{"id":2223,"date":"2026-10-06T07:38:59","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T07:38:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/?p=2223"},"modified":"2026-10-06T07:45:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T07:45:26","slug":"first-jealousy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/?p=2223","title":{"rendered":"First Jealousy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

[MATURE] Shadow\/Knuckles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Content Warnings: Injury \/ Non-Consent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A few days later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, Shadow tore through the blue sky with Chaos Control and appeared above Angel Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emerging from the distortion in space-time, he slowly descended to the island below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKnuckles, how are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, Shadow. Same as always. Nothing to complain about. Sky\u2019s blue, island\u2019s quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles greeted Shadow from atop the altar, his arms folded across his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow sat down in the shade of one of the pillars and, with the wind blowing past him, quietly watched Knuckles\u2019 profile for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Before coming to the island, Shadow had asked his fellow agents to deploy combat drones in the skies around Angel Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had received intelligence that a swarm of drones left behind by Regina\u2014the half-machine woman who had abducted Knuckles\u2014was heading toward Angel Island, and had immediately arranged an interception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When he first received the information, Shadow had started to move, intending to tell Knuckles at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he stopped and reconsidered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wait. Is there really any need to report every little thing to him when it would only make him worry?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow compared the projected strength of the enemy forces with that of his own side once again, activated the simulation system, and ran several combat simulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter how many times he ran them, the result was the same: a 99.99% probability of victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Needless to say, his own forces were projected to win overwhelmingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no need to even report this to him. It would be better to handle it quietly on our end.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a precaution, Shadow designated the planned engagement point some distance away from the island to ensure that Angel Island would not be caught in the fighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He put away his device and, as he prepared to head to Knuckles, thought:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He takes far too much responsibility for everything concerning that island onto himself in the first place. Maybe he thinks his problem is that he\u2019s weak… but he isn\u2019t weak. He\u2019s carrying too much.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having reached that conclusion, Shadow finished the remaining administrative work and promptly traveled to the island using Chaos Control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKnuckles, by the way… what\u2019s the western side of the island like?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s it like…? Well, once you\u2019re through the forest, there are some ruins, a little spring, and then a field of flowers. If you\u2019re curious, want me to show you around?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow rose from where he had been sitting in the shade of the pillar, watching Knuckles, and followed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The drones should be engaging each other over the eastern side of the island soon. Just to be safe, I\u2019ll keep Knuckles on the western side.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Knuckles as his guide, Shadow passed through the forest, looked out over the spring, walked among the ruins, and eventually came to a flower field near the edge of a cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis time of year, these yellow flowers cover the whole place. On a sunny day, it\u2019s perfect for a nap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low yellow flowers bloomed across the entire open field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birdsong rang out beneath the clear blue sky, and a gentle breeze swept through what seemed, in every sense, like a field of flowers in paradise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI see. It\u2019s a magnificent view.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow slowly looked across the flower field from one end to the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When he turned toward the cliff, a red-furred echidna standing at ease amid the vast expanse of yellow flowers entered the center of his vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by vivid yellow blossoms and bathed in brilliant sunlight, Knuckles made Shadow\u2019s eyes soften dreamily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How beautiful he is.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a while, Shadow lost all sense of time as he gazed at Knuckles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then Knuckles looked his way and smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re you spacing out for? Pretty flowers, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo. I know something on this island more beautiful than an entire field of flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth slipped reflexively from Shadow\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The instant he realized what he had said, Shadow startled himself, covered his mouth, and turned away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuh…? Seriously? What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles\u2019 eyes widened with curiosity as he came closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cN-no, I…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow\u2019s heart pounded hard enough to make it feel as though it might leap from his chest, and he swallowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He lowered his gaze, his expression tense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, just as he steeled himself and was about to speak the name\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rapid series of explosions echoed in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles immediately raised his head and glared toward the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow explained in a low voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need for concern. The agents\u2019 drone unit has simply begun hunting down the remnants of Regina\u2019s drones in the skies nearby.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles stared at Shadow without changing his expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he turned on his heel and sprinted at full speed toward the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow followed a short distance behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the time they reached the opposite side of the island, the battle was nearly over. From the cliff, they could see the agents\u2019 drone unit circling in formation as it moved to eliminate the few remaining enemy drones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy…?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles murmured as he stared at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re you doing near my island without telling me anything?