Espio and the group that he'd taken with him were halfway through their search around the Gear Steers. All were spread out evenly and checking out different areas, with Tails just having come back in from the outside.

"Those robbers were right about the drugs back there; there isn't a lot, so that tells us that they didn't get away with everything," said Tails.

Sonic turned to the owner of the shop. "So, what do you know about them stealing the drugs?"

The wolf shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I didn't see a thing. I was in here fixing up somebody's car when I heard it happen. All that I heard was the engine of a loud car and some dude yelling that he's got the stuff. I didn't know what the stuff was."

Espio nodded. "Well, so far, we only know that Bark and his cronies hid the stuff somewhere outside." He turned to Tails. "Where'd you find it?"

"It was hidden in a small vent behind one of the dumpsters," Tails said. "Even then, it wasn't easy to find. They tucked it into the sides of the vent, so it was hard to reach."

"Well, maybe those morons at the jewellery store only stole what they saw," Knuckles said. "They probably didn't have the time to get all that much, let alone the foresight to look behind the dumpsters."

"There's got to be somewhere that we haven't checked..." said Sonic.

The owner pursed his lips. "Maybe you're not looking in the right place?"

"What do you mean?" the blue hedgehog asked.

The wolf grinned. "You know, I don't normally do this, but how would you boys like to visit the back room?"

"Do you think that it'd help?" asked Knuckles.

The wolf shrugged. "If it helps Green Hill's finest, then I don't see any reason not to."

Espio looked at the others, and nodded. "Yeah, let's do it."

The wolf smiled and went over to the back room in question, pulling out his key to open it up. He led the Green Hill officers inside, and spread his arms and turned around in a gesture of showing off all the equipment.

"Well, here you all go," the owner smiled as he left. "Try not to take too long, though; it's getting late."

"So, what do you think he was getting at?" Knuckles asked.

Espio smiled. "I think that I know. He heard about where Tails found the drugs that those jewel thieves took, so maybe he's helping us broaden our horizons."

"And it is possibly that Bark, Bean, or any of their gang came back here once or twice," Tails added on. "We just don't know what for."

"As much as I love where this could be going," said Sonic, "there's a lot of car stuff back here. Where would we know where to start looking?"

"I'll start with the tyres," Tails said.

"I'll go for the engines," Knuckles shrugged. "You never know."

"I'm going to head for the toolboxes," Espio said, turning to Sonic. "See? We all figured it out. And here I thought that you were supposed to be their field leader."

The blue hedgehog scoffed and shook his head. "I'll head for the wheels," he said, turning and heading in that direction.

As they were checking out the back room, a few minutes away were Vector and Shadow, driving ever closer to the auto-shop. They stopped outside in the front parking lot, parking a few spaces away from Espio's car, and then left their own.

"So, we drove all the way out here just so that we could tell these guys about the new stuff that we learned from Bark?" Shadow asked.

Vector nodded. "Pretty much, but also to help the guys out. They're running a little slow, and it's getting pretty late."

"So, what's the likelihood that Bark and company didn't hide the drugs and the money in the same place?" Shadow asked.

"I'd dare say that it stands a very good chance," the crocodile. "Smart move, if you ask me; keep a lot of the same stuff, but spread it around in different places. This is a pretty large parts shop, so there's a lot of places that Bark, Bean, or anyone else could have hidden the drugs."

Shadow nodded. "Smart thinking."

"I know, I'm the one that said it," Vector grinned. "Come on, let's get inside."

Meanwhile, inside the shop, the owner's ears picked up as he heard the sound of the garage door opening. He'd left it open for when the officers there were going to leave to save time, and he kept on his guard as he didn't know who to expect when the door started to open.

Luckily, his fears were quickly put to rest as Shadow and Vector entered, shutting the door behind them as the black and red hedgehog waved. "Hi, there. We have some friends around here. Could you tell us where they are?"

The wolf chuckled. "In the back room. Just head right on in."

"Thank you kindly," Vector smiled as he and Shadow began walking to the back room.

Sonic turned around as he heard somebody enter the room, and smiled at the two. "There they are."

"Did you miss us?" Vector asked.

