Chapter 6: A Trio of Trouble

Shadow, Rouge, and Tangle arrived at the deployment zone, a massive underground hangar complex. Black marks of oil and scuff marks were present across many parts of the tarmac. On one end of the massive complex several VTOL aircraft were folded neatly into side hangers as engineers and mechanics were inspecting them and carrying out routine maintenance. The three looked to a massive twin motored transport helicopter that was across the room as it's pilot gave the trio a tentative wave from beside the helicopter. Standing next to the pilot was an incredibly demoralized Private First Class who looked to be questioning his life choices. Standing next to the Private was a massive black and red robot with glowing red eyes and the Omega symbol displayed on it's metal chassis prominently in several places. The robot was intimidating, any observer would immediately notice its claws were designed to convey the image of a metallic predator, a predator designed for a singular purpose. The Tungsten Carbide claws laid dormant at the robot's sides, the rest of the robot was unnaturally still… as if it was waiting for it's chance to put its claws to use in combat at any moment.

"Oh no! Not Omega again, of all the places." Rouge rubbed her nose as she let out a groan.

Shadow turned and chastised the Bat, "Omega is going through a hard time right now Rouge. As comrades in arms we need to show him our support."

"He's not some little girl, emotionally distraught and crying in a corner all alone, Shadow. He is the world's most destructive robot that is essentially under quarantine. I am sorry for him right now, I really am, but any sympathy I had has since expired when he called me on the team frequency while I was bathing so he could talk about his feelings of destruction that are being repressed and how he would exact revenge on Eggman."

"Okay, I get it. Let me handle this." Shadow said as he leaned toward Tangle and whispered, "You'll recall the robots have all been infected with a virus. Omega has been operationally grounded until he can have the virus removed. I don't think I need to tell you why the higher ups are taking such precautions with our heavy weapons specialist. Just treat him as you would any other two ton death robot. He would appreciate it."

"Got it. No sweat." Tangle said, gulping nervously as the group approached the helicopter and the other trio.

Shadow stepped in front of Omega and turned his head and shouted, "Private! Did you fetch the items I requested?"

Upon Shadow speaking the robot's red eyes flashed bright red and his head spun several 360 degree rotations while shouting, "Shadow's voice is detected. Ally is present just as my probability matrix predicted. Opportunity for destruction and world ending events has increased in magnitude by several factors. Assessing means of verbal support to increase inevitable destructive output of Shadow-"

Rouge facepalmed then pinched her nose in irritation. Tangle was in awe at how Omega's head continuously spun around like a demonic monster's from some cheesy horror movie. Shadow looked sad as he gazed at Omega. His facial features stiffened as he stared at the Private.

The Private saluted Shadow as the latter subtly raised an eyebrow indicating he wanted an answer to his question, "Yes sir! It was a pain in the rump to get your requested items on such short notice but once I explained the situation to the quartermaster and she verified your request I procured the-"

"A simple yes or no will suffice going forward, Private. I don't need your whole life story."

"Sir, sorry sir… and yes. I got the items for you."

"So, you're his caretaker for the time being?" Rouge asked with a large amount of pity dripping from her words.

"Yes, Ma'am." The Private turned to Shadow then asked, "Sir, permission to speak freely?"

"Go ahead, you cant offend me and I'm sure you're not stupid enough to offend him." Shadow replied while gesturing to Omega.

"Sir, I recently finished my degree in engineering and a minor in robotic maintenance. I never thought as a Private First Class I would be the equivalent of a babysitter for a two ton destructive behemoth."

"So? What's wrong with that? He's a great robot to hang with if you need something blown up. Do you have something better to do with your time?" Shadow asked.

"No sir, it's just… well, his haptic sensors work just fine but the lead engineers had to disable his visual sensors including infrared, motion detection, and his echolocation." The Private First Class then squinted his eyes and looked up and to the left, struggling to recall a fact or detail of importance, then he continued, "Though, I think they forgot about his pulse sensor so that needs to be disabled when I take Omega in for a tune up." The Private shook his head as he resumed making his point, "Anyway! Not only do I have to walk with him to engineering literally holding his massive death claw my superior calls a hand, because he can't see where he is walking, I also have to get him checked out each few days. With all that said, I wanted to ask you… is he usually so-"

Shadow put up his gloved palm to stop the Private, "-Wait, just a moment Private. A few moments ago, did you say echolocation? Like a dolphin? You're serious?"

