Chapter Text
“Alright boys, what do we know?” Rouge asked, stepping into the garage with Omega right behind. She sees Tails typing away at his computer, the book in question on the table while Sonic was pacing on the far side of the room.
“Hey you two. I’ve scanned the book and the energy coming from it is different from when he was inside the Arabian Nights.” Tails explained,
Rouge steps over to the book, reading the title. “King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? That’s the medieval one with dragons and knights right?” She asked,
“There are dragons in there!?” Sonic panicked,
“Relax blue, Shadow can handle himself.” Rouge reassured,
“SCANS SHOW NO FLUXUATIONS IN SHADOWS CHAOS SIGNATURE.” Omega said,
“See? Even Omega said he’s fine. In the meantime, we need to make sure Eggman doesn’t catch wind that Shadow is indisposed.” Rouge said,
“We can’t leave Tails and the book vulnerable. What if Metal shows up like last time?” Sonic said.
“Don’t worry Sonic, I made sure to set up alarms if any Egg tech gets close to the house. But having backup never hurts.” Tails said,
“We’ll take shifts. If Eggman notices one of us isn’t making an appearance, he’ll get suspicious.” Rouge said,
“I CALL DIBS ON DESTROYING ROBOTNIK FIRST!” Omega demanded.
“I just wish there was a way we could reach Shadow… What if he can’t Chaos Control like last time? Or something worse than that curse happens?” Sonic said,
“Hun, you can’t stay petrified in fear. Tails is doing what he can, and we will watch his back and make sure the rest of the world doesn’t find out their hero is missing.” Rouge pet the top of Sonic’s head trying to calm him. “I’ll take the first watch, and you let off some steam with Omega.”
“Fine, but the second anything changes you better call me.” Sonic said, walking towards the door with Omega.
They watch them leave before Tails looks over at Rouge. “You’re not going to tell him right away are you?”
“Oh absolutely not. He’d get himself injured if I did. I’ll contact Omega first so they can find the proper time to tell him.” Rouge said.
“I’ll try to find a way to get Shadow back before something like that happens.” Tails said,
“Be sure you do.”
✨
Shadow enters the Smithy’s shop late that evening, seeing the familiar fox working behind the counter. “Oh! Hello again Sir Knight. I was just about to close up for the evening. Is something the matter?” He asked,
“This may be a strange question, but are you familiar with a way to sneak into the castle dungeon?” Shadow asked. He sees the fox look at him shocked.
“Why in the world would you want to sneak into the castle dungeon?” He asked,
“I’m on a quest to free the innocent that have been imprisoned there. If you could just give me directions I would appreciate it greatly.” He said,
“I believe there’s a path through the water way beneath the castle.” Smithy said.
“Thank you, that should be enough of a direction for me to find it.” Shadow said, starting to turn around.
“Wait! You can’t go now!” He said climbing over the counter and running towards him. “The Knights of the Round Table patrol the castle heavily at night! You’ll never get there without getting caught.”
“I’m on a time crunch, so I don’t have time to lose.” Shadow said,
“T-the Knights disperse to their daily tasks in the morning. You just need to wait for dawn, and you’ll have the opportunity to break the people out while the Knights are away.” He said,
Shadow lets out a soft huff, even a medieval version of his brother would come up with a strategic plan like that. And waiting just a few hours won’t prevent him from completing his quest.
“Very well, I will heed your advice.” Shadow said.
“I have an extra cot in the back room you can use for the night. It’s not much but it’s the least I could do after you helped the people in the market.” Smithy said,
“Thank you,” Shadow said with a soft smile. He didn’t mind roaming the streets till dawn, but the odds of finding those in need this late at night was a stretch. That and keeping a low profile until the Knights have thinned out would be wise.
He lets Smithy lead him to the back and over to a small cot. Leaning Caliburn against the wall next to it before sitting down. “I’ll see you in the morning Sir Knight,” Smithy excused himself before heading upstairs to rest.
This had been the first time Shadow had stopped to think since he was forcefully summoned to this world. King Arthur is evil; he was the one who pulled the sword from the stone. Sonic’s doppelganger is a loyal knight of the round table and Amy’s look alike was his mother… What other shocking discoveries are going to be thrown at him while he is here?
“Shadow?” He turns to his sword companion, surprised that he called him by his name. Perhaps it was because they were alone? “Forgive me for asking, however it seemed like you were conflicted with your interactions with Sir Lancelot. What is it about him that troubles you?”
