Disclaimer- Nah…still don't own.
Chapter 7- It's just a theory
Knuckles took in a breath of fresh and cool air, letting it out in a relaxed sigh. His violet eyes were closed, enjoying the gentle breeze that weaved through his fur. He solely relished the way the wind felt against him; it was a like a comfortable blanket, encouraging him to take a nap then and there.
The echidna shook his head a bit, keeping the drowsiness at bay, before reopening his eyes, gazing lazily at the drifting clouds above, white and puffy and unburdened. He then switched his focus downward, looking past the railing he was safely up against. He had never been afraid of heights, but he could understand why one would have that phobia as he took in the numerous modern yet traditional buildings that were so small that they nearly blended together.
It was unbelievable how high up he was. Along with the city below him, there were many multicolored hot-air balloons flying in the air, only a couple exceeding the clock tower's height. A small smile grew on Knuckles' muzzle. The sight was just amazing. He slumped against the white railing more, wishing that he could stay up here forever.
This place would be a fantastic spot to take a breather from everything (not like he didn't do that all the time already). Too bad he never had been here before and couldn't remember the name. What was it? Lasagna? No…Spaghetti? That sounded a bit better. Kind of.
However…there was something constantly reminding him that he shouldn't waste his time standing up here on the tower. Something buzzing in the back of his head. Something that was taking a heck of a lot of effort to ignore. Something that was breaking the peaceful and serene atmosphere that was surrounding him.
"…can't stay here! Knuckles? Are you listening to me?"
That something was Amy.
"Sure," the echidna drawled out, keeping his eyes on the swaying balloons below.
The pinkette let out a heavy sigh, knowing good and well that the other wasn't. She continued wringing her hands nervously together, her back resting against the railing while looking up at the massive clock above them. Her fretful green irises then shifted over to focus on the other.
She bit her lip, "Look Knuckles, I know that you like the view and everything but-" Amy glanced down at the buildings below and shuddered. They had to be hundreds of feet off the ground; that didn't sit right in her stomach, "-we have more important things to focus on!"
There was still no sign that the echidna was listening, but she went on anyway.
"Like how's Station Square? Is it still there anymore? Why did Penumbra bring us here? Why isn't everyone here?" Amy rubbed her forehead in worry, "And where's Tails? I don't like the idea of him wondering around by himself…Espio was teleported too and with how…" her breath hitched as she thought about Shadow and Cream, trying hard to keep herself from breaking down again, "…with how ruthless he is…I don't want Tails anywhere near him."
The pinkette looked at her hands and regretted that she hadn't held on to that baseball bat she had. Those winds they had faced made it near impossible… "I just…I just want to find him Knuckles. And everyone else. Don't you?"
Knuckles seemed so impassive that Amy was actually surprised that he answered, "I do, Amy," he glanced at the hedgehog from the corner of his eye, and seeing her concerned state, faced her completely, folding his arms loosely across his chest, "It's just that I don't think we should go crazy doing it," he waved her off, "You're worrying too much."
Amy blinked, processing those words, until she began to see red, "I'm worrying too much?!" She took a step closer to him, glaring up into those lazy amethysts, "My little brother is out there by himself! Or potentially in the company of the chameleon who murdered some of our friends! Did you forget about that?"
Knuckles could barely hold in a wince at that reminder. He had been repressing it, but he knew that it wouldn't be successful for long. He let out a small puff of air before leaning back on the railing, staring out at the horizon, "I didn't forget about it," he gave a quiet snort, "That's basically the only reason I'm considering searching for the others, so I don't have to wonder if…you know. Not sure if you realize this, but I'm used to riding solo. Not used to this group and leadership stuff."
"Well, I'm glad you've been trying something new," Amy huffed, clearly still riled up. She put her hands on her hips, "But what I don't get is why you're just a little bit concerned that any of our friends could be up against a serial killer!"
"If that," Knuckles said shortly, watching as a hot-air balloon went down for a landing, "Espio is barely in any condition to fight, Amy. He's banged up and his eye is completely unusable. And in addition to that, he doesn't have any weapons," he rose a brow at her, "I'm sure anyone can handle Espio, or at least run from him. Even Tails."
The pinkette deflated somewhat, seeing the logic in the other's words, "I guess you're right…It's just that he's family, and I don't want anything bad happening – wait a minute!" her eyes were wide, and Knuckles noticed that her pupils dilated in horror, "What about Sonic? He can't run! And…And Omega! He's out there too!" Amy reached out and fisted the echidna's chest in panic, "That robot could be after Tails right now! We can't stay up here any longer!"
