- "The moment I lost her, my family was gone forever. The only way to give Maria's life meaning is to destroy the world that took her from me, so I'm burning it all down!"
- ―Gerald Robotnik to Doctor Eggman[src]
The Shadow and Gerald Robotnik's Revenge Plot was a genocidal plot orchestrated by Professor Gerald Robotnik following the death of his granddaughter, Maria Robotnik. With the help of Shadow the Hedgehog, Gerald sought to exact revenge on humanity by attempting to destroy Earth using the Eclipse Cannon.
Following Shadow's escape from Prison Island, he attacked Tokyo and overwhelmed Team Sonic in battle. Seeking answers, they met with Commander Walters, who was killed by a swarm of Robotnik's Flying Eggs. In their attempt to track down Shadow, Team Sonic then allied with Doctor Eggman to track down Shadow but were betrayed when Eggman joined forces with Gerald and Shadow to infiltrate G.U.N. headquarters and deploy the Space Colony ARK to activate the Eclipse Cannon. With the cannon close to destroying the planet, Eggman turned against his grandfather. Joining Team Sonic and a reflective Shadow, who sought to honor Maria's memory, they worked together to save the planet. The mission succeeded, but Eggman and Shadow sacrificed themselves to prevent the ARK's impact, although Shadow managed to survive the explosion.
Background[]
Project Shadow[]
Shadow prepares to test his speed
- "It begins over fifty years ago with a meteor crash in a quiet corner of Oklahoma. The meteorite contained a lifeform. The ultimate lifeform. Shadow's power, his chaos energy, went far beyond any living creature. The scientists who discovered him believed this power would usher in a new era for humanity."
- ―Walters to Team Sonic[src]
Around the 1970s, a meteorite fell in Oklahoma, which was discovered by G.U.N.. They quickly secured the meteorite and transported it to a secret facility, where it was placed in a pod. Inside the asteroid, scientists uncovered Shadow the Hedgehog, a powerful lifeform. Intrigued by Shadow's discovery, the G.U.N. leaders enlisted the renowned scientist Gerald Robotnik to initiate a classified operation called "Project Shadow." Robotnik, who secretly possessed one of Shadow's quills, conducted speed tests alongside his team of scientists, believing that Shadow's Chaos Energy could usher humanity into a new era.
Eventually, Robotnik invited his granddaughter, Maria Robotnik, to live at the laboratory. As Maria skated through the facility, guided by Captain Walters to her room, she stumbled upon Shadow's pod. Shadow cynically ignored her, but to break the tension, Maria drew a rabbit on the pod to cheer him up. This small gesture earned his trust, and when she placed her hand on the pod, Shadow mirrored her action, forming a bond. In the following days, Maria and Shadow spent time together, playing, dancing, and watching movies. One day, Shadow questioned whether he was dangerous and expressed his uncertainty about his origins. Maria comforted him, encouraging him to follow his heart and choose his path. Together, they gazed at the stars, their hands clasped.[1]
Raid of Gerald Robotnik's Laboratory[]
- "I can't get her out of my head. The pain. It's too much"
"And that is why we have to punish them." - ―Shadow the Hedgehog and Gerald Robotnik[src]
Upon discovering the potentially dangerous power of Shadow's Chaos Energy, the G.U.N. leaders decided to orchestrate a raid to capture and contain him. Robotnik, realizing their plan, quickly gathered Shadow and Maria to escape the laboratory. As the trio approached the exit, a soldier attempted to fire his blaster rifle, but Walters intervened, fearing the risk of hitting the children. However, the soldier accidentally pulled the trigger, hitting nearby Chaos Energy tanks and triggering an explosion that killed several scientists and Maria. When Shadow regained consciousness, he and Robotnik stood over Maria's lifeless body, sharing tearful glances over their mutual loss, with Shadow consumed by rage at the death of his closest friend.
Shadow is placed into cryostasis on Prison Island
After the devastating accident, Robotnik was blamed for the incident and arrested, being sent to a top-security prison. Meanwhile, G.U.N. soldiers surrounded Shadow and placed him in a containment cage. Since Shadow was deemed too dangerous to be free but too valuable to eliminate, Walters was ordered to confine him in a cryo-pod to keep him in cryostasis on Prison Island, Japan. Shadow was transferred to the facility, but before being placed in stasis, he glared at Walters with rage before activating the indefinite cryostasis himself. G.U.N. left several soldiers to guard the prison. In the years that followed, Shadow dreamt of Maria's death, causing him constant and profound emotional pain.
