A/N: Here's the next chapter, just like I promised! Enjoy!

Re-edited: May 18 2011. This one was pretty tricky. The first part is easy, but the rest…no smooth sailing at all. If it wasn't for the fact that I worked hard on this story years ago, I would've long deleted it.

Disclaimer: I only own the girl. Everyone else belongs to Sega. The clothing brands belong to their rightful owners.

Chapter 5: The Mall

"How dare you run away you bitch!"

A scream was heard.

"And not only that, you were hiding money from me!"

There was another one, only higher.

"You thought you could get away."

Rips were heard through the house.

"Well you thought wrong."

Blood was splattered onto the walls.

"And now you'll pay."

Pleas of forgiveness were said.

"You'll pay with your so called life."

Sobs echoed through the air.

"And your child."

A shadow appeared on the wall, stabbing the one below it in the stomach, the victim choking, collapsing to the floor. Its blood covered the floor, a disgusting smell filling the air.

"That's not all I'll do to you."

The tall shadow held up the victim by its hair.

"I'll do worse yes. You're going to wish you were dead, just like your rotten baby here."

I woke up with a start, immediately reaching for my pendant.

A nightmare…it was only a nightmare. It wasn't real. None of it. I'm safe…we're safe…

I peeked out of the box, seeing people walking near the roads outside the alley. Seems it was time for me to awaken.

Fixing myself as best as I could, I waited until I was sure no one would notice my sudden appearance. Quietly sighing, I eyed my hair. This simply won't do. No matter how I hard I try, I know I still look disgusting. Finding shelter and a way to get money should come later. Neither would be possible with the way I look…and smell.

What was the name of that place? The favorite mentioned it so many times. How could it slip my mind? She said it's very big, with lots of stores. Stores filled with clothes, shoes, candy, and many other things. Where could such a place be? With all of these tall houses blocking my view, how can I possibly find it?

I should try to remember the name first before I stress myself. It was a short word. There was an "l" sound. All? Doll? Ball? M…mall? That's right, mall!

Okay, think. This is a big…town? Well, it's big. Very, very big. People live everywhere in this town. The mall has to be where all of them would agree to meet. So not near the edges. It would only be in or near the center. If I'm right, than the taller the houses, the closer to the center of the town. I'll go with that.

I just hope I'm right.

~Change of POV~

Why did I agree with Amy to come here again?

That's right, new wardrobe. A woman of my caliber can never have enough clothes!

Especially then there's a sale at Chanel, Gucci, and Liz Claiborne! Occurrences like these are once in a lifetime. Besides, my make up was running a little low and maybe an outfit change will get that stubborn echidna out of his rut.

That stinking idiot. He has no idea how much my manicures, facials, and hair treatments cost! Or how much time it takes, and he never notices. I should just go on a spa treatment, without telling him a thing. The cold shoulder WILL make him turn his head my way! If that doesn't do it, he can kiss that lovely Master Emerald good bye.

Oh, now if it isn't little miss pink?

"There you are Rouge. I was just visiting Cream. She should be fine by the end of the week."

The goody two shoes teen. Doesn't bother me really, since there's an 11 year age gap. Not much to talk about. Advice? Ha! I'd rather go on another mission than degrade myself.

"That's too bad. There were a few tops that would've gone nicely with her eyes and fur color." Still, I am a fashionista. If it wasn't for me, that little girl would still be wearing dresses that would clash terribly with her natural fur.

"The sale should still be going on by than. Sure, the prices won't be as low. But think of it this way. Window shopping ahead of time so we can get to the good stuff!"

Shopping twice in one week. Absolutely perfect.

"Well shouldn't we be shopping than? There is no way in hell I'm going to let a priss take what's rightfully mine." Hello violet corset top. Hmm, since we'll look for little girl stuff I might as well check out some of the men's clothing. It wouldn't hurt to get my man some clothes since he only has that raggedy vest.

~Change of POV~

Why must this place have to be so…confusing? I've lost count of how many times I've gotten lost now…than there's my feet aching and getting tired so quickly.

I can't give up. I know I'm getting close. I've seen a few groups of girls walk past me holding bags filled with…stuff. I know there were some clothes. The rest…I don't know. Would be strange of me to try to peek inside.

Although I'm curious as to why they were laughing when they looked at me. Is it my hair? My missing fur? Oh no! Don't tell me the slash marks became scars too!

