UlTrRa SiK pRoDuCtIoNs pReSeNtZ:

THe CRiSMoN PaGeS By: UlTrAa ShAdDow

Disclaimer: I don't own any of Sega's characters….but I'd be a very happy guy if I did!

- (Super Bro Fans read) –Dude I knew realized it until now but, how badass is Sheik!? I can't believe everyone thinks she's a guy! It's obvious she's a chick! Yep, Sheik is all woman. I'm still trying to find my friend code thing…hmm…

-(Naruto Fans)-Am I trippin' or is Itachi dead!? Well, now Sasuke really has a reason to be emo-licious.

-(…Any Tales of Symphonia fans out there? Read)-Did you know ToS had an ova of it!? Its on youtube! Holy !#!! It's AWESOME! And Kratos! Bad-assness to the max! Too bad he's abusing his son half of the time…

- (To ALL My readers!) PS: Not that it's much to be noted, but Gray the Wolf is actually like the age of Sonic's parents, a couple of decades older. His three wolves are the same age as Sonic and Shad though. (Sweatdrop) And no…He's not Sonic's father. We'll learn about him in later chapters, and Shad's past. 'Cause you know the past always comes back to getcha in the ass. Always. Why, I remember this one time where I—

- …Oh look! Here's the next chapter!

"You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see, but you can't close your heart to things you don't want to feel."

-THe CRiSMoN PaGeS

-Orange

Metal Sonic stood lost in some hot, smoldering basin of an active volcano, hoping that his systems would be able to take this heat. He glanced at his creator briefly before turning his attention forward. If he was human, or a living, breathing thing, he'd describe his feelings as being anxious, concerned. Like something was bothering him; call it a hunch.

Eggman glanced at his most advanced creation to update. The brilliant doctor smirked, "My, if I didn't know any better, I'd say something was bothering you, Metal Sonic. You look antsy." Iridescent crimson eyes focused on the human for a second before they glared at the rocky soil, "…I do not know how to express my sentiments without sounding foolish…But…"

The android paused, as if mentally scrounging around for the right words to say next, "…I feel…perturbed perhaps."

"Oh? And what bothers my greatest creation? The lava is fairly calm, I already worked several escape options if this volcano was to blow, and so I see nothing to worry about. Enlighten me about your thoughts."

The doctor couldn't help but smirk. Metal Sonic had to be the closet thing to life he had ever created; his android was nearly life-like with ideas his and opinions. Although he didn't 'feel' Eggman was sure at times that was almost able to expression his 'emotions.' It didn't take much for Eggman to see that something was bothering the metallic clone.

With his attention upon Metal Sonic, the blue android glanced away again. He couldn't explain why it felt wrong to be uncovering what Gerald had hidden down here, in the base of the volcano were fire and earth conjoined into a terrible dynasty of destruction and power. Metal got the feeling that whatever was buried underneath all these layers of lava and magma was meant to be kept here.

Lava and fire rose in furious explosions and the soil beneath their feet moaned with a perturbing howl. For some reason Metal believed that this treasure of Gerald's was meant to be trapped within this inferno prison; it was as if Gerald had tried to create a Hell to banish whatever this creature was.

What the metallic blue hedgehog really wanted to voice was, 'We should depart this place immediately and leave whatever was entombed here buried. It has never been a good idea to unearth a grave, why start now?'

Instead, Metal glanced at Eggman and said, "Forgive me creator. I do not know where these irrational thoughts appeared from. Too much effort as gone into this expedition, let us not dally upon my insignificant thoughts anymore."

Robotnik made a small noise in his throat, neither acknowledging nor ignoring his creation. Both individuals continued to watch as the spare androids continued to uncover the hidden treasure delicately. Metallic limbs pulled away rock after rock until the bare bones were revealed. Eggman raised his hand, signaling his creations to halt.

