CONFIDENTIAL
DO NOT SHARE
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTATION
12/04/1969
To Prof. Gerald Julian Robotnik,
Concerning Project-Shadow-GRM45672
Over an extensive reviewing period of all the documentation and reports provided on the project, several points of signigicant concern have been brought to our attention. After examining both internal and external reports, we, The Guardian of United Nations, hereby order than Project-Shadow-GRM45672 be shut down immediately.
THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN DEEMED A THREAT TO OUR PEOPLE AND PLANET. PROGRESS WITH THE PROJECT MUST BE CEASED IMMEDIATELY.
The project posseses levels of extraordinary and dangerous power, in the event that it loses control - we will not be able to detain the specimen. There has been a lack of contigency planning which means everyone is at risk of being in immediate danger. Furtheremore, we have reason to believe that data concerning the project's power levels have been falsified to eliminate concerns.
The creature has proven itself to have extraordinary intelligence, it is impossible to tell the difference between it and an organic living being. This means the project is susceptible to going rogue, and may use its intelligence to deem humanity an unsalvageable species. We have been made aware of the project's agressive and anti-social tendencies, and we believe this process has already begun.
We have been able to uncover the secrets surrounding the project's creation. The involvement of the Black Arms alien species is a direct violation of our Interstellar Relations Policies, and places the planet at high risk of future invasion.
YOU MUST:
On 16/04/1969
STOP ALL VITALS
LOCK PROJECT-SHADOW-GRM45672 IN STASIS
WAIT FOR G.U.N. COLLECTION
FAILURE TO COOPERATE WILL RESULT IN A FULL SHUT DOWN OF ALL SPACE COLONY ARK ACTIVITIES
FAILURE TO COOPERATE WILL RESULT IN EXECUTION
"Hmmm, what a delight." Starline remarked sarcastically, glancing over the contents of the letter one last time over the rim of his teacup before throwing the paper onto the desk. "Seems like you caused quite the stir back then... Troublemaker, aren't you?" He concluded, placing the teacup down and standing up from his desk chair.
The beast grunted, laid out on the operating table. It did not even need to be restrained, it was complying. They knew what Starline was hoping to accomplish, and they wanted it as well - it was frankly the only reason he hadn't been left as a bloody corpse on the labatory floor.
Station Square was quite peculiar in the fact that a facility entirely based around scientitific experimentation and production was located there. Egg Boss Rose was not a genius by any means, if a problem were to occur that a robot could not solve - she was certainly not qualified to deal with it either. Sometimes, Starline wished Robotnik put a bit more thought into who he chose to manage what area and what facilities.
Yet again, there was something about his bombastic, often insane decision making that was just so enthralling - making him a charasmatic and enigmatic leader, one that Starline was happy to devote himself to. Especially since that while Robotnik's decisions were often times irrational, they almost always worked out.
This attempt to utilise Project Shadow, however? It was not an intelligent move on any account, and no doubt the result of Miles interfering and begging his adoptive father an opportunity to play with his toys. He did not yet understand that science was not a game. Project Shadow was dangerous on every possible level, and in Starline's humble opinion - the hedgehog and alien hybrid was best kept at a far, far distance from the Empire - before that thing could ruin everything that the Empire and its ruler had built.
Knowing he had the opportunity to finally show how unworthy Miles was, the platypus was gleeful. Even if he wanted to, he could not have held back his grin as he picked up a needle from the tray. Sure, it was purposeful sabotage - but ultimately, Starline knew that his decision would most benefit the glorious Empire.
"Well now, Shadow." Starline began, walking over to the table and smiling down on the creature. "I believe this is the closest I'm going to get to being able to reverse what has been done to you, Shadow. Your Black Arms DNA was enhanced by Miles' serum, which means I needed to create a nullifier to counter it... problem is, I haven't exactly had an appropriate subject to test it on... I'm relying on instict here. I apologise in advance if I am not able to... completely fix what has been done."
Project Shadow began to writhe.
"This is about to be very painful." The doctor warned him. "But it'll be over in seconds, so do try not to scratch..."
"Tangle-" Sonic tried to cut in before the lemur could work herself up into being too upset.
