Act I: AWARE

Chapter VIII: Weak and Powerless

C.C.P.D. Main Station, Friday 10:15 AM

This was the most silent morning the detectives have had together.

Usually, the pair were talking it up – from movies, to sports, to the recent news, current cases.

Sonic and Tails could talk for hours. It's what made them such a fantastic team. Their chemistry as friends – and as partners – is what made them such incredible detectives.

This morning was vastly different.

The two sat in utter silence – and for once, one had no idea what was going through the other's mind.

It was like they completely fell out of sync overnight.

Was it the shock of seeing Shadow again? The sinister atmosphere of the basement? The unexpected near-death experience?

Perhaps it was a combination of all.

Sonic flipped through a scrapbook – pictures of the force in their early days.

His heart broke at pictures of Tikal, and even more at pictures of Shadow.

The case at hand didn't even cross his mind at this point – just the very fact that he saw his friend again, albeit as a dangerous, formidable, and powerful criminal.

His heart couldn't take it anymore.

Closing the book with a sigh, Sonic's hand rested on his temple.

Tails was going through notes, trying to link one thing to the next.

But – this wasn't their typical case, and for once?

The boys didn't know where to look next.

"The thing that boggles my mind the most, is Ashton's name being on that building."

Tails had finally broken the silence, his eyes shooting up to Sonic.

"Me too, buddy. Surely – Ashton wouldn't be involved in anything illegal, right? I mean - he was the most standup guy. We all loved him the minute we met him."

Tails rapped his fingers across his forehead, the bags under his eyes deepening.

"That gas activating. No one triggered anything. Someone had to have known we were there…"

Sonic sighed, grumbling under his breath. "This became way more screwed up then I thought."

The door opened, Sally stepping through with two guests.

"Someone heard you had a rough night…"

In walked Vanilla and Vector, with the rabbit's teenage daughter Cream.

Sonic perked up, a weak smile on his face.

"Vanilla! Pleasure seein' you this morning!"

Cream walked up to Tails, giving him a quick hug and a ruffle of his hair.

"Good to see you, Tails!"

Vanilla chuckled, setting down a basket on Sonic's desk, as he shook Vector's hand.

"Ah, yes. We knew you two have been working very hard with this – horrible tragedy. We had a little family outing this morning and thought you two could use some sweets."

Sonic sighed, watching as Tails chatted with Cream.

"Ah – well, we're trying our best."

Vector sighed, taking a seat across the desk. "The boys at the SWAT Station are heading down there tonight. They're gonna take a look around – see where that gas came from. This whole thing gets crazier and crazier…"

Sonic nodded, tossing some honey buns to Tails from across the room. "That's good to hear. It was – intense, to say the least."

Vector sighed, leaning forward a bit. "We heard you ran into Shadow, and some other folks that we've crossed paths with before."

Sonic didn't even know what to say at first, his heart beginning to pick up a bit. "We – we did. It was – sad, honestly…"

Tails shot a glance at Sonic, pursing his lips. Vector flashed him a toothy grin, rapping his fingers on the desk. "I'm sure it was crazy. Hell, I'd be surprised as well…"

The conversation interrupted as Knuckles came in the room, exchanging greetings with Vector and his family.

"Police raid on the club was a bust. None of Robotnik's squadron was there, but we managed to snag some things you might be interested in."

Knuckles placed a file on Sonic's desk, as he began to look through it. Tails sauntered over, leaning against his desk.

"These are…interesting."

Tails squinted, deciphering the blueprints that lay in front of him.

"This looks like some construction project... but for what?"

Sonic began typing into his search bar, casting glances between the blueprints and his computer.

He raised an eyebrow, as the results flooded onto his screen.

"That abandoned factory…? On St. Croix Street? Did Ivo buy out the building?"

Tails, Knuckles and Sally shared quizzical looks.

"That factory has been rundown for ages, now. Surely, Ivo wouldn't be trying to use it to build something, would he? Even then, how does any of this connect with Tikal?" Knuckles asked.

Sonic squinted. It all goes back to the basement of that tailor shop.

"That basement – in the tailor shop. Bean and Nack said there was NOTHING there. When the gas went off, Shadow said Robotnik's name…"

Vector and Vanilla were quiet, as the crocodile began writing the information of the factory down.

Sonic looked up, biting his lip. "That basement has to belong to Robotnik. It's under Ashton's name – which either means that Ashton was working with him before his death, or –"

"He got caught up in something he didn't realize." Tails cut in, as the pair locked eyes.

"And – furthermore, we KNOW Shadow and Robotnik are fighting right now, over what seems to be property. Seems like they're fighting for control over a portion of the city…"

Knuckles nodded, a small grin on his muzzle as he watched them deliberate.

