[UltimateLifeForm]

Shadow Gaiden

Author's Note: Hey guys! I'm new to this forums but not to the world of Sonic. Sonic may the coolest blue hedgehog around, but Shadow is more dope. This is why I wanted to creat this story as a possible future or life for the headstrong hedgehog. In fact, hoping to become a future game designer/producer, I wish to create a new Shadow title, hopefully taking it off from this story. Anyways, Shadow Gaiden is a fanfic story that depicts Shadow as the main hero. The story takes place on an alternate Mobius so past events are a little twisted up. But nontheless, Shadow fans will enjoy this fanfic series about the Ultimate Life Form, well, at least I hope they do. Well, here goes:

Prologue:

The story begins with the year of 3225, the year of the end of the Great War. King Maximillian Acorn has won a war aganist the Overlanders, but only with outside help. Ivo Kintobor has betrayed his own kind to reveal to the Mobian king of the Overlanders' technology. With the intelligence and advantage over the enemy, King Max thwarted the Overlord's, the Overlander's ruler, plan to take all of Mobius. Full of gratitude, King Max honored Ivo as a war hero. Little did the king realize, however, Ivo had other plans for the Acorn monarch...

Not long after the war's end, Ivo began a military coup aganist Max. It was at this very moment that the soon-to-be Freedom Fighters crew was brought to the safety of Knothole Village. Among them was Shadow the Hedgehog. Despite being young, he was the oldest of the group. Because of his greater age status, he understood more of what was going on. Because of this, he became more distressed than the others. In time, he soon grew to be anti-social and started his childhood as a loner.

Among the young heroes and heroeines, only one realized this slow change in Shadow's life. This one heroeine was none other than Princess Sally Acorn. One day, while having lunch, Sally snuck out of the kitchen to find Shadow. As usual, Shadow is spotted sitting at the end of a bridge near a grotto. Slowly walking up to him, Sally presented a tray full of food.

"Here" said Sally.

"Not hungry" said Shadow disgruntingly.

"You need to eat you know. Gotta stay healthy."

"Not hungry."

"Hmm..."

Not satisfied with the answer, Sally walks up next to Shadow, sits down, and then places the tray on his lap.

"As princess, I demand you to eat" said Sally forcibly with a smile on her face.

"Sorry princess, your status as royalty doesn't count here" replied Shadow.

"Ohh. Please Shadow. Just one bite. That's all I ask"

Shadow gives a quick glance at Sally, then he glances at the tray. After some thought, he lifted his right hand, picked up an apple, and bit it.

"Yea!" said Sally cheerfully. "I knew you would listen."

"The only reason I ate the apple was so that you would stop nagging me"

"Ohh. Come on. Just admit it. Even at my current age I still have power over others, even you."

Instead of a comeback, this time Shadow is seen with small tears in his eyes.

"What wrong?" asked Sally.

"Nothing. Its just that while we all sit here peacefully, our parents and everyone we have cared about are all living under tyrannical rule. Or even worse."

"Shadow, my father was the King of Mobius. The entire coup was placed on him. I don't even know if he has made it out alive. Even if something terrible happened to him, I just can't sit around and cry about it."

"What more is there to do?" asked Shadow.

"Well, I know its years from now, but when we come of age, we'll fight. We'll fight back for our freedom and bring back the peace for all of Mobius."

"Sounds more like of a dream to me."

"It is now. But soon, it will all become a reality. Just wait and see. You believe me, don't you?"

Slowly, Shadow closes his eyes and meditates on Sally's words. After a brief moment, Shadow opens his eyes and stands up. Curious, Sally too stands up.

"Sally, to tell you the truth, I don't know what to believe anymore. I always thought that our lives in Mobius will be perfect. I have been led to believe that. But I see now that the world is capable of great evil. It was because of this evil that separated me from my parents. Possibly forever. And now you're here, asking me to believe that we can fight to restore the peace."

"If you don't believe me, just say so. It's okay Shadow. I understand. I can always start a rebellion on my own."

"I didn't say that I don't believe you. Nor did I try to imply it. All I'm saying is that I don't want to live a life full of false dreams and misbeliefs."

"Would I ever lead you in the wrong direction?" asked Sally. "We're friends. Besides, as royalty, I must stay proper and true. Not only to myself, but to others as well."

"For some reason, something inside of me tells me that I should start trusting in myself again. And that I should start to develop that trust with you."

"That's good. Then it's settled. When we get older, we will fight together and form a rebellion" said Sally with a smile.

Oddly for one of his character, Shadow smiled as well.

"I think we should be heading back now" said Sally.

"Really? That's too bad."

"How so?" asked Sally.

"For starters, I'm hungry now but there is probably no food left. Knowing Sonic, he probably ate it all. Second, I was beginning to enjoy our private conversation."

"Isn't that sweet? Well, if you want to, we can keep doing this. Just say the word."

"I'll be sure to" said Shadow.

And with that said, Shadow dashes off back to the shelters. Sally was about to follow until something Shadow had said earlier crossed her mind.

"Wait a minute, Shadow said he was hungry" Thought Sally. "But why then didn't he eat off from the tray?"

Thinking this, Sally turned around to check the bridge to see if the tray was there. Strangely, it wasn't.

"Weird. I don't remember Shadow taking it. Oh well."

No longer pondering about the mystery of the disappearance the food tray, Sally runs off to join with her friends. Among them, her newly formed friendship with Shadow was among the greatest. As the years pass, and as the the heroes and heroeines grow older, the friendship between the princess and the dark hedgehog grew and became stronger. Eventually, that friendship would evolve and forge itself into an unbreakable relationship, their love for one another.

Final Notes: All characters are all Sega's/Archie's copyrights.

[Scourgekito the hedgehog]

It's really good, well in my opinion anyway,keep it up.

[UltimateLifeForm]

Thanks! I took my time with the prologue to make sure it was setted up right for the first chapter. And speaking of the first chapter, here it is:

Author's Note: There is one key factor that I would like you guys to take into consideration:

1. From this point on, the events that take place will now have the characters be in their late teens just as they are now in the STH comics.

Chapter 1: Nightmare or Reality?

Mobius, the once peaceful and prosperous world ruled by King Max, is now under the dictatorship of Robotnik(previously known as Ivo Kintobor). During the early years of his reign, Robotnik faced littile to no opposition and therefore has established his totalitarian empire. Unfortunetly for Robotnik, a small resistance group, formally known as the Freedom Fighters, began to fight aganist his tyrannical rule. Beginning from the day they came of fighting age to becoming young adults, the Freedom Fighters have thwarted Robotnik's plan, time and again. With a reputation to uphold, Robotnik has made it his top priority to find the sanctuary known as Knothole to wipe out the Freedom Fighters. But once again, he would fail to do so. Realizing that he needed to formulate a master plan, Robotnik would work in the shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

With Robotnik no longer terrorizing the citizens of Mobius, the Freedom Fighters decided to take a little R&R. And not a moment too soon. It was at this point that our hero, Shadow the Hedgehog, seems to be suffering from some sort of fever. Currently, Shadow is seen to be lying on his bed, and due to his fever, is struggling to wake up from a nightmare.

"No" said Shadow. "This can't be happening."

From inside the nightmare, we see that Shadow finds himself in a desolate wasteland.

"This possibly can't be what's left of Mobius, can it?"

"Oh. But it is Shadow" said a mysterious voice in a demonic nature. "And do you know who is responsible?"

"Robotnik"

"No... YOU ARE!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!" said the demonic voice as he laughed manically.

"What? No. It's not true."

"Still trying to play the innocent hero?" asked the demon.

"I know what I'm capable of. So that means I can't have possibly done this. Perhaps it was you."

"Fool. Maybe you should ask your friends."

Shocked to even know that anyone was alive, Shadow turned around and there stood Sally and Sonic before his very eyes.

"Sally? Sonic? You guys alright?" asked Shadow.

"Shadow, how could you?" asked Sally.

"Yea Shadow. Why did you go and pull off a stunt like this huh?" asked Sonic secondly.

"What? You guys can't honestly believe that I did this. You two know me!"

"We did" replied Sonic.

"Everyone thought of you as their hero. You let all of Mobius down Shadow" said Sally.

"Sally no. Don't do this. I'll prove to you that I am not responsible."

As Shadow tries to reach for Sally's hand, she turned to stone.

"Sally? Sally? Sonic, what's hap-"

As he turned to Sonic, he realized that Sonic has shared the same fate as Sally. Alone and nowhere to go, Shadow got on his knees, put his head down, and with his right hand, he put on the Sally statue and for his left, he clenched it into a fist and pounded the ground.

"I still refuse to believe that I caused all of this." said Shadow.

"Then allow me to convince you of your crime" said the demon.

From behind Shadow in the dark sky, purple clouds began to swirl in a circular manner. All that has manifested are a pair of glowing, eerie, red eyes. Then, as quickly as the eyes had formed, beams were shot out from them. And within a blink of an eye, the beams destroyed both the petrified Sally and Sonic. Enraged, Shadow turned aroud to confront the demon. Much to his horror, the demon truly did turned out to be him. Nothing but a head with no pupils, the demon began to laugh manically nonstop.

"No! This is all a lie. I am not you! I am Shadow the Hedgehog! And I will DESTROY YOU!"

Guided by his rage, Shadow began to charge at the demon head. But nothing more can be seen as everything begins to flash rapidly. It was at this point that Shadow, back in the real world, begins to levitate off from the bed, completely in a trance. Much like the demon in his nightmare, he also had no pupils. As he levitated higher, a red aura of enegy began to surround him.

"Do you hear me you demon? I WILL DESTROY YOUUUUU!"

Now near the top of the roof of his home, Shadow prepares to unleash his devastating attack.

"Chaos... BLAST!"

Within seconds, all of the red energy covering Shadow expanded outwards into a ball of pure destruction, destroying his entire abode.

The other Freedom Fighters, now just aware of what was happening, runs over to check on Shadow. To everyone's dismay, they see that Shadow is the cause of the disturbance. Worried, Sally calls out to Shadow.

"Shadow!"

No response. Sally tries again.

"SHADOW!"

This time, faintly hearing Sally's call, Shadow snaps out of the trance. His pupils return and the red ball of energy dissapates. But then, because Shadow used too much energy, starts to faint, and begins to fall.

"Whoa. Hang on Shadow" said Sonic.

Thankfully for Sonic's speed, he manages to catch him in time.

"Got ya bud."

As Sonic halts, he gently puts Shadow on the ground. The rest of the Freedom Fighters walks over to check on their hero.

"Oh my stars. Is he alright?" asked Bunnie.

"I don't know. I hope that he is. Quick! Take him to the infirmary!" commanded Sally.

Just as Sonic lifts him up, Shadow regains his consciousness.

"Shadow? Are you okay?" asked Sally.

"Not really."

"Then take it easy. Sonic is going to take you to the infirmary so you can heal up."

"I don't need medical attention. It's not my body that's hurt, it's my head."

"Then you'll still need to be checked."

"I said I'm fine."

"Shadow, please. I'm not asking as your commander but as your girlfriend."

Without a word, Shadow slowly removes his right arm from Sonic's shoulders and stands upright.

"And as your boyfriend, I ask that you let this matter go."

"Shadow. There are times when heroes know that they need help from others. You are no exception" said Sally furiously.

"I'm leaving" said Shadow.

Sally, shocked at what Shadow said, showed a worried face and lowered her tone of voice.

"Leaving? Was asking for medical attention too much?" asked Sally.

"I didn't mean leaving by leaving you Sally. I meant going on a mission."

"Oh. To where?"

"To find out what is going on with me."

"I'll tell you what's going on" said Sonic. "You didn't have enough chili dogs."

"Sonic, this is serious. I don't have time for your jokes."

"But Shadow, it was only a nightmare. Everyone gets it" said Sally.

"Yes I know but, while I was having the nightmare, I felt another prescence inside of me. An entity trying to take over my body. I don't know what it is exactly, [Shadow looks at his left palm then rolls it into a fist.] but whatever it is, I intend to find out and stop it.

Sally approaches Shadow, unrolls his fist, and then hugs him. Shadow does the same.

"Well, no matter what you do or where you are, I'll always support you."

"Thank you Sally. Don't worry. I'll return as soon as I have an answer."

The two release their hugs and then kiss. Afterwards, Shadow walks away until his back faced all of the Freedom Fighters. With one last grin, Shadow dashes off into the horizon.

Back to the view of the Freedom Fighters, Sonic is seen behind Sally stretching and walking up next to her.

