Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, SEGA does. This fanfiction is made as a request from a friend. I still had other pending stories but I'll update them as soon as I can. This is my first time writing a story related to the Sonic Universe. Hope you like it. Rated M for scenes not suitable for young readers.

The two agents stood in a state of awe as their gaze met with the Ultimate Lifeform, Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow's reputation of saving the world along with the legendary blue blur was well known all over Mobius. Being in the hedgehog's presence alone made them swell with pride for having the chance to meet him personally.

"So this is the Shadow the Hedgehog. It's an honor to finally meet you face to face" said the Special Agent named Wills. "I've heard a lot of good things about you"

Shadow just stared at the two, not a single word came out of him. He took the time to study the two agents before him, watching their every move, mannerisms, behaviors, anything that may pose a threat.

His eyes went towards the Special Agent. Unlike the commander, the man had a soft look on his face despite of his deep set of brown eyes. From the way he spoke, the hedgehog could easily tell that the man was gifted with the charisma that agents must possess in order to retrieve evidence. Shadow couldn't help but notice the smell of cigarettes that lingered in his clothing which made him assume that the man just had a "cigarette break" before being summoned into the briefing room. Judging from his attire, the hedgehog could tell that the man was mainly doing work in the office instead of working on the field.

His eyes then went to the Grey mobian wolf. The wolf had a cheerful expression drawn all over his face that didn't match the intimidating field agent attire that he wore. Among his features, his cerulean eyes stood out the most. Studying the wolf's mannerisms further, the hedgehog noticed that the wolf tends to fidget a lot from the way he constantly moves his feet as if the stable ground was shaking below him. He could easily tell that the wolf is still a rookie and a bit gullible that it reminded him of a certain silver furred hedgehog he knew.

'A walking ashtray with a silver tongue and a free-spirited rookie…not much of a threat' he thought, unable to find anything suspicious nor threatening from the two agents.

The grey mobian wolf walked a little closer and stretched out a hand towards the hedgehog

"Pleasure to meet you, Agent Shadow the hedgehog. I'm Ashton the Wolf" said the wolf, bursting with energy. The hedgehog slightly flinched in response at the wolf's cheerful behavior, thinking twice whether to return the handshake or not but chose to do the latter, leaving the wolf hanging in the air.

The wolf slowly drew his hand back and gave out a chuckle

"My apologies sir, I just got a little…carried away"

Shadow just glared in response that made the wolf walk back a few steps away while chuckling nervously.

"Agent Shadow, the case folder that I have given you a while ago belong to the United Federation Criminal Investigation or UFCI. It is a government agency similar to GUN but with different obligations. While GUN serves as a military law enforcement organization, UFCI serves as a federal criminal investigative organization" clarified the commander in response to their interrupted conversation when the two agents entered the room.

'I knew it! So that's why I've never seen that case folder before'

"Agent Wills will explain the rest. To tell you the truth, I was impressed with how you were able to make an almost accurate assessment of the case files. Most agents would just look through the photos and not make anything out of it" the commander took the thick case folder and handed it to Agent Wills

"Really? That's amazing…" said the wolf, his mouth gaping in surprise

Shadow ignored the compliments directed at him and just stood with a blank expression in his face

"Exactly what was that folder about?" Shadow wondered

"The folder you've just seen is a 3 year old case that remained unsolved and recently became an active case due to new leads. Three years ago, the current suspect is nicknamed 'The Sandman' due to a speculation that anesthetic drugs were infused to the victims first, making them fall asleep and helpless enough to fight back, then the killer proceeds to murder them brutally" Agent Wills spoke as he held the folder

'I was right…drugs were involved…this is one fucked-up case' Shadow felt uneasy just thinking about the brutal murders.

"Then several victims were found dead just weeks ago with excessive needle punctures, bearing a strange similarity to the 'Sandman killings' before which led us to conclude that it might be the same suspect we're after" Wills continued.

"Interesting…" Shadow muttered to himself "So, how would I be of assistance, Agent Wills?" he asked

"Agent Shadow, I'm sure the commander has informed you about an agent that became a casualty of a friendly fire" Wills added

"Yes sir, but the information was vague. If you would clarify more, I'd appreciate it" the hedgehog crossed his arms, curiosity beamed within his eyes.

"Well, that agent was one of our outstanding special agents. Sadly, he's in a critical condition and won't be returning for a while. His name is Agent Gunther. Keen, has a strong sense of justice and a good leader. He's been in the investigation team for more than 10 years. However, due to some unwanted circumstances, a co-agent in pursuit of a target lost his composure and accidentally fired his gun in Agent Gunther's direction, hitting a vital organ in the process"

Shadow listened intently like he usually would, constructing the information in his mind piece by piece, reviving the incident and watching it like a film in an absence of a sound.

