Where it Began
Space Colony ARK - Fifty Years Ago
The pristine experimental room hummed softly, a symphony of futuristic machinery and the hum of electricity coursing through the walls. However, all attention was on the central pod—a stasis capsule glowing faintly in the sterile white light. Inside, the faint silhouette of a black and red figure could be seen, still and dormant.
Maria Robotnik, young and full of unbridled excitement, ran ahead of her grandfather, her blonde hair bouncing with each hurried step. She pressed her hands and face eagerly against the glass of the central pod, her bright blue eyes filled with wonder.
"Grandfather, can we wake him up now? Can I meet him?" Maria's voice rang out with anticipation, turning back to him.
Professor Gerald Robotnik walked slowly into the room, his aged hands resting on a control console. He typed a sequence of commands, his movements deliberate. The monitors around the room lit up, displaying lines of data and readings on the subject within the pod.
"I believe so, yes," Gerald confirmed with a smile and approving nod. "It is time to awaken the Ultimate Lifeform."
Maria stepped back slightly, her small hands clasped together in front of her chest as the room dimmed momentarily. A low hiss escaped from the pod, and a rush of cold air billowed outward. Inside, the figure's red eyes opened for the first time, their piercing gaze cutting through the glass.
"Welcome to the world, Shadow the Hedgehog," Gerald said softly, his voice filled with both pride and expectation.
Space Colony ARK - Present Day
The experimental room was dark now, stripped of its former life and sterile perfection. Wires hung loosely from the ceiling, and the stasis pod stood empty and cracked, its glass broken in places like a monument to a forgotten past. Shadow stood in the center of the room, silent and unmoving. His crimson eyes were cold, yet flickered faintly with something unspoken as they scanned the remnants of the place he had been created.
The hum of the ARK's systems still lingered faintly in the background, a ghost of its once-vibrant operation. He glanced around, his gaze lingering on the control console his creator had once used, now coated in a layer of dust.
Suddenly, his comms link crackled to life. The sound pulled Shadow from his thoughts, his ears twitching as a familiar voice came through.
Meadow - Day
The meadow was lively, bathed in the golden glow of Mobius's sun. Sonic's friends were hard at work setting up for the hero's birthday party. Knuckles grumbled as he carried a piñata shaped suspiciously like Ansem The Seeker of Darkness, while Cream and Cheese carefully poured drinks at the refreshments table. Amy paced back and forth, clipboard in hand, barking orders to ensure everything was perfect.
Near the edge of the meadow, Rouge stood apart from the others, her attention entirely on her communicator. She leaned casually against a tree, though her expression was focused.
"Shadow? This is Rouge. Do you copy?"
Space Colony ARK
"Shadow here. I copy," he responded.
Meadow - Day
Rouge glanced toward the others briefly, watching Knuckles nearly drop the piñata.
"Are you still aboard the ARK?" she asked.
Space Colony ARK
"Yes," Shadow replied curtly, his gaze now fixed on the fractured moon visible through a nearby window. "I arrived a few hours ago."
Meadow - Day
"Well, how long are you going to be?" Rouge asked, her voice taking on a teasing tone, "you're going to miss Sonic's birthday party."
Space Colony ARK
"Shame…" Shadow muttered with a dismissive tone.
Meadow - Day
"Don't be like that. I hope you're able to get here soon," Rouge replied.
Space Colony ARK
"I already told you, Rouge. I'm not leaving until I eliminate any possible threat aboard the ARK," Shadow's voice was colder now, his resolve unyielding.
Meadow - Day
"There's free food," Rouge countered, attempting to lighten the mood.
Space Colony ARK
Shadow let out a low grunt as he moved through a dimly lit corridor. Pausing by a large observation window, he cast his gaze downward. Through the expanse of glass, Mobius stretched out below him.
His crimson eyes softened, just barely, as he lingered on the sight of the planet. The distant hum of his comms link brought him back to the moment.
"Has Aqua made it to Castle Oblivion yet?" Shadow asked, his voice quieter now, the sharp edge replaced with a tone that bordered on concern.
Meadow - Day
"Yes," Rouge replied. "I've been told she's on route. Omega's with her."
Space Colony ARK
"Good," Shadow said. His voice dipped briefly into something almost unrecognisable—relief.
Meadow - Day
"You really care about her, don't you?" Rouge replied.
Space Colony ARK
Shadow's crimson eyes narrowed, his voice turning sharp.
"She has a mission. And so do I."
"Relax, Shadow," Rouge replied over the link. "No need to get defensive."
Shadow didn't answer. His attention was drawn to something in the far corner of the corridor—a faint, unnatural distortion in the air. His eyes locked onto the shifting aura, and his body tensed instinctively.
"There!" he muttered.
Shadow cut the comms link abruptly, leaving Rouge's voice to fade into static. His Air Shoes ignited as he launched forward, skating across the ARK's desolate halls with precision and speed. The distortion grew stronger, a pulsing, dark energy that seemed to seep into the very walls of the colony. Shadow's teeth clenched as he pursued the signature, his mind racing.
The hedgehog rounded a corner sharply, his Air Shoes leaving faint scorch marks on the floor. He spotted a shadowy figure disappearing into another corridor.
"Whatever you are," Shadow muttered, his voice low and threatening, "you're not escaping."
With a burst of speed, Shadow surged forward, his focus unshakable. The ARK, his memories, and whatever darkness had dared invade his past—none would stand in his way. This was his fight.
