Chapters Shadow the Hedgehog: Friendship is Chaos
The awe-inspiring sunset shed the modern city of Westopolis into a red-orange color. The streets were calming down after an average day of work for the humans, and are ready to go home and end their days with a peaceful starry night.
But tonight, it'll be a whole different night.
Outside the city and into the park-side area, a black hedgehog is standing next the the edge of a small hill, crossing his arms around his waist. He was above the shadow of an adult sized tree as a gust of wind blew out leaves and garbage left out by the humans. A newspaper followed the direction of the breeze and flew like a bird, spreading its wings out and ready to fly. The newspaper collided onto the hedgehog's leg and was stuck there for a couple of seconds, trying to escape the leg and continuing its course.
"FIRE IN THE SKY FESTIVAL! 50 Year return of the Black Comet!" the newspaper showed on the front page. The paper escaped the thin leg of the hedgehog and made several loops with the wind. The paper eventually flew away and vanished off to the distance.
The black hedgehog was staring at the evening sky as his mine was conducting a thought, trying to battle with his case of amnesia.
"Shadow the Hedgehog.. why does that name haunt me? It's the thing I can remember. And that... gruesome image." his face began to grin with lassitude as he thought of the image.
The sound of heavy breathing and jogging is heard as the hedgehog was running along the corridor of a base, holding the hand of a girl at its teen years. They soon reach a dead end and is confronted by soldiers by the back of them.
Then a soldier took out his gun and pointed it directly at the girl.
*gunshot*
"Maria!"
"Who am I... and why can't I remember anything? And who is this Maria?"
The hedgehog continued to ponder his thoughts as he looked up to the sky. A gargantuan red cloud came from the south. The cloud sped like a supersonic jet that's about to break the sound barrier, and blanketed the entire metropolitan city of Westopolis with an eerie red cloud above the city. The light suddenly disappeared as nothing but a shadow of darkness can be seen throughout the city. Then, a giant white hole came from the sky, covering the central part of the city in that light. The hole bolted out lightning as the hole began to spread more colossal than ever. Several people feared for their lives as they thought it was the end of the world.
And they were right.
As the gaping hole continues to open up the sky, odd black and red creatures descended from the hole and started to cause pandemonium throughout the city.
The hedgehog turned away from this catastrophe, not giving a single sign of guilt for the humans.
"Hmm. Look how pathetic they are! I don't have time for these humans." he said out loud to himself. As he was about to turn away, a deep, creepy voice was heard through the hedgehog's ears.
"Shadow..." it said to him. Shadow gaped as his eyes began to open wide. He turned back and saw the ruined city once more, fighting for its lives.
A strange floating eye came out of nowhere and emitted a weird demon-like creature.
The demon roared out in an echoed voice, "As you can see, the day of reckoning will soon be here. Find the SEVEN Chaos Emeralds and bring them to me as promised."
"Huh? Who are you and how do you know I'm Shadow? And what are you talking about?" Shadow replied to the demon.
The demon disappeared and the eye was seen again, it swam away like a swimming squid and the ghost of the demon appeared again. He slammed his hand onto the ground, creating several explosions around Shadow. Shadow let his hand out as if he wanted to know more about the strange creature. After the rubble and smoke cleared off, the eye vanished.
"Just what was that all about?" Shadow asked to himself, pondering once more. "If he says he knows the truth about who I am... then like it or not, I have to believe him. The only way I'm going to get the secrets to my past is by collecting those Chaos Emeralds."
Shadow stared to skate along the grassy hill as he started to head for the city: Westopolis.
The sun started to set on the horizon of Equestria as the moon began to peek out of the forest. Once again, a peaceful night was at stake for the ponies as they started to head for their wooden houses and are about to wrap up another trouble free day.
Inside the Ponyville Library, a lavender unicorn was quietly reading a book called " Ancient Stars and Comets" while sitting on her newly made bed.
"Hey Twilight," said the voice of the unicorn's assistant, a purple baby dragon with green scales. He came up to Twilight's room without knocking at all, showing a sign of carelessness. He noticed Twilight was busy reading a book. "Sorry Twilight. Didn't mean to barge in like that..."
