Chapter Text
It was noon, the spring breeze carrying across the warmth of the sun with the slight coolness of Apotos’ sea. Shadow shrugged off his jacket while keeping a strong grip on a small plastic bag as he approached the hostel.
Eight years. He’s been gone, abandoning his living in the united federation and avoiding going near the west and south side islands.
Shadow still worked with G.U.N.. The logo peaking through the folds of the jacket now draped across his forearm. Though now he refuses high risk work, taking on smaller, inconsequential, jobs. The only headache being the need to move constantly and the considerably smaller wage.
The dark hedgehog wouldn’t mind if it was solely himself he needed to think about. He finally stepped through the threshold only to get bombarded by a small figure that came up to Shadow’s waist. A young girl, seven years of age, looks almost identical to the one her arms are wrapped around, the only difference being the black fur on her body having a navy tint when the light hits it.
She looks up at Shadow. Once her gaze focused on his, her eyes shined warmly and her smile widened to show her teeth. So radiant, bright and innocent.
Chaos, Shadow would do anything to keep her smiling like that, it’s why he feels guilty when they have to suddenly move every time his work does.
Having to stay in these dingy hostels, It was cramped, noisy and Shadow had to keep a constant check on who was coming and going. It was all necessary though.
“Papa!” she called, too loud for being so close to each other already, though, Shadow didn’t mind, if anything, it was endearing seeing his daughter happy and excited, it made him huff out a small laugh.
Ruffling her quills he knelt down to be eye level, placing the bag he was holding down. He moved one hand to cup her cheek, the other to fix out of place fur on her brows. “Maya, thank you for greeting me - Keep your voice low, people could be asleep,” She nodded and muttered okay, the movement squishing her cheeks against his palm, exaggerating her baby fat.
Warmth bloomed in Shadows chest along with a small pang of melancholy, it felt like only yesterday she was welcomed into the world only to blink and see his baby growing too fast.
He leaned forward, wrapping his arms around her small frame, hugging her tightly. “Happy Birthday Maya,” He kept his hold for a little longer before relenting, picking up the discarded bag and handing it to the girl.
She gingerly took it and peeked inside. A small cake for the both of them to share and next to it, a plushie of a normal hedgehog with its soft quills dyed cobalt. Her ears perked at the sight, sticking a hand inside and pulling it out.
Her tail wagged slightly, her grip on the toy strong, knuckles almost paling. Her face though, it was as if she were struggling to settle on one emotion to project. Her ears drooped with a hitch on her breath, eyes wide in hope.
Shadow studied her expression. Maya was always curious about her father. Knew about his heroism and adventures. The young girl was told to not watch the news due to the violence, but when catching wind of any stories that might pertain to her other parent, Shadow would catch her watching anyway.
Shadow didn’t stop her, didn’t want to deny her or throw away her curiosity. If she asked, he’d try his best to keep his answers neutral about Sonic.
The truth was, Shadow was sure Sonic hadn’t a clue on Maya’s existence. There wasn’t much of a relationship either, it was a rocky foundation considering the way they first met, and how guarded Shadow was when they moved from enemy to rivals. Then came that night.. and the morning after, the uncertainty and fear of it all was enough for Shadow to flee.
He didn’t intend to vanish completely, not at first. He was just meant to stay with Rouge and Omega for a month or two to regain his confidence, put what happened behind him, but after multiple bouts of sickness and becoming emotional over small things.
He found out about Maya. He wasn’t even aware his body was capable of it. With the panic, his self-confidence shot and Rouge getting suspicious and nosey, he ran from everything and hid. He was a mess for years, only really accepting to understand what happened when Maya’s second birthday neared.
Sonic, nor anyone from his past, knows about Maya. She certainly knows about them though; Aunty Rouge with her sass and endless knowledge on artifacts and jewels, Uncle Omega with his unhinged love for all things that end with a bang. Uncle Miles and his genius mind, Aunty Rose, Vanilla, Cream, the chaos and Knuckles.
Shadow told her as much as he emotionally could, he made constant promises that she’ll meet them one day. The one thing he hasn’t managed to do was make good on that promise, too scared to truly take that step.
