Hey there readers! Joe Stalin is back with a new chapter! I want to thank all of those who read chapter 3. I was so surprised at how many people actually reviewed. I'm glad you guys like the story so far. Anyway, enjoy and thanks to my reviewers!

Shadow Fox

The Unveiling

Chris was right in his presumption. When the gang broke the news to him about Eggman and Shadow Fox's escape from the Plaza, Sonic was furious.

''What did I tell you guys? I knew that this would happen! You should have let me come, they wouldn't have got away!''

''Sonic, your still not fit enough and we were worried that you could get hurt. Besides, Shadow Fox isn't to be underestimated! He got away from Knuckles, and from what we saw tonight he's a dab hand with a machine gun!'' Chris's grandad replied.

''That reminds me! Knuckles, how did Shadow Fox get away from you? From the looks of things, you weren't that far behind him up the stairs!'' Amy announced casually, and suddenly all eyes were turned to the red echinda.

''I have no idea! One minute I was chasing him up the stairs, the next I was on the floor with this card in my hand!'' Knucklesanswered, astrained look on his face as he desperately tried to remember what had happened on those stairs. But nothingcame back to him.

''Now what do we do? For all we know, Eggman could be plotting his next scheme right now and we haven't got any leads!'' Shadow announces frustraitedly.

''Don't remind us Shadow! We'll just have to keep our eyes open!'' Amy answered, anger and frustration evident in her tone.

''Tails not come out at all Sonic?'' Chris asked suddenly. The blue hedgehog on the couch rolled his eyes before answering.

''Nope! I tried to get his attention a while ago, but he didn't come out!''

''Could he have stepped out at all perhaps?'' Chris's grandad pointed out.

''Maybe. I don't know!'' Sonic answered testily.

Suddenly, a lud tapping on the window took everyone by surprise.

''Who could that be?'' Knuckles questioned out loud.

''It's me! Rouge! Open the window!''

Shadow walked over and flung open the window. Rouge the bat flew in before gliding down to the floor.

''Hey all! Long time no see!''

''What do you want?'' Amy asked, suspicion evident from her tone.

''Hey chill out! I'm not here to cause trouble! I'm here to offer my assistance!'' Rouge announced defensively.

''Really!'' Shadow inquired sarcastically.

''Yes, really! Those two goons have been stepping into my territory! Since they've been at it, jewellery shops all across town have been stepping up they're security! I can't get in!''

''Good!'' Amy cut in.

''I'm here to offer my assistance to help you catch these guys. And on the evidence of tonights fiasco, you need it!'' Rouge replied with a smile.

''Well, I guess we could use more help. But this had better be not some double cross!'' Sonic announced, jabbing his finger accussingly at Sonic.

''No problem!'' Rouge replied.

''Hey Chris! You know you've got a phone message here!'' Sadow suddenly announced from the far side of the room.

''Have I? Put it on Shadow!''

Shadow pressed the play button on the answer machine. After a few seconds the message began to play.

''Hello everyone! It's Tails. Sorry about my recent absence, but I've got great news! As you will undoubtebly know, for the past week I have been working on my latest creation. Well now, allmy hard work has been rewarded. I've made an agreement with an electronics company interested in manufacturing my machine, and so if you are listening to this message, I have already left to secure my position in this new company. Executive Vice President As a way to thank you for all your years of friendship, I'm inviting you all to the unveiling of my machine tomorrow at the Country Club. You don't need a ticket, just turn up tomorrow at around 8pm, and you can celebrate with me! Bye for now!''. The message stopped.

For a few moments everyone stood silently. Then...

''I don't believe it!'' Shadow blurted out.

''Wow!'' Amy responded.

''Geez!'' Knuckles could only stammer.

''How dare he! I warned him about tha machine and he went behind my back!'' Chris's grandad fumed.

''I'll have to find something to wear quickly!'' Rouge suddenly blurted out.

''And me!'' Amy announced.

''I suppose one party won't hurt!'' Shadow joked.

''Your not being serious are you?'' Chris grandad stammered unbelievedly.

''Well sure Mr Thorndike! It's Tails, we can't just stand him up! He invited us!'' Amy pointed out.