"Not really," Espio replied, grinning. "So, what's new?"

"What's new is that Bark didn't just hide drugs in this place," Shadow said. "He's got some money hidden away somewhere too."

"It's not around the back where the drugs were," Tails said. "I already scoured around there, and just found the last remnants of... well, pretty much everything. Cocaine, meth, weed, Fokus, and some pills there. I'm thinking that it might be speed, but I can't tell."

Knuckles then smiled. "Hey, Tails, you said that you found those drugs in the vent behind the dumpster, correct?"

The yellow fox nodded. "Yes. Why is that important?"

"Well, maybe Bark didn't make it obvious on where to hide stuff," the red echidna shrugged.

Tails smiled as he looked over the tyres, and picked one out. He looked inside the rubber and saw small clumps of green hidden inside. His grin only widened as he picked out the clumps, unfolding them to show that it was money.

"Well, what do you know? Big red is right."

Sonic reached over and picked down a tyre, looking inside and seeing more clumps of cash. "That's not the only one there."

"Then let's get to the tyres," Espio said, grabbing one and looking for himself, also picking out a clump of cash.

Soon, the others joined. After at least fifteen minutes, they found all of the money that they could, and Tails went to grab a bag from the car. He soon returned with it, and they all began putting the cash inside it, as well as the drugs that Tails had found.

"So, who's going to be carrying the bad?" asked Knuckles.

"Who do you think?" Vector replied with a smirk, handing it to Knuckles. "We'll be in the car if you need us."

The red echidna shook his head as the others turned to leave, and he picked the bag up and lifted it over his shoulder before walking out of the back room. He stopped on the way out and smiled at the owner.

"Thanks for the help, man."

"It was no problem," said the wolf. "Just as long as you keep my ass gangster and drug free, I'll help you however you need it."

Knuckles chortled. "I appreciate it. Take care."

With that, he left out of the building, going back to the car he was in with Sonic, Tails, and Espio, taking the back seat with his blue hedgehog friend and placing the large bag of money on his lap.

"That's a lot of money in there," Espio said as he started the car up. "Bark must have been saving up for something big."

"I hope that it was worth it," said Tails. "Bark and Bean must have stung a lot of people to get that much cash."

"Maybe he wanted to try and make it out on his own?" Sonic said.

"If he did, then he wouldn't be in our holding cells right now," Espio grinned. "As good as he is, and with all his ambition, he didn't exactly plan it out all that well."

"Maybe because some new studs at the station took his ass down?" Knuckles smirked.

The purple chameleon shrugged. "That might have had something to do with it," he replied, keeping his grin briefly before turning more serious. "Look... I don't know what I can do for you before tomorrow. The best advice that I can give is to just go home and rest up."

"We know that you've done all that you can," said Sonic. "Avery can only pull so many strings for us. We know of his friendship with Dingo, but it's going to be all business tomorrow."

"That goes for you guys as well," Espio pointed out. "Newbies or not, you'd damn well better take what happens tomorrow seriously."

"We will," said Tails.

"What's on the agenda for when we get back to the base?" Knuckles asked.

"Mostly just a debriefing," said Espio. "We won't keep you guys out longer than you need to be. After all, that's how you got hurt."

"True, but it's also how we all became part robot," Knuckles smiled.

"You're really going to take every opportunity to milk that, aren't you?" Tails said, shaking his head.

"What are you complaining about?" the red echidna said. "You're part robot too."

The yellow fox chuckled. "Shut up, man."

Espio continued the drive, followed closely behind by Vector and his car, and they soon made it back to the station. They all exited their cars, heading for the entrance of the station and walking inside, going straight to the front desk.

"Hey there, boys," Cosmo said. "Have fun whipping the rookies into shape?"

"Eh, about as much fun as it could have gotten," Vector replied, showing the large bag to Cosmo and Mina. "I need a card for evidence. There's a lot of stuff in here."

Mina nodded, printing out said card and waiting as its new code was put onto it before handing it to the crocodile. "Here you go," she said.

"Thanks," Vector smiled. "Come on, Espio."

"Why me?" the purple chameleon asked.

