The Virus of Emerald Hills (Sonadow)

Chapter 7

Sonic wasted no time in zipping over and wrapping his arms around the  shorter hedgehog. Shadow frowned to himself while burying his head in Sonic's neck, he noticed his feet were bare sending shivers up his spine. Sonic clung to him hearing his heartbeat and relaxing slightly, he couldn't help but pull Shadow into a deep kiss, the ultimate lifeform kissed him before abruptly turning to the side to vomit all the gunk out of his chest. 

"Woah! Sonic you will have to teach me that trick" Knuckles teased only to be whacked by Rouge who didn't find it funny whatsoever. 

Once Shadow had finished vomiting only then did he turn to take in the room only to gasp at a certain hedgehog.

"It worked" 

"It worked" Maria copied her brother who could only lean back into Sonic and open his arms. Maria wasted no time in climbing into his arms and crying into his neck, Shadow made sure to wrap his arms tightly around his smaller sister who was clearly a kid, she was a few inches smaller than Tails. 

The others turned attention elsewhere for the time being allowing the two siblings to connect. Sonic on the other hand just held Shadow up against his chest while running a hand through his quills. 

"Child, you must get going" 

A voice unknown to them all echoed around the room, however two of them recognised and understood it. Shadow grumbled something to do with guardians that caught Knuckle's attention as Sonic helped him to his feet. 

"Where's my skates?" Shadow said in between coughs. The lack of chaos energy was creating a large headache for him. 

"I haven't got a clue" Sonic whispered, turning to Maria who shrugged, Shadow on the other hand only frowned until he felt a calling. He let go of Sonic only to stumble over to the bench. Sonic whizzed forward grabbing his hips and slinging a hand over his shoulder. 

"Accept help" 

"Sure faker" Shadow whispered as he placed his hand on the wall. A compartment opened revealing not only his skates but his inhibitor rings for his feet. 

Sonic wasted no time in sitting Shadow on the bench and passing over the skates which were the heaviest shoes Sonic had ever lifted. Silver grinned watching the Ultimate Lifeform glare at Sonic for helping him. Shadow looked a bit like a petulant child with his arms crossed while the others found it amusing. 

Once he had his skates and inhibitor rings on, the group headed for exit, they were almost to the tunnel when Maria actually froze up making Shadow stop. He turned around using Sonic to help pivot him. 

"Shadow, what if I can't live out there? What if my illness comes back?" 

Letting go of Sonic with the last of his strength, Shadow kneeled in front of his sister and looked into her eyes. 

"For years you protected me from the scientists and all those on board this Ark. So let me repay the favour by looking after you, I will not let you get hurt, I promise no one will hurt you not if I'm around" Shadow whispered, kissing her hair, he knew she would be turning into a seven year old mentally but that would happen over time. 

"But what about my illness?" 

"You don't have it anymore" 

"How can you be so sure?" Maria looked directly into the crimson eyes of the brave hedgehog in front of her. 

"Because when I spoke to the guardians, I intended for you to survive which is why I halved my soul with you, so you could live. My chaos energy is flowing through your body. I saved you Maria, you are cured, you never have to worry about anyone hurting you again because I'm here, I always will be" Shadow spoke in a soft tone, one not many knew he had. Rouge could only smile, so this was the side of Shadow that had been tucked away for years.