Entry 7
Countdown To Destruction
''Black-hearted evil! Brave-hearted hero! I am all, I am all, I am…''
– I Am… All Of Me by Shadow the Hedgehog (NateWantsToBattle Cover)
xXxXxXx
''Metal, what are you doing here? I thought I sent you flying over to the other side of the city,'' Sonic asked. Metal Sonic just glared at his counterpart. ''Oh, right, you don't talk.''
''We really don't have time for this,'' Lucas said as he stared at Metal Sonic, with Sonic quietly agreeing with him. Their current priority was finding Shadow and make sure he doesn't do something that would endanger other people. ''If you want to fight Sonic, can you do that some other time?''
''Technically, this would be the perfect opportunity for a battle, but unfortunately, we will have to skip this encounter.'' Lucas and Sonic turned around, surprised to see a teenage girl emerging from the underpass, her arms folded on her chest.
''Who are you?'' Lucas asked, giving her a suspicious look.
''I'm Ferra Ahearn and, as you've probably already figured it out, Metal Sonic's partner,'' Ferra introduced herself.
''So, you were the one who had sent Metal Sonic to attack us,'' Lucas said, glaring at her. Ferra scoffed at the accusation, her reaction confusing both Lucas and Sonic.
''If you must know, Metal Sonic choose to attack Sonic. I have only acted as support,'' she explained. ''However, that doesn't matter now. I'm sure you guys are far more interested in Shadow's whereabouts.''
''Wait, you both know where Shadow is?'' Sonic asked.
''Sure we do,'' Ferra confirmed, with Metal Sonic nodding.
''Well, where is he?'' Sonic asked, while Lucas remained on guard.
''Even if you tell us where he is, how do we know that we can trust you?'' he asked. Ferra rolled her eyes, although she figured that she should've expected some form of animosity towards her and Metal Sonic, even if she tried to help them. She shrugged, grabbing the hoverboard she left leaned against the wall of the underpass and turned towards Lucas.
''You can either follow Metal and I, or you can keep on searching for Shadow aimlessly,'' she told him, smirking. ''It's your choice.''
Lucas and Sonic exchanged glances, silently contemplating their options. They honestly had no idea where Shadow was nor what he was up to, but were aware that he was going to cause trouble. Their friends were just as clueless about his whereabouts, aside from Amy's prediction, but even that was too vague. The only one who knew something were Ferra and Metal Sonic, and even they could hardly be trusted considering how Metal Sonic attacked Sonic. Even if he agreed to a truce, Lucas still had a bad feeling about Ferra, fearing that she was up to something. For all they knew, they could lead them into a trap.
''If you're not coming along, we'll be leaving,'' Ferra said, getting on her hoverboard and gesturing to Metal Sonic to follow her.
''Wait!'' Lucas suddenly rose his voice, with Ferra turning her head towards him. ''Do we have to follow you? Can't you just tell us where Shadow is?''
''Trust me, it would be better for you if we just show it to you,'' Ferra replied, deciding to give him a hint. ''It is somewhere in the Infinity Forest.''
Lucas' and Sonic's eyes widened in surprise. So, Amy was right.
''Fine…'' Lucas sighed, grabbing his hoverboard. ''You won't mind if I keep in contact with my friends?''
''Not at all,'' Ferra replied, grinning. She then glanced at Metal Sonic, who was glaring at his counterpart. Sonic gave him a nonchalant look, pressing his fingers against the AR Visor, with a cloud of data appearing before him and converting into his own hoverboard. Unlike humans, who had to carry their hoverboards around, as they were physical objects, ARNavs could easily summon theirs by using stored data of the hoverboard. As for why he didn't just run alongside them, it was a preference.
''Then, let's go!'' Sonic said, him and Lucas following Ferra and Metal Sonic.
xXx
Shadow still felt the rage he experienced during his encounter with Sonic and Lucas surging through his body. He had teleported close to Infinity Forest, using his air shoes to skate the rest of the way towards the Codex Facility and blow off some steam. As much as he wanted to beat both of them up for even daring to use BioEnergy, he knew that his own plans needed to take priority. He needed to clear his head and focus on what really mattered – getting revenge on those who had wronged him. He had the data he needed, so the only thing left to do was to set everything up. Then he could rest easy, with his final desire being fulfilled.
