Shadow and the Huntress of GUN

by Digi-Dolphin

This is an old story I wrote back in SA2's Dreamcast days. Shadow is spending life with the Chao of Chao Kindergarten but a field trip goes awry when a hybrid Ultimate Life Form steps into his world....

7. Enter Predator

This doesn't look good. Sonic muttered as Cammy jabbed at the console computer. The vault opened, revealing the four missing Emeralds. Sonic grabbed them and turned to see what else was happening. What is that?! What's Predator?! he yelled at Cammy.

I don't know! I never heard of it until now! she yelled back and gasped when the creature the general spoke of finally appeared. The floor was replaced by the platform Predator lay on. The creature was enormous, a long, thick, coiled up serpent with a mouth that took up half of its body length, edged with jagged fangs. Its skin was covered by razor edges glinting silver in the flickering lights. Extending from its body like several platinum spikes were power rod, supplying energy to the beast so it could move and attack.

It looks a little like Perfect Chaos. Sonic muttered, "Man! I did not need to see that! He was tough to beat, but was nothing compared to Final Hazard!The Bio-lizard had a life support system. Those poles must act the same way. They're all attached to Predator at strategic points. Shadow thought aloud. Hey, Sonic! Let's try hitting the power rods! That could take it out in no time! he called out to him. Sonic set the Emeralds down and nodded.

Let's give it a shot! Cammy, you stand back and watch the Chaos Emeralds! We'll handle Predator ourselves! he called out to her and raced down at the giant serpent with Shadow. Cammy frowned, but stood back, holding her Emerald in her arms.

I don't like this. Not one little bit. Something's not right about that reptile. she muttered, watching it intensely.

The Predator flicked its tongue and hissed at a painful frequency as Sonic and Shadow prepared to use Homing Attacks on it. The sound filled the air and the three hedgehogs in the room froze and covered their ears, screaming. Predator continued hissing and uncoiled part of its body, swinging its tail to knock Sonic and Shadow aside. They tumbled across the floor, still covering their ears.

It's tearing my brain apart! Shadow shrieked, What is that?! Sonic got to his feet and glared up at a power rod.

I don't know, but we've got to make it stop! Hit the poles! Quick! he shouted and jumped to ram it. Cammy forced herself to stop howling in pain and watched him use a Homing Attack.

Wait! Stop! she cried out as he hit. The pole flashed brightly, sending out a surge of energy that threw Sonic back against the wall. Those poles are protected! You can't break them that way! Cammy cried to them over the noise.

You could have told us sooner! Sonic snapped angrily as he got up, huffing and puffing from the blow, How do you know they're protected?!Predator is big and slow to move, right? Well, if those rods are his weak points, don't you think they would have a self-defense mechanism to stay safe? she pointed out.

She's got you there, Sonic. Shadow added with a grin. Sonic panted, giving him a glare.

Whose side are you on? Mine or hers? Sonic grumbled between puffs. Shadow shrugged off the comment and looked up at several gaps in the ceiling. Rings were falling through them and hovering in the air.

Power rings? Here? What for? he muttered and looked back at Cammy, who still held her green Chaos Emerald and stood over the other six Emeralds. And the seven Chaos Emeralds.... Hey! That's it! Shadow turned to Sonic with a smirk. Yo, Sonic! Are you thinking what I'm thinking? he asked as the blue hedgehog looked around at the rings in confusion. He turned to look at him, then followed his nodding head to the seven Chaos Emeralds. After a moment, he understood, realization lighting up in his eyes.

Hey, that just might do it! Sonic exclaimed, But Shadow, don't you remember what happened last time?! Your power ran out at the end of the fight!That was out in space! We're on Earth now! Nothing's gonna happen! Shadow griped and ran to the Emeralds.

But what if you run out of power in the middle of the fight?! Sonic cried and chased after him, Hey! Wait up!What's going on? What are you doing? Cammy asked as Shadow ran up to her and took her Emerald. I need to borrow this for a bit. he told her and set it with the other Emeralds. Hurry up, Sonic! Let's transform into our super forms and get rid of that thing before this base blows up with us still on it! Sonic jumped to his side and nodded, holding a hand out to the Emeralds. Shadow did the same.

What are you doing? Cammy asked them.

We're going to use the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds and all those rings out there to turn into our super forms. Then we'll have the power to destroy the poles and escape this base! Sonic told her. Cammy blinked in surprise.

