Interdimensional adventure Chapter 6, a sonic the hedgehog fanfic

Okay, time for an update, so chapter 6 is here! Enjoy, rate and review... I really wonder if the characters are not too OOC with this one since they DO grow as this story progresses. If possible, I would welcome all constructive criticism that would let me improve! :)

"Well…here we are folks, the city of Sandstorm!" Exclaimed the overjoyed merchant, while scanning the surroundings with his eyes, and soon he was joined by two familiar figures of black hedgehog and lilac cat, now casting curious glances around.

The city wasn't anything that any of them could have imagined. It was small and cramped, and on top of that the highest building would be only two stores high and even those could be counted on two Mobian hands. As the sun shone brightly on old stones, they noticed how old and dirty this place was…but that was expected, when the city was this close to the desert. Here and there, one could see couples walking with linked hands going together to stores, taverns and other places. Of course there were single persons, but they always had their amulets on them…the atmosphere felt very tense as if anytime something bad could happen.

"That's your stop. I hope you will find everything you need in this town." Said Gold the Monkey with forced smile, when both Shadow and Blaze climbed down the wooden cart they were riding for two days. It felt good to finally stand on their legs while on solid ground.

"Aren't you going to rest here a bit mister Gold?" Asked Blaze, looking at the optimistic, but obviously tired looking merchant, who only shook his head in dismissal. "Wish I could, but those wares need to be delivered and as they say…time's the money. I hope our paths will cross again, and wish you best of luck." He shouted as he ordered the strange animal to move his cart forward.

"Thank you again for those clothes…that was very kind of you." Added Blaze, but the merchant only saluted them with his hand. They were already over that conversation, when mister Gold told them "Those clothes are not worth more than this life of mine that you saved. So take them."

As both of them watched the cart grow smaller and smaller with each passing second, Shadow was the first to break the silence.

"We should get going. With sun this high we don't have enough time before nightfall and we still need to find some kind of jobs and a place to stay." He finished and slowly linked his arm with Blazes to avoid suspicion from other people, making the feline pink on her cheeks in the process.

"Are we really going to do this?" She asked him again in quiet voice, waiting for his confirmation…she didn't dislike the warm feeling growing in her stomach, she simply wasn't used to being this close to another person and especially male. She knew Shadow probably felt the same way as both of them obviously liked to have their personal space.

"We went over this. Without our speed we have no means to travel and I doubt every merchant will let us ride for free." Said the black hedgehog, as the cat only made a silent nod.

"Sorry it takes this long. I know how you count every second in this world." He added, seeing her furrowed eyebrows, trying to sound compassionate.

"It's okay. I understand what we need to do, and that what I want must wait…if it was mine decision, we wouldn't be even wearing those uncomfortable clothes." She added with a small forced smile looking at their new garments.

Shadow the Hedgehog attire was far from what he would choose. It consisted of sandals, simple beige pants and jacket with strange black swirling symbols…those weren't bad if not counting the last piece of his new wardrobe and that was an ugly blue poncho that reminded him of certain someone. Blaze attire was actually looking a bit better on her. It was a simple beige skirt with diamond pattern at the bottom, with slit on her right tight and a pair of sandals. She also wore matching, colored sleeveless top with a little too big décolletage neckline. Normally the clothes would be too revealing for her liking if not for the fact that people of this world wore ponchos, to avoid their skin being burnt from too much exposure to sun, so that meant she also got one, but hers was green colored.

"You have our baggage?" Asked Blaze and in response Shadow showed her the crudeleather backpack in his hand.

"Our old clothes, some water and food…some money. Everything is in here." Replied back the black hedgehog as he looked around the city. Seeing the building that he was looking for, he directed both of them towards it.

"Where are we going?" Inquired fire princess, while curiously looking around at the couples around, hoping to find some kind of clue that would help her improve their charade. She didn't knew anything about dating, having a boyfriend not to mention how a married couple should behave, so doing the best job she could, she stated gathering information.

No way I will be kissing Shadow! – She thought, fighting a blush that crept on her face. Directing her eyes on another couple, she decided there must be more behaviors that wouldn't be this extreme -…hmm…massage is a possibility…a snuggle wouldn't be so bad…- raced her thoughts as she saw a pair on stone bench.

…NO!...– She practically screamed In her head when they passed dark alley between two buildings. With cheeks red as tomato, she decided, that she saw enough for one day…or a whole week.

