Heart Attack Mode

The wind that resonated through the underground parking lot was so cold. Hope grabbed onto her shoulders, as the cool air brushed against her bare skin. With the sun brushing through the windows in the wall, she was able to take in Rouge's cars. They lined the room from wall to wall, almost like a domino set. They came in many shapes and sizes, yet every single one matched Rouge's perception of vanity. This made Hope think about getting a job in treasure hunting herself.

"Another day," Shadow murmured as his keys found the Dark Rider's slot, "another dollar..."

As the key slid in, his attention shifted to Hope. Her slight shivers made his ears twitch, and caused him to remove the furry jacket around his shoulders.

"Cold Hope?" he questioned as the jacket wrapped around her.

"Uh... kinda..." she said weakly, a gust of wind ruffling her hair.

Once again, Shadow had shown her an act of kindness by way of jacket around her shoulders. Does that mean their relationship was growing?

"Awww," Rouge's voice teased from behind, "they make such a cute couple, don't they Omega."

From those words, Hope blushed, while Shadow remained indifferent as always. Omega added no input to the conversation, as his robotic being came near one of Rouge's more powerful vehicles.

But, maybe they did. Hope thought about how she looked beside Shadow. She was a bit taller than him, but, he was much much older. And now, as she wore these clothes that made her feel sexier... well...

"Hope," Shadow said, "come on, we don't have all day..."

Just as he ordered, she sat on the back-end of the motorcycle, and wrapped her hands around his waist. But her face grew fearful, as she realized she left the helmet inside the club. But, with a sly wink, Shadow assured her of her safety. Shadow... winked... at her...

Getting closer, she slowly laid her head upon his soft back quills. Strangely, this caused Shadow to make a gesture. Brushing back his quills, he murmured,

"No need to rush..."

Hope loved the small little quirks Shadow had. Her blue eyes dragged across the long parking lot, and quickly locked themselves onto Rouge's teal orbs. They... didn't look to happy. Rouge was giving her a questioning, almost analyzing glare. What was that about?

Seconds later, the Dark Rider under their legs roared to life. With a few twists of the gas, Shadow slowly began moving toward the shutters. As he approached the metallic doors, they slid open, and he quickly peeled out in the back alley. Quickly taking to the streets, Shadow zipped by many cars that lied side by side. Since it was the morning, Night Babylon's roads were extremely vacant, save for the occasional car or two. Because of this, Shadow was allowed to drive as fast as he pleased. His quills rushed through the air, and a soft sigh escaped his lips. Every hair on his body stuck on end, and this caused a small prickling sensation to move through Hope's hands. Huh... Shadow may have been able to run at the speeds of sound, but he loved driving his bike.

Hope enjoyed it too. Without the helmet, her hair was free to wave in the air. It was so exhilarating, and yet, Hope wanted more.

Pressing on Shadow's waist, she caught his attention. Though his gaze never left the open roads, his ears perked, showing she now had his mind.

"Shadow..." she whispered, "Can you go a little faster?"

What kind of game was she playing? He was going fast as is, was she trying to get them a ticket? But of course, he happily oblidged. Through the reflection in his side mirrors, she saw a smirk grow on his lips.

"Why yes," he answered, "I can..."

With a few more presses of the gas, he caused the Dark Rider to roar through the air. Its speed picked up, and soon, everything became a virtual blur. The vehicle screamed onto the highway, and with things so vacant and empty, he was free to drive as fast as he pleased.

Hope gazed back, and noticed she could no longer see the vehicle Omega and Rouge were in. She didn't care though. Oh, to be alone with Shadow. How far could she go?

Her head peering around, she noticed a few turns coming up over the side. She wondered...

"Hey... Shadow..." she whispered, "I've seen you drive a bit before... can you drift for me?"

Yes, every now and then, Shadow, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy would take part in some racing tournament. Every time, Shadow would come in with these high-powered vehicles. What, did you think he got those vehicles from his devilish good looks alone? Hope made them... though, if he batted an eyelash at her every now and then, she'd probably make them for free...

With a nod of his head, he caused the Dark Rider to slowly increase in speed. As the corner came, he bucked the vehicle to the side, and leaned into a drift that maintained his velocity. As the turn ended, he zipped out, and continued to drive in an upright position. A rampart line of giggles escaped Hope's lips, and her hand tightened on Shadow's waist.

"Faster," she cried, "Faster!"

Why was Shadow obliging so much? This wasn't the same, quiet, indifferent, and stoic, hedgehog she worked with for so long. So... what was different from then and now?

