Act I: AWARE

Chapter XIX: Teardrop

C.C.P.D. 5th Avenue Precinct, Saturday 6:05 PM

It had been a day since the entire fiasco at the courthouse happened, and Sonic, while exhausted beyond belief, was grateful things didn't go terribly south.

Sonic could only thank Gaia that he, Silver, and especially Blaze were okay.

But they lost Geoffrey. Another life taken.

It could have been close, and that blast could have killed them all if it weren't for Silver.

Sonic sat with Tails, Amy and Sally in the investigator office, all four of them haggard, exhausted and completely burnt out.

All their files were missing now that the main precinct was bombed, so they could only rely on their brains.

The brains that were not really working at the moment.

Tails had started writing from scratch on the whiteboard, Sally typing away at her computer while Amy just stared at the wall.

"So…the only ties that haven't met their end now is…the factory with Maria's name, Ashton's death, obviously Tikal's death, and the informant that they protected. Petunia's death also…" Tails said, though he was aware that none of them were really listening.

"Tails, maybe you should take a breather…" Sally said, looking up at the tired fox from her computer.

"And Geoffrey would have rather died then give up the name of that informant. It seems so…easy? Why is it so difficult to pin down a possible informant on this case? Weren't we on the force?" Tails asked.

"We were, but we weren't investigators yet. We wouldn't have been told," Sonic said.

"What about Knuckles? Does he know?" Tails asked.

Sonic shook his head. "It went to Mordred. It's all connected that way. They made sure to keep it in the business of the people who had ties to the mob…and the people who were going to profit off the Restoration Plan fund."

"So, this entire time…we were just being lied too by the people we were supposed to trust," Amy stated blankly.

"Which is this killer's entire MO," Sonic added, leaning back with a sigh.

"I just don't understand how Tikal fits in this," Sally said.

"It seemed like her death kickstarted all of it. I'm willing to bet this guy killed her first, sort of as a warning…" Tails said.

"I just want to know who Geoffrey was afraid of," Sonic said, "Robotnik? Shadow?"

Amy shook her head, a sigh escaping her lips. "I don't know guys. We're so close…we – just need a little more."

Tails pondered for a moment, his eyes moving to the picture of Petunia. "Did that random number ever answer Cosmo back?"

Sonic shook his head, "I'm not sure."

Tails nodded absentmindedly, as Amy and Sally made their goodbyes – going off to get other work done.

Tails sat across from Sonic, head hung low.

"Sonic – I don't think your dad meant for all of this."

Sonic looked up, his eyebrow raised. "What do you mean?"

"I don't think your dad was as bad as he's saying. Sure, maybe the Restoration plan ended up being used for politicians and criminals to make money but…I really don't believe that was your dads' intention."

Sonic sighed, leaning his chin on his knuckles as he bit his lip.

"I'm starting to accept that maybe my parents just weren't who I thought they were…"

"Sonic, you don't mean tha-"

"No, Tails. I mean – look, my parents did what they did. I can't go back in time and change that. I can't go back in time and say 'Hey dad! Maybe let's not hang out with the mob!' yanno? All I can do now is try to make things right. If I can be the one to do what he should've done, then I have done my job."

Sonic couldn't be sure of everything his father did, hell – even Shadow didn't know how deep it went.

But, one thing he could be sure of? If his father couldn't do right by this city – he could.

And he would.

The Chemical Lounge, Saturday 8:58 PM

The van roared down the streets, three blocks to go until they reached the lounge.

Jet drove in a solid straight line, beak grinning and mad.

Shadow sat idly in the front seat. Rouge had already gone inside, under the guise of usual mob hangout. Using some of their politician contacts who favored them over Robotnik, she made sure Robotnik and his entire group were at the packed club tonight.

"So boss, what exactly is the job here? I didn't really know what to tell the mafiosos," Jet asked Shadow, eyes peeled on the road.

"Kill Robotnik. Kill his friends, kill anyone who stands with him. No more baiting, and no more chasing. They all die tonight for what he did."

Jet nodded, clicking his tounge as he rounded the corner. "But – the necklace? Are ya still framin' him?"

