WHEW! Finally… I know I haven't been able to update this but there's been so much to do in my life right about now and blah blah blah… :P School comes first you know. Gotta graduate high school with them honors you know. :D Anyway! This part should keep you guys satisfied for now! And I'm on my Spring Break now so I'll have more time to write this… hopefull. @_@  Enjoy!   

            He practically had his face plastered to the train window. Sonic chuckled quietly as Shadow observed the city as the train exited from the mountain tracks and had made it to the final overpass before it would stop in the station. The overpass itself was over more of the business district of the city, but the Casino's lights could be seen from it. Shadow seemed fascinated with the bright sign that blinked every two seconds. He watched as people walked the streets, holding briefcases and shopping bags. His gaze down at them didn't lash very long, for the train disappeared into the station. Blinking, the hedgehog sat back down and waited for the train to come to a halt. Once it did, the doors opened and the few people left on it began to depart from it. Sonic and Shadow glanced at each other for a moment and then waited for the people to get off of the train before they did. The train attendants nodded at Sonic as he stepped out onto the marble floor of the station. He flashed a row of white teeth and then looked back at Shadow, who was lingering in the train doors.

            " You coming?"

            Shadow nodded and then followed him down the splitting staircase. Not many of the travelers on the train had straggled behind in the station, most likely returning to their homes or businesses to close up shop, so the two of them had no problems with anyone questioning them. Not that Sonic was really questioned whenever he came into town. Hero status gives a person pretty much free reign of anything that he or she wanted. At least Sonic was never too egotistical about it, although he did use it to his full advantage if need be. He wondered though, how the city's inhabitants would react to Shadow's appearance in their city. Hmm. It shouldn't be a big problem. We can always go back to Mystic Ruins if any trouble starts. He pushed the doors open and proceeded out onto the steps. His ebony companion joined him shortly, craning his neck around as he observed everything.

            Bright lights flickered and flashed from buildings, spelling out letters and business names for any passerby to see. Twinkle Park's sign was illuminated as vivid as it normally was, trying to attract anyone who would go into the amusement park. Cars moved by here and there, obeying the traffic lights and letting pedestrians go by. Sonic tapped on the bottom of Shadow's jaw.

            " You know, that works better if it's up."

            The black hedgehog made a face and closed his mouth. Sonic smirked.

            " If you think that's good, wait until I show you the rest of it."

            " There's more?" He glanced over at his tour guide. " I thought you said that this place was small."

            " It is. But there's a lot to see. I suggest a quick runabout around the city before we do anything." He smiled.

            Shadow thought about it for a moment and then nodded. Emerald eyes blinked once and then glanced over to the left.

            " Alright then. Follow me."

***

            Most of the city consisted of many different business, so it really wasn't necessary to explain them to Shadow as they explored. Sonic watched Shadow carefully, eying him as they walked up and down the streets of Station Square. It was like watching a child. Full of wonder and amazement. Taking in everything like a sponge. He smiled as they rounded a corner and headed back toward their starting place.

            " Getting a feel of the city?"

            " I know we didn't really go in anywhere, but yes, I am."

            Sonic looked at his watch. There was still plenty of time.

            " So then, a little fun is in order, eh?" His grin had returned.

            Shadow's red eyes flickered up at him, questioning.

            " Are you sure that---"

            " What? You've been keeping up with me fine when we were running around. After all, you are getting better and healing. And we have tons of time left before we have to be back on the train." The grin was still there. " I mean, come on, I gotta show you something more than a simple stroll around the city."

            For Shadow, the stroll had been enough to satisfy his craving for knowledge of the city, for now at least. There was much that he needed to see though. Experience would make him be able to understand the world a little bit better, and hopefully show him the things that Maria had told him about back on ARK so many years ago. Sonic waited, watching Shadow as he stood there, eyes closed. The azure hedgehog knew that there was a lot of information for Shadow to take in, but he wanted to show him everything. And as fast as possible.

            " Alright, Sonic. I suppose I shall take you up on your offer."

