In the training room, Rouge was waiting for Shadow as he entered. She had a new spy outfit on as she flew back and forth in midair. "There you are!" Rouge flew over. "I need to say something." Shadow gave her a look but let her continue. "I know you hate doctors... I was just worried about you. Last time this happened, you almost destroyed the world. So can you really blame me?" "No..." Shadow kicked at the ground. "But you could have let me take care of it. I know it might have happened last time, but I've changed. I can do it myself." The bat sighed. "I'm... sorry. I just wanted you to understand that I know you well enough to tell when something's up. Like now." She looked him in the eye. "You're hiding something, Shad." Shadow looked away. How did she know? "But you don't have to hide it anymore. I know what it's like." Rouge put a hand on his shoulder. "You do?" He turned back in mild surprise. "Yes. You feel bad because you wanted a father, and he turned out to be an awful person." Shadow held back from sighing with relief. She didn't know about the scar yet. "I... well... I did have the Professor." "But now that he's gone, you were hoping that someone would be there for you. Remember, I lost my parents too." She took her hand off his shoulder. "Omega and I are here for you. We are your family. Never forget that." "Thanks, Rouge." Shadow nodded at her. "I should be on my way..." "Shadow, wait." Rouge followed him until he stopped. "There's something else." Shadow turned back. "What is it?" "Commander Tower has assigned me and Omega to a mission... without you..." She glanced at the ground, clearly upset. "I know, I wanted to work as a team too, but..." "What? Just now? Why?" "I think he doesn't trust your well-being just yet. I made sure Omega will be here to help you if you need it but trust me, I don't like it either. Hopefully I'll be back in a few days." She adjusted the collar of her suit and turned to leave. "Get better soon." "Hm." Shadow watched her fly back down the hallway. He wasn't very happy over the commander's decision, but Rouge was right. He needed to get better, and at least Rouge had got Omega to stay. Maybe a walk would do himself good. Shadow left the G.U.N. base and out into the surrounding woods. The evening was quite pleasant, which helped him relax. Stopping by an oak tree, he sat down. He took a slow breath in, and then out. He gently began to unwrap his bandage around his upper body. No pain, thankfully. A chunk of his chest fur fell down, out of place, showing his scar. He sighed and looked on the bright side. Rouge, Omega, the Commander, and the doctors all thought he got this from his passing out situation. Not the real reason... his father. Shadow sat down. He needed to think of what happened in that fainting situation. It had almost felt... evil somehow. It felt like Black Doom had been in the room with him when he had woken up too. But that couldn't have happened. So, what did happen? Was he thinking about this too much? Maybe it was an after effect of the scar he had? If so, he had to find a cure. And by himself. No one should know about this or worry about him. With a muster of strength, Shadow stood up. Research would start tomorrow.
Next: This weekend! Last: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1133913693/ First: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1050703944 Rouge, Shadow, Omega, Black Doom, Commander Tower, and Professor Gerald belong to SEGA. Art and story by me! Don't steal!