He held his arms up in surprise, both at the pinkette's actions and what she had said. Amy had a point. The jerk was very hurt. Omega was still loose, armed and dangerous. Knuckles was going to have to calm down the other though; he really didn't want to deal with a hysterical hedgehog, "Calm down! I'm sure Sonic is being taken care of right now by a nice stranger. And what's the chances of Tails or anyone else being teleported to the same place the bot is?"
Amy glared, "The same chance of us being dropped together!"
Knuckles sweatdropped, "Touché…" he then gently pushed her off of him, smoothening his fur, "Alright, I guess it's time to go then."
"Finall-"
"Stand on the rail."
Amy paused, "What?" Knuckles didn't speak again; he just gestured to the object mentioned. She took a half-step away from it, "Um why?"
"So I can glide ourselves down."
The pinkette shook her head vehemently before jabbing a thumb over her shoulder, pointing to a single door, "You can do that, but I'm just gonna take the stairs…"
Knuckles cocked his head in curiosity, "Don't you do this with Tails though, since he can fly? I figured that you'd be used to it. It'll take forever to get down the stairs."
Amy rubbed her arm, feeling unsure, "He does carry me! But, not that often, and not ever this high up!"
"There's a first time for everything. I won't drop you," Knuckles clenched his namesakes, "Super strength, remember?"
The pinkette stared at him for a long moment, a civil war occurring in her head, before facing the rail, "You better keep your promise…" she grumbled.
"I didn't promise you anything."
Amy glanced over to him to see the echidna grinning slightly. She rolled her eyes, "Funny," the hedgehog carefully climbed up and stood, holding her arms out to her side and urging herself to keep her balance. However, before she even had the chance to wobble, her wrists were grabbed and her feet were no longer on solid ground, "AHHHH!" she closed her eyes, not wanting to open them until she was safe again.
Knuckles looked askance at her when her scream made his eardrums throb, "If you'd stop shouting, that'll be great. You're causing a scene," he mumbled when he saw a couple in a balloon gaze confusedly at them.
Amy didn't listen. Knuckles didn't know if it was intentional, or she was truly too busy being terrified.
About a (tortuous) minute later, the pair was out of the air and at the base of the huge clock tower. Knuckles linked his hands behind his head, taking in all of the sights now that they were on ground level, while it seemed like Amy wanted to kiss the concrete they were standing on.
The echidna ignored her; she'll be over it soon enough, "So I guess we can start by asking the people here if they've seen anyone."
"Remind me to never do that with you again…" Amy straightened and evened out her dress, "And that's a good Plan A, let's do it!"
And so they did. The duo went around the huge city, asking the people living there if they had seen someone that the Mobians knew, even Espio. They didn't glean any useful information (except that the place was called Spagonia. Knuckles was close) until after about an exhausting hour into their search.
"Ah yes," a middle aged man began, glancing up from his phone, "I've seen a young bee around. He was at a café a block over with some others."
"Really?" Amy's tired expression brightened up when the man nodded, "Okay! Thank you so much!"
He smiled, "You're very welcome."
Amy barely heard that as she ran down the street, Knuckles catching up with her after waving goodbye to the stranger, "What are the odds…So who do you think Charmy's with?"
"Hopefully Tails!" she immediately answered, "Please let him be there!"
Don't get your hopes up, Knuckles thought, but didn't dare say out loud.
They rounded a corner and both searched around until they found the café the man was talking about. The pair saw it at the same time, noticeable by the occupied tables on each side of the entrance. And true to the stranger's word, there was Charmy in one of the seats, apparently sleeping. He was drooling on the table. In a neighboring chair was Vector, hanging onto consciousness by a thread.
"They look…really tired."
Knuckles glanced at Amy, hearing the tone of disappointment in her voice. He didn't comment on that though, instead he said, "Yeah, maybe Chaos Control affects everyone differently…"
The pinkette smiled again, but it was nowhere the wattage it was a minute ago, "At least we found some of our group! Maybe it wouldn't be so hard finding the rest!"
The echidna hummed, beginning to leisurely walk toward the café, Amy in step with him, "Didn't the man say that Charmy is with some others? That would imply more than one…"
The hedgehog's green eyes brightened again and Knuckles deduced that she was going to be seriously unstable until she and Tails reunited again, "You're right! So where is he – er… are they? Maybe inside ordering something?"
She's shielding herself from another let down…not very well though, the red Mobian thought before languidly scratching his cheek, "Probably. Charmy and Vector will tell us once we-" Knuckles then tripped over his own feet and would've face-planted if Amy hadn't caught his arm. He would have to thank her later, after he got over what he was seeing now.
He wasn't looking at the bee and crocodile anymore, oh no, he was focused on the third Mobian who had strolled out of the café and sat at the last available seat at that table with no commotion. None from him and none from the two he was sitting with. Espio was there. He seemed just as exhausted as the other two, but that didn't matter. Their number one villain was there making seemingly lighthearted conversation with Vector!