            The grin returned as it plastered itself across Sonic's face.

            " Twinkle Park is a good place to have some fun. The amusement park is always nice, and we can get a bite to eat if we want."

            Shadow agreed and they walked on, passing pedestrians. Twinkle Park was just up ahead and to their left, where another attendant stood, waiting. Sonic remembered seeing the same man there before whenever he visited the amusement park, especially since it was he who had basically told Amy Rose to haul him into the place on a "date". He wasn't judgmental of the attendant. It was more like a simple annoyance that he pushed down to remain civil after he had been embarrassed in front of the civilians. Shadow noticed the apprehensive look on his companion's face, but did not ask anything of him as they walked up to the park's door.

            " Ah, Mr. Sonic. How nice of you to return." The man said.

            " Two passes please."

            " Oh, but you have free entrance of the park, Mr. Sonic." The attendant glanced over at Shadow, holding back a reaction it seemed.

            " Then I need one pass anyway."

            " Um, yes sir."

            The attendant quickly handed over the ticket as Sonic placed the money in his hand. He made a motion to Shadow to go ahead inside, since it was apparent that the attendant wanted to talk to him. The black hedgehog took the ticket from Sonic, thanked both of them, and went inside the doors, taking the elevator to the skywalk that led into the park. Sonic was tapping his foot.

            " Is there something I can do for you, sir?"

            " Maybe I should ask you that." Sonic said.

            The man looked a little uneasy.

            " Is there a problem that I happen to be showing my friend around Station Square? I can take my business elsewhere you know."

            " No sir. It's just that---" The man looked at the skywalk where Shadow was waiting.

            The once GUN captive was leaning against the glass of the skywalk, his back toward them. He appeared to be reading the ticket in his hand, trying not to look out of place as people walked down the passageway. Shadow hadn't been watching Sonic's conversation with the man, either out of respect, or lack of interest. Sonic glanced up at Shadow, then back at the man. He sighed, did not say anything else to the attendant, and promptly took the elevator up to the skywalk.

            " Sorry to keep you waiting." He said as he met up with his black lookalike.

            " Anything the matter?" Shadow's calm voice seemed uninterested for the moment, for what reason though, Sonic couldn't tell by the tone.

            " Naw. He just wanted to ask why I wasn't taking Amy here again…" Sonic made a face. " That was a hellish experience in its own part…"

            Shadow's red eyes matched up with his green ones. Now he seemed to be interested. But, once again, Sonic did not know why. Perhaps it was Shadow's way of respecting his privacy for not really asking what the attendant had wanted. Or maybe he was pondering his own thoughts and didn't pay attention. He did not ask about Amy Rose though, or about Sonic's experience with her in Twinkle Park. That was up for Sonic to decide if he wanted to tell him.

            " Do you want to hear about it?" Sonic asked, thinking about how the train of events had led toward most of the city being flooded and destroyed in the end.

            " Perhaps later. You don't seem too pleased to be reminded of it."

            Sonic nodded slightly. It had been hell trying to track down Amy when that robot had appeared in the park, destroying anything in its path. He hadn't been able to stop the robot that time, and lost Amy in the process. Tromping around the park looking for either of them had not been a fun time for the blue hero, especially since both the robot and Amy had a head start since he had been thrown into a concession stand when he had tried to protect the girl. As much as he hated Amy's annoyances, Sonic didn't want anything to happen to her, and he cursed himself for being that stupid as to practically get knocked out by some tin bucket. At least Amy was fine now, so he didn't have to worry about it anymore. The smile reappeared on Sonic's face as he blatantly forgot about the situation and the incident with the attendant two minutes ago.

            " Well then, let's get going. There's a ton of rides we can hit before grabbing something to eat." He said, heading down the hallway to the main hall of the park.

            Shadow followed him, asking him what kinds of things were in this amusement park. He was answered by a flood of descriptions, including one about the Twinkle Circuit, which had another door that led to the racetrack.

