Chapter Text
A huge crowd gathered around a stage in one of Station Square’s parks. Many were holding bidding paddles and were buzzing with excitement. Security surrounded the entire area with G.U.N. soldiers keeping watch. The time was currently 10:55 in the morning as a pair of sapphire blue eyes peeked from behind the red curtain. Feeling anxious at how many people there were. He stepped back before anyone noticed.
“I…didn’t think we’d get such a big turnout.”
“I’m surprised too, Tails” a red echidna patted his shoulder. “It’s the first time something like this is being done. Can’t believe they agreed to it in the first place.”
“You never truly know what to expect with G.U.N.!” A blue hedgehog threw his arms around his two friends. “They certainly are willing to be more creative with keeping the world safe.”
Since the events of the war, the Guardian of United Nations and other organizations dedicated to protecting the world had been working on plans to increase security and install measures to prevent another takeover. A way to assist areas that needed extra protection to finish rebuilding. Eggman had been MIA for months and could possibly strike anywhere. Funding for nonprofit groups like the rebranded Restoration had also been low. The substantial amount of G.U.N. members who died also meant needing new recruits. It got to a point where the Commander was willing to accept any idea from his agents on how to bring in money and expand heroic countermeasures worldwide. So imagine the surprise when Rouge’s suggestion of a bachelor auction style Hero Auction won out.
The mayors of different cities would come together and bid on a trio of heroes. Each of whom were willing to raise money for a good cause. For two weeks, the trio would reside in the city where whoever bid the highest on them lived. Watching over the area, assisting with restorative projects, and making sure the civilians would be safe. In exchange, all participants would be given first class treatment and any responsibilities they had back home were taken care of. Angel Island being guarded 24/7 being the deal clincher for Knuckles. Sonic was unsure at first of having different leaders fighting over him. But seeing how fun it would be for all his friends to take part in hero work in a low stakes event made him reconsider. He became shocked upon hearing that Shadow had signed up too. And heard he was actually looking forward to it.
Right now, all the teams of three were socializing with one another. Some not seen in generations. Team Classic had Mighty, Ray, and Honey looking over the list of potential locations. Team Hooligan and Team Babylon were off to the side. No doubt just here for the perks and royal treatment. Team Chaotix had Espio trying to calm Vector and Charmy down to be professional enough to get a good bidder. Team Rose, rebranded Team Jubilee, had Cream play with Cheese and Froggy with Big taking a cat nap. Amy was coming up to Team Heroes.
“This is so exciting!” she grinned. “Any ideas on who will get you guys?”
“I’m hoping somewhere quiet” Tails lightly chuckled. “I don’t feel ready for intense action so soon.”
“Sorry! Excuse us!”
Sonic looked to see an indigo quilled, carnelian red-eyed, slightly muscular hedgehog push his way forward with Silver and Blaze. To a stranger, this animal was completely new. But to the main heroes, this was none other than a reborn, renamed Metal Sonic. Another stunning surprise given how the organic robot tended to be an extra member of Team Dark. And wasn’t the biggest on public adoration. “Hey, Terios. See you’ve partnered up with Silver and Blaze.”
“The commander would not allow four members a group, copy. And my skills complement well with the fire queen and psychic. While this event was not what I was hoping for to assist the organization, I am looking forward to experiencing what you go through every time you best the doctor.”
“I don’t know about every time” the speedster folded his arms in good nature.
“We briefly considered Marine but her waterbending still needed some work” Blaze mentioned. “And I have her as my confidant to contact me in case something happens back home and I am needed.”
Silver peeked behind the curtain and let out a low whistle. “Big crowd. Good to see how everyone has a lot of faith in us to keep them safe. When do you think we’ll start?”
“I think when all of Team Dark arrives.” Amy looked to Rouge and Omega talking to another agent. “Shadow hasn’t shown up yet. And I heard he’s usually punctual.”
Sonic didn’t look perturbed, “Eh, he’s probably planning on being fashionably late. Or making a grand entrance when his team’s up to be bid on. Not surprising given the complicated interactions.”