Robotnik draws the plans for the Eclipse Cannon
During his imprisonment, Robotnik, who managed to live to the age of 110 with the help of Shadow's quill, descended into madness over Maria's tragic death. He developed a massive hatred not only for G.U.N. but for all of humanity, desiring to annihilate them out of spite. Plotting his revenge, Robotnik made a deal with the G.U.N. leaders, offering to design the Eclipse Cannon, a powerful weapon capable of causing massive destruction within a wide radius, by drawing up its plans from his cell in exchange for guaranteed freedom. However, Robotnik secretly planned to use the cannon to destroy Earth after it was activated, ensuring his revenge before leaving the prison. After the creation of the Space Colony ARK, the G.U.N. scientists secretly hid it beneath the River Thames and designed two keycards to activate its cannon. One keycard was entrusted to the now Commander Walters, while the other was secured within the G.U.N. headquarters.[1]
Revenge Plot[]
Escape from Prison Island[]
Shadow escapes from Prison Island
- "2024? I've been trapped for fifty years?!"
"We have you surrounded!"
"Why... won't you leave me... alone?!" - ―Shadow the Hedgehog and G.U.N. Soldier[src]
In 2024, Shadow remained in stasis within his cryo-pod, tormented by memories of Maria while being monitored by G.U.N. soldier Kyle Lancebottom. Suddenly, Robotnik hijacked the systems of Prison Island, awakening Shadow from his deep slumber and allowing him to break free by destroying his cryo-pod. A squad of G.U.N. soldiers attempted to shoot him, but Shadow was able to teleport and defeat all the guards. Blasting a hole through the prison, Shadow began running across the water, heading angrily toward Tokyo, Japan.[1]
Upon arriving in Tokyo, Shadow first scaled the Rainbow Bridge, surveying the area, only to be confronted by G.U.N., who ordered him to surrender. Scoffing at their demands, Shadow grinded down the bridge's suspension cables and continued skating toward Shibuya Crossing. There, he was momentarily distracted by a woman passing by who bore an uncanny resemblance to Maria.[2] Shadow then noticed a digital billboard displaying the year 2024, much to his shock, realizing he had been asleep for fifty years. Before he could process the revelation, he was surrounded by a G.U.N. squad and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, who demanded his surrender. Irritated at being denied a moment to grieve in peace, Shadow confronted them, effortlessly defeating all the soldiers and causing massive destruction at the crossing.[1]
Battle of Tokyo[]
Team Sonic jumps out of the G.U.N. helicopter to Shibuya Crossing
- "Why are you running away? We were just getting started!"
"The more you talk, the harder I want to hit you!" - ―Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow the Hedgehog[src]
Due to the trail of destruction left by Shadow in Shibuya, Walters ordered Director Rockwell to travel to Green Hills and recruit Team Sonic for support against him. Through a ring portal, the team was transported via a G.U.N. Helicopter to Tokyo, where Tails equipped Sonic the Hedgehog with Titanium Handcuffs to capture Shadow. The trio jumped out of the helicopter, landing in Shibuya and noticing that several soldiers had been easily defeated. Suddenly, Shadow appeared before them, prompting Sonic to make a joke about their resemblance and attempt to reason with him, but Shadow reprimanded them for falling out of the G.U.N. helicopter, warning them to leave if they didn't want to get hurt.
Sonic and Shadow chase each other up the Tokyo Skytree
When Shadow attempted to retreat, Knuckles the Echidna charged at him to strike, but just before landing the blow, Shadow teleported in front of him and managed to stop his fist, swiftly kicking him around in the air before throwing him to the ground. The team regrouped to try facing him in a coordinated manner, but Shadow easily defeated them. As Shadow escaped on a G.U.N. motorcycle and using a laser gun, he warned them not to follow, though Sonic, ignoring Tails' caution, chased him through Tokyo, dodging his attacks until they teleported to the Tokyo Skytree. Both jumped with their Chaos Energy and clashed, causing a brief blackout, though Sonic ultimately was defeated. Waking up handcuffed, Sonic was freed by Tails and Knuckles, who expressed concerns about the true nature of Shadow. With doubts lingering, Sonic decided to seek answers from G.U.N. Tails suggested the perfect place for them to meet up.[1]
Attack on Walters[]
Team Sonic and Walters are attacked by the Flying Eggs
- "Sonic... Take this."
