Just some quick background before you get into reading! This story takes place right after the events of Sonic X, though if I do throw in any quotes from any games, I'll make sure to put them into correct context! This is my first story, so constructive criticism is more than welcomed, so please hang with me! Some chapters may be a little slower, but it's essential for the story I want to tell. With that being said I hope you enjoy The Ultimate Lifeform. - PackageHD

oh, one more thing, I obviously don't own the rights to Sonic or any other characters in this story.

Chapter 1 - Full Of Loss

Sonic wobbled back into the Blue Typhoon, bruised and tired from what has just happened. The door opens, and he sees everyone, Chris, Cream, Cheese, Amy, Knuckles, Tails, Team Chaotix, and of course, Rouge. He tries to take one last step, but he collapses. Everyone rushes over, hoping the blue hedgehog wasn't giving out on them.

"Oh my God Sonic, are you okay?" gasped Amy. Tails then ordered everyone to take a step back and give him some room.

"Guys, I'm fine… really...:" Sonic finally said after a few seconds of silence. He glanced up and met eyes with Rouge.

"Wait, where's Shadow?" she asked worryingly.

Sonic lie still for a moment then let out a deep breath "I honestly don't know, Rouge. We were trying to stop the planet egg from exploding, and before I made my move, Shadow punched me." There was another few seconds before anyone spoke.

"Well why would he do that?" Rouge asked quietly.

"Well, even though me and Shadow never quite got along, I think he saved me." Sonic replied. He sat up and waved Rouge over, she then crouched down beside him. He looked at her for a moment, then grabbed her hand and placed something into it. She sat for a moment, her hand shaking, then she opened her hand. It was Shadow's rings. Her eyes darted back to sonic, then she felt tears begin to well up inside.

Her heart dropped, he can't really be gone, can he? She thought to herself. She put them on, then told Sonic thanks before walking back to her room. When she entered, she immediately sat down at her desk. She then opened her drawer, and took out a journal. Nobody knew this, but Rouge really cared about Shadow. She opened the journal, her tears hitting the pages and she flipped through them, then she stopped.

The page read "Today I convinced Eggman that I was part of his team, when I got aboard his ship, I was met by the usual robots, but then something caught my eye. A crimson red and ebony hedgehog, standing at the window, looking out into space. He said his name was Shadow, Shadow the Hedgehog. Eggman said he didn't trust me enough to do anything on my own yet, so I was stuck with Shadow all day, and all I wanted was those Chaos Emeralds. Then the most unexpected thing happened, while I was off grabbing the Chaos Emeralds, I got trapped. I couldn't believe I let myself get trapped. Naturally I called Shadow to help. He said he was busy, and I thought I was gonna die right then and there, but a few seconds passed and a bright light appeared. It was Shadow, he grabbed me and yelled Chaos Control. When we got back I asked him, why save me? He replied he only came back for the emeralds, but I don't believe him."

She let out a deep sigh. "We've come along way from that day haven't we hon." she said to herself as she touched his ring. She might not have had him right then and there, but just wearing them made her feel safer.