It would seem he was too late for that however, as abruptly - the lemur turned around. "I... I need a minute-" She spluttered out breathlessly, making a quick descent down the altar's steps. "So sorry... oh, what have I done-?"
Sonic could make out a vague hint of her continuing to talk to herself, but she was too far away to hear.
The hedgehog's shoulders slumped as he rubbed the tip of his nose, closing his eyes and taking a moment to think. Rouge was gone... was she coming back any time soon? Was this a feud that would be over in a few days, or was this something irrepairable? He wished he could take a better guess, but the differences in his friends' personalities made its significantly harder to make any accurate predictions.
Contemplating this new version of the bat, he realised that the bat was pretty unrecognisable in everything but appearance. It was easy to dismiss the bat as selfish and vain, but fighting alongside her proved those impressions wrong - she fought for what was right, she cared about other people - especially her close teammates. Sonic had no problem imagining her sacrificing everything she had to protect them.
Yet here, she blatantly admitted to the fact she would be happy to sacrifice lives to achieve her goals. Ironically enough, she possessed the exact sort of attitude that she chastised Shadow and Omega for, and their vengeful tendencies.
Damnit, how was he going to get the Rouge he knew back? He just hoped she was okay for now...
Sonic managed to smile slightly as he finally turned to talk to Knuckles and the wolf, addressing the girl first. "Sorry about that, heh - not the greatest first impression, huh?"
She didn't respond right away, but eventually she'd nod. "It's fine."
"So, what's your name?"
"Whisper."
Fitting, considering how quietly she spoke. "Nice name!" He complimented, eager to salvage at least some good will between them. She didn't really deserve to be immediately exposed to a row like that. "My name's Sonic, that's Knuckles-" He pointed to the echidna. "Like Tangle was trying to explain to you earlier, we're on the same side - we're trying to take down the Empire."
"You were at the festival." Whisper achknowledged. "I caught glimpses before I had to run."
"Yeah... we were there to try to kill the man himself, but... things happened, and you got to take the shot first."
"It failed."
She spoke with no hint of sadness, but Sonic couldn't help his tone becoming sympathetic regardless. "Hey, no need to worry about that. You did the best you could." It was true as well, because no matter if Amy had intercepted or not - the wolf's attack would have been doomed to fail any way. "As long as we're still alive - we're gonna keep trying until the Empire is down for good!" Sonic claimed, balling up an enthusiastic fist.
"Hm... I need to leave." She stated calmly, although unrelated to the topic at hand.
"Huh?" Sonic tilted his head. "No need to be hasty now, I was gonna offer you a place with us so we can work together!" He tagged on with a smile of assurance.
"It's nice of you to offer... but please. I prefer working alone."
"I mean... you sure?" Sonic questioned her. "I mean we've got plenty of food, shelter, clean air, and we're far away from enemies-"
"It's a good arrangement for you." She agreed at least. "But I won't change my mind."
Sonic breathed out of his nose and decided to shrug, at the end of the day - what reason did he have to refuse her wishes? The last thing he wanted to do was tie someone down, even if he did think she'd be safer here. "I'm sure Knuckles can warp you back quickly to where you... want..."
The hedgehog's voice faded out as he laid eyes upon the red echidna behind her. He was urgently shaking his head back and forth. Knuckles was trying to tell him... no? Why though? What for?
Knuckles cleared his throat. "Actually um, Whisper? He suddenly interjected. "I don't think I'm comfortable warping you below just yet... I'd rather know that you got some... rest first? For your- shoulder-"
The pauses in between his excuse were painfully awkward, but Sonic caught on to what Knuckles wanted. He wanted her to stay for now, why? Sonic couldn't be sure, if anything he would have thought Knuckles would be happy to get someone off his island. "I agree." Sonic said to back up his friend. "It's already late as is, you should at least get some sleep in the remains of the night we have left, we can give you breakfast in the morning - and then you'll be on your way, don't you think that's fair?" He offered kindly.
Seconds passed before she finally responded. "Fine... thank you. I wish to sleep on my own though."
"Guess she can have the hammock then." Sonic grinned. "Bamboo ain't the most comfortable thing in the world but it ain't too bad." He told her good-naturedly.