Super forms? Hey, count me in! Predator must be one of those mutant volunteers! That thing is trying to kill me, so I'm taking it out first! she declared and held her hand out to the Chaos Emeralds as well.

You can't transform! You're just a girl! Sonic yelled, Clear out of here while we distract the Predator!I will, too, transform into a super version, you sexist pig! Now shut up and let me share some of that power! Cammy snapped back at him.

Let her have a shot, Sonic. Shadow muttered under his breath, If we're lucky, nothing will happen and she won't be able to blame us that she can't change forms, too.She's your girlfriend. You deal with her. Sonic muttered back.

She's not my girlfriend, you idiot! Shadow raged back at him, She's just some crazy woman who won't leave me alone!Watch who you're calling 'crazy', Shadow! I'll give you another whacking and I won't go easy on you either! Cammy snapped. The three of them decided to drop the subject and try the transformation.

The seven Chaos Emeralds glowed brightly, filling the room with their light and channeling their energy to the ones who asked for their power. Enriched by the hearts of those who wanted to be free, the energy magnified, filling the three hedgehogs who called for it and heightening their power limits. The light flashed again and the Chaos Emeralds vanished, distributed among the three of them and linking their power together.

Whoa. Power rush. Sonic muttered, looking himself over. Gold replaced the blue of his body. All right! I'm Super Sonic again! He looked over at Shadow, who blinked at the silver that replaced the black. Nice look, Shadow! Or should that be Super Shadow?Just Shadow will do fine, thanks. he replied wryly, Come on, Sonic. Let's grab some rings to sustain these forms and get that Predator!Hey! Did you forget about me already?! Cammy snapped. Sonic and Shadow looked back at her in shock. Cammy stood behind them, also in a new super form. The light green was replaced by a deep, shimmering emerald green and the armor had changed to solid black. Chest plate, shoulder-plates, waist and leg plates, knee high boots and shoulder-length gloves completed her outfit, matched with a black headband and visor to protect her eyes. The Tiki Rod changed again, this time to a long black pole with a curved blade at each end. She had it shouldered as if it wasn't that dangerous.

No way! She actually did it?! Sonic shrieked, She's turned into a... Super Cammy?!Just plain Cammy, okay? Cammy replied and looked herself over. Whoa! Stylin'! I like this look. Hey, Shadow! What do you think? she asked, posing a little. Sonic looked in his direction. Shadow just stood there, mouth open. Hey, you're drooling again. Cammy pointed out and winked. I guess that means you like it. Well, time to save the day!Somebody joined the super form club. Sonic muttered and shook Shadow out of his trance, Let's go! We don't have much time left! We have to grab rings and destroy the power rods!Sorry. Let's do this like last time! You start the attack and Cammy and I will collect the rings! Shadow replied and they raced down to battle.

Predator hissed and flicked its forked tongue at the three hedgehogs that circled and took up positions around the snake. On Sonic's side were four power rods, on Shadow's side were three, and Cammy had four poles on her side. Rings continued to drop and Shadow and Cammy flew around to scoop them up. Every ring they collected vanished into them, adding to their energy supply. Sonic watched Shadow warily.

Shadow, don't you dare disappear on me again. he growled. Shadow glanced his way briefly, ignored him, and grabbed two rings in his hands. I know you heard me. When will you stop being so cold to people? I know what happened to Maria really hit you hard, but you can't act like a walking ice cube forever! Sonic hissed mentally.

Shut up and get to attacking. Predator looks like it could try to swallow you any minute. Just... do what you always do. I'll survive. Shadow growled back, Cammy, stay away from that thing's skin! It could rip your arm off!

I've never talked with my mind before. Has Sonic started attacking yet? Cammy replied with a question.

Here I come! Sonic suddenly yelled and charged the snake, a flash of lightning that slammed one power pole. It snapped off and the snake shrieked, throwing its head aside and knocking Sonic aside. He tumbled through the air and hit a wall, dazed.

Shadow! It's up to you! I can't see straight to hit him again! Cammy and I will keep up the ring collecting! he called out, shaking his head to clear it. Shadow dodged another sweep of the Predator's head.

I'll do what I can, Sonic! Cammy! How are things on your end? Shadow called out. A flash of light and a sharp cry cut the air.

Got one! My Chaos Blade will cut these things off like mowing the lawn! Cammy laughed as the Predator swung its head again. Shadow barely avoided it.

Cammy, you're supposed to be collecting rings! Shadow yelled as he aimed for another power pole.

