Sonic the Hedgehog

Target Acquired

In less than three minutes, the team of emerald hunters reaches the summit of the tall, snowy mountain. At the top, the increased intensity of the wind and weather is almost worth it for the gorgeous view it presents. Team Dark stands together, overlooking the neverending sight of snow that's brightened greatly by the sun overhead. No one had to say a word. Once Rouge and E-123 Omega caught up with Shadow who stood near the edge, admiring the tundra, they both joined in to take in such a view.

If this mission of theirs is guaranteed, Rouge knows a pretty sight like this will no longer exist once they succeed. But the pool of jewels and invaluable treasures will surely be worth it. They have to be. Realizing she and the others are on the clock, the Bat turns away and checks her scanner.

"That's weird," Rouge remarks. "We're standing right on top of it. It should be up here."

"Perhaps we are," Shadow suggests, eyes still glued to the view. "It's likely it got buried by the snow."

Rouge sighs, her breath visible in the cold climate. She pays attention to the scanner and aligns her position with the dot on the screen. Shadow and E-123 Omega take notice of this and turn to the spy who puts the scanner away and starts cracking her fingers.

"No treasure escapes me," she says before jumping into the air.

Once she hits the ground, instead of landing on her feet, she lands on her fists which, with the speed of a jackhammer, begin striking the snow-filled ground with powerful blows that slightly catch Shadow off guard. He and Omega watch as Rouge drills into the earth, her body disappearing completely in the snow.

"WELL, I GUESS YOU FLESHLINGS ARE USEFUL FOR SOMETHING AFTER ALL," E-123 Omega comments.

"Hmph," Shadow smirks, watching Rouge's newly created tunnel go deeper. "She's quite the treasure hunter, alright."

Back at the Chemical Plant, Shadow was certain he'd be dealing with dead weight throughout this quest. After all, what use were a jewel thief and cocky robot? It amuses him just how wrong he was for assuming. Who knew there'd be so much to admire about his initially reluctant teammates?

"Say, Omega," Shadow says, E-123 Omega turning its head to face him. "You talk down to organic creatures, and yet, you worship one. I'm curious, how does that work?"

"ISN'T IT OBVIOUS?" The robot responds. "NATURAL LIFEFORMS ARE PRONE TO VARIOUS MALFUNCTIONS, ARE RULED BY THEIR WORTHLESS EMOTIONS, AND LACK THE EFFICIENCY OF MACHINES. EGGMAN, HOWEVER, IS NONE OF THAT. HE IS THE GREATEST RULER MOBIUS WILL EVER KNOW."

"I guess there's no use arguing with a machine," Shadow shrugs. "Still, I think even you can see the contradiction in your own programming. Your will to be the best and overcome all obstacles is an inherent desire. One's personal goal. Something usually found in those made of flesh and blood."

"I DON'T QUESTION MY CREATION, NOR WHAT YOU WOULD CLASSIFY AS 'FEELINGS'. I SEE NO POINT AS IT IN NO WAY AIDS ME IN MY OBJECTIVE."

"I guess we're more alike than I thought, Omega," Shadow says, looking down in thought.

Shadow is about to turn to Omega to ask another question when a blur of blue light enters the corner of his eye. In front of him and E-123 Omega is an uncanny mirror. Mobius's War Hero. Sonic the Hedgehog. The relaxed teen, with a goofy grin on his face, crosses his arms.

"I'm getting tired of all of these clones," Sonic sighs. "How about you and Iron Man over there make this easy and surrender? I'll put in a good word with GUN and they'll reduce your-"

"CHAOS-!" Shadow yells, reeling his arm back.

"Of course."

"SPEAR!"

...