Hi everyone! I'm glad you're liking my one-shots! And remember, reviewing gives me the motivation to update, so please keep that in mind! In the meantime, I was able to come up with another idea from a Puzzleshipping comic I read on Pixiv, so its gonna feature an Egyptian Shadow the Hedgehog, who is known as Pharaoh Sheut. There will also be a mention of Pharaoh Aman-Rapi from Sonic Underground, so watch out for that!
"How is this possible!?" Shadow snarled in rage. "Is this some sort of sick joke!?"
"Even I'm confused!" Rouge looked back and forth between Shadow and his look-a-like.
"SCAN COMPLETED. THIS SPECIMEN IS A REAL HEDGEHOG AND NOT AN ANDROID," Omega stated.
Commander Towers sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Team Dark, please control your emotions. What I currently told you is the whole truth, and it is all confirmed by the Scorpion Troop."
A human male, who stepped forward dressed in his G.U.N. uniform, nodded his head. "What we witnessed when we investigated the ruins in Cairo is the entire truth, commander. We even have video evidence to prove it."
Team Dark is still in disbelief, staring at the dark hedgehog confined in a glass prison, glaring at them with intense hatred and distrust. He resembled Shadow from head to toe, but the look-a-like wore Egyptian garments along with shiny gold jewelry and a red cape attached to the back of his neck to indicate he was dressed differently from Shadow. In Rouge's case, the shiny gold crown he wore made her want to grab it, but decided not to due to his glare.
They remembered how freaked out the Scorpion Troop had been when they returned from their mission, informing the commander of discovering something amazing when they were sent to Cairo, Egypt. There had been reports of a recently newly discovered temple that a group of archaeologists had found weeks ago, and the Scorpion Troop were went there to help guard the place from any potential tomb robbers.
A couple of them went with the archaeologists inside the temple to check for any traps, and that's when one of the archaeologists, an intern who is a human male, touched something on the wall, causing it to slide open to reveal a secret passageway leading to somewhere. As they went through the passageway, they discovered a hidden burial chamber, said to belong to an ancient pharaoh who wasn't found in the history books.
The golden sarcophagi had been placed on the alter at the center of the room, and when the group stepped inside the chambers, that's when something strange had happened. The eyes on the sarcophagi glowed red, and the lid slid off, revealing a person popping out from the tomb. That's when the Scorpion Troop acted, doing everything they can to detain the person before he could try to harm him.
Luckily, they were able to knock him out, but were shocked to see who it was. Glad they recorded everything on what had happened, they completed their task and flew back to G.U.N. headquarters in less than a day. And now, what Team Dark had seen confirmed the evidence on why the Scorpion Troop delayed their mission.
Commander Towers placed his hands behind his back, staring at the dark look-a-like before glancing over to Shadow. "The scientists went through the files they could find from Gerald Robotnik, and there had been no mention on his research related to Egypt. Everything had been confirmed on how you were created, concluding that you are immortal due to your alien DNA." He looked back at Shadow's doppelganger. "However, his DNA confirmed he is a mortal, but the rest is unknown."
Shadow critically stared at his double, studying him from head to toe. "I'm still not convinced."
"When we detained him, he surprisingly spoke English. However, he refused to tell us his name and kept ordering us to release him unless we wish to swim with the crocodiles," Commander Towers frowned. "Until we figure out a way to extract more information from him, I assign Team Dark to keep him under your watch."
Rouge placed one hand on her cocked hip. "You want us to babysit him?"
"HE MEANT KEEP HIM UNDER SURVEILLANCE AND ENSURE HE WON'T WREAK HAVOC ON EARTH," Omega replied.
Commander Towers nodded his head. "You are correct, E-123. Since this dark hedgehog resembles Shadow the Hedgehog, it is best we have our strongest team to monitor him while the scientists determine who he is and what connection he has with Shadow."
He then looked at Shadow. "See if you can earn his trust since you two share a resemblance. Let him know we wish him no harm and want to help him. Get as much information you can from him so we can do everything we can to return him back to his rightful place in the tombs. Do you understand, Agent Shadow?"
Shadow frowned, nodding his head a little. "As you command, sir."
"Excellent. And remember, what is said in this room stays in the room. No one outside of G.U.N. must ever know of this hedgehog's existence, especially Dr. Eggman."
"We will not fail you, commander."
"Keep that in mind."
