Who Framed Sonic the Hedgehog

Chapter 2

Acme and Amy

The mailman bumped into him on the way there, "Hey Espio, whatcha got for me this week?"

The purple chameleon shrugged, "Hey Shadow, just the usual bills this week?" he said as he handed Shadow the handful of bills.

Shadow made a face, "Not exactly what I was hoping for..."

Espio shrugged yet again, "Sorry Shadow, maybe next month it will be better." He waved as he walked towards the nearby apartment complex, "See you around!"

Shadow waved casually, watching him leave, before turning toward the trolley station. He paused to drop the unwanted papers into the nearest trash can with a heavy thump. Then with a large sigh, Valiant made his way across the street.

The Terminal Street Bar was hardly the nicest diner in town. It wasn't large, the location wasn't the best, and for one it wasn't well known. The bar was built as an add on to the trolley station. The only window had a nice view of the parking and repair docks for the trolleys. The workers and repairmen of the Red Car came down here to eat, laugh, and drink away the worries. They were the main source of income to the little restaurant, save for the occasional outsider who lived across the street or down the road. It was a little place that could mostly ignore the garbage the world through at them, which was probably for the better.

Shadow made his way up the stairs, patting a friend playing pool on the shoulder before heading to the nearest bar stool. He nearly tripped over and clearly intoxicated porcupine. The poor sod was out cold on the table, and Shadow calmly slipped the man's hat on. He wore the Red Car operator uniform; it must have been a bad day out on the streets.

"What's wrong with Carl?" He asked slipping into a seat, next to him was Eddie the Yeti, a larger animation who started out as a comic character. Eddie was a man of few words, actually no words at all, he was mute. He had been injured long ago in a trolley accident. For his communication he merely wrote on his note book that remained on his person at all times.

Shadow waited patiently as Eddie scratched on a corner of the paper tilting his head slightly as Eddie finally flipped it around. Laid off.

"He was laid off?" Shadow echoed, raising an eyebrow as Eddie nodded.

Omega, a black lab with a metal arm slid onto the other side of Shadow. Omega was a repair man here at the station. "Yep, and new outfit bought the Red Car. Some big company called Clover Leaf."

Shadow was genuinely surprised. The Red Car had been around a long time, to have a larger company buy it was indeed interesting gossip, "No kidding? They bought the Red Car?" he asked, glancing at Omega.

Omega nodded as he began to walk away with Eddie, "Yep gave him a two weeks' notice.'Cut backs' they said."

Shadow sighed, staring at the drunken man, before grabbing a random shot glass from the counter, "Well, here's to the pencil pushers," He said lifting the glass up a bit, "May they all get led poisoning." The glass lifted up, only to be stopped centimeters from his lips by a well manicured hand. Shifting his eyes ever so slightly, Shadow came eye to eye with irritated Rouge Dolores.

Rouge was tapping her foot, her ear twitching in agitation, "You know what day it is tomorrow Shadow?" she raised an eyebrow. "Tomorrow is Friday Shadow. And do you know what happens on Friday?"

He glanced down at her hand, still blocking his drink. "Fish special?" he answered irritably.

She snatched the glass from his hands, "My boss checks the books on Friday." Rouge snapped setting down her serving tray with a hard thud, "And if I don't have the money I gave you back in the till I'm going to lose my job."

Shadow rolled his eyes, "Don't but a button Rouge you've only got one left." He reached into his jacket and with a smile pulled out the check Maroon wrote out earlier.

Rouge glanced warily down, a smile slowly tugged up her lips as she read the check out, "Fifty bucks?" she asked, smiling fully.

"Mmm-hmm."

She glanced down again then quickly frowned, "Where is the rest?" she demanded turning around moving to the other side of the table top to serve a man his drink.

Shadow frowned at her stubbornness, "Oh come on! It's only a snoop job away!" He shoved the check back into his pocket, "Do you still have your camera on you? Mine is in the shop."