The privates face lit up and being asked a technical question, as if he was a child that was asked what kind of icecream he wants, "Yes sir. I'm not joking either. It uses a radar frequency to bounce radar waves off of surfaces to digitally create an image of the environment. All that had to be disabled until the virus is contained and eliminated… you know… in case he's goes-" The private imitated Omega gunning everything down and launching explosives left and right, Shadow indicated for him to get on with his point with a single stern glare, "-and well, sir, he won't shut up about how much it bothers him, Sir."

Shadow looked puzzled, and a bit annoyed, "What bothers him?"

"The whole situation, sir. He said the last time something like this happened he swore vengeance upon Eggman and the Eggman Empire. He keeps asking me for my name… then slowly repeating it as he spins his razor sharp claws. If I am honest he's been giving me nightmares." The Private clarified.

"I understand that Private and I thank you for your sacrifice on behalf of the rest of us here at G.U.N. I'm about to brighten his day in a second here if you will stand by." Shadow guestered for the bag the Private was holding and Shadow took it and reached inside. Tangle leaned closer, curious about what was in the bag. Rouge too, was curious, she folded her arms and asked, "Shadow what did you ask for? This is a stealth mission, remember. I hope you didn't ask for anything problematic."

"You know me too well Rouge," Shadow then turned to Omega and shouted to him, "Omega! Rouge, myself, and a new probationary member of our team called Tangle are glad to see you. How are you holding out?"

The Robot's head spun and his massive claws rapidly clenched and unclenched "Shadow, urge to destroy has never been greater in all of my operational record. Rage Shadow, I am rage. Rage against the machines, against Eggman, against all of what the meatbags of the world call time. Each day is like a system standby program, where my lack of function and most sensors indicate my inability to destroy Eggman and his tin cans, my purpose once again robbed from me as our enemies spread across the planet like the inferior consumer models they are. I am rage Shadow. Rage. Rage. Rage. Rage!"

Shadow turned to the Private who was sweating profusely, who looked like he was convinced he was about to be the first victim of a Robot Rebellion, "He seems normal to me." Shadow said, before turning back to Omega, "Try to cheer up Omega, you'll be back to blowing things up sooner than you think. I also have a present for you to raise those spirits."

Shadow Grinned as he stepped closer to Omega.

"Robots do not have any such need for Theological pontifications. I have one purpose. To destroy the Eggman Empire. Secondly, The most powerful robot in existence has no need for sentimental artifacts from organic lifeforms or other fleeting tokens of affection. We robots are beyond such-"

Shadow pulled a large white plastic rectangle from a brown bag and was slapping Omega with it repeatedly, ""Do you know what I am hitting you with Omega? Are your tactile sensors still working."

"Negative and affirmative. I recommend you stop. Rage. Multiplying."

The private first class started sweating and took a couple steps backwards away from the robot and was now standing next to the unassuming Pilot. The Pilot, meanwhile, was quietly observing the whole situation and all present when he noticed the Chaos Emerald attached to Shadow's belt, he then continued carefully examining Shadow, Omega, Rouge, and especially Tangle.

Shadow continued, "It's one of many Plastic explosives, Omega. All together it's forty pounds of the most destructive variant of C-4 we possess. Rouge, Tangle, and I are going on a mission and we're going to blow up an Eggman base and destroy several of Eggman Robots in your name."

"... Shadow. If I assembled a list of all robotic and organic life forms in order of my desire to exterminate them… you would be on the very bottom."

"That is… reassuring." Shadow said matter of fact.

"You mentioned a new carbon based life form was present. Who is this Tangle you speak of?"

"That would be me." Tangle said as she scratched her cheek with a gloved finger and chuckled. "My hobbies include destroying robots, long walks on the beach, and foiling bad guys plans! It's nice to meet you!" Tangle's tail formed a fist and she gave an energetic fistbump to Omega's massive claw-hand.

"Shadow… observe this meatbag. It displays a mutual hatred of robots. It should be exploited to the maximum potential to bring ruin or mere annoyance to Eggman and the Eggman Empire."

"We'll be sure to do that Omega." Shadow replied.

Omega's head spun before he spoke aloud, "Inquiry for Rouge. Why has she not initiated verbal communication if in close proximity? Has her inferior cellular processes failed her, preventing her from speaking? Impossible. Her heart is still beating so she must be unable to speak presently."

Rouge glared at Omega and one of her fangs was exposed as she suppressed a guttural growl of anger, "No, Omega. I have not spoken with you because I am angry with you."

"Computational error. How can rage be possessed and not focused on one's enemies to be destroyed? Insufficient data. Elaboration required for proper synthesis of data and formation of probable theories explaining Rouge's malcontent."

