Here goes chapter 10 :) I hope you will enjoy it :)
As the lazy orb of light slowly rose up over the horizon, signaling to the inhabitants of the city of Sandstorm the start of next day, in one of the houses, a couple unlike any other slept soundly. Blaze the Cat woke up lazily, as expected, snuggling to Shadow the Hedgehog, as it was a habit of hers to do so. Gradually gaining awareness of her surroundings, she looked with her golden eyes at his sleeping form of ebony hero, while feeling slow and steady heartbeat under the palm of her right hand, which rested on black furred chest. As she continued to look, blush on her muzzle, she noticed how calmly he looked, almost content to finally rest and that was no wonder to her, seeing as he had worked very hard yesterday. Slowly getting up, she tried very hard not to wake him up, since then it all would be pointless.
Okay…I just need him to not see me snuggling with him in the morning and maybe he will think that yesterday was just an accident – She thought while managing to leave the bed without him noticing. As she slowly crept through the bedroom, she whirled around looking over her shoulder for any signs of his awakening.
Thankfully he is sleeping like dead – She thought to herself, as she neared the doors, until her ears heard a familiar low voice behind her back, which send chills down her spine.
"And where do you think you are going so early?" Asked Shadow, while looking at the fire cat, who stopped dead in her track. When she turned slowly around, he could see her flushed cheeks, which made her look like a child who was caught while stealing a cookie. Looking into his red eyes, she could tell he wasn't happy in the morning, as his ever present frown was showing on his lips. She amazed herself how good she became at reading his emotions.
"Out." She replied shortly, turning her back to him quickly, wanting to get out of the room before…
"Today is free of work, and I thought you like to snuggle." Said the black hedgehog, again stopping her. This was what she feared…now she will have to respond somehow to this remark but truthfully she didn't knew exactly how.
"H-how long did you know?" Asked Blaze, turning again to face her fake husband, who was looking at her with piercing stare…was he mad at her for lying to him? Panicking, she could feel her heart beating faster, as both of them silently looked at each other.
"I couldn't fall asleep and you did it during night." Answered the ultimate life form, while getting out of the bed and coming her way slowly, like a predator that would attack her any minute. Cursing herself, for being too slow in leaving the bedroom, she slowly backed until she could feel cold stone surface of wall on her back.
"S-sorry, It's just an embarrassing habit of mine…I hope you aren't mad" She said, while looking down at the floor, fidgeting nervously with her fingers. She really didn't want to go into this conversation, especially if Shadow was mad at her.
"Do I have to be mad about something?" He asked, stopping closer to her…too close, as her heart began to pound like crazy. Realizing that she showed him, that she indeed has something to hide, she flushed deep scarlet, while trying to look everywhere, but not inside Shadow's eyes.
"Y-yes…N-no…I don't know!" She snapped finally, not being able to withstand this pressure. He was too close and it was morning and she couldn't think straight anymore as her head felt light.
"For what?" She heard him ordering with voice that didn't take whatever for an answer, as he moved slightly closer. She tried to think of something but as it is with her, when emotions overwhelm her heart, all she could tell was truth.
"F-for lying to you…I pretended to be asleep yesterday…" There, she said it, as she stole a quick glance at Shadow who thankfully withdrew back, while a serious frown painted over his face. After a while, it seemed he came to some conclusion and looked her deep in eyes, serious as ever.
"Listen Blaze. I'm not mad about you wanting to keep an embarrassing secret like that, but you know how delicate our situation is. Even slightest mistake could turn everything around" He admonished her, while the anger of defiance grew inside the fire princess. With each word she could take less and less and when he finished, she heard about enough.
"I know that Shadow, but I doubt me snuggling or not is going to get us killed." She argued back, arms crossing under her chest, while her cat eyes looked challenging in his own.
"Don't be so sure. Last night I stayed awake for some more time, because I thought I heard something…a movement. Looking at our window with half closed eyelids I found out someone was spying on us. Be thankful that you snuggle in you sleep or we would be thrown out by now and Sonic still didn't show up with others." As each word left his lips, Blaze could feel her anger stopping in an instant, as cold fear run down her spine. How could she not notice anything abnormal? Were her senses growing dull?