"What is it?"
"A key, to the most powerful weapon G.U.N. has ever built. You're the only one I trust to keep it safe." - ―Walters and Sonic the Hedgehog[src]
Following Tails' suggestion, Team Sonic headed to the Chao Garden, a popular establishment in Tokyo, where they were photographed and Tails was playfully teased about his resemblance to Detective Pikachu. Later, Walters arrived at their table and shared the backstory of Shadow, comparing it to Sonic's story in both similar and different ways, emphasizing the pain and loss Shadow had endured, starting with Project Shadow and culminating in the tragic raid that led to his cryostasis. Sonic deduced that someone must have awakened Shadow before they had the chance to investigate further. However, their conversation was interrupted when a horde of Flying Eggs, hijacked by Robotnik, attacked the restaurant with missiles.
Team Sonic is saved by Stone
Team Sonic was surrounded by the Flying Eggs, wondering who was controlling them given the presumed death of Doctor Eggman. However, before the drones could fire their missiles, a mysterious motorcyclist appeared inside the Chao Garden. Using his advanced gauntlets, the motorcyclist fired several discs to deactivate the drones, saving the team. Sonic, confused by the stranger's identity, watched as the mysterious figure withdrew from the area after disabling the drones.
Rockwell blames Team Sonic for the attack
Amid the rubble, the team found an injured Walters, who used his remaining strength to entrust Sonic with his Eclipse Cannon keycard, begging him to protect it no matter what before passing away. Alarmed, Team Sonic fled the restaurant, donning Chao masks for cover. Meanwhile, Rockwell and her platoon arrived at the destroyed restaurant searching for Walters, only to find him lifeless. Rockwell soon realized that the keycard was missing from Walters' pocket and, noticing that a photo of the team was in its place, she quickly blamed them for the attack.[1]
Recruiting Doctor Eggman[]
The Mecha Crab is revealed to Team Sonic
- "Perhaps the fox is right. It could be our only chance to find this mysterious, more impressive hedgehog."
"Alright, Egghead, I hate to say it, but it looks like we're partners."
"On one condition." - ―Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic the Hedgehog and Doctor Eggman[src]
After escaping from the Chao Garden, Sonic told his friends that they couldn't trust G.U.N. according to Walters, so they decided to search for answers on their own. They began pursuing the motorcyclist until they reached Tokyo Bay, where they managed to corner him. The motorcyclist revealed himself to be agent Stone, whom Knuckles quickly recognized as Eggman's assistant. Sonic accused Stone of awakening Shadow, but Stone denied the accusation, stating that neither he nor Eggman were involved. He then invited them to enter the Mecha Crab, which he deployed from the bay, to show them the truth.
Inside the Crab, Team Sonic reunited with Eggman, who had fallen into a depressive spiral and gained weight after his previous defeat at the hands of the team. Stone showed Eggman footage of the Flying Eggs attack on the Chao Garden, which triggered Eggman's fury. Angered by the misuse of his drones, Eggman tracked down the impostor's base of operations. Tails and Knuckles noticed that Shadow might also be at the base, suggesting that Sonic form an alliance with Eggman. Reluctantly, Sonic agreed and handed Eggman a quill to seal the deal. Eggman, now motivated, began preparing his suit for the mission.[1]
Search for Gerald Robotnik[]
Arrival in Gerald Robotnik's Laboratory[]
Sonic and Eggman arrive at Gerald Robotnik's Laboratory
- "I know. We should split up. Everyone with hideous brightly colored fur, take the left and the middle. Stone and I will go right."
"No, no, no, no, no. I'm not letting you out of my sight. Tails, you and Stone go left. Knuckles, you take the middle. Eggman, you and me go right."
