THE NEED FOR SPEED
Atonement
--------------------
'Please tell me this is another twisted dream,' I thought to myself, but it wasn't. I really WAS deep in the heart of G.U.N.'s new base, locked in a high-security room all alone.
Except for my mortal enemy.
I looked around the small chamber. The walls were painted white reflecting, almost uncomfortably, the overabundance of fluorescent lights dangling from the ceiling. There were only four real features to the cubic room. The G.U.N. logo in black on one wall, an obviously one-way mirror across from it, the thick door that had just sealed behind me, and a single picnic-table-esque desk in the center.
"I don't blame you for feeling uneasy Sonic," Eggman's voice caught my attention. "I can assure you there are no traps or anything of that sort to be concerned about."
I wanted to ask if the guards would react fast enough if I started to snap his flabby neck, but instead I said, "Sorry, I got this thing about being paranoid around people who've tried to kill me more times than I can count."
The doctor gave a half-smile, "Four thousand eight hundred sixty-two, but who's counting?" He chuckled.
I didn't think it was too funny. "You're awfully cheerful for someone in a maximum-security facility." I muttered bitterly.
He heard me, I had forgotten how quiet the chamber was. "It's quite an interesting story." He waved his hand towards my side of the table. "I'd be glad to tell you, have a seat."
I leaned back on the wall next to the only door. "I'd rather stand, thank you."
Robotnik nodded, "Of course," as if he had ran through this meeting a million times in his head. He probably had. He was silent for a moment, pondering. "You know," he finally continued, "It doesn't matter whether you believe me or not, the truth is that I HAVE reformed. I'm here of my own free will, trying to make up for all my crimes."
"Like Shadow's death?" I asked with remorse.
"Don't play stupid!" He slammed his fist on the table in anger. "You know just as well, if not better than us that Shadow is alive and well. And dangerous."
Did he know? Or could he tell from my actions? "Just testing you," I replied calmly.
He settled down and took a breath before continuing. "I did think he had died back then. We all did, why else would he have fallen?"
"Because he WANTED to fall!" I shouted at him, angry at his stupidity.
Robotnik raised an eyebrow in surprise. I nearly swore. It had been ME who was stupid. Of course Eggman didn't know the pain and madness that accompanied going super, and I practically gave its only weakness away.
He was obviously intrigued, but decided not to pursue the topic right away. "Look, once we landed back on Earth, we agreed to hand over six of the Chaos Emeralds to G.U.N., and I decided to turn myself into the authorities. In two short days however, I was transferred here.
"G.U.N. accepted custody of me with a reduced sentence in return for my knowledge. I've been designing several new inventions and weapons, for one purpose. To stop Shadow."
"And by 'stop' you mean destroy?" I spat angrily.
Eggman's head hung down a bit, and if it weren't for all of our history, I would've sworn he was regretful. "So far yes. The fact is, we don't know much about the Chaos Emeralds. I've been hoping every day that you would come, and that we could somehow find a way to stop him, unharmed."
I nodded my head thoughtfully, "Yeah," I mused. "We could. With your knowledge, G.U.N.'s resources, and my experiences as Super Sonic, we could do it!" Eggman heaved a sigh of relief. "Sure, I'd love to help you discover a way to stop and control the power of Chaos, giving you a way to stop Shadow, heck me too! I could just tell you how to stop us! To give you the ultimate power over me! Make you and G.U.N. downright unstoppable, and leave Shadow and I powerless!!" I had apparently been marching towards him as my voice grew louder, because I was suddenly inches from his face.
"No," I said very quietly. "I don't think so."
He didn't flinch. He merely studied me, a blank expression half- hidden by his damned shades. For some reason I didn't understand, I focused all my restraint to keep myself from smacking those shades, and his smug look, clean off his face. Sure, armed soldiers would pour in the door and subdue me, but it would have been worth it.
The air itself had become as still as us, and Eggman's continued empty stare only continued to infuriate me.