Don't you shout at me, Shadow the Hedgehog!! Cammy snapped back, I'm not your wife! You're taking too long to attack, so I'm taking over! Shadow frowned at the remark as he hit the pole with a sweeping kick, snapping it off, then shot back to avoid the serpent's head.

Sonic! Are you up to keep attacking? he called out.

I need another minute, Shadow! Buy me some time, you two! He's... aaahhh! What's that?!?! Sonic shrieked as Predator unfurled and opened its mouth to reveal a dozen forked tongues that lashed out at the air, protecting a few of the power poles. Shadow scanned the area in horror, watching Sonic dive and spin to avoid the appendages.

Sonic! Get out of there! he called out to him. A few more close calls and Sonic managed to weave his way to freedom. He flew back, panting.

Sorry, guys! Couldn't get close to those poles on my side! Cammy! Can you cut those things?! Sonic asked. Another flash of light and Cammy was zipping to the mouth, a streak of emerald light.

Yeah! Just let me get in range for the Chaos Blade to work at its best! she replied, holding her spear firmly.

Sonic, are you crazy?! Why did you send her in there?! Shadow snapped at him, Cammy! Fall back! Don't go there!

Stay out of it, Shadow! This thing's trying to eat us, and I'm not gonna wind up as some stinkin' reptile's chewing gum! the girl snapped back at Shadow.

I don't have any better options, Shadow! She can distract Predator while the two of us take out the power poles! Sonic called back, already diving in to snap off another pole. Shadow scowled, tensed slightly when he saw the green hedgehog among the flailing tongues, slashing and flitting among them, then raced to another pole when he saw an opening.

Got one! he cried, snapping it off and flipping back to recover. He looked down at his leg and stifled a cry. A small patch of black peeked through the silver. No, no! Not now! Sonic! I'm losing energy! Shadow called out in a panic.

I'll get the rings for you! Take some of my energy to help! Cammy! Watch your back! the golden hedgehog barked orders, Shadow! Keep attacking! Don't give up!

How much longer before the base explodes?! Shadow called back, seeing the black turn silver again and then rushing down to snap off another pole.

Another twenty minutes! The generator is a stubborn thing! Cammy called back, Aaahh! Something's happening!!

Cammy, get out of there! both Sonic and Shadow yelled at the same time. The green blur sped away and returned to her position beside the snake, searching for another glowing purple pole. Shadow searched his side, found he had no poles left and called to the others.

I've got two power rods on this side! I can take them! Sonic called back.

There's three on my side! Predator is doing something! Cammy replied. The snake rose up and hissed. On its skin, the razor edged plates began to shift, then rise and fall, providing a deadly barrier around the last of the power rods. Shadow skimmed over the snake and joined Cammy. She gave him a startled look, then went back to glaring at the beast. That means we have five poles left. Shadow, what are you doing here? she finally said.

Helping you with these. Do I have to ask permission to help? Shadow retorted with a grin. Cammy returned it and shook her head before crying out and bending over. Cammy?! What's wro-aah! Shadow exclaimed and cried out himself. The silver was fading again, and on Cammy the emerald color was growing light. Sonic! We're....

Don't! He'll make us stop fighting! I'll collect the rings! You attack! Cammy called to him before Shadow could talk with Sonic, You have the better chance, anyway, of getting the poles. Shadow tightened his mouth, then agreed and dove in to attack. Cammy twisted through the air, scooping up rings and adding them to her and Shadow's diminishing energy supply.

Hey! Guys! Shadow! Cammy! I felt a sudden drop in your power over there! Are you two okay?! Sonic called out, darting in to snap a pole. A razor edge jumped up and sliced into his arm. Aahh! I'm hit! Shadow! Take over! Sonic cried and fell back to stop the bleeding. Red splattered onto the floor as he folded his arm and held it close to his body.

Four poles left! I'm having a little trouble of my own, Sonic! I can't get in! Shadow called back, darting away and among the stabbing razor scales that continued to shoot up around the power poles. His arm was hurting worse and he had checked the bandage, finding it stained red. The stitches had broken and the bandage wouldn't hold it together for much longer. He bit his lip, then returned to seeking out another easy target.

An opening! Shadow darted in and slammed his feet against the pole, snapping it off. Predator screamed and rustled its body a little, trying to get him away. It turned to swallow him, opening its mouth and lashing out at him with a dozen more tongues.

