Imstillhereandstillexist @imstillhereandstillexist - Tumblr Blog

Posts

My original blog was @imhereandexist has been hacked and stolen. By this person. Do not call for the scam like I have. Flag my old profile. Don't let them win.

And to the hacker, you think you won but now I have your name. I want my blog back, you son of a gun

#new account #old account got hacked and stolen #flag them #don't fall for it #hacker alert #scam alert

Broken Heart Key

Island life wasn't turning out as fun anymore. Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles and Jet all chose this place years ago and at the start, it was fun. Weeks turned into Months, and those Months turned into years. Tails settled into a workshop Sonic helped build. Amy and Knuckles built her cottage with Sonic helping her plan the details out. A surprise to her on how intelligent Sonic actually turned out to be.

Sticks was met during their stay and the Wild Badger just stuck around, but he liked how fun she could be. Somehow Eggman caught wind of their location, but he didn't seem to pester them too much. Something about planning Eggland. He was just glad the villain had a goal outside “destroy the blue rat”; as he put it once. It was fun, then things just turned sour.

Sonic and Jet were dating before moving to the islands. The bird was as fast as he was or at least as close as he could get. The fun he had at the start was nice and Sonic truly enjoyed what they had. He was always ready to go public with their relationship, but chose to keep it private as Jet requested. They would act as friends in public, but behind closed doors. Jet would be as loving as someone with an ego could get. The fights were always the hardest to deal with, but the hero could deal with it at the time.

He thought it was the stress of knowing he was dating the hero of Mobius and having to maintain the secret. More than once he proposed going public and that the image and reputation of Jet wouldn't be tarnished. It just ended with Jet telling Sonic that he just didn't want anyone to know or; the more painful answer; why would he ever tell the public about them? He just gave up and dealt with it.

Until recently. Someone caught them. They had overheard an argument and confronted Jet about his relationship status. If looks could kill, then he would have been dead with the glare he received. It was quick enough no one caught it, but the hero did. Despite being told how lucky Jet was to have Sonic at his side as a romantic partner, the bird dismissed the idea. Calling what they had wishful thinking. Then stormed off.

Sonic didn't head to Jet's after. He didn't have to. The bird was waiting for him at his place and in his face in seconds. Screaming at how careless he had been. How it was his fault that they had been caught. What Jet didn't know though? The secret to Sonic being able to deal with it all. He had lost his hearing during the Extreme Races.

One of the explosions was too close to him. He lost his hearing. Tails though, the ever brilliant brother, had built hearing aids for him. They matched his quill color and the inside of his ears exactly. Powered by any light source and with a click of button on his wristband, able to be turned off.

When the bird finally seemed to have his fill of screaming. He shoved past Sonic and left. That was a week ago and he hadn't seen him since. Sonic found that just couldn't bring himself to care. Tails was the first to notice that Jet had seemed to be absent.

“Sonic?” Tails got his attention. “Jet isn't here again. It's been a week and a day.”

The hero shrugged, “he is probably busy, that or looking for when the next Extreme Gear Race is being held. Bird has an obsession.” He laughed, though he could tell it was an empty one.

“True, but I figured he would at least tell you. You are the only one that seems to give him something to strive towards,” Tails crossed his arms. “Oh well, he'll come back. Always does.”

Sonic would have snorted, but chose not to. It would have been a cold sounding one. Jet always came back after a fight. It was always Jet's time. They stood waiting by the Meh Burger for their friends in silence. They heard Amy call out to them. Knuckles and Sticks was with her. They waved back. Soon, as if Tails summoned him, Jet joined them.

“Sorry, I had to deal with something.” The bird slammed a hand against Sonic's shoulders. “Did you miss the competition?”

The hero simply pulled the arm off him, “No. It's always nice to slow down and enjoy the company or sights. You should try it some time.” Sonic said, noting the surprise towards his action. “Are we ready to order?”

Amy nodded as she walked with Knuckles, “I hope they get my order right this time.”

“Me too. I don't like that white stuff.” The echidna sighed. “tastes weird.”

“...Knuckles, you ate your napkin…”

Tails walked with Sticks next. Jet looked at Sonic.

"What was with that? You said you wanted me to be more affectionate in public,” Jet crossed his arms. “Now you don't want it?”

“I'm stopping this now. What am I to you?” Sonic crossed his arms and looked right at him. “Answer honestly for once.”

"Tch, you are being dramatic again. You can't handle that I win every fight,” Jet crooned as he preened himself. “Admit it, Sonic. You can't stand to lose to me.”

"Answer me,” Sonic uncrossed his arms and glowered at the bird. “What. Am. I. To. You?”

"Whoa, easy. Okay. I guess you are…something I just like to play with. Y'know, like those little race cars that kids have fun to mess around with when you need to play with something,” He shrugged.

Sonic's ears folded down and all the frustration and anger ebbed into despair and pain. That somehow hurt so much more. If Jet had said that they were a fling, then he could have been fine walking away. It still would have hurt and he would feel slighted for wasting all the years he had on Jet, but he could have recovered. This? To hear he was just a toy Jet chose to play with whenever he wished. He felt as if the key to his heart was taken, broken into pieces and thrown at his feet.

“What? Did you think I actually liked you? Get over yourself. You have an ego the size our planet, Hero,” Jet shoved by him. “Someone had to take you down a peg.”

If the ground wasn't solid, then he wished he could fall right through it. He slowly turned to see Jet looking at him.

"Oh, also…just so I win this round too. I'm “breaking up” with you, though I never thought we were actually dating.” Jet snorted. “Who would date you?”

He turned his back to him and walked over to order food. He could hear Amy and them calling out to hurry up and order. He didn't though. Sonic did what he knew would help him. Run. The hero left them to wonder what happened. He needed to run. Just run. It didn't matter how far. The hero hit the beach and ran a full lap around the island. Then a second, a third and so on, until he tripped over his own feet and hit the sand. The hero moved enough to lay on the side and stare at the edge of the water rolling in and out. It had been late morning a moment ago. Now, the sun was up in the sky. Time had passed. He held back his emotions in the moment, but now? Now, all he did was curl up and hurt.

How much time did he waste on that prick! He could have found someone better! Yet Jet somehow had him hoping, with his charisma and apologies and blaming the stress of Sonic's heroic reputation. Saying he would be ready soon and that he just wanted the time to be right to go public! Lies! It was all lies and he fell for each one! For years! Sonic dug his head into the sand and screamed. Gripping the sides of his head. Using the sand to muffle his angry screams. The screams of anger turned him into a sobbing mess afterwards. The emotions of the day ebbed off for the moment though. He pushed himself up and sat back on his hind legs. Taking a deep breath of air, he stood up and cleaned the sand off his face and body.

He didn't need to waste anymore energy and he didn't plan to. He would just focus on living and healing as best as he could. He needed to be the hero. Heroes didn't get breaks. They didn't break down. Sonic took another deep breath and held a trembling breath in. It didn't help though. He felt hot tears forming and just wiped them away. He zipped back home and found it empty. It was nice, because he didn't want company.

He wanted to turn the world off. So, he did. He turned the hearing aids off. The sounds from the world went silent. He checked his fridge and saw all the food inside. He could hibernate and just have time pass. If Eggman wasn't attacking, he could do that. Tails built him that secret compartment to hide in so he could stay safe.

The hero grabbed a mix of items heavy in fat reserves. Mostly fruit, but he had more than enough. He had already been eating a lot of fruit due to stress anyway. Once he added an extra helping through the rest of today, he could just sleep. Jet clearly wasn't going to miss him. Tails might, but the fox knew where to look. He grabbed a mix of it and blended most of it together. No need to wait to eat it throughout the day.

The idea suddenly didn't appeal to him. It would be a short hibernation, but he just wanted a few days. He wasn't asking for months. Just a few days. It would help time pass and he could just move on after with a fresh start with a single life. He finished the smoothie and spotted Tails walking in. He turned the hearing aids on.

“You've been gone all day,” The fox spotted the fruit smoothie. “...are you going to hibernate?”

"A few days,” Sonic told him. “I'm tired and I've been eating fruit due to stress. Figured I should just sleep some days away.”

Tails walked over and around the counter, “What did Jet do?”

“What? Jet…” Sonic stopped when he saw Tails frown. “I knew you would figure it out, but don't worry. It wasn't official to him. I was a toy to him. Something he could play with when bored. He had to take my ego down a peg and humble me. Then proceeded to “break up” with me first so he could “win” that round as well.”

"I don't…think this will help,” Tails stopped him. “Not this time”

“Well, I don't..” He stopped and lowered his volume. “I don't want to face him. I wasted so much time with him. I am twenty. I wasted time on him and he…”

Tails put a hand on his back, “let me help. Don't hibernate because then he'll win for real. You need to heal by facing it.”

"I'd rather work in the mines than face this pain,” Sonic said. “I'd rather fight Eggman than feel this pain. I'd rather turn back time and slap myself for wasting five years of my life. Am I really just a toy for people to play with when bored? I am that bad of a hedgehog that I need to be humbled?”

"You can get cocky, but you never once thought you were above others. Jet just can't stand that you actually can break the sound barrier. It's his jealousy talking and he can only bring you down by other means.” the fox said.

"Well, it worked. I feel like I am this…horrible thing that people hate to see around them. That I am tolerated. I don't feel like a hero at all.” Sonic took a deep breath. “He stole the key to my heart, broke it and threw it to my feet. It hurts. I hate how much this hurts.”

His knees hit the floor first. His head leaning against the cabinet. The hot tears were back. If this was what heartache felt like, then he wished his heart would turn to ice so it could never hurt like this again. Tails hugged him.

“I'm sorry he hurt you,” The fox held onto him. “I'm so sorry he did that. You aren't bad, Sonic. You never were. Jet is just jealous, and sucks at racing.”

That got Sonic to laugh, “Yeah…I went circles around him and he claimed his gear was faulty.”

Tails leaned back, “I remember that. He was so mad when he heard I had filmed it to study the gear.”

Sonic snorted as he leaned back, “Yeah.” He wiped the fresh tears away. “He is an ass.”

“Ooh, the hero cursed?” Tails mockingly clutched invisible pearls. “How could he? Heroes must be pure.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Sonic leaned back against the counter. “Gonna drink the smoothie or not?”

"...Does it have mango?”

“Yep.”

"...can I add mints?”

The hero laughed again, “I have some in the fridge”

Tails was up and already had the mints in hand. The fox's tails wagged as he added the mints to the smoothie and started to mix it together. Sonic slowly stood up and let his brother take his drink. No hibernating, but he didn't want to face Jet right away. He watched as Tails finished the smoothie off seconds after blending it. There was one other thing he could do. Something only Tails and probably Amy would ever hear from him.

"Tails, I’m gonna join Cliff’s mining team,” Sonic looked at him. “I'll tell Amy, but I'd rather not…”

"No, it's okay. I'll tell Amy. Being there will help get the…anger and pain out,” Tails put a hand on his back. “Who knows, you may meet someone there.”

"Ha, you are funny,” Sonic chortled. “As if I would get that lucky.”

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #sonic the hedgehog #mentions: Sonic Rider Series #Sonadow #sonjet #sonic boom au #sonic boom

With the original story fully posted. I can move to the next story. I have redesigned Indigo since this story and I love him as he is. I can't wait to post more of the stories I have here in the correct for you all to read.

#onto the next story #thank you for reading #thank you for following

[final part of Indigo's original story]

Everyone from each base got the call. Surround the base Eggman has built. Make it so no matter how many replicas were created. They wouldn't be overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Sonic, Shadow and Indigo claimed rights to Infinite before any of them could.

Amy was sour over the reports on Eggman's death. Shadow firmly stated to her what he had done. Sonic and Indigo stood by his choice and agreed it was the best choice. It had many of Sonic's friends questioning if he was mentally sound enough to fight. Even as they were all in the ship heading towards the volcano. Amy asked if Sonic would step down and leave it to them. While a doctor would give him a test or some questionnaire on his mental status.

“He is fine, Amy. He just knows there are boundaries one shouldn't cross,” Shadow looked at her. “Do you think Eggman could have been good? For how long? What would it have taken to keep him in check at all times?” Shadow questioned her. “What about our home? The home he has destroyed? The lives he took? What about those?”

“Sorry Amy, but I agree with Shadow. Eggman really crossed a line this time. If I knew there was enough of a good heart in him. I would have stopped Shadow,” Sonic took a deep breath. “But a good person doesn'...torment someone for six months and laugh, gloat and…”

“It's life!”

“I know!” Sonic yelled at her. “But Amy, look at what he did! Our friends, our home…it's in ruins. It will take so many years to rebuild and get our home back!” The hero gestured outside the ship. “All because he hated me! There was no good left in him, Amy. I saw no good.”

“You are a poor judge of character!”

Sonic took a deep breath, “no. When I met Shadow, I saw his pain. He was angry and hurt and had every right to feel that. Rouge was just a thief but I could see that she never actually harmed anyone. Omega went against his program and became an ally because he saw through Eggman's lies and I could see he was trying.” He explained, listing off the people he knew that were on the wrong side once.

“And chaos? Infinite? Eggman? Did they not deserve the same?”

“Chaos made it clear with its actions that it had no remorse. Infinite tortured me. He tried to me against all of you. If I had fallen for it, none of you would be here, y'know that! And Eggman…he had me fight until I couldn't even get up. There was nothing in them. There was no saving them. Zevick was the same as Eggman. I have never taken a life but the second I choose to participate in the act, I am told I went too far?!”

“You did! You should have stopped Shadow!”

Sonic looked away, “for once Amy, I don't think we will see eye to eye.” He looked back at her. “I am not the same Sonic I was. I'm tired, Amy.”

He walked by her with Indigo following close by. Sonic stopped at Shadow's side.

“I am going to run ahead with Indigo,” He opened the door.

“Okay. Stay safe. Please.” Shadow kissed him.

Sonic and Indigo jumped and he shut the door.

“I've…never seen him so…drained..” Amy held herself. “...he shouldn't be here.”

“And yet he is still fighting for his home. Even if people mock him, call him a murderer…he keeps fighting for you all.” Shadow took a long breath in and released it. “Let it go, Rose. He is done. After this, you all need to let him rest.”

She nodded and sat down. Knuckles looked at Shadow.

“I will admit. The murder was too far, but even I see the reasoning. I'll leave my friend in your care. You seem to know how he feels behind his mask.”

“We are almost there, guys. Sonic and Indigo are waiting.” Silver spoke up. “And for the record, I am with Shadow.”

“What?”

“In my future, Eggman was horrid. He took citizens, turned them into robots, mind controlled any who opposed him.” Silver listed off. “He took life from the planet and left many places in ruins. Forcing many people into the main area of his empire. He became a monster.”

“What…led to that..”

“Infinite did. Eggman used him to win the war we are fighting. Only Sonic wasn't just broken physically, but emotionally and mentally. We all watched as he was taken out. After we lost him, all hope was gone. Eggman won and our home was turned into a wasteland.” Silver gripped the steering stick. “He then abandoned his empire because he grew bored.”

“And where was the mighty shadow?” Amy asked.

“Frozen by Eggman. No one could find him. We searched but after we lost Sonic…we gave up. To this day, I don't know where that one is.” Silver went quiet. “They were lovers as well.”

“Wait, really?” Knuckles asked.

“Yeah. Him and Shadow kept their lives private but everyone knew. The two of them were always close by. When Eggman captured Sonic, Shadow went to find him. Soon enough, he was gone too.”

Shadow sat down and just chose to listen.

“It's said, they used the quill ritual but no one ever saw where they put it. And if it did happen, then it must have fallen off when Sonic’s quills were blunted.”

Amy went to ask, but closed her mouth to listen. Knuckles could only let Silver go on. The information that this war led to an empire that Silver barely survived. That they never won and lost so thoroughly.

“What happened to…”

“Infinite took over and was worse. It didn't matter if you followed the simplistic rules he made. You were taken out.” Silver answered Knuckles before he could finish. “Shadow made the right call. He has my support.”

Amy nodded, “and the…the Sonic of your time. Did he get the final words?”

“...he didn't speak at his execution. His eyes were dead….” Silver’s voice trembled. “The hero…he was gone…before..”

Shadow stood up and put a hand on Silver’s shoulder, “stop. It clearly hurts. No more.”

Silver took a deep breath and simply nodded.

“Do those answers tell you why I did what I did?” Shadow looked right at Amy. He wasn't glaring at her. He just looked worn down. “Or do you need a picture of it?”

He pulled the chaos emerald out.

“I'm going to Sonic. Please think about what you heard.”

He left before she could get up. Amy stayed sitting. Silver was quiet, but she could hear him trying to not cry at the memories. It was hard to not picture what he described. Their home is in ruins with Eggman forcing citizens into one location. Then, to make it worse. Shadow and Sonic, the powerhouse behind their army, were gone. One put on ice and the other was taken out after being brutally broken.

And this was the very war that would lead into that future. Silver coming back here and staying made so much sense to her now. There was no home to go back to. No one survived. They were all dead or worse.

“I'm sorry Silver.” She spoke up, not looking at him. “I didn't…think Eggman would go this far.”

“Now we know. Good thing Shadow did what he did.” Knuckles took a deep breath. “Let's take Infinite out. Maybe then, we can save his future.”

Silver laughed, “we already changed so much.” He looked back and smiled. “I got to meet the mighty Shadow and Sonic. And this time, they have a kid! Our world is already on the mend for sure.”

“He isn't as fast as Sonic, but he is strong. We may have a line of heroes.” Knuckles grinned.

“I'm landing. Let's get ready everyone!”

—----

Shadow appeared behind Sonic and Indigo. Neither had seen him yet. But he could tell Sonic was aware of him. They were looking at the large base before them. It had a tower at the center that could almost touch the sky.

