Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again
Chapter 33: The Missing Piece! Shadow's Path to the Truth
The morning sun came as a golden tunnel to a world of eternal light as Shadow glided across the open field. The verdant expanse stretched out before him, a sea of green swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. As he traversed the landscape, his eyes scanned the horizon, taking in every detail of his new home. The hedgehog's speed was measured, allowing him to absorb the nuances of the terrain beneath his feet.
As he approached the edge of the field, the lush grass gave way to sandy shores, and the vast ocean revealed itself. Shadow slowed to a halt, his hover shoes coming to rest on the soft ground. He crossed his arms, a habitual gesture, and tilted his face towards the warm sun. The rhythmic lapping of waves against the shore created a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.
Shadow's mind wandered to the various locations he had explored during his time on Mobius. Metro Square, with its bustling streets and towering buildings, stood in stark contrast to the quaint charm of Green Hill Village. The cottages there, with their thatched roofs and colorful gardens, had offered an unexpected respite from the chaos he was accustomed to.
His thoughts drifted to Frog Forest, where he had learned a valuable lesson about the local wildlife. The memory of startling a black frog and the subsequent downpour that had nearly washed away the jungle brought a bitter frown to his face.
Seaside Hill's pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters had left an impression, as had Harmony Hill that stood out as another peaceful village, reminiscent of Green Hill but with its own unique character. Mystic Ruins presented its mysterious forest terrain, while Casino Park glittered with its endless stream of excitement and chance.
The rugged landscape of Rail Canyon came to mind next. Shadow remembered watching the cargo trains snake their way through the treacherous terrain, marveling at the ingenuity required to construct such a network. Bullet Station, the heart of this transportation system, had hummed with constant activity, a testament to the industriousness of Mobius' inhabitants.
Lastly, his thoughts turned to Angel Island, floating majestically in the sky. Knuckles' territorial nature had made exploration challenging.
He had traversed every accessible inch of the mainland. The hedgehog's eyes narrowed slightly as he contemplated the unexplored territories that lay beyond his reach, tantalizingly out of grasp without the means to cross vast bodies of water or traverse treacherous mountain ranges.
His mind wandered to the possibility of commandeering an aircraft or stowing away on one of the cargo trains that crisscrossed Rail Canyon. These thoughts, however, were tinged with an unfamiliar sensation – a strange emptiness that had begun to settle in the pit of his stomach.
For as long as Shadow could remember since awakening without his memories, his existence had been defined by conflict and the thrill of battle. The threat of the Metarex had provided ample opportunity for him to engage in combat, to feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. But now, standing on this peaceful planet, with time stretching endlessly before him, Shadow found himself at a loss. The absence of a clear purpose or immediate threat left him feeling adrift, like a ship without a rudder in calm seas.
"Hi!"
The exclamation, grating and all too familiar, caused Shadow's eyes to narrow in annoyance. He turned his head ever so slightly, his gaze falling upon the small form of Bokkun as the messenger bot descended from the sky.
Bokkun landed with a soft thud on the grass in front of Shadow. The bot wasted no time in setting down his backpack and producing a small television. "You've got a message from Doctor Eggman!"
"Not interested," Shadow stated flatly, his tone brooking no argument.
Undeterred by Shadow's cold reception, Bokkun's face fell into a pout. "Aww, come on!" he whined, his voice taking on a pleading quality. "It took me forever to find you!" The bot's large eyes widened imploringly, hoping to sway Shadow's decision.
In response, Shadow fixed Bokkun with a piercing glare. The message conveyed in that single look was clearer than any words could have been: go away.
Bokkun's eyes widened in fear as he stumbled backward, nearly tripping over his own feet. The messenger bot's internal conflict was evident in his nervous chuckle and the way he fumbled with his backpack. His voice quivered as he spoke, "I'll just... leave this here... Bye!" In a flash, Bokkun's jetpack roared to life, propelling him skyward with a burst of flame.
Shadow remained motionless, his stoic demeanor unbroken by Bokkun's hasty departure. Only after the messenger bot had vanished from sight did the dark hedgehog uncross his arms, drawing his attention to the TV left behind on the grass. The device seemed out of place in the natural setting.
