Act I: AWARE
Chapter XX: Culling Voices
C.C.P.D. 5th Avenue Precinct, Saturday 10:57 PM
Sonic's face was buried in his hands, sitting in the empty conference room as his coffee sat untouched, and a trail of smoke from his lit cigarette omitted from the ashtray.
He was still trying to process everything, yet his mind couldn't keep up.
He had found Shadow with Tikal's necklace, and pairing that with the fact that the Zypothime at the crime scene was one that belonged to him?
It was enough probable cause to arrest him…and Sonic really hoped he didn't do it.
He thought the old Shadow was still in there.
But now he is questioning all of it.
What was his purpose for the club raid anyways? What was he trying to take care of?
It only got more complicated as the minutes passed, and Sonic couldn't even will his mind to think on it anymore, finally taking a sip of his coffee that had been sitting untouched.
The door opened, Bunnie walking in with Amy and Tails in tow.
"Hey 'suga. How ya doin'?" Bunnie asked, her tone hinting with sadness.
Sonic sighed, staring at his coffee. "Could be better."
"I guess the good news is we can finally bring Tikal's death to justice," Amy said. "We might have enough."
Sonic shook his head. "I just – do you think he did it?"
Amy sighed, shrugging lightly. "I think the evidence we have points to him very heavily."
"But, it's Shadow-"
"I know it's Shadow. We can't just be biased because at one point he was our friend, Sonic," Amy stated, biting down on her lip.
Tails looked at Sonic sadly, hands fidgeting at his lap. "I hope we're wrong," Tails said, huffing a sigh.
"I want us to be wrong too…" Amy spoke up.
Knuckles walked into the room, a somber look plastered on his face.
"Who wants to talk to him?"
Tails, Amy and Bunnie all looked at Sonic, as the hedgehog sighed and stood up.
"I guess it's gotta be me."
"We – can do it, if you want?" Bunnie said, eyes full of sorrow.
Sonic shook his head, grabbing his coffee and his pack of cigarettes. "It's okay, I can do it."
Knuckles nodded, stepping to the side as Sonic walked through the door.
Knuckles followed him, Sonic's pace brisk – yet hesitant. As they turned the corridor, they looked through the window, where Shadow sat alone at the table.
He was staring hard at the table, eyes still wide and hollow.
Sonic sighed, glancing back to Knuckles. "I'll let you know how it goes…"
Knuckles nodded, unlocking the door as Sonic began walking inside.
Shadow didn't look at him, just opted to stare at the table.
Sonic carefully sat down, setting his coffee down.
The two sat in silence for what felt like years, none deciding to speak first. They didn't look at each other.
Sonic sighed after a while, finally opting to speak. "Why do you have Tikal's necklace?"
"It was given to me. I did not kill her and take it Sonic. I've been trying to find who did it just as much as you have."
"Why was it given to you?"
"There was…a plan."
Sonic looked up, scowling. "What do you mean a plan?" Sonic spat, venom in his voice.
Shadow winced slightly, before sighing. "To frame Robotnik."
Sonic grunted, biting his lip hard. "Tikal isn't something you can just use as a pawn, Shadow! She was our friend. Hell – she was your friend!"
Shadow winced again, looking away. "I was – just doing what I was told."
"Why would you be doing what your told? Aren't you the boss?"
"I wasn't in this scenario."
Sonic stopped for a moment, his stare hard and furious.
"Who gave it to you?"
Shadow sighed. "The guy who's been attacking the city."
Sonic swallowed a lump, his mouth pursed into a line. So – they were working together.
"Why are you working with him?"
"He – offered me protection. He said he was targeting Robotnik. He wanted to get me out of this mess."
"Are you sure he wasn't manipulating you? This whole thing he's doing exposes the mob too."
"He – He said he was going to target Robotnik and Finitevus's operations in this. I was involved…but he was going to protect me."
Sonic shook his head, sighing as he stared at the table.
"Why was the Zypothime at the crime-scene then? If he wasn't framing you – then why would it be there?"
