Shadow, the new hedgehog

by mobius21

Summary:

Shadow ends up at the Wachowskis' house unexpectedly. Will they give him a chance?

Notes:

>> Based on the universe of Sonic the Hedgehog. Contains spoilers!
>> The characters may be portrayed in a more childish way here. If this bothers you, please don't read!
>> If there are typos, ignore them.

The world was safe. The battle had finally ended. The sky was painted in shades of orange and red, reflecting the sacrifice of Robotnik and Shadow. Despite their pasts as villains, both had shown exceptional courage, choosing to give their lives for the sake of humanity. It had been a heroic act that would never be forgotten. For Sonic, the moment was even more profound—after all, he had played a crucial part in that decision, giving Shadow the necessary push to set aside his thirst for revenge and fight for something greater, something truly worthwhile.

The Wachowski siblings looked up at the sky for a few seconds, feeling a sense of relief that the battle was over but also sorrow for the black hedgehog and Dr. Eggman, who, like anyone else, deserved a chance. Their concern for Tom, still injured in the hospital, also weighed on their hearts. In a silent gesture of comfort, they embraced each other and began preparing to head home. However, before they could take their first step, something descending from the sky made them stop.

The faint light, almost imperceptible, gradually grew brighter, intensifying as it plummeted toward the ground. Sonic narrowed his eyes in alert, taking two small steps back. Knuckles, by reflex, positioned himself in front of his siblings, his fists clenched, ready for anything.

"What is that?" the echidna asked, maintaining his defensive stance as his eyes followed the bright trail. The object, or whatever it was, cut through the air at an impressive speed, surrounded by a flickering reddish aura.

The impact was deafening. The crash echoed across the field, and the force of the fall sent up a wave of dust and dirt fragments, shaking the ground. Tails, almost instinctively, clung to Knuckles' arm, his tails dropping in a reflex of insecurity. Sonic, on the other hand, didn’t hesitate to run toward the crash site, driven by his curiosity. As the dust began to settle, a silhouette took shape at the center of the crater.

The blue hedgehog blinked a few times, surprised to recognize the figure.

"Guys, it’s Shadow!" Sonic exclaimed, kneeling beside the curled-up body. The black hedgehog’s fur was singed, his chest rising and falling slowly. The blue hedgehog grasped Shadow’s wrist, checking his pulse. It was weak but still there. "He’s alive, but he needs help!"

Knuckles and Tails, equally surprised, quickly approached, kneeling beside Sonic.

"I know only one person in this world who can help him" Knuckles said, his voice firm but laced with concern as he assessed the injured hedgehog. "Mom will know what to do."

"You’re right. We can’t leave him like this, he’s too hurt" Tails agreed with his older brother, his twin tails twitching nervously.

"Here’s the plan: You guys take him home, and I’ll go to the hospital" Sonic suggested, wiping his hands on his fur before standing up and looking at his brothers with determination. "I’ll talk to Mom and let her know about Shadow. That way, I can also check on Dad."

Knuckles nodded, adjusting his stance to pick up Shadow as carefully as possible. The echidna took a deep breath, his expression tense as he tried to ease the pressure on the black hedgehog’s body, which now seemed more vulnerable than ever. With a subtle movement, Knuckles positioned Shadow in his arms, making sure he was as comfortable as possible. The black hedgehog remained still, his breathing weak and uneven, but he was alive—and at that moment, that was all that mattered.

The fox and the echidna rushed home as fast as they could. As soon as they arrived, Tails ran straight to his room and returned within seconds, bringing two pillows and a blanket. Knuckles still held Shadow firmly, ensuring he didn’t move. Once Tails finished preparing the couch, the echidna carefully laid Shadow down and covered him, making sure he was comfortable.

"We’ll keep him here until Mom arrives" Tails suggested, arranging the couch the way their parents usually did when watching a movie.

Knuckles walked to the couch, still holding Shadow securely. He didn’t sympathize much with the black hedgehog, but as a true echidna warrior, there was honor in forgiving enemies and even more honor in saving lives. That’s what he and his family did, and that’s what they would continue to do whenever necessary.