Knuckles snorted, “Thought you’d be the same.”
“Hey we may have a rocky history with G.U.N. but they’ve come around recently. After the war and how much they lost, this is the least I can do to make up for being imprisoned.”
Hard to believe after a few months the war was still on everyone’s minds. Some still feeling the lingering effects of actions done. Tails certainly felt it and he had yet to share it. But it was pushed to the side as someone warped in.
“There you are sugar! You certainly cut it closer and closer.”
The ebony hedgehog glanced at Rouge. “I’m never late. Let’s get this show on the road.”
He kept his distance with folded arms as the others eyed him. “Well, that was…aloof.”
“Nothing new for him, Blaze” Knuckles told her.
It took another minute until Abraham Tower’s voice was heard on the other side of the curtain. Upbeat jazz music playing alongside it. “Good morning everyone! Welcome to our first annual Hero Auction!”
Cheers were heard as all the trios lined up. In an order gone over previously. Team Heroes being the last one. Sonic wasn’t surprised as he, Tails, and Knuckles were being saved as the grand slam. Just ahead of them was Team Dark.
“The rules are simple. Each of the teams will come out for you to bid on them. Once you get your team, they are yours for the next two weeks. No exchanging trios with someone else. No pooling bids together to have a team work at more than one location. We don’t want to put too much pressure on their shoulders. Remember, all three members are honor bound to do anything you need. Sworn to protect no matter the cost.”
“Well, most of us.” Jet and Storm snickered while Wave rolled her eyes.
“And all proceeds will go to organizations in need of funding. Ranging from the Restoration to G.U.N.’s recruitment program. A way for all of us to come together and lift each other up after a time of sorrow.” There was a moment of silence. “Now, for our first trio: Team Classic!”
Mighty, Ray, and Honey came out. Waving to the audience readying their bidding paddles. “The bidding starts at 1,000 rings. Do I hear 1,500?” the Commander shouted.
“1,500!” the mayor of Pine Grove Village answered.
“2,000!” Casino Night Zone’s mayor rebutted.
More bids came out as the remaining trios watched on. “I do hope we get somewhere pretty, Miss Amy. Maybe a place that has nice fishing areas for Mr. Big!” Cream smiled.
“Please be Adabat. Please be Adabat” Vector crossed his fingers.
“Look at all those unsuspecting ninnies” Fang smirked. He could smell the riches just begging to be swiped while his teammates kept the public distracted.
With all that was going on, a fun idea came to Knuckles. He got his friends’ attention to whisper. “I can easily imagine this happening to our twins in a potential episode.”
Amy giggled, “You’re right. Mittens and Sporty no doubt would be the highest bids.”
Rouge had a smirk herself when the former was mentioned.
Sonic and Tails were amused too as they heard Team Classic being sold to White Park for 5,000 rings. Screens showed Honey and Ray jumping for glee as Mighty shook the hand of White Park’s mayor. The conversation made them think back to the two marathons they endured unwillingly and willingly. Many fun memories with surprising moments from both. The second being deeper than expected. Especially when Sonic’s twin, nicknamed Sporty, was brought in. It had been time since that day and Sonic would wonder how things were going. If Sporty was closer to reconciling with his friends and restoring their memories. And how Claire Voyance, the Angel of Life, was handling her new position. She would come back to visit every once in a while. Mostly to spend time with him and his friends to be better acquainted. The times with Terios tended to be the longest to the speedster’s entertainment. As for he and his friends upholding their promise to handle Mimic, they had been taking a steady route. Trailing him and playing dumb to find a perfect moment to apprehend him. Until one day he had disappeared. Making Sonic concerned he had figured it out. Maybe he would reappear during the two weeks? If so, all the trios would have to be ready.
“I’m sure he’s doing fine” Tails patted his brother’s shoulder. “Who knows? We could come into contact again soon. I have been upgrading my Miles Electric to contact other dimensions.”
“Sounds great.” The speedster got Terios’ attention. “Hear that Mets? We’re working on a way to contact your girlfriend!”