"Omega, you called me when I was taking a bath! Never call me that late at night unless it is an emergency. I am sick and tired of you complaining and frankley, I've had enough of it."

Omega's head stopped spinning and it tilted slightly while facing Rouge, "Accessing Rouges Biometric data, Increased heart rate detected, Micro Vibrations in Rouge's voice indicate an ulterior motive and not based solely on anger. High probability of lying is presumed. Hypothesis generated. When you answered you spoke in a seductive and disgusting manner befitting your female mammalian species when they are attempting to woo a potential mate-"

Rouge eyes practically popped out of her head and her face tensed with shock and horror as she stepped forward and began kicking Omega with her custom made titanium heeled-boots while yelling at the robot to shut up.

Omega continued as if Rouge had not spoken, "-You were likely expecting to be speaking with Knuckles the Echidna based on the undeniable fact you spoke his name at the start of our transmission. My developing theory holds that you were thus enraged when our communication interfered with a possible verbal mating ritual between you and the male mammalian you thought you were communicating with.

Rouge's face was bright red as she was doing her best to scratch Omega's impressive armor, "You lying piece of trash. Just shut up will you. Your circuits are going haywire. Clearly you need maintenance!"

"Negative. My biometric scanners are functioning perfectly. I currently detect seven heartbeats." Omega declared.

"Clearly you are mistaken." Rouge said while fumming, "I know full well you have no heart!" She jumped and gave Omega one more solid kick to the head."

The Private sighed depressingly and quietly said to himself, "I'm going to have to wax that scratch out."

Shadow and Tangle were looking at Rouge with massive grins on their faces.

"Wipe those grins off your face or I'll do it for you!" Rouge yelled.

The pilot put a hand on the Privates shoulder, then whispered, "Chin up Private. After you see us off you should take Omega to Engineering to get him checked out for any kinks or errors in his system. The scratches can probably wait till later."

"Yes sir, that sounds like a good idea." The Private said sadly. "I'll get it taken care of."

"Good man." The pilot said before turning to Shadow, Rouge, and Tangle, "If you three are ready I would like for us to depart before the sun sets. I recommend we leave at once. I'm sure I don't need to tell you but Eggman's robots care not if it is night or day and operate the same regardless."

"Tangle, you ready to fly? I hope you're not afraid of heights." Rouge asked, happy to change the topic of conversation.

Tangle responded with an enthusiastic smile and thumbs up.

"I think we are as ready as ever." Rouge said to the pilot. Meanwhile, Omega, his head furiously spinning, shouted "Nothing is wrong with me! My code remains unaltered. My processing domains remain untampered. The virus I possess is inoperable. Zero errors have been found since my system was self-scanned seconds ago. I am fully capable of Operating with extreme prejudice. Maintenance is unnecessary and a distraction toward the primary objective of destroying Eggman. Why is no one acknowledging this fact? Foolish meatbags!"

Shadow, Tangle, and Rouge all agreed it was time to depart. The trio said their goodbyes to Omega and the Private, got aboard the transport helicopter with their pilot, then exited the underground hanger through the Roof after it had parted.

Minutes later the headsets Team Dark wore crackled with static as a voice spoke, "I'll be flying as low as possible in order to avoid detection before slowly rising along with the mountain's altitude. We'll be landing rapidly in a valley four klicks away from the alleged underground base. Once you land I'll be going dark unless trouble heads my way. If I need to split then you three will be on your own. Best of luck."

"You meant to say Alpha Mike Foxtrot, am I right?" Rouge replied chuckling at her own joke. To her disappointment the pilot did not seem to acknowledge or get the joke.

Shadow pulled out a map and verified with the pilot where the best location to land the bird down would be. Shadow then put away his map, crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and sat in his seat brooding. At the same time Tangle was staring at the ground deep in thought, her normal chipper self looked to be drowning in a sea of grief and despair.

Rouge thought to herself, "Goodness, that girls going to fit right in for all the wrong reasons." Rouge carefully unbuckled herself from her seat and walked over toward Tangle, sitting down next to her.

"How are you holding up? Nervous yet?" Rouge asked politely, their headsets transmitting the conversation to each other and all present.

"Huh? Oh, uh yeah. I've got the butterflies but a few busted robots and I'll be all fired up again!" Tangle punched the air a few times to emphasize her point.

"You know, we're not indestructible machines. We get worn and beaten down at different times in our life. It's okay if you need help or someone to talk to. Our team has been through a lot. Now that you've joined us for the time being at least, we're teammates now. It's not enough that we work alongside one another. We need to help take care of one another. Even if, like Omega, they complain, or like Shadow, they try to hide it, everyone needs help and maintenance at times. So Tangle, how are you holding up, really?"