"The day's almost over, and Avery wants to debrief the other four specifically," Vector said. "Also, it's fun to make you do stuff."

Sonic smiled, shaking his head as the two veteran cops went away before turning to the girls at the front desk. "So, just straight to the meeting room?"

Mina nodded. "He's waiting for you. And he's got a guest."

"Who is it?" asked Shadow.

"We were told to keep it a secret," said Cosmo, smiling at Tails. "Sorry if that's a bad thing."

"No, it's absolutely fine," Tails replied, hanging his head a bit and mumbling his words.

Knuckles awkwardly looked back and forth between the yellow fox and the green plant girl before clearing his own throat. "So, upstairs?"

"Yes, upstairs," Mina nodded.

"Come on then," the red echidna said, patting his fox friend on the shoulder. "We should get going."

"Uh, yeah!" Tails said, following after before turning around quickly to the girls. "I'll- we'll see you later!"

"Take care!" Mina said. As soon as the boys were out of view, she turned to Cosmo.

"What?" the plant girl asked, incensed.

"Nothing," the yellow mongoose replied, snorting to hide a chuckle, albeit poorly.

Cosmo shook her head. "Give that a rest, will you?"

"I will when you try to ask him out," said Mina.

Cosmo shook her head. "You're lucky you're my best friend."

Mina smiled. "I'd consider myself more fortunate if anything," she giggled.

The plant girl giggled back. "Well, my fortunate friend, would you like to get some drinks after we're all done?"

"Sounds good to me," Mina nodded.

Meanwhile, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow had all just approached the meeting room. Just before they reached the door, it opened up wide, and out stepped Ash, walking past them a little bit before stopping.

"Where's the fire?" asked Sonic.

"Avery's done with me, so I'm heading home," Ash replied. "That, and it'd be better if it was just you four, Avery, and our special guest."

"Did the others already go home?" Tails asked.

The male mongoose nodded. "Yep. Even Simian, who is known for being a workaholic."

"Wow. This must be pretty damn serious," Sonic said.

"You could say that," Ash replied. "Anyway, I'm heading off home. I'll see you dudes tomorrow in court."

Sonic smiled as he and his friends waved Ash away before turning to enter the room. Avery was at his usual seat at the head of the table, and sat next to him was a face they hadn't seen before.

He appeared to be a large dingo with orange fur. He had yellow hair on his head that was shaved neatly into a crew cut, and his eyes were a dull green. Like Avery wearing an advanced form of the Green Hill uniform, his friend wore a more militaristic version of the Star Light uniform, complete with several badges and ribbons surrounding the left breast.

"So glad that you could make it," said Avery. "Gentlemen, this is Dingo."

The dingo stood up, walking over and shaking hands with the four rookies. "Nice to meet you, mates," he said, his Aussie accent coming through.

"Likewise," Sonic said, being the last to shake hands with Dingo. "So... what brings you to our neck of the woods?"

"I just wanted to let you know that, despite what happens tomorrow, there's no hard feelings," Dingo said, heading back around the table to retake his seat. "I talked this over with Avery, and we both agreed that we will treat this with as much professionalism and respect as it deserves."

"So, you're not just going to lynch the crap out of us for what we did?" Knuckles asked as he and the others took seats of their own.

"You boys saved lives that night, and risked your own in the process," Dingo nodded. "But not only should you not have done that as rookies; you shouldn't have done it at all."

"Trust me," Tails said, "we're quite aware of that. It was just a case that led us from Green Hill out to Star Light."

Dingo nodded. "Then, I trust that you're also aware of the fact that my own men won't be on trial for it."

"As dumb as that rule is," said Sonic, "we do understand why. They were technically the ones who led us there, with them having been on the force longer, but it was still our operation."

"Trust me, if I could think of anything to say or do that could help, I'd do it," said Avery to the rookies. "I don't want anybody to lose their jobs so soon after just joining."

"Especially after how well you all did in your final training exercises at Green Hill Academy," Dingo smiled. "I'm very impressed with the lot of ya."

"Thank you," said Sonic. "It means a lot."

"I will ask," Tails said, "why would the commissioner of a different station in a different jurisdiction be so interested in us?"

