Shadow Fox
The Rising
''And in Station Square tonight, another robbery perpetrated by the cities new criminal duo, resulting in millions of dollars worth of diamonds stolen with no sign of Sonic''
The news announcement flashed up on the screen as a certain black and red hedgehog sat transfixed at the screen. This was the secondsuch robbery in a matter of days, and Shadow the Hedgehog had been keeping upto date with the news reports.
The picture on the screen switched to a CCTV recording of the robbery. It showed a large room filled with people staring at the many glass casings filled with diamonds. A second later, the wall at the far side of the room explodes in a cloud of dust, and everyone in the room ducks or fall flat onto the floor. When the smoke clears several figures emerge from the billowing cloud. Shadow recognised three of them. He wasn't likely to forget. One of them was Eggman, dressed in his usual red jacket and black trousers, smiling broardly and with a large brown sack over his shoulder. At his side were his two lackies Decoe and Bocoe, not very threatening in appearance themselves, but both of them armed with automatic weapons. But the fourth figure to emerge from the cloud of dust fascinating Shadow the most. This unknown assailant was shorter that both Decoe and Bocoe, wearing a long black coat and hat and a mask covering the top half of his face. In the figures hand was a machine gun, and in the other a long cane.
The screen then switched to a close up of the fourth figure. Shadow watched in fascination as the figure lifted the gun and fired several volleys of shots into the glass casings, shattering them. For the first time, Shadow was able to get a good look at the assailants face. Although the mask obscuring the top half of the figures face made it impossible for Shadow tomake outwhat he looked like, what caught his attention the most was the figures eyes. Through the eye holes of the mask, they were blood red and appeared to be set in a deep frown.
The next shot showed the gang helping themselves to the contents of the shattered casings, before leaving via the hole they had made in the wall. Before he left however, the small figure fished into his coat pocket, before lifting out a small card. Placing it into the hand of one of the terrified shoppers on the floor, the figure doffed his hat slightly before vacating through the hole. The picture flashed back to the newsroom.
''No one was hurt in the robbery, but police are now trying to identify the masked assailant who left a calling card at the scene which read simply 'Shadow Fox'. More updates as they come in''.
Shadow switched off the tv. For a few moments he sat in silence pondering on this latest attack. It wasn't like Eggman to resort to petty robbery. It just wasn't his style. And who could this new villain possibly be? Shadow Fox was what the calling card had said, but the only fox Shadow knew was Tails. And there was no way Tails could have perpetrated such a crime. Shadow knew Tails, and he knew that the little fox would never do anything to betray Sonic. He idolised the blue hedgehog. Plus, Tails didn't have red eyes.
After a few more moments, Shadow sat up and walked over to the phone. Dialing in a number he then waited a few seconds before someone on the other line picked up.
''Hello?''
''Hey Knuckles, it's Shadow. Been watching the news recently?''
''You betcha. This is new territory for Eggman. Usually he'd just try to destroy the city, not steal a load of diamonds''
''Thats what I thought. And what about this new guy, Shadow Fox? What do you make of him?''
''I aint got a clue, but whatevers going on we've got to get them next time they strike''
''How's Sonic? Feeling any better?''
''He's fine, but he's still not a hundred percent. Thats why he wasn't able to get them last time. They took us by surprise, but we'll be ready next time. Could you come over,so we need to discuss the plan?''
''Sure. I'll be over in a couple of minutes''
Shadow put down the phone and left the house, making his way to the Thorndike mansion where everyone was staying. When he arrived and had been shown into the living room by Tanaka, he was greeted by several glum faces. Sonic, Amy, Cream, Knuckles, Chris and Chris's grandad were all sat in the room, they're faces serious and thoughtful.
''We'll have to act now. The press is having a field day over Sonic's absense'' Knuckles announced.
''But he's still not fully recovered Knuckles, we can't risk him getting injured again'' Amy responded glumly.
''I'm fine Amy, your being way too protective'' Sonic protested angrily.
''He may be right Amy. Maybe we should risk it. We haven't been able to catch them the last two times due to Sonic not being involved'' Chris announced in Sonics defence.
''No Chris, Amy's right. We can't risk it. Sonic still needs time to recover. In the meantime, we have to come up with a plan to catch Eggman and Shadow Fox in the act'' Chris's grandad responded.