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow spoke from behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want to place any unnecessary burden on you. As you can see, the agents\u2019 forces won overwhelmingly on their own. There was no need for either you or me to get involved. And in the first place, you take far too much responsibility for everything concerning this island onto yourself\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t decide that for me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The force of Knuckles\u2019 shout seemed to shake the air around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stormed toward Shadow, each step heavy with anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m the guardian of this island. The island, the Emerald, anyone who comes after either of them\u2014those are all my responsibility in the first place!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know that. That\u2019s exactly why\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen why didn\u2019t you tell me there was gonna be a battle in the skies near the island!? Did you take me to the other side on purpose too? …Because I\u2019m weak? Because you can\u2019t rely on me? Did you think I\u2019d just get kidnapped by drones again and end up pathetically crying my eyes out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sharp pain stabbed deep into Shadow\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo… That\u2019s not it, Knuckles. I would never\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen why\u2019re you sneaking around behind my back and doing whatever you want!?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles\u2019 purple eyes bored straight into Shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow trembled as though a spear had pierced his heart. Unable to move, he barely managed to take half a step back before lowering his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c…I\u2019m sorry. I won\u2019t overstep again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow said nothing more and simply stood there with his head bowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles let out a long sigh, then stomped away toward the altar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a while, Shadow remained where he was, standing in the wind like an empty shell with its soul torn out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The notification on his information terminal sounded, finally bringing him back to his senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He returned to the agents\u2019 facility using Chaos Control, but that night, Shadow could not sleep at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hurt Knuckles deeply.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Central City, later that afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a chili dog shop on the outskirts of the city, Sonic was happily stuffing his face with his favorite chili cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI need your advice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A low voice suddenly came from behind him, and Sonic nearly spat out the cheese in his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cD-don\u2019t do that! …Shadow, I tell you this all the time. If you\u2019re gonna talk to me, come at me from the front. Especially when I\u2019m eating a chili dog…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI said I need your advice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, I heard you! Sheesh! …Still, this is rare. You coming to me for advice? Is it about a mission? Or is the world ending?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic instantly switched gears, joking around as he put the straw of his cola between his lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow sat down in the chair directly across from him and got straight to the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI made a careless decision and hurt Knuckles. I want to know how to resolve it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic stared at Shadow with slightly widened eyes, then popped one of the fries from his meal into his mouth, rested an elbow on the table, and said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it? Just apologize. Tell him you\u2019re sorry and you\u2019ll be more careful next time. Knuckles isn\u2019t the kind of guy who\u2019ll drag something small out forever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is nothing small about this. It concerns his pride.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic tossed the last of his chili cheese into his mouth, thought for a moment, and said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know… what exactly are you to Knuckles?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow silently glared at Sonic. Murderous intent poured without mercy from his sharp red eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic grimaced and reluctantly tried phrasing it another way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you like Knuckles?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2018Like\u2019 is far too vague and abstract an emotion to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow stopped himself, then added with a perfectly straight face:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can say with certainty that I dislike you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, that part came through loud and clear. Thanks. That\u2019s not what I\u2019m asking. Knuckles…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m interested in him. But I don\u2019t want to hurt him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow glanced away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic bit into a fry and watched Shadow\u2019s profile as he spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy\u2019ve you already decided that liking him means you\u2019ll hurt him? You don\u2019t know anything about Knuckles in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still facing away, Shadow shot Sonic a sidelong glare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic leaned back in his chair with a crooked grin, deftly waving the fry between his lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know how he feels standing on that island. You don\u2019t know what he\u2019s been through. You don\u2019t know what he\u2019s trying to carry all by himself. You don\u2019t know a damn thing about him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic noisily sucked down some cola, tossed the rest of his fries into his mouth, and continued with a smug look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c…What I\u2019m saying is, there\u2019s no reason to rush. You and Knuckles can just spend time together, take it slow, get to know each other little by little, and eventually, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked up again with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow was gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chair across from him was already empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMan, you\u2019ve got no patience! And that\u2019s coming from me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic\u2019s irritated shout echoed uselessly through the noisy restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several days passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow all but stopped appearing before Knuckles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles stood before the Master Emerald with his arms folded, turning his head every time he heard a sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the black hedgehog who always carried himself so calmly and looked at him with that gentle gaze was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles sighed and continued standing alone in silence at the top of the altar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A few days later, Sonic invited Knuckles down to Central City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A huge flea market was being held there, and Knuckles had come to look for bargain tools he could use to repair the altar and the ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they wandered leisurely through the market, Knuckles happened to glance toward the outdoor seating of a caf\u00e9 right beside it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A black hedgehog was sitting at one of the tables, speaking intently with a woman Knuckles had never seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles stopped without thinking and watched Shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was something almost feverish in Shadow\u2019s expression as he listened intently to the woman\u2019s explanation. From time to time, he asked a question and entered something into his information terminal. He seemed completely absorbed in what she was saying, without even touching the coffee on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up, Knuckles? What\u2019re you looking at?