Memoirs of a Black Hedgehog
Chapter 3
Shadow's Quest
The light of the control panel lit up the otherwise eerie green glow of the room. Shadow, for his part was watching the panel, or more specifically, the hologram of a man that appeared directly above it. Never having seen the man in his life, Shadow was at quite a loss at what to do. However, this artificial construct continued its message, un-fazed as to the Ultimate Life-forms distress. What it said during this time would alter the course of the black hedgehog's life forever. That, and the life of one long thought dead would be changed as well.
"Greetings, Shadow the Hedgehog, I hope this message finds you well," the hologram of a man said to him. "As you may or may not know, I am Doctor Magnum Ageus, head geneticist and foremost world renowned medical expert of the staff of Space Colony Ark. Though, perhaps former expert and such would be more appropriate given the likelihood of circumstances that may have led you here." The image gave a rueful smile and shook his head at his own comment. Shadow, for his part, was paying rapt attention to what the Doctor had to say. Perhaps he could instruct Shadow on how to revive Maria.
"As I'm sure you have gathered for yourself," the recording continued, "this machine was designed for a purpose. A purpose that you yourself were to be a part of. This purpose the the restoration and transformation of one person, Maria Robotnic." Shadow nodded along, even though he knew the person before him was probubly long dead. "The process," the hologram lectured, "combines a meathod of what Gerald called Chaos Control, using the seven Chaos Emeralds as a catleist for a syrum that would change Maria's physical make-up into something stronger. Something, well, rather like you." Shadow sighed, knowing that he needed the emeralds was bad enough. Nothing good ever came out of collecting all seven, even with the best intentions. What's worse though is that a syrum was needed, one that he had no way to locate.
Before Shadow could give in to despair, the professor let out a small chuckle. "I may not have the same intuitive mind as Gerald, but I predict your feeling rather down at this point Shadow. Well, here's a bit of good news, the serum is actually your blood, distilled with the Emerald's power." Needless to say the reaction from Shadow was frank disbelief, but the strange doctor continued. "I bet your wondering just how this could be possible.Well, let me tell you a secret about old Prof. Gerald. The old goat was nuts about his work, but was even more nuts about his family. I swear, even while serving on Ark he never missed a family gathering in the 10 years I knew him. Heheheh, see the reason he took the job in the first place was for his family." Shadow turned and looked at Maria while listening.
"Gerald had a great mind, but his heart was always bigger. I remember one time he nearly threatened to blow up the station if he couldn't get home using our spacecraft to make it to Maria's 5th birthday! I mean, that caused a riot that sent G.U N. funds spinning for weeks! But, he never had any regrets, especially seeing Maria's awed face at the sight of the spacecraft parked outside her house. He'd told me, she'd actually wished for that on her 4th birthday, so I can only say that creating you as Maria's cure and friend had been his intention all along. I mean, he's never been one to be wrong in his predictions, especially the needs of those he loves. Ah, but I digress, he always knew GUN would have Ark shut-down one day. He also knew someone would have to teach Maria how to use her new powers, someone like you.
I don't know how much has changed, butbut you must remember the following. Gerald had wanted Maria to be happy, above all else, yet he would have never forgiven himself if he failed you too. I know you care for her, and that you know what's at stake. Be careful, you'll notice Maria isn't going to remain the same after she emerges cured. Her illness kept parts of her mind from maturing, as well as hermed the rest of her body. The process will awaken those parts of her mindover the course of a month or two."
"But, whatever happens Shadow," Ageus concluded, "Never forget she is still Maria. And she will always care for you, no matter how that care's expression may alter. gerald always told me that he'd rather you date Maria rather than any normal human. I guess he saw you as the only one that would truely protect her, no matter the challenge."
Shadow, after hearing all this, was filled with mixed feelings. Yet, the confusion he felt gave way to iron determination. He would revive Maria, and carry out doctor Gerald's work of keeping her happy and safe. He knew the others would help, after all they were the goody-goody hero types right? The hologram of Ageus smiled then winked off, leaving Shadow to contemplate were to begin his search. He puzzled a few moments 'till his answer apeared in an image of a two tailed fox.
'Tails!'
The young hero, who'd always been a side-kick to that blue hedgehog Sonic, had a naque for finding Chaos Emeralds. Shadow had no doubt that he'd at least have a way of tracking the emeralds fast, since he didn't want word to get out he was collecting them. Still an odd fealing was at the back of his mind.
As Shadow exited the chamber, he reached for his red Chaos Emerald to reach Tail's place. All the while, unaware of how much had changed in his absence.
(POV. Tails)
Sometimes I wonder how blind I was. I mean, Sonic, my best friend and hero ,I just find out now how he views the world? He sees it as one big thrill ride for his enjoyment! I mean, lives are at stake, yet he's never once stopped to consider their safety! Here I am, worsheping a rush seeking jock, and my friend, Amy, is hurting over the reality of the situation. I'm glad Knuckles is with her, those fighting clubs are tough.
I guess I'd better get cleaned up, this'll be the last invention I'll make for a while.I wonder if it'll really work, Shadow's the only one who can help it work anyway since he's got the only Chaos Emerald not held by the government.
(END POV.)
Tails got out of his workshop covered in trasistor fluid from his experiment. As he heads up to his shower, he reflects on how much has changed from the Black Arms incident.
Knuckles has dedicated his time to his friends, using a shrink item Tails invented to keep the Master Emerald close to him and the Angel Island parcked near Mystic Ruins. He's been into fight-clubs and watches under-ground activity for local law enforcement...for a price.
The Chaotix Detectives have been driffting lately, yet still work together, just not as much anymore. Vector has his relationship with Vanilla, Cream's mom, Charmy's been going to the Master Emerald shrine to play with the chao, and Espio has, strange as it sounds, been helping Rouge with redectorating her apartment!
Big still lives in Mystic Ruins, Froggy by his side. He gets frequent visits from Cream, though she never stays too long. Cheese and Chocola chao have also been seen around with Froggy, their respective owners spending time enjoying thewalks they end up taking.
However, Amy Rose has changed drastically in all this time. After seeing Sonic act like nothing had happened, hardly even acknowledging the loss of life the Black Arms left in their wake, she lost herself and her crush. She's been training with Knuckles and fighting in the underground, getting the name Rose Whip. since her time has been spent thrashing any opponent to come her way, she's had little time staying in touch with the others aside from Tails.
Tails himself has lost most of his youth in light of the attack. He now views Sonic as unreliable and irrisponsible. He has increased his training regiment and even joined Amy in a few Tag-Team matches, dispite his worry for her own safety. He's also been working a certain project that, when activated, will start something that will rock this world even harder.
End Chapter
Author's Notes: Hey guys, did ya miss me?
To all those angry with slow progress, join the club, we got jackets.
To those with more ideas, I'm still open, just really slow considering the workload I got going. I hope all of you enjoyed this chapter, this story's a long time in coming, but hell of a lot of fun to write.
Also, constructive critisism welcome, just don't flame.(I burn easily)
May all your days be filled with good fiction.
Later Days!
4/4/06