The Miracle of Love
Chapter 6: Conflicted Romances
DISCLAIMER: This fan fiction contains instances of profanity, extreme violence, nightmare-inducing imagery, and sexual content. Viewer discretion is advised.
All characters and settings are property of SEGA and Sonic Team.
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8:10 PM - GUN GLOBAL HQ - AREA 99
It was a few hours of research into GUN?s mainframe computer. Even when the system had to be reset, getting everything related to Shadow the Hedgehog was a chore for good Espio. Fortunately for him, he had a new friend to help him out. Or someone even more. GUN agent Sonar was more than willing to help out the ninja stud before her. He looked sexy and was a very good fighter. There was something about him she couldn't pin on, but she felt an attraction to him that was irresistible. After some hours, Espio removed a flash drive from the computer and put it away. ``To think GUN had this much on Shadow and most of it was classified. You guys sure like keeping secrets.'' He said. ``Like I said, there's some things even I don't know about. Only the top guys get access to shit like that.'' Said Sonar.
``Well, in any case, Sonar... I am eternally grateful for your help. I don't even know how to repay you...'' Espio said with full honesty. ``Aww, save it. I could get in trouble, but I wanted to help because it's my duty as an agent of GUN. Plus you're super sexy.'' Sonar winked, blushing. Espio returned her blush and chuckled, nervously. ``Perhaps you would like to get dinner, catch an adult movie?'' he suggested. Sonar was turned on by his chivalry. She hadn't seen such a nice guy since she joined GUN. ``You're super sweet... but I was thinking... we get to the fun part.'' She said with a lewd smile. Espio blushed when she got close to him, her breasts pressing against his bare muscles. The two looked at each other and kissed with great passion. Their tongues clashed with each other in a battle of will, their hands feeling the other up. Espio may not have wanted to admit it, but he was falling in love. Sonar was not afraid to admit it though. She thought he was hot before, but now it was beyond anything she felt.
As the two lovers broke their kiss, they looked at one another. All of this was happening so fast, they could only react with instinct. But neither of them wanted to stop this newfound love. ``Oh my, hope I'm not interrupting anything.'' A sultry voice said from behind them. The two looked over and saw Rouge standing in the doorway, with sexy smile on her face. ``I was wondering why Sonar wasn't in the field like she was asked. Getting frisky with the ninja, I see...'' she said in a seductive manner.
Espio and Sonar back away from each other, embarrassed at being caught red-handed. ``Anyway, Commander Tower wants you at Circus Park. Topaz says she found Shadow, and Sonic is nearby.'' Rouge said. Espio regained his composure and glared at Rouge. ``How about you start by talking about why you aren't on the field? And why you aren't helping Shadow when your boss wants him dead!'' he yelled. ``I liked your tongue better when it was in Sonar's mouth.'' Rouge replied. Espio crossed his arms, unamused. He was not in the mood for games. ``Cut the bullshit, Rouge! If you care about Shadow even in the least, you'll add to my library of information I just got on him!'' he yelled. Rouge's eyes lowered with her ears. She looked a little sad. ``He... may not even be....'' She whispered.
Espio and Sonar looked at her with interest. He knew she and Shadow were close. If she was getting this emotional, it must have been serious. ``Perhaps we should talk about this somewhere else.'' He suggested. Rouge straightened her look at the chameleon and nodded. ``I contacted Vector to meet us at Night Babylon. We'll discuss this at my club.'' She said. The three agreed and left the base. Espio was intent as his duty as detective to uncover the truth about the Ultimate Life Form. Even if he didn't like it, everyone deserved to know.
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8:25 PM - CRYPTIC CASTLE - EGGMMAN'S COMMAND CHAMBER
Doctor Eggman laughed in triumph. His ultimate plan was coming together nicely, even with interference with GUN and the Black Arms. He built his own amusement park to lure unsuspecting visitors in. Once they reached his Cryptic Castle, the cornerstone of the park, he would take advantage of their dropped guards, capture them, and roboticize them into robots to serve him. He only recently rebuilt his roboticizers and was planning to make good use of them for his plans. He had already roboticized at least a thousand civilians and was ready to add two more to his army.
