Piercing Through the Dark
by 1Speak-th3-Truth

Chapter 4
Always Expect the Unexpected

Spring was such a lovely season. Birds were chirping. The flowers were blooming. This was Amy Rose's favorite and most appreciated season. It was times like this that she wished Sonic would enjoy these things with her rather than racing off somewhere. It's always been like that and she was beginning to feel more lonely than ever. To her suprise, spring flowers always made her feel better, even if she said nothing would.

The park gazebo was her place. There she sat on a bench, which was covered by an archetectual masterpiece. It provided a cool setting that kissed you on your skin, welcoming you to fall lazily into a nap. To dream wonders. But Amy wouldn't. She merely watched the pedals of flowers begin to blossom and their stems blowing in the cool breeze.

Oh Sonic. Why do you never stop by? I miss you. Amy thought sadly. With a sigh and with a doubt, the pink hedgehog walked up and walked down the steps from the gazebo and onto the brick layered path. The fountain seemed to be less beautiful today. The waters splashing from top to bottom and its impressive archetecture couldn't change the fact that she was completely lonely.

So, trying to collect herself, the pink hedgehog starred down into the rippling waters. Her reflection distorted. But it was true. She was distorted. She was a wreck. Perhaps it was time to face facts. Sonic was not interested in her. He never would be. It was then and there that Amy realized something. Cream had once said that Sonic was like the wind. So she starred up to the sky and frowned. How could she have taken so long to realize that she was trying to chase the wind?

She knelt down to the ground underneath an oak tree. She picked up a colored leaf that had fallen to the ground quite some time ago. Just as it had been so long since Sonic had last spoken to her. Why was life so unfair? It seemed all the rest of the world was becoming successful in everything that was done. But when it came to her, she was still stuck on square one-relationship wise, that is. Sometimes she could get so angry at Sonic. Angry for him ignoring her, not asking her out, not mentioning thing to her that she'd want to know about. But no matter what the reason, she always came to the sense that she still loved him just the same. And that nothing could change that fact.

But now I see, Amy thought, crumbling the leaf in her hands as she stood. he doesn't care about me. He never will.

A tear fell from her eyes and landed next to her foot, bringing moisture to the ground. A relationship with Sonic, was like trying to chase the wind. It was impossible.

The crumbled pieces of the leaf blew with the wind and out from her palm. Her hair blew back with the breeze.

Amy sighed as she continued her walk. She was a few steps out of the park when all of a sudden, she heard strange mechanical noises. Sort of like the repairing of a car or something. So very strange.

An alley way was next to the central park. The pink hedgehog hesitantly walked down into it. As she did the noises became louder and louder. She had to be getting closer. But one question still lingered deep in her mind. She figured out where the noise was coming from. However, what was making that noise was still a mystery.

Amy pushed a trash can out of her way. Behind it was...Sonic? Is that possible? Something seemed different about him. But at the moment, Amy didn't really care about that.

"Sonic? Oh, Sonic, are you hurt?" a concerned Amy asked.

The figure stood at its full height and looked at her. He seemed more like an omen now rather than the Sonic she loved.

"You? Who are you? Please regaurd your identification. Reguard your state of buisness." the androidic voice said. Amy was confused. She stepped back in fear only to trip over a trash can lid. She fell to the ground and looked up behind her to see the figure above her.

"S-Stay back. I'm warning you!" her threat was empty though. No reason to fight. She wasn't looking for one, after all.

"You are trespassing. You are a spy. You will be assimilated!" the mechanical menace began to step foward, not even thinking of what to do next. Repairs had not yet been completed.

"W-What? Me?? A spy!!" Amy was in total disbelief. She had merely heard something and went to find out what it was. She didn't intentionally want to drop in on something uninvited.

The android held out a wrist blaster and aimed carefully at her forehead. Amy was frozen in fear. In fear of pain and in fear of death. The wrist blaster began charging with energy. Amy attempted in this moment to escape. But her courage failed her and in a burst of flashing light...there was nothing. Nothing...nothing...at all.