Terios used all his willpower to not fire his laser eyes at his doppelgänger. He had to appear civil for this to maintain the public’s favor. He refocused on the screen as Team Hooligan had been next.
“Sold to Holoska! For 2,750 rings!”
“Yay!” Bark celebrated while Bean and Fang had looks of dread on their faces. They could only follow Holoska’s leader as they were led off the stage.
Most of the anthros breathed a sigh of relief that Holoska was done. Team Chaotix was up next as they strutted out. Their theme song playing on the speakers.
“Up next we have the Chaotix Detective Agency. Known more often as Team Chaotix” Abraham announced. “Never turning down work that pays, they are always willing to lend a hand. Even if there’s no price for a reward. Let’s start the bidding at 1,500 rings.”
Quite a few people spoke up to raise the price. Central City in particular bidding for 7,500 rings. Seeing how many people wanted them warmed Vector’s heart and made Espio flattered.
“I…never knew how meaningful our services were.”
“Well we did help out a lot in the war’s cleanup” Vector mentioned.
“9,000 rings!” a ram with a cane yelled.
“I got 9,000. Going once…going twice….sold! To the head of Windmill Village!”
The ram came up to shake Vector’s hand. All while Charmy was grinning, “I heard of your village! How it has tons of mountain flowers and the best honey tarts ever!”
“Haha. All part of our charm.”
Up next was Team Babylon with their theme Catch Me If You Can playing. Jet posed to the crowd, “Alright leaders! Which one of you will have the honor of hosting the Babylon Rogues? Putting your faith in the Legendary Wind Master?”
Crickets could be heard at his question.
Wave sighed as she took her leader’s arm and pulled him back. “Please show some decorum.”
“Okay then” the Commander coughed. “Let’s start at 500 rings this time.”
That auction went a little faster as Sunset City ended up with the Rogues for 1,465 rings. Before long, Team Jubilee was next as the crowd perked back up.
“Be good, Froggy. We have fans” Big petted his amphibian friend.
Bids went out as Terios found himself sweating. He wiped himself as fast as he could with a frustrated expression. “Nervous?”
He turned to Silver who had a small smile. “Yes. And I hate it.”
“It’s normal. I’m feeling it too. No matter what happens, we have each other. Plus, it’ll be fun watching over a city together.”
“That…is true…”
“Sold!” Abe was heard. The remaining teams look to see Adabat’s mayor come up. “For 12,060 rings!”
Sonic smiled at Amy’s glee at being at a sunny location with her friends. He gave a thumbs up to Terios who only gave a nod in response. The song So Much More playing eased his nerves when walking out.
“Up next we have three powerhouses. A queen from another dimension, a telekinetic hedgehog from a ruined alternate timeline, and an organic/robot hybrid who was once Eggman’s greatest creation. Come together with the name Team Guardian.”
Applause and whooping came out as Blaze had a composed stature. Silver smiled and waved while Terios stayed close to him. Still feeling bashful at the praise thrown his way. It still felt alien having people be happy he was here instead of terrified.
“I’ve got 3,000 rings!” one leader cried out.
“4,000!” another yelled.
With whom was up next, Sonic tapped Shadow’s shoulder. “Hey, think the mayors will fight over you more than me?”
There were narrowed eyes in his direction. He scoffed before returning forward.
This action made Sonic puzzled. He knew Shadow wasn’t the most social and wouldn’t joke with him but there was usually a response. And there were special times when he showed a playful side like their match in White Space. Tails and Knuckles noticed it too. “Guess he’s really taking this seriously.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time, cutie. It’s Omega I’m more worried about.”
The robot’s optics shifted to Rouge. “WHOEVER WINS US WILL BE MOST GRATEFUL. I NEVER FAIL IN MY OBJECTIVES! ESPECIALLY IF IT INVOLVES DECIMATING EGGMAN’S ROBOTS BEYOND REPAIR!”
Tails had nervous laughs again at the implications. Feeling concern for whoever would get Team Dark.
“30,000 rings!”
