Hey yall! Joe Stalin here with Chapter 4 of 'The Return of Shadow Fox'! Sorry for the long wait, but I've been busy thinking over and writing the first 2 chapters of 'Jack The Ripper'. But the wait is finally over!

I'd personally like to thank Zerberus Alpha as the mind behind the E-950's and the E-1000. Many thanks Lothar!

I'd also like to thank all those who have read and reviewed so far! And once again, I don't own any of these guys! Apart from Shadow Fox!

The Return of Shadow Fox

The Army

''Damn it! He's still not picking up!''

Sonic slammed the phone down and sighed. He had been trying to ring Shadow for the fourth time that night, but each time the black hedgehog at the other end failed to pick up. Sonic was getting worried. First Tails had vanished, now Shadow. It just didn't make any sense.

Amy lay a comforting hand on the blue hedgehogs shoulder. She knew that he was worried about Tails, and with good reason. Tails had been acting extremely out of character ever since Sonic had rescued him from the Prower Tech Complex over a fortnight ago. Since then, he had become somewhat distant.

Amy and the others put it down to the loss of his company. It must have been a huge blow to him to have his entire work destroyed by Eggman, and Amy understood that. But at the same time, it was obvious to everyone that Tails still wasn't the same.

''I just don't understand it Amy! Why won't he pick up?''. Amy didn't know what to say. She had never seen Sonic so worried and upset as he was at that moment.

''Maybe he's out Sonic. After all, not even Shadow stays inside every minute of the day! You'll just have to keep trying until he answers thats all!'' She smiled sympathetically.

Sonic knew that she was right. Shadow was probably looking around for Tails like he had asked him to do the last time he had rung. But at the same time, he had a nagging feeling in the back of his head that something wasn't right. He turned to look at Amy.

''Maybe your right Amy. I'm just worried about Tails you know?''. Amy nodded in acknowledgement.

''I know Sonic. But I'm sure he's okay. If Eggman had captured him we would have heard about it by now. The guys got a big mouth and too much ego to not try to rub it in your face!''. That made Sonic smile.

''Your right there! I know I shouldn't worry so much Amy, but what with everything thats happened in the last few weeks...''. He faltered. He couldn't continue. No one other than himself and Chris's grandad knew exactly what had happened those two weeks ago, and he was going to ensure that it remained that way.

''I'm okay Amy. Thanks for reassuring me''. Amy smiled.

''Anytime Sonic!''. The pink hedgehog turned and left, leaving Sonic alone in the room.He sighed and rubbed his forehead. His eye lingered on the telephone.

With a shake of his head, he picked it up and dialed in the number.

''Pick up Shadow...please!''

''And in other news tonight, repair work is still going on in downtown Station Square following yesterdays attack by Doctor Eggman. With help from everyones favourite hero, the attack was thwarted and everyone...''

The news report was cut short as a powerful foot smashed itself through the screen, in a shower of glass and sparks.

''You know something Eggman? CNN bites, big time!''

Eggman smiled nervously as Shadow Fox pulled his foot out of the smoking wreckage of the television. With a snarl, the orange fox stood up and walked upto Eggman.

''Everywhere I turn it's Sonic this and Sonic that! God it becomes boring quickly!'' Shadow Fox flashed a grin and pointed at the smoking heap.

''I think it's about time they had a new face to report on! Care to hazard a guess on who's?''

''Yours?'' Eggman smirked. Shadow Fox sniggered.

''Precisely! And now my dear Doctor, I need your advice! How are we going to acheive this?''

Eggman smiled a huge grin and lay a hand on the fox's shoulder.

''I thought you'd never ask! Come my friend, and witness my genius!''

The two of them walked out of the room via a sliding door and walked down a long corridor. After a few moments, they approached a gigantic metal door. Eggman walked upto a control on the wall and dialled in a code. The door slid open with a metallic hiss, and Eggman and Shadow Fox walked inside.

''Now brace yourself foxxy! This is the part I really like!''

Shadow Fox gasped as he was greeted by the sight of 10 robotic bipeds, each of them over six feet tall and metallic blue in colour. Each robot was equipped with a twin gattling gun, one on each arm, and a twin buster rifle atttached to a holster on the back, as well as to gigantic bat wings giving the robots a devilish appearance.

''Magnificent!'' Shadow Fox muttered to himself as he examined each of the robots. Eggman walked upto him, a devilish grin on his face.

''E-950's! Stand to attention!''

At that instant, the robots all stood to attention in perfect unison and raised a nazi'ist salute to Eggman. Shadow Fox turned to face Eggman, a disappointed look on his face.

''The E-950's? My God Eggman, couldn't you come up with something more original?''

Eggman didn't seem to notice, and instead continued to address the E-950's.

''Now here this! This is my comrade Shadow Fox! You will obey all his orders as well as mine without question! Is that understood?''.

