Chapter 18 Setting the ground work.

Authors note, Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you enjoy this new chapter, and hope you all have a fantastic holiday!

Shadows pov

Today was the day. I pulled the little black box out of my dresser, and opened it looking at the shiny new ring with excitement. Elation, and a bit of nausea swarmed over me, and I let out a strangled chuckle.

Chaos, I never thought I would go through with something like this. But that changed when I met her. I tucked the box in my mess of quills, and went to grab my sunglasses. I was meeting Jennifer for yet another meeting at the castle.

Princess Sally was still trying to figure out what to do, after Blaze and Silver appeared. And then after finding out Scourge stole the chaos emerald that was under Rouges protection. Well she was simply beside herself.

Yet after one week of meetings, search parties, and investigations, we had no leads. Blaze had been in a right foul mood the past couple of days. And with approximately seven days left before the so-called turning point event she told us about. Well everyone was in a bad mood.

Which was why I was going to pop the big question. I planned on hopefully cheering Jennifer up, and providing some hope for the future if we started planning for a wedding. We needed a sense of normalcy.

I quickly locked the door behind me as I left, my thoughts swirling to a darker path. I didn't want something to happen before I asked, and then never know what her answer would have been.

I frowned, rage flooding over me just thinking about something happening to Jennifer. Or anyone of my friends for that matter. Rouge and Amy, hmph...even the faker. But still, whatever the reasons, in my heart I knew I couldn't wait any longer to ask. I loved her so much.

Besides, whatever was coming would have to go through me first. And they better think twice before threatening the ultimate lifeforms love, and his friends. Because I most definitely would kill anyone who bothered, or I would die trying. With that last determined thought, I sped off to meet Jennifer.

Jennifer's pov

I yawned as I shivered a bit, the morning was just a bit icy and I cursed the unwelcome chill. Winter was soon approaching, as September ended and October rolled around. The weather was still fall like, most of the time, but the mornings were rather cold.

I found the weather here had some differences, compared with earth's. Their seasons seemed to be a bit harsher, and rolled around quicker, rather than gradually building up. So, I wasn't quite prepared for it to be this cold yet.

I rolled my eyes with a snort as my thoughts caught up with me, "First I hate the heat, and now I hate the cold." I muttered to myself.

Though, it wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't standing out in the breezy weather. Waiting on Shadow...who was late. I sighed, rubbing my arms and ruffling the fur. I smoothed it back down with a scowl, feeling particularly grumpy this morning.

I hadn't slept very well the night before, and with all the stress. (Coupled with no coffee this morning). I was irritable. I gave a glance to the castle as I waited, wondering what the topic of conversation would be today.

Gathering Intel from Sally's various freedom fighters in different areas, or maybe bouncing useless ideas off each other again? My scowl deepened at my own sarcasm filled thoughts. I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly hoping some stress would leave my body.

I needed to keep up hope, This would be no different from other missions...except we had no idea what we were up against, and apparently the fate of the entire world lay on our shoulders. "Yeah no pressure whatsoever." I muttered to myself.

I rubbed my arms once more, as the breeze increased a bit, making my quills swing into my face. I shoved them away, looking around at the various guards and groundskeepers that were working at putting decorations up. Ah, yes. Halloween was right around the corner, and the town was preparing for the holiday.

Apparently they had an annual ball here, hosted at the castle by the King. The ball would be held on Halloween day, and the town was giddy with excitement as the decorations went up.

Princess Sally had decided not to tell the townsfolk about the whole end of the world situation yet. And to be honest who could blame her? Until she had some answers, and a game plan to reassure the people, It would do no good anyway. It would only cause complications, and wide spread panic.

I idly watched a guard struggle to hang some cobwebs. Obviously I couldn't really remember celebrating the holiday much, I think I might have hung some paper ghosts, and the silly plastic spiders. Otherwise, I didn't remember doing much for the holiday.

But nonetheless, I found I suddenly had the desire to decorate the house a bit. Maybe set some candy out for the tots? Did they trick or treat here? I made a mental note to ask Shadow that later. Still, decorations sounded good, they sounded normal. And I needed something normal right now.

I vaguely pondered if I should ask Blaze if she would like to go Shopping later to get stuff for the holiday. My nose wrinkled at the thought, Blaze was a...interesting roommate. She had only stayed there for a week, though I couldn't help but feel she didn't particularly like me.

She didn't stay for meals, nor had she accepted any of my offers to hang out. It was basically like living with a ghost. A blue blur suddenly slammed into my chest, and began snuggling into my coat with a sharp coo. I jerked a bit, catching my balance with a smirk and cradling the ball into my arms.

"Heya Cheese, I haven't seen you in a while buddy." I cooed. A small heart appeared above Cheeses head at my greeting, and he gave a smile.

"Cheese! I told you not to run away like that!" A high voice scolded. I glanced down the walk to see Cream and her Mother striding over.

"Cream, Vanilla! So good to see you both, how are you doing?"

Cream gave me a delighted smile, " Hello Miss Jennifer!" She skipped up to me, and I passed her Cheese.

I gave her a hug as I glanced at Vanilla, "Are y'all here for the meeting as well?"

I noticed Vanilla wore a frown, and she shook her head gravely. "The princess has informed me of the coming times and requested that we stay with her in the city until further notice. In fact, she has been asking all the outsiders to come stay in the town, she hasn't given much information. She didn't want to cause panic you see, but some are becoming suspicious."