Shadow! Look out! Cammy cried as she grabbed a few more rings. One tongue wrapped around Shadow's ankle and started pulling him into the mouth. Clawing at the air and using up ring energy in short bursts of speed, Shadow struggled to get away.

It's got me! It's got me! Hurry up and finish it! he cried as the silver began to change back again.

Shadow! Your power's getting weak again! You told me that wouldn't happen! Liar! Where are you?! Sonic yelled, ignoring the cut on his arm and scanning the giant serpent frantically.

The mouth! Predator caught Shadow! Rescue him! I'll take care of the last few poles! Cammy shrieked, charging up her spear again. She swung it at the snake's side, Chaos Blade! A wide yellow band of energy sliced across it, tearing down another power pole. The monster shrieked again and changed fighting tactics. Scales lifted up from its skin again, but this time began to glow.

Sonic grabbed onto Shadow's hands and pulled, flying backwards to get him free. Shadow shrieked and Sonic let go, startled. The silver hedgehog held his injured arm, cringing in pain. Sonic understood and grabbed onto his good arm, pulling again.

Sonic! Shadow! Can you hear me?! Predator is changing tactics! What's the hold up?! Cammy called out.

I can't get him free! Our energy is running low! Grab some rings, then come take over! I'll deal with my side! I've got one pole left! Sonic yelled back. The green blur zipped around, scooping up more rings. Okay! You hit fifty! That's good! Come here and take over! Sonic flew away when Cammy came to his side.

We've got less than fifteen minutes to get out of here! Cammy told Shadow as she pulled. The two of them were being drawn further into the serpent's mouth. Shadow was kicking at the tongue that held him prisoner.

We also have only thirty rings for energy! Forget trying to get me loose! Get those power poles! he yelled as a shriek pierced the air. Sonic!

It's firing the scales at us! I almost got my leg cut off! the golden hedgehog shouted, What kind of creature is this?! It's worse than Final Hazard!

Why only thirty?! I got fifty! Cammy demanded as she began to slash at the tongues with her spear, cutting Shadow free.

I can't hold the super form for a long time! And you're weaker than me, so you can't hold it long either! The longer we use this power, the faster we lose our super forms! That's why we're losing energy! he told her and raced out of the mouth with her in tow. Once outside, he turned sharply and swung her up to the ceiling. Avoid the scales! Grab a few more rings and then attack! he ordered and flipped over to race after the rods. A flash of light on one side.

I got the last one on my side! Shadow! How are you?! Sonic cried.

I'm almost done! We have two poles left! Shadow called out, dodging flying scales to snap off another pole. Make it one! I just got another one! Sonic! Are you okay? he added.

I'm fine, but your energy is growing weak again! What's happening to you, Shadow?! Sonic replied, sounding worried and slightly panicked. Shadow scowled at the black patches appearing in the silver.

Nothing! I'm okay! Cammy! How's the supply?! he called out to the green hedgehog.

Not good! The power leaks out as fast as I can collect the stupid things! Cammy reported as she flipped through the air, snagging rings with her arms, legs, and pole, We're losing our energy! We can't hold these forms for very much longer!

We have enough for two minutes! I'm closest to the last pole! Here I come, you creep! Shadow shrieked and flew straight for the last pole. Predator turned to lunge for him as he reached it.

Shadow! Look out! Cammy screamed as Shadow slammed headfirst into the pole, snapped it and went tumbling through the air, a mere few inches from the edges of the deadly scales. Predator screamed in pain, writhing and lashing out with its tail. It made contact with Sonic, who had paused in shock over Shadow's reckless attack, and slammed him into another wall, stunning the golden hedgehog. Shadow hit the floor, just as dazed and struggling to retain the silver super form. Cammy flew right up to the face of the giant serpent.

How dare you hurt my friends, you monster! I'm the one you want! Come and get me! she screamed. The monster writhed and then faced her, coiling up in pain and agony.

Camilla.... the Predator spoke to her. The three hedgehogs looked shocked and startled.

Cammy, get away from that thing! Shadow yelled at her, struggling to get up. His arm buckled under and he collapsed again. Sonic recovered quickly, then flew down to help him up into the air.

Your energy is fading. Fall back to the vault and rest. You've done all you can, Shadow. Sonic told him softly, reverting to normal speech over the telepathy they had used in the battle. Shadow shook his head, glaring at him.