He took out the USB stick, clenching it tightly in his fist as he skated closer and closer towards the Codex Facility, eventually reaching the main entrance to the building. He walked inside, his steps echoing through the empty hallways, determined and focused. He felt no happiness, no peace, left only with a sense of turmoil inside him. Perhaps, in a different life, things would've been different. He could imagine a life where none of this happened, where he could live his life with Touka the way they had always fantasized about; far away from Codex and its scientists, Prof. Sakamoto in particular.
Then, wasn't it ironic that he had managed to finally leave Codex, the place he now loathed, only to constantly return to it? Shadow shook his head. No matter what I want, I cannot escape my past. I cannot escape what had happened here, what I had done. His eyes then narrowed, his clenched fist only tightening. However, I can destroy it. I can make sure that nothing of Codex and its secrets remains. Shadow lowered his head as his memories of Touka flooded his mind, feeling a chilling sensation spreading through his body. He had to wonder what she would think of this. He knew that her sole desire was to finally leave Codex and live outside the facility. She didn't really hate this place, but was bored of it and wanted to experience something more.
Shadow stopped walking for a moment. Touka, what would you do if you knew what this place truly was? Would you leave, or stay? His gaze lowered as a shadow fell over his expression. Would you ever forgive me for what I'm going to do? He suddenly felt a sharp pang of guilt in his chest, as if someone had stabbed him. As much as he tried to push it back, there was a soft whisper in the back of his mind, reminding him of his failure. What good are my powers if I couldn't even protect Touka?
He hated himself for being unable to do what he was created for, feeling massive guilt for just being alive when his only friend didn't survive. Shadow took a deep breath, his hands shaking and his quills bristling. He tried to calm himself down, to focus again on what he needed to do. He couldn't let his emotions get the better out of him. He tried to take a step forward, but his feet were frozen. He couldn't move.
Instead, when he looked up, another memory flashed in his mind. Scientists and workers were walking through the hallways, chatting with each other about their newest discoveries. He could still remember how he had found himself wandering through these hallways aimlessly, drawing stares from everyone he ran into. Most were looks of distrusts, even though he didn't understand why they were so distrustful of him. He had just been released from his stasis pod and allowed to explore the Codex Facility by the Professor. He didn't know any of those people, so why would they suspect him of having ill intentions?
''Don't mind them.'' Shadow looked up at Touka, who had accompanied him during his exploration. ''They'll get used to you.''
''I'm not so sure…'' Shadow muttered timidly. ''Maybe I should return back to the research lab.''
''You don't have to hide yourself for their sake,'' Touka had told him in a firm tone, surprising Shadow. ''They may be afraid of you, but that doesn't mean that you're not allowed to be here.''
''Why are you not afraid of me?'' Shadow asked curiously.
''Because I trust you,'' Touka replied, smiling and extending her hand. Shadow stared at it for a moment, then nodded, grabbing it and walking beside her. He felt safe whenever he was with Touka; secure. She was one of the few people, if not the only person, who had truly accepted him. Whenever he felt unsure about something, she would help him, being the rock that kept him steady even in the worst of storms. But now, he was on his own.
Shadow had finally gathered the will to take a step forward. He needed to continue for his own sake and for the sake of the one he lost. He eventually reached the main control room and sat at one of the computers, inserting the USB stick and waiting for the data to be downloaded and installed. If this worked, it would not only allow him to access the public AR Field sections all across Neos City, but also alter them.
Shadow then connected to the camera at the storage section of the building, where he had already prepared the red gem-like shaped orbs. Those orbs, dubbed energy cores by the in the research data, had been developed in Codex in order to create a new powerful energy source that could be easily sustainable, but would also last for much longer than any other fuel known to mankind. Meanwhile, the CyExLabs would've provided Codex with the data that would allow that energy to be spread through Neos City via the AR Fields.
However, this project had been retired after the energy cores had proven to be incredibly unstable. If overloaded, they could cause a devastating explosion that would annihilate not only Neos City, but also the entirety of Starpoint Area, leaving no one alive. Despite being dangerous, the researchers had placed them in the storage section of Codex, while the data had been archived, as they had planned to eventually continue the experiment once they found a safe way to use the energy cores.
However, they were unable to return to the project because Codex had been shut down, Shadow thought as he analyzed the data, feeling a strange mix of anxiety and relief when he saw that it was still compatible with the energy cores. A map of Neos City appeared across the screen, the AR Fields being outlined red. Several warnings about the danger of the project and instability of the energy cores had popped up, but he proceeded. There was no reluctance in his mannerism, and he kept on typing and slowly connecting each AR Field to the energy cores. He was aware that someone would eventually notice that the AR Fields had been tampered with, but he was sure that, until they figure out what was going on, everything will be over. However, as a precaution, he made sure to protect the data via a password.
