Sonic the Hedgehog

Next Destination

It seems Rouge's decision is final. She's staying. Something that doesn't sit well with the black hedgehog leading the way to Eggman's Control Room. Any last-second regrets or hesitation could compromise the mission. That's if she's not planning to do so purposely already. If so, Shadow would hate what comes after. He didn't come this far for his vengeance to be taken. It's the one thing the professional thief won't steal.

Trailing behind is E-123 Omega, who's been strangely silent since he and Shadow's return to the Egg Carrier. No one but him will ever know what goes on in that cold, metallic processor of his. The door to the tight hallway slides open and the usual scene greets the tired pair of emerald hunters. Eggman sits comfortably on his levitating chair in the back of the large room, relaxed. The see-through windows reveal that morning has come at last, though, it's hardly a cheery one. Dark grey clouds hang overhead, completely constructing the sun's gaze.

"Ah, nice to see you, Team Dark," Eggman says, twirling his mustache. "Because I'm a man of second chances, I've decided to allow you the privilege to once more prove you're worthy additions to the Eggman Empire. But before you get that chance, we must go over a few things. More specifically... our next destination."

"I assume it's not good news?" Rouge guesses.

"You've assumed right, Rouge," Eggman confirms. "The next emerald location... is in Scrapyard."

The name itself sends a chill through the room. Shadow unfolds his arms, his eyes widened at the mere mention of the location. Rouge's mind tries to gauge if this is some cruel joke from their boss. However, Eggman is never one to casually kid around like this. He means every word. Of all places for the gem to have been lost, this is the worst possible one.

"I understand this complicates things," Eggman shrugs. "What served as a nice and convenient testing site for my brilliant metal virus is still, to this day, suffering from its effects. It had potential, but what use are servants when they have the intelligence of an ostrich? It's a good thing the city was walled off when it was. Even so, those bothersome ZomBots are still exactly where we left them five years ago. And infection is still a high possibility."

"So what's the plan?" Shadow asks.

"Simple. Don't. Let. Them. Touch. You. One touch is all it takes and you'll be another, wandering ZomBot. The three of you will be deployed outside the city walls. Hopefully, the emerald will be in range with the radar to avoid any more unnecessary time spent there. I have already deployed Metal to scout around the general area. He's on the lookout for not just the emerald... but also that blue troublemaker. I won't be surprised if he manages to show up. With any luck, he'll join our brainwashed friends down there. If not, it hardly matters. My victory only draws near, despite his laughable efforts."

"YOU CAN COUNT ON ME TO SECURE THE EMERALD, DOCTOR," E-123 Omega bows.

"Thank you Omega," Eggman says. "But instead of talking about how you'll do your job, this time, I expect you to just do it. Or else, there will be unfathomable consequences..."

...