Tangle stared at Rouge, returning the latter's gaze, Tangle's ecstatic expression faltered and she looked to the ground as tears swelled in her eyes. She sniffled, determined not to cry, "I… I failed her. We were a team and I was lazy and careless." Tangle clenched her fists, "She counted on me to protect her and the Museum and what did I do? I was out having fun that day. I took a day off to have fun while my friend was working late that night because I hadn't been there to help her close the Museum..."

"Tangle, I hear you and see how you feel, but it wasn't your fault-"

Tangle's eyes shot open and she turned to Rouge as she glared at her while yelling, "- but it was my fault! If I had been there Jewel wouldn't have died. It's that simple. It was that easy to prevent. I was so selfish. So stupid. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"

Shadow opened his eyes and stared at Tangle, then said, "There is no room for stupidity on Team Dark. If you want to stay and work with us you need to understand that in life there are some things that are beyond your control. What you can control is how you react and use tragedy to fuel yourself going forward. Don't let the past consume you with what could have been, focus on the future you can control, become stronger, and work to create the life and world you want to see. If you and Jewel were such good friends, she would have wanted you to not fall to grief but to rise above it. If you can't even manage to do that… then you'll have no place with us."

"It's just, I can't stop thinking of her. What were her last moments like? What was she thinking when she drew her last breaths?"

Rouge put a hand on Tangles back, "Tangle, it's okay to feel grief, but you can't let it consume your life. You can't let it drown you. We're in a dangerous line of work and right now we're trusting you with our lives on a dangerous mission. Can we count on you to be there for us just as we'll be there for you?"

Tangle wiped her eyes and face, cleared her throat, then answered, "Yes, I'll fight with everything I have. I won't lose another friend. I'm sorry for being such a burden so soon after meeting you two."

"Don't fret," Rouge said, then glanced at Shadow, "When Shadow was going through a similar faze he and Eggman nearly destroyed the world. A few tears are nothing in comparison."

Shadow squinted his eyes at Rouge, "You know your hot miking? I can hear you talking about me."

"Oh get over it, Shadow." Rouge said dismissively.

"Yeah, get over it Shadow!" Tangle echoed.

Shadow grinned and folded his arms, "Hmph, very well. I seem to be outnumbered anyway. Now let's get started with the mission brief. Rouge, Tangle. We're going to be sneaking into a supposedly abandoned portion of Eggman's underground network, one of many bases I'm sure. Intel says that there have been suspicious seismic activity in the area that is too frequent to be tremors but not powerful enough to be earthquakes. Our mission is to find out what he is doing beneath these mountains. We are to destroy any resources or robot production assemblies we come across with the C-4 we have, then escape before enemy forces can deploy to our position. It will be just the three of us. We can call in close air support but since the CAS does not have the same stealth technology as our Bird, they would likely be destroyed by ground to air missiles. So this is it. It's just the three of us... and the Pilot who is not obligated to stay grounded should things get heated. Here is our plan: We go in carefully, we find out what Eggman is hiding, we blow up some of his toys with C4, then we leave. In and out like that!" Shadow snapped his fingers for emphasis.

"Sounds easy!" Tangle said, causing Rouge to start to sweat.

"I hope not. The easy missions are the ones that always take a turn for the worst."

"That's right, so be on your guard. Stick together, no wondering off and getting separated. I highly doubt our radio equipment will function when we enter the mountain. So teamwork will be critical. Remember, Sonic and Tails are in a hospital right now after going up against Eggman. We cannot afford to underestimate our enemy. Speaking of which… Tangle, have you been in an Eggman lair before?"

"Never. I've destroyed plenty of his bots around Spiral Hill Village though."

"Okay, follow our lead. Last thing we want is a buzzsaw cutting your tail off... or worse." Shadow said bluntly.

"Buzzsaws? Really?" Tangle asked with a chuckle.

Rouge counted on her fingers, "Buzzsaws, flamethrowers, collapsing floors, spike pits... you can't let your guard down for a second in an Eggman base. That fat lard is messed up in the head." Rouge said in reply.

"Are there any questions?" Shadow said as he looked at Rouge and Tangle. None were asked, "Alright then. When we land, be ready to follow my lead."

"Aye aye captain." Rouge said while giving a cheeky salute."

"Yeah! Let's do this!" Tangle shouted as she threw her arms and tail into the air.

Some time later the intercom buzzed to life, "We have reached the landing zone. Radio silence from here on out. Standby for landing."