Shadow sighed. "If I get the opportunity, yes. I will figure something out." He fiddled with the necklace in his suit jacket pocket.

Storm cocked a shotgun in the backseat, as Bark stared out the window passively.

"Ooh – I can't wait to finally crush some skulls!" Storm exclaimed, belly laughing as he loaded bullets into the gun.

Bark simply grunted.

As the vans stopped, Shadow was pleased to find no one outside.

"Perfect. It's clear. Let's go."

Shadow kicked his door open as the three men followed, marching up the steps as his entire syndicate army began following him.

Shadow raised his gun, shooting the door open.

Two guards rushed over – eyes widening when they saw it was Shadow.

"Shadow?! Sir – this club is yours too, why are you-"

Shadow silenced them by smashing the butt of the gun into their faces, before continuing his way into the club.

He fiddled with Tikal's necklace in his pocket quickly.

Perfect, it's still there.

Jet and Storm fired automatic rifle shots into the air, causing a loud scream from all the patrons.

Rouge flew down onto a catwalk, flipping on a megaphone.

"Stay calm and no one gets hurt!"

Shadow marched, some guards rushing him which were quickly taken down by Bark and Storm.

Shadow's soldiers began rounding up groups, essentially holding them hostage until the ordeal was finished.

The loud, pulsating music was quickly cut off in the chaos, now the only noise being shouting guards, gunfire, screaming patrons and idle chatter.

Shadow made his way towards the elevator, as Mimic stepped out, gun pointed.

"You can't come in here!"

Shadow grunted, motioning for Bark as he stormed forward, grabbing Mimic by the throat and slamming him into the wall, knocking him unconscious.

Mimic's body slumped down in the elevator, Bark picking his body up to drop it off somewhere in the club.

Shadow clicked his tounge. "Move in."

Jet and Storm followed, stepping into the elevator as their guns were drawn and ready.

Shadow simply stared as the doors closed.

The time had come for him to finally have his vengeance.

Outside the Chemical Lounge, Saturday 9:08 PM

The outside of the club was now surrounded by police cars – Knuckles directing the police into the building.

Sonic and Tails hopped out, immediately addressing the situation.

Gaia – what was Shadow doing?!

They had an anonymous call that Shadow was essentially holding the club hostage. For what reason, Sonic had no idea.

This lounge was where ALL mafia hung out – including Robotnik.

Why Shadow would be hitting his own club made no sense to Sonic.

The SWAT vans had stationed by the police vans, Vector calling out orders.

Whisper, Tangle and Espio had their guns drawn, Mighty and Charmy were setting up Omega – just in case this got worse than it already was.

Sonic nodded at Tails, the pair drawing their handguns as they made their way inside.

Amy rose her badge in the air, calling out on her megaphone.

"Police! Drop your weapons, stay calm and don't move!"

The atmosphere in the club quickly shifted from terror to a calmer, concentrated panic. No one wanted to deal with cops – and no one knew how ugly it could get since the cops were here.

Sonic turned to Knuckles. "I'm going to find Shadow."

Knuckles sighed, narrowing his eyes. "Don't go alone. Tails! Mighty, Antoine! You guys are going with Sonic!"

The trio nodded, stepping up with their weapons drawn.

Sonic patted Knuckles on the shoulder, sighing. "Don't worry about me, I can do this."

Knuckles grimaced, before nodding and shoving him forward. "Then get going."

Sonic hurried into the elevator, the trio following him.

"Check floor-by-floor," Mighty said, pressing the button for the next floor.

As the elevator began to rise, Sonic felt his heart rate quickening.

Shadow seemed so much more focused a few days ago when they spoke.

All of this seemed out of character, even for him.

This wasn't just about their feud. Shadow had another reason for this.

As the elevator stopped, the four drew their weapons, watching as the door slid open.

They began making their way down the winding hallways – eyes meeting patrons and workers who were effectively held hostage.

Sonic even saw some politicians, and cops who weren't on duty at the moment.

Jesus – it never ends.

Suddenly, gunshots were heard down the hall. Sonic turned back, narrowing his eyes.