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic popped his head out from behind Knuckles and spotted Shadow in the direction he was staring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Karana. Didn\u2019t know she and Shadow knew each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho is she? Sonic, you know that woman?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMet her on an adventure a while back. She\u2019s an archaeologist. …Oh, right. She knows a ton about ancient history and culture. Shadow\u2019s probably getting her to teach him about the Echidna tribe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic put his hands behind his head and grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He remembered what he had said to Shadow the other day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t know how he feels standing on that island. You don\u2019t know what he\u2019s been through. You don\u2019t know what he\u2019s trying to carry all by himself. You don\u2019t know a damn thing about him.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe those words had struck Shadow more deeply than Sonic had intended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHah! Shadow\u2019s really going all out, huh? Studying history in a caf\u00e9 in the middle of a gorgeous day like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf he wants to know about Echidnas, he could just ask me…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic blinked and looked at Knuckles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His tail hung straight down, his shoulders slumped, and he looked thoroughly dejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKnuckles. Listen, Shadow might not look it, but when it comes to you, he…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic hurriedly started to explain, then stopped himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow had been thinking seriously about Knuckles in his own way. He had worried over it, failed to find an answer, and eventually come to Sonic for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And now, surely because he wanted to understand Knuckles better, he had sought out an archaeologist and was desperately trying to learn about Echidna history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wouldn\u2019t feel right for me to butt in and put Shadow\u2019s feelings into words for him.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic folded his arms and hummed thoughtfully for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then his face suddenly brightened. He threw an arm around Knuckles\u2019 shoulders and whispered into his ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, Knuckles. Forget about Shadow for now and come have some fun with me. Let\u2019s go all out!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sonic grabbed Knuckles by the arm and, half dragging him along, brought him to a small amusement park tucked away in a corner of Central City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis place is small, but it\u2019s got a pretty good variety of stuff to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic bought two all-day passes, then pulled out his information terminal and sent someone a message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a sly grin, he grabbed Knuckles again and dashed toward the rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shoved Knuckles into the passenger seat of a bright blue go-kart and took off at full throttle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWoo-hoo! Check out these sweet driving skills!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic worked the wheel with gleeful enthusiasm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles gave him an exasperated look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the point of this toy car? You\u2019d be faster just running yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic let out a short breath and smirked. Then, deliberately, he yanked the wheel hard and rammed the kart into the low barrier along the side of the track, jolting the whole vehicle just to rile Knuckles up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhoa! What the hell\u2019re you doing?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease be advised of sudden bumps! If you\u2019re scared, you can hang on to me, Knuckles, sweetie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t screw with me! That\u2019s it, gimme the wheel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, idiot! You\u2019ll break it! You\u2019ll break it with that grip of yours!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way or another, the two of them ended up laughing their heads off as they raced around the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as they entered their third lap, Sonic glanced sideways at something, then gave a casual whistle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing. C\u2019mon, let\u2019s hit the next place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic got Knuckles out of the go-kart and led him over to the ball pit, an enclosed netted space packed with colorful plastic balls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He gave Knuckles a light shove into the pit, then launched himself headfirst into the sea of balls after him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah! If we played baseball in here, you could rack up hits with your eyes closed!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is this, some kiddie playground?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHere, try and hit this one back! My ultimate breaking ball\u2014\u2018A Whole Lotta Balls!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou just threw a bunch of balls at me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laughing and carrying on, they pelted each other with balls and dove into the pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles lost his footing on the balls, toppled over, and burst out laughing by himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic glanced behind him, grinned, then gently put his arms around Knuckles and helped him sit back up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll right, you\u2019re good, Knuckles. Whenever you take a tumble, I\u2019ll always be right here to pick you back up…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKnock it off. What\u2019s with you all of a sudden? Creepy. C\u2019mon, let\u2019s get outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles gave Sonic a light shove and headed for the exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a split second, he thought he saw something black move near the way out, and rubbed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHm…?