            " Maybe we'll have a little competition before we have to go…"

            " Oh, so since I can't run very well, you want to try and beat me on some go-cart track?" The smug look on Shadow's face returned.

            " Maybe…." Sonic stressed the syllables, rubbing the back of his head and grinning.

            " You're on." Shadow said, rushing into the Twinkle Circuit doors.

            " Hey! Why you---"

            Shadow had already made it to the Twinkle Circuit check in station and had presented his pass to them. He was busy trying to pick a go-cart as Sonic rushed the station. He waved at one attendant and quickly hopped the wall to the track. Shadow noticed him and decided on one of the black go-carts, realizing that they weren't like normal go-carts. Each cart had a ring of rubber around them, much like that of bumper cars, and lacked wheels. He didn't question it though, for Sonic had mentioned that they were hovering vehicles, and strapped himself into the car. Sonic was fastened in as well, and glanced back at his rival. Shadow was busy looking over the instruments that ran the go-cart, testing the pedals and everything to make sure that they were operational. He did not notice Sonic's stare. Once a few more customers appeared and got ready, the attendant running the track started up the engines of all the cars. They flared with life, whirring and buzzing as they levitated off of the ground. Waiting, Shadow watched the number on the countdown screen carefully. He knew that Sonic was doing the same, since he didn't feel the emerald eyes burning at him intently. The attendant told them the rules quickly and started up the countdown for the amount of time left before the green lights on the screen appeared, signaling that the players could go. Three…two…one…The light flashed and the pedals were floored. Both hedgehogs hit the gas as soon as they could, flying out of the pits with a burst of speed. Sonic was in the lead, since his car had been before Shadow's, but the gap between them closed quickly.

            Shadow was determined to keep up with Sonic, who obviously had more knowledge about the course itself than he did. Sonic's turns were more graceful and tight, whereas Shadow had to go wide because he had not been predicting the turns. There was a lot to pay attention to: the road, the other cars, the wall, and of course, Sonic. Shadow had been trying to pay attention to everything, in hopes of getting a feel for the course and its various turns. After the first lap, Shadow basically had the track in his memory. Sonic was still ahead, grinning all the way, but once again the gap closed as Shadow made his move. To them, there were no other racers on the track. It was just the two of them. Two rival hedgehogs whose determination to win was battling for first. After cutting Sonic off with a sharp turn, Shadow managed to keep his place at Sonic's left side.

            " You got the hang of it pretty fast!" Sonic called over to him.

            Shadow gave him a smug look and nodded. Sonic's eyes narrowed slightly as his competitive smile returned.

            " That was just a warm up. Now that you have your circuit legs, the real fun can begin."

            Sonic's foot pushed down as hard as he could get it to on the gas. Shadow matched this as they flew down the straightaway, neck and neck. The second lap was completed as they passed over the checkered line, swiftly turning a sharp left and continuing on with the last lap. The two continued along, trying to cut off the other as they zoomed down the course. Sonic grinned as he managed to take the inside track, cutting Shadow off and putting a small distance between the two. Fuming, Shadow tried to take a hold of the lead again, but was only able to regain his place next to the azure hedgehog, only this time he was on the right. There were only a few more twisty turns before they would reach the last straightaway to the finish line. Shadow eyed his surroundings quickly, noting that there was another racer behind the two combatants, and made his move. He gripped the steering wheel and turned it sharply to the left, bringing his cart crashing into Sonic's. Sonic let out a yelp as his cart bounced away off of the rubber bumpers that lined their cars, glaring slightly as Shadow took the lead. He quickly turned the wheel of his own car to prevent him from losing his precious speed if he hit the wall. Soon he was gaining on Shadow's car, trying to regain his lead from the black hedgehog. Sonic caught up to Shadow quickly and they were once again side by side.

            " Cheater!" Sonic called over to him.

            " Bumping is allowed!" Shadow screamed back at him, a smug look on his face.

