Since Lita's departure, Shadow had thrown himself into unraveling the mysteries of the ruins with a hurried interest. Instantly upon her leaving, he had begun analyzing every detail, every nook, and cranny, searching for any clue that might lead to opening the portal to Eden.

But amidst his tireless efforts, a palpable sadness hung over them all. Lita's absence could be felt amongst those close, her departure leaving a split void.

The evening arrived as the sun dipped below the horizon. Rouge had finished uncovering an area of a walled fresco. Her back ached from using her wings and arms for so long. It felt great once she touched the ground, releasing a sigh as she circled her neck, hearing a few satisfying pops.

Glancing at the fresco on the wall, she noticed that it wasn't as grand as the one on the floor. Most of what she could identify were trees and mountains that she had never seen on Mobius, along with a river, except for some spots where the stone had chipped due to natural weathering.

Turning her attention up to the dark hedgehog who remained hunched over on a fallen pillar on its side analyzing pieces of what Rouge could guess were more pieces of stone different from the ones Lita used. It's been like that since day one.

Approaching Shadow again, her voice soft with worry. "Shadow, you've been at this for weeks. You need to rest," she urges.

Weeks have passed since Lita's departure, and Shadow's relentless pursuit of answers has consumed him. Day and night, he tirelessly scours the ruins. It worried Rouge given she had never seen him so infatuated by something before not since Black Doom.

Shadow merely shakes his head, his gaze never leaving the ruins before him. "I'm fine, Rouge," he insists, his tone clipped and resolute.

Taking a step approaching him once more, Rouge takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "Shadow," she begins gently, her voice carrying the weight of her concern, "I know how important this is to you, but you can't keep pushing yourself like this."

Shadow looked down, his eyes meeting hers briefly before returning to his task. "I appreciate your concern, Rouge, but I need to find a way to open that portal," he insists, his voice tight with resolve.

With a sigh, Rouge realizes that her words are falling on deaf ears. With a final glance at Shadow's hunched form, she spreads her wings and takes to the sky.

—

Rouge's wings beat steadily as she flies towards Amy's house, her mind still weighed down by the concern for Shadow. Landing gracefully in front of the familiar dwelling, she takes a moment to compose herself before knocking on the door.

Amy answers with a warm smile, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Rouge, what brings you here?" she asks, ushering her inside.

Rouge props a hand on her hip with a familiar roll of her eyes, prompting her pink friend to smile understandingly.

As they settle into the cozy living room, Amy's excitement is palpable as she inquires about the progress of the excavation. But Rouge's expression grows solemn as she recounts the events of the day.

"It's been slow," Rouge admits, her voice tinged with frustration. "Knuckles weren't there today, and Shadow..." She trails off, holding a hand to her temples and rubbing in circles with a small shake.

Amy's brow furrows in concern as she walks into her kitchen grabbing two mugs and a tin container with tea leaves peaking from the top. "Same as yesterday" she prompts, sensing the gravity of Rouge's words.

"Yes, he's as stubborn as ever," Rouge sighs heavily, her frustration evident. "He's still refusing to come out of the cave," she explains, her voice laced with unease. "I've tried to talk to him, but he's so focused on finding a way to Eden that he won't listen to reason."

Amy's expression softens with understanding as she places her kettle onto the stove to heat water. "I'm sorry, Rouge. Given with Ligh–I mean with Lita leaving and Shadow revealing who she is it's been difficult," she says sympathetically. Remembering back to how she and Lita took that trip.

Rouge nods, grateful for Amy's understanding. "I just hope he comes to his senses soon. He can't keep shutting himself off like this," she murmurs, her worry for Shadow weighing heavily on her heart.

A somber silence falls over the room, the weight of her absence hanging heavy in the air. Amy's expression grows pensive as she scoops an even amount of tea leaves into each cup, reflecting on her friend's sudden departure.

"I can't help but feel upset," Amy admits, her voice tinged with sadness. "I understand why Lita hid her true identity, but to leave like that without a word... it's hard not to feel hurt."