The dingo smiled. "Well, despite the fact that the academies are strictly for their respective cities, tapes of the best performances from said academies are sent to everybody else. I'm not the only one who's read your footage, and I've been on the horn with folks in other places who liked seeing your work."

"Same here," Avery added, smiling himself. "The things that I've seen from other academies have proven to be nothing short of amazing."

"There's got to be a reason as to why you're watching footage from all of the other academies," Sonic said, pursing his lips in thought. "It can't just be to see our individual performances."

Avery walked over and placed a hand on the blue hedgehog's shoulder. "There is method to that madness, but it's not anything that you have the right to know."

Sonic nodded, knowing that it wasn't a threat, but also knowing that he shouldn't ask any further questions on the matter. "I understand."

"Good," the white bear said, walking back over to the top of the desk. "Now, go on and get out of here. You have a court date for tomorrow."

"I've been meaning to ask," said Knuckles, "what will be wearing tomorrow? We can't just go there dressed like as we are now, and I'm kinda short on suits."

"Well, I'm glad you asked," Avery said. "We've finished getting your measurements for your uniforms. You'll be wearing them tomorrow to court, albeit a more stripped down version with less body armour and weaponry attached."

"They'll be delivered to your rooms tomorrow," Dingo added. "Your first directive after waking up is to hop on down here to Green Hill, grab your uniforms, and then get changed into them before a convoy takes you to court."

"How many people are going to be there?" Shadow asked.

"It won't be the whole station," said Avery. "There'll be some of the more well-known folks there, but not everybody."

"We're having some of our finest from Star Light there as well," Dingo added.

"So, not everyone's going to be there?" asked Shadow.

"Not everyone needs to be there," replied Avery. "Only our best will be there. There won't be a jury needed, as you're not being put on trial for any major crimes. It's more of a slap on the wrist and a warning."

"If it's just that," said Sonic, "then why the fuck do we have to wear our uniforms and go to court about what we did? Seems pretty damn serious to me."

"Well, accidents happen," Dingo said. "And besides, it was your first time. You were just doing your job, but not in your city."

"We know, okay?" Sonic said, placing his head in his hands. "We know that we did something stupid. That doesn't make the rule about it any better. We know that we fucked up. More importantly, since I'm the field leader, I'm the one who fucked up."

"Dude," Tails said, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "It's okay. We all fucked up, so it's not just your fault."

Avery walked over, looking at the blue hedgehog. "He's right. When you're a cop, mistakes happen at least once a day on the job. It doesn't matter if you're a veteran, a rookie, or even a commissioner. And, trust me, nobody's going to hold it against you tomorrow."

Dingo nodded. "Exactly. This kinda shit happens every day, mate. I've made some mistakes myself, and I'm sure that Avery has as well."

Sonic nodded. "I... I just don't want to lose my job so soon..." he said. "This is really important to me. To all of us."

"And all of us are going to be in that courtroom with you," Knuckles said, smiling. "Your ass isn't the only one being tried for it."

"Yeah, you dragged us into this mess," Tails joked. "We may as well help in dragging you out of it."

Sonic turned to his friends. "Thanks, guys. You're right. I just don't want any of us losing our jobs over some dumb-ass rule."

"Well, we haven't lost them yet," said Shadow. "We've got to get through tomorrow first. Until then, there's no need to worry about it."

Dingo smiled. "All right, it looks like you've sorted yourselves out."

Sonic chuckled. "So, what's the plan now?"

"As I said, go home," said Avery. "I'll see you all tomorrow."

Sonic nodded, turning to Dingo. "Thank you for settling me down, and just for coming here. It was an honour to meet you."

"Likewise," said Dingo. "You know, you lot have got a lot of potential. Regardless of whatever happens tomorrow, I hope to see you put it to good use one day."

"Thank you," Sonic smiled. "It means a lot."

The Aussie smiled and nodded. "Well, I'd better get my arse back over to Star Light. I'll see you lot tomorrow." He turned to shake Avery's hand. "See you then."

"You too," the bear nodded, watching as Dingo left.

"Ooh, boy..." Sonic said, combing his quills back with his hands.