What?!
And apparently, Amy was now seeing what he was seeing because of how tight the grip on his arm became.
"Knuckles!" she loudly whispered, wide-eyed and trembling. Knuckles couldn't tell if it was from fright or anger; Amy couldn't tell herself, multiple emotions were swirling around in her system at the moment, "That's…That's-!"
"I know…" the echidna lowly hissed, narrowing his violet irises at the chameleon. His mind was going haywire. He was trying to figure this scene out, but he couldn't. Why was Espio being friendly? Why was Vector being it back? And why in the hell was that reptile healed? The eye was back and everything! Was that even possible? Knuckles' only answer to that was Chaos healing, but who would…?
"He's…He's perfectly fine!" Amy cried out in disbelief. Knuckles hushed her before backpedaling until they were at the corner they just came from; they hid and peaked around it to see that the chameleon and croc were still talking. The confused duo ignored all of the wary looks they got from the citizens of the city. Amy clenched her teeth, fingers digging into her thighs as she squatted so Knuckles could peak over her, "What do we do? Why aren't they running away?" she ground out, her past experiences with the chameleon making her want to scream out in rage and anguish.
"I don't know…on both accounts," Knuckles responded, keenly aware of every move Espio made. His gaze then switched to a young waitress when she brought the trio a few drinks. Coffee, from the looks of it, and one soda. Vector took his with a relieved expression and so did Espio, nodding in thanks.
The waitress then placed the soda in front of the bee before walking away. Espio nudged the kid (Knuckles was waiting for a kunai to materialize out of nowhere) and gestured to the drink when the insect eventually woke up. Charmy wasn't alarmed about the chameleon's presence either; he just attacked his soda with fervor.
This was so wrong.
"Are they brainwashed or something?" Amy glanced up at him for any kind of help, too bad his brain was malfunctioning just like hers.
Knuckles shook his head, "That's just ridiculous, Amy. Maybe they're being held hostage instead…"
The duo then heard Vector's tired laugh coming from their table. The croc was bellowing at Charmy's loud belch. The pink hedgehog frowned, "That's almost as bad as mine! Do they look like hostages to you? It looks like they're having fun, for some reason!" she then focused on Espio and saw him shaking his head in exasperation, but there was a small smile on his face anyway, "And have you noticed that Espio seems…different?"
"Yeah, I have," the soft expressions, the smiles, the lack of homicidal tendencies, Knuckles had totally noticed them. Unfortunately, that mixed up the puzzle pieces of this mystery even more instead of putting them together.
The hiding pair watched for a while – not having a clue what else to do (one sudden move and there could be blood spattered everywhere) – until the cold-blooded trio stood up from their seats. Knuckles cursed under his breath when Espio's gaze wandered; he pulled Amy back as he let himself be fully hid by the corner, hoping that they weren't seen. Amy didn't protest.
After a moment of holding their breaths, they peered slowly past the wall again to see the three sluggishly walking (hovering in Charmy's case) away.
Amy instantly knew what they had to do, "We have to follow them!"
Knuckles blinked, wondering if Sonic was really the only hedgehog that had something wrong with their psyche, "Are you insane? Since when is stalking a ninja a good idea?"
"When everything started to make no sense!" Amy retorted, "We have to make sure this weird Espio doesn't do anything to them while staying on the down-low! We can wait until Vector and Charmy is alone or something to ask what in the heck is wrong with them! If we get found…" she tapped her chin, "then you can just go in swinging!"
Under normal circumstances, Knuckles would never go along with a crude plan such as this – much less any plan. He'd be sleeping the day away – but because he couldn't come up with another option, he guessed that it would have to do.
"Alright…" he sighed, the duo emerging from their hiding place and following the trio, "But if we get spotted, you better grab a chair because I'm not fighting that psychopath by myself."
"Scared, Muscles?"
"No. Just really unenthused."
"Uh huh, sure."
Stalking the oblivious trio was easier than Knuckles thought it would be. Espio, Charmy, and Vector never really veered from the main streets, talking to each other while finishing off their drinks, more energized than they were at the café. Whenever there was a threat that the echidna and his partner would be spotted, they would either hide behind a large mass of people or duck into an adjacent alleyway until the coast was clear.
They trailed the others until the three stopped in front of a massive building that looked like some kind of school. A sign nearby the place read 'Spagonia University', and that made Knuckles wonder why in the world the trio would need to be near the college. His question was soon answered when an older person – with a nose that was hard to miss – stepped out and met with the formerly exhausted group.
Knuckles and Amy crept closer to get within earshot, crouching behind a large potted plant so they wouldn't be seen.
