Chapter 26: New Base

Around in the Skies…

Night Raid riding the flying manta ray fish in the skies and appears to be going to a new location. Tatsumi who happens to enjoy himself, enjoying the nice ride so does the others. Although, except for Lubbock and Mine feeling a little sick and trying their best not to vomit during the ride.

"Woohoo! This feels awesome!" Tatsumi said with glee.

"*Giggle* You're so innocent I can't believe you're a killer Tatsumi. It's funny that I've never expected that." The red-haired girl commented.

"Wow this ever more of a blast than I thought." Leone said.

"Yeah the view is really something… this is nice." Mine said still freaking out with Lubbock by her side.

Mine then went out to shout it out.

"This isn't nice at all!" Mine shouted.

Lubbock nodding his head agreeing with the pink hair girl. While the group enjoy the nice ride to a new place that Najenda had plotted to set course to, Sonic on the other hand who just laid back lying down on his back, hands behind his back and taking it easy like usual. He enjoy a nice ride to a new destination and take the time to sit back and rest, taking a nap after what happen yesterday with the fight against his rival and the invasion back at Night Raid HQ. The ride continue on for minutes until the group to its destination that are around in the high lands. During the ride, the blue blur remain asleep during his nap just so he can take the time to relax.

Sonic's Dream…

The surrounding area became pitch black and there was no one here or any other objects, places, or people to see. There is Sonic wondering where he is and wondering where is everyone and why the area and the whole place it pitch black black.

"Where am I? Where is everyone? Tatsumi? Akame? Najenda? Leone? Anybody! Where are you!" Sonic shouted wondering around like crazy.

Soon the area then start to change and the surroundings begin to change before the very eyes of the blue blur. Sonic turn around, examining around the place to where he is and his eyes widen of absolute shock. Sonic look around, stunned when he just witness the destruction of Capital and the people had been slaughtered. There was Night Raid right front of Sonic as his expression change in horror. He couldn't move or flinch but just froze; he realize that he let everyone down, he let Night Raid down, he let the Revolution down, let the people that he promise to give them their freedom back down and hell he even let himself down for not keeping his promise like he always do.

Sonic trembled, fist clenching tightly full of disgust. He was ashamed of himself, he is angry at himself, and he is angry of not keeping his promise. He failed. He never failed to keep his promise and yet the results around his showed that and the blue blur couldn't do anything about it to change.

"What the hell have I done… I'm… so sorry everybody. Please forgive me…" Sonic said with a sad tone in voice.

"You didn't cause all this to happen Sonic." The voice interpreted.

Sonic jump up, shakes himself back to reality and look around to find the person. The unknown suspect continue speaking:

"I let this happen. I killed everyone you loved, the people you cared about, and I even killed my own allies." The voice added with a menacing tone echoing around the area.

"Show yourself!" Sonic demanded with the tone of anger in his voice.

"With pleasure."

The suspect begin to review himself out of the flames showcasing a hedgehog form. Sonic's eyes widen recognizing the person judging the shape of the hedgehog's quills. It was the ultimate life form: Shadow the Hedgehog with that sinister grin.

"You did all this Shadow? Why? Why would you kill these people, Night Raid, and the people in the capital including your allies?" Sonic questioned.

"*Chuckle* Because I can. I'm the ultimate life form, there's no one left to stop my vengeance to reclaim my title. This time… you DIE Sonic the Hedgehog!" Shadow yelled.

With that, Shadow then unleashes his Chaos energy, tapping himself into Chaos Force when he start to unleash his negative Chaos Energy. Shadow's fur start turning red so does his eyes turn neon red. He then surrounds himself with red aura gritting his teeth as he channel his power. He then slowly grin and laugh evilly staring at Sonic and again unleashes his power. Thus this transforms Shadow into Dark Shadow (Shadow the Hedgehog the Game).

"Death to all who oppose me!" Shadow shouted.

Sonic got ready to fight as he got to his fighting stance then charge at him with that angry expression. Sonic readied his fight to strike a punch but Shadow on the other hand uses Chaos Control and disappear before Sonic could do anything about it. Sonic look around, searching for the ultimate life form but is interrupted when Shadow reappear and delivers a spinning kicks behind Sonic that struck him in the face while in mid-air. This had Sonic flew a feet away in the air then Shadow appear and uppercuts Sonic up high then kicks him down to the ground that cause Sonic to crash down to the ground with a loud crash creating a dent to the ground along with a little crater.