As Commander Towers went over to one of the scientists who discussed with him about the unknown dark hedgehog, Shadow went over to where his double is, who is still trapped in the giant glass box where it's keeping him prisoner. His fake counterpart glared at him, folding his arms over his chest in a stance that Shadow usually does around his foes. As for Shadow, he continued to study him, and didn't even hesitate to place his hand against the glassed wall.
His look-a-like arched his eyebrow in confusion, refusing to say a word as he kept his mouth closed in a firm expression. Then, he uncrossed his arms and placed his own hand to mirror Shadow's actions, as crimson orbs studied each other, wondering what their next move would be.
"You two would definitely be twins," Rouge said as she stood next to Shadow. "Do you think he'll tell us anything on who he is and where he's actually from?"
Omega used its scanners again on the Egyptian hedgehog, who took a few steps back as he viciously bared his fangs at the robot. "SCANS SHOW HE IS ORIGINATED FROM ANCIENT EGYPT, BUT NOTHING ELSE ON HIS IDENTITY."
Shadow folded his arms over his chest. "He'll refuse to tell us because he doesn't trust us. If he's like me, then he sees us as a threat, making it tough for us to earn his trust and figure out who he is." He made eye-contact with the Egyptian hedgehog. "I am curious on why he resembles me, how he is a mortal, and whether he was created like I was."
"Then it won't be too difficult to have him open up to us," Rouge smirked. "There's a chance he'll have the same grumpy attitude as yours."
"THERE IS A 99% CHANCE HE HAS SHADOW'S PERSONALITY," Omega responded.
"Ignoring what you two said, we'll also have to make sure his powers aren't like mine," Shadow huffed. "Hopefully, he won't unleash his rage on the world."
A few weeks went by after the discovery of the dark hedgehog who resembled Shadow, and surprisingly, Team Dark was able to get some limited information from him. He is known as Sheut, a Pharaoh who ruled Ancient Egypt 5,000 years ago, said to be created from Kek & Kauket – deities of darkness, obscurity, and night. The granddaughter of the previous Pharaoh, both of them humans, found him in the sacred gardens unconscious during a meteor shower. Seeing that he is a gift from the gods, they welcomed him into their family, naming him Sheut, meaning shadow.
He became the new pharaoh after his adopted grandfather, the previous Pharaoh, passed down the title to him, knowing that the elderly Pharaoh didn't have much time left. Unfortunately, Pharaoh Sheut's life became tragic when both his adopted grandfather Pharaoh Geb and sister Masika died from an illness, possibly due to their cursed bloodline.
This was all Sheut would tell Team Dark, and they understood why. Shadow sympathized with him, knowing what it's like to lose the people you love who are close to you. He can tell Sheut is a lot like him, especially since they both made a promise to protect the people and Earth from danger. For Shadow, it's to keep Earth safe for Maria. As for Sheut, he kept his kingdom safe for Masika.
"Is this what the world is truly like?" Sheut questioned, surprised to see so much greenery while standing in the lavender field.
Shadow nodded. "The world consists of everything: plants, flowers, trees, water, animals, and all signs of life. This is what the Earth is like."
"It is truly amazing," Sheut picked up a lavender flower, sniffing it. "If only we had this type of scenery centuries ago, then maybe this world wouldn't feel desolate to me."
"In the past, your world is different. You are now in the present, and this is what the world should look like forever."
"I am quite jealous, Shadow the Hedgehog."
"Of what?"
"You were able to experience the beauty of this land without having to worry about wars or destruction."
"Quite the opposite. I still experience it nearly every day."
"What do you mean?"
Before Shadow could open his mouth to tell him, he saw a blue streak rushing by in front of them. Then, the blue streak stopped, and turned around to wave him. "Yo Shadow! I finally found you!"
Rushing over to where he is, Sonic grinned at his rival. "Finally got a break from work?"
Shadow rolled his eyes. "None of your business, Faker."
"I'll take that as a yes!"
They heard someone gasping, causing them to turn their heads to see who it was. Shadow cursed to himself, nearly forgetting Sheut is with him, and Sonic has no idea on who he is. As for Sonic, he looked back and forth between his rival and his twin, astonished to see two Shadows, except Shadow wore his G.U.N. jacket and Sheut wore a black coat.
"I didn't know you have a twin brother, Shadow," Sonic scratched his head.
Before Shadow could retort, Sheut beat him to it.
"Aman-Rapi?" Sheut whispered.
Sonic's eyes widened at his answer. "H-Huh?"