Rouge flashed him a look, "Wouldn't happen to be the pawn shop would it?"

Shadow said, "Rouge, you need the other half don't you? I need the camera for that."

He watched as she paused, putting some bills into the cash register, before hesitantly pulling out a small case from beside it. She clutched the camera to her chest as she walked over.

"Any film left in it?" Shadow inquired.

Rouge placed the camera down in front of him, "Should be," she said slowly. She stepped away and went over to the sink to clean the stack of dishes there.

Shadow opened the camera, inspecting the gears and the film as she continued talking. "I haven't had that roll developed since our trip to Catalina." Shadow looked up then, watching silently as she stared at the wall, eyes filled with sorrow and longing. "Gosh that sure was a long time ago wasn't it Shadow?"

He nodded, "Yeah it was a long time ago, we should do that again sometime." he said as he put the camera into his coat pocket.

He heard Rouge scoff, "Yeah sure Shadow."

The entire diner shook and rattled as a trolley left the station outside. Rouge sighed and reached for the pile of dishes, insuring that they would topple over. So while her back was turned Shadow took a quick swig from another lonesome glass from the bar top.

Rouge turned back again, catching his swig, but not bothering to register it. She walked over, "Is that check any good?"

He held it out to her once more, letting her take it. "Yep, look it over."

She glanced at the signature, "I.K. Maroon, as in Ivo Maroon? Maroon Cartoons?"

Before Shadow could answer, a voice came from behind, "Maroon Cartoons." It was Nack, the Weasel, yet another repairman at the Red Car. He set a lunch box down next to Shadow. He leaned against Shadow's back, getting close to his ear. Shadow winced as alcohol stained breath invaded his senses.

"So who is your client? Mr. Detective to the stars?" Nack teased. "Is it Chilly Willy? Or the Road Runner?"

"What do you want to drink?" Rouge demanded, irritated. Her question was a weak attempt to get Nack of his back, but the gesture was not without notice to Shadow.

Nack smiled up at her, "Oh, I'll take a beer." he said, before plopping down into the seat next to Shadow. Nack flipped open his lunch box. "So what happened? Somewhat kidnap Daffy Duck?" he giggled at his own joke.

Shadow just mentally growled at took another long swig off his drink.

"Cut it out Nack," Rouge warned.

Nack just laughed, "No wait I got it. Little Bo Peep, lost her sheep, and you are going to help find them." he burst into laughter, turning back to his lunch.

That was it.

Shadow kicked out the stool from the underneath the purple weasel. Before Nack could hit the floor, Shadow whipped around and socked him, hard, across the face, sending weasel sprawling to the floor.

The whole room went deathly silent, faces turned and games stopped as Shadow leaned in close to the dazed victim."Get this straight flea ball," Shadow hissed, his fist inches from Nack's already damaged nose. "I. Do. Not. Work. For. Toons!" And with that final warning, Shadow Valiant stormed out of the diner.

Everyone turned to watch the ebony hedgehog leave. Nack got up on unsteady feet, clutching his nose in pain. "Jesus, what is his problem?"

Rouge watched sadly as her friend disappeared from view," A Toon killed his partner," her voice cracking slightly. There were gasps of surprise and curiosity through the room. The waitress shook her head sadly, "Dropped a piano right on her head."

There was yet another murmur throughout the diner, and everyone turned back to what they were doing, grim thoughts hanging over their heads, leaving only Rouge, staring longingly at the exit.

In the darker parts of town, Shadow pulled his heavy trench coat tighter as he made his way down a windy alleyway. Pausing in front of a small wooden door, he tapped on it lightly.

A panel slid open, and a single eye glared him down, "What's the password?" the gruff voice demanded.

Not wasting a second, Shadow replied, "Walt sent me."

The eye narrowed, and then the panel slid shut. A few seconds later there was the click of a lock, and the door swung wide. Revealing a large gorilla in a not as large as it should be suit. Shadow causally grinned, "Nice monkey suit."

