Dark Beginnings - Part 2: Finding The Way
The sterile halls of the Space Colony ARK stretched endlessly before Maria, the faint hum of machinery and the quiet hiss of ventilation systems providing the only sounds. Her soft footsteps echoed lightly as she approached a familiar door, its metallic surface gleaming under the artificial light. She hesitated for a moment, her slender fingers lingering on the control panel.
Taking a deep breath, she pressed the button to open the door. It slid aside with a quiet hiss, revealing the stark, pristine interior of the laboratory beyond.
Before Maria could step inside, a young boy rushed past her, his hurried footsteps echoing loudly in the quiet corridor. His short, greyish hair caught the light as he turned briefly to glance at her. His mismatched eyes—one green, the other brown—burned with frustration and fear.
"Tell that freak to stay away from me!" the boy shouted, his voice trembling with anger as he disappeared down the hallway.
"Abe!" Maria called out, trying to call him back.
But the boy didn't stop. His retreating figure was soon swallowed by the distance, leaving Maria alone with the soft hum of the ARK.
Her heart sank. She turned back to the room, her expression filled with worry. The door slid shut behind her as she entered. Inside, the lab was brightly lit, every surface sterile and polished. Equipment and glowing monitors lined the walls, their quiet beeps and hums filling the space with an artificial sense of life.
Shadow stood at the far end of the room, his crimson eyes fixed intently on a large containment tank. The cylindrical glass structure held a dark, pulsating form suspended in a viscous fluid—a Death Leech larva. Shadow's reflection shimmered faintly in the tank's glass, distorted by the shifting liquid.
Maria's heart ached at the sight. Shadow's posture was rigid, his hands clenched at his sides, and his eyes trembled with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite place.
"Shadow?" Maria's voice was soft, tinged with concern as she approached him cautiously. "Are you alright?"
Shadow didn't answer at first. His gaze remained locked on the creature in the tank. The faint glow of the lab illuminated his face, highlighting the conflict etched into his features. Finally, he turned slightly, his voice low and strained.
"Maria… I'm fine." His tone betrayed his words. His voice was heavy, as though carrying the weight of countless unspoken thoughts. "It's just…" He paused, looking away from her. Then, as if drawn back, his eyes returned to the container and the creature within it.
"The professor created me using alien DNA," Shadow continued, his voice growing quieter. "The Black Arms, he called them. The same DNA as this… larva. This ugly, heartless creature." He gestured toward the Death Leech, his expression darkening. "I may look like a hedgehog, but I'm really no different than this thing."
Maria's heart broke at his words. She had never heard Shadow speak with such self-loathing, and it struck her deeply. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a firm, comforting hug.
"That's not true," Maria said firmly, her voice filled with warmth and conviction. She pressed herself gently against him, her arms holding him tightly as though her embrace alone could banish his doubts. "You have a big heart, Shadow. It may be difficult for you to express it, but I know that deep down you really do care."
She placed her hand on his chest, her delicate fingers brushing against the soft fur of his torso. Shadow looked down at her hand, his crimson eyes softening as he processed her words. Then, slowly, his gaze lifted to meet hers.
"You care about me," Maria continued, her voice steady, "about everyone. What you do is what defines you, Shadow. Not your DNA. Not your origins. I know you're struggling to find answers, but I believe—no, I know—that one day you will."
Her smile was radiant, full of hope and unwavering belief. Shadow stared at her, the tension in his posture easing as her words began to sink in. There was no doubt in Maria's gaze, no hesitation in her voice. To her, he wasn't a weapon or an experiment. He was someone she trusted completely.
For a moment, the room was quiet. Maria's gentle touch grounded Shadow, her words wrapping around him like a shield against the storm of his thoughts. But outside, the silence wasn't shared.
A figure lingered just beyond the window to the lab, his mismatched eyes fixed on the scene inside. It was Abe , he watched as Maria comforted Shadow, his expression twisting with frustration and bitterness.
Inside the lab, Maria took Shadow's hand in hers, guiding him gently away from the containment tank. Shadow followed her, his movements hesitant but willing.
