Shadow stared at his ceiling in deep thought. There were a lot of things on his mind and he was in the process of sorting them out. Granted, given his lifestyle, he had many things to think about and a lot of time to delve into them. Most of the time, his mind wandered to minute things such as 'what ifs' or how to do better on the next mission. Hell, even wondering when the next mission was.

And on the minute occasions, he'd briefly wonder about his past.

His eyebrows furrowed at the thought. Though he told himself that the past no longer mattered, it still egged him how he came to be. He had the power to control Chaos energy, use it to run at the fastest speeds, teleport, and on the rare off chance, release it all at once.

He also seemed to be immortal. Shadow looked himself up and down and nodded. From the first time he looked into a reflection of himself, his appearance hadn't changed in the slightest. He didn't get any taller or shorter. His fur still had a black color to it with the red streaks in his spines. Same tuff of white fur on his chest (how'd he get that?), same rocket shoes that kept him alive.

Same…everything.

Then and there, he knew he wasn't normal. That he alone had such gifts. Or was it a curse? Maybe he was granted this power as a test. One of the reasons he became a mercenary in the first place was to see how far his power excelled and what others expected out of him. Maybe…

'Please, Shadow…'

Shadow's eyes widened. That voice again….Just who-

"Ahhhhh!"

"Eeekkk!"

'The hell?' Out of nowhere, he heard screams from outside down inside his abode. Leaving the mystery of his 'voice' alone for now, Shadow went out to investigate.

When the air of Westopolis bit into Shadow's skin, he looked around and saw people with panicked looks on their faces. Wondering about the cause, Shadow skated through the streets. His blood red eyes looked left and right as his vision presented him with visuals of panic and fear in everyone's faces.

Then he saw dots in the sky. A closer look in the sky revealed these dots to be robots. They were looking down from the sky at the people and buildings with their weapons pointing at any and everything.

Shadow narrowed his eyes and skated further. When the robots took notice of him when he was in their sights, a blue light bathed his body from his shoes to his head. Taking that as a sign of attack, Shadow prepared a Chaos Spear but before he threw it, the robot spoke. "Target located. Informing Lord Eggman now."

Shadow lowered his guard a bit when the robots flew away. From where he could see, they were headed towards the center of Westopolis. Wanting to get to bottom of this, Shadow followed them.

The scene he came upon was…well out of hand for lack of better terminology. In the air surround by robots was a man he never saw before. Said man wore blue glasses that covered his eyes and goggles over his head. He wore a red jacket that covered his round frame and black pants that looked like it covered his feet if it weren't for the design at the bottom. His most defining feature was the thick mustache above his lips. Currently, said man was shouting in a loud voice over an intercom with the populace shouting at him.

"Crimson!"

Shadow turned to the familiar voice of Eliza as she ran up to him.

"Are you seeing this? What does that creep Eggman want?"

Recognizing the name from yesterday, Shadow up looked at the man with a judgmental stare. "Eggman, huh…"

Said man boomed his voice when he prepped his speakers at the proper volume. "Hello, fellow subjects. I am your future ruler, Dr. Eggman and I'm here to enlist the service of a certain…mercenary that resides here in Westopolis." Many of the people knew then and there what he wanted. Eliza specifically stared at Shadow with a worried stare. "I am looking for the famous 'Crimson Streak'. I would be delighted if he showed himself to me this instant. Failure to comply and I will level this city into the ground."

"Crimson, you can't trust him! He'll just backstab you in the end!"

Shadow glanced at Eliza from the corner of his eyes and then walked forward after saying "Won't be the first time it happened." If he turned around after he said that, he would've seen the shell-shocked look on Eliza's face.

When he stepped through the crowd, all eyes fell on him. Including Eggman.

"You called?"

Eggman parted his lips as he stared at the black hedgehog. 'He does look like Sonic if you're not careful. Well, not exactly but…' "So you here." Eggman circled Shadow from above in his pod as he took in his appearance and committed it to memory. "Humph, glad to see my data hasn't failed. I would ask for your services here, but there are too many witnesses." Eggman threw a device at Shadow that he caught and looked at. The screen on it showed a map with a blinking red dot between what looked like two mountains. "Let's meet at that point in 30 minutes. I expect to see you there. Ohohoho!"