"If there is one good place to find a place to stay or a job, then it should be in a tavern" Replied Shadow to her earlier question as they neared the building made from sandstone. Looking at his companion, he noticed that she was quite red in face

"Are you okay?" he inquired with concern but Blaze looked in his eyes and replied quickly

"Yes, it's just the sun. Let's just go into this tavern, and I will cool down a little there" said the fire princess trying her best to remain calm, but her heartbeat just couldn't slow down.

The hot wastelands didn't housed much life in recent years. Day after day it was the usual routine, with wind blowing and little to no rain falling from the sky. Today however It was different as two silhouettes made their way through the empty and cracked plains. They rarely stopped or talked with each other, only their goal was important and that was to head forward, into direction of old settlement that they got information about.

"How much farther do you think it will be?" Asked the red echidna, guardian of master emerald and champion of angel island, while his heavy steps were making the dry soil go up.

"According to that traveler not much farther up west…speaking of him, did you really had to scare him like that?" Replied the twin tailed fox, while not turning his eyes from the sun position.

"It wasn't my fault he kept babbling about demons while pointing at us. I was polite you know?" Said Knuckles the echidna with a chuckle, while remembering how fast the stranger they met ran for his very life. He wasn't a thug and didn't enjoy it…but that guy really was annoying and called him a lot of names while not giving much answers.

"Politely asking him while holding him up high by his poncho?" Asked Tails with disbelief painted all over his face.

"Hey, at least we got the poncho. It's good protection from this sun." Defended the guardian, to which the twin tailed fox only shook his head. He knew there was no arguing with Knuckles and his point of view. Still, he had to admit that thanks to this poncho they got, they made nice headgear that protected them from sunrays. Looking ahead, he wondered where everyone else was. For them, it had been one day, and there still wasn't sight of anything.

"We should keep moving. If what that strange guy said about blue demon, while running away, then Sonic should be somewhere around this area. We really need to get more information about this dimension. If my theory Is correc…"

"Then let's not waste time by talking, and let's keep walking. Sooner or later we will find something." Said Knuckles the Echidna, cutting the discussion short, as he quickened their march. Tails only sighed to himself, wondering why of all people he just had to end up with hot headed guardian. It wasn't bad, he respected him, but sometimes he used too much strength and not wits. Still, he wasn't one to complain, because without their powers he was pretty much defenseless.

I really hope we will quickly find Sonic…out time is really running out – He thought to himself, while catching up to red echidna.

As they entered the old building from sandstone, they welcomed the cool shade that was inside, with a content sigh. The place wasn't anything big or luxurious as it only had seven small wooden tables, chairs that looked very uncomfortable and a dusty counter. Since it was still middle of the day, the usual guests weren't present, and right now only one couple ate some soup and lone bartender was cleaning his stone mugs with cloth.

As Blaze was about to go towards the counter to ask her questions, she found it surprising that Shadow lead her towards one of the tables and helped her sit down in a very gentlemanly way. As he sat across her, he found that she wore puzzled expression on her face. The fire cat moved slightly forward, wanting to ask her companion, why didn't they simply went to the bartender to gather info, but the black hedgehog, sensing what she wanted to do said quickly.

"Its colder in here...d-dear. Rest a bit and I will ask the bartender if he has any cold water." Said Shadow to Blaze as he made his way towards the bartender. She noticed that while he had good plan to show that they are together, he still stuttered slightly when addressing her. She would later tell him, since they need their disguise to be as close to perfection as possible.

It must be difficult to him, just as it is for me – She thought, trying to simulate the headache and tiredness, so the nearby couple or bartender wouldn't be suspicious of them. She found it oddly amusing that in her past, she usually tried to show others that she was strong and now she needed to show that she was weak. With the corner of her eye, she looked at the exchange between her… husband and the tavern owner, but the loud sounds from the street made her unable to hear what they were talking about. After a while, Shadow came back and she noticed that he now carried a stone mug with something to drink. It wasn't water, she was sure of it…some kind of juice maybe?

"What is this?" Asked Blaze as the ultimate life form set the mug before her.

"It's milk" He said without emotion, while sitting on his chair. He appeared to be deep in thoughts about something, but Blaze wasn't curious about what he was thinking…she was bothered by another thing… - why milk of all things?

"Shadow…just because I am a cat It doesn't mean I love milk." She added, all the time looking at the white substance in the mug before her, as if it was some unknown object.

