Resurgence (Shadow x Reader)

Chapter 36: The Beginning of the End

Tails pulled out his device, working quickly to disable external sensors. "Okay, I've looped the cameras. We have a two-minute window before they reset."

Rouge smirked. "Then let's move."

Y/n took the lead, slipping into the narrow access tunnel. Shadow was right behind her, silent as a ghost.

The mission had begun.

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The corridors were dimly lit, a cold metallic sheen reflecting off the walls. Y/n's footsteps were quiet, her breathing controlled.

They moved in perfect sync—Rouge scouting ahead, Tails hacking into locked doors, Shadow keeping close to Y/n's side.

Every so often, distant alarms blared, a sign that Sonic and the others were doing their job.

"Sounds like they're having fun," Rouge whispered.

Y/n smirked. "Let's hope they keep the attention on them."

They reached a junction. Rouge motioned for them to stop, peeking around the corner. "Two guards. Armed."

Shadow tensed beside Y/n.

Rouge glanced at him. "You wanna handle this?"

Shadow didn't hesitate. In a blink, he was gone. A second later, both guards slumped to the ground, unconscious.

Tails whistled softly. "Remind me to stay on his good side."

Y/n smirked but said nothing as they continued forward.

They were halfway to the leader's chamber when things went south.

As Y/n moved ahead, something caught her attention—a flicker of movement in her peripheral vision.

Too late.

A hand shot out from the shadows, grabbing her wrist and yanking her back.

She barely had time to react before she was slammed against the wall, a blade pressed to her throat.

Her attacker—a Xyrrathian soldier—bared his teeth. "You shouldn't be here."

Y/n twisted, trying to break free, but he was strong.

Shadow was already moving.

With terrifying speed, he grabbed the soldier by the back of the head and slammed him into the opposite wall. The alien groaned, dazed, but Shadow wasn't finished. In one swift motion, he spun and delivered a devastating kick to his chest, sending him crashing through a metal crate.

Y/n gasped for air, hand going to her throat where the blade had been. Shadow was in front of her in an instant.

"You okay?" His voice was sharp, controlled—but she saw the flicker of something dangerous in his eyes.

She nodded. "I'm fine."

Shadow didn't look convinced. He stepped closer, scanning her for injuries.

"I said I'm fine, Shadow."

His jaw tightened. But he didn't push. Instead, he turned back toward the fallen soldier, who groaned, barely conscious.

Y/n stepped forward, placing a hand on Shadow's arm. "Leave him. We have to keep moving."

Shadow hesitated, then gave a curt nod.

They pressed on.

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They reached the final door.

Tails worked quickly, his fingers flying over the terminal. "Almost there... just a little more—"

The lock clicked.

Rouge took a breath. "This is it."

Y/n tightened her grip on her weapon. Shadow stood beside her, unwavering.

But just before they moved, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.

Y/n turned to him, surprised. "Shadow?"

For the first time tonight, he hesitated. His grip wasn't tight, but it was firm enough to make her pause.

"If something happens..." he started, then stopped. His jaw clenched. "I just—"

He didn't finish.

Y/n didn't press.

Instead, she smiled softly.

A silent promise.

He exhaled, nodding slightly.

Then they pushed the doors open.

And froze.

The Xyrrathian leader sat on an elevated throne, waiting.

He smiled. "You finally made it."

Y/n's blood ran cold.

He knew they were coming.

She barely had time to process before the leader's gaze landed directly on her.

And then he said something that made her stomach drop.

"I've been watching you for a long time."

Silence.

Pure, suffocating silence.

Shadow took a step forward, his entire body coiled like a spring. "What the hell does that mean?"

The leader leaned forward. "It means this isn't the first time we've crossed paths." His eyes gleamed. "And it certainly won't be the last."

Y/n felt the weight of those words settle over her.

This wasn't just a mission anymore.

This was personal.