For a moment, Shadow considered hurling the TV into the distant waves, watching it disappear beneath the surface of the ocean. However, a flicker of curiosity stayed his hand. Eggman's persistent interest in him was not unfounded, given Shadow's origins as the ultimate creation of the doctor's grandfather. Despite his usual indifference, Shadow found himself acknowledging a debt of gratitude towards Eggman for saving him during the Solar Eclipse incident.
With a barely perceptible sigh, Shadow reached down and effortlessly lifted the TV, his super strength making the device seem as light as a feather. His gloved finger found the power button, and the screen flickered to life. Eggman's face filled the display, comically close to the camera, his mustache seeming to take up half the screen.
"Hello, Shadow," Eggman's voice crackled through the speakers. "I know you're not a man of patience, so I'll cut to the chase: I think I have a solution to restoring your memories."
Shadow's ears perked up imperceptibly, his interest piqued by this unexpected proposition. The hedgehog's eyes narrowed slightly, focusing intently on the screen as Eggman continued.
"Come by to my base. You know where it is. Don't worry, my robots won't attack you."
A light scoff escaped Shadow's lips at this assurance. The thought of being concerned about Eggman's robotic minions was almost amusing. He had faced far greater challenges than a few metal contraptions.
"See you soon," Eggman concluded, his image disappearing as the TV screen went dark.
As the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the air once more, Shadow found himself lost in contemplation. The offer to restore his memories hung in the air, yet caution warred with curiosity in his mind.
Shadow was no fool; he understood the potential for deception in Eggman's words. The doctor's reputation for manipulation and self-serving schemes was well-known. Yet, the allure of recovering his lost memories, of finally understanding the full scope of his identity, was too powerful to ignore.
With a slight nod to himself, Shadow made his decision. He would pursue this lead, but not alone. He had allies now, a team he could rely on. The thought brought a barely perceptible smirk to his face as he set off to gather his companions.
"So, walk me through the plan one more time?" Rouge asked, a hint of skepticism in her tone.
"We go in, hear what he has to say, and go from there," Shadow stated, his voice betraying no emotion while his gaze remained fixated on the approaching base.
Omega brought up the rear, his heavy footsteps creating a steady rhythm as they walked. The robot's synthesized voice carried a note of warning as he spoke. "Manipulation is one of Doctor Eggman's characteristics. He does not do generous deeds without something in return."
Shadow acknowledged Omega's concern with a slight nod. "I'll cross that bridge if we come to it."
As they drew closer to the base, the team observed the unusual behavior of the Egg Pawns on patrol. Instead of the expected hostility, the robots seemed to deliberately step aside, their mechanical arms gesturing towards the entrance in an almost welcoming manner. The incongruity of the situation was not lost on Team Dark, each member remaining alert despite the apparent hospitality.
Rouge, ever the provocateur, offered a playful wave to a nearby security camera as they approached the main doors. Without a word spoken, the massive metal barriers slid open with a hydraulic hiss, inviting them into the heart of Eggman's domain.
Inside the base, the cold sterility of metal and machinery clashed sharply with the untamed beauty of the world beyond its walls. The silence stretched, broken only by the sound of the distinct footfalls of each team member. The precise steps of Shadow's shoes, the sharp click of Rouge's high-heeled boots, and the thunderous clanking of Omega's massive feet.
Finally, they reached an elevator, its doors sliding open in silent invitation. Inside, the team assumed their characteristic poses: Shadow stood with his arms crossed, his face an impassive mask. Rouge rested one hand on her hip, while Omega stood ramrod straight, his sensors no doubt analyzing every detail of their environment.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the expansive top floor of Eggman's fortress. As Team Dark stepped out, they were greeted by the sight of Decoe and Bocoe standing at attention with trays of steaming tea and an assortment of snacks.
"Welcome to Doctor Eggman's fortress!" Decoe chirped.
Bocoe, ever the pragmatist, quickly interjected, "They've been here before, Decoe."
Team Dark moved past the robots without so much as a glance, their focus fixed on the figure seated at the far end of the room.
As they approached, Eggman's chair swiveled around dramatically. His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the sight of not just Shadow, but his entire team.
"Ahh, you got my message," Eggman's voice carried a mix of satisfaction and mild surprise. "I see you brought company."
