Warning: This chapter is somewhat extremely gruesome since I got a little carried away towards the end.
Before the Vision
Chapter 15: Rampage
The last few days in the Robotnik summer house were filled with an air of eternal happiness. Rarely did any of the three family members have any problems to complain about for everything seemed to be going well for them. Shadow had finally confessed to Gerald and Maria exactly how he came up with his portrait idea. Maria was truly amazed at how much understanding Shadow could gain from his surroundings. Even Gerald himself was blown away at Shadow's perception of life and the physical world. What was once a simple yet complex experiment had amazingly grew into a caring, brilliant, and intuitive life form that easily blended into society. Gerald certainly did not expect so much from Shadow in such a small amount of time and felt that, as a professor, his own potential of being the greatest scientist was just being tapped into.
Knowledge of Shadow's opinion on the world opened up new conversations between the hedgehog and the professor that were usually lengthy and sometimes argumentative over simple ideas. Maria, as always, busied herself with a book or just sat by idly listening to the two swap thoughtful ideas. Upon family outings, Gerald would often brag to the townspeople over Shadow's portrait. The hedgehog appreciated the exposure of his talent but felt a little embarrassed over everyone's reaction. Some wanted to stop by the house to see the portrait but Gerald, knowing how much Shadow wanted his privacy, gently denied their request.
It was early one morning when Shadow found it difficult to sleep. He tossed and turned on the couch in the living room but decided to give up on sleep and started his day early. It was somewhat dark outside with the eastern sky slowly changing colors from the rising sun. Shadow stepped out onto the veranda of the house, his special sunglasses in hand just incase he was out after the sun had risen. The hedgehog exited out through the gates in front of the house and took the narrow path through the forest into town. There weren't too many people out in the town and many of the street lamps were still on. A few dark figures meandered here and there, some being confused and baffled at the sight of Shadow as he walked down the sidewalk.
"They've probably never seen me before…" Shadow assumed after walking by some strangers who gave him odd looks.
He continued on silently ignoring most of the rude and odd comments he received. He had gotten enough of it back at the institute and was honestly sick and tired of it. As the hedgehog made his way down the main street, he turned off into a side street with lesser lighting. A few stores were set up here on the slightly narrow street but Shadow felt the need to explore the town a bit. Secretly, a gang of teenagers watched the hedgehog from across the street. They were aware of Shadow's presence and reputation in the town, but still saw him as just a freak of nature.
"What kind of old man creates a freak like that?" one of the teens asked.
"Who knows. The guy must be weird or just crazy." the leader of the group replied.
Just then a younger member of the gang stepped to the front of the group.
"I heard that the old professor is some kind of mad scientist." the young boy said in a low tone.
Suddenly the others began to inquire the boy about his comment.
"I heard it from my cousin. He lives in a city not too far from here and that's where the old man and the hedgehog came from with some girl named Maria."
"And why does your cousin think the guy is mad?" the leader asked.
"He told me that the hedgehog turned into some kind of monster once in some top secret lab. He's suppose to have all sorts of powers and stuff like that."
The leader looked at Shadow as he continued on down the darkened street. A suspicious look fell on his eyes.
"Maybe your cousin's right." he spoke. "That freak did lift up a car a few weeks back."
The other boys suddenly began to talk to each other over the incident at the auto shop. Some even began to speculate that Shadow was a prototype of a secret army of monsters.
"Hey cool it guys!" the leader order the gang. "If that freak has all of that power then we better get rid of it as a lesson to the sick bastard who created it."
The other boys agreed and silently the gang exited out of the dark alley. They crossed the street silently; some having knives in their hands while others cracked their knuckles. Shadow was casually walking along the sidewalk observing his surroundings when suddenly an uncomfortable feeling trickled up his spine. It was unusual and yet alarming at the same time as if his senses were telling him that there was danger nearby. The gang had quickened their pace slowly approaching the hedgehog. Shadow's heart began to beat faster from the impending doom but he kept his composure. The leader of the group finally spoke out to the hedgehog.
"Hey freak!" the older boy with facial hair shouted.
The hedgehog stopped wincing at the word 'freak'.
