Life in the shadows pt 8

The rapid pace of the hedgehog’s shallow breaths created a rhythmic sound when coupled with the hybrid’s strong heartbeat. Doom found himself fascinated by how well the hedgehog’s fragile internal organs had adapted to the alien blood within; it was almost as if Shadow were a creature that was born into the world instead of a creation. Shadow’s adaptability was also beginning to show around the rest of the Black Arms; the young hedgehog had assumed a role of command over his larger and more aggressive siblings. The future for the alien race seemed assured with the hybrid’s addition to the ship; just a few hours ago Shadow had been demonstrating the new fighting style he was implementing within the army to his father. Black Doom once more found his eyes straying to the hedgehog that currently lay in slumber and again found himself facing the unavoidable question; what was Shadow to him? Certainly the hedgehog existed as a companion and even an advisor. The alien overlord openly admitted Shadow was more intelligent than his other children. Was Shadow his heir? Doom never willingly surrendered power but it seemed that decision was one that Shadow would have to make…

“Only when I’m dead.” Mused the alien.

The soft whisper was enough to wake the hedgehog it seemed and Black Doom felt a rush of what might have been pride at the increasing range of the hybrid’s senses.

Wearily, two ruby eyes rested on the alien, “Father.”

Doom nodded, “Shadow.”

With a great reluctance the ebony hedgehog freed himself from the confines of the large bed and frowned, “Where are we?”

The alien laughed at the hybrid’s confused tone; mind reading would never be among Shadow’s gifts, “You are in my personal chambers, an honour few ever receive I assure you.”

For a few minutes the hedgehog gazed at the room like one might regard a great treasure; an action his father felt was justified.

Finally the hybrid spoke, “I wasn’t aware you slept.”

“Believe it or not Shadow even I need rest,” The alien could not help but be amused by his creation’s words, “although I need very little. Unlike yourself.”

 The hedgehog’s frown told the alien that the earlier events were lost to the little hybrid.

 Doom felt it his duty to remedy that problem, “You collapsed during our training this morning… at first I thought I had finally gone a killed you; a most inconvenient thought of course, but upon closer inspection you had simply passed out.”

“And you brought me here?” The hedgehog guessed.

Suddenly Doom found his actions irrational, the hedgehog’s room was just as suitable as his own and doubtless a far more comfortable environment for its inhabitant and yet he had taken the hybrid here. Doubtless it was to ensure his investment remained alive and not some act of irrational parental panic that had motivated these actions. Yet even as he thought this Doom struggled to fight the desire to berate his offspring for not taking care of himself properly.

Eventually the alien settled on a response, “It seemed natural since I cannot rely on you to ensure your own wellbeing. I am in a mind to relocate you permanently to somewhere where I can place you under observation.” Noting the turbulent emotions that plagued the hybrid, Doom frowned, “Unless, of course, Shadow you believe the failure is on my part?”

“No Father.” The flicker of shame in the hedgehog’s eyes told the alien he had won.

“I see you’ve learnt from this; perhaps observation won’t be necessary.” Moving away from his creation Doom made it clear the discussion was over, “I have things to attend to Shadow. For the moment you are to stay here and rest. I won’t allow my son to die of exhaustion in my own home.”

It was only when he noticed the hedgehog’s ears prick that the alien realised that the decision regarding Shadow’s place was already made.