-Chapter 135-

Frame Job


Robotropolis

Robotnik, Amino, Eggatha, and Metal made their way back to Citadel Robotnik, the doctor already making preparations to head into space. Eggatha headed for the computer, typing a few keys and getting a news report by Scarlet Garcia.

"We interrupt this broadcast for an important newsflash," she said. "There has been a break in at the Station Square National Museum. Mysteriously, the only thing that was stolen was a Chaos Emerald."

That got everyone's attention.

"According to eyewitnesses at the scene, the suspect was a black Mobian hedgehog, bearing a mysterious resemblance to Sonic the Hedgehog, Hero of Mobius," Scarlet went on. "The suspect was seen fleeing the scene, destroying the museum's guard robots in his path. Stay tuned for more details."

"Whoa, that was fast," Eggatha mused. "He's already stolen a Chaos Emerald."

She cocked her head. "And… changed clothes too."

She looked at the grainy video footage.

"All the better for whatever his plan is," Robotnik dismissed. "I'm headed to the ARK to find out what's going on up there." He turned to Amino. "And you're coming with me."

"Why me?" Amino questioned.

"Do you take me for a fool?" Robotnik questioned. "You're clearly withholding something from me, and have been since you informed us of Project Shadow. And don't think I haven't noticed how nervous and evasive you've been since we found Shadow at the base."

"What about me?" Eggatha asked.

"You're staying down here with Metal," Robotnik replied. "I need someone to keep an eye on Robotropolis. But you stay in the citadel, and no acts of sabotage. I have an honest chance this time, and I do not want it ruined."

Eggatha gave a salute. "My lips are sealed."

"And how do you plan on getting to the ARK?" Amino questioned.

"Fortunately, I have spacefaring Egg Jets for just such an occasion." Robotnik took Amino by the arm. "Now let's be off. The future of the Robotnik Empire awaits!"


GUN HQ

Meanwhile, Commander Tower and Dr. Bennett were watching that same news report.

"A black hedgehog…" Sarah perked. "Dad, the Scorpion Trooper at Prison Island reported that the same Mobian was with Dr. Robotnik during the break-in."

"Damn it…" Tower cursed. "Then the mad doctor is behind this. We need to get in contact with the Freedom Fighters, start coordinating a search and seizure-"

"You will do no such thing."

They turned to see several men in black business suits, ties, and matching sunglasses enter.

"What is the meaning of this?" Tower demanded.

One of them stepped forward.

"I'm Agent Johnson of GUN Special Operations," he explained. "This is a matter of global security, and remains highly classified. Under no circumstances are civilian activists to be made aware of the black hedgehog."

"That's going to be a little difficult considering the fact he was caught on camera and was just seen on national television," Tower pointed out.

"The footage is already being dealt with, as is the eyewitness," Johnson said simply. "Containment is now our top priority."

He then held out a small folder for Tower. "These are your orders, to be executed effective immediately."

Tower opened the folder, looking it over before slapping it down with a scowl.

"You want us to use Sonic as a scapegoat for this?!" he demanded.

"As noted, the black hedgehog resembles Sonic," Johnson said calmly. "Therefore, as far as the general public is concerned, Sonic has gone rogue and must be dealt with."

Sarah slammed her hands on Tower's desk.

"Have you lost your minds?!" she shouted. "Sonic doesn't deserve this! He's the Hero of Mobius! Dr. Robotnik would have conquered the planet ten times over if it wasn't for him, and this is how you repay him?!"

"Ma'am, control yourself," Johnson ordered. "These orders will be carried out to ensure there isn't a panic. Sonic will be detained and held while the Special Operations Division works on locating the black hedgehog."

"That's insane!" Sarah objected. "You can't just-!"

"You have your orders," Johnson cut her off. "I suggest you follow them…"

He leaned forward, his shades catching the light and reflecting it in an intimidating manner. "Or else."

Tower stood up at that.

"Leave my daughter alone," he insisted. "Your orders will be followed, I swear it."

"Dad!" Sarah cried.

"Sarah, now is not the time," Tower informed her.

"I'm glad we understand each other," Johnson pulled back. "Now, good day to you."

They departed at that. Once they were gone, Sarah turned to Tower.

"Dad, I can't believe you're going along with this. How can you-?!"

"Sarah, you of all people should know that I only said that to shut Johnson up." Tower informed her.

