Chapter Revised [x]
(Rachel's POV)
I was jittering all over in order to secrete my excitement. Here I was, sitting in a cab, with the Sonic the Hedgehog! I attempted to calm myself down and play it cool, not wanting to be like the rest of his crazy fans. But it was easier said than done. This was a bigger deal for me than I could put into words.
Almost immediately after I had finished zipping my bags closed and getting ready, Tails informed me that my family had called. They found available spots on the next train, and I needed to get there fast before it left us behind.
I gathered my belongings, said goodbye to him, Knuckles, and even the sleeping Amy who just mumbled in response, then asked Sonic if he would still like to accompany me. He was more than happy to, and followed me out the door.
So, here we were.
We'd been sitting in the taxi for a few minutes now, and hadn't said a single word to each other. The person doing all the talking was, believe it or not, the freaking taxi-driver. He knew all about Sonic, apparently knowing more than Sonic himself, and was kind enough to share every last bit of information with us. He was obviously a huge fan.
"...Oh dude. And then Eggman's robots like came out of nowhere man! Out of NOWHERE! I was there! I was like 'Woaahhhh!' It was the friggin coolest thing ever man. No no no, I take that back. What was cooler was when you, Sonic, showed up and swirled around them using Sonic Wind, and it was like WHOOOSHH! And then you see all these robots flying around then crashing to the ground like SMASH! POW! And then ZIP! They're out like cheap lights! And then you used your homing attack to take out the tougher ones, and I was like 'No way man! No friggin way!' My friend and I tried to get it on camera and YouTube that bad boy, but he left his camera at his house. But that doesn't matter. Now I can tell him that THE Sonic the Hedgehog was in the backseat of my taxi! And that I was the one who took him to his sought after destination! Along with...yeah some other chick who I don't know," he said, eyeing me in the rear-view mirror.
I stared back at him playfully, a little embarrassed for him after his fan boy outburst. Sonic shrugged it off like it was a normal thing. Well, it must be for him. He flashed a charismatic grin at the driver. "Well thanks for that. I appreciate the support," he said casually.
The giddy driver continued on and on about his craze over Sonic the Hedgehog and how the little Blue Blur's 'epic scale' was 'totally spilling over dude'. It was rather entertaining, but I kind of wished he me would leave us alone so I could get a chance to have a conversation with the hero myself. After all, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity! I wanted to know more about him. Other than saving the world, what did he do for a living? What were his hobbies, his advice, his aspirations?
But alas, the driver hogged his attention with his own stories, while I sat there in bitter silence.
After we arrived at the Westopolis Subway Train Station, we both bid farewells to the taxi-driver and stepped out of the car. But before we could even take five steps, he jumped out and ran after us.
"Wait! Wait! Mr. Sonic dude! Wait up a minute!"
Sonic turned around with a sigh, looking at the frantic man. "What's up?"
He shoved a black sharpie marker into the hedgehog's hand. "Is it cool if I have your autograph? Please dude? Please?"
Sonic nodded with a smirk. "Sure thing, but I need to make it quick. Got any paper on you?"
The taxi-driver shook his head with a sly grin. "Not exactly. But that's okay." he then leaned down so that his head got uncomfortably close to Sonic. He stepped closer and whispered. "Sign...my...face..."
Sonic cocked an eyebrow, looking at the taxi-driver who was flaunting his forehead happily. He cringed and scribbled his name quickly across, then handed him back the marker. "Okay, later pal!" he said, grabbing my arm and pulling me along as he ran underground into the station while the driver squealed like a girl in the building distance.
I knew Sonic was capable of running MUCH faster, but I could hardly keep up with him as he was. I stumbled over my own feet, and nearly dropped my belongings a few times. It was hard to determine whether he was running away from the weird obsessed fan, or trying to find my family before we missed the train.
After we reached a certain floor level underground, he slowed his pace and released my arm. I laid my own hand over the area and grinned.
Sonic was holding my arm!
