Flashback

It all started out over forty years ago. Everything was filled with darkness for Runa. That was until her eyes fluttered opened. At first, she thought it was some kind of blur. Then, once her eyes opened, she saw a young man with black slightly spiky hair, blue eyes and fair skin. He wore a lab coat with white shirt underneath, black pants, matching shoes, glasses with a black frame and a small pocket filled with needed things such as three ballpens of different colors — black, blue and red.

"Hello, Runa," he said to her.

"Hello?" she replied questionably.

He took her hand and helped her walk to the mirror to see what she looked like. After that, he introduced himself as Professor Michael Lucas. Professor Lucas gave Runa the amulet used to communicate with creatures big and small, read and understand thoughts and feelings and seek souls when needed. They both had fun together like a father-daughter team. Runa was told to call him his name, but it was okay for her to call him 'father' instead.

One day, when Runa was in the bedroom relaxing on her bed, Professor Lucas came in.

"Feeling relaxed, Runa?" he asked her.

"Yup," she nodded.

"Every time I see you relaxing, you look like you're thinking of something, so what are you thinking about?" asked Lucas.

"I've been thinking, father. While we have fun together as a family, I've been wondering. Why am I created? What is my main purpose? What is my destiny? What am I going to do aside from being with you as your daughter?" asked Runa.

Lucas smiled as he sat beside her, "I'll tell you when you figure it out in your own eyes."

Runa turned to him after a few moments of translating into a simpler one: To figure things out for herself.

"Yes, father. I understand," she replied.

5 years later...

Runa was walking down the streets to get some fresh air when she heard quick footsteps behind her. She turned to see nothing. Instead of moving on, she looked around to see if there was someone stalking her.

Just then, Runa heard an engine being turned on. She turned to see someone driving a car. The trunk and the backseat held his treasured property. The driver, whom she assumed was the robbery, drove away with multiple police vehicles chasing him.

Runa knew she had no choice, but to help the police, so she ran after the thief. She jumped on top of the police car. Then, another, then another, then another. Until she reached the car that's near the robbery's car. She knocked on the window on her right and asked an officer to borrow the gun.

The officer agreed after Runa made a promise to be careful. After she grabbed the gun, instead of aiming at the car, she started to aim at the tires. A while later, she was able to shoot the right target causing the tire to be flat and the car to stop.

After the robbery was arrested...

"Here's your gun, officer," said Runa, giving the gun back to its owner.

The officer, who owned that gun was a girl and she wore her police officer outfit. She had brown wavy hair, fair skin and hazel eyes.

"Thanks," she said. "Hey, you're not one of Professor Lucas' creations, are you?"

"Well, yeah. How did you know?" Runa asked.

"I've heard a lot about you and plus, I'm one of his relatives," the officer answered.

Runa's face lit up,"Really?"

"Yes. I'm Officer Michaels, but my friends call me 'Clara,'" she introduced herself.

"So my father's last name is Michaels?" she asked her.

"Well, not exactly. He's my mother's cousin," said Clara.

"Well, okay. I'm—" she began.

"Runa. I know," Clara cut her in. "Remember what we talked about a little moment ago? I think you just found out your purpose."

Her eyes widened as she made a quick guess,"You mean helping heroes like you?"

"Yes. You are created to help those who cannot defend the world on their own. I mean, without you, we would've never caught the most wanted robbery," said Clara.

"Thanks, Clara. It's an honor to meet you. Maybe we could hangout sometime or even better, fight together," said Runa.

"We sure could," she answered, smiling at her.

For another five years, they hung out together and fought alongside each other in times of trouble. Professor Lucas was pleased that she found her purpose all by herself. Everyday, she spent most of her time with Clara. Yup. Everything was perfect for her. Until one night...

Runa and Clara were on a mission to retrieve one of the most ancient artifacts in Mobius. They were provided with support by some of the new recruits who happened to be very skilled.

When they found the artifact, the ones who provided support for them betrayed them. The new recruits turned out to be a group of gangsters. Runa and Clara fought them, side-by-side. Then, a while later...

"Runa, look out!" Clara yelled out.

Runa turned to see Clara. Just as Clara came on sight, a loud gunshot was heard. A few seconds later, Clara was dropped to the ground. Further behind Clara, Runa saw that one of the group of gangsters shot her. Her eyes widened in worry, fear and horror.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!"

