Sonic Adventures

SHADOW STORY

Episode Two

Missing: One Black Hedgehog

Rouge collapsed to the floor holding her leg. Amy came running from the bathroom her dress was wet and soapy. "Rouge! What are you doing?"

"Is something wrong?" Tails asked the toweled bat.

"My leg," Rouge groaned, "It's broken."

"How did that happen?" Sonic asked worriedly.

"He did it," Rouge said with an angry glare, "Shadow, that freak!"

"Why would Shadow hurt you?" Cream asked, "I thought you and him were buddies."

"So did I," Rouge replied. "Apparently he wasn't even the real Shadow."

"What do you mean?" Amy asked, kneeling down by Rouge.

Rouge groaned from her broken leg, "When Omega and I were on Eggman's airship, we found a secret room filled with clones. Clones of Shadow!" The room gasped; Cheese hid behind Cream, "The Shadow that I brought to the President was one of them! We just didn't know it."

"So there are a bunch of Shadow clones still aboard that airship?" Sonic inquired.

"Yes," Rouge replied, "But where the real one is, I have no idea." Amy helped Rouge to her feet and tried to support her. Amy led Rouge over to the couch and sat her down. Rouge pulled the top of the towel up and continued talking, "I didn't know what to do so I came here. I figured you may have an idea where the real Shadow may be."

Sonic shook his head, "Not me, sorry."

"Do you think Eggman may have him captive?" Tails spoke up.

"There are so many possibilities," Rouge explained, "It could take years to find him." She sighed. The others were silent.

"I say we find Eggman and make him tell us where Shadow is!" Sonic exclaimed.

"But, Sonic," Cream said, "How do we know where Eggman is?"

"Oh believe me, he'll show up."

With that the group began to prepare for bed. Amy and Cream showered and changed into their nightclothes, while Tails set up couches with blankets. Sonic helped Rouge into Tails's room, where she he laid her down on the bed.

As he began to tuck her in, Rouge said, "Thank you, for all your help." Sonic looked oddly at her. "I don't mean to be a burden, but I didn't know anywhere else to go. You've all been really great."

"Well," Sonic said, "It's the best we can do. And I promise you, we will find the real Shadow."

Rouge smiled and Sonic pulled the covers over her. "Good night," he said, "Sweet dreams."

"You too." Rouge watched in amazement as one of her former enemies walked out of the room. Mobians who used to be her enemies surrounded her. But they were taking care of her. She felt guilty inside, but her guilt could wait until morning. She rested her head on the soft pillow and closed her eyes.

About five minutes later she opened them again. She was still wearing the wet towel. She discarded it without lifting the covers, throwing it by the doorway. Hopefully someone would see it before they decided to wake her.