Emerald Blood

Chapter 4 - Unveiled

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~READER'S POV~

~At St. Seraphim's Cathedral~

Sonic and Tails remained sitting on the pews in utter shock at the Reverend's unnerving display. In response to this reaction, the Reverend simply lowered his head slightly in apology and clarified with a sympathetic tone, "deepest apologies for my disgraceful appearance, I had just returned from conducting an unforeseen burial... The scene was more macabre than I had anticipated..."

The blue hedgehog and the fox simply exchanged glances in silence.

"Well I appreciate your priority toward counselling with us," Sonic stood from his seat and clasped his hands together. "I know that in the past, my predecessors had strong connections with this church in particular, but since they left the connections had diminished," Sonic glanced at Tails who gave him an encouraging nod, "so I want to ask you for your full-fledged and long-term co-operation with me and my acquaintances!"

Reverend Silver blinked in surprise then smiled, "Oh Mr. Sonic I have already wanted this connection since I sent you that letter."

Tails stood up to join them, fists clenched, "Does that mean you could help us in anything that we desire?"

"I would be thrilled to! However my extent of assistance can only be determined by the specific area in which you require help. May I ask, what exactly do you need help in?"

The noble hedgehog stared at the ground, "Since this church was associated with my parents, could you provide us with knowledge surrounding them- just anything you have!" He was trembling with enthusiasm, yet his face was flushed in abashment.

The Reverend nodded and tapped his finger onto his chin, "I do recall a collection of letters, documents and artefacts relating to Bernadette and Jules Emeraude..." he muttered, in thought. "Ah! I will share all of them with you!" he exclaimed, his eyes smiling.

Sonic imagined the extensive chunks of words and monotonous details and bit his lip in reluctance, "how about we all meet at my mansion and discuss over tea?" he suggested spontaneously.

"I would be delighted to," Reverend Silver took out his golden pocket watch and peeked at the time, "I think I can go with you now if you would like."

The short fox smiled, clearly holding in an excited squeal, while Sonic collected himself and with great determination he announced, "let's go."

~SHADOW'S POV~

~Cemetery of London~

The sun had already risen. I remained sitting in front of her grave for what must have been hours. The sun impresses me. Although the night takes over the land, forcing us into the world of uncertainty and vulnerability, with the moon mockingly watching over us, the sun persists. It throws its rays of illumination over the darkness, compelling the moon to depart like a flock of crows when a stone is thrown toward them. The day is always longer than the night. So why can't I banish the night and set authority over the moon? Will the thought of her, María, linger in the night like the moon and prevail even through the day, when the sky is bright and radiant?

I stood up and left the cemetery.

My mind was as blank as the grey skies of London as I trudged through the winding streets, toward that hedgehog's mansion. Each step was accompanied by the tapping of the hard soles of my boots. These shoes had walked me through the darkest nights. Through the times which I swore not to remember.