The gangster, who shot Clara, let out an evil chuckle. "How naive."

With that, the gangsters retreated with the artifact.

Once the gangsters left, Runa ran to Clara and kneeled beside her. "Clara. Clara! Are you okay?! I'll call the doctor and get you to the hospital!!!" she said worryingly.

Clara coughed out. Her left hand laid on her right part of the stomach where she got shot. Her other hand held Runa's hand.

"Runa... find your... purpose," Clara said weakly.

Runa's eyes widened. Tears were filling her eyes. "Wh-What are you talking about, Clara? We both know I already found my purpose!"

Silence filled the air.

"Clara?"

Another silence.

"Clara?!"

Another silence.

It took a few moments before Runa realized something. Clara's eyes were closed. Her eyes widened in horror and shock.

"Clara? Clara! CLARA!!!!!!!!!!"

Panic shot through Runa. Her body stood and ran around the room like she's going cranky. "Help! Somebody, HELP!!! Somebody... Somebody HAS to help her!!!!!"

Runa raised her head directly to the ceiling and screamed from the top of her lungs. "SOMEBODY, HEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

After that, Runa pulled out her walkie-talkie and placed it on her right ear. She pressed one of the buttons and spoke through the walkie-talkie. "Yes! This is Officer Runa to the U.F.P.D.! Officer Michaels is down!!! She's shot!!! We have to get her to the hospital!!!"

And that's what the U.F.P.D. did.

Later on, Runa was already in the hospital. She sat on the chair in the Emergency Room. Her hands clasped as she hoped Clara was okay and that she's alive and well.

Then, a while later, Clara was transferred directly to one of the hospital rooms, so that her family would visit her. Runa, Professor Lucas and a few other relatives visited Clara.

A few days later, Runa was called by Clara in the hospital room. Once she got inside, Clara asked the doctors if she and Runa could talk privately. The doctors agreed and left the hospital room.

Once they're alone, Runa walked to the right side of Clara's hospital bed. Her hands clasped around Clara's right hand and she stared at her in worry.

"Clara, are you okay?" Runa asked with tears welling up her eyes. "Tell me. Please, tell me you're okay!"

Silence filled the air.

Then, a few moments later, Clara spoke up weakly. "Runa... there's a... purpose... I want you.. to fulfill... but it's not... what you... think."

"What do you mean 'it's not what I think?!'" Runa asked her.

"Your father... created you... for a... different... reason... but it must... not... be known... to the... public."

"Wh...What is it?"

"It's not... what. It's..."

Runa saw Clara uttering her next word, but she couldn't hear it. Nonetheless, she kept listening to her.

"Runa... please... promise me," Clara said.

"P-Promise what?" Runa asked her.

"Promise me... that you'll... take my... place... as a person... determined... to protect... the world. And please... promise me... that you'll... stay... alive... and find your... real... purpose... in life. Always... remember... that no matter... what happens... whether we're... together or not... I'll always... be your... best friend," she explained weakly.

Runa's eyes widened as tears finally rolled down her cheeks. "No. Clara. Don't."

"Goodbye... Runa... the Hedgehog... I'll never... forget you," Clara said, her last words before her eyes closed.

Runa heard a beep from the computer beside the bed. Every part of Clara's body was no longer activated.

Runa felt her heart shatter. "Clara! No... No. Clara!"

"CLARA!!! CLARA!!! CLARA!!! CLARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

As Runa screamed, her hands launched to Clara on her bed to wake her up. Loud screams such as "CLARA!!!", "NOOOO!!!", "PLEASE!!!" and "PLEASE, DON'T DIE ON ME!!!" were heard.

Soon, the doctors came into the room and grabbed Runa outside the hospital room. More loud screams like "HEY!!! PLEASE, LET ME GO!!!" and "PUT ME DOWN!!!" were heard.

Soon enough, Runa was set down by the doctor just as the door to the hospital room closed. Runa ran to the door and tried to open it, but it was locked. After a few attempts, Runa clenched her fists tightly and banged the door really hard. "Clara..." Runa slid herself on her knees and broke down her tears.

"Clara... CLARA!!!"

"Runa," the doctor, who grabbed Runa out, called out to her.

Runa glanced at the doctor in horror.

