Entry 74
Forging My Own Path
''I will forge through smoke and steel, breaking free, but can I heal? The answer waits beyond the fire, a pyre built from my desire. What's the price for what I seek? A future grim, a heart too weak? The line I walk is burning clear, yet I press on, despite the fear.''
– Embers of the Abyss by ABOKAI Release (Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings)
xXxXxXx
''Can you hold it up?'' Makoto asked, with Silver having put up a cyan barrier around Eden to keep the Black Arms out.
''I can, but you'll have to hurry!'' Silver replied, gritting his teeth as he focused all of his energy on keeping the barrier up and sealing any cracks that have formed due to the aliens' relentless attacks.
''Give me a moment,'' Makoto replied, his own eyes glowing cyan as he held up all of the sharp gardening tools Eden had to offer, directing them towards the Black Arms and focusing. ''Drop it, now!''
Silver did as told, with Makoto launching all of the tools at high speeds, ranging from sharp prunes to pick-axes to saws to pitchforks, the aliens who got hit either writhing due to the pain or bleeding out on the ground. Silver then quickly found himself at Makoto's side. ''Let's go!''
Makoto nodded, with the two using the psychokinesis to get out of Eden, being the last ones to make it out. They had been busy with the evacuation at Eden, making sure that everyone in the area made it out before they left, but not before they caused some casualties on the Black Arms side. Currently, they were moving through Westoru, searching for anyone they could help, with Silver sporting a grim expression.
''This isn't any different from what happens to Neos City in my future,'' he said. Makoto gave him a look of concern.
''Don't worry, we will defeat the Black Arms,'' he said in an assuring tone, but that didn't seem to lift Silver's spirits.
''Even if we defeat the Black Arms, there is still Mephiles, and we know how that one turns out,'' Silver said, narrowing his eyes. ''I won't let him win!''
Makoto's eyes narrowed, as he could sense Silver's worry and rage, as the grey hedgehog felt quite strongly about the whole situation. He was desperate to protect the future, but he would instead find himself facing dangers at every turn that could lead to that future being completely ruined. Makoto then gazed down at their surroundings, noting how the urban landscape had changed, being covered in a strange mass, with Eden being overrun by the red fruit trees that were the mark of Black Arms territory. He did recognize this kind of environment from his own experience with the video game lore, but seeing it in person was rather horrifying.
They eventually landed at a narrow alleyway when Silver suddenly got a call on his AR Visor, both wondering at first if it was Lucas, only to be surprised by the caller.
''Silver, are you okay? What is going on?!''
''Blaze?!''
Both Silver and Makoto stared at the holographic screen, stunned that they got called by Blaze out of all people, with Sana and Marine standing beside her.
''We have been trying to reach you for the past hour, but our call just couldn't get through. We saw conversations online about Neos City being almost completely blocked off from any communication from the outside, getting practically cut off from the rest of Starpoint Area,'' Blaze explained. ''They claimed that the AR Field had gone out of control, to the point of fully blocking access to the city.''
''Well, they're not wrong. We've been attacked by an alien race called Black Arms and they're currently in control of the AR Fields,'' Silver replied, turning the holographic screen in such manner that it allowed Blaze, Sana and Marine see what was going on with their own eyes. Silver and Makoto could hear them gasp in shock, staring at disbelief at what happened.
''The Black Arms are Irregulars, though, and part of the Sonic video game lore,'' Makoto quickly added. ''We already have an idea why they might be here, but so far, all we can do is fight back.''
''I wish I could help you,'' Blaze said, a sudden burst of flame revealing the red Sol Emerald in her hands. ''I can feel the Sol Emeralds calling me to be used, but unfortunately, we haven't managed to gather all of them so I can fully harness their power.''
''Don't worry, we can manage the situation here,'' Silver assured her, with Blaze giving Silver a determined gaze. Despite her duty towards the Surya Empire, Blaze was hellbent to aid her friends in defeating the Black Arms. Sana and Marine clearly shared these thoughts, but they knew it wasn't possible for them to get to a city that was isolated in such manner.
''Do you have any plans?'' Sana asked.
''Lucas seems to have a plan, or is at least in the process of coming up with one. The most we can do is to fight against the Black Arms,'' Makoto replied.