"Okay, Mighty and Antoine – take the left hallway. Tails, you follow me."

Antoine nodded, leading Mighty down the left hallway as the detectives began tailing it down the right.

As they walked, a body slumped to the ground in front of them. Sonic rushed over, the fallen guard's neck broken.

"Good Gaia. What is going on with him?" Tails asked.

The gunshots sounded again, the pair whipping their heads up as they began their movement back down the hallway. Sonic focused his eyes past the barrel of his handgun, before looking down both hallways.

Down the right hall – he saw the motion of a black hedgehog.

Shadow.

"Let's go."

Sonic and Tails began to book it down the hall, sliding across the corner as Sonic fired a shot into a light above.

Shadow jumped, turning around as his eyes narrowed.

"Sonic-"

"Drop your weapon Shadow-"

"No. You are not getting in the way of this. I have been waiting too long."

Bark began trudging forward to Tails and Sonic, the pairs eyes widening.

Still, they stood their ground.

"Bark – I will handle them. Go help the three birds."

Bark stopped, turning over his shoulder with a nod, as he began making his way down the right hallway, and passing the corner into parts unknown.

"Shadow – come on. We can talk about this."

"I do not want to talk, Sonic. I want revenge."

"Revenge on who?! On what?" Tails exclaimed.

"It does not concern either of you. It only concerns me, and Robotnik."

Sonic began advancing towards him, hands shaking as he attempted to steady his breathing.

"Look – I get that you want revenge. But holding a club hostage? This isn't the way, Shad!"

"There is no other way. Leave, or I have no choice but to-"

"I'm NOT leaving."

The pair were close now, locked in a deadly stare.

Tails hung behind, lowering his gun slightly to try and get a read on Shadow.

He looked angry, of course.

But the emotion that outweighed that…

Was grief.

Shadow sighed with a shake of his head. "Fine – have it your way,"

Lifting his gun, he slammed it into Sonic's gut – a yelp rushing out of Sonic's lips as he slammed into the wall, clutching his stomach tight. Shadow scoffed, making his way down the hallway.

"Sonic! Sonic, are you alright?!" Tails exclaimed, rushing over.

Sonic caught his breath, the wind knocked out of him as he caved over to catch his senses.

Sonic looked up, rage filling his eyes as he turned down the hallway.

"Go get Knuckles and the rest. Tell them I found Shadow. I'll handle him."

"Sonic, are you sure?! He just – he just knocked the wind out of you!"

"Tails, buddy. I got this. Get the rest of them and meet us up here. I'll have him."

Tails considered for a moment, before finally sighing and nodding. "Be safe."

"I will bud."

Tails began rushing down the hall, as Sonic's eyes flickered up – beginning to rush after him.

Turning the next two corners, he saw Shadow beginning to open a door – and with a roar, he tackled him.

The two hedgehogs rolled into the floor, Shadow kicking Sonic off him as the detective rolled back onto the floor, scrambling up and grabbing his arm.

"Shadow! Just talk to me!"

"Let me do what I must, Sonic!"

Sonic whipped Shadow's body towards the wall, as Shadow kneed him in the gut

Shadow began moving again, as Sonic put a right hook into the back of his head. Shadow cursed, turning around and shoving him back into the wall.

"Leave! Now!"

"I'm not leaving until I know what's going on!" Sonic rushed forward, slamming him back into the other wall.

Shadow grunted again, pushing Sonic off him with such force he thudded through the door to a file room, caving onto the floor.

Shadow stepped over to him, looking down as he pointed his gun.

"I refuse to kill you, but I am not above sending you a message."

Sonic scoffed, a slight smirk on his face.

"Well – ditto to that, old friend."

Sonic lept up, ramming his elbow into Shadow's muzzle as the black hedgehog stumbled backwards, Sonic rushing to tackle him again as Shadow side-stepped, tripping him with his leg.

Sonic faceplanted, quickly barrel-rolling across the floor to his feet, darting into Shadow with full force.

Shadow tried stiff-arming him, but Sonic shoved Shadow into a file cabinet, a loud clang of metal as his back slammed into the racks of cabinets, Sonic holding him by his shoulders.

