Author's Note: I'm really glad you guys like how the last chapter turned out, but things are only going to become more shocking as the story goes on.
Also, to TU4QU0I53T4IAN6L3: Thanks for the ideas and suggestions! They really helped out a lot! Though they won't be making much of an appearance in this chapter, but they will in the future chapters. Still, thank you.
Now then, let's continue!
I do not own any rights to Sonic the Hedgehog or any of the related media. All rights go to Sega.
Chapter 12: A Shadow of Thoughts.
Back in Chris's Dimension-One week after the FBI showed up...
A week has passed since the FBI agents entered the home of the Thorndykes and still found no evidence of the family having had any criminal records which meant that Chris' parents and grandfather are not the prime subjects. Or so it seemed. Because deep within the lab of Chuck Thorndyke, he had just began researching on the Warp Ray device he burrowed from Alex Pell and had just sent in a small device with some sort of serum within into a newly made small portal a week ago and was now working on sending another to get it back.
"How long will it take for that silly little robot of yours to get back to our world?" Nelson asked impatiently, as he stood behind his father who had spent a full year on re-programming the device just to send in something to learn of the whereabouts of his son.
"It depends on it can find, Nelson." Chuck explained. "It's a prototype and the serum I created in changing personalities of the creatures that live within the world where Christopher has disappeared too will send back body DNA samples so I can begin research on it and learn of whether or not the species that live in that world are a threat to us or not."
"Wasn't it also equipped with a little camera to see where it went and what 'dimension' it was sent too?" The younger Thorndyke questioned skeptically.
"Yes, and it would have sent back video footage to reveal where it was. Like I said, it's a prototype, so it unfortunately it may have malfunctioned or couldn't work properly in the world as it may be different to our own." The elder Thorndyke said, typing away, hoping to get some answers. "As you recall, it works on animals like fish and birds and have mind-controlled them into attacking those who are foolish enough to call themselves peaceful creatures or even humans."
Nelson frowned deeply on that. "What if we used that sample on Christopher?"
"Unfortunately, the serum only works on animals since they have lower intelligence than us. Now, if it were for other creatures like possibly the aliens who may not have the same intelligence as us true humans like the Thorndykes and speak in a completely different language, it could also work. Though what it can do if there was a powerful energy source, it might cause, theoretically, a mutation and change it's shape into a monster." Chuck pointed out, before smirking. "Then again, it could prove useful attacking those who stand in the way and destroy all those who think they are superior to us."
While his son thought this idea was too much like in those ridiculous and unrealistic Sci-fi movies, he too began to smirk at the idea. "Then we could have our own army in both this world and in that world to show those fools what the Thorndykes are really capable of. After all, we are the only human race left behind save for a few handfuls who are worthy on helping us rule the Earth. Do you think you can use the serum to open up Christopher's mind to the real world?"
His father chuckled darkly. "To do that, I need a creature to be brought back from the other world and perform experiments on it and then use the serum to take control of it. But first, I will send in more of the serum into the other dimension as a test should the prototype fail to come back and if we can find the power source of that world, it will be ours for taking and soon the rest of the fake population will finally see that everything they know and learned are all nothing but a fake from a life that never even existed, and brought upon humanity it's true downfall. And yes, if the serum is the only way to make Christoper finally see the truth, then so be it. He is after all our heir to rule the planet, just as our ancestors have predicted in the ancient prophecy."
"What about them?" Nelson questioned, gazing to the left.
"They are also part of the experiment, my dear Nelson. After all...it is easy to send in the clones while these fools will soon see that they are just as fake as the rest." Chuck grinned evilly, also gazing at what the younger man was staring at. "Isn't that right, you foolish imposters?"
In the dark side of the room, were multiple human sized capsules filled with liquid bubbling away and inside...were all of the FBI agents who under the hypnosis were put into sleep and had become trapped to be part of Professor Thondyke's experiments and part of the plans the Thorndykes knew that there was no other choice but to begin ever since the twelve year old boy had run away from home almost two years ago, doomed to be taken over.
And in the process several more capsules were seen with one by one genetic clones looking extremely identical to the originals being created to ensure that the twisted family were never to be caught.
Back in Sonic's Dimension-Two or three hours since retrieving the Chaos Emerald...
After Sonic, his friends, Rouge and the returned but amnesic Shadow went back to the Beach House to which the young heroes invited the duo to stay for a little while, with Cream surprised to see the two while relieved that her friends were safe and sound and having gotten a Chaos Emerald, when Sonic and Chris were done in taking a shower and putting on dry fresh clothes, they and the others were now discussing on the situation over the black hedgehog's sudden return as well as the loss of his memories-and keeping the Chaos Emerald away from Rouge's hands-over dinner of freshly cooked grilled fish with fruit salad for dessert.
Shadow at first was hesitant on staying for the night with a bunch of 'strangers', three who easily recognized him while the little rabbit girl and chao must've heard the stories because even she was glad to see him despite being a little afraid, but Rouge insisted since Sonic was so far the only clue in solving his problem, so he reluctantly obliged and instead feasted on the fruit.
"So, Shadow, what do you wanna ask me first?" Sonic asked, curiously after swallowing a bite of the fish he'd eaten.
The Ultimate Lifeform paused for a moment, sharing a glance with Rouge who nodded before turning back to his 'blue double' and began. "In the vision, or perhaps, a memory I have been seeing for the past month, I saw you demanding for the Chaos Emerald I apparently stole. I told you who I was, but even now, I'm not certain if the name Shadow really is mine or not. Tell me, Sonic the Hedgehog, why did I steal it? What does Dr. Eggman have to do with it?"
"Rouge didn't tell ya?" Sonic blinked in surprise, before gazing at the aforementioned bat, who shrugged apologetically.
"I wasn't sure if he would believe me or not. I gave him a few hints, but I thought that since you were one of the first he began remembering, you might reinforce the truth before he goes off and gets the wrong idea. Or Chaos forbid ask for Eggman's help." Rouge explained.
"Good point. Knowing Egghead, he'd probably trick Shadow to his advantage. I wouldn't put it past the guy since he's the reason why Shads' here in the first place." The blue hedgehog shuddered at the thought, and his friends cringed over the same idea.
Shadow glared at him. "Don't call me Shads, and what do you mean by the doctor being the reason why I am here?"
Sonic sighed, before answering as carefully as he possibly could. "Um, how do I put this simply?" He turned to Tails and asked hopefully. "Could you help me out, li'l bro?"
"Maybe it would be best if we tell him about how this all started based on what Shadow does remember, and if he saw you, then maybe if he sees more places that he's been to, it might trigger more of his memories. But then again, there's a risk to that." Tails suggested, hesitantly.
