Shadow the Hedgehog (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
limiterrings) wrote2025-02-25 05:42 pm
limiterrings) wrote2025-02-25 05:42 pm
(no subject)
OPEN POST
Catch-all and open post for Shadow! Text, brackets, prose, images! I'm fine with anything. I can take him from any canon point, send me a PM if you'd like to discuss or check out my info page!
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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. ]
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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.]
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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.
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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.]
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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. ]
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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.]
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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?
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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.]
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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.
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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?!
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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. ]
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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.]
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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. ]
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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.]
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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... ]
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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.]
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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. ]
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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.]
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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? ]
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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.
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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...
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Where is here? [Were his other still seeing something, or talking about the current reality?]
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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. ]
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...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.]
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[ 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. ]
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