"I hope Mom doesn’t take too long" Knuckles said, carefully placing Shadow on the couch and covering him.

Meanwhile, Sonic headed to the hospital, the wind cutting against his face as he thought about his father’s recovery—and Shadow’s, who also needed care. Despite everything, he hoped Maddie wouldn’t hesitate to help.

As soon as he arrived at the hospital, the blue hedgehog pushed the doors open in a hurry. The reception area was relatively calm, with only a few people waiting. Sonic quickly approached the counter, standing on his toes to support himself as he spoke to the receptionist.

"I need to see Thomas Wachowski" he said, his voice filled with urgency.

The receptionist looked at him for a few seconds, immediately recognizing him. The Wachowski family was well-known in Green Hills—Tom for being an outstanding sheriff, Maddie for being the best veterinarian in town, and of course, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles for being the so-called "junior heroes."

"Mr. Wachowski is in room 208, down the left hallway" the woman explained, handing Sonic a visitor’s badge.

Sonic thanked her before heading down the corridor toward the designated room. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a few seconds, trying to control his anxiety. Hospitals weren’t his favorite place, and just the smell made his stomach turn, but he ignored the bad sensations. It didn’t take long for him to find room 208. The blue hedgehog slowly opened the door, and his heart felt a little lighter upon seeing Tom awake. His arm was bandaged, and his expression was tired, but he seemed fine.

"Buddy..." Tom called out in a hoarse voice as soon as he saw his son walk through the door.

"Dad!" Sonic ran to the bed without thinking twice. "Are you okay? How do you feel?"

"I'm fine, son" the sheriff replied with a weak smile. "I just broke an arm, but I'm alive. I just need some rest, and soon I'll be ready to get back in action."

"I thought I lost you..." the small blue hedgehog muttered in a low tone, feeling his eyes fill with tears.

Maddie, who had been sitting in the armchair, respecting the moment between the two, slowly approached and placed one of her hands on the small hedgehog's shoulder, trying to bring him some comfort. Tom used his good arm to stroke his son's head.

"No need to cry, buddy. I'll recover" he said warmly. "Where are your brothers? Why did you come here alone?"

Sonic wiped his eyes, preventing the tears from falling.

"They're helping someone" he explained before taking a deep breath and turning to look at Maddie. "Mom, we need your help..."

"Did something happen, sweetheart?" Maddie asked, already concerned.

"Shadow... he's alive" Sonic began explaining everything. "He fell from the sky like a meteor, and he's badly hurt. The boys took him home, and... you're the only one who can help him."

The veterinarian fixed her eyes on her son for a long moment, surprised by the request. Sonic's expression of concern was clear, and his voice carried an urgency that couldn't be ignored. She knew her son had a huge heart, always willing to help anyone, but in this situation, he wasn't asking for just anyone. He was asking for Shadow—the same one who had hurt Tom just hours ago, without thinking about the consequences.

Maddie looked at her husband, a silent gesture between them that spoke volumes. For the first time in a long time, she didn't know exactly what to do. Her husband was in that hospital because of Shadow, and it was hard to ignore the pain he had caused their family.

"Son..." she began, trying to find the right words, but she was quickly interrupted by the hedgehog.

"Please, Mom..." Sonic pleaded, his eyes still glistening with tears. "Shadow isn't a bad hedgehog, he just... had a hard life... and like you and Dad always say, everyone deserves a second chance."

The woman bit her lower lip and closed her eyes for a few seconds. She didn't have the strength to deny Sonic's request. Her conscience and heart also prevented her from simply saying no. Tom gave her an encouraging look, showing his trust. He knew she would do the right thing, no matter how difficult it was. And even lying there, in a hospital room, he couldn't feel anger toward Shadow, who, like their children, was just a kid.

"I'll do my best to help him, okay?" Maddie finally said, making Sonic exhale in relief as he hugged her tightly without hesitation.

