Chapter 5

Shadow and Eclipse stood facing each other from across the street ready to fight.

"It seems you are in a hurry to die Shadow."

"We will see about that."

Shadow kicked hard off of the ground and lunged at Eclipse. When he was about to make impact, Eclipse disappeared. "Damn, he can use chaos control." He muttered.

Suddenly, Shadow felt a hard blow against his stomach as Eclipse kneed him there. Shadow fell to the floor coughing up blood. He looked up to find Eclipse gone again. Another blow came, this time at his face as he skidded to the ground again from the impact.

"Okay, so you can teleport. But are you fast?" Shadow stated as he skated off.

Eclipse reappeared beside him making the same foot motions he was. Shadow looked down and noticed that he was wearing white and grey versions of his hover shoes.

Shadow aimed a kick to his head but Eclipse ducked and countered with 4 or 5 straight punches to the gut. Shadow toppled backwards before gaining control again. He looked up to see Eclipse standing 5 feet away from him.

"You cannot defeat me Shadow. I have four emeralds while you only have one."

"One is all I need to beat you. CHAOS SPEAR!"

A bolt of yellow energy shot from Shadow's hand and flew towards Eclipse. The hedgehog raised his hand and swatted the attack away like a mere fly.

"You'll have to do a lot better than that Shadow. Let me show you how it's done. CHAOS SWORD!

A much larger bolt of energy erupted from Eclipse's hand and flew towards Shadow who had no time to react and was struck in the chest hard. A gasp escaped his lips as he fell to the ground.

Eclipse walked over to him.

"Time to give me that emerald Shadow."

He stretched his hand out towards Shadow's chest. Before he could grab it a black bolt of energy struck his hand. He screamed out in pain and turned to where the attack came from.

Standing before him were Rouge, Sonic ,and Tails. Rouge had released a Black Wave.

"Get away from him."She screamed.

"Yeah, leave him alone you creep." Sonic exclaimed.

"I can't believe you are actually trying to save this piece of trash."

Suddenly a gloved fist collided hard with Eclipse's stomach. He bent over in pain only to get kicked hard in the face by Shadow's foot. Eclipse flew into a near by wall. Shadow collapsed to the ground from exhaustion. The others ran over to him.

"Shadow are you O.K.?" Rouge asked as she helped him up.

"I told you to stay away."

"Oh shush. You needed our help and you know it."

"Humph."

Sonic interrupted. "Guys, we're not done yet." He pointed over to Eclipse who was already standing.

"Mark my words Shadow. I will be back. And the next time, your friends will feel my wrath as well." His body glowed silver before he disappeared.

"Come on Shadow, let's get you back to my place." Rouge said.

"I'll continue researching Eclipse." Tails said flying off.

"I'll help. Call if you need us." Sonic sped off after Tails.

Rouge's Mansion

Rouge was still helping Shadow walk as they entered her mansion. Rouge eased him down on to the couch. She treated his wounds before speaking.

"Do you want anything Shadow?" She asked.

Instead of responding Shadow stared at her.

"What is it Shadow?"

Still no response.

"Come on, you can tell me."

He responded. "Is everyone I get close to destined to die?"

"What?"

"Everyone that was ever close to me has died. And now it will happen again."

"Don't worry Shadow. This isn't your fault."

"Yes it is. I brought misery and worry to you all. I should never have been awakened."

Rouge was getting upset. "Don't talk like that. You've brightened up everyone's world and saved it twice."

"Do you mean that?"

"Of course you silly hedgehog."

"Well then, I do want something."

"What Shadow?"

"I want-" DING DONG.

"Oh hold on Shadow. I'll get it."

Rouge walked to the door and opened it to reveal Cream and Amy.

"Hi Rouge." Amy chirped.

"Hello Ms. Rouge." Cream said.

"What are you girls doing here?"

"Did you forget Rouge? Tonight's the slumber party!" Amy chirped.

"Oh right! Well I kind of got Shadow staying here and-"

"I don't mind." The hedgehog said from the couch.

"Well, O.K. then, come on in girls.

The 2 girls entered the house and Rouge shut the door. They all walked over to where Shadow was to find he was asleep.

"Come on, we don't wanna wake him." Rouge whispered. The 3 girls made their way upstairs to Rouge's bedroom. Once inside, Cream and Amy got out their sleeping bags and a bottle.

"What's that for?" Rouge asked.

"Truth or dare." Cream replied.

The girls sat in a circle and Amy spun the bottle. It landed on Rouge.

"Truth or dare?" Amy asked.

"Dare." She replied.

"I dare you to go downstairs and kiss Shadow!"

"No way!"

"You have to."

"Fine."

The girls headed downstairs and Amy and Cream staid on the steps while Rouge made her way down to Shadow. She kneeled in front of him and got closer and closer. Their lips were about to touch when he spoke.

"May I help you?"

Rouge squealed and ran back upstairs with the girls, slamming the door shut.

Shadow smirked before drifting off to sleep.