"I'll take you there." Knuckles offered, and once she nodded - they both disappeared in the blink of an eye. Now Sonic had a moment to himself, he removed the backpack off his back and slumped down on a step of the altar, releasing a heavy sigh that had been building in his chest. It felt good to be out. Taking a glance up at the night sky, Sonic couldn't help but smile at the beautiful sparkles of light in the night sky.
...
Sonic blinked upon Knuckles' return as he appeared in front of the emerald. "What... what were you thinking?!" The echidna asked in frustration.
"What-?" Sonic let out in confusion.
"You were gonna let her go with a Chaos Emerald!" The echidna raised his voice.
"What?" Sonic's bewilderment only increased.
Knuckles finally caught on that Sonic had no idea what he was talking about. "You don't... you didn't know she has a Chaos Emerald on her?"
"Uuuuh, no?" Sonic slowly shook his head. "How was I supposed to know that?" He asked him.
"I thought that was the whole reason she was here in the first place." Knuckles said, now his turn to be puzzled.
"No, we just saved her from a monster-"
"Excuse me, a what?" Knuckles' voice cracked tiredly.
"Right, yeah - monsters are a thing- We haven't explained that, have we?" Sonic did a light face palm.
"No..." Knuckles confirmed. "What on Mobius are you on about?"
"Look, I don't even know where they come from - they're just ugly, oversized creatures vaguely based on animals running around, and they just attack whatever they fancy, it seems." Sonic explained.
"That.. there are no scriptures I've read about the surface that mention that!" Knuckles placed his hands on his hip.
"I don't know how they even appeared either, alright? They just poofed into existence out of nowhere, got birthed from the bushes for all I know - I don't know how those things work." Sonic said. "But we're kinda getting distracted here - so you're definitely saying Whisper has an emerald?"
Knuckles looked like he didn't entirely want to move on from the monster debate, but he ended up recognising what was more important. "Yes, I sense immense energy coming from her, an energy signature only capable of being produced by an emerald."
"Hah! Honestly - what luck is that?" Sonic found himself smirking. "I mean we didn't even have to try to find that emerald, it's practically been handed to us on a silver platter!" If the rest of the emeralds were going to be this easy to locate, Sonic knew there would be no problems restoring the old timeline.
"We still have to convince her to hand it over though." Knuckles brought up, folding his arms with uncertainty.
"Shouldn't be too difficult, she seems smart - and I don't think she would have missed seeing that massive emerald behind ya, Knux." Sonic pointed out to him. "She'll recognise that as just a bigger version of what she has, and she'll put the pieces together that you own all of them - I don't think she can use the emerald anyway, so what reason would she have to keep it?"
"She can try to sell it, bribe someone with it-" Knuckes began before Sonic shook his head with a soft chuckle.
"Relax Knux, she seems like a nice person."
Knuckles glared slightly. "I don't trust how her eyes look - she's squinting all the time, they're basically closed... what is she hiding?" He asked suspiciously.
Sonic shrugged. "Maybe we should judge if someone is suspicious or not based on their actions rather than appearance, yeah?"
Knuckles frowned and looked to the side. "I see that you wouldn't make a very good guardian..."
"Oh?" Sonic was mainly amused, giving a lazy grin. "How come?"
"As part of my job, I've gotta be able to spot suspicious people before they even open their mouths - not everyone is gonna come looking to fight me for the emerald, some people are gonna try and trick me to take the emerald - so I need to be able to tell who I can trust or not."
The hedgehig pursed his lips; it was so tempting to let Knuckles now that he had a strong tendecy to evaluate people completely incorrectly. Sonic remembered their first encounter in the old timeline, where the echidna chose to believe Egghead and decided to fight Sonic - thinking he was the enemy. Recalling these events, Sonic let out a snort.
"What's... so funny?" Knuckles narrowed his eyes.
"Heh, eh - nevermind." Sonic shrugged.
The red echidna rolled his eyes. "I still think she'll try to take off with it."
"And I think she'll be cooperative." Sonic countered confidently. "Besides, not like she can run off the island with it anyway - as far as I know, she has no means of flight."
"I stand by my evaluations."
"Of course you do, Knucklehead."
Knuckles face scrunched up with slight disdain. "Not a fan of that nickname - makes me sound stupid."
"Can't get too coddly with ya, can I?" Sonic smirked.
"Hmph." Knuckles finally decided to take a seat in front of his emerald.