Shadow's reply was brief and to the point. "They're my team." The simple statement carried weight, and Rouge couldn't help but smile slightly at the acknowledgment.
Without missing a beat, Shadow pressed on. "You said you wanted to talk about restoring my memories."
Eggman's demeanor shifted, a spark of excitement visible behind his glasses as he hopped to his feet with surprising agility for a man of his size. He leaned forward, one finger raised as if preparing to deliver a lecture. "Indeed I did," he began, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "But first, can I have your personal guarantee you won't destroy any more of my things?"
"Don't give me a reason to," Shadow stated, the underlying threat clear in his words.
Eggman seemed to consider this for a moment before deciding it was as good an answer as he was likely to get from the dark hedgehog. He straightened up. "Very well. If you'll follow me."
With a dramatic flourish, Eggman turned and began leading the way deeper into his fortress, the hallway stretching endlessly before Team Dark as they followed. Omega's sensors hummed softly, scanning for threats as the trio advanced deeper into enemy territory.
As they entered the adjacent room, the team was immediately struck by the sight of an imposing device dominating the center of the space. It stood tall and circular, supported by two towering structures that seemed to stretch towards the high ceiling. The main component resembled a massive metallic ring.
Eggman turned to face them. "Behold!" he exclaimed, his arms spread wide in a theatrical gesture.
Rouge's eyes widened in recognition. "Wait a minute. This is the same thing we used to get back home!"
Eggman's glasses gleamed as he nodded, a smug smile playing across his face. "How very perceptive of you," he said, turning back to the device. His voice took on a lecturing tone as he continued, "Yes. I was quite impressed by Tails and Charles' device." He tapped the side of his head proudly, adding, "A photographic memory comes in handy."
Rouge's posture shifted, her hands moving to rest on her curvy hips as she leaned forward, balancing on the tip of one foot. "Alright, what's your game? Just a few days ago you were giving us all that bravado about time being suspended if any of us go back."
Omega's reaction was immediate and decisive. His arm transformed into a menacing gun with a series of clicks and whirs, the weapon aimed squarely at Eggman. "Target acquired."
Eggman's eyes widened behind his glasses, and he quickly held out his hands in a placating gesture. "Now wait just a cotton picking minute!" he exclaimed, his voice rising an octave. "What you're looking at here is the solution to restoring Shadow's memories!"
The tension in the room eased slightly as Shadow placed a hand on Omega's arm, silently instructing the robot to lower his weapon. Shadow's voice was low and commanding as he addressed Eggman, "Speak."
Eggman's posture relaxed, and he adjusted his glasses before launching into his explanation. His attention shifted to Rouge as he began, "Yes. We were all led to believe that our prolonged presence in Planet Beta would-"
"Planet Beta?" Rouge cut in quickly, tilting her head with a raised brow.
Eggman's response was immediate. "Yes! I'm calling it Planet Beta!" In a flurry of movement that seemed to defy the laws of physics, Eggman produced a whiteboard, his hands a blur as he sketched out diagrams. "This is our world. Planet Alpha-"
"Mobius," Rouge interjected, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.
"Rouge," Shadow warned.
The bat held up her hands in mock surrender, her voice laced with amusement. "I'm done, I'm done. No more interruptions, promise."
Eggman's skepticism was evident, but he pressed on with his explanation. His pen tapped against the shapes on the whiteboard as he spoke. "As I was saying, Planet Alpha and Planet Beta were once one. But then they split into different dimensions with their own timelines."
Rouge couldn't resist one more quip. "Yes, we were there in season 2."
Eggman's patience finally snapped. "Would you shut up with the jokes?!" he barked, his face reddening. Rouge remained unfazed, her expression one of innocent amusement. Eggman took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself before continuing.
"Now, when Chris decided to visit our world, it got me wondering, why is it he could stay here without any time repercussions? And then it dawned on me." Eggman's voice took on a tone of excitement as he drew a circle around Planet Beta on the whiteboard. "I compared both dimensional anomalies. Planet Beta operates on a more rigid and stable timeline. That means it has a fixed flow of time that cannot tolerate prolonged interference from beings who do not belong there."
