Act I: AWARE
Chapter XIV: An Echo A Stain
Underpass by the Shipping Docks, Tuesday 11:23 PM
Finally – they had caught them.
Tied up by their wrists in ankles, Robotnik and his men were lined up underneath the overpass, as Sonic stood off to the side – smoking a cigarette and icing his neck.
Robot claws do not make for the best neck-treatment.
Knuckles and Tails had started asking them questions – but they were mostly unresponsive. They ID'd all of them – a solid list of individuals.
Sonic flicked his cigarette off into the distance, shoving his hands in his pockets as we re-approached the gang, a smirk on his face.
"Alright then, Robotnik. Care to tell us what this all was about?"
Robotnik spat – his eyes bearing on him behind his glasses.
"None of your business, detective."
Sonic scoffed, rolling his eyes with a smile.
"Ah – I'd argue it's all my business, Ivo."
"What were you doing here, and why were Honey and Mimic with you?" Tails asked, arms crossed, and brow furrowed.
Starline stole a glance at Robotnik, shaking his head.
"Quit with the silent messages, Starline," Knuckles demanded coldly, focusing back onto Robotnik. "This some sort of drug deal that just went wrong?"
"If you would like to call it that – sure." Robotnik responded, grinning.
"We were simply moving product, not that it concerns you. Don't you have bigger fish to fry? Like – a serial killer?" Zero said, scowling at the trio in front of him.
"Well – speaking of him, you wouldn't happen to know anything about that, huh?" Sonic asked, hands on his hip.
"Boy – you're quite some trio here, aren't ya? Why don't you start breaking out into song?" Robotnik spat back, Knuckles inching closer to him – fury radiating off his body.
"You don't wanna talk? Fine. Then let's talk about what they did to Spike's face!" Knuckles said, holding up a picture of Spike's unbagged face to Robotnik.
"Oh, what the hell are you showing that to me for? Come on!" Robotnik said, Knuckles yelling over him until shushing him once more.
"What do you know about this? Are you the rat?" Knuckles asked.
"Am I the rat? God, no I'm not the rat. You have any idea what these people would do if they heard these kinds of accusations?!"
"What people?" Tails asked.
"They do not concern you. Like the attorney said – it's the entire system." Starline responded.
"What does this have to do with Tikal, Robotnik?" Sonic finally asked, feeling the tension in the air rise.
"Look – I know you had a warrant on me for that, but I didn't do it. I don't know who did – and I dunno what happened, but it wasn't me," Robotnik said.
"Why was Ashton's name on the Tailor Shop?" Tails asked.
"Ashton? That mongoose she got engaged too? Look – I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but he wasn't exactly your standup guy," Robotnik said coldly.
"Explain," Sonic said.
"Look – Ashton was always someone who had mob ties. Tikal didn't know – and I dunno, maybe he thought marrying someone like her would have been his way out. We quickly started realizin' he was marrying her for image. So that the people he was afraid of wouldn't come after him," Robotnik started explaining.
Sonic felt his stomach lurch, his eyes quickly moving to the ground.
Gaia – it never ended for Tikal.
"But Ashton wasn't killed by me, nor was he killed by Shadow. Someone else got him, for what reason I don't know. Probably to send a message," Robotnik said.
"Then how did you get access to 808 Ocacia Street?" Knuckles asked.
"Look – like I said, Ashton had mob ties. He bought the building so we could use it. I had no problems with the mongoose – he was a good business partner to have. A shame we lost him," Robotnik said.
Sonic looked at Knuckles and Tails, the looks on their face worrisome and sickly. As insane as it was to hear – it made sense. This whole thing was telling them the city's corruption involves so many powerful figures – and Ashton was a city politician. Hearing this a month ago may have been insane, hearing it now made a horrifying amount of sense.
"Why are you fighting with Shadow? Do you know anything about Tikal?" Tails asked.
"No – like I said before – I don't know nothin' about Tikal's death. As for Shadow, it's come to the point where only one of us can run this city – and I don't want it to be him. It should be me," Robotnik spat.
"It shouldn't be either of you," Knuckles responded, his fists clenched at his sides.
"Guys – you need to look at this!" Charmy exclaimed from a distance, causing the trio to turn their heads around, pensive looks on their faces.
As Sonic led them over there, Charmy beckoned them around the computer – to a news broadcast. On the screen where the city's two most prominent anchors, Breezie and Big, sat next to each other with grim looks on their face. Breezie spoke first.
