Chapter 49: "Tick Tock"

2:00am 11 hours until the bombs go off

White jungle

The chaotix sneak through the jungle passing every guard and soldier that's living within the jungle. They make it towards a waterfall and camp out in its cave.

Vector: "Alright guys. This seems like a place to rest up."

Espio: "Yeah. This seems like a place to sleep"

They walk through and hide out in the cave. They don't start a fire but they relax and wait. Theysit in the dark with espio who is dressed in the black arms outfit properly. Sadly, he can't fully camouflage with it on. He holds the flashlight in his possession and looks upon the map they got from the soldiers earlier. He reads it and understands. They pick up the walkie talkies from them as well. Charmy has a pistol from them and an assault rifle for vector who luckily knows how to use it. While they rest Espio starts meditating. He crosses his legs and sits underneath a dripping stalagmite. The water drips and hits the Chameleon. He relaxes and thinks. He enters his mind state. He's in his own little world now. He remembers his mother. The bride of Constant Vigil. He remembers his training with the iron kingdom Shinobi Clan. He thinks about his mothers wish to spy on Knuckles incase something dangerous was planning. He goes through his memories. Most of them Good and Most of them bad. He thinks about Aliese. He then figures something out. He finds his happy place. He remembers the conversation he had with her in the Dojo once.

Flashback

Espio's Dojo

Aliese: "You know you guys didn't have to go through all this trouble. But now I'm curious. That was your idea?"

Espio: "I suggested we all go on a vacation to someplace tropical, since you like beaches so much. But Vec said no, So we agreed on your favorite coffee instead."

Aliese stretches and leans down on her left leg.

Aliese: "I would say I'm impressed. But it is your job to know these sort of things "Mr. Detective."

Stretches up and bends or arm over her head.

Aliese: "Yeah, the beach would have been wonderful and all… But I'm not much of a gift person anyways."

Espio: "You don't like gifts? Why not?"

*Ticking*

Espio: *Grunts*

Flashback

Aliese: "I don't know. I guess I was taught that everything you have should be earned? And receiving gifts kind of defeats the purpose of that."

Espio: "Well that may be true, but gift giving isn't about giving hand outs to people. It's about showing someone you appreciate them. It's about giving that person something that means something to them, and that they'll treasure. You don't give gifts because they need a certain something, you give gifts because you want to."

Aliese: "Well, I guess when you put it that way it makes sense. But, baby steps first. I'll have to get use to it."

Espio: "Well then, what could I do to show my appreciation for you that you'd be comfortable with? Because I don't think a cup of coffee expresses that very well."

Aliese: "Alright. I'll tell you what, Mr. detective. If you can tell me my favorite restaurant, I'll let you take me there."

Espio: "Hmm. Tricky, Tricky. "Illazerone Pizza Parlor"

Aliese: "You're getting freakishly good at this."

Espio: "So it's a date then?"

Aliese: "Date? Who said anything about a date?"

Espio: "Oh I'm sorry! I didn't mean-"

*Ticking*

Espio: *Grunting* "Haaaa." *breathing*

He breathes and exhales while still in the cave. He starts having flashes of something. Flashes of events he's never seen but look familiar. Pictures of the black comet come in. Pictures of Sonic and a ruined city. Fallen comrades. Blood and gore of others. Flashes of Sonic and Shadow Duking it out. Flashes off Him in chains. He goes back to his happy place with Aliese.

Aliese: "Ha Ha, You're so easy to mess with, Espio. It's fine really. I don't mind calling it that."

Espio: "You're Evil…"

Aliese: "And you failed us!"

Espio: "Huh?"

*Ticking*

Espio: "aaaaaahhhhhhh!"

She gets impailed from the ground and a strange monster jumps from above. Espio jumps to save Aliese until a bunch of hands latch onto him from the ground. He gets grabbed and something sinister appears before Aliese sitting staring down at him. It looks like the same figure creeper from the Jungle from prison break. It has it's scythe ready. Espio tries to fight off the hands but can't.

Espio: "Nooooo!"

*Slash*

Espio: "No."

He opens his eyes and see he's still in the cave. He looks to see his friends snoring while the water is running from the outside. He breathes in and out and drops a tear from the nightmare he just had. He looks around. He checks his phone.

4:21am

9 hours until the bombs go off

Espio closes his eyes and remembers the picnic. He remembers Shadow and his brother and talking to silver on his front porch. He finishes the memory of her and Aliese correct by remembering it.

Flashback

Vector: "If you two are done loafing around, we've got a client in the lobby! So lets get a move on!"

Aliese: "It seems they're back to normal again."

Espio: "They never stay mad at each other for long."

They stand and walk towards the door.

Aliese: "Hey Espio, if you're taking me on a date, what does that mean about us exactly?"

Espio: "It's whatever you'd like it to mean."

Aliese: "Hmmm. "I'll have to give it some thought."

Flashback ends

Espio opens his eyes. He looks at the two of them. he remembers the ticking noise.

Espio: "What was that ticking?"

He thinks about the Creeper that he saw in his head. He thinks about it then brushes it off. He whipes the water off him and decides to go out. He checks the map.

Espio: "Not far. Guess I might as well take a look for myself."

He leaves the map and takes the walkie talkie with him. They both are connected. They'll be able to communicate with each other. He walks out and breathes in. the light of the sky starts to kick in. morning is on the way. He checks the phone on him and the hard drive he has for the message. He walks through the jungle disguised. He walks down the path and makes it onto a road. He sees a truck coming and he hides into the bushes. The truck starts to come and it passes him. Espio follows the truck from within the bushes. He runs across the trees using his ninja skills and comes across a base full of Black arms. He looks and notices all different kinds of black arms. A giant black oak with a battle axe is carrying boxes full of weaponry. There are black arms practicing they're aim and ammunition onto dummies. Others training. They have black wings with c4 on them.

Espio: "Of course, they're building an army."

He scans the area and notices something. He sees a particular dragon black arm and 3 emperors like the one he fought in rail canyon.

Espio: "They have more."

He over hears his talking going off.

Vector: "Espio? Come in espio?"

Espio: "Don't worry. I'm already at the base. I'm scanning the area right now."

Vector: "Good to know. What did you find."

Espio: "If you could see this now. You'd crap yourself."

Vector: "What is it?"

Espio: "They're building an army. They got weapons. All kind. They're not like the same ones we fought before. They're tactical. They somehow have resources of our world as well. It looks like they're planning and ready for something today. More like an attack."

Vector: "Shit. We'll be up there. Do you think you can make it inside?"

Espio: "I was trained by the best. I'll sneak in and see what I can find. You and Charmy prepare us a getaway when you get here. The sun is starting to come up.

Vector: "Alright. you stay safe."

Espio: "I'll call if I need help."

He sneaks his way down and enters through a hole underneath the bases fence linup. Seems like no one saw nor cared to watch. He walks and looks around. there's a kitchen lineup where they're eating what they could find. Black arm's arm wrestling. One of them rips of the arm and slams it onto the ground while others cheer as he boasts. Espio walks and hears someone come on the monitor.

Dragono: "We need to fill in the support becons in the outer rims. Make sure you all eat well and get enough training. Today is the big day we deliver a massive blow to one of the worlds most feared forces. Oh, and if anybody sees those three mobians we shot down last night, gets a bonus reward for killing them."

Espio: "Dammit. They'll kill us on sight. Gotta hurry and find my way in."

He looks up at the center building that has GUN's name on it. The base is connected to a river. Seems like there's a dock that leads to a lake with the magnificent trees.

Espio: "Seems like they found refuge to an abandon base. They must have a comes center in there."

He looks around notices a certain someone that looks like a figure head.

Dragono: "Okay, fellas. I need you to make sure you watch over this stuff until we get to the boss. He'll enjoy this stuff."

He hands the briefcase over to the creeper.