G.U.N Space Vessel - Lanes Between
The hum of the ship's engines resonated faintly through the walls, a rhythmic undertone to the soft clicks and whirs of the onboard machinery. Aqua stood by the circular viewport, her blue eyes tracing the streaking stars outside. The infinite expanse of space stretched before her, vast and silent, its emptiness a stark reminder of the darkness she'd once been trapped in. But now, instead of despair, it carried a new weight—anticipation and purpose.
Heavy metallic footsteps echoed down the narrow corridor, each step deliberate and resonant. Omega's imposing frame appeared, his broad silhouette almost brushing the walls of the passage. He stopped a few paces from Aqua, his optics scanning her as they glowed faintly.
"WE ARE APPROACHING CASTLE OBLIVION," Omega announced, his deep, mechanical voice reverberating through the room. "ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL: FOUR MINUTES AND THIRTY-SEVEN SECONDS."
As if on cue, the ship's PA system crackled to life, delivering the same message in a much more mundane tone: "Approaching Castle Oblivion. Estimated arrival: five minutes."
"INSUFFICIENT TIMEKEEPING," Omega groaned, the irritation in his monotone voice somehow apparent.
Aqua turned from the viewport, the faint glow of stars and the looming silhouette of Castle Oblivion reflected in her calm but resolute expression.
"Thanks," she said softly, offering a small smile. "And thank you for coming with me, Omega."
"I WAS TASKED BY COMMANDER TOWER TO ASSIST," Omega replied, his tone blunt and factual. "THE MISSION TO AWAKEN VENTUS IS DESIGNATED AS CRUCIAL."
Aqua tilted her head, the smallest hint of humor lighting her face.
"Didn't you want to go to Sonic's birthday party, though?" she teased.
"NEGATIVE," Omega stated bluntly, his towering frame rigid as ever.
"Why not? Sonic's your friend, isn't he?" Aqua asked, curiously.
"AFFIRMATIVE. SONIC IS AN ALLY," Omega confirmed. "HOWEVER, BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ARE TRIVIAL. CAKE IS PERISHABLE, BALLOONS ARE FRAGILE, AND THE CONCEPT OF AGING IS IRRELEVANT TO MY FUNCTIONALITY."
Aqua chuckled at his clinical breakdown.
"I suppose you're not wrong," she admitted. "But sometimes celebrating the little things makes life meaningful. It reminds us of what we're fighting for."
"LIFE IS ORGANIC. FRAGILE. TO PROTECT IT IS TO ENSURE PURPOSE, NOT CAKE," Omega clarified bluntly.
Her laugh was lighter this time, the warmth in his blunt words softening the weight on her shoulders.
"Well, I appreciate you being here regardless," Aqua said, her voice steadying as she met his glowing optics. "Ventus… he's been waiting for a long time. I can't let him down."
"ACKNOWLEDGED. YOUR SUCCESS WILL BE SUPPORTED TO FULL CAPACITY," Omega said firmly.
Aqua allowed herself a small, grateful smile. Turning back to the viewport, she stared out at the distorted, eerie form of Castle Oblivion growing ever closer. The weight of her task pressed against her, but she took a deep breath and stepped away from the window. She flexed her fingers slightly, preparing herself for what lay ahead.
"I guess," she murmured, her voice steady, "it's time to get ready."
Omega's towering form loomed closer, his tone inquisitive.
"I HAVE ONE QUERY BEFORE OUR ARRIVAL."
She glanced back at him.
"Go ahead."
"WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY TO UNLOCK THE LAND OF DEPARTURE?" Omega asked. "EXPLAIN YOUR PROCESS TO RESTORE IT."
"Castle Oblivion was once the Land of Departure," Aqua began, her voice steady and filled with resolve. "It's still there, buried beneath the magic that transformed it. My Keyblade can summon the world's Keyhole, and through it, I can restore the Land of Departure to its true form."
She raised her hand, and with a flash of radiant light, Master's Defender materialised in her grip. The Keyblade's soft glow reflected across the room, its light dancing across Omega's polished frame and casting faint shadows against the metallic walls.
"I'll use Master's Defender to unlock the world's true form," Aqua continued, gripping the Keyblade tightly. "It's my responsibility to bring it back. To bring Ventus back."
Omega's optics fixed on the Keyblade, analysing its energy as he nodded.
"THIS IS A STRATEGICALLY SOUND APPROACH," he remarked. "PROCEED WITH CONFIDENCE. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION."
Aqua smiled faintly, the weight of the task ahead tempered by Omega's unwavering support.
"Thank you, Omega," she said.
The PA crackled again: "Castle Oblivion's World Gate in visual range. Prepare for disembarkation."
Omega stepped aside, his massive frame clearing the narrow corridor as he gestured toward the ship's exit with precise efficiency.
"LET US PROCEED. THE FUTURE OF THE LAND OF DEPARTURE and VENTUS AWAITS."
Aqua nodded, holding Master's Defender tightly as they moved toward the exit. Through the viewport, the towering, twisted form of Castle Oblivion loomed larger than life, its mysterious aura pulling them toward the challenge ahead.
Back on Space Colony ARK
[Music: Space Colony ARK: Act 1 - Sonic x Shadow Generations starts playing]
Shadow zipped down a descending rail, his air shoes grinding effortlessly along the yellow-and-red-striped surface. Sparks trailed behind him. The rail spiraled downward like a coiled snake, its origins rooted in one of the enormous spikes protruding from the ARK. The Space Colony loomed behind the hedgehog—a monolithic structure, its grey Bernal sphere design as foreboding as it was iconic. The ARK's face, resembling Professor Gerald Robotnik's visage, stared into the void with cold indifference. Its concave eye sockets and razor-sharp nose housed the infamous Eclipse Cannon, while three massive spikes jutted out from each side like celestial talons.
