Total Eclipse Saga Episode 4 A Matter of Trust
Running through the Black Comet, Eve along with Team Treasure are leading the rest of Team Dark and the Spider Toupe.
"Got anything, Eve," Fiona asks.
"Well, it looks like the center of this overgrown rock is deeper down than I thought, but I think we're closing in on it," Eve says.
"Let's hope so, those Black Arma along with that other alien are coming towards us," Nic says.
Leon turns to see them, "Here they come."
The group begin to make their way down, but skid to a stop to see more Black Arm Aliens beginning an ambush on them. Eve begins with a spin dash at one of the Black Oaks.
"This is going to be harder than I thought," Eve says.
She then calls out, "Spider Troupe. Freedom Fighters. Let's fight!"
And with that, the groups begin their attacks at the Black Arm Aliens.
Back to Team Dark, things are not going well at all. Rouge and Omega are forced to battle against Shadow who is under the Black Arms' control. Shadow has Omega falling to the ground and about to use a Chaos Spear on him.
Omega says, "Shadow! Desist immediately or I will be forced to destroy you!"
Rouge then punches Shadow from behind.
"Destroy him?" Rouge responds, giving Omega a glare.
"I would enjoy providing which of us is stronger. Maiming would be involved. He would heal. Eventually," Omega says.
"We're trying to win Shadow back on our side!" Rouge scolds.
"Query: wouldn't it be better to be honest, then?" Omega questions.
Rouge facepalms in response.
As the two talk, Shadow groans and feels his head hurting. He clutches his head with his hand.
He mutters, "Win… back…"
Unknown to everyone, Death's eye is still flying above the ceiling. He watches the battle and sees Shadow is trying to break control.
Black Death's voice appears, "Do not listen to them. Do not speak to them. DESTROY them."
Shadow opens his eyes to show the same dazed look. Then charges at them.
Rouge calls out, "Here he comes!"
Deep in the new Black Comet, Black Death observes the two fights. Shadow fights off Rouge and Omega, his teammates.
He says to himself, "Hrm… Shadow is showing considerable resistance to my mind control. No wonder Black Doom couldn't control him, same with that other hedgehog, Eve."
He places his claw on his chin and thinks, "I let my thirst for revenge cloud my judgement. Shadow was meant to be our champion, leading us to a swift conquest of the planet. Instead, he betrayed us, and nearly wiped us out with another hedgehog that was given the blood of the Black Arms. I had hoped to invade the world quickly and quietly, let Eclipse neutralize Shadow and Eve, and use the Dark Arms Project to empower my warriors."
Then remembers, "But I never expected to find another being created with Black Arms blood. And instead, we were invaded, and I let Eclipse convince me to waste precious time trying to control Shadow and Eve."
He then looks at the screen, "Using Shadow and Eve to destroy the world they've sworn to protect would be sweet, but… either Shadow will destroy his friends or they will destroy him. Same goes for that girl, Eve. I can work with either scenario… provided the humans and the Mobians, along with their bomb are properly dealt with."
Black Death soon taps into the mind link and says, "Eclipse? Report!"
Elsewhere on the New Black Comet, Team Treasure, the rest of Team Dark, and Spider Troupes have their hands full. The Black Arms are able to find and attack them. They are able to fight off the Black Arms. The Spider Troupe use their blaster to attack a large Black Warrior attacking the robot. Fiona performs powerful kicks as Nic blasts at them. Eve also begins spin dashes at the Black Arms and uses her sword to attack. One of the Black Oak mananged to tear the arm off of the Giga Trooper Molly is in.
At the same time, Eclipse is hiding behind one of the pillars and connects to Black Death.
Eclipse answers, "The humans and Mobians are being… persistent. We've almost secured the nuclear device. So if you'll let me get back to work…"
Eclipse then teleports himself away from the pillar as the Black Warrior is being shot down. Eve, Jazz, Andrews and Fiona regroup unaware that Eclipse teleports himself to each G.U.N soldier and presses his claw against their necks to knock them out, including Leon and Nic
"It looks like we got everything taken care of here,"Eve says.
"Now we just need to keep moving forward," Andrews says.
Then informs, "Leon, get Molly out of the Giga Trooper! Lodge! Cooper! You're with me, Eve, Fiona, and Nic. We're going to secure the Nuke!"
"You and what army?" A sinister voice says from behind.
Before Andrews can react, he feels a sharp claw on his neck, and collapses into unconsciousness in seconds.
"Andrews!" Fiona cries out.
Fiona charges and tries to kick
Fiona tries to kick Eclipse, but he teleports behind her, and knocks her out with his sharp claws.