Espio gets a hot flash remembering the creeper in his dream with Aliese. He focuses on the briefcase. The creeper holds onto it and an oak follows it to the base. Espio heads up to the steps until Dragono catches his eye.

Dragono: "Hey you. I need some muscle. Follow me."

Espio stays silent and follows. He opens the door for him and enters following him.

Dragono: "All right. I am so hyped for whats about to happen to this pathetic planet. I feel almost sorry for them."

Espio: …

He follows through the corridor and down some stairs. There's a whole room full of weapons and armor. He walks past a room where a whole room are talking about the GUN Facility and it's operations. Dragono and Espio stop and overhear.

Black Arm lieutenant: "The bombs will be going off around 1:45pm. We only got 8 hours left. Remember just for safety this stuff is a bit strong to wear a gas mask. Unless you're okay with this stuff. It's like chlorine for us dipped in water but it's poison to them. You have nothing to worry about. It's a simple raid operation. We get him out and kill Whoever is in our way. The plan will unfold around 3:42 with lord Gloom's command. We have eyes on Shadow the hedgehog. Find and capture him if you can."

Black arm warrior: "The one who defeated Lord Doom?"

Dragono steps in and says something.

Dragono: "He betrayed us. He left us to die. Capture or kill. I vote kill."

Black Arm lieutenant: "Y-yeah, capture or kill. We have a limited window. The black comet will drop Despara's wish down to the humans. We recommend only using Suppressed rifles from the humans. We enter the place by foot and retrieve lord gloom. Once we get him out we will blow put the laser to the test from the comet. Thanks to the same Blueprints we stole from Eggman."

Espio conscience: "Eggman?"

Dragono: "Todays the day fellas. The black arms makes it's comeback. WHO'S READY!?"

The whole room cheers alongside with him. they all raise they're fist in the air. They chant and cheer.

Black arm: "Wipe em out Goddammit."

Black arm: "Every last one of them!"

Black arm: "It's our time now!"

Black arm: "Kill them all!"

Black arm: "Im ready to slaughter these sons of bitches."

Espio looks in shock and crosses his arms like he's fitting with the program. They all wind down and listen to more key details. Dragono leaves the room and signals Espio to follow along. A black arm down the hallway without anything to do.

Dragono: "Hey you, with us. I need some help."

He follows along with him and espio. They walk down past an infirmary and a breeding center. A place where they breed more emperors. He looks at the machines and notice how familiar they look. It's the same machine looking tube that was used on the ark that made Shadow and Gloom.

Espio: "So that's how it's done?"

Dragono: "Yeah. Thanks to black doom's Plans he gave us years back when he was working with the man Known as Gerald Robotnik."

Black Arm: "So it's the-"

Dragono: "Same way I was born. Damn I love my life."

He continues walking and Espio remembers.

Espio's Conscience: "Of course. Black Doom must've used the old plans and passed it down to his successors. They succeeded in making the new army."

They continue walking down deeper underground. They make it to a testing room with the laser canons that look familiar. Dragono walks them over past the lasers that are being fired towards a whole shooting range. The targets are room full of rocks and planes they built. They destroy them. the room is loud. He walks them over past the room. He opens the door for the two and shows them a dock and boat.

Dragono: "Hop on."

They hop onto the boat. He drives it out into the water and to another location where a chopper comes in. it lands onto the sand and brings out a briefcase and more gas boxes. They're a different type of squad. They have red armor on and the gas on their hips.

Dragono: "Thanks for the gas. Did you get my new supply of energy?"

Red arm: "Yes sir. Lady despara wanted you to have this. she says a new assignment is underway for today."

Dragono: "All right then. You guys load this shit up for me."

They all run back and fly off. Espio and the black arm start loading onto the boat. in the midst of the sun starting to come out he looks around and notices two people. A crocodile swimming in the water and a bee hiding into the trees. Dragono waits onto the boat playing on a game he stole.

Dragono: "So glad I stole this video game."

He plays it and waits for the others to do their job. The black arm and espio load the dock with the two boxes and another box. Espio raises his hand with the okay sign without anyone looking. The croc and bee raise back. Vector goes down into the water hiding and Charmy hides and keeps an eye out on them with the binoculars. He revs the boat and drives back to the dock. They enter and unload the stuff. They move it back to the laser range.

Meanwhile

Sand ruins

12:30pm

The team wait in the desert with the sun lowering in the sky.

Knuckles: "where is this Egghead? I need to head back to Angel Island."

They sit in the ship and start hearing footsteps coming. The doctor in a sand scarf covering his face with the two robots of his.

Cubot: "Hello. What's up with all the gloom and doom stuff in here."

Sally: "What took you guys so long?"

Eggman: "Did you bring the laser?"

Tails: "Yeah, why?"

Eggman takes off his scarf.

Eggman: "Bring it out."

The three look at each other and do what he asks. They drag it out and open the box. The doctor accesses it and powers it on.

Eggman: "About a year ago I was coming up with new plans to testing out one of my most greatest inventions. I was reading some of the old documents my grandfather Gerald created. I managed to invent the Space Laser of my own but miniature."

Tails: "You remade the space laser?"

Eggman: "Yeah. I finished it up just before your little fiasco at my bullet station. The moment I created it Gloom snuck onto my base with a few other intruders I don't even know about. They destroyed my robots and anything that was standing in my path.

Flashback

Gloom smashes his way to eggmans lair. He notices the laser.

Gloom: "I know what you're doing eggman."

Eggman: "H-how did you-"

Gloom: "Lets just say we got eyes of our own. We're always watching our enemies doc. You're one of them. we just want the little gismo you created."

Eggman: "Never, Egg Dragon!"

The egg dragon comes down with it's drill protecting the box. Gloom pulls out an emerald.

Gloom: "Chaos Control."

He balls up and spin dashes to the center of the robot. He slashes out his spikes and destroys the robot without breaking a sweat.

Gloom: "Too easy."

Time continues and the robot falls down. Eggman is shocked and looks at Gloom.

Gloom: "Anything else?"

Eggman: "Yeah… Escape!"

He presses the button on the controls and a shoot opens below him and he falls. He slides down into his Egg ship and flies off.

Gloom: "Meh, we got what we came for. Lets go."

The mystery, Despara, Dragono, and the behemoth hold onto the box and Gloom teleports them out.

Gloom: "Chaos Control."

Flashback ends

Knuckles: "He stole it from you."

Eggman: "Yeah."

Knuckles: "Well what does the laser do?"

He points it out into the desert and charges it. It fires at a desert hill that's big out 3 miles ahead. It leaves a crater that's big enough to be a crater. The sand starts to fall down in there refilling as much

Tails: "Oh..."

Knuckles: "My…"

Sally: "Gosh…"

Eggman: "It's a bit minor like the moon explosion. Same thing though."

Tails: "It's the space colony arks Laser. Only smaller."

Knuckles: "Great. So we got the laser from them. we could use it to our advantage."

Eggman: "Well if you're okay with whatever casualties are in the way. I know I am. Don't get too comfortable by the way. From my resources state, they been making more. They probably have tons ready to fire."

Tails: "Great job Eggman. You gave them a tactical nuke."

Eggman: "And we have one too."

Sally: "So big question. How did you know where to find it? And how did you know ww even had it?"

Eggman: "I know about the prison break. I had one of my eggbots spy from the sky at you guys. I seen you all save all those people. I saw Sonic beat that giant beast."

Sally: "What was it?"

Eggman: "I don't know and I pray we never see it. However Sonic did hurt it using his gift and blade. He's still alive."

He pulls out a tablet of the robot recording sonic beating the eyeclops. It flies away as sonic falls. The Mystery catches Sonic.

Eggman: "Now this guy, I think I have a guess who that might be but it's just a guess."

Sally: "That guy. I know him. who is he?"

Eggman: "Don't know. He keeps his identity a secret. You met him?"

Sally: "Yeah in the prison. He was a bit shy. Not good at talking. He was nice and kind."

