this whole time. As with his memories, a plethora of skills he had forgotten or partially only had pieces of, have become whole again. One being he could sense others like him, know where his comrades are at all times. There are some differences, but the blood that flows in the other, it is still the Black Arms at it's core. They were standing over him, he's sure of it. Were they finally going to finish the job...heh, now he understands their reaction in that hallway. Did this one manage to defect from Black Doom? The only explanation for how they behaved.

But nothing happens. Knowing them, they would've done it by now. He turns slightly, chancing a glance at them with tired eyes, stained from tears. His other eyes were on him, but they seem to be staring pass him, somewhere distant. There was some kind of black substance forming around them. Essence of the Black Arms. Leaking? Lost control?

Seeing it, he recognizes what he needs to do. He turns onto his back, staring at their hand, covered in that substance. He reaches to grasp it with his bloodied arm, his blood and that substance creates a bond, a mental connection with his other. Digging, searching to find them.]

Edited (small word changes, nothing big) 2025-03-22 00:35 (UTC)

[ the bond is made, the substance is familiar with the blood, but it's the body that rejects any intentions. it's been a long time since that energy has made itself known, but due to shadow's unwillingness, it can only remain on the outside to spread until shadow accepts it. if he had a choice, it would be to keep it dormant, return it to the depths of himself because he can do everything on his own. things such as take care of all the humans who caused maria's misfortune, those humans aren't the ones that she told shadow to take care of. there's anger that the other will find first, irritation, hatred, an unbridled rage towards that of all humans. wherever shadow is in his mind, it's not at the forefront at all. there's barriers to be broken down to reach him, there's madness that's difficult to restrain.

it's like wildfire in how it spreads, any common sense that shadow once had has immediately been burned away in favor of his hatred. the otherwise cool, collected and uninterested hedgehog would normally stand here, calculating a plan for the next few steps forward to handle the problem here.

however, with how things are now, with a connection of black doom that tries to sink into him — it raises an alarm in his head, something inside telling that invading connection to go away, that it's not wanted anywhere near him. that he can destroy and kill on his own without the reassurance of something that he can kill again. ]

I was hoping for a little more... bloodshed, but it seems you wish to waste time.

[ the voice from above realizes that maybe he should have taken advantage of this himself, perhaps he should drop this younger version of shadow in another pit of doom, watch him squirm. although, what pisses him off the most is how the other appears more capable than he was at the start of this.

what happened to that coward? ]

One wrong move and you might regret it. You have the chance to end him here, be the only one to escape. Why lose this chance?

[ even though shadow doesn't seem to be responsive physically, his body runs rampant inside where his blood boils, and his thoughts shift through the ways of every destructive choice that can be used on humans, and black doom alike. ]

[His brows furrow as his grip on the other's hand tightens. Either he's out of practice, or his other is just that capable of rejecting his presence. Perhaps both. In any other circumstances, he be impressed by their willpower, but it's proving to be an annoying obstacle. He isn't deterred though. No member of the Black Arms has ever rejected him, Ultimate Lifeform or not. He just has to make adjustments from his usual approach from whatever he did long ago. He just knows. He ignores the voice from the outside. It's not his concern, his battle is currently within.

The torrent of raging emotions isn't all that different from what he sees in other members of the Black Arms. An incohesive mess. All of them are creations of Black Doom, nothing natural about their makeup. But there's always a code hidden somewhere among the mess, all programmed into them in case...certain actions need to be taken. Something tells him it'll be different with his other. Not a direct creation, but still has Black Doom's blood flowing in them. Perhaps why he struggles to get through.

Their rage was also personal. That hatred towards all of humanity, it runs deep. And he can't even be upset by it, because he shares in that sentiment. Humans are cruel and disgusting creatures. He's come to hate them, for what they've done to him, Maria, the glimpse he saw of his other's life. For a moment, he thought letting the Black Arms invade Earth is what they deserve. But no, he's been through this already, his other's feelings getting into his mind. Destroying Earth won't bring anyone back. None of those memories will return.

He could also feel animousity and hatred being directed at him, his connection to the Black Arms. Heh, he can't deny that either. He hates what he's learned about himself, wishing for those days when he was blissfully unaware, with Maria, being a kid. But he can't go back anymore. It was all just a fluke, a life he can never have. Now here he is, using a power bestowed by Black Doom to find his other. He hates it.

It's a strange contradiction from his other though, when Black Doom could easily annihilate all of humanity. They don't want that. They choose not to for some reason, holding all of this hatred inside of them instead.]

Tch. Having trouble recognizing who I am? Let me help you! [His other will feel a wave of emotions sent to combat theirs. Powerful, matching their torrent of emotions. Hate, anger, frustration, but also sadness, uncertainty and fear. Flashes of their fight with the bio lizard copy, escaping the cave-in, the question they ask each other.

"Who are you?"

They were all attached to these emotions. He will not be treated like another Black Arms minion, Doom or whatever. He is Shadow.]

[ it's trouble recognizing, the burning desire to not let anything close to black doom prevail, the simple sensation of that if this presence looms any closer than shadow will destroy them in their goal of slaughtering every human that has betrayed him. no matter what, if the whole world is against him, he feels as though he will handle it himself. that's the issue, shadow doesn't need anyone intercepting his goal, and a growl leaves from his muzzle showcasing how irritation of this link. hate, anger and frustration are welcomed, but the weakness of sadness, uncertainty and fear are liabilities to him — those aren't emotions that he feels. his fangs bared towards whatever is standing before him because his reality is a little different from the truth. if there are meant to be dead bodies everywhere for his eyes to see, then he'll make sure of it.

this shadow does a good job denying what's favourable for him, a helpful hand, a show of kindness, anything that he doesn't want. his willingness to go against black doom grows stronger with every second that they remain together, but because his copy's emotions of sadness, uncertainty, failure are as strong as shadow's hatred, some seeps though, small flashes of the previous memories leak through. drip by drip, those encounters make a story in shadow's head — some events with a look-alike that has led him here. despite the information sent to him, shadow still seems wary despite it all.

however, it's his own willingness that sends something back, a response. ]

You do not feel like who you said you were.

[ crimson eyes glow menacingly, brows furrowed, that link slightly shaky not because of anyone else intervening, but because shadow's so enraged by this that he'll cut the link depending on the wrong answer. this has been an issue with him, always leaving, fading away into the darkness. the depths of his mind is like a black pit, the endless tar not drowning him, but only keeping unwanted things at bay.

what's before him is an attachment to black doom trying to connect with him. so again, same practice as before. ]

Who are you?

[He feels the other hate and animosity striking him, leaving mental cuts, like a warning should he continue to press. But he isn't pushing anymore than he needs to. Despite his intrusion, he's choosing only to press back if he feels the connection starts to wane. Even with all his emotions thrown at them, there was no hostility behind them. Whether the other notice in their current emotional state is unknown.

They are only focused on his nature, fixated on it, something he cannot hide. He's not going to try in front of his other. The question feels loaded. No matter how he answers, it will not end well for himself. No matter what, the Black Arm's blood flows in him, just like his other.]

...A monster like you. [Whatever comes from that response, he'll bear it. He refuses to leave until he brings back the other. If he gets killed in the process...well, so be it.] You're losing control. [He states the reason for his presence, but doesn't openly state to help. He's sure they would want to work through it themselves, but regardless the method, they need to come back. Who knows how long the owner of that other voice will wait before deciding to just take matters into their own hands.]

[ the connection remains at the answer, it doesn't feel like it's going to break, no... it stays there, but doesn't let this connection come any closer. as though the body is contemplating what's being said to it.

of course, the mask above only watches in irritation — as the prophet, it would do no good allowing them to do nothing. there's people watching, disaster awaiting, death imminent, and it irritates the voice more and more to watch them in silence. whatever the younger one is doing, it seems to be lowering the hostility found in the older hedgehog.

these emotions: fear, pain, hatred, they're needed for what's to come. to throw a wrench into the plans of the younger one, the ground splits between them at a snap of a finger. having some control over the surroundings seems to work, better than he had expected because all it has to do is widen the gap. ]

You should hurry, I'm growing quite bored at you two staring at each other! I want to see you afraid, or will it hurt you more knowing he won't come back?

[ there's white noise next that the copy can hear, it buzzes into his ears but not from what's around him. no, it comes from the connection, he can hear the applause next of humans praising something, and then the scribbling on a sheet of paper and then the voice of a older woman considering what stress tests to do.

it becomes quiet. ]

You are not like me.

Because

...

I will. Kill them.

[The moment he felt progress was the moment the ground starts to split. The connection barely holds. He blinks back in the waking world. Reality? He isn't sure what is real or not anymore. As he does, his phantom within the connection fades. Their only connection now is by his blood that managed to seep into his other, like a parasite. His grip still on his other's hand despite the additional gap.

Irritated, he stares up at the masked face above them. There are sparks in his other hand as something starts to form.] Enough talk. [He takes aim, a tiny ball of chaos energy had form as he fires it toward the face. He doesn't know if they're actually there or just an illusion. He know he's grown tired of their constant interruptions. Once that little orb reaches within vicinity of that head, it will suddenly expand into a black hole, blocking all light and pulling anything close by into it. It's much more controlled than what was shown in those testings, only threatening the space it was occupying and not expanding much further.

You are not like me.

His other voice rings in his ear. No, not just them. There's cheering...? He presses his free hand to the side of his head. These images...what's being written on that paper, even he doesn't recall being privvy to such a thing. But some of the tests listed there...he remembers going through a few of them. The last one, something with Maria? What? Why, was he seeing this? Why was his other seeing this? The other's remaining words reaching him. The implications are concerning.] Shadow?!

[ it's only a magic trick in a way, the apparition disappearing as quickly as it came with the younger hedgehog's ability. the black hole swallowing in whatever is close by, and while the mask disappears from there, a piece of the ceiling is taken into the black hole — a bit of the outside visible, light shining down within the dark room illuminating it only where they stand.

his head hurts, his ears twitch at the sound of his name, and his body alerts him of what connection is still there. what moves through his body in an attempt to stay entwined with the other in some way.

slowly his hand curls, the sensation of nails pressing to the inside of his palm, and it's with just a little pestering that he blinks. at first, it's suspicious with the black ooze still around his body, but it recedes, sinking back into his body without trapping him in place. the floor shifts, shadow's side lowering only by an inch, but nothing to worry about.

they have to leave, that's all that is before it consumes them back below, and they've worked so hard to climb from where they were. if the beings of this world finds them then what's next? these aren't things shadow thinks about, but just this once he does move one foot forward.

the look in his eyes never meets his copy's, instead, they away from him completely. something in the darkness that only he can see, and whatever that is... he doesn't seem to comment on. shadow inhales, catching his breath as he turns his head to the side in a small coughing fit, a little raspy like an older person trying to recompose themselves. ]

[The blackhole soon disappates, letting in the light from above. Whatever that annoying apparition was had disappeared for now. His focus can return to his other. The black ooze was receding, that should be promising, but he can still sense turmoil in his other. This drive to move, go somewhere. Away.

He moves to stand as his other takes a step. Their eyes seem distant, focused on something else. Ahead. He glances in the same direction as his other for a moment, unable to see whatever they're seeing. He looks back when they start to cough, remaining still. Quietly.] Shadow...? [Despite all he remembers, that softness about him never quite left him.]

[ promising, maybe.

no one can tell if that's a good or bad thing, the copy was better off going alone, leaving shadow alone. no matter how many times the younger one calls to him, shadow never makes visual contact. his ears twitch registering that he's being called, but anything else about him seems distant.

hea probably working off instinct more than his common sense and intuition, that look in his eyes absent of that calculating look he normally wears when he's presented with a problem. everything that stands in his way can be torn down, that's the only thing that makes sense to him.

what trace of the copy that's still within shadow will immediately tell that shadow isn't completely there. that his need to get out of this world is there, but get out and do what exactly... there's no answer to it. ]

[He cannot. Their lives are too connected in more ways than one now. If he experienced memories that belonged to his other during that time they were separated, then they must have seen his memories as well. Something there, made them snap. Is that his own fault...? No, some other force is trying to pit them against each other. The masked individual.

He can't look into them right now. It is invaluable that he gets his other back to their senses first. They seem fixated on one point, ignoring everything else around them. He needs to make another connection that his blood cannot do alone. He reaches to gently grab their hand, avoiding any sudden movements and just let him be aware he's next to them.]

[ a foreign embrace to him, something wrapped around his hand, and he turns to look just this once. in his view, he sees the fallen body of maria, her hand held onto his being dragged along the ground. shadow stops only to watch, gaze drifting to behind the body where blood trails onto the floor.

that's because of him, isn't it? obviously this must have been something he experienced, it's because of those damned humans. he doesn't recall this maria requesting any happiness for them, why would she? the last thing he remembers are her screams, the explosion... the silence afterwards.

his fingers curl tightly around the hand that hold his, not for the reason his copy may think unless he can feel that something is still wrong.

all shadow has to do is find the source, kill the source, find her world... slaughter them all. easy enough, it can easily be done, all he has to do is find the source... ]

[He tenses, seeing what his other sees, what he's had to relived for the last fifty years. All that he felt in that moment, reflected back at him through his other. It was so much, a heavy pressure pushing against him, threatening to swallow him. Reminding him what they've done to him, to her. Murderous intent creeping up. More intense than anything he ever felt on his own. Searching. Seeking to end them.