“Tails is inside with the other Sonic.” He was told. “They are mapping what they can without getting caught.”

Sonic looked at him, “are you okay? I felt your worry.”

“Silver told us what happened after Eggman won this war.” Shadow got closer and pulled Sonic into a hug. “...eggman broke you…put me on ice…and we lost our home…”

Sonic hugged back.

“...he broke you down to where you said nothing when they…”

“Hey,” Sonic pulled back and looked at him. He saw tears forming. “I’m right here. Nowhere else. I'm right here.”

He pulled his gloves off and touched Shadow's face again.

“See? I'm right here.”

“I know I'll lose you one day, but to think I could have…”

Sonic held him close, “that day is far off, Faker. It's very far off.”

Indigo hugged him next and got pulled into the hug as well.

“Mom..”

“Let him have this moment. He needs it.” Sonic ran his claws through the quills.

He stood still and watched as the ships landed. People started to get off and onto the battlefield below them. Tails, Amy, Vector and all at the front of the army.

“We need to start our part soon,” Sonic pulled his gloves on.

“Sorry,” Shadow leaned back.

“You have feelings, Shads. Feel them.” The hero stretched. “Now, let's go for a run. Tails is back with the army, we got the map…and that is all we need.”

They stood near the edge of the cliff and spotted Infinite hovering out towards the army. A sign they took to join them. In a flash, they stood by everyone.

“Long time no see, Ini! Did you miss me?”

“Tch, what idiot would miss a blue rat such as yourself?”

“Dude, have you ever seen a hedgehog? I can show you my quills up close if you can't see through the tiny eye hole.” Sonic quipped back.

“Doesn't matter. Eggman's death changes nothing. I do hope you all love the sun, because it's about to be above you!” He sped off into the sky.

Seconds after, the sun as promised appeared and was heading right towards them.

“That can't be real!” Knuckles yelled.

“We are in his reality. That is as real as it is! Indigo! Remember what I said about the prototype? You have to get up there and cancel his out!”

Shadow looked at his son.

“Wh..what? What if I can't?!”

“You can do this! I know you can!” Tails said.

“Time for a jump,’ Shadow grabbed Indi. “I am choosing to leave you here. Stay safe.”

“I will be fine. Promise. Get him as close as you can,” Sonic said.

Shadow got Indigo as far as he could inside. Then let him run ahead. He was back with the others and ready to fight. It was mostly Replicas and despite knowing what he looked like. Infinite forgot the blue quills again.

“He really doesn't remember the details,” Amy slammed a couple of his fakes into the ground. “Now I feel better. You were right, Shadow. I'm sorry.”

He nodded and kept fighting. Sonic was dashing around the field and taking as many as he could out.

“Almost there!” Indigo spoke through the comms.

“Tails, will you be able to go in and save him?” Sonic asked, arriving behind his brother.

“Of course! That's my nephew.” The yellow fox grinned. “Never leave family behind.”

Sonic and him teamed up to take a large portion of the fakes out with one hit.

“Then get out of here!” He dashed into a couple more to let Tails get away safely. Arriving right behind Shadow. “Darling.”

“You're late.” Shadow smirked and took a couple more out.

“Oh y'know me,” Sonic took a couple out and stood by his side again. “Need to keep you on your toes sometimes.”

“Uh huh.”

He sped off to help others. It felt good to watch the hero back at his full speed. He may have slowed down after all he had been through. Yet clearly, he still could live up to being the fastest thing alive. He was using his own powers to make sure multiple groups were out in seconds after he was in a new spot.

The sun kept getting closer and everyone started to push Indigo to just speed it up. It was starting to appear hopeless. No matter how many they took out. More would just appear!

“This is never going to end,” Amy yelled.

“Then we take it to the source,” Sonic stopped at Shadow's side. “We find Infinite.”

“Agreed,” Shadow pulled Sonic close. “Chaos Control!”

They were taken to another part of the base. It had a long track that they chose to follow. Soon enough, the sun was gone. Indigo cheered through the comms he was good for more. Tails dropped him with his parents.

“Ready?” Sonic asked him.

“Ready?” Indigo nodded. “I have been ready!”

“Time to end this,” Shadow nodded.

The three of them ran from the starting point and hit the set of challenges up ahead. Going up and down became tiresome quickly for Shadow. Indigo didn't mind. Sonic was happy to have something to challenge his body. Straight tracks were great, but sometimes he needed to jump and such just to ensure he wasn't losing his best skills. At the end of the road, they spotted Infinite.

“Even if you stopped one plan. I will simply put an end to you here. In fact, ending three heroes here will quell them all into despair.” Infinite warped reality once again and made one single track.

“Remember our deal, Indigo. I got my first hit.” Shadow cracked his knuckles.

“Tch, and what makes you think I would allow a pathetic wretch to-” Shadow was next to the Jackal in seconds with his fist making contact with the masked animal first. “You piece of sh-” Shadow's foot plummeted the enemy into the track beneath them.

He landed next to Sonic and Indigo.

“Is this all the great Infinite can do?” Shadow smirked. “How does the wound feel?”

The jacket growled as he saw it was freshly bleeding still, “you know what did this.”

“I do and it's hilarious to think that you lost, on your own turf.” The Ultimate Lifeform laughed. “And now, for the rest of this fight.”

“I'll make you pay for what you did to my mom!” He spun at him and missed.

“A pitiful attempt from a pitiful weapon,” Infinite hovered far away. “What would your epitaph be? ‘Here lies three rats, all weak and useless’?”

“How about: " Here lies a sad, masked loser”. Might as well make it for the one who needs it.” Sonic dashed at Infinite and hit him a couple times before falling behind Shadow.

“Insignificant rats!” He yelled, hovering back further. “You will all regret turning against the rightful ruler!”

“No one rules us!” Indigo sped up and Dash Slammed himself against the Phantom Ruby in the Jackal's chest. He slid behind his parents.

“Keep it up,” Sonic looked at Shadow. “But be aware.”

Indigo kept running and got past them. He took a chance and got another hit in. Both felt proud as they watched their son slide behind them. Sonic took his turn and Dash Slammed towards Infinite but was caught and thrown back.

“You think…I would let rats beat me down!”

“We are not rats!” Indigo yelled, standing between his mom and the enemy. “Get your animals right!”

Shadow lost sight of Infinite, but was able to sense the attack. He grabbed Sonic, dashed up to Indigo and further down the track to avoid bolts of miniature red cubes. He set his son and partner down when he stopped.

“Thanks,” Sonic nodded.

They ran down the track with Infinite following. They kept attacking when they could. Picking and whittling away the Jackal's strength. It wasn't the best idea, but so far it was working. The three of them kept doing as much as they could without tiring themselves out. Only for Infinite to stop and release a scream full of rage.

“ENOUGH!”

He let a burst of energy surge outward. The wave hit them and sent them rolling and practically bouncing down the track. Sonic managed to grab Indigo and take most of the damage. He trembled as he held his son close. Shadow was in front of them and slowly pushing himself up again.

“If you think this puny excuse of a fight will be the end of me. Me! The ruler of your world! You are mistaken!” He moved quickly and appeared right next to Sonic. “I'll make sure each one of you is so broken…so dead that you'll beg to be put of your misery!”

He reached down and grabbed Sonic by his throat. Sonic tried to pry his fingers as much as he could when Infinite began to squeeze. The longer and tighter the grip, the more he fought to break free.

“But first, I'll take out the hero they all turn to. The one who will always be a pesky, rotten, blue r-” the hand around Sonic's throat released.

The hero hit the track, gasping and coughing as air entered his lungs. He spotted the inhibitor rings on the ground. No need to look up and see what was going on.

“I am the Ultimate Lifeform. I hold back so I don't destroy the world,” Shadow's voice stated.

Sonic and Indigo looked up to see a chaos spear piercing through Infinite and the Phantom Ruby in the Jackal's chest.

“We are done here. You, Eggman and every single fool you make will no longer exist ever again. Now get out of my sight.” Shadow growled the rest out.

Then let the spear fade naturally. He landed and the Jackal hit the track with a thud. He quickly put the inhibitor rings back on. Making sure they were secure. Then checked on Indigo and Sonic. The world around them, even the sky started to gain red cracks all around.

“No..no! I can still fight! I can still win!” Infinite screamed. He turned to face them. “I can still beat you all!!!”

He reached out but never made it. He disappeared or evaporated into red particles. Once that happened, the sky above was free of the illusion as was the world and army Infinite created. Shadow helped Indigo up when he pushed himself up. Sonic took the moment to just exist in the ground.

“Sonic,” Shadow was next to him now. “Sonic?!”

“I'm…I'm okay..” he weakly raised a hand. Shadow took hold of it. “I am…existing..”

“Mom..” Indigo hugged him. “You should rest. It's over.”

“I…gotta help rebuild.” Sonic replied, catching his breath. “I have people to help.”

Shadow put his arm over his shoulders and lifted him up, “no. Leave that to the others. You are spent. Please rest.” He put his head against Sonic's. “I am asking you to just stop. Let someone else rebuild. Let another hero take your place.”

Indigo hugged Sonic, “please mom.”

Sonic laughed and hugged their son with one arm, “okay. Okay. But you two have to help in my place. Deal?”

“Deal,” Shadow chuckled. Of course Sonic would ask them to help.

“I can do that.” Indi nodded. “I'll do all I can!”

“Finally. It's over. We can finally stop.” Sonic closed his eyes. “Imma take a nap.”

“Go for it.” Shadow adjusted his grip. “I'll get you home first. Sweet dreams.”

Their response was light snoring. Indigo hugged his dad. Shadow called Amy and said he was dropping Sonic off at home first. He and Indigo would return to help rebuild their home. He had to tend to Sonic's needs first. She agreed. They were finally done. Now it was time to just enjoy real, genuine peace

[Link to part 1 below]

💬 0 🔁 1 ❤️ 2 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · [the first part leading up to my boy, Indigo and how he originally was created. Thanks

[Link to part 7 below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 0 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · 2 links · [part 7. Almost to the end!] Indigo ran through the Death Egg from the shutt

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #sonic the hedgehog #sonic forces #indigo the hedgehog #lansoni fankid #sonadow

[part 7. Almost to the end!]

Indigo ran through the Death Egg from the shuttle they had at the HQ. So far so good! No Infinite yet. He had to ensure that his deal with his dad was solid. His goal was Eggman. He owed a punch or two for what he did to his mom. The other resistance members spread out to take the Death Egg out. This time, for good. No one knew what he and his dad had planned. After this war, Eggman would be gone.

“Where are you!” He yelled, speeding up and looking for the office. “I know you are here. I KNOW YOU ARE HERE, YOU COWARD!”

He found an office, but it wasn't what he was looking for. It was a clear trap and he wouldn't fall for it. The holographic image of Eggman was glitching.

“I am not a fool.” He took aim and knocked an arrow back. “And I am insulted that you think I am one.”

He let the arrow fly and as he suspected, the door shut when the image was disrupted. Indigo moved on and kept looking. Soon, he found himself at the main office. He stood alone though. No robots or anything.

“Tch, he isn't here.” He growled. Then called HQ. “Eggman isn't here. Nor is Infinite. I think they are in a recaptured Mobius Base.”

“That makes sense. We will try to locate them. Take the Death Egg out before you come back.” Amy came through.

“Easy.” He said.

Indigo took a moment to look at where the cell block on the map was. It was empty and they managed to take that part out first. Time to blow the ship up from the inside out. Focusing enough chaos energy into his hand, he blew the computer that managed the engine of the entire ship. All the dim blue lights turned red. Alarms blaring the message: “engine core regulations offline. Evacuate immediately” over the speakers.

“Okay! Time's up!”

He ran out of the room and back towards the shuttle.

“Everyone back to the shuttle! This place is about to be in pieces!”

He made it last and just in time for the doors to shut. The shuttle sped up and out of the docking bay. Just in time for them to watch the battleship explode.

“Yeah! Death Egg is no more!!” They shouted into the comms.

“Chemical Plant is back under our jurisdiction as well,” Tails came through the comms.

“Knuckles and I reclaimed Green Hills,” Shadow was now in the comms.

“Eggman has been spotted,” Vector hopped in. “He is in Metropolis.”

“It's time to end this!” Amy's cheers came through.

“Agreed. Let's chase Eggman down until he has nowhere to run!” Silver joined the comms.

“I tracked an Eggman base close to Metropolis! Me and the other Sonic are gonna head there and scout it out. Once we have a layout. We will return with Intel for a plan!”

“Good job Tails! Good job everyone. Let's get started. We are too close to victory and only have two days possibly left.” His mom came through next.

“Sonic, are you..”

“I am at HQ. I'll be waiting for you and Indigo.”

Shadow grunted and left the line. Indigo made it back to HQ after his dad did. He was the first off the ship. Speeding up to the entrance where his parents stood hugging.

“Mom! Dad! We did it! Death Egg is no more!” He jumped into the open hug.

“We heard,” Shadow smirked.

“Great job bud. Now to take on Metropolis. The last place where Eggman can hide.” Sonic grinned. “The true base is near the dormant volcano. Infinite is there.”

“If Eggman isn't in the city, he'll be there as well,” Shadow took a deep breath. “He won't escape me this time.”

“I know he won't. When we do find him, I won't interfere. I know you two have him.” Sonic kissed him on the cheek. “Let me help with Infinite.”

“Will you be okay?”

“I have paid most of my debt back to Eggman. I don't need to bother with him and I am done hearing him gloat over how he won and broke me. Infinite though, I still have payback to give.” Sonic made a fist and scowled. “I can only hope I am ready.”

“I take it, Rose isn't happy with you. You two aren't talking.”

“Amy thinks I should stop you and Indi. That Eggman needs to be given leeway. I have done that for years. Where did it get us? Nowhere.” The hero took a deep breath. “He has lost it, everyone knows that.”

“Leave him to us. Indi gets the first hit, afterwards though.” Shadow let go and cracked his knuckles. “I'll be making him regret it all.”

—---

Knuckles and Amy had the first strike into Metropolis. They took some of the army with them with the rest staying back to prepare for the final battle at Eggman's base. Sonic was originally asked to join them, but Shadow refused to let that happen. Indigo also wasn't allowed out of his sight. Infinite was in Metropolis and he refused to let either be taken away.

They went in first and started to cause a ruckus. Sonic, Shadow and Indigo were the next to enter the city. Grinding along rails, staying on the rooftops as they searched for Eggman. It was going okay. Until Infinite activated the Phantom Ruby. It threw all the plans and everyone’s perception off. Now, instead of one; there we're facing many of him!

“I am getting tired of fighting clones,” Indigo held the prototype up and broke the image.

“What?! He broke it!” Eggman's yell got their attention.

Shadow spotted him high above and growled.

“Uh oh! Run!” Eggman has the mobile head as fast as it could out of sight.

“Indi.”

“He won't get far.”

Indigo put the ruby back in his quills as he jumped to the building close by. He sped up to the roof and into the air. Eggman wasn't far. With a tuck inside, he dashed in the air and slammed against one of the little engines of the egg mobile. It hit the roof of a building next door. His parents joined seconds after he landed.

“That was for mom, you piece of shit.” Indigo hissed out.

“Leave the rest to me,” Shadow walked by. “This won't take long.”

Indigo looked at Sonic, tail wagging, “did you see what I did?!”

“I did,” Sonic hugged him. “You looked so cool!”

He held on and snuggled into Sonic's fur.

“Shadow, please. Spare me! I can change! Really!” Eggman begged.

All Shadow did was grab him by the collar of his shirt, “sorry but you can't fool us anymore. Nor do I care what others say. You don't get any more chances.”

He summoned a chaos spear with his free hand.

“Times up, you monster.”

Sonic didn't stop Indigo from looking. He watched Shadow deliver the finishing blow. There was a pinch of guilt in him. Eggman and him had fought for so long. At times, it was routine and something to pass the time. This one though broke so much more. Mobius was almost taken from them.

Eggman has locked him up and done so many things he didn't think he had the capacity to do. All in the name of an empire that wouldn't come to pass. Humans died out long ago, with Eggman somehow always managing to stay alive. Having the last human gone now. He hoped Eggman could find some peace. Even if it meant outside the land of the living. Shadow turned to face him. Sonic didn't flinch or look away.

“Sorry you had to see that.” Shadow walked over. “I tried to make it quick and painless.”

“You succeeded,” Sonic put a hand on his cheek. “I am just glad this is about to end.”

“We should retire from this shit,” Shadow leaned into his hand.

“And where would we go?” The hero got closer.

“How does living on a nice island away from the mainland sound?” Shadow pulled him closer.

“For once, I would like that. We need to tell Tails first.” Sonic laughed as Indigo looked up. “How does island life sound?”

“Hell yeah!” Indigo looked at Shadow. “I want an attic.”

Shadow laughed, “wow, no please or thank you. I see how it is.”

Indi stuck his tongue.

“Guys, what's the situation on your end?” Someone called on the comms.

“Eggman is gone. Infinite remains.” Shadow informed everyone.

“Shadow…you didn't…” Amy started.

“I ended one problem. I'm about to finish the final one.” Shadow hung up.

“She is going to be so mad when she learns I stood by,” Sonic took a deep breath.

“Do you feel guilty?” Shadow cleaned the blood off him as best he could.

The hero sighed, “a part of me does, but he has done so much this time and after all these years. I think this was the best call. Eggman lost it. I don't know when, but he lost it.”

“We have Infinite left.”

“Infinite has fled the city with the rest of Eggman's troops! They are heading to the volcano!” Someone called on the comms.

“Metropolis is ours!”

