Chapter 3: The Fake Failed Rescue

In her bedroom, Sally is helping Maria choose an outfit to replace her dirty clothes. Sally is able to dress Maria in a blue dress with a light blue blouse jacket, and blue shoes.

"There. Your all done. Now for the finishing touch," Sally says.

Sally then puts a light blue hat on Maria's head. Then shows the blonde hedgehog the mirror.

"Oh my, it looks so beautiful. Thank you Sally," Maira says.

"It's not a problem Maria, you look beautiful in that dress," Sally says.

Then she asks, "So Maria, what's your relationship with Shadow. You both have been getting close since you got here."

"Well, um, Shadow and I have been together since we lived in ARK. He's practically the only other family I have on ARK besides my grandfather. I always felt so alone. Shadows always seems to make everyday special, and we always do things together," Maria says.

"Really, he showed that kind of side. That's the kind of Shadow I would love to see," Sally says.

Then she asks, "Do you like him?"

"Yes. To be honest, I really like him," Maria says with her cheeks turning red.

"I can tell. Maybe someday Shadow will end up being your special someone," Sally says.

Maria blushes and giggles, "Oh Sally, stop teasing me."

Soon the toe girls begin laughing with smiles on their faces.

Sitting on the table in the festival, Team Chaotix are sitting on the table with another way to help Shadow and Maria's relationship move along.

"You want us to what?" Espio asks.

"We're going to stage an Alien Abduction Attempt," Vector says.

"How is an alien abduction is going to help the two get together?" Charmy asks.

Vector answers, "It's quite simple, we just heard that Shadow will always come to Maira when she's endanger so an alien abduction will do just the trick. Charmy flies super fast to get Maria dirty so she will be alone with Sally. Espio will dressed up as an alien and pretend to attack the girls. Maria will become scared and Shadow will come to the rescue. Shadow will win, and reassures Maria that he will be there. Soon the two will have their moment and their hearts will become one."

"Not to mention Chaos Blast from Shadow if he finds out we tricked him and scared Maria," Espio adds.

Charmy asks, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"It's perfect idea. This will help the two get together in no time. Espio, go find an alien costume. Charmy will take make sure Maria and Sally stay in the room, and don't let them see him. Meet me at the front of the palace in an hour," Vector says.

The two nod their heads in reply. Then leave to get to work.

Charmy is able to reach the palace and look through the window to see Sally and Maria are still in the room. He decides to wait until Vector and the others how up.

Espio goes into the festival to go find a alien costume for the plan.

He mutters to himself, "This is ridiculous. If Shadow finds out about any of this, he is going to make us regret it.

Finally, Espio is able to find a costume store and walk inside. He knows that he is so going to regret this.

Sometime later, Vector is waiting at the front of the palace for Charmy and Espio to show up. Carmy flies down to where Vector is, lands his feet on the ground.

"I be happy to report that Maria and Sally are still in the room," Charmy says.

"Great. Now that we need to wait for Espio to show up. Very soon Shadow and Maria will be in each other arms, and soon will be tying the knot. Hope they invite us to their wedding," Vector says.

Soon enough, he ends up bumping into someone.

"Opps, sorry about that," Vector says.

The one Vector bumps into turns around to reveal Eclipse.

Vector surprisingly says, "Woah! You sure are a crafty guy. Way a go with the alien disguise Espio."

"Excuse me? "Eclipse asks with a confused look.

"Come on Espio don't be such a downer, you pick the best costume for my plan," Vector says.

Eclipse growls in anger, "I am Eclipse the last survivor of the Dark Arms."

"Hey, you can use that when you make your introduction to Maria and Sally," Vector says.

"I'm afraid I do not follow," Eclipse says.

Charmy comes in, "Pay no attention to Vector, Espio. With your costume we'll be able to get Shadow and Maria together on romance paradise."

Hearing the name catches Eclipse's attention, "Shadow, you say. Mind if you tell me about this plan?"

"Alright, I'll repeat this one time. Shadow cares about Maria so he is sure to come to her rescue. You corner Maria and Sally who are in her room and act like you're going to abduct them. Shadow comes over, you two fight, and make sure Shadow wins the battle. Soon the two will be in Cloud Nine," Vector says.

Eclipse rolls his eyes, and says in thought, "These creates are strange. However, it seems that this is turning good for my favor. I'll get my revenge on this Shadow by taking this Maria girl."

Vector says to Eclipse, "Alright, now that you got the costume make your way to the room. To make sure Shadow comes, Charmy will go fetch him."

"Yes sir," Charmy says.

"Good. Now get going," Vector says.

Then flies off to find Shadow.

Vector turns to Eclipse, still thinking he is Espio, "Alright. Go into the castle and find Sally's bedroom door, it's on the third floor. Ask the employees if you need to. Make yourself act like a real alien invader."

"Alright then. I'll get to it," Eclipse says.

Eclipse make his way inside the palace. What Vector doesn't know, is that this alien is the real one.

He says to himself, "That guy is a foo. He has gave me the opportunity to take my revenge on Shadow. After getting my revenge, I'll start piling the bodies for my Dark Arms to feed."

Meanwhile, Espio has no luck finding an alien costume for the leaving the costume store, he decides to go somewhere else for his boss' plan. Although, he still think this plan is a bad idea. He knows that Shadow will be anything but pleased when he finds out this is all a big trick.

Espio sighs, "This is completely stupid."

"Hey Espio," Sonic's voice calls out.

Espio turns to see Sonic and the others and Shadow is with them. He decides to keep this crazy plan of Vector secret until one of his team mates comes by.

"Hey Espio, where are Vector and Charmy?" Tails asks.

"They're around. I just need to get something, "Espio answers.