Sonic quickly prompt himself up to his feet but Shadow then appears and punches Sonic right in the face then delivers a beatdown to the hero and finishes him off with a brutal punch and a kick that send Sonic straight to the ruined wall and crash through it, breaking the wall in pieces what's left of it to be exact. Sonic hits the ground on his back and try to get back up but Shadow stomped him down before he could get back up.

"It's over Sonic, I've won and there's nothing you can do to defeat me again, not this time. I WILL have my title back." Shadow exclaimed.

Shadow picks Sonic up by the neck, choking him with a tight grip and tosses him against a nearby wall. Sonic clutching his abdomen, feeling the effects of the brutal beatdown that Shadow has given him. Shadow hasn't taken his eyes away from Sonic, smirking, and knew that the time has come to put a end to their long-term rival once and for all.

"This is where it all ends Sonic. Your fate ends here!" Shadow shouted.

"What about… your promise… to Maria… have you forgotten about her?" Sonic questioned with that angry expression.

"She's dead to me, there's only Shadow the Hedgehog ruler of this damn world. With no one here getting in my way, I will rule this entire world by fear and conquer everything that stands in my way! Farewell Sonic and see you in HELL!"

Shadow bring his hand back, channeling his energy creating a red energy orb forming into his palm, readied to end the life of the blue blur and their rivalry for good.

"Chaos Blast!" Shadow shouted.

Shadow blasted a red energy beam from his hand, it directly send to Sonic's way with his eyes widen of shock that Shadow has finally beaten the blue hedgehog that causes a light around the area.

Present…

Sonic jump up shouting when he woke up from his sleep causing everyone to jump.

"NOOOOO!" Sonic shouted.

Sonic start breathing heavily with everyone's eyes look directly at Sonic.

"Sonic, are you ok?" Tatsumi asked.

"Yeah man, is everything ok? Did you had a nightmare?" Lubbock inquired.

"Yeah… just a dream I had. That's all." Sonic responded trying to calm himself down.

"I hope it's not that very horrible." Mine hoped.

"I rather not talk about it. I… had a rough day yesterday. That's all."

"Yeah I know how you feel man. By the way, we're here." Tatsumi notified.

"Oh, ok. Thanks for telling me."

"No problem man."

With that, everyone got off the manta ray and got the looking around. Sonic wondered where they are exactly judging by looking around the place and the woods. Najenda then went on to explain giving Sonic and everyone some answers.

"The marge high lands are crawling with danger beasts. Which makes it impossible for humans to live here and that's why it's perfect place to build our new hideout. The revolution army's recon unit is currently searching for a more permanent place for us near the capital but they haven't found anything so until we heard from them we'll just stay right here and level ourselves up." Najenda explained.

Unaware, the manta ray then ascends up and takes off leaving everyone behind.

"Hey look it's leaving should we try to catch it?" Mine asked.

"It's going back to its nest to HQ silly. Well mine I'm surprised you aren't smart enough to figure that out." The girl said before laughing.

"Oh great! I hate you already!"

"Oh yes, I haven't given our new members a proper introduction. I'd like you meet…"

Before Najenda could introduce one of the new members, the red-haired girl behind Akame and rubbing her head with a smile.

"I already knew you were cute but you're adorable from up close Akame."

"Why are you touching me?" Akame questioned.

"Oh yes, my name is Chelsea and since we're going to killing people together I hope we get along. Here this is for you." Chelsea introduced and gives Akame a lollipop causing the black hair assassin to light up her eyes with joy.

"Welcome to the team."

"Wait did she just win Akame's heart by giving her a lollipop?" Tatsumi asked.

"That long flight must've really made her hungry." Lubbock added.

"You know Chelsea seems likely a less cold-blooded assassin than the other girls do."

"Don't judge a book by its cover. She's an expert killer who has completed just many jobs as Akame." Najenda advised.

"What?"

"As for this fellow, headquarters has entrusted him with me as well. Everyone meet the lightning-fast Susanoo he's my new Imperial Arms. Organic types are mostly autonomous so he shouldn't been all that draining even with all my injuries I can still use him."

"Um hi I think we met earlier…"

Susanoo jump up, noticing Tatsumi's shirt isn't completely tucked in so he acted fast and straighten it for the brunette boy that surprises Tatsumi and finishes it in a splitting second. Now it is completely neat with Tatsumi still had that shocking expression.

"Faced." Susanoo bluntly said.