“Don't celebrate yet. We still have to take him out and we will have a talk with Shadow.” Amy’s voice came through.

The three remained quiet. The comm line closed again.

“We tell Tails, under the condition he tells no one.” Shadow looked at Sonic. “You need peace.”

“You do too,” Sonic leaned against him. “I want this over.”

Shadow held him close. He did too.

[Link to Part 6 Below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 3 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · 2 links · [pt 6. How does one...Link post for previous and next anyways?] It took him

[Link to the final part below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 0 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · 1 link · [final part of Indigo's original story] Everyone from each base got the call.

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #sonic the hedgehog #sonadow #indigo the hedgehog #sonic forces #lansoni fankid

[pt 6. How does one...Link post for previous and next anyways?]

It took him longer to recover than it should have. While it gave his body a chance to fully recover and let himself get caught up on any and all information on what the madman has been up to. It left him itching to run. Not just into battle so he could end it all. But he wanted out of the room, and out of the building.

The Death Egg had one metal hallway with dim lights he had memorized thanks to each escape attempt. There was one long metal hallway leading to the Meeting Room. The only difference was that this one had doors to Resistance Members personal rooms. He was aware of that difference. It never helped. It would sometimes flicker back to the Death Egg hallway. The spots of his own blood in areas that he had been caught and wounded. Only one way out, no doors and no chance of escape.

If it wasn't for Shadow and Indigo always being close by, he would have lost it. He would have panicked and bolted to the exit. Sonic could feel the eyes from those around him. He wasn't sure why. It felt like pity. The hero assumed to be dead, returned broken and beaten down. Barely able to fight while they had been fighting the battle for him.

Some even seemed angry that he was still sidelined while they were rebuilding and preparing for the next move. His friends and those around them knew he would be a force reckoned with once he was up and healed. The new members only heard about what happened though. Indigo and Shadow never looked happy about it. He would scare the recruits into running away. Indigo would hiss if any tried to pull him from Sonic's side or spoke ill of him.

He shook his thoughts off. Focus. He had to focus. He had a meeting. Sonic pressed his eyes shut when the hallway changed because of his thoughts wandering. Stick to the present. He wasn't on the Death Egg. He didn't need to think about any of this.

“Mom?”

“Hey baby,” He looked at Indigo. “Sorry, lost in thought. I’m okay.”

His ears folded. Their boy didn't believe him. That was okay, he didn't either.

“Does it feel fake?”

Sonic carefully scratched Indigo on the head. It was supposed to comfort his son. It was only slightly working. He wanted to be okay. They had spotted sightings of Robots in areas again. Eggman was probably coming back.

“Part of me feels as if he has successfully gotten past him. Managed to make this feel real and it's only a matter of time before I wake up back in that cell,” Sonic stopped and kissed the top of his head. “Other times, I want to believe it's real and that my perception of reality hasn't been warped that badly.”

“Do you need an anchor? It might help. I can give you my coat.”

“No. It's yours. I'll be okay one day. Maybe once we win? Maybe after Infinite is dead? I don't know, but I'll…hopefully be okay one day.” He looked at the white patch of fur around his boy's shoulders. “It's gotten so fluffy.”

“It has. I was going to cut it, but I have grown to like it. Well, until it goes down to my back. Once it's past my neck, I don't like it,” Indigo crossed his arms. “It gives that…weird tickle feeling when you get something crawling on you.”

“Not a fan?” Sonic laughed, getting Indi to pout. “Well, if you ever need it managed. I'll help.”

“We got a mission. Eggman is back.”

Shadow’s voice got them to look behind them. He had a coat on one arm.

“He is in Green Hills. The Death Egg is being taken as we speak.”

“I see. And Infinite?” Sonic crossed his arms.

“Spotted with Eggman. They plan to take us out in three days again. Tails found that out, among other things. Rouge has confirmed that the Chemical Plant is back under Eggman's control. He managed to push our people out.”

Shadow took a deep breath.

“As for the mission, we are to head to Mystic Jungle. Seems there is some signal being broadcast, but no one is able to confirm what it is.”

Sonic nodded, “okay. I know what the task is then. Head there and find the source. Do we have any other Intel?”

“I don't. Tails and the other Sonic headed out to the Chemical Plant. Some of the recruits will be causing a distraction. We are part of it, but we actually have a mission.” Shadow swept a coat around his shoulders. “I had to barter for this, but it will be worth it. You are going to need an anchor.”

Sonic pulled the coat on. All white with black lining and black fur around the hood.

“Infinite is back and I know you still question reality. I don't want him to get into your head anymore. He has no right.” Shadow took a deep breath. “We best get going. I am not dealing with Rose.”

“I know. Ever since your argument, both of you have been on edge. It doesn't help that I am taking your side.” Sonic hooked an arm around Shadow's. “Do you plan to take us there?”

“As close as I can get. How badly do you feel like running?”

Indigo latched onto Sonic.

“I need it. I know others will say my knee is going to shatter, but it won't. It's fully healed and itching to run. I got sharper quills. I even ate normally to have my accelerated healing fix most of the damage done physically to me. I need to run. I've been cooped up for too long.”

“Fair.” He pulled the emerald out. “Chaos Control!”

The three were Mystic Jungle now. Well, as close as Shadow could get them. Indigo still held onto Sonic. Being outside and feeling fresh air without the walls. It felt so good to him. Sonic took a deep breath in and closed his eyes. Letting the wind and nature exist.

“Ready?” Shadow asked.

Sonic opened his eyes and saw him waiting, “yeah. Sorry. I was just taking it in. I'm ready.”

“Race you there.” He smirked.

“Oh, get ready Faker,” Sonic grinned. “You are going to lose big time.”

Indigo let go and stood between them, tail wagging.

“Winner gets a quill of their choice,” Sonic leaned towards Shadow.

“Now they are prizes? I better win then. I want two more.”

“I'll be taking two from you this time, Faker.”

“Ready.” Indigo cheered. “Set.”

He giggled and ran off first instead.

“Oh…hey!” Sonic ran off second.

“That's cheap!” Shadow followed.

“Keep up Dad, Mom! I am winning a quill from each of you!” He said.

“Oh?! Well then,” Sonic sped up until he could turn and keep ahead of him. “Gotta be faster than that!”

He turned and ran off. His son was laughing and able to keep up. Shadow as always could keep up with him. His knee didn't hurt once. Feeling the rush of adrenaline, the freedom and wind was what he needed. He wasn't on the Death Egg. This wasn't fake. This was real!

He looked behind to see Indigo trying to keep up and somewhat succeeding. Shadow was still at his side.

“Is that the best you got?” Shadow smirked at him.

“I haven't even broken the sound barrier,” Sonic grinned.

“Well, well…”

They all skidded to a halt. Indigo held onto Sonic's arm. Infinite hovered above them.

“I knew you were resilient. It's a shame things didn't go as planned. You could have been on the winning side,” He said, then looked right at Indigo. “No wonder he never reacted to you.” He saw Shadow and all the blue quills. “Or you. Sonic, I'm hurt. You should have corrected me.”

Sonic scoffed, "and reveal my life to a levitating jackal who doesn't like to converse? Please, I would rather watch paint dry.”

“Such gusto. I'll have to break you again after we are through.” Infinite said. “Or perhaps, I'll take your precious boy.”

Shadow and Sonic growled and hissed at the idea.

“Touch a single quill and we'll show you why we hunt jackals for fun,” Shadow kept his eyes on the enemy.

“I wonder what would happen if I took both from you, Ultimate Lifeform. What would you do?” He altered reality around them to make one long track. “Let's see how well the family plays.”

“Indigo, do what we say if things go bad.” Sonic said.

“I will, but they won't go bad. Not this time!” Indigo took the lead. “He is going to pay.”

The two nodded and followed his lead. Infinite hovered far down the track, laughing.

“To think you three are considered the heroes of this world. Once I remove you, the rest of the pests will fall into place.”

“Wow, you do talk a lot. Guess it means we have to shut you up!” Sonic accelerated when he had the chance and got a hit in.

The jackal growled, “it seems you have recovered and grown in strength.”

“That's because he learns!” Shadow to the chance and got a few kicks and punches at Infinite.

“And this time, you aren't taking anyone!” Indigo rammed his body against Infinite next.

They kept running down the track while the Jackal hovered further away.

“Tch, I guess it's time we turn up the danger level!”

Reality warped again. He was nowhere to be found. Sonic's jacket was the best thing to have on. He knew it wasn't real. He could feel the jacket, but he couldn't see it.

“Sonic..”

“I'm okay. I know it isn't real. I can feel the jacket, I just can't see it.” He said as they jumped to the next part of the track. “Where is he?”

“Found you!” Indigo hit Infinite out of hiding.

Sonic was next and got another hit in. Shadow got the last few and broke the illusion apart. Sonic helped Indigo while Shadow walked over to Infinite and pinned him with one foot.

“No last words?” The jackal laughed.

“You don't get those.” Shadow grabbed the ruby on Infinite’s chest. “And if you do come back, I'll be your problem again.”

He broke it and the jacket screamed and vanished. He figured it wasn't the actual Jackal but at least the message was sent.

“Are you okay Indi?” Sonic kept a hand on their son's back.

“Y-yes. Took…way too long…” He took a deep breath. “To break that.”

Sonic looked at Shadow.

“What did you see, kiddo?” Shadow got closer. “What did he show you?”

“Me. As a weapon…I killed you both. I took you out…” He looked up. “And he laughed about it. He laughed and said that's all I am.”

“You aren’t a weapon and nothing will change that” Sonic told him. “Nothing. Not even Infinite changes who you are. You do.”

“The source is close to your location,” Shadow’s communicator went off. “Grab and get out of there. We need you guys.”

Indigo stood on shaky legs, but took a deep breath. His parents let him compose himself more before rushing off with him keeping up. The signal was in front of an abandoned Eggman base. The door was broken down since they had managed to claim it and overhaul the inside. The outside was kept the same though. Just so Eggman wouldn't catch on that they claimed it.

“I don't see anything..” Sonic looked around.

“I don't either.” Shadow called back to HQ. “You are sure a signal is here?”

“Yes, you are right on top of it.”

Indigo spotted a strange red object on the ground. He slowly walked over and around it. Curious as he was, he was raised better than to just randomly pick an object up.

“Um…dad…mom?” He got their attention.

They looked over and followed where he pointed.

“A ruby?” Sonic walked over now. “Hey, this…looks like what is in Infinite.”

“I destroyed that one, which means this may be a prototype.” Shadow got closer and looked at it. “If that is the case, it could be dangerous to leave here.”

Indigo picked it up and noticed a glow for a brief second, “that was weird. Can I keep it then?” He saw their worried look. “I won't use it, but I don't want just anyone to come across this. Including Eggman.”

“Okay but hide it away.” Sonic said. “And promise to show Tails.”

“I will,” He nodded.

“This has me questioning things. I wonder if Infinite had come here to check on this. If so, why? Why would a prototype be the reason to be here?” Shadow crossed his arms.

“I wonder if the Jackal doesn't want anyone to get their hands on it. Tails can figure it out for sure but I got a feeling Infinite won't be happy we have it. I don't see him being worried since we have no idea how it works.”

Indigo smiled as he fiddled with the ruby. He mostly played catch as he tossed it up and down. Shadow walked over and looked at the ruby his son was tossing. He stopped and offered it to Shadow. His father took it and tried to use it. Nothing happened, so he gave it back.

“Try using it.”

Indigo blinked, “okay. What exactly do I do though?”

Sonic walked over and stood by Shadow, “Picture something you always wanted to see? I'm not exactly sure what to do.”

Indigo took a deep breath, closed his eyes and focused. Some ideas would be too small to tell the difference. It had to be something big. Something they all could see.

“I wonder how Lance would feel about Infinite,” Sonic's voice commented. “What do you think?”

“Something tells me he would make the jackal pay. Then make sure you never left his sight,” Shadow looked at Sonic.

He knew what to picture, but he hoped his parents didn't mind. He pictured Lancelot being here. The one he knew inside his mom's mind. From the history books he read, he had an idea of what his birth father looked like. Shadow would always be his dad. Genetics didn't matter to him, but he was curious how his birth father would react to him.

“Wow, back in a castle huh?”

His mom's voice has him open his eyes to see them standing in a throne room.

“Is this our boy?”

A voice had Indigo turn to see the knight standing close by.

“He looks like me, but he has your eyes.”

“So the ruby warps reality altogether. It's an illusion, but it's also realistic.” Shadow looked around. “No wonder Infinite and Eggman won the first round of this war.”

“He can create a realistic army. One that never runs out…” Sonic looked at Shadow and then at Lancelot. “Hey.”

“My liege, I am well aware I am not really here. I am in your mind. Where I belong. I wounded this Infinite.”

Shadow looked at him, “...wait, you injured him? Where?”

“His wrist. It is cursed to never heal.” Lancelot looked at him. “You are Shadow. I see now why he mistook my appearance. He has a type.”

Sonic blushed.

Shadow laughed, “he does. I owe you for keeping him safe. I know you always plan to, but I am grateful.” He held his hand out to the knight. “You have my eternal gratitude.”

“I am simply doing what a knight does,” Lancelot shook his hand. “I also owe you a debt of gratitude. You took in my son, raised him as your own where I could not. You healed my love. I owe you much and I will always guard his mind.”

Shadow pulled his hand away, “good. We will need that. If Infinite is hurt, then that means the one we fought wasn't real.” He looked at Sonic. “The real one is out there.”

Sonic leaned against him and held his arm, “and now he knows what you and Indi look like. This isn't good. I don't…want…I won't survive another…”

Shadow kept Sonic close with one arm, “he isn't getting you. He isn't getting Indigo.”

Lancelot looked at Indigo then and got a squeak from the boy, “you grew up to be a great warrior. All of us are proud of you.”

He perked up and faced the knight head on, “I'll keep mom and dad safe! Always!”

Lance smiled at him then looked at Sonic, “I'll return to your mind, My Liege. I will not leave my post for long while the Jackal is about.”

The knight faded but the castle remained. Indigo focused on breaking the illusion itself. It worked and they were back in Mystic Jungle.

“Shadow! Sonic! We need help! The chemical plant has been emptied of the goons but we need to reclaim it!”

Another voice came on the line.

“This is Squadron two, we are waiting for our time to move on the Death Egg and take it out!”

Knuckles’s voice joined the call.

“I need someone to find the computer terminal and shut the Death Egg defenses down!”

“We have to split up for this,” Sonic pulled himself free. He saw Shadow's concern. “I know, but for once. This has to happen. I can find the computer and take the defenses down.”

“.. I'll…back Knuckles and whatever his plan is..” Shadow clenched a hand into a fist. “If you get hurt..”

“I'll run. I will run right to you.”

“I'll help Squadron two for the Death Egg then,” Indigo spoke up. “If I run into trouble, I'll call.”

Shadow looked at Sonic, “it's faster if you run from here.”

He grabbed Sonic by the hand.

“...I can't run if you are holding my hand.” The hero said. “I need to go.”

Shadow's ears folded, but he did let go. He got a kiss and watched Sonic dash off. Indigo held on as he dropped off at where Squadron two was waiting. Shadow joined Knuckles. He was focused on the mission, but highly focused on Sonic's quills for anything.

----

Sonic reached the chemical plant right away and ran right in. Some of the bots lingered, but most of the place had rebels once more. All making sure their areas were clear of all Eggman technology. It was his turn. The route he took supposedly would be a straight shot to the computer terminal. With Tails and the other Sonic at his side. Tails could always keep up to a point. They ran through the plant and found their way to the computer room. Tails handled the tech part. He and his past self, alternate self..the other guy handled any bots that tried to get in.

“Done! The defense mechanism is down!” Tails said and called in to HQ.

“Perfect. Squadron Two just made it to the Death Egg. It's time we end this war.” Amy’s voice spoke through the communicator.

Tails looked at both Sonics. One from a different time and his world. Of the two, they had many differences. Height, the fact Sonic talked and now all the black and red quills.

“Sonic..” Tails got the two to look back at him.

“I'm…I'm really sorry I wasn't…”

Tails started to cry.

“I know it's not been too long since I last saw you b-but now…if I don't hear from you. I always…I don't want..” the fox kept crying and kept wiping his tears away.

Six months. His brother was gone for that long. The idea was that he was alive and being hurt during that time. The nightmares he had about the sight of Sonic in a coma, asleep with blunt quills. The reports he read from the medbay. It was just so much and even now, it didn't feel as if his own brother was here.

“Hey,” Sonic pulled Tails into a hug. “I'm right here. I promise. I'm right here.”

Tails tightly hugged back, “you won't go away again?”

“Not for that long. If you want, I can call in more often. That way, you won't ever feel as if I am gone.” Sonic told him. “If I am ever in your house, I can walk up and poke you or talk to you. You'll never have to worry about me disappearing again.”

“...even if you go on adventures?”

“Even on adventures, I'll check in.” The hero held a pinky out. “I promise.”

Tails hooked his pinky with Sonic’s, “we should go.”

“Yeah. We have a war to win.”

[Link to Part 5 below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 1 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · 2 links · [pt 5, more edits/minor changes] “Indigo, you need to come back home.” He h

[Link to Part 7 below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 0 · [part 7. Almost to the end!] Indigo ran through the Death Egg from the shuttle they had at the HQ. So far so good! No Infi

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #lansoni #mention: sonic and the black knight #sonic forces #lansoni fankid #indigo the hedgehog #sonadow #sonic the hedgehog

[pt 5, more edits/minor changes]

“Indigo, you need to come back home.”

He heard as he ran and jumped through Green Hills.

“No! I got to find mom!” He sped up and took a few of Eggman's robots out. “I know he is alive! I know it! I just need to find him!”