It's still wrong.

A small voice, still pushing back. He's starting to wonder who that voice is, keeping him from falling into the pit several times now. Their hand squeezing his, but it doesn't give him reassurance.]

Don't. [That isn't their fight. They shouldn't be driven to burn his Earth. Why is he even defending it though? Certainly not for the reason he cares about anyone on his planet. Cause he's seen enough of it? Planets burning and die. Over and over. Newer memories conflicting with the old. His devotion toward his own creator, not as strong as before.]

[ and what is that voice within the muck that speaks to him to tell him what to do and not to do? strange and foreign, unwanted and undesired by him when all he wants to do is destroy people he doesn't know, kill what's been taken from...

him?

that hatred, that pain, oh and the anger, the anger is so overwhelming that his body feels hot. like everything in him wants to combust to destroy all that's around him. however, those humans aren't here, that world seems so far away that he has to go alone to reach that place.

his irritation feels misplaced at times, there are unfamiliar faces that he doesn't recall, but he knows what he wants to do with them. that's right, the entire world could rot and then burn, something he is capable of because who would stop him? what could stop him? he should let go now, shadow has to let go because there are things that his companion cannot see. it may be the younger version of himself holding on, but to him... this maria lingers, reminding him why he should do it.

because these are his feelings of anger and hatred, and he has to follow these feelings because what else could he ever want?

that's why the copy will feel that grip loosen as though shadow has decided to let go, and he has. ]

[Their grip is loosening, even as he continues to feel murderous intent boiling underneath. Their emotions has not calm, and it feels like he's being pushed further away. So he keeps holding onto their hand, refusing to let them go.]

Shadow, listen. [Do they even hear him anymore? Doesn't matter, he has to try.] Someone is making you feel this way. Make us hurt. I saw them. [Why? He still doesn't know. He doesn't recognize that masked face. He just knows this is likely what they want, his other to fall into a trap.]

[ if only someone else was as violent, was full of anger and hatred then maybe he could see eye to eye. the younger one may have not worked for that scheme, but everyone knows that shadow has a couple of faults to him — his past, the conflict with his own emotions, it works splendidly well when used against him.

maybe because the younger one was sad, upset, afraid that it did the opposite and doesn't work as well.

he thinks to push this persistent voice away, whatever's holding onto him. the issue here is that between looking at this deathly, deterioated version of maria... sometimes it cracks, he can see something black and red behind it. a mirror or... no... that one, the one... from those memories with the salamander, and then the cave-in.

shadow's eyes look away from their head to trying to meet where he thinks those second crimson set of eyes are.

...

no one can make him feel this way, this is how he should feel... right? ]

[He's met with silence still, ears falling slightly. Though the whirlwind of emotions from them seems to be lessening...? That should be good, right? But they still aren't responding, still seeing something that isn't there. What does he do?

He watches, seeing their eyes searching. Pass him, back to him, pass him again. His own eyes searching for a way for them to recognize what is reality once more. His ears perk up, recalling a memory, when he looked at the stars with Maria. He pulls at their hand, coming closer. He then places their hand over his chest fur, there, a heartbeat. Could he feel that? That's real.] I'm right here.

[ there's a twitch of his fingers against that patch of fur, a thumping sensation underneath that shouldn't be there. if anything, maria should be a lifeless husk with no chances of living. but... that beating, that's not maria, is it? he fingers weave within the fur, flinching a bit thinking he should draw away in case he accidentally breaks whatever it is he's supposed to be feeling.

there's something about someone there, they're right there, and it's with a shake of his head and a frustrated growl that he looks away.

it doesn't last long, his palm remaining there, feeling the heart that beats underneath. the sensation reminds him of something else, a moment in time, one where his own ears shift down against the top of his head almost ashamed at forgetting. his body remembers, his mind that was clouded feels a little clear, and that apparition that haunted him slowly fades away showing him the reality in front of him.

that kid, the one that shows more sadness than he should looking right at him with his own hand placed atop of his, keeping a hand against his chest.

he had died... no... he's alive, he's right there. ]

You...

[ what did he call him, yes... seven... ]

You shouldn't... be here...

[He stands there, waiting. Watching. He thought for a moment it wasn't going to work, until he could see a shift in their eyes. A weight that slowly lifts within them. They...they're looking right at him. Recognition. His heart might have skipped a beat when they started speaking, to him! His eyes brighten for only a moment, but it returns to concern. No, he doesn't think they're back just yet. Their claim has him puzzled, tilting his head.]

Where is here? [Were his other still seeing something, or talking about the current reality?]

[ here is... for once his eyes look around to take in the darkness around them, done light filters from the ceiling but it's not enough to make out their surroundings.

shadow clicks his tongue, irritated still, angry still, but he holds it back in favor of what's going on here. ]

Black Doom is... [ here? ] I felt him... but also... you can't be here.

[ this place, there's something wrong with it.

it's like a poison to him, the other seems comparatively fine, but there's this tingling sensation like a warning.

but why would it warm shadow against himself? ]

This place will...

[ he's trying to get himself together not knowing that the one before him is already privy to his life. only that anger and hatred didn't consume him at all. ]

[...Ah. The hand holding his other's falters for a second. But then, he decides to let him go after a moment. His other seems to be with him now, aware of their surroundings. He's starting to feel anxious though, worried about where this could go. He can't hide what he is, he doesn't want this to start another fight between them. Not until they locate that masked individual. After that, then...]

...He's not here. He never was. [He couldn't quite meet his others eyes as he assures him. It's not a lie though, he would have known as well.] There was someone else who was here. A...masked faced? I think they're the ones responsible for bringing us together. [He tries to move the subject, but he already knows that is likely ineffective. All he can do, is be ready for whatever his other decides to tell him, or do.]

Edited 2025-03-24 01:47 (UTC)

...?

[ the answer causes shadow to look in the other's direction. how would he know who that is, and if he's sure of that enough to say so. what does he know. he can see the suspicion grow in shadow's eyes as he looks at the child before him.

... ]

Then.

[ there's something still there, a small piece of a foreign matter that runs though his body. he thinks to crush it instantly, but his eyes adjust to the darkness of the room and then fall onto the other. ]

Who all were here?

[ a simple question.

a rhetorical question, but he wants to hear it from him. ]

...Just us when I came to. The masked face, they weren't actually here. Just an illusion. [He's still not looking directly at them, but he can feel their eyes on him.]

When we got separated...I fell into your memories. [He sounds apologetic about it, eventhough it wasn't his intention to see into his memories. Memories that trigger old ones to return. His ears fall back slightly.] You must have been in mine. You...you were still trapped in them when I saw you again.

[ it's extra words that mean little to him, his own irritation flaring when he's given who was here. the mask doesn't matter, but what he felt at that time, that intrusion of power that only ticks him off even more.

did it come from him? is that foreign matter that's going through his body at the moment all because of him? being trapped within memories, it's pathetic on his behalf... the fact that it was fueling his hatred, but somehow that look of suspicion remains in his eyes as he stares at the other.

he's searching for something, a tell, one that the other isn't speaking on. ]

Don't tell me what I already know.

[He turns his head slightly at that, frowning. Were they just fishing for a certain answer from him? Expect him to say something that will give them a reason to do...something? His brows furrow, eyes managing to meet theirs once more.]

...Why don't you tell me what's troubling you first? [He wants to hear what they really want to say to him.]

[ only the guilty won't come clean, but the way the other turns away for that brief moment only to return his gaze. ]

I don't have troubles. [ he can neat it in his voice, the way he sounds irritated as he continues. ] I have enemies.

[ did he expect the other to be one? no, but maybe that's what's unfortunate about who he is in any place. ]

[Because he remembered how his other assaulted him the moment he spoke about how he arrived on Earth. Telling him anymore makes him uneasy. Would they do the same thing again if he told them how he remembered where he came from before? What he had done? His reason for his existence and why he arrived on Earth in the first place? He wouldn't say their relation is that of friend, but he doesn't want to lose whatever they have right now. He...doesn't want to be alone again.

His left hand sparks for a moment as he flexes his fingers. His other will immeditely notice the feeling of that little intruder in their body is gone soon after. He can only sense his other's presence and nothing more.]

I'm not your enemy.

[ that foreign substance dissipates thereafter into something else, whether it heightens shadow's senses of what's before him, or if it's supposed to matter doesn't show on his face. that suspicion remains as he looks at the child before him, his brows furrowing, crimson eyes staring right at the other.

he may have assisted in pushing that fog from shadow's eyes, but that feeling of what he didn't trust simply disappearing by such a subtle movement.

it was him all along, that vile presence that he despised is nothing more than this child. ]

All Black Arms are.

[ it's a connection that should have been severed, every black arms annihilated upon black doom's death. how it should have been, but it's with certainty that shadow pulls away, leaving a gap between them.

of course, the sound of propellers ring out overhead, like something is coming their way. the air units from before thats to hunt them down most likely, this was probably the calm before the storm. there's voices, the ones from before as they chant that they have to capture the escapees or the battle royal will be ruined. they're in here, they're here. heed to the prophet. ]

[...Stop looking at him like that. Like the scientists and soldiers did. He didn't ask for this, he didn't have a choice upon creation. It hurts, seeing his other look at him with distrust and putting this space between them. He can't refute what is the truth. He was purely made to be Black Doom's perfect soldier. His other...even if the professor used the Black Arm's DNA, they were created with good intentions in mind. They are different.

He doesn't understand why. Why does he care anymore what others think? Isn't learning who he is what he always wanted? He could go back to the way things were. Commanding all of Black Arms, see the other before him as nothing more than a defector, a failure. His objective was clear and straight forward back then. Eliminate the problem. He didn't need to think or consider feelings from his victims.

But his heart is tainted, touched by all the people he has met and learned from, the good and bad. He's not who he was before landing on Earth anymore. He can't take any of it back, but he doesn't know if he can keep taking all this pain. A quiet realization. If anyone learned of what he is, there will only be more. He can't go back. Staying wherever here is, might mean Doom may never arrive to his Earth. There's...no where for him.

He closes his eyes for a moment.] ...Then- [His ears twitch, picking up the new sounds entering the area. The captors have caught up with them it seems. Rather than take action, Shadow remains standing there, waiting on their approach.]

[ there's no other way for shadow to look, not when he's always destroyed every one he has came across. it's like breathing to him, considering what they've done to the planet, what they tried to utilize him for, the confusion that shadow had suffered during that time. how else is he supposed to look at him when this copy is no different than a mirror.

the path shadow himself had took was bloody, lives were lost, he acted on his own whims, but before him? why did that connection to black doom feel so close, what has he done with him, none of the memories filled that in at all and shadow can only wonder.

where do their differences meet when it comes to this?

the sounds of their hunters grow, shadow's ears twitch, and he clicks his tongue in annoyance as he stands there to look at the other who remains in place. shadow won't stay. ]

Give me the Chaos Emerald.

. . . [The Chaos Emerald that was left with him. The little bit of trust the other was willing to give him, now being given back. Or maybe he was just seeing something that was never there to begin with. The emerald reappears in his hands. He doesn't need it, something in his mind tells him. Staring at it for a moment, power still weak. Sparks come from his hands as he imbues it with some chaos energy before passing it to his other without incident.

His expression is nondescript. Someone lost in their thoughts, thinking.] Aren't you going to finish the job? [Why haven't they done anything now that they know Doom's blood runs through him? It's unlike them, considering what happened before at the mere hint of the Black Arms.]

[ there's part of him that doesn't want the chaos emerald, he could sneer, he could say how he doesn't need him for anything else. shadow stares at the emerald, eyes looking away in the distance as though annoyed from the action. he probably is, when did he ask for any of his energy, when did he ever ask for his support? ]

Gladly.

[ a light flashes overhead, covering them both in a brightness that should be blinding. shadow has been under the veil of spotlights, ignoring it as he's quick to manifest a chaos spear into the palm of his hand. it glistens from the added exposure of the light around them, his bracelet sparkling — ]

Die.

[ from the air units, a couple of red dots wiggle down against their body possible for aiming purposes. what lingers at his back comes another that rests against the forehead of his copy, shadow raises his arm— the sound of shots are fired, red lines manifesting from the darkness behind them, it was smart to utilize. with his free hand, shadow's quick to cross-chop the other at his neck, knocking him to the side briefly to avoid the headshot.

shadow moves forward, the first flurry of bullets barely missing his spines as his other hand throws the chaos spear in the direction behind his copy. it comes into contact with the wall, exploding upon impact. the barrage of bullets (or what seems to be, it's best not to get clipped shadow finds by the smell of them as they disperse into some gas) rain down, but the hand that he used to hit the other in one swift movement has come to the emerald, pressing it against the chest of the hedgehog as they both hold onto it, expanding on the power. ]

Chaos...... Control!!