Rouge nods in understanding, her thoughts mirroring Amy's. "I know, But perhaps Lita had her reasons," Rouge continued, her tone thoughtful then quickly turned to disdain. "She probably would have told us eventually. It's just... Espio had to go and corner her like that."

Amy's eyes widen in realization as Rouge's words sink in. "You're right," she murmurs, a pang of guilt creeping into her heart. "Maybe things would have turned out differently."

Rouge offered her a reassuring smile. "It's not your fault, Amy. We're all trying to understand. But now, all we can do is hope that Shadow finds something eventually"

—

Shadow's mind races as he delves deeper into the ruins, his every thought consumed by the quest to unlock the secrets of Eden. But amidst the chaos of his thoughts, a single memory rises to the surface, Lita's words echoing in his mind with newfound clarity.

The weight of her words settles over him like a heavy cloak, stirring something deep within his soul. Suddenly, he realizes the futility of his efforts, the impossibility of reaching Eden.

"Well, Eden is a place that's separate from the surface. It's somewhat similar to Sky Sanctuary, but you can only gain access if someone from within grants it to you or you have direct ties, like myself."

With a heavy sigh, Shadow pauses in his search, his mind racing as he considers the implications of Lita's words.

Navigating through the ruins with purpose, his steps steady as he makes his way to the area Espio had misinterpreted. As he approaches the site, a sense of unease grips him, his instincts telling him that there is more to this place than meets the eye.

The ruins loom before him, ancient and foreboding, their secrets shrouded in darkness. But as Shadow draws closer, he notices a faint glow emanating from one of the walls, casting an eerie light across the crumbling stone.

His heart quickens with apprehension as he approaches the illuminated wall, his senses on high alert. Something about the glow fills him with a sense of foreboding, a nagging feeling that there is an ominous lurking.

With cautious steps, Shadow reaches out to touch the wall, his fingers tracing the intricate markings etched into the stone. The symbols on the wall don't pulse as they might have when Lita used her power.

Shadow used his chaotic powers and concentrated, almost hearing a faint heartbeat. This caused him to remove his hand and step away quickly. With his thoughts filled with unease, his acute senses suddenly sprang to life, his ear twitching at the faint sound of rocks tumbling behind him.

In an instant, he is alert, swiftly turning around, his eyes scanning the shades for any hint of movement. However, the darkness remains tranquil and noiseless, offering no indication of what could have caused the disruption. With a furrowed brow, Shadow narrows his eyes, his senses on high alert as he firmly demands, "Who's there?"

His words echo through the ruins, but there is no response, only the eerie silence of the ancient stones. Tension coils in his muscles as he waits, every nerve in his body poised for action.

For a moment, all is still. The only sound is the faint howl of wind through the crumbling ruins. And then, just as suddenly in the shade created by the dimming light, emerged a figure that Shadow no longer wanted to see.

Espio revealed from hiding, raised his hands in a gesture of peace, and Shadow's gaze hardened with suspicion. "What do you want, Espio?" he demands, his voice laced with barely concealed hostility.

Espio held his hands out, palms open in a show of innocence. "I mean no quarrel, Shadow," he insisted, his tone calm and composed. "I only wish to explain."

But Shadow's scoff cuts through the air like a blade, his patience wearing thin. "Save your explanations," he retorts, his voice derisive. "I have no interest in your excuses. Just leave."

Espio's brow furrows in frustration, but he remains steadfast. "Please, Shadow, hear me out," he implores, his voice tinged with urgency. "There's more to this than you realize."

Shadow's eyes narrow at Espio's words, his patience wearing thin. "I've heard enough," he snaps, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Or have you forgotten what you said to Lita? Your actions speak louder than words."

The mention of Lita's name hangs heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the rift that had formed between them. And as Espio meets Shadow's gaze, he knows that there are no words he can offer to bridge the divide that lies between them.

Shadow turned away walking back to his earlier setup. "If you're done pestering me. I have work to be done."

