Crumbling

Chapter 3- To the Doctor's House

After finding Shadow, Dr. Eggman had set up a sort of base on the island. He hadn't explained his intentions, yet, but Shadow was told that his cooperation was preferred. Dr. Eggman kept mostly to himself and only checked in with his protégé from time to time.

"What an idea! I was just about to invite you over for a bite. You can't possibly find a proper meal digging through sand," came the gnarled sound of Dr. Eggman. He stood in the doorway, casting long shadows all the way across the room and up the ceiling.

Shadow let out a drawn sigh, turning to meet Dr. Eggman with a stale glare.

"Why should I?" He asked, genuinely looking to be persuaded.

But Dr. Eggman's mouth twisted a bit, his moustache bristling. It was clear he hadn't expected such a cheeky response, even though experience should have prepared him for it. As he found his footing again, he straightened up and leaned forward. He towered over Shadow by a good several feet, and wanted to make this apparent. Shadow was unmoved by this, simply moving his apathetic gaze to keep contact with his face.

"Because, I've launched a deflective shield so that Sonic won't be able to find this island. I can just as easily dissolve the shield, but I know how you like your privacy. Now..I believe you owe me a favor."

It would be inconvenient to be hassled by Sonic and his entire entourage- Shadow already had Rouge bothering him, and Knuckles was on the prowl, though he hadn't figured out Shadow was around. He then glanced back at Amy.

"Fine. See you there, Robotnik." said Shadow.

Robotnik also moved his eyes to the sleeping girl. Dr. Eggman didn't have much leverage over Shadow. But things were changing. New data needed to be processed and categorized. His gaze lingered over Amy.

Shadow decided to wait until Robotnik had left the bungalow before he made any move.

Robotnik was an interesting character, to say the least- objectively, he did a lot of bad things. But Shadow understood his motives. Power was king in this world; and a man like Robotnik, who already had a wealth of cities in his grasp, still couldn't get enough power... Especially with Sonic and his ragtag group constantly threatening it.

Shadow looked over at Amy, wondering what to do with her. After a few moments, the hedgehog decided that she would probably sleep a while and he'd be back before she awoke.

With that, Shadow stepped out of his house and into the rising daylight. He knew where Robotnik's hideout was, it wouldn't take long to get there- he didn't even need to tap into his Chaos power. His boots ignited with light and like a shadow fleeing from the light, he streaked off into the distance.

xxx

"What took so long? Isn't it rude to keep guests waiting?" Shadow asked sarcastically. His arms were crossed and he was leaning against one of the metal beams of Robotnik's base. He had arrived long before the mad-scientist and took to waiting in the entryway.

Shadow had a cocky streak that sometimes reminded Eggman of Sonic, and did nothing to endear him to the hedgehog. The only thing that tied them together was their past, back when Shadow was a soldier at Eggman's disposal.

Nevertheless, Dr. Robotnik had approached with a confident swagger and smile. He seemed pleased, quite pleased, despite Shadow's badgering. He knew very well that Shadow had been waiting for him. Waiting, perhaps, even longer than he should have. But what would it matter to Shadow if the old scientist took a little extra time strolling among the Roses?
Eggman chuckled under his breath.

"Ah, Sha-dow!" he always announced the name with an air of enthusiasm, "You haven't lost any speed since the crash, I see. Very impressive. "

Shadow raised a brow.

"Nothing could slow me down, Eggman."

"Perhaps not, but I was prepared for that; I don't casually leave my doors ajar."

He made a grand gesture at the metal doors. As usual, he had gone overboard and built a base with far more security than necessary. Though if he took the time to stop and think about it, he might wonder why he even went to the trouble. Sonic always found a way through every armored wall, every barricade he could dream up. Poking a button on his remote, the heavy metal flaps slowly slid together until they were sealed again.

It was then that Rouge decided to make an entrance.

"And with good reason, Dr. Robotnik. You never know what might find its way through," she teased.

Rouge shot a glance at Shadow and smirked. His response was to turn his head away dismissively- they weren't really buddies, he wasn't sure why she acted like it.

"What do you think you're—Oh very well," said Dr. Robotnik, changing tones on a dime, "If you want to be a part of this, then take a seat and listen closely."