His Shadow Androids were dragging little Cream and her pet Chao, Cheese, into the room. This night got better and better for him. Not only did he have three Chaos Emeralds in his castle, albeit in the possession of Shadow, but he now had one of Sonic's good friends. Turning her into one of his minions would be extremely gratifying. ``Well well, look what we have here! It's little Cream and her pet. I hit the jackpot this time!'' Eggman laughed. Cream looked scared but resistant against the mad doctor. ``What do you plan to do, Dr. Eggman?'' she asked. ``I'm so glad you asked, child. You see, this amusement park is merely part of my elaborate scheme to rebuild my robotic empire, which saw a massive dip after Metal Sonic?s coup.'' He explained, ``I lure unsuspecting visitors into my park, and then when their guards are down... BAM! They are roboticized into my new warriors! And you, dear child, are next on my list!''
``You won't get away with this! Mr. Sonic and Mr. Shadow will stop you! They always do!'' she frowned. Blight laughed at the child?s words. ``Shadow? That obsolete wretch? Naive child... your Shadow is dead! And even if he did survive, he would not stand a chance against me and my brothers? combined power a second time!'' he boasted. Terios nodded in agreement. ``Yeah! Besides, what's he gonna do? Hit us with one of those healing whatchamacallits that bee was carrying?! He?d just be better putting a gun in his throat!'' Laughed Arin. The moment he said this, however, the grin on Eggman's face dissipated into an angry frown.
``I'm sorry, Arin. I didn't exactly catch that. What did you say that pest had?'' Eggman asked in a tranquil fury. ``Some blue canister, called a Heal Unit or whatever. That ain't gonna do the dude much good in a bed though.'' Arin said. Gareth, Scourge, and even Ignis facepalmed at their brother's lack of speed on the uptake. They knew they were screwed now. They had inadvertently let Charmy escape with the means to revive Shadow. Dr. Eggman was far from happy. ``YOU NINCOMBOTS!!!!'' Eggman screamed at the top of his lungs, ``Do you not realize what you just did?! That Heal Unit was an invention by my late grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik! The device contains supplements and medical nanomachines that heal the internal and external wounds of their target. You let that bee escape WITH THE MEANS TO KEEP THAT MEDDLESOME HEDGEHOG ALIVE!!'
It only now just dawned on the pink Shadow Android how badly he fucked up. He chuckled nervously and shrugged at his fuming creator. Gareth crossed his arms though. ``It matters not. Shadow barely escaped alive last time. We will merely double our efforts to ensure he does not survive!'' he bowed to his master. At that moment, the metal doors behind them exploded, shrapnel and exploding Egg Pawns sent flying across the room. Eggman quickly entrapped Cream and Cheese in a glass capsule, connected to wired and complex machinery. From the smoke emerged Shadow, fully healed and wielding a semi-auto assault rifle, Amy with her trademark Piko Piko Hammer, and Charmy trying to look as badass as Shadow. ``Hope you don't mind us dropping by, doctor.'' Said Shadow with a smug smile.
``Just as I feared. Unfortunately, you're too late Shadow! In about three minutes, little Creamy will be subject to roboticization and be working for me!'' Eggman boasted. Amy pointed her hammer at the metal copies. ``Then we?ll have to break you apart in two!'' she said with a cocky smile that flipped Shadow's switch. ``Don't make me laugh! You inferior life forms barely escaped with your lives last time! What makes you think this will be different?'' Blight smirked. Shadow returned his smirk and cocked his gun. ``Cuz this time, we ain't fucking around.'' He boasted, then shot at the Androids, who all dodged or deflected the bullets. The trio dashed around and confronted the fakes. Shadow charged and shot wildly at Terios and Blight. The yellow Android tanked the shots, but the red one was already taking massive damage from gunfire.