''Why would those aliens even attack Neos City?'' Marine asked, raising an eyebrow.
''It's a long story, but I'm sure you can check the lore online,'' Makoto replied, sighing. Both suddenly heard someone shouting, him and Silver exchanging glances. They knew that they needed to leave, and it appeared that their callers understood that as well.
''Stay safe,'' Blaze said, with Silver and Makoto nodding and the call ending. The two then exited their hiding spot, only to find several Black Arms emerging from the red and black mass, attacking a an unit of Irregular Hunters as they were attempting to clear the street. They attempted to help them, only to get blocked by another group of aliens emerging right in their path. Makoto and Silver frowned, ready to destroy the aliens, only see them getting blasted by Egg Pawns, much to their shock.
''What are Badniks doing here?'' Makoto asked, his eyes wide. Surprisingly, the Egg Pawns ignored them completely, focusing instead solely on the Black Arms.
''Do you think Eggman sent them to help us fight against the Black Arms?'' Silver asked. Makoto shrugged.
''I don't know, but I doubt that Eggman would want to help us without having some ulterior motive. Nevertheless, they aren't unwelcome,'' he replied.
xXx
''The Badniks are making good progress,'' Neo Metal Sonic commented, him and Ferra observing the streets below from a building. Having realized that they would need more firepower to defeat the Black Arms, Metal Sonic transformed into Neo Metal Sonic, aiding Ferra in leading the Badniks against the aliens. So far, the army of robots were doing well against the aliens, who appeared to be inexperienced with battling the Badniks, attacking spots that would probably incapacitate a living being, but do minimum damage to a robot.
''They are, but we're dealing here with cannon fodder. Our actual target is Black Doom,'' Ferra replied.
''That coward won't show himself,'' Neo Metal Sonic growled.
''Honestly, I believe that he is around, keeping an eye on one particular person. If we want to find Black Doom, we will have to find Shadow,'' Ferra told him, furrowing a brow. ''However, I doubt that that will be easy.''
''Then, what are you planning on doing?'' Neo Metal Sonic asked.
''I believe that we should keep track of Team Neos,'' Ferra responded. ''We'll be able to track down Black Doom's whereabouts and inform Dr. Eggman about whatever plans both sides have.'' She got on her hoverboard, beckoning Neo Metal Sonic to follow her. ''Let's go!''
xXx
''Keep all the entrances blocked!'' Honey exclaimed, checking on her employees as she ran through the building. ''We can't let any of those things get inside!''
Honey was completely caught off guard when the Black Arms invasion had started, but even then, she was level-headed enough to order an immediate lockdown of her company, making sure all of her employees were safe. Even though she knew how to fight, she was a fashionista and the CEO first and foremost, and the safety of everyone at HC was her priority. Fortunately, she made sure that the building had proper security, so they wouldn't have to worry about the aliens breaking inside, but Honey knew that the same couldn't be said for everyone else in Neos City.
She placed her hand on her head, feeling an oncoming headache, but she knew she had to keep a cool head. As she lifted her head, suddenly saw something black and red flying past the window she was standing next to, with Honey running up to it, wondering what it was.
xXx
Shadow boosted through the Corruption-infused surfaces in his Doom Morph form, getting through Sentoraru with no issues, as there was no reason for him to fight through the Black Arms-infested streets. He couldn't see any civilians, wondering if they had been kidnapped by the aliens or if they had managed to get to a safe spot and hide until all of this was over. He knew that he couldn't help them and that his presence would only bring destruction, so he focused on his own mission and nothing else.
Find the Chaos Emeralds. Save Touka. Defeat Black Doom.
Doom Morph Shadow repeated those three sentences constantly in his mind like a mantra. He could sense another Chaos Emerald in Eas, knowing that he would be one step closer to his goal. He eventually landed on the ground, his Doom Morph form dispersing in bursts of darkness as he took a look around his surroundings, only to be surprised by a Black Flash, which suddenly teleported and produced holographic clones to attack Shadow. Shadow easily destroyed the clones with Doom Spears, before using Doom Blast to knock the alien into the air, then teleported and delivered a powerful kick that destroyed it. Shadow only took a moment to orient himself, his ears twitching when he heard someone shouting.
''Shadow! Hey, Shadow!''
