Chapter 10: The Path To Tragedy
Sixty years ago…
The city of Berlin, full of celebration because the German leaders have agreed to become apart of something big, something that will improve Germany's relationship with the superpowers of the world. One important person was there to continue his support of Germany's entry. That man was well-known scientist, Professor Gerald Robotnik, a man with a goal that begins here, a goal that will eventually lead to a tragedy…
"I'm glad you came, Gerald", someone said to the Professor.
Gerald turned and looked at the Guardian Units of Nations Commander, or G.U.N. The man was young, but well experienced at combat. A brilliant commander, he was known for his battles against the rogue animals that have continued to demand, as most humans believe, "too much". The man walked up to Gerald and offered to shake his hand. "Are you hoping your research will be funded, old man", he said like a insult.
"I would like to have someone fund it, but I'm not expecting it", Gerald answered, he wasn't offended by the G.U.N Commander's insult, but soon asked, "Shouldn't you be denying the "mutant" animal's rights?", the Professor said to the Commander intending that for being a insult.
"Are you still angry about what happened last week?", the Commander asked, "You know animals in our soil must follow our rules that we have set up for them".
"Low class citizens…just the way you want it, right?", Gerald said coldly.
Before the Commander could answer, the Commander was called into the building as well was Gerald. Germany's entry into G.U.N was about to begin…
----------
Fifty-Eight years ago…
Gerald sat in his study. As he sat looking over his notes, the phone rang and he picked it up, it was his aid. "Gerald! The United Federation has agreed to fund your research, we can build the Ark!", yelled the aid. "Perfect!", Gerald yelled back, "Make arrangements with the President!". "Very well", the aid agreed and hung up.
Gerald looked up and smiled, his study made him even more happier. A study that was lined with books, globes, and much more. The carpet, made by his wife, had the family "R" in scripted on it. The news he had received and the room he loved was too much to keep quiet, so he tried to calm down, but couldn't…not right now.
"Professor…", spoke up a voice.
Gerald turned around and saw his maid who had just opened the door. His maid wasn't a human, instead she was a blue hedgehog. She was three feet, she has green eyes, and the quills was pointing down since she didn't want to hurt anyone.
"Yes…Jill…no, I mean…", Gerald began to say.
The hedgehog bowed her head, "It's okay, Professor, I don't mind the name…", she said.
"The name isn't the name you were giving when you were born, I prefer to call you by your real name", Gerald said.
She shook her, "Anyways, I just came to tell you that Maria and Ivo are asleep and that I'm heading home".
"Thank you…see you tomorrow".
The hedgehog turned around and left. Gerald remained at his study and watched the female hedgehog leave the grounds. Gerald never accepted the way they were treated. He hoped his research will help them somehow…
----------
Fifty-Four years ago…
"Maria, get ready for dinner, okay?", Gerald yelled at the little girl as she ran up the stairs.
"Okay!", she yelled back.
Gerald's trip to what has been dubbed "The Floating Island" had been a success. Gerald had found some type of robot and discovered a legend. He wasn't sure how he should handle this, but he was excited because of the find and that the Space Colony Ark was finally finished. Gerald felt nothing could spoil this moment…
Gerald went to his study to prepare for his trip to the Colony, opening the door he was startled by the female hedgehog…
"Jill…what are you doing here?", Gerald asked confused.
"You…went to the island, didn't you?", she said like her heart was breaking, "…You promised you wouldn't!"
"I'm sorry, but Mankind has to grow…even if it means coming in contact with the ancients…", Gerald said to the female hedgehog.
"…Only Mankind?", she asked, "You promised me, you will help all of us, not just Mankind! You're not helping anyone with the ancient's knowledge! Also they're not YOUR ancients, they are the Echidna's ancients!".
Gerald looked down, she was right, but he has promised many things to different people. He looked up, "I'll keep my promise that I made…for you, but I still have others to keep…"
The hedgehog looked down and closed her eyes, "That's good, but please…stay away from the ancients. You will likely suffer later…"
"That sounds like a threat…", Gerald said coldly.
She looked at Gerald, "…I'm sorry…but I have to go…"
"Now?", Gerald said, "Why now?"
"I'm no longer going to work for you, Professor", she answered.
Gerald just looked at her. She finally said, "Most of the hedgehogs are going back to our home, I'm going as well…"
She walked toward Gerald and offered to shake his hand. He did, and escorted her out of the building. She left with no regrets, but she did tell Gerald one last thing, "Don't create the Ultimate Life Form, it will just cause problems later…".
He stood there as she left, confused about her knowledge of his project. He looked up at the sky and said, "Do your people already know what will happen?".
He turned and faced Maria, who stood there with tears in her eyes…
----------
Fifty years ago…
Gerald sat there, locked in a battle of wits with his creation. The other researchers stood there watching, watching to see if the creation could out smart its creator. The black hedgehog got one of the pieces and placed it in front of the Professor's King. Gerald smiled as everyone else clapped. The black hedgehog got up and left the room, Gerald walked after him. "Anything you want to say, Shadow?", Gerald asked the hedgehog.
"No…not really", Shadow responded.
"Shadow!"
Shadow and Gerald looked ahead and saw Maria. Shadow smiled and ran toward her. Gerald watched both of them run down the hall, playing their little game of "Tag", even though Maria was at a disadvantage. Gerald smiled and turned to the right heading down the hall toward his room. As he got there, he noticed that he got a message from the President…
"We suggest you end Project: Shadow immediately, Gerald", the message said, "The media have heard about the Project, and have accused that it is a weapon…used by either by terrorist or the animals! End it soon…please Gerald…"
Gerald sat there, and thought about what he has just heard. "Could this be one of the problems Jill said that will be caused by Project: Shadow?". Gerald walked toward the window and noticed that the comet was still there, "Did I make the right choice in making contact with that comet?"
Gerald pressed a button and made a message of his own. "Mr. President, please give me more time. I want this project to help my Granddaughter and the world. Please give me more time…"
He didn't get his wish. Two days later, the tragedy began with the lost of Maria and Shadow…
----------
Present Day…
"That is so sad…", Elle said when Shadow finished reading the profile of his creator.
"They didn't give him a chance to help Maria", Shadow said closing his eyes and the profile.
"Shadow…we should read about Maria now…"
Shadow opened his eyes and said, "Right…"
Shadow turned toward the door and motioned for Elle to follow. They left the room and then turned toward the stairs that they climbed and then went toward the left when they reached the top. They found the door to Maria's room at the end of the hall. Shadow put his hand at the door knob and stopped. He felt that they weren't alone.
"Shadow…", Elle said looking at the black hedgehog.
"Someone else is here", Shadow answered.
Shadow turned the knob and pushed the door opened. He immediately frowned at who was inside. "You again?", Shadow asked.
"Hello brother…"
The end of Chapter 10. A lot of back story on this one. Anyways, more action in the next one. Until next time, as always, HAVE A NICE DAY!