Eggman laughed in a superior way as he and his robot minions flew away. Shadow looked at them then back down at the device and made up his mind. When he looked up, every citizen of Westopolis stared at him.

Some police officers walked through the crowd and pulled out there weapons. "Crimson! Don't even think about it. Hand over that device and stand down! Resist and we will put you down!"

Shadow almost scoffed at how the police force tried to look intimidating. They will never scare him. Detaining him? That was a laughable thought.

Yet, Shadow would look back on this day and learn to never truly underestimate his adversaries.

But back in present time, Shadow decided to teleport out of the circle and dashed to the location shown on the device. Again, if he stayed behind and looked at the citizens, he would've saw fear in their eyes.

But the most dominant look was the look of betrayal on Eliza's face.

Instead of arriving 30 minutes later, Shadow arrived in five. When he did, his eyes took in the large, metal structure that he presumed to be the Doctor's base. The gate was a metallic gray with Eggman's insignia on it. There were robots that stood guard as their visual specs scanned the entire mountainous region they were located in. Shadow stared at the device again and noted that instead of the blinking dot, the screen showed two rectangle bars that stated 'Entry or Lockdown.' Though the lockdown option seemed to be deactivated so the only choice was the entry option it seemed.

Shadow pressed his finger on it and the gate in front of him made noise as it rose from the ground. The robots parted once the gate was all the way up and Shadow took that as cue to go inside.

Like he was on an infiltration mission, Shadow scanned each of the seemingly endless hallways and ignored the robots and drones at work. The mood of the place certainly spelled 'workaholic' but other than that, it had a dull feel to it. If it was one thing Shadow had to give to the man, it was that he knew a thing or two about mechanics and technology.

Scratch that. Knew a LOT about mechanics and technology.

In front of him, a screen appeared and Eggman's face was shown on it. "Welcome, my esteemed guest. If you would continue walking in that direction, you will see a large double door. That is where our conversation will be held." So Shadow did just that and eventually, the double doors that he saw slid open with a 'swish' and granted entry. Once he stepped inside, Shadow observed this room.

It appeared to be Eggman's main computer room because different monitors displayed different images all around him. From complicated algorithms, to security footage all around the base, to the latest production rate of robots. On the tables in front laid different items. Papers with formulas written on them, robot parts, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. Even a thick, manila folder with the words 'My Glorious Plans to Rule the World' was on it. That gave Shadow a bit of pause.

"I see you're curious. It's pretty understandable, after all. To get to a man of my stature, curiosity must be the fuel that drives you forward!"

Shadow then paid attention to the real reason why he was here. Eggman sat on a high pedestal like chair typing way on a keyboard in front of him.

"Let me fully introduce myself. I am Dr. Ivo Robotnik. Or Eggman because of that pest!" He controlled himself before speaking again. "I only have one goal that I'm determined to see to the end. I want to take over this world and construct my Eggman Empire. In order to do this, I need power capable of aiding me in this conquest. And that is where these come in." After he said that, Eggman pressed a button on his keyboard which displayed seven different colors. On closer inspection, these colors turned out to be seven jewels in different colors.

"You're looking for jewels?"

Eggman cackled for a bit before he responded. "They're not just jewels, my friend. These are the legendary Chaos Emeralds."

That got Shadow's full attention. "Chaos…Emerald?"

"Yes. In legend, the Chaos Emeralds are ancient relies that have great power and very mystical properties. With said properties, one can do many things with them: Make a wish, gain super strength, power an army," Pause for an evil chuckle. "even revive the dead but don't quote me on that because it remains to be seen." Eggman took a glance at Shadow and saw that he was intently listening. In all honestly, it was risky to relay this kind of info to an unknown like Crimson. But for trust to be built, it had to happen. Besides, once he got all seven, no one would stand in his way. "Here's the kicker. When all seven Chaos Emeralds are assembled, one gains unlimited power at their disposal. That is what I need to conquer this world! Ohohohoho!"