"Why's that?" Chris asked, worriedly.
"Because Shadow only knows two places that he's been to for most of his life." Amy pointed as she knew what the problem was.
"I do?" The aforementioned black hedgehog questioned.
"Well, yeah. But first, let's start with what you remember. The reason why you stole the Chaos Emerald was because, well, Eggman found you fast asleep inside some capsule on Prison Island you've spent fifty years in, from what we know, and as part of his evil plan to try and take over Mobius, he had you to steal it from a Museum while I was invited to meet with the President before he got a phone call on what happened and some of the guards thought you were me." Sonic began.
Somehow the name of Prison Island sounded familiar as Shadow lowered his gaze thoughtfully, and the more Sonic spoke, the more the black hedgehog began to slowly see blurry images form in his mind. But what shocked him was that he had been sleeping there for fifty years. Was he really that old? He sure didn't feel like it. Why was he there, though?
"Because we look alike in the face, yes?" Shadow questioned.
The teenage blue hedgehog nodded. "Yep, and I was pretty miffed to be mistaken for the thief. It's a good thing I was there when the prez got the phone call, 'cause I'd hate to be mistaken and be arrested for something I didn't do. It's also luck that they found more evidence that I was innocent and we got a clearer picture on what you looked like."
"So the humans first judged by our faces instead of our bodies because even though we do look identical, we are also different." The ebony hedgehog scoffed. "That is just pathetic. Humans can be so blind without proof."
"Hey! There's our friend here who's a human too!" Amy scolded angrily as the other Mobians glared at him while Chris couldn't help but feel a little bit hurt.
Realizing what he said and upon seeing the innocent look on the boy's face as did look a little offended, Shadow suddenly felt embarrassed and muttered apologetically. "Sorry."
"That's okay, Shadow. Actually, I was shocked that you and Sonic look identical in the face. But then again, I could tell that you guys are different to each other because your eyes and bodies look different." The Earth-Boy shrugged with a weak smile.
"So why do we look alike?" Shadow questioned Sonic.
"I dunno. That's something I still ask myself a lot, and I'm only fifteen years old." The hero of Mobius shrugged cluelessly. "Plus I've spent my whole life wandering around exploring the world before I started fighting Eggman and then met all of my friends."
"So Rouge has told me." The older hedgehog sighed. "She has also told me that I atoned and helped you to save the world in the end. Is that correct?"
A little startled that Rouge actually mentioned that part, Sonic sighed as he gave a sad smile. "Yeah, you did. You kinda were a little nuts at first even behind Eggman's back for a reason, but then you changed and helped us out to save the planet and...I couldn't find you anywhere, since you just disappeared. Everybody thought you died, and we were all really sad about it."
He then sighed and shrugged. "It's too bad you don't remember, but I just wanna say...It's great to see you again."
"I see...Still, what was the second place that I know? Why was I locked up on Prison Island and put under the fifty year sleep?" Shadow questioned.
Sonic, Tails, Amy, Cream and Cheese and even Rouge shared uneasy glances while Chris looked worried, wondering if they should tell him or not. Deciding to give him a bit of a hint while hoping Shadow wouldn't go nuts again, Sonic answered. "A place called the Space Colony ARK. That's where you, uh...let's just say, were born."
"Space Colony ARK...?" Shadow murmured, thoughtfully. That sounded horribly familiar. Could that be...where he saw Maria die? If so, then perhaps more of his memories could return if he went there? So far Sonic's friendship with Chris gave him the memories of the girl he can hardly remember, yet somehow he felt like she was someone very special in his heart.
And her death by being shot...It still rattled him. How dare those people, whoever they are, kill an innocent child? What did she do to them? He had questioned Rouge about the mysterious GUN earlier weeks back, being told that they are a military Organization with very strict rules and some of them were uncomfortably trigger happy, especially when before Commander Tower took over to make it a more somewhat peaceful organization, they were all for shoot first, ask questions later, and shoot no matter what, whether they were criminals or innocent civilians...that included children. To make things complicated, the bat thief admitted that she was an agent, but more for being a spy yet she hunts for jewels on her free time and knew that if she took Shadow with, that would only cause problems before he would get his memories back.
But, what if the rest of his answers were there, in the ARK? Maybe if he went there, he could find out whether Sonic's story was true or not. It was worth a shot.
"...I think I have asked enough questions for the night." Shadow finally spoke after a moment of silence which quickly concerned the group as they stared at him worriedly, before he gazed at Sonic and said. "I'll be back soon to ask more. I just...need some time to think."
"If you say so. Sorry if I wasn't be able to help ya' out more, Shadow. But if you need any help, don't go knocking me off." Sonic responded, giving his rival a thumbs up and wink. "Maybe we can have a race sometime too while we're at it."
Shadow scoffed. "I may not have my memories, but I doubt you can beat me in a race, even though I'm not interested in one."
"You'll be thinkin' differently when we do race, Shads." The blue hedgehog grinned confidently.
"If we do race. And I told you to not call me Shads." The older hedgehog sighed, finding that even though he couldn't remember much from teenager, he could tell that Sonic was going to irritate him, especially with that quirky personality of his. He really was a strange one, the Ultimate Lifeform decided. Even though Sonic is a hero and caring for his friends, he was overconfident and like a mixed bag of a lot of things.
Excusing himself and declining to spend the night at the Beach House with Rouge being offered to sleep here under the condition that she would not, under any circumstances, steal the Chaos Emerald(much to her disappointment, Shadow stood up and began to walk away. But as he passed a worried Chris, he felt the strange feeling of energy again, stronger this time and...alarmingly out of balance yet still growing.
Pausing, he walked back to Sonic who blinked in confusion and, as the others gazed at him in concern, Shadow leaned over to the younger hedgehog who leaned back sligthtly in confusion. "Make sure nothing happens to your human friend. He's...something really special. Keep him safe."
"Huh?" Sonic blinked, wondering what Shadow meant by that. A thought then formed into his mind; did Chris somehow strangely remind the black hedgehog of his late friend Maria?
Without saying another word, the Ultimate Lifeform walked away with Rouge, feeling a little uneasy about what was going on in her companion's head, decided to follow by saying she changed her mind and then took off after him, leaving Sonic, Tails, Amy, Chris, Cream and Cheese behind as they all shared concerned and puzzled expressions.
"I wonder what Shadow was talking about?" Chris asked, worriedly.
"Not sure, but I am getting really worried." Tails replied.