''But don't you understand? I warned Tails that his machne was unethical, and he went behind my back and patented it! And now he's going to mass produce it!''

''But grandpa. If Tails's machine is so dangerous, thenthe company wouldn't have agreed to produce it.'' Chris pointed out.

''But his machine tampers with human minds! It's brain manipulation!'' Chris's grandad answered testily.

''Doesn't television do the same thing?'' Shadow pointed out.

'Besides, Tails invited us so we have to go! Right Sonic?'' Knuckles announced.

''I'm not going'' Sonic suddenly announced.

''What?'' Everyone blurted out in unison.

''I said I'm not going!'' Sonic repeated testily.

''But why Sonic?'' Cream asked nervously.

''Because, Tails went behind our backs! He doesn't step out of his for a week and ignores us, then he goes and leaves us without saying goodbye! What kind of a friend would do that?''

''But Sonic...'' Amy was about to say.

''I said I'm not going, and thats that!'' Sonic cut in angrily.

''Fine! Be like that then! You can stay here and sulk Sonic, but we're all going to that party tomorrow! Tails is still our friend, and we're going to congratulate him with or without you! Come on Cream, lets go try on outfits!'' Amy replied angrily before leaving the room with Cream.

''Amy, wait up!'' Rouge cried out before leaving the room as well.

''Now look what you've done Sonic! Why can't you be happy for Tails? This is a big oppotunity for him!'' Chris testily asked. Sonic didn't repond.

''Come on guys. Lets leave Sonic to cool off for a while'' Knuckles announced. Everyone in the room apart from Sonic and Chris's grandad left the room.

''Sonic, I know how you feel. But whatever your feeling about Tails at the moment, he is still your friend. Whatever my feelings are about what he's doing, it still doesn't change the way I feel about him. You don't have to come tomorrow, but it would mean alot to Tails if you did''

Chris's grandad left the room, leaving Sonic on his own. After a few moments, Sonic stood up and walked over to a framed photo of the whole gang on the wall. His eyes focussed on the picture of Tails, smiling happily with Sonics arm over his shoulder. Sonic sighed.

''Congratulations Tails'' he said to himself.

BR>

From his new office, Tails sat silently in the dark. The only light came from the dim security lights outside.

This was the headquarters of 'Prower Tech', which Tails had bought with the proceeds from all the diamond raids he and Eggman had perpetrated. This was where even now, hundreds of Tails's machines were being produced in the manufacturing floors on the other side of the factory. The building itself was a fifty storey complex built on the outskirts of town with high tech security guarding the whole complex.

Tomorrow would see the unveiling of Tails's machine to the whole of Station Square, and within a week every home in the city would have one of his devices plugged into they're televisions. Victory seemed assured. And yet...

In the darkness, the little fox, dressed in a black suit,sat with his hands scrunched over his eyes. He was shivering, and small beads of sweat were dropping onto the table top. Small whimpers escaped from Tails as he tried to compose himself. After a few moments, Tails stopped shivering and removed his hands from over his eyes. Regaining his composure, he fumbled in one of the draws before pulling out a small mirror. Squinting slightly, Tails looked at his reflection.

In the reflection, hesaw that his eyes had now become a very dull red and his frown was less deep than it was before. He noticed tears in the corners of his eyes and he quickly rubbed them away. His fur was stained from sweating so much and his eyes were very blood shot. With a grunt, Tails flung the mirror back into the draw and stood up.

''Why is this happening to me?'' he said to himself.

Tails walked over to one of the windows and peered out. From his vantage point, he could see the entire complex, and he was fascinated at the way it glistened in the security lighting. After a few moments, Tails grimaced and grasped his head in agony.

''No! Not again! You aint coming back out Tails! Your dead!'' Tails cried out as he gripped onto his desk for support.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Tails quickly composed himself and sat back down at his desk.

''Come in'' he grunted, still grasping his forehead with his left hand.

Eggman walked in.

''You wanted to see me Tails?'' Eggman enquired, slightly taken aback by Tails pained expression.

