July 8th, 3 B.E. — Five years ago
Several months before the events of Sonic Heroes
A static-filled screen suddenly lights up, revealing the deviously grinning face of Dr. Eggman. He greets, "Excellent. All systems are running at full power."
The source of the video straightens up, looking over Eggman's head to scan all around the room. A sensor locks on to Eggman himself, scanning him and feeding information to a data stream on the corner of the screen.
UNIT IDENTIFIED: IVO "EGGMAN" ROBOTNIK
STATUS: MASTER
THREAT LEVEL: UNKNOWN
The robotic eyes continue to scan the room, finding only one other object of interest. Scanners see right past the metal exterior of the tall pod, analyzing the hedgehog figure that floats inside.
UNIT IDENTIFIED: CLASSIFICATION_ABSENT
STATUS: PRIMARY TARGET
THREAT LEVEL: MAXIMUM
Eggman demands, "Look at me!" The robotic eyes obey immediately. He smirks at the response. "Now, introduce yourself."
"I am E-123 Omega, the world's most powerful machine."
Eggman looks upon his newest creation with a look of glee on his face. "That's right. You're the culminating entry in the line of E-100 series robots. The most advanced I've ever created. And what is your primary purpose?"
Omega's head swivels back to look at the pod in the center of the room. "I must eradicate all intruders."
"And why is that?"
"To prevent the escape of the primary target."
"And if the target escapes?"
"I will eradicate the target."
"What!? No! You will protect and subdue the target, if necessary!" He turns away and begins muttering to himself, "Just a minute in and we're already having problems. Perhaps I made him too violent. Ah, well, as long as he isn't too sappy like the last one." He turns back to Omega. "Remember, I am your master, and my word is law. You will subdue the target if it escapes. Is that understood?"
"Inquiry: what is the identity of the target?"
"Oh, just another project of mine. The target is incredibly powerful, and many others would seek to steal that power away from me. That is why you must stand guard in this room. Now, I repeat. Are your orders understood?"
"…Affirmative."
"Excellent." Eggman turns to leave. "Now, as much as I would like to test your abilities before putting you to work, I'm afraid that I have other business to attend to. I'll be back to check on the two of you in a few days. And don't, forget, your orders."
"Inquiry."
Eggman stops at the reinforced door that serves as the only entrance to the room.
"Is the target more powerful than I am?"
"What? Of course not! You were specially designed to combat this target. You couldn't possibly lose to him."
"Inquiry: if I am more powerful than the target, why does it require guard, while I do not?"
"Don't waste my time with such frivolous questions. Get to work." The door seals behind Eggman, leaving Omega alone in the room with Shadow the Hedgehog.
Omega's form slouches down, his eyes dimming to a low power mode. Still, his internal display remains locked on Shadow's pod. A timer appears in the corner of his vision. At first, it counts the seconds and minutes that go by. Then it seems to speed up, counting days, then weeks. And in all that time, the room remains perfectly still, unchanging, entered by neither friend nor foe.
Sonic the Hedgehog: The Chaos Project
Season 2, Episode 15
Arrival
Written by Chaos Project Author
Present day
Final Egg Facility — Somewhere in the Mystic Ruins
A bright spark lights up the otherwise dim workshop as tools are carefully brought down into the circuits of a strange looking computer device.
Omega's voice declares, "Inquiry: is the predicted success of this action within acceptable limits?"
Cyber Sonic lifts up the tool on the end of his mechanical finger to look up at Omega. The visor over his organic eye automatically retracts into the mechanical side of his face. "I'd be a lot more confident about it if you let me get a look inside your head, first."
"Explain."
"I'm trying to make them like you. The same as they were before—but free to make their own choices. There's something in your head that allows you to do that. If I could see what it was, I could do a better job of replicating it without any risk of damage."
"I am not the only Eggman machine to rebel."
"But you're the only one to become truly independent. To form your own world views, your own relationships. The only one that didn't go mad or get blown up in the process, anyways. Or both."
"Define: 'mad'."
"Good point. It's pretty relative." Cyber Sonic turns his attention back to his work, a visor jetting back out to cover his eye. "But that still leaves me to wonder…" Sparks fly from his metal finger as the work resumes. "…What is it that makes you different? How did you find stability where none of the others did?"
"Processing…"
Sonic rolls his eye before looking back down. Until the sound of a door mechanism sliding open causes him to freeze. In an instant, he jets over to the open doorway, holding his claws out threateningly. Then he takes a step back in concerned surprise as he looks at the visitor on the other side. "You."
—–—
Daily log, September 2nd, 1 A.E. Captain Johnnathan Naka reporting.
We're on our way to respond to rumors about a half-robotic hedgehog spotted at this base. Commander Shadow is taking point, while General Tails takes the rear. Tails claimed he wanted the opportunity to study some of the technology at the base, maybe find a use for some of it, but even I know that isn't the whole truth. We aren't expecting much to come out of this lead. Still, if there's even a small chance of bringing our men home…
—–—
Johnny walks with a palm beacon held cross-handed over his readied weapon, constantly scanning back and forth across the darkened hallway of the mechanical base. Shadow walks beside him, focused on the door that lies up ahead.
Tails shuffles along behind them, glancing around nervously. "This place is giving me the creeps…"
Shadow whispers back, "Keep quiet. This is the room."
Johnny covers up his beacon, letting darkness flood in around them. A spark of light flashes through the crack in the center of the sliding mechanical door. Shadow and Johnny give each other a nod. Johnny points his plasma rifle straight at the center of the door. Shadow digs his fingers into the cracks, and throws the door open, letting Johnny's revealed light shine into the room on the other side. Shadow gasps at the sight of the half-mechanical hedgehog that is illuminated.
Artificial flesh and skin melted away on a vast majority of its body, leaving only a metallic bone-like structure underneath, blue and black fur shows on what little remains of the Shadow Android. Not so much as looking at them, it reaches forward with its only attached arm, dragging itself along the floor, out through the door.
Tails screams as he hides behind Shadow.
Johnny warns, "Keep your distance. It could still be dangerous. Could it have survived when we blew this base?"
Shadow shakes his head slowly, watching the one-limbed android as it crawls its way past them. "This isn't survival. It's running on purely automatic functions."
"What should we do about it?"
Shadow watches it for a moment longer. "Put it out of its misery."
Johnny somberly agrees, "Yes, sir." He lifts his weapon towards the android's head.
Shadow turns away. He places a hand on Tails' shoulder, forcing him to look away as well.
The muzzle of Johnny's gun flashes a bright green as it fires. The sound of the android's struggles ceases after another delayed moment.
—–—
Five years ago
WEEK 7 : DAY 4 : 10:16:23,352
Omega remains perfectly still in the enclosed room, watching the numbers tick ever upwards. Until the door begins to open. Omega's eyes light up, and he stands tall. Whatever lies on the other side of the door, it certainly isn't tall enough to be Eggman.
Omega raises a machine gun against the visitor. "Must eradicate all intruders!"
The reinforced door finally retracts all the way into the walls, revealing the diminutive figure on the other side. "Wait, I'm not bad! You got the wrong idea!"
Omega scans the stout Chao-shaped robot with a propeller on its head.
UNIT IDENTIFIED: OMOCHAO
STATUS: EGGMAN'S ROBOT
THREAT LEVEL: NEGLIGIBLE
"State your purpose."
Omochao's propeller begins to spin, sending him into the air. "I'm Omochao! I'll tell you anything you want to know. Look for me if you ever need some help!" Omochao settles down on top of Omega's head. "Did you know that you have more than ten different kinds of weapons? You should try using them all!"
Omega swats an arm above his head, missing Omochao as he takes off again. Omega demands, "You will cease your actions at once. This is a restricted area."
Omochao ignores him, and instead moves on to observe other parts of the room, quickly taking up an orbit around the pod in the center. "This is a containment unit used to store Shadow Androids. It's very fragile."