"Like what?" Cream asks.

"Chao chao!" Cheese replies.

"I'm looking for something that can be used for one of Vector crazy plans," Espio says.

Sonic facepalm his head, "Oh boy, what is Vector up to this time?"

"It better not be involved in us fixing one of his crazy messes," Amy angrily says.

"Don't worry, it won't have anything to you at the sort," Espio says.

Then he mutters, "Except for Shadow that is."

"Hey Shadow! Shadow, you gotta go quick!" Charmy's voice calls out.

Everyone turns to see Charmy quickly flying their way. He seems rather scared.

"What is it Charmy? What's Wrong?" Tails asks.

"There's an alien at the palace and is going after Sally and Maria!" Charmy says.

"An alien?" Sonic asks

Shadow asks, "Maria is endanger?!"

"Yes. The alien is scary and is planning on holding Sally and Maria for ransom and…" Charmy says, but then notice Espio is with them.

Charmy becomes confused, "Espio, what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" Espio asks.

"Yeah. You were supposed to be in the alien costume right now. You're supposed to scare the girls and we have Shadow rush to Maria's rescue. You were supposed to stage the invasion," Charmy says.

"I was in no costume. I couldn't even find one. I searched the costume store, but no luck," Espio says.

This cause Sonic and the others to become confused.

"Costume?" Sonic asks.

"Fake invasion?" Amy asks.

Shadow sternly asks, "Scare Maria?"

Tails confronts the two, "Guys, what are you and Vector up to?"

Charmy and Espio flinch realizing what they have say.

Charmy nervously laughs, "Um well, there is a funny story to it."

"Try my?" Shadow akss, glaring at the two.

They both have no choice, but to tell the others the whole story.

In her bedroom, Sally and Maria have been talking about Maria's and Shadow's relationship. The two have been talking and giggling for some time now.

Sally then gets up, "I need to take care of things so you mind stay in the room until I'm back. Then we can head back to the festival together."

"Okay," Maria answers.

Sally walks out of her bedroom, and says, "I'll be right back Maria."

"Alright," Maria says.

Sally walks down the hall to take care a few things. What Sally doesn't know is that Eclipse is leaning against the hall on the other side. Seeing Sally coming out of the room, he knows exactly where Maria is.

Back in the festival, Espio and Charmy have explain to Shadow and the others the story.

"So let me get this straight, you guys decided to play matchmaker and get Shadow and Maria together?" Amy asks.

"And this whole alien invasion is a way to do it?" Sonic adds.

Espio and Charmy nod their head.

"Yeah. It was a sure fire plan. Espio pretends to be the alien and Shadow comes to her rescue. Vector is sure this plan will work," Charmy says.

Espio says, "It would have if I could find the costume."

"But we saw you earlier at the palace," Charmy says.

"I wasn't at the palace. I've been at the costume shop," Espio says.

Charmy asks, "If that's wasn't you that we saw, then who was it?"

Charmy gasps, "Maybe it was a real alien?"

"What does this alien look like Charmy?" Sonic says.

Charmy thinks, "Well, it's uh blue and has red color marking on his body, with creepy yellow eyes... Now that I think about, he looks a lot like Shadow."

"A lot like Shadow?" Amy says, looking confused.

Amy gasps, "Charmy, did the alien said anything when you saw him?"

"He did. He said something about being a Black Arms, and that his name was Eclipse," Charmy answers.

Everyone gasps in shock.

"What's wrong?" Charmy asks.

"Charmy! That guy is real! And he is trouble!" Sonic says.

"He's a real alien!" Charmy exclaims.

Espio asks, "Shadow, are you alright? You don't look so good."

Everyone turn to Shadow who is still stunned. He clenches his fist and grits his teeth in anger. Without saying another word, Shadow makes a run towards the castle.

"Uh Shadow is not happy, isn't he?" Charmy asks.

"You think?!" Amy scolds.

Shadow uses his hoover boots to skate down the street as fast as he can.

"So Eclipse is here, and now he is after Maria. If he dares lay a hand on her…" Shadow angrily says to himself.

Shadow continues to skate down the street. Sonic and the others begin to chase after him.

In Sally's room, Maria is waiting for Sally to come back, and go to the festival. Just then, she hears the door knocking.

Maria gets up, "Must be Sally."

Maria walks up to the door to see who it is. The door continues to knock as she head towards the door.

"Don't worry, I'm coming," Maria says, grabbing the door knob.

Outside the castle, Vector is waiting to Charmy to come back so their plan can continue. Suddenly, he notices something heading right towards. He squints his eyes to see Shadow is heading right towards him.

"Hey Shadow, over here!" Vector calls out.

Without a single word, Shadow zooms past Vector and goes in the palace.

"What's up with him?" Vector asks himself.

"Vector!" Charmy's voice calls out.

Vector turns to see Charmy, Sonic, and the others coming to the castle.

"Hey guys, what are you doing here? And why aren't in your costume Espio?" Vector asks.

Amy angrily shouts, "Vector, you really messed up big time!"

"What did I do?" Vector asks.

"That alien wasn't Espio in a costume, he's a real alien! Eclipse is a Dark Arm who wants revenge against Shadow, and you lead him to the the only one can help him do just that!" Tails scolds.

"What?!" Vector exclaims.

In Sally's room, Maria becomes stunned when she opens the door to not see Sally, but Eclipse. The alien looks at Maria with a sinister look on his face.

In thought, Maria says, "Shadow? He looks a lot like Shadow, but he's not."

"So you're this Maria girl I've heard about," Eclipse says.

Maria gasps in shock, "How does he know about me?"

"Maria, you'll be coming with me," Eclipse says to the girl.

Maria gasps in shock to hear what the alien says.