''Where's Tails guys? How come he isn't joining us?'' Shadow asked, after just noticing Tails absence.
''Do you really need to ask?'' Knuckles answered testily.
''He's still in the lab. So much for him getting back to normal'' Sonic cut in.
''We don't really need Tails for this one Shadow. What we do need is to know where they're going to strike next'' Chris's grandad responded, a thoughful look on his face.
''Hey grandpa, what about the diamond symposium tonight?'' Chris announced.
''Of course! That would be a perfect target for them! Tonight they're opening a new diamond section at the Plaza Square. There'll be thousands of diamonds on display!'' Chris's grandad announced in an excited tone.
''Sounds like the perfect spot wouldn't you agree?'' Amy pointed out.
''Tanaka! Could you come in here for a moment?'' Chris's grandad shouted into the hall.
Tanaka appeard a moment later.
''Yes Mr Thorndike?''
''Would you be able to get us four tickets to the diamond symposium tonight at such short notice?''
''It will be difficult, but I am sure I will be able to get you on the guest list''
''Excellent! Then its settled, tonight myself, Chris, Amy and Cream will be at the diamond symposium. Knuckles, you and Shadow will be staked out on the other side of the Plaza. If Eggman and Shadow Fox strike, I'll radio you and you can catch them before they escape''
''Great idea!'' Knuckles announced.
''They won't get away this time!'' Shadow agreed.
''Hey! What about me?'' Sonic cut in.
''You still need time torecuperate Sonic. Besides, I need you to keep an eye on Tails. Just in case he needs to know where we are'' Chris's grandad pointed out.
''But he won't care where you are, because he's still working on that damn machine of his!'' Sonic answered fumingly.
''Sorry Sonic. Not this time''
The group left the room to get everything prepared, leaving a fuming Sonic still in the living room.
''This bites big time!''
BR>
Later that night at the Plaza Square, Chris, Amy and Cream were among the guests crowded into the exhibition hall.
''Ooh! Look at all the diamonds!'' Amy announced while goggling at the glass cases.
''They sure are pretty Amy!'' Cream agreed.
''And expensive! I don't think you'll be able to afford them Amy!'' Chris joked.
BR>
In the reception area, Chris's grandad was comminicating with Knuckles via a small radio transmitter in his coat.
''See anything yet Knuckles?''
''Nothing yet. Me and Shadow haven't seen anything unusual so far''
''Well keep looking. Don't let your guard down for a moment''
''Roger''
BR>
In the hall, Amy was still drooling over the casings whilst Cream and Chris were stood at the far side of the room.
''Do you think they'll try to steal the diamonds Chris?'' Cream asked nervously.
''I hope not Cream. But if they do, we'll be ready for them'' Chris answered.
BR>
Outside the Plaza on the other side of the street, Knuckles and Shadow were keeping a close eye on the surrounding area. Shadow was looking up at the sky with a pair of binoculars, whilst Knuckles' focus was entirely on the Plaza.
''Looks like we won't be seeing any action tonight Knuckles. Not a cloud in the sky, let alone an Eggman destruction platform'' Shadow announced.
''Remember what Mr Thorndike said Shadow. Don't let your guard down'' Knuckles responded.
Just then, a low drone could be heard in the distance, and seconds ater Bokku landed in front of a surprised Knuckles and Shadow.
''Hey guys! Long time no see!'' the little bot announced.
''What the hell do you want?'' Knuckles asked furiously.
''I've got something for you. And I don't think your gonna like it!''
Without warning, Bokku reached into his backpack and pulled out an exploding television...
Back in the Plaza, Chris's grandad was still nervously pacing the room. Suddenly, his radio began to bleep. He grabbed it from his coat.
''Knuckles, what is it?''
''Mr Thorndike! There's...'' Knuckles began to say before the radio went dead.
''Knuckles? Knuckles can you hear me?''
Suddenly, the wall on the far side of the hall exploded and a huge cloud of dust enveloped the room. Within the chaos, shots were fired at some of the glass casings which shattered on impact. Chris and Cream collapsed to the floor as the cases exploded, joining the rest of the terrified guests on the floor.
