Chapter 10: A secret mission. Traitors of Tristain.
I do not own anything from any media.
Opening 1: Koji Yusa - Break Your Destiny
Shadow was with Tiffania, talking with Silver. They were inside her dorm room.
"We didn't had a chance to get to know each other." Tiffania said meekly, looking at Silver
"True about that... Anyway, this is Silver, a friend from the distant future. His current role is to ensure the future of our world is safe." Shadow explained.
Tiffania was surprised on what she heard. A friend of Shadow from the future was here with them. She felt curious of Silver and decided to ask.
"So, exactly how did you end up here in Halkeginia?" Tiffania questioned.
"It was due to some kind of tear in the fabric of space and time. I was traveling around Emerald Beach when it happened. It sucked me in without me knowing it. When I came to, I was in this world." Silver explained.
"What were you doing in Emerald Beach?" Shadow questioned.
"I was looking for a place to relax at for the day." Silver answered.
"Well, vacation aside, you're stuck here till then. I'm afraid Chaos Control won't work either." Shadow said.
"How do you know?" Silver questioned.
"It's meant for traveling through time and space, not for dimensions. Also, how on earth did you become a human as well?" Shadow answered with a question.
"I don't know myself... All I felt was some kind of strange energy that was suddenly combining with the chaos force. Before I knew it, I became a human being." Silver explained.
'Seems like this world is connected to our sudden transformation as a human. However, I don't think it is the world itself that is the cause... Rather, the mana in the whole planet itself may have caused such changes... However, if that was the case, it would have made more than turning us into humans. It appears that portal the brought Silver and I to this world may have been the cause.' Shadow thought, thinking of a hypothetical explanation.
Silver and Tiffania noticed how Shadow was thinking carefully. They notice him sigh after thinking carefully.
"Well, it seems that whatever brought us here, those portals that brought us here may have to do with our current appearance. I don't know whether it's permanent or not. Our abilities aren't affected though so we retain some of our former powers. Say Silver, didn't you see anyone else that may have been brought in the portal with you?" Shadow asked.
"No one was with me when I got transported here. I couldn't sense anyone else around the region." Silver replied.
"I have a hunch that Sonic and his friends will try to find you. Once they realize you disappeared from our world, they'll try to find us." Shadow said.
"I'll be grateful of going back to my world, but what about you, Shadow? Aren't you planning to head back?" Silver asked.
"No, I'm staying here. I have yet to find answers on my spiritual quest." Shadow said.
"What answers do you seek?" Silver questioned.
"Answers on how to live normally in life and choosing whether to help or leave the people." Shadow answered.
Silver was surprised on Shadow's answer. He admired the black hedgehog for his efforts in protecting the people in his timeline. Seeing him question his self-existence was quite a surprise.
"It seems you have been through a lot..." Silver said.
'You have no idea how much…' Shadow thought with a somber tone.
Tiffania decided to change the topic, seeing Shadow in an uncomfortable expression.
"A-anyway, we were called by Her Highness to speak with her in regards about Fouquet's capture." Tiffania said.
"You're right. We should see her. I have a feeling Louise will also be present as well." Shadow said.
"I'm sure you know your way, Shadow." Silver said.
"I have the letter with me, just in case." Tiffania said.
Shadow smirked in response. Tiffania walked up to him along with Silver. He then raised his hand to perform Chaos Control to teleport at the royal castle.
Outside the royal castle, a flash of green light shined out. The guards noticed it and quickly went to it from a distance. Shadow, Silver and Tiffania were out of the flash. The guards surrounded them, with the captain moving up to them.
"Halt! State your business." One of them said.
Shadow moved forward and kneeled.
"Forgive us for our sudden arrival, but Her Highness requires our presence." Shadow stated.
"Hmm... Show me some proof." the captain responded.
Shadow presented an envelope that had the royal symbol.
"Very well. Let them through." The captain said.
The trio were inside the Royal palace. Silver was marveled of the sight around him. Shadow chuckled of his reaction upon seeing the palace.
"We may have some visits to this place for discussions or missions. Try to get used to seeing it." Shadow stated.
At the Royal seat, Louise was with Saito. They noticed the trio arriving.
"Shadow, Tiffania. You made it with excellent timing." Louise stated.
"Sorry for our sudden appearance. Tiffania wanted to know about my friend, Silver." Shadow explained.
"That's okay. I was waiting for arrival when Louise came here." Henrietta said.
She then looked at the silver haired boy. He felt rather nervous and looked away.
"So, your friend, Silver, is from another world?" She asked.
"Well, technically he is from my world. However, he doesn't exist at my timeline. Rather, he came from the future to ensure its safety." Shadow said.
Everyone, save for Tiffania and Shadow, was shocked upon hearing what he said.
"Wait a minute... Are you saying that Silver is a time traveler!? But how!?" Saito exclaimed in question.
"Two words, Saito. Chaos Control." Shadow said.
Saito comically fell on the floor, face first. Louise and Henrietta giggled after hearing the term. Saito then got up after hearing the brief explanation.
"Touché... In any case, Silver has also become a human as well." Shadow said.
"Any idea why though?" Saito questioned.
Shadow proceeded to explain his hypothesis to everyone. Everyone was surprised on how he was able to think of the unnatural occurrence.
"Hmm... It sounds convincing. I have a feeling that the number of people performing the summoning spell may have caused these portals to open on your world." Henrietta said.
"It appears so, Your Highness. They also caused our appearance to change into what we are. It's not like we are against it. The feeling of it is rather...weird if one would have to explain it." Shadow said.
"I understand, Shadow. Anyway, let me congratulate my friend and cousin." Henrietta said in understanding.