Sarah blinked.

"Take Madonna and head down to Prison Island," Tower ordered. "Find anything and everything you can on the black hedgehog. I need to contact Agent Topaz to collect Sonic. I imagine he won't be thrilled with this, but hopefully he'll play along long enough to buy you some time."

Sarah nodded at that. "For a minute there, I thought you'd really go with it."

"I spent most of my career stamping out corruption in GUN. I'll be damned if I become part of it." He picked up his phone and dialled Topaz. "My only real concern is surviving the inevitable confrontation with the Freedom Fighters, and Sonic's family."


Station Square, the next morning

As the sun rose, Sonic was out testing the Hi-Speed Shoes. With them, he easily scaled walls, grinded down poles and rails, before stopping with a grin.

"Another way past cool mod by Chris." he boasted.

He looked up, his grin immediately dropping when he saw the shattered windows at Honey Clothing.

"What the-?!" he gasped. "Honey!"

He dove through the window, looking around. He spotted the discarded white suit first, picking it up and looking at it.

"No way Honey made this thing," he muttered. "Must belong to whoever trashed the place."

He heard a groan, and ran over to see Honey sprawled face down on the floor, covered in cuts and bruises. Gasping, he ran over, gently flipping her over and shaking her.

"Honey, wake up," he pleaded. "C'mon, wake up!"

Honey stirred, her eyes slowly opening.

"Ugh…" she groaned. "Sonic?"

"Who did this?" Sonic demanded.

"Some... black hedgehog," Honey replied. "He broke into the store, stole an outfit."

"I knew your clothes were in high demand, but never thought someone would actually steal them," Sonic remarked. "Or that they'd be able to get past you in order to do it."

"He was crazy strong," Honey recalled. "And fast. Almost as fast as you."

"That can't be," Sonic insisted. "I mean, yeah, all Mobian hedgehogs have super-speed according to Uncle Chuck, but no one's ever come close to my level!"

"Took me by surprise, too." Honey replied, wincing.

"Well whoever this guy is, he's not gonna get away with this."

Sonic grabbed the phone, calling 911 and reporting the incident. After hanging up, he turned back to Honey.

"An ambulance is on its way here," he assured. "Just take it easy, while I hunt down the punk who attacked you."

"Give 'em hell, Sonic," Honey replied with a grin before laying back and getting settled.

-X-

Some time later, Sonic watched from the rooftops as Honey was carried out of her store on a stretcher and loaded onto the ambulance. As it pulled away, he was about to start his search when he heard helicopter blades overhead.

"Huh?" Sonic looked up, seeing a GUN copter approaching. "Perfect timing."

He zipped over as the copter landed, and when he saw Topaz, he grinned wider.

"Topaz! Perfect!" he began. "Listen, some black hedgehog apparently as fast as me attacked Honey. Do you think you could-"

"We're actually here for you, Sonic," Topaz cut him off. "We need you to come with us."

She pulled a pair of handcuffs off her belt. Sonic instinctively took a step back.

"Wait, what?!" he demanded incredulously.

Topaz held up a hand, approaching him before leaning down to his ear.

"Just play along," she whispered. "We'll explain everything on the chopper."

Sonic paused at that, then let out a breath. "You better."

He held out his wrists, allowing Topaz to cuff him before climbing aboard the chopper. He was placed in front of James Baker, who looked tired and bitter, rubbing his face.

"Agent Baker?" Sonic asked. "What's going on? Just what am I being arrested for?"

"It has something to do with that black hedgehog," Topaz informed him.

That got Sonic's attention. He motioned for them to go on.

"That black hedgehog was on ice at our Prison Island base, until Dr. Robotnik raided it and broke him out last night," James explained. "He raided Honey Clothing, and also stole a Chaos Emerald from the museum as well. Commander Tower was forced by higher-ups in the Federation to use you as a scapegoat to prevent the hedgehog's existence from being publicized. He's apparently the government's dirty little secret."

"So I'm not being arrested," Sonic scowled. "I'm being framed! I can't believe this! How many times have I saved this planet?!"

"Trust me, none of us are happy about this," Topaz told him. "Sarah just about went off."

"We're only going along with these orders to shut the higher-ups' mouths," James added. "Sarah and Madonna are at Prison Island trying to dig up any dirt they can on the black hedgehog as we speak."

That seemed to mollify Sonic a bit, but he was still anything but pleased.

