Author note: This is a very long chapter! But i am WARNING you there will contain brutal scenes! You have been warned...

Sonic pov

"I can't believe this is happening.." I groaned as I lazily walked through the hallway. Just as Shadow predicted this place was a maze. To make it all worse the end of the hall gave me more paths GREAT! I did follow his advice though….for a while. So now I am lost and more trying to get back than find the emerald. I knew it was a bad idea but nooo shads had to just charge in without thinking….wait that's something I would do. I sighed as I noticed I had walked in circles. Everything was the same! Brick wall empty rooms and more hallways. Whoever made this place didn't even bother with doors. It was completely open like there was a minotaur lurking in this endless labyrinth ready to attack. But no beast could mess with me! I am Sonic the hedgehog after all, I smirked at that thought and moved the torch around inspecting the walls.

There was more of that funny language Shadow could read. I wonder where he learned that but oh well, it doesn't help me now. But I would like to know what "chilidog" was in that language that would be useful. Maybe it says that chilidogs are this or that way. The thought of food made my stomach groan hungry. Yeah I hadn't eaten in a while now…But I guess Shadow hadn't either, he didn't even get breakfast. And I wouldn't get food any time soon, what was worse is that I couldn't just run through the hallways…No it was way too dark for that! Plus this green torch wasn't exactly spreading its light that well. My ears perked at sudden sound of tiny footsteps?

I didn't like this I wasn't used to be this trapped, and now something was sneaking up on me. I turned my torch to where I heard the sound. There it was something hairy tiny mouse? It had unusual long tail that was stretching out on the floor. I got soon a better view of it and my eyes widened.

"What is that!?" I yelled but got no reaction from the creature in front of me. It had spider legs and muzzle like a rat but lacked eyes. Its giant ears looked like it belonged to a bat, Its pelt was black just like this whole place was. It didn't attack though but it seemed to stare at me, well as much as you can stare without eyes. It suddenly hissed loudly and ran off, I guessed it wasn't that dangerous although it looked terrifying. I met more of those things but wasn't sure what to call them. I had never seen something so mutated before and I have seen a lot of things. I started to wonder if this was Eggmans failed experiments. But they were far too many of the same kind, it must be a unknown specie. They let out some weird noises though as if they were chewing on something. Which reminded me what did they eat down here? I hadn't seen anything eatable on the way and they seemed to enjoy these tight corridors.

I tried to ignore the increased numbers of those rats and take paths that had less of them, they were even climbing on the walls. I suddenly stopped as I saw a cat further ahead. It didn't look much different from a normal feline. This one was purple with seven tails. And here I thought my brother had many tails. It just sat there and stared at me with its yellow eyes. Was I intruding its territory? Why was there a cat there in the first place?

"What are you doing here mortal?" it spoke! Well more correct she spoke! I was speechless but it just sat there patiently waiting for my reply. I should probably not be to surprise with this one though I have met weird things that can talk, but everything felt so out of place.

"I am looking for the chaos emerald I dropped…" The cat nodded understanding before it stood up.

"As I thought." She spoke not too surprising with what I said, maybe the feline had picked it up. But then again how could she do that? In her mouth maybe but the size of the rock should be too big.

"How did you know I was here?" I asked gently not sure if the cat was evil or not. It was pretty cute actually something I know Amy would adore. A talking cat is not what you meet every day but neither do you meet mutated rats.

"The aiders were disturbed and came to complain to my master. So he sent me here to take care of you." I looked at her in confusion as she started to lick her paw. Her master sent her….to take care of me? Was she going to attack?!

"Are you the bad guys?!" I asked and changed to fighting stance just in case the cat attacked. It wouldn't be much of a fight though nothing could match my speed and strength after all. The feline tilted its head in a cute manners and grinned showing off its fangs.

"Depends on how you view it. But master is happy and that's a good sign..especially for a mortal." She chuckled as if my question had amused her. But the fact that the master wanted her to take care of me….wouldn't that mean violently? Maybe capture me? Not that I was going to allow that to happen.