"You don't like it?" Asked the hedgehog, discreetly looking around, slightly concerned, that this exchange could made those around them suspicious. After all…what husband doesn't know his wife tastes?

"I didn't said that, it's just… I don't remember the last time I tasted it." She replied, and after a while she added in a whisper

"You know, having a lot of duties…being a guardian, a warrior, a princess…it doesn't leave much space for thinking about meals. You usually eat whatever there is." As She said that, Shadow was taken-aback to learn this about her. He had to admit, he imagined her to at least eat like royalty, but it seemed she still was a complete mystery to him…or maybe he shouldn't look at her like any stereotypical princess, but like a normal girl with heavy duty on her shoulders. Nodding his head, he watched her, as she started to slowly taste her milk with her tongue, and then slowly taking bigger portions

it seems she likes it. Good. When we get some time alone I need to get to know her better..why it's getting hotter in here? Damn desert. – He thought to himself, while observing his companion. Being assured that he hit right on the mark with her taste, Shadow decided it was time to tell Blaze what he learned from the bartender.

"I have good news. I found a job AND a place to stay for us, but there are also some bad news…" He started in low voice, so no-one would be able to hear them but loud enough to get the attention of fire princes, who apparently lost herself in the taste of milk. Setting the stone mug down, she looked Shadow square in the eyes, waiting for him to continue.

"In this city lives a wealthy merchant that made his money by hiring people to his farms. He offers them a place to stay at them, pays them, and all they have to do is to keep them in good condition." Said Shadow, looking very serious about this…

He is always looks so serious…wonder if it has to do something about his mysterious past. – Thought Blaze before she asked her question.

"It looks like a good deal…what are the bad news?" She asked him. It was too good to be true in her opinion and she learned long ago not to trust in good deals like those.

"There are three. First is, that one farm is in the middle of buildings, that farmers live in…each family gets their own part of the field, so we will be watched constantly. That means we have to be cautious about our every move at all times." As he said that, his face showed displeasure for a moment and no wonder, since he looked forward to finally catch some breath in his own personal space.

"That's understandable, but it could also be good news." Replied the fire princess after giving it more thoughts which made Shadow cast a curious look at her.

"I mean. If we have to pretend all the time, then it would be easier for us to perfect this disguise. I already found that we made some mistakes here and there." Concluded the cat, to which Shadow silently agreed, glad that she looked after details. It seemed that she was more used to contacts with others than him. Continuing with the bad news, he said next.

"The second bad thing is that I will have to work on the fields. While I can somehow manage it in theory, in practice I don't know anything about keeping land. The third and last is…this deal is too good to be true. We should be more wary of this merchant." Finished the dark hero, while pondering about their next course of action, but before he was able to reach any conclusion, Blaze interrupted him, while seriously looking in his ruby eyes.

"How long do we need to stay in there?" Said the fire feline trying to sound as calmly as possible but one look from Shadow told her that he caught how impatient she still felt at heart.

"Hopefully not much. I'll say about two weeks…one if we try really hard to save the money. Don't worry Blaze I will be working extra so it should be quicker." Replied the hedgehog. He hoped secretly that Blaze would somehow calm down with his response, but what she said next surprised him a little…and he was not easily surprised.

"Shadow. I know you really want to help me and I do appreciate that, but I can't let you push yourself like that for my sake. If somebody has to work extra I should be the one, not you." Stated politely Blaze the Cat while looking seriously at him. At this moment Shadow saw her differently. Even thought she acts stubborn and very serious most of the time, she was definitely a ruler that cared for others, a compassionate one and he was glad that she wasn't going to made them rush for the time being. He finally felt that he found some way to speak with her normally and not argue.

"I understand. How do you feel? It seems that you cooled a little" Said the black hero changing the subject trying to act like a husband would, since it would be suspicious if they whispered all the time between each other.

"It's better in here. It's strange you know? Usually my fire powers let me withstand hot or cold temperatures…it feels odd to feel this intense heat from sun." Replied princess sill whispering, with small frown on her lips.

"You should be glad, that your fur isn't black like mine." Chuckled Shadow to her response, louder. Apparently she still didn't get what he was planning.

It's so rare to see him chuckle…I wonder if he ever smiles or laughs –thought Blaze to herself, as she looked through the window on busy streets.

"Speaking of which…how do YOU withstand this heat?" she said next with quizzical look in her amber eyes. Was he pretending all the time to be okay or there was some kind of secret to it?