No one but him would be allowed to decide the future of humanity.
xXx
''How much longer do we have until we get there?'' Sonic asked casually, although the slight edge in his tone indicated impatience. He had to wonder whether Ferra and Metal Sonic were leading him and Lucas on a wild goose chase. He also knew that Lucas shared the same sentiment, but they didn't have much of a choice aside from going along with whatever Ferra and Metal Sonic had planned.
''You'll see,'' Ferra replied, focusing on the road ahead.
Sonic glanced at Lucas, who kept an eye on the holographic screen next to his head, making sure that his friends kept track of his location and that the signal wouldn't waver due to how thick Infinity Forest was. He had heard of stories of people getting lost here, with their AR Visor losing any online connection. He had gotten a call from Warren, telling him how he, Tails, Makoto and Silver had met up with Lily, Knuckles, Minami and Amy, and that they were following them. Warren had also told Lucas that he and Sonic should go ahead and deal with Shadow, while they'd be the cavalry.
''Hey, Ferra,'' Lucas called out to Ferra, who briefly glanced at him. ''How come you know where exactly Shadow is?''
''Let's just say that I had some help,'' Ferra replied, grinning confidently. Whatever that grin was hiding, Lucas felt that he wouldn't like it.
As for Metal Sonic, he remained focused on the trail, but he would glance occasionally at Sonic, glaring at his counterpart. However, despite his desire to battle Sonic, he had the resolve to follow Ferra's plan. He needed more data on Sonic and Lucas' Chaos Surge ability and learn how to counter it. This took priority over the fight against Sonic, but the moment he had gathered intelligence and processed it, he would move on to his next step – annihilating Sonic.
Eventually, they had arrived at the Codex Research Facility, with Lucas and Sonic getting off their hoverboards, Sonic's dispersing into pieces of data. He and Lucas approached the building, then turned briefly back to Ferra and Metal Sonic.
''Is this really it?'' Lucas asked.
''It obviously is. I don't know whether there is any other hidden government building in this forest,'' Ferra said as she got off her hoverboard, crossing her arms. ''As far as I know, the entrance is unlocked and Shadow might already be inside.''
''So, you're not coming with us?'' Sonic asked, raising an eyebrow.
''Why should I? You were the ones insisting on finding him,'' Ferra replied, adding with a smirk on her lips, ''Also, if you find Touka, tell her that I sent you two here.''
''Touka?!'' Lucas and Sonic were stunned to hear Ferra dropping Touka's name so casually. Lucas then asked, ''What is she doing here?''
''I'm not completely sure, but from what she had told me, she knows Shadow and she wanted to talk to him. However, from what we saw, it appears that she never met up with him. She had entered the building, but only Shadow exited it, showing no sign that anything of interest had happened,'' Ferra explained. Lucas and Sonic exchanged glances and, with grim determination, ran into the building. Ferra stared at them as they vanished inside, then turned to Metal Sonic.
''Now, all that is left for us to do is to observe them once they get into a fight against Shadow,'' Ferra said, her arms still crossed as he placed a hand below her chin. ''Although, I have to admit, I am a little curious about this place. It is obviously one of those government secrets the public isn't supposed to know about, but you would nonetheless want to expose it.''
'You're tempted…' Metal Sonic observed. Ferra smiled.
''A little. It's not something you come across every day, and we also need to find out who sent us that message,'' she added, grabbing her hoverboard. ''Let's find a good spot to hide before Lucas and Sonic's friends arrive.''
xXx
''Codex Research Facility…'' Lucas muttered as he read the dusty plaque at the entrance. Some of the dust had already been wiped away, with Lucas assuming that it was done either by Ferra or Touka.
''I guess this means that Ferra and Metal haven't lied to us and that we're at the right place,'' Sonic said. ''Now we only have to find Touka and Shadow, and maybe figure out what exactly this place is. Should I do a quick sweep?''
''Sure, but focus on finding Shadow,'' Lucas replied. ''I'll try to find out what is going on in this place.''
''I'll be back before you can even blink,'' Sonic replied confidently, vanishing in a blur of blue. Lucas followed him, his pace being a light jog as he looked at the plaques on the doors. This place was certainly something he was interested to explore, but whatever Shadow was planning took priority. They also needed to find Touka, with Lucas being curious about why she wanted to be here. He tapped on his AR Visor, which had shown him a holographic screen with a red dot, that dot being Sonic, as well as another holographic screen that had shown Warren.
