Dark Beginnings - Part 3: To The ARK
Present - G.U.N Base - Mobius
The secret G.U.N. base stood shrouded in an almost eerie silence, its sleek, utilitarian design blending seamlessly with the desolate desert around it. The faint hum of machinery was the only sound, a steady rhythm that underscored the facility's vigilance. High above, the fractured moon of Mobius loomed, its jagged silhouette casting ghostly lunar light over the base. The G.U.N. insignia was displayed prominently atop the building, a symbol of order and control—one that was about to be shattered.
In the heart of the base, a state-of-the-art space shuttle stood poised on its launch platform, the moon's pale light illuminating its polished surface. A marvel of Mobian engineering, it seemed both majestic and formidable, its purpose clear: to pierce the heavens and explore the unknown. But the tranquility of the night was suddenly ripped apart by chaos.
Explosions rocked the facility, the once-quiet night erupting into a cacophony of alarms, shouts, and the whine of scrambling machinery. Brilliant flashes of orange and red lit up the night, their fiery glow cutting through the shadows as smoke billowed into the air. The booming echoes of destruction reverberated through every corner of the base, throwing it into turmoil.
The source of the attack was clear: Team Dark had breached the facility. With the precision of seasoned warriors, they tore through the G.U.N. defenses, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Shadow moved like a shadow himself, a blur of speed and power as he unleashed chaos energy upon the robotic guards. Each blow was calculated, each movement decisive, as he dismantled G.U.N. Hunters with ruthless efficiency. Sparks flew as Shadow's fist collided with a robot's core, tearing it apart in an explosion of circuitry.
Beside him, Omega proved his worth as the team's heavy artillery. His rotating cannons roared to life, spitting a relentless barrage of bullets that shredded the hovering G.U.N. Beetles into lifeless husks. The air around him crackled with the sound of metal on metal as he swept the battlefield, leaving behind a graveyard of twisted steel and shattered machinery.
Meanwhile, Aqua hesitated at first, her resolve wavering as she struck at enemies tied to an organization she knew her allies were connected to. But as the battle raged on, she found her rhythm. Her Keyblade, Master's Defender, cut through the Hunters like a blade through paper, her movements graceful yet fierce. Despite her mastery, a nagging sensation tugged at her—her connection to the Keyblade faltered briefly, a reminder of the fragility of her Nobody existence. She pressed on regardless, her determination outweighing her doubt.
Keeping a look out behind the trio, Rouge observed the chaos with her characteristic smirk. Her sharp eyes scanning the area for incoming reinforcements. The bat's role was to keep the team one step ahead of their pursuers, and she did so with practiced ease. Every now and then, she cast a glance over her shoulder, wary of one figure above all: the Commander.
The team carved a path of destruction through the base, their focus unwavering as they pushed toward their goal. As they approached the internal lift that would take them to the command center, the faint sound of mechanical whirring reached their ears. The doors slid open with a hiss, revealing a G.U.N. Hunter and a Beetle drone waiting within, their glowing eyes locking onto the intruders.
The Hunter raised its arm, preparing to fire, but before it could act, Shadow darted forward in a blur of speed. A streak of chaos energy pulsed through the air as he delivered a powerful Chaos Spear, striking the Hunter's core. The machine let out a sputtering hiss as its circuits overloaded, its metallic body collapsing in a heap.
The Beetle drone attempted to retreat, its small thrusters whirring to life, but Omega stepped forward with deliberate purpose. His cannon rotated with a menacing whine before unleashing a precise burst of gunfire. The Beetle crumpled under the onslaught, its remains scattering across the lift floor with a series of sharp clangs.
Shadow brushed past the smoking remains, stepping into the lift as if nothing had happened. Rouge followed, her wings fluttering as she surveyed the carnage with a smirk.
"Well, that was a warm welcome," she quipped, stepping over the Hunter's mangled arm.
Aqua entered cautiously, glancing down at the broken machinery that littered the lift. She dismissed her Keyblade with a flick of her wrist, its faint light fading as it disappeared from her grasp. Despite her unease at their destructive entrance, she maintained her composure.
Omega was the last to enter, his towering frame taking up a significant portion of the small space. He regarded the shattered remains of the Beetle drone at his feet, his clawed hand reaching down to pick it up. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the lifeless machine into the corner like a piece of refuse. The metallic clink echoed briefly before the lift began to ascend.
As the lift rose, the steady hum of its mechanisms blended with the occasional clatter of debris shifting on the floor. The cold, blue lights of the vertical tunnel flashed past them, casting brief, flickering shadows on their faces. Shadow stood near the front, his arms crossed and his gaze fixed downward, his expression unreadable.
Omega's sensors flickered as he inspected the broken Hunter slumped against the wall. His clawed hand gripped the robot's remains, tilting its lifeless head to examine its design.
"INFERIOR CONSTRUCTION," Omega declared in his usual monotone, releasing the Hunter's head with a dismissive motion. The machine clattered to the floor, its parts rattling as they settled.
Rouge watched the exchange with a bemused smile. She tilted her head toward Aqua, who stood silently in the center of the lift, her gaze distant.
"Relax, Aqua," Rouge said with a smirk. "These tin cans didn't stand a chance against us."
"INFERIOR MODELS!" Omega added.
Aqua nodded slightly, her lips pressed into a thin line as she looked at the floor. Despite the reassurance, the sight of the shattered robots served as a stark reminder of their current path—a path filled with destruction and moral ambiguity.
Shadow remained silent, his crimson eyes briefly flicking toward Aqua before returning to the floor. His thoughts were his own, but the tension in his posture hinted at something deeper.
"So," Rouge began, her voice breaking the heavy silence in the lift, her tone light but sharp as she directed her comment at Shadow. "G.U.N. funded the research that created you. And when they got you, they sealed you away for fifty years."
"Hmph," Shadow huffed, his voice low and nonchalant, though the tension in his posture suggested otherwise.