Sheut's expression is filled with shock, disbelief, and hope as he gazed at Sonic. "It's you…"
He rushed forward, hugging Sonic tightly as he felt tears leaking from the corner of his eyes. "I can't believe it! It's really you, Aman-Rapi!" He pulled back, gripping Sonic's shoulders. "How did you come back to life!? I thought Nephthys came for you when you succumbed to your illness! Are you stuck here like me!?"
Sheut was then pulled away from Sonic, glaring at the person who did it. "It is forbidden to touch the Pharaoh, and I gave you no such permission to do that!"
Shadow glared back. "I don't care what title you have, but you need to remember you're in the future. This isn't your past." He gestured to Sonic. "This is Sonic the Hedgehog, my rival. He isn't the person whom you mentioned earlier."
Sonic nodded, smiling a little. "He's right. My name is Sonic, and Aman-Rapi is my ancestor."
"What did you just say?" Shadow looked at him in disbelief.
"It's a long story, now I still want to know whom your twin is and why he confused me for my ancestor?" Sonic questioned.
Sheut wiped his eyes, taking a deep breath and releasing it before looking at Sonic. "I apologize. You reminded me of someone close to me from my era."
Sonic tilted his head in confusion. "Era? What do you mean?"
Shadow sighs. "It's classified information from G.U.N. I'm not allowed to tell you, so its best you don't know."
"Not even a little information?"
"Your request is denied."
"Bummer. Guess I'll never know."
"You're a pharaoh?" Sonic gaped, holding his half-eaten chili dog.
Sheut nodded, sitting next to him on the grass while holding a chili dog resting on a napkin. "The Pharaoh of Kemet, who ruled for a very long time until my life ended."
"That's so cool! Is that why you like to wear gold so much?"
"Gold symbolizes the skin of gods & goddesses. We wear it as a blessing to honor the sun god Ra."
"That'll explain the golden earrings and bands you're wearing."
"Yes indeed," Sheut inspected his chili dog. "What do you call this food again?"
"The greatest food known to mankind: chili dogs!" Sonic beamed.
"Chi-li dogs?"
"Try it and you'll know what I'm talking about."
Sheut studied his chili dog, watched Sonic eat his, then took a small bite of his food. Surprised at tasting the flavor explode in his mouth, he took another bite, then another until he finished it. "It is delicious. I had never tasted anything like this."
Sonic finished his own chili dog, then gave him a thumbs up. "I told you it will blow your mind."
"Blow my mind!? Is this poisoned!?"
"Whoa, no way! What I meant to say is that you did something exciting today, which is trying that chili dog for the first time!"
"Oh," Sheut looked away in embarrassment. "I apologize."
Sonic waved it off. "Don't worry about it. You're still adjusting to a new time period, so I understand why you're cautious over everything."
Sheut sighs, closing his eyes. "In my time, assassinations are quite common for the royal family. I must be aware on what is happening around me, have my food and drink tested for poison before consuming, avoid being seen beyond the palace walls, and pay close attention to anyone who enter my kingdom, including those around me."
"Yikes. That sounds rough," Sonic winced at the thought. "How long did you say you ruled Ancient Egypt?"
"A very long time."
"I see," Sonic recalled something. "I have a quick question, Pharaoh."
"You have my permission to speak," Sheut answered.
"How did you knew Aman-Rapi?"
Sheut froze, then his lips stretched into a sad smile as he softly chuckled and gazed at his lap. "It all started when he and his faithful priests arrived at my kingdom for a peace treaty. However, I rarely accept peace treaties with any country unless they prove to me why they wish to form a friendship with me."
He tilted his head up to gaze at the clear blue sky. "Many had given up when they failed, but Aman-Rapi never gave up. He resorted in having a race with me, stating that he was the fastest hedgehog in the entire nation. I didn't believe him at first, but after I raced him, I was proven wrong."
Sheut chuckled a little. "We always ended up in a tie, but he wouldn't give up until he was able to beat me in a race and accept his friendship. His stubbornness won me over, and in the end, I accepted the peace treaty and became his faithful ally." He turned his head to look at Sonic. "You two are exactly alike – from appearance, personality, and soul. It warms my heart to know that Aman-Rapi's spirit had never faltered, and he lives on within you."
Sonic blushed a little, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "Gosh, that's really nice of you to say that. But you gotta remember that I'm Sonic, not Aman-Rapi. He and I are kinda different."