“Indigo, Eggman has already sent out too many bots. If you don't get back, then all the efforts to save you will have been wasted.”

“He isn't dead and I intend to find him!” Indigo jumped into the air and with careful aim from his bow. “Chaos Arrow!"

He charged the attack and launched the arrows straight into a large group that lay ahead of him. It was too easy. Indigo landed and sped forward. He knew his mom wasn't dead. Sonic wasn't so easily taken out. There was no chance that Egghead took him out! He was recovering somewhere. Somewhere hidden far away from sight. His mom's quills under his dad's gloves always had some energy glowing about them. Dead quills didn't glow. It was a sign and while everyone else presumed Sonic was dead. His father and himself knew better.

“Indigo.”

Shadow's voice got him to stop running.

“You need to come home. Please. Running around old haunts will yield the same result.”

“But…Dad, he isn't…I can't…”

“If we can't find him, then that means we need to find leads and right now, we don't have any kiddo.”

“Dad, I can't just leave it like this! I was too weak…I wasn't strong enough. Now…mom may…”

“Indigo, stop. Just come home, rest and we can tackle this as a team. But running around, wasting your energy won't do any good.” Shadow gently spoke to him. “When we find him, you will need all that to help him.”

“It isn't fair,” Indigo cried out as energy built up. “Mom should be here. I want mom back! I want him back!”

The energy burst out and destroyed most of the area around him. Leaving him panting and crying as he kept his head down. He just couldn't believe that Eggman had managed to actually win. He took his mom down. Conquered Mobius and had people running underground or worse just to stay alive. They didn't even know how far this madman would go. Without Sonic running around, they all were trying to make up for the lost power. He ran into the one thing that had his guilt and fear bubble to the surface during the start of this. Infinite, a super weapon that could make illusions. He fooled everyone, but Sonic and Indigo. His father had multiple blue quills stuck inside among his black and red quills. The original quills under his left glove were still there as well.

Sonic and him didn't fall for that illusion, but Infinite didn't seem to catch on. He didn't even know who he was. He wasn't sure how he knew that strange being, but the memories from before were too blurry to recall. Not that he wanted to. After a very short battle where his mom lost. He had to retreat with the rest. No one let him help his mom out and when he went back, Sonic was gone. Now, all he wanted to do was crawl into his quills like he did when he was younger; but he wasn't here. He was somewhere.

“Indi.”

Shadow's voice got him back to the present.

“Please, come home. I can't keep you safe if you aren't here.”

The call ended and he wiped a finger under his nose. This was war. He couldn't say it wasn't fair. War was never fair and Eggman never played fair. He took over, but the moment they got one inch. indigo would take it and run a mile. He just needed that chance. One moment to grab onto. It was possible and while he wasn't sure when it would happen. Something told him it was going to happen soon. He took a deep, shuddering breath before teleporting back to the Resistance Headquarters. Shadow was waiting for him.

“...I couldn't find him…” Indigo looked at him, crying again. “I couldn't…I'm sorry..”

Shadow let a sigh out and walked over to him.

“You aren't to blame. You never were to blame.” He pulled him into a hug. “I know you miss him. I know it hurts, but he is alive. We just have to wait for a lead.”

“It's been six months. When will that happen? I want to crawl into his quills dad. I want to hear him, see him, race him…” Indigo held onto his dad. “I just…want him home.”

His father didn't say anything, but he wasn't letting go either. No words could really cover how they felt. This war was rough and he knew it. What made this all worse was how people were treating Sonic's life. They didn't know about the quills, but with how many Shadow had. How did they not notice? Were they that blind? Did the weakly glowing blue quills not get seen? There was color blind and then there was blind. Shadow gently pushed him back.

“I know you want to help them, but right now. We have other problems. Infinite is out there. As are his other illusions. They are wasting cities to find us. Sonic got taken. The last thing I want is for you to be taken next.” Shadow scratched some quills into place. “The idea that I can lose you as well.”

“I'm sorry. I just…I'm lost without him here. Infinite makes it feel as if I just am a step away from…from losing it and…”

“You miss him, that's normal; but I promise the second we get a lead. You and I are the ones to handle it. No one else. We'll get in, get him out and get him home.” Shadow told him, hands on his shoulders. “And then, we'll make Eggman and Infinite pay for taking him from us.”

“I get to punch Eggman,” Indigo said, wiping his nose again. “And I get first strike.”

“Okay, then I get the first on Infinite,” Shadow crossed his arms and smiled at him. “And then we can switch.”

“Deal,” he nodded as he followed him into the headquarters.

They walked down the hallway and noted the rooms full of people getting ready. Some chattering with others before running off down the hall in different directions. Neither was sure what was going on until they arrived at the Meeting room. Amy, Silver, Knuckles, Charmy and Vector stood around the table. Plans for the Death Egg laid out with locations marked by flags and robots.

“What's going on?”

“My spy finally got back to me,” Knuckles said, placing a blue square in the Solitary Confinement part of the map. “Sonic is alive on the Death Egg.”

“What! When did they call?” Indigo ran over to the table. “Is mom okay? Is he safe! Where is Infinite! Where is-”

Shadow's hand on his shoulder stopped him from talking.

“S-sorry.”

“All his questions need to be answered,” Shadow said, getting everyone to focus on him. “Right now.”

“Rouge called a few moments ago. He is in bad shape. Her exact words were: “His time here isn't mine to tell” and we all know Rouge. She loves to spill secrets.” Knuckles spoke volumes with those words.

The room fell silent. Everyone knew the bat loved to spill it all out. Even if it was the most embarrassing secret of all time. To hear him say that Rouge didn't want to spill the details and that she didn't wish to tell the story. It wasn't to be coy this time. She didn't want to talk about it.

“Is…is mom…”

“Eggman has been torturing Sonic for the last six months, kid. We have no idea what state he is in,” Knuckles crossed his arms. “Which is why we aren't sending you.”

“That isn't fair! I've been looking for months for my mom!”

“And you are clearly unable to handle the maturity needed for a rescue mission. You can't have outbursts like this during the mission,” Silver looked at him. “We need to keep a calm, level head. You are neither.”

“Move on,” Shadow growled. “What is the plan? I can get in faster than any of you.”

“No offense, Shadow but since when did you care about Sonic so much? Last I heard, you prefer to fight and race him and find him annoying.” Amy crossed her arms. “Something you are keen to mention to anyone. Yet once he was taken, you were at the lead of finding clues about his whereabouts. Even after we all believed him to be dead.”

Shadow looked directly at Amy.

“And you really are colorblind. Sonic and I are way beyond Rivals. Beyond that, we've been married for a while. Did no one notice the bright blue quills in my head?” He finally pointed the obvious out. “Did you not think that maybe…just maybe the quills allow me to feel if Sonic was truly dead or alive?”

He leaned one hand against the table while gesturing at random.

“Or did you think that I would actually hurt the one I love and help him get taken and tortured for six months while I played some part? For fun!”

They all spotted more blue quills and simply nodded. Shadow was angry, making points and clearly on edge. It was best to just agree and let him speak his piece. When he was done and had calmed himself. They waited and he spoke once more.

“Indigo has been searching for months. He has earned the right to see his mom. He and I will go. You all play a distraction.”

“You really think Sonic will go with you after Illusion You captured him?” Vector asked, leaning towards him. “Or that he would trust you not to betray him?”

“Sonic knows what I look like. Indigo and I will be getting ready. If you don't call us, then we'll rescue Sonic and take him into hiding without any of you knowing it.” Shadow turned his back to them, “let's go, Indi.”

His son quietly followed. Despite seeing the quills and how they were glowing. It was clear none of them knew the significance. Nor did they know that he could feel Sonic's emotions. All this time on the Death Egg. There was one feeling beyond the pain and suffering he felt. Safety and Longing. Longing for Shadow and the safety that Lancelot provided all those years in the book. Sonic had some connection to the Knight.

Just like before when they first found Indigo. Those quills had some connection, but not the kind he expected. If he was being protected from beyond the grave, then good. There were times when he would often fiddle with the quills under his glove. Hoping Sonic could feel that he hadn't given up yet. His reward was Sonic returning it all with a gentle tap. A sign to show he had full trust towards him.

“Dad…”

Shadow stopped and looked back at Indigo.

“I'm sorry. I lost my cool. I should have…”

He stopped when Shadow put a hand on his head.

“We are leaving soon,” Shadow removed his hand and pulled out a single quill to show how weak the energy was. “We don't have time to wait.”

“...mom…” Indigo took the quill. “...mom…”

Shadow called Amy and told her what he was going to do. She yelled as she burst from the Meeting Room, but he just argued back. Time wasn't on their side and they had to go now. The signal was weakening and he was done waiting on other people to get things done. Indigo never gave him back the quill, but he didn't mind. He had so many already and he was always given more at random. If they kept waiting, then Sonic wouldn't make it.

“Fine, but at least let us get some kind of distraction going. We can send Indi..”

“Indigo is coming with me. He is my son, not yours. Send the Rookie, send yourself…anyone, but Indi comes with me,” Shadow stated. “Hurry up. We won't wait any longer.”

Amy ran back to the meeting room and right away. A few people ran out stating the mission they were given. Create a distraction far from HQ. Draw all the enemy attention to one prime location. Shadow looked at Indigo. He refused to let go of that quill, so much so that he had started to try and wrap fur around it. It would fall out though and he would sniffle as he tried again and again. Shadow pulled him along with a single hand on his back towards his room. He opened the door and left it open. There were some office supplies, but not a lot left. He got the last two paper clips.

Without taking the quill, he bent one around the top of the quill. Then had the other hook through it to make a charm. There was a random leather cord that he found once. He didn't know why he kept it, but something in him said it would be needed for something. It was a good thing he listened. With the cord tied off and the charm added. He was able to put it around Indi's neck.

“There. It's always on you,” Shadow got a hug. “I know kiddo.”

He hugged back and heard that the plan was set in motion. Amy walked into the doorway.

“Plans started. Get Sonic home,” Amy stated, firmly staring at him.

“No need to tell us twice,” He pulled the green chaos emerald out of his quills. “Chaos control!”

Both were on the Death Egg in seconds. Indigo took a moment to look around the Prison Area. Shadow wasn't able to get close enough Solitary Confinement. It was already a big jump from Mobius to the Death Egg itself.

The best way to make that jump and not overexert himself or his son was to procure a shuttle. He trusted his son's powers, but he wouldn't be able to think clear enough to make a jump back to earth. They had to get a shuttle first, then find Sonic. He hated to put it off, but the Death Egg had no robots on it. Meaning the plan was working.

He and his son follow him to the Docking Port of this Battle Ship. While he focused on getting a shuttle ready to launch. Indigo kept them covered. The training for missions during a war he had to grow up quickly kicked in right away. Shadow hated that their son had to grow up so fast. If only they had been given more time to have him be a kid. He finished getting a shuttle in their name ready. Only for Indigo to pull him into hiding and motion for him to be quiet.

“These resistance pests don't know when to quit,” Eggman growled as they heard buttons being pressed. “And to think even with Sonic contained, they still fight me. Speaking off, how is Sonic handling your visits?I trust it's been painful.”

“As painful as I can get it to be. I still can't get beyond that invisible wall in his mind. It's always there and always ready to slam me back out of Sonic's mind.”

“To think that blue pest is able to keep even his most precious memories from you. Seems he is more resilient than I thought. Whatever it takes, I want him broken just enough so that when I show him my completed empire, that he suffers in the vacuum of space. In the meantime, go handle those pests down there. I've got my own plans.”

“This feels like we are being baited into sending all our forces down there, Doctor. Should I not stay?”

“You'll do as I say and get down there!”

Shadow and Indigo waited for the doctor and infinite to leave. They had to be sure it was all quiet before they even moved. The entire time they waited. Shadow had to keep his son from rushing to where Sonic was. It took everything in him to not scream at his son to breathe. When they were sure it was safe. They ran out of the docks back to where the Prison Block was. They went further in after searching each cell there for any allies they could get out.

The two hit the end of a long hallway. It was eerie to see. Scratches along the metal walls with dents just big enough for a curled hedgehog to hit. Splashes of blood all on the floor and wall. The further they went in, the more their concern grew. Indigo curled up and spun right into the door at the end of the hallway. Breaking it down in one hit to let his parents skate in right by him.

He easily caught up and kept pace as they checked for any cells that seemed to have special bars or some kind of special door. Most were open though. The only one that was closed and locked was at the far end. They skidded to a halt. Shadow gathered power and slammed his fist into the door. It broke inwards but didn't break off. He hit again and it flew straight into the cell.

Slamming with a loud metal clang into the wall. Then fell onto the floor of the darkened cell. The door lets in the only source of light inside the room.

“Mom!” Indigo ran in and scanned the room.

He spotted his mom curled up in a corner. Blunted quills that stuck out, even if they couldn't offer any protection at this point. One shoe was completely gone with the other having holes in the bottom revealing the torn socks inside.

“M..mom…” He got closer and cried when his mom flinched and bristled the blunt quills at him.

He got closer anyway and did what he always did when he wanted comfort from Sonic. He dug into the quills. They were so blunt it didn't hurt him at all. The action got his mom to finally speak. The voice was hoarse and broken.

“You can't fit in my quills, baby. You're too big.”

“I know,” He cried, trying again. “I know.”

The hero slowly and with clear pain turned to face him.

“Are you real?” He asked. “...did Infinite get past him at last?”

Shadow got closer and bent down, “Get past who?”

“Lancelot.”

Now Shadow knew why Sonic felt safe. Even in death. Lancelot had taken root in the deepest parts of Sonic's mind. All to ensure the safety of his most precious memories and people he cared about. For once, Shadow was happy the dead memories had lingered.

“We're real and it's time we head home.” Shadow had Indigo move. “Don't believe me, then I always touch your quill.”

Sonic's laugh was hollow. He hated it. He didn't like how broken, malnourished and weak his partner was. Those emerald eyes were dull in color and he didn't even fight Shadow. He just let him move him as he wished. Infinite broke something in Sonic. Neither wasted time and left the cell. They ran into Zevick then. The red goon cackled and began to gloat.

“To think the doctor's first failed experiment would risk coming here,” He stared right at Indigo. “and to think you would fail to live up to such a grand design.”

“I'm not a weapon,” He growled.

Shadow held Sonic close. His partner was out cold. He didn't have the energy to stay awake. They didn't have time for a fight. Plus, he knew for a fact that this thing wasn't real. It was an illusion. One strong hit and it would disappear.

“We need to leave, Indi.” Shadow said, eyes focused on Zevick.

“But he hurt mom!”

“Even so, we need to get Sonic back so he can heal and so that you can curl into his quills like you want.”

His words got his son's ears to fold back, but quietly nodded.

“Aww, the little hoglet wants to snuggle. Don't worry. You'll be snuggling alright. Snuggling with death itself.” Zevick called a giant robotic wasp to fly up from behind him. “Now, to have our final battle.”

“Dad,” Indigo looked at him. “What do we do? Mom…he…I don't…”

Shadow saw how unstable his son's chaos energy was becoming from the stress. Normally, he would try to calm him down. This could work out. He could give this fake a fight and help him quickly unwind.

“Aim that stress at him and the giant wasp. Make it fast and take that stress and aim it at him. Make them pay.” Shadow said. “But don't play with him. Just take him out.”

“I will. Hang in there mom. Please.” Indigo cracked his knuckles. “Alright, you wanna fight? Let's go!”

Zevick and him jumped into an arena. Shadow kept an eye out for any other enemies as the two fought. Their son has a mix of their style, but the bow was his own personal touch. Indigo took the chaos spear and turned it into an arrow based attack. Why get arrows when he could make them? That was the question he asked as a joke of all things. He fought hard and got injured, but Zevick lost and Indigo was back at Shadow's side. Holding his injured arm.

“S-sorry…”

“Shadow, tell me you are on the way home.” Amy called.

“Not yet, we ran into another illusion. We are heading to the shuttle right now.”

Shadow and Indigo left the room and headed back towards the Docking Bay. Without warning him though, Shadow felt his son grab his arm and chaos control them to the shuttle doors.

“You didn't use a chaos emerald!” He pulled Indigo on and got him to sit. “That was reckless.”

“We ran…out…of time…” His son gasped out.

Shadow shut the doors and got the ship powered up, “regardless, that was risky to pull. Especially when you already fought a battle. Use an emerald next time!”

“Sorry.”

Shadow took a deep breath and looked at Sonic in the passenger chair. This was just too much stress.

“I'm sorry. We are both stressed out. Please, borrow the emerald next time. Okay?” Shadow gently said, then looked at his son. “I don't want you to get sick.”

“I will. I will.”

While calling Amy, Shadow launched the ship out towards Mobius, “this is Shadow. Get a med team ready for us the second we land.”

“Is he okay?!"

“No, he isn't.” He said, hearing her gasp. “He may need surgery. I can't tell, but his breathing is very weak. So get that damn med team ready right now. I want them outside and waiting and if he dies Amy, I don't care what you all say. Eggman dies as the price.”

Shadow hung up before she could say anything. Was that threat needed, probably not. Yet he was just too angry. The dim lights kept most of the damage hidden. Now in the bright light of the sun. He saw it all. Blunt, bloodied quills, bruises all over, cuts from attacks, ribs were showing and just a slew of other possible issues. If Sonic didn't need medical assistance. He would have turned around and made that doctor pay.

“...dad…”

“He'll be okay. I know it. Sonic doesn't go down that easily.”

“...okay..”

—--------------------

“Cursed rebels!!!” Eggman yelled.

“I told you this felt like a distraction.” Infinite stated.