The helicopter landed and the trio exited.

"Let's get moving." Shadow said as the three began their slow and deliberate search for the entrance to Eggman's underground base….

"This is so not poggers!" Tangle screamed as she, Shadow, and Rouge all ran for their lives ahead of a collapsing floor. Below them was a pit of spikes and an occasional pool of lava that shot hot balls of flame in front of their path.

"So not poggers! So not poggers!" Tangle screamed yet again.

"What does that even mean?" Rouge asked just before she ducked in order to dodge a serrated buzzsaw a robot crab perched on a wall had thrown. A second robot crab caught the buzzsaw and was itself about to throw it at the intruders when Shadow pulled out his gun from his belt's holster and shot it three times. The robotic crab exploded and the buzzsaw fell into a pit of lava.

"Even I didn't think we'd be dealing with this much all at once. This is a work of art at this point." Shadow admitted.

The trio dashed, ducked, and dodged, and eventually reached the other side of the dimly lit pathway without any injuries. The new area was clear of robots and led the Team deeper into the mountain. The group was quiet for several minutes as they walked cautiously forward.

Shadow opened his mouth to speak but before doing so put his hand to his mouth, his brow furrowed as he thought of how to best ask his question, "Have you talked to him recently?"

Rouge took several more steps that echoed off the underground passage, their loudness magnified by her silence to the question, "It's been a while. We're both busy, He's on Angel Island, I'm here. You know how it is."

"You should take some time off and visit him one of these days… unless… is this really all you want out of life?" Shadow asked as he guestered all around themselves.

Rouge chuckled at Shadow's choice of words, finding it a little too familiar, "I wonder, would we really get along? He's the last of his kind living a nomadic life on a floating island… I'm a government agent, a treasure hunter, and a former thief with a penchant for decadence. We're not exactly a match made for one another."

Tangle was walking silently behind Shadow and Rouge intently listening to the personal conversation.

"You should give him a call. See what he is up to. Like you said, no man can resist your irresistible beauty and charm." Shadow said with a friendly albeit rare smile.

"Since when did the ultimate lifeform decide to care so much about my lack of a love life?" Rouge asked.

"Would you believe me if I said Cream's good nature to see others happy was rubbing off on me?" Shadow replied, himself not even believing what he said.

"No, I wouldn't. So I'll ask again, why do you care so much?"

Shadow was silent for a moment before answering, as if it took a piece of his heart or soul to summon the strength to say the words, "I don't age or get sick Rouge."

"I know that already. What's that have to do with Knuckles and I?"

"Well-" Shadow began before hesitating.

"-Well, what is it then?" Rouge said with rosy cheeks and a look of slowly building irritation.

It was Shadow's turn to be deathly silent, he was side by side with Rouge as he kept pace with her while he gathered his thoughts before finally speaking his mind, "Someday, every single person I care about will be forgotten. Their flesh and bones turned to dust and scattered in the wind. Even their tombstones will be battered by the elements, their deeds and names lost and forgotten to the cruel march of time. The dread I feel for what's to inevitably transpire… the hope I cling to... it's complicated... and selfish of me… I just know that I don't want to be the only person that is left in the world to remember you. That's all."

After Shadow spoke, he broke off from Rouge's side and walked ahead of the group signaling the end of the conversation. The walk for the next several minutes was done in silence.

After walking in the dimly lit underground tunnels for some time more, the path ahead became much more narrow, so much so that the trio had to travel in a single line. They walked for what seemed like ages, further into the darkness. Soon Rouge's ears twitched, "That sound? Is that... water?"

The group walked further and came upon an underground path that led to a reverse L-shaped fork in the road. To their right was the source of the noise Rouge had heard, a raging underground river.

"I can't believe it. The feat of engineering required to pump water through a mountain… how long has Eggman been down here?" Rouge asked as she gazed at the raging river.

Shadow thought for a moment before answering, "The Doctor must have tapped into the underground water reservoirs around the base of the mountain and pumped the water elsewhere with it eventually being funneled here."

"This can't be anything good you guys. I doubt Eggman is using the water for a personal pool resort." Tangle said nervously.

"You'd be surprised." Rouge replied without a hint of humor.

"While you're not wrong Rouge, Tangle does have a point. This much water is only gathered if you're trying to create an artificial drought or need it for an industrial application. Let's head straight. We're wasting enough time as it is standing here. We can double back and take the left path if needed."

The trio kept walking, the path soon ended having led to two solid metal gates with a digital keypad between the two.