''WE OBEY, DR. EGGMAN!'' The robots answered, once again in perfect unison. Eggman laughed and turned to Shadow Fox.

''Impressed?'' Eggman asked.Shadow Fox nodded, and Eggman gestured with his hand.

''Good. Because you haven't seen the best yet!''. At this the robots parted in the middle, revealing another robot right at the far end of the room. This robot was taller than the E-950's, and was jet black in colour. It, like the E-950's, was equipped with twin gattling guns on each arm, as well as a twin buster rifle on the back. Eggman smirked at Shadow Fox's stunned expression.

''Shadow Fox, allow me to introduce to you...the E-1000!''

At this, the E-1000 stood to attention and marched upto the two villains.

''I OBEY AND SERVE MY MASTER DR. EGGMAN!''. Shadow Fox stared in amazement, his head shaking from side to side in utter shock. Eggman continued speaking.

''This Shadow Fox is my finest work! The E-1000 is not only stronger and faster than all of the E-950's put together, but itis also programmed with a personality, and does not rely totally on logic alone. So, what do you think?''

Shadow Fox looked from the E-1000, to the E-950's and then to Eggman.

''What do I think? I think...that we are now totally invincible! Nothing in the world can stop us with these things on our side!'' Shadow Fox laughed hysterically and patted Eggmans hand.

''I'm glad your impressed, because I have one more surprise for you!'' Shadow Fox stopped laughing and cocked his head to the side.

''Another surprise? What?'' Eggman placed his arm over the fox's shoulder.

''Well, you know of the Chaos Emeralds don't you? Well, whilst I was in the process of building my latest army, I came across something quite extraordinary!''

Eggman walked upto a far wall and keyed in a code. Suddenly, the wall slid open, revealing a metal chamber.

''I'll let you see for yourself!''

Eggman gestured to the chamber. With a curious expression on his face, Shadow Fox walked upto the chamber. Behind him, Eggman punched in another code.

To Shadow Fox's surprise, the chamber opened up with a hiss, and a bright green light lit up the room. Shadow Fox gasped and grabbed the chamber to steady himself. Eggman walked upto the fox.

''Any idea's as to what we could do with this?'' Eggman asked with a smirk. Shadow Fox turned to face him, his face lit up by the green glow of the chamber.

''Oh Eggman! I have just the plan in mind! But first...I fancy a little fox hunting!''

With a laugh Shadow Fox sauntered out of the room, Eggman and the E-1000 in tow.

In the cell, Shadow began to wake up. It was freezing inside the room, and the black hedgehog shivered, before curling into a small ball to try and shake the chill that invaded his body. With a groan, he opened his eyes and examined his surroundings.

''What the hell?''

He sat up, unsure of where he was or what had happened to him.He winced slightly as a stab of pain ripped through his head. Looking down at the floor, he saw the culprit.

There was blood everywhere, staining the concrete around him, and tinting his fur a dull red. With a yelp of shock, Shadow struggled onto his feet and felt at the back of his head. He winced as his finger came into contact with the wound.

''What happened to me?'' Shadow muttered as he tried to adjust to the darkness. With a start, his eyes focussed on a pitiful sight.

Tails was shackled to the wall, a painful looking muzzle on his face. Stepping closer, Shadow noticed that the young fox looked as though he had been crying, and there was a small burn mark on his chest. For the moment, he was asleep.

Shadow was stunned. Whoever had done this to Tails was pure evil. With a snarl, Shadow grabbed at the muzzle and pulled it off with care. Tails began to stur awake.

''Tails? Are you okay?'' Shadow asked as Tails opened his eyes.

''S..Shadow? Your allright! I thought you were...'' Shadow cut him off.

''I'm not important right now Tails! Are you hurt?'' Tails shook his head slowly.

''No, I'm okay. Shadow...when I saw him drag you in, I thought he had killed you'' Shadow looked at the young fox quizzically.

''Who Tails? Who did you think had killed me?''

''What a touching scene! It makes you want to throw up!''

Shadow turned round with a snarl. In front of him, arms folded in front of him, Shadow Fox leered from the open door. At his side was Eggman, a huge grin on his face.

''Shadow Fox! I'm gonna kill you for what you did to Tails!'' Shadow yelled as he suddenly remembered how he had ended up in the cell and who had captured him. Shadow Fox giggled.

''I don't think so Shadow! Your hardly in the position to make idol threats!'' Shadow Fox smirked as he walked further into the cell. Shadow tensed up, ready to strike the first chance he got.

Shadow Fox noticed. ''Now now Shadow! Lets not try anything that you'll later regret! Besides, you haven't met my new bodyguard have you?'' Shadow Fox snarled and clicked his fingers.

At that moment, the E-1000 marched into the cell and upto Shadow Fox. Tails shrank back in terror, and Shadow took a step back. Shadow Fox gestured to the biped.