Aqua, standing to his right, glanced at him thoughtfully. Her curiosity got the better of her.
"I knew you were created by Professor Gerald Robotnik, Shadow," Aqua said, her voice steady but probing. "But I didn't realize G.U.N. funded the work."
Shadow's crimson eyes shifted toward her briefly, his expression unreadable.
"Not important," he said bluntly, his focus clearly elsewhere.
Aqua frowned slightly, sensing the tightly wound tension beneath his calm exterior. She had fought alongside him in the Realm of Darkness, against the overwhelming forces of Mephiles and his darkness. She knew the depth of Shadow's strength, his resolve—but there was an undeniable wall between them when it came to his past. Trusting him wasn't the issue; understanding him was.
The lift slowed, its hum softening as it approached the upper levels of the facility. When the doors slid open with a metallic hiss, they revealed a dimly lit room. The air was cold and sterile, the faint smell of oil and machinery lingering. Shadows danced along the walls, the pale light from a distant console barely illuminating the space.
Shadow was the first to step out, his movements calculated and purposeful. Aqua followed close behind, her gaze sweeping over the room, her senses on high alert. Omega lumbered out next, though his heavy steps were punctuated by a comical clanging sound. A piece of metallic debris had magnetised to his foot, and despite several vigorous attempts to shake it loose, it stubbornly clung on.
"GET OFF!" Omega grumbled, shaking his leg harder.
Finally, with one powerful kick, the debris flew off, clattering loudly against the wall. The robot stomped forward triumphantly, as if he'd just conquered a worthy foe.
Rouge snickered but said nothing, her attention drawn to the console on the far side of the room. She strode toward it confidently, her movements fluid and precise. The glow of the screen intensified as she reached the keyboard, her gloved fingers already tapping away at the keys.
The words SHUTTLE LAUNCH READY flashed across the screen in bold green letters. Rouge leaned closer, her lips curling into a satisfied smile.
"See? All set up for us," she said, her voice smooth. "And my point from earlier, Shadow—don't get caught up with any vendettas tonight. Focus on the mission."
Shadow moved to stand beside her, folding his arms across his chest.
"G.U.N. is not my enemy tonight," he stated simply.
Aqua stepped closer, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"But… you work for them, don't you?" she questioned.
"Debatable," Shadow said flatly.
"He's more… freelance," Rouge explained. "G.U.N. gives him resources, he helps them when it suits him. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. But trust me, he's not on our payroll."
Omega chimed in, his voice monotone but pointed.
"SHADOW IS RELIABLE. BUT, G.U.N. DEPENDS ON ME FOR CONSISTENCY."
"Right…" Aqua said slowly, trying to piece together the strange dynamics of Team Dark and their relationship with G.U.N. "So you're not exactly one of them, Shadow?"
Shadow's expression hardened as he glanced toward the screen.
"They're a means to an end," he said firmly. "Nothing more."
Aqua nodded, though her curiosity lingered.
Suddenly, the calm of the control room shattered as an intense glow bathed the space, flooding through the wide window behind the monitors. The group turned sharply to face the source, their eyes narrowing against the brilliance. Outside, suspended in the moonlit air, hovered a G.U.N. Blue Falcon, its sleek blue and orange frame illuminated by the pale light of Mobius's fractured moon. Hydraulic hums echoed faintly through the glass as the aircraft hovered steadily, its pilot maintaining a watchful stance.
Shadow's red eyes locked onto the battle craft, his focus razor-sharp. The smirk that crossed his face was laced with defiance and determination.
"G.U.N may not be my enemy tonight," Shadow repeated, his voice carrying an edge, "but, they're definitely an obstacle in my way!"
Omega turned towards Shadow.
"I CALL DIBS!" Omega declared.
Aqua's hand instinctively summoned Master's Defender, the Keyblade appearing without resistance. She held it firmly, the weapon glowing faintly as she prepared to leap into action.
"Sorry, Omega," Aqua began, glancing at the robot. "I owe you one, but this—"
"NO. I CALLED DIBS!" Omega barked, his tone more insistent.
Aqua opened her mouth to reply, but the Blue Falcon suddenly floated backwards, putting distance between itself and the control tower. With a sharp mechanical whine, its undercarriage spun, unleashing a barrage of missiles toward the room. The streaking projectiles hissed through the air, their glowing trails illuminating the darkness.
Omega reacted instantly, smashing through the glass window with a thunderous crash. Shards of glass rained down as the massive robot landed on a lower metal walkway with an earth-shaking thud. Omega's arm cannon spun into position, targeting the incoming missiles with unerring precision.
The missiles streaked toward the control room, but Omega's cannon fired rapidly, precise bursts of firepower slicing through the night. Three missiles exploded mid-air, their fiery remnants lighting the sky. However, two managed to survive Omega's firepower.
"THREE DOWN. TWO REMAIN," Omega announced in his booming monotone.
Aqua was already in motion, leaping gracefully through the shattered window. Her movements were fluid, and with a flick of her wrist, her Keyblade glowed with charged energy. She flipped high into the air, aiming her weapon skyward.
"Thunder!" Aqua shouted, the command echoing powerfully.
Bolts of searing light streaked down from the heavens, crackling with raw energy. A precise strike connected with one of the missiles, detonating it in a fiery explosion. Aqua flipped backward mid-air to avoid the blast, landing beside Omega on the walkway.
"ONE MISSILE REMAINS," Omega stated, his tone urgent.
Aqua's head whipped back towards the final missile, its fiery path aimed directly for the foundation of the control tower—right below where Rouge was standing inside.
"Get it, quick!" Aqua called, her voice ringing with urgency.
The missile streaked toward the control tower with deadly precision, its fiery trail casting harsh shadows across the battlefield. For a tense moment, it seemed like there was no stopping its devastating trajectory. Then, a blur of black and red broke through the chaos—Shadow. His gloved hand closed around the missile's sleek frame mid-flight, halting it with a jarring force that seemed to defy physics. The raw energy of the projectile pulsed against his grasp, but Shadow's unwavering strength held firm.
