Chapter Revised [x]

(Nobody's POV)

"Hello, and welcome to Channel 6 Station Square News at 9:00. I'm Thomas Fortman, your News host, here with more information on the shocking coverage that was taken a few weeks ago, during an assault that took place on a subway train headed from Westopolis to Mystic Ruins. On July 20th, we all found out about the incident, now nationally known as the Train 41 Event, where it appeared that a Sonic the Hedgehog doppelganger crashed through the window of Train 41, holding all the passengers at gun-point, and ended up kidnapping a young girl off the train who has been identified as Rachel Tower-"

A picture taken from Rachel's yearbook displayed.

"-G.U.N. Commander Abraham Tower's grand-daughter. Her whereabouts are currently unknown.

One of the passengers, a twenty-two year old woman named Harmony Stephens, captured footage of the attack via a hidden cell-phone camera video. The video shows the mysterious hedgehog demanding to know the location of a man under the surname Tower, the father of Rachel Tower, who, unbeknownst to the victims, was aboard the train in another cargo. The hedgehog proceeds with capturing Ms. Tower and seemingly disappearing into thin air using none other than a Chaos Emerald. Here's the footage, and we must warn you that it is a little graphic, and might not be suitable for anyone under the age of fourteen. Viewer discretion is advised."

A video with medium quality played, showing a shaky cam aimed at the strange hedgehog as he eyed all the passengers.

An unknown man rises from his seat and faces the hedgehog. "Hey look buddy. There's no need to hurt these people. We're all innocent here. Whatever it is you're after, we can help you get it without all the commotion. Just put the gun down and let's try to be rational."

The hedgehog frowned. "You'd be wise to shut up and sit down. Or else you'll be sorry."

The unknown man chuckled. "I've taken a bullet before, buddy. I ain't gonna get all rowled up over some fur ball with a bad attitude. So come on, let's be mature about this."

Everyone gasped.

The hedgehog growled at him. "Suit yourself. You may know what it's like to get shot, but now you'll see what it's like to be impaled by the power of Chaos. Chaos Spear!" He then sent strange yellow energy darting through the man.

The unknown man screams, flies backwards, and immediately goes unconscious. Everyone starts shouting in fear.

The hedgehog looked back at the passengers. "I'm looking for a man under the name of 'Tower'.

The woman holding the camera, otherwise known as Harmony Stephens, spoke up. "W-We d-d-d-don't k-know anyone named T-T-Tower. W-What d-do you w-w-want with him?"

And now the hedgehog flashed her a look of annoyance. "...That's none of your business." He then turned and began heading for the door to the cargo over.

After a few moments, Rachel Tower shot out of her seat. Her voice built from a whisper to a desperate cry. "Please, don't do this...Please...STOP IT SHADOW!"

The hedgehog turned, studying Rachel Tower before walking over to her and looking her up and down curiously. "It's you."

Rachel stammered out a reply. "My...my surname is Tower. I'm the G.U.N. Commander's granddaughter."

The hedgehog paused, then grinned evilly and lunged at Rachel, grabbing her arm.

Rachel Tower gasped, and after putting up a struggle, began screaming. The other passengers resumed panicking as well.

A man jumped up and tried to stop the hedgehog, only to get shot by him in the process. The bullet soared through his shoulder. The sound of the gunshot was followed by many screams and wails for help. The camera was shoved down in fear, and then it cuts off into black.

And now the camera was back on Thomas Fortman, who appeared thoroughly disturbed by the footage himself.

"Besides the two severely injured men on Train 41 that both wish to remain anonymous for their own safety, no one was actually killed aboard the subway, and none have been reported dead or harmed since. The video has been viewed widely on the internet and all over the world, and many controversies over it have begun to disperse. But apparently no one can answer the question that haunts everyone at this point. Who was that hedgehog? And where is he now?

Sources have tried contacting Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends to see if they themselves understood what was going on, seeing that the perpetrator was an anthromorphic hedgehog like Sonic himself. But their lines are unreachable. We sent reporters to investigate their private home in Station Square, and found that it was completely empty. So therefore, the mystery continued without answers.