The Princess proceeded to stand up from her seat. Tiffania and Louise were awaiting Henrietta's speech.
"Congratulation, Louise Françoise and Tiffania Westwood. I hereby grant you both the title of Chevalier." she said.
"It is with great honor that I accept the title of Chevalier." Louise said.
"T-thank you for your graceful words." Tiffania said meekly.
"You two deserve to be granted of the title for what you have done. A feat for capturing the thief for harassing our citizens is no easy task." Henrietta said.
"We provided our help to our masters to ensure the thief's capture. If it weren't for Silver's help, we would have failed." Shadow said.
Saito smiled, seeing that he didn't want him and Silver feel left out. Henrietta smiled in response upon hearing Shadow's comment.
"Thank you as well, Saito, Shadow, and Silver. You three are brave boys to directly fight against Fouquet." the princess said.
"It was well within our duty." Shadow said, kneeling.
"I felt it was the right choice to do so." Silver said, kneeling.
"We couldn't let the thief get away for what she has done. It was necessary for us to get involved." Saito said, kneeling.
Tiffania and Louise were proud of the speeches the boys made. They smiled in response.
"Please ensure my precious friend's and my cousin's safety" Henrietta said, raising her left hand delicately.
"Your Highness, you are too kind." Louise said.
"Protecting them is the same as vowing to me. Fulfilling such a vow earns a reward." Henrietta said.
The boys were initially confused of the gesture till Shadow realized what that meant.
'A kiss on the hand for our services. An old fashioned act, but I might as well do the honor.' He thought.
Shadow walked first and gently took her hand.
"I'll continue to protect Tiffania for her sake." Shadow said, kissing her hand.
The Princess couldn't help but feel enamored from Shadow's declaration. A faint blush was on her face. Nobody didn't see the blush. Saito walked in next.
"I'll make sure Louise is protected from any harm." Saito said, kissing her hand.
Henrietta smiled in response. Silver was the last to walk up.
"I will protect my friends and ensure this place has a beautiful future." He said, kissing Henrietta's hand.
Henrietta smiled from the young boy's declaration. Louise was surprised of how the boys acted. She realized that Shadow was doing the action first to let them know what to do.
'Shadow, you know a lot on how to act professionally in front of others... It never ends to surprise me.' Louise thought.
Henrietta eventually looked at Louise and Tiffania.
"In any case, I have a favor to ask from you all." She said.
"What do we have to do, Your Highness?" Louise asked.
"I want you all to live in a nearby town." She said.
"Live in a nearby town? What is the occasion?" Shadow asked.
(Play Sonic Adventure OST - Past)
"Recently, several cases of Nobles harassing the Plebeians have been occurring. I had the royal knights investigate these cases but there were left empty handed. When I personally asked them, they said 'Nobles are our role model for us Plebeians so nothing happened'. I cannot allow such insolence happen in the country. After seeing the case of Count Mott, the rumors I heard were proven true." She explained.
The group was shocked after hearing what Henrietta said.
"That sounds like trouble... If the Nobles continue to cause such problems, there will be a civil war among the population…" Shadow said.
Henrietta was surprised on how well Shadow deduced the issue.
"He's right. We have to stop the Nobles from causing such problems among the Plebeians. Here's the identity card printed by us." She said, giving a folded sheet to Louise.
Louise took the identity card and pocketed it. She then listened for further orders.
"I want you all to investigate this matter secretly. It may be a difficult task, but I'm certain you will all fulfill it." She said.
(Past OST ends here)
The group understood what they may have to do. Louise stood up with pride.
"We'll ensure the task is accomplished. It may take some time, but we'll find the ones responsible, even if it costs us our lives." Louise said.
Unknowingly, Shadow created small cracks on the floor. Everyone heard the noise and looked at Shadow.
"Don't suddenly talk of throwing your life away so easily, Louise... Death is not as painless as you presume. Once you die, that's the end of everything you have on your future." Shadow stated coldly.
Louise shivered from the cold tone. The princess was surprised on what she heard.
"Sorry about Shadow... He's still sensitive about people who proclaim to perform their duties till death." Saito said.
"You know about his past?" Silver asked.
"More than you think." Saito answered.
"It's fine. I understand his reason, based on what he did." Henrietta said.
Shadow calmed down and used Chaos Control to reverse the damage on the floor.
"I'll never get used to that ability... In any case, may the Founder protect you." Henrietta said.
The group was at a clothes store. Louise and Tiffania were looking for clothes to dress up as Plebeians. They couldn't decide what to wear.
"Try to follow our example. We may look flashy, but we're not." Saito said.
"You're the only one who has a normal life, Saito. You're well suited in this case." Shadow said.
"Come on guys... I'm not that smart in terms of fashion." Saito said.
By then, the girls came out. Louise was wearing a brown dress with a hat on her head. She had pink, open shoes. Tiffania was wearing a shirt that barely fit on her, but was modest enough to cover her body up. She was wearing green shoes.
"It's bland." Louise said with disinterest.
"Like it or not, we have to appear like Plebeians. We all can do it, but you two need to learn from the basics. Besides, we're doing a spy mission. We shouldn't have anything flashy that could alert anyone's attention." Shadow reprimanded.
"These clothes are rather tight. I can barely fit in them." Tiffania said shyly.
Shadow and the boys looked away with a blush. Louise felt incompetent, seeing Tiffania's charm having a stronger effect.
'Why am I not well endowed like her...?' She thought comically.
She then looked at Shadow's wrists, more specifically, the rings.
"Says the boy with golden rings." Louise said with a retort.
"They inhibit me from using too much chaos energy. I have to keep my powers sealed." Shadow said.
Louise remembered what happened when Shadow removes the inhibitor rings. She didn't like the idea at all.