Knuckles: "That guy was fast. Not as fast as sonic but it's like he was reading him."

Eggman: "So it must be it."

Tails: "What?"

Eggman: "Nevermind. You should probably head back. You can keep the laser. I gotta go and prepare myself."

Knuckles: "For what?"

Eggman: "You'll see."

He calls in his egg ship.

Cubot: "So doc where are we going now?"

Eggman: "Back Home."

He enters the ship and the two robots go in talking and asking questions. He takes off and flies away.

Knuckles: "What was that about?"

Sally: "We should head home. Somethings not right."

Tails: "It's good to know sonic is still alive. We gotta find him."

Sally: "He can wait. He'll be alright. right now we need to get home. We need to inform them about what they're planning."

They load up in the ship and prepare take off.

Sally: "Nicole? Think you can contact the Elias?"

Nicole: "Contacting Elias."

White Jungle Gun Base

6:03am

After Espio sets up the laser in and the gas within the range he follows Dragono. He walks towards the top of the base skylight. He gets a phone call. He answers.

Dragono: "Yeah. Uh huh. Yeah everything is in order. They lasers and the gas. We're gonna start packing up early. They're still searching for them? oka- wait. They got a trail? In the base? Okay we'll call all men to- as a matter of fact bring them in. yeah they can. Okay."

He hangs up and runs down the stairs. He opens the door and goes out. Espio waits behind a corner until Dragono is out of reach. He enters the room he left unlocked and goes upstairs.

Espio: "Vector, are you there?"

Vector: "We're here and listening. We're thinking about using the boat to as a getaway?"

Espio: "Yeah. We take the boat and leave. We could head east. It takes us out through a large open body of water and we escape."

Vector: "Nice thinking. Grab what you can and get out. We'll be waiting down here."

Espio: "No. Not yet. Take the boat now and head to the lake."

Vector: "Why?"

Espio: "Lets just say you're gonna get one hell of an entrance."

Espio ends the walkie talkie. He looks through paperwork. There's a giant Blueprint of The GUN Facility. There's a picture of Shadow the hedgehog. More pictures of familiar friends. Tails, Knuckles, Sonic, and Amy. Espio notices and takes a look. He looks at Amy first.

Amy Rose partner of Lord Shadow. We take her and he will submit. He supposedly developed a close bond with the female mobian. Lord Gloom states that we take her alive by any means necessary.

Espio: "Shit. Gotta warn her."

He checks the laptop. He puts in the hard drive in the computer and digs in the intel. He opens the files. He see's plans and audio logs. He gets an audio log from a woman named Despara.

Despara: "Right now. In this place. All I can think about now, is killing them all. I was born into this life to serve only one purpose. Our leader. I was there when I saw the traitor defeat our master. Over time I thought it was either two things. Number one they brainwashed him and that's something I would've forgive. Number two He demanded power. He could've taken over the world with his gifts and the emeralds. Now I come to fully understand why he did it. He did it by choice. He served the humans. And for what? all over some dead blonde girl who never came to this pathetic planet. In an aspect I pity that poor girl. Not because she young and dead. She spewed their heads with lies about this place. The things, plus the animals here are a bunch of Snot nose, conniving, greedy motherfuckers. I pray for their extinction every night. there is nothing in my heart but deep hatred for this miserable ball of life. Although we abandon all other colonies, this planet is perfect for the new era of our supreme rule. The only thing standing in our way is the fucking inhabitants. Yet, our lord wanted them alive. He didn't want to extinct them. he only wanted to find a way to keep life living here. The amount of pain and fear that is trembling me right now, the coldness that feels the air, I am nervous. We're finally going back to those good old days. Now to fulfill my wish and complete my mission. Black Doom, this is for you. we'll be seeing you soon."

The audio log ends there and espio keeps looking. He opens a plan. There are photos of the black comet. More plans, more stuff.

Espio: "Hmm?"

He opens a file with a book. It has the three symbols on it of the factions.

Espio: "This all seems important."

He sticks the hard drive in and starts downloading. He accesses a lot of information on it. He waits for 5 minutes thinking and wondering. He goes onto other files and such and reads the plans for today. He notices 3 distinct locations.

Espio: "Central City, Westopolis, and Empire City?"

The planes comes in. there are three comets. Three different cities. Three factions each.

Espio: "Oh my God… they're planning to conquer three major cities. They're all the United Federation."

He continues looking and finds a file. More plans onto the world. Eggman's empire. The dragon kingdom. Soleanna. Mazuri. Chun-nan. Holaska. Mercia. Shamar. Kingdom of Acorn. Knothole. Angel Island. Spagonia. The wolf pack nation. Monopole. Adabat. Holaska. Spagonia. Apotos.

Espio: "Okay. Lets get this intel and get out."

He collects the flash drive and starts to hear noises. Dragono is on his way back. He looks for his options. Some of which are nearly impossible. He sees a locker and hides into it. Dragono walks upstairs with a unit and caged spider that's big as a dog.

Dragono: "I gotta say guys. I like the new spider."

Black arm: "We collected them and breeded them. the test with them have been outstanding. They'll track and follow our every command."

Dragono: "Good. Good. So any luck finding those three?"

Black arm: "They're within the camp somewhere. We don't know where but they're here."

The spider starts freaking out a bit.

Dragono: "What's his problem?"

Black arm: "They're near."

He lets him out and he starts crawling around the room until he starts getting a little too attached to the lockers.

Espio: "Uh ohh."

Dragono: "Check those lockers."

Two of the black arms whip out their guns and aim them at the locker. Espio starts to run out of ideas. They approach it and open only to find a pile of armor onto the bottom. The spider starts sqeaking and sniffs them.

Dragono: "Maybe he was sniffing us."

Black arm: "Or maybe they were here. Secure the building."

Two of them leave the room.

Black arm: "The ingredients we made for the new essence was safely delivered to the Comet."

Dragono: "Good. I don't want no problems."

They leave the room with the spider and Espio exits the locker.

Espio: "Thank you mother for camouflage skills."

He exits and walks out the door invisible. He walks down the hallway and see's a swarm of spiders crawling within the hallway. There are guards everywhere with guns. Dragono is walking with the black arm lieutenants.

Dragono: "If they were here, we would've saw them by now."

Black arm: "Sir with all due respect our spiders are never wrong. They probably snuck in."

Dragono: "There's no way there would be anyone here."

Espio walks back. he continues walking through the facility that's functioning. He goes through a door without anyone looking. He goes down some stairs and notices something. He's far underground. His walkie talkie can barely range below. He continues walking to a glowing light and notices.

Espio: "A reactor? Hmmm?"

He gets a cunning idea to bring in one of the rays and give them a taste of their own medicine. He goes back the way he came. He notices a guard standing next to the door. He sneak grabs him and stabs him with his kunei without making a noise or anyone spotting. He takes off the black arms gear and weapon. He has a way to blend in again. He walks out and sees the hallway with spiders sniffing around.

Espio: "Alright Espio. Just get through here and get one of them."

He walks through the hallways heading to the range. He walks past all sniffing spiders. Some of them hitting each other.

Espio: "Shouldn't have been sleeping under that water."

He goes and makes towards the door with a squad of Black arms and Dragono.

Black arm: "Sir should we start moving the lasers?"

Dragono: "Yeah. Bring em all out. We'll be leaving early."

They all start walking down and putting the lasers on crate walkers moving them up. Espio goes down to the range and grabs the last one. He starts moving it on his own avoiding all spiders. They all start marinating on the ground and espio accidentally steps on it.

Espio: "Ahh Shit."

He keeps pushing and moving until he gets to the door. He makes sure no one was in sight and goes through. While that's going on. A group of spiders start walking around the hallway with Dragono heading the same way back. he notices about 2-3 of them at the door espio was at and he thinks something is in there. He opens the door and follows the path of footsteps espio left behind.

Espio: "Alright."

