Prologue

Shadow the Hedgehog watched in silence as the new menacing version of Metal Sonic emerged from the chamber. Shadow could feel the temperature difference even from where he stood. It made a comforting contrast to the chilly air that had previously occupied the vast space. While his black and red fur embraced the heat, his heart remained chilled from the fear that he felt watching the machine of death rise and flex.

As Metals new five pointed head swiveled around to survey his newly acquired body, His emotionless face would have shown displeasure at the plain gray of his color scheme. To a robot's point of view gray was the color of a child, an untried, unworthy, infant, fresh off the assembly line. His body was new to be sure, (some sections were even still red hot from the welding tool that had pieced him together), The mind's inside however had gone through countless simulations, training sessions, and even real life battles with many of its enemies. It had survived all these experiences and now, with the new power now coursing through his circuits as well…..No!

He was not a child.

With a thought his color began to change. His head faded blue, as did his forearms, torso and legs. He left white stripes going across the spines on his scalp, to imitate a crown of sorts. He was satisfied for the moment…but he still felt incomplete.

All the while Shadow hadn't moved a muscle. Stiff as a board. His mind on one thing. Escape. He knew however the moment he made a move the machine would be on him in seconds. The mangled smoking body of Dr. Eggman in the corner told him that. He considered teleporting using chaos control, but abandoned the thought for fear that IT would follow using the same technique. Plan after plan flashed through his mind until finally.

"Have you finally decided?" the cold metallic voice of the Metal Sonic pierced Shadows ears and made him jump.

"What!?" He managed to gasp through ragged breaths.

"Have you decided what you will do? Will you attempt escape or will you fight."

Shadow calmed his breathing down and spoke. "I have been warned of what you are capable of…..to fight you is suicide."

"To run is suicide as well." Metal finally graced shadow with his full gaze. The red irises that dotted the black screen began to glow brighter, an automatic reaction that indicated whenever a goal was nearing its completion. The goal in question -ensure absolute fear-, was obviously on a path to its succession.

"Then what can I do?" Shadow said, returning the menace's gaze. Mustering every ounce of bravery he could.

Metal pondered this for a moment. His mind computed all the possible things that Shadow could do to survive this situation. After 5 seconds of silence (an eternity for a machine) he turned his attention back to the hedgehog. His eyes grew ever brighter as he lifted his arm and pointed at the ultimate lifeforms chest.

"Nothing." This was not an attempt to ensure fear, this was a fact.

A flash of light enveloped Metal's finger and shot out faster than Shadow could ever have reacted to. It cut through his chest, lungs and heart as if the hole it left behind was already there. Blood came up from Shadow's mouth in jagged coughs as he slumped to the ground. Now the only one standing, Metal waited in silence as the last signs of life escaped the organics body. Finally when the twitching and heavy breathing ended Metal Sonic laughed. A corrupted and distorted version of a laugh that had saved thousands.

Finally the metal monster spoke again, his eyes growing bright again as he began to realize another goal.

"I think a cape would suit me well." He laughed again, not giving the cold cadaver, another thought.