When Shadow came to, he was tied down to an operating table. He panicked immediately, thinking the worst had happened. He relaxed just a little when he realized he hadn't been cut open... yet. He knew where he was and why. He was too thick headed and confident. This might have cost him everyone's lives. Especially Sonic's.

Shadow felt defeated and broken. He had failed everyone. How could he? If only he'd not touched Sonic in that cave, none of this would have happened! Shadow strained at his bonds, but he was still weak. He couldn't be able to bust out for another day. He doubted he'd live that long.

"Oh good you're awake," A sick, ancient voice said.

Shadow knew who it was and a whole knew rage erupted. He growled and snarled as he yanked on his bonds.

"Oh don't be like that. I thought you might want to see your daughter before you die," He laughed as Shadow heard footsteps.

Shadow froze, My daughter?

A man who was as ancient as his voice stepped in front of Shadow. His face was a bag of wrinkles and there was a large mole on his nose with a long hair in it. His hair was shoulder length and snow white. His lab coat seemed to be hanging on wires. He must be a bag of bones. That's not what caught Shadow's attention. What he saw, was the bundle in Dr. Psycho's arms. He smiled.

"Computer, command operation table 467 to follow me to subject 975's room."

Shadow's table rolled after the scientist to a room full of antiseptic smells. As they went, the scientist continued to speak.

"It was a difficult process, as you can imagine, to remove the child alive. It seems the Ultimate Life Form's DNA is quite unique in ways I would never have imagined. It's quite incredible! However, it wasn't a job I couldn't handle."

They entered a room marked 975 and Shadow looked around, expecting some sort of surgical room. However, all he saw was a cage. Inside was a blue, unconscious body.

It was Sonic.

Alive.

Shadow's heart leaped and his hope arose. Sonic is alive!

"Well, that proves my theory. True mates! Well, that will make my next experiment even more interesting. I plan on taking you," He pointed to Shadow, "Apart and using your DNA. I will transport it to him," He nodded to Sonic, "I'm certain he can survive that, having survived the pregnancy. If so, you will be merged, Quite romantic no?" He chuckled as Shadow's anger boiled. He placed the bundle in a box that looked to be the kind one would see a new born baby in at the hospital, "Oh, and don't worry about M15T4, AKA Misty. I destroyed her the moment she came back. Cloning was never my thing." After that, Dr. Psycho left the room, humming to himself.

Shadow's anger boiled over. He cloned Maria? Not only that, he was going to harm Sonic and their baby! He can't just lie strapped to a table while this crazy scientist destroys his family! He has to do something!

Shadow examined his bonds, knowing with a small chaos spear, he could singe them. However, that would make him pass out again at the moment and the Dr. would find him passed out and free. Where would that get him? Shadow thought a moment. What if?

He could singe the ropes enough to be able to break through them later without making it obvious he did anything to them. Hopefully he has enough power left...

Shadow forced his energy to his hands and created small chaos spears beneath the ropes. It took a lot of concentration and energy. It's harder to make a smaller spear and hold it than creating a quick larger one for a moment. After a few seconds, his energy was depleting and he knew he would pass out again soon. He just hopes he can burn them enough...

Rouge sat in a large dog crate with Knuckles. Silver, Amy and Tails were in another on the other side of the room. Amy was huddled up to Silver who was trying to comfort her. Tails sat wit his back to Rouge, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Knuckles was looking around as if for a way to escape. Rouge saw no point.

Rouge pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. They were in a hopeless position. Shadow was MIA, and Sonic was in the hands of a psychopath She used to be able to get out of situations like this quickly and unnoticed. However, that was a different time. That was before she cared. That was before she had friends. Before she had family.

Silver looked up at her and mouthed.

Cameras?

Rouge shook her head. She had checked with a G.U.N. trained eye. There was nothing.

Hope shone in Silver's golden eyes. He whispered something to Amy who lit up and scooted away. Rouge was confused. What is that hedgehog up to?

Silver stared at the bars in front of him with deep concentration. Rouge wasn't sure what he was rying to do, but was certain he couldn't do it. However, as the bars begin to bend, she knew she was wrong. They were out of there!

Shadow awoke as drained as the last time. He looked down at his handiwork, pleased with himself. He would be able to break out of this with enough effort. He only needed to wait for his strength to return.

"Shadow?" A soft voice called from the cage. Shadow strained his neck to look down at the cage. His heart skipped a beat, seeing Sonic.