''Allow me to introduce you all to the E-1000! I think you'll find Shadow that he is a formidable bouncer when it comes to riff-raff like you!'' Shadow Fox giggled and then turned to face Tails.

''So. I guess you haven't told Shadow about your little secret then have you? Looks like I'll have to do it myself!''

''No! You can't, please!'' Tails begged. Shadow looked up quizzically.

''What secret? Tails?'' Tails turned his head to the side, tears already falling down his cheeks. Shadow Fox stifled a laugh.

''Oh this is priceless! How can I not take this opportunity up!'' Shadow Fox turned to Shadow, who was looking at Tails suspiciously.

''You see Shadow, for over three wekks now our friend Tails over there has been keeping a secret from you all! And as everyone knows, deception is very wrong indeed! Therefore, I feel that it is my duty to inform you that me and Tails...are one in the same!''

Tails stifled a sob. Shadow stared at Shadow Fox.

''What? What are you talking about?'' Shadow Fox laughed.

''You haven't got a clue have you? Haven't you noticed that I'm the same size as Tails? That I'm wearing the same shoes as Tails? That I'm also a fox...like Tails? How more obvious can it be Shadow?'' Shadow stared from Shadow Fox to Tails. Shadow Fox sighed and reached for his mask.

''Obviously I'm speaking to you in another language! Allow me to show you what has been staring you in the face all this time!'' Shadow Fox removed his hat and mask, revealing his face. Shadow gasped.

''No! It isn't possible!'' Shadow Fox snorted.

''Oh believe me Shadow it's very possible indeed! But like you, I am superior to the fakers! Although I hate to say it Shadow, you are superior to that faker Sonic! In the same way, I am superior in every way to Tails! I'm not weighed down by feelings for other people, nor am I burdened by emotions like Tail is! I am Shadow Fox, and I am the ultimate lifeform!''

Tails sobbed as Shadow Fox continued speaking.

''I am everything that Tails is not! And because of that, this city and everyone in it will soon be begging for my mercy! And you two are going to watch it happen!''

Shadow snarled and jabbed his finger at Shadow Fox.

''No! Your nothing Shadow Fox! Your evil, and your insane! I don't know where you came from, but your not better than Tails! Your a psychopath!'' The E-1000 took a step towards Shadow. Shadow Fox raised his hand, and the E-1000 stood down.

''You shouldn't lose your temper Shadow!'' Shadow Fox snarled as he approached Shadow.

''It's not polite!'' Shadow Fox smirked before launching a powerful fist directly at Shadow. With a dull crunch, Shadow collapsed to the floor. Shadow Fox stood over him.

''Didn't anyone ever teach you manners my friend? Didn't anyone teach you that thats not the way you speak to your superiors?''

Shadow grunted and glared at Shadow Fox.

''Your not better than me you creep! And you never will be!'' Shadow Fox snarled and raised his foot over Shadows head. Suddenly, a weak voice echoed through the cell.

''Don't...don't hurt him. Please'' Tails said, barely a whisper. Shadow Fox looked down at Shadow, and lowered his foot away from him. He then walked upto Tails.

''Deary me Tails! Just when I thought you couldn't get anymore pathetic! But your right. I should conserve my energy. After all, it's a big day tomorrow!'' Shadow Fox chuckled as he stroked Tails cheek with his finger.

''I won't spoil the surprise though! But I promise you...it's unmissable!''

With a snort of laughter, Shadow Fox left the room, the E-1000 and Eggman close behind.

Shadow grunted and staggered to his feet. He glared at the cell door and then at Tails. Tails sniffed as Shadow approached him.

''Shadow...I'm so sorry I...'' Shadow cut him off.

''I don't want to hear it! It's bad enough you lied to everyone Tails, but you lied to me! You should have told me if somehting was troubling you! But instead you lied! And to top it all off, I find out that it was you all along who tried to kill Amy and Chris! I can't forgive you for that!'' Tails chocked back his tears.

''I don't want your forgiveness Shadow! I just want you to understand!'' Shadow glared at him.

''Understand what? That the quiet little fox I thought you were turns out to be a psychopathic nutcase who tries to kill my friends?''

''No! To understand that I didn't want any of this to happen! I didn't have any control over him Shadow! He got into my head and threatened me! He said he would make me kill Sonic and the others unless I let him out! I couldn't stop him Shadow, you have to beleive that!'' Tails sniffed and fresh tears streaked down his face. Shadow sighed.

''All I'm saying is Tails, is that you should have told us! We could have helped you with this! Now your psycho twin is working with Eggman! And whats worse is that he's got your intelligence! Who knows what he's planning?''

''Shadow Fox? Are you going to tell me what your planning or not?'' Eggman asked as he tried to keep up with the fox.

''Oh Eggman, I'm planning something big! Tomorrow...wego Chaos Control!''

Next Chapter: Chaos Control

Please R&R and tell me what you think! Joe.