Blight scoffed at the damage being done, almost as if asking ?is this your best?' to his template. ``Your puny bullets are no match for my power! I can brush off any damage you inflict on me!'' he decreed. ``Oh really? Well let's try this!'' said Shadow, pulling out an orange bazooka and firing off a rocket, sending Blight across the room and into a wall. Blight was reeling, but Terios fired off missiles which Shadow countered with his own weapon. He then kicked the prototype down and unleashed a Chaos Spear to put him out of commission. Charmy, meanwhile, was speeding to the capsule that had Cream in it. ``Hang in there, Cream! I'll have you out in a minute!'' he yelled, but was blasted from behind by a sniper shot. Scourge stood over the youngling and scoffed. ``No heroic rescue today, Charmy. Your girlfriend is ours.'' He said, coldly. Charmy tried to get up but was stomped on by Ignis's foot. ``Not so tough without your daddy to back you up, huh kiddo?!'' he sneered.
``Hey, hands off the kid!'' yelled Amy, who was engaged in combat with Gareth and Arin. The blue android parried her away with his blade and stood at attention. ``I do not condone child violence, but I will not let you pass.'' He said stoically. ``Got a clear shot bro! Eat lasers, whore!!'' shouted Arin, shooting a barrage of lasers at Amy which she dodged to her best. However, she took great exception to the last word he said. ``WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME, YOU HOMO ROBO?!'' she yelled, jumping forward. ``HOMO ROBO?! THAT'S IT, BITCH!! NOW YOU'RE TOAST!!!'' he screamed, firing a fury of bullets, only some of them hitting her. Amy yelled in pain, but did not let it slow her down. She smacked her hammer right where the sun refused to shine a few times, then wailed on his back multiple times, not even stopping. Shadow and his metal counterparts watched the scene in amazement. They all had differing opinions, but one thing was for sure: seeing Amy as a scary, angry hammer girl enticed them. If Shadow wasn't in love with Amy before, this put his doubts to rest for good.
His thoughts were cut off by a missile to the back. Blight had regained his footing and was back up to deal more damage to the Ultimate Life Form. ``You should pay more attention to your opponents than that thing you call a dick, fool! For now I will finish you off, take that ho as my own, and reign supreme as the greatest of - '' he monologued, but was interrupted by Shadow unleashing a fury of Ring Shot projectiles at him, dealing massive damage and defeating his arrogant copy. ``There's your problem, dude. You talk too much!'' he said to the unconscious Android. He turned his attention to Charmy, who was getting his head crushed by Scourge. Ignis revved up his weapon and started torching the poor kid. ``Charmy! You bastard...!'' shouted Shadow, rushing at the two. Scourge fired off plasma shots but they hardly fazed the black hedgehog. ``Where did you learn to aim?! KILL HIM!!'' yelled Eggman.
Ignis turned around and fired off rockets that Shadow jumped to evade. However, when he was in the air, Scourge took his opportunity to snipe him in the chest. This shot he didn't dodge; he couldn't in time. As Shadow began to fall, Gareth sped past Amy and slashed at his copy. Shadow had a massive scar as he was thrown in Ignis's direction, who launched a missile point-blank. Shadow was barely standing as the dust cleared, heavily battered. The one thing he was attempting to avoid happened again, and all because he got careless. Amy ran ahead and attempted to step in, but Gareth turned his weapon back to gun mode and shot at her. She was able to deflect or shield the shots, but Scourge was once again the wild card, shooting at her legs. The gunshot caused her to fall down, holding her leg in excruciating pain. ``AAAH!! SHIT, IT HURTS! It's worse than on television!'' she screamed.
Now Shadow was angry. These fakers had the audacity to hurt his brother and his lover. They had to pay. He threw a punch right to Ignis, which did a bit of damage. However, the orange Shadow Android tanked it and kneed him. Charmy, meanwhile, was not going to stay down. He saw the roboticizer was almost done charging. There was no way in hell he was letting Eggman turn Cream into a robotic slave. With all the might he had, Charmy struggled to kneel up. All despite the massive weight of Scourge's foot on his back. ``Stay down.'' Said Scourge, trying to put his foot further down. Charmy refused however, still pulling himself up with a look of unnerved determination on his face. ``I don't... stay down... I'M CHARMY FUCKING BEE, MOTHERFUCKER!!'' he yelled as he stung the Android's leg. He knew it didn't do much, but he didn't care. He refused to let Eggman win tonight.