Rouge, ever quick on the uptake, chimed in with a question. "And so us being there for all those months upset that flow?"
"Exactly," Eggman agreed. He then drew another line around Planet Alpha, his pen squeaking against the whiteboard. "Our world, however, is infused with Chaos energy. That energy makes Planet Alpha more adaptable to dimensional anomalies. So, when Chris decided to visit, that natural energy stabilised Chris' presence without causing disruption to our world. Fascinating, isn't it?"
The room fell into a contemplative silence as Eggman's explanation sank in. Rouge, being the only member of Team Dark who had experienced these events firsthand, found herself in the unique position of bridging the knowledge gap for her teammates. Shadow, having been in stasis during that time, and Omega, not yet created, were hearing this information for the first time.
Sensing that they were in for a lengthy discussion, Rouge gracefully hopped onto a nearby table. She settled herself on the edge, crossing one leg over the other and lightly gripping the table's surface with her gloved hands. Her teal eyes fixed on Eggman as she posed the question that was undoubtedly on all their minds.
"What does this have to do with Shadow's memories?" she asked.
Eggman's mustache twitched with excitement as he launched into his explanation. "As you know, I was born on Earth," he began, his voice taking on a professorial tone. "Since that discovery, I took it upon myself to learn more about both world's unique energy signatures that manifest as different types of radiation. And I used these!"
With a flourish that seemed almost comical given the seriousness of the situation, Eggman produced what appeared to be a pair of 3D glasses. The puzzled expressions on Team Dark's faces were evident, prompting Eggman to offer a demonstration.
"Here, Shadow," he said, extending the glasses towards the dark hedgehog. "Put these on and tell me what you see when you look at Rouge."
Shadow's patience was visibly wearing thin as he took the glasses. It was clear he was growing tired of the scientific exposition and wanted Eggman to get to the point. Nevertheless, he slid the glasses on and turned towards Rouge. His eyebrows raised in surprise as he observed something unexpected. Surrounding Rouge was a faint, shimmering aura of orange particles, dancing and swirling around her form. The particles seemed to pulse gently, as if in sync with some unseen rhythm.
"Now, look at me," Eggman requested.
Shadow complied, turning his gaze towards the rotund scientist. His expression remained guarded, but there was a flicker of intrigue in his eyes as he took in the sight before him. Unlike Rouge, Eggman was enveloped in a cloud of green particles. These seemed more erratic in their movement, darting and zigzagging around the doctor's form in a chaotic dance.
Rouge, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned forward slightly. "What do you see, Shadow?"
Shadow cautiously lowered the glasses, his tone taking on a guarded edge as if he had witnessed something potentially threatening. "What was that stuff around her?"
"That 'stuff' is radiation from this world and the other world," Eggman explained, gesticulating wildly. "Rouge was born here and therefore carries that radiation with her all the time. So, when she and the others got transported to Planet Beta, that radiation contributed to upsetting the time flow."
Rouge's curiosity got the better of her as she swiftly flew over to Shadow. Hovering above him, she deftly plucked the glasses from his face. "Let me see."
The bat gracefully maneuvered around her teammates, her keen eyes taking in the strange sight through the lenses. As she looked at Shadow, she saw the green particles swirling around him like an ethereal aura. Turning to Omega, she observed the orange particles enveloping his metallic form. Intrigued, Rouge glanced down at her own gloved hand, waving it in front of her face. The orange particles danced around her fingers, following her movements like a ghostly trail.
"Intriguing, isn't it?" Eggman remarked.
Rouge's nose wrinkled slightly as she responded, "Creepy more like." The sight of these invisible particles clinging to her body gave her an unsettling feeling, as if she had suddenly become aware of an invisible layer of dust coating her skin. She landed back on the floor with a soft click of her boots, still holding the glasses. "So, what does this mean?"
Eggman began to explain, "Since Shadow and I carry the radiation from Planet Beta, that means we're not a threat to upsetting the time flow-"
Before he could finish, Shadow's deep voice cut through the air, his mind quickly connecting the dots. "And that means we can go to that world."
Eggman's face split into a wide, toothy grin, his glasses glinting in the harsh overhead light. "Exactly," he confirmed with satisfaction at Shadow's quick understanding.