"By all means. We can use some time together to work on your trust issues." - ―Doctor Eggman and Sonic the Hedgehog[src]
Later, Shadow returned to the destroyed laboratory, where he wandered through the wreckage and found Maria's old belongings, suffering once again as he gazed at his pod. Suddenly, Robotnik appeared before him, revealing his revenge plot to Shadow, explaining how he planned to punish humanity. Through a ring portal, Sonic and Eggman arrived at the facility, agreeing to end things quickly due to their mutual hatred, while Team Sonic and Stone followed closely behind. Knuckles, not wanting to waste time, punched down the door to enter.
Team Sonic, Eggman and Stone separate
Inside the facility, Team Sonic, Eggman, and Stone navigated through the destroyed lab, surrounded by numerous debris. This caught Shadow’s attention, and he tried to step in to defend the area, but Robotnik stopped him, declaring that they were the guests he had attracted after the attack on Walters, ordering Shadow to give them a "warm welcome." As they continued through the lab, Knuckles briefly wondered if they were encountering ghosts causing Stone to mock him, but soon the group found themselves split by three doors. Sonic suggested they divide into three teams: Knuckles would head to the center, Tails and Stone would go to the left, and Sonic and Eggman would take the right to keep an eye on him.
Individually, Shadow startled Knuckles, Tails, and Stone, capturing them with ease. While investigating, Sonic and Eggman discovered a room in the lab and realized that Shadow had a home and family with Maria before the accident. Sonic pondered aloud that if Eggman had had a family, maybe he wouldn't have become a villain, a comment Eggman quickly denied, stating that he saw himself as undesirable to any gender. As they moved away from the area, Sonic entered the room where Shadow's pod was located, asking what had happened in that place. However, Shadow teleported behind him and knocked him out in a fit of rage.[1]
Robotnik Family Reunion[]
- "I spent years trying to cleanse the cosmos of that spiny blue speed freak. And you did it... in one afternoon."
"There's nothing we can't destroy together, my boy." - ―Doctor Eggman and Gerald Robotnik[src]
While searching for Sonic to continue sharing his traumas, Eggman happily discovered his Flying Eggs before encountering Robotnik, who revealed that he had hijacked Eggman's drones to lure him in and disclosed that he was his grandfather. Eggman, unable to believe it despite the familial connection, began asking Robotnik advanced intelligence questions, which Robotnik answered swiftly, making it clear to Eggman that they were family. They shared an embrace before Robotnik told his grandson that he hadn't been able to meet him, having been imprisoned for fifty years in a secret prison. Robotnik then decided to tell Eggman more about their shared history while guiding him through the laboratory, much to Eggman's delight as he discovered his long-lost grandfather.
Team Sonic tries to escape the black hole
Team Sonic was bound to a chain in a tube by Shadow. Upon awakening, Sonic discovered that Eggman had betrayed the team, forming an alliance with Robotnik. It was revealed that Robotnik had been the one to awaken Shadow and attack Walters. Shadow managed to take the keycard from Tails' backpack and handed it to Robotnik, explaining the presumed plot of "Team Robotnik:" infiltrating the G.U.N. HQ in London, England, to acquire the second keycard and gain control of the Space Colony ARK, where they would deploy the Eclipse Cannon to destroy the HQ. Team Robotnik, along with Stone, then left in the Mecha Crab, while Shadow deployed a Black Hole Orb energized by Chaos Energy, creating a mini black hole that would consume all matter in the area, including Team Sonic. While Knuckles chewed on a cable, Sonic was able to use Tails' ring to open a portal and they managed to save themselves while watching the laboratory be consumed.
In the distance, Eggman praised Robotnik for killing Sonic in a single day, something Eggman had failed to do. Robotnik replied that there would be nothing they couldn't destroy together. Stone then activated the Crab, setting it on course for London, with a travel time of four hours. Seeing this as an opportunity to manipulate Eggman, Robotnik decided to make the most of the time by offering to spend some quality time together, presenting it as a family bonding experience. Eggman, without hesitation, agreed. Both of them used virtual reality glasses to engage in various imaginative activities, such as visiting an amusement park, teaching Eggman how to ride a bike, celebrating Eggman's "birthday," Halloween, and Christmas, and watching fireworks. Meanwhile, Stone, left out of the activities, grew jealous of the growing bond between his boss and his grandfather.[1]
Infiltration into G.U.N. Headquarters[]
Delving into the G.U.N. HQ[]
Tom and Maddie infiltrate the G.U.N. Headquarters
- "Take it out and blow on it."