"Forget this," I finally said as I turned towards the door. "I don't know why I even came here."
Robotnik gave a soft chuckle, "Wasn't it for the Chaos Emeralds?"
I stopped about one yard from the exit. "Yeah," I said without turning to face him. "I thought that since you 'reformed' I could use them. See as you're supposedly not planning on taking over the world anytime soon."
He didn't answer, and I knocked on the door. Immediately I heard countless whirrs and clicks as the door unlocked and began to slide back open. The guard had been replaced with what looked to be a high-ranking official. His uniform was spotless, save for more medals and decorations than I had ever seen. He wore his hat so low it made it difficult to see his eyes. He wasn't armed, but carried a rather large, metal suitcase.
"If you don't mind son," his grizzled voice spoke with calm sincerity. "I'd like to take a moment of your time to speak to the two of you. He must've noticed my scowl of contempt, because he added, "That's a request, not an order."
Against my better judgment, I stepped back into the room. He followed me in, flanked by two assault-rifle toting grunts.
The officer sat across from Eggman, and laid his briefcase on the desk. The guards stood at the still-open door. On closer inspection, one of them was the same jerk from before, only now in full battle dress, and much more solemn-looking.
"Sonic the Hedgehog," the officer began, and I turned to face him, but again remained standing. "I am Admiral Jameson Smythe. Dr. Robotnik has explained a lot to us about the horrible misunderstanding a month ago. You've done so many benevolent deeds, and we mistook you for a criminal. As head of G.U.N. I wish to offer my sincerest and most heartfelt apologies."
Eggman's eyebrows raised in surprise, and me made the tiniest gasp, but didn't say anything.
He was probably thinking along the same lines as me. "Cut the crap," I said. "What do you want?"
The Admiral laughed, but it was hollow. "Straight to the point, I like that." He turned to Robotnik, "I take it he has been informed of the situation?"
Eggman replied before I could, "He knows, probably more than the rest of us."
Damn. Had I really been that easy to read? "Your friend," Smythe continued. "The black hedgehog,"
"Shadow," I snapped quietly. If they really knew, there was no reason to play dumb.
He nodded. "Yes, Shadow. He has somehow re-invoked the same power you've used to save us so many times. For the past month, we have monitored him from a distance. His behavior has been violent, but seemingly random. Until about 12 hours ago."
I cursed in my head. That was about when I found the seventh Emerald, the one these goons didn't have.
If I reacted visibly to this news, the Admiral gave no sign of noticing. "At about that time, he was flying around Northeast Africa. Then he suddenly took off heading this way." His head drooped a little. "He hasn't changed course since. In a few short minutes, he'll be here."
He then withdrew a key on a chain from his pocket, and unlocked the briefcase, opening it a crack.
I felt a massive surge of energy and leapt back into a battle stance in surprise. I must've startled the guards behind me, because Jameson raised a hand and signaled them to stand down. I found myself giggling madly despite my fear of the situation. "The. The Chaos Emeralds." I gasped between fits of mad laughter.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" he asked my foe. Eggman nodded slightly. Smythe opened the case fully, and turned it so I could see. Sure enough, the remaining six of The Seven lay in what looked like a heavily-shielded custom lining. Although they shined a pulsing glow, they seemed a bit dimmer than before. Like mine.
"I'll be frank," the Admiral said reverently. "We're out of options. Despite our best efforts, Ivo and my best R&D teams have been unable to make anything he thinks would be of any use. I'm afraid I must be so audacious as to ask you to forgive us, and save our entire civilization one more time."
It was funny. A short while ago, I was all set to transform and to whatever it took to save everyone.
To save Shadow.
But now, confronted with the reality of it, feeling the raw power in person, I was filled with fear.
With doubt.
I struggled to regain my composure, and took a deep breath. "What about Shadow?" I asked quietly.
"I'm afraid I don't under." Smythe began.
"If I stop him!" I yelled. "If I stop him, and he survives? What will you do?"
