-Chapter 169-
Blackest Night
Westopolis
Meanwhile, Shadow had made it to the outskirts of the United Federation city of Westopolis. He stood in the field, looking up at the sky. A few moments passed before he heard a motorcycle engine, turning to see Hope riding up in the Dark Rider. She got off, approaching him.
"Shadow, look," she began. "What Cosmo said doesn't necessarily indicate-"
"But it does," Shadow interrupted. "You yourself mentioned rumors Professor Gerald made a deal with aliens to complete Project Shadow. The last time the Black Comet was here was the exact time I would have been created on board the ARK. The timelines add up way too much to be a coincidence."
"So what?" Hope demanded. "It doesn't matter. You're still you. That's never gonna change. If we were defined by where we came from, I'd be wearing red and yellow, serving alongside Aggie in Robotropolis. It doesn't matter what you were born into. We are who we choose to be, not what others make us."
Shadow sighed, taking her hand. "What would I do without you?"
Hope smiled. "Let's not find out."
At that moment, a dark cloud loomed overhead, drawing their attention. They looked up towards it as the cloud and several others gathered over Westopolis around some sort of opening up into them. Thunder crackled and rumbled as lightning was seen flashing within the clouds. It wasn't long before several Black Arms descended from the opening and began laying siege to the city.
"They're here!" Hope exclaimed. "Shadow, we gotta help them!"
They were about to run in when a new voice reached their ears.
"Shadow…"
They stopped short, turning to see a creature in the shape of a black and dark purple starfish with red tips and one large red-orange eye in the center approach them. The eye flashed, projecting the image of a menacing figure with a legless body with three red bestial eyes, a set of twin wide horns that have spines on his scalp, three-fingered paws, and no lips. For his attire, he wore a dark colored and gold robe with two drapes hanging from the back, a set of spiked ornaments, and having jewels adorned on a loose necklace.
"As you can see, the Day of Reckoning will soon be here. Find the seven Chaos Emeralds and bring them to me as promised."
"What…" Shadow let out. "Who are you and how do you know my name? And what are you talking about?"
Instead of answering Shadow's questions, the creature ended the projection and flew away. Before Shadow could follow, several explosions kicked up dirt. He immediately shielded Hope as the area where they were standing was pocketed with blast craters. Once the smoke cleared, they looked around.
"What the hell?" Hope asked.
"Westopolis is in danger," Shadow insisted. "We have to get down there."
"Uh… right," Hope shook her head, getting to business.
He pulled her onto his back, squeezing her arm.
"Whatever that promise was that the black starfish mentioned, he's not getting a single Emerald from me," Shadow assured. "I swear it."
Hope nodded. "Good."
With that, she pulled out her com, dialing away.
Mobotropolis
At Castle Acorn, the Freedom Fighters had gathered and the Royal Army was preparing for war. Omochao was relaying information from Hope to them.
"Numerous black creatures have attacked the city of Westopolis. It's safe to assume these are the Black Arms Cosmo mentioned."
"Nicole's running a full scan, and Westopolis is just one of many targets of these Black Arms," Sally replied. "They've hit six major cities across Mobius already."
"Damn…" Sonic cursed. "I swear Mobius is just getting slammed with more and more world-threatening baddies."
"We don't have time for this," Knuckles told them. "We need to help the people."
Off to the side, Antoine was preparing his saber as Sonic and Tails' fathers discussed things.
"If this Cosmo was telling the kids the truth, this might be the end of the Kingdom of Acorn," Jules remarked.
"Then it'll be the noblest ending in history," Amadeus said firmly.
"Indeed," Jules agreed. "We were willing to die for our people once before, and I'll gladly lay down my life again."
Dark clouds formed over the city before long. Everyone was on edge as they blotted out the sky.
"Everyone ready?" Sonic asked.
"As we'll ever be," Tails replied.
Several Black Arms dropped down, advancing on Castle Acorn. The starfish that confronted Shadow and Hope earlier appeared, projecting the same hologram.
"So," Sonic began, "you're the head honcho here?"
"I am Black Doom," said the figure. "Ruler of the Black Arms. Annihilation for your planet is near. It is time to embrace the dawn of your demise and despair. Any attempts to resist are futile and will result in death."