''Yeah Eggman. We have a problem. Sonic isn't coming to the gala tomorrow''

''What? How do you know that?'' Eggman spluttered.

''I got a call from Amy. Apparently he's rather hurt about my sudden disappearing act, and so he isn't coming. Which means that we have to put the operation on hold'' Tails said, a more relaxed expression appearing on his face.

''Aww! And I was so looking forward to testing the E-500's out!''

''Don't worry. You'll get your chance. That blue rodent won't escape that easily!'' Tails hammered his fist onto the desk.

''By the way Tails, I almost forgot. Are you sure your okay? You've been looking rather ill today'' Eggman walked upto the desk and placed his hands onto its surface.

''No, I'm not okay. Insomia is permanent for me Eggman. I haven't slept for over a week! But, in the quest for infinite knowledge and power, I'm prepared to make small sacrifices'' Tails stood up and walked upto Eggman.

''Remember, the operation isoff! Do you understand?''

''Of course!'' Eggman smiled and nodded his head.

''Good'' Tails smirked and sat back down at the desk. Eggman turned and left the office.

Tails sighed and rubbed his forehead. He knew that whatever was happening to him wasn't due to his lack of sleep. Ever since his accident, Tails had felt that his old personality had been destroyed. And yet, suddenly when he least expected it, he would be struck down by feelings of incredible guilt and remorse at what he had done which upto then he would never dream of thinking again. He would feel this way for several minutes before eventually relaxing and returning to normal.

Tails knew that his old personality was still alive inside him, trying to get out. There were two sides of his emotions in this inner conflict.

One part of him wanted more than anything to kill Sonic and the gang in the most hideous way possible, to pay them back for all the times when he had been unappreciated. But the other part of him just wanted to break down sobbing in their arms and say he was sorry for everything he had done. He had been feeling that way a few moments ago before Eggman had come into the room, and in his calmer state now felt absolute revulsion at his weakness. He no longer had remorse or a conscience. Those were the things which had kept him as Sonics lackie for so many years despite his superior intelligence, and he would be damned if he would ever return to that life.

''I'm pathetic! I was willing to throw this whole operation away because of that blue rat and how I used to feel about him! Well no more! Tails is dead! I am Shadow Fox! And once this plan goes into operation, nothing will stop me from conquering this entire city, and then this entire planet!'' Tails shouted, and his eyes flashed bright red.

BR>

It was the night of the unveiling, and everyone in the Thorndike household was getting ready for the gala. Amy, Rouge and Cream were dressed in brightly coloured ballroom gowns, with Cream wearing a plastic tiara. Shadow, Knuckles and Chris were dressed in evening suits, and even though he had protested, so was Chris's grandad. Tanaka and Ella would also be joining the gang, everyone except Sonic.

''Your sure you still don't want to come?'' Knuckles asked for the final time whilst straightening his tie.

''I'm sure. You all go and have a great time, and give Tails my congrats'' Sonic said from the couch.

''He's gonna be pretty upset that his best friend didn't care to come and congratulate him on his big night'' Knuckles pointed out.

''I do care Knuckles, I just can't face him at the moment'' Sonic announced sadly.

''Oh don't bother Knuckles. Come on, Tanaka's waiting in the car'' Amy announced.

''Have a good one!'' Sonic shouted as everyone walked out of the house towards the waiting car.

''That Sonic is so immature holding a grudge like this'' Amy testilly announced from the back of the car.

''Ah don't worry Ames! He'll show up! Sonic can't stay away from a party where there's free food on offer!'' Shadow joked, only to recive a nudge in the ribs from Rouge.

''It isn't funny Shadow! Sonic is well out of order for doing this to Tails! I mean, not coming to his big evening over a petty grudge!''

''She's right Shadow!'' Chris's grandad agreed.

''Okay, sorry! I didn't mean to annoy anyone!'' Shadow replied while rubbing his ribs.

''Good. Now that you've said that, I might consider dancing with you later'' Rouge replied with a seductive smile.

BR>

At the Country Club, the party was already in motion. Reporters and journalists crowded the front entrance desperate for a snap of anyone famous. And there were many famous faces atttending. The mayor of Station Square for one.