[ he yells out. the once weak emerald begins to pulsate, a bright light manifesting between him and the other. it swallows them whole, time having stopped and sparks generating from the usage.

rather than stay in position, they disappear and reappear, the jewel sputtering out sparks and traversing right to the center of the stadium in mid-air. shadow holds onto the other as they fall down, a quick kick forward to activate his air shoes to hove down without incident. the same location where they began their journey, where they met, destroyed by the other's destruction, but with no one here it tends to work in their favor. ]

[...It's like being back on the moon again, but there's no conflict of interest. It's finite coming from his other. The world around him feels distant, everything muffled except for the crackling sound of a chaos spear forming, his other's voice. Nothing will matter in a moment. The pain will end and his existence won't be a blight to anyone anymore.

That is, instead of being met by the smite of a chaos spear, he felt a sharp pain from the neck that spreads to the rest of his body.] -!? [He falls over as expected, the ringing sound of gun shots being fired reaching his ears. He's stunned, by the non lethal strike, and confused by the other's action. He feels bullets barely missing him, a strange smell reaching his nose. His vision blurred that he couldn't tell what was going on. Where his other went. Why though?

He suddenly senses their presence beside him, something solid being pressed against him. He heard those familiar two words his other taught him and suddenly he felt like he was being pulled. His energy resonating with the chaos emerald as he felt a familiar sensation when he teleports, but amplified. They've gone far, that's all he can gather. Soon as the world returns, he feels his other holding onto him, dropping down from above somwhere. The...is this the stadium? He shakes his head, trying shake off that tingling sensation out of his system.] W-What...? [His feet touch ground as he wobbles slightly. There are so many questions and none of them should even matter when he should be dead??? ]

[ with them in the stadium, back to square one, shadow turns his back to his dumbfounded copy only to ignore him. there's no reason to make amends, or to have conversation, he won't even follow up on what they should do next. what it comes down to is him riding solo for the time being.

the copy will find the chaos emerald is still in their hand, something shadow hadn't taken.

playing everything smart would be to kill him off, he knows that, but as long as his suicidal tendencies stray from getting captured in this world then shadow doesn't care. this place is separate from everything, he's on his own.

he's back to being on his own. ]

[The lack of a response is upsetting, irritating. Why? Is he not the enemy to them? He doesn't understand why they're just walking away, leaving him with the chaos emerald as well. Leaving him.]

That's it? You're going to just walk away? [The grip on the emerald tightens. He wanted to just chuck it back at them in frustration.]

[ does that warrant a response? his copy has eyes, he can see what shadow is doing, he can see that the hedgehog isn't turning around to follow up.

he can do whatever he wants with the emerald, he can wander this place as much as he wants. ]

Do not be stupid. I told you I'm going to finish the job.

[ he is an enemy, but there are other matters to look into, like the person who brought them here is the biggest threat. ]

. . . [His other can't see it, but something forms beside Shadow, a small dark portal. He tosses the emerald into it as it'll reappear in front of his other through another portal. It rolls along the ground toward them. He did not recharge it this time.] I won't be needing that. [It's not a bluff. Fully aware of his own capabilities now, he doesn't need that emerald as much as his other might. In a blip, he's gone before they can do anything about it. Leave it or take it, not his concern anymore.

His other has chosen to take on another priority before coming for him, knowing he won't run when the time comes. "They're making a mistake" is what goes through his mind. But fine. He can't sit around and wait, so that only leaves him to focus on one thing. That masked face. Unfortunately, he never got anything out of his other to know who they even are. Other than they really want one of them dead, or both. Felt personal how they were egging him on to kill his other.]

[ as if shadow needs it, there's nothing he can do with a dud emerald that has no use — if sonic were here, knowing him, he could possibly recharge it.

because he doesn't need it doesn't mean it won't prove useful in the future for something else. he leans down, picking up the gem as it disappears once he accepts it.

he's already dashing off, his eyes glancing at the wreckage behind them. to find this person, who they call the prophet, then shadow has only so many choices. he could run around in search of them, or he can allow himself to be captured.

they're on the radar of these creatures anyway. willingly playing captive isn't his first choice, but it'd probably do better than running around blindly. with that other version of him gone from the field, shadow jumps onto the point of a collapsed pieces of the stadium, looking around to see where he can find the most lights. ]

[Shadow is likely to come around to the same conclusion eventually. He reappears just outside of the stadium, where they had originally escaped from the underground. The remains of the helicopters were still there...or are they? It's faint, but they seem to be glitching in and out of existence. It puzzles him, so he comes closer to investigate. A hand press against the debris, and every so often, phases through it.

An illusion, like that mask hovering above them before.

No one had been here for some time, so whomever is the mastermind must be conserving resources to where the action was. Not thinking anyone would return to the crime scene. All of this, a fabrication? Just for them? For the other?

He crosses his arms. They want them to fight, kill the other. If they don't, there's repercussions. Or...if he waits long enough and keep away from the other, maybe the culprit will reveal themselves to handle it, like before. He can still sense his other's presence from here. It may be best not to go far, be ready to strike when they think he's not paying attention. Unless they come for him. Then he's sure his other will catch on.]

[ he could be right.

staying apart might drive the culprit to needing to handle things themselves, while the younger hedgehog decides to go the route where there's hardly anyone, biding his time. shadow takes advantage at making himself known, it's not the best plan, but it's one that gives his enemy the advantage to think they've captured him.

the youngest shadow will hear a glitching sound behind him, as if something is there, watching and waiting for him to turn around.

if he does, he'll find nothing, but he'll know something is nearby. ]

[He's pacing around the area, looking for the building he had initially taken himself and his other to escape these copters. Was he imagining it, or could he no longer locate it? His ears perk up at a sound behind him. He stops in his tracks, waiting for a moment. Left hand crackles with energy as he turns...to nothing.

He doesn't relax though. Something about the area is starting to feel off. Brows furrow as he lets out some air. He will need to call on that power. If this is an illusion, then he can break it. His ears swerve around, locating the one spot with a lot of noise, static...] Show yourself. [He pulls a spear practically out of thin air and slashes on his target spot. It cuts through the fabric of space, cracks forming around the area. An unsettling darkness creeping out from the opening. He can't fully break this world's illusion, but he can atleast make pockets. Flush whatever is there out, unless they want to be trapped in that world.]

[ don't worry, they fully understand the position they're in. forcing him out of hiding is quite the option, quickly, the glitching grows louder until a body appears a polite distance away from the void created to swallow him whole. what appears is a young gentleman, a confident chuckle as he bows forward — a familiar mask, a glaring red eye, white hair draped branched out onto his back.

"ha ha, how brave you are, little one."

the jackal's tail sways from behind, amused by how much quick progress has been made thanks to his own interference.

"i've only come to talk, surely you have time."

that's all anyone has here in this place, besides, playing with them endlessly was the plan until someone started to break his things, those illusions. the phantom ruby pulsates in the creeping darkness around them, but the prophet stands in wait. ]

[Shadow follows their movement. Now that they've shown themselves, the dimensional pocket he had created starts to shrink and disappates. There is no recognition of the masked figure before him, but he continues to glare at them. They are the reason he and his other are here. The cause of those memories returning. Be it intentional or not. That much he understands.

He notes the ruby on their chest. He feels like he should recognize it, an old document about an artifact filed away in his data. Searching.] The only thing you'll be doing is meeting the end of my spear. [Talking means prolonging their time here. The target has decided to show themselves to him, so he'll eliminate them. Although as he lunges at them, spear at the ready to skewer them, he expects this to fail. Fighting means gathering intel for him though. He needs to know what he's dealing with.]

[ "how unfortunate, have you forgotten how to talk?"

it's like looking at a replica play the same games over and over, this one is younger, but not as naive as he was at the start. if infinite played his cards differently, he should have appeared way earlier. infinite moves to the side, an afterimage of himself appearing and disappearing right after like a trail — it tricks the eyes, makes it difficult to tell which one is which, and given his abilities are illusions and the ruby working in overtime... his own body glitches just like the fakes, an attempt to fool where the other strikes.

it's a long line of glitches out infinite's, them all bowing sans for the one that shadow has hit which fizzles out with a crackle.

"if you kill me, you'll never get out! then you'll be trapped with someone who hates you forever. do you really want that?"

the strange chuckles, the sound of laughter coming from each glitched out version as they mimic the original. "unless unless

unless

u n l e s s...

you are that selfish." ]

[As he thought, it would have been too simple. Not letting them talk was the call. Now they're trying to get into his head, but it's already too late. As he turns to face the replicas, he summons a flurry of chaos spears around him. It's clear none of the jackel's words reached him, his focus even harder to break now. Why should he be concern when he can break their illusion at a swing of his spear? Even then, his other is the ultimate lifeform. They will find a way.

Calling their bluff, he fires the spears into every replica. He watches and waits as his attack rains down upon them, spear at the ready to pounce onto the real one.]

[ spears rain down to mutilate every illusion, the only saving grace is the stranger's shield used to block the chaotic energy that strikes himself. pushing against it in hopes that it fizzles out, if not, infinite jumps back as the spear digs into the ground where he once was.

how childish.

"beating me won't save you from your fate, child."

newfound resolve is annoying, the fact that his kind heart is replaced with something more dangerous means he won't let infinite get into his head. it's funny, seems like the younger hedgehog will do anything to ignore the truth, or maybe because the truth is so evident that this is why nothing gets underneath his skin?

"think about it, i can fix everything if you trust me."

it's simple, don't kill him and he can do something more.

"i can make it so you aren't alone... turn back the clock to the beginning. killing me seals your fate, haha."

but death isn't something infinite is looking towards to. he plays with this shadow, humored by his actions because it's not like he know, but oh, he will make him suffer soon just for carrying the name of the hedgehog he despises. ]

[Their words do not give him comfort. They just piss him off. If they could have done that, they would have done it sooner. They're a rat trying to weasel themselves out of a situation they brought onto themselves, to appease him. Toying with his pain. He's sick of it. Trust? Promises? He's been through that song and dance. There's no such thing.]

Save it for someone who cares. [He throws his spear at the jackel, then disappears himself. It wasn't through the usual means one would expect of a Shadow. If the jackel manages to catch it, there was a dark portal that had appeared behind him that he went through instead. Where will he appear?]

[ because he doesn't know to trust. isn't it the younger hedgehog who is making this difficult for himself?

the jackal is agile, enough to roll onto the floor to dodge the spear that crashes into the ground. touchy, he can tell that the other doesn't want to hear anything. his anger towards him is justified, but shouldn't he be glad for all that infinite gave? their ears twitch, the void is silent so he doesn't notice it by that means, only because he needs to be wary of his surroundings.

another clone, and another as the phantom ruby pulsates causing the additions and the one controlling it to glitch in this space. place the doubles by whatever portal appears, keep himself safe for the time-being. it's a waiting game, he has to give up soon enough... or maybe because of what he is that giving up isn't an option.

"but you do, you do care. why else would you fight me if you didn't? you care, and you fear." ]

[There's silence, then there was a moment of laughter. It was neither happy or sad, unsettling amusement over what the jackal says.] I don't fear. [They still think he's a child, when they've unleashed the perfect soldier back into the world. He does not fear, he does not care. He hunts and kills for his master. The spear that had remain sitting without it's owner in the ground, there was a carving where the blade met the staff. It starts to shift, like it was alive. It opens to reveal to be an eye. The eye's pupil starts to move, looking toward the replicas, searching.

Why waste his time when he can just pinpoint the real one? A dark portal forms behind the jackal. No hedgehog comes out of it, only a large claw-like arm will appear. It's coloration was that of the Black Arms, jet black, turning into crimson skin, ending in yellow claws. Slender in build, with tufts of crimson protruding near the wrist, hinting to what purpose this unit might have been created to do. It swipes at the real jackal.]

I bring fear. [They certainly gave him something. More tools to toy with his prey.]

