Shadow awoke in the same room he disappeared from in the Ark. Only this time, Doom was with him. He held a stony gaze as he stood up. Doom nearly laughed. He almost couldn't believe the hedgehog had been so gullible. He must not have created him to be as smart as he had originally believed. It didn't matter now. All that mattered was he had Shadow's full cooperation for the sake of a dead girl who will remain dead. Of course Doom will bring her back, but that will be right before the destruction of the entire world.

"What are we going to do now?" Shadow asked with no emotion. He crossed his arms and looked Doom dead on with no life in his ruby eyes. If Doom was an ordinary mortal being, he would have shivered under the weight of Shadow's gaze. However, he only looked around.

"The Ark hasn't changed at all. I can still use it," He looked at Shadow, "I rust your daughter is safe? I hope so. If Robotnick gets her we lose," I win.

Shadow said nothing. This frustrated Doom. He had hoped Shadow would reveal her location by answering yes or no. However, he was smarter than Doom thought. No matter. He can look for the child later.

"You may return to the blue hedgehog. I must make preparations here. I want to prepare for the worst. Now go!"

Shadow didn't move a muscle, "I'll help you prepare. Sonic can handle himself. I don't want Robotnick tracking me and finding him. That would give him the upper hand."

Doom grumbled. Blast his knowledge! He looked out at the disgusting planet outside the window, "You don't understand Shadow. I need you and Sonic both. Sonic wouldn't understand, of course. However," He turned to Shadow and narrowed his glowing eyes, "You know the dire situation don't you?"

Shadow's eyes hardened, almost like a challenge, "Yes I do."

Doom didn't understand the glare, but the words were enough, "Good. Now bring me Sonic, and if you can, Elise as well."

Shadow shook his head, "I'll bring you one. The more scattered we are the better. Now where will we meet?"

Doom held his impatience in. Somehow.

"Meet me in Westopolis. Black Bull will ensure the city is devoid of mortals for your arrival. Do not fail me Shadow! You know of my power. Not only will I refuse you the girl, but I will take your child as well."

Shadow didn't seem to care. Doom almost worried she wouldn't be a good ransom. Maria must be all he cares about. It makes sense, since he was created to save her. Shadow nodded and left the room. His hover skates clanking on the metal as he went.

Sonic felt a strange, burning in his chest. It was an unpleasant and unnatural feeling. He tried to pretend it wasn't there and held a fake smile for Esmeralda and Elise. They were enjoying tea and discussing old times. Sonic wasn't partial to tea, so he only sat and conversed. Esmeralda was very interested in Sonic's exciting life. Sonic didn't exactly want to talk about his life before this. It felt so far away now; it was like a different life time. It was a time when he didn't worry so much or break down so often. It was a time when his only love was adventure. He was so different now. So much had changed.

"Why don't you take a walk around the garden Sonic? I know you haven't seen it and it's very lovely," Elise suggested suddenly. Sonic knew she had noticed his discomfort and was trying to help. He nodded with a smile and headed out the door. He had indeed seen the garden before. Even from a distance he could see it's beauty. However, this close, he felt like he had stepped into a whole new world. It was like something you would see the richest person in a movie own. It was full of well tended roses, antique benches, shimmering ponds and intricately carved fountains. Sonic almost forgot about the burn in his chest when it sprung up again.

"Sonic," A soft voice called. Sonic hadn't ever heard it before, and couldn't place where it came from. He spun around, looking for the source.

"Who's there?" He called out.

"Shhh," It was urgent, but still gentle somehow. It was a feminine voice that made a soft, autumn breeze seem like a tornado, "I apologize for your pain. Communication between me and the living isn't natural, but this is necessary. Shadow is in danger! Black Doom has promised him the life of someone important in exchange for his help. Shadow is convinced Black Doom's intentions are in the Earth's favor but I know better. Doom will double cross him! I know it! You must protect Shadow! You can do this by avoiding him. Do not go with him. Protect Elise at all costs!"

Somehow, Sonic knew he could trust her. He felt it, "Who are you?"

Her voice almost sounded sad, "I am Maria. I'm talking to you from the realm of the dead. I must go and do my duty here. Please protect Elise and avoid Shadow at all costs. That will ensure the safety of the world."

Sonic nodded, even though he wasn't sure if she could tell, "I promise Maria! I'll do what it takes. But, who's life is Shadow promised?"

She hesitated before saying, "Mine."

