Episode Twelve

Three v. One

Disclaimer: My quest to own Sega is going slow, so I don't own Sonic Hedgehog.

A/N: Sonic has a message he wants to tell you after at the episode.


Lightning strikes nearby sending a powerful boom echoing through the palace. In Aleena's office, the bright flash coats the room with white light then quickly fades, but Nico stands in shock hearing Shadow's request. The werehog ruler finally says, "Shadow, you have to be kidding us or we didn't hear you right. You want to fight the entire Royal Guard Core? Do you know what type of havoc that will cause?"

The black hedgehog folds his arms with a mad look on his face, "No Nico, do I stupid to you?"

"Do you want me to answer to answer that question?"

Shadow ignores Nico's retort and walks over to the window looking outside at the pouring rain. "You and Sonic made me a promise that if I did that bullshit mission, then I would be granted my request without any argument."

"And I am a werehog of my word, but you want to fight the entire Royal Guard," Nico replies folding his arms with a stern expression. "As powerful as you Shadow, we don't believe you can challenge the whole guard and win."

Shadow snickers in response, "Maybe I should be a little clearer; I only want to fight three select members."

Nico walks back over to Aleena's desk and sits down still looking at his ebony brother. "Who are these three guards?"

"Damn Nico, I thought you of all people you would know," Shadow gloats with a growing smirk on his face. He takes a seat in the chair in the front of the desk. "I want to fight the Adair siblings."

Nico shoots up from his chair while smashing his crawls on the desk, "SHADOW YOU HAVE TO BE JOKING!"

Shadow shuts his eyes still sporting the smile on his face, "You said that you would agree to any demand, and I want to fight that sappy weak wolf and her piss ant brothers."

Nico flops back down in the chair thinking about Shadow's request; then the powerful werehog starts, "I'm sorry Shadow, but we can't fulfill your request. We can't order someone to fight."

Shadow's smirk grows evil, "Lucky for them, they don't have choice in the matter. Thanks to a law that our great-great grandfather passed." Nico gives a questioning look toward Shadow in response. The black hedgehog opens his eyes and sees the werehog's expression. He reaches into the inside of his jacket and pulls out a data pad. Shadow tosses it Nico, and the werehog easily catches the item. "I'll make this easy for you to understand. If a member of the royal family or nobility has a problem with someone in the Royal Guards, they have to the right ask the ruling sovereign to challenge the member to combat. If the ruler says yes, then guard must choice to either to fight for their honor or resign from the royal guard, and the winner gets to choice what happens to the loser."

Nico's eyes narrow then says, "You're making this up."

Before Shadow can response, a green aura appears in the room with the black outline of a hooded figure. A second later the aura fades away to reveal Oracle with a prideful smile on his face, "Prince Shadow is telling the truth your majesty."

"Thank you Oracle for backing me up on this," Shadow replies then turns back to face Nico, "and since you gave me your word, you have no choice Nico." Nico gives a soft growl hearing the smug tone in his voice. "Well, I have some training to do."

"Shadow, you at least have to give us some time to read this, two weeks at most," Nico replies holding the data pad.

The black hedgehog stands up, "I want this fight to within one week, so you better start cracking bro."

At the end of his statement, Shadow uses Chaos Control to disappear in a flash of black light. Nico quickly looks at Oracle and growls out, "What the hell Oracle?! How could you let this happen and where the fuck have you been?" Oracle only smiles while sitting down in the seat that Shadow was using. Nico leans forward giving an even harder look at the green wizard, "Do you realizes the shit storm Sonic and I have been through since mom left! Add to that Shadow…" Nico bits the tip of his claw thinking about what his older brother told him.

"But your majesty its only been one day," Oracle counters with a smile.

Nico's quills flare up while he hits the desk growling outs, "THAT SON OF A BITCH, HAD THIS PLAN OUT FROM THE START! DAMNIT HOW COULD WE NOT SEEN IT FROM THE BEGINNING! OF COUSRE HE WAS GOING TO DO WHAT MOM ORDERED! HE JUST TOOK THE GAMBLE TO PLAY US AND AT THE SAME TIME GET US TO COMMIT TO WHAT HE WANTED! AHHH!"

A sweat drop appears on Oracle's head while he gives the same smile, "Your highness, I don't think it something you should get over worked up about. After all, I have it on good authority that Prince Shadow was planning to ask Queen Aleena before she left on her mission."

Nico crosses his arms and turns his chair to sides leaning back and states, "Well that answers one thing, but where the hell have you been? Sonic and I could have used some counselling yesterday!"

"Yes, Elder Prowler informed me about your visit to the Council to Elders. I'm glad you and Sonic showed resistant. As for my absent, I have been dealing with some issues that Queen Aleena tasked me with." Nico cocks his head looking at Oracle with a careless expression on his face. Oracle stands up giving a respectable bow while saying, "For now, I'll leave you to look over the information Prince Shadow as left you, and need not fear I will be with you on your next trip to the Elders." The green wizard quickly disappears with the same green light.

Nico picks up the pad and sees Sonic sitting on the desk with a smile on his face. ~And what are you smiling about? Don't forget Shadow tricked you as well.~

~I know, but we have to give to him. He's smarter than we originally we believed,~ Sonic replies then his smile turns into an evil grin as he continues, ~Nico let me take over and read the rules.~ Nico give a queer look at his twin brother and shrugs while letting Sonic take control. Sonic picks up the pad and reads out loud, "Page one: Requirements for Challenge."


On the other side of the government annex, stands a giant oval shaped five story building with the sign Department of Defense. On the second floor in the executive office, Kenna pours over the data pad that Nico give her earlier. Just when she finishes reading the record on the ex-guardian, her intercom activates, "Capt. Adair, the person you requested just arrived. Do you want me to have him wait in the conference room?"

Kenna presses the button, "No send him in." The intercom goes silent and her door opens up revealing the bandaged ex-guardian Root walking in. Kenna stands up and motions for him to sit in the chair at the front of the desk. "Thank you for coming Walter," Kenna starts off. Once he sits down, Kenna also sits and continues, "I hope you have been treated well."

"Yes ma`am," Walter replies adjusting his casted arm in his lap, "my former comrades made sure that I was safe after fighting the prince."

Kenna giggles, "I wouldn't lie from what I've hear about that fight; Prince Sonic took easy on you, but he known to the spread gossip about his talents just to make himself sound cooler. Anyway you're not here to listen to me boost Sonic's ego or rep, would you like something to drink?" Walter shakes his head no and Kenna gets up and walks over to her personal café and makes a cup of Swiss hazelnut coffee with some chocolate chip cookies. "Walter, I going to be frank with you when Nico told me that he wants me take you into the Royal Guards; I was ready to him to that was him to go fuck off. I don't trust the Guardian Core especially after the shit they tried to pull back at the airfield by disguising themselves as guard members. In my opinion, the Guardian Core should be disbanded." Kenna turns around to look at Walter, and she sees a sour expression on his face. She takes her coffee and cookies back to her desk and sits down while drink and sets the cookies on the desk. Once she has enough to drink, she sets the half-full cup down, "That is what I first thought, but after reading your record and the Code of the Guardian, I somewhat changed my mind. The Guardians aren't there just to take orders from those old fossils; they have something even more." Kenna interlaces her fingers and leans forward in her chair then says, "However, I also have to face some hard truths, the Royal Guards are nothing short of a joke. Besides my brothers and me, the royal family can easily protect themselves without our help. This leads me back to the situation that happened on the airfield, the uniforms that the guardians got were from members of the guard. I learned that they were overpowered and easily neutralized."

Walter keeps his stern expression but curiosity fills his eyes, "Capt. Adair, I fail to understand what you are getting at."

Kenna gives a devilish smirk, "Simple, I want to make a deal with you."

"Go on, I'm listening," Walter replies staring into her eyes.

"I allow you to join the guard as my second in command, and you train our people in the skills, techniques, and tactics the Guardian Core uses along with refining our methods."

Before Kenna can continue Walter starts to laugh hearing what has been said so far then says, "I have to give it to you, one second you are insulting my former comrades then in the same breath you are asking for my help."

Kenna chuckles, "Oh please don't get it twisted, I still don't trust the Guardian Core nor you, but I am willing to make a deal that will benefits us both." Walter replies with a nod allowing her to continue, "As I said, I will make you my beta, and you will train my people. In turn, I will help you get revenge on the elder that sent you to fight against Sonic, and as a bonus I will help you get the Code of the Guardian rewritten." Kenna stands up and extends her hand towards him, "Do we have a deal?"

Walter works his way to his feet and shakes her hand, "Deal!"

"Just one last thing," Kenna states while tightening her grip around his hand, "Don't ever try to cross me, because if you do, I will show no mercy."


The clock gets close to four, Mille makes her way back to her desk with all the recent documents from the record department. After she gets close to Aleena's office, the cat woman hears Sonic's voice boom, "AH HA HA HA! I GOT HIS ASS NOW! YEAH BOYYYY!"

Mille opens the door to see Sonic standing behind Aleena's desk laughing out loud with his head tilted up to the sky. "Sonic, what is so funny?"

The blue hedgehog looks that at his mother's aid then grabs the data pad off the desk while leaping over it, and he makes a quick dash to her. Sonic hold the pad up to her and explains, "Mille, we found a way to the outsmart Shadow." She gives a questioning look and he continues, "Look as part of the rules and regulations, Shadow had to submit the paperwork that define where the fight would be located at and date that it would take place. Since he sprang this on us at the last moment, we can claim that he will have to wait till mom gets back in order for everything to be approved, and I can bet a million chilidogs that she will not approve of him fighting them. See we win, he loses, and we don't have to go back on our word. AH HA HAHAHHAHAHAAHAH!"

Mille gives nervous smile while starching the left side of her head, "Well, Sonic that sounds all well and good, but I have some bad news that might bring you down."

Sonic is doing a little weird looking cancan dance with Nico beside him in spirit form, and without breaking away from his dance, Sonic replies, "HA! There's no news that can bring me down right now, because Nico and I were able to outsmart Shadow!"

Mille took a deep breath and said in a quick blur of words, "Shadow had the paperwork he needed file over three weeks ago, and it was all approved by her majesty."

In the midst of a high right kick in the dance, Sonic over stretched his leg hearing the news and lost balance falling backwards on his back, and in a flash, the blue prince was back on his feet and with puffs of stream coming from the sides of high head, "What do you mean he had the paperwork filed! That's not possible, and…" Sonic pauses in the midsentence calming down then says in calmer somber voice, "Did you say three weeks ago?"

Mille holds up the pad with Shadow's request; Sonic quickly reads over the request and at the end he reads out loud, "Approved by Queen Aleena Hedgehog, Ruler of the Moboian Empire." Sonic lowers his head after reading the pad. Mille gets a step closer to the depressed hedgehog, but her cat instincts maker her jump backwards when Sonic surprises the whole world when he swiftly throws his head back while screaming at the top of his lungs while throwing the pad into the air, "TO HELL WITH IT!" Afterwards, he falls silence and says in a soft tone of voice, "Mille will you please have Kana, Kell, and Kenna come in."

"Yes sir," Mille replies while watching the even bluer hedgehog mope over to the desk.


The intercom system in the Kenna's office goes off with the private's voice, "Captain Adair, General Panda and Lieutenant Adair are here for to speak with you."

Kenna looks up from her the objects on her desk and replies, "What do they want? Tell them I'm busy and…"

Before she can finish her statement Kana opens the door making his way into her office. The snow white panics and tries to do her best to clear her desk of the objects which happen to the pictures of Nico and Sonic. The human form red dragon and tiger watch as she shoves the pictures into the desk, but one of the photos flies off the desk, and Kana picks it up. He looks at the picture of Nico striking a muscular pose, Tigress rises a single eyebrow looking at the picture of the prince. "Kenna, do I even want to know, and how did you get this?"

She aggressively stands up from her desk with a redden face then snatches the photo from her brother. "That's none of your business, beside don't you know its rude to barge into to someone's office when they are busy working."

"Yeah right! Busy my ass! You were busy drooling over those pictures!" Kana counters with a smirk on his face.

Kenna puts the picture into her desk and slams it shut while saying, "For your information, I was doing an overview of the surveillance system."

Tigress then chimes in while folding her arms, "And that happen to be of the prince in the gym."

Kenna's redden face grows even redder thinking about her last encounter with Nico in the gym. She recalls the scent from his body, the chiseled bulging soft fur covered muscles, his fierce raw power but soft warm smile. She feels her face heating up even more. The teenage wolf stands next to her desk silence lost in her thoughts.

"KENNA! KENNA! SNAP OUT OF IT!" Kana shouts.

The words pierce her daydream and make her shake her head. She looks back at her visitors then questions, "What are doing back here anyway Kana? Aren't you suppose to with ART working on weapon testing? And Tigress if you're here to argue with me, I don't have the time."

"If you must know captain, Lt. Adair and I were meeting to discuss how the weapon testing is going, but he wanted you to join us," Tigress stated with an annoyed tone.

"Plus, I got word that someone from the Guardian Core was joining our ranks and that he would be your second in command. Call me crazy, but I know good and well that you didn't agree to that," Kana adds.

Kenna leads back in her chair and folds her hands behind her head, "Well sorry to burst your bubble, but I did accept him into our ranks."

Kana faces heats up hearing the news and nearly starts to split out fire while shouting, "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME! KENNA HAVE YOU GONE SOFT IN THE HEAD, OR HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHAT THOSE ASSHOLES DID TO THE GUARDS AT THE AIRSTRIP?!"

"Yeah, I remember quite well."

"Then why would run the risk of allowing one of them into your ranks? It's a well-known fact that you don't trust the Guardian Core, so why in the world would you make an ex-guardian your second in command?" Tigress questions with a puzzled expression.

"Sonic made the request," Kenna replies.

Kana continues shouting, "WHAT IN THE HELL WAS THAT HEDGEHOG THINKING!?"

Kenna faces grows sours and says in a low growl, "Kana remember who you are talking about and to whom you are talking to, so calm your ass down or I will do it for you!"

Kana scents the seriousness in Kenna's tone, and he begins to the calm down. He takes a deep cooling breath and states, "So Sonic told you to make this ex-guardian your second in command."

The snow white wolf shakes her head no, "His highness wanted me to consider him for the guards everything else was my decision."

"But Kenna, why? We don't…"

The wolf sibling cuts off her brother, "Yes we do…" She glances at Tigress then says, "General please gives us the room; we can have the meeting over the weapons later." The tiger Army General gives a quick growl, but she nods in the respect and leaves the room. Kenna gets up and makes her way over to the window. She stares at her reflection and the rain in glass. "Kana, after what happened at the airstrip, then the attack at the concert, which by the way we lost over fifty guards, lastly the incident with Prince Manic being taken hostage is also a black mark on own record."

"Hold on, I get that we had to bad marks in the past, but how does the incident with Prince Manic play into this negative appeal because last I checked, I was the one who saved him."

"And that goes to farther my point."

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Kana exclaims.

"Kana, the Royal Guards are a Royal Joke. If not for the three of us, there would no reason for the Royal Guard to exist."

"Kenna, I'm still confess about what you are getting at and how does this ex-guardian play into this mess?" Kenna explains the deal that she made with Walter and when he will start. The red dragon walks over his sister and places his hand on her shoulder, "Look sis, I don't have like what you did, but I respect your decision. Just don't expect me to respect our new commander."

He removes his hand and starts to make his way over to the door. Kenna reaches out for him, "Kana…"

"Sorry to disturb you ma`am," the private's voice rings out over the intercom.

Kana opens the door and Kenna yells out, "Come in private." The husky muscular walrus blocks the door preventing Kana from leaving. "What can I do for you?"

"Captain, I just received a call from the queen's aid. She says that Prince Sonic wants to see you and Lieutenant Adair in his office ASAP. Lt. Kell Adair will be waiting for in his majesty's office."

"Thank you private," Kana replies then tell him to return his desk. Kana turns around, "What do you think he wants?"

"Lets go and find out."


The classroom is loud with the students talking among each other about one thing or another. The clock gets close to 8am. Two students walk in carrying a black spiral notebook; they move to the center at the front of the room. The young man in dressed in his school uniform stands behind the podium. He clears his throat and says, "Ok everyone would you please… um… excuse me… may have your attention please. Um everyone lets quiet it down… um… please take your seats… everyone…."

"HEY SHUT YOUR PIEHOLES AND SIT DOWN!" the young woman standing to him orders out make everyone fall silence and quickly take their seats. Once everyone is seated the foot shorter schoolgirl gives a big smile and turns to her classmate, "Ok go on with what you were saying."

The male student gives a nervous smile with his eyes close looking at the young woman. He turns back to the face the class and clears his throat once more, and says, "Thank you. Now let get down to business, first on the list does anyone have any old business that needs to be brought up?" The room remains silent, so the young man continues, "Alright as for new business the Student Government as requested that ideas for the spring junior high festival be submitted, and this year the Student Body President has stated that the class that is voted the best will get an extra day stay on our school trip to Hawaii, and the club brings in the most revenue will be rewarded to with a larger budget."

The room starts to fill with chat and laugher about the announcement from the male class rep. A minute later, the female class rep. says, "I know this sounds great and all, but you have to remember this means that every class and club will be pulling out all the stops to win. If we want out class to receive that extra day in Hawaii, we need a kickass idea that will blow the socks off the judges. SO COME ON EVERYONE THINK WE NEED A REWARD WINNING IDEA RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW! GET THOSE BRIANS WORKING GIVE US SOMETHING THAT WE CAN USE TO BET THE OTHER CLASSES INTO THE GROUND!"

