sranks | ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

[What an absolute disaster this week has been. Ever since Infinite has arrived here, he's been beset with one inconvenience after the other--his powers haven't worked in the slightest, and most everyone who has encountered him so far hasn't given a single bit of useful information in getting home. How annoying, deeply annoying--even moreso is that purple haired wretch who keeps getting in his way. She barely acts affected by his threats against her, and the blue haired woman beside her only gives him a passing glance now. It's infuriating to be seen as weak like this, that this weakness has returned and there's nothing Infinite can do about it.

He needs to learn more of this world's magic. Yes. He needs to seize it, seize it completely and finally do something about this, and perhaps he'll finally be able to make something of this...borderline peaceful existence. Sure, he's not the only person here who's rather surly; that pink haired woman who arrived recently has a nasty bite for someone who dresses so primly. That blue haired swordsman, too. Infinite is hardly the only difficult person here, but they clearly have adapted.

He has to, as well. Infinite will not be weak, even if right now, he certainly is.

There had been rumors for a week or so now, of a woman in red in the mountains who's been driving people from going too deeply after some of the monsters there. A quest had popped up to look into this rumor and see what was going on, and Infinite took it without thinking. He isn't expecting the green haired woman to actually put up any sort of fight, but her power is too great; she barely breaks a sweat as she brings him down the mountain, sighing gently and picking up her red dress as she puts him on the ground.

Please, you must endeavor to be careful. If that monster had been any stronger, you would have had the misfortune to die up there...]

I would have been fine without your useless meddling, you wretch! Keep your hands to yourself or I will remove them if you try that nonsense again!

[He's not nearly injured enough to not consider attacking, but the woman in red seems to startle as she sees someone...someone she recognizes? Either way, she floats away and practically flees, and Infinite turns his head to see...

...

Infinite's eyes widen. A part of him wants to believe he's mistaken, but Infinite chuckles outright at the sight of his mortal enemy in front of him.]

Well, look who's decided to come and vex me once again.

[Saying Shadow has totally adapted to life in Ellipsa is not exactly the truth. Sure, he is settling in rather well, but there are some things that are simply difficult to handle. Like the fact that this world is mostly peaceful outside of the occasional weird event (that he has not experienced yet) or stray monster that someone has put a quest in for. Shadow is used to fighting. It's what he's done most of his life. So he takes quests, and he hopes that maybe this time, the threat will be great enough to pose a proper challenge.

He's made some friends along the way, of course. It would be hard not to. One of them is Hina, and on seeing the quest, he immediately set off to go check on her. After all, if there's trouble up in the mountains, he can handle it. Hell, he's looking forward to handling it; he owes her for the last time he was fighting up that way and she swooped in to help mop up the remainder that would have blindsided him otherwise.

But she startles and takes her leave, and he isn't exactly confused as to why when he sees a certain someone.]

...Infinite.

[Why the hell is he here? This world called for heroes, didn't it? Even if Shadow is a questionable pick for it, he's infinitely (heh) better than Infinite. Then again, Neo Metal Sonic wasn't a hero either, so perhaps this world just has a terrible habit of grabbing ill-fitting villains...

Regardless, that isn't the point right now. It's likely only the injuries Infinite sustained that keeps him from launching himself at Shadow right away. Not that it would matter much, given that Shadow has a Chaos Emerald in his quills and is certainly capable of using Chaos Control to stop the jackal in his tracks if necessary. Though why would he, when a fight with the jackal would almost be fun?

...He'll maybe examine that thought later (no he won't), but for now...]

When did you get here?

[There's a small amount of clinging miasma from Hina's fight against him--she had tried to take most of it with her back to the mountain, but Infinite winds up laughing when Shadow speaks up, uncaring to the effect it's having on him.]

Oh, only a few days prior, with the rest of the new problem children that this place shall now face. Not that it likely matters to you...or it won't, very soon.

[Infinite's one visible eye is bright and alive as he straightens himself up to go on the offensive--he may not have any of his powers from the Phantom Ruby, which is very much absent from his chest right now, but the wind picks up around him as if responding to the overwhelming need to fight.]

