Tloj: ...Why is no one talking to me?!

...Enjoy the chapter.

"Swear to me!" I roar, punching the guy in the face.

"Fuck you," the punk swears. He yelps as Millie gives his balls a sharp twist.

"I know you know someone who knows what Eggman is up to!" I growl. Egg pawn parts are scattered everywhere around us thanks to Millie's fists.

"Eh... Even if I did, if I told you I'm dead anyways!"

"Your balls will be dead first." I state.

He stares at me for a minute, and then begs, "Okay! Just please let me go!"

Millie shrugs, "Well since you asked nicely..." She lets him go.

I drop him and glare. "Start talking."

"He... Has a nephew, his confidant, and right hand man... His name is Snively... If anyone knows, then he does..."

"Where can we find Snively?" I growl.

"I don't know," he says. "I always see him around Eggman, otherwise he's a recluse."

Millie cracks he knuckles, and the punk puts up his hands, "It's true, I swear!"

"So how would that help us?" I ask darkly, clenching my knuckles and making them crack audibly.

"I-I-I-I don't know! Th-th-that's all I know! I swear!"

Millie sighs, "He's about to piss himself so I guess that's all we can get out of him. No worries though Doll, I have a plan."

"Okay." I pitch him into the dumpster and slam the lid down.

Millie takes my hand, "So all we have to do is wait until we see this guy with Eggman, and then stalk him!"

"Aw, we wait until tomorrow?! That's boring!" I complain, squeezing her hand gently.

She smiles, "Well... There is another option..."

I blink and tilt my head. "What is it?"

"We find Eggman now, and I'd bet Snively would be close by."

"Okay." I smirk.

Two shadows pass over hem as a pair of figures leap over the alleyway.

"Hold that plan." I shoot after them.

Millie follows, and my nerves settle as the two figures whirl to face me, hidden blades drawn. Unless there are another pair of cats in this town that wear peaked hoods of course.

"Do your names start with an R and C and end with E and L?" I ask, just in case.

Crystal sighs, "Oh good, it's just you."

They sheath their blades, and Reave says, "We were on our way to the Central Square to set up surveillance equipment. However with the affiliation with the Nage in this area we are on edge just a little."

"Sweet. We were about to bust down Eggy's door and tag his squirmy nephew." I smirk.

Reave nods slowly, "...I have an idea..."

"Wanna share with Batman?" I tilt my head.

"A false assassination," Reave replies. "When Eggman arrives we make a move for him. Your target attempts to flee, and you nab him. That, or we could abduct the good doctor himself."

"Hm... What'cha think, Ms. Fist?" I smile at my girlfriend.

She strokes her chin, "We get what we want, cause a little hem... Fuck it, let's do it!"

"Alright then! Maybe I can actually cut loose a little!" It's been so long... even when fighting Robert I didn't get to show my full power.

Crystal nods, "Okay, then let's head for the square, see what we can plan out on site."

I nod and pick up Millie, flying to the square.

The Nightshades are nimble, and quick enough to keep up just fine.

I land in the grass so as to not make a crater, and set her down.

She pecks me on the cheek as the assassins flank me like a pair of shadows.

"Alright, let's set up." I smirk.

Reave pulls a pair of contact lenses out of his pocket, a little invention I call the Iris Cam. Someone can put in their eye, and it remotely transmits to one specific computer through an encrypted, untraceable connection. You can be impressed now.

He climbs up a gargoyle, and puts one in its eye while his sister does the same to the huge statue of Eggman in the center of the square.

I set up some remote traps, scare tactics if things go south. Smoke grenades, stunt explosions... paintball guns.

Millie watches me carefully, learning as best she can.

I smile once I'm done and hands her a crossbow with a knockout gas tip. "Now, I know exactly where Eggy and Snives will stand. You've seen how I just set everything up, now you figure out who we'll knock out." A test to see if she could keep up with me after all.

She rolls the crossbow in her hands, and smiles. "...I have a pretty good idea. How close would you say that the two of them are?"