"Fiona!" Eve cries out.
"Chao Chao!" Jazz cries out, and flies down to attack.
But then Eclipse swats Jazz like a fly and she crashes to the wall.
"Jazz!" Eve cries out.
Eclipse then turns around to see Eve, "Well then, dear sister, looks like it's just you and me."
"Sister?" Eve questions, "Who or what are you?"
"I am Eclipse the Darkling, your brother," Eclipse says, "And it's time that you and Shadow return to where you belong."
"Not gonna happen, punk," Eve says and spin dashes at Eclipse.
Eclipse is able to block the attack, forcing Eve to jump back.
"Well, if that's not going to work, then let's try Chaos Control," Eve says and tries to use her Chaos energy, but nothing.
"Huh? What?" Eve responds, confused.
"So sorry, but your Chaos powers won't work here," Eclipse says, and begins to attack.
Eve dodges and begins to throw a punch, "What are you talking about?"
And punches Eclipse in the face. But then, Eclipse grabs Eve by her ankle and throws her to the ground. Eve looks up in shock to see Eclipse tries to attack, but shde dodges and manages to throw a punch, but Eclipse blocks her.
Eve then brings out her sword, "Then let's see you get a taste of my Chaos Sword!"
Eve tries to channel her Chaos Energy, but she can't activate the sword.
"What? Why… What's going on? Why isn't my Chaos Energy working?" Eve asks, stunned.
"It's like I said, your Chaos powers won't work here," Eclipse says.
Eve then places it back in the scabbard, "Alright then, then I'll have to use brute force."
Eve then speeds towards Eclipse and begins to throw a kick, but Eclipse blocks it. Eve lands on the ground and begins to throw punches and kicks, but Eclipse keeps blocking her, until he teleports behind her. Eve tries to turn around, but he grabs Eve by the neck. Then jabs her on the stomach with his other claws, causing Eve to become paralized.
Eclipse chuckles, "Gotta admit, you put up quite a fight," and then drops Eve to her knees.
Eve struggles to get up, but isn't able to move much. Eclipse then grabs Eve by the back of her head and uses the mind control on her. Eve gasps and her eyes wide in shock.
"Wha… what are you… get… get off of me…" Eve says, struggling to break free.
Eclipse clenches Eve's head as he wraps his other arm around Eve's upper body. Eve struggles to break free, but Eclipse's hold and pralayzed body is preventing her from doing anything.
"Calm yourself sister, I promise, once you've accepted into the Hive Mind, you will be one of us. You don't need to pretend you're one of these creatures. You can be welcomed back to us, a race of powerful immortal warrirors, just like Shadow," Eclipse says.
Eve struggles and softly says, "I'll never give in.. now let me go you…"
Eclipse pressures Eve with his power even harder, "Don't resist, Eve. We are one blood you and I, we possessed the power of Chaos Control. Your purpose is to serve us."
"It… It's not… I made my own path, my own life… I… I refuse too…" Eve says, struggling to break free.
Eclipse says, "I think it's best for you to rest for a while. Just sleep, and everything will be fine in the end, you'll see."
Eve is unable to bear it any longer and soon loses consciousness.
Eclipse sighs in relief, he can understand why Black Doom has struggle controling her.
Eclipse then says, "It's done. Just get some rest, and we'll take care of everything."
Then turns to the Black Arms, "Alright, let's destroy these humans and those other three Mobians.
Before he can do anything Black Death communicates through the mind link saying, "Do not kill the humans and Mobians."
Eclipse angrily says, "The corridor is almost literally carpeted with my fallen brothers. Don't tell me to show them mercy now."
"I am the one giving the orders, Eclipse. The Humans and Mobians will provide better nourishment for the young if they're eaten alive," Black Death says.
Eclipse calmly says, "Ahh, I see. My apologies. Congratulations on the extended lease on life-dinner."
He turns his head and says, "Handle the humans and two Mobians with care, brothers. We don't want the next generations' meal too tenderized. Haha!" then picks up Eve in his arms, "And I'll handle our sister with extra care. I know what to do with her."
The Black Arms begins to come out and pick up the humans and Mobians.
Eclipse commands, "Get the last human out of the mechanical… thing… and take him with the others. You there! Pick up that bomb. It's coming with us."
The Black Arms do under Eclipse's orders. Two of the Black Oak, rip open the robot and grab Molly.
Molly struggles to break out of their grip, "Let me go, you big creeps!"
Another Black Arm grabs the Nuke and lifts it up and takes it with her. Two others managed to pick the rest of Team Treasure.
Eclipse says, "We're taking them to the most secure place on the comet."
