Author's Note 1: I'm back! It's been a while, hasn't it? This time, I've decided to publish something different. This work focuses on a mission rather than another one of Sonic and Shadow's escapades. Said mission takes place a few days before the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II. On the other hand, it happens almost one month after the rivals' one-night stand, shown in "Double Down."
"One Thousand and One Nights" is a story divided in two acts. It follows canon events and contains other media elements. It also can be read as a stand-alone story. However, it's advised to read at least "Something in Between" or "Double Down" to understand Sonic and Shadow's motivations. Certain scenes in this work have respective songs playing in the background, so check the notes in the end of this story for all recommended titles and their timestamps.
Notice that Sonic the Hedgehog is 20 years old in this work.
ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS
And the Alignment of Business and Pleasure
ACT 1
Prey
The Feast of the Sun and Moon had begun.
Given how the deep night sky of Shamar glinted with the glorious appearance of the full moon, townspeople in the busy streets of Arid Sands raised their arms to thank the moon for another morning yet to come. They shouted prayers of gratitude in celebration of the most sacred Shamaran custom, switching their diurnal routine to honor the planet's natural satellite in the midnight hour.
Not too far from the outskirts of the village, near the flat rock-free landscape, stood two individuals, who also changed their usual daytime habits to worship the moonlight in respect of the annual festival. Hallowmoon had its followers wide awake and alert, which implied commitment to various activities throughout the darkest hours before dawn.
In one of the few suites on a foreign motel, very close to the shallow fountains that decorated the sandstone streets and its lit torches in the corners, was the contrast to all the holy devotion of Shamar's residents and sons of the land. Courtesy of Brenda, a professional freelance news reporter, the top headline of World Treasure Magazine was able to spend the festivities with his infamous rival in convenient reservation.
The room wasn't traditional, nor adorned characteristic elements of Shamar's architecture. It was sleek and allowed native visitors to delve themselves into exotic guilty pleasures. Brenda had informed Sonic about its inclusions in her recommendation call, when he had told her he needed a place to spend the night with a friend: dark purple walls, a queen-sized bed, a large ceiling mirror and an intricate bathroom, its jacuzzi taking all the space filled with Arid Sands' best oils and bath salts. Predominantly dark, the suite was lit with fuchsia neon lights outlining the descended plafond. It wasn't all: they also had an exclusive view to the village and its fiery lights below from the ample balcony.
It looked like a typical Studiopolis Zone motel room, except it was located in the heart of Shamar. An interesting way to attract travelers and curious citizens.
To add a dose of eroticism to the suite, there was a black leather tantra chair next to the balcony, right under the mirror that covered all events from above. It was placed near the bed, its sheets now stained and wrinkled, and the recently dragged glass bedside table that held an ice bucket, where a bottle of champagne laid open. Next stood two half-filled tall glasses from the last time the heroes were granted meticulous room service, after Shadow had given the first blowjob of his life.
Sonic was eager to spend more rings than any of Hot Desert's royal chiefs, as for Shadow it was worth it. The Moon to his Sun.
It was called Feast for a reason.
Despite the godly ornamentation, all the curtains were put to the side to give room to the pale moon high above the sky. It looked beautiful, practically ethereal. In other circumstances, Sonic would look up the sky and howl, an animalistic echo among prayers. Now, Sonic leaned his head back, profile illuminated by the moonlight while sweat gleamed in the pink glow, to let out a raspy moan, eyes closed in an expression of pure ecstasy as he reached yet another orgasm, bouncing until its finish.
Sonic had groaned one man's name like a desperate prayer. An act of blasphemy on a sacred week.
All hail Shadow.
He wasn't a believer. Not yet.
Shadow ceased his motions and tried to catch his breath, mouth agape and eyes fluttering shut. He leaned his head back until it landed on the lowest end of the tantra chair, an arm under his head, chest rising and falling in synchrony with its owner's silent gasps. Sonic had mirrored Shadow's movements, leaning his back quills on the opposite side of the sex chaise lounge. He straightened his posture against the leather surface and remained sat on the other's lap, erection still buried deep inside him after a memorable ride.
They looked into each other's half-lidded eyes through the reflection in the mirror. Two bodies glued together with no intention of breaking apart, even less after Sonic had involuntarily quivered around Shadow's cock, feeling his insides pulse like a heartbeat.
"What a view, huh?" Sonic broke the silence with a crooked grin, spent in every sense of the word.
Shadow chuckled, a low, deep sound reaching Sonic's sensitive ears. The hero's grin widened in serenity.
"What a fucking view, blue boy," he concluded in a sultry voice and smirked, eyes on the mirror.
"Man, it feels so much better," Sonic confessed in a whispered tone and closed his eyes, head inclining back. He looked like he would cum again.
"Five fucks later and you finally managed to convince me not to wear a condom. Congratulations," Shadow shook his head a little, watching his rival's features lit up when his gaze lingered on him in the reflection.
"Why? Never fucked Rouge without protection?" Sonic averted his eyes from the mirror and faced Shadow, who was sprawled out under him.
"Rather the opposite," he snorted.
"Trust me, you were brave. Imagine if she ended up pregnant with your child! You guys would have a little bat-hedgehog running around Club Rouge and scaring away customers," Sonic laughed when Shadow grimaced and placed a palm on each one of his blue thighs.
"Hmph. Impossible," Shadow stated, pausing for a second before continuing. "I'm one of a kind," when Sonic tilted his head in confusion, he explained bitterly. "I'm infertile, Sonic."
"Really? I didn't know," Sonic seemed to be taken aback by his statement. "I'm sorry."
"I was modified when the Professor learned about the government's plans to take possession of me," Shadow shrugged nonchalantly, ungloved fingers coming to caress his own chest fur. "I still can self-reproduce, but I chose not to. It's too dangerous," then he checked his rival out in the pink neon light. "Besides, I prefer men. It doesn't bother me at all."
"I know, it's just… I dunno. Guess I want to be a dad one day," Sonic ran a hand through his head quills slowly.
"And who would be the mother? Amy?" Shadow grinned. His previously occupied hand went to stroke Sonic's thigh, now free of his palm, while his arm remained under his head.
