Convincing Omega E-123 of their new discovery and idea wasn't easy. The robot continued to taunt the alien, but he respected his teammates' wishes and did nothing to harm him. The team as well as Eclipse with his Dark Arms traveled until they reached the end of the continent. Before them now was the wide ocean. Crashing waves ebbed and flowed on the beach, lapping at the sand, and the breeze that blew here carried the sting of salt.

Eclipse didn't know what to make of their idea for him at first, but he knew he didn't have many choices after they chose to spare his life. Black Death may not have wanted this outcome, but he knew of Eclipse's rebellious nature. As long as the Dark Arms were safe, Eclipse could be happy and content. Living in a lush, green world full of mortals who may not appreciate him terrified him before, but now he knows he won't be alone. Still, he began to tremble a little at the sight of the Sky Patrol on the horizon.

"Remember to be on your best behavior," Rouge teased the alien as she spotted the round, red shape in the far skies. "We've already told them about you. They know everything." Anxiety eased under the alien's skin again as he looked at the bat, but the Dark Arms didn't seem as upset. They wove at the approaching ship and crowded around their master. Even though they said nothing, he felt their support strengthening his shoulders.

The Sky Patrol cut through the air with ease and hovered beyond the sand, slowing to a stop on the beach's bank. It began to descend. Eclipse said nothing, not even when the flying base landed next to them. Shadow folded his arms and looked away as it opened. The flying sand acted as a dust cloud, obscuring the figures as they all stepped out. Sonic's freedom fighters stopped once they saw the alien. Eclipse shrunk back and wished he knew what went through their heads as they lined up, hesitating at the sight of him. Some longer than others.

But when one spoke, it wasn't hostile. "Oh, hello!" Amy Rose cried and jogged to see him closer, causing the alien to shrink back even more. "You must be Eclipse! Wow! Those are some interesting wisps with you. Could you tell me their names?"

Eclipse froze for a second longer, his arm held out before him, ready to defend himself from attack. Rhygenta chirped in response and came out from behind him, floating around the pink hedgehog. The others followed suit and greeted her.

"I cannot believe we are taking ze alien onboard with us." Said a voice behind her. She glared at Antoine though he didn't seem to notice. She reached out and gave Cyzer a scratch on the head. "Never mind ze safety precautions! He's a dangerous beast, no? I'll be waiting in ze ship, though nobody say I didn't tell them so." He continued to grumble even as Bunnie placed a hand on his arm to soothe him.

Further ahead of the bank, Shadow didn't bother turning around even as a familiar voice greeted him. "Hey there, Faker." Sonic strolled closer to Team Dark, his arms behind his head. "Heh, you didn't tell me you had a brother."

That made Shadow spin around and point a finger at the hedgehog. Sonic grinned as he awaited his response, but Omega spoke first. "Technically, they are not brothers since they were created by separate masters."

"Hey, it's the thought that counts," Sonic replied.

Approaching footsteps interrupted the conversation as Sally Acorn marched to stand next to Sonic. She furrowed her eyebrows. "Are you three sure of this? He's safe? The Black Arms terrorized us before. What if he changes his mind?"

Rouge stepped beside the still brooding Shadow. "That's why we called you, sweetheart. You all said you can take him and keep an eye on him for us. I'm sure if he was up to something, you would know."

Gulls flew and cried out as Amy Rose rushed to catch up with the team, trailing Eclipse behind her. He didn't match her or the Dark Arms' upbeat energy and walked slowly behind them. He seemed rather distracted by the ground. He didn't want to match anyone's eyes. The Dark Arms soared through the sky, dancing around one another and descending to spin around Amy Rose. She laughed. "His wisps are super nice. I think they like me!"

Sally looked up at the flying Dark Arms and Sonic gave a thumbs up. He turned and elbowed Sally as he challenged her viewpoint. Sally only sighed, though it was more from relaxing her tense shoulders than of further disapproval.

Eclipse kept walking. Before he knew it, his feet took him to the only other person outside of the Dark Arms whom he felt comfortable with. Shadow didn't notice him for a second with his crossed arms and closed eyes, listening to the surrounding conversations. Once he saw the alien, he lowered his arms. His words were flat but betrayed a sense of concern. "You haven't said much."

Eclipse shied back, his tail dancing behind him. "I'm a little nervous is all, and... I finally have the brother I wanted back. Do you think we will meet again?"

Shadow tossed his head back. "No guarantees," he said, but his team took notice of a slight hesitation.

Rouge smiled and whispered as she moved past the alien. "You will."

Eclipse's eyes brightened and waited for Rouge to walk by to jump forward after and wrap the dark hedgehog in a tight hug. Shadow stumbled and looked around the others for their reaction, but otherwise didn't know what else to do and remained still. He didn't miss Sonic's smirk. Shadow gritted his teeth and looked away.