He starts accessing it typing and the laser looks like it's ready. His senses kick in and he quickly jumps up dodging the fireball that has been sent towards him.

Dragono: "So traitor? Trying to blow this place up?"

Espio: "Yes."

Dragono: "I honestly thought you might've escaped the jungle. Or a wild animal must've done you guys in."

He unclothes the armor that was on him and goes invisible. Dragono still sees the spider crap at the bottom of one of his shoes. The laser looks ready to fire and Dragono decides to aim it at Espio.

Dragono: "Time for some target practice."

Espio jumps out of the way invisible and dragono fires towards him. It blast the ground and he fires one after the other at the speeding Chameleon. Espio sends a star at the dragon and it hits him in the face.

Dragono: "Ow."

He pricks it out and blows a fireball. He looks around to see where he is but nothing in sight. Espio appears above without him noticing and decides to attack. He jumps down and punches him in the face. He delivers kung fu attacks at him until Dragono rings out his tail and spins around sending Espio back. He Screeches in the air calling the spiders and a swarm start crawling from within the walls. He charges the laser at full power while the spiders attack him. He sends shurikens at them killing some of them but not all of them. He tries to make room but can't. Some start sending webs at him but he cuts them up with his kunei. He stabs and kicks them out of the way and runs. He tries running past Dragono and is caught in a web. Dragono finishes charging the laser and fires towards Espio. He ducks and caughts the web and is free. The laser misses and hits the reactor instead.

Dragono: "Oh shit."

It blows up a partial of it and is starting to glow a bit. It starts overloading.

Dragono: "Every man for himself!"

He flies out to the surface thanks to a hatch that leads to the surface. Espio runs cutting spiders and anything in is path up the stairs. An runs towards the exit with black arms escaping with weapons and guns. Some notice him and try to attack but he dodges and makes to the exit door.

Lake

They been floating for about 16 minutes now.

Charmy: "Where is he? We need to go."

Vector: "He'll be here. Patience. He probably is-"

*BOOM*

A load explosion happens out in the distance. A giant ball of fire enters the air.

Vector: "What the hell?"

Charmy: "Holy mother of-"

A bunch of gunshots and screaming can be heard. Vector starts the boat and sees something. A vehicle moving through the jungle. Gun fire can be heard.

Base

Espio jumps from the explosion and falls on his face with raging fire burning and flying everywhere. It scorches and blows away everyone in the blasts besides espio. He's lying on the ground and immediately takes advantage of the situation. He notices a few vehicles. He slashes anyone in his path. The sounds of screaming can be heard of those coming from the scorched base. A few grenades are flying out and blowing up. Espio dodges them. He stops beside a Humvee and beats he black arm in there senselessly. He jacks it and drives. He is followed by a dragon flying in the air.

Dragono: "All Units! We found them and they destroyed the base. RIP THESE SONS OF BITCHES TO PIECES!"

8:02

5 hours left

Mobotropolis

Cream is In 1st period. She looks at the news on tv the teacher left on. Everyone in class is mobian except for one. He's Black. He wears glasses and has twist for a hairstyle. He's dressed in red and black. He passes the tape to him and grabs it. He puts in headphones and plays it. It's the same tape she made from Gloom on the Ark.

Ash: "Wait so is this the guy?"

Cream: "Yep. We know your dad works for GUN? Can you please send that to him?"

Ash: "Yeah, sure. How did you get him to talk?"

Cream: "I have my ways."

Ash: "And they let you near him?"

Cream: "May you please send that to him or anyone with the high authority?"

Ash: "I'll send it to him. make sure he gets it."

Cream: "Thanks."

He raises his hand and ask to go to the bathroom. He walks out with his bag and the tape. He goes to the restroom and copies it down with his phone and flash drive. He sends it to his father via email who works for GUN and is currently in Central City. He goes out and heads back to class. The tv is playing the news and shows stories of the black arms and others. Abraham is on TV.

News reporter: "Mr. Abraham. Is it true you have the leader of the black arms in custody?"

Abraham: "Yes. We currently have in under super vision and in custody right at this moment."

News Reporter: "Is the leader confirmed to be shadow the hedgehog?"

Abraham: "No. these are two different people."

News reporter: "Does he serve any relation towards him?"

Abraham: "I'm sorry, that information is classified."

News Reporter: "How do we know he's not a double agent for these things."

Steve: "That's a real good question guys. How do we know he's not working with them?"

Abraham: "I don't have time for this."

He walks up the stairs with more questions from the press overflowing the area with Gun soldiers blocking and shoving them away.

Steve: "Shadow can't be trusted."

Cream: "But he helped stop them on the ark."

Steve: "Says who? It was that Sonic guy who got him."

Claire: "Oh that blue hedgehog. He is so hot and dreamy."

Dylan: "Pssh. im cuter."

Raul: "He is better than you in every way man don't come at him."

Dylan: "He may be faster but im more sexy."

Teacher: "You kids are crazy."

Raul: "Honestly I'm gonna have to side with Steve on this. how do we not know Shadow is a double agent? I mean we heard the stories of him and he did pass by my neighborhood once."

Tasha: "He is actually a nice guy. I got a pic with him once."

Claire: "I find that black hedgehog more adorable than Sonic. Hey cream, you have more experience. What do you think."

Cream: "You're wrong about him. he's on our side."

Steve: "Did you not here double agent come out of my mouth. He could be working with the enemy by getting close with us."

Cream: "Believe me, he's better than that. That's not who he is."

Steve: "How do you know."

Ash: "I vouch for her. he's actually not a bad guy. My dad worked with him once."

Teacher: "So anyone heard about those black arm people?"

Claire: "Yes. They're starting to kidnap people."

Steve: "I heard they kidnapped a girl here."

Claire: "If they're starting to kidnap people, why not just kill him now?"

Steve: "Facts."

Blaire: "Honestly, lets just kill him and the other guy. I don't like the way they look.

Dylan: "Oh c'mon man the guy did help us time and time again from that eggman guy."

Reggie: "I thought he was a mercenary?"

Cream: "But years ago he took out the leader of the black arms. The original one."

Steve: "I honestly think he's rogue. He plays for the winning side and takes out the leader to get to power. Either way I don't trust the guy."

Teacher: "You guys can have a simple conversation about Aliens but can't turn in work for me."

Claire: "We're working on it. Right now we're talking about a new world order that's planning to take over."

Teacher: "Oh please. We whoop these things before. We'll do it again."

The ground starts to tremble for a second. The news comes on.

Sarah: "I'm not the only one that felt that right?"

News Reporter: "Right now there are possible earthquakes happening in certain areas around the world. we recommend all people to stay indoors or different locations."

Teacher: "These have been some stranger days."

The principle comes within the mic on the announcer.

Principle: "Excuse me boys and girls and staff. I just wanted to make sure everyone is okay. For now on I'm gonna have to take away off school lunches for a little while, I know you're all upset and it sucks and the district has decided to cancel all after school activities until further notice. That means all you have to clear off campus for a little while. The reason why is for the safety and betterment of you all. I just got a phone call stating that two of our beloved children here was recently kidnapped by the organization or new terrorist group known as the black arms. The two Lillith and ben have just been safely returned thanks to the freedom fighters. We thank them and hold them out in our hearts. I would like to say to all of you out there to stay safe. Don't get into trouble and keep a lookout. We'll be watching you guys 24/7. If you know anything, don't hesitate to tell a legal adult or gurdian. I wish you all safe and hope you don't do anything reckless. I love you all lets make it a good day today."

Sarah: "You gotta be fucking kidding me."

Claire: "Oh c'mon."

Ash: "Damn."

Cream: *sigh*

Reggie: "That's some fucking bull shit."

Teacher: "Language and I see everyone is upset but we might get early dismissal. We just need you to understand for the safety of you guys you must be home."

Blaire: "Freedom is starting to get taken away. Fuck that guy whoever he is leading the freaks."

