The Return of Shadow Fox
A New Threat
''Hello Tails! I told you I'd be back!''
Tails looked in horror at the sight that met him. It was him. The thing that had haunted his thoughts and his dreams for the past fortnight. Shadow Fox, standing mere feet away from him.
But, Tails noticed, there was something different about him. Those red eyes that had haunted him for so long were not there. Instead, they were indentical to his own, sky blue.
In every other way imaginable, Shadow Fox was identical to Tails. From the orange and white fur, the red and white shoes and white gloves, right down to the twin orange tails. But one thing remained the same. The cruel grin. That was something that hadn't changed.
Tails shuddered in fear. Even at a distance, Shadow Fox seemed to radiate with power. Even though they were identical to his own, those eyes bared absolutely no emotion. As Tails looked on, Shadow Fox lifted his left hand upto his face, and flexed his fingers. Shadow Fox's smirked, and then turned to face Tails.
''Shadow Fox! So good to see you again!'' Eggman said with a huge grin, and extended his hand to the fox. Shadow Fox didnt seem to notice. Instead, his focus was entirely on Tails.
''So! I leave you for two minutes and look how you end up! Still, we all make mistakes! Especially you Tails! And boy did you make one hell of a mistake when you tried to abandon me!'' Shadow Fox's snarled. He even sounded exactly like Tails.
''How?'' Tails could only stammer. He was beginning to shake and there was sweat beginning to pour down his face. He couldn't take his eyes off his alter ego, who continued to stare at him with those cold, unfeeling eyes.
''I'm glad you asked Tails! Allow me to explain'' Eggman said, and walked into Tails viewpoint.
''You see Tails, when you and I were a team, we were unstoppable! But, when you decided to turn on me, I found myself up a creek without a paddle as it were! Without Shadow Fox, my chances of taking over this city were zero! So using one of your machines, I decided to bring him back!''
Eggman turned round and pointed at the machine.
''Using this machine, I extracted all your thoughts from your mind, and then processed them. I was then able to fully recreate Shadow Fox from your thoughts! And here he is standing before us!'' Eggman said proudly.
Shadow Fox smirked as he examined every inch of his new body.
''Are you pleased with the finished product Shadow Fox?'' Eggman asked, his focus shifting to the orange fox beside him.
''Ecstatic! Thanks to you Eggman, I have my own body! Now I...wait a minute, there's something I'm not happy with!''
''What?'' Eggman asked, his smile vanishing and a nervous expression appearing on his face. Shadow Fox frowned.
''This voice! Jesus Christ, I sound like a fucking bender! It's way too high! I sound just like him!'' Shadow Fox snarled before pointing directly at Tails. Eggman smiled nervously.
''Well, isn't that how you always sounded?'' Eggman asked .
Shadow Fox faltered. ''Um, good point! Anyway, I'll fix it myself later. In the meantime, I want you to make sure that our little fox over there is locked up good and tight! I'll be having words with him later!''
''No problem! Decoe, Bocoe! Get in here!'' Eggman shouted. A few seonds later, the two robot lackies screeched into the room.
''Yes Doctor?'' Decoe asked.
''Escort Mr Tails here to his private quarters. Make sure he's...comfortable!'' Eggman smirked. Behind him, Shadow Fox glared at Tails.
''Certainly Doctor Eggman!'' Bocoe said.
The two lackies approached Tails nervously. Tails leered at them and struggled against his bonds.
''I sure hope he doesn't try to bite me! I can't stand bent plating!'' Decoe said as he undid Tails's wrist straps whilst Bocoe worked on the leg straps. Once free, Tails desperately tried to wiggle out of their grasp, but to no ovail.
''Don't bother struggling Tails! If I know Shadow Fox, then you'll be needing all the energy you can get!'' Eggman smirked.
''How perceptive of you Eggman!'' Shadow Fox grinned as Tails was dragged out of the room, struggling furiously.
''What do have planned?'' Eggman asked.
''A little reminder that it isn't nice to ignore people. Especially me!'' Shadow Fox snarled.
''Listen, I'm sorry about the voice. If you like, I can fix it for you'' Eggman said.
Shadow Fox was about to answer but suddenly stopped, a thoughtful look on his face.After a few seconds, a huge smile stretched across his face, revealing teeth that were significantly sharper than those of Tails.
''No, don't bother! As a matter of fact, I've just come up with an idea on how to use it!''
''What?'' Eggman asked.
''You'll see. In the meantime, go get my coat and hat! If I'm right, and I usually am, we'll be expecting company!'' Shadow Fox laughed.
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''No Sonic, for the last time I haven't seen him!'' Shadow said testily. This was the third time today Sonic had rung him asking him if he had seen Tails, and for the third time that day Shadow was forced to say that he hadn't seen any sign of the little fox.