Sonic rolled his eyes at his insinuation. "Only time will tell," he let the other's fingers run through blue fur until they reached his flaccid dick, where they stopped to play with the still wet member, since he hadn't cleaned up yet. "Honestly, I might end up raising another Chao."
"Another?" Shadow sounded curious, palm descending to massage his rival's balls softly.
The blue hedgehog hummed and elaborated. "Yeah, remember the little one who looked like me that we raised together once?"
Shadow pondered for a bit. "No."
"Nevermind," Sonic cut the conversation short, taking Shadow's fingers off his sack. "Kids will slow me down."
"Mhm," Shadow smiled in compassion; he knew that feeling all too well. He wasn't one to settle down either. "Are you going to get out of my lap or what? I'm not going to breed you, daddy," with that remark, Shadow bucked his hips upward, earning a pained groan from the sore hero.
"I'll make you choke on my dick again!" Sonic warned, clearly offended.
Later on, Sonic and Shadow returned to their earlier position on the sex chaise lounge, except that now there wasn't any kind of penetration involved. Laid down, Shadow's ass rested on the hero's lap, who sat comfortably with his legs dangling off each side of the erotic chair. Leaning on the backrest, Sonic downed his forgotten glass of champagne while Shadow's feet caged his head. The agent blew his cigarette's smoke forward as the summer night breeze mixed its scent with the musky smell that prevailed in the room.
"Have you ever been to Shamar before?" Sonic eventually asked, placing his empty glass on the table.
"First time," Shadow replied before taking another drag.
"I didn't expect to race you on the way to the village. Let alone see you again so soon after we had a quickie in Mirage Saloon Zone," Sonic licked his lips. "You never called me. Lost my number?"
"You're not my priority, hedgehog," the agent reminded him, stretching an arm under his head again.
"Then who is? That chipmunk who sucked you off? The jackal you fucked from the side? Oh, it's the cat who fell in love wit ya and you treated him like shit!" Sonic beamed a smile. "Love at first fuck. Who would've guessed, huh?"
"My priority is the wolf who cheated on his wife with me," Shadow revealed sarcastically. "I still owe him an autograph."
"The hot, buff guy who was your fan?" Sonic chuckled. "Hilarious. I know you don't fuck the same person twice. Nice try," he gave a quick kiss to his dark counterpart's foot.
"Just the easy ones," Shadow's mouth curved upwards as the insult hung in the air.
"Unlike someone I know, I don't have sex with three different men in the same week," Sonic stole the cigarette from Shadow's fingers and took a long drag himself, receiving a scowl in return. He handed it back to his rival after exhaling the smoke. "The heck you doing here, anyway?"
"I could ask the same thing to you," as if to feign indifference, the black and red hedgehog rubbed his foot on the other's muzzle.
"Fair enough," Sonic frowned and took Shadow's ankle to put his sole away from his face.
"It's confidential," he tried again, brushing his toes on the side of his blue counterpart's head to rile him up.
"Ever the cryptic one," the hero deadpanned and gripped Shadow's foot in annoyance, hearing a low, devilish laugh.
Out of the blue, Sonic loomed over his rival until their cocks touched. Aware of the sudden friction, Shadow blew smoke in the direction of the balcony and registered the blue blur coming closer. He watched his movements carefully until his initial suspicion was proved wrong. The dense hedgehog wasn't going to kiss him. Sonic had simply taken something off his muzzle, holding it between his thumb and index finger to show him.
"You had an eyelash on your cheek," Sonic pointed out, as impersonal as one could be.
After huffing air through his nostrils, Shadow tried to sit down. He discarded his cigarette and took a glance at the clock on the far wall.
"I'm leaving in twenty minutes. Don't waste my time."
"Think you can get it up again in the jacuzzi?" with half-lidded eyes, Sonic smirked and hastily pulled Shadow onto his lap.
"Can you?" Shadow mimicked his features, noses so close they could almost touch.
The night was still young to have a little fun.
•••
The sun returned and so did its awaited heat.
Rouge the Bat fanned herself once she reached the entrance to the town area. Mindful of the sunny weather, the white bat wore her old-fashioned raider uniform: a brown strapless top and pants, secured by a black belt under her exposed flat belly; chocolate-colored gloves with rectangular cuts on their backs; dark purple bracelets on each one of her upper arms to match her wings of the same color; and to finish her look, plum thigh high-heeled boots with hazel hearts on the tips. She wore her regular blue eyeshadow, however her entire outfit consisted of one similar to a seasoned explorer's.
In fact, she was an explorer. The best of her kind. Rouge was considered a treasure hunter for a reason. A natural talent mixed with an everlasting desire for greatness.
The agent walked past a few merchants and worshipers of the Sun and Moon, ones who didn't follow the night shift despite its importance and meaning. Everyone respected Shamar's annual tradition, although some people wouldn't dedicate themselves to the sacred ritual due to personal reasons. Rouge passed by famous tourist hotspots near the ancient ruins, declining the offer to have a local tour guide from a man named Musaid, who seemed to treat every stone on the block as an underrated wonder of the world. The treasure hunter was on a mission, specifically assigned to Team Dark last morning by the Commander himself.
She was there on business, not for tourism.
There were music playing and people clapping in the center of the village. The song's ostinato was lively and allowed Rouge to mingle with some dancing citizens in an attempt not to be seen by whoever could be watching her steps. As soon as Rouge walked towards the decorated pillars, looking both ways before regarding outdoor carpet stores and other marketplaces, she noticed the crystalline water glimmering Shamar's flag, its red, green and white tones blurred in the reflection. She gave a subtle look at one of the farthest medium-sized cream buildings and smirked. Keeping her gaze on the road ahead, she spoke quietly to two agents who could hear her through a shared line.
"The Hallowmoon celebrations are massive here."
"Proceed," came Shadow's deep voice in her earpiece.
