Shadows of a Broken Future

Shadow's POV:

Why do I have this? What the hell is it doing here with me? I quickly hide it in my quills, hoping Sonic doesn't ask about it again. Explaining the future to everyone isn't something I'm ready to do. Now I finally get what Silver was always on about when he warned us about it.

I stand up, a little shaky, and Sonic quickly follows my lead. I glance around at the chaotic group of friends, and despite everything, a sense of nostalgia hits me. I clear my throat to get their attention, hiding a small smirk behind my hand.

"I'm fine," I say, slipping back into my usual, nonchalant tone. "You're all so loud, I'm starting to get a headache."

Knuckles huffs. "Yeah, Shadow's fine."

I shoot him a glare.

Rouge slowly steps toward me and places a hand on my shoulder. "Are you sure hun?"

I brush her hand off and cross my arms. "Yes bat. No need for your concern" I snap.

She hits my arm hard. "Stubborn boy. At least let Tails check you for injuries."

I roll my eyes and turn toward the door. "No need" I call back as I grab the handle. I can't wait to feel Earth beneath my feet again - the lush green grass, the crisp, fresh air filling my lungs. I crave the freedom of running through it all once more, letting the world fade into a blur around me.

Just as I open the door, Sonic calls out, "Hold on, Shads!" He stops me quickly, placing his hand on top of mine. I glance down at his hand, then back at him with a low growl. He quickly pulls his hand away, rubbing the back of his neck, a faint pink tint colouring his muzzle.

"Ah, sorry about that. I just wanted to ask if you want to race" he says, chuckling nervously.

I raise an eyebrow. It's not a bad idea, and to be honest, I could use the company right now - even if I hate admitting it.

"Hold on a second Sonic," Amy interrupts, causing both of us to stop and turn. "Shadow only just woke up after that hit from Eggman. He needs to rest."

Sonic groans. "Aw, come on Ames. It's been forever since I raced Shadow."

I scoff, rolling my eyes as I push open the door again and step outside. The wind rushes over me, carrying the refreshing scent of the open air. The sky is bright, the grass a vivid green, and I can't help but smile. I've waited long enough.

I turn to Sonic, cutting off his argument with Rose. "Don't fall too far behind Faker."

My air shoes flicker to life, and I take off, hearing Sonic call after me, "Hey! Wait dude!" His footsteps quickly follow as he races to catch up.

Sonic's POV:

That smile. I've never seen Shadow smile like that. A smirk, sure, or maybe that cocky grin of his, but not... that. When he turned around and spoke to me, I froze for a second. My heart did a weird little flip, and suddenly, my muzzle felt warm. What the hell was that about?

I blinked, trying to shake off the strange feeling building up inside me. It didn't make sense. Shadow... smiling? And that smile? I wasn't sure what to make of it, but I couldn't deny that it hit me harder than I expected.

It took me a few seconds to snap out of it before my brain caught up and finally processed what he said.

"Hey! Wait dude!" I call after him, then take off, leaving Amy and the rest behind.

I catch up, running beside him. "You really thought you could outrun the fastest thing alive? Come on Shads, haven't I beaten you enough times for you to realize that's never gonna happen?" I tease, flashing a cocky grin.