"I don't know, Sonic. I haven't shipped Zypothime in years."
"Nazo said you did."
Shadow tilted his head. "Why would you talk to Nazo?"
"We needed information on the mob."
"Sonic – Nazo controls the mob."
Sonic squinted, his mouth slightly agape. "What do you mean? You said he was just neutral?"
Shadow sighed. "Sure – maybe he is more neutral now – but he still pulls their strings. He has no say over me because I rebuilt Gerald's operation from the ground up. He knew he would have no control over me."
Sonic was lost – this apparently was a bit more complicated than he thought.
"Why would the police be in a trance at the scene of Tikal's death?"
"You're asking the wrong person. I was never there. I did not kill her, Sonic."
"If you don't sell Zypothime anymore, then who does?"
"No one. It was Finitevus's drug. Not ours. I took it after he was put away, but then I discontinued it because the effects were gruesome."
Shadow had nothing left to lose.
"Shadow – just…start at the beginning. Of everything."
Shadow sighed, folding his hands over the table as he nodded.
"Gerald was killed by Finitevus and Robotnik, Sonic. They did not intend to kill Maria, but she still died."
Sonic gasped, his breath hitched in his throat.
"Before that…I was merely his son. The syndicates were large, and they wanted more control over the city. That is where your father came in, I believe. The Restoration fund was going to be used by the mob. After they killed that reporter, I think…I think your father was not happy. He didn't want that man to die, he only wanted him threatened. So – it is probable Finitevus or Robotnik had him killed. Gerald said he didn't. He liked Jules…and after adopting me, he understood what that would have been like for you, and your siblings."
Sonic looked away, blinking hard to keep the tears from falling.
"When he died, they went after the fund like vultures. Including my father. That may have also been why he had your dad killed."
Shadow sighed.
"Then my father and Maria were killed. I think Finitevus, Robotnik and Nazo wanted to be the only ones in power. They did not expect that I would take over. I didn't know who killed them until a few days ago. I found old hit-documents."
"I'm – so sorry, Shadow…" Sonic muttered, biting his lip.
There was a silent moment between them.
"Shadow…do you know who the informant was?"
"No – I was still in the process of constructing the mob. I knew there was a plan to get rid of Finitevus, but I was not briefed on the informant. I told them I didn't want to know. I said they had my permission to do what they were going to do, and that I would be there to continue working alongside them after the fact."
"And…who killed Ashton? Tikal's fiancé?"
"Nazo."
Sonic clenched his fist. "Why?"
"Ashton was marrying Tikal for image. That much was true. However – he ended up truly falling in love with her. So, he began to step away from them. They got angry, threatened him - but he didn't listen. Next thing I knew, he was dead."
Sonic shuddered, shaking his head quickly.
"Why did Nazo send me to 808 Ocacia Street then?"
"He sent us both into a trap. I was told it was a Robotnik location. It was…however, I came to learn recently that the killer had occupied the basement. Him and Nazo have also been working together – much more intimately than him and I have."
"There was a portrait there…it looked like Maria. You saw it too, right? The hedgehog looked like you…but-"
"I know. It was not me. I cannot explain that portrait, but it was Maria, and the hedgehog wasn't me."
"He looked like you."
Shadow simply shrugged.
"What happened after the Finitevus bust?"
"What the killer has been saying. The mob and politicians of this city – the Elite – all used the money for kickbacks, which put the mob in control of this city. Me, Robotnik and Nazo. We were the only ones left."
Shadow sighed.
"The Elite are all on our payroll."
Sonic shook his head, a faint chuckle left his lips.
"This…this is all so ridiculous. This entire time – I've been missing what was right in front of me."
"Why are you at war with Robotnik?"
Shadow snickered lightly, though his laugh was one of disgust.
"Robotnik started it. He had been able to weed everyone out, now it was just me. He saw how feared I was becoming. So – he turned on me. Started attacking my properties. I fought back, since he had obviously declared war. It shook the powerful people of this city. They did not know who to side with. Then – he stole my plans for the factory."
"On St. Croix Street?"