Inside one of the apartments in the aforementioned building, Shadow was lying on his abdomen, legs spread on a short table to maintain his aim intact. He had been surveying his partner's every move and surroundings from the window through the scope of a sniper rifle, neatly balanced over a tripod. Rouge was on sight, seen via the reticle. The red dot was turned off as not to raise suspicion. Shadow scanned the perimeter, checking empty tables around palm trees and other orange lit shops to look for G.U.N.'s informer. The mobian was nowhere to be seen so far.
First objective: gather information on the target from an anonymous source.
Team Dark's assignment was to recover evidence on a mobian lion's illegal side business, a man deemed powerful and important among Black Market kingpins and high-ranked government leaders. He didn't have a name that was known by the general public, but he was referred to as noble leader by human and mobian villagers around the desert areas.
The informant, an unknown mobian who called G.U.N. to arrange a meeting with its best agents, said they had crucial information on the lion's whereabouts and where to find him. The Commander deployed Team Dark to investigate if the tip was indeed valuable. Either way, Shadow and E-123 Omega were there to provide support in case it ended up being a trap from the untouchable noble leader himself. Rouge was the best at talking in these situations, while her boys tended to use violence instead of words to get anything from an unreliable witness.
"Omega, am I on the right track?" Rouge asked, searching for the informant amidst the vacant carpets outside a traditional restaurant.
The machine in question was high on the rooftop of the sandstone property, head slightly peeking out of its edge, while his large arsenal remained ready if the mission turned out unsuccessful.
"Affirmative. Rendezvous point is located in approximately 6.5 meters. No sign of the informant," said a monotone, robotic voice.
Shadow once again tried to find any trace of the late stranger. He searched every temple and corner of the town square through his long-range scope, adjusting its objective to find a better zoom. When he focused his crimson eye on the scope again, he saw movement in the previously checked tables in front of the Golden Trading Company shop. Sat down on one of the chairs, table filled with a pot containing some kind of stretchy white ice cream and a canned juice, was their informant. Shadow lowered his aim until it landed on blue legs under the counter.
"Son of a bitch," Shadow muttered to himself. He wanted to shoot the blue demon in the head.
"Found him. 10 o'clock," Rouge heard her best friend's serious tone and followed his instruction, until a familiar voice called her out on her low-profile stance.
"Long time no see, Rouge!" Sonic waved a hand with a sly grin on his muzzle.
Rouge snorted and came closer, sitting down on the opposite chair. She could hear Shadow grumbling subtly from her earpiece. Omega remained silent, possibly recording the conversation.
"What a wonderful surprise," she crossed her arms on the table, leaning forward. "Why didn't you call me, Big Blue? You have my number."
"Knuckles wouldn't like that," Sonic informed and raised his canned juice to his lips to take a sip. He also held a hot dog, one different from the notorious chili dogs he used to eat almost every day.
"And why is that?" the bat tilted her head, amused.
"You could ask him yourself. We'll be throwing a party in Mystic Ruins next week. You and your team could show up," he paused to fix her a half-lidded glance. "I'd love to play a drinking game with Team Dark's leader."
Rouge found the remark extremely dubious for some reason, so she made sure he was talking about her. "You mean me, honey."
"Not what I've been told," Sonic gave her a cocky smile and continued. "Where is he? Thought he'd like to see me. We haven't seen each other since my birthday party," he shamelessly lied. When Rouge's eyes narrowed and her mouth fell slightly open with indignation, he presented his hot dog to her field of view. "You want one? I got it from the hot dog vendor over there. This one is called sandy dog."
"Let's get down to business, Sonic. I don't have all day," she waved a hand and he took a bite on the sandy dog.
"I got the intel G.U.N. is looking for," Sonic stated, munching on the fast-food.
"And?" the agent pressed on.
"And… let's say Tails and I are also keeping a close eye on the guy," the hero finished his sandy dog and licked his gloved fingers, much to Rouge's displeasure.
"No, you aren't. You two can't get in the way of our mission. It's confidential."
"Well, then that's all! It's been nice to see you, Rouge," Sonic bid her goodbye, getting his canned juice and the untouched sticky ice cream pot from the table as he got up from his seat.
Rouge growled in irritation and gave up. "Fine. Care to share what you've got if we work together?"
"Now we're talking," Sonic sat down almost immediately, placing his breakfast back on the table. "He got some business with Eggman in Oil Ocean Zone. I'm not sure what their deal is, but Tails knows. We just need to find some papers so I can finally break into the new factory. Thing is, he'll be holding a party tonight from what I've heard."
Rouge seemed interested, raising an eye ridge and resting her chin on a fist. "What do you know about this party, Sonic? Are your sources reliable?"
"Yeah, they sure are," the hedgehog snorted and proceeded. "I was running around the village when I caught Raniya and Dimah gossiping about some rich, lion guy coming to celebrate Hallowmoon in town. When they saw me, they asked if I knew who he was and I said no," Sonic stopped to circle a spoon around the ice cream.
Rouge nodded, trying to guess where Sonic was going with this.
"Then Dimah started blabbing about a nice man she met, who was a customer of Labib's, that told her the carpet-maker was busy with some new orders from a noble leader," the hero mentioned the title with disgust. "Long story short, Raniya asked her where he would deliver the carpets, and guess what? They would be delivered to that fancy mansion near the ruins. His mansion."
"Uh-huh," Rouge offered him a tired look.
"As I was saying, I asked Dimah if her new crush knew why that lion guy was here and she told me Ara had the answer," Sonic pointed a thumb behind him, to the Golden Trading Company shop. "And since I'd be here to meet you, I stopped by earlier to get the info Tails and I need. He'll be meeting some merchants in this private Hallowmoon party. Only mobians and a few humans were invited, according to what she heard from Latif, Labib's brother."
"So, basically everything you've got came from old lady gossip," Rouge ran a hand over her face.
"Want me to shoot his leg?" Shadow suggested and Rouge shook her head in a subtle motion.
Sonic raised his hands defensively. "Nah, not everything. But they know more than you think, y'know? You should listen to your elders sometimes," the hero smirked in mockery. "But what do you guys need him for?"
"We're looking for evidence on his side business."
"…side business? Another?" Sonic frowned.