"So…what do we do now? Did you saw who was watching us?" She questioned but Shadow only responded with a shake of his head. Honestly speaking, he had no idea, but now that they knew someone was out there, they can prepare themselves and improve their disguise…speaking of which…
"Whoever watches us will come out sooner or later. For now we need to think of improving our act." He replied with grim voice…and Blaze was sure, she wouldn't like what he will say next, because it often meant something either embarrassing or bad in general.
"You are going to snuggle when we will go to bed today. I think we should practice it to be sure it looks natural." He continued seriously as blush flourished on his cheeks, which made Blaze bulge her eyes out as her embarrassment mirrored his. Cursing this dimension, the person who was observing them, Eggman's machine, her lack of powers, Shadow and everything else, she however responded as follows.
"What do you want me to do?" She inquired, while trying to control herself from running out. She could feel the ground slipping away from underneath her feet.
"I will lay down on bed…j-just do what you always do in your sleep" Replied the ebony hero stuttering slightly as he went over to their bed and adopted comfortable position on it. With beating heart, Blaze the Cat, princess of Sol dimension, moved toward her side of the bed and did, what should be natural for her.
"Don't tense so much. Try to relax. Move your hand like this…don't choke me." She could hear Shadow say to her, as she tried her best, but somehow it seemed harder to do this while awake, than wake up like this. It continued for half-an-hour until Shadow finally decided it seems natural enough…she had to admit, he looked for every detail. Sighing to herself, while still snuggling, Blaze the Cat decided that her year's worth limit of snuggling to anyone is now empty. In her heart, she promised herself, that when she will return home she will never-ever snuggle again…well…maybe she won't, that depends how her relationship with Shadow would progress. Just as she thought a little about it, a snicker could be heard in their room…but it definitely wasn't male. Moving her head from Shadow's chest she looked up and saw two well known Mobians whose she expected the last to show up.
"Hey. Long time no see…lovebirds" Responded Rouge the Bat with a wink, while smiling at both of them. However shocked she was to see both of them like this, she concealed it greatly. Next to her stood Amy Rose, who tried to look away from them, while blushing, but she did a poor job as her timid eyes landed on both of them from time to time.
Not again… - Thought Blaze, as she wanted nothing more in this moment than to hide inside some dark cave and not go out until…well…for a long time. Did any of them heard about knocking first?
"…and so, this is how the situation looks. As soon as Sonic comes back, we will proceed with the plan" Concluded the treasure huntress, as she put the stone mug down after refreshing herself with some water. All of them were gathered in the small salon at the table, while discussing everything they know. The situation seemed clear at this point but now they needed Sonic to show up…and of course he was late, along with Knuckles and Tails.
"I hope they are alright…" Began Amy, but was quickly comforted by Rouge, who put her hand on her shoulder. As each of them pondered about the whereabouts of blue blur, Shadow suddenly got up.
"We can't sit here doing nothing. I'll go and prepare our backpack, so we will be ready to depart any minute." Said Shadow reassuringly to Blaze, as he excused himself and went towards the bedroom. This action made both Amy and Rouge exchange their glances, since Shadow usually wasn't the type to tell others where he will go or what he will do…something was going on and they each decided to get to the bottom of this.
"I will go with Shadow, since he must be missing my company. On the side note…it's a nice attire you have princess but isn't it suppose to reveal something?" Replied Rouge, while giving Blaze kind of nasty look, while making a remark about her breast size… she wasn't jealous, she just had no reason to be nice for Blaze who got closer to her work partner...she was sure something happened between those two and she still didn't know if it was a change for better or for worse. That's why she went after the ebony hedgehog, because where better to search for information, than in the source? As soon as her wings vanished behind bedroom door, Blaze let out a low growl, which wasn't missed by Amy.
"Relax. She is just worried about Shadow…" Said Amy to her reassuringly as she began looking around the kitchen. Truth be told she wanted nothing more than to question her friend about her relationship with the black hedgehog, but she still needed to approach the subject slowly…or she would shut down and won't say anything.
"I know Amy…it's just…I don't know." Started the fire feline, looking down at herself, angry at certain annoying, big breasted ivory bat, as her complex about her own female figure kicked in.
