Who Framed Sonic The Hedgehog

Chapter 8

The Connection

"Rouge?"

"Nothing scares you huh," Rouge said quietly, walking over to Shadow. "Because you sure looked scared to me,"

Shadow cleared his throat, and straightened his jacket, "I was not scared," he looked away, "Just took me by surprise that's all."

"Of course,"

He faced her again, "How did you find me?"

"I guess you had my number in your coat pocket," Rouge replied.

"Huh?"

"Your friend," The bat said, "He found my number in the coat you lent him." Rouge shifted uncomfortably, "He said that you two were in a rut and needed a boost. He gave me directions to where you were hiding."

"Hungry my ass," Shadow mumbled to himself.

"Pardon?"

Shadow shrugged, "Nothing, when did he call?"

"Awhile ago," Rouge said, "I would have been here sooner, but the Weasels followed me all the way home from work, I had to drive around awhile before I lost them. I have all the stuff you need in the back of my car. I've watched you solve so many cases it wasn't hard to find out what you need."

"Ah yeah," Shadow flinched, "About work, I'm sorry for what happened today."

Rouge shrugged, "Eh stuffing olives for a living wasn't for me anyway."

There was a moment of silence between them. And Shadow wanted to say something, anything that might clear the air, but nothing came to mind. Or more that plenty of things came to mind, just none of it made its way down to his mouth. Shadow paused, "l should go get my things. I'll be -"

"Wait," Rouge held up her hand, "Let me say something,"

Shadow leaned back against a chair, "Alright," he gestured to the many seating's around him, "Have a seat."

Rouge sat down in front of him, "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. About you and that's actress woman. She just looked like- And she- Well-" Rouge let out an angry huff, "Christ you know how I jump to conclusions."

"We all make the mistake," He said quietly, moving in to sit down next to her.

"I know! But-" Rouge looked at the ceiling "I took it too far!" She looked at him, "And I'm sorry. I didn't mean a word I said back at the diner. It was cruel, and don't you say otherwise. Forgive me?"

Shadow glanced at the movie screen, "Well... I don't know." he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Shadow Valiant." Rouge said coolly.

Ruby eyes shifted back her way, mischievous in their gleam, "Alright, you're forgiven. I'm sorry too, you know, for all those times it wasn't a misunderstanding."

"Exactly how many times are we talking here?" Rouge asked, her turn to tease.

Shadow huffed, "You know what I mean. Every time."

"You're forgiven."

Shadow leaned back, "You know, you're a good woman Rouge. You really should find yourself a good man."

He felt her lean in, "Oh Shadow, I already have."

Valiant looked her way and found the bat already inches from his nose. Her opal eyes seemed to glow in the dimmed theater. She was smiling a pure genuine smile, and she was close too. Valiant found himself wanting this closeness, it was different somehow, different from ever other time, better. He began leaning in to close the gap. Just a few centimeters more and-

"Hey Shad's that Martian came back. You should see the condition off that wolf kid's car- oh shit,"

Shadow and Rouge quickly pulled away, and glanced up the stairs to see Sonic pause at the entry way. His face turned a shade of scarlet, realizing what he just had walking in on, then it quickly dimmed down as he made a poor attempt in recovering himself. The azure hedgehog shifted saying nothing for a moment before letting out a weak chuckle, "Am I interrupting something?"

Rouge coughed, leaning back a bit, "Hello Sonic."

"Rouge! What a pleasant surprise."

Shadow felt heat rise up in his face, but he tried his best to cover up the embarrassment, "Just hungry huh?" he stated with a raise of his eyebrow.

Sonic chuckled again nervously, "I um...Well..." He pointed at the big screen, "I'm going to go watch the news commercial." the blue hedgehog quickly made his way past and sat a few rows ahead.

Rouge coughed again, the moment clearly gone, "So um, what we shall do next Mr. Detective?"

"I don't know?" Shadow sighed, "You have my stuff alright, but I still have no way to solve the case?"

Rouge gave him a worried look, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, my only connection was a dead end. Cloverleaf blaced highest bid on Toon Town not Maroon studios, you said so yourself. And as far as I know Cloverleaf had no reason to murder Acme."