Shadow digested this information with gusto. 7 jewels that contained power the lowest of man would kill for. Anyone would froth at the mouth at the thought. Lives would be taken to attain such strength. And for Shadow to be told this…

"I must say. You're obviously risking a lot, telling me all this. Who is to say I don't tell another soul about this and then having another rival on your conscious?"

Eggman directed his covered stare at Shadow. "I am. But at this moment, I'm desperate enough to go this far. Besides, I've heard your services were top-notch. I'm honestly surprised I didn't turn to you earlier. Join me in this quest, Crimson. And maybe I'll let you be a high ranking soldier in my world."

Shadow stared at Eggman for a moment before he scoffed and crossed his arms on his chest. "No thank you. And all although you've enlightened me on something interesting, you still haven't told me my role in all this."

"Ah, yes. I was getting to that." Eggman turned around and typed more commands on his keyboard before he brought up a map of the region with its sonar giving off a strong signal. "My detector shows that there is a Chaos Emerald in the mountains around here. I will retrieve that. Your job is to simply ward off any pests that will show up. I wish with all my being that no one will get in my way but knowing that…that pincushion Sonic, this task won't be easy. All I need you to do is hold off Sonic until I find the emerald. If the situation arises, kill Sonic. Understood?"

Sonic the Hedgehog. From what everyone says, this particular being was the greatest hero that ever lived and the fastest being alive. And the only one to stand up to Eggman and win. This might be his toughest assassination mission yet.

That's why a fierce, fanged smirk appeared on Shadow's face. "Should be interesting."

Eggman chuckled at the response. "Interesting indeed."

Shadow had dust behind him as he skated with Eggman above him to find the Chaos Emerald. As they got closer and closer, the detector kept giving off loud beeping sounds that only got louder. It didn't grate on him but he would gladly smash that device into a million pieces.

Luckily, the scenery around him calmed him somewhat. It was midday so the sun didn't start to go down fully. Because of that, its light shined on the mountains as they gave off an isolated aura. Isolated in a way that these structures of nature can only exist in a setting were recent strides in humanity haven't touched it. Adventurers would crave this kind of setting. To trail up these majestic formations and absorb the view that would be presented at the top…

Shadow snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the detector beeping out of control. "The Chaos Emerald must be around here somewhere." Eggman charged forward as Shadow stopped and scanned his surroundings. How to find an emerald of mystical power…

Eggman pointed his detector in every direction as he furiously searched. It didn't take him long to find a particular location that gave him strong readings on his detector. In front of him was an opening to what looked like ruins. The entrance didn't provide much scenery inside but Eggman wasn't fazed by it.

"Crimson, the Chaos Emerald is in here! I'm going in. Remember; fend off Sonic at all costs!"

Shadow stared at the opening of the cave as Eggman retreated inside. This was it. Time to see just how special this Sonic character is. So Shadow hid in the surrounding area and waited.

"Sonic! We're getting close to the Emerald now!"

Down below running at speeds that others wished they ran at, Sonic sent Tails at thumbs up. "Gotcha!"

When Tails came running and shouting that a Chaos Emerald been found, Sonic knew that ol' Eggman will be on it. And wherever Eggman was, a party would follow.

And it'd be VERY rude if Sonic the Hedgehog missed a party!

"Over there, Sonic! By the ruins!"

"Ok!"

Once Sonic saw the opening, it was smooth sailing to get inside. So why did the sky suddenly come into view and a tree appear out of nowhere?

Shadow put his foot down once his roundhouse kick connected. Whoever he hit had good speed. If it was anyone else, they had to have had good reflexes to catch someone at that speed. Luckily, Shadow had those among other things. His eyes then looked at the plane in the sky. It was red and white in color with two sets of wings sticking out on either side at the front with the engine in front. The focus however was the pilot who looked like a fox with yellow-orange fur with white fur on its abdomen. Said fox also had blue eyes and twin tails on their posterior. "Sonic!"