“I know what you said!! Not only did they nab Sonic but they destroyed part of the prison block!” Eggman growled as he looked at the security footage. “No matter. They'll pay for this. Were you able to plant anything into his head during your visits?”

“No, something kept me from that part.”

“What is this something you keep bringing up?!”

Infinite looked at his hand and saw a slash from a weapon on it. No matter what he did. The wound didn't heal. When he tried to turn Sonic to their side, he figured corrupting the most precious memories would be the best strategy. The idea was to twist them in such a way that Sonic would view them as allies and fight those who hurt him. Yet something kept them from him.

A presence that stood firmly between him and Sonic's core. It always pushed him back. It never spoke a word. It just slashed at him. Over and over. No matter how hard he tried to break through and turn it to his side. No success and in the end, he had lost a battle on his own turf.

“Whatever, you failed only one time. I can easily overlook it. Three days is all they have left. Let them fight back, it won't matter in the end.”

—----------------

As soon as they landed, the med team was in and out of the ship. Sonic on a stretcher, with an oxygen mask over his face. Amy tried to converse with Indigo, but he ran right by with the medical team. Shadow knew that would happen. As soon as he was at her side. He told her everything. Down the details and what they had to possibly deal with the next upcoming weeks, possibly years. The one question that Sonic asked them.

“Are you real?”

Sonic’s voice repeated in his head. It stuck out to him. He didn't like it. It triggered that rage he managed to control. No matter how far this war stressed him, he had kept a tight lid on his temper. That one line of questioning. The first thing to ask. It just had him ready to turn that shuttle around and bombard the Death Egg.

“I see. We will help him as much as we can. For now, let the medical team do their job. Sonic can heal afterwards and maybe, we can turn the tides to our favor.” Amy crossed her arms. “That's my hope.”

“Six months isn't something he will be able to overlook. Not when he asked if we were real..” Shadow clenched his hand together. “That bastard…I don't care what you all say. Eggman has gone too far.”

“Y'know none of us have the guts to pull the trigger. We can take a robot out but…”

“I don't care. Eggman dies this time. We are done playing passively.”

“Sonic wouldn't..”

“HE BROKE HIM, ROSE!” Shadow yelled, making her jump. “DID YOU NOT HEAR WHAT I TOLD YOU!”

She held her hands up and took a step back.

“He took Sonic and broke him! For months! And I am supposed to let that fucker live? Let him walk away to try again?!”

“No, but we can turn out like him!” She argued back.

“Taking his life doesn't make us like him! Y'know what it does?! It stops the problem for good!”

“So, what? You plan to kill him and not let him try to be better?”

“Better?! He has gone mad! He is going to do whatever it takes to rule Mobius. He has killed so many of our people. He has taken homes, lands and decimated them and you want him to stick around!”

“We aren't villains, Shadow!” Amy stated, leaning into his face. “I won't be responsible for having blood on my hands!”

“This is war, Rose. We all have blood on our hands, but it isn't robotic blood. It's the blood of our allies who died. Who sacrificed their lives to take that fucker out. If you can't see how much better the world will be, then we have nothing to discuss.”

Shadow walked towards the door leading inside.

“We aren't done here, Shadow!”

“Yes, we are.” He opened the door and slammed it behind him.

He skated to the medbay and saw Indigo waiting and watching from outside the operation room. He had to take a deep breath to calm himself as he got closer.

“Hey,” He pulled him close with one arm.

“Mom almost died on the table,” He hugged Shadow. “They said he is extremely weak.”

“I know, but he is clearly fighting. It's a good sign.” He looked through at the med staff. “Hey, go get a drink. I can stand watch until you come back.”

His son nodded and ran off. Shadow crossed his arms and took a deep breath. Then he looked at Sonic through the window. The quill had that sense of safety. He was probably having a conversation with his haunt. They must have brought Shadow up because that intense love for him flared up.

“Take your time, Maurice,” Shadow pulled out the quill from his glove and held it. “I know you are tired, and I know you are coming back. If you want a break though. I don't mind but don't keep our boy waiting okay? He has hardly slept.”

The energy spike from the last 6 months was weak. So weak that he feared Sonic wouldn't make it. This surge he saw and felt. The fight Sonic had left. He’d be fine, but he was still tired.

“I love you too. Keep fighting. When you are ready. We will end this.”

He put the quill back. Indigo has returned.

“I felt mom. You are right. He is fighting.” His son smiled. “He'll be okay.”

“Yep,” Shadow put a hand on top of his head. “In the meantime, we make that man pay.”

“Right. For everything he did.” Indigo nodded.

It was another month of Sonic being at the base, fast asleep and recovering from surgery. It wasn't really a medically induced coma, but the doctor afterwards said his body was overworked. The amount of stress their hero took on mentally, physically and emotionally was too much. He bottomed on the table once and they were on edge after that. Reset ribs, reset a broken arm, the cuts all over had to be stitched up due to how deep they were, his knee had almost shattered and if that wasn't all bad enough. There were signs where he would be given a meal, but not enough to help his body naturally activate his accelerated healing.

Shadow could feel Sonic at times, but it was mostly just him sleeping. He could also feel that Sonic was trying to wake up to help. He missed Shadow. He missed Indigo. He missed Tails. He missed running. The world of dreams was safe, but he wanted out. Sadly, his body was taking its time to recover. The month let his knee recover along with his ribs. The rest of the cuts were healing but the stitches still held the wounds together. It was probably those cuts that kept him asleep. Whenever he touched the quill, he could feel Sonic long to see him. If he talked, he could feel him listening. It was enough for him to help on missions and start turning the tide of war. They had taken part of their world back and he made sure to tell him that. Supposedly, Eggman had a plan to go off in three days. It never came to pass.

Out of the blue, the doctor and the Death Egg, along with Infinite himself, vanished. They were on edge. Waiting as they took back their home. At any moment, that Battle Ship could return. At any second, more of his army could arrive. For now, they were just waiting and taking their home back. With troops at the ready at all times. Each city they took, they would leave behind a base with troops being trained to stand at the ready and others to monitor the sky around that part of the world. It gave them some peace to rebuild and prepare again. Shadow just wished Sonic’s body would let him wake up enough to see it. When close to another month passed, they finally got some sign he was waking.

Today, Shadow had come back with food. Indigo wasn't eating and had curled up so tightly to fit into Sonic's quills. It was hard to do and he always failed. Sonic must have felt that because they finally heard him speak.

“Baby, you can't fit in my quills. You're too big.”

Indigo uncurled slowly and moved. Shadow set the food down on the table and ran over. Sonic slowly looked at them.

“Hey.”

Shadow laughed and bit back tears, “You're late.”

Sonic laughed. It wasn't hollow either. Chaos, he missed that sound. He sat on the bedside as Indigo hugged and curled up against Sonic's chest.

“Easy baby. Easy, mom's ribs are sore.” The hero took a deep breath. “Is Eggman still gone?”

“Yes,” Shadow gently picked his hand up and pulled the glove off. “I should have killed him when I had the chance.” He kissed Sonic's hand. “I'm sorry I didn't take him out.”

“Mm, you'll get your chance.” He saw the surprise on Shadow's face. “Even I know when someone crosses a line. We can't leave Eggman to his plane of existence. He's lost it.”

“Amy will have your head,” He whispered. “She wants us to spare him. To see if he can turn a new leaf over.”

“He won't. I wasn't just…stuck being tortured for six months for fun. There were two players making plans.” Sonic looked at Indigo. He couldn't get up, but he wanted to. “Infinite had other plans. I don't know what, but Eggman clearly didn't want me to live.”

“I overheard that eggman wanted to break you as much as he could. I won't ask for details. I don't want them. Nor do I need them.” Shadow held his hand. “Does this still feel fake?”

“Yes. He'd let me run, only to catch me. Until I couldn't run anymore. Then it was just me waiting for his next illusion and if it wasn't Infinite, it was Eggman testing my abilities. When my knee gave out…he just left me to Infinite.” Sonic explained and took a deep breath. “He tried…to turn you all against me and I…could only lay there and stay silent.”

“Did he ever use me?”

“Not the right version. He got mad when I didn't even engage with it. I never corrected his image. Didn't give him any information. He didn't even get Indigo right,” Sonic laughed and watched as his son repositioned himself in his sleep. “He thought Indigo looked like him.”

Shadow laughed, “what a stupid Jackal,” He let Sonic pluck another red quill off him. “You are gonna make me go bald.”

“What can I say? I love the red.” Sonic kissed the quill he pulled. “You take the same amount as I do.”

“Yeah well,” Shadow gently reached over and got another blue quill. “I don't mind. It means you can tell the Illusion from Reality. They are so blunt.”

“I'll shed them.” Sonic put the new quill behind his left ear “Yours remained sharp.”

“Has his?”

The hero nodded.

“Good. We can protect you,” Shadow stuck the new one under the left ear.

A blunt quill would be a shoddy defense.

“I know you want to run. I can feel it, but you have to recover. Indigo isn't going to let you out of his sight.”

His partner ran his ungloved hand through their son's quills. It got him to purr.

“You won't either,” Sonic whispered. “I can feel your intentions. Amy won't like that you took that position. I know you don't care, but that's the warning.”

“I don't care and that is something that she can deal with. Any mission you have, we go as a family.” He let a content sigh out.

“Okay.”

[Link to Part 4 below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 0 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · 2 links · [pt 4. Noticed some edits/changes to do. Man I write a lot. Now Indi is here.

[Link to Part 6 Below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 3 · [pt 6. How does one...Link post for previous and next anyways?] It took him longer to recover than it should have. While i

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #sonic the hedgehog #lansoni #mention: sonic and the black knight #Indigo the Hedgehog #Lansoni fankid #mentions: Sonic Forces

[pt 4. Noticed some edits/changes to do. Man I write a lot. Now Indi is here. Y'know he wasn't my first Fankid. I had an entire family tree but scrapped it all because I slowly fell in love with Indigo and the design I made for the Boom Universe version of him. Right around when I began to like SonShadAmy too.]

Sonic and Shadow took to themselves after their latest adventure. The Ultimate Lifeform got busy with something. The hero returned to his search. He was sure they would run into one another soon. Shadow had gotten him more resources to find this grove. A nice surprise for him to find in his home. It was also organized, again.

It was somehow a sweet gesture to see. He checked the map again before entering the forest before him again.

Third attempt, he'd find it this time! All the newest information about this secluded grove painted a possible path to it. With a rolled up map, he zoomed into the woods. Stopping only to make sure he was on the right path. He could feel Shadow's concern over his whereabouts a couple times.

"I'm fine," Sonic muttered, checking the map as he kept running.

At another stop, he jolted and groaned.

"Stop touching it like that!" He groaned, ears folded down. "It's distracting."

The moment passed and he moved on to the next spot. Finally, he spotted some mushrooms that seemed to be gathered in one single spot. With a couple trailing down into a tunnel.

"Found you!" Sonic zipped in and stopped when he hit lush grass once more.

This grove was completely enclosed with a beam of sun flooding the space. The waterfall he found roared as it fell into a pond that overlapped into the grass naturally. He took a deep breath in and stood with his eyes closed. It was so nice to have all the effort rewarded. He marked the spot on the map before storing it back in his quills. Sonic then took a seat and let himself relax against the cave wall. He felt a spark of concern again.

"I'm more than okay. I finally found it. Thank you for the help, Shads," Sonic gently tapped the quill. "I'll be home and show you the spot."

The quill had him feel a mix of pride and excitement. He shut his eyes and relaxed to take a nap. It wasn't long before he could sense Shadow close by. He forgot about the Chaos Control ability for a moment. The blue blur got up and headed to the entrance. Keeping his eyes out for Shadow. He spotted him not too far off. He skated right over.

"You finally found it huh?" Shadow grinned as he looked at the tunnel. "You're welcome."

"Thank you," Sonic kissed him on the cheek. "I was about to give up."

He zipped back down the tunnel. Shadow was right behind him. He stopped at the end and waited. His possible partner slowed to a stop when he got closer. The sight also took Shadow's breath away. The blue speedster returned to his spot and relaxed.

"Seems it was worth the long search," Shadow commented, walking over to join Sonic. "I felt how proud you were."

"I still am. I've been looking for a place to sleep away from the world," Sonic looked up. "A place I can just...feel safe."

"You don't feel safe when you sleep?" Shadow questioned. "Why?"

"...Eggman makes me paranoid. What if I sleep through an attack? What if someone needs me? I doubt he'll do anything right now, but I never know..."

Shadow looked at the water at their feet. He was sure that this place would be perfect to sleep away from all danger. It is so hard to find. Even if Eggman tried to find it, he'd miss this spot. It made sense Sonic would try so hard to find a place far from the world for some sort of peace.

"If you need some place to sleep, feel free to come by my place. I can protect you," Shadow put an arm around Sonic and pulled him close. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

His Rival turning Partner leaned against him, "I heard you had business. Did you leave it to find me?"

"Maybe."

Sonic laughed. He loved that sound so much.

"I said I was okay," He looked at Shadow. "I would have shown you the moment you were free."

"I didn't want to wait." Shadow stated, keeping Sonic close. "It was tiring and pointless work."

The hero spotted some stuck up quills. He pulled off a glove and gently brushed his hand through the quills. He could feel Shadow relaxing.

"Then, how about you get some sleep. No one knows where we are. Just take this time to worry about nothing," Sonic whispered as he kept brushing the quills back. "That way, y-" He shut up when he felt purring.

Sonic kissed the top of Shadow's head. He didn't move. Just pulled his glove back on and leaned his head against Shadow's. The purring had him fall asleep at some point. When he woke up, his back was up against the cave wall. Shadow asleep in his lap. A ringing was going off. His ears could hear it.

"Sonic? Shadow? Anyone?"

"MmTails?" Sonic slowly answered. The sound of his call slowly woke Shadow up.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?" Tails asked.

"mmno," He let Shadow move enough to lean against his chest. "What's up?"

"It's about the meeting they had. Eggman is up to something," The fox said. " He has been far too quiet."

Shadow spotted a flash of annoyance in those eyes.

"I'll investigate. So much for peace," Sonic sighed, but Shadow felt the annoyance through the quill.

"Thanks, we'll be joining you as soon as we can," The fox hung up.

The hero leaned back with his pointed up, "I should have known." He looked back down and at Shadow. "I've got to go."

"We'll go as a team," Shadow pushed himself up and stretched first. Then held a hand towards Sonic. "We'll get the job done."

The hero took hold of his hand and got pulled into a hold. Laughing as Shadow leaned against his chest again.

"Shads, we got...stop, we got a job," Sonic laughed. He heard the call go off again. "Shadow!"

He answered, "we are coming.”

"Oh, okay." Rouge hung up after.

"Stop," Sonic got free and then pulled back. "Ugh, Shadow."

"What?" He smirked.

"You are suddenly super clingy." Sonic leaned back against him. "I felt that pride overpowering me."

Shadow pulled out the green emerald, "I got travel covered."

"You get to explain why I am being held then," Sonic turned to his side, still held against Shadow. "We haven't told anyone what's going on."

"We'll be there before them," He held it above them. "I have the coordinates. Chaos Control!"

They went from standing in a cave full of sun and grass to a theme park of all things. He finally let go of Sonic and stored the emerald away.

"Wow, what a location. I knew the Egghead liked theme ideas, but I didn't expect an entire park," Sonic looked around them. "It even has theme areas too from the way this map looks."

"Hasn't he tried this before?" Shadow crossed his arms as he looked around.

"Many times. Tails and I would always break them apart. This seems new," Sonic kept looking around but then froze when he felt an old spark. "...wh.."

"Sonic?"

The hero reached towards Lancelot's quills.

"Sonic, what's wrong?" Shadow ran to his side.

"I...felt something, but he isn't..." Sonic looked at him. "Something is wrong with Lancelot's quills.”

Shadow took a look. They didn't have a glow or any energy.

"We need to find the main area where Eggman runs things. Do you think you can track the feeling?" Shadow picked him up.

"Yeah," He pointed straight ahead. "Head straight."

Shadow skated in that direction Whenever Sonic felt the feeling, he would follow the way there. The pair ended up under the park. A long corridor stretching to some place. No doors. Dim blue lights. It seemed to keep on going. Only stopping when they saw a set of double doors. They slid open to a lab. Shadow put Sonic down and took a step inside. No sign of Eggman. Sonic followed him inside and followed the feeling to one of the test tubes inside. There was a hedgehog inside. They were so small.

"Sonic?" Shadow walked over. "I can feel him..." Sonic kept his eyes on the baby. "a part of him at least." He raised a hand and touched the glass. "in this."

Shadow looked at the creature in the tube.

"He violated his grave..." Sonic's quills bristled up and his energy was rising. "he defiled his body...he.."

"Sonic," Shadow grabbed and turned him. "Breath. Just breathe. It may have a piece, but it isn't him. His soul moved on. Whatever Eggman made. It isn't him, but we can make him regret touching him." He pulled Sonic close. "I'm sorry he defiled your first love, but he wouldn't want you to be angry about it."

Shadow didn't feel any uncertainty towards their relationship from the quill. He felt anger and pain over what they discovered. A first love that he had mourned was defiled. Shadow would feel the same way.

"Sorry," Sonic took a deep breath. "I know you feel as if...you took his place. Just so y'know, I always saw you as Shadow. You may look similar, but you two look different, act different because you are two separate hedgehogs."

He leaned back and gently held Shadow's face in his hands.

"I fell in love with him and he died. Then I fell back in love with you," Sonic kissed him. "You. Not Lancelot."

The two looked back at the tube and then at one another. They nodded and let go. Sonic took a step back and let Shadow break the glass. An alarm went off. The hero got the baby from the glass and looked at Shadow as he was pulled close.