The doctor took steps until he stood before a large titanium casing, which had to be somewhere near five meters tall. He ran his fingers over its surface and stepped away as he admired the 'treasure box.' After spending twelve days in this miserable, soldering land, it was time to collect. Inside was the present from his grandfather. Metal Sonic stepped beside Eggman, "Creator, what shall be our next action?"

"We open this present," Eggman ran his hand along the rusted titanium, "After all these years…we shall finally unwrap this gift…"

One of the androids in his fleet raised an arm-canon to destroy the titanium. As the android was charging up for power, Eggman glared viciously at Metal Sonic. In a moments notice the cobalt Sonic-clone appeared before the charging android.

Metal Sonic didn't even bother to hesitant as he snapped its arm clear off of its body and kicked it into a lake of nearby lava. As the android flailed helplessly in the lava, Metal Sonic morphed his arm into a canon and blasted it into oblivion with five shots.

Eggman's temper seemed to cool after seeing the android's rather brutal death. He turned to his remaining squad: three androids plus Metal Sonic. They had entered with twenty originally, "If any of you other idiots try to blasting this thing into oblivion, you'll all be terminated just like Alpha E-145! I mean dammit! Does this titanium box need the words 'fragile' on it!? Idiots! Any more screw ups and I'll tear you apart myself! Got that!?"

The three androids bleeped as Metal Sonic remained stationary. Eggman turned back to face the large titanium box and narrowed his eyes; it was time to go to work. He quickly picked up his notes and began to study his findings. The doctor smiled viciously; it was time to crack this code.

--

The bright lights, and the thumping beats the stereo blared, Sonic the Hedgehog indeed knew he was at a club. As the designated bouncer, Sonic held a clipboard in hand as he checked off all who entered. He had no problems with the crowd being rowdy; who would want to go up against Sonic the Hedgehog? Most of the club goers were thrilled when they saw Sonic the Hedgehog at the main entry.

Even though the place was a gentleman's club, Sonic soon found himself checking in a surplus of female customers who batted their eyelashes and eyed him overtly. Some even engaged him in conversation, in hopes of getting the famed hero to join them for the night.

"Hey," a baby blue hedgehog with lucid blue eyes called out.

Sonic glanced up from his checklist momentarily, "Your name?"

"I'm Jen, but you won't find my name of the list."

"Then your entrance fee will be sixty-five bucks."

The blue hero glanced up to see the hedgehog smirking back at him. Behind her was a slightly taller beige hedgehog. If Sonic didn't know any better, he had a feeling this beige hedgehog looked like he wanted to smack him in his jaw. She smiled at him, "I know you can't be single. Someone as sexy as you?"

Sonic raised both eyebrows as he glanced between her and the beige, I-want-to-kill-you-painfully hedgehog behind her, "Aren't you with him?"

"Oh him?" she rolled her eyes, "Ignore Kurt. I'm interested in something better. Something fresh, and zesty. Something sexy. Care to show me to it?"

"Oh of course," the girl, this Jen character beamed, "We serve great Margaritas. They're down the hall and to the right. Ya can't miss the bar."

Jen opened her mouth, closed it, and then grumbled something under her breath as she stormed past the tall hero. Chuckling, Sonic spun to face her boyfriend. The beige hedgehog was staring at him in amazement, "…You're…not a bad guy at all."

"I don't think so," Sonic grinned shrugging carelessly.

He pulled out his money but Sonic shook his head, "You know what Kurt, I've decided I like you. Go on in. No charge."

"Thanks man," Kurt smiled and shook his hand before he went in, "You're not a bad guy at all Sonic. Not at all."

'Why a guy goes with his girl to a strip club, I'll never know,' the blue hedgehog thought to himself as he briefly scanned the visitors' list again.

"Hey hero, your shift is up," Sonic turned to face three wolves; one white, brown, and the black wolf had spoken.

Sonic handed off the clipboard to the white wolf and waved at the cheering crowd. A bout of 'Awws!' chorused loudly as Sonic disappeared inside the club. The hedgehog hero stepped through the door and beamed at the scene; no matter how many times he entered this place, he would always be in awe: the large dance floor, the luxurious interior, and even the bar itself was a wonder.