"Thank you, Mom! I knew I could count on you!"

Maddie smiled softly, stroking Sonic's head as she hugged him back.

"Stay here with Dad while I go help Shadow, okay?" she asked calmly, kneeling to Sonic's height and placing a gentle kiss on his head. Maddie then stood up and leaned over the bed, giving Tom a quick kiss. "Take care, love. I'll be back soon."

"Good luck, sweetheart. Keep us posted" he requested, still feeling worried about the new hedgehog.

The woman looked at the two for a few more seconds before leaving the room and heading toward the parking lot, ready to go home. Maddie drove carefully, but her mind was in turmoil. The past few hours had been a real test for everyone, and she would need a few good days to recover all the energy she had lost.

When she arrived home, she parked the car in front of the garage and took a few seconds to take a deep breath before entering. As soon as the door opened, Tails and Knuckles quickly appeared, running to the entrance with visible concern on their faces.

"Mom!" Tails was the first to call out, his tails wagging as he approached. "Are you okay? Is Dad okay?"

"Is he coming home soon?" Knuckles asked almost simultaneously, his voice a bit deeper but still filled with anxiety. Maddie gave a faint smile, touched by her children's concern. She knelt down and pulled them into a tight hug.

"I'm fine, kids. And your dad is too" she answered, pulling away slightly to look into their eyes. "He has a broken arm, but he'll be home soon. He just needs to rest for a few days."

"There's someone here who needs your help, Mom" Tails said, holding Maddie's hand. The veterinarian nodded, standing up, already knowing what it was about.

Knuckles, Tails, and Maddie entered the living room, and the veterinarian's gaze immediately landed on the couch. There was Shadow, lying on the furniture, with a thin blanket covering his small body up to his shoulders. His body was almost motionless, except for the slight rise and fall of his chest—his slow, heavy breathing indicating that, despite being alive, he was clearly weakened.

Maddie's heart tightened at the sight before her. Something inside her recognized the situation, almost like déjà vu. She vividly remembered the first time she saw Sonic, when Tom had brought him to her, desperate and worried about the little blue hedgehog's condition. And now, in the middle of her living room, was a similar scene—but with a new face, a new being. The woman felt a mix of compassion and sorrow as she looked at Shadow, who, despite all his actions, was in need of help.

The veterinarian cautiously approached and, for a moment, observed Shadow's small frame. His fur was slightly singed, his body covered in dirt, and one of his shoes was barely hanging onto his foot.

"Tails, sweetheart, go fetch my first-aid kit from the kitchen, please" she requested, and the little fox quickly obeyed, returning seconds later with the kit in hand.

Maddie organized the medical supplies on the coffee table and picked up a clean cloth. Carefully, she began cleaning Shadow’s face, removing the dirt and traces of his fall. Her movements were precise and gentle, making sure there were no serious injuries in the area.

When she examined Shadow’s chest and arms, she noticed light burns that needed attention. She took a solution from the table and began applying it gently to the affected areas. The moment the liquid touched the burns, Shadow flinched, his face contorting in pain. In a way, it was a good sign—it meant his senses were still intact. His red eyes slowly opened, and his breathing grew more rapid.

The black hedgehog inhaled sharply, trying to compose himself while feeling pain all over his body. His eyes darted around as if searching for an explanation of where he was. Maddie paused for a moment, leaning slightly forward, ready to act in case he panicked or showed signs of disorientation.

"Hey, it’s okay, Shadow… you’re safe" Maddie said calmly, trying to reassure him.

Shadow still seemed dazed, his eyes scanning the room in a mix of confusion and caution. He tried to move but quickly stopped, his body reacting with even sharper pain. The liquid had soothed the burns slightly, but the sensation remained uncomfortable.

"Where… where am I?" Shadow’s voice was low and hoarse, laden with confusion and pain.

"You’re in my house, Shadow" Maddie replied, looking directly into his eyes.