"Do you Shadow will ever get all of his memories back?" Amy asked, sympathetically. She remembered how she somehow made Shadow recall his real promise to Maria after she tried to convince him to help in stopping the ARK from crashing into Mobius. The pink hedgehog also could have sworn she had seen tears in his eyes before he ran off to help Sonic and Knuckles to place the Master Emerald and stop that Biolizard monster.
"I'm sure he will, Ames. It'll probably take some time." Sonic attempted to reassure, even though he couldn't help but feel very unsettled with what his former enemy had meant.
"I sure hope Mr. Shadow will be okay." Cream murmured, with Cheese chirping in sadness.
'Me too, Cream.' The blue hedgehog thought in agreement, though what Shadow had said rattled him a little, making him think back of the times when Eggman had put the twelve year old boy's life in danger ever since Chris was accidentally brought here, and also exposed with the Chaos Energy. The fact that the poor kid felt dizzy earlier made him feel very uncomfortable.
"Make sure nothing happens to your human friend. He's...something really special. Keep him safe."
What did Shadow mean that by? Was it because due to Sonic himself being friends with Chris was what really triggered the black hedgehog's memories? His memories of...his friendship with Maria? Gazing at his human friend, now the blue hedgehog really felt scared. He lowered his gaze, not sure what to do right now. Maybe Knuckles was right. Chris shouldn't be here.
But that still left the problem with the kid's terrible family back on Earth. While he had been safer there, his life had been miserable, and while Eggman was the constant threat here on Mobius, Chris had been having the time of his life, yet the twelve year old boy had also been afraid of his growing energy. Sonic had to do something for the boy's safety and sake.
Maybe find a cure for the whole thing before his new power gets even worse.
Later that night, despite the concerns over Shadow's amnesia and Chris' new abilities to sense the Chaos Emerald which was surprisingly stronger than Sonic's, the group decided to make the most of the the rest of the evening by stargazing. It was a beautiful night and the six friends loved the most of it.
"The stars look so pretty tonight." Cream remarked happily, with Cheese in her arms as the little Chao cooed.
"I've never done this before. This is so much much fun." Chris added, recalling how he would always gaze at the stars from his balcony when he had the chance, but never anywhere else.
"It's even more fun with all of us here." Sonic agreed, once again lying down as he gazed up at the night sky. "You can't get a better night than this."
"You know, I heard that in a few months that there's going to be a spectacular meteor shower of the Great Light." Tails spoke up.
"The Great Light?" Amy blinked, confused as were some of the others.
"Why do they call that kind of Meteor Shower the Great Light?" Chris asked, curiously.
"They say that it's time where millions of shooting stars rain down and pass by the planet all at once only every 500 years. I heard about it two months ago. It's a once in a lifetime chance." The two-tailed fox explained.
Sonic whistled at that. "Guess we're pretty lucky to be able to see that this time around. That's just way past cool."
"That sounds like fun!" The little six year old girl beamed. "I wanna go see it!"
"Chao, chao!" Cheese squeaked excitedly.
"Me too!" Amy agreed, clasping her hands together. "We should set up a picnic at the perfect spot."
"I wanna go too. I've never even seen or heard of this sort of thing back at home. Nobody did, in fact." Chris added.
"Sounds good to me. This year's full of surprises, 'cause there's also the Black Comet that's gonna pass by Mobius too." The blue hedgehog grinned.
"The Black Comet?" The twelve year old boy blinked.
"Yeah. Nobody knows much of it's origins besides that some say that it's black and it passes by this planet once every fifty years." The hero of Mobius explained. "They say that it's gonna happen really soon."
"Whoa! I've heard quite a few comets before, but I never got the chance to actually see one even on TV and you'd think that short of thing is what my grandpa would want me to see." The young Thorndyke breathed in awe, though what he said made his Mobian friends even more surprised yet saddened by yet another forbidden revelation on his part.
Despite this, Sonic tried to lighten the mood before Chris would fall into another sad moment and said. "Not a lot of people would see comets. You're pretty lucky to see one and the Great Light this year, pal. Like us."
Though even as the Earth-Boy nodded, the blue hedgehog still couldn't help but worry for his safety even though he had proven himself a lot. Maybe it was because of Sonic himself that Chris had finally found the motivation to help others he had been denied of doing even by putting himself at risk. The fifteen year old had done his best to help him and protect him, to make him happy and as free as possible while living a fun and normal life.
He looked up at the sky again as the stars twinkled, not only thinking about how to keep Chris safe and happy, he also thought about Shadow's memory loss problem and the black hedgehog's only hope so far was the cobalt teenager. While Sonic had put his own origins behind by coming to a sad but realistic conclusion that his own parents had died horribly when he was very young and small, having vague memories of them, especially their smiling faces softly speaking out his name and he was pretty sure that they were both blue just like he is, he couldn't help but wonder right now what kind of life did he have.
'Nah, there's no point in thinking about, Sonic. What's past is past. There's nothing to be done now.' Sonic scolded himself as he mentally shook away those thoughts. Even though he almost drowned today and he owed his friends a whole lot for saving his life, he wished he could do more in keeping them safe.
Still...why did Chris get exposed to Chaos Energy? It was impossible for humans to do so.
After another hour of stargazing, the group headed back inside and went to bed since they would be up and early to head home tomorrow morning, and they didn't want to leave the Chaos Emerald unattended in case Rouge sneaked back inside to steal it, and the Mobians were a little concerned if Shadow got his hands on it just to get more answers from his past.
Yet as the three boys slept in their shared room, not only Chris began to moan and groan in his sleep with both the Chaos Emerald and his Chaos Energy slightly glowing, Sonic, who had been sleeping soundly, was moaning in his sleep as well as unbeknownst to both of them, they were having two separate and very mysterious dreams.
Inside Chris' Dream...
Finding himself in the strangest place, Chris glanced around to see where he was. The only clue he had, much to his confusion and fears, was that he was in some kind of spiritual place with a splash of sparkles and colour like a rainbow paint, and he felt like he was floating.
"W-where am I? Am I in space or something? How can I breathe?" The twelve year old boy wondered, not sure how he ended up in this unusual area.
He tried calling out to anybody to answer his calls, "Hello? Can anybody hear me? Hello? Sonic? Mrs. Vanilla? Cream? Tails? Cheese? Amy? Anybody?"
At first, nobody answered. But then, he heard an echo of a voice. Or maybe echoes of voices, he couldn't tell.
"Child of the Distant World. Protected by the Savior of Mobius." The voice spoke, startling him.
"Huh? Who's there?" Chris yelped, looking around for the source of the voice, but couldn't see anyone.
"Healer of Chaos. Beware of the hearts of dark ones. The beckoning is coming." The voice continued.