Edited 2025-03-26 13:24 (UTC)

[ "you are a child! you don't know how to bring fear! the only one scared of you is yourself. that's why you're hiding!"

same could be said of the previous measures of the jackal, but hey, it's fun, entertaining and he didn't need to show himself then. besides, he has to get to his feet, keep his surroundings clear, force the jewel to make another copy — sloppier and sluggish, this one moves slower, but that doesn't matter. if he bends reality just a bit, it can be a solid matter, it can brace the attacks.

this may not be his virtual reality that he has complete control over, the younger hedgehog senses might have dulled over the experiences it has seen, but that doesn't mean the jackal has lost. no, because he won't allow himself to lose again. a mighty foe, dangerous too, he sees that, he's witness to how these newfound abilities come with ease, and how infinite must move quickly or suffer consequence.

the phantom ruby does its job by protecting its wearer, it glows and pulsates as soon as the hand comes through the portal, a wide shield brought into existence in order to tank the hit. while the shield does crack in the center, shattering due to the pressure applied, the large arm is in position to grab or slash at him, the body in place in hopes to cushion the attack.

either way, in this void, there's sparks that come from the phantom ruby trying to alter reality and an outside force that zips right into the battle area, a line of light yellow crashes right into the arm, a black and red ball picking up speed to push the arm back, if not into the hole that it dwells from to prevent it from hitting the jackal.

the knockback sends him back onto the ground, feet first as he stands with a furrowed brow. looks like someone changed their mind about playing captive. the jackal however is amazed then annoyed, disgusted upon realization of who it is. ]

[It's call the element of surprise, cause he's certain this jackal isn't aware of what they've brought to the surface from this child. Using that to his advantage to catch his prey. Hiding? From what he's seen so far from this rat. They don't deserve his full might. Their words only driving him further to prove his point. Their pitiful shield barely holds against his strength, breaking through to crush them.

Until his hand was suddenly forced back by an unforeseen strike. No, he felt their arrival. For them to go after him though, was unexpected. The hand disappears back into the void, Shadow left confused by their actions. He nearly had that jackal, they were about to be free of this prison of illusions. Was their hate for the Black Arms so much as to ignore the real target?

He makes an irritated sound as he traverses through the void. Another portal forms where he had left his spear. What exits isn't that large creature that hand belonged to. An armored hand comes through to grab hold of the spear. The rest of the hedgehog follows through, clad in armor that was bestowed onto him as Black Doom's commander of his army. His helmet obscures his eyes, but he's glaring down onto his other. There's no hesitance or uncertainty of his intentions like before.] Why did you stop me? [Is there a reason he couldn't finish the job? Was what the jackal said before about what happens if he dies true? Or is it really "because Black Arms".]

Hmph.

[ the younger may speak to him, but shadow ignores him in favor of turning his attention to the jackal. this is pathetic, it should have been obvious, but those who matter very little to him rarely find themselves on his mind. the slack doll in infinite's hands glitches away into particles, and the jackal grins. well, who knew he'd gain the attention of two hedgehogs.

a green sparks appear in one hand, his chaos spear manifesting as he points it at the jackal. ]

I will finish the job.

[ but it's not like his intentions are solely for infinite, even as shadow glares at him, he turns back towards his other, and points the weapon at him too. ]

Both of you.

[ two against one.

is it intimidating to hear that he's willing to fight them both? no, on the contrary, infinite chuckles with some sort of amusement again. is that the plan here. after all that shadow has went through, the damages, the mental trauma, he thinks that he could handle both of them? infinite is sure if the younger hedgehog attacks at him that shadow will block it because that hedgehog wants to kill infinite himself. it's like having a guard dog that acts on its own biting any hand, even the owner, but he's fully aware that he's unable to control him unless.

infinite stands there, head only shifting to look at the two every so often. however, he can't show favoritism or sides at this moment. because the moment he's about to speak, that chaos spear is thrown towards his double, the only difference is that a quick dodge won't do. it's actually following after him as though locked on, and so is another, and another, and another that he throws out. a quick turn on his heel, he dashes towards infinite with a fist raised back, and the jackal jumps back to avoid the first strike. when shadow punches the ground, he leaves an indent on impact before jumping forward with his focus on infinite for now. ]

[...Foolish. He traced his other's capabilities when they were connected, observed what they can do enough times already. They can't possibly be a match against him as he is. But perhaps that arrogance comes from being the Ultimate Lifeform. He doesn't flinch when the chaos spears starts raining down on him, striking his armor as he knocks a few away. This is energy he can utilize. Which leaves him to ponder the other's decision to strike him in this manner. Hm.

Doesn't matter now, and he's probably imagining it. He catches one of the spears, raising it up to gather all the chaos energy around him. To replenish himself, and to utilize it back against them. The collection of energy turns into an orb, sparking in his hand. Looking for his targets, he flicks it in their direction, hoping to land it inbetween them. Upon reaching it's target, planting itself like a seed, it'll burst into a bloom of chaos energy. Vein-like streams of light grows from it's center, spreading and striking into whatever it gets caught in it's path, causing the land to split where it digs into the ground.

While that keeps them occupied, Shadow takes the opportunity to reappear beside the jackal, thrusting his spear forward with the intent to skewer them.]

[ don't piss him off, this individual has nothing to do with him, he's sure that the younger hedgehog doesn't even know his name. the spread of chaos energy expands, tendrils outstretching to hook and grab at the same source — chaos energy. who else has that energy that can feed it, the hedgehog who wants to fight two against one. he disappears before reappearing a short distance forward to dodge the tips of the vines, and it's over that hurdle that shadow's quick to send a swift kick at his other's waist, knocking him away from the jackal before he can skewer him.

infinite understands that this is in his favor, but the ground underneath him crumbling is a problem as well as the tendrils reach out digging into whatever it can touch. one does manage to stab through his right leg, but the phantom ruby pulsates, sending a flash of light from the jewel to cut at the energy so that infinite can jump away.

blood drips onto the ground. ]

Back. Off.

[ he snarls, his frustration towards his copy. ]

[His head turn ever so slightly, as if he anticipated his other would try something. Even if he chooses to ignore them, he doesn't expect the same from his other. A slight move with his free hand and he grabs hold of his other by the ankle as they came in. Using their momentum against them, he redirects them straight towards the ground.

He missed his chance to get the killing blow though, so their little distraction was effective enough. Continuing to ignore his other, his attention returns to rat as he blips in right before them. Round two in attempting to skewer them as his spear is raised.]

[ that's the issue here, the fact that while infinite moves around away from shadow, he has to close the distance to make sure that his enemy doesn't die. infinite hasn't been embarrassed by the younger one, it only wants to kill him in order to "go home" or something like that. lofty dreams for an idiot.

that's why infinite laughs at the attempt, and why the phantom ruby glows to bring up a shield that'll deflect the attack. all he has to do is buy time, and...

yeah, shadow will appear again, dirt in his quills and irritation visible on his face as one hand grabs at the spear tightly. ]

[He doesn't want to go home, he just wants it all to end. Open a path for his other to get home after this rat and himself are dead. The only thing he doesn't understand, is why his other is so persistent on stopping him. Makes it all the whole "send them home" counterproductive to his plans. It's irritating.

He grits his teeth as they grab hold of his spear. His other hand swipes at them. Sparks fly and a dark aura forms over that hand, extending into claws as he strikes at them.]

[ normally, this is something shadow could dodge with ease, but when sparks fly and claws strike down at his shoulder, he allows for it to happen. it burns through as blood flies, and some drip onto the ground as the other leaves a gash behind. shadow feels numb at the contact, but that doesn't stop him from using his good hand to pull at the spear.

infinite is taking another step back as he watches the two, that's fine, it works, but the older one needs to avoid getting hit. how else will infinite prolong his life to prepare his own attacks if shadow fails halfway through?

the phantom ruby glows again, the world around them glitching, and it's the fuzziness nearby that shadow's eyes widen, and he pushes the other back with the spear still in hand. the other seems unwilling to let it go, so it's fine, he'll continue to hold while pushing the younger back. ]

[There is no sign of remorse from his action, only annoyance that they're still holding on. What does it take, to get his other off of him?! He readies to strike them again, until they start to roughly push him backwards. Unaware of the reasoning, not paying attention to the world shifting. Focused on wanting his other out of his sight. He can pay attention afterwards.

He grips the spear with both hands now, as black vein-like wings start protuding from his back. He turns, trying to force his other to swap positions with him. He then takes aim towards the ground, intending to smash his other into the floor.]

[ this is his enemy, they both are, and if anyone is going to kill the one masked one then it'll be him. even if his body shivers from the wound, the smell of blood wafting in the air, and thst familiar black substance trying to pull the chunks of flesh together, but failing.

shadow doesn't care as their positions change, the wings obscure hod sight so he's unable to see where infinite is. shadow growls once more, his annoyance growing more as his own hands remain locked around the spear.

infinite doesn't miss this chance though, a spear glitches behind his copy that shadow can see above the wings. it's a petty attack from what he can see, but rather than suffer being slammed against the floor, shadow with the tip of the spear in hand steels himself and pushes the spear through his abdomen. how far it goes depends on the force from the other, but he's sliding against the length of it, pushing his copy back so that the glitchy blade that hangs above like damocles' blade drops and digs right into older hedgehog.

his shoulder has already suffered enough damage, what's more as he can feel the weapon shifting under his skin, and his memories violated with his reason for being here vanishing with as long as it's wedged in him. shaking his head, shadow glares at the other before taking one hand to pull out the blade that fades in and out in reality, breaking down then fixing itself every other moments, and it's this strike right to the boy's helmet, using the weapons unique trait of breaking reality to see if he can get past the eye cover and stab one of his eyes since they're close enough.

he's only testing what he's able to utilize, he's not expecting much at the moment. ]

[Their actions continue to confuse and frustrate him. The spear remains stabbed into his other, but he neither pulls it out, or pushes further in. They're already doing the job of hurting themselves without him doing anything besides hold the spear steady. The eyes on his weapon looking toward them. Pathetic.] How do you intend to defeat me like this?

[Stop it. Why are you doing this to yourself? A small voice among the storm of self loathing and hate. He blocks it from his mind, just as his other pushes him to take another hit meant for him. His helmet hiding the moment of surprise in his eyes. Do they not think he can handle this? Is he being insulted? He growls as he pulls his spear back, just as they strike with the jackal's own weapon. There's a clink as it breaks through his helmet's armor and into his right eye. The spear is fully removed from his other as he staggers backwards from the strike, his other hand pressed against his face. The pain is nothing, but what he sees when that attack struck gives him pause. A jumble of memories mixed together, home, here, theirs. Pulling. Tearing. What is even real?

Growling between gritted teeth, he manages to remove the piece of the spear, tossing it aside as it disappates. The last image that flashes before him, being on the moon....with another hedgehog.

Who was that? A different one? Himself?]

...Pointless. [There are yellow sparks around his injured eye. Flesh and organs mending on their own beneath the spilled blood. A healed crimson eye, glaring down at his other in the next moment.] Back off. [He takes flight, intending to return to the hunt and leaving his othere where he lays. They will live, he can deal with their wounds later.]

[ he cannot use his own chaos energy because the other will feed, amplify and use them back. it's pointless when he's limited to his own body and taking advantage of what infinite has. he's able to warp reality to some extent, and if that can be used to fight against the younger hedgehog then so be it. as long as he can be damaged, that's fine, all shadow has to do is keep going.

shadow doesn't even respond to the words said to him, he finds himself focused on the issue at hand. keeping his prey alive, handling the issue, then killing his prey — it's a linear path, but when he moves, his body aches and pain courses through. wounds won't heal possibly because of who damaged him, but the other that came from infinite slowly tries to close itself albeit slowly.

he jumps up, air shoes activating to follow after the other, it's not as fast but enough to keep him afloat. there's nothing he has that can damage him, so he curls, using his own body as a weapon to dash right into the other while he's flying in order to knock him off course into one of the nearby walls. as long as the other hunts down infinite, shadow will be close behind. it's that unwavering determination that won't let him give up no matter the challenge, he won't allow himself to fall because of a couple of wounds that'll heal soon enough (or not at all). blood stains black fur, it sticks together and gives it a more thicker, matted appearance.

infinite takes this as his advantage, limping until using the phantom ruby to float away from the impact of the two shadows. it's quite amusing really, watching them fight head to head, and knowing that one isn't even using their full power to keep up with a monster such as the younger one.

"ha ha ha! shadow, is this all you're capable of!?"

is it to mock him or encourage him? he sounds almost amused and disappointed at the sight of the older one. there's a small part of him impressed that the younger one is unable to get rid of the other one. it might be because shadow has always been persistent in a way that it's rare to see him give up, so the other one must be the same.

that's why he makes another glitched sword, throwing it in the direction of both shadow's hoping to strike two birds with one stone. ]

[When one is more reluctant to fight against the other, you get this result. He has only struck back when his other made any attempts to stop him. With their persistence though, it's getting harder to keep to that.

And it looks like he'll need to deal with them again. He doesn't understand how, he doesn't know why, he just knew the other would never quit. Fighting until their last breath. So he can never keep his guard down as long as he can sense their presence. He turns, swinging his spear into the incoming spindash to knock him away, either that or stop their forward momentum. His other hand opens towards sword that was coming at them. A dark portal opens, swallowing it.

He blips out of existence, leaving his other to strike at nothing. He reappears above Inifinite staring down at him, a chaos spear formed in his hand.] Disappear. [Like a master preparing to exact punishment on their underling, a portal opens in front of Infinite, firing the sword back at them. His chaos spear being sent down at the same time.]