"Geez class rep. turn it down and give us a minute to brainstorm," one of the male students calls out.

"TURN DOWN FOR WHAT! I WANT TO WIN THAT EXTRA DAY AND PUT THAT PENELOPE ZOLOW IN HER PLACE! NOW THINK EVERYONE THINK!" the female representative shouts make everyone releases a collective exhale.

The students start talking with each other about possible ideas while the male class rep is writing on the digital board *Ideas: Votes:*. The female rep. is stomping back and forth throughout the room telling her classmates to write down what ideas they have. Thirty minutes past, the male student walks back up to the podium, and tries to call everyone back into order. Sadly, his efforts are wasted and the female rep shouts out, "SHUT YOUR PIEHOLES YOU WASTE OF SPACE!"

The room goes quiet and they look at the young man, "Alright what do you guys have?"

Sonic stands in the back of the room watching everything unfold, but he finds that no one is aware of his present. ~Where am I? Nico… Nico… can you hear me? Hum… no answer, so I'm not in the dreamscape, but how did I get here? And…~ Sonic stops in midsentence when he spots a girl with pink quills rise her hand. Sonic moves closer to the girl and recognizes her face. ~It's her! But where are we?~

The male class rep calls on the girl and she stands up then says, "How about doing a storybook theme?"

The preteen rubs the soft growing chin hair and states, "Hum that sounds interesting, do tell me more."

Another student in the class quickly jumps in, "A storybook theme! Why not just gag me with a spoon! Doing some fairy princess theme base activity will make it look like we are back in the first grade."

Sonic and the pink hedgehog glance over at the preteen human, and she quickly retorts, "If you let me finish before you open your big mouth, I was going suggest that we should use an author famous and well-known for his mystery stories."

"Oh who would that be, the writer for Blue's Clues?" the young man mocks.

"No I wasn't going to suggest your favorite author, but mine Sir Conan Arthur Doyle, and his most famous novel character Sherlock Holmes," the young woman states getting some approving nodes and words of agreement.

The white bat then stands up stating, "Yeah we can turn it into a murder mystery game base off one of Sherlock's adventure."

The soft spoken rabbit then adds, "Our guest would be the ones to solve the mystery."

Ideas from the other students in the class start to flow out making each student want to add their ideas to the pile. The class reps nod to each other knowing that they have selected their class event. Sonic smiles watching how the students are energized by her idea. Once everyone suggestions are written down, the class reps thank everyone for their help and encourage them to do their best for the event. Sonic walks you next to her desk located next to the window. The class starts talking about another issue, but the young pink hedgehog hardly pays attention as looks outside at the rest of the world. Sonic moves to come face to face with her with a smile on his face. Suddenly her eyes light up as if she sees the blue hedgehog standing right in front of her. She reaches out to touch him while Sonic does the same thing, but before the can touch other booming female voice start ringing in his ears, "SONIC! SONIC! SONIC! CAN YOU HEAR ME?! WAKE UP! YOU TO WAKE UP SONIC! SONIC!"

Sonic shakes his head while covering his left ear from the piercing loud call as he continues to reach to her. ~If I can only! Please give me your hand!~ Sonic thinks trying to reach for her, but the sound is too much and makes him cover his other ear. He sees her extended hand start to fade; he let go of his ears and stretches for her hand, but finds himself flowing backwards away for her. He struggles to reach her, yet his efforts are in vain.


Millie shakes the sleeping hedgehog until he opens his eyes and sits up yawning. Sonic looks up at Mille with sleepy eyes then he leans back in his chair while rubbing his eyes. "What time is it?"

"1845," Mille replies.

Sonic turns around to look outside to see the rain clouds breaking up with the rays of setting sun shining through the cracks in the clouds. The blue prince rubs his hand over his forehand to work out the sore spot. "Mille how long were we out?"

"I can't really say, one moment you were reading the next you were out cold."

"Well I guess that will teach us not to pull all-nighters," Sonic smirks getting up from the chair and stretching out his stiff muscles.

"FYI, I came in to tell you that Kenna and her brothers have just arrived and…" Milles pauses when she sees Sonic searching something. "Um Sonic, did you lose something?"

The blue hedgehog shakes his head no and, "I didn't lost something but someone." Sonic climbs down from the desk then shouts out, "NICO WHERE YOU?! CAN YOU HEAR ME? NICO!"

A second later, the fluffy werehog appeals next to his blue brother, ~Sonic, what the hell happened to you? One second you're up here and the next you vanished, and I am sent flying into the dreamscape. Mine telling me what the hell happened. ~

Sonic folds his arms shakes his head, ~I really can't say bro, but all I can say is that when I regained consciousness I found myself in classroom. Here's what will take the cake, I saw her again the pink hedgehog.~

Nico's face hardens hearing the news, and when he getting ready to response, Millie calls out drawing the siblings' attention. Sonic looks the cat woman as she continues, "Sonic are you ok?" Sonic gives a blank expression for a minute before he nods yes. "Sonic if you're not up for this meeting, I handle it for you."

"No… no we can handle it. Nico and I were just talking about somethings, and…," Sonic pauses seeing Nico appear next to him in spirit form. "Please send them in." Mille nods and walks out of the room. A second later, the three senior leaders of the Royal Guards walk in. Sonic motions for them to have a seat on the couches. He takes a deep breath then turns around one of the chairs to face the trio. After sitting down, Sonic says, "Thanks for coming guys, I know it was short notice to call you like this, but we don't have much time." The cobalt hedgehog looks at the she-wolf, "Kenna, I heard that you made Walter your second in command." She nods in response, and Sonic continues with, "Ok, then this will make what I have to do a lot easier." He takes a deep inhale, and then exhales he shots a serious expression towards them, "Kenna, Kana, Kell as of right now I'm relieving you of your duties until further notice. In the meantime, Commander Root will be in charge."

The news hits the three like a ton of bricks sending Kenna and Kell into shock leaving them speechless. Kana, on the other hand, stood marches over to Sonic and gets within inches of the prince's face. "SONIC HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FUCKING MIND! FIRST, YOU SUGGEST THAT KENNA TAKE THAT UNTRUSTWORTHY PIECE OF SHIT; NOW NOT EVEN A DAY AFTER SHE MAKES HIM A COMMANDER, YOU RELIEVE THE THREE OF US FROM DUTY! YOU BETTER HAVE A FUCKING GOOD REASON, OR SO HELP ME, I'LL…"

"KANA!" Kell shouts out, "Remember who you are talking to!"

The burning red dragon glances back at his brother with fire still burning in his eyes. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath letting a calming wave wash over him. The dragon lieutenant takes a step back from the calm hedgehog, and bows while saying, "Please forgive me your majesty, I meant no disrespect with my words."

Sonic shakes his head, "No need for apologies Kana, we understand that you would be mad."

Kenna finally snaps out of her shock and questions, "Sonic, I know that my guards haven't been at top of their game, but is it really necessary that you remove us from our positions? I only just took command a day ago."

Sonic stands up and goes to his mom's café and pours a cup of warm blueberry tea. The three intensely watch as he take s sip then hear him say, "Your command abilities are not the reason I'm relieving you." Sonic pauses taking another sip of tea, "The three of you have been challenged."

"CHALLENGED!" they say in unison standing up looking at Sonic.

Sonic nods yes, and Kana blurts out, "What the hell, do you mean challenged? What's a challenge?"

Sonic rises a sight eyebrow looking at the clueless dragon, "Kana, I thought you would know."

"No! Mine filling me in!" Kana retorts.

Kenna and Kell roll their eyes; then Kenna says, "Kana don't you remember doing our training what told us about a challenge?"

Kana folds his arms and looks away from his siblings with a puffy face, "I think I was sick that day!"

Everyone hits the floor hearing his response. After a couple of seconds, Kell pops back up shouting in his brother's face, "AH YOUR HOPELESS YOU KNOW LAVA FOR BRAINS!"

"HEY BIRD BRAIN NO ONE ASKED YOU FOR YOUR OPTION!" Kana replies with puffs of smoke coming out of his mouth.

"Ahhhh," Kell grunts turning his back to the red dragon. "Alright I'll keep it simple for you nova mouth, we have to fight someone."

"What do you mean fight someone buzzard beck?" Kana retorts.

Kell turns around and hits the dragon, and in the blink of eye, Kana fires back with a strong uppercut to the gut. Within seconds, the boys are exchanging blow after blow with each other. Nico glances over at Sonic as he watches the two battling siblings. The werehog nudges his brother; Sonic rolls his eyes and lets Nico take control. Nico watches the punch exchange between them while Kenna tries to control her brothers, but the she-wolf is unable to calm them down. A powerful growl works its way up and releases a powerful roar yelling out, "KNOCK THIS FUCKING SHIT OFF!" Nico's outburst is so strong enough to the shake the glass in the windows and scares the battling siblings. They all look at him to see a stern look on his face. "Now sit down," Nico orders. They quickly obey and he walks over to them, "For fuck sake, you three are facing an issue that might get your asses booted from the guard, and here you two dumbasses are fighting each other. Now listen and l will explain everything." Nico lays out all the details of the challenge and what will happen if they win or lose. "Now is that clear enough for you Kana?"

"Yes sir," the dragon replies.

"Now you can tell that this has got me in a foul mood," Nico states sitting back at his desk.

"Your majesty," Kell calls out walking up to the desk, "all you have to do is decline their request. According to the rules, the ruling sovereign has the right to decline the challenge."

"Would if we could, but we gave our word that we would not turn down his request," Nico replies. Kell and Kenna talk with each then fire off ideas at the werehog hoping to find a loophole. After the fifth idea, Nico expresses, "Give it up guys, Sonic and I have gone over the rules from top to bottom and there are no loopholes. The challenger has covered every single base."

Kana finally jumps back into the conversation with, "Look I have to perfect solution."

Kenna rolls her eyes and replies, "I know I'm going to regret this, but what is your answer Kana?"

The red dragon gives a smile from ear to ear, "We go head to head with the person who challenged us and make them sorry by whooping that ass!"

Kell start laughing hearing his brother's plan. Kana's anger starts to well up when the dire eagle says, "You know his idea is so stupid it might work."

"Are you sure about this?" Kenna questions.

Kana quickly retorts with, "We really don't have much of a choice sis. Besides I'm just itching for a fight. Weapon testing is fun and all, but I hate doing all the paperwork after each test. Think about it, this is our chance to cut lose and go wild."

"When you put that way, I have gotten tired to sitting in my office. I want to be a field agent again and go out on missions," Kenna admits to everyone.

Kell smiles holding his hands up in submission, "Well I'm clearly out voted, so Nico who will our opponent be?"

Nico sit in his chair with hands behind his head with a smirk on his face, "I let you guys figure that out on your own."

Three look at Nico with a questioning look. Kenna then asks, "Nico, why can't you just tell us?"

"Because it wouldn't be any fun," the werehog replies with a growing smile. "Besides it shouldn't be that hard to figure out."

Kell sits back on the couch with his hand under his chin thinking out loud, "Well lets see, a challenge can only be issued by a member of the royal family or someone from the nobility, and with the current state of the nobility is in, I doubt that they have the means to pull together a group to fight us."

Kana quickly counters with, "Don't be so sure about that, we can't count anyone out."

"But Kana…"

"NO! He's right Kenna, you can't count anyone out even us!" Nico explains while leaning forward onto the desk and interlacing his fingers.

"Alright, say you're right that would leave to many people for us to try and figure out," Kenna adds.

Nico's smile grows then looks to his right to see Sonic standing with his arms crossed with a stern look on his face. Nico rolls his eyes then looks back the trio. "Look, I'll give you this much, the nobility are not the ones who challenged you."

"Seriously!" Kenna exclaims, "That leaves the members of the royal family."

"Yup," Nico confirms.

"Nico, were you the one who issued the challenge?" Kenna ask with a worried tone in her voice.

"Come on Kenna, if I was the one, do you think I would be sitting here trying to stop this hell train before it gets started," Nico counters.

Kell laughs in response seeing the relieved look on her face; then he hears Kana suggest Midna's name. "NEVER! SHE WOULD NEVER..." everyone gives him a curious look. His face reddens; then he clears his throat, "Um I mean she hasn't been in the city since she left for the medical conference."

~No how in the world does he know that?~ Sonic questions. Nico shrugs his shoulders in response.

"What about Prince Silver or Princess Sonia?" Kenna suggests.

"No, they're still at Port Mobius, and I can guarantee you they don't have time pull something like this off." Nico sees Kana about to say something, but Nico quickly adds, "Sonic is also off the list."

Kell folder his arms, "Well… that only leaves…"

Kenna eyes bug out knowing where his is going, "NO! Not him, why…!"

Kana quickly catches on, "You've got to be shitting me! We have to face…."

"Prince Shadow Hedgehog," a deep voice rings out from the back. The trio twists around to see the black hedgehog standing the doorway. "Hello, losers were you just thinking about me?"

"Prince Shadow," Kenna calls out looking that the smiling the hedgehog with a confused look on her face, "Why? What have we done that you would consider dishonorable?"

"Oh no! You haven't done anything dishonorable unless you consider being weak hearted a dishonorable act? Or should I say a traitorous act!" Shadow replies in a harsh tone.

Kana steps forward toward the ebony-red hedgehog, but he starts to hear his core instincts tell him to backway. The growling dragon then ask, "What the fuck are you are getting at your highness?"

Shadow's face start to grow sour seeing Kana's actions, "Perhaps you recall the events back at the Scar-Lyon estate." The trio look at him with knowing eyes, "Good, so you remember what you did?"

"What are you talking about Shadow?" Nico questions.

"Nico what do think happened to Bartley?" Shadow questions with a sinter gleam in his eye.

The werehog prince gives a suspicious glare that the trio while saying, "From what Kenna told us, Midna and them found out about his partnership with Robotnik and that he feed info about our attack on Robotripolis, but when they tried to confront him about his dealings, the workers at the house told them the he had ran away."

"Well, Nico that is half the true. The rest is a bit more telling, see the three stooges and Midna did make contact with the rat Bartley. Our dear sister decided to relieve one of Bartley's hands from as an opening gesture, but after hearing how Bartley's family wanted to use mom and our sister as means to get the throne. Believe it or not, Midna has a very short fuse when it comes to some things especially when it comes to someone else running her life. In short, she was getting ready to make Bartley into a corpse, but Kenna butted in and stopped her from doing it."

Nico's faces starts to turn angry while his blue-purple aura starts to turn darker thinking how they let a dangerous traitor go free. Kenna quickly jumps saying, "Nico please understand, I didn't want Midna to dishonor herself by killing an unarmed man! Please you have to understand that we…"

"ENOUGH! BE SILENT!" Nico roars out while still slight growling. The werehog folds hands in to fist and closes his eyes to talk with Sonic. They all look at him as three minutes past. A few more minutes pass and the bells outside ring loudly signaling that it is seven o'clock. Nico finally opens his eyes and says in a low deep voice, "Shadow your request has been granted; you will face the Adair siblings in battle Saturday morning, but it will not be a battle to the death nor will the loser be subject to death. As for you three," Nico states looking at the Royal Guard members. "Sonic and I are not happy that you would lie to us, but we understand that what you did was in order to protect our sister's honor. That being said, you three have a match to get ready for, so if I were you, I would get to training ASAP!" They each nod in response, and Nico finishes with, "Alright, you all are free to go because, Sonic and I are about to go crazy sitting in this office." The three guards snap to attention and salute. Shadow smirks and uses chaos control to disappear. "Mille! I'm heading home!"

"Have a nice evening Nico see you in the morning," she replies.

Just before Nico can use chaos control, Kenna calls out, "Nico can you wait up a minute?"

The werehog shakes his head no, "Sorry there is some place we have to be."

"May I come with you?"

Nico shakes his head no, "Not this! We have something personal to take care of. Later! Chaos Control!"

The white wolf stands there wondering what the werehog would have to do. "Kenna," Kell calls out making her turn to look at him. "Let go we have a lot of work to do!"

"Right," she replies following behind her brothers.


Nico reappears in front of a flower shop in downtown. After laughing and exchanging some witty banter with the shop owner, the werehog takes his fresh flowers walks out of the store before using chaos control again.

Ten minutes later, Nico reappears and enters a building. After signing in, the werehog heads to five floor and walking into the room. "Sorry for being late, I had somethings late things to take care of. How are you feeling today? Well I hope you have a lot of energy, because we plan on being for a long time tonight." Nico sets the flowers on the table; then gets closer to the person he is talking to, "So where shall we begin? Since we started last time, how about we change things up and you start this time. We know you can do it. Just take it slow and easy. Good that's it just like we taught you."


Three days past since the Adair siblings started their intense training sections. The three guards spend most of the day at the military training base that is twenty miles away from the Mobotropolis. The base encompasses a twenty miles radius with buildings of multiple sizes and stories. Three guards work tirelessly in the training dome perfecting their attack moves, evasions, and becoming even stronger. Kenna was fighting against several fast moving holograms while her brothers watch. Kenna does several backflips and fires powerful lightning bolts destroying the holograms. Once she lands, a giant green *CLEAR* sign appears in midair. She takes several deep breaths after seeing the level complete notice.

"Not bad Kenna, you beat your old time by ten seconds and at level twenty," Kana comments from the viewing box.