BR>
Outside the Plaza, Knuckles and Shadow lay unconscious from Bokku's explosive. Above them, Bokku giggled loudly.
''Looks like you two won't be interupting our plans tonight will you?'' he announced before flying off towards the Plaza.
BR>
Inside the exhibition hall, four figures emerged from the large hole blown through the wall.
''Ladies and gentlemen! I hope you all had fun looking at all these lovely diamonds! We will now be taking them off your hands!'' Eggman announced.
''You can't get away with this Eggman!'' Chris's grandad announced from behind a glass cabinet.
''Oh but I can Mr Thorndike. And just to prove it, my friend here will now demonstrate!'' Eggman gestured to Tails dressed in his Shadow Fox gear.
''Ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Shadow Fox. We are now about to take these diamonds for ourselves, and anyone who gets in our way will be severely dealt with'' Tails smirked, revealing his sharp teeth.
He reached into his coat and pulled out his machine gun. Without warning, Tails fired several volleys at the glass cabinet Chris's granada was crounced behind. The glass shatterd and rained down onto the floor. veryone in the room screamed in terror. Tails fired at the ceiling.
''QUIET!'' Tails shouted, and everyone in the room did just that.
''Lets begin shall we?'' Eggman announced, before walking upto the nearest casing and using his fist to smash it open.
''Ooh, here's a good one!'' Eggman cried out before lifting up a smal diamond with his thumb and index finger.
''No, no, no Eggman! This is a good one!'' Tails announced before lifting up a very large diamond in his left hand. Eggman gawped at the sight of it.
''I stand corrected! Decoe, Bocoe! Lets clean this place out!''
BR>
Outside the Plaza, Knuckles began to regain consciousness.
''Urgh! What happened? Shadow wake up!''
Shadow too began to wake up.
''Where are we? What happened? And why does my head hurt?''
''That little rat Bokku got us with one of his explosives. That means that Eggman must be in the Plaza! Come on!''
The red echinda raced towards the Plaza, a reluctant Shadow not far behind.
BR>
Inside the hall, the four villains had finished cleaning out the casings and were making they're way to the exit.
''Thank you for your cooperation ladies and gentlemen! Don't try to follow us, or my trigger happy friend here will pump you full of lead!'' Eggman announced before turning towards the exit.
Suddenly, a large yellow hammer flew across the room and slammed into the back of Egmans head. Eggman keeled over, a large lump appearing on the top of his head.
''What was that?'' Decoe and Bocoe cried out in unison.
''I think I know'' Tails answered, a cruel smile on his lips.
''Your not going anywhere Eggman!'' Amy announced from the other side of the room, another hammer already in her hands.
''I wouldn't if I were you. Unless you wanted something unpleasant to happen to you!'' Tails announced, his gun aimed at Amy's head.
''Urgh! What hit me? Did you get its license number?'' Eggman mumbled before groggily getting to his feet''
''Lets get out of here doctor before she does the same thing to us!'' Bocoe cried.
''I agree!'' Decoe responded.
The four villains ran out of the hall and into a corridor that split intothree sections. One was a staircase that led to the roof, one was a corridor that led to a back entrance, and the other led to the front exit.
''Come on! That hammer slinging horror will be right behind us!'' Eggman cried out.
''Hold it Eggman! Your not going anywhere!'' Knuckles announced from the front entrance along with Shadow.
''Oh crap! Looks like the jig is up!'' Decoe cried out.
''I hope prison food isn't as bad as I've heard it is!'' Bocoe replied.
''Shut up! We're not going anywhere!'' Tails shouted at the two grovelling lackies.
''Shadow Fox I presume?'' Knuckles directed to Tails.
''I prefer 'your worst nightmare' my red friend!'' Tails sneered, aiming the gun at Knuckles.
''Not so fast creep!'' Amy shouted from behind the group.
''Oh great! Now where do we go?'' Eggman fumingly directed at Tails.
''If you go that way, and I go this way, they won't be able to catch us all!'' Tails whispered at Eggman.
''Allright, enough talk. I'm taking you all down!'' Knuckles began to move towards the group. Tails began to raise his cane.
''Ready? And...NOW!''
Without warning, the group split up. Eggman, Decoe and Bocoetaking offdown the corridor, and Tailstaking offup the stairs toward the roof.