Sonic took a moment to stare as the green light illuminated the echidna's body. With long dreads that made it all the way down to his hips, accompanied by gold beads and rings laced between them - the echidna looked damn near ethereal as the emerald created the illusion that his body was glowing. Sonic found his cheeks turning a light shade of pink before he quickly glanced away. "We got the supplies by the way, if you were curious." Sonic finally said.
"Glad one thing went well at least." Knuckles said honestly. "How are you feeling now Rouge is gone?"
"I'd rather the team were able to stick together..." Sonic spoke slowly. "I hope she comes back and helps us, but she doesn't agree with our plans so- it's unlikely. But I hope she changes her mind... don't exactly want to imagine her dying out there on her own, you know?"
"Understandable." Knuckles nodded. "I wasn't fond of her... but losing an ally is difficult all the same, especially since she seemed to be rather knowledgeable of the surface affairs."
"Yeah, certainly a bummer." Sonic scratched the back of his ear. "I'll give Tangle some time to be on her own to think, but I'll talk to her tomorrow. She seemed pretty shaken, I don't know but- feels like something bad has been building up between those girls for a while, and it just came to a head now."
"If you think so, I can't say I agree or disagree - I don't exactly have experience with interpersonal drama." The echidna hugged his knees closer to his chest, resting his chin on top of them and gazing down at the ground.
"I'll get to the bottom of it." Sonic said with certainty. "I was also thinking we should make everyone here aware of our plans to find the emeralds, they need to know that assassinating Eggman isn't exactly what we're after anymore."
"Good call." Knuckles voiced his approved.
"I wonder how they'll take Rouge's departure..."
"I imagine it depends on how long they knew her, if she treated them well or not."
"Well, whether she liked it or not - she seemed to have been the leader of this little rebel group. I think it's gonna take some getting used to, but we'll be there to support them."
"We'll survive." Knuckles said as he closed his eyes.
"Agreed, what else is there to do tomorrow aside from spreading out the clothes between everyone... hm, guess it's just getting Whisper's emerald and then deciding how we're gonna rest of them. Although, there is one thing I wanted to ask-"
One of the echidna's eyes opened.
"How would you fancy a spar tomorrow?"
Knuckles cracked a smile. "Sure."
"Way past cool." Sonic clasped his hands together as he stood up and gave his legs a stretch. "Think I'm gonna do some running before the sun comes up, I'll see you in the morning - yeah?"
"Enjoy yourself." Knuckles said. "Don't fall into the lava in Lava Reef." He tagged on the warning.
"I think I know how to handle myself, Knux." Sonic gave a light chuckle. "The concern's sweet though."
"Just in case."
"You know what?" Sonic looked up briefly, holding up a finger. "Give me just one second."
Thanks to Sonic's incredible speed, it took quite literally a second for Sonic to disappear and then return - he came back with a small bowl in his hand, and he set it down carefully on the boundary step - not wanting to risk recieving a punch to the face for being to close to the emerald when handing it over directly. Sonic then began putting his backpack on as he grinned. "Grapes, your favourite snack. Enjoy 'em."
Knuckles' eyes were adorably wide as he stared down at the fruit. "I- how did you know-?"
Sonic gave the echidna a wink, and that was the only answer Knuckles was going to get as the hedgehog dashed away out of sight.
It left the echidna on his own to take into the gift once more, gazing at it - so stunned he could barely form a cohesive thought. Realisation dawned on him, it had been so long since had recieved a gift - the last one he had ever recieved had been something passed down from his father before he disappeared. So many years had passed since then.
Knuckles stood and went down the steps to collect what had been left behind for him, and sure enough - he couldn't help but smile as his cheeks became tinted with a soft, rosey hue.
She felt nothing but discomfort in the city of luxury.
Immediately, it was clear that she didn't belong - too different from the residents that lived there since the beginning of the takeover. Everyone's eyes still shone with life, their bodies were healthy and strong - adorned in the latest fashions, leather seemed to be a trend. Their smiles weren't forced - they were true, as was their laughter as everyone chatted amiably.
Amy stuck out like a particularly sore thumb with her noticably frail frame, tired expression, and the way she huddled into herself as she walked - not wishing to make eye contact with anyone in the street. The dress she wore even felt juvenile with all the bows in place as everyone else wore more form-fitting leather suits and jackets.