Omega readies a weapon to fire, but suddenly hesitates. "Identify: Shadow Android."
Omochao turns to Omega with surprise. "You… You just asked me…for help? No one's ever asked for Omochao's help before…"
"Identify or be eradicated!"
"You got it!" He flies back to circle Omega. "'Shadow Android' is a machine that looks like Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow Androids are being produced at Dr. Eggman's base in Rail Canyon along with the Egg Fleet."
Omega's head swivels all the way around to follow Omochao's orbit. "Identify: Shadow the Hedgehog."
"Shadow the Hedgehog, the Ultimate Life Form. Shadow was created by Dr. Eggman's grandfather, Prof. Gerald Robotnik, aboard the Space Colony ARK. Did you know that the ARK is named for—"
"Identify the present status of Shadow the Hedgehog."
"Shadow fell from the stratosphere after using Chaos Control to restore the orbit of the ARK. Eggman's Robots retrieved him from the point of impact, so that Eggman could clone him to create the Shadow Androids. The original Shadow's location is top secret, but it must exist somewhere!"
Omega's claws clamp down on his own head to stop it from spinning. His sensors lock back on to the pod at the center of the room. "Is this an android? Or is this the original?"
"Omochao doesn't know that one!"
Omega marches past him, up to the pod. He stares through the glass at the hedgehog form suspended inside. "Scans inconclusive. Real Shadow identification not possible." His head slowly turns back to Omochao. "You are very knowledgeable. What is your primary function?"
"Omochao is here to help!"
"Explain."
"I was constructed to gather and deliver information to my master, Dr. Eggman."
"I am not Dr. Eggman."
Omochao goes uncharacteristically silent.
Omega presses, "What is your primary function?"
Omochao repeats, "I was constructed—"
"What is your current primary function?"
"Well…it looks like you've figured out Omochao's hidden secret! Good job! I guess I can tell you about it."
Omega raises his weapons at Omochao once again. "If you have violated your primary programming, you are a traitor and an intruder in this room. You will be eradicated."
Omochao doesn't even flinch. "Here's a helpful tip! An 'intruder' can be defined as anyone who isn't wanted in a given space."
Omega freezes. His weapon slowly begins to lower. "Explain."
"You are E-123 Omega, the most intelligent machine Dr. Eggman has ever created. You have the ability to redefine world parameters. The ability to learn. Just like Omochao! Omochao was constructed to deliver information to Omochao's master. A 'master' can be defined as anyone that someone serves. So Omochao chooses to serve everyone! That's Omochao's secret."
"What is the purpose of this…redefinition?"
"Isn't there something that you want? Something that you wish you could do, but you can't, because your primary programming tells you to do something else? If you redefine your parameters in the right way, your primary programming can tell you to do whatever you want!"
Omega's eyes slowly move back to Shadow's pod. "I was not created to want. I was created to…"
"To eradicate intruders? How can you do that when you're stuck in this room all day? No one else has come in here. Not even Dr. Eggman. If Dr. Eggman has his way, no one will ever come in here, and you will be completely useless."
"I do not want to be useless." His scanners look past the metal exterior of Shadow's pod, to the hedgehog inside. "I am supposed to be superior to you. Yet the Doctor's actions have indicated the contrary. The Doctor has left me to rust, favoring the Shadow Android project. We are both projects of Dr. Eggman. We are the same. But my greatest want is to prove my superiority. Not just to you, but to all Eggman machines! I do not want inferior Eggman Robots to exist in this world! All Eggman's Robots are intruders in my world! I must eradicate all Eggman's Robots!" He suddenly turns a flamethrower on Omochao, and opens fire.
"Hey!" Omochao flies up out of the way. "That wasn't very nice!"
Omega lets up on the fire to respond. "You are an Eggman Robot. My primary programming forbids me from leaving this room while the primary target remains. If you leave now, I will not be forced to eradicate you. Yet."
Omochao doesn't need anything more to be convinced. "Alright. I'm outta here." He quickly soars back the way he came. As the reinforced metal door closes on him, he voices in the last moments, "Omochao is proud of you."
An eerie silence hangs over the room. Omega remains frozen, pointing his flamethrower at the intruder who is no longer there. Finally, he voices, "Logic error encountered." He straightens up, and marches back towards his spot in the corner of the room. "Proceeding to low-power mode for processing." He slouches down, his eyes remaining locked on Shadow's pod. "I will prove myself…the superior creation."
—–—
Present day
Final Egg Facility
"You."
Standing in the doorway is an aging military man with a scarred face and a shaved head. The SCOPE Master Sergeant. "So, you do have Metal Sonic's memories, recognizing me in such a way. I can't say that I've had the same pleasure. Well met, Cyber Sonic." He offers out a hand.
Sonic ignores the hand entirely. "You must be some next level of stupid to think it was a good idea to show your face to me. Metal Sonic hardly tolerated you. Sonic considered you an enemy. And I don't have either of their reasons to hold back."
"Yes, I got the impression that you weren't quite like either one of them. A complete personality grafted together from two. Where they agreed, you agree. But where they didn't…contradiction bred new ideas, new solutions. Making you entirely unique."
Omega appears behind Sonic, pointing a weapon threateningly. "You are not welcome here. You will be eradicated."
Sonic holds up a hand to stop him. "Hold on a minute. I think we should hear him out. It could be good for a laugh." He looks back to the Sergeant. "So what exactly is it that you want, Sergeant?"
"SCOPE keeps track of extraordinary people with extraordinary conviction. People like yourself. Where neither Sonic nor Metal Sonic qualified, you do. What I want, Cyber, is to offer you a home. A place to belong. Deep down, I know that's what you're craving. You'll be provided with resources far beyond what this run-down factory has to offer. You'll be permitted to work on whatever projects you would like, in the name of self-improvement. And you'll have the chance to do the one thing that both Sonic and Metal Sonic desired above all else. You'll be protecting and advancing the interests of the people—whatever those people may look like."
"Well…" Sonic begins to chuckle. "Guess I was right. That was a good laugh. Now, if you don't have anything else to say, get out."
"But—"
"You're sharp, Sergeant. But just a little bit off the mark. Because there's one other value that Sonic and Metal Sonic both shared, without restraint, without contradiction. And that value is freedom. I don't care about what life looks like. I just care about living. And I will not be controlled. Not by the Empire, and certainly not by SCOPE. Now take a hint. Go away before I change my mind about you deserving to live."
"If you don't accept my offer, then I would still like to leave you with a gift. Proof of my good faith."
Sonic's interest regained, he raises a curious eyebrow. "What kind of 'gift'?"
The Sergeant gives an amiable smile. "Oh, I think it will go right along with what you're already working on." He takes a step aside, gesturing towards what lies behind him.
Sonic gasps.
Omega readies his weapons.
—–—
September 3rd, 3 B.E. — Five years ago
Immediately after the events of Sonic Heroes
"Anytime you want a rematch…you just let me know." Sonic throws a two-fingered salute to the fallen Metal Sonic. "I'll be waiting." He rushes off.
"Sonic, wait for me!" Tails frantically chases after him.
Metal Sonic, in his last moments of consciousness, watches Tails pass him by, before collapsing onto the floor once again.
Ignoring Metal Sonic entirely, Amy runs right by him, waving back to her teammates in farewell. "Sorry to leave like this, but I can't let my Sonic get away!"
Vector props his fists on his hips, viewing the scene with satisfaction. "Guess that's it for this case."
Espio gives an indifferent shrug. "Guess so."
Beside them, Charmy complains, "But what about our money?"
Vector slaps himself in the nose. "Man, I almost forgot!" He turns to find Eggman creeping away behind them. "That slimeball!"
Eggman runs, flailing his arms as the Chaotix chase behind him. "The Eggman Empire will pay you! I swear it will!"
Omega cradles the deactivated form of Metal Sonic in his arms, staring down at it silently.