...

Shadow the Hedgehog stood firmly amongst the stone pillars of the great mountain range. The windy day made peering down unto the peaceful world below him harder to accomplish. Yet, Shadow wasn't there for sightseeing. Rather he was thinking of that good for nothing android that looked like Sonic. Shadow was beginning to wonder what Eggman was really up to.

There was the weapon that Tails' mentioned awhile back. Then there was the android...after Sonic at night? It didn't make quite as much sense as Eggman's plans would usually do. It was always like there was a reason for what Eggman was doing. He'd always drop in on Sonic and co. Then he'd present himself alongside his robotic creation. But Eggman didn't show. Where was he? By the looks of things, Eggman was beginning to wise up. Rather than being so highly opinionate of himself, he was focusing on his goals. He was making sure take everyone out one by one.

It was then that a deep dark thought crossed in Shadow's mind. If Eggman really was going for each and every one of them, then who would he take...or try to take out? That's when Shadow's eyes went wide. They turned to the faint faraway central park down from the mountains. "Amy!" Shadow exclaimed outloud. There wasn't time to let Sonic know. There just wasn't enough time.

The black hedgehog leapt from the pillar and dashed down alongside the mountain. He blasted through forest after forest until finally haulting in central park. But there was no sign of Amy anywhere for as much as he could see.

The sprinkling of the fountain waters sounded more faint than usual. They were usually more peaceful to the mind. Something was going on.

"Somethings not right. Somethings wrong...very wrong." Shadow muttered beneath his breath. The black hedgehog looked around.

Maybe someone's seen her. Shadow thought cleverly. It was worth a shot.

A grey cat was walking around the park fence. He held a rake and was caretaking the perimeter with joyful care. He was apparently the park caretaker. He HAD to have seen something out of the ordinary.

"You...over there..." Shadow called out. The grey cat looked up from his work and walked over to the black hedgehog.

"What can I do for you, son?" His gray fur was stained with dirt and weeds of all his hard work. He was very lean and tall. He was crippled and old, but there was something enlightening about him. Something even Shadow couldn't make out. He set his rake down beside a bench. The two sat down to have a meaningful chat.

"Why no, no I didn't see anythin' unusual 'bout the place t'day." the old timer said with a weak smile. "But if ya lookin' for someone...lady friend to be 'xact, then I guess I could helps ya!" he said with a crackling laugh.

"A pink hedgehog perhaps?" Shadow questioned with a raised brow. The old caretaker nodded as he stood. He picked up a rake, and began to return to his work. While he continued, he looked up at Shadow. "Left the park few minutes ago...hasn't come back 'ere since."

"Which way?"

The caretaker pointed out the west-end gate, then two the large building right outside.

Shadow gave a sly smile to show thanks, then he headed over and out through the west gate. The building before him was rather impressive. For being so old, it was being used quite often. It was used to write the daily newspaper. People there were proud of their work. They always got the news right down to the facts. Never had they been wrong in all their years of buisness.

Strange. Shadow thought. Why would Amy come here...unless. It hit Shadow when he never could've thought of it. She never went inside! Shadow concluded. He looked left, then right. On the left, there was no where else she could've gone. On the right however, the Ultimate Life-form spotted an alley way. An ominous feeling aroused from the entrance. A terrible smell...like iron was ligering around the trash cans.

"What a dump." Shadow mumbled in disgust.

It was then the black hedgehog noticed something. Shadow knelt down closer to the city pavement. But it wan't black. It was stained. Shadow smirred a finger on the damp ground, raised it to his nose and sniffed. "Blood." said Shadow. His heart rate began to beat faster.

Shadow pushed the tumbled trash cans to the side to move ahead. But it was all too soon that he came to a hault. He was frozen in his tracks. It was...

"AMY!!" Shadow exclaimed. He was right. Eggman was after them one at a time.

Amy lay distortedly on the ground. Her dress and boots stained with her own blood. Shadow was too late. Or was he? "Amy?" the black hedgehog, not panicing whatsoever, picked her up to check for a pulse. There was a pulse in deed. But it was weak. She needed a hospital. And fast!