"I can tell, but I still admire you, Sonic the Hedgehog. You're truly a kindhearted soul who sees the good in people."
"What can I say? Everyone deserves a second chance."
"I can never show mercy to my enemies, especially to those who don't deserve it."
"You have your own sense of justice, while mine is different."
"A Pharaoh must remain strict and abide to the laws."
"As long as he's not an overweight bald man with a mustache, then the world is safe."
They continued talking to each other, oblivious of their surroundings. Shadow frowned as he leaned against the tree, not too far from where they are. It's only been half a day, and Sonic was able to have a conversation with Sheut, who is distrustful towards strangers.
However, he didn't mind Sonic, probably because he resembled his dead rival/friend. Though it still irked Shadow that his rival is starting to get close to Sheut, and Sheut didn't mind telling Sonic on who he is, what his past is, and where he came from. It's almost like Sonic can easily get people to open up to him, whether you're a friend or foe. Heck, the Faker was able to thaw out Shadow's icy cold heart, which is something he'll never admit.
Sheut may be similar to Shadow, but their personalities slightly differ, mostly due to Sheut didn't mind interacting with Sonic, while Shadow preferred his alone time. Either way, his Egyptian ancestor won't be staying here much longer, especially now that the scientists from G.U.N. found a way to help Pharaoh Sheut rest his soul in peace.
The doors opened, revealing a white light shining brightly in the tomb. Hieroglyphics began to glow a golden color as Sheut's appearance changed, resulting in him wearing his pharaoh attire. Hothep got on his knees, bowing to him respectfully. "Your majesty."
Sheut brought his hand out. "Rise, Priest Hothep. Remember, you are faithful both to me and to Aman-Rapi, so never forget your true purpose as the guardian of the tombs."
"I thank you for your kindness, my pharaoh," Hothep rose from his position.
Shadow folded his arms. "Looks like you'll finally be able to rest in peace."
Pharaoh Sheut nodded his head. "I'll be able to return back home, but without having my tomb disturbed."
"I got that covered," Tails replied. "I installed some security updates to prevent any grave robbers from disturbing your resting place, so you'll be able to rest in peace."
Amy nodded. "We even got G.U.N.'s permission to hire their soldiers to come and guard the tombs in case villains like Eggman would return to destroy the pyramids."
"So you have nothing to worry about, handsome," Rouge winked.
"Except for her," Knuckles pointed at Rouge. "She's obsessed with treasure, especially shiny jewelry."
"Can't argue with that," Rouge giggled.
Sonic sadly smiled. "We're really gonna miss you, Pharaoh. I do hope your afterlife has much greenery like Green Hill does."
Sheut's eyes softened, taking a few steps until he stopped in front of Sonic. He reached out to take Sonic's gloved hand, clasping it with both of his own gloved hands. "Sonic, thank you for gifting me your kindness. I learned so much about your era, customs, and how there are still good people out there. I'll never forget what you taught me."
"Anytime," Sonic smiled at him. "And I'll never forget our time together. I know you'll continue to rule as a strong and kind pharaoh. You're unique in your own way, Pharaoh Sheut."
"Your heart is very pure, Sonic. It must remain that way," Sheut's eyes started to darken. "And I'll make sure no one taints it."
Sonic is confused on his question, but then gasped loudly in pain, feeling something sharp pierce his chest. Seeing a dagger stabbed right at the center of where his heart is, Sonic coughed, feeling the blood drip from his mouth and chest. He heard someone screaming in the background, along with yelling, but it sounded muffled, as Sonic felt a pair of hands cradling his face, as he breathed heavily.
Sheut lovingly gazed down at Sonic, holding him close as he made sure his dark shadows kept everyone away from where he's standing at. "We shall finally be together again, Aman-Rapi. I won't let anyone separate us."
Scooping him up into his arms as Sonic is held bridal style, feeling his head rest against his chest as his eyes were closed, Sheut glanced over with a crazed look to where the others were, who were unable to get to him due to the dark shadows keeping them at bay. "I thank you all for everything. As of right now, my Habibi & I must return home. Farewell, everyone."
Sheut spun around, letting his cape flutter as he walked through the opened doors with Sonic in his arms, ignoring everyone's shouts and threats as both he and Sonic disappeared into the light, letting the doors close behind them as the glowing lights faded away. Once the dark shadows had vanished, Shadow & Knuckles rushed over and punched the doors, trying to get them to open.
