Chapter Text
Back within the present, in Soleanna’s new city district, a strange purple orb materializes in the center of the square where Sonic and Omega are deposited before it disappears. Sonic quickly looks around in search of Mephiles while Omega scans the vicinity.
“SCANS INDICATE MEPHILES IS NO LONGER HERE. I WILL AID IN PURSUING HIM.” Omega states as Sonic takes the moment to calm down. Now that he was no longer trapped in the future. The weight of how dangerous that situation was weighed heavily on him. And the words Mephiles said about darkness being in him had him unsettled.
“Thanks for the rescue. Not sure what would have happened if you didn’t intervene.” Sonic said to his robotic companion who looked down at him. He could hear the mechanical whirs of his friends' processors. We're they scanning him?
“WE ARE A TEAM; ROUGE AND I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOUR BACK.” Sonic felt like there was something off about the way Omega said that. It could be because he’s still on edge with what happened with Mephiles. He uncontrollably shivers again remembering the cold touch that felt as if it went into his very soul. He didn’t like that feeling.
“Agent Sonic.” His communicator turns on abruptly, making him yelp in surprise. “We’ve lost contact with Agent Rouge. Head to the warehouse district immediately.”
“U-Understood.” Sonic responded, turning off the communicator with a heavy sigh. “Any idea where the Warehouse district is?” He turns towards Omega who was still staring at him. “You okay, bud?”
“ACCESSING DATABASE: FOLLOW ME.” Omega said ignoring the question. They take the lead as Sonic follows behind him wondering what exactly Omega was scanning for.
✨
Rouge destroys one of Robotnik’s robots that was lurking about with a powerful kick. Her large ears swiveled to the familiar metallic footsteps followed by rubber soles. She turns around to see both her teammates in one piece quickly flying to them and inspecting Sonic over. “Thank goodness! Are you hurt anywhere? What happened?” She began to bombard him with questions.
“You saw that happened… My double took the Emerald from me and tossed it into the portal. After I got out of his grip I decided to try and get some answers, like why he was targeting Shadow.” Sonic explained.
“Did you find out why?” Rouge asked,
“No… He avoided my questions… Tried to get in my head…” Sonic looked down feeling frustrated that he was not in control of that situation. Rouge reaches up petting the top of his head making him instantly calm down.
“You’re safe now, Hun. But we have other things to worry about. It looks like Eggman’s mechs are looking for you. What did you do this time?” Rouge teased, making Sonic let out a grumble.
“It’s probably Mephiles he’s after since he had the curtain of Darkness in the first place.” Sonic said.
“ROUGE GAVE A SHORT EXPLANATION, BUT MORE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED. WHAT IS EGGMAN PLANNING? WHO IS MEPHILES?” Omega asked,
“Not sure, everything happened so fast that we’ve been going with the flow. But if Eggman is after him, he might know who Mephiles is. I think it's time to ask the good doctor directly.” Sonic said, turning away from his teammates.
“Hey, wait a second!” Rouge stopped him before he could run off. “Omega, the Emerald.” She said as Omega takes out the Green Chaos Emerald from his hidden compartment before handing it to Rouge.
“I’ll go after Egghead, see what he knows… Can you two keep track of Mephiles? After what happened, I definitely want to keep my distance…” His hand reaches up to his chin with a distant look.
“Take this!” She tosses Sonic the green Chaos Emerald he had before. “Please be careful. And let your boyfriend know you’re okay. He’s slightly panicking as well.” Rouge said as Sonic nodded before leaving the two of them in a blue blur.
“ROUGE.” Omega said, getting her attention.
“What’s up, Hun?”
“THERE IS A COMPLICATION…”
✨
Silver and blaze arrive within New City looking around for clues to what their next step should be. Mephiles appears as if out of nowhere in front of them taking them both off guard. “Mephiles…” Silver looks at Blaze and she nods for him to continue. “Tell me. Who is the Iblis Trigger? Why is he going to destroy the world?”
Mephiles turns to him with a raised brow. “Why does that matter to you?” He points to Silver, “Unless you complete your task, your future will stay unsaved... forever.” He puts his hand down. “He's currently at the train’s terminal. If you’re going to follow him, best do it now,” He shows him the path towards the terminal then walks away.
