Chapter Text
Tails had failed to repair the shoes. The shoes were tightly compact and without his tools he was useless. He didn't have the resources to clear the ice out. He couldn't disassemble the shoes and be able to put them back together.
He tried, and he failed. The screws holding everything together were too small to unscrew with his nails and were some odd specialized shape.
He also had a hunch the emo hedgehog across from him would euthanize him if the shoes were broken. So, a stalemate.
Tails was good for one thing and that was his gadgets. His tools carried the team long term but honestly? They'd probably make do if they didn't have him.
A lot of time was spent proving his worth, but he wasn't worth much without his team, or at least some tools. Sonic made a big deal out of it pretty often. Insisting Tails stay in the background, or in the air giving support while the rest of the team took the heavy blows. He's nothing without his gadgets, and now he was ruining a perfectly great chance to gain a potential ally within team dark. Or at least show that team Sonic could be helpful.
If Amy was here she'd probably have a ring on her. Or she'd get Shadow to open up. Knuckles could push through anything, chances are he would've punched some mutual respect into Shadows hide by now. Sonic probably would've gotten somewhere with Shadow, farther than he ever could with raw strength alone.
His role was support. And he couldn't even help Shadow out of all Hedgehogs. He was spiraling.
He isn't keen on Shadow, something about him just.. is uncomfortable. Like looking into a pond and seeing a distorted reflection.
That's kind of what Shadow is. A weird reflection of Sonic. Sonic sees the best in everything. Tails wished he could do the same. Shadow took one look at him and decided Tails and the blue blur were public enemy number one.
How is he supposed to connect with somebody who has tried to kill his family?
And why is Shadow of all Mobians lugging Tails around and dealing with his emotional deregulation.
He's trying the Sonic approach. He's seeing the best, or, squinting at it. He's trying to make friends with the enemy, because Sonic would.
Tails is not Sonic, and he doesn't have the strength or speed to back up blind trust.
Obviously the Tails approach is failing, he notes. Gripping the air shoes with thinly concealed frustration.
The tails approach is him being useful, and Shadows clearly thinks he is not.
He glances at the dark mobian. For a moment he sees the blackened shadows of the past. Just a moment is all it takes for him to recoil.
He's not useless.
He grabs the zipper attached to the coat on him, and rips. With some struggle, he mangles the piece of metal off the piece of clothing. He distorts it the best he can, struggling to twist the metal under his fingers.
He tests the flattened end of the shitty tool against the butt of the screw. He can't help but grin as it slots into place.
Shadow watches as he twists off the first screw.
That's right. He's not useless.
He twists another off. And another. Finally able to access the internal workings under the metal plated sole he gets to work. It's not pretty, but he works with as much precision as he can picking the ice out of the mechanisms.
Knuckles would've broken the shoe by now. Amy wouldn't be able to do a thing without proper tools and instructions. Sonic would've never thought of it. He is the support, and he's going to make do with whatever he can.
“Don't break them.” Shadow hisses.
Even if he has to make do with a companion in a permanent foul mood.
“I'm being careful.” He soothes.