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic gave an awkward smile, put an arm around Knuckles\u2019 shoulders, and steered him toward the exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you thought you saw something, it was probably just your imagination. Anyway, teacups next.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic got Knuckles into one of the teacups and reached for the wheel in the center, ready to spin it as hard as he could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles immediately shoved Sonic aside and cranked the wheel at full force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAaaaaagh! That\u2019s way too faaaaaast!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWahahaha! How\u2019s that, Sonic? Now you know what I can really do!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles roared with laughter as he spun the wheel with all his strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before long, though, his eyes began to lose focus, and he collapsed hard against the back of the spinning cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUgh… ngh… gonna be sick…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou overdid it, seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic spun the wheel in the opposite direction, somehow managing to slow the cup down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou okay? Just lean back and take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUgh… damn it… I\u2019m not gonna lose…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you even fighting against?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic gave a wry smile and helped the groaning, frustrated Knuckles recline on his back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he glanced around and sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMan… Guess I\u2019ve gotta really push it, or I\u2019m just gonna leave him hanging.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic looked at Knuckles and placed a hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, Knuckles. We\u2019re pretty close, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuh? How should I know when you spring that on me outta nowhere…?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI mean… like this!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic leaned forward and planted a big kiss on Knuckles\u2019 cheek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles stared at him, mouth hanging open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he touched his cheek, and just as he was about to say something\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sudden gust tore through the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the impact of a shock wave, Sonic was blasted sideways and went tumbling across the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSonic?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The instant Knuckles shouted, a black hedgehog dropped neatly onto the broad platform where the teacups were spinning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSh… Sha… Shadow?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow was breathing hard, his shoulders heaving as he glared murderously at Sonic, who lay sprawled where he had been sent flying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cH… how dare you… touch your lips so casually… to his cheek…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a moment, Knuckles could not understand what Shadow meant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stared at him, forgetting to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he finally snapped back to himself, leaned forward, and shouted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShadow! C-calm down! Why the hell are you the one getting mad?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow shot Knuckles a sharp glare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou should be angrier with Sonic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWha\u2014 I-I don\u2019t really… Wait, why are you even here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The question brought Shadow rapidly back to his senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then all the color drained from his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cN-no… I-it\u2019s not what you think. I… You\u2019ve got the wrong idea. I wasn\u2019t following you. I just happened to be walking nearby…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNearby…? Shadow, this is an amusement park. Did you buy a ticket and come here for a walk all by yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles tilted his head and asked the question in complete innocence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still deathly pale, Shadow finally bolted from the scene like a gust of wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh… w-wait, Shadow…!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as the teacup stopped spinning, Knuckles hurried out of the ride and ran after him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, Sonic was the one who had lured Shadow there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The moment they arrived at the amusement park, Sonic had sent a message to Shadow\u2019s information terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m about to go on a date with Knuckles at the little amusement park north of Central City. You\u2019ll just get in the way, so don\u2019t you dare come!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Knuckles could catch up to Shadow, Sonic sprang back to his feet, raced past him, and launched himself at Shadow\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuit running away! You didn\u2019t like what I did, right? Then try getting close to Knuckles your own way!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic hoisted Shadow up and ran back toward Knuckles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrying Shadow under his right arm and pulling Knuckles along with his left hand, he charged straight into the line for the Ferris wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou three there, please board the next gondola.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the attendant had even finished the drawn-out announcement, Sonic shoved the other two into the gondola, hopped in after them, and quickly shut the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOff we go!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Sonic\u2019s cheerful call, the gondola carrying the three of them steadily climbed higher and higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a while, Sonic gazed casually out at the scenery. Then he glanced at the two of them, neither of whom had said a word, scratched his head, and spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, Shadow. We\u2019re on a Ferris wheel date here. Okay, so I\u2019m tagging along too. Say something smooth or whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of Shadow, who sat in silence with his fists clenched on his knees, Knuckles complained irritably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat date? You\u2019re the one who shoved us in here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAw, c\u2019mon, Knuckles. Didn\u2019t you have something you wanted to say to Shadow a little while ago?