Shadow disliked her in a way, but ever since the Metarex, he had come to be friends with her, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. Sure they had a few trust problems because of their differences. But that was understandable. This was starting to get out of hand. First Sonic, then Amy, who next?

The black hedgehog lifted her up off the bloodstained ground and rushed towards the Downtown Hospital.

...

The shadowy room provided no real light. The desiring flames surely died out by now. Confidence failing. The steel walls and titanium locked door made it feel like a prison. A prison in Hell. The annoyance of the rowdy pest. The annoyance of the batty brat. Sanity slipping through her fingers. Sorrow nearly swallong her whole. Even her flames could not help her now. It was Hell for sure.

Blaze the Cat sat cross legged in the center of her cage, trying to hold onto what sanity she could still reach. But she knew she couldn't stand this for much longer or she'd surely go mad.

The purple cat closed her deep yellow eyes and tried to think...think of what it used to be like. The adventures she had. The friends she had made. That's when she remembered the great hero she had met twice before. Sonic. that thought suddenly brought back hope. Even when hope was scarce.

Sonic, hurry...

...

Blackness slowly turned to light. Strength returned, health revived, and hope secured. It was the beginning of a new day. The blue hedgehog looked out the window and remembered...he was in Tails' Workshop. He had not seen Shadow since he had last passed out. But then he remembered. Tails had been there too. But, where was he now. Sonic scanned briefly of everything around him. Still no sign of Tails anywhere.

Suddenly, the front door opened, making Sonic jump into a fighting stance. To his relief, it was just little ole' Tails. The yellow fox looked straight at him with a smile. "Hey, Sonic!" the fox greeted in a cheerful manner. "Looks like you're up and running again, huh?"

Sonic nodded with a smile. "Yeah. About time, too, don't you think?" the blue hedgehog said as he hopped up onto the sofa while Tails took a seat at his computer. The yellow fox got right to work. Sonic looked back behind the sofa to see what his best friend was up to. "So, Tails...what ya up to lately?" Sonic asked curiously.

Tails just looked back at him with a wide grin. "Trying to find out what Eggman's up to."

"Well we know one thing," Sonic began.

"What's that, Sonic?"

"It's definately not good."

...

"Do not worry. She is in good hands." a doctor assured Shadow as he stepped out into the waiting room. "That's good." Shadow said almost emotionlessly.

"We'll run some tests and see what more we can do for her." the doctor said calmly.

Shadow nodded in response as he left the hospital.

The sun was high in the afternoon now. The streets were bustling with buisness and tourists. All kinds of people crowded the sidewalks of the city. Shadow looked around. He was beginning to worry. Just what was Eggman thinking. Plotting their defeat is one thing. Killing them off is another.

Shadow stood high on a skyscraper when he heard it,

"Why hello there, Shadow."

That voice. Shadow's face instantly changed its expression into a glare. The black hedgehog looked behind him to see Bokkun carrying a TV screen. Eggman most be broadcasting himself so he wouldn't have to meet him in person.

"Doctor. What sick plot have you got up your sleves this time!?" Shadow scolded bitterly. His growing hatred for Eggman was beginning to cross over the line. He felt as if he could just reach through that TV and silence him once and for all. But he knew better. It was just a TV.

"Now, now, Shadow. Let us not get hasty here. I believe you've met my latest creation...an android to be exact."

"I knew it! I KNEW you were the scumbag behind that damn attack that rendered Sonic unconsiouse. You freak!" the Ultimate Life-form snapped in a fury of rage.

"His name is Sonc2. He is to be Sonic's replacement once I do away with that vermin! You understand, don't you, Shadow?" Eggman questioned sarcastically.

Shadow gritted his teeth. Never had he felt so much hatred for a single being. But Eggman was an exceptional enemy. He was an annoyance and a pest at that. Why couldn't he just give up before any of this had to happen? It was just simply maddening.

"HO HO! I see you're speechless, well...just make sure you don't let any rabbit get...ah...CREAMED!"

