In a field near the lake on Albion, Shadow and Tikal were having a picnic "You don't want to tell me do you?". Tikal raised her eyebrow "Are you going to use a mind trick find out?". Shadow pretended to look offended "I wouldn't do that…. It wouldn't work" they both laughed, "Alright fine. I was 12. His name was Bimmy. We were both in the legislative Youth program. He was very cute, you know hair, eyes". Shadow glanced away "All right, I get the picture. What happened to him?" "I went into public service; he went on to become an artist" "Sounds like he made the right choice". Tikal was surprised "Do you not like politicians?" "Well, less politicians and more the system. I don't think it works", Tikal looked amused "Really, how would you have it work?". "They sit down, agree what is best for the people" Shadow looked like he thought he had just fixed politics. "That's what we already do. Problem is people don't always agree", Shadow looked blankly at her "Then they should be made to. By someone who knows best". Tikal stopped smiling "That sounds like a dictatorship" "Well, if it works", Tikal looked at him in shock. Shadow couldn't hold his laugh in anymore and causing Tikal to snigger "Are you mocking me?", Shadow laughed harder "No, I'm not brave enough for that" the two shared a laugh.


Elise was taking Espio to a room in the city "You should know the unaltered clone prefers a certain form" she knocked on the door and it was answered by a young purple weasel. "Nack, is your father here?", the boy looked at the two of them "Yeah" he let them in "Dad, Elise is here". An octopus then entered from a different room "Hello Mimic, this is Master Espio of the Shinobi". Espio bowed his head "Your clones are very impressive. You must be very proud". Mimic blankly looked at him "I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe" "Ever made your way to Mobotropolis?". Mimic face remained the same "Once or twice". Espio looked at him curiously "Was Master Chip the one who hired you?". As they were talking Nack walked past them and closed the door Mimic came from, Espio saw before it closed what he believed to be a wispon. "I've never heard of him. I was recruited by someone called Enerjak. Do you like the army?". Espio smirked "I look forward to seeing them in action", Mimic smirked as well "They'll do their job well. I guarantee it" "Well thank you for your time" Espio bowed his head and then left the room with Elise. Mimic looked at his son "Pack your things. We're leaving".


In the safe house, Tikal and Shadow were sitting opposite each other at a table "When we got there, we had aggressive negotiations. Thank you" a woman brought them both food. Tikal looked confused "What are aggressive negotiations?" "Well, it's like normal negotiations but more violent", Tikal sniggered "Oh". Tikal saw that Shadow didn't take any grapes "Are you gonna eat those". Shadow looked at her "No, do you want them?" "Yes please". Tikal thought he would just hand them to her, but he instead used the Force to lift them and they hovered over to her. She raised her eyebrows as she took them "No need to show off".


Later the two of them are sitting on a couch in a firelit room, Shadow looked nervous "Can I ask you something?". Tikal stared at him curiously then nodded, "Do you ever think of us like… you know". Tikal didn't know how to answer that "Do you think of me like that?", Shadow looked away from her and had a breath before nodding. He didn't know what to do, he's been told for ten years that this was wrong but he didn't know how to make it stop "It's gotten worse. I… I love you". Tikal didn't look at him and was silent "Please just tell me if you feel the same" Shadow's voice broke slightly. Tikal kept looking at the floor she was frowning "I can't. We can't" she stood up "You're training to become a Shinobi. I'm not going to let you throw your future away for me". Shadow stood up and turned his back to her, he looked deep in thought "Well, you know, we could keep it a secret" he turned to her. Tikal looked like she was considering it but then stopped herself "We'd be living a lie; from everyone we know. I can't do that. Could you?". Shadow was silent for a second before sighing "No I couldn't" he said emotionless.


Espio was walking back to his ship with Elise "Tell your council that the first battalions are ready. But if they need more troops it will take time, it will take time". "I won't forget. Thank you" Espio bowed his head and walked outside into the rain towards his ship. "Scylla. Scramble code five to Coruscant, care of the old folks' home" Scylla beeped. In the Shinobi temple Blaze and Merlin where in a meditation room when a hologram of Espio appeared. "I have successfully contacted the King of Soleanna. They have used a bounty used a bounty hunter named Mimic to create a clone army. I believe this bounty hunter is the assassin we're looking for". Merlin leaned forward "Do you think the cloners are involved in the assassination plot?". "No, Master. There appears to be no motive. However, they say Master Chip placed an order for a clone army almost ten years ago. Did the council ever authorize the creation of a clone army". Merlin and Blaze looked at each other before Blaze looked back to the hologram "Whoever placed that order didn't get authorization from us. Bring your bounty hunter here. We shall question him". Espio bowed his head "Yes, Master" the hologram cut off, Blaze looked concerned "We were blind to the creation of this army", Merlin sighed "Should we inform the senate that our abilities have diminished". Blaze shook her head "No, only the lord of the Raiju knows at this moment. We don't need more adversaries".


Shadow was sleeping in bed but he suddenly started tossing and turning "No!" he said allowed as he could hear screaming "Shadow! Help me!" "No!" he woke up and he knew who the voice belonged to. After calming down he went outside to the balcony and just stood there watching the peacefulness of the lake. After a short time Tikal came outside and saw him, she thought he wanted to be alone but before she could go back inside "Don't go" he was still looking at the lake. "I don't want to disturb you" "You're not". Tikal looked at him "You had another nightmare last night?", Shadow closed his eyes "What makes you say that?" "I heard you". Shadows head fell forward "I saw my mother. She was in pain. I saw it so clearly". He turned around and looked at her regretfully "I have to go. I have to help her. I'm sorry I don't have a choice" Shadow thought she'd be mad that he was abandoning his assignment but instead "I'll go with you". Shadow looked at her surprised "Thank you, Senator".