The hero entered the club as a group of fangirls hovered after him to where he took a seat at the neon-lit bar. He chuckled lightly as a group of pretty, jabbering girls huddled around him. For a second Sonic smirked at his reflection on the black-marble counter as the barkeep approached.

The barkeeper grinned as he stopped before Sonic, "Hey there Sonic! It's awesome you're working here! Oh man, my kids won't believe that I'm speaking to you! What can I getcha?"

"A Shirley temple on the rocks."

"Can do ," the bartender returned.

"Good choice!" A red hedgehog girl smiled.

"Oh yum!" An echidna girl winked at him.

"I'll buy it for ya, Tiger," A brown vixen with a deep voiced smiled at him.

"Forget her, I'll buy you two Shirley Temples!" A white hawk stepped forward, grinned at him widely.

"Three!"

"Five!"

"Seven!!"

Soon the crowd turned ugly as they were all squabbling over who would buy Sonic a drink. The champion hedgehog laughed as he raised his smooth tenor voice over theirs, "Ladies! Ladies! Please settle down. Let's watch the show, yeah?"

Sonic, and his batch of groupies, watched interestedly as the friendly bartender whipped up his drink right before his eyes. He flipped bottles, caught shot glasses behind his back, and even put a couple of maraschino cherries in his drink. Now that was service. The girls cheered and whistled the second Sonic was handed his drink. He toasted them all and sipped his drink and smiled; the good life rocked!

"Hey there Pup. I hope the staff is treatin' ya good."

Gray the Wolf slipped into the seat beside Sonic. Sonic was surprised that he was able to get through his stack of admirers so easily. Well, actually he wasn't surprised. This wolf had a certain, 'Do not mess with me,' vibe to him that was sure to part crowds like the Red Sea.

"One thing though," Sonic scratched his chin, "I never knew chicks came to…er gentlemen clubs."

"They don't. But since a certain young, blue heartbreaker walked into my place, they're flooding this place." With one sharp look from the silver-furred canine, the girls departed hesitantly.

The blue hedgehog smiled at Gray as the club owner motioned a waitress over, "Pup, I want you to meet Beatrice. She's going to take very good care of you tonight. Anything you need, see her. Beatrice, be a doll and bring this kid some food, yeah?"

"Of course, sir," the waitress beamed at the wolf then winked at Sonic before she left.

"Service is good!" Sonic exclaimed, "I can eat and drink anything I want for free!? How awesome is that!"

A tray of barbecue-sauce slicked ribs were stacked before the young champ. The wolf smirked knowingly as he watched Sonic drool over the delicious food. The mouth-watering, smoky smell of the barbecue hit Sonic like a freight train and in a matter of seconds the waitress returned with several shrimp cocktail, white-wine shrimp scampi, various steaks, pastas, and enchiladas. Sonic had to cover his mouth from squealing like a ten-year-old girl.

Had he died and gone to Heaven or something? To put icing on the cake, Beatrice returned with what looked to be the largest Martini-glassed filled with a neon-pink slushie, whip-cream, and a fat cherry on top. Screw his Shirley Temple.

"Bon appetite," Gray smiled as he patted Sonic on his back.

The blue hedgehog instantly launched an all-out assault upon the spare ribs, yanking and tearing the tender meat ravishingly. He glanced at Gray and spoke through a mouth full of delicious food, " Its suh, gooh! I'm suh haffy!"

As Sonic continued to stuff his face, the lights on the stage dimmed and a girl came out. Whistles and cheers filled the place as a voluptuous, golden hedgehog appeared on the stage. Clad in a short shimmering silver dress and red stilettos, the girl marched out with a strut like she was the queen of the stage. Her bronze eyes searched the crowd as she neared the front.

To her surprise her eyes caught those of Sonic the Hedgehog. The expression upon her face changed from surprise to something naughty as her fire-engine red lips quirked into a smirk. She tossed her head back, throwing those long glossy quills of hers back and she grabbed the pole and flew into a spin.

