Shadow watched the soldiers drag the last of the unbelievers away. And it was good. Their work was going well.

Lord Doom stood beside him. "Five of the Tears are lost, scattered throughout this unworthy rock." He said, placing a paternal hand on Shadow's shoulder.

"I know, Father. And I-"

"Do not apologise for the trickery of the echidna's." Lord Doom interrupted. "Our conversion of this planet can continue as planned, but we must have the Tears to finally end this war."

Shadow turned to him, angry and righteous. "Then let me go, Lord! I can find them, and bring them back to you. I can-"

The Lord laughed jovially. "Easy, my child. I came to ask you to undertake that task. I can see you will succeed." Shadow grinned, and turned to leave. "Shadow?"

"Yes, Father?"

"May Iblis be with you."

Shadow smiled, and tore across the valley. The grass burned beneath his boots. Wherever you go, blue-boy, I'll find you.

Doom turned back to the lines of people. He watched their faces. Smelt their fear. And it was sweet.

"Rejoice and repent, ye sinners!" he called, spreading his arms wide. "Where once ye walked in darkness, now shall ye step into the light, baked anew in the fires of change!"

And the screams began.

Many miles away, the grass became earth, then mud, and finally a river. The Aquatic Ruin Zone, where one of their own had been slain by the cowardly hedgehog.

Unbeknownst to him, camera's watched him skate past. And in the base, Grimer shivered. He locked the door to the Doctor's room, and sealed the case containing the Emerald. Defences were activated.

All pointless, though.

Nothing would stop him. Grimer knew it. Shadow would rip the world apart if he had to.