"What? What are you talking about?" The twelve year old boy asked, gulping nervously as he was becoming more and more scared. "Who are you?"
"Do not be afraid. You must choose your place, in either this world...or the world of your dark origins." The voice spoke once again.
Before Chris could say anything or even ask again who the voice was, suddenly he finds himself in a room that was like a dark version of his old bedroom on Earth, horrified at where he ended up. As he wondered how and why he ended up here, he heard familiar voice speak his name.
"Christopher Thorndyke...!"
'Oh...Oh no...It can't be...!' The twelve year old boy thought to himself in horror, spinning around and his eyes widened in horror as he gasped, because standing in the doorway were his father Nelson, his mother Lindsey and his grandfather Chuck. But there was something different about them somehow.
Almost like they were...wearing some kind of uniforms that looked like modern-medieval knights or something. Was this some kind of new movie theatre or sets and he was supposed to dress up as a prince or something?
"M-Mom? Dad? Grandpa? W-what are you-?"
"Silence!" Nelson snapped, startling Chris who flinched back in fright. "We have told you time and time again, boy. You are to say Mother, father and grandfather. You are to stay far away from people, and know your true place."
"What are you talking about?" Chris asked nervously, taking a few steps back.
"You are saying it wrong again, child. Speak normally; it is 'What do you mean?' because there is no such thing as moving forward." Lindsey spoke coldly.
"Christopher, you are the only chosen one to correct the Earth's mistakes." Professor Thorndyke spoke this time, narrowing his eyes while grinning evilly. "Come back home, grandson...and give me your alien captor, the mutant blue hedgehog."
That made the young Thorndyke gasp in horror. What did they mean? What was his grandfather talking about? Correct Earth's mistakes? And...and how did they know about Sonic? Then a horrified realization dawned; Chuck wanted to do horrible experiments on the hero of Mobius, his first friend!
"No! I'm not going back, and I'm not going to hand over Sonic! He's not an alien and he didn't capture me! He's not a mutant! He's my friend!" Chris protested, shaking his head.
"Christopher...how many times do we have to tell you!? There is no. Such. Thing. As. FRIENDS!" Nelson roared furiously. "You are the Earth's true-"
Before his father could continue, everything suddenly went black...
Gasping softly while jolting awake, Chris panting while feeling uncomfortably warm and feeling sweat on his face, his heart racing inside his chest. He looked around disoriented at first, before remembering where he was and sighed in relief, still shaken from the scary nightmare he just endured. "It was just a nightmare...A really bad nightmare."
Still, even though he had similar nightmares on and off since accidentally arriving here in Mobius, the world where he felt safe despite the constant threats of Dr. Eggman. Chris couldn't help but think about what the weird voice in the first part of the dream meant, plus what the dream versions of his cruel family meant. Correct Earth's mistakes? What did that mean?
More than anything, if he went back to Earth, his family may end up finding him unless he ended up in another country where no one can find him and he could always put up a fake ID, but who would he turn to? Then if they did find him, they would demand where he was and...he would be forced to tell the truth and, oh Lord, Chuck could try and make Pell to use the machine to find his way here and...and capture Sonic and bring back for horrible experiements, for further study and then possibly cause the Government to come here, maybe believe that the Mobians are evil aliens and take over the planet, drive away Sonic's people and have humans dominate Mobius.
But if he stayed here, then Eggman would find him and use his new Chaos Healing Ability which would put Mobius and Earth both in danger. Either way, the twelve year old boy lowered his gaze in guilt.
Because either way, Sonic was in grave danger.
As Chris thought about the nightmare and the realization, he was unaware that the glow on his hand dimmed before it faded. As he gazed at the sleeping forms of both his blue hedgehog best friend and his two-tailed fox best friend Tails who were both sound asleep, he couldn't help but gaze at them worriedly.
With a soft sigh and unaware that Sonic was having a strange dream himself, not even realizing that the Chaos Emerald had stopped glowing, the twelve year old boy silently got up and put on his shoes before heading outside, deciding that a little fresh air might do the trick to get him to calm down.
Inside Sonic's Dream...
He wasn't sure why, but one minute Sonic had been sleeping comfortably in his own bed, and the next thing he knew, he found himself in an unusual place of a misty forest, the ground covered in fog almost like it wasn't there and it was dark and empty.
"What's going on? What is this place?" Sonic asked aloud. This was getting more and more weird.
Taking cautious steps to figure out where he was, he then noticed something up ahead, making him stop in confusion. Curious yet on edge, the blue hedgehog sped up to see and also on guard just in case it was something he had to watch out for. As he bot closer, the fifteen year old saw that it looked like some sort of figure glowing in white, almost like an angel. The blue hedgehog stopped and saw that it did look like an angel.
"Sonic the Hedgehog, Chosen one of the Chaos Emeralds, Savior of Mobius/Earth, protector of the Child of the Distant World." The figure spoke in a female voice.
"Huh? Who are you? How did you know my name?" Sonic asked carefully. More importantly, other the fact that he was aware that he could use the Chaos Emeralds and was the hero of Mobius, why did she call him protector of a...Child of the Distant World? He then softly gasped as the thoughts of Chris filled his mind. Was she...talking about his new friend?
"Dear child of Mobius, the two worlds are in grave danger. You must protect the child of the distant world. Protect him from the hearts of the dark ones. The beckoning is coming. He must choose his place..." The mysterious angel continued.
"What do you mean? Are you talking about Chris? What's he got to do with this? I know I have to protect him from Dr. Eggman. But who else could be wanting my new friend?" The blue hedgehog asked, confused.
"He must choose his place. Either in your world, or the world of his dark origins he does not yet know." The mysterious figure explained.
Sonic just raised an eye ridge while folding his arms. "That doesn't help much."
Before he could question any further, a bright light shone all around him which forced the teenage hedgehog to shield his eyes and found himself beginning to pass out. But not before hearing another voice.
"Please, young hedgehog. I beg you. Protect my dear Christopher from our evil family. Protect him...benevolent Sonic."
Sonic softly gasped as he jolted upright, panting a little blinking a little before groaning as he realized what just happened. "Ugh, another weird dream. This is getting so weird."
A little bit uneasy over the unusual dream, the blue hedgehog rubbed his eyes before thinking over what he'd seen. First the dreams with the ruined city and some people talking about being true humanity, now dreams of a mysterious woman who knew about Chris? Not to mention some...beckoning that is approaching.