Shadow's crimson eyes narrowed as he hurtled downward. Determination burned bright within him, his voice cutting through the roar.
"I've got you now," he muttered. "I won't let you get away!"
As the rail twisted and turned, Shadow's movements were fluid and precise. He leapt off with practiced grace, flipping through the air before landing on a parallel rail, his trajectory perfectly aligned. Boosting forward, his air shoes ignited with a burst of energy, propelling him even faster. The metallic world around him blurred, but his focus never wavered. Up ahead, another yellow-and-red rail beckoned, suspended in mid-air like a lifeline. Shadow crouched low, then launched himself with a forceful leap, seamlessly transitioning to the new rail.
Below, the sprawling landscape of Mobius glittered faintly, its vibrant blues and greens a stark contrast to the ARK's metallic coldness. But Shadow's focus was fixed on his target—just ahead, a large metal platform walkway came into view, bristling with activity. G.U.N. Hunters, their humanoid frames gleaming under the ARK's artificial lights, patrolled the area. The robotic sentries moved with mechanical precision, guarding staggered platforms leading to another walkway equipped with a booster pad.
"Let's do this," Shadow muttered.
In a flash of blue energy, Shadow activated Chaos Control, teleporting through space time in an instant. He reappeared mid-air above the first G.U.N. Hunter, twisting into a Homing Attack with deadly precision. His body became a blur as he slammed into the robot, its metallic shell crumpling under the impact before it exploded in a shower of sparks.
"Too easy," Shadow remarked, already gone in another flash of blue Chaos Control brilliance.
He materialised beside a second Hunter, his momentum unbroken. With another swift Homing Attack, he struck, the force of the blow shattering the robot like glass. As the wreckage fell, Shadow vanished once more, reappearing above the third Hunter. This time, he descended in a spiraling kick, his air shoes glowing with Chaos energy. The Hunter's frame buckled under the strike, its circuitry frying in a burst of electrical sparks.
Shadow landed on the metal walkway with precision, the clatter of his impact lost amidst the hum of the ARK's sprawling machinery. The remains of the destroyed G.U.N. Hunters smoldered behind him, but Shadow barely acknowledged them. Standing tall, his form cast a sharp silhouette against the sterile glow of the ARK's unfeeling light, he fixed his sights on the path ahead. The booster pad on the platform thrummed with energy, beckoning him forward.
Without hesitation, Shadow dashed forward, his air shoes igniting as he hit the booster pad. A surge of speed propelled him down the length of the platform. The edge of the platform loomed quickly, but Shadow's keen eyes had already locked onto the red springs positioned at the brink. With a final burst of momentum, he connected with the springs, their coiled force launching him high into the air.
Shadow soared gracefully, his body spinning mid-flight as he anticipated his landing. He touched down seamlessly onto another metal walkway, his momentum undeterred. Instantly, he activated his boost ability, a shimmering trail of chaos energy forming behind him as he surged forward. The walkway stretched long and narrow, with towering structures ahead beginning to come into view.
Rising before him was a massive green gravity platform tower, its surface glowing faintly with pulsating lines of energy. Shadow didn't break his stride. With a calculated leap, he launched himself from the edge of the walkway and landed effortlessly onto the side of the tower. The gravity-defying surface allowed him to run vertically, his velocity unbroken as he ascended the structure. The ARK's endless void stretched around him, but Shadow's focus was sharp as a blade.
Reaching the apex of the tower, Shadow transitioned onto another platform with a burst of speed, his boost ability flaring once more as he continued forward. The platform leveled out into a horizontal pathway, its surface lined with glowing panels that pulsed rhythmically beneath his feet. Shadow dashed onward, his movements precise and calculated, each step a testament to his unparalleled skill.
The end of the pathway approached quickly, but a set of springs stood ready to carry him further. Shadow's legs coiled as he hit them, the force launching him to yet another elevated section of the space station. As he flipped gracefully through the air, he caught a glimpse of the ARK's sprawling architecture, its labyrinthine pathways and gravity-defying structures stretching endlessly into the distance.
Landing with the practiced ease of a master, Shadow paused momentarily, his sharp eyes scanning the intricate network of pathways stretching out before him. The Space Colony ARK's grand design loomed around him—an industrial labyrinth of glinting metal and pulsating lights. The distant hum of machinery resonated faintly, a backdrop to the rhythmic pounding of his heartbeat. His gaze sharpened as he adjusted his stance, the faint glow of his air shoes flaring to life. Without hesitation, Shadow dashed forward, accelerating across the sleek metal walkway with unwavering focus.
As his speed picked up, an unsettling movement ahead caught his attention. Shadows cast by the ARK's towering structures began to twist unnaturally, pulling free from the surfaces that birthed them. In an instant, they coalesced into a swarm of Shadow Heartless. Their small, hunched forms twitched with erratic energy, their glowing yellow eyes unblinking and intent. Antennae flicked nervously, their jagged silhouettes cutting eerie figures in the station's sterile light. They stood blocking the path, their jerking motions a silent promise of resistance.
"Heartless here?" Shadow muttered, his tone laced with disdain. His crimson eyes narrowed as his lips curled into a confident smirk. "Fools."