He never got tired of these two putting pieces together.

"Shadow must have been down there looking for something related to Robotnik, and clearly with the gas, Robotnik does not want anyone poking around down there. So – he's running a very tight organization." Tails piped up.

Sonic nodded, cracking his fingers, before speaking up.

"Which leads ME to believe that Ashton definitely got caught up in something he wasn't supposed to… which means – "

Tails's eyes widened. "Which means it is very possible that Robotnik could have killed or had someone kill him."

Knuckles sucked in a gasp, as Sally sighed a heavy sigh.

"Scourge did say that Shadow was on the lookout for people with ties to law enforcement, which included Tikal. Perhaps… Tikal KNEW who killed her fiancé and was going to do something about it. Perhaps she KNEW Robotnik was involved – which led him too..."

Sonic stopped, as he and Tails nodded to each other.

Knuckles nodded, cracking his fingers.

"We need to put a warrant out for his arrest for the murder of Tikal the Echidna."

Mafia: Unknown Location. Friday 4:23 AM (Prior to the Police Discussion)

Shadow had his face buried in his hands.

Another bust – all at the hands of Robotnik.

Even if his plans weren't there, he had more locations he needed to cross of his list.

But – something stirred in his gut about the tailor shop.

Firstly, why would Sonic and Tails have been there also? That made no ounce of sense to him.

If they were on some wild goose chase for Robotnik, why would they be hellbent on arresting HIM, as well? Despite the fact that he was a criminal as well, but…

Something wasn't adding up.

And secondly, that portrait.

That looked an awful lot like him, and that girl looked an awful lot like -

He stopped himself. He told himself from that day on, he was not going to let her name cross his mind again.

Either way, the fact that the detectives were there was giving Shadow no short of anxiety. He wasn't going to let Robotnik stop him from continuing to expand his empire, and he surely wasn't going to lose it to those detectives – his former friends.

He knew Robotnik so desperately wanted what he had. The man had even admitted that to Shadow when they DID work together.

So, what does the fat man do? He tries to tear down Shadow's so his can come out on top.

That mere thought enraged the black hedgehog to no end.

Rouge had come in, momentarily interrupting Shadow of his thoughts, taking a seat across from his desk.

"I think I might know why Sonic and Tails were down there…"

Shadow raised an eyebrow, as Rouge slid the police report on Tikal the Echidna.

"Wave managed to scrub this when she was playing consigliere."

Shadow stared at the police report, his eyes darting back up to Rouge.

"And why would the basement mean anything to this? Did Tikal not commit suicide on her own accord?"

Rouge clicked her tongue, tilting her head slightly. "Well – they seem to think it's a bit more nefarious than that. My spy senses tell me it might be…"

Shadow raised an eyebrow, squinting to Rouge. "Are you suggesting that I –"

"I would never suggest that."

Shadow sighed, leaning back slightly in his chair. He felt his leg tapping rapidly, grabbing his knee to force it to halt.

"I am keen to believe it has nothing to do with that. That is a homicide investigation. Sonic and Tails are actively inserting themselves into my business that has nothing to do with them."

Rouge chuckled, as she filed her nails through her gloves.

"Well – it does have somethin' to do with them. We are breaking the law, yanno?"

Shadow rolled his eyes, as he shot up, pacing around his office.

He stopped in front of the wine cabinet, staring at his reflection in the glass.

"What do you take of that portrait in there?"

Rouge curled her lips, kicking a leg over the other. "I dunno, honestly. I, for one, thought the girl looked a lot like-"

"Don't. Don't say her name, please."

Rouge nodded. She remembered the touchiness of THAT subject.

"I am running the most powerful empire in this city. Criminals BEG to be within even 5 feet of me. All of a sudden, Robotnik steals my plans for the factory and everything begins nosediving before my very eyes. Detectives start inserting themselves in my business, threatening our very livelihoods. I did all of this for a reason. I did not do this because I was 'bored', or because I wanted to start trouble. I am doing this because I MUST. I will no longer surrender to people who cannot seem to grasp that fact."

Rouge sighed, squinting her eyes at Shadow. "Whatever happens, we're by your side. We believe in ya, yanno? I wouldn't have dropped my high-level job in the government if I didn't."

Shadow scoffed, pacing towards her. "Please be honest with yourself. You were tired of playing white-collar government woman. You DID do this because you wanted to start trouble. We are not in this for the same purpose."

"Even if we aren't, I still believe in ya, Shadow."

Shadow sighed, crossing his arms. He stared at the ceiling, trying to rack his thoughts around in a manner that made sense.