"You'll find the answers you're looking for," Maria assured him, her voice soft but certain. "And when you do, I know you'll find even more people you can trust."
Shadow didn't respond, but a faint glimmer of something—hope, perhaps—flickered in his eyes as he allowed Maria's words to settle in his heart.
Present Day – Hidden Base, Mobius
The desert stretched endlessly beneath the pale light of Mobius's fractured moon. Its jagged silhouette hung ominously in the night sky, with chunks of moon rock suspended in orbit like a broken halo. The landscape was desolate, save for the faint howl of the wind as it swept across the sand, carrying whispers of battles long past. Ahead, the ominous structure of Hidden Base loomed—a haunted pyramid, its once-gleaming walls now scarred with time and conflict. This was the site of one of Eggman's notorious strongholds during the Space Colony ARK incident, a place where shadows of the past still lingered.
Shadow and Aqua stood at the base's entrance, their eyes sharp and alert. The tension in the air was palpable, the silence a harbinger of chaos waiting to erupt. Aqua glanced at the fractured moon above, her thoughts briefly straying to its tragic history.
"Shadow," Aqua said softly. "Are you sure this is the place?"
Shadow's crimson eyes narrowed, glowing faintly with chaos energy as he stared ahead.
"No doubt about it. Eggman always left something behind, and this place has what we need."
Before Aqua could respond, the silence was shattered by a series of explosions. Bright flashes illuminated the night, and lasers rained down from automated turrets perched along the pyramid's exterior. Aqua's instincts kicked in as she cartwheeled and dodged the barrage with impressive speed, the lasers scorching the sand around her. Shadow darted ahead, a streak of black and red, his movements impossibly fast as he weaved through the onslaught.
Reaching the door to Hidden Base, Shadow launched himself into a spinning kick that shattered the metal barrier. It crumpled inward with a deafening clang, and Shadow landed gracefully, his red eyes crackling with chaos energy. He turned to Aqua, motioning for her to follow.
"Let's move," Shadow said tersely, but there was no mistaking the determination in his voice.
The moment Aqua stepped inside, the dimly lit interior erupted with movement. From the shadows, an army of Egg Pawns emerged, their frames shimmering with a faint metallic sheen that reflected the fractured moonlight spilling in from the entrance. The robot's were clad in samurai-style armour, intricate and battle-worn, with glowing crimson optics that gave them an almost menacing aura. In their mechanical hands, they gripped razor-sharp katana-like blades that hummed with faint energy.
"Egg Pawns," Shadow remarked, his voice low and calm, yet edged with disdain. "Even with Eggman missing, his creations still defend his legacy."
"Then let's take them down," Aqua said, raising her hand instinctively to summon her Keyblade.
But nothing happened. Her outstretched hand trembled slightly as she concentrated, willing the Master's Defender to appear. A flicker of light began to form in her palm—only to sputter and vanish like a dying ember. A sinking feeling clawed at her chest, but she quickly masked her panic. She couldn't afford to let Shadow see her struggle.
"Not now," she whispered to herself, clenching her hand into a fist as her mind raced.
Shadow, however, had already launched himself into the fray. A samurai Pawn swung its blade in a downward arc, aiming directly for his head. In a blur of black and red, Shadow sidestepped the attack with effortless precision. The katana embedded itself into the floor, and without hesitation, Shadow grabbed the hilt, twisting the sword free. Using the robot's own weapon, he hurled it like a spear, the blade piercing the Pawn's chest and sending it toppling backward in a shower of sparks.
Another Pawn advanced on him, its blade glowing ominously as it slashed at Shadow in wide, deliberate arcs. Shadow ducked under the first swing and rolled away from the second. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, his gloved hand gripping the robot's leg. With an almost casual display of strength, Shadow spun the machine like a hammer throw, its body whirling in a blur before he released it. The Pawn hurtled through the air, colliding with a nearby tower. The structure groaned under the impact before collapsing in a cacophony of falling debris.