"Thanks Kana," Kenna replies with a smile on her face while wiping off her sweat. She looks to Kell to see a somber look on his face, "Kell what's the matter?"

"Hum?" the dire eagle says in sounds out. "Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind."

"About what?" Kana questions while walking out of the booth with his brother.

"The fight with Prince Shadow," Kell replies.

"Are you on that again Kell," Kana comments. "You just need to relax about that."

"I'm being serious Kana," Kell states with a harsh tone, "Do you really think a week of training will be enough for us to go one-on-one with Prince Shadow? Remember, I have been on team missions with him and Sonic, and let me tell you, we are not on the same level as him."

Kenna meets her brothers halfway, "I hate to admit it, but you're right."

"That's what I said," a voice calls out.

The three turn around to see Sonic walking up to them. Kenna runs to blue blur and says, "Sonic, about what happened with Bartley, I…"

Sonic holds up his hand with smile on his face, "What's done is done Kenna. We will have just have to deal with Bartley another time, but what Kell said is true. We talked with Shadow and convince him to push the match back a week in order to give more time to train."

Kell feels a small wave hope as he states, "This is perfect, Queen Aleena should be back from her mission by then, and she will stop this fight."

Sonic shakes his head no and says, "I going have to bust your bubble, but mom signed off on all the paperwork before she left. My guess is she knew Shadow was planning this, and she left everything to play out under my watch. In short, you guys aren't getting out this fight."

"Damn," Kell replies lowering head in defeat.

"Anyway, I came to give you some good news and bad news," the blue hedgehog states while taking a seat on one of the benches. "The good news, I was able to buy you an extra week to train."

"That is good to hear, but what about the bad news," Kenna comments.

Sonic leans back looking up at the metal roof and says in concern voice, "The day Nico confirmed the conditions for the fight; my dear brother goofed and forget to include one important thing that Shadow could not ask for as the winner."

Kenna puts her hand on Sonic's shoulder and asks with fear filling her eyes, "What can he ask for?"

Sonic looks at the worried wolf with the same sad eyes, "Exiled!"

"WHAT!" Kell and Kana shout in unison.

Sonic turns to look at the brothers with a stern look, "You heard me right, Shadow will be allowed to ask that you three be exiled if he wins!"

"Sonic you can't!" Kenna pleas, "You must go tell Prince Shadow that he can't request for us to be exiled!"

Sonic moves her hand from his shoulder then stands up and walk away from her. With his back to the trio, Sonic says in a low deep voice, "I'm sorry Kenna, but I can't do that. If I were to do something like that, Shadow would complain that I'm being unfair to him in what choices his is and is not allowed to be made for this challenge. Also," Sonic turns around to look at the Royal Guards with cold stone face, "If Shadow makes that request as the winner, Nico and I are bound by royal law do what must be done, and I promise you, we will do it without question."

Kenna and Kell's faces turn grim thinking about the possibly of being exiled while smokes starts to come from Kana's mouth and he squeezes his hands to the point that a small amount of blood starts to ooze out of palms. He lowers his hand admitting, "Damnit all! We are just basically fucked! That's what you're telling us right Sonic?!"

Kenna looks up at the hedgehog prince, "Sonic is there anything that you can do to help us?"

Sonic folds his arms, "Well I would suggest you use the remaining to…"

"TO GET OUR SHIT TOGETHER AND LEAVE FOREVER!" Kana shouts out.

"Actually, I was going to say that you use the time to come up with a unified super attack that would be enough to overwhelm Shadow, but if you want with the first opition," Sonic answers.

"How? We are fighting him one-on-one," Kenna comments.

Sonic bops his forehead, "Ah man that completely slipped my mine." Sonic smiles putting his hands behind his head. "This won't be a one-on-one fight but three-on-one, so you three will have a number advantage." The faces of the Adair siblings lighten up hearing how the fight conditions have changed to possibly favor them. Sonic starts to chuckle while saying, "I have to the give it to Shadow; he's making the betting pool so much better and we…."

"Say what Sonic?" Kell calls out.

Sonic freezes up hearing his voice, "Ummmmm….."

"What do you mean by betting pool?" Kenna questions further questions.

"Well…"

"Well nothing," Kana jumps in, "spit it out Sonic!"

Sonic starts twirl his index finger around each other while saying, "Well you see, a certain hedgehog let it slip that he had made a bet with a friend on who would win the fight, but then things just started to grow from there."

"Alright, then tell us, what is the running odds as of right now?" Kell inquires.

"In truth, the odds were 57 to 43 in Shadow's favor, but after word got out that you have an extra week along with it being a three-on-one fight, the odds have gone 60-40 within your favorite of winning. Some believe that Shadow is biting off more than he chew by agreeing to fight all you at the same time," Sonic explains looking at the others.

Kenna folds her arms with a growing smile on her face; then she says with a sly tone, "And who did this certain hedgehog place his bet on?"

"Oh! Look at the time! I have to be at meeting in ten seconds," Sonic says in harshly tone of voice while looking at his com-watch and moving away from the trio, "If I going to make it in time I'm going to have juice it! Before I do, let us give you one piece of advice team work is your greatest strength."

"Sonic wait! Tell me who you bet on!" Kenna exclaims loudly running after him.

Her efforts are in vain as Sonic speeds off while saying, "Check you later guys! SONIC SPEED!"

"SONIC!" Kenna yells as she watches the blue steak fade away.


A couple minutes later, Sonic comes to a stretching stop outside the city limits. Nico appears to Sonic's right laughing out loud. ~What's so funny Nico? ~

~How you booked out of there just so that you wouldn't have to answer her question. I would have never guess that you would coward out of answering a question, ~Nico replies while floating next to Sonic as he walks through the busy market place filled with hundreds of people shopping. ~Sonic wait! ~

Sonic moves out to the side of the path of the traveling people, ~What up Nico?~ The werehog points at a jewelry vender and tells him to take a close look at the vender's products. Sonic makes his way over then spots a red jeweled and diamond flower.

The vender sees the young prince and greets Sonic with, "Your majesty, it is an honor that you would grace my humble shop with your present. Please if there is anything that draws your eye I will gladly show it to you." The shop owners notices Sonic attention on the jeweled flower; then he says with a smile on his face, "Ahh his highness has a wonderful taste." He opens the locked case and pull out the necklace then hands it to Sonic. Both, Sonic and Nico, stare at the necklace as if in a trance. Sonic goes say something, but the jeweler jumps in first, "Its called The Lost Roses."

"The Lost Roses?" Sonic questions while holding the charm in his hand. "There only…," before Sonic can finish his statement, the jeweler pulls out a smaller rose charm.

"I bet you are wondering why its called the Lost Roses," the owner states while handing over the other charm. Sonic's eyes grow wide wondering how knew what they were thinking. "You see your majesty, these two roses used to be a part of a bigger set, but after Robotnik's conquest, the other three pieces went missing. The person I acquired these two roses from told me that it used to belong to an old noble family that disappeared."

Sonic and Nico continue to look at the roses when a loud voice shouts out breaking his trance, "YO BRO! WHAT HAPPENING WITH YOU!"

Sonic and Nico shake their head then look up to see Manic riding his skyboard over to them. Sonic waves back has brother; then turns back to shop owner. "How much do you want for theses?"

"For you Prince Sonic, the small price of ten thousand dollars," the owner states.

"Ten Thousands Dollars!" Manic explains landing next to Sonic, "Yo sib, you ain't…"

"I'll take," Sonic states pulling out his wallet and gives the man his debit card.

"HOLD ON SONIC!"

Sonic pays no attention to his green brother and lets the owner run his card to pay for the items. "Thank your majesty and I hope you enjoy your purchase."

Sonic nods and walks off with Manic trialing behind him with a shocked look on his face. Asking several back to back questions, "Sonic what were you thinking? Where in the world did you get that kind of cash? Why did you buy that?" Sonic continues walking without paying any attention to Manic while putting the second charm on the chain. Manic follows next to him for a few more minutes in silence until he jumps in front of the blue hedgehog grabbing hold his brother's shoulders, "Sonic will you just stop and answer one damn question please."

Sonic looks to Manic with confused filled eyes and replies, "Manic if we had any answers to give, we would give them, but we just don't know."

Manic lets go of Sonic's shoulders and moves his hands to his hips shaking his head, "Ok fair enough, but how are going to explain to mom that you just dropped 10k on a necklace?"

Sonic looks at the silver necklace with the two rose charms; then he starts to chuckle while putting it into his pocket. He looks at the green wild quilled hedgehog while walking forward, "I just tell her that you suckered me into buying it."

Manic stands there in shock hearing Sonic's response then quickly catches up with him while saying, "Don't even think about Sonic Hedgehog! You're not dragging me into this mess!"

They both burst out laughing, and then Sonic requests, "Hey Manic do you mind if we run and talk at the same time? I need to chance to stretch my legs."

Manic hops on to his board hovering next to Sonic, "Lead the way bro!"


After watching Sonic and Manic fade into the crowd of other shoppers, the jewelry store owner smiles and begins to pack up his shop. Once he finishes, he moves down the crowded walkway until he is out of the shopping center. A voice call out drawing the owner's attention, "How was business today?"

The owner smiles recognizing the voice and turns to face person, "It was quite profitable for me. I must thank you for the item and the history behind it. Prince Sonic did just as you predicted and paid a handsome sum for the necklace."

"Excellent, now I ask that you fulfil the second part of our agreement," the person responses.

"Of course, but before I forget, I will require the second part of my payment. I believe you still own me one million dollars," the shop owner replies.

"You have no need to ask, the funds were transferred to your account the moment his majesty brought the necklace."

"Many thanks, but I would like know why you couldn't give the Lost Roses to Prince Sonic yourself, and what is the importance of the necklace? After all you are…"

The person cuts the jeweler off, "Those matters need not concern you! You have been paid and you are not to talk to anyone about this is, or I will see that you are locked up and bankrupted! Is that understood?!"

The shop owner bows and replies, "Yes, I will obey the conditions of our contact."


After clearing pass the people, Sonic and Manic kick up the pace. Sonic starts dashing over the glassy green plain while Manic flies next to his speedy brother enjoying the flesh air sweeping over his face. Sonic turns to look at Manic and asks, "Anyway Manic what were you doing when you spotted us?"

Manic does a quick over corkscrew getting closer to Sonic, "Well I just had finished dropping off the dude that was holding me hostage in Mobodoon, and I went to go see you. Mille told me that you ran off to talk with Kenna and them about something at the base. She said that you were cursing like crazy and calling out Nico for being and I quote, 'a fucking idiot'"

Sonic smiles then looks ahead to see a river in his path. The cobalt speeder speeds up more getting ahead of Manic as races past the docks over the water. Sonic creates a mild wake from running on the water. Manic gets higher in the sky and watches Sonic zigzag on the open surface of the Bloom River. Manic's face fills with fear seeing Sonic get extremely close to several of the river barges and boats. After Sonic passes the river traffic, he gets a burst of the speed and hits the side of the riverbank so fast that it looks like a bomb hits the sand covered shore sending up a cloud of sand and dust. Manic shakes his head waiting to see where Sonic will come out at. He doesn't have to wait long to see a line of sand and dust leaving the cloud.

The green hedgehog dives down to get back up next to his sibling. "Hey Sonic was all that really necessary?" Sonic shrug his shoulders while still powering forward. "Anyway, why were you cursing out Nico?"

"To put it simply, he forget something important that would affect Kana and his siblings," Sonic looks back forward to see a high mountain up ahead. "Meet us at the side peck of that mountain." Manic looks up to see the mountain and nods yes. "Alright see you there. AFTERBURNERS!" Sonic calls out while once again speeding off.

~Something must be still getting at them. Winnie, I hope you and dad knew what you were thinking. Just relax Manic, everything should go as plan hopefully mom will be back soon before I have to give Sonic and Nico the letters and package from dad,~ Manic thinks to himself while flying higher into the air.

Sonic swiftly moves through the trees at the base of the mountain then starts running up the side jumping to the left then right and backflips when needed up the rock face. About 200 feet up, Sonic hits some loose gravel and loses his footing. He is able regain his balance, but the situation turns grim when the entire rock face he is on gives way starting deadly rock slide. The prince smiles at the oncoming danger then jumps from falling rock to falling rock in turn continuing his ascension up the mountain. When Sonic sees several large boulders falling toward him, Nico convinces them to switch out. The powerful werehog goes into his second stage form and tightens his enlarge fist. With a smile on his face, he focuses energy into the fist, and when he reaches the point he wants he launches his fist upward at the boulders. The second his rubber band like arm hits the overhaul falling boulders, all the boulders are destroyed in powerful boom. Nico stretches out other arm uses his diamond sharp claws gasp ahold of a solid part to the mountain and pulls himself up in a launching like fashion. The rocketing upward werehog starts to slow down, and he does the same move again extending his arm, grabbing a part of the mountain reaccelerating himself.

Manic hover high above the area watching his brother's performance until Nico spin-flips on to the ledge Sonic told him about. Manic flies over to meet with them and says, "Have fun sib?"

Sonic takes back over and brushes the rock dust off is clothes and says, "You know it bro."

"Sonic why did we come all the way out here?" Manic questions landing on twenty by twelve wide ledge. Sonic points off into the distance, and the green hedgehog turns around to see the beautiful sun bathed and small cloud shaded landscape. Not too far away, Manic is able to see the large majestic capital of the Mobian Empire. The city surround with green plains to the west along forest near the mountain, the north has grassy plains and hills with unique looking windmills as far as the eye can see, the south starts off with grass then turns into a heavy wooded forest, and the east his the port to the Great Mobius Sea. At the center of circle like shape city, the government offices and buildings are arranged in a ring circle, and the very center is the royal estate. Manic is amazed at the sight layout in front of him. He turns to Sonic, "Bro, when did you find this hide away?"

"Not too long after we took back control of the planet," Sonic replies while flopping down and leading his back against the rock face. "So Manic what all do you find out on your 'treasure hunt' in the library?"

Manic turns back to look at the view and says, "My whole report is on mom's desk can't you read there?"

Sonic folds his hands behind his head looking up at the bright sunny blue sky with fluffy white clouds. "Come on bro, have some mercy on us. We have been reading report after report. If tell us what you found out, we can just sign off on it and not have to slave through it."

Manic rolls his eyes then walks over to where Sonic is sitting and flops down next to his blue brother. Manic starts to chuckle while saying, "You are so lazy bro!"

Sonic starts to laugh right along with him and replies, "If you saw the amount of work we have to go through, then you see why we want to be lazy, so go on spill what you found out."

The laughing soon fades and Manic says, "Well first off, our grandmothers were scarily powerful, and that's not including the fact what mom will bring to the party. I also found out that I'm in the first male in a thousand years to able to use magic. According the records, the females in our family are normally the ones able to use this ability." Manic lowers his head then pulls up his right sleeve to see the golden chain tattoo running up and down his arm. "I'm just glad that I have something that can unique contribute to our family."

Sonic looks over at his brother with a queer look in his eye, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Manic slightly shakes his head while giving off a soft chuckle, "Nothing bro, I was just thinking of something out loud. Hey," Manic holds up his chained tattooed arm for Sonic to see, "You and I have something unique about us. Orc told that this chain is design to limit my magical powers, and you have those seven golden rings. Wait, where are your limiters at?"

Sonic leans back folds on leg over the other while saying, "You will have to ask mom about that one. She used some spell and other rings vanished. She said that the rings are still there, but just are invisible expect for my chocker. Anyway lets get back to you and what you found out."

Manic nods leads back up against the rock face while rolling back down his sleeve he says, "Like I said, I'm the first male magic user in thousand years, so Winnie help me gain access to what she calls the 'Magic Study Hall'. You have to see this place bro is literary out of this world, and the books there will make your head spin. Plus Winnie let bring back the book our magic wielding ancestors used to record everything they learned and developed with magic. The name of book is kind of misleading; they call it the Book of Shadows."

Sonic chuckles hearing the name, "Yeah, you're right on that account; plus it might lead one of siblings to think that it is about him."

"You have no room to talk Sonic," Manic retorts with laugh, "Shadow, Nico, and you all have big headed egos."

"Yeah! Yeah! Keep telling yourself that Manic," Sonic fires back with a smirk. "So what's in this Book of Shadows?"

"Everything the next generation of magic wielders would need to prefect their skills; along with information about incomplete spells that the next wielder might be able to complete. Also there is space so that I can pass down what I have learned, but mom has to write her entries down first. Bro the new spells in the book are going to be wicked cool!"

"Well, I hope they are better than your earlier spells!" Sonic retorts with a frown on his face.

"Why would you say that?" Manic fires back.

"Every time you learn new spell somehow it misfires or backfires, and Nico, me, and someone else are in the line of fire."

"When has that ever happened?" Manic questions.

"Oh lets see, the water spell that hit Shadow and I, the lightning spell that misfired and hit Nico and Sonia. By the way, that was an awesome job you did on her quills. Then lets not forget the fire spell that roasted my chilidog and Silver's book along with Silver, and several more we could name. Wait a second, Manic when you put all those events to get together; they..."

Sonic looks at Manic to see him looking up at bright blue sky and says with smile, "You know our mom is kinda lazy."

"WHAT! YOU GOT TO BE JOKING ME! MANIC DID PAY ANY ATTENTION TO ANYTHING I SAID?!"Manic keeps looking up at the sky, and Sonic's face puffs up and he leans back saying, "How in the world did you come up with idea?"