"Yeah, I'm talking to you! Turn around!"
Shadow only looked back over his shoulder through his foggy shades, showing no signs of fear.
"I said turn around! You do understand me right you freak?" the leader snapped.
"Yeah…" Shadow finally replied in a dark, bitter tone.
"So you can talk." the leader picked up a rock by his feet. "I suppose you understand what this means too."
Quickly he hurled the rock at Shadow hitting the hedgehog on his head. The short creature winced at the attack clenching his fist.
"What do you want?!" the hedgehog shouted turning towards the gang.
"We want you dead. You see, we heard about where you came from and what you did before you got here. Quite frankly me and my boys feel that something like you can't exist… and the old man was stupid for creating you in the first place." the leader was slowly advancing on Shadow.
The other boys were behind him as well, readying themselves for and attack. The hedgehog only felt more anger growing inside of him for the leader's insult towards Gerald. After spending almost a month in the small town, Shadow had never heard a single word spoken against Gerald. He thought that the family had finally gotten away from the criticism that they left behind in the city, but it all followed them into the small town. And who to hear it from than a bunch of low-life punks.
"What did you say?" Shadow said through his gritted teeth.
"You heard me. The old man is an idiot and deserves to die for being a bastard!" the leader said in an even louder voice.
The anger within Shadow boiled even more as the hedgehog let out a low growl. Unknowingly his fangs extended out of his mouth surprising the gang.
"Hey he's a vampire too!"
"What the hell was that old man thinking?"
"I bet that girl Maria is so weak from him sucking all of her blood." the youngest boy said jokingly.
The other boys began to laugh at the little joke until the young boy was heard screaming for his life. Shadow had tackled him to the ground and was pummeling the boy's face with his fist.
"HOW DARE YOU INSULT MARIA!" Shadow roared in his attack.
The other boys quickly crowded around the two grabbing Shadow off of the young boy and throwing him into the street. The young boy had blood all over his face and cried from the pain. The leader and few others glared at the hedgehog ready to attack.
"Looks like the little freak has some fight in him!" the leader shouted angrily.
Rolling onto his hands and knees, Shadow's tolerance for the gang's attitude had finally diminished. He glared at the group of boys in front of him before launching himself at the leader. Shadow had made contact with the older male and punched him repeatedly in the face. The other boys moved in to join the brawl. Numerous hands could be felt attacking the hedgehog as he continued his assault on the leader. Suddenly a knife went across his arm and Shadow directed his attention towards the attacker. The boy was coming at him again with another attack but Shadow jumped onto him and began his furious attack. But it was short lived for the hedgehog was suddenly thrown to the ground where the boys took the advantaged and ganged up on the creature.
Shadow felt the painful beatings of fists and feet all over him. There was even a cut every now and then from the knives the boys wielded. The hedgehog tried whatever he could to protect himself but he still received more damage with every hit. Finally an opening appeared and the hedgehog leapt to his feet and sank his teeth into the leg of one of the boys. The boy cried out in pain and tried to shake off the hedgehog, but Shadow's teeth quickly seeped into his leg. After seconds of chaos and panicking, Shadow finally flung off of the boy's leg ripping off a part of his pant leg as well. Large amounts of blood poured from the gruesome wound and the gang went after Shadow again.
…Yet strangely… Shadow felt an odd sensation within him. From the moment the blood touched his lips to its forced journey down his throat, a sadistic craving overtook Shadow and he looked down at his hands. They trembled uncontrollably and his heart pulse had quickened. The hedgehog's pupils contracted as he suddenly craved for more blood. Meanwhile the boys had stopped their charge keeping their distance from the eccentric hedgehog who was now shaking all over.
"Dude, what's happening to him?" one of the boys asked.
"I don't know." another answered.
They whispered to each other all the while keeping an eye on Shadow. By now he had bent over on his knees holding his head tightly to keep it from shaking.
"Can't… s-stop it… must… have more…" his mind hissed heinously.
Just then his head shot up and the creature's red eyes gazed around at the gang. The hunger in his stomach intensified at the sight of the small cuts and gashes that some of the boys were covered in. A small trail of blood trickled out of Shadow's open mouth and a hissing noise soon followed. Immediately the gang turned their back to run but it was too late. Shadow had already grabbed onto one of the boys and took him down. Sharp fangs pierced through the boy's neck and large amounts of blood were taken into Shadow's mouth.
