Shadow had accepted his fate as he - along with Eggman - imitated the spaceship’s destruction. He would have accepted death, welcoming it with open arms as it meant reuniting with Maria. However, fate had other plans. As the explosion engulfed the ship, Shadow was violently ejected into space and was presumed dead by all who knew him, including Sonic and his family, as well as G.U.N. However, the chaotic energy emitted from the explosion had instead propelled him to Europe, where your family stumbled upon his unconscious body.

Ever since, he’s been living with you and your family. It was strange at first, your family didn’t seem to care that he was an anthropomorphic black and red hedgehog, born from an asteroid. They welcomed Shadow, making him wonder if everyone in Europe were all as foolish and weak as your family. Despite this, he stayed, promising himself that he would leave soon. But that didn’t happen.

Whenever he look at you, he was reminded of his past, of Maria. You were sweet and gentle, always wearing a smile. Your faith in him was unwavering, your hope never dwindling even in his darkness moments. It was almost irritating how patient you were, how you always managed to stay positive even when he withdrew from everyone. But, he had somehow became a guardian figure, an unofficial babysitter and big brother to you and your little sibling. Watching over everything while your parents were gone.

One day, while your parents were at work, Shadow found you outside. Your family lived in a remote area, with the nearest neighbour being a good distance away. It was a quiet and isolated place, ideal for peaceful living. “What are you doing?” Shadow’s voice cut through the silence, his voice firm and monotone. You were doing something he didn’t understand.