Author's Note: Despite my intentions in updating Sonic In Between again, once more writer's block struck. *Sweat drops sheepishly* Plus the urge to continue this was difficult to resist, so here we are.
Happy reading!
I do not own any rights to Sonic the Hedgehog or any of the related media. All rights go to Sega.
Chapter 17: The Hedgehog Trap.
Later that night, only an hour passed in the residence of Helen and her family, Chris, Sonic and Tails having kindly returned their new friend home. The Earth-Boy apologized once more, voice and expression laced with guilt for his failure in percieving Eggman's unsuspected attack, Sonic wincing with sympathy and guilt. The young wheel-chaired girl, however, expressed her deepening gratitude, excited for their future hang outs.
Collective relief washing over them, the two boys and Tails bid her a goodnight before taking their leave for the evening. At this time, Helen joined her parents for dinner, her voice was surging with excitement as she reciprocated her little adventure. Even the absence of her Aunt Susan, told of the latter's late night work, did not erase the twelve year old girl's happiness.
"So there we were, in the middle of all these beautiful flowers. Then, all of the sudden, this strange giant robot came attacking us for no reason, and had us cornered at a cliff," Helen's free hand emphized as she recounted, her mother and father remaining silent, looks of disbelief washed over their features. "Then Sonic the Hedgehog came to rescue us and-Oh?"
Her eyes drawn to her now empty plate, surprise flicking in her eyes before she offered it over to her mother. "Mama, could I-?"
"Alright," Her Mom giggled, heading over to the kitchen to refill her daughter's meal. "I don't think I've ever seen you eat like this."
"So, anyway-"
"Now, hold on, honey," Doug interrupted, one apologetic hand raised. "I'm gonna get a refill too. With a story as fascinating as this, I'm gonna need my energy."
"Hurry back, Dad! And I'll tell you about the X Tornado that Tails made!" Helen called back, joy nipping her heart.
"Alright, alright," Her father chuckled, his steps softened against the kitchen floor beside his wife. "Our little girl has had quite an adventure."
Helen's Mother, hands shifting in automatic, croaked with tears. Relief, happiness, guilt and sorrow mixed across her face. All the years since learning of her daughter's immobility to walk, to see Helen laced with pure joy and excitement of a normal girl she should be, Linda(1) wished for her daughter's newfound happiness to never leave. Time and again, the couple worked through struggles, sacrificing their own well-beings for the survival of Helen, neglecting her feelings and true desires.
"Did you hear? She's so changed...She sounds so...so happy. I just want...to be there for her. Spend more time with her." Overcome with guilt and sorrow, Linda wept, each emotion carved its own path of tears trailing down her face.
"Yeah, I've been working too many hours lately, I haven't spent enough time with the family," Doug heaved a sigh, regret laced in his voice. "Let's plan a day trip to that island Helen loved so much, what do you say?"
His wife's expression lifted with joy as soothing as a new mother witnessing the birth of hear newborn child. Helen would love that! The pressence their time together shone, a family outing desperately needed.
Unbeknownst to Helen and her parents, a dark sillhoutte lurked in their home's shadow, expression almost as pure black as the night. That being of Susan, a snarl etched across her features, the eye-shadows mimicking a look of pure hatred and fury.
'I can't believe this...! That wheel chaired brat's been wasting her time over the disgusting weeds, and now she's coxing my moron brother and his menace of a wife into going to that filthy Island?! That new street rat boy and that hedgehog have ruined it! That's it, I can't take it anymore!' Dark thoughts cogged through her mind, Susan's feet stomping against the dirt, leaving deep footprints in her wake.
She will do something with those three, especially that ungrateful, useless brat of her niece, and turn her into a true lady she is destined to be! No matter what! No one, not even her brother, his wife, Helen's new 'friend' Chris...whatever his name is, and especially not. That. Annoying. So called. Hero. Sonic the Hedgehog!
One hand swiping into her purse, Susan's fingers danced across the keystrokes, dialing a number she knew would solve all her problems. Or at least part of it, but it was all necessary to gain what truly should have been.
"...Is this Commander Stefan's office? I need to speak to him. Urgently."
Blackness engulfed the ocean vast of space, the stars painting their sparkles like diamonds within the darkness, creating lights of hope with the Moon's glow illuminating upon the planet Mobius itself, casting shadows and light upon those who embraced the realm of sleep.
The darkness loomed within the abandoned vessel of the Space Colony ARK, hollars of winds drifting through the empty halls, labs, rooms, and chambers from the Cosmos outside. No one has stepped foot within this station in space since the time of Sonic and Shadow the Hedgehogs saving the planet.
The sudden hiss of the hatch doors opening changed this, lights switched on and illuminating the ARK once more. Dr. Eggman, Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkun stepped within, their footsteps clanking against the cold, steel metal as they marched inward.
"Eggcellent, the cost is clear and everything is how it should be. So nice to see this place not shut down completely by those GUN morons," Eggman cackled, his laughter pulsated through the hallways. "Let see, if my recollection is correct, Grandfather's notes should be hidden in the deepest parts only he could gain access."
"And where can we find that, doctor?" Bocoe inquired, his voice chip laced with resignation.
"We look everywhere if we have to! Professor Gerald Robotnik wasn't a brilliant scientist for nothing, achieving the impossible in creating Shadow."
"But the entire ARK is huge. It could be anywhere..." Decoe shuddered, memory data automatically resetting in his AI mind. "I hope there aren't any more of the Biolizard monsters like the last one!"
His companion's form quivered, horror over the memories mounting. "Me too! That thing was enough to give me nightmare fuel!"
Laced with exasperation despite surprisingly understanding his minions' concerns, Eggman waved it off. "Rest assured, Biolizard was the first failed experiment of the Ultimate Lifeform Project, Shadow being the second and a full success, so I doubt there are any more of those things. My Grandfather may have lost his mind in losing Maria, but before her death, he was cautious over his creations."
"It's too bad GUN didn't like that, and that old Government fifty years ago were as bad as you, Dr. Eggman." Bokkun shrugged.
Surprisingly, unease etched across the evil doctor's face, his mustache drooping as he crossed his arms. "Yes, I suppose you're right. In truth, if it weren't for those power-hungry fools and the corruption of the old GUN policy, my Grandfather wouldn't have lost his mind and perhaps Shadow may have succeeded in curing Maria, fufilling her dream in seeing Mobius up close with her very own eyes."
"Would that mean you would be nicer to everybody as well?" Decoe carefully held up a finger.
"It depends," Eggman sweat dropped, his hand scratching his bald head in a slow, awkward manner. Truthfully, it never crossed his mind in spite of his childhood dream in following his grandfather's footsteps. Realization dawning as though ice cream was thrown at his face, the evil scientist rapidly shook his head. "But enough of that! We've got a project to unveil and a new scientific plan to establish!"