Inside the Club, Tails stood at one side of the room being interviewed by several journalists. Dressed in a black linen suit with his trademark red and white shoes and white gloves and a pair of dark shades, no one could guess that anything was amiss with the orange kitsune.

''Mr Prower, how popular do you think your invention will be with the general public? Is this the end of television as we know it?'' One enthusiastic reporter asked.

''I'm fairly certain that my machine will be a huge hit with the general public! After all, who couldn't resist a chance to feel as though your inyour favourite television programme?'' Tails answered with a smile.

''Mr Prower! Is it true that your days as a superhero are now over?'' another journalist asked.

''Yes. As you can imagine, my new responsibilities will mean that it would be impossible for me to help save the town from any attack and still run my company. But I'm sure that you can rely on Sonic and the rest of the gang to help with that'' Tails answered, and everyone with in earshot laughed.

At that moment, Amy, Knuckles, Cream, Shadow, Chris, Chris's grandadand Rouge walked into the hall. Tails noticed, and decided to wrap up the interview quickly.

''Thank you ladies and gentlemen. If you would be so kind, I have other matters to attend to, if you will excuse me'' Tails announced, before walking over to the group.

''Hi Tails! Congratulations sweety!''. Amy said before wrapping her arms around Tails.

''Thanks Amy''. Tails said with a fake smile. Inside he felt absolute revulsion that she had touched him.

''Yoah Tails! Great job buddy!'' Shadow said before shaking Tails by the hand.

''Yes. Well done Tails. Congratulations on your success!''Chris's grandadagreed.

''Looks like your gonna be even more of a celebrity now, aye Tails!'' Chris jokingly announced.

''Yes. You may be right there Chris'' Tails agreed, his frown deepening slightly behind his shades.

''Tails, sorry about Sonic not showing up. But what with his injuries and such, he just wasn't able to come. But he sends his congratulations'' Knuckles said with slight embarrassment at having to lie for Sonic.

''No problem Knuckles, I understand. As a matter of fact I may be seeing him later. I spent so long working on my machine, I guess it must have seemed like I was ignoring you guys'' Tails said with a slight shrug of fake apology.

''No sweat bud! We understand! Besides, it looks like it all paid off doesn't it!'' Shadow joked.

''Well...'' Tails pretended to seem embarrased, but he suddenly shuddered in pain and rubbed his forehead.

''Hey Tails, you okay?'' Chris aked, a nervousness evident in his voice.

''Yeah! Just a slight headache thats all!'' Tails forced a smile and removed his hand from his forehead. Not now, Tails thought, keep calm!

A waiter with a tray of champagne glasses walked passed, and Tails, Shadow and Knuckles helped themselves to a glass each.

''Well, we'll leave you to it! Come on Cream, lets go check out the buffet!'' Amy announced before heading off in the direction of the buffet table with Cream in pursuit.

''So, how's everyone been since I left?'' Tails smiled and sipped his champagne.

Suddenly, the front entrannce doors burst open, and a dozen robots ran into the room guns blazing. Each robot was five-foot high each with a machine gun attached to they're sides. Behind them, Eggman burst into the room, carrying a pistol in each hand, flanked by Decoe and Bocoe. Without warning, Eggman fired at the ceiling, causing plaster to rain down onto the guests. Tails choked on his champagne.

''No, no no!'' Tails blurted out as the E-500's swarmed the terrified party guests.

''It's okay folks! It's only an old fashioned low tech stickup! Were interested in the basics! Cash, jewellery, celluar telephones! Hand them over nice and quietly, and no one will get hurt!'' Eggman announced, as the E-500's surrounded the guests.

''Shit, where are Amy and Cream?'' Shadow blurted out.

''Come on, we'd better find her before they do!'' Knuckles shouted before taking off in the direction Amy and Cream had taken, Shadow in hot pursuit.

''Chris, you go with Rouge. You'll be safer then!'' Chris's grandad shouted before taking off after Knuckle and Shadow.

''Come on Chris, lets go!'' Rouge shouted before pulling Chris away from the encoming E-500's.

Tails pushed his way through the screaming guests before he reached Eggman. Once there, he threw off his shades, and jabbed his finger at a smirking and giggling Eggman.