Jameson heaved a sigh and closed the Emerald-filled suitcase. "I don't know if you heard me earlier, but time is of the essence. We don't have time compromising plea bargains!"
The adjacent hallway was suddenly filled with dancing red lights, and the wail of multiple alarms.
"Then you better decide quickly," I said smugly. "Because it sounds like the guest of honor has arrived." And with that I turned and strolled to the exit.
The Admiral finally sighed. "Shit. All right, your little friend will have immunity. But I warn you, if he should ever transform again after this little incident, we'll hit him, and keep on hitting him till he stays down."
I made my own little profane remark in my head. Some part of me, a large part, was hoping he wouldn't cave. That way I'd get out of here, G.U.N. would get what they deserve, and I'd get off free of guilt.
But he did, and so there was only one thing to do.
"All I needed to hear," I said with mock confidence.
I turned and dashed by the table, sweeping up the briefcase and it's key in one smooth, lightning-fast motion. By the time he realized he wasn't holding the key anymore, I was already on a vehicle elevator heading for the surface.
The roof of the elevator shaft slowly split open. Had I not been in that already-blinding room for some time I would have shielded my eyes.
But the sun was obscured by a cloudy sky. It wasn't the source of the light.
In the distance, a golden light flew around the overcast sky. Squadrons, no whole armies of jets, robots and drones buzzed throughout the area, intent on destroying the intruder.
But it was no use. Streams of bullets, missiles and laser beams did nothing to him. He would seem to hover in one spot until a vehicle approached him to attack. There would then be a sudden flash, and Shadow would be far behind it as it burst into flames, waiting for the next victim.
This struck me as odd. "Why isn't he attacking actively?" I asked myself aloud. "Why is he staying so still?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
I turned to face to voice. It was Eggman.
"He's looking for you."
He was just standing there. Out in the open. No guards, no weapons, heck not even some kind of attack vehicle for him. He was merely standing alone, watching the carnage unfold.
And to be honest, that scared me.
Robotnik took my silence as confusion. "Oh come now," he began. "I saw how you reacted when the Admiral revealed those Chaos Emeralds." A sly grin crossed his lips. "You can feel it can't you, their energy? And through them, he feels you."
"Shut up Ro-butt-nik!" I snapped, angry that I had made it so obvious. "What the hell are you doing out here anyway?"
His face grew solemn and looked upwards. "I guess I just needed to see it for myself."
I was shocked, could it REALLY happen? Could Eggman actually CARE? Be feeling remorse?
We were silent for a moment, then he surprised me again. He took off his ever-present shades and handed them to me. "Take care not to die." Though I couldn't see his face, it sounded like he was smiling. "After all, that's my job."
And with that, he turned towards the nearest hangar and walked off.
This couldn't be real. I had all seven emeralds, Eggman really had turned a new leaf, and G.U.N. was asking for my help. This had to be fake, another emerald-induced dream. I kept hoping and waiting to wake up, but I never did.
A little wary at first, I slowly slid the shades on. There was nothing special about them. No little computer readouts, no enhanced vision, just regular shades. I looked up at Shadow, still toying with the resisting forces. And I laughed. The shades blocked the formerly blinding light, and I could see him.
And I suddenly saw him stiffen.
Slowly, he turned, and his gaze fixed on me.
The world seemed to stop at that moment. The swarms of G.U.N. forces vanished, the ground I stood on fell away, and it was simply the two of us.
"Shadow," I whispered, but all was suddenly so quiet, he could've heard me, far as he was.
For just a moment, his expression softened. His glare of mad fury melting into one of pain and sorrow. "Sonic," his voice was Shadow's. Not the power-twisted tones of one possessed by the Chaos.
His face then screwed up into insane glee. "I FOUND YOU!" he screamed.
He threw out his limbs, and a wave of energy blasted forth. The G.U.N. armies were incinerated instantly, and we really were alone. He flew down at me as his mad cackling echoed in my ears.