[ that sword could have been useful, something shadow regrets not aiming for as his reflected spindash sends him into a wall nearby. he pulls himself together, shaking his body as he looks over to where that version of him has fled to now. the phantom ruby pulsates, their surroundings starting to glitch due to overuse, and shadow takes this as a quick way to close the distance. the wall near him fades in and out, he's quick to slip inside thinking it'll take him right to where the weapons are being targeted towards infinite.

however, it doesn't. it leads shadow to appearing behind his other, and knowing that he cannot use chaos energy against him makes this angle useless.

or does it?

he seems pretty focused on infinite so shadow curls in for another spindash, this time aiming right at the center of the younger version's back, right between the wings to push him forward right into the direction of infinite and the aimed weapons. if lucky, he hopes to skewer his double with either the glitched sword or his own spear in the impact. ]

...I told you it's pointless! [He is the perfect soldier. He's always at the ready for anything. He has to be. Failure was never an option. He has to learn and adjust on the fly, avoid making the same mistakes. It all has to come naturally to him. And as long as the Black Arm's blood flows inside his other, he will always have knowledge of their presence.

Sparks fly in his free hand as he turns to meet them head-on, punching right into their spindash with incredible force behind it.]

[ the punch connects, shadow's thrown back into the walls behind leaving a huge impact as debris falls onto him. it's his interruption that's given infinite time to hide behind the various glitches nearby, shifting from one place to another but remains hidden. infinite knows that this isn't good with shadow down and the other out and about, but he remembers what the other hedgehog used that did affect the other.

hm.

in this world, the younger hedgehog will see the random glitches in the sky, along the walls and the ground. infinite is somewhere behind them, but he doesn't seem willing to come out just yet.

his voice echoes from above to throw off his whereabouts so that the younger hedgehog cannot find him.

"are you ready? to go home?"

by those words, is that saying that shadow might be dead? ]

[...It's faint, but he feels them, still holding on. Something aches in his heart, but he ignores it. A window of opportunity has been presented to him and he can't waste it. He's lost sight of his prey, but he'll find them again. Nothing escapes once they've been marked.

His ear flicks at their voice, the eyes on his weapon glancing upwards.

He has no home. Those words mean nothing to him.

He looks at all the buildings and obstacles obscuring his vision. His other's presence still feels far from here, he can unleash more of his power. Raising his free hand, a small ball of chaos energy forms in his palm, darkness at it's core. He sends it at a cluster of random buildings. A controlled black hole expands from it, sucking everything around into it. He fires another, then another. Destroy it all. It's what he's good at. Sooner or later, the rat will either be consumed by the empty darkness, or be flushed out of hiding.]

[ the debris doesn't move, rock and concrete covering the hedgehog completely as their surroundings are swallowed by the black holes. the intake of wind that whistling in infinite's ears know that it's too close, and with each reconstruction of their surroundings to rebuild a building that was taken by the younger hedgehog's attacks to promptly hide behind.

again, a voice follows after once another building falls.

"you hunger for me, is that it? the way you search when you don't know what i'll do to you."

the younger one isn't meant to have a future, he's supposed to kill him before that fated moment comes. yet, there's some difficulties— as another building crumbles and is swallowed whole, a few large pieces do fall towards the ground, causing dirt to kick up making it hard to see on the field. however, some do fall around where the older hedgehog is, more pieces crushing down on top of already broken down debris.

"if you kill me, you'll be trapped! remember?"

he hasn't came out of hiding spot until he appears right on top of the rubble that shadow is buried underneath. ]

[What the jackal can do to him is of little concern. He isn't afraid, he is an undying soldier. These little head games are just annoying distractions. He has to focus on finding a means to get in the strike to end this.

So far, this rat has played keep away, only showing their hand when an opportunity presents itself to them. The jewel on their chest, the source of their power of illusions. Approaching them proved minor success, even if most of them were interrupted by his other. If he can just disable it somehow...ah. He has a way.

The jackal shows himself, his hand aimed at sending another black hole in their direction. But he pauses, sensing his other beneath them. Tch. Of course they would. Not waiting a moment longer, the orb of energy is crushed in his hand as he proceeds through a dark portal behind him. Did that moment of pause cause a shift in his plans? Doesn't matter, he can only push forward.

Silence. Waiting. Letting his prey get antsy by the lack of knowing where he is, where he will appear again. What he will do. He has all the time.]

[ infinite stands right on the rubble, eyes glancing around unsure of where the younger hedgehog could have disappeared to. that's the problem about this place, someone that has nothing is difficult to control.

that hesitance doesn't go ignored, actually it's welcomed when that gives infinite more time to think about what it is he needs to do. his eyes glance around the area searching for where the other may appear. infinite moves one foot, the rubble underneath him shifts —

...

there's a small pool of blood that spreads out from one of the broken pieces of concrete.

ah.

is that it? infinite smiles, could it be? that dying thing underneath.

"he's weaker, you're stronger. i understand now." ]

[Their attention is elswhere. A mistake on their part. Portals will suddenly appear all around the jackal, black tentacle-like appendages coming out of every one, all trying to grab hold of them and eventually pull the rat into one of the portals, into his dimension. A place where no one will bother them, his powers at his strongest.

It's dark, a sense of forboding and something oppressive about this domain. Light flashes from a constant storm brewing in this dimension, revealing fragments of various objects and landmarks. Some familliar, some alien. The world twisting ones sense as broken pieces of streets and buildings combine together with a lack of coherency, making paths that go above and below. Strange vehicles that looked to be weapons, and corpses, human, animal and alien sprawled out across the landscape. The domain full of death seems to go on endlessly, with no visible exits.

Eyes, the sense of someone, or something watching the jackal all around them.]

[ this doesn't scare him.

no, rather he's amused by what he's seeing. an entire new world where his phantom ruby is unable to change because nothing makes sense, like all horrors, anything can happen here and illusions probably don't break through what changes and loses all meaning on its own.

infinite takes a step back, something squishy underfoot that feels like he could fall through if he isn't careful.

his tail sways, he is not afraid but he has to keep himself composed or he'll regret.

"what happened to wanting to go home, young one?" he has a feeling that this individual feels that knowing the truth means he has no place. "i told you i could fix everything, are you afraid of that?" ]

[Lies. The ground shakes as spears of chaos energy burst beneath them. He targets the wounds that were inflicted on them before. Keep them in one spot.] Perish [An unsettling voice speaks out within the void that seem to be coming from all direction. Above them, something comes lunging towards them with a familiar spear, larger to suit it's current holder.

A dark creature slightly larger than a human descends. It had two sets of wings, built to be an agile fighter by it's slim build and elongated limbs that end in long crimson claws. It's feet lacked proper digits, pointed at the end as if built to glide over surfaces. Gold rings, at it's wrist and ankle reveal who this creature actually is. The center indents glowing pitch black. Dark tentacles protrude down from the waist, giving it the impression of a tailcoat. Hiding beneath, a long deadly tail that ended like a jagged end of a spear.

Red eyes, two sets of them sit on the sides of their head, with a fifth distinct yellowish orange eye glaring at it's center. It had crimson horns where ears would normally be for the dark hedgehog. Their "quills" seemingly able to move on their own like appendages as they flow with the current movement.

On his body, beneath a white crest and where one would expect to find a stomach, was a gaping hole. Pitch black, an endless void in of itself. It's own black hole built into this creature of the Black Arms.

Tl;dr Here's my embarrasingly quick sketch that I will never finish and I suck a descriptors.]

[ infinite steps back, he steps back again, his body isn't frozen in shock, no... it's the need to move away, to make distance, to survive. his eyes widen behind the mask, the sight of something so distant from what should be the truth catches his breath in his throat. whether he's awed or afraid, it's hard to say. what can be said with even his words caught in his throat —

...

infinite has lost control a long time ago.

spears shoot from the ground, impaling his legs in place so that he's unable to move. he screams from the depths of his inside, the body weeping from the pain as the energy surges through him cause unimaginable pain. it hurts, ithurtsithurtsithurts. tears pool underneath, they stain the inside of the masks' visor with wet drips, and his eyes have turned bloodshot.

he places a hand over the ruby to force its power, but nothing happens, it's usage dull and unwilling to work in this environment. no matter how many times it pulsates to try, he can feel the energy from it leaving quickly and quickly, until the overwhelming energy of their surroundings squeezes the jewel.

a bright light, a small crack wedges inside, and then with a loud shatter is where the phantom ruby falls. rather than hitting the unfamiliar ground in this void of nothingness and creation of a horrific beast. the phantom ruby disappears. still a gem of unspeakable power, it's as though it fled realizing its power cannot be properly utilized.

or maybe it's because infinite has shown fear.

where, where did it go? his hands raise to his chest in search, the holder empty. no, this can't happen to him, he's the prophet.

...

underneath the rubble, shadow can hear nothing, as though the battle above has left somewhere else. he notices broken shards fall between the cracks within the darkness, some lit, others dull. they barely glow, shadow hardly wants to move, but he's familiar with the power that emanates from them. he clicks his tongue, the taste of blood in his mouth and rather than ignore the offering he picks up one shard.

he swallows it.

another piece, he swallows that too.

another, and another, and another — they drag against his tongue, cut against his throat. the pieces of the phantom ruby is an entirely different power from what he's usually working with, but between this and a chaos emerald that's barely holding onto anything.

he has to.

blood spurts from his body when he moves, he devours as though he has an endless hunger. ]

[That's right. All will eventually learn fear and obey in the presence of the commander. The spear, finally hits it's mark. Like an angel of death, Shadow looms over the dying mortal form of the jackal, blood staining his hand. You've avoided death for far too long. The chaos spears disappates around them. Slowly, he lifts his spear up along with their skewered body. Letting them feel the pain, struggle, suffer. They have no one to blame but themselves, for unleashing the monster before them.

He notes a certain ruby was missing on them. Perhaps finally spent. They were leveled to the swirling void of his stomach. For a moment, one would assume that is how they would meet their end, but no. Shadow grabs them in one hand, pulling them off his spear. It wasn't gentle, but slow and painful. He brings them further other up, eyes meeting. He can see the fear in them. What would normally upset the child, now brings satisfaction to the monster. Let it be the last thing they see and know, what happens when they've messed with something that one should have left well alone.] Thank you for providing me nourishment. You did help in the end.

[His head slowly lifts, revealing the maws of the beast. Like a serpent it opens wide, nearly his whole head was a mouth. Tendrils coming out to help restrain the jackal and accept the meal whole. Bones crunch and crack, Shadow unrelenting, as he devours the jackal. All the while, he felt a strange disturbance from his other outside his domain. It's been bothering him in the back of his mind, but choosing not to concern himself until the task was completed in here.]

[ the jackal knows the stories about when a deity eats the body and soul, how the soul suffers forever from the last experience of pain they came into contact with. will it be the spears, or the crunching, or how the bones snap underneath pressure. it hurts, it will prolong for years on end, it'll be endless, this is a sort of hell that the jackal is unable to free itself from. let him die, let him die, he wants to die, but why does it hurt, why does pain persist past the body?

he's unable to do anything as the monster devours, the world becomes dark, but the pain continues. should someone suffer like this? is this what he wanted?

...

it's pure instinct at this point, forcing himself to keep the jewels down knowing that his body is too weak for them. maybe the ruby registers foreign body, the lack of fear, only an hidden, intense hatred, and a need to keep going. desperation, survival, hatred... all sorts of feelings. knowing that the gem was even here means that...

did his other actually do the job? take care of the person who... shadow...

the ruby expands, sharp points digging into his insides, but he understands the feeling is that his body is trying to adjust to what he's eaten. he can't even move, but he know why, especially when his body sometimes feels it's no longer his. sometimes it feels as though it's breaking apart underneath his fur, but then a strong pain registers. his body feels as though there are some gaps, like his arm isn't connected to his elbow, or his wrist as completely vanished, but he can feel his fingers.

what light filters between the cracks allows him to see a little, as though his wrist has faded away, became see through... but he can feel it. ]

[A dark portal appears once more nearby. The sound of clanking armor as Shadow reappears once more from the void. His helmet wasn't repaired, still showing one of his crimson eyes. There was a distant look in his eye, bloodstains on his lips, blood at the end of his spear. It was done, he succeeded, but he felt no joy. A numbness spread through his body, the creeping realization of what he had done. It's familiar, he's done it before. It disgusts him now. He wanted to throw it all back up.

His grip tightens on the pole of his spear, trying to keep it togther. Just a little longer. Wait a little longer. It'll be over soon. He won't have to think about any of it, or carry this pain anymore.

He stands in front of the debris with blood leaking out from it. His brows furrow. He could still sense that strange feeling from his other. What have they done? His eyes see red glistening on the floor, small bits of the ruby that had shattered. ] . . . [He puts the end of his spear beneath a piece of debris, slowly peeling back the layers.]