"You know. There is something that I want to know as well" said Sonic.

"Oh really. What would that be?" asked Sally.

"Who's gonna rebuild Shadow's home and have it ready for him when he gets back?"

Laughing, Sally and the rest of the Freedom Fighters walks back to their homes. As Sonic turns around, he sees Rotor's tool belt lying on the ground next to him. Sonic took this as an obvious sign.

"Oh man. Not cool."

Once again, all characters are the properties of Sega/Archie.

[Scourgekito the hedgehog]

LOL,That last part was funny.Still very good and I might add you seem to have a knack for getting peoples attention with your descriptions.

[Shock]

I don't like it.

[UltimateLifeForm]

To Scourgekito: Once again, thank you. I have decent experience in being able to write well thought-out descriptions. I have my AP U.S. History teacher to thank for that.

To Shock: That's quite alright. I noticed that you are a Sonic fan as it says so by your description. I'm totally cool with that. I don't expect everyone to like it. My guess is probably that I had Shadow go out with Sally. But then again, it could also be from the fact that I made Shadow the main hero.

[UltimateLifeForm]

Sorry for the double post guys, but here it is, the second chapter:

Author's note: As we all know, Chaos in the Sonic Universe is the water creature. In this Mobius, Chaos will be portrayed as a demon. More specifically, the lord of demons.

Chapter 2: The Evil Within

Outside of Knothole Village and quite far from it, we see that our hero, Shadow the hedgehog, is currently on the mission to find out what went wrong with him the previous night. Unfortunetly, he is at a dead end. With no significant lead, Shadow wandered Mobius still in awe of what happened during his nightmare. With all of his thinking, Shadow decided to take a little break by sitting under the shade of a nearby tree. Little does he know, he was being followed by a small, floating spy camera.

Through the lens of the camera, we find ourselves inside of a dark chamber, and there stands a mysterious figure, whose face is covered by a hood, monitoring Shadow through a monitor screen.

[low laughter] "Hahahaha. It seems as if the hedgehog is temporary putting his mission on hold. Lien-Da, why don't you go and greet our 'friend' and bring him here for me" said the mysterious figure.

"What do you plan to do with him?" asked Lien-Da.

"Just go get him."

"As you wish"

Pulling out a warp ring from under her cloak, shes uses the ring to generate a portal to go and retrieve our hero for reasons that only the hooded figure seems to know.

Back in Knothole, Sonic the hedgehog has just completed rebuilding Shadow's home. Satisfied, he calls Sally over.

"Yo Sal. Come check it out. I'm finished."

Just waking up, Sally yawns and walks over to where Sonic was standing. Smiling, Sonic points to Shadow's home and Sally looks over.

"So... what do ya think?" asked Sonic.

"It's... It's... It's HORRIBLE!" screamed Sally.

"WHAT?! What are you talking about. It's a work of art."

"Maybe to you, but all I see is an oversized and poorly built shack. Sonic, did you even bother to even give this... this... 'thing' a second look." said Sally.

"Of course and I have to say, it's quite a masterpiece."

"No Sonic. You're rebuilding it."

"Oh come on Sal. Shadow wouldn't mind."

"Yes he will. Take it down. That thing looks like could collapse any second."

Pretending to stare at a watch on his wrist, Sonic begins to count.

"Oh look at that. Its been over 10 seconds and its still standing. My job is done."

As Sonic tries to walk away, Sally slaps a rolled up piece of paper on his chest.

"No. You will do as I say and rebuild it. This time, by following this detailed blue print."

Sonic unrolls the paper and found nothing but complicated measurements.

[His eyes widened] "AAAHH! Too many numbers!" said Sonic.

"Then you had better take it slow."

"But Sally, [Sonic puts out his left hand in front in him with the palm sticking up while the right holds the crunched up blueprint in an upright position] I'm gonna need a couple extra hands to get this done in time."

Knowing that Sonic meant he needed the other Freedom Fighters to help, Sally decided to joke around and gave him a high-five instead.

"There. Happy?"

Sonic stares at his hand in a way that someone would when something unexpected had just happened.

[While walking away] "Good luck" said Sally.

"Hey! Wait! What? Oh man. Why me?"

Back outside of Knothole, Shadow is seen still sitting under the shade.

"I don't understand why that nightmare I had is so hard to grasp. Well, I'm not going to find answers by sitting around. I have to keep moving."

As Shadow stands up and prepares to continue his mission, a portal appears behind him. Out from the portal comes Lien-Da approaching Shadow.

"Hello Shadow"

"Who are you and how do you know me?"

"All of your questions will be answered in time. For now, come with me."

Lien-Da walks back into the portal with a curious Shadow following close behind. Within seconds of the two going through, the portal instantly closes. The portal then reappears and now Shadow finds himself inside of a dark chamber.

"Where are we?" asked Shadow.

"Inside of my command center" said the mysterious figure.

Tracing the voice, Shadow looked ahead of the chamber to find a hooded figure standing there. Slowly turning around, the figure soon faced Shadow. Then the figure removes his hood to reveal his face.

"My name is Dimitri and I am the leader of the Dark Legion."

"The Dark Legion?... I've heard of you guys."

"Is that so? What do you know about us?" asked Dimitri.

"That you dark legionnaires have a record dealing with the Brotherhood of Guardians who happens to be an ally of the Freedom Fighters, a group that I'm a member of. So usually normal circumstances, I would be forced to take you guys out. But as of now, I'm curious. What do you want with me?"

"To help you" said Dimitri.

"To help me? Help with what?"

"Simple. To harness the Chaos Force."

"The... Chaos... Force?"

"Yes that's right."

"I don't know what you mean by Chaos Force. Care to elaborate?"

"Certainly. I'll start by asking you, have you been experiencing sporadic energy bursts recently?"

"As a matter of fact, yes I have. Why?"

"Those energy bursts that you have been dealing with is in fact Chaos energy flowing through your body. That energy is known as the Chaos Force."

"Chaos energy? I thought only members of both the Dark Legion and the Brotherhood can possess it?" asked Shadow.

"Yes. That's true. But strangely enough, you have somehow possessed the energy as well, making you the first outside of the two groups to have it. It is because of this reason that I wish to help you to control it."

"Why bother?"

"Because, Shadow, if you are capable of controlling the powers of Chaos, you shall be unbeatable. No one would dare to oppose you."

"Sounds good and all, but knowing how you legionnaires operate, there's more to it. What's in it for you?"

"Nothing. I just feel the need to help that's all."

Turning around, Dimitri gave a secret grin.

"So... do you wish to control the power that resides within you?"

Shadow momentarily looked off to the side to think about the offer. Once again, Shadow closes his eyes. Upon doing so, an image of Sally flashed in his mind. The image made Shadow realized that if he controlled the Chaos Force, he could have the strength to protect Sally and Mobius from greater threats in the future and possibly defeat Robotnik once and for all. After this realization, Shadow opened his eyes and turned back to Dimitri.

"Yes. I do wish to know."

Now with an evil smile on his face, Dimitri turns around.

"Excellent. I knew you would."

"What do I have to do?" asked Shadow.

"It's rather simple really. It involves one easy step."

Snapping his fingers, a minion appeared before Dimitri, presenting what seems to be a sword completely wrapped in velvet. Dimitri grabs hold of the sword and removes the velvet. Much to Shadow's surprise, the sword was none other than the Sword of Acorns.

"That's... that's the Sword of Acorns. How did you get your hands on it?"

"Does it matter?" asked Dimitri. "All you need to know it that this sword will help you acheive your wish."

Shadow, who supposedly did not listen to Dimitri, charged forth, took out the minion, and with his right hand, picks Dimitri off from the ground.

"Answer my question. How did you manage to get it. Tell me now or else."

"Or else?... Are you threatning me? Don't forget Shadow, I'm the one who can help you unlock the powers of Chaos."

"I can always learn on my own. Better yet, I can go to a member of the Brotherhood and they can do it for me."

"Even so Shadow, they don't have the sword. This sword is the only thing that can truly unlock your full potential. All other methods are useless."

"But my question still has not been answered."

"Why would it matter to you on how I retrieved the sword? You're not even a member of the royal Aco-"

Dimitri suddenly gives the look of realization.

"Ah... I see. You are affiliated with the king's daughter. That's why you care so much."

"So you managed to figure out that I go out with Sally. Congratulations! Your prize? A fist through your face. But before that, is there anything else you know that I should be aware of?"

Showing no signs of fear, Dimitri looks behind Shadow to see Lien-Da sneaking upon the hedgehog with her whip in hand. Not wanting to give away her approach, Dimitri looks back on Shadow.

"Well? Is there?"

"Yes there is.What I know is that today will be your LAST DAY AS A HERO!"

After Dimitri has said those words, Lien-Da grabbed Shadow by the neck with her whip. Due to the constriction, Shadow was forced release his hold on Dimitri. Seizing the opportunity, Dimitri grabbed Shadow's right hand, placed the sword's hilt on the palm, and closed it. With Shadow now holding the sword, beams of energy began to sprout from the sword and Shadow's body glowed with green Chaos energy. Dimitri released his grip and jumped back. Lien-Da did the same. Now on his knees, Shadow screams in agony from the overflow of energy streaming through him. Now with all of the Chaos energy finally released, a green ball begins to form and within a blink of an eye, spreaded and covered the entire chamber in a bright, green light. Laughing manically, Dimitri watches in delight as Shadow loses himself to the evil inside of him, an evil that Dimitri was waiting to release. Moments later, the green light faded, and the chamber became silent. There were no more cries of pain and anguish. Dimitri knew then that the entity within Shadow has awakened. Approaching the downed hedgehog, Dimitri bowed before him.

"My lord, you have returned."

Hearing those words, the body that was once Shadow's stood up and cracked his neck.

"Indeed I have. Dimitri, you have done well to bring me back."

"Your words bring me honor."

"Tell me, have you made the preparations?"

"Yes my lord. The Dark Legion are ready to begin the invasion at your command."

"Excellent. Hahahaha. [The demon inhales deeply then exhales] Ahhh... it feels good to be able to breathe again."

Lien-Da, who was in total awe of the demon's dominating prescence, approaches him and bows.

"My lord. I look forward to serving you."

"Of course you do."

"My lord" called out Dimitri. "It is time."

"Yes. The time for me to rule this pitiful planet has come. After I retake what's rightfully mine, I shall dump this vessel and regain my original body. Then this world and all of its pathetic creatures shall know my wrath and my name shall forever be feared for milleniums to come. I, Chaos, lord of all demons, shall rise again."

[Scourgekito the hedgehog]

That's kind of spooky.I still like like it though!Now there is something I do want to know,where's Shadow?

[UltimateLifeForm]

To answer your question without spoiling anything, all I can say is that Shadow is still alive and is still there, just not physically. If you don't know what I mean by that, then you'll just have to wait until chapter 4 to know where Shadow is. But I only managed to write chapter 3 today so you'll have to wait an extra day.

Author's Note: I apologize for not being able to stay true to the accent of Bunnie and Antione. In the StH comics, their words are usually spelled on their accent. I tried my best but couldn't do it. So from now on, you guys will just have to your imagination and see how they would actually speak which should be no problem
for those who know the characters well.

Chapter 3: A Unifiying Cause

Angel Island, a floating piece of land home to the to the Brotherhood of Guardians and the Chaotix. Inside, we see that Locke, Knuckles' father, is currently meditating by the shrine of the Master Emerald. It is here that he senses that something terrible has just happened. Not only that, but the Master Emerald itself has begun to glow more brighter.

"Something...something is not right."

He stands up and walks up to the shrine.

"Only once has the Master Emerald shone so furiously."

He extends both of his hands towards the emerald with his head put down and eyes closed.

"And the time that it has was when... Oh no. It can't be. [He puts both of his hands down, opens his eyes, and stares at the emerald] [In a soft whisper] He has returned.

Completly shaking from head to toe, Locke begins to sweat and makes a quick run out of the chamber.

Outside on Angel Island, Knuckles can be seen sitting on a rock, relaxing and staring at the blue sky.

"Ahh... such a nice day today and calm too. I think I'm gonna go catch some air."

Knuckles leaps down from the rock and prepares to take flight when all of a sudden his father appears from the bushes behind him.

"Knuckles! There you are my son."

Locke runs up to Knuckles and grabs him on both of his arms as he starts to breathe heavily.

"Father?! What's wrong? It's looks like as if you just saw a ghost."

