From Shattered to Mende

Chapter 1

Sonic's eyes flutter open, finding himself once again within the confines of the cave. A peculiar stillness hangs in the air, as if time itself has frozen. His elation surges as he observes his friends frozen in time around him. A desire to move, to embrace those he holds dear, wells up within him, yet his body betrays him, weakened and fatigued.

As the world begins to stir back to life, Sonic catches fragments of familiar voices, with Tails uttering something he can't quite grasp. Attempting to move, Sonic falters, collapsing to the ground in exhaustion. The sound of hurried footsteps draws near, someone checking on him, but in his dazed state, he struggles to identify the caring presence.

Suddenly, Shadow emerges into Sonic's blurry field of vision. The enigmatic figure appears shattered, cradling Sonic and engaged in a conversation with an unseen entity. Sonic musters a feeble attempt at a smile, acknowledging the success of their mission – Green Hill is restored. However, the effort proves too much, and Sonic groans before succumbing to unconsciousness.

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Tails gazes down at the unconscious Sonic, a palpable confusion etched across his face. Sonic's sudden lapse into unconsciousness bewilders him, prompting a concerned glance toward Shadow, who cradles Sonic with an air of impending sorrow.

"Shadow?" Tails queries, seeking answers in the eyes of the stoic hedgehog. Shadow remains silent, his gaze shifting between Tails and the Paradox Prism, ensnared in the rocky clutches Eggman feverishly attempts to extract. Meanwhile, Rouge, Knuckles, and Amy valiantly battle the encroaching badniks.

In a moment of decisive action, Shadow turns to Tails, instructing him with a terse yet commanding tone, "Stay here with him." Tails, though perplexed, complies, settling down as Sonic's head rests on his lap. Shadow, resolute, darts toward the Paradox Prism.

As the chaos unfolds, Shadow extracts a Chaos Emerald from his quill, a meaningful look directed at Tails. "I will be back," he declares before invoking the power of chaos control, whisking away with the Prism in tow. Eggman's enraged scream echoes, leaving Tails alone with the unconscious Sonic.

After a brief interlude, Shadow returns, carefully cradling Sonic in his arms. A tide of questions surges from the others, but Shadow's focus remains fixed on Sonic's well-being. As his gaze settles on the hedgehog in his arms, an alarming realization grips him.

Shadow's eyes widen in shock – Sonic has turned gray, mirroring a previous ominous transformation. Panic seizes Shadow as the others bombard him with inquiries. "No... No..." he utters, his voice laced with distress.

Rouge approaches Shadow with a discerning gaze, sensing the weight of fatigue and worry that burdens him. "Shadow, hun. What is going on?" she inquires, her concern palpable.

Shadow meets her eyes, a mixture of weariness and apprehension reflecting in his own. "F...follow me," he stammers, his attention returning to the unconscious Sonic in his arms.

As Tails exchanges glances with Amy and Knuckles, their shared worry evident, they exit the cave with Shadow leading the way. The cool breeze outside does little to quell the tension.

Shadow turns to Tails, issuing a directive, "Fly the Toronto and follow me." Tails nods, and with Amy and Knuckles on board, they board the Toronto. Tails and Amy take their places inside, while Knuckles grips one of the wings, ready for the journey as the aircraft takes flight. The destination unclear, the group follows Shadow, hoping for answers to the mystery shrouding Sonic's condition.