Shadow's interest was piqued as he approached the imposing portal, taking in every detail of the massive structure. His hands hung loosely at his sides as he tilted his head back, absorbing the sheer scale of the device. "We can go to the ARK," he stated, his voice carrying a hint of wonder rarely heard from the stoic hedgehog.
Eggman's confirmation came swiftly as he sidled up next to Shadow. "That's right," he said, reaching out as if to pat Shadow's shoulder. A sharp glare from the hedgehog caused Eggman to quickly retract his hand, whistling innocently as if he hadn't just overstepped his bounds.
Rouge's wings fluttered as she swooped in. "Hang on! Why should we believe you?" Her eyes narrowed, searching Eggman's face for any sign of deception.
There was no mistaking the sarcastic undertone in Eggman's response. "Do you really think I'd open a portal if it meant causing the destruction of time?!" He adjusted his glasses, his tone becoming more serious. "I've spent weeks researching this. It's perfectly safe as long as only Shadow and I go through."
Rouge wasn't satisfied, her hands resting on her hips as she pressed further. "And what do you get out of this?"
Clearing his throat, Eggman's demeanor shifted slightly. "If you must know, yes. There is something I want in return." He held up a hand to forestall Rouge's next question. "Before you ask, no. I don't want your Chaos Emerald."
Shadow, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up. He turned to face Eggman, arms crossed over his chest. "Then what do you want?"
Eggman's voice took on an uncharacteristically soft tone as he replied, "My grandfather's journal." He moved to sit in a nearby swivel chair, his weight causing it to creak slightly. "When I was first on the ARK, I discovered he kept personal logs in his computer systems. But I was foolish to not grab them at the time. My focus was on world domination, at least until we discovered his true intentions to crash the ARK." He leaned back, his expression unreadable behind his dark glasses. "All I want is the opportunity to keep those files. That is all."
Shadow's keen eyes studied Eggman, searching for any sign of deceit. Even with his ability to read people, Shadow found himself unable to determine if Eggman was being truthful. A glance at Rouge revealed her conflicted expression; she clearly wanted to protest but seemed to trust Shadow's judgment in this matter.
"Say if I do help you," Shadow began, his tone measured. "How do we go about this?"
Eggman's face lit up, sensing Shadow's potential agreement. He leaned forward, his voice taking on an excited cadence. "The portal requires an extensive use of Chaos energy. All you need to do is hold your hand against the panel, use Chaos Control to focus on where you want to go, and in theory, the portal should open to the ARK. We step through. You go recover your memories while I'll download my grandfather's files. We come back here. Everyone wins."
As he concluded their plan, Shadow returned his attention to the portal before him. His face remained a mask of neutrality, betraying none of the internal conflict raging within his mind. The prospect of recovering his lost memories was tempting, a chance to finally fill in the blank spaces of his past that had haunted him for so long. Yet, the risks were equally apparent, looming like dark shadows at the edges of his thoughts.
What if Eggman's calculations about the time flow were incorrect? The consequences could be catastrophic, potentially unraveling the very fabric of reality. And what of the machine itself? For all its impressive appearance, it was untested technology. A malfunction could leave them stranded in the void between dimensions, or worse.
Eggman's voice cut through Shadow's contemplation. "Not convinced?" he asked, a hint of impatience creeping into his tone.
Rouge's wings fluttered as she interjected. "We wanna go with him," she demanded. "Find a way."
"I can't," Eggman told her, adjusting his glasses. "As brilliant as I am, even I can't manipulate radiation. I'm afraid only Shadow and I can go."
Rouge made no attempt to hide her distrust as she crossed her arms. "And you just want us to leave you two alone?"
"You'll be right here on the other side of the portal," Eggman explained, gesturing towards the control panel. "And I'm not exactly taking a fleet with me. Rest assured, Shadow will be safe."
A mischievous glint appeared in Rouge's eyes as she responded with a wink. "It's not him I'm worried about."
"Enough," Shadow ordered, his tone brooking no argument. "I need time to think."
His decision to leave was as swift as it was decisive. Without another word, he turned on his heel and marched towards the exit. The tension in the room seemed to follow him, creating an invisible wake that none dared to disturb. His teammates and Eggman watched in silence as the Ultimate Life Form made his way out.