The gorilla growled, "Wise ass," shaking a fist his way.

Shadow nodded slightly and turned away, leaving the filthy entrance and the cranky butler behind. Walking slowly down a set of stairs, Shadow moved up to a large wooden door, on the other side it vibrated laughter and chipper piano music.

Pushing the door open, Shadow barely paused at the low light setting of a glamorous theater set up. The whole area glowed in pinks and gold's, and the air was thick with cigarette smoke. Round tables surround a stage with a catwalk. There were mostly humans present, laughing and drinking, but there were a few high class animations there as well. Penguins moved about, clearly the waiters, and a octopus who didn't look quite right in the head served drinks at the bar. Upon the stage the source of the upbeat music was found, Donald Duck and Daffy Duck played a piano duet on two grand pianos.

Shadow made his way down the carpeted steps, half listening to Daffy begin playing the wrong notes. Donald erupted into a wave of unintelligible yells, clearly irritated with his partner.

"Does anyone know what this duck is saying?" Daffy mocked. "I've worked with a lot of wise cracker but you are dessspicable." his lisp mixing in.

Shadow sighed shaking his head as Donald yet again cursed him out. Daffy laughed, "This is the last time I work with some with a speech impediment."

Donald voice rang out clear this time as he yelled, "Oh yeah?!" Reaching behind him, grabbed Daffy and threw him into his piano, slamming the lid down, and continuing playing. The audience erupted into laughter as Daffy hissed.

"This means war."

Shadow rolled his eyes and made his way to the nearest seat at the end of the catwalk. Just as he was about to sit down, a scrawny human sprayed ink, all over his shirt. The human was shorter than Shadow was, which was somewhat humorous and he only had five little hairs sticking out of his otherwise bald head. And he just pointed the pen and squirted, as if he didn't care.

The human broke into a fit of giggles, Shadow glared at him, "Do you think that's funny?"

"Oh it's a gas!" the man laughed.

Shadow leaned in, "You won't think it's so funny when I jab that pen somewhere it doesn't belong."

The man shook his head still smiling, "Calm down son, it's disappearing ink." He pointed, "See, the ink is already fading. No hard feelings I hope."

Shadow pulled away glancing at his supposedly ruined shirt. But the black stain was already fading away from the white fabric, in seconds it was completely gone.

The man gestured to himself, "Look I'm-"

"I know who you are," Shadow interjected, "Your Snively Acme, owner of Toon Town. The Gag King."

Acme grinned, "If it's Acme, it's a gasser." He stuck out his hand, "Put 'er there pal."

Shadow reluctantly shook hands with the man. His hand erupted into thousands of electric prickles and Shadow cried out in surprise.

Acme pulled his hand away, lifting it up to reveal the culprit. "Hand buzzer," He laughed, "Still our biggest seller!" Shadow turned sharply away as the man laughed, taking a seat in at the table next to the joker.

A penguin waiter walked up to him, holding out a menu. Still irritated by the buzzer trick Shadow pushed the menu down onto the penguin's serving tray. "Just scotch on the rocks." As the penguin walked away Shadow called after, "And I mean ice!"

Back on center stage the two ducks had continued in their war of the pianos. Daffy had socked Donald with a boxing glove and continued playing on Donald's piano. Batting his eyes innocently, unbeknownst to him as a canon slowly peaked out of the piano behind him.

Shadow felt his eyes go wide, and he leaned back slowly.

Donald now stood atop the piano, donning a set of devil horns and tail. With one yank of the cord, the cannon went of slamming into Daffy's piano. The audience jumped at the loud bang, then proceed into laughter. The two actors and their pianos toppled over with a loud crash and then were yanked off the stage by two large canes. The audience laughed and cheered as the curtains closed.

