Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own Sonic or any characters in the franchise. All are rightfully owned by Sega.
Here is Chapter 3 of the story. I think that I should post the next few parts more quickly considering that a good number of them are done already. Unless you guys would rather wait like back then on TV where you wold wait for the next episode of a show you love that is lol. All jokes aside though, if you would like for me to get this caught up to the recent parts quickly, then let me know in the comments/reviews. Thanks for reading my story, and as always, I hope you enjoy! :D
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. A lot of armed mercenaries are walking around oblivious to the ebony hedgehog surveying the area on top of the pipes above them.
'Ok, there are six guys here. Three armed with assault rifles, two with electrified weapons, and one giant guy with a mini gun in his hands," Shadow thought as he continue to survey the area.
Since taking out the big guy would cause a lot of noice, Shadow decides that taking out the small fry should come first. Shadow quietly jumps to the pipe above a man with an AR who stood by himself at the bridge. Swiftly and quietly, Shadow drops down and punches him with a enough forces to knock him out. Then, Shadow rolls into a open vent and crawls towards his next victims. Shadow pushes against the crate blocking his exit without alerting the enemy and slid it out the way. Once the two guys with guns had turned their backs, Shadow jumps up and smashes their heads together knocking them both unconscious. Shadow jumps back onto the pipes above and surveys the area. He noticed that the guys with the electrified weapons split up at the stairway. The problem was that the guy who took a left turn would notice the guy sleeping at the bridge. Shadow walks quietly over to the guy that's about to walk to the bridge.
"Huh?" the man said in a panicking tone. He noticed a pair of feet on the ground. "Oh crap," the man realizes they're not alone.
"Hey-," before he could get a sound out, Shadow pulls behind him and subdues him. The man struggles because he couldn't breathe until he went to sleep. With that, there are two more people left, the guy with the electric whip and the giant with the mini gun. They haven't noticed the guys Shadow has taken out so far, so Shadow still had the element of surprise.
Shadow jumps onto the ledge and looked down. Luckily for him, the guy with the electric whip was walking under him. Shadow swiftly subdued him as quietly as he can.
"Hey, anyone copy," a deep voice asked which made Shadow's ears flick.
The giant with the mini gun had a mic and was trying to reach out to anyone. Shadow turns around and realizes the man was behind him. The giant man finally notices the ebony figure.
"What the hell!?" the brute exclaimed. "You're the one who took out my men!?"
Shadow stood up silently as his crimson eyes observes the brute, searching for a weakness. With that, the brute took the mini gun and started shooting at Shadow. Luckily for Shadow, he had a quick reaction time and moved out the way.
"Chaos control!" Shadow said and disappears.
"What the-! Where'd he go!?" the brute hisses angrily, then looks around around for the ebony hedgehog.
A flash of light lit behind the brute and Shadow strikes the man's leg, bringing the brute's face to his height and Shadow threw a fast haymaker towards the brute's face knocking him into a wall. And with that, all the mercenaries were dealt with.
'Thank chaos I played the Batman Arkham games,' Shadow thought as he relaxes his muscles.
"I expected no less from the ultimate life form," a voice came from a speaker in the ceiling. "You even beat your own record of two minutes and fifteen seconds."
Shadow smirks at the last remark. He was trying to beat his old record of two minutes and sixteen seconds for awhile now. Shadow stood triumphant. The whole place around him disappeared into a blue digital void. Once the door opened, Shadow made his way up to the console where Topaz stood with a couple other soldiers. They all congratulated Shadow on breaking his record in stealth combat. Little did he know that Blaze was also observing Shadow's crusade in the simulator. Once the soldiers and Topaz went to check out for the day, Shadow finally notices that Blaze was standing in the corner waiting for the others to leave.
Blaze walks over to Shadow in excitement, "That was amazing Shadow," her amber eyes glistening as she convey her excitement.
Shadow smiles in embarrassment, then he rubs his quills, "That was nothing."
"Are you crazy? I don't think I could do that as good as you can!" Blaze said as she got closer to Shadow.