Quills bristling and eyes glowing red, Shadow suddenly turned around, ready to fight against whoever decided to interrupt him. His anger was quickly replaced with surprise when he realized that the ones calling him were the Chaotix Detectives. This was the first time he encountered someone familiar during this whole invasion, not counting Eggman considering how he is an enemy. He still remained on guard, aware that, even if the Chaotix were his allies, they might've learned about his true origins and deemed him an enemy. It was incredibly difficult for him to trust anyone, especially in these circumstances, even if it were people he knew. So, he kept his distance. However, it appeared that the Chaotix misunderstood his caution for his usual reserved demeanor, because Vector approached him unabashedly.
''It's good to see you, Shadow! We've been searching for someone from Team Neos to deliver this,'' Vector said, showing Shadow the purple Chaos Emerald. The dark hedgehog's eyes widened in surprise, as he was a bit stunned that he had managed to find the fourth Chaos Emerald so easily, having expected that he'd spend some time searching for it, if not even fighting over it. Instead, Vector just walked over to him, giving him the Chaos Emerald. ''Here. You and Team Neos know what to do with the Chaos Emerald better than us.''
Shadow remained quiet, just staring at the Chaos Emerald as the purple gem reflected the red glow from his eyes. It was only then that the Chaotix realized that something was wrong.
''Uh, hey, where is Touka?'' Charmy asked, looking concerned when he saw Shadow's reaction. The dark hedgehog's eyes widened, his quills bristling once again. Espio was suddenly on his guard, realizing that something was wrong. Vector, on the other hand, took a different approach.
''Shadow, are you okay?'' he asked carefully. Shadow suddenly stepped back, turning to the side as if he was about to leave. ''You know that we can help you.''
''I don't need your help,'' Shadow growled, shooting a glare at them, his eyes once again glowing red as he heard a voice in his head, whispering to him. What do they know? What can they do about your loss? They're only wasting your time. Perhaps, you should destroy them so they wouldn't get in your way again.
Shadow groaned in anguish, feeling as if the darkness was enveloping him. He could hear his call, he could hear him trying to take control over his body, to force Shadow to hurt his allies. He fought against the voice, trying to regain control over his mind. He could see the Chaotix trying to approach him, realizing something was wrong, but he couldn't let them. He couldn't let them anywhere close to him, else they would get into danger. However, Black Doom was quite persistent, with Doom's Eye appearing above them, displaying the holographic projection of the leader of the Black Arms.
''Heheh… You are still trying to resist my influence, but I can feel your strength of will diminishing. This is the proof of your connection to the Black Arms, the bond with your kin. Soon, we will take over this city and crush this pathetic resistance. Don't keep me waiting, Shadow. Bring me the Chaos Emeralds!'' Black Doom said, the holographic projection vanishing as Doom's Eye flew away.
Shadow suddenly felt incredibly cold, as if someone poured a bucket filled with ice over him. He glanced at the Chaotix, Charmy and Vector looking quite disturbed by what they saw and heard, while Espio was holding a kunai in his hand, glaring at the dark hedgehog and ready to fight him if necessary. Shadow knew that they didn't trust him, especially not after seeing his interaction with Black Doom.
''Shadow, who was that?'' Vector asked, trying to keep a cool head. He could feel the tension in the air and he knew that the last thing he needed was to aggravate Shadow even more, especially since the dark hedgehog was looking quite agitated. He was well aware that Shadow could easily take down all three of them and he wanted to believe that Shadow wasn't an ally of the Black Arms. He just couldn't be, but still, his detective instincts told him to remain careful.
However, Shadow refused to respond to Vector's question, instead rushing away with the purple Chaos Emerald, and to the detectives' shock, turned into a black and red squid-like being, using the purple and black mass to travel across the city.
''What was that?!'' Charmy asked suddenly, snapping Vector and Espio out of their stunned state.
''I don't know, but I don't believe we should've given Shadow the Chaos Emerald,'' Espio said, frowning. ''He may have betrayed us.''
''What do you think, Vector?'' Charmy asked, turning to the crocodile.
''I wouldn't be so sure about the betrayal theory,'' Vector replied. ''First, we got no evidence that Shadow is a bad guy, and second, he didn't look too happy to see that alien guy.''