"Traditionally, the next wielder would put down information about when they first came to learn about their powers, and how old she was when it first happened. Also, say in my case and few others, how their awakening happened."

''Awakening?" Sonic questions.

"Oh," Manic responses, "The awakening is when the next magic wielder's powers come to light. For me, I keep hearing this voice inside my head. The funny thing is that voice was my own, and keep saying the same thing over and over and over again. After I said the lines the voice keep saying, my powers erupted and nearly destroyed everything in the area. After that, Orc appeared a slapped this chain tattoo on my arm," Manic explains while slapping his left have over his right arm. "Next thing I know, I'm at some beach resort with Orc. He told that he would trained me in the use of my magic until mom could properly train me."

"Beach resort?" Sonic inquires then he sits up with annoyed look on his face, "Wait a fucking second, this happened before we started the final battle with Robotnik. Are you telling me that you and Orc were at a beach resort?"

Manic looks at Sonic to see a sour look on the blue hedgehog's face. The green hedgehog holds up his hand, "Hold on before you get your boxers in knot sib, it's wasn't that type of resort."

"Alright what kind of resort is it?" Sonic fires back.

Manic taps his chin, "In truth I really don't know myself. According to Orc, we spend about three and half years in there." Sonic spring to his feet with his mouth wide open along with Nico standing next to him. Manic gives a calm demeanor look then says, "What?"

"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING US?! YOU SPENT THREE AND HALF YEARS AT THAT RESORT! HOW THE HELL! NO WHY ARE DON'T YOU LOOK ANYTHING OLDER!" Sonic starts to pace back and forth while saying, "THREE AND HALF YEARS! WHAT THE FUCK! AND TO TOP THAT SHIT YOU ONLY LOOK A LITTLE OLDER WITH THE LONGER QUILLS, SLIGHTLY TALLER, AND DEEPER VOICE! HOW THE FUCK!"

"Sonic calm down! Before you cause a landslide" Manic orders grabbing hold of his pacing brother. "Look Sonic I don't know how to explain it, but Orc used some type of spell to slow down my again ok."

Sonic takes a deep breath and moves out of Manic's grip, "Alright we get it, but just so you know you are now the oldest sibling."

"Whatever bro, say what you want, but I'm still twelve years by real world standards," Manic retorts flopping back down in his spot.

Sonic sits back down next to his brother, "So what else did you find out?"

"Oh this is something that will make your head spin. Do you remember the Chaos Emerald Robotdudnik used?" Manic asks with serious expression on his face.

Sonic taps his head and recalls, "Yeah I remember. We had to work with Knuckles in order to stop it from destroying the planet."

"Oh that reminds me," Manic states, "What happened to Knuckles? I thought him of all people would be at the final fight. Plus, I want ask him what more does he know about the Chaos Emerald."

"That is one mystery, I haven't been able to solve. The only clue I was able to get was from mom when she told me that the Echidnas along with the floating island returned to their ancient home. Why do you ask and what does that to does that have to do with the Chaos Emerald?" Sonic retorts.

"While I was going through the family history, I came across an entry that had to deal with our grandmother Mary Leona Hedgehog. In it, she record that she used the Chaos Emeralds to defeat Lyric." Sonic gives the same look that Manic gave Winnie when she first told him, and the blue hedgehog is about ask a question, but Manic states, "Hold that question Sonic because there's more. Winnie told me that emerald we encountered her was a leftover from a failed lab experiment."

"A lab experiment?"

"Yeah, she also told me that Knuckles' people had something to do with, but she said that it would better if mom is the one to explain it us."

"Damn another secret!" Sonic fusses while biting on the tip of his thumb nail.

"What do you mean another secret?" Manic questions the blue hedgehog.

This time he pays no attention to Manic and he activates his watch making Cortana appeal in her mini form from a shower of digital stars. The digital woman looks up at Sonic, and then he says, "Cortana, any luck gaining access to the classified files?"

"None, I have tried every possible combination and tactic to hack into data files, but the firewall and security setting are just too much for me to crack," Cortana states while crossing her arms then stepping off of Sonic's watch and going full size. Her eyes are closed as she continues, "If you every want to get to get to those files, I'll need help in cracking the security system."

Sonic replies with, "That easy, we'll ask ART to help us break through the firewall."

Cortana shakes her head no, "That won't work because ART is the one who updated the archive system. Plus, I would die of shame if word got around that, I, Cortana Data, the woman who hacked into Robotnik's mainframe and crashed through the nearly impossible firewall needs help getting into our own system."

Sonic and Manic glance at each other and exhale at the same time. "But Cortana maybe if you…" Manic starts off.

Cortana cuts off the green hedgehog a second into his sentence, "NO! I won't ask help from ART!"

Sonic waves his hand while saying, "Fine, fine, you win Cortana. Just keep trying to find a way to hack into the system. One another note, what is the standing for the betting pools for the fight?"

Manic looks at Sonic then Cortana as she swipes down her right index and middle finger to make a touch screen monitor appeal. She then reports, "Nothing much has changed in the last twelve hours since you leaked that Shadow is fighting a three on one match."

"Pffh! That's what I expected," Sonic replies while the green hedgehog looks back at his blue brother getting ready to ask a question. "What about ticket sales?"

Manic's sight switches back to the Cortana as she says, "We sold out an hour after going on sale, and pay-to view is over ten million."

"Awesome! This event is going to bigger than the World Party," Sonic states.

Manic gets fed up and calls out, "Sonic what that in the world are you planning and how is Shadow a part of it?"

"Oh that's right, you have been the library since this happened. Well to make a long story short, Shadow challenged the Adair siblings to a fight, and its going to be broadcasted to the world," Sonic explains.

"And where does the betting come into play?" Manic inquiries with his arms folded over his chest.

"That was Nico's fault," Sonic quickly replies with smile on his face.

Manic rolls his eyes and continues with, "Of course and may I ask who you placed you bet one? Let me guess Kenna right?"

"Manic, I'm ashamed at you! To think that Nico and I would bet on something like this," Sonic replies while hold his hands over his chest in a dramatized fashion as if his pride is wounded.

Manic gives the *whatever* expression, "Really Sonic drop the drama."

Sonic bursts out laughing and says, "Ok you got me bro. Nico and I placed our bets on Shadow."

"How much sib?"

"About three million dollars," Sonic states with smile on his face.

Manic's lower jaw nearly hits the floor hearing the amount; then a second later Manic is moving his arms round in every direction at once while shouting anything and everything at Sonic. After a couple more seconds, Manic calms down and says the first understandable words, "Sonic where did you get that kind of cash?"

"I saved it up," Sonic replies with an amine smile and his eyes closed. *Flop* Sonic opens his eyes to see Manic face planted on the ground.


The remaining amount of time passes without much chaos. The news about the match spreads around drawing more and more people to the city. Many businesses started to set up tents and outdoor events to help promote the match and increase their sells, and so many people flood into city that Sonic is forced the tell businesses that they must move their outdoor events to the outskirts of the Mobotropolis. The night before the match, a huge festival takes place outside the stadium that Shadow and the Adair siblings would be fighting in. The night festival is full of lighted multicolor tents with different games, food venders, and other things that would be seen at a festival.

Nico stands on the balcony outside his bedroom looking down at the street full of happy and laughing people. The street and people are painted in the bright multiple colors from the street lights making the city radiate in a rainbow of colors. The night air is cool and fresh revealing a sky full of stars and the bright full moon shining it pale light on everything below. The werehog breaths in the fresh air while letting the moonlight wash over him.

*Knock*Knock*

Nico turns his head and calls out, "Come in!"

The door opens to reveal Kenna dress in a form fitting grass camo military training uniform with dirt brown shoes. She walks into Nico's room to see him dressed in black jeans and running shoes with a black over shirt that goes down to the back of his knees. When he turns around to face her, she sees him in a pure white t-shirt. "Your majesty," she says bowing before him.

"Hey! Hey! What's with all the formally Kenna?" Nico questions while folding his arms over his arms over his chest.

She come up from her bow and says, "Prince Nico, I formally request that you end the festival in Mobotropolis."

Nico rolls his eyes and replies, "Why in the world would I give that type of order? Or better yet, what reason would I give that order?"

"Prince Nico…"

The werehog cuts her off by saying, "Will you drop the damn titles, we hear it enough during the day at work!"

"Fine," Kenna huffs out, "Nico it isn't right that the businesses here be allowed to make money off something come mean the end of our lives here in Mobotropolis."

Nico shakes his head then says, "Sorry, Kenna no can do. Business owners from all the over city came here asking if they could run this event, and they sweeten the deal by agreeing to donate half of all their profits to the war orphan fund."

Kenna tightens her fists lets out a soft growl making Nico's ears perk up as she says in angry tone, "What the fuck are you thinking Nico. Do you think that this is some kind of game?" Nico remains silent with a sour look on his face. Kenna slightly bears her fangs at the young prince while saying, "Fine! If that is the case then at least tell me a weakness that…"

"If I was you, I would not in finish that sentence," Nico interrupts bearing his sharp fangs as well while his aura begins to flare up.

"Nico…"

"NO!" Nico growls out. He remains silent for a minute looking away from the Captain of the Royal Guards. He gives a quick shake of the head then says in a calm tone of voice, "Kenna, we are not about to do this. I would never think betraying Shadow by telling someone what his weakness is. Kenna just by looking at you, I can sense that you are more powerful than you were since the last time we saw you, and you will have your brothers by your side during the fight. Plus if its helps at all," Nico looks back her with smile showing all his teeth, "we have complete confidence that you will be able meet this challenge head on and overcome it." She gives smile back at the young werehog. Nico walks over to her and gives a quick kiss on the cheek. "For luck Kenna, now if will excuse me, I have festival to get to," Nico states then runs towards the balcony; he jumps on the arm rest; then with a powerful thrust the werehog goes soaring into the air.

Kenna rubs hand over the spot Nico kissed and feels a heating sensation on her face. She turns around and walks out his room meeting her two brothers in the hallway waiting to hear from their younger sister, but they are shocked to see her walk out with blushing powder red face. Kana is the first to break the silence, "What did he say?"

"Huh?" the she-wolf replies still holding her hand over the spot.

"Kenna!" Kell calls out making the off guard wolf jump a bit in her boots. "Come on snap out of it, what did he say?"

"Oh right! He said no to your request about shutting down festival," Kenna answers.

"Damn!" Kell exclaims while punching is right fist into his left palm; then continues with, "oh well where is Nico at?"

"He went to festival," Kenna replies.

"Did he use Chaos Control?" Kana questions; Kenna shakes her head no and Kana asks, "How did he get out because he surely didn't come past us?"

"Nico jumped off the balcony," Kenna answers with small smirk on her face.

"That an odd way to leave for an event," Kell comments.

"True, but everything Nico and Sonic do is odd," Kenna retorts.

"Good point!" Kana and Kell reply in unison with a monotone of voice.


Nico smiles while walking among the people enjoying the festival. The werehog prince hears kids and adults laughing, chatting, and other positive sounds while he watches them do different things and play fun street side games. Several young kids about the ages of five to seven call out to the werehog to join them. Nico feels his inner child laugh out seeing the game that he gets so happy that he joins in the next ring toss game.


Kell and his siblings make their way towards the door of the Aleena's mansion. When they reach the front door, Kana goes to open it, and they are surprised to see Midna about to open the door sporting a lab coat over a red mini skirt with a white button up polo shirt and red tennis shoes. The three of them snap to attention and salute while saying in unison, "Welcome home Princess Midna!"

"Thank you everyone its good to see you again," Midna replies.

"Please excuse us your majesty and enjoy your evening," Kenna states walking pass her followed by her brothers.

Midna turns around and calls out, "Kell would you please hold on for a minute. I would like to discuss somethings concerning the stealth squad."

Kana starts to reply with, "About that you highness we have been…"

Kell quickly jumps in with, "Kana, you and Kenna can head back, I was waiting on the princess to return from the medical conference because she went to a meeting that would help improve the field medical treatment."

"Ok Kell don't take too long because you know what we have to do tomorrow," Kenna states walking out the door.

"Yeah, yeah," Kell replies shutting the door behind Kana. Once the door is shut, Midna jumps into Kell's arms and gives him a head spinning kiss. They keep kissing each other for two more minutes; then Kell pulls away from her as they both work to catch their breath.

Midna smiles at her boyfriend and pulls him over to the couch while asking, "So what was Kana talking about and what's going on tomorrow?"

"What? You don't know," Kell says in shock as they sit on the couch.

"No, I just got back in town, and I wouldn't be asking if I knew," Midna replies sitting in his lap. Kell explains everything about the upcoming match between them and Shadow along with what possible faith will follow if they lose.

Midna yells out shooting up from Kell's lap, "WHA T THE FUCK! EXILE! WHAT THE HELL ARE SONIC AND NICO THINKING! HOW IN THE WORLD COULD THEY AGREE TO SOMETHING SO STUPID! AND ON TOP OF THAT HE AGREES TO LET THE PEOPLE TO THROW A FESTIVAL FOR THIS FIGHT! AHHH! KELL THAT'S IT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO FIGHT AND I WILL SEE TO THAT!"

"Midna please calm down, and listen we tried to convince Sonic not to do it," Kell replies.

"That's not good enough; I won't just stand here and watch my boyfriend gets exiled!" Midna replies. She paces back and forth thinking about the information that she was given. She taps her chin then says, "Mom," Kell looks at the hedgehog princess, "if we wait for mom to get back and…"

Kell shakes his head, "We tried that already, according to Sonic, Queen Aleena approved the primary requests for Shadow's challenge, and she just waited for the chance to get Sonic and Nico to handle it."

Midna gives Kell a hard look, "Where are my brothers?"

"If you mean Nico and Sonic, they went to the street festival," Kell reports.

"Ok," she walks up to him and makes him stand up while holding on to his hands, "in the meantime, you wait in my bedroom, we have about two weeks of things to catch up on."

"Midna what are you planning to do?" Kell questions.

"You don't need to worry about that now get going I'll be back soon, Chaos Control!" Midna calls out and disappears in a brown flash of light.


Nico walks down the main street of the festival while eating some steaming BBQ meat from a stick and carrying a bag of prizes from the different gaming tents. "Man this Honey BBQ beef strip is out of this world bro. I bet if you tried this you would give up on chilidogs."

Sonic appears next to Nico, ~Not on your life Nico, I would never give up my love for chilidogs. Anyway, are you sure about overseeing the match tomorrow?~

~Of Sonic,~ Nico replies while taking another bit of the sweet tangy smoky meat. ~Besides I think it will be a blast. I haven't had the chance to run the show yet, so this will be good practice.~ Nico is about take another of the BBQ when he catches the scene of his sister rushing toward him. He lowers the food from his mouth and gets several more sniffs making a curious look show up on his face. ~Midna is on her way, but there's something off with her scent.~

~What are you talking about Nico? How can there be something off about her scent?~

Nico turns to face the direction that Midna is coming from and gets another sniff of her approaching scent. ~I don't know! All I can tell is that her scent is mixed with another scent that I have smelled before.~

Sonic hovers up to see his brown older sister getting closer to them. ~Well, we will have to solve that mystery later because here she comes, and she looks pissed off!~

A second later, Midna moves pass several people in front of her to see Nico standing as if waiting on her to catch up. "Nico," she calls out with an angry tone of voice. She gives closer to him as works to regain her breath.

"Hey Midna, are you enjoying the festival so far? Look," he says with smile painted on his face holding up the bag of prizes he won, "I got gifts for everyone."

"Nico, I am not here for that! What the hell were you and Sonic thinking?" Midna inquires with a sour look on her face.

"I don't know," Nico says in a kid voice, "Sonic and I think about a lot of things."

"DON'T PLAY DUMB WITH BROTHER! WHY IN THE HELL DID YOU APPROVE OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS WITHOUT MOM'S PERMISSION?!" Midna shouts drawing the attention of several passing people.

Nico waves them off and says in a low growling voice, "Calm the fuck down Midna! We are in public, and if you are referring to the fight, mom is the one who started this mess and left it to us to clean it up." Midna continues to complain while the werehog prince gets five more good smells of the brown hedgehog's scent. "Midna why does it matter it to you?"

"Why doesn't it matter to you?! How can you just stand there and let our friends possibly get exile tomorrow!" Midna exclaims.

While Nico is listening to his sister, a lightbulb goes off in his head and he asks, "Midna what's going on with your scent?"

Midna give him queer expression, "Nico what are you talking about? Look don't try get away by changing the subject."

"I'm serious Midna why is…"

Nico is interrupted when a man call out towards, "Your majesty Prince Nico, Princess Midna a moment if you please!" The siblings turn to see a tiger running up to them with a video crew following him. The man holds the microphone toward himself and says, "Your highness, Tony Knight with MNN if you have you have minute would you both be willing to do an interview?"

"Well…"

Nico starts, but Tony says, "Great! Thank you!" He turns to face the camera, "This is Tony Knight with MNN, here with two special guests; the acting ruler, his majesty Prince Nico Hedgehog and her highness Princess Midna Hedgehog." Tony turns around to look at Nico and asks, "Your highness, what was your motive for letting Prince Shadow fight the Adair siblings?"

Nico glances over to Midna then looks back into the camera, "Shadow wanted to test the strength of the three highest members of the Royal Guard, and mother had given her pre-approval before putting me in charge. In truth, I just rubber stamped the final documents."