"Maybe if you sleep on it?" Rouge suggested.

Shadow shook his head, "I can't sleep on it, the Will has to be found by tonight, or Cloverleaf owns Toon Town."

"Well let's go to my place and check the probate again, maybe the bidding changed."

With a heavy sigh Shadow stood, "I suppose you're right." He growled, "But I hate walking out with my tail between my legs. I'm glad Maria isn't here to see that."

"Hey Shad's," Sonic cut in.

"What?"

Sonic pointed at the theater screen which was still relaying the news, blaring across the theater speakers.

"California Cloverleaf, first they buy the Pacific Red Car Trolley line, and now the prestigious Maroon Cartoon Studios." the screen switched, to the inside of Maroon studios, to the office of Ivo Maroon. "Here Ivo K. Maroon is seen sealing the deal with Cloverleaf bankers and executives, which may be the biggest real estate deal ever in the history of California!"

As the trio watch Ivo Maroon pose for the cameras, smiling as he shook hands with one of the bankers, Shadow's lightbulb turned on. His jaw dropped, "That's it!" He snapped.

"What is?" Sonic and Rouge asked in nearly perfect unison.

Shadow was already making a bee line for the exit, "That's the connection!"

"This is crazy, this is absolutely crazy."

Sonic leaned back in his seat, glancing around nervously as the ebony hedgehog pulled into Maroon Studios. "Would you relax?" Shadow hissed, "Everything is fine."

Sonic gave Valiant a look, "Oh sure it is. I'm wanted for murder, and now we're sneaking into Maroon studios. Everything is dandy."

"You're just scared," Valiant said, parking the car.

Sonic climbed out, "I am not scared!" he snapped. He slammed the door shut emphasizing his irritation, "I'm confused that when you called Maroon, you told him you have the Will, which last I checked we don't! If he finds out, we're screwed! He'll probably try to kill you."

Shadow snorted, "That Hollywood creampuff? Not likely. I just want the odds to change." Shadow made his way towards the stairs. "I'll be right back, you cover for me. If you hear of see anything, beep the horn twice."

Sonic nodded, leaning against the wall, "See anything, and beep the horn."

"Twice," Shadow warned.

Sonic rolled his eyes, "Relax Shad's I may have been a Toon once. But I was never a Looney Toon. So don't worry."

Shadow nodded, before quickly climbing up the stairs, leaving Sonic alone in the dimly lit loading zone of the studios.

Sonic gulped and rubbed his arms. He used to stand on this ground a hundred times a week at least. But now the whole complex had an uneasy air about it, a menacing feel. "Oh God please don't let anything bad happen, "Sonic mumbled.

"Please?"

Shadow rubbed his tender fist as he walked down the hall. He had expected more security guards. Actually he had been expecting someone to escort him to Maroon. But that wasn't so when the first guard charged at him without even asking questions. The one that nearly caught him back there was hard headed enough. He was appreciative to not see anymore, because his fist was surely bruised.

Footsteps emitted from down the hall, dashing his hopes of a smooth walk and Shadow quickly ducked behind the nearest door. Stepping softly into the dark room, he crouched low to the floor,

"Can you believe that Cloverleaf bought Maroon studios?" one guard was saying.

"Yeah, it's crazy man, I'd never thought I'd see the day." said the other.

"Well Maroon has been on tight money for awhile now." Guard number one said, "Let's just hope this doesn't cost us our jobs."

Their feet stopped right outside the door, and Shadow hissed to himself. Please don't let them come in, don't come in, keep walking, don't open the door!

They stepped into the room, flicking on the light.

Dammit. He never seemed to have luck on his stealth.

Shadow blinked away at the sudden brightness, as the guards were already yelling at him.

"Hey what the hell do you think you're doing in here?"

Shadow stood, dusting himself off, "I'm looking for Maroon. Have ya seen him?"

"Maroon says no visitors!" The second guard snapped, "Get him!"