            The finish line was in sight. Both of them had the gas pedal to the floor of the carts, trying to gain a little bit of a lead against the opposite one. It wasn't until another driver came up behind them both and barreled through their line. The shock from her own car sent the two splitting up in a Y motion, slamming into the walls of the track. Shadow wrenched the wheel to the left so he wouldn't come to a complete stop against the wall. He had to finish no matter what. Sonic had managed to recover from the hit and sped over the finish line a few seconds after the other cart, with Shadow right behind him.

            As they slowed to a stop in the pits, both hedgehogs looked around to see who had beaten them. A small girl hopped out of the cart in front of them. She looked like she wasn't that much older than Tails. Sonic's look on his face was hilarious as he sputtered about her being able to beat him. Shadow smirked, but said nothing, heading for the exit of the track. The annoyed hedgehog quickly followed him as they walked down the hallway back to the doors that led out of Twinkle Circuit and to the main hall. Sonic looked at the sign above the entrance to Twinkle Park itself and glanced over at Shadow.

            " Well then, now that we tested out the track, shall we go in?" He gesticulated with his hand.

            Shadow paused, then nodded slightly. Sonic's grin returned and he disappeared into the doorway and into the park.

***

            Brilliant lights blinked and flickered from the park's attractions, trying to lure customers in like giant bug zappers. The roller coaster was constantly running, its cars were glowing like little rocket ships as they soared near the "sky", where many stars shone unsteadily at them. Shadow knew better. Anyone with eyes could see that they were just light bulbs on the ceiling, for the whole place was an indoor park, after all. He had also seen them up close and personal when Sonic made him ride the attraction. With all the running around and rides though, Shadow hadn't really been keeping his body up to check, and he tired quickly. Sonic didn't force him to go on though, and suggested that they get something to eat. His appetite had returned, craving energy, so the ebony hedgehog had agreed to it. The two of them found themselves in front of a vendors stand, ordering and then waiting for the cook to prepare it. Sonic rubbed his head and then looked over at his companion again, who was still observing everything.

            " How you holding up, Shadow?"

            " I'm fine."

            " Having fun?"

            He blinked and turned the crimson eyes back to Sonic, staring. Fun. It was something that hadn't happened in a long time. At least not to him. He pondered it for a moment, and then nodded.

            " Yes, I am having fun."

            " Good." Sonic said, tapping his foot, since the order that he placed two seconds ago hadn't been handed to him.

            Shadow was observing the people as they walked on. A small girl caught his eye though. She was staring right at him, clutching her newly won teddy bear to her. Shadow's eyebrow raised as he looked her over, realizing that she cringed when she noticed that he was looking at her. Puzzled, he retained his spot, watching her watch him. Her mother finally came over and took her arm, but she pointed at him.

            " Mommy, that's the bad man, isn't it?"

            The words tore through him as if he was a piece of paper being ripped to shreds by human hands. Her mother didn't correct her or agree with her as she dragged the girl away, shooting an odd look at Shadow as she did so. Sonic looked back at Shadow, realizing that he had a distressed look on his face.
            " Shadow. What is it?"

            The black hedgehog said nothing. Sonic gripped his shoulder and squeezed.

            " Shadow."
            A blink.

            " Oh. Sorry, Sonic."

            " What's wrong?" Sonic apparently hadn't caught the girl's comment.

            " It's nothing." Shadow said, glancing at their order as it was set down for pick-up.

            A questioning eye was on Shadow as Sonic picked up the food and walked over to a table for them to sit and eat. Shadow glared at him softly, basically telling him to back off. Sonic's look changed and he focused on his food for the time being. Shadow did the same as they ate in silence. Once they were done, the two hedgehogs threw away the wrappers and continued down the streets of Twinkle Park. Sonic noticed that Shadow seemed to be thinking about something, but for once, the azure hedgehog didn't pry.

            Why does that girl's words bother me so? Shadow couldn't make heads or tails of it. I shouldn't care what one person thinks about me… I mean, I know I did horrible things to the city and… He felt like his soul had been shredded in half a couple of times. Why the hell does it torture me!? I shouldn't care! WHY DO I CARE?!