I quickly unlocked the case, and swept up all 7 Chaos Emeralds in my arms. I tossed my head back and belted out a massive war cry.
But nothing happened.
Because doubt and fear continued to live on in my mind.
Shadow showed no such weakness though, as he increased speed towards me.
I let my head hang. I had failed. I had failed everyone because I couldn't even try.
"Fine," I muttered weakly. "Then let me die. Maybe that will appease Shadow's tormented spirit. It is my fault, after all." And I braced myself for the end.
But it didn't happen.
Shadow was flung to the side as a massive stream of energy that crashed into him.
I turned to see the source. It was a hemisphere, with four 'legs' bracing it in place and a massive cannon.
"What the hell are you waiting for?!" a loudspeaker called from the odd weapon. It was Robotnik.
Shadow had recovered, and was flying straight up the beam of light towards the source, slowly over powering the tremendous force it exerted on him.
"That's right you worthless hedgehog!" Eggman taunted. "Come, come and destroy me! Come, and may the burning flames of hell consume me, and burn my sins clean!"
The weapon exploded in a terrific explosion as Shadow finally reached the target. The smoke and dust cleared to reveal nothing left. No escape pod had launched, there was no way Eggman could've lived.
I was suddenly flushed with anger. I trembled with rage. "You, you KILLED him!" I yelled.
Like a boiling ooze, I felt the power slowly creep up my arms as my quills began to stand up and turn yellow. "He's DEAD!" I called even louder.
"He.
"Was.
"MINE!"
The Chaos Emeralds glowed as my body gathered energy.
What no one ever understands about using the emeralds, is that in order to be reborn.
You have to die first.
I crushed the gems in my arms, and was rewarded with a blast of power. I could feel every molecule of my essence being torn away, fuse and reform.
I looked at myself, it was different. It was like being Super Sonic, but I could see shards of the emeralds sticking out of my chest and right arm.
I wasn't Super Sonic.
I was Chaos Sonic.
Atonement
--------------------
'Please tell me this is another twisted dream,' I thought to myself, but it wasn't. I really WAS deep in the heart of G.U.N.'s new base, locked in a high-security room all alone.
Except for my mortal enemy.
I looked around the small chamber. The walls were painted white reflecting, almost uncomfortably, the overabundance of fluorescent lights dangling from the ceiling. There were only four real features to the cubic room. The G.U.N. logo in black on one wall, an obviously one-way mirror across from it, the thick door that had just sealed behind me, and a single picnic-table-esque desk in the center.
"I don't blame you for feeling uneasy Sonic," Eggman's voice caught my attention. "I can assure you there are no traps or anything of that sort to be concerned about."
I wanted to ask if the guards would react fast enough if I started to snap his flabby neck, but instead I said, "Sorry, I got this thing about being paranoid around people who've tried to kill me more times than I can count."
The doctor gave a half-smile, "Four thousand eight hundred sixty-two, but who's counting?" He chuckled.
I didn't think it was too funny. "You're awfully cheerful for someone in a maximum-security facility." I muttered bitterly.
He heard me, I had forgotten how quiet the chamber was. "It's quite an interesting story." He waved his hand towards my side of the table. "I'd be glad to tell you, have a seat."
I leaned back on the wall next to the only door. "I'd rather stand, thank you."
Robotnik nodded, "Of course," as if he had ran through this meeting a million times in his head. He probably had. He was silent for a moment, pondering. "You know," he finally continued, "It doesn't matter whether you believe me or not, the truth is that I HAVE reformed. I'm here of my own free will, trying to make up for all my crimes."
"Like Shadow's death?" I asked with remorse.
"Don't play stupid!" He slammed his fist on the table in anger. "You know just as well, if not better than us that Shadow is alive and well. And dangerous."
Did he know? Or could he tell from my actions? "Just testing you," I replied calmly.
He settled down and took a breath before continuing. "I did think he had died back then. We all did, why else would he have fallen?"