Shadow swung as the first one charge him, wincing as his fist made contact, sending spikes of pain up his arm. Damn it all why couldn't humans just be squishy like Toons?

As he got tackled to the ground, Shadow was starting to think he gave Sonic the easy job. Next time I watch the car. And blue goes inside!

Ivo could feel his hand shaking violently as he clicked on his desk light. He heard the fighting not long ago. He briefly crossed his mind that he should have sent the security guards home tonight. But with Acme dead and Valiant on his tail one could not take too many precautions.

He slipped his loaded pistol into his pocket, checking it's safety before slipping it into his clothes. Silently he sat down and stared at the door, waiting for Valiant to come.

Too many precautions indeed.

Sonic jumped slightly as a cat shrieked in the night, followed shortly by the barking of a dog. Cursing he stepped out of the car a looked around. Jumping at the sound of cat, how silly, Knuckles would never let him live this down if he found out.

If he survived this whole ordeal that is.

"Calm down Blue," Sonic said to himself, "You've got this. Nothing is going to happen. Quit being a big chicken."

From in the building there were loud sounds coming forth, mostly crashes, and grunts and such. They indicated a fight was going on, "Sounds like Valiant got the fun job," Sonic mumbled.

He must have, because every second out here made Sonic more unnerved, like a Toon with a strong glass of scotch. The pressure was building, it had been a long weekend and Sonic wasn't sure he could take much more of this.

Crash!

Sonic whipped around, staring wide-eyed down a dimly lit alley way, holding his breath as he searched for the source of the sound. Nothing. No wait- he stiffened as there was a shuffle, then a trash can lid rolled out from the shadows, clattering to a stop on the pavement.

Just a trash can lid, that's it?

He let out a sigh and leaned against the nearest wall. A trash can, how silly, Knuckles would be laughing at him right now, so would Tails. Sonic almost laughed himself.

Almost.

Because then it occurred to him, what made the trash can tip over in the first place? Turning sharply Sonic made a bee-line for the car, the driver door still wide open. He faintly thought he heard footsteps behind him, and picked up speed.

Reaching for the horn Sonic was almost there, when suddenly there was a sharp pain in the back of his head. Harsh and unforgiving. He literally saw stars, then his knees gave out and he collapsed. Darkness closing in just before the ground rushed up to meet him.

Shadow decided it best to use the back entrance to Maroon's office. He didn't feel going through the front was in his best interest. Silently pushing the hidden panel open Shadow peeked inside. Maroon sat quietly on a cushioned chair, staring nervously at the front door. He didn't seem to know Shadow was there.

Sneaking forward, he watched as Maroon whipped the sweat off his brow, his sleeve already soaked from doing it more than once. With a firm hand, Shadow sharply tapped the human on the shoulder. Leaning back as Ivo leaped out off his seat, practically screaming.

The human whipped around, face red and Shadow smirked. "What's up doc?" He asked.

If Maroon's face could get any redder it proved it could, "What are you trying to do Valiant give me a heart attack?!" He squeaked.

Shadow crossed his arms and tilted his head, "You need a heart before you can have an attack."

Maroon growled, "Yeah yeah yeah," He looked Shadow up and down, "You got the Will?"

Shadow paused for a moment, then reached up and patted his chest coat pocket. "Yeah, I got it." He moved over to the shelf where Maroon kept his drinks, "The question is, do you have the way? I can tell you now it ain't gonna come cheap."

As he grabbed a bottle he heard Maroon move in closer, "You've got a lot of nerve Valiant, coming here by yourself."

Shadow stopped, lifting his head up a bit, "Who says I came here by myself?" he poured himself a drink and lifted up the glass."

There was a click of a gun, "Let me see the Will." Maroon hissed.

Shadow paused, I've got it, I told you that already."

Maroon grabbed his shoulder and spun him around, "I don't want to know Valiant, I want to see it!" Knocking the glass out of Shadow's hand he reached into his coat pocket, yanking out the paper inside.

As Maroon quickly unfolded it, Shadow reached back and wrapped his fingers around the nearest bottle of scotch. Maroon froze as he stared at the paper, "It's blank," he hissed.

