Sonic Series ❯ Shadow the Hedgehog ❯ Reflection and duel ( Chapter 5 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Shadow walked down the street to find somewhere warm to wait for Sonic.

 Nothing was open except Rouge’s club and the church on the corner that Maria used to go to when she felt up to it.

 Shadow quietly slipped into the church and took a seat in the first pew he came across.

 Thankfully, there weren’t many people or Mobians nearby. Sonic’s sister Sonia was one of the few visitors there.

 Piano music played softly in the background.

 Sonia moved to sit down beside him. “What brings you here?”

 “Maria used to come here when she was alive.” Shadow said.

 Sonia dipped her chin to her chest. “I’m sorry for your losses.”

 “What about you?” Shadow asked.

 “I started coming here when my mother died.” Sonia replied. “It’s peaceful, isn’t it?”

 Shadow nodded. 

 Sonia pulled a tissue out of a nearby box and wiped her eyes. “Do you think they’re waiting for us?”

 “I’d like to think so.” Shadow said.

 “Sonic told me what’s going on.” Sonia said. “I can understand you want revenge. I don’t know about Rouge, but I know about Maria. I don’t think she would want you to seek revenge.”

 “No, she wouldn’t.” Shadow replied.

 “But you’re gonna do it anyway.” Sonia said. “It won’t help you, Shadow. It won’t bring back Rouge, it’s not even justice for her.”

 “Then what’s the justice system gonna do?” Shadow asked. “GUN’s in bed with the Guild, Sonia. I’m not resting until I burn it all to the ground.”

 “You’re willing to die along with it?” Sonia asked.

 “I don’t think I’d be that lucky.” Shadow replied.

 Sonia frowned. “They’d want you to keep living, to be happy.” She said softly. “I understand, Shadow. My brothers and I were devastated when we lost our mother. Sonic pulled himself together, but Manic….”

 “He joined a crime ring.” Shadow replied. 

 Sonia nodded. “I fell into a dark depression.” She said, wiping her eyes. “I came here because I felt lost.”

 “At least you’ve done something positive.” Shadow replied. “You think you can reason with your brother? If not, he’s gonna be dead before noon tomorrow.”

 Sonia hung her head. “He really only listens to Sonic. I don’t know if I’ll do much good.”

 Shadow thought about it. “He won’t answer your brother’s calls.”

 Sonia drew a shaky breath. “I just can’t bear to lose my little brother.”

 Sonic came in and slid in beside Sonia. “Sis?” 

 “I’ll help.” Sonia said.

 “Oh… heck no.” Sonic replied. 

 Sonia crossed her arms. “Manic’s my brother.”

 “Fine.” Sonic said. “Let’s talk about this outside. Kinda feel weird talking about this in a church.”

 Shadow and Sonia got up and followed Sonic outside.

 Sonic leaned against the light post. “Alright.” He said. “Tried to pull some strings, got an investigation into GUN going, but it’ll take a while and it won’t get us out of this mess.”

 “So what about Manic?” Sonia asked.

 “I’ll keep him safe if I can, sis.” Sonic replied. “You’re not going. You stay and help Sal with the kids.”

 “Will you call me if you need me?” Sonia asked.

 “Sure, sis.” Sonic replied. He hugged Sonia. “Love you, sis.”

 “Love you too.” Sonia said. “Good luck, Shadow. Think about what I said please.”

 Sonia headed back inside the church.

 “Alright, I don’t want to stay home right now.” Sonic said. “We can hang out at Tails’ place.”

 Sonic led the way to Tails’ workshop.

*

 Shadow, Knuckles, and Sonic made it to the Emerald estate.

 Farrell sat outside by his table while Manic, Sleet, and Dingo stood nearby.

 Surge finally came out of the house and joined them.

 “So you brought a GUN agent along?” Farrell asked.

 “I’m on vacation.” Sonic replied. “I’m here to talk sense into my little brother’s thick head.”

 Manic rolled his eyes.

 “It doesn’t work that way.” Farrell said.

 Sonic looked at Shadow, then back to Manic. “Love ya, bro.”

 Manic looked away, shaking slightly. “Love ya, Sonic.”

 “Alright, you know the rules.” Farrell said. “Take your places at the center.”

 Manic and Surge reluctantly stepped into the center with Sleet and Dingo.

 Manic was shaking even harder.

 Surge put her hand on Manic’s shoulder.

 Shadow, Sonic, and Knuckles started walking to the center.

 “How’s your Chaos energy tolerance, Knux?” Shadow asked.

 “On level with Surge’s, I’d say.” Knuckles replied.

 “On level with Sonic’s then.” Shadow said, getting his gun out. 

 Sonic half smiled. “This will be good.” He muttered sarcastically.

 They all made it to the center.

 “Okay, take ten paces, then turn and fire.” Farrell said.

 They all did as they were told as Farrell counted.

 Before Farrell could reach ten, Sleet fired a shot at Shadow.

 Shadow groaned as the bullet went through his arm. He grit his teeth and fired a chaos blast with his free hand. He ripped off his inhibitor rings and fired another blast.

 Then, everything went dark.