Sometime later, the Black arms carry the unconscious humans and the Mobians and Chao into a room with Eclipse taking the lead.
The Black Arms continue to carry the bomb and the unconscious beings into a large room with reddish-like eggs. Once inside, the Black Arms begins to use some substance to trap the humans in some cocoon, and the other has the Nuke in possession. And Eclipse personally has Eve in his possession.
"Behold, lone conscious and terrified human! The fruits of my labor! The future of the Black Arms!" Eclipse announces.
He walks to one of the eggs and places his claw on it as he holds the unconscious Eve in the other.
He says, "This is the nursery for my beautiful little Dark Arms. Nobody is allowed in here-not even my kin-unless I'm here to supervise. Here they're perfectly safe."
As Eclipse looks at the egg, the Black Arms cover the humans and two Freedom Fighters up to their heads in strange blue sticky gunk.
Eclipse turns to face the humans and Mobians, "As for you and your friends-in a way. You'll be the much-needed first meal for my little darlings. Think of it- you'll be giving my kind a second chance to thrive."
Eclipse walks to Molly who has the strange substance covered up to her shoulders and is barely conscious, after the Black Arms placed her in it.
He calmly says, "In case you don't know, you'll find the bio-clay to be unbreakable by your flimsy hands, once it hardens. Until then, the neurotoxin you've been breathing will keep you nice and paralyzed."
Despite losing consciousness, Molly struggles to break free, "Wha-what are you going to do to her?"
"Oh, you shouldn't worry about my 'sister,' she'll be with us. After all, she is part of my kind," Eclipse says.
This upsets Molly, "Eve… she's… she's nothing like you? Are you trying to destory her?"
"Oh, I don't plan to destroy her. Once we finish invading your planet, Shadow and Eve will remain with us. They are basically Black Arms. Shadow will be the Black Arm Warrior he is meant to be," Eclipse says.
He then turns to Eve, "As for Eve, she is proven to be our warrior, but I also feel that my Dark Arms needs a caregiver."
Molly is stunned to hear what Eclipse has plans for both Shadow and Eve.
Once all the humans are secured, Eclipse and the Black Arms begin to leave the room with the Nuke in the Black Oak's possession. And Eve is still in Eclipse's possession.
As they leave, Eve slowly mutters, "Sonic… Shadow… let me go…" and ends up losing consciousness again.
"So sorry dear sister, but you'll be staying with us. But do not worry, you'll be serving a new purpose among the Black Arms and my new Dark Arms," Eclipse says.
He then evilly smirks, "Today is just coming up aces! I wonder how our brother, Shadow is doing?"
Meanwhile, Rouge and Omega are having problems of their own. Rouge flies at Shadow, but spin dashes at her. Omega reaches his claw out and catches her. Shadow lands on the ground and begins to teleport.
Omega says, "Warning! We need to finish this before we have to-"
"I know! I KNOW!" Rouge dsays, frustrated and feel pain in her head, "I'm thinking…"
She then remembers from earlier at G.U.N HQ.
Flashback: G.U.N HQ
Commander Tower says, "Rouge? Omega? Leon? Molly? Fiona? Nic? A word please…"
Eve and Shadow take their leave with Jazz while the rest of their teams stay in the meeting room to talk to Commander Tower.
"Commander, what is it?" Molly asks.
"We've got a space mission to prepare for, Abe. Do we really need extra homework now?"
Commander Tower sighs and says, "Shadow and Eve are a liability."
"Liability?" Fiona questions.
"Shadow and Eve are heroes," Rouge says.
"Reminder: Ranks are not bulletproof," Omega says.
Fiona rolls her eyes, "Oh brother."
Leon then asks, "Commander, why do you think that?"
"I'm mainly saying it out of concern," Commander Tower says, "The fact that both Shadow and Eve are part alien. We're utilizing that for this mission… but we cannot turn a blind eye to it being a possible edge for the Black Arms as well."
"I'm guessing you mean the last time they attack," Leon suspects.
"Yes. The last time they were here, Black Doom tried to control Eve, and tried to manipulate her and Shadow," Molly says.
"Then we'll keep an eye on them," Rouge says.
"So what's the problem?" Nic asks, shrugging her shoulders.
"Yes. And if either one of them were to fall into their control, you're going to neutralize them," Commander Tower says.
"What?!" Fiona and Nic exclaim in shock.
"How dare you?!" Rouge says, angrily, "We're-!"
"You four know Shadow the best…" Commander Tower says to Rouge and the rest of Team Dark. then turns to Fiona and Nic, "And you two are Eve's teammates. Therefore, I know what you all can do in order to break them free if the Black Arms try to control them. The last thing we need is for them to fall into the Black Arms hands and lead the invasion."