"Knuckles listen. A great evil is among us and it is coming here. You must tell the Chaotix to stay on full alert. I will go and call an emergency meeting with the Brotherhood."

"But father, what exactly is coming here?"

"A being of great and unbelievable power. Now go! Time is of the essence!"

With those words said, Locke lets go of Knuckles and runs off once again to warn the Brotherhood. Knuckles runs in the opposite direction to go and tell the Chaotix.

Not far from Knuckles' and Locke's location, the older members of Chaotix are seen relaxing while the younger members are having fun. Both Mighty and Vector are taking naps on the grass while Espio leans aganist a tree. Charmy and Ray are flying around while Saffron picks flowers. As Saffron picks up a dandelion, Knuckles' voice was heard as he approached the Chaotix.

"Hey guys! Something just came up."

Overhearing him, Charmy and Ray fly over to where Knuckles was. Saffron too came by.

"What's the matter Knuckles?" asked Saffron.

"Big trouble, that's what's the matter. Where's Vector, Mighty, and Espio?"

"They're all probably still sleeping over by the grass field" said Ray.

"Charmy quick, go get them for me."

"Aye aye sir" said Charmy as he gave a salute.

As fast as he could, Charmy flew over to wake up the three.

"Hey guys, wake up. Knuckles got some news for us and it ain't good."

Upon hearing this, Espio and Mighty immediately came to. But Vector was still napping.

"Hey, I said wake up."

The only response were snores given off by Vector. Irritated, Charmy flew close to to his ears and gave one final call.

"WAKE UPPPPP!" yelled Charmy.

"AAAHHHH!"

Taken by surprise, Vector jumped up and landed on his feet, facing Charmy.

"Yo Charmy, what's the big idea? Can't you see I was trying to get some beauty sleep."

"Sorry Vector but I had to wake you up. Knuckles got some bad news."

"Really? Well why didn't you say so. Let's go boys."

With all three finally awaked, they followed Charmy to see Knuckles. Before long, all Chaotix members arrived and Knuckles delivered his message.

"Guys, something is coming to Angel Island and according to my father, its something not to be taken lightly."

"Is it that lard known as Robotnik?" asked Mighty. "Since when has he become such a threat?"

"It's not Robotnik. It's something else."

"Well then, what is it?" asked Vector.

"I don't know. My father didn't say. All he told me is to tell you guys to stay on full alert."

"Wow. Must be something big then" said Charmy.

"Sounds like it. Well whatever it is, keep your guards up. It could arrive at any moment. I'm going to go to the meeting that my father called up to find out more. Remember Chaotix, I'm counting on all of you."

"YES SIR!" said the Chaotix members in unison.

After giving the salute, the Chaotix members run off to begin their sentry duty.

Still on Angel Island, but now back inside of the chamber Locke was in earlier, we see that he is standing at the very top the stairs at the shrine of the Master Emerald with the Brotherhood looking to him, waiting eagerly to hear what he is about to say.

"Fellow brothers, I bring disturbing news. The once and great evil that we have come to know and fear has finally reawakened."

"What? You don't mean Chaos do you?" asked Sabre.

"Yes. I do."

"Impossible. I thought he was forever sealed inside of the Master Emerald" said Sojourner.

"Unfortunetly, you have thought wrong. Only his powers were locked away in the emerald, but his spirit was forced to wander the world. However, is seems as though he has managed to find himself a host and is now coming here."

"Guess that means we have no choice but to stop him" said Spectre.

"No. I deal with this evil on my own. The rest of you must take the citizens of Echidnaopolis and bring them to Albion where they will be safe."

"Are you crazy? There is no way we will let you handle this on your own. It's far too dangerous." said Thunderhawk.

"But-"

"He's right father. You'll need all of our help."

"Knuckles!"

"For many generations, our ancestors have fought to protect not only the Master Emerald, but also Angel Island and Mobius. That was their duty then, and that is our duty now. We will stand and fight this evil, no matter how powerfu it is. The Brotherhood will stand as one and with our combined might, we shall reign victorious."

"Knuckles my son... yes, you are right. We must stick together, no matter how great of an evil we must face. But what of the people? They must be brought to Albion. We cannot get them involved."

"Don't worry father, leave that to me."

Meanwhile, in the peaceful village of Knothole, the Freedom Fighters are enjoying themselves. Antoine is cooking up a French dish with a young Tails observing. Rotor is in his lab playing computer games, and both Sally and Bunnie are laying on lawn chairs trying to catch some rays. But where was Sonic? Right where we left him off in the last chapter, being forced to build Shadow's new home.

"Mmhmm... this is the life ain't it Sally girl?" asked Bunnie.

"It sure is Bunnie. Too bad Shadow isn't here. [She begins to rub her shoulders] I would have love for him to give me a nice massage."

"He can give massages?" asked Bunnie.

"Like no other. Trust me Bunnie. You'll have to experience it for yourself to believe it."

"Mmm... Too bad Antione can't do that. But ah wonder..."

Still lying on the lawn chair, Bunnie lifts the top portion of her body up and removed her shades. She sees Sonic putting up the door and smiled.

"Lookin good sugah-hog."

Turning around, Sonic gave her a thumbs-up and chuckled.

"You mind comin over here real quick?" asked Bunnie.

Faster than the eye could see, he ran over.

"What's up Bunnie?"

"Could you be a my hog for a bit and give me a massage?"

"Umm... Shouldn't Ant be doin that?"

"He's no good."

"I don't know."

"Ah come on. Just for a little while."

"Ok. But if Ant has another one of his episodes, I'm bouncin."

Walking behind Bunnie, Sonic cracks his knuckles and begins to massage Bunnie's shoulders. Unfortunetly for Bunnie, the feeling of comfort would not last long for it was at this time that Antoine has emerged from out of the kitchen with plates of food.

"Behold" said Antoine. "Today's special. Courtesy of the chef and his assisstant."

Humming a French tune, Antoine waltz over to Sally and Bunnie to give them their dishes. But before he can, he sees Sonic giving Bunnie a massage and drops the dishes. His became bug-eyed and his jaws dropped.

"Err... whaddup Ant?"

Now with a mad look on his face, Antoine points at Sonic.

"What are you doing?" asked Antoine.

"Giving Bunnie a massage. What does it like I'm doing."

"No. You will get your dirty and filthy hands off of my woman."

"Ah... chill Antoine. Blue here was just being nice."

"No. This is unacceptable. I shall be the one to give you the massage."

Walking over to Sonic and pushing him aside, Antoine cracks his fingers and puts his hands on Bunnie's shoulders.

"Are you ready my dear?"

"Umm... Ah don't know Antoine. You sure you can do this sugah?"

"Why certainly. I am what you call a pro."

As usual, Antoine starts off with a gentle and smooth rub on the shoulders. Bunnie, for a little while, enjoyed the feeling. But, making the same mistake as always, Antoine squeezes the shoulders a bit too hard for Bunnie's tastes.

"OW!" screamed Bunnie.

"What is wrong?"

"What's wrong is that you cannot massage Antoine."

"What? Moi? I saw you enjoyed it though?"

"Yea, only while you were rubbing ma shoulders. But in the end you keep squeezing em and it hurts."

"Guys please. Can't you two see that I'm trying to relax here. Take it somewhere else" said Sally.

"Sorry your princess" said the two in unison.

"That's better."

As Sally tries to readjust her body on the lawn chair to get comfortable, Rotor runs out of the lab.

"Sally, come quick. We've got an incoming radio transmission coming in from Angel Island."

Upon hearing this, Sally immediately gets up from the lawn chair and runs to the lab. The others quickly followed.

"Who's on the line?" asked Sally.

"It's Knuckles."

Sally ran over to the chair, sits on it, and put on the mouthpiece.

"Hello Knuckles, are you there?"

"Sally, its good to hear from you."

"You too. What's wrong?"

"I can't explain the full situation right now but I was wondering if you can open up a portal leading into Albion from there?"

"Of course but wouldn't be quicker if it was done from Angel Island?"

"I don't have the special warp ring with me right now so it's not possible at the moment."

"I see. Well, yea of course we'll be willing to help the citizens of Echidnaopolis. When do you want the evacuation to be done?"

"How about now?"

Shifting now back to Angel Island, the Chaotix are doing as they are told and each member is keeping a look-out.

"Man, this is boring" said Charmy. "When is the real action going to start?"

Just then, at that very moment, someone had just teleported unto Angel Island with a bang, literally. Taken by surprise, the Chaotix looked back to see who it was. To their shock, it was none other than...

"Shadow!?" exclaimed Vector.

The body of Shadow stands upright and laughs.

"Wrong fool. It is I, Chaos, and I have come to take vengeance."

This post has been edited by UltimateLifeForm: 30 April 2009 - 02:28 AM

[Scourgekito the hedgehog]

I knew what you meant by the way.This is really starting to get interesting,Nice job!

[UltimateLifeForm]

I'm glad to you know that you have been interested in my story Scourgekito. I take my time to write these chapters to make sure they are well written. I hope that others are enjoying it as well.

Chapter 4: The Mind Struggle

Last chapter, we left off with Chaos' arrival on Angel Island. The Chaotix confronted him but they make the mistake of believing it to be Shadow, a mistake that could cost them their lives.

"Chaos... vengeance? HAHAHAHA" laughed Vector.

He walks up to Shadow and hits him on the back.

"That's a good one."

"Vile creature. You dare to hit me?" asked Chaos.

"Hmm. Say what?" asked Vector as he turned to face Shadow.

But as he turned around, Chaos punched Vector in the stomach that knocked him back several feet. After landing on his back, Charmy and Saffron flies over to check on him.

"What's you wrong with you?" asked Mighty. "The hit wasn't even that serious."

"No one touches me, especially lowlife creatures such as yourselves."

"What was that? Just because you're a big time hero doesn't mean you're in any way better than we are."

"You're mistaken. I am beyond better. I am perfect. I am.... THE ULTIMATE LIFE FORM!"

Now comepletly enraged, Mighty clenches both of his fists.

"That's it. I'll show you just how wrong you are. I'm gonna prove you're just like any of us."

Blindly charging, Mighty prepares to do battle with Chaos. However, without lifting a single finger, Chaos uses telekinesis to halt Mighty's advance.

"Wha- What the?"

"Hahahaha. You see? You can't touch me. My powers are beyond what you can fight aganist. And with it, I will destroy destroy every single one of you fools!"

With a single thought, Chaos tosses Mighty across the field and into a tree. Mighty becomes unconscious from the impact.

"MIGHTY! NOOO!" yelled Ray.

"You...you... I'm gonna get you for that."

With tears flowing from his eyes, Ray furiously flies towards Chaos to avenge his fallen friend. Luckily, Espio stops him in time.

"Hold it Ray. It's too dangerous."

"I don't care. He knocked out Mighty!" yelled Ray.

"I know but exacting revenge won't do you or him any good."

"Let me go Espio! Let me go!"

Ray begins to struggle from Espio's grip. Having no other alternative, Espio realizes that he must knock Ray out as well. Holding Ray with his right arm, Espio uses his left to give a gentle chop to Ray's neck.

"Sorry Ray, it's for your own good."

By this time, Charmy came back to the scene of the action to see what was going on.

"RAY!? What happened to him?"

"Don't worry Charmy. He's fine. Here, take him."

Charmy takes Ray into both of his arms.

"Listen Charmy, I need you and Saffron to get out of here and tell Knuckles what is happening."

"But what about you Espio?"

"I'll stay behind and try to stop this 'Chaos' from wreaking more havoc."

"Ok, be careful Espio."

After speaking those words, Charmy flies away. Seeing how Espio was the only one left to stand aganist him, Chaos laughs.

"Hahahaha! You would dare to fight me on your own? Either you are too bold or too stupid to even realize the consequences that lie before you."

"As a master ninja, I always analyze my opponents before battling them. After knowing what you are capable of, I see that I have no chance aganist you and will surely lose but that won't prevent me from trying to stop you."

"Ah... so you are stupid. It seems as if the gift of life has been wasted on you brainless creatures."

"Brainless you say? If what you say is true, then how is it that us 'lower species' have managed to establish such firm civilizations and be able to thrive for so many generations?"

"Because life has been too easy. If it was any more difficult, you all shall have surely died off."

"Is that so? Well then, why don't you show me how much more difficult?"

Grinning, Chaos raises both of his arms and Chaos energy began to flow from them.

"Gladly."

In Knothole, the evacuation process appears to be going well for the Freedom Fighters.