"W-What? Cream!!" Shadow was dumbfounded. She was just a kid.

"Boy, doctor, that wasn't exactly the best evil speech I ever heard." Bokkun commented. "Sounded kinda cheesey if you ask me."

"Well I didn't ask you! Now get back here. Our message has been delivered."

"Yes doctor."

Bokkun put the TV back into his box before jetting back through the city skyline.

What? No explosion this time, Bokkun? Shadow thought with a huff. But as for now, there were more important matters to see through. Shadow wasn't going to let some stupid robot to harm a kid. That was just a cruel tactic to a plot. Cream had never done anything to deserve a fate Eggman had planned for her.

In a burst of speed, Shadow rushed off out of the city and into the forest. "Cream's house has to be somewhere on the other side." Shadow thought. He knew the dividing line. The Great Forest divided the village dwellers from the big city. But there was no time to take it easy. Lives were at stake now. Things have changed.

Eggman, you good for nothing bastard! Shadow thought in total disgust. Passing large trees as he went, made sure he didn't trip on a log. With a solid leap, the hedgehog dashed from tree branch to tree branch at a lighting pace.

If Cream was being targeted by Dr. Eggman, then there was a good chance that Vanilla was also in great danger. It was times like this that Shadow wished Maria Robotnik was still alive. But of course, that was an impossibility. But Shadow knew one thing he had to do for sure. And that was to fullfill and keep his promise to his friend. Maria.

I will NOT let you torment the innocent, doctor. Or so help me, there'll be hell to pay! Shadow snarrled in his thoughts. When he was first released from suspended animation, he had been honorable and trustworthy in the doctor's eyes. He listened and obeyed any request Eggman threw his way. However, as time past, Shadow began to realize what Chris had said was true. Eggman was just using him to get what he wanted. After the Metarex, Shadow no longer listened to the doctor, and has been against him ever since.

Shadow haulted in one of the many oak trees of the forest barrier. He stood as a lookout, piering at every environment he could get his sights on. The sun beamed down on him, making it humid. Shadow looked out across from the branch in which he was perched. There he saw it. The peaceful homes of many creatures was within sight. Shadow hurried along from the tree, leaping once more from branch to branch, trunk to trunck. The blue sky swirled as if in a vortex at the speed in which he manuvered.

The Ultimate Life-form suddenly stopped again. This time from a sound. The sound of...machineary? But there couldn't be any machines in the forest, could there?

Shadow slowed up his pace, now walking. The black hedgehog quickly concealed himself behind a tree, noticing the sound was as close as ever. He turned his head to look from the side of the tree. A river flowed down from the hill in which he set his sights on. But atop of the hill, actually on the water, was a shadowy figure. One so maniacle that it was frightening. So evil that it brought back memories...it was that confounded android.

"I know you are there, Shadow the Hedgehog. Surrender for you are inferior compared to I." Sonic2 called out.

Shadow heart began racing faster than his own feet. Sweat dripped from his forehead, dampening his fur. He looked back behind his tree again to see the figure jump down and land right in front of his tree, on the other side of course.

Normally Shadow didn't mind any enemy seeing them only as a mere workout. But this android. This, thing. He couldn't even predict what was up his sleve.

"Well, nice to see you again. Need any oil changes lately? Oh, that's right, you're already a piece of shit! How could a spot of oil every fix that!" Shadow held out a fist. Rage was beginning to get the better of him.

Sonic2 didn't react. He didn't even answer with the slightest of signs. He merely cocked his head to the side. The android then held out his hand as it began to glow with force and power. A beam was shot from his palm. Luckily, Shadow ducked, only to have the beam smash the tree behind him into dust. The tree, what was left of it, collided into several other trees, causing their collision with other trees.

Dust from the debres caused Shadow to cough and hack. Sonic2 just stood and watched his opponent choke. "What is the matter? Can you not handle such a small obsticle like dust?" Sonic2 asked emotionlessly.

