#''rouge should be with knuckles'' ''no rouge should be with shadow'' she should be with NEITHER !!!!!

[sonknuxadow]

thinking that a lot of the popular sonic ships suck or just dont make as much sense as people act like they do is kinda hilarious sometimes because occasionally ill run into fans of those pairings getting into arguments with eachother over which one is superior and this is what i see every time

[emioliravioli]

wip :>

[thatonesonicfanfictionwriter]

Shadow x reader

but like shadow is introducing her to like sonic and the others lol

I want to see Sonic be like ‘how tf-‘

-🩸

“Awkward Introduction”

Pairing: Shadow the Hedgehog x Female Reader

Requested: Yes (by an anon).

Description: No one, except for maybe Rouge, thought Shadow would ever get a partner. Well, here you were! And things were going to get awkward, real fast.

Notes: Oooh, this one will be a lot of fun! Awkward stuff is pretty funny! Hope you enjoy, anon! (Blood anon? Should I call you that based on the emoji?-)

(Reader will use She/They pronouns.)

(Not proof-read/beta-read.)

– – – – – – – – – – – –

It’s a normal day in Autumn Village, your hometown.

You’re relaxing with your boyfriend, Shadow the Hedgehog, the two of you cuddling while watching a movie.

Shadow has his head on your lap, making a quiet clicking sound as you pet his quills, his quills being in a relaxed stature so he doesn’t prick you.

The two of you remain this way until Shadow’s communicator on the nearby table rings, causing him to grumble, the clicking noise (which you found out was him purring) stopping.

He gets up from your lap, grabbing his communicator from the table and answering it with a grumpy face.

“What do you want,” Shadow spats out.

“Whaat, can’t I ask my favorite rival on a race?” a voice from the communicator asks.

“No, Sonic. I’m busy,” Shadow states.

“There’s no way you’re busy!” Sonic says as-a-matter-of-factly. “Besides, our friends planned a picnic for us and I thought a race would get you to come!”

“Your friends,” Shadow corrects.

“Amy even brought a dark chocolate cake!” Sonic says.

Damnit, dark chocolate cake was his favorite.

Shadow lets out a sigh.

“Fine. But I’m bringing someone along,” Shadow says before hanging up. “You up for a picnic, [Name]?”

“Oh, sure! We can finish our Pokémon movie when we get back,” you say with a smile. You pause the movie and turn off the TV, getting up from the couch and putting your shoes on.

Shadow opens the door for you and the two of you exit the house, Shadow closing the door before smirking, picking you up in a bridal style carry before running at high speeds towards the picnic location as you wrap your arms around his neck.

When you two arrive at the location, all eyes are immediately on you as Shadow sets you down. Everyone seems flabbergasted.

“Um…Hello!” you say, waving slightly, a bit nervous.

“Hi! My name is Tails, it’s nice to meet you!” the two-tailed fox says.

“Who’s she, Shads?” Sonic asks.

“This is [Name],” Shadow starts. “My partner.”

Everyone’s mouth goes agape, until the pink-quilled hedgehog and the white-furred bat suddenly squeal out of happiness.

“Congratulations, Shadow!” the hedgehog says, giving him a hug. “I knew you could do it!”

“Good job, hun, took you a while to confess,” the bat says.

“Rouge, her and I have been dating for five months,” Shadow states.

“You’ve kept this a secret for five months?!” Sonic asks.

“Wow Sonic, how’d Shadow manage to get a girl before you?” the red echidna asks.

“Shut it, Knuckles,” Sonic grumbles.

“Hmph, some “fastest thing alive” you are, Sonic,” Shadow says with a smirk.

“You, Shads, are a butt,” Sonic says.

You let out a giggle. This’ll certainly be interesting to get used to.

[taringill]

MY FAVOURITE GIRLS!💕 I'VE FINALLY DONE IT!😭

МОИ ЛЮБИМЫЕ ДЕВОЧКИ!💕 Я НАКОНЕЦ-ТО ДОДЕЛАЛА!😭

I know that I have made almost no changes to the Rouge, but this is my opinion. I don't mind if the creators make changes👍 Although, come on, cinematic beasts literally copy their gaming counterparts with minimal changes, or no changes at all. So what are you going to do to me?😁

Я знаю, что в Руж я почти не внесла изменений, но это мой взгляд. Я не против, если создатели внесут изменения👍 Хотя, камон, киношные звери буквально копируют свои игровые аналоги с минимальными изменения, либо без изменений вообще. Так чтоооо, что вы мне сделаете?😁

Guys, I want to express my opinion. You don't have to read it if you're not interested. I, like many, am waiting for the appearance of Amy and Rouge, I really wait and want to! But I was struck by the craziness of some fans. Who knows, he understands what I mean. Knuckles is confused with Amy (in one shot from the first trailer for Sonic movie 3) because of the lighting, which makes Knuckles' hairstyle lighter and screams about it on every corner. They think that Amy was cut out of some of the footage of the first trailer because... Sometimes they look empty, as if there is room for another character... What the fuck? I don't understand, should the whole screen be packed with characters in every corner? Even an ordinary dent on the asphalt is confused with a shadow (I'm not about the Shadow the hedgehog)!🤦‍♀️ Fuck... There are simply zero arguments. It sounds much more realistic that, for example, the same Amy may appear in the scene after the credits. But these are just rumors. Before the release of the second trailer, I realized that some fans had gone crazy... And after the release of the second trailer, I was convinced that I was right, so you don't have to argue with me. It's useless. In addition, before the release of the second trailer, there were leaks of toys for the third film and NOT A SINGLE HINT OF AMY OR ANYONE ELSE. There were only Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Eggman and Shadow. Guys, if there was anyone else in the movie, this character would be in the toy set. Recently, new toys were leaked and there is also no one new except Shadow, because no one else appeared in the film.

Okay, I also thought that Amy and Rouge would appear, because the third film is an adaptation of the game SA2: Rouge, who worked for G.U.N. and Amy, who dissuaded Shadow from killing humanity. And I remember the girl I was arguing with, using it as an argument. To which I will answer that, guys, these films are A NEW, ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE, therefore A MODIFIED CANON. And that's okay, it's a NEW UNIVERSE. Do you want to see the same thing? Well, if you're an ardent and old fan, then of course you want to see the same thing. But I'm not. Let's be honest, almost anyone can dissuade Shadow: Sonic or Tom, for example. And Amy will get her new role in fourth film. What's wrong? As for me, everything is fine. This is a new universe! It was clear from the first film)))

Oh, and do you remember the girl I mentioned in the second paragraph? Attention! She told me that the creators would be sexist if they didn't add Amy or Rouge fully to the third film🤡 I'm afraid of people like that...💀 What kind of moronic fashion is it to call everyone (especially men) sexists for no reason? Just to be offended🤦‍♀️ This abomination is infuriating🤮 I wish this disease would go away as soon as possible... If you don't agree with me, then just accept it. Poor creators, my God... They're already trying to please the fans, but they're still bad... Guys, the creators have THEIR OWN plans for THEIR MODIFIED canon. Let's think logically, if there are few new characters in the film, then MORE attention will be paid to them, therefore MORE disclosure and therefore the character is MORE INTERESTING, and not just a stupid fanservice...

Phew, I've spoken out... There may be touchy people here, but I don't care. You can't change my mind, so just accept it. I know it's gone, but I still wanted to speak out. I have the right.

Ребят, хочу высказать своё мнение. Можете не читать, если вам не интересно. Я, как и многие, жду появления Эми и Руж, очень жду и хочу! Но меня поразила шиза некоторых фанатов. Кто знает, тот понимает, о чём я. То Наклза путают с Эми (в одном кадре из первого трейлера Соника в кино 3) из-за освещения, которое делает причёску Наклза светлее и кричат об этом на каждом углу. То считают, что Эми вырезали из некоторых кадров первого трейлера, потому что... Видетили они выглядят пустыми, как будто там есть место для ещё одного персонажа... Что блять? Я не пойму, весь экран должен быть забит персонажами в каждом углу? Даже обычную вмятину на асфальте путают с тенью!🤦‍♀️ Пиздец... Аргументов просто ноль. Гораздо реалистичнее звучит, что, например, та же Эми может появиться в сцене после титров. Но это только слухи. Я до выхода второго трейлера понимала, что некоторые фанаты сошли с ума... И после выхода второго трейлера я убедилась в своей правоте, так что можете не спорить со мной. Это бесполезно. �� тому же до выхода второго трейлера были сливы игрушек по третьему фильму и НЕ ЕДИНОГО НАМЁКА НА ЭМИ ИЛИ КОГО-ТО ДРУГОГО. Там были только Соник, Наклз, Тейлз, Эггман и Шедоу. Ребят, если бы в фильме был бы ещё кто-то, то этот персонаж был бы в наборе игрушек. Недавно слили новые игрушки и там тоже нет никого нового кроме Шедоу, потому что в фильме никто кроме него не появился.