"Yes, sir!" The three robots saluted.
With the evil goal pleading to be set free, his intelligent mind knowing no bounds of restrains, Eggman marched onward with his lackies close behind. Here were the secrets of his grandfather's secrets, files hidden deep waiting to be discovered. The missing reports of Shadow the Hedgehog, the Ultimate Lifeform.
And with those files, things will soon be drawn into the Ultimate Dream becoming a reality.
Nighttime remained upon Station Square, the buildings neon lights dimming at past midnight, exceptions of Casinos running all day, seven days a week. Perched under a tree atop of a hill, Shadow stood, arms crossed and his expression boring only a stoic gaze. The escape from GUN was of annoyance, but it was worthwhile in preventing them from persuing Sonic and Tails, two young heroes who claim to be brothers, without true reason.
Now he stood, evaded his would be captors, relatively safe and left with his never ending turning cogs of thoughts.
His ruby eyes, a beautiful sets of gems shone upon the moon's white, illuminating white glow, the circular orb like a pearl each, every night, cast upon the dark navy sky, each star blinking upon existence. But Shadow paid no heed to the beautiful sight, even as he tilted his head towards the horizon beyond.
'Shadow the Hedgehog...Why does that name haunt me? Even with those memories slowly coming back, Sonic knowing some answers to my questions, it's not enough. I need more pieces to fill in the gaps...Especially with...with Maria.' Shadow thought to himself, the tormenting images, the young girl's youthful face, etched with concern and fear, the pursuing soldiers menacing with weapons...
And Sonic...Sonic the Hedgehog: That teenage boy, youthful and vibratine with boundless energy, deepening courage like no other beyond his years.
"...Who am I? Why did I forget in the first place? Why do my memories come in random pieces, each time I see that hedgehog and...that human boy from this other planet called Earth?" His dark eyelids tightened as he fought the sudden onslaught of endless questions, blank with no answers.
Unavoidable nothingness. A quiet that is deafening. Silence is the void, yet it brought a sense of peace within Shadow's troubling heart, freedom leaving a bitter sweet taste in his mouth. Opening his eyes once more, cast upon the moonlight's precious glow, the faint white sending a blanket of mystery.
It was a beautiful sight, the glow being the beacon of hope within the night's darkness. Light was hope, a way of finding one's lost path, purpose, embracing freedom sight upon sight...
Shadow's eyes widened like saucers, a flash of familiarity coiling as though a giant monster had captured him.
Flashback: Fifty Years Ago...(1)
Shadow was running, the long, dimly-lit metallic hallway, illuminating orange lights cast upon him, his wrist ensnared gently by the smaller, youthful, pale peach hand belonging to Maria, excitement laced across her beautiful face.
"Shadow! Hurry! Hurry, you have to see this!" Maria beamed with glee, automatic doors sliding their way through as they halted, the human girl positioning behind her hedgehog friend.
"What's wrong?" The ebony hedgehog's eyes drifted upward, a glimmer of concern merging with his confusion.
"Nothing. Look!" She excitedly gestured, the large window viewpointing the never ending magnificent view of Mobius.
At first Shadow thought it was the same, his life spent mainly within these metal walls prior to his awakening. But it was a cast of green that captured his attention: Flowing with ripples like a ribbon, spread over the planet's surface, illuminating a glow like he has never seen.
"It's light..." Shadow's voice drifted, confusion and awe laced between.
"It's the Aurora Borealis," Maria explained, approaching the window. "You can only see them from certain latitudes down there. But up here, we can see it from...see it from..."
A wave of a dizziness suddenly overwhelmed her, the young, sickly girl was unable to hold her balance, toppling over.
"Maria!" Shadow gasped, his swift movements allowing him to catch his best friend, gently cradling her. His heart ached, guilt eating at him. Her illness was beyond her control, and the Ultimate Lifeform wished nothing more than to see her healthy, thriving, living her life to its fulliest.
Her skin was sickly pale, the tale signs of over exterting herself. Concern etched across the hedgehog's eyes, before a simmer of relief briefly lit as Maria, exhaustion evident, weakly gazed at her best friend. "Thank you...I-I just pushed it a little, that's all."
"The low gravity here only keeps your condition in remission. You should know better than to exert yourself." The ebony hedgehog reminded, gently setting his close and only friend on the floor, taking a seat beside her.
"I know, you're right. But when it comes to the beauty of Mobius, I can't help myself," Maria sighed, a warm smile creeping her lips. "I can't wait for the day when we can finally see it on the ground."
Shadow, however, looked away. He truly understood Maria's desires, having been born only to be brought to the ARK, the solid walls free from the planet's even fresh clean air only toxiating her condition, the rarest disease known to mankind. NDIS, they called it, a devastating illness with no known cure. That alone was the true reason why the young girl had grown up on the ARK, only reading of Mobius' geography and history through books, yet her grandfather refused to let her die.
For Shadow, however...
"I was created here. I don't know if there's a place for me on Mobius," He looked away, somber. "Professor Gerald made me the Ultimate Lifeform...I should be the key to manner of all medicines...!"
Shadow clenched his fists and shut his eyes tightly as he punched the floor, frustration surged inside him, threatening to engulf his newly made heart. "...To cure you!"
His chest tightened, lowering his head with guilt rising up to mix with his self-hatred and anger. How could he be called the Ultimate Lifeform if nothing is making any difference? All of his training, studying, his bonds with Maria...Shadow felt the pang of sorrow, feelings he believed should never come to him. So lost in his explosive feelings ready to erupt, the hedgehog barely felt the warmth of Maria's embrace coiling him, a cocoon of love flowing like an older sister to her younger brother.
A gentle caress across his muzzle brought Shadow out of his uncontrollable thoughts, his mouth fell softly agape as Maria gently lifted his head, his eyes opening. A exchanged look in their eyes.
"You and Grandfather are doing your best," The young girl reassured, having caught on her best friend's misplaced guilt. "I'm just as happy to spend time with you here while you both research-"
End of Flashback:
Shadow sharply gasped, realization struck a cord. That memory...the Aurora...The Ultimate Lifeform...Could it be?
'I was...Created on the ARK? That means, I'm not an ordinary hedgehog, I wasn't even born naturally,' The revelation of his memories engulfed Shadow like a lava flow. 'The Professor tried to cure Maria, but those soldiers...why did they kill her? Where they trying to kill me? But why?'
A sharp cog, struck through his mind like a lightning bolt, had Shadow clutch his head, his fingers digging through his quills with a flood of memories continuing to haunt him. He wasn't a true Mobian...he was created...fifty years ago...! But how? And why?
And what's more, he was deemed as the Ultimate Lifeform, the key to all manner of medicines to cure Maria...the beautiful, cheerful young girl with a heart brighter than the sun's everlasting orb, the illumination of her kindness more precious than a golden priceless treasure. Against all of the expectations...