Empire City seemed to have stolen all of the world's stars. Amy hadn't seen any in years, yet here they were - scattered everywhere in the night sky above. This was not a pollution free zone though, Amy realised quickly that the air was still heavy each time she took a breath - but it still made her wonder how the sky managed to be so clear.
There was an empty bench in the middle of the streets, and she immediately took the opportunity to sit down. The city scape was lively despite how late it was, light illuminating from almost every window in every building. Many boutiques and restaurants were still open, she couldn't imagine getting customers at 3AM, surely?
She stood corrected as a group of young women all stepped into the open boutique.
How was this fair?
It wasn't, obviously. She lived in the sad excuse of a city known as Station Square, a production hub rather than a place to live. As far as she understood it, the rest of the world was in a similar circumstance. All except Empire City.
Now she was seeing the capital with her own eyes, her stomach twisted into a knot. How could these people live with themselves knowing the suffering that the rest of the world was enduring? The only reason this damn city could exist was because everyone else endured intense pain and anguish every single day of their lives. They were working tirelessly, sometimes for days on end without sleep - all so they could have their stupid leather outfits.
Here she was, complaining as if she wasn't playing a part in it. She was just as bad - she was the one enforcing the rules, keeping everyone working - day in, day out - the city was like a machine, a faulty gear would disrupt the entire operation, and that's when she'd end up getting in trouble.
Living in Station Square, she felt worse-off than the elites, who lived in comfortable ignorance - but the realisation that she was just as much of a monster as them made her want to scream.
Perhaps, because she was so aware of the true operations of the world, and her large role in enforcing those policies... it made her far bigger a monster than anyone walking Empire City's streets.
"Didn't notice me?"
Amy let out a surprised squeak and almost jumped out of her skin, she turned to the side of her and realised she was no longer alone on the bench - how long had thay man been there?! He was an odd looking man - older in years (but certainly not elderly), a green-furred opossum - bearing the unique feature of black sclera and white eyes. He was noticably fashionable despite his age however as he was dressed in a formal white tuxedo jacket.
"Oh! Ah, shi- gosh, um- sorry I-!" Amy spluttered.
The opossum chuckled with a closed mouth. "It wasn't my intention to give you a fright, rather to thank you for your service."
"Huh-?" She blinked.
"Have you already forgotten, or are you just being humble?" He smiled with humour in his eyes. "You protected our Emperor from an assassination attempt, you're a hero - you know."
"Oh. yeah-" Why did she have to be reminded? "It was nothing-"
"I disagree." He spoke calmly. "You are certainly being recorded in the history books as we speak."
"Oh wow- heh, what a lovely thought-" She brushed off awkwardly. No, it really wasn't a lovely thought.
"I was going to be delivering this to your hotel, but seeing as we've had the opportunity to see each other face to face - it makes more sense to give to you now, no?" The opposum reached into his pocket, and handed the hedgehog a gold, sparkling envelope before standing up with the aid of his cane. "The name is Clutch. Pleasure to meet you, Miss Rose." He said finally, before he began to walk away.
Amy was left to stare at the envelope in her hands before letting out a sigh, beginning to tear it open and read the contents within.
As if losing access to easy food and shelter wasn't enough of a blow, she now had a monster to deal with. Rouge, for once, wanted to have absolutely nothing to do with Station Square, believing firmly that she could make progress elsewhere. Finally, she was free from the shackles of having to drag around useless deadweight - allowing her to move around much more freely than ever before. She won some, but she certainly lost some - as her rumbling stomach was certainly quick to remind her.
Rouge had an easier time than most would against these creatures - her strength allowing her to easily break down their barriers and land a killing blow. Tonight was no different, she flew around and launched a kick on the lion beast's back - causing the red aura around it to flicker before shattering away into sparkly dust. She wasted no time in attacking now it was vulnerable - launching a kick straight at its head.
Its bones cracked, and it fell down to the ground limp - leaving the bat with a boot now stained with blood.
Green blood, that was. Rouge gagged - but at least felt relieved when the beat finally glowed and splintered off into red dust.