The undying feast continued until the leader knocked Shadow away from the boy with a large piece of wood. The hedgehog's reflexes had picked up and swiftly he rolled to his feet from the attack. Blood was all around his mouth but Shadow didn't seem to notice. All he saw was the gang leader and few loyal members left who were brave enough to take on the menacing hedgehog.
"Come on you freak!!" the leader shouted adjusting his grip on the wood.
The hedgehog launched himself again at the boys hissing loudly. The leader swung the heavy plank of wood and gracefully Shadow bit into it. As the wood was swung around, the end broke off but Shadow landed perfectly on his feet spitting out the chunk in his mouth and charging again at his prey. This time he managed to snag onto a boy's shoulder sinking his teeth through the clothing into the soft skin. The teenage boy screamed and repeatedly stabbed Shadow over and over again in his back with the small knife he had. The pain was intense but Shadow was determined to get his share of food. Finally it was too much to take and the hedgehog released the boy jumping down to the pavement. Unknowingly, some other kids were already advancing upon the hedgehog and they quickly ambushed Shadow as he landed on the ground.
He received more kicks to the face, stomach, and back with bruises accompanying every hit. Then a pathway was made for the leader as he charged towards the group, the plank of wood held in his hand. As Shadow looked up from the beating, the last thing he saw was a broken plank heading towards his face.
WHAM!! The leader had made direct contact with Shadow's face and broken end of the wood shattered from the impact. Chips and splinters of wood went flying everywhere, some planting themselves in Shadow's face. The hedgehog himself was sent tumbling across the gravel filled pavement and stopped on his back.
"Is he dead?" the injured boy with the bloody shoulder asked.
:..I hope so." the leader replied with sweat and blood covering his face.
The impact caused a huge gash to appear across Shadow's face and small splinters of wood were scattered about as well. He was extremely dazed and confused. He couldn't think straight or wasn't even aware of what had just happened. All Shadow knew was that he was on the ground and that his face was in unspeakable pain. Some blood from his gashed eye rolled down onto his lips and it all came back to the hedgehog. The sweet taste, the soothing warmth; it was what he needed to live. Vaguely he could remember when he began to lose his appetite for regular foods and the pain the hunger in his stomach cause. Going to sleep starving and waking up with twice the hunger… it was too much for the hedgehog to take. But he didn't show it. He didn't want Maria and Gerald to know about his dying hunger. Shadow could remember that for a while he had no idea as to what he wanted to eat exactly. So the pain in the bowels of his stomach continued… and eventually they died away.
Now that he found the substance that would sustain his life… he craved for it madly. The hunger in his stomach had returned and it demanded fresh blood. Slowly Shadow's senses began to return and he was now remembering where he was, what had happened, and what he needed.
"Life…" his mind whispered. "Their life… I must have it…"
Shadow's uninjured eye opened up and he struggled to roll over onto his stomach. The aches and pains of his wounds burned throughout his body, but the hedgehog was persistent to get his meal. He was nearly dying of starvation now and was determined to do anything to satisfy his hunger… even if it meant making a kill or two. Soon his mind began to wipe away all signs of sanity and the creature's wild instincts overtook him. It was decided, unknowingly, that nothing would be able to stop Shadow from quenching his hunger… not even Maria.
The small group of boys had just begun to walk away when they heard a dreaded growling noise of Shadow. Immediately they spun around to see the hedgehog fully standing and slightly slouched over. His uninjured eye looked over his shoulder menacingly glowing a blood red color. Suddenly he felt his body temperature rise from its icy cold numbness to a boiling burning sensation. He couldn't take the pain but Shadow remained rigid as his body began to change shape.