"Open up right now, you bastard!" Knuckles roared. "Give us back our friend!"
"You'll pay for what you did! Do you hear me!?" Shadow shouted in anger.
"Knuckles! Shadow!"
They spun around, surprised to see Amy holding Sonic's body in her arms, tears streaming down her cheeks as Tails cried while hugging Sonic. Rouge was comforting them both, but also had tears dribbling down her face.
"H-He isn't breathing! I-I did everything I can to stop the bleeding, but the dagger went through his heart!" Amy sobbed, as her shoulders shook. "H-He's gone! S-Sonic's gone!"
Hurrying over to where she is, Knuckles checked Sonic's pulse, then listened for any signs of his chest moving. Unfortunately, there was none as he remained lifeless in Amy's arms. Shadow brought his green Chaos Emerald out from his quills, hoping it would heal him. However, it couldn't, as it was too late to save him.
Realizing that Sonic is gone for good, Shadow dropped the emerald, hearing it roll away as he started to have flashbacks, recalling what happened on the Ark, leading all the way to Maria's death. All the sounds were muffled, his body shook, and his eyes started to become wet, clenching his fists tightly as he felt his emotions go haywire, and the most common one he's feeling is anger.
His ear twitched when he heard footsteps approaching them, causing him to turn his head to see it was Hothep, the guardian of the tombs whom Sonic somehow knew from his past.
"I had no idea Pharaoh Sheut would do something like this," Hothep's expression turned somber. "Nor that he is still mourning over Aman-Rapi."
Eyes filled with rage, Shadow sped over to where Hothep is, grabbing the front of his cloak and bringing him eye-level to Shadow. "YOU KNEW HE WOULD DO THIS, BUT YOU KEPT THAT INFORMATION FROM US!?"
Hothep shook his head no. "I solemnly swear in the name of Aman-Rapi I had no idea Sheut would do something so heinous! My loyalty only lies to Lord Aman-Rapi and the gods!"
"I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!"
"You don't have to believe me, but what I say is the truth. I may not know much about Sheut, but I do know that the darkness inside of him expanded after Aman-Rapi died. To him, Aman-Rapi is his light that helped him smile again, and seeing Sonic made him believe Aman-Rapi had been reborn into him."
Hothep felt Shadow release his cloak, as he sadly looked at the lifeless blue hedgehog. "Now that Sheut killed your friend and took his soul with him into the afterlife, it'll be impossible to get it back. The doors to the afterlife can never reopen now that the pharaoh laid his soul to rest."
"YOU'RE LYING!" Tails shouted in anger. "WE OPENED THEM BEFORE! WE CAN OPEN THEM AGAIN!"
All Hothep could do is hung his head in shame, blaming himself for not paying attention to what Sheut's true intentions are. Now, the son of Queen Aleena and prince of Mobotropolis had been murdered, and Hothep failed to save him. He knew that the queen must be informed about what happened to her son, and can only beg for forgiveness from her and the gods for failing to protect him.
Loud cries echoed in the tomb, as everyone held their deceased friend in their arms. Shadow felt the tears leaking out of his eyes, dripping down his face as his vision blurred from seeing his dead rival. This wasn't supposed to happen. How could he had not noticed Sheut's intentions earlier from the start?
He let out a loud, agonizing roar, screaming at the heavens for making him experience it again. Cursing Sheut for killing his rival and taking him away from them. Shadow will find a way to get the doors to the afterlife open, and once he does, Sheut will pay for what he did. He will pay for taking Sonic away from him!
Soft humming escaped from Sheut's lips, as he stroked his beloved's blue quills. He has now returned to his kingdom, and everything is exactly as he remembered. His adopted grandfather and sister were also here, happy to see Sheut again, along with his habibi. Speaking of his habibi, he was still sleeping in Sheut's arms, dressed in a long white dress with flats, golden jewelry, and a ring on his left hand that had a huge ruby stone on it, matching with Sheut's ring.
Sitting comfortably on his golden throne, Sheut smiled creepily, feeling the dark shadows praising him for finding Aman-Rapi, as he held him close to his body on his lap with one arm while the other held his chin, letting his thumb stroke his lips until he planted a kiss on him.
"We are now together, habibi~" Sheut purred. "No one will ever take you away from me ever again~ You are mine for all eternity~"
And that's the end! I bet it all surprised at you at what happened, but I really did like the idea! Don't forget to review and comment, and if you do that, I'll update more!