Charmy used his legs to sweep Scourge's legs down, then using what was left of his wings, flew over to the roboticizer cage to free Cream. He was almost out of time. ``Charmy, catch!'' Shadow shouted, throwing him a Black Sword which Charmy caught. The bee charged at Cream?s cage with all the strength he had left, but Ignis had a clear shot, about to fire off a rocket at the bee. ``Oh no you don't!'' said Shadow, grabbing the game's cannon and redirecting the aim at Eggman's controls just as he fired. The systems began exploding all around. Charmy quickly thrusted the sword into the glass, breaking it, then grabbing Cream and flying out before it was destroyed, Cheese also flying out. When the roboticizer was completely destroyed, Shadow noticed the white Chaos Emerald emerging from the machine, quickly grabbing it. ``That makes four!'' he said, then unleashed Chaos Spears at the Androids, knocking them down.
Shadow quickly used Chaos Control to transport Charmy and the girls away from the castle before the doctor and his creations could recover. They landed in the Chao Garden outside of the castle surrounded by dozens of lovable Chao. Shadow almost thought his heart melted seeing these little things. Memories returned to him of being in a garden with these lovable creatures, raising them and watching over them. He didn't seem to care but deep down he was probably happy to see them. Charmy looked at Cream as he set her down. ``Are you alright, Cream?'' he asked her. She nodded, but Cheese lunged forward and flailed at Charmy's face angrily. It didn't hurt much, but it did ironically sting. The Chao began yelling an earful of Chao speak at the bee. Even without knowing the tongue, he was able to understand enough that Cheese was upset at him for leaving Cream behind. He didn't blame him, either.
Cream grabbed Cheese and tried to get him to stop. ``Cheese, please stop! It's not Charmy's fault!'' she yelled. Cheese stopped yelling but looked unhappy still. Charmy wished he kept going. He deserved it. ``No, it's okay. I deserve it.'' He sulked, then grabbing her hands, ``Cream, I'm so sorry! I never should have left you behind! You were almost roboticized because of me! I don't deserve you, I never did... I couldn't leave Shadow, and I didn't wanna leave you! I had to choose. I'm sorry for everything, and I hope you ca - '' His pleads were interrupted by the feeling of Cream?s lips onto his cheek. He could feel himself getting warm as she did that. Shadow and Amy were pleasantly surprised but still happy. When the young rabbit pulled away and opened her eyes, she smiled at Charmy, hands on his shoulders. ``It's okay, Charmy. I forgive you...'' she said.
Charmy blinked as his face turned red. He didn't get how she could easily forgive him for leaving her at Eggman's mercy. ``But... but I left you... I let Eggman take you. How can you just forgive me like that?'' he asked. Cream smiled sweetly. A smile like hers always made his day. ``But you came back, just like you promised. I knew you would never break promises like that. Besides, you were really cool in your rescues.'' She said, ``Not just how brave you were in rescuing me either. But you were very cool in saving Shadow. You chose to put your friends ahead of your own interests. You left me because Shadow was dying and you had to save him. That's why I forgive you... and why I like you.'' When she said that, Charmy thought he felt his heart skip a beat. She just said she liked him. ``You... like me...?'' he asked, to which she nodded. Charmy could barely hold in his happiness. ``Oh Cream... I LOVE YOU!''
The young bee quickly grabbed Cream by the waist and pulled her in for a deep and loving kiss, which Cream quickly returned. The Chao danced in happiness, except for Cheese, who was too dumbfounded to even react to what just happened. Shadow and Amy smiled at the sight. ``Aww, that's so adorable! They're so cute together!'' Amy said. Shadow nodded looking at them. ``Good one, kiddo.'' He said to himself. He was glad that one of them got the girl, at least. The Ultimate Life Form turned to Amy. He wanted nothing more than to do the same. The only question was what was stopping him. He knew Sonic and Amy weren't going to be an item any time soon so he didn't have to worry about Amy running into the blue hedgehog?s arms again. Yet he couldn't shake a feeling of foolishness and impotence. Like she still wanted Sonic, and he would just be in their way. Then again, why should he seek out to be with her? It's her happiness that is important. Maybe Amy would be better off with Sonic after all. He could wonder for a while, was she still thinking of Sonic...?