Blaze takes a closer look at the path before turning back to ask Mephiles more, but he is already gone. She instead turns to Silver who nods to her, and they move onwards. “I’m not going to let the Iblis Trigger get away!”
✨
Shadow chases after the train. He needed to find Elise quickly. Perhaps the best course of action would be to get ahead of the train. “Shadow! Shouldn’t you save the train before chasing after me?” Eggman taunted as Shadow snarls.
“Help! Shadow!” Elise cried out.
He needed to focus, but the majority of his mind was worried about Sonic. How would he get back from the future? What did his double want from him?
Shadow’s ears twitch to the sound of his communicator. “I’ll go after Egghead; you save the princess.” He hears Sonic’s voice over his communicator.
“Are you alright?” Shadow asked through his communicator. Relief washing over him that Sonic was alright. “Rouge said…”
“We can talk about me later. You have work to do, Mr. Hero.” Sonic said.
“You better believe we're talking later hedgehog.” Shadow said, smiling brightly with a new burst of energy. Shadow pushes forward, pumping all the chaos energy he can muster into his hover shoes. Now that He knew his partner was alright he could focus on saving Elise. He needed to hurry!
✨
Sonic increases his speed hearing Eggman’s panicked voice through the speakers of the train. “You’re just wasting your time, Sonic! You’re never going to catch me!” He said as Sonic lets out a laugh,
“You forget who you’re talking to. I’ll destroy the train before I let you get away!” He said almost sinisterly before bursting forward. Catching up to the train before Eggman could even retort. Blasting a hole into the ceiling and jumping into the train.
He lands with one knee, quickly turning towards the now frightened doctor who looked completely off guard. “W-wouldn’t the door have been easier?”
“It’s what you get for trying to outrun the fastest thing alive, Eggy. Now you’re going to answer my questions.” Sonic said, stepping closer.
“What do you want?”
“Mephiles, who is he? And why are you trying to capture him?” Sonic asked, seeing Robotnik scowl at him before turning away.
“If you want to know, you should go find him yourself.” Robotnik said, waving his hand but quickly jolted, feeling a surge of Chaos energy. Turning back towards Sonic who was holding a Chaos Spear in his hand.
“Wrong answer.” He snarled, holding up the spear ready to strike.
“Wait, WAIT!” Robotnik pleaded, causing Sonic to pause. “I’ll give you a hint…!” He waits to be sure that Sonic doesn’t attack him before continuing. “Everything is connected to the disaster that happened in this country ten years ago…”
The Chaos Spear from his hand dissipates when he remembers just before Mephiles was freed, Eggman commented on something. “The Solaris Project?” Sonic asked.
Robotnik nods his head, “Indeed. If you capture Mephiles and bring him to me I will be able to explain everything.” He waits for Sonic to ponder his proposition. Thinking Sonic could be easily manipulated into getting what he wants.
“Before we make any kind of deal, I want to know. Where's Metal Shadow?” Sonic said.
“Metal?” Robotnik looks surprised by the question. “He's still being reprogrammed. To be sure the Neo project is completely wiped from his hardware. And returns to his unconditional obedience.” Robotnik explained.
So Eggman did have Metal. He'll definitely have to tell his teammates that later. But it was a relief to at least know Neo Metal Shadow wasn't out loose on the world.
The entire train jolts as alarms go off. Sonic’s expression changes to a deceitful grin. “Sorry Eggface, I’ll pass on that offer. Since you weren’t forthcoming about your plot. I decided to just play the decoy instead.”
“PRISONER ESCAPED!” Alarms flared making the older man glower at Sonic.
“Well, have fun with that. I’ll figure out how to deal with Mephiles without you.” Sonic gives him a taunting salute before jumping back out the hole he made.
“I hate Hedgehogs!” Robotnik yelled, rushing to get to his egg mobile.
✨
Shadow managed to free Elise and they began to flee away from the speedy Train. “Thank goodness… I believed that you’d come back, no matter what!” Elise said with a relieved smile.
“I’m glad you are alright.” Shadow said quickly dodging a blast of energy directed towards him. He looks up seeing Silver float down blocking their path.