He failed. The mysterious soldiers raided the ARK, and heartlessly killed her, ending her life he and her grandfather struggled to expand, and for what?! What was his purpose now, if he isn't the cure his creator made him to be?
Anger surged up inside him, burning through him and igniting his artifical spirit, unable to stop the tears threatening to break free from the floodgates. With an akin roar of frustration, Shadow unleashed a Chaos Spear, mindlessly hurling it behind him and paid no mind of its target, the sounds of cracking bark and crushing thud of a tree against the grass failing to reach his ears.
He tried desperately to fight the tears, but they broke through the floodgates, and all Shadow could do was helplessly weep. He was an artifical being, no different than Eggman's robots, but of flesh and blood. He was no cure for those who are dead. No hero, either. Yet...why did Rouge, Sonic and everyone else treat him like he was one of them?
"Shadow, where are you goin'?!" Sonic screamed.
"No...It's not enough," Shadow, wincing at his raspy, croaked voice, clenched his fists to the point of nearly making them bleed. "Sonic and the ARK...they're the only keys to the answers I need."
"Shadow the Hedgehog is no friend! Either you stay away, or we will have you and all of your allies under arrest for high treason against the United Federation!" The Pilot snarled, impatience and anger cutting through the air.
Exhaling a frustrated sigh at another memory, the reminder of the soldiers persuing him, the threats of his interactions with Sonic and his friends to have them all arrested wrongly, Shadow couldn't believe his luck. Perhaps they were...the successors of the soldiers before them five decades ago, a cold tradition to keep him in place. He knew, with a heavy heart, as long as his memories were incomplete, the Ultimate Lifeform will never solve this on his own.
A twinge of guilt crept in his hollow heart: As long as he existed, Sonic, Tails, Amy, little Cream and Cheese, even Rouge despite her position as a secret GUN Agent for Espioage, and that boy...Chris, they were all in grave danger. He couldn't afford putting their freedom and safeties on the line.
However, asking Dr. Eggman for help was out of question: No doubt he will use his identity crisis for his scheming advantage, providing lies muddling his already muddled mind.
"I guess I will have to meet with them in secret, to keep them safe. Especially Sonic. He went through much, I can't risk in provoking the soldiers into believing he's gone rogue." Shadow didn't know what to do: If only it were easy without being detected.
A Chaos Emerald would be handy right now. Senses had been driving him on edge since he came to this spot, but there was no sign of an Emerald close by...
"Huh?" Blinking with confusion, this feeling...the tingle of flowing energy like a stream of light through his veins...he felt it before. The very same senses very close...close from behind?
Twisting around at the fallen tree he decaptimated, Shadow's eyes widened, his expression accenting with shock at the sight of a yellow glow illuminating from the chopped stump. Could it be possible? Shadow's eyebrows lowered gently, suspicion laced. He took slow, cautious steps, his air shoes softly crunching against the grass blades, the approach to the tree stump alert and careful.
There sitting in the destroyed stump was a yellow Chaos Emerald, beckoning him with its unlimited energy. The Ultimate Lifeform couldn't believe his luck! The emerald was right inside this tree. How, it was a mystery never to be solved. Shifting his gaze from left to right, hesitation creeping up his features, Shadow plucked the gem, feeling the warm energy flow through his arm and into his troubling heart.
"That's two Chaos Emeralds now. Who would've thought it'd be this easy?" Shadow thought to himself, The cogs turned and turned, eventually clicking into place in his mind.
If Sonic could use the unique power of Chaos Control, leaned from the amnesic Shadow, perhaps this was a more convienent way in contacting his blue mirror image without detecting GUN's radar.
It was a risky chance, being rusty due to his amnesia, but it was a chance he was willing to take. Shadow closed his eyes, focusing hard, hoping a memory he did recall would provide assistance. A time when he first confronted Sonic, the very first memory prior to aiding his rival at the Emerald Coast came to him, only he'd been holding a green Chaos Emerald.
As though on instinct, Shadow thrust his arm above him, the emerald's power coursing through. "Chaos Control!"
At his command, his mind focusing on his destination, who he wished to see, the Ultimate Lifeform vanished nearly instantly...Unaware of a small survelliance drone sent from Earth capturing the whole thing, hidden behind a rock.
Automatical controls set in place, the little drone shifted its spider-like body, skittering away undetected, its metallic form melting in the darkness of night.
Within the Sanctuary of his home, Sonic slept deeply through his dreams, the moon illuminating the cool, gentle blanket upon him. The day's events had drained him, sleep relishing to restore his energy. Despite the peace he was enduring, the realm of dreams didn't provide any comfort.
"...Shadow...Chris...S-Sea Monster..." Frightened whispers escaped his lips, shudders cloaking his body as Sonic was ensnared with nightmares, trapped with no hopes of escape save for awakening.
Sonic, immobilized in the tightening grip suffocating him, squeezing the air out of him as though were a soft toy, winched with his arms pinned, but no amount of wriggling and squirming could help break free from the giant watery tentacle's death grasp.
Down below, a human boy, golden brown hair and sapphire eyes was backed to a corner, fear mounting his face with four figures, only seen as pure silhouettes of darkness, their forms towering the child. High above a wrecked building, broken windows evident, the eerie glow of red illuminating its aura on the familiar black and red hedgehog, ruby eyes perched the scene beyond.
"Shadow! Chris!" Sonic screamed, helpless to reach his human best friend, thoughts of why the Ultimate Lifeform wasn't even budging. What was going on?
He had zero ideas why this was happening. Everything had been a blur than his feet during his runs, only sense of being held hostage by the giant sea monster continuously haunting his dreams. The blue hedgehog, aware he was dreaming, became a prisoner in his subconsciousness.
Sonic gasped, leaning his head back as far as he could, only able to witness the sea monster's face emerge from the murky ocean, boring down on the hedgehog with its green, slit eyes. Sonic couldn't hold back the fearful whimpers, sweat dropping with racing thoughts coursing shivers down his spine. He was going to be eaten, Shadow's mind cogged back to the darkness, and Chris...Oh, Chaos, Chris was a hostage to the strangers of no reason.
"This...This isn't right...!" Sonic felt his heart sink through his stomach. He had to do something-ANYTHING, to save his friend, knock sense in Shadow...and get away from the horrifying creature's lust of hunger...
Remaining in his sleep while trying to escape, the blue hedgehog was oblivious to the glimmer of light briefly illuminating outside of his house, Shadow reappearing on the footpath, crouched on one knee before standing. The black hedgehog's gaze burned, a single cottage stood before him. The darkness of night blended his fur, an ominous form under the illuminating moonlight.