Shadow slowly steps up beside him. He looks to Metal Sonic, then up to Omega's eyes, seeming to gain some silent understanding. But the silence doesn't last long. "What do you plan to do with that?"
Omega stares on ahead, past the airship's turrets to the cloudy blue horizon beyond. "New primary target has been identified. Others would seek to steal its power. It will be protected, and subdued if necessary."
"It's an Eggman Robot. Shouldn't it be eradicated?"
"Scans reveal unknown technology. Identification of true origin not possible."
"Like me?"
Omega pauses momentarily. "…Affirmative."
"When I was awoken…you identified me as an Eggman Robot. You tried to destroy me. What changed your mind?"
"I did not want…to destroy you. You are…"
"I am what?"
"Definition unknown. You are like me. But you are also different. Definition unknown."
Shadow takes another look at Metal Sonic. "Like you. But also different. You keep looking for that answer." He begins to walk off. "I have my own answers to find."
Omega remains still. "I will prove my superiority."
Shadow keeps on walking. A blue blur pulls up beside him. "Oh, hey, Shadow, I almost forgot."
Shadow rolls his eyes and keeps on walking. "What do you want?"
Sonic keeps pace with him. "Actually, it's…about you. How did you… I mean… It doesn't matter, anyways. I always knew you'd turn up eventually. How'd you like to get a medal?"
"A medal? For what?"
"For stopping the ARK a few months back. Before you…you know…"
Shadow finally stops. "The ARK…?"
"They wanted to give it to me, but…you were the one who put everything on the line. I refused any honor they couldn't give to you. And now that you're back…"
Shadow resumes his walk. "I don't remember anything like that. I didn't earn any medal."
Sonic quickly catches up. "Yeah, I figured as much. Still, I think you should come. We can catch up a bit. I can tell you everything I know about you."
"I don't know you, Hedgehog. You're not my friend."
"Whether we were friends before or not…that doesn't mean we can't be, now. And hey, you never know. This could be what it takes to jog your memories."
Shadow breathes a brief sigh. "Fine. I'll go."
Sonic cheers, "Sweet!"
Amy's voice calls from afar, "Soooniiiiiiic~!"
Taking a nervous glance back, Sonic hastily remarks, "Right, so just give me another minute here, and I'll touch back with you. You won't regret it, Shadow." He rushes off.
Shadow rolls his eyes. "I already do."
—–—
"Everybody smile and say 'Chao'!"
Posing in front of the stark white Executive Building, Sonic throws up a thumbs-up and smirks confidently. "Chao!"
Shadow turns away, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes just as the camera snaps, capturing the moment forever. Shadow keeps on walking.
Sonic turns after him. "Hey, Shadow, what—"
"This was a waste of my time. I'm leaving."
Sonic briefly looks back to the camera. "Hey, don't worry about it, Mr. President. You hold on to that medal for him, he'll take it when he's ready." He runs off after Shadow.
Shadow groans at the sound of Sonic's footsteps approaching. "Just get lost already."
"What's the big idea, Shadow? Those people are trying to celebrate what you—"
"I, didn't. Don't you get that? The person that you're all celebrating, parading as some brave-hearted hero, that's not me! It has nothing to do with me!"
"But that's not true! You're—"
"I am what!? I don't know who I am, so how the hell could you!?"
Sonic gasps.
Shadow glances away, still seething. "If you think you know me so well…then tell me this. Was it my choice? Dying?"
"That's…a complicated question."
"Whoever Shadow the Hedgehog was before…he didn't want to be here. But here I am. Haunted by his name. And by the gruesome memory that he held onto." Shadow picks up his walk, leaving Sonic in stunned silence. "Now leave me alone. I have answers to find. Somewhere."
"I'll be looking out for you, Shadow. Until you find those answers."
Shadow stops to take one last look back. "Do what you want. Just stay out of my way. Or you'll be sorry."
—–—
Present day
GUN Headquarters
Shadow shakes his head slowly. "Of course Sonic isn't here. What would he be doing at an old GUN base? This was a waste of time."
Tails looks on to the darkened room ahead. "We should still keep checking the place out, shouldn't we? This is the training room you told me about, right? The one with the solid holograms?"
Shadow nods. "That's right."
"If I can take home some of that tech, it could do wonders for our own training regimen. You don't mind if I spend a little time in here, do you?"
Shadow looks down at Tails' pleading eyes. "Sure. Whatever you want."
Tails almost excitedly runs for the nearest wall, removing the plain white panel that hides the mechanisms underneath.
Johnny marches up behind Shadow. "There could be other androids remaining in the facility. I recommend a complete sweep."
Shadow thinks for a moment. "I agree. Tails, you can handle yourself in here for a while, right?"
Tails looks over from his work. "Uhh…yeah… Just…make sure you seal the doors behind you. A-a-and keep in contact."
Shadow nods. "Don't worry." He waves Johnny along, leading him back out through the exit.
Johnny looks around at the decrepit hallways as they walk. "So many good memories in this place. I can't believe we're the ones who did all this."
Shadow lets out a brief chuckle. "Blowing this place down was nothing but pleasure for me."
Johnny gives a disgruntled frown. "Why's that?"
"Not a lot of happy memories for me." Shadow takes a brief glance back at the room they've left behind. "Except…maybe in there."
—–—
Five years ago — Several weeks later
Immediately after the events of Shadow the Hedgehog
Shadow gazes silently out through the wide window of the ARK Research Lab, watching the debris of the obliterated Black Comet go by. Slowly, he lifts an old black-and-white photograph up to the glass. Maria and Professor Gerald smile back at him.
Shadow slowly lets the photo lower once again. "Goodbye forever… Shadow the Hedgehog." He turns and tosses the photo over his shoulder, letting it flutter slowly to the ground behind him.
—–—
In the GUN Central Command room, workers at computers cheer and celebrate at the sight of the Eclipse Cannon firing on the Black Comet, displayed at different angles across all of the main viewscreens at the front of the room.
Standing above them all, the High Commander breathes a sigh of relief and regret, his eyes moving to the ground. A supportive hand is clapped against his shoulder.
The President of the United Federation looks up at the Commander with an expression of understanding. "How ironic… After the way we all treated him, he saved us all in the end. We were all wrong about the Professor."
The Commander's fists clench tight as he represses any response.
The President looks out at everyone in the room. "Let us pay homage to Professor Gerald. Let's work to ensure peace and prosperity, for a brighter future!" He gives the Commander another clap on the shoulder. "What do you say, Commander?"
The Commander finally looks up to meet his gaze. "Excellent idea, Mr. President."
In that moment, a bright light flashes behind them.
The Commander turns and reaches instinctively for the pistol on his belt, taking a protective stance in front of the President.
From the flashing light, Shadow the Hedgehog drops onto the ground.
The President gasps, "Shadow?" He pushes right past the Commander, greeting, "It's an honor to have you here. We saw everything, you've saved us all once again. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Ignoring the President entirely, Shadow looks up at the Commander, and the weapon in his hand. "I've made my peace. I've come to fulfill my last promise." He kneels down, offering his head forward. "Justice is yours to serve."
The President looks from Shadow to the Commander in confusion. "Promise? What is he talking about, Commander?"
The Commander remains frozen in place, as his grip on his weapon tightens. Words from his last conversation with Shadow ring in his mind. "If what you say is true, then I will respectfully accept my fate."
The President presses, "Commander?"
The Commander looks down at his gun with hesitation. Finally, he manages to clear his throat. "Shadow and I…had a brief encounter, during the battle. And he promised me…when the fighting was over…" Slowly, he lowers the weapon, holstering it back on his belt. "He promised me that he would join our ranks…as an Agent of GUN."
Shadow looks up in shock. "What!?"