"So what do you mean by taking care of me?" I frowned and saw her just lick her mouth eagerly. She suddenly charged towards my direction. I jumped aside easily but the cat wasn't attacking me..no she attacked one of those rats. Her fangs dug into the creature making it cry out in pain before she ripped its flesh out along with its organs. I had never seen a cat be so cruel she was eating it alive! But its cries soon died out and the hallway was only left with the sick sound of the cat chewing on its flesh.

"Why did you do that!? That rat thing wasn't harming anyone!" I yelled urging to kick the cat but the creature was already dead. Besides she hadn't answered my question yet.

"I was hungry. And we call them aiders here." She replied when she was content and licked her muzzle to get rid of the stain blood on it.

"They were the ones that told your master that I was disturbing them….aren't they your friends?" This made her laugh to a point she stomped her paw to the floor like it was the most hilarious thing she had heard.

"Friend? You mortals are so naive…they are low ranked demons I can eat them if I want. How else would I survive down here? Besides they always complain anyhow…now come with me we are going to meet my master." She said with a smirk and tried hard not to laugh again.

"You are a demon?!" I gasped surprised there was actually such thing! Demons were known to be evil creatures that devour the living!

"Yes I am… my name is Blaze the cat remember that mortal." She chuckled enjoying my reactions far too much.

"Then you are evil!" I pointed at her with the torch just in case she would jump at me. Not that she would be fast enough to catch me. She already revealed her speed when she attacked that.. aider.

"As I said it depends on how you view it. My master doesn't intent to harm you, especially when you made him so happy." She rolled her eyes as if she was stating the obvious. I had no idea what I did that made him so happy. Maybe the so called master wanted the emerald! Damn don't tell me he is going to use it!

"What's his name?"

"That you have to ask my master." She replied and now sounded very impatient with my constant questions. The cat had enough and started to walk through the dark hallway expecting me to follow. I wasn't sure if I should follow the cat but I would regret if I didn't … I was lost after all. Plus I was getting curious about this `master` of hers. I followed her quickly as I almost lost sight of her. We were walking zig zag through this maze, I would need her help to get out of here that's for sure. Everything looked the same how did she even remember it? Maybe it was a demon thing?

We finally arrived to a large hall it was completely empty expect of a throne with a mobian sitting on. A hedgehog to be precise he had white fur with large wings on his back and amber eyes. He looked like an angel and not only that but he was holding the emerald but it wasn't red anymore…it was black.

"Welcome mortal."

Shadows pov

I had been walking around for ages and encounter some demons along the way. Think they were called Aiders if my memory serves me right. It was more energies of different type of demons but most seemed to stay hidden. I assumed that the one with the strongest energy had the emerald in possession. I regret splitting up now…Sonic would need me, he would most likely become snack to the demons. Whatever was inside this maze though obviously knew we were here. Or the aiders themselves reported it. They were known to be…well slaves in a sense, after all they ate all the dust so it was never dirty in their presence. Plus they were eatable and apparently tasty too. But I tried to stay away from demons in general.

I frowned and kept my energy low and tried to surround me with a barrier that would cancel the annoying energies. I hadn't used my abilities in this sort of way but it seemed to help. My ears perked at the sound of voices I was close to the strongest energy now. I stealth through the hallway as quietly as I can and shut down my chaos fire. My ruby eyes soon saw light from a hall but I remained in the shadows.

"What have you done to the emerald!?" I assume was the blue idiot himself yelling. So I was right the emerald was in possession to this strong demon. But why was the hedgehog still alive? I would expect him to be lying dead on the floor by now. I heard a chuckle I recognized far too well…Silver! What was he doing here!? He is a demon now?! Maybe Tikal found out what he did! So now he is here on earth! So out of all demonic locations on earth I ended up in the one he was in….Wait..he was sealed in this temple wasn't he? We released him! I gritted my teeth in fury. Damn that blasted mortal! He just had to explore this place and just had to open the gates of hell?!