“Some of the people here look identical in appearance to my friends back in my world. The Smithy here looks like my brother back home… And Lancelot looks like my boyfriend.” Shadow explained,
“Boyfriend?” Caliburn repeated the word.
“Right, that’s probably not what they are called here. It’s another name for a romantic partner.” Shadow said.
“You and someone who looks identical to Sir Lancelot are partners?” Shadow nodded to Caliburn’s question. He’s quick to notice the sacred swords pause as if he was contemplating something.
“So there’s a possibility that we will run into others that could hinder your decision making.” Caliburn said,
“It may cause me to pause for a second, but if they approach me as my enemy then I won’t hesitate to defeat them. And no, before you say anything I will not kill.” Shadow reiterated.
“You have made that clear. I may not like your decision, but I will not fight you on it.” Caliburn said. “Tell me more about your Lancelot.”
Shadow blushes at how Caliburn phrased the request. Letting out a cough as he composed himself. “His name is Sonic. We’ve known each other for a long time and have grown close. He’s both my biggest weakness and greatest strength.”
“Be careful who you tell this to. Your enemies would use this information against you.” Caliburn warned.
“Luckily, he’s back in my world. Though he’s probably freaking out because I was brought here against my will. I wish I could at least tell him that I was unharmed.” Shadow said with a sigh.
“I wish there was a way I could aid with that. All I can do is continue to assist you on our quest so you may get home.” Caliburn said,
“I have a question for you now. Arthur seemed to know you when we fought him. He said you betrayed him. What was he talking about?” Shadow asked,
“It’s a rather complicated matter…” Caliburn said quietly. “You may not be aware of this, but you are not the first to pull me from that stone. Arthur was the first.”
“That’s how he became king, correct?” Shadow asked,
“So you are familiar with the tale. Good, that makes this a little easier to explain. Yes, he was chosen to wield me and become the next king of Camelot. We had many adventures full of excitement and chivalry. Sadly, his life started to be threatened.” Caliburn explained. Shadow recalled Lancelot commenting on Arthur almost dying.
“How’d you end up back in the stone?” Shadow asked,
There was a pause, as if Caliburn was replaying the memory in his head. “It was an early morning… Arthur hadn’t confided in me in quite some time. Something was weighing heavily on him. Before I could stop him he’d already struck my blade into the stone, trapping me. He said I might not recognize him the next time we met… and that he was sorry…”
That didn’t sound like an evil king… More remorseful than anything. But what a weird thing to say to someone and then abandon them. Did Arthur sense something was wrong with him and didn’t want Caliburn to get involved?
“I’m sorry, fighting someone who used to wield you must not be easy.” Shadow said.
Caliburn looked at him stunned, before his expression changed to a soft smile. “It’s rather late, you should get a little rest before the sun rises.” Caliburn said,
“Fine,” Shadow agreed before laying down and resting his eyes. He wasn’t going to make the same mistake as his last adventure and run off without sleep. That only makes the situation worse. He’ll stay in good health so he can get back home faster.
✨
Lancelot never truly took guard duty very seriously. He was confident in his and the other knights of the round table’s abilities to keep Camelot and their King safe. Night watches were his favorite because they were so peaceful.
Walking through the gardens at night always gave him a sense of home. It had been a while since he’d visit his mother. Perhaps he could ask Arthur if he took some time away… or maybe he’d enjoy going with him…
Their relationship wasn’t entirely secret. All the other knights, especially Gawain, are aware of how Lancelot feels about his King. But not all are supportive of two men in a relationship but even more disliked that it was the King with their subordinate.
He didn’t care what any of them thought. He loved Arthur and there was nothing they could do to stop them.
“We’re under attack!”
Lancelot’s thoughts are ripped back to reality as he sees strange, armored creatures appear out of nowhere. Three of them charge at Lancelot and he barely dodges before turning into mist to take them by surprise. Striking them down in an instant, they disappear in a black cloud of smoke. Some sort of magic.
He could hear the sounds of the other guards engaging in similar surprise attacks. No one has ever dared to attack Camelot castle like this… Why all of a sudden? But then it hit him…
Arthur…
He ran as fast as he could, dodging other skirmishes through the castle's halls. Desperation twisting his face the closer he got to the King's quarters. But the further he ran the more distorted the hallway became.