"Ah! I'm glad to see that you've all made it!" the man smiled, making the skin around his large eyebrows – which was covering his eyes – crinkle.
Vector grinned back, "And right on time too! Man, that drive here was horrible," he then clasped his hands together, "But nevermind that! Let's talk business…"
"Oh…about that, youngin's…" the elderly man cleared his throat before smiling again, "My mystery has solved itself! How often does that happen?"
There was a pause, then, "Professor Pickle…What do you mean that it's solved already?" Espio asked, and Knuckles noticed that not only did the chameleon act differently, he talked differently as well. He was saner, of course, and his undertone held no hint of malice whatsoever, just muted curiosity. Knuckles and Amy glanced at each other, thinking the same thing, before refocusing on the conversation.
"Exactly that!" the professor chuckled, "It turns out the missing food I called about that kept disappearing from my lab was taken by no other than my lab assistant! He constantly cleared my stock of bread and cucumbers! He said that I had an unhealthy addiction, and that's why he threw them out! What nerve!" he sighed, "No matter, the reason for this meeting is to tell you that your work is no longer needed."
A longer pause, then, "What?" Charmy cried out, frowning, "So we came here for nothing? We didn't have to take that long ride? I could've been home playing games! You could've at least called or something!" he pouted.
Vector was shocked speechless at the professor's words, a single eye twitching.
Espio was the most composed, even though the ghost of a frown marring his lips gave away that he didn't like those turn of events either, "We…understand professor. Even though it's a bit disappointing that we've come this far to not work," the words 'or be paid' were unspoken but understood there, "I'm honored that someone as well-known as you know about us and our services. I appreciate you just for considering us for the job."
Back by the bush, Amy stared unbelievably at Knuckles, "Who is this guy and what did he do with the real Espio? Not that I'm complaining, but wow." The echidna just put a finger to his lips, interested in the scene before them.
Pickle snickered again, "How could I not know of the great Chaotix and your work? You're the first detective agency that came to mind when my problem arose!"
"Really?" Charmy happily buzzed, over his disappointment, "Awesome! We've got good cred!" he flew around in a hyper circle, "Just watch, the President is gonna want us to do a job for him someday!"
Vector was still silent. Both eyes were twitching now.
"I'm sure he will!" Pickle agreed wholeheartedly with the kid before seeming to remember something. He began to dig into one of his pants pockets, "Before I forget…" he stepped up to Vector and held his hand out; the croc, after a moment, did the same. The professor dropped something into the awaiting hand, "Here's some compensation for your travel! I must return to my job now, have a nice day!" Pickle waved at all three of them before going back into the building, the door shutting behind him.
An even longer pause, then, "FIVE DOLLARS? HE JUST GAVE US FIVE DOLLARS?"
Espio rubbed his temples, "Calm down Vector, it's something…"
"NO IT'S NOT! COMPARED TO THE HOURS WE'VE SPENT ON THE ROAD-!"
"Hey wait!" Charmy cut the fuming croc off, eyeing the bills in the other's hand, "Doesn't it take five dollars to go on a balloon ride?" Vector and Espio just stared at him. A smile stretched across the bee's face, "I think it is! Can we go on one? Can we can we? Flying that high by myself if tiring! Please?!"
"Might as well spend it on something," Espio glanced over at Vector, "Go with him. It'll help blow off some steam-"
"Now tell me, how is floating in the air going to get us the money we rightfully DESERVE?!"
"…My point exactly."
Vector glared at the chameleon before sighing, "Okay okay, maybe I need to calm down a lil' bit," he began to march off, "C'mon kid. We'll meet up back at the café, 'kay Es?"
"Right," Espio nodded as they ambled off.
Knuckles and Amy watched them go as well, both glad that their plan actually worked out. All they had to do now was go find Vector and Charmy without running into Espio. But, before they did that, there was an important question that needed to be answered.
"Chaotix…That name sounds familiar, like really familiar…" Amy muttered, trying to think where she had heard it from.
"That's weird, because it sounds like that for me too," Knuckles said, pulling desperately at his memory until something popped up:
"In my world, you two own a detective agency, the Chaotix."
"You had a third and fourth co-founder. Mighty the armadillo, however he had moved away from what I was told, and…Espio the chameleon."
The echidna's breath hitched, and Amy heard it, "What did you remember?"
"Knuckles, Amy," the pair addressed froze when they heard their names uttered from the lips of the person they should be avoiding. Green and violet eyes slowly drifted over to the chameleon standing at their side, arms crossed with his brow furrowed. Again, there was no hostility, just irritation, "What are you two doing here? And why were you following us all this time?"