So, this is where Sonic the Hedgehog lives? The place seemed nice, a cosy feeling fit for a free-spirited adventurer. Shadow felt a twinge of guilt creep across his chest, but in order to gain his answers, and protect his allies, it was an approach leaving him with no other options.
He leaped with ease, reaching for the highest branch close to where he hoped was Sonic's bedroom window, a wave of relief laced as he saw the blue hedgehog deep in slumber, his back turned to him. Shadow narrowed his brows, determination creeping through.
Cold dew trickled along Sonic's face, distress etched across his feaures, absently clutching his pillow in a death grip with his knuckles turning white. The nightmare was getting worse, and he was powerless to overcome the images plauging his mind.
"This...this isn't right..." He remained fully unaware, the creak of his window opening alerting him too late for potential dangers.
Sonic's ears twitched, his eyelids finally pulling open with his consciousness returning...only for them to widen with horror, red, glowing eyes staring back etched waaaaaay too close to his face, one, white gloved hand reaching out.
"WHOA!" Sonic yelped, his reflexes kicking in like a light switch, elaborating with a punch at the 'intruder's' face and hand, but the dark figure was faster, its hand clamping his mouth, another hand thrust at his shoulder, pinning him against the mattress.
Sonic wriggled, squirmed and thrust, desperate to break free with his cries to be let go muffled and blocked, but the intruder refused to loosen his strong grip. "Lm mm fmm!"
"Shush! It's me-UGH!" Shadow winched, forced back and releasing the blue hedgehog, the force of the latter's kick connected with a solid thud against his stomach.
A visible grimace of pain etched across the black hedgehog's face, he held back a groan while holding his side, doubling over slightly as the wind was knocked out of him but he refused to let it overcome him. By then, Sonic sat upright, soft, panicked and deep pants puffed out as though a steam engine train was straining its last coal up a very steep hill, the nightmare still fresh through his consciousness.
His hand absently reached for the light switch, illuminating the room with a warm, soft glow of the precious light, allowing him to see who.
"S-Shadow?" Sonic blinked, heart continued racing with anticipation, though he failed to conceal the relief that brightened his features, heaving a relieved sigh as his free hand rested against his chest and the beating connecting his finger tips. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"
"Tch...Yeah, well, I had to do something to stop you from screaming your neighbors awake." Shadow scoffed, masking his pain yet failing to conceal his hand soothing his aching ribs. He must admit, the blue blue's legs surpassed strength and speed, and he was thankful his much darker fur would hide the certain bruises he would be having, much to his disdain.
Sonic sweat dropped, a sheepish grin lifting the edges of his lips. "It could, but only if the whole world heard me scream. Anyway, not that I'm not glad to see you, 'cause I was worried since you took off when GUN unfairly chased after you, but what are you doin' here in my house?"
"I came looking for you. I need to get to the ARK," The Ultimate Lifeform ceased the rubbing, standing tall as he bore his gaze upon his rival's now widening eyes. "I have reason to believe that I was created there, and first, I need you to confirm on whether it's true or not."
"Created...Wait, you remember more on that?" Sonic blurted before he could stop himself, realization coming too late as he then groaned. 'Ugh, shouldn't have said that. Oh man, Rouge's gonna kill me.'
"So you do know, faker?" The acussasion manifested in his voice, a dangerous growl akin to a predator. Yet the hero of Mobius remained unintimidated.
"Well, yeah. I still don't know the full details," Sonic's hand scratched as his spines slowly, his face fractured with uncertainty and sympathy. Finally puffing a reluctant and defeated sigh, he decided to spill the beans. "From what I heard, Eggman's Grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, I think his name was, well, created you to cure his cousin Maria, who had a very terrible disease called the NIDS, which I only know is very difficult to get rid of."
"...Eggman is Maria's...Cousin?" Shadow's stotic demeanor dropped briefly, remasking it as quickly as it disappeared. They were both...related? How could this be-
Wait, didn't the Professor have a bald head and a mustache too, only not as rotound as the evil scientist?
"Yeeeeeaaaaaah, the rest of us were pretty shocked when we first found out too." A sheepish grin carved up the corners of Sonic's lips with a collaborated shrug.
A startled yelp escaped him when Sonic found himself pinned to the bed once more, wincing at the tightness on his arms from Shadow's death-grip. The blue hedgehog grunted, struggling to break free while the amnesic Ultimate Lifeform's eyes flared with anger, an ominous illumination in those red pupils seemed to spark dangerous territory unintentionally stepped upon.
Judging from that look, the hero of Mobius knew he was in big trouble.
"Why didn't any of you tell me this?! Why keep me away from Dr. Eggman if he is related to Maria?!" Shadow demanded angrily.
"Because we knew Egghead would lie to you and use your amnesia to his his advantage." Sonic reaffirmed, sweat dropping.
The black hedgehog bore down at his rival with furious eyes, but the glare still had no effect on the teenager. "And how can I trust you if you and your friends may be the ones who have been lying to me?"
"C'mon, Shadow," Sonic grunted, pins and needles crawling through his arms for being pinned against his will. "I have more than enough experience to tell when Eggman would lie. I've been fighting that creep since I was twelve, for cryin' out loud. Sure, he freed you the first time around, but only because he wanted to use you to take over the world. Heck, he didn't even have a darn clue on what really happened fifty years ago!"
Those emerald eyes, boring with sparks of wild energy, dangerous as a hurricane yet ever so gentle like a soft, cooling breeze against the sweltering sun's flames, held nothing of feige or shift of altertation of lies: only truths pouring from the cobalt hedgehog's mouth.
"...Have any of you fallen under the doctor's lies?" Shadow lowered his gaze, hesitation etched across his face.
"Knuckles. He's pretty much the poor sucker that always ends up believing in Egghead's lies," Sonic's lips looped with a goofy grin. "Even Cream could tell from lies and truths, and she's a sweet, six year old kid."
Perfect. A Mobian echidna he couldn't even recall, and now the Ultimate Lifeform inadvertently made himself a much bigger target: The whole world against him, a creation, an artifical lifeform with a messed up bag of memories zigzagging similar to ingredients of a recipe for disaster. It left a foul taste in Shadow's mouth, and he didn't know what to do...Or who to trust.
After what felt like an eternity, in spite perhaps only a few minutes passed, Shadow was finally submerged from his whirlpool thoughts when a faint, sheepish squeak coming from Sonic's voice drifted into his ears like a soft melody. "Uh, Shadow?"
Blinking, Shadow's gaze returned to his rival's, a soft, embarrassed smirk ghosted over his face. "Can you let me go, please? My arms are goin' numb."
"Uh...Sorry." The black hedgehog replied, hesitantly moving away as he released his grip, taking cautious few steps backwards.
Heaving a sigh of relief, Sonic slowly sat upright, his left hand rubbing the sore spot upon his right arm, wincing at the bruising he was certain he'll have for at least a couple days. Amy and Vanilla are gonna be asking zillion questions for sore.