"Well, this is peculiar. Look at this you two…" Rouge said.

Tangle's eyes sparkled and she grinned when she saw it, "Oooooh. A keypad! Can try to-"

"-No." Shadow and Rouge said in unison.

"Pressure plates, a keypad, and two blocked paths?" Shadow said.

" Hmmm. Three pressure plates and only two entrances? Please don't tell me Eggman's going to make us do a puzzle. I'll resign right now if I have to use my brain instead of my brawn." Tangle said glumly.

"I doubt that. Think it's a trap Shadow?" Rouge asked.

Shadow was not so sure, "Probably not, Eggman isn't one to go for a cheap kill. If he did he would have had motion sensors and cameras to blow up the tunnel we're in already. No… he wants to feel superior. I think these two gates are another way for him to toy with any intruders while dividing their strength. In the past, rulers would make impregnable fortresses with the intent to divide, trap, and kill any intruders. It allowed them entry easily… only for them to be annihilated in sophisticated killing fields. Eggman is simply employing a similar strategy here to force us to split up if we want to press onward." Shadow took out his gun, walked forward, and tried to scratch one of the massive metal gates. "This gate is a solid slab of Titanium. We couldn't blast through this even if we wanted to risk the ceiling collapsing." Shadow lamented. He then turned and walked next to the pressure plate and stepped on it, he then looked at the two closed gateways and finally to his partners, "Rouge. Tangle. Step on the other two pressure plates."

The pair reluctantly did so and the two gates opened slowly, the heavy doors rising inch by inch. Shadow stepped off the pressure plate and the slabs of titanium slammed to the ground, blocking the pathway forward almost instantly.

"Pressure plates and pulley systems? How archaic yet effective…" Rouge said.

Shadow sighed, "Looks like we'll need to split up after all. I can get into one of the two pathways before they both close. You two will need to double back and head down the other path at the fork in the road opposite the river. Stay together. Our radio's have no chance of working this far down. If my theory is correct the paths should all eventually lead to the same place. I'll see if I can meet up with you two sooner rather than later."

"Yes sir!" Tangle acknowledged with a sloppy salute.

"Be careful Shadow." Rouge said with concern.

"Careful? Without you two tagging along I can go all out and get to the bottom of this, I'll see you two soon." With those words Shadow stepped back onto his pressure plate and waited until the pathways were open, then he touched the Chaos Emerald attached to his belt and shouted, "Chaos Control!"

The next second he had vanished as the gates slammed shut.

"We should get going." Rouge said to Tangle.

"Right behind ya Rouge!"

The two made their way back to the fork in the road and went down the other path opposite the River.

"If Eggman is using the water for some evil plan couldn't we just jump in the river and follow it to its source?" Tangle asked as she led the way.

"We could, assuming we could swim long enough to not drown and that there are no robots in the water waiting to kill us should we try. Personally, I'm not willing to risk it." Rouge answered as the pair continued walking.

Tangle skipped ahead and walked alongside Rouge with her arms behind her head, her elbows spread wide, and her chest puffed out as she stretched before speaking.

"Soooooo…" Tangle said as her joyful eyes squinted, transforming into a provocative stare as a cheeky grin began to envelope her face.

"So?" Rouge replied with a hint of wariness.

"So! Tell me about this boy you have your eye on! It's just us girls now so spill the beans."

Rouge, visibly irritated, tried to defuse the conversation by answering as plainly as possible, "There's not much to say. I'm a bat, Knuckles is an Echidna, we've known each other for what feels like a while, and had our share of fights along the way until we mellowed out. For months we've barely talked, let alone seen each other. There's not much to spill, really."

Tangle, as ecstatic as ever, ignored Rouge's last sentence and pressed Rouge for more information, "Oh my gosh! You two had a lover's quarrel?!" Tangle squealed as her eyes twinkled. The enormous grin on her face somehow got bigger.

"What? No, we were never an item. What I mean is we literally fought one another over the Master Emerald. That feels like it was yesterday…"

Tangle thought and quickly formed a question in her mind to further advance the topic, "So Rouge, what do you like most about him?"

Rouge's cheeks for a moment started to turn a little red just before she sneered, baring her fangs, "What do you mean like about him? There's nothing to like about that oaf. He's gullible, stubborn, and overconfident. He won't even treat me like a lady, he calls me a thief whenever he sees me even though I gave up that life long ago. Honestly, half the time I want to kick him in the face-"

Tangle, now finished with her stretching, had taken a neutral posture, doing her best to hide her self satisfying smile. Tangle could clearly notice the heat radiating off of Rouge's cheeks as she progressed to get ever more heated as Rouge's description of Knuckles's faults piled up. Tangle tried to keep her expressions under control but her facade was slowly chiseled away to reveal what to Rouge -if she was paying attention, which she was not- was another cheeky-dirt-eating-grin. Tangle looked away from Rouge as the latter finished her progressively manic spiel over Knuckles.

