Parts of the Mask Notes: This will be a short story and the chapters are a bit smaller than what I normally do for my stories. Please read through the summary, rating, and warnings before reading this story. I used a lot of dialogue and situations from the game but not everything is the same. I will try to update this story at least once a week if not sooner, but if I miss the date, I apologize. My classes started this week along with my internship and part-time job, so I might be a little busy, ^-^’. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the chapter! Summary: This is a Sonic Forces Fanfiction, a retelling of Episode Shadow. However, this takes a different spin as Shadow develops an attraction towards Infinite and acts upon it. Rating: PG-13/T-- for sexual content and foul language Pairing: Shadow/Infinite (Shadinite) Warnings: male slash, kissing, makeouts, sexual content, sexual themes, cursing/foul language, violence, slight obsession (Not necessarily in every chapter) Chapter 1 It was one month before the Doctor took over the world. The first time I encountered him. ...Or so I thought. *Shadow POV 1st Person “Shadow,” I heard a very familiar voice from my partner, Rouge, speak from my earpiece, “We’ve got a report from the Intelligence Division. They’ve located an unknown base of operations that seems to be totally outside the chain of command for Eggman’s army. There’s a large-scale troop presence-- suspiciously large for a place with no strategic value.” ‘Hm…’ I thought to myself as I sped down the path before me that went through a vast jungle, ‘What could the Doctor be up to?’ While thinking this, I replied to her, “I can’t imagine the Doctor would do something like that without reason.” “No kidding. And there’s a rumor going around that ol’ rotten Eggman has been developing some kind of new weapon, so…” “Yeah. Looks like this won’t be your garden-variety recon mission.” Though, whenever the Doctor is involved, it’s never just an easy mission. “Do it to it Shadow,” Rouge said, wishing me luck in her own way, “Omega went on ahead of you, so you can link up with him on-site.” “I’m more than enough on my own. I’ll handle things my way.” Giving a light chuckle, the bat responded, “Omega said the same thing. You two go together like chili and hot dogs!” “Cut the chatter. I’m on my way.” ------- Entering into the City, it was time to find some information. With no hesitation, I raced down the streets and avenues. Good thing my comm was linked up with Rouge and Omega, in case something happened. I wasn’t worried about myself, but more about my stubborn robot companion. Regardless, I could care less as I’m sure he’ll be fine. As if to answer that thought, I heard him speak through my earpiece. “E-123 Omega here. Extermination proceeding without incident. No problems to report.” Was there even a point in me being here if Omega was already doing the job? Stupid government. Whatever, I plan to stay and finish my mission, no matter if I am needed here or not. However, it was amusing to listen further to the conversation. Rouge was heated as she scowled Omega, “Extermination?! This is supposed to be a recon mission! You can’t go making a big scene!” “You should have known better than to send Omega on an op like this.” I told her as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. It changed nothing for me as I continued to make my way through the City; exploring, and destroying any enemies who stood in my path. However, what I would hear in the next few moments would change everything. Omega’s voice came through, “Unknown hostile encountered Rouge. Come in. Position coordinate lost! Current location unknown!” “Omega!?” Rouge shouted, trying to reach him, “What’s going on?! Respond!” This can’t be good. “This is E-123 Omega. All sensors offline. Damage to the parietal lobe region. Casualty report. Rouge fallen. Shadow will be eliminated!” “Omega, what happened? What’s going on over there?” I asked while keeping a study tone, though secretly worrying as this was not like him at all. “Unidentified system intrusion. Emergency withdrawal! I am E-123 Omega, the most powerful…” What he was about to say was interrupted by a load of static through my comm. However, I had no time to think as an odd sight suddenly appeared before me; making me skid to a halt. Floating not far from my being was a male black furred Mobian wearing a silver metal mask. I didn’t know who he was, though had this odd sense of dejavu. The strange jackal gave an obnoxious cackle and I glared at him. He looked in my direction as he spoke. “Hahaha. The world’s most powerful robot is no more a challenge than crabmeat. As I suspected, this power is without peer. It is the ultimate strength!” Robot? He must be referring to Omega. “Ah, and still more wonderful, a not-so-tall, dark, and brooding guest has arrived. I’ve been waiting for you, Shadow.” Who the hell is this guy? At this point, I quit asking how people knew my name. I usually seem to regret that question. Still, his voice though strange, sounds familiar somehow. I can’t shake it. Despite my inner thoughts, I only narrow my eyes as I inquire, “Tell me what you did to Omega.” Out of nowhere, the jackal who once stood a few feet away, disappeared before reappearing right in front of me and very much in my personal space, and at such high speed… Attempting to back away, one of my arms was grasped as I could see that one yellow eye glowing underneath the mask become half lidded as he continued to speak in a sneering tone. “Come now, Shadow. Our long-awaited reunion, and still you spout such nonsense.” Reunion? What the fuck? My earlier thoughts once more focused on perhaps knowing this jackal, but I refused to think about that now as I ripped my arm out of his grip and took a step back. “I don’t know you,” I spoke. However, I didn’t completely believe those words, “And the only thing of no consequence around here is that big mouth of yours.” Laughing again, the jackal took a step closer, diminishing the space I put between us only moments ago. “Haha. Ah, I suppose you would think so. Oh yes. Haha…HAHAHA!” Suddenly, he took a step back before giving a small mocking bow. The jackal introduced himself. “I am Infinite. You say you do not know me, and yet, I remember you so very well. To you, it was simply another in a long list of Eggman bases you tore down without a second thought.” Eggman base? The only time I met a jackal at one of his bases was...