"I wanted to build it as a memorial for Maria. She always liked when new things were created. I put it in her name to keep her memory alive somewhere."
"Not sure she would've wanted a mob-spot in her name."
"It was all I could do. But…that bastard took the plans. Now, I cannot even properly honor her name. Then, when I found out he was a part of the scheme to get my father killed? I had nothing else in mind but to slaughter him."
Sonic sighed again, sipping from his coffee.
"So…you just – had her necklace to frame him?"
"I took that as my opportunity of revenge. I have the proof of it all. They seized it from me upon my arrest – but there's a card from the killer telling me to give him the necklace. You can compare it to his handwriting on other notes, it is his. It even has his ciphers scribbled onto it."
"So…the killer gave it to you? Did he kill her?"
"I don't know. I – am starting to think…"
Shadow trailed off, looking off into the distance.
"Think what?"
"I'm starting to think it was not murder. I'm starting to think she truly did commit suicide."
Sonic scowled, shaking his head. "N- No. Her body was taken, the police were in a trance – it's all too odd."
"Things have always been odd in this wretched place, Sonic. I believe her death was used to start this mania, but I do not believe she was truly murdered."
Sonic sighed again, allowing his fist to loosen. "It just…doesn't make sense. Shadow, I –"
Sonic stopped, as he stared right into Shadow's soul.
"I believe you're innocent."
Shadow smiled slightly, looking down at his feet.
"Sonic, I loved Tikal. I have been trying to figure out her death as well. No matter what, I would never dream of killing her. Never. She has never wronged me. I know that it was – difficult, to watch my transition to crime. But – I did it because I had to get revenge. That was the only reason. I would never want to hurt you, Tikal or any of you."
"Say that to the bruise that's gonna be on my gut from your gun tomorrow."
Shadow chuckled a bit, smiling as he stared at the table. "I do not think I hit you that hard."
Sonic smirked, his eyelids drooping. "I dunno Shads – it hurt like a bitch."
They fell into silence – but for the first time, a genuine smile was shared betwixt them. It was the first time in a very long time it felt like they were friends again.
The old Shadow is there – he's right here.
He never went anywhere.
Sonic looked at him, his face turning serious. "I'm gonna get you outta here, alright?"
"Sonic – I did hold a club hostage."
"It doesn't matter. Maybe – maybe I'm dipping into some bad ethics here, but… I understand. If I could find the guy who killed my parents, I may just do the same thing you did."
Shadow bit his lip. "You – would do all of this? We are enemies."
"No, Shadow. No matter what sides we are on – you could never be my enemy."
Shadow flicked his gaze towards the ground, a slight smile tugging up on the corner of his mouth.
"If you say so…"
Sonic stood up, pulling his coat on.
"You're getting out of here tonight, no matter what."
Shadow nodded, as Sonic turned away, rushing out the door.
He was met by Knuckles, Amy, Tails and Sally.
Amy stepped forward, arms crossed.
"What did you fi-"
"He didn't do it."
Tails tilted his head, as Knuckles scowled.
"He – he didn't do it? You're really sure?" Tails asked.
"Sonic – he had her necklace-" Knuckles began.
"Did you see the card in evidence? It's from the killer, TELLING Shadow to give the necklace to Robotnik. The killer gave him the necklace to frame Egghead."
"But – how can you be sure he didn't take it, and now the killer is working with him to frame Robotnik?" Sally asked.
"What incentive would he have to do that? Shadow isn't in this for profit – he was in this for vengeance against the people who killed Maria and Gerald. Robotnik was a part of that, and his revenge was putting him away. Guys – come on! Would Shadow seriously kill Tikal?!"
"Wait – Robotnik was a part of Gerald's death?" Tails asked.
"Him and Finitevus." Sonic stated.
Knuckles shook his head, turning away as he stared off into space.
"On top of that, Nazo lied. Shadow doesn't ship Zypothime anymore. He doesn't have any vials – it was Finitevus's drug first! Scourge must have mistaken it too. I get it – Shadow is a crime lord now, but the old Shadow is still in there! He even warned me that the killer was going to target me-"
"Wait – when did he warn you?!" Antoine exclaimed, having arrived in the conversation late.