Well, luckily we are now able to answer most of your questions after an interview in Westopolis with Commander Tower himself. He appears to be the only one who knows the hedgehog's identity, and he can tell you what to expect after this other-worldly intruder disrupted our peace."

Footage from the interview rolled, showing a distraught Abraham Tower standing stiffly outside the Westopolis Subway Station. His face was hard and unforgiving, and he was dressed in his work attire)

The interviewer began asking questions. "Commander Tower, sir, do you know the name of the hedgehog that attacked the passengers of Train 41? The same hedgehog that also kidnapped your grand-daughter?"

Tower growled angrily. "Yes. As a matter of fact I do. His name is Shadow the Hedgehog, and this is not his first time on Earth. He was here sixteen years ago when military buildings were being destroyed, and banks were being robbed of the Chaos Emeralds, where everyone mistook him for Sonic. He's the one who assisted Dr. Eggman in blowing up the moon, the night my grand-daughter was born. He also aided the Black Arms when they invaded Earth, before betraying them and going against their leader, Black Doom, and destroying the comet that brought them upon us. But I'm here to reveal some international secrets to the public only for the sake of having everyone's awareness in this ongoing war against that mistake of a creation, and for the sake of my dear Rachel... One of them is, the alien Black Doom is actually Shadow the Hedgehog's surrogate father. Shadow was made with Black Doom's blood. In fact, I witnessed Shadow's creation myself, sixty six years ago aboard the Space Colony ARK."

The male interviewer couldn't help but gasp. "What? You were a passenger on the Space Colony ARK? The first space colony to ever orbit Earth? I thought it was presumed that everyone aboard the ARK died after G.U.N. soldiers came and killed anybody involved in...in that one classified project by Proffesor Gerald Robotnik."

Tower then looked away from the interviewer and stared off into the distance. "Yes...Project Shadow...

Well, I did survive. And what's worse, is I knew Shadow the Hedgehog more than a lot of people on the ARK did, and they died for simply knowing about the project while I lived on. Shadow has always been the way he is now. He was intimidating, ruthless...his existence was highly unneeded. It was Shadow's fault what happened to the humans on the ARK. They should have destroyed him when they had the chance...or no...I should've destroyed him when I had the chance. Then maybe we wouldn't be where we are now."

The interviewer continued. "So where could he be right now? Have you any idea?"

"With Shadow's ability to use Chaos Control, he could be virtually anywhere. That's how he disappeared off the train, by warping with the Chaos Emerald. How he has one, I don't know. He might not even be on Earth anymore, and that's what disturbs me the most. But if he genuinely wants something, and was originally after my son and now has my grand-daughter, I am certainly his primary target. He should be back, but this time he won't catch us off-guard."

The interviewer only sighed. "...I see. That's actually very comforting, sir. To know that you'll do your best to protect our nation. Well is there anything you would like to say to this Shadow the Hedgehog character on camera? Any messages you might have for him? What about your grand-daughter?"

Tower's face shifted into a hard, icy glare. His brown and green eyes faced the camera and his teeth gritted. "Shadow. I don't know where you are, or what it is you want. But, know this. I will find you, even if it means to die trying. You can't hide from me forever. I'll find you and kill you myself, just like I should've done many years ago. You will not go on continuing to terrorize innocent people. You are done with destroying my life, taking away the family I had as a child, and the family I have now as a grown man. I will not rest until Rachel is home safe, and the synthetic blood that flows through your veins runs cold."

He then softened his expression, looking like he was on the sudden brink of tears. "And Rachel...I honestly can't tell you how sorry I am that this had to happen. Watching that video and seeing your frightened face truly breaks my heart. I'll bring you back home, sweetheart. I can only imagine how scared you are, and it kills me inside just thinking of the torture you have to endure at this very moment. You'll be home soon, I promise. Your mother and father miss you very much. Emma and Travis never stop asking about you. I won't allow myself to lose you like this. Just hang in there."

A tear then escaped his green eye and traveled down his cheek. "...I love you very much, Rachel. Don't give up fighting."

