Chapter 12

Emerald Chase

Rouge was on 280 as she chased after the bi-plane that the cyclone had transformed into. She continued to dodge the huge holes in the road that Mona had warned her of before giving chase. Rouge continued speeding after the plane just as Eggman's voice came on.

"Rouge, did you find Tails?!" Eggman asked impatiently. Rouge was about to respond when she heard the kid's voice.

"Wait a moment! She'll catch up!" Mona responded.

"You sure?"

"Hel-lo? She's going at least 60 mph and Tails is going 40 mph!"

"Oh, that's good to know!" Eggman grumbled before switching off.

"Impatient fat human…" Mona grumbled before switching her end of the radio off as well. Rouge smiled slightly.

"I really don't need an eleven year old to fight my battles…" She thought. "At least you got that mad-scientist off my back."

:---:

Mona smirked as she checked on the whereabouts of the mobians and human. Even though she didn't know which keys were which, she worked them like a master.

"Good ol' video game logic!" She chortled silently. Mona knew that the heroes were headed towards Eggman's base but she kept her mouth shut about it.

:---:

Shadow stood on a mountain which was in the same area where Knuckles was exploring earlier. He saw a plane fly past just in time to hear his radio spring to life.

"Shadow! They're in that blue plane! Spotted at eleven o'clock!" Rouge announced.

:---:

Mona checked her wristwatch which she must've had on before getting thrown into the other dimension.

"Actually it's 12:35…" She mused before thinking that the planet had a different time schedule. (In her opinion: One hour and thirty five minutes late.) That was, until she noticed her watch had stopped. "Aw geez…"

:---:

"Copy that," Shadow responded. "I'm in pursuit." He jumped onto a nearby rail and grinded after the navy blue plane. As Shadow gave chase, he continued trying to find out what else she knew besides Sonic and the Chaos Emeralds.

"Okay, maybe we were part of a comic trilogy and she learned of our pasts. No…she did read the title of the news before announcing, not to mention she knew exactly which island it was." Shadow continued as he smashed through two GUN robots that got in his way. "If she really knows. She'll know about Maria…"

:---:

Rouge had gotten back to the ARK through the transporter in Eggman's base. Eggman had sent her to keep a good watch on Mona since he thought she was the government spy. Rouge walked over to the control room and saw the brunette doing exactly as she was supposed to do.

Mona turned to see Rouge and smiled.

"So do you know where they are headed?" Rouge asked.

"They're headed in Eggman's direction. She replied. "Do you mind taking over? I have to check something out." Mona asked before leaving the room. Rouge sighed and went towards the control panel.

"Kids…"

:---:

Shadow got to the final mountain in the area before stopping and watching the plane fly past.

"Doctor, they're headed directly towards us! What should we do?" He asked through the com-link.

"Just return to base Shadow. I've got them on radar. There is no way they can get away." Eggman responded. "I don't know what they are planning, but I'll be sure to give them a warm welcome." The radio buzzed off and Shadow continued watching the plane before finding a good path towards the base.

"I suppose you know about them going there too, right?" Shadow mused.

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Shadow: CLIFFHANGER!

You're acting out of character…again…

Shadow: Gah, I've got to stop doing that. That's it! NO MORE MIDNIGHT COFFEE!

(Faints again)

Shadow: WHAT?! WHAT DID I SAY?

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