Meanwhile, Aqua was forced to improvise as another Egg Pawn charged toward her, its blade cutting through the air with lethal precision. She dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the glowing edge, and countered by summoning a burst of Blizzard magic. Shards of ice formed instantly around the Pawn's arm, freezing its joints solid and stopping its attack mid-swing. The robot jerked and sputtered, its mechanisms struggling against the frost.
"Focus," Aqua muttered through gritted teeth, backing away to create space. She extended her hand again, her fingers trembling as she reached deep within herself. "Come on… Please."
A soft, warm light began to envelop her hand. The glow grew brighter, steadier, until the familiar weight of the Master's Defender filled her grip. Aqua's eyes snapped open, her heart steadying as renewed determination coursed through her.
"Let's see how you handle this," she said, her voice calm but resolute.
Aqua surged forward, her Keyblade gleaming with a faint blue aura. With a powerful swing, she shattered the frozen arm of the Pawn in front of her, sparks flying as its severed limb clattered to the floor. A second strike cleaved through the machine's exposed core, reducing it to a heap of scrap metal.
Suddenly, from above, a booming, monotone voice rang out, reverberating through the chamber.
"FACE ME, INFERIOR MODELS."
Aqua glanced up just as a massive figure descended into the battle. E-123 Omega landed with a thundering crash, his imposing red and black frame radiating power. His mechanical arms shifted seamlessly into dual-mounted cannons, their barrels glowing as they charged.
Omega unleashed a relentless barrage of energy blasts, each shot sending shockwaves rippling through the base. Samurai Pawns were torn apart in rapid succession, their armored plating crumpling under the onslaught. Explosions lit up the darkened interior like bursts of fireworks, and the acrid scent of scorched metal filled the air.
Shadow paused briefly, his eyes narrowing as he acknowledged the newcomer.
"About time, Omega," he muttered.
"DESTRUCTION IS MY PURPOSE," Omega replied, his deep, robotic voice laced with satisfaction. "ERADICATING THESE WEAK MODELS IS… GRATIFYING."
The robot unleashed more explosive rounds from his twin cannons, blasting a cluster of Egg Pawns into flaming scrap. Shards of metal rained down as the hulking robot moved methodically, his firepower carving a path through the enemy forces.
Above the fray, a dark silhouette glided gracefully through the night sky, framed by the jagged crescent of Mobius's broken moon. Rouge the Bat descended, her sharp eyes scanning the battlefield. She gasped as she spotted an Egg Pawn raising its sword behind Shadow, ready to strike.
"Evening, handsome!" Rouge called out, as she dove into action. She spun midair, delivering a crushing kick to the back of the robot's head. The force sent it sprawling, its weapon clattering uselessly to the ground. Landing lightly in front of Shadow, she smirked. "Didn't expect you to be back from the Realm of Darkness so soon."
Shadow barely spared her a glance, delivering a swift punch to the torso of another Egg Pawn. The robot's metallic frame crumpled under the impact.
"Rouge," Shadow said tersely. "What're you doing here?"
Rouge sidestepped another Egg Pawn's attack, her movements fluid and precise.
"Just gathering some intel for G.U.N.," she replied, launching into a high kick that sent the robot staggering. She leaped onto its head, spinning it around before delivering a final blow that crumpled it to the ground. Landing with feline grace, she dashed to a nearby console and began typing furiously. "Convinced Omega to be my backup, of course."
Behind her, Omega continued his rampage, blasting down Egg Pawns in groups. Aqua, now more confident with her Keyblade in hand, unleashed a dazzling display of magic and skill. She twirled the Master's Defender, using its blade to deflect an incoming sword strike. With a burst of light, she cast a Barrier spell, protecting herself from an enemy's explosive projectile before retaliating with a powerful Thunder spell. Electricity arced through the air, frying a row of Egg Pawns in a brilliant flash.
Rouge glanced over her shoulder, her eyes briefly locking on Aqua, before turning back to Shadow.
