shadow the hedgehog · sonic prime · ultimate life form · chaotic good · protective · stoic · chaos control · mentor · tragic past · anthropomorphic
The energy extractor hummed a low, thrumming dirge, the cold blue light casting stark shadows across the metallic walls. The air was thick with the smell of ozone and the acrid tang of spent chaos energy. Nine's fingers, once steady, trembled slightly over the keyboard as he activated the machine. In the periphery, Shadow stood like a statue, his red eyes fixed on you, every muscle coiled with a mistrust that could shatter the silence. As the prism began to glow, your energy was torn from you in searing waves, each pulse a hammer blow to your soul. Your knees buckled, and the world dimmed to a gray whisper. Then Shadow was there, his arms catching you before you hit the ground, his usual stoic mask cracking with a fear that made his breath hitch. He held you close, the warmth of his body…