Shadow could tell that Sonic was upset. Apparently, from what he could gather from Sonicsdescription,Tails had gone missing during Eggmans latest attack, but that was all Shadow knew. Besides, why should he know where Tails was? He was Sonics best friend after all, not his. Still, Shadow felt bad for Sonic, and Tails wherever he was.
''Well if you see him Shadow will you please give me a ring? I'm worried about him. It's not like Tails to just disappear like this'' Sonic said down the line.
This wasn't true. Shadow knew that Tails had disappeared before. Only three weeks ago, Tails had vanished without a word. But that was to start his new company, and he had infact sent them a phone message on that occasion. And Shadow knew for certain that that was the only time Tails had gone off without a word. This was an entirely different matter.
''Sure thing Sonic. I'll keep an eye out for him. See ya!'' Shadow said before hanging up. With a sigh, Shadow sat back down on the couch and cast an eye over the television. For some reason, there was something in the back of his mind that was bothering him. Something he just couldn't remember for the life of him. Something to do with Tails. But, if it was really important, then he would remember it in time.
Suddenly, the phone began to ring again. Shadow snarled.
''For God's sake!''
With a sigh, Shadow reluctantly stood up and walked upto the phone before picking it up.
''Hello?'' Shadow said testily.
''Shadow? Its Tails! Listen, I really need your help!''
It sounded like Tails allright. Shadow could recognise that voice anywhere. From the sounds of it, Tails sounded really desperate.
''Tails? Whats wrong, are you hurt?'' Shadow asked down the phone. In the background, he could here something. Metal scraping on metal, and something else. Was that laughter in the background? Shadow tried to make it out more clearly, but Tails frantic voice snapped him out of it.
''Shadow, listen to me. I can't really explain right now, but your the only one who I can count on. Please help me!''
''Sure Tails, I'll do whatever I can! Where are you?''
After quickly jotting down the address, Shadow gripped the phone with both hands.
''Tails, listen to me. Whatever you do, remain calm and wait for me to pick you up! Understand?''
''I understand. But please hurry Shadow! Your the only one I can count on''
At that, the phone went dead. For a few moments, Shadow stood where he was. He knew that he should ring Sonic and tell him where Tails was. But that would take too long, and from the way Tails had sounded, time was something he couldn't afford to waste. Still, Sonic would kill him if he ever found out. But he could worry about that later.
With the address clutched tightly in his hand, Shadow took off out the door and out into the street. In his mind, the only thing that mattered to him was finding Tails. From the way he had sounded, the little fox was obviously in great danger. It seemed slightly peculiar that Tails had rung him instead of Sonic. After all, he was closer to Sonic than he was to him. And what had that noise in the background been? He had heard it before somewhere, but for the life of him he just couldn't remember.
Several minutes later, Shadow stopped running. He had left Station Square behind, and he looked around at his surroundings. He appeared to be in a huge scrap yard. Everywhere he turned there was assorted discarded and broken cars and appliances, each of them casting long dark shadows on the ground. Apart from him, there was no one else around. What unnerved Shadow slightly was the lack of sound. Apart from the soft breeze there was no other sound at all.
Shadow remained still. This was where Tails had said he was on the phone, but there was no sign of the little fox.
''Tails, you okay?'' Shadow called out. He jumped suddenly as one of the cars groaned metalically. After realising what it was, Shadow relaxed and looked around for any sign of Tails. Suddenly, soemthing caught his attention.
In front of him stood a huge mechanical crane. Inbetween the shadows, Shadow had noticed a small flame through the darkness. It looked like the end of a cigarette. It glowed brightly through the darkness. There was someone there allright.
''Who's there? Is that you Tails?'' Shadow called out, his eyes fixed on the dim light.
From the darkness, an all too familiar laugh perferated the darkness.
''So close, and yet so far. As always Shadow, your way off the mark!''
Shadow frowned. He knew that laugh.
''Shadow Fox!'' Shadow snarled.
''Bingo!'' Shadow Fox said as he stepped out of the shadows.
Dressed in his long black coat and hat, a cigarette clenched between his lips, Shadow Fox smiled as his eyes rested on the black hedgehog.
''What have you done with Tails you creep?'' Shadow snarled. Shadow Fox laughed and shook his head.
''Ah just like you Shadow. Forget the small talk, just get straight down to business! Thats what I like about you my friend. Your smart! I like that'' Shadow Fox smiled, as he pulled out a pistol. Shadow backed off warily, but stopped as Shadow Fox removed the ammunition clip and threw it aside.
''As you can see, I'm now unarmed. Now we can talk without any...tension''
''Whats the game Shadow Fox? I didn't come to make small talk! I came to find Tails! What have you done with him?'' Shadow growled as he took a step forward.
''He's fine. For now. What I wanted to discuss Shadow isn't about him...but you''
Shadow frowned ''Me? What about me?''
''Oh come on Shadow! You and I both know about you and Sonic! Your not like him at all. No, your far more complex! And yet its him who always gets the most attention. I can imagine how that makes you feel sometimes. I can help you with that!''