'What was that person talking about? How did she know about Chris? Is something...about to happen?' Sonic thought to himself while surprised that his outburst hadn't woken up his friends sleeping to his left with a frown, before flopping onto his back with his head on his pillow and stared up at the ceiling, both hands tucked behind his quills. 'The beckoning is coming? What beckoning? And what does Chris have to do with this? What does he have to choose? Dark origins? Is there really something about the rest of the Thorndykes he doesn't know about?'
He had a really bad feeling about this, and if Chris was unaware of it, then maybe his family were more than just cruel people. Then a thought came to him.
'Could they be...plotting something more evil than what Eggman's doing? Or are they just like him but in a different way?' Sonic thought uneasily to himself.
One thing he knew for certain, was that whatever was about to happen, everybody was in danger. Especially Chris. Sonic knew he had to protect his new friend and protect both Mobius and Earth somehow.
Thinking deeply about it, the blue hedgehog gazed to his human friend on the opposite side of Tails, only to blink in confusion and concern to find that the boy wasn't even in bed. Sitting up as he whispered, "Huh? Chris? Where'd he go?"
Quickly worried about his friend's whereabouts and thinking that maybe he went to get a drink, Sonic slid out of bed to put his shoes on and, gazing at the sleeping Tails who moaned softly and twitched a little, before the young cub began to move his closed eyelids and his face began to look scared, the blue hedgehog suddenly knew that the little fox was having a nightmare.
Being the big brother that he is, Sonic approached his little brother and gently stroked him on the head to give him comfort and love to let him know that he was here, like he always did whenever Tails had bad dreams. Like magic, the eight year old slowly relaxed, and whispered in his sleep. "Thanks...Sonic."
"It's okay, Tails. I'm always there for ya'." Sonic whispered, realizing that Tails had been dreaming to be in trouble, and the blue hedgehog's presence made him appear to save his best friend/little brother, and decided to speak both in reality and in the young inventor's dreams. The fifteen year old Mobian then gently kissed the fox cub on the head and tucked him in a bit more. "Sleep tight, little bro. I love you."
As Tails smiled in his sleep and unknowingly responded his brotherly feelings in return, once he was certain that he wouldn't be having anymore bad dreams and making sure that the Chaos Emerald was safely secured, Sonic tip-toed out of the room to find the missing human boy.
He went into the living room towards the kitchen when he noticed something out over the balcony, and as he approached it, the blue hedgehog saw that Chris was out on the beach sitting on the ground. Confused and concerned while wondering if his human friend also had a bad dream, the cobalt speedster headed outside and approached him, sitting next to him.
"Can't sleep?" Sonic softly spoke, slightly startling Chris who, having had his arms wrapped around his knees, and thinking miserably over the dream he had, hadn't even heard the blue hedgehog approach until the teenager had spoken.
"Uh...Yeah, sort of." The twelve year old boy replied, lowering his gaze a little.
"What were you thinking about?" The teenage Mobian asked curiously.
"A lot of things. Actually, I just had a bad dream, and it makes me worried." Chris confessed. "I had a nightmare...about my grandpa wanting to take you away, and...probably to experiment on you."
"I guess I get why it would scare ya'. To be honest with you, and no offense, but your grandpa does kinda scare me too, and I haven't even met the guy." Sonic frowned in concern, understanding what the problem was. In fact, this only reinforced his own thoughts of his own mysterious dream, but he decided not to talk about it, for his friend's sake.
"I'm glad you didn't. He's a great scientist but he's much like my parents, especially my dad. Worst part of the nightmare I had was that they wanted me to come home and...they were wearing these weird uniforms, like it was a mixture of modern medieval kind of stuff. They were saying weird stuff that didn't make sense and..." The Earth-Boy trailed off and shuddered.
"Hey, don't worry. I'm sure it was all just a bad dream. Plus, there's no way your horrible family would ever find you here, especially in Mobius." The teenage Mobian softly reassured.
Chris wanted to believe that Sonic was right, but there was just something about the nightmare that made him so scared for the blue hedgehog's safety. "I guess so...but what if they do figure it all out? For some reason, I don't think they would just think that I was vaporized or anything like that with the teleporting machine that Grandpa talked about. Plus, they mentioned something about me being Earth's true...whatever it is and that I'm the only one to correct it's mistake."
Now Sonic was surprised that his friend would have such a dream that began to strangely sound like his own, only similar and different at the same time. "That's weird."
He began to now sense that maybe his dream was some kind of warning. The beckoning...and the way how the Thorndykes back on Earth had been so cruel and that Chris was the chosen one to correct it's mistakes. Sonic suddenly realized, much to his horror, that they both had mysterious dreams that were somehow connected. Was is a warning sign of what's yet to come?
"Sonic...have you ever had any strange dreams that predict the future or anything like that?" Chris asked, hesitantly which brought Sonic out of his thoughts and at first confused over the question, he then realized what his friend was talking about.
"Hmm...not really. At least, not from what I could tell. Though I kinda did have one a few weeks back, but I'm not sure what it's all about and it was repeating itself in a slightly different way on and off. First time I had it, I was in some ruined city, and then there was this space ship that landed. Then these astronauts came out and talked about weird stuff, though I think was kinda based on what you told me about your parents, but in a creepy sort of way. Then in the same dream a giant sea monster, not like the overgrown clam we fought earlier today, came up and was about to eat me. That's when I woke up." The teenage hedgehog admitted.
"That sounds scary and a whole lot of what my parents would talk about randomly. I just wish I knew what they were talking about. But they don't tell me anything and just keep telling me to obey them, no matter what." Chris shuddered a little.
Sonic tried to suppress the urge to shudder himself, as he remembered what the mysterious voice told him in his own dream just a short time ago.
"He must choose his place. Either in your world, or the world of his dark origins he does not yet know." The mysterious figure explained.
'How does that figure know about us? Who was that? And...could Chris' family really be hiding a dark secret he doesn't even know about?' The hero of Mobius thought in great concern. He then knew that one way or another, he had to keep his friends safe, and make sure that they wouldn't get hurt or put into serious danger as much as possible.
And...what did the voice mean by needing to choose?
Lost in their thoughts over their creepy dreams, both Sonic and Chris then noticed something in the sky as a couple of light streaks flew by before disappearing.
"Hey!" Sonic softly remarked brightly in amazement.
"Whoa! Shooting stars!" The twelve year old boy whispered in awe.
"I haven't seen them like this in ages!" The blue hedgehog remarked, once again thinking about when he told Tails and Amy about his wish all those years ago. "So, you gonna make a wish?"
"Huh? Oh, um...I'm not so sure." The young Thorndyke muttered, a little sheepishly. "I mean, I did kinda make a wish on a Wishing Star when I was little. I know it's silly kids stuff but I...I kinda made a wish that I'd have real friends and a family who love me for what I wanna do."