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic\u2019s prodding left Knuckles at a loss for words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, as though gathering his courage, Knuckles faced forward and began speaking to Shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShadow. Were you looking into the Echidna tribe or something? I saw you talking to that woman at the caf\u00e9. …Why didn\u2019t you just ask me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow\u2019s head snapped up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTh-that was… well… I realized I don\u2019t know anything about where you come from, or the history of your people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His gaze wandered as he continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI realized it really was disrespectful of me to give you my opinions when I knew nothing about any of that. So I thought that, at the very least, I should try to learn something about you. I asked an expert in ancient cultures to tell me about the Echidna tribe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles leaned toward Shadow with a scowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAsk me. Directly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cR-right. Yes… you\u2019re right. I\u2019m sorry…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles gave a small huff and leaned back against his seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine if you don\u2019t know stuff. I don\u2019t know everything about you either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow hunched his shoulders and lowered his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles shifted uneasily and scratched his cheek as he spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou stopped coming to the island after I got mad at you the other day. Then today, I saw you completely wrapped up in listening to that archaeologist woman talk about the Echidna tribe, and… well… I thought maybe you didn\u2019t need me anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true…!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut you wanted to hear it from her instead of me, right? Doesn\u2019t that mean you don\u2019t need me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got it all wrong! Do you have any idea how much time I\u2019ve spent in remorse and atonement, just so I could bring myself to return to that island and see you again?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA-atonement…?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles looked utterly bewildered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unable to hold back any longer, Sonic cut in from the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo basically, you both wanna make up, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow and Knuckles looked at each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, awkwardly, they both turned their eyes away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll right, you two. I\u2019ll turn around and close my eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic turned toward the window and covered his face with both hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles kicked him in the rear, sending him face-first into the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat the hell was that for, you blockhead?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what the hell you\u2019re getting at, but I know you were making fun of me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMan, my sincerity just doesn\u2019t get through to you! It was just encouragement, congratulations, and a little provocation!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo you were making fun of me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the end, Sonic and Knuckles kept bickering noisily until the gondola reached the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeing Knuckles looking so lively again, Shadow quietly breathed a sigh of relief without letting either of them notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three of them stepped off the Ferris wheel and headed straight for the amusement park exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After stretching, Sonic turned toward the other two with a grin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, Knuckles, Shadow. Next time, let\u2019s come back and actually hang out\u2014all three of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf I feel like it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf Knuckles wants to go, I\u2019ll consider it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonic casually raised one hand in farewell, then took off running into the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take you back to the island with Chaos Control.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah… sorry to trouble you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The setting sun shone against their backs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles turned around and stopped to watch the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow\u2019s eyes narrowed as he looked at Knuckles\u2019 fur glowing gold in the evening light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then his gaze shifted to Knuckles\u2019 cheek, and he remembered what Sonic had done only moments before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How dare he… so casually… put his lips to his cheek…<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On impulse, Shadow grabbed Knuckles by the arm and pulled him close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKnuckles…!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuh…? Wha…?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow took Knuckles\u2019 face in both hands and pulled him in until their faces were nearly touching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their faces drew closer, until their lips were only a breath apart\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Shadow suddenly shoved Knuckles away with all his strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGuegh!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles went tumbling across the ground, slammed into a wall, and dropped into the gutter at the side of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cK-Knuckles…! I\u2019m sorry. Are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow rushed over in a panic, helped Knuckles up, and hurriedly checked him for injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cY-yeah… Was there something on my face or something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles scrubbed at his face with both hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow stammered out an excuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh… n-no. It was nothing. Your fur was glowing in the sunset, so…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knuckles gave a small huff and, as though nothing had happened, placed a hand on Shadow\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow desperately maintained a poker face and used Chaos Control to take them back to Angel Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want to protect him. I don\u2019t want to hurt him. …But that isn\u2019t enough. I want more…<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After seeing Knuckles safely back to the island, Shadow returned alone to the agents\u2019 facility operated by the world government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remembering Knuckles\u2019 fur glowing in the sunset, he made a quiet vow to himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next time I see him, I\u2019ll try to face him honestly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Terra \u2014 Main Story<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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[MATURE] Shadow\/Knuckles Content Warnings: Injury \/ Non-Consent A few days later. Once again, Shadow tore thro […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2223","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2223","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2223"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2223\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2238,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2223\/revisions\/2238"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2223"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2223"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2223"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}