The boys suddenly realized what was happening and quickly left the area running down the street. Shadow had changed into his beast form and roared loudly into the orange sky as the sun began to rise. Shadow's wings flapped releasing a powerful gust of wind and launched him into the air. Shadow flew down the narrow street roaring loudly as he searched for his escaped prey. The booming roars had woken up and caught the attention several residents of the town who were just starting their day. It wasn't long before Shadow found his prey trying to escape into an alley near the main street. The monster immediately descended dropping to the ground in the boys' path and screeched into their ears. They boys dropped to their knees screaming out from the unforgivable pain of Shadow' scream, but it was merely a diversion allowing Shadow to capture his prey.
He scooped up two of the boys into his mighty claws and shoved them into his mouth hungrily. The sickly noise of bones crushing with a squishing noise and muscles and organs inside Shadow's mouth petrified the leader and the last few boys who remained. Blood poured out of Shadow's mouth from his meal and he smiled sinisterly at the remaining gang members who tried to escape. Yet it was too late for them. The enormous monster breathed into deeply and breathed out a wave of untamed fire that disintegrated the boys into ash.
Shadow then tilted his head back and released a triumphant roar spraying out some blood still left in his mouth. But he was still hungry and needed more to satisfy his hunger. The monster wildly ran down the street crushing and knocking over parked cars and scaring the few people who had rushed onto the main street to see what the trouble was. Soon panic expanded across the town and the police force was called in immediately to try and handle the situation.
Back at the summer house, Gerald had awoken to some abrupt knocking on the front door. Quickly he rushed downstairs in his robe and opened up the door to see a group of policemen on his front porch, including the chief.
"Gerald, there's a horrible monster attacking the city!" the chief spoke in an urgent manner. "We found one kid who thinks it may be your hedgehog."
The young gang member was standing near a police officer in the yard looking unhealthily pale and trembled. Just then an explosion came from within the town followed immediately by Shadow's roar.
"Shadow…" Gerald whispered in disbelief. "We must stop him immediately! Just let me get a few things and we'll be on our way."
Forgetting to close the front door, Gerald rushed back upstairs and past Maria who had exited out of her room.
"What's going on grandfather?" the girl asked concerned.
"It's Shadow." Gerald replied rushing past her. "He's transformed into his beast form again!"
Maria gasped in utter shock and then heard another tremendous roar from Shadow.
"What are you going to do?" the girl asked Gerald who had gone into his office.
Immediately the professor came out of his office with a heavy duffle bag. Apparently some large device was inside and was going to be used on Shadow.
"Thankfully while back at the institute, my colleagues I took the precaution of creating this tranquilizer gun that would calm Shadow and return him to his smaller form. It hasn't been tested but I'm sure it should work without fail." Gerald explained rushing down the stairs.
Maria had followed her grandfather to the door where he turned back to her before leaving.
"Go up into the attic and stay there. The last thing I want is you running around out here in this danger."
"But grandfather, maybe I can stop Shadow!"
"No way Maria!" the chief said approaching the two. "He's out of control and he's destroying everything and killing anyone that gets in his way. It's just too dangerous for you."
Another explosion interrupted the conversation but this time a ball of fire could be seen shot up into the air. At that moment Maria realized that Shadow's behavior in his monstrous form was different. He was on a wild rampage causing total destruction and killing many people. She couldn't understand or explain how she knew… but with every roar Shadow released… a familiar emotion could be heard deep within. He wanted something but the girl did not know what it was and knew that she wouldn't be able to help Shadow. With this realization, Maria remained silent while Gerald and the chief left with the other officers. The door closed leaving Maria alone in the empty house.
"Shadow…" she muttered.
The police cars outside in the front yard could be heard driving away with their sirens blaring. Frustrated over her emotions, Maria rushed upstairs into the attic with tears running down her cheeks. As she slammed the door closed behind her, Maria paused at the doorway clenching her fists. Her tears fell to the ground but they were not tears of anger or sadness… but tears of confusion. She couldn't understand what would make Shadow change into his beast form. Almost everyone in the small town respected the hedgehog and had no problems with him at all. Maria thought that Shadow would be able to put his whole past behind him while they were in the small town… but somehow, the past found Shadow bringing back horrid memories of the institution. Slowly the girl approached a small side table and opened up its drawer. Her diary that she had brought with her was in there. Confused and upset over the dire situation, Maria sat on the old couch and began to write in her diary.