Good…seems she caught on to plan…or did she? – Though black hedgehog to himself, while looking at now empty stone mug. He didn't expect the feline to be this hungry and empty it right away. Maybe she just liked milk.

"I'm different from others." Replied Shadow mysteriously to that, which caught Blaze attention and made her look at him with curious eyes, while moving closer to him.

"How so?" Asked the fire princess, wanting to know more…this was a perfect opportunity to know more about Shadow, and she already knew how rare those moments were. Just as he was about to respond a small uneasiness in the back of his mind told him, that their current situation is not safe. Looking around them, just in time Shadow saw that the couple, that was eating the soup when they entered the tavern, was now looking at them suspiciously, so instead of continuing this pleasant exchange with Blaze he added quickly.

"It's getting late sweetheart and we should really be on our way, don't worry I'll tell you everything when we get back home, okay?" Said the black hedgehog quickly, while standing up. Noticing his odd behavior, Blaze was quick to caught on to the signal that they set when they still were in merchant cart. If something made him say "sweetheart" to her like this that meant they were in some kind of danger of being found out. Collecting herself, she went after his example, stood up and was about to say "Okay, then let's go back right away, love." Like planned, but those words just wouldn't leave her lips, especially the last one. It didn't feel right to say this word while not meaning it. Panicking that their cover might get blown and acting on impulse she decided that now was the time to made use of her observations of other couples, when they were still outside.

"Okay." She said quietly and hugged Shadow, tightly wrapping her arms around his neck, trying very hard for it to be as natural as possible. This caught Shadow slightly off guard as this wasn't their plan but he wasn't to going to blow their cover and hugged her back noticing at the same time, how thin she actually was. It was new feeling for him to feel someone else this close…he enjoyed this and that made him curious. This was some kind of new feeling for him. Blaze was feeling similar as she could feel blood rushing to her head and heart beating in her chest twice as fast. They stayed like this for five seconds only, but for both of them it felt like It was way longer. When they finally parted, they looked in each other eyes but no words escaped either lips, as both of them understood that it was all an act…but was it really? As slight doubt was being born in their hearts, Shadow linked his arm with Blaze's and they silently exited the tavern, noticing that the couple that was suspicious of them apparently decided that there was nothing out of place… all seemed good.

When they were out of the building, Shadow was the first to speak.

"It was very bold of you…but seems that it worked better than in our plan. Good job princess." Said Shadow, while collecting himself from her action, not bothering to ask why she didn't simply replied as planned. It was second time that he was surprised today.

"It was this couple wasn't it? We should really look what we do or how we speak to each other…the eyes and ears seem to be everywhere" Replied Blaze with calm voice, trying to sound as emotionless as possible. Strange feeling or not, she had other, more important things to do. And both of them knew it. There was just one more thing that she needed to say to Shadow.

"And one more thing." Started Blaze as she stopped them in the middle of the street.

"Yes?" Asked Shadow the fire princess, expecting her to say something along the lines that what happened before was just an act. He was mistaken.

"I believe, that when we first met in my world I told you not to call me princess…just Blaze." Said Blaze, looking in his ruby eyes. She was going to say it before, noticing as he called her that from time to time, but there wasn't any good occasion.

"I apologize…Blaze, it's become a habit of mine to speak using ranks and titles. Speaking of addressing each other, we really should come up with more ways of it, to act in more marriage-like manner" Replied the black hero, to which the lilac cat agreed with short nod. Apparently the topic of Blaze hugging him was dropped and that was good in Shadow eyes, as he couldn't explain what actually happened and what exactly he felt back there. He would ponder about it later.

"Well…since we are already on the street, let's find out more about that job on the farm." He added after a while and both of them made their way through the city of Sandstorm.

A lone, dark obelisk, with the size of over twenty-three meters high was standing strong against anything that nature threw at it. As the sun changed color to orange and was setting on the horizon, both Knuckles and Tails saw this mighty structure in the distance and decided that it was worth checking it out. Little did they know, that it wasn't just a simple monument of stone.

"What do you make of it Tails?" Asked the red echidna, while looking curiously at engraved symbols. He didn't recognized any of those and he being able to read ancient texts was included in his training as a guardian.

"It's hard to decode it without more info. Reading ancient obelisks isn't exactly mine field." Replied the twin tailed fox to this, while looking at symbol of something that resembled a chaos emerald. He wondered how different was this dimension from theirs. If there were chaos emeralds in this world, then it maybe they had a way to return home.