''I believe that was the leader of the Black Arms,'' Espio said.
Before they could continue, they were surprised by a sudden flash of blue, with Sonic stopping right in front of them.
''Hey, guys, have you seen Shadow?'' Sonic asked. ''I've been following him since Sentoraru.''
''Yeah, he was just here, leaving after we gave him the Chaos Emerald we had found,'' Vector explained, pointing into the direction Shadow went.
''Did you know that he is working with the Black Arms?'' Espio asked, giving Sonic a scrutinizing gaze.
''Dude, he's not working with the Black Arms…'' Sonic started, only for Espio to interrupt him.
''But he is a Black Arms alien,'' Espio stated. Sonic realized that they knew about Shadow's connection to the Black Arms, deciding not to fight it.
''Yeah, from what I know, he's a hybrid… But, he's not helping them,'' Sonic said in a firm tone. ''I've been trying to track him down to check on him.''
''Do you have a plan how to stop this invasion?'' Vector asked.
''We do, sort of…'' Sonic rubbed the back of his head. ''All I know is that we need Shadow for this.'' He then lifted his head as he turned towards where Vector had pointed him to. ''Stay safe, guys.''
Sonic then dashed off, determined to catch up to Shadow as soon as possible.
xXx
Doom Morph Shadow had been travelling towards Souto, feeling a sense of numbness spreading through his body. Both Eggman and the Chaotix now knew that he was a Black Arms hybrid, and he was sure this information would spread, with his teammates becoming aware of it, if they weren't already. He couldn't face them, not like this. He knew that he was nothing but a monster, a horrifying alien and this power, the Doom Morph, only affirmed this reality and strengthened his connection to the hive mind.
Even though he still had the willpower to fight off Black Doom, he knew that, as his anger and despair kept growing, so would his influence. Shadow feared that, at some point, he wouldn't be able to control himself anymore and lose his body, mind and soul to Black Doom. If that happened, he didn't want any of his teammates to be near him. He didn't want to hurt anyone.
Shadow was lost in his thoughts, not noticing the sudden flash of blue pinballing upwards and forcing the black and red squid to stop and land on the Corruption-infused street between two buildings. Shadow remained in his Doom Morph form, standing on the mass as he stared in shock as he realized who had stopped him.
''I finally found you, Faker!'' Sonic grinned, standing on the part of the street that was devoid of Corruption, having finally cornered the hybrid. Shadow didn't answer, with Sonic wondering whether his rival wasn't answering because he couldn't talk in this form or because he was being stubborn. ''Shadow, I know it's you. You don't have to pretend to be one of them.''
''Stay away!''
Sonic was startled when Shadow suddenly shouted at him. The hybrid looked as if he was ready to attack him, with Sonic holding his hands up in defense, realizing that Shadow was in extreme distress. He felt sorry for him, his resolve to help him only getting stronger.
''Shadow, please…'' Sonic started, his tone soft and gentle, stepping towards the hybrid. ''I know you're upset and I know you won't hurt me unless I get too obnoxious. I just want to talk to you.''
There was a moment of silence, with the hybrid just staring at him as Sonic gazed back into his red eyes. Then, the hybrid moved forward, leaving the purple and black mass and dropping the Doom Morph. Sonic was relieved to see him, but he could see that Shadow was still anxious, keeping a distance. It was obvious that Shadow was going through a lot, to the point that he isolated himself from everyone, including Sonic.
''I know that you're going through a lot, Shads, but I will be always there to support you,'' Sonic continued when Shadow didn't respond, stepping closer. He was glad to see that Shadow let him into his space, his aggression fading into exhaustion.
''Why would you support an ugly, disgusting creature like me?'' Shadow asked. Sonic's ears were pinned back when he heard Shadow's hollow voice. He sounded so defeated, so repulsed with himself.
''Shadow, I…'' Sonic attempted to comfort him, only to trail off when he saw Shadow shaking, hands pressed against his head, his crimson eyes glowing.