The pain in Sonic's chest was gone, and so was Maria. This made sense, but why would Shadow trust Doom? Is he so blinded by his responsibility even after so many years? He was created to save Maria. Maybe it's a built in instinct or something. Either way, Shadow is in trouble and Sonic needs to stay away to help him. He felt a stabbing in his chest from the thought. He'd been longing to see Shadow and Light for so long, and now he has to deliberately avoid him.

Sonic heard a movement in the bushes and tensed up, taking cover. He peered around the marble pillar to see a familiar onyx face. His heart jumped and broke. He has to leave...

He turned to leave, but was too late, "Sonic!"

Sonic turned and felt his heart break instantly. Shadow's face was passive as it was before. Had Sonic lost the love of his life? He took a single step back, "I need to protect Elise. You have to do what you can for Light."

Shadow crossed his arms, "I am doing this for Light. I need Elise."

Sonic shook his head, holding a hard stance, "You know I can't do that Shadow! She has a child and all of Soleanna to look after!"

Shadow didn't even flinch. Sonic panicked, is Shadow really gone? Is this the vengeful, Ultimate Life Form he once was? Even the mere thought nearly brought tears to Sonic's eyes. Stupid motherly emotions!

Shadow looked away with a huff, "If you won't give her up, I'll have to take her by force Sonic."

That voice... Sonic felt shivers run down his spine. That was the voice Shadow used only for his most hated enemies. He'd only used it on Sonic once. What happened to him?

Sonic crossed his arms and glared at Shadow, "How do you think you're going to do that?"

There was a flash of something in Shadow's eyes... Regret? Before Sonic could pinpoint it, he attacked.

"Ahhh!" Sonic was sent flying, knocking down a beautiful cherry tree. Shadow had hit him full force. Sonic had never experienced this before! Why? Why had Shadow?

"AHH! Sonic! Sonic!" Elise's voice was earsplitting and wrong. Sonic hadn't even heart it when she was kidnapped by Robotnick. That means this is worse. Far worse!

Sonic jumped up despite his bruised body and possible broken ribs. He dashed for the palace and flew up the steps. He prayed he wasn't too late!

The sitting room was thrashed as if a tornado had appeared there. The fancy furniture was overturned and some charred. The table cloth was singed and the carpet partly melted. Shadow released chaos spears everywhere?

"Sonic!" Elise grabbed hold of him with a painful grip. Her eyes were wild and afraid, "It was Shadow! He's gone mad! He took- She broke down, holding onto herself, shrieking in agony, "HE TOOK ESMERALDA!"

Sonic's blood stopped, feeling like ice. Shadow wouldn't do that! By the looks of the place he didn't just take her. Something wasn't right. a G.U.N. Agent doesn't leave clues let alone make it absolutely obvious.

Sonic grabbed Elise by the shoulders firmly, "You have to tell me exactly what happened! Don't leave any detail out Elise!"

She nodded, her face tear streaked, "We were sitting here when I heard a noise outside. I went to investigate when there was an explosion. When I got back," She cringed, "There was no need to do so, since there were no guards! She wasn't even hurt, he just destroyed the place and left! Why did he do this Sonic? Why?"

Sonic looked around the place, thinking it over. Shadow said to Sonic he wanted Elise, and he made a huge mess. He also acted strangely distant. What is going on?

"I don't know Elise, but that wasn't my Shadow. I'm going to get your daughter and my husband back! I promise you that!"

Sonic was about to leave when the burn in his chest returned.

"NO!"

Sonic stopped and growled, "Why not Maria? What do you know that I don't?"

"There is more to this than we know. Shadow was leaving clues! He asked for Elise out in the open and left a huge mess to make it obvious he was there, yet he didn't take the queen. Don't you find that odd? You know Shadow more than anyone Sonic! Think! Besides, you must protect Elise! Trust that Esmeralda is in good hands. I'll keep watch over Shadow."

Sonic thought about it. Shadow did act odd out in the open... was someone watching him?

"Okay Maria. Thanks."

The burn was gone, so Sonic knew she couldn't hear him, or just couldn't talk back. He turned back to Elise, who looked like death. He wrote something in the ashes in front of Elise and turned to the window to keep an eye out.

It was an act. Shadow is acting double agent and is watched. He'll protect her I promise.

Elise hugged Sonic from behind, "Oh Sonic! I'm so worried!"

Sonic felt a slight squeeze on his arm and he knew she understood. Now Sonic hopes Shadow will find a safe place for Esmeralda.