Seeing this, Fiona asks, "I'm guessing there's something else that's bothering you."
"There is," Commander Tower says, "It's Maria, I'm also worried about."
"Maria?" Rouge questions.
"Yes. Professor Gerald was able to save her life, by using Shadow and Eve's blood in his cure, and regretfully, they also contain Black Doom's DNA. If the Black Arms were to find any of this out…" Commander Tower says.
"Maria could also be put in danger of being captured," Molly says.
"Yes. And that is something that we can't allow to happen, for all their sake," Commander Tower says.
"Don't worry, we'll be sure nothin' happens to any of them," Nic says.
"Good to hear," Commander Tower says, "I trust you all will do what needs to be done."
Flashback Ends:
Rouge begins to think really hard, and comes up with an idea.
She sighs, and says, "I can't believe I have to do this again," then approaches Omega who has Shadow holding him down, "Get off of him."
"Are you sure?" I have not successfully beaten senses nor a concussion into him yet," Omega asks.
"Just move already," Rouge sternly says.
Omega moves out of the way while Rouge stands in front of Shadow with her arms crossed.
Rouge says, "I know the real Shadow can hear me, so listen up. You're the Ultimate Lifeform. You're too strong and too stubborn to let these aliens get into your head. I figure you've got some kind of inner struggle. Now that you'll tell us- you prefer to brood and internalize. But this is for the sake of everyone back home. So are you going to get your act together, or am I going to have to get sappy and invoke Maria and Eve for the hundredth time?"
Suddenly, Shadow launches a Chaos Spear pass Rouge. Rouge and the others quickly look up to see the Death's Eye.
Shadow fights for control and says, "Omega… alien… ten o' clock… high… controlling…"
"Understood!" Omega says, and fires its weapons.
The Death's Eye begins to fly away and dodge the attack. Sadly, the Death's Eye is able to escape. Shadow groans and grunts in pain as he is able to break out of the mind control.
Rouge helps Shadow up as she asks, "Did that clear your head?"
"...They're gone now. I'm back in trouble. I never should have lost it," Shadow says, feeling remorse.
Then says, "I nearly."
"But you didn't…" Rouge quickly says.
"How did you know I wouldn't?" Shadow asks.
"Because… I trust you," Rouge answers.
Shadow turns his head to face Rouge.
Rouge says, "Yeah. That's coming from me. We've been through a lot together. And I let my guard down around you. You got my back."
Rouge then nudges Shadow's arm, "That, and I knew that crack about Maria and Eve would tick you off."
"Hmph," Shadow responds, "Careful. We're in danger of becoming all buddy-buddy like Sonic and Eve's Freedom Fighters."
"Discusson of Team Status is irrelevant-the target escaped. This needs to be corrected with fire," Omega says.
"Oh, not just yet. You have to admit to the comradery, too," Rouge says.
"Fine," Omega says, "I find Shadow inspirational, and you two are the only meat bags I tolerate… trust… along with Leona and Molly… and maybe Topaz and Rachel back on the planet."
"Hmph," Shadow responds, "Thank you, Omega. Rouge. It's good to have partners like you."
Then Omega asks, "May we resume the violent conquest now?"
"Yes," Shadow says, "You two will check on Eve, her team, and the Spider Troupe, and then ensure the bomb is deployed. I will…"
But Rouge says, "Oh, no you don't. We just broke the mind control. You're not going to run off on your own and get caught again."
But Shadow releases his Chaos Energy and says, "... I will eliminate Black Death, their leader. That will draw the Black Arms away from you. Nothing will stop me from my revenge."
Rouge shields her eyes in response.
"Okay. Okay. We're convinced," Rouge says.
"As I said-inspirational," Omega says.
Then says, "Concern: the tracking signal for Spider Troupe and the Freedom Fighters are weak, and the alien architecture is maze-like locating them will be difficult."
Shadow says, "No. Since Black Death got into my head, I've got a much stronger connection to the hive-mind. I can direct you," Shadow says, "TEAM DARK, MOVE OUT!"
With that, Rouge and Omega go down the left path while Shadow takes the right.
Rouge and Omega head deeper inton the comet as they are being attacked by vicious vines.
"Looks like we're going deeper down. What should we be looking for?" Rouge asks, through the communicator.
Shadow says, "You'll exist into a larger chamber. Look for tunnels heading upward. They should be at about three o' clock for your position."
Rouge and Omega reach to an area that seems to have a circle base in the middle. It has a glowing center with four rock formations.
"Understood. We're not meeting any resistance. What about you?" Rouge asks.
