Plan of Attack.
The streets of Canterlot were quiet and peaceful. The people were walking on the streets and enjoying their day and good weather. The sun shone brightly in the skies, and its rays broke through the balcony of a certain house at the center of the city, where a certain couple was enjoying each other's company. On the couch in the living room, Trixie Lulamoon was lying on the top of her Mobian boyfriend, with her eyes closed, and her lips formed a satisfied smile. The chameleon guy had a smirk on his face, as he was stroking the hair of his of his girlfriend, while reading the book he hold in his left hand. He could hear how Trixie mmm's and moans.
"You trying to get my attention or did you awaken from your cat nap?" He asked with that smirk growing a bit. Trixie opened her eyes and smiled. "Both really." She said as she looked her BF in the eyes. She then looked at the book after a few seconds of quiet. "What's that you reading Espio?" She asked. Espio turned to the book and just closed his eyes for a sec.
"It's a book about the ancient Ninja's wisdom. A "friend" of mine recommended this to me. To be honest I find them to be great ways to pass time, besides my duties as a detective back home. I still remember sometimes where I had to find hiding spots just to get quiet from Charmy and Vector." He said. Though as he mentioned about Mobius made her worry. She then looked away for a bit with a sad look.
"Do you… Do you miss your home world?" She asked him. Espio looked at her as she had her head turned and was a little confused. "Well… I mean sometimes I think about it, but…" Trixie however sighed before Espio could finish, Trixie moved her face up to his, and looked deeply into his eyes, and gave him a sad look, as if pleading him to stay with her.
"Do you really need to go back home?" She asked him in a tender whisper, what brought a warm smile on the guy's face, "And if you do… can you take Trixie with you? Trixie can do a lot of things, you know this..."
"Trixie." Espio interrupted her, and then he closed the book, and placed it on the top of a coffee table in front of the couch, "Come here, girl." He said as he wrapped his arms around her body. Trixie accepted his embrace without any second thought, as she wrapped her own arms around his strong chest, and rested her head on the top of it. Espio chuckled warmly over her behavior. His left hand caressed her back, and his right hand stoked her soft mane.
"I am not gonna leave Equestria anytime soon." He said in a whisper, what prompted Trixie to open her rosy eyes and to look into his golden eyes. Seeing his charming smile, she couldn't help, but smiled back, and blushed. She then rested her head back on his chest, as she felt incredible relief, after hearing his words about staying here.
"Mmmmmm…" She moaned lovingly, as if hinting on what she wants, but before they started the process, the two heard the knocking sound. They opened their eyes sharply, and looked at the side of the entrance door. Trixie even raised into a sitting position, as her eyebrows arched in a questioning manner.
"Who could it be?" She asked. Espio then sighed, and stood up from the couch.
"There's only one way to figure it out." He said as he walked over to the door. When he opened the door, he saw the equestrian mailpony, dressed in a usual postman's cloth, who was looking at him with a friendly smile.
"Espio T. Chameleon?" She asked.
"Yes." Espio answered. The mailpony then handed him a letter, "You have mail." She said. Espio's eyebrows arched in a puzzled manner as he fixed his eyes on the envelope. However, he soon smirked with disapproval, when he noticed the royal stamp, and chuckled to himself slightly, knowing who might of sent the letter. He then raised his eyes to see the mailpony, but only to widen his eyes in a shock, as he noticed that the mailpony is gone. He then looked from left to right to see at least one sign of her existence, however, he then sighed, and closed the door. He returned back to the couch, and sat next to his girlfriend. Trixie became curious, and sat close to him.
"So who was at the door Esp?" She asked. Espio then showed a the envelope and it didn't take her long to figure out who it was. She then smiles. "Well are you going to open it?" She asked. Espio nods and slips his hand through to rip it open and pulled the letter out. He looked at the letter and spoke. "It's from Shadow. He apparently would like to meet us as the castle to talk. And he's saying it's a real emergency."
Trixie then sighed in disapproval and gave a look showing annoyance. "Why is it when we are just settling down that something comes up. Seriously Trixie is very annoyed by this." She said. Espio then turned to her. "Why is that. Do u think you're not enough to brighten my morning?" He asked as he wiggled his eyebrows a little. Trixie just went wided eyed by his statement and then blushed. She then giggled hard. "Oh stop it you. You're just too funny for Trixie's tastes."
Espio then puts the letter down and holds his hand out for her. "Well if you're done laughing why don't we get going Trix?" H He said teasing her. Trixie giggled some more and then took his hand as she stood up.
Canterlot Castle.
It was the middle of the day. The sun princess herself was sitting on her throne, and staring down on a certain dark hedgehog, who had some request for her.
"Princesses, Your Majesty." Shadow spoke as he referred to Luna and Aleena who were here, too, "I came here to get your permission to use some assistance of your guardians, Princess Celestia. The Mobian gang didn't appear for the last three months, and we didn't move at least for one step in finding them. If they remain quiet, it doesn't mean that they won't show up. I can't just sit in one place and waiting for another attack, and I hope you're sharing my position."
Celestia nodded confidently, "I do share your position, Shadow." She said, "And I agree with you on this statement. We indeed need to search for them to neutralize them, but… *sigh*... But I can't send my guards with you to help, because they're not ready to fight with these criminals. The incident on the stadium proved it. If they managed to take one of my best guards as a hostages and neutralized the entire Wonderbolts team, then I am afraid to imagine, what they could do, if I'll sent only a couple of my soldiers."
Luna then stood beside her sister and gave an apologetic look to Shadow, "Shadow, we both apologize for this, but we…"
"I know what you want to tell me, Lu… Ahem… Your Highness." Shadow interrupted the Night Princess, as he gave them the look of understanding, "I respect your decision. Though… Some extra help would be useful for me.", Celestia smiled at him suddenly, "You don't have to do it alone." She said wisely, "Me and my sister are ready to give you our own help in this mission."