He saw the plushie while looking for a cake for Maya, like a taunt and reminder that he’s been stringing his daughter along all this time for the sake of his own comfort.
Maya adores the stories of her father and though they haven’t met, thinks of him as her hero, like he hung the stars of the cosmos just for her. It broke his heart to see her disappointment every time she asks when she can meet him and the others and he brushes it off with excuse after excuse.
Lifting her gaze from the plush, Maya looked at her papa while her thumb dragged across the soft material. He kept his patience, waiting for her reaction, panic already building in his chest and excuses in his head already fruiting. Guilt eating at him.
She took a second to read what little body language her papa was giving her. Ultimately her decision was to be as direct as she can, “ I wanna meet Baba,” her words were almost a whisper yet held so much power. Shadow repressed his flinch.
His heart fell to his stomach at the thought, he wanted Maya to be happy, to give her everything but at the same time he had no clue what the Hero of Mobius would do if he knew. He didn’t mean to hide it for so long but by the time he got himself together they were physically and emotionally oceans away from each other. It just got more difficult with time.
Swallowing what little wetness was in his mouth he finally replied, “I know, one day you will, it just can’t be now,” He couldn’t bring himself to just man up, to keep his promise he made when his daughter was born, to give her anything.
He felt terrible, especially when he noticed Maya clench her jaw slightly, her ears drooping further, tail stopping its momentum. He could tell she wanted to say something, but was holding back.
Shadow wanted to put his own head through a wall, he was a bad dad.
Ever the one to bounce back, Maya shook her head as if she was physically shaking out the tension.
She hugged the toy close to her chest, tail starting up again and ears suddenly perked, a small fire lit in her eyes. Shadow was glad the most of him that showed in her was just physical looks, most of her personality reminded him of the blue hedgehog even though the two have never even met in person.
It tore Shadow in two sometimes when he did take notice, making him long for something that never got to be, yet seeing his daughter now, he wouldn’t change a thing.
“Papa, can we have ice cream when we have the cake?” A wide tooth grin stretched on her face after she asked.
Giving a small smile, he gave a nod. “Only because today is special,” Upset as he was at her quick deflection and unwillingness to truly share what was on her mind, he let it settle for now and went with it. It was her birthday, she should be enjoying herself.
Footsteps approached from the shared living room beyond the archway of the entryway. Patting his daughter’s head once more before standing and lifting his gaze to see who was walking.
It was a human woman, brunette and in her late thirties. Emily, her name was, has stayed in town for almost 3 months.
With what little conversations Shadow has had with her, she was a backpacker, wanting to explore before her age caught up.
She was warm and kind in personality, Shadow couldn’t find any type of negative record on her. She was safe to be around and Maya seemed to like her well enough. Though she announced not long ago that the week after next will be her last before she had to move along.
Emily was the one to keep an eye out for the hoglet while Shadow quickly dropped his latest report off to the city’s G.U.N. base and grabbed a cake.
Shadow didn’t enjoy leaving Maya behind no matter who was watching her, he also couldn’t let Maya be discovered by the military agency. So after swallowing his pride and asking the human if she was interested in babysitting for cash, she agreed.
“Thank you for keeping an eye on her, I hope she wasn’t too much trouble for you.” Shadow dipped his head slightly in thanks, Emily just gave a laugh and waved a hand in front of herself.
Her southern drawl was strong. “It’s fine, though we ain’t around each other often, it’s always been a pleasure to play. I enjoy the company too, none trouble at all,” Giving a nod of acknowledgement, they all quickly say goodbye before parting ways. Shadow and Maya to the kitchen to store the cake, Emily out the door on whatever errand she was running.
Cake successfully stored and confidently marked so no others would take it, Shadow turns to his daughter. He took a glance in the freezer, no ice cream. He internally sighed.
“Okay, we have a mission,” Maya squeaked with glee, straightening her stance in a mock ease as soon as the words left his mouth. It made him smile slightly looking at her having fun, it made him want to exaggerate the role a little so he could hear her laugh.
