Been busy finishing reviews for my 5 favourite games off all time so far. All for Winter-een-mas (If you don't know what this is check out my blog for a link to CTRL+ALT+DEL). I also have the Shadow of my PSP wallpapers coloured, just waiting to shade it.

Almost coming to an end now leaving me to choose one of many projects I've been planning. It's looking like a 3 Shadows episode next, either a bog standard quickie or a full feature I dunno yet. Hopefully Riders will inspire me to do an awesome Sonic fic.

Oh well enjoy and don't forget to visit The Sonic Writers Guild. The Roleplaying forum has taken over it now.

Levels in this chapter: The Last Way

All Copyright info in first chapter

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Shadow the Hedgehog: A Rogue's Adventure

By Master hunter

Chapter 9 - Black Hearted Evil? Brave Hearted Hero?

It all started 50 years ago when we were last orbiting Earth. I believe you humans call this the Fire in the Sky festival or something. Anyway for centuries we have been planning to invade your planet as it has the exact level of resources we need to live on. This comet may be our home but it's awfully cramped and we've wanted a planet of our own for as long as I can remember. I don't quite know why we're stuck on this rock but we know that we are.

Around the time of our last visit we received a signal from Professor Gerald aboard ARK. He was fascinated by us, considering he was a scientist it was understandable. I in turn was fascinated by ARK when I ventured through its corridors for the first time. It seemed like the perfect palace for me and my most loyal brethren.

Gerald had discovered a part of my DNA that reacted with the special Chaos Emeralds of your planet. I too had discovered my ability to control the power of Chaos and was intrigued by this development. He told me of seven gems even though we only had the one to experiment with.

During our discussions we came across the subject of Project Shadow, the quest to create the Ultimate Lifeform. A being of unmatchable power, speed and stamina. I allowed Professor Gerald to take a sample of my DNA and with some genetic research we eventually led to you Shadow.

In return for my services I only asked that when the Black Comet returned the end result of Project Shadow would collect the Seven Chaos Emeralds for me. However I knew by Gerald's state of mind that the end result would be a creature of great benefit to mankind. He didn't see the potential of a powerful warrior to be feared by all.

It was then that I decided to release his Artificial Chaos Creatures, causing havoc and despair throughout ARK. It was about the time that Gerald had been called to Earth and it was my last act before returning to Earth. I left a spying device on ARK to record what happened there while we were gone, and was delighted to see a chain reaction that would turn you into a heartless warrior.

I thought the horror of seeing the humans fear and greed would lead you on a path of utter destruction for the humans. That horrific night on ARK, a memory that would haunt you but also define you. It would make it easier for you to blindly follow me for vengeance on the humans, if you hadn't already taken their lives.

But I was wrong. That promise the Maria girl asked you to fulfil turned you into a hero. It was something I had feared so much. Despite my best efforts you were going to fulfil your potential as a helper rather than a weapon. If things remained the same you would be a thorn in my side rather than the weapon I would use to conquer the planet.

But when I returned something unexpected happened. In desperation I called out to you for your promised help and found you had lost vital parts of your memory. I knew with some manipulation you would help me conquer this planet and I was so close to achieving it with you.

Then you began to question my motives but still felt the overwhelming desire to collect the Seven Chaos Emeralds, knowing that it would lead to this. My blood runs through your veins but because of what that girl asked you to do I knew if you knew the truth it would mess up my plans.

It all made so much sense to me. How I personally felt always conflicted with my promise to Maria.

"Now Shadow, fulfil you part of the deal hand me the Chaos Emeralds", said Doom

"No Shadow, don't do it", protested Sonic and the rest of the group.

I closed my eyes and handed over the Chaos Emeralds to him. I had to fulfil the promise I made, I had to keep my end of the bargain. Doom laughed while Sonic and the others froze in horror. I looked behind me to find Sonic, Rouge, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, The Doctor, Omega and the Commander watching it all.

"I knew you were nothing but trouble Shadow. I was right all along", said the Commander.

"Dammit Shadow don't you see what you've done", said the Doctor.

"I don't believe it Shadow, why?" asked Sonic

"Enough talk. With the Seven Chaos Emeralds I can now put the next phase of my plan into action", said Black Doom, "CHAOS CONTROL"

The Black Comet shook wildly as if it was hit by an Earthquake. I could feel the energy in the Black Comet getting stronger and stronger. Something had obviously happened.

"Oh my, I understand now. Of course that's why you needed the seven Chaos Emeralds", said the Doctor

"Yes, the Black Comet's shielding is not strong enough to pass through Earth atmosphere, nor can I completely control its velocity. Though with these Seven Emeralds I have the ability to warp it there anyway. Now it will feed from the nutrients in the earth giving my brethren strength. It will transform the Earth into a habitat for us, quite like what happened in those ruins. We have finally found our new home", said Doom.

"And what will happen to the people of this planet?" asked Sonic angrily.

"Why they will live peacefully, as our slaves!" said Doom laughing.

"Enough, it's not going to end this way. Not if I can still fight", said Knuckles preparing to strike Black Doom.

But then something odd happened. Knuckles seemed to freeze as if he was paralysed. Then all of a sudden the others started to freeze in place too.

"What? I can't move", said Sonic.

"Neither can I" said the doctor.

"With the added strength gathered in the Black Comet all none Black Arms will be affected by a special undetectable gas. As long as you remain here on the Black Comet you will only be able to make small movements. This is it, you lose", said Doom.

I was on one knee at this point, while the smaller larvae Black Arms went in to devour the others.

