{"id":2237,"date":"2026-10-06T08:46:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T08:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/?p=2237"},"modified":"2026-10-06T08:46:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T08:46:22","slug":"love-and-peace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/?p=2237","title":{"rendered":"Love and Peace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#5e6c88\">[GENERAL] Shadow\/Knuckles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deep underground lay a massive facility used as a base of operations by agents directly under the World Government. The lighting inside was uniformly cold, enough to rob anyone of all sense of day and night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow walked silently through the sterile corridors, all white and gray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only sounds were the low hum of the ventilation system and the distant workings of machinery. Even so, there was a little more lightness in Shadow\u2019s step than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014Shadow himself was still not used to that change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After finishing a mission, he was lightly rotating one arm to loosen up when he rounded a corner and heard the approaching click of heels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, look who it is. Been a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A light voice effortlessly transformed the gray atmosphere around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge stood there with her usual easy smile, dressed in a tight-fitting suit cut daringly low at the chest, an information terminal in one hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRouge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow stopped and raised his chin slightly as he looked at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her casual question carried the faintest trace of concern, and Shadow knew it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAbout the same as you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow was mildly surprised by how much softer his own voice sounded than he had expected. Rouge blinked once, then the corner of her mouth lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI see. Then I don\u2019t have to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She gave him a quick wink and walked past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The click of her heels began to recede\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, after only a few steps, it stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;Hey, Shadow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the voice behind him, Shadow stopped and turned around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou seem awfully relaxed. Something change?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her emerald eyes held equal parts amusement and curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>A change of heart&#8230;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow lowered his eyes for only a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The last time he had seen Rouge was before everything that had happened with Knuckles\u2014back when he had given none of the emotions inside him so much as a name, or even a shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He thought back to the person he had been then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He had believed in nothing. Wanted no one. Orders and missions had been the only things barely keeping him tethered to this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sterile corridor suddenly seemed strangely cold. A faint chill ran across his back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Compared to who I was then&#8230; perhaps I really am standing somewhere very different now.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What came to mind was a floating island far above the clouds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A red Echidna standing proudly with his arms folded before a great Emerald.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every time Shadow remembered him, something deep inside his chest grew faintly warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8230;But.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of that should have had anything to do with the woman standing before him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow composed his expression and gave a small shrug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGet caught up in enough trouble, and eventually your nerves go numb. You end up like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should know that as well as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh? I\u2019ve always been like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge laughed and rested a finger against her chin, looking thoughtful for just a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But she did not press him any further. Instead, she gave a small wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, all right. I won\u2019t pry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not for now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With that, she finally walked away for real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her back disappeared around the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow remained where he was for a while, waiting for the beating of his heart to settle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Relaxed, huh&#8230; If that\u2019s how I look, then perhaps I am.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compared to who he had once been, he certainly had changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And Shadow knew very well now who stood at the center of that change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But he still had no intention of speaking that name\u2014or the feelings attached to it\u2014in front of anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the break before his next mission, Shadow was in the refresh room on the second basement level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">White walls. A cheap sofa. A vending machine in one corner, along with a small kitchenette. It was a bland little room, but good enough for clearing his head between missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow took a single sip from the paper cup of water in his hand, then lowered his gaze to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The history of the Echidna tribe&#8230; the Master Emerald&#8230; and then\u2014his duty.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything inevitably connected in his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The island Knuckles protected. Knuckles\u2019 feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I want to know more.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If he was going to stand by Knuckles\u2019 side, then at the very least, he wanted to understand the weight of what Knuckles carried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As those thoughts drifted through his mind\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The click of heels and the sweet scent of perfume entered the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMind if I join you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was Rouge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She was carrying two cups of hot coffee. Without waiting for an answer, she placed one of them in front of Shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMaybe I should take a guess after all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;At what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aroma rising from the cup eased some of the tension from Shadow\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge took a seat and crossed her legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She sat deliberately near the edge of the chair rather than settling deep into it. She knew perfectly well how to sit in a way that made the elegant lines of her legs look even longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou made a friend you really click with. Or maybe&#8230; a lover?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow\u2019s fingers froze above the cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge was peering into his face with an amused smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThought so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She raised her own cup to her lips. Her red lipstick left a faint mark along the rim of the paper cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cConsider this coffee a little parting gift. Welcome to the world of \u2018love and peace.