Окей, я тоже думала, что появятся Эми и Руж, потому что третий фильм адаптация игры SA 2: Руж, которая работала на ГАН и Эми, которая отговорила Шедоу убивать человечество. И я помню девку, с которой я спорила, приводила это как аргумент. На что я отвечу, что, ребят, эти фильмы ЭТО НОВАЯ, АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНАЯ ВСЕЛЕННАЯ, следовательно ИЗМЕНЁННЫЙ КАНОН. И это нормально, это же НОВАЯ ВСЕЛЕННАЯ. Вы хотите видеть одно и то же? Ну, если вы ярый и старый фанат, то, конечно, вы хотите видеть одно и то же. А я нет. Будем честны, Шедоу может отговорить почти кто угодно: Соник или Том, например. А Эми получит свою, новую роль в 4-части. Что вас не устраивает? Как по мне, всё нормально. Это новая вселенная! По первому фильму это было понятно)))

А, и помните девку, которую я упоминала во втором абзаце? Внимание! Она мне сказала, что создатели будут сексистами, если они не добавят Эми или Руж полноценно в третий фильм🤡 Я боюсь таких людей...💀 Что за дебильная мода называть всех (особенно парней) сексистами без повода? Лишь бы обидеться🤦‍♀️ Бесит эта мерзость🤮 Поскорее бы эта болезнь прошла... Если не согласны со мной, то просто смиритесь. Бедные создатели, Господи... Они и так стараются угодить фанатам, но они всё равно плохие... Ребят, у создателей СВОИ планы на СВОЙ ИЗМЕНЁННЫЙ канон. Давайте рассуждать логически, если в фильме новых персонажей будет немного, то им будет уделено БОЛЬШЕ внимания, следовательно, БОЛЬШЕ раскрытия и следовательно, персонаж ИНТЕРЕСНЕЕ, а не просто тупой фансервис...

Фух, высказалась... Тут могут быть обиженки, но мне всё равно. Меня не переубедить, поэтому смиритесь просто. Я знаю, что это прошло, но я всё равно хотела высказаться. Имею право.

[000marie198]

I think Sonic characters should be allowed to be artists more often

...

Amy is already a painter, a culinary artist, and a chef. She also has a lovely aesthetic sense. I can also kinda see her collabing with Honey to design dresses and outfits. She also making screenplays & comics!

Cream compiling flower vases and bouquets and crowns.

Rouge having a knack for interior designing and makeup and blending in skills while still standing out.

Vector being a sound and music artist, composing remixes and mashups etc

Tails creates logos and graphic interfaces and has architectural designing skills

Knuckles being a damn good sculptor and being great at wood carving

Sonic secretly makes chaotic graffiti's and him doodling on random stuff and having a talent in music and singing and similar performative arts. Not to mention that swordsmanship is also an art just as much as it is a skill.

I think Shadow would enjoy learning crochet. He'd also kill at figure skating.

Espio setting up a meditation garden, Espio doing calligraphy, Espio doing poetry!

Charmy doodling cartoons and stickers.

I can definitely see Blaze doing fiery ballet. And other recreational arts.

And Silver with his awe-inspiring massive structures made using random scraps and debris

....

Let Sonic characters be artists

[theocddiaries]

Knuckles: Rouge, I don’t know if lying to your boss is such a good idea. Rouge: Don’t think of it as lying to my boss. Think of it as messing with the guy who almost got your brother-in-law encaged again and tricked your siblings. Knuckles: That’s true… Hey, kinda messed up that you’re still working for him, by the way— Rouge: Yeah, well, let’s talk about that another day. Right now, we need to rehearse the alibi you’re going to tell my boss about how the crystal broke. Knuckles: Because you left it on the couch and Omega sat on it. Rouge: No. That’s the truth. We’re here to lie until Tails can get it fixed. Knuckles: I don’t know, Rouge, this whole lying-to-your-boss thing-- Shadow: Are you sure you can’t ask someone else? Rouge: No. Knuckles might be my partner, but he’s also a thick-headed rule follower to an exhausting degree. Knuckles [moved]: Wow, thanks. That’s so sweet of you. Rouge: Alright, Knuckles, focus. Let’s go over what you were doing before coming to my place on the day the crystal broke. Knuckles: What crystal? Shadow: This is going great… Rouge: Shut up! [inhales deeply]: Knuckles, the crystal that Omega broke. Omega: I BROKE IT BECAUSE YOU LEFT IT THERE. Shadow: Not now, Omega. Rouge: Thank you. Shadow: She’s got enough to deal with. Rouge: Didn’t you have plans with Sonic today? Why don’t you go make Tails’ life miserable instead? Shadow: I still have half an hour. And knowing Sonic, he’ll probably want to stick around for the show. Knuckles: Oh, there’s a show?? Damn, Rouge, you lie with style. Rouge: Knuckles, don’t encourage them! Now, listen… Knuckles, we’re going to tell Abe that you came over a little before the crystal broke— Knuckles: And where was I coming from? Rouge: Does it matter? Omega: SEARCHING FOR IDIOM FIT TO THE SITUATION: THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS. Shadow: He’s got a point, Rouge. Given your line of work, you should know that. [Rouge’s ear twitches, and she shoots them both a murderous glare before sighing.] Rouge: Fine. Knuckles… you can be coming from wherever you want. Knuckles: Wherever I want?? Then… I was having afternoon tea with the president. [Shadow scoffs a laugh, and Omega beeps in the same manner.] Rouge: …No. Knuckles: Why not?! Rouge: Because that’s impossible. Knuckles: But it’s my story, and I want it to happen! Rouge: But it couldn’t have happened! Knuckles: But I want it to! Rouge: But it’s not possible! Knuckles: But I want it to be! Rouge: SHUT UP ALREADY!!! [takes a few deep breaths]: Let’s start over, okay? This will take five minutes, tops. [EIGHT HOURS LATER.] Knuckles: And then I saw the thief taking the crystal. Rouge [slumped exhaustedly on the couch with a tired smile]: Yeeees, yeeees… Knuckles: But I couldn’t catch him because… don’t tell me, let me think… …because he was going the opposite direction, and instinctively, I went to check on you. Rouge: YES, GOOD! [jumps up with her arms raised]: THANK YOU, GAIA, THANK YOU FOR GRANTING HIM A MINUTE OF CLARITY! [cries with relief as she hugs him.] Knuckles: Geez, you’re so dramatic… When I'm explained things properly, I understand them. …Rouge? [Rouge snores.] Knuckles: Huh, she fell asleep standing up. Have any of you ever seen such an uncomfortable--? [sees that Omega has shut down, leaning against the wall, and Shadow is asleep with his head on the kitchen counter.]: Must run in the family.

[thatshadowcomic]

Here's the realest take on SonAmy you'll read:

Spoilers, Im not against it, despite being sonadow shipper:

The reason most people (or maybe just me) don't like Sonic X Amy is because it's not often done in a believable way or it's the "boy shifts their morals/goals/personality after finding the girl" which of course ends with one of them having no character at all, until it's convenient for the plot.

All fandoms tend to hate love interests because they often halt the plot and story for the sake a overdone cliches rather than working with their blooming interest, because they can't admit they need a second writer/team to help.

I could see Sonic not really knowing what to do if Amy shows interest in him, oblivious but cute-- If they can make it feel genuine that's great! But damn, I really pray we don't get this:

"oh no, he likes her, now it's just you and me knuckles. Let's either fight the badguy by ourselves and lose or we should try to stop their affections. Or, 3rd choice, sonic is too busy with any to help us and we don't talk about it because we don't want to get in the way and so we get angry and he doesn't seem to notice.

Either way it will cause a rift in our friendship until Amy somehow fixes it by being cool, and then we will like her after that and all be friends."

In defense of the Movie and my guesses:

Sonic has never been very romantic and that's what Amy seems to crave the most so it always feels like one of them has to change dramatically to fit the cute couple narrative in the fandom... BUT the movie sonic isnt the same as the game/sonic x sonic. No one is.

I think Sonic and Shadow would be able to grow from each other more, related deeper, but they could easily make them like brothers and I'd be okay with that. I'm not against Sonic X Amy.

Given how they introduced her, I could see Sonic being impress by how seemingly badass she is to him, and that starts it. Sonic definitely seems like he'd be the type to be in denial that he likes her.