"Really?" Sonic asked, genuinely surprised. He then smiled softly as he realized they had one thing in common, and gazed back up to the sky. "Funny, 'cause I made a similar wish on a shooting star when I was little. I told Tails and Amy this a few years ago on our first time together here on vacation. I wished to have friends and a family like them, and maybe a bit more. Even though I grew older, meeting them made me realize that my wish finally came true. Now I even have Cream and Cheese and Vanilla, and even Knuckles."
He then shrugged. "Then again, maybe it was just pure luck or a chance of meeting. But I don't wanna spoil anybody's fun."
"If I hadn't come here, would I have ever had the same thing as you did back on Earth?" Chris asked softly, feeling uncertain and sad once more. Maybe even a little jealous.
Sonic glanced at his friend, becoming more concerned when his human friend didn't explain what he meant and just turned away to the left as he gazed to the ground, curling up a little.
"Chris? You okay?" The hero of Mobius stood up, worriedly.
"I'm sorry, Sonic. I didn't mean to sound like a spoiled kid, or even selfish, or even be a burden to you when things have gotten more crazy. What scares me the most is that even though I kinda miss Earth, if I ever do go back and try to avoid family, where would I go? I've got no...no experience in surviving the way you and everybody else do. Florida was pretty much the only place I could think of in going to for a long time. To the tell the truth, I wasn't even allowed to even leave America. So unlike my Mom who traveled the whole world for her movie shoots, I never even got to see places like France or Italy, or Australia, or even Africa." The twelve year old boy sighed.
"Another thing is that even though those places are real, another crazy theory my parents told me was that America is the only country in the whole world that actually do have humans, while the rest of it are just filled with nothing but animals who survive on their own." He continued after a moment of pause. "Now that I think of it, it's better that you, Tails, Cream, Amy, Cheese, and even Knuckles weren't teleported there, Sonic. It was probably a safer place for me even with my horrible family, but it's not a safe place for any of you. Not even when you can talk and do all sorts of cool things. Even then...Maybe I wasn't meant to have friends, 'cause rich people don't usually do, and I guess I was stupid to think that I could be like anybody else."
Now understanding the boy's concerns and while the blue hedgehog felt guilty for putting the kid's life at risk, especially given what both Knuckles and even Shadow told him, plus the worry of the kid's exposure to the Chaos Energy which was putting his life in further risk, Sonic knew that it was a greater risk for Chris to go back home now unless something was done to cure him from the Chaos Energy. Still, the way how the young Thorndyke spoke, and despite being a rich kid, all he wanted was to have friends and after spending his whole life without any even at school, coming here was an accident but at the same time it made the kid's dream finally come true.
So as Sonic approached him to the right, his heart broke when he saw lingering tears forming in the boy's eyes. He knew then he had to everything in his power to keep him safe and happy and let him decide while figuring out how to save him from the potential increase of his new abilities.
"Hey, it's gonna be alright." Sonic whispered in a soothing tone, gently wiping away his friend's tears which got the latter's attention. "It's my fault. If I had been more careful, Eggman's machine wouldn't have messed up and I probably woulda found another way to get the Chaos Emeralds back, save Cream and Cheese and you wouldn't have been brought here or been exposed with the Chaos Energy. I mean, it's great meeting you and I'm happy that we became friends, I'm sorry that you had to go through that for so long, and I'm sorry for putting you in danger when I promised myself that I'd protect you and everybody else."
"It wasn't you fault. Eggman's the one who always causes trouble. Then again, maybe it's because of what happened to his grandfather and his cousin that the whole world decided that everybody in the family were bad without even realizing the mistake they made, or something like that. At least, that's what I think." Chris shook his head, and again he was surprised just how gentle and kind the blue hedgehog was.
"Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised. I never figured why Eggman was the way he was, but since the whole ARK thing, it made me think that the people back in fifty years ago hadn't gotten it into people's heads and maybe even that guy was rejected. Then again, you can't change the past, you can only move onward towards the future. Then again, not everybody here had a great life in the beginning either. No matter how hard I try, even I know I can't save everybody, as much as I want to. Just gotta do the best we can to make up the lives we have." Sonic responded.
The two were silent for a moment, before the cobalt teenage Mobian declared with determination and support. "That's why I'm gonna do whatever it takes to help you, Chris, and whatever you decide to do, I'll be there to support ya'. As a friend. Plus, I owe you for helping me out, and saving me from drowning. So, thank you."
Chris, feeling his chest rise over the supporting and comforting words which matched the blue hedgehog's expression and deep into his emerald green eyes, smiled a little emotionally and nodded. "You already saved me, Sonic. I just wanted to help, even though I'm just a kid."
"Hey, I'm a fifteen year old teenager. I'm only three years older than you." Sonic teasingly pointed out. "Eggman's the one who's an old rotten egg that stinks so much."
That prompted both of them to burst out laughing over the joke.
After the laughter ceased, Sonic then looked up at the sky and said. "You know, Chris. I think sometimes wishes do come true, but not in the way people would think."
"Huh?"
"When you make a certain wish, they don't just come true by simply waiting for them to just poof into existence like in fairy tales or Genie's granting them with magic, and while it make a long time, I guess if you don't think about it and try your hardest, they can come true, and sometimes all it takes is a chance of meeting, and getting to know a person you know you can trust. Everybody's different, but that's the fun part of life. 'Cause if everybody were the same, the world would've been a boring place." The blue hedgehog explained.
Realizing that Sonic was right, Chris nodded with a smile as he knew then that like with Sonic who had Tails and Amy from the beginning, the young Thorndyke's wish had finally come true as well. After years of wanting a life of an adventure, making true real friends who cared about him for who he is, supporting him with his own choices in life and despite having the worries of the Chaos Energy which he was still admittedly scared of and hoped it wouldn't go into his head, at long last, he finally had what he truly wanted deep within his heart.
Having friends, seeing different places, and...just being a normal kid with a simple school life, while having a life of adventures.
'Maybe that story with the kid and the monster was right. I guess there is some truth and fact in stories of fiction.' The twelve year old boy thought to himself, as he and Sonic shared an one-arm hug that formed a bond that like with Sonic and Tails, was becoming unbreakable despite on what the future would bring.
Unbeknownst to the two friends, hiding within the trees not too far away were Shadow and Rouge who both resided on a tree branch with the latter sitting and the former standing, leaning against the tree and having heard the conversation despite that Sonic and Chris spoke quietly to each other, they could also tell that the two boys were becoming increasingly close to one another.
"A human child coming from another world, and exposed of this Chaos Energy? Just as I thought. He is a special case, but not in the way I had imagined." Shadow whispered to make sure that Sonic and Chris couldn't hear him.
