Out of the Blue // Shadow.exe Short Story

Out of the Blue

       The sound of cheerful cries still rang in Shadow's ears. Never in his entire existence did he think that seeing others' happiness would affect him in such a positive manner. Through all the giddiness Shadow had felt, a sudden vibration coming from his quills snapped his attention back. Shadow stopped in his tracks and reached behind his back, searching for his phone. Once Shadow had a grip on the device, he quickly pulled it into his sight and glanced at the phone's bright screen. The screen displayed his friend's contact, Rouge. Was the bat calling to congratulate him for saving the entire world? Shadow sighed and tiredly pressed the green icon on the screen and brought the phone close to his cheek.

      Exhausted and tired, Shadow opened his mouth and spoke. "Hey Rouge. What's u-" Shadow was quickly cut off by a frantic voice on the other side of the line.

      "Shadow, you must come to Eggman's base. I know you must be tired right now, I heard about what happened, but this is urgent and cannot be waited for!"

      Shadow's ears perked. What was the meaning of this? Why now? He tapped his foot anxiously. Shadow started questioning the bat. "Rouge, what's happening? Is everything alright?"

      Shadow could hear Rouge's frantic breaths through the phone's muffled audio. "Shadow, it's Sonic. There's something wrong with the guy, but I can't put my finger on it. Please Shads, you gotta help u-" The bat's voice suddenly cut out.

      Shadow swiftly looked back at the phone's screen just to be met with the sound of a small beep and a blank screen. Shadow paused and stared at the lifeless face of the device. He felt a sudden coldness rush down his quills.

      "What in the...Rouge has never sounded that desperate. Ever." He stood there nervously, occasionally fidgeting with the shining gold rings on his wrist.

      "What could that Faker even do? There's nothing harmful or dangerous about that hedgehog."

      Shadow shoved his phone back into his quills and began to sprint as fast as possible, heading towards Eggman's base. He hoped the hung up call was just an accident, perhaps a weak connection. He hoped that Rouge was okay. He even hoped that Sonic was okay.

      After what seemed like forever, Shadow had arrived at a new location, Frog Forest. Unease nipped at him as he continued to speed through various trees and bushes. A sharp sting was felt along Shadow's legs as he ran. It felt as if small needles poked and prodded his skin. Shadow slowed down his pace, slightly bothered by the small pains. Shadow curiously peered down and examined his damaged skin.

      "I don't recall these plants having these many thorns." Shadow huffed and whacked a couple thorns from his skin. It only hurt slightly, but he kept running.

After making it out of Frog Forest, Shadow had made it to Bingo Highway, however everything was wrong. Nothing was the same, the slots had been changed, the blue area now seemed to be coated with red, and the ambiance felt more...unwelcoming. 

      "What the...This isn't some new upgrade, Bingo Highway has never been this red..." As Shadow had tried to figure out what happened, he remembered the information he had got a few minutes before to have a good idea who did this.

      He felt unease crawl at the back of his quills. How and when did Sonic do this? Was this really the same blue hedgehog? If so, why did he do...this? Even so, he had to continue to safety. Who knows what might happen if he doesn't. As Shadow progressed through the bingo section, a voice whispered among the dark depths of the now distorted Bingo Highway.

      "Bingo~" the voice purred. Shadow whipped his head around, but was greeted with nothing but emptiness. He didn't know who said it or where it came from. He didn't feel safe anywhere, as if something were following him, watching him perhaps.