Institution

Chapter 45

(Shadow's POV)

"Shadow Robotnik. You've been charged with public endangerment, as of a act of terrorism." The judged cleared his throat. "We have video evidence of you committing these crimes..."

"Your honor-" The officer got cut off but the judge raising his hand.

"But we have evidence that you save the innocent with your... abilities. As you did stop that gang from causing any more harm" I watched as he sighed. "I'm sorry to say, You still pose a threat to humanity. Your owner has let you build up a freedom, which you do deserve, but you don't have that right..." The judge looked like he made up his mind, about to slammed his hammer thing down.

"Can I please say something? Your honor..." The judge guy cleared his throat as he saw an angry guard about to yell. Man... I was so tensed. My family was watching, as was supporters. Even people who wanted me dead was watching. My case was being broadcasted on live tv. Even more on my shoulders to deal with, I had to be careful on what I saw.

"Proceed." After taking a deep breath, I tried to empty my mind.

"My name in Project S.H.A.D.O.W., or Subject 619 or trash or whatever you want other than Shadow. I got used to the names... I believe I am around 20 years old, but I honestly don't know, I just picked a day to call my birthday. It hard to keep track after being stuck in that place for so long. I lived in that hell hole for all of my life. Day and night I was tested on. They tortured me so badly, that it made me forget my own brother." I shook, not knowing if I should continue. "I-I lived with a very ill girl, with her grandfather, to which I started calling them my family. One day, the Institute wanted me back so badly, that they murdered them in front of me. They killed one of their own scientist because they wanted me back! So they could torture me, and make me immortal! I have to live while I watch my family and friends die while I can't! I-I..." I didn't realized I was crying, but I needed to continue.. They have to know. "I'm the only one out of that place that is willing to speak my mind... To tell my story... Heh, it's not like they can kill me... My family... 

"The ones I call my brothers, each have scars and stories... I'll leave their names out of this... All of us were tortured, once to a point where I thought, what was the point of living... I'm sure all of us specials have thought that once.... But to get to the point.... I don't care what you do to me. Lock me away, ship me to some far off testing center, anything. But just don't hurt my family... Don't hurt any of the specials who are out of that place... Please." I saw the judge sighed, as he looked at the jury. A lot of them looked sincere, but I knew they wouldn't let me go.

"Well. Let's take a short recess, to let them think over.. And for you to see your family." He smacked his hammer thing down and every started to talk and leave. Several ones were talking about locking me up, but most seemed to want me to be free. I was surprised...

After a while, I was lead into a separate room, with everyone I knew. Before the guard could even unlock my cuffs, I rushed over to them. I nearly tackled Sonic, as I pulled him close. I heard him softly cry as I tried to comfort him.

"'Ey. Don't you want your cuffs off... Shadow?" I was shocked when the officer said my name. The other was shocked, as I knew he hated me. I just smile, as the officer walked up to me. I thanked him, before turning back to my family.

" 'Ey Stripes.. Ya forgettin' someone?" Scourge's voice scared me, yet he stood there, a few tears in his eyes. "Heh.. I'm still alive..." As soon as I pulled him in a hug, he lost it. He repeatedly saying sorry, but he had nothing to apologize for. (Authors note* I'm slowly realizing I made Shadzy basically a dad to them now haha*)

"Y'know. Orange really isn't your color bro." Mephiles leaned against me, chuckling.

"Really? I thought it went great with my eyes." It seem like it wa forever since I've last seen them. At least over a month I was in jail, and court was already almost over. We've gone through hours of court already, I just wanted all of this to be done with.

"It's about time to go back." The officer said after a few minutes, I know what was gonna come next... But I wasn't ready for this... I know I'll be the reason why we go extinct...

It seemed like hours as they were going over the case again. Why do these things take so long? Do regulars have to go through this all the time? Man, I kinda rather be in that hell hole then to do this court thing.

"Mr. Shadow Robotnik... The jury have found you..." The judged stopped as he read the paper. I knew it... I sighed before he could speak again, and looked down. "Innocent." Everyone froze, like time itself stopped. The judge smiled, and smack the hammer thing down, saying other words that I didn't bother to listen too. 

Everybody around me was cheering, other than people swearing, people were happy to hear I was innocent. They found me innocent, I nearly started crying again before I was tackled from behind. The officers let people pass by, gathering around me.

Time itself seemed slow as we were taken out of the court house. Camera were everywhere, along with flashes and constant talking. Nothing matter though, I was finally out. I was finally able to wear my own clothes, sleep in my own bed, and finally be with my family...

(Normal Pov)

Laura was finally able to drive Shadow home, sighing that everything went just the way they wanted. Shadow relaxed in the front seat, nearly falling asleep as soon as he got in the car. Scourge and Mephiles rode with them, as Sonic was with Fiona and the kids.

"Still haven't gotten rid of this crappy car?" Shadow chuckled, shifting in his seat. He feels like this car has gotten smaller since he was last in it.

"I'm working on it. You just have to deal with it for a little while longer, ya big baby" Laura laughed slightly, continuing to drive down the road.

"Well, you gotta remember, we all are tall guys" Scourge added, having the same problem with the space. "We're not as small as you are." Everyone just laughed lighted as Shadow shifted around.

"Hey... Meph, what was that thing you did back about a week ago? When you were 'part' of me?" Shadow rubbed his eyes, confused about him.

"Oh... I guess it's gotta be from the mutation... I honestly don't remember doing it." Mephiles looked away, trying to remember. "Was there a side effect?"

"Nah, just wondering" Shadow decided to keep his vision problem to himself, not to worry the others. "Man... When I get home, I'm going to sleep... Maybe tomorrow we can celebrate." Shadow yawned, resting his head against the window.

Before any of them could say anything, Shadow was out. The others didn't know, that he hadn't slept in a few days, because of the amount of stress. They decided to let him sleep, as they were tired from the long day too. But thankfully this was over, Shadow was safe. His family was safe, but the struggle wasn't far from gone. There was still the Institution open, and they have heard of Shadow's arrest and court. Who knows what they could be planning.