Chapter 18: A Battle Between Personalities

Tails thought it over, then a desperate plan came to mind. "Shadow...what if you took down Mephiles?" Shadow thought about it. Mephiles was another split personality inside Sonic's head. He wasn't sure what would happen. Tails continued. "Maybe...if you defeat him, Sonic will return to normal. He said himself that it was Mephiles' influence that turned him evil."

Shadow's eyes narrowed. "Maybe so Tails...but how can I fight him?"

Tails thought about it. Since Shadow was also a split personality, he could fight Mephiles inside Sonic's head. But would Sonic regain control if he did? "Maybe you can fight him in your mind...but Shadow, there isn't any guarantee that Sonic will become good again, even if you win."

The vampire nodded and closed his eyes. He could feel himself lose control of his body and soon became a consciousness once again. Shadow opened his eyes and saw that he was in Sonic's mindscape. Now, all he had to do was find Mephiles. He didn't have to search long before an evil laugh rang out, causing him to stiffen and put up his guard.

A red mist appeared and formed into Mephiles. The other split personality grinned and spoke. "So, Shadow, you have become a split personality. It is permanent, but you know that already. Soon, Sonic will regain control and he will usher in a new reign or terror forever!"

"Not if I stop you first!" Shadow snarled.

Mephiles laughed. "You think you can stop me? I have become one with Sonic; we have fused together! You cannot kill me. Even if you do, it will not help."

"All you've ever told are lies...why should I believe you now?" Shadow smirked. "Besides, if you've fused with Sonic, why are you still a split personality then, hm?"

The other laughed. "It doesn't matter. Now that you're here, maybe I should kill you! You are a split persona also. If I kill you, you will vanish forever."

"When did your arrogance finally get the better of you? You actually think you can beat me when I'm fighting for a friend?"

Mephiles chuckled and then lunged at Shadow, transforming into a large bat. Shadow just stood in place as Mephiles screeched and flew at him, just as he was about to ram into Shadow, the black hedgehog turned into a red mist and Mephiles flew through him. Shadow quickly reformed and spun around, kicking the large bat. He followed this up with a Chaos Spear. The attack hit Mephiles who screeched in pain. Shadow closed his eyes, turning into a bat also, but was surprised when he too became a large bat.

What? Why am I so large? A weak voice in his mind cut him off. He froze as he realized who it was. S...Sonic...?

A glow appeared and Sonic stood before him. "Shadow..." he said. "This is my last resort. I have given you my remaining energy...but at a cost. My evil self will now take hold forever...but please...defeat...Mephiles."

The good side of Sonic fell forwards before disappearing forever. Shadow looked at where he had been and then screeched at Mephiles. I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! ALL OF THIS IS YOUR FAULT!

Shadow's aura became dark and soon his fur changed to black also. His pupils disappeared too. Mephiles saw this and laughed. Yes...yes! Give in to the darkness inside you!

Shadow glared at him. I'll never give into my darkness, It doesn't control me, I control it!

Mephiles smirked and lunged towards the large bat. The battle had begun.

Shadow Chaos Controlled away, then reappeared behind Mephiles in his wolf form, slamming down on top of him and pinning him down. To Mephiles' shock, Shadow's wolf form had gotten larger as well. The large wolf growled and lowered his fangs, biting into Mephiles' chest. Mephiles tried to get up but it was no use; the wolf was too strong, and too powerful.

Mephiles' glared at the wolf on top of him. He became mist and transformed into a wolf as he did so, pouncing at the other. Shadow was ready for him, however. The black wolf lunged and knocked him down once again.

Mephiles growled. You think you can defeat me, Shadow? I have been around for thousands of years! You will never be able to kill me.

This statement confused the wolf. He snarled, wondering what Mephiles meant.

What do you mean, thousands of years?

Mephiles turned back to normal and let out a loud laugh. "You are naive! Remember when Sonic told you about Dracula? How he supposedly died, and that was Sonic's inspiration for choosing that name?" Shadow's eyes widened in fear and he turned back to normal as well, backing away. Mephiles grinned. "Yes, Shadow. I am Count Dracula."

"No...No way...!"

Mephiles laughed again. "I have been wandering Earth for years, looking for someone to keep my legacy going. That is why I chose Sonic to become a vampire."

Shadow's eyes narrowed as rage replaced fear. "I'll make you regret ever biting him!"

They lunged at each other once again, transforming into large bats as they did so. Mephiles' screeched at Shadow as he whacked him with his wings. The two bats fought ferociously for a while. Suddenly, Mephiles dove at Shadow, who transformed into a large wolf and pounced on the vampire bat, biting him on the neck and literally tearing his throat out. Mephiles screeched as he died and vanished from Sonic's mind. Shadow turned back to normal and closed his eyes, regaining control of Sonic's body.