"What's your story, Shadow? Hanging out with Keyblade wielders now, are we?" she asked, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Shadow delivered a spinning kick to an approaching Egg Pawn, knocking it back into a pile of rubble.
"I need a spacecraft to reach the ARK. I have reason to believe the Black Arms have returned. And, the Keyblade wielder with me is Aqua," he explained, grabbing the sword from another Egg Pawn and using it to impale the robot, sending its smoking frame flying into the distance.
"Aqua, huh?" Rouge mused, her fingers still flying across the keyboard. "G.U.N's got a file on her you know. I also remember Sonic mentioning her not too long ago."
"I brought her back to the Realm of Light," Shadow said simply, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "Now, where has Eggman hidden his vessels?"
Rouge frowned, her hands pausing briefly on the keys.
"Well, you're out of luck here," she said, glancing up at him. "This is just an old supply depot."
"Damn!" Shadows muttered in a low growl.
Before he could say more, Shadow's instincts flared. He darted forward, grabbing Rouge by the arm and pulling her out of harm's way as a massive shadow loomed overhead. A loud crash shook the ground as a giant Egg Breaker robot landed in front of them, its spiked, metallic frame glinting ominously in the dim light. The machine's glowing red eyes locked onto Shadow and Rouge, its massive spiked ball raised high in one clawed hand.
The Egg Breaker swung its weapon into the ground with tremendous force, sending shockwaves rippling through the floor. Rocks and debris launched into the air, forcing everyone to scatter.
"Hold that thought," Rouge muttered, brushing herself off as she straightened, her sharp eyes narrowing as they fixed on the towering machine ahead.
Omega stomped into view, his mechanical frame casting an imposing shadow over the battlefield. His sensors locked onto the towering foe, the whirring of his cannons growing louder as he prepared for combat.
"I CALL DIBS!" Omega declared, his robotic monotone somehow managing to convey unrestrained excitement.
Aqua darted to Shadow's side, her Keyblade shimmering faintly in her grip. The glow wasn't as strong as it should have been, but she ignored the flickering light and tightened her hold, ready for whatever came next.
"The robot and the bat," she began, her tone steady despite the tense situation, " they friends of yours, Shadow?"
"You could say that," Shadow replied curtly, his crimson eyes narrowing as they analysed the Egg Breaker's movements.
"We are Team Dark, Aqua," Rouge interjected slyly, her voice carrying an air of playful superiority.
"Wait, how do you know my name?" Aqua questioned in confusion. She blinked in suprise as she turned to Rouge.
Omega's sensors whirred as he adjusted his aim, his voice booming with mechanical precision.
"PRIMARY TEAM DARK and G.U.N PROTOCOL: GATHER ALL DATA. DESIGNATION: AQUA. STATUS: KEYBLADE WIELDER. ADVISORY: POTENTIAL ASSET."
"Enough talk," Shadow snapped, his voice sharp and commanding. "Save the questions for later."
The Egg Breaker roared to life, its joints grinding audibly as it raised its spiked wrecking ball. With a thunderous crack, the ball hurtled toward them once more, tearing through the air like a meteor. Aqua's instincts took over as she stepped forward, her Keyblade raised high. A shimmering barrier of light erupted in front of her, the Reflect spell forming just in time to absorb the brunt of the attack.
The impact was tremendous, sending shockwaves rippling through the ground. Cracks spiderwebbed across the glowing barrier as Aqua gritted her teeth, her arms trembling under the strain. Finally, the shield shattered, the force of the explosion knocking her back slightly.
Omega's monotone voice cut through the chaos.
"FEEBLE MACHINE. YOUR OFFENSIVE OUTPUT IS INADEQUATE." His cannons whirred louder. "PREPARE FOR DESTRUCTION."
"That defensive spell's got style," Rouge remarked, dodging a flying shard of the shattered barrier. "But maybe next time, aim for something a little less… breakable?"
Before Aqua could respond, Shadow seized the opportunity created by Aqua's defense. A surge of Chaos energy enveloped him as he launched himself toward the Egg Breaker, his speed blinding. The robot swung its wrecking ball again, but Shadow darted between its strikes with practiced precision, a blur of black and red against the metallic titan.