"It's strange." Suddenly exclaimed Knuckles, which made Tails cast a curious look at him.

"What's strange?"

"I can sense some kind of power emanating from it. It's…disturbing." Replied the champion of angel island, while slowly putting his hand on cold stone surface. He could feel it, swirling inside the stone, like a bird trapped in a cage that wants to go out. Just as he was going to add more, suddenly both him and his brilliant companion heard a loud voice echoing from the stone.

"Go away…" Said the ghostly and ominous voice, which made both heroes stand straight in their fighting stances, prepared for anything.

"You don't belong here…leave…" Continued voices louder and louder with each word, as dark cloud started seeping from stone surface, while coming closer and closer to both mobians.

"I think we should go…" Replied Tails, to which the red echidna agreed with short nod. Just as they were going to fall back, the swirling black smoke enveloped both of them, making them unable to move, while choking them... as both of their eyes grew bigger and bigger, a lone figure observed what was happening with curious green eyes…

"Come on Shadow, it wasn't so bad" Said the fire feline while looking with sympathy at her brooding companion. They had just finished their talk with Beef the Swine, the wealthiest merchant in this city and finalized their contract, but it seemed Shadow still wasn't happy about all of this.

"It could be worse" She added with apologetic smile, while trying to comfort Shadow, since mere minutes ago, the situation was as awkward as it could get, and when she now looked at it as a thing of the past it was definitely the embarrassing situation number one. Apparently the hedgehog wasn't at all calmed by her tone and just frowned more.

"Need I remind you how YOU reacted to his proposition?" He asked, while eyeing his "wife" with the corner of his eye, which made her frown just like him.

"No" Replied Blaze shortly, remembering how all of their talk went which made her red on cheeks…

One hour ago - Blaze P.O.V

Why must those streets be so busy! - I thought while trying very hard walking alongside Shadow. It wasn't easy as he quickly was making his way through the crowd and while people seemed to just go out of his way in fear to made him room, they usually ended up blocking me. I hoped that it wasn't much further, and just as I was thinking that Shadow stopped suddenly.

"It should be here." I heard him say quietly, as I looked at the building we were supposed to enter. It wasn't anything fancy, and reminded me of the tavern we exited some time ago. Old sandstone was cracked here and there and no ornaments were engraved. The only difference was a big material sign that showed a big gold swine with apple. Honestly, to me it looked more like butcher shop or restaurant.

"Let's enter, but I don't have good feeling about this place." I replied, as we made our way through the entrance. I must admit, that inside was more fancy looking. Carpets were on floors and furnishing was definitely of higher quality but still I saw better. I noticed lone, young receptionist without bond amulet eyeing us, especially Shadow. Why was she eyeing him like hungry animal? While I admit he is good looking, there really was no need for her to act like this so openly. It really annoyed me on the inside since she obviously saw he was supposed to be married. As we made our way towards the counter I heard Shadow in his low voice.

"My name is Shadow the Hedgehog, husband of Blaze the Cat. We are here to speak with mister Beef about job on the farm" Said Shadow making the same gesture that Gold the Monkey did when introducing himself. Looking at the face of the girl I noticed how it changed from dreamy expression into one of annoyance and then into one of slight concern…I didn't took it for good sign. Something was off and the uneasy feeling in my stomach only increased.

"You must be desperate, but I assume you know what you are doing. It's up the stairs. You may just come in, since there is no-one waiting for visit." Replied the girl, while trying very hard to not look us into eyes. Why was she so nervous? I really could feel dark clouds on the horizon.

"Shadow…" I tried to communicate this to my friend but he didn't reply, instead he just led me to stairs and we made our way up. I really hoped he knew what he was doing. I should probably trust him, since nothing bad came out of it before.

Present time - Normal P.O.V.

"As I remember I tried to warn you, didn't I?" Said Blaze, while looking Shadow square in the eye with look of regained confidence. That's what he got for not listening to her.

"I know… but how was I supposed to predict that it will end up this way?" He replied while finding his feet more interesting. Blaze had to admit it was cute in some way for him to act like this. Looking ahead she saw, that they were nearing the farms. Finally, she will be able to rest in home, with no need to pretend. Walking with linked hands all the time really was tiring her out, but she grew used to it.

One hour ago - Shadow P.O.V.