[ with each piece of rock pilled back, it won't take long for him to uncover just a pool of blood that what left in place. there are a few pieces of the ruby with no energy left, but they tremble in a way that the source is nearby.

he might see it out the corner of his eye, the world glitching out of focus as though blurred in an area where where a broken piece of building leans, underneath a layer of darkness settles. it's like a complete shadow that phases in and out of the world, white outlines along the quills that static like white noise as the body tries to exist in the world.

two hands lift up to his head, holding at quills to compose himself. he can hear all sorts of things in his head, the way conversations overlap on different frequencies, other topics fade in and out as though it's building new scenarios in his head. it blocks out the real world, creating a somewhat fake world in his own head. as much as it hurts, shadow doesn't move from where he stands.

when he coughs, dry and raspy, blood splatters onto the ground until that begins to glitch itself and disappears out of the world. ]

[Nothing. Concern growing within him. He stands there for a moment, looking around.

...Why is the illusion still up?

He spots it, something, someone struggling to stay in this plane of existence. He teleports to the spot, staring, trying to process what he was looking at. Like watching one of those jackal's failed illusions. The pieces of the ruby he saw around that pool of blood...]

What have you done? [Why? Why couldn't they just sit still?! He sounded pissed, hiding the worry and growing panic as he continues to watch his other struggle to keep their form. The pole of his staff hits the ground as he raises his other hand. The world around them shakes, a feeling of vertigo as it's pulled and twisted, reality shattering. Dark ominous clouds covers the area, objects and landmarks that weren't there before, appearing. The environment no longer looks as it was, returning to that evil domain.

Shadow assumes the appearance of that monster once more, kneeling before his other. Would this domain neutralize the ruby's influence enough for them to hold form? Heal. They need to be healed. A hand reaches, sparking slightly. Will he touch something physical?]

[ what has he done? there's no one to answer that question. coming near him offers the younger hedgehog a sound of white noise, static blurring together, and it blocks out the noise of everything else. conversations overlapped, previous ones, phrases like "who are you" become no more than garbled noises rushed together and said backwards. even music, there's the sound of familiar music that the other would know so well that buzzes from the lifeform unable to hold itself together.

as the new world covers the old, the angel is met with an entity that manages to keep a form within the zone he's brought them in. any emotions that he feels are vacant from the static before him, just words that emit from the creature and nothing else.

the form is still that of a hedgehog, when the other touches at the waves, the body does tremble but the form is physical. perhaps thanks to the domain, or the dna that his other carries. the gashes at his shoulder remain, but it's like the area are pixelated in terms of trying to recreate what should be there. it never does, but from the look of things, it doesn't seem to hurt. no matter how grotesque the creature is before the makeshift illusion, the same hand raises from it, gloves formed to be claws reach out to grab the hand that reaches out to it.

shadow holds, reverberations coursing through the palm of of the illusion like a heartbeat. the illusion pulls the creature closer, bringing it's hand to the fluff of its chest that seems to fade in and out. pulsing. ]

[His mind was trying to complete the gaps in the sea of gargle mess emitting from the other. Because they were not new sounds or words. Like the other was revisiting memories that had become twisted. It doesn't deter him, driving him further to help the other. If they're hearing this too, they must being going through it.

The moment they both touch though, his mind is slammed with new sensations. His wings flutter slightly, eyes widening as a wave of images and more voices hit him, getting louder, flooding him. Place he's been, places he hasn't, places getting jumbled together and creating other realities. He's back on earth with Maria, skating with her while the world burns around them. The arena with that bio lizard-like thing, but it had become this abomination made of GUN agents. The ARK covered in some black substance, the scientists walking around with that larvel creature on their heads. And Maria, her face obscured by one as well, reaching towards him, but that hand turns into claws, Doom's hand-

He drops his spear, pressing the hand against his head. He wanted these horrid images to stop invading his mind, but that would mean letting go of the other. He's felt this before, when his other threw that blade at him. Was that their plan? He could do nothing as the other suddenly grabs his that was on their shoulder. He could only watch, as they pull him in, putting his hand over their small chest.]

[ that's it, that's it. shhh, shhh. it's like a ringing in the other's ears from the mix of noises that emit from the older hedgehog. he may not be entirely here, but in essence, these mixture of things with them touching stem from somewhere. there's a source, it's not like any of these things seen are lies... instead, they're just fragmented and placed together to create something. the phantom ruby has suffered a big hit to its power, it's working with and against the new owner, but whether this is... good or bad, hard to tell. the hand of the hedgehog's flick in and out, disappears for a moment before re-appearing in place. it's something that the other can feel too when the weight of his hand is no longer there, as though it's faded out of existence.

another gentle pull, the hedgehog ushers for the other to come closer. his hand not being enough, it's this gentle touch despite the numbing sensation that'll come if the older hedgehog holds onto one specific area for far too long. those broken memories that force themselves together stitch into an amalgamation of rights and wrongs.

what's worked inside of him comes out wrong in actions.

how the older individual moves to wrap his arms around the other's upper body, pulling his head close to his chest. he can hear a heart beating, the sound of someone screaming between each thump inside of his chest. then there's the sound of something shattering, it must be the crystal breaking down and reforming to find its new, perfect shape. ]

▓▒▓▓...

[ whatever it was, it sounds gentle, maybe some kindness that he has learned from maria, or maybe a mixture of something he shouldn't know. it's too gentle, too kind, reassuring...

stay with me.
stay with me. ]

[He wanted to push them down, the pain to stop. Parts of the distorted space he created, flicker in and out of existence. In the whirlwind of chaos and imagery in his mind, something telling him to get away. Abandon this endeavor before it's too late.

His other remains gentle in their touch and movement though. They were trying to tell him something through all this, pulling him closer. His larger form easily encompassing the other. Stay...? A strong feeling, trying to push through, keep him there. Their heartbeat, other sounds that should not accompany one's heartbeat. Unsettling, worrying.

I'm here.

His tail moves behind him, the tip raising slowly, pointed towards the other. The subconsious still sensing a threat while the main conscious is occupied.]

[ one hand comes to the back of the creature's head, comforting him here as well. was the older hedgehog expecting this, no, he doesn't expect anything anymore rather it allows things to go as it should. ]

▓▒▓▓ ▓▒▓ ▓▒▓▓▓▒▓▓▓▒▓▓▓▒▓▓...

[ the words never come out quite right, but the other should be able to feel what's being asked of him.

stay with me.
we're going to stay together.
it's alright. it's alright.

the looming threat behind isn't part of the older hedgehog's attention. rather, the hedgehog comes closer to the ground, pulling the angel along with it. the younger one should know that the true owner of this body would never, but with the phantom ruby broken, and everything blurred together.

the being only acts like it believe it should. slowly it acclimates with the owner, the older hedgehog leaning into the other, nuzzling into the side of the creature's head. there's the soft sound of a purr which is occasionally interrupted by a crackling sound, and then a frequency change.

... ]

▒▓▓▒▓▒▓▓▒▓

[ forever and ever. ]

[It's all right. He won't be alone anymore...? His center eye, it starts to look around, watching the scene unfold before it. Shadow, tempted by their comforting gestures, their words like a sweet necture. Reaching deep into what he desires. Acceptance.

The affection, them nuzzling against his head. Never had he recieved anything like it before. He wanted more. He leans into it, cooing when the other started purring. Is this what's it like? How things should have been for him?

But it's all wrong. This is incorrect. The center eye stares down at the other. This is...not how it should be. But...why does it matter anymore? He can be happy, because the alterntive is...the red eyes narrow.

It's all a lie.

Like a spear, the tail that had risen from behind struck into the other. Stabbing them through the chest.]

[ even as he offers affection through nuzzles and purrs, the whole body glitches in and out at the stabbing his tail right through the center, just a little below the white patch on their chest. the sensation spreads through the body, which is amazing how when he's nothing but words and white noise pressed together.

something wet shoots out from his chest, black blood coating the other within their hug, the older hedgehog holding onto him tightly like it hurts. it must, even his heart screams in various pitches. but he holds, he holds onto the other like he's a lifeline, and the older hedgehog would never.

because he's too confident, he's already built that wall where he would never find himself in a position like this. ]

It's... ▓▒▓▓...

[ okay...

real words leave from out the muzzle of the glitched out creature, black and white static begins to weave with red lines where the phantom ruby has crystallized the blood and is spreading it through it.

... ]

▓▓ ▓▒▓...

[ because his mouth parts to gasp in air, but everything hurts with the tail penetrating through the body. nuzzling turns to kisses, fangs find themselves brushing against the surface of the angel's cheek. the small sound of kisses emit like a buzzing noise, over the red eyes, ignoring the center one that has chosen the older hedgehog's fate.

his mouth stops over top of the other's own, the young warrior can taste the blood and small, fragmented crystals. ]

▓▓... ▓▒▓ether...

[ it starts with only that, a shaky exhale from between the lips of the older hedgehog, and the glitching begins to spread along the length of the tail that's penetrated him. the other will find that blades begin to form from the body that he's attacked, digging into the flesh, spreading like a diseases. the body trembles, but he doesn't let go of the other, like a parasite himself... a raspy cough leaves from his mouth, his body beginning to contort, and the damage done upon him is mimicked by the body to use itself like a spear itself, contorting around his chest to puncture the other too.

it then branches out, injecting broken memories for the other to see...

maria's face scribbled out, her laughter doesn't match at all.

there's a garden of lavender, but lays in the center are all the bodies of every person the younger hedgehog has known.

a railway in space that overlooks earth, meteors crashing down along the strip... voices that sound like they're submerged under water.

before they begin shattering away, and spikes begin to shoot through the alien's body that fade in and out.

...

maybe he shouldn't have broke what was already broken. ]

Was it wise to show such betrayal to the king?

[ a silver gauntlet moves to the hilt of his sword, firmly holding it in hand as he unsheathes the weapon and points arondight towards the young woman. her confession of needing to go home reminds the round table of a witch has entered their ranks, but lancelot speaks that it must be mania, that she's afflicted with a curse. the round table is small, it is only him, gawain and her. as much as gawain wanted to take the chance to dispose of whoever stands against king arthur, lancelot took this chance considering his position. ]

I am King Arthur's closest and most loyal knight, and I will slay whoever opposes him, as well as your words.

[ one step forward, the clink of his armor follows, and he watches the woman through the gaps of his helmet. she's unable to see the furrow of his brow, or the glare in his eyes, but his voice fills the void of his emotion. both commanding and determined, he continues on. ]

Face me.

Edited 2025-03-12 20:16 (UTC)

[ blaze has had enough of waiting.

patiently, she had tried to bide her time as a member of this fantasy—a proud knight of the round table, who had for some short time been confused as to her own identity, cursed, as ser lancelot had asserted. and while she had slipped here and there, she firmly believes that she had played her role well enough, and now, for long enough. no longer can she afford to linger as a part of this kingdom, so different from her own, and so she had said asked: how might she return.

now, ser lancelot himself stands in front of her, drawing his weapon. the sword alone is fearsome, and together with its master, it cuts an intimidating figure, but blaze has never been one to back down out of fear. it only makes her more determined in her stance as she places a hand to her chest, reciting her words firmly. ]

I do not wish to fight you, Ser Lancelot, and I mean no insult to you nor your King, but I mustn't stay here. I have a duty to my own people, as you do to yours.

[ and she pauses, allowing the words to settle, before placing her hand on the sword at her hip. ]

But if you give me no choice...

[ drawing her own laevatein, blaze holds it out in position, meant to be her stance for dueling, but—something isn't quite right. it looks... amateur. clumsy, almost. ]

[ she gives him no choice, one that justifies his actions of dashing forward as his shoes click into skating him to close the distance between one another. he swings his sword directly towards her own, pushing in her direction to force the young woman backwards. his air shoes increases how much strength he's using, the flat of his blade angled to have more leverage in blocking. ]

Then you shall die, anyone who betrays Him shouldn't live.

[ fighting within the castle's walls is a horrible show of loyalty on his part, but that isn't what matters here. what interests him is as follows: the stained glass of king arthur painted behind her specifically, if he uses brute force, then he can push her through — whether she dies from the fall, or manages to use it as an escape.

he'll follow her. ]

If there is duty, you must follow through with your title here. To betray is admitting that you will leave any seat unattended.

[ because she is clumsy, he smirks, taking advantage of how she's unable to properly take the position of someone with a legendary blade. shouldn't a princess have simple skills with a blade, at least? ]

You will fall here, Percival.

[ her boots scrape against the stone floor as she tries to hold her ground, both of her hands holding her own sword steady as lancelot continues to apply pressure. blaze is painfully aware of the stained glass behind her, and of the fall that will await her if lancelot here decides that her death is worth the damage, but she won't let that fear control her. no, while he may be stronger than her—strong enough to turn that possibility into reality...

there's one thing he seems to have forgotten. ]

Heh.