"-and don't even get me started on his terrible smell, does that Man even know what a bath is?"

"Wow." Tangle thought in astonishment. She had never seen a girl whose mind was so occupied with a man and yet at the same time so in denial of her feelings. If Knuckles was a desert, Rouge would be the lonely traveler that had an unquenchable thirst. Tangle took another look at Rouge, who was occupied with listing every flaw and failing the Echidna possesed. "Oh, yeah," Tangle thought to herself. "This girl is thirsty."

"So this Knuckles guy, he really... grinds your gears, huh?" Tangle asked.

"You don't know the half of it. He's something alright." Rouge replied.

"So what does the other half of your mind think of him." Rouge looked at Tangle's face as she spoke, sure enough, that dirt-eating-grin from the base was back in full force. She wanted to punch it.

Upon hearing Tangle's question, Rouge's cheeks began to burn, "This is a ridiculous conversation. We're on a mission Tangle, let's cut the chatter and focus on the task at hand." Rouge yelled.

Suddenly there was the sound of dirt and rocks being scuffled, followed by a groan ahead of them. Rouge and Tangle looked at each other upon hearing the voice then ran ahead towards the chasm. They saw a gloved hand reach up and strain to pull its mass back onto the even surface amongst them.

Tangle and Rouge found themselves staring at a filthy, roughed up, miffed Shadow, "Don't ask." He deadpanned.

"Shadow!" Rouge screamed. "Are you okay?" The bat literally glided over using her wings and pulled her friend up from the abyss.

"I said don't ask." Shadow said again with a hint of annoyance.

"What happened?" Tangle asked.

Shadow sighed, as he stood on his feet and brushed the dirt off his fur.

"Eggman. Trap. Pit of death. Nothing too unexpected. I did lose my belt and the Emerald though, we'll need to find that before we leave this place. G.U.N. is going to be furious if they find out."

"You look absolutely awful. You're usually so… collected." Rouge said.

"Hmph, its good to see you too... things were going well for a while but before you know it you're about to be crushed by a massive rolling boulder and your only means of escape is to jump into a chasm and hope you land in a raging river that's infested with robots. Eggman never ceases to enrage and surprise me."

"Any idea where the Emerald was lost? I hope it's not in the river…" Tangle asked.

"Actually the current was very strong. Wherever this water is being funneled is where the Emerald likely ended up… and also the place where Eggman is plotting some scheme. I propose we split up and try to find that location."

"I don't know Shadow, you said that was what we shouldn't do, now that we're back together-" Rouge began.

"- I know what I said, but that was before I lost the Emerald. We cannot let Eggman find it and time is of the essence. We don't have the luxury of playing it safe anymore. We need to take risks. That means dividing and conquering."

Rouge thought for a moment and knew she couldn't convince Shadow otherwise. Besides, working together Team Dark can accomplish anything… even if they are literally apart. Rouge hoped so anyway, "Allright, let's do it." Rouge said.

"I'm game!" Tangle chimed in.

Shadow continued, "This place is a maze. However, like most mazes it can be solved. We just need to find the goal. Earlier I noticed that the path ahead splits into three separate routes. Lets each take a different route and meet back here in thirty minutes."

"Got it." Rouge said.

The group arrived at the trifurcated path and went their separate ways. After Rouge had gone down her path for some time she heard footsteps behind her. She turned, prepared to fight, when she saw that the footsteps had been none other than Shadow's.

He waved and smiled, "Hope I didn't startle you."

"Of course not. I can handle myself you know."

"Oh, I know. Trust me."

Something occurred to Rouge, "I don't recall seeing a pathway cut into this passage."

"I backtracked and ran to catch up with you, I had a thought, a treasure hunter of your skill ought to be able to pinpoint the location of the Chaos Emerald. It made sense to tag along until we got closer to our objective." Shadow replied as he approached Rouge.

"That makes sense. Sorry, I guess I'm a little on edge." Rouge turned to look at the cavern they were in. The narrow paths had given way to a large chamber. Two pathways, with different headings, lay ahead leading further into the depths of the mountain… and supposedly either Eggman's central base or the Chaos Emerald.