Shadow's eyes grew wide as the dishes, when the Sun Princess offered him her own help instead. That was something that he didn't expect. However, he then became even more troubled, when the Night Princess stepped forward, and crossed her arms in the chest area. "Is there a problem mr. Shadow?" She asked
"Actually…. Yes there is." Shadow said sounding most direct. "I'm sorry your majesty as much as I am grateful for your help please try to understand. You are the leaders of Equestria and as such if something bad were to happen then it wouldn't exactly be a great time for others putting it mildly." He said as he tried to look away and turned to the Purple Hedgehog. "And let's not forget you Queen Aleena. It's not just your people but your son Sonic. I think we both know what would happen if he went off the deep end. Something happens to you he'll take it personally and well… I think you understand where that can go." Aleena gave a good look and sighed. Luna was about to intervene but Aleena held her hand out as it motioning to her not to speak.
"Shadow… you are correct with these statements." Luna however spoke. "Aleena are you saying we can not go to support and try to be helpful to our comrades?" Aleena then turned to her. "No I'm not saying that Luna, but the citizens are our responsibility and we have to do whatever it takes to protect them. Yours and mine. They depend on us and I won't just abandon them."
"Yes but sitting and not doing anything is a cowards way. We can not stand idle while these villains are out plotting an attack against our home. We need to find and strike back." Luna argued. Celestia then turned to her. "Sister please try to understand. If something bad were to happen to us think about how it will affect others. Remember what occurred when we were taken by those vines that covered nearly all of Equestria. I would prefer not to repeat an event like that ever again."
Luna then just turned away and closed her eyes just lost in thought. Shadow then stood. "I understand you have much to discuss so I will take my leave. Thank you however again for the offer." He said. Aleena nodded. "You're most welcome Shadow. Do be careful. I sense very dark times approaching." She said. Shadow nods and then turns and walks out of the room. Despite his tough character, Shadow went out by being disappointed. He understood perfectly the reason why they challenged themselves, however, he didn't want to expose them to danger. Just like in a good old days, he have to act alone.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was resting her belly on the statue. On her face she wore a tired look, and ran her eyes here and there to find herself at least something interesting to kill the waiting time. However, her eyes turned wide, when she heard the sound of the opening doors, and looked down. Seeing Shadow walked out of the throne room, Dash grinned and took off. As she flew over to him, she landed on his left shoulder.
Feeling the strong pressure on his shoulder, Shadow became wide-eyed at first, but then she frowned deeply, and looked to his left, to see his girlfriend is sitting on his shoulder and smiling lovingly at him. He didn't return her smile, and turned annoyed by her silly games.
"Dash!" He spoke with a growl, however, his girlfriend made a look, that she doesn't know what he talking about, "What?" She asked playfully and fluttered her eyes. Knowing that the resistance makes no sense, Shadow sighed in annoyance and headed to the exit of the castle.
"Nothing." He said simply, thus letting her know that she can sit there, much for Rainbow's giggles. While they were walking, the girl proceeded rubbing his hair, as if massaging his head. Shadow, though, still had an annoyed and irritated look on his face, because he knew perfectly how stupid this looks from the side. When they reached the exit doors from the castle, Shadow heard the snickering sounds on his left, and looked there to see the two guards laughing hard. He knew why they're laughing so hard, and because of this, he formed his trademark death glare, by shooting it toward the guards. The guards saw this glare perfectly, and instantly stopped laughing as they gave two nervous grins to the Dark Hedgehog. Shadow, though, sighed deeply, and shook his head slightly. All he decided to do is wrapping his left arm around Rainbow's legs, as he started to rub it.
Soon the two were already outside, standing in front of the main entrance, with Rainbow still sitting on Shadow's shoulder, obviously. Shadow was looking at the castle with a look of disappointment on his face. He expected anything, but not three powerful rulers to follow him on this dangerous mission. He then sighed deeply, and turned away from the castle, as he decided to find the place, where the two can wait for their friends. Dash saw the look on his face, and grew concerned for his worries, as she then took him by the cheek and rubbed him gently.
"Hey, Shadster." She called out to him, but Shadow didn't answer. He then stopped instead and took her by the hand, before he looked up into his girlfriend's rosy eyes.
"They challenged themselves instead of their guards." He stated, and Rainbow sighed deeply. She then narrowed her eyes and shook her head in disapproval, "Why didn't you accepted their help, Shadow?" She asked, "You could use the help of the strongest people in our world, but you…"
"Because so-called "The strongest people in the World are also the most important persons in the World"." Shadow answered her question, before Rainbow could finish it, "I don't want to have three high status people on the mission, and get my ass kicked for it.", He suddenly smirked, "Can I say, that you look good in a role of a parrot?" He asked, a teasing tone in his voice, and Rainbow couldn't help, but chuckled over his words. She then nudged the back of his head softly.
"Oh you…" She spoke, "Your left shoulder is very comfortable."
"Hey, you two." Trixie's voice sounded on their right, what prompted them to look toward the source of the voice. They looked to see Espio and Trixie approaching them. Trixie though then gives a look showing she had a question. "Um may Trixie ask why Rainbow Dash is on your shoulder?" She asked. RD though just smiles. "Because I wanna. Why? Is it wrong to be on my BF's shoulder?" She asked giving Trixie a confident look. Trixie then just raised his hand up to her mouth and giggled over the behavior Dash was exploding. She though was able to wink at Dash as if congratulating her.
Espio then smirked and shook his head. "Shadow, in your letter, you mentioned that you had some talk to me. What you wanted to talk about?" He asked. Shadow was only about to sigh