"What are your thoughts on the match Princess Midna?" Tony questions while moving the mic in front of brown hedgehog.

"I think it is a bad idea, and Nico should have never approved it," Midna replies.

"Hold on sis, Sonic and I also victims in this as well; we had no choice in this matter. Mom and Shadow are the real masterminds behind this," Nico counters with a frown on his face.

"I can see that there is some major different of opinion on this topic. Prince Nico, some want to know what lead you to approve this nighttime festival."

"Business leaders from all over wanted to keep asking to throw these events, so Sonic and I made a deal with them. Half of all the profits from tonight festival and the all ticket sell profits will go to benefit the war orphans at Sanctuary."

"But your highness, rumors have been going around about a betting pool was started by you and now has spread worldwide," Tony questions with sinister gleam in his eye.

~Damn how did he find out about that?~ Nico mentally questions glancing over at Sonic.

~It had to be Manic, he's the only one that would spill the beans about the betting pool. Oh well what's done is done, Nico tell the truth and let's hope that we can still getting something from the betting pool,~ Sonic replies, but he sees a small smile on the werehog's face.

Before Sonic can say anything, Nico tells the world, "Yes, Sonic and I did set up a betting pool on the match, and we did make an open access for everyone to join in and place a wager." Nico rises his right arm with his wrist com-link; then he says, "Cortana would you please come out here." A bright shower of digital stars comes floating out of his com-watch to form the blue digital body of sexy bright AI. "Cortana has been keeping track of all bets in the pool, and Sonic has willing agreed to donate all of his winnings to charity." Nico turn look at the woman AI and asks, "Cortana will you please tell us the current bet stats percentage and when the betting will close."

Cortana gives Nico a confuse look in wondering why he would tell the public about the betting pool, but she inhales and says, "As of right now the percent stands at, 76.2% for the Adairs and 23.8% for Prince Shadow Hedgehog. The betting station will remain open till 2:30pm tomorrow."

"Wow!" Tony exclaims, "the percentage had really swung in favor of Capt. Adair and her two top lieutenants. Princess Midna, since it seems that you will not able to stop the fight, are you going to place a bet?"

Midna gives a slight sideways smile then looks at Cortana with a fierce look in her eyes, "Yes I will! Cortana I'm going to bet five hundred thousand dollars," Cortana gives shocked look as Midna turns to look at Nico with the same fire filled eyes, "on our loyal, brave, and strong Royal Guard leaders to win!"

"Very will your highness, your bet has been placed," Cortana states, but before can do anything else the blue AI is surprised by the change in the percentage for the betting pool. "Oh my, the percentage numbers have changed. As of right now, the Royal Guard leaders are in favor of winning by 81.4%."

"Wow, that's what I call a jump in the numbers," Nico retorts.

"Well you heard here folks, Prince Nico and Princess Midna are going opposite teams and the betting for the match is only sixteen hours away from closing. Who will win the power pact match? We will know tomorrow evening at seven; I'm Tony Knight with MNN back to you in the studio." The camera crew head signals that the feed is cut; Tony turns and bows before the two siblings, "Thank you so much your highnesses. Please excuse me, I have another story I have to get ready for." He lens back up then shakes their hands before running off to another part of the festival area.

"Alright Nico, I hope you are ready to lose," Midna boosts.

"Yeah, tell me sis why are you so bent out of shape about Kenna and her brothers facing Shadow?" Nico questions with a sour look on his face and his arms folded over his chest.

"I'm not, I just feel our brother and friends fight just puts a bad taste in my mouth."

"Uh huh right, so tell me why Kell's scent is all over you?!" Nico growls out with his fangs showing.

Midna is stunned by her brother's statement, and rebuts with, "Kell's scent! I have no clue what you are talking about!"

"My nose is telling me that you are covered in Kell's scent, and I want know why. Maybe you being covered in his scent has something to with why you are so adamant about them fighting against Shadow, and I think…"

"Oh shut up Nico!" Midna calls out. "I think that you and your nose are barking up the wrong tree! Besides, I have my reasons why I don't want to this stupid match to take place and it none of your damn business. I'm done, I have had a long ass day and the last thing I want to do is argue with by boneheaded brother, so good night I love you bro, and I'm out! Chaos Control!"

In a flash, Midna is gone leaving Nico to say to himself, "Don't think for a second that I believe that bullshit of a story sis; I know that you are up to something, and Kell is somehow involved." Nico turns his head to see Cortana talking with the owner of a fishing booth. He makes his way over gets her attention. They make their way to from the main crowd and Nico says, "Cortana there's one more thing I need you to do, and then you are free to do as you will."

"Ok, what's up?" Cortana questions.

"I need you to take four million dollars out my account and bet on Shadow," the werehog states with an evil grin.

"Why Nico? Sonic…"

"Sonic agreed to give his winnings away, I plan on keeping every single dollar."

"Why on Shadow Nico? The odd are in favor of Kenna and her brothers."

"Let just say, I have it on good authority that Shadow is the way to go!" Nico chuckles while watching Cortana making the bet arrangements, "Good and thank you, and now if you will excuse me I want to go back to that BBQ meat stand. Later Cortana!"

"Yeah! Yeah!" Cortana waves her hand watching Nico take off. She looks at the betting screen, "On good authority huh. Whatever!" She closes window and goes back over to the fishing booth.


Midna reappears in her room with a frown on her face. Kell stands up from the couch looking at his girlfriend's annoyed expression. She looks to her right to see the TV turn into MNN. "I'm guessing that you watch our little on the spot interview?" she questions taking off her lab coat and tosses it on the couch.

"Yeah, and I will say you look good on TV," Kell comments.

Midna moves over to her bed flops down on the end, "Please don't try and flatter me Kell; you're no good at."

He walks over to her and sits on the bed, "It's not flattery when it's the truth, but now that I think about it, you look a whole lot better in person."

Kell tries to give her a kiss, but she moves away from him while saying, "Kell, we have to focus! I wasn't able to convince Nico from changing his mind, and now I find out that mom was also involved we are totally fucked! What do we do now?!"

Kell exhales then gets up pulling Midna into his embrace, "Our only option to is for Kana, Kenna, and me to face Shadow."

Midna hugs him back listening to soft beat of his heart, "Alright, you better win tomorrow because you still own me a second date."

"I do, and I plan on not standing you up," Kell replies kissing the top her head.

"Good, I think its about time that Shadow's ego be brought down a peg or two, so I'm giving you one simple order. KICK SHADOW'S ASS IN THE MATCH TOMORROW!" Midna commands.

"Yes your majesty!" Kell replies with a smile on his face.

"One last thing," Midna says looking up at humanoid dire eagle.

"Yes."

"When's the last time you bathed?"

Kell gives a confused look, "Why, do I smell bad or something?"

"No, but for some odd reason, Nico said that he could smell you all over me," Midna answers.

"Damn! That can't be good!"

"No, so come with me," Midna orders pulling him in tow behind her.

"Where we are going?" Kell questions while following her.

"To the bathroom, we need to get clean before Nico starts to get suspicious."

"Huh! What! Midna wait!"


The sun starts to rise in the distance bathing the whole horizon with bright warm sun rays. Cortana materializes in her mini form stretching arms and sides. "Ah! What lovely morning, I can't wait to get the day started, but first let's see 0723 perfect." The blue AI looks over at snoring werehog in bed; then folds her hands together and holding them up to the right side of her head. She says in sweet innocent voice, "He looks so peaceful and relaxed. Is there anyone evil enough to end his wonderful slumber?" An evil smile and gleam should up on her face as she snaps her fingers making several large stereo speakers appeal around Nico's bed with an electric guitar and microphone headset on Cortana's head. She shouts out, "ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! GOOD MORRNNING NIIIICCCCOOOO!"

Cortana runs her pick over the guitar strings. The speakers blast out powerful waves of music and sound shocking Nico to the maximum extreme making the werehog shot straight up into the air yelling at the top of his lungs. He makes contact with ceiling sinking his claws into to drywall. "WHAT THE FUCK CORTANA! ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE ME A FUCKING HEART ATTACK YOU CRAZY BITCH! WHAT THE FUCK IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?! DAMN IT DON'T TELL ME!"

Cortana couldn't help but laugh when she sees a stream of liquid coming from Nico, "AHH! HAAA! THAT WAKE UP CALL SCARED THE PISS OUT OF YOU!"

Nico growls then jumps down missing the puddle that form on the bed. He walks over to where Cortana is and growls out, "What fuck were you thinking?"

"It's called payback werehog for waking me up last time and ignoring me. Now get clean up, you have to get ready for the match," Cortana fires back with smug look on her face.

Nico look out the window at the rising sun, "Cortana the fight isn't until seven-thirty, so what was the point of waking me up at the crack of dawn?"

A data appeals on Nico's dresser, "I was able to dig this data up last night, and I think the information will peak your interest."

The nude werehog walks over and grabs the data pad and reads the title out loud, "The Royal Journal of King Sora Hedgehog."


Kell walks into his family quarters releasing a wide yawn while walking pass the well decorated living room into the kitchen. The male eagle gives another wide yawn as he grabs some juice. "Where have you been all night?" Kenna questions as she walks into the kitchen wearing her red pajamas. She sees that he is still in his military camo outfit. "Kell are you kidding me with this shit?!"

Before he is response, Kana walks in wearing only a part of gray boxers. "Oh look at this shit! Kell decided to come back home hours before we have to face the possible chance of getting our ass kicked out of this motherfucker!"

"Kana…"

The she-wolf cuts him off, "Kell where the hell have you been?! No… no… don't you dare tell me that you went to that fucking festival and… ! DAMNIT KELL WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!"

"Kenna if you let me explain…"

"Explain what Kell?" Kana fusses out, "What the hell is there to explain?! Are you trying to fuck us because from where I'm standing; I see you trying to fuck us!"

"No, Kana I just need to take care of a few things and…"

"And apparently these things were so important that it keep you out all night! Kell if this is supposed to be funny, because its not! Are you any condition to fight?" Kenna continues to the protest looking her older brother.

Kana gets her attention by saying, "No don't bother Kenna! Kell you have done some fucked up shit in the past, but this shit is beyond fucked up! Did you even think about how this will affect Kenna and I if you can't pull your weight?!" Kell folds his arms leans up against the kitchen counter with an annoyed expression. He remains silent while his siblings look at him. A minute or two pass, and Kana says, "Well, are you going to say something or just stand there like a fucking deaf mute motherfucker!"

"Oh is it my turn to talk," Kell saying in smug tone of voice.

"Don't be smartass Kell," Kenna comments with low growl in her voice, "just tell us what the fuck you were thinking!"

"Fine if you must know, after talking with Midna, I went flying around to get some fresh air and clear my head. Yes, I did go to the festival just for a few minutes. Afterwards, what I did is none of your business, so I will thank you to stay out of it," he replies then makes his way to the door.

Kana jumps in front of him, "Hold up, where do you think you're going?"

Kell rolls his eyes, "Well if its not clear, I'm going to bed to get a little extra rest. We have to report to the stadium at six o'clock. That gives us a little on under ten hour to rest and relax, and if was you bro," Kell states while patting him on his bare shoulder, "I would grab a snack and go back to sleep."

Kana takes a swift step back with angry in his eyes, "Don't fucking touch me you piece of shit!"

Kell glares at his brother for a second then looks at his sister, "Kenna?" She turns away then walks out of the kitchen without saying a word.

Kana says with small puffs of smoke coming out his mouth, "Listen bird brain! If we lose and get exile, I'm going to roast your ass to a golden brown!" After his threat, the red dragon walks out as well.

~Well Midna, I'm sure not making friends back at home,~ Kell thinks then says in soft low voice, "Next time we spend the night together lets choice a night that is not so critical."


Time seems to fly by and before anyone knows it, the clock is hitting six. The streets are jammed packed with people either at places that are showing the fight or those who are continuing the festival from last night. The air is filled with cheers for either the ebony hedgehog prince or the Royal guard trio. The stadium is massive open air oval shaped building with crowd seating on both sides of long a part of the stadium. The curved ends of the open building are closed in clubhouse area on one side, and a jumbo TV on the other side.

Nico paces back and forth wearing a navy blue button shirt with gold trims, black dress pants, his black spiked dress shoes, and a body length black over shirt with a gold buckle at the center. On top of his head, he sports a circular gold crown with blue diamond in the center and the Hedgehog family crest craved around it. Nico holds the pad reading the information with great passion and fury.

*Knock*Knock*

"Yeah! Come in!" Nico calls still pacing the length of the room while muttering things to him.

Millie opens the door and sees the pacing and reading werehog. "Nico what are reading?

"Huh?" Nico replies not looking away from the data pad.

Millie sits down and asks again, "What are you reading?"

Nico stops and looks at her, "Oh I'm reading…" Sonic suddenly appeals next to him holding his arms in an 'X' position over his chest while shaking his head no. Nico picks up on the signal then tells Millie, "It's the rules for combat. I wanted to see if there was a way to help Kenna and them, but still no luck." Nico sets the pad down on the desk then walks back over to the feline secretary. "So what's up Millie?"

"Well I through I should let you that Sonia and Silver just back into town with Cyrus. They wanted to talk to about what space program is going to need to get up off the ground, but I told them that they will have to wait to launch their idea off till tomorrow," Millie states with smile on her face.

Nico shakes his head with a smirk on his face, "Other than that, how are things progressing?"

"Right on schedule, we should be ready to go in thirty minutes, but I'm worried about Kenna and her brothers. I went to go check in with them, and they aren't talking with each other even worst I think that they are fighting with each other."

Nico gives a concerned look and gets up from the couch and heads to the door. Before he walks out, Nico calls back to Millie, "I know this is going to be a pain, but will you please make sure that the elders and congressional members are settled in their club seating." Millie nods yes and Nico heads out the door.


Kenna, Kell, and Kana are sitting on the steel benches in the locker room wearing their one piece jet black form fitting under armor. The three siblings have their heads lowered not saying a word to the other. Kell looks up at his locker with his white and gold lined armor with the badge for the Royal Guard and two gold bars for rank insignia on the right side and symbol for the Adair family on the left side. He stands up and calls out to Kenna and Kana while putting on his right bucker, "We better get ready. Kenna are we still going to the keep to the plan that you start things off and…"

"Why does it matter to you?" Kana interrupts.

"What is that supposes to mean?" Kell retorts with a worried look on his face. Kana gets up and walks over to their sister and whispers something into her ear. Kenna gets up and starts to put on her battle armor while Kell looks back and forth them as they talk to each other in a low tone of voice. Kell turns to faces his locker and grabs some more parts of his armor. He puts on the pieces, but is able to over hear is name over and over then until he shouts, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING ABOUT ME!"

Kana looks over his shoulder at his brother and says in a mocking tone, "None of your business, so we will thank you to stay out of it!"

Kell's face goes beat red, and he walks over to Kana shoving the dragon in the shoulder. Kana look as at him as if is ready to punch him, and Kell exclaims, "YOU GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR CHEST THAT YOU WANT TO GET OFF BRO?!"

Kana growls, "YEAH BRO I DO! ITS YOU AND YOUR DAMN SECRETS!"

"WHAT! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!"Kell retorts.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FUCKING FAULT KELL!" Kana shouts.

"MY FAULT! NO…NO YOU GOT IT TWISTED KANA! IF ANYONE IS TO BLAME FOR THIS, ITS KENNA!"

Kenna eyes bug out hearing her brother's statement. Kana growls out, "YOU GOT SOME FUCKING NERVE TO BLAME KENNA FOR YOUR ACTIONS!"

"Kell how could you blame me for this?" Kenna questions with her fists clenched. "Besides its because of you that we have to change our plan of attack!"

"WHAT!" Kell yells out.

"THAT'S RIGHT MOTHERFUCKER! BECAUSE OF YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-THINK OUR WHOLE ATTACK PLAN!" Kana shouts.

"WHAT THE FUCK GIVES YOU THE IDEA THAT I WOULD LEAK OUR PLANS AND TO WHOM?!"

"PRINCE SHADOW SO THAT YOU COULD CUT A DEAL WITH HIM!" Kana shouts back.

Kell stops shouting and tighten his fist to the point that his palms are burning red, "You think I would betray my own family; just go behind your back to save my own ass?!" Kana nods yes making Kell's eyes become covered in a vail of darkness. "You dumb son of A BITTCHHH!" He shouts out throwing a powerful right hook at Kana face sending the dragon flying across the floor.

However, Kana is able to do a swift backflip and quick rebound letting him head back at his brother with a strong left punch. Kell is able to hold his ground and start swinging punches along with Kana. Kenna shouts for them to stop, but the brothers continue to throw punch after punch after each other. They continue boxing with each out making contact either in the face, chest, or sides. They knock each other back about two feet away. The boys look at each other breathing heavy; after a couple more deep breaths, they charge once more at each other. Just before they make contact, powerful boom goes off with a row of lockers come flying towards them. The steel lockers smash into the brothers then slam into the concrete wall. "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME WITH THIS SHIT?! ARE YOU ASKING ME TO FUCKING TO KICK YOUR ASS YOU DUMB SON OF BITCHES?!"

Kenna looks behind her to see Nico walking into the room growling in his more muscular and furrier form with his white fangs showing. She can sense the over powering rage coming from the werehog prince. The power of his aura is so overwhelming as he gets closer she feels her instincts screaming at her to run away. Nico's whole body glows with purple-blue aura and his large hands are balled into fist; then he growls out, "KANA! KELL! YOU HAVE FIVE SECONDS TO GET YOUR ASSES FROM UNDER THAT LOCKER BEFORE I BLAST YOU INTO FUCKING ASH!"