"Just talk to me, for Gaia's sake!"

"I'm DONE talking to you!" Shadow exclaimed, kicking him off as he slammed him into a desk that stood near the back of the room.

Sonic quickly kicked himself up, backhanding Shadow briskly across the face, before shoving him onto the desk himself.

Sonic shook his shoulders wildly, his eyes full of frenzy.

"You have to talk! You have to, or I-"

Sonic stopped, his eyes catching his jacket pocket as a faint emerald glimmer peeked from the top.

Sonic scowled, reaching his hands into the pocket, before pulling out…

Tikal's necklace.

Sonic stopped, his eyes wide and his mouth dry, as he stepped back.

Shadow clamored up, mimicking his expression as he watched Sonic inspect the necklace.

"Sonic, I-"

"Why do you have this?"

Shadow stopped, biting his lip hard as his heart rate rose.

"Sonic, it is not what it looks-"

"SHADOW. WHY DO YOU HAVE HER NECKLACE?"

"Sonic, I am telling you it is not what it looks like."

"You…you killed her. You killed Tikal."

"Sonic, I did not. I would never kill Tikal."

The sound of their voices must have been louder then they realized, as Knuckles, Tails, Amy and Sally rushed in.

"Sonic, is everything-"

Sally stopped, her eyes widening as she noticed the necklace Sonic was holding in the air.

"Is – is that…?"

Knuckles' eyes were full of fury, clenching his jaw so tight it felt like he would shatter every tooth in his mouth.

"Shadow…had her necklace?" Amy asked.

"And…the Zypothime. The vial at the scene of the crime…pointed to him too," Tails stated in a hushed voice, clearly just as much in shock.

"I am telling all of you – I did NOT kill Tikal!" Shadow exclaimed, his face covered in sweat.

Knuckles rushed forward, not a word spoken as he grabbed Shadow's arms, slamming him into the desk.

"You…you bastard. You killed my cousin, you- you fucking bastard."

"Knuckles – I did not-"

"SAVE IT. Shadow the Hedgehog, you are under arrest for the murder of Tikal the Echidna. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law…"

"Knuckles, I swear-"

"You have-" Knuckles stopped, tears pouring down his muzzle. "You have – you have a right to an attorney. IF you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you."

Knuckles slammed the cuffs onto his wrists, locking them tight.

Sonic's face was contorted with confusion, shock, rage and misery.

He clutched Tikal's necklace in his hand, feeling tears billowing at the eyes.

Amy's hand never moved from her mouth, as Sally grabbed onto her arm tight.

Shadow…their old friend.

He – how could he…?

Knuckles hoisted him up, storming over with his hand on Shadow's arm.

Shadow no longer protested, he accepted his fate with mixtures of agony and rage.

Sonic watched him…as one –

Single –

Teardrop –

Fell from Shadow's eyes.

Rolling across his muzzle…all the way to the floor.

Sonic watched as the teardrop stained the carpet, unable to move his eyes away.

Tikal.

Outside the Chemical Lounge, Saturday 9:25 PM

Everyone watched in horror as Knuckles led Shadow from the building.

Jet, Wave, Storm, and Bark watched from the shadows – having escaped the police. Their eyes were full of worry in confusion.

Rouge couldn't watch, she opted to leap across the catwalk stealthily, turning away so her tears weren't visible to anyone.

Sonic watched as Knuckles hoisted Shadow into the van. His eyes caught that of Whisper and Tangle, who looked back at Sonic in sorrow.

Sonic just stared ahead – his fists clenched with rage.

How could he? Tikal was his friend.

She never wronged him. She never wronged anyone.

Silver and Blaze landed onto the scene, darting over to Amy.

"What happened?!" Silver exclaimed, as Blaze held Amy close.

"We – we found Shadow with…Tikal's n-necklace."

Blaze looked at Silver, her face contorted with confusion as Silver's hand flew over his mouth.

"No…" was all he could mutter.

As the van drove off, Sonic couldn't will his legs to move.

He couldn't will his mind to think.

The only thing his body could do, was allow –

One –

Single –

Teardrop –

To roll across his muzzle, and fall to the ground.