As she spun she tossed a flirtatious wink at the blue champ. Then she performed an impressive show of dexterity and performed the splits. The crowd roared happily as the golden hedgehog continued to keep her goldenrod-gaze upon Sonic, 'I want you.'

The meaning behind her stare was overt as she licked her lips and continued her performance, eyes not leaving Sonic for a second. Smirking, Gray turned to glance at Sonic and was slightly amused to see a hint of pink upon his face, "…I think she likes you, Pup. If you're interested, her name's Bunny."

Sonic smiled back at the wolf before he raised his Martini and began to swirl its contents around dully. 'Well, what ELSE is new?' With his famed hero status, everything came to him easy, especially the ladies.

It was almost hilariously ludicrous how many hordes of women chased after him. He was one of the greatest heroes to walk the earth, and it also didn't hurt too much either that he had bright emerald eyes and a nice facial bone structure.

He was a guy and that meant being a hunter ran in his blood. He wanted to hunt, he wanted a chase. He wanted to meet a girl that he would have to work at in order to win her heart. Sonic smiled darkly at his martini; would he ever get a girl that would give him the thrill of a hunt?

Would he find a girl who would tell him off if he said something rude to her? Or a girl who would love him if he decided to stop being a hero and gave up his fame and status? Maybe a senorita who would tell him to step off if he was out of line? Just where was she?

--

"…I gotta get a new hobby around here. One can only be entertained with counting the tiles in the ceiling for so long…"

Lying eagle-spread on her back, Rouge the Bat listlessly twirled a strand of her long hair around her fingers. As being bored tended to lead her, she found herself reminiscing. Her daydreaming had taken her back to the first time she had met him.

It was back when they were both on Ark and they were working for Eggman. Rouge smirked; those were the good ole days when things were simple and easier than they were now. She had to hold back a laugh as she remembered their first official encounter.

--

"Hi there," Rouge beamed as she approached the tall hedgehog; she had already met with the doctor so it was time to meet the last member of her new team.

The black and red hedgehog, who had been observing the earth through a magnificent look out point, casually turned to face her. As she encroached, she noticed how the hedgehog had several inches over her and seemed to have this 'no-nonsense' vibe. Rouge smiled at the stern expression, "My! I'm so jealous of you! You have such gorgeous eyes!"

This time the hedgehog looked stunned and Rouge swore she saw blush on the stranger's face. The albino bat laughed as she inched closer amiably, "Your eyes seem to sparkle and it takes me twenty minutes alone with the help of mascara and eye shadow to get my eyes to radiate. I'm Rouge and I hope we can become the best of friends."

Shock played on the hedgehog's features before a small smile appeared. Something about this strange hedgehog's smile was infectious and Rouge found herself returning the gesture tenfold. Before the hedgehog could respond Rouge moved closer, "I'm surprised to see one of my kind in this line of business! But I know it'll be so much fun with us girls working together!"

Again the hedgehog was shocked but this time surprise morphed into a deep anger; like the hedgehog was simultaneously suffering humiliation and fury. Rouge arched an eyebrow as she watched the hedgehog's jaw clench in anger, as if holding back fire and fury from escaping a deadly trap.

"…I'm a male," the hedgehog said through gritted teeth as Rouge's eyes widened in a mixture of shock and embarrassment.

Now that she figured it in all together, it was pretty obvious he was a guy: the superior height, the deep voice, the heavier build, even his facial features. Oh where was her brain today! Her first impression with this guy was probably shot straight to hell in a handbag. Rouge turned twelve different shades of red as she stammered at Shadow, who had on an even more severe glare, "Whoops…I um I-I'm so sorry! I didn't m-mean--!"

Before she could finish the black hedgehog muttered something, about her, under his breath and stormed out of the room in a flurry of anger. That day he didn't understand why both his face and his anger were burning. Rouge stood in silence as she watched the last of Shadow's form disappear from the room.