Twilight giggled. She replied to the dragon "It's okay, Spike. You're actually just in time to witness something very peculiar."
Spike wondered. "Really?" he replied. He came closer to Twilight as he glanced at the bent pages. The pages showed bright stars and comets that pass by Equestria once every one-hundred thousand years. As Twilight flickered through the pages of the book, a picture of a comet that was shaped like a colossal squid caught her attention. She stopped flickering the pages and examined the pages.
"Whatcha' looking at, Twilight?" Spike asked.
The unicorn replied, "Take a look Spike. It says here that a comet called the "Black Comet" passes by Equestria once every one million years. And it says whenever the comet passes by, a hoard of strange creatures fall from the sky as they destroyed Equestria and put it down to its knees."
"Once every one million years?"
"Yea. According to this, it says that the comet is coming when a red cloud sheds the sky into complete darkness, marking the end of that planet."
"You mean that comet unleashes a band of creatures that can destroy Equestria?"
"It says it here in the book. They have no proof, however."
"Well, luckily there isn't gonna be any weird cloud to cover the sky. Besides, there's not even a single cloud in the sky." Spike took a peep through the window and saw the clear evening sky of Ponyville.
Except for that rainbow that was creating loops in a matter of seconds.
Spike saw the rainbow and said, "Look, it's Rainbow Dash." Twilight closed the book and peeked through the window to see Rainbow Dash speeding through the town. Except the problem was that Rainbow Dash was charging straight towards the window. Rainbow couldn't stop her speed and crashed through the window, creating a shock wave that toppled down organized books to the oak wood floor. Rainbow Dash was panting, she couldn't breathe, as was showing off a scared expression.
"Rainbow Dash," Twilight inserted, "what's the matter? Something happen?"
Rainbow Dash let her hoof out as she took a couple of deeps breaths. Then, she screamed out, "There's a big red cloud coming this way! It's so massive, I can't even stop it!"
Spike realized the thing Rainbow Dash had said; that big red cloud, which was mentioned as a sign of the return of the "Black Comet".
"Ugh, Twilight," Spike insisted, "you don't think that 'Black Comet' is coming, do you?"
"Black Comet?" Rainbow Dash wondered.
"Its just some squid-shaped comet that sends out creatures to destroy a planet and take it over. Oops."
Rainbow screamed. "Well we gotta do SOMETHING! Look!"
Twilight and Spike looked at the window Rainbow Dash was pointing at. There, they could see what was going on. The red cloud... speeding its way towards Ponyville, covered the town into darkness and eventually covered all of Canterlot in darkness. A gaping hole opened up the red sky as the red and black creatures Spike mentioned about spawned from the hole as they dropped down to the ground, casing destruction to the town of Ponyville.
Then, a strange creature came out of nowhere and was covering the hole up with his multiple eyes on its face.
"Ponies of Equestria!" the creature echoed, "as you can see, the day of reckoning has arrived. Equestria will soon fall down to its doom. Brouhaha..." the creature disappeared and the creatures continued to annihilate the town of Ponyville.
Rainbow Dash squealed. "What are we gonna do?!" she screamed.
"Calm down, Rainbow Dash." Twilight softly said.
"Are you CRAZY?! Equestria will soon be a pile of rubble if we don't do something at this moment."
"Well, we have to go to the princess ASAP! She'll know what to do."
Twilight nodded in agreement. Rainbow and Twilight flew out of the shattered window and started to head for the castle, leaving Spike all alone at risk.
"HEY! YOU FORGOT ABOUT ME!" Spike exclaimed to the ponies. They couldn't hear his cry for help due to the sounds of tumbling buildings and crying ponies. Spike grunted. He raced down the stairwell and headed for the castle on foot, hoping not to get caught by the creatures.
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.