The Heartless barely had time to react as Shadow surged forward, his boost ability flaring to life in a blaze of chaos energy. He barreled through the swarm like a missile, his sheer velocity sending the creatures flying in all directions. They scattered like leaves in a storm, their fragile forms shattering into black mist upon impact. Shadow's speed was unrelenting, each movement precise and calculated, the epitome of efficiency.
As the last of the Heartless dissolved into nothingness, Shadow didn't so much as glance back. His focus was already on the path ahead, the glowing panels of the ARK's architecture reflecting in his determined gaze. For Shadow, they had been nothing more than obstacles—minor annoyances in his unstoppable march forward.
"They stood no chance," Shadow muttered, his voice calm yet laced with icy finality.
As the remnants of the Heartless dissipated into dark mist, Shadow surged forward once more. The sleek metal pathways of the ARK stretched ahead, but his sharp eyes quickly caught movement in the distance. Missiles—sleek, metallic projectiles—launched from automated turrets embedded in the walls, arcing through the air like lethal serpents. Their trajectories were precise, designed to trap and obliterate any intruder.
Shadow smirked, the faintest flicker of amusement crossing his otherwise stoic face.
"CHAOS CONTROL!" his voiced boomed, it was commanding and resolute.
The world seemed to freeze in an instant. The missiles, previously hurtling toward him with deadly intent, now hung suspended in midair, their fiery trails frozen in time like streaks of molten glass. Shadow wasted no time. With practiced ease, he leapt onto the first missile, landing on its rounded surface with perfect balance. The metallic shell hummed faintly beneath his weight as he used it as a stepping stone.
Moving with fluid precision, Shadow hopped from one missile to the next, his movements graceful and calculated. Each leap brought him closer to the far platform, the frozen world around him a testament to his mastery over Chaos energy. His air shoes left faint trails of light as he dashed across the suspended projectiles, the ARK's vast expanse stretching below him.
Reaching the final missile, Shadow launched himself into the air, landing firmly on the next platform. As time resumed its natural flow, the missiles he'd used moments earlier detonated harmlessly behind him, their explosions illuminating the ARK's dark corridors. But Shadow barely had a moment to savor his victory before a new threat emerged.
At the far end of the platform, a massive automated cannon rumbled to life. Its barrel turned toward him with mechanical precision, locking onto its target. A deep thrum resonated through the air as it fired a colossal missile, the projectile streaking toward Shadow with blazing speed.
"CHAOS CONTROL!" Shadow commanded once more.
Time froze once again, the missile grinding to a halt mid-flight. Shadow wasted no time. With a burst of speed, he closed the gap, vaulting onto the missile's surface. His fists clenched as he channeled chaos energy into his limbs. He unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, each strike reverberating through the missile's metallic frame. Sparks flew as his blows dented and fractured its surface.
With one final, devastating kick, Shadow sent the missile hurtling toward a wing of the ARK. As time resumed, the missile tumbled through the air with blistering velocity, its trajectory unwavering. It slammed into a distant section of the station, triggering a massive explosion that lit up the dark expanse with a fiery glow. The shockwave rippled outward, rattling the ARK's metallic infrastructure.
Shadow stood motionless amidst the chaos, his figure framed by the inferno raging in the distance. The gleam of his crimson eyes pierced through the flickering light, his expression unfazed by the destruction he'd just caused.
Turning his attention forward, his gaze locked onto an open entrance to another part of the space station.
Without hesitation, Shadow dashed forward. His air shoes left faint trails of light as he sprinted, every movement purposeful and efficient. The faint hum of machinery grew louder as he approached the entrance, the ARK seemingly alive with activity.
"This isn't over yet," he muttered, his voice low but resolute.
Shadow's words hung in the air, a testament to his unwavering resolve. He approached the massive doors leading to the other wing of the ARK, their intricate mechanisms whirring softly as they slid open to reveal a dimly lit corridor. The metallic walls gleamed under the sparse lighting, casting elongated shadows that danced with each flicker.
As he ventured deeper, the ambient hum of the ARK's machinery grew louder, a constant reminder of the station's vast, intricate systems. Suddenly, the shadows ahead began to coalesce, forming into the familiar shapes of Shadow Heartless. Their twitching antennae and glowing yellow eyes fixed on him, bodies jerking with malevolent intent.
"Persistent creatures," Shadow muttered, his tone laced with disdain.
Without breaking stride, he activated his boost ability, a surge of chaos energy propelling him forward. He barreled through the Heartless, their forms disintegrating into dark mist upon contact, unable to withstand his sheer speed and power.
Continuing down the corridor, Shadow's senses heightened as he detected a new threat. Emerging from the shadows were Artificial Chaos P-1 units—towering pillars of water with mechanical heads resembling Chaos 0. These entities, created by Professor Gerald Robotnik, were designed as synthetic life-forms based on the ancient deity.
The P-1 units stood stationary, their liquid bodies shimmering under the corridor's lights. As Shadow approached, they extended long, tentacle-like appendages, aiming to impale him with precise strikes. Simultaneously, their eyes glowed ominously, preparing to fire concentrated laser beams.
Shadow's eyes narrowed, analysing their attack patterns. He knew that their liquid bodies were impervious to conventional attacks, but their mechanical heads were vulnerable. With calculated precision, he initiated a series of Homing Attacks, his body becoming a blur as he targeted each P-1's head. Each impact resulted in a burst of energy, the Artificial Chaos units collapsing into inert puddles upon defeat.