Once she was sure Shadow was out of hearing range, she burst out laughing, realizing the stupidity of the situation. Rouge laughed until she was blue in the face, "Hahaha! I thought he was a girl!! That's what he gets for being so pretty!!"

--

Rouge chuckled to herself at the memory of their first encounter. She smirked roguishly as she heard knocking on the door, "Yeah?" In popped the object of her recollections and Shadow walked in with his usual smoothness and composure, "How are you feeling today, Troublemaker?"

The white bat frowned, "…What did you just call me?"

Shadow chuckled at the nickname he had picked out her for. However he deflected her question skillfully, "How are your wounds mending up?"

The white bat remained silent. Shadow sighed; it was obvious she still didn't trust him. He could see all her distrust circulating in those aquamarine orbs of hers, "If you make no plans of escape, then you are free to roam as you see fit."

He paused and Rouge made no verbal response but she merely raised her eyebrows, "You may venture anywhere with exception to the sixth floor east wing."

This of course caused Rouge to hike an eyebrow, "Oh? And just what's in the east wing?"

"…" Shadow didn't reply but his expression grew serious, to the point Rouge got the idea that she shouldn't question him any further, "…Your question holds no wind. As I said: Do. Not. Enter the east wing. I shall see to it later that Iris will change your bandages."

Rouge rubbed the red-crusted bandages and scowled. Shadow didn't need to be a mind reader to know that Rouge wanted blood; she wanted revenge for those who wrecked her club. He studied her silently for a few seconds more before he went on his way and left.

It was only when Rouge was sure that Shadow was good and gone, that she hobbled out of her bed and left her designated room. Now that she wasn't tearing through this place like a manic, she could finally study her surroundings. And truth be told, she was impressed with what she saw.

'Hot damn! This place is a mansion!'

Taking slow, measured steps, Rouge studied the gorgeous interior of the manor. She felt as if there was a blend of the past and the future in this place. The decorations, the dark coloring; it all made her feel like she was strolling through a grand house in the seventeenth century, and yet, there were elevators and sleek machinery that guaranteed the presence of the present.

With interest Rouge passed through various hallways studying the sculptures and paintings she found. She popped her head into a few rooms, marveling at the beautiful dark-colored furniture and décor.

While the multiple rooms she passed by came in all colors of the spectrum, they all held a morbid dark shade. Reds were burgundy and dark maroons, yellows were rusted bronzes; bright colors were voided as Shadow preferred darkness.

Rouge padded to the end of a hallway where she was met with a large monitor. Rouge smiled in slight fascination as she gently tapped the screen. She didn't think touching the screen would have any consequences, but it did. Letters on the screen appeared in a cool, purple coloring: 'Hello, how may I help you today?'

Before Rouge pressed the screen agree, another set of words appeared:

'Your fingerprints do not match those of the residents of the manor. Please identify yourself. Are you…?'

A.) Dr.Hedgehog

B.) Shadow Hedgehog

C.) Guest

D.) Other

Rouge chuckled to herself, "What's the difference between guest and other?" She shrugged and tapped guest. The high definition screen changed once more as a new set of commands appeared upon the screen, 'How can I help you today?'

The monitor listed various tasks it could help her with. Rouge pondered slightly as her eyes scrolled the screen cautiously. She finally settled on finding a map of the manor. As the map scrolled up, Rouge finally realized how gigantic the place was.

The manor map indicated at least twelve different stories and she was currently stationed on the sixth. Remembering Shadow's warning about snooping, Rouge checked the eastern wing of the floor and unsurprisingly saw that it was completely barren. 'Surprise, surprise huh?'

Just as Rouge was continuing her exploration, she suddenly paused. Something, no, someone was right behind her. In a split second Rouge spun around with a roar and nearly slammed her fist into the person standing right behind her.

Rouge stopped her fist hairs away from the face of a white hedgehog. Although Rouge was just milliseconds from hitting her, the silent newcomer hadn't flinched. Blue eyes met black for a moment before the white bat drew back her fist as if she had been burned, "Ah, sorry about that, I thought you were someone else…"

"Apology accepted," Iris replied with a smooth, liquid voice, then she smiled.