"Move along people. Single file please" said Sally as she waved the people through the portal.

"Man. I wonder what's goin on at Angel Island that called for such a large scale evacuation?" asked Sonic.

"I don't know" said Sally. "But whatever it is, I'm sure Knuckles can handle it."

"I don't see that happening Sal. Something inside of me is saying that this is gonna get out of hand quick. I gotta go up there."

"No Sonic. You have to stay here. You can't expect me to handle this situation all by myself do you?"

"Where are the others?"

"I told them to go to Albion to make sure things go smoothly there."

"Well, sorry Sal. I gotta go. I just have to."

"Sonic the hedgehog. If you step foot inside of that portal I will personally see to it that you will get jailed for not cooperating with your commander."

"But Sal, what if something serious does go wrong?"

"I'll tell you what, once all of the citizens have been evacuated, I'll let you go."

"Sounds good to me."

Coming back to Angel Island at the site of Echidnaopolis, the citizens are seen evacuating in an orderly manner with the Brotherhood keeping watch to ensure everything goes as planned.

"Err... this if going too slow" said Knuckles. "Father, can't we speed up the evacuation?"

"No son. Doing so will only cause more panic among the people. Besides, Chaos has not arrived yet so there is no need to worry."

But just then, a mental flash overwhelmed Locke, forcing him to fall on his knees.

"Father, what's wrong?"

"No... he's here!"

"What!? Chaos? Where is he? I'll stop him. I'll take the Brotherhood with me as well. We have to stop him from coming here." said Knuckles.

"It's too late. He has already arrived."

Shocked by those words, Knuckles looked around but did not notice anything out of the ordinary. He looked back to his father.

"Father, are you sure?"

Before Locke was given the chance to answer, he suffered from another mental flash and this time screamed from the psychological pain. As Knuckles tried to help his father up, a building from behind him exploded. It was then it this point that the people began to panic and run.

"What the- What's going on?"

As Knuckles scans the smoke to try to see who was responsible, he sees a silouhette of a familiar figure. Soon, the figure walked out of the smoke, revealing himself to be Chaos.

"Oh how I love the people run and scream in fear. It's music to my ears."

"Shadow?! Wha- What have you done?"

"No Knuckles. That's not Shadow. It's CHAOS!" yelled his father.

"Chaos?! But how? It can't be."

"But it is. The old man is right."

"I don't understand."

"You won't need to. You won't live long enough to know the story anyways."

"Wanna bet?"

"Another headstrong fool I see. Are you sure you want to challenge me?"

"On my life."

"Hahahaha! Very well. However, before we clash, I want you to take a look and see what will happened to you for resisting me."

Extending his right arm, Chaos brought forth from behind the levitated bodies of the Chaotix, including that of Charmy, Saffron, and Ray.

"No! What did you do to them you fiend?"

"I gave them their retribution."

"Put them down!"

"Are you commanding me?"

"Gotta a problem with it?"

"You worthless rat! I'll show you what happens to those who would dare to command me!"

By extending his left arm, Chaos has somehow has caused Knuckles to levitate as well.

"What? How are you-"

"I am the master of the Chaos Force. As long as someone has Chaos energy flowing through them, I can manipulate and control them at my will. In your case, I will use your own Chaos powers and crush your body from within."

Stuggling and now gasping for air, Knuckles begins to feel his body is being squeezed tighter and tighter by the powerful constriction caused by the Chaos energy. Just when it seems Knuckles was about to die, Chaos lets him go. As Knuckles tries to regains his senses, he sees Chaos holding his head as if he was in pain.

"No. I thought I got rid of you."

"Did you honestly think that I would let you take control of my body so easily?" said a voice from inside Chaos' head.

"You hedgehog! You dare to resist?"

"Seeing how I am trapped within my own mind, there is not much you could do so yea."

"No. I will not allow this."

"You don't have much choice in the matter."

Now in agonizing pain, Chaos falls to the ground and yells in pain. Using the situation to his advantage, Knuckles goes and tries to rescue the Chaotix. But Chaos has managed to get back on his feet. However, having to deal with Shadow through the conscious mind, Chaos could not focus, giving Knuckles the chance to strike.

"Ha. Look who's worthless now. Take this!"

As Knuckles came close to Chaos, he gave him a right hook. Chaos, for the first time in generations, felt the painful sting of a punch.

"You worm! You dare strike me! I will not stand for this! Dark Legion, come forth!

Chaos raises his right arm.

"Chaos... CONTROL!"

With those two words, the entire Dark Legion appeared on Angel Island right in front of Knuckles.

"Now we shall see how well you can fight aganist an entire army!"

"The Dark Legion?! Crap! I wasn't expecting this."

This post has been edited by UltimateLifeForm: 01 May 2009 - 07:57 PM

[UltimateLifeForm]

Chapter 5: Past Connection

The unexpected appearance of the Dark Legion has surely changed the tides of battle in odds aganist Knuckles. Sweating now, Knuckles begins to question his recklessness.

"Just great. I just had to go and piss off Chaos. And now I am forced to fight the entire Dark Legion on my own."

"Hahahaha!" laughed Chaos. "What's with the pale look? Are you afraid?"

"Me? Afraid? HA! I've been in worse situations than this."

"Great, now I'm really screwed" said Knuckles as he thought to himself.

"Really? Your facial expression doesn't show it. I think its your ego that made you said what you did" said Chaos.

"My ego? Don't get me started about egos you demon."

"Hmm... unwilling to admit it? Fine, doesn't matter anyways. You'll just end up dead in the end."

"Yea well, sorry to break it to ya Chaos, but I don't go down easily as you think I would. I'm more than capable than on holding my own."

"Ah... but how well can you stand aganist your own Chaos energy being used aganist you for a second time?"

As Chaos extends his right arm to choke Knuckles with his Chaos powers, the lord of demons once again suffers from Shadow's mind battle.

"Aargh! That hedgehog. He's beginning to give me a migraine. Lien-Da, I need you to take control of the Dark Legion now. I will go and seize the Master Emerald."

"I will do my best" said Lien-Da with a bow.

After those words, Chaos teleported away from the scene to begin his search. With Lien-Da now in charge, she gives a sinister grin and gives out orders to the legionnaires.

"Dark Legion, go and destroy this city. Make sure that nothing remains standing. I will deal with this troublesome echidna."

After giving the command, the entire Dark Legion dispersed and raided Echidnaopolis. Knuckles could do nothing but watch in horror.

"No. There are still people in the city!"

"Too bad. You should have evacuated them much more sooner."

"Lien-Da! I swear, if any innocent is killed, I'll make sure you suffer the same fate."

"Oh. I'm shaking in my boots."

Lien-Da takes out her whip and cracks it.

"Enough talk Guardian. Let us battle."

"You took the words right out of my mouth legionnaire."

Still on Angel Island but now within the city's center, Dark Legion minions are seen destroying every building in sight. Fortunetly, the Brotherhood are making quick work of the lowly grunts.

"This isn't good" said Sabre. "Half of the populace is still being evacuated."

"As long as we keep them away from the portal, they'll be fine" said Spectre.

"Yes but, we are clearly outnumbered. We won't last long enough for the evacuation to be complete."

"But we have something that they don't that puts us at a significant advantage."

"And what's that?" asked Sabre.

Instead of directly answering Sabre's question, Spectre decided to show it. Standing in front of a charging Dark Legion unit, Spectre closed his eyes. When the minions closed their distance, Spectre opened his eyes, but this time, they glowed with Chaos energy. The result was an explosion that wiped out the small unit. Spectre's eyes then returned to normal.

"Of course. How could I forget? We have the powers of Chaos. But still, if we use too much, we'll exhuast ourselves."

"At least in the process of doing so we would have wiped out at least half of the Dark Legion."

"Die fighting? Sounds like a plan Spectre."

"That had been the plan."

Spectre leaps towards an oncoming Dark Legion battlelion with Sabre following close behind.

Inside of a small command center, Thunderhawk is standing watching a monitor screen showing the evacuation in progress.

"Er... this does not bode well. If the people keep panicking and running through the portal in large groups then this evacuation will end badly."

As Thunderhawk continues to look on with distress, he realizes that Locke was nowhere to be seen.

"Thunderhawk to Sojourner, where's Locke?"

"I don't know. He was here a minute ago."

"I see. Do you need help down there?"

"No, I can handle it. Just stay in the command center. If something else comes up, we'll need you to report in."

"Alright, just don't trampled down there. It's like a stampede."

"I've noticed."

In Knothole, Sally and Sonic tries to assess the situation.

"What the heck? Why is everyone running all of a sudden?" asked Sonic.

"Something or someone must have attacked Echidnaopolis. That could be the only explanation."

"I knew it. I knew something would happen. I should of went up there."

"Well, looks like you won't be going up there anytime soon now either. We've got to calm these people down."

"No, you got to calm them down. I'm going up there."

"Sonic, don't this again. Remember what I said about disobeying an order?"

"People's lives are more important than any given order. I'm goin and that's final."

Without giving Sally a chance to reply, Sonic sped off into the portal that lead to Angel Island. Upon arriving, he sees Echidnaopolis almost entirely destroyed.

"Man. This is bad. I gotta go find Knucks."

Speeding around the ruined city, Sonic searches for his friend. It was not until he has reached the city limits did he find him.

"Yo Knucks! Need a hand?"

"Sonic?! What are you doing here?"

"To help of course."

"Well, for someone of your speed, you came too late. As you already can tell, the Dark Legion has nearly leveled the entire city."

"Yea I know. It looks like Dimitri is at it again."

"Actually Sonic, It's not Dimitri."

As Knuckles turned around, Sonic sees an unconsious Lien-Da being hung around Knuckles' right arm.

"Whoa. Her?"

"No, not Lien-Da either. It's someone more dangerous."

"Who?"

"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you."

Knuckles throws Lien-Da to the ground.

"Try me" said Sonic.

"How about instead we head to the Master Emerald chamber. There you'll find your answer."

"Alright cool. Let's do it to it."

Speaking of the Master Emerald chamber, we find ourselves now there with a worn out Chaos approaching the shrine.

"Yes. There it is. The gem that will unleash my full powers. Once that's done, I will rid of this body and this pesky hedgehog."

As Chaos makes his way up the flight of stairs, someone calls out his name.

"CHAOS!"

Chaos turns around.

"Ah, Locke. Have you come to lay witness to the most extravagent moment in this world's history, my official return?"

"More like to stop you demon. I will not allow you take one more step towards that emerald."

"You old fool. What makes you think that you can stop me? I control all aspects of the Chaos Force. With that ability, I can crush you from where you stand."

"That may be so, but I am not afraid. I will use every ounce of my strength to put a stop to your wicked plan."

"Well, I suppose I can accomdate your decision. Since you'll soon die of old age, there's not much more you could do with your life anyways."

Chaos sticks out his right arm and Locke begins to choke. As Chaos tightens his hold, he laughs at the idea that Locke will soon run of breath. However, at this point, Sonic and Knuckles arrived just in time. Sonic was shocked to see who it was that was attempting to kill Locke.

"Shadow?! It can't be!"

"That was my first guess but its actually Chaos.

"Who?"

" I'll explain later. Quick Sonic! My father!"

"On it."

Without second thought, Sonic rolled into a ball and dashed towards Chaos. A direct hit.

"Aahh! Another pesky hedgehog to deal with?"

"Let my friend go!"

"Sorry, but I need him at the moment. Don't worry, I'll return him to you as an empty shell once I've accomplished my goal."

"Sorry pal. Ain't gonna happen."

Sonic again rolled into a ball and made his way towards Chaos. Chaos, however, was prepared and shielded himself with Chaos energy.

"Hahaha! Did you honestly think that I would fall for the same attack twice?"

Chaos body begins to glow with Chaos energy.

"For defying me, I'll give you the honor of dying by my hands blue hedgehog!"

"This ain't good."

As Chaos prepares to attack, something unusual happened. Chaos' entire body froze. He wasn't even breathing. It was as if he went into a deep and sudden trance. What was happening exactly? As we dwell deep into Chaos' mind, we find in a dark open area.

"Where am I?"

Upon asking that, a bright, white light flashed before him. Much to his surprise, he sees Shadow standing there along with another figure who he recognizes quite well.

"Hello Chaos. It has been a long time" said the figure.

"Tikal?! It can't be!"