My guesses:

He might honestly go on an adventure in time without anyone, ending with shadow needing to save the day with Sonic's friends. That would be awesome tbh. If Amy comes back with them, they might even have a mini series with some father son moments about dates or something.

I hope at some point we get a Chaos or Iblis trigger type situation, maybe in the post credit. Given they're doing sonic CD/time stuff, I'ts easy for them to bring in silver (or maybe rouge and GUN steal the emeralds in order to "keep them safe" only for it to fall apart. Hell, maybe Rockwell teams up with Stone or just turns GUN into another version of Robotnik land. Without sonic to protect everyone, we see what happens in the future.

I think it would be funny as hell if they made everyone mad and she fell for shadow instead hahahahah

[sci-twi]

I heard that the scrapped idea for the cancelled third Sonic Storybook Game was supposedly going to be Greek Mythology themed, so I propose this: A Hades and Persephone Retelling.

Here’s some key points that I’ve come up with and will tweak or modify as I come up with them. I hope to make this into a full-fledged comic at some point and will get some concept art out hopefully in the next few days.

Synopsis: Sonic is summoned by Demeter to rescue Persephone, her daughter, from the dreadful God of the Dead, Hades, who has kidnapped her and is holding her hostage in the Underworld. However, as Sonic meets the rest of the Pantheon, he begins to suspect that there is more to the situation. His suspicions further arise as he travels within the Underworld, finding that things are not quite as the stories, and Demeter, claim.

Character assignments below the cut

The Pantheon

Eggman as Zeus (Side note: Hilariously he’s the only one to actually call Sonic a hedgehog as they were there in Ancient Greece. Apparently as pest control or weather predictors. Also: Eggman.)

Agent Stone as Hera

Sage as Athena

Metal Sonic as Hephaestus

Tails as Hermes

Mephiles as Poseidon

Vector as Dionysus “More wi-juice! I mean… juice! Yep!”

Knuckles as Ares

Rouge as Aphrodite

Espio as Artemis

Blaze as Hestia “I tend to stay out of these affairs…”

Silver as Helios

Charmy as Apollo

Cthonic Deities

Big as Cerberus “I warned yah buddy. You should turn back now while you have the chance.”

Omega as Hypnos “IT IS IMPORTANT FOR INFERIOR ORGANIC LIFEFORMS TO GET THE ALLOTTED EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP IN ORDER TO REMAIN FUNCTIONAL.”

Shadow as Thanatos

Amy as Hecate

Sticks as Styx

Cream as Charon “Welcome to the Underworld! Please step aboard my boat and I’ll take you wherever you need to be- but first: obol please!”

Babylon Rogues as the Furies “Lord Hades said that you’re a slippery one and wants us to take you in alive. But he didn’t say anything about not making it hurt.”

Tom and Maddie (cameo?) as Odysseus and Penelope (note: Demeter has attempted to kidnap Persephone back many many times, hence why they are there now despite the original myth taking place before The Odyssey)

Maybe Tangle, Whisper, and Lanolin as the Fates

Hades and Persephone are both “humans” like Demeter.

Demeter has fiery red hair/auburn hair like a maple leaf. She is very fall/autumn themed. Something something if I had a nickel for every red head who betrayed me I’d have 15 cents and that’s a lot actually what the fuck

Her final form (boss mode) is winter themed.

Ascalaphus - one of Hades’ orchardists, turned into a screech owl and enslaved by Demeter. She sends them to go with Hermes and Sonic to the Underworld to ensure that Hermes won’t stray from the mission. May turn on her as the story progresses?

[mildcharacterenjoyer]

Team Dark Head Pat Headcannons

Team Dark has many different ways of communicating, but body language and nonverbal gestures are the most prevalent.

The most intimate and profound gesture all three share with each other during particularly emotional moments, besides Shadow and Rouge's rare embraces, are head pats.

There are different types depending on who is administering it, receiving it, and what the situation is.

Rouge gives out most of the head pats for team dark. She only does it when she and her boys are alone or with people they fully trust. She will never head pat Shadow in Sonic's company or Omega in Eggman's. She might head pat Omega in Sonic's company, but there is a very select few she would dare head pat Shadow in front of. Eggman is not one of them, but Cream and Vanilla are.

Rouge has three different head pats for Shadow. The first one is gently resting her hand on top of his head for if she wants to get his attention at the start of an emotional moment between the two. It usually stays there and doesn't move until Shadow does. If he doesn't want to talk, he will turn away and she will remove her hand, but if he does he'll face her. She will smile at him and nestle her fingers into his quills.

The second one is for his restlessness and agitation. Whether it is because of lack of sleep or his regular frustration, she will put her hand out in front of him as an invitation to accept her help. He'll ignore the hand if he doesn't want it, as he knows she will leave it up for just a few seconds before lowering it back down then pretends nothing happened. If he engages with her hand in some way, she will brush along his quills from his forehead to his neck. He will relax into her touch and his negative emotions will fade into exhaustion.

The third head pat is combat related, administered during a time when exchanging words would take too long. It is when Rouge is passing by directly overhead of Shadow for some reason or another. She pokes at his head with different amounts of fingers depending on the message she wants to pass along. One finger: "I'm splitting off to infiltrate." Two fingers: "Enemy called in for reinforcements." Three fingers: "Omega's incapacitated again." Whole hand. "We should think about retreat." She also signals with just her hand if she can't reach his head.

Rouge pats Omega's dome at least once whenever she is resting on his shoulder. If she is referring to him in conversation, she'll pat twice so he can know he's being talked about. The robot likes to zone out to conversation not related to him, his teammates, or killing Eggman.

She will play his head like a drum to get his attention if he is purposefully ignoring an important situation or her. If he did an exceptional job at destroying something, Rouge will rub his head for a moment and praise his work. He short circuits every time and she finds it cute.

Sometimes Omega will get so angry that his other emotions that he hides inside of his rage begin to spill out. Rouge will hover in front of him with a worried frown on her face. If he doesn't try to swat her away or go elsewhere she will hold the sides of his face and rub her thumbs along the edges of his head. She knows he doesn't like any other emotion besides rage, so this is her way of helping him regulate through them if he so chooses.

Omega did not start head patting Rouge and Shadow until he grew to begrudgingly accept his friendship with his favorite meatbags. At first it was mimicry until he started learning from Rouge what she liked, what meant the most to her, and what times were appropriate. He can't keep denying his want for friendship when he's running his claws through Rouge's white fur.

Rouge isn't afraid to ask for affection. Head rubs and scratches is what she wants the most. The thief has a lot of tension from migraines around her temples and base of the neck, usually caused by Sonic, Knuckles, and any other idiots she had been around, sometimes including her own teammates. "Hey Omega. Be a dear and work out these knots that you caused today, please?"

He wishes to destroy his teammates' enemies as a way to show affection for them. He rests his claws on top of Rouge and Shadow's heads as tactical advantage over any enemies who might threaten them. Rouge loves it, when he's not touching her ears. They are pretty sensitive and off limits, unless she is unfairly giving him a hard time, then he will poke at them.

Omega did not offer head pats to Shadow at first. Shadow and Omega are very much alike in many ways, so he wasn't sure if Shadow wanted head pats from him until one day the hedgehog stood close enough to his claws that he was basically touching him. Omega rested his hand on his head and the hedgehog did nothing to deter him.

Omega has a hard time telling his teammates how much he appreciates them, so head pats are one way to display that affection. Shadow won't sit up on his shoulders very often, but Omega always feels something akin to happiness when he does. If they are in a safe environment, Omega will sometimes do a quick couple pats while he's up there. Shadow responds with his signature "hmph", but he'll be smiling all the same.

Rouge is usually the one to comfort Shadow during panic attacks or emotionally charged situations, but sometimes she isn't around. Shadow doesn't always feel comfortable relying on Omega for emotional support, but the times he does Omega never takes for granted. Omega will offer his hand and Shadow can choose to take a seat under it or chaos snap on top of it. Either way, Omega will rest his hand along Shadow's back and rub a thumb from his forehead across his head. If he's on his hand he will cup it so if Shadow curls up into a ball he won't fall off as easily.

The rarest head pats of Team Dark are those administered by Shadow, specifically the ones he gives to Omega. They are so few and far between that Omega forgets about them until Shadow gives him one. If in the heat of combat Shadow needs a higher terrain for something, he will spin dash over Omega and put his hand on top of the robot's head as an anchoring or leveraging point then continue on his way. It happens so quick that it throws Omega for a loop each time and he never gets to process the moment until it passes.