Team Guardian saw a young royal with red hair and a white, feathery dress raise her bidding paddle. Seeing her made Silver’s heart skip a beat.
No one had anything to outbid so the Commander slammed the gavel. “Sold to the crown princess of Soleanna!”
She and two handmaids came up. “It is a pleasure to keep watch over your homeland” Blaze curtsied. “And to assist a fellow royal.”
“You may call me Elise.” The human then noticed the snowy hedgehog. “I have been looking forward to seeing you again.”
“What does she mean again?” Terios whispered to his friend.
Silver just took her hand for a cordial kiss. “It’s…a long story.”
They headed off as This Machine played on the speakers. “We have our penultimate trio now. The best agents in our organization. Stemming from dark beginnings, each member shows that everyone deserves a second chance. Consisting of Gerald Robotnik’s ultimate creation, a jewel thief, and the last of the E-Series robots, the one and only Team Dark.”
Shadow, Rouge, and Omega walked out with confidence as the crowd went nuts. Their bidding paddles were already up with people shouting out ring amounts already. “Everyone calm down! We’ll start the bidding at 2,000 rings” the Commander announced.
“I got 5,000!” Apotos’ mayor yelled.
“10,000!”
“20,000!”
Team Heroes watched on with wide eyes. “Wow. If they’re going that high for them, I can’t imagine the amount we’ll rake in.” Knuckles gaped.
Sonic just smiled with a shaking head. He knew how popular his rival was and people had been begging for the entire trio to be brought back together. It would greatly benefit others as this group and the speedster’s friends would likely get enough money to possibly make a second Restoration. Or make their own Egg Fleet or Interstellar Amusement Park.
Shadow had folded arms and was looking rather annoyed at all the clamoring. His eyes fell on a lemur and beetle. The former was talking to the latter who was a little anxious. With a nod of permission, the lemur cried out “100,000 rings!”
Gasps were heard at who said that. Teams Heroes and Dark were dumbfounded as well. They knew these two were from a village not known for riches. How they got that much, they didn’t know.
Abraham didn’t think so as he was desperate to move on to the final team. “Sold to Spiral Hill! Who didn’t even wait for the bidding to get close to 100,000!”
Team Dark watched their bidders come up on stage as the beetle kept her distance from Omega. “TELL ME. HOW OFTEN DOES YOUR VILLAGE GET ATTACKED?”
“Well…we are a rather quiet community. Every once in a while we get chaos but you shouldn’t have to seek out trouble.” The beetle then eyed Rouge. “I do feel a little at ease that my Mineral Museum will be in good hands. As long as those hands aren’t clingy.”
“A pleasure to see you again too, Jewel. And don’t worry, the Chaos Emeralds are the only gems I consider keeping for myself. But I wouldn’t mind a few…extras.”
The lemur snickered as she patted her friend’s back. She then came up to Shadow. “It’s still gonna be fun having you guys around! I’ve heard so much about your adventures with Sonic! I’m a bit of a hero myself with defending my village during the war! Had to fight off some stragglers recently! Oh, but where are my manners? I’m Tangle.”
Shadow stared at her hand to shake. “I’d rather not get attached.”
“Don’t mind him, dearie” Rouge told Tangle. “He’s usually like this when first meeting him. But once he gets to know you, he’ll gain respect.”
“Of course. Now then, our ride is this way.”
Jewel lead the conflicted heroes off as Sonic watched on. He had heard of the village himself and how its defender was a bundle of energy like him. Adventure driven, can swing around with her prehensile tail, and overly friendly to everyone. She was like a female version of him.
Endless Possibilities then played as he readied himself. “I say the highest bid will reach 500,000.”
Tails chuckled at this, “I’m going more for almost a million.”
After the Commander gave his introduction, Team Heroes walked out to the roars of the crowd. Knuckles got in front of Tails when it seemed some would storm the stage. It actually took two minutes for everyone to calm down enough to start the bidding.
“I got 200,000!”
“Try 300,000!”
All these higher and higher bids made Abraham look to Sonic with a dumbfounded expression. “What did you do for all these places?”
