A GUN military helicopter was flying over Station Square and Shadow was a prisoner onboard the craft.
"Attention, Control, we are currently heading south. Suspect is in custody." Pilot said on the radio.
"This is Control speaking. We've verified your position. Handle suspect carefully. He's a slippery little guy." Mission Control said over the radio.
Shadow was handcuffed and sitting between two GUN soldiers.
"You're awful quiet." a Soldier said.
"So what?" Shadow asked.
"Well, from what I heard, you've caused quite a ruckus over at Prison Island the other night. Now we can't get two words out of you."
"Guess I'm not feeling like it today."
Another soldier stood up and menaced him with his gun.
"You better watch that smart mouth, hedgehog, or you'll be running laps in a ten-by-nine cell."
Suddenly Shadow created a ruckus on the chopper.
"What's going on up there?" Mission Control asked over the radio.
Then Shadow emerged from the helicopter and landed on the stabilizer wing.
"I have to get these people." Shadow said.
"Hey! What do you think you're doin'? Come back!" the soldier said.
Shadow sawed off the stabilizer wing and rode it down toward the city. He landed in a skating rink, rode it across a half-pipe, and ditched it.
'What's going on?' he thought.
At GUN HQ.
"Suspect located!" Officer said.
"Deploy robots immediately!" another said.
"Roger!" another said.
In Central City Shadow reached the top of a hill on one of the roads, only to be met with a swarm of GUN Beetles that force him to run in opposite direction.
"I have to get away!" he said and dodged their laser damaging stoplights, cars, and even buildings. "They mean business!" he said and ducked down a manhole while the Beetles flew past.
Soon he was walking through the sewer.
"Could I possibly sink any lower?" he asked. "What am I running away from, anyway? I mean, I haven't done anything wrong, have I? I just wonder what it is they think I did..." he said to himself.
Elsewhere Chris was walking in the sidewalk with another kid.
"Hey Chris, I heard you come from Station Square." a kid said.
"Uh... Yeah?" Chris said.
"Have you ever seen Sonic Hedgehog up close?"
"Uh... Sonic? Well... sorta."
"What's she like? Are she and that Shadow really that fast?"
"You bet they're fast! Sonic's faster than anybody then Shadow, and they're nicer than anybody, too."
"Wish I could meet them. Heh, who knows, if we're lucky, maybe we'll both get to meet them someday."
"Well, I gotta get to class. Later!"
"See ya!"
As the kid left, Chris looked skyward.
In the President's limo Christina was reading a report.
"Mr. President, it appears our undercover operative has settled into his new mission and will have all of the resources necessary." Christina said.
"Good work. And what about the flood?" the president asked.
"Well, sir, I've read the full report over the last few days. There was some damage, but from what I can gather, none of the citizens were harmed in any way."
"And what about Sonic? Is there any new information?"
"I'm afraid it doesn't look good, and with a crime of this magnitude, sir, I'm not sure the government should get involved."
"I don't know. This just doesn't sound like her."
'I wish she didn't have to do this.' he thought.
"I agree with you, sir. Sonic would never do such a thing. I think she's been wrongly accused, Mr. President, and I think you should do something about it." Sam said.
"Just drive."
"Either way, I don't feel it would look good for us to be involved. We should wash our hands of her." Christina said.
"Do you really think so?"
"I do, sir."
Suddenly Sam slam med in the brakes, throwing her into the glass.
"Are you crazy?! What are you trying to do?" she asked.
"I'm trying to do my job. Just driving." Sam said.
That night, Sonic showed up at the National Museum in front of an exhibit containing a Chaos Emerald. Immediately the alarms sound, and she ran out, only to be met by several GUN Beetles. They fired at her, but she smirked and nimbly dodged them. Then she used a powerful energy destroying the Beetles as she made her getaway.
At the White House.
"Mr. President, I have some bad news. Sonic was just seen at the National Museum of Art attempting to steal the Chaos Emerald." Towers said.
"It can't be." the president said.
"My men are awaiting your instructions, sir."
"We have no choice. Find her and place her under arrest."
Towers saluted.
"Yes, Mr. President. I'll alert all divisions immediately, sir." he said and left.
At GUN Headquarters.
"Attention all division commanders! Sonic the Hedgehog has gone underground. Let's go get her." Towers said.
'So far the plan's doing fine.' he thought. 'I'm impressed at how good she is.'