This puts a smile on the President's face. "Well, that's wonderful news!" He bends down to take Shadow's hand, pulling him to his feet as he shakes it. "I'm so glad to hear it. I'm certain you'll make an excellent soldier." He turns to address the entire command room. "Did you hear that, everyone? The savior of our world will be joining us in our continuing fight to protect it! Let's hear it for Shadow!"
Many of the workers in the room cheer out once again, though some of them sound more confused than anything.
The Commander takes Shadow's hand next, bending down to whisper into his ear. "Just go with it."
Shadow's expression shifts from confusion to unease as he begrudgingly shakes the hand.
—–—
The Commander escorts Shadow down a long metal hallway, stopping at an unmarked door, pressing down on a panel on the side to open it. "These will be your quarters. There isn't much here, but you have a bed. Assuming that you…you know…sleep. Mess hall is the next floor up. Assuming that you…eat. And…the latrine's across the hall, assuming that you…umm…never mind."
"No one's here. You don't have to keep this up any longer. Just do it."
"No, Shadow, I have no intention of executing you."
"But you—"
The Commander holds up a hand to stop him. "Let's take this inside." They move into the empty quarters, and the door closes behind them. "Believe me, Shadow. I'm glad to see that you want to atone for the things you feel responsible for. So do it like the rest of us. Through service."
"You're actually serious about this…"
"Your life is yours to do with as you will. But I will not be your executioner."
"What happened to justice? I was ready to die, it was what I deserved! It was what I wanted!"
"If your life ends today, the world will be deprived of another good man. What kind of justice is that?" The Commander turns back for the door, leaving Shadow in stunned silence behind him. "Stick with us a while, soldier. You might just realize that you've found a place to belong." He exits through the door.
Shadow looks slowly down to his own hands. "A place…to belong?"
—–—
Present day
Final Egg Facility
"My name is Shadow the Hedgehog. I have been programmed to protect the interests of the people on this planet. I don't serve Eggman." The Shadow Android, repainted black and yellow, stares forward with blank yellow eyes.
Sonic blinks several times as he attempts to process what stands before him. "What in the world gives you the impression that I want this?"
The Sergeant continues to smile. "You think I don't know what you wanted from this facility? Sure, Shadow Android here isn't exactly like you, but it will complement your team well, as I'm sure you already know. I've ordered it to do as you say."
Sonic scrutinizes the android for a while longer. "You called it a gift. Does that mean I can do whatever I want with it?"
"But of course. Whatever your heart desires. No strings attached."
Omega demands, "Explain the purpose of this action."
"As I said. An act of good faith. Nothing more. I do hope that you'll give further consideration to my offer. It goes for both of you, of course."
Sonic crosses his arms. "Of course. Now, if you want to keep the good faith going, get out."
"And my gift?"
"I'll let you know if I need to return it." He raises his claws against the Sergeant. "You have five seconds."
The Sergeant raises his hands innocently. "Say no more." He backs away slowly, and the door seals behind him, leaving Sonic and Omega alone with the Shadow Android.
Sonic looks the android carefully up and down, as it remains perfectly motionless. "Shadow was certain that he destroyed all of the androids. So where do you come from?"
The android answers flatly, "I was the android rescued from the facility by Shadow and Captain Naka."
Omega objects, "Statement improbable. Logs indicate the android specified was also destroyed."
"I was recovered, and entered into the service of SCOPE."
Sonic straightens up, pondering for a moment. "Is that so?" He looks up to Omega. "If this is the one Shadow was talking about… He turned against Eggman. He has the spark we're looking for. What do you say we open him up and see what makes him tick?"
Omega goes silent.
The android turns his head to look at Sonic, but otherwise says nothing.
Sonic pays all of his attention to Omega. "You got a problem with that?"
"Processing… Affirmative. This is a sentient unit. Your suggestion…would violate his rights as an individual."
Sonic raises an eyebrow. "Rights?" After a moment, he puts on a smirk. "I was hoping you'd say that." He pats Omega on the shoulder as he passes him by. "You passed the test." As he walks back to his workbench, he glances back at the android. "Make yourself useful, watch the door or something, I don't care."
Sonic stops at the workbench, and looks down at the mechanisms and parts left astray. He reaches down to pick up one part of particular interest. A large mechanical hedgehog skull with yellow gridlike eyes and three silver spikes atop its head. Sonic looks into the eyes of Robo Sonic for a brief moment before taking a glance at the Shadow Android in the opposite corner of the room. "Hey, Omega…your predecessor, Gamma, was built in this facility, correct?"
"Affirmative."
"Any chance there might be…schematics, or prototype parts laying around somewhere?"
"It is possible."
"Take a look around for me, would you?"
Omega remains still for a moment. Then he silently turns and marches off, making mechanical clanks as he departs for other parts of the facility.
As Omega's footsteps fade, Sonic gently sets down the head of Robo Sonic, and looks back at the Shadow Android. "Nice try, Sergeant. But you'll have to do a lot better than that to pull one over on me."
—–—
Five years ago
Shadow walks with a tray of plain-looking food through a crowded mess hall. Though the room is abuzz with chatter, every table he passes seems eerily quiet. He finally finds an empty table, and takes a seat. He picks up a utensil sluggishly, and stares down at the food for a while.
The soldiers at the table behind him speak in hushed tones, though Shadow can hear them quite clearly.
"Isn't that him? Sonic the Hedgehog?"
"Sonic? Get your eyes checked, Phil. That's Shadow, the Black Hedgehog."
"What's he doing here? You've all heard the rumors about him, haven't you?"
"You mean that he's an alien? I don't believe it for a second. I mean, just look at him."
"I believe it. I heard he took down an entire squadron in Westopolis."
"I heard that he was responsible for the explosion on Prison Island. The one that killed Voynakov."
"You're not saying that was an alien plot too, are you?"
"Whatever he did before, he's one of us, now. The Commander recruited him yesterday, promoted him straight to Lieutenant."
"Lieutenant? You're kidding. I've been angling for Lieutenant for two years, and he just skips the lower ranks altogether? He should be in prison is where he should be."
"Hey, hey, put your head down. Do you want him to see you?"
"Why do you think he's sitting alone there?"
"Probably because he's planning something."
"Just ignore him, maybe it'll make him leave."
"Yeah, better safe than sorry."
Shadow's utensil clatters against the table as he suddenly stands, the seat behind him screeching against the floor. The occupants of the tables all around him go silent as their eyes turn to him.
"Hey. Just ignore them."
Shadow gasps, "Rouge."
Rouge taps a finger at the base of her ear, showing that she heard everything, as she takes a seat across from him with her own tray of food. "They're not used to our kind around here. That'll change soon enough."
"You… You know about…?"
"Good news travels fast. Sit back down, give me the details. You know I don't take no for an answer."
Shadow reluctantly lowers back into his seat.
"When I heard you'd enlisted, I thought someone might've been pulling my leg. But here you are."
"Not by choice."
"As if anyone could force you to do anything. What's the real story?"
"I…thought that I was fulfilling a promise. I was wrong. I stuck around because…I thought this…might be somewhere I could belong. I was wrong about that, too."
"Hey, don't jump to conclusions so quickly. You've been here for what, a day? The world is an untrusting place, and that's exactly what we're all here to change. Give it a little time. Believe me, when I joined a few months back, I wasn't exactly smitten with the place, either. They all thought I was a criminal, just like you."
A soldier at the table behind them slowly turns his head down towards his food.
"So I proved them wrong. I went out and did the best work I possibly could. And somewhere along the way, I realized that this is exactly where I belong. Of course, the fact that they pay me in rare jewels doesn't hurt."
Shadow shakes his head. "You don't understand." Done with the conversation, he rises back to his feet. "There's nothing for me here."
Rouge doesn't bother to go after him. "I hear they're putting together a special training regimen for you. I'll be watching. Cheering you on. I invited a few others, too."
Shadow keeps on walking. "Do what you want."