My brow then furrowed. Keep it together, Rachel. Play it cool. At this rate, you're no better than that taxi driver.
I noticed that everyone was pointing in my and Sonic's direction, looking surprised, curious, or simply smiling as he passed. One young woman cried out in joy when she saw him and took a picture with her cell-phone, which caused me to cringe.
Great. That means I'm in that picture too.
Two other women grinned when they noticed him, but then frowned after seeing me walk beside him. Everyone who was aware of his presence was also aware of mine, and they didn't seem to like it. They were all murmuring to one another. I could make out things like "Sonic the Hedgehog's here," and "Who the heck is that girl with him?" and another one who said, "My gosh, she's looks so young, like a little kid." And even to my embarrassment, I heard someone say, "Maybe that's his new rumored girlfriend."
Sonic never said one word to any of them. He just kept walking happily with me treading behind. I wondered if he could hear the same things I was hearing, and if he did, why didn't he tell them straight up that they were wrong? I wasn't even the center of focus, and it was annoying me. If he didn't, there was the chance that gossip would spread like wildfire. I'd seen Sonic's face on the covers of magazines, and sometimes the headlines about him were made up of false information, or even the silliest accusations
Didn't that bother him at all?
I felt extremely out of place, being a part of Sonic's spotlight. I wasn't famous, nor would I ever be famous. Plus it was hard for me to strut casually like celebrities do when the paparazzi follow them. I knew that I appeared shy, awkward, and uncomfortable. If a camera was pointing my way to capture an image of Sonic, I tried to turn away from it, only to be staring another camera in the face. It was a nuisance to say the least. But, I couldn't help but notice that this was nothing compared to what it would've been like in Station Square, and he was a local there! People would've probably stampeded me down by now and crowded around him so tightly there wouldn't even be space to breathe. The people here just didn't seem as...insane in that sense.
"Look, I see your Mom and Dad over there," I heard him say. I stopped where I was and looked in the direction he was looking in. Sure enough, my parents were standing nearby, eagerly waving back at us. Emma and Travis however, were frozen in shock, gaping at Sonic with disbelieving expressions. I bit my tongue to keep from laughing at them. I could see envy written all over their faces, but it was understandable. I would be jealous if they got to be next to Sonic too.
Sonic then turned around and grasped my hand, shaking it firmly. "Well it was nice meeting you, Rachel. And I'm sorry about that whole incident last night. Just remember, if you ever need help back in Station Square, if anyone attacks you like that again, I'll be there to put them in their place," he said.
I grinned and shook his hand back. The thought of him being able to protect me in my home city was undeniably comforting. "Thank you, Sonic. For everything. Be careful while you're here."
He winked. "I'm more worried about your safety. But I appreciate that anyway. You be careful too."
"I will be! So...uhh...I guess until then, this is goodbye..." I said, almost sad that he was leaving so soon.
He shook his head. "No, not goodbye! See you soon."
I laughed softly and nodded. "Right, see you soon."
We then went our separate ways. I walked over to my family, only to be smothered in hugs and kisses. My mother's were the worst. Her embraces nearly crushed my rib cage. But I didn't mind like I usually would.
I looked back over at Sonic, who smiled at the sight before turning and running off. His speed left behind a wind that blew over us, tussling our clothes and hair.
Yes. See you soon, Sonic.
I breathed heavily to fill my lungs with confined oxygen before returning my family's suffocating hugs.
Soon, I would be home. I would be safe. I would be out of harm's way.
I would be where I belonged.
(Shadow's POV)
After looking at a picture of the Commander's son, whose name was David Tower, I memorized his face so I would know who to pick out of the crowf after getting on the train. I'd decided to take it upon myself and made a small change in our plan. Instead of waiting hours for him to arrive in the Mystic Ruins, I would just go nab him off the train, where people inside wouldn't be able to call for help or do anything. They would have to wait until they reached the surface to tell someone what they witnessed, since cell-phones lost their signal underground. I wasn't sure why I didn't think of that sooner.
