Chapter 19 Plans, Partys, and Proposals

Authors note, Hey guys hope you all enjoy this chapter, and also that you all are keeping safe. I want to give a quick shout out to a few stories that I thought were really good, and they need some love so go check them out! Chaos on Earth: A Sonic X rewrite, by StarDown. And Neon Knight and the unlucky 7, by bikerboy. Also Dragonsrule18 has some adorable undertale drabbles/oneshots. But yeah enjoy this, and tell me what yall think.

Jennifer's pov

The meeting dragged, especially since I was trying to hold down my absolute giddiness over tonight. Putting on a somber face while waiting for your proposal to happen is no easy feat. I was practically twitchy, and I was only able to fully tamp it down after getting my third curious glance from Shadow.

I twisted my fingers together as Sally prepared to close, and give out the final orders. I felt a bit of shame over not paying much attention, but it really was just more of the same.

We had no info, we were still lost on what to do next as Sally and Sonic both agreed searching Robotniks old bases was too dangerous after the last fiasco. And with no new leads, everyone was pretty much just twiddling their thumbs.

Sally dismissed with a scowl, no doubt feeling everyone's frustration and hopelessness that was practically oozing through the room. People started getting up sluggishly, and I noticed Manic give me a small glance as he passed. I pointedly ignored him.

Our relationship was still on the rocks, and I hadn't seen much of him after the showdown with Shadow. Besides I had promised Shadow we wouldn't hang out anyway. I didn't quite know how to feel about it, I had told Manic in the heat of the moment that maybe we could be friends.

But Shadows feelings were more important, and I honestly didn't want anymore drama. My thoughts were cut short when Shadow tugged my hand, asking if I was ready to go. Giving him a quick nod, we got up to leave when I noticed Sonic and Sally coming over.

Their expressions were grim, but I also saw barely concealed exasperation in Sonics eyes. I gave a puzzled look to Shadow, but he only gave a slightly wary frown. Sally gave a curt nod to us both, "Shadow, Jennifer." She greeted.

Sonic didn't say anything, and began glaring at the floor. "What's wrong?" Shadow demanded.

My eyes bounced back and forth between Sonic and Sally, wondering what could be wrong now. Had the big event happened? Was there news? And if so, why weren't they telling the rest of the team?

Sally sighed heavily, "Look we want to keep this on the down low for right now. We dont want to cause more panic, and frankly the team is in low enough spirits as is."

I narrowed my eyes, why she was coming to me and Shadow then? "Why come to us, and what exactly do we need to keep quiet?" I muttered.

Sally gave me a sad look, and I was startled to see how tired she looked in that moment. She had bags under her eyes, and her posture was slumped.

Sonic growled, answering my question himself. "We've been getting missing persons reports. Over eight now actually, from all over Knothole. No leads, no witnesses to the kidnappings, they just vanished."

Shadow arched a eyebrow, "You think it's connected?"

Sonic scoffed, "Be a heckuva coincidence if it wasn't buddy."

I shook my head slightly, "Why tell us and not everyone?"

"We don't know if it really is connected or not. We need you two to help us out." Sally replied.

"How?" Shadow returned.

"You both used to work for Eggman, now we already know he's somehow a part of this. And you two know his mind best, how he used to work. We think if we all put our heads together, maybe we can figure out his next move." Sonic answered.

I shook my head incredulously, "But Sonic, whoever broke Robotnic out along side Scourge has proven they have their own agenda. Let me ask you, does this seem like the work of Robotnic? Or Scourge for that matter?"

Shadow nodded, "Scourge is a sidekick, he works best with alies not alone. I can't see him as the lead of this operation."

I shifted to fold my arms, "I don't know Scouge like y'all do, so I cant offer much on that subject. But for Robotnic? This is all too clever, too planned out. These water creatures, the planned attacks at his old bases, heck even these weeks of silence."