"Okay, now, how about we talk like mature hedgehogs without beating the heck outta each other in the middle of the night, and not wake the neighborhood, 'kay?" Sonic suggested.
"You're about fifteen minutes away from the rest of the village." Shadow deadpanned.
"That doesn't mean a scream won't echo in large, open areas," Sonic's face split with teasing glint, mischief twinkling in his eyes. "Besides, even heroes need their beauty sleep."
Irritation only continued to grow, Shadow beginning to question why he agreed to be civil with the blue hedgehog in the first place. Pushing his frustration and impatience aside, one hand began squeezing his temples. "Fine. Let's just get to the point. How is it that Dr. Eggman never knew about what became of Professor Gerald and Maria?"
"My guess?" Sonic lightly shrugged. "The creeps that used to work for GUN fifty years ago kept it so secret they covered up the whole thing, and maybe felt the whole Robotnik family line was nothing more than evil trouble-makers, hence to why Egghead never knew, and probably was ridiculated to the point of turning into the biggest scientific jerk on the Planet."
"And not even the truth revealed will change his mind on world domination?"
"Nope. Once he gets his head set on somethin', there's no changing it." The blue hedgehog's lips carved into a disappointed yet resigned smile.
Terrific. This only confirmed the Ultimate Lifeform's admitions. Rouge was right: Dr. Eggman is far too dangerous to encounter, his mind corrupted with greed, the lust of power and domination set forth and never to be shed away. Shadow frowned, knowing his only choice was to trust in Sonic the Hedgehog and all of his friends, or he will never fully know the truth of his past, nor atone for his sins.
Sins committed in nearly destroying the planet. Would Maria be disappointed in him for almost oblierating the very world she loved so much? His heart sank to his feet. How could he have failed so terribly?
'I suppose I'm nothing more than a failure. I may have been created as the Ultimate Lifeform, but what I really am...is a failed experiment,' Shadow's fist clenched tightly from the frustration and guilt building up to mix with his painful sorrow. 'My very existence alone is what caused Maria's death. If I had not been created, if the Professor had conjoured another solution for a cure, she would still be alive...!'
"Shadow?" Sonic's face fractured with concern, standing up and leaning close to his rival, cautious in case for another unexpected attack. "You okay?"
"How can I be?" Shadow winced, his face crunching with self-disgust of tears leaking in his throat. "I'm not even alive. I may look like a hedgehog, but I am no different than the doctor's mindless machines."
"What?" Sonic took a step back, agape. "Shadow, of course you're alive! Okay, so you were created fifty years ago, but you're not a robot. Heck, you're not even made of metal. What you feel is more real than you think. You can think for yourself, feel pain, emotions, and even ask questions about who you are. I know I don't get what it's like being created, but you came to me of your own choice, and even left to protect me and Tails from GUN, right?"
The black hedgehog's eyes widened, surprise etched as his orbs met Sonic's. Were his actions really that simple?
The stone of concern weighing down his stomach loosened with a sad smile, Sonic's hand resting on his hip. "You only wanted revenge because you'd been hurt, Shadow. Grief can make anybody do all sorts of unpredictable things, and that grief also proves how much you loved Maria, 'cause she's someone very special to ya'. I'd...probably flip if I ever lost all of my friends, too, and that's a scary thought."
Unease still lingered, the very core of his being trapped with turmoil. If that were the case, why did those soldiers hunt him down? What was their whole purpose of wanting nothing more than execution to those who done no wrong?
"And the fact you came here all on your own lookin' for me to help ya, wanting answers, that choice is yours alone. Nobody else can control you. Okay?" Sonic continued, outstretching his hand. "I really wanna help you, Shadow. But you gotta first trust me. Don't worry, I won't bite." A hint of tease glittered in his voice, mixed with the honesty toned in.
Shadow paused momentarily, thinking over the new relations. Thus far, Sonic and his friends had been nothing but shown kindness towards him even after catastrophic mistakes he created. The blue blur's cockiness irked him, but he proved he wasn't a liar. With a relieved smirk, he shook hands with his rival.
"You may annoy me, hedgehog, but I admire your courage." Shadow admired, prompting Sonic to chuckle lightly.
"Heh, what can I say? Danger follows me around wherever I go," Sonic proudly proclaimed. "Anyway, I'm guessin' you wanna head straight for the ARK soon, right?"
"Actually, I was hoping you would take me tonight." Shadow's eyes shifted, avoiding the now confused teen's gaze.
"Huh? Why do'ya say that?" Sonic tilted his head slightly, confusion evident.
Pausing once more, the ebony Lifeform's red eyes shifted over Sonic's shoulder, caution evident in his tone. "From our fight against Dr. Eggman earlier tonight, I have reason to believe those soldiers will not hesitate to kill you or your friends. As long as you're all with me, you're in grave danger and...I won't let them wrongly arrest you for my past sins."
Of all of things Sonic was expecting, this was far beyond his comprehension. Relief swelled in his emerald eyes. "I knew*Italic* it! You did lead them to keep them away from me and Tails! Ha! Your heart's bigger than you believe, buddy!" An enthusiastic grin stretched the corner of his lips.
"I'm not your buddy, Sonic. I will only accept you as an ally. That is all." Shadow frowned.
"Eh, it's a start. Just you wait, you'll be calling me a friend before you know it!" Sonic's grin didn't falter.
The black hedgehog merely rolled his eyes.
"Though, how do we get to the ARK tonight?" Sonic lightly shrugged, realization hitting him as though he'd been splattered in the face by a cream pie. "We're gonna need a spaceship to get there, so I don't think GUN's gonna like that without permission. Not to mention that I hid the Chaos Emerald someplace safe."
As though anticipating this, Shadow without the yellow Chaos Emerald from his quills, undaunted by the shocked gasp escaping Sonic's lips, the blue hedgehog's eyes widening to the side of plates. "HUH?! Where'd you-?"
"I found it earlier just outside of the city. That's what brought me here to you. Did you really think I would go and find Rouge when GUN is still out for my head?" Shadow responded.
Whoa, talk about a coincidence! To use Chaos Control despite not remembering how, or maybe he did, the Ultimate Lifeform really is something else!
Sonic softly whistled. "Now that's what I call a lucky find! I'm impressed."
"I'll explain more later. We need to get going before the sun rises and people would suspect the two of us together." Shadow reminded, linger of urgency not unnoticed.
Eager to get going himself and explore more of the ARK, the hero of Mobius nodded, casually slipping on his sneakers. "Let's do this!"
Satisfied, Shadow exchanged nods of agreement, his hand extended with the Chaos Emerald grasped tightly, the illuminating glow shone dimly like a lone single light never fading in the ever lasting darkness of evil. Sonic's hand gently placed atop the Emerald, the energy coursing through their arms into their pure hearts.