Shadow simply answers, "I'm encountering some. Nothing I can't handle."
Shadow does end up meeting resistance. He throws Chaos spears at them and uses his speed to find their leader.
They soon reach the entrance on the left. They all are surprised to see Team Treasure and the others, including the Spider Troupe, are trapped in the wall.
"Found them! I think they're still alive!" Rouge says.
"I am obligated to be pleased by this," Omega says.
Rouge and Omega begin to unpeel the claw off of everyone in the room.
Rouge pulls the claw off of Andrews and asks, "Captain? Can you hear me?"
"Yesss… C-can almost m-move again… too weak to break out?" Andrews answers, sounding very weak.
"Can you walk?" Rouge asks.
"Yesss, I think so," Andrews softly answers.
Omega peels the clay off of Cooper and asks, "Where is the glorious nuclear device?"
"H-he took it…" Cooper weakly answers.
"Who took it?" Rouge asks.
Fiona says, "Some Black Arm… he… he looks like Shadow and Eve…"
Then Molly says, "And he… He also took… Eve… He took her with him…"
Rouge reaches her ear piece and says, "Rouge to Shadow. Spider Troupe says the Nuke was taken by an alien like you. He also took Eve too. Who is he? What is he?"
"Eclipse," Shadow says, "I'll explain later. He is extremely dangrous. You need to get Eve away from him and take him out as fast as possible."
Omega cheers, "I will destroy whoever the challenger is identified as!"
"If Shadow says he's 'Etremely dangerous,' you're going to need back-up. I'm coming with you," Rouge says.
"If you insist," Omega says.
Rouge says, "We can't spare anyone to escort you back. But with Shadow heading for their leafer, and Omega and I heading for the Nuke, I doubt they'll prioritize recapuring you," Rouge says, "Good luck."
"Thank you… for coming… for us," Andrews says, weakly.
Fiona struggles and says, "We're… going with… you."
"No you're not. You're all still weakened," Rouge says.
"But what about…" Nic asks.
"Chao Chao," Jazz replies.
"Don't worry, we'll go get Eve and set the Nuke, you all get back to the ship," Rouge says.
Meanwhile, Shadow continues to fight the Black Arms that are coming his way. He has his hand on the wall to gain access to the right direction.
Shadow informs Captain Andrews, , "Captain- there seems to be a direct route back to the shuttle. They may have been planning an ambush earlier, but the way is clear now. Take the right fork ahead, then follow the left hand wall."
Shadow slides under a Black Warrior and says to Rouge, "Omega! Rouge! Eclipse is seven o' clock from your position-a straight shot. He has a Black Oak with him. It has the Nuke! And Eclipse has Eve! Hurry!"
And of course, that doesn't escape Black Death's radar.
Black Death informs the Black Arms with his mind link, "Warriors-head to the Dark Arms' nursery. Move the incubators to the shuttle. Do it quickly."
Hearing this, Eclipse quickly asks, "Wait, what? What's happening?"
"The humans and Mobians are no longer captive. Shadow is free of my control and Shadow is coming for me," Black Death answers.
This shocked Eclipse, "What?! But I… I thought we…"
Bue Eclipse realizes in rage, "Wait, they were in the nursery?! Did they hurt the Dark Arms? I'll hunt them down and rip-!"
But Black Death says, "The Dark Arms are unharmed. The Bat Woman and Machine heading your way. Do not let them get the bomb."
"I…" Eclipse says, about to protest, but decides to agree, "Yes master."
Meanwhile, Shadow is speeding away from the Black Warriors who are firing at him.
Suddenly, Black Death's eye flies towards him, "Shadow."
Shadow turns his head, "Black Death. Just like Black Doom, you hide behind this one-eyed… thing."
Black Death says through the eye, "It doesn't have to be like this. I exerted my control because I didn't think you would listen."
"There is nothing to listen to," Shadow says, and kicks the warrior.
Shadow then hurries down the hall as the Death Eye.
Death Eye says, "You and Eve don't belong with the people of this planet! You are not one of them! You can never be!"
"I belong nowhere. I have chosen my home. My fate," Shadow says.
Black Death's eye coils its tentacle around Shadow's arm, "You are dooming us to extinction You cannot-!"
Shadow grabs the Black Death's eye by its tentacles and slams it to the wall. Shadow then reaches a sealed up entrance.
"I can," Shadow says.
Shadows holds his fist creating Chaos Energy, "AND I WILL!"
Then slams the metal entrance through. In the chamber, Black Death turns to see Shadow has shattered the entrance and is entering the room. Soon, Shadow and Black Death begin to have a showdown.