"I just borrow its energy. Besides I am thankful to see a brave mortal who foolishly released me from my prison" I facepalmed as I was right about it, Silver is the most powerful angel there is. Of course he would turn into a deadly demon that Tikal had to seal! But it didn't quite explain why he didn't just leave as soon as the gates opened. Although Silver had his own way of sick games, he was planning something. Didn't seem like he was going to attack Sonic yet, but Silver wasn't known for kindness. I have to escape this maze Sonic could be sacrificed I don't care anymore.

"Why doesn't your friend join us?" I froze, he knew I was here all along, there was no escape now. But why call me friend? Maybe he doesn't recognize my energy I didn't show it much to him in the past after all. Plus my disguise might be convincing enough to fool the demon.

"Shadow?" Sonic asked surprised that I had managed to find my way here on my own.

I took a deep breath before I entered the hall with a frown. There he was sitting on a throne like a cocky ruler. His amber eyes blinked surprised with my appearance, did he recognize me?

"Well well well…" He smirk amused almost delighted not that it should surprise me. I had to pretend I didn't know him or we might be both doomed for.

"You look awful similar to someone I am looking for." He chuckled making my gut turn nervously. Silver was looking for me? Why? Torture me? Does he still need me for that? There has to be something I am missing.

"Are you related to someone called Mephiles?" He asked making me mentally sigh in relief he didn't know it was me then. Silver actually assumed that I had gotten some children HAH! That made me almost laugh but I kept the serious expression but with slight confusion. I was about to answer but he put his hand up in the air to silence me.

"Oh one more thing …I will know if you lie. And I hate it when people lie catch my drift?" He played around with me like old times. I frowned though before I shake my head.

"I am not related to someone with that name." I said truthfully, but I am Mephiles or was. So I can't technically be related to myself. He muttered displeased with the answer which he knew was the truth. But more questions could put me in trouble. A cat I didn't notice before was just sitting there looking at us amused. It seemed like Silver had created some minions under this seal, typical demons.

"Give us the emerald!" Sonic said and ran up to the demon but the hero just suddenly froze and was thrown across the room. The cobalt hedgehog hit the wall painfully but was soon up on his feet. He glared at the demon knowing full well that we were facing an opponent we weren't ready for. But this didn't seem to stop him and he charged again. Silver sighed before he picked up the mortal with his psychokinesis and let him hover in the air.

"Mortal I do not want to harm you. Not after you have freed me and given me such a precious item." He laughed amused while Sonic was struggling to get out. His amber eyes turned to me surprised that I hadn't tried to attack him yet.

"Are you not going to help your friend?" He smirked waiting for me to attack, I wasn't going to make a move just yet. Silver got bored of my silence and suddenly picked me with his psychokinesis, I growled as I didn't expect him to go straight to that point. Usually he would taunt before he took physical action at least in this sort of situation.

"You mortals are fools. It's entertaining though, maybe I should keep you two as pets?" I growled at that suggestion, the only good thing was that he thought I was a mortal. This meant I was a step ahead although I couldn't do much against his psychokinesis.

"Never!" Sonic yelled and gasped as he was put into more pressure. Damn Silver and his games.

"You are a loud one…." Silver said displeased I was aware that the damn demon hates when you talk back. But how could I tell Sonic to shut up without revealing my identity…Besides Silver might wish to break the mortal or…kill him depending on what mood he is in. I had to attack soon though before it was too late but I had to wait for an opportunity.

"Oh silly me I forgot to introduce myself…My name is Silver the hedgehog. The most powerful creature there is. You mortal should die because of your attitude, but I am quite good mood today. I haven't had this fun in years…." He chuckled and approached the hero completely ignoring me, good.

"Shame I can't tear your arms apart and see them regrown painfully." Silver was close to Sonic now leaning forward. He grabbed Sonics muzzle and pulled him close.

"But you are still a perfect pet." He brushed across his peach muzzle smirking sadistically, Silver blinked surprised as Sonic grinned.