"Here we go!" Sonic softly declared, ready for another exciting adventure.
"CHAOS CONTROL!" The two hedgehogs collectively held the Chaos Emerald above, vanishing in a blink with silence taking control of the once occupied room.
The Space Colony ARK, abandoned for five decades, hovered without end or means of use, a facial fake moon drifting in Mobius' orbit, shining against the backdrop of it all as though it was a second moon or a star itself.
Silence was broken within the Eclipse Cannon room, long abandoned machinery lit only by the sun's illumination from beyond, with a spark of Chaos Control materializing the two hedgehogs as Sonic wobbled a bit, a yelp escaping him as he quickly regained his balance, while Shadow crouched, showing no signs of daze, yet he shook his head in case.
"You never used Chaos Control from a long distance, did you?" Shadow questioned, a deep frown set into his muzzle.
"Yeah, well, I don't use it that often and it's the first time I used it with somebody else from point A to point B," Sonic's face crunched with slight annoyance, his gaze shifting to their new location. "But hey, at least we're at the right place."
The black hedgehog's brow creased with suspicion, but none the less followed the hero's gaze, a large panel stood lifelessly before them, seven slots fit for particular items...Chaos Emeralds, perhaps? The room was dark, signs of light ceased save for the sun outside. It was nothing much for this area, save for a use connecting with something...Perhaps it was a use of a cannon of sorts. A seed of dread grew in Shadow's stomach.
"Is this...part of the ARK?" Hesitation filled his throat, but Shadow forced the question to emerge.
"Uh...Yeah, pretty much. Guess our landing was pretty rusty, I kinda thought we'd reappear in the Outer Edge of the ARK," Sonic's face fractured, a sheepish grin carving with his hand scratching through his quills. "This is the Eclipse Cannon room, which, well, Eggman and Maria's grandfather built."
"...To destroy the planet?"
The question came unexpected even to the Ultimate Lifeform, memories lingering at an accelerating pace coming unprepared. His pupils shrank with realization hitting him harder than he dared to admit. A sharp gasp escaped him, images instantly appearing as though an electric shock jolted straight through his mind like a knife slicing it in half.
Facing Sonic in combat, the near obliteration of the Moon, Shadow's haunting laugh pulsated around a room still unfamiliar...destruction of an island of cells and containments...Shadow let out an anguished scream, clutching his head painfully with his fingers desperately digging into his skull.
"Shadow?! What's wrong?" Sonic gasped, reaching out to his friend.
"M-My head...All of these images...these...these memories..." Shadow's breath was hollow, disorientation overwhelming his senses.
"Hey, easy, buddy!" Concern etched across Sonic's face, wondering if coming here right now wasn't such a good idea after all. "Maybe we should head back home and come back later?"
"No...I...UGH!" Another scream escaped him, Shadow collapsed to his knees. The pain was unbearable, like someone had shoved their hands in his head and squeezed at his brain.
"Shadow!" Sonic panicked, bending beside the other hedgehog, holding him gently from falling over.
"So much...rushing into...my head..." Shadow winced. How could this be? So much destruction...so much pain...it was true.
He almost destroyed the world, and was far more insane than Sonic and the others had claimed. Realization dawned like a ton of bricks: They didn't want history to repeat itself, yet they still chose to help him: Sonic still chose to help him regain his memories, because of his atonement as they said.
"We'd better get outta here, quick!"
Making his mind up, Sonic made to yank the Chaos Emerald from the black hedgehog's quills to get them back home on Mobius, when sounds of footsteps clanking against the metal floor sent chills down his spine. The cobalt hedgehog's eyes widened, confusion and shock mixed in his pupils. Who else could possibly be here on the ARK? It had been re-abandoned for months, and the Biolizard had been destroyed. So why...?
"Well, well, I intended to find my grandfather's missing research,"
No...That voice...It can't be! Sonic and the pain-inducing Shadow, the latter also detecting danger lurking, peered over their shoulders through the doorway and their greatest fears were confirmed: Eggman stood alongside Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkun, evil scientist holding a laser pistol clad tightly.
"Where a pesky rodent has stuck its nose where it doesn't belong, having brought an opportunity straight into my hands!" Eggman's nastic grin was wide nearly covering his whole face.
"Eggman?!" Sonic snapped, his brows narrowed tightly. "What're you doing here!?"
"That is none of your business, hedgehog," The evil scientist never felt so lucky in his life. During his search for his Grandfather's lost research of Shadow's creation, the familiar voices had caught his attention, bringing him forth into the Eclipse Cannon room.
This is just perfect! With both hedgehogs now trapped in his grasp, he can get rid of Sonic and make use of Shadow's DNA for his latest scheme. Yet the question is, how and when did they get here before him? There was no other Spacecraft...Unless they used a Chaos Emerald. Realization struck the mad doctor with a released sinister cackle. And as a bonus, with Shadow mentally unstable, perhaps he can easily convince him to join his side.
"Eggcellent! You have fallen right into my trap, Sonic and Shadow! I know you have that Chaos Emerald, and you thought you could recover your memories by returning to the home of your creation, Ultimate Lifeform." Eggman extended is hand to the barely conscious hedgehog. "After all, you may not remember, but you are, in fact-"
"Cut the act, Eggman!" Sonic angrily interrupted. "I'm not gonna let you brainwash Shadow for your stupid Egg Empire junk! And there's no way I'm gonna let you take my friend Chris either, especially when you sent that birdbrain as a decoy!"
Eggman mocklingly shrugged, dismissing his arch-enemy's interruption. "I'm just merely attempting help out two amnesic lost souls regain their memories, Sonic. Is it really my fault that kid came to your presence? Or the fact that Shadow isn't who he claims to be?"
"Do ya' really need me to answer that, Doctor?" Sonic's face fell flat, sarcasm heavily laced in his voice.
"Touché..." Eggman's expression fell to disappointment, before reigniting to complete confidence. "But no matter! That hedgehog is mine, so you better hand him and that emerald over, Sonic, or else!"
"Or else what, ya' big loser?" The hero of Mobius challenged.
"Or else he'll destroy you, that's what!" Bocoe warned, standing beside his creator, his and Decoe's hands raised as they attempted to look threatening...
Which their evil postures made them more ridiculous with no affect.
Eggman growled, roughly shoving his two minions aside with loud clatters upon their crash against the floor. "I'm the one in charge, so stay out of it!"
'Not much of a scientist, huh?' Sonic's eyes narrowed partially amused.
Thoughts raced through his mind than his feet turning into discs. How was it that Eggman wanted to come here in the first place? Wasn't he after Chris? The blue hedgehog shelved those questions for later: Both Shadow and the Chaos Emerald were at stake.
"No..."