"Because he WANTED to fall!" I shouted at him, angry at his stupidity.
Robotnik raised an eyebrow in surprise. I nearly swore. It had been ME who was stupid. Of course Eggman didn't know the pain and madness that accompanied going super, and I practically gave its only weakness away.
He was obviously intrigued, but decided not to pursue the topic right away. "Look, once we landed back on Earth, we agreed to hand over six of the Chaos Emeralds to G.U.N., and I decided to turn myself into the authorities. In two short days however, I was transferred here.
"G.U.N. accepted custody of me with a reduced sentence in return for my knowledge. I've been designing several new inventions and weapons, for one purpose. To stop Shadow."
"And by 'stop' you mean destroy?" I spat angrily.
Eggman's head hung down a bit, and if it weren't for all of our history, I would've sworn he was regretful. "So far yes. The fact is, we don't know much about the Chaos Emeralds. I've been hoping every day that you would come, and that we could somehow find a way to stop him, unharmed."
I nodded my head thoughtfully, "Yeah," I mused. "We could. With your knowledge, G.U.N.'s resources, and my experiences as Super Sonic, we could do it!" Eggman heaved a sigh of relief. "Sure, I'd love to help you discover a way to stop and control the power of Chaos, giving you a way to stop Shadow, heck me too! I could just tell you how to stop us! To give you the ultimate power over me! Make you and G.U.N. downright unstoppable, and leave Shadow and I powerless!!" I had apparently been marching towards him as my voice grew louder, because I was suddenly inches from his face.
"No," I said very quietly. "I don't think so."
He didn't flinch. He merely studied me, a blank expression half- hidden by his damned shades. For some reason I didn't understand, I focused all my restraint to keep myself from smacking those shades, and his smug look, clean off his face. Sure, armed soldiers would pour in the door and subdue me, but it would have been worth it.
The air itself had become as still as us, and Eggman's continued empty stare only continued to infuriate me.
"Forget this," I finally said as I turned towards the door. "I don't know why I even came here."
Robotnik gave a soft chuckle, "Wasn't it for the Chaos Emeralds?"
I stopped about one yard from the exit. "Yeah," I said without turning to face him. "I thought that since you 'reformed' I could use them. See as you're supposedly not planning on taking over the world anytime soon."
He didn't answer, and I knocked on the door. Immediately I heard countless whirrs and clicks as the door unlocked and began to slide back open. The guard had been replaced with what looked to be a high-ranking official. His uniform was spotless, save for more medals and decorations than I had ever seen. He wore his hat so low it made it difficult to see his eyes. He wasn't armed, but carried a rather large, metal suitcase.
"If you don't mind son," his grizzled voice spoke with calm sincerity. "I'd like to take a moment of your time to speak to the two of you. He must've noticed my scowl of contempt, because he added, "That's a request, not an order."
Against my better judgment, I stepped back into the room. He followed me in, flanked by two assault-rifle toting grunts.
The officer sat across from Eggman, and laid his briefcase on the desk. The guards stood at the still-open door. On closer inspection, one of them was the same jerk from before, only now in full battle dress, and much more solemn-looking.
"Sonic the Hedgehog," the officer began, and I turned to face him, but again remained standing. "I am Admiral Jameson Smythe. Dr. Robotnik has explained a lot to us about the horrible misunderstanding a month ago. You've done so many benevolent deeds, and we mistook you for a criminal. As head of G.U.N. I wish to offer my sincerest and most heartfelt apologies."
Eggman's eyebrows raised in surprise, and me made the tiniest gasp, but didn't say anything.
He was probably thinking along the same lines as me. "Cut the crap," I said. "What do you want?"
The Admiral laughed, but it was hollow. "Straight to the point, I like that." He turned to Robotnik, "I take it he has been informed of the situation?"
Eggman replied before I could, "He knows, probably more than the rest of us."