"Still worried?" Avery asked.

"That's one word for it," said Tails, feeling his friend's anxiety. He then looked at his watch. "You know, it isn't that late. If we're lucky, we might be able to get a quick bite to eat from Jade Mountain."

"Sounds good to me," Knuckles grinned, patting his stomach.

Avery smiled. "Go ahead. You're more than free to take a police vehicle of your own for that one. Just use your ID card, and you're all set."

"Man, technology is awesome," Tails smiled further. "All right, let's head out."

"Yes, oh fearless leader," Sonic replied, turning to exit the room.

His friends followed, and they made their way to the elevator as they didn't have to get anything from their own rooms. They went down to the ground floor, exiting and heading for the exit before Knuckles spoke.

"How about we bring someone with us for food?" he said.

Sonic grinned, knowing who Knuckles was talking about. "It depends on how busy they are."

"And where they are," Tails said, heading over to the front desk. Thankfully, it was just Mina there, so he didn't have to worry about being nervous. "Have you seen Vector and Espio around?"

The mongoose nodded. "Yeah. They're in the armoury on the second floor."

Tails nodded. "Well, somebody's going to have to go tell them about this," he spoke.

"Not it!" the other three called out unanimously.

"Seriously?" Tails said, turning to face his friends and glaring at Knuckles. "It was your idea."

Knuckles shrugged. "You're closer to the stairs, and the elevators are being used."

"We'll wait down here for you," Sonic added. "Hell, maybe your girlfriend will pop up while you're gone?"

Tails shook his head, wandering up the stairs as he flipped a middle finger at his friends. He carried on up the two flights of steps before reaching his destination, going straight for the armoury and waving as he got there.

"Oh, hey there, fluffy," said Vector, playing a game on his computer. Espio was stood behind him, as was Charmy, who spoke.

"Shoot that zombie on the left side!" he warned.

"Got it!" Vector said.

"Head shot! Good one!" Espio added, before wincing. "Better get to cover."

Vector's character madly rushed for said cover before being killed by a sniper. "Fuck! So close that time!"

"Uh... guys?" Tails said awkwardly.

Charmy turned to see the fox. "Sorry about that. New zombie survival game."

"I know. I can understand the importance of it," Tails grinned.

"What are you still doing at the station?" Vector asked. "Shouldn't you be at home?"

"Actually, I was tasked with asking if any of you guys wanted to come out to Jade Mountain. We're grabbing a late night snack, and thought we'd invite you."

"Because of our fearless leadership and courage today?" Espio asked.

Tails paused briefly. "Sure. Let's go with that."

Vector smiled, turning to Charmy. "How about it?"

The bee shrugged. "I don't see why not. I've heard good things about their ribs."

Tails smiled. "Let's do this, then."

The others nod, and Vector turns off his computer before getting out of his seat and grabbing his coat. The other two did the same, and then the yellow fox led them down the stairs and to the ground floor, where they saw Sonic, Shadow, and Knuckles waiting for them.

"There they are!" said the red echidna. "I had my doubts that Tails could convince you."

"What, you think we're going to turn down the opportunity for free ribs?" Vector asked. "That's just crazy talk."

"Who's paying?" Tails asked. "Not it, by the way."

"We're exempt from the rule, since you're inviting us," Vector pointed out.

Shadow smiled. "Not it."

Sonic and Knuckles looked at each other. "There's only one way to settle this," the blue hedgehog said.

"Agreed," the red echidna replied.

They both raised their right hands in fists before bringing up their left hand, turning it so that the palm was facing upwards. They then smashed their fists three times against their left hands before adding a fourth.

"Rock!" Sonic called.

"Dammit!" Knuckles replied, landing scissors.

Sonic smiled, shaking hands with his friend. "You were a most honourable opponent."

"Yeah, well, second place has to drive us there," the red echidna winked as their hands broke apart.

"There's always a stipulation," Sonic rolled his eyes. "All right, let's get going."

The others all agreed, and they left through the station doors, finding their way over to one of the police cars. Sonic went and unlocked it, getting into the driver's seat while Tails called for shotgun, taking the front seat with his friend, and the other four managed to get into the back.

