CHAPTER 6

NEW MEMBER

That next day Shadow took Rouge out of the hospital and took her to the Chaotix. When they arrived, Espio ran up to them. "About time you got back. Where were you last night? I tried calling you, but no answer."

"Sorry, Es. I was keeping Rouge company at the hospital."

Espio crossed his arms, "What's wrong with you! She's a big girl! She can keep her own self company!"

"She just had surgery! Don't throw a fit just because I'm spending more time with her!"

Espio pointed at Rouge, "Ever since she came here, that's all you've been thinking about! It's like we're not even friends anymore!"

Shadow glared at the chameleon, "If that's how you feel then maybe we shouldn't be friends anymore."

"We shouldn't", Espio ran out of the building before tears came to him.

Rouge watched as he ran towards the city, "What's up with him?"

Shadow grabbed her hand, "Who cares."

Charmy flew up to them, "What's wrong with Espio?"

"He's acting like a bitch."

Vector walked up to them, "You brought Rouge here huh?"

"Vector, could Rouge have a job here?"

Vector didn't think Shadow would mention something like that. "What? Well uh I need to think about this for a sec."

Rouge looked over to Shadow, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"You have nothing else to do", Shadow said.

Vector then made his decision, "Okay she can have a job here." He took out a badge that had the symbol of the Chaotix on it and gave it to her.

Rouge held the badge tightly. She looked up at Vector, "What do I have to do?"

"Your job is to reload our weapons. Sound simple enough?"

Rouge nodded.

"You're gonna need a partner when we're on missions."

"I want Shadow."

Vector shook his head, "Shadow already has a partner and that's Espio."

"Not anymore", Shadow said with anger.

"Why not?" Vector asked.

Shadow crossed his arms, "Because he's acting like an ass."

"If you don't want to be paired with Espio anymore then I guess it's okay."

Rouge hugged Shadow, "Hear that? We're partners, partner."

Shadow tried to smile despite that he was worried about Espio.

Later at the park, Espio was sitting on the short grass crying, until a woman approached him.

She kneeled down at him and placed her hand on his back, "What's wrong, handsome?"

Espio was startled by the woman and looked over to her quickly. She was a black bat that looked exactly like Rouge. He didn't take action right away. "Nails?"

"You know my name? You must have heard from my sister or perhaps Shadow."

"Rouge actually."

"Rouge? You know her?"

"Yeah."

Nails took her finger and wiped away some of his tears from his cheek, "Don't cry, love. Tell me what's wrong."

"Shadow...he'd rather hang around with Rouge than with me. Ever since that bitch showed up, he's been acting like she's apart of him. I think he even forgot the reason why we're friends. I want that bitch dead."

Nails began to think that Rouge came to warn Shadow about her, 'Rouge is such an annoyance.' "What's your name?"

"Espio."

"Espio, love I can get rid of that bat for you."

"Really?"

Nails nodded, "You and Shadow will be friends again. I promise." She placed her hand on his leg, "Now tell me, love. Where is she?"