He then took in a breath cut up by sobs.

"Please, don't give up."

And then the camera faded to static.

(Rachel's POV)

"Rachel...?..."

The sound of my own name bounced around in my skull, bringing me out of the dark waters of sleep. I tossed and turned while half-awake, scrunching my closed eyelids until they creased into thin, lashed lines. I thought I had just heard someone speaking to me. It sounded something along the lines of a young female's voice.

My own voice forced itself out of my throat. "...Hm...?"

The voice breathed out a long exhale. "...Rachel..."

My eyes slowly fluttered open, peering directly ahead. "Wh...s...thr..." I mumbled, struggling to speak clearly. What I meant to say was, 'Who's there', because I couldn't see anything for myself. My surroundings were pitch black. But I could've sworn that I sensed a presence of some sort looming over me.

The voice then laughed softly, and for a moment I thought I felt something graze the side of my face. It was a smooth, ghostly touch seemed to be coming from a hand, the way it was pieced apart by fingers. I tried to lift my own hand up and feel it, but every last limb in my body remained paralyzed.

"Wake up, Rachel...you don't have to be afraid anymore...everything will be okay..."

I bit my tongue. Okay I may be totally lost and confused at the moment, but I am definitely not afraid!

Suddenly, my energy fully came back to me, and my consciousness was revived. My eyes flew open and I sat up straight.

"Wha-?" I choked out, looking frantically in every direction for the person who had been speaking to me. But the room was completely empty, and not to mention, completely dark. I looked down and saw I was lying in bed. My muscles began to throb as the feeling reflourished back to them. I still felt drained of my usual strength. I clutched my head just as it managed to curdle over with dizziness.

Just what the heck was that all about? Was I imagining someone talking to me? I'm starting to go crazy, aren't I.

I brushed my fingers across my cheekbone, where the mysterious owner of the voice supposedly touched my skin. If it had been my imagination, how could I have physically felt anything? This was getting too weird for me to comprehend.

I then brought my hand down and squinted my eyes through the blackness of the room.

And when exactly did I get back to my room? I have no recollection of returning.

My mind was so fuzzy. I couldn't remember a single thing.

But then I paused and observed the sheets on the bed more closely, running my hand along the fabric. They didn't feel the same as the thin blankets I slept with every day and night. These were much plumper, and even felt like a different texture. In fact the whole atmosphere of the room was unfamiliar.

I tried to reach out towards the bedside and turn the lamp on to get a better look, but came into contact with nothing but air.

"What in the world?" I asked out loud, waving my hand through the empty space. Apparently, the bedside just disappeared. I turned my neck in the opposite direction and saw that the bedside was on…well…the other side of the bed. For some reason, my heart began to pound, until it was overworked and made my body-heat sky rocket.

This...

This is not my room...is it.

My eyebrows turned up in uncertainty as I hugged myself, falling into a tremble.

What happened to me? Where am I right now? And why do I feel so much weaker than usual?

"Raaaa-chel!" I heard Bokkun's sing-song voice yell from outside the door, cutting me away from my anxiety-dipped thoughts. I instantly noticed that his voice wasn't holding still in one place. It sounded like he was flying past the door. "Rachel!" he screeched louder as he diminished. "Where in the world are you?"

I gasped. Oh, thank God, Bokkun's here! I never thought I'd be happy to hear his voice. Maybe he could explain what was happening to me. But either way, having his company was better than being cold, confused, and scared in the dark of a stranger's room. In fact, that voice was right. I was afraid after all.

Without thinking, I ripped the blankets off of me and sprinted to the door. My vision went clouding into a purple-dotted head rush. My body was burning from head to toe, but I ignored it and didn't allow it to slow me down even for a second. However to my dismay, when I reached the door, it didn't open automatically when I came close to it, meaning I was locked in from the outside. I took my fist and started desperately ramming it against the cold steel.

"Bokkun! Hello, can you hear me? I'm in here!" I hollered, hearing my voice crack. My throat was dry and felt a tad swollen.

Only seconds after I called him, the keyboard outside beeped and the door slid open, and there he was in front of me, looking more puzzled than relieved to have finally found me.