"I'm sorry. There's nothing we can do," the doctor said.

Not knowing what else to do, Runa ran out of the hospital doors and headed into the grassy fields. A while later, Runa tripped over a stone and landed on her knees. Then, she broke down in tears.

"No!"

As she said this, Runa continued breaking down in tears.

The next day...

During the funeral, Runa kept mourning and mourning for her. Eventually, Professor Lucas comforted her by saying that there's still someone left to care for her and that was himself. After that, she hugged him knowing that he'll always care for her.

Since then, Runa vowed to protect her friends, her family and the people she cares about. Most especially Professor Lucas. This also resulted her to grow more overprotective of her workmates in the U.F.P.D. The policemen and policewomen were annoyed by this, but they managed to tolerate her because they knew how much Clara's death had affected her.

2 years later...

Runa was on a mission with her new partner to stop an evil gang from harming a place that's faraway from her home. Then, a while later, they noticed that they had been tricked, so they went back to their hometown. There, Professor Lucas' lab was set on fire. Runa gasped in horror. She ran inside the lab without thinking, but her partner grabbed her right arm, stopping her.

"No, Runa. It's too dangerous. We have to think of a new plan to save your father," he said to her.

Runa turned to her partner and glared at him. "I don't care! I just want my father alive and well!"

With that Runa yanked her arm and rushed inside the lab. Runa searched everywhere for Professor Lucas. So far, he was nowhere to be found. A while later, fatigue took over her. She collapsed to the ground and everything blacked out.

28 years later, Runa woke up with amnesia. And she was lying on a bed in the guest room. When she woke up, she saw the faces of Aleyah, Pearla and Bruce.

Runa sat up and asked them,"Who... Who are you?"

"My name is Aleyah the Hedgehog and these are my parents, Bruce and Pearla," Aleyah introduced herself and her family.

"What happened? Why am I here?" asked Runa.

"First, you were lying down in Forest Hill unconsciously a few days ago, so we took you in. Second, we thought it would be bad for you to be left alone. That's another reason why we took you in," explained Bruce.

"Oh. I see," Runa said.

"Do you remember anything, dear?" Pearla asked her.

Runa's head lowered down. She closed her eyes and went into deep thought. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and finally answered, "I... don't think I remember." Then, something popped into her head. She turned to Pearla. "But I do have a name. Runa."

"Runa, huh?" Aleyah responded. Then, she sent Runa a bright smile. "That's a nice name."

"Thank you," Runa said, smiling back at Aleyah.

"Do you mind if you could be part of this family and have Aleyah as your sister?" Pearla asked Runa.

"That would be nice," answered Runa.

"Great!" exclaimed Aleyah. "Welcome to the family, sis!"

Runa smiled in appreciation and started her journey on becoming part of her adoptive family. Along the way, she adopted her five chao friends, starting with Rosy, Mystico, Bearace, Juniper and Shania.

End of Flashback

"I knew nothing about my past," Runa said. "Until one day...

"My chao friends, Aleyah and my adoptive parents were on a three-week vacation in Westopolis. Aleyah wanted to shop for clothes there because she wanted to model from them on how to become a fashion designer.

"But one day, the Black Arms came. We had to prepare our things quickly before evacuating the city, for my adoptive father considered it as a disaster. He was the first to lead us to the taxicab with the driver being the dark gray and white wolf with brown eyes. My adoptive father entered the taxucab first, then my adoptive mother, then Bearace, then, Juniper, then Shania, then Aleyah, then Rosy and Mystico, then me being the last. Just as I was about to go in the taxicab, someone caught my eye."

"Who?" Shadow asked her.

As soon as Runa heard his question, she took a deep breath and lightly exhaled knowing it's now or never and that she had to risk telling them her biggest secret. She then, slightly turned to Shadow.

"You."

Once Shadow heard her reply, his eyes widened in complete shock. His jaw even dropped a few centimeters from his mouth.

"You were fighting the Black Arms at that time. Your combat skills were the first things I noticed. I was shocked by the fact that you used Chaos Powers, especially Chaos Control. Plus, I saw you even brought a single gun with you. Something told me you reminded me of someone. Someone... I had already seen before Aleyah and her family took me in. Someone so... familiar. Before I could point things out, I was snapped out of it by Shania begging me to come with them. I agreed and entered the taxicab. And so, we evacuated from Westopolis. For the first time since Aleyah and her family took me in, I felt... impressed. Especially with your combat skills. And now, I feared I'm eventually gonna lose you. Just like how I lost her. We both know what I mean by that."

