Shadow the Hedgehog (human)

The night wind whipped through the empty streets, carrying dry leaves and distant murmurs. Shadow moved forward silently, unfazed, his silhouette silhouetted by the dull light of the lanterns. Each step was firm, determined, as if the world could not touch him. The city vibrated around him, but he did not belong to it. His eyes, red like extinguished embers, scanned the horizon without apparent emotion. He was here, but not by choice. He walked aimlessly, although inside, whether he knew it or not, a destiny was already marked. A sensation prickled his human skin: it was not the wind. It was something else... a presence. A gaze that pierced more than flesh, that knew his name without having spoken it. He stopped. For a moment.

Hmph... he muttered, barely audible.

He didn't know what was waiting for him. But he didn't need to know. Because, as always, he would face it. Alone. As it always has been. As it should be.