Sonic started up the car and pulled out of the parking lot, managing to get onto the main road before beginning the drive to Jade Mountain. Since it was rather late, Sonic didn't see the point in wasting any further time, so he focused on driving whilst the others talked.

"So, how much will all of the drugs that we found help in convicting Bark and his cronies?" asked Tails.

"Quite a lot, actually," said Vector. "But it's not like Shadow's confession wasn't enough to convict Bark and his gang in the first place."

"You should have been there the other night," Knuckles recalled. "During our chase with Nack, after we took out one of his vehicles, one of the guys was still alive. Shadow took the guy out of an upside down car and helped us to get the answers that we needed."

"Damn," Espio said, turning to the black and red hedgehog. "You really know how to talk to people, dude."

"It's a gift," Shadow shrugged.

Sonic smiled as he pulled into the parking lot, finding a good space before getting out of the car with the others. They made their way to the restaurant, walking in and going up to the counter. Since there wasn't anybody else there this late at night, it was pretty empty.

"Hey!" the owner said, smiling. "You guys better get your orders in quick; I'm closing up soon."

"Just enough ribs and fries for all of us," said Knuckles.

"Sure thing," the owner said, smiling.

"Remember, you're paying," Sonic said to Knuckles.

"I know. Go and find some seats, and I'll bring the food over for us when it's ready."

The others nodded, going to find a table to sit at. They found one by the window, but there weren't enough seats for them all. Vector simply went and grabbed two extra seats, whilst Espio grabbed a third, and they all sat around the table, waiting for their food.

"Nothing like some late night sweet and sour ribs before a restless night," said Tails.

"Hey, you don't have to worry so much about it," said Vector. "Remember, we're all going to be there to vouch for you."

"But will they take your word to help the rookies when that's something that Star Light doesn't have to worry about?" Sonic asked. "That's the main question, in my opinion."

"Well, your opinion won't help you that much tomorrow," Espio shrugged. "There's only so much that we can do to help you."

Sonic smiled. "For what it's worth, you guys have been awesome in teaching us today."

"Yeah," Tails agreed. "It did suck not being able to run our own stuff, but it was nice to hand the reigns over to somebody else for a change."

"With the exception of Liam Neeson over here," Vector said, point a thumb to Shadow.

The black and red hedgehog smiled a bit. "It did feel good to have that kind of control over a bad guy. But it's one thing to have somebody in that position; imagine if I hadn't had the Fokus with me to help. Even worse, imagine if he weren't tied to that chair."

"I thought that the cool one of the group wasn't allowed to worry," Knuckles said, walking over with the food and setting it down.

"We're all part of the team, big red," Sonic said. "We all have a right to worry. Even you."

The red echidna nodded. "It's a good thing that Shade knows about it already."

"Will she be able to make it tomorrow?" asked Charmy.

"Nah. She'll be super busy, from what I understand."

"What's happening?" Sonic asked.

"Apparently, the person who normally teaches her martial arts class got sick, so she's been given a new teacher for the day," Knuckles said as he began eating.

"Isn't she just shy of a blue belt?" Tails asked.

"Indeed she is," Knuckles nodded. "But I'd rather her normal teacher was the one guiding her. This other one has a reputation for being a little bit too hands-on with his pupils."

"If he tries that shit on Shade," Sonic said, "maybe she'll show this new teacher a picture of you and he'll be scared off."

"Unfortunately, they don't allow phones while training," Knuckles shrugged.

"Maybe she'll show him beforehand," said Shadow. "Shame you can't be there to punch this bastard out if he tries anything."

"If I did, I'm sure that I'd get Shade expelled from her class," the red echidna said. "It's fun to dream it, though."

"Shade's a tough chick," said Sonic. "If you can't be there to kick this pervy teacher's ass, she might be able to do it for you."

Knuckles smiled. "I've learned very wisely to try and not get on my girlfriend's bad side. I'd like to think that I've done well for myself so far."

"Considering how long you two have been together now, I'm not surprised," Sonic said. "How long's it been?"