"Anyway, what are you doing in the kitchen?" Inquired Blaze after taking a while to calm herself, as her golden eyes landed on pink hedgehog, who started to take out raw food and utensils, and putting them on kitchen table.
"Oh this? I thought, since there really is a lot of food, it would be good to prepare some meal for everyone, when Sonic comes back" Replied the heroine of Mobius, which made Blaze's ears stand up. She got good idea just about now.
"May I help you?" She asked politely, while wondering what purpose served all of those strange objects her friend took out. Didn't cooking required only pot, pan and knife?
"Of course! Two hands would do it twice as fast!" Happily exclaimed Amy, while the fire feline got up and moved forward, looking curiously at the pink hedgehog. Deciding it was too difficult for her to learn by only observing what her friend does she took a deep breath.
"I'm not actually good at cooking…do you think, you could give me some lessons? I would be grateful." Said Blaze, as she swallowed her pride. Not only had she to admit that she can't do something this basic, but also needed to ask for help…which was uncommon for her. Thankfully, her request made Amy beam with happiness.
"Of course! Stand next to me, take a knife, and follow my example." She motioned for Blaze to go by to her left side, which the lilac colored feline did. As Amy slowly began to show her the art of cooking, while explaining everything, Blaze found out it wasn't so hard. Maybe after she will improve, she would be able to cook for Shadow something both of them would enjoy… Noticing the light blush that showed on Blaze muzzle, Amy smiled knowingly to herself, as she decided it was the right time to ask.
"So…what's up with you and Shadow?" Asked the pink hedgehog in most natural voice she could muster. The feline didn't reply at first, pondering probably how much she should tell her pink friend.
"You heard it all before…we had to pretend o be married." Said Blaze, while trying to avoid the difficult talk. Truth be told, even she didn't knew how their relationship was…not to mention, how would it look when they will return to their respective dimensions….or will they even meet again. As this last though clouded her mind, she heard Amy speak to her.
"I know, I know but I'm more interested in details…we did saw you snuggle after all…even if you told us it was a training. Truthfully, before meeting up with you guys, Rouge joked about possibility of Shadow kissing someone to live…a mad idea don't you agree?" Asked Amy, while stiffing her laughter, missing the shocked expression on Blaze's face, who thought, maybe they knew about hers and Shadow's little moment, but quickly reassured herself that it was impossible and only a joke…somehow that last sentence hurt.
"Y-yeah that's certainly impossible" Said the sol emeralds guardian, as she concentrated on peeling another potato. It really wasn't as easy as it seemed, even if the small vegetables resembled cubes.
"So?" Asked Amy, who still didn't got her earlier question. She wouldn't let it slide and Blaze already knew it. Sighing to herself, the lilac feline decided to tell her friend truth while omitting most…embarrassing situations.
"Honestly? I don't know Amy. We talked a lot with each other, had our share of embarrassing moments…and I know now what you meant about Shadow losing what was important to him. There is some kind of bond between us, but I really don't know what to say about all of this…it's the first time I feel like this around someone. Where do I put the potato?" Said the fire princess, which made Amy ponder slightly about all of those new information. Her friend obviously couldn't determine what she felt for the black hedgehog…but should she help her out?
"Put it in this empty pot. About Shadow…how do you feel around him?" She asked innocently, seeing as the lilac colored cat blushed deep scarlet. Amy had to admit that the fire princess could be cute, when not angry and hiding her emotions while trying to act tough. In her eyes, she was a perfect match for someone like Shadow, now that she thought about it.
"It's complicated… I was always independent and a loner, but around him I feel safe, calm… when he is close to me I feel like everything is going to be okay and all of my duties…they don't bother me so much. I often find myself thinking about him, if he is happy or angry or tired. I'll admit, I want to learn how to cook because of him, since it's bothering me…how everything will look when we will go back. What do you make of it?" Poured her feelings out the fire princess, as Amy soft smile grew wider. The pink hedgehog already knew everything, because often had she felt this way around Sonic, even if he and Sally were together. Had she not took training lessons to become stronger to be able to keep up with him in her own way? Deciding not to beat around bush she looked in her friends eyes while serious as never seen before.
"I think you are in love." She said, making Blaze's eyes grow wide, as she cut the potato in half, nearly cutting her fingers off.