Eggman's mouth opened slightly, as if he were about to call out to Shadow, to try and persuade him to stay. But the words died on his lips before they could be uttered. The doctor's mustache twitched with barely contained frustration, yet he remained silent, knowing all too well that any attempt to sway Shadow at this moment would be futile at best, and potentially disastrous at worst.
Rouge and Omega exchanged a brief glance before following. Rouge's wings fluttered softly as she took to the air, gliding gracefully after Shadow. As they exited, the door slid shut behind them with a soft hiss, leaving Eggman alone.
The doctor turned back to his creation. Eggman's reflection stared back at him from the polished panels, distorted and fragmented. Despite the setback, a small smile played at the corners of his mouth. He had confidence that they would return. After all, the lure of the past was a powerful thing, and Shadow's desire for answers was a force that could not be easily ignored.
The cliffside was quiet, save for the distant crash of waves against the rocks below. Shadow stood at its edge, his arms crossed over his chest as he gazed out at the endless expanse of ocean before him. There was something about this view that calmed him, though he couldn't quite put it into words. It wasn't peace exactly—Shadow wasn't sure he even knew what peace felt like—but there was a strange comfort in the vastness of the ocean, in the way it seemed to go on forever, unchanging and eternal.
Behind him, Rouge lingered quietly, her hands clasped behind her back as she watched him. For a while, she said nothing, respecting his need for silence. But Rouge had never been one to hold her tongue for long. She stepped closer, her boots crunching softly against the rocky ground, and broke the quiet with a statement rather than a question.
"You're going to the ARK, aren't you?" Her voice was calm but carried an edge of certainty, as if she already knew the answer.
Shadow didn't turn to face her. His gaze remained fixed on the ocean, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he replied evenly, "How would you know?"
Rouge tilted her head slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Because if you didn't want to go," she said with quiet confidence, "you would have said so there and then."
Her words hung in the air between them like a challenge, but Shadow didn't rise to it. He remained silent, his eyes reflecting the fading light of the sun as his thoughts churned beneath his composed exterior. Rouge was right—he hadn't refused Eggman's offer outright. And that alone spoke volumes.
Shadow's mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts and emotions. The chance to go to the ARK—the place where it had all begun—was almost too tempting to resist. It wasn't just about recovering his memories; it was about reclaiming his identity, piecing together the fragments of who he once was. For so long, he had been defined by what others told him: a weapon created for destruction, a protector born of Maria's wish for peace. But who was he, really? What lay buried in the memories locked away in his mind?
And yet, Shadow couldn't ignore the darker questions that came with this opportunity. Were some things better left forgotten? The fleeting glimpses he'd had of Maria—her laughter, her kindness—were bittersweet enough. But what would happen if he remembered everything? The pain of losing her once had nearly broken him; could he survive reliving it all over again? And what else might those memories reveal? What if they uncovered truths he wasn't ready to face?
Rouge watched him carefully, her sharp eyes catching the subtle tension in his posture—the way his shoulders seemed just slightly more rigid than usual, how his hands gripped his arms just a little tighter than before. She knew Shadow well enough to recognize when he was lost in thought. And though she trusted him to make his own decisions, she couldn't help but feel protective in moments like this.
Shadow remained rooted to the cliffside, thoughts plaguing his mind. He wanted to let it go—this gnawing temptation to uncover the truth of his past. He wanted to turn away from it, to bury it. But no matter how much he told himself to move on, the pull was too strong. It was like a thread wrapped around his very being, tugging him toward answers he couldn't ignore. The question of who he truly was loomed over him, demanding resolution. He needed to know. He had to know.
His arms, which had been crossed tightly over his chest in his usual stance, suddenly dropped to his sides with purpose. His decision was made. "I'm going."
Rouge, who had been watching him closely from behind, didn't seem surprised in the slightest. She stepped forward, her wings catching a faint breeze as she hovered just slightly above the ground. "I figured," she replied with a small smile. "We'll back you up."
Shadow had already begun walking forward, his strides steady and deliberate as if each step carried him closer to his destiny. He glanced at Rouge flying beside him, her confident smirk mirroring her words. "You think I need backup against Eggman?"