The last thing she had expected to happen on her flight over the city was an oversized emo lion to pounce at her, especially considering just hours ago - she had encounted a bear monster with the others. Usually, there was not an excess of monsters within the city - yet now there seemed to be a higher concentration of them in one area than ever before.
Was there a reason for it? She hated how little she knew, no research or investigations she had completed had lead her to any answers.
She took a moment to stretch her arms, but it would seem her guard had dropped far too low.
"AGH-!" She exclaimed, dropping to the floor as she felt a jolt of electrcity shoot through her body.
"Good old fashoned taser, always does the trick."
She knew that voice, and as soon as she recognised it - she groaned. "Dr... Starline-" She grumbled, rolling in pain but beginning to push herself off the ground. "This some half-assed attempt to kill me?"
"Far from it." He informed her. "I have something I wish to give you."
"... What-?"
"A gift!"
"What?"
"I know you heard me, young lady - so I shall not repeat myself again. Follow me!" The platypus was already beginning to turn heel.
Rouge now had the strength in her to stand. "Do you think I'm stupid?!" She called after him.
"Hmmm, do you want me to be truly honest?" He asked as he continued to walk.
"I-" She was still caught off guard. "Hang on, you seriously think you're just going to drag me into whatever trap you have laid out for me. You think I'm really going to believe you're giving me a gift?" She scoffed.
The platypus finally stopped walking away, sighing - but not turning back. "Then allow me to be more frank with you, I am proposing a deal - you will get something that will benefit you, I will get something that benefits me."
"You're making a deal with the enemy?" Rouge rose a brow in suspicion. "You? The Supreme Eggman loyalist?"
"Desperate times call for desperate mea- Did you just call the Emperor, Eggman?" He asked when he processed the statement. "How juvenile..."
Damn, that Sonic guy was rubbing off on her. "I mean he looks like a fucking egg, don't think you can disagree with that one."
Starline sighed heavily once more. "Your immaturity aside, as I was saying - I have something I want to achieve, and my best opportunity to get that which I want is to get you on board with the idea."
"Well, I'll tell you right now - I have zero interest in what you could have to offer me, and the last thing I wanna do is help you." Rouge folded her arms stubbornly.
The platypus finally turned around, breathing in slowly. "Rouge... where are your rebels?"
A pause.
"I'm a solo act now."
"Hmmm..." He rubbed the bottom of his bill with his finger. "Then you have all the more reason to find what I'm offering you as useful."
The bat glared at him. "Just tell me what it is, then I'll decide if it's worth my time."
Starline smiled softly. "It's power, my dear. Power beyond your wildest dreams."
...
Rouge followed Starline inside the science production facility, the exact same one she had stolen the Power Limiters from... and the same one she attempted to kill Sonic in. She gritted her teeth, lamenting that particular failure as the reminders prickled against her fur.
She knew better than to trust Starline of course, wherever he was leading her to - she expected to be faced with some sort of immediate trap. Rouge was confident however, her capabilities surpassed his and whatever crummy robots he could have her face - she expected to come out on top, which is why she thought she could risk actually following him and satiating her curiosity.
Power... what exactly did he mean by that?
The platypus finally opened a door hidden between two large stacks of barrels, and Rouge followed after him. "Don't worry, he won't hurt you."
"He-?"
"His appearance will be somewhat familiar to you." The doctor claimed as he stepped within the room and made his way to his desk, sitting down on the chair and smiling - relaxed and at ease, as he always tended to be in laboratories.
"No kidding..." Rouge was finally able to see what Starline was talking about.
There was an operating table in the middle of the room, and laying atop of it was a mobian hedgehog. It didn't take her long at all to recongise the shape of the quills and the placement of his stripes... he was that beast that impaled her at the festival!
The Ultimate Lifeform... Project Shadow.
Rouge took several steps backwards when she saw the hedgehog blinking. "How is this even possible? What happened to that beast form?" She asked in disbelief.
"Robotnik and Miles carried out their own experiments on Project Shadow, which lead to the monsterous form you were introduced to. This, my dear, is his original form." Starline explained. "I reversed what they had done to him."
Rouge continued to stare at the hedgehog in awe before snapping out of it and shaking her head. "Why would you do that? Don't you love Egg- Robotnik?"
"Well, lumping those two together was incorrect of me. It was largely Miles' work, and personally, based on extensive reearch - I felt like it would cause more problems for the Empire than it would anything else."
