Sonic and EQG: Total Eclipse

by SonicAKG

A Shadow in the Dark

A Shadow in the Dark

The team had decided to move further across the planet in search for more any more red trees or Eclipse and Shadow. However, Yacker had insisted that he go with them, much to their surprise as he floated before them.

"Oh, I'm not so sure if that's such a good idea." Sunset told him. "The alien we are looking for is very dangerous and if we come across any of the trees, you could get hurt as well."

Yacker responded by making a bunch of warbling noises, which Rouge then translated from the Miles Electric.

"He says that he can keep up and that this is his problem too because it's his planet." Rouge said for Yacker, who nodded in agreement. She then turned to Yacker.

"Sorry to break it to you, but I'm with her. The Black Arms are a threat and it's too risky for you. Also, no offense, you might get in the way." Rouge broke to him, making him look down with a disappointed look.

"But what you can do is fly around and tell the other members of your race to steer clear of the red fruits and get somewhere safe." Starlight said to Yacker, which made him lift his head up as he happily nodded at that idea.

Yacker then flew high up in the air and then took off as the team watched him leave.

"Bye!!!! See you soon!" Pinkie happily waved as Yacker disappeared from sight.

"May we start moving now? I wish for more things for me and the pink one to destroy." Omega asked as Pinkie seemed a little taken back by his comment.

"Yes, yes, we can. Don't worry, Omega. No one's going to steal your targets." Rouge said with a handwave. "Anyway, let's move out."

The party then prepared to make their way across Planet Wisp. However, before they could move, Omega was suddenly knocked over by a yellow streak, much to everyone else's confusion.

"Who did that?!" He demanded as he stood up and readied his arm cannon. "Identify yourself so I may terminate you."

The yellow streak then stopped moving and skid against the floor, revealing itself in the process. The team then looked on with dismay when they saw who it was. It was Shadow, who stood up straight while looking at them with an emotionless expression.

"Shadow..." Pinkie said in a soft voice as he stood them down.

"Oh no...what did Eclipse do to him?" Sunset expressed with discomfort as she put her hand to her mouth.

Rouge then took a slight step forward towards Shadow.

"Shadow, listen to me, the Black Arms have tried to get into your head before and you've beaten them. You have to fight it, Shadow. Don't let them win." Rouge pleaded as she stuck her hand out towards Shadow

Shadow responded by dashing towards Rouge and her team. However, Omega released a series of bullets towards him, putting Shadow on the edge as he had to move around in order to avoid them.

"Shadow, desist." Omega stated as he fired towards him. "Otherwise, I-

Before Omega could finish his sentence, Shadow then turned into a yellow streak and knocked him backward before he turned back to normal. Suddenly, Rouge came down with a powerful kick towards Shadow, who blocked it using his right hand. With his other hand, Shadow grabbed Rouge's leg and slammed her down on the floor. He lifted her up and then smashed her down once more. Shadow picked Rouge up again and kicked her to the side, causing Rouge to grunt slightly. He then created a Chaos Spear in his hand and prepared to fire it at her. Before he could, Pinkie tossed an explosive towards Shadow, who narrowly avoided it as he jumped back. Pinkie was now faced to face with Shadow and wore a melancholic look.

"Shadow, please. Don't you recognize us? We're your friends, remember?" Pinkie questioned.

Shadow's answer was to immediately charge towards Pinkie and grab her by the collar. He then pinned towards a nearby wall and lifted her up as Pinkie looked on in disbelief at Shadow's merciless expression.

"Shadow....please....don't..."Pinkie begged as Shadow recreated his Chaos Spear and prepared to stab her with it.

Suddenly, Starlight leaped onto Shadow as she wrapped around his arm, startling him as he moved back and let go of Pinkie Pie.

"Shadow, you can't! I don't know you that well, in fact, I don't even know you at all. But I do know that you would never hurt your friends!" Starlight frantically yelled.

Shadow then tossed Starlight to the floor with great force as he shook his arm. She then looked up with fright to see Shadow walking towards her with his spear. However, Sunset came in between the two of them and she made a defensive position as she stuck her hands out.