Dylan: "I change my mind lets kill him."

Steve: "Thank you. someone gets it."

Cream: "Over school privileges being taking away?"

Steve: "For all freedom being taken away soon. Fuck him and black arms."

Cream: "It's only temporary. They'll probably surrender."

Teacher: "I doubt it. Knowing nature itself, they'll just get riled up and strike others."

Ash: "To be fair cream. They won't stop. They certainly have the attention they sucked so much for. Might as well strike them first."

Reggie: "What's to strike we have the leader in our fingers ready to snap his neck. lets get it over with so we can return to our normal lives. Businesses are being shut down and food places are getting closed because of these assholes. Most of all the food."

Cream Conscience: "Wow idiot. You're worried about the food?"

She starts thinking to herself about the island and Gloom. She checks her phone and remembers. Her mother saying she'll be working from home for a while. She checks her phone and look at tails messages she sent. He hasn't responded yet. She checks her social media looking at the likes she got from her vids and pics. She looks at the fight with Blaire boyfriend. Another video at the time.

Steve: "Yep. I been waiting for this."

Claire: "Oh please, what the hell are you gonna do?"

Steve: "What are you gonna do you skinny bitch?"

Teacher: "Heeeyyy."

Steve: "Sorry."

Claire: "My dad has a secret stache. If those black freaks step across our lawn, they got another thing coming."

Steve: "Why would they want to get your ass? What do they got to gain from you?"

Claire: "They probably prefer the pretty ones than you. They might just eat you."

Ash: "They don't eat us."

Steve: "Then what do they do with us?"

The bell rings. 1st period is over.

Teacher: "Allright guys, stay safe. Make sure you all turn in the assignment I sent to you."

Cream and the rest of the class walk out. Ash follows cream and they stop at the edge of the hallway with other kids walking around. Cream walks into the boys restroom but not all the way in. she stands and waits for ash.

Ash: "So is it true? We're going to war?"

Cream: "Seems like it."

Ash: "Damn. Well, might as well get ready. So what happened to that Sonic guy?"

Cream: "Haven't seen him since yesterday. Seems like he did save sally since they found one of ours back."

Ash: "Awesome. I noticed I haven't seen you around with the pink one. How is she?"

Cream: "She's fine. She's in the united federation right now, clearing things up with them."

Ash: "Hmm. I just hope my dads alright. I did sent it to him."

Cream: "Thanks for that."

Bret the cat walks up. The same guy he was playing with tails on the game yesterday. He slaps ash's hand and hugs it.

Bret: "Sup man."

Ash: "Sup."

Bret: "Uhh you do know this is the boys right?"

Cream: "Relax. I'm just here on some personal business."

Bret: "Wow, you like jumping boyfriends like Blaire?"

Cream: "It's not like that."

Bret: "So where's the fox guy?"

Cream: "Not here. Haven't seen him."

Bret: "Don't you have a crush on him."

Ash: "Dude shut up and stop getting into people's business."

Bret: "Okay I'll stop. Meanwhile I'm gonna skip."

He walks off towards the cafeteria.

Ash: "That guy. But no really how is he?"

Cream: "He's on the same mission trying to find Sally. I think they probably did."

The ground starts rumbling again. the whole hallway and silent for a moment.

Ash: "What the hell is these earthquakes."

Cream: "I don't wanna find out. I say they end school early and send us home."

Ash: "I agree. Anyway I'mma head to band. See ya."

Cream: "Later."

She walks to her math class. She enters the math room and sees her teacher watching the news. A kid in the class calls out something on his computer showing something.

Sam: "Guys. They found something hovering in the sky."

The whole classroom runs to him and notices something. A dark figure floating in the clouds above the white jungle. A rock shaped object floating a bit above the atmosphere and it disappears."

Paul: "Y'all think it's probably those creatures?"

Henry: "Hope not."

Meanwhile the black comet

Sonic Is asleep. He wakes up over and over again from the uncomfortableness of being left in chains and nowhere to sleep on. The Mystery enters and walks in with his blade in hand. He over hears and is met with the smell of chili dogs within his face. He quickly wakes up.

Sonic: "No more. Please no more."

?: "You have nothing to worry about. I thought you were hungry."

Sonic: "Please…"

He feeds him the chili dogs from the plate. He eats about three of them.

Sonic: "Thanks. That hit the spot."

The mystery sits in front of Sonic legs crossed. He stairs at him.

?: …

Sonic: "You're not like the others are you?"

?: "What do you mean by that."

Sonic: "Seriously now, what's your deal? You don't talk much, you're nicer than the others, you don't spit in my face or try to kill me?"

?: "I… uhhhhh…"

Sonic: "Are you shy?"

?: "A little."

Sonic: "What's under the helmet?"

?: …

Sonic: "Hey, I asked you a question."

?: "Nothing."

Sonic: "What's under the helmet my guy?"

?: "Nobody. I am nobody."

Sonic: "hmmm."

?: "The one known as shadow? Why did he betray us?"

Sonic: "Why would he? He didn't even know who's side to fight on."

?: "He didn't know."

Sonic: "A lot of things have happened since. He was asleep for 50 years and escaped thanks to the doctor. He's actually a nice guy."

?: "What happened?"

Sonic: "Well him and I battled a giant space lizard."

?: "The bio-lizard?"

Sonic: "Yeah. We managed to stop him but he chose to take it all and beat him. the emeralds drew on positive and negative energy. He was drawing on negative while I was drawing on positive. He could've made it but he fell. The negative energy is far more weaker. It makes you a bit stronger if you know how to use it properly. He used up all his energy and we destroyed it. I was celebrating during the moment then I saw him tired. He was just floating back a bit and I was running out of energy. I tried to save him but…"

?: "He fell to the planet."

Sonic: "Yeah. I know it wasn't my fault but I know I could've saved him. At least he turned out fine. I mean the guy did had to go through a lot of stuff to uncover the truth of his past. He even discovered some stuff he didn't know about and it all came back to him. Apparently he suffered some memory trauma when he crashed. Eggman and his robots saved him.

?: "But why did he do what he did to our leader?"

Sonic: "Because he did it to protect this planet and the people to live on."

?: …

Sonic: "Who are you?"

?: "I don't know."

Sonic: "no seriously, who are you?"

?: "I don't know."

Sonic: "What do you want?"

?: "I don't know."

Sonic: "Can you remove the mask?"

The mystery looks at him in a confusing moment. He reaches towards his helmet and almost unleashes it. He removes his hands and keeps it on.

?: "I'd rather not show you."

Sonic: "Why?"

?: "For your safety. I'd rather not."

Sonic: "You have doubt… You wanna be friends?"

?: "Friends?"

Sonic: "You know what that is?"

?: "I…"

Sonic: "It's okay… Sorry for pressuring you with all these questions."

?: "N-no its… it's fine.

Flashback

Remembers a cave where he had room mate. A tiger within the jungles of Adabat. He used to live there. He remembers having a fond bond with him and a few other animals around. he adabted and fought. His brain had a mind of it's own. He was a wild animal before. He enjoyed his life until one day the hunters came. He has a hot flash and falls .

Flashback ends

?: "AAAAHHHH!"

He falls onto the ground and unleashes sonic's blade. The electricity surges around him in a dark green energy. Sonic looks at it in shock. He drops the sword and walks back to the wall.

Sonic: "You okay?"

The mystery trembles on his knees. He thinks about the tiger and controls his head. he focuses and walks to him.

?: "Sorry you had to see that."

Sonic: "It's fine. Anything you want to talk about."

?: "It's a long time ago."

Sonic: "That is what we call a bad memory my friend. We all have them."

The mystery looks at him and picks up the blade. He puts the sheath.

Sonic: "So you know how to use chaos control?"

?: "A little."

Sonic: "So the emeralds are here?"

?: "We found the cyon emerald on you."

Sonic: "guess that makes four emeralds for you guys."