Omega gets angry about Eggman all the time, but there is a difference between hating Eggman and hating the abandonment issues he has which he tries to play off as just hating Eggman, but Shadow sees right through him. The hedgehog stands on top of his head and reminds him of who he is and that he's not alone nor is he currently abandoned.

The third head pat Shadow gives Omega has only happened twice and it was while they were sparring. When knocking Omega over Shadow will usually continue attacking, but twice he grabbed the pointed hood shielding above his eyes and noogied him instead. It renders Omega so confused and embarrassed that Shadow wins the spar right then and there. "WHAT?!" "No one will ever believe you." "NO!"

Shadow is much more affectionate with Rouge than Omega. Continuously saving her from threats that maybe she could have dodged herself, but Rouge doesn't mind one bit. It feels nice to know she is being cared for. After a stressful save or fight, if Shadow sees she is winded or even the slightest bit weary, he will brush her hair from the top and cup the side of her head. "Are you alright?" "All thanks to you, my hero."

Rouge gets frustrated whenever she loses a jewel, money, or something else worth value to her. She will stomp around fuming for hours. Shadow really doesn't like it when she is angry. To console her, he will stand next to her until she throws herself in his arms dramatically. She buries her face in his chest fluff and he will rest his chin on her head and promise her revenge or a heist twice the amount she lost.

Rouge is the most emotionally stable member of team dark, but even she has her moments of anxiety and depression. She doesn't break often and she will usually do it away from everyone, but Shadow can tell when her breaking point is close. He'll sit beside her if he can find her and hold out an arm to her. Like him, she won't always take his help, but when she does, he will hold her and run his fingers through her hair while she works through her own emotions.

Just...just more Team Dark being soft with each other. I NEED IT! Aaaaaagh.

[randomthefox]

How would you rank sonic characters based on how good at cooking they are?

Putting aside the Sonic Cook Book which, while fun and cute, I wouldn't consider a true source of canon about this subject;

Amy and Vanilla are probably the best cooks if I had to guess. There's a strong suggestion in canonical material that they both know their way around a kitchen. And there are Sonic Channel art pieces showing Amy baking.

I would assume Tails is a decent cook. Though he could probably make a machine to automate the process to a degree, such as the Sonic Channel artwork showing him roasting kebabs on his own branded grill.

Sonic is able to cook meat on a bone Monster Hunter style in Sonic Frontiers. Given his nomadic lifestyle, I figure him the type to be able to rustle up grub while roughing it in the wild. Think the Survival Skill and food crafting in Fallout New Vegas. I would also assume the same for Knuckles, since he also lives in seclusion in a relatively wild and rustic location. Though in Sonic's case I believe he would probably prefer someone else make his food for him and particularly is inclined for calorie rich junk food.

Vector and the Chaotix are probably disaster cooks who have leftover parfait every other week.

I would assume Rouge is the type who may or may not be able to cook, but as a bougie bitch with a taste for the finer things in life she would prefer to enjoy fancy dining any time she possibly can. If not, she strikes me as the type to have some french MRE's (Meal ready to eat) on hand in case of emergency. Yes specifically the french ones, because they're the best.

Shadow can probably cook passably edible meals, but I imagine he prioritizes function over form. I'm going to break my own rule and reference the Sonic Cook Book, which has Shadow's main dish meal be steak burritos. This seems exactly right for him. All protein and calories thrown in a tortilla, that can also be used as a travel meal.

Blaze is canonically a terrible cook. Because that's hilarious. Haha, she's a fancy hoity toity princess but she can't cook what a loser.

On that same token, I don't know if Silver can cook but he seems adept at food decoration.

It should also be noted that for Silver and Blaze, their Sonic Cafe info blurb also mentions this. That Blaze sucks as cooking and Silver doesn't have much cooking experience but mixing drinks is all about presentation.

I imagine Eggman also automates his food prep like Tails as much as he can, but he has also been demonstrated as being a foodie so I imagine he was very hands on in all the machines he constructs that are intended on cooking and food prep for him. Like Sonic, also seems inclined for dense junk food and is prone to instant meals that are quick and easy to tear into while he's deep in a new project.

Those are all the ones off the top of my head anyway.

[all-together-now]

Everyone was gathered in the Restoration's largest meeting room again. At the head of the table, Tikal stood with a checklist in her hands, and she nervously glanced between everyone sitting in front of her.

"Thank you all for coming here," she said, "I know these sorts of questions might not be the kind that most of you would be comfortable answering, but I do really think this will be an important thing for all of us to know, should times get especially tough around here."

Surge rolled her eyes, "Just get on with it, Annoying Orange."

Knuckles glared at Surge from across the table as Tikal cleared her throat.

"O-Okay," she said, "Question one. Who here knows at least one of their birth parents?"

Everyone except Sonic, Bean, Charmy, Silver, Surge, Kit, and Trip raised their hands.

"Okay, okay, good," Tikal said, writing that down, "And, uh, of those of you who do, who has a positive relationship with your birth parents?"

Almost instantly Lanolin, Amy, Tails, Tangle, Espio, Blaze, Belle, and Shadow slammed their hands down onto the table. Jewel hesitated lowering hers for a moment.

"Does it count if I had a good relationship with them before they died?" she asked.

Bark nodded and jerked his thumb to Jewel. Tikal blinked, and just shook her head as she marked down Bark and Jewel under an entire new category she had to make up. She looked up to see the only people still raising their hands were Cream, Rouge, and Whisper. Surge particularly noticed the wolf's lack of anguish.

"How the hell do you of all people not have any baggage with your folks?" the tenrec asked, "You're life's like a walking slideshow of misery!"

Whisper grimaced at Surge, but shrugged.

"I guess I was granted at least one small mercy."

Tikal placed her paper and pencil down and rubbed her temples.

"I guess this is how a bunch of teens wind up doing more world saving work than the military." she thought in dismay.

[iglok]

Making my first post here hehe. I was inspired by a lot of artists who were making these arcane versions of Sonic so I thought I’d contribute to this underrated au as well, since Sonic is one of my biggest hyperfixations rn. I am already having more or less an idea of who should be who and I’d really like to hear other opinions too!

So, aside from that, I’d like to add a few adnotations to my drawings:

- I’ve watched a short with an explaination of how Powder/Jinx has different expressions and how her face and eyes look slightly different whether she’s Jinx or Powder so I wanted to do sth similar with Tails/Nine, since I really see him take up her role in this au. I wanted to make his eyes a little bit more round and blue when and he’s Tails (Powder) and a little bit more harsh-looking when he’s Nine (Jinx). Also the ends of his whisks and tails are blue-ish to give that Jinx vibes too

- I have the idea that chaos emeralds could be hexgems and the paradox prism could be shimmer (though idk how it would exactly work tbh)

- Rouge would be Sevika imo. I have the idea that instead of her arm, in the explosion when she saves Silco (Robotnik btw) she loses one of her wings so she replaces it with a robotic one, but that's just a concept

- full disclaimer that I don't mean to ship Knuckles and Tails/Nine in this au. It's meant to be more of a platonic relationship between close friends, plus sth in lines of Knuckles being a kind of mentor figure for Tails when they were little

- it hurts to say this but I planned to make Sticks and Amy as Mylo and Claggor and Big the cat as Vander respecitvely. Someone must get killed off unfortunately, I love them sm tho

- Aand Sonic is Vi and Shadow is Caitlyn. After watching Sonic Prime I cannot unsee the vision of Nine as Jinx, Sonic as Vi and Shadow as Caitlyn

- more to be added later. If you have any questions, go on and ask, I wanna ramble abt this

[bbcreative-0]

Sonic Idea

Okay so I watch the Sonic 3 Movie like two weeks ago and I came up with an idea that I think is pretty cool. I will admit I’m surprise I haven’t seen someone else pitch this already.

Okay DISCLAIMER: This idea can ONLY apply to Sonic in the movie only. I haven’t been up to date with my Sonic lore so I apologize if I get some things wrongs. I’m only pitching this idea in the hopes people that actually do know what they are talking about can pick this idea up. Please feel free to use this idea all I ask is to be mentioned, tag me, or use the tag I will be using.

SHADOW AND SONIC ROLE SWITCH

Okay I will admit the details are still getting worked on but this basically what I have:

So Sonic ends up getting crashed on Earth, GUN takes him in, and Maddie and Tom take care of Sonic. (Maddie can like a doctor and Tom can be like a guard or something, what matters is they work there)

Maddie and Tom love Sonic like a son, and Sonic loves them like they are his parents. Gerald Robotnik can still be experimenting on Sonic that stuff stays the same. Gerald is very protective over this family because he lost his own so it’s why he is so invested in them.