That such an insipid place would be the way I meet you again, to tear you apart at long last--oh, it's so deeply amusing. But playtime is over!

[Infinite may be injured, but he absolutely launches himself at Shadow at a speed that's a little faster than he should be capable of--the wind that Infinite launches at Shadow is surprisingly fast, too, but Infinite isn't going to rely on magic alone to beat Shadow.

No, he's outright attempting to grab the hedgehog, though he fully expects that Shadow won't make it easy.]

[The Phantom Ruby is gone, which is hardly a surprise, but definitely a good sign. While Shadow is still certain he'd win in a direct fight, not having to deal with copies of Sonic's enemies (and himself) makes this an easier fight. Infinite's insistence on fighting despite his previous defeat likewise isn't surprising; after all, why wouldn't they fight? This is just how things go.

Though admittedly, the fact that Infinite has already grasped the basics of using his new powers is a pleasant surprise. Not enough to throw Shadow off, who immediately retaliates by launching himself at Infinite, catching the jackal hard around the middle and knocking him off balance so Shadow has him pinned. No sense in dragging this out; Infinite won't be able to pose that much of a threat even with these new powers, and Shadow isn't going to toy with him.]

You're right. Playtime is over.

You--!!

[Infinite outright growls when Shadow manages to get him pinned, his one visible eye wild and wide as he attempts to outright punch Shadow for the slight against him. He can't exactly charge his powers like this, and without the Phantom Ruby, he's--

No. No, no, nonono--]

Get off of me! I will not be weak again. I will never lose to you--!

[He's not even sure if he can get a good shot at Shadow like this, but he's trying. His mask is slightly askew as well, but his other arm is pinned and he's trying to get that free too so he can fix it.]

[He only barely catches Infinite's fist, which nearly is enough to lose his hold on the jackal, but it's not quite enough. Shadow knees him hard in the stomach to get him to chill the hell out.]

Enough. You already have. Accept your loss with some grace.

[He's been caught so easily. Infinite's fist is nearly what causes Shadow to lose hold, and for a second he thinks he can finally get the upper hand, but--

Infinite's kneed in the stomach by Shadow, startling him enough for his mask to fall off entirely as he recoils from the pain of it all. He's left panting a bit as he can finally glare up at Shadow with those mismatched eyes of his, the full force of his anger on display.]

Why would I ever do such a thing? You cannot hold me here forever, and the second you let that miserable guard of yours down, I will have my vengeance!

[Infinite continues to struggle against Shadow, though he can't do much of anything right now with the way Shadow has him pinned. Doesn't mean he's not going to try at least, but--]

[Ah, that's right... Of course, he did remember who Infinite was once reminded, but seeing him without the mask now, it really does bring back those memories of their fight. It truly had been a rather unmemorable one for Shadow himself, but obviously that wasn't the case for Infinite. Maybe he'd feel some degree of pity for the jackal if he wasn't being a pain right now; if Shadow lets him up, he's just going to get a fist in his face for his efforts.]

You won't get your vengeance here either, jackal. I'll kick your ass as many times as it takes to get that through your thick skull.

[gasp shadow you can't say that, you're not from Shadow the Hedgehog (2005)!]

Edited 2025-03-24 07:17 (UTC)

Will you, now?

[Infinite looks up at Shadow when he says that much and it's...

Infinite doesn't know what about that makes something in his chest beat a little faster at that--he doesn't know why he's tempted to almost smirk in response to that declaration.]

I wouldn't have expected such crass language from you, Shadow. Hmph. If you keep that up, I may just have to believe you.

[Infinite forces his head up at that, the beating of his heart and the adrenaline rushing through him and making him just want to stare Shadow in the eyes. He doesn't care if the scar Shadow gave him is on full display, he doesn't care if he's pinned to the ground and almost enjoying the way this is playing out.

Shadow will have to let up at some point, and then--then Infinite can strike.]