"Chaos Spear!" Shadow shouted, his hand glowing with energy.
A barrage of glowing projectiles streaked through the air, striking the Egg Breaker's armor in rapid succession. Each impact left a scorched mark on the metal, but the machine seemed only mildly fazed, its glowing eyes narrowing in mechanical defiance.
Rouge followed suit, banking sharply before diving toward one of the machine's exposed joints. Her sharp kick connected with surgical precision, denting the joint and causing the Egg Breaker's movements to falter momentarily. But the machine retaliated with alarming speed, swatting at her with its free hand. Rouge twisted midair, narrowly avoiding the attack as she retreated to a safe distance.
"Close call," she quipped, her voice steady despite the tension. "This thing's got more fight than I expected."
Omega's cannons erupted in a thunderous barrage, missiles streaking through the air and detonating against the Egg Breaker's armored shell. The explosions lit up the battlefield, sending plumes of smoke and fire billowing into the sky. The robot stumbled slightly under the relentless assault, but its core systems remained operational.
The Egg Breaker retaliated, its wrecking ball swinging in a wide arc toward Omega. The massive robot held his ground, raising his shield-like arm to absorb the impact. Sparks flew as the spiked ball collided with Omega's defense, but the red-and-black robot didn't flinch.
"PATHETIC. IS THIS THE EXTENT OF YOUR CAPABILITIES?" Omega taunted, his voice filled with mechanical disdain.
Meanwhile, Aqua darted around the edge of the battlefield, her Keyblade glowing faintly as she summoned her magic. With a flick of her wrist, she cast Blizzara, the icy projectiles striking the Egg Breaker's arm and encasing it in a thick layer of frost. The machine's movements slowed as the frozen joint ground to a halt.
"Nice work, Aqua!" Rouge called, circling above. "I didn't know you had a knack for ice sculptures."
Aqua didn't respond, her focus entirely on the fight. She leaped into the air, her Keyblade raised high. With a powerful strike, she brought the weapon down onto the frozen joint, shattering the ice and leaving the arm visibly damaged. Shards of ice rained down as the Egg Breaker roared in defiance, its movements now sluggish and uncoordinated.
Shadow landed beside her, his body crackling with chaos energy. His gaze remained fixed on the towering machine as he assessed its vulnerabilities.
"Take it out," Shadow said, his voice calm but commanding.
"Leave it to me," Aqua replied, determination hardening her voice.
But before she could act, the Egg Breaker roared in defiance, its remaining arm swinging wildly. Rouge, who took to the air, swooped in from above, her sharp eyes catching the movement. With her signature grace, she twisted midair, evading the flurry of strikes as if it were nothing more than an elaborate dance.
"You're going to have to aim better than that, big guy!" Rouge taunted, her voice laced with mockery.
The machine's glowing eyes locked onto her, and a high-pitched whine filled the air as its laser cannons powered up. With a burst of energy, it unleashed a barrage of beams in her direction. Rouge ducked and weaved through the onslaught, her wings cutting through the air like blades.
"Gonna take more than that to hit me," she called, smirking as she dove low and banked sharply.
Meanwhile, Omega charged forward, his heavy frame shaking the ground with each step. His cannons spun rapidly, and with a deafening roar, he unleashed a volley of missiles. Each projectile struck the Egg Breaker's legs, detonating in bursts of fire and smoke. The machine staggered, one of its legs crumpling under the relentless assault.
"LEG CRIPPLED. TARGET VULNERABLE," Omega announced, his voice cold and precise. "PREPARE FOR DESTRUCTION."
The Egg Breaker collapsed onto one knee, its massive weight sending tremors rippling through the sand. Shadow's crimson eyes glinted as he seized the opening. Without hesitation, he launched himself into the air with a burst of Chaos energy, a trail of red and black streaking across the night sky.