"Well, if you guys are gonna go through with this frame up, we need to make it look good," he decided.

He got to his feet, using a small spark of Chaos Energy to snap his cuffs. "Besides, I need to blow off some steam before I start going Dark."

Topaz blinked. "What?"

"Long story," Sonic dismissed. "Anyway, anyone who knows me would get suspicious if I just gave up and let you take me without a fight. So I say we give them a show to remember."

Getting his intent, Topaz nodded. Sonic headed for the door, grabbing the handle.

"Low budget flight, anyway. No food or movies?" he scoffed. "Please. I like running better."

He pulled some panelling free, then jumped.

"Call it in," Topaz ordered. "We can't let Sonic escape from the city."

James nodded, grabbing his radio.

"Attention all units!" he declared. "Sonic the Hedgehog has escaped GUN custody and is on the run in Station Square! Block all major roads and capture him alive!"

As this went on, Topaz dialed Sarah at Prison Island.

"Sarah, Sonic's buying us the time we need. Whatever you're gonna do to find the data, do it fast!"

"I'm on it," Sarah replied. "I just hope that we can keep this from the Freedom Fighters."


Meanwhile, school had let out for the day. Chris, Keith, Hope, Kat, and Sam had met up at a nearby cafe for coffee and/or hot chocolate.

"Nice day for this, isn't it?" Chris asked.

"Agreed," Hope nodded.

"I definitely needed it after today," Kat remarked, sighing. "First day back at school since my suspension and everyone was treating me like Eddy Cougar. (1)"

"Eh, it'll pass," Keith assured.

"Maybe," Sam muttered. "One kid asked me if Kat had actually killed Carrabine and that's why he was no longer at school."

"Rumor mill," Hope said. "Gets crazier and crazier."

"Just ignore them," Chris insisted. "They're full of crap."

"I know, I know," Kat rubbed her Chaos Shard necklace.

"Anyway, maybe we should do something fun tonight," Hope suggested. "Maybe hit up the arcade?"

Before anyone could respond, they heard the sound of steel grinding on concrete, and turned to see Sonic shooting down the street, using the paneling from the chopper as a makeshift snowboard.

"Hi guys!" he called out as he passed. "Bye guys!"

They stared in shock as a swarm of Needlemice passed them as well in pursuit of Sonic. They blinked, looking at one another.

"Uh... what just happened?" Keith questioned.

"Whatever it is, we've gotta find out," Chris insisted.

They all fished money from their pockets, dropping it on the table before taking off after Sonic. As they went, Sam pulled out his cell phone, dialing James.

"Dad, I was out with Chris and his friends and we just saw Sonic running from a slew of Needlemice," he said. "What the hell is going on?"

"I wish I could tell you, son, but I can't," James replied. "All I can tell you is that Sonic will be fine, and to keep your friends away from him."

Sam sighed. "Easier said than done."

With that, he hung up.


Knothole

At Freedom HQ, the rest of the Freedom Fighters were watching the news. From a helicopter cam, they watched as Sonic ran full-tilt down the streets, a GUN truck armed with three massive circular saws on extendable arms protruding from the top of its cab and rocket boosters in the back in hot pursuit. It even blasted off and chased him along a wall at one point.

"Breaking news!" Scarlet declared. "Sonic the Hedgehog has engaged GUN personnel in a high-speed chase through Station Square! What could the heroic hedgehog have done to earn their ire? Stay tuned as the story unfolds."

"The government's turned on Sonic!" Sticks exclaimed. "I knew this day would come! He's become too powerful for them to control, and now they're going to capture him and brainwash him! And then they'll come for us!" She jumped up. "Time to jump off the grid!"

Shorty grabbed her by the scruff of her neck.

"Calm down," he ordered. "There's gotta be some sort of mistake here."

"Wait…" Sally perked. "The news last night."

"What about it?" Amy questioned.

"There was a report about a robbery," Sally recalled. "One perpetrated by a black hedgehog that resembles Sonic. Maybe it's a case of mistaken identity."

"Maybe," Tails mused. "Sonic did dye his quills black once as a disguise."

"You really think they'd send all this heavy artillery after him for a simple robbery?" Sticks asked. "Kinda excessive, don't ya think?"

"I hate to admit it, but Sticks has a point." Antoine confessed.