"On second thought, I rather not criticize." Louise said comically.
"Point taken. In any case, we need to head around Tristania and find an inn." Shadow said.
"What purpose will it do for us?" Tiffania asked curiously.
"We'll be able to discuss about the mission. I can't explain it out here though." Shadow said.
"Alright, but isn't there an inn were we can rest at?" Louise asked.
"Let's look and find out." Silver said.
The group arrived at a five star hotel, much to their surprise. Louise suggested going here, but Shadow knew it wasn't going to have a cheap price.
"400 New Gold!? I don't have enough money for that." Louise said.
"This hotel was built for Nobles so tough luck." The manager said nonchalantly.
Saito walked up to Louise to calm her down.
"Forget about this one, Louise. Let's go find a cheaper one." Saito suggested.
"We can't. I won't be able to sleep in a cheap room." Louise said.
"There's a high chance for finding what we need if we stay in a cheap hotel. Take your pick, Louise." Shadow said.
Louise relented, but was against finding a cheap hotel. Shadow decided to voice his reasoning
"Like it or not, one must endure with what they have. I'll let you know on this. Any fighter or warrior will have to sleep in such hash conditions to train themselves. The purpose of it is to make them spiritually and mentally strong. Consider this as a form of understanding in a warrior's perspective. The title of Chevalier is essentially a knight." He explained.
"Alright, I'll manage, but I won't like it." Louise said.
By then, a strange man noticed the group.
"Tres bien! Such cute faces from you all shouldn't be in trouble. Bonjour, Bon-. As you can see, I'm not a suspicious person at all." The man said.
Everyone looked at the person with a variety of opinions. He had a silly looking mustache that appeared tone shaped like a 'W'. Facial hair was forming a thick line to his lips, which appeared larger than a usual person's. He was wearing a purple muscle shirt with navy shorts. Oddly enough, he was wearing high heels.
'Who is this guy? He looks and acts weird.' Louise thought.
'They say expressionistic art coveys the mental image of the artist. In this case, it seems extreme.' Shadow comically thought.
'He looks rather strange...' Tiffania thought.
'What is this guy...? He's acting completely different.' Silver thought.
'With the way he's acting, it can garner suspicion.' Saito thought comically.
The man began to introduce himself to the group.
"My name is Scarron. I happen to run an inn just down south in Tristania." The man said, looking closely at the boys.
"An 'inn'?" They said in question simultaneously.
"Yes, an inn. Would like me to lend you a room?" He asked.
"Really now?" Saito said.
"However, I have a condition." Scarron said, pointing to the girls.
Louise and Tiffania were confused on what he meant.
The group arrived at the inn. They noticed the name of the place outside.
"The Charming Fairies?" Shadow read in question.
"Yep, this my inn." Scarron said jovially.
Upon entering the place, several girls with short maid uniforms were cleaning the place. This got everyone in surprise. All the workers were female.
"Listen up my dear fairies." Scarron said.
"Yes, Master Scarron." the girls said.
"No! I've always rid you to call me 'Mi-mademoiselle' at work!" Scarron said, squealing like a girl.
"Yes, Mi-mademoiselle!" The girls said, correcting themselves.
"Tres bien! Oh, ecstasy." Scarron said.
The boys merely sweat dropped from hearing Scarron's words.
'Talk about reverse sexuality... I don't think any sane man would want to be near him.' The boys thought in unison.
"Okay, happy news for everyone. We have two new friends at the Charming Fairies. Louise-chan, Tiffania-chan, please come inside!" Scarron commanded softly.
Louise and Tiffania came by, wearing two different colored versions of the uniform. Louise was white in color while Tiffania was a pale yellow.
"Louise-chan and Tiffania-chan are poor girls who fled to town with their relatives...when they were about to be sold by their parents after they have been overwhelmed with debt from casinos." Scarron said.
"How pitiful." One of the female employees said.
Shadow was internally grateful. He breathed calmly after hearing Scarron's explanation.
'Thank goodness that fabricated lie worked. It would have been more troublesome to explain everything.' Shadow thought.
Louise and Tiffania looked at their uniform, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Tiffania was most uncomfortable, due to the fact she felt everyone staring at her body. Louise attempted to present herself in a strained smile.
"M-m-my name is Louise. N-nice to meet you." Louise said.
Tiffania was next, but she looked very nervous.
"M-m-m-my name is Tiffania. P-P-pleased to meet everyone." She said meekly.
Scarron smiled and looked at the waitresses.
"Applaud, everyone." He said.
The girls applaud at Louise, who appeared unnerved and Tiffania, who was trying to not feel immodest.
Saito and Shadow felt sorry for them. They looked at their respective masters in pity.
"Ah man... Louise is certainly mad about this." Saito commented.
"Tiffania has it worst. She looks almost ready to faint in embarrassment." Shadow said.
"I hope they'll endure it for some time." Silver said with sympathy.
"Hey newbies, help me out with the dishes. We'll be opening soon." A young woman said.
"Oh. Forgive us for our sluggish response." Shadow said.
"You guys have cute relatives." She said.
"Thanks for the compliment." They said in unison.
The young woman looked at them with a sly smile. This got the boy's attention. She was looking at them for a few seconds.
"What is it? Is there something on us?" Shadow said.
"No, it's nothing. I'm Jessica." The woman said.
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Shadow and this Saito and Silver." Shadow said, introducing himself and his friends.
"'Saito, Shadow, and Silver'? What strange names you three have…" Jessica said.
"We get that a lot so we are used to it." Saito said.
"Pleased to meet you three. If you guys have any question, feel free to ask me." Jessica said.
"No problem. Let's get this place ready." Silver said.