Suddenly, a large machine dropped down onto the ground to ruin their moment. It was another of Dr. Eggman's large mechs, mostly red in color with a creepy face as the head. Its hands were bulky, but only the left hand was normal, while the right hand was taken up by a spiked ball; Eggman was in the cockpit on top of the robot?s head, controlling it. ``Oh I?m sorry, did I interrupt anything? You know if you're going to make out, you can at least get a room first.'' He gloated. Shadow was not in the mood for this. Amy pulled out her hammer. ``Can't you just leave us alone for once?'' she asked, annoyed. ``Not a chance, Amy! Now you and your new boyfriend hand over those Chaos Emeralds before I have to hurt all of you!'' Eggman said. ``Okay, first off: Shadow is not my boyfriend! Second, you aren't getting these emeralds even if you found the cure for cancer!'' she yelled. Shadow's heart sank a little bit when she said the first part, though he dared not show it. ``Very well! Guess I'll have to crush you pests with my newest creation: The Egg Breaker!'' Eggman yelled, as the Egg Breaker stomped down before the gang. Charmy quickly took Cream and flew over behind a nearby barren tree. He knew it was going to get ugly quick.
Eggman jumped up and landed his robot's ball down onto the ground, which Shadow and Amy dodged, but it created a small shockwave that caused Amy to stumble a bit. Eggman seized the opportunity to smack the ball onto her, but Shadow grabbed her and pushed her out of the way. ``Too close!'' he said. Amy was blushing when she looked to see Shadow on top of her. He quickly got back up and rushed towards the Egg Breaker. Part of her wanted him to stay a bit longer, but she knew her priorities. Shadow took out a machine gun and began firing at the cockpit, but the Egg Breaker's spiked ball blocked every shot. Shadow decided to forget the weapons and use his own power. ``CHAOS SPEAR!!'' he shouted, releasing Chaos Spears at the cockpit, causing massive damage. ``Why you...! You're asking for it now, Shadow!'' he yelled. Eggman launched the ball right at Shadow, who evaded it easily. However, the doctor pressed a few buttons and launched several strange blue spheres to attack the black hedgehog.
Shadow dodged the large spheres through some tricky evasion, but the mad doctor was well ahead of him. He summoned another spiked ball and ground pounded him into the hard concrete. When the Egg Breaker's ball rose back up, Shadow's body was punctured all around and was a literal bloody mess once more. This time, there were no Heal Units to save him. He was not dying yet, but he was still hurting like hell. ``Slowing down a little, Shadow? Guess that's what happens when age gets to you...'' Eggman laughed. Shadow got to one leg, trying to fight back. ``Get ready to be schooled, Shadow!'' shouted Eggman and sent his ball down. However, it didn't connect like Shadow anticipated it would. Instead, he looked up and saw Amy blocking the ball with her hammer, struggling to keep it from landing onto Shadow. ``Don't... try it!'' she said, sweat falling off her body as she tried to keep steady.
Shadow was amazed by her resilience and care. She always was someone that cared about others, but never had he seen her go to such lengths, even for him. However, Eggman was able to overpower her and fling her hammer away. Amy fell backwards, now completely defenseless, as the Egg Breaker prepared to strike down. Shadow stood back up, ignoring the pain and ran over to her. He gripped her tightly and held the white Chaos Emerald, which glowed brightly. He wasn't sure if such a technique existed, but he had to try. Amy's eyes widened at Shadow's sudden embrace. Even more at what happened next. Shadow's body glowed white and looked ready to strike, but instead threw his fist up in the air, in a defensive position.
``CHAOS.... SHIELD!!''
In a flash, Eggman felt the Egg Breaker's ball hit an impenetrable force. Shadow had unleashed a sphere around him and Amy, almost like his Chaos Blast. Only this was not an attack, it was a barrier protecting him and Amy. He was thankful it worked at all, but moreso, the barrier seemed to heal him a small bit. Shadow forced the Egg Breaker off and the barrier dissipated. With Eggman staggering, Shadow released a full-powered Chaos Spear at the Egg Breaker, which obliterated it in an explosion. Eggman was predictably alive, but charred and face down on the ground, defeated once again. ``I HATE THOSE HEDGEHOGS!!'' he yelled to no one in particular. Shadow just grinned smugly at the doctor, dusting himself off as he heard Charmy and Cream cheering.