"Sexual exploration of human and mobian women. G.U.N. has been trying to get a hold on his whereabouts for months. He was last seen in Sand Ocean, possibly on business. We got a report about his deal with the Doctor, but it's being kept under wraps for now," Sonic nodded as she explained. "Everything points to the fact that he asked for enhanced security robots, in exchange for materials to boost the Doctor's new oil refinery in Oil Desert Zone."
"The one I also plan to wreck soon."
"Do as you please. If we can get the evidence on his illegal conduct, G.U.N. will be able to get a warrant for his arrest without bureaucracy getting in the way. You know, he's not called a noble leader in Shamar and Dusty Desert for nothing. He's got connections all over Empire City. He's almost elusive, thanks to all the donations," she added.
"Not on my watch. We'll be ending this lion's reign in no time!" Sonic swiped a thumb across his nose in confidence.
"We could make use of you boys' help. Tails could hack into the security cameras' system while we infiltrate the mansion undercover tonight," Rouge smirked, plan already in mind.
"And how would we do that? I thought we would just burst into the place and make him talk," Sonic scratched his head in doubt.
"Don't you think the noble leader would want company for the night?" the smart bat denoted. "We'll be getting the women out of there. That's how we're getting in."
Sonic understood her proposition. It was a risky one.
"I… get it. Well, in that case, we're done here!" the hedgehog dismissed her. "Unless you want to try the elastic ice cream they sell here?" he scooped some of the dessert to his mouth.
"Maybe another time, sugar," Rouge winked at him and rose from her seat. "I'll text you our hideout location. Meet us there in the afternoon for mission prep," then she pointed an accusing finger at him. "And stay sharp, you and Tails."
"Yes, ma'am," Sonic saluted. "Tell Shadow I said hi."
"You can tell him yourself later," Rouge grinned and walked away, heading to the opposite direction where she came from.
"Beware of the quicksand!" Sonic alerted and snickered.
Rouge had no idea he had been with her partner all night long. And it was barely 8 AM.
When the blue hero was about to finish his ice cream, he noticed a red dot between his eyes. He focused his gaze on the tiny dot and followed it as it lowered to his chest. Without moving an inch, Sonic scanned the area until his emerald irises landed on a sand-colored building, where Omega's head shifted. However, it wasn't the direction where the red dot came from. As if on cue, there was a spark of reflected sunlight in one of the narrow windows, coming from a possible scope. Sonic knew the difference between a mirror and an enemy sniper, from all the ambushes he had survived till now.
From the zoomed-in scope's mil-dot, Shadow watched his target lean back on his chair in a relaxed manner, one ankle resting over a knee, and look at him intensely with half-lidded eyes and a knowing smirk. The agent licked his lips, setting Sonic's entire body in the reticle of the sighting device, red dot in the center of his firm peach chest. The blue blur raised his canned juice up in a way to greet him, then he drank the orange liquid as he threw his head back. Once he was done, Sonic mouthed two words slowly so Shadow could read his lips, before winking and grinning at him suggestively.
Shoot me.
It seemed like Sonic wouldn't mind getting shot in the heart. Not by Shadow at least.
Shadow smirked. What an interesting man he had on sight. Team Dark's first objective had been completed. Thus, he moved from his position to sit down and detach the silencer from his rifle, dismantling its accessories to put them inside the G.U.N. case. The smirk hadn't left his mouth yet. In the meantime, Sonic put a finger on his earpiece, its receiver's volume now turned up after his team heard the entire discussion.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" echoed Knuckles' voice. Sonic cringed at the loud tone.
"Easy, Knux. I didn't lie, did I?" the hero spoke even so he could be heard clearly. "How else would Rouge show up at the party?"
Knuckles called him a few ugly names until Tails took over the line.
"Sonic, do you think she's after the Sol Emerald too?"
"Maybe. I guess Knuckles could keep her on watch. I'm sure he wouldn't mind!" Sonic teased his older friend, who responded from where he and Tails had been stationed in Professor Pickle's spare lab for the past three days.
"What?!"
•••
Once Sonic had returned to his team's provisional quarters in Professor Pickle's lab, he took a well-deserved nap to recharge his energies for the mission ahead. Naturally, he ignored Knuckles' insults due to the way he had invited Rouge to visit Mystic Ruins next week, as well as Tails' innumerous hypotheses on why else Team Dark would be after Eggman's feline associate. Sonic didn't bother, knowing very well it was going to be another adventure in his book. Moreover, he was rather excited to spoil whatever additional plans the jewel thief might have if she somehow knew there would be a Sol Emerald hidden inside the château.
Blaze the Cat had asked for Sonic's help to retrieve the purple Sol Emerald, which mysteriously had come to his dimension about four days ago. The team was eager to help on her request, obviously conscious that Eggman would be after the emerald, in case they didn't recover the powerful gem in time. Furthermore, Sonic and Tails needed said papers on Oil Ocean Zone's newest oil refinery, located off the coast of West Side Island, to destroy its slimy platforms that leaked petroleum to the ocean, damaging the environment and poisoning aquatic animals. The heroes were decided to protect nature and its residents at all costs.
Tails had woken his friend up in the afternoon so they could head to Team Dark's hideout and formulate a plan. Knuckles wouldn't attend the meeting, since the guardian had a mission of his own, one that was better off alone. Sonic and Tails knew his reasons and nodded, watching the echidna depart wearing his outdated treasure hunter attire. He tilted the brim of his hat in their direction and headed to Arid Sands' ancient ruins.
Rouge explained Team Dark's plan to Sonic and Tails as soon as they arrived at the informed address. Shadow remained with his arms crossed over his chest throughout the entire briefing. He stole a glance at Sonic's relaxed posture, trying to fathom why the hedgehog hadn't mentioned his business in Shamar before. Then again, the agent couldn't judge his rival's secretiveness. After all, Shadow hadn't told him why he was there either. Perhaps it would be wise to join forces with Team Sonic, bearing in mind they were after important documents on the target's bargain with the Doctor too.
Priority objective: infiltrate the mansion and retrieve the evidence.