"N-no. I doubt it's as s-serious as l-l-love. B-besides I doubt S-shadow would f-feel the same way." Stuttered the princess, as her imagination ran wild, showing her random images of happy life with Shadow the Hedgehog…the marriage and events after that…it really freaked her out, even if it filled her belly with warm and fuzzy feeling.
"It's something you need to find out on your own. Just don't miss the chance so you will not regret it later." Concluded Amy, as she continued peeling the potatoes, while with the corner of her eye she looked at her royal friend, who fell silent, probably thinking about all she had heard.
I know you will do the right thing. – Thought the pink hedgehog to herself, while silently hoping Shadow DID feel the same way about Blaze. She would need to somehow ask him later about it, since she didn't want Blaze to end up with broken heart…or maybe she will ask Rouge who was probably now doing her share of information gathering.
As she entered the bedroom, she quickly gathered information from her surroundings like she had a habit of doing. Shadow was looking through the drawers, while getting everything they would need. She noticed that he took out a small bottle with a pleasant scent to it, that couldn't be mistaken for anything else in the world…she knew what it was, since she often used it.
I wonder why does he pack the massage oil… - She thought to herself, as she closed the door behind herself. Maybe something did happen between the two of them after all, but she would never believe they went as far as massage each other. Leaning on the stone wall, she looked at her G. U. N. partner, who continued his task unhindered by anything, like he always did.
"So… did you enjoy your little vacation?" She asked while observing her companion with curious eyes. She knew how hard it was to extract information from him, since you really had to read between lines of his every response. Thankfully he never lied unless needed.
"It wasn't so bad. Simply work" Said Shadow, but Rouge already knew that he enjoyed it and that more than "work" happened. Deciding on her next approach, she then said as follows.
"It's a pity you got paired with that annoying feline. I wonder why you didn't leave her alone on the desert. It must have been hard on you." She said with fake sympathy while waiting for Shadow's reaction.
"She isn't annoying. If not for her, I wouldn't be here. I would like it, if you didn't say anything bad about her." He replied, and the Ivory bat already got her next answer. If Shadow was protecting someone like this even from bad words, then it definitely was something serious. As emotionless as he tried to be, he was a honest and straight person that would never lie about anything this important.
"You act like you like her." Stated simply Rouge, as she furrowed her eyebrows with false gesture of reprimanding him.
"I didn't say that." Corrected her the black hedgehog, while obviously not wanting to give any answer about this topic and Rouge could feel her time grew short, seeing as he quickened his pace while packing.
"You also didn't say that you don't. We have been partners for some time now Shadow, so I will ask you honestly. How do you feel about her?" Inquired Rouge, and seeing as a light blush crept at Shadows cheeks, she knew she hit a jackpot.
"What do you want me to say Rouge?" He said, stopping his movement and looking at the ivory bat with his red eyes, while folding his hands on his chest. He really didn't like when she was so interested in anything going around him, but already knew she always meant well…unless some precious gem was in sight. After all of those missions he trusted her, but would it be okay for him to be open about the subject he alone wasn't certain?
"I'm just curious about the two of you. And I'll remind you, even if you will stay silent I'm sure Amy would get something out of fire princess." Said Rouge with beautiful smile. Truthfully, if it was anyone else she wouldn't even ask but she was worried about Shadow, since she knew a male heart like no one else. If he started to fall for that cat, she would see to it, he wouldn't get heartbroken. In her eyes, he already got too much misery on his back and no more was needed. Seeing as he sighed to himself, she looked intently at him…he would either shut down and won't say anything or would say everything.
"I don't know. There seems to be some kind of bond between us, but I can feel it's more than friendship. How far does it go I'm not sure, but I plan to cut it short anyway. I'm ageless remember?" Replied the ebony hedgehog, but this wasn't what the white bat wanted to hear as displeasure showed on her face. It looked like he was again hiding in his cave, not wanting to pursue any sort of relationships and she wouldn't let him do that no matter what.
"Again with this ageless argument of yours. Shadow, didn't I once ask you whether it's better to live some happy moments or not live them at all? Remember what you told me then?" She inquired as he looked down at the floor. She was sure, he remembered it perfectly clear since good memory seemed to be one of ultimate-life form strong points. Folding her arms under her chest, she looked at him sternly, while expecting an answer.