''Black Doom has been trying to get into my head to take control over me, and even though I've been trying to fight against him, I can feel that connection growing. I am no different than the Black Arms,'' Shadow replied, hand placed over a glowing eye. His expression was that of someone who was in complete despair, not knowing whether to cry or laugh, whether to be angry or apathetic. He felt so many things, but at the same time, he felt completely empty, his soul on the brink of being shattered. It was as if all that pressure he had been under suddenly came crashing down. A dark mass suddenly started to swirl around the hedgehog as he slowly gave into his despair. ''I shouldn't have been created… Touka has been taken by Black Doom because of me and I don't even know whether she's still alive or not… I keep pressing on, despite the fear, but I just feel so exhausted… I-I just…''
Shadow's eyes suddenly grew wide when he felt Sonic wrapping his hands around him, pulling him into a tight hug. The dark energy that surrounded him dissipated and the glow in his eyes dimmed as he felt the warmth of Sonic's embrace. He froze, not even knowing what to do for a moment, only to feel something wet trail down his cheek. He trembled, his limbs and chest feeling incredibly heavy as he felt as if he was suffocating. He tried to focus on breathing, but the weight he felt grew heavier and heavier as another tear flew down his cheek. He tried to push all those emotions away, refusing to let them overwhelm him, but he couldn't.
He felt broken.
''Shadow, it's okay…'' Sonic whispered as he felt Shadow hugging him back with, keeping a vice-like grip on his back. ''You're not to blame for what has happened…''
''Black Doom is going to kill everyone because of me!'' Shadow snapped, facing Sonic, his eyes now filled with tears. ''I am his soldier and once I lose control, he will use me to destroy all of you!''
''Shadow, none of that will happen. I won't let it happen!'' Sonic responded in a firm tone, giving Shadow a determined look. ''I know you, and I know that you would never let yourself be controlled by anyone. You're too stubborn for that. And even if that does happen, I will make sure to snap you back to reality. I'm not giving up on you, no matter what, and you shouldn't either! If I have to fight you to save you, you can bet that I will kick your ass until you're back to normal, and then we'll beat up Black Doom together!''
''Sonic…'' Shadow trailed off, only to feel a glove on his cheek, wiping away the tears. Sonic gave him an empathetic smile.
''Do you feel a little better now?'' Sonic asked.
''I…'' Shadow wanted to tell him that he was fine, that he didn't have to worry, but he couldn't. He was done with keeping up a front. ''I… don't.''
''Do you want another hug?'' Sonic asked, a small smile appearing on his lips. Shadow nodded, with Sonic pulling him into another embrace and putting all the unsaid reassurance into it, hoping that Shadow would find solace in it. He had no idea how much time had passed, but he didn't care. He knew that Shadow needed this and they were going to stay like this until Sonic made sure that he felt better. Moments later, Shadow pulled back a little, but he still kept his hands on Sonic's waist, having finally calmed down.
''I shouldn't have broken down so easily…'' Shadow muttered, feeling slightly embarrassed by this whole thing, but Sonic shook his head.
''If you didn't break down now, you would've broken down later, and knowing you, half of the city would probably get blown up,'' Sonic said. Shadow snorted, even smiling a little, with the cobalt hedgehog feeling glad to get such reaction. He then gave Shadow a serious expression. ''Also, don't ever call yourself an 'ugly, disgusting creature'. First, it doesn't suit you, and second, I can confirm that you're way more handsome than you think. Well, not as handsome as me, but I think you already know that.''
Shadow rolled his eyes in response to the comment, while Sonic just laughed softly at his reaction. He could sense Shadow relax a little, having finally managed to drag him out of his dark thoughts and thrown into more familiar territory. However, Shadow did lower his gaze, muttering, ''You saw me in that form…''
''Yeah, so? I mean I still think you look hot, even as a squid.''
''…the Doom Morph- Wait, what did you say?''
Shadow rose an eyebrow, giving Sonic a questioning look, only to be met with a slightly panicked look from Sonic, who once again said something without thinking about it, only registering now the meaning of his words.
''W-Wait, I meant- I still like you the way you are! I don't care whether you're Black Arms or not-'' Sonic quickly added, his fawn muzzle now red as a tomato from embarressement. Truth to be told, he just wanted to assure Shadow, only to end up saying too much. His moment of panic only lasted so long, though, replaced with surprise when he suddenly heard Shadow laughing. The dark hedgehog placed his fist over his mouth, trying to stifle the laughter, but it was obviously not working.
