Sonic the Hedgehog

Theatrics

"Great, it might as well be anywhere," Rouge says as she walks alongside Shadow and E-123 Omega.

The streets are so busy, the pair of thieves don't have to worry about looking out of place as they make their way through a bustling sidewalk. Overhead, a transparent purple road has cars shooting by each other in droves. Shadow ponders how so many people can be out at this time of night, then shudders once he thinks about what the streets must look like during the day. Rouge studies the screen of the scanner, which so far has not picked up any massive nearby energy signatures aside from the surrounding HEXAeco buildings.

How can Eggman be such a genius but build a scanning device with such a low radius? Rouge thinks, slightly frustrated.

"That... Metal Sonic," Shadow says, catching the interest of his two teammates. "I certainly wasn't expecting that as our new ally. Why would the Doctor build a spitting image of his arch nemesis?"

"Beats me, that guy's a whacko," Rouge says. " Maybe it's to show how his creations are better than Sonic in every way or something. You know, your typical megalomaniac stuff."

"I DETECT A IRREGULARITY," E-123 chimes in. "THE DOCTOR HAS MADE A FOOLISH DECISION. HE DOES NOT NEED A METAL SONIC WHEN THIS UNIT IS MORE THAN CAPABLE OF WHATEVER CARNAGE IS REQUIRED."

"Uh oh, I'm sensing a little jealousy," Rouge teases.

"I AM NOT JEALOUS, I AM JUST ENRAGED."

"Whatever the reason, I'm interested to see if it can accomplish its task," Shadow ponders aloud. "I think it believes it's the real Sonic."

"Well, the crazy apple didn't fall too far from the crazy tree," Rouge says, eyes still glued to the scanner. "I wonder why it would be programmed with that belief. Maybe for motivation or some sort of efficiency purpose? Who knows."

"If it wants to make its belief a reality, then I can't think of a stronger motivator than that," Shadow says. "Anyone, flesh or metal, will do anything to fight for their identity."

Rouge doesn't hear that last part. Her eyes widen once she sees an unmistakable bright dot materialize on the scanner in her hands. What has her even more shocked is seeing the dot move. Someone has it.

"Guys, pick up the pace!" Rouge yells as she spreads her violet wings for take-off. "I found the emerald- the enemy has it!"

"That's great," a familiar voice says above Team Dark, who look up at Metal Sonic, now uncloaked. "I had no idea where to start, so I thought I'd wait for the three of you to pick up the chaos emerald's signature. To think the Doctor pays you to just look at a screen, heh, priceless. Anyway, time to kill two birds with one rocket."

Before Metal Sonic speeds away from the surprised team below it, it turns to Shadow.

"By the way, Shadow, I don't need a motivator. I know what I am. I know WHO I am. And it'll serve you well to remember that. Anyway, I'll be nearby once you dorks find the enemy. Until then, ciao."

The robot disappears in thin air, leaving Team Dark and surrounding pedestrians stunned at what they just witnessed.

"I see our new 'ally' is one for theatrics," Shadow shrugs before turning to Rouge. "What's more important is that emerald. Lead the way, Bat."

Rouge smirks.

"I keep telling you, I have a name," Rouge reminds him before flying into the air.

She speeds in the general location of the dot, followed closely on the ground by her two teammates.

...