''Your ruining my big night! Are you insane? I told you the operation was off!'' Tails shouted, his eyes burning brightly.

''I'm sick of waiting for you to deliver Sonic my dear boy!'' Eggman replied with a wave of his hand.

''Patience, oh plump one!'' Tails snarled.

''Patience hell, we want him dead! And nothing brings Sonic out like a bit of murder and mayhem!'' Eggman smirked.

Suddenly, the glass roof of the hall exploded, as a blue blur crashed through the glass before zooming down onto the floor.

''Hey Eggman! Wreck someone elses party will ya!'' Sonic smirked as he came to a stop at the far side of the hall to the cheers of all the guests.

''Your entrance was good, his was better!'' Tails smirked.

''Get him E-500's!'' Eggman ordered.

The E-500's stopped herrassing the guests, and focussed their attention on Sonic.

''Bring it on ya metal plated goons!'' Sonic yelled, before going into a spin dash attack and striking the nearest E-500, and sending it crashing to the floor in a heap. The other E-500's began firing at Sonic, who dodged every shot before taking out the E-500's one at a time. Soon, the floor was littered with parts from the fallen machines.

''This isn't going so well is it?'' Decoe announced.

''Maybe we should bail before Sonic comes for us!'' Bocoe replied.

''I agree! Okay boys, we're bailing!'' Eggman shouted before turning and fleeing the hall followed closely by Decoe and Bocoe.

''Hey Eggman, leaving so soon?'' Sonic shouted as he took out the final E-500.

Outside the building, Eggman and his lackies jumped into the Egg Cruiser and took off into the night.

''Sonic!'' Amy cried out before flinging herself on the blue hedgehog.

''Hey Amy! Take it easy, I'm still tender!'' Sonic cried out as he fell to the floor under Amy's weight.

''Glad you finally showed up Sonic'' Knuckles replied sarcastically

''How did you find out about what was going on Sonic?'' Chris asked.

''I was watching the news coverage. I might not have been planning on showing up, but I wasn't gonna miss it!'' Sonic replied with a smile.

''Uh, Sonic? I think you should go talk to Tails. He must be feeling low about having his party wrecked'' Rouge pointed out.

''Yeah, I probably should'' Sonic said before walking upto Tails, who was now wearing his shades and was busy brushing himself down.

''Hey lil bro! Sorry I didn't come earlier, but good job on your success!'' Sonic smiled and lay a hand on Tails shoulder. Tails cocked his head to the side and said nothing.

''Well...looks like the parties finished early! Perhaps I'd better go. You okay Tails?'' Sonic asked, a concerned look on his face. Tails nodded, and Sonic turned back to the hall.

''Come on guys! Lets go!'' Sonic shouted across the room.

Knuckles, Shadow, Rouge, Amy, Chris's grandad, Cream and Chris walked past Tails on their way out and gave him reassuring looks before leaving.

''Wow. He must be really upset'' Amy announced as they walked to the car.

''Of course he's upset Amy! He just had his party wrecked by Eggman! How would you feel?'' Shadow chastised.

''Do you think Tails is okay?'' Cream asked.

''He'll be fine. His device goes on sale tomorrow, and with any luck everyone in town will buy one!'' Knuckles replied.

''You can bet on that'' Sonic joked.

BR>

Back in the now empty hall, Tails stood under the shattered sky light and snarled.

''Even on my big night, Sonic still gets more attention than me! Its bad enough Eggman fucked me over, but having that blue ass hole come swanning in and doing his whole hero routine? The papers are gonna have a field day on this, and I'll be shunted aside again!'' Tails growled, and slammed his fist into his palm as he shook with rage. After a few moments, Tails composed himself.

''Still, it doesn't matter! My machine goes on sale tomorrow, and within a week, every home in this city will have one of my devices plugged in. And as for you Sonic, you've just dug yourself into an even deeper hole! This'll be the last time you ever screw me over blue boy!''

Tails snarled, an evil grin on his face.

''Tomorrow, the rise of Shadow Fox will be complete!''

Next episode- The Unmasking.