''I should've expected you would say something like that. You really don't think things through,'' Shadow commented.
''Yeah, that's true…'' Sonic grumbled, only to perk up. ''But, hey, I got you to laugh. That has to count for something.''
''Indeed, you did,'' Shadow agreed, placing his hand on Sonic's muzzle and caressing it with his thumb, before pulling him into a comforting kiss. God, he loved his idiot boyfriend.
''I'm really happy to see that you feel better now,'' Sonic said, his tail wagging. He then gave him a determined look. ''So, what's the next move? I know you've been gathering Chaos Emeralds, and I want to help you in any way possible.''
''I wanted to do this on my own. I wanted to save Touka by myself and defeat Black Doom with my own hands,'' he said in a firm tone.
''That's understandable,'' Sonic said. ''He hurt you, so it's no surprise you'd want to defeat him on your own. However, don't forget that you're not alone. Everyone in Team Neos is fighting against the Black Arms, and we all believe that you're also doing your best to fight against Black Doom. We trust you more than you think and we will help you the best we can.''
''Thank you,'' Shadow replied, smiling as he felt the burden on his shoulders crumbling and leaving him with a sense of ease. ''You can help me by finding another Chaos Emerald. The faster we gather them, the sooner we can defeat the Black Arms and Black Doom.''
''I'm already on it,'' Sonic said, smirking as he tapped on his AR Visor, showing the holographic screen of the map with the dots showcasing the location of the remaining Chaos Emeralds. ''Tails and Warren made this for me and Lucas so we could track you down by finding the Chaos Emeralds.''
''I see… I guess I also need to apologize to Tails,'' Shadow muttered. He then took a deep breath, giving Sonic a determined look, clenching his fist. ''I've sensed a Chaos Emerald somewhere near Cosmo River.''
Sonic nodded. ''If you're going there, I should check the other two locations and see what I can find. We'll then meet up again and search for the location of the last Chaos Emerald.''
''Right,'' Shadow nodded, only to get a peck on the cheek from Sonic.
''If you ever feel like Black Doom tries to control you, give me a call and I'll be there in no time to stop him,'' Sonic assured him.
''Since when did you get so protective?'' Shadow asked.
''Of course I'll get protective, since you got threatened,'' Sonic pointed out. He then slowly turned, about to leave. ''I'll see you soon!''
Shadow observed as Sonic left, dashing off into the distance. Shadow placed his hand over his chest, feeling his heart pounding. Despite everything, he felt relief after this conversation with Sonic. He had realized that he put himself under so much pressure, believing that this was something he had to do alone and forgetting in his fear and worry that there were people who genuinely cared about him and who'd help him. He felt incredibly foolish for dismissing them, for giving into his negative emotions. But now, he was filled with new determination to make things right.
xXx
''You called me, Father,'' Eclipse said, feeling anxious as he walked up to Black Doom. He had wondered whether the leader of the Black Arms was aware of what he had done and feared what he would do.
''I did. I have a task for you,'' Black Doom said, surprising Eclipse. The little alien was relieved to hear that he would go on a mission, wondering what it was. ''Shadow had managed to find four Chaos Emerald and has also been using his gifted powers more and more, yet he still eludes me. His rebellious nature, while challenging, is getting tedious. Therefore, you will once again confront him and make sure that he follows the path I had prepared for him.''
''I will make sure to fulfill my mission. Shadow is my brother, and it is only right that he joins his family,'' Eclipse said, grinning. He felt happy that he was given a new mission, believing that this time, he would be able to convince Shadow to join the Black Arms. He would bring Shadow to the Black Comet and get praised by Black Doom for his effort, feeling excited about that scenario.
''Fulfill your mission, or don't come back at all.''
Eclipse froze when Black Doom floated past him, leaving the room.
''You still have to atone for your disobedience.''
Eclipse fell on his knees, the threat filling his mind. He realized that Black Doom knew. His father always knew, having used the hive mind to stay in control of everything. But, what was worse was that his own position was in danger. If he failed to bring Shadow, he wouldn't just get punished, but he would also be thrown out of the Black Comet. He would lose his only family.
Eclipse gritted his teeth, getting up. He knew he couldn't let that happen. He couldn't afford to lose everything he knew. He would make his father proud.