“Ah hehehe.” The speedster had no concrete answer for that. Mainly a mix of saving them from Eggman and spending time to know the locations and socialize with residents.
Finally, one bid managed to bring an end to the chaos. “Two million rings.”
Tails flew up to see where that paddle was. His eyes lighting up to see Professor Pickle alongside Spagonia’s mayor.
“Going once…going twice…sold!” The Commander stepped aside to breath out a “Finally.”
Knuckles and Sonic were as excited as Tails as Spagonia was said to be a land of history, culture, and rolling lands to run around in. And given how threats tended to be minimal there, it would be close to a vacation. Only needing to worry about typical, everyday assistance. Sonic figured he could even experience Sporty’s time as a delivery man.
All in all, it was nothing but smooth sailing.
***
“And here is where you will be staying.” Elise led Team Guardian into her castle. The three were stunned at the stained glass windows and carvings of phoenixes all over. A view of the kingdom could clearly be seen when walking past the ballroom.
Terios had a close eye on the royal as he saw the staff close by. “Are you truly the sole ruler of this country?”
“I have a court to assist with my duties. Until I turn twenty-one, I cannot run the kingdom as queen.”
Blaze was stunned as she gained the title not long after turning fifteen. Made her curious to learn more. “If I may ask, what is it like watching over your home?”
Elise stopped at a painting that consisted of a king, queen, and little girl. “It isn’t easy sometimes, but I love my country. I have the same love my late mother and father had. I do all I can do defend it.” She held out her hands as she created a little flame.
“You have powers like mine?” Blaze questioned while holding back her surprise.
“I discovered them not long after turning eight. It allowed me to protect my citizens and drive back his forces. Still, I am in need of training to properly master it. Perhaps you would guide me?”
“Of course.”
As the women conversed further, Silver walked to a stained glass window with colorful flames. So long since that day. And pretty much the whole world didn’t know the full story. What was almost lost forever.
Terios came up next to him. “Do you plan to share the story of how you know the crown princess already?”
“Y-Yes. But how about after we’re settled in?”
***
“Welcome to our humble home!”
Tangle gestured to Spiral Hill’s entrance as Team Dark followed her and Jewel. Residents caught sight of them and while some were quick to bolt indoors, others watched on with intrigue. Shadow was looking all around with a thoughtful look. Vaguely listening to what his guide was saying.
“This here’s the bakery. It’s a must for every breakfast and dessert. Their sand tarts and croissants are known to be famous! And over here is the salon. Due to how furry most of us are, they’re kept in business by their brushes constantly being sold out.”
Rouge took a moment to look over her friend. Noticing some quills out of place, how oily it looked, and a few split ends. “I think you could use a trip there, sugar.”
“I don’t need opinions on handling myself.”
“Ooookay” Tangle lightly chuckled at this. “How about we show you the Mineral Museum? It tends to be one of the main targets whenever there’s a threat.”
Omega was already running there, making Jewel fly off after him. She got there just in time to ensure his size wouldn’t destroy the doors. Once the whole team was present, the beetle gave the details. “We amassed quite a collection over the years. Tangle, looking for adventure, and me, making sure she came back alive. Eventually, I put together this museum. Given how valuable some of our exhibits are, I make sure security is at its finest. Even moreso with two of our latest findings.”
She flew to a covered exhibit while keeping a close eye on a lit up Rouge. Unveiling the cover revealed two Chaos Emeralds. One yellow and the other silver. “You have two emeralds” Shadow spoke.
“We found them during the war and it was a big help in driving out Infinite’s clones. Actually giving the two of us powers despite not being male organic hedgehogs.” Tangle felt giddy recalling the memory. “Your bat friend got to show us hers during the we won the war party. We don’t know where the others are but if Sonic’s in need of at least one, he knows where to find them!”
The ebony hedgehog kept staring at the two stones. This made Omega put off destruction for a factor that gnawed at his systems. “YOU DO NOT APPEAR TO BE A HIGHLY ECONOMIC CIVILIZATION. I HAVE HEARD HOW YOUR TOWN HAS A HUMBLE SALARY. THE FACT YOU WERE ABLE TO AMASS 100,000 RINGS FOR US IS BAFFLING. DID YOUR RULER REQUEST DONATIONS FROM EVERYONE TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE?”