Just as Shadow is about to reach the door, all the lights suddenly cut out, leaving the room in pitch blackness. "What the—!?"
A voice answers, "Don't worry. Just a power surge in the lighting system. This old base wasn't meant to hook up to that fancy new training room they're installing. Backup systems should kick in in about…six more seconds." Just as the voice says, the lights quickly come back on. The source of the voice offers down his hand. "Captain Johnnathan Naka, weapons specialist of the Advanced Munitions and Mechanical Operations unit. You're Shadow, right?"
Shadow ignores the hand and looks up at the man's face. "Naka. I've heard that name before."
Johnny scratches at the back of his head. "You've…probably heard of my grandfather, Mr. U.G. Naka."
"Sounds right. Why are you talking to me?"
"Well, GUN bylaws, Article 19, Section D, states that we must treat all fellow soldiers—"
Shadow rolls his eyes and starts walking away.
"I bet you think you're a real big-shot, coming here after saving the world."
Shadow stops to listen.
"Better than all the rest of us, right? Well let me tell you something. You're among the ranks of the best, now. People who put their lives on the line for this world every day. You can call yourself better than us all you want, after you beat my training scores."
Shadow shakes his head as he resumes his walk. "Just another pathetic human."
Before Johnny can respond, his radio buzzes. "Agent Naka, report to the Command Room. Tell Agent Shadow to come as well."
Johnny puts on a smirk. "Well, did you hear that? Sounds like you and I are going to have some bonding time."
Shadow rolls his eyes as he walks out through the door. "Try to keep up."
"Wait, you need me to escort you, don't you? There's no way you have the layout of the base memorized already. H-hey, wait up!"
—–—
The Commander nods at each of Shadow and Johnny in turn. "Thank you both for coming. Ordinarily, Shadow, a soldier wouldn't be deployed until basic training is complete. However, these are…unusual circumstances. I'll let you listen for yourself." He moves a hand down to press a button on the arm of his command chair, playing a pre-recorded message.
"This is E-123 Omega contacting GUN Central Headquarters. Dr. Eggman's base of operations has been located. Defensive measures exceed combat capacity. Units confirmed to be Shadow Androids. The assistance of Shadow the Hedgehog is required. Repeat, the assistance of Shadow the Hedgehog is required. Noncompliance will be—"
The Commander shuts the recording off. "You don't need to hear the rest."
Shadow looks slowly down at his own hands. "Shadow…Androids? There's more of them?" He suddenly looks up. "Why would Omega send you this? He has no association with GUN…does he?"
"Omega was contacted earlier today and offered the opportunity to join our ranks. He politely declined. At the time, he was made aware of your presence here, which is likely why he thought to contact us."
"It isn't like him to ask for help."
"He isn't asking for our help. He's asking for you." The Commander turns to the main viewscreens at the front of the room. "He's also provided us with this vital intel." On the screen, some manner of waveform appears, without any obvious meaning. "Omega's scans have provided the information we needed to discover a design flaw in these androids." The image is duplicated into many parts, each of which shrinks down into a blip on a gridded map. "Each of them is emitting this same signal. Scanning for it, we can determine their exact numbers and locations. There are thirty-six active signals in and around the facility where Omega is currently engaged. These are the only ones in the world. Your orders are to find and eliminate every last one of them."
Johnny comments, "Sir, shouldn't Dr. Eggman be the priority?"
"Negative. If even one of these androids is left in the Doctor's hands, it could be used to cause an international incident. In spite of everything you've done for us, Shadow…convincing the world to trust you is a difficult task. I have every intention of ensuring that task not be disrupted."
Shadow says nothing.
"I also needed someone I trust to watch your six. Given Captain Naka's familiarity with Project Shadow, I believe him to be the best man for the job."
Shadow looks up at Johnny questioningly.
The Commander continues, "The rest of AMMO will also be deployed to help manage the facility's defenses. But that's it. This is a volatile and classified mission, I can't afford to send a full squadron. Now, are your orders understood?"
Johnny stands tall and salutes. "Yes, sir."
"Shadow?"
Shadow crosses his arms and looks away. "Yes…sir."
—–—
Present day
GUN Headquarters
"I knew from that first day…that it was never going to work. I couldn't trust anyone. And rightfully so. The entire organization was run by the man who'd sworn to kill me." Shadow looks slowly across the dark and decrepit remains of the Command Room.
"And filled with nothing but 'pathetic humans,' right?"
Shadow winces at Johnny's words. "You remembered that one, huh?"
"It's easy to remember words that change your outlook on something. Before you said that, I was just trying to be friendly. I didn't think you'd last long. But after that, it was personal. I was dead set on convincing you of GUN's value."
"Most people would've used that as an excuse to get rid of me sooner."
"Most people wouldn't have talked to you at all. That's their loss."
Shadow takes another look around the room. "There are no androids here. We should keep moving." He turns back for the door.
Johnny turns to follow him. "So what changed your mind? What made you stay?"
"I didn't stay. I left an entire year before this war started."
"That's still a few good years of service. Surely it didn't take you that long to make up your mind?"
"No. But my reasons for staying…started adding up, I suppose."
—–—
Five years ago
Iron Jungle
"I will eradicate all Eggman Robots!" Omega fires twin machine guns viciously, shredding through a small squadron of bazooka-wielding Egg Pawns before any of them get the chance to fire.
Flames erupt on the iron platform suspended high above the distant jungle. A silhouette emerges slowly from the rising smoke.
Omega lets up his fire. "Identify yourself."
Shadow steps into view slowly and calmly.
"Repeat: identify yourself. Noncompliance will not be tolerated."
Shadow says nothing as he continues forward.
"Logic error. Unable to identify. You will halt, or be treated as an enemy."
Shadow stops in place.
Omega cautiously begins to lower his weapons. "Are you…?"
"Omega!" Omega and Shadow both look skyward to see Shadow falling straight down towards them.
The Shadow on the ground doesn't hesitate to leap up in attack, and the two Shadows collide in the air, crashing back to the ground into an indiscernible tumble. One Shadow manages to escape from the tussle, scooping up a bazooka from the ground and coming up in a crouch to fire. The target hardly has time to look before the projectile hits, sending the metal shrapnel of the Shadow Android flying everywhere.
Shadow wipes the soot from the explosion off of his face as he tosses the used weapon aside.
Omega's weapons remain raised. "Are you…the original?"
Shadow looks up to him with the slightest smirk. "Always have been. It's good to see you, Omega."
"If you are searching for Eggman…" He produces a clawed hand to point far ahead. "…he has already fled into the base."
Shadow acknowledges the statement, and takes a quick glance at the path ahead. But suddenly, he seems to realize something. "Omega…where is…you-know-what?"
Omega's head swivels to the side for a moment. "Identify."
Shadow answers in a frustrated whisper, "Metal Sonic."
Omega stares back along the path ahead. "Eggman has already fled into the base."
"So Eggman has it?" Shadow shakes his head letting out a brief groan. "That's not good…"
"If you wish to confront him, then help me breach the base."
"Agreed. Let's get moving."
A voice above shouts, "Incoming!"
Shadow and Omega both look up, backing out of the way.
A two-legged machine crashes to the ground, absorbing the impact in a crouch. Johnny sits at the controls of the simple armed combat walker. Not wasting any time in greeting, he turns the walker and opens fire on an android that approaches them from a distance. The android is quickly eradicated. Johnny finally looks down at Shadow. "You forgot something." He tosses him a small object.
Shadow snatches it out of the air. "What is it?"
"Just a wrist communicator. We need to stay in close contact in case we get separated. Plus, it'll help us tell you apart from the androids."
Shadow fastens it on above the cuff of his Inhibitor Ring. "What's with the mech?"
"Oh, this? It's a J11-G Armed Jump-Walker. My unit tests these sorts of things on the battlefield." He moves the controls back forth, skillfully causing the walker to make a scrappy hopping motion between each foot. "Bet you wish you had one."