David Tower was a tall man, his stature was at least 6"11. He had light brown hair and hazel blue eyes. Even though I could see a slight resemblance between him and his military father, he himself had not carried on that strong, hard-faced trait. His features were incredibly undefined, so he appeared harmless.
This will be all too easy.
I clutched the gun in one hand and the Chaos Emerald in the other. My eyes closed with concentration.
The Subway Train in Westopolis. Take me to the Subway Train. Near where David Tower is.
Take me there. Now.
"Chaos Control!" I shouted, disappearing from the Egg Carrier once the light surrounded me. The plan was finally in motion. It had been rather difficult for me to focus, so I warped slower than I usually did.
After I felt the energy die, I realized I had reappeared somewhere. The only problem was, I couldn't see a damn thing. It was pitch black in every direction. I couldn't even make out my own hand wavering in front of my face.
The reason was, I realized, that I must've been inside the tunnel. I was standing on a narrow rail, carefully balancing myself on the sleek metal before jumping to the side and landing next to a concrete wall.
The ground shook underneath my feet. A train was on its way.
There was a slim chance that it was the same train David Tower was on, since Dr. Eggman told me his train should've departed by now. I looked down at the red Chaos Emerald in my hand, tightening my grasp around it. It glowed dimly in response.
It would be too hard to warp into the same train that Tower was in, considering that I didn't know which train it was. And besides, the trains were moving too fast and warping into something of that speed might not end well. I would just have to wait and see which one came, and get inside. If he wasn't there, I would just jump out and continue the search on another. Who cares about who sees me now, it's not like they can alert anyone in time.
The ground started to shake even harder. To my left, I heard a loud, grinding sound. It was getting closer. I jumped back onto the rail, facing the source of it.
Here we go.
(Rachel'S POV)
I slumped back into my seat tiredly. It was a relief that the train had finally taken off. When people were boarding our train, Train 41, they had been taking their precious time finding a place to sit or stand on the train, even though there was already limited space to begin with. I knew better than to make a scene over something like this, but in my mind I was throwing a fit, mentally screaming at them to get their asses on this train and find a place to stand, sit, hover, or whatever just so the doors could seal and we could be on our way. My parents would've been able to see the look on my face and know I was ticked off, that is, if they were actually with me. We had all separated into different cargo areas since there weren't five seats that were all together. Only individual ones.
After the last of them made it securely inside, the doors closed off and the engines started. Finally, we were zooming through the underground tunnel. And soon we would be in the Mystic Ruins. Then from there I would take one more train to Station Square, catch another taxi, and then it's home sweet home.
I feel a little bad that I left without telling Grandpa goodbye, though. Tails said something about him readying missiles? There's this guilt eating away at me, telling me I'm the one responsible for causing this whole commotion.
But I pushed those worries aside. They weren't for me to handle, so I decided not to ponder on them. Right now, all I wanted to do was go home and take a long, hot bath, then change into my softest, silkiest pajamas and crawl under my bed sheets and sleep into next year. I hadn't showered since yesterday, not even after I had walked through the rain. My hair lost its fine texture, and my skin felt a bit grimy. I could feel my eyelids heaving down over my eyes, but forced myself to stay awake.
Perhaps a little music will help.
I pulled out my mp3 player, shoving the headphones into my ears and pressed the shuffle on the keybad. A melodic little tune started, and I recognized the song right off the bat.
Even though I liked the song playing, it was too soft. I needed something that could wake me up, and this one was already lulling me to sleep. I clicked shuffle again. This time it was a rock song. The music blasted into my eardrums and scared me half to death.
Well, even though that worked...it's a little too loud. Shuffle.
Take the flesh from me, put it on display.
Shuffle.
I had a way then, losing it on my own.
Shuffle.
Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?
How did that song get in there? Shuffle.
Can't make my own decisions, or make any with precision.
Shuffle.
Ooooooohhh, I can't go any further than this.