“Now that he mentioned it, it is impressive you got that much money. And Spiral Hill’s the only town to not have its mayor present” Rouge rubbed her chin.
“We got a huge donation from an anonymous source a few days ago. And our mayor gave an announcement that he had to leave for Barricade Town for a diplomacy visit last week. Said he would return before the start of next week” Jewel explained. “He requested for us to attend the auction in his stead. As grateful as we are, I am suspicious myself.”
“Maybe someone set this up to try and get the jump on you. But don’t worry! We’ll have your backs!”
Shadow scoffed at the lemur’s words as he headed out. “Let’s just get back to your tour.”
With him gone, Jewel spoke to Rouge. “He wasn’t this stuffy when I talked to him at a meeting consisting of G.U.N. and Restoration members. Did something happen or…?”
“I don’t really know. Shadow has been working on being a little more open. Things have been fine the last few days though. I’ll talk to him later and see what’s up.”
The women headed out while Omega lingered behind a bit longer. His optics locking on the Chaos Emeralds. THE BEETLE WILL NOT REGRET HAVING ME HERE THESE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
***
“Whoo! So this is first class.”
Knuckles seeped into his bed as Tails opened the door to the balcony. Getting an amazing view of the clock tower and fields in the distance. He then headed over to the mountains of books Professor Pickle had sent up. Said to be new with updated information of the world. “Wonder if he’s found anything on the emeralds…”
A blue streak came from the balcony, startling the two. They looked to see Sonic dive bombing onto his bed. “Everyone’s happy to have us here! There’s a festival happening in three days to celebrate Spagonia’s founding so we’ll have duties for that.”
“Just make sure you uphold the promise” Knuckles reminded him. “Can’t just run off when you feel bored.”
The Miles Electric then went off with incoming messages. Tails picked it up to answer. “Our friends have settled in too. The Chaotix are helping create an indoor play space for Windmill Village’s children. Team Classic is ensuring hot meals are distributed through White Park. Along with Honey assisting with designing a new winter fashion line. Team Guardian is pretty much forming an alliance between Soleanna and Blaze’s kingdoms. And Team Jubilee is helping keep Adabat’s landscape looking beautiful.”
Sonic smiled at the news. “Anything on Team Dark?”
“Not yet. I’ll be surprised if we get anything. There is something else I want to try.”
Tails tinkered with his device and pressed a few buttons. A call was being sent out as he waited. Static was then heard as a voice was trying to come through.
“Hello? Who’s there?”
Sonic and Knuckles shot up at the familiar voice. “Is that my double?”
It went dead after that. “Signal lost” the Electric said.
Tails sighed, “Finally got through for a few seconds at least.”
“I do hope he’s doing okay. Can’t stop thinking about his efforts to make things right.”
Sonic agreed with what the guardian said. He knew contact couldn’t happen right away but it had been a few months now. Tails was doing all he can for interdimensional conversations. Ages hadn’t even popped in for an update. She was bound to be busy with providing resources for refugees. Yet a little something would be appreciated. He shook it off as he doubted she forgot about them.
“It is hard to know what goes on with an all-powerful being. I have a feeling we’ll get something eventually. Most likely while we’re doing this auction when we expected nothing exciting!”
“That is how most of our adventures start” Tails laughed. He placed his tablet down as he returned to the books. Nose deep in one about a group of islands shrouded in mystery.
***
The next few days were pretty much uneventful in terms of danger. All the trios did their jobs well in keeping their cities safe. Even Teams Hooligan and Babylon did a decent job as Fang figured there was nothing worth swiping and the Rogues found appreciation with enhancing Sunset City’s auto shops. The civilians in the cities were also excited to interact with the heroes and learn a little more about them. Coming up with strategies and defense systems to decrease tactical civilian sacrifice. With Eggman not even launching one scheme, the concerns for a serious issue began to wane.