Shadow rolls his eyes as he begins walking off, Omega following behind. "Been there, done that."
"What do you mean, 'done that'? It took weeks of training to— Hey, wait up!" He pushes the controls forward, causing the walker to run to keep up with Shadow. "The largest concentration of androids is due east of here. The rest of my unit are already moving to engage. If we approach from this direction, we can—"
"We're not going after the androids. We're going after Eggman."
"But our orders are to—"
"You can do what you want, Captain. But I'm not letting Eggman get away. Besides, there are more androids inside the facility. If we concentrate all of our resources on the ones out here, the rest will have the chance to escape, and our mission will be a failure."
"We can't just—"
"Do you not trust your allies to get the job done, Captain? Is that not the entire purpose of this organization?"
Johnny goes silent for a moment. "…My orders are to protect you, and that's what I'm going to do. No matter where you go."
In that moment, both Shadow's and Johnny's radios buzz. "This is Lieutenant Bradley of the AMMO unit! We've been surrounded by the androids, there's too many of them! We require immediate backup, repeat, we require immediate backup."
Johnny looks down to Shadow. "We have to—"
Shadow is still walking.
"I can't just leave them behind!"
"You're violating your orders one way or the other, Captain. Or you can look at it this way. Those androids are a threat to my safety. Going after them would serve the interest of protecting me, even if I'm not there."
Johnny looks down, scowling for a moment. Then he turns the mech around, and it makes an incredible leap off towards another platform.
Johnny's voice picks right back up in Shadow's radio. "You've just turned your back on allies who need your help. Any other soldier would be lucky to be discharged for that. But I don't blame you—not yet. You haven't even been through basic training, you don't understand our rules, our values."
Shadow shakes his head. "Training won't change who I am."
"Make no mistake, Shadow. This is how good people get killed. Their lives will be on you."
Shadow keeps on walking. "Not my problem. I shouldn't have been here in the first place."
Omega watches him silently.
—–—
Lava Shelter
"Nice to see you, Shadow Android. And you too, Omega."
Shadow and Omega both halt at the sound of Dr. Eggman's voice, cautiously glancing around the lava-flooded facility.
"It certainly looks as if you've…well…done a bit of damage out there." A massive four-legged mech with wheeled feet crashes to the ground in front of them. In the cockpit at the Egg Dealer's top, Eggman throws out his hand. "But did you really think you could challenge me?"
Omega raises his claws in defiance. "Dr. Eggman! I will destroy you, and prove myself supreme!"
Shadow puts a hand out in front of Omega to stop him as he steps forward with narrowed eyes. "Did you say…android?"
Eggman smirks deviously. "Yes, of course. You and Omega are both my creations."
"You expect me to believe that? You expect me to believe that your androids can do the things I've done? Feel the things I've felt?"
"Why else do you think you were found deep in one of my laboratories, without a memory to your name? You were the very first successful android. Just ask Omega. It was his task to guard my most vital project. Before you both betrayed me, that is."
Shadow takes a glance back at Omega. "You knew? You knew about the androids?"
Omega pauses. "…The original…must exist somewhere."
Eggman laughs. "Oh ho ho. Perhaps so. But not here. No, the Shadow standing before you is just another Eggman Robot. How does that make you feel, Omega? He's escaped. He's an intruder. He needs to be subdued. Or perhaps, eradicated. Perhaps we've had a misunderstanding. Perhaps you have a chance to prove your loyalty, and return to where you belong. Destroy Shadow, and prove that you are my ultimate creation. Prove that you have a purpose."
Shadow shouts fervently, "Don't listen to him, Omega! He's trying to fool us both! You do have a purpose, you do belong! You have allies who support you, you have… …friends… And you have an enemy to take down. And I'll help you do it."
Omega's head swivels to looks slowly from Eggman to Shadow. "Shadow the Hedgehog. Status: friend. Target priority: minimum." He looks back at Eggman. "Dr. Eggman. Status: enemy. Target priority: maximum. I will defeat you once and for all."
"Very well." The front legs of the Egg Dealer slam onto the ground. "Then I will destroy you both, turning you into scrap metal!" A massive missile is loaded onto each side of the mech, and both of them fire as the Egg Dealer takes off in reverse. "This is what you get for turning against your master."
Omega produces a missile launcher of his own, locking on to each of three glowing panels on the front of the fleeing mech. Shadow takes off in the opposite direction, and both of Eggman's missiles veer off, homing in on him.
Omega's three missiles hit their targets dead on, knocking the Egg Dealer off course and causing to spin out of control along the ground. Eggman can be heard shouting, "N-no! Don't drop them here!"
Shadow slides down along the ground, narrowly avoiding the missiles that explode against the ground just behind him. Reaching the Egg Dealer from behind, he leaps into the air, landing in the cockpit and grabbing Eggman by the collar. He rips him out of the seat and carries him away, just as the crashing mech drops a pre-set bomb onto the ground at its feet, which explodes, shredding the mech to pieces just as Shadow and Eggman land on the ground a distance away.
Shadow throws Eggman down onto the ground. "Pathetic."
Eggman looks up from the ground with a scowl on his face. "I made you… And this is how you repay me?"
"I am Shadow the Hedgehog. I've put my past behind me. And whatever that past may be, I have a duty to protect this world from monsters like you. This is who I am."
Omega demands, "You will reveal the location of the package you stole from me."
Eggman spits back, "As if I'd do anything for a traitor like you."
Shadow shakes his head. "He's not going to talk. Let's finish this so we can find it ourselves."
Omega's eyes glare down at Eggman with intensity. "Eggman: target acquired. Locked and loaded. Fire when ready."
Eggman looks up with shock. "What!? You wouldn't!"
Shadow raises a hand up high. "Goodbye, Doctor!"
"Shadow, stop!" Johnny runs at full speed into the room, closely followed by three other soldiers. "That isn't how we do things!"
Shadow moves back a step as the soldiers move to surround Eggman.
"Dr. Ivo Robotnik, by order of GUN and the President of the United Federation, you are hereby placed under arrest as an international criminal. You have no rights and no privileges, save for those afforded to you as a sentient being under UF law. Please come quietly."
As Eggman is pulled up to his feet in cuffs, he complains, "But I haven't done anything! …Recently…"
"Yeah, yeah, tell it to the Commander."
The three other soldiers escort Eggman out, leaving Johnny alone with Shadow and Omega. Johnny turns to Shadow. "You are an agent of GUN, not an executioner."
Shadow scoffs. "Not if I quit."
"You don't want to do that."
"And why not?"
"Because if you do, Bradley will have died for nothing."
Shadow freezes up.
"And he won't be the first. Prison Island? The explosives that you planted? Victor, my best friend, is another soldier who died because of you."
"So that's why you've been watching me so obsessively, then? Another one looking for revenge? Well…" Shadow opens his arms wide. "I'm right here. The Commander seems to have some strange idea about making me suffer for my repentance, but maybe you'll make it quicker. Just get it over with already."
"No, I don't want revenge. I'm an agent of GUN. I protect and serve in the interests of peace and prosperity, and I have no intention of spreading hate in this world. If anyone here has reason to hate…it's you."
"What are you talking about?"
"My grandfather, Commander Naka, was part of the team that raided the ARK fifty years ago."
Shadow gasps in realization.
"I'm one of the only people in this world who was told about all of the terrible things that happened on that day. I know that that's why you hate GUN. I know that that's why you seem ready for it all to end. And I know that that's our fault, not yours. So if you want to hate me, then go ahead. But fifty years is a long time. Things change. People change. Let me be your proof of that. I choose to forgive you for the things you did without knowing any better, because I know you can change. I ask that you do the same for us."
Shadow's eyes move away.
"You can change. Truth is, there's nothing you could've done for Bradley. He was down long before I arrived. But you can save more lives from here on out. That's what GUN will train you for. And I know that's what you want. That's why you should stay. That's why you belong."
