Narrator's POV
"I... We can't stay like this forever"
He sobbed
"I know... We can't hide forever"
He sob harder
"But what else can we do? Run away again? How long can we run?"
"I just don't want this. We don't want this. Now it's revealed to the public, we're screwed up... Things won't go easy for is if we stay this way. I... I have to confront him. I have to be tough. I have to end this. There's nothing to lose anymore. Like I said, i don't care what people will think. As long as we have each other. As long as we're happy. I will do it. I will face him. Convince him. Even though it'll be difficult"
He sighed then wiped his tears
"We have to face him..."
-XXX-
Sonic stared outside the window. The rain was starting to fade. It was minutes ago since Shadow left. He had to admit, he was scared. Scared that Doom might show up, whilst Shadow was on his way on driving. Scared, that Shadow might not come back. But his fears, he set them aside. Besides, it can only bring him deeper down on what dread he was feeling, until it can get the best of him again
A knock on the door was heard, making Sonic jump. Sonic stood up to get the door open, but he hesitated
"It's me. Shadow"The other sighed as he felt like Sonic was hesitating
"O-oh"Sonic quickly opened the door and apologize
"Nah. Don't mention it. Can't blame you for it"Shadow waves off
He studied Sonic for a moment. Seeing nothing happened to him, seeing he was okay, he closed the door. Shadow put the fast food he bought into the table
"Sonic"Shadow called
"Yeah?" asked the azure hedgehog who was eating
"We're leaving"Shadow said
Sonic stopped for a moment
"Wait. I'm sorry. W-what?"
"Yeah. Heard that right. We're leaving after you have eaten"Shadow repeated
"But. Why? It's-"
"It's okay. I have a plan in mind. Don't worry. I'll make sure it'll work. I'll make sure, this ends"
Sonic didn't respond at first, but then nodded. He have to trust Shadow. Whatever he has on mind, Sonic's sure that plan is going to make everything fine again
"Thanks"Shadow smiled
"Have you even eaten?"
"Yeah. Don't worry about me"said Shadow
"Did anyone called you on phone?"
"No. You?"
"No one did too. Only text"Shadow chuckled
"Mephiles told me Doom and his people are coming to search for us again. That's why I told you we have to le-... Already done??"Shadow's jaw dropped
Sonic snickered and threw the trash away
"Yeah. I was hungry you know. Besides... We need to leave now. I got the feeling that if we stay here for minutes, they're gonna find us"
Shadow strongly nodded in agreement, also for response
"You go on have a quick shower. I'm going to call Mephiles for help"
-XXX-
"So, where are they now?"Sonic asked
"They're on a market. It's not that far from here. If we keep heading forward, they should be there"Shadow explained
Sonic couldn't still stop thinking about how Shadow's "plan" will work out. He don't have the slightest idea of what might it be, completely clueless. But decided not to ask anyway, just not to be another pressure
"There they are!"Shadow exclaimed
Sonic looked in front and saw Amy waving happily. Sonic smiled in relief. Shadow parked the car in front of them. Bernadette rushed on his son and gave him a hug. Mephiles approached Shadow and pulled his arm, walking away from them
"You sure... You want to do this? I me-"
"Yeah. It's alright. I understand if you doubt this. But trust me, there's no other way ending this than what I had in mind. We can't go on like this forever. And if we keep this up, Sonic's parents will get involved in this. Father might harm them, just to get us back"
Mephiles frowned, still unsure, but nodded
"If that's what you want... Then-"
"Oh, hello there folks~. Having a good time?"A familiar voice entered
Shadow stopped. He sweat. He slowly looked at the source of the voice
"D-dad..."Shadow stuttered
"Hello there, Shadow. Did you enjoy the game of hide and seek? Sadly, I came here to end this! This is my final warning, Shadow. You come with me, or I'll force you. Choose"Doom said with a sadistic grin