Then a swarm of GUN Beetles took off into the night sky.
At the Thorndyke's apartment Chris, Chuck, Ella, Tanaka, Cream, and Cheese were watching the news.
"And now a breaking news story. I'm standing in the main pavilion in the Nation Museum of Art, where earlier tonight, a thief broke through security and stole a priceless Chaos Emerald. Authorities found these images on tapes confiscated from the museum's security cameras." News Reporter said.
The camera footage showed Sonic breaking the glass surrounding the Chaos Emerald. She appeared in front of the camera and grinned before making her getaway.
"Was that Sonic?" Chris asked.
"It can't be! You said Sonic would never take something that doesn't belong to her!" Cream said.
"Chao chao chao chao chao chao!" Cheese said.
"Yeah, right. That was Sonic on those security tapes." Chuck said.
'What could she be doing?' he wondered.
The others became mad at him.
"It can't be!" Chris said.
"She was framed!" Ella and Tanaka said.
"That's right!" Cream said.
"Chao chao!" Cheese said.
"Uh... Maybe it wasn't her. I guess you can't always believe your eyes." Chuck said.
"Surprisingly enough, authorities have determined from this footage that the thief is none other than Sonic the Hedgehog. According to reports, Sonic has destroyed numerous government tanks and fled to an unknown location." News Reporter said.
"But there... there must be some kind of mistake. Sonic wouldn't..." Chris said and sighed.
"Of course she wouldn't, Mr. Chris. I'm sure there are some explanations." Ella said and Tanaka nodded.
Chris walked over to the window and looked up at the sky.
"Sonic... What's happening?" Chris said to himself.
At Central City the GUN Beetles blew up various sewer entrances and flew in.
In the sewer Jerome and several other poor men were huddled around a fire.
"What, are you crazy or somethin'? Sonic ain't no thief." a man said.
"I wouldn't make this up! I saw it on a TV in a repair shop window. Would I lie to you? No. I tell you, they saw him steal the thing." Jerome said.
"Hey!"
"And not only that, they caught him breaking into Prison Island just last night - red-handed. Probably trying to steal government secrets."
Shadow ran past them, with several GUN Beetles in pursuit.
In Prison Island Mr. Stewart drove Scarlet Garcia up to a security checkpoint.
"How did you manage to get permission for me to visit Prison Island?" Scarlet asked.
"Well, let's just say I have connections in high places." Mr. Stewart said and showed his credentials to the camera then the doors in front of the car open, and drove through.
"Who are you, exactly?"
"Just a fellow news hound, that's all."
Once inside, they interviewed the warden.
"Have you ever heard of a government operation called Project Sonic?" Scarlet asked.
"I'm afraid that's top-secret. Even though she works for GUN. However, after last night, I'm not sure how much longer it will stay secret. Take a look." Warden said and
The warden showed them security footage of Eggman giving Sonic the order to destroy a GUN robot.
"This is security cam video from last night. As you can see, Eggman and Sonic have broken into the system, and are trying to steal the Project Sonic file." he said and the footage ended.
"This video tape makes it clear as day. Sonic is no longer concerned with the safety of our citizens, and had decided to join forces with the enemy. She had us all fooled, didn't she?"
"What happens next, sir?" Mr. Stewart asked.
"Quite simple. We arrest her and try her for high treason."
A still of Sonic was shown.
At Central City Sonic burst out of the sewer, then used the manhole cover to dive down and destroy the GUN Beetles.
After the Beetles were destroyed, Shadow put the manhole cover back.
"That was easy." he said then spotlight blinded him as a Big Foot landed nearby. "Can't hang around, sorry. I'll give you a ring some time, what do you say?" he said and held up a Power Ring, but the Big Foot started firing at him and he easily dodged. "Now that's what I call a tight squeeze."
Then he activated the ring and home attacked the spotlight, destroying it.
The Big Foot reacted by firing eight missiles at him. He allowed to chase him up a building, then he landed on the Big Foot and jumped off, causing the missiles to destroy the robot.
"That guy needs to work on his aim a little bit." he said.
Then a glow came from the destroyed robot.
Then the glow subsided, revealing the mysterious black hedgehog.
"What the...?"
"Good evening. I must say, it's a pleasure for me to finally meet you face-to-face, Shadow. We do look alike. It's uncanny." Sonic said feeling guilty but hid it.