As her head drifted over the side, and Shadow's speed increased, Hope took the time to view her surroundings. Once the city of Night Babylon disappeared, a fleet of vehicles approached. Tapping Shadow's head, she whispered to him,

"How's your dodging skills?"

His head shook, but not in a no manner, but more in a 'You'll see' manner. Once again twisting on the gas, he sped up toward the rapidly invading cars. With great finesse, he dodged the cars, with them being so close, the young mechanic could touch them if she tried. But of course, she wouldn't let go of Shadow, not now, not ever.

Everything felt so perfect! Holding onto Shadow, speeding through traffic at speeds she couldn't clarify, the sun beaming so high in the sky, with no shades holding anything! If Hope were given the option to have this feeling, 'til the ends of the earth, she would. She didn't care if Shadow would keep her here forever, it would be such a perfect existence.

So strange. Just yesterday, she was scared mindless by Shadow's driving. Now, she was riding at speeds even greater than earlier, and she was loving it! Maybe that night at Club Rouge changed her. Or maybe, as she hypothesized, Rouge's clothing was affecting her mind.

Speeding through a corner, Shadow started drifting pass multiple cars, no matter how dangerous his actions may have been. As the cars became more sparse as time went on, Shadow's driving went faster and faster. Everything was so perfect just so... perfect! Hope could feel herself melt away! Her grip grew on Shadow, and she leaned her head down on his. Was she... crying? No, that was the wind hitting her face, of course.

Boy, she never wanted this feeling to end... never... but as the backdrop changed from open highway roads, to city streets, she groaned. She could see the mountain rapidly approach, and she just wanted it to go away. Shadow's driving slowed down, and he came upon the mountain roads with great caution. As they drove up the side, the roads got bumpier and bumpier, as well as the sides grew luscious with green grass and trees. The sun could barely poke through the trees' canopies, and this ment shade thrived in the mountain's forest. Strange, as she passed them... she felt them... bend... But no... not that Mephiles thing again. She was just... thinking to hard on it, that's all.

When they finally broke free of the forest, she felt a weight lift off of her shoulders. Shadow's speed decreased, and she eventually saw the G.U.N. base she called home approach her. A groan of indifference filed out her mouth, while a cocky laugh exited Shadow's.

"What's wrong, Hope?" he teased, "A bit premature for you?"

Hope pouted her lip a bit, before her face turned cherry red. Had he... had he just made a sexual pun about her? As he realized his joke hit home, Shadow let out an uproarious laugh, one that caused Hope to feel little.

"I can't believe you!" she yelled back after a while, causing him to laugh so more.

Still... maybe the experience was a bit... premature... heh, heh, heh...

...

Shadow's fingers found his locker while his indifferent scowl scanned the turntables.

06-21-00...

The locker door flew open, and he was allowed a view at the contents inside. As expected of him, it was very empty, save for a few jackets he owned, and a photo that lied taped to the wall. No, this wasn't the same sepia tone photo of Maria and Gerald. No, this was a photo of Team Dark, taken shortly after they gained a certain new recruit. In the photo, between Rouge and him, was Hope. Omega stood behind them all, his overbearing stature casting a shade over his allies, while a sea of carnage lied behind. Yeah, he remembered that. The attack on Dr. Robotnik's base, Egg City. Yeah... it was more a graveyard after they got through with it.

For some reason, of the very few pictures Shadow owned, he enjoyed this one the most. Whenever he'd go on an adventure or mission, he'd marvel at the photo, specifically the blonde girl in between. And yet, he never questioned himself as to why.

Reaching into the locker, he placed his keys on the top row. Another day... another dollar...

Abruptly, the locker door slammed, causing a loud echo to resonate. Shadow would have been surprised, had he not already known who caused it.

"Rouge," he said, glancing over to her teal eyes, "this is the boy's locker room... what are you doing here?"

With an unhappy gaze, she looked at him, her arms hugging close her heart-shaped chest. For a few seconds they remained in silence, as neither side wanted to speak. Finally, Rouge relented, and spoke forward.

"What was that all about?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Crossing his arms as he usually did, Shadow answered with,

"What are you talking about?"

Rouge's eyes slanted further, showing she wasn't in the mood for games. Good, cause Shadow doesn't play games.

"That," she stated, with greater emphasis, "I want to know why you acted all Outrun with Hope?"

Breaking his arms from their connection, Shadow laid them on his hips.

"Outrun? You mean that old Sega game?" he questioned with a smirk, "What does that have to do with anything?"

But Rouge wasn't going to have any of his playful jokes. Her scowl growing, she shook her head. A sudden buz appeared between the two, and a light came from both Shadow and Rouge's gloves. Rouge pressed a near invisible button on her glove first, and answered the call.