No, calm down. Calm down. Relax. I have to remember, the baby's due in a week or so. Calm…calm…

Okay, now where was I? Oh yes, I have to find this "mall". Maybe it's over there?

~Rouge's POV~

Now this is what I call a vacation. A case of new make up, 10 bags worth of clothes, brand new boots, plus I spotted a few eye catching outfits that would look tasty on that idiot of mine.

Looking over at miss bubbly, I couldn't help but smirk. Some of her outfits were fought over. It was amusing to see how the other twits backed off once they realized who she was. After all, who could not recognize her temper and hammer? So sad that they only recognized her once she threatened them. Still a good laugh though. Been so long since I've seen anyone recoil in fear.

"I can't wait until Cream gets better. That way the three of us can freshen up after shopping and head out for some fun! No boys, just the three of us for a girls' night out."

A girls' night out. Been some time since we had one of those. Considering the age differences and job occupations there really isn't much time to do so. Besides, what could a woman in her mid 20s do with a 20 year old and 14 year old? Not much without looking awkward or out of place. I don't do malt shops or "hanging out". Nor do I particularly care about the latest gossip about adolescents. That's nothing compared to the juicy details I hear with my advanced hearing within the government. I wonder how this will turn out.

"Rouge…you need to take a look at this."

Looking out the corner of my eye, I followed her gaze.

What…the…hell. What in the world is that girl wearing! It's hideous! A girl should know to NEVER wear something so…so…revolting! Especially with that color! Yellow fur with a rusty brown? That is see through! I never thought I would see a girl with such a TERRIBLE fashion sense. Then there's her health itself. Does she even clean herself? And I believe no one in this day grows their hair that long anymore. It's plain to see she's no "princess". If only I could march over there and smack some sense into her.

"Wait a minute…I remember her. She lost her necklace on the train a few days ago. I think she's pregnant, although Tails had a better look at her."

"Then shouldn't she be at the maternity store? I'm pretty sure I saw one around here a few times." Oh well. Not my business. That girl can look as horrible as long as she wants. But if she ever bumps into me…I'm chopping off that hair one way or another.

~Change of POV~

I'm sure it's around here somewhere. I heard that group of pregnant women mention a store where we could go. A store with poofy shirts and dresses. Oh, and those…pants. If I sound like an idiot in my head…oh goodness. I need to learn how to live out here.

Wait…is that it? Yes, it is! I recognize the patterns, so it has to be the place. It's right there. Just a little bit further…

It hurts…it hurts…no. Not in this place, it's too early...

I must...buy new clothes...

~Rouge's POV~

Well, well, well. How lucky for us! Three gentlemen who'll happily carry our bags!

"Are you two done yet?"

And fox boy speaks at last! Hmm, he's going to be whipped. I just know it. Once a girl ropes him in anyway. That should be soon, taking in his physical attributes and personality. Plus there's the "celebrity factor". Although his outfit could use a little work. Seriously. A plain shirt with ripped jeans that are covered in oil stains? At least I figured out what to get for his birthday.

"Oh not by a long shot boys. Amy and I have our eyes on a couple purses that we saw earlier, than there's browsing around to find accessories to go with our new wardrobe."

Ahh. The sound of three men groaning. Music to my ears. Speaking of what I hear…

"'Oh we should check the mall out to buy Knucklehead something!' Thanks a lot Faker!"

"Hey! How was I supposed to know the girls would be here?"

"I don't know. Maybe the fact that Amy told you she'd be with Rouge a few hours ago?"

"Shadow has a point there…if Amy's with Rouge, that means only one thing."

"Shopping…"

Amy was also enjoying their pain; the grin on her face said it all.

Nothing like a day of relaxation with brand new clothes, and the sound of men groaning while carrying your bags.

Absolutely perfect.

Now if that idiot would just visit me for once...

A/N: This took me about a week or so. The dream part and the girl trying to find the mall were already done. The parts that followed after though…took me a while to think of what would be believable. I tried to capture Rouge's image, who is materialistic to the bone. So if she's materialistic, I thought she would also be judgmental of others. It is pretty normal for most people. If they love fashion, they tend to analyze others no matter who they are. Be it friend or stranger. And I didn't change this one much either. Only the end of the chapter.