Chili with Aroma of a Hedgehog
Chapter 11: Advantage
A Word from the Author -
Dear Lilly,
Okay here is what's going on with Keep It Crescendo. I'm on a writer's block, like I don't know what to write for the next few chapters and I did have Chapter 5 halfway done but it deleted because I took too long to log back in. I WILL FINISH IT! I have a general idea of how it's gonna go but I just need to write. What I'm gonna do is write all the chapters while producing this story and then continue it after Chili with Aroma of a Hedgehog is finished. Hang in there okay :) I can only do one story at a time. Oh, and Sonic and Amy have been busy with filming Sonic Boom so they need to polish their choreography skills xD
"Rouge!" Shadow explained as he ran toward her. "Please Rouge wake up."
It was at this moment where the house maid Belinda ran toward them.
"Sir what happened?" she asked.
"CALL THE BLOODY AMBULANCE!" Shadow yelled as the maid grabbed the phone.
"Please be okay Rouge..."
Green Hill Zone
"Sonic..."
Sonic opened his eyes and turned; next to him was Amy, who was smiling at him.
"Shhh..." she said as she kissed him.
Sonic kissed back.
But wait... where were the butterflies in his stomach?
"Rosy..."
"ROSY!?" Sally exclaimed as she sat up from her and Sonic's bed and glared at Sonic.
"Sally?" Sonic said as he opened his eyes a squinted, trying to process the situation.
Wait... was I dreaming about kissing Rosy and acting it out on Sally!?
"And here you thought you actually wanted me this time..." Sally said sadly. "You still see her don't you?"
"No... she left The Grounds..."
"Chaos bless Mobius! I'm glad!" Sally said in relief, receiving a glare from Sonic.
"What?"
Sonic shook his head as he got up and stretched.
"Hey Sally do you know what's up with Tails? He's been acting really weird since yesterday."
Sally shrugged, "No I'm afraid I don't. I hardly talk to him."
Sonic nodded, accepting that answer as he walked out of the room.
"If that stupid fox dares open his mouth he is going to pay..." Sally whispered.
Station Square Hospital
Shadow paced around in the emergency room, urging to hear what the doctor had to say.
Charles and Cocoa walked into the room and approached Shadow.
"Shadow! What did you do?" Charles immediately demanded.
"Now Chuck! Don't be accusing your son of anything! Let us hear his side of the story," Cocoa retorted.
"If you keep justifying your son like this he's going to end up destroying himself and his own family," Charles barked back.
"Hate to cut your argument on how to parent close but this isn't the time to argue if you haven't noticed," Shadow said as Charles sighed, admitting defeat.
"Family of Rouge Bat the Hedgehog," Dr. Mighty said as the three hedgehogs stood up.
"That's us!" Shadow said. "How's Shadow Jr. and my wife?"
"Your wife will be okay, we did surgery on her and it was all successful."
"And the baby?" Charles asked.
Dr. Mighty sighed, "I'm afraid I cannot say the same for the child... the baby was unfortunately lost in the accident."
Shadow widened his eyes and Cocoa glared at him while Charles covered his eyes and silently sulked over the loss of his grandchild.
"I'm very sorry... I know how excited you and your wife were about that child," the doctor said as he walked away.
"I need a moment," Charles said as he dismissed toward the cafeteria.
Cocoa glared at Shadow with disappointment, "WELL!"
"Don't start mom."
"I TOLD YOU, I TOLD YOU THIS WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU WEREN'T CAREFUL! There goes our fortune."
"Not my fault Rouge went all wahoo like a cockatoo over nothing!"
"You should have never taken Maria to that cocktail!"
"Maria and I did nothing! This was like the one time I was being faithful and what happens? Rouge loses the baby."
"DON'T ACT LIKE THIS IS NOTHING! Sonic and Sally can catch up! Sally can get pregnant any moment now!"
Shadow laughed, no, he cackled, causing the entire room to look at them.
"That's got to be the stupidest thing I've heard in my life. I think Silver has a higher chance of getting pregnant than Sally."
"You don't think Sally can get pregnant?"
"Not from Sonic at least," Shadow chuckled, receiving a sigh of relief from Cocoa.
"Well that gives you lots of time to get Rouge pregnant again."
"I know mom I know, but it's gonna take her awhile to forgive me."
"Just butter her up, wait shhh, your father's coming."
Charles walked back into the room with three bottles of water, he gave one to each person and sat down, sniffing.
Shadow patted his back and sat next to him.
"Aren't you hurt over this Shadow?"
"I am. I'm just not good at showing my feelings, you know that."