Rouge didn't miss a beat. "You said it yourself—we're your team."
Shadow's pace didn't falter, but her words struck something deep within him. A faint grin tugged at the corner of his mouth—small and fleeting but genuine nonetheless. It wasn't often that Shadow allowed himself moments like this, but Rouge's reminder resonated with him in a way few things did. Yes, they were a team. They were Team Dark—a force stronger together than apart—and no one, not even Eggman with all his schemes and machines, would stand in their way.
His movements grew faster, almost instinctive, as his hover shoes ignited beneath him. The wilderness blurred around him, the dense trees and uneven terrain reduced to streaks of green and brown as he skated forward with increasing speed. The decision had been made, and now there was no hesitation in his stride.
Behind him, Rouge let out a quiet scoff, her wings flaring as she took to the air in an attempt to keep up. She flew low, weaving through the trees with practiced ease, but even her agility couldn't match Shadow's sheer velocity. She called out to him once or twice, but if he heard her, he didn't respond. Rouge knew better than to take it personally; Shadow was always like this when he had his mind set on something. Still, she picked up her pace, determined not to let him leave her too far behind.
Further ahead in the clearing, Omega stood watch like a sentinel, his sensors scanning for any potential threats in the surrounding area. The faint hum of his internal systems buzzed softly as he waited, ever vigilant. It wasn't long before Omega's sensors picked up Shadow's rapid approach. The robot turned just in time to see the dark hedgehog slow down slightly, allowing Omega a chance to catch up.
Omega activated his thrusters without hesitation, the powerful jets lifting him just off the ground as he glided forward to meet Shadow. His bulky frame moved with surprising smoothness for something so heavily armored, and within moments he was at Shadow's side.
"Status," Omega requested in his deep, mechanical voice.
"I'm going to the ARK," Shadow replied simply.
"Affirmative," Omega acknowledged with a slight tilt of his head. "Warning: Doctor Eggman must not be trusted. Maintain defensive stance."
Shadow glanced back briefly at the towering robot. "I won't," he said firmly before turning his gaze forward once more. The faintest flicker of determination crossed his face as he added, "Let's go, team."
The portal loomed before Shadow, daring him to step forward and face whatever truths lay on the other side. The spikes and antennas jutting out from its metallic surface gave it an almost ominous presence, as if it were alive and waiting. Shadow's eyes remained fixed on it, unblinking.
Nearby, Eggman busied himself at the console, his fingers flying across the keyboard with practiced precision. Decoe and Bocoe flitted around him, making final adjustments to the machinery. Their movements were quick and efficient, though their nervous glances toward Omega betrayed their unease.
The towering robot stood a short distance away, his sensors locked onto the two henchmen with unwavering focus. The unspoken threat of his firepower was enough to keep them on edge, their hands trembling slightly as they worked.
Rouge lingered off to the side, observing everything with a mixture of skepticism and concern. In her hand, she held the red Chaos Emerald. After a moment of hesitation, she approached Shadow, her boots clicking softly against the metal floor. She extended the emerald toward him, her expression unreadable but her voice steady.
"You sure about this?" she asked.
Shadow didn't look at her right away. His gaze remained locked on the portal for a moment longer before he finally turned to face her. He nodded once, his movements deliberate and calm as he reached out to take the Chaos Emerald from her hand. The gem felt cool against his gloved fingers, its energy thrumming faintly beneath its polished surface.
Eggman's voice broke through the quiet tension as he straightened up from the console. "We're ready."
Decoe and Bocoe suddenly sprang into action, unfurling a banner between them that read "Good Luck!" in bright letters. "Right over here, Shadow!" they chimed in unison.
Shadow didn't so much as glance at them. Their antics were beneath his notice as he stepped forward toward the control panel near the base of the portal. The panel was sleek and featureless save for a single glowing symbol etched into its surface—a place for him to lay his hand. He hesitated for only a fraction of a second before pressing his palm against it. The metal was cold beneath his touch but warmed slightly as it recognized his Chaos energy.