Shadow turns his head to hide his blush when she got a bit too close for comfort. "It's nothing really," Shadow chuckles slightly and backs away. "Anyway, it's time to clock out so let's go to the lobby and wait for Eclipse." Blaze nods, then follows Shadow to the lobby.
"Who taught you how to move like that?" Blaze questions, still thinking about Shadow in the training simulator.
"Rouge helped me a lot with my training when it comes to stealth combat," Shadow explains as they walked down the hallway. "I also got some ideas from the games me, Eclipse, and Infinite have played."
"Games?" Blaze asked as she looked at Shadow with curiosity.
"Yeah, I have a gaming console called the PlayStation 4 back at my house. It's pretty cool," Shadow said as he smiled, reminiscing the moments he had trying to beat Batman Arkham City. "We can play it when we get home. So how did the meeting with the commander go?"
Blaze sighs as she began her explanation, "It went ok. I'm glad your commander is understanding and optimistic to help me," as Blaze lowers her eyelids.
"But?" Shadow queries, trying to figure out the issue.
Blaze continues, "But it will take awhile for them to track any energy signatures related to the Sol Emerald. He doesn't want me to do anything to catch any attention from unwanted guests," Blaze said, then she sighs heavily. "I'm very grateful for the help, but I want to find the last emerald as soon as possible. Who knows, maybe Dr. Eggman has his hands on it."
Blaze has a stressed expression showing on her face. All the worry she had for her world was showing a lot and Shadow felt bad. He hate seeing his friends upset, even the Faker. Shadow steps in front of Blaze and grabs her hands. Blaze was confused and shocked at Shadow's actions. Her amber eyes looks deep into Shadow's crimson eyes. His eyes was filled with compassion and determination; something Blaze had always admired about him.
"I promise we'll get the last Sol Emerald no matter what," Shadow states trying to reassure Blaze as best as he could. "So don't worry too much over the matter. I'll do whatever I can to assist you."
Blaze stares at Shadow, filled with admiration, then smiles. "Ok, thank you Shadow."
Shadow smiles back as he looks Blaze in the eyes more intently. After awhile, it seemed like they were stuck in a time loop. As if time had stopped for a moment as they continued to look at each other. Both their eyes twinkling and dancing in unison. Both their hearts beating in unison as if they were connected. Both of them would usually close themselves off to each other, but it's just different when it's just those two. As if they could stick together forever and ever. It felt like magic was in the air as it enveloped Shadow and Blaze into a deep trance.
"Ahem," Eclipse said as he stood in the background.
It broke whatever trance Blaze and Shadow were in as they looked over to where Eclipse stood.
'So, you guys forgot about me, huh?' Eclipse said in the hivemind as he smirked at Shadow. 'I see you're enjoying your moment with your so called friend?'
Shadow glares daggers at Eclipse; his muzzle was about as red as the crimson stripes on his body.
'I really hate you sometimes, you know that!' Shadow hisses, while the fur on his body was rising in fury.
'Yeah yeah,' Eclipse said with a light chuckle.
Shadow continues to mentally scoff at Eclipse as his brother walked up to them. Blaze looks at the floor in embarrassment. Her muzzle was red as well.
'I really hope it was only Eclipse who noticed my exchange with Shadow,' Blaze thought as her heart was racing as fast as the blue hedgehog.
Eclipse notices Blaze shying away, so he whispers in her ear, "It's ok. I was the only one around and I won't tell anyone, I promise." Eclipse spoke quietly. Blaze looks at Eclipse for a second and sighed in relief.
"Thanks Eclipse," Blaze said smiling nervously.
Eclipse nods in response, then he give Shadow a mischievous grin. Shadow was still fuming in embarrassment.
"Don't. Say. A word." Shadow said very sternly as he glares daggers at Eclipse.
'I won't say a word, but it doesn't mean I can't say a thing here,' Eclipse mentally said teasingly.
Shadow tenses up as he wants to choke his aggravating brother, but decides against it and starts walking. 'You're a thorn on my side,' Shadow scoffed as he started walking. Eclipse chuckled to himself as he and Blaze trailed behind him.