Or perhaps I'll just have to rip that uncouth tongue out of your mouth as my personal trophy. What a lovely thing that would be!

[should've heard him say "damn" 3897293823693094x during Shadow the Hedgehog (2005).]

Bold words. I'd like to see you try.

[Shadow then backs up entirely, letting Infinite up.

...Before sucker punching him in the gut before zipping off, putting his speed to good use to ensure he's soundly won this fight!!]

Do be sure to put up a better fight next time, Infinite!

[Because there will be a next time.

...Is it strange that Shadow's looking forward to it?]

[And there is plenty of next times, to say the least. Over the span of the next several days alone, the second Infinite sees Shadow, he elects to try and throw down with him--Infinite at least has a basic rule of tact that he doesn't go and attack Shadow when he has company (as much as he wants to kill that blue blur too, a certain robot has managed a handy enough smackdown and threat that has ensured he won't be going after him again. ...at least not without a plan--), but when he's otherwise unoccupied? He's fair game. And...

Each and every time, he loses. That's all he's been doing for the last several days, even as he's grown much stronger with the new magic he's been given. He's even managed to test it against that misfortune goddess in the mountains, as much as she keeps telling him that battling her is a fool's errand--she may beat him handily, but he's better understanding his power. It's the only solace he has.

It was yesterday that Infinite finally decided he needs to change up his approach. He needs to get the jump on Shadow, somehow--he's not entirely sure how, but it has to be something shocking. Something unexpected, for sure. Anything to stop the vague tension that seems to build in Infinite as Shadow pins him again, and again, and again and again--

In truth, by the time today has come around, Infinite hasn't even thought of a proper plan. But when Infinite confronts Shadow today, he makes sure to attack when they're in a secluded spot, and Infinite discards his mask entirely when he goes on the attack today.]

Shadow!!

[...HEADS UP, IT'S TIME FOR YOUR DAILY BATTLE WITH THE JACKAL AGAIN...]

[Battling Infinite becomes routine. But it isn't routine in the way that eating and sleeping are routine - those are expected. Those are necessary. This is different, it is unexpected and random and exciting - even if every single battle ends the same way, with Shadow zipping off before Infinite can try to land one final punch on him. It doesn't matter how many times they do this song and dance, it always ends the same.

But that isn't the fun part. The fun part is in the battle itself, in seeing how Infinite has changed and grown and is ready to come at him this time. In truth, Shadow can sort of understand why Sonic has so many rivals now, because if he enjoys this even half as much as Shadow does, it makes sense why he just allows his enemies to come at him repeatedly. And Shadow is not thinking about that analogy any further because he is not comparing himself to Sonic or Infinite to Neo, thank you very much.

(And oh, he remembers when Infinite tried to pick a fight with him while Sonic was there; the robot came out of nowhere and beat the jackal worse than Shadow has any time they've fought here, which was kind of hilarious and kind of weirdly attractive, but that thought will go to his grave with him, thanks.)

So it isn't a surprise when he hears that familiar voice as he's drifted further out today; after all, he's expecting Infinite to come at him at some point, and here in this clearing's as good a place as any. He isn't all that far outside of town, but far enough to make for a good battlefield. Here comes Infinite and— he ditched his mask already, huh? Well, fair enough, it does have a tendency to get knocked off during their clashes. So here we go again—

And one handwaved fight later, Shadow pins Infinite to the ground again. It isn't nearly as secure of a pin as usual, though; partially because he simply didn't get as good a grasp on the jackal this time and partially because... well, he doesn't really want the fight to be over so soon. These fights are something Shadow's found himself really looking forward to each and every day here, and why would he want it to end so easily?]

Aren't you tired of losing like this? It doesn't matter how many times you challenge me, you'll always lose.

[Infinite can't even say he didn't try this time; he would never think of giving Shadow anything less than his best, even if he were trying to get his opponent to let his guard down. Which is why it's so frustrating when Shadow manages to pin him down again, and Infinite glares up at Shadow. For once in his life he doesn't struggle, despite the burning hatred in his eyes, despite everything in him that wants nothing more than to maim this hedgehog in front of him.

