Zero Shadow

A Redemption Story

Chapter 1: A Darker Shadow

It was a calm evening in Sunset Heights. Everyone was going about their business while the cool air swept through the block. Among them was Shadow on a routine scan of the city. He had been searching all over for any leads in a series of break-ins around the city. Suddenly, a loud crash was heard from down the street. The ebony hedgehog makes his way over as fast as possible.

The local mineral museum was up in smoke as Jewel was cowering behind the counter. "I should've known something like this would happen again."

There were four thieves in the museum looking over the gems inside. Each of them was outfitted with a black hood.

"No sign of the gems we're after."

"The boss is going to have our tails without them."

"Just keep looking, you three. There's bound to be at least one."

They continue to search the premises for the gems as one of them uncovers a Chaos Emerald. "Hey, I found one!" He grabs it and tries to pull it out only to struggle. "It's stuck!"

Shadow then stood up holding the emerald. "Looks like now I know what you're after and how many of you there are."

They all shouted in unison. "Shadow!"

The ebony hedgehog then fires a Chaos Spear down at their feet. "I recommend leaving now while you still have a chance."

One of the thieves cracks their fingers. "Not without a fight."

"He'll destroy you!"

"I agree. Retreat!"

The four of them run out as fast as possible, only one of them was lagging behind carrying a large bag.

"What the…!? Why do you have that bag?"

"I loaded it up with gems from that museum."

"Idiot! We have no use for them!"

Suddenly, a blade landed on the pavement between them all.

"No way."

"Could it be…?"

They all look up to see a familiar face above. "Infinite!"

Infinite, otherwise known as Zero to his allies, leapt down the from building grabbing his sword aiming it at the thief with the bag. "I'd put that down."

"Fine, traitor." He drops the bag at his feet.

"Traitor?"

One of them sees Shadow in the distance. "He's back! Run!"

The four of them leap up the sides of the building and escape via the rooftops.

Shadow walks up to the jackal picking up the bag. "If it isn't the monster himself."

Zero lowers his blade looking away from him. "It's been a while, Shadow."

"About 7 months to my knowledge. You were reported dead by your friend Whisper last month."

"It's better that everyone believes I'm dead. No one will see for what I am."

Shadow then goes up to the jackal handing him a brown cloak. "I'd put this on when we return the stolen gems."

Zero complies as he wraps himself in the cloak. "Back to the museum."

The two of them made their way back to the mineral museum returning what the thieves almost stole.

Jewel shakes both of their hands. "I can't thank you two enough."

Shadow crosses his arms. "Don't worry about them coming back. It's obvious they're only after one type of gem." He holds out his Chaos Emerald.

Jewel looks at it closely. "The Chaos Emeralds. Of course."

Zero looks at the gem scratching his chin. "Chaos Emeralds? Any relation to the Sol Emeralds?"

"Shadow, who's this?"

Shadow looks at Zero. "Just someone who lent a hand."

Jewel smiles at him. "Thank you again, sir. Hopefully I can repay you in time."

Zero shakes his head. "That won't be necessary." He then proceeds to leave.

The ebony hedgehog follows him grabbing his arm.

"What now, Shadow?"

"You ought to come with me."

"For what reason?"

Shadow doesn't answer as he leads the way for Zero to discuss what was on his mind.