Pressing onward, Shadow entered a vast chamber, its ceiling stretching high above. The air was thick with tension, and the distant clanking of machinery echoed ominously. From the shadows emerged Artificial Chaos P-100 units—floating orbs of water with mechanical heads, similar in design to the P-1 but with a distinct ability. Upon detecting Shadow, they split their liquid bodies into numerous smaller drones, known as Cells, which swarmed toward him with relentless aggression.
Shadow smirked, unfazed by the overwhelming numbers. He knew that while the Cells could be individually destroyed, targeting the P-100's head would eliminate all remaining Cells simultaneously. Utilising his agility, he dodged the oncoming swarm, leaping into the air and executing a Homing Attack directly at the P-100's head. The impact caused a chain reaction, the Cells disintegrating into harmless liquid as the main unit was destroyed.
With the immediate threats neutralised, Shadow took a moment to survey his surroundings. The ARK's labyrinthine corridors and chambers seemed endless, each turn potentially harboring new dangers. Yet, his determination remained unshaken.
"No matter what you throw at me," Shadow muttered, his voice echoing softly through the vast chamber. "I will overcome it."
The chamber opened into a long, dimly lit corridor that stretched endlessly ahead. The faint hum of the ARK's machinery was the only sound, broken only by the rhythmic whir of Shadow's air shoes as he skated forward at blistering speed. The corridor's metallic walls shimmered faintly, reflecting the streak of Chaos energy trailing behind him.
Suddenly, a deep, unnatural chill crept through the air. Darkness began to pool and rise from the floor behind him, writhing like smoke. The shadowy mass coalesced, twisting and shaping itself into a figure that materialised directly in front of Shadow. Despite his speed, Shadow's sharp eyes caught every detail as he continued skating—an ominous, floating creature with a single, glaring red eye. Its body was starfish-like, composed of an eerie organic material that seemed to pulse with malevolent energy.
It was Doom's Eye.
A sinister laugh emanated from the creature, its voice echoing unnervingly through the corridor. The creature seemed to glide effortlessly, matching Shadow's speed as if the laws of physics didn't apply.
"You," Shadow remarked, his tone filled with cold disdain. His crimson eyes narrowed as he glanced toward Doom's Eye while maintaining his momentum.
The creature gave no response, save for an even darker, more chilling laugh. Its form convulsed suddenly, its grotesque body twisting unnaturally. Shadow immediately sensed something amiss. The corridor around him began to warp, its once-straight walls bending and twisting like liquid. The faint lights flickered erratically, and the hum of machinery was replaced by an unsettling, distorted cacophony.
"What's happening?" Shadow muttered, gritting his teeth as the environment around him became surreal and chaotic.
[Radical Highway (1st Encounter) - Sonic x Shadow Generations begins playing]
Doom's Eye floated forward, moving with unnatural ease through the strange distortion, its laugh growing louder and more mocking. The corridor itself twisted into a spiral ahead of Shadow, the path curving wildly into a vortex.
Shadow leaned into the turn, adjusting his posture to maintain control as he skated through the spiraling corridor. His air shoes sparked against the metal, his speed increasing as the distortion intensified. The walls pulsated with dark energy, glowing faintly with an eerie crimson hue.
"You won't escape me!" Shadow growled, his determination unshaken as he surged forward, trying to catch the creature.
But Doom's Eye disappeared through the exit of the spiraling distortion, leaving Shadow to contend with the chaos alone. The spiral suddenly unraveled, the corridor vanishing beneath him. Shadow's momentum carried him into open air, his surroundings now an abyss of swirling shadows and crimson skies.
As he plummeted downward, Shadow quickly oriented himself. Below, a twisted, distorted city stretched out—a nightmarish landscape with dark skyscrapers bending unnaturally, their forms warped by the same malevolent energy that had twisted the ARK's corridors. The sky was blood red, the air thick with a foreboding sense of dread.
"Where am I?" Shadow muttered, his voice barely audible against the rushing wind as he free-fell toward the cityscape below.
With precision and control, Shadow angled his body, allowing gravity and his air shoes to guide his descent. He spotted a road cutting through the warped city, illuminated faintly by sporadic flickers of broken streetlights. Shadow braced himself as he approached the surface, landing gracefully in a crouch. The impact sent small cracks rippling through the ground, but Shadow immediately sprang to his feet, unfazed.
The road ahead twisted and turned like a coiled serpent, its surface pulsating as though alive. The distorted environment seemed to shift with every passing moment, threatening to unnerve even the most steadfast. Shadow, however, was undeterred. His air shoes ignited with a burst of energy as he dashed forward, carving through the twisted nightmare like a blade through darkness.
Activating his boost, Shadow surged ahead, his velocity unmatched as the warped highway bent and spiraled unpredictably. Twisted, darkened buildings loomed on either side, their bent forms clawing at the blood-red sky that peeked through the gaps. The air was thick, oppressive, and tainted with malevolence, but Shadow pressed on, unwavering.
From the shadows, Doom's Eye emerged once more, weaving in and out around him like a grotesque phantom. The creature's sinister voice echoed through the distorted air.
"We meet again, Shadow the Hedgehog," it sneered, its single red eye fixed on him with mockery.
Shadow said nothing, his focus on the road ahead. The highway curved into a steep incline, a glowing boost pad propelling him forward. Shadow leaned into the momentum, rocketing upward with lightning speed. The road twisted into a slight loop, and he zoomed along it effortlessly, his air shoes sparking against the unstable surface. Reaching the apex, Shadow hit a spring pad and launched into the air, his body spinning gracefully through the crimson void.