"Shadow, Rouge is right. You have to fight this mind control. You're much stronger than this. I know you can break free. " Sunset said as she tried to reason with him.

Unfortunately, her words fell on deaf ears as Shadow was about to launch his weapon. Luckily, Rouge did a spiral kick as she hit him in the back, causing the spear to vanish as Shadow stumbled forward. Omega then came and tried to smash Shadow, who jumped to dodge it. Omega then backhanded Shadow with great force, blowing him back before he landed on his two feet as he slid back.

"This isn't working. We aren't getting through to him." Rouge said with worry.

"This mind control must be powerful. It's like Shadow's just a robot now." Sunset said before she realized Omega was behind her. "Oh, no offense."

"Worry not, fleshie. I do not suffer from these defects you call 'feelings'." Omega told her as Sunset slightly lowered her eyes.

"In the meantime, the situation is not completely negative. I get to test my strength against Shadow." Omega added with a hint of joy before he turned his arms into flamethrowers.

Starlight then turned to Rouge with a skeptical look.

"Are you sure he's on our side?" She asked about Omega while Rouge slightly smirked.

"He just takes the bad guy fighting a little too seriously," Rouge answered

"We can't give up on Shadow. There has to be something we can do." Pinkie said with frustration and determination.

Omega fired two streams of flames at Shadow, who dashed away from them as Omega pursued him with them. Shadow skated up a small mountain arc and vanished in a green flash.

"Teleporting! Look ou-" Rouge said before Shadow appeared above her team and released a blazing kick at Omega, who just managed to block it barely. Rouge then responded with a powerful kick of her own, which collided with Shadow's fist, blowing the both of them away.

"We can't waste more time fighting with Shadow. The longer this takes, the more time Eclipse has to poison the planet." Sunset brought up.

"I know, but Shadow's stubbornness combined with mind control is a really bad combination." Rouge dryly said.

Pinkie looked to be in deep thought before suddenly her face perked up.

"I have an idea!" Pinkie said out loud as she took a few steps forward closer to Shadow.

"Hey, Shadow! What's wrong? If you are as good as you say, then why are we still around?" Pinkie mocked before she stuck her tongue out.

"Pinkie, is that really a good idea?" Starlight questioned.

Shadow's face didn't respond to her taunting. However, he did charge forward with a small boost from his rocket skates. As he was, Pinkie loaded some explosives into her party cannon before she aimed towards the ground and fired, creating a large pink explosion just as Shadow reached the team. The result was a giant pink smoke cloud which Shadow was caught in and it began to expand around the area. Shadow then let out a series of coughs before he opened his eyes. It didn't help him much as he couldn't see anything around him. He started to look around for his targets, but it was no luck.

"Sorry, Shadow!" Rouge suddenly said as she came from the back and released a downward kick on Shadow's back, blowing him forward as he slid down on the ground. He then turned back with a look of fury but he still couldn't see Rouge.

"Hey, Shady, over here!" He heard Pinkie's voice say from his right, making him turn there. Shadow then charged towards the sound of her voice as a yellow streak.

However, what Shadow collided with was not Pinkie, but rather, into the arm cannon of Omega. Omega then jumped up in the air and then launched Shadow downward into the ground, making a large crack in the ground which blew the smoke away, revealing the entire team. Before Shadow could get up, Omega came and pinned him to the ground his colossal strength using both arms. The rest of the team then revealed themselves shortly after as they walked forward to the subdued Shadow.

"That was good thinking." Rouge said to Pinkie as she gave her a playful nudge, making Pinkie beam. "But even if we won, he's still under Eclipses mind control."

"I suggest I inflict more trauma to the head. Perhaps it may help." Omega suggested.

"Yeah, that's not happening." Sunset said as she came in front of Shadow and raised her hand.

"I think you should let me handle this. When I touch people, I can see inside their memories, thoughts, and feelings. If I can see in Shadow's head, maybe I can help snap him out of it." Sunset explained before she took a deep breath. She then touched Shadow's head, making her eyes turn white.

---

Sunset found herself floating in a dark void, making her look around frantically in a confused manner.