"Another development in the case of the serial killer on the loose in the city, for he has claimed his next victim. Chief of Police Mordred Hood was found dead tonight, and the killer livestreamed the process. The video you are about to see – is disturbing,"
There was a gasp amongst them all. Tangle covered her mouth while Whisper squeezed her eyes closed.
Knuckles felt sick, immediately feeling his legs go out from under him as Vector caught him with one arm – eyes locked to the screen.
Sonic just felt rage.
As the video began, a flag with the same upside-down cross was shown – a voice creeping into ear.
"Hello. This is the liberation of your city speaking," the voice began, deep and monotone.
Moving the camera – what was shown was more than disturbing.
It was vile. It was inhumane.
Mordred had a cage on his head, with a collar-trap that was set to slice his head clean off in a matter of moments.
Sonic felt himself sicken, grabbing onto Tails's shoulder, and Tangle's hand.
"Here – is your Chief of Police Mordred Hood, caged – and awaiting his execution,"
The camera zoomed in on the snake's face – eyes wide with terror, as duct tape lined his face saying, yet again in red marker,
"NO MORE LIES,"
Sonic was beyond tired of hearing that.
Beyond tired.
"This will keep happening again, and again, and again – until the truth of this city is FIIIINAALLLYYYYYY! Unmasked."
The sudden scream of anger in the killer's voice caused a collective jolt in everyone watching.
"Hear these words and rise. Do not let them control you any longer."
Turning the camera to the upside down cross – the killer began laughing.
"Goodbye."
As the video ended and the anchors began talking, the tension was remaining.
No one spoke for what felt like centuries – until Knuckles spoke up.
"Okay I- we need – we need to get back to the station immediately. Vector, apprehend the-"
When he looked up, he cursed through his teeth as Robotnik and his men were gone.
Fucking gone.
"What the hell?! Where did they go?" Mighty shouted, stomping over to the site.
Sonic cursed under his breath, his feet taking him where the group was, before stepping on a crumpled piece of paper.
Picking it up – he began to unwrap it, Tails looking over his shoulder.
"Apologies Detectives. I need to borrow them, if you don't mind."
-N
"N? Who could N be-"
Tails stopped, before looking at Sonic.
"Nazo."
Of course it was Nazo – it is always fucking Nazo.
He brought the note to Knuckles and Espio – who read it with a collective sigh.
"I swear – Gaia above is actively trying to ruin everything," Knuckles said, pressing his palm to his forehead.
Espio patted him on the back, taking the note for evidence.
The exchanged farewells – as they got back into Knuckles's car, heading back to the precinct.
Sonic stared aimlessly out of the window, his mind running marathons on repeat.
This – was beyond fucked up.
Mafia: Unknown Location, Tuesday 11:05 PM
Shadow was sitting at his desk, twiddling the fake rose in his hand once again.
The operation had been yet another bust, and Robotnik's empire continued to grow faster than his was.
He reminisced on the days where they worked together, but as Robotnik said, both couldn't control the city.
It could only be one – and Shadow so desperately wanted it to be him.
Even if his methods were flawed, Shadow's plans for the city trumped Robotnik's, and he knew that.
Unlike Robotnik, this wasn't a profit project – this was vengeance.
He had waited long enough.
The room was silent – only the ticking of the clock. Rouge had gone off to do work, as had the Rogues. Bark sat in the room silently, reading a book.
Shadow looked up from the rose to the bear, watching as he read idly.
Shadow still didn't quite understand Bark. He knew this was a favor for freeing him from the fighting ring, but was Bark destined for more then this? Shadow never quite felt right. Even if it was gratitude, Shadow still felt like Bark was chaining himself to yet another system, instead of finding his purpose.
"Bark. Why are you still here?" Shadow finally asked.
Bark looked up, a faint scowl in his eyes.
"Would you like me to leave?"
"No – I mean, why are you a part of all of this? Why are you still a part of a system, instead of finding what you want?"
Bark stared for a moment, before closing the book.
"I needed to repay the debt,"
"Bark, the debt has been repaid. I don't think this is what you deserve. I think you deserve more than this," Shadow stated.
Bark looked away for a moment.
"The people you chase after, they are the ones who wish for men like me to suffer. I know the others do not understand why you do this – but I do."
Bark turned his gaze to him, his eyes watering.
"For vengeance,"
Shadow finally understood. They were in this for the same reason. It may explain why Shadow felt drawn to him, and why Shadow felt he didn't understand him.