''Quick! Shadow, you and Amy go after Eggman! I'll go after Shadow Fox!''
Knuckles took off up the stairs after Tails whilst Shadow and Amy took off after Eggman.
BR>
A few flights up, Tails stopped and peered down. He saw Knuckles charging up after him. Without hesitating, Tails grabbed his gun and fired down the stairs at the red echinda. Knuckles ducked as the bullets richoched off the metal bannister. After a few seconds, Tails ran out of ammunition. With a cry of fury, Tails launched the gun down the stairs and took off. A second later, Knuckles took off after him.
On another flight of stairs, Tails lost his footing and stumbled, allowing Knuckles to catch up behind him. As Tails stumbled ack up, Knuckles launced a powerful left hook directly at Tails back, causing Tails to career off balance and slam into a wall. With a dull thud, Tails hit the wall and collapsed, his hat coming off his head.
Knuckles immediately grabbed the fallen fox and pinned him against the wall.
''Who are you anyway?'' Knuckles demanded.
''I'll give you a hint red boy! Look at the ears!'' Tails spat, still firmly gripping his cane in his right hand.
''Wait a minute...Tails? Is that you?'' Knuckles was stunned at the revelaion and his grip on Tails loosened.
''Bingo! And now for the biggest surprise of all!'' Tails cried triumphantly before jabbing his thumb hard onto the top of his cane.
In that instant, a powerful electric force jolted through Knuckles, causing the echinda to collapse unconscious. Tails picked himself up and brushed himself off.
''What a shame. If you hadn't had a grip on my coat, you wouldn't have had my little device in your grip!'' Tails smirked before removing the small device from his coat pocket.
''You've mad me realise something Knuckles! My machine can also extract memories as well as knowledge! Looks like you won't be remembring my little secret does it?''
With a laugh, Tails picked up his hat and placed it firmly on his head. After that, he fished into his coat before removing a small card which he placed in Knuckles palm.
''Be seein ya!'' Tails laughed, before taking off up the remaining flight of stairs and leaving Knuckles prone on the floor, with Shadow Fox's indentificaion card in his hand.
BR>
On the ground floor, an out of breath Amy and Shadow finally reached the back entrance of the Plaza just in time to see Eggman and his lackies jump into a truck parked in a nearby alley.
''Come on Shadow we can still catch them!'' Amy anounced before running towards the alley.
''Amy, wait up!'' Shadow cried out before taking off after her.
''Lets get out of here Doctor, my joints are aching from all that running!'' Decoe grumbled in the back of the truck.
''Be quiet you tin plated inbecile! We still need to wait for Tails need I remind you?'' Eggman fumed from the drivers seat.
''Look! Up there!'' Bocoe pointed up towards the Plaza roof, at a slowly descending Tails in mid air.
''Good, he got away from Knuckles! Now we can get out of here!'' Eggman announced before starting up the trucks engine.
''Amy look out!'' Shadow cried out as the truck barreled towards Amy.
Shadow just managed to push Amy out of the way before the truck rumbled past. Shadow watched as it skid to a halt in front of the Plaza, and was shocked to see Shadow Fox jumping into it.
''Looks like Knuckles didn't get him!'' Shadow sighed as the truck took off into the night. He and Amy glumly walked back towards the Plaza etrance in time to see Chris, Cream, Chris's grandad and Knuckles pile through the doors.
''What happened?'' Chris's grandad demanded.
''They got away Mr Thorndike. They were too fast for us'' Shadow replied.
''Great! Now we're back to square one! They must have stolen millions worth of diamonds, and we have no idea where they're heading too!'' Chris's grandad announced dejectedly.
''If Sonic were here he'd be able to catch them up!' Chris announced glumly.
''Knuckles, are you allright?'' Amy asked the echinda nervously.
''I'm not sure. I feel allright, and yet I feel like I knew something that i can't remember!'' Knuckles answered whilst rubbing his head.
''Come on then. Lets get home'' Chris's grandad announced.
''Boy, when Sonic hears about this he's gonna be pretty mad!'' Chris replied.
The group slowly began to make they're way home as the first police cars began to pull up in front of the Plaza.
Next episode- The Unveiling.