Howdy folks. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed the story so far. I take it from the comments that a few of you were shocked that Shadow was mere seconds away from losing his head.

I'd just set him alight. Easier than this blade business

Yes Pyro. I'm sure you would. But its not you Shadow is facing, is it?

...No...

Anyway, here's chapter 7, let's see what happens...

Chapter 7: Intervention

Just as the gleaming blade touched the soft dark skin of the fallen hedgehog...

BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM

Rapid gunfire blasted into the distracted robot, causing him to drop the lifeless Shadow, who crumpled up on the ground with a slight "Oof". Mecha span round, his LED eyes blazing at this unwanted distraction. Looking up out of the crater, he saw the source of his broken concentration, and the reason why his victory had not yet been assured.

Stood at the edge of the crater, twin Uzi submachine guns smoking and sapphire eyes blazing in the little light available, stood one very pissed off bat...

BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM

More bullets ploughed into Mecha, a few coming extremely close to taking out one of the eyes. The furious and determined look on Rouge's face never changed.

"Step away from the hedgehog. NOW" commanded the ivory bat, continuing to empty two Uzi clips into her robotic enemy.

Mecha suddenly started to hover out of the pit, leaving Shadow unconscious within, nothing but a small scratch from the attempted decapitation. The unmoving eyes of the robot flashed as he came level with Rouge.

"Switch objectives. Primary objective set: Destroy interfering little bitch" The arm mounted minigun swept up and blasted the edge of the crater.

Rouge had already moved. Her wings carrying her as quickly as possible, she flw above Mecha, raining down gunfire. In response, Mecha aimed his minigun skywards. Narrowly missing the circling bat, the rapid fire blasted thousands of holes in the roof of the warehouse. Dust and flecks of masonry rained down on Mecha, who stood stock still, the minigun continuing to riddle the roof with holes.

It wasn't long before Rouge realised that Mecha was deliberately missing her. Either that or his aim was terrible against flying targets. A smirk spread across her features at the thought of Mecha getting frustrated at her for not staying still. Her small daydream was broken by a familiar metallic voice.

"Enjoy the afterlife, flying rodent" Rouge stopped flying in circles, as the minigun stopped chasing her. Looking down, Rouge saw Mecha simply standing there, glaring up at her. What was he up to? A dreadful creaking and groaning above her caused her to look up, then her eyes widened with disbelief and fear. The roof, now riddled with thousands of holes, looked like a sponge. But it had also been weakened. A huge chunk of the roof suddenly let go of the surrounding structure and hurtled towards the ground, with Rouge in its path!

Had she been anything other than a bat with a history of quick escapes from jewel heists, Rouge would have been crushed.

As it was, her reflexes caused her to flap out of the way, her left wing just being clipped by the edge of the falling masonry. That clip was enough for Mecha, who would have been smiling with evil intent if he had the ability to do so. Rouge found herself heading directly into a pile of crates, unable to stop or slow down due to her damaged wing. With a scream, she ploughed into the wood, sending ammunition and splintered wood.

Opening her eyes, Rouge was shocked to find she hadn't broken anything. Slowly pushing herself up, a sudden pressure on her back forced her back to the ground. She turned over, to find the hulking form of Mecha Shadow looming over her.

"Foolish rodent" the grating voice seemed to ring through Rouge's very soul. "I shall enjoy slowly destroying you before finishing that worthless hedgehog" A metal fist grabbed Rouge around the throat and lifted her up off the ground. Mecha then tossed her to one side, slamming her fragile body into more crates. A cry of agony escaped from Rouge's lips as broken wood bit through her catsuit and into her delicate skin.

"SHADOW!"

Thank god for Rouge, eh? If Shadow wasn't madly in love with her before he will be after he finds out she saved his life. That's if Rouge survives the beating that Mecha is dishing out. Sorry its a short one (compared to others anyway). The next one should be a bit longer. As usual, please continue reading and reviewing. Anything you want to add, Pyro?

Yeah. Personal thanks to the following for reviews:

silverblaze31, bluesonic115, a harmless pig, and thanks as well to anyone and everyone who's read it along the way. As this bozo next to me would say 'Cheers Y'all'!

You dare make a mockery of me!! BLACK LIGHTNING!!

PYRO TWISTER!

- Theos & Pyro