Mephiles pov
When Blaze got back to the castle, I admit, I imagined the worst. Like Sonic had killed Shadow as soon as I left to keep her out of my hands or had punished her brutally so as to let out the anger from our...'decision', if you can call it that. But, to hear that Sonic was going to try and kill me during the competition and that Shadow had risked being caught and punished to save me, even if I didn't win her back. She did that to save me so that I could try to get her back if I lost.
Knowing she had that much faith in me...I just knew I had to win that contest. Or I would lose Shadow forever. So I got everything I would need, a joust pole, a suit of armor (which I would put on in the stable before getting on my horse), a dagger hidden in a satchel, and finally a sword that I gave to Blaze to hold onto in case things turn out for the worst. As it is said 'fortune favors the prepared', and I hope it stands true when I come face to face with Sonic.
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At Sonic's castle
Everything was set to star the competition for Shadow's hand, it was to take place in the wide open field behind the castle, when the sun reached its peak in the sky. Blaze was present sitting in the only tree in the field so as to get a good view of the competition. Shadow was sitting at the base of the tree, though not of her own choice, trying to make herself as comfortable as possible. She was dressed in a gray dress with a V cut top and an embroidered skirt that went just passed her knees. Sonic had tied her ankles together and her arms together, hand to elbow, with thick ropes, gagged her so she couldn't let Mephiles know of his plan, and tied her leash around a tree in such a way that she had to sit and lean against it so as to not choke herself.
As the sun reached it's peak in the sky, Mephiles rode up and got into position to begin. "This will be a fair competition, the first to knock their opponent of their horse the most times out of three will win." Blaze explained. "The winner shall take Shadow back with them to their castle, the loser will leave with nothing and return to their castle empty-handed and injured." Shadow could only hope that Mephiles would be alright as he fought for her freedom. "BEGIN!" Blaze shouted. Both men began charging toward each other, ready to knock down the other and claim their prize.