"That explains why he was with little Cream and her mom. They're looking after him while he's here, and Sonic and his friends are doing everything they can to help him out." Rouge whispered in agreement, feeling a little bit sorry for the Earth-Boy. "Poor kid. Not only he was dragged here no thanks to Eggman, but he had a really tough life despite being rich. I heard of complicated families before, but his takes the cake of being totally screwed up. At least Sonic managed to make sure he's out of Eggman's clutches."
"And from the looks of it, that boy seems to be more happier to be around him." The black hedgehog nodded, watching the younger hedgehog and the human child. Seeing them like this against one another and gazing at the night sky suddenly made his eyes widen as another vision flashed into his mind, though not as painful as when he first began seeing them for the first time.
Shadow saw himself in a hallway of sorts, different than the one he'd seen himself running down with the girl, Maria, close behind him. This one was a bit more open, not a corridor but perhaps another room. Everything seemed peaceful here, because there was a large window which viewed the night sky, but also...the planet Mobius itself. It was somewhat fuzzy, but it looked beautiful.
And there on the floor sat the young blonde haired girl in her light blue dress, her beautiful young and innocent eyes, gazing out with a hint of sadness and longing.
"Maria?" He heard himself ask, sounding curious, confused and concerned, which got the girl's attention as she turned to face him. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh, hi, Shadow. No, it's nothing. I'm just, gazing at the planet like I normally do." Maria replied, smiling softly before turning her gaze back to the world outside the Space Colony ARK. "It's so beautiful, isn't it?"
Shadow turned his gaze to the planet itself, and while he hadn't thought of it as he hadn't been created for that long, he could only nod in agreement. "Yes, it is. The professor told me that life really begins there. Doesn't it?"
"It does. That's where almost everybody were born and grow up in. The world is full of beautiful flowers and trees, the air is so fresh and the wind is gentle on nice sunny days. The waters are crystal clear in rivers and the sea. Everything I wish I could experience." Maria nodded, before sighing in sadness. "Sadly, I can't go there right now. Hopefully at least not yet."
"Why's that?" He asked, worriedly.
"Because of my NIDS diease. I can't go there, because the air and the pollation could kill me. I can't sniff the flowers or go near even other people and animals, so I have to stay here to stay alive." The young girl explained. "Grandfather has been doing his best to make me feel better and one day find a cure so I can go to Mobius and live like a normal girl."
"Maria..." Shadow muttered sympathetically as he approached his friend, placing a hand onto her shoulder. "I will do whatever it takes to make your wish come true. I'm not sure how or why, but I want you to be happy. I may still be new, but...one day, we will see the planet together. That I promise."
That made Maria smile emotionally as she beamed at him, gently hugging him which surprised the black hedgehog at first, before he awkwardly returned it, the sense of feeling of warmth flowing into his very being.
"Thank you, Shadow. You're so sweet." She whispered, and he could have sworn he felt his cheeks flare up as they turned slightly pink. It was then he vowed to ensure that his friend's wish would finally come true and she would get to see the planet with her very own eyes, experience life itself without the worries of the NIDS.
Except that day never came...
'Maria...She never got that experience, did she?' Shadow thought to himself, and while he wasn't sure which memory was in the right order, there was something about this particular vision that was a fond memory, yet at the same time, his chest ached.
Because those soldiers had taken away her life far too soon. She never got the chance to experience the planet, and according to Sonic and his friends, at some point the black hedgehog went mad and joined Eggman in his conquest which nearly destroyed the world. But why? Doubt began to fill up his chest as he knew that what he saw still wasn't enough.
Yet why did his memories occur by simply seeing Sonic and Chris? Was it because their friendship was much like his own with Maria? The blue hedgehog was certainly very adventurous and cocky like a child even though he is only fifteen years old, but he was also very brave and loyal. That loyalty went against any other beyond imagination.
As for the young Thorndyke, who while was a healthy boy only having the problem of being exposed to Chaos Energy and transported from one planet to another, who had suffered life of confinement against his will under his family's cruelty and superstitions that not even the child knew of, his personality was that of being so kind and lonely and his first ever friend was Sonic himself, who vowed to do his best to keep him safe and happy.
'That memory...is it really true? Which one makes more sense? It's not enough. I need to know more. But where can I find my answers?' The black hedgehog thought deeply and while he felt that he was slowly starting to remember, he needed to figure out where else. It wasn't until a more recent memory came into mind that made his eyes widen in realization.
"A place called the Space Colony ARK. That's where you, uh...let's just say, were born." Sonic answered.
'The ARK...Could the rest of my answers be there?' Shadow felt that part of him didn't want to know, as the gruesome image of Maria's death filled his mind that made him squeeze his eyes shut and gritted his teeth to try and block it, but it was clear as day. Yet at the same time, it was also where everything began.
And from what he could so far understand, Sonic and his friends had been up there as well, which make sense on how they know of that place. He then realized, whether he liked it or not, he had to go there. His mind was now made up.
"I have to go." Shadow softly announced.
"Huh?" Rouge blinked, confused on what her companion meant. "Go where?"
"To find the rest of my answers." He explained. "And I want to take Sonic wth me."
Before the bat thief could ask what he meant or stop him, the black hedgehog leaped off from the tree branch into the forest as he announced. "He will take me to where it all began. To the ARK. Soon."
"Hey, wait up, Shadow." Rouge softly called out, before gazing back to where Sonic and Chris were as the two then began to head back to the Beach House to get some much needed sleep. She narrowed her eyes a little as she realized that the blue hedgehog was going to be kept busy for a while, not only helping the human kid from another dimension, which she felt she needed to know a bit more yet at the same time felt it wouldn't be right to call them out for what happened and decided to keep this as a secret, but also to help out with Shadow's problem.
'Guess we'll be heading back up to that place. Never thought I'd go back there.' She thought to herself, before leaping off the branch to follow her companion and friend, hoping that things won't be as difficult as she began to dread.
However, those hopes were going to be dashed.
Meanwhile, Eggman, in his humiliating and painful defeat, plus the fear and confusion of Shadow managing to escape no thanks to Rouge as he knew without a doubt that she made her way into his destroyed base and found his grandfather's creation, and the strange phenomenon of how and why the Chaos Emerald was inside the giant sea monster.
As he did, he had been recovering yet got straight to work in figuring it out, staying up so late in his research that he literally fell asleep at his desk and monitor, snoring away loudly, his head on his arms and not even moving from where he was.
Right up until Decoe and Bocoe, who had been so exhausted for staying up due to waiting for their creator to get to bed himself, nervously approached him as the taller yellow robot gently tapped him on the shoulder.
