I wish they didn’t took Maria’s illness away or made Gerald’ character to be a comedy relief — but I get it it’s for the purpose of levity. But there is just something missing in the movie and Shadow’s backstory when it had gone through changes and one of it being the absence of Maria’s illness, her love for the world, and the promise she and Shadow forged. I get it that it’s not the game and it’s supposed to be counterpart but it would have been really more vitally impactful were Maria had a chronic pain or illness which made Shadow very protective of her and her death to be more tragic to the core.
The movie was still peak and we have our own preferences!
Regarding Amy’s strong involvement in Sonic 4, please please Paramount and Pat Casey don’t make her a stoic girlboss character I beg you and do not take her loving feminine qualities away that made her a memorable character in the first place. It’s fine making her as this active fighting character but do not fall into the stereotypical girl bossy trope that 'needs no man'!
Can I just say that young Keanu Reeves sounds a lot like David Humprey? I’ve watched some of his old films and all I could think was: yep they picked the right voice actor for Shadow and he sounds a lot like David in SA2
like how can I fully focus on writing when he slips into my mind 24/7 that would make me stop typing and suddenly giggle out in the air looking like an absolute fool🫠
HII HELLO OMG i saw that u do art reqs so i was wondering if u could x reader art for shadow!!! maybe the reader can be giving shadow headpats cuz im a sucker for them... if u ever decide to take up my request i will forever love u 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Note- You are mobian, a silly little hedgehog!
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
The little town seemed plucked straight out of a snow globe. Rows of quaint timber-framed shops, their rooftops blanketed with snow, lined the cobblestone streets. Wreaths adorned every door, strings of golden lights looped from lampposts, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced cider wafted through the crisp air. Silver and you strolled side by side, your breath visible in soft puffs as you took in the festive scene.
Silver adjusted his scarf, glancing down at you with a small, content smile. The lights reflected in his emerald eyes, giving him an almost ethereal glow. “This place is amazing,” he murmured, his voice soft but filled with awe.
“Isn’t it?” you replied, spinning in a circle to take it all in. “I love how everything feels so alive, like the whole town is celebrating together.”
The two of you wandered toward the bustling Christmas market, a maze of wooden stalls brimming with holiday treasures. Each booth seemed to tell its own story—one sold handmade candles in scents like pine and cinnamon, while another offered colorful woolen scarves and mittens. A nearby vendor was carving tiny figurines out of ice, his skilled hands moving with precision despite the cold.
“Oh, look at that!” you said, tugging Silver toward a stand displaying jars of sparkling snow globes. You picked one up and shook it, watching as tiny flecks of glitter swirled around a miniature village scene inside.
Silver leaned closer to observe, his hand brushing yours as he steadied the globe. “It’s like holding a little piece of this town,” he said softly, his tone filled with wonder.
You grinned, setting the globe back down. “Maybe you should get one, then. A way to remember today.”
He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “I think just being here is something I won’t forget.”
Further down the street, the two of you passed a bakery where the windows were fogged with warmth. The display was filled with gingerbread houses, their frosting decorations so detailed they looked like real cottages. The smell of freshly baked pastries made your stomach rumble, and you couldn’t resist pulling Silver inside.
The bakery was cozy and bustling, with shelves lined with loaves of bread, trays of cookies, and steaming pots of hot chocolate. A friendly baker greeted you, offering a tray of free samples. You eagerly grabbed a tiny cinnamon roll, savoring the sweetness as you turned to Silver.
“Try this,” you said, holding one up for him. He hesitated for a moment before leaning down, taking the bite you offered. His eyes widened slightly, and he nodded in approval.
“That’s really good,” he admitted, his cheeks tinting pink—not from the cold, but from the closeness of the moment.
After leaving the bakery, you found yourselves in front of a toy store, its window display filled with plush animals and colorful trains. A group of children pressed their noses against the glass, their laughter ringing through the air.
Silver paused, watching them with a soft smile. “It’s nice, seeing everyone so happy.”
You nodded, slipping your hand into his without thinking. “It really is. It’s like the holidays bring out the best in everyone.”