The brothers quickly make their way from under the rubble and come quickly stand at attention in front of the angry prince. They are have a few starches and bruises over there body, but just as they get ready to statue Nico punches both of them in the face smashing them back into the rubble. "WHAT THE HELL! HAVE YOU FUCKING LOST YOUR DAMN MINDS! YOU GOT A FIGHT AGAISNT SHADOW IN LESS THAN AN HOUR, AND YOU TWO CHOSE NOW OF ALL TIMES TO FUCKING TRY AND KICK EACH OTHERS ASSES!" Kana and Kell try to work their way back to their feet coughing. Kell tries to the say something, but Nico shouts, "KEEP YOUR FUCKING MOUTHS SHUT! LOOK AT THE YOUR SISTER ASSHOLES! SHE CRYING HER FUCKING EYES OUT WORRIED ABOUT YOUR DUMB ASSES AND HER FUTURE! NOW LISTEN YOU DIPSHITS! YOU HAVE ONE CHOICE! EITHER PUT WHATEVER GOT YOUR PANTIES IN A KNOT BEHIND YOU OR I WILL CANCEL YOUR MATCH AND FUCKING EXILE YOU RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW! NOW MAKE A FUCKING CHOICE! AND FOR YOUR SAKE YOU BETTER CHOICE WISELY!" Nico walks out of the locker room without blinking an eye.


Nico walks down the plain colored hallway cooling down but remains in his more bulker form. The werehog breaths deeply walking at steady pace with his eyes closed. After walking a little further down the hall, Nico stops and looks up with smile on his face, "Is there something I can help you with Shadow?"

The black hedgehog walks up down the hallway with a smile on his face, "No I'm good, but what going on with my opponents?"

"Just a bit of sibling rivalry," Nico replies.

"Oh good, I hope they settle their dispute before we get this party started." Shadow walks up next to his werehog brother and puts his fist on Nico's shoulder, "Hey bro, no matter what I want to fight them."

"You will Shadow, I know that they will pull their shit together and give you want you want. However, I would suggest that you be on your toes. They are stronger than they look." Nico replies.

Shadow gives a chuckle then starts to head towards locker area. "Yeah that's what I'm looking forward to."

"Oh by way bro," Nico calls out before he starts back walking. "Don't beat them to fast, we have a lot of people who paid good money to see you guys fight. Plus, I have four million dollars on you to win. If you did the right thing, a quarter of those winnings will be yours. I hope you get my drift bro."


The crowds cheer and shout as they wait eagerly for the fight to start. The sky is bathed in soft orange-red glow with a couple of stars appearing in the sky. Nico walks up into the royal viewing box and comes into view of everyone present. The prince holds his hand up making everyone fall silent, and he smiles looking out on the audience. "Welcome everyone, it is pleasure and honor to be standing here front of you today. We have all come here to be a witness four warriors battle against each other in order to prove who the more powerful and greater warrior is." Nico points down to the grassy center of the stadium. An octagon shape opens up in the center of field and as platform rises up with Shadow standing in the center a wearing a white button up shirt with black jeans with gold trims woven into the shape of flames. His long black trench coat has the same flame pattern and color with matching gold buttons. "Please welcome Prince Shadow Hedgehog," Nico introduces making the people cheer loudly and chant his name over and over. Shadow smiles and waves at everyone while walking off the platform letting it go back under ground. The black hedgehog continues to wave for a couple more minutes until Nico holds up his hand calling for silent. The audience obeys his signal; then holds out his hand once more and says, "Please welcome Captain of the Royal Guards Kenna Adair and her two brothers, Lieutenant Kell and Kana Adair." The platform appears once more with Kenna and her brothers dressed in their unique battle armor. Kenna displays her normal armor plated sports bra with white plated pants and her two swords in sheathed on her back. Kana sports his red dragon scaled armor with his long black scaled dragon spear. Kell wears the white and gold armor with his wings coming out the back slots and folded behind him; his bow striped over his right shoulder.

The people once again erupt with cheers and shouts for the competitors. Nico motions for them to look at him as his asks, "Prince Shadow, why have you come here today?"

Shadow grins looking the Adair siblings then points while saying, "I have come here to see if these three are really worthy of beings a part of the group assigned to protect us." Shadow lowers his hand then looks back at up a Nico, "Your majesty I want to test their strength and see if they are even worth me wasting my time."

Nico keeps his eyes trained down on both of them and says, "Captain Adair, as the ranking officer, you may speak on behalf of your brothers. What is your answer?"

Kenna steps forward and starts with, "Thank you, your highness. On behalf of my brothers and I,…"

Kell walks forward and calls out, "Your majesty, please forgive me, but I want to say that I cannot have my sister speak on my behalf. I have no problem fighting along my brother and sister, but this match is too important to us for just one of us to speak. With your permission sire, I will speak on my own behalf."

Nico smiles then says, "Well said Lieutenant Adair, I will approved your request and if your brother wishes to do the same, I will approved that as well." Kana eyes Kell with an untrusting eye and nods his agreement. "Very well, then I will ask again what is your answer to Shadow's challenge?"

Kell, Kana, and Kenna side by side glancing at each other for second and give a reinsuring smile to each other then look at Nico and say in unison, "Yes your majesty!"

"Excellent! Now let us all witness to your power! At this time, the time of Twilight where the light of day and the darkness of the night fights for dominant of the sky the same will happen with you. Now take your places!" Kana and his siblings walk to the far right side of the fighting arena and stand in a purple square box as Shadow moves to far left side and stands in the center of a black square. Nico look at them then commands in a booming voice, "BEGIN THE BATTLE!"


Kell looks has brother and sister giving them a smile. "I know you two don't trust me right now, but trust me I wouldn't do anything to would jeopardize our chance to the win. Remember Shadow is the enemy if we want to win we need to work together. Besides," Kell turns around to look in at Shadow, and points at the smiling black hedgehog, "he's the one who thinks that he is better than us. Together, we can put that smug hedgehog prince in his place." He looks back Kenna and Kana, "But I can't do it alone. So what do you guys say?" They remain motionless for a second then they nod in unison.

(A/N: For awesome background music play Two Steps from Hell-Archangel extended)

They turn to look at Shadow with their warrior's face. Kell then says, "Speed."

"Power," Kana says second.

"Light," Kenna adds lastly.

They say in unison while charging full speed at the motionless hedgehog while drawing their weapons they yell out, "WE UNITE TO END THIS FIGHT!"

Kana pulls ahead of the others thrusting his spears at binding speeds at the hedgehog. Shadow is able to dodge his attacks by moving swiftly left and right with a smile on his face his arms still folded over his chest. Kana growls seeing his constant attacks easily dodged. The red dragon is able to add flames to his spear making the air grow hotter with each thrust of his weapon. Kell and Kenna move to the left and right flank of the battling warriors. Kell pulls out his bow and takes up his position to the right. The dire eagle smiles taking aim at Shadow. Kenna comes siding to the left and watches her brother's swift attacks.

"Oh my," Shadow comments doing a backflip to get out Kana range of attack. The searing heat makes the black hedgehog rip off his trench coat. Under the coat, Shadow has two swords strapped to his sides. He whirls smoking garment over his head with a smile on his face. "Well, I can see that you won't disappoint me," Shadow comment.

From the right, three white white arrows come soaring through the air. Shadow spots the incoming attack and uses his smoking coat to stop the first arrow then jumps to avoid the second and third, but his escape path is barred when another two arrow come rushing towards him from the same direction. The black hedgehog twists his body to the left in a whirling motion. His is able to force himself from the path of the arrows and lands on the ground with a thud. Before he is able stand up, Kenna comes in from the left with sweeping slash attack with her golden sword. Shadow is only able to defend himself by drawing his left black steel one handed sword. The blades meet with resonate ringing cling; however, the white she-wolf swings her other golden steel sword. Upon contact, Shadow is surprised by the great strength that the captain of the guard has when he is sent flying back a couple of feet backwards in order to hold on to his sword.

Shadow grunts in the annoyance at being sent backwards. The crowds erupt in cheers seeing trio's fierce opening ballets. Shadow stands up brushing off the loose grass on his pants and shirt, but the smile never leaves his face. Instead he draws his other sword and spins them around in his hands.


Up in the royal viewing box, Nico and Sonic watch the fight intensely while standing up with his arms folded over his chest. "Don't tell me that fight is over already," Manic comments walking up next his werehog brother. Nico remains silent still watching the fight; Manic looks down in the arena is surprised to the see Shadow dual wielding swords. Shadow dashes towards Kenna, but his dash attack is quickly stopped when ten arrows comes flying from Kell's bow. Shadow is forced to stop and use his swords to deflect the arrows, but more arrows come flying in forcing Shadow to stay put and hold his ground. Manic is left shocked by the swift movements of his other older brother.

Nico softly says, "I think Sonic likes it as well because he has the same look on his face Manic."

They watch as Shadow continues to deflect the arrows; suddenly from behind Kana comes rushing up thrusting his spear forward at Shadow. The black hedgehog ducks to the right, but Kana stabs his spear in Shadow's path making the hedgehog lean to the right to parry Kana's thrust attacks then to the left the defect the incoming arrows. The crowd goes wild seeing what can only be described as two Shadows moving at a fast pace to defend himself. Kenna smiles seeing her chance and infuses her sword with electricity.

"Looks like Shadow is in trouble," Manic comments.

Nico nods and replies, "Yeah he's getting it from two sides and from the look in Kenna's eyes she ready to pounce on her prey."

"Shadow can't handle that many enemies at once. If Kenna jumps in now…"

Manic's statement is cut off when they hear Silver's voice say, "Don't count on it bro." They turn around to see Silver and Sonia enter the room.

"Silver is right; I don't believe that Shadow would let himself get into a position that he couldn't defend," Nico adds.


Shadow tirelessly works on defecting Kell's arrows and parrying Kana's spear thrust. The hedgehog glances in front of him to see Kenna charging at him. He grunts speeding up counters; he is able duck for quick second in the middle of Kana's attack to kick him in the gut knocking him are couple of feet back. Shadow knocks away another arrow and thrusts forward at Kenna. The she-wolf's swords are at the ready. Once they are in arm's length, she swings hard from the right with both swords. Shadow leans to his left to bring both of his swords in front of him. Her swing makes contact with Shadow's swords, but the black hedgehog is surprise when he feels himself being pushed back and an odd increasing stinging feeling rolls through his hands down his arms and throughout his body. He grits his teeth feeling the shock from the electric attack combined with Kenna's increased strength. The energy wells up to the point that the cracking sound of the electricity is loud enough for everyone to hear. Bolts of lightning come flashing out from the contact point until he is overwhelmed and sent flying backwards towards the other end of the arena. Shadow fights to get back control, yet he hears Kenna shout out, "NOW KANA!"

He forces himself to look up as Kana replies, "With pleasure Kenna!" The red dragon opens his mouth allowing a red-orange orb to form "LAVA BLAST!" then sends it rocketing toward the helpless hedgehog. Shadow's eyes widen watching the attack come flying towards him.


In the box, Nico comments, "This is going to hurt." A second later the sphere hits the fighting hedgehog. *BOOOM* goes echoing in all directions. Nico's eye twitches witnessing the attack.

Sonic feels the uneasy feeling from his linked brother, ~Is there something wrong Nico?

~I don't know yet, but Shadow did something odd there for a second,~ Nico replies keeping his eyes trained on the battlefield.

A cloud of smoke rises from where Shadow's body clash lands, and the crowd falls silent waiting for the smoke and dust to dissolve. After a couple of seconds, everything settles to reveal Shadow standing in the center of cloud and burn area unharmed. Once the crowds see the black hedgehog, they explode with cheers and shouts. The shouts and cheers turn into the varying chant.

"SHADOW!"

"KENNA!"

"SHADOW!"

"KANA!"

"SHADOW!"

"KELL!"

"SHADOW!"

Shadow brushes off the loose grass and dirt on his pants and shirt while saying, "Well now that was a fun warm up, but…" the prince pauses drawing his swords and spinning them in his hand, "lets gets down to business, and give these people the fight they paid to see!" With his words sent echoing throughout the stadium making the fans cheer in agreement.

"That's Shadow for you," Silver comment sitting on the one of the couches in the private box while eating some chicken wings from his plate. "He knows how to work a crowd."

Nico walks over the food buffet and gets plate full of bit size honey BBQ chicken wings, and walks back over to the open view port, "You got that right Silver, but knowing our dear brother he got something heavy in still store for them."


Kenna and her brothers rejoin together. She says to them in a soft voice, "Same pattern as before, but watch your ass Kell no doubt that he going to go for you first and that will be our chance to trap him again, and you heard his majesty lets to kick it up to the next level."

"LETS GOOO!" Shadow shouts while dashing right at them. Kell takes the lead while firing a spread of arrows at the charging hedgehog. Shadow easily deflects the shots while still moving in.

Kell runs another five feet then takes a knee shooting back to back arrows. Once the prince is halfway to him he calls out, "Get going!" Kana is already on the move taking a wide curve approach from the left while shooting out several fire blasts at his target. Shadow is able to dodge the fireballs by jumping and doing mid-air flips while still fending off Kell's wave of arrows. Once Shadow lands, he picks up his speed getting closer and closer to Kell. "Damnit!" the dire eagle shouts being force stand up and back pedal away from the approaching attacker. "Kana hurry up!"

"Don't wet your pants!" Kana shouts sliding front of the Shadow cutting off his attack path. "AAAAHHHHHH!" Kana shouts while thrust in the dragon spear at blinding speed making Shadow dodge with the same amount of speed. With every attack, a wave of fire oozes out of the spear heating the air around them. "Come on your majesty! You won't beat me if you just stand there and dodge my attacks!" Kana only sees Shadow grin at his statement; he feels a wave of annoyance course through him making some and fire rise out his mouth. "I'll wipe that grin off your face! Kell hurry up!"

Shadow glances behind to see Kell at his back and another volley of arrows heading right at him. ~Shit!~ He quickly looks back forward and punches the spear away from him. In the blink of an eye, Shadow back flips away from Kana, and uses his swords to knock away the arrows. Shadow's attention is drawn back to Kana when he hears him roar while coming at him with his spear in attacking position. Once aging for split second, everyone can see two Shadows fending off the brothers' attacks.


"Damn I have to give to Shadow; he's really moving!" Manic comments then takes a bit of the pizza.

"Ha," Silver adds as he walks up the green hedgehog and pats him on the back, "our dear brother is still playing with them."

"He's not the only one. Kenna and her brothers are also playing with him. If I was Shadow, I wouldn't under estimate them," Nico states with a serious tone while watching Shadow move swiftly from opponent to opponent.

Sonia walks over to look down hearing the fans going wild at the fight. "Nico, I thought Sonic and you bet on Shadow?"

"I did, but doesn't mean I won't support or cheer for them," Nico replies with a smirk on his face.

"Hey what is Kenna doing?" Silver comments pointing at the she-wolf.


Shadow twists back and forth countering all the incoming attacks. Kana smiles at every hit that his and Shadow's weapons clash. The dragon's eyes watch the heat from his spear would transfer to Shadow's sword, but when Shadow goes to the deflect Kell's arrows, the heat in the sword is rapidly cooled. Kana gives a soft chuckle seeing the side effects of their attacks.

Kenna gets into a running stance as she focuses her lightning powers into the swords. She watches the battling males waiting for the signal from Kell. She slightly digs her armored foot into the ground while silently counting down till the signal is given. She sees Shadow's black blades glow a dull red in the mid area of the blade. "That's where I need to the strike; then I will able to hit him directly," she softly states to herself; she glances over at Kell. Her eyes grow wide when she sees Kell motion his hand to go in for the attack. She gives a loud howl and goes in. She pushes herself up to full speed while her swords are at the ready.

The moment she gets close enough, Kell's arrow hit Shadow's left sword cooling the metal. Shadow swings around to parry another attack from Kana, but finds the dragon lieutenant has retreated back as Kenna take his place. Shadow swings his left sword down to strike, but Kenna aims for the mid part of the sword with her left blade. Once the blades connect, the black blade shatters into two. Shadow is not phrased by the destruction of his blade. Instead, he comes in with other sword, but Kenna is faster than him. She thrust her right sword straight the black hedgehog slashing his left side. Shadow ignores his injury and tries to give Kenna her own cut; however, the power stored in the golden blade releases into Shadow's body. He screams in pain feeling his body freeze up and go numb allowing Kenna to the jump backwards to clear the area. "KANA DO IT NOW!" She shouts.

"LAVA BLAST!" Kana shouts spitting out another fire ball hitting the wounded hedgehog.

BOOOOOMMM!

Kell rushes over to his siblings asking as he looks at the dust cloud, "Do you think that did it?"

"I wouldn't count on it!"

They turn around to see Shadow behind them slowing walking up to them with both his swords in his hands.

"Damn how did he…"

Kenna jumps in cutting off Kana's statement, "Chaos control!" She squeezes the hilt of her swords and grits her teeth, "Fuck! I didn't think he would use that ability during our battle!"

