Shadow X

Setting the stage

Special Thanks to Reviewer gwencarson126 for proofreading and helping me with this chapter.

Shadow stood out on the roof of the Thorndyke Mansion, looking more serious than usual as he blasted off into the city. Ever since they encountered the ghosts, Shadow had been acting weird. Count in the fact that Robotnik had been spotted with a new ship and was on the move, that didn't help his nerves much. 

Sam had challenged him to a race, but Shadow blasted the engine with a Chaos Flare when he was rudely woken up. The group had also gone on a cruise, but that ended with Shadow saying it was a waste of time. 

There were three more Chaos Emeralds out there, Robotinik was on the move. This wasn't a time to take things easy, and nobody seemed to care!

Maria walked down the set of stairs with Tails and Amy.

"He's just trying to get us home. Don't worry about him." Tails stated. However, he was worried. He'd seen Shadow be determined, but for the past two weeks Shadow had been nothing short of obsessive. 

"Miss Maria..." Mr. Tanaka called, getting her attention. "Your father is on the line, would you like to speak to him?" 

Maria jumped at the chance, taking the phone excited. "Hey dad, how's it going?" She said in rapid fire. Tanaka chuckled a little bit, knowing why she was so excited. "What? Today? Ok then, that would be great!" Maria said hanging up. "Tails...can we get a ride to Filmdome City?" 

"Why do we need to go there?" Tails asked.

"My dad is going to surprise my mom there for her birthday!" Maria answered excited, Tails nodding his head. They left for the X Tornado when they saw Shadow standing in the doorway.

Shadow turned to see them. "Where are you guys headed?" 

"To see Maria's parents. You coming?" Amy answered. 

Shadow scowled at this. "Another side adventure? Give me a break." Shadow said under his breath, walking past the group. 

That one hit Maria, hard. "Hold it." Maria said as Shadow turned. "I don't know what your issue has been lately, but you need to knock it off. We're trying to find the Chaos Emeralds, we are. But we're also living our lives Shadow."

Shadow's fists tightened. "What's this "We've been searching" nonsense? I'VE BEEN SEARCHING while you would rather enjoy life! Robotnik is out there, plotting his next move! And if we don't stop him then your life is going to be cut short. We need to get home Maria." Shadow let out as he walked away.

"I'll get him." Tails stated, running by as Amy came up next to Maria.

Searching for the right words, Amy grabbed Maria's hand. "He's just-"

"Save it." Maria stated flatly. "I get it, he needs to get home. I was just a place to stay at...I just thought I was getting through to him...." Maria said quietly, holding back the tears before shaking her head to keep her emotions in check. "I'll be fine. I always am."
"Just need to keep my chin up....chin...up..." Maria still had mist in her eyes.

.

"Shadow, hold on!" Tails yelled, getting in front of Shadow. "Stop for just a minute Shadow, we need to talk."

"Not now Tails." Shadow said walking around him.

Tails wasn't going to take no for an answer. As Shadow walked by, Tails grabbed his wrist. "Shadow, slow down! You're no good if you can't keep yourself upright." Tails stated, trying to reason with Shadow. "I get that you want to go home, I want to go home to. But pushing yourself like this won't get you anywhere but hurt."