The black hedgehog took a few seconds to process her words. His gaze slowly moved across the veterinarian’s face, clearly trying to make sense of the situation. Little by little, memories began to form in his mind. She was Maddie Wachowski, the wife of the man he had attacked hours ago. A wave of guilt tightened his chest as he tried to piece together what had happened, but his thoughts were clouded by the physical pain still consuming him.

"What… how… how did I get here?" he asked, bringing both hands to his head as if trying to ease the chaos in his mind.

"You literally fell from the sky. My children brought you here" the veterinarian explained gently, watching Shadow struggle to sit up on the couch. "It’s best if you don’t strain yourself too much…"

"I shouldn’t be here. I… I don’t deserve… your husband, he…"

"My husband is fine, Shadow. But you’re not. Your body is covered in wounds, and you need care."

Maddie resumed tending to his injuries. Now fully conscious, Shadow occasionally groaned in pain but remained silent, avoiding making things difficult. The veterinarian carefully removed Shadow’s shoes, noticing that his feet were slightly swollen—probably due to the harsh impact of his fall.

"Do you feel pain anywhere else?" she asked while continuing her assessment.

"My whole body aches, but… I’m strong enough to endure it" the black hedgehog replied in a low tone. His ears drooped, and his body was weak, yet he still tried to act otherwise.

"You don’t have to endure anything, Shadow. I’m here to take care of you, okay? And it will take a few days before you’re fully healed."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you’ll stay under my care until you’re completely recovered. Then you’ll be strong enough to decide what to do next."

"I can’t stay here" Shadow said again, closing his eyes for a few seconds. "I can’t… not after what I did…"

"Shadow, you don’t have to worry about that now. What happened between you and Tom can be dealt with later. Right now, your focus should be on recovering. Let’s take this one step at a time, alright?"

The black hedgehog simply nodded, feeling too exhausted to argue or attempt to leave. Pain and confusion clouded his thoughts, but more than that, guilt weighed heavily on him. He didn’t want to be there. He didn’t want to face the consequences of his actions. The idea of standing before Tom, of seeing the man he had nearly killed, was unbearable. He knew he didn’t deserve Maddie’s help—or anyone’s help in that house. And despite knowing that the sheriff was alive, the possibility of having been responsible for his death haunted him. The thought of causing another death was something he simply couldn’t bear.

Tails and Knuckles approached cautiously, drawn in by the sound of Shadow’s voice. Knuckles simply crossed his arms while Tails looked anxiously at his mother.

"He’s going to be okay, right?" the little fox asked.

"He’s badly injured, but I’ll take care of him, and he will recover, little one" Maddie reassured him with a soft smile, gently touching her youngest son’s head. Tails returned the smile before quietly heading back to his room.

"If you need anything, just call us, Mom" Knuckles said after a few seconds before following his younger brother.

Maddie smiled gently, soon finding herself alone with Shadow. The black hedgehog’s eyes were half-closed, his breathing more controlled. The woman studied him again as a professional, but the excess dirt still clinging to his fur was making her job difficult.

"I need to examine you more thoroughly to make sure you don’t have any serious injuries, but you’re covered in dirt… so, you’ll need a bath, Shadow" she announced, preparing to lift him and take him to the nearest bathroom.

At that moment, the black hedgehog’s eyes widened, and his body involuntarily recoiled at Maddie’s touch. She immediately noticed his reaction. Shadow’s breathing became heavier, as if just the mention of a bath was enough to awaken deep discomfort.

"There are no wounds… I don’t need a bath, I don’t need one" he said, his voice growing increasingly tense. Shadow didn’t know this woman, didn’t understand why she insisted on helping him, and he definitely wouldn’t allow her to bathe him.

"Shadow, listen to me" she said calmly, looking directly into his eyes. "I understand how difficult this must be for you, but… I’m a veterinarian, and my job here is to make sure you get better. I promise I’ll be quick and careful. You don’t have to do anything… just let me help you."

Shadow’s fists clenched at his sides, and he shook his head, as if struggling against something within himself.