"Next to each other." I say.

"Perfect, then we nab them both."

"Then line up the shot." I smile.

She nods, and pecks me on the cheek. Crystal looks at the rooftops, and points at a church tower, "Prime sniping position, no doubt he'll heave it defended by Nage. Think you two can take them out?"

I smirk. "Of course!" I grab Millie and speed into the tower.

Crystal grabs my tail, "Not yet! They aren't even here yet! We need to wait for tomorrow."

"Oh." I frown sheepishly.

Reave chuckles, "The scourge of the night has a bit too much zeal methinks."

Millie smirks, "I think I know how to put it to good use... And will you stop talking like a bad knockoff of Shakesparrow?"

Reave frowns, "It is how I was raised to speak."

"Okay then, what am I doing? Threatening pirates? Attacking drug dealers? Punching lawyers?" I ask, getting pumped up.

Millie puts her hands on her hips, and raises an eyebrow at me. "No..."

"Uh... giving politicians wedgies?" I drew a blank.

She walks up toe, "Here's a hint, just a polite suggestion." She kisses me lovingly.

I wag my tails. "Really? You wanna?"

She smiles, "I'll actually hurt you if you don't."

"Get a room," Crystal quips.

"We got a room." I smirk and grab her, shooting off into the sky and back to the hotel into our room. I pitch her into the bed and hop onto her with a purr, pulling off my mask.

She stretches languidly, arcing her back. "Can you think of a better way to wind down for the night?"

"I dunno... killing people in Halo?" I smile, kissing her.

She sighs through her nose, and pulls my face into her breasts. "Well... At least you're not a complete pervert."

"I'm not a pervert, I'm Antonio!" I smirk, wagging my tails.

THE NEXT MORNING... (Hero's POV)

Millie bounces on my bed, "Get up! Today's the big day!"

"Geh?!" I shoot up and blink at her. "How'd you get into my room?"

"I work with Batman, how do you think?"

I sigh and push her off the bed, hopping to my feet and walking into the bathroom. "Gimme one minute."

She just rolls her eyes, and heads of of the room.

I brush my teeth and change quickly, turning back into Thunder Hero before walking down to the lobby.

I'm not entirely surprised to find just Shade waiting for me, the others already out to take care of their missions.

I nod to her, walking past and walking outside. I walk slowly so she can catch up.

She does so in easy strides, "They wanted me to tell you they need to rely on us for a distraction... Fireworks perhaps? Nothing that would scare the public right away."

"Hm... I think I can do that." I nod with a smirk.

Shade smiles as she offers her arm, "Undercover?"

I nod and take her hand. "Absolutely."

Shade leans into, play acting that we are a couple as we follow the crowd to the Central Square.

I blush softly, thinking about Sarah and wishing she were here.

Shade rubs my shoulder, "Are you okay?"

I sigh. "I miss Sarah..."

"Hey, after we're done here we'll go back to see her again."

I smile. "Thanks Shade." I lean in and peck her on the cheek.

She raises an eyebrow, "Interesting, I didn't know Hedgehogs believed in polygamy as well."

"It's a foreign concept, I'm sure." I say, making sure we're alone before walking behind a building. "Here we go... Onto the roof we go!"

"I thought we were to mingle in the crowd in case something happened?"

"Yes. But we need some escape routes as well. I don't like searching for an escape plan on the fly." I switch to Tails Doll Hero, flying onto the roof and landing.

Shade nobly runs up the wall after me, landing with a backflip.

I scan the area. "Okay... the north side is congested, that isn't a good exit."

Shade looks around as well, "South, and East look good for now though."

I nod. "We need to make sure one of them stays free."

Shade nods, and radios those instructions to Antonio.

Soon, a squad of police cars has that path cleared off with barricades. "Thanks bro." I smile.

Shade smiles in satisfaction, "And now?"

"Now we mingle." I smile and shift into Thunder Hero, jumping off the roof.

