Superhero.

By denotation, it means, "a fictional character who has amazing powers (such as the ability to fly)" or "a very heroic person."

Right away, comic book icons come to mind for many. What if I told you you're thoughts are limited? You need to think broader. Do not limit yourself to what you consider a "superhero." Again, by denotation, one can imply it's anyone with amazing powers.

Now, think outside of comic books, broaden your spectrum of powerful characters...go ahead, do it. Anyone that has one or more remarkable powers, abilities, and/or feats.

The next time you are asked "Who is your favorite superhero," don't think just comic books. Didn't it suck that you couldn't pick a character you really liked, because by "popular definition," they didn't "qualify" as a superhero?

Well, now you know how to answer that question. And hopefully you can try to implement this knowledge into others...

With that said, this is a story about a group of superheroes, under the category of "anthropomorphic superheroes." The word anthropomorphic means "described or thought of as being like humans in appearance, behavior, etc."

Yes, they count as superheroes too...again, broaden your spectrum!

One of these heroes, the main hero, is Sonic The Hedgehog. A blue hedgehog who (contrary to his name) has the ability to run at speeds beyond the speed of sound. Sonic lives in and protects planet Earth, but it was never a place he was supposed to call "home". He comes from a distant planet, planet Mobius.

There was an accident during a mission to stop his arch nemesis, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, better known as Dr. Eggman. Eggman (for short) has always plotted to recreate the entire world to his own liking: a twisted amusement park-themed world. The Doctor has even went as far as capturing animals and trapping them in his robotic minions, who would be armed with various weapons. And if there was anything Mobians cared about most, it was innocent life on their planet.

The accident on Mobius somehow transported Sonic, some fellow Mobian heroes, and Eggman to another planet: Earth. Since then, they've gotten comfortable on Earth, and have not found a way to return to Mobius.

At first, the people of Earth were skeptical of these new "aliens" (except for Eggman, he was the only humanoid on Planet Mobius, so fitting in was no problem), but after proving their worth, Sonic and friends gained the trust of these Earthlings- they were no different than their own Mobians. With this, their desire to return to their old home became a sworn duty to protect their new one.

================================================================

"So Sonic, do you think Shadow will ever come back?" asked Tails.

Miles "Tails" Prower is a golden fox with a golden heart. He is Sonic's best friend and a mechanic/inventor who always comes up with something to help Sonic in his adventures. Sonic and Tails' friendship goes as far back as Mobius.

As a child, Tails was constantly teased for his unique appearance that granted him the nickname- he was born with twin tails. Upon meeting one another, Sonic found Tails as a nuisance, but after Tails proving his loyalty, Sonic took the time to get to know the young fox more, and in time, this awkward duo solidified what would become an unbreakable bond.

The two stopped at the end of a sidewalk, waiting for their turn to cross while traffic continued passed them.

"I kinda hope not buddy," Sonic replied, staring off into the distance, "I get a bad vibe from him whenever he's around."

Sonic and Tails were talking about a new foe they recently met. His name was Shadow The Hedgehog. A black hedgehog artificially created by Dr. Gerald Robotnik, Dr. Eggman's grandfather. Dr. Eggman found Shadow's body in an abandoned escape pod and is responsible for his revival. When Shadow was finally awoken from his fifty-year coma, the Doctor took advantage of Shadow's inability to remember his past and influenced the hedgehog to handle his dirty work with Sonic. Little did Eggman know, Shadow was a naturally rebellious hedgehog, so Shadow eventually disobeyed the Doctor and went on to fulfill his own deeds.

Shadow and Sonic quickly gained a disliking for each other. Their skill-sets were rivaled and their (somewhat) similar appearances would cause trouble whenever one was misinterpreted as the other.

Eventually the two worked out their differences and faced Doctor Eggman, who was the mastermind of all the trouble happening in the background.

Sonic and Shadow are still rivals, as they're always trying to prove who's "the real hedgehog," whether it'd be a race to see who is faster (Shadow can match Sonic's speeds) or a physical fight. They have yet to meet since their last meeting against Eggman.

"I just hope he can get his life together. Hopefully finds out he used to be a better person." Sonic continued.

"Where could he be? Do you think he's with Eggman?" Tails spoke on.

"Eh. He didn't seem that fond of Egg-head. So, I wouldn't have the slightest idea- nor should we even care."

Just then, the sky began to grow dark, but not like it would at sunset, rather, like the Sun was blocked away. Now, the sky was tainted with blood red clouds. In the distance was what looked like a black speck in the far sky.

These sanguine clouds then began to cyclone together in one spot- right above the city of Westopolis...

"Whoa..." Sonic left gawking at the sky.

"Today's the day the Black Comet comes by our planet...but this doesn't usually happen..." Tails filled in.

Suddenly, figures of various shapes and sizes were falling from the sky's vortex, and as they landed, screams and cries could be heard throughout the city.

"We have to help them!" Sonic exclaimed.

Tails nodded in agreement, propelling himself off the ground with his propeller-like tails to keep him afloat. Sonic dashed off into the city, Tails following just behind him.

Little did they know at that moment, they would indeed see Shadow again, as this catastrophic event did have to do with him- yet, nothing that was caused by him.

Those three, and the all the other Mobians, will find that they have to stand together to be strong, as this threat is just a part of a long saga that our heroes and anti-heroes will embark on...

On The Outskirts Of Westopolis...

"Just what was that all about? If he says he knows the truth about who I am, then like it or not, I have to believe him. The only way I'm going to get the secrets to my past, is to get those Chaos Emeralds!"...

*The last quote is not mine; that is from the beginning of the video game, "Shadow The Hedgehog." This prologue takes place right before the game and the following parts of this book will take place after that game- and more games, that will not needed to be mentioned/acknowledged to understand my story.

*Vote, comment, and/or follow if you like so far! Thanks so much readers.

*I understand most of you are new to "Sonic The Hedgehog" characters, so at the end of each part, there will be a "Cast" Section, with photos of the characters to help better visualize our heroes/anti-heroes.

CAST:

Sonic The Hedgehog

Miles "Tails" Prower

Shadow The Hedgehog

Dr. Eggman