He landed smoothly on a nearby section of the highway, his feet barely touching the ground before he activated his boost once more. The energy coursing through him sent him surging forward like a meteor, tearing through a group of Shadow Heartless that attempted to block his path. The dark creatures stood no chance against his sheer velocity, their forms flung into the abyss as Shadow blasted past, leaving a streak of Chaos energy in his wake.
The highway ahead suddenly turned vertical, its surface defying all logic. Shadow didn't falter. He continued to boost upward, the sheer force of his momentum propelling him along the impossibly steep path. His surroundings twisted further, the road angling sharply to one side. The incline forced Shadow to lean into his movements, his balance and precision flawless as he navigated the surreal landscape.
Doom's Eye reappeared, darting in and out of view like a specter, its taunting voice grating against Shadow's resolve.
"My latest creation," it declared, its words dripping with malicious pride.
Shadow's gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing as the end of the road came into view. The path stopped abruptly, a gaping void of unknown depth yawning below. Falling meant plunging into the abyss, an unthinkable fate. Yet Shadow's mind worked quickly. Ahead, a line of G.U.N. Beetles hovered in formation, their metallic frames glinting faintly in the crimson light. Behind them, a rail stretched out like a lifeline.
Shadow leapt into the air, his movements fluid and purposeful.
"CHAOS CONTROL!" he commanded loudly.
The world slowed to a standstill as Shadow vanished in a brilliant flash of blue light, reappearing above the first Beetle. With perfect timing, he unleashed a Homing Attack, slamming into the robotic sentry with enough force to destroy it instantly. He continued to zip through the air, each strike precise and devastating as he used the G.U.N. Beetles like stepping stones. Each shattered robot left a trail of sparks and debris in his wake.
Finally, Shadow locked onto the rail, landing with precision and grinding along its surface at blistering speed. The wind howled around him, the screech of metal against metal a battle cry of defiance as he carved through the twisted realm. Doom's Eye reappeared, floating alongside the rail as if mocking him.
"This is your doing?" Shadow demanded, his voice cutting through the distorted air like a blade. "How?"
Doom's Eye hovered ominously, its single crimson eye gleaming with malevolent amusement. But before it could respond, the rail beneath Shadow abruptly ended. The momentum of his grinding launched him high into the air, his boost flaring as he propelled himself further. The blood-red sky rushed past him, but in an instant, it shifted.
The air around Shadow shimmered, and the world fractured. He found himself suspended in a kaleidoscope of patterns—a chaotic swirl of red, black, and white that pulsed with hypnotic energy. The patterns twisted and bent, their movements alive and disorienting. Shadow's crimson eyes darted around, narrowing as he tried to make sense of the surreal illusion.
"What is this madness?" he muttered, his voice steady despite the bizarre surroundings.
Suddenly, the mesmerizing spectacle shattered like glass, fragments of the vision dissolving into the void. Doom's Eye darted ahead, its sinister laugh echoing through the ether. Shadow, now in freefall, descended rapidly, the chaotic realm beneath him expanding into view.
Below, a towering building leaned at an impossible angle, its metallic surface pulsating with a sinister purple energy. The warped structure loomed like a malevolent sentinel in the eerie, shifting realm. Shadow adjusted his posture midair, his sharp instincts guiding him as he landed on the angled building. His air shoes ignited on impact, creating sparks as he skidded down the slanted surface with practiced ease.
The descent was treacherous. Pulsating purple obstacles jutted out along the path, their dark energy radiating a palpable threat. Shadow moved with precision, leaping over each glowing barrier as they came into view. The twisted architecture of the building seemed alive, shifting and warping as if responding to his presence.
Doom's Eye reappeared, zipping erratically through the air like a malevolent wraith. Its voice sliced through the distorted realm's cacophony.
"The promised time will arrive once more..." it sneered, its tone dripping with chilling certainty.
Shadow gritted his teeth, his crimson eyes narrowing as he focused on the path ahead. The end of the angled building approached rapidly, its jagged edge looming ominously. Without hesitation, Shadow launched himself off, his body curling into a ball as he rocketed downward. Below, a rooftop came into view, the bright yellow "H" encircled by red starkly illuminated against the grim and chaotic surroundings.
The wind howled around him, roaring like an inferno as Shadow spiraled downward. He uncorked from his ball form just before landing, his air shoes igniting with precision as he touched down in the center of the rooftop. The impact sent a ripple through the platform, but Shadow stood firm. His sharp gaze locked onto Doom's Eye, which hovered on the opposite side of the helipad, its unblinking eye observing him with an unsettling intent.
"Where have you brought me?" Shadow demanded, his fist clenched tightly by his chest as he glared at the creature with unbridled disdain.
Doom's Eye remained silent for a moment, its grotesque form drifting lazily before a spiraling red portal materialized above it. The portal churned like liquid fire, its edges pulsing with veins of black energy. Slowly, Doom's Eye ascended toward the portal.
"We shall meet again, Shadow..." it muttered, its voice cold and detached.
As it disappeared into the portal's depths, the swirling anomaly broke apart like a collapsing star, disintegrating into misty tendrils of red and black smoke that faded into the air. Shadow's eyes followed the dissipating mist, his mind racing with questions and a mounting determination.
But before he could gather his thoughts, the very rooftop beneath him began to shatter. Cracks raced across the surface, spreading outward like spiderwebs before the concrete broke apart entirely, splintering into fragments. Shadow tensed, his footing disappearing as the reality around him shattered into countless shards of green light. Pieces of the distorted world floated aimlessly around him like fragments of broken glass, the remnants of a collapsing dimension.