The door opened, as Wave stepped in, her hand grasping the side.

"What is it, Wave?"

Wave glanced down to the floor for a moment, before locking her eyes with Shadow.

"The cops got a warrant for arrest out on Robotnik – for killing Tikal."

C.C.P.D. Main Station, Friday 9:53 PM

Sonic had his feet kicked up on his desk, as Tails, Amy and Sally sat in their office.

They all seemed mostly satisfied with their conclusion, but Sonic wasn't.

This almost seemed – too simple?

For the case to start so bizarre, but end so lined up?

Something in his gut was telling him there was WAY more to this.

Sally took notice of this, squinting her eyes to Sonic. "You okay over there, detective?"

Sonic grumbled a bit, as he swung his feet to the floor. "I dunno if we have thought this all the way through."

Tails chuckled a bit, leaning back in his chair. "I figured you'd say that."

Amy tilted her head, arms crossing over her chest. "What makes you say that? The picture you guys painted seems really on the nose."

Sonic sighed, his fists resting on the surface of his desk. "This whole thing is still bizarre to me. Why would Robotnik have that portrait in there? We still have no confirmation as to WHY Ashton's name is on that building. There's also no convicting evidence. If Robotnik were to plead not guilty in court, they'd have a hard time convicting him without anything. Also – why was everyone at the scene of her body in some weird trance? I dunno, to me it feels like someone out there wants us to THINK it's him…"

Tails tilted his head, his eyes becoming quizzical. "Are you suggesting someone might be framing him?"

Sally piped up. "Could it be Shadow?"

As much as Sonic wanted to say no, and logistically he doesn't think it would be Shadow – but that door has got to stay open.

"I don't think Shadow has got any involvement in this. I feel like his beef with Robotnik is unrelated. Besides – Shadow and Tikal were close. Surely, he wouldn't – "

"I'll stop you right there, though-"Amy chimed in, "Shadow is a 180 from how he used to be. I can't say for SURE he wouldn't. I know you still have hope that old Shadow is in there, but it doesn't seem to be the case anymore…"

Sonic sighed, muttering under his breath. She was right. He probably was looking at the whole Shadow thing with some bias.

As much as he didn't want too, it was hard for him not too.

"Even so, somethin' tells me when we bring Robotnik in, we're gonna be left with more questions, and not enough evidence to put him away."

The door opened, interrupting them as Espio, Whisper and Mighty stepped in the room.

Sonic perked up, swinging around the desk, as him and Tails began to step up to them.

"Good to see ya!" Sonic said, shaking their hands.

Espio nodded. "You as well Sonic. We were sent to inform you of our search of the basement in Oswalt's Tailor Shop."

Sonic nodded, as Tails stepped up to his side. "So? What did you find?"

Espio glanced down to the floor, his arms crossing over his chest. Mighty looked to Whisper, as she nodded.

"We went down there – and the basement was completely empty."

Sonic and Tails felt their faces drop. So – someone DID know they were there, and now that they were found out? Everything had been removed from the basement.

"But – that isn't all." Mighty piped in. "The entire store itself is emptied out."

Sonic and Tails looked at each other, their faces both beginning to pale.

"Wait wait wait." Amy stepped up to the three, followed by Sally. "So, you went inside, and there was absolutely NOTHING in the building? The entire store was emptied out?"

Espio grimaced, nodding. "We searched throughout the entire building. It had been completely emptied out."

Tails began pacing, his hands clasping his neck. Sonic stood there, his eyes cast onto the floor.

"So, the building is empty. All it confirms is that there is somethin' bad happening there, but now there's no way to trace back to who it is that owns it."

Sonic said, finally looking up to the three.

Sally cast a glance to Tails. "What about that portrait, you have a picture of it right?"

Sonic shook his head to Sally. "Put Robotnik in a room and you question him about the portrait, and he will lie through his teeth. With the basement emptied out, there is no proof other than that picture of its existence. If there's no way to trace it back to Robotnik, we now have zero evidence to suggest him for the murder."

Tails scoffed. "The only evidence we have to suggest Robotnik owns it is Shadow saying his name. We can't put the godfather of the Mafia on the stand. No jury is going to buy it – especially when they hear that the two are in the middle of a turf-war."

Sonic nodded. "He will throw Robotnik under the bus, even if it isn't him. We need it in writing, or something circumstantial that Robotnik owns that building. It's still under Ashton's name."

Mighty pinched the bridge of his nose. "It looks like we are all back to square one then. What will you do about the warrant for his arrest?"

"It's still out, and he's still going to be brought in for questioning when he's found. But – Sonic, I think you're right. We have to keep our suspect list open." Sally said, biting her lip after she spoke.