[UltimateLifeForm]

Ok, just so everyone knows, the only reason that I would post more than twice in a row is to add on new chapters, not to annoy people(apparently to some, posting twice is already enough to irritate them). Normally I would just edit my old post and put the new chapter there but I figured that if people have already read my previous post, then they wouldn't bother going back to see it as people would probably expect a new one made. So, if you guys ever see more than one post in a row made by me than that only means new chapters have been written.

Chapter 6: The Protector Then, The Protector Now

"I see that you still remember me" said Tikal.

"Of course I do. How could I forget that one person that sealed away my powers."

"I did it to stop you from hurting more innocents."

"I thought you would understand what I did back then."

"No, I never did and I never will."

"You're heart is too kind to see the reasoning behind my actions."

"Chaos, why can't you just let go of the grudge you currently hold? It has been generations since the incident."

"And yet nothing has changed. These lowly creatures still wage wars on one another."

"And your solution is to kill them?"

"Not kill them, more like liberate them from the evils of their world."

"And yet the irony here is that you are the one imposing the evil" said Shadow.

"Shows what you know. I do what I must to accomplish my goal."

"Well, its a good thing that we cut you short of your success then."

"Yes, a mistake that both of you will pay with your lives."

Teeming with Chaos energy, Chaos dashes towards both Shadow and Tikal. Shadow, in response, steps in front of Tikal to act as a shield.

"Don't worry. I won't let him hurt you."

"I thank you for your concern Shadow, but I am able to defend myself."

Tikal clasps her hands together and closed her eyes. Soon, a white dome formed around her and Shadow.

"Hahahaha! Do you think that can stop me?"

At full speed, Chaos raises his right arm and lays a punch on the dome. But Tikal's shield proved to more durable than Chaos had thought and was knocked back.

"It seems as if your powers have improved after all this time Tikal."

"No Chaos" said Tikal. "You were repelled because you use your powers for evil and as we all know, evil can never overcome those with pure hearts."

"Says you Tikal. I am the lord of all demons, I can overcome anything."

Chaos crosses his arms and they begin to glow.

"Chaos... SPEAR!"

Chaos flings his arms forward and a giant energy spear of a green hue was shot towards Tikal and Shadow. Once again, Chaos' attack fails.

"You see Chaos, you cannot win this fight with such a dark and unpurified heart."

"So what you are trying to tell me is that I should have a change of heart?"

Chaos cracks his neck.

"Sorry, but that's not going to happen."

"Chaos please, I know that there is still some good inside of you. You're were not like this generations ago."

"Too bad. I've already have change my image, so turning over a new leaf won't suit me very well."

"But-"

"Forget it Tikal" said Shadow. "He's changed his ways. It's too late for him."

"But everyone must be given a second chance Shadow. I just know that if I can somehow keep talking to him, he will eventually be what he was before, a hero, a protector."

"A hero?" asked Shadow. "You mean to tell me he was once a sympathetic demon?"

"No, he wasn't a demon. He was very much like you and I. It was because he abused his power that made him that way."

"ENOUGH! I don't want to hear anymore usesless babble."

"Chaos, listen to me!" said Tikal.

Now purposely ignoring Tikal's plea, Chaos surrounded himself with an aura created from Chaos energy.

"It's obvious now that he doesn't care what you have to say. Drop the shield. Let me fight him."

"There has to be another way" said Tikal.

"There isn't. If we don't stop him now, no one will. Drop the shield Tikal!"

"I will do no such thing!"

Before Shadow was given another chance to try to convince Tikal to let him confront Chaos, the demon had already intiated his attack on the duo. In a frenzy, Chaos relentlessly pounds the shield. Tikal begins to lose her strength.

"I... I can't hold up the shield much longer."

"HAHAHA! Now you two shall DIE!"

"Sorry Chaos. Not while I'm around."

Shadow grabs Tikal's hand.

"Chaos... CONTROL!"

The two teleport out of the shield and reappeared behind Chaos.

"What?! How is it that you are able to use Chaos powers?" asked Chaos.

"I have you to thank for that. Ever since you took over my body, I was able to learn to control the Chaos Force from within my own mind."

"I hate to admit it hedgehog, but you amaze me. I guess I have chosen a worthy host after all."

"And now this host will strike back at the parasite."

Similar to Chaos, Shadow's body too begins to have Chaos aura swirl around him.

"Now this should be a battle worth fighting" said Chaos.

"My words exactly" replied Shadow.

The two engage in battle and each begins to exchange punches and kicks. The resulting impact from these hits caused the entire area to shake. After delivering physical blows, the two resort to using Chaos powers. But the energy attacks did no damage for all they did was cancel each other out. After several blasts, the two energy-infused fighters began to show signs of fatigue.

"Not bad hedgehog. You have managed to last longer than I had expected."

"Are you finally willing to accept the fact that there are others that can match you in battle?"

"HA! Never! Why should I? You're running out of breath"

"So are you, smart one."

"True, but as master of the Chaos Force, I can use the energy to rejuvenate myself."

Closing his eyes, Chaos' body glows brighter with Chaos energy. Seconds later, the enegy dissapated and Chaos was brought back to full strength.

"Ready for round two fool?"

"I was born ready. Let's do it."

The two once again were prepared to clash with one another until Tikal stepped into the middle.

"Please! No more fighting!"

"Step aside Tikal. It's too dangerous" said Shadow.

Tikal stands her ground.

"It seems you want to die as well. Fine by me. As they say, the more the merrier."

Flying at top speed, Chaos makes his way towards Tikal. Shadow tries to intervene but was held back by a wall conjured up by Tikal.

"Tikal? What are you doing? Put down this wall! He's going to kill you."

"Then I shall take him with me."

Tikal turns around to face Shadow.

"Shadow, promise me that you won't abuse the powers given to you. Don't make the same mistake as Chaos did. It is up to you now to protect your world."

Tikal turns back to the incoming Chaos. Without fear, Tikal continues to stand where she stood. As Chaos came closer, Tikal brought up a white light that began to consume the area. Soon, the two became engulfed in the light.

"Noooooo!" yelled Shadow.

Nothing now but a white flash. Back on the real world, Shadow opens his eyes and immediately stands up.

"Shadow?!" exclaimed Sonic. "Is it really you this time?"

Shadow gives no response.

"Shadow, answer me pal"

"Careful Sonic. This could be another one of Chaos' tricks."

"If that was the case, I don't think we'll still be breathing."

Without saying anything in the moment, Shadow looks at his hands and rolls them into a fist.

"Your promise shall be kept Tikal" said Shadow in his thoughts.

"Mobius to Shadow!"

Shadow looks up and walks past Sonic.

"Let's head back home."

"You are back! Thought we lost ya there bro."

"I'm Shadow the hedgehog. I always find a way back."

"Right. Whatever you say."

Shadow approaches Knuckles and tried to speak but Knuckles stops him.

"I know what you're about to say. Don't sweat it Shadow. Everyone knows that it wasn't you. All is forgiven."

With that said, the two speeds off back to Knothole.

Back in Knothole, the Freedom Fighters have returned to their homes and are seen relaxing inside their humble abodes. Sally looks out the window with a holographic image of NICOLE close by.

"The evacation was a complete success and according to the Brotherhood, everyone has managed to make it to Albion safely."

"That is good news Sally but what of Sonic?"

"I'm sure he's fine. What I what to know is how Shadow is doing on his mission? I miss him so much."

As Sally continues to look on, she experiences a sudden strong blow from the wind.

"Wow! The wind just picked up! Weather is such an unexpected wonder of Mother Nature isn't it NICOLE?"

A couple of seconds passed.

"NICOLE?"

Sally turned around but did not see NICOLE. Sally calls again.

"NICOLE!"

"Sally come quick!"

Hearing NICOLE, Sally rushes down the stairs. To her absolute surprise, she sees Shadow standing there.

"Hey Sally."

Overcame with emotion and tears, Sally ran up to Shadow and gave him a kiss.

"Oh Shadow, I missed you soo much. Thank goodness you came back!"

She hugs him tightly.

"So, did you see your new house?"

"Yes, and I must say, you did quite a job."

"Actually, it was Sonic who built it. I provided him with the blueprints."

"Really? I never took Sonic as a construction worker."

"You'd be surprised."

"Not as much as you will be."

"What do you mean?"

"Ever since I left for my mission, things got out of hand."

"Like what?"

Shadow grins and takes Sally by the hand and brings her over to the couch. As the couple sat, Shadow begins to tell his story.

[UltimateLifeForm]

Chapter 7: Royal Discovery

It's another beatiful morning in Knothole as the sun rises with an early breeze in the air. Oddly, we find ourselves in Antoine's room where the coyote still sleeps. Because of the task of handling to deal with evacuaees from Angel Island, Antoine seems to enjoy his well deserved rest. In fact, he may enjoy it a little too much for he has overslept on this certain morning.

The rest of the Freedom Fighters are currently in Rotor's lab, waiting for Antoine to arrive.

"Where is he?" asked Sally.

"Probably still sleeping. Yesterday was a pretty rough day" said Sonic.

"Doesn't matter. Antoine knows that we meet in here every morning" replied Sally.

"Maybe we should just forget about him and continue on with the briefing" said Shadow.

Sally wraps her arm around Shadow's.

"Oh Shadow, you know we can't do that. Everyone needs to be informed on what's going on. It's one of the responsibilities of being a Freedom Fighter."

She gives him a kiss on the cheek.

"Would you mind waking him up for me?"

"Sure. Why not."

Shadow runs off and makes his way to Antoine's home. Shadow calls out Antoine's name but gets no response. Frustrated, Shadow kicks down the front door. Surprisingly, Antoine still sleeps in his bed without even stirring.

"Hey furball! Get up! Everyone is waiting for you back at the lab."

No reply.

"Guess I have no other choice."

Shadow walks up to one of the side of Antoine's bed and puts his hand underneath the bed railings. Then, with little effort, tips over Antoine's bed. This time the coyote woke up with a bit of shock.

"AAAHH!" yelled Antoine. "What is wrong with my bed? Is it alive?"

"No. I tipped it over."

Antoine looks up from the bedside.

"Shadow?! But why?"

"Because you're holding everyone up at the lab. There's a mission briefing but it won't start unless you're there."

"What? Another mission? But the one from yesterday sapped all of my strength."

"All you did was make sure everyone made it through safely to Albion. You did nothing more."

"Oui oui, but that one job was harder than you think."

Running out of patience, Shadow walks up to Antoine and grabs his shirt and lifts him up.

"Too bad, so sad. You're coming."

And with that, Shadow tosses Antoine through the roof of his home and miracously, Antoine lands at the entrance of the lab.

"Waddup Ant!" said Sonic.

"Err... the light is up hedgehog."

"You'll be fine. Come on" said Shadow as he neared.

Shadow grabs the back of Antoine's shirt and drags him into the lab.

"Good" said Sally. "Looks like everyone is here. Okay Rotor, what's so urgent?"

Rotor, who was currently facing a computer, turns around in the swivel chair to turn to face the others.

"I have both good news and bad news. I'll start with the good. Sally, I think you'd be happy to know that your father has been located."

"What?! My father?! Are you sure?"

"No doubt about it."

"Where?!"

"That's the bad news. He's located in the Zone of Silence."

"No... it can't be."

"Unfortunetly, it's true."

"Of all the places to imprison my father, I never knew Robotnik would go so far."

"That creep" said Sonic.

"Rotor, how do we get him back?" asked Sally.

"Thought you"ll never ask."

Still on the swivel chair, Rotor turns back to the computer and begins to type in codes.

"One thing I forgot to mention is that in discovering the Zone, me and Tails engineered special warp posts to allow anyone to enter the zone."

Rotor presses 'ENTER'.

"And here it is."

At the back of the lab stood two metal posts. As Rotor entered the written codes into the computer mainframe, the posts began to glow a bright light. Seconds later, a portal appeared before the Freedom Fighters.

"Rotor, the portal... I never knew" said Sally.

"Ah don't think anyone did" said Bunnie.

"Magnificent isn't it. What's best is that the portal can lead into any zone if needed."

"That settles it then" said Shadow. "Time to go retrieve King Max."

"Wait! Before anyone steps through, there is one other thing that you guys need to know."

"Spill the beans Rot" said Sonic.

"Well, um, even though King Max has been found, rescuing him is another story."

"What do you mean?" asked Sally.

"For some strange reason, every five minutes that passes by, the Zone of Silence completely changes its landscape."

"Is that going to be a problem?" asked Shadow.

"A big one. You see, if you mange to find King Max but have done so in within the five minute interval, you could wind up starting all over again to get him because when the landscape changes, it changes dramatically. It could actually force you guys to search for months or even years to accomplish a successful rescue."