Charles nodded and drank more water, "I was already so ready to teach him or her how to take their first steps..."
Cocoa rolled her eyes as Shadow nodded slowly.
Somewhere deep inside of him didn't care about the fortune and was devastated with the loss of his child.
A sudden sense of familiarity struck Shadow as he remembered an event that occurred between him and Sonic when they were kids.
- Flashback -
"Catch me if you can Sonic!" a young Shadow said as he ran in between the chili plants.
"Wait for me Shadow!" a younger Sonic called out.
Shadow giggled as he turned and came to a sudden halt.
Sonic, noticing Shadow had stopped, came to a halt too.
"Gotcha!" Sonic giggled as he tapped Shadow on the head.
"Sonic look," Shadow said as he pointed to a ditch.
Sonic looked down and heard wailing noises, suddenly surprising himself when he noticed there was a baby at the bottom of the ditch, abandoned.
"What do we do?" Sonic asked.
"We help it," Shadow responded as he jumped into the ditch.
"But Shadow! We could get in trouble for getting dirty!"
"I don't care," Shadow responded. "I'm not leaving this baby here."
Shadow then grabbed onto the baby, he rocked it until it stopped crying and then proceeded to hand the baby to Sonic, who received it and helped Shadow back up.
"C'mon let's go tell Grandpa," Shadow said as he received the baby again. "He'll know what to do!"
Sonic nodded as both boys headed back to The Hedgehog Home.
Back at the Home
Sonia walked toward the door and opened it, revealing Sonic and Shadow, who were filled with mud.
"You guys look funny," Sonia giggled as Manic crawled toward Sonic and stretched his arms out to carry him.
"Not now Manic, I'm dirty and I don't want you to get icky too."
Manic giggled and crawled away.
"Good heavens what happened here!?" Bernadette exclaimed as she and Cocoa approached Sonic and Shadow.
"Shadow! What is the meaning of this!" Cocoa scolded, suddenly noticing the baby in his arms.
"It's a baby mom," Shadow said. "We found him in a ditch."
"It probably belongs to one of the chili pickers," Bernadette told Cocoa.
"Get that thing out of here Shadow! How many times do I have to tell you to act more proper and not pick random things up from the floor!" Cocoa scolded as Shadow bowed his head in sadness.
"What's all the commotion?" Maurice asked as he stepped in.
"Look Grandpa! Shadow found an abandoned baby in a ditch!" Sonic exclaimed as he motioned toward Shadow.
"My goodness," Maurice said as he took the baby from Shadow. "Either someone lost him or he really was abandoned...Rosemary!"
Rosemary walked in quickly, "Yes Mr. The Hedgehog?"
"Can you give this baby a proper bath? My sons and I are going to ask around the village to see if he belongs to anyone, if not, we'll have to put him in an orphanage."
"But those places are scary," said Shadow, concerned over the child as Rosemary took the baby.
"SHADOW! Don't talk when the adults are talking!" Cocoa scolded again.
"Cocoa," Maurice warned as he approached Shadow and kneeled in front of him, "That's why I'm proud of you along with Sonic, Sonia and Manic. All of you have a heart of gold. NEVER lose that Shadow, ever."
Cocoa rolled her eyes and left the room, Bernadette shaking her head as she departed.
"When you have kids Shadow, and Sonic this goes for you too. They will always be your pride and joy, nothing else will matter more than them," Maurice advised as Sonic and Shadow nodded.
"Repeat after me, both of you. My kids."
"My kids."
"Will always be."
"Will always be."
"My pride and joy."
"My pride and joy," Shadow and Sonic finished as Maurice gave them both a large hug.
Bernadette giggled as she approached both boys, "Now let's get you two washed up before your fathers get home."
- End Flashback -
Shadow frowned, they eventually did find the owner of the baby, apparently they had lost it.
Shadow then scoffed and shook his head, there's NO TIME for stupid childhood stories.
Maurice always ended up liking Sonic better anyway, EVERYONE loved Sonic.
Ever since Shadow entered college his only focus was becoming the director of the Corporation, who needs morals when you can be rich.
At least... that's what Cocoa would always say to him...
It was true though! They say the only way to Get is by Giving.
Well Sonic's been giving his whole life and he was the idiot that ended up with the smaller portion of Grandfather's will.
Shadow "GAVE BACK" by saving the child from the ditch and what did he get in return? A smacking from Cocoa for getting filthy and Maurice's utter adoration of Sonic.
Some philosophy...
"Mrs. Bat the Hedgehog is ready to receive visitors," Dr. Mighty said as Shadow stood up, relieved that he wouldn't have to think anymore.