Shadow used his hand to fan the dust away. "Chaos Spear!" Shadow exclaimed. The black hedgehog sent out numerous beams of light that shot directly at the android before him. Sonic2 didn't move. He was hit full force and yet he didn't take even a scratch.

Sonic2 charged at him with full power. He ramed Shadow into the stoney cliffside of the hill. The river right next to him on the left side.

Damnit! Eggman must've tuned him up since last time. Now what? Shadow thought. But his time to think was small before a punch across his head caused him to fall to the ground. The ground was muddy and it reeked. His fur now covered in it, Shadow stood to his feet again. "I don't know who you are or what you are, you're going down, rusty!" Shadow spat at him.

"Do not waste my time," Sonic2 began as he walked away from his weakened foe.

"What? No guts, droid?"

"you are not a worthy opponent. Besides, I have more important matters to attend to." the android had a jetpack expand from his back units and blasted off into the blue sky, leaving only the ruined archer of forest, and the wounded Shadow. Other than that, he left without a trace.

Cream... Shadow remembered. With what energy he could now afford to use, he used it. He sped along the last few achers of forest and finally reached his destination in the nick of time.

When he arrived, Vanilla was attending to the garden. She seemed to be removing weeds from the carrots and tomatos. Above her was a clothes line. Cream's favorite bathing suite and dress hung in the breeze as they dried naturally.

"Mrs. Vanilla!" Shadow called out. The aged rabbit looked up to see Shadow run towards her until he stopped right in front of her garden.

"Why, Shadow. What brings you here, dear?" Vanilla asked with a smile on her face. But Shadow knew this wasn't for a happy visit. Vanilla and Cream were both doomed unless Shadow could protect him. If that android got even stronger than last time, Shadow was worried-for the first time-that it would be even stronger the next time he met with it. And still the question lingered in his mind. What was that thing doing?

"Mrs. Vanilla, there's no time to waste, we have to get you out of here!" Shadow said in a rushed tone.

"Now why would that be?" she asked peacefully.

...

"Bokkun, has the rocket reached orbit yet?" Eggman asked, sitting at his magestic chair in the computer control room.

His naughty little assistant, Bokkun nodded. "Yep. Already to go!"

"HO!" Eggman chuckled as he looked to the monitors. "Everything's going as planned. And there hasn't been even one interferance from that pesky little hedgehog!" Eggman was almost beside himself in joy to know Sonic wasn't around to ruin his plans. It was just like a dream come true.

Eggman keyed a few passwords on the holopad to the side of his chair. It brought up an additional window on the main computer monitor.

It read:

Orbital Control

The controls to SP12-03 have been linked to the wireless reciever. However, interferance from space debres could cause erros en route to the reciever. Would you like to upgrade reciever to 10.08 degree ratio?

Yes or No?

Eggman keyed in 'yes'.

Orbital Control

Now upgrading reciever... Do not order commands until upgrade is complete...

Please Standby...

Error! Could not upgrade reciever.

"What?!" Eggman asked. He apparently was baffled. Hadn't he done everything right?

He typed in: Error Report Status...

Error Report

The reciever may have taken damage. The action you attempted can not be conducted until repairs have been completed to sector 4-2 of the reciever. Androdic state is constant and the droid has been unharmed. However, in this state, the rocket can not transform into mech droid mode.

It is highly recommended that you begin repairs immediately. For its shields are also inactive at this point. Repairs should take nearly 30-45 minutes.

Begin repairs now?

Yes or No

Eggman huffed. As much as he hated waiting, it seemed he had no other choice. If the shield was inactive at tthis point, then it could not possible get Sonic down. "Fine, then." Eggman said. He keyed in 'yes' and repairs began on the international reciever for his commands.

"Hey, Eggman," Bokkun began, flying up to his boss.

"Yes, Bokkun? What is it?"

"I was just wondering, why did you have to send that thingy into space anyway?"

Eggman grew a large grin on his face. "HO! HO! HO! I thought you'd never ask. You see, this android requires an enormous amount of energy. Energy that is impossible to obtain on this planet. The stars give off this kind of immense power. So why not space? I can't think of a better way to charge this thing's battery. Can you?"