The Egg Breaker swung its remaining arm in a desperate attempt to swat him down, its spiked wrecking ball tearing through the air. Shadow twisted his body mid-flight, narrowly dodging the massive weapon as it smashed into a nearby pillar of stone. The impact sent shards of rock flying in all directions, but Shadow's sharp reflexes allowed him to maneuver effortlessly through the debris.
Flipping forward, he angled himself toward the machine's exposed core. Chaos energy surged around him as he unleashed a series of precision strikes midair, each blow creating fiery sparks as they connected with the robot's armor.
"Chaos Impact!" Shadow growled, landing a devastating kick against the Egg Breaker's chest.
The force of the blow reverberated through the air, sending the machine staggering backward. Its metallic frame groaned in protest, struggling to stay upright as sparks and smoke erupted from its joints.
Aqua watched the chaos unfold, gripping her Keyblade tightly as determination lit her features. The faint glow of her weapon pulsed steadily, growing brighter as she stepped forward.
"Shadow!" she called, her voice cutting through the din of battle. "Let me finish this!"
Shadow landed nimbly, his air shoes kicking up a small cloud of sand as he came to a halt. He turned to Aqua, his crimson eyes meeting hers. For a brief moment, his expression was unreadable, but then he gave a slight nod and stepped aside without hesitation, his trust in her evident.
Aqua closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath as she focused her energy. The Keyblade in her hands began to glow more intensely, the light coalescing around it like a living aura. With a swift, deliberate motion, she swung it downward, her voice ringing with resolve.
"Farewell!" she shouted.
A radiant burst of light erupted from her Keyblade, scattering into countless multicolored shards that rained down like a celestial storm. The shards of Prism Rain struck the Egg Breaker in rapid succession, each impact detonating with a dazzling explosion. The machine shuddered violently, its armor crumbling under the relentless assault. With a final, deafening blast, the Egg Breaker erupted into flames, its remains scattering across the battlefield in a massive cloud of smoke and fire.
The dust began to settle, the battlefield falling eerily silent. Rouge descended gracefully, landing beside Aqua with the poise of someone who had seen more than her fair share of battles. She adjusted her glove casually, brushing away a speck of sand as she eyed Aqua with a sly grin.
"Not bad, Aqua," Rouge said, her tone genuinely impressed. "You've got style."
Aqua allowed herself a small, relieved smile as she lowered her Keyblade.
"Thanks. I had a little practice," she replied, her voice steady despite the fatigue creeping in.
Omega stomped forward, his massive frame casting an imposing shadow over the group. His sensors flickered as he scanned the smoldering remains of the Egg Breaker.
"DISAPPOINTING," he announced, his monotone voice tinged with mechanical discontent. "I WANTED TO FINISH IT OFF. I CALLED DIBS."
Aqua turned to Omega, her smile softening into a playful smirk.
"Maybe next time," she said, a hint of humor in her voice. "Besides, you did a lot of the heavy lifting. I just added some sparkle."
Omega's sensors flickered briefly, and his monotone reply carried the same cold logic as ever.
"SPARKLE IS INSUFFICIENT. TERMINATION SHOULD BE MAXIMAL."
"The big guy's got standards," Rouge teased, her voice laced with humor.
Shadow approached, his crimson eyes scanning the group before settling on Aqua. For a moment, he simply studied her. Then, with a slight tilt of his head, he gave her a single, approving nod.
"You're capable," he said, his tone neutral but carrying a hint of acknowledgment. "I know what you can do. But don't let your guard down."
Aqua raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smirk.
"Was that… a compliment, Shadow?" she asked, her voice light with amusement.
"Don't get used to it," Shadow replied flatly, already turning his attention toward the wreckage.
"So," Aqua remarked, tilting her head slightly, the Master's Defender disappearing in a shimmer of light from her grip. She turned to Rouge and Omega, her expression curious but cautious. "G.U.N. knows about me?"
Rouge's smirk widened, her sharp eyes glinting with intrigue as she crossed her arms.
"We do. Sonic's report to us after Mobius returned form the dark had a lot of… interesting details," she explained. "He mentioned something about you being 'missing your other half.' Oscura, was it?"