            " Shadow." He felt a hand on his shoulder.

            Crimson eyes turned up to stare at the sparkling emeralds. Shadow glanced around to realize that the two of them were sitting on a hill in one of the city's parks. He hadn't remembered them sitting down.

            " What is it, Sonikku?" Shadow said, slipping into a dialect of Japanese.

            " Well…" Sonic scratched the back of his head a little bit. " I know your memory is rather fragmented and everything… but can you remember anything about the Final Hazard?"

            Shadow looked down, thinking. He could remember the screeching roar that pierced the back of his brain. He shuddered.

            " I can remember its scream."

            Sonic shivered a little as well.

            " Yeah, that thing still haunts me a little bit to this day."

            Crimson met emerald again.

            " Is there a specific question that you wanted to ask me?"

            Sonic frowned a little.

            " Well, what do you remember about the Final Hazard exactly?"

            The black hedgehog tried to think again. His memory was still pretty shattered. The fragments scattered about within his brain, looking for the places that they were supposed to be. The puzzle pieces were hard to figure out themselves, but Shadow tried to observe them as best as he could. Sonic, for once, didn't throttle the other hedgehog for answers.

            " I can… remember that roar… yellow flashes and red swirls flying by… there was a warmth that coursed underneath my skin… I… can't really remember anything else at the moment."

            " I see…"

            " What was that that I'm remembering Sonic? Tell me. You were there, weren't you?"

            The azure hedgehog nodded.

            " The Final Hazard had merged with ARK, hell bent on destroying Earth anyway. We had to stop it. Therefore, with Knuckles' help, we used the Chaos Emeralds to go Super…"

            Shadow looked at his hand.

            " So that was the warmth?"

            " Most likely the power we gained, yes."

            " Then what?"

            " We teamed up to defeat the Final Hazard, and we managed to do it by hitting the spots where its power was growing too fast for it to handle. Unfortunately the bastard kept trying to hit us with its lasers and other projectiles."

            Shadow nodded. He remembered more of the pain that came with the fight.

            " Anyway, we managed to beat him, but ARK was still falling… and since I'm able to use the Chaos Control like you… we gave the falling space station a nice jolt back to where it belongs. It's been floating in its orbit ever since then."

            ARK… my home for most of my life… The black hedgehog looked up and noticed the look on Sonic's face.

            " There's something else that you're holding back with telling me."

            Sonic winced.

            " Is this helping you at all?"

            " I'm beginning to understand some of the feelings that are wrapped up in my head, yes. Now tell me what troubles you."

            The blue hero sighed.

            " I really wish that you could remember more… then maybe my questions would be able to be answered."

            " What are you talking about, Sonic?"

            He pulled his backpack over to his legs and started fishing through it.

            " You see… when the Final Hazard was destroyed and ARK was put back… you… um… fell."

            " Fell?"
            Sonic pulled out Shadow's wrist guard. The black hedgehog stared at it until Sonic handed it to him.

            " I wasn't sure if you were losing your Super form's powers or something, so I dove after you, trying to grab you. All I got was your wrist sheath… before you disappeared in front of me."

            Shadow took the guard and examined it. It was his after all. Sonic fell silent.

            " We didn't know if you were dead or not. I didn't want to think that you were, but most of the clues pointed to it… if you had lost your Super form, then going through the atmosphere should have killed you… but… you're sitting right in front of me. So, somehow you managed to survive… how, though, I don't know…"

            The black hedgehog stared at Sonic, realizing that the other hedgehog had been truly worried about him. He blinked, looking down at his wrist guard again. Gripping it, Shadow spoke up.

            " I'm sorry I cannot answer your questions as of now, Sonikku. For I don't know what the answers are myself as of now. I wish that I could tell you something, but I do not remember anything about the Final Hazard incident that I haven't told you already…"

            " It's fine, Shadow. After all… maybe this proves that you're the Ultimate Life Form after all…"

            Shadow blinked and started laughing. Sonic jumped a little bit and stared at the black hedgehog.