The white bat sighed again, "And I'm sorry about the other day...you know where I kinda...smashed your face in with that pan?"

"...It was actually a metal tray," Iris corrected, Rouge swore her eyes flickered for a second.

"Yeah I'm sorry about that," Rouge replied sheepishly.

"It's forgiven," the white hedgehog blinked before she changed topics, "How may I be of service milady?"

"…Huh?"

"How may I be of service?" The hedgehog repeated her question in the same pleasant monotone voice, "You called for me…?"

She pointed to the screen. Rouge chuckled embarrassedly as she saw a blipping red dot appear on the screen. Perhaps in all of her exploration, she had accidentally hit the call button. The ebon-eyed hedgehog continued to focus on her coolly, "…Is there anything you need Lady Rouge?"

"Eh not at the moment, Mister I'm-too-cool-for-manners, is finally letting me roam the place."

For once Iris appeared baffled, "…'Mister I'm-too-cool-for-manners?'"

"You know, Shadow?"

"…Ah I understand now," Iris nodded her head, "You speak sardonically of the master."

The ivory bat chuckled, "It seems we have finally established an understanding now."

Rouge and Iris stared at each other wordlessly. There wasn't hostility in the air, it was just a thoughtful silence. Iris blinked, "I do not see why you speak so unwell of the master. You are the only person the master treats particularly well."

The huntress arched an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

The handmaiden smiled, "Forgive my ambiguity, but I am implying that Master Shadow is fascinated with your well-being. That is why he has ordered me to serve you to the best of my ability. You are quite lucky that he favors you so. The master takes a certain…fondness to you."

Rouge glanced at her irritably, "And here I thought Shadow was smart; I don't know how much more obvious to make it that I hate his guts and yet he does all refute my anger!" Iris glanced at her innocently, although Rouge was sure what she was doing was intentional, "…How does the master refute your animosity?"

"He's extremely kind to me, he rescued me from a blazing fire, brought me into his home…" Rouge's expression started to become somber, "…took care of me, respected all of my wishes…"

"I see," Iris replied with a knowing smile, "And yet you harness ill thoughts about the master?"

Rouge opened her mouth, frowned, opened it again before she paused, "…I know what you're doing, and it's not going to work." Iris beamed as Rouge continued, "So tell me, did 'Master' Shadow put you up to this too? The ole reverse psychology ploy?"

"Actually, my inquisition is on my own accord," Iris dusted off invisible dust from her elegant black dress before she folded her hands in her lap, "I am merely interested in the creature that peaks my master's…interest."

"…And just what type of interest is this?" Rouge's voice wavered.

For once Iris gave her a rather mischievous smirk that made Rouge's face burn, "…Oh, just an interest. One that I've expressly noticed he's doted upon you."

Before Rouge could question her any further, Iris seemed to intentionally cut her off. She fingered one of Rouge's blood-soaked bandages and frowned, "We must take care of these soon; it is most impolite of me to allow a lady to ferment in such filth. Please follow me Lady Rouge, and I shall escort you to the bathhouse."

"Did you just say 'bathhouse'?" Rouge asked.

"Indeed, we have many luxurious Jacuzzis, mud-baths and saunas here in the manor," she beamed at Rouge, "Perhaps you are interested?"

Rouge beamed; suddenly staying under Shadow's care wasn't so bad after all!

--

A steel-toed boot stepped onto the scene of the demolished Club Rouge. Narrow purple eyes glanced around as the area was being surveyed. The echidna clenched her fists tightly; Sonic the Hedgehog was just here! Why did it seem like she was always a second or two behind that guy!?

She cursed under he breath as she continued to glance around; the night was cool and passerbyers were going on their way. The echidna girl heard approaching footsteps and turned just the slightest bit to see two giggling, chatting hedgehogs walking her direction.