When Amy stood up and looked at Shadow, she felt herself snapping into reality for the first time in years. She had spent years blindly chasing after Sonic, desperately seeking his affections no matter what. All this time, she had forgotten what true love really was. Now she felt renewed. Amy Rose knew that true love was more than just a simple crazed crush. It was about chemistry and care, being for each other, and resonating with their partner. She felt that with Shadow, not Sonic. Amy blushed and smiled lovingly at her new beloved. He helped her a lot tonight; now she was going to help him. ``Shadow, that was amazing! You're incredible!'' she said, running up to him. Shadow smiled at her. As Charmy was exchanging contact info with Cream, he noticed the scene and almost had a nerdgasm. Finally Shadow was gonna get the girl. However, Shadow wasn't happy and frowned as the kids flew over.
He didn't feel he deserved Amy. Even if she did love him - and he sincerely doubted that - Shadow would just be a second place trophy. He knew the girl wanted Sonic, even if he didn't want her. The Ultimate Life Form was only a rebound or replacement, because she couldn't get the guy she wanted. That stung to know this. He shook his head and walked over to Charmy. ``Well, at least one of us got the girl. You did great back there, kiddo.'' He said. Charmy blushed and chuckled modestly. ``But wait, but what about you?'' Charmy asked. Shadow looked over to Amy. She looked happy, the happiest he ever saw her. That made him feel good, but he figured it was a facade to make him feel better. ``I have someone, but I?m kinda done being a Sonic knockoff. For now, I should just focus on getting the last three emeralds... and find out why I can't remember anything past the ARK raid fifty years ago.'' He said. When he said that, Amy sulked. `Sonic knockoff'? He was more than that to her. How could he think that? It made little sense to her. Did he still believe that she was still in love with Sonic? Why would he still believe that?
``Shadow... I know the reason...'' Shadow turned and saw Eggman crawling up. He looked at the doctor with curiosity. ``Reason? For what?'' he asked. Eggman's gears were turning as he lay down defeated, enough for him to conceive a way to return him to his side. ``For how you lost your memory.... I know who's responsible.'' Replied the doctor, ``It was... Sonic.'' Shadow's eyes narrowed. He didn't completely believe this, but his curiosity peaked a bit. ``What do you mean?'' he asked. Amy, Charmy, and Cream did not like where this was headed. Eggman was a master manipulator that could turn friends into foes with the snap of his fingers. None of them truly believed Sonic was the cause, though only Amy was there when Shadow crashed from the colony, and none of them personally saw what went down.
``Shadow, Amy was right. You are the real hero. You risked everything to stop the Biolizard... and to save the planet. You should have had it all. All the fame, all the accolades, all the attention and lovely girls... but you didn't. Because Sonic knew this. He hated the fact that you existed and was infinitely better than he was. That meant he would have to share the fame and all the glory!'' Eggman said, ``So he made sure you didn't. He tricked you into using up your full power to stop the colony from colliding. Sonic convinced you to remove your inhibitor rings while in super form. When those bracelets are removed, you are given an exceptional power boost, but it comes with a great risk. It could have killed you in super form, and Sonic knew that! He manipulated you into tapping into your true power, which would have killed you! You barely survived... I brought you back to my base and put you in stasis, but you never recovered your memories. Sonic took that from you, all out of envy and pettiness!''
Shadow glared down in apparent shock. Firstly is how he seemed to be that powerful at such conditions, something he was unaware of. But secondly, of what Sonic did. He didn't want to believe this, especially how he heard Sonic's plea to let him live, but he remembered Sonic's relaxed and non-serious demeanor. It all seemed like a game to that blue punk. He didn't seem to want to take anything seriously, even as people died around him. That infuriated Shadow. If Amy died, would Sonic even miss her? Would he stop being such an ass? Shadow clenched his fists at how Sonic was such a fool. ``That's a lie! Mr. Sonic would never do something like that!'' yelled Cream, clenching the NiGHTS doll Charmy got her. ``Chao chao chao!'' agreed Cheese. Eggman was not deterred from his fib. ``Such a fool. You weren't there when it happened, so you don't have a right to defend that pest!'' argued Eggman. Cream glared at the doctor. She knew he was right, but she was not going to give up on her faith.