All details on the mission had been addressed. Shortly after the instructions, Tails had recovered his multi-functional handheld device, the Miles Electric, to initiate the plan's first step. In the dark room, the fox sat on the chair in front of a wooden table and opened Team Dark's assigned laptop to hack into the mansion's security cameras' system through a public hotspot. About to access its guidelines, he plugged on the Miles Electric to illustrate all the video recordings in real time. Tails also connected the gadget to the residence's signal radar, indicating points of interest on a sketchy map while keeping his regulations on invisible mode.
The fox genius would provide them intel support from the hideout during the undercover mission itself. According to his yellow tool, the coordinates to the supposed party were almost one-hundred percent correct. Therefore, Rouge took the keys of the lent G.U.N. buggy and escorted the men outside, already dressed in their respective disguises. The white bat couldn't help but snort at how elegant Omega looked in a black bowtie and a tight white shirt, its buttons almost breaking off.
Following the Miles Electric's fastest route option, Shadow drove to the destination close to the ruins without raising attention when the night fell. The desert looked astounding in the darkness; its stone walls and pathways were well-lit by torches on nearby temples and pillars. Palm trees along the main road indicated the manor's entrance, so the black and red hedgehog took a short-cut and stationed the vehicle next to a translucent oasis, a little far from the residence.
The perimeter was surrounded by enhanced security robots, thanks to Eggman's generosity. The mobians tried to find a way to sneak into the mansion, heading to the sidelines quietly. Omega had greeted the machines guarding the large front entry doors, playing his role as a bartender bot that was late to his assigned duty, because of some commotion instigated in the village. His fellow co-workers believed in his absurd story, thus he got in with ease and moved to the hall.
"Environment analysis completed. Target acquired," Omega announced a few minutes after blending with the other servant machines, preparing beverages to mobians and humans alike.
"Excellent, Omega. Now, can you give us a hint on where to find the girls?" Rouge asked from a rock she and the hedgehogs were hidden behind, waiting for her friend's directive to come in the shared line.
The response was almost immediate. Deeming the area clear, the spy motioned for the men to follow her. Three pairs of thigh high-heeled gladiator sandals infiltrated the mansion's courtyard where the ground was rocky. Now at the side of the manor, Rouge climbed on the wall, careful not to damage her skirt, until she found the right window, where three mobian women were waiting to be requested at any moment by the noble leader. She used a laser equipment to cut the glass, removing the transparent surface cautiously. Rouge threw it to Shadow on the ground, who disposed of the glass. Then, she silently told the girls inside to jump off the window.
First had been a curvy blue bear, who threw herself into Shadow's arms. Second had been a white deer, who was caught by Sonic when she fell. The blue hedgehog was about to ask for her number before the deer opened her mouth to thank her colleaguesfor the rescue. Shadow slapped the hero on the back of his head for his obtuseness, as they watched the girls run away through the same path they had come from, after handing over their golden lion pins. The last woman, a serious-looking grey cat, touched the ground after being carried by Rouge, who landed beside her.
"It's just you three?" the white bat inquired the feline.
"Yes. The noble leader expects a performance from us soon."
"Alright. Give me your pin and you're free to go," Rouge extended her hand and received the shiny object in return.
"That was easy!" Sonic commented when the cat ran off.
Indeed, that was the easiest part of the plan. The hedgehogs managed to attach the pins to the unusual disguise, similar to how they adorned the women's extravagant costume. Rouge had a little trouble fixing the accessory to her glittery fitted bra without piercing her boob, until Shadow took matters into his own hands and finished for her. Sonic chuckled lowly and earned a death stare from both agents. Once they were officially property of the noble leader, Rouge held Sonic's and Shadow's hand and flew to the window carrying them inside. She harshly advised them not to curl into a ball or else their delicate outfit would be ruined.
The three of them waited until they were finally demanded by a mobian lizard, who escorted them in line to the main hall. Two security robots followed them, considering they were to be guided. Rouge had taught them how to walk lady-like, therefore Sonic and Shadow followed her movements, swaying their hips as they walked behind her, high heels tapping the immaculate floor in unison. It looked a little exaggerated but no one really paid attention.
It wasn't long till the stairs took them to a corridor, where the decorations made the place seem wealthier than some of the best casinos they had visited over the years. Golden intricacies, traditional flower arrangements, impeccable tapestry with sun and moon adornments and the handmade carpets Sonic recognized from Dimah's storytelling. It was indeed a Hallowmoon party, one that looked far from humble. Even though there would be only merchants and other businessmen invited, the mansion's opulence gave the impression that the lion actually wanted to showcase why he was referred to as a noble to his acquaintances.
Bass strings and saxophone waves welcomed the three mobians that were far from someone else's possession.
The first in line was Rouge, codename Amethyst, who walked as if she owned every gemstone in the twin pillars near the hall's entrance. In fact, if her role wasn't to find the papers leading to the target's downfall, she would have stopped to carve each one of the jewels from the columns individually. Rouge wore a scarlet outfit: a glittery fitted bra, its push up valuing her boobs; a semi-transparent double slit maxi skirt, adorned with golden traces combined with a thin belt; a harem face veil with beads and elbow high gloves with the same details as her skirt.
Second came Sonic, codename Sonia, whose eyes shone as bright as the color of his costume, equal to Rouge's but in emerald green. His fitted bra wasn't as sophisticated as the one she wore, but it looked rather classy combined with a chest chain attached to his neck. The skirt was the same worn as the bat, although its belt contrasted better with the green fabric. Sonic's muzzle was perfectly covered by the face veil, leaving no trace of a pointy nose or predominant male traits.
The last in line was Shadow, codename Sunshine – deliberately chosen by Rouge herself. The striped hedgehog held a piercing glare forward, that was mostly intensified by the veil covering his usual scowl. Wearing the same outfit as his allies, Shadow sported the lilac variation, complementary to his black fur, red stripes and golden inhibitor rings and anklets. The way he walked let his striped legs evident due to how the double slit skirt moved.
Shadow's abdomen was highlighted by the hue of his attire, which made his waist look narrower. Unlike Rouge and Sonic, one single detail in his clothing made him diverge from the other performers. The glittery bra had been replaced by a sparkly fitted top, specifically to hide his chest fur from view.
