All copyright stuff is in Chapter 1
The 3 Shadows, Episode 2 - Obsession
Chapter 6 - Lucky Escape
He quickly shook off the shock and grabbed Miles. He used Chaos Control to Join Joz who was taking a rather bad beating. Shadow took immediate action; still holding Miles' hands he rand towards Joz and again used Chaos Control just as the arm fell. Venus' arm smashed into the ground, leaving a huge crater where Joz was lying.
Outside the base the 3 Shadows reappeared from the Chaos Control. Joz fell to the floor.
"Joz are you alright?" asked Shadow.
"No, I think I'm dying. Usually it doesn't take me this long to get the emeralds, although usually you, miles and Gerald aren't involved", said Joz.
"We need to get you the emeralds and quick", said Miles.
"It's no use, I'm too weak to fight Venus. Hell I'm too weak to even run", said Joz.
"Oh that's it. Stop being so defeatist. You're the Master hunter, I hate to think someone of your acclaim can be beaten by an obsession", said Shadow. Joz looked up with a serious look on his face
"You are right. I'll do what I can", said Joz.
"Come on friend, we'll help you", said Miles.
"You'd still consider me a friend after what I did?" asked Joz.
"What do you mean?" asked Miles.
"I picked Gerald and the gems over saving your lives. I was entirely selfish", said Joz, "I just want you to know that it was never a choice. These gemcrazes completely take over me, I couldn't control myself"
"Don't worry about it, we're OK. Friends stand by each other even through the worst times. I stood by Maria on the attack on ARK, I stood beside Gerald during our first adventure, and I'll stand by you two", said Shadow. Joz laughed a little.
"That doesn't sound like you Shadow. You're usually a hard ass", said Joz. Shadow bowed his head that had turned redder due to embarrasment.
"When it comes to my friends I'll do anything for them", said Shadow, "but enough talk, let's get going"
"The energy from your emerald is sustaining me a little, but it's not enough", said Joz. Just then Venus flew above them.
"Hey look, do you think he'll lead us to Gerald?" asked Miles, "He still looks incomplete"
"I don't know, but it's all we have to go on", said Shadow, "There's no time for games, let's go".
They later arrived at another one of Geralds bases. They had wondered how he could possibly build do much in such a short amount of time. Shadow assumed it was due to his brilliance. Miles envied his quick production skills. Joz couldn't come up with an answer, he was too weak to even think straight.
They took a moment to plan their trip inside. It would have to be covert, as their first concern was to find the emeralds.
"Looks like we're crawling through vents again", said Shadow. The other two nodded as they moved silently towards the vents. Shadow led as Miles helped Joz along. The two began to whisper.
"So Joz, do you wear sunglasses to hide your eyes?" asked Miles.
"Yes in part. Mainly I use them for infrared, UV, x-ray scans etc. But also, whenever I'm near items of wealth, my eyes switch through the colours of the rainbow. During a gemcraze they go nuts, like you saw", replied Joz.
"So those things also allow you to see in other sights modes like Night vision and thermal vision as well?" asked Miles.
"Yes", replied Joz.
"Guys, I can sense the six emeralds neaby", said Shadow.
"Me too, to the left isn't it?" asked Joz.
"Yep, won't be long now", said Shadow kicking the vent crate down. They dropped in front of the emeralds. Joz got hold of all seven. He felt relieved as his strength returned. His rational mind was back, and then suddenly he felt enraged. More so than usual. He wanted Revenge more than ever as the emeralds started supercharging his emotions as well as recharging his body.
Gerald appeared in the room. The 3 Shadows had been too focused on Joz's healing that they didn't realise in the room with them was Venus.
"Well done. You all constantly surprise me. Here I thought I had you all on the ropes and you make it out alive and kicking. Well don't worry, Venus will take care of you. I managed to finish him completely now. Venus destroy them!" commanded Gerald.
Venus moved from its resting position and attacked. Shadow and Miles prepared to fight Venus, but Joz had different plans.
Gerald I'm coming for you. I'm coming to destroy you. You can run but you won't hide from me. I am the worlds best Bounty and treasure hunter, let me show you why!