''Hey, Lucas, we're at a… building?'' Warren said, a questioning look on his expression. ''It looks really run down. Where are you guys?''
''Then, you're at the right place,'' Lucas replied. ''If you go inside, there should be a plaque reading 'Codex Research Facility' right at the entrance. Sonic and I are already inside, searching for Shadow and Touka.''
''Wait, Touka is also here?'' Tails asked, just as stunned as everyone else.
''That is what Ferra had told me,'' Lucas replied, his head swinging from left to right and vice versa as he walked deeper into the building. ''We'll need your guys' help in exploring it. This place is much bigger than I thought.''
''No problem, we'll-''
The holographic screen suddenly disappeared, with Lucas crying out in surprise as he heard an explosion coming from where the AR Visor had shown him Sonic's location. He ran towards it, only to see a blue and an orange and black blur emerging from a room and chasing each other down the hallway. The door itself had singe marks. Lucas felt his heart racing. Oh, no.
xXx
Sonic ran through the facility, searching for Shadow. He knew that Lucas was right and that their priority was to find the black hedgehog and learn what exactly he was up to. He thought about his earlier encounter with Shadow, remembering how upset the latter was after he saw him and Lucas performing Chaos Surge. He had to wonder what exactly Shadow had experienced to make him react like that. Sonic knew that something happened, something really bad, and that Shadow needed help rather than a fight. Still, if the latter chose violence as a response, Sonic wasn't afraid to fight back.
Now, where might a black hedgehog with a cryptic reasoning for his actions be? Sonic eventually skidded to a halt in a hallway, looking at the doors. He crackled his knuckles. Okay, we shall do it the old-fashioned way, aka relying on pure luck. Sure, speed may be one of my best qualities, along with my handsomeness and charm, but as Lucas had told me once, I miss things if I don't slow down. So, let's see if my gut feeling is going to help me. Sonic walked down the hallway, randomly opening doors in hopes of finding Shadow in one of the many rooms. So far, he hadn't much luck with the first few, his ears lowering in disappointment when he opened another one that was empty.
Sonic then stepped back into the hallway, taking a deep breath and trying to figure out which door he should open next. What if Shadow wasn't here? Maybe they had missed him, or he didn't return yet. Sonic kept walking, looking from one door to another, until he eventually came across one that, at least to him, looked important. Com'n, luck! Don't disappoint me again!
His eyes widened in surprise as he entered the room, finding himself surrounded by computers. At one of them was Shadow, too focused on the monitor before him to notice Sonic's presence. Sonic, on the other hand, was relieved that he had finally found him.
''Shadow!''
Shadow suddenly turned around when he heard Sonic calling his name. His eyes widened in shock, his quills bristled, questioning how in the world Sonic had managed to find him, let alone figure out which room he was in. Did he place a tracker on him? No, that wasn't possible.
''What are you doing here, Hedgehog? How did you find me?'' Shadow asked in a demanding tone.
''Well, you know how they say; persistence pays off,'' Sonic replied, shrugging. ''You weren't easy to track down, especially once you teleported away, but I am glad that I had found you. We still haven't finished our conversation, and I have a bunch of new questions for you.''
''If you know what is good for you, you would leave me alone,'' Shadow replied, briefly glancing back at the monitor. He was almost done with the program that would turn Neos City to ashes, but Sonic had just arrived before he could type in the final code. However, when he looked back at the blue hedgehog, it appeared that he had no clue what Shadow was up to.
''Unfortunately for you, this is just how I roll. You still owe me an explanation,'' Sonic said, observing Shadow as the latter sat back at the computer, typing something on the keyboard, now a little calmer. ''What was that talk about how you'll be the one to judge Neos City, and why did you freak out when Lucas and I had used Chaos Surge? Have you seen it before?''
When Shadow didn't answer, Sonic started to tap impatiently with his foot, his arms folded across his chest. He was about to approach Shadow, when the latter slammed his hands against the desk suddenly, getting up. It appeared that he was done with whatever he was working on.
''You're really getting on my nerves, Hedgehog,'' Shadow told Sonic. To his surprise, Sonic just grinned.
''Yeeeah, that's what a lot of people tell me. So, what's your deal?'' Sonic asked nonchalantly.
''Since you made the effort to find me at this place, I will give you a choice,'' Shadow replied, with Sonic's carefree attitude vanishing as he listened carefully to the former. ''You can either perish at my hand, or you can observe Neos City, including this part of Starpoint Area, be consumed in a massive explosion, you and everyone within the radius meeting their creator.''