The crouching duo took their time standing up. Amy did because she thought any sudden movement would be the return of a murder-happy Espio. Knuckles did because he was analyzing the other, not wanting to make a hasty decision.
"Well?" Espio prompted, looking between the two.
Amy then decided that she didn't like being trapped. She glared at him, "Get away from us you murderer!" she yelled out, getting the attention of any passers-by and making Espio horribly confused, "Step any closer and you'll be taking a plant to the face! A heavy one at that!" the hedgehog grabbed the bush, ready to attack at any moment. It was all a front however. She was terrified.
Espio looked slightly worried, for himself or for Amy, Knuckles didn't know, "What are you talking about? I'm not-"
"Yes you are!" the leaves of the bush rustled, "You've killed-"
"Wait Amy…" Knuckles interrupted, getting in between of the girl and the chameleon. Espio's gaze snapped to him, swirling with nothing but confusion, "Just wait a second. I have a theory, a crazy one, but a theory nonetheless," both the reptile and hedgehog stared at him, wondering what in the heck was going on.
"A theory? Just…Just punch him Knuckles!"
Espio blinked, "Punch me?"
"Ignore her for a moment," Knuckles breathed out, tense and not believing that he was having a civil conversation with someone who had killed his friends. What a day, "Just answer me this. How would you describe me? Be honest." Wow, he was telling a psycho to be honest. He really needed a nap.
The ninja was silent for a moment, judging, before finally answering, "You're strong, determined, stubborn to a fault sometimes, protective," alarms sounded off in Knuckles' head, "a friend."
"What do I protect? Be specific."
Espio cocked his head and frowned, "You're acting strange. You and Amy."
"Answer the question…please."
"…You protect your friends, the Master Emerald, and Angel Island of course. You're usually on it, except for today…"
There it was. The bombshell.
Knuckles let out an explosive sigh, feeling more tired than he had been in a long time, "You're the wrong one…"
"Knuckles?" Amy let go of the plant and went to the echidna's side, "Are you okay? What's going on?"
The red Mobian ran his hands down his face, "He's the wrong Espio."
"The wrong…" she shook her head, "What? There's only one of him!" she gestured to the chameleon who was getting more and more lost as time went on, "Yeah, he's acting different but that doesn't mean-"
"In this situation, it does," Knuckles said, and began to explain at her befuddled expression, "Remember when Shadow was telling us about his home world?" Amy nodded, and Espio's eyes widened, What is he talking about? "He mentioned the Chaotix, a detective agency that Vector, Charmy, and Espio ran."
The pinkette gasped and took a step back, a hand over her mouth, "No…No it can't be! We can't be in his world!"
Knuckles swallowed thickly, nodding, "I…think we are."
"But how…why…" tears began to well up in Amy's eyes, "Do y-you think Tails is here too? O-Or somewhere else?"
The echidna glanced up at the sky, "I can't answer that question for you Amy."
Espio just stood there, observing as the pinkette sobbed and as the guardian mumbled to himself. He had no idea what was going on, not one clue. A different Espio? Shadow's home world? There was something off about those two – besides the obvious – put he couldn't put his finger on it. It was subtle, but it was there.
However, before he could delve into it more, a phone began to ring nearby. Realizing that it was his, Espio took the cell out of the cuff of his glove and answered it, "Hello?"
"Am I reaching the Chaotix detective agency?"
He frowned, "Yes, yes you are. May I help you?"
"I'm calling from Station Square hospital to inform you that Espio the chameleon has been admitted due to horrific injuries. Is it possible for you to be here when he is done with his procedures this afternoon?"
Espio went stock-still, glancing over at Knuckles and Amy who were paying no attention to him, "I'm sorry, but we're out of town at the moment. We won't be back in until late tonight. We will visit as soon as we can tomorrow."
"Okay. He should be ready to leave by then."
"Thank you for letting us know."
"You're welcome." The line went dead. The ninja slowly lowered the phone before staring back at the stressed out duo. It took a minute, but both of them eventually felt his gaze and met it.
Espio took a deep breath, "Tell me everything."
"Why isn't he still here?"
Shadow was about to blow up, he could feel it. And apparently everyone else could too because the people in the reception room stood as far away as they could from the Ultimate Lifeform. The receptionist, the one being addressed, couldn't really go anywhere, so she was halfway hiding under the desk.
"I-I don't know sir. H-He wasn't supposed to be given t-the choice to be released until t-tomorrow…"
The striped hedgehog bared his teeth and slammed his fist down on the desk, "When did he leave then?"
The woman squeaked, crouching lower, "I-I don't…"
"Alright hon, enough is enough," Rouge strolled over and put herself between Shadow and the cowering worker. The bat scoffed as she slowly but surely guided the hedgehog toward the front doors, "The hospital already house enough people as is, no need to add a heart attack patient to that number."