"G.U.N. Agent Rouge hear, where's the fire?"

"Agent Rouge," the operator on the other side called, "You and Team Dark are to mobilize at the debriefing room."

"10-4." she answered.

Seconds later, the beeping died out, and Rouge sighed. Looking back at Shadow, she jabbed forth a finger and said,

"This isn't over Shadow..."

"Whatever you say..." he replied with a snicker.

Side by side, they shuffled out the room and down the halls. Not to long later, they were joined by Omega, who followed them up to the debriefing room. It was funny, Shadow felt, here they were, walking down the halls that a year ago he nearly destroyed during the whole Black Arms invasion. Chilling on the walls were many other agents, humans, mobians, or otherwise. Some flirted with Rouge, which she of course flirted back, while others marveled at Omega's huge stature, some even called out 'Yo' to Shadow. Yeah, life and stuff...

Finally coming to the debriefing room door, the trio of agents stepped in. To their surprise, they were also joined by another group of many armed soldiers. Great... this mission wasn't going to be easy, was it? The many soldiers lined up against the walls, held their guns in a vertical position, and grew deathly silent. Shadow merely sighed.

"This had better be good..." he remarked, taking a seat at the debriefing room's desk.

As Rouge sat beside him, Omega stood behind, his demeanor as over powering as ever.

The door on the other end opened up, and stepping out, his hair grey, eyes blue and brown, manilla folder in hand, was the G.U.N. Commander himself. Letting out a low cough, he sat on the other end of Team Dark. Remaining silent, a groan left his lips, and a female attendant garbed in a grew suit walked up. Holding a cup of coffee, she handed it to her commander, saluted, and then left as fast as she had come. The Commander took a sip of his coffee, gazed at Team Dark out his eye, shifted his attention to the folder he brought, and opened it.

"Good morning Team Dark." he said, tightening his grew gloves.

"Good morning, Commander." the trio said in relative unison.

He nodded, showing he got there call, and once again returned his glare to the folder before him.

"Let me cut to the chase Team," he said, "at five AM Tuesday, of last week, Dr. Ivo Robotnik's 'Egg Carrier' was spotted flying near the kingdom of Soleanna. We don't have any clue as to why, but we believe it deals with a certain Chaos Emerald signature resonating from the area."

Nonchalantly, he lifted a picture, and slid it across the table. Rouge grabbed it first, and analyzed it. It was the Egg Carrier alright, the bat would always remember it...

"Not only that," the Commander continued, "but our agents have noticed an increase in Robotnik's Gunbots and Eggpawns in the surrounding area."

Another photo slid across, this time it was caught by Shadow. The photo was an aerial view, and showed a faint team of Dr. Robotnik's robots mobilized in groups. They were, oddly enough, stationed at Soleanna's abandoned castles. Strange... he felt like he remembered that place...

"We believe," Commander added, "that this deals with a hidden base located under Soleanna's waters."

"Hidden base?" Shadow questioned, gazing up.

With a nod, Commander confirmed his belief's.

"About ten years ago," Commander continued, "there was reports that Soleanna was having deals in illegal science experiments. You see, Soleanna has a god known as Solaris. This god represented time and space, and had the ability to control them to his will. The King of Soleanna, tried his hardest to harness the power of this god... but something went wrong, and an explosion rang out, killing him, and injuring many others."

"I remember that," Rouge said, "I was a little girl when that happened..."

Once again, the Commander nodded.

"But of course," he said, "this was merely speculation, as no underwater base could be found."

"So... you believe the Dr. is trying to find this base?"

"The Chaos signature from the area only confirm our beliefs," Commander stated, "we don't believe Dr. Robotnik could get his hands on this... Solaris, but as long as there's a Chaos Emerald in the location, we should treat this operation with the utmost of caution."

"What is our mission?" Shadow asked, almost as a formation.

"Attack the Egg Carrier, and keep whatever Chaos Emerald Dr. Robonik is after, out of his hands."

Simple.

"And bring these soldiers with you," he added, "they could use the combat training..."

Not so simple. Shadow hated these kind of missions! In fact, so did Rouge and Omega. Taking care of a group could be easy, and hard, it always depended on the mission. Most of the time, it was hard, because they were left with a group of untrained idiots who questioned their every order. But this was different. Dr. Robotnik missions were always easy. There was no way this group of soldiers could mess this up.

"Fine..." Shadow murmured, his body slouching back.