            " What's so funny?"
            Shadow kept laughing. Sonic felt himself smile a little bit. He had never heard Shadow laugh…and he was pretty sure that nobody had before. Shadow rubbed his eyes.

            " The Ultimate Life Form…I never really cared about it after Rouge basically shoved information in my face saying that it wasn't me… but if it is me… then… oh well…" He kept laughing. " Maybe the Biolizard was the Ultimate Life Form… maybe he was a prototype. I'm really not sure. Nor do I care right about now."

            Sonic smiled again.

            " I suppose that's an interesting way to put it."

            Shadow flopped down against the cool grass and his laughter slowed to a few chuckles. He stared up at the darkening sky, watching the stars as he felt the grass with his hands. There was so much that he wanted to experience and to feel. Just lying there for a few minutes let him relax and get his brain to stop analyzing everything for a moment. He glanced over at Sonic, who was looking straight ahead at the city lights. His arms were wrapped around his knees, which were resting against his chest. A soft breeze blew over the two of them, causing quills to waft in it.

            " Are you happy?"

            The question shocked Sonic. He turned and looked at Shadow with an upraised eyebrow.

            " What?"

            " Are you happy?"

            " With?"
            " Everything. This life. This world. Everything."

            Sonic blinked his green eyes and looked back at the city.

            " I would have to say that I'm happy. I care about this city and my friends. I enjoy helping people out as well." He looked upward. " And I'll continue to protect my friends even if I have to give up my own life to do it."

            Shadow watched Sonic's eyes, noting that the hedgehog was telling the truth. He smiled slightly, then sat up.

            " Nobility comes easily to you."

            " Heh… I guess…" Sonic rubbed his head again. " But it is true…"

            " I know." He nodded. " What time were we supposed to take the train back to Mystic Ruins?"

            Sonic made a face. He had practically forgotten all about the train ride home. He quickly looked at his watch.

            " We have about twenty minutes before the last train departs on its final route."

            " Then we should get going, shouldn't we?"

            The blue hedgehog nodded and got up. Shadow did the same and they started walking for the street, talking about things like how they were going to help Shadow get his memory back and everything. Sonic noticed Shadow was becoming more comfortable with him, relaxing and was not as serious as he normally was. The two were rounding the corner of the main street before they were spotted.

***

            Rouge stared at the computer screen drowsily. Knuckles kept looking over her shoulder, rubbing them here and there.

            " Maybe you should take a break. Tails or I could take over with the file."

            " I'm going to get this done if it kills me."

            Knuckles didn't argue. He probably would have said the same thing. Tails was hovering around, not saying anything. He knew better than to get in Rouge's face when she was working. The screen blipped and made a few sounds as the encryptions changed, slowly breaking and reforming into a readable document. Rouge's code cracking window beeped loudly, causing all three of them to jump.

            " It's done!"

            " About time! Must have been a big file."

            Rouge moved the mouse and pulled up the new document, saving it to a disk just in case the GUN Lab Database decided to open up the file itself. The last thing she wanted was to be discovered hacking the system. She started reading the file out loud.

            " The CC Project. Otherwise know as the Chaos Control Project…"

            Knuckles snorted.

            " How original in their naming, eh?"

            Tails snickered as Rouge threw them a look. Both boys shut up for fear of a flying high heel at their heads.

            CC Project

            Subject Shadow the Hedgehog
            Otherwise known as the Chaos Control Project. GUN reports from satellites showed that the suspect, along with the famous Sonic the Hedgehog, using a power called Chaos Control in order to put the falling ARK back into its normal orbit. Orders regarding the project are to discover how the Chaos Control works.

            " Is that why they captured Shadow?"

            " It has to be… I wonder why they want to know how Chaos Control works…"

            " Read on then."