After day five, Team Heroes was fast asleep in their room. Well, Sonic was outside given the nice weather while his friends were on the beds. The Miles Electric then went off with loud beeping. Tails groaned as he woke up. He trudged on over while trying to shake the sleep from his eyes. “Who could be calling close to midnight?” he mumbled.
He answered to hear Amy’s panicked screaming. “Tails! You, Knuckles, and Sonic need to get to Spiral Hill now!”
“Huh? Amy? What’s happening?” Tails became more awake at this. The conversation was waking up the others as well.
“Rouge just called me to say the town’s under attack! She told me to contact you right away because of the details! Pick me up as well! I already let Cream and Big know so they won’t be confused!”
Sonic had come in to see the pinkette on the screen. “Slow down, Ames. Why does Rouge need us? Aren’t Shadow and Omega enough for firepower?”
“…That’s the thing! Shadow is the one doing this! We have to get over to get the full story! She said it’s something only we’ll understand!”
The call went dead after that.
Team Heroes glanced at one another. Still unsure but determined, Sonic had Tails and Knuckles take a hand as he sped out of Spagonia. Hoping to be back by morning.
***
After picking up Amy, the anthros arrived at Spiral Hill to see the town in shambles. Civilians were working to put out fires and clean up shattered glass. Sonic and his friends assisted when possible while searching for Rouge and Omega. They eventually found them at a museum that looked worse than the other buildings. Jewel was sobbing into her hands while Tangle had her tail wrapped around her for comfort.
“Oh goodness!” Amy came up to the beetle. “Are you okay?”
Knuckles noticed Rouge was pulling out a huge bag from a hidden spot. She caught his furrowed brow, “No need to be cross, Knuckie. It was only to keep her from losing everything in there.” She opened the bag to show unharmed gemstones. “Omega kept him distracted long enough to make it possible.”
“What? Okay, can you please explain what happened?” Sonic questioned.
Tangle took a breath before answering. “We were all asleep when the Mineral Museum’s alarms went off. It woke us up and we ran to see Omega shooting at Shadow. The latter had both of our Chaos Emeralds in his hands and was trying to escape. We tried to fight him but he used his Chaos Snap and Chaos Spears on us to make us back off. Upon getting out, he used the emeralds’ power to bring destruction to more of our home.” She sniffled before continuing, “We don’t know his full story but why would Shadow attack us and take our emeralds?! I really hope it’s actually this Mimic I’ve heard about who tries to destroy reputations!”
“IT WAS ONLY DUE TO MY PREPARATIONS THAT HE DID NOT GO UNNOTICED. SOMEHOW HE AVOIDED THE ALARMS SET IN PLACE.”
Stealing Chaos Emeralds? Attacking on a whim? Sonic knew Shadow long enough to know he wouldn’t do things like that without a meaningful purpose. And watching over a sleepy town did not count as a good reason. He also tended to avoid unnecessary eliminations. He looked to Rouge, “You wanted us here because the details are something only we understand.”
The bat nodded, “While fighting, I noticed his quills were becoming more and more unkempt. He had no restraint fighting back and tended to rely on teleporting most of the time. He had Chaos powers but they didn’t look like the upgrades he got from when he was in White Space. And in the few times he spoke, he said we were weak both alone and together. The last thing he said before vanishing was: ‘Glad to fulfill a task on my terms.’”
On my terms? Upon hearing that phrase, the Chaos Quartet became pale. “No. Nononononono! It can’t be possible!” Tails gasped. “How could Shadow’s twin be here?! And he has two Chaos Emeralds now?!”
“Um…I’m confused. Shadow has a twin brother?” Jewel wiped her eyes.
“It’s…a long story” Amy told her. “You two should come with us! We need to get to Soleanna! If what Rouge said is true, we’re gonna need Blaze’s help with interdimensional travel! Terios needs to know about this too!”
“I’ll call the Tornado” Tails tapped on his device. “And we may need to notify our cities’ mayors that we have a crisis to take care of.”