Infinite's heart beats faster with the adrenaline, the wind magic in his hands dissipating. This was Shadow's mistake; he left him a free hand and the pin isn't nearly as complete as usual this time. Shadow's left him an opening, and...]

Will I, now? Perhaps that overconfidence will be your folly one day, Shadow. Because I do tire of losing like this.

[Infinite pauses for only a moment, looking up at Shadow, unsure of what this tightness in his chest is when he looks up at the hedgehog in front of him, but his hand moves and he launches forward and grabs the back of Shadow's head briefly, attempting to hold him while he...

...It isn't intentional, when their lips meet. In truth, Infinite doesn't know what he's thinking right now--if he even is at all. But their lips meet and Infinite holds Shadow there as he lets his clawed hand grip Shadow's quills like a lifeline and he kisses his most hated rival in what could only be describe as something out of a terrible fiction novel. Hell, Infinite even attempts to tackle Shadow to the ground this time in an attempt to get the upper hand but this is...

It's strange. It's not unwelcome. Infinite refuses to give this any further thought and tries to bite Shadow's lip when he gets the chance, his heart beating even faster, but it seems this terrible idea has come to some sort of fruition.

...Shadow, I'm so sorry--]

[It occurs to Shadow - too late - that this may have been overconfidence on his part. That maybe Infinite wanted him to react exactly like this, so that he could use the element of surprise to get the upper hand, so that he could free himself and—

And kiss Shadow.

...And kiss Shadow?????

He has about half a moment to be startled and mildly concerned about the direction this entire thing is going before his brain promptly hits the emergency shut-off switch. Why does he need to think anyway?? He doesn't. If this is the stupid game Infinite is going to play, then he won't lose at this either - so Shadow kisses him back, hard and relentless. He's inexperienced, that much is likely immediately obvious, but he makes up for it with both eagerness and a bite of his own after Infinite draws blood from his own lip.

Of course, in the scuffle(?) Infinite has managed to gain the upper hand for once... For now, at least. Shadow is thoroughly distracted by the kiss and is... actually enjoying it, um. Let's not think too much about that?? Yeah.]

[Oh. Oh, Infinite really likes this.

...He kind of hates the fact that he does, that Shadow kisses him back so fiercely and relentlessly in kind--he doesn't know why it causes that tightness to return into his chest, but it hardly matters when he can taste blood and feel Shadow biting his own lip in kind, drawing blood from him too. It's exciting, it's electrifying in a way that Infinite doesn't expect. He's so eager that it's hard not to meet that enthusiasm in kind and it's--

It's not as if Infinite's entirely inexperienced with such matters--playing one too many games of gay chicken with the mercenary boys does unfortunately have the habit of doing that--but Infinite's fingers bury themselves in Shadow's quills as he attempts to lap up the blood from Shadow's own lips and outright attempts to get Shadow's mouth open so the real fanfiction battle of tongue dominance can begin. And another lip bite, for good measure.

...Infinite doesn't exactly have a plan here, at this point. He didn't really expect to get this far, if he's being entirely honest with himself. But he's...enjoying this, and his other free hand goes to pin one of Shadow's down as a show of assumed dominance. Just. Ignore how his fingers practically lace into Shadow's own and try to hold it to the ground as he continues this fervent battle in it's own right, starting to tug a bit on Shadow's quills in defiance. Not so tough now, are you!!]

[Eventually one of them is going to have to recognize that this is probably not the way things should have escalated, but that sure isn't going to be Shadow!! No thanks, he's perfectly content to let Infinite guide him into that battle for dominance with tongues. There's something kind of hot about it being this bloody, messy kiss that happened just because Infinite's pissed off at him(?) and he's really not going to allow himself to stop and think about any of this.