Aqua's expression faltered, her confidence wavering as confusion flickered across her face. She hesitated before speaking, her voice quieter than before.
"Sonic… told you about that?" she asked.
Rouge shrugged, her demeanor casual as she replied.
"He did. Though, to be fair, I don't think he really understood what he was saying. 'Other half' and 'Oscura' were just words to him. He knows what a Heartless is—he's tangled with enough of them—but when it came to 'other half,' he was in the dark. Didn't stop him from mentioning it in his report to us, though."
"Oscura was Aqua's Heartless," Shadow explained bluntly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Rouge's sharp gaze flicked between Aqua and Shadow.
"Which makes you…" she said, her voice trailing off as she turned her full attention to Aqua. "A Nobody, right?"
Aqua hesitated, her hands clenching slightly at her sides. She glanced down, as if the weight of her own truth was suddenly too heavy to bear. Finally, she raised her head, finding the courage to answer.
"Yes," she confirmed, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Rouge nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful.
"That tracks. We weren't sure what to make of it at first, so we did some digging. Turns out there's a lot more to this Heartless and Nobody business than most people realise. With a little outside help, we managed to piece it together."
"Outside help?" Shadow interjected, his voice sharp and suspicious. His arms uncrossed as he took a deliberate step closer. "The only ones who'd know about Aqua being a Nobody are Mickey, Silver, or Yen Sid. So, which one was it?"
Omega's sensors flickered briefly as he stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over the group.
"CLASSIFIED," he said in his usual blunt, mechanical tone.
Shadow groaned, closing his eyes briefly.
"Of course. G.U.N. and their secrets," he moaned.
Aqua glanced between the three of them, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the heavy conversation.
"You're thorough," she remarked, her tone light but with a hint of respect. "No wonder G.U.N. is so effective."
"We've got our ways," Rouge admitted smugly. "Sonic may be Mobius's fastest, but when it comes to intel, G.U.N. always pulls through."
Omega's monotone voice cut in, his sensors whirring.
"TARGET: AQUA. STATUS: RECOGNISED AS A NOBODY. MISSION: OBSERVE AND REPORT."
Aqua raised an eyebrow, her arms crossing over her chest as she looked up at Omega.
"Observe and report? You're spying on me now?" she questioned.
"AFFIRMATIVE," Omega replied, his tone devoid of emotion.
Shadow sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"You're just full of surprises, Omega," he said, deadpan.
"ANALYSIS: SURPRISES INCREASE MISSION EFFICIENCY."
Rouge shook her head, a wry grin on her face.
"Don't mind him. He's just curious. And maybe a little bitter that you got to finish off that Egg Breaker."
"I AM NOT BITTER," Omega replied immediately. "I AM SIMPLY EFFICIENT. TERMINATION SHOULD BE MAXIMAL."
Aqua chuckled softly, the tension easing slightly.
"Noted. Maybe I'll leave the next one to you," she said thoughtfully.
Rouge raised an eyebrow at Aqua, her smirk returning.
"Oh, she's quick. I like her," the bat remarked.
Shadow cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation.
"Now then, about that spacecraft, Rouge?" he questioned.
Rouge tilted her head thoughtfully, her sly grin widening.
"I can take you to a ship. In return, you're going to have to do something for me though," she teased.
"What?" Shadow moaned, his voice low and wary.
Rouge's grin turned mischievous as she replied.
"You're coming to Sonic's birthday party!"
"Ugh," Shadow groaned, closing his eyes as if the mere thought was painful.
"I'll take that as a yes," Rouge quipped, clearly enjoying herself. She turned to Aqua, her tone softening. "And you're more than welcome to join us, Aqua. Blue would love to see you again."
Aqua hesitated, her expression torn. She glanced down before shaking her head.
"It would be nice to see Sonic… but I can't," she admitted. "I have to get to Castle Oblivion as soon as possible."
"Fair enough," Rouge replied with a shrug. "I'll make sure Blue saves you some cake."