"Wait a minute! So it's you who been getting me into all this hot water lately! Why?" Shadow said and leapt toward the robot to attack her, but she vanished before he got there.
At Prison Island Mr. Stewart was looking at the still of Sonic.
"It certainly looks like Sonic... but still, there's something strange, different about her now." he said to himself.
Back at Central City Shadow looked up to see Sonic atop a building.
"I assure you, Shadow, I'm no impostor. I possess too much power to be anything but the real thing." Sonic said.
"Well, if you're so powerful, let's see you prove it!" Shadow said and ran up the building, but Sonic faded before he could get there.
He saw her atop a taller building and laughed.
"Not bad. I'm almost impressed. How about a little race action like any other day?"
Soon they were racing through the city. Notably, while Sonic was running, Shadow appeared to skate.
At the apartment Chuck was on the phone.
"You're kidding! Unbelievable. Well, be sure to call us right away if anything else happens." he said and hung up. "That was your father. Apparently Shadow and Sonic's been spotted battling a government robot on downhill street."
Chris instantly got up and ran out of the room.
"Chris, where are you going?" Ella asked.
"I will follow him, Mr. Thorndyke." Tanaka said and left.
"Slow down! I'll come with you." Chuck said and left to.
Back in Central City Sonic cut in front of Shadow.
"She's tougher than I thought she was." Shadow said to himself.
"Not quite." he said and caught up.
Tanaka was driving Chris and Chuck into the city when they saw Sonic and Shadow running toward them. Sonic vanished, and the car skid to a stop. Then she reappeared and kicked Shadow to the ground.
"What just happened?" he said.
Then a spy drone showed up.
At Eggman's base.
"Shadow's a bit overwhelmed, isn't he? I certainly can't blame him. I felt rather confused myself when I encountered Sonic of all people." Eggman said.
In a flashback Prison Island after activating the Project Sonic machine, Eggman watched as she rose from her stasis chamber.
"What?! It's that hedgehog! How dare you deceive me, you speedy little slimeball!" he said and
Sonic climbed out of the chamber and bowed.
"My name is Sonic. You've awakened me from a state of suspended animation, and I am very grateful. To show my gratitude, I am at your command now." she said.
Then a GUN Hot Shot burst into the room.
"Bad timing as usual!" Eggman said.
"Wait. I will show you my power, Doctor." Sonic said and attacked and destroyed the robot.
Back in Eggman's base.
"You've met your match, Shadow! Compared to Sonic's fancy footwork, you're as slow as a man of molasses! And now that you two have gotten a bit better acquainted, you're sure to see that for yourself!" Eggman said and laughed.
Back at Central City Sonic stood over a fallen Shadow, Chaos Emerald in hand. Then she held it up.
"She's got a Chaos Emerald!" Chris said.
"Where'd you get that Chaos Emerald? Hand it over!" Shadow said.
Sonic teleported behind him.
"You can do better than that, Shadow. If you don't light a fire under those feet, you'll never get this Emerald back." Sonic said.
Shadow leapt into the air, and attempted to kick her, but she teleported again.
"She really is faster than I know!" he said shocked.
"But that's not speed. She's disappearing!" Chuck said.
"Whoa!" Chris said.
Sonic was now on top of a street lamp.
"That's not all. I'm full of surprises." she said.
"Grandpa!"
"Chaos Control now." she said and activated Chaos Control while Shadow ran.
"What happened to her?" Shadow said to himself.
Then Sonic reappeared next to him and delivers blow after blow.
"Leave him alone Sonic!" Chris said.
"Like to fight dirty, hmm?"
"Consider yourself fortunate. If I'd used my full strength, you'd have been much worse off than this." Sonic said and overshadowed Shadow. "Many years ago, Professor Gerald Robotnik endowed me with the power of Chaos Control. A normal creature like yourself doesn't stand a chance against me."
"Don't underestimate "normal" types."
Sonic glanced up for a moment, hearing the sound of the approaching authorities, then looked back at Shadow.
"I have a feeling I should make myself scarce. Goodbye, Shadow. It certainly was a nice pleasure. Chaos Control now." she said and used the Chaos Emerald to vanish as several police cars, helicopters, and GUN Beetles arrived.
"Shadow, we've got you surrounded! You're under arrest. Put your hands up!" a police officer said.
"I didn't do anything! Honest!" Shadow said.
Among the officers was Officer Albright.
"I'm gonna give you to the count of five to surrender! Ready? One... Two... Three... Four..." Albright said.