Shadow looked at Rouge as she contemplated the mission, knuckles, and what she wants out of life. Rouge was soon lost in her thought as her body stiffened from nervousness and fatigue, "You're too tense. If you don't stay relaxed your bound to make an idiotic mistake." Shadow said gruffly as he walked up behind Rouge and put his hands on her shoulders, giving them and her sore muscles beneath a firm squeeze, then a light massage, "You need to stop thinking and focus on the mission. You trust my judgement… don't you?"

"Hmmmm, of course I do Shadow. I can always trust you… even with my life."

"You know I always keep my word… and I always succeed in every mission I take..."

"Hmmm that feels nice, and I know you always do so in the end. Even if you have your own way of doing things. Ow! Not so rough. Now this was really sweet of you Shadow but we need to get back to work now-"

Shadow interrupted Rouge and continued massaging her sore muscles.

"-Shhhhh relax. Just relax. Close your eyes and take a deep breath… then exhale. Release all your tension… listen to the sound of my voice. You're safe now. You have nothing to fear..."

Rouge hesitated but then did as Shadow asked. She closed her eyes and began to take a deep breath… to fully relax as Shadow suddenly whispered in her ear… sending a chill down her spine.

"I said I would divide and conquer." Shadow's left arm wrapped around Rouge's neck choking her. His right hand disappeared from her shoulder. At that same moment a sharp pain erupted from her pelvis. Rouge elbowed Shadow in the ribs and used her wings to push Shadow off balance as Rouge grabbed Shadow's hands as best as she could, another second passed with adrenaline pumping through her body, as Rouge awkwardly threw Shadow over her shoulder to where he landed on the ground several feet in front of her. Rouge looked at her pelvis, near her thigh and crotch, and her heart skipped several beats after mentally processing what she saw... a massive serrated blade was embedded in her flesh and blood was slowly seeping out. Rouge began hyperventilating. Her body went into shock medically as well as emotionally. Her brain unable or unwilling to accept what Shadow had done to her was reality. That was… until her perception of time returned to normal and she heard the distinct sound of laughter. Rouge looked down and saw Shadow lying on the ground in front of her laughing maniacally.

"I knew this was all going to be worth it. The look on your face right now…" Shadow said as he got to his feet and turned to face Rouge. He held out a second blade and slowly licked it sensually before he spoke again, "I'll savor it for the rest of my life."

"Who the hell are you?" Rouge asked.

Shadow flashed Rouge a grin. A smile so depraved, so unnatural, and empty of empathy or humanity. A smile that would cause any living being nightmares should they survive to dream another day.

Shadow walked forward as Rouge braced to block his attack with her trembling legs and hands. Shadow lifted up a leg, and proceeded to kick her body several times as Rouge struggled desperately to block his attacks and to defend her wounded self. Then, the imposter hit his mark. Driving the blade further into Rouges body, into her Iliac artery. Rouge did not have the breath or strength to scream as she was kicked back, hard, crashing back first against the wall as her nearly limp body crumbled to the ground.

As Rouge's vision cleared she looked up and saw herself standing before her with Shadow nowhere to be seen.

"Who am I? I'm you, sweetheart. Oh, and careful with that blade honey. It's the only thing keeping you from bleeding out in mere minutes. If you survive, and that's a big if, I'll be back to play with you some more. If you try to flee I'll simply follow the trail of blood and track you down. Trust me when I say, if you do that, you'll wish you had died when I am finished with you. So be a good girl and stay put. I still have a mission to complete. I'm sure you understand but business comes before pleasure and all that jazz... so take care now."

One blown kiss and a wave later, the imposter left Rouge.

As the imposter walked to its next destination the sweetest sound could be heard echoing off the walls. The sound of a living being, helpless and in pain, screaming in suffering, terror, and rage. The imposter stopped to savor the sound. The sound of a wounded animal coming to terms with its own mortality and a life not fully lived. The sound of a life cut short. The beautiful sound prey makes as it sits helpless and dying, like a pig awaiting the slaughter, helpless to avoid their fate... The imposter let slip a genuine smile. It was times like this when the Imposter truly felt... alive.

Rouge had finished screaming in pain and agony after her adrenaline had worn off. Rouge's gloved hand was red with blood. Her vision was getting blurry and she blinked rapidly trying to clear her vision. She reached into her pocket and retrieved her phone with shaky hands. She used her failing strength to dial a number. She had to talk to him. Just once. Just one more time. One more time… before she lost consciousness… and possibly closed her eyes for good.

The phone was not ringing. Rouge dialed the number again as tears welled up from her eyes, "Dammit. Of course..." She thought.

No signal.