Damn. Had I really been that easy to read? "Your friend," Smythe continued. "The black hedgehog,"
"Shadow," I snapped quietly. If they really knew, there was no reason to play dumb.
He nodded. "Yes, Shadow. He has somehow re-invoked the same power you've used to save us so many times. For the past month, we have monitored him from a distance. His behavior has been violent, but seemingly random. Until about 12 hours ago."
I cursed in my head. That was about when I found the seventh Emerald, the one these goons didn't have.
If I reacted visibly to this news, the Admiral gave no sign of noticing. "At about that time, he was flying around Northeast Africa. Then he suddenly took off heading this way." His head drooped a little. "He hasn't changed course since. In a few short minutes, he'll be here."
He then withdrew a key on a chain from his pocket, and unlocked the briefcase, opening it a crack.
I felt a massive surge of energy and leapt back into a battle stance in surprise. I must've startled the guards behind me, because Jameson raised a hand and signaled them to stand down. I found myself giggling madly despite my fear of the situation. "The. The Chaos Emeralds." I gasped between fits of mad laughter.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" he asked my foe. Eggman nodded slightly. Smythe opened the case fully, and turned it so I could see. Sure enough, the remaining six of The Seven lay in what looked like a heavily-shielded custom lining. Although they shined a pulsing glow, they seemed a bit dimmer than before. Like mine.
"I'll be frank," the Admiral said reverently. "We're out of options. Despite our best efforts, Ivo and my best R&D teams have been unable to make anything he thinks would be of any use. I'm afraid I must be so audacious as to ask you to forgive us, and save our entire civilization one more time."
It was funny. A short while ago, I was all set to transform and to whatever it took to save everyone.
To save Shadow.
But now, confronted with the reality of it, feeling the raw power in person, I was filled with fear.
With doubt.
I struggled to regain my composure, and took a deep breath. "What about Shadow?" I asked quietly.
"I'm afraid I don't under." Smythe began.
"If I stop him!" I yelled. "If I stop him, and he survives? What will you do?"
Jameson heaved a sigh and closed the Emerald-filled suitcase. "I don't know if you heard me earlier, but time is of the essence. We don't have time compromising plea bargains!"
The adjacent hallway was suddenly filled with dancing red lights, and the wail of multiple alarms.
"Then you better decide quickly," I said smugly. "Because it sounds like the guest of honor has arrived." And with that I turned and strolled to the exit.
The Admiral finally sighed. "Shit. All right, your little friend will have immunity. But I warn you, if he should ever transform again after this little incident, we'll hit him, and keep on hitting him till he stays down."
I made my own little profane remark in my head. Some part of me, a large part, was hoping he wouldn't cave. That way I'd get out of here, G.U.N. would get what they deserve, and I'd get off free of guilt.
But he did, and so there was only one thing to do.
"All I needed to hear," I said with mock confidence.
I turned and dashed by the table, sweeping up the briefcase and it's key in one smooth, lightning-fast motion. By the time he realized he wasn't holding the key anymore, I was already on a vehicle elevator heading for the surface.
The roof of the elevator shaft slowly split open. Had I not been in that already-blinding room for some time I would have shielded my eyes.
But the sun was obscured by a cloudy sky. It wasn't the source of the light.
In the distance, a golden light flew around the overcast sky. Squadrons, no whole armies of jets, robots and drones buzzed throughout the area, intent on destroying the intruder.
But it was no use. Streams of bullets, missiles and laser beams did nothing to him. He would seem to hover in one spot until a vehicle approached him to attack. There would then be a sudden flash, and Shadow would be far behind it as it burst into flames, waiting for the next victim.
This struck me as odd. "Why isn't he attacking actively?" I asked myself aloud. "Why is he staying so still?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
I turned to face to voice. It was Eggman.
"He's looking for you."
He was just standing there. Out in the open. No guards, no weapons, heck not even some kind of attack vehicle for him. He was merely standing alone, watching the carnage unfold.
And to be honest, that scared me.