His crimson eyes glared ahead, locked onto the Blue Falcon. The missile trembled in his grip, its thrusters still roaring in resistance, but Shadow remained unmoved. The battlefield grew eerily still, as though time itself paused to witness the audacity of the moment.
Slowly, deliberately, Shadow shifted the missile, turning its nose toward the hovering Blue Falcon. The G.U.N. pilot inside stared in wide-eyed disbelief, the glowing eyes of the hedgehog boring into him like a laser.
Without a word, Shadow released the missile. It rocketed forward like a thunderbolt, streaking straight toward its new target.
The pilot yanked hard on the controls, veering the Blue Falcon sharply to the left. The evasive maneuver spared the craft from the direct hit, but the sudden movement triggered the Falcon's automated systems. A new salvo of missiles erupted from its underside, arcing through the air toward Shadow, Aqua, and Omega.
"Reflect!" Aqua shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Her Keyblade glowed brightly as she raised it high, summoning a shimmering barrier of light. The missiles aimed at her and Omega collided with the magical shield, detonating in a series of deafening explosions. The blasts illuminated the desert night, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Aqua winced against the brilliance, shielding her face with her free hand, while Omega stood firm, his optics locked onto the Blue Falcon above.
Shadow's focus remained unwavering. His original missile, still airborne, twisted in a tight arc as it homed in on the Blue Falcon. The hedgehog didn't hesitate. He surged forward, his air shoes igniting as he disappeared in a flash of blue light—Chaos Control.
The battlefield trembled with the force of the Reflect barrier's destruction, Aqua's shield absorbing the worst of the blasts. The air shimmered with residual magic as smoke and debris swirled around the duo. Omega's mechanical gaze remained fixed upward, scanning the skies with an almost predatory intent.
Above them, Shadow reappeared atop the Blue Falcon in an instant, his form materialising from the Chaos Control warp. His movements were impossibly swift, almost surgical, as he reached out to catch the missile he had hurled moments earlier. With a calculated spin, he redirected the missile downward, slamming it with incredible force into the Falcon's armored roof.
Shadow didn't wait for the flames to engulf him. Another flash of blue light signaled his exit—Chaos Control whisked him away an instant before the blast could touch him.
The impact was massive. The missile detonated on contact, sending a massive shockwave through the craft. Flames erupted from the explosion, consuming part of the Falcon's frame as the resulting tremor rattled the cockpit. Inside, the pilot struggled against the chaos, his hands fumbling over the controls as alarms blared around him.
However, The pilot, though shaken, gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on the Blue Falcon's controls. Despite the relentless assault from Shadow, he still had resolve—this fight was far from over. His eyes darted across the dashboard, tracking the hedgehog's movements as Shadow blurred in and out of sight, warping between platforms of the base with Chaos Control.
The Blue Falcon hovered with precision, its thrusters whining as it adjusted its position to follow Shadow's erratic movements. A high-pitched beep sounded from the console as the targeting system attempted to lock on. Then, with a swift twist of a control lever, the pilot activated the Falcon's undercarriage. A slicing cyan-blue laser erupted from its rotating cannon, cutting through the air toward Shadow with deadly precision.
The beam seared through metal like a hot knife through butter, carving a glowing scar into the platform where Shadow had stood moments before. But Shadow was already gone, phasing out of reach with another Chaos Control.
Inside the cockpit, the pilot's frustration mounted as a flashing alert blinked in orange letters across his dashboard: NO TARGET. The continuous beeping only heightened his anger.
"Damn it!" the pilot snarled, slamming his fist against the controls.
Refusing to give up, he unleashed another barrage of missiles, their thrusters igniting as they streaked toward Shadow, who had just reappeared high above the base. The hedgehog free-fell toward the Blue Falcon, his body twisting gracefully in midair, poised to strike.
But his crimson eyes quickly locked onto the incoming wave of missiles. They were fast—too fast. Shadow clenched his fists and vanished in a blur of Chaos energy, warping out of harm's way as the missiles passed by, colliding into one another in fiery explosions.
Reappearing on a nearby metal walkway, Shadow landed in a controlled skid, his air shoes glowing as they scraped against the metallic surface. The Blue Falcon didn't relent, releasing yet another salvo of missiles. Their fiery tails streaked through the night, bearing down on the hedgehog like hounds chasing their prey.
Shadow darted forward, then disappeared again in a flash of Chaos Control. The missiles struck the platform he had just vacated, obliterating it in a violent explosion that sent shards of metal raining down. Still, the majority of the projectiles refused to be thwarted. Twisting and turning midair, they stubbornly pursued the chaotic energy radiating from their target.
High above the base, Shadow materialised once more, his body illuminated by the fractured moonlight. The missiles adjusted course, arcing upward toward him with unnerving accuracy. The Blue Falcon remained at a safe distance, unleashing an unrelenting stream of weaponry.
Below, Aqua and Omega stood on the metal walkway, watching the aerial spectacle unfold.
"Remarkable," Aqua gasped, her blue eyes wide with disbelief.
She had seen Shadow's skills in the Realm of Darkness, but this display was beyond anything she had imagined. His agility, precision, and mastery of Chaos energy were unparalleled.
"HE IS THE ULTIMATE LIFEFORM," Omega stated matter-of-factly, his sensors locked onto the spiraling chaos above. "THIS INFERIOR MACHINE DOES NOT STAND A CHANCE."
Back in the air, Shadow's movements grew even more daring. Missiles closed in from every angle, their glowing warheads streaking toward him like a deadly meteor shower. Shadow twisted his body, evading the first few with expert precision. But the sheer volume of projectiles left no margin for error.
With the missiles closing in, Shadow's lips curled into a determined smirk. He raised a hand, summoning the yellow Chaos Emerald into his grasp. Its brilliant light pulsed, as chaos energy coursed through his body.