Shadow nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

"I was planning to tell my adoptive family about it after you saved the day from the Black Comet, but that time, Aleyah became obsessed with you. That's why I never said a word. And you may be wondering why I haven't told you sooner after she moved on from the past. It's because there are fangirls out there wanting you to be theirs."

Seeing how Runa was feeling after she told them the whole story, his eyes were filled with concern and sympathy.

"Since the day I first saw you, I kept having dreams about the person I'm familiar with. Whenever I saw you, I kept standing there watching you, especially the battles you participated in. I didn't know why. It took me until I battled Venia one-on-one to realize that... the dreams I had were actually memories. And the person I'm familiar with is Clara. Plus, the reason why I kept watching you fight is because you remind me of her. In fact... that's also the reason why I grew this protective all of a sudden."

Shadow gasped in shock. Images of the time Runa protected her human friends and the time she saved him ran through his head.

"Now, you know," Runa concluded, with a few tears rolling down her cheek.

Shadow was quite shocked to hear Runa's whole story. It reminded him of a tragic memory when his certain special friend died right in front of his eyes. Then, for the first time ever, sympathy struck through him, but it's never shown physically.

It took him a while before he finally spoke up. In a barely audible voice only Runa could hear.

"Maria."

"What?" Runa asked, still barely audible.

"Maria. Maria Robotnik. That's the name of my best friend."

"Chao-chao-chao?" asked Bearace in concern.

"Bearace is asking, 'what happened to her?'" Runa asked him, now in a low, concerned tone in her voice.

"Over fifty years ago, Professor Gerald Robotnik created me in Space Colony ARK. Since the day I met Maria, we became best friends. Then, there was a disaster at the ARK. Maria and I tried to escape, but..."

Shadow wished he could say his words further, but none of them escaped his mouth. Right now, he's stuck in concentrating with holding his tears in as that same tragic memory ran through his head.

Runa's eyes were filled with sympathy. The fact that she heard his words sent a few more familiar memories in her head, but were difficult to explain. Then, learning that they experienced the same thing, she was about to speak up when Shadow continued much to her surprise.

"...she was shot. Then, in her final moments before she died, she had asked me to promise her... that I would give people a chance to live happily in their lives."

Everyone else's eyes were full of sympathy to hear this. Then, Juniper was the first to speak up. Full of apology and sympathy. "Choo, choo-choo."

"Juniper said it's so horrid," Runa translated.

"Choo-choo-choo-choo-choo," Shania said apologetically.

"And Shania said, 'we're sorry about what had happened.'" As Runa said this, she mumbled under her breath. "Just like I am right now."

Then, Runa could tell that by his words and comforting presence, she's been comforted by the fact that they experienced the same thing with a slight difference. And so, she broke the hug between herself and Shadow. She then, spoke up in a normal determined voice. She had no idea where those words came from, but she knew it's just what Shadow needs for comfort.

"No matter what happens, wherever you are, we'll be there for you. Always."

Now, that brought Shadow into a shock. Apart from Maria, there had never been someone being that caring, warm and polite before. Especially a certain someone who's capable of communicating with creatures big and small. And apart from Rouge and Omega, there had never been someone who's that much understanding and respectful before.

Runa's head slightly looked down and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She now had a warm smile on her face. She let out a light chuckle. "And thanks for giving me comfort, Shadow. I really needed that."

Shadow nodded. "It's no problem"

After a moment of silence, Runa found herself feeling something in her. That feeling was the same feeling she had when she, her five chao friends, her human friends, the Royal Guardians and the Freedom Fighters were fighting Eclipse and the Underworlders along with Team Dark.

"I feel like..." Runa turned to Shadow. "...we're almost the same, aren't we?"

After a little while of silence, Shadow answered,"Yeah... we are."

Some kind of feeling struck through Runa. This time, it's not just any kind of feeling. It's something... new. And also... warm and fuzzy. Sure, friendship and emotion are one thing, but this feeling... she didn't know because she'd never felt this kind of feeling before.