But now, he understands him.
"Just say the word. If you wish to pursue a different life… a better life, just say the word." Shadow said.
Bark looked at him longingly, before a knock was placed at the door.
"Yes?"
The door opened, revealing Rouge – with someone behind her.
"Shads – you got a visitor," Rouge stated, before moving her body so that Nazo could walk inside.
Bark immediately stood up; arms puffed as Shadow beckoned for him to sit down.
"It is alright Bark, there is no threat here," Shadow said, eyes flickering back to Nazo.
"Nazo, can I ask to what I owe this pleasure?"
Nazo smiled, taking a seat across from him.
"I just believed I should pay a visit," Nazo said, his eyes wandering down to the fake rose.
Shadow noticed this, squinting slightly.
"Do not lie. Tell me why you are here so we can speak," Shadow responded, as Nazo gazed up and took a deep breath.
"At the moment, the police have Robotnik in custody. I see you escaped, unscathed. I am going to pay them a visit after this, for I need to borrow them," Nazo said, resting his elbows on the desktop.
Shadow leaned back, the fake rose brushing his chin. "Borrow them for what?"
"I have heard you struck a deal with a certain individual. I also am apart of his mission. He would like to…deal, with Robotnik," Nazo said.
Shadow started slowly inching towards the desk, his red eyes shimmering. "I am listening."
Nazo sighed, crossing his arms. "The individual would like to propose the same deal to Robotnik that he proposed to you. However, he has sent me here to inform you that this deal is twofold. He will offer Robotnik protection, but will instead be working closely to frame him for the murder of Tikal the Echidna,"
"Frame him? Did he not do it?"
Nazo chuckled. "Oh, but what relevance is that? Either way – he will go down for it regardless of who the actual perpetrator is."
"Does Tikal not deserve actual justice, Nazo?"
Nazo cocked his head slightly, a small smile forming.
"My, if you have fooled me correctly I would assume you care about finding who killed this girl-"
"Look." Shadow cut him off harshly, his grip on the rose tightening. "Tikal was my friend. I do care about who did this – and I do want justice served."
"Can I take this as you backing out of the deal, then?" Nazo asked, eyebrow raised.
Shadow stopped for a moment. Here it was – this man had put him in a moral crossroad. Does he wipe Robotnik out, or does he try and reason with him to get Tikal's killer convicted?
"N- No. I am not backing out," Shadow finally responded.
"Good," Nazo said, "He will be glad to hear that. Once this is achieved, this will pave way for you to be the complete controller of all major criminal operations in the city. This individual has respect for you – he wants to see you thrive, not Robotnik."
Shadow felt his eyes move to Bark and Rouge, standing in the corner listening. Rouge looked troubled; her lips pursed as Bark remained emotionless.
With a sigh, Shadow fixed his gaze back onto Nazo.
"This individual wishes to cut the mob out as well. How do I know that I am different?"
"He is framing the public's perception – as many of the targets he has gone after have done more dealings with Robotnik than you. Sure, they are all on your payroll as well, but now that you two are at war, the Elite are in a dilemma. Who do they side with? This individual wants them to side with you, not Robotnik," Nazo said.
"What do I need to do?" Shadow asked.
"Continue business as usual, I was simply sent to share the news, as this man is…rather preoccupied tonight," Nazo said.
"What do you mean by preoccupied?"
Nazo stared for a moment, before sliding a photo across his desk.
Shadow reached for it, his eyes widening at the sight.
Mordred Hood, in a cage with a sawed collar on his neck.
Shadow felt sick momentarily, grunting as he swallowed a lump in his throat.
"Yes, he has used the Chief of Police to send a message tonight. This was both a message to the police – and the Elite,"
"That was one of my men, Nazo," Shadow stated.
"Ta-ta-ta, to you, maybe. But to the public?" Nazo began, before pulling out his laptop.
Typing away, Shadow waited in anxiety, before Nazo turned the screen to reveal an image of Mordred Hood accepting a bribe from Starline and Zero.
"The Finitevus case. They accepted bribes from you as well – but the public will only see him accepting bribes from Robotnik. This casts you out of the picture. He will be shown to be a puppet of Robotnik. The public already believes him responsible for Tikal's death – and with the Finitevus bust, it will only make him more villainized," Nazo stated.
Shadow smirked slightly. This…really did seem perfect. Ruin Robotnik's image with the elite by this killer targeting men who worked with him – and thus, more will side with Shadow.