[ there's a shift in her posture, and perhaps even the glint of a smirk of her own hidden by her helmet as an audible crackling begins to snap at their feet. in an instant, her figure is engulfed by flame—a hurricane that surrounds her and begins to spread outwards with a force that pushes lancelot away from herself.

after all, there is one weapon she could never be clumsy with. fire continues to lick against the ground at her feet, forming a ring around herself to keep him at distance while she holds her sword ahead of her in challenge. with her other hand, she lifts her visor, revealing her face. ]

You are mistaken, Lancelot. I am Blaze the Cat, Princess of the Sol Empire, and I will not abandon my people!

[ fire scorches his arm, silver metal with black tips around his feet, and he's quick to jump back to avoid the looming flames that pulse along the floor to keep distance between him and her. ]

You're terrible at this.

[ he acknowledges how sword to sword combat isn't her forte, and while his blade remains pointed in her direction, it's moments later that he sheathes his weapon. she is no good at the sword, but he doesn't need her to be in order to win.

without holding back, lancelot jumps into the air with his shoes assisting in arial assault to jump over the fire presented along the floor. if another wall of flame comes in his way, he blips out of existence to appear right behind her, swinging his foot at her side — hoping to kick her to a nearby wall or the window that he had his eyes on before.

being presented with a choice of bringing back percival of the round table or dealing with a princess from another realm, truth be told, he will acknowledge the latter rather than the former.

but is that truly the duty of a knight like lancelot? ]

[ it worked—good. she isn't trying to die here, but lancelot's comment brings her to straighten her posture, sheathing her own blade. ]

I prefer hand-to-hand combat.

[ she offers those words, and no sooner is his sword sheathed. it seems to be something that he had set himself on doing even before she had spoken up, by how immediate his actions were. perhaps it only attests to the nature of a knight, to face ones opponent on equal grounds, but it's something that blaze holds great respect for either way.

but as much respect as she may feel, still focuses on the matter at hand, meaning to block lancelot's attack with another wall of fire when—behind her, a foot crashes into her ribs with enough force to send her flying.

the ring of flames that licks at the stone floor at lancelot's feet flicker, and even as blaze tries to adapt, he's too quick—the sound of glass smashing to pieces echoes through the hall as she crashes into—and then through the window. ]

[ the one thing about the armor is that it's heavy on his body, something he has adjusted to while jumping from spot to spot. some fire has singed his armor, burned at his fur, but that doesn't stop him from chasing after the princess through the destroyed stain glass.

there's loud gasps that come from the castle, some of the workers rushing to see what had happened, and other knights just as curious. never have they seen the knights of the round table act against one another, watching as lancelot drops to the ground with a splash of water underfoot — he knows that this sort of freedom allows blaze freedom within the sky.

her techniques with fire is an advantage here, being able to have an arial view is as well, but does that keep lancelot from not trying? no. instead, he's heard the best offense is the best defense, and as much as he hates to give her this chance to take him down, he hunts the young woman by staying on her tail.

there's a forest nearby, and if he can back her into the area, then he'll call it a checkmate. ]

[ it takes a moment for her to orient herself—and a moment longer to steady her fast-beating heart. (don't look down. don't look down, blaze, and it will be fine.) though she isn't able to calm herself so quickly, at least with a strained intake of breath, she's able to adjust her fall—with her hands and feet facing the ground, the flames that she calls forth are able to reduce the speed of her descent. it's still more forceful than she would like as her foot hits the ground, followed by a knee, but once they do, she's off like a bullet.

her mind clears as she runs, no destination in mind yet, but knowing of both her own and lancelot's destructive power, she would prefer to leave the vicinity of any innocent civilians who may get caught up in collateral. instead, it's an empty road that she heads towards, edged by forest on one side, and otherwise leading away from the castle town.

lancelot stays hot on her trail seemingly effortlessly, a feat she hasn't seen since first meeting sonic, but it's only once they've made some distance that blaze turns, her heels against the ground skidding to a stop. ]

I repeat to you, Lancelot, I do not want to fight. You can end this here and now, before anybody gets hurt.

[ in each hand, she holds a fistful of fire, but she hardly wants to rob a royal court of its loyal knight. ]

If defeating you is a chance before me, I'll take it.

[ that's the thing about... him, he's always up for a challenge, especially one presented before him that he's unable to turn a blind eye too. it's not about the battling, it's mostly that he won't allow this whisp of a flame to be extinguished before him.

even if he's called lancelot here who would practice patience and control, that isn't anything he needs at the moment as he skates after her with ease. it's with a quick glide against the ground to pick up speed that he jumps up, curls into a ball and swiftly sends his body in the direction of where she is knowing that her fire could come charging at him in any moment. ]

You're much more interesting than him.

[ now whether she lets him get close to her or use the forest to dodge his attack, it doesn't matter because he'll go through those trees as though there was nothing in front of him. ]

Very well.

[ if that's what he stakes his honour on, then even if blaze is to disagree, she must still stand proud to represent her beliefs. exhaling as he picks up speed, skating closer, until his entire body tucks into a spin dash aimed directly at her. blaze, however, is unfortunately distracted by his words:

"him"?

the momentary falter causes her to hesitate before she attempts to twirl out of range of the attack. instead, he connects with her shoulder, and it hurts. but with nothing but a sharp intake of breath and a potential injury to show for her poor reaction time, blaze scowls; if he is taking this as seriously as he is, then so too should she.

that's why, just as his feet touch the ground, blaze is already charging towards him as fast as her feet can take her—a speed that is not to be scoffed at, almost as fast as sonic himself. her entire body is enveloped in fire, coming at him like a bullet. ]

[ the way she's doing thus to him.

he doesn't move out the way, accepting the brunt of her flames on impact. it's not the best move, and the armor grows hot enough to burn at his fur, but despite how covered his entire body is, and the temperature rising all while being engulfed and being pushed back upon impact. the only difference is that he reaches out with one hand, gripping at the girl's wrist as a smirk pulls onto his muzzle.

got you, is how is practically reads, as he disappears with her and then reappearing on the opposite side, using the momentum of her body dashing to push him in flames to direct them towards a pretty large body of water.

he's not letting her go, and he pushes his legs forward to activate his shoes, speeding up the time to reach the body of water until he drags her down right with him in a loud splash, he twists his body, using force to toss her further down.

meh, she'll survive. she's proven herself more than once. ]

[ the contact is satisfying—a shoulder check engulfed in flames, creeping underneath the metal of his armour and burning at his fur and skin. it's what happens next that has blaze bristling, hissing, spitting in surprise as he yanks at her already injured arm. it feels almost as if her shoulder is going to dislocate from the force he uses.

the fire doesn't so much as flicker as they move towards the body of water. if anything, it burns hotter in a desperate last bid to force him to unhand her. but the water sizzles and bubbles as they crash through the surface, quenching her flames.

his shove pushes her deeper, enough that her feet could touch the bottom of the lake if she wished, but blaze has no such thought on her mind right now. she can barely manage to get any thoughts through the lack of oxygen, breathless after they had hit the water with such force. there's only one thing on her mind as she reaches out towards the hedgehog in front of her, taking hold of his ankle.

her gloves are hot—like she's trying to summon flames that just can't light under these circumstances—and it's with all the strength she can muster that she yanks him downwards, dragging him to her level. ]

[ the armor burns from her tongue, bubbles slipping from underneath he gloves as she yanks him down into the water. equal footing it almost feels like as the sun's light is unable to penetrate the darkness of the bottom. no matter the case, it's not like blaze will need light to see shadow, the red of his quills glow, pulsating from adrenaline.

he leans forward, raising his hand to quickly chop down at the shoulder that he recalls hitting when they were above water. since they're so close, he might as well take advantage, because even if she doesn't let him go, despite the water slowing down their movements some, he's still quick to make contact with her despite the limitations.

as the ultimate lifeform, this comes easy.

in his other hand that he holds back, there's a green crackle of energy with sound muted from the water's control, but a spear manifests within his grip, and that is also aimed in her direction — ]

[ the pulsing red illuminates the darkness of the depths they've sunk to, but it doesn't do anything to help her dodge the incoming hand that's meant to hit her already injured shoulder. the impact causes her to take a useless breath in, and as water floods in her lungs, she retches, pulling in only more fluid where she desperately needs air.

she needs to surface. she was supposed to fight, but through her squinting eyes, she can only barely make out the shape of that same chaos spear she had seen him use the last time they had crossed paths. her fingers wrap around her own neck desperately as she sputters and tries to cough up her water—fingers that were supposed to be wrapped around his neck in this situation.

but there's little that can be done about it now. even her desperate kicking doesn't seem to be enough to reach the air she so desperately needs. she made her request and her confession both unprepared, and now, she suffers the consequences as her vision begins to blur and fade.

the only thing that remains is the faint outline of red and black through the bubbles. ]

Edited 2025-03-17 23:23 (UTC)

[ it's in an instant where she's in his arms, and they're now jumping out of the water drenched from head to do. the armor he wears still has burnt marks from battle, but even so he doesn't face heavy consequences much like his opponent.

he groans in annoyance, water sloshing within his attire as he jumps with blaze in hand. it's quick, one step after the other, but to the opposite direction of the castle to where he can place her without anyone getting in the way.

with her body stretched out on the ground, the black hedgehog adjusts his helmet to remove it, and throwing it on the ground as he kneels down next to the princess to assess the damages.

a hand settles over her chest, pushing down to see if she'll come to. ]

[ her helmet removed, the impact on blaze's chest causes her to retch— rolling onto her side as she coughs up water onto the ground. it will take her a moment of doing this, with sharp, desperate intakes of breath into her lungs, before she's able to process the world around her beyond the pain in her chest. shakily, she manages to pull herself back to her feet before dipping her head slightly in lancelot's direction. ]

You have bested me, Ser Lancelot. I thank you for your mercy.

[ followed by a short cough, tears welling in her eyes from the sensation of water caught where it's not supposed to be, though she blinks them away quickly.

on a normal occasion, she might hate to receive the mercy of another—the pity. here and now, however, she has her sights set higher than her own pride, leaving her no choice but to commend the person before her not only for his skill and strength, but also his grace. he could have killed her with purpose, or simply left her to die as water filled her lungs, and yet he did neither. the confusion is written all over her face, despite her thanks. ]

Get up, why are you still talking like that.

[ maybe it's because she's polite, but shadow doesn't care that much really as he looks down at her with a tired look. he won, that's all that matters, she's more interesting than sonic, so he will spare her life just this once.

with them away from the castle, he's able to continue. ]

That'll be enough to confuse them, they'll think I'm delivering the finishing blow.

[ clearing his throat, shadow looks off to the side as he turns his back to her next in case she needs to wring her tail and her clothes to get dry. he took advantage of the water because she's a pyrokinetic cat, and knowing that sonic is unable to handle water then maybe the same goes for her. ]

I'm tired of playing Knights and King anyway. This place will fall to ruin.

[ her brows furrow at the sudden rudeness shown—up until now, it had been aggressive, but not necessarily rude. and now, as he speaks, it's as if— ]

Shadow...?

[ that was his name, wasn't it? the individual who "lancelot" had so resembled? though blaze has only crossed his path enough times to count on her hands.

furthermore, "this place will fall to ruin" may be a bit excessive, and is perhaps worse than blaze's own well wishes for this kingdom, but her understanding is that this one isn't much for teamwork. pieces slot into place one by one as he turns around, and she takes the opportunity to shake dry—with her particular talents, it isn't difficult to return her fur to its previous state.

and then, a step forward. truthfully, her prior words feel almost embarrassing now, but there's no choice now but to move forward. with that in mind: ]

I don't believe we've formally met.

Hmph.

[ he only played the part due to it being an easy way to get around, but with both of their honorary knights not who they are, there will be ruin. whatever that girl, merlina, there's something sinister about her that he can't quite figure out.

sucking at his teeth with a roll of his eyes. ]

Don't get used to it.

[ of them meeting or running into one another, but he isn't as hasn't officially brushed her off yet as he looks the girl up and down. her fur has returned to becoming dry and perfect as it was before, but his own body remains wet as he doesn't share the same skillset. ]

That "King", if he notices who we are; he won't be against killing us.

[ yes, that was about as friendly as he came off the first time too, wasn't it? blaze is lucky that, if coarse, he remains practical even in such an impractical situation, and her lips curve in a frown as she listens to his reasoning. ]

Very well, but I cannot afford to remain here any longer. Can you?

[ it's a challenge, but an honest question too. perhaps he can afford to stay here and pass his time in a more carefree way than herself, but for blaze, her people need her. even if she only takes one step at a time to return to her world, steps must be taken.

though, catching up to his side, she eyes shadow for a moment before... ]

Would you like me to dry you off?

[ it feels like the least she can do after he saved her from drowning. even if... he was also the cause of that. ]

You're the one with a place to be, Princess.

[ remember, shadow comes and goes as he pleases, the only reason he needs to leave this place is that it's pretty limiting to what he does. the sworn loyalty of lancelot does not match what shadow would do himself, and so the charade gets tiring after awhile.

he has nothing to pay forward aside from doing what comes along, as for blaze, there are her citizens. ]

You can.

