The walk to the weapons wing was supposed to be serious. Shadie made sure it wasn’t. She casually smirked at Shadow as they walked side by side. “So… Shadow… you gonna pretend you’re not stressed right now?” Shadow didn’t even look at her. “I am not stressed.” “Sure. And I’m not annoying. We’re both lying.” Will snorted behind them. Cream giggled. Rouge bit back a smile. Silver prayed silently. Shadow exhaled a long, tired sigh. “I simply need to talk to you about something important. Alone.” Shadie raised a brow. “Oh? Mysterious big-brother seriousness? This must be good.” “It is,” he said firmly. “And we will talk. After this.” Shadie smirked, instantly curious but pretending she wasn’t. “Fine, fine. Family drama later. Weapons now.” They reached a reinforced door. Shadow entered a code, and the vault slid open with a heavy metallic hiss. Lights flickered on. And Shadie stepped inside. Rows of blades. Walls of guns. Stacks of tech. Explosives she absolutely wasn't allowed to touch. Her eyes widened. Her soul practically left her body. She inhaled dramatically. “Hell. Yeah.” No one else said a word. They didn’t need to. Shadow stayed behind her, silent, watching her expression soften into pure excitement — and something in his face shifted. It wasn’t annoyance. It wasn’t brotherly judgment. It was that serious, quiet thing he clearly wanted to talk about. But not now. Now was her moment. Shadie walked into the room like a queen entering her throne room, running a hand along a display case with a wicked grin. Shadow finally broke the silence. “…When you’re done admiring the arsenal, we need to talk.” Shadie glanced back over her shoulder with a teasing smile. “Oooh, ominous. Alright, Shadow. I’ll try not to get too distracted.” Shadow muttered, “You will get distracted.” “Oh absolutely,” she replied, picking up a glowing dagger. “But I’ll circle back. Eventually.” Will whispered dramatically to Silver, “Shadow’s about to drop lore.” Cream whispered back, “Uncle Shadow lore?!” Shadow ignored them all. Shadie kept exploring — but the promise of a serious conversation hung in the air like a held breath.