"Well, since this is a race againist time, I believe me and Sonic should be the only ones to go."

"I'm coming along as well" said Sally.

"But Sally, it's too dangerous. If we get separated, we could lose you as well."

"I don't care. We are talking about my father here."

"I realize that Sally."

"Then why can't I come along?"

"Because, if we do lose you but have managed to save your father, then the whole mission would still end up as a failure since in the end we all would have lost our commander. I mean, what would your father say?"

"Shadow, my father would understand."

"No he wouldn't, not when he realized that he lost his only daughter."

"You're too concerned for me Shadow."

"I have reasons to be."

Sally walks up to Shadow and hugs him.

"Shadow, if you're worried that whatever befalled Tikal would happen to me, then I understand. But Chaos is no longer a threat, so there is no need for overprotection."

"Yes but-"

"No buts. As commander, I order you take me along."

"Do you think that's going to work?"

"Fine, as your girlfriend then."

"Come on Sal, saying it like that would only make him more protective" said Sonic.

Sally turns around to face Sonic.

"True, but it works."

"Surprisingly" responded Shadow.

"Good" said Sally. "Let's get going."

Shadow, Sonic, and Sally approach the warp portal. With confidence and determination, the trio walks through as the portal closes behind them.

[Scourgekito the hedgehog]

Sorry I haven't replied I haven't been able to get on the computer for awhile seeing as my school is out and that's the best time I had computer access.Anyway this is really good of course I'm a fanfiction fanatic so I like almost every story,or at least that is what others tell me.That's not the truth I like and read mostly well written ones and well legible ones as well.So If I like a fic than usually it is well written and legible by my standards seeing as no one is perfect nor should they expect others to be, because everyone has their own pace of learning.To get off that though this is very well written and I bet in the future you could probably get good money out of being a part time author.

[UltimateLifeForm]

You know, I was thinking about becoming one in the beginning of writing this story but then I decided to take my writing skills into the gaming field. As we all know, all good games involve a good storyline. But yea, I'm proud of my writing ability but I believe it could be better, especially if I can work on putting in greater vocabulary. Hopefully I can continue to write this well or even better when I start to work on game titles.

[Scourgekito the hedgehog]

That's great hopefully if my plans go accordingly I'll be going to learn game designing.Who knows we may even end up working together.But that's an if factor,and I hope you do keep it up and get where you want to.

[UltimateLifeForm]

Thanks Scourgekito. Same to you. I too hope that we will manage to work together some day.

Chapter 8: Unbreakable Bond

"Well, here we are. Where do we start?" asked Sonic.

"From the looks of things, we can't right now" said Sally.

"We must of came here right after five minutes" said Shadow.

"Guess we have no choice but to wait until five more minutes pass by until the Zone changes so that we can have navigable terrain."

"Better yet, how about we hitch a ride?" asked Sonic.

Sonic points a finger out into the distance and sees a strange flying creature coming towards them.

"What is that?" asked Sally.

"Whatever it is, it doesn't look too friendly" said Shadow.

And indeed Shadow was right. As the creature flew closer to the trio, it opens its mouth to reveal razor-sharp teeth.

"Oh crap!" said Sonic. "Now what?"

"We fight it" said Shadow with a grin.

"Sorry to burst your bubble there Shadow, but how? We're on a floating piece of rock with no room to run around."

"Leave that to me."

Shadow jumps up from the rock and approached the creature. As the flying menace opened its jaws wider to chomp down on our hero, Shadow simply sneered and used Chaos Control. Shadow then reappeared above the creature and started to freefall towards it. While doing so, Shadow spin dashes and hits the creature on its neck, causing it to squeal. Shadow then lands on the creature's back and creates a leash made of Chaos energy and put it in between the creature's jaws.

"Well, you two getting on or what?"

Without saying anything, both Sally and Sonic gets on.

"Now that we got transportation, where do we go now?" asked Sonic.

"Wish I had a definite answer Sonic, but looks like we are going to have to really on our instincts to find my father."

"Better yet, how about we ask this thing to take us to him?" asked Shadow.

"Are you sure that's going to work?" questioned Sally.

"Of course. Think about it, if Robotnik sent your father here on the day of the coup, then its possible that your father may have made contact with various creatures of this zone in the following years, perhaps even with this one."

"You have a point. Alright then, give it a try Shadow"

"Hey flying maggot! Take us to King Max now!"

The creature gave a loud and screeching roar.

"Think it would be best if I asked it" said Sonic.

"Why's that?" asked Shadow.

"Because insulting it might not get us to King Max."

"And if it doesn't, I'll give it another beatdown."

"Just let me give it a shot."

"Fine."

"Yo, flying wonder! Know where King Max is at?"

"Flying wonder?! You can't be serious" thought Shadow.

The creature responded with a small and gentle roar.

"Yea, don't know what you said there pal but from the sounds of it, you do seem to know. Lead the way!"

With that command, the creature flew off in the direction that the three would have no choice but to consider it the right one.

"Look! The landscape! It's reshaping itself!" said Sally.

As the trio looked on, they see that all of the rock platforms that were seen floating indivudually began to come together to form an island.

[Whistles] "Whoa! Rotor was right about the whole drastic land change thing" said Sonic.

"Never would have thought that those platforms would actually form a perfect island" said Sally.

As the three approached the island, they see a familar sight.

"That... that looks like a castle!" exclaimed Sonic.

"Looks like this our stop" said Shadow.

The trio jumps down.

"Thanks big guy!" yelled Sonic as the creature flew away.

"Could my father be in there?"

"Only one way to find out."

Shadow picks up Sally with both arms and runs towards the castle. Sonic followed close behind. They stop at the gate.

"How are we going to get past this thing?" asked Sonic.

"Simple."

Shadow puts Sally down and tells her and Sonic to step back.

"Chaos Spear!"

A golden spear generated from Shadow's arm darted towards the gate and destroys it.

"Ladies first" said Sonic.

Sally slowly walks into the long corridor. Next came Sonic, then Shadow. Soon the three found themselves in a small town.

"Looks like no one is around."

"Look! There's light emitting from that tower!" said Sonic.

"The only light it seems" replied Sally." "Maybe my father is up there."

"Let's find out."

Shadow grabbed both of Sonic's and Sally's hand and once again used Chaos Control to bring them into the tower. Inside, they find King Max lying there on a bed.

"Father!" yelled Sally.

Hearing his daughter's call, King Max wakes up and spots her standing there.

"Sally?! Is it really you?"

"Yes father, it is!"

Sally runs up and hugs him. King Max does the same to his daughter.

"Oh Sally. It has been so long since I have seen your face."

The king wipes the tears off of Sally's face.

"My, how you have grown up!"

Max looks off to the side to see Sonic and Shadow standing there.

"Hello Shadow, Sonic. I'm glad to see that the two of you are well."

"Likewise your majesty" said Shadow.

"Quick father! We have to get out of here!"

"I'm too weak to walk or even run Sally. I may be able to stand but I'll only slow you all down."

"That will be no problem. I'll just use Chaos Control and we'll be at the portal."

Shadow stand in between Max and Sally.

"Sonic, Sally, lock arms. And as for you your majesty, hold on to my shoulder."

The three did what they were told to do. As Shadow prepares to teleport them from the castle, it begins to violently shake.

"What's goin on?" asked Sonic.

"Oh no! Five minutes must have passed!" said Sally.

The castle at this point have shaken so hard that it begins to split apart. Sonic and Sally ended up on one end, Shadow and King Max on the other.

"Shadow! Dad!" yelled Sally.

"Sally! Grab on to my hand!"

Sally frantically tried to grab on to Shadow's hand but the two were already too far apart.

"I can't reach it!"

"Just hang on then! I'm going to use Chaos Control to get over there."

Shadow again prepares to teleport to unite with Sonic and Sally but our hero soon realized that one problem would eventually lead to the next. And this problem was a living one.

"Shadow! Look out bro!" yelled Sonic as he pointed behind Shadow.

Shadow turned around and saw a giant snake-like creature creeping towards him. Within a mere second, the large beast lunged itself forward and smashed the bed that was holding King Max. Due to his quick thinking, Shadow manages to save the king and evaded the creature. Shadow puts Max down.

"Your majesty, are you alright?"

"I am now."

From a distance, Sonic, holding Sally in his arms, is seen jumping from one platform to the next to try to reach Shadow and King Max. The four are soon reunited.

"Thank goodness you two are all right!" said Sally.

"We thought you two were goners" said Sonic.

"We all will be if we stand here any longer" said Shadow.

Taking this as a sign, Sally, Sonic, and King Max all locked arms for a second time. Sally uses her free hand to hold to Shadow's.

"Chaos..."

Before being able to finish, the snake-like creature slithers up from the bottom of the platfrom and breaks it. This forced Sally to release her grip on Shadow, thus our hero launched into the air while the others flew sideways and landed safely on a rockface. Shadow, taken completely by surprise, tried to regain his thoughts in order to fight back but it was already too late. The creature had opened its mouth and swallowed Shadow in one gulp.

"SHADOWWWWW!" screamed Sally.

Tears began to overflow on her face. King Max hugs his daughter tight in an attempt to comfort her.

"That thing! It ate Shadow! I'm gonna kill it!"

Sonic tries to run for the creature to exact revenge but King Max grabs his arm.

"Sonic please! Revenge now won't help. We must leave."

Sonic looks at King Max with fury in his eyes but Sonic realized that King Max has the same look on his face.

"I know how you feel. I too am upset at Shadow's demise but we cannot have his death be in vain. He would want us to leave this dreadful place."

"Yea, you're right."

Sonic looks down and sees that Sally was still crying. Sonic then looks back up and notices that the rock platforms were slowly floating into alignment towards the portal.

Sonic grabs King Max's hand.

"Hang on tight!"

Sonic speeds towards the portal and kept on running without looking back.

"Good-bye my friend" said Sonic in his thoughts.

Sonic runs through the portal and it instantly closes. The three reappeared back in Rotor's lab. The Freedom Fighters gathered around.

"Where's Shadow?" asked Rotor.

Sonic and King Max gives no response. Sally, who seemingly has ceased crying, stands up.

"He... he's dead."

Bunnie runs up to Sally and hugs her.

"Oh Sally girl![Now crying as well] I'm so sorry."

The rest of the Freedom Fighters put their heads down.

As the entire lab continues to be void of speech, something amazing happened. A figure teleported into the center of the lab covered in blood. The figure was none other than Shadow.

"SHADOW!" everyone yelled in unison.

Shadow tries to stand up but falls to his knee.

"Never knew killing something from the inside would take so much energy."

Bunnie released her hug, allowing Sally to run to Shadow.

"Take it easy honey."

Shadow looks up to Sally.

"You've been crying too much."

"I thought you were really dead Shadow."

"Me? You seem to have forgotten who I am."

Shadow stands up with Sally supporting him.

"What's this? Sonic the hedgehog crying as well?"

"What? Me cry? Never! I just got something in my eye that's all."

Sonic wipes the small droplets of tears from his eyes. He then gives a thumbs up.

"Great to have ya back bro."

Shadow gives a small grin.

As everyone gathers around Shadow to say how grateful they are to see him alive and well, King Max holds his chest in pain.

"King Maximillian, are you okay?" asked Sonic.

"Argh! My chest! It hurts!"

"You need rest your majesty. Sonic, take him to my house. It's closest to the lab" said Shadow.

Sonic carefully wraps his arms around the king's shoulders and escorted him to Shadow's home.

"Thank you Shadow. That was thoughtful but where will you sleep?" asked Sally.

"Wherever it's nice and comfy."

Sally thought for a moment.

"How about at my place?" asked Sally.

"Are you trying to give your dad another heart attack? If he sees me in your house, I'll never hear the end of it for the rest of my life."

Sally laughs.

"It's fine. Nothing will happen. Sleep on the couch. First things first though, we gotta get you cleaned up."

"Fine by me."

[UltimateLifeForm]

Author's Note: In case no one realizes this, but the character's designs from the previous chapters until now all have been their current designs in the comics, except for Sally's. I decided to keep Sally's look from StH comic issue #123 from the cover.

Chapter 9: Fatal Exchange

The morning sun rises over Knothole and nothing is heard except for the morning birds.

Inside of Sally's home, Shadow is sleeping on the couch in total peace and quiet. From upstairs, Sally wakes up with a small yawn. She gets up from bed and heads downstairs to check on her man. After seeing that he was sleeping well, she heads back up but stops midway to hear a knock on her door. She walks over and opens it to see Bunnie standing there.

