Shadow was busy searching through the forest. It hadn't taken the group long to find out that their friend was missing. Shadow was searching to the south, Knuckles had taken the north, and Tails was searching from above.
"Why would he just run off like that? It's not like him… either way, the sooner I find him the sooner I can tell him…" Shadow said to himself as he walked along.
"Tell him what?" a voice said, an all too familiar voice. Shadow let out a sigh.
"I was wondering when you'd come back." Shadow muttered, turning to face the figure… Mephiles.
"So, having a bit of trouble finding Sonic are we?" He asked in his sinister tone.
"Shut up, leave me be." Shadow said, turning away.
"You know I can't do that. Only you can see and hear me, remember?"
"So what? There's nothing keeping you attached to me…"
"Aw, but who would I talk to then? Besides, its fun to mess with you." Mephiles said, floating over to Shadows side.
"Go away…"
"Why should I? We both know you need my help."
"I don't…"
"Yes you do. If it weren't for me, you and your friends would be dead right now."
"…?"
"Remember the Death Egg? You were 'Sleep fighting'."
"..you?"
"Yes. You were passed out, so taking control of your body was quite easy. I wonder if it would still work if you were conscious?"
"Don't even think about it." Shadow said, glaring at him.
"Fine, but if you don't accept my help, your oh so precious Sonic is done for"
"Precious? I could care less about him."
"So why keep protecting him?"
"Because… this planet only needs its true hero."
"Ah, is THAT the case?" Mephiles began to float around him in circles.
"Then just imagine it. Poor Sonic. Being tortured, locked up and left to rot."
Shadow clenched his fists.
"Shut up…"
"Or even better, sentenced to death. That weasel never did like him you know."
"Weasel…?"
"…oops."
"NACK!" Shadow took off towards the city. Mephiles followed.
"No back up?" he asked.
"I don't need it…"