“We’re missing an important ingredient. Without it, we can not have the cake. You,” He waved his arms dramatically as he talked and slightly paced in front of her, sticking out a hand and pointing a finger so close to her face, his finger tip brushed against her nose.
She giggled, all Shadow could think at that moment was ‘Jackpot!’. “Soldier, will be accompanying me on a capture and contain for the best ice cream there is at the store, is that clear?” The last three words emphasised with three soft jabs to her chest. Another, louder and less stable, giggle escaped her.
Putting her legs together and straightening her back even further, her hand lifted as she gave a salute, “Yes Captain!" She lost her composer and her body slackened as she couldn’t hold off her giggles anymore.
Shadow huffed out in amusement, “Okay, go grab your jumper and shoes,” at that he could tell she was about to turn and protest.
He lifted a finger up in front of her, “It’s not an option, It may be warm now but it’ll be cold when we get there along with a chance of it raining on our way back,” With a guiding hand he nudged her back towards the direction of where their belongings were, she pouted as she went over.
Shadow rolled his eyes in amusement at the attitude.
Maya was by no means a bad kid. Well mannered and for the most part listens when it truly matters. It was hard to not find anything amusing when she did decide to defy things.
With her shoes on and jacket in hand, she approached her papa, handing off the piece of clothing to him, stating she would only touch it once they get to the store. Not wanting to argue with a stubborn seven year old, he obliged and kept a hold of the material.
He quickly glanced toward the clock as they advanced to the door to leave. 12:45. It was about a 15 minute walk. So much yet so little has happened since he came home, he swore it would’ve been later than that. Since it’s still early, maybe he’d take Maya to the park. Give her some time to play and interact with kids her age before the expected rain was to come.
With everything in place they left to grab ice cream. Almost the entire walk so far, Maya kept in front of Shadow, making games of the cracks and lines that blessed the side walk, Shadow being coerced into joining in from time to time.
The small hoglet ran to look inside the window fronts of the stores they passed too. The one she was currently standing in front of had her ears at full attention, eyes completely wide. Her mouth wasn’t smiling though, pinched in what seemed like a painful line, but her tail was wagging almost at full speed.
Intrigued by her odd reaction, with his approach he also looked into the window front. It seemed to be some type of technology repair shop. Confusion gripped at him, until it finally caught his eye at what must be the thing that got his daughter so entranced.
It was a television. It was playing the news, the anchor talking about recent developments and expansions expected from the Freedom Fighters Resistance. Apotos seems to be one of many other countries where the resistance wanted to expand. Negotiations with Apotos’ president were starting tomorrow.
What startled Shadow and what excited his daughter was the blue figure being greeted by reporters. The footage seemed to be taken from last night, the caption below confirming, stating that the representatives for the resistance arrived at that time.
Shadow felt like all the blood in his head completely drained, feeling a sense of dread and unconsciously his quills puffed up in defence of the feeling. Taking Maya to the park seemed out of the question now.
They’re three minutes from the grocery store, Shadow could see the signage for it down the road. He promised Maya ice cream and a small outing to pick the one she wanted to have for her birthday cake, they’ll be quickly in and out.
If he skates back to the hostel with Maya piggybacking they can be back and safe, out of sight. But what if someone recognised him? Skating uses chaos energy and it isn’t subtle when a ribbon of light from the quick motion follows you. He can’t chaos snap in a public area either.
Grabbing Maya’s hand he hurried them along. Maya questioned the sudden rush, he brushed it off with the excuse that the rain might come earlier than expected and didn’t want her to get sick. She didn’t seem completely convinced but accepted it anyway.
The store was decently crowded despite the time and being in the middle of the week. It must have been some type of school holiday due to other kids also running around their parents. Quickly coaxing Maya to put her jumper on, he then ushered her towards the freezer section of the store.
Tubs of ice cream in a variety of flavours and brands spread across before them behind the glass doors. Shadow prayed his daughter already had one in mind. Looking down at her, she looked as if she hadn’t a clue on what she actually wanted. Slowly she looked up at him. “Papa, what can’t I have?” Shadow wasn’t sure where the question came from, it shocked him and hit him with guilt.