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLove&#8230; and peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow gave a small laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was not an attempt to evade the subject, but a wry laugh that came very close to expressing how he truly felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLove&#8230; If you put it simply, then perhaps that is what it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But peace? I\u2019m not so sure about that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge rested an elbow on the table and propped her cheek against one hand, watching Shadow with interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf there is something in your heart you want to protect, then you need to be prepared for what comes with it. That is a long way from peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow continued, choosing his words carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt was probably easier when I could keep my heart closed to everything in front of me. But&#8230; I have no desire to go back to who I was then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow already knew what it felt like now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The relief of knowing someone was safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way his breath caught at someone else\u2019s suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge narrowed her eyes slightly, as though imagining something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIs protecting it really that difficult for you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt probably will be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow admitted it without hesitation. He traced the rim of the cup with one finger and lowered his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEven so, I will accomplish it. I\u2019ve already decided that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;But?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At her gentle prompting, the corner of Shadow\u2019s mouth twisted slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;But I don\u2019t know whether he actually wants that from me. Perhaps I\u2019m only interfering where I\u2019m not wanted. Sometimes I wonder if I\u2019m the troublesome one disturbing the peace around him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;He?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At that single word, something flickered faintly in Rouge\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She quietly drew in a breath, let it out, and looked directly at Shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat you\u2019re carrying&#8230; is it friendship? Or something more?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her question was gentle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not an interrogation. More like a confirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow gave the slightest shrug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don\u2019t know. What should I call this feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge gave a small smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was a little different from the teasing smile she had worn before\u2014somehow gentler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf it doesn\u2019t have a name yet, that\u2019s fine too. Just take care of it and let it grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;Is that how it works?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s how it works.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She finished her coffee and stood up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI should get going. I\u2019ve got another briefing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly made a small sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, right. I completely forgot I left that red Echidna locked up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those words were more than enough to wipe every thought from Shadow\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c\u2014!!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coffee he had just brought to his mouth came spraying right back out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cW-whoa!?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge jumped back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow coughed violently, his eyes wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou\u2014captured Knuckles?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All attempts at discretion or euphemism vanished. The words came out raw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat are you planning? If you intend to drag him into something strange\u2014I won\u2019t allow it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge stared at him, then hurriedly waved both hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHey, hey, calm down! He\u2019s fine. Nobody captured anyone!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow\u2019s shoulders were heaving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge and Knuckles had a long history between them over the Master Emerald.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recently, they had reconciled and moved beyond the old roles of jewel thief and Guardian, forming a strangely comfortable friendship\u2014or at least, that was what Shadow had thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I let my guard down because I thought they\u2019d completely made peace.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Knuckles had gotten dragged into some new mess while Shadow was occupied with missions\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge knitted her brows, looking a little troubled as she tried to explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou were involved too, remember? There were a few things I wanted to ask him about what happened with Regina, so I invited him here and left him waiting in one of the reception rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cA reception room&#8230;?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI gave him tea and cookies and sat him down on a nice, soft sofa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So yes, he\u2019s stuck in there, but I\u2019m certainly not making him suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It had probably been meant as a joke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow did not find it funny in the slightest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI just happened to double-book myself with another assignment. And now I\u2019ve got to head right back over there in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge had barely finished speaking when something seemed to snap inside Shadow\u2019s head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge studied Shadow\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her intelligent emerald eyes missed none of his agitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo&#8230; you\u2019re Knuckles\u2019 knight, then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The words struck precisely where it hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a moment, Shadow\u2019s mind went completely blank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>A knight&#8230;? Me?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow had deliberately avoided putting a name to the person at the center of his heart. It had been his way of keeping himself composed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As long as he referred to him only as \u201che,\u201d it was easier to deceive himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But now, Rouge had clearly spoken the red Echidna\u2019s name aloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was no hiding it anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow could feel the heat rushing to his face. Even the tips of his ears began to burn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>She found out. &#8230;She knows everything.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, in the very next moment, the blood drained from his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Rouge is going to tease me. No\u2014more importantly&#8230; what if this causes trouble for Knuckles?