Shadow joined in on my argument, "Jen is right. The Doctor is erratic, and his patience is thin at best. If he was free to do as he pleased, revenge would be at the forefront of his mind. And also, the man has quite the flare for the dramatics. He enjoys a audience, and bragging, as you well know Sonic. Not to mention, have either one of you seen his usual bots?"

I voiced my agreement, "That also has been bothering me a bit, he always had hundreds of bots at his disposal. Even at his base on earth, the one I was at for a while. I can't even imagine what he could have here. And that's not counting the big boy machines he built for himself to ride and control, nor the experimental models."

I brought a hand up to scratch my cheek as I pondered on just what part Robotnic had in all this. Yet another strange mystery to unravel in this twisted game. Sonic was smirking a bit, and Sally looked a little shocked.

"Well, it was a good idea to talk to you both on this subject. We've got a lot to think about now. And still a lot to talk about." Sally frowned as she was interrupted by a loud beeping.

Reaching into the small jacket she was wearing, she pulled out what looked like a compact mirror. She flipped it open and suddenly a voice spoke from it. "Sally? We've got news." Sally narrowed her eyes, quickly excused herself, and darted away.

Sonic's eyes followed her, confusion swimming in his bright green irises. Shadow clicked his tongue, "Well if you need anything else let us know. We are gonna head out."

Sonic gave us a small smile, "Yeah I've got to meet Ames myself. See you guys later." Shadow took my hand as I waved bye.

"Oh, and guys?" Sonic called. Shadow and I turned to look back, and I saw Sonic's eyes had gone a bit dim. He paused for a moment, "Be careful out there." He finally said.

I exchanged a glance with Shadow, dread pooling in my gut and replacing the giddy excitement I had previously had. Shadow gave a solemn nod, "You as well faker." Sonic's lips twitched at the old nickname, not offended by it. It was now a sign of friendship between them.

Shadow and I finally took our leave, and quickly left the now stuffy castle. After parting with Shadow, with promises to be careful and that I would meet him for dinner, he went off to work. I began walking to town , thoughts swirling through my head.

I didn't have work today, it being my day off. So I decided to do a bit of shopping, maybe pick up some halloween stuff. I started heading towards the small strip mall in the middle of Knothole, when I noticed Rouge in a jewelry shop. With a slight smile I decided to ask if wanted to come along with me.

It had been quite a while since we last hung out, her job as a spy kept her pretty busy. So the only time I had seen her really was during meetings. Last I heard, she and Knuckles had began dating. Walking inside, I gave a few glances at the wares but nothing interesting popped out at me.

My mind only kept going back to a splendid white gold ring, with a oval diamond and lovely rubies. I sighed with a grin at the overwhelming feelings that started flowing over me. With my thoughts in the clouds I accidentally bumped into a bear lady, causing her to drop a pair of earrings she had been eyeing.

She gave a irritated huff but still muttered a quick, "Excuse me, young lady."

"No I'm sorry Miss, I wasn't watching where I was going." I replied snatching up the fallen jewelry and handing it back to her.

She gave me a small smile, a bit more friendly now, "Ah thank you. Now, is there anything I can help you with?"

I then noticed she had a worker's tag on, with the name Dia scrawled across it. "Oh, I'm just here to see my friend." I replied while pointing out Rouge, "Um, Dia." I tacked on.

She gave a smile, "Oh are you here to help the poor dear pick a engagement ring? This is her third time here this week, and she always looks at those rings."

My eyes nearly bugged out, "En..engagement ring?" I spat out, thoroughly surprised.

"Why Jennifer darling, fancy seeing you here." I turned around and saw Rouge leaning against a counter giving me a coy smirk.

"Uh, what?" Was my eloquent reply.

Rouge laughed, "Oh Jen, actually I'm happy your here. You can help me choose!" She then grabbed my arm and tugged me to the section she had been ogling over before.

I struggled to keep my balance as Rouge jerked me over to the counter, pointing out rings frantically. "This one would be perfect right? Its HUGE, and I deserve something expensive right? Mmhmm, I just love emeralds."