"Rachel? What were you doing in Sha-"

"BOKKUN!" I exclaimed happily, cutting him off. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling his little figure against my chest and squeezed him in a hug. He yelped in surprise right before I cut him off by enveloping him completely, pressing his face into the front of my shirt. I giggled lightly with relief. For some reason, I was extremely glad to see him.

He was so warm. It was like hugging a heated stuffed animal, and the intimacy was highly pleasing. I was used to hugging loved ones every day, and after that had been taken away, even hugging him was like an oasis of comfort. I could feel one of the jesters on his head poking my collarbone, but it didn't hurt, and I didn't mind at all. I was just happy that he was here, and that he was able to get me out of that unknown room. Again, maybe he had some answers.

I wasn't squeezing him enough for him to lose his breath, so instead of him choking and gagging, he curiously brought his arm around my back, half-heartedly returning my hug. He mumbled against my clothes a little before pulling his head back and breathing deeply. "Uhuh, it's good to see you too I guess?" he said.

I then caught up with my actions and released him, pulling myself away shamefully. I needed better self-control, no doubt.

"Right. Uh, sorry 'bout all that..." I mumbled, rubbing the back of my head awkwardly. Normally, this little dude irritated me to great extremes. But this time, seeing him was a fantastic feeling. A sense of normality, if you will. I cleared my foggy throat and proceeded with opening my mouth to speak.

"Uhm, Bokkun...can you tell me what's going on here? I think I'm having some selective amnesia here. I can't remember anything past the point of you telling me that I could walk around the Egg Carrier freely. I'm trying my hardest, but it's still all a big blur. And I feel a little sick too. What part of the Carrier are we in?

Bokkun blinked twice, still seemingly dazed from my out-of-nowhere hug. But then he twisted his face into a disbelieving expression. "A-Are you kidding me! No, it doesn't work that way! I'll answer your questions when you answer mine!"

He stopped and breathed in sharply through his nose, stiffening his posture in the air, and tried to collect himself. "Oh, my bad. Am I being too over the top? Then allow me to nicely, calmly, and delicately ask you..."

He then blew up, leaping dangerously close so that we were nose to nose.

"WHERE THE HECK HAVE YOU BEEN? I'VE BEEN LOOKING ALL OVER FOR YOU! YOU WEREN'T IN YOUR ROOM, THE BATHROOM, THE CONTROLS ROOM...I THOUGHT YOU DIED OR SOMETHING! MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHAT WERE YOU DOING IN SHADOW'S ROOM!"

I jumped back from his sudden outburst, holding my hands up to calm him down. "Woah, hold up. Is there some good reason why you were looking for me? And..."

I craned my neck back towards the open doorway. My mouth fell open involuntarily.

"...What do you mean...Shadow's...room...?"

No way.

Instead of being disturbed by the realization that I had been in Shadow's room...

in...Shadow's bed...

the memories of what had led up to me getting there flooded back into my mind without warning.

I remembered looking out the window, gazing at the celestials of outer-space, and reminiscing about playing the piano when I was younger. I had eventually decided that I wanted to end the pointless rivalry between me and Shadow, seeing as it was going nowhere, and then recited what I would say to him out loud. Shadow caught me, leaving me no other choice than to come clean and explain myself. Somehow, it led to me insulting Shadow all over again, which was purely unintentional. By the time I realized I had gone too far, it was too late. He launched a Chaos Spear at me.

I shuddered after remembering that part. It hurt to even think about the pain that it caused me. But that would explain the murkiness I was feeling right now. It was probably the aftermath.

I then remembered that while I was laying on the ground in agony, Shadow started yelling at me, telling me all these things that contrasted with everything I believed in...everything I had been raised to know. They went against every story my grandpa had told me about his experiences on the ARK. And what's worse, is I couldn't help but agree with Shadow's point of view. He really did make me see his side of it, whether I liked it or not.

I believe I went unconscious after that. And I didn't hit the ground. Something caught me.

No...he caught me.

My hand flew over my mouth.

