Sonic the Hedgehog

Team Meeting

Now leaving the nearly pitch-black room, the diverse group consisting of Rouge, Shadow, E-123 Omega, Zero, and Dr. Eggman walk along a tight hall. Behind the black hedgehog in front of her, Rouge eyes him with uncertain interest. Not only is his uncanny appearance to Sonic the Hedgehog of great interest to the curious spy, but so is his ice-cold demeanor and mood.

How did he get in contact with Eggman in the first place? Rouge ponders. And what is he doing here?

It's not as if Rouge can fully concentrate on her inner thoughts with the titanium robot walking beside her. All of this is certainly not what she envisioned when she decided to take this mysterious job. Oh well. If the excited bat has to call the bulky death machine next to her a partner to get her hands on more jewels, then so be it. The ones she was just gifted just for showing up jingle satisfyingly in her brown bag.

"Let's get down to business, shall we?" Eggman says as he walks. "Now that you have been assembled at last, Team Dark, it is time I briefed you on your first mission."

"Let's hear it, Doctor," Shadow says in a low voice, surprising Rouge.

That's the first he has spoken.

"Right now, we are approaching the old Chemical Plant," the mad scientist announces.

Rouge's eyes light up with surprise.

Approaching? What is he talking about? We're in Pumpkin Hill. The old Chemical Plant is miles away from here.

"It is there where the first Chaos Emerald is located!" Eggman continues. "GUN has likely already detected my invasion of their satellites and has agents investigating as many energy readings as they can reach. The fools think they can intercept me."

Eggman stops walking and thrusts a clenched fist into the air.

"HA HA, THE NATIVITY OF IT ALL! My Team Dark will arrive and swoop those emeralds from the ground before any of those jarhead clowns manage to catch a whiff of my scheme! OH-HO-HO!"

"If you ask me, I think the Doctor's a little antsy," Rouge mumbles to Shadow, who only looks at her and gives a resounding:

"Hmph."

"Back to what I was saying," Eggman says, resuming his pace. "I can't join you this time because of the radiation down at the Chemical Plant, but take this as an opportunity to prove yourselves. Rouge, I entrust you to locate the emerald with the help of an energy locater you will be supplied with shortly. I've read up on your impressive digging skills. Apparently, you can cut through solid ground like a knife through butter if push comes to shove, which may prove useful. After all, these precious gems have been lost to time. Who knows where they've ended up."

"Why have I and the robot been paired with the bat," Shadow asks. "Surely, our abilities can be utilized for things other than treasure hunting."

"I have a name, you know," Rouge says, a little agitated.

"I'm glad you asked, Shadow!" Eggman says as he turns around. "Rouge is far too valuable for us to lose. If we don't have an experienced treasure hunter capable of finding those emeralds, this entire operation is a bust! After all, those energy signatures only revealed their general location, not their exact position. That's where you and Omega come in. You two will be her escorts. If she faces heavy opposition by GUN or whoever, the combined might of the ultimate lifeform and my greatest combat robot will give Rouge all the time she needs to find those emeralds!"

"But wouldn't it make more sense for one of us to run interference with the enemy and create a distraction?" Shadow asks.

"That's where I come in," Zero announces, turning to Shadow.

Rouge rolls her eyes as Zero places a fist on his chest.

"I will be in charge of countering those who wish to stop us. All of those the Doctor deems a problem will be crushed before me, like an ant underfoot."

"For this mission, Zero will be on his own since I can't join him and our last ally isn't ready to be put on the field," Eggman explains. "A bit of a pity since this mission will be our most vital. GUN is definitely here by now, meaning there is no margin for error. After this, those bothersome fleas won't be able to reach the next six locations before we do."

Why is he saying 'here'? Rouge thinks, confused. We're STILL in Pumpkin Hi-

The bewildered spy notices something as she passes by. A small, circular window with a hatch covering it. Now being driven mad with confusion, Rouge abruptly departs from the group and hurries to the window. She places her hand on the hatch and lifts it up.

They are no longer in Pumpkin Hill. Not in the slightest. None of the jagged mountains are in sight. But that's not the only thing. No, the fact she and the others are thousands of feet in the air serves as more proof.

"Team Dark," Eggman begins. "Zero, the lot of you need to gear up and prepare for a safe descent off the Egg Carrier."

...