The trio clocked out for the day at G.U.N. HQ and were making their way home. On the way there, Shadow saw some jewelry at a Jared's jewelry store. A certain someone popped into his head that made him feel somewhat guilty. Eclipse notices the sudden change in Shadow's mood as he stole a glance at his brother.
'What's the matter?' Eclipse questions mentally as the trio continues walking down the street.
'Why do you ask?' Shadow tries to hide his emotion.
'Come on, don't play dumb,' Eclipse said. 'You know I can read you like a child's book.'
'Hmph, it's that noticeable?' Shadow asked.
'To me, yeah. Can't say the same for Blaze though,' Eclipse said as he surveys the cars passing by.
'Well, I forgot all about Rouge,' Shadow said trying not to let Blaze notice his demeanor. 'I should find her and try to fix things. I don't want her to hold a grudge or anything.'
Eclipse stares at Shadow as if Shadow grew another eye. 'Shadow, come on. You've known her for too long to think she would hold anything against you. I'm sure she'll understand,' Eclipse said mentally with confidence.
Shadow thought for a second as he process Eclipse's words through his mind, until he reluctantly agreed. 'You know, you're right. I should have more faith in Rouge. Thanks, I'll talk with her once we get home,' Shadow said. He finally shook his head of any doubts he had on his mind.
They finally approaches their house and walks in. The Black Arms swarms around as Eclipse walked in, tackling him to the ground. Blaze laughs, while the Black Arms tangle themselves around a helpless Eclipse. Shadow chuckles to himself slightly as he watches the scene.
He remembers he had some business to take care of, "Eclipse can you handle dinner tonight?" asked Shadow.
"Sure, I got it." Eclipse said as he finally got the Black Arms off of him.
"Cool, I'll will return in awhile," Shadow said, then he turns toward the door to exit.
Blaze looks over to Shadow as he was leaving, "Where are you going?" Blaze queries.
Shadow shifts his gaze towards the lavender cat, "I have some personal business to take care."
Blaze raises an eyebrow as she looks at Shadow with worry, "You need any help?"
Shadow shook his head in response, "No, I'll be back once dinner is ready."
Blaze nods her head as she sat on the couch to watch the news. And with that, Shadow walks outside.
"Chaos Control!" Shadow commands, then he disappears into the green light.
The flash of green light returns, as Shadow landed in front of an apartment complex.
'So many memories hitting me at once, makes me miss this place,' Shadow thought as he made his way to the door at the end of the walkway.
He lightly knocks on the door. Didn't get an answer, so he knocked harder. Still no answer, but before he could knock again the door opened. The one appearing at the doorway was none other than Rouge the Bat.
"Well, if it isn't the ultimate life form," Rouge said teasingly.
"In the flesh," Shadow gave Rouge a friendly smile.
Rouge motions him to come in and relax at the couch. He did so, then he continues looking around; more memories flooding his mind as he made his way to the couch.
"Thanks for having me," Shadow said as he looks back at Rouge.
"No worries Shadow, you're always welcomed here," Rouge said with serenity. "So what brings you over here?"
Shadow looks over at his best friend with a serious demeanor, "I'm sorry about what happened earlier with Blaze."
Rouge blinks at Shadow in confusion, "Why are you apologizing?"
"I felt like I had too," Shadow explained. "I don't know, seeing you upset and moving away from our usual table made me think I made a mistake."
Rouge shook her head, "No, you've done nothing wrong. I may have provoked Blaze without realizing it, so it was partly my fault," Rouge said as she smiled at Shadow. "It's ok, you were only trying to help. I'm not mad at you or anything. I may have been aggravated at the time, but it's ok." Rouge embraces Shadow and he returns the warm embrace.
"Thanks Rouge, feels like a boulder was lifted off of my back," Shadow said. A small smile started to form on his lips.
"You know I could never hold anything against you," Rouge said, then she pulls away and faces the ebony hedgehog. "It's just best to keep the royal feline away from me for now. I don't need another altercation that ends with you being roasted." Both Shadow and Rouge began to laugh at the last remark.
