Thanks for all the reviews. This next chapter will finally mark the beginning of our journey.

"The preparations are almost complete," said Xeno as Shadow walked into the control room, carrying something in his arms.

"I brought Metal Sonic, as promised," he replied, setting the robot on the ground. "What do you need him for anyway?"

"You'll see. So, how's Maria adjusting to her life on Earth?"

"She's fine, why?"

"Shadow, it will soon be time for my journey to commence. You don't know how lonely it is, being awake and having nobody to talk to for decades on end."

"Are you asking me to go with you?"

"I am giving you a choice, Shadow. You can stay on Earth and live a long and happy life with Maria, or you can come with me. Whichever option you choose, I will respect your decision."

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"If I had asked you to join me when we first met, would you have said yes?"

"No, I don't think I would have."

"Exactly, now do me a favor and go see how Tails is coming along."

Six months earlier, Shadow had brought Tails to the ARK. After Xeno explained his plan, he sent a telepathic image of some blueprints. Now, Tails was almost finished with the machine, which they dubbed "The Emerald Charger" or "TEC" for short.

"Hey Shadow, TEC is almost ready for a field test."

"Remind me again what this is supposed to do."

"Simple, each of the emeralds is inserted into a corresponding slot, where power is drawn from them. It is then beamed up to the ARK, where it will charge the propulsion systems, enabling it to leave orbit and travel to other worlds."

"What if the chaos emeralds don't have enough power?"

"We could always ask Knuckles if we can borrow the Master Emerald, assuming Rouge hasn't taken it."

Back on the ARK, Xeno was carefully examining Metal Sonic, who now lay on a table in a workshop.

'Interesting, the metal can liquefy completely and solidify into any shape imaginable. Shadow's description wasn't nearly as promising as the robot's true properties. And with the supplies he's gathered, I have everything I need.' With that, he gathered a few odds and ends and proceeded to construct a device that had only existed in fiction.

"Alright Xeno, it's ready," said Shadow as he walked in.

"Good. By the way, I'm finished with Metal Sonic. You can take him back to Earth if you wish." Shadow picked up the robot and walked toward the door.

"What did you need him for anyway?"

"I'll tell you later. So, have you made your decision?" The black hedgehog stopped walking and sighed.

"I'll need to sleep on it."

The next morning, Shadow came back to the ARK to give Xeno his answer.

"After a lot of consideration, I've decided to go with you."

"Thanks Shadow. How long until we can leave orbit?"

"Tails is preparing the TEC even as we speak. Although, he did ask if you could come down to Earth for a few minutes before we leave."

"That can wait until later. I have something to show you." He led Shadow to an object in the workshop that had a sheet draped over the top. "Do you remember the movie that I asked you to bring me?"

"Spiderman2?"

"Yes. I was intrigued by Doc Oc's tentacles."

"And?" Xeno pulled the sheet down to reveal what looked like exact duplicates of the robotic arms from the movie. Dumbfounded, Shadow just stared as his half brother strapped them on and activated them.

"Well, what do you think?"

"You actually built that!"

"With a few alterations, courtesy of Metal Sonic." Shadow gave him a skeptical look.

"What kind of alterations?"

"They can be hidden from view more easily," Xeno retracted them into his back, to the point where only the closed 'hands' were visible above the base. "Dissolve into the thinnest imaginable liquid form," He then turned so that his back was facing Shadow. One of the claws liquefied in much the same manner that Metal Sonic had, flowing off its base and onto the ground. "Reform into any shape imaginable," a solid tentacle sprouted from the puddle. "And function independently, via AI or by long distance telepathy." The device then reattached itself to its base. Shadow was at a loss for words. "Didn't you say that your friends wanted to see me?"

"What? Yes, they did."

Tails had gathered Sonic, Knuckles, Rouge, Amy, Cream, Cheese, Vanilla, Gemerl, Big, Froggy, Omega, the Chaotix, and Maria so that they could give the Ultimate Life Forms a proper sendoff.

"So Tails," whispered the blue blur to his friend. "Shadow's brother, what's he like?"

"You'd have to see him for your—oh, here they are now." Shadow had Chaos Controlled himself and Xeno to the spot where the group had gathered.

"Hi, you must be—WHAT IS THAT?" Tails laughed nervously.

"Sonic, I did say that Xeno was unusual." Sonic looked at the fox, unable to believe how calm he seemed.

"UNUSUAL? Understatement of the year!"

"Yeah, I used to get that a lot," Xeno muttered.

After the initial shock and the introductions, Shadow and Xeno went back to the ARK.

"Shadow, this is your last chance to reconsider. Are you absolutely sure that you want to come with me?"

"Yes. Besides, didn't I promise to teach you how to use Chaos Control?

"Thanks."

Well, that's it for this chapter. Please leave a review...or sixty. Please?