No! Cammy is still in danger and I'm not losing her like I lost Maria! Her death was my fault! G.U.N. wanted me, and killed Maria when they couldn't catch me in time! he hissed and jerked away from him, If Cammy dies now, it'll be the same all over again! My fault for her death... I'll lose my mind again! Sonic looked down at the hedgehog and the snake and froze, grabbing Shadow's arm before he could go down and swoop her away.

Wait. Something's up. I want to see what happens first. he whispered and watched. Shadow struggled, then looked down, growling angrily as Cammy floated down to stand in front of the Predator. He had to save her, he just had to!

What are you? How do you know me? Cammy hissed, holding her spear tight.

Camilla... you've grown more beautiful since last I saw you.... Predator rumbled, a hoarse sounding voice that seemed to crack with disuse. Cammy gasped and looked at the monstrous snake with wide eyes.

Ben?! Is that you?! Oh my.... What have they done to you?! she choked out. Predator breathed hard, exhausted from the battle. All around, the building was smoking and burning.

The E Life Serum did this to me. G.U.N. found a way to control me. They wanted you and me to be like Shadow and the Bio-lizard, like Project Shadow. So we would be made as Project Hunter. But you didn't show any powers, so they let you go and kept me for study. the snake told her.

The pigs. Don't worry, Ben. We'll... we'll find a way to change you back somehow. We'll go back to the way we were, my friend. Cammy whispered.

Always the kidder, Cammy. That's why I liked you. You made life fun. An adventure. Predator murmured, But I can't go back. Never. I'm too far gone in this hideous form. I can't stand living like this. Cammy, please. Will you do me a favor? Cammy nodded tearfully.

Anything, Ben. I'll help you. We can change you back. Shadow is here and he knows the professor's research. He can help us change you back. she babbled. A forked tongue slid out of the Predator's mouth. Shadow almost dove down to snatch her away, but Sonic grabbed him and held him back, fighting to hold him.

Don't do it, Shadow! That's Ben! Cammy's friend! he yelled. They kept watching, unsure of what was going on.

We can change you back. I know we can. Cammy whispered tearfully. The tongue reached to her and gently lifted a tear away from her cheek, then pulled back.

It's impossible, Camilla. Cammy. the snake replied softly, You say you are my friend. Do me a favor. The last I'll ever ask. End my pain. End my nightmare. Forever. Cammy shook her head, crying.

I can't! I can't do it, Ben! You're my best friend! If you go, I'll be all alone again! she pleaded, Ask anything but that!

Please, Cammy. As one friend to another, please do it. You have the power to do it. I can't live like this anymore. It's only a matter of time before G.U.N. shows up to take me away. They'll perfect the mental control system and send me after you and Shadow. I don't want to be responsible for your death and Shadow's enslavement. Predator murmured, It would kill my spirit, then I'll lose any hope of redemption. Please, Cammy. End my life so you and Shadow may live forever as free hedgehogs.

Why? Why did they do this to me? Cammy cried, When I find that general, I'll make him pay! I'll make him suffer for what he did to you and me and Shadow! He destroyed us, that evil man! She tightened her grip on the spear and brought it forward, shaking with tears. Sonic and Shadow stared at her in shock. Was she actually going through with it? Shadow started struggling again.

Let me go! I've got to help her! he yelled, straining to get loose. You're worse than those stupid tongues that grabbed me!You're crazy! You're losing power and you want to go down in there?! Forget it! Sonic snapped.

Ben.... Please, say there's another way. Cammy whispered. Predator only looked at her with emotionless red eyes. She swallowed and charged the spear up with what was left of her power, still shaking. It glowed brightly, showing it was ready. Ben, forgive me. she said softly, I'll see you on the other side.

No you won't, but thanks for the offer. Goodbye, Camilla. You'll always be in my heart. the giant snake told her and opened its mouth wide. Shadow fought harder.

It's going to eat her! Let me go, Sonic! I've got to help her! he screamed again, suddenly crying as well. That snake's words, pleading with Cammy for help. It was just like Maria begging him to help the people on earth. It wasn't fair. They were losing people they cared for because of G.U.N.

And you'll always be in mine, Ben. Cammy whispered and took a deep breath, Chaos Blade! She slashed the spear and released the energy blade. It flew into Predator's mouth, traveling down into it and slicing the monstrous serpent in half. It spun through the coils, cutting and slicing all the way up to the tip of the Predator's tail. The huge snake toppled, one half falling to one side, the other half falling to the other. Cammy stood on the floor, paralyzed, shaking and staring blankly at the body of her former friend. Shadow broke away from Sonic and flew down to her.