All attention swiftly turned to the semi-conscious Ultimate Lifeform, pain spiking his skull thankfully not rendering him losing all sense of reality, struggling to stand only for his legs to give way but held a hand to cease Sonic's movements for aid, refusing to give in to weakness.
"I will not...surrender to the likes of you, Dr. Eggman...!" Shadow wheezed, focus continuously failing him with each, heavy, stoned breath.
"If that's the case, then I'll use this opputinity right here and now!" A twisted, evil grin spread as Eggman's hand swifted, the laser pistol aimed directly at the two hedgehogs, calculating focus upon Sonic who stood, legs bent low pressurizing a quick get away.
The teenage hero knew if he moved too soon, Eggman will hit Shadow, but if he moved later, he was hedgehog dust. Time was not on their side, nor was the ARK, the vast empty vessel hovering in iron, a prison of tragedy and dark memories best left undiscovered. Sonic struggled with the mixed reactions, guilt weighing his heart like a chain.
"Hasta la bye-bye, hedgehog!" Eggman opened fire, the hot laser shot faster than a shooting star.
Before Sonic could cease his chance, two hands shoved him in the chest pumping air out his lungs sharply, thrust against the cold floor hard, a pained grunt escaping him bruising his back. When he quickly gazed to see what happened, Shadow stood before the unforgiving laser engulfed him as he let out an agonized scream, his body jolting uncontrollably as though he were being electrocuded and burned in a fire made of lightning.
"SHADOW!" Sonic screamed with distraught, horror mounting his face.
Sonic's face quickly twisted downward, an overwhelming wave of anger surged inside him, Eggman's sickening victorious laugh only serving the lust of revenge and desire to get back at his nemesis. That does it! First he attacked Station Square, then had the nerve to try and kidnap Chris, now Shadow was getting hurt. It was a straw that broke the hedgehog's back!
Eggman is going to pay for this!
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Gotcha-HUH?!"
Eggman's bellyached victory was suddenly cut off, when Sonic launched a lightning speed powerhound kick snapping his wrist, the impact almost shattering his bones as though it had been bent out of shape, the sheer force had Eggman drop and shut off his laser pistol, the weapon clattered on the ground. The kick landed with brutal precision, the sound of bones meeting flesh echoing through the room.
"GAH!" The evil scientist howled, grasping his wrist, the sheer agony most certainly convincing him it was broken. He turned towards him, a pained expression plastered across his face, teeth clenched as he tried to dull the injury. "You little-EEP!"
Unfortunately for the villains, Sonic was not finished, building up stamina, his hands and feet gripping the dustest, rusty floor tightly before bouncing twice and launched himself forward as Eggman and his minions caught the sight of a blue ball hurling towards them far too late at frightening sonic boom.
Fear mounting their faces with Eggman raising his arms over his face, Bokkun mimicking his creator's by covering his head with his arms, and Decoe and Bocoe clung onto each other with artificial tears pouring out like water works.
BASH! CRASH!
Panicked comical screams echoed the room the moment Sonic Spin Dashed into the evil scientist, sending them hurling across the hallway like a bowling ball scoring a strike, far in the distance. Sonic uncurled himself, landing safely, heavy, anguished pants inflating and shaken before he shifted his gaze to the severely weakened Shadow, the latter falling lifelessly.
A horrified gasp blew through his lips, Sonic hurried over to his friend. Shadow's eyes were closed, burns steaming thin layers of smoke from his body. No...
He hastily scooped the unconscious hedgehog, gently cradling him and shook him. "Shadow? Shadow! C'mon, buddy! Please say somethin'! You're supposed to be the Ultimate Lifeform! Memories or not!"
No response, save for a pained, faint grunt. Fortunately, Shadow's chest slowly rose up and down, a wave of relief washing over the fifteen year old. He was still alive, but he needed medical treatment. Yet unease lingered in Sonic's conscience. If he took him back to Station Square to a hospital, no doubt it would cause frantic chaos among the locals and GUN would detect the black hedgehog's presence, wrongly framing the hero of Mobius in the process.
Sonic paused momentarily, thinking over how to help his friend. He refused to abandon him, not even caring for his own safety and if he had to live on the run for a while until GUN get the paranoia out of their heads, to see Shadow was no longer a threat, but a hero, so be it. There had to be a safe place until the black hedgehog regained his strength, somewhere a bit isolated back on Mobius...a place with help...
An idea hit him like a ton of bricks, hope illuminating in his eyes like a light switch flipped on to brighten a dark room. While he felt a twinge of guilt and deepening concern seep in his heart, staying here on the ARK to locate the Med Bay-without getting lost-was out of question, and Eggman could strike at any moments notice.
"Yeah, we're so outta here. Hang on tight, pal. We'll come back later when you're ready." Sonic whispered, determination etched on his face.
He withdrew the Chaos Emerald from Shadow's quills, clutching it tightly as he concentrated, the emerald's power flowing through his arm once more, heeding his desperate call. "Here goes! Chaos Control!"
Holding a firm grip on the emerald and Shadow, Sonic's mind spun with mixed emotions, but the goal remained true, the power of Chaos Control taking them to the one place he knew they would momentarily be safe.
Vanilla's House: A few minutes later...
Deeply asleep, peaceful dreams drifting like a soft melody of a harp's strings, ever so gently pulled, Chris unconsciously turned, softly snoring. Despite the dangers of nearly being captured by Eggman, Helen's sad relationship with her Aunt Susan and the latter's cruel behavior, the twelve year old boy's face laced with happiness.
His day out on the island was one of the best times of his life, an adventure he never wanted to forget. Nothing could disrupt his sleep tonight. Not even nightmares...unaware of the illuminating light of Chaos Energy in his heart. A call being answered through a bond stronger than anticipated.
FLASH!
"OMPH!" Sonic hit the now soft, cushioned floor with a small thud, the impact eliciting a yelp of discomfort from the dazed hero. He made a note to focus more carefully how to use Chaos Control more often to have better landings.
This commotion etched a startled yelp from Chris, jolted awake in alarm at the thud with panic evident. "Huh?! What was that?"
Startled by the familiar cry gaining his attention, Sonic, moving awkwardly as he was currently trapped under the unconscious Shadow, cast his peripheral vision to the right, surprise laced on his features at the sight of his human best friend, clad in light blue pajamas and a realization faster than his feet dawning he had landed unintentionally in the kid's bedroom.
Chris in turn caught the faint blue silhouette within the darkened room, the moonlight illuminating upon the hedgehog as though he was glowing an angelic aura. "Sonic?" He blinked, perplexed.
"Chris?" Sonic returned the surprised greeting, a sheepish grin morphing as his hand crawled through his quills. "Uh, sorry, buddy. Didn't meant to wake or drop in on ya'."