Omega tilted slightly, his mechanical voice cutting into the conversation.
"WHY CASTLE OBLIVION?" the robot questioned sternly.
"You taking intel on me again?" Aqua asked, raising an eyebrow at the machine.
"CLASSIFIED," Omega responded immediately. Aqua sighed and shook her head at his response.
Shadow stepped in, his voice calm but firm as he explained.
"Aqua needs to use her Keyblade to unlock that world. It's the only way to return it to its original state—the Land of Departure. She's trying to rescue her slumbering friend."
Rouge's eyes widened slightly, her curiosity unmistakable.
"Slumbering friends now? Aren't you a mystery, Aqua," Rouge remarked, her voice light but laced with curiosity.
Aqua glanced away, her fingers idly brushing against the fabric of her outfit. Her uncertainty was palpable, and for a moment, she seemed at a loss for words.
Rouge, sensing the hesitation, turned her focus back to Shadow with a mischievous smirk.
"Well then, Mr. Ultimate Lifeform. Interested in raiding a G.U.N. base?" she teased, her tone playful but carrying a hint of seriousness.
"You have my attention," Shadow replied, his voice calm but intrigued.
"Wait, raiding a G.U.N. base?" Aqua interjected, her tone a mixture of surprise and disbelief. She turned to Rouge and Omega, her brows furrowed. "But don't you all work for them?"
Rouge laughed softly, placing a hand on her hip.
"Technically, yes," she admitted, her tone casual. "But let's just say I have a healthy appreciation for bending the rules when it suits me. Besides, G.U.N.'s got plenty of toys lying around, and they don't always appreciate how valuable those toys can be in the right hands."
"G.U.N. DIRECTIVES ARE NOT ALWAYS LOGICAL. THEIR SECURITY PROTOCOLS ARE… INSUFFICIENT. THEIR RESOURCES CAN BE REPURPOSED FOR SUPERIOR MISSIONS," Omega added bluntly.
Aqua blinked, still trying to wrap her head around the idea.
"So you're saying you're going to steal from the organization you work for?" she asked with confusion.
Rouge chuckled, her wings fluttering slightly.
"Borrow, Aqua. Borrow. And it's not like G.U.N. will miss it. Half the time, they don't even know what they've got in their storage units."
Shadow folded his arms, his gaze shifting between Rouge and Aqua.
"What's the target?" he inquired.
Rouge's grin widened.
"A top-tier spacecraft. Fully equipped, fast, and capable of getting you to the ARK without any trouble. But it's locked away in one of G.U.N.'s more… secure facilities."
"And you just happen to know where it is?" Shadow probed.
"Of course," Rouge replied, feigning offense. "What kind of top-class agent would I be if I didn't?"
Aqua still seemed skeptical, glancing between the trio.
"And you're sure this is a good idea? If G.U.N. finds out—"
Rouge waved a hand dismissively as she interjected.
"Relax. I've done this before. G.U.N. knows how I operate, and let's just say… we have an understanding."
Omega's sensors flickered, his monotone voice cutting through the conversation.
"G.U.N.'S INEFFICIENCIES MAKE SUCH OPERATIONS STATISTICALLY ADVANTAGEOUS. HOWEVER, COMPLICATIONS MAY OCCUR IF DISCOVERED."
Shadow gave a short nod.
"If it gets us what we need, it's worth the risk," he affirmed.
Aqua sighed, still unsure but trusting Shadow's judgment.
"Alright, but if this backfires, I'm holding you all responsible," she moaned.
Rouge grinned in response.
"Don't worry, Aqua. Stick with us, and you'll be fine. Now then, let's get moving. Time's wasting, and I don't want to miss my next manicure appointment."
Shadow rolled his eyes but followed as Rouge took the lead. Aqua fell in step beside him, glancing down at the brooding hedgehog.
"This seems… reckless," she murmured.
Shadow shrugged, he was unfazed.
"Maybe. But it's necessary. You'll learn that sometimes, you have to bend the rules to get results."
"I hope you're right," Aqua muttered.