She sighed, "I just needed to speak with her regarding my concerns, and the starting gossip I have heard among the markets."

My heart clenched, Holidays and celebrations all but forgotten. I swallowed, "I see. Well there's no safer place to be Vanilla."

Vanilla cast a worried look at Cream who was playing patty cake with Cheese. "I hope so." She replied.

She bid me a terse goodbye and called Cream and Cheese as she began walking to the castle. I huffed as the gloom settled once more over me, things were getting serious. I stood there thinking, when suddenly Shadow finally arrived.

He gave a smirk when he saw me, "Hey angel. Sorry for keeping you waiting."

"I was wondering if you had forgotten about me." I drawled raising a brow. Shadows smirk fell a bit, before he rose a brow.

Grabbing my hand he pulled me to him, giving me a peck on the nose. "Never." He whispered vehemently.

I blushed, a pleased smile pulling at my lips. I gave him a quick kiss, my previous irritation fading away. "Lets go get this meeting over with yeah?" I muttered.

He nodded, "Sure, gotta ask you something though. How about we have dinner at my place tonight?"

"Sure, sounds great babe." I replied. Shadow smiled so wide it looked like his mouth would split.

"Perfect." He mumbled, pulling me close and kissing me hard. My cheeks burned, and my body filled with warmth.

He pulled back, giving a hum of satisfaction. "Your beautiful." He mumbled with a smirk, running his thumb down my cheek. Before pulling me towards the castle.

I rose a confused brow behind his back, why was he in such a good mood? And...so lovey dovey? Like, not that Shadow didn't show affection, but that seemed...different. I thought for a moment, and my mind snapped to the ring I had found, and suddenly it made sense. My heart swelled with excitement, and wonder. Shadow was planning on proposing.

Eggmans pov.

My deadline was coming fast. I only had a week left. One week, and I would be free. My calculations were on point, refined and perfected! My eyes narrowed at the fox girl asleep in her corner. Yes, after nearly a month she had begun to trust me more and more.

I had proposed my plan to her only a few hours ago, and she had yet to say anything to me. She had merely risen a brow at me, and shuffled back to her corner falling asleep quickly. I scowled, if she decided to leave me to my own devices, or chaos forbid, tell the master...I was well and truly trumped.

There would be no coming back, and my prize if said situation happened? A nice long nap, six feet under. I shook my head with a huff, snapping my gaze away from the irritating mobian.

I had thought I was making progress, with the fox, her lack of answer was disturbing. And terrifying, as she was the heart and soul for this scheme. I was startled to attention when the door shuddered open.

My heart sped with anxiety, only calming a bit when it was Scourge who came swaggering in. I frowned, watching him carefully when he gave no explanation for his appearance. His eyes focused on the girl, a smug smile appearing when he saw she was asleep.

As he came closer, I suddenly had a strange knot in my stomach. "Why are you here?" I spoke up, raising a brow.

He didn't spare me a glance, "Payback Doc." He muttered.

For some reason my stomach dropped a bit at this declaration. He was right next to the fox now, and with a smirk he suddenly swung a leg out his foot connecting with her jaw. Her eyes snapped open, and with a yelp she jerked sideways.

Her chains clanked as she tumbled on her side, her hands flying up to cradle her face. Scourge grinned kicking her in the stomach. She curled up, yanking her head down and twisting her already tiny self into a tight ball.

My mouth felt dry as Scourge continued beating her, her small yelps and fleshy smacks rang through the room. I kept silent, when suddenly she peeked through her fingers at me, her eyes glazed with pain. I huffed, turning away.

But in that silent moment, I saw not one plea in her eyes. She knew I could not, or would not help her. It lasted all of a few minutes and then Scourge was gone, his revenge dealt.

Silence rang through the room, before I heard a shuffling. I watched out of the corner of my eye as the fox crawled back to her corner. Curling into it with a wince, she rested her body against the wall. And was soon back asleep.

The knot in my stomach intensified, and I growled at the unwelcome feeling. I sat there for a few moments, before glancing at the door. I carefully stood up, my knees creaking and groaning as I forced my weight up.

I crept up to the fox, frowning when my foot hit a bolt, sending it bouncing across the floor. My eyes snapped to the girl, and I observed as her breathing stayed even. She didn't even flinch. I sniffed in disapproval, she was a hard sleeper then.

I crouched next to her, my eyes roaming over her with a frown. Blood dripped from her slightly open mouth, her jaw already swelling. He had kicked her stomach a good few times...internal bleeding? My heart clenched, and with slight panic I glanced around.

I spotted a tooth a few feet away, and with relief determined that was the cause of the bleeding. Even in sleep she had her arm cradled to her chest, and I noticed her wrist was swollen. I sighed, I needed her in top condition.

Curse that insufferable green hedgehog. With a grimace, I tore a strip of cloth from my dirty undershirt. I gritted my teeth in irritation, when I noticed it was beginning to be just a tattered rag.

Huffing, I looked at the foxes face wondering if I should wake her. I scowled and with a shake of my head I reached out and carefully grabbed her abused wrist. Gently wrapping it in the rag, I felt annoyed by her injuries.

I glanced over her once more, and deduced there was no more I could do without removing some clothing, or having access to medical supplies. I strode back over to my desk quickly, feeling exasperated by these events.

She better heal fast, because I needed her. As I began working again, I missed the foxes eyes opening slowly and giving me a warm look. Before snuggling closer to the wall, and falling back asleep.