"What are you smi-" Silver stopped as Sonic spat straight in the face. The demon growled furiously as Sonic sticks out his tongue.

"Pet my ass!" The hero laughed although he was helpless in the situation. Silver rubbed his face before his hand covered Sonic mouth squeezing it painfully.

"Oh yes I will pet your ass." Silver smirked but soon screamed out in agony and pulled away his hand. The hero bit his palm, and it was Sonics turn to smirk. But it wouldn't last for much longer…..Sonic was thrown across the room again and hit the wall once more. The demon growled and stomped over to the mortal.

"You have some nerve to fight me mortal! You don't stand a chance and yet you try…" Silver was just in front of Sonic and was about to punch but I finally decided to interact.

"Chaos spear!" I yelled and yellow shards aimed at the demon that had no time to react before it hit him. Silver cried out again and the psychokinesis faded allowing me to land on my feet. I ran up to the hero quickly and pulled him up to his legs. I looked to my left where the demon was trying to recover the blow. I threw another spear at him buying us some more time. The cat hissed furiously at us and tried to attack. I simply kicked the damn feline with ease sending it flying.

"Come on faker move you damn legs and take us out of here!" There was no other option Sonic had to carry me and run out from this place. Sonic nodded and quickly picked me up and ran into the dark hallway.

"Shit!" Sonic yelped as we ran into the wall. I tried to increase the chaos fire to give us some light but we still crashed countless of times into the brick walls. I swear I had bruises all over especially when I got the worst blows.

This felt like a cat and mouse chase and I hated to be the mouse. The aiders tried to stop us and lined up like a wall which we easily broke through. Some other demons that had remained hidden showed up and tried to grab us. I didn't get much glimpse on them but they were higher ranked than aiders. Soon a familiar roar echo, Silver had recovered and he was not happy.

"Sonic we have to go faster! Or he will catch up to us!" I yelled as I threw a fireball at the minions that was increasing.

"I know! But I can't go faster in this tight dark space! We will have to fight!" He growled and I knew he was right. The stairs would be hard to run up as well and all Silver needed was to fly. Plus he knew this place inside out which gave him an advantage even if we ran off first.

"There you are!" Sonic yelped and tried to run faster as I turned around to see the ivory demon after us. He stretched out his hand and got us both with his psychokinesis, I gritted my teeth in frustration as the attempt of escape was a failure. Silver grinned and parted us before he pressed us down to the floor. Demonic fire orbs soon appeared giving light to the room. Silver laughed as he approached me.

"Ah wait what was your name again…..Shadow no? Or should I call you Mephiles?" Silver gave a dark smirk, my chaos power must have revealed my identity! I remained silent but could feel the mortal look at me. I cried out as Silver suddenly kicked me in the stomach painfully, he repeated the progress until I started to cough blood.

"Shadow!" Sonic shouted but was thrown to the other side of the room and was caught by shadow demons. They pulled him to the wall wrapping their arms around preventing him to move. With that done Silver could just keep his focus on me. I felt Silvers boots on my chest crushing my ribs in the progress. This just made me cough more blood and there was nothing I could do about it. Why did Tikal make him so powerful!? Silver just kept rubbing his shoes against my chest enjoying the cracking sound.

"Stop.." I groaned but got a sharp kick in the face. Everything became blurry and started to spin. I wanted to puke…I needed to. I tried to vomit knowing I would end up doing it on myself, but nothing came out. I heard Sonic shout something at the demon I couldn't make out. But Silver ignored the mortal and only focused on me. Silver picked up my arm and held it straight up. I tried to move again but that blasted psychokinesis kept me still. I soon was able to hear what Silver was saying.

"Are you Mephiles?" He asked and pulled my arm in an unnatural position. I gritted my teeth as the pain was spreading in my arm begging for it to stop. I tried to throw a chaos spear but my energy was too low since it was busy to heal me.

"Answer truthfully or I rip your arm off!" He hissed furiously I guess he wasn't over the spears I threw at him before. He twisted my arm around until it dislodged from position, I screamed in agony almost choking in my own blood. Tears forced its way out from my eyes and travel down my muzzle.