“You again?” Shadow snarls putting Elise down and standing in front of her protectively.
“This time, no one is going to interrupt me! You’re going to die, Iblis Trigger!” Silver said.
“Shadow…” Elise said, sounding worried. Why did this white hedgehog keep attacking Shadow?
“Stay back Elise, it isn’t safe.” Shadow said, rolling out of the way of another psychic blast. But even his speed can’t outrun a psychokinetic hold, paralyzing him.
“Did you enjoy your stroll, Princess?” The Egg Mobile appears and grabs Elise making her cry out for help, before flying away.
“Elise!” Shadow struggles attempting to break through Silver's hold. Only to feel it tighten around him like gravity had strengthened to the point it was becoming hard to breathe.
“This will end it!” Silver said, holding his hand up ready to deal Shadow the finishing blow. A spark of blue energy blasts at Silver’s feet knocking him back and freeing Shadow from his entrapment. “Who?” He looks up seeing Sonic jump down standing in between him and Shadow quills flared defensively. “Mephiles!? Why are you getting in my way?” Now he was even more confused. Wasn’t Mephiles the one who was pushing for Silver to save the future?
“You should pick up some glasses.” He points to himself, a rage in his eyes. “I’m Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog. And you’re not laying a quill on my boyfriend!” Sparks came off of him in a show of strength, stunning Silver from reacting.
Shadow’s heart fluttered; hearing Sonic say that. He knew his partner could be protective. But this almost seems stronger. “Go, I’ll handle the glow bug.” Sonic said, pulling Shadow out of his thoughts.
He gives Sonic a nod with a heartwarming smile. “Be careful.” Shadow said before warping away in the direction Eggman took Elise.
“Now then,” Sonic turns back to Silver. “I think it’s time we chat.”
“Get out of my way!” Silver yelled, running at Sonic with a clenched fist ready to swing.
Sonic pulls out the Green Chaos Emerald rolling his eyes. “Chaos Control!” He slows time casually walking behind Silver before roundhouse kicking him in the back of the neck forcing him to eat dirt. Silver stumbles back to his feet even more confused and angry.
“What? How did you?” He snarls.
“You’re wasting your time. I can control time and space by using a Chaos Emerald. Just yield and we can talk this out. Or I can pummel you some more for hurting Shadow.” Sonic said holding up the Chaos Emerald.
“I won't give up! It all depends on me! Can't lose... Not when I'm so close!” Silver pulls out the blue Chaos Emerald quickly charging at Sonic with it in hand.
“Chaos…”
Both step around the other blocking the other's attack with their arm holding the Chaos Emeralds. “Control!”
They jump back from one another and a rift within space and time opens in front of them. Sonic does a double take at the portal and then back at Silver. “You… used Chaos Control?”
“I won't let anyone get in my way! I'll change the past and save the world!” Silver yelled.
Sonic was beginning to realize that this kid had been played. Mephiles was using him. Why he wants Shadow dead is still a mystery… But if he could get this guy off Shadow’s back…
“Listen pal, Mephiles isn’t planning to save the future. He’s been using you.” Sonic said plainly as Silver's brow rose confused.
“What? What are you talking about?” Silver said, not believing the one who tried to stop his mission.
“I think that both of us need to know what happened. The truth about ten years ago. We can find the answers together, but we'll need to work together to get back here .” Sonic said, waiting for his response. Silver hesitates but gives Sonic a nod. “Follow me,” Sonic jumps into the portal followed by Silver. He wanted to know more as to why this stranger looked so much like Mephiles…
✨
Sonic and Silver land out of the space time rift into a long metal corridor. Sonic is instantly reminded of the Space colony ARK. But it seems more… waterlogged… “What is this place?” Silver asked, looking around.
“No clue, With how cold it is I’d say we were in space… or maybe underwater?” Sonic pondered.
“Why do you look so much like Mephiles?” Silver asked.
“He stole my shadow and then sent me to the future.” Sonic explained.
“Stole your shadow? Then, what is he?”