Louise and Tiffania looked at the boys, who were cleaning all the dishes in record time.
'I hope Shadow keeps me safe.' Tiffania thought.
'Please Founder... Don't make it a terrible time for me.' Louise thought in prayer.
Scarron clapped his hand to get everyone's attention.
"Okay everyone. Now that we're done with the introductions, let me announce that this week is a Tip Race." Scarron announced.
This got the workers excited on the event.
"A 'Tip Race'?" Louise and Tiffania said, looking at each other.
"The two fairies who gets the most tops this week will earn an extra bonus and my family's two heirlooms, which is also the basis of the inn's name. You two will have the right to wear these fairy bustiers." Scarron announced.
He opened what appeared to be curtain walls and showed the outfits. Everyone was surprised on it appeared.
"How wonderful, Mi-mademoiselle." the workers said.
"Tres bien. These bustiers have a spell cast on them that charms people. By wearing this, you can make all the money you desire." Scarron explained.
"All the money I want?" Louise said in surprise.
"The last girl who wore it last year made so much money, she was able to afford it and went back home. Everyone, work hard for these outfits." Scarron said.
"Yes!" The workers said.
"You two newbies as well." Scarron said, looking at Louise and Tiffania.
"Ah, yes!" They said.
'It might be my chance, but I wonder if Saito will like it.' Louise thought.
Tiffania had a different thought in question.
'It can charm people, but I wonder if it will affect Shadow... My heart is beating fast again each time I look at him.' Tiffania thought.
"It was the middle of the night. Many people arrived at the inn. It was a busy night. Louise was providing a bottle of wine to a male customer.
"H-here's your order." She said nervously.
"What are you doing, missy? Come on, pour it for me." The man said.
The person in question was drunk. His face appeared flushed and was red. Louise was trying to control her temper, but it was proving to be rather grueling.
'Pouring wine for a Plebeian as a Noble? Especially one this shameful...!?' She thought.
"What are you doing, hurry up." The man demanded.
"Just a mission. It's just a mission…" She uttered to herself.
She eventually regained some composure, but was still suppressing her temper.
"Then, allow me to pour it." Louise said.
However, Louise hastily poured wine in the man's cup. She didn't realize it began to overflow, making the man exclaim.
"What are you doing!?" He said in surprise.
"I'm sorry." She said nervously.
The man had a sly smirk on his drunken face. He looked up close to her.
"You have a cute face. Such a shame that you are less endowed." The man said.
This irked Louise. She was very sensitive of her appearance.
"As an apology, let's drink mouth to mouth." The man said drunkenly.
Louise splashed the wine on the man's face. It only served to provoke him.
"What the hell you are doing, you brat!" The man exclaimed.
Louise stepped on the table, shocking the man.
"Scum like you should be wise enough not to mess with a Duke's..." Louise paused as she was rather embarrassed.
Scarron decided to stop the scuffle. He literally squeezed the man's head at a near chokehold.
"Sorry about that. She's a new worker so she isn't used to the routine." He said to the man.
"Louise-chan, please bring a new napkin." Scarron ordered.
"Yes!" Louise said.
"As an apology, I'll provide some service." Scarron said.
The man was never the same... The poor, drunken fool was being kissed by Scarron, traumatizing the man. The boys noticed and were unnerved of the display.
'Even a god would retch from such a sight…' Shadow thought.
'That's just disturbing…' Saito thought.
'Indescribably terrifying…' Silver thought.
Shadow then focused on Tiffania, who was providing her service to the customers. He took a glance each time he was cleaning the dishes with the boys.
'Hope nothing goes wrong…' He thought with concern.
Tiffania served a bottle of wine to another drunken man.
"Wow, you're a hot beauty... Wanna come with me to an inn?" The man asked.
He attempted to seduce her by moving up close, making Tiffania uncomfortable. This made her move back defensively.
"I'm sorry, but I need to continue working." Tiffania said.
The man didn't like the answer and grabbed Tiffania on her left arm.
"Hold it. I'm planning to make my offer for you. So come with me." The man demanded.
Jessica noticed Shadow was shaking with anger. A red aura began to engulf him. The boys noticed Shadow's angered state and wisely moved back.
'This might not end well…' They thought.
Shadow grabbed an empty bottle and threw it on the man harassing Tiffania. It made a direct hit on his forehead, knocking him out cold. Everyone looked to where the bottle was thrown to see Shadow with his left arm outstretched.
"We provide the services for you and we're happy for that." Shadow said calmly.
The boys were unnerved on the unusual calm tone he made. They were expecting him to burst out.
"BUT DON'T HARASS THE WORKERS FOR YOUR LUSTFUL DESIRES!" Shadow bellowed in a demonic tone.
The people who had lustful thoughts on the workers paled from hearing Shadow. Jessica was surprised on his actions and smirked in response.
"Well, well. Someone has a caring side with that girl." She teased.
Shadow merely sweat dropped, hiding his blush. He continued washing dishes, hiding his embarrassment.
Louise, Saito and Silver had a room for themselves. She looked around and noticed the condition of the place. Saito placed Derflinger at a nearby wall.
"This is a joke right...? Why would a Duke's daughter have such a derogative job and room like this!?" Louise questioned furiously.
"Calm down, Louise. We have a place to stay, food to eat, and even got paid." Saito said.
"The good thing is, we may be able to find out who the Nobles are." Silver suggested.
Louise remembered the mission and was surprised from Silver's suggestion.
"Y-you're right, Silver. But I wish Shadow would explain on what to do." Louise complained.
By then, the door opened and Shadow was with Tiffania.
"Sorry about coming late. I had to reassure Tiffania after what happened this evening." Shadow said.