Tom and Gerald find out what GUN’s plans and they immediately try to escape with Sonic. Maddie joining with them because she isn’t going to leave Sonic behind. They get chased but as they get to the explosion maybe Tom shields Gerald and Maddie try to shield Sonic.

General Walter tries to stop the soldiers and we know what happens. They kaboom, we know what happens. Extra flavor of angst have Maddie try to tell Sonic something but he doesn’t understand/can’t remember because trauma.

Maddie and Tom are dead, Sonic goes to put on ice, and Gerald goes to jail. That part stays the same. Now onto Shadow, he is found by Longclaw, she raises him and here is where Idk how exactly this would work but this is what I got so far.

So when Longclaw is raising Shadow and they get attacked. I think the attack should like people that are connected to Rouge is…IDK how to work that in, (maybe Rouge has a clan like Knuckles) idk but they are only after Longclaw in hopes to find the Master Chaos Emerald. Longclaw saves Shadow and that’s how the first movie plays out.

Shadow lives on Earth in hiding until he gets discovered by a woman named Maria. She takes Shadow in and the whole movie plays out with Shadow and Maria. I think it would be cool if Maria didn’t know who her family is so it will be a big twist when she learns that she is related to Ivo.

Anyways, Maria has Shadow will her. Mother-son dynamic happens and cue the second movie happening. Rouge is after Shadow to get the Chaos Emerald, and Amy is following Shadow around. Ivo and Stone are still the antagonist of everything, they get taken care, and movie ends with Shadow, Rouge, and Amy all becoming Siblings with Maria as the mom

Third movie happens Sonic gets free and is on a revenge quest with Gerald, Ivo, and Stone. We know what happened. It would be cool to see Sonic hurting Maria (By accident) and Shadow having the same mental down that happened in the movie. They fight, save the world, and everything plays out the same in the movie with the characters.

Maybe with the end credit scene it’s like Metal Shadow and maybe Knuckles attacks them??? Tails??? Idk one of them and that’s basically everything I have so far to this idea.

If anyone wants to change or tweak some of this around go for it!!! This whole post is just an excuse for me to ramble a Sonic Idea I have had.

BONUS IDEA: Have Sonic x Amy happen and Shadow is in the background being livid about it because protective big brother

Alright that’s it hopefully someone gets inspired or at least found this interesting (Use the “sonic and shadow role switch” if you’d like to expand on this)

[shadamyheadcanons]

I can see Shadow being a girl dad, he'd be the type to pull out a gun whenever a adult gets too close to his kid but also be the one to dress up as a fairy princess for her tea party.

I’ve always loved this, too! Shadow just gets along super well with women and girls. I don’t know of any time when he’s had a proper conversation with Cream, but wholesome fanart of him babysitting her and wearing flower crowns she made for him is everywhere.

I interpret Shadow’s protectiveness in a specific way. He’d stand between his kids and a threat whenever necessary, especially when the kids are young, but I think he’d ultimately prioritize teaching them to defend against any threats themselves. I see him as less of a “mess with my kids and I’ll make you pay” dad and more of an “if anyone messes with you, sweetheart, don’t hold back” dad. He doesn’t have to worry because he’s made sure they’ve got it covered. Every shadamy kid gets a gun, a hammer, or both, and his respect for women means he wouldn’t hesitate to arm them. None of this “girls are delicate flowers” nonsense from Shadow. Martial arts are on the table, too; with Amy, Shadow, Knuckles, and Rouge all being close by, she’d be a threat even without a weapon.

In all seriousness, he’d want to be absolutely sure the kid is battle-ready even when he’s not around because he knows better than anyone what the consequences could be otherwise. That’s one thing I think he’d love about Amy, too; he knows she’s made herself a contender in her own right, and they’ll both look out for the ones they love. Together. Battle Couple, Battle Family.

Toonsite has a couple really cute comics about Shadow babysitting Cream that fit this motif...

[x] [x]

...and ChocomilkAmy has a funny one with a shadamy fankid:

[x]

And although I love the idea of Shadow having a daughter, he’d of course love his kid regardless of gender. Which gives me an excuse to link Rhael’s wonderful, adorable little mini-comic of human!Shadow holding his newborn son:

[x]

I’m not crying, you’re crying :’)

And speaking of kids and family stuff...

@multishipingriy

I think Amy would be the one to ask for a first date, but Shadow would be the one to propose. Amy initiating the relationship matches her bold personality and lines up with my recent theory about their feelings. I also sometimes wonder if Shadow would be insecure about romance or feel she “deserved better,” so he’d hesitate to act first, but she’d break down those walls and pump up his self-esteem straight away. A few years in, he’d definitely have the confidence to propose. It’s not that Amy wouldn’t, but more that I feel she’d forever cherish a romantic proposal, and he’d want to do that for her. Shadow knows what he wants, and if that’s Amy, he’ll make it happen. Because they both deserve it.

The topic of children is one that I think is unique to their situation because Amy’s already made it clear she wants them, even this early in her life. Sonic Battle was particularly brazen about it...

(Sega made Cream a rabbit when they should have made her a GOAT.)

...but if that seems like too much because it is, I’ve organized this before, too:

Amy’s already nurturing. Once she gets older, I believe her existing behavior would bend in a more motherly direction, and it would be so clear that she wants to be a mom that she wouldn’t even need to formally clarify it. The onus would be on Shadow, I think, to speak up once he feels comfortable with the idea. I suggested some of his potential reservations in headcanon #167.

I think he’d be great at it. If you’re curious why I feel that way, check out my Father’s Day headcanon from a few years ago.

[writingtraumaforever]

A Courtship Christmas: Chapter 3

Notes: The movie got my Courtship Series heart racing, y'all. And I'm also so pleased that the movie didn't actually differ too far from the minimal assumptions I've written in this series so far. So the series is still readable and makes sense even after the movie! YAY!

Summary: Sonic and Shadow arrive at the Robotnik's for Christmas, and are greeted by a very... very shocking person.

Courtship Masterpost!

Link to my AO3!

Start:

Preparations turn out to be a very serious matter to Shadow, which honestly isn’t much of a shock to Sonic. After hearing his quite extensive preparations that led to the whole ‘courting’ misunderstanding the first time he came to have dinner with his family, it’s not surprising Shadow would do the same for Maria’s family. 

Things were cool between Maddie and Shadow. He had returned back home with Sonic that night and he and Maddie had gone for a walk. Sonic isn’t sure what all was said on this walk, but when they came back, they were both smiling and back to acting as if nothing had happened. Sonic assumes his mother made things right. She rarely doesn’t. She’s a great role model, honestly, and very empathetic and tactful.

After they returned, they all sat down for a talk that went much more swimmingly. Tom and Maddie agree to let Sonic go with the conditions that he calls every night before bed to check in and always answers if they call or text. 

Since then, Sonic and Shadow have been preparing for the trip. Which means lots of Youtube videos on meeting long-lost family (which there are actually a lot of, much to Sonic’s surprise) and practice runs with Knuckles and Tails’ help. Knuckles even wore a blonde wig to try and help “get into character”, insisting on being Terra Robotnik. This didn’t turn out too great since Knuckles himself was.. a terrible host. For example, Sonic seriously doubts the Robotniks will be insisting on Shadow participating in a battle of the arenas.

Rouge had gotten as many files on the family as she could find, which wasn’t much but it was enough. Shadow had been going through and memorizing faces and names and dates and marriages. The surprisingly extensive Robotnik family tree. Turns out they had pretty much outcasted Eggman’s side of the family after everything that happened, which is understandable but also kinda sad since it wasn’t Eggman’s fault his grandfather was a smidge psychotic. Then again, the egg didn’t seem to fall too far from the nest, so..

They were well off, having been compensated by GUN since the tragedy on the ARK. On top of the geniuses in their family having sold many of their creations to the US government in the past as well as exploration escapades and more. They were a pretty impressive bunch of eggs, honestly–

Shadow made Sonic promise no egg jokes while they were visiting, by the way.

Turns out Terra does a lot of philanthropy and charity work, donating most of her time to causes for children with chronic illnesses and such. Which makes her sound like she’d be pretty nice despite her relatively stern tone in the letter to Commander Walters. That was written out of frustration with the deceit she had endured, though, so Sonic had high hopes. Besides, what sister of the saintly Maria could be evil???

When Shadow saw her picture for the first time, Sonic swears he sat perfectly still for a solid ten minutes just staring at it. She looks just like Maria… she just has more ginger colored hair, like a strawberry blonde. And older, obviously. Much older. Her files say she’s 54. Shadow can’t seem to get over that number. Sonic isn’t sure if it’s because it shows how much time has passed since the tragedy or because it shows how old Maria should be now..