"No time whine about it now! Get ready, we have to stay on the offensive! On my mark…"

Kell falls silent when they see Shadow stop walking. He lifts up his left sword and inspects the broken blade. "Hum… I have to give it up to you three. I wasn't expecting that you would coordinate your attacks in suck a way that would clause my blade to be broken." He looks at the other blade, "Since I was using both swords to deflect the attacks, the same will have happen with this sword." Shadow teleports into the standsmaking the fans in the area scream and cheer when the black hedgehog prince gives the swords to young boy and girl. He rubs them on the head then teleports back into the fighting arena. "Now I need a new weapon," he smiles as he holds his right hand. "Chaos sword," an orb of black-red energy forms in his hand. He squeezes the orb making the energy extend out until it takes the shape of a great sword. Shadow swings it over his back with a big smile on his face. "You guys are pretty good with combining your powers with your weapons. Now! Time to even up the playing field!"

The hedgehog prince goes rushing in, and the guard trio splits up with Kana going to the left, Kenna to the right, and Kell down the center. Shadow makes a beeline at Kenna. She sees him heading right for her turn on ball of her foot while back peddling with her swords at the ready.

"KENNAAA!"Kana and Kell shout in unison.

"You're first!" Shadow shouts putting his other hand on the energy sword hilt getting ready to swing.

"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY SISTER!" Kana shouts charging at Shadow, "GET AT TASTE OF THIS!" Kana slides to a stop tossing up his spear. As the spear comes down, Kana focuses his power into his fist making it glow red and fire come rising from it. Once spear is in range, he strikes the butt end of the spear making the fire pour through it. The dragon scale spear burn red with fire coming out the sides of the front and the back erupt into cone of fire. "TAKE THIS! DRAGON SPEAR ROCKET!"

The flaming red spear goes flying at Shadow leaving large smoke trail behind it. The black hedgehog chuckles and does a quick twist around as he swings the black-red energy sword intercepting the incoming spear. The sharp edge to energy blade comes in the contact with the tip of the spear. For a split second the weapons are lock in a brief struggle making the fire from the spear crawl down Shadow's sword, but the flames are quickly extinguished and with one powerful push. The black dragon scaled spear with a diamond tipped steel peak is split in half by the chaos sword and lands at the sides of the hedgehog warrior. Not wasting a second, Shadow twists around catching Kenna off guard. He does five quick slashes each hitting the blades of the swords. Kenna gasps seeing the golden blades fall apart. "Two down," Shadow states then turns to the look at Kell.

Kenna shouts, "Kell he's going for the weapons watch out!" Her warning comes too late as Shadow appears in front of the dire eagle. "No!" She shouts watching Shadow swing his sword and cut Kell's bow in half.

Shadow uses Chaos Control again to disappear just as the trio reunites. "Now that things are evened up, we can get third round started!" Shadow exclaims letting his energy sword dissolve.

Kell and Kana look at their sister, and Kana states, "Well now what?"

Kenna smirks as she punches her right fist into her left. "We go hand to hand. You two are going have to back me up." She watches at Shadow stretch his arms and gets into a fighting stance. "Believe it or not boys, I'm beginning a fun. MOVE IT!" She orders dashing at Shadow.

Shadow chuckles at Kenna charging at him. He does his own charge at her; he brings his fists up to the sides of his face. He sees her fists start to glow white with electric energy. In response, Shadow fists start to glow a familiar color of purplish-blue.


Nico's eyes flash with anger seeing the color of Shadow's fists. "Shadow you son of a bitch!" Nico growls out.

Silver looks over at his brother asking, "What did you say Nico?"

Nico stays focused on the match, "Nothing!"

Silver narrows his eyes looking at Nico, but his attention is drawn to the door when it opens. Midna walks into the viewing box and walks up to stand next to the silver hedgehog. "I didn't think, we would see you here after interview you gave last night."

Midna huffs then says, "You think, I would miss the chance to see that arrogant brother ours be brought down a peg or two.

"If that's true, then why are you so late Midna?" Sonia questions.

Midna fumbles for an answer, but Nico quickly states, "We can worry about that later, things are about to heat up again."


Kenna yells as she charges at Shadow; as he does the same in a mirror fashion. When the two meet, Kenna attacks with a left hook, but Shadow is able to defect the attack with a right hook. Both of their fists make contact and release small shockwave. In the blink of eye, they attack using their opposite fists releasing another shockwave. Shadow and Kenna's attacks start to go faster and faster until their fists start to become a blur. The wave of punches leaves a powerful wake of shockwaves emitting from attacks. The energy waves echo from them causing the surrounding air start kicking up into forceful gale of wind.

The fans cover their eyes while still trying to watch the two warriors exchange furiously fast blows with each other. The wind, dust, and dirt starts move faster and faster the longer Shadow and Kenna continue. Kana shields his face with his left, "Damn! Kenna's hand to hand combat is more powerful than I thought!"

"Kana focus! We got be to ready!" Kell orders running to left of the fight. Kana nodes then dashes to the right.

Shadow and Kenna start to breathe heavily while keeping up their blinding attacks. "I have to admit…*huff* you're not too bad at hand to hand combat. *Huff* I think I may have *huff* underestimated you," Shadow acknowledges.

"Thanks *huff* your highness, but I *huff* you are haven't *huff* seen nothing yet! *Huff* you can thank Nico for this!" Kenna huffs out then her punches start to speed up. Suddenly the deadlock battle starts to turn in Kenna's favor as she is able to break through Shadow's counters and strike his body. The hedgehog suffers blow after blow from the she-wolf, and Shadow's torment increases when he feels the electric strings of her punches. Shadow grunts after every hit and tries to keep his defend up, yet she is able to power through. After another twenty punches, Shadow fails to block one of her punches. She lands a strike on his solar plexus stunning the hedgehog for half a second. Kenna unleashes a blinding wave of punches in the same spot. After the fiftieth punch, she lands a powerful deep punch making Shadow crumble over, but she keeps up the relentless attack delivering mighty upper cut to his chin sending him flying into the air. "NOW!" She orders.

"Lava Blast!" Kana shouts.

"Gale Strike!" Kell yells.

As just Shadow comes falling down, a red-orange fireball and a bright white crescent slash clash into the stun hedgehog with deafening boom in a blinding explosion. Kana and Kell come rushing up to Kenna's side seeing the she wolf breathing heavily. "Way a go Kenna! We pull put that big mouth prince in his place," Kana praises while watching the smoke raise from the ground.

Kell does his best to trying peer through the smoke, "Do you think we over did it?"

"I don't think so, but I know that we did some serious damage," Kenna conveys.

The smoke clears to reveal Shadow standing in the center. His clothes are burn and torn from the powerful attacks. The black hedgehog blushes some dust and ash off is shoulder; then says with a frightening smile, "That actually hurt a little," in the blink of an eye Shadow disappears and reappears in front of the trio. Before Kenna, Kell, or Kana can react, Shadow punches Kenna in the face, kicks Kell in the gut making him crumble forward, lastly he grabs Kana's arm and swings him into his siblings like a baseball bat. The impact is so powerful the two are sent flying backwards. Shadow then throws Kana at his siblings. His body slams into the other with a bone cracking sound. "Enough toying around, these people came to see a good show! So stop holding back and lets get to it! I want to see your true power of your ancient forms!"

The three look at Shadow with emotionless eyes only seeing the hedgehog prince smiling, they each get up off the ground limping over to each other holding the wounded parts of their bodies. Kenna face grows sour thinking, ~Nico was right, we have to go all out if we want to beat him, but…~ she shakes her head then looks at Kana holding his arm over his ribs; then Kell with a hand on his right shoulder. Lastly she looks back the grinning hedgehog, she exhales as she lowers her head and says, "Boys we got no choice, as we are now we no hope of beating him." Her head rockets up with a fierce look on her face looking that the cross armed hedgehog, "NO MORE KIDDIE GAMES! IF HE WANTS TO THE PUSH TO THE LIMIT THEN WE WILL GIVE HIM WHAT HE WANTS! TRANSFORM!"

Kell nods as Kana gives a giant smile ear to ear. The three siblings step away from each other to give space in between. The air around each of them begins to swirl as their bodies glow to brightly overshadowing their figures. Their auras form orb like domes growing bigger and bigger by the second while sending out powerful waves of energy and wind in all directions. When the orbs look as they can't get any bigger, they explode covering the growing night with red, white, and yellow. The fans are stun to see the snow white dire wolf with three lightening shaped fur rods on her back and electricity cracking around her, the majestic dire bald eagle with a slow spinning white spell wheel behind him, and a giant red dragon while fire glows around his body with flames rising out of his mouth.


Nico calls for one of the security guards to come to the viewing box.

"How may I be of service your majesty?" the guard asks.

"Have the staff rise the protection shield, things are about to get ugly!"

The guard nods and rushes out of the viewing box. As Nico turns back to look at powerful transformed Royal Guards. "Well this alt to be good."

"Don't you think Shadow is a little over his head with this? The energy coming off them is… wow!" Sonia comments.

"I don't know, only the next attack will tell," Nico replies.


In the beast tone of voice Kenna says, "Time to end this! Kana! Kell! Time for the Mega Flare!"

Kana nodes and growls out loudly, "HELLFIRE!" The gigantic red dragon opens his mouth creating a growing massive red-orange fireball.

As the ball grows bigger, Kenna calls out, "HOWLING LIGHTENING!" the dire wolf gives a loud howl to sky making thunder clouds appear out of thin air. Several bolts of lightning crackle in sky; then strike down hitting her body. The lightning rods on her back redirect the energy at the now hundred foot diameter fireball. The lightning wraps around the flaming sphere and rotating bans.

Lastly, Kell opens his wings then gives several powerful flaps lifting him into the air. The spell wheel behind him starts to spin at a rapid speed. Kell shouts, "MAJESTIC ARROWS!" The dire eagle spreads his wings fully open making billions of arrows come raining out of the wheel. The arrows swirl around the lightning empowered fireball in the shape of rotating blades.

"Well I have to give it you. That is…"

Shadow is cut off when the three shout in unison, "FINAL FORM!" Shadow is shock to see their aura energy feed into the powerful attack. The swirling red, white, and yellow energy turn the sphere into a swirling color of energy. Before Shadow can react, the combine attack goes rocketing towards him. The black hedgehog is to slow to dodge or counter. Through the waves of cascading energy and pain, Shadow hears the trio shout again, "MEGA FLARE!" Kenna, Kell, and Kana fire out beams of their aura at the enveloped hedgehog. Once the beams hit the sphere, all the energy closes in to one central point around Shadow in a blinding light; then *BBBBBOOOOOMMMMM!*.

Massive shockwaves erupt from around the towering explosion with the echoing shout of Shadow's cries of pain. The shield protecting the audience struggles to hold up against the resonating energy. After about thirty more seconds, the blast fades away leaving the once battered glassy fighting ring a barren dusty wasteland.

(A/N stop background music)

Everyone gaps in horror at the powerful attack results. Some start to question if Shadow is still alive after the blast. Everyone watch intensely looking for any sign of life from the blast zone. Some start to shout Shadow's name.


Everyone in royal view box is stun by the funding scene. Nico, Silver, and Midna are the only ones with smiles on their face while Sonia and Manic look over the field for any sign of Shadow's body.

"What do you think Nico?" Silver questions glancing over at the werehog.

"Its all over Shadow," Midna jumps in walking up to the window and taps Sonia and Manic on the shoulder, "Don't worry guys, Shadow is still alive he just bit off more than he could chew." She then turns to Nico and orders, "Nico call the match. Kell and them beat him, and…"

"Not just yet sis," Nico replies with smirk.

"Come on Nico you got to kidding me," she retorts.

"Nico is right, Midna the match isn't over yet," Silver states.

"Silver you're joking, even if he releases his limiter that much energy will would have overwhelm him. Nico call the match," Midna contests.

Nico gives a curious look, "Shadow has limiters?"

"We all do," Midna states, "Mom just haven't given Sonia hers yet, but that doesn't matter. Shadow lost!"

"WOOH!" Manic shouts looking at the field with the sounds of people shouting and cheering in the background.

Midna spins around and shocked to see Shadow standing up in middle of the rumble. "What the fuck!"


Shadow stands strong looking at Kana and his sibling with a smile on his face. The black hedgehog's cloths are burn and torn in multiple place with his shirt nearly completely torn off with only one strap lapping over his body. His pants have shredded holes up and down the leggings. Parts of his short black red strip fur are covered with burnt marks and small blood patches. His face is covered with bruises and burn fur with a blood dripping down from the left side of his mouth.

Shadow spits out a glob of blood to the right then smiles while looking at his opponents. As he pats himself down blushing off the excess dust and dirt, he says, "Well, I have to get to you guys. You proved me wrong; I thought this would be an easy and quick fight, but you have given me a run for my money. I think its only fair that I give you a taste of my true power." Shadow holds out his arms to the sides; then says, "Rings of light reveal!"

(A/N play Nightcore-Smack my Bitch Up)

A golden ring appears around each wrist. The hedgehog prince closes his eyes then mouths something softly, so no one else can hear; then he shouts out, "Ring one release!" The ring around his right wrist glows bright then falls to the ground with a ding.

Suddenly, his yellow aura explodes up around him making the air flow in all directions. He opens his eyes with an evil grin on his face, and says, "Don't blink."

In flash he disappears and reappears under the chin of the huge dragon, Shadow gives Kana a power upper kick. The attack is so strong Kana is lifted off the ground and sent flying backwards. Before Kana's body his able to hit to ground, Shadow reappears over him, "Not done yet!" then punches his gut sending him clashing into the ground.

Kenna gallops over to charging a lightning attack, but just as she gets ready to launch the attack. Shadow appears on her left side and punches her in the jaw with what could only be described as a jaw cracking hit. The snow white wolf is sent flying twisting end over end towards the side wall. Before makes contact with the solid surface, the hedgehog prince shows up once more in her flight path. "You're going the wrong direction." Time seems to slow down and Shadow cold cots the flying wolf sending her torpedoing in to the ground.

Kell soars down firing two waves of arrow at Shadow. Shadow seems to be hit by the attack, but to his surprise Shadow shows up square in his face with his open palm. Kell feels like he hits a wall stopping him in midair. The dire eagle grunts in pain then he hears from behind him, "Next stop: Down!" The eagle unleashes horrifying scream as he receives a backbreaking punch. Kell comes clashing down on Kenna in a sickening boom.

The black hedgehog isn't finish yet, he appears next to where Kana landed. Before the red dragon even has second to recover, Shadow grabs his tail with an incredible show of strength lifts the two ton dragon into the area. Like a flyswatter, Shadow swings Kana down over his siblings while saying, "Get a load of this!"

*BOOOOOMMM*

Kana's flatten on top of his brother and sister with dust and dirt flying up and around them from the impact. Shadow easily lands outside the dust area looking in their direction. The fans go wild seeing the dizzy fifteen second turn around.

"Come on out of there and face me like a man!" Shadow calls out to the three in the dust cloud. As the dust cloud begins to settle, Shadow smiles to see Kenna, Kana, and Kell reverted back to her their humanoid form with their armor broken and shattered while holding their hands over their most wounded area and blood dripping from the cuts and bruises. "Cool! Cool! Now lets keep this his party going!"

Kenna works her jaw to the point of that it cracks then breaks, and in muffed tone of voice, "MOVE IT!" The three of them split up going different directions to get around Shadow.

Kana dashes to the left, but is soon join by Shadow running by his side. "LAVA BLAST!" he shouts while splitting out a fireball at his opponent.

Shadow is able to dodge the attack, but Kana fires several more shots. Each missing the target until Shadow appears in front of him. He fires more shots; however, Shadow is able to catch the last fireball. Kana tries come to a sliding stop to avoid the now charging hedgehog. Once Shadow is close enough with the fireball in hand, he says with a smile, "Here you lost this." Shadow pushes the fireball into Kana's face with a deadly explosion.

Kenna stops hearing the blast and shouts her brother's name. Shadow appears in front of her with the same bone chilling smile. He holds his fists up in a boxer's stance, "Round Two! Ding-Ding Bitch!" In flash Kenna and Shadow are exchanging blow after blow. The blinding speed of their fists makes it appear as only black and white blurs. "You're good no wonder Nico likes you, but lets pick up the pace." Shadow's punches start to come fast along with Kenna's, but the she-wolf quickly notes that she is not able to deflect all the shoots and every time their fists met. She feels the bones in her hands crack. In a blink, she winches in pain, and Shadow says, "Bad move girl!" She is then overwhelmed with millions of punches hitting every part of her body; then a painful upper cut to her broken jaw. She cries out filling the pain in her hands and jaw with blood splitting out her mouth.

Kell sees the attack and is able bring out his wings and white wheel charging at Shadow while yelling, "SON OF A BITCH!"

"Humm… watch what you say about my mother," Shadow replies.

The wheel on Kana's back starts to spin as he shouts, "Enchant Arrows!" Thousands of arrows comes flying from the wheel at Shadow.

Shadow only laughs as he folds his arms and uses Chaos Control to teleport. He dodges each arrow with ease and laughing as he says, "What's this? A new attack, ha why didn't you use this trick earlier?"

"I don't have to justify anything to you jackass!" Kell shouts.

Shadow keeps flashing all around Kell's attacks, "Now that just not nice because after all…" Shadow teleports again disappearing from Kell's sight; the humanoid eagle tries to get his sights back on the black hedgehog, but his whole body goes cold when he hears from behind him, "I am a member of the royal family. Hum I wonder, if I do this will your wheel break." Shadow punches Kell square in the back making him scream out in agony with drops of blood being splat out at the same time. The white wheel breaks in half as Shadow's punch send him towards the ground. Before impact, Shadow reappears below him just when Kell comes into range he says, "Get over there with your family." Shadow kicks the left side of the battered eagle making him torpedo at his siblings with a mighty boom.