As we made our way up the stairs I noticed that something was off with this whole situation. Being on guard of course I wasn't worried, if this merchant will try to propose any deal that wouldn't be good for us, I was sure that we will be able to negotiate a good contract. What slightly worried me was the behavior of the receptionist. Why did she looked with this much concern at us?

"Don't worry, just leave everything to me and it will all be good. Besides I'm supposed to be the provider of means to life, so all you need to do is sit there quietly, and reply only when asked about anything." I said to Blaze, to reassure her, seeing the look in her golden eyes. As we entered the upper floor I noticed how fancy it looked with furniture made of good wood, gold and crystal ornamentation here and there. All about this room screamed "money". In the center of this hall, behind a desk sat big fat guy, who I assumed to be the person we were supposed to speak to.

"Ah! Customers! Please do sit. You here to buy something or for work?" Said the fat swine with broad smile. He wasn't repulsive…just…his presence made me nervous. As we made our way towards the desk and sat on chairs before it I decided to start conversation. After quickly introducing ourselves, we proceeded with main reason of our visit.

"Yes Mr. Beef, both me and mine wife heard about the work offer and decided that the deal was generous enough. We would like to hear the details and hopefully sign a contract." I said, while silently hoping that it wouldn't take too much time.

"Ah! Then let me tell you everything you need to know. As you probably heard I am the wealthiest merchant in this city… you can even go as far to say, that this city belongs to me!" Said the merchant with broad an lecherous smile which made Blaze move slightly closer to me. Drinking, what I assumed to be water from golden cup, the Swine continued.

"Aaah! I offer people work at farms, shops and many other workplaces. In exchange they get roof over their head, money and help me develop my city, while I get goods to sell. A splendid plan wouldn't you agree?" Asked Mr. Beef while moving closer to both of us. His smell wasn't pleasant at all.

"It's a very good Idea." I complimented, while trying very hard not to breathe. With relief I welcomed the merchant leaning on the back of his chair.

"Aaaaahhh! Then let me tell you about the contract. It goes like this. You agree to work each day on my farm, and at the end of each week you get paid one hundred kirlans. Simple enough right? Next is the part about helping this city grow bigger." In this part I noticed that the Swine got even bigger smile than before, while looking at both me and Blaze. I could feel that now we would probably hear something unpleasant. Bracing myself for any bad news I steeled my nerves…but nothing could prepare me for what I heard next.

"Ah! Since the city needs to grow, as per contract you two will agree to have children in one year. Of course the money you get paid will grow with it by fifty kirlans a week." Finished the Swine with content smile, as I nearly choked on my next words. What in mobius was this guy suggesting?! Looking at Blaze I noticed how red she was on her face, probably just as red as me and it was then, that I decided to shove this "Ah!" down this guys throat. Just as I was about to get up with clenched fists, I felt Blazes hand tugging me down, while she embarrassedly looked at the floor which seemed to interest her more than current conversation. Catching a deep breath and deciding to negotiate I sat down and tried to reason with this mad idea.

"Mister Beef, while I agree with your idea of growing city, I don't think me and my wife are mentally prepared to have children…" I started but could already see this guy shaking his head in dismissal.

"Aahh! Nonsense! You two made a very lovely couple. I'm sure for the two of you it wouldn't be hard. You must absolutely promise me that in one year I will see small kids running and laughing around the city!" Said the merchant and by this time I noticed there really was no way around this…but maybe it wouldn't be so bad. We only needed to work for two weeks and then run out of this city, so this last part of contract, while embarrassing, wasn't actually of any concern to us. Looking at Blaze with my eyes, I noticed she probably thought of the same idea, as the crimson blush slowly vanished from her face.

"Okay mister Beef, but we want to be paid one hundred and fifty kirlans each week and fifty extra for every child." I replied smugly to which the merchant started to think deeply.

"Ah…how can I pay you more than other farmers?" He asked troubled, but I already saw through him and had a good argument to it.

"You said we made a nice couple. So that means our kids will add a lot of live to you city. Isn't it worth fifty kirlans more?" Seeing as he his face slowly turned to a smile, he looked at us as if estimating if it would be worth the money. After a while he sighed and said the words I wished to hear.

"Ah! Okay Mr. Shadow you drive a hard bargain but you got this contract. Just promise me like man to man that you two will really have children in future." Said the fat Swine, to which I looked with frown on my face. I always took promises as something very important and wouldn't never break them…but if this was for the sake of our mission, then I suppose I have to swallow this one lie.