Probably a little of both. Or a lot of both.

Sonic makes sure to be there with him through all of it, though. By his side and preparing along with him while constantly reassuring him that Shadow doesn’t really need any preparation since being himself is plenty good enough.

Shadow prepares anyway, to no one’s surprise.

It all comes down to the moment they’re standing in the living room with suitcases packed and warp ring in hand. Maddie hands Shadow his and Sonic’s freshly pressed suits that she had tailored for them, Shadow neatly and very carefully draping them over his forearm and holding them to his torso as if they’re something to be treasured.

“Alright you two,” Maddie sighs, stepping back to get a good look at them, “It’s around 6:30 PM in Poland, right now, and it’s going to be pretty chilly.”

Tom nods, zipping up Sonic’s jacket all the way before stepping back with Maddie as well, watching Sonic immediately roll his eyes and unzip his jacket again.

“Uh- guys? We have fur. We’ll be fine,” Sonic points out with a shrug.

“Some of us have more fur than others,” Shadow mutters under his breath.

“Hey! We talked about this. My lack of chest fur makes me more aerodynamic!” Sonic defends scandalously.

“Right,” Shadow nods before looking to Maddie and Tom, “I’ll make sure he stays warm, Mr. and Mrs. Wachowski.” “I don’t need a babysitter,” Sonic rolls his eyes, but Shadow just rolls his eyes right back.

“They’re your parents and they’re worried. Let me reassure them.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Sonic sighs with a little smirk.

“We know you’ll take good care of him, Shadow,” Maddie assures, leaning down to give him a little hug.

Tom moves then to do the same, muttering in Shadow’s ear as he does, “And if you don’t, I’ve heard of some real mean hedgehog recipes from Egypt..” Shadow’s eyes widen slightly at Tom when he pulls back, Tom doing the thing where he points at his eyes and then points at Shadow’s as if to let him know he’s watching him.

Shadow just swallows hard then nods.

“I’ll have him home safe in three days, sir.” “I know you will,” Tom smirks then, winking playfully as if he hadn’t just threatened to cook Shadow dear God–

Maddie moves over to Sonic then, giving him a big hug that has him grunting from being squeezed so tight, “And you, little mister, better behave. I don’t want Shadow calling me saying you’re embarrassing him by being too rowdy.” “Me??? Rowdy!?” Sonic gasps as if absolutely baffled by such an accusation, “I would never!” 

He then hugs Maddie right back, smiling all soft as he leans into his mother’s touch and squeezes her just as tight, “I’ll send lots of pictures.” “You better,” she instructs with a little kiss to his forehead before she pulls away to let Tom hug him goodbye now.

“Seriously though. Behave. And be safe.” “Always do, always am,” Sonic grins, hugging his dad back before he pulls away.

Shadow clears his throat then, glancing down at his watch, “I really hate to rush, but we’re going to be late..” “Right, right,” Maddie nods, knowing Shadow is very serious about being exactly on time, “We’ll let you two go. You have your emergency warp ring??” “Always!” Sonic says with a grin, Shadow already tossing another warp ring into the air so that a portal to Poland appears.

“Phone charger?” “Yup.” “Toothbrush and toothpaste?” “Check.” “Underwear??” That earns a pointed deadpan look from Sonic to Tom.

“Right, you don’t wear that– okay! We’ll see you two when you get back!” Maddie grins then, waving as she leans against Tom and watches the two grab their luggage and begin stepping through the portal, “Have fun!! Keep us updated!” “We will!” Sonic waves back cheerily, stepping through the portal that Shadow is already on the other side of and waving from as well. He hates he couldn’t say bye to Knuckles and Tails before he left. But they said their goodbyes the night before, and waking Knuckles and Tails up early was like pulling teeth– the echidna being lazy and the fox always staying up too late tinkering. It’s best they just sleep in and Sonic call them later. It’s only three days, after all. Then he’ll be back for Christmas!

As they stand waving, the warp ring eventually closes and they’re left standing on a snowy driveway, a large fountain appearing behind where the warp ring had previously been.

“Welp,” Sonic sighs, grabbing his suitcase with a grin, “Stage 2 of OSITRASIHB is a-go. Can’t believe we’re on our first trip together! We have to do some sightseeing while we’re here. What even is there to see in Poland?? They have castles, right??” Sonic looks at Shadow and finds him staring at whatever is behind them, “Shads..?” He turns and looks then and–

“Woooah..” It is a castle! ‘Robotnik Manor,’ the large stone sign above the gate reads. Behind it is possibly one of the coolest homes Sonic has ever seen. Donut Lord seriously needs some upgrades.

“Dude, this place is..,” Sonic starts, but he never quite finishes as he walks up to the fenced gate in awe, leaning against it with his hands gripping the rails–

“Odejdź od bram!”

Sonic jumps back from the fence with wide eyes, both he and Shadow looking to the source of the noise and finding a camera peering down at them from the corner of the stone column.

“Did he just speak Sim??” Sonic snorts with a quirked brow at Shadow, but Shadow just gives him an unimpressed look before turning back to the camera. “Um.. Jesteśmy tutaj, aby zobaczyć Terra Robotnik..?” 

There’s a long pause of silence from the other side of the camera. Sonic is just completely baffled that Shadow seemingly spoke another language! Then again, he’s like– super smart, so it shouldn’t be that surprising. 

After a moment of waiting, the light under the camera beeps green and the gate slowly begins to open itself up, Shadow and Sonic watching with wide eyes as the path to the manor is opened to them..

“...So you speak Sim, too?” “Polish,” Shadow answers, grabbing his suitcase and beginning to roll it behind him as he walks, “And yes. The Professor spoke it often in moments of frustration.. It.. didn’t take long for me to pick up on it..” Sonic frowns a little at that, finding the implication of Gerald often getting frustrated with or in front of Shadow a bit heartbreaking. He catches up to the hybrid, lugging his own suitcase behind him as the gate begins to shut once more.

“That’s pretty cool!” Sonic encourages, focusing on the positive, “You never told me you spoke a different language!” “You never asked..” “Well– do you speak any other languages??” “A few,” Shadow nods, “Not fluently. But Maria and I learned some Spanish during schooling. She was far better than I was at it, but we’d watch tv novellas together and make fun of how dramatic they were a lot. I picked up from that more than anything.” “Seems like you’re more of a hands-on learner than a sit down and reading learner.” “Yeah, I.. have trouble concentrating when it comes to studies,” Shadow admits, though it’s obvious with the tone of his voice that his thoughts aren’t really with the conversation. As they get closer and closer, Shadow gets tenser and tenser. His eyes stare wide at the castle before them, fist clenched tight around the handle of his suitcase, jaw locked and teeth grinding nervously..

Sonic keeps talking, hoping to calm his nerves some with distraction. The driveway up is a good ways, after all.

“Me too, man,” Sonic chuckles with a shrug, “I struggle with sitting still in general, though. Let alone doing it and concentrating. Mom tries real hard to homeschool us, but I’m more interested in learning from experiences than books.” “Books can be very entertaining,” Shadow counters, “..However, books chosen for me are often last appealing than the ones I choose for myself.” “Ditto,” Sonic snorts, “Definitely prefer my comics.” “Those aren’t books.” “Uh– wrong. Comicbooks. Emphasis on the books part.” Sonic is smiling, expecting Shadow to flash that classic tiny smirk of his at Sonic’s shenanigans but finding the hybrid too focused on the stairs they’re now approaching that lead to the door..

“...It’s all gonna be fine, Shadow,” Sonic assures as they begin ascending the steps, “They’re gonna love you..” Shadow takes a deep breath, eyes never leaving the door as he climbs the stairs beside Sonic. He simply nods. Not convinced but trying to stay optimistic and not let his anxiety get the better of him.

Sonic sighs a bit at this and moves closer so he can gently reach out to take Shadow’s free hand. Shadow flinches slightly at this before looking to Sonic finally.

Sonic is looking right back with that same soft smile he gave Shadow on the moon..

Shadow smiles back after a moment before sighing and looking back to the door. 

Sonic was with him. He can do this..

Stopping right in front of the door, the two stare at it a long moment. Sonic doesn’t rush Shadow. Doesn’t knock for him. He just waits.

Eventually, Shadow’s eyes settle on the door knocker a few feet above them.. He can’t quite reach, so he lets his air shoes slowly lift him up until he can. Taking the knocker in hand and rapping at the door three times before slowly letting himself descend back down.

There’s some scuffling from the inside, Shadow’s hand squeezes Sonic’s a bit tighter. Sonic squeezes back, nervousness now rising in him as well.