''What?'' Sonic stared at Shadow for a moment, shocked. He felt cold chills running down his spine as he processed what Shadow had just told me. ''What are you talking about? D-Do you want to nuke Neos City?''
''I guess you could describe it that way,'' Shadow replied, folding his arms across his chest. A sinister smirk spread across his lips, showing his fangs. ''What I'm offering you is an act of mercy. Even if you're an ARNav, I'm certain that you wouldn't want to go down in such an awful way.''
''You're trying to tell me that you're going to kill off everyone in Neos City and that I should be happy to die at your hand, did I get that right?'' Sonic asked, his eyes narrowing. Shadow just glared at him, not even responding. ''Oh, no, pal, I'm not going to do that. Now, here's what is going to happen. You'll stop this explosion and we'll have- agh!''
Before Sonic could even finish his sentence, Shadow had formed a bolt of orange energy and fired it at Sonic, who managed to dodge it in the last second. The bolt of energy hit the door behind him, leaving a black mark, a scent of burnt metal and plastic filling the air. Sonic looked at the door, then back at Shadow.
''Fine, have it your way!'' Sonic charged at Shadow, who dodged the latter's attack and, using his air shoes, matched Sonic in speed. The two became a pair of blue and orange and black blurs as they fought, eventually crashing into the hallway, where they were found by a bewildered Lucas.
Sonic didn't even have the time to acknowledge Lucas' presence, as Shadow rammed into him, causing him to almost smash into the wall. Sonic then charged at Shadow, who skated down the hallway to a more open area. Sonic could feel sparks of energy crackling through his body as he glared at Shadow. He knew that he could just ask Lucas to perform Chaos Surge and take down Shadow that way, but he decided to save it in case they had no other way of defeating the black hedgehog.
''Why are you doing this Shadow? Why are you trying to kill everyone?'' Sonic asked, his ears twitching as he heard Lucas running into the room. Lucas, who was right behind Sonic, stared at Shadow in pure shock after hearing Sonic's questions. What were the two talking about?
''Why should I tell you anything?'' Shadow replied, clenching his fists as he took a combat stance. He had set off the program that would overload the energy cores. Now, all he needed to do was to stall for time.
''Well, it looks like the world is ending and you're hellbent on killing me. If this were a movie, this would be the moment where the villain reveals their motives for what they're doing,'' Sonic replied.
''Wh-What?''
Sonic couldn't help but smirk at Shadow's bewildered look. Either the black hedgehog had never seen a movie, or he didn't believe himself to be the villain of this story. He then used this moment of distraction to run up to Shadow and clock him straight across the face, sending him flying. Shadow hit the ground hard, but managed to get up in a crouching position, rubbing his bruised cheek with the back of his hand and baring his fangs.
''Why do you hate everyone so much?'' Sonic continued, preparing himself for Shadow's retaliation. It came faster than he expected, with Shadow charging at him for a punch. Sonic dodged it, but ended up with a kick to his chest.
''Because this is what they deserve!'' Shadow growled, hitting Sonic's shoulder when the latter failed to dodge his attack. Sonic had no idea what had gotten into Shadow, but it looked like the black hedgehog had enough. ''You keep asking why…'' Sonic gasped as he hit the wall, moving his head just in time to avoid Shadow's next punch, which left a crack in it. He then looked back at the enraged black hedgehog, his crimson eyes glowing as he breathed heavily, ignoring the pain in his hand. ''Humans are nothing but selfish, greedy beings with no compassion for those who suffer. They keep experimenting with life callously, showing no remorse for their actions. Even senseless death won't stop them from their cruelty towards others.''
''I know that people can be cruel and selfish…'' Sonic said, using his super speed to get away from being pinned by Shadow against the wall and appear right behind him, ''...but that still doesn't give you the right to act like a genocidal maniac!''
Shadow charged at Sonic, with the latter managing to dodge his fist, only for Shadow to suddenly vanish and Sonic feel pain in his back. He flew, landing on the ground face-first, with Shadow then appearing before him. Sonic lifted his head, glaring at the black hedgehog, who returned an aloof gaze. Sonic was surprised that the latter didn't gloat, but the feeling of surprise was quickly replaced by a sense of curiosity.
''You haven't told me everything…'' He slowly got up, bruised. ''Am I right?''
Shadow didn't respond. He had to admit, Sonic was quite determined to get a direct answer out of him, even if it cost him his life, and he had to admire that resolve.