Your touch startled him, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, his fingers curled gently around yours, his warmth a comforting contrast to the chill in the air.
As the evening went on, the two of you explored more shops—a tiny bookstore where the owner’s cat dozed on the counter, a craft store filled with handmade ornaments, and a quaint apothecary selling herbal teas and scented sachets. Each place felt like a treasure trove, and you found yourself drawn to the little details—the soft hum of holiday music in the background, the way the shopkeepers greeted you with warm smiles, and the simple joy of sharing the experience with Silver.
Eventually, as snow began to fall more steadily, the two of you found yourselves walking down a quieter street. “Any idea what you want for Christmas?” Silver asked, glancing down at you with a soft smile. His breath puffed out in visible clouds, and his silver fur seemed to catch the glow of the lights, making him look even more radiant than usual.
You grinned, your breath hitching slightly as you adjusted the scarf wrapped snugly around your neck. “Silver, I can’t tell you that. You have to guess!”
His ears twitched, and he tilted his head in thought. “Guess? How am I supposed to—”
“Imagination, my dear hedgehog!” you interrupted, laughing as you spun on your heels, gesturing dramatically at the market stalls lining the street.
He chuckled, the sound light and genuine. “Alright, fine. Let me think.” His gaze wandered over the nearby shops, his expression growing serious as he genuinely pondered the challenge.
As you walked, the two of you passed a stall selling handcrafted ornaments. You paused, admiring the delicate work—intricate glass figurines of snowflakes, reindeer, and stars, all painted with shimmering colors that caught the light beautifully. Silver noticed your fascination and stepped closer.
“These are incredible,” you murmured, reaching out to gently touch one shaped like a crescent moon. The cold glass felt smooth under your fingertips, and you smiled softly, imagining how it would look on a tree.
Silver watched you with quiet intensity, his green eyes flicking between your expression and the ornament. “Do you want it?” he asked after a moment.
You blinked and turned to him, shaking your head quickly. “Oh, no. I was just looking. It’s beautiful, but I don’t need it.”
He frowned slightly, but before you could protest further, he handed the vendor a few coins and carefully picked up the moon ornament. Turning back to you, he held it out with both hands, his cheeks slightly pink. “Here. I want you to have it.”
Your heart swelled at the gesture, and you hesitated for a moment before taking it. “Silver… Thank you. It’s perfect.”
The two of you continued strolling through the market, the glow of the lanterns and the twinkle of lights making the evening feel almost surreal. Silver seemed to relax as the evening wore on, his usual shyness giving way to a playful curiosity as you explored the stalls.
At one booth, you found a set of carved wooden figurines shaped like little forest animals. Silver picked up a tiny hedgehog, holding it up with a grin. “This one looks just like you.”
You laughed, nudging him playfully. “And this one must be you,” you said, holding up a sleek silver fox.
“Silver the Fox? I don’t think it has the same ring to it,” he replied, laughing as he put the figurine back.
As the snow began to fall heavier, the two of you ducked into a cozy café at the end of the street. The warmth of the fireplace inside was immediate and soothing, and the scent of cinnamon and cocoa wrapped around you like a comforting blanket. The café was decorated with wreaths and garlands, and a small Christmas tree stood in the corner, its lights twinkling merrily.
You and Silver found a small table near the window, and soon you were both sipping on steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You sighed contentedly, gazing out at the snow-covered street.
“This is perfect,” you said softly.
Silver nodded, his gaze fixed on you rather than the view outside. “It really is.”
After finishing your drinks, the two of you made your way back outside. The town had grown quieter, but the festive lights still glowed brightly, reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. As you walked down a narrow alley lined with garlands, something caught your eye—a sprig of mistletoe hanging just above you.
You stopped, looking up at it with a sly smile. “Oh, look at that,” you said, pointing.
Silver followed your gaze, his expression shifting from curiosity to sheer panic. “Oh… uh… I mean… th-that’s… um…”
You laughed, stepping closer to him. “What’s the matter, Silver? You’re not afraid of a little tradition, are you?”
“I-I’m not afraid!” he stammered, his cheeks turning a brilliant shade of red.
“Well, then?” you teased, tilting your head playfully.
