Return of a Friend [Moved To AO3]

Chapter 2~The Strange Call

~Shadow's PoV~

   It's been 66 years since Maria's death, 50 since I saved the world from the Black Arms, and 16 years since I grudgingly became Faker's friend. I shudder internally.

   "Hey Shadz, wanna race?" The cobalt blue hedgehog asked me, a playful smirk plastered on his peach-colored muzzle.

   In response I simply activate my hover skates and rush ahead. I laugh as he indigdantly shouts something about head starts.

   On about the fifth or sixth lap of Station Square, I feel something tap my shoulder. Slowing to a standstill, I look around; but no-one's there. I don't even notice the blue streak zip by me in my confusion.

   "Haha! Sonic: 1; Ultimate Slow-form: 0!" I hear him exclaim. He comes over and extends his hand out. "Great race though. I had fun, Shadow."

   I give him my trademark "grin"(it's a scowl). I grasp his hand and shake it once then let go. As he zooms off to the house where he and Tails live; I head off to the apartment Rouge and I share.

{Timeskip to 9 pm}

   That night, I just pick at my plate. Rouge knew what today marked(Maria's death), so she fixed my most liked meal, a Chicken TV dinner with a homemade Ceaser salad side.

   'What was that feeling? And why do I have a sudden urge to go to the abandoned ARK today of all days?' I wonder. I jump when I feel Rouge rest a hand on my back.

   "Shadow, what's eating your mind? You're never this out of it." She asked, hanging from the chandelier.

   "I was racing Faker this aftermoon, when I felt someone touch my shoulder." I explain, knowing full well how useless her advice will be so it won't hurt. "I look around but no-one was there. Not even anybody who could've done it. Ever since, I've got a nagging feeling to go up there."

   "Well, you're the Ultimate Lifeform." She replied after thinking for a bit. "If something's telling ya to up there, then sweet Mobius, go up there!" She thrusts my Chaos Emerald into my hand.

   I sigh dejectedly. Then, charging up my energy, I raise the emerald above my head and shout out the two magic 'C' words. A moment later, I'm back at the place where my life began and fell apart.

   The Space Colony ARK.