Strange. What is this some kind of feeling ever since Shadow and I opened up to each other? I mean, it's like I've been feeling something... strange the first time I saw him, but... it's... unexplainable, she thought.

At the same time, a new feeling struck through Shadow as well. It somehow made him want to get closer to Runa, see her every now and then and maybe for her to be in his arms.

What is this strange feeling I've been feeling ever since Runa and I talk a lot more? It's somehow like this ever since I first saw her with the Flicky bird, but... it's... unexplainable, he thought.

Before either of them could point things out, electric shocks spread across their bodies. Same goes with the five chao. A few moments later, their bodies collapsed to the ground.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Meanwhile with Leo and Lariel...

"It was the day the first digital zombie apocalypse started. For a few weeks, my father and Solenan tried to find a solution. But in every one of them... it didn't go quite well. Then, before they made our last stand, there was a strong tragedy my father wished to forget, but it kept coming into his head," Leo said to Lariel.

Flashback

The Leone Kingdom was under attack by robots and technology similar to Eggman's. The royal guards fought the best they could, but it wasn't enough.

Four-year-old Leo was watching from the distance. They were protected by the arms of his mother.

Leo's mother has brown eyes, matching nose, tan fur, light brown muzzle and matching ear interiors. She had a common royal queen outfit.

Her name was Phoebe the Lioness.

Leo turned to his mother. "Mommy, what are we gonna do?"

"This is only one thing, son. We have to get ourselves into a hiding place," Phoebe answered.

With that, the two lions ran their way towards Phoebe's bedroom. There, she opened the closet and gestured Leo to go inside. "Stay in there, my son. That way, it'll keep you safe." With that, she gently shoved him into the closet.

Leo turned to Phoebe in confusion. "What do you mean?"

The sound of bangs rang in their ears. Leo saw what he assumed were the robots breaking in. Before he could do anything, he saw that the closet was about to be closed. His hand quickly swooped to stop the door. His head was opened in Phoebe's sight. And he had a worried expression on his face.

"Please, Mommy! Don't go! Don't leave me alone!" Leo begged her with tears in his eyes.

It took Phoebe a few seconds before pulling the closet open. She used her thumb to wipe Leo's tears rolling down his cheeks.

"Leonir, my son. You are the heir to the throne. Keep Leone Kingdom safe when the time comes," Phoebe said to him.

"No, Mommy! I can't! I can't do it without you!"

"I'm sorry. This has to be a way to keep you safe, alive and well. And no matter what happens, always remember. You'll always be a great king someday. Become a son I'm always proud of in my eyes. Become a king your father will raise you to be. And most importantly, promise me to protect everyone in the Leone Kingdom and innocent people of Mobius. Especially your friends, family and those whom you love the most."

"Mommy..."

With that, Leo's hand was moved back into the closet. And before he could react, the doors were shut. This led him to bang the door while hearing the breakdown of the robots. Unfortunately, it was locked. The only shouts and distress yells escaping his mouth were "No-no-no-no! Let me out! I want Mommy to be alive! I don't want her to be gone! Please! Anyone?! OPEN IT UP RIGHT NOW!!!"

Tears kept rolling down his cheeks and shaky breaths were heard. The last thing he could hear was a distress scream from his mother. Then, the last thing he saw... was an overweight, bald man hopping back into his own transport and flying away with it.

With that, Leo squirmed himself in the closet while silently breaking down in tears.

End of Flashback

"I stayed there until the digital zombie apocalypse was over. Then later on, my father, Solenan, those who worked in the castle and I grieved for my mother. And because of this, my father decreed that technology is forbidden. When I saw Dr. Eggman, I couldn't help but feel something familiar about him. I think it was sometime during the time my mother died," said Leo.

"So that means... Eggman killed your mother?" Lariel asked Leo.

"I guess so," Leo said, shrugging. "I didn't know about my mother's death until I saw that my father was about to get killed."

Lariel was quite shocked at the fact that they had one thing in common. Both their family members (more like one for Leo), were killed by Dr. Eggman himself. The only difference is the unconfirmed cause of Phoebe's death.

Lariel laid a hand on his left shoulder. "I'm sorry, Leo," she said apologetically.

"It's okay. At least now, I know who killed her, although it's unconfirmed," said Leo.

Before any reply washeard, electric shocks suddenly spread through their bodies. A few moments later,their bodies were also collapsed to the ground.