“It’s your birthday Maya, you can pick whichever one you like. Even if you need time to think about it, or if you need help deciding, I can try to help,”
She paused in thought before replying, “Even if the rain catches us?”
Shadow’s breath hitched for a second. “Yes. Even if the rain catches us,” She seemed to brighten at his answer before she turned to browse again.
If he wanted Maya to be happy he had to give her his patience. It was certainly a challenge given the recent discoveries that a specific someone was in now confirmed to be in the city. Apotos wasn’t small, but it wasn’t that big either.
Darting his eyes from side to side in nervousness, he took a breath. Bringing his hands up he quickly brushed his quills down in an attempt to sooth the paranoia.
After another minute or so, Maya finally picked. She wanted to try the mint flavour, her train of thought following the lines of “because I like the mint marshmallow that's covered in chocolate, it should be similar,” Shadow couldn’t argue with that, though he hasn’t exactly tried mint ice cream either.
The treat Maya loves could only be found in Adabat, he enjoyed them too.
With their prize in hand, they made their way to pay for it, albeit at a slower pace from what they entered in.
Maya’s eyesight darted down each aisle they passed as they walked, out of curiosity or boredom. She didn’t actively stop to look at something so Shadow didn’t pay much mind.
Finally making it to the pay stations, Shadow started contemplating if it would be better to go to the self-serve line. All the counters seemed to be serving a small line of customers with their carts packed to the brims, the self-serve seemed to have a longer line.
While in his head, he hadn’t noticed that something finally caught Maya’s watchful gaze. While Shadow decided to make a step towards the self-serve line, Maya suddenly pulled her hand from his, darting quickly down one of the many aisles.
Cursing to himself he turned to chase her.
Apparently running was in the genes because it seemed to be Maya’s favorite thing to do when something caught her interest.
What he saw when he turned into the aisle he saw his daughter go into made him freeze.
There was a stranger standing next to her, their hoodie obscuring a good amount of their face, most of their back facing towards Shadow.
They moved slightly, their hand coming out from their pocket, straight towards Maya, the little girl looking straight at them in what seemed to be shock.
Everything seemed to slow down for Shadow.
He could hear his blood roaring in his ears. Heart all too suddenly beating heavily.
The stranger is getting closer to his daughter.
A guttural growl released from his throat, lips curled back in a snarl. Charging forward he rammed into them with his shoulder. When the stranger lost their footing Shadow lifted his knee and extended his leg to kick them away to create even more distance.
The figure lost their balance completely and dropped to the floor.
Shadow backed up until he felt Maya latch onto the back of his leg. Quickly gazing down, he took quick stock of his daughter.
The sudden escalation of the situation must have spooked her. Her ears laid almost completely flat against her head, her grip was strong and she seemed to completely want to disappear behind him.
Despite the scare, she seemed okay. No hair was out of place, it seems like he got there in time.
A few bystanders stopped to witness the commotion, though they seemed to quickly move on and keep to their own business. Hopefully it was a sign Shadow looked terrifying to approach.
Snarl still gracing his face and flared out quills, a steady growl that seemed to be stuck in his chest.
The stranger grunted as they sat themselves up, hood coming down as their hand massaged the part of their jaw that made contact with the tile.
Shadow’s stomach sank, snarl turning into an open mouth gape. Eyesight suddenly filled with blue.
He wasn’t ready. He wanted to run, so much so his legs slightly trembled.
But he was also frozen like a deer in headlights.
Maya slowly let go of his leg and stepped forward, her shock wearing out. With no warning she ran and jumped at the other on the ground, the so-called stranger awkwardly catching her when she lunged.
“Baba!”
Emerald eyes widened while Shadow flinched back at the girl when the name left her lips.
Shadow panicked for his daughter, taking a step forward and ended up grabbing his attention, emerald finally meeting ruby.
With wide eyes and a shaky breath, a name left Shadow’s mouth in a whisper.
“..Sonic?”