Chapter 7

Shadow the Hedgehog stood on the topmost tower in downtown Westopolis. The usual ruckus of the Westopolis night life filled the late night air as he gazed out over the horizon. Many things had been different since the invasion of Black Arms several years before. The city was fully rebuilt, with G.U.N. units regularly patrolling the perimeter. So much has happened since then, Shadow thought. Yet despite this, his memory continued to haunt even after the discovery of his identity.

Running down a seemingly endless hall...panting...the terrified face of a beautiful teenage girl...footsteps clambering behind them...stopping...her face filled with fear...a loud blast from a gun...

"MARIA!"

Shadow shook his head. For all the effort it took to uncover his story, the memory still haunted him.

His thoughts were shattered as his keen sense of hearing picked up the sound of someone approaching. Someone approaching from behind.

Shadow spun around and side-stepped a flaming arrow. Moments later, a small bomb landed close to Shadow's feet. Reacting instinctively, Shadow spun several meters away and looked back at his assailant. A dark figure stood meters away, hidden from view. A pair of red eyes gazed out at him as he looked on. He knew instantly who it was.

"I was wondering when you'd show up."

The figure's reply came in a low snarl. "It's not my fault that you didn't specify a time to meet. Now, what is it you want to talk about?"

Shadow, remembering, immediately bristled his fur and snarled in return. "You broke our deal. I give you the access codes to Super Smash Headquarters, you unleash the Wire Frames and aim the blame at Sonic. You didn't keep your end of the bargain! They suspect ME! What did you do, cross your fucking fingers behind your back?!"

The figure's smirk could be heard in his voice. "I would have thought that you'd have expected the blame to be put on you."

Shadow bared his fangs in a feral snarl. "Don't fucking tell me that you don't know how to fucking control people's words! You did it just fine with Bowser and Gigabowser! Why not now?!"

The figure seemed to find this amusing. "You didn't know who you were bargaining with, Shadow. You were so gullible. The blackness of your mind allowed me to see the source of your hate, and I used it to my advantage. I admit, I considered your request, but in the end, what are you to me but a tool of the Time Hero's destruction? Why should I grant the request of one so low as yourself?"

Shadow immediately blew up. "I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU FOR THIS BACKSTAB!"

The figure considered Shadow briefly. "You can try, Shadow, you can try. But unfortunately, there is darkness in the hearts of all life-forms. No matter what you do to me, I will always be back." With this, the figure turned and disappeared.

Shadow stood in seething silence. You think you can cross me? I, Shadow the Hedgehog, the Ultimate Life Form? You'll regret this, you red eyed bastard.

5 miles from Westopolis, Link and Samus were trekking hard through the surrounding landscape. For the past 36 hours they had been trekking hard, stopping only to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves. As Westopolis came into view, they exchanged glances, silently agreeing to get above ground to avoid unwanted attention. They began going rooftop to rooftop, Samus with her boost pack, Link with his hookshot. As they reached downtown, they stopped for a brief respite.

Link broke the tired silence. "Think you can make the last few acres?"

Samus smiled behind her helmet. "You kidding? This is nothing compared to when I tracked down Ridely."

Link smiled in return. "Well, we don't have far. Shadow's energy is making Navi go crazy." Link's fairy, usually hidden, had sensed Shadow's dark energy a while ago and the immensity of it had scared her into hiding.

Samus glanced up and saw, even from their spot, Shadow's silhouette highlighted against the full moon. "He's on the capitol tower, about 400 meters."

Link glanced in the same direction. "Yup, that's him. Shall we go?"

Samus blushed momentarily before regaining her composure and nodding. The two immediately took off, going rooftop to rooftop, higher and higher before finally reaching the top of the colossal tower.

Link spoke first. "Shadow the Hedgehog?"

Shadow turned towards them. "Well, speak of the devil. Look who it is. Link and Samus Aran."

Samus, tensed in case he struck, responded in Link's stead. "We're here to talk to you about the recent breakout of the Wire Frames at SS..."

Shadow cut across her. "I had no part in that outbreak. You've got the wrong colour."

Link stepped forward. "We know. We're here to ask you for help."

Samus was not as calm. "How did you know about the outbreak?!"

Shadow inhaled deeply. "I helped the person who did. I gave him the access codes to the Containment Area."

Samus and Link stood in shocked silence. "Who was it?" Link asked cautiously.

Shadow seemed amused by this question. "Who did it? Or who did it look like did it?"

"Don't fuck with us, Shadow, spill it!" Samus snapped.

Shadow shrugged. "You don't seem to check your records thoroughly. It was Captain Falcon who let them loose."

This confused Link. "If it was the Captain, why would you be needed? He already knows the codes."

Shadow seemed a bit nettled. "Captain Falcon let them loose, but he wasn't aware of his actions. He was being controlled by an outside force."

Samus considered this. Perverted and rebellious he may be, but even the Captain would know in his heart of hearts not to release 476 Wire Frames. It must have been a very powerful force to break the Captain's mental barrier. I had a feeling something else was at work here. But we still don't know what it is. This last thought irritated Samus further.

Link spoke, breaking her thoughts. "If the Captain was being controlled by someone or something else, than who was it?"

Shadow looked slightly unnerved. "He never told me his name. All I ever saw of him were two red eyes. He operates in the shadows, showing no one his face. He feeds off the darkness around him, drawing more power to himself.

Link's skull ridges went cold. It can't be...

Samus was similarly effected. Him?!

Link spoke uncertainly. "You don't mean..."

"I do."

YES! Chapter 7 up! Enjoy!

Shadow is innocent, so who is this mysterious dark figure?

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