"Eat my children and grow into strong warriors", said Doom.

The others screamed in pain while I began to look back on what I had learned. Everything went through my mind and I was more confused that ever. I argued with myself, Black Doom created me, but the others want this planet saved, Maria wanted me to protect the people but my desire for revenge was still strong. All of this conflict of my past running through my head.

I realised then it was my past that was holding me back. I had always thought my past had defined me and so I looked back on what had mattered to me recently, what I remembered before all this happened. I decided then and there that the planet Earth was my home and above all else it had to be protected.

A part deep inside of me awoke. I had made up my mind. It ended now. I would get rid of my past to protect my future. I will destroy Black Doom and in turn keep my promise to Maria. That is all that matter to me now.

I returned to my feet and stomped on one of the little larvae creatures. I smacked the others from the rest of the group and returned to face Black Doom.

"All this time I have let my past define me. Well not anymore. It's over Black Doom. I will destroy you and return everything to the way it was", I said boldly.

"So after all that I have told you, you choose to defy me. You annoying little pest! I do not have time for you. Chaos Control!" he shouted before disappearing.

"Alright Shadow! That's more like it", said Sonic.

"Go for it Shadow. I know you can beat Doom", said Tails

"I knew there was some good in you. You helped me find Cream in Eggman's Castle", said Amy

"Yeah Good luck Shadow. We're counting on you", said Knuckles.

"We all know you have the power to stop him, now use it", said the Doctor

"Finish him off for the Rogues Shadow", said Rouge.

"Hmm. Prove me wrong Demon. Stop that monster for all the people on Earth. It's what Maria would've wanted", said the Commander.

"Go Shadow, I will take the others out of the Black Comet", said Omega, "Being a robot I seem to be immune to the gases effects"

With the support of everyone, even the Commander, I was more determined that ever to finally rid myself of my past. I finally knew who I was and it was time to finish this once and for all.

I ventured through the comet once more but soon found myself at a dead end. Black Doom had sent out his most elite troops to stop me and it wasn't easy to get past them. My main problem lay with getting to the seemingly unreachable exits.

Oddly I felt a power grow inside me though. The cheers from the others, the sense of purpose, doing what was right, seemed to combine with the energy inside the Black Comet. It was almost as if I had a Chaos Emerald in my hand. A warm glow consumed my body and soon I was flying straight through the exit. Somehow I was using Chaos Control.

It didn't last long but that familiar glow came to me whenever I knocked out a Black Arms soldier. If all the negative rage inside me allowed me to use the Chaos Blast, all the positive feelings I had allowed me to warp for short periods of time.

With this power I wasn't going to be stopped and soon I was back in front of Black Doom.

"DOOM! You can't hide from me. You made me all powerful and now I'm going to use this power to destroy you", I said angrily.

"So you made it Shadow. But there is one thing you need to know. My Blood flows through you veins and I can control it", said Doom.

He raised his hand and I froze in place. I fell to my knees paralysed and in pain. I screamed a little and with the last remaining strength I had to deny it, I punched the floor in frustration. Doom had won.

"Of all my children you were my most favourite. You would've been my prince. You would've ruled the world at my side. We would've created the perfect race and lived like gods. But you chose to deny me and now Shadow, it's time for you to die", said Doom.

I closed my eyes to embrace death and then something unexpected happened. Several screens suddenly appeared, all with a picture of my other creator Gerald on them.

Shadow listen to me. If you are viewing this message then perhaps you have given Black Doom the Chaos Emeralds like we promised. I do not trust these aliens and I'm betting you don't either. That is why I created the Eclipse Cannon. It has the power to finally destroy that blasted comet once and for all. Please Shadow you must use the emeralds to power up the cannon and fire it at the Comet. I'm counting on you.

"Very Devious Gerald. But there's no way of you plan working now. I have control of Earth, the Seven Chaos Emeralds and even Shadow himself. There is no-one who can stop me now", said Doom.

Then Maria appeared on the screen.

Don't worry Grandpa. Together Shadow and I will get rid of any threat to the planet. Won't we Shadow.

Her smiling face, her soft gentle voice, her positive attitude. A tear fell from my eye as I watched her so full of life and optimism. I was not going to let her down or Professor Gerald. I fought Doom's control with everything I had and somehow got enough strength to break his hold over me.

"What? This isn't possible!" Screamed Doom.

"You forgot one vital thing Doom. You weren't the only person involved in my creation. Gerald and Maria Robotnik were there from the very beginning. They are like family to me. And you, you are nothing but a creep", I said.

I jumped to attack Doom's head but he just managed to warp away. Fortunately I didn't give him enough time to warp the emeralds too and they fell to the floor. I then heard his booming voice echo through the wide halls of the comets bridge.

"It seems I underestimated you power again Shadow. You really are a special being you know that. Well I won't go without a fight. This planet is mine and if you thought I was tough before wait until you see my true form", said Doom, "I'll be waiting for you outside of the Black Comet. Face me if you dare"

I had decided enough was enough. No matter what form he could take it would be no match for my ultimate form. Now that I had regained the Seven Chaos Emeralds I had the power to achieve my Super form once more, and this time I was going to use it.

The Seven Chaos Emeralds circled around me as I absorbed their energy. I was going to stop Doom, for Maria, for Gerald, for everyone on Earth even the Doctor. My Black fur turned gold as a powerful energy aura consumed me. I was stronger, invincible, faster and incredibly pumped up.

Nothing had beaten a Super form before and it was time to show Doom exactly why. I warped out of the comet to see this true form of his, to face my destiny.