"I'll…think about this later. Now we have our mission to complete." Said the black hedgehog, reassuming his task. He wasn't going to admit it to himself how he felt but Rouge already knew everything. If Shadow told her, he would think about something then it was enough, and she will later make both him and Blaze admit how they feel for each other…if she felt like him that is.
Looks like I owe princess one – She though, thinking that maybe it was time to stop being hostile towards the fire feline. After all that cat managed to do something Rouge was trying for a long time and that was to get Shadow out of his shell. Now she will have to oversee the situation so nothing will go wrong. Just as she was thinking that, said feline entered the bedroom. Eyeing Rouge with hostility, clear jealousy in eyes upon entrance, she quickly addressed Shadow.
"Sonic and the rest showed up. Is everything ready?" As soon as the question left her lips, Shadow showed her their bag, while not uttering any words. In her eyes it seemed to contain more than their normal clothes, but she would inquire about it later.
"Then let's not keep the blue boy waiting." Happily exclaimed Rouge, as she exited the room, while smiling toward the fire princess. It surprised Blaze slightly…she was expecting the ivory bat to make fun of her somehow and not being…nice? Shoving her thoughts aside the three of them entered the main room, where the rest of their friends gathered. She also noticed how strange Knuckles and Tails looked at both her and Shadow...wondering at the same time what Sonic told them.
"Sweet! Now we are all together!" Said Sonic loudly, which got most of them to smile, save for Shadow and Blaze, who didn't react in that way because of things this simple…still…they were glad everyone was safe. Suddenly, Knuckles and Tails approached the fire feline and black hedgehog, while looking uncertain about something.
"Uh…congratulations on starting family" Said Tails and was quickly followed by the red echidna shaking his head in approval, while also looking from a set of ruby eyes to golden ones. This action of them, made both Shadow and Blaze mouths open in surprise as heavy blush came across their cheeks. Looking over the shoulders of both twin tailed fox and red guardian, they noticed Sonic, who had a time of his life, while nearly crying from laughter. Noticing something was off about this situation, both Tails and Knuckles whirled around to see the blue blur nearly on the floor. As four of them growled inside, realizing they were tricked, they neared Sonic, who now looked up at them, laughter barely contained.
"S-sorry guys, it was just…to funny to pass" He tried to say, while avoiding four pair of hands who lunged at him. Thankfully he still had his speed, while they didn't
"Just wait till I get my powers back" Said Shadow angrily, as the other three agreed with him while Sonic gulped down nervously. Seeing this exchange both Amy and Rouge could only shake their heads in consternation.
"R-relax it was only an innocent joke…" He stared to say, but was quickly meet with Shadow coming his way, fist shut tight and eyes blazing with anger. Everyone was shocked to see him like this, especially Blaze because there really was no need to react this strongly to little immature joke.
"S-shadow…?" Started the blue blur, but the ebony hedgehog went past him and threw his arms through the window while at the same time a surprised yelp could be heard. Tensing his muscles, he pulled inside gray rabbit with full force he could muster and now held him by the cuff of his neck against the wall.
"D-demons! Unhand me at once!" Yelled the annoying grey rabbit who seemed to follow Shadow while he worked on the farm. His accent gone and a way more sharp look in his eyes now, he certainly didn't seem like a village idiot now. He expected a spy, but not this guy…if not for his military training, he would probably not sense him at all.
"Great. Now what?" Asked Knuckles, who was first to get his voice back, as it was usual situation for him to act like Shadow did right now, since he already held some stranger that way, while threatening him.
"Now we will silence him" Replied Shadow, voice devoid of any emotions, as he eyed the spy who now paled in his face. It seemed the hedgehog really wanted to teach this guy a lesson he would never forget.
"Shadow, be gentle…" Said quietly Blaze, not wanting for him to be violent like this, as Shadow punched the poor guy with full force in his face, knocking his crooked teeth's out and making him fall unconscious.
"I asked you to be gentle…" started to complain Blaze, while furrowing her eyebrows but shortly as she could feel someone's hand on her shoulder. It was Rouge.