"Oh I almost forget, he's a bit of a neat freak." Susanoo warned.

"Yeah no kidding. When I get when he fix my hair before." Mine agreed.

"Ok so what is his primary ability? Does he only do hand-to-hand combat?" Leone questioned.

*Chuckle* Allow me to demonstrate. Try to contain your excitement… Susanoo proceed." Najenda commanded.

Susanoo nodded in response.

"Understood."

With that, the organic Imperial Arms then begin to cut off the trees and wood and creating a new hideout without any help which surprises everyone. He then begin washing the clothes and cook for everyone as Tatsumi and Lubbock looking dumbfounded.

"Ok I admit that is impressive but what is he doing?" Lubbock pondered.

"From what I can tell it's chores." Tatsumi answered.

"Wonderful isn't he? Susanoo's original purpose was the protect royalty and others status. Not only he can fight, but he is equipped with full range cleaning and cooking skills so he never has to leave his owner's side. He can do it all and the best part is his menu includes a thousand dishes." Najenda explained.

"How is that any of that gonna help us in a fight?!" Mine questioned.

"Now, now I'm sure you'll come to appreciate it and last but not least he possesses a trump card for combat don't you?"

"Yeah." Susanoo retorted.

"So these are my new teammates? Seems pretty reliable." Tatsumi thought.

"Oh my goodness you're flat?" Chelsea commented pointing to Mine's chest.

"Shut up!" Mine demanded angrily.

"You know you may be all big and handsome and strong and everything but you're still a glorified man-made." Lubbock said pointed to Susanoo confronting him.

"I hope our team doesn't suffer?" Tatsumi thought hoping that won't happen.

Najenda smile as everyone seem to get along quite fine. She then turn over to the blue blur hedgehog who lean against the wall thinking about his rival and the events occur what happen yesterday. Sonic then take off, decided to go for a walk to clear his mind from the dream he just had about his rival leaving everyone to it.

Meanwhile, the Capital…

Esdeath in the room in the Capital waiting patiently for something. That is where Run and Bols enter the room.

"We've just finish searching the doctor's residence, however, we were unable to find any evidence as to what cause his sudden disappearance." Run reported.

"We did notice none of his valuable research materials or equipment went missing from the laboratory though." Bols added.

"If he hasn't deserted us then I can presume that he must've been killed." Esdeath assumed.

"And none of his enhance soldiers were anywhere to be found either. I can only assume that they were all killed as well."

"I understand. Poor Seryu has lost another person she look up."

Courtyard…

Seryu wiping the guns for any missions or battle up ahead when she sees her opponent while Koro remain by her side with that sad expression. Esdeath appear behind Seryu leaning back against the pillar with her arms crossed.

"Are you sure you'll be able to handle your maintenance without the doctor's help?" Esdeath asked.

"Yes. I think I'll be alright, he did leave the materials I need in the laboratory. I can't make any improvements to my equipment but I can keep them in working order."

"That's good."

But then Seryu then suddenly broke down crying and let the pain dish out away.

"My parents, Captain Hook, and the doctor… everyone I care about gets killed and always by the same filth." Seryu sobbed.

"Seryu…" Esdeath trailed off.

"Commander… I can't take it anymore. All I want is to slaughter them all as soon as possible."

Esdeath approach to the sadden Seryu and joins with her as she pulls her to hug her and to comfort.

"Seryu… if you stay with me I promise I will fulfill your wish."

"Thank you. I promise that I will bring justice to my falling friends and parents in by the name of justice." Seryu promised.

"I know you will."

The Hallways of the Capital…

The ultimate life form walk through the hallways. He minded his business, determine to get some training done so the next time he encounters Sonic he'll be ready to fight and determine to settle their score when the next time the cross paths. Shadow look over and sees an Imperial guard rush over to the black blur causing Shadow to stop his track.

"Shadow the Hedgehog is it?" the guard presumed.

"Yes. That's me, what do you want?"

"The Prime Minister wants to see you."

"What does the fat bastard want with me? I got some training to do?"

"He said it's very important, a task that he has for you."

"Well if you insist. Take me to the Prime Minister."

The guard nodded and takes Shadow to see the Prime Minister.

Night Raid Hideout…

Everyone got together for a meeting to discuss very important things involving against the Empire.

"It looks like the Empire is gradually beginning to build up its forces." Najenda noticed.

"And there's no way to win as we are now. We have to make ourselves stronger." Akame added.

