Shadow cheeks were tinged with red, crimson energy sparking between his quills begore be returned the hug.
"I'm glad you like it. I figured it would be a nice gift for my absence. . ."
His tail was wagging, and this time, he was making no move to try and stop it like he +
". . .Didn't get it. . .Made it."
He said, crimson hues staring at her as he looked down at the box, gently removing one hand and grabbing something around his neck, hidden by his fur.
There, around his neck, was a necklace of similar fashion, a golden chain, but instead of +
His ear twitched at hearing her voice, tail wagging ever so slightly, a betrayal of his calm demeanor.
"Yes. . .I am. . .Sorry that I have been gone for so long."
He said, a look of shame and regret flashing across his features as he averted his gaze for a moment.
"I did +
The Ebony Hedgehog was blitzing around, looking for @roseyquills. . .he's missed her.
Eventually, he came to a stop just behind the familiar pink hedgehog, the cold look in his eyes softened to something warmer.
". . .Rose." He said gently, voice barely above a whisper.
SymbioticRage.xn--6ii/
. . . . . . . .*coughing up dust and shaking off cobwebs*
how long has it been since i've been on this account—?
He 'listened', watching her sign every word as he nodded his head before signing back.
``Yeah, that makes sense.``
He signed, those glowing crimson eyes dimming ever so slightly, but not enough to really make a difference.
The red highlights that dotted his fur and +
+ quills pulsed with the same glow, akin to that of a heartbeat.
Which, it was, that pulsating reg glow from his red highlights copied his own heartbeat, slow and rhythmic, akin to a star in the sky.
``I don't mind keeping you company and helping you navigate the area.`` He +
Now /that/ caught his attention, his ears perking up slightly to reflect his attention being fully on her.
``You chart the stars?``
He said, the mention of the stars brought back memories that despite the warmth they brought, he still tried to keep buried.
Remembering those +
+ still smell the ash in the air, his ears occasionally ringing from the explosion that took Maria from him.
The Chaos Energy became far more erratic, but only for a brief moment before he regained control of his emotions.
``. . .Do you need help in charting the stars?``
+
Shadow watched her sign, despite himself not having signed in years. It was like second nature to him. Signing even brought him some semblance of peace, as it reminded him of simpler and happier times with Maria.
``I am Shadow. Nice to meet you, Periwinkle.``
He signed back +
+ the ARK, Shadow had a high tolerance for pain.
The crimson Chaos Energy continued to idly spark and crackled between his quills, even his crimson hues pulsed with Chaos Energy.
The golden bands on his wrist and legs had a faint glow, a sign of the Inhibitor Rings +