"Yes!"
"Oh, come on, Tom. There's absolutely no scientific evidence to support... Never mind. It worked." - ―Tom Wachowski, Maddie Wachowski and Tails[src]
Using a ring portal, Team Sonic teleported to the Wachowski Residence to urgently request Tom and Maddie Wachowski's help with their mission, a request the couple eagerly accepted, craving some action. Tails explained the plan: the Wachowskis would infiltrate the G.U.N. HQ to insert a USB that would disable the defenses, allowing Sonic to access the vault and retrieve the keycard, while Knuckles remained on standby to break through the HQ's force field in case of an emergency. Upon arriving in London, Tom and Maddie, disguised as Randall Handel and Rachel, successfully gained access to the server room by evading Rockwell and connected the USB after blowing on it, successfully linking it to Tails' laptop. However, the Wachowskis alerted the team that there was another USB with a big mustache, realizing that Team Robotnik also infiltrated it.
With the help of a pair of spandex suits, Eggman and Robotnik activated their invisibility mode to evade the G.U.N. agents, successfully making their way into the laser hallway. There, Eggman demonstrated to Robotnik that the suits could withstand the lasers using thermal energy, which greatly impressed Robotnik. Observing how effortlessly they could reach the vault, Robotnik jokingly suggested they could make it there while dancing, a challenge Eggman accepted as they began to dance, taking advantage of their ample time. Meanwhile, Tails intercepted a transmission from the Mecha Crab, overhearing Stone reacting in confusion to Shadow's remark that, once their mission was complete, they wouldn't rule the world.
Sonic tries to enter the G.U.N. Headquarters
Seizing the opportunity, Tails hijacked the Crab's systems, activating London's sewer pipes in an attempt to flood and disable the badnik. As Team Robotnik approached the vault, Sonic decided to hurry and stop them. However, before heading to the G.U.N. HQ, whose force field had been temporarily disabled, he took a moment to visit a few iconic landmarks in London. Despite his friends' warnings, Sonic sprinted toward the HQ just as the force field began to reactivate, leaving him alarmed at the risk of being cut off. At the last moment, Tails flew in and hurled Sonic through the narrowing gap, allowing him to enter just before the force field sealed shut. Once inside, Sonic quickly evaded the agents and dashed toward the laser hallway to intercept Team Robotnik.[1]
Rockwell's Trap[]
- "Enough! It's over. The only way you're leaving here is in handcuffs. There's no other way out."
"You know, there might be one other way out."
"And what is that supposed to be?"
"Big guy, I think it's time to..."
"Break glass in case of emergency!" - ―Rockwell, Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna[src]
Successfully, Eggman and Robotnik reached the vault and spotted the keycard, attempting to retrieve it just as Sonic discovered them. However, they were caught in a variable gravity system activated by Rockwell through her tablet. She revealed it was a security measure to prevent both Team Sonic and Team Robotnik from obtaining the keycard to activate the Eclipse Cannon. Rockwell also disclosed that she had captured Tails, Maddie and Tom. Threatening to arrest everyone for their infiltration, Rockwell's plans were interrupted when Sonic alerted Knuckles to intervene. Following Sonic's command, Knuckles destroyed the force field using the Flames of Disaster and stormed into the vault.
Sonic destroys a giant boulder
Knuckles quickly grabbed Rockwell's tablet and accidentally damaged it, causing various disruptions in the system. As the keycard fell to the ground, Rockwell and Eggman scrambled to retrieve it. Meanwhile, when the Wachowskis and Tails were at risk of being crushed by a giant boulder, Sonic transformed into a ball on the floor, breaking free from the system's effects. He managed to deactivate the system and destroy the boulder, saving his family. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Rockwell moved swiftly to block Eggman from grabbing the keycard.