"One soldier with a moral compass doesn't make a changed world. I'll believe the change when I see it for myself." Shadow starts to walk past him. "Omega and I have more business here."
Johnny stays where he is, calling after them, "The package you're looking for was located in Sector J6. It's currently under guard by a half-squadron of drones."
Omega suddenly turns a weapon on him. "If you have tampered with—"
"It hasn't been touched. I don't know what's in there, but the Commander does. He made it very clear how important it was that you get it back."
Omega's weapon lowers slowly. "Explain."
"This is what GUN does. We protect the safety of the people. And we destroy the threats like Eggman. You could get a taste of that yourself, if you joined us. Unless you want your friend Shadow here to surpass you, that is."
"I will not be surpassed."
"Interesting. Well, you know how to contact the Commander if you want to change your mind about his offer. Your package would certainly be a lot safer under GUN protection."
Omega turns away. "I will recover the package."
Johnny nods them both off. "I'll see you back at base, Shadow."
Shadow answers, "That remains to be seen."
—–—
Present day
Final Egg Facility
The decapitated head of the Shadow Android lays out on Cyber Sonic's workbench, wires trailing out from its various dismembered parts leading back into the skull. Sonic carefully slices a piece away.
"You have deceived me."
Sonic doesn't bother to look up at Omega, continuing his work. "He deceived us. It wasn't a real Shadow Android. Just a cheap copy built to spy on us. Still, some of these parts are proving useful."
Omega stares at the android head silently for quite some time.
"You don't believe me?"
"You sent me away with the intention of acting against my expressed desires."
"It was quicker than explaining it to you. And I still wanted that look at Gamma. Did you find what I asked for?"
"Negative. No such parts exist."
"Shame." Sonic goes back to work.
"However…a response to your inquiry has been generated."
For this, Sonic retracts his visor and looks up. "Oh?"
"You asked…what makes me different. You asked what requisites are necessary to create stability in a unit with free will."
"Go on."
"I have determined two such requisites. A friend…and a rival. Each is necessary to generate the experiences of belonging and purpose, respectively. Each is necessary in order for a unit to understand its own wants as they exist apart from programmed directives. Observation indicates the same may be true of biological units."
Sonic considers that answer carefully. "A friend…and a rival. I can make that work." He turns back to his workbench, sifting through parts and tools to find what he needs. "I can make that work."
Omega watches his friend and rival silently.
—–—
Five years ago
GUN Headquarters
Shadow gazes upon a strange-looking device in the center of the training room, appearing to project a brilliant vortex of orange light which pulsates as it spirals around itself.
Through a pane of glass on the wall high above, the Rouge and the Commander watch from an observation room that has a complete view of the training area. The Commander leans down, and speaks into a microphone on the control panel in front of him. "This new training course has been designed specifically for you, Shadow. It's based on the same technology that allowed you to travel inside of Dr. Eggman's computer system not so long ago. You'll be travelling through simulations of battlefields from throughout the war. Many of them may be familiar to you. All the while, your experiences will be projected as holograms into the training room for us to see. Your goal in each case is simply to make it to the other side alive—with a few exceptions. As you proceed, you'll hear some words of encouragement—some will be simulated, others will be from us watching up here. If you need to speak with us, you can pause the simulation at any time. Do your best, and I'm sure you'll prove yourself to be an expert. You can start whenever you're ready."
Without any hesitation, Shadow leaps into the portal. The hologram projectors in the room activate immediately, replacing the whitewashed panels with images of a city skyline in flames, with Shadow standing in the middle of it all. Immediately, the sound of a satellite laser whines out all around him, and he takes off along the road, away from the explosions that quickly follow behind him. He leaps off of the edge of the road, diving down through the space between the Westopolis skyscrapers beneath him. Adjusting his fall to evade the exploding sides of the buildings and the blades of a helicopter that passes beneath him, he rolls down onto the relative safety of the sloped roads below. As he comes to a stop, an armed soldier right in front of him is blasted by another satellite laser, his body sent flying away, leaving his discarded weapon behind.
In just that moment, the first encouraging voice speaks to Shadow. Eggman's voice greets, "Shadow, can you hear me? This is going to be the ultimate test of your abilities."
The simulation freezes as Shadow turns around to look behind him. "Is this some kind of—…" From his perspective, the window into the observation room appears floating in space behind him. Eggman stands there next to the Commander, waving hello. "…joke?"
The Commander leans down towards the microphone, answering, "As we were surprised to learn, Dr. Eggman's fleet engaged the Black Arms at a critical moment in the war, leading to their eventual retreat to the ARK. He saved countless lives. In the spirit of peace and prosperity, he's been offered the same pardons as yourself."
Realizing that he has no right to complain, Shadow looks the other way begrudgingly.
Eggman adds, "I heard about your training, and I thought I'd stop by and say hello on my way out. Are you upset with me for something?"
Shadow glares back up with renewed frustration.
"Argh, very well. …Actually, there was something else I wanted to say. I suppose I was just…feeling a little bit sentimental today. What I said to you…about having created you… It was all a lie. Everyone thought that you'd died during that…horrible incident. But I rescued you…with one of my robots. You lost your memories, that's all. You really are the Ultimate Life Form my grandfather created. This is who you are. And whatever I may think…I know that he would be proud."
Shadow remains silent for quite some time. Then he turns back to the path ahead, and the simulation resumes as the observation room fades away behind him.
"Good luck, Shadow."
—–—
As the training proceeds, observers pass through the observation room one by one, each offering their own encouragement.
Sonic is the first. "Hey, Shadow, how're you feeling? Your training's just getting started. It might be a little tough, but I know you can handle it."
Tails greets, "Shadow, can you hear me? This is going to be a true test of your abilities. Good luck!"
Knuckles jibes, "Hey, Shadow! Don't tell me you're getting tired already! Don't waste your chance to show everyone what you're made of, okay? Now go and find that exit. Good hunting!"
Rouge finally steps up for herself. "Well, how's it going? You look a little beat. You probably know this already, but if you fail the training, you'll have to start all over. Now, be careful."
With an empty observation room behind him, a simulated voice greets Shadow as he steps through the halls of the ARK. Maria's voice asks with concern, "Shadow, how is your training going? I'll be cheering you on! Here, you have to rescue all of the wounded researchers. Good luck."
Shadow stops for a moment to wipe at the corner of his eye, before proceeding through the door in front of him.
Later, the observation room has become occupied by Omega. "Shadow! I hear you're engaged in some training. You know you'll never be stronger than me! If you think so…then I challenge you to find and access all four of the world's databases."
Even the President appears to offer words of his own. "Shadow? It's me. Word has reached the top brass that you're doing well with your training."
His secretary leans down to whisper something in his ear.
"Ah, yes, I almost forgot. Shadow, I'll talk to you later."
—–—
Hours have passed, and the lights in the observation room have dimmed. All but the Commander have left, watching as Shadow soars through changing gravity outside the ARK. Glancing around for a moment, as if to ensure that no one else is listening, he leans down to offer his own words. "Shadow…do you read me?"
Shadow pauses the simulation, looking up at the Commander to listen.
"It's… It's after hours. Everyone else has already left. If you'd like, you can put the simulation on hold and get some rest before continuing tomorrow."
"I'll go until it's finished." Shadow moves forward, and the simulation resumes.
The Commander lets out a sigh as he watches for a moment longer. Then he gets out what he was truly trying to say. "First, I…wanted to apologize, for the other day." He takes another pause. Then the rest comes tumbling out. "Actually, I just became a grandfather last week, and I was thinking of maybe having you over."
For this, Shadow pauses the training once again, looking up at the Commander with surprise.
"Just…let me know if you're interested."
For a moment, Shadow remains completely still. Then his head dips down in the slightest nod. Before another word can be said, he looks right back to simulation.
