Shadow X

Aftermath

Chuck, Shadow, and Maria sat in the presidents office. Over the course of two weeks, more creatures had started to show up from Mobius. Flickeys being the main example. 

"I'm sure you're all wondering why I asked you here..." The President stated.

Chuck gave a sympathetic chuckle. "You're worried about the arrival of all these creatures. And you think we need to separate them from humans. Trouble usually does arrive when two such different species cross paths." He explained as Maria frowned, looking at her hand in it's cast. She tried flexing her fingers, but they refused to budge an inch. 

The President nodded. "I wish it weren't the case...but-" 

"I understand." Shadow cut him off. "We'll make sure to keep them away from humans as much as possible. Wouldn't want people thinking we need to be locked up...or worse." Shadow stated bitterly as he walked away. 

The President looked like he wanted to say something, but the words didn't leave his mouth. Shadow was right, and it wasn't fair.

Maria watched on a bit hesitant when Shadow disappeared in a flash of blue. Chuck put a hand on her shoulder, saying it would probably be best if they left now.

.

Elsewhere, Shadow stood on top of a roof talking with Rouge, both of them looking to the sky.

"Tell me something Rouge." Shadow said, breaking the silence. "Do they have a plan to take us all down?" Shadow asked a bit coldly.

The question didn't surprise Rouge. It was the way he asked it that made her think cautiously. "Shadow...I couldn't tell you that."

Shadow grunted. "Guess that's a yes." He said bitterly before taking a sigh. "Guess humans don't change from one planet to the other. One day we're celebrated for being heroes. Now they're afraid because we're different."

Rouge thought for a moment, thinking cautiously. "Shadow, not all humans are like that."

"Maybe the ones I know, but the ones you work with?" Shadow spat out. "Tell me something Rouge, when that line is drawn and we're hunted down, who's side will you be on?" He asked, walking away.

Rouge sighed. "They're putting it to a vote." She said, getting Shadow's attention. "The government officials are having a vote to make plans should something happen. It doesn't mean that anything will change..."

"Hmph...That's how it starts." Shadow stated flatly. "Tell them this. I they got after Cream, or Miles, or any one of us, I'm going to do whatever it takes." He finished as he bolted away to find a quiet place to think. 

"I know you will." Rouge said to herself, flying away. 

.

At the Docks, Chuck and Maria sat at the pier looking at the sunset. Maria walked up, putting her hands on the rail as she reeled her right hand back. She tried flexing her fingers again, but to no avail. That wasn't the only thing on her mind though. She may have been on pain killers during the President's meeting, but she understood everything.

"Grandpa?" Maria asked, getting Chucks attention. "I've been thinking...about today." She said as Chuck came up beside her. "They won't actually...take Shadow away, will they?" She asked concerned. Chuck looked on to the sea, wondering the same thing. "I know he's different, but why does that matter? He's like us inside."

"Maria...Shadow is a complicated person...or Hedgehog." Chuck stated with a sigh. "He's a soldier, and something happened to him that changed him in a drastic way. I don't know if he'll ever have a safe life."

"But that's not his fault!" Maria gave an outburst. "He saved us all time and again. It's just not...fair."

"I know Maria...I know." Chuck stated as he hugged Maria close. "We should get you back to the hospital. They want to keep you one more night just to make sure you'll be fine going home."

Maria nodded as the two got in the car.

.

Morning came and the voters were in the White House, making the decision if they needed security from the "Mobian Threat" as some called it, not caring Rouge was right there. It was a few hours long when the decision was made, and Rouge was worried about it. They were making plans to spy on Shadow and his allies. She sighed, passing on Shadow's message.

"For your own sake, don't provoke him." Rouge also warned. "Shadow can be a bit overprotective of those he cares about."

"He's not the only one." Topaz gave her two cents, getting up and leaving with Rouge. Everyone looked at each other, then shrugged. They needed a plan should something happen.

.

At the remains of the warehouse Robotnik was using, Bokune tapped on a yellow-ish orange Robot on the head. "Hey, Emile, WAKE UP!" He yelled as "Emile" came online. "Look here, we need to get Robotnik out of jail and you're the only thing that works in this dump. So how about we get out of here?" Bokune asked. Emile nodded, getting up ready to start trouble once more.