He hesitated, his green eyes darting between you and the mistletoe. You could see his hands fidgeting nervously, his usual confidence completely gone. Smiling softly, you reached up, standing on your tiptoes to gently press a kiss to his cheek. “Merry Christmas, Silver.”
He froze, his blush spreading all the way to his ears. “M-Merry Christmas,” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Taking his hand once more, you gave it a reassuring squeeze as you continued walking. The snowflakes danced around you, the town’s lights casting a warm glow over everything.
The bitter coldness of the evening bit at her furs. The warm lights shone through the delicate mist of the night. It was that time of the year where people rejoice on the eve of Christmas. Folks passed, some of them had their hands intertwined chatting on with their lives. Romance floated strong and thick across the atmosphere, unfading.
The touch of sadness roamed her heart in circles, loneliness greeting her like the autumn’s fall bequeathed by the winter’s chill. Here she sat on the bench alone, shivering in her boots. Shadow had gone and never came back. She supposed that this whole date set up took a toll on his patience and probably headed home. Shadow was not the one to engage in such activities but..a moment between them under the romantic occasion wouldn’t hurt to experience just for once.
Maybe she shouldn’t have persuaded him with this. She might have forced him to go with her out of his will. The guilt jabbed at her heart like a needle. How could she have been so dense? Of course Shadow was not the one to blend into some pointless dates! Now she must have made him mad or ruined his mood.
Her fingers screwed through the fabrics of her dress and bit her inner lip as her gaze lowered. Dozens of negative thoughts rammed through her head as she sunk into the depths of it. Too lost at detesting herself, someone approached her and called her name, unnoticed by her. Until they knelt before her level and tapped gently at her cheek. Surprised by the unwelcome gesture, she snapped away from her trance and was tugged back into reality. Her head lifted right up and her eyes met with familiar red ones that she’s been longing to gaze on the entire evening, donned in a brown coat with a red scarf wrapped around his neck to keep him warm.
“Shadow?” His name fell onto her lips before she knew it. How she missed him. It took her great restraint from jumping to him and hugging him tight, never wanting him to disappear from her sight ever again. Yet, Shadow was not the one who is accustomed to physical contacts. If forcing him to engage with her unwillingly on this date was not bad enough, then she should refrain herself from now on.
“I’m sorry,” she breathes, her voice almost failing her as if she was about to break any second, casting her eyes downwards again, “This date was a bad idea and I shouldn’t have forced you to go with me,” she failed to see the crease of the dark hedgehog’s expression as she continued to ramble out, “I’m sorry on making you go even though I knew that you’re not used on this kind of things I just..” she pauses for a second, needing a moment of reprieve by the heavy weight on her chest, her ears flattening against her head as a look of pure sadness painted her complexion, “I just wanted to spend time with you..” she finishes, her voice dropping, barely above a whisper.
And it was followed by silence, receiving no answer from the black hedgehog himself. This caused an anxiety to stir inside her chest, thinking she might have made his mood sour that it’s already been. He might think of her to be too ‘clingy’ for his liking. Was she acting rather persistent than she realised? What if he decided to leave her after this?
She heard Shadow give out a sigh, light and soft. One of her ears flicks at the sound.
“How did you come to that conclusion?” Shadow finally spoke, his voice calm and steady. “You didn’t force me into anything,” he stated and raised a hand to show a cup he’s been holding in his hand, “I bought a coffee in the nearby shop here. Didn’t I tell you that?”
Coffee?
She looks back up again and sees the cup in the black hedgehog’s gloved hand. “The temperature had gone way lower than it probably should. I figured a hot beverage would keep you warm for the time being.”
The sadness that once enveloped her was now replaced by a delicate flow of confounded relief. Did he really.. “You’re not mad?” she asks him quietly.
Shadow raised a brow, her question bemusing him. “Why would I be?”
She meets his eyes, his red irises boring deep into hers. Pleasant warmth creeped up into her neck and climbed towards her face, spreading the heat throughout her furs.
“I thought you were getting annoyed by all this. Spending your time with me and dragging you throughout this place. You were suddenly gone and I couldn’t find you anywhere,” she explains to him, the tiny smog coming out from her lips from the winter’s air.