"Chaos Control!" Shadow commanded, his voice resonating with unyielding authority.
Time froze. The missiles hung motionless mid-flight, their fiery trails suspended in the air like strokes of an artist's brush. The Blue Falcon hovered in place, caught in the stillness of the frozen moment.
Shadow's form blurred as he darted through the suspended night air He moved with unparalleled speed, a black-and-red streak weaving through the maze of motionless missiles. Each missile became a stepping stone as he ricocheted from one to the next, his body twisting with precision and power.
Reaching the last missile, Shadow spun midair, his crimson eyes glinting as he kicked off. As time resumed its natural flow, the night sky ignited in a symphony of destruction. A series of fiery explosions erupted, their brilliance illuminating above the G.U.N. base in cascading hues of gold and orange. The missiles exploded in a chain reaction, sending shockwaves through the air.
From the heart of the inferno, a blazing streak of light shot downward at an angle, moving with a speed and intensity that defied comprehension. It was Shadow, his spin dash fueled by the momentum of the blast, descending like a comet toward the Blue Falcon.
The impact was devastating. The collision tore into the ship's reinforced armor, the sheer force throwing the vessel into chaos. The Blue Falcon wavered, its movements jerky and erratic as it lost altitude.
Inside the cockpit, pandemonium reigned. The dashboard flashed warnings in a relentless rhythm, red lights casting an ominous glow over the chaos. The air was filled with the shrill warble of alarms, each one signaling imminent failure. The central console displayed a glaring red message: EJECT!.
The pilot gritted his teeth, struggling to regain control. His hands gripped the emergency release lever, but it was jammed, refusing to budge no matter how much force he applied. The man's heart pounded in his chest as panic clawed at the edges of his resolve.
Suddenly, Shadow appeared atop the Blue Falcon in a burst of chaos energy. His crimson eyes locked onto the pilot through the windshield, their intensity unyielding. The pilot's breath caught in his throat, his fear palpable as the hedgehog leaned back, his gloved fist raised high.
With one devastating strike, Shadow shattered the entire cockpit canopy. The reinforced glass gave way with a thunderous crack, shards scattering into the wind. The roof also broke apart, flying off into the distance. But the hedgehog wasn't finished. He adjusted his stance, planting his feet firmly on the ruined vessel as he raised his fist again.
The pilot recoiled instinctively, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms over his face in a desperate attempt to shield himself. His mind raced, bracing for the worst. But Shadow's fist didn't strike him.
Instead, with precise control, Shadow slammed his fist into the control panel. The force of the punch was immense, crushing the malfunctioning mechanisms and dislodging the jammed eject lever. The sound of metal groaning and snapping filled the air as the release mechanism finally activated.
With a sharp hiss, the ejection system launched the pilot upward, his seat propelled skyward. A parachute deployed, unfurling in the night like a flower blossoming against the glow of the moon. The pilot, though shaken, was now descending safely.
The Blue Falcon, now a flaming wreck, spiraled out of control. It hurtled through the air before slamming into a watchtower on the distant edge of the G.U.N. base. The impact was catastrophic, igniting a massive explosion that lit up the desert night. The shockwave echoed across the base, and a fiery plume rose into the sky, another reminder of the devastation Team Dark had wrought.
On the metal walkway, Omega and Aqua turned to witness the fiery spectacle. Aqua shielded her eyes from the glare, her face grim but resolute. Omega, however, was less reserved.
"I WANTED TO DESTROY IT!" Omega boomed, his voice reverberating with mechanical frustration.
Just then, Shadow materialised with Chaos Control in front of the elevator leading to the space shuttle. His movements were deliberate, his gaze fixed on his destination. Without acknowledging Omega's outburst, he began walking toward the elevator doors.
Omega's sensors locked onto Shadow, his metal frame vibrating slightly with indignation.
"IT WAS MINE TO CRUSH!" he added.
At the entrance to the elevator, Shadow paused and glanced back over his shoulder. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Hmph," he huffed, the sound laced with amusement.
Aqua, still standing beside Omega, watched Shadow turn his attention back to the elevator. Her silver boots clanged softly against the metal walkway as she took a step forward, her voice calling out.
"Shadow, wait!" she said, her tone urgent yet measured.
Shadow stopped, his hand hovering near the elevator controls. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable but his crimson eyes steady, meeting her gaze without hesitation.
Aqua closed the distance between them quickly, her Keyblade disappearing in a shimmer of light as she reached him. Her breath caught as their eyes met, a subtle but powerful understanding passing between them.
"Don't you want me to come with you?" she asked, her voice soft but resolute. "Master Yen Sid told us to stay together. My Keyblade connection is weakening—what if something happens?"
Shadow's gaze softened briefly, but his tone remained firm as he shook his head.
"No," he said simply. "This is where our paths diverge, Aqua. For now."
Aqua blinked, her brows furrowing. She wasn't sure if it was his tone or the finality of his words that stung more.
"But why?" she pressed. "I've helped you this far—I can keep helping."
"You've done more than enough," Shadow replied, his voice low but sincere. "But the ARK… this is my fight. What's up there is something I need to face alone."
"But Shadow…" Aqua began, her voice faltering slightly. She caught herself, forcing her tone to steady. "We've been through so much together. The Realm of Darkness, Mephiles… I know what you're capable of, but—"
"It's not about capability," Shadow interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. "This is my burden to carry. You…" He paused, his gaze intensifying. "You have your own mission."
Aqua looked at him, the weight of his words settling heavily on her shoulders. She felt a pang of guilt and frustration, knowing he was right but unwilling to admit it.
"Castle Oblivion," Shadow continued. "You need to unlock it and return the Land of Departure. You need to save Ventus. That's your mission now."
Aqua's emotions ached at the mention of Ventus. The reminder of her sleeping friend reignited the determination in her chest, but it didn't make the parting any easier.
