(Hey, sorry about the lack of updates. I've been debating whether or not to continue this, based on recent events in the comics.)

Sonic looked down at Sally, sleeping in the royal chambers next to him. Intelligence had told them of Robotnik's troops inching closer and closer to the palace. He arose from the bed, unable to sleep, and looked at their son in his bassinet. The hedgehog was brown, like Sally, but Sonic could see himself in the infant's eyes.

"You're awake, aren't you?"

"Sal, what happens if we die?"

"Then someone else raises Charles," Sally said in reference to their son, named for Sonic's Uncle Chuck.

"It means we won't be able to protect him. What if I die? What happens to you?"

"You think I don't ask myself the same questions, Sonic Hedgehog? If we're gone, what happens to our children?"

"Children? We only have one..." Suddenly realizing, he looked at her. "Are you?"

She nodded. "I won't be fighting."

Sonic just shook his head. "I hope I survive to see her."

"Don't be so morbid. We've defeated this Robotnik before. And the real Robotnik's been dead for years. We'll be fine, Sonic."

"That was when we were kids, when we were young." He held Sally's hand, and placed his other hand on her middle, where their next child was growing. "I wasn't afraid to die then."

Rouge looked at Shadow's inability to change a diaper with amusement. "It's not that hard, really."

He sneered. "I think when Dr. Gerard was creating the Ultimate Lifeform, Diaper Changing was not a skill he found neccessary to imprint upon me."

Rouge kissed him on the cheek. Suddenly hearing a clamoring, she turned. "What was that?"

Shadow peered out of the window. A battallion of Egg Warriors was stationed around their house. "Rouge. Take the baby and run." Knowing the danger, Rouge grabbed Arista and started to head out the window. "Rouge..." She turned. "I love you." She nodded and flew off. Shadow brooded out the door.

"Target One: Shadow. Attack."

"You really don't want to do that." Shadow lept into the air as two Warriors smashed into his house. He bounded off of each one in turn, smashing them into smithereens. "Tell Robotnik he's getting weak."

"He already knows."

Shadow turned. "Scourge."

The green hedgehog stepped out from behind the bushes. "Tis me. How's your... excuse me... MY whore?"

"She may have been your whore but she's my wife now."

Scourge laughed maniacally. "Villian."

"Go back to whoring for Robotnik, why don't you?"

"The good doctor has been deposed. Mecha sits on the throne of Robotropolis. And the Roboticizer is up and running again. You'll survive if you join me."

"In your dreams. I've found no family values from the Robotniks."

Scourge bowed. "Until we meet again, my fine friend."

Shadow waited until he was out of sight. Then, he rushed to the palace.

"Robotnik's not your enemy, Sonic."

"What?"

"Scourge has allied himself with Mecha. And they're roboticizing again."

"Dammit! I thought I destroyed that thing."

"Looks like you'll need my help after all."