I could barely keep up with her chatter, and I was sputtering trying to catch up with this weird turn of events. "Rouge." I called, confusion lacing my voice.

She dragged me to another display, farther into the corner still pointing out possible choices. "Rouge, just wait a sec." I tugged on her wrist, but she wasn't paying attention to me.

Her eyes kept glancing behind us, while she kept blathering about large diamonds and price. "Rouge what in the world, didn't you and Knuckles just start dating a few months ago?"

Rouge leaned casually over the display, still looking at jewelry only now much more calm. "Isn't this one just darling?" She asked pointing at another piece.

I gave her a confused glance, "Are you ignoring me?"

Rouge gave me a small smile, "Well, which do you like?"

"Ok, I dont understand what is happening." I said folding my arms with a sigh.

Rouge laughed a bit, "Here, look at these!" She gestured to a few bracelets.

I rose a brow as Rouge kept up the chatter, "Are you ok?"

Rouge gently spun a large earring display case, examining it as she talked, "Let's get out of here, and I'll explain" I glanced around suspiciously at her words my senses on alert now.

I nodded, and we began heading out, Dia giving Rouge a large smile as we left. "Did you choose yet dear?"

"Almost, I have it narrowed down to the Sapphire oval, or the princess cut diamond!" Rouge replied.

Dia laughed, "Very nice choices, I'll hold them for you for a day." Rouge thanked her and quickly tugged me out the door.

She began leading me down the line of shops, waiting till we were a ways from the jewelry store. "Man that was annoying, but I had to keep the act up. Sorry dearie."

"What was that all about Rouge?" I demanded.

"I'm on a job Hun, you saw that bear who worked there?" She questioned, giving me a sidelong glance.

"Uh, Dia?" I questioned.

Rouge nodded, "She's a jewel thief."

My jaw dropped, "What, no way!"

"Yep, she's been looting for years I think. She actually used to go by the name Gergina." Rouge stopped for a moment, looking at a window display of high heels before continuing.

"Gergina was smart, she sold things slowly and only on the black market. Until she had enough for her shop. But somehow some rumors slipped, and we got a tip from a undercover operative we have. And well here I am. I almost have enough info to bust the whole thing open." A spark of mischief shone in Rouge's eyes, and I smiled.

"Your job is so cool." I gushed.

Rouge rolled her eyes with a snort, "This case is not at all interesting, it's only fun to look at all that wonderful jewelry."

I laughed a bit, "You had me going though, I totally thought Knuckles had proposed."

A light blush fell over Rouges cheeks, "Heavens no! We've only been dating for a bit...it would be wonderful though." I smothered a giggle when Rouge lost focus for a moment, a silly little grin on her face.

And suddenly I was bursting with a need to tell someone, anyone, about Shadows planned proposal. The giddiness was back full force, and I'm sure I had a similar grin on my own face as I pictured Shadow on one knee. His eyes filled with love, and just a hit of nervousness. The sultry grin I loved so much on his muzzle, as he said the words every woman looks forward to hearing.

"Jennifer?" Someone flicked my ear and I startled out of my fantasy feeling heat flood my face. Rouge was staring at me with a brow raised, and I felt my face heat further.

"Uhhh, Yeah ok. Um, when are you busting the case?" I burst out hurriedly, to change the subject. Rouge looked shocked, looking around us for a quick second.

"Try and keep it on the down low, huh hun? Never know who might be listening." Rouge quipped.

I muttered a apology, while Rouge sighed. "Pretty soon, I have almost enough evidence. But I'm just waiting on the final word from our operative on the black market. He got a clue that Dia was supposed to come and sell a few things."

I stopped in front of a store window, looking at some halloween decor that was set up. A pair of inflatables were on display, a carved pumpkin that looked like it was flaming, and a black cat with green eyes that would flash when it sensed movement. The display was completed with draped spiderwebs, and traditional plastic skeletons laying around.

