The temples have risen up, floating aboard the skies. Shadow admits his impression - "I bet no one expected this baby could fly."
The Black Arms Leader now known as Black Doom gives a historic lecture - "I transported this brilliant flying fortress to this planet over 2000 years ago. It's magnificent! The perfect killing machine... ready to impose terror in unimaginable ways!"
"Well, well, well, if it isn't, Shadow." - Shadow turns around seeing Rouge, Sonic and Knuckles approaching him. Shadow feels another headache.
In this flashback, Hedgehog confronts Rouge standing near some pad containing Chaos Emeralds - "So this was your plan from the very beginning, huh? Or it's a direct order for the President? Now I know who you are. You're the government spy Rouge the Bat"
Black Doom's hologram disappears into a Star - "You still don't know your place, do you?"
Seeing the creature floating near black hedgehog, Sonic twigged the grim situation - "Shadow! Why are you siding with those black creatures?" - Shadow bared his teeth with hostile glare - "Siding with them... you're joking, right? I'm just siding with whoever goes up against GUN. They never value life and now they're gonna pay for what they've done!"
Off all people who definitely knew what it's like to be manipulated for irreparable consequences. Knuckles knows bare minimum of ARK incident over 50 years ago, but that's for him to compare parallel situations between Shadow and Chaos - "Shadow, your hostility may not be unjustified, but doing aliens' bidding will destroy innocents." - Shadow doesn't relent - "Innocents? No. Collateral. Just like the people of the ARK were." - and the quietly adds - "Just like Maria was."
Rouge glared into Doom's Eye, appallingly concluding there's no way to talk Shadow out of his allegations to aliens... for now. Black Doom spoke - "Shadow, you were the ultimate life form but the humans feared you and wanted to destroy you! And they almost did! Now you have a chance to amass your revenge. Unleash your anger and ULTIMATE powers on anyone who dares to defy us"
Boss Battle 2: Heroes (Sonic; Rouge; Knuckles)
Player: Shadow
The heroic trio stands into fighting formation.
- Sonic: If that's how it's gonna be, Shadow. Then bring it on!
- Rouge: Never thought I'd have to fight you like this, but I guess I have no choice.
- Knuckles: If we can't convince you, we let our fists do the talking!
As Speedster, Shadow had only windmill attack to counter Rouge's thundershoots, good for defense. Whenever it's used as offense Sonic led the group away and retaliated with his own attack.
As strong as Shadow is in hand-to-hand combat, Knuckles is still superior in that department due to former's amnesia.
Hooming attack wasn't doing much either with Sonic clashing, Rouge avoiding, and Knuckles repelling it.
As battle dragged on, Black Arms intervened providing Shadow with a gun called "Flash Shot" and weapon "Dark Hammer".
Bullets would fit as Thunder Shoot to counter Power formation led by Knuckles
Close-combat weapon's successful attacks on Speed Formation led by Sonic, stuns leader for the time being, leaving Shadow to do the rest.
For a Winndmill attack, Shadow must keep no weapon. Useful against Flying Formation led by Rouge.
Once Shadow figured out strengths and weaknesses for each tactic, he gradually got advantage over his opponents and knocked them all out. - "There's no way I'm getting caught by Earth's rulers again."
Meanwhile in Secret Base
The Black Arms' carnage at Westopolis shown on screen was observed by by egg-shaped man commanding the army or robots. - "Those idiots! They're destroying everything! How can I take over the city and build the Eggman Empire if there is no city?!" - Eggman slams his hands on computer - "I'm at my limit! I have no choice! Send in the Eggman Fleet." - Turning towards his army Eggman yells - "CHARGE!" - Robotic army ran to prepare for their mission
Back to Wasteland
Fallen Heroes were clinching to their consciousness. Sonic pulls out an artificial Yellow Chaos Emerald that saved his life 4 years ago. The blue hedgehog chants - "Chaos Control" - The emerald flashes around the trio, teleporting out of here, preferably somewhere safe.
Meanwhile another air fleet was approaching Black Arms' fortress. Doom chuckles - "Do these fools really believe they could stop ME?" - Shadow approaches, seeing enormous red air ships with logo of round head with a huge grin and handlebar moustache - "Isn't that... the doctor?"
Black Doom's hologram appears - "Shadow, the Black Arms will handle this foolish scientist themselves. Go and access the United Federation mainframe. Understand?" - turning his gaze on Black Doom, Shadow clenched his right hand with determination - "Got It." - Black Doom telports Shadow away for his new mission.
A/N: Kinda interesting that in Stage six where you can fight Diablon, your hero mission companions were: Rouge (Gun Fortress); Knuckles (Black Comet) and Sonic (Final Haunt)