"It's okay. You did what you had to do." Louise said.
"Anyway, I couldn't discuss with you all outside so I'll head straight to the picture. The Nobles in question have a tendency of harassing Plebeians at common places. Inns and taverns are no exceptions. It's likely our targets in question will arrive in a day or two. Keep an eye out for anything." Shadow explained.
"But how will we know if the Nobles will come?" Silver asked.
"The reactions of the workers and people will also provide our signal to find the people in question." Shadow said.
"Fair enough. Thanks for letting us know." Louise said.
"Anytime. In any case, we'll leave you guys alone." Shadow said.
Tiffania and Shadow left the room. Silver watched as they left. He admired Shadow's deductive skills. Saito stretched his arms and looked tired.
"We'll continue our search for tomorrow. For now, let's go to sleep." Saito said.
"Where are we going to sleep? This place feels like a haunted house." Louise said.
"Remember what Shadow said. It'll be killing two birds with one stone." Saito said.
"You're quite content with this. Spending time with that girl." Louise muttered.
"You mean Jessica. She may look seductive but she's too bold for me. I would rather do the serving than doing the dishes." Saito said, puffing his cheeks.
Louise was surprised on what Saito said. She calmed down from his comment.
"Anyway, do you intend to sleep here?" Louise questioned.
"We have a roof to sleep under. It's the least we have so we don't feel the cold air on us. We have worked quite a lot so we're tired." Silver said.
"You two are adapting this quickly?" Louise asked.
"Well, I'm able to adapt on harsh conditions. That's what makes us humans stronger." Saito said.
"I've been through more...macabre conditions in terms of houses. Let's just say the future I've been trying to change was in a worse condition than this." Silver said, recalling his future home.
Louise and Saito remained silent. They didn't expect Silver to comment on how one's living arrangement would reach at such difficulty.
"Anyway, I'm turning in. Goodnight." Saito said.
Saito and Silver fell asleep on their individual beds. Louise couldn't sleep, thinking of Saito. She looked at him, who was snoring peacefully.
'Geez... At least have some consideration on knowing what I was wearing.' She thought.
By then, Louise heard a screeching sound. She looked from her bed and noticed several bats. They all flew to her, scaring Louise. She reluctantly got off from her bed and looked at Saito, who was sleeping.
'I don't have much of a choice... I should sleep with him.' Louise thought reluctantly.
She crawled into his bed and slept with him. Louise felt safer with him around.
'Why do we have to suffer...? He doesn't let it bother him though. Rather, he continues to move forward in life.' Louise thought.
For Shadow and Tiffania, they were with each other. Shadow placed Zenyōso near the bed at his side for easy access.
"Please Shadow. Don't let me get caught by those people. I don't like it when they stare at me with such horrifying eyes." She said meekly.
"Its okay, Tiffania. I'll make sure that no one harasses you. I made sure that man will have a nasty headache when he wakes up." Shadow said.
"Even so, I still feel scared about it." Tiffania said, hugging him.
Shadow held her close, allowing Hien to warm her. It was comforting sensation to her as she felt the fire soul on him.
"You two are like a romantic couple, you know." Hien said.
"Don't make this awkward, Hien. Tiffania nearly had a rough time today." Shadow said.
"I'm just commenting on how you two look nice together. If anything, I would say I approve of your relationship." The fire soul stated.
Both blushed red in response. They looked at each other's eyes for a few seconds till they looked away.
'My heart is beating fast again. This sensation keeps coming whenever I look at her.' Shadow thought.
'It's beating fast again... My feelings for Shadow are growing stronger. It feels so strong.' Tiffania thought.
They decided to sleep, but they couldn't. Their hearts were beating rather quickly. Much to their surprise, there was only one bed.
"Shadow, I wanted to know something from you... Do you ever fell in love with someone?" Tiffania asked suddenly.
Shadow couldn't think of anything due to the sudden surprise question. It made him blush red.
"I-I don't think I have... I never fell in love with anyone to this day." He answered honestly.
Tiffania felt her confidence grow just slightly. She decided not to confess, since Shadow was already turning red.
"I-I was just curious." She said in reasoning.
"I-It's okay. We'll try to talk more tomorrow. We both worked hard so we need to rest." Shadow said.
The couple went in the covers, not realizing that their backs were reaching close to each other. They eventually leaned close enough. Both fell asleep eventually, but Tiffania shifted and held on to Shadow. She was having a nightmare, but it became a calm dream when she touched Shadow. This made him turn to her while sleeping. Their arms were interlocked as they moved close together. They were up close to their bodies yet they didn't do anything except slept close.
The next night, the inn was busier. Louise and Tiffania were doing their best to serve the customers. Unfortunately for them, they had their occurrences that were unpleasant.
"What, you're just a brat." A man said to Louise.
For Louise's case, the customers were not pleased and some teased her appearance.
"I thought the sex appeal was this shop's-"
The man's comment was interrupted when Louise poured wine on his head.
'I wonder if Tiffania is doing okay…' Louise thought.
She then noticed Tiffania moving back from a customer who was planning to harass her. Before Louise knew it, Shadow used Chaos Control to stop time and drag the person out.
"Scum like you need to learn some discipline." He said.
He then slapped the man's face harshly before walking back. He then snapped his fingers to resume time, leaving the customer outside with a nasty hand mark.
'Where did that guy go-'
Louise's thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Shadow smirking. She realized what he did.
'Chaos Control... Nice thinking, Shadow.' Louise thought with a smile.
She then proceeded to serve another customer. This one was more disturbing to Louise than usual.
"You're really cute. I like coquettish girls like you. Especially how you look." the man said.
This made Louise slap the person harshly.
The boys were washing the dishes till they heard Louise reprimand another customer.
