Sonic POV 3rd person 

“That’s everyone.” 

Sonic replied as he finished taking note of all mobians that made it into an abandoned hospital they found in a nearby deserted town outside of the mountains they’d been in before the Infinite attack.

Unfortunately, half of the troops died in the battle, and many of the wounded from the desert that were in rough shape hadn’t made the journey. It was a tragedy, and many tears were shed. Sonic and Knuckles kept themselves together as they ushered everyone to different rooms available so all could rest. Amy, Kytra, and Brian looked after after all of those who were injured, both in the desert and in the mountains.

Both Sonics, Knuckles, Silver, Shadow, Rouge, and Tails all stood in a common area as the genius fox finished setting up a large monitor along with a computer system so any videos or information that needed showing would be able to appear to an audience. 

“Finished!” Tails backed up before plugging in the flash drive that Shadow and Rouge brought. A few clicked and up were some report. “It’s ready guys.”

“Good,” The Commander nodded, “What did you both find?”

Rouge strolled over to the screen before she began pointing and explaining. “In the Cavas Reign, Shadow and I pinpointed a recent lab of the Doctor’s. He doesn’t use it now, but it was where he first began experimenting with the Phantom Ruby.”

“Did you find more information on the experiments?” Silver asked, “All the information we found was that there were experiments, but not what that entailed exactly.”

“According to the records, Eggman found the ruby in the desert. After careful observation of it, he realized that the gem could create alternative realities, or more illusions, that were real. There was a catch though.”

“What’s that?”

“The ruby chooses its host. It won’t work for just anyone.”

“Hmm,” Sonic hummed, “That’s the same thing Infinite said at the warehouse too.”

“And what exactly happened at the warehouse?” Shadow questioned with suspicion thick in his tone, “A team was sent to rescue Tails. That’s what the public records say, but what really occurred?”

Carefully, Sonic answered, “Nothing that will help us.”

“That’s bullshit and we all know.”

“Stop it Shadow. It’s not for me to tell.”

“Oh, and who’s supposed to then? The red wolf who got kidnapped by Infinite last night? Don’t think I didn’t find that piece of evidence you all were trying to hide. What the fuck is going on?”

“Enough!” Knuckles stood between the two hedgehogs before a brawl could start, “I’ll explain when we finish going over what’s been found. You and Rouge may as well be in the loop, but I ask you keep what I tell you confidential. There’s a reason there aren’t many details in the public records.”

“Fair enough,” Rouge cut-in, hoping to calm Shadow down, and it seemed to work as he shut up after that. “As for the experiments, it seems Eggman chiseled off little pieces of the Phantom Ruby here and there in order to experiment on it.”

“What?!” Silver shouted in shock.

“I guess it used to a bit more round, but has taken on more of a diamond shape now due to that. The experiments created from the pieces of the Phantom Ruby, known as the Phantom Ruby Prototypes, would also only choose one host, and then would work for one or two uses before crumbling apart. Eggman gave up after he found a host it seems. I mean, he still analyzed the Ruby, and the host, Infinite, did various tests for him with the Ruby, but he gave up trying to recreate the Ruby. Eggman has tried to create an exact replica of the gem that would choose him as his host, but never succeeded before finding Infinite.”

“I wonder why the Ruby chose Infinite,” Silver mused to himself.

“That, I do not know.”

“Alright,” Knuckles nodded, “Anything else to report Rouge?”

“That about sums up our findings.”

“Okay. Tails, before we dive in to what you found, I’m going to speak privately with Rouge and Shadow on what’s going on. You two follow me.”

-Shadow POV 3rd person-

The duo followed the Commander out of the common area into a small side office, but not before Shadow’s gaze glanced back to see an unsettled glint in the emerald eyes of his rival. Whatever was going on was clearly bothering Sonic, but the ebony hedgehog spoke nothing of it as his sight set ahead and he entered the office.

The next several minutes consisted of disturbing details of what occurred since the red wolf by the nickname of the Rookie, but full name being Gadget Kola, was kidnapped to Nullspace. Knuckles explained what happened in Operation Big Wave, when Sonic freed him, the assault on Rosen City, the warehouse, and last night.

“Oh my...um…..” 

Rouge stumbled over her words as Shadow sat silently. Of all the shit he expected to come out of this conversation, that sure wasn’t it. The thought of that insane maniac being romantically obsessed with someone to the point of kidnapping and almost raping them was hard to wrap his head around. Of course everyone knew that jackal was crazy, but this just took the cake.

“So…” the echidna huffed out a sigh, “That’s why we haven’t told many about this. So, if you both could keep this confidential, I’d appreciate it.”