"He sent a tip to me. When Knuckles called me, I had just found out I was next." Sonic said.
Amy held her arms to her chest, staring at the ground, deep in thought.
"Seriously, just go get the card from evidence! It's right there!" Sonic exclaimed.
Sally rushed off, nodding as she went to grab it.
"Look – I know you guys can't trust him – but I do. He isn't corrupt – he's just…choosing the wrong way to get vengeance. Look, I can't say I don't relate! My parents death was the entire reason I decided to become an investigator!"
Tails nodded, a smile popping on his face.
"I believe you, Sonic. You've never been wrong about something like this before."
Sally returned, the card in a ziploc bag, as she picked it up with two plastic gloves – opening it.
She read it aloud, before showing it off to the group.
"That's his handwriting," Amy observed.
"Alright, it looks like the killer's plan was to frame Robotnik. Look – I can't say I don't fully believe he's innocent yet – but I think…right now – we don't have any other reason to presume he's guilty. However – the club situation is a different story," Knuckles said, arms crossed tight.
"Look – before we talk about the club, why don't we use his help? He's here, and he can lead us anywhere we need to go!" Sonic exclaimed.
"Sonic, then we're no different then the informant situation on the Finitevus case!" Sally retorted; eyes pointed.
Sonic sighed. Yeah – she was completely right. They were no different.
"Except that Shadow has no malicious intent. He wants to help us bring Tikal's killer to justice. Like old times. Whoever this informant was just wanted Finitevus off the streets so that they'd have control. Shadow just told me that!"
"Does he know who the informant was?" Tails asked.
"No – he told them he didn't wanna know. It wasn't why he was in this."
Antoine raised an eyebrow, chewing the inside of his cheek. "If he can bring us to ze killer, zhen I say we trust Sonic on zhis," Antoine stated.
Knuckles pondered this, staring Sonic down.
"Are you absolutely sure about this?"
"I am, sir."
Knuckles nodded, walking to the door and unlocking it.
A few seconds later, he walked out with Shadow.
Shadow looked at them, before turning his gaze to the ground.
"I am…sorry. I promise you all – I did not and would not EVER kill Tikal. She was my friend – and I want to help you bring her killer to justice."
He looked at Sonic, before nodding.
"I have gotten my vengeance. I do not need this world of crime anymore."
There was silence, and obvious hesitance among the group on what to say.
Until Tails broke the tension, stepping forward and holding his hand out for a handshake.
"Then we'll be glad to have you on our side."
Shadow stared for a moment, before shaking his hand.
The moment was sullied however, as Bunnie rushed from behind, panic in her eyes.
"Guys – we gotta get down to that old mill outside the city! Cosmo has Mimic there!"
Knuckles squinted. "Wait – why would Cosmo be talking to Mimic?"
Bunnie swallowed. "She said that Mimic was the one responsible for Petunia's disappearance, before her death. She's holding him there hostage – and she told me to bring everyone down there! I dunno what she's gonna do to him – but we can't have another dead body on our hands!"
Knuckles looked towards the group, nodding. "Alright, we need to mobilize. Let's get moving."
As the group nodded, they began hurrying forward, until Shadow stepped forward.
"Wait!"
Everyone stopped, turning to him.
"I can – call Rouge and them. Mimic is a Robotnik lackey – and we can help you all. We're on your side."
Knuckles stopped, biting his lip before nodding.
"They need to arrive under the radar. We can't let it get out that you're working with us, alright?"
Shadow nodded, as Sally tossed him his phone from evidence. He began texting Rouge and the others, informing them of the situation.
Sonic stood behind, waiting for Shadow to finish, before he locked eyes with Sonic.
Sonic smiled, nodding, to which Shadow just stared…
Until returning the smile, and nodding back.
They began rushing out, and while the situation was still dire, Sonic was sure of one thing...
It was so great to have Shadow back.