Rockwell retreated with the keycard, ordering her subordinates to handle the chaos and imprison Team Robotnik. Knowing that Rockwell would hide the keycard elsewhere, Tom decided to intervene. Using Tails' holographic device to wears Walters's likeness, he confronted Rockwell in a hallway, claiming he had survived his injuries and demanding she hand over the keycard. Reluctantly, Rockwell complied before Tom distracted her further by instructing her to call for reinforcements to deal with the situation.[1]
Space Colony ARK's Deployment[]
Team Robotnik deploys the Space Colony ARK
- "Do the honors, grandson."
"Here we go." - ―Gerald Robotnik and Doctor Eggman[src]
Tom attempted to contact Team Sonic to escape after obtaining the keycard, but Shadow teleported in front of him, mistaking him for Walters, and struck his chest, leaving him gravely injured and taking the keycard. Sonic reached Tom's unconscious body, deeply worried about his condition and pleading for him to wake up, while Shadow, realizing his mistake, reflected on the similar pain he felt after Maria's death and teleported away, leaving Sonic furious as Maddie and the team surrounded Tom. Meanwhile, Shadow rescued Eggman and Robotnik, transporting them to the Space Colony ARK, where Robotnik deployed the Nanosuits for himself and Eggman. After dismissing Stone due to his suspicions about Robotnik, Eggman installed the two keycards in the ARK, which was launched from the River Thames, and the trio headed into space in full view of everyone.
Sonic demands the Master Emerald from Knuckles
After the incident, Tom was taken by paramedics, accompanied by a worried Maddie. While Tails and Knuckles tried to console him, Sonic, furious at Shadow for injuring Tom, argued with Knuckles, demanding to know where the Master Emerald was to stop Team Robotnik. However, Knuckles refused, stating that the relic should not be used for vengeance. Sonic continued to threaten him, ready to fight once more. Finally, Knuckles relented, recalling their oath to trust one another, and revealed that his friend, Wade Whipple, was the current guardian. Using a ring portal, Sonic traveled to the Green Hills Sheriff's Station, where he easily took the emerald from Whipple and activated his super transformation to head into space.[1]
Deploying the Eclipse Cannon[]
Shadow charges Chaos Energy the core of the Space Colony ARK
- "What is that thermonuclear gerbil doing?"
"Infusing the core with chaos energy. That’s my little secret. The 'Eclipse Cannon is about to turn this planet into a flaming pile of rubble, wiping out everything in a 25,000 mile radius... including us."
"WHAT?!?! We can't annihilate the Earth! By combining our genius, we can rule humanity, together!"
"Humanity is a failed experiment. If anyone should know that, it's you. All your life, you’ve been rejected by this world. You have nothing down there. No one who cares about you." - ―Gerald Robotnik and Doctor Eggman[src]
As the Space Colony ARK prepared, revealing its appearance resembling Robotnik's face, Shadow questioned Robotnik if truly destroying Earth is the best way to avenge Maria. However, Robotnik manipulated Shadow's pain, reminding him of the accident caused by G.U.N. that claimed Maria's life and how humanity should pay. Fueled by his anger and thirst for revenge, Shadow harnessed his Chaos Energy to run rapidly around the ARK, fully charging the Eclipse Cannon while Robotnik and Eggman observed. He then revealed the truth of his plot to his grandson. Robotnik explained that once the cannon was ready, it would fire a powerful laser that would divide the planet, and afterward, the ARK would be destroyed with Team Robotnik inside, a plan that left Eggman utterly stunned at the idea of destroying Earth.
Eggman tried to reason with Robotnik's genocidal plot, suggesting that instead of destroying the planet, they could rule humanity together, but Robotnik rejected the idea, chastising Eggman for never having anyone who truly cared about him on Earth. However, Eggman replied that now they could finally be a family, now that they had found each other. Robotnik cruelly rejected his plan, stating that he was not Maria, the one he had considered family before her death, shattering Eggman's feelings. Robotnik revealed that he had developed the plan to give meaning to his granddaughter's death, deciding to annihilate the planet on a whim. Shadow successfully filled the core, to Robotnik's satisfaction, who then set the shot on a 10-minute timer while Shadow vowed to deliver justice for Maria.[1]
Battle for Earth[]
Duel on Earth[]
Super Sonic attacks Super Shadow
- "This whole mess is my fault. I've been so blinded by rage, I thought I had no choice."