It had been weeks since Espio falsely accused Lita of her heritage without thoroughly examining his findings. Despite this, Shadow still felt agitated by Espio's presence who wanted to offer assistance as a way of repentance.

Espio's words echoed, his voice steady but laced with accusation. Though his findings were unjust and had damaged his pride as a detective, he couldn't allow Shadow's veiled findings to go unnoticed. "You're not without fault either, Shadow," he asserted with unwavering resolve. "Keeping Lita's identity from us was a betrayal of trust."

A sharp crack was heard as Shadow's heel crushed a defenseless pebble to dust. His crimson eyes glowed in the dim cave as he looked over his shoulder with clenched fists.

Shadow's resolve strengthens as he locks eyes with Espio, his voice unwavering. "Lita never had any intention of causing harm," he declares, his words brimming with certainty. "She wouldn't have done so."

Espio's interest piques at Shadow's words, his curiosity evident as he steps forward cautiously. "Then what was she?" he asks, his tone eager for answers. "What was she doing here?"

Shadow's gaze darkens at Espio's inquiry, a flicker of resentment flashing in his eyes. "You should know," he replies tersely, his tone laced with accusation. "After all, you were the one who accused her."

Espio's expression softens at Shadow's words, a hint of regret coloring his features. "I would have known better," he admits, his voice tinged with remorse. "But you chased me off before you explained things to everyone."

Shadow sighed, breaking the tension, his demeanor softening as he considered Espio's earnest curiosity. Against his fairer assessment, with a nod, he gestured for Espio to follow him deeper into the ruins, where the ancient paintings adorn the walls like silent witnesses to a forgotten history.

As they approach the paintings, Shadow's gaze sweeps over the intricate depictions of beings each different in a mask. Each figure, their forms imbued with an unearthly outfit and stance.

"These paintings," Shadow begins, his voice low with reverence, "Depict beings that reside in Eden, each connected to those in Eden."

Espio's eyes widen with fascination as he takes in the ancient artwork, his curiosity piqued by Shadow's cryptic words. "How many are there?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

Shadow furrows his brow as he recalls Lita's words, the memory stirring something deep within him. "I'm not sure," he admits, his tone tinged with uncertainty. "But Lita told me that these beings, known as the Elemental Holders, are bound to these elements, and the ones in masks are Heralds that hold great influence over them."

As Espio takes in the gravity of Shadow's words, a sense of awe washes over him, his mind racing with the possibilities. "The Heralds," he murmurs, the name rolling off his tongue with reverence.

As Espio studied the paintings with interest, Shadow's thoughts drifted to the enigmatic black cloud that had begun to trouble him. With a furrowed brow, he gestured towards a particularly ominous depiction, its swirling darkness casting a pall over the surrounding images.

"There is something else that Rouge and I had found," Shadow gestured to another corner of the ruins. Reaching down brushing away accumulated dust lay the red gem. Lightly, brushing his hand causing intricate words to appear casting a red glow outline of what seemed to be a dark cloud above summoning tendrils that twisted and distorted the once vibrant images of the Elemental Holders into shadowy caricatures of their former selves.

"This," Shadow murmured, his voice tinged with concern, "This is what's been troubling me. At first, I thought it was nothing more than water seeping through the walls, but..." His words trailed off as he traced the wall, showing that his glove was not damp. "It's been growing," he continued, his voice barely audible above the cavern's echoing silence. "I am certain that whatever it is, it's in Eden and Lita may not even know."

Espio's eyes widened in realization. "Is there a way inside?"

Shadow shook his head, eyes shifting across the wall. "The only way in is through a portal, and it can only be opened by someone from the inside or someone with access." Espio opened his mouth to ask but Shadow already answered "Knuckles and I tried using the Master Emeralds power but even that failed."

Espio furrowed in thought. "But even with the power of the Master Emerald..."

Shadow nodded grimly. "It wasn't enough. It can't be breached easily."

Espio's thoughts turned to potential allies who might possess the necessary abilities. "Maybe Silver and Blaze could help," he suggested, his tone growing more hopeful. "Silver's telekinetic talents might offer a way in, and Blaze's connection to the Sol Emeralds could provide the necessary energy to breach the barrier."

