Shadie hadn’t said another word since the last one broke out of her. Everyone hovered near her like she might disappear if they blinked too long. Rouge sat beside her on the med-cot, an arm wrapped around her shoulders. Cream curled against Shadie’s side, not willing to leave even for a second. Will stood in the doorway like a guard dog waiting for an excuse to tear someone apart. Shadow had his arms folded, jaw locked tight. Silver stayed close to Shadie but kept glancing at Shadow, waiting for orders. Omega scanned the room in slow, mechanical sweeps — every sweep ending on Shadie. The air was thick. Heavy. Like it was holding something back. Then— A faint ping sounded from Omega’s chest. Everyone froze. “Alert,” Omega announced, voice deeper than usual. “A PSIONIC RESIDUE HAS BEEN DETECTED.” Shadow snapped around instantly. “Where?” Omega’s visors flickered red. “ON HER.” Rouge stiffened, immediately pulling Shadie closer. Will’s tails shot straight up. Silver inhaled sharply, eyes glowing faintly in psychic reflex. Cream grabbed Shadie’s arm tighter. Shadow stepped forward. Omega clarified: “THE RESIDUE IS NOT ACTIVE. BUT IT IS RECENT.” Shadie flinched, hugging herself. “…I told you,” she whispered. “He was… right there. Pushing.” Shadow’s voice dropped dangerously low. “How recent?” Omega’s processors hummed. “LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES AGO.” Rouge’s grip tightened. Silver braced like something physical might appear from thin air. Will’s whole body tensed, claws out, ready to attack an enemy that wasn’t even visible. Shadie’s breath hitched. “S-So he— he could still be—” Omega cut her off: “CORRECTION. HE IS STILL ATTEMPTING CONTACT.” Shadie’s eyes widened in terror. “W-What—? No— no no— I pushed him out— I did— I—” Omega’s ports sparked. “THE CONNECTION IS NOT FAIR. HE IS SEARCHING FOR A NEW ENTRY POINT.” Shadow was beside her in a heartbeat. “Shadie. Look at me.” She tried, shaking. “You’re safe,” he said. “Right now, you’re surrounded by people who won’t let him take one step closer.” Will bared his teeth. “Let him try. I dare him.” Silver knelt beside her, hands open and glowing faintly. “Shadie… if he tries again, I can help block him. I promise.” Shadie’s breathing slowed, just a little. But Rouge wasn’t looking at her. Rouge was staring at Omega. “…Where’s the signal strongest?” she asked quietly. Omega turned his head stiffly. “DIRECTLY OUTSIDE THE BASE.” Shadow’s eyes narrowed to slits. Silver’s aura surged. Will snarled. Cream whimpered. Shadie went pale. Omega continued: “AND… IT IS GETTING CLOSER.” Shadow spoke one single word — cold, calm, lethal: “Positions.” The room exploded into motion.