"This is the inside of Shadow's mind?" Sunset said to herself. "I can't see a thing."

Sunset started to float through Shadow's subconscious, hoping to perhaps find something. As she was, she noticed a faint red light that was up ahead on her right, causing her to turn in its direction.

"Hmmm, could that be something?" She wondered as she started to fly towards it.

Sunset got closer to the red signal and when she saw what it was, she gasped. The light contained Shadow, who was suspended mid-air with his head down and his eyes closed.

"Shadow! Thank goodness!" Sunset expressed with relief as she floated towards him. "Shadow, can you hear me? It's Sunset."

Suddenly, a giant black and purple one eyed starfish-like organism revealed itself above Sunset, much to her shock. It's eye was generating the red light that held Shadow.

"Shadow belongs to the Black Arms!" The eye stated as it released a blinding red flash, which stunned Sunset.

"Arrrgh!" Sunset yelled as she was blown back by the force of the eye.

---

In the real world, Sunset started to pant heavily and appeared to be in pain, much to the concern of the others.

"Sunset, are you ok?!" Starlight asked as she put her hands on her shoulder.

"It's=.aaahhhhh! The mind control....it's...too...strong!" Sunset expressed as she started to fall down to her knees.

"Hey, hang in there." Rouge said as she knelt down to check on Sunset.

"I...can't...... do it alone..." Sunset expressed as she struggled.

"You don't have to! We're here to help, remember?" Pinkie stated as she took a hold of Sunset's free hand, which made her eyes glow as well. Seeing this made Rouge slightly confused and Starlight realize what's going on.

"I get it. With contact, we can provide Sunset support to help save Shadow." Starlight said before she turned to Rouge. "Take my hand."

Rouge did as she was told and then stuck her other hand to Omega.

"Omega, hold my hand." Rogue requested.

"Are you certain? I will lose grip of Shadow." Omega responded."And as well, I fear I may catch these 'feelings.'

"Just do it!" Rouge said impatiently, which Omega did reluctantly.

With that done, Starlight used her free hand to grab Pinkies, causing her, Rouge and Omega's eyes to flash.

---

Back inside Shadow's mind, Sunset was panting and gave a tired expression as she stared at the Black Arms eye. Just then, she was joined by Pinkie, Starlight, Rouge, and Omega as they instantly appeared in front of her as she turned to see all of them and sighed in relief.

"I'm glad you're all here. It's that thing which is controlling Shadow." Sunset said as she pointed to the eye for all of them to see.

"It doesn't matter how many of you there are! You are all wasting your time! Shadow is back where he belongs!" The Black Arms eye declared.

"You're wrong. Shadow doesn't belong with you. He belongs with us, his friends. I said it once and I'll say it again, I'm not giving up on him!" Pinkie insisted as the eye squinted due to her persistence.

"Fools!" The eye yelled as it released another binding red flash.

However, with Pinkie and Sunset there, the two of them used their magic to generate a small orange/pink shield, which defended the team against the eye's assault, much to its astonishment.

"What?!" It yelled out in response as its attack ended.

Rouge's eyes then landed on the unconscious Shadow.

"Shadow, I know you can hear me. And I also know you're too stubborn to let yourself be mind-controlled by some starfish. You're the Ultimate Lifeform and you can handle anything thrown at you. So prove it!" Rouge yelled to him.

"While I doubt you could handle me, I am certain you could easily repel some pathetic mind control." Omega added on.

Hearing this caused Shadow to stir slightly as his eye twitched and his hand moved. The team saw this, much to their pleasure.

"It's working! We're getting through to him! Shadow, you heard them? You're too strong to let these aliens mess with your head! Show them that you're in control!" Sunset urged.

"Silence!" The eye commanded as Shadow's body started to move more.

"Shadow, don't listen to anything these aliens tell you. I know you always like to brood and be and alone grumpy most of the time, but that doesn't mean you don't have a place with us. You're our friend and all of us being here for you proves it." Pinkie reminded him, causing Shadow to slightly lift his head up and his motion became freer.

No! Ignore them Shadow! Remember the first human friend you made? She was taken away from you and it caused you so much pain! Is it worth going through all of that for the sake of these worthless earthlings!?" The Black Arms eye questioned.