"Right..." Rouge spoke hesitantly. "So what has this got to do with me?" She looked at him.
"Taking too long to get to the point, am I darling? Then allow me to explain - Project Shadow is an artificial being, created 50 years ago by Gerald Robotnik - the greatest scientist of his time. Shadow functions similarly to a Mobian, but possesses extordinary power - particularly a strong connection to Chaos Energy."
"Where are you going with this?" She placed a hand on her hip, starting to get impatient.
"I want you to have him." He came out with it.
"And I don't trust that for a second." She spoke bluntly. "He sounds like something that would be incredibly beneficial to the Empire - why are you passing him over to me?"
"Because I want us to suffer a loss, more specifically - Miles. Once Robotnik finds out Shadow is in your hands, it's game over for that little fox." He admitted, starting to giggle at the prospect.
"So you're... Hang on," Rouge face palmed as she tried to make sense of the peculiar situation. "So you're giving me, a rebel, a powerful living superweapon all because you're jealous that Robotnik pays more attention to his son than you - a random ass scientist-"
"Robotnik needs to see the light, and that light is that Miles simply is not as good as he thinks he is." He spoke with delusional confidence.
"And you're wlling to give me, the enemy, this powerful superweapon?" She couldn't believe her ears.
"I'm of the mind that the Empire will do just fine whether he's on our side or not." Starline explained. "It's a risk I'm willing to take."
"You're that desperate for Robotnik's attention." Rouge rolled her eyes. "You wanna discredit Miles so bad that you're literally willing to put everything in the Empire at risk."
"I wouldn't go that far... I'm merely evening the playing field. Let's face it, the number of rebels is well... quite small, no? And even then, not many of them are a fighting force, I think this is a risk I can afford." He shrugged.
The bat fell into a stunned silent, flipping her hair behind her and staring speechless at the platypus - it took several moments before words came to mind, and they weren't exactly eloquent. "You're insane."
"Geniuses are often labelled as such."
"No, this is the stupid kind of insanity." She scoffed. "But alright, your petty motivations aside - give me one good reason I should take him on board. If you're so conident that the Empire will still be able to beat me anyway, why should I bother with your deal?"
Starline removed his glasses, reaching for his microfiber cloth and rubbig the glass gently with it. "I have pieced a lot of things together about you, Rouge." Starline began. "I know your arm was blown off in the first ever invasion, I know you lived with the infamous babylon rogues until you split off from the group due to some... ideological differences, and I know you've been working tirelessly in an attempt to assassinate Robotnik for what he did to you. That's the reason you fight, to see Robotnik lose, and you want to win."
The platypus gestured to the hedgehog on the table, who was slowly blinking as he looked between them - breathing somewhat raggedly. "I am handing you a victory on a silver platter. Not one that will kill him, absolutely not - but when he hears that infamous troublemaker Rouge the Bat made off with his grandfather's greatest scientific achievement? That is undeniable victory you will hold over him, his rage and despair will be undeniable."
Rouge hated how tempting it sounded, but she wasn't about to give in. "I gave up on teammates for a reason, they were slowing me down - what makes having this guy on my tail any better?"
"Shadow is not quite the same as you and I-" Starline began. "He's somewhat... robotic, despite lacking mechanical parts. He lives to serve, he is not one to question orders - he follows through without question. He's subserviant, much better than unruly teammates - wouldn't you agree?"
Rouge bit her lip.
Starline had to hide his grin, already knowing just by looking her in the eyes that he had won her over.
An hour later...
"Robotnik can't take a call right now. He's much too busy leading our Glorious Empire. Leave a message only if it's important, otherwise he won't hesitate to vaporize you."
He loved how Robotnik referred to himself in third person.
"Robotnik, s-sir-" He put on the best disgruntled voice he could manage. "Rebel Rouge the Bat was engaged in combat with the Ultimate Lifeform as I was trying to keep her from stealing Power Limiters... but in the middle of the fight - suddenly, Project Shadow was no longer a beast?! He became just a mobian hedgehog! And Rouge managed to run off with him! I was not warned this was even a possibility, sir. I... I apologise for my failures. How did this happen, my Emperor? Did I do something wrong-? Contact me as soon as you are able, sir."
