The Bonds of Blood

Chapter Seventeen: What's A Hedgehog To Do?

"—We're live here in Empire City on the suburban cul-de-sac where Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog currently reside and as you can see behind me the crowds lining the street have all come out in celebration of their new arrival. The announcement came in the early hours of this morning from Hedgington Hall in the shape of a royal proclamation and as you from—" Scarlett Garcia's voice was muted by Shadow who's red eyes were wide in horror at the vast crowds lining his usually quiet dead end street. As the images on screen switched to the royal proclamation, to Station Square where there was another huge street crowd celebrating with Mobius and Federation flags, the huge advertising screen had an enormous congratulatory message written on it to Sonic and Shadow that ran across it repeatedly with baby boy images. A scene from Monument Square of Mobotroplis appeared next where the mobian citizens where also cheering. Shadow's eyes turned back and unmuted the television with a heavy sigh as Prime Minister Maximillion Acorn appeared on screen. Beside him was his daughter Sally with what must be her husband and a covered baby in her arms. The black and red hedgehog had not seen her in years he still recognised her easily.

"We at the Mobian Council and indeed the rest of Mobius herself would like to congratulate the new parents on the birth of their son. This is a tremendous moment right across the country, the Federation and indeed the world. We as a nation owe these two a debt of gratitude for their years of service and despite our own singular opinions on the couple we must never forget that they have chosen to come together to form a couple and bring about this new life. This is indeed a remarkable moment, not just for the royal Hedgehog family but a moment that has captured our hearts and they can know that there is a proud nation celebrating the happy couple tonight—" The hospital TV was immediately clicked off as Shadow threw down the remote in annoyance.

"He always was a pompous git.." Scourge exhaled heavily shaking his green quilled head. "I'm sorry about all this." He added glancing over at the black quilled hedgehog with red stripes who was standing with his arms folded in what could only be described as silent rage.

"This is an absolute nightmare.." Shadow finally seethed out in fury as he whipped back around with a murderous scowl. "Your mother went too far with this!!" He growled in a low voice.

"Ma isn't responsible for Mobius' reaction to your baby. Although I was trying to hold her off, I wanted the proclamation to go out when you guys were ready for it." The green quilled hedgehog explain with a nervous grin. "She clearly didn't heed my advice man, don't blow a fuse over it. They'll disperse as soon as they get a glimpse of your kit." Behind them Sonic's eyes blinked blearily as he woke up from his few hours of sleep.

"Mm.... What's going on... Was that Max Acorn I heard..?" The blue hedgehog murmured incoherently as he sat up turning his head to the arguing pair at the foot of the hospital bed.

"I do not want him receive that kind of exploitation!" Shadow was hissing vehemently at the green hedgehog. "Your family would know that if they actually gave a damn about what I wanted!!"

"Woah! Dude, relax—"

"How can I!! Your idiotic family has sent a hoard of press and civilians to my private residence!! My security, not to mention my job and new family's safety have just been completely jeopardised by the thoughtless actions of your mother!!" Shadow continued to rage. "Do you know how many enemies I have or how many of them would leap at the chance to take swift revenge?"

"Chill out, ok? You guys have been on the news at home before." Scourge raised a brow in slight confusion.

"Yes but the location has never been disclosed. You have no idea of the irreparable damage that has been done.." The dark hedgehog then snatched up his cellphone blinking several times as he noticed Sonic was finally awake and looking confused.