            Project consists of gathering the suspect in order to discover the properties of the power. If this power can be harnessed, the militia will be able to use it to upgrade their tactics in order to get the drop on suspects and other crimes committed in the city and around the world. Orders are to capture both suspects in order to gain samples and harness the ability for the GUN Army

            See Video 856
            See Video 879

            " Both suspects?"
            Rouge moved the mouse in order to open up the video clips. The clips were of Sonic and Shadow above Earth, when they were in their Super forms. The two were heading for the falling ARK station, using Chaos Control in order to make it return to its rightful position. The second clip showed Shadow falling, disappearing in a bright light. The three shivered a little. That image had haunted them all when they had thought that Shadow was in fact, dead.

            " Here, let me see what else it says."

            GUN Labs had one of the suspects in their control, until the second subject broke into the Labs and rescued him. All officials are hereby ordered to capture both suspects and bring them in for experimentation.

            " What the? Is someone adding to this report?" Rouge said, watching new information appear in the document.

            " Looks like they haven't seen your hacker code in it yet."

            " Good, let's keep it that way." She said, reading the new information out loud again.

            Subjects have been spotted in Station Square. Orders are to search and capture both hedgehogs for Lab Testing. Both subjects MUST be alive in order for the testing. Do not stop pursuit of the hedgehogs, no matter how crafty they are. Also, do not yield just because one of them is a national hero. Sonic the Hedgehog must be captured along with Shadow in order to complete the testing

            The team in Tails' workshop felt their jaws drop.

            " They're after Sonic AND Shadow?!"

***

            " RUN!"

            The two hedgehogs zigzagged through the missile fire, where they exploded, sending shards of cement into the air. Shadow looked behind him and noticed the various GUN robots after them.

            " That's a GUN Hot Shot and Big Foot!"

            " I know!" Sonic said, diving out of the way of the other missiles. " What the hell are they doing here?!"

            " Probably want to catch me again!"

            " Well that isn't going to happen!" Sonic noticed that Shadow wasn't up for too much running, so he grabbed his friend's arm and took off, racing down the streets. " If we can get on the train before they hunt us down, we'll make it to Mystic Ruins before they spot us!"

            " Good idea!" Shadow said, looking behind them again.

            Both large walkers had reverted to their flying modes, hovering after the hedgehogs as they ran off. One of the pilots was barking orders into his radio, most likely calling for backup. Shadow informed Sonic of this, which made the blue hedgehog run faster in order to get to the train station.

            " They must be after me because I was the one who let you out!" Sonic screamed over the gunfire.

            " Probably!"

            They turned the corner toward the train station, skidding to a stop. Sonic's eyes went wide.

            " Oh…shit…"

            Foot soldiers lined the steps, raising their guns. Shadow looked around as more soldiers popped out of the woodwork of the city landmarks.

            " What now?"

            " Think we can run before the Big Foot and the Hot Shot land?"

            " I like the way you think, Shadow."

            Both hedgehogs turned tail and ran, zipping around to dodge gunfire. The foot soldiers got up and raced after them, barking orders to everyone else.

            " Once you get in range, use your tranqs! We're supposed to bring them back alive!" One random soldier screamed.

            " Yes sir!" Voices bellowed back.

            Sonic and Shadow dove under the legs of the two walkers, who were trying to land in the street again. Both walkers tried to turn to aim their guns at the hedgehogs and were only returned with flying spheres smashing into their windshields.

            " Gah! I've been hit!" The soldier running the Big Foot screamed into his mouthpiece.

            " Copy that. My shield is broken. Revert to nets now. Our orders are to capture those hedgehogs."

            The two hedgehogs were on the move again, laughing at the fact that the pilots in both the Big Foot and the Hot Shot hadn't learned about defending themselves against two flying balls of quill and flesh. Gunfire ripped through the air, causing both of them to roll underneath it to save their heads.

            " Christ, they're stubborn."

            " Remind you of anyone?"

            A grin.
            " Funny."

            " I know."

            Off they went, running as hard and as fast as they could go. A GUN truck barreled out in front of them, trying to stop them in their path. Both hedgehogs screamed and skidded to a stop in front of the truck. Sonic quickly looked around and grabbed Shadow's arm.