At that, Shadow turned his head and stared at the blue hedgehog that stood up and looked at him. Time stopped as blood red eyes clashed with bright green ones.

The blue hedgehog in front of him had blue fur that looked to be kept in good condition. Six spines were sticking out of their head while two loose bangs framed an orange muzzle with a pointy nose. The hedgehog also wore a red tank top over a tan abdomen that cut above the navel and tight, black biker shorts with red running shoes covering the feet.

The surprising thing however…

"Tails! Go in the ruins and find Eggman. I'll handle this guy!"

"Gotcha!"

No words were said as soon as the plane fled into the ruins and the two creatures continued to regard each other.

After a wind picked up, the blue hedgehog spoke. "Well, well. I didn't know Eggman set up a blind date for me…"

Shadow crossed his arms and spoke. "So you're Sonic the Hedgehog? I expected a lot of things from the rumors about you. A male being one of them."

Sonic smirked as she put her hands on her hips. "What you see is you get, handsome. But it's so unfair that I don't know your name and you know mine. What can I call you, handsome?"

Ignoring the flirty remarks, Shadow actually paused on this. No one really asked for his name. This was because everyone knew him as 'Crimson Streak'. No one (except for that weird girl in his dreams) knew him as Shadow the Hedgehog. Suffice to say, this was a bit of a conundrum. Should he say his real name or his moniker? If he said his real name, then Sonic would be the first to know. Yet, that wouldn't be fair to anyone else would it? After all, he just met this hedgehog. Who is to say she wouldn't die here today? Moniker it is then.

"I believe you heard of the name 'Crimson Streak'?"

Sonic eyes widened a bit before she whistled and looked Shadow up and down again. "So you're that so called mercenary going 'round killing people? You do look like someone that got their toy taken away from them. But I expected you to be taller."

Shadow narrowed his eyes at the insults. She thought that being a mercenary was a game? As he uncrossed his arms, Shadow focused on the impeding battle.

"Well, from where I'm standing, it doesn't matter. Hope you can keep up!" In a burst of speed, Sonic threw a fist at Shadow which he caught. The other fist also flew but got caught in the other hand as well. At point blank range, the two hedgehogs stared into their eyes as they tried to push the other back.

Then abruptly, Sonic broke the hold and jumped back. Then as soon as she touched the ground, she ran back as Shadow with her fist cocked. That fist was blocked again along with her second fist. But when she tried to go for a roundhouse, the black hedgehog faded from view. "What!?" And a second later, a fist connected to the back of her skull as she skidded on the dirt.

Shadow retracted his fist and stared at Sonic again. Said hedgehog got up from the ground and had a fierce smirk on her face. "Like to play rough, don't we? Very well!" Then Sonic dashed at Shadow again.

If you had the eyes to keep up with the fight, then you would see Sonic dashing at Shadow from every direction throwing quick punches and kicks. But those hits would either get parried or dodged since Shadow kept up with the momentum. He continued this until he saw an opening when Sonic lashed out a kick aimed for his head. He quickly ducked under it then struck fast and hard with quick jabs to Sonic's stomach. Then he finished the assault by connecting with a roundhouse kick, with a little Chaos energy, to Sonic's face.

Once again, the blue beauty's face met dirt as she skidded on the ground. Sonic swore she heard a 'crack' when that kick connected. Hell, it was hard to get up because it made her eyesight a bit blurry and head pounding in hard beats. But she faced tough challenges like this before and always came out on top!

Choosing to regroup for now, Sonic seemingly retreated in a blur. Shadow raised an eyebrow but followed. In no time at all, Shadow matched his speed with Sonic as they trailed with dirt behind them in the mountainous region.

"Huh. You can actually keep up with me."

"This is the speed of the 'fastest' being alive? The rumors do sound exaggerated after all."