Mobotropolis
Manic walked around the cafeteria, exhausted from dance practice.
Maybe I should check up on Sonic...
Manic dialed the number and waited.
"Manic! How you doin?"
"'Sup Sonic, how's life on the flip side?"
"Rosy left."
"She what!?"
"She left and I have no clue where she is! To top it all off Tails has been acting really weird and Sally and I are constantly arguing."
"Ouch."
"Tell me about it, how about you though?"
"Just got off practice, guess what? They're transferring me to Station Square!"
"No way! Congratulations!"
"I got leveled up! If I go on like this I'll become a professional!"
"I'm so proud of you Manic! Save me VIP tickets for your first performance."
"With backstage passes," responded Manic.
"Now that's what I'm talking about, gotta go Manic, I'm getting a call from Uncle Chuck and I think it may be important."
"Okay, later Sonic!" Manic said as he hung up and shook his head.
"Hello but I couldn't help but overhear. Do you attend the Mobotroplis School of Arts?" a brown porcupine with black shades asked as Manic looked up.
"Yep!"
"I attend that school too, and I'm also getting transferred to Station Square!"
"No way! Sit down! Tell me your name and what branch you're in!" Manic said excitedly.
"Elvis Perez, pleased to meet you, and I do both Art and Music," Elvis said as he extended his hand.
"Manic the Hedgehog, Art, Music and Dance!" he said as he shook it.
"Wow that's a bucket load! No wonder you're going to Station Square."
"Yup! I'm actually excited because I have family who lives there and I stoked to spend more time with them."
"That's convenient! I'm actually glad to leave since my idiotic ex-boyfriend lives here," Elvis responded as Manic nodded in understanding.
"Didn't end well?"
"Nope. Pretended he was gay to get something out of me that I didn't give him."
"Ugh I hate those kinds of people."
"Tell me about it. What about you? Any similar experiences with a girl?"
"Umm... well... promise you won't tell anyone?" Manic asked as Elvis put his pinky finger up.
"I'm... actually bisexual..." Manic whispered as Elvis smiled.
"Nothing wrong with that. Have you come out yet?"
"NO! God no! My family would freak! My Grandma is very conservative and I can't even imagine what she'd say..."
"I get you, coming out of the closet with my family was tough. My dad didn't speak to me for months, but we're cool now and it's like we never even had an argument. Word of advice Manic, your family loves you, and they wouldn't shun you forever. It'll be tough at first but there's always a bright light at the end of the tunnel."
Manic smiled, something told him this was the start of a new friendship.
Station Square (One Month Later)
"Yes this is Station Square Hotel room service is there a problem?" Amy asked as she held onto the phone.
"Yes I'm having a problem! I can't find the remote control for the television. I was wondering if you or someone could come up and help me find it."
"I will be right there," Amy responded. "Room number and name?"
"Room 405, Scourge the Hedgehog."
Amy wrote the name and number down, "I'll be right there."
"Where ya going Amy?" Sticks asked.
"To Scourge's room to look for a remote."
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to go by yourself."
"I'll be fine Sticks..." Amy said as she walked towards Room 405.
She knocked on the door and Scourge opened it, wearing a black robe.
"Where did you last see it?" Amy asked as she walked in.
"I was sitting on my bed and I had it in my hand, I then went to a business meeting and the remote was gone when I came back," he responded as he closed the door softly... locking it.
"Well either room cleaning accidentally misplaced it or it fell off the bed," Amy said as she crouched down and looked under the bed.
Scourge took his opportunity and grabbed Amy by the waist and attempted to kiss her.
Amy muffled a scream and pushed him, summoning her hammer and hitting him on the head, quickly taking her opportunity to run away.
"Ugh..." Scourge said as he held onto her head and cursed. "You're going to jail for that!"
Sticks and the manager ran into the room.
"What's going on here!?" asked the manager angrily.
"This disgusting man tried to take advantage of me!" Amy exclaimed.
"LIES! She tried to seduce me!"
"What the hell!? No I wasn't! Sir I swear that I did no such thing!" Amy pleaded to her manager.
"The customer is always right Amy. I have no choice but to fire you."
Amy widened her eyes, hearing a snicker from Scourge and a gasp from Sticks.
"But sir, with all due respect..."
"Sticks, stay out of this, it is none of your concern."
Sticks remained silent and looked down.
"Fine," said Amy. "Then since I'm fired..." she turned to look at Scourge and slapped him cold on both cheeks. "I can do that!"
Amy then left the room, slightly pushing her past manager to the side and walking out the door.
Sticks followed, "Amy wait!"
Amy turned and looked at Sticks, "It was really nice working with you Sticks..."