The trio also wore red, green and lilac eyeshadow respectively. To finish their expensive-looking disguise, they had matching accessories and footwear: golden chokers and earrings, snake shaped upper arm cuffs, bands in their middle and pinky fingers and metallic thigh high-heeled gladiator sandals. The lion pins they had recovered from the actual escorts were displayed on the left side of their tops, a little over their hearts.
Before the three of them stepped into the room, they were stopped by the obnoxious lizard, who decided to ask their names. Rouge told him first and Sonic followed suit, uttering the codename in a high-pitched voice. When the mobian finally inquired Shadow, he received no answer whatsoever.
"Your name?" he repeated.
Silence. Sonic thought it was time to interject, clearing his throat after thinking of an excuse. He wouldn't let Shadow's raspy voice spoil their mission before it even started.
"Her name is Sunshine!" the blue hedgehog responded cheerfully. "She can't talk right now. Sunshine was entertaining an important man. Her throat is sore," then he approached the lizard and whispered in a conspiratorial tone, gloved hand close to his own cheek. "And her voice sounds as husky as a gentleman's."
Shadow's eyes narrowed in indignation. It took everything in Rouge's power not to let out a laugh.
"Very well. The noble leader is waiting for the show. Be ready in fifteen minutes, ladies," the reptile ordered and they were free to roam around the hall.
"Thank you, handsome," Rouge winked at him and took the lead.
The hall was filled with guests and servant bots. A few humans stood in the sidelines wearing customary Shamaran garments while watching the movement. It seemed like they were waiting for their turn to talk to the noble leader, who was sitting around a table with other mobian merchants, deep in conversation.
It was possible that the transactions had been going on ever since the party started. The robust lion wore a white tunic and plenty of rings in each one of his fingers, combined with a bright golden necklace. The ceremonial music was played by actual musicians from the sand dunes, sat on cushions and wooden chairs. There was a sense of ancestry in the room, although the target was natural from Savannah Citadel, Mazuri. He had been selling an erroneous image to unknowing natives all this time.
Shadow hated the fact he used cultural appropriation as a fashion trend.
The heroes spotted Omega behind a counter, mixing various liquids to create the foreign beverages demonstrated in the menu. Rouge had showed him how to act like a real bartender and it looked like the robot had taken the job seriously, especially how he had been handing over colorful glasses one after another to expectant guests.
"Boys, behave," once they were out of earshot, Rouge murmured to the rivals, who had been staring at the lion in disgust. They approached the bar and the bat shifted her attention to Omega. "Hey, big guy. I think the noble leader may be a little thirsty," she winked.
Omega swiftly prepared one of the most requested drinks. Then, he dropped a bit of machine oil to the glass when no one was looking and placed it on a silver platter. Time for Sonic and Shadow to put their plan into action.
"You know what to do, Sunshine," Rouge leaned on the counter as Shadow took the apéritif tray.
"Shouldn't you mix it up a bit?" Sonic whispered into Shadow's ear and took a plate containing tiny appetizers.
"I don't take orders from you," Shadow answered and spat in the glass after he put it under his harem face veil. The hero snorted and slapped him on the back appreciatively.
Rouge watched them go, smirking behind the veil. Sonic and Shadow walked in the direction of the lion's table as they swayed their hips. The two heroes placed a hand on their waists at the same time while a palm balanced the respective trays. Many men turned their heads to contemplate and check the supposed women of the host out.
"Anything on the papers we need? An office, safe box?" Rouge hissed to the machine, knowing time started to count against her favor now.
"Exact location unknown."
Rouge put a finger on her earpiece to turn it off momentarily. Tails wouldn't be able to hear what she was about to say next. "What about the Sol Emerald?"
Omega stilled for a few seconds before responding. "…unknown."
"A lady has to do everything on her own," Rouge grumbled and strolled on the way to the empty corridor in the other side of the hallway, turning the device on again.
"A drink?" Sonic offered in a soft tone as Shadow bent over to place the cocktail in front of the tycoon.
"Thank you," the lion checked Shadow out, taking a glimpse at his backside. "What's your name, sweetheart?"
"Sunshine," the blue hedgehog answered for Shadow. "And I'm Sonia."
The noble leader took a sip of his drink, trying not to grimace in front of his comrades. "Divine!" he complimented falsely and picked a handkerchief to wipe his mouth.
Sonic and Shadow grinned behind the veil. The lion resumed speaking to his associates about business trade, nothing useful to their mission. Paying attention to the conversation, Shadow moved to stand beside the lion on his right while Sonic remained in his position on the left side.
Clock was ticking and their role was diverging the noble leader's attention to their upcoming performance on the stage, where the musicians were situated. The hedgehogs were supposed to be a recurring distraction, while Rouge did the hard work. Omega was on watch in case the plan backfired and Tails supported them by surveying the cameras from the hideout.
That was when the conversation topic shifted to women and sexist declarations. Sonic pretended to stumble as soon as he heard the noble leader talk about his side business, throwing all the hot appetizers onto his lap. He quickly apologized and Shadow kept his glare on the man, studying his every move. When the tycoon gripped Sonic's wrist, the agent felt himself take one step forward to intervene, but he halted after the other opened his mouth.
"You have beautiful eyes, Sonia," the target complimented, smoothly. He looked unfazed.
The hero's eyes widened a bit and he almost sighed in relief. Sonic straightened his posture and saw how the other merchants agreed with the man, who shifted his attention to Shadow. He described the dark hedgehog as if he were a prize, putting emphasis on how his striped quills shone in the dim light.
Sonic frowned, obviously uncomfortable with the way he placed an ungloved hand on Shadow's lower back. He could see his rival stiffen and hold a breath. Sonic knew Shadow wanted to cut his filthy hand off, thus he rested a palm on the lion's shoulder to get his attention. However, it didn't work, since he had taken it as an invitation to wrap an arm around his blue waist and lower his still occupied hand – until it touched Shadow's tail, peeking out of the skirt.