"Trust me sweetie…that was VERY gentle of Shadow." Reassured her the white bat, which made Blaze look puzzled at her behavior…was she comforting her? Did she hit herself in the head or something? Honestly speaking, the feline was somewhat freaked out, but also suspicious. Rouge wouldn't act like this if she didn't planned something. Shoving her hand aside, she went to stand closer to Amy.
"Okay, we have one unconscious guy on the ground and no idea how to get back home. Any clues what we should do now?" Asked the blue blur, while actually expecting the lack of any answer, but was surprised when Amy voiced her thoughts.
"Actually we have Sonic. Me and Rouge were helped by the banished. They sent us here to wait for you and If you showed back then bring you to them. They wish to ask you something but didn't go into details." Said the pink heroine as she began to make sure that everything was ready for their incoming trip.
"Can we trust them?" Asked Blaze, while not sure if they should move like that, since it could be a trap…but staying here was also out of option.
"It doesn't look like we have much choice. Give me some time and I will quickly build some means of transportation." Said Tails who analyzed their situation, while looking around the house for needed components, his brain working fast as ever. They couldn't stay here and they didn't knew where to go. While it was safe with Sonic, in case of fight even he wasn't sure his blue hero would be able to protect them all, so they would need something quick.
"Okay guys, rest for now, gather you things. We are going for a trip!" Concluded Sonic, to whose decision no one argued, as each of them prepared to depart. It seemed their journey finally went somewhere…but was it closer to their home?
In the great desert not many things happened and if they did, it was usually an occasional sandstorm or a merchant caravan going from town to town…other things were just non-existent. Today however was different as the rumbling sound filled the air and a boat drifted through the sea of sand. The construction was crude but functional, as the boat shaped vehicle with a running track in the middle of it made their way forward. The source of movement was of course no one other than Sonic the Hedgehog, who now ran at mediocre speed, as if afraid to destroy the delicate vehicle.
"Sonic express, coming through!" Yelled the blue blur when they went past a dumbfounded guy on a camel, so quick that no one in this world would be able to catch them even if he tried.
"Good work Tails. With this we can get to the meeting point two times as fast!" Said Amy, praising the young fox, who in response scratched the back of his head nervously. Truthfully, he wasn't at all happy about his construction, but seeing as there wasn't a lot of materials to work with, he was glad he was able to build it. He just hoped that Sonic won't try to test its speed limit, since if it broke, then they would be stranded in the middle of the desert. As each of the heroes was left to their own thoughts, Shadow noticed that Blaze was for some time now, frowning in the direction of the city of Sandstorm
"You okay?" He inquired quietly, but the cat didn't reply right away, as her eyes showed hidden sadness behind them, and he really didn't like when she was sad. Besides, should she be happy that they were going to finally do something instead of wasting time?
"It's strange…I should feel glad we are on the move but somehow it feels like I'm leaving behind something important…" She whispered, not expecting Shadow to understand her complicated feelings while even she had trouble to comprehend them fully.
"I understand. There are a lot memories left in there." He said after a while. Truthfully he also would be missing their home, as his red eyes looked in its general direction. It wasn't much but he really enjoyed a simple life like this.
"You know…it's not a bad idea to have a home…a nice place to relax, away from everyone else." Added the black hero, while observing her eyes curiously. He didn't knew why, but he wanted to cheer her up a little as seeing her sad bothered some part of him. It made him feel uneasy inside.
"That's what I will be missing. When we return to our dimensions I will have my duty and you will probably have your missions…" Replied sadly the lilac colored cat, as she grew tired. It was hot on this desert and she already missed even the shade that their small house provided. She wished she could hug Shadow in time like this, but knew it would probably give both of them awkward stares from their friends who would see this gesture as something more than a simple hug. It was strange to her, how people could find hints about others only because they were close to each other.
"No one says we can't…" Started Shadow softly but was interrupted by Knuckles yelling loudly that they are nearing their destination. As both of them looked ahead they saw a lot of carts, while armored people with weapons were walking here and there. Was this the meeting point? It looked more like a military base. When the boat stopped some yards before shocked faces of two guards who now pointed their swords at the team of heroes they could hear how much life was around…it was unlike the quiet atmosphere of the city, where everyone looked at each other suspiciously.