"Ditto. But I'm not going to let you leave just like that," she said as she pulled out a newspaper. "Look, The Hedgehog Chili Industries is looking for a new secretary," Sticks said as Amy looked over towards the newspaper ad.
"Interesting..."
"Apply Amy! It's your chance to have money for school and escape from Scourge's clutches!"
Amy hummed... maybe she should apply...
"Besides," Sticks said as she sighed. "You have the chance to work side by side with... Shadow the Hedgehog."
Amy rolled her eyes and smiled, "I'll think about it," she said as she took the newspaper. "Bye Sticks..."
They both hugged as Amy left the hotel, both in rage and sadness.
It's been weeks since Rouge has spoken to Shadow.
The family was devastated with the news and paid their condolences, but Rouge didn't want to hear any of it.
The only person she wanted to see was Charles, who she knew took no part in supporting Shadow's womanizing decisions.
Despite losing her baby, she didn't completely blame Shadow.
She wasn't speaking to him because she was ashamed.
She found out a few days after she left the hospital that he and Maria did nothing wrong at the cocktail.
Shadow must hate her.
She had promised him a baby and she lost it for not controlling her temper.
"Rouge..." Shadow said as he opened the door slightly. "Can I come in?"
Shadow took her silence as an invitation and walked in.
"I'm so sorry Shadow..." she said as her voice cracked.
"It's okay baby, I'm not mad at you. But you need to control that temper of yours."
"I know..." she whispered.
"C'mon Rouge lighten up, there's still time for a new one."
Rouge looked up and stared at him.
Shadow got the chills in realizing how puffy her eyes were and how much make up was dry on her face.
"You'd still want to make a child with me despite what happened?"
"Of course, you're my wife," he said as he wiped her eyes.
"Oh Shadow!" Rouge said as she hugged him.
"We don't have time to waste babe, you say the word and I'll be ready..."
Rouge smiled as she lunged toward him.
"Mom!" Amy yelled, tears in her eyes.
"Rosy what's wrong?"
Amy sulked as she told her mom what had happened, leading to a 20 minutes of silence between the two. With Amy's head on her lap.
"You'll have to find a new job..." said Angela as Amy stood up.
"There is one..." Amy said shyly as she showed her mom the newspaper ad.
"Oh no... OH NO! BIG MISTAKE DON'T YOU DARE!"
"But mom, they'll pay well."
"THEY ARE THE HEDGEHOG FAMILY, OF COURSE THEY PAY WELL!"
"This can be an opportunity for me to build my resume mom!"
"What if Shadow recognizes you?"
"He won't, we never met."
"What about any of the other The Hedgehogs?"
"The only The Hedgehog who knows how I look is that traitor Sonic... and he's working in The Grounds right now."
"AMY THINK! What if Sonic just so happens to walk into the Corporation one day, what are you going to do then?"
"That's a risk I'll have to take..."
"Amy tell me something, are you really entering that job to build your resume... or is it because you WANT to run into the possibility of seeing Sonic again?"
Amy stayed silent... part of her detested Sonic but the other part craved to see him again.
"I don't know what my reasoning is mom... but I want this job. I need it for school, for our domestic needs. I almost finish my high school education and quitting school is the last thing I need. I'm doing this, I am going to apply to work at The Hedgehog Chili Industries!"
Yikes, many revelations in this chapter! A few words...
I know all of you hated Shadow but I wanted you guys to know that he wasn't always a total jerk. It's your choice if you want to empathize with him ;) But in the soap opera, they were very subtle about Shadow's character's transition from being good to turning bad. The scene with the Baby in the Ditch was not in the soap opera at all, I just thought it would be a nice touch. So I came up with it.
Let's talk about Manic. Were you guys shocked?
Well like I said before, Manic's character in the soap opera was a girl and she did date a guy named Elvis. I LOVE ELVIS TO PIECES! I just simply could not change the gender to female, his character is pure art, I had to keep him the same. You guys will ADORE Elvis and Manic trust me! But yes, Manic will be bisexual in this fanficiton because I feel like it would add more emotion and some readers will be able to connect with him. I hope it doesn't bother anyone as this is completely normal.
But oooo, Amy working at the Corporation? What will happen?
Next Time on Chili with Aroma of a Hedgehog...
"Name?"
"Amy Rose."
"Why do you want to work for me Amy?" Shadow asked as he glared into her eyes, Amy suddenly feeling intimidation.
Shadow is NOTHING like Sonic...
REVIEW AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK GUYS! SHADOW WILL GIVE YOU GUYS A VIRTUAL HUG IF YOU DO!