A faint gleam surfaces from Shadow’s red eyes, barely visible that she failed to catch it. “I wasn’t,” he says as he took a moment to look around the wintry place; people with friends, family, and even the lovers passing by, he studied them as if figuring out if this is how they bond with each other. “This is all new to me. It didn’t sit right with me at first to be in this place, to be associated with many people since I am accustomed to solitude for a long time. However,” Shadow returned his gaze to her and she swore that she saw a glimpse of underlying crumble of the pensive, stern demeanor that hardened him, to a frontage display of vulnerability that resided deep somewhere in his heart.
“..If it’s with you, then I’m willing to try and allow myself to adapt in this conforming world of yours. If that would cost me to see the look of joy of contentment in your face.” he professes, straightforwardly, his deep voice wreathed in pure and distilled sincerity that even it could quell the flame’s scorching disaster.
She stared at him wide-eyed, flabbergasted, lost at words. Her heart raced against her ribcage, aching to burst out. There was a constant tingle in her nerves, a tickle to her bloodstream, and a strew of downy sensation mending through her furs. Did Shadow always sound this daring and upfront? Or does he have a way of picking his words so smoothly?
Either way, with each time that passes by, the longer she knows him, the more she discovers a part of him that she never expected to be unveiled. He was a man who was shrouded in obscurity, hard to decipher what runs inside his thoughts.
Flame burned the surface of her face and hid her face with her gloved hands, embarrassment taking over her. Yet, the wagging of her fluffy tail behind betrayed her concealment. Shadow caught the motion and the corner of his lips quirks into a small smirk, amused.
“I thought you’d left me,” she murmurs behind her hand, unable to look Shadow in the eye. At this rate, she is surely convinced that there were steams coming out of her now reddened ears. Then, a hand came to her wrist and gently pulled it away from her face. “I would never leave you here alone. You were probably too focused on watching the performer a while ago that you were unable to hear what I told you.”
Her cheeks burned in embarrassment as she recalled Shadow telling her something while she was watching the performer do his tricks to entertain people. What an oblivious girl she was. “I’m sorry..”
“None of that,” Shadow replies and gestured the cup towards her, offering her to take it. “Here, drink it before it gets cold.”
She looks at him bashfully for another seconds before she softly smiles, touched by his genteel gesture, and takes the cup from him.
Shadow then got up from his knee and sat on the bench beside her. ____ blows the airy steam of her caffeine before taking a small sip, a calming relief flooding her senses as the liquid flows through her. While she was sipping on her coffee, a balmy contact was felt around her neck. She turned to her head to see Shadow wrapping his red scarf on her neck.
“It’s getting colder out here,” he said to her while he worked his hands on the red scarf until it was loosely secured enough to give room for her to breathe and ensured it wouldn’t come off.
Tingles of bubbly sensation formed in her guts. The scent of him wafted from the soft cotton on her neck, her fingers coming to gingerly caress the fabric on her skin. “Thank you, Shadow.”
Under the tranquility of the winter eve, the chill of the breeze went on and blew through the atmosphere in its tender currents. In the midst of the stillness, a group of people appeared carrying various instruments. They worked on arranging and organizing their equipment until they were all prepared to play a ballad for the crowd.
The song starts in a delicate strum of violin, resonating throughout the atmosphere. Then it was followed by a soft hum of brass, coupled along with the piano and trumpet, until it formed into a lovely continuous play of the ballad, adding more charm to the winter’s eve. People were starting to take interest at the song; gathering around in two or more as joyous chatters and laughs left them as a mirthful aura spreaded across the area. Some of them started to sway along, dancing leisurely to their heart’s content with their lovers or friends while the children played and ran around.
“How lovely,” she mutters in awe, watching as the scene unfolds through her eyes. Shadow was watching as well, observing the way people interact with each other, how they were in sync with the song as they laughed in merriment to the delightful hour.
“Do you want to join them?”
Her eyes flickered to him, astonishment written all over her face, lips parted. Shadow, the Ultimate Lifeform, asking her to join along the people who are dancing? The world must be healing itself.