Bokkun shook his head no. "Wow! You are a genius!"

"Why thank you. Now, to more important matters. What's Sonic2 up to?" the doctor asked his assistant lively. His assistant flew back to his seat and typed up another few things on the computer to bring up a screen of Sonic2. He was at central park, under the gazebo.

"Ah, Sonic2! How has your mission been going?" Eggman asked curiously.

"It has been well for me, doctor. I can assure you, Sonic will be dead by the end of this week."

"What!? This week!? Why not now!?"

"Patience, doctor. It is impatience that leads to one's downfall. To defeat your enemy, you must first observe them. Learn who they are, what they do, and most importantly, what they are weak against." the android noted.

Eggman put his finger to his chin in thought. "I see. You are very wise, Sonic2. Keep up the good work."

Right before the doctor could turn off communications, the android burst out, "Wait!" Eggman stopped his finger from punching the command in. Dr. Eggman was wondering what this was about. "Shadow, sir. He attempted to stop me from reaching those two rabbits and their homestead. Unfortunately, I would believe him to be guarding that facility by now. I will be wasting my time, however. As I could defeat him easily. However, I wish to know what you want me to do." Sonic2 explained.

Eggman nodded. "Shadow, you say?" The android nodded on screen. Eggman thought carefully, gripping the ends of the arms of his chair. He didn't want to be his own demise like previous encounters such as these. "Avoid Shadow for now, Sonic2. You have a mission to complete. He's trying to get your eyes off of the ball. But don't listen to him, I'm sending you more data to confirm this information."

Sonic2 nodded. "Yes sir. I shall not fail you."

...

"Eggman? What would Eggman want with me or my precious Cream?" Vanilla asked confused.

She sat comfortabley on her recliner and grasped a coffee cup from the coffee table next to her and took a sip. Shadow sat on the opposite side as her and sat on the sofa placed before a window. Vanilla's expression showed it all. Uncertainty. The aged rabbit looked to the empty staircase, knowing Cream was up there. Shadow knew Vanilla was worried more about her daughter rather than her own well being.

Shadow sighed deeply beforing going on. "I think he's trying to pick us off one at a time." His words made Vanilla hastely take another sip of her tea. The cup shook as she began putting it back down.

"But why us? We've never done anything to that brute."

Shadow nodded. They were right, of course, but Shadow highly doubted that would change that madman's mind.

...

Knuckles ran through the canyon's. It was getting late as the canyon rock began turning yellowish orange from the setting sun. Suddenly, all the rock turned gray. Seemingly untouched by the sun. The wind stopped and chills ran down his spine. As a treasure hunter, Knuckles knew exactly were he was.

"The Forgotten Canyons..." Knuckles murmured. This was said to be unholy ground. Dead souls wherever you were. Even God seemed to have forsaken it. No life anywhere exluding himself.

"Eggman's new base...it's here...I can feel it!"

Knuckles ran up to a steep canyon wall. He pounded his fist firmly in place, indending into the wall. He did this to climb up quickly onto the cliffside only to find exactly what he was looking for. Impressive steel doors with Eggman's symblol on it. His guess was right on the money. But one thing still puzzled him. Why would Eggman want to have his base put here? This land had no resources. Or did it?

...

Blaze lay in almost a feetle position, wondering what was going on in her world. Why was she sent here? Nega had said something about the invention thing he and the original Eggman used to all-in-all their status. But why her? Her world needed her more than ever. Everything was falling apart. The sunlight that crisply shone on her silky lavender fur faded until it could no longer be seen. Nightfall was near...nightfall was here.

The night would be nothing but tourture, though. Rouge would talk in her sleep about jewelery and such. Bokkun would snore. Dr. Eggman would constantly keep coming in to check on his prisoners. Worst of all, her thoughts would have her worked up all night long. Once again, a sleepless night for a lone lost cat.

Well, Sonic. Now would be the perfect time. Blaze thought, not wanting to give up hope.