Once outside, Shadow attempted to rein in his anger, but not before punching the side of the building, feeling the sting in his knuckles but not caring about it. The Mobians who had occupied his room were now surrounding him in a loose circle. The civilians walking by gave the two Tailses confused glances, but the group didn't care anymore. There were concrete doubles running around in the world; the masses were going to have to get used to it.
Shadow clenched and unclenched his fists as his rage began to climb down, "You don't get it Rouge. None of you get it, except," he glanced over to TT at his left side, "The reptile killed me dammit. Me. And Cream. And Vanilla. And an uncountable number of innocents. He's more than dangerous."
Sonic, for once, wasn't smiling, "I hear ya loud and clear Shads, but think about it, your Espio's all drugged up and basically a one-armed pirate. He seriously couldn't have gone far," he then grinned, "Definitely not my version of far."
Shadow glared at him, not amused at all, "You're missing the point Faker. I don't give a damn about what condition he's in," he focused on Rouge, taking in her semi-bruised neck and her ankle brace, "He could be anywhere, doing anything, by now because I'm sure that he had help."
"Help?" Knuckles furrowed his brow, "Who in the hell would help that maniac?!"
"The chameleon's Omega," the Ultimate Lifeform hissed out, and Rouge gaped, realizing what Shadow was getting at, "That robot was in the city earlier; he attacked Rouge."
"That thing got to her?"
Rouge smirked at Knuckles after getting over that little shock, seeing him search her body and finally making a connection with her foot, "Don't worry Knuckie. None of the goods were permanently damaged," she ended with a wink.
The echidna wasn't the only one who blushed. TT thought that this was so…weird. All of the 'bro's and fist-bumps were replaced with…well…breasts and flirtation. The bat being a girl was going to take a while to get used to.
Tails ignored that whole interaction, "So you're saying that Espio could've gotten away with Omega?" Shadow nodded. The fox rubbed his forehead, "It's still so hard to wrap my head around all of this…I mean, how did all of the doubles get here in the first place? It makes no sense!"
That was the question, wasn't it? Shadow turned towards TT, crossing his arms, "Tails," two pairs of yellow ears perked up, but one set relaxed when they weren't the ones supposed to be listening, "What happened after I 'died'? Did Espio attack you?" And how did you escape pretty much unscathed if he did?
TT lowered his gaze to the ground and fidgeted with his hands, "W-Well, when you r-ran off, w-we took out th-the rest of the r-robots…You k-know that C-Cream and her family…" he sniffed, not wanting to say it, "P-Penumbra and R-Rogue carrying S-Sonic rejoined with us after th-that…"
"Rogue was carrying Faker?"
Instead of TT, Sonic nodded, figuring that he could help the kit out, "Yeah, he was shot by Omega but still alive. And then TT told us that Rogue sent Penumbra after you, that he Chaos Controlled Espio back to where the they were, that Nummy was hurt and Espio had his eye torn out or somethin', yeesh," the hedgehog stretched a bit, "And then uh…
"There was this darkness swallowing up the city," Knuckles continued, anxious now that there was a chance that the evil Espio could be causing major trouble somewhere, "Not wanting to fall into it, they tried to get Penumbra to take them to the ARK. But apparently that didn't work."
"They ended up here instead, huh," Rouge put a hand on her hip, pursing her lips, "I never got this side of the story sugar."
"I didn't know either," Shadow muttered, actually more surprised that the others knew that than the events themselves. Yes, it was…disconcerting that the other Sonic was out there the way he was (Shadow was sure that someone had found and helped him), but something else was more prominent at the moment. He focused on TT, "You told them what happened?" the kit nodded slowly, and Shadow sighed, "Everything that happened?" the fox nodded again.
When he reunited with the other Faker (he knew it was going to happen eventually), hell would surely be risen.
"What're ya talkin' about Shads?" Sonic asked, slightly lost now, and he knew that Knuckles and Tails were as well. Rouge looked as if she didn't know if she knew or not.
Shadow ignored him, continuing to speak to TT, "So you all came here because Penumbra teleported you." Maybe he tried too hard to get to the ARK and jumped dimensional planes instead?
"Y-Yeah…"
The striped hedgehog pinched the bridge of his nose, Great, so the one who did it can barely understand us and is probably attacking some poor unsuspecting town right now. Fantastic.
"I'm glad that you've learned all of this Shadow, but we already knew about it," Tails' namesakes swirled around him as sapphires met with rubies, "My question was actually referring to how they jumped out of your head. It's not physically possible!"
"And neither is being two places at once," Sonic opened his mouth and Knuckles glared, "No! No matter how fast you are, you just can't!" the speedster stuck his tongue out and the echidna was tempted to yank it.