"We will not just stand by and let you take our world!" Sally declared. "You will be defeated!"
"Warriors far stronger and more experienced than you have tried, little Princess." Black Doom scoffed.
His eye turned to Cosmo, who gasped before recoiling.
"So… one of the Seedrians still remains. How sloppy of my warriors not to finish the job."
She whimpered, hiding behind Tails. Sonic stepped forward, glaring at Black Doom.
"You won't get the chance," he spat.
"Etch this into your skull, Sonic the Hedgehog," Black Doom warned. "The Black Arms are the superior species in the galaxy. You cannot hope to defeat us no matter how hard you try, because we are mighty and you are not."
Sonic scoffed. "And I thought Eggman was an arrogant windbag."
"You will learn your place soon enough," Black Doom swore. "Black Bull! I summon you! Burn this entire city and its inhabitants to ash!"
A roar reached their ears, and the group looked to see the approach of a massive Black Arm that resembled a cross between a giant maggot and a dragon, having a large black and gray blubbery body with black and red wings protruding out of it. Spikes were present around the Black Bull's body and wings. Its face was red surrounding its singular green eye and had white fangs. It also had hands with pointy white claws next to its mouth. A puff of fire emerged from its mouth as it howled; the group recoiled, while Sonic grinned in excitement.
"Woohoo!" he cheered. "Now we're talking! Bring it on!"
"Jules! Amadeus!" Sally ordered. "Work with the soldiers to evacuate the city! Get everyone to the emergency shelters! We'll deal with this thing!"
"On it!" Jules assured.
They ran to do so as the Black Bull roared, unleashing a torrent of fire that forced them to dodge. Kat ran forward, jumping at it, only to sink into its belly fat and be bounced off harmlessly.
"Yuck!" she shouted. "It's like fighting a bowl of rancid jello! How do we beat this thing?!"
"That blubber protects its body from most attacks," Tails realized. "Let's see…"
They looked for any weak points as it loomed overhead. Sonic eventually got an idea.
"What doofuses we are," he said. "The eye's a weak point. Aim for the green of its eye!"
" Shorty! Shard! Rotor! Bunnie!" Sally called. "Line up, take aim, and fire!"
The four called upon did so. Chris and Keith jumped into the fray, tossing plasma balls up and down before unleashing a torrent of laser fire. The Black Bull roared, taking a few shots to the eyes before unleashing even more fire than before.
"Spread out!" Shard ordered. "He can't hit all of us!"
As this went on, the others were dealing with Black Warriors that were running around wreaking havoc. Antoine was crossing blades with one of them, while Johnny did the same with his staff. Porker used the environment to his advantage while Mina dodged around another one. Tekno brought out her Graviton Cannon, aiming at the Black Bull.
"Eat this, chubby!" she shouted as she fired. The cannon struck true, getting a screech of pain out of the Bull.
"Pour it on, Tekno!" Bunnie cried. "Ya actually hurt it!"
The others kept firing, aiming at its face and eye as often as it came into range while also dodging the blazing fire. Eventually, Sally formed her Ring Blades, running forward,
"Sonic!" she shouted. "I need you to give me a boost!"
Sonic threw himself onto his back, legs outstretched. Sally jumped, landing on the soles of his feet.
"ALLEY OOP!" he shouted as he propelled Sally at the Black Bull.
Sally went flying into the air, curling into a front flip before plunging her blades directing into the monster's eyes. She slid down and the monster screamed, bucking her off and sending her flying. Bunnie and Rotor quickly caught her in the air as the Black Bull went down, utterly defeated.
"Nice work, Sally-girl!" Bunnie declared.
As the group celebrated, they heard the gut-wrenching sound of a sword piercing flesh. All those present turned to see the source, and went white with horror to see Jules run through by a Black Warrior's sword.
"DAD!" Sonic screamed.
Amadeus immediately drew his sword, lopping off the warrior's head. As he fell, Sonic darted forward, catching him. He reached to pull out the sword in his gut, but Amadeus grabbed his wrist.
"No!" he shouted. "You pull that out, he'll bleed to death in seconds!"