Shadow glanced warily over at Acme, the man was clapping and cheering with the rest. He smiled at Shadow, "It's so funny, they never can finish their act together!"

"Yeah," Shadow mumbled. A glass was lifted up to him, and he took the drink from the penguin. "Thanks," he said. But just as he was about to take a drink, he paused, reaching in and pulled out a rock. Dropping it back in with a sigh, Shadow rolled his eyes, "Toons."

"Cigars? Cigarettes?" A female called out among the crowd. "Shadow Valiant?"

Shadow turned his head at the sound of his name, addressing the figure. "Betty?"

Betty Boop winked at him, setting the tray of cigars and cigarettes on his table, "Long time no see Shadow."

"What are you doing here?"

Betty shrugged, "Works been kinda slow since cartoons went to color. But I still got it!" She did her little signature dance, winking at him once more.

Smiling Shadow nodded, "Yeah, you still got it."

Suddenly the lights dimmed and men came animations and humans alike came rushing towards the catwalk, cheering and howling. Shadow looked over to see Acme spraying perfume on himself. He looked back at Betty, "What's wrong with him?"

The black and white toon smiled, "Acme never misses a night when Amy performs."

Shadow smirked, "Got a thing for hedgehogs huh?"

A single spotlight lit up the blue curtain, and Shadow looked at Acme again. The bald man pointed at the stage, grinning, urging Valiant to look.

Shadow looked over smug smirk on his face as a sultry voice filled the silent room, strong and lovely. A single exposed leg slid out donned in a red high heel. A body followed the leg, revealing a lovely red sequined dress. From the body came the head, and Shadow's smug smile dropped.

Amy was a pink hedgehog from head to toe. He long flowing hair covered half over her face, bobbing up and down every time she sauntered across the stage. She was curvy and well defined, and she knew it to. As she wooed the men with her breath taking voice, she'd rock her hips just so, and lean against the wall in a way that sent half the men in the room cheering.

Shadow leaned over to Betty, who was still standing next to him, "She's married to Sonic the Hedgehog?"

Betty sighed, "Yeah, what a lucky girl." She leaned down, tapping his gaping mouth shut. Shadow hadn't realized it was open to begin with.

Amy made her way down the catwalk, still singing her serenade. A man stood up to meet her. But Amy gently pushed him back down. Stepping onto Acme's table she made her way down to the ground floor. She pinched Acme's cheeks as she moved behind him, smiling as he blushed. Then Amy was on the move again.

Shadow stiffened as she moved towards him, advancing almost like a lion. She was on his lap now, was that perfume she was wearing? He hadn't quite registered it when she shoved his hat back into his face, leaving him fumbling to grab it again. When had she taken his hat off?

Amy sat down on the catwalk, reaching the peak of her song. She rolled onto her knees and leaned in. She grabbed his tie and pulled him closer, her face inches from Shadow's. Her lips were right there. The song paused; the whole room held its breath as she leaned in. Some men moaned in jealously. Then with one final captivating note, Amy pulled away. Standing and walking up the catwalk towards the stage.

The audience cheered in approval! Clapping even after the singer was gone and the curtain closed. Like a siren leaving the scene, the men walked away. Shadow barely noticed Acme eagerly getting up and leaving.

He just sat in his chair, staring in shock at the curtain.

"Holy Sh-"

And Cut!

Another chapter up due to some subtle demands and PMs.

So here is what I have to say. I'm going to entertain myself with a little game. I'm going to put as many references as humanly possible into this story. It can be anything from the Sonic Universe, to cartoons. If you can get them all in each chapter. Cool! If you don't get some of the jokes or have no idea who the characters are, that's okay too. Oh and little warning. some of them might be fake ;)

Want to see Donald and Daffy fight? Want to hear Amy's song? Go look up Who Framed Roger Rabbit somewhere, or watch it at home if you have the movie. The two scenes are about fourteen minutes into the movie so you don't have to go far.

See you at the next chapter!