"She needs to understand how the others work... However, I don't blame her for being this defensive." Saito said.
Jessica noticed the boys were chatting with each other while they were doing their work. She smirked, knowing what she might expect.
'Those three don't realize it, but I already figured it out on what they're doing. I'll talk with them later on about it.' She thought.
By then, she began talking with the boys.
"Hey Jessica. So, what's the deal with Scarron? Why is he like this?" Saito asked.
Jessica had a frown on her face. She began to answer.
"It was due to an incident years ago with a Noble. It costed him his wife." She said.
"Oh... Sorry to hear that." Saito said with guilt.
"Don't worry about it. My father wouldn't let it bother him." Jessica said.
Immediately, the boys looked at her with surprise.
"Wait a minute... Are you saying that Scarron is your father?" Shadow asked with uncertainty.
He was so shocked that he dropped a dish. This made him catch it quickly without letting it hit the floor.
"Nice reflexes there. Anyway, that's right. I'm also in charge of the shop." Jessica said.
"Who would've thought a girl like her could be the daughter of a man like him?" Saito commented.
Scarron was talking with Louise and Tiffania.
"Why don't you two stay here and watch how the others work?" He said.
"Forgive us, but it was an unpleasant experience." Louise said.
Scarron heard the entrance doors open and walked to welcome the guests. Louise began to think of the current situation.
'Why are we wearing such provocative clothes and act in such a manner? They all keep saying 'small', 'flat'... Tiffania has it worst though. Some customers were about to harass her.' Louise thought.
By then, Louise heard the boys talking with Jessica. She looked at them with curiosity.
"Really now? Scarron said that?" Silver asked.
"Yeah. I have a feeling he likes you guys. He even said you're all his type." Jessica said.
The boys chuckled nervously from what Jessica said. This made Louise giggle, seeing the poker faces they made. Before the boys knew it, a wine bottle was thrown from a drunken customer. It hit Saito before hitting Silver and Shadow, knocking them unconscious.
The boys were regaining consciousness. They noticed they were in their room.
"Ouch... Where are we?" Shadow asked.
"Looks like we're in our room." Silver said.
Jessica and Tiffania came by and noticed the boys were awake, holding a bowl of water. Upon seeing Shadow awake, she ran up to him.
"Shadow, you're okay!" She said with relief.
"'I'm fine now, Tiffania. Question is, who threw that wine bottle at us?" Shadow asked.
"It was due to a drunken customer. I had him thrown out for his behavior. In any case, are you three alright?" Jessica asked.
"Other than a splitting headache, we're fine." Shadow said.
"That's good to know. I also noticed something. Both of your so-called relatives are not Plebeians." Jessica deduced.
"What's with the sudden question?" Shadow asked.
"I can tell by looking. That girl Louise shows she's a Noble. On the other hand, Tiffania is meeker and she doesn't act like a Noble. You, on the other hand, are protective of her. If I have to vouch, you two act like lovers." Jessica said.
Shadow blushed red with embarrassment. He couldn't believe how easy Jessica deduced the interactions.
'To think that a girl was able to deduce our actions so easily. We even tried to conceal much, but we ended up showing too much.' He thought with embarrassment.
"Uh Jessica. I think you have the wrong idea…" Silver said, trying to alleviate the situation.
"I don't have the wrong idea. I clearly saw what happened." She said.
Saito was trying to show that he wasn't convinced.
"Still, what makes you say that Louise is a Noble or not?" He questioned.
Jessica giggled in response.
"I knew it. You just gave it away. She didn't even know how to carry a plate in the beginning. She has quite an attitude, not to mention she's prideful. No doubt she's a Noble." She said.
The boys face faulted in response.
'Played by her words to reveal the answer so easily... How mortifying for us men…' They thought comically.
"Speaking of Nobles, you guys are her servants?" Jessica said.
"It's something that we shouldn't discuss openly. Let's leave that aside." Shadow said.
Jessica looked surprised and was excited. She got close to them with curiosity brimming from her face.
"What? You guys are in some dangerous missions or something? That sound interesting! I like those kind of stories!" She said.
'Who is this girl...? She's too nosy for her own good.' Shadow thought.
Jessica went up close to them. Her curiosity was getting stronger. This irked Tiffania as she saw how forward Jessica was.
"Come on, tell me! I won't share this to anyone." she said.
"I don't think we should. This is between my friends only." Saito said.
"I will teach you guys a lot stuff in ex-chan-ge…" Jessica said in a sultry tone.
Shadow knew where this was going. He held on to Saito, Silver and Tiffania. He used Chaos Control to slow down time. They all moved outside.
"Thank me later on. We need to move away from her." Shadow said.
He then snapped his fingers, forcing time to resume back to normal.
"Where did they go?" Jessica said.
Outside the inn room, the boys sighed in relief.
"Thanks for getting me out of there. That was quite a pickle we got into." Saito said.
"What kind of pickle are you guys talking about?" A familiar voice called.
The boys and Tiffania looked towards Louise. She was looking at them with curiosity.
"Good to see that you woke up from getting hit by a bottle. The inn needs some help with the dishes." Louise said.
"Right!" The boys said.
Jessica looked out from the door and saw Louise.
"It's quite a surprise for you. I already know about you…" She said.
"I have no business with you. Let me be" Louise said calmly.
Jessica was surprised on Louise's calm composure. She then noticed her face turning angry.
"Don't force yourself on my friends like that! I noticed how they looked and they weren't pleased." Louise stated.
"Well, good luck on your tip race." Jessica said.
The next night, Louise was sighing. She was with Tiffania, who looked nervous. The boys were washing dishes with Jessica.