Jules coughed, blood on his chin.
"Well… seems I was right," he wheezed. "And a little rusty…"
He coughed again. Everyone gathered around.
"Mr. Hedgehog, don't talk!" Amy pleaded. "Save your strength!"
"Amy… I'm an old soldier," Jules let out. "I know what this wound will do… Game over, kids…"
"No... no…" Sonic reeled back, clutching his head as he did. "This is not happening… It can't be happening... it can't…"
Suddenly, he got an idea. He grabbed a Warp Ring, opening it up. To everyone's shock, it led to just outside Robotropolis.
"Sonic, what are you doing?!" Porker cried.
"Saving my dad!" Sonic snapped.
"How?!" Sally demanded.
"I'm using a Roboticizer!"
"WHAT?!" everyone screamed.
"It'll heal him! He'll live!"
He scooped up his father as everyone was left dumbstruck by this declaration.
"Sonic, you're condemning him to a fate worse than death!" Chris objected.
"We'll find the Bio-Analyzers and fix it! End of story!"
He jumped through the Warp Ring.
Robotropolis
At the Citadel, Robotnik, Grimer, and Eggatha are all watching the growing clouds with concern. At the same time, they watched footage of the attacks on different cities. Robotnik scowled at the damage they were causing.
"They're destroying everything... those vile black monsters…" he growled. "I can't take over the planet and build the Robotnik Empire if there is no planet?!"
He slammed his hands down in frustration.
"I'm at my limit! I have no choice! Send in the Egg Fleet! CHARGE!"
The Badniks hurried off to do as they were commanded. Just then, the proximity alarm went off.
"Hyperspeed intruder," Grimer reported. "They're approaching the main gate."
"Sonic?" Eggatha questioned.
The monitor cut to Sonic carrying his father. He furiously kicked the door, pacing back and forth.
"Eggman! I need to talk to you and Eggatha! Open up!" A moment passed before he kicked at it again. "I'm not playing around here! Open this Aurora-damned door NOW!
"Let him in," Eggatha insisted, pointing at the screen. "Look. I think his father is dying."
"Why should we?" Robotnik argued. "If Jules kicks the bucket, it's no concern of ours."
Eggatha glared at him, then went to open the door herself.
"Dr. Grimer, prepare a medical gurney," she ordered.
"Right away," Grimer replied without a moment of hesitation.
Robotnik sputtered in shock, but Eggatha cut him off.
"Save it for later, Uncle Ivo. What if it was me down there?"
That made Robotnik pause before letting out a groan and following after his niece.
-X-
Sonic was just about to kick the door a third time when Eggatha opened it, Grimer ready with the gurney.
"Walk and talk," she told him. "What happened?"
Sonic placed Jules on the gurney.
"You probably know about the black creatures by now. They attacked Mobotropolis and stabbed my dad in the gut."
"What are they?" Eggatha asked as she began wheeling Jules to her lab
"They're called Black Arms, marauding aliens who want to destroy Mobius."
Robotnik was in the lab when they got there.
"I've never asked you for anything, Eggman," Sonic addressed him. "Now I am. Save my father."
"What do you expect us to do?" Robotnik questioned. "We're not medical doctors, in case you haven't noticed."
"I know that," Sonic replied before pointing to the Roboticizer, dusty from disuse. "I want you to use that to save him."
A moment of silence followed.
"Say what?" Eggatha questioned.
"Uncle Chuck created the Roboticizer specifically to heal the sick and wounded, and prolong the lives of the elderly and dying. Today, we're using it for the purpose he intended."
"Look…" Robotnik began, "I know I'm an evil, heartless mastermind, but you do realize what that will entail, right? You're willing to subject your own father to the same process you've been fighting me over and trying to revert for over a year?"
"At least he'll be alive!" Sonic snapped, tears in his eyes. "So please... if there is any trace of Julian still in you, help me."
"Sonic…" Eggatha sighed, "Look, I get you don't want to lose your dad. But have you really thought about this? Are you absolutely sure?"
"If I wasn't, I wouldn't be in here begging you to do it," Sonic shot back.
Eggatha sighed. "Jules? What do you say?"