Sonic smirked despite herself. "You ain't seen my real speed yet!" With that, Sonic dashed ahead with Shadow matching ahead. The two speed demons were nothing but streaming colors as they fought in the area around them.

Eggman continued to search for the Chaos Emerald in the ruins. The landscape around displayed weathered out rock formations and debris everywhere. Plants were barely sticking out through the cracks and the structures were tricky to maneuver around if you were a noob at piloting an aircraft. Eggman was no such thing.

Eventually, his detector beeped loudly as he saw a red light ahead of him. Looking to investigate, Eggman charged forward and was rewarded with a sight which made him awe in delight.

There, lying in the center of a circle of rocks was the red Chaos Emerald. It wasn't shining as bright as he remembered but it proved without a doubt that it was the real deal.

"Found you at last, Chaos Emerald. I'll be taking you now." Pressing a button, Eggman activated a claw that reached forward from the pod and wrapped the jewel in a metal embrace. Then Eggman got a close up of one of the most mystical things in his life. A grin split as he marveled at it. This is where his plans at taking over the world begins…

"Eggman!"

Doing a full rotation, Eggman saw Tails in his plane glaring at him heatedly. "Tails. If you're here, then that pest Sonic is too. But I see she's not here. Heheheh…"

"What's so funny?"

"My victory is assured, that's what! With this Chaos Emerald in my grasp and Sonic getting held off by my esteemed guest, my plans will come into fruition! Ohohoho!"

"Not if I can stop you!" With a button pressed, Tails fired a missile that Eggman elevated above to dodge. What Tails didn't consider was how fragile the surrounding walls were. So when the missile collided with the walls, the area around the shook with fever.

"W-what's going on?"

"You fool! Do you know how fragile these ruins were? Because of you, it's only a matter of time before this place caves in!"

Tails reeled in shock at what he'd done. He was so focused on stopping Eggman for Sonic that he didn't think about collateral damage. For all of his young genius, he made a stupid mistake.

So caught up in his error that he only snapped out of it when Eggman used that chance to escape the ruins. Shaking his head, he quickly followed before he ended up in the darkness.

After two Homing attacks clashed in the air, both hedgehogs jumped down into the clearing in front of the ruins. Shadow assessed himself before he looked at Sonic. He didn't look worse for wear aside from some scratches on his black fur.

Sonic however had tears on her clothing, a busted lip and cracked ribs. She kept up with him but she had taken the most damage however due to him reading most of her blows. Still, she stayed resilient and never let up in their fight.

"You're still intent on fighting? You do realize that the Doctor probably retrieved the Chaos Emerald by now?"

Sonic spat some blood out of her mouth and got up to meet her charge. "Maybe. But if I know Tails, he probably kicked Eggman's butt and coming back with the emerald right now."

"That so…" Shadow spared a glance at the ruins before he looked back at Sonic. "Either way, my mission is to hold you off until the Doctor shows himself again." Shadow clenched his fist. "Though I wonder if you will survive this next round."

Sonic grinned. "Why don't you come over here and see for yourself?"

Before Shadow took a step a forward, he heard a rumbling noise from the ruins. Both hedgehogs' attention was drawn to the opening as Eggman and Tails flew out before the entire ruins caved in.

"Crimson! I've retrieved the Chaos Emerald. We must leave now!"

"Sonic, catch!"

Sonic saw a ring heading toward her and knew the plan instantly. "I got it!" Sonic jumped at the ring and absorbed its energy as she curled into a ball. Then she shot towards Eggman and scored a direct hit on the pod.

"Nooo!" Eggman shouted as the Chaos Emerald came out of his reach. Shadow quickly took the initiative and leapt at the falling jewel. In midair, Shadow clutched the red Chaos Emerald in his hand. But when he did, something strange happened…

Without warning, the emerald shone in a blinding light that forced everyone to cover their eyes. But for Shadow, time stood still as he stared unflinchingly at the emerald.

Then something weird happened. When the light faded and everyone stared in the sky, Shadow and the emerald disappeared.

Now things get interesting...I hope. Criticism is gold.