"Okay Mr. Beef. I promise." Swallowing my pride, I replied through gritted teeth, earning a shocked stare from my ally, and a very eager approval from the fat merchant.

"AH! Splendid! Let me just fetch the papers and I will explain where the farm is situated…"

Present time - Normal P.O.V.

"It looks like we are nearing our destination." Said Blaze making Shadow snap out of his thoughts. True enough, the farms were in their field of view. Sighing heavily the black hedgehog added after a while.

"Let's just go in there. It really was a tiring day and I have to work tomorrow. Hopefully I can manage it." The field weren't big, and he could clearly see that they were in parts. Probably each family managed their own.

"It will be okay, don't worry. I just hope we won't be sacrificing more of our pride in this world." Replied the fire princess as they stood before their new home. From outside it wasn't anything fancy, just a simple sandstone construction with doors and window that appeared to be from kitchen.

"You ready to do this?" Asked the dark hero, looking at his companion in all seriousness, with displeasure painted all over his face. He wouldn't be surprised if this home turned out to crumble just as they enter, since time after time everything seems to be not in their favor.

"Just lighten up a little, it's not so bad" Said Blaze trying to cheer them both up as she pushed the door open. As both of them entered the building they noticed how cold it was in here, which they took for good sign. It wasn't anything fancy, it had a room with table and four chairs in the center, with kitchen being part of it. Speaking of kitchen it also consisted just of table to prepare meals, a shelf and a fireplace. Both of them noticed that there was some food on the table with a note. Looking at it, Shadow saw that the note said "Best of luck from Beef the Swine".

How kind – Thought Shadow sarcastically, but slightly glad they had something to eat. From this room there were also two more doors leading to other rooms.

"Doesn't look bad" Admitted Shadow out loud, inspecting this place. It was dirty, cramped and could use some work but in some way it could have been worse. Making their way towards the first door they opened it and recognized it as the bathroom…well…bathroom was probably too big of a word, since it was a room with big wooden bowl and a place for towels.

"Don't suppose we will enjoy long baths" Shadow heard silent whisper from Blaze and agreed with a short nod. Too bad, since he was looking forward to finally being able to clean himself. Being ultimate life form didn't mean he didn't need to take baths. Closing the bathroom doors, they made their way toward the last room and not wasting any time they opened it.

"It's a bedroom" Said Shadow looking around with bored look. The whole room fit with the rest, since all it got was old double bed, two nightstands and a wardrobe. There was also a carpet on the floor, but it looked like they will probably throw it out.

"What do you make of our situation?" Inquired Shadow but was met with silence. Looking at Blaze, he noticed that her eyes looked at the bed with troubled expression.

"Only one…" He heard her whisper, but not being able to understand what she meant, he moved closer and asked her

"Only one what?"

"The bed..." Replied the fire feline red in face, making Shadow realize just what she meant. At the same time he remembered their contract with Beef the Swine. Looking away from the fire princess, while trying to hide blush on his cheeks as red as his highlights he mumbled quietly whether to himself or to Blaze.

"J-just bear with it…I-il bring water for bath, I think I saw well nearby, start a fire in kitchen." With that the embarrassed dark hero speed out of the building. He didn't knew what was happening to him, he felt his heart pound. He disliked the feeling, it was alien to him and he couldn't focus on task at hand. He will need to think about it later.

It was cold, the shadows swirling around their bodies. They could feel them, how their icy hands enveloped their throats, making them unable to move. It seemed to be the end of their adventure, but then they heard a strange sound. A bell? Looking through the black smoke, they could see a single silhouette nearing them as the darkness began dissipating. Falling on their knees, while catching their breath, they looked up at the unfamiliar figure that stood before them. The strange was a white colored old cat with moustache similar to that of Eggman, with sharp looking green eyes. He was wearing a long brown robe and was supporting himself on a wooden stick with bell at the top.

"W-who are you?" Asked Tails but the stranger only motioned with his hand for them to follow him, and slowly began walking away. Exchanging glances with Knuckles, they both decided it's probably a good idea to follow the man instead of staying close to the obelisk that tried to kill them a mere seconds ago. Slowly getting up they began to walk after the stranger, hoping that he will at least lead them somewhere safe. There was some kind of special presence to him, and they just couldn't think why they were going after him…they just did it naturally feeling it needed to be done…

As always...it will be continued :)