[ that or he runs it off, but what stands out to him more is: ]

You can use your emeralds to get around, did you lose them on landing here?

[ very well. in the blink of an eye, shadow will feel a wave of warmth wash over him, and in the blink of an eye, his fur is as dry as it was in the castle just moments ago. ]

When I awoke here, I did not have them. I can only imagine they're being safely guarded in the palace as we speak.

[ that's what she had arranged for, after, in the event of her absence. as unfortunate as it is that she can't be the one to guard them now, that's the very reason why it's so important for her to return. she wants to ask him: does he have no responsibilities? no duties? but for now, she bites her tongue.

she is in no position to look a gift horse in the mouth, so to speak; she has no reason to question his motives if he is offering his help. ]

What of yours—the Chaos Emeralds?

No.

[ a simple answer for a simple question, he appeared here without, but this world must work on some sort of power source. there has to be something close to the emeralds, but if not that, his eyes drop down to the sword at his side. ]

I woke with this, but nothing more.

[ he unsheathes the blade, it's sharp end shimmering under the sunlight before he brings it down back to the holster. ]

It must have been the same of you.

[ if she doesn't have hers. ]

Yes, you're right.

[ the sword at her side feels heavy and unfamiliar, and blaze can't say that she feels particularly safer for it. she's much more used to using her body and her flames to protect herself, as demonstrated by their own fight. still, she notes the timing of his bringing them up and nods, leaving her own blade sheathed.

instead, crosses her arms, thoughtful. ]

Then the Knights welcomed me into their ranks, and I thought to learn more of this place from among them. Including a way back.

[ of course... ]

When that information did not arise, I made a decision.

You shouldn't be quick to out yourself, putting a target on your back where people idolize our existence causes problems.

[ think of all the kids who loved percival, but that's not what he's getting at here. with her mask ripped away, they're liable to create other issues. if she's not percival then who is she, and what of the knights? they'll have someone attempt to best them at every turn.

those that would wish to return to the world that she speaks so highly of. ]

The swords are highly sought after, aren't they?

You believe that they may be the key?

[ she supposes it wouldn't be an undue suspicion. a knight guards their weapon as closely as that weapon guards them—those of the round table only seem to take this lesson especially seriously.

blaze's hand rests on the grip of her own sword, laevatein, as she thinks it over. ]

Do you not think so? Having them gives us superiority above all others.

[ why does she think he's been keeping his own blade on him. the hedgehog places a hand on the handle. ]

These are connected to this world. We'll have to take advantage of what we have.

[ that being said, he glances towards blaze unimpressed. ] However, we don't know what you because of your sudden outburst.

But it brought us to work together, did it not?

[ one door closing means another one will open, as they say. blaze doesn't particularly see a problem with her actions because of this, and the fact of the matter is that they will be stronger together than they would be apart. this is at the forefront of her mind as shadow brings attention to their swords even more so.

anyway, she doubts shadow would have taken the initiative to approach her had she not done that. ]

In any case, now that I have you listening, I will repeat myself: I've found something of interest too.

No.

[ there were many others ways to work together, instead it initiated a fight which could have led to her a little broken in a few places she wouldn't like.

also, his willingness to help isn't that strong depending on her resources. ]

What did you find of interest?

[ he sighs, not caring but also there's a small hope that it is useful. nothing in this place seems to be helpful when he wants it to be. ]

from here

[ which means she's wasting shadow's time that he could be using to do something else like destroying eggman bases? understandable. ]

There. Problem solved, everything else is in your ability to work out.

[ he doesn't have to deal with the technicalities of making the lie a truth, he's pretty sure she can strong-arm anyone into doing something with her. ]

Yeah.

[ There's a long pause, and for a while that seems to be the end of the conversation. Then: ]

So...are you busy tomorrow?

[ What was that about strong-arming anyone into doing something with her? ]

[ shadow could teach her a valuable lesson, lying, he could do it right here and right now. ]

Always.

[ everything he does contributes to him being busy, it's shadow, when isn't he doing something without others in his business.

amy may be aware of how shadow functions, especially with the next incoming text. ]

You don't need me, you asked for help and I gave you what you need. I don't see why I'm required for anything else.

[ unless it's her birthday then that's a different story. ]

[ She's very aware, and honestly she does expect that answer. But that isn't going to stop her from trying. ]

Oh come on! Please? I mean you did help, which I appreciate, but if we did something that'd really help me more! Plus if I tell Jewel that I had plans with you, then she definitely wouldn't question it!

Please? Even if you're already doing something, at least let me come along? Pleeeeeeease?

You asked for help, not for me to help you more.

[ she wouldn't question it because she'd be so flabbergasted that amy has anything to do with shadow at all, it's that which would spread rumors and lead the hedgehog to a headache. ]

You can't come with me because when I leave I'm not returning for a month.

[ and amy can't go missing for a month. ]

Some people would argue that this is all part of asking for the help.

[ It's not like going her going on mission is completely out of the question, even if going with Shadow would have been a bit surprising. But his next response does have her pause a moment. ]

A month? What are you doing that you'll be gone a month? Are you sure you don't need any help?

[ She definitely can't be gone for a month, but that doesn't mean she isn't going to worry about what Shadow is doing. ]

I'm searching for answers.

[ signs of anything leading to the consequences of his existence, handling whatever bases that the doctor has created, following up on all sorts of issues that he finds troublesome to the world maria wants him to protect. ]

And making sure parts of my past remain dead.

[ see, nothing that amy would want to put aside and go do, it sounds boring, right? ]

[ Oh Shadow, it's like you don't know Amy at all. ]

Oh. Are you sure you don't need any help with anything? [ She knows he wouldn't willingly take any help if given a choice, but she still can't help thinking there should be something she could do. ]

Is there anything I could do on this side while you're gone?

[ Because sure she can't be away for a month. But maybe there are things she could still do here, especially with some of the Restoration's resources. ]

[ he never needs help with anything, shadow doesn't ask for help at all. it's like amy doesn't know shadow.

which brings up a good question. ]

You'll help me but not the person who needs paperwork done?

[ yes, it's him questioning her priorities because does she hear what she's saying? ]

There's no need to go out of your way, Rose. Anything I do is hands on.

[ surely she has pto. ]

Have you ever done paperwork? It's soooooo boring.

[ More importantly though. ]

But yeah, it's important to you, so of course I want to help.

[ he's done homework, close enough. ]

You have a habit of being successfully annoying.

[ it feels never-ending with her, but she's always doing something for the sake of others. ]

Where are you?

[ It's a good thing this is over text and he can't see her face, because she does pout a bit at being called annoying. Still, if he's taking her up on her help than she won't complain (to his face). ]

I'm just outside the Emeraldville Ruins, but I can meet you somewhere else if you want.

[ she's an annoying girl, she knows this, but that doesn't mean he isn't willing to share his space with this annoying girl. ]

Somewhere private.

[ the less people, the better. she should know this song and dance with him when he's doing business he doesn't want anyone part of.

she's lucky that he's even going this far. ]

[ She's well aware that Shadow prefers his privacy, and knowing how withdrawn he can be, so the fact that he's even talking to her at all she'll consider a win. ]

You wanna meet me at my house?

[ They certainly would have privacy there, especially since her house would be the last place anyone would expect to see Shadow. ]

[ never, ever would he take this option because of the chances that if someone sees, it raises questions, but also this is a place he doesn't enter.

there's no reason for him to, and for her to even invite him in seems like a mistake. he should reject the idea for her sake, but it is a private place that could be utilized. ]

I'll come through the back.

[ Honestly, Amy doesn't really care who, if anyone, might see Shadow coming to her house. It isn't anyone's business anyway, and she's never been one to really care about things like that. Still, she wants to respect Shadow's need for privacy, and she isn't expecting anyone else today, so her house seemed liked the best place. ]

I'll see you soon.

[ It doesn't take her long to get back home, and she leaves the back door open for him. She doubts he'll want any sort of refreshment, but she makes some anyway, always having snacks on hand just in case. ]

[ it doesn't take him long to appear, why would it when her home is a chaos control away for him as he enters through the open back door, and he pulls the door up to close it properly. she'll hear the shut and click indicating that he's arrived, and he only walks so many steps in until he's able to confirm that she's here.

knowing her, she'll make her presence known, the only downside of coming here is that she's a girl with good hospitality, and he's a hog who doesn't want anything.

now he has to figure out how to decline which is easy, but still. ]

[ She's placing some of the snacks on the table when she hears the door close, and she calls out. ] I'm in the kitchen!

[ He may not want anything, but she's still going to act the good host and offer anyway. Besides, it just means she'll get to eat what he doesn't want. ]

[ is there a reason to have drinks and snacks already prepared, it's not like shadow is staying long.

that's all he can think once he enters the kitchen before his eyes drift to the pink hedgehog. ]

Hmph. What I tell you has to remain a secret.

[ quick to business as always. ]

[ Look, she can hope that he might take a moment to eat something. His curt greeting gets a wry smile from her though. ]

Nice to see you too, Shadow.

[ But knowing that this was a serious matter for him, she sobers up and nods. ]

Of course. I promise, I won't tell anyone.

[ she knows how this goes, him even being here is a greeting, but he's never doing anything outside of that. ]

There's supposed to be a comet that'll pass by without warning.

[ it doesn't sound like much, to him, he may just be overthinking. ]

I'm going to stick around a certain area and see if it appears.

[ it comes every so and so years, and people believe they've seen it only for it to disappear. a myth, really, but... what if there's more to it. ]

[ Yeah, she should be used to it be now, but she'll never stop hoping that he might lighten up a little bit.

As she starts to pour herself some tea, she pauses a moment, glancing up at him with a frown. ]

A comet?

[ Her mind immediately thinks of the Black Comet, though she knows that had already been destroyed. Still, she wonders what the significance of the comet is then. ]

And the comet for sure is just going to pass by? No danger of it hitting the planet or anything?

[ It doesn't sound like it, if Shadow wasn't going to tell anyone else about it. But she can't help wondering why he would be interested in it, and why he's keeping it a secret. ]

[ she can tell from the look on his face and the lack of response that there's something about that comet, he doesn't think its harmless. it's been bothering him for awhile now, and he's been waiting for this day to come, but now it's to see if it truly passes. ]

Whatever comes from it, I'll take responsibility.

[ the reason she can't tell anyone is because it's like a spectacle, but the less people who know, the less people who get in the way. ]

I don't trust anything that orbits near this Earth.

[ Amy's frown deepens at that. If it was truly dangerous, she didn't like the idea of handling it alone. ]

Are you sure we shouldn't tell anyone? Even just Tails or something? He could at least monitor it, just in case.

I don't need their help.

[ he doesn't need any of their help, really. actually, he sees no reason why he had to tell amy anything. ]

This isn't about them.

Then what is it about? [ Amy is trying to be patient, and wants to understand Shadow's reasoning, but it just feels too risky. ] If there's a chance this thing is dangerous, shouldn't we be ready just in case? You don't have to do it all on your own all the time.

Do not make me regret coming here, Rose.

[ and he will do it by himself because this is what makes sense to him. no matter how many times they've been on his side to help him doesn't mean he'll allow it. before there was no choice, but this time it's his decision. ]

I will make sure nothing happens.

from here

I'll pass, you're the one with the tastes of a child.

[ double chocolate? get real... ]

With your pets? Here I thought you fed them better.

They are NOT my "pets".

[Oh! Seems Shadow's touched a nerve.]

Trust me, you will know when they are well fed. I anticipate it causing quite a mess.

Edited 2025-03-16 21:02 (UTC)

What are they then?

[ nuisances, annoyances, liabilities... he has words, but not his place for now. ]

They're not really my problem so I won't be looking into their mess. Make sure you clean up after.

My responsibility.

[It takes him a bit longer to respond this time around. Ugh. This is what he gets for wanting to hassle Shadow.]

Duly noted. Screenshotting that for future reference!

Delete the screenshot.

[ that gets deleted or the phone gets deleted. ]

What's this? Have I uncovered The Ultimate Lifeform's greatest fear: accountability?

No, I simply think you're too stupid to use it properly. Even with evidence, you can't tap into its great potential. If I gave you the wrong impression, that's on you.

Sometimes I think you just say things to sound cool. "Great potential"? It's a screenshot.

[ and this is why someone isn't able to tap into the great potential. ]

Remember that by 4:30.

??? Enjoy the next 24 hours. See, I can sound ominous, too.

You call that being ominous? You should be aware I don't enjoy anything.

Big oof.

[Take the internet away from him.]

But also that's not true. You enjoy brooding and killing fathers.

[ "big oof" get off tiktok. ]

Someone sounds offended, are you not over this?

🖕🏼

[So that's a 'yes'.]

If you miss him, we can go to the places where I killed him and you can mourn.

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@bluebolt

TW: Gore, blood, monster transformation stuff (Unleashed levels)

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TW: Gore, blood, monster transformation stuff

tw: blood, monster transformation

@thelightshines

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