"All except for Sonic here. He's been training nonstop and all of that training paid off when he faced Shadow." Lubbock reminded.

"Yeah I remember. They are really equally strong and both of them hold nothing back." Tatsumi stated.

"True. The revolution day is almost here. Let's use what little time we have left for training. I also wouldn't count on getting any more fighters if I were you. Please consider the last time we've received reinforcements. If we work as a team we can all survive to see the coming of the new world." Najenda suggested.

"By the way, how did that fight with Shadow go Sonic? Was he that strong?" Leone asked.

"Yeah man, did he try to beat you?" Tatsumi asked.

"No but we sure gave it our all and it's just only the beginning." Sonic responded closing his eyes.

"How so? What's the beginning?" Chelsea asked.

"Our war. After our fight from yesterday, our rivalry had became so personal and it looks like we won't be holding anything back. Shadow has become the hedgehog he was back when we first fought during the Ark incident."

"Ark?" Mine repeated.

"It's a long story. The Shadow I knew is gone and it looks like I won't be returning him into reason. He's become so dark, dangerous, and overall evil. He left me no choice…"

"And what's that?" Akame asked.

Sonic suddenly open his eyes, filled with rage knowing that he know what he must do.

"If I can't change Shadow's mind and speak reason of him from the path that he's walking on with the Empire then I'll just have to kill that son of a bitch!" Sonic responded surprising everyone in the room.

Prime Minister's Quarters…

The guard shows Sonic the quarters entering the room with the ultimate life form entering inside. Shadow sees the ministers in bed with two women rubbing his belly. Shadow cross his arms as the minister smirked, happily to see Shadow making his presence.

"Thank you, you may leave us." Prime Minister commanded.

The guard nodded and exits the room. Shadow who doesn't look too pleased.

"What do you want Prime Minister."

"At ease Shadow, just call me Honest." Honest said responding to the black blur.

"Seriously? You name is Honest."

"Yeah but enough with the formalities, I brought you here to discuss some important things."

"Is that so? Does it involve with my rival?"

"No."

"Then that's settles it, I'm leaving."

Shadow turn and make his way to the door. Honest then stopped Shadow from leaving.

"Wait. Do not leave just yet, there's still more I want to discuss with you."

Shadow stop his tracks with his hand onto the door knob. He did not turn around but look over his shoulder looking at the Prime Minister.

"I'm listening." Shadow retorted.

"I have a task that I have for you." Honest said.

"Is that so? What is it while I'm still here?"

"You see Shadow, I take it that you don't have an imperial arms."

"Yeah so what?"

"I hear that this Sonic the hedgehog has the Imperial Arms that I've sent my men to retrieve for fight our enemies. Although, the guards have found a new location where this Imperial Arms is located. I thought this interest you."

Shadow let go of the door knob and turn to face Honest.

"Is that so? Tell me more." Shadow said crossing his arms.

"We don't what this Imperial Arms do but it could be a quite use for you against your rival. You can make things even and to how should I say "evening the odds" against Sonic." Honest explained further more.

"So you want me to go and retrieve the Imperial Arms and giving it to me?"

"Yes. Once you find it, it's yours. You can use however you like."

Shadow thought about this for a moment, he did hear that the Imperial Arms can be strong once the wielder uses it. This somewhat interest Shadow. He finds it useful and it could be a great of use to fight his rival. Without second thoughts, he decide to go and retrieve it.

"OK. I'm interested in collecting this Imperial Arms. Do you have the location?" Shadow asked.

"Yes. It's right there on the table over there." Honest pointed.

Shadow look over to the table so he walks over to collect the map. Once he has it, he looks where the location is at.

"Hmm. I think I know the place if not I'll find it myself."

"Don't worry, my son will be there along with the guards. He'll help you retrieve it and there are some danger beasts lurking in that area."

"Danger Beasts don't scare me that easily."

With that being said, Shadow then makes his way over to the door.

"Oh by the way Shadow, I happen to left you a parting gift in your room. Go check it out." Honest notified.

Shadow nodded and exits the room by opening the door and close it back. He head over to his room to check out what the parting gift is. Once Shadow arrive and opens the door, he then sees two girls patiently waited for him that look like prostitutes. They giggle at the black blur and approach to the ultimate life form and caress his body and mother him with kisses. Shadow look both at the girls and shrug.

"Ah what the hell, I guess a little fun wouldn't hurt." Shadow said slowly forming a seductive smile and join with the girls in bed before he can depart to his mission tomorrow.