It...was Shadow. He caught me before I fell, and he brought me to his room.

I wasn't so sure if the idea scared me, but it definitely freaked me out. When did Shadow start to care? I thought he was going to kill me once I passed out! Sadly, I had more questions now than I did before.

But how was I going to explain all this to Bokkun? I couldn't just rat Shadow out for attacking me. If he was generous enough to haul me across the Egg Carrier to his room and let me sleep in his bed, I felt I should express some gratitude by covering for him. So I had to think up a lie quickly.

"O-Oh!" I shouted with false surprise. "I remember everything now! I...uhm...I hit my head on the window at the back of the ship. Yeah…I was looking out at the stars, it was all nice and dandy, and then…hah-stupid me!...I fell and nearly cracked my skull on the glass."

Instead of cracking skulls, I mentally face palmed. I was making myself look so idiotic. This better be worth it in the end.

"My guess is Shadow must've found me and brought me back to his room to recover," I concluded.

Bokkun lifted an eyebrow. "Oh really now? If that did happen, then why didn't he just bring you back to your own room?"

My eyes widened and shifted wildly in every direction, as I tried to come up with a fast fib. But nothing believable came to mind. I found myself sighing in defeat.

"I honestly have no clue..." I stated truthfully. "Maybe because he didn't want you to find me and accuse him of anything. I mean you might've been suspicious and told Eggman or something. I don't know."

Speaking of suspicious, Bokkun appeared very skeptical of my story. He squinted his yellow eyes at me. "Uh-huh. And what exactly could I accuse him of? You look perfectly fine for someone that nearly cracked their skull on a window. Well...besides the fact that you got some crazy bed-head going on. But that can't mean anything, can it?"

I bit the edge of my lip nervously while combing out my hair with my fingers. I definitely didn't feel 'perfectly fine', but I guess it wasn't visible on the outside. I pried my hand away from my hair and rested it on my forehead. "Right. Well it's...it's uh...more of an internal thing really. I have a massive headache right now, not that you can tell."

But he still didn't look like he was buying it. I glared at him. Really, did he have to be so damn observant? What does he think happened?

Bokkun shook his head disbelievingly. "Whatever. I don't really care anymore. I won't say anything to Eggman. You have my word."

I smiled and breathed out, releasing all my tension. Good. At least I was somewhat off the hook.

Bokkun's childish grin returned and he turned to fly away, but not before moving sideways to look back at me. "Anyways, I've been trying to find you so I can introduce you to my friends, Decoe and Bocoe!"

I furrowed my eyebrows at him. "What? You have friends?"

He bore his teeth at me furiously. "Hey! That's NOT funny!"

I stopped and waved my hands back and forth quickly. "No, I didn't mean it like it! I meant here, on the Egg Carrier. I thought you, Eggman, Shadow and I were the only ones here."

Bokkun dropped his scowl and smiled genuinely. "Oh! Well you were wrong."

He then descended down the halls. "Come on, I'll introduce ya! Follow me twerp!"

I rolled my eyes with a mild smirk and treaded after him. But in the back of my mind, I couldn't stop wondering...

What brought Shadow to help me after causing me so much turmoil. And where is he right now anyway...?

(Shadow's POV)

I walked alongside Dr. Eggman quietly, before turning around and taking a good look at the Egg Carrier, which now sat far off in the distance, right underneath the melting colors of a red and blue sunset. I breathed in almost silently at the view.

Rachel was inside the Carrier. All I could do now was hope she wouldn't wake up until I returned. My Chaos Spears were known to keep humans unconscious for quite some time. So maybe we could get the Chaos Emerald and be back before she even noticed we left.

Still, the guilt was biting at me hard. I couldn't seem to swipe away the images of her getting hit by the Chaos Spear, slamming against the window so hard that it actually produced some sickening sound, and then falling down. Then she actually forced herself to get back up and mutter an apology to me, after all that, right before fainting into my arms.

I shook my head clear of all thoughts and turned back around, facing the giant club in front of us. Yes, this planet had a club. It wasn't completely deserted.