At the same time, in a large room not far from the conversing Hedgehogs, the Duke of Soleanna and a group of scientists are working around a massive glass cylinder sparkling with orange energy. “Electromagnetic pulses are generating! Injecting decompression substance! … No, the level's not dropping! A spatial meltdown is inevitable! My Lord, it's too late! We must evacuate!” One of the scientists said.
The Duke slams his hands down on the control panel, “Why, Solaris? Why do you refuse to listen to my voice?”
“Father!” A young girl rushes in seeing the quickly escalating situation.
“Elise!” He turns to his daughter just before the thing within the cylinder glows brighter. He lunges, quickly shielding his daughter from the explosion.
Sonic and Silver feel the ground beneath them shake. “Hopefully whatever that was has the answer.” Sonic said. Giving each other a look before both running ahead to see what had happened. They see the large room in shambles and people sprawled across the ground.
Sonic is the first to jump down into the room, rushing over to the Duke. Shaking his shoulder trying to wake him. His ears pick up that the Duke's breathing is shallow. But the girl unconscious in his arms seemed to not be injured, just unconscious. He couldn’t say the same for the other scientists… it seems they are the only survivors…
Silver jumps down seeing an orange glow in front of them immediately recognizing it… “Is that? Those flames… It’s Iblis!” Sonic looks over seeing what Silver was talking about. But his gaze zeroes onto the dark purple cloud forming beneath the flame. Even from here he recognized the chill it gave off.
“The black shadow… It's Mephiles.” Sonic said.
“That's Mephiles!?” Silver asked, looking at Sonic confused before realizing the two creatures in front of them were moving. “They're escaping!”
“Let’s split up. I’ll go after Mephiles” Sonic said. He wasn’t going to miss this chance to potentially learn more about his soon to be shadow.
“Okay. Then leave Iblis to me!” Silver nodded in agreement.
“Wait!” Sonic and Silver turn back, seeing the Duke barely sitting up holding a familiar scepter. “Seal it with this…” He said to Sonic. He immediately recognized the curtain of darkness.
“We have to hurry!” Silver said running off after Iblis. Sonic hesitated before gently, taking the scepter from the Duke before dashing off after Mephiles.
The Duke quickly gets up picking up his still unconscious daughter and hobbles after where Silver ran off to.
✨
Back in the present, Elise has pulled out of Robotnik’s clutches and moved over to the edge of the Egg mobile. “That’ll be enough futile resistance from you.” Robotnik demanded.
“I would rather die than be your prisoner again!” Elise hissed.
“Hmph! So, what are you going to do, Princess? Do you plan to jump?” Robotnik said, calling her bluff as she looked over the edge of the Egg mobile.
Shadow was quickly catching up to the egg mobile seeing Elise at the edge.
“Farewell.” Elise said, holding her arms before leaning back with her eyes closed. She has accepted that at least if this was her end, Robotnik wouldn’t get what he wanted.
Robotnik is stunned for a moment, not expecting her to actually jump to her death. “Wait!”
“Chaos Control!” Shadow warped just beneath Elise, catching her before she could hit the ground.
“Shadow!” Elise said excitedly.
Robotnik lets out a sigh of relief before realizing Shadow continued to flee with the princess. “Don’t think you can escape!”
With a huff, Shadow quickened his pace until they could no longer hear Robotnik's screams of protest. “That was reckless.” Shadow said sternly to Elise. He couldn’t believe she would do something so dangerous. He places her down for a moment so she could catch her breath.
“Well, I was desperate... I just wanted to get out of there. It’s thanks to you, Shadow.” Elise said,
“What?” Shadow looked surprised and confused. But before he could ask what she meant he turned to hear metal from behind them. He sees a hoard of robots flying in their direction. It didn’t seem like they had been spotted yet. “Quick, let’s get into the jungle. They will have a harder time tracking us there.” Shadow said, picking Elise back up and running beneath cover before they are seen.
✨
Returning to the past, Silver finally catches up to Iblis. Using his psychokinesis to entrap it. He was surprised at how weak it was compared to the Iblis he has fought in the future. But it was still a struggle to keep hold of the eternal embers. After a few moments, he realizes the Duke weakly walks closer to Iblis carrying his daughter in his arms. “You? What are you doing? Get out of here quick!” He warned.