To Shadow's relief, there was no trap—no hidden mechanism waiting to spring on him. The machine hummed louder in response to his input, signaling that it was functioning as intended. He looked down at the Chaos Emerald in his hand, its glow intensifying slightly as if responding to his own energy. Then he lifted his gaze toward the portal itself, sparing it one last glance before closing his eyes.
The world around him faded into darkness as he focused inward. His memories were fractured at best—shattered pieces of a life he could barely recall. Faces blurred together in his mind like smudged ink on paper, voices echoing faintly but never clear enough to grasp. Yet amid the haze of forgotten fragments, there was one constant: Maria.
He concentrated on her image—the gentle curve of her smile, her soft golden hair falling around her shoulders like sunlight—and let it guide him deeper into his mind's recesses. In that fleeting memory of Maria stood a backdrop that felt familiar yet distant: sterile white walls lined with monitors and consoles; large windows revealing the vastness of space beyond; corridors bathed in artificial light that stretched endlessly in both directions.
The ARK. He was certain of it now.
Shadow clenched the Chaos Emerald tighter in his hand as he focused harder on that memory—on every detail he could pull from it. The faint hum of machinery in the background; Maria's laughter echoing softly; the way she had looked at him with such trust and warmth—it all came rushing back like fragments of a dream just on the edge of waking.
His breathing slowed as he concentrated harder still, willing those scattered pieces to come together into something tangible. He could feel it now. The connection forming between himself and that place long lost to time.
Then suddenly, clarity struck like lightning through his mind.
Shadow's eyes snapped open with determination blazing in their crimson depths as he thrust the Chaos Emerald forward toward the portal. "Chaos Control!"
The emerald pulsed with power in response to his command, transferring its energy into the machine. The portal roared to life in an instant, its circular frame glowing brightly as swirling energy filled its center.
Rouge's jaw dropped slightly as she stared at the now-active portal in awe. "You did it, Shadow."
Eggman grinned widely from where he stood by the console, clapping his hands together in delight. "Excellent work, Shadow," he praised smugly before turning back to examine readings on one of his monitors.
The portal hummed with energy, its swirling vortex casting an eerie glow across the room. The lights danced like restless spirits, finding a fleeting home in the dark pools of Shadow's gaze. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the threshold between his uncertain present and the answers that lay hidden in his past. Just one small step would take him back to the place of his creation, the ARK—a space station that held both the key to his identity and the weight of long-buried memories.
His mind and heart were at war within him. Yet, through it all, one truth remained constant: he was not afraid. Fear was a luxury the Ultimate Lifeform could not afford, especially not now when so much hung in the balance.
With a slight turn of his head, Shadow addressed Eggman. "I'll go first."
Eggman nodded, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face before he quickly masked it. "As you wish," he replied, knowing full well that he had no authority to argue. This was Shadow's journey, and he would dictate its course.
Before stepping through, Shadow cast a final glance back at his teammates. Omega stood tall and impassive, his robotic form giving no indication of emotion. Yet Shadow knew that behind that metallic exterior lay a fierce loyalty and readiness for action should it be needed.
Rouge's expression, however, was an open book. Worry creased her brow, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and frustrated helplessness. It was clear she longed to accompany him, to face whatever lay ahead as a team. But they both understood the impossibility of that desire. No words passed between them, no reassuring nod or gesture was needed. Their bond ran deeper than such trivial displays. Rouge trusted Shadow's judgment implicitly, and he drew strength from that faith.
With a deep breath, Shadow turned back to face the portal. The swirling energy seemed to beckon him forward, challenging him to take that final step into the unknown. Without hesitation, he moved forward, allowing the gentle pull of the portal to guide him in.
As he crossed the threshold, colors exploded around him in a dizzying array. Blues, purples, and whites danced across his vision, intertwining and separating in an endless cosmic ballet. The sensation was unlike anything Shadow had experienced before—weightless yet grounded, timeless yet fleeting.
Through it all, Shadow's determination remained unshaken. Each second that passed brought him closer to uncovering the truth about his past, to reclaiming the identity that had been lost to him for so long. As the kaleidoscope of colors continued to swirl around him, Shadow pressed forward, ready to confront whatever awaited him on the other side.
So, I'll stick my hand up and admit I know nothing about science. I hope my explanations of the different dimensional anomalies made sense. With that said, come join me next time!