"Mornin' Sally girl! Ready for your daily hair groomin?"

"You know it Bunnie. Come in."

Bunnie steps inside and Sally closes the door. Bunnie spots Shadow sleeping on the couch.

"Awww... The dark and handsome sugah-hog looks so cute sleeping."

"Yes he does."

"You are one lucky gal."

"I sure am."

Sally stares at Shadow for a few seconds and smiles.

"Well, let's head upstairs. My hair isn't going to groom itself."

Sally and Bunnie head upstairs into Sally's room. Once inside, Sally sat down on a small stool. Bunnie stands behind Sally and with her right hand, gently lifts Sally's hair and with her left, picks up a brush and begins grooming.

"You know Bunnie, I have something of a little secret that I feel I can only share with you."

"Is that so? Fire away Sally-girl. My lips are sealed as tight as a croc's jaw."

"When it comes time for me to take my father's place to rule Mobius as Queen, I'm going to marry Shadow and make him King."

"Oooooooh, I'm so happy for you. Are you going to tell Shadow?"

"Nope. Well, not yet at least. I first need to consult with my father to see what he thinks of the idea."

"Ah'm sure he'll let it happen. Ah mean after all your man is a big time hero."

"Let's hope so. My father can be a little strict on who I'm allowed to marry."

"Don't worry Sally-girl. Ah know it from my heart that you'll be with him someday."

"Thanks Bunnie. That means a lot to me."

"No prob. But now that leaves just one question."

"What's that?"

"Am ah still gonna be your royal hairdresser?"

"Of course. What would I do without you?"

"Not much from the looks of this."

The two laugh. Bunnie finishes off the grooming process with a couple of final strokes.

"There. All done."

"And its amazing as usual" said Sally with a smile.

As Sally looked on at her smooth hair, Bunnie and her both heard a knock. But this knock was unusual. It was fast paced like as if someone was in a hurry or in a panicked state.

"Gosh! I wonder who could that be?" wondered Sally.

The two walked downstairs to see who it was but noticed that Shadow was already at the door.

"Yo Sal! Open up!" yelled Sonic from the outside.

Sonic began to pound on the door faster and harder. Annoyed, Shadow opens the door and managed to stop Sonic's fist as it came down near his face.

"Lucky I caught that" said Shadow.

"Shadow! Hey, have you seen Sally?"

"Why?"

"Something came up. It deals with King Maximillian."

"What's wrong with my father?" asked Sally as she came towards the door.

"You gotta see it for yourself Sal."

"Is it bad?"

"It's much more than that. It's terrible!"

"Say no more Sonic."

With a worried look on her face, Sally runs to Shadow's house where her father lies. Sonic, Shadow, and Bunnie followed. Upon arriving and going inside Shadow's home, we see Rotor is sitting beside King Max with a scanner in hand.

"Oh my gosh!" said Sally as she put her hand to her mouth.

Sally slowly walks up next to her father to see that he has undergone a most horrific transformation. Half of King Max's body is covered in some green crystal.

"What happened to his body?" asked Sally.

"To you the truth Sally, I don't know" replied Rotor. "What I do know is that this crystalline transformation is a side effect produced when leaving the Zone of Silence."

"Then how come we didn't get crystallized?" asked Sonic.

"Well, you guys were only in there for several minutes. King Max, however, was in the Zone for years. His body must of got used to the enviroment."

"Is there any way to reverse the process?" asked Sally.

"Unfortunetly no. I don't know enough about the Zone to counter any effects."

Shadow walks up next to the king.

"This crystal, it's emerald green."

"Yea, and your point is?" asked Sonic.

"It could be possible that this effect is produced from Chaos energy."

"You may have a point there" said Rotor.

"So if we had a Chaos Emerald, we may be able to cure my father."

"Don't need one. Don't you remember, I wield the powers of Chaos." said Shadow.

"Yes but, what if you suffer from the same effects trying to remove it?" asked Sally.

"A risk I'm willing to take."

Shadow grabs King Max's hand and closes his eyes. A few seconds later, both Shadow and Max are surrounded by a green aura. As Shadow absorbs the crystallized energy, King Max's body slowly returned to normal. Just when our hero succeeded in his endeavor, he yells in pain.

"ARGHH!"

Feeling that he had absorbed too much, Shadow lets go of King Max and steps back. He then looks at his hand and notices that it was beginning to crystalize as well.

"Shadow!" said Sally with a frightened tone.

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna let myself turn into some giant crystal. I can hold it back."

Shadow grabs his crystalized arm with the other arm and forced the crystal to recede by giving out a small Chaos energy pulse. His arm returned to its natural state.

"There. That should take care of that. Too bad it's not going to last."

"Looks like now we are going to have to find some way to cure you Shadow" said Sonic.

"And the only way to do that is through the Crown of Acorns" said King Max.

To everyone's surprise, King Max stood up from bed.

"Shadow, I am sorry to put you through this."

"Don't blame yourself your majesty. You didn't know that this would happen."

"That still doesn't change the fact that you will turn to crystal forever if we don't get the Crown."

"Father, isn't the Crown located in a secret underground chamber at the castle?"

"Not anymore. On the day of the coup, Ivo forced me to reveal it's location."

"What would Robuttnik want with the Crown of Acorns?" asked Sonic.

"I do not know, but for whatever reason it may be, I'm sure it won't be for any altruistic motive."

"Looks like we're going to have to pay him a visit then" said Shadow.

"No, allow me Shadow. You already have too heavy of a burden to carry around."

"But if you go and see Robotnik, he will surely kill you."

"Not unless I strike a deal with him."

"Father no. Robotnik can't be trusted."

"I have no other choice Sally. We cannot allow that madman to hold onto the Crown. It's power is too great."

"But father, I lost you once already. I don't want to lose you again."

King Max hugs his daughter.

"I will return Sally. That is a promise."

King Max kisses his daughter on the forehead and walks away. Shadow steps in front of him.

"I know you already to told me to stay back, but just allow me to come. If the deal doesn't go the way it's supposed to, you'll need a quick escape and I can provide that with Chaos Control."

"Very well."

"I'm comin as well" said Sonic from the side. "Just in case something happens to Shadow."

"Thanks but no thanks Sonic. I'm more than capable of handling my own."

"Not while you have to constantly fight back the crystallization. You might not even have enough strength to use any Chaos power if the time comes."

"Sonic has given a good argument Shadow."

Shadow looks off to the side.

"Alright. You may come as well. But you two must bear in mind it is I who will make the negotiations."

"Understood" said both Shadow and Sonic in unison.

"Good. Now, Shadow, do you think you can teleport us to Robotropolis? I figure the quicker we get there, the better chance we have at restoring you."

"I'll try. But with the Chaos energy not being used to hold back the crystallization might not be enough for us to get to Robotnik's base."

"As long as we are near the vicinity, it doesn't matter" said King Max.

"Alright then."

King Max and Sonic walked up to Shadow and put their hands on his shoulders.

"Be careful Shadow" said Sally.

Shadow gives a smirk.

"Chaos Control!"

With a flash, the three disappeared from the lab in one second and appeared at Robotropolis the next. However, Shadow only managed to bring them to the outskirts of the city.

"Yo Shadow what happened?" asked Sonic. "We're not even inside of the city."

"I must be using more Chaos energy than I thought to hold back the side effect."

"It's fine. Robotnik will notice us" said King Max.

And soon enough, King Max's words came to truth. Two SWATbot sentries approached the three with lasers already pointed at them.

"That's it for the welcoming committee? Man, Robuttnik sure is losing his touch" said Sonic.

"Hedgehogs alert!" said the first SWATbot.

"Well, almost."

As the two SWATbots came closer, King Max held up his hand to stop them.

"Do not worry. We come here under peaceful terms. Tell Robotnik that I, the King of Acorn, have come here to negotiate a deal."

"This is sentry 1 reporting in to base."

"Go ahead sentry 1" said Snively.

"This certain unit have located the two top priority hedgehogs along with the king of Acorn. They say they come to speak with Robotnik."

"WHAT?!"

Snively turns around to face Robotnik who was sitting on a chair.

"Um sir, SWATbot sentry 1 has just reported in that Shadow, Sonic, and King Maximillian have been spotted at the city's entrance."

"Did you just say King Max?! How is that possible? I sent him to the Zone of Silence."

"Well apparently sir-"

"Shut up Snively! Bring up the monitor screen."

"As you wish."

Snively turned back to the controls and pressed a button that brought up a large vid-screen.

"Ah. So Max has truly returned. I wasn't planning this to happen."

"Also sir, they said they came to speak with you."

"Is that so? In that case, tell that SWATbot to bring them here."

"Yes sir. Base to sentry 1. You are commanded to bring the three here."

"Affirmative."

After ending communication, the first SWATbot told the trio to follow it. The second walked behind them. In a few minutes, they arrived at Robotnik's base. The door opened and they walked in. After several more minutes, Shadow, Sonic, and King Max found themselves inside of the command center.

"Hello your majesty" said Robotnik as he turned around in his chair. "It is good to see that you have returned safely."

"Cut the act Ivo. I know you despise me being here."

"I told you already Max, the name is no longer Ivo. It's-"

"Yea, yea we know. It's Robuttnik" said Sonic disgustingly.

"Shut up you blue rodent."

"Make me."

"Sonic please. We came here to talk to Robotnik, not insult him."

"My bad."

"Anyways, Robotnik, we are in a middle of a crisis and I was wondering if you can help us if we set our deal right."

"You need my help? Hahahaha! This is certainly surprising."

"Are you?"

"Oh but of course. I would never let this opportunity slip by" said Robotnik in a menacing manner. "What do you need help with?"

"I need you to return the Crown of Acorns to me."

"But I intended to use it for a future project of mine. What's in it for me?"

"I don't know. I was going to let you decide that."

"But King Max, if you allow that then who knows wha-"

"Do not question my decision Sonic. That is how negotiations work. Both sides must present favorable terms."

"You're too kind Maximillian. Hmm... let me think."

Robotnik rubs his chin in thought. After a few seconds, Robotnik stands up and points at Shadow.

"I want... the powers of Chaos!"

"I beg your pardon."

"You heard me. I want to harness the Chaos energy that resides within Shadow. It will serve as the perfect replacement for the Crown."

"Forget it Robotnik" yelled Shadow.

He takes a few steps forward.

"No one, not even you, can harness the energy. It can only be controlled by those who actually carries it."

"But I am a genius. I will find a way."

"No you won't. Ask for something else."

"Sorry, no Chaos energy, no Crown. That is the only exchange that I will accept."

"This is a waste of my time. Looks like I'll have to use force to get you tell us where the Crown is instead."

"Shadow, stand your ground. Violence will not make things go any smoother."

"The old Mobian is right. Hurting me will end any chance you have left to make a deal with me if so needed again."

Shadow stood there without saying a word, completly furious.

"Shadow, not only for your sake, but for the rest of Mobius, give what Robotnik wants."

Shadow looks back to King Max then again to Robotnik. Shadow eases his body.

"How much do you need?"

"All of it."

"You must be out of your mind. You cannot control all that power."

"I'll make do."

Robotnik presses a button on one of the chair arm rests and up came a tube in the middle of the room.

"Now if you would be so kind, step into the tube and I'll begin the energy transfer."

Shadow, with arms already crossed, stood there without moving a muscle.

"Well...?"

"I know what this is. This isn't about obtaining my Chaos powers. You need me to go in there so you can roboticize me and turn me into useless junk to serve you."

"You don't trust me? I'm a man of my word. It is perfectly safe."

"Hmph! That'll be the day."

"Honestly Shadow, just step inside and you'll see for yourself."

"Over my dead body."

"I see. I suppose I can understand why you can't trust me. I mean after all, you and I are enemies. To show you that I am telling you the truth, I'll ask Sonic to step inside."

"Sorry your roundness but I'm not easily fooled like my friend here.You're going to have to convince us another way."

"Very well. SNIVELY!"

"Yes sir?"

"Step inside will you?"

[Gulps]"Uh... I dont' know if I want to sir."

"Snively, if you don't do as I tell you, you WILL end up roboticized!"

"Aaaahhh!" screamed Snively in a high-pitched tone.

Snively runs into the tube and Robotnik closes the door. Robotnik presses a small grey button and the tube began to glow a bright white light. Seconds later the light faded and Snively came out still in his natural form.

