Diamond in the Sky

Shadow Blames Himself

Twilight on the beach, Sonic's swimming lessons were no fun. He and Shadow are beat. He sits in the sand, feeling like a disappointment. Shadow stands, arms folded and eyes closed, yet again. Sonic whines.

"All those hours spent in the water and all I can do is doggie paddle."

"It's better than nothing," Sonic is surprised to hear Shadow say.

"You're not annoyed? Dude, you know I hate the water."

"Stop apologizing," Shadow replies and turns away, ready to head out.

Awe man, no. Sonic springs to his feet. Surely he can find a way to get him to stay.

"Hey, are you leaving? Come on, let's have a real race already."

"I've been with you all day, Sonic."

"Yeah, I know, I'm just prolonging it. Remember that one time we sat in the woods and made that truce?"

"What about it?"

"Or the first time we practiced fight moves together?"

"Yes, why are you bringing these things up?"

"Just trying to help you remember that we're friends, Shadow."

Reluctantly, Shadow faces him.

"What makes you think I forgot?"

Sonic looks down at the sand, heavy-heartedly.

"It's just that, I don't know what to do or say. I'm not good at, ya know, talking about feelings or something. That's Amy's department."

"Who said we need to talk about our feelings?" Shadow snaps, agitated. "You'll learn to swim eventually. You can't be fast at everything in life."

Now Sonic worries he's been too pushy.

"You're right dude, some things take time."

Shadow scoffs.

"What are you really getting at? Because I don't wanna talk about it, if you're trying to have a conversation about Silver."

Sonic groans, frustrated with himself.

"Sorry, I just know that's what you're thinking about. This is way out of my league but I think we should talk about him. Or if you want, you can deck me one in the face. Maybe punching something will help."

Shadow holds up his hands in surrender, motioning Sonic to stop.

"Sonic, I'm not gonna fight you over Silver being dead. What sense does that make?"

Sonic rationalizes.

"We're equal fighters, a good battle might help you get some rage out."

Shadow turns away once more and is quiet. Sonic frowns. They are silent for a good minute though for Sonic if feels like a decade.

"I keep wondering," Shadow begins... "what it must have been like, to grow up questioning if his father loved him. To put his life in danger to find me by traveling through time... to protect me... when he didn't exist to me. No Faker, it's not rage. It's a feeling you can't comprehend."

"No man, I hear what you're saying," Sonic assures, "but it's not your fault!"

Shaking his head in fervent disagreement, Shadow turns to him.

"I had a son who loved me and I couldn't guard his life for one day. Instead, he showed up, made me feel like the most important person on the planet, then took my place when I never did a damn thing for him."