"It is impossible…" Shadow said aloud, gears turning in his mind, "…physically at least," he glanced over at Rouge, "Tell me exactly what happened during the incident that seemingly started all of this."
The bat braced herself to relive that memory; she didn't want to, but she'll do it for him, "I don't know why you want me to do it again hon, but…alright. We were fighting Eggman's robots and we somehow missed one. It hit you so hard that-" Rouge sighed. It was harder than she thought it was going to be, "Blue picked you off the ground, and the red Chaos emerald you had went on the fritz-"
"There," Shadow interrupted, "It happened there."
"What happened there?" Sonic tilted his head.
"Whatever that caused this," the Ultimate Lifeform racked his brain, "The Chaos emerald did something," he closed his eyes and folded his arms in front of his white-furred chest. The emeralds can turn thoughts into power…Shadow opened them again and regarded the entire group, "I have a theory. All of you didn't want me to die, correct?" All of them – sans TT, who was shocked that the hedgehog had actually died twice and was still standing there – nodded like the answer was obvious.
"And I was dead or very much close to it when Faker picked me up?" There was nodding again. The Ultimate Lifeform let out a puff of air, "Well, I think the emerald was doing its job then," before anyone had a chance to speak up, he continued, "It can turn thoughts into power. Faker, you're second only to me with strong connectivity to the emeralds. When you got in close proximity to it, your thoughts, along with everyone else's comparatively weaker ones, encouraged it to save me as well. And since my physical body was already dying…"
"You've got to be kidding me," Knuckles deadpanned before throwing his hands in the air, "So you're implying that the emerald sent your mental state somewhere else! That's just…just-!"
"Impractical and unlikely, I know. But it's the only theory I've come up with."
"And I don't think…that it's necessarily wrong either," Tails pipped up, "I believe that's right because it connects with TT's world," he glanced at his double, "When Shadow died there, the land basically started to fall apart. If the emerald sent Shadow's mind there just because he was dying here, then when that was no longer the case, the gem brought him back."
Sonic scratched his head, "But I don't get it. Why would an entire dimension disappear just because Shadow peaced out? He couldn't have been that important, right?"
"That's the thing, I think he was," Tails started to pace back and forth, "I'm guessing that the emerald didn't have the power to actually send Shadow to someplace entirely different from our own."
"So how did he get there sugar?" Rouge questioned, her mind not wrapping around this at all.
The kitsune kept moving, "The emerald…I guess the emerald sensed something that could fly as an 'alternate dimension' that it didn't have to break through multiple planes of time and space to get to," he stopped and focused on Shadow, "Your dreamscape."
Now it was time for Shadow to get on the confused train as well, "My dreams? But I've never dreamt of-"
"There are thousands of dreams that you've probably had that you don't remember," Tails cut him off and smiled apologetically at the glare he received, "But anyway, I'm assuming that the emerald somehow grasped onto those and twisted them to make a world you could go to. It must've still taken a lot of power, which is why it shut down. It's not that surprising, since we basically figure out new things that the emeralds can do every other week."
"But make a whole new world out of Shadow's subconscious? That's crazy!" Knuckles commented, still dubious about this.
"But it wasn't really real Knux," Sonic nudged the echidna, "Since the whole place went caput when Shads came back."
"Real enough that the doubles there escaped!" the echidna countered, gesturing to TT.
Tails nodded, "Both of you are right. The world would be fake enough to disappear, but real enough that its occupants could live without it," the kit then chuckled, rubbing the back of his head, "But that's just a theory based off of yours, Shadow. It doesn't have to be right…"
The Ultimate Lifeform stared for a minute before shrugging, "It's completely possible."
Rouge tossed up the red gem in her hand and caught it again, "I believe it, especially because it makes sense – more or less – and it's the only thing we can think of at the moment."
"Hey, stranger things have happened!" Sonic said with a snicker before tapping this foot, "So now that we've gotten that takin' care of, it's time to catch us a chameleon! Can't be too hard, right?"
Tails deadpanned, "Those two statements are basically paradoxical."
"He's had a huge head start," Knuckles added.
"And don't forget that he can turn invisible, hon," Rouge contributed.
Sonic held his hands up, "I get it guys, no need to jump down my throat! Sorry for tryin' to get things rolling 'round here!"
Shadow rolled his eyes. He wished that his past self had just declined Tails' invitation for dinner all those days ago. His life would have been a lot less complicated than it was right now, "If you'd wait a second to think for once in your life Faker, then no one would have to correct you."
Sonic put a hand on his hip, "Don't feel so high and mighty faker! You've made hasty decisions before!"
The Ultimate Lifeform scoffed, "Really? Name one."