What the hell? Shuffle.
I'm bringin' sexy back.
...Shuffle!
I took a moment to listen to the next song that came on, and instantly a smile broke across my face. This particular one definitely put me in a good mood. I placed the mp3 in my pocket and relaxed.
(Shadow'S POV)
A train was coming into view.
The lights on it illuminated the inside of the tunnel, intensifying the closer they got. The train itself had very blunt metal edges, and in front of it was a large window. Above the window was the title Train 41 scripted in bold letters. I could see people inside, but they didn't happen to spot me. They had their attention diverted to one another or sometimes nothing at all. I found myself frowning as I tried to focus again and conserve all the energy within me.
(Rachel'S POV)
My fingers tapped against my arm impatiently. Couldn't this train go any faster?
Where should I go?
What should I do?
I don't understand what you want from me.
Cause I don't know,
If I can trust you.
All of the things you've said to me.
And I may never know the answer to this endless mystery.
(ShadowS POV)
Finally, the power had hit a high point and was boiling over. I held my hand above my head.
"Chaos...!"
(Rachel'S POV)
I'm spinning out of control...
Out of control!
(SHADOW'S POV)
"BLAST!"
(RACHEL'S POV)
(CRASH)
I jolted in my seat and flung my head around quickly in the direction where the noise had come from. It'd been loud enough to drown out my music.
What in the world...did someone break a window or something?
As soon as I looked, I saw shards of glass flying at every angle. One sliver came flipping straight for my face, until I pressed my head back just in time to evade it. Instead of ripping though me, it ripped straight through my headphone wire, severing it in half and cutting the music off. I yanked the buds out of my ears, throwing them away from me. The wire emitted white sparks from its end before dying down into nothing.
Ignoring my ruined headphones, I turned my attention back towards whatever had crashed the window. People ducked their heads and started screaming. Some were hollering for help, others in pain after being nicked by glass, some were swearing, and others sat there quietly in confusion, looking around in shock.
I then heard metal crunching above my head, followed by a wind that washed over us all. It was the kind of wind that happens when something fast passes you. Except it moved in a churning motion, blowing my hair all over my face.
I rose my head to gape at the ceiling, and saw a black and red blur moving in a swirling ball. It ground against the tiles and destroyed a few lights in its path, but not every single one.
Whatever the blur was, it finally began to slow its spinning until its form became more distinct. Soon, it had stopped completely and dropped to what I guessed were its feet, pointing a pistol around at the panicking passengers.
I stopped and took a good look at the person.
No...not a person...
...A hedgehog.
Even though his back was to me, I still examined his appearance from behind. Hs characteristic were very much like Sonic the Hedgehog's, except a different style. Instead of having blue fur, his was a rich ebony black. His quills arched up instead of down, and had red streaks etched through them. The same streaks were also running down his arms and legs.
I noticed that he had two golden rings around his wrists that fit securely and didn't do so much as budge even as he whisked his arm around.
Everything I noticed about him made my heart beat harder, until it was pounding my whole body like a bass.
No, this can't be happening.
I fell asleep and now I'm having a dream. Yeah, that's what this is. A very strange, scary, realistic dream. A nightmare, so to speak.
No sooner did I think this, did the hedgehog spin around and aim his gun at the people on my side of the train. The moment as I saw his face, a sickening feeling filled my stomach.
Those eyes. Those red eyes.
It's really him. It's the hedgehog that saved me.
No...
It's...
"Nobody move!" Shadow shouted. His voice held the same ferocity from last night in the alley. He didn't seem to notice me gawking at him. In fact, he never took time to look at me directly.
Why is he here? What does he want with us?
It was very evident that he wasn't messing around. He looked like he was ready to blow the head off the first person to defy him. Of course, there is always that one person who tries to be the hero, but doesn't know who he's up against. A man on the opposite side of the train stood up, looking slightly nervous, but nowhere near as scared as everyone else.