"I don’t need your help!" Shadow forced his voice, making the woman flinch slightly. "I mean, I… I don’t deserve all this care… I just… need to rest a little and leave…"

Maddie watched him patiently, her gaze soft but firm. She didn’t know Shadow either, didn’t yet understand his story, but she knew there had to be reasons for all that resistance and distrust. Before her was just a frightened child, and she knew she had to be patient, even if it meant being extremely patient.

"Let’s make a deal" she suggested after a few seconds. "You don’t want to stay here, do you? So let’s do this: Once you recover, you can leave. But until you’re fully healed, you’ll stay under my care, and I’ll do whatever is necessary to ensure you recover, okay?"

Shadow closed his eyes again, taking a deep, somewhat labored breath. Then, reluctantly, his shoulders began to relax.

"Deal…"

Maddie nodded, feeling relieved. With all the care she could muster, she picked Shadow up in her arms, noting how rigid his body was. As she lifted him, she was surprised to realize that the black hedgehog was actually lighter than Sonic, perhaps even a little smaller. The woman walked to the bathroom and, with him still in her arms, filled the bathtub and adjusted the water temperature.

"This will be quick, Shadow" she promised, but he remained silent, his posture still tense.

Once the bathtub was full enough, Maddie knelt in front of it and, with utmost care, placed Shadow into the warm water. The black hedgehog immediately tensed as the water reached his wounds, his body contracting with sudden pain. His eyes filled with tears, but he made a visible effort not to let a single one escape. Maddie was attentive enough to notice Shadow’s silent struggle, and with a firm motion, she held him a bit tighter, ensuring he wouldn’t try to escape.

The veterinarian wasted no time, running her hands through the hedgehog’s quills, removing the accumulated dirt. She knew her movements had to be delicate to avoid worsening his suffering. The silence between them was broken only by the sound of water and Shadow’s muffled sighs. She glanced at him briefly, trying to offer comfort.

"You’re doing very well, Shadow" she said with a soft smile.

Shadow took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure, but the tension in his body was still evident. Maddie took some liquid soap and began washing him carefully, ensuring his fur was thoroughly cleaned. She could see the pain in his eyes, the effort to hide how much he was suffering. His muscles were all rigid, but he didn’t have enough strength to move away.

"Almost done" she said, almost as if speaking to herself, but in a way that he could hear.

When Maddie felt the bath was sufficient, she grabbed a large, soft towel, carefully lifting Shadow out of the tub and wrapping him in the fabric. The warmth of the towel and the gentle touch of her hands seemed to contrast with the coldness he had experienced throughout his life. Shadow remained silent, but something inside him began to shift. The initial discomfort was fading, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of care—something he never imagined receiving from anyone other than Maria.

He found it strange to be treated with such delicacy. The people he had known, those who had only seen him as a weapon or a monster, had never shown this kind of compassion. They saw him as a threat, someone to be feared or fought, never as someone who could be cared for. But here was Maddie, treating him with patience and attention, even after everything he had done, including hurting someone she loved. A tight knot formed in Shadow’s chest, a discomfort he didn’t know how to handle.

"I… I don’t deserve all this…" he muttered just loud enough for Maddie to hear.

"Everyone deserves care, sweetheart" Maddie affirmed, lifting him once more and carrying him back to the living room.

Without waiting for a response, she carried him to the couch and began drying him. The swelling in his feet had reduced slightly, which was a good sign. Now completely clean, Shadow’s fur was neater, softly gleaming, as if the water had done more than just remove the dirt.

The veterinarian resumed examining him closely once she finished drying him, searching for any additional injuries or burns. Fortunately, there were no more severe wounds.

"You’re alright, Shadow. Nothing too serious" she said with a small, relieved smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine…" he replied, quickly looking away.

"You need to tell me the truth, Shadow. You fell from a considerable height, and I’m still surprised you didn’t break a bone…"

The black hedgehog stared at the woman for several seconds. It would have been easier to lie, safer to maintain the facade that he was fine. But as he looked at her, something made him hesitate. Something in her expression or the way she genuinely seemed to care was… different. Something he didn’t know how to handle, but somehow, it made him falter. He felt compelled to tell the truth, even though it was difficult to admit it to himself.