(A/N stop background music)


Midna watches in horror seeing Kell clash land into the others. "NICO!" she yells, "YOU HAVE TO END THIS! TELL SHADOW THAT ENOUGH!"

"I can't the match isn't over and…"

"YOU DUMBASS!" she interjects. Tears begin to flow down her face and she runs out of the room saying Kell's name low enough for no one to hear.

Sonic watches as Midna goes running out. ~Nico don't you think this is getting a little out of hand?~ Sonic asks just they hear Kenna and Kana scream after getting back on their feet to launch a counterattack. ~Nico, if Shadow keeps this up, he might kill them.~

Nico shakes his head no, ~I don't think Shadow will go that far. Besides, we gave our word that we would see this thing out to the end.~

Sonic nods and replies, ~I just hope we haven't made a big mistake.~

"Me too," Nico says out loud.

Silver looks over at Nico, "What's the matter?"

"Sonic was just worried that Shadow will overdo it," Nico says as a tear jerking cry echoes throughout stadium.

Just as Silver is about to response, everyone attention is turned back onto Shadow as he says…


Shadow grabs hold each of bloody battered Royal Guard members by the collar, "The night has come, time to put you three to sleep for good!" He tosses them into the air, "ALRIGHT PLAYTIME IS OVER! LETS GO CHOAS CONTROL!"

Everyone gasp seeing the three limp bodies go soaring into moon filled starry night sky. Shadow appears above them with his body coated in his yellow aura; then he charges straight down into them. He rockets pass the three with his aura. Once his passes by them uses Chaos Control to do it again but from left to right, then from the top left to the bottom right, then the top right to the bottom left. Shadow moves so fast that the aura trail grows brighter with each pass. To everyone on the ground, Shadow's attack looks like the three exhausted warriors are surrounded by six orbiting rows of light.

The attacks grow in intensely and speed with every passing second. After thirty seconds, Kenna peaks through her blood covered face to see what looks like six bright yellow Shadows outlines circled around them. In the blink of an eye, each of them are hit with uppercuts by two Shadows while they call out.

CHAOS

CONTROL

From above they see what has to be the real Shadow with a giant yellow power ball over his head in his hands.

BARRAGE

The black hedgehog shouts throwing the ball down at them. Kenna can only her eyes as the ball of energy absorbs her and her brothers. Once again times seems to the slow down as everyone watches the power ball clash down into the ground releasing a crazy amount of energy in the form of a yellow pillar of fire. The explosion's shockwaves destroy the protection shield in front of the audience sending waves of dust and heat in all directions.

Everything settles down a minute later leaving the viewing audience with only the sight of a massive crater in the center of the battlefield. Midna reaches the ground level entrance and covers her mouth with tearful gasp seeing the destruction. Tears run down the sides of her face; then she shouts at the top of her lungs, "KKKKEEEEEELLLLLLL!"

Manic turns to the Nico to see a stone expression on the werehog's face. "DAMMIT NICO! YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN OUR DUMBASS BROTHER WOULD GO OVERBROAD! NOW LOOKED WHAT HAPPENED!" Nico shakes his head and points back at the battlefield as the sounds of shocked ah turn into cheers and applauses. The green hedgehog turns back to sees Shadow holding on to the three beaten but alive warriors.

Shadow uses the jets on his shoes to float down to the ground, "Consider yourself lucky. In your condition, if I let that attack hit you, you three would be dead. Knowing my siblings they would have never have forgiven me." Once they are close enough to the ground, Shadow tosses their battered bodies down resulting in small painful coughs and blood coming out.

Nico comes into view for everyone to see making the cheers fall silent. "The battle is over! All our warriors fought well with great strength and unquestionable honor. However only one was able to claim victory. The winner is," Nico takes a deep breath and shouts at the top of his lungs, "PRINCE SHADOW HEDGEHOG!" The people erupt with ear shattering cheers. Shadow waves his hands and smiles as he turns around looking at all the cheering fans. Nico holds his hand up signaling the fans to fall silent as he continues with, "Well done Shadow, as the winner, you must now decide. What will the fate of the three before you?"

Shadow crosses his arms and closes his eyes reminding silent as he thinks to himself. Kenna, Kell, and Kana work together to get to their feet to face the thinking black hedgehog. The young prince opens his eyes to look at his opponents and says, "They are…."


"What will be the fate of the beaten Royal Guards? Will Shadow exile Kenna and her brothers? Will Midna be forced to watch her boyfriend be sent to parts unknown? Or does the cold hearted hedgehog have another fate in mind? All these questions and more will be answered in the next..."

"Sonic what are doing?!"

"Midna you're ruining my dramatic closing!"

"Closing? Sonic our viewer have been waiting all this time to find out what happen, and you choose now to try and end the episode!"

"Come on sis, haven't you seen DBZ before and…"

"Sonic these isn't DBZ and our viewers deserve to know what going to happen!"

"Oh yeah or do you just want to get Kell in…"

*PPPOOOOWWWW! BANG! BBBOOOOMMM!*

"AAAAAHHHHHHH!"

*CLASH!*

"Sorry everyone Sonic is going to take a little nap now! Let end this episode right."


"They are to be…" Shadow pauses looking at the distress expression on their faces. He huff out air turning his head away from them, "allowed to stay and keep their jobs."

The people erupt with cheers and praise for Shadow's decision. Nico says with a smile, "Very well it is decided, Kenna, Kana, and Kell will remain here!"

The three of them collapse in relief of Shadow's choice. Midna rushes in and grabs hold of Kell at the same time Nico grabs hold of Kenna and Kana. Kenna mouths thank you to Shadow along with her brothers. "Yeah yeah! Just know I expect more from you next time," Shadow states walking away with his back to them.

Nico and Sonic smile at look over their shoulder; then Nico looks ahead and says, "Thank you all for coming! Please get home safely! Now if you excuse us, we need to get these three to a doctor! LATER!" Nico and Midna use Chaos Control to teleport away.

Shadow slowly walks down the lighted tunnel giving off soft grunts with every step. "There's no one watching, so you can drop the tough guy cover Shadow," Silver states appealing from behind him."

"Ha! Speak for yourself, I feel perfectly…*grunt* fineee," Shadow gets out grabbing hold of his left side.

Silver exhales then walks closer to his brother, "Well your blood tells another story." Silver points to the wounded side as blood pools around what left of his shirt.

"Its just a scratch uhhh…" the black hedgehog states as he starts to crumple over.

Silver quickly gets under him to hold his wounded brother up, "Just a scratch hum. Well, I ask the doctor to give a pretty bandage ok?"

Shadow feels waves of pain rush through every part of his body and every ounce of strength in him fade. Just before he passes out, the sour brother grunts out, "Fuck you Silver."

Silver can help but laugh as his brother falls unconscious, "Sorry bro, but I don't swing that way. Chaos Control." They disappear in bright silver light.


Everyone goes backs to the royal living quarters, so the doctors can attend to each of their patients. Kenna and Kell are given the guess bedrooms, Shadow is put in his room, and Kell is put in Midna's room. Nico was about to question why Midna put Kell in her bed, but Sonic cries and begs the werehog not to ask.

Once everyone is settled, the doctors converse with each other; then Shadow's doctor walks up to Nico and everyone in the sitting room. "Well the good news, there weren't any deadly or life risking wounds, but they are going to need some much needed rest and recovery time. My colleagues and I will go over our examine notes and give you a full run down in the morning," the doctor reports.

"Thank you doctor," Nico replies. The doctor nods and heads out to the room just as Millie come in carrying a brown package box. Nico looks at the box and huffs out, "Millie please tell me that this is a bomb or some training weights."

The cat assistant smiles handing the box over to the werehog prince, "It was sent to the office labeled urgent for you."

"So it is a bomb," Nico smiles.

"Sorry Nico no luck, I'll see you in the morning," Millie states as she walks out of the sitting room.

"Damn more work," Nico complains looking at the box. The werehog gives a devilish grin then says, "Its all your Sonic!"

In the blink of an eye, the werehog is replaced with the cobalt hedgehog. "Nico you dirty rat get out here," Sonic cries at the spirit form of his brother. Nico plugs his ears not paying any attention to him. Sonic exhales then looks at everyone else. "Well looks like I have more work to do, so I'll see you guys in the morning," Sonic says waving to everyone as he walks out the room.

Sonic walks into his bedroom getting ready to open the box when Cortana appears in her full size saying, "Sonic, I have the results from the betting pool, and I have reported amount on Nico's winning." The blue AI looks at Sonic to see him with a puzzled look on his face as he reads a letter that was in the box. "Sonic, what are you reading?" Sonic mouths the words on the paper as he reads it over and over. Cortana calls out the blue hedgehog's name again while putting her hand on his shoulder. "Sonic what does the letter say?"

Sonic looks at Cortana then says, "I really don't know? Its more of a riddle than a letter."

"Let hear it," Cortana commands.

Sonic shrugs his shoulders and starts to read:

Dear Prince Sonic and Nico,

I know that you have acquired the Lost Roses. Now here is a question I pose to you, what it the true meaning behind the Lost Roses? I have taken the liberty of adding a clue to help finding out the answers about the fate of your father. See if you can figure it out, and I will be nice and give you a hint.

Hint:

Look at the coin and read what you see, and maybe it will help solve this mystery.

Yours truly,

A friend

Cortana reaches into the box and grabs the coin. She examines it, and reads out loud, "United States of America Quarter Dollar."

Sonic holds out his hand and Cortana drops the coin into his hand, "So what is it?"

"It says quarter dollar, so it has to be money," Cortana replies.

"Fair enough, but what is the United States of America?" Sonic adds. Cortana shrugs her shoulders. The blue hedgehog looks at the clock to see it showing 10:28pm; he tosses the coin back into the box while yawning out, "It been a long day we'll figure it out in the morning."


Sonic and Nico open their eyes to find their selves in a floating over what looks an empty city. To their left, they see a tall skyscraper, on the right, they see an inland with a building on it, and in front of the them, they see a large red bridge. They look at each other and exhale at the same time. "You know this shit is getting old," Nico states.

"Yup, what city is that?" Sonic questions while pointing down.

Before Nico can answer, the ground comes rushing up to them, and they end up in a fancy decorated wooden room with lighted fire place. At first, they see four hedgehogs playing the room together. Nico looks up over the fire place to the see a portrait of the family. Sonic walks close the young girl playing with her father, but in a flash scene swiftly changes. The pink young hedgehog is older holding her darker pink brother's hand. The girl is at eye level with him, but her burning emerald eyes stare right through him. The big oak door opens and several men walk into the room. One holds his hand to boy hedgehog, but he buries his face into his sister crying out for their parents. The man looks at the girl, and with tears rolling her face she says, "Where are my parents?"

The man can't help but say, "We lost track of them when their plane went down."

Sonic walks over to touch her shoulder seeing that is she fighting with all her strength not to cry out loud. When Nico walks up and places his hand on her other shoulder, the two are blown away by unknown power.


"AH!" Sonic screams as he wakes up in his bedroom looking around for sign of the girl. "Damnit," he cries out feeling tears drain down his face. "Another dream about her," Sonic shakes his head and says, "no that was a nightmare."

~Tell me about! This beginning to get to me!~ Nico comments.

Sonic gets out of bed and walks onto the balcony. Both, Sonic and Nico, look up into the night sky at the full moon and stars. They take a deep breath, and Sonic summons his guitar. He strums his fingers over the strings while they continue to look up at the moon.

I can't win, I can't reign. (Sonic)
I will never win this game without you, without you. (Nico)
I am lost, I am vain. (Sonic)

I will never be the same without you, without you. (Nico)

Sonic uses Chaos Control to teleport into the center of the night sky. His body is bathed in the pale light from the moon.

I won't run, I won't fly. (Sonic)

I will never make it by without you, without you. (Sonic)
I can't rest, I can't fight. All I need is you, & I without you. (Nico)

Sonic hovers in the air for couple of seconds as the moonlight makes the image of the pink hedgehog from the dreamscape appear running towards him with a smile on her face. He reaches to touch her, and she vanishes in the moonlight making him turn away and dive head first down. As they free fall the sing out,

Without you, Oh oh oh, you, you, you, without you. (Nico and Sonic)

The hedgehog does a several aerial twist in the wind as limp body falls through the icy cold air.

You, you, you (Sonic)
without you. (Nico)

Sonic falls into a cloud, and when they come out, Nico is in control; he turns back upright. The werehog finds himself in an empty classroom and sees the pink hedgehog in her school uniform sitting at her desk.

Can't erase, so I'll take blame. (Nico)
But I can't accept that we're estranged, without you, (Sonic)

Once he is close enough, she gets and glances at the werehog. She pays him no mind and goes to her pack her stuff, but he rushes over to wrap the young girl in his embrace.

Without you (Sonic)
I can't quit now, this can't be right. (Sonic)
I can't take one more sleepless night, without you, (Sonic)

Nico draws her closer into his embrace with a smile his face. She stops what she is doing and turns around. What looks like to be the sweet smile of the pink hedgehog with the rest of her face shrouded into shadow.

Without you. (Nico)
I won't soar, I won't climb. (Nico)
If you're not here, I'm paralyzed. (Sonic)

A shroud shielding face disappears along with the classroom to relieve the moon light of the open sky. Nico feels this heart strings to begin to tighten and tears pool in his eyes. He quickly does a back flip into a power dive.

Without you, (Nico)

Without you. (Sonic and Nico)
I can't look, (Nico)

I'm so blind. (Sonic)
Lost my heart, (Sonic)

As the ground gets closer, Sonic and Nico appear to be freefalling side by side. The air around them creates air streaks as they make their way down.

Lost my mind without you, (Nico)

Sonic uses all his might to go full speed down causing a sonic boom to echo through the night air.

Without you. (Nico and Sonic)
Oh oh oh, you, you, you. Without you, you, you.
Without you.

I am lost, (Sonic)

I am vain. (Nico)

Mere seconds before Sonic come clashing into the balcony, he uses chaos control to teleport and lands softly on the balcony.

[We] will never be the same without you, without you. Without you. (Sonic and Nico)

They look up into the night sky seeing tears marks shaped clouds from shaded by the moon light.

*BOOOOM*

"Sonic!" Midna calls out from behind. Sonic turns around to see all his siblings in his bedroom looking at their teary eyed brother.

Sonic wipes his face, "Sorry if we woke you, Nico and I were…"

Manic puts his hand on Sonic's shoulder, "Sonic, you and Nico don't have to hide it. We could all tell that was a song of sadness. Please bro tell us what's on your mind." Sonic lowers his head and exhales; then breaks down explaining everything about the dream they had and the recurring visions about the girl and her family. Manic looks at the others to see that his story has hits some chords with them as some try to choke back tears hearing the cries of their blue brother. "Sonic, don't know if this is the right time to tell you this, but while I was in Mobodoon; Mayor Winnie gave me some letters from dad when he was on Earth and…"

Sonic looks up at Manic then says "Did you say Earth?"

"Yeah, dad has sent letters to mom and us from Earth," Manic restates.

"That's it! Earth it makes sense! Cortana do a check on Earth," Sonic commands.

The AI runs a check and says, "Sonic there is a nation state called the United States of America."

"AWESOME! THIS IS GREAT! WE HAVE A LEAD!" Sonic calls running pass his siblings towards the door, "Cortana get ready to transfer all the data you have to the office, and Manic send all the letters as well and…"

"Well… well you all seem to very active for this time of night," everyone turns towards to the door and see Aleena leaning up next to the frame in a black jumpsuit.

"MOM!" they all say in unison.

Sonic finishes getting dress, "Mom, we're glad you're back, but we have to see this through, we got a lead and…"

"It is pass your bedtime and it can wait until in the morning."

"But mom!"

"No buts from any of you! Especially you Shadow! Get to bed NOW!" Aleena orders pointing her finger in a demanding fashion. They all look at the fierce expression on her face to see that she is not kidding. They each nod and make their way to bed. Aleena goes by each of their rooms and kisses them good night. Once done, she goes to sitting room and flops down on the couch exhausted.

A green light appears then forms into the figure of Oracle, "How did you mission go your majesty?"

Aleena pours herself a drink then says, "He got away!"

"Do you know where to?"

"Not a clue! The asshole used the close by town to help in his escape," Aleena replies.

"That is very is troubling, so what does he plan to do?" Oracle questions.

"He is going to after my children that are the only way can get the throne."

"I would never have believed that Xavier would behind so many evil deeds," Oracle conveys.

"I know, I would never expect something like that; especially, from my own brother."


"HEY! HEYY! HEY! WAIT DON'T CLOSE JUST YET!"

"Hey everyone, Sonic here, and I wanted to inform you that we the creators for Neo Sonic Underground are planning to turn the pervious episodes into audiobook form. We are still planning on publishing like this, but we wanted to see what you think if we added an audiobook. So please leave a common and let us know what you think. Thanks for reading and remember comments are our rings."

A/N: I don't own Without You


Coming Soon: Episode 13 Covert Affairs!

"Humm… I was wondering what mom was up to?"

"Well you will have to you will have to wait and see Sonic hahaha!"

"Come on mom spill it!"

"Spoilers sweetheart!"