The blue hero grinned, "Oh I don't know, deciding to destroy the earth and all who lived on it because of a little misunderstanding?"
Rouge giggled while TT's mind was reeling. Shadow did what?
Said hedgehog turned his head and scowled, "That doesn't count."
"Heh, suuuurrrre it doesn't."
"Moving on," Shadow growled out before calming back down, as calm as he could be in this situation, "Just looking blindly for him isn't going to benefit us in any way. He's smart."
"What do you suggest we do then?" Knuckles asked, "You know him the best." Which was strange to say. Usually, the echidna was the one to know the chameleon, or any of the Chaotix, the most. But now, he was glad that he didn't have any experiences with the dangerous ninja.
"He has an unshakeable drive," Shadow provided, "Espio won't stop to get what he wants. And right now, he – wait," he whirled his head toward Tails, "Does he know that I'm alive?"
The kit grinned sheepishly, "Yes…But he doesn't know where you are! So that's a plus?"
Shadow let out a harsh sigh. Well there goes that potential surprise attack if they ever got that far, "If he did know, he would've attacked the hospital. So yes, it's a plus," he then went back to his original train of thought, "Espio will do anything to complete his objectives. And currently…I'm sure one involves taking out me and everyone associated."
The atmosphere was tense.
"Everyone associated…" Rouge mumbled out, "So that means those he saw with you in his world, and us too?"
"I-If he w-would know the d-difference…" TT quietly spoke up.
"Right!" Sonic smiled at the kit, somewhat let down when the cub glanced away from him, "He doesn't know that he's even in another dimension, does he? We can use that!"
"Not for long," Shadow countered, "Again, he's smart. It won't take him long to figure out that something's off."
"Especially since he's seen Cream and Vanilla already," Tails sighed, "I do remember him looking all confused when I picked him up from there earli-" his body then promptly froze up, "Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no!"
The kit was freaking out; Sonic went over to put his hands on the other's shoulders, "Tails! Calm down bud! What's gettin' you all riled up?"
The fox ignored him completely in favor of catching Shadow's attention, who was looking over with a curious frown, "Shadow! Cream was part of your group in the other world! And…And Espio knows where our Cream lives!"
Shadow swore that his heart stopped.
Not a millisecond later, the hedgehog was off. He weaved through the crowds, going as fast as he dared until he reached Station Square's city limits. By that time, the Faker had caught up to him. They locked gazes, "Prepare yourself for what you might see, Faker." If Espio has been there…then it won't be pretty.
The blue hero just gave him a twitchy grin, "My reaction isn't exactly at the top of my 'Important things' list right now Shads."
Shadow didn't say anything else, breaking the sound barrier once they escaped the city. Sonic did so as well.
They made it to the Rabbit's home in record time. Shadow was only thrown for a loop for a little bit since the house wasn't the mansion he had seen in days past. He stopped caring about the dainty home quickly when he saw Vanilla laying down face first in her front yard.
"Vanilla!" Sonic shouted out in alarm, seeing the downed rabbit as well. The hedgehog duo sped over to her, crouching at her sides. The hero was panicking, his breaths becoming faster and shorter.
Shadow turned the woman on her back, noting that there wasn't any blood anywhere. There was just a bruise on the side of her head. He didn't dare feel relieved yet. He placed two fingers on her neck to feel for a pulse; there was one. He then glanced at her chest to see it rising and falling steadily, "She's alive, just unconscious."
"I'm glad," Sonic didn't look any happier than he did a minute ago. The hero gulped thickly as he gazed back at the house. Its door was wide open, "I'm going to check inside for Cream," Shadow didn't get the chance to warn the other about sneak attacks before the speedster ran inside.
It was silent for a moment until a loud, "Oh Chaos!" came from inside. Shadow stood back up and was about to rush in there, but before he could do that, Sonic came running back out with a small body in his hands. He approached Shadow, letting him see. The Ultimate Lifeform let out a shaky breath at the sight. It was Cheese, and he was limp. The Chao's neck was severely broken, his beady unseeing eyes wide with terror, "He's dead Shadow! He's…" Sonic ran a trembling hand through his quills, "And Cream's gone! She's not in there! Do you think-"
Shadow nodded, blood boiling, "He has to have her."
"Th-This guy…" Sonic bit the inside of his cheek, just now understanding the gravity of this situation, "He's a monster."
"Now you know what I have been dealing with," he responded coldly, looking back down at Vanilla. Shadow bared his teeth. Shit. Looks like running blindly is the best idea after all, "Faker, you stay here and watch over her until the others come. Then split up to search for Cream. I'm going now."
Emotional emerald eyes widened, "But-!"
Shadow was already gone.
Don't hate me…
Next chapter…the point of view of a kidnapper!