"You'll be taking Harrier Jet 4-52B" Commander said. Standing up from a chair, he handed the entire folder to Rouge, "Good luck team..."

In unison, everyone in the entire room saluted their Commander.

...

She shivered at the name. Just that title alone, it sent chills down her spine.

Solaris? Did she really hear that?

Here Hope stood, outside the debriefing room door, as she cradled her arms. No, it had to be some joke. Solaris... that, Mephiles guy... he called himself Mephiles and Solaris... No, this was getting to real, to... to... real...

Footsteps were coming, and she quickly ran away. Why was she running so fast? She had no reason to. Her many huffs and puffs exited her mouth, as she passed by many people. Some said hello, but she was in no mood to talk. Harrier Jet 4-52B... She needed to get on that jet. She needed to stop her Uncle and whatever plan he was concocting. If he had released that... Mephiles thing upon her... then there was no telling what he would do... she needed to understand.

The G.U.N. base had a hangar not to far up. A quick jaunt up the staircase was all it took for the young mechanic to find it. Reading the many serial numbers of the harrier jets she found the one she was looking forward.

There it was, Harrier Jet 4-52B. Big, black, cold, it was a crowning achievement in G.U.N. architecture. Powered by fusion energy, it can fly faster than almost anything, while at the same time holding a high number of agents inside. Only used for attacking mission, it was the perfect blend of speed, defense, and raw strength.

And using the end of a wrench, she was going to break into it. Hey, perfect blends have design flaws too.

Withdrawing her trusted tool, she wedged it in the small area where the door met the steel wall of the ship. Using her mighty teenage girl strength, she was able to pry open just a small gap. It was with a grin she began to favor her small petite body. Sliding in her arm first, she was able to slip inside the gap with minimal effort. Landing on the other side with a loud thud, she quickly took in the dark insides. It was so cold and dark, she couldn't even see her hands. The only light came in from the small opening she created with her wrench. Grabbing a hold of the tool, she took the time to gaze out. Her eyes met Shadow, Rouge, and Omega's frame, as the trio led their squadron of soldiers toward the Harrier Jet. Taking in a deep breath, she slipped her wrench out of the gap. Snapping on a flashlight she always kept near her wrench, she began searching for a hiding spot. The footsteps were getting closer, so she needed to move fast. Glancing around the room, she found an air vent she would fit perfectly in. So, with an unbolt here and there, she slipped into the vent, and fastened herself in. The door opened.

Shadow stepped in first. His ruby eyes traveled up and down the length of the Jet, before he nodded. Rouge was next, then Omega, and finally a twenty or so squad of men. As they spoke to one another, telling jokes and socializing, Shadow and Rouge took head spot at the Harrier Jet's command center. With everyone preoccupied, Hope crawled up the air vents and eventually came to the same area as the pilots. Scanning their faces, she found it odd that Shadow was composed, while Rouge looked... unhappy.

The bat's arms were crossed in displeasure, while she took looks at Shadow every now and then. Why was that?

"Seriously, Shadow," she said getting his attention, "what is going on between you and Hope?"

The mechanic gasped. Why was she asking him this? Did she... notice something?

"Everyone prepared for lift off?" Shadow asked, facing his soldiers.

With a salute, they confirmed this. So, nodding, Shadow shifted his attention to the Harrier Jet's controls, and set the beast alive. The blue jet engines on the black behemoth roared to life, and caused the Harrier Jet to hover above the ground. Away from them the shutter doors open, revealing the blue skies that lied a head. Pushing the stick shift up, the great machine began moving forward. It flew over and passed many other stationed jets, before exiting the shutter doors. A moment later, the Harrier Jet dashed forward, as Shadow put force on the stick shift.

Soleanna lied just over the horizon. They'd be there in no time at all.

Trivia Time!

Normally, I don't do trivia, I save all that stuff for the end of my stories. But I just enjoyed writing this chapter so much, I couldn't help myself.

So, first things first, this chapter's title comes from that mode in Outrun 2 called Heart Attack Mode. Its a mode where that girl you drive with tells you to do something just so you can fill up that heart meter. That's why Rouge made that one reference to Outrun up there.

Also, this story is suppose to take in the game universe, except with liberties taken. The whole Soleanna disaster still happened even though Elise and Sonic whiped Solaris from existance. Why, you may ask? Well I felt the god still existed, he just didn't exist in body, that's what the flame represented. The king still tried to get Solaris' power, but since he didn't have the flame, he just destroyed the entire base, killing himself, and some other people.

Now, to all those reading this, thanks, and I hope things aren't dragging on for to long. In the next chapter, the plot will pick up.

Maverick Kay Prime