"With that special agent down, we are unable to proceed with the investigation and that is why we asked the commander for assistance to send us an agent capable enough to be a temporary replacement for our fallen member."

"A proxy" Shadow pointed out

"Precisely" responded Wills

"But, why me?"

"The commander spoke of your capabilities in high regard, Agent. Not to mention, your easy adaptability and willingness to accomplish a task on hand. Such skills are a valuable asset to our team"

Still, the hedgehog was still befuddled as to why would a mere case be of such value that GUN would be willing to assist in it.

'Why would GUN had anything to do with it?'

Shadow raised his brows, his eyes glancing towards the commander.

"I see, but why would a criminal investigation group have anything to do with a military organization? As far as I know, GUN is responsible for global threats such as alien invasions and terrorism. Commander, I'm afraid I couldn't grasp the point." Shadow remarked, facing the commander with doubtful eyes.

"Given the possible downfall of our economy in the future and the decreasing moral standards of our society, I wouldn't be surprised if people would resort to criminal activity. However, the "person of interest" was rumored to be discreetly running a black market in the outskirts of Central City besides brutally murdering innocent lives. Drug, organ and human trafficking to be precise. To top it all that, some evidences have pointed out that the culprit might also be using some victims as 'guinea pigs' for his or her own twisted experiments." the commander's expression darkened, his jaws tightening out of rage "…to answer your question, I don't want any more abominations threatening this already wretched world…"

Shadow couldn't believe what he was hearing. For once, he and the commander had agreed into something. The thought of innocent lives perishing while monsters take over the world blew a fuse in him. Sometimes, he couldn't even tell anymore who the monster is and who the man is from what the world has become.

"If that's the case, then I'm willing to be a part of this investigation" the hedgehog gave a barely visible smile to the two agents before him, letting them know that they had garnered his trust.

"Thank you, Agent Shadow, we are grateful for your assistance" Agent Wills walked towards the hedgehog and offered a handshake of which the hedgehog returned it with no hesitation that made the wolf's eyes bulge out of his sockets at the sudden change of Shadow's behavior, wondering why the hedgehog refused to shake his hand a while ago. "And thank you Commander Tower for the assistance" the agent then shook hands with the commander.

Shadow pondered at the decision he made.

'New organization and more exposure to field work…that means less time at home…less time with Rouge'

Working for GUN had already took most of the time of his personal life. His temporary position in UFCI is nothing different and he didn't find the transition quite pleasing at the moment.

Then the thought of a foreseeable outcome stroke him.

'Dead bodies and monsters, I could tolerate, but I couldn't even imagine what kind of abominations would come out from those experiments…if it succeeded'

His thoughts were soon interrupted when Ashton, the mobian wolf, put a hand on the hedgehog's shoulder.

"I guess this means we're going to be team mates now" he said in a grin but the hedgehog shot a glare at him , something about the young wolf's cheerful vibe had bothered him for an unknown reason. He was later on surprised that the wolf didn't falter this time upon meeting his threatening gaze.

'Tch, so I'm with this Rookie?' he felt like he world was punishing him once again for having the wolf as a team mate. 'God help me…'

Just as the hedgehog was starting to get annoyed, Agent Wills gestured Ashton that it's time for them to leave.

"We'll discuss the case further in our headquarters, Meet us in the lobby when you're good to go, Agent Shadow" said Agent Wills as he and Ashton walked out of the room.

Shadow and the commander were left alone in the briefing room once again. Shadow was plagued with thoughts on how much his life would change once he's working under UFCI, then the thought about Rouge's condition began to pester him.

The commander was about to leave when the hedgehog called his attention.

"Commander, a word?" he asked

"Yes, what is it?" the commander halted, his brows furrowing a bit

"Regarding Agent Rouge…"

"Any marriage-related concerns won't be entertained"

The commander was aware of the relationship between his two top agents. At first, he was against it thinking that it would affect their efficiency on the field. Later on, he realized that he was wrong with his assumptions for the two had always remained consistent with their current ranks, much to his surprise.

Shadow crossed his arms in annoyance, he didn't find any amusement on the commander's display of his sense of humor

"Far from it sir. I humbly request that she would not be assigned in any GUN assignments for a while." Shadow said seriously.

The commander's eyes shot wide in bewilderment, putting a flaw in his calm demeanor and disciplined stance.