Bunnie rolled her eyes. "That badger's crazy, and so are you if you believe her. Something about this ain't right."

"I'm not saying the brainwashing part is true," Antoine clarified. "I'm just saying if it was just a simple robbery, they wouldn't be sending robots and a weaponized truck on steroids after him."

"Agreed," Sally nodded. "We need to get to the bottom of this. Now."


Station Square

Meanwhile, Sonic had managed to outrun the GUN truck, which crashed into a brick overpass. He skidded to a stop.

"A truck with buzzsaws and rocket boosters," he noted. "If it was anyone else, I'd say it was overkill."

A floodlight shone on him from above. He looked to see a massive mech similar to the Hot Shot Shadow destroyed flying in, landing before him. The cockpit opened to reveal the pilot, a man with red hair and blue eyes.

"Sonic the Hedgehog!" he ordered. "This is Captain Andrews of Spider Troop! Just turn yourself in quietly and there won't be any trouble!"

"Sorry, no can do!" Sonic replied. "I'm not done running yet!"

"Fine," Andrews sighed. "Just remember I gave you the chance to come quietly."

"Bring it on!" Sonic shot back.

The cockpit closed, and the legs folded up as the mech flew overhead, firing on Sonic with its machine gun. Sonic quickly got out of the way of the shots, giving off a yawn.

"Come on!" he shouted. "I thought you guys were trained professionals! Hit me!"

He jumped up, crashing into the mech and knocking it off balance.

"You're only making it worse for yourself!" Andrews shouted.

He launched missiles at Sonic, who went on the run to dodge them. He let the missiles follow him, then hopped onto the mech. He pulled the hatch open, grabbing Andrews.

"Time to bail!" he declared,

Sonic yanked Andrews out and jumped away as the missiles hit the mech, knocking it back.

"Now, you better leave," Sonic insisted, setting him down.

"Right," Andrews sighed. "Well, on the positive side, Big Foot mechs are a dime a dozen."

He hurried off. Sonic turned back to the Big Foot's remains, perking to see Shadow standing atop it casually, a Chaos Emerald in hand.

"So you're the Sonic everybody's talking about." he mused.

"And you're the black hedgehog who broke into Honey's store and left her there," Sonic spat. "More than that, you're the reason GUN's been chasing me around like a common thief! You've landed me in a lot of hot water, pal. And it's time to pay the piper!"

He charged at Shadow, who held the Chaos Emerald out before him.

"Chaos... Control!" he shouted.

A green light enveloped Shadow before he suddenly vanished. Sonic skidded to a stop, looking around before finding Shadow right behind him.

"You pulled off Chaos Control with just one Emerald?" he questioned. "What are you?"

"My name is Shadow," Shadow replied. "I'm the world's Ultimate Life Form. And I have no time to deal with the likes of you."

He turned to go, but Sonic darted in front of him.

"I'm not just gonna let you walk away," he insisted. "You hurt one of my friends."

Shadow scoffed. "I don't have time to coddle would-be heroes like you. But since you insist... I will oblige."

They bent into fighting stances, preparing to duke it out. The two charged at each other at top speed. Sonic swung his leg for a kick, but Shadow easily leapt over it and pinched him in the face. As Sonic reeled back, Shadow raised his leg, revealing small jet boosters in his sneaker. Sonic narrowly ducked in time to avoid a jet-propelled roundhouse kick, the rockets flaming.

"Nice little toys you got there!" he remarked.

"Let me show you what these 'toys' can do to the likes of you!"

Shadow then used his shoes to jet at Sonic, grabbing him and ramming him into a wall. Sonic grabbed him, reversing their positions.

"Is that the best you've got?" he spat.

"No."

He broke Sonic's grip, knocking him back. The two faced off before clashing repeatedly, blue and yellow streaks of light flashing.

-X-

Meanwhile, Chris and the others were nearing the sight of the brawl, seeing a small crowd having gathered to watch the fight.

"Whoa, what's going on?" Chris asked.

Kat cracked her knuckles. "I'll clear us a path to the front. Just stay close."

She hurried forward, gently pushing people out of the way. They made it through the crowd to see Sonic and Shadow fighting. Shadow soon got the better of Sonic, pummeling him and driving him back step by step.

"Well Sonic, are you having second thoughts about challenging the Ultimate Life Form to battle?!" Shadow demanded in-between punches. "I can't be defeated! Not by you or anyone!"