Sonic sat at his desk, burying his head in his hands. He pondered for a moment, as he looked up to thank the Chaotix members who came in.

They all nodded, as Whisper spoke. "We wish you the best of luck. We will do whatever we can to bring Tikal's killer to justice, friends."

As they exited and exchanged goodbyes, Sonic cast an exhausted look to Tails.

Back to square one.

Unknown Location, Friday 11:30 PM

Eggman sat, arms crossed as Nazo sat across from him.

"Do you know why I asked you to come here?"

Eggman scoffed, rolling his eyes behind his lenses, as Infinite stared at the floor.

"To this big, stupid warehouse? No, Nazo. Why don't you enlighten me?"

Nazo smirked, his hands crossed together.

"You are in the midst of something that I don't think you quite understand."

Robotnik just stared blankly at him. Nazo was always one for theatrics.

"Ooh, how frightening indeed. Why don't you lay it all out for us, hedgehog?"

Nazo chuckled, leaning back in his chair.

"You are so consumed with your business, Ivo. So focused on how much product you can move, how many run-down areas you can use to conduct your business. Yet, this entire time, more nefarious forces work underneath you."

Eggman was tired. He was exhausted of always being on lookout. First, it's Shadow. Now, it's Nazo and some "nefarious forces underneath him".

"What do these nefarious forces have to do with my business?"

"You must heed these words, friend. I advise you to discontinue your feuding with Shadow the Hedgehog. Such will only lead you right into crosshairs that you do not want to be in."

Eggman cackled, patting his legs in succession with his chortles. "As if you think I will do such a thing? The rat has caused me no end of headaches!"

"You ARE the one who stole his plans, are you not? You have stoked the fire, whether you like it or not. But – there are men out there who would rather see you both suffer than win."

Eggman crossed his arms, casting a long gaze to Nazo.

"You are always one for dramatics, Nazo. You can never be clear with anything. Nothing you say is helpful whatsoever in this moment."

Nazo smirked, cocking his head to the side. "There is a deep network running underneath you all. This network went into hiding when Silver the Hedgehog and Blaze the Cat were on the streets. Once they hung up their tech – they returned with a vengeance. Only to see a Mafia, and a drug empire turning up the heat. Now, the Detectives are onto all of us."

Eggman cocked an eyebrow, as Infinite raised his glance for the first time in the meeting. "The detectives? You mean Sonic and Tails?"

Nazo chuckled. "Oh yes. Something is stirring now that has caused the pair to begin their hunt. They have already had a run-in with Shadow."

Oh, right. Nazo is the watcher. He knows everything.

"Soon – they may have a run-in with you? You were close already when they raided your club, how much luck do you think you have left?"

Eggman scoffed, staring at the ground.

Nazo's phone dinged. He read the information he received, before letting out a laugh.

"Speak of luck, it seems yours has run out."

Eggman and Infinite looked at him curiously, tinges of anxiety in their faces.

"What do you mean?"

Nazo shot a look to him, his smile wicked and devious.

"They have a warrant out for your arrest – but for the murder of Tikal the Echidna."

Eggman raised an eyebrow, him and Infinite looking at each other.

"Tikal? I did no such thing! I heard she committed suicide?!"

"That does not appear to be what the Detectives think, considering there is a warrant out for your arrest. I bet you feel lucky that you are out here right now, instead of in the city where they could prance at any moment."

Eggman was scowling furiously. "What evidence do they have to suggest that I am behind anything with her? If they have anything, I am surely being framed."

Nazo smiled, crossing a leg over the other.

"Even if you are being framed – that does not mean you cannot be convicted off other charges."

Nazo rose his hands up, leaning back slightly. "The point is – even if you are innocent of wrongdoing in Tikal's demise, you are not INNOCENT. There are plenty of malicious actions you have committed. Your luck, and time, is running very low, Ivo."

Nazo stood up, as a black SUV rode into the warehouse. The headlights blinded the two for a minute, as Metal arrived with Nack and Bean.

"You get into that SUV, you tell the driver to take you wherever you would like to go. No matter where, he will take you. I would recommend not returning to Central City, but I cannot stop you. If you believe you can escape all the circumstances that way against you, be my guest and try."

As Nazo began walking out of the warehouse, he slapped the roof of the car.

"I will wish you my last ounce of luck. You are on your own, now."

As Nazo departed, Eggman stared at the cyan hedgehog with a mix of rage, confusion, fear and denial.

There was simply no way the detectives were pinning this murder on HIM? There was must be some sort of conspiracy, there had to be.

As Eggman walked with his crew to the SUV, he vowed one thing.

Burn whatever stood in his way to the ground.