“Do you mean to ask me for a dance?” She questions, wanting to make sure if Shadow’s invitation is purely honest. Her tail ruffles lightly behind her, anticipating his answer.
The black hedgehog shifts on his seat and teared his eyes from her as he adjusted his scarf around his neck. That was odd, his neck felt warmer than usual and tight for some reason. “Maybe, I am.” He answers without looking at her.
She blinked as she gazed at him. If there were things she knew about Shadow, he is good in nature, selfless, someone who cares for people but doesn’t know how to express it. And by so, he puts an effort to understand those around him, noticing the little things that they like, seeing through them, and most importantly protecting them from harm in the only way he knows how. In the image of a tough exterior to cover his weakness, concealing his true self that still lingered within him since the day of the tragic fate that had befallen him and took away the girl he cherished the most.
Somewhere in him, there was still that innocent boy trapped inside him, longing to find where he belonged, someone he can call home, someone to hold him and shield him away from all the perils that seek to pursue him.
Not wanting to wait for long enough, she gave him an answer, “I would love to, Shadow,” a soft, tender smile bloomed across her youthful face, bearing that resemblance of a flower blossoming into a full bloom in its vibrant color.
Shadow returned his gaze to her, his sanguine eyes boring into hers. His expression was unreadable, but not unreadable enough for her to perceive the faint spark that lingered in his sharp-red eyes before quickly vanishing.
“That’s settled, then,” he states before standing up from his seat and offering her a hand. She took it and he gently pulled her up to his feet. He asks her if she already drank all of her coffee and she answers him with a ‘yes’ before he takes the empty cup and throws it away at the nearby trash can, not missing his target.
And so the two pairs went on their way to join the little crowd that continued to waltz the night away. Shadow was ahead of her, guiding her where they would situate themselves among the people. His hand felt hot against hers. The hands that were used to destroy anything that imposes threat – a stark contrast of how he was holding her hand like a fragile glass, as if he was afraid to break it.
It didn’t take long for them to find their place. The engaging ballad stayed roaming free across the area in a beautiful trail of melody, whispering songs in the cold air. They faced one another. Her heart skipped a beat, nervousness claiming her. To dance with a partner requires holding together as one. Her cheeks burned at the thought. Shadow, as if sensing her feelings, took the initiative action and grabbed one of her hands to hold it with his while he rested the other on his shoulder, leading them both to sway along with the people. A soft gasp escaped her lips, taken aback, her heart jumping inside her chest. The feeling intensified when the firm yet warm sensation of his hand on the side of her waist. Then the mesmerizing image of his red eyes scribbled in restrained emotions, their rims glinting as if they told a million words yet remained unspoken.
“Is this everything that you hoped for?” Shadow utters under his breath, staring deeply into her eyes. She holds his gaze, and finds herself being trapped in. There was always something in his voice that comforted her, though deep but strangely captivating. She softly smiled at him and nodded.
“It is,” she answers, her voice barely above a whisper.
Out of the corner of Shadow’s lips, it curled into a small smile. Something he rarely shows to people he’s fond of. “Let’s make this a little more livelier, shall we?”
She looks at him with curiosity. Before she can ask him what he meant by his words, Shadow suddenly lets go of her waist and uses the hand that was still locked in hers to twirl her around. A high-pitched startled noise left her, clearly not expecting for Shadow to do such a lively gesture yet he did. And since when did he learn the concept of dancing?
She wasn’t able to grasp what his next move would be, because she was suddenly swept off the ground, high in the air with two strong hands holding her waist and spun them around in a quick circle. She let out another noise, higher this time and a little louder, then followed by an enthusiastic laughter. She felt the ground on her feet again as she was carefully settled down back to Shadow’s arms.
“Where did you learn how to do that?” she asks breathlessly as she panted, her hands coming to hold onto his shoulders and rested her head against it. Her heart was palpitating fast.
“I have my ways,” Shadow simply answers, as he envelops his arms around her back to steady her wobbly figure.