What if these people were awful to Shadow?? What if they treated him horribly and this whole experience just adds to the list of scars Shadow already has?? Maybe Sonic shouldn’t have encouraged him coming. Maybe they should’ve just stayed away and let things stay normal. Maybe–

The door slowly opens, warm and thick light from the inside pouring out into the dark cold of the evening outside. Shadow and Sonic’s eyes rise to the tall, lanky man dressed in a butler’s attire.

The man’s eyes scan around in a confused manner a moment, looking right over the two before Sonic clears his throat and the man finally lowers his eyes to their level. He flinches in surprise at the sight of them, eyes blinking wide once then twice. Then he offers a wide and breathy smile, “Sir Shadow! And you brought a guest! Wonderful!  My Madam has been expecting your arrival! Please, do come in.” He quickly scoots away from the door and opens it wider for the two, Sonic and Shadow exchanging a glance before entering with a grateful nod and muttered ‘thank you’s.

The door is shut behind them, and inside they’re met with a sight just as awe-inducing as the outside. The inside has a large and grand staircase that leads to the second floor, wooden hand-railing with Christmas florals  and lights decorating all the way down them. There’s a chandelier immediately above their heads, lit with golden lights that make the wooden ceiling seem to glisten. It all feels very noble and traditional and vintage but simultaneously well-kept and warm and classy. It looks like something out of a movie! To their left it opens up into what appears to be a dining room: a long table with white table cloths and bouquets of poinsettias and holly and pinecones. Very festive but elegant. There’s large red candlesticks as centerpieces down the table, tiny globes with lights in them scattered along it as well. The chairs look large and comfy, a wreath placed on the backs of each one. There’s a smaller chandelier than the one in the foyer in there as well. A large, glass window behind the head of the table..

To their right, they can see what appears to be a library of sorts. Shelves and shelves of books, a few comfy couches and floor pillows sound a festively decorated fireplace. The mantle is lined with stockings with initials on them.. ‘A’ ‘J’ ‘M’ ‘S’.  

“I can escort you to your rooms if you’d like to be relieved of your bags,” the butler offers, “Madam is currently in a meeting, but I will inform her of your arrival as soon as it is finished. She will be so pleased you’re here, and want to introduce you to everyone.”

Shadow and Sonic just look at him, staring a moment before Shadow eventually nods. “Thank you, Mr..”

“Tanaka,” the butler replies with a little bow towards Shadow, “Call me, Mr. Tanaka. And I will be happy to assist you anytime during your stay.” “Mr. Tanaka,” Shadow nods, swallowing before glancing back to Sonic who is smiling politely at the man, “thank you.. This is Sonic.” “Of course. We know of Sir Sonic’s heroic reputation. It is an honor to be hosting you sir,” the butler bows to which Sonic very dramatically bows right back with a “Likewise, dude.”

The butler stands then, “Now right this way! Let’s get you settled in.”

They follow the man up the stairs, taking in the sights as they go. The walls are lined with framed art and pieces like vases and sculptures. Shadow notes that he’d like to pause and take them all in at some point if he has the time, pondering their meaning and purpose. The hall at the top is long both to the right and left, shut doors that have shoes on the outsides of some of them or coats hanging from the knobs..

It occurs to Shadow then that they may be having more guests at this party than he anticipated..

Stopping at the room on the end of the left hall, Mr. Tanaka opens the door to show them the inside.

“We do hope this room will be fitting,” the butler says, “We prepared it just for you. And there’s even a second bed if your guest will not be sharing one with you.” Shadow blinks at that, looking at Sonic who looks back to him a bit shyly before blushing and looking away.

They aren’t supposed to be sharing a room..

But Shadow is too nervous right now to request anything else. It feels rude.

He’ll deal with it later.

“This will be perfect,” Shadow assures with a small nod, “Thank you again.” “Of course, sir,” the man smiles, moving then to gesture to a small button on the inside of the door attached to what appears to be an intercom system, “If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to buzz this button and myself or a maid will quickly come to see what we can do for you. There is also a bell system that will ring when certain things are about to take place such as dinner or breakfast. You are in no way obligated to attend these things if uncomfortable or needing rest. It is simply there to keep the household on a schedule.”

“I like schedules,” Shadow says without giving it a thought, Mr. Tanaka smiling at this. “As do I, Sir Shadow.” Shadow smiles a bit then, and this seems to light up the whole room for a moment in Sonic’s opinion.

“Well I will let you two settle in,” the butler comments, nodding his head at the two as he exits the room, “Again, feel free to buzz if you need anything.” “We sure will,” Sonic smirks, walking into the room to take it in.

Shadow gives a small wave as the man makes his leave before shutting the door and sighing against it.

Sonic is scoping out the room. There is, in fact, two sleeping areas. One being the king-sized bed in the center of the wall and the other being a twin bed pressed up longways against the large window on the right side of the room. Sonic immediately moves there and puts his suitcase on top of it, turning to Shadow with a whistle, “Damn. This place is huge!” “Very,” Shadow mutters as he turns to Sonic, walking to the bed and placing his own suitcase on top before sitting down on the edge beside it.

“And they’ve got butlers and maids?? A dude could get used to living like this,” Sonic grins, looking out the window now at the view. He can’t see too far since it’s dark out, but there’s golden Christmas lights that light up a large garden below. Whoever their landscaper and decorator is, they need a raise.

“Mm,” is all Sonic gets from Shadow.

Sonic turns to look at him then, seeing Shadow staring down at the floor from where he sits on the edge of the bed..

A small, sympathetic smile curls onto Sonic’s lips as he approaches him, plopping himself beside him as Shadow’s seemingly absent gaze lifts to his, “Hey.”

“Hello,” Shadow murmurs back, leaning into Sonic’s palm when the hedgehog cups his cheek. “I know it’s all overwhelming,” Sonic begins, thumb lightly caressing the apple of Shadow’s cheek, “But you’ve done the hardest part, right?? You got here. You showed up. That takes mad balls, Shads.” “That’s a really distasteful expression, Sonic,” Shadow grumbles with a scrunch of his nose and disapproving look in Sonic’s direction. “Oh-ho, look who showed up at a Manor and got too classy for his American boyfriend,” Sonic teases with a Italian accent. “..That’s Italian. This is Poland.”

“Whatever, dude, I don’t know what Polish sounds like.” “You said it sounds like the Sims.” “Good point! Let me try that. Bow deesh you’re super geneva.” Shadow blinks at him, a slightly amused tilt growing on his lips, “What?”

“And now you know how it feels,” Sonic smirks to which Shadow just chuckles and rolls his eyes at him. “You’re idiotic.” “And you’re brave,” Sonic smiles, tilting his head to get Shadow to look back at him again, “..Seriously. I would’ve chickened out the second I saw the camera staring at me at the gate. You’re seriously awesome, Shadow..” Shadow just sighs a bit at this, nuzzling against Sonic’s palm a bit before moving to scoot closer to him with a quirked brow, “Shouldn’t you call your parents and tell them we’ve settled in??” “Oh yeah, you’re right!” Sonic nods, pulling his phone out now and pulling up his contacts to FaceTime his mom.

It only rings once before he gets an answer.

“Hey, baby! You get there safely?? We miss you so much!!” “He just left!” Tom can be heard yelling from a few rooms away.

Sonic chuckles at this, “Yeah, we just got to our room.” Maddie’s brow quirks, “...Room?” Sonic smiles a bit nervously and rubs the back of his neck, “Uh.. yeah. Apparently they only prepared one room for us– but it’s got two beds, see!” Sonic turns the phone to show his bag sitting on the twin-sized bed by the window, “I’ll sleep there! And Shadow will be sleeping here.” He then turns the phone to show Shadow sitting on the bed beside him.

Shadow gives a small wave with a quiet “hello”.

Maddie is about to argue with Sonic some more on these sleeping arrangements.. But then she sees Shadow and her heart instantly melts.

“Aw honey, you look so frazzled. You doing okay?? They treat you well??” “We’ve only met the butler,” Sonic explains, scooting closer to Shadow so the phone can now see both of them in the frame, “But he was super chill.” “Mhm,” Shadow nods, looking a bit sick still.

“So you haven’t met the mystery sis yet??” “Nuh uh,” Sonic answers, Shadow shaking his head in response.

“Why didn’t she greet you two?? Ain’t she the host??” Maddie frowns, seeming a bit off put by the woman who invited them not having the common courtesy to welcome them.