Sonic strolled forward. "Well, this is a touching family moment and all, but we should be going soon. We have a long ride in front of us."

Eclipse finally let go of Shadow. His stance was a bit taller now and he didn't cower under the others' glances any longer. The alien called for his Dark Arms and moved closer to the ship. Rouge chirped up. "Oh, and keep him away from G.U.N!"

"Or I may have my fight with him after all." Omega finished, holding a cannon arm before him.

Sally nodded, her hair waving in the breeze. "Of course. We will be careful." Before finishing, she followed the others to the ship, some of them already disappearing within. The engines already kicked on, roaring above the crashing of the waves. Amy turned back and wished the members of Team Dark well with Blurk tucked in her arms.

The team waited and watched as it took up in the sky, soaring out from where it came. In silence, they stood, listening to the calm sounds of the beach as the ship shrank smaller and smaller in the distance. Shadow scoffed. "I can't believe your idea was to have Sonic's freedom fighters take him."

Rouge didn't hesitate. "You know it was a good one. Eggman is not a problem right now and they're all trustworthy. They will watch him."

"Hmph."

Rouge smiled. "Think you'll miss the alien?"

Shadow began walking. "Don't push it."

"I, for one, will miss him," Omega answered, falling at the hedgehog's side. "He is powerful, but he has no chance at winning next time we meet."

Rouge laughed.

...

When they finally returned to headquarters, they found a construction crew busied themselves on repairing the building where the Dark Arms were kept. The crew lingered around the rubble, clearing out the collapsed ceiling with their hands while a crane picked up the heavier pieces. Raised voices competed with the rush of equipment and didn't slow even after the three came closer to inspect the progress better.

"Team Dark," greeted a familiar voice and the three turned to see an approaching Commander Abraham Tower.

Red eyes flashed in Rouge's direction, but she wove Shadow off. "Don't worry. I got this," She whispered and in a louder voice, called out. "Commander Tower, am I glad to see you." The commotion going on behind her continued to threaten to bury the conversation, so they had to speak over it.

"Is someone going to explain what in the world happened here? Shadow disappeared with Eclipse, you and Omega disappeared overnight, and the Dark Arms are missing! I want explanations."

"Yes sir," Rouge replied, giving him a quick salute before turning to gesture at her companions. "You see, Omega and I left last night to track down Shadow and Eclipse. We knew they were nearby because they freed his minions. When we finally found them, Shadow was under his control again. That's why he spared the alien. Together, we managed to break that connection like we did before and the three of us ganged up on Eclipse."

Tower raised an eyebrow. "So where is he?"

"Oh, you don't need to worry about him anymore. We took care of it. The smaller ones too."

He glanced down at the silent hedgehog who matched his gaze, unblinking. "I thought Shadow didn't want us to get rid of the smaller ones."

Rouge didn't pause. "Like I said, commander, Eclipse was trying to take control of Shadow. Of course he tried to spare them."

"Hmm." He remained there for a moment, looking between the three agents. The defeat of the alien was rather sudden to him, but maybe not so. maybe Super Shadow was doing all he could to reject his possession but didn't have the help he needed at the time. Once Omega and Rouge joined the fight, it would be three against one. If Eclipse had nowhere else to turn to... He was a Black Arm after all, and Shadow's defeated every other one, including Black Doom from the first comet. "So you're saying the alien was trying to get in his head when he walked out on us?"

Rouge gave her friend a few pats on the shoulder. "Yes, sir. He's been very brave."

Shadow said nothing, only folded his arms and allowed Rouge to do all the explaining. Commander Tower made his decision and held out his hand. "In that case, I am glad to see you are safe, Shadow. Welcome back to the team."

Shadow returned the handshake. "Thank you, Commander."

The man nodded. "Now we can finally put this case to rest," He concluded his thought and straightened his suit. Without another word, he marched back to Mount Freedom, no doubt to finish and lay to rest all the files and resources surrounding the deadly Black Arms once and for all.

"Rouge's cover-up is effective," Omega concluded. "And done well. I could barely keep my processors up with it."

Rouge smiled, her hand still on Shadow's shoulder. "I had plenty of time to come up with it, and there was some truth in it after all. We don't have to worry about the Black Arms ever again. And would you look at us!" She sang, moving her other hand on Omega's metal claw. Even though their surroundings were rough and broken up, there was a center of warmth between the three. "We're all together! It's good to be home."

Shadow couldn't disagree with her, nor could he hide a small smile from showing on his face. It was good to be home.

NOTE: That's it! This is one of my better works for sure. I loved writing it and had plenty of ideas on where to go with it. I have a few swimming ideas for a sequel too. Maybe I can share how Eclipse and the Dark Arms settle into their new home and send them on a new adventure with Team Dark and the Freedom Fighters!

Yeah, I should do that. Don't know when, but eventually. Why don't you leave me a quick thought you had on the Return of Eclipse below while you're here? Thanks for reading!