"Chaos Control!" Shadow took them out just as the doctor spotted them.

They were back at the main entrance. All their friends were present. The alarms were still blaring all around the park.

"What happened?" Amy asked.

"No time, we need to leave. Everyone grab on. Now!" Shadow yelled.

He waited as someone grabbed hold of him and then one another. He got them all out. Tails had the autopilot get the plane to return on its own. Sonic had kept his eyes on the baby in his arms.

"Where did that come from?" Rouge asked.

"We found it," Sonic told her. "I think Eggman had plans to make them a weapon."

Shadow walked over closer. The dark black and dark maroon red. Lancelot's coloring. There was a surprise when the baby finally opened their eyes. Emerald green, the exact color of Sonic's eyes. Sonic looked at Shadow. He didn't have any expression, but he could feel it. His future partner was upset. It was just not something he could bring himself to show. A ghost had come back to haunt them.

"We'll keep them safe," Amy held her hands out. "I can raise the baby and..."

Sonic held it close, "no!" he ran off, but Shadow could feel his emotions still.

"I...was just going to offer.."

"I got him," Shadow used the quill to find him.

He took one step towards the location and heard Sonic talking.

"I know you are there, Shadow. I just...sometimes I miss him. The memories are still here. We even talked about this...if it had been a chance..."

Sonic's voice was breaking.

"He wanted kids, but knew we...he got defiled and got no consent to this!"

Shadow kept walking until he saw a sight he just hated. Sonic was crying and looking right at him.

"Why can't we just...It isn't right. He isn't you, yet life won't..."

Shadow got down and hugged him, "A first love leaves the hardest mark. It burns a mark our hearts can't forget. You and him shared so much time and it burned a hole when you lost him. This was what you two would have wanted."

"You aren't him. I never saw him in you, Shadow." Sonic hugged him with one arm.

"I know you don't. You see me," Shadow leaned back and smiled at him. "I don't mind taking this little one in. By right, their genetic code is yours and his."

"Only if you are sure." Sonic reached up and gently pulled a new quill from Shadow's head. "And only if you feel secure is it what you want."

Shadow watched as Sonic placed the quill directly behind his left ear. He did the same to Sonic. Pulling a fresh blue quill out and placing it directly under his left glove. It was a reverse, but the silent consent and remembering what Rouge had told him. It was an old ritual lost to time. Those who knew would know, but many had forgotten about it.

"They need a family and clearly, one parent is already gone. They have us," Shadow looked right at Sonic. "Which makes them ours."

He pulled Sonic up to his feet and held him close.

"I'm sorry he defiled him. It can't undo what he did, but I am sorry." Shadow held onto Sonic and felt his partner lean against him.

The baby started to cough and sputter between them. Breaking them apart to look down and then back at each other. Sonic let Shadow take them.

"We'll need a safe place," He whispered.

Sonic leaned against him again, "yeah. I need to apologize to Amy. I wasn't..."

"She'll be okay," Shadow laughed at the idea of Amy being that upset. "That woman is scary when defied."

The hero laughed, "she sure is. They'll see the quills we changed."

"Will they know the meaning?" Shadow smirked at him.

"Good question," Sonic grinned at him. "I don't know."

They looked at the little one in Shadow's arms. The ultimate lifeform checked and saw it was a boy.

"He needs a name," He looked at Sonic.

His partner had a distant look as he gently raised the tiny hand with one finger.

"Indigo," The hero said, smiling.

"Heh, a royal color for a name huh?" Shadow put an arm around him. "Somehow, that suits him. Was it Lancelot's favorite color?"

"No. Mine." Sonic told him. "I love that color. When we brought up kids. He said my name was silly and that a color wasn't a name."

"Then I guess by default, our names are silly. Shadow and Sonic? Quite on point." He watched the baby sleep.

"Maurice," Sonic said.

"Huh?"

"My real name. It's Maurice," Sonic looked at him. "No one knows that, at least no one but you."

"Well, I'll keep that in mind," Shadow leaned his head against Sonic's. "and keep it private."

He let Sonic just process all that happened. The calls that came in went ignored. At least for a moment. They eventually answered. Shadow did most of the talking. He wanted Sonic to have as much time as he could to just process this all. Often, he'd feel the hero's emotions of longing towards Lancelot. They would only come up if anyone brought up the history though.

If they ever brought Shadow up to Sonic. The intense love that they nurtured would flare to the surface. Along with pride, joy and bliss. Lancelot's death took Sonic's heart and tore it. Shadow came in and seemed to help him face the demons related to the death and helped him move on.

The pride he felt knowing Sonic had chosen him. Even after being so rocky. It felt nice. He shot a glance back to see his partner watching him.

"Please come back. Eggman is still a problem," Tails said.

"I won't take the baby," Amy spoke up. "Even if it was really cute."

Shadow felt that jolt of anger and smirked as talked, "I think Sonic got attached. Best leave him the baby."

Sonic's cheeks turned red and he looked away.

"Fine, but I get to be an aunt!" Amy stated.

Sonic got close as Shadow hung up and pulled him close. They were back with them in seconds.

"Alright, now to the problem. Eggman clearly wants something that will rival Shadow and Sonic, while taking us out in the process." Amy stated, seeing Sonic holding the baby closer. "That could just be one of many he tries to make."

Shadow felt the jolt and got Sonic to take a deep breath.

"Amy has a point. Dr. Eggman may be getting desperate. All these losses over the years. He could have a plan formulated over the time we didn't keep tabs on him," Tails let out a sigh.

"Either way, this could be bad for Mobius. If he can make one, he can make more," Knuckles sighed. "These are signs of war."

"We'll have to be ready then. Is there any way to start right now? Just so we can be ready?" Shadow crossed his arms.

He spotted Rouge hovering over him and Sonic; and smirking at him.

"We have you two," The bat said, hovering towards Sonic and pushing him towards Shadow. "The best team up."

"We can't save the world alone. We all need to be ready," Shadow felt Sonic's anxieties. "And be alert as well."

Amy got closer, “it’s odd that Eggman picked these colors. They don't match Shadow, but…”

“Amy,” Shadow moved her away. “We will discuss this later.”

Amy noted that Sonic was deadly quiet. Shadow was also keeping him at a good distance.

“Either way, we all need to prepare for what is to come. The kid will stay with Sonic,” Shadow stated. “Also, we all need to discuss things before this possible war hits.”

“Things as in…” Amy gestured. “Why can't you say it now?”

“Things are still…in the works.” He said. “And we have better things to do. This may have to be tabled for a later time.”

“He has a point, Amy. Eggman isn't going to let us keep standing around. We have to be ready. Whatever Eggman has planned, and whatever is heading our way..” Knuckles looked at the baby. “This could be just the start.”

[Link to Part 3 below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 1 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · 2 links · [part 3, let's keep going with Indigo's Original Backstory!] After getting t

[Link to Part 5 below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 1 · [pt 5, more edits/minor changes] “Indigo, you need to come back home.” He heard as he ran and jumped through Green Hills.

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #sonic the hedgehog #lansoni #mention: sonic and the black knight #Indigo the Hedgehog #Lansoni fankid #mentions: Sonic Colors

[part 3, let's keep going with Indigo's Original Backstory!]

After getting the clear from Shadow to leave, Sonic sped out of the ultimate lifeform’s house. He thanked Shadow as he left but didn't plan to stick around. He thought Shadow hated him. It's why he has actively avoided him. Shadow always groaned, free easily frustrated and many other negative emotions to him. He didn't mind and he got the message after noticing the hints. Slow as he was at times to pick up on some of the emotions of others. He was quick to avoid them at all costs the second he figured it out.

“At least now he can have some peace again,” Sonic stopped at the top of a hill and called Tails. “Hey bud, nurse shadow finally let me leave.”

Tails answered right away, “I heard. Feel better?”

“Lots. Who knew the ultimate lifeform was such a good nurse. Keep that in mind for our friends.” Sonic laughed. “But don't ever let him help me like that again. I know how I annoy him.”

“How do we stop that?”

“I don't know. Just…don't let him know I get sick or hurt?” Sonic shrugged. “Either way, I annoyed him enough. He needs space and time to sort his own emotions out.”

“What if he sees you out?” Tails questioned.

Sonic stayed quiet at first, “I will just leave. I don't mind competition, but if it just annoys them then it isn't fun. Just…spoils the entire race.”

“I'll do my best, but I can't always promise…” Tails went quiet. “It's good to hear you feel better.”

“I can finally help you out with that project. I'm on the way to you.”

“Uh..about that. When you left, Shadow uh…came here. He is currently looking for parts. Best wait.” Tails told him.

“Right…” Sonic hung up and reached up to where Lancelot’s quills were. “Hmph. Guess I can go for a run while I wait.”

He stopped for a moment when he got a weird feeling. There was a feeling of disappointment? it wasn't his though, it was coming from Shadow of Mobians. The blue blur put his hands on his hips. He hadn't spoken, let alone stayed close enough to feel how Shadow could feel. All he knew was how often he annoyed him and how much he hated Sonic. So why was he feeling disappointed? How was he even feeling this to begin with?

Sonic took a moment and found a source of water to look into. it had to be still so he could get a proper look. His reflection didn't have two quills only now. It had three. A bright red quill tucked close behind his right ear. It was part of his set now since it felt like a natural part of his own head. When did Shadow feel the need to do that? It had to be during his time sleeping and recovering from that cold. He called up Tails.

“On second thought, I'm coming over,” He said and hung up before Tails could protest.

During the run, he felt something from Shadow. It was…excitement? Why was he excited? Hot Topic really needed to make up his mind on how he actually felt or at least let him know. He arrived at the shop in seconds to see Tails being helped by Shadow.

“Hey,” Tails waved to him. “It's great to see you out and running again. Mobius isn't the same without you running around.”

“Noted. Tails, I need to borrow Hot Topic over here,” Sonic noted the growl at the more insulting nickname he had stopped using. Simply dragged him outside and far away from the location. Then let go of his hand. “You put a quill of yours on me.”

“You catch on fast,” Shadow crossed his arms. “I hate that nickname.”

“Well it's reserved for when I feel like this. Look, I respect you Shadow. You push me to the limits and beyond. You make…made racing fun,” Sonic felt Shadow's pain with those words. “But you told me three years ago that you hated me and that you wanted me to leave you alone. So I have and now you want my company? So much so that you exchanged quills? I get that I am slow when it comes to emotional understanding, but I can't learn if I am not talked to about it. So, do me a solid and talk to me. Don't hide behind your pride. Just. Talk. To. Me.”

Shadow didn't expect Sonic of all Mobians to have such maturity over emotions. It was surprising and he was aware Sonic could feel that. It didn't bother him; not too much at least. It just surprised him that he grew that much over the three years he had been avoiding him.

“I don't hate you,” Shadow spoke, looking at Sonic directly as he uncrossed his arms. “I may find you tiresome, annoying at times and even far too chipper in certain situations, but I never once actually hated you.”

“Really? Sonic crossed his arms now. “So you're groaning, insulting, mocking..”

Shadow groaned.

“I'm not putting words in your mouth, Faker.” He said, feeling a happy sensation. “I am stating facts. You sent all these signs to leave you alone. So I have done and been doing exactly what you wanted.”

“Well stop. I'd rather you be chipper, in my face and making things interesting. Not avoiding me and making my life…lifeless.”

Both felt the other's guilt at that point. Shadow felt more of Sonic's repressed feelings. His rival's expression was dead, but he felt what was going underneath it. Guilt, pain, anger, confusion…and some form of joy and happiness. Sonic felt the same way as he did. He was sure Sonic could feel that from his end too.

“Next time you want to race,” Sonic turned his back to Shadow. “Call me up.”

Shadow felt a new emotion from the quill. It was either admiration for their progress or a form of infatuation from him.

“Are those feelings from the Knight or me?” Shadow pulled the quill out and smirked as Sonic turned to him. He saw red cheeks.

“I had a crush on you before. I found you attractive for years. Time in the book world passes differently. What was a week of being bedsick for me, was many years at his side. Fighting and traveling and ruling together,” Sonic told him and then looked away. “But the dead don't feel the connections they leave behind. Our memories make them live on because we still love them. Even if it hurts.”

“The quills you two exchanged. How long..”

“Our time, two weeks max. I didn't put them in until I was back here. I couldn't return though,” Sonic walked away this time.

Shadow followed and caught up easily. Letting Sonic ramble, but actually listen in.

“We talked a lot, y'know? About this time,” Sonic looked up at the sky. “He wanted to come, but rules are rules.”

“I saw he looked like me. Seems you have a type.”

The blue pes-speedster laughed at his joke. Shadow felt a form of happiness but brushed it back. Sonic could feel that. He didn't need to feel that so soon. He could feel all that love for Lancelot though. It was warm and gentle. His rival really fell hard.

“I guess I do, but I doubt you want me like that or would even consider me a partner. The ultimate lifeform dating anyone but a perfect specimen is how it would be,” Sonic's commentary made him feel Shadow's annoyance. “I was being serious, Shadow.’

“And what makes you think you know who I want?”

“Because I know and can feel your emotions now. I get it. Find someone that will see you for who you are, Shadow. whether it's some…random woman or man. So long as they see you and treat you right, it doesn't matter to me.” Sonic stopped walking and flashed a pained grin. “After all, we weren't compatible then, why would we be now?”

Shadow stopped and reached towards him, “Son-”

“I better go help Tails. I put this off long enough. I'll race you the next time we run into each other. Later.” Sonic rushed off.

He saw the quill and felt more of Sonic's pain. He pulled it out and held it close, “you were always the only option. I was just…to stupid to not realize it.” He stuffed it under his glove and skated away.

________________

“Sonic, are you okay? Your face is all red,” Tails grabbed a thermometer and took his temperature. “You don't have a fever.”

Sonic held both hands over his face and his ears were folded back, but his tail was wagging so fast, “Don't worry about it. Let's just…run those tests now please.”

“Okay, but don't push it.”

‘Why are you so smooth! What the hell, Shadow!’ His thoughts screamed.

___________________

Some time passed before he ran into Shadow again. At least in person. Having the quill connection at times really threw him off. Shadow didn't directly interfere or change his life, but he also felt some form of disapproval at times. Whether it was his diet, how reckless he got or in general just not slowing down when he felt sick. If he could, he'd pluck the damn thing out. Be much easier to deal with then, but he didn't want to insult Shadow at the time. Not when they were finally being adults and talking.

“He is lucky I still have some form of feelings for him,” Sonic muttered as he sped towards his next target location. “It was around here. I know it.”

Sonic rushed to the highest point he could get to. He could feel Shadow's impatience now. Someone wasn't having a good day.

“Y'know, going for a run always helps me. If you get the chance, I recommend rushing out and feeling the wind. Who knows, could be quite fun.” The blue hedgehog felt some emotional response but it was a mix of many emotions. “Right back at you, Faker.”

He zipped down and through the forest just up ahead Stopping at random points in time to make sure it was the right path.

“If I was a hidden grove, where would I be? The map said it was around here somewhere. I know I got the right spot,” Sonic kept running around in circles until he stopped just outside the woods again. “Well damn. I was hoping to relax there too.”

“Relax where?” Shadow's voice caught him off guard.

“Wow, that was fast.” Sonic pulled a map out from his quills. “So, why was the day so bad?”

He opened it and looked at the marked map again.

“Rouge demanded I clean the house up for her to host a party for her and loverboy,” Shadow walked over to Sonic's side. “Her house has more space, but she didn't want to clean it. So, she plans to trash mine.”

He grabbed hold of one side of the map. The map had markings all over about possible locations. It was new as well, which meant Sonic got this map for one reason only.

“That sucks. I'd offer to bunk at my place, but I don't know if you would be comfortable. I also don't have any food there. The books said it was here, unless I overshot? No, I know I didn't…” Sonic muttered to himself.

Shadow didn't need the quill to see how flustered his rival was. It must be for something important. He leaned closer and looked at the locations marked so far with an X.

“Is the main map back at your place?” Shadow asked, eyes scanning each section. “As well as the resources to find this?”

“The main is back home, but the object in question is more difficult to track due to…circumstances beyond my control it seems. This place has been long forgotten about. All the books and maps I have for reference are too told to move from the library. Even then, they only speculated where this place is located,” Sonic let the map roll up. “I might have to give up on this until I can find more information.”

He let out a loud, annoyed sigh out at all the work and weeks he spent toiling away over the records he could get ahold of. This felt like a wild goose chase now. Sonic scratched his head for a moment.

“Hmm, what is exactly there? If you look for that or something related to the area, we could find it” Shadow crossed his arms. “Is there a landmark nearby? Something you can't miss.”

“We?” Sonic glanced at him.

Shadow nodded, “you have me curious. I want to see what you've been looking into lately. That quill of yours has been oozing curiosity. You also have barely eaten. The most you did was shower, after I forced it. You have a one track mind, Faker.”

His rival's cheeks turned red.

“Did I hit a mark?”

“Stop flirting so well. You make it hard to resist your…stupidly cute face,” Sonic looked away and pouted. “and I have eaten. It's been mostly snacks.”

“I mean a proper meal,” Shadow retorted. “Not a snack, they don't count.”

“Well, my place is a no go. Yours is hijacked. Want to go to Atopos? That is so far away…and I am so close to this place I can feel it.” He took the map back for a quick second to look. “I marked this right. I know I did.”

Shadow grabbed him by the waist and within seconds, they were inside Sonic's home. It was a mess! Books and the main map all over his bed. Notes and information written down hastily with clues and sticky notes about possible locations. Somehow this space was just a disaster. When was the last time Sonic actually slept!

“How long have you been looking?” Shadow tried to sort the mess.