The echidna narrowed her eyes and she suddenly swept away into the shadows of the night. The girls continued to gab away, giggling with a pitchy quality as they headed on their way to who knows where; they failed to see the echidna who watched them silently in the darkness, "I'm sooo excited!"

"Me too! I can't believe he's actually at a club!"

"I'm going to buy him a drink!"

"Me too!"

"Nuh-uh! Not before I will!"

"Don't bet on it!"

"Hey…"

Both hedgehogs, one green and the other silver, turned around to see an approaching fuchsia echidna. Despite her strange outfit, she seemed fairly friendly with her bright smile present, "Are these ruins Club…Reu..ben..?"

"Ah," the green hedgehog with hazel eyes spoke, "You mean Club Rouge?"

"Yes," the cloaked echidna giggled, seemingly taking one out of their book, "I meant to say Club Rouge."

"It's so tragic how this place was ruined," the silver one sighed, "It used to be so pretty and cool. I used to come here with my BF all the time."

The green hedgehog gasped, "Shut up!"

"No it's true. Club Rouge was such a cool place," the girl sighed dreamily, "If only it wasn't incarcerated…you know with the flames and all…"

"…You mean incinerated," the orchid echidna said, her voice loosing its put-on mirth; she glanced in-between the girls as if questioning their intelligence.

"Yeah! Incinerated!"

The fuchsia echidna narrowed her eyes; the longer she listened to these girls, the stronger her desire to smash their heads together grew. She was even sure her knife-hand was starting to twitch involuntarily. The second they turned their backs to her, the echidna stepped toward them, her eyes shinning ominously as her hands slowly stretched out toward their necks.

"--come with us, Sonic the Hedgehog."

"…What was that?" the fuchsia said, blinking at the girls who turned to face her.

"I said wanna come with us? We're going to a club were Sonic the Hedgehog is gonna be! Ooh he's dreamy!"

"Yum!" the silver hedgehog sighed.

"…You know where Sonic the Hedgehog is?" the echidna asked with no hidden disbelief in her voice.

"Yup. So are ya comin with…Er, what's your name anyways?" The silver hedgehog asked.

The girls missed the way her eyes shifted to the left, "…Cassandra."

"Cool, so comin' with us Cassie?"

Cassandra's knife hand twitched as the sound of her nickname, "Yes. I'll do anything to see Sonic."

--

The fuchsia echidna was rather disgusted with what she was seeing at this place. The way the girls were dancing on the stage was awful. She opened her mouth wordlessly before she shut it with a frown upon her face. She hoped to be out of here in no more than ten seconds flat. The blaring music, the bright lights, it was all combining to give her a great big headache and nausea.

She went over to the neon-bright bar, which caused her to squint her eyes, "…Water. Ice water. Now."

The bartender nodded before he began to prep her drink. Before he could launch into any fancy-smancy tricks, she grabbed the drink and downed it greedily. The bartender looked disheartened, with her interrupting his act and all, but he said nothing and went to attend another customer.

"…This place is giving me a headache," she groaned to herself.

"Ditto."

She didn't bother glancing toward the male voice, "Leave me alone. I have little patience for fools."

However the male sounded amused, "Well someone woke up on the wrong side of the mattress. So did you fall off, or were you kicked off?"

"Look here," the echidna hissed, narrow eyes sharpening, "You are conversing with the wrong person. Do not doubt that I shall not…"

The echidna paused as she turned to stare at the newcomer. Sitting beside her was a tall dark blue hedgehog who was nonchalantly kicking back a glass of water. His eyes were an incomprehensible color in the darkness but if she had to guess, she'd say they were light. He downed the glass and smirked at her.

Her mouth went dry, "…Sonic?"

A light flickered in his eyes momentarily before his smile died away slightly, "...I have to give you that one, your eyes work."

The second Sonic turned to grab his second complimentary glass. He missed the way her smile festered into a scowl and the way her eyes narrowed predatorily. She slowly rose to her feet behind him as her eyes iced over ominously. She licked her lips; she had finally found him.

