Disclaimer:  Don't own anything, because if I did you probably won't see me here.

Chapter 4

My name is Shadow.  I am the world's ultimate life form.  It's only been several hours after the twin-tailed fox, Tails, the echidna, Knuckles and I lost contact with my fake, Sonic.  Amy took off and I'm not sure where that pink hedgehog went off.  But we have more important matters to attend to.  The echidna and batgirl has found something on the letter that we could not see.  Whether they choose to tell us or not remains a mystery…

'So?  What's on the letter?' I questioned.

I didn't mean to raise my tone but the suspense was killing me.  It's only been three minutes since the two treasure hunters had made their discovery and I was already growing impatient.

I mentally laughed at myself.  Some of the faker's traits are rubbing off on me.

'I don't think you want to know,' the white bat answered.  She had quickly regained her composure.

'Maybe some other time,' the echidna added.

'But I wa-' the kit next to me began, but he was cut off when the rose hedgehog burst through the door.

'Amy!  Are you alright?' the bat stood up and quickly went to help her up.

Oddly enough, the female hedgehog seemed to have been running the whole way…  And the look on her face was a certain amount of horror and shock.

'What happened, Amy?  Come sit down,' the young fox said next to me as the other hedgehog got up.

'I thought I'd never make it,' she panted as she took the seat next to me.

'Why do you say that, Rose?' I asked.

'Something was following me…' she sighed.

'Why would something follow you?  It's usually you who does the following,' the white bat said.

The rose hedgehog was really exhausted, so exhausted that she didn't answer, but if she somehow managed to keep up with the blue hedgehog then why is she so… spent?  She's usually brimming with energy.  At least that's whenever bluebell is around.

I closed my eyes.  Why am I so worried about that fake of mine?  Maria, I wish I could ask you, because you would probably know why.  I always turned to you when I needed help…  At least, I used to…  Before GUN changed everything…

Flashback Two figures were running through the hallways of the space colony ARK.  One was a young female while the other was a black hedgehog with red markings around his eyes, and along his quills, legs, and arms.  "Phew, Phew.  Get them before they escape!"  The two 'escapees' arrived at the control room…  But their pursuers followed them all the way and entered shortly after them.  The female pushed the hedgehog into the capsule.  "Maria!" the black form shouted before a crack rang out.  He watched helplessly as the girl uttered her last words, pushed the 'launch' button and fell to the floor, blonde hair falling over the once bright blue eyes now blank.  No body was left…  He was alone… End Flashback

'Shadow what do you think we should do?' the twin-tailed kit said next to me.

'Hmm?' I snapped out of my memory and turned to face him.

'Amy said that there was something following her the whole way and Sonic,' the kit hesitated, 'and Sonic isn't here so you have any ideas 'cause Knuckles doesn't seem to want to say anything,' he quickly said.

'Can't think of anything yet,' I answered.

How was I suppose think up a plan when my mind is full?

'Let's just wait till tomorrow to answer these questions,' the echidna said.

'I won't be around for a while after tomorrow but keep me posted on the progress,' the squirrel said before she got up to leave.

'See you, guys,' the kit said before flying off.

Slowly the rest of us departed without a word.  I assume that they were going through the same thing I was.  A complete overload.  Maybe I'll feel better in the morning after a nights rest.

I got up and left the café, but paused as I exited.  I thought I saw a flash of metallic blue.   I shook myself, pushed it out of my mind and ran off back to my apartment.  But I just couldn't shake the feeling that someone or some thing was watching me.

Reviews greatly appreciated.

~Nightvixen~