"You've helped me this far," Shadow said, his tone softening as his crimson eyes met hers. "And for that, I owe you more than I can say. But this… this is something I have to do. Alone."
Aqua's grip tightened around her arms, her gaze dropping as doubt clouded her expression.
"But… what about my connection to the Keyblade?" she said, her voice tinged with hesitation. "What if I can't do this? What if… I fail?"
Shadow's expression hardened slightly, his crimson eyes narrowing. He tilted his head, his voice low and incredulous.
"Fail?" he remarked.
"Yes, fail," Aqua replied, her voice trembling as she met his gaze. "Shadow, I don't even have a heart. What if the Keyblade stops answering to me completely? What if I go to Castle Oblivion, and I can't do what needs to be done? What if I can't unlock the Land of Departure? Or worse… what if I can't save Ven?"
Shadow's gaze didn't waver. Instead, he stepped closer, his tone firm but not harsh.
"Where is the Aqua I know?" he questioned, looking up at the Keyblade Master.
Aqua blinked, her uncertainty momentarily interrupted by confusion.
"What?" she replied in confusion.
"Where is the Aqua who, even without a heart, found the strength to keep moving forward?" Shadow pressed, his voice rising slightly with conviction. "The Aqua who, even when her memories were shattered, didn't give in? The one who faced Oscura and Mephiles head-on? The Aqua who stood against the Demon Tide, even when she was thrown deeper into the Realm of Darkness?"
Aqua flinched slightly, his words cutting through the fog of doubt that weighed on her. Shadow's expression remained intense, his crimson eyes piercing through her insecurities.
"You don't have a heart? So what?" Shadow said bluntly. "You've already proven you don't need one to fight for what matters. You've done things that even those with hearts could never dream of doing."
Aqua opened her mouth to respond, but Shadow held up a hand to stop her, his tone softening slightly as he continued.
"Look," he said, his voice steady, "I've been where you are—questioning everything, wondering if I'm even meant to be here. Whether I'm a weapon or something more. But you don't get to stand there and tell me you can't do this, not after everything you've already survived."
Aqua's gaze dropped to the metal walkway beneath her boots, her doubts still gnawing at the edges of her resolve.
"You've faced the worst darkness has to offer, and you've beaten it every time," Shadow remarked, his voice low but resolute. "The Keyblade glitching? It's nothing more than a bump in the road. Tonight, you've shown that you can still command it when it matters. Ventus needs you, Aqua. You are the only one who can bring him back."
He paused, then added with quiet intensity, "You don't have to have a heart to care, Aqua. I've seen it in you. Your actions speak louder than any beating heart ever could. You don't get to fail—not when you've come this far."
For a moment, neither spoke. The wind whistled faintly around them, carrying with it the faint scent of smoke from the wreckage. Aqua searched his face, hoping for some sign that he might change his mind. But Shadow's resolve was unshakable.
Finally, Aqua nodded, her expression pained but understanding.
"Alright," she said quietly. "If this is what you need to do, then I won't stop you. I can do this."
"Yes, you can," Shadow agreed, his eyes softened, and for a fleeting moment, a rare trace of gratitude passed across his features.
"Thank you," she said simply. "Thank you for believing in me, Shadow."
Hesitating, Aqua reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Be careful," she said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. "You're more than capable, but… just don't take unnecessary risks. Okay?"
Shadow gave a small nod, his usual stoicism giving way to something quieter, more genuine.
"I will," he promised. "And you… save Ventus. You've got this. Nobody or not, you are Aqua, a Keyblade Master who survived the darkness and lived to tell the tale. Be proud of that."
Aqua managed a small smile, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She stepped back, giving him space to turn toward the elevator.
As the doors slid open with a quiet hiss, Shadow stepped inside and turned to face her one last time.
"I'll see you soon," he said, his voice firm but carrying a faint hint of something softer.
Aqua nodded, her smile bittersweet.
"Soon," she echoed.
The doors slid shut, and Aqua stood in silence, watching the faint glow of the elevator's ascent. She closed her eyes for a moment, steadying herself. When she opened them, she turned back toward Omega, who stood waiting nearby.
"BE STRONG, AQUA," Omega's deep, mechanical voice broke the stillness. His glowing optics fixed on her, and his heavy metal frame moved with a deliberate step forward. The soft clang of his footfalls against the steel walkway echoed slightly, carrying a weight beyond mere sound. "I SENSE A RESOLVE WITHIN YOU—EVEN IF YOU CANNOT FULLY SEE IT YOURSELF."
Aqua blinked, surprised by the unexpected reassurance. Omega's words, so often sharp and direct, now carried an almost fatherly tone of encouragement. He tilted his head slightly, his optics flickering as if punctuating his sincerity.
"EVEN THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPONS REQUIRE MAINTENANCE," Omega continued, his voice steady and deliberate. "YOUR STRENGTH MAY FEEL FRACTURED, BUT IT IS NOT LOST. YOU HAVE ENDURED DARKNESS. YOU HAVE FACED ENEMIES OF IMMENSE POWER AND EMERGED VICTORIOUS. THIS MOMENT OF UNCERTAINTY IS SIMPLY ANOTHER TEST—ONE YOU ARE MORE THAN EQUIPPED TO PASS."
Aqua looked up at him, her lips parting as if to reply, but for a moment, she simply stared. His words, so unexpected yet so genuine, struck a chord deep within her.
"Do you really think I can do this?" she asked softly, her voice fragile yet hopeful.
"THINKING IS IRRELEVANT," Omega replied without hesitation, his tone firm but not harsh. "I KNOW YOU CAN. YOU HAVE EARNED THE RESPECT OF SHADOW, ROUGE, AND MYSELF. THAT IS NO SMALL ACCOMPLISHMENT."
"Thank you, Omega," Aqua said, her voice warm with gratitude. "I… I'm proud to call you my friend."
