Shadow the Hedgehog: Friendship is Chaos

STAGE 01: WESTOPOLIS

Hero: Drive away the creatures.

Neutral: Find the Chaos Emerald

Dark: Destroy the Royal Soldiers

"Your majesty, we have sent all of our troops on all of the prime locations those creatures are currently destroying. According to the damage, Ponyville is the most affected of all the towns."

"Never mind the towns. What about the ponies? Are they safe?"

"We have evacuated most of them to the safe zone, your majesty. We are trying our very best to save everypony's lives, but the creatures keep mounting and mounting with more and more support. Your majesty, this could be the end of Equestria."

"No. It's not. Just keep trying to drive off the creatures at first, then we'll find the source of this madness. Understood? Make sure to send more defenses to Ponyville, got that?

"Yes, your Majesty."

"I think the legend is true, a new evil is coming, and only one can stop it: The Chosen One."

The desolated town of Westopolis was a fearful sight for the citizens; but for Shadow, it was considered the place where he'll know who he is. When he arrived at the city that's now in ruins, he glanced at the damage cause by those creatures: roads split in half, buildings toppled down, and cars that were flipped over or crushed by the black creatures. Ironically, the lampposts were still intact on the ground.

But Shadow had no time for them. He needed to find answers about his past. Shadow sped along the half-broken highway and started to look for answers that were about to be questioned.

"Hmm... 'the promised time' huh? Well then, time to go and fulfill that promise." he said as he continued his path. As he skated down an incline, he noticed strange beams of light coming from the sky and creating massive explosions around its vicinity. It must be a spawn point for those creatures, Shadow thought. He took an automatic halt as a beam of light confronted his path, crashed down to the decayed road, and created an explosion that destroyed crates left by the citizens, and also leaving a mini crater as well.

"Just what do those black creatures want?" Shadow asked himself, grinning and wrapping his arms around his waist.

"You're late, Shadow." said a groaning and echoing voice. Queer. That was the same voice that demon-like creature had when he confronted Shadow and commanded him to bring the seven Chaos Emeralds as PROMISED.

"Huh? Who's there?" Shadow replied to the invisible "voice". At that moment, a black, squid-like eye showed up from the sky and started at Shadow's soul, giving Shadow no feelings whatsoever.

The eye continued its command, "From now on, my eye shall follow and observe you for me... Now, start by finishing off these soldiers who defy me!"

The eye of the demon soon vanished, and is now stalking Shadow at every moment.

"Finishing off these soldiers, eh?" Shadow grunted. He looked and saw the soldiers who were risking their lives to protect the city of Westopolis from the creatures. But no matter how strong their Armour is or how intelligent they are, no amount of sagacity could stop the Black Creatures from its crash course to completely destroy the city.

Shadow grinned as he said, "Well then, if that's what he wants, then guess I'll have to-"

"Hey, Shadow! Long time no see!"

Shadow was about to help the creatures with their plans to destroy the city, but was stopped by a strangely familiar voice that he couldn't possibly forget. He turned his slim body around as he figured out who said his name.

It was hedgehog, just like him. Only the major difference was that this one was blue and was wearing red sneakers.

"Well, well, well," Shadow snarled as he crossed his arms once more, "look who decided to show up and save the day."

"Heh. I couldn't miss the party! Looks like those black creatures really mean business. Let's you and me show them a thing or two!"

Shadow was puzzled. Was he going to destroy the humans? Or was he going to destroy the creatures that belong to the "thing" that contains his past. His mind was flowing with peculiar thoughts as he surreptitiously made a nasty look on his face.

Then a major thought stopped Shadow's heart:

"Shadow... please. Give those people down there a chance. Do it for them... do it for me..."

"MARIA!" Shadow screamed out. He knew it. He must fulfill his promise to Maria and give those people a chance. A chance to live in a happy world. A chance to experience nice people. A chance to survive.

"Something wrong, Shadow?" the blue hedgehog asked Shadow as he gave a ponderous look to Shadow.

Shadow took a deep breath and said, "I'm fine. Let's go and take out those annoying punks!"

"All right, Shadow! Let's go!"

The two hedgehogs started along the decayed road and helped the emaciated soldiers with their mission: to destroy the black creatures. One by one, the creatures fell prey to Shadow and the blue hedgehog. More and more beams came raining down to the sky to stop the heroes, but failed to home at them directly and just created several scattered shots.

"Nice work, Shadow!" the hedgehog supported Shadow as he continued to annihilate the creatures to their doom. Eventually, the creatures were soon gone and retreated away from the city, and couldn't even send in reinforcements.

"That's all of them!" the hedgehog said to make Shadow more determined.

The mission was a complete success.

"Disgusting black creatures! Get out of my sight!"

Hero Mission completed!

At first, Canterlot was a major attraction for Equestria; now, it's nothing but a pile of rubble. The fancy houses were being destroyed as more black creatures came and aimed for its primary target: the castle.

Inside the darkened, massive throne room, an array of guards were standing at a straight line, leaving no paths but a path that was between the throne of the princesses and the door that allowed ponies to enter or exit the room. The guards gave no sign of emotion on their faces whatsoever. Until the commander of the Royal Guards came.

"Ah, you've finally arrived I see?" said the princess. A tall, white alicorn, with a beautiful flowing mane and tail marked the traits of the princess of Equestria. The commander came forth along the red carpet and paced his way towards the princess. He noticed the guards were making no expressions, meaning that he shouldn't make expressions. Besides, he was the commander of these guards, after all. The commander soon reached the throne of the princess as she looked downward at the emotionless commander.

"Your majesty," the commander began, "we have good news: our soldiers managed to drive away the creatures at Ponyville, showing that the citizens there are safe. According to the guards, they seem to be heading for the fields of Sweet Apple Acres. Should we send more troops there?"

The princess thought for a moment and said, "No. They must be retreating. There's nothing the apple fields could offer but a sign of surrender."

"Yes, your highness. We will-"

"STOP!"

A sudden cry of denial came from the entrance of the room as Rainbow Dash and Twilight flew like a speeding bullet and targeted towards the princess. Rainbow came into a grinding halt as she confronted the princess. Twilight soon reached Rainbow Dash.

"What seems to be the problem?" asked the princess.

"Ponyville is being invaded as we speak!" yelled the struggling pegasus pony. Twilight nodded in agreement to support her friend.

"Ah, I see." the princess replied, "do not worry. The commander here said that the creatures have retreated and has been driven off to the fields of Sweet Apple Acres."

"Ugh. Hello. THAT'S A PROBLEM!"

"Why is that?"

"They'll destroy the apples and the apple trees, the barn, and worst of all: the Cutie Mark Crusaders' clubhouse. We have to get there NOW! Those fillies are at danger!"

"Oh no!" yelled Twilight, "I forgot Spike!"

"Don't worry. I'll rescue the fillies while you rescue Spike, okay?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Okay!"

The two ponies flew off again and raced its way back to Ponyville. The princess and the commander glared at the doorway as they soon figured out that they are in grave danger.