She lands gracefully beside me, and takes my arm again.

I walk around, looking around. "Since we're wandering, mind some breakfast?"

"Yes please."

I smile and walk to a nearby Denny's, picking an outside seat under an umbrella.

She sits with me, wiping her forehead. "Even with my brief excursions outside of the tundra clan I find I am still not used to warm weather. And by "warm weather" I mean anything hotter than arctic."

I smile. "You will." I order her a mango smoothie to cool her off along with a stack of waffles. I get the same, except with coffee instead.

Her eyes widen as she sips the smoothie. "Extraordinary!"

I chuckle. "I thought you'd like it."

Shade blushes at her outburst, "Well when one lives off of Polar Bear meat, and Seal Blubber with scarce plantlife for greens..."

"You'll love these waffles then." I smile, pouring syrup on mine.

She watches me, and then mimes my movements. She takes a bite of her waffles... And promptly drops her fork.

I catch it before it drops to the floor. "Woah! You okay?"

She blinks, and I think I can see the beginning of tears.

"I... Think the modern world has SOME things my people could benefit from..."

I smile and hand her back the fork. "Sarah can teach you an even better recipe when we return."

Shade smiles, "It would appear you have found a fine woman to mother your offspring."

"Indeed. She's not perfect... but I'm not either. We complement each other." I smile and take another bite.

"You should both feel honored," she says, and decides to immerse herself in the flavors of her breakfast again.

"I hope she does." I chuckle.

Shade sighs, "Well... I hope my first child comes from a caring father."

"Me too." I agree. "Someone strong, but at the same time gentle and wanting peace."

Shade frowns, "I was under the impression you already have a child growing in your bride, which is why she is not here."

I nod. "Yes. She is at the house with my mother."

Shade closes her eyes, "No doubt after the whole incident at my tribe Father will push for a child from Knuckles... Do you think he would be a good father?"

"Of course. But he might use that as an excuse to go for the Master Emerald." I frown, thinking. Why didn't I think of that before?

Shade snickers, "Please, my father will not dare challenge her. She is just as powerful as him, and as such if they were to do battle it may be an apocalyptic stalemate. Despite her nature, I do believe she would fight simply to keep him from gaining too much power."

"You're talking about Tikal, right? Yeah, she would fight for world peace." I smile.

Shade smiles, "Princess Tikal the Light is much revered by my kind. The only way either of them could win such a battle would be to ally with The Dark, something neither will ever do."

I nod. "Thank goodness for that."

Shade looks sad as she empties her plate.

I finish mine as well before paying off the meal.

"...Will there be more after we're done here?"

I blink. "More what?"

"What were those sweet things we just ate?"

"Waffles and syrup?"

"Yes, those, there will be more?"

I smile. "I'll make them myself."

She hugs me with a purr, and from the way her tail wags I don't think it's to keep in character as a happy couple.

I wonder what would happen if we were a couple? I blush at the thought and try to let it slide.

Shade kisses my cheek, "You mean it?!"

I look away, my blush deepening. "Of course. I'll show you the recipe."

She purrs louder, and hugs my arm to herself as we walk.

I gently pet her arm with my free hand as I look around, attempting to find anything out of place before gets too late to stop it.

Shade looks around as well, "How long until they come?"

"Not sure. I'd assume either around 9 or around lunch, depending on who he wishes to attract." I say.

She shrugs, "So how long should we stick around for before it looks suspicious?"

"Not sure. We can sit and pretend we're on a date or something."

Shade looks sideways, "...Or we could NOT pretend."

I blink, a touch startled. Sure, she was giving signs, but I just thought she just was being nice...

I hold her hand tighter as I smile. "Yes... we could have a real one..."

She smiles, "Thank you. As you can imagine my father never allowed me to Court... Date, sorry."

"However you wanna call it. You're more royal than I am." I smile, looking around for a good spot to do something... shop, sit and chat, something.

Shade smiles, "You know, by our customs you may take more than one bride after proving yourself a worthy father."