"My body still hurts a little..." he finally said, his eyes shifting away again, as if ashamed of showing vulnerability, of needing help.

"Alright, maybe you need something strong to help you" she said, heading to the bathroom and returning seconds later with a scale in hand.

Maddie placed the device on the floor and quickly stepped onto it to check her own weight. Shadow watched, intrigued, not understanding the reason for this. He was about to ask, but then he saw Maddie turn to him with a determined expression and pick him up again, as if he were a small, helpless child incapable of moving on his own. She stepped onto the scale once more, checking the weight difference and making a quick calculation to determine Shadow’s weight.

She mentally ran through the numbers, murmuring to herself the exact dosage of medication needed to relieve Shadow’s pain without risking any side effects. The veterinarian gently placed the hedgehog back on the couch and rummaged through her first-aid kit, soon pulling out a syringe and a small vial of morphine, knowing it was the most effective way to ease his pain.

"I’m going to give you a dose of morphine, okay? It’ll help with the pain. It’s a powerful analgesic, and administering it through a subcutaneous injection is more effective than orally or intravenously."

The mere mention of an injection made Shadow’s eyes widen, and seeing the syringe in Maddie’s hands sent him into a panic. He started fidgeting on the couch, gripping the pillows tightly.

"No! I don’t want that!" he exclaimed, shaking his head furiously and clenching his fists. "I can handle the pain! I don’t need this!"

Maddie approached calmly, her patience unwavering. She crouched down to meet Shadow at eye level.

"Shadow, I’ll be quick, alright?"

"No! NO!"

Maddie observed him for a few seconds, realizing he wouldn’t give in so easily, but she knew he needed this. She didn’t want to force him, but her protective instincts were kicking in.

"Knuckles!" she called out to her eldest son, who quickly entered the room. The echidna looked at Shadow for a moment, noticing that he was now cleaner but on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

"Do you need something, Mom?" he asked, stepping closer.

"Son, Shadow is in a lot of pain, and I need to give him medicine… his pain could get worse if we delay this…" Maddie explained, without needing to go into much detail.

"Do you want me to hold him? Like I used to do with Sonic?"

"Exactly. Shadow is too agitated and needs to calm down so I can administer the injection."

Knuckles nodded, taking it as another mission. He wrapped his arms around Shadow, positioning him in a way that prevented him from escaping. Shadow still tried to resist, his fists clenched and teeth gritted, but exhaustion, pain, and the pressure of Knuckles holding him down weakened his struggle. His body wasn’t responding as it should, and he was losing focus on resisting. He didn’t have the physical strength to fight against the echidna, nor even to teleport away.

Knuckles adjusted his grip, keeping Shadow upright and facing away from Maddie, using his body as support. Maddie approached with the syringe in hand, mentally preparing for what could happen next.

"I don’t need this, I don’t! Please!" Shadow’s voice was muffled due to Knuckles’ hold, but it was clearly trembling, as if he were on the verge of breaking down.

"Breathe deeply, sweetheart… I’ll be quick" she promised, kneeling and dabbing cotton on the upper part of Shadow’s back. Without wasting any time, she administered the injection.

Shadow felt the cold liquid entering his skin, and his body tensed.

"Aaahh!" he whined, his voice still muffled but full of frustration. He still tried to move away, but Knuckles held him firmly in place with little effort.

"Breathe, sweetheart… it’s over now…" she reassured him, removing the syringe and discarding it.

The black hedgehog didn’t respond immediately, his breathing still heavy and erratic. Knuckles loosened his grip slightly but only released Shadow completely when he was sure he had calmed down enough. Within minutes, the morphine began to take effect, slightly easing the pain.

"Thanks, big guy. You helped a lot" Maddie thanked Knuckles, who nodded slightly before leaving her alone with Shadow again.