"We'll just see about that!" Sonic shot back. "I'm not one to give up so easily! And you're far from the first faker I've taken on!"

He caught Shadow's last punch, using the black hedgehog's momentum against him and flipping him over his shoulder with all his might. The kids watched in shock and awe.

"Another supersonic hedgehog in town?" Sam pondered. "Just when I thought I've seen it all…"

"Not just any supersonic hedgehog…" Keith remarked. "One that may actually be faster than Sonic."

"But… how can that be?" Hope questioned.

Shadow was knocked back by one of Sonic's Spin Attacks. He sneered, wiping his lip.

"You amuse me, Sonic," he said. "But playtime is over!"

He raised his hand, which sparked with red lightning similar to Sonic's before a green, glowing spear of Chaos energy appeared in his hand.

"...Oh boy," Sonic let out.

Shadow reeled back and threw the Chaos Spear. Sonic barely dodged it in time and the spear ended up striking a large building. Said building began to crumble, raining rubble down on the watching crowd, including the kids.

"Everyone, look out!" Hope screamed.

Both hedgehogs turned in their direction, Sonic gasping at the sight of his friends.

"Oh, no!" Sonic shouted.

He charged forward, grabbing as many people as possible and getting them out of the way. Unfortunately, the rubble was falling faster, cutting him off from everyone. This included Hope, who screamed as she was nearly crushed.

"Hope!" Sonic shrieked. "NO!"

Suddenly, a green flash appeared, and Shadow phased into view, holding Hope in his arms. She looked at him in confusion. while he said nothing, his fingers digging into her hoodie as if afraid she'd vanish. At that moment, sirens sounded. Shadow perked before warping away, taking Hope with him. Everyone gasped before Sonic snapped to attention, turning to Chris and the others.

"Get out of sight, quick." he ordered.

"Sonic, what's-" Keith began.

"Just do it!" Sonic snapped. "Trust me!"

Keith paused for a second, before taking off. Kat, Chris, and Sam followed, the four ducking around the corner as GUN vehicles came screeching around the corner. Sonic already had his hands up in surrender as they surrounded him. James stepped out, cuffs in hand.

"You led us on a hell of a chase, Sonic," he said. "But the show's over."

"Aw man, and I was having so much fun," Sonic lamented. "You guys were so much fun to play with."

"Drop the act, Hedgehog," James ordered. "You're coming with us."

"Okay, okay," Sonic conceded. "You got me. I know when I'm beat."

James cuffed Sonic and began leading him off. Just as he was about to be stuffed into the back of a car, Sonic turned toward where the kids were hiding. As they peeked out, he smirked and winked at them. That threw them all for a loop.

"Okay…" Kat let out. "What the hell just happened?"

"'Put on a show'..." Chris mused. "'Playing'... 'act'..."

He perked. "Guys, I think this was staged."

"What?" Keith asked.

"It was all an act," Chris explained. "Sonic led GUN on this big chase through the city for the crowds."

"And I'll bet two chili cheese dogs from Meh Burger that black hedgehog has something to do with all this," Sam deduced.

"Maybe the GUN chase was an act," Keith cut in. "But that hedgehog kidnapping Hope definitely wasn't."

"We have to find her," Sam insisted.

"No, we need to tell the Freedom Fighters," Kat said. "Then we find her."

"Kat's right," Chris agreed. "Sonic's right where he wants to be. We gotta tell Sally and the others before they do something crazy, like storm GUN HQ."

"Then let's move," Keith said. "Time's wasting."

He pulled out a Warp Ring and they all jumped through, vanishing in an instant.


Author's Note:

(1): A Mobian Freddy Krueger. Also a Tiny Toon Adventures reference.

What could have happened to Hope? Why did Shadow take her?

As you can see, I'm taking a different approach to Sonic's arrest. Since anyone with vision can tell Sonic and Shadow apart, they're being forced to arrest him and cover it up by higher-ups and the like. But they're not taking this lying down.

Captain Andrews is from Archie, whereas James Baker and Agent Johnson are my OCs.

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Johnson - Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith from The Matrix, Elrond from The Lord of the Rings, Megatron from the first three Transformers movies)

* Andrews - Chris Patton (Eiji Shigure from Gravion, Creed Diskenth from Black Cat, Akuto Sai from Demon King Daimao)

Please R&R. Until next time!