"Turn yourself in, Shadow! You're already in trouble. Just do as they say!" Chris said. "Please, Shadow..." he said with tears springing to his eyes.
"You're time's up, buddy! We've got a special cell on Prison Island with your name on it!"
"Did you just say Prison Island?" Shadow asked and twitched a little.
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Really, you mean that's where you're taking me from here?"
"That's where we usually take criminals."
"Okay, Chris, I'll do it. I'm gonna turn myself in." Shadow said and sat cross-legged. "All right, guys, cuff me. I'm all yours." he said to the officers.
"Get him!"
"Only just take it easy on the wrists, fellas." he said. "You might use Chaos Control, babe, but I'm gonna have to get out of this without tricks. I'll do it... somehow. And when I do, we'll meet again." he said to himself and was led in handcuffs to a helicopter. "Don't worry about me, Chris. I'll be out before you know it!"
"I hope so..." Chris said teary.
The helicopter took off and Sonic watched from a distance.
"I won't let anyone stand in my way. Least of all you, Shadow. Maria..." Sonic said to herself.
'I'm so sorry Shadow, Chris.' she thought.
At Eggman's base Eggman and his hench-bots were celebrating their victory with Sonic.
"Yippee!" Eggman said. "We did it! We did iiiit!" he said and shook Sonic's hand. "That hedgehog's in the hoosegow thanks to you, Sonic!"
"He is practically busting his buttons." Decoe said.
"That jacket always was tight around the tummy." Bocoe said.
"Remember, Doctor, you must still obtain five more Chaos Emeralds in order to use the Eclipse Cannon. But when you do, it will give you ultimate power and make you master of the universe." Sonic said.
"Sounds good to me! And now to has out the rest of our dastardly strategy. Let's see..." Eggman said.
Then Bokkun flew in holding his TV.
"Doctor, I have a message for you this time!" he said and giggled then tossed the screen to Eggman, and it activated.
Rouge was holding a bouquet of roses.
"Hiya, Doc. Long time no see. I was wondering if we could get together to discuss a little business transaction?" Rouge said.
"A business transaction?" Decoe said.
"I would not trust her, Doctor." Bocoe said.
"Who asked you, bolt-brain?! Fetch her right away!" Eggman said.
"Uh-oh!" Decoe said.
"Here we go!" Bocoe said.
The outside of the pyramid base was shown while the TV explodes. Bokkun laughed.
"That's not funny!" Eggman said.
"Don't blame me! Lots of stuff have television bombs!" Bokkun said.
Rouge dropped in still holding her roses.
"I just hope this little scam of mine works." she said.
"Oh! I didn't expect you so soon." Eggman said.
"Good evening, Doctor. I've got a little something I'd like to show you." she said and showed him the blue Chaos Emerald she acquired at Angel Island.
"A Chaos Emerald..."
"It's all yours, Eggy, if you agree to my conditions. All you have to do is be a good boy and play nice, and I'll tell you where the others are. What do you say, Doc? Do we have a deal?"
Sonic scoffed.
"That depends. What do you want?"
Sonic started to see a vision of Maria.
"Pleasure before business. Who's this charming friend of yours? I'm Rouge the Bat. What's your name?"
"It's Sonic." Sonic said and turned to her face. "Sonic the Hedgehog."
Rouge was startled by Sonic's emerald green eyes.
"SONIC?!" she said in shock and hurt.
At the harbor Chuck, Ella, Cream, and Cheese watched as Tanaka and Chris boarded a ship dressed in black outfits and hats.
"Don't worry, you guys. We'll be back soon. But... this is something I have to find out for myself." Chris said.
"We understand, Chris. You two take care of yourselves." Chuck said.
"Why do we have to dress like this, Mr. Tanaka?
"I've been inspired by my boyhood hero." Tanaka said.
Meanwhile Tails and Amy were on the X-Tornado also on the move. Amy was impatient.
"Come on! Step on it! We've got to get to Prison Island in a hurry!" Amy said.
What a bossy-" Tails started.
"What did you say?"
"Uh..."
At Prison Island Shadow was sitting alone in his chamber. It was surrounded on all sides by water, making it practically escape-proof. There were various mathematical formulas on the walls.
"What a day... Who'd have thought I'd be thrown in jail for something I didn't do? I'd better think fast, use my time wisely, and figure out what happened to Sonic, and what she wants." he said to himself.