"Dr. Eggman? Wake up, doctor." The timid robot said softly, yet the evil scientist was deeply fast asleep which made him and the shorter grey robot groan in dismay. "He's out like a light."
"After a total defeat from Sonic and his friends, plus a giant sea monster and that Shadow came back with no memories of what happened to him, the doctor has been hard at work and yet he can sleep while we can't without getting into trouble." Bocoe shrugged in exasperation. "We need to wake him up so he can get some much needed rest like the rest of us."
Just then, a child's laughter was heard and the two robots turned to see Bokkun approach with, to their horror, a small trumpet in his robotic hands.
"I know just the thing that will wake Dr. Eggman up. No sweat." Bokkun said cheekily. "This helps all the time."
"No, Bokkun!" Decoe softly cried out, waving his hands fearfully.
"That's a terrible idea! He'll dismantle us for sure!" Bocoe exclaimed, panicking, before he and his 'brother' jumped to catch their irritating fellow creation.
But the messenger bot flew up easily avoiding them which made the two robots about to crash, which surprisingly didn't even make Eggman jump at the loud noise, and the evil doctor sleepily groaned. "You will keep it down? Five more minutes...Zzzzzz...zzzzzz...zzzzzz..."
Unfortunately for the mad doctor, Bokkun had other ideas and ignored Decoe and Bocoe's cries to stop. He then blew hard into the small instrument after taking a deep breath.
HOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNK!
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Eggman screamed awake in fright as he literally jumped out of his chair about a few feet into the air before crashing onto the ground...and on top of his two idiotic robots who screamed and tried to move out of the way but were unable to, before sitting up in panic in a mid-half-sleep like trance, dreaming a nightmare. "NO! Get away from me! Too many of Sonics!"
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Bokkun couldn't help but laugh at the doctor's dream-like state, which quickly and finally brought Eggman back to his senses. "Sorry, Doctor Eggman. But we had to find a way to get you to bed."
Growling furiously as he realized what had happened, Eggman stood up while unknowingly shoved both Decoe and Bocoe's heads onto the floor and ignoring their cries of pain, and shouted. "You little rust! You almost gave me a heart attack! I'm not as young as I used to be!"
"You're the one who fell asleep at your desk, doctor. You've been working for hours and it's already 2:30 AM." The little robot pointed out, frowning. "It isn't healthy for ya'."
"I was busy at work! It's not my fault my mind was full onto what happened today!" Eggman argued, before realizing what he said and what Bokkun had said, yawning shortly after. "Or yesterday by now..."
"You should get to bed, doctor. You're still recovering from the incident at the beach." Decoe suggested as he stood up, both hands on his head.
"You could have future problems with your health besides Sonic beating you up." Bocoe added. "Or in yesterday's case, Amy's hammer."
"QUIET!" Eggman snapped, frightening his robots who yelped as they flinched in fear. "Do you bolt-heads realize how important this is!? Not only that little blue pincushion has a Chaos Emerald, but now Shadow's on his side and Rouge has obviously found him! The other problem is that my grandfather's Ultimate Lifeform has amnesia!"
"What about that giant sea monster? Where did it come from?" Bokkun asked, curiously as he landed on the floor.
The evil scientist groaned, as he facepalmed himself. "That's something even I don't know. But that's not the problem now since it's out of the way. It's clear that Shadow has taken a hard hit given he has been artifically created and I can only guess that given what he has been through fifty years ago, plus nearly destroying the world when my grandfather has rearranged his memories to bring about his revenge, and turning super by the Chaos Emeralds have taken a heavy toll on him that his mind was unable to handle it."
"So it's a like a forceful amnesia then?" Decoe asked, warily.
"In a way. Unlike Sonic, Shadow's mind is unstable, and with unstable Chaos Energy, it can cause numerous problems, and I have a theory that the transportation has clearly messed with that young boy's memories as well which has also rendered him with amnesia. He's a quick learner though, so part of his unknown past has caught up, much like with Shadow." Eggman explained, before thinking more deeply. "It still leaves with that problem, though."
"What does that kid have got to do anything?" Bocoe asked, dumbfounded.
"For one, he's Sonic's new friend. They're both in the same relationship as Sonic is with that two-tailed fox brat friend of his, but for that boy and Shadow to be rendered with amnesia by the Chaos Emeralds is too big of a coincidence. Unless that boy has gone through an event no one even knows about, there's more to the kid then meets the eye."
"Are you saying that how that kid got to your base isn't a coincidence?" Bokkun asked, surprised.
Eggman returned to his desk in response while continuing. "Only Mobians are capable of harnessing the Chaos Emeralds, even though it's a rare occurance. Sonic is obviously one of the few chosen to enable their powers because of his strong mind and heart, and high readings of Chaos Energy. He was born with it given his speed. With Shadow, he was created from genetic material through science and collected energy which, in theory, is what has made him grow a mind and consciousness. Humans on the other hand do not have any of it, so it would be impossible for a boy like Sonic's new friend to even be so, and the effects of the Emerald's powers suddenly capturing him even with my machine is very slim."
It wasn't until another theory came into mind and he grinned wickedly. "Unless there's another source that may have been put into effect. If I am correct, then perhaps there's more to it and I know one place that may provide clues as well as gain more data on Shadow."
It didn't long for the three robots to figure out what he meant. Their eyes widened in shock as they gaped in disbelief.
"It's back to the ARK we go. Oh ho ho ho ho ho ho! Oh ho ho ho ho...oh...*Yaaaaaaawwwwnnn* But first...I think it's time for my beauty sleep...Zzzzzz..." Eggman had laughed before yawned and unceremoniously nearly fell. Luckily Decoe and Bocoe quickly caught him and began to drag him out of his chair by placing his arms around their shoulders.
"I think it's by time you get much needed sleep, doctor." Decoe suggested gently.
"You've been hard at work lately. You should sleep in tomorrow." Bocoe added as he and his companion carried their creator as best as they could, while Bokkun yawned before following.
Because once Eggman had his much needed sleep, he was about to conduct his latest evil plan that could put Sonic and his friends into much bigger risk. Especially on the ARK.
A/N: Looks like the mysteries are just going to continue and now Shadow wants to go to the ARK with Sonic to learn more about his past, while the blue hero and his friends still try to help Chris feel better. But things are only going to get worse!
Not only is Eggman about to make his move again, but also the rest of the Thorndykes' true colours are slowly being revealed and are already making their move as well. What will come next? What are the meanings of Sonic and Chris' dreams? Only Space and Time will tell.
See you later!