The bricks began to disappear, fading away into complete nothingness until there was no more hallway. Just a never ending darkness, he knew there was a ground beneath him, but his path was gone.
Lancelot did not stop running. Whatever sorcery this was, it wouldn’t stop him from getting to his King.
Only coming to a stop when his foot met a splash, similar to stepping into a puddle.
Catching his breath before looking down to see what he’d stepped in. Believing he wouldn’t be able to see it within the open void…
Why was it red?
Not a puddle at all, but a pool. One that had a trail that led further ahead. Lancelot couldn’t tear his eyes away from the crimson liquid as he locked eyes with its source…
“ARTHUR!” Lancelot screamed before he crashed into the floor, limbs tangled in bed sheets desperate to break free.
His heart races faster than he could recognize his surroundings as his mother appears next to him giving soothing ministrations in an attempt to calm him.
“Breathe Lancelot, you are safe.” Nimue said,
It was a dream…
He took his mother’s hand, using the touch to ground himself as he calmed his breathing. That was more a nightmare than a dream. One he’s had more than once since the terrible events of that night.
“I need to see him.” Lancelot said, trying to stand up.
“You know you cannot see him as you are now. I fear who he has become will harm you further…” She reached out, gently ghosting against his neck where newly blooming bruises were showing through his blue fur.
“My life already belongs to him. If my King wishes my harm then I will allow him willingly.” Lancelot saw his mother’s look of panic at her son’s lack of self-preservation. He just wanted to see Arthur.
To confirm his heart still beat as his own did.
“Please my Lancelot. Stay here and rest. I will find news of the king for you in the morning so your mind can be at ease. But Knave made it clear that you could not return without your sword.” Nimue practically begged, not wanting to let Lancelot blindly go into the mist so late at night.
He was torn by his desire to be with his love and his honor as a knight.
Lancelot could see the determination on his mother’s face. She would stop him if she must, but he knew she didn’t want to resort to that. And he was well aware his mother could stop him… but she wants to give him that choice…
Because that dream reopened the wounds he tried so hard to cover up. That nothing was okay and being away from Arthur was opening his perception that something was very wrong…
Once he reacquired Arondight, he’d get to the bottom of this.
✨
Caliburn alerted him the moment the sun rose. He was thankful that the sacred sword supported his wish to finish these quests quickly. Perhaps he could try to help some people around town while he waited to make sure the Knights of the Round table had thinned their ranks before freeing those in the dungeon.
Luckily, there were plenty of townsfolk who needed assistance. The wheel of a cart broke, and he helped fix it. An elderly woman needed help getting home. Things he was used to doing back home when he traveled. With each person he helped, the tension felt towards him waned. People became more comfortable around him, and a few wondered why he was spending so much time in town.
“Sir Knight.” Shadow stops, hearing a familiar voice as he turns to see Cream’s lookalike tugging on the cuff of his glove. She wore common peasant clothes in a peach color. She looked intimidated at approaching him.
He kneels down and gives her a gentle smile. “What’s your name?” He asked,
“Caroline,” She said,
“Is there something you need help with, Caroline?” He sees him looking around like she didn’t want others to hear. She leaned close and whispered in his ear.
“Can you help me save my mommy?” She asked,
“Where is your mom?” Shadow asked, it made sense that Vanilla’s copy wouldn’t be too far from Creams.
“The Castle Dungeon…” Shadow’s eyes widened. He glances around and gestures for the young rabbit to follow him to a nearby alley.
“Why was your mom imprisoned?” Shadow asked.
“She was giving the prisoners extra rations and got in trouble.” She said with teary eyes.
“What’s your mother’s name?” He asked. He knew their names would be different so it would be best to make sure he used those names instead of the ones back home.
“Egwene.” She said as Shadow pats her head to comfort her.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help your mother. Why don’t you wait for me at the Smithy? He’s a friend of mine.” Shadow said,
“Thank you Sir Knight.” She said with a relieved smile before running back out to the street.
“They are imprisoning those who show compassion… This path of tyranny that Arthur has begun to walk is not one I wish to see…” Caliburn said.
“Then let’s liberate them before matters get worse.” Shadow said, starting to head towards the castle.
✨
Smithy was right about the Knights being thinned out. He easily slipped into the waterway, making sure the water wasn’t too deep, and headed towards the dungeon’s. But of course the Knights of the Underworld littered the halls.
“Caliburn, can you explain to me more about the Knights of the Underworld?” Shadow asked as he cleaved one of the knights in two.