Shadow smirked, "That's right."

"You're going to need a piece of paper that at least looks like a Will Shad's" Sonic said, as they drove to Maroon studios.

"I'll be fine, I'm a decent actor you know, Maroon will believe I have the Will," Shadow scoffed.

"Yeah but he's going to need something he can see, or hear if you pat it." Sonic explained, "Here," he dug into his back pants pocket.

"What are you doing?"

"When I went to see Amy I took a piece of paper off her dresser to write the letter saying I was going away awhile. But the Weasels caught up with me so I didn't get a chance to write it all out." He pulled out a piece of crumpled paper, "We can use this." Flattening the creases the best he could. Sonic folded it up and slipped the paper into Shadow's jacket. "There, now if Maroon actually gets the" Will " from you , it will by you time to think up a plan while he's looking at a blank. Maybe he won't shoot you so quickly."

Shadow sighed, "Fine," looking ahead, "But I'm not going to need it."

Looks like he needed it after all.

"What are you trying to pull here Valiant?!" Maroon nearly screamed, shoving the paper into Shadow's pocket once more. "What kind of joke is this? Do you think it's funny!

He replied, "No, but this is!" He chucked the bottle of liquid at Maroon. Startled the famed cartoon maker stumbled back, coughing on the strong drink. Shadow with one well placed punch sent the large man sprawling to the floor and the gun flying.

Catching the gun in mid air Shadow pointed the weapon at Maroon. "Get up."

Frightened the heavy man stumbled up, "What are you going to do to me?"

Directing him to the music player from the day before, Shadow explained, "I'm going to watch you spin a scenario. A tale of greed, sex, and murder. And the parts that I don't like," he grinned, pulling at Maroon's tie, "I'm gonna let you know."

"You got it all wrong!" Maroon cursed, "I'm a cartoon maker not a murderer!"

Shadow growled, "Everybody's gotta have a hobby!" He slid the tie close to the player and turned it on. The fabric immediately caught, pinning Maroon down.

Shadow tossed the gun across the room and leaned in as Maroon waved his hands in surrender. "Stop it stop it!"

He nodded, and shut the machine of ceasing the pull and Maroon quickly explained, "The truth is, I had a chance to sell my studio. But Cloverleaf wouldn't buy my property unless Acme sold them his! But the stubborn bastard wouldn't sell! So I was going to blackmail Acme with photos of him and the hedgehog's wife! Blackmail! That's all it was! I've been around Toons all my life! I didn't want to see them destroyed."

Shadow's ears perked in interest, "Toons destroyed? Why?"

"If I tell..." Maroon said, "I tell you I'm a dead man."

"You're a dead man if you don't." Shadow replied, briefly turning on the music player to emphasize.

"Unless Acme's Will shows up by midnight tonight, " Maroon began to explain. Shadow from the corner of his head saw the reflection on a glass frame flash, glancing over, he could just make out the refection of a long silver barrel of a gun.

"Toon town's going to be for the-"

Shadow whipped around to see the gun pointed at him and Maroon peeking out from behind the window blinds. Shadow dived to the floor as the gun went off, cutting Maroon off with a cry. He rolled behind a chair, the bullets following in hot pursuit. He grabbed Maroon's gun a peeked cautiously over the chair. But the other gun was gone.

Letting out a heavy sigh, he looked over a Maroon. The famed cartoon maker hung limply by his tie, staring blankly at the ceiling, dead.

Shadow scrambled over to the curtain and peeked out the blinds, catching a brief glimpse of a glittering silhouette, racing off and around a corner towards the parking lot.

"Oh no," Shadow mumbled, making a mad dash for the door.

"Sonic!"

Dun dun dunnnnnn!

Hey-ya guys I'm back! I missed all of you! By the way before you leave this chapter go check out the amazing cover done by SonicFanaticInc! Go check check it out! It's like totally amazing if I haven't mentioned that before. Thanks SFI for doing that for me it looks so cool! This chapter is dedicated to you! Death and all XD.

So I hope you enjoyed this cool new chapter (and cover, mustn't forget that) and I'll see you all soon!