''Why do you insist on learning why I'm doing this? Why are you so persistent?'' Shadow finally asked, hoping that the blue hedgehog would finally shut up and focus on the fight.
''Because, I believe that you wouldn't be saying any of this if there wasn't some personal tragedy involved,'' Sonic replied.
Shadow stared at Sonic in stunned silence, wondering how the blue hedgehog came to that conclusion. Was he that easy to read? Does it even matter anymore?
''If you really insist…'' Shadow took a deep breath, carefully observing his opponent. They would all be gone soon, and the secret would die along with them. There was nothing they could do to stop the inevitable. Shadow's gaze wandered from Sonic to Lucas. ''I assume that this human is important to you.''
''Of course he is! Lucas is my best buddy,'' Sonic said, with Lucas smiling in response. He was worried about his partner, but he didn't interfere, hoping that Sonic would be to deal with this situation.
''I also had someone who was important to me, someone I was close to,'' Shadow continued, clenching his fists, feeling the rage growing inside him. ''However, she had been taken away from me. The humans who worked here were responsible for her death, and I had promised to myself that I would avenge her.'' Shadow's quiet tone grew louder, filled with raw hatred. ''They treated Touka like a guinea pig, never telling her why she had been here, and she payed with her life. We had both been trapped here for all of our lives, and all she wanted was to step outside this building, but that wish died with her.'' Shadow gritted his teeth, baring his fangs. He felt as if someone put a stone in his chest, as if someone grabbed him by the neck and was choking him. ''Those humans never cared for her! They just let her die, never bothering to even lift a finger to help her when she needed them!''
Sonic and Lucas exchanged glances of astonishment, which was quickly replaced by knowing looks. Despite his head still being a mess from the storm of emotions he felt, Shadow had to admit that he was a little surprised by their reaction. It seemed as if they knew something he didn't. Sonic then stepped up, trying to look serious, but the corner of his mouth twitched as a tiny grin formed on his lips.
''Shadow, you said that this person's name is Touka, right?'' Sonic asked. Shadow frowned, glaring at the blue hedgehog.
''Was,'' he responded.
''Uh, I don't know how to tell you this but… I think that someone had lied to you,'' Sonic continued.
''What are you talking about?'' Shadow asked, now feeling irritated.
''That's because Sonic and I know Touka, and the last time we saw her, which was the other day, she was alive,'' Lucas replied, hoping that they were all talking about the same person. Ferra had been telling them the truth so far and he hoped that the part with Touka was correct as well. ''As a matter of fact, we were told that she had entered this building and didn't come out. She may still be somewhere-''
''You're lying!'' Sonic and Lucas both almost jumped out of their skin when Shadow screamed at them. His crimson eyes were glowing, his fists clenched as he stared at them, completely enraged. His voice, normally calm and steady, was filled with raw fury. ''She is dead! I watched her die!'' Shadow continued, the fury in his voice fading into anguish. ''She is gone and nothing will bring her back!''
''Shadow…'' Sonic could see tears forming in the corners of Shadow's eyes, with black hedgehog finally giving into his grief. He felt pity for Shadow, for him losing the person he cared about the most, but at the same time, he knew that there was hope. ''Shadow, please, listen to me. Touka is still here, and she actually went searching for you-!''
''SHUT UP!''
Filled with rage, Shadow fired a bolt of energy at Sonic, but before the blue hedgehog could dodge it, cyan energy appeared around the bolt, directing it away from Sonic and into a nearby wall. Sonic, Lucas and Shadow heard steps behind them, with Silver and Makoto, followed by Warren, Tails, Lily, Knuckles, Minami and Amy emerging from the hallway.
''I hope we're not too late,'' Silver told Sonic, his palms lined with cyan energy. Sonic just shook his head in response.
''Ha, the cavalry always arrives in time,'' Knuckles commented, keeping an eye on Shadow. ''You're outnumbered, Black Hedgehog. Surrender now and we might spare you.''
Shadow didn't respond, instead observing the group of humans and Irregulars. He will not let them stop him in carrying out his last wish. He would make sure that humanity would perish at his hands.
''No,'' Shadow replied, his voice now calm and collected, chilling Sonic to the core when he heard him. He sounded focused, yet… empty. Sonic knew that Shadow had crossed the line of no return, that he felt that there was nothing he had to live for. There was only one thing that remained, and he was going to fight for it until the bitter end. Shadow focused on the blue hedgehog, as if reading his mind, his crimson eyes narrowing. ''This battle has just begun.''