?: "It will be 5 later."

Sonic: "Unless I beat you to it."

?: …

Sonic: "So did I save those people?"

?: "Yes. And I'm grateful you did."

Sonic: "So killing innocents isn't your thing?"

?: "Unless I'm told to. I will."

Sonic: "Says who?"

?: "My leader."

Sonic: "Gloom?"

?: "Yes."

Sonic: "Do you enjoy it?"

?: …

Sonic: "Do you?"

?: "No"

Sonic: "How did you meet him?"

?: "I'm not allowed to say."

The door opens. The behemoth walks in.

Behemoth: "Et dominae eorum manifestationem petierit a vobis. pars consilii tu ipsa velit."

?: "et ducam eum et ero purus."

He exits and walks out.

?: "Well. It's almost time. we should go now. Would you like anything to drink?"

Sonic: "Where are we going?"

?: "To central city."

Uncuffs the chains and places new chains on him. He chains his legs and makes sure he can't run. He walks with him in chains and out to the hallway. They walk to through the comet passing battle units and warriors all staring at them.

Sonic: "Any chance you can just teleport us there?"

The mystery takes out the cyon emerald and teleports them both to the brig. They appear before Despara who's in a new dress. Her hair running down on her bad eye covering it. Her wounds look healed.

Despara: "Oh good you're here."

Sonic: "It's certainly not a pleasure to see you again."

Despara: "Do you like my new dress?"

Sonic: "Looks wonderful."

Despara: "Do you know who these are?"

She brings up the video footage of the base exploding. She brings up images of the chaotix.

Sonic: "Yeah guys. Keep up the work."

They bring up a live video footage of the team in the jungle.

Sonic: "You won't catch em."

Despara: "Oh but we will. We have a ton of forces down there ready to kill them."

Sonic: "You really underestimate us freedom fighters."

Despara: "I know. It's something I need to break out of."

She puts the video live showing the team running for their lives.

Despara: "Right now our sources say they know about the events that happened and what is yet to come. We can't have no witnesses nor anyone fumbling our plans. So you must understand that they have to die."

Sonic: "You won't stop them. they got a job."

Despara: "we shall see."

Sonic: "So what do you guys want from me? why keep me?"

Despara: "An exchange. Trade."

Sonic: "Prisoner swap for gloom."

Despara: "No we're smarter than that. We know they won't trade gloom for anything. So we're busting him out today."

Sonic: "Good luck with that. They're armed to the teeth. They'll take you guys out so fast that it's not even funny."

Despara: "Just keep talking. Our buddy standing next to you resolved that problem."

Sonic: "Hm?"

?: "We have a plan to bust him out by force."

Sonic: "So what is it you need me for? Where do I come in?"

?: "You'll be apart of something else we want. Well Gloom wants for me."

Sonic: "What is it?"

?: "Wait and see."

Sonic: "Oh I can't wait to see this."

Meanwhile in the white jungle

9:10am

4 hours until the bombs go off

Play this if you want some action. Plus, it sets the mood. ( watch?v=-6YQrd_hv-A)

Espio is driving like he stole it. Even though he did. He has gunfire and bullets firing at him. he's driving through the jungle going near trees. He smashes other vehicles chasing him out of the way. He drives heading to body of water. the jungle is after him. he grabs a gun on the seat and fires at them back, he jumps off a cliff and on a body of war that still allows him to drive. He drives on the shallow body of water. thankfully this is the right vehicle for it. There is a dragon following him. he fires fireballs that miss him because of his tossing, turning, and swerving. He enters a tree area where he drives left and right. A group of bikes come in firing at it. Some crash into the trees and others have a hard time keeping it steady. He shoots the driver of an approaching vehicle. The vehicle spins out and crashes into the tree. Espio continues driving until he comes into an open field. With the jungle surrounding him. he sees the river and his partners driving. He drives towards them, trying to get close. They get separated by a fireball from the sky.

Dragono: "You ain't getting away from me!"

He fires more and more missing the team. Espio drives through a terrain that looks made for a roller coaster. He jumps over a few hills and gaps with loop de loops and the bikes and cars crash or clear them all. They continue firing until one bullet hits a good spot of the vehicle that makes it start smoking and on fire. Espio puts a tool box from the back onto the gas pedal and hops on top of the Humvee and notices a few bikes. He sends a kunei at the driver and jumps towards the bike and jacking it. He rides the dirt bike while the runaway Humvee crashes and explodes the other two bikes out of the picture. Espio pulls out a sub mg he managed to snag out of the truck. He rides towards the north of the jungle with a few more vehicles and an angry Black arm elite on his tail.

River

Charmy drives the boat trying to catch up while Vector aides Espio's escape the best he can. He shoots at the ongoing vehicles chasing espio until they go out of site. A few boats and ground vehicles drive up to the two and fire at them. Charmy bumps and pushes them away. Vector shoots at the boats and vehicles. He kills the drivers and they crash or they lose them. Charmy heads down stream and slams into a rock forcing him to spin out.

Vector: "Keep this thing steady."

Charmy: "Sorry."

He drives back on course. They notice Espio driving near and they drive towards them. A fireball is fired at them. they dodge it.

Dragono: "You ain't getting away from me!"

They continue down stream.

Charmy: "We need to get this guy off us."

Vector looks around for options and notices a cave.

Vector: "That cave! Go!"

Charmy drives towards the watery cave with boats and jet skis of enemies following them. Vector shoots at one and reloads with the ammo on board the boat. Charmy takes whatever path he can and dodges the onslaught of bullet fire. They jump down a waterfall gap that's a 10 feet drop. The boats are still following aiming to kill. Charmy drives towards the stalagtites dodging and weaving the obsticles. Two enemy boats crash and hit the rocks while the others followed the path they followed. The boats start to come up from each side and they start to move closer and closer. They sandwich charmy and vector and 4 of them board. Vector fights them off and bites one mauling him back and forth and tosses him off. The tunnel starts to get smaller and the boats from each side start to get damaged by the walls. Charmy hits the gas hard and the boats start to become crushed. Fire starts to grow on them and they spin out freeing the middle boat. the pedals hit the water and they boost fast. The boats explode and they jump out of the cave.

Charmy: "Yeah!"

Vector: "Alright!"

They drive down the lake towards the north and notice more enemy vehicles chasing after a motorbike.

Charmy: "Crap. He needs our help."

Vector: "Get us closer, we can catch up."

Espio rides his bike onto the sand with the jeeps and Humvees firing at him. He sees a destroyed bridge and jumps the it with the jeeps falling into the river. He lands onto a road on the other side with more bike and trucks chasing after him. a military truck with a turret on top comes from nowhere and starts firing at Espio. He uses the sub machine and fires at the truck behind him. it takes a little damage but pursues him more. They shoot at him missing him. A few bikes from from the side and he shoots them off. The truck shoots at the boat that's from the side. Espio shoots at the shooter and kills him. espio leaps from the bike and onto the hood of the truck with the gunner on top. He faces the driver through the shielded window and balls his fists. He channels his energy into his right hand and punches the windshield. He grabs the driver and tosses him out and he hits a tree. Espio hops in and takes the wheel. The guys take notice and pull the boat over to the side. Espio stops the truck and waits for the team. They hurry and get in.

Vector: "Nice job."

Espio: "We're not out of this yet."

He hands the hard drive with all the black arms information on it.

Charmy: "What is this?"

Espio: "All the information I gathered. We gotta head to the westopolis."

More trucks come from nowhere and fire at them.

Charmy: "Drive!"

He hits the gas and vector gets in the gunner. He pushes out the dead black arm and takes control of the gunner. He pulls out and starts chewing with his famous bubble gum he invented himself with the power of his Vector Breath.

Vector: "Man, I forgot how spicely good these things tasted."

Black comet

Despara and sonic watch as they escape and fight off the black arm army that's been sent to them.