In hindsight, Vanilla's home was the closest he could think for Shadow's injuries, yet to land in Chris' bedroom was no short of embarrassing. At least he made it to the right place.
"What's going on?" Chris's blue eyes slowly drifted downward, widening to the size of dinner plates with shock laced on his face with another occupant lying on Sonic's lap...severe burns inflicted upon the Ultimate Lifeform. "Shadow? What happened to him?"
Jolted back to reality, in his facial expression came concern and determination, Sonic shifting to scoop Shadow in his arms, holding him bridal style. "I'll explain later. I know it's late, but right now, I need Miss V's help. Shadow's hurt, and Eggman ambushed us."
"Sonic? What in the world is going on?"
Both boys collectively squeaked with fright at the unexpected voice, elicited with concern, speak within the darkness and simultaneously turned to the door where Vanilla stood wearing a light yellow night gown with a soft, cotton cream-white robe, her expression matching her tone. Behind her, an equally concerned Cream, dressed in a cute white and pink night dress and matching slippers with a sleepy Cheese cradled in her arms, stood.
"Sorry, Miss V, I'll explain later. But I need your help," Sonic quickly cut to the chase, approaching the kindly mother, footsteps softly thudding against the carpet. "Please, Shadow's hurt and this is the only place I could think of coming. You've gotta help him...!"
Without hesitation, her heart bleeding upon her surrogate son's pleading expression and injuries staining the Ultimate Lifeform's fur, churred hairs dried and fizzed, Vanilla relieved Sonic's charge, scooping Shadow with tender motherly care.
"I'll see what I can do, Sonic. You're welcome to stay for the night as well." Vanilla replied, softly smiling.
With a relieved smile, Sonic nodded, softly heaving with genuine gratitude. "Thanks, Miss Vanilla. I seriously owe you."
The kind mother rabbit reciprocated the nod, hastily retreating to one of the other guests rooms, Sonic trotting after her to give aid as much as possible, quickly bidding Chris and Cream a short farewell as he followed Vanilla through the hallway.
"Chris? What happened to Mr. Shadow?" Cream tilted her head with genuine concern.
"I'm just as confused as you are, Cream," Chris shrugged, confusion and concern etched on his features. "He said that Eggman attacked them. I'm sure Sonic will tell us in the morning."
Despite the reassurance Shadow was in safe hands of her mother, concern still gripped at Cream's pure innocent heart, her honey-brown eyes drifting to the retreating forms of her mother and older-brother figure. It was very unfair of Dr. Eggman being so mean and evil, hurting others to achieve his Empire goals. Questions hovered in both children's minds like a thick fog refusing to dissipate.
What in the world had happened with Sonic and Shadow to get attacked by Eggman? And in the middle of the night?
Lost in mixed thoughts of concern, neither of the children took notice of the shimmering glitter of Chaos Energy waving its power in a gentle flow like a small stream within Chris's heart.
Back on the ARK, after the humiliating quick defeat by the spines of a certain blue pesky hedgehog, Dr. Eggman sat slumped against a wall, the impact crashing into a random room destroyed the heavy, automatic doors beyond repair, cluttering pieces of wood and metal as though a boulder shattered everything into miniscule bits. A painful throb screamed through his spleen, with the mother of all headaches pounding his skull like a large rock hitting it, Eggman groaned with agony and irritation.
Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkun were cluttered beside him, briefly knocked offline, their eyes laced with comical death marks and swirled eyes.
"Grrr...That meddling Sonic...!" Eggman growled through his gritted teeth. "How dare he ruin yet another one of my greatest, ingenious schemes?! And in less than 24 hours! What is he trying to do, set a new record of humiliating me with quicker defeats?!"
As the evil doctor continued his childish ranting, something fell from a shelf above upon losing balance upon the crashing impact...
CLANG!
Eggman comically yelped when the mysterious object hit his head the point of bruising before falling onto the floor with a clutter, one hand gingerly covering the aching new spot. "OW! How is it that my grandfather built this place that was supposed to be a medical research facility?! The ARK is more like a death trap!"
Moments in hurling the piece of junk across the hallway, Eggman's eyes soon widened behind his specs, promptly stopping himself as he gazed at the rectangular item in his hand: It was a photo frame, untouched pictuesque frozen in time, the black metal edges and glass unbreakable, four inviduals gazed back at him, three he recognized-no, wait, four...?
An old man, clad in a white coat stood, a white mustache identical to the doctor's, but it was no mistaking it was Professor Gerald Robotik, his late grandfather. Beside him was a twelve year old girl, Maria, her smile beautiful and radiant lifting the edges of her mouth in spite of her incurable illness, with Shadow, unsurprisingly, holding his usual expression, an eyebrow raised of uncertainty. Possibly wondering of the photo being taken.
But the fourth person...Another woman, close to being aged in her early twenties, reaching Gerald's height, wearing a cream-yellow dress reaching her knees and light blue cardigan with another white coat overlapping, long ginger hair reaching her shoulders, and...those eyes and the facial features...
"Huh?!" Eggman's mouth dropped agape, blinking his eyes to check to see if his vision wasn't playing tricks on him. "It can't be! That girl...she looks...just like...No way! Could that kid possibly have been lying?"
That face...she looked identical to Sonic's new friend Chris Thorndyke.
Questions soon swarmed his usually highly intelligent mind, perplex etched across his face. If that boy resembled to this woman, then could it be possible...he was like Shadow all along? Was he put in a statis pod and actually lived here on the Space Colony ARK as a child? Was this mysterious woman his mother?
"Of course...Chaos Control must have brought that kid to Mobius after fifty years, the energy core interacting to my ampifier, interacting without a need of a space pod, and his amnesia was the side effects." Eggman's face crunched with uncertainty.
If so, then like Shadow, Chris Thorndyke's life either began here, or he was one of the only children brought to keep Maria company. One thing he was confident of, that brat held connections with the Ultimate Lifeform, and no doubt the Chaos Emeralds.
A sinister grin stretched to the corners of his lips, an evil cackle bubbling upward. This couldn't be any more perfect! It would seem his search for his ingenious plans had taken a hair-pin turn like a short cut to a destined Palace.
This was an opportunity he couldn't possibly pass!
A/N: Again, I deeply apologize for the lateness of this chapter. I have tried very hard to make it work out, with more ideas unable to fit into here, but they will be saved for the future chapters, that I promise! And also, sorry it's not as good as I hoped it would be, but things have been very busy, I lost track of time. I hope you all still like it. *Sweat drops sheepishly*
Not sure when I'll update this again, but this story will not be abandoned and I aim to continue it as well as my other stories! As for the ending of this chapter, this is just the beginning of more revelations yet to come since things are about to get more intense. *Grins cheekily*
(1) Based on(Warning: Spoilers) the first episode of Sonic X Shadow Generations.
See you later!