"I'm glad that all is well between us." said Shadow.
"SHADOW, WELCOME BACK TO ROUGE'S APARTMENT." Shadow looks behind and it was none other than Omega, the terminator himself.
"Greetings Omega, how are you," Shadow greets his robotic companion. "All is well?"
"AFFIRMATIVE." Omega replies quickly. Omega went back to its corner, then began recharge for the night.
"It's good for us to reunite together outside of work every once in awhile," Rouge said as she watched Omega power down. "I must say that it's not as entertaining without you here Shadow."
Shadow looks back at Rouge with a soft expression. "I'm sorry I haven't been visiting as much recently." Shadow was very genuine here.
Rouge has always been there whenever he needed her. She was there even when he didn't ask for it. She's kind of like the mother Shadow never had. Rouge may not have realized it, but she was a very precious gem to Shadow's heart and he'd protect her no matter what happens. Rouge smiles as she listened to his last remark.
"The thing is, I have to help Blaze with her issue as of right now," Shadow averts his eyes away from Rouge's eyes. "I won't have a lot of time to visit you as much."
Rouge looks at him with a smile on her face, then playfully punches his shoulder, "Don't worry Shadow. I know you will still be around." Shadow smirks in response as he runs his shoulder.
"You want anything?" Rouge asked as she walked to her kitchen.
"No, I'm fine for now," Shadow said standing up. "It's getting late and I'd hate to take anymore of your time away from your slumber." Rouge opened her mouth to say something, but she knows whenever Shadow makes up his mind it doesn't change.
"Ok Shadz," Rouge said and gave Shadow one last hug. "Good night." She pulls away, then proceeds to walks Shadow out the door.
Once she closed the door, Shadow uses chaos control to appear in his kitchen. Eclipse was cooking lasagna, but fails to realize Shadow stood behind him as he was too absorbed with the food in the oven.
Eclipse finally turns around, "WAAAH!" Eclipse screams as he jumps out of his skin. "What the hell!" Eclipse hisses as he glared daggers at Shadow.
Blaze suddenly came in the kitchen with her fists engulfed in flames, "What's going on!?" Blaze said as she looks around. "Are we under attack!?"
"No Blaze, everything is fine," Blaze looks and realizes it was Shadow who said that.
"Oh, welcome back." said Blaze.
"Glad to be back. Eclipse, how much time is left before the food is ready?" Shadow asked as he glance back to his brother.
Eclipse glares at Shadow for a few seconds before answering, "Ten minutes at max, and it needs to sit for awhile to cool off a little." Eclipse said as he looked back at his oven.
Shadow and Blaze left Eclipse in the kitchen and sat on the couch in the living room. Blaze was the first to spark a conversation, "Did you solve whatever issue needed to be fixed?" Blaze asked.
"Yeah, everything is fine now." Shadow said not removing his eyes from the TV.
"I'm glad," Blaze said. "It seemed like you were somewhat nervous to fix it."
Shadow laughs at himself mentally, "Was it that noticeable?"
"Kind of." Blaze said.
Shadow look towards Blaze, "Everything is fine now. Turns out, I had literally nothing to worry about."
"Well I'm glad you're in a better mood," Blaze answered happily.
Eclipse was watching them in the background capturing every detail. 'If this goes on, Shadow will finally have a mate to reproduce for the benefit of the Black Arms,' Eclipse thought as he stared at his brother and feline friend. 'Well it'll benefit Shadow. I may not understand love a lot, but I know it brings happiness. Shadow deserves it, especially after the pain he's been through. Although, he sort of put me through the same, but that's besides the point. I need to help them get together somehow, I just need to find the right times to push him.' Eclipse was in deep thought ignoring the beeping noise coming from the oven.
"Hey, the lasagna is ready," Blaze said snapping Eclipse from his thought process. He put on some oven mitts and pulled the lasagna out to cool off.
After the food was less hot to the point that it would not burn someone's tongue off, together they were having a good time while eating their dinner. You'd think Blaze was around forever considering how close they've become in two days. Eventually they went to rest for the night. Who knows what'll happen the next day.