She gives out an airy chuckle, still breathless from their recent activity. After all this time, Shadow never ceases to surprise her, uncovering yet another newfound part of him that existed. She pulls her head away from his shoulder to look at him, a soft satisfied smile gracing her features. They locked eyes again.
They’ve never been this close to each other.
Their noses almost touched, bodies wrapped into one another with no gap left to separate them. It took a few moments for them to realize the angle they were in before the awareness struck in. Both of the pair’s eyes widened and quickly adjusted themselves, resuming back to their previous stance. Shadow cleared his throat and looked to the side, while she was trying her best to recollect her jumbled thoughts of what just occurred, trying to calm her beating heart down.
“Are you enjoying yourself so far?” Shadow asked, cutting the awkwardness that passed over them a while ago.
Her heart had already simmered down and recollected herself, beaming a smile at him. “Of course, I am. Very so!”
Shadow’s expression softened at her words, far from the usual stern face he shows at all times. He didn’t say anything after that.
The winterly night went on. The number of people became fewer as they went on ahead in their lives, their enjoyment throughout the evening already spent. The musicians stayed as they continued to perform their song, seemingly lost in their own world, filling the area with a sea of ambience.
The cold air grew more potent as time passed by. But that coldness didn’t seem to trouble the two pairs, the warmth of their bodies preventing the chill to seep into their furs.
“Hey, Shadow,” ____ calls quietly to the black hedgehog to which he responds with a hum. “Did I ever mention that your eyes are pretty?”
Shadow’s ear twitched as his left brow arched, intrigued. “My eyes?”
“Mm-hm,” she smiles gingerly, her lids creasing as her irises twinkled in fondness. “I always love looking at them. It reminds me of the times when I would look at the red sky and watch as the sun slowly lowers from the horizon while I admire it from afar. It’s truly beautiful to see, just like yours.”
Shadow’s eyes expanded, a shift in his demeanor as his lips parted. There was a speck of vulnerability that danced in the rims of his irises. But then it soon disappears and a look of disdain loomed over him and darted his eyes away.
“You shouldn’t think of such sentimental attributes and you overvalue your perceptions towards me. You know where I came from don’t you? What I’m created of?” his voice lowers, the tone cold as ice and sharp as a knife.
Both of them ceased their movements as mild tension hung between them. Sadness fell into her as her chest tightened. How quickly his demeanor has changed; earlier he was warming up to her as he appeared to be in a lighter mood and now, how that all immediately faded. The delicate look on his red eyes, she wanted to see them again.
Shadow’s expression was strained, as if he’s relieving a horrible memory, how the self-loathe rekindles in him, despising his existence. She felt his hand tenses against hers. Whatever he was feeling right now, is taking a dreadful turn on his mood.
“Hey,” she softly implores at him and ever so gently, she unlatches her hand that holded his and places it on his cheek and carefully tilts it to meet her gaze. “You told me that story before, right?” she utters to him, reminiscing the time where he hesitated to tell her of his origins, how he was created, and his previous life at the Ark. It’s as if he didn’t want her to know whose blood that runs in him, and how he almost destroyed the Earth once out of hatred and revenge against humanity.
It took a second for Shadow to answer before he nodded. Her thumb fondly stroked the fur under his lids as she spoke, “Then do you remember what I told you after telling me your story?” She was answered with a nod again. Shadow remains quiet but is clearly paying attention to her.
“Then my words are the same as before. It doesn’t matter how you were born or whose blood you are connected with. You are way more than what you think of yourself. You’re you, Shadow. It’s what you do that makes you who you are, what you choose to be. And that includes protecting this world, humanity, and us. So please..” she breathes, a melancholic gaze dawning on her features as she sadly smiles at him, her glassy eyes pleading.
“Don’t hate yourself any longer or turn blind to the true value that resides in your soul.”
If there was the least she can do to ease the deep scar in his heart, is to be there for him through his dark times.
Shadow didn’t say anything. The only evidence of acknowledgement she could grasp was the spark in his gaze. His eyes screamed in dozens of emotions more than he could show, words that were left unspoken that ached to be told.
Then, a tiny pale white particle fell over Shadow's nose. Followed by the other as it landed on his black furs, the shade of its contrast visible. More and more of the ice particles fell down from the sky until it became a semblance of a drizzle of rain.