The police cars screeched to a halt on the main street where Shadow was wreaking havoc. Gerald, the chief, and a few other officers got out of their cars.
"Set this gun up, and be careful!" Gerald ordered some of the men as he placed down the duffle bag.
"Are you sure this will work?" the chief asked.
"I can't say but the tranquilizer gun does have everything we need to calm Shadow." Gerald replied. "But we have to make each shot count. We could only make a few needles containing the antidote."
"Fine then. Anderson , get over here!"
A middle aged officer with dark hair approached the chief.
"You're the best shooter we have on the force. Do you think you can hit that monster in its weak spot?" the chief asked.
"Sure, but where is it?" Anderson replied.
"If the shots make contact with Shadow's torso then they should take effect immediately from there." Gerald explained.
Anderson complied with his given orders and took up the tranquilizer gun. The chief called forth a few officers to shoot off their guns getting Shadow's attention. Once the plan was underway, multiple gun shots were fired into the air. The professor didn't want Shadow to be harmed in any way. The massive winged creature faced the police squad upon hearing the gunfire. Assuming the gunfire to be a threat, Shadow roared again and charged towards the small group of people. Anderson , with the tranquilizer aimed at Shadow's chest, fired two rounds. Each of them made direct contact slowing Shadow down a bit but he still kept on moving. Realizing the impending doom, the officers and Gerald left the scene.
"How long does it take for those things to take effect?!" the chief asked following the professor.
"It should only take a few seconds before Shadow begins to slow down!" Gerald replied in between breaths.
Surely enough the professor was right and Shadow slowed down to a sluggish run. He began to drag his arms across the ground and breathed out heavily fighting against the drowsy feeling. But Shadow couldn't give up; he refused to on his half-empty stomach. He tore the empty needles out of his stomach and gave a half hearted roar before attempting to pick up the pace again. Gerald was astonished by Shadow's determination to survive the fight. Anderson had already stopped to try and get in a few more shots that would hopefully knock out Shadow. The gun when off three more times. One shot missed while the other two landed on his face and left arm but Shadow simply ripped off the needles and charged for Anderson . Unfortunately he was unable to escape and became another victim with the tranquilizer gun being destroyed. With no hopes left, Gerald and the remaining officers escaped into the forest back to where the summer house was.
Shadow took to the air to cut off his prey at their destination. He flew by the treetops violently shaking the leaves and landed in the dirt driveway just as Gerald and the other officers emerged from the forest. They immediately panic and lost all sense of direction running anywhere they thought would be safe. But Shadow had the advantage over the small group and devoured several of the men in just a few scoops. Finally Gerald was left backed up against the tree in the front yard. He pleaded in a weak voice for Shadow to stop his rampage. But the Shadow he knew was no longer there.
"P-please Shadow… for heaven's sake stop this… this madness…" Gerald begged.
The horrid creature let out a low growl before attacking his victim. Gerald's yell could be heard from the attic atop of the house immediately grabbing Maria's attention. She hurried to the window to see Shadow finishing up the remains of the professor and the young girl gasped covering her mouth. Tears quickly fell from her eyes as heart ripped into two. Shadow, her most trusted friend and 'brother', had just murdered the person who created him and loved him. Her legs began to feel extremely weak and she fell to the floor sobbing. Everything that Shadow had worked so hard to attain fell apart in just a matter of an hour or so. Now Maria was truly alone. Her grandfather was dead and her beloved friend Shadow seemed to have faded away in the presence of the destructive monster outside. Maria fell to the wooden floor crying uncontrollably. What was she to do? There was nothing in the house that would stop Shadow's rampage. Nothing… except herself. It was a bit farfetched for Maria still had the strong that Shadow was gone… but it was the only defense she had left.
A dark, wispy cloud appeared in the corner where the entrance to the attic was. As it grew, the cloud began to take on a large shape similar to that of Shadow the beast. Terrified and still crying, Maria pushed herself against the old couch and could only watch as Shadow appeared in the corner. His heavy weight caused the wooden floor to creak loudly but it was strong enough to support him. Slowly and carefully Shadow walked towards Maria huffing and puffing, his eyes fixed on the girl's face. Remembering her plan, Maria crawled over to Shadow's clawed feet and held onto them.
