Chapter 3

The Great Power

The four made their way down the mountain in the morning, and with the help of the two from the future, they made greater time by being flown over obstacles. Soon enough they were into the kingdom of Arthisgad. There, they had to sneak past all people. They decided to split up, and meet each other at the end. On the other side of the world, in Otherland, a black hedgehog paced one of the tallest mountains in Mobius. He stared at one of the surviving cities, which filled him with disgust and hatred.

"For over fifty years those disgusting mortals held me prisoner," he hissed. Black Doom floated beside him, following his gaze, "Soon, father. Soon I will have my revenge." Shadow's hand gripped a semi-automatic machine gun. He fired a shot in the air, getting a taste for the weapon.

"My son," Black Doom rumbled, "I am pleased to know that I can support you in your endeavor." The hedgehog sensed the fear in his father's voice and smirked.

"You should be. Once I'm finished with these pathetic mortals, a new empire shall rise. An empire where I rule, and nothing shall get in my way!"

"Oh, Terios!" a feminine voice called from behind them. A black cat skipped towards them. Her eyes were red, like Shadows, and she had the same black highlights in her fur. She wore a torn up red dress. Unlike her brother, her face was arranged in a wide smile. "Terios, guess what? I found this cute guy down in that Knothole Village place!" Shadow could see the miniature hearts floating from the cat's ears, "Oh my gosh, he had such a cute, fluffy tail! And he can fly! Oh, he's so cute! His name is Ray the Flying Squirrel!" Shadow turned away from his sister, hoping she'll get his point and stop talking.

"A boy?" Black Doom growled, "I forbid you from seeing this boy, Shadia!"

"But daddy!" Shadia whined, "He's a good boy, and I think he likes me!" Shadow moved away from the two, not really caring to partake in the unfolding feud. Instead, he descended the mountain in the darkness of night, hoping to walk through the city's streets and plan his attack. Through the forest, he could hear nocturnal animals. It was peaceful, this. It almost made him sad that he'd be ruining the serenity of this planet. But these mortals had never shown any compassion towards him. Why should he do the same? As he entered the city borders, life came into view. A few people walked the streets, but not many. Of course not, it was near midnight. The only people he saw were doctors, hooligans, or homeless people. How interesting. Things became silent the longer he went through the city. He would savor the feeling when he leveled the towering skyscrapers.

He went past a hospital, and stared at it. It would be no use of them, soon. Their sick would die, regardless, by his army's hands. There would be no mercy. The land would be leveled. Their homes would burn and-

"Excuse me," a perky female voice interrupted his thoughts. Shadow quickly turned around, facing a young, pink hedgehog. She looked directly at him with crystalized, green eyes. "Are you, perhaps, looking for some place to stay?" She twirled her hips as she spoke.

"No," Shadow growled in response, walking away. "Get away from me."

"But sir," the girl persisted, "My name is Amelia Rose, and I work with Vanilla's Home for the Homeless, and I wanted to offer an invitation for you to stay with us!" Shadow paused. He hadn't expected this. Why was this girl being so nice to him? What did she want from him. His face hardened.

"I already told you, I don't need a place to stay," Shadow growled again, trying to walk away once more. The girl ran in front of him, a defiant look on her face.

"Look, bub," she said, pointing a finger at his chest. She got right up in his face, "I'm giving you a chance to start a new life, here. If you turn this down, then you're asking to get robbe-" Shadow had had it. He slapped the girl aside, knocking her off her feet. A scowl came to his face as he glared at her.

"Nobody speaks to me with such disrespect."

"Who do you think you are!?" Amelia screamed at him, standing up. There was a very large hammer in her hands. That wasn't there before, was it? "You big jerk!" She swung it at him, and Shadow caught it in his hand, without even looking. This was interesting. Amelia looked shocked. This must not have been very common. "Wh-Wh-Whaa?" she stammered, "H-How did you…? Who are you?"

"I'm this planet's new conqueror," Shadow said, "Shadow the Hedgehog."

"Conqueror? What are you talking about?"

"I am going to destroy this city, and every other like it. I am going to watch its citizens burn. I am going to laugh as the weak die first, and the strong try to fight. This will be the first city to die. This will be my first vic-"

"But you can't!"

"Stop interrupting me, little girl!" Shadow looked at Amelia with bloody murder, "It's because of this world's lack of compassion that I do this! I will watch this pathetic orb burn!"

"But… But what about the innocents who work their butts off to help others?" Amelia asked. Shadow looked down. He hadn't considered that.

"I'm leaving," he finally said. This time, Amelia didn't stop him. As he ascended back up the mountain, he couldn't help but think twice about what he was about to do. Could he be like the monsters who had invaded the ARK all those years ago, killing the innocent along with the guilty?

"Hey, Terios!" Shadia greeted him at the top, "Have a fun time down there?" His sister giggled at him. "I bet ya found a cute girl down there, huh?" Shadow didn't answer. Amelia Rose… Such determination to stand up for what was right. She was like Maria. Shadow looked up at his sister.

"Yes," he said, "Yes I did." Shadia grinned.

"Oooo! What's her name?"

"Her name is Amelia Rose," Shadow responded, "And I think I have a crush."