"Hey look buddy. There's no need to hurt these people. We're all innocent here. Whatever it is you're after, we can help you get it without all the commotion. Just put the gun down and let's try to be rational."
Shadow turned around and raised his gun at the man, slitting his eyes. "You'd be wise to shut up and sit down. Or else you'll be sorry," he threatened.
The man only chuckled, much to everyone's horror.
"I've taken a bullet before, buddy. I ain't gonna get all rowled up over some fur ball with a bad attitude. So come on, let's be mature about this."
Everyone gasped in bewilderment at his uncanny bravery, except me.
I shook my head fearfully, mouthing the word No over and over.
Doesn't he know who Shadow is and what he's capable of? Why does it seem like I'm the only one here who recognizes him?
Shadow growled "Suit yourself. You may know what it's like to get shot, but now you'll see what it's like to be impaled by the power of Chaos."
He raised his empty hand and swiped it through the air. "Chaos Spear!"
Yellow beams of energy shot out and struck the man, sending him off his feet and flying across the cargo. "Aaaaah!" he screamed before making a rough landing on his back.
Everyone else screamed together, mildly showing concern for the man who tried to help them, but clearly more horrified that their lives were endangered by Shadow's supernatural power.
No one went to see if the man was okay. They remained where they were, waiting in fear for the hedgehog to make another move.
Shadow turned his back to the man and faced us again.
"I'm looking for a man under the name of 'Tower'.
My jaw dropped.
No.
A man
...Tower...
It was enough to stun me that he was after someone with my last name, but if he was looking for a man, that meant he was looking for...my father!
One woman, who was shaking in her seat raised her head and looked up at Shadow. "W-We d-d-d-don't k-know anyone named T-T-Tower. W-What d-do you w-w-want with him?" she stuttered helplessly as tears dripped down her face.
Shadow eyed her, looking annoyed. "That's none of your business."
He then turned and started walking towards the opposite end of the cargo, stepping over the man from earlier who was now unconscious, and headed for the door to the one over.
My eyes widened. No. He's going to look for my dad. And the next cargo is the one my he's in. I can't just sit here and let Shadow hurt him or do worse!
A sudden burst of adrenaline coursed through me, and it willed me to jump up from my seat.
"Please, don't do this," I said to him, meaning to shout to get him to notice me, but my voice came out in a pathetic excuse for a whisper. It was like my fear had stripped me of my voice. If he had heard me, he didn't show it. He continued walking without flashing a single glance.
I could feel my body starting to shake. "Please..." I said again, this time a little louder. But I still had not gotten his attention, except for everyone else's. All of their eyes were on me.
Shadow had finally reached the door. He clasped his hand over the handle and began to turn it, snapping the built-in lock with his strength.
I mustered up every ounce of courage left in me and felt my voice reach me.
"STOP IT SHADOW!" I screamed.
Shadow's hand froze before he could completely turn the handle and open the door. His head slowly rotated around as he looked for who called his name. His face was still hard and frightening, but I could see a hint of curiosity had drifted into his expression. I knew he was wondering how any of us remembered his name, considering the last time anyone had seen him was sixteen years ago. I was amazed that none of these people knew who he was him, even though they were all adults while I, a teenage girl who was born the night that the moon was shattered in half by him, was more aware than anyone else in the room. As a matter of fact, I probably knew more than I should have.
He saw that I was the only one standing up while everyone still cowered in their seats. His eyes met mine, and that same frightful feeling from yesterday erupted inside me. For a while, we just stared at each other. He didn't move, nor did I. But then, his mouth fell ajar. He took his hand off the handle and stepped towards me slowly.
I wanted to back away, or close my eyes, or do something to escape him even if it was just in my own mind. But instead, I refused to let him intimidate me and stood firm.
When he was close enough, his eyes scanned me up and down. They traveled all over my face before looking me dead in the eye again. I frowned back at him.
He remembers me.
Shadow raised his eyebrows in surprise. "It's you." he said softly.