Robotnik took my silence as confusion. "Oh come now," he began. "I saw how you reacted when the Admiral revealed those Chaos Emeralds." A sly grin crossed his lips. "You can feel it can't you, their energy? And through them, he feels you."
"Shut up Ro-butt-nik!" I snapped, angry that I had made it so obvious. "What the hell are you doing out here anyway?"
His face grew solemn and looked upwards. "I guess I just needed to see it for myself."
I was shocked, could it REALLY happen? Could Eggman actually CARE? Be feeling remorse?
We were silent for a moment, then he surprised me again. He took off his ever-present shades and handed them to me. "Take care not to die." Though I couldn't see his face, it sounded like he was smiling. "After all, that's my job."
And with that, he turned towards the nearest hangar and walked off.
This couldn't be real. I had all seven emeralds, Eggman really had turned a new leaf, and G.U.N. was asking for my help. This had to be fake, another emerald-induced dream. I kept hoping and waiting to wake up, but I never did.
A little wary at first, I slowly slid the shades on. There was nothing special about them. No little computer readouts, no enhanced vision, just regular shades. I looked up at Shadow, still toying with the resisting forces. And I laughed. The shades blocked the formerly blinding light, and I could see him.
And I suddenly saw him stiffen.
Slowly, he turned, and his gaze fixed on me.
The world seemed to stop at that moment. The swarms of G.U.N. forces vanished, the ground I stood on fell away, and it was simply the two of us.
"Shadow," I whispered, but all was suddenly so quiet, he could've heard me, far as he was.
For just a moment, his expression softened. His glare of mad fury melting into one of pain and sorrow. "Sonic," his voice was Shadow's. Not the power-twisted tones of one possessed by the Chaos.
His face then screwed up into insane glee. "I FOUND YOU!" he screamed.
He threw out his limbs, and a wave of energy blasted forth. The G.U.N. armies were incinerated instantly, and we really were alone. He flew down at me as his mad cackling echoed in my ears.
I quickly unlocked the case, and swept up all 7 Chaos Emeralds in my arms. I tossed my head back and belted out a massive war cry.
But nothing happened.
Because doubt and fear continued to live on in my mind.
Shadow showed no such weakness though, as he increased speed towards me.
I let my head hang. I had failed. I had failed everyone because I couldn't even try.
"Fine," I muttered weakly. "Then let me die. Maybe that will appease Shadow's tormented spirit. It is my fault, after all." And I braced myself for the end.
But it didn't happen.
Shadow was flung to the side as a massive stream of energy that crashed into him.
I turned to see the source. It was a hemisphere, with four 'legs' bracing it in place and a massive cannon.
"What the hell are you waiting for?!" a loudspeaker called from the odd weapon. It was Robotnik.
Shadow had recovered, and was flying straight up the beam of light towards the source, slowly over powering the tremendous force it exerted on him.
"That's right you worthless hedgehog!" Eggman taunted. "Come, come and destroy me! Come, and may the burning flames of hell consume me, and burn my sins clean!"
The weapon exploded in a terrific explosion as Shadow finally reached the target. The smoke and dust cleared to reveal nothing left. No escape pod had launched, there was no way Eggman could've lived.
I was suddenly flushed with anger. I trembled with rage. "You, you KILLED him!" I yelled.
Like a boiling ooze, I felt the power slowly creep up my arms as my quills began to stand up and turn yellow. "He's DEAD!" I called even louder.
"He.
"Was.
"MINE!"
The Chaos Emeralds glowed as my body gathered energy.
What no one ever understands about using the emeralds, is that in order to be reborn.
You have to die first.
I crushed the gems in my arms, and was rewarded with a blast of power. I could feel every molecule of my essence being torn away, fuse and reform.
I looked at myself, it was different. It was like being Super Sonic, but I could see shards of the emeralds sticking out of my chest and right arm.
I wasn't Super Sonic.
I was Chaos Sonic.