"FRIENDSHIP ACCEPTED," Omega said, his tone oddly formal yet unmistakably sincere. He straightened his posture slightly, his metallic frame gleaming faintly under the lunar light. "KNOW THIS, AQUA—YOUR PATH IS YOUR OWN, BUT YOU DO NOT WALK IT ALONE. THE ALLIES YOU HAVE MADE WILL NOT ABANDON YOU. WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT, IN OUR OWN WAYS, FOR THE LIGHT YOU SEEK TO RESTORE."
"You've given me more strength than you realise," Aqua said softly. "Thank you."
Omega stepped aside slightly, gesturing with a massive metallic hand toward the path leading back to Rouge.
"ENOUGH SENTIMENT," he said, his tone returning to its usual bluntness, though Aqua could sense the warmth beneath it. "WE MUST RETURN TO ROUGE. DELAYS ARE INEFFICIENT."
Aqua chuckled lightly at his pragmatism, the tension in her shoulders easing as she moved to stand beside him.
"You're right," she said, her voice steady. "Let's head back."
Inside the space shuttle, Shadow adjusted the controls with precision, his crimson eyes fixed on the dashboard as the ship's systems powered up. A faint hum filled the cabin, followed by the soft crackle of the communication line.
"Shadow to Rouge," the hedgehog announced, his voice steady and focused. "I'm in position."
Back in the control center, Rouge's gloved fingers flew over the keyboard, her expertise evident in the fluidity of her movements. She didn't miss a beat, the sharp clacks of her typing echoing through the darkened room.
"Copy that," Rouge replied into the comms. Behind her, Omega and Aqua entered the control center, their attention drawn to the screens lighting the room. The faint glow of the monitors cast long shadows on the walls, adding a sense of gravity to the scene. "Initiating launch."
As Rouge pressed a large red button on the console, the room darkened further, metal shutters swiftly lowering over the shattered windows. The sound of locking mechanisms echoed around them. A moment later, projections flickered to life on the newly sealed shutters, displaying a live feed of the space shuttle on the launch pad. It stood poised for liftoff, bathed in moonlight, its thrusters roaring to life.
A countdown appeared on the projection, beginning at 10 seconds. The timer ticked down, each second punctuated by the low hum of the shuttle's systems preparing for launch.
Outside, the rocket's thrusters ignited, a deafening roar shaking the air as fire and smoke billowed from the launch pad. The shuttle began to ascend, its velocity rapidly increasing as it climbed higher and higher into the sky.
"Now that's a ride," Aqua remarked, her tone light but tinged with awe as she watched the projection. Her Keyblade Glider had always been her method of traversing the stars, but seeing the shuttle's raw power was something else entirely.
"Sometimes, the old ways are the best ways," Rouge quipped with a sly smirk, her gaze fixed on the screen.
The calm was short-lived. The projection abruptly flashed red, the words UNAUTHORIZED LAUNCH DETECTED emblazoned across the display in bold, blinking letters. An ear-splitting alarm blared, the room awash in crimson light.
"What?!" Aqua gasped, the ominous glow illuminating her shocked expression.
Rouge's confident demeanor faltered as she stared at the screen in disbelief. Omega stood silent, his glowing optics narrowing as if assessing the situation.
Outside, the shuttle continued its ascent, breaking through the clouds. But the base below sprang into action. A massive cannon, concealed in the shadows of the facility, activated with a loud mechanical whir. Its barrel rotated, locking onto the ascending shuttle. Hundreds of G.U.N. Beetle drones emerged from hidden compartments in the base, swarming into the sky like a metallic storm, their glowing red sensors locked onto the target.
Back in the control room, Rouge furiously typed on the console, her usual composure replaced by frantic determination.
"Omega, Aqua!" Rouge called out, turning briefly to glance at the two. "Hurry! You need to take out those guns before they fire!"
"AFFIRMATIVE!" Omega declared without hesitation.
"For Shadow!" Aqua said, her voice brimming with determination as she summoned Master Defender to her hand. The Keyblade materialised in a flash of light, and she stepped up beside Omega, ready to act.
But just as they prepared to spring into action, something unexpected happened. An arm appeared next to Rouge, moving with calm precision. The hand pressed firmly against a scanner embedded in the console, the panel's light shifting from red to green in an instant. A soft beep signaled the system's recognition, and the red alerts faded from the screen.
Rouge froze, her hands hovering over the keyboard. Omega and Aqua both turned sharply, their eyes locking onto the figure who had silently entered the room.
Standing with his hand firmly on the scanner was a man radiating authority and control. His sharp features were accentuated by the glow of the console, his uniform immaculate and his stance unwavering. Strands of silver threaded through his neatly combed hair, and his mismatched eyes—one green, the other brown—held a commanding presence. This was no ordinary officer—this was Commander Abraham Tower.
"This is Commander Abraham Tower," he spoke into the comms, his tone firm and unyielding, carrying the weight of absolute command. "All forces—stand down."
Outside, the deep hues of night were giving way to the soft blush of dawn. The sun crept tentatively toward the horizon, casting streaks of gold, pink, and violet across the sky. The G.U.N. Beetles and automated cannons, poised to unleash their firepower, froze mid-operation, silenced by Commander Tower's authoritative order.
The space shuttle, its gleaming body catching the first rays of morning light, ascended steadily into the atmosphere. Against the vivid backdrop of the awakening sky, its journey was breathtaking—a stark silhouette rising toward the heavens, leaving behind a trail of luminous exhaust. From a distance, the sight was nothing short of spectacular, a testament to the determination and resolve of those who had set it in motion.
[Without You by Casey Lee Williams starts playing]
Inside the control center, the blaring alarms fell silent, and the crimson hue of the projection screen faded back to its soft, neutral glow. A palpable tension lifted from the room as the immediate threat dissipated. Rouge exhaled deeply, placing a hand over her chest as she turned to face the man who had just saved their operation.
"Abe," Rouge said with a mixture of relief and familiarity, her sharp eyes softening slightly as they met his mismatched gaze. "You really know how to make an entrance."