Shadow considered the suggestion, nodding slowly. "It's a possibility," he conceded. "Given they too are from a different macrocosm, that could help out resolve."

"I'll make the call then," Espio declared, before disappearing back into the shades of the caves while Shadow looked at the wall once more, noticing the tendrils had moved again.

—

In the quiet tranquility of their home, Silver watched the TV while Blaze meditated in the corner. Suddenly, a loud static interrupted, catching them off guard as the transmission from Espio flickered to life on their TV screen. They exchanged a surprised glance before Silver reached out to accept the call.

"What's up, Espio?" Silver asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

Espio's image appeared on the screen, his expression serious. "We've got a situation," he began, his tone urgent. "Shadow has been uncovering ancient ruins that are connected to Lita and Eden."

Blaze's brow furrowed in concern as she leaned closer to the screen. "Eden? What do you mean?"

Espio hesitated for a moment before launching into an explanation of the corrupted wall paintings, the ancient ruins, Lita being from Eden, and a potential threat that Shadow had uncovered. As he spoke, Silver and Blaze listened intently, their expressions growing more solemn with each passing moment.

When Espio finished recounting the details, Blaze's gaze softened with understanding. "Weren't you the one who sent Lita away?" she asked skeptically, eye narrowing slightly.

Espio sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his guilt. "It's complicated," he admitted reluctantly. "It's believed that something is looming in Eden and that Lita might be in trouble. We're hoping that with your assistance we could open a portal to Eden."

Silver exchanged a knowing look with Blaze before turning back to the screen, determination gleaming in his eyes. "We're in," he declared, his voice firm. "Tell Shadow we'll help whatever it takes."

Espio's expression brightened with gratitude. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "I'll send the location now."

—

Espio made his way back to the ruins, the weight of their mission heavy on his shoulders. As he approached the ancient site, he noticed a familiar figure amidst the crumbling stones. Knuckles, the guardian of the Master Emerald, was there, his powerful muscles flexing as he moved pieces of stone into place with practiced ease.

"Knuckles?" Espio questioned in surprise, his steps quickening as he approached. "What are you doing here?"

Knuckles glanced up, his expression earnest. "Shadow found something," he explained, his voice gruff. "He needed help." Shrugging a shoulder to Shadow standing on the side.

"I would have done this myself but I needed to have a visual of where to fit the pieces." Shadow admitted earning a pointed look from the Echidna.

Espio's curiosity piqued, as he turned to where Shadow stood, his silhouette outlined against the glowing light of a set lantern. "What did you find?" he asked, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Shadow turned to face them, his gaze intense. "The whole floor is a portal," he explained, his words echoing in the stillness of the ruins. "I had Knuckles move some pieces into place."

Espio's eyes widened in astonishment, his mind racing with the implications of Shadow's discovery. "A portal?" he repeated incredulously. "But how?"

Shadow gestured toward the intricate patterns etched into the stone floor. "It's like the ones on the stones Lita used when returning," he explained, his voice low tapping his chin in thought.

"I have a theory," he continued. "Given that the portal opened for Lita because of her elemental power, it's possible that the portal only responds to those with elemental abilities."

Espio and Knuckles exchanged a glance, their brows furrowed in thought. "So, what does that mean for us?" Espio asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Shadow's gaze flickered with intensity as he walked along the stone pathway. "If we combine Blaze's fire capabilities with my use of chaos control," he explained, his words measured, "we might be able to trick the portal into thinking we are one of the Elemental Holders."

Espio's eyes widened in realization as the implications of Shadow's theory sank in. "So, you're saying that if Blaze uses her fire and you tap into Chaos, the portal might open?

Shadow nodded solemnly. "It's our best chance," he affirmed, his voice tinged with newfound excitement taking a look at the wall of the ever-creeping darkness. "But we'll need to act quickly. Time is of the essence."

In the dimly lit cavern, the air thick with ancient whispers, Blaze and Silver arrived at the appointed spot scanning the cave and seeing the ruins of what Espio told.