"You always have a choice. Making the right one is never easy. One more thing I learned is that when you really screw something up, you can't fix it on your own." - ―Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog[src]
Super Sonic flew at high speed toward the Space Colony ARK, where Eggman noticed it was him by his quills. Super Sonic broke a window of the ARK and quickly grabbed Shadow, threatening to make him pay for injuring Tom. This made Shadow realize that they were similar, both sharing feelings of vengeance before falling to Earth. As they crashed into the ground, creating a massive crater, Shadow struck Super Sonic, knocking the Chaos Emeralds loose. Both managed to reach them, and while Sonic regained his super transformation, he noticed that Shadow also managed to activate his own, leading to an intense battle that spanned across various parts of the planet.
Super Sonic defeats Shadow
During the duel, Super Shadow threw Super Sonic into Greece and began mocking him for abandoning his friends and being driven by revenge, mentioning Tom, which fueled Super Sonic's anger. With a single punch, Super Sonic stripped Super Shadow of his transformation and sent him flying to the Moon. Shadow then begged him to kill him, but Super Sonic retracted, recalling Tom's advice to follow his heart, confusing Shadow. He explained that no one wins with revenge. Opening up to Sonic, Shadow gazed at the stars with him, mentioning that during his cryostasis, he had always dreamed of the painful death of Maria, a pain that Sonic shared for the loss of his former mentor, Longclaw.
Super Sonic and Super Shadow fly towards the Eclipse Cannon
Sonic advised Shadow that, although their loved ones were gone, the love they held for them would forever remain in their hearts. As the sun began to rise, Shadow, moved by Sonic's words, remembered the phrase he had said to Maria while they watched the stars: "The light shines even though the star is gone." As the Eclipse Cannon was preparing, Shadow blamed himself for the disaster and sought to stop Robotnik. Sonic helped him up, acknowledging that the right choice was to save the planet, offering his help in doing so. Now reconciled, the two hedgehogs used the emeralds to activate their super transformations and flew toward the ARK to stop the cannon's shot.[1]
Showdown in Space[]
- "We're out of time. The cannon is about to fire! Where are you?"
"Oh, you know. Just making friends. They're all yours!" - ―Super Shadow and Super Sonic[src]
On the Space Colony ARK, Robotnik grew intrigued by the duel between the hedgehogs, but Eggman, enraged by the truth revealed by his grandfather, deceived him and punched him in the neck, betraying him in an effort to stop his plot. This led to a fierce battle around the ship, with Robotnik using his nanosuit to unleash a nanofist, reprimanding Eggman with a strike to his rear. However, Eggman responded by using a nanodrill to stun him. Just as Eggman moved toward the control center, Robotnik deployed a scorpion exoskeleton to destroy the keycards and attack Eggman. In an unexpected turn, Eggman activated a mantis exoskeleton and managed to cut off a piece of Robotnik's mustache.
Super Sonic and Super Shadow destroying the Gun Hunters
As Eggman taunted Robotnik, the latter, furious over his mustache, shoved him, leaving him hanging from a walkway. Just then, the ARK's system alerted Robotnik that Super Sonic and Super Shadow were approaching the ship. This news deeply disappointed Robotnik, especially regarding Super Shadow's betrayal. In a fit of rage, he deployed a swarm of Gun Hunters from within the ARK to face them. As the robots closed in, Super Sonic and Super Shadow coordinated their attacks, effortlessly destroying most of them with their enhanced powers. As the Gun Hunters kept the duo distracted, Robotnik took the opportunity to mock Eggman.
Robotnik is disintegrated by the Chaos Energy field
Eggman, desperately pleading for mercy, tried to convince him not to throw him into space, but without hesitation, Robotnik opened a hatch on the ARK with his nanoglove. Before Eggman could utter his final words, Robotnik crushed the fingers of his grandson's quill, throwing him into space with a laugh, joking about his death. Unbeknownst to him, Tails and Knuckles opened a ring portal just in time to save Eggman from falling, bringing him back aboard the ARK and transporting behind Robotnik. Filled with bitterness, Eggman used Super Sonic's quill to shock Robotnik's rear, sending him shooting toward the Chaos Energy field where he was swiftly disintegrated.