Commander Abraham Tower straightened fully, his authoritative stance accentuated by the crisp lines of his uniform. His gaze settled on Rouge, a glimmer of expectation in his piercing green and brown eyes. His expression was unreadable, though there was a clear demand for answers behind his calm demeanor.
"Commander," Omega's deep, metallic voice rumbled, acknowledging Tower's presence as he shifted his imposing frame to face him.
Standing slightly apart, Aqua observed the scene with quiet curiosity. Her blue eyes lingered on the man who had so effortlessly taken command of the situation. There was something about him—those mismatched eyes, his presence. A flicker of something stirred in her memory, faint and elusive, as though she'd seen him before.
She tilted her head slightly, her voice soft but thoughtful.
"Have we… met before?" she asked softly.
Tower's gaze flickered to her, and for the briefest moment, a shadow of recognition passed over his face. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by his usual composed demeanor.
"Our paths have crossed in ways you may not fully remember," he said cryptically, his tone even but measured.
Aqua's brow furrowed slightly, but before she could press further, Tower turned back to Rouge with a raised brow.
"I brought that intel you requested," Rouge remarked, pulling a small pen drive from one of her hidden compartments with a flourish.
She inserted the drive into the USB slot on the console. Instantly, the projection screen flared to life, displaying a series of data streams and images. At the center of the display was the haunting figure of someone cloaked in a black coat, their face obscured beneath the deep shadows of the hood. Lines radiated from the image, connecting to streams of information, fragmented intelligence, and ominous notations.
Commander Tower's brow furrowed slightly, his mismatched eyes narrowing as he absorbed the information.
"And in the process," he said dryly, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade, "you've aided in the destruction of millions in G.U.N. assets."
Rouge responded with a casual shrug, though her eyes gleamed with confidence.
"Sorry, but Shadow needed some help saving the world," she explained.
Tower sighed heavily and leaned on the console in front of him, his imposing frame outlined by the glow of the screen. The light reflected off his face, highlighting the lines of weariness and deep thought.
"If that's the case," he began, his voice quieter now but still carrying the weight of authority, "despite all that's passed between us, Shadow has saved Mobius not once, but twice. He defeated Black Doom. He helped seal away the Door to Darkness. He's done more than anyone could ask, even for a lone soldier. He should have known…" Tower trailed off briefly, his gaze shifting downward. "He should have known I would have supported him if he'd just asked."
Rouge, ever quick with her wit, smirked faintly and crossed her arms.
"When has Shadow ever asked for permission?" she asked.
Tower's sharp gaze snapped to her, his mismatched eyes brimming with intensity.
"You could've talked him down, Rouge," he said sternly, the edge in his voice clear. He turned then to Aqua, who stood quietly to the side. "And you, Aqua—you could have too."
Aqua opened her mouth, searching for the words to defend herself, but nothing came. Tower's commanding presence left little room for argument. Before she could respond, Rouge cut in, her tone softer than before but still laced with a knowing amusement.
"There's only one person who could've ever done that," Rouge admitted, her gaze shifting to the projection of the space shuttle as it broke through Mobius's atmosphere.
Commander Tower straightened, sighing deeply as he clasped his hands behind his back. His gaze lingered on the screen, the blue-and-green hues of Mobius reflected in his stern expression.
"True…" he said quietly, his voice losing its edge as a shadow of sorrow crept into his tone. "And she was lost to us a long time ago…"
The room fell into a heavy silence, the faint hum of the machinery and the flicker of the screen the only sounds. Aqua, standing slightly apart, turned her attention to the projection. Her blue eyes softened as understanding dawned. Tower's words resonated deeply, stirring a quiet ache within her.
"Maria," she whispered, the name barely audible. Her voice carried a weight of empathy, her gaze locked on the image of the shuttle disappearing into the vastness of space.
The space shuttle, still strapped to its rocket, pierced through the thinning atmosphere of Mobius. Below, the planet gleamed like a precious jewel suspended in the vast black void, its swirling blues and greens radiant against the emptiness. Above, the fractured moon loomed, its jagged edges illuminated by the rising sun cresting Mobius's horizon. The scene was breathtaking—both beautiful and haunting.
Inside the cockpit, Shadow sat in the pilot's seat, his posture rigid and his crimson eyes fixed ahead. Yet, his thoughts were far from the shuttle or its mission. His grip on the armrests tightened as his mind drifted.
Maria's face emerged from the depths of his memory, vivid and unyielding. Her radiant blue eyes shone with warmth and trust, her golden hair cascading in soft waves as she looked at him. Her voice, so gentle yet filled with conviction, echoed in his mind.
In his imagination, a different reality unfolded.
Mobius stretched out before them, unscarred by war or darkness. Maria stood in a field of soft, emerald grass that swayed gently in the breeze. The sunlight framed her like a halo, her laughter carried on the wind as vibrant petals danced around her. Shadow stood at a distance, watching, the faintest smile breaking across his otherwise stoic face.
"Shadow!" Maria called, turning to him with outstretched arms. Her voice was light, filled with hope. "Come join me!"
He hesitated, the weight of the past pulling at him even in this dreamlike vision. But Maria's smile—pure and unshakable—drew him forward. Shadow stepped toward her, his air shoes brushing against the soft grass. Her hand reached out, clasping his. It was warm, grounding, as if anchoring him to a life he had never allowed himself to believe he could have. Peace surrounded them—a life she had always envisioned, a world free of pain.
For the briefest moment, Shadow let himself believe.
But then, the vision shattered. The emerald fields dissolved into the cold, unfeeling blackness of space. Maria's laughter faded into silence, replaced by the low hum of the shuttle's engines. The warmth of her hand vanished, leaving only the cold touch of reality.
His chest tightened as he clenched his fists, his breaths shallow. He closed his eyes, wrestling against the ache that threatened to consume him.