“I have my duty. This Living Flame has been entrusted to the royal family.” The Duke said, continuing to approach. “If nothing is done, the flames of disaster told of in legend will come forth!” He sets Elise down before pulling out the White Chaos Emerald. It floats above his daughter’s sleeping form as the Duke takes a step back and starts praying.
“Eternal sun! The flame of fate handed down to our royal family. Fall into slumber within a royalty’s soul!” The Duke lifts his hands upwards, and Iblis shrinks, becoming miniscule and is pulled into the Chaos Emerald. Then a beam of light leaves the Emerald and enters Elise’s chest as she shifts subtly. Silver psychokinesis stops and he looks in wonder as he takes this chance to catch his breath from overexerting his powers.
The Duke collapses next to Elise, worn out and struggling to breathe properly. “H-hey! Are you alright?” Silver asked, seeing the Duke pick Elise back up before stumbling over in front of him.
“I’m sorry to ask...” The Duke said weakly looking at Silver. “Can you take her to a safe place?” Silver nods, holding his arms out as the Duke places his daughter into his arms before he falls to the floor.
The Duke takes a look at Elise and Silver. Reaching over, petting the top of his daughter's head. “You’re a good girl, Elise. That’s right. You mustn’t cry, no matter what happens. For the tears will summon the flames within you… Become a splendid queen who won’t cry no matter what happens. And… live… happily…”
He crumples onto the floor in front of Silver breathing his last breath. Silver looks at the Duke's body as he comes to the realization. Shadow never was the Iblis Trigger. Or… not exactly. He understood now. That if Elise cries, Iblis will be released.
Now wasn’t the time for that, he needed to get her out of this dangerous place. He turns around leaving the room and searches for the exit.
✨
As Shadow is running through the forest, Elise looks around, “They’re not following us anymore.” She said,
“I’ll take care of them later. You should return to the Castle for your own safety.” Shadow said.
“Okay…” Elise said, looking away. He knew that sad reaction anywhere. Sonic had made a similar face when he didn’t want to leave just yet. He notices a beautiful spot near a large willow tree. Quickly turning them off course. “Shadow?”
They stop by a lake surrounded by green grass and numerous trees. The ground around them blanketed in wild flowers. “It’s so beautiful!” Elise said as he put her down so she could look around. “I’ve never seen so many flowers! Have you visited wonderful places like this before?”
“I have.” Shadow answered.
“Once you defeat Eggman... You will leave this country, won’t you?” She asked. Shadow gives a nod in response. “Though I may have been scared, I really did have fun. It allowed me to be something other than a Princess. This is the first time I got to spend my time as just a girl.”
He feels a twinge of pain remembering all too well what it was like watching Maria on the ARK. Looking out, unable to see what others could. To be a part of the world below… “It must be difficult ruling a kingdom.”
“I love this country. Everyone in the castle, the children, all the citizens… And my late father and mother…” She thinks back, remembering her father sitting on a chair gently stroking her head as a child.
“Don't cry, Elise. Become a strong queen who doesn't cry no matter what happens.” His voice echoes through her head.
“I do my best to protect my country. I feel like I’ve come to somewhat understand what it means. Shadow, if you leave here to go on another adventure... Remember this place” Elise asked.
Shadow understood, she has lived a sheltered life and is extremely lonely. A part of her must believe that after they depart that she will be forgotten. “I’ll always remember,” Shadow said as Elise turned away from him, “Elise?”
“I'm fine... Sorry.” Elise struggles to compose herself thinking internally… I mustn't cry... I can't... or else…
She quickly turns around, falling to her knees embracing Shadow in an unexpected hug. He stiffens to the contact but realizes she was on the verge of tears. He wanted to help. “Growing up, I had a friend who was very sick, she couldn’t experience the world like you, or I could. She loved and cherished everyone on this planet. But her life was cut short. I stay moving so I can see the world she never got to experience. You have a beautiful kingdom Elise, and I think that you’ll be able to see more of the world someday... so please, smile.” Shadow said.
Elise pulls away, giving Shadow the brightest smile she can muster. “Thank you, Shadow.” She said as Shadow softly smiled back before they began to head towards Soleanna castle.