"Today's the last night and I couldn't get a tip... At this rate, I'll never reach first place…" She said.
"I can't help it... These perverts are looking at us with such a scary face" Tiffania said.
"Don't worry, Tiffania. We'll make it." Louise reassured.
By then, the whole tavern became rather quiet. An obese man with six guards came in. The obese man in question had a green and yellow business suit with a red cloak. His hair was a brown color and was in a mullet style. His mustache was rather long, appearing like a snake in both sides. The man unnerved everyone who saw him.
"Good evening, Sir Turenne. Welcome to the Charming Fairies." Scarron said.
"Looks like you're making good money here." Turenne said.
"Oh no. You just came on a busy day. Usually it's very quiet and doesn't show much ebullience." Scarron said.
"I don't need to hear any excuses. I only came here as a customer." Turenne said.
"Alas, the seats are all filled right now." Scarron said, trying to get him out.
"It doesn't appear to be full to me." Turenne said with hidden sadism.
He then snapped his fingers, commanding his guards. They raised their weapons and scared off the customers. The boys didn't like how the man was.
'This guy is essentially a greedy person... I would say that he would be trouble for this place…' Shadow thought.
'What a sickening fatso... He acts like he owns the whole country.' Saito thought.
'Talk about disgusting. Even Eggman is better than this.' Silver thought.
Turenne and his men sat at a recently vacant table.
"I guess the lack of ebullience is true." He said, laughing with a sadistic tone.
By then, he looked around to notice no one serving.
"Hey, no one's going to attend to the Queen's tax collector?" He said, displeased.
"What is with that guy?" Saito said in question.
"That's Turenne, one of the tax collectors in charge of this area. He has a tendency of overtaking taxes among those who disobey him. We're forced to comply with what he requests, whether we like it or not…" Jessica explained.
The boys were angered on what they heard. Shadow was channeling fire and chaos energy while Silver had his psychokinesis ready. Saito had a purple aura around him.
"Anything else we need to know?" Shadow questioned in a dark tone.
"He even touched us all he wants, not leaving a single tip. Because of that, no one would openly attend to him." Jessica answered.
By then the boys noticed two people coming to him.
"Two of them are... wait, that's Louise and Tiffania!" Shadow said in shock.
"This isn't good. They might end up doing more harm than just overtaxing." Silver said, looking at Turenne and his guards.
"We'll be serving for you, Sir." Louise said.
Turenne looked at Louise and was disinterested. He looked at Tiffania and had a lustful expression. She moved back, feeling scared of him.
"I have to ask. This place if letting guys work here?" Turenne questioned.
"'Guys!?'" Louise said in surprised anger.
"Oh, my mistake. You're a girl, but you have a flat chest. Too bad though, cause I have an interest in the other girl." He said, looking at Tiffania.
This made her move back at a long distance. Turenne snapped his fingers. The guards surrounded Tiffania and brought her up close to him.
"Let me have my fun with her." He said.
He proceeded to touch her, scaring Tiffania as he was having his way to her. Turenne was about to rip her uniform apart. Shadow couldn't take it anymore. His anger reached its zenith.
"I will kill you…" Shadow muttered.
(Play Akame ga Kill OST - Teito no Yami)
A powerful aura flowed out around the inn. Everyone looked towards the source to see Shadow engulfed in a dark, red aura.
"Unhand her this instant." He said in a creepy, dark tone.
Shadow's hair blocked his eyes. He was walking up to Turenne with unrestrained anger. Cracks were starting to appear with each step he made.
"No! Don't do it!" Scarron said in shock.
"No!" The workers said.
Jessica was shocked of what she was seeing. Shadow was walking with a creepy sensation surrounding him. It felt like a maelstrom was hitting everyone in the inn.
"Who are you to order me around?" Turenne asked with authority.
Shadow stopped walking and raised his head. His eyes were completely white, unnerving the tax collector.
"Someone who could easily murder you with a flick of one's wrist." Shadow said in an icy tone.
The guards surrounded Turenne in response.
"Step away, Plebeian! You shall not harm Turenne!"
Scarron moved into view to try to alleviate the situation.
"Please forgive him. He has been protecting this delicate fairy…" He reasoned.
"Shut up! I will it allow such insolence!" Turenne said.
One guard decided to move up to Scarron and knocked the man down with a single punch. This had the effect of riling Shadow.
"How dare you... HOW DARE YOU HARM AN INNOCENT!?" Shadow bellowed.
"This is bad... Everyone! Move away from him!" Saito yelled.
Everyone heeded Saito's warning and went to the back. They all watched as Shadow made the aura around him turn his body crimson.
"Chaos Inferno!"
Chaos energy mixed with fire erupted from Shadow's fists. He grabbed the guard who punched Scarron and incinerated him in a few seconds. All that was left of the guard was smoldering ash. This scared Turenne, seeing one of his guards burned down.
"Don't be afraid of him! Take him down by surrounding him!" Turenne ordered.
The guards surrounded Shadow, who was completely engulfed in his dark aura.
Tiffania was with the others to avoiding the confrontation. She felt the chaos emeralds becoming colder.
"Saito, Silver, Louise! The Chaos Emeralds are starting to turn black!" Tiffania said.
She showed the mystical stones to her friends. They were getting darker in color.
"Oh no... He's drawing the negative power of the emeralds! If he continues to do so, he would become an uncontrollable being of destruction…" Silver said.
Shadow performed a powerful spin kick. The force knocked down all the guards surrounding him. This got Turenne scared.
"What matter of beast are you!?" He asked in fear.
"I'm an incarnation of death in your eyes. Someone like you, who has taken from the innocent, shouldn't live." Shadow said.
Saito and Silver jumped out and tried to stop Shadow's rage.