"I'll do it…" Jules said weakly. "Just, please... free my mind."
"Sonic will most likely do that anyway, so fine," Robotnik decided. "We'll grant you that courtesy."
Grimer pushed the gurney into place as they prepped the machine.
"This is a one time offer, Sonic," Robotnik informed him. "I won't be doing this again."
"I didn't expect you to," Sonic said simply. "But we'll worry about all that after we stop the Black Arms."
Robotnik nodded, then threw the switch to power on the Roboticizer. It crackled to life and Sonic had to look away, fingers digging into his arms as he father was roboticized. When the process was over, a Robian Jules came out. He stood at attention and Sonic immediately popped a ring capsule out of his hoodie. He pulled the ring out, opening an access panel on his father's chest and sliding the ring into place. There was a pop, a shimmer of power, and the Robian Jules blinked. The minute he looked at him, Sonic sighed, looking down.
"Dad… I'm sorry to put you through this," he told him. "But I couldn't just let you die. This was the only way to save you."
Jules pulled him into a hug.
"I understand, son," he assured. "We'll fix this. Don't worry."
Sonic returned the hug, the two parting after a minute.
"You're welcome," Robotnik told him. "Now, if you don't mind, I need to rally the Badnik Horde to take on these Black Arms."
"You're gonna help us?" Sonic asked.
"Of course. I can't rule a destroyed world."
Sonic rolled his eyes. "Always looking out for number one, eh Robotnik?"
"I may be evil, but at least my plans will leave the planet intact. It's me or a race of psychotic aliens. Take your pick."
"Fair enough."
"Take Agatha on your way back. She'll act as the go between as per usual."
Sonic nodded, taking Eggatha's hand.
-X-
Once they were clear of the anti-Warp Ring field, Sonic pulled one out. Before he threw it, Eggatha stopped him.
"Wait. Don't take me back to Knothole with you." She tapped the back of her neck. "Uncle Ivo and I are both bugged."
"Right, thanks for the reminder," He gave the ring a toss, opening one back to Mobotropolis. "Let's rejoin the others. I'm probably about to get seriously reamed out by Sal."
Mobotropolis
No sooner had they stepped through the Warp Ring and everyone saw Jules' state than Sally began to do exactly what Sonic predicted she'd do.
"You…" she stammered, "you actually did it. You roboticized your own father! We've spent over a year fighting that process, trying to find a way to reverse it!"
"I did what I thought was right!" Sonic snapped. "It was the only way to save his life!"
"You… you…" Sally let out. "I can't even find a good word to describe just how stupid this was, Sonic! Do you have any idea what you-?!"
"Princess, now is not the time, nor place," Jules cut in. "My body is healed, my mind is my own, and my brother's machine was finally able to serve its true purpose."
"But-" Sally began.
"Hey, if it was your dad or mom that was stabbed in the gut and that was the only way to save them, can you honestly say you wouldn't do what I did?" Sonic questioned.
That ended Sally's objections almost instantly.
"Yeah," Sonic nodded. "Didn't think so."
"Now, I do believe there are several cities in need of aid," Jules went on. "And last I recall, Shadow and Hope are alone in Westopolis."
"Right," Sally nodded. "If it's been getting hit as bad as we've been hearing, they'll need backup."
Westopolis
Citizens were running in terror as the Black Arms marched through the streets. Cars were overturned and doors kicked in as the alien threat plundered the city. They were in the middle of hitting the local retirement home, scanning the residents before casting those they didn't like aside. When one Black Warrior reached for another resident, a gunshot sounded, and a bullet hit the creature in the shoulder. He turned, and standing before him was Mr. Schmitz, a smoking gun in his hand.
"Get the hell away from us!" he ordered.
The Warrior advanced on him, Schmitz firing bullet after bullet into his chest until the gun began to dry-click, out of ammo.
"Shit!" he cursed.
With nothing else to do, he threw the empty gun at the Black Arm, hitting it in the face. The Black Arm sneered, then reached for Schmitz. However, that was when the roar of a motorcycle engine reached their ears. The engine got louder and louder before the Dark Rider, Shadow at the handlebars and Hope clutching onto him, came crashing through the door. The bike hit the Black Arm dead on, knocking him back as the bike came screeching to a halt.