It had been the final straw. Without thinking twice, Shadow stomped on his foot roughly, pin heel and all.
The feline yelped, knee almost knocking the table over. Sonic took the opportunity to remove himself from his grasp. The talkative hedgehog simply wished the startled gentlemen an incredible evening and blamed the man's injury on the table's foot. They all seemed to believe him, including the noble leader himself, who hadn't seen Shadow move an inch. Soon enough, the same lizard from before waved for the two hedgehogs to go on stage and Sonic saw it as their cue to dip, grabbing Shadow's hand and withdrawing to an empty room instead.
"I was this close to kick his chair out," Sonic confessed.
"I will break his hand later," Shadow looked into his emerald irises with determination. "But for now, we have to focus on the mission. Rouge is already looking for the evidence."
Sonic nodded and put a finger on his earpiece. "Tails, you there? Can you see Rouge?"
"Everything is going according to plan! Keep up with the diversion," the fox informed him.
"Got it," the blue blur gave a thumbs up to the security camera positioned in the corner of the room. Sonic knew his li'l bro would be watching them.
And then he realized he had been holding Shadow's hand this entire time.
It was obvious that the first thing Sonic did was clear his throat and hastily let go of his rival's hand. It looked like Shadow hadn't paid attention to this detail either, given how he scowled afterwards. Ignoring the awkward situation, the black and red hedgehog motioned for Sonic to follow him, since they still had an exhibition to perform. Sonic and Shadow had been watching a variety of practice videos suggested by Rouge back in the hideout. If the speedy hedgehogs could move as graciously as the dancers in the recordings, their little distraction act would appear kind of realistic to say the least.
The little stage was lit with orange lights that distinguished the black curtains from the wall. All musicians had been repositioned in the corners as the performers entered, walking slowly to the middle of the golden platform, one foot after another as a hip descended in prominence. The annoying lizard had asked the duo where Amethyst had gone, but the blue hedgehog merely told him she wasn't a real dancer like them. The number to be performed was exclusive to Sonia and Sunshine, keeping in mind how Amethyst was the best at another kind of entertainmentaltogether – according to Sonia.
All guests clapped when the rivals posed before the music started. Sonic and Shadow remained side by side with one arm stretched upward while the other was curved downward in a barrel turn. Their right legs were extended forward too, showcasing their thighs and gladiator sandals that sparkled in the apricot light. As soon as the melody began and a flute changed the hall's ambience, the two entertainers moved one hip up and down to the fast-paced rhythm, tearing a shout of approval from the audience.
When the beat increased, the rivals got down on one knee and shook a hip quickly while balancing their upper bodies on one leg, hands moving across their golden chokers before coming to a prayer position. The hedgehogs observed the lion, who watched the performance with interest. It wasn't long until most men put their palms up and moved their arms to the music, sliding their heads side to side while keeping their eyes on the supposed women. Sonic and Shadow stood up in synchrony, circling their wrists while moving their hips in a circular motion akin to infinity.
At that point, they distanced themselves from each other, throwing both hands up to touch their palms together above their heads, which moved side to side in a horizontal line. As the choreography got another round of cheering sounds, the heroes rolled their shoulders and let both arms move smoothly like a wave, lowering their upper bodies in a backbend while tilting their pelvis, sustained by one bent leg.
That motion got a whistle from the enemy, who stared at their legs and abdomens with eagerness, so close to his figure on the table in front of the stage. Dancing to the beat, Sonic and Shadow suddenly straightened their postures and looked at one another as they switched positions, an unspoken challenge vivid in their side glances. It was time to take a separate route.
Each of them had chosen a sort of freestyle movement that would certainly get the guests' attention for different reasons. Sonic went first, leaving Shadow to watch him as he started contracting his abdominal muscles, doing a chest lift before vibrating his shoulders while his upper body moved in slow motion. Shadow scoffed behind the veil when Sonic made eye contact with him and winked like the spotlight grabbing hero he was, subtly telling him to do better after the noble leader grinned and nodded in admiration at his solo performance.
It was time for the Ultimate Lifeform to put his skills into use. As soon as Sonic turned to him and clapped to the harmony that led to Shadow's own number, the striped hedgehog did a hip twist to the tempo, arms outstretched on both sides to underline his body. He took both ends of his lilac double slit skirt, leaving the almost transparent cloth fall between his legs, that were visible for everyone to see.
The dark hero gazed forward and registered Omega's red dot visor flashing in the opposite side of the main hall. It meant the robot had been secretly recording the entire spectacle. Shadow smirked behind the veil, loving the attention, and moved his skirt while shimmering and doing belly flutters, which earned a roar of the men who looked entranced by his torso's sensual movement. He didn't miss how Sonic's green eyes widened at the sight of his individual routine, possibly in surprise or something else completely.
Shadow knew he had won this round.
However, the agent was far from done, so he rapidly twirled until his back faced the audience and his hips took over, gloved hands intertwined behind his bouncing head quills. He did shimmies before his upper body descended backwards. Shadow looked at the lion upside down, careful not to let his face veil slip off, and winked at him. The man clapped desperately, wooing at his supposed entertainer whose arms moved upward in a snake-like effect. Sonic didn't want to lose the challenge at all, meaning he did a corkscrew turn and rolled his waist in a similar way to his rival, proceeding to vibrate his entire lithe body like his dark counterpart had done moments previously.
A little far from the main hall, Rouge was crawling inside the large ventilation system that coursed air through most of the mansion's rooms. According to Tails' coordinates, she was now over the living room. Batting her wings, she flew to a tube that took her to the second floor of the manor. The agent shivered once a cold gust of wind came through her from behind, making her skirt and veil move wildly. After shaking her shoulders and curving her wings so they covered the sides of her body, Rouge swore and kept going forward, grumbling at the fact that she should've brought her stealth uniform instead of infiltrating the area wearing a dancer costume.
The narrow passage was extremely dark, but she could see and hear everything within reach due to her enhanced senses. Rouge retrieved her treasure scope from where she had hidden it inside her bra and positioned the tool in front of her right teal eye. The treasure hunter smirked when she saw a secret trail of golden rings in the section and collected them as she crawled. Stopping to inspect the metal grid that connected the system to a private chamber, she contacted Omega before sneaking down.
