All this is really is an adaption of Sonic Rivals 2. It's not a "proper" chapter story, nonetheless, the chapters are written on various points throughout the game.

Be warned... this contains Espilver subtext (as already mentioned), which is very much the main focus. Nothing near the extreme, of course (otherwise it wouldn't be rated T). If that is not your cup of tea, however, then I bid you good day and trust you know where the back button is. As for those who still wish to read on: the chapters will be somewhat short. And of course, there will be mention of blood, foul language, violence... the package of a rated T fanfic.

Last, but certainly not least; if you have any constructive criticism you wish to offer, please, don't be shy.

Theme 1: First Impressions

Within the cloud-scattered skies was a bright and happy sun. A light ocean breeze swept throughout the crystal coast, and played with the lush green leaves of the ever so proud palm trees. Even the haughty flowers continuously bragged about their exotic petals. The large glimmering body of blue relaxed underneath the relaxing warmth of the sun, and occasionally conversing with the sand of a golden, yet lonely, beachside.

Today couldn't have been more perfect.

Upon a hilltop Espio took in all of the aspects Blue Coast had to offer. There was nothing, but peace and tranquility. For long it remained untouched.

That is, before his communicator spontaneously went off.

Rather reluctantly, he pulled his attention away from the scenery and towards the device. He slowly lifted it to his muzzle and held down the button.

Softly, he spoke through the device. "This is Espio, over."

On the other side of the line, through the static waves a muffled – although gruff – voice responded. "Espio, do you read me?" The voice carried an urgent tone, which strangely also had a mild hint of eagerness. "We have a case."

The chameleon blinked in surprise. It had been so long since their last case, and business had been unbearably slow. With the poor income and being behind a ridiculous amount of rent, it had always been a wonder how they still have a roof over their heads.

It was exciting for him as well. Most days have been spent doing absolutely nothing, it was about time that it changed.

With newfound interest in the call, the chameleon asked, "What about, Vector?"

Vector, who had contacted him, spoke once again, the graveness in his tone seemed to of had a slight increase. "Chao have been disappearing out of the blue lately, and I think I may know the suspect." Espio remained silent and waited for the crocodile to continue. "A white hedgehog, who goes by the name Silver. Ever since he showed up, Chao have been gone missing. I'll bet my headphones that he has somethin' to do with it…" It was bizarre how this Silver character seemed interested in the Chao. If he is the one behind it, why would that be? Is it a possibility that he was in acquaintance with Dr. Eggman? Is he some psychopath with his own twisted agenda?

There was only one way to find out.

"I need you to keep an eye on him, he could be trouble. We need to catch him in the act, or at the very least find some kind of evidence."

"Roger that. I'll go undercover and see what I can find." It was simple. Within no time, he thought, he will discover everything they need to know.

If everything were to go as planned, anyhow…

"Hey, chameleon!" Espio jumped, after being called on so suddenly – and quite loudly. He turned around, and before him stood a white hedgehog, just as described by Vector. The hedgehog wore navy boots with a single white stripe down the middle of each boot, the toecaps however were teal. He also wore golden cuffs, both on his wrists and atop his boots, with glowing cyan lines. A ruby red gem was inset on a gold tab on the front of his boots.

Everything about him seemed abnormal… and it wasn't just his quills that stood proudly atop his head, with two long quills hanging in the back. And also, his gloves, with odd glowing circular symbols on both the back and the palm. Although an admirable get-up, it was the most eccentric he's ever seen.

"Have you seen any Chao around here?"

On the other side of the line Espio heard Vector gasp something. However, he had already snapped out of his stupor when the hedgehog spoke again.

Only, he couldn't reply fast enough.

"Ch-Chao? Well… um…"

"You… know where they are, don't you?"

"I… uh…" Under the hedgehog's accusing stare, the chameleon found himself in a tight squeeze. He tried to answer quickly to eliminate suspicion, which resulted in his words coming out as stutters. He cursed himself for being caught off guard sooner than he ever should. "Well, I guess… Maybe I know something… Um, well, no… not really…"

In return, he was given an awkward stare. He had already failed one task. "You're strange… maybe too strange for my liking."

"How ironic… I mean – you're horribly mistaken! I –" he caught himself. "I… shouldn't have to explain myself to the likes of you. Be gone."

Silver blinked, seemingly taken aback by the chameleon's sudden change of tone. With his glare still fixated on him, Espio began to take a couple of steps back. "W-wait a minute!" Before anything else was said and done, Espio vanished, blending in with everything else around him. Immediately he used the advantage to make his escape.

"Hey! Where did you go?!" Espio hid behind a nearby pillar, still invisible. He turned his head slightly to watch the hedgehog search frantically for him. Already he began to make his leave…

…Until a wooden object suddenly crashed beside him.

'Whoa!' His heart raced as jumped back behind the pillar. He stared at the remains of what – he guessed – was a wooden crate. Looking back at Silver, Espio felt himself trembling upon witnessing a sight he hasn't ever before seen. He found the hedgehog surrounded in a cyan aura with several objects floating around him in the same condition.

With a fierce expression on his muzzle he roared, "If you won't come out from hiding, I'll just find you myself!"

Another crate came flying by – grey with a star symbol on it – which bounced off of a nearby wall and tumbled to the ground in front of him. His breaths became quick and sharp, having his gaze switch between the fallen crate and the enraged hedgehog. Were he to make his escape it would have to be quick and quiet – like the breeze passing by, carrying the scent of the ocean with it.

But unlike the wind, he shall leave no trace. Like a ninja, he would be unseen and unheard.

The promise was given by his first step…

"Espio! What's goin' on over there?"

Silver jumped. "What the?!"

'Damn it…' It wasn't until now when the chameleon realized that he had still left his communicator on. To make matters worse, the crocodile seemed to have felt the need to shout – which only accomplished in blowing his cover and startling all of the nearby seagulls – in spite of him already being loud enough with just his regular tone.

Left without any other options, he began to run.

However, something hard abruptly slammed against his back, which sent him flying into a nearby wall. He landed on the pavement facing upward, his vision already blurred in spite of help from the sun. His communicator landed beside him, also facing upward. Although it hadn't broken to pieces right there and then, surprisingly, he was uncertain whether or not it really was broken.

"E-ESPIO!" He could hear Vector scream loud and clear from the background. At the very least, and quite thankfully, it wasn't broken after all. As for himself, he wasn't so sure…

Espio got on all fours as he struggled to stand, let alone see properly. He picked his head up to see the white hedgehog walking towards him. Silver was leaning over him, looking down at him with his narrowed eyes - golden orbs that burned with a passion of flames within.

His tone, however, was neutral. "We need to talk."

Espio recoiled. "G-get away from me!" he winced from his injury as he attempted to crawl away quickly.

"Hey! Wait a second!" He chased him as the chameleon tried to get away. Unfortunately, Silver already caught up to him with little to no effort.

Desperate and frustrated, Espio turned around and sent a kick upwards, striking the hedgehog in the stomach. Silver was sent flying back before he landed on the pavement, being blinded by the sun. This time Espio wasted no time in blending once more with his surroundings. He grabbed his communicator and shut it off before running away from his attacker.

Wincing and clutching onto his stomach with one hand, Silver had his other outstretched in front of him as he called out in a weak tone, "C-come back…" He searched frantically for any signs of the chameleon. When he couldn't find anything, he slammed his fist onto the ground, growling in mild frustration.