Crumbling

Chapter 4- Another Day, Another Evil Plan

"Can we get on with it?" Shadow said, staring pointedly at Eggman.

"Yes, yes, I'm getting around to it," he chided back. He could never act fast enough for these hedgehogs.

Rouge sat back on her hip, arms folded. She'd come to the island looking for a vacation, but wasn't about to turn a blind eye to Dr. Eggman's schemes. They could be dangerous... or lucrative.

Eggman took another moment to think. He'd talked himself through the whole thing on the walk back. This new plan was nothing like the one he'd intended to present to
Shadow that evening. But as every good scientist knew: adaptation is the key to survival. Eggman had stumbled upon some new facts. So the stilted man made some last-minute modifications and had arrived at the base with a fresh speech.

"I've just finished my research on Sonic's Super form; the one we all witnessed on the A.R.K. It's unique to hedgehogs alone. Did you know that, Shadow? Well..." he grumbled and began to pace with his arms at his back, "Not every hedgehog can attain it. Some just aren't built for it. In fact...the amount of energy radiating from a Super hedgehog can be harmful to those like...Amy Rose."

Eggman paused, his glinty eyes searching Shadow to see what he might catch. Shadow had been listening placidly up to this point, but now his gaze turned critical.

Amy was affected by their Super transformations? Shadow put a hand to his head, rubbing his fingers over his forehead- He couldn't remember it... Not well at least- only flashes, Amy was there but... Could it be? He looked at Rouge for a moment, but quickly returned to Eggman.

"I can see she's already started to deteriorate since Sonic's transformation. She probably wouldn't live. Fortunately for her, my studies have been fruitful in this, too. I have a cure."
Now Robotnik looked from one listener to the other. Here was the punch.

"I propose we hold it over Sonic's head."

Rouge didn't need to open her mouth, didn't even need to budge. Eggman foresaw those protests and raised a hand to stop them.

"I'm not proposing we let the girl die, only that we use this bargaining chip as it's meant to be used. That's what I will do, anyway. The both of you can help or stand aside, those are the only options you have."

Shadow scowled, still trying to put the pieces together. Why would Eggman have a cure? He knew Robotnik hated Sonic and his cohorts- Although... he was Gerald's grandson, and he did aid in rescuing earth from the A.R.K... A fact he both recalled, and was informed by Eggman while he was recovering.

"Why wait to cure her, then? Do it now. Sonic won't know any different." Shadow said with some edge of vitriol, disliking the idea of an innocent suffering sickness simply so Eggman could get the upper hand with Sonic. "What do you expect to get out of Sonic anyway?"

"I expect him to back down!" shouted Robotnik, the force of his voice equaled by the pound of his fist against the table. "I have had enough of Sonic's ruckus. If he wishes to meddle with what is mine, then I will meddle with what is his! It's justice."

"And I'm not going to take chances, Shadow. If you want to be useful, keep the suggestions to yourself. You stand between Sonic and Amy, no doubt he'll come for her first."

Rouge had since grown quiet. Amy was a nice girl and Rouge wouldn't wish any harm on her, especially for so little payout. Still, Eggman had all the cards. It was no good standing against him.

Eggman sensed the susceptibility and engaged her first:

"Rouge?"

"Well, what do you want me to do? It seems like you've got it covered."