Shadow once again found himself in free fall, the eerie stillness of the void broken only by the luminous green shards that drifted past him. He glanced down, spotting a familiar sight below. The corridor of Space Colony ARK reassembled itself piece by piece, its metal walls and flooring sliding back into place as though being reconstructed by unseen forces.
Despite the chaos surrounding him, Shadow's thoughts zeroed in on Doom's Eye.
"So, what I was tracking... was him!" he remarked, realisation dawning with a mix of anger and resolve. "I won't let him escape again!"
With precision and control, Shadow landed gracefully on the ARK's metal floor, his air shoes hitting the solid surface with purpose. The Space Colony's familiar surroundings reassembled around him, as though the chaos of the Doom Zone had never happened. The sleek metallic walls gleamed under the artificial lights, their surfaces lined with pulsing panels that hummed faintly with energy. The oppressive silence of the corridor wrapped around him, broken only by the faint echo of his landing.
Straightening, Shadow's crimson eyes burned with determination, his mind racing as the distorted memories of the strange realm faded like smoke. The unsettling encounter with Doom's Eye lingered in his thoughts, its cryptic words echoing ominously.
"Black Doom..." Shadow muttered under his breath, his voice low and sharp. The name carried weight—a reminder of a shadowy past he couldn't fully escape.
For a moment, he stood still, his senses heightened, scanning the corridor around him. Something faint, almost imperceptible, tugged at the edge of his awareness. A pulse—a flicker of Chaos energy, distant yet distinct. Shadow's ears twitched slightly, his instincts sharpening as he turned toward the source. At the far end of the hallway, a doorway loomed, its faint glow barely visible in the distance.
Shadow's expression tightened. The chaos energy he sensed wasn't like before—it was faint, subdued, but undeniably present. A memory flickered in his mind, a relic of the ARK's troubled history.
"What is that?" Shadow muttered, his tone laced with curiosity and caution.
He took a step forward, then another, his pace quickening. His boots clanged against the metal floor as he broke into a sprint, his figure a blur against the cold backdrop of the corridor. Determination fueled his every movement as the mysterious energy beckoned him forward.
RANK: S
Outside Castle Oblivion
The hum of the void surrounding Castle Oblivion pressed against Aqua and Omega as they moved in tandem, their steps steady yet purposeful along the jagged, uneven path. The ground beneath their feet seemed to shift subtly, like it wasn't entirely anchored in reality. Behind them, the dense, swirling clouds of the Realm Between hung heavy in the air, illuminated faintly by the scattered, distant light of stars struggling to pierce through the oppressive gloom.
Ahead of them, Castle Oblivion loomed larger with each step. Its dark golden walls shimmered faintly, almost alive, as though the structure itself pulsed with the magic that had reshaped it from its true form. The turquoise roofs jutted at impossible angles, some pointing sideways or downward, defying all logic. Spires emerged from the void beneath the castle like jagged teeth, their sharp points glinting faintly in the eerie light. Shadows danced across the castle's surface, cast by the obscured moonlight that struggled to illuminate the surreal landscape.
The air was charged with unnatural energy, thick and oppressive. Aqua walked in silence, her expression distant, her gaze fixed ahead but her thoughts clearly elsewhere. Omega, walking just behind her, tilted his head slightly, his mechanical frame emitting a faint hum as his optics scanned her subtle movements.
"YOU ARE TROUBLED," Omega said, his deep, mechanical voice cutting through the ambient hum of the void. "WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT?"
Aqua slowed her pace, her gaze lingering on the foreboding castle ahead. She let out a quiet sigh before replying, her voice carrying a hint of unease.
"Do you know what Commander Tower wants to talk to me about? He said it could wait until I wake Ven, but it's been weighing on my mind."
"NEGATIVE," Omega replied, his tone as flat and unyielding as ever. "I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE COMMANDER'S AGENDA."
Aqua sighed again, though this time a faint smile tugged at her lips.
"Figures," she said softly, her tone tinged with resignation.
"I HAVE A THEORY," Omega continued. "IT MAY BE CONNECTED TO WHAT YOU EXPERIENCED IN THE REALM OF DARKNESS—SPECIFICALLY, YOUR ORIGINS."
Aqua's steps faltered slightly. Her gaze fell to the rocky path beneath her boots as her thoughts drifted.
"Aetheris," she murmured, the word heavy on her tongue. "The darkness consumed it when I was just a child. I remember so little… just fragments of chaos and fear."
"G.U.N. FILES INDICATE THAT AETHERIS WAS TARGETED BY MASSIVE DARKNESS INCURSIONS NEARLY TWO DECADES AGO," Omega said. "MUCH OF THE DATA IS REDACTED OR MISSING."
Aqua nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. Her memories of Aetheris were fractured and scattered, like shards of a broken mirror. Warm laughter, fleeting images of her parents, the sound of their voices—these were all faint echoes drowned out by the terror that had followed. Most of her childhood had been spent under Master Eraqus's care, safe in the Land of Departure.
"If it's about Aetheris… then it's not just my mission that's on the line," she said quietly. "It's my past. My people. I don't know what the Commander has to tell me, but I need to find out."
Omega's mechanical footsteps grew louder as he closed the small gap between them, his towering frame looming beside her.
"KNOWLEDGE OF ONE'S PAST CAN BRING CLARITY… OR MORE QUESTIONS," he stated. "BE CERTAIN YOU ARE PREPARED FOR BOTH."
"Wise words from someone who calls dibs on everything," Aqua quipped, a soft laugh escaping her lips.