A subtle twitch of his ears, Shadow detected the faint sound of footsteps echoing through the cave.

"Right on time," Shadow remarked, his voice a low rumble that carried through the cavern. "I trust you're both ready for what lies ahead?"

Blaze nodded, her flames flickering with anticipation. "Espio informed us."

Silver nodded in agreement, his gaze meeting Shadow's. "We're prepared."

With a nod of approval, Shadow gestured for them to follow as he led towards the portal. Both were surprised at how much was uncovered and pieced together.

"Blaze, focus your flames on the stones," Shadow directed, his voice a low, commanding whisper that reverberated through the cavern. "We need their power to awaken the runes."

Blaze nodded, her amber eyes reflecting the flickering flames around her. "Understood," she replied, her voice steady with determination. With a graceful sweep of her hand, she channeled her fiery energy, intensifying the blaze until it licked hungrily at the ancient stones, illuminating the runes with a fiery glow.

Meanwhile, Shadow's gaze shifted to Silver, his crimson eyes piercing through the darkness. "Silver, we'll need your telekinesis to stabilize the portal once it's open."

Silver nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Ready," he affirmed, his voice tinged with readiness.

Taking a quick look around to ensure that everything was in place, Shadow walked to the other side of the portal. His crimson eyes gleamed with determination. With a swift motion, he initiated Chaos Control, and the air around him shimmered with unseen energy.

Blaze intensified her flames. The runes began to react, their ancient symbols glowing with newfound life. Each stroke of Blaze's fire and each twist of Shadow's Chaos Control seemed to awaken the dormant power within the cavern.

Standing before the ancient rocks, Shadow focused his mind, drawing upon the wellspring of chaos energy that coursed through his veins. With a deep breath, he extended his hands towards the intricate sigils carved into the stone.

The air around him crackled with anticipation as with a swift motion, he unleashed his Chaos Control, a surge of raw energy rippling outward like a shockwave. The sigils on the rocks ignited in response, their ancient glyphs glowing with renewed vitality.

As Shadow channeled his energy into the portal, a low hum filled the air, growing steadily louder with each passing moment. The ground beneath him trembled as the portal to Eden began to stir.

With a final burst of effort, Shadow poured his remaining strength into the portal, willing it to open. And then, with a dazzling display of light and sound, the portal sprang to life. A swirling vortex of shimmering light hovers in the center of the cave. Shadow turned to Silver, his gaze unwavering.

"Now, Silver!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade through silk.

Silver nodded with a focused mind. He extended his hands towards the portal, channeling his psychic energy to hold it open as long as he could, causing a brighter glow around the portal as it attempted to fight back.

"This is insane," Knuckled marveled watching from a safe distance alongside Espio.

"It's incredible," Espio commented, feeling the pulse from the portal.

For a fleeting moment, Shadow stood mesmerized, his eyes fixed upon the shimmering gateway before him. Just beyond was Eden and soon Lita.

As he stepped forward the crackling portal, its swirling vortex with faint whispers in a language unheard beckoning him into Eden. He hesitated, his hand outstretched toward the pulsating anomaly, feeling the pull.

Just as Shadow was taking the first step, a voice cut through the air, breaking the tense silence. "Shadow, wait!" Espio's urgent tone sliced through the tension like a blade, freezing Shadow in his tracks.

Turning slightly, Shadow saw Espio, his keen eyes fixed on him becoming a bit intolerant. "Tell Lita... tell her I'm sorry," Espio's words hung heavy in the air, laden with regret and unspoken sentiments.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Shadow processed Espio's unexpected plea. Despite the urgency of the situation, there was a fleeting moment of understanding between them, a silent acknowledgment of shared burdens.

With a solemn nod, Shadow conveyed the silent promise. Then, without another word, he turned back to the portal, his resolve renewed. With a swift motion, he plunged into the swirling vortex, disappearing into the unknown abyss beyond.

As the portal closed behind him, leaving only echoes of its fading energy.