"Screwing with the elderly?" Shadow scoffed. "As if you freaks couldn't stoop any lower."
Schmitz's eyes widened in shock as he saw Shadow dismount the bike, followed by Hope. As he found the face of Maria Kintobor staring back at him, his heart skipped a beat.
"Sir, are you alright?" Hope asked.
When he didn't answer, she snapped her fingers in front of his face a couple times, repeating her question. He snapped back to reality, rubbing his eyes.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine."
"Good. You need to get to safety right away."
"R-right," Schmitz stammered after a moment. "What about you?"
"I'm with GUN," Hope replied. "This is my job. Now get going! Quick!"
Schmitz nodded, then quickly took off as the Black Arm got back on its feet
"Shadow," it snarled in a familiar voice. "You dare assault this soldier?!"
Shadow and Hope blinked in confusion.
"That voice… It's that alien starfish again," Shadow let out. "But how?"
"I am one with the Black Arms as a whole. They are my eyes, my skin, my limbs, and, if need be, my fists."
"Just who are you?!" Shadow demanded. "Why are you doing this?!"
"You don't remember anything, do you?" Black Doom questioned. "Perhaps Professor Gerald has done more to your memory than I imagined."
"What do you know about my great-grandfather?" Hope asked.
Black Doom scoffed. "Have you not realized it by now? It was through me and my blood that Gerald Kintobor was able to give Shadow life!"
"Then I was right…" Shadow realized. "I am part-Black Arm."
"Yes," Black Doom confirmed. "You were made for us, specifically for us. A weapon with no equal. I helped Gerald create you, and he in turn would deliver the Chaos Emeralds to me. And now it is time you fulfill your end of the bargain, Shadow."
Shadow scowled.
"You may have had a hand in creating me…" he took Hope's hand in his, "but I will never follow you."
"The humans have brainwashed you and your feeble mind," Black Doom mused. "What a pity."
"Pity this!"
Shadow reached into a holster on his back, pulling out a hi-tech looking hand cannon with GUN's logo emblazoned on either end of the handle. He took aim at the Black Warrior before him and pulled the trigger, firing an energy bolt that blasted the Black Arm's head clean off in a cloud of green blood while simultaneously blowing Shadow across the room from the recoil.
"Shadow!" Hope cried.
Shadow hit the wall and left a dent, sliding down to the ground.
"I thought you said this thing only had a little kick," he let out.
"It's supposed to…" Hope pointed out. "I'll tinker with it when this is over."
Shadow pulled himself up, dusting himself off as the residents approached them.
"Thank you for saving us," one old man said. "Here… this is for you."
He held out the red Chaos Emerald. "I found it the other day on a walk. But something tells me you'll need it more than I do."
"Thank you, sir," Shadow said politely, taking the Emerald.
"You should get to a shelter until this blows over," Hope insisted.
"I will," said the old man. "You two do your best."
He went off as Shadow looked at the Emerald.
"This, plus the one I'm carrying, makes two," he remarked.
"We should get these to Sonic and the others," Hope said. "I get the feeling we'll be needing a few Super Forms before this invasion is stopped."
As they headed out, they were confronted with the same black starfish. It glared at them before flying back and attaching to the forehead of the same figure in the hologram as he floated down. Three eyes blinked as he looked down at them.
"You've deliberately disobeyed me, Shadow!" Black Doom snarled.
"Screw you!" Shadow aimed his gun at Black Doom, preparing to fire. As he did, Black Doom simply blinked out of existence, reappearing a good foot to the left. He then plucked the gun from Shadow's hand, tossing it aside.
"Fool," he spat. "You will obey me and collect the Chaos Emeralds, or this defiant breath will be your last!"
"Like I said, screw you," Shadow spat. "Nobody tells me what to do. I'm not your weapon, and I won't do what you want."
"Well, at least your elder brother knows his place." Black Doom remarked casually.
Shadow and Hope exchanged confused glances.
"Elder…" Hope let out.
"Brother?" Shadow finished.
"Yes. Terios has been quite a loyal soldier."