Shadow the Hedgehog: Friendship is Chaos
STAGE 02: CRUSADER LANE
Hero: Find and rescue the Cutie Mark Crusaders
Dark: Destroy the fields of Sweet Apple Acres
After eliminating the creatures around the wrecked city, Shadow and the blue hedgehog stumbled upon the goal of the black creatures: the Chaos Emerald. Shadow held the Chaos Emerald in the palm of his hands and glared at it for ten seconds or so.
"This," he said out loud, gazing at the jewel, "is the key to finding out just who I am!"
"Shadow..."
The same sound and the same eye: the demon's eye. The eye appeared from the darkened sky and stared at Shadow with his menacing eye. Then the eye looked down at Shadow's left hand and noticed the Chaos Emerald dangling from Shadow's glove.
"Well done, Shadow." said the eye, "you have done the hard work for us."
"Hmph." replied the black hedgehog.
"We have found the rest of the Chaos Emeralds. It is in another dimension, however. Shadow... you must go to that dimension and gather up the emeralds. And while you're at it, you are free to destroy the surroundings around you as you please. Those insolent ponies won't see it coming from someone as powerful as you."
"Wait. Did you say-" Shadow was about to say a word he couldn't dare to say out loud. The eye looked at him as if it was a staring eye, not blinking whatsoever.
"Yes," the eye replied to Shadow's confusion, "I said 'ponies'. Although, they are stupendously weak, giving us a major advantage to our goal. Now, Shadow. You must go there and show them the power of the Black Arms."
"Bot how am I going to get there? You said it's in another dimension."
"Ah, I see. You have problems understanding your power... very well. I shall help you just this once. All you need to do is give me the Chaos Emerald."
The blue hedgehog realized Shadow was in a tight position and squealed out, "No, Shadow! Don't do it! It's a trick!"
Shadow snarled at the pleading hedgehog. He fought back and said, "You know I'm not going to help these pesky humans. This eye knows who I am, thus I have to believe him."
Shadow gave the emerald to the demon's eye.
"Well thought, Shadow." said the eye. The emerald floated up on top of the black eye and swirled around like a flying Frisbee.
"Shadow... you must not fail me. Now GO!"
At that moment, Shadow levitated from the cracked floor and suddenly glowed. Already Shadow can feel power straining through his veins, and the sensation feel through his mind. He then noticed the glow was becoming brighter and brighter. The eye stared at him with all of its might and said two words that enabled Shadow to use it.
"Chaos... Control!"
At that moment, Shadow vanished from the blue hedgehog's eyes in an instant (2006 logic).
"You!" the hedgehog yelled to the eye, "what did you do to Shadow?"
The eye laughed like a demon. He replied to the mad hedgehog with a demonic laugh and flew to the skies of the creatures. The city was quiet. No sounds were heard except for the raging fire from the buildings and cars.
"Just what the heck was that all about?" he said to himself.
"Hey. Wake up..."
The sound of the forgotten girl Shadow knew was heard though his eardrums. A sudden gust of wind caused Shadow's eyes to flicker open. And what he saw was the most terrifying thing he ever saw:
"Hey. You alright, mister!"
"AH!"
Shadow jumped from the reaction of the horrendous thing. He saw an orange horse. No. An orange PONY, with a braided mane and tail and a cowboy's hat on its head.
"What... the heck... is that?" Shadow asked himself.
"Well now. Don't be so uptight."
Shadow gave a nasty look to the innocent pony, and then noticed where he was at.
"Where am I?" Shadow wondered, "is this... the pony area the eye was talking about? And why are there so many apple trees? What the heck is going on here!?"
"Whoa there, little feller," replied the orange pony. She almost gave a welcoming look to the hedgehog, but noticed that Shadow was in deep trouble. She continued, "looks like you don't know where you are? Are you?"
Shadow crossed his arms and said, "I don't need to know where I am! Now, get out of my way!"
"And why should I let you pass? Are you with those black creature things?"
"I'm on nobody's side. Got that?" Shadow walked along the grassy path and paid no attention to the orange pony.
"But-"
"No buts! Now let me find the Chaos Emeralds so I can get out of here!"
"Ya sure?"
"Yes." Shadow walked away from the orange pony and started his journey to find the Chaos Emeralds.