Shadow’s eyes were teary, the moisture still visible, and he sniffled quietly, avoiding any eye contact with Maddie, as if the embarrassment of his reaction made him shrink away. The woman, with delicate care, settled him back on the couch, adjusting the blanket around him with tenderness, trying to offer as much comfort as possible at that moment. She sat beside him, watching in silence. There were clear signs of exhaustion on his face, and despite the lingering resistance, he was slowly letting his guard down.

"You’re going to be okay, Shadow. And I won’t bother you anymore tonight" she said with a faint smile.

The hedgehog didn’t respond immediately, but his eyes were calmer now, no longer carrying the same tension as before. He turned his gaze away, still trying to hide any sign of vulnerability.

"I’m not… used to this…" he finally said, his voice low and hoarse.

"Not used to being cared for?"

"No… I wasn’t created to be cared for, Maddie… People only cared about what I could offer, about my powers… I was taught to be a weapon" he began to reveal part of his past, trying to control his emotions and not relive it too vividly. "Only one person saw me differently. Maria… she… she was my best friend… we spent so much time together…"

"What happened to Maria?"

"The… the lab where I was created… it was attacked and… there was an explosion… I… I lost everything, Maddie. I lost everything I had… I…"

His voice broke, and the tears he had fought so hard to suppress finally fell. He wiped them away quickly, but he couldn’t hide the sadness that overtook him. Maddie felt her heart clench seeing the pain in the hedgehog’s eyes, and she gently placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.

"Shadow… I’m so sorry you went through all of that…" she said softly. "No one deserves that."

Shadow looked at her, slightly surprised by the sincerity in her compassion. He wasn’t used to receiving this kind of kindness, and for a moment, he felt completely vulnerable. But at the same time, there was something comforting in Maddie’s gesture. Something he had never experienced before—the simple act of being accepted, without judgment, without expectations.

"They put me in suspended animation for fifty years and… I relived that moment every single day… It… it turned me into a vengeful being. When I finally opened my eyes, all I wanted was revenge… I hurt people because of it, I hurt your husband… I’m a horrible being, Maddie…"

Shadow’s voice trembled. Every word felt like a burden. The memories of the lab, the explosion, Maria… they still haunted him, like a distant echo that wouldn’t let him be free.

"I had no idea…" Maddie admitted, feeling guilty for almost refusing to help him when Sonic asked. "But… we all have a chance to start over, Shadow. You… don’t have to be alone, you know that, right?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, looking back at her.

"You’re just a kid, Shadow. You don’t have to carry the world on your shoulders or face everything alone. You… you don’t even have to leave once you recover."

Shadow remained silent, his conflicting emotions surfacing as he struggled to process her words. How could someone be so kind, so understanding, even after everything he had done? The idea of acceptance—so foreign and new—was hard to grasp. He had been trained to be a weapon, not someone deserving of kindness and compassion. As much as he wanted to believe it, part of him still doubted his ability to be more than what he was made to be.

He didn’t respond, only nodded slowly, as if trying to push his thoughts aside. Closing his eyes, the exhaustion of everything he had experienced weighed on him. His muscles ached, his mind was overwhelmed, and the pain was still there, though dulled by the morphine.

"Try to get some rest, alright?" Maddie said, rising from the couch. "Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?"

"No…"

"Alright, but if you do get hungry, just let me know, okay? I’ll be right here" she promised with a gentle smile, but the hedgehog had already closed his eyes, nearly surrendering to sleep.

Maddie watched him for a few seconds, feeling something unfamiliar in her chest—a need to protect this hedgehog, who was so similar to Sonic, yet completely different. Shadow’s breathing slowed, and she soon realized he had fallen asleep, his expression noticeably softer.

The veterinarian leaned back against the couch, closing her eyes for a few seconds. She knew there were still many challenges ahead, but at that moment, a calm feeling washed over her. Despite the difficulties to come, Maddie was willing to face them. Life had always had a way of surprising her, and now, she had the chance to help someone like Shadow find a new path.

Notes:

You finished the story! What did you think? Please let me know.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 5 of Tales of the Wachowski Family