On cue, a figure jumped from a nearby rooftop, landing before them. What they saw before them was a hedgehog virtually identical to Sonic, right down to the style and shape of his quills, but with red eyes, indigo-colored fur, and light blue fur on his muzzle. He was donned in a black bodysuit with a red bandana around his neck, matching boots and gloves with gold studded bangles around his wrists. He gave them a psychotic grin.
"Hello… brother," he remarked.
Hope gasped, recognition dawning.
"Terios…" she let out before turning to Shadow. "The project between the Biolizard and you. He was your prototype!"
"Oh, so you do remember me, Maria," Terios remarked. "We were such close friends... until Gerald decided I was too unstable and jettisoned me from the ARK! Black Doom found me, and in his mercy and grace, he spared me."
"She's not Maria," Shadow instinctively put himself between Terios and Hope. "And you're psychotic."
Terios just smirked. "So what if I'm not all there? We all go a little mad sometimes."
"Hope, stay back," Shadow warned. "I'll deal with my 'brother'."
Hope stood back as the two faced off.
"You're going to pay for the life and title you stole from me, Shadow," Terios swore. "For Maria, for the power, for the stardom as a hero of Mobius, and Aurora-damn it, everything you had that should've been MINE!"
"What I have, I either earned or it was given to me," Shadow shot back. "I owe you nothing. Especially when you've sold your soul to the likes of these freaks."
They clashed, grappling furiously.
"You were always Gerald's favorite!" Terios ranted. "The minute you were created, he threw me out like yesterday's trash!"
"From what I can tell, he was right to do so," Shadow retorted. "The Biolizard was an unstable monster. And you're not much better."
"You take that back!" Terios lashed out, attempting to claw at Shadow's face.
The clash became violent, fracturing pavement and windows. Terios eventually had Shadow pinned to the ground, his hands around his throat.
"Once I kill you, Maria will love me again. She'll join me in our conquest, and we will rule together." Terios grinned psychotically. "All that is yours is rightfully mine, Shadow... and mine it will be."
At the thought of Terios laying his hands on Hope, Shadow snapped. His fur and his eyes suddenly gained a neon red coating and he gained an explosion-like neon red aura. Terios barely had time to react when Shadow summoned a Chaos Spear, nailing him right in the face with it. Terios screamed in pain, clutching his face.
"Shadow!" Hope screamed. "No!"
Shadow stood there, panting heavily as Terios turned to face him. When he did, he found that the hedgehog's eye was screwed shut, and a deep scar sliced right through the eyelid.
"My eye!" he shouted. "You son of a- you took my eye!"
Shadow looked between him and Hope, seeing her look of shock. Instantly, his red aura and coat faded as he realized what just happened.
"Hope…" he let out. "No… I-I didn't mean…"
Through his pain, Terios smirked.
"Now look what you've done," he said. "You scared Maria. And you said I was psychotic. Well, we can hardly let her stay near you, can we?"
He dashed forward, grabbing Hope and restraining her. Shadow gasped, moving to intercept when Black Doom blocked his way.
"One way or another, you will fulfill your purpose," he swore. "Retrieve the Chaos Emeralds and bring them to me, or you will never see your precious human whelp again."
With that, the three disappeared. Shadow just stood there in shock before collapsing.
"No…" he let out. "Hope… What have I done…?"
Author's Note:
There we have it. Those of you may have been confused back during the SA2 adaptation when Hope and Rouge found evidence of two prototypes before Shadow. Now you know; Terios was the second, much closer to the intended mold, but mentally unstable and suffering from a degree of degeneration. He was found by Black Doom in a cryotube in space and freed with the intent to use him as a failsafe/back-up in the event Shadow didn't deliver. As for the basis of Terios, he's in fact derived from Shadow's beta design, name and all. The scar on his face and eye is taken from his design as well; here, Shadow himself gave it to him.
Next chapter, Sonic and co. race against the clock to find a way to save Hope from Black Doom.
Voice cast for this chapter (Black Doom maintains his game voice actor):
* Terios - Josh Grelle (Tyrian Callows from RWBY, Isseu Hyoudou from High School DxD Season 3 onward, Sadao Maou from The Devil is a Part-Timer!)
Please R&R. Until next time!