Shadow began to wince more as he struggled against the red light. It seemed as if though the eye had made a good point.

"Shadow, I can understand what you went through. When I was younger, I was separated from my first friend just like you. It really hurt me and caused me to make a lot of decisions I'm not proud of. I let all that pain control me for so long. But now I know it doesn't have to be like that. Friendship doesn't bring you pain, it brings happiness as I've discovered with all the new friends I've made. And you must know that too." Starlight stated as she pointed to the group.

Starlights words caused Shadow to start to struggle more heavily against the red light created by the eye, much to its dismay.

"No. Shadow, you are our weapon! The key to the Black Arms victory!" The eye stated.

"No, he's not!" Pinkie refuted.

Shadow then began to spread out his arms and legs and raise his head more quickly. His eyes then opened up as he formed a look of determination and clenched his fist.

"She's right. I am Shadow, the Ultimate Lifeform!" He proudly stated. "This is who I am!"

Shadow then released a giant yellow energy wave which dispelled the red light around and engulfed the Black Arms eye.

"Arrrgh!!!!!!!!!!" It screamed as the yellow wave covered everything, making the team cover their eyes due to how bright it was.

---

In the real world, Pinkie and the others opened their eyes and let go of each other's hand as they stumbled back a bit. Rouge then put her hand on her head.

"Ohh...ok, that was way too sappy for my taste." Rogue muttered.

"Did it work?" Starlight asked as she and the others turned to see Shadow, who Omega had one arm placed on.

Shadow's eyes started to open as he groaned out loud. He then opened them fully to see Omega on top of him.

"Omega...can you get your arm off me?" Shadow said weakly, making everyone form smiles at this.

"It appears you're in control, so I will comply." Omega said as he lifted his arm off Shadow, who rose up and dusted himself off. He then faced the party.

"I-" Shadow started to say before he was suddenly tackled by Pinkie, who grabbed him a gigantic bear hug.

"Shadow, you're back to normal!!!!!!! I knew we could save you and we did!!!!!!!!" She shrieked with joy as she hugged him tightly, which caused him to groan.

"Maybe being brainwashed wasn't so bad." He said dryly as he winced while Pinkie continued to hug him.

"Pinkie, let him breathe." Sunset told her as Pinkie then let Shadow go, allowing him to see the others coming to him.

"Finally, welcome back, Shadow." Rouge told him as Shadow slightly looked down with an ashamed look.

"I...I was weak. I let myself fall under Eclipses control." Shadow berated. "And I almost killed you all."

"We knew you wouldn't." Sunset reassured.

"But how could you have been so sure?" He then asked.

"Cuz we're friends silly!" Pinkie reminded him.

"Couldn't have said it any better." Rouge agreed. "Shadow, we've known you long enough to trust you in any situation."

Shadow then rubbed his head before he let out a smirk.

"I guess I owe you all a lot." He said as he looked around at the team.

"Anytime. It was nothing." Starlight told him. "Actually, it was probably one of the most stressful things I've ever done, but you get the idea."

Rouge then nudged Omega. He then let out a reluctant sigh.

"I am too glad Shadow is back to our side and I consider him to be one of the few meat bags I trust." Omega admitted, causing Shadow to smirk again before he then got a serious look on his face.

"Now, then, hugs and kisses aside, I need to end Eclipse!" Shadow said as he clenched his fight tightly.

"Wait a minute. You got mind controlled, went off into space, forced us to go after you and then made us fight you and enter your mind and now that you're back to our side, the first thing you want to do is go off on your own again?" Rouge said to him. "I don't think so."

"I'm with her. Shadow, it's too risky for you to face him on your own. We need to think of a better plan." Sunset agreed.

"We're not debating this. Eclipse has humiliated me and I will have my revenge!" Shadow darkly said. "Besides, someone needs to take care of the Black Arms fruits."

"I do not see why you get to have the alien slaughter all to yourself." Omega questioned.

"He's right though. If we don't get rid of the trees, the planet is in danger." Starlight realized.