Infinite's hand in his quills gets a soft, pleased sound from him that quickly turns into something deeply annoyed when Infinite tugs on said quills. One of his hands it seized in the jackal's and he's going to pointedly ignore that he allows their fingers to lace and doesn't try to pull away, instead focusing on his free hand darting back to grab some of Infinite's long locks to yank on them in turn. See how you like it, jerk!!!]

[Infinite's also really not going to think about this. If Infinite's not thinking and Shadow's not thinking who's driving the plane--

But there's something really attractive about all of this, and somehow that pleased noise from Shadow, of all things, gets Infinite to startle in their bloody, kissing clash--it's a folly on his part, one that allows Shadow the chance to turn the tide in his favor as the hedgehog's hand finds his long locks and yanks, and that gets one hell of a pleased noise out of Infinite. It's not enough to separate the kiss, at least, but Infinite shudders and it's more than enough of an opening for Shadow to turn the tide of this in whatever way he wishes, as Infinite's brain practically short circuits and he's acting on pure instinct alone.

Infinite's doing his best to simply breathe through his nose--it's how he's always won these little debacles in the past, but Infinite's grip tightens on the hand with their laced fingers, somehow both an attempt at an expression of dominance to keep him there, and almost pleading for him not to stop. Infinite doesn't pull on Shadow's quills this time with his other hand, at least, but he does bury his fingers in Shadow's quills this time, gentler.

...Maybe he considers getting that pleased noise something of a win in it's own right, but Infinite wants to hear it again for a reason he doesn't even begin to understand, even as his bright white muzzle starts to go a startling shade of pink.]

[no one's driving, we're on autopilot babey,,,

Anyway, oh, that sound from Infinite gets a shudder from Shadow; deeply pleased, and he presses the offensive, aiming to push Infinite back. Not quite trying to pin him, but trying to take control back from the jackal, despite the fact that only one of them has half an idea of what he's actually doing here. Shadow is acting on instinct and that will clearly get him far enough!!

Infinite's grip on his hand is tight, and Shadow's is likewise tight on the jackal's hand; he doesn't want to let go or stop or think about any of this, and when Infinite's hand returns to his quills gently, Shadow rewards him with another soft, pleased sound. It's... nice. It's nice to have someone run their hands through his quills.

He does have to separate to breathe. Normally, this would be a death sentence for such actions because that would allow time for someone to think. Thankfully, we're both idiots here, because Shadow only barely has enough time to breathe before he's diving back in for round 2!!!]

[Everything about this is dizzying in a way that Infinite doesn't expect. Hell, he was fully expecting Shadow to shove him off at this point, and if that meant a victory for Infinite at long last, he would have taken it. He would have genuinely been satisfied with finally pulling one over on Shadow, but...

Shadow attempts to take back control, and Infinite will happily fight him every step of the way; Infinite doesn't let Shadow pin him, but at the very least Shadow's not on his back and Infinite doesn't even care as he tries to keep himself upright. He truly doesn't, Shadow's making beautiful noises and maybe there's something to be said for how much Infinite's genuinely enjoying himself in this fierce kiss.

Shadow separates briefly to breathe and Infinite gasps for air as he doesn't even bother to move--his head feels empty, entirely without any sort of thought process nor any sort of thought of the ramifications of kissing his rival would be, and truthfully, he almost loses his balance when Shadow goes back in for the next round. Infinite meets Shadow's lips dizzily and without even thinking, trying his damnedest to hold on and moves the hand in Shadow's head quills down to the ones in his back, through the quills there and seeing what sort of sounds he can get from Shadow. It's almost possessive, the way Infinite clings onto him, not quite painfully gripping onto those quills but holding them tightly as he plays with them in his fingers.

Everything feels hazy, warm, and Infinite's mind is entirely too clouded to be thinking even close to straight. He's absolutely underestimated just how much Shadow knows about this kind of nonsense, but Infinite doesn't intend to go down without a fight.

Even so...he'll let Shadow have this bit of control, just to see what he can do. He's definitely interested now, to say the least]

Edited (patch notes: sable finally properly reads the tag at a time that isn't 4:30am) 2025-03-25 03:09 (UTC)

ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

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