“They are phantoms from the underworld given form through the means of dark magic.” Caliburn explained.
“I didn’t know Arthur could conjure magic.” Shadow said,
“He knows some spells taught to him by the Fae… but the Arthur I knew couldn’t cast such powerful magic like summoning spells. Nor those of the dark arts.” Caliburn said.
The more he learns about Camelot and Arthur, the more things don’t add up. This was nothing like the story… Perhaps Arthur isn’t the real enemy. He won’t know for sure without more information. For now all he has is speculation, he needs to focus on the task at hand.
“How close are we to the dungeon?” Shadow asked,
“Not too far, keep your guard up, there will be more obstacles ahead.” Caliburn warned.
They finally make it to the cells and see the terrible state of things. The cells were overcrowded and smelled foul. After Shadow cut down the last knight of the underworld that was guarding the dungeons, the entire hall went dead quiet.
This was not how he expected prisoners to act when someone takes out their oppressor.
Shadow decided not to question it until after he’s gotten these people to safety. Walking over to the first cell and trying to find Camelot’s version of Cream’s Mom. “Is Egwene here?” He asked as he broke the locks off the first cell.
Their expressions change to confusion as he opens the cell. Shadow didn’t wait for them to trust the newfound freedom as he walked to each cell. Breaking the lock then asking for Egwene again.
After the fifth lock, a rabbit woman walks over to the front of the cell, shock across her features as Shadow unlocks that cell as well. “Are you Egwene?” He asked for confirmation.
“Y-yes, milord, My name is Egwene.” She responded as Shadow opened the door.
“Your daughter asked me to help you.” Shadow said,
“Caroline? Is she unharmed?” She rushed out of the cell in front of him.
“She is fine, I had her wait for you at the Smithy’s. I can take you there if you want. Just let me unlock the rest of these cells.” Shadow said before walking over to the last few cells as she followed after him. The other prisoners slowly started to walk out of the opened doors, still hesitant about the situation.
“I must ask… What made you change your mind?” Egwene asked,
“Changed my mind? About what?” Shadow asked back,
“Perhaps we can discuss this when innocent lives are not in danger.” Caliburn interjected.
“He’s right, we can talk after.” Shadow said freeing the last of the prisoners. “All who wish to leave, follow me and I will escort you out to safety.” Shadow called out so everyone could hear. Their trepidation’s were still prevalent, but they followed after him regardless. The idea of freedom is too large of a carrot dangling in front of them.
Shadow glances at Caliburn, he knew the sacred sword was avoiding something, but he wasn’t sure what.
✨
Shadow escorts them as far away from the castle as possible but staying within the city. Some of the prior prisoners had already split off and fled the city entirely. He stops and looks at the few remaining.
“If you have somewhere to go or hide I suggest you find refuge there before the majority of the Knights return to the Castle. It won’t be long before alarms are raised.” Shadow suggested.
Most gave nods or polite thanks before dispersing in all directions throughout the city. All except for Egwene, who waited with him. “Could you please take me to my daughter?” She asked,
“Of course, follow me.” Shadow said,
He wanted to ask Egwene what she meant earlier before Caliburn interrupted but glanced down seeing the sacred sword seemed on edge. So he continued to not press the issue.
“Mama!” Caroline calls out, running into her mother’s arms the moment they step into Smithy’s shop. Happy tears streaming down her face.
“Oh, my sweet girl! You were so brave!” She said, holding her daughter tightly.
“Thank you for saving her, Sir Knight.” Caroline said with a warm smile, wiping away the tears.
“I’m glad I could help.” Shadow said.
“How can we ever repay you?” Egwene asked, still holding her daughter tightly.
But Shadow could tell there was a hesitance to her question, as if she expected there to be strings attached to all of this,
“There’s no need for that.” Shadow shook his head. “Another contracted me to rescue those in the prison.” He didn’t want to have to explain it was a test of chivalry, and he never was one to accept payment.
“But why? What changed your mind about the sentences?” Egwene asked. Shadow raises an eyebrow confused.
“I don’t follow.” Shadow said. Caroline looked at her mother confused as Egwene looks at Shadow shocked,
“Do you not remember?” She asked,
“Remember what?” Shadow didn’t understand what she was saying.
“Perhaps we should-” Caliburn started to say, but Egwene cut him off.
“You are the one who imprisoned all of us down there, Your Majesty.”