Chapter 8: Bad for progress

Three months had passed since the Witchcart Clan was disbanded, and the werehog's reputation had grown more controversial by the day. Eggman was watching such a news report with a pleasurable smile. Savoring the negativity Sonic's alter ego was receiving.

Ark came over to his left side, and with a smile said "I see my favorite patient is adjusting well. And to think I thought you hadn't-"

"A reason to go on" Eggman finished. "I saw you on the talk shows again last night. It must feel good, telling your side of things." Sobbing he continued, "I know the world has every right to hate me."

With a sympathetic smile, Ark said "Why don't I talk to the producers and see if I can get our names on the guest list? I'm sure some people will be interested in seeing you."

Wiping his tears away, Eggman replied "Thank you doctor."

Seeing Ark walk away, Eggman grinned at how he manipulated his own psychiatrist.

Meanwhile, in the United Federation capital of Central City, a meeting was occurring between the third UF President since the SIA was enacted and G.U.N.'s greatest agent and Commander-in-Chief.

"My friend, you know how much I dislike involving you in domestic affairs. With all the complications you stir up" said orange hedgehog President Arnold Quell. "But it's a complication I'd like you to stop. Involving an old acquaintance of yours from the Little Planet."

"I understand sir" said Shadow the Hedgehog.

"I could tell that vigilante was Sonic the minute he first appeared on the news. I haven't told anyone because I thought he could be contained by the locals before he became a ruckus, but even with this Yang woman issuing his arrest, he's already inspired a group of killers. And well this is bad for progress."

"I understand sir" Shadow repeated.

"I'm not asking you to terminate him yet, for now see what you can do to tame him."

"I'll try sir. He's not hard to find."

Back in Quartz Quadrant, Sonic was chasing Witchcart's former lackeys:Carrotia, Focke-Wulf and Bearenger through a dark alley.

"Distract him" Carrotia told her two companions. Only for Sonic to quickly bunk their heads together.

"Flavor" he spoke into his radio, "Carrotia is heading your way. You know what to do."

After slingshoting the other rabbit, Flavor led her into an abandoned apartment building.

"You and your gang have been getting a lot of explosives, deer gas and spare parts Carrotia" Sonic echoed, "Tell me what for."

"Or what? You'll kill me? That's not you'll style."

Emerging from the walls, Sonic pushed Carrotia down to the basement. delivering punch after punch.

"Tell me what's going on" he demanded.

"Alright! Alright! We were getting them for Fang the Sniper!"

"That weasel? For what?!"

"I don't know. I swear. But he was talking about a friend from the Rose Home!"

"The Rose Home? But that means..."

Unexpectedly, a black blur tore through the ceiling, grabbed Carrotia and trapped her using the nearby pipes. She was then punched to unconsciousness by Sonic.

"We have to talk" said Shadow.

"Palmtree Panic. In the morning" Sonic replied.

Realizing his old rival was busy, Shadow then left the same way he entered.

On the outskirts of Palmtree Panic, Sonic met with Shadow.

"You nearly cost me hours of work last night" the Blue Blur spoke first, "Not that I'm bitter."

"Then I'll get straight to it" Shadow replied, "You have to join the Guardian Units of Nations or go back into retirement."

"Thank you, but no thank you."

"You're not helping our image Sonic. You're acting like a criminal."

Sonic chuckled. "We all criminals Shadow. We always have been. You're still one two. Only you answer to a boss."

"And you answer to no one. We almost had this talk a long time ago, when you argued against the SIA. In the end we all agreed. Rouge and the Rogues gave up stealing. The Chaotix joined law enforcement. Gemerl and the Wisps left our solar system. And last I checked you and Tails ran Wacky Workbench together. My old team, myself and Quell had our suspicions but chose not to act until now."

"Hm. What about Knuckles? I don't remember him agreeing."

And he didn't. Knuckles the Echidna was furious of leaving the Master Emerald he spent his whole life guarding to what he saw as an increasingly corrupt government. For this act he was labeled a rogue and imprisoned. Ten years later, it was reported he died in an escape attempt.

In a solemn voice, Shadow said "That wasn't how I wanted that to go."

"He was all torn up about it to. Not to be insensitive."

"He made it necessary! Like-"

"What I'm about to?"

Sighing, Shadow continued "Look Sonic I'm talking to you as an old ... acquaintance. Shut it down or Quell's going to order me to stop you. And when that happens I can't promise I'll hold back."

Holding out his hand Sonic said "When that happens may the best hedgehog win."

Tentatively shaking it, Shadow replied "Heh. I guess somethings just never change."

"Never give up. Never surrender. That's all motto."

"I thought we didn't have mottos?"

Hearing his radio ringing, Shadow picked it up and listened. "The Battle Birds are encroaching on Westside Island again. We'll talk later" Shadow said running off.

Sonic sighed. "No hurry."

Back in the Rose Home, Eggman was talking with Fang.

"It's been a long time since I saw you in person Doc" said Fang. "I've finished work on the dolls as you requested over the phone, as well as these special filters." Giving Eggman the filters, he continued "Just put them in your nose and breathe through it."

"And all these years I've held my breath."

"What was it like?"

"After I took Sonic's girlfriend, he went ballistic. He wanted me to suffer. The shock was too great I stopped talking. After hearing I'd most likely never get a chance at him again, my shock turned into boredom. Depression. And finally I couldn't feel anything. But now I'm back. With a vengeance."

To be continued