            " This way!"

            One of the foot soldiers ran out into the middle of the street before the walkers came, aiming his gun.

            " I've got visual."

            " Go for it." The voice in his headset stated.

            He fired his gun off. Zipping through the air, the shot ripped into Sonic's left knee, causing him to cry out and stumble.

            " Direct hit, sir."

            " Follow on foot. He should be down in a matter of moments."

            " Aye, sir."

            Shadow helped Sonic stabilize and they ran down the alleyway that Sonic had instructed them to do. He was limping and bleeding slightly as they ran as best as they could.

            " Shadow, leave me. Run. They want you more than me."

            " I'm not leaving you for GUN to capture you. You didn't leave me in the Lab, did you?"

            " No…"

            Shadow ducked down another blackened alley with Sonic leaning on him. He looked down at Sonic's leg to examine it.
            " What the hell?" His hand gripped the syringe and yanked it out of Sonic's knee, covering the hedgehog's mouth as he screamed in pain. " Shit. Looks like a tranquilizer."

            Sonic shivered, looking down.

            " I'm losing feeling in my leg…"

            " Damn it. Hang onto me."

            The black hedgehog pulled Sonic's arm over his shoulders to help him walk, then turned down the alleyway to get out of GUN fire. He could hear the foot soldiers rummaging in the other alley, looking for a downed hedgehog. Shadow heard Sonic's breathing slow. He started slapping at his friend's pale cheeks.

            " Stay awake, Sonic."

            " I'm… trying…"

            Shadow continued on down the alley. His ears picked up on the soldiers noticing the blackened alleyway that they had slipped in. Shit shit shit shit shit!!! The black hedgehog looked around and started down another path, trying to keep Sonic quiet and awake as he tried to shake the GUN soldiers who were hell bent on capturing them. He broke out of the alleyway and dragged Sonic along with him. Sonic was losing more feeling in his body as they continued on, growing heavier as they went on.

            " Shadow… run…get away…"

            " Not without you."

            " I'm …slowing you down…"

            " I don't care."

            They came into a clearing from the alleyway, running along the concrete walls of a building. Sonic was getting limper as time went by, giving Shadow some trouble with trying to keep him upright. Finally the black hedgehog scooped him up in his arms and raced down the straightaway. Spotlights appeared from the sky.

            " Give yourself up, Shadow the Hedgehog!" A voice bellowed from the Flying Dog.

            Shadow flipped him off as best as he could as he continued to carry Sonic. If there was some way that I could get to the train station… He saw the street opening in front of him. Alright! Now if I can loop around… Another GUN truck barreled into view, blocking the opening, and causing Shadow to skid.

            " Argh! SHIT!" He turned his body so he wouldn't crush Sonic against the trailer of the truck, and smacked into it with a force that floored him. " Ow…"

            The hedgehog got up and raced back the way he came, only to stop a few feet from where he was. Foot soldiers had emerged from the alleyway, with their guns drawn at him. The spotlight on the two hedgehogs waved through the air.

            " Give up, Shadow!" The voice boomed again. " We've got you surrounded!"

            Shadow glanced around. Perhaps he could somersault with Sonic underneath the truck and make a break for it… One of the soldiers noted his look and fired, shooting him in the shoulder. Screaming, Shadow stumbled back, still clutching his now unconscious friend to his body as he saw the syringe pushing fluids into his shoulder.

            " FUCK!"

            He had to try now. Turning, Shadow raced as best as he could for the opening under the truck that blocked his path. More shots rang out, stinging his back with four more tranquilizers. He screamed, slowing down as he felt more burning liquid entering him. Shuddering, Shadow looked up at the foot soldiers who were advancing upon them. His vision was already blurring. He sank to his knees, still holding Sonic in his arms, feeling his strength leaving his body.

            " Sonic…" He looked down. " I'm…sorry…my friend…"

            Shadow crumpled to the ground and was quickly surrounded by the GUN officials.
***

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