"Snap out of it, Shadow! This isn't you!" Saito said.
Shadow didn't hear him as his rage blinded his reasoning. Silver used his psychokinesis to hold him back.
"You're lucky we held him off. If we didn't, you would have died by now…" Saito warned.
"Pesky creature thinks he can kill me. What a fool. I'll have to thank you two for stopping him. Now I'll have my way with that girl." Turenne said.
Louise came by and was holding the identification card. This got Turenne on his knees.
"T-that's the Royal Identification Card! Forgive us of this manner! Please take this…!" Turenne said, handing out a pouch of gold.
Before Louise could take the gold, Saito walked up to him.
"What are you overcharging people's taxes for?" He asked.
"None of your business, Plebeian!" Turenne snapped.
Silver decided to use his psychic powers to read his thoughts. He showed a shocked expression.
"He's funding for a terrorist group called Reconquista!" Silver said.
"H-how did you know I was funding for them!?" Turenne asked with shock.
"I can read the minds of people using my powers. Unfortunately, your days are limited now." Silver said with an angered tone.
Shadow struggled to break free from Silver's psychokinesis. He growled and snarled like an animal.
"A traitor in the kingdom disguised as a tax collector…" Saito said with disgust.
"Let Shadow handle him." Silver said, releasing him.
Shadow looked with murderous glee at Turenne. He dashed forward and brutally punched one of his guards down, decapitating his head off. Shadow proceeded to fight the other guards down. His fists performed with such powerful impacts, they sliced through their bodies like it was paper.
"You're next…" Shadow said in a dark, demonic tone.
He then dashed at Turenne and proceeded to punch his head harshly. The tax collector felt like his skull was being split apart.
"Hurts, doesn't it...? That's the pain from all the people whom you driven to poverty you bastard!" Shadow bellowed.
He punched the tax collector on the head, shattering the skull. Loud cracking was heard. His face was about to be pushed in. He died from blood trauma in the brain.
"All of their suffering will condemn you in Hell." Shadow said.
He then balled his fists together and slammed the head one last time. The tax collector's face was completely caved in. Blood sprayed his body and face while he crushed the tax collector's head.
(Teito no Yami OST ends here)
(Play Akame ga Kill OST - Fallen Heroes)
Shadow regained some self-control after killing Turenne. Tiffania noticed the chaos emeralds were regaining their color. The people outside noticed the bloody corpse of the corrupted tax collector.
"This man is responsible for overpricing taxes among the people of Tristania. He was a traitor to the kingdom of Tristain." Shadow announced.
Everyone realized what Shadow meant. They all bellowed with one word.
"TRAITOR!"
Several royal Knights with their captain heard the commotion and went to investigate. What they saw made them vomit their meals out. The captain was shocked when he saw tax collector's corpse.
"Good Lord Founder... Who is responsible for this?" The captain asked.
Shadow turned and showed bloodstains on his fists. The Knights were about to arrest him till Louise intervened.
"Turenne was a traitor to the kingdom of Tristain. We had proof of whom he was truly serving." Louise said, showing the Royal letter.
"Who was he serving?" The captain asked.
"Let this boy show you everything…" Saito said, looking at Silver.
Silver proceeded to transmit his thoughts to the guards. They all saw his memories of seeing Turenne with Reconquista.
"Dear Founder... I believe we may have a traitor or two in Tristain. Release him, for we need to search for any possible spies." the captain said.
The Knights released Shadow, making sure he doesn't snap. However, he remained calm.
"Mission accomplished…" Shadow stated coldly.
Shadow then felt an urge to puke. He kneeled on the floor and was coughing harshly. He went to the sink as quickly as he could. The sound of Shadow retching was awful. When Tiffania was about to ask what's wrong, she noticed him vomiting blood!
"Everyone! Shadow is throwing up blood!" Tiffania shouted.
They all went to him and noticed his skin turning sickly pale. He was breathing heavily and looked weakened.
'My body... That time when I went berserk, that negative energy was causing damage to me... I'm losing consciousness…' Shadow thought.
He slowly moved away from the sink. Shadow was walking towards the bag of money that Turenne and his men dropped. He brought the bags to Tiffania and Louise.
"You two earn this..." He said.
Shadow eventually collapsed and fell on to the floor, unconscious.
"Shadow!" Tiffania screamed.
(Fallen Heroes OST end here)
Back in Mobius, Sonic and his friends were working in the dimension traveling machine. They had made plenty of progress thanks to the Master Emerald's guidance.
"The machine should be ready in a few days." Tails said.
"Sweet. We'll be able to see this new world that Shadow is in." Sonic said.
By then, the Master Emerald was showing a new image. It showed Silver with Shadow and Tiffania. Knuckles watched as the events were being shown.
"Dear God... Everyone looked at the Master Emerald!" Knuckles said.
Everyone gathered and noticed the images. They saw Silver and the events occurring.
"Seems like we need to hurry. If Silver's there, he'll be able to help Shadow." Sonic said.
Ending 1: Kokia - Fate
That's all from here.
Note 1: The berserk state is back one again. I didn't elaborate much on the after effects so this chapter provides an insight on what happens. Whenever Shadow goes into that state, he damages his own body in the process.
Note 2: Chaos Inferno: unlike the team blast from Sonic Heroes, this ability is the combination of Chaos Control and Pyrokinesis. By utilizing such a combination, Shadow can effectively turn anything to ash in mere seconds. He has yet to know of this technique.
Note 3: Silver will play his role more importantly in the story.
Note 4: Silver's mind reading abilities are the result of training with is psychokinesis. The only limitation is that he must touch the person's head to read their thought or memories.
Any other questions, send a review.