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Rouge knew about this, and if she told Knuckles\u2014or worse, teased him about it\u2014how would Knuckles feel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow could let these feelings grow as much as they wanted inside his own heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the one thing he did not want was to do anything that might disturb Knuckles\u2019 heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A chill ran down Shadow\u2019s spine. This time, goosebumps spread across his entire back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watching his agitation, Rouge let out a quiet breath and spoke again in a calm voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKnuckles is sitting on a soft sofa with tea and cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her tone was soothing, meant to settle him down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShould I bring him some cake too?&#8230; Sir Knight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only the last two words carried a hint of amusement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow looked up sharply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge continued as though it were nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI told you, he\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That <em>he\u2019s fine<\/em> seemed to carry all kinds of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge might tease from time to time, but she would never do something that would hurt a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That was simply her way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow lowered his head slightly and spoke in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;He likes fruit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFruit?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe likes sweet things well enough. But rather than something intensely sweet with a lot of sugar, he prefers something with a gentler sweetness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strangely specific information slipped out before Shadow could stop himself, and he almost felt exasperated with himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a brief pause, Rouge gave a soft laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOkay. I\u2019ll bring him some nice fruit pastries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;Please do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That was all Shadow could manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge turned on her heel, then looked back from the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShadow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAbout that \u2018love and peace\u2019 thing I mentioned earlier. I\u2019m sure your love will reach him\u2014whatever form it takes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without waiting for an answer, she left the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The door closed, and silence returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow leaned back against his chair and let out a deep breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;Knuckles\u2019 knight. Me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A self-deprecating little laugh escaped him in the empty room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow had known Rouge for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For someone who seemed to spend all her time chasing jewels, she had a surprisingly strong sense of principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>She wouldn\u2019t toy with Knuckles in any way that would truly hurt him.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If anything\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knuckles was sitting on a soft sofa, with tea and cookies, and now fruit pastries on the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even in a sterile underground facility that suited him so poorly, if he was having even a slightly comfortable time, that was enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, Shadow\u2019s own blunder weighed heavily on his shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He had spoken Knuckles\u2019 name aloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u201cthird party\u201d\u2014Rouge\u2014now knew the shape of his feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was no taking that back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow stood and drained the rest of his cup in one swallow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coffee, already beginning to cool, ran down his throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLove and peace, huh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rouge\u2019s words returned to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014<em>Welcome to the world of \u201clove and peace.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>My love&#8230;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The warmth that filled his chest when he thought of someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dangerous feeling that, for that person, he would not hesitate to be hurt or sullied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If the desire to protect someone can be called love, then there is no doubt that Knuckles is the one who awakened it within me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And then\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perhaps all I ever do is disturb his peace.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the Ultimate Life Form, and as an agent, Shadow was always accompanied by the somber shadow of battle and chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The closer he came to Knuckles, the more he risked drawing him into all kinds of danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow remembered that day after rescuing him from Regina\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">the lonely Guardian asleep behind one of the altar\u2019s stone pillars, tormented by nightmares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crying in his sleep, calling out the names of his friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And yet, Knuckles had risen again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He still stood before the Master Emerald with his arms folded, welcoming Shadow with the same smile as always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>You\u2019re not weak. Again and again, you forgive me, accept me&#8230; and wait for me on that island.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Then\u2014what can I give you in return?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What Knuckles wanted was surely a quiet, ordinary life with the Master Emerald and his friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Time as the Guardian on an island above the clouds\u2014quiet and peaceful, with only the capricious wind for conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I want to give that peace back to your heart.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if <em>peace<\/em> was the word furthest removed from Shadow himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beneath the sterile light of the underground facility, Shadow gently closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He remembered the clear wind blowing across Angel Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rustling trees. The stillness of the altar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the red figure standing there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shadow drew in a deep breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then he opened his eyes and began walking toward the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c&#8230;I\u2019ll come see you again. I\u2019ll return to your island\u2014to protect your peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The words, meant for no one but himself, dissolved into the quiet air of the underground facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div style=\"--wp--block-button--width: 100;\" class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/?page_id=2144\" style=\"background-color:#404a6d\">Terra \u2014 Main Story<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[GENERAL] Shadow\/Knuckles Deep underground lay a massive facility used as a base of operations by agents direc [&hellip;]<\/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-2237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237","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=2237"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2239,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237\/revisions\/2239"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-story.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}