"Shadow…" her voice could barely be heard. "I don't know what's gotten into you… but you have to stop. You must stop! Everyone you love is dying right in front of your eyes and you don't seem to care."
The creature just growled in response.
"I… I remember… when you were upset before. You didn't know what to do so you reacted violently. But now that you're smarter… I hoped… that you would at least know how to handle your anger. But you can't… and it doesn't make any sense!"
The creature growled again stepping back but Maria sat up and continued to stay close to Shadow.
"I remember you said that you were ready to change your life around." Maria's voice grew stronger. "You said that you were willing to do anything to be someone different. But this isn't different Shadow! You're going against what you told me yourself! And I believed you too! But now… here you are… an ugly creature looking down on me after killing so many. What's happening to you Shadow? Why can't you control yourself?!"
The final words echoed in Shadow's mind and the voice seemed familiar to him.
"Where have I heard it from?" he asked himself.
The monster remained silent leaving Maria baffled about what it was doing. Shadow was trying to remember where he had hear the voice before. His mind wandered around the answer but nothing could trigger it. By then Maria gave up trying to remind Shadow of who he is. She moved away from the beast already on her knees and dropped to her hands in disgrace. During the process, a sharp piece of wood cut into Maria's hand and immediately she yelped holding onto her wound. Shadow noticed the blood trickling down her wrist and immediately all sanity disappeared as his appetite returned.
The sinister monster snarled startling Maria and stalked towards her, his claws ready to attacks. Maria tried to talk to Shadow again but it was useless. He interrupted her with a loud roar that shook the house and some dust off of the old furniture and antiques. Then with no hesitation Shadow proceeded to attack his only 'sister'. Maria was flung into the wall by a mighty swipe that almost knocker her unconscious. As the young teenager laid on the floor greatly weakened, Shadow approached Maria again and picked her up by her neck. With one claw the monster tortured and tormented the poor girl by cutting her across her torso with one claw. She screamed in agony as the poison burned her. Her body was dropped to the floor again and she laid on her back as Shadow proceeded to tear her open with his claws. It was a delicate yet painful process as Shadow slowly scratched at Maria's body, each mark burning from the deadly poison. As more and more blood poured out onto the floor, Shadow's hunger intensified his attack and soon it became a mere hack and slash with blood, skin, and chunks of internal organs and muscles flying everywhere. Maria's screamed deceased and Shadow began to feast on what was there for the taking. Quickly he scooped up some of the remains of Maria into his mouth and even lapped up some of the blood as well.
Shadow was still not satisfied with his meal and proceeded to sniff the area for anything else he could eat. And then he looked up and saw the portrait he painted. The beast's blood red eyes seemed to have shown some sign of confusion and calmness as he noticed the black and red hedgehog next to the fair skinned girl. The hedgehog in the portrait began to jog Shadow's memory as sanity returned to his mind. Slowly a claw reached out trying to touch the picture and then it hit him. Memories flew back into Shadow's mind and immediately there she was. He could see Maria's loving smile and could hear her ethereal voice softly speaking to him. Although the beast couldn't understand the words clearly, he knew that the voice belonged to Maria.
"Maria…" Shadow said in his distorted voice.
His eyes then wandered back to the black hedgehog and it wasn't long before the beast realized that was himself in the portrait; his calm, intelligent form.
"Shadow…" the beast whispered again.
Suddenly his body began to cool off immediately. Soon the inside of Shadow's body fell back to its ice cold temperature as large amounts of steam were given off and filled the attic. As Shadow changed back into his smaller form, he fell to his knees shivering horribly with his mind suffering a terrible brain freeze.
Finally, it was over. Shadow's rampage had ended and the hedgehog had finally returned. As he regained his senses, he noticed the strong smell of blood in the room and staggered to his feet wobbling a bit. As the steam cleared up in the room, Shadow yelled out in shock as he saw the blood splattered mess his beast form had left behind. He then looked down and noticed that his hands and arms were covered in blood as well and with his heart pounding at an alarming rate, Shadow could only think of one thing to say.
"What have I done..?"