He looked awful. His eyes were full and Shadow could see he was in a lot of pain. Shadow wanted nothing more than to murder the Dr. as slowly as he could. However, his first priority was to get Sonic and the baby out of there.

"I'm here Sonic," Shadow said as softly as he could. He felt emotion burst as he spoke. A little light returned to Sonic as he spoke.

"The baby," Sonic said quietly, as if speaking was painful. It hurt Shadow more than any physical pain could.

"She's safe for now. I'll get you out of here soon! I promise," Shadow could already feel his power returning. It wouldn't be long now.

They didn't speak for a long time. Shadow tried to say comforting words to Sonic, but he wasn't so sure Sonic was even conscious anymore. As the hours passed his power returned. By the time the door opened, he was ready.

"I hope you're ready!" The Dr. said excitedly.

Oh don't worry, I am Shadow promised as he tightened his fists. He waited for Dr. Erickson to shut and lock the door before he tanked on the ropes with his regained strength. The bonds broke easily and he released a powerful chaos spear on the crazy scientist. It his him dead in the chest, causing the man to stumble back and fall over. He couldn't speak, only gasp and gargle until his life ended. So much for killing him slowly.

Shadow released another on Sonic's cage, breaking it open. Sonic woke up with a start. He was confused a moment, but everything began to make sense after a moment.

"Shadow!" Sonic yelled, throwing his arms around the onyx hedgehog. It felt so good! But now wasn't the time. Shadow needed to get them all to safety. He supported Sonic's weight and walked him to the baby. Before he could get near, however, the wall exploded.

"We found him," Amy coughed as debris flew everywhere. The gang saw Sonic and all broke into cheers and smiles.

"Silver! Take Sonic!" Shadow yelled. By now sirens were going off everywhere and they were bound to have company. Silver nodded and suspended the weak Sonic into the air. Shadow scooped up the screaming bundle of blankets and dashed for the hole in the wall. He didn't take the time to look for doors, he blasted every wall they came to until he saw the plane. His energy was draining quickly. He had used a lot over and over in the past five hours. Luckily, the Dr. wasn't smart enough to remove the plane or even pick up Shadow's wrist rings. He snatched them up as everyone flew into the plane. Shadow was low on energy by the time they reached the plane. He skated quickly to the room him and Sonic shared before and set the baby down, completely drained.

"I can take her Shadow. You need rest," Amy said with a small smile. Shadow hesitated.

Amy took the baby and said softly, "She's safe with me. I'll take care of her and Sonic. They'll be good as new when you wake up. I promise."

Shadow smiled at her, "Thank you Amy." Before he could say anymore, fatigue overcame him.

When Shadow woke up, it was a whole new world.

Shadow exited his room, seeing a different atmosphere than when he fell asleep. Amy was holding hands with Silver, both looking at each other with adoration. Rouge was n Knuckle's lap, teasingly tracing his cheek with a slender finger. When Knuckles noticed Shadow, he jerked his head towards the living room. Shadow didn't even hesitate. He headed for the living room quickly. What he saw could have stopped his heart while kicking it into hyper speed.

Sonic was holding a a little bundle in his arms, smiling at it with so much love. Shadow moved closer slowly, not wanting to interrupt. When Sonic noticed him, his smile grew, "Why don't you come meet your daughter?" He asked?

Shadow sat beside Sonic and looked at his baby for the first time.

She was perfect!

She had violet eyes and lavender fur. Her quills faded to light blue at the end and there was a patch of white fur on her chest. Shadow loved her instantly. He knew he would protect her no matter what, and that she would be loved by everyone who saw her.

She smiled at Shadow and reached out toward him. Shadow gave her his finger and she took hold of it, smiling widely.

"She loves you," Sonic said softly. He handed her to Shadow, who held her closely to him. She felt warm and full of life. It was the most perfect and amazing moment of Shadow's life.

"Still think you two are disasters?" Sonic asked teasingly. Shadow didn't even take notice. He was busy looking at his baby.

His and Sonic's baby.

"She makes all of it worth it," Shadow whispered.

"I think we should name her Light," Sonic said suddenly.

"Why Light? I don't think she's so opposite me," Shadow said with a small smile.

Sonic shook his head, "She brought light into our lives. All of our lives."

By now the whole crowd, even Omega gathered around. They gazed at the family with love and affection. Their lives were all changing for the better. Their lives had Light. Everything, even the trials of their lives before all of this, was finally worth it.

Fin.