For a second there, I was caught up in the moment and started to feel faint. But I didn't let it show.
He does. He recognizes me from last night. How he was able to see me clearly through the dark and rain and remember me now, I had no idea.
But what if he only looks at it as a mere coincidence and then goes on his way?
I wouldn't allow him to get anywhere near my father.
I had to say something that would prevent him from leaving.
"My...my surname is Tower," I said boldly.
He made a small noise out of surprise, blinking once.
So, I continued, pressing further into his memories in hopes of triggering his interest long enough to buy time.
"I'm the G.U.N. Commander's granddaughter."
Now, he looked completely blown away. Nobody around us said anything, or even made a sound. They just watched me and the hedgehog have our intense staring contest. A voice in my head started shrieking at me.
You idiot! Why would you sell yourself out like that? There weren't any smarter options you could've turned to?
But I'm only acting on impulse. I had to protect Dad. Who knows what he would've done once he got to him.
Yeah, but now he might harm you!
I don't care.
Yes you do!
Okay I do, but not enough to let him go near any of my family!
But then I noticed Shadow's stance was shifting. His eyes reformed into a menacing glare. But this time, instead of frowning, his mouth cracked an evil grin. Now I was nervous all over.
Before I could do or say anything, he lunged at me, grabbing me by my upper arm. Once I realized what was happening, I gasped and tried to pull free. But the more I struggled, the tighter his grip became. And it wasn't just any ordinary touch. There was something electrical that he was producing, and I could feel it grinding at my nerves.
I tried to punch and claw at him with my free arm, and even threw in some kicks. He just dodged them and chuckled darkly, tossing me down to the ground. I landed on my stomach with a thud.
And finally, the extent of the situation hit me, and I screamed bloody murder. Everyone went back into panic mode. A man jumped from his seat and tried to push Shadow away from me. But this time the hedgehog didn't hesitate to pull his gun trigger, launching a bullet straight through the man's shoulder. The deafening sound filled the cargo, and everyone screamed louder, growing more hysterical.
People in the other cargos had to have heard what was going on. Why wasn't anyone doing anything!
The injured man stumbled and fell back into his seat, clutching the soggy red spot on his shirt and biting back profanities. I watched him in horror, but was quickly interrupted when I felt Shadow grab me by the crease of my elbow and pull me back so that I was on my knees. I whipped my head around to look at him.
His glare was paired along with the most frightening smirk I'd ever seen. He raised his hand up, and I was under the impression he was getting ready to strike me. Then I noticed he was holding the same red gem from last night. The Chaos Emerald.
"Looks like you've sealed your own fate," he said in a voice that was so low, I was probably the only one who heard it over the desperate cries of the passengers.
"Chaos Control!"
A blinding white light melted through my surroundings like acid, followed by a warm, electric feeling that seeped through my skin. It took my breath away.
Again, I felt the need to close my eyes, but feared that if I did, I may never open them again.
I slowly rolled my gaze upward, and saw that even though everything else had disappeared from sight, Shadow was still there. It was just me and him now. He was looming over me, eyeing me like a sadistic killer eyes their next victim. And deep down, I felt as though that scenario was about to take place.
What have I done.
(Shadow's POV)
That was what it was.
She was the Commander's granddaughter all along. Her eyes have the same green color that Tower's had in one eye, or at least from what I remember 66 years ago. That was why I felt such a familiar sense around her. What were the odds?
Well, whether she was trying to protect David Tower, who I assume wass her father, or not, she has no idea what's in store for her.
She made a foolish decision in revealing her identity.
This mission just got a whole lot more interesting.
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(Me speaking) Wow, *deep breath* my hands were like dancing across the keyboard for this chapter. I tried to make it intense and dramatic, so hopefully, that's the vibe you get when you read this. I kind of need to stop and think up some ideas for this story. Up until this chapter I had everything planned out, but now I'm playing it by ear. Unprofessional I know, but hey I didn't want to sit around with my ideas and not be able to share them :)