Ben.... Cammy whispered, then dropped the blade and burst in tears, sobbing as if her heart had been ripped out. She turned to run blindly out into the burning hall but Shadow managed to grab her and pull her back, hugging her tightly as she kept sobbing. Ben! The emerald finally faded, leaving her as she was before the trans-formation, and a short rod on the floor where the Chaos Blade had been. Sonic landed nearby, silently watching Shadow lose his own super form and turn solid black and red again.

Cammy, I know it hurts. Think of it this way. Now he's not suffering anymore. You ended his suffering. Shadow whispered to her. Cammy held him tighter.

They made me do it. They made me destroy my only friend. They knew if they sent him after me and I knew who he was, I wouldn't fight him. Cammy sobbed, Just like they knew that if they sent me after you and you fell for me, you wouldn't fight against me. They've been trying to use us against each other, to control us. Ben! Ben! I'm sorry! It should have been me! Shadow gave her a little shake and held her tighter.

Don't say that! He did it for you. So you could live in peace. Be happy for him. He's in peace and so are we. he told her and stepped back to wipe her tears away. Now, how many minutes before the base explodes?Um, I think about ten. she murmured and turned to pick up her rod. Sonic ran up to them and shut down his Super Sonic form, grabbing three Emeralds as they began to scatter again.

Ten minutes? Plenty of time for us to use Chaos Control and get out of here. he said, giving Shadow the red Emerald and Cammy the green one while he held onto the yellow Chaos Emerald.

Hey! I had yellow! Shadow complained. Sonic rolled his eyes.

Yellow belongs to Tails. Red suits you better. he said and held the Emerald out, We'll meet up outside with Tails and Knuckles. Then we're taking you to a doctor to tend to that arm of yours, Shadow. Chaos Control! Sonic warped away as Shadow ran up to Cammy, who was walking to the vault in a silence.

Come on! Let's go! he exclaimed, grabbing her arm. Cammy jerked away.

No, I'm not going. I want to stay here with Ben. she told him. Shadow looked startled, then shook it off.

Are you insane?! This place is going to explode in ten minutes! he snapped. Cammy shook her head.

I lied. It's going to go off in three minutes. You get out. I'll stay here and wait for the end. she replied and stopped walking. This looks like a good spot to die. I'll be there soon, Ben. Watch me. she whispered.

Cammy, this isn't how it's supposed to be! If you give up and wait for the end here, then Ben would have died in vain! Shadow snapped at her, That's why he asked for you to end him. So you could live! Weren't you paying any attention to what he was saying?! Cammy didn't answer, just hung her head down and let the rod drop to her side.

I killed my friend. Now I'm alone. It doesn't matter now. You go. Live and be happy. I won't be chasing you anymore. she muttered.

You're not alone. You've got me, Cammy. And I won't be happy if you die here. Shadow replied in a dark voice, Your death would haunt me because I'll feel that it's my fault. All it would do is cause more pain for me, then pain for everyone else because then I'll want revenge for you. I don't want to be a monster like Bio-lizard. I don't want to be the uncaring hedgehog I had been when Maria died.Just go away. Go back to your girlfriend, the pink hedgehog. Cammy muttered, I'll go to Ben. My dear friend. Shadow growled in frustration and grabbed her arm, startling her. Hey! What are you doing?!

Saving you from yourself! Shadow snapped angrily, And that pink hedgehog's not my girlfriend! She's with Sonic! He held up the Emerald and focused on trying to find Sonic's Chaos Emerald. Now quit fighting and let's go! Chaos Con-!

The wall near them exploded suddenly, throwing both hedgehogs across the room and slamming them into the floor before Shadow could finish using the Chaos Control. The building was covered in flames and burning debris fell from the ceiling, blocking off usual escape routes.

One minute left to detonation! Cammy exclaimed, Shadow, get out of here now! She turned to yell at him again, but found the black hedgehog lying on one side, the injured arm almost shredded and bloodied.

Cammy called and crawled over to him, shaking him. Oh, no. Not now! she cried and scrambled around to get his Emerald and her own. She snatched up her rod and packed it away on her armor, then gathered the gems into one arm while she held Shadow up with the other. Hang on! I'll get you out of here! Taking one last look at the body of her dead friend, Cammy took a deep breath and decided to risk the Chaos Control. Chaos Control! she cried, focusing on the grassy park just outside of the zoo, the only thought in her mind. The two of them warped away, just as the ceiling caved in and the generator exploded.