Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN SONIC!!! GET DA PICTURE!!!

"EGGMAN!" The scientist whirled around to find none other than Sonic the hedgehog standing behind him.

"LET AMY GO!!!"

Eggman grinned. "Not before you give me that Chaos Emerald."

"What the-?! Oh, gosh, why didn't I see that coming? But... never!"

"Then you'll have to watch your girlfriend die-"

"SHE'S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!"

Eggman ignored this. He pushed a button on his computer that sent the system into a frantic state. Lights flashed, sirens blared and a large, metal door slowly opened. Sonic gaped at what he saw.

"Sha..... Sha..... SHADOW?!"

"Exactly." came Eggman's voice, now from a large microphone in his lab. "You two battle it out while my creation destroys this little urchin... wait... I've got a better idea." A large screen flashed on and Sonic stared at the image of Amy in a small cage... small enough to hold only two objects... Amy and Metal Sonic. A large claw slashed across Amy's right leg, leaving a trail of blood.

This was too much for Sonic. He hurled himself toward the screen, only to be stopped abruptly by the ultimate life form.

"Where do you think YOU'RE going?!" Shadow knocked the Sonic to the other side of the laboratory. Sonic quickly recovered and got on his feet, only to be knocked down again. As he tried to get up, he was met by a barrage of heavy blows to the stomach. Stunning him, he recieved a blow to the stomach and crashed down on the floor.

"Ready to surrender the chaos emerald yet?"

"NEVER!" In an instant Sonic was up and hurled himself towards the dark figure. The dark hedgehog moved out of the way before Sonic was even close. Sonic was immediately under a heavy torrent of punches. He fell to the floor, trying to get up, but failed.

"Shadow... you're stronger, but-"

"But what? You should have known that I was better than you. I am the ultimate life form!"

"But.. what about... Maria...?"

"What about her, she's dead, never coming back. end of story." He turned away, but it was obvious to Sonic that he was crying.

"Shadow, you don't have to be this way. You couldn't save Maria. Now, I'm in somewhat of your position." He glanced at the screen which now dipicted a bloody, pinkish figure that was not moving. "You could help me.... please..."

Shadow glared at him. "You're kidding me."

"What would Maria want you to do?"

Shadow looked at him for a moment, then in a flash was by Sonic's side. He clenched his fists. Sonic knew what was coming. He still could not move, no matter how hard he tried. He closed his eyes. Amy, I'm sorry... But that blow never came. Shadow's outstretched hand helped Sonic up.

"CHAOS CONTROL!"