“Weeks now,” Sonic opened a book with lots of papers in it. “lets see…I went there, and then there…there wasn't…” He looked at the main map. “Did I get the wrong forest then?”

All Shadow did was sort the mess out while Sonic kept mulling it over. He sorted the materials out and then joined him in figuring out where the information could have gone wrong.

“Did you happen to see this?” Shadow pointed out text about the forest having lots of mushrooms all around the entrance to this spot.

“I did, but I haven't found any mushrooms gathered around a single location yet. “Supposedly, mushrooms gather around the natural entrance to where these supposed ruins lay. It's hard to see if this is true as weather could often make tracking this possible fake location” ….right and I have yet to find that.” Sonic read all of that quickly and looked through more of the notes. “Where did I go wrong? I never get lost, but this place has eluded me.”

Shadow could feel the utter frustration from the quill. He could also see it on Sonic's face and in his body language. He was pushing himself again, but why? What did this spot or location have that was so important to focus all his energy on. His rival was muttering and pouring it all over again and again, with the same frustration. This was going to go nowhere.

“Sonic,” Shadow touched his arm and got his attention. “Stop for today. I know you want to….find this and you will. Once you have rested, eaten and just relaxed. Far away from this.” He gestured to the map, but kept his focus on Sonic. “Let's find somewhere to eat. We can get a hotel or someplace and you can rest up.”

“I'm so close,” He argued. “Even if I rest, I may never go back because I couldn't find it the first time.”

“Which is why I will be doing my own research while you take it easy. We'll find it the second time. Just…leave that part to me while you tend to your basic needs. Deal?” Shadow held his hand out.

“Deal,” Sonic shook his hand.

Shadow took them to a nice place. Sonic didn't expect it. They got a room with the promise to help in the morning with shipment that would restock the supplies. A fair trade. Shadow left Sonic to the single room they would be sharing. Something about not needing as much sleep as others did. He knew Shadow could feel the dulled annoyance at that sentiment. Shadow enjoying the time though. Sonic did wish he wouldn't caress his quill. It didn't bother him, but it also embarrassed him when the public saw his flustered expression.

“Stop touching it,” Sonic whispered as he felt Shadow's amusement. “Y'know what Faker,”

He reached up and gently stroked up the quill. He got the reaction he wanted and felt that embarrassment on the other end.

“I can do the same back, Shads.” he headed towards the bathroom. “have fun now~”

When Shadow was back. He had an annoyed look.

“If you can screw with me. I can return the favor,” Sonic smirked. “Get ready, Shads. I can scr-”

Shadow was in his space within seconds. The silence that spread between them was full of tension. Even if Sonic and Shadow had a three year gap with only the quills as the bonding moment. It somehow felt normal again. Well, a little normal. Sonic slowly relaxed and moved closer as well.

“Is this what you really want,” Sonic put a hand on Shadow's chest.

“I'll figure it out,” Shadow kissed him first before wrapping an arm around him.

Sonic tugged at one Shadow's gloves and broke the kiss. He didn't say anything and was allowed to remove one. Shadow had already done that once, but it was to take care of Sonic and he was flustered the entire time they were off. This time, he pulled one off for the actual reason.

“When did you get smooth?” Shadow whispered.

“Do you want me to say it or show it?” Sonic whispered back.

“Just this once Faker. I'd rather you take the lead.”

Sonic put his forehead against his, “we stop when you want then.”

[Link to Part 2 below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 2 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · 1 link · [part 2. So far, I haven't needed to edit things. So far, but not done yet] T

[Link to Part 4]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 0 · [pt 4. Noticed some edits/changes to do. Man I write a lot. Now Indi is here. Y'know he wasn't my first Fankid. I had an en

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #sonic the hedgehog #lansoni #mention: sonic and the black knight

[part 2. So far, I haven't needed to edit things. So far, but not done yet]

Tails knocks on Sonic's door and slowly opens the door. His brother was sick with a cold last week. He had brought some books to read so he could pass the time. He would have brought Amy, but she was off with Blaze. Knuckles was on Angel Island, but he did send his regards. Rouge didn't want to get sick, or at least risk getting what was left of the cold. Tails did not plan to ask nor track Shadow down. The ultimate life form wasn't someone he saw caring enough about the news. He ran into him on the way here. Apparently, he had been looking for Sonic; though he didn't say for what reason.

He walked in and then let Shadow follow. Tails had a house and workshop attachment. It made sense for him to have that with all the projects and such he was constantly working on. Amy's home was a cottage and near the city itself. She enjoyed shopping, which made lots of sense to him. Knuckles had a cave, but that cave felt very much like a home with how he made a door from the stone. The only home that somehow had so little space, but spoke volumes on who lived here was Sonic's.

A small hovel dug out of a quarry near a waterfall. He had a wooden door that led right into where he slept. In front of them was a fireplace with a fresh fire crackling still. To the right was a bed where Sonic currently lay fast asleep. Scattered from the floor up was nothing but the books his brother had managed to collect throughout the years. History books, fairytale stories, geographical books and behind the stack was a map of Mobius. Flags and pins in each spot where Sonic had traveled to with notes about the food and sights. It was his home and when he wasn't sick or recovering, he wasn't here.

“He lives like this?” Shadow scoffed and crossed his arms. “No kitchen. No shower.”

Tails walked over to his brother, “Sonic lives like the wind. Always has,” The fox picked up the latest book he had gifted to him and saw he had finished the novel of King Arthur. “I am glad you liked it.”

The fox checked for a fever.

“No fever. Seems it broke, good.” He set the book down onto the stack.

He noticed Shadow taking in the entire space. It wasn't the best spot, but this is where Sonic chose to make his home base be. It was here or Tails would have Sonic over at his place. Either way, it was how they all lived for years. Shadow moved when Tails spoke about getting more medicine from the plane. Leaving him alone with Sonic. He walked closer and gently moved the blanket off Sonic to double check. Gerald made him, so he could cure Maria. He was given medical training to help ensure she would always be as healthy as possible. Even if Sonic was annoying. That side of him always kept a mindful eye on anyone who looked injured or sick.

He felt the blue hedgehog’s head himself, “Fox was right, but you are still warm.” He moved his hand down to touch Sonic on the cheek. “hmm, it could spike back up, but only if you push yourself.”

Shadow took a moment to look around for some form or way to declutter the spot so Sonic's body wasn't stressing over anything stupid. He could sort the pile, but that probably wasn't a serious issue for his rival. It bothered him though. He took a deep breath and got to work on that. Tails came back as he was busy doing that. The fox said nothing to him. Just focused on giving Sonic the medicine.

“Hey, I got more meds.” Tails’s voice got Shadow to look back at the two.

Sonic slowly woke and groaned.

“You look exhausted. Did you go for a run?” the fox asked.

“No, but it feels like I did,” Sonic replied while pushing himself up. “My book fell.”

“I got it, Faker.” Shadow pulled the story of King Arthur out and set it by him. “Here.”

“Shadow, why are you here?” Sonic's eyes had a strange look when they were pointed at him. “I can't race you in this condition.”

“I heard from the fox you were sick.” He turned to focus on the books. “You should keep this hovel organized.”

The look he got confused him. Sonic hadn't bothered Shadow in the last three years. He didn't even know where Sonic lived, let alone if he had a house. Sometimes he'd find the annoying pest in a random field, fast asleep. The few times he spotted him awake was when he just stood staring off into the distance. Before he even took a step towards his rival though, it was like Sonic felt his presence and he was gone in seconds. At first it was nice to not have the blue pest running circles around him. Now, he found himself frequently at the haunts Sonic once went to. Not that he would be there or ever show up.

“Anyways, here.” Tails got Sonic to drink the medicine. “Oh and I got that history book you wanted about the knights and stuff. More to read while you rest up.”

“Thanks, you're the best, Tails.” Sonic laughed. “I should be fine soon.”

That laugh felt hollow. Why was it hollow? Shadow knew how that Faker worked. He knew that annoyingly chipper laugh to always be a staple of who Sonic was. And while that hollow laugh fooled Tails. It didn't fool him. He finished organizing the stack and turned to face them.

“You sure you won't need more space to recover?” Shadow crossed his arms.

“I'll be fine,” Sonic nodded to him. “You two won't see me zip away as you leave.”

The blue blur snuggled back under with his next book. It was the most on edge he had seen Sonic be around him. Tails had his rival alittle relaxed, but he was closed off to him. Did the three years fracture that so quickly?

“If you need anything, call someone,” Shadow turned to leave. He didn't have time to worry about pitiful emotions like that.

“I'll call Tails or he'll know to come by. Like he always does,” Sonic informed him as he left.

Tails followed Shadow out and closed the door first. Then headed to the plane.

“Just so you know, Shadow. I got a good sense when it comes to his health. He won't get worse. You don't have to do anything you hate doing. Sonic and I know you hate him.” The fox climbed into the plane. “I can take care of my brother just fine. You should just go wherever you want. The worlds your oyster.”

Before he could speak, Tails had the plane rolling away and up in the air. Leaving him to stand alone outside Sonic's place. The black and red hedgehog looked back at the door. A hovel in the ground, hidden away so not even Eggman could find him. No enemy would ever think to find let alone look at this place. He was completely secure.

“This is pointless,” Shadow teleported away.

_____________

Sonic could sense Shadow lingering outside his door for a while. Especially after his brother took off. The second he was gone. The blue hedgehog slowly sat up. He reached under his pillow and pulled two quills out. He first thought the book and story he had lived was all a dream. The time he went into the stories of the Arabian knights was proven to be real when he returned to his little home. The book was nothing but empty pages, but once he beat Erazor. They were once again full of stories. This time, it felt like a fever dream. Going into a world of the knights of all things.

Especially when he found Caliburn. Merlina and that sword both could tell he wasn't feeling quite the best. Of all the colds he had, this had to be the worst one yet. The fight with Lancelot had him shaking after his victory. The black knight that looked so much like Shadow helped him recover just enough to continue the journey. He half expected Sir Lancelot to leave once he was stable. Instead, the black knight stuck around. The two talked, helped people and even found a way to beat the real antagonist of the story. With Merlina out of the way, he was crowned king of all things. He did his best to say he would have to leave Camelot for other adventures though. That way, he could spare them the trouble and have another king for them to serve.

They didn’t believe him. Lancelot did. The two had grown so close. When Sonic didn't leave right away and he had to settle into the role given. That knight stuck by him and guided him so much. Even if it was his job, Sonic felt his heart skip a beat whenever he saw him. Before he left, Lancelot and him did something most hedgehogs don't do in his time. After explaining what his time was like to the knight, he went to pull a single quill out. He pulled two. Lancelot laughed. He actually got the black knight to laugh. The darker black and red hedgehog took off his helmet and visor first. Then plucked a dark red and darker black quill from his head.

‘No matter how far time takes you. No matter what the books in your time say. My heart will always be yours, My Liege.’ Lancelot's words echoed in his mind.

Sonic carefully put the two quills behind his left ear. He was sure they would eventually stick right away. He made sure he could feel the prick into his head. Normally, quills would glow and have an energy that supposedly would connect the one who wore it. It was said you could change the others' mood, approval…and such. He never bothered to do so with other hedgehogs though. It left him unable to confirm the theories.

Since Lancelot was dead in his time. The quills just looked normal. No energy glowed, but they weren't exactly dead either. He couldn't feel any connection, but the dead can't feel from beyond the grave. He layed back down and chose to return to his book. The medicine given to him always made him sleep for extended periods of time. Best to make sure he could rest and not get antsy. The medicine also worked fast.

_________

Shadow groaned as he found himself in front of Sonic's home, again. He just checked on him two days ago. Sonic was fine! Tails had this covered. There was no need to check on the pest. His mind said to leave. To walk away and go elsewhere, but his body refused to move away. He took a deep breath and pulled the door open. Ducking in once again and closing it behind him.

Sonic was once again out. The tale of King Arthur, a history book on Knights and now a graphical book on the castle and what had been found all scattered on the floor. The fire was dying out. The blue pest was shivering in his sleep, but the medicine had a strong grip on him. Shadow got closer and checked for a fever.

“None, but you are too cold,” Shadow whispered, pulling the blanket over Sonic. “I could try to relit the fire, but that won't do much.”

He crossed his arms and looked at Sonic again. Something was tucked behind his ear. The dim firelight made it hard to tell, but it looked to be quills sticking out of place.

“Unkempt quills, you need a shower to freshen up,” He sighed. “These meds must be used to make sure you actually sleep.”

He grabbed the books Sonic had been reading and with ease got them to his place. They were set on the coffee table. If he was going to have the pest sleep here, then he would need clean linens on the couch. Keep it germ free for other guests, if he ever chose to actually let them in. He went back and made sure nothing had changed, but it was the same as before. Only the fire light was dimming quickly as was the warmth in the small space. Carefully, Shadow managed to scoop his rival up into his arms. The blanket didn't fall, but it hung loose. It only fell when he was in his place. Hitting the floor as he walked towards the bathroom. He could clean it later. The only downside to having a sick hedgehog was certain things were considered sacred. Shoes were fine to pull off. Everyone did it. Gloves were reserved for more intimate partners. It was a thing most Mobians would do when they wanted to express more than just platonic relations.

He didn't feel that way towards someone who annoyed him. No, it was just an annoyance because he had to get them clean. That's all this anger and flustered feeling was. The intimacy and nothing more. Not even nurses did this, but if he wanted Sonic to be healthy. They had to come off. It was for his patient's health. That's all this was! So being flustered over such a thing was silly and his heart needed to stop pounding a mile a minute. A sound from Sonic's wrist went off. Tails was calling.

“Sonic? Are you okay?” Where are you?”

Shadow pulled the communicator off, “I have him at my place. He needs a bath and some food. I'll take it from here.”

“Oh, really? Are you sure Shadow? Last I heard, you didn't…”

“I know what I said, listen to what I am saying now. I have medical knowledge for even the most basic of illnesses. I got his care covered. Focus on your own health before you catch his cold.” Shadow firmly stated then hung up.

He had to readjust his hold for that call. Sonic was leaning against the sink cabinet of the bathroom. Temperatures for everyone were different. He liked having the water be tpid. He always ran naturally hot, and having hot water as a show always irked him afterwards. Rouge loved hot showers though. She always had the bathroom mirror fogged up. He didn't know about the others. Amy mentioned her shower routine once as part of her skincare routine. It was just hard to recall the exact Temperature she prefered. Sonic and Tails kept that information amongst many other details to each other.

He got the water to be a bit hotter than his normal temperature and turned to Sonic. The meds still had the blue pest asleep. Somehow, Tails had found a medication that knocked his brother out. Even when Shadow had to carry, move and adjust. Nothing woke him. The only signs of life were the constant sounds of breathing in and out. He easily pulled Sonic's shoes and socks off. No fuss and yet, he struggled to pull the gloves off. This was for the patient. It just happened to be Sonic, that's all this was! Why was this the hardest struggle?! Shadow took a deep breath and pulled both off before he changed his mind. He got Sleeping Blue into the bath and started washing him.

With the bright lights, he managed to scrub each spot. Making sure to be gentle about it so that Sonic wouldn't wake up sore. Right around the quills is where he had to take a scrub brush and get them managed. During this process, a splash of color caught his attention. Two quills clearly stuck so deep into Sonic's head that not even the water itself pried them loose. The brush didn't either. One was black, but it was darker than his own back quills and the other was a darker, almost maroon red. Those weren’t his and he knew other hedgehogs existed. None had his colors. Not to his knowledge at least. Most Mobians were bright colored. Very rarely did he ever see a dark color. So, where did Sonic find these two random quills? He scoffed and kept working until Sonic was actually decent. The gloves and socks would have to be washed.

Drying Sonic was easy and getting him set up on the couch with clean linens and pillows was just as easy. It was the lingering thought that he had to get the gloves washed and dried. A process he hoped Sonic didn't wake up from. While waiting for that to finish up, Shadow took to reading through the books his rival had focused on. Some pages had the corners folded. He scowled and fixed that with random slips of paper instead. Ruining a book like that. How rude and basic. One page marked was on the Black Knight from the storybook. It was the only one that seemed to really catch Sonic’s sudden attention. Now, it had his. Something was different about the history book.

Sir Lancelot's picture from when he read it last. Before, the Knight’s Visor was down. Shadow had read this book at least two years ago. He wasn't sure how or why the Black Knight and him had similar colors, but they did. Albeit darker tones for the knight than his brighter red and black. This time, the visor was up. The Knight's expression was softer and under the left gauntlet, poking out just enough. Two bright blue quills. Sparking with the energy Sonic would have. Shadow looked up from the book towards Sonic.

“Did you go for a run?” Tails's question lingered.

“No, but it feels like it,” Sonic's reply repeated.

“Did the book…” He got up and close to check the quills. Then checked the illustration. “How did you two meet?”

Rouge burst in, “Howdy Handsome!” She cheered out. “Care for a drop in!”

Shadow quickly closed the book and looked at her, “It's called knocking.”

The bat spotted Sonic asleep on the couch, “Why is Blue here? The fox said he was sick.”

“He is. He needed a bath. So I took care of it.” Shadow returned to his chair to keep reading.

“Oh, reading the history book huh? Quite the change,” She cooed, hovering over him.

Shadow just growled.

“What? You haven't read the best parts yet. Even the tale got changed. The Black Knight pining for a lover whose masters are the wind and whim,” Rouge romantically spoke. “Always serving one king, even after Arthur left Camelot for more adventures.”

“What are you spewing about now?” Shadow asked, looking at her.