Sonic: "See? I told you that they can handle themselves."

Despara: "Very interesting. But lets see how long until die tired. What time is it?"

?: "10:01"

3 hours left

Despara: "Good. Almost time."

GUN Fortress

Shadow and Amy walk into an elevator with Cal. They go down underground. About 200 feet down. They exit the elevator and make it towards the holding cell. They see him being talked to by a few other GUN Soldiers. His face is beaten. He has a black eye. His nose bloodied.

Gun Soldier: "It's good that you don't talk. We can take our sweet time."

She punches him on the side of his face. He's holded by the rings Eggman made to trap super sonic once. He's in a chair and his hands cuffed.

Gloom: "It sure is sweet not to talk."

She slaps him.

Gloom: *Laughing* "Pain, I already felt. This pleasure."

She looks at him confused. She looks back at the window seeing her commanding officer and Shadow. They all walk out to confront him.

Gloom: "Where you guys going? I get lonely sometimes. C'mon?"

They enter the room with Shadow and Amy. they salute Cal and shadow.

Cal: "At ease fellas. Any luck?"

Anderson: "Besides finding how much of a perv he is, no not a thing."

Shadow: "You won't break him like that."

Anderson: "You're welcome to try. He won't talk"

They enter the cell. A 20 feet wide each side cell with cameras on him 24/7. Gloom looks up and turns happy.

Gloom: "Hey guys. Finally something worth talking to."

Shadow: "Hey Gloom."

Amy: "Hey."

Gloom: "How's it going sister in law?"

Amy and shadow blush from hearing that.

Amy: "N-no, it's not-"

Gloom: "Kidding, kidding. Is there anyone here who understands a joke."

Shadow: "I do."

Gloom: "I know you do. You just got used to it."

Shadow: "Well I always was the one to listen."

Gloom: *chuckle* "So a little birdy told me last night that the blue guy saved all those people."

Shadow: "What people?"

Gloom: "Oh the people we kidnapped who know about us."

Cal: "What!"

Gloom: "Whoops!"

Shadow: "So he did save sally?"

Amy: "Yes!"

Gloom: "Aww well we still got our plans rolling."

Shadow: "What plans?"

Gloom: "Nothing you wouldn't do."

Amy: "So how have you been lately?"

Gloom: "Good they been treating me vey nice."

Amy: "Really?"

Gloom: "Yeah. And I'm not saying that because you see a brutally beaten face, nor is that sarcasm. I mean it. This place is great, reminds me of home. Sure wish dad could've seen this."

Shadow: "He did. He wanted me to retrieve data and intel."

Gloom: "And you did."

Shadow: "I regret doing it for him."

Gloom: "Aw well. You had your fun. So can I have that black arm essence now? The black one?"

Shadow: "No. why do you need it?"

Gloom: "I don't need it. But someone close to us does."

Shadow: "Who?"

Gloom: "Who do you think?"

Shadow: …

Gloom: "You got it."

Shadow: "No way. He's dead."

Gloom: "Oh c'mon man. You met him in your dreams. He's actually a nice guy if you get to know him."

Shadow: "There is no way."

Amy: "Who are you guys talking about?"

They stop and looks at the gun agents writing and talking behind the window listening.

Shadow: "We can't really say much. Well, at least I can't."

Amy: "Okay. So what does that black vile do?"

Gloom: "It's hard to explain for your understanding. It's not just some vile of Black goo. It's alive."

Shadow: "So what does it want?"

Gloom: "whoever claims it, it guides."

Shadow: "So if I have mine, and the black one is his. Where's your's?"

Gloom: "How do you think I'm able to perform all those other tricks?"

Shadow: "Yeah, so can i."

Gloom: "Well, I technically unleashed something that was inside of you. The spikes stuff and the Black arm part of you. you must've had the same thing I had. Our father must've gave you a fraction of that before you awakened. I guess you're more interesting than me."

Shadow: "So I have your-"

Gloom: "Yep. You got my gift. Now where's yours?"

Shadow: "Not here."

Gloom: "You pussy. Okay. If I wonder, if you got my gift, that could also mean I could…"

Shadow: "Could what?"

Gloom: "Nothing just getting off topic. Anyway, you do know I'm gonna break out this place right?"

Shadow: "And why's that?"

Gloom: "I got unfinished business. First things first is that I gotta take out the competition."

Shadow: "GUN?"

Gloom: "Not just them."

Cal opens the door and calls the two.

Cal: "Hey, we got a situation. They requested you."

Gloom: "Aw come on?"

Amy: "Don't worry we'll be back."

Gloom: "Please. I get lonely In here sometimes."

Amy and Shadow walk out and towards elevator they came in.

Shadow: "What's the problem?"

Cal: "we got a message from one of our sources. Apperently someone on the ark managed to get some intel out of Gloom before we even got him here."

They head up to meet Abraham. They enter the control room and see him sitting in the chair.

Abraham: "Oh good. You're here."

Shadow: "Yeah so what?"

Abraham: "Play it."

They hit the recording from cream and Glooms interaction on the ark.

Shadow: "Oh yeah, she did do that."

Abraham: "Impressive little girl. Who is she?"

Amy: "A friend back home."

Abraham: "I gotta meet her one day. Anyway, Our next target is holaska, but where?

Shadow: "Wherever the fraction of the black comet landed. Black doom had secrets we didn't even know about."

Abraham: "So out in the freezing cold."

Shadow: "Yeah."

A soldier runs into the room panicking.

GUN soldier: "Sir, we're detecting an unidentified object flying south from westopolis. In the jungle south."

Abraham: "Give me images."

They pull up the images of the black comet on the monitor. The bottom part of it can be seen below in the clouds.

Abraham: "Any satellites flying in that area?"

Gun lieutenant: "Yes sir."

Abraham: "Any way to fire at it?"

Gun Lieutenant: "Not on target. It's far off, won't reach it."

Abraham: "Dammit."

Shadow: "You should send troops there. They could be planning an attack."

Abraham: "Good idea. Send troops in, we could possibly be under another alien attack!"

Gun soldier: "Yes sir!"

He runs out.

Cal: "Kinda weird that they'd be planning something on the day you show up to meet gloom."

Abraham: "Cool it Cal."

Shadow: "I'm not a double agent if that's what you're suspecting."

Cal: "Just know. Im watching you."

Gun lieutenant: "Sir we're getting a phone call from the freedom fighters. It's from Miles prower and Princess Sally."

Abraham: "Answer it."

They answer and sally's face is on video feed in the board room.

Sally: "Thank chaos we finally got a signal."

Abraham: "It's good to know you're alright. what happened?"

Sally: "We managed to get the prisoners and everyone who has been kidnapped by those creatures out."

Abraham: "Good."

Sally: "That's not all. You need to keep eyes on Gloom. They're planning an attack on all cities today. Gloom has something planning for you guys."

Abraham: "We already have troops hurrying to westopolis. And other countries have been notified."

Sally: "I don't know. I managed to get some intel off them. we been trying to contact you from mazuri but haven't been able to."

Abraham: "Of course they'd be hiding out into third world countries for hiding."

Sally: "Listen. We lost sonic in the process. He was captured. We fought off as many as we can and escaped. We're on the way back to mobotropolis. The escaped prisoners are in our custody. We can bring transport them all home if we can."

Abraham: "Good. Keep an eye out."

Sally: "Have you guys gotten anything from the chaotix team?"

Abraham: "Chaotix? That private detective ageny? Have we got anything from them?"

Gun lieutenant: "No reports came in sir."

Sally: "They should've contacted you guys by now."

Abraham: "No. sorry no reports came in."

Tails: "Sally. We're almost there."

Sally: "We'll contact you later. We're gonna land soon."

Abraham: "Okay. Stay safe."

The video call ends.

Abraham: "Send a team to the jungle."

Gun Lieutenant: "Right away sir."

Shadow: "I'll be down there keeping my eye on him."

