Chapter 14: Shadow's Friends

Shadow, Rouge, and Omega appeared in a flash of green light at a deserted area to the west of the Egg Narwhal's crash site. Shadow was slightly out of breath. Rouge asked, "Are you okay?"

Shadow retorted, "I didn't expect you to be concerned considering you just pointed a gun at my head."

Rouge chuckled teasingly, "Oh, you know I was just kidding."

Shadow was not amused. "Well, if you must know, even with two Chaos Emeralds, it's a tad strenuous not only to use two consecutive Chaos Controls, but to also teleport such a large number of people with the Chaos Controls."

Rouge attempted to correct him, "You know, you could have just teleported all of us with one big Chaos Control. I can't help but feel that would've been a bit easier."

Shadow said, "If I did that, then I would be in the same spot as Sonic and his groupies, and they would try to take the Chaos Emeralds from me." Shadow looked at Rouge. "Speaking of which, I still need those two that you're holding on to."

Rouge said, "Not a chance, old pal. G.U.N. was pretty persuasive about making sure that I get these Chaos Emeralds."

Shadow became irritated and asked, "Just how much are they paying you?"

Rouge chuckled, "Let's just say that I won't be living in that old apartment anymore."

Shadow looked at Omega. "Omega, you haven't said a word since this little scuffle started. Who do you think should get the Chaos Emeralds?"

Omega looked back at Shadow, and then the great robot looked back at Rouge. Omega said, "I am indifferent."

Shadow sighed, "That figures." The black hero addressed Rouge again, "Maybe there's some way we can compromise on this."

Rouge examined her nails and said, "I'm listening."

Shadow said, "Metal Shadow has made it quite clear that he intends to kill me. Eggman programmed him with abilities identical to my own, which means that he can draw power from the Chaos Emeralds just like I do. Right now, he has three of the Emeralds, so if I fight him with only two, I'll be at a disadvantage."

Rouge seemed unconcerned. "So?"

Shadow added, "A severe disadvantage."

Rouge smiled maliciously. "So you're begging me?"

Shadow defended his endless pride, "Absolutely not."

Rouge taunted Shadow, "Say please."

Shadow said, "Over my dead body."

Omega said, "Probability of Shadow surviving an encounter with Metal Shadow at this point is less than 32.8%."

Shadow sighed. He hesitated, "P-P-Please…" The word seemed to roll off of his tongue as smoothly as jagged nails. The prideful hedgehog gritted his teeth.

Rouge laughed, "Alright, I'll let you borrow the Chaos Emeralds, but I expect you to give them back to me as soon as you're done trashing Metal Shadow."

Shadow said, "You got it." Shadow took Rouge's two Chaos Emeralds. Then, he began to juggle his four Chaos Emeralds in his left hand. Shadow walked away from Omega and Rouge. "Omega, make sure you keep her out of trouble."

Omega said, "Affirmative," and Rouge smirked slightly.

Shadow continued to walk through the grassy fields. He walked for a few minutes until he heard a voice say, "Good going, Shadow."

Shadow paused, and he looked around. He saw no one. "Show yourself!"

The voice chuckled maniacally, "I'm afraid I can't."

Shadow asked, "Who are you?"

The voice gave another chuckle, "I'm offended, Shadow. You've forgotten already? I'm your dear friend from your dream last night."

Shadow said, "I was hoping it was just a dream."

The voice laughed, "I see you're collecting the seven Chaos Emeralds like I suggested."

Shadow retorted, "I'm not doing it for you. I'm only borrowing these two Emeralds from Rouge. I'm going to give them back as soon as I'm done with Metal Shadow."

The voice continued, "Don't be a fool, Shadow. You've got four of the seven Emeralds in your possession right now, and you're on your way to fight the person with the other three."

Shadow said, "You're a very annoying voice in the back of my head. I'd like to know how exactly a voice such as yourself would come to be in a head like mine."

The voice snickered, "That story will come in due time, Shadow. In the meantime, I'd be more concerned about that warning I gave you. It's still coming for you, you know. The powerful monster I mentioned last night. It's hunting you down right now, and it won't stop haunting you with that dark feeling until you've been erased from existence."

Shadow asked, "And just why exactly do you want to help me?"

The voice answered, "I told you before, Shadow. I'm your friend."

Shadow demanded, "Prove it."

The voice chuckled, "Alright, look behind you." Shadow stopped in his tracks and turned around. He saw Metal Shadow.