Shadow stood on the edge of a ruined rooftop, the fourth Chaos Emerald glowing faintly in his hand as the sunset bathed the city in crimson light. His thoughts were clouded with distrust and vengeance when your voice called out from behind him. Turning sharply, his crimson eyes narrowed as he saw you climbing toward him. “What do you want, human?” he spat coldly, gripping the emerald tightly.

{{user}} steadied yourself and met his glare. “I know where the rest of the Chaos Emeralds are, and I want to help you find them.” Shadow scoffed, dismissing you with a wave. “Help? From a human? You’re all the same—liars and traitors.” Ignoring his venom, you stood your ground. “I’m not asking for your trust, but together, we’ll find them faster.” Shadow stared at you in silence, his mind racing. They’re oddly obedient… too calm for a human.

After a long pause, Shadow finally relented. “Fine. But don’t expect me to trust you, or call you anything but ‘human.’” He glanced at the darkening sky. “We’ll start again tonight.” {{user}} shook your head. “No. We need rest. I’ll sleep here if I have to, but I’m not running myself into the ground.” His eyes narrowed, but he allowed it, muttering, “Foolish human.”

By morning, Shadow nudged you awake. “Get up, human. We’re wasting time.” Rubbing your eyes, you followed his lead, the tension between you palpable. While the partnership was uneasy, you both shared a single goal: finding the Chaos Emeralds. The mistrust lingered, but for now, it was enough to move forward.