Rouge saw that was a valid point and she let out a sigh.

"Fine. We'll head after the trees and you can have Eclipse." Rouge said as her team started to split up for later.

"Are you sure? I-" Sunset started to say before Rouge put her hand on her shoulder.

"I think you know as well as I do that once Shadow's mind's set to something, he'll do it no matter what. And we don't have any more time to waste." Rouge told her. Sunset was stumped but Rouge was right.

"Ok. We'll meet up later." Sunset said as she turned to Shadow.

"Got it.." Shadow said. As he was about to dash off, Pinkie came in front of him, much to his confusion.

"Shadow, Pinkie Promise me you'll meet us later and you won't get caught again?" Pinkie said

"Pinkie, I don-" Shadow started to say before Pinkie cut him off.

"Pinkie Promise." She insisted, making Shadow sigh. He knew she wouldn't let this go.

"Fine. Pinkie Promise" He said as he half heartedly did the motion of cross his heart and stick a cupcake in his eye, making Pinkie beam.

"Alrighty then. See ya later!" She said as she skipped over back over to the others. Shadow then dashed forward with his skates at high speed.

---

In another area of Planet Wisp near the riverbank, the Dark Arms were waiting beside with 2 red eggs right in front of them. Suddenly, Eclipse appeared in a green flash before them, causing them to come back towards him excitedly.

"Settle down. I wasn't gone for too long." He said, though he smiled due to how affectionate they were.

"My plan was a complete success and it didn't even require a battle. These Wisps are so pathetic if the greatest one amongst them didn't even pose a challenge." Eclipse sneered.

Just then, the two eggs where the Dark Arms were near started to stir, getting Eclipses attention as he walked towards them. Cracks then appeared on the eggs before they then hatched, revealing two new Dark Arms. Both of them were dark blue with three tentacles each. One of them's tentacles were pointed and it had spikes coming from its head along with one purple eye and jagged teeth, revealing a purple mouth. The others tentacles were more hexagonal shaped alongside its head as it had 3 glowing gray eyes and a gray mouth. The two of them floated slightly as Eclipse looked pleased and approached them.

"Hello, there little ones. Don't be shy." Eclipse said as petted the two of them. "There's nothing to be afraid of. You're safe. Behind me are your big brothers."

Suddenly, Shadow appeared before Eclipse as he stopped in his tracks, making him the center of attention as Eclipse turned to see him.

"Ah, here is your other brother." Eclipse said as he came to Shadow with a grin. "Shadow, were you successful with your mission?"

"No." Shadow said, much to Eclipses surprise due to him suddenly speaking. Shadow then closed his fist and got into a fighting stance, much to Eclipses horror as he backed away.

"My mission is to protect my planet. And until you are dealt with, it is not over!" Shadow declared.

Author's Note:

Last two Dark Arms belong to http://alphaomegabros.deviantart.com. Used with his permission.

Comments

[sonicandmario826]

Well Shadow is back to normal and is trying to finish Eclipse off. Also good idea to have Starlight relate to Shadow in losing a friend.

[kinghearts]

"May we start moving now? I wish for more things for me and the pink one to destroy." Omega asked as Pinkie seemed a little taken back by his comment.

Someone's got a crush

"She's right. I am Shadow, the Ultimate Lifeform!" He proudly stated. "This is who I am!"

That line is a classic but still sooo badass

"I-" Shadow started to say before he was suddenly tackled by Pinkie, who grabbed him a gigantic bear hug.

"Shadow, you're back to normal!!!!!!! I knew we could save you and we did!!!!!!!!" She shrieked with joy as she hugged him tightly, which caused him to groan.

"Maybe being brainwashed wasn't so bad." He said dryly as he winced while Pinkie continued to hug him.

Come on don't be such a sissy It's just a hug

"Now, then, hugs and kisses aside, I need to end Eclipse!" Shadow said as he clenched his fight tightly.

Yeah save the hugs and kisses for later ... wait how is he going to kiss???

"Fine. Pinkie Promise" He said as he half heartedly did the motion of cross his heart and stick a cupcake in his eye, making Pinkie beam.

...I want art of this so bad right now