Well more Shadow and Black Doom although I should say this stands alone from all my other Shadow and Black Doom stories.

Heavy panting was all that could be heard. A long time had passed since that all ending clang of steel shut out the world but the hedgehog hadn't moved or voiced protest. Outside he could still see the hoard of angry humans pressed against the barbed fences of the G.U.N headquarters as the rattled the chain-link fence and demanded blood. His blood.

"Project Shadow I suggest you move away," The stern voice of the Commander shattered the hedgehog's reflection, "you're only adding to their agitation."

After a moment the ruby eyes tore themselves away from the world outside and the hybrid stood. He could have killed those humans the moment they arrived in their mob; brandishing burning torches and any weapons they could lay their hands on despite the ineffectiveness of a plank of wood or even a gun on the immortal life form. They had proved themselves to be primitive, swarm like creatures in their actions and for reasons unknown it had irritated the hedgehog greatly to see such feral behaviour from an already stagnant species… Swiftly the hedgehog shook himself from that trail of thought; it was far better suited for a former enemy of his. Yes it would have been nice to kill the humans but that wasn't what Maria would have wanted. So Shadow had fled, running wildly for weeks and desperately fighting his own combat training. The futile battle had only been ended by the arrival of a most unlikely ally and, with fight or flight no longer an issue, Shadow had returned to rational thoughts. Mostly.

"I admire their gratitude." The bitter hiss escaped the hybrid's lips before he could stop it.

Wearily, the Commander faced his companion, "They're afraid Agent, the recent disasters are similar to the crisis in Westopolis and, with no Black Arms in sight, you were the easiest to blame."

Shadow growled, "You humans have learned nothing from the ARK."

"If that were true, Project, then I wouldn't be helping you." The Commander's reply held a growl of his own.

Frustration filled the Black Blur, "I can't remain under lock and key forever."

"Then make yourself useful and go and help the research team." Clearly the hedgehog had pushed the human to the limit of his endurance, "I'm not any happier about this arrangement than you are."

Powering up his skates the hedgehog disappeared with a final huff of "Fine."

The G.U.N surveillance room was crammed with agents in their dark uniforms, crowding monitors and viewing tapes. Apart from the all stood the white bat; she was in charge of this team and no news report escaped her sharp ears. The silent steps following the sound of the doors releasing left Rouge with no illusion as to who had just entered her command.

"Hello handsome." She teased lightly, "To what to we owe this pleasure?"

Wordlessly Shadow moved to stand beside his partner.

The bat laughed, "The Commander sent you then."

For a few moments the pair stood side by side, ruby and teal eyes fixed on the wall of screens as terrified citizens faked tears for the camera and the news station's live feed showed the dark mass of red clouds inching closer to the city. G.U.N's own reports of the advancing storm came from the final member of Team Dark; Omega's optics hadn't diverted from the target since his arrival at the drop site.

"If it is the Black Arms Omega will stop them." Rouge's usual flirty tone had vanished in favour of consoling her guilt ridden friend, "Black Doom isn't back, Shadow."

The dark hedgehog frowned and refused to tear his ruby orbs from the scroll of reports flashing across the screen. The harsh accusations against his alien hybrid status had little effect on the hedgehog's thoughts but the knowledge that Black Doom may have returned proved too greater issue to ignore.

"I survived" the hedgehog muttered.

"What?" If it wasn't for the bat's superior hearing she would have missed the remark.

With a quick glance around the surveillance room, Rouge gestured to her team mate to follow her outside. Once the door was closed Rouge turned upon the hedgehog.

"What crazy things are you saying now Shadow?" The teal eyes held an expression of alarm.

The ruby eyes narrowed, "I survived a fall from space." The hybrid frowned, "Black Doom is at least as powerful as I am if not more… sometimes I think I only won because he expected so little from me."

"Shadow…" Rouge hesitantly approached her ally, "You did more damage to Devil Doom than you realise."

Shadow flinched at the mention of the fight and turned away from the bat's touch, "Black Doom had an army to nurse him to health, and he wouldn't have survived so long if he was easily defeated."

Defeated the bat sighed, "Go and rest Shadow, the stress must be affecting you."

As she watched her ebony and red furred friend disappear, Rouge allowed her fear to show, "I hope you are wrong Shadow… if Black Doom is back I don't think we can fight again."