Chapter 2

Shadow walked back out to the living room. He looked around and caught Amber and Knuckles sitting on one couch, Amy squeezing the life out of Sonic on the second, Cream and Tails on the third, and Rouge on the last.

Shadow proceeded to the free space next to Rouge and sat down. He turned his head towards the TV and began to be lost in it.

Crimson Island

Huge volcanoes rocketed the giant red and black island as lava spewed from numerous titanic mountains.

Through the red and black haze flew a giant figure, swiftly throwing lighting fast punches at air. Its giant wings cleared the smoke to reveal it as Chaos Eclipse.

The giant beast was indeed, as he intended, training to control its enormous new powers. It stopped throwing punches and aimed a giant hand at a nearby volcano.

Giant silver lighting bolts crackled around the hand of the beast.

"CHAOS BOMB!"

A giant silver energy ball flew from Eclipse's hand and shot towards the volcano. The beast turned its mighty body around and closed his eyes.

The attack made impact, completely engulfing the volcano and sending lava and ash into the air. The monster was unfazed, keeping its eyes closed, and smirked.

Rouge's Mansion

The long peaceful silence with only the TV being heard was interrupted when the giant oak door of the mansion was opened. Rain and wind blew inside before the door shut again. Hard clanking foot steps were heard.

"Rouge, I have returned."

Shadow thought he recognized that voice. He looked over his shoulder to see none other than his former team mate, E-123 Omega standing in the doorway, completely covered in water from head to toe.

Rouge was delighted and jumped up from the couch to meet her robotic companion.

"Hey Omega!"

The robot rotated its head towards her.

"Greetings Rouge!"

Omega suddenly began beeping and his eyes flashed. It stopped after a second and addressed Rouge.

"Rouge?"

The bat looked at him. "Yes Omega?"

"Sensors indicate that previous companion Shadow The Hedgehog is in the vicinity."

"Oh yes. He sure is. Come on, he's in the living room."

Omega followed Rouge to the living room, its giant metallic feet leaving temporary dents in the carpet. The two stopped in front of Shadow who looked at the robot.

"Hello Omega, it's been a while."

"Affirmative, sensors indicate one year, three months, two weeks, and five days since last encounter. Last encounter was during Black Arms invasion."

Shadow was amazed by the robot.

"It's good to see you Omega, where have you been since then?"

"After Black Arms invasion, I have been managing Club Rouge in Night Babylon for Rouge."

The night hedgehog faced the snowy white bat.

"You still have that night club?"

"Of course, where do you think this mansion came from since you left? I have been saving for it for two years."

"Hmm."

"Shadow."

The dark hedgehog turned to the robot.

"I would prefer a spar with you."

Shadow smirked. "So you think you can keep up with me?"

"Affirmative!"

"Alright, I would enjoy it."

Rouge faced Omega. "Omega, you should know Shadow's power has increased greatly since you last saw him."

"That is not relevant."

"And," She added, "It's raining outside."

"That is not relevant."

"Gee, you're like a broken record."

Sonic and Knuckles jumped up at the mention of sparring.

"Hey, can we join you?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah, I need a work-out." Knuckles added.

"Oh come on Sonic, it's pouring out!" Amy said with frustration.

"That is not relevant." Sonic said mimicking Omega.

"Fine, but if you all catch a cold, then don't come whining to me." Rouge stated with annoyance in her voice.

The three nodded.

Sonic and Knuckles got up but Knuckles felt a tug on his arm. He turned to face Amber.

"Don't over-do it."

"Don't worry, I won't." Knuckles replied smiling.

She smiled back and released him. The four headed out of the front door and into the rain.

The three girls all sighed and put on yellow rain coats, following the boys outside.

Omega, Shadow, Knuckles, and Sonic all made their way to the giant area behind the house. The three girls followed. Lighting and thunder shook the skies and the rain fell heavily.

"I'd better see a good fight!" Rouge yelled. Shadow faced her and smirked.

"Of course." Shadow then turned back to the group.

"You guys ready?"

"Affirmative!"

"Always!"

"Yeah, let's party!"

Shadow immediately dashed towards Knuckles who was caught off by the hedgehog's speed and was knocked to the grassy ground. The Echidna recovered and sent his own fist towards Shadow, who easily caught it.

Sonic charged for Shadow and Omega followed. Sonic curled up into a spin dash and headed for Shadow. The dark hedgehog released Knuckles, who was hit by a tackle from

Omega, and jumped out of the way of the attack.

Sonic un-curled and sent a fist towards Shadow. The black hedgehog also pulled his fist back and sent it towards Sonic. Both fists met and Sonic flew back, Shadow still standing in his spot.

"My, my, you've gotten real strong Shadow." Sonic said getting up and wiping blood from his lips.

"Humph, that's not even the half of it, Faker." Shadow responded while smirking.

Sonic smirked back. "Still going on about that faker thing huh?"

"Yes of course and you will feel my power Sonic!"

Shadow's black quills stood on end as they flashed to golden. The now super powered hedgehog hovered off of the ground and folded his arms.

Sonic's eyes widened. "Shadow, you can't waste your energy like that!"

"Believe me, I need to learn how to last longer in these forms. Chaos Gather!"

Upon speaking those words, the seven Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emeralds appeared.

Rouge's eyes widened. "N-No, he can't!"

Sure enough, all eight Emeralds spun around Shadow until they were no more than a ring of colors. There was a giant blue explosion. When it subsided, the Emeralds lay on the ground, above it hovered Ultra Shadow.

Crimson Island

Eclipse came out of his sleep by a sudden burst of Chaos energy. He smirked.

"Shadow."

"Rouge's Mansion

The icy blue hedgehog faced the sea blue one. "Ready?"

"S-Shadow, you can't be serious!"

Shadow laughed. "Of course I'm not. I just wanted to see you scared for your life!"

Sonic sneered. "Yeah well, it was a lucky shot."

"Detectors read Shadow's energy levels off the charts!" A robotic voice sounded.

"Yes Omega, this is the Ultra form."

"Affirmative, but sensors indicate much higher capability of power."

Shadow raised a brow. "What?"

Omega suddenly hovered over to Rouge and lifted her off the ground. The bat shrieked.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

Shadow also looked confused. "Omega?"

The robot raised one claw to the bat's neck.

"Make one move and Rouge will cease to exist."