Plans were underway on contacting help and how to handle this surprise. Sonic in particular was stunned. Shadow’s double found a way to his world? And he was collecting the Chaos Emeralds? Why? He never heard about this world before. Unless he overheard Mittens trying in vain to explain to Sporty about where he was. Combine that with his personality and desire to purge anything that annoyed him, it’s possible he was attempting the catastrophic anomaly again. But with a different plan to ensure success. There was still something that brought more concern to him.
Where was his Shadow and how did his double manage to replace him?
***
“Ugh. My head…”
Shadow groaned as he tried to sit up. His vision was blurry and his back was aching. He tried to make sense of where he was and what he did beforehand. Last he recalled, he told Terios he was going to do an around the world sweep to ensure no serious threats would interfere for the next two weeks. Allowing all teams an easy time for the Hero Auction. Then he blacked out while he was returning home. If it was an attack, whoever did so clearly caught him off guard. He wasn’t normally so unfocused.
His eyes became unclouded, allowing him a clearer view. What he saw made his jaw drop. He was on a couch with green cushions with a swinging seat close by. A fridge was a few feet away and a television was adjacent from where he was. Close by was a table and fireplace. He was quick to try and read something by glancing at a newspaper on the table. Sure enough, nothing was jumbled so he wasn’t dreaming. “Am I in…”
A doorknob was heard turning so he quickly laid back down to appear asleep. His ears perked to overhear footsteps and a conversation. “Is that…? How’d he get back here?!”
“I don’t know, Knuckles. Zooey and I found him near Sonic’s old shack. Dangerous or not, we couldn’t just leave him there so we brought him to my place. Hopefully he’s too tired to attack us again. Thankfully he hasn’t woken up yet.”
“That’s what he wants you to think! He’s planning his next move while pretending to sleep! And when we least expect it, POW!”
“Good point, Sticks. Best to be on alert. I honestly can’t handle another beatdown to go with my emotional draining.”
Shadow took note of the other Amy’s somber tone. It appeared something occurred involving his double. Add that to the sudden attack and waking up here… I might find answers. But first, have to earn their trust.
He slowly stirred and sat up. He noticed Sporty’s team was present along with a yellow female fox. Most likely the other Tails’ girlfriend Zooey. The kitsune immediately got in front of her as Mittens, Amy’s double, and Sticks readied their choices of attack.
“Look Shadow, you’ve already taken a big beating a month ago. If you don’t want it to happen again, you’ll leave peacefully. We got your message” the pinkette said.
“It’s okay” the ebony hedgie held up his hands. “I’m not your Shadow. Mittens can vouch for me.”
The girls and Tails’ twin were baffled while Mittens was lost in thought. He stared at Shadow, noticed the neater quills, and gasped loudly. “You’re the other Shadow that’s just as terrifying! How’d you find a way here?!”
“Uh, Knuckles? You feeling okay? Is this about that other world where you said there was a Chaos Emerald and a smaller you?”
“It is!” Mittens said to the fox. “It was a while ago but I was sent to his world where there were doubles of all of you except Sticks! That Shadow didn’t attack me but he was still scary.”
Amy’s twin kept her hammer up. “Hold on. I still don’t know. Even if that was true, this might not be the same Shadow.”
“Yeah! He could be a robot duplicate of Eggman’s! Or from an other other dimension planning to replace us all!” Sticks got up in the lifeform’s face. “Or this is our Shadow and is saying all this to lower our guards!”
Zooey stayed calm as she spoke. “Is there a way to further prove it? Something we know our dark hedgehog won’t do?”
A light bulb went off as Shadow stood up. “Follow me outside.”
The five did so with caution as they exited Tails’ home. He faced them as he closed his eyes. With grunting, a pair of black and red tendril wings sprouted from his back. The small, diamond-like stars on them being a recent addition. He flapped them to fly up in the air. “Is your Shadow capable of doing this?”
Jaws were dropped as Sticks fainted at the clear alien properties. Mittens immediately followed suit. Tails’ twin flew up with a million questions in his head. “How? What? Who?”
“Three very long stories.”