Super Sonic and Super Shadow stopping the Eclipse Cannon's laser
As the Eclipse Cannon was about to fire, Super Shadow destroyed the last of the Gun Hunters with his Chaos Spears and headed towards the ARK alongside Super Sonic. When the laser shot, the duo managed to hold back the blast. Since the laser couldn't be turned off, Tails and Eggman deduced they needed to change its trajectory. With Knuckles' help, they redirected the shot away from Earth, successfully diverting it from the planet just before Super Sonic lost his transformation. As the cannon's laser was being deflected, Eggman celebrated their triumph, only for him, Tails, and Knuckles to watch in shock as the laser accidentally chipped off a piece of the Moon.[1]
Space Colony ARK's Destruction[]
Eggman stabilizes the Space Colony ARK's core
- "The reactor core is overloading. It's only a matter of time before it blows."
"So, what does that mean for Earth?"
"A radioactive atmosphere. Rain that kills the crops and melts your flesh. Other than that..."
"We're not done here. You try to stabilize the reactor. Buy me some time. I'll push the station away from Earth before it explodes. This is our last chance, to do the right thing." - ―Doctor Eggman and Super Shadow[src]
As Sonic fell towards Earth, Tails and Knuckles decided to use the last ring they had to save him and left the Space Colony ARK to find him. Tails tried to reach Earth's atmosphere but passed out along with Sonic. However, Knuckles managed to save his friends and opened the portal to a cornfield. Meanwhile, on the ARK, Super Shadow teleported in and was informed by Eggman that the core had overcharged, which would cause an explosion that would create a radioactive atmosphere for Earth. Super Shadow convinced Eggman to sacrifice themselves one last time to save the planet. Following the plan, Eggman opened a platform with his nanosuit and set a timer to contain the explosion.
The ARK finally implodes
As Super Shadow removed his limiter rings, he unleashed the full power of his super transformation to propel the ARK far enough from the planet, all while remembering his moments with Maria. Realizing he had enough time, Eggman deployed a mini drone to conduct one last livestream on the digital screens of London, announcing that if he couldn't rule the world, he might as well save it. He then bid farewell to Stone, thanking him for being the only person who cared about him and considered him a "syco-friend," which moved Stone deeply by his boss's heartfelt speech. Successfully, Super Shadow managed to push the ARK far from Earth before the explosion occurred, consuming both Eggman and Super Shadow in the blast.
Team Sonic reconciles
As Team Sonic watched the explosion of the ARK, they silently mourned the heroic sacrifices of Shadow and Eggman. Saddened, Sonic regretted his past vengeful actions, apologizing to Tails and Knuckles, acknowledging that they were the best teammates and friends he could ever ask for, asking if he could be forgiven. In response, Knuckles showed his fist, expressing his respect and finally accepting the name "Team Sonic," which deeply moved Sonic. He was forgiven and quickly embraced Tails and Knuckles, declaring that they simply needed to call themselves "team." After the presumed death of Eggman, Stone, tearfully, bid his final farewell to his best friend.[1]
Aftermath[]
Team Sonic runs in the woods
- "It's great to be back together."
"We're stronger than ever."
"And nothing's gonna stand in our way. Except that one piece of unfinished business." - ―Tails, Knuckles the Echidna and Sonic the Hedgehog[src]
Sometime later, Tom recovered from the hospital wearing a cast and reunited with Team Sonic, Maddie, and Ozzie to organize a new camp at Green Hills to celebrate and make s'mores. With joy, the team shared a happy group hug with the Wachowskis, glad to be reunited and stronger than ever. But Sonic challenged Tails and Knuckles to a fair race, a challenge they gladly accepted, and the team began to race around the woods to see who was the fastest as they headed toward the sunset.
Shadow recovers his Limiter Ring
Unbeknownst to everyone, after the battle, Shadow managed to survive the explosion of the Space Colony ARK with the help of the Chaos Emeralds. He fell to Earth in a crater, where one of his Limiter Rings had fallen. He picked it up and placed it back on his wrist, silently watching the horizon as he contemplated his next move.[1]
References[]
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