"…Mine…"

--

Eggman stood staring at the hulking metallic structure. All it took now was a code to open this awaiting treasure. Metal Sonic looked as impassive as never, although now he was twice as unsure about opening this thing as before. But there was no stopping his creator now; whatever happened, they would reap the consequences.

Eggman's gloved fingers stretched over the console's keypad until he found a comfortable fit. He released a deep, content sigh as he relished the air of success. Success was a wonderful elixir that nowadays he rarely tasted. But when success was there, he savored it sweetly.

"M-a-g-n-o-l-i-a," he spelled out to himself with each key he pressed.

A loud clicking was heard as the sound of machinery whirling echoed throughout the volcano. Eggman stepped back beside Metal Sonic as he watched the ancient technology come to life. Even after all these years and the terrible environment of the surroundings, his grandfather's machinery still worked. What a testimony to his brilliance!

As the last buckles and bolts unfastened, the gigantic, silver door unhinged. Eggman and Metal Sonic exchanged glances with each other, then approached the doors. Eggman took hold of the left door as Metal took the right. The three other androids joined alongside of Eggman as they took hold of the door as well; Metal wouldn't need any assistance in this.

In a combined effort they pried the door open. The doors proved to be unyielding as if barely budged with their combined strengths. Eggman stamped his feet into the ground and roared, forcing every ounce of might into wrenching the door open.

The doctor snarled as new sweat began to pour down his face, "No wretched door shall keep me from my grandfather's work! Everyone! I command you to work! Work!"

Eggman roared with anger as he pulled alongside of his creations. The three androids tightened their grips as they continued to tug at the large door. Metal Sonic's metallic sneakers dug further into the soil as he continued his effort. Little by little he could see the door moving as he felt the uncomfortable grating of his bolts as he exerted himself to his limit.

Metal poured his efforts into the door as he began to hear his systems whining from the overwhelming stress. The pressure was starting to grow too great for the androids and soon they began to overload as smoke and sparks came from their systems.

One android even caught fire, then a second. The two androids continued to burn as they forced the doors open. The great stress was starting to even wear away on Metal Sonic's superior systems. He could 'feel' the unlovely snaps and breaks of multiple wirings in his left arm.

His systems began to warn him of stress overload as the ball-and-socket joint between his shoulder began to waft black smoke and spark hazardously. The door eased bit by bit as Metal continued his relentless pull, 'Today, this cursed door shall be opened. I do not care if I loose both of my arms and legs to do so, but it shall open!'

Orange and red sparks bubbled from his arm like a substitute of blood. Just as he heard one last vicious snap in his left arm, his door gave way and swung wide open. With the unexpected force, Metal found himself flung across the cavern like a rag doll.

Eggman and the remaining android ceased their pulling. Panting slightly, Eggman came to stand before the opened door. He turned and glanced at Metal Sonic, who slowly rose to his feet. Metal Sonic held his sparkling arm as if it was broken. Through his haze of sweat, Eggman grinned at him, "…Well done, my creation! Well done! The second we return to base, I shall restore you to perfection!"

The cobalt hedgehog nodded his head, "Thank you master. It pleases me to know I have served you well."

"Well indeed," Eggman turned around to face the opened doors.

Eggman walked into the titanium room until he pressed his hand against something. It was nearly pitch dark inside, so there was not much to see, but Eggman thought his hand was upon glass. The doctor turned to faced Metal Sonic, "I need illumination."

Metal Sonic raised his good hand to his temple, and his crimson eyes seared five times as brightly. The room was lit with the eerie red glow and Eggman soon found that he was glancing at a giant capsule. Inside of it looked to be a dark hedgehog. Although he was unconscious, his face was contorted in pain. Wires and tubing were wrapped around his arms and legs as if they were a binding, a restraint.

'As if someone was meaning to keep this creature imprisoned,' Metal Sonic observed to himself privately.

Eggman smiled victoriously, "…We have done it, grandfather. Your treasure is safe with us…"

-To be continued!