I blink. "Really? I thought you were joking before." I think back to the Tundra.

"When exactly?"

"When I defeated you to prove I'm a warrior back when we first met." I say.

"Ah, no I was not joking. With our kind an endangered species we tend to frown on jokes regarding procreation."

"Oh..." I become serious. "Well... hypothetically, if we became married... what about having my child? I'm a hedgehog, after all."

"My father would typically prefer me to keep my breeding line as pure as possible, and most hybrid children do not survive birth," she says sadly. "However as Second Wife the task of bearing your children is lifted somewhat. I would be lower in stature to your Sarah."

"That... sounds degrading." I blink. "You're okay with that?"

"If it was for the right man, yes," she replies with a smile. "And given my father it would bring you two higher in stature than it would bring me down. Plus given your bloodline it would technically be a royal union between the Tundra, and Amazon tribes."

I smile. That makes me feel a bit better. "All right. Thanks." I spot a clothing store. "Let's get you modernized in a different way, shall we?"

Shade looks down at the black hoodie, and jeans, "Is there something wrong with my disguise?"

"Not at all. But don't you know black absorbs heat? No wonder you're sweating so much." I smile and lead her to the clothes shop.

"Um..." She looks around at the colorful articles of clothing, blushing a some of the revealing pieces. "How can women be so... Frivolous? Is the rest of the world as hard-pressed to reproduce as my kind?"

"Not really. Most women think that they are unattractive, so they show off more skin to try to win over guys. Then they have the gall to complain guys only want them for their bodies." I sigh.

Shade frowns, "At least among the echidnas we are open with our seductions. We display our appealing attributes, and let fate send the eyes of good husbands in our direction."

She looks over some t shirts on display, tilting her head. One is black with a sword emblem on the front that reads "Heart of a Warrior."

"I hope not all of your appealing attributes." I smirk.

"I live in a frozen wasteland, what do you think?"

I shrug. "Had to be sure that wasn't what you meant." I pick out a few items I figure would suit her.

She shrugs, "The fires can become quite warm so showing a little cleavage is not uncommon..." She spots a black top with a V neck, and holds it against her body thoughtfully. "I suppose the difference in your women is that we of the three tribes WANT to use our bodies to bear children. I would surmise that your women generally focus on the pleasure involved?"

"Mostly. Then again, guys enjoy it for that reason as well." I say, glancing out the window. Still clear.

Shade frowns thoughtfully, and turns to face him. "Do you have such thoughts of me?"

I blush. "I... Not really. But I'm not going to lie and say I haven't."

She steps closer, and looks me in the eye, "When you do, do you imagine it simply for the sex, or has the image on me holding your child ever crossed your mind?"

I tilt my head, the wheels in my brains churning. I knew saying that was a bad idea... "Shade... I couldn't think about it just for sex. This is you we're talking about. I can imagine you with my child, however strange it may be." The more I thought about it, the more I actually could see her holding a baby that looked like me.

Her gaze looks into mine, and she closes her eyes.

I look down at the ground before hesitantly reaching for her. "Shade..." I glance out the window, and see Eggman climbing out of his pod. "...We need to pay for this stuff, Eggman's here!"

She grabs my wrist, and the next thing I know her lips are on mine.

All thoughts of Eggman are forgotten as my mind goes blank. It takes me a few seconds to process what's happening before I slowly wrap my arms around her waist and return the kiss.

When she pulls away it feels like something has changed between us, her expression being one of glad acceptance, like she just granted me permission to something.

"In my culture it is typical for the male to bring a female on a hunt to show off his warrior prowess..."

I smirk. "So we're Egg hunting then?"

"If that is our quarry," she quips, leaning in for a light brush of the lips.

I move in and kiss her lightly before picking up the clothes. "We'll return them later if they don't fit or anything." I say, turning to the register and paying for them.

Tloj: So, in a completely underwhelming vote of one for and no against, Shade is now gonna be the second wife. Yay for Hero! See you all next chapter!