"STRATEGIC PRIORITIZATION," Omega countered without missing a beat.
Their banter carried them closer to Castle Oblivion. The towering structure loomed over them, its distorted angles and shimmering walls even more surreal up close. The shadows shifted across its surface, almost as if the castle itself were alive, watching their every move.
Aqua stopped a few meters from the massive front doors. Her blue eyes traced the uneven spires and crooked towers, her heart heavy with both anticipation and apprehension.
"I told Ven I'd be right back," she said, guilt in her voice. "But it's been so much longer than I ever expected."
"TIME IS RELATIVE," Omega replied, his tone factual yet oddly perceptive. "THE WEIGHT OF YOUR PROMISE IS NOT DIMINISHED BY DELAY."
Aqua blinked at his response, caught off guard by the unexpected depth.
"That's… surprisingly comforting, Omega," she admitted, her smile faint. "When I left him here, I promised I'd come back soon. But so much has happened… what do you even say to someone after all this time?"
"VENTUS MAY EXPERIENCE DISORIENTATION OR DISTRESS UPON WAKING," Omega said, his optics glowing softly as he adjusted his stance. "I WILL PROVIDE REINFORCEMENT IF NECESSARY."
"Thank you, Omega," Aqua said, her voice warm with genuine gratitude. "It means a lot to know you're here."
"ACKNOWLEDGED. PROCEED WHEN READY," Omega remarked.
Aqua took a deep breath, steeling herself. Her gaze fixed on the massive doors of Castle Oblivion, her resolve hardening with each passing second. She might not have all the answers yet, but one thing was certain—she wouldn't let Ventus down. She raised her hand, summoning Master's Defender, ready to unlock the path forward.
But nothing happened.
Her hand remained empty, and the faint flicker of magic she felt a moment ago dissipated. Panic threatened to creep in, but she forced it down, muttering under her breath, "Oh, not now…"
She tried again, concentrating harder, her breath steady as she focused on the connection she'd relied on for so long. A faint glimmer appeared, but just as quickly as it had formed, it fizzled out. Her shoulders tensed, frustration bubbling to the surface.
Behind her, Omega, who had been standing still, his optics scanning Castle Oblivion and collecting data for G.U.N., noticed her struggle. His massive frame turned slightly, his gaze fixed on her.
"YOUR CONNECTION IS WEAK," Omega stated bluntly, his tone devoid of judgment but filled with mechanical precision.
"I know that," Aqua replied sharply, her voice wavering slightly.
She wasn't angry at him—she was angry at herself. Aqua clenched and opened her fist, trying again. The Keyblade flickered briefly into existence but phased out once more.
Omega watched her, his sensors analysing her movements and detecting the faint traces of her faltering magical energy.
"FOCUS," Omega said, stepping closer. His deep voice rumbled like a steady drumbeat. "DO NOT LET EMOTIONS OR ANXIETY PLAGUE YOUR MISSION. THEY ARE IMPEDIMENTS TO SUCCESS."
Aqua took another shaky breath, trying to let his words sink in. She closed her eyes, blocking out the oppressive atmosphere around her, the looming presence of the castle, and the heavy weight of her own doubts.
"You don't understand," she said quietly. "Master's Defender… it's more than a weapon. It's my connection to everything I've fought for. To Ventus. To Terra. To everything I've lost and everything I've yet to gain. If I can't summon it now… what does that say about me?"
Omega's optics flickered faintly.
"IT SAYS YOU ARE STRUGGLING. IT DOES NOT SAY YOU ARE DEFEATED."
His words hit her harder than she expected. Aqua opened her eyes, turning to look at him. The sheer simplicity of his statement cut through her spiraling thoughts. She nodded slowly, a small flicker of hope reigniting within her.
"Good point," she muttered, more to herself than to him. "I'm not defeated."
"YOU ARE NOT," Omega affirmed. "YOUR PREVIOUS ACTIONS INDICATE A PATTERN OF OVERCOMING INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS. YOUR STATUS AS A NOBODY IS AN OBSTACLE, NOT AN ENDPOINT. FOCUS ON YOUR PURPOSE."
Aqua drew in another deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly. She steadied her stance, holding her hand out again. This time, she didn't focus on the fear of failure or the pressure of the moment. Instead, she focused on the reason she was here: Ventus. The promise she'd made. The hope she carried.
A faint glow appeared in her hand, brighter this time. The shape of the Keyblade began to form, its shimmering outline solidifying as Master's Defender fully materialised in her grip. The cool weight of the Keyblade in her hand felt like a reunion with an old friend.
She smiled faintly, relief washing over her.
"Thank you, Omega," she said sincerely, glancing back at him.
"ACKNOWLEDGEMENT NOTED," Omega replied with a slight nod. "NOW, PROCEED. CASTLE OBLIVION AWAITS."
Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers! I hope you have an amazing day celebrating.
This chapter was a blast to write, especially capturing the atmosphere of the Space Colony ARK and diving into the first Doom Zone. I hope I did it justice, even though I streamlined a few details.
Also, Aqua's story kicks off with Omega offering her support. Her dynamic with Shadow remains strong, but I'm really enjoying how she connects with Omega—their interactions are surprisingly fun to explore!
As a reminder, Shadow and Aqua's stories will come first, followed by the Chain of Generations rewrite. Sonic's story will only have minor tweaks to scenes and dialogue, but I think you'll love the new depth.
Thank you all for the continued support and thoughtful reviews—they mean the world to me! Stay tuned for the next chapter, where things really heat up.
Happy reading!