"I am MEPHILES!" I screamed and I could hear him chuckle. My eyes widened as he didn't stop but continued to twist and turn. The bone broke painfully and I couldn't scream anymore it was too much, and here I thought I was used to pain.

"Aww..does it hurt?" He smirked and soon my bone snapped. I clenched my eyes shut but it all became worse.

"You are not Mephiles." Silver said and tore off my arm, I lost my breath completely. I heard Sonic screaming again but the only thing I felt was pain. Blood was pouring out but I knew this wasn't enough to kill, but right now I would rather be dead. My eyes were now wide open in shock because of the brutal torture.

"You are Shadow and I need Mephiles! I am going to force him out of you!" Silver growled and threw away my arm to his minions that had gathered up. The demons started to chew on my lost arm even fighting for it. I groaned as Silver went down to his knees not caring if he was getting blood on his fur. He held up the black chaos emerald and pressed it against my forehead. I started to panic I knew what he was trying to do and I had to get out of there.

"Nowhere to go Shadow…" He chuckled amused as negative energy was spreading inside my body. I began to tremble as my own energy was getting consumed.

"Reveal your true colors Shadow!" He smirked and as he said it my right eye started to burn painfully. My lost arm was replaced as if someone pulled out a new one from my body. I screamed although my body was healing itself in faster speed. But it was too fast and the bones twist and turn until they were in correct position. I felt my back starting to burn where my once wings was. But then it suddenly stopped. Silver let go of me and stood up again just looking down at me.

"Why didn't it work?!" He growled and I open my burned eye that was now bleeding from. My whole body was in pain but it was fully healed although I couldn't move even if I wasn't under Silvers psychokinesis. The demon noticed something and smirked as something satisfied him.

"Oh I see….The emerald was only able to bring back one eye…I need to use the rest six." He muttered and threw away the dead emerald. He turned away from me and looked at his demonic minions.

"My minions…changed planes we are going for an emerald hunt." He smirked and turned to look at Sonic who was terrified of the ivory hedgehog.

"Mortal since you freed me I will allow you and Shadow to have a fighting chance against me…It will be so much fun. See you later hedgehogs." He smirked before he flew off with the minions stalking after him. Sonic soon released but was in shock, I guess wasn't used to see torture. The blasted fire orbs were gone now and I couldn't see anything. I managed force chaos fire to my hand and bring light to the room.

"Faker…come here I need your help.." I groaned and tried to sit up but had difficulty to do that. I couldn't be angry with the mortal for slowly recover his senses. I remained silent until he finally came back.

"Oh shit I am sorry shadow!" Sonic said and was soon up to my side. He pulled me up to my feet while I was gritting my teeth. My whole body was in agony after the brutal treatment. My tears was falling freely now and I tried to rub them away but it hurt too much. My ears lowered in shame that I couldn't stay strong in front of the mortal. But I was so exhausted and covered in my own blood. He pulled me suddenly into a hug and held me there, I didn't care to push him away. Instead I wrapped my arms around him and sobbed into his shoulder. I really didn't mind that his hands started to pet me gently on my head. It actually helped and I liked it, I tighten my grip around Sonic and nuzzle him. He soon let go off me but I didn't, I didn't want to I felt much better with him close.

"Shadow….I need to pick up the emerald…we will need it.." Sonic whispered as if I was going to get hurt if he spoke normally. I nodded and let go of him, my eyes looked over to where my arm once was. It was gone they ate it up and only the gloves and rings remained. I got disgusted but went over there nevertheless to pick up my ring and put it on my new wrist.

"I need to rest…." I said and looked over to mortal that soon was by my side. He didn't ask but just picked me up.

"Shadow…I would need the light.." He said and managed to find another torch for me to light up. I did it quickly to get it over with and settle down in Sonics arms. The hero looked down at me and was confused with something. I didn't bother to ask before everything turned black.