With a click of a button, just like that - the bombs were about to go off. He leaned back in his chair, imagining the sounds... picturing the young fox's face as he was subject to the worst yelling tirade of his life.
"Shadow..."
Her voice echoed as white flashes filled his vision.
"Shadow... h-help me-"
Where was he? Where was she?
"SHADOW!"
Shadow gasped so hard he almost choked on his own breath. He sat up, and was immediately confused by his surroundings. This wasn't... no, he wasn't with Starline in the lab anymore. When had he moved? Where was-?
He was sat on dirt, surrounding him were brown, muddy cave walls. At least, he suspected as such - it matched the description he had been taught.
"Is Sleeping Beauty finally awake or is he gonna go back to sleep again?" A voice asked, feminine. It was famiiliar. Where had he heard it-?
Oh yes, back at the lab - the bat he had been speaking with. He looked over towards the bat who was sat on a stone and staring at him with a slightly amused pout.
What was she going to do with him?
"Where am I?" Shadow asked slowly.
"Eh, some cave in Mystic Jungle - I found a bunch of supplies already here in it, probably is a hideout for someone else but I'm using their stuff while I can." She shrugged.
She said that as if Mystic Jungle meant anything to him. He breathed in and out, deeply and gradually, before he'd choose to speak. "What year is it?"
The bat blinked at him oddly. "Uh... 2022."
Over 50 years.
Shadow stared silently in front of him, trying to regain his senses fully.
She had been gone for over 50 years.
"Who are you?" Shadow finally asked the bat.
"Name's Rouge the Bat, just call me Rouge though." She seemed happy to introduce herself. "You're no longer with that crowd in the Empire anymore, you now have the pleasure of my company." She grinned, seemingly confident. "I've been told you're good at following orders, and you better be - because I've had enough of useless teammates making poor decisions."
Following orders... obedience. That was what she wanted? Yet, here he was - for the first time, out of pods, out of labs - in the world beyond.
She wanted to control him... yet he was free.
Finally free.
He knew what he needed to do.
He had to sacrifice some dignity, but that was fine.
It would all be over soon.
The hedgehog found the strength within him to stand, he stared down at the bat - and made sure to smile, pressing his hand to his chest. "My name is Shadow the Hedgehog - the Ultimate Lifeform - and your wish... is my command, my master" He bowed to her.
"Oh, wow- okay-" Rouge seemed a little confused, but some joy edged her tone after hearing this declaration. "Good to hear that then, because we've got a dictator to kill-"
He straightened himself up again. "As long as I serve you, I will grant you my knowledge and strength. I will show you the true power that I possess!"
Rouge was gawking at him. "Starline was an idiot for letting you go..." She said as a smile crossed her face. "But this is an absolute win for me. All we need to do is figure out how to-"
"I already know how we defeat the doctor." Shadow interrupted her.
The bat eyed him carefully. "How so?"
Soon Maria. Soon Gerald.
"What do you know about the Space Colony ARK?"
He would fulfill his promise.
SHADOW IS HERE BABYYYY, IN THE MAIN PLOT AAAA - If you can't tell I have immense Shadow bias but let's review.
Starline has seemingly successfully turned Shadow back to normal, Sonic and Knuckles have realised Whisper holds a chaos emerald (with some more epic bonding), Amy has recieved a mysterious envelope from Clutch (yes, he's here too! Crazy!), and now Starline has found a way to discredit Miles, and Rouge now has help in the form of the Ultimate Lifeform...
But really, who's using who here?
Coming up are some of my favourite chapters in this whole fic so I really hope you'll keep on enjoying what I have in store! I love Shadow as a character so we're definitely exploring him as a villain babyyy
NEXT TIME: Sonic and Knuckles work to get everyone on the same page and begin emerald hunting, but not everyone is complying in the way they want them to... meanwhile Eggman learns of Shadow's new found freedom, as the hedgehog and bat begin plotting the demise of the Emperor. Not to mention we check in with the In-Between once more with Silver and Tikal as mysterious adventures await...
As always - I love ya'll! Always feel free to leave a review, I love reading them! I really hope you're happy with how this chapter turned out, but as always - critique is welcomed. Thank ya'll but for now, I'll see ya later!