"Oh – and I wanted you to watch this."
Nazo plugged a thumb drive into the computer, as this image was sent directly to every major news source in the city. With one press of a button – Mordred Hood's reputation was ruined, Robotnik's image was dampened, and Shadow's would remain uncompromised.
Shadow smiled, eyes flickering back towards Nazo as he closed his laptop.
"As you can see, this plan is moving along swimmingly. The individual will be in touch shortly, Shadow."
Nazo stood up, gathering things with a slight bow, before Rouge led him out.
Shadow stared after them, his chin resting on his hands.
This – was truly perfect.
C.C.P.D. Main Precinct, Wednesday 12:05 AM
Sonic and Tails watched the news coverage – yet another powerful figure's dirty laundry was aired for the world to see.
Bribed by Robotnik.
"So – was Mordred the rat?" Tails asked, his eyes turning back to Sonic.
"No – I don't think so. The rat is probably more obvious than we're thinking," Sonic said.
The precinct was in complete disarray. Knuckles, Amy, Sally,the D'Coolette's and others made a press conference thirty minutes earlier, but Sonic and Tails opted to stay behind to think.
They had to think about a lot of things, and time seemed to be running against them.
It starts with Tikal's murder – and quickly plummets into a world of corruption that laid beneath Tikal's feet.
"Where does Shadow fit in all of this? From what we're seeing, Finitevus's case had an informant that led the police, and us to busting him. Was Shadow not involved in that? He was the biggest crime operation in the city, and then it was Shadow and Robotnik, and now they're at war – so…" Tails said, before trailing off into more thought.
"I dunno where Shadow fits in this. It seems that everyone they're airing out works with Robotnik – but they used to work together…"
"Spike didn't prosecute Robotnik's cases – he helped him get off. Shadow hasn't ever been arrested…"
"Now Mordred is accepting bribes from him," Sonic finished.
"So – are Shadow and this killer working together?" Tails asked, earning a look from Sonic.
"It may be too early to tell but…there is a case to be made. I mean, think about it. Shadow and this killer dude both profit from this. The killer gets to unmask the city on some holier-then-thou mission, and Shadow gets to slowly chip Robotnik away…"
Sonic started putting the pieces together. This mission was twofold – and if Tikal was connected, surely that meant Shadow…
Didn't kill her? Or…maybe he did?
Where Tikal fit in all of this was unclear, and Sonic grumbled loudly as he sat back in his chair.
The door opened, in walking Blaze with her arm linked into Silver's – who's wrist was bandaged up.
"There's our superheroes!" Sonic cheered, though the exhaustion in his voice was evident.
Blaze giggled, her eyes turning to Silver. "He's all fixed up," she stated, earning a goofy smile from Silver.
"I wasn't too banged up, but a few days of icing this wrist will help. It was mostly the sparks from the gauntlet burning me that hurt," he said, shuffling his feet.
"Well – either way, we're glad you're alright!" Tails said, offering a smile as he flipped through his notes.
Blaze nodded – but her expression turned serious. "Though – before we go, we wanted to inform you of a file we got."
Sonic sat up, as Blaze slid it across his desk, Tails hopping over to see what lie before them.
Opening it, Sonic was shown a cipher.
"Jesus – these codes are intense. How do you even start?"
"Oh – Blaze already solved it," Silver piped up, giving his wife a smile.
Sonic and Tails looked each other tiredly. Well – that helps.
Looking at the bottom – Sonic began reading the cipher.
"Upon finding the rat – you will bring him underneath the street sign underneath the left streetlamp at the entrance of The Chemical Lounge. There, he will be disposed of. The one to deliver him will be the ones who hold the most power out of you all."
Sonic scowled, looking back up at them.
"The one to deliver him will be the one who holds the most power of you-"
"Silver and Blaze," Tails said, turning to the pair.
Sonic's mouth opened slightly, before turning to the vigilantes.
"That – yeah. That makes sense," Sonic said.
Silver nodded, clutching Blaze's hand tightly.
"Then deliver him we will!" Silver said, "Wh – when we find him, that is…"
Blaze chuckled, fixing his hair. "You can indeed count on us to do so,"
Sonic nodded with a smile, turning back to the cipher.
All that was left was find the rat – then, that could bring them right to the killer.
Maybe it was hopeful thinking, but right now, Sonic needed as much hope as he could get.
Because he wouldn't rest until this nightmare had ended.