"You see? I am telling the truth."

"Seems legit to me" said Sonic.

"I'm still not convinced" said Shadow.

"Come on Shadow. You're too uptight."

"And you're too easy of a believer."

"Fine. I'll show you myself."

Sonic steps inside of the tube.

"Alright 'buttnik. Fire it up."

"My pleasure blue hedgehog."

Robotnik again presses the same small grey button and the tube glowed. With Shadow and King Max focused solely on Sonic, Robotnik seized the opportunity and pressed a red button. The tube now had smoke inside of it and small electric shocks are converging upon Sonic.

"AAAAHHH!"

"Sonic!"

"HAHAHAHA! Not what I had intended but it should work for now!"

Realizing that Sonic was being robotocized, Shadow grabs King Max by the arm, musters up all of his available Chaos energy and more, and teleported out of the base and came back in Knothole.

"Shadow! Daddy!" said Sally with a surprised voice.

"Where's Sonic?" asked Tails.

"Back at Robotnik's base" said Shadow as he struggled to stand up.

"Why did you leave him? What happened?" asked Sally.

"He's been roboticized."

After those words, the scene shifts back into Robotnik's base where the roboticization process was now just finished.

"Yes. Come on out my servant."

The roboticized Sonic slowly steps out from the tube.

"What is your wish master?"

"Simple. Take out Knothole and kill the Freedom Fighters except for Shadow. I want him brought back alive."

"Affirmative. I, Mecha Sonic, will do as this unit is told."

With that, Mecha Sonic rockets off out of Robotnik's base to carry out his order, to destroy his home and close friends.

[UltimateLifeForm]

Chapter 10: Hidden Potential

"Sonic... roboticized?"

"Yes Sally. That's exactly what happened."

"Why didn't you stop Robotnik from doing that to him?" asked Tails.

"For many reasons Tails. One of them is from the fact that I had to bring King Max back here safely."

"But you could of saved him!" yelled Tails who now have tears in his eyes.

Shadow doesn't say anything.

"Tails that's enough!" said Sally.

"But-"

"No Tails! Do not talk back to me!"

Now angry, Tails flies away.

"Rotor, go and monitor the perimeter. Warn us of Sonic's approach."

"You got it Sally."

Rotor runs back to the lab to keep a lookout for the blue hedgehog.

"Not only have we failed our mission but we also have lost a fellow Freedom Fighter. This is my fault. I should have came alone" said King Max as he shook his head.

"Stop blaming yourself for the things that has happened King Max. If Sonic wouldn't have been so arrogant, this would have never happened."

"Still Shadow, without the Crown of Acorns, you'll soon succumb to the crystallization process. By then it will be too late for you."

"I can still hold it back long enough to stop this crisis and return to Robotnik's base to get the artifact."

"But if you fight Sonic, you may end up expending more energy than you think."

"Even so, I won't give in."

"No Shadow. You will not confront Sonic" said Sally. "You must conserve as much energy as you can. I'll radio in the Chaotix for help."

"But you can't expect me to sit back and do nothing."

"Yes I do. It's for your own good."

"Sorry. Not gonna happen."

"And you said Sonic was arrogant."

"Sally, you have to understand that I am the only one who can stop Sonic from destroying us and Knothole."

"Yes, that would be true if you were at full strength. Sonic's robotizication would have surely made him stronger. The Chaotix will now have to be relied upon."

"They may be too busy fxing up Echidnaopolis."

"Then I guess they would need to hold back the reconstruction for the time being."

Before Shadow could say anything else, Rotor came running out of the lab.

"Sally! Sonic's here! He's been spotted at the Great Forest!"

"Oh no! I wasn't expecting him to get here so soon. Bunnie!"

"What's up Sally-girl?"

"I need you to halt Sonic's advance for as long as you can for me to call the Chaotix for help."

"No prob."

Bunnie runs off to face Sonic in combat.

"As for you Sha-"

Shadow had already left to fight Sonic himself.

"That hedgehog! He is going to get himself killed."

Sally turns back to Rotor.

"Rotor, go and contact the Chaotix for me and tell them of our situation. I'll go and get Shadow."

"On it."

"Sally, it's too dangerous for you my child."

"But father, I am not going to idly standby and watch the man I love die."

"Very well. But when it does come time for an imminent clash, I want you stay out of it."

"Understood father."

Sally runs off to the Great Forest.

Already there, Shadow awaits Mecha Sonic within the inner part of the forest. Bunnie has just arrived.

"Sugah-hog?! What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like? I'm here to fight."

"But Sally told you stay out of it."

"She can't stop me from doing what I need to do. Besides, I've been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time."

"Oh sugah, Sally is going to be worried sick."

"She has other things to worry about now than me."

Out from the distance, Mecha Sonic is seen fast approaching Shadow and Bunnie.

"Stand back Bunnie. I'll take care of this."

Bunnie, who now realized that there was no point in trying to tell Shadow to back down, takes cover behind a tree several feet back.

Mecha Sonic stops in front of Shadow.

"Hello Sonic. I see that you have taken on a new look."

"The name is no longer Sonic. It is now Mecha Sonic."

"Mecha Sonic huh? Hmph! I figured as much."

"Scanning... initializing priorties. Target... Shadow the hedgehog. Must apprehend and bring to Robotnik."

"Robotnik wants me still? He must be extremely desperate to obtain my Chaos powers."

At this point Shadow feels a sensation on his right arm. He looks at it and realizes that a part of the arm was crystallized.

"Darn it! It seems I don't have much Chaos energy left to spare."

Shadow looks back at Mecha Sonic and with both hands clenched into fists, gets into his fighting stance.

"Alright then Mecha Sonic, you want me, come and get me!"

Not a word spoken, Mecha Sonic rockets towards Shadow. Shadow decided to stand where he was but the machine's fast approach knocked him back into a tree. Mecha Sonic wheels back. As Shadow stood back up, Mecha Sonic agains rams him into another tree. Sally had just arrived and was shocked to see Bunnie standing there not fighting.

"Bunnie? Why aren't you fighting Mecha Sonic?"

"Cuz Shadow wanted to. He didn't give me much of a choice but to stand back."

"But he'll die."

"Ah tried telling him but he just wouldn't step back."

Another crash was heard. Back to the action, Shadow was seen lying on his face. Shadow stood up but with much struggle. Mecha Sonic then charges towards him and elbowed him at full speed. Shadow flew back and skidded across the grass on his back. Shadow slammed his fingers into the dirt and managed to stop himself near both Sally and Bunnie. He lies there near unconcious.

"Oh my gosh! Shadow!"

Sally got on her knees and lifted Shadow's head.

"Shadow! Shadow! Please tell me you're still with us?"

The hedgehog slowly opens his eyes and put his right hand on his head.

"Argh! Guess Mecha Sonic isn't much of a tree hugger. If he keeps slamming me into those trees, the entire Great Forest will be demolished."

Shadow lifts up his body and noticed Mecha Sonic was quickly gaining ground on them.

"Bunnie look out! Behind you!"

Responding to Shadow's warning, Bunnie swiftly turned to face Mecha Sonic.

"Sorry sugah-hog but Ah have no choice but to take you out."

Bunnie's right arm transformed into a buster cannon and she pointed it at the oncoming robotic hedgehog.

"Open wide."

Without hesitation, Bunnie fired the buster cannon directly at Mecha Sonic. A successful hit.

"Yeehaw! Good thing we southern gals were trained to be sharpshoota's at a young age."

"Nice work Bunnie" said Sally with a grin.

But the moment of victory would soon be short lived. Out from the pile of trees came Mecha Sonic who freed himself through a spin dash. Bunnie again fired her cannon but its blast was simply pushed back. Bunnie got hit by Mecha's attack, causing her to be knocked back.

"Assessing new priority... destroy all Freedom Fighters."

As Mecha quickly moved in for the kill, Shadow suddenly appeared and deflected his attack.

[Now breathing heavily with his back hunched]"You thought you got me down for the count didn't you?

Shadow tried to stand upright but unexpectingly, his left leg fully crystallized, forcing him to fall down on his face.

"No! Not yet! I have to keep fighting!"

"Shadow please, teleport back to Knothole. You can't keep this up!"

"Sally, fall back!"

"Scanning... new target acquired. Sally Acorn, leader of the Freedom Fighters, must destroy!"

Mecha headed for Sally who could not escape the machine's speed. The princess stood there completely defenseless.

"SALLY!"

Just when it seemed that Mecha had almost delivered the final blow, Rotor fired a scrambler ray, forcing Mecha to miss his target and to lay there on the ground no longer moving.

"Rotor?!"

"It's a good thing I developed this scrambler ray. It's going to be a while before Sonic's wired brain can come back online."

"What of the Chaotix?"

"Don't worry. They've been sent to Robotnik's base to retrieve the Crown."

"What? But we need help here!"

"Tell NICOLE that! She was the one who sent the Chaotix there."

"NICOLE?! Seriously?"

"Yes Sally. Indeed I did."

The holographic body of NICOLE appeared next to Sally.

"But NICOLE, why did you do that?"

"For reasons I only know."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you remember the day when Rotor first programmed me?"

"Yes I do. He told me that you were made for the sole purpose of undermining Robotnik's plans."

"Well, that is not the truth. It never has been."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I was sent from the future. A future where you are Queen. Your future self approached Rotor and told him to give me to you under the lie to tell you that he made me."

"But why?"

"Because there are files that I contain that outline the events of what is to and will happen. You could not know of these files until the time was right."

"That still does not explain why you sent the Chaotix to Robotnik's base."

"This may be hard to comprehend, but from my world, this exact incident took place but with a major change. The Chaotix were sent here as you asked, but because of that decision, Shadow died."

"What? How can that be?"

"When the battle was over, a team was sent to retrieve the Crown. Seeing how Shadow was not involved in the fight, everyone assumed that they had enough time to bring back the Crown but that would be a fatal assumption. When the team returned, Shadow's body was already covered in crystal."

"But couldn't the Crown revive him?"

"The team was underfire by a SWATbot platoon by the time they returned. They were followed all the way back here. The Freedom Fighters desperately tried to fight back but they made the mistake of leaving Shadow's body in the open. One of the SWATbots saw this and blasted him, shattering his body into millions of tiny shards. It was at that point did we all realize that our Shadow was long gone."

After hearing that, Sally became speechless. She turned around to check on Shadow. Much to her horror, she found that Shadow's entire lower body was completely crystallized. She runs over to him, filled with tears.

"Shadow, please, you must fight back the side effect long enough for the Chaotix to get here."

"I don't know Sally. I've already used too much of my powers."

"Not necesarily" said NICOLE as she walked over to Shadow.

"One of the many files that I contain inside include a list of strengths and weaknesses of the Freedom Fighters. Not surprisingly Shadow, you were ranked on top for the wide array of powers that you could use at your disposal."

"How is that supposed to help me?"

"Remove the inhibitor rings."

"The what?"

"The golden rings on your wrist, remove them. You will see what I mean."

Curious, Shadow looks at the rings on his wrists. Starting with his right hand, Shadow uses his left and tightly pushed on the ring. Much to his surprise, it clicked open. He did the same thing to his left hand. Shadow began to feel a strange power surge inside of his body.

"What is this feeling? It seems as though a new wave of Chaos energy is flowing through me."

"That's because it is. You see, those inhibitor rings were specifically made to lock up your true powers. Once removed, however, you unlock your full potential."

NICOLE smiles.

"And it seems to have already work in your favor."

Shadow looked down at his legs and saw that both of them have been healed. Shadow immediately stands up.

"This new power, I never knew that it existed inside of me."

Shadow's hands began to glow with Chaos energy.

"It's a good thing you knew about those inhibitors."

"That's not the only thing I know."

"Well, I can always ask questions later. Right now, I want to test out my new found strength on Mecha Sonic."

Shadow looked over to Mecha Sonic who was now beginning to function again.

"Sally, you need to get out of here. I can take care of this now."

"Alright. Just don't get cocky. Rotor, get Bunnie. Let's head back to Knothole."

Rotor ran to his downed friend and carried her all the way back to Knothole.

"One more thing you should know Shadow is that even though you have more power than before, you should be cautious on how much you use. Use too much and you could exhuast yourself and end up in the same condition you were in before."

"No worries NICOLE" said Shadow as he slammed his right fist into his left palm. "This next battle will end before it actually starts."

With that said, NICOLE's holographic image disappeared. Mecha Sonic had just stood up, fully functional again.

"About time you got up. Time to start the second round."