"Be my eyes, Omega. How's it going on the stage? I need a view on Shadow."
"Understood. Uploading data…" his robotic voice trailed off.
A beep came from her communicator, hidden under the elbow high scarlet glove. Rouge accepted the call and a digital livestream of Omega's current sight showed up on mute. The white bat's eyes narrowed at the recording. Sonic and Shadow were dancing very close to each other with one arm up while the other was stretched onward, palm turned down. They were rolling their hips as the thin golden belt around their waists moved uncontrollably. Rouge saw how Sonic stood almost behind her partner, thrusting his hips forward seductively while Shadow shook his ass. They seemed to be having way more fun than intended during a serious undercover mission.
Strange.
"What is this? Another competition?" she had to point out after Sonic tried to get the noble leader's attention to himself in the recording.
"Affirmative. Target distraction has been successful," Omega noted.
"Okay. Tell me when this circus ends. I'll be searching the private chambers now," Rouge turned the video off and removed the grid silently.
Omega dried a glass with a kitchen towel and watched the hedgehogs as mobian men hollered and clapped in contentment. "Reminder: Codename Sonia has impressive dancing skills."
"Uh-huh. Keep an eye on her, Omega. The last thing I need is Sonic getting in my way now," the machine could detect the exact instant Rouge landed in the chamber with a muffled thud.
Whilst Rouge checked the first private chamber, the heroes put an end to their fascinating performance, holding onto each other's upper and forearms as their chests touched. They glanced at the hall, registering all guests standing up to whistle and clap. Their breath was a little shallow but it all had been worth it. Surprisingly, the noble leader got up from his seat too, feeling way too proud of his supposed girls. The rivals made brief eye contact, nodding to one another before taking one step back to thank the audience with a bow.
"Sublime!" the target praised the dancers as soon as they got down from the stage.
Sonia and Sunshine stood in front of the lion with their gloved hands interlocked across their lower abdomens, displaying their readiness to receive orders from the tall feline – a gesture done well. The man shot a look at his acquaintances and decided to retire for a brief moment. He really wanted to relish his particular entertainers in privacy while the celebration still went on.
Time to see what the sun and the moon had to offer him.
"Excuse me, gentlemen," was all it took for the merchants to disperse from the table. "Ladies, accompany me to my room," his tone was firm and held a hint of ownership.
"Yes, noble leader," Sonic replied in the most lady-like voice he could muster and trailed behind the enemy. He motioned for Shadow to follow them down the corridor with a subtle tilt of his head.
"Tails, where are they?" A female voice came through the yellow fox's earphones.
"They were taken to the private chambers," Tails responded, hearing Rouge curse in desperation. "No, not the one you're in!" he concluded after their friends walked past the room Rouge was currently hiding under the bed. "It's another one. I don't have eyes on the corridor anymore, it seems like this room is distant from the others," the fox tried to find another camera with a nice view on said corridor, but unfortunately there were no better angles.
"Shit," Rouge sighed and adjusted her treasure scope after standing up. "Right, keep me updated. Our boys will be fine," the white bat smoothed her skirt and proceeded to search the chamber for the documents again. The emerald was nowhere to be seen either, according to her visual equipment. "Unless they screw up our whole mission…" she trailed off and came back to work.
Tails watched the agent rummage through the wardrobe again and shook his head, a smirk forming on his muzzle. Rouge had cut their shared line twice so far, which meant she didn't want him to hear certain remarks. She had to be after the emerald too – it was obvious at this point.
All of a sudden, the teenage fox saw movement in one of the cameras, switching his blue eyes quickly to the target's office. Tails smiled at the screen once he saw who had recovered the Sol Emerald from the office table's drawer before the spy. His friend looked up to the camera and gave it a thumbs up, purple stone already secured in his dark grey boxer glove. Its silver spikes gleamed in the moonshine that came from the open window, the room's only source of light.
"We got the emerald, Sonic," Tails told his best friend and chuckled when the treasure hunter hid behind the couch, waiting for a certain jewel thief's arrival.
That was the last bit of information Sonic heard, because he put his earpiece's receiver and transmitter on mute after smirking proudly. Shadow saw the quick movement of his hand and did the same, leaving a mental note to only turn off the transmitter, aware that Rouge and Omega could try to contact him at any conceivable moment. The noble leader halted before a wooden double door, opening it to reveal the most exuberant room the hedgehogs had stumbled upon in the mansion so far.
The lion's den.
Author's Note 2: Oh, no! What is going to happen with our favorite hedgehogs? Do you think the noble leader recognized Sonia and Sunshine? I'd love to read your thoughts in the reviews. I must say I got inspired by Sonic Underground's innumerous episodes where Sonic and his siblings had to disguise themselves as someone else. In addition, I feel like Rouge has some of the best alternate outfits in the whole franchise. Does her raider uniform ring any bells to you?
Did you catch all the references? I hope so. They will be crucial in the future! I wrote Rouge's introduction scene while listening to Shamar – Day by SEGA, from the Planetary Pieces: Sonic World Adventure album. The song playing in the background when Amethyst, Sonia and Sunshine made their first appearance is called Arid Sands – Night, also by SEGA, from the same studio album. Furthermore, the belly dancing section's theme song is named Oil Ocean Zone, Act 2, by SEGA once again, from the Sonic Mania original soundtrack.
I guess the night is still young, isn't it? What problems could arise from a prey becoming a hunter? You'll find out in the second and final act of this story. Trust me, things will happen. If they are good or bad, who cares? All I can say is that you will be in for some real action. Did anyone turn off the air conditioner? It's a little hot in here. Act 2, also known as Hunter, will première on Saturday, May 15th. Press alert to get a notification when it's out. In the meanwhile, tell me what your favorite scene is so far!
As usual, you can message me on Tumblr (self-titled blog) or on Twitter (ask for my user privately!) if you want to know more about my thoughts on these characters or just talk to me in private. Favorites and reviews are welcomed too. See you very soon! XOXO, galsgeneration.