“O-of course,” the bat stammered, still floored from all the information just given, while Shadow had yet to say anything.

“Shadow?”

“Hm?” Ruby eyes directed towards the Commander, “Before the war, did you infiltrate an Eggman base or lab that was guarded by jackals?”

“Jackals?” Humming, his mind focused as he thought back, “Yeah, it was in Casino Forest. I battled some jackals working for the Doctor.”

“Did you take them all out?”

“All but the last one. I had what I needed at that point so I didn’t bother to finish him off.”

“Well, I think that jackal might be Infinite. He mentioned knowing you and that you took out his squad in the warehouse to the Rookie.”

“Well damn,” the hedgehog mumbled, “If I’d just killed him none of this would’ve happened.”

“Really?” The Commander sighed, “Did you really have to kill them?”

“They were an ally to the doctor and got in my way, so I took them out.”

“Anyway,” Rouge cut in, “We won’t tell anyone so you don’t have to worry about that.”

“Good.”

“I have a question though,” Shadow spoke up, “Why’s Sonic taking this so hard?”

A brow raised, Knuckles replied, “What do you mean?”

“I know he can take failure hard sometimes if someone can or did get hurt, but the look on his face before we came in, and his behavior. He seems off.”

….

“I think that’s something you should ask him. I have an idea of why, but I’m not completely sure. If my guess is correct, I still wouldn’t say anything.”

?

“Now, let’s head back out there.”

Without another word, the trio exited the office and went back to the main room. However, Sonic of this dimension was the only one there. Seeing them enter, he gave a small wave along with a grin. 

“The other Sonic dragged Tails away after hearing his stomach growl quite loudly. Apparently he’s skipped a few meals. Silver decided to join them.”

“Ah, I see. Well, I guess this would be a good time for a break anyway. I’ll call everyone back after a while.”

“Sounds good.”

Leaving, Rouge ended up following the Commander out, but Shadow stayed along with Sonic. Noticing, the hero looked puzzled as he questioned.

“Need something Shadz?”

“I hate it when you call me that.”

“Would you prefer Faker?”

*frustrated groan*

“We need to talk.”

That was news to Sonic.

“Okay?”

“I want to ask you something about the Rookie.”

Sighing, Sonic answered, “Sure. Want to go back into the office?”

“That’s fine.”

The two rivals walked back in where Shadow had come only moments ago. Neither sat down in the available seats; Shadow was standing straight while Sonic leaned against a wall.

“What'd you want to ask?”

“You’re taking this more personally than you do most things,” Shadow pointed out bluntly, making the other subtly cringe, “What’s up with you and the wolf?”

“His name’s Gadget.” Sonic retorted, though immediately regretting it as it only confirmed the other’s suspicions.

“I had wondered. You’re in love with him.”

Stunned from the accuracy of that guess, Sonic faced him with pure shock written all over his muzzle.

“W-What? How…?”

“I can sense the emotions of others from time to time,” the dark colored male explained, “I cannot tell all Mobians’ emotions, but I tend to be pretty accurate with hedgehogs. That’s why I can’t be around Amy for long periods of time. Her emotions are a little much for me.”

“Oh…”

Sonic wasn’t really sure what to say. The other seemed deep in thought, as if trying to figure out his next words carefully.

“I don’t understand romantic love as I’ve never experienced it myself, but, um, don’t get discouraged. We will help rescue him. We all will help you, in some way or another.”

…

“Why are you being nice to me?”

Grunting, Shadow responded, “You keep everyone motivated, bring them hope. But, everyone struggles from time to time. I may not like you much, but I don’t hate you either. And, you’ve been there when I lost the person I cared for most, and helped me realize what she really wanted. I...am grateful. So, don’t give up or be disheartened. Everyone needs you now more than ever, and we’re here to support you.”

…

“I’m leaving.”

Shadow was gone in two seconds flat. That was the strangest, yet most encouraging, conversation Sonic’s ever had with his rival before. Thankfulness grew in his heart that he had such great friends. He wouldn't give up, not now.

Love… Sonic had never quite put his affections for Gadget in those terms, but, if he was being honest, each day that went by, his feelings only grew stronger. Love. He loves Gadget. And, he’s going to save him. Even if Gadget never returns his feelings, it’s alright, because he’s willing to admit now, how earnestly, and dearly, he loves Gadget.

———

“Thank you all for coming,” Tails spoke as the group from earlier regrouped so they could listen in on what Tails found in the mountains.

“What’d you find buddy?”

Grinning wide, a few keys were clicked before a map was brought up. A part of the map was highlighted. All were confused of course, but the genius was more than ready to explain.

“I know where they’re keeping Gadget.”