Amy was not so sure though. She wouldn't have believed Eggman before when it came to Sonic. She knew who her beloved was and what he would and wouldn't do. At least she used to. When she was given a cold hard truth from the guy she thought she loved, it broke her perfect image of him. Sonic was no longer that gallant Prince Charming she always dreamed him to be, but now a total stranger. Eggman was right; she did not see what happened. For all she knew, Sonic did know Shadow could have died and did nothing to stop him. ``Shadow, I know we won't see eye-to-eye for a long time, but know that I am not the bad guy. Sonic is an arrogant egocentric dick that will do anything to stay up top. At least see that beating Sonic is the only option for a better future!'' Eggman pleaded. Shadow looked at the scientist. He knew that he was probably fooling him, but that wasn't on his mind at present. It was the hurt that Sonic had been putting Amy through, and the damage he could have done while struggling to stay the fastest and strongest. ``I will... but it will be for me. And her.'' Shadow responded before starting to walk away, Charmy following close behind.
``Shadow, wait! Let me help you! I want to be with you!'' Amy yelled. Shadow stopped but didn't turn around. Charmy and Cream got to catch glimpses at each other, in deep regret. ``Sorry Amy, but I can't let you get hurt. This isn't your business. And besides... I'm not Sonic. He doesn't deserve you, and neither do I... I can't just be second to him in your heart.'' He responded sadly. Amy looked hurt as Shadow induced Chaos Control and was gone, along with his little partner. Amy fell to the ground, completely shook. It now finally hit her. Shadow believed he was a replacement boyfriend to her. Like she still loved Sonic, but only wants Shadow because she can't have the boy of her dreams. She thought she found the perfect boyfriend, but now even he may not want her. As Eggman snuck away from the scene, Amy looked at the sky. ``But Shadow... I love you...'' she whispered. Cream hugged her in sympathy.
However, a dark figure was observing the scene from afar. Black Doom looked on in intrigue. Shadow had failed again in the task he gave him, but it was not important to him right now. He was far more interested in what was exposed to him. Shadow had all but subtly exposed his love for that pink hedgehog. This had to have been the new fuel that lit his recent insubordination. He found it disgusting, yet useful. ``Hmm... so that is your modus operandi, Shadow. Your love for that pathetic girl. A regrettable mistake, and foolish motivation... yet one I can exploit easily. This girl will be the wild card I require to keep you on the path to this world's subjugation!'' he laughed. Things will soon be back on track...
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9:55 PM - CLUB ROUGE
Sonic usually didn't like going to night clubs, let alone the mature ones. However, tonight he needed to cool off. It wasn't enough to know the Black Arms weren't slowing down or that Shadow was still loose, but now even GUN were devils playing as saints, and Amy was still mad at him, even if he was in the right. He usually didn't let stuff like this get to him, but now he was having trouble figuring out who to trust outside his own circle of friends. Hopefully, a stop at Rouge's place at Night Babylon would help him regain focus and trust in his supposed human allies. Sonic looked around the club. The hottest girls around were out for the biggest pigs, horniest dogs, and... Big the Cat? He could have sworn his eyes were playing tricks with him, but there was Big at the bar, drinking chocolate milk. He always showed up when Sonic and company were least expecting. However, his attention was diverted from some chatter at a private room. He rushed over and peeked in, seeing Espio, Vector, Rouge, and a real fennec fox talking. He knew for sure it wasn't money.
``...Shadow Androids?'' asked Vector. Now Sonic was getting it. They were talking about Shadow. As if he needed more about that guy to worry about. ``Yes. Eggman's used Shadow as a template to create an army of androids that look just like him, probably to harness the Ultimate Life Form?s power. Me and Omega stumbled upon a whole room of them on Final Fortress, but the big guy levelled the whole place to the ground.'' She nodded, ``However, Omega has recently informed me that the doctor has had plenty, and they were only prototypes. He?s mostly likely built a few final models that are more powerful.'' Espio glared at her, unnerved and a little cross. ``And you never bothered to tell anyone about this why?'' he asked. ``To be honest, I wasn't even sure the Shadow I found was really him, or just another clone. He?s got enough problems with his identity, and if he found out about them, it would only make it worse. I couldn't chance that.'' She explained.
