Shadow X

Robotnik's Return

Robotnik sat at a table, making something on it as sparks flew.

"Two weeks they've kept me trapped here...Two weeks since that rodent did...this." Robotnik stated, looking at his empty left sleeve. He finished his work, not liking it but deciding it would have to do. On the table was what looked to by a crudely made arm with three claws out the end. Two curved up while the other curved down in between, meant for gripping. Robotnik attached his new appendage, making sure that it would work. the "wrist" made a full 360, he opened and closed the "hand" part. "Watch out, rodent. I'm back." Robotnik stated darkly.

Up on the surface, people were still cleaning what was left of Robotnik's base. As one with a blueprint was walking, he looked down and saw the metal floor underneath the sand.

"Hey, I don't remember this..." He said as he bent down to touch the floor when it opened suddenly. He jumped back as out came a massive drill with two small drill on the back side. The body was a dark steel, could be mistaken for black, but had red glass on the cockpit. Suddenly, the two small drills popped out and it was revealed to be engines.

"Did you honestly believe it would be that simple?" Robotnik asked out of the speakers. He rained down bombs before flying away, wanting to send a message. He was back, and he was ready.

.

(2 hours earlier)

"Hey Shadow! We're going to the mall!" Maria exclaimed. She hobbled down the stairs in her blue shirt and white jeans, using a cane to help her. Her leg had been healing quickly enough, and Tails helped by making a robotic casing. Poles on each side of the leg to help stability, while they all connected at the knee in a joint. Maria found Shadow sitting and thinking in the living room. For the past week or so, Shadow had been acting a little...strange. He talked a lot less and went out on his own a lot more. He'd been nicer than before, but he still kept himself distanced. "Shadow?"

Shadow looked up and shook his head. "You guys go on without me."

"Oh no you don't buster." Amy barged in. "Shadow, you've been scowling long enough. It's time you at least tried to act your age again, now come on." 

Shadow simply gave a blank stare before getting up. "I'm going out." He said before blasting out the door. Amy looked a bit down, as did Maria.

On the way to the mall, Maria was still wondering something as she sat in the back of the limo with Tails, Amy, Cream and Cheese. "I wonder why Shadow doesn't want to come with us..." 

Tails spoke up. "Shadow...I don't think he knows how to be normal anymore. He's been fighting Eggman for so long, the concept of taking it easy might not sit right with him."

"But what happens if we get into trouble and Shadow isn't around?" Maria asked.

"I wouldn't worry about that. Shadow is pretty good at arriving just in the nick of time." Tails explained with a chuckle. "You could say he sometimes goes looking for trouble."

"I just wish he wouldn't push himself." Maria said concerned.

"Trust me, Shadow isn't pushing himself right now." Amy said stubbornly. "But why talk about dark and brooding? Are we getting close Ella?" Amy asked and Ella nodded as they came up to the mall. 

As they got to the mall, everyone split into their groups. Amy, Cream, Cheese, and Ella all went to the clothes section. Amy went in the dressing room with several outfits, trying them on. But taking a good look outside the curtain, she saw everyone giving her strange looks, making her fell really...self conscious.

Maria and Tails found collectibles, but Tails started to feel nervous.

"Hey...Maria?" Tails asked, getting her attention. Maria turned to see all eyes on Tails. "I think they're staring at me...WHA-" He yelled as some kid grabbed one of his Tails and dragged him.