"And why is that?" he asked, gazing at the hedgehog in confusion

"She's demonstrating extreme physical exhaustion for the past few weeks and sending her in such a state would be a great risk not only for her but for the mission itself. I believe a few days of rest would suffice. I would also be willing to do her paperwork as well"

Shadow didn't think twice, he knew he had to bargain with the commander to lay Rouge off from work, even if she had to kill him with a hatchet for doing it behind her back. The commander stopped to think for a moment, Rouge was one of his valuable agents and without her doing any assignments and Shadow working temporarily for UFCI, he would have to postpone a couple of pending tasks, more paperwork would pile on his desk.

"You DO realize that without Agent Rouge on duty the—"

Shadow cut him off before he could even finish his sentence

"With all due respect Commander" said Shadow gritting his teeth "If you don't start thinking about the well-being of your agents, there's no doubt that you'll lose them one day." The hedgehog calmly retorted and yet his eyes shone like sharpened daggers.

Shadow never really cared whether he insulted the commander from his choice of words or not, he spoke his mind and that's all that mattered.

Something about the hedgehog's protest made the commander realize that unlike Shadow, Rouge was just an ordinary Mobian and putting her into so much stress could also affect the efficiency of the mission. Finally, he made his decision despite his inner dilemma.

"Very well then, and let me tell you that you just dug your own grave"

Shadow just smirked at the remark, the commander had known Rouge for a very long time and has already anticipated her possible reaction towards the hedgehog's request.


The sound of rushing water that continuously flowed from the shower felt soothing in the ivory bat's ears as she allowed her form to be drenched on those warm droplets, relaxing her once stiff muscles, feeling nothing but the warmth wrapped her in a gentle embrace.

The water ran down on her back, feeling those gentle strokes calming her nerves. Her head started to clear, the nauseating feeling dispersed along with the cold that used to linger on her skin.

'Nothing beats a nice warm shower' she thought, feeling her worries leaving away from her, mingling with the water that streamed down the drain.

She grabbed a bottle of body soap, poured a generous amount on her hand and lathered herself with it starting from her stiff shoulders, going down to her legs. As she continued to clean herself, she reflected the conversation she had with her mother, how she told her that there's nothing to worry about.

Her mind denied what her mother said after having a few episodes of vomiting just a few minutes ago and was left to worry once again. 'What if she's wrong?' she thought, her head tilted towards the nozzle, her eyes closed, allowing the water to rinse all of the soap suds that enveloped her form.

Her thoughts then wandered off to Shadow, wondering what the commander had in mind for sending him on a mission in such short notice, and worse, during their rest day. Being affiliated with GUN has added a couple of constraints in their relationship such as not being able to spend time like normal couples do. But the two had always found time for themselves and making the most of it as much as they could.

'An alien hybrid for a husband who's working for the government…and I'm expecting to live a normal life?' she chuckled at the thought. Her relationship with her GUN partner had made her life like a challenging race, and knowing her, she would never turn down a challenge.

Feeling already clean, she shut off the water and pulled down the towel hanging on the rack to dry herself then she walked towards the bedroom.

Rouge took out a simple, light blue one piece dress with a V-shaped neck line from the closet and decided to wear it instead of her usual skin tight suit with a heart plate on the chest.

'I guess this will do…'

After fixing her hair and applying a light make-up on, she made her way to Central City Hospital.


Afternoon had passed and the sun no longer shone bright, giving the ground a touch of its golden rays. A pink female hedgehog wearing a crimson dress and a blue male hedgehog walked happily with intertwined hands across the city park as they enjoyed the calm breeze that gently swayed the trees.

"I told you a walk in the park is relaxing" said the pink hedgehog happily, looking at the taller blue hedgehog beside her

"Well, walking isn't really my style" said the blue hedgehog, wearing his conceited grin.

"AND you agreed to take a walk with me anyway" she smiled that made the blue hedgehog blush in response

"Well…" he scratched his head, trying to make up an excuse "I…just thought it's a good idea to….enjoy the park. I can barely see it when I run and-" he was cut off when the pink hedgehog gave him a quick peck on the cheek that made his muzzles blushing a brighter red.

"Right…" she muttered, turning her gaze towards him, raising a brow.

As they walked further into the park, they saw a crowd not far from where they stood, gathering over something just below a tree stump.

"What's going on over there?" the pink hedgehog spoke as she leaned over to take a peak

"I don't know, let's check it out" were the blue hedgehog's words before he carried the pink hedgehog in his arms and sped towards the crowd.


Author's Notes:

Jaganshing: Chapter 4 done. How was it? :) Ashton the Wolf belongs to my friend who requested this story and I might do a fanart of him soon in deviantart. Special Agent Wills and Gunther are characters we made up for the plot and as for the Sandman Killer, my cousin gave the nickname. Once again, I really appreciate the wonderful feedback from you guys! You rock! :D Stay tuned.