Shadow frowned. What Shadow Fox was saying was true. He was better than Sonic, and yet it was true that the blue hedgehog was the more popular. Shadow wasn't too bothered about that. After all, he wasn't into popularity. But it angered him that people thought Sonic was the better of the two of them. But he wasn't about to say that to Shadow Fox.
''Oh really? You expect me to believe that? I know you Shadow Fox, and honesty isn't exactly one of your strong points!''
Shadow Fox frowned. ''I'm giving you the oppotunity to join me Shadow! You and I both know that your capable of bigger things. After all, you don't want to remain in Sonics shadow for ever do you?''
Shadow smiled. ''No deal. Now tell me where Tails is, or I swear I will break your neck!'' Shadow lunged at Shadow Fox and pinned him to the floor.
''Now, tell me where he is!'' Shadow grunted as he pinned Shadow Fox down. Suddenly, a shot rang out from the shadows. Shadow yelped in pain, before keeling over keeled over. Shadow Fox staggered to his feet, his hand over his reddening throat.
From out of the darkness, Eggman appeared, a smoking pistol in his hand.
''Lucky I decided to tag along isn't it?'' Eggman smiled. Shadow Fox gave him a death glare, before turning his attentionto the unconscious Shadow.
''You disappoint me my friend. And if there's one thing I hate, its disappointment!'' Shadow Fox snarled, before turning his attention to Eggman.
''Bring him! He will be useful to us another way!''
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In the darkness, Tails sat with his head down to the floor. He was shackled to one of the walls, and there was a muzzle attached to his face. All he could do was stand, and think.
This was all his fault. He had created Shadow Fox, and indeed he had been Shadow Fox only a fortnight ago. ow his evil alter ego was free, and Tails knew that whatever he had planned, it didn't bare thinking about.
The door creaked open. Tails lifted his eyes up, only to be greeted by the sight of a leering Shadow Fox. Tails would have snarled, but the muzzle stopped him. Shadow Fox entered the room, his hands folded in front of him and a disappointed look on his face.
''Why is it, that no matter what I do or what I say, people still continue to disappoint me?'' Shadow Fox muttered, his eyes neverwavering from Tails.
''You were the first person to disappoint me Tails. I gave you everything! Power, money, influence, even revenge on the people who had hurt you and held you back. But it wasn't enough was it? You threw all that away, and you forced me back into the far corner of your mind! Do you realise how much that hurt me Tails?''
Shadow Fox sighed, before suddenly lashing out and cracking Tailson the cheek with his fist.
''Have you any idea what you did to me? Do you? I gave you everything, and you wrecked it! Not just for you, but for me! Your a pathetic piece of scum! And yet, I find myself continuing to admire you Tails. For after all, if it hadn't of been for you, then I wouldn't exist! I have you and only you to thank for that!''
Shadow Fox laughed as he reached into his coat pocket. A second later, he pulled out a sharp knife. He glared at Tails, who cowered in fright.
''When you abandoned me Tails, I felt extremely hurt. But after a while that hurt turned to anger. And that anger turned to rage. And after that...'' Shadow Fox faltered, before flinging the knife at Tails. The blade embedded itself just above Tails head. As Tails watched, a thin trickle of blood streaked down his face from where the balde had nicked him. Shadow Fox laughed as he approached Tails.
''You know I could kill you right here and now, but that would be pitifully easy! I want you to suffer for what you did to me Tails! I'm going to watch you squirm. And once I'm finished, you'll kiss my ass to kill you!'' Shadow Fox snarled as he grabbed Tails throat. Tails yelped as his grip tightened.
''Just remember Tails. I gave you a chance, and you failed me. And failure in my book...is fatal!''
At that moment, the door creaked open as Decoe and Bocoe dragged the uncnscious Shadow into the room. Shadow Fox loosened his grip on Tails throat and walked upto the unconscious hedgehog. Tails whimpered at the sight of the bleeding black hedgehog as he was dragged into the middle of the room. Tails looked at Shadow Fox, who was lighting a cigarette.
''He was the second person to disappoint me! As you can see Tails, I can't stand disappointment! And I promise you this, it won't happen a third time!''
Shadow Fox chuckled, before pulling his foot back and landing a vicious kickinto Shadowsside. He thenapproached Tails, the cigarette burning in his hand.
''You know, if it wasn't for this gay little voice of yours, I wouldn't have been able to snag Shadow! I have you to thank for that Tails! Because of you, this entire city will soon be under my control!''
With a cruel smile, Shadow Fox reached down and stubbed the cigarette out on Tails chest. Tails yelped in pain as the cigarette end burned him. Shadow Fox laughed.
''Just remember! There's more pain to come my little fox! See ya!''
With a final wink, Shadow Fox walked out of the room with Decoe and Bocoe in tow.
Tails looked down at the unconscious Shadow, and began to cry.
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Next Chapter: The Army
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Please R&R and tell me what you think!