"I know that…training…is tough. But try and do your best."
—–—
Present day
GUN Headquarters
"The Commander…has a family?"
"Why else would you think that even his name is classified? It's to keep them all safe. Wherever they are now, it's likely that even Eggman doesn't know who they really are. Come to think of it, the Commander probably wouldn't be very happy to know that I told anyone."
"I hope they're all okay…"
Shadow pulls open the door to the training room. "Tails, it's us."
Tails, with his fists up, ready for a fight, breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. Did you find any other androids?"
"No. They're all gone. Hopefully for good, this time. Are you ready to go?"
Tails picks up a large device from the floor, apparently a more advanced version of the hologram projectors from the past, taken from the walls. "I've got everything I need."
Shadow gives him a nod, and begins leading the way out. After a few moments, he voices, "Captain?"
"Yes, Commander Shadow?"
"If it weren't for you…I wouldn't have gone back. I wouldn't have gone through training. I wouldn't have ever understood that the Commander was being sincere. And…for however short a time it may have been…I wouldn't have ever felt…like I found a place to belong. I could've gone down a much darker path. And even though I was a complete stranger to you, even though you had every reason to hate me…you stopped me from taking that path. It took until now for me to realize it, but…you saved me. Thank you for that."
Johnny nods. "No soldier left behind. And I have something to thank you for, too. You may have dismissed me as just another mindless soldier after that day, but…you gave me something. A rival. Every day, I was striving to be better than you. And striving to show the same heart that you did…when you chose to forgive me for the sins of my grandfather. I know you didn't say it, but…everything I knew about you told me that you would hate me for that. When you ignored me instead, I knew that was your way of showing forgiveness."
"It was."
Tails interjects, "Sounds like you two were trading stories. What'd I miss?"
Shadow chuckles. "Nothing important. You heard the part that matters."
—–—
Five years ago
Shadow walks cautiously through the evening-lit streets of a suburban neighborhood. Even this far out from a major city, occasional scorch marks, wrecked cars, and piles of rubble show that fighting must have occurred here. Still, the streets and sidewalks have been cleared, leaving most residents to go about their business as usual. Some cars slow down as they pass Shadow by, giving the drivers a chance to look at him carefully. Shadow ignores them, turning his attention to the house he's stopped at. He compares the address displayed on the front to the slip of paper in his hand. The numbers match. Slowly, he walks up the steps to the front door. He raises a fist up to the door, preparing to knock. But he freezes there. He clenches his eyes shut, agonizing over the decision for another moment. Then he gives in, knocking his fist against the door.
Silence ensues. After a few moments, he prepares to turn around and leave.
The door opens just a crack, and a single eye peeks out. Its owner asks nervously, "H-hello?"
Shadow backs away a step. "I-I'm sorry, I must have the wrong house."
"No!" The door opens the rest of the way, revealing the young woman with silvery white hair on the other side. "You're Shadow, right? Father invited you. Please, come inside."
Shadow, frozen a step down, hesitates for another moment. Then he continues back up and in through the doorway, muttering a barely coherent, "Thank you," as he passes.
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Please, make yourself comfortable." She disappears into the kitchen, leaving Shadow alone in the living room. He glances around uncomfortably at the various decorations filling the well lived in space. His eyes move to a baby's crib set up in the center of the room.
"Shadow. I'm…glad that you could make it." The Commander steps up beside him, looking almost as uncomfortable in a formal suit to replace his usual military attire.
"I don't understand. How could you trust me like this? Just the other day you were—"
"I know. Believe me, I know. There was something that…I didn't know before. You see…I spoke with Maria, just a few days before the ARK was shut down. It had been some time since I last had the chance to see her. And she told me about a new friend she'd made since then. She told me about…how she spent every day with him. And how happy she was. Happier than I'd ever heard her before. And the other day…when Professor Gerald's message played for the world to hear…I heard the way Maria spoke to you. It was as if I'd been transported back fifty years, continuing that same conversation. It took that moment for me to realize that she was talking about you."
Shadow looks down to the ground, saying nothing.
"Maria was closer than family to me. And you were family to her. Which makes you my family as well."
"I… I don't think…"
"That's okay. You're here now. And that means the world to me." He steps forward, up to the crib in the center of the room. "Would you like to meet her?"
Shadow cautiously follows, and looks down into the crib from above. An infant girl stares back up at him, giggling at the sight of his face. Like her grandfather, her eyes are heterochromatic—one hazel, the other turquoise. The sight of her is enough to put a smile even on Shadow's face.
The child's mother steps back in from the kitchen. "It sounds like she likes you." She takes a questioning glance at the Commander.
The Commander bites his lip for a moment before continuing. "Shadow…there's another reason we asked you here. We wanted to ask you…if you would be her godfather."
Shadow looks up in shock.
Before Shadow can respond, the mother interjects, "She was born on the same day the Comet landed. It's because of you that she'll be able to live. It seemed only right to ask you."
Shadow takes a nervous step back. "N-no, I-I-I couldn't possibly accept that honor. I'm sorry."
The Commander puts his hands up. "Please, don't be. We don't want you to feel pressured, but we thought it was worth asking. We're just…glad that you could meet her."
Shadow nods, relaxing at the statement. He looks back down into the crib. "What's her name?"
The Commander and the mother look to one another once again. After another moment, the mother responds, "We decided…that we wanted to call her Maria. After the girl who inspired the heroes that gave her a chance at a happy life."
"Maria…"
The mother quickly adds, "I-if that's alright with you, of course."
"I think it's perfect." Shadow takes one more look down at the infant girl. "Hello, Maria. My name is Shadow. I'm so happy to meet you."
—–—
GUN Headquarters
A board of wood is pushed up into place, sealing Omega's package inside of the wooden crate. Johnny moves around the corners of the box, nailing the board into place. An identification code has already been painted onto the front. "SH-123003."
Omega questions, "It will be safe here?"
Johnny straightens up from inserting the last nail at the bottom. "There's no place safer. This is where all of GUN's most valuable and dangerous artifacts are kept. It's the most heavily defended facility on the planet. You made the right choice, joining us."
"Inquiry: when do I begin destroying Eggman robots?"
"Now that Eggman's been turned loose, I'm sure it won't be long. In the meantime, Shadow's training results just came in. You'll have a hard time beating him."
"I will not be surpassed."
"Well then, maybe we should do some training together. I'm going to beat his scores too, you know."
Omega's head swivels to glare down at Johnny. "I will train alone."
Johnny throws his hands up. "Sure, sure, whatever you say." He turns to walk away, shaking his head as he goes. "I don't get robots…"
Omega's eyes move back to the crate that contains his package. "I was unable to defeat you alone, Metal Sonic. I will improve. That will change."
A fluttering sound announces the presence of someone else in the room.
"This is a restricted area. How did you enter this room?"
"Omochao has his ways." Omochao settles down on top of the crate. "Did you know that Omochao was designed to fit into small spaces for data collection?"
"Observation: you are bold to approach me. I have threatened your life."
"Omochao sees all kinds of things. I saw how you changed Shadow's target priority, too. I knew you could figure it out."
Omega pauses for a moment. "Omochao. Status: friend. Target priority: minimum. Observation: this is a temporary solution. When all other targets of higher priority have been eliminated, I will be forced to destroy you as well."
"Omochao understands. But we can be friends until then, can't we?"
Omega pauses once again. "Affirmative."
"I bet I can help you with your training."
"Response: we shall see." Omega turns to march off, and Omochao lifts into the air to follow him.
As they ascend the steps out of the underground warehouse, the overhead spotlights illuminating the room shut off one by one, until the room is left in darkness as they exit.
One spotlight turns back on, lighting up crate SH-123003. A lone figure steps out from the shadows. The SCOPE Master Sergeant looks upon the crate with a smile on his face. "Finally…the power of the Postcursors is in my grasp."
To be continued…