a hedgehogs unlikely crush

ch 22

Eggman's sudden attack had caused the usual chaos in the village. His bee-bots and crab-bots were swarming, creating havoc as usual. Sonic, already on edge from the morning's events, saw this as his moment to reclaim the glory. After all, if there was one thing Sonic could do, it was beat Eggman's tin can army and look good doing it.

"Time to shine," Sonic muttered under his breath, revving up his legs to dash forward.

But before he could even make a move, Shadow had already sprung into action.

"Perci, hold on!" Shadow barked, and with one swift motion, he grabbed her by the waist and tossed her into the air, high above the fray, out of danger.

Perci barely had time to react before Shadow unleashed absolute destruction. In a flurry of red and black, Shadow dismantled the bee-bots and crab-bots in a matter of seconds. His Chaos Spear sliced through them like paper, his movements a blur as he systematically obliterated every single bot in sight.

Eggman, still sitting in his Eggmobile, watched in horror. "What the—? This wasn't supposed to happen!"

With one powerful kick, Shadow sent Eggman and his Eggmobile flying into the horizon. "Damn you, Shadow! You'll pay for this!" Eggman's voice echoed as he disappeared into the distance.

By the time Perci came falling back down from the air, the battle was over. Shadow, cool as ever, caught her effortlessly, holding her bridal-style in his arms as if it were nothing.

Perci stared at him in awe, her cheeks flushed. "You... you did all that in seconds."

"Of course," Shadow said, smirking down at her. "Anything for you, Butterfly."

But as Shadow set Perci down gently, Sonic was still frozen in place, his body trembling with rage. His fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles had turned white, and his eyes were wide with fury. He had barely lifted a finger, and yet again, Shadow had stolen his moment.

"This... this can't be happening," Sonic growled, his voice shaking. His chest heaved with barely-contained anger, his mind zeroed in on one thing: Shadow.

His gaze snapped to Shadow, and in an instant, Sonic lunged, his body propelled forward with murderous intent. He didn't care anymore; all he saw was red. Shadow was his target.

But Shadow was faster.

With a simple sidestep, Shadow dodged Sonic's attack, sending the blue blur crashing into the ground face-first. Sonic tumbled, skidding to a stop in the dirt, but he wasn't done. Far from it.

"SON OF A BITCH!" Sonic screamed, spitting out dirt as he scrambled to his feet. His eyes were wild, filled with rage that bordered on insanity. "You think you can just take everything from me?!"

Shadow raised an eyebrow, his expression completely unfazed. "Take what? You mean your inability to handle Eggman's bots?"

That was it. Sonic's mind snapped. With another scream, he lunged at Shadow again, fists flying. He didn't care if Shadow dodged—he was going to hit him. He was going to knock that smug bastard out if it was the last thing he did.

But Shadow was too fast. He ducked and weaved, effortlessly avoiding Sonic's wild punches, every movement calculated, every dodge executed with precision.

"Sonic," Shadow said coldly, sidestepping another punch, "you're embarrassing yourself."

"SHUT UP!" Sonic roared, his attacks becoming more erratic, more desperate. He was losing it. He knew it, but he couldn't stop. Every time Shadow dodged him, it only fueled his rage more. He wanted to wipe that damn smirk off Shadow's face. "I'M GONNA—"

Before Sonic could finish, Shadow grabbed him by the wrist, twisting it behind his back in one smooth motion and slamming him face-first into the ground.

"Enough," Shadow growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Sonic let out a pained grunt but didn't give up. "Get... off... me..." He struggled, but Shadow's grip was like iron.

"You really don't know when to quit, do you?" Shadow's crimson eyes glowed with irritation as he held Sonic down with ease.

Perci, who had been watching in shock, finally stepped forward, her voice filled with concern. "Sonic, stop! You're gonna get yourself hurt!"

But Sonic didn't listen. All he could think about was Shadow, how he had everything Sonic wanted. How he lived with Perci, how he made her laugh, how he effortlessly took the spotlight and left Sonic in the dust.

"Why..." Sonic hissed through clenched teeth, his voice shaking with rage and something else—something like desperation. "Why do you get to have everything?"

Shadow's expression softened just slightly, as if he finally understood. He released Sonic, standing up straight as Sonic collapsed onto his knees, panting heavily.

"Because," Shadow said quietly, his voice surprisingly calm, "I don't run away from what I want. You, Sonic... you've always been running."

Sonic's head snapped up, his eyes filled with hurt and fury, but before he could respond, Perci placed a gentle hand on Shadow's arm, pulling him away.

"Shady," she whispered softly, "let's go."

Shadow glanced down at her, his anger fading in an instant. "Alright, Butterfly. Let's get out of here."

With one last glance at Sonic, who was still on the ground, Shadow wrapped his arm around Perci's waist and led her away, leaving Sonic behind, seething in his own jealousy and frustration.