I debated getting one of the inflatables, but I couldn't decide. I pointed them out to Rouge, asking which one l should get. Rouge leaned in to glance, before pointing at the pumpkin. "Are you planning to just decorate this year or have a party?" She asked following me as I went inside to grab one.

I thought for a second before replying, "I was just planning to decorate, but a party might not be a bad idea. I think everyone could use a bit of fun right?"

Rouge gave a excited nod, "I adore parties! I agree everyone is getting wore down, and sometimes you need a break to clear your head."

I frowned, "Yeah. It reminds me of when we were back on earth." Rouge gave a small smile at my words, but stayed silent.

After getting the inflatable we shopped around for a bit, getting more decor and talking about this and that. I asked Rouge if she wanted to help plan the party, and we began taking about party food, and games we could play. And of course what our costumes could be.

As we were waiting in the checkout lane, the cart piled high with decorations, food, and some stuff I had needed, a thought came to me. "So does Sally not know about this black market that you were telling me about?" I made sure to keep my voice low.

Rouge scoffed, "Of course not, she'd bust it open in a heart beat. And while that would slow them down, I guarantee a new one would be up and running again, in a new secure location, within a fortnight."

We went silent for a moment before a very morbid thought ran through my head. "What about the more terrible crimes?"

Rouge rose a brow, "What?"

I shrugged, "Human trafficking was a big problem on earth, some areas worse then others. Drugs, weapons, heck everything under the sun went on in places like that. Especially if it was illegal. Is it like that here?"

Rouge scowled, "Yes. And also no. Drugs of course, but weapon deals are more rare. And trafficking, well that is almost unheard of in Knothole. And when it has been a problem, Sally almost immediately knows. People here don't take disappearances, or things like murders very well. Earth, however short my time there, was disgusting."

Our conversation was cut off as we were next, and didn't continue till we were walking back to my home. Rouge had decided to come with and help set up some of the decorations. We had been silent for a while when I suddenly thought of something.

"Rouge. You said trafficking was rare here. When it did happen, was it on the black market?"

Rouge blinked startled by my out of the blue question, "Well, yes I guess so. I was part of one of the cases, and there were two more that I've heard of, I believe. All the perps in each tried to move the victim's through the market."

My eyes widened as things fell into place, and I got a idea. "I have to go. I'm sorry. I'll meet you at my house in a bit, here's the key." I quickly handed her my bags and the key as I spoke. I didn't wait for her response, and rushed away with my speed. I needed to talk with Princess Sally now.

Time skip

"I can't believe this."

I frowned as Princess Sally held her head in astonishment. "You think its possible then?" I demanded.

Sally frowned, "More then possible, it seems the only viable option left. It makes perfect sense, and it also explains why we cant catch them under any of our radars. I was just too stupid to see it."

"Hey, don't beat yourself up, we have a lead now right?" I awkwardly mumbled.

"We have to inform all the others, we finally have something to latch onto." Sally immediately sent out a mass message to the freedom fighters through her watch-com.

She then turned to me, "Can you tell Shadow all this, and be back here by seven. We need to find out where the new black market is. We will go from there."

I absently smoothed out a tuft of fur on my arm, deep in thought. "Jennifer?" Sally called.

"How probable is it that, if we were to bust this operation. We would find the guy we need in all the chaos?" I slowly asked.

Sally narrowed her eyes, "We just have to take that chance."

I frowned, "What if we didn't?" I returned.

Sally looked sceptical, "What are you saying?"

"What if we sent in someone, like undercover?" I suggested.

Sally gave a thoughtful pause, "That's actually a really good idea, ok that's something else we will discuss. Maybe Rouge could go in, she's got a ton of experience."

I nodded, "That would be perfect."

Sally turned, "I have a lot of calls to make, I'm pulling in some freedom fighters I have stationed in Mobotropolis. My brother is the ruler there, I might just call him in too, if he can spare the time. He is good with undercover operations." Sally paused for a second, giving me a glance over her shoulder. "I sure hope your right about this."

I swallowed hard, "Me too."