The exterior of the building was made of what could only be described as black tile, with neon lights hanging off the edges. Music and laughter could be heard inside.

This planet we were on, known as Rozorus, was basically a small planet with an environment that looked humid and warm to the naked eye, but in actuality it was dry and cold. The air was practically frozen, seeping through my fur and nibbling at my skin. But the temperature didn't conflict with me in the slightest.

According to Dr. Eggman's trackers, a Chaos Emerald was inside this club. Who was in possession of it, we had yet to find out. But I knew one thing for sure. I wasn't leaving without it.

Dr. Eggman craned his chubby head up towards the sign on the outside of the club. It read:

Club de la Glace S Che

in big, exaggerated letters.

I lifted an eyebrow. "What do you think that says?" I inquired. "Isn't that a language from Earth? The letters look like something from a human alphabet."

Dr. Eggman shrugged. "I'm about to find out."

He then pulled a translator out of the pocket on his red jumpsuit, scanning the sign's slogan with a lens on the front. A few green lights on the small device lit up before it emitted a short beep. He fixated his glasses on the screen before pulling his face away.

"It's in French," he said, almost in disbelief. "And in English it reads, Club of Dry Ice."

I crossed my arms and scanned the outside of the place once more. "Dry Ice, huh. Hm. Sounds nicer in French."

I then started walking towards the entrance.

Right before I passed, Dr. Eggman gasped and held his hand out towards me. "Shadow, what are you doing? You can't just go barging in like that! We don't know what the people are like here. They could kill you without a second thought!"

I frowned, not slowing my pace down even a little as I continued towards the black metal door that led inside. Once I reached it, my fingers curled around the handlebar.

"Hmph. I'd like to see them try."

I then tightened my grip and pushed the door in, opening it all the way, breaking the barrier between serene silence and the wild music, and proceeded with making my entry.

The mission for the fourth Emerald had officially begun.

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(A/N) My goodness, I cannot apologize enough for not updating faster. My laptop charger broke, so the battery died and I couldn't revive it. Then we ordered a new charger, but it turns out the battery is old and out of juice anyway. It needs to be replaced. A new one should get here Wednesday -.-

I have been using my parents' computer, and it was hard to ever find time to write because they ALWAYS need it...and their mouse is retarded and clicks, double clicks, and highlights things when I don't even try to. I hate it. I miss my laptop like nobody could ever understand.

So yes, this is considered somewhat of a cliffhanger. Not too suspenseful, but oh well. I'm sowwy. Review por favor!

And another thing, I appreciate everyone who has tried to give me ideas for the story, but really I don't need anybody's help. Save them for your own stories! I don't use ideas that aren't my own, sorry. But again, I really appreciate the support :)

In response to the reviews:

I'm glad you guys are okay with me keeping Rachel human. I didn't want any conflicts to arise o.O And I must say I'm very surprised with how accepting you are of the human x hedgehog thing, because I remember reading Sonic and Elise stories and everyone was hatin' and flamin', and this was way before I started my story and it kind of scared me.

But...I don't care anymore. Lawls.

And one legitimate question that was asked, will Rachel save Shadow later? Uhh, I don't want to spoil anything. But in some ways, yes she will. She's been quite a damsel lately, but as far as my mind knows pertaining to this story, the tables will turn.

Sorry that Decoe and Bocoe weren't here yet. I promise they will be next chapter! I was in a rush.

I agree, human-turned-anthro stories are very weird...never could get into them myself. Especially when a Sonic character has no problem with them being a changed species and goes ahead with making a move on them without even batting an eye.

And honestly, whether Eggman is trying to set Shadow and Rachel up, I haven't decided that for myself yet xD I'm leaning towards no, even if it may seem that way. But that's funny though!

I'm sorry, but I've officially made up my mind. Shadow and Rachel will become MORE than friends. Hence the romance category. Sorry sorry, and sorry some more. But with everything I'm leading up to, it would be boring for them just to end up as friends in my opion. Or at least, I would make it boring somehow T.T I'm still gonna make this a romance. Or going to attempt to at least. I love a good challenge.

Thanks again everyone!