-Chapter 2: An unfateful skirmish-

Contains firearms, weapon violence, swearing, blood/gore, and mention of intoxication

"Guys cmon! Were sould we go nex? *hiccup* Don tell me we're c-calling i a night alreadyyy!" On the neon lit streets a young orange fox tried to stand straight while trying to convince his friends he didn't have to many drinks. "Why you fellas looing so serious? *hiccup* les jus par'y!" and then the fox finally fell over. "*sigh* alright, who's sober enough to bring Tails home tonight?" Sonic asked. "Knuckles?" "Come on Sonic, why do i have to be his driver all ti-" "Alright guys let's just vote, who votes Knuckles?' Everybody raises their hands.

So while Knuckles drives Tails home, against his will, the rest of the group enjoys the night. Sonic, Shadow and Rouge wander around until Shadow recieves a call. "Hello, Shadow speaking. Yes that's right. What? Right now? But can't you just give them my work times? No, i get it. Yep, i'm on my way." Shadow sighed. "What's going on, hun?" Rouge asked, slighty concerned. "Eh, nothing. Just come punks harrasing costumers at Emerald. They say they want to talk to me only." Shadow had just recently became co-manager at Club Emerald, to pay for his new appartement. After a fall-out with Sonic, he decided it's better for both hedgehogs to live on his own for a while. "Alright, let's roll then" Sonic spoke. "Sorry. They say i have to come alone, or they will trash the club. How about you take Rouge back to your place, and i will come by soon as i kicked these a-holes out." "Okay then. Careful though Shads, wouldn't want to lose my favorite rival." Shadow smiled "No worries faker, see so around!" As Sonic and Rouge walked back to his place, Shadow ran off to Club Emerald. In a few minutes, he stood before the building, and stormed in, facing the purple dressed hoodlum making a scene. "So, what seems to be up your ass, coming here, treathening my staff and annoying my costumers?" The punk seemed kind off nervous. "A-are you Shadow?" he stutters. "Who wants to know?" "Eh, Doug. My name is Doug. Can we talk in private in the back alley?" "I guess." Shadow follows Doug to the back lot. "Now then, Doug, what do you exactly want from me?" "Your life." a voice behind Shadow speaks. Daxter appears, pointing a golden Desert Eagle towards Shadow. "I've heard about you, Shadow. It's an honor to meet you. I'm Doug's older brother, Daxter" Shadow frowns. "You don't seem so honored when you point a gun towards me, Daxter. Care to explain before i take that from you and beat you senseless with it?" Daxter frowned as well. "I have nothing to explain. All you need to know is that before sunrise, you will be dead!" Shadow focused on Daxter's gun, forgetting Doug was still behind him. "NOW!" Daxter yells, as Doug swings a large golden chain towards Shadow, which he barely manages to dodge. As Shadow lands on the ground he turns his attention back to Daxter. Daxter quickly fires 3 bullets, whose loud bangs where probably heard trough the entire area. Afraid the police will arrive soon, Daxter and Doug make a run for it. Shadow prepares to chase after them, but feels a biting sting in the left side of his ribcage, and realizes 2 of the bullets penetrated his body. As blood spills from the gunshot wounds, police sirens are heard. Shadow decides to retreat as well, seeing as he had run-ins with the cops before, and the large wound wouldn't make him less suspicious. With his remaining strength he climbs onto the building and hurries back to Sonic's house, using the rooftops to stay hidden from the alerted authorities. As he limps towards Sonic's doorstep he rings the bell, before falling to the ground. As his vision turns black he vaquely sees Rouge opening the door, screaming and calling Sonic for help. They drag him inside, while he ultimately collapses from the blood loss.