Shadow looks up, witnessing the first snow of the month pouring down from the greyish sky. He breathes silently, casting a light, transparent smoke to waft from his lips. He remembers a certain girl telling him once, aboard in the Ark where it’s only just the two of them as they both studied the seasonal occasions on the Earth with a book. Winter was the one she greatly wished to experience, rambling how they would play in the pile of snow, build a snowman, make an angel pattern on the snowy ground, everything else the season has to offer. But one thing stuck to his mind.
“It says here that snow symbolizes innocence and a fresh start to life. Can you imagine how lovely would that be, Shadow? When we’re finally on Earth, we can start over and witness the beautiful experience of winter’s embrace! I can’t wait for that moment to come!”
He closed his eyes as he relieved the fond memory of his past, feeling the droplets of snow falling to his face as he lost himself in it. Are you watching over me, Maria?
“Shadow?” a soft voice calls out. Shadow breaks out from his moment of reprieve. He opened his eyes again and casted his head down, meeting her gaze.
He knew that wishful dream between them would never come true.
But wishes don’t always have to be one sided for him. She wanted him to be happy after all.
People around them bustled with life and merriment, overjoyed by the sight of the snow pouring constantly on their figures. The song had stopped too, the performers seemingly distracted by the winter’s grace visit.
She thought she might have said something wrong or exaggerated her words, because Shadow was being silent longer than he should. She opens her mouth to express her apology but before she could, Shadow had leaned in and rested his forehead against hers. Gone were the scornful gleam in his red eyes as they now swam in sincerity and longing. She nearly gasped at the contact, her breath stolen from her.
“Perhaps I should start making memories with you from now on.” Shadow declares softly, one that he never thought he’s capable of sounding like.
Her eyes widened at his statement in shock. He took the words completely right out of her, rendering her unable to form any sentences. Somersaults came breaking in through her chest, a strong wave of adrenaline coursing through her nerves. Never in her life would she ever hear such a declaration coming from him. It sounded like a vow he forged between them. It’s as if she’s reached the stars in the sky, for they have blessed her with their divine gift.
“W-What is it with you and the way you talk so smoothly? It’s..unfair.” The entirety of her face turned red all the way down to her neck, their close proximity sending wild races to her heart. She feared it wouldn’t calm down after this.
Shadow only gave her a sided smirk and to her disappointment, he pulled away from her too soon.
“We should head home,” he said while looking around the area, observing whether the snowfall would amplify its strength as it will be difficult to ride in the thick pile of snow down in the road later on.
Meanwhile, ____ has still not recovered prior to her blissed out emotions, hot steams blowing out from her ears. How could he act so normally after what he just did?!
And then again, there are still more time for them to unravel their moments together. Or even so, maybe there will be a time where Shadow can fully accept himself.
author’s notes: another fic of shadow yeyyy! I hope you like this fic I’ve written. I was actually planning to write for the Idol! Shadow but this concept really took an idea out of me since Christmas is nearing! So Merry Christmas to you all and more for our beloved ultimate lifeform fics shall be written! ♡ ꒰ˆ. . ˆ ྀིྀིྀིྀིྀིྀིྀི꒱੭ﾞ
this is why I will always ALWAYS love JP Shadow. Koji Yusa puts so much emotion in Shadow’s voice in the moment of vulnerability and whenever his emotions falters. It’s not that deep but just the correct fit of what Shadow should sound like. I’m not sending any hate to Kirk or any of Shadow’s previous voice actors but there is something about Yusa’s portrayal of Shadow that will always be the most accurate and true one for his character and his nature as a whole.
I love how Maria’s JP va sounds so innocent, like that of of a young child. It fits her character so much. Such a beautiful performance by Yuri Shiratori.
My heart breaks for this sequence because Shadow sounds like he’s on the verge of breaking down as he utters Maria’s name in despair, knowing of her tragic fate.
For me, Koji Yusa will always be Shadow, an
d the default voice actor for Shadow.
It is stated by one of Shadow’s creators that he is actually polite and soft-spoken. (Oh my heart am I loving him more)