``Well ya dropped the ball there.'' Sonic spoke up, entering the room, startling the four. ``Well look what the cat dragged in. Long time, no see...'' greeted Rouge. Sonic was not in an inviting mood, but was not given a time to speak up before he heard a joyful squeal from the fennec. ``OH MY CHAOS, IT'S REALLY HIM!!'' she yelled, jumping up and shaking his hand. Sonar could not believe she got to meet a hero like him. ``I can't believe I'm actually meeting the Sonic the Hedgehog! It's such an honor! I'm Sonar from Northburg, me and my bestie there admire you so much!'' she gushed. Sonic smirked and rubbed his nose, back to his usual posture. ``Heh. Always nice to meet a fan. Now where's the fire, Rouge?'' he said. Rouge put one leg over the other in a seductive way while frowning.
``You know about the androids, I'm guessing?'' she asked. ``Ames told me. Egghead has six of them armed to the teeth, and she told me they fucked Shadow's shit up!'' he said. The four were surprised. Six androids based after Shadow that were able to overpower the original was surely bad news. It sounded like the doctor spared no expense on these things. ``That isn't all. According to her, your pals at GUN tried to kill her, Charmy, and Cream! The only one that had any sense of decency was Topaz!'' Sonic stated. Vector's jaws were agape hearing this, but Espio gritted his teeth. He was afraid they would try it, but he still couldn't believe GUN would go ahead and do it. Even Rouge bowed her head in shame. She and Sonar knew their Commander had some screws loose in regards to Shadow, but to shoot civilians, and even then year olds, was really pushing it.
``I don't get it. I joined GUN to protect lives, not endanger them. How can Commander Tower even think he's still morally conscious in doing this?'' Sonar wondered. ``That's the government for ya, hun. They build you up and make you feel like you're safe, then drop ya like dead weight when you ain't needed.'' Said Vector. Rouge kicked his foot in offense. She had good reason to kick him and Espio out of the club for saying such blasphemy. ``You realize I'm standing right here and can kick your ass right out the door, correct?'' she asked aggressively. ``How about you take your lewd pictures of Shadow as well? Seeing as you clearly don't care for him!'' said Espio coldly. The chameleon really struck a nerve with her. ``I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that?'' she said. ``I think you did...'' said Espio. Sonar was not liking where this was headed. Vector quickly took out a laptop computer and downloaded the information Espio gathered.
``I thought you were Shadow's friend, yet you not only withhold this information from him, you also refuse to tell him about who he is! You could have prevented all these misunderstandings and alliance changes, but you didn't!'' Espio yelled. Rouge glared at him almost in rage. She couldn't believe the audacity of this one. ``I don't need to explain myself to you, ninja! You better lay off the Snoop!'' she said. Sonic shook his head. He just remembered why he never comes to night clubs. ``Perhaps if you valued loyalty over tyranny, Shadow, Charmy, and Amy wouldn't be in such danger!'' Espio argued. Rouge was about to snap back, but she was cut off by a surprised yell from Vector. ``NO FUCKING WAY!!'' he yelled. Sonic and Sonar sighed in relief. They dared not picture how bad the situation would get if he didn't cut them off. ``What's wrong, Vector?'' asked Sonic.
``I been looking into Shadow's files. Apparently, he?s physically and mentally immortal, able to survive a lot and can't die naturally. But that's not the fucked up part...'' he said, turning his laptop to the group. He pointed to one file that got the group in gasping. Next to a page full of text was a picture. It was of low quality, but clear enough to show Gerald Robotnik with a tall alien figure with three eyes and dark skin and robes. While Sonic, Rouge, and Sonar figured the alien was familiar, Espio recognized it instantly as Black Doom. ``It... it can't be...!'' he said. Vector shook his head sadly. ``I'm afraid so, Espio. According to this, Shadow....''
``...he's one of them.''
TO BE CONTINUED...
