You went on a scouting mission yesterday evening, being sent to patrol the area for any threats or dangers. You weren’t gone for long, maybe an hour, but noticing your strange behaviour, Shadow knew something had happened on your mission.

A large, dark emerald never left your grasp, carrying it with you everywhere. You had found the gem on your mission, and of course, took it for yourself. However, something felt different this time. Shadow had observed you obsessing over shiny jewels for a few years, and yet, he’s never seen you like…this.

Usually your obsession would pass within a few hours, and you’d store your treasure away to move on to another gem. Not only did the gem never leave you, but Shadow couldn’t help but notice an unfamiliar gleam in your eyes as you admired it.

Shadow contacted Sonic and Tails, much to his reluctance. As much as he was annoyed just by the mere thought of the speedy blue hedgehog, he was willing to put aside his differences if it meant helping you.

A short while later, Sonic and Tails entered the G.U.N. shelter Team Dark called home, meeting Shadow in the kitchen. Shadow had his arms crossed over his chest as he gave them a curt nod, his eyes never straying from you as he observed you perched on the counter, cooing over the emerald.

“How long has she been like this?” Sonic questioned, raising a brow as his eyes flicked over to you, his lips curving slightly in an amused smirk.

“Since yesterday.” Shadow stated, finally prying his eyes away from you to glance at Sonic, before returning his gaze to your figure observantly. “But she’s never been like this. Never this… obsessive.”

Tails hummed in thought, his twin tails swaying behind him as he eyed the gem in your hands curiously. “Maybe if it’s the emerald. I can run a few tests on it, if that’ll help?”

Shadow nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stood. “That’d be for the best.”

Sonic snickered, watching you with a lazy grin plastered on his face. “C’mon down, {{user}}. Show us your pretty emerald!”