Cal: "Not without me you're not."

Amy: "And me."

Shadow: "Listen amy, I suggest you just leave him to me. maybe you should stay out of it."

Amy: "Can't do that. Everyone else is doing everything they can. I have to help as well."

Shadow: "Damn it woman. Alright fine."

She follows back to the cell where gloom is. The three enter.

Gloom: "Bene nunc. III, qui facit zmaragdos amplius invenire. nice officium in a captis propioribus hyacintho Erinaceus. Ego ibo podeces autem protinus te videre, sunt retro."

Shadow: "Who were you talking to?"

Gloom: "don't worry about it. Found that last emerald yet?"

Shadow: "Wasn't hard."

Flashback

Amy rose's house

After sonic left to find sally

Tails lands in front of the house of amy rose. He lets them off onto the ground and they fly off. They enter the house.

Amy: "Man what a long trip."

Shadow: "It was only three days."

Amy: "Feels longer."

She stretches and flops onto her couch. Shadow sits down next to Amy. She rest her head onto his lap.

Amy: "I'm sorry."

Shadow: "For what?"

Amy: "For getting in the way on the ark."

Shadow: "You didn't do anything wrong. You were only protecting him. I wasn't really gonna let him kill him. believe me."

Amy: "But I got shot."

Shadow: "It wasn't your fault."

Amy: "So what are they gonna do with him?"

Shadow: "I don't know."

Amy: "I'm gonna go take a shower. I should be expecting the stuff from tails."

Shadow: "I'll be down here waiting for him."

He walks to the pictures of Amy when she was younger.

Shadow: "She was so cute. Still wonder who they are."

A knock comes from the front door. Shadow answers.

Rouge: "You wanna go get that emerald. Right now is a good time."

Shadow: "Fine. Where?"

Rouge: "Grand metropolis. An auction for jewelry."

Shadow: "Of course it is."

Shower

Amy is in the shower taking a bath. She pours the soap into her hand and starts rubbing her body and quils. She gets shampoo and rubs it into her head. She thinks about the little moment she had on the ark with Gloom. The moment she was singing. She thinks about him a little more. About how he healed her with shadow. How he is so normal. She remembers the videos. The photos of Maria.

Amy: "He used to be so kind. What happened?"

Grand metropolis

Mansion estate

A lot of rich people. human and mobian, dressed in the finest attire. They all have jewely on. They're hiding in the rooftops. They watch the party in a wonderful day. Violinist playing music.

Rouge: "Somebody found it and they're selling it for the highest bidder."

Shadow: "I should've worn a suit for this occasion."

Rouge: "So you have the money to get what we want?"

Shadow: "No but I like to fit in sometimes."

They start moving.

Rouge: "Maybe I should've worn my dress for this?"

Shadow: "We're only stealing it. No one's gonna know."

Rouge looks down. They bring out the emerald. A man stands on stage wearing his best outfits. He unleashes the cloth showing it.

Rouge: "Look."

The white shining emerald.

Shadow: "Yep. There she is."

Rouge: "How do we get it?"

Shadow: "To many guards around. A lot of cameras. Okay, I'll be back."

Rouge: "You got a plan?"

Shadow: "Yep."

On the stage is the man.

Rich investor: "With this emerald, it will cost $400,000 right now."

Man: "750,000"

Man: "900,000"

Shadow: "Chaos Control!"

The crowd goes silent for a moment wondering what that was about.

Rich investor: *gasp* "The emerald is gone!"

Rouge: "What the hell shadow?"

Shadow: "Hey."

Rouge: "Gaaah! How did you?"

Shadow: "Freezed time. I walked down there grabbed the emerald and got back up here."

Rouge: "Hmm… can you-"

Shadow: "Already ahead of you."

He gives her a few jewels she stole off some them rich people.

Rouge: "Awww, thank you Shadow."

Shadow: "You owe me."

Rouge: "Uh-huh yeah, whatever."

Amy rose's house

She gets out of the shower. She walks in her room with a towel on. Shadow chills there seeing her half naked.

Shadow: "You were in the shower and you don't invite me?"

Amy: "Perv. You were welcomed to come in."

Shadow: "I remember that next time. Also I got you something."

He pulls out a necklace with a rose that has a red center for it. A green lining down the middle just a little bit.

Amy: *GASP* "Aww that's so thought- Wait a minute."

Shadow: "What it's fake?"

Amy: "How did you get this?"

Shadow: "What does it matter?"

Amy looks at him in suspicion.

Amy: "We were gone for a few days. These are actually very rare to find and buy."

Shadow smiles inconspicuously and Amy knows.

Shadow: "I went to went to grand metropolis."

Amy: "Oh yeah you can teleport."

Shadow: "And I also found this."

He shows her the emerald.

Amy: "Awesome. So now we-"

Shadow: "Find the other ones."

Amy's phone starts ringing. She walks over to it and answers.

Amy: "Hello?"

Abraham: "Hi, is this Amy rose?"

Amy: "Yes."

Abraham: "Is shadow the hedgehog there?"

She looks at the phone and back at shadow.

Amy: "It's for you."

Shadow gets up and walks. She hands him the phone.

Shadow: "Who is this?"

Abraham: "I'm sorry to disturb you and your lady. We need you."

Shadow: "For what?"

Abraham: "We need you here in central city ASAP. And bring the pink one along."

Shadow: "Why her?"

Abraham: "We know you and her are the only ones that can get close to Gloom mentally. We also know about your special connection."

Shadow: "That's pretty sick man. What you like watching others?"

Abraham: "Everything we do is sick. And for the greater good."

Shadow: "So when do you need us?"

Abraham: "Right now."

A knock comes from the front door with a chopper on the road. Amy looks outside to see them coming. She quickly dresses up and runs downstairs with her hammer.

Shadow: "I'll see you soon."

Shadow hangs up and walks down and opens the door.

Gun Soldier: "We need you to come with us. Commander- I mean… General Abraham requested your presence."

Shadow: "Okay."

He looks at Amy. She smiles.

Shadow: "Lets go."

Flashback ends

Gloom: "Hmph. Well I guess I get to experience that super form soon."

Shadow: "What do you mean?"

Gloom: "It doesn't matter. As long as they keep an eye out on that blue prick."

Amy: "Wait, you mean sonic?"

Gloom: "Yeah, Sonic. We got him."

Amy pulls out her hammer and aims it at him.

Amy: "If you so much as in-"

Shadow stands in front of him. he looks at Amy and holds his hand in front.

Gloom: "Whoa, is there something I don't know about?"

Shadow kicks him in the face.

Gloom: "Okay, I said the wrong thing."

She drops the hammer and walks off. Shadow begins to follow.

Gloom: "Hey bro. big question I like to ask you?"

Shadow: "Whats that?"

Gloom: "Do you hear it?"

Shadow: "Hear what?"

Gloom: "The sound of ticking within these walls. The sound of the hundreds of people here screaming. Choking. Begging for mercy. Do you smell it? Do you feel it coming? Do you know what it is?"

Shadow looks at him. wondering what he's talking about. he looks at him.

Gloom: "Tick tock Shadow. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock." *laughing*

He walks off to see Amy.

Gloom: "The clock is ticking Phase two me. Time to see who you really are."

White jungle

The chaotix are driving north. Vector is on the MG. he's shooting the vehicles chasing them.

Espio: "How far till we get there?"

Charmy: "1000 miles away."

Vector: "I'm running out of ammo up here!"

Still chewing on his gum.

Espio: "Shit."

A giant web hits the ground ahead of them and they get stuck.

Espio: "Shit we're stuck."

Charmy: "By what?"

Vector: "Oh… My…

A stab is sent through the truck.

Vector: "Get out now!"

They jump out quick and a giant mother spider can be seen dismantling the truck. They run 2 yards away and it jumps ahead of them.

Espio: "Oh my Chaos!"

Arachne: *Screech*

To Be Continued…