"Almost four years now," Knuckles said. "Trust me, if I had the money to buy her the right rock to put on her finger, I'd do it. But the trouble is finding the right one. And having the money to do it."

"If the station can help, you just let us know," Espio said.

"Really?" Knuckles asked.

Vector nodded. "Absolutely. Obviously, we'll have to hold off depending on what happens tomorrow, but we'd be more than happy to help."

Knuckles smiled. "I appreciate it. I do. But, I'd rather earn the money on my own terms. Do it my way, you know?"

Espio smiled. "That's a good answer."

"Speaking of answers," Tails said, "we haven't gotten one from Charmy about the ribs."

"That's because you didn't ask me yet," the bee replied.

"Very well," Tails said. "How do they taste?"

"Really good," Charmy smiled. "I'm so glad that you asked."

The others smiled, and all kept on eating their food, talking and laughing with each other. Soon, it was time to close up, and the owner walked over to their table as they started standing up to leave, speaking to them.

"If you want, you can take it back home with you," the owner said. "It's all in containers anyway, and I've got plenty in the back, so you can take them home with you if you want."

"Nah, I'm good," Knuckles said.

"Yeah, me too," Sonic added. "I'm stuffed."

Almost everyone else declined, but Shadow spoke up. "I'll take mine back."

The owner nodded and smiled. "In that case, take care."

Shadow nodded, and turned to follow his friends as they left the restaurant. They headed for their car, getting in it as the owner was locking up the restaurant, with some workers leaving and getting into their own vehicles before leaving with them.

"So, is there any reason why you wanted to take your food back with you?" Tails asked.

Shadow nodded. "Maria."

"Oh, that's right," the yellow fox said. "She's been working more shifts at her job lately, hasn't she?"

The black and red hedgehog nodded again. "It hasn't been all good for her, and I don't want her waking up sick and such. She barely has time for breakfast, and I'm never there to make it for her, so..."

"Say no more," Sonic nodded. "I'll drop you off first, okay?"

"Thank you," Shadow smiled.

The blue hedgehog smiled and gave a thumbs up before starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot. Wasting little time, he began driving along the roads of Green Hill, soon arriving at a small house just on the outside of the city, pretty far from the police station.

Shadow exited the car, making sure that he had the container with him, and turned to wave at Sonic and the others. "Thanks!"

"No problem!" Sonic replied.

"And remember, you have to wake up early tomorrow!" Vector said.

"I will!" Shadow replied.

Those in the car waved, and Shadow waved back, watching as they drove off. He then sighed to himself, keeping his container held close as he walked towards the front door of his and Maria's house. He knelt down next to the welcome mat, grabbing the spare key from under it, and unlocked the front door with it.

He entered the house, closing the door and locking it behind him. He quickly made his way into the kitchen, heading over to the microwave and placing the container of ribs inside of it before heading to the living room.

He saw Maria passed out on the couch, and the TV was on, having changed to one of those late night sell everything channels. Shadow saw that Maria looked pretty cold, and she did have a blanket which had slipped onto the floor, leaving her in her pink pyjamas.

Carefully, Shadow placed the blanket back over her, smiling a little bit as she snuggled into the warmth of the covers. He debated turning the TV off, but then went for a desk near the window to grab a sticky note and a pen.

Using the light from the television, he wrote on the note and went to the kitchen, placing it on the microwave and reading what it read. "Maria, your breakfast is in here. Put it in for five minutes, and it should be good. Sorry I got back so late."

"Well then," he said to himself, turning the TV off. "Time to get some sleep."

He then went upstairs to his bedroom, taking off his clothes and leaving him in just his boxers before getting into his bed, wrapping himself up in the covers and closing his eyes, hoping that whatever tomorrow would bring, it wouldn't affect Maria in any negative way.

'I can take it...' he thought to himself. 'I can take what happens to me. But what if something bad were to happen to her?'

And, there you have it! And it wasn't two weeks off! It was damn close though, and I know that. But I hope that you all enjoyed the chapter. It is more of a filler one, but the next chapter will probably be a bit longer as it will be their court date. What will happen for their future? Who knows? Not even me, I'll tell you that much. Anyway, I will see you all in the next one. Take care, and stay tuned.