Ok, I'm Corrupt TE and this is my first fanfic. Constructive criticism welcome.

Disclaimer: Sonic and team belong to SEGA and NOT me.

Fear not the Shadows

"You know your target." Scorned the tall, round Human. His light brown moustache quivered with delight as he paced back and forth in front of the cloaked figure. This was the notorious Dr. Ivo 'Eggman' Robotnik, scourge of all free Mobians, feared and hated World wide, a renowned genius who thrived on destruction and lusted after World domination.

"For the third time, yes!" Jeered the cloaked figure. Dr. Robotnik slumped into his throne, steepled his fingers and glared through his dark glasses.

"I hope for your sake that you succeed. You assassins charge a high price."

"He is a highly priced individual." The Assassin replied with a shrug. "But I assure you, Sonic the Hedgehog will not leave the ceremony alive." With that, the Assassin turned on his heel and marched away from the insane Human and his maniacal laughter.

The crowd cheered loudly, as their favourite teenage hero was paraded before them on top of a large replica of himself. The float slowly moved at the head of a near convoy of other floats. Sonic performed flips and tricks for the crowd and loved every minute of the attention. Behind the replica Sonic, came a float set out in the shape of the iconic 'Tornado'. Tails Prower stood on the wing, waving and occasionally using his namesake to fly to the other floats. Behind him came a float designed to look like the shrine for the fabled 'Master Emerald', including a large flower arrangement in the shape of said emerald. Knuckles stood here, waving sheepishly and feeling completely out of his depth. After this rolled a simple stage, adorned with pink and yellow flowers. Amy and Cream were waving frantically at the crowd, screaming in delight at the cheers they were receiving and throwing floral necklaces into the crowd. Following them on the last float, in the shape of a G.U.N 'F-22 Raptor' fighter jet, was Rouge the Bat and Shadow the Hedgehog. Rouge was swooping around the replica aircraft, tossing plastic bead necklaces into the crowd, and relishing in the amount of wolf-whistles she earned. Shadow however, was leaning on the engine of the aircraft, still wondering how the others had convinced him to join in. They were slowly being shepherded towards the city hall, where Sonic and his team would be presented with the key to the city, in thanks for their most recent defeat of Dr. Robotnik.

A figure walked and weaved his way through the gathering crowd. He looked over to the podium where Sonic the Hedgehog would accept his award and snorted. He walked away from the city hall, knowing he had about twenty minutes to set up. Spying a nearby six-story building with a clear view of the podium and surrounding area, he headed towards it. It turned out to house the offices for the workers of a small business. With how he was dressed, he would blend in perfectly. He strode through the glass doors, nodded to the young, bored looking secretary and entered the elevator. He was joined by two others, a Horse and a Doberman. Both were carrying briefcases and were dressed in simple gray suits, talking about what they did the previous night.

"She was totally hitting on you last night man!" They both laughed before noticing that they weren't alone in the elevator. Shuffling uncomfortably they changed their conversation to one about their day-to-day office lives, before hastily exiting when the doors opened on the forth floor. The Doberman looked back at the elevator as the doors closed.

"Who was that?" The Horse answered with a shrug.

Back outside the crowd had swelled enormously. Excited chatter slowly increased to frenzied cheering as the Sonic float came into sight. The city governor stepped out, followed by his usual lackeys. He was an immensely popular, retired general who was prepared to get his hands dirty for his citizens. He raised his hands and the cheering died down. The crowd looked expectantly towards the greying Bulldog.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Today we are celebrating the contributions of a group of young heroes to our fair city!" The crowd cheered again. The Bulldog smiled as the cheering died down yet again.

"These heroes have done so much more for this city than yours truly here." The crowd laughed and cheered at the blatant joke at his own expense. The city governor noticed the floats stop, and the 'Sonic Team' beginning to make their way towards the podium. He raised his muscular arms to the crowds.

"Without further ado, I give you the 'Sonic Team'!"

The mystery person had picked his position on he roof with care. For the past few minutes he had been leaning his shoulder into the butt of his silenced sniper rifle, making certain that no small twitch on is part would effect the shot. He settled into his position, sweeping the crowd through his scope he waited, his breathing calm and shallow, his heartbeat slow and steady. As the 'Sonic Team' made their way up the steps of the city hall, he spotted his target. He waited, keeping his breathing steady; he waited for the opportune moment. Time seemed to slow down when viewed through his scope. Sensing the moment was upon him, his finger squeezed the trigger.

The crowd screamed and scattered. No-one had seen where the shot had come from. The greying Bulldog was hustled back into the security of the city hall. Rouge and Shadow had swiftly left to find out what they could and make contact with the Guardian Unit of Nations to this development. Amy was comforting a petrified Cream, while Tails was busy throwing up. A pale faced Knuckles knelt by the rapidly cooling body, not daring to touch it.

"There's only one I know who would try this." The red Echidna growled. The others didn't answer, already knowing who he meant.

"I didn't think he'd try anything like this!" Exclaimed Amy, still holding a sobbing Cream.

"It's Eggman!" Growled Shadow as he skidded to a halt. "What did you expect?"

"Anything Shadow?" Asked Knuckles, letting his arms dangle by his sides. The ebony and red Hedgehog shook his head.

"I think I've found where the shooter was, but he left no evidence." He folded his arms across his chest. "Obviously a professional." There was a slight hint of admiration in his voice at that part. Just then a white furred Bat swooped towards them and landed.

"A G.U.N investigation squad is on their way." Said Rouge in-between breaths. She must've been flying hard. Knuckles had stood when she arrived and went over to comfort a dry-heaving Tails.

"What do you think Shadow?" Rouge asked, squatting next to her fellow Agent.

"Single shot." He said, examining the body without contaminating it. "No exit wound, so the lab-boys should be able to retrieve."

"What do you think he was doing with that?" She asked, pointing at the pistol lying near the victims' hand.

"Ruger SR9, simple yet effective, easily concealed. Question is: why is it out of its holster?" Shadow answered.

Before Rouge could speculate, sirens could be heard and three G.U.N vans came into sight.

"Damn, that was fast." Said Rouge. Shadow grunted his agreement.

"Hey guys!" The two Agents turned and looked at where the voice had come from. In the doorway of the city hall stood a certain cobalt Hedgehog holding a letter. "Come take a look at this." The team gathered around Sonic and began to read the letter in his hands.

'In a World of increasing hardship and darkness, the few glowing beacons must shine all the brighter.

We are the few who dwell in the gray, the few who watch the balance.

One wishes to extinguish your light and plunge us into darkness.

Know that we will not allow this to happen.

Shine brightly, Sonic the Hedgehog, and fear not the shadows.'

*Earlier*

He stepped out of the elevator with briefcase in hand. Striding out into the rapidly emptying street, he joined the rush of the crowd. Long before G.U.N or the 'Sonic Team' had conducted their investigations, he was gone. As silent and mysterious as a shadow.

Well hope you enjoyed that.

Till next time.