"Well…now what?" Asked Tails, eyeing the tip of sharp metal weapons pointed at them. Thankfully, the guards seemed to relax at the sight of both Amy and Rouge, and sheathed their swords quickly. As one of them came towards them, he said with stuttering voice. He was young…to young in Amy's eyes to be a soldier.
"W-welcome M-miss A-A-Amy. a-are t-t-those your f-friends?" As the pink hedgehog replied with the nod of her head, the same guard turned to his friend, eyes shining with pride to be able to do something.
"G-g-g-go, g-g-get the g-g-g-g-g-g-general." Said the young soldier, as his friend speed into the camp. Having a while to themselves, each of our heroes watched the makeshift base with different thoughts about it, but one question was the same for all of them: Why did the banished wanted to meet up with them here? It didn't took long for the young guard to return, while a big bear followed them. Upon seeing the seven mobians, his mouth showed a big smile.
"Welcome!" he said happily, but his eyes showed clear hints that he wasn't as carefree as he appeared to be.
"We were waiting for you. Follow me to the main cart and I'll explain everything. Can't talk out here can we?" continued the general, while turning around and motioned with his massive claw for them to follow, which they did, while the two guards eyed them with curiosity painted all over their faces…
When they entered the biggest cart, they noticed it was mostly empty, save for a round table in its center and two more persons, who both were either known to others directly or from their stories.
"Welcome friends."Said Gold the Monkey, as he motioned for them to come closer. He wore a plate armor, and a spear at his back. Next to him stood Gala the Serpent who courtly nodded while greeting them. As each of our heroes wore a puzzled stare, Sonic was the first to ask his questions.
"Okay…can we like, get some info about what the heck is going on?" Voiced the blue blur, as each of their friends fell silent. It would be bad if all of them started talking at once and Sonic usually had a knack for these things. Looking into his emerald eyes, the merchant who turned out to be one of the banished eyed them all as if getting ready to speak.
"The banished are going to war. We plan to storm the fortress of seven sandstones, and while I know it's rude of me to ask you this, I know what must be done. We need assistance from you mister Sonic…" Started the guy, but Sonic already started shaking his head in disapproval. It was good they wanted to fight for their world, but the blue hero didn't want to participate in all of this if it could put his friends in danger.
"Whoa, slow down dude. I appreciate the thought but I really need to do other things…Me and my friends need to find our way home and…" Replied the blue blur, but this time Claw the Bear took voice, cutting him shortly.
"That's why we are asking for your help stranger. The fortress is not only a place where high lord Kirlan resides but also a place where all knowledge of this world is gathered. If there are some clues about a way back to your home, then it would be there." Said the massive guy, while looking at Rouge and Amy with a smile. Before, he always thought the banished weren't doing the right thing but couldn't motivate anyone…it all changed however when this blue hedgehog began openly opposing the army. He saw his people regain hope as each day more rumors came into the village. After that everything began to change for better and even he was able to again wield his axe and rush to battle even if he felt old.
"What do you want me to do?" Asked the blue hedgehog, while eyeing the map on the table, which showed fortress schematics. With things like that he might reconsider helping those guys, as long as his friends won't be put in danger.
"It's easy. Seeing your speed we came up with the most simple plan. The fortress is unreachable save for a lone drawbridge. All we need you to do is to rush in there and keep it open and after our soldiers will cross it, then we will manage somehow." Said Gala the Serpent who looked doubtful at the blue hedgehog. She didn't believe the rumors fully as no one could be as fast as he was described. Still, it wasn't her decision to make so she didn't question others, especially their leader.
"Couldn't you just send a spy inside?" Asked Knuckles, overlooking the map. By his experience it was truly a remarkable fortress but there always was a weak point somewhere if you looked closely enough.
"That's the problem. This fortress is full of robots who can easily determine if you are friend or foe. In the past we tried approaching it under cover or even from the sky, but we couldn't get as far as to see the drawbridge. With no means to fight back against this tyranny, we slowly lost our hope and will." Replied the monkey, as his and Shadow's eyes meet. He noticed the black hedgehog staring at him suspiciously for some time now but wasn't going to inquire about it…not now anyway.