“I went to Sonic two days ago. Had to confirm from the fox he was sick and I was delivering some medicine. If I get sick, I'll handle the kit myself. As for Blue, he was awake and we got to talking. He said he wasn't sure if what he went through was a fever dream anymore. It felt real, but now the book wasn't allowing him back in and the title had changed to include him.” She told him. “And it did, I saw the copy he owns and then I saw others. They all include him in the story.”

Shadow searched the pile of books and found the fairytale. It had Sonic's name in the title. He glanced at the quills' location. Sonic did something. Whether of his own volition or not, he got pulled back in time. While sick and helped out somehow. No wonder it was taking longer to recover. He did run, but because danger was at his heels.

“I see,” Shadow took a deep breath. “Regardless, I have his care handled. I do have a question for you. What do y'know about exchanging quills?”

“Hmm? Oh, that old thing? Lots. Back when Hedgehogs mostly lived in one location, some couldn't always find materials for rings and such. And if they did, bartering and trading only got them so far when it came to the task of making such an object,” She shrugged with no hint of sympathy but clearly aware it was how the times were. “Eventually, they started to exchange their quills and would wear them on the left side. If it was behind the ear, then they were proposed too. The ones that had them on the left wrist were the ones who proposed. It was such a romantic gesture.”

Shadow looked at Sonic's left ear and then at the book in his hands. Both had put them on the left.

“Supposedly though, if the partner was killed or died then the quills would become dull in color and the only way they're still alive is if the partner pierced their skin just enough to keep them alive. Meaning, any who put it in deep enough could carry their love for all their life.” The bat landed. “your brethren made such a sweet gesture, its a shame some corrupted it.”

“Corrupted?” He stared at her oddly. “What…what exactly does that mean? They just switched qulls.”

“They say it could influence the other. Their moods, habits…and in some cases, they could feel their partner, no matter how far they were. Some used it for nefarious purposes and the ritual was lost to time. Some still remember it, but those who lived through those horrid moments always shame those who perform such a thing.”

Shadow grunted and let her continue.

“If I remember right, the books now say Lancelot always had two blue quills under his left wrist and would never bring his partner up, but they often caught him smiling whenever they lit up. I'm not saying it was Sonic, but it seems convincing if Lancelot never sired children or married. He always claimed to be already taken,” She shrugged once more. “whoever claimed his heart got so lucky~. I want a knight.”

He just gave her a deadpan stare, “is that all you know?”

“One more thing. Dead quills don't drop. Supposedly, if they are kept alive then it means that love is lost but never forgotten. If they have the quills directly behind the ear and they are dark. Their soulmate was taken from them.” She winked at him.

“Why…” He felt his face heat up. “Rouge!”

“Relax Handsome. It's only an old ritual. You asked about it.” She laughed as she flew toward the door. “I'll be off. Take care of Blue for us~.”

She closed the door and Shadow just sat down and growled. He took a deep breath and looked up. Those quills are not directly by the ear. They were close by. That must have meant his love was dead. Shadow got up and out of mild curiosity, plucked his own blue quill. The action didn't even wake his maybe unwanted company. He sat down on the coffee table and examined what he took. The energy that cracked was weaker than it normally was. Was it because Sonic was that sick? It was rare he had actually seen his rival taken down to bedrest. Whatever the reason for the weakened energy, it didn't fit the image. It also unsettled him for some stupid reason.

“Since it seems you need to be watched so thoroughly during these times,” Shadow pulled one red quill out. He chose the right ear and tucked it directly behind it. “I can keep tabs on you.”

He stuck it under his right glove. He had to check on Sonic's gloves and socks. Then he could have his house guest leave when he felt better.

[Link to Part 1 below]

💬 0 🔁 1 ❤️ 2 · Post by @imstillhereandstillexist · [the first part leading up to my boy, Indigo and how he originally was created. Thanks

[Link to Part 3 below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 1 · [part 3, let's keep going with Indigo's Original Backstory!] After getting the clear from Shadow to leave, Sonic sped out

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #sonic the hedgehog #lansoni #mention: Sonic and the Black Knight

[the first part leading up to my boy, Indigo and how he originally was created. Thanks @random-stuff567 you can now read it. One was originally a Lansoni kid raised by Sonic and Shadow. He can talk, and has no bad leg. Since this isn't t canon to his timeline. Consider this a...an A.U?]

Sonic skidded to a stop at the top of a hill. The lush grass around, birds chirping and a beautiful blue sky greeted his sight over a field just ahead of him. A small dirt road laid between parts of the grass. To the North of him lay a town full of people with old buildings reclaimed from age. To the South lay the older cities and towns that age still firmly grasped. As far as the West and East though, he wasn't really sure. All the history and geography books said it was mostly fields. He could see why too. From around the castle and the dirt road that led up to the broken gate was the lush field. Extending as far as the eye could see. Patches of colors here and there to show the natural fauna still thrived. It was clear this place, despite being empty for so long, remained lush and vibrant. The only ruins in this entire field were the castle itself.

When he got closer to the gate, he saw one side of the wooden door sunk into the earth and overgrown. The other door's hinges looked ready to give out the minute any weight was put on them. The dirt road leading up the castle door had been overgrown as well, but he could make out the path’s fragments. Soon he was at the front door, or at least where the wooden door once was. The piece of wood was inside, forgotten about near the corner. He walked further inside.

“It feels just like yesterday,” Sonic spoke into the cold air. “We walked down this hall, talking about what we could accomplish.”

The blue blur kept going. The red carpet had rips and tears in random places. The further he went in, the more torn it became. The tapestries that hung on the walls were gone or had fallen apart beyond recognition. He saw some weapons on the floor from lower knights, along with shields, bows and arrows. Like a minor battle came and went, but as he expected. It only lasted up to the door leading the throne room.

“I wonder if the book had let him so easily, would it have let me stay with you?” Sonic carefully opened the door. “Could I have lived my life knowing I accomplished more than running on a hamster wheel that I run on?”

He stopped at the first step leading up to the throne. The crown he wore and the sword he wielded was still where he left it that day. The day he went to walk with Lancelot and the knights. He never made it to the meeting. Lancelot said he would explain to the knights that their liege had to be elsewhere and that they would be in charge. And it would remain that way until he returned, but he could never come back. The book locked him out. Since then, he just wandered around having adventures. Always thinking back to that time.

“Shadow hates me, but I know for a fact he isn't you,” Sonic walked up and touched the arm of the chair. “But I doubt you are around anymore. Did…did you all fair well? Did Camelot prosper? Did our people enjoy life to its fullest?” He didn't look at the shining crown anymore. “Did you find someone to love you?”

Sonic took a deep breath and looked up to see three sacred swords enshrined on the wall.

“Did someone love you beyond the armor, Lancelot? Did they heal you? Did they admire your soul? Your heart? To its fullest, to the end of your days?” Sonic walked closer as he looked up. “Did they make your life full?”

He looked down and scoffed.

“Since when did I become so sentimental…” He took a deep breath. “I'm glad I could visit my knight. I hope one day, I can see you. Maybe we can be together then.”

The hedgehog turned around and started to walk away. Swords couldn't talk back. A grave was silent for a reason. It was one side talking to the memory of those who had passed. This castle was one big graveyard. He stopped and looked out the throne room.

“I miss you, Lance.” Sonic whispered. “I'll always miss you.”

He glanced back and smiled at the sword.

“May the winds forever bless your soul as you rest.”

Sonic looked away and ran out of the castle and as far away as he could get.

[Link to the next part below]

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 2 · [part 2. So far, I haven't needed to edit things. So far, but not done yet] Tails knocks on Sonic's door and slowly opens

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #lansoni #Mention: Sonic and the Black Knight

[last short story before turning in! For @basilbunnycreachers as always, let me know if anyone is out of character and I shall edit post haste!]

Aurum's portal from his device had him right outside Sapphire's house. She really did make it so he would be up front with them. And from the sounds of it, everyone he knew was inside. He was actually thinking about leaving though. Sapphire saw him in such a state and the he just up gets portaled home. No one knowing until it was too late. Before he even got the chance to leave, the door was opened.

"Indi!" Sapphire pulled him into a hug. "You are okay! Thank Gaia!"

"Yo, Indi!"

"I told you he was okay," Papaya looked at her. "I saw him at Danica's birthday ball, remember? Hi Indi."

Indigo waved to her.

"Yo, long time no see Indi!" Onyx waved from his chair. "Man you grew up!"

"We got your invites," Ruby held his up. "Can't wait to see your home, but not exactly happy to be meeting this…Talia."

"I don't like her from what Papayaya has told us," Onyx crossed his arms. "What brings you here? Shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"Sis, Indi needs to breathe," Ruby brought up that Sapphire had yet to let him Indigo out of her arms. "He isn't gonna bolt. He clearly has gotten better. I even noticed his quills are grown out."

"They are. I am so glad," Sapphire kept him in a hug. "I am so happy you got home and I am so happy you are all healed and back to your old self!"

She finally let go and set him down. Getting a full look at him and then noticing the orange quill.

"Is this her quill? I bet it is, given it's…behind your left ear."

She reached out but never plucked it. Thought Indigo could tell she wanted to pluck and possibly burn it up. His sister didn't approve of this political marriage.

"Do you know the significance behind it or something?" Ruby snorted as he leaned back.

"I do. I found an old video recording lost while traveling between dimensions. Someone threw it to be lost. It had dad explainjng the Quill Ritual. Friends and family to the right. Lovers to the left." Sapphire eyed the orange quill again with a scowl. "I can't promise to knock her out."

"Save some for us," Ruby looked at it.

"To think the variant of our parents won't even be present. All to what? Retire privately on some remote island. Leaving their oldest to be king?"

"Did you even want this Indi?" Papaya looked at him. "You…like to travel, right? To see other places. Why let them shackle you to one spot?"

He crossed his arms and looked away. He did like to travel. To wander freely where he pleased. Even after becoming a prince, he kept that lifestyle. Free as the wind, his dad once said but life and loss took a toll.

"Isn't there another to claim your spot?" Onyx brought up. "You said you had sisters."

'Pearl won't come home. She permanently lives with our grandparents. Luna and Rosa live between my parents and my grandparents. All three didn't want it then and still don't want it now. The people want me as I…am Sonic's son.'

"That isn't a good enough reason. You were robbed of your childhood, now this?" Sapphire grabbed him the shoulders. "You need to be a kid, not an adult. You were robbed of so much."

'I plan to still travel. My grandparents are more my real parents. So I get to be a kid then'

"Did V get an invite? Gonna visit him?" Ruby looked away for a moment.

'I want to but I gotta get back. I need to finish preparing and my mom and dad have some special outfit they need to make sure will fit me.'

"Yeah, I get that. Seeing as someone is finally back to a healthy weight. Good to see that," Onyx clapped. "You were not okay from the last I heard, bud."

"Onyx is right. So good to see you healthy again. Racket is excited and is pestering his other brother who is a little nervous. We'll be there though. Front and center."

"We'll make sure Talia knows not to mess with our brother," Ruby cracked his knuckles.

"I can't wait to see your home. Take it easy between now and the event, okay? Sleep as much as you can. Everyone may choose to stay for a few days." Papaya laughed. "I know Sapphire and her boys might. Plus Ruby."

"Only a few. I intend to scare Talia. I need more than a few hours," Sapphire stood up. "And Ruby and Onyx know other ways to scare her.

Indigo gently tapped the door to get their attention, 'I gotta get back.'

He opened a portal. Sapphire pulled him into a big hug again.

"Don't be a stranger. You got a visit us more often, okay?" She smiled at at him. "And I can't wait to see you on other trips."

"Yeah, we need your quick thinking sometimes," Ruby nodded. "Without pushing yourself."

He nodded and put a foot through the portal. Still wrapped in Sapphire's arms.

"Sis, he needs to go." Onyx got her to let go.

"Fine, I get to hug you again when I arrive!" She stated.

'Aye Aye sis'

He climbed through back home. The portal closed behind him.

#sonic the hedgehog au #sonic boom au #sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #sonic boom #indigo's coronation #prince indigo's coronation #coronation day #Indigo the hedgehog is mine #sonshadamy fankid #sonshadamy #the rest of the other characters belong to the tagged mutual

[ @random-stuff567 as always, please let me know if I get her character wrong. I wanted to write a quick story seeing as Indi adores her. I might try to write a quick one for Verdant when I have more time. For now, I hope this is to your liking]

He jumped through and made sure the portal closed. He was just outside the palace. It was warm with clear skies, as it always seemed to be. He was glad nothing much changed. He remembered where the Sol Crystals were right away. Finding them meant finding Aurum. Hopefully. He had been a mess last time he saw her. He was so glad she didn't seem after the latest incident. Although she would know right away. It was nice to know that she could get that information and not have him relive explaining it.

As much as his shame still lingered though, his parents made it clear that he was a child still. No matter how big and no matter what age. He was a kid. Forced to grow up but always had support. He just had to remember to call on it and not ignore it. A couple of the guards posted around nodded to him. He nodded back. He was known here, even if it had been one visit.

As expected, he found her. Guarding the Sol Crystals and right away, she looked towards.

"Indi," her facial expression changed as the memories of recent events entered her mind.

From worry to concern and then to relief.

"Look at how much you've grown," She opened her arms to him.

Indi ran over and hugged her.

"It's so good to see a smile on your face and so wonderful to see happy memories again," Aurum held onto him. "I got your invite. To be king so young?" She leaned back. "And married to that dreadful woman? Political or not, I already hate this…Talia."

'I know but she is already my wife. I can't change it.'

"I know but that doesn't mean I won't be nice to her either. She is clearly only after the title and the power it gives. What little power it has," Aurum let out a sigh. "But I plan to come. I can't wait to meet these real parents that helped you. Ms. Lilac and Mr. Crimson have done such a great job helping heal you."

Indi felt his tail wagging.

"So good to see that smile. I missed it. I know you plan to see Sapphire and their family next. They have been worried," Aurum's words had his smile falter and his pin back. "Hey, it's okay. You never once disappointed them. They saw a kid trying his best and pushing himself too hard."

She gently touched his cheek and got him to smile back at her. Pained but it was back.

"They want to make sure you are okay. The last time they saw you, you weren't. Now, they will not only be happy to see you but happy to see you are okay."

Indi hugged her and she hugged back and held him.

"So many materntal figures and one big family of siblings. You aren't alone, Indi. Not in any Universe." She gently pulled back. "Remember that and don't be a stranger, okay?"

He nodded and she opened the portal for him. One directly to Sapphire's him dimension.

"One last stop and then home. I'll see you soon."

He waved and left. The portal closed.

"Full access to the castle. I wonder if we can visit before he is crowned then." She muttered.

#sonic boom au #sonic the hedgehog au #sonic boom #Sonic the hedgehog fanfiction #Aurum belongs to @random-stuff567 #prince indigo's coronation #indigo's coronation #coronation day

[ @emuartworks not sure if Aria would come but she got an invite anyway. I didn't feel like writing out the Italian parts because well...I can't trust Google translate to be fully accurate. If she is out of character, let me know.]

Indi jumped through the portal after waving to Rush. He was not in the Racing Area this time. He ended up directly in front of Skylar's place. Which he didn't expect. He waited and took a deep breath before knocking. His hand never made it to the door. It was opened by Aria.

"Bambino!" She pulled him into a hug and proceeded to speak Italian.

He took lessons back home so now, he could write in full Italian just for her. His council found it pointless. He found it worth to study forore than just diplomatic reasons. It was also just a person goal for him. She pulled back and asked how he has been. Noted how much weight he had gained and how healthy he now looked. She did notice the old prick marks that left scars but moved on. Asking if he was hungry or wanted a snack.

He wrote down a full invite in Italian for her. Pulling it from his quills and letting her take it. She carefully opened it and after a moment of reading cheered as she hugged him. Exclaiming so loud that he figured her kids would hear it. Skylar wasn't home but she fixed that. She called him up instead.

In front of Indi, she spoke about the invitation and how they needed to shop for a dress. Indigo waited politely. He needed to visit Aurum next. Hopefully she could make it. He was then going to hop to Sapphire's dimension next. After that, it was back home since he didn't have much longer to actually do this.

"Bambino!" Aria hugged him.

He hugged back. She told him that she would do her best to make it with her babies. The personal invites had something the towns people didn't have. Full access to the castle. While the normal guests, his own people, couldn't wander. His personal guests could. Meaning his home was fully open to them.

He wrote down that he couldn't wait to see her and that while he wanted to stay, he had two more stops before returning home to finish preparations. Aria read and nodded as she let go of him. He opened a portal and waved as he left. Now to head to Aurum

#sonic boom #sonic boom au #sonic the hedgehog #Sonic the Hedgehog fanfiction #prince Indigo's coronation #indigo's coronation #Skylar belongs to @emuartworks

Lilac and Crimson: you are invited to our boy's coronation!

Crimson: he has already sent out personal invites to his friends and their families, so hopefully Dimensional Mail doesn't get lost. In the meantime, everyone else is welcome to come see our boy crowned king. We only have a few rules.

Lilac: first off, you don't need to dress formally unless you want to. Indi made it clear he wants his loved ones comfortable. Second, no gifts. You and your time are the gift. Thirdly, remember to have fun during the event. Hugs are welcome, Sonic and Shadow will not be attending as they have stepped down and retired to a private island.

Crimson: Indi, his sisters and my darling wife and I look forward to meet you all. We have planned it for it to happen at the end of this week. You are always welcome to come early.

[I plan to write a story on this event. If you want your fankid in it, let me know and I will do my best to keep them in character. This is me trying to stay out of the hole i crawled into]

#sonic the hedgehog #sonic boom au #sonic boom #Sonic the hedgehog au #Indigo's coronation #crown Prince Indigo #sonshadamy fankid #sonshadamy

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Imstillhereandstillexist