“She was in a meeting apparently,” Sonic shrugs. “She planned this meeting for when you two were suppose to be arriving??” “Well.. most people don’t arrive exactly on time, in her defense,” Sonic smirks, elbowing Shadow a bit playfully to which the hybrid just huffs and shrugs his shoulders.

“Don’t be so defensive, Maddie, you’re gonna freak the guy out,” Tom adds, entering the frame beside Maddie. He waves at the two with a little grin, “Hey guys.” “Hi, Dad!” “Hello, Mr. Wachowski.” “I’m not trying to freak him out, I just–.. It’s weird is all I’m saying. But I don’t know anything about the woman, so what do I know,” Maddie shrugs, putting on a smile for Shadow.

“Maybe it all boils down to a different lifestyle and culture,” Tom shrugs, “Butlers answering doors ain’t so uncommon in some countries.” “Yeah, dude. Don’t look too much into it,” Sonic agrees with a reassuring smile, “And if her butler is being honest, then she’ll be super pumped when she realizes you’re here.”

Giving a small hum at this, Shadow just shrugs his shoulders and looks at the floor again. Sonic sighs at this, looking at Tom and Maddie on the phone screen before offering a sideways smile, “Anyway- we just wanted to call and let you guys know we got settled in. Think we’re suppose to have dinner soon.” “Thank you for calling, sweetie. Please call again before you go to bed! Wanna say goodnight. And your brothers will wanna talk to you.” “Can do,” Sonic winks with a grin, “Love you guys.” “Love you too, kiddo!” “And we love you too, Shadow!” Shadow smiles a bit at that, looking at the screen again and showing his slightly lifted spirits at the sentiment. Love is a hard emotion for Shadow. Sonic doesn’t think he’s ever heard Shadow even say the word ‘love’ when referring to himself. But they all know that he loves them too, even if it’s difficult to voice. 

“Later!” “Bye, boys!!” Sonic hangs up.

Tossing his phone on the bed behind him, Sonic turns his attention back towards Shadow and moves to lean his head on his shoulder and lightly nuzzle against him. Shadow just sighs and returns the gesture, seeking comfort and hoping to ease the pounding in his heart and the nausea in his throat some. 

“We ain’t gotta sit in here,” Sonic offers, “We could go look around? I saw a garden outside, maybe we can go walk it and get your mind off of just sitting here brooding.” “I don’t brood,” Shadow huffs. “Right, right, Hot Topic, you’re definitely don’t brood.” 

Sonic smiles a bit and pulls back to look at Shadow, “Seriously, though. If you just sit here in your head, it’ll just seem worse than it is. Nothing bad has happened. Everything has gone super smoothly so far. There’s no reason to let your head scare you–”

He’s interrupted by the sound of thumping outside, resembling footsteps sprinting down the hall towards their door.

“He’s here!? He’s really here!?”

Sonic and Shadow exchange looks at the voice. It certainly doesn’t belong to a 54 year old. 

“Which door, Mr. Tanaka, which one!?”

The steps stop right outside their door.

“This one???”

They can hear the mumbled voice of the butler further down the hall.

And then there’s knocking on the door.

Shadow’s heart leaps right up into his throat, Sonic’s eyes widening a bit as he looks at the door and then Shadow. “...Are you gonna answer??” Shadow doesn’t move. He doesn’t budge from his spot on the bed, frozen there with wide eyes and his lips parted with slightly panicked breaths.

“Okay, okay, calm down,” Sonic hushes gently, rubbing through Shadow’s quills, “Just breathe.. I’ll tell them you’re resting or something..”

Shadow nods. Nothing more.

Sonic swallows and pushes himself off the bed, walking to the door and reaching for the knob.

There’s a few more knocks just before he opens the door.

Sonic’s eyes go huge at who he finds on the other side..

“Oh! Sorry,” the little girl smiles sheepishly, “I wasn’t sure you heard the first time..” She looks Sonic up and down a bit curiously, only a foot taller than him at most.. Her head tilts, her brow quirking, “...You’re quite bluer than I imagined..”

Sonic can’t answer. He can’t find his voice.

He’s only seen Maria in pictures or old found footage from the ARK..

He stares at the little girl, his brows knitting up tight and distress slowly growing inside him despite it being dampened by the pure shock.

“...I’m..,” Sonic eventually manages, voice coming out weak and quiet, tight from the lump in his throat, “..not Shadow..”

“Oh,” she blinks, her head tilting again with a little giggle, blonde hair falling over her shoulder at the motion, “that makes more sense. Then who exactly are you??” Sonic tries to answer again, but once more, he finds himself not able. His brain isn’t working anymore. All it can do is play the same thought on repeat.

‘You’re dead. You’re supposed to be dead. How are you here???

Maria Robotnik..’

[theocddiaries]

[Tom cautiously patrols the area, blaster ready. He glances to his left at the sound of rustling bushes. He tiptoes over, pushes the leaves aside, and finds Knuckles and Wade watching a movie on Wade’s phone.] Wade: Hey Tom, wanna join? Tom: What are you doing?? Knuckles: Donut Lord, before you rightfully ashame me for my actions, you should know I was eliminated a while ago. Tom: Oh… and how? Like this? [Tom swiftly turns around and eliminates Rouge, who was silently descending behind him. She drops to the asphalt in defeat.] Tom: You’re in my town, bat. [Tom’s vest lights up, and he freezes in shock. Shadow appears out of nowhere, sprinting toward his next target.] Knuckles: Run, hedgehog, run! Rouge: Get him, Shadow! [Sonic is perched in a tree, pressing his vest against the trunk for protection. His ears twitch at every sound. His attention shifts downward when he sees a chili dog approaching the tree on a remote-controlled car.] Sonic: Oooh, dibs--Wait a sec! This is real life, not a dream. Something smells fishy… tasty but fishy. [Back at the Mean Bean, Robotnik is spying on Sonic while piloting the remote car.] Amy: That’s cheating! Robotnik: All’s fair in war, hedgehog! Besides, nobody said we couldn’t bribe with food! Maddie: You scoundrel… Sonic, if you come down from that tree, you’re grounded—three months, no console! [The remote car starts circling the tree.] Sonic: Eggman, cut it out! I’m not coming down no matter how many laps you do! [to himself]: Oh man, please let the battery die; he loaded it with extra chili, that jerk… [A drop of water falls onto his nose. Sonic sniffs and rubs it, glancing upward to check the sky.] Sonic: Is it raining?? Robotnik [through loudspeakers]: For you, it is. [An Eggbot emerges through the branches, relentlessly spraying Sonic with water. Sonic swats at it.] Knuckles: That’s cheating! You know Sonic’s hydrophobic! Rouge: So what?! He’s only up there because Shadow’s scared of heights! Nobody said anything about exploiting weaknesses! [Sonic loses his grip and falls. Shadow runs, catches him, gently sets him down, and hands him a towel.] Shadow: You okay? Sonic: Yeah, yeah… Thanks. [takes the towel] Shadow: Good. [eliminates him] [Sonic groans. Robotnik, Stone, and Rouge cheer and run to hug Shadow.] Robotnik: CHAAAAAMPIOOOONS, WE ARE THE CHAAAAAMPIOOOONS!!! Knuckles: Worry not, family, I’ve got the solution. I read in a book that rats follow flute music. Dang it, we don’t have one. Well, they can’t be that smart. Maybe I can fool them. [mimics playing a flute, whistling off-key] Shadow: Sonic, we still going to the movies tomorrow? Sonic: Yeah, sure. One thing has nothing to do with the other. Robotnik: Hey, for a little extra cash, I can set up a home theater-- Maddie: Aaaah, shut up! Yeah, you won, but we’re not stepping into your stupid café unless it's open for clients! We’re going to my sister’s place. Tom: Damn it. Maddie: Zip it! Robotnik: Ah, look at the sore loser! Na-na na-na-na! Better start naming those rats, cause you’ll have them even in your soup! Though, well, naming rats is something you’re used to. Tom: Joke’s on you. Our kids already had names by the time we met them. Maddie: Tom, shut up! Stone: And you, Ivo, ease up. No need to rub salt in the wound. Robotnik: Oh yes, there is! Let me bask in this, first time I win, after all! Rouge: Waaaaait a minute… You just beat the Wachowskis at a game and insulted the matriarch… and there hasn’t been a single witty comeback…? Sonic: True. [looks around]: Where’s Tails??? He was playing too! Everyone: … … Robotnik [inhales slowly]: Tell me that fox is pushing up daisies. [stares at his family; they exchange glances and shake their heads]: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! The Wachowskis: YEEEEEEEEEEES! Maddie [dancing]: THE WACHOWSKIS ARE STILL STANDING! Tom: Wait, where is Tails??

Part 1

Part 3