"Okay. If it's okay with everyone I will help you fight under condition that my friends won't be exposed to any danger." Replied Sonic, but as soon as he uttered those words he could hear complaining behind him. Turning around he faced his friend, each smiling at him.
"Don't try to hog all the fun blue boy, we can still fight and if we lack in physical strength some of us can build war machines." Said Rouge earning nods of approval from everyone around. Moved, Sonic couldn't utter a word to this, as he forgot how brave his friends could be at times like these, even without their powers. Turning around to face the three natives he smiled his usual grin, while showing a thumbs up.
"You've got your help" He said, earning smiles from both the monkey and the bear. It seemed everything was finally coming together as a lone ray of hope materialized before the seven heroes.
It was a late and cloudless night, when lone silhouette overlooked the camp from a nearby dune. Things were coming together at least and if everything went smoothly they will soon be able to get to their world back.
Home… - Thought Shadow the Hedgehog, as he wondered how much time did pass there. He hoped that Eggman's plan failed in some way and that they won't go back to destroyed world, but everything was still uncertain. What especially filled his thoughts was the image of certain lilac furred princess. What would happen to both of them? Will she simply go back to her world and they would never meet? Honestly, he was worried about this, it saddened him deeply as he remembered every moment they spent together. Of course he could always use chaos control to see her but would he find time for it? Sighing heavily to himself, he cursed his luck.
Why couldn't I feel like this for any other girl from my world? – He pondered, as he still wasn't able to fully comprehend why did he felt like this. He knew what those feelings were but it didn't made all of it any easier. Did she felt the same way? Were his feeling genuine or a product of some programming made by professor Gerald? So much questions and not even one answer. He heard this was complicated but it was simply ridiculous how one feeling could make you both sad, happy and confused. As he was thinking about all of this, he heard silent footsteps behind himself. Turning around he saw the merchant…the banished Gold the Monkey who stopped by his side.
"Couldn't sleep?" Asked the guy, actually didn't expecting any reply from the black hero. Both of them looked over the camp for some time, until Gold decided if he wanted to get the hedgehog to respond, he should cut the small talk.
"I'm sorry that I lied to you, on the first day we meet. I hope you and miss Blaze aren't mad about it and I didn't caused you any problems." Sincerely apologized the guy, which made Shadow look at him with puzzled expression. It wasn't common for others to simply seek him out just to apologize for something this trivial.
"I understand in needed to be done. Besides I thought there was something fishy about you when we first meet." Replied the black hedgehog with red highlights as his sight went toward the tent where the girls stayed in, as his thought returned to certain cat. It was quiet now, that people were trying to sleep before tomorrow's big battle.
"True. Sometimes we do things we really don't want to, for the sake of others. I assume it's like that too in your world?" Questioned Gold the Monkey to which Shadow nodded his head as a reply. After a while of silence the ebony hero looked with the corner of his eye at the guy.
"Then why are you still hiding something?" He asked, earning shocked look from the banished, which quickly turned into chuckle and then loud laughter. When the monkey finally composed himself, smile still present, he began to go towards the camp.
"We all have some words that can't be said yet mister Shadow…and they can't be revealed yet, because we fear rejection from others, but they will come a time when we all will have to face our future." Said Gold the Monkey as he began to walk away, leaving Shadow to ponder at his last words. As he was thinking on them he could hear one last sentence from the guy.
"You should get a decent rest…otherwise you won't be able to protect her." Said the monkey walking into the camp and into his tent. Somehow his last words shoot through Shadow like lightning as the image of losing Maria played in his head. He wouldn't let a situation like that repeat ever again. Clenching his fists he made his way towards his tent. He needed to rest and after getting out of this dimension he will first make sure Blaze's world is safe and then…he will tell her his feelings, no matter what she will say back…
TBC! Chapter 11 might be a little later, since I plan to take extra time writing it...need to finish things in a big way afterall :)
PS. This chapter really gave me a lot of trouble...had to rewrite it 2 times,first because of OOC Blaze who wanted to went on a picnic in the desert (WTF?!) and second because OOC Shadow was acting like Silver during a very serious talk xD
PS2. As per Shadow of dimentio review, I scared Sonic for you, sorry no kicking his butt...for now...mwahahaha :)
