September 11th, 12:25 PM

The sun had long since risen on Station Square. It was a lively city, its people a hardy bunch. They had readily bounced back and rebuilt after the massive flooding only a few years prior (it helped that they put in a new seawall). The bustle of activity was such that you could practically hear some kind of city theme music playing wherever you went in Station Square.

Sometimes what you heard was the wind.

A blur blur darted in between cars on the road and people on the sidewalk, almost making a game out of not touching them. Some people were alarmed, but most weren't, only recognizing who it was and moving on.

Then on a whim Sonic zoomed out of the noontime traffic and up a building, the blue trail behind him briefly resembling an ethereal slinky stretched upwards.

From the flat rooftop Sonic looked over the city, and its cars and train station and new Twinkle Park, and smiled. It was, in fact, happenin'. At least, the city was.

He fanned himself with one hand, though the weather wasn't really so warm as to need it. If you were looking at him close up, you might think that he was slumping a little.

Sonic chuckled, though it was thinned by him catching his breath. Him, tired? How weird. Maybe his friends were right and being locked up in space jail for half a year had frayed his nerves. Just a little bit. Maybe he should take that vacation? Let everyone else take care of Eggman for a while?

Nahhhh. He'll just keep doing his usual thing. That was more fun. It would be a terrible thing for a speedster to get bored.

As if the cosmos themselves knew this, he spotted someone interesting down on the sidewalk.

Sonic brightened, his ears perking up. He was the kind of guy who was as happy to see his rivals as he was his friends. What was Shadow doing here?

Well, he'd soon know. He zipped back down the building and went to say hello.

He saw Shadow look up, see him coming, and scowl.

September 11th, 2:16 PM

Phoenix sauntered down the hotel hallway, still looking much like a hobo, carrying two takeout pizzas for a late lunch and/or an early dinner. He was pretty pleased with himself; who knew there were such good deals on food here? Nine bucks for a large pepperoni pizza was a steal! He should find out if Little Caesar's Pizza exists at home too.

It was too bad Maya or Pearl couldn't come. He'd spotted an amusement park, not far from the hotel. Though knowing Athena, he shouldn't mention it to her. She'd want to try the rollercoasters…

Phoenix passed by his own room, and knocked on the door next door. The one thing he'd been wise enough to splurge on was separate hotel rooms. "Athena?" He paused. "Are you awake?" Another pause. "Food, Athena!"

Finally she opened the door, groaning. Athena's hair was in every direction, her clothes were askew, and there were bags under her bleary eyes. "Ugh...don't knock so loud. People are tryin' to sleep."

This is what happens would you google hedgehogs until five in the morning, Athena…and she'd wanted to sightsee, too. Phoenix responded only by pushing forward the pizzas.

Athena rubbed her eyes, and eyed the pizzas. "Oh, that smells good...is that pepperoni?" Instantly she perked up. "Well, I am hungry. I guess I can forgive you. Come in! Let's eat!"

He did, and they ate at the small kitchen's table. Phoenix felt validated in his decision to buy two pizzas when Athena ate half a pie by herself.

"So, Boss," she said when she was done, leaning back in her chair, "what do you want to do in town? I wanna see everything!"

"Honestly?" He shrugged, smiling ruefully. "Just so long as the vacation doesn't turn into a working one."

"I'm sensing some experience here…" She raised a brow. "How many times has that happened?"

"You'd be surprised..."

September 11th, 2:17 PM

The fight paused elsewhere in a dingy alley, one hedgehog at either end. The sun had moved, casting darkness between the buildings. Over scattered trash, over a dumpster, over the two rivals.

"I'll give you one thing, you're persistent!" Sonic grinned. His bright emerald eyes faintly glowed in the darkness. His movements were as crisp as they had been when they'd started. "Good thing I don't get tired. Or lose."

Shadow stepped forwards. In the darkness, his own eyes burned. "...I've had enough of this."

His smile didn't so much as twitch at Shadow's cold gaze and slow advance. "You should've given up sooner, if that's how you felt!"

Sonic magnanimously held out his hand, though the rest of his pose (and expression) were as smug as could be. "Wanna give me the win here, buddy? I'll even say it was a draw if anyone asks."

Shadow reached him. He glanced down at the offered hand, expression unreadable.

He took it, yanked, and shoved his other hand through Sonic's torso.

His right glove dripped as he lifted what was left of his opponent. The dumpster lid was lifted, the remains thrown in, and left to close again.

Shadow, still no expression on his face, turned and walked away.