"Stop it," Shadow muttered, his voice low, strained, as though commanding the torment to cease. He forced his fists to relax and opened his eyes. The intensity that defined him returned, sharp and unwavering.
"That life was taken from me long ago," he whispered to himself, his tone a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "I can't lose focus now."
He exhaled deeply, steadying his thoughts as he turned his attention back to the present. The faint vibrations of the shuttle hummed around him, its controls glowing softly. Outside, the dark silhouette of the Space Colony ARK came into view, a monolithic shadow against the fractured moon. Its haunting presence loomed, a symbol of pain and betrayal suspended in the void.
Shadow's crimson eyes narrowed, his gaze locking onto the ARK.
"A threat lurks aboard the ARK," he said, his voice hardening, its edge razor-sharp. "And I must eliminate it."
The shuttle adjusted its trajectory, accelerating toward the ARK. Behind him, the endless void of space stretched infinitely, cold and indifferent. Ahead, his past awaited, tangled with danger and unfinished battles. The road to redemption, vengeance, and purpose lay before him.
[Without You Stops Playing]
Inside a private room within the heart of the G.U.N. base, the atmosphere was tense yet intimate. The hum of machinery outside was a faint background noise, but the room itself was serene. Commander Abraham Tower, or Abe as he was known to some, sat at the head of a sleek metallic table. The room was dimly lit, with a single light casting a soft glow over the pair seated within.
Aqua sat across from him, her hands resting lightly on the table. Her gaze was steady, but her expression betrayed her curiosity and unease. The room's simple décor—a G.U.N. insignia on the wall and a terminal blinking softly in the corner—emphasised the importance of their conversation.
"I'll arrange a G.U.N. vessel to transport you to Castle Oblivion," Tower said, his voice calm but deliberate. "You have a mission to complete, and I respect that."
Aqua inclined her head slightly in gratitude.
"Thank you, Commander," she replied.
Tower raised a brow, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Call me Abe. You earned that much after what you did during Operation: Lightbringer's Gambit."
Aqua tilted her head, a flicker of confusion in her blue eyes.
"Operation… Lightbringer's Gambit? Is that what you called the mission to stop Ansem and close the Door to Darkness?"
Abe leaned back slightly, his heterochromatic eyes—one green, one brown—studying her carefully.
"Yes. We heard about what you did" he began. "You stopped a Demon Tide from sabotaging the plan, sacrificing yourself to hold it back. You trapped yourself deeper in the darkness, knowing the risks, all to ensure the Door to Darkness was sealed. If Shadow hadn't found you, we might not be having this conversation."
Aqua's expression softened, but surprise flickered across her face.
"Who told you this?" she asked cautiously, leaning forward slightly. "And don't say 'classified.'"
Abe chuckled, a genuine sound that seemed out of place in his otherwise serious demeanor.
"Very well," he said, a trace of amusement lingering. "His majesty, King Mickey of Disney Castle. He was behind the door with you and Shadow. He vouched for your actions."
Aqua's eyes widened, and her breath caught for a moment. Mickey had spoken of her? The weight of his acknowledgment struck her deeply.
Abe's tone shifted, carrying a gravity that matched his words.
"G.U.N., Mobius, and the entire universe owe you for what you did, Aqua. You held back the tide of darkness when no one else could. You gave everyone a fighting chance."
Aqua looked down, her hands curling slightly against the table. She wasn't used to such direct praise, especially for actions that felt, to her, like they had been born of necessity rather than heroism.
"I didn't do it for recognition," she said quietly. "I did it because it was the right thing to do. Because… it had to be done."
Abe nodded, his expression softening.
"And that's precisely why it mattered," he answered.
There was a pause, the air between them heavy with unspoken gratitude and respect. Finally, Abe straightened, his tone shifting slightly as he steered the conversation to a new topic.
"There's something I need to discuss with you, Aqua," he said. "But not now. When you return with Ventus, we'll talk. It's important, but right now, your focus should be on unlocking The Land of Departure and waking him up."
Aqua frowned, torn between her curiosity and the weight of her mission.
"What is it?" she pressed gently. "Does it have to do with… us crossing paths before?"
Abe's gaze softened, but he sighed, his eyes briefly flickering with a hint of something Aqua couldn't quite place—regret, perhaps, or a distant memory.
"It was a long time ago," he admitted, his voice quieter now. "But we must concentrate on the present. Ventus needs you, and your mission comes first."
Aqua hesitated but eventually nodded. She trusted his words, even if the unanswered questions gnawed at her.
"I'll hold you to that, Abe," she said, her voice steady. "When I return with Ven, we'll talk."
Abe offered her a faint smile, his respect for her unwavering.
"When you return, Aqua. Not if. You've overcome too much to stop now," he said with respect.
She rose from her seat, offering him a small bow of gratitude.
"Thank you for your help, Commander… Abe."
Tower inclined his head in acknowledgment, watching as she turned to leave. As the door slid shut behind her, he leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze lingering on the space she had occupied. Whatever he had to tell her would wait—until the time was right. For now, the weight of their respective missions hung heavy, a reminder of the battles yet to come.
And that's a wrap on Dark Beginnings!
I hope you've enjoyed this three-part prologue as much as I've enjoyed adapting it. The original short episodes before Sonic x Shadow Generations came out were great, and I aimed to bring that same energy and intrigue to this retelling. Hopefully, it read well and gave you a deeper appreciation for the characters and their journeys.
Now, we move to the heart of the matter: Shadow and Aqua's story in Chain of Generations: ReMiX. Their paths are filled with challenges, mysteries, and revelations that will test them in ways they never imagined.
Let the fun—and the unraveling of secrets—begin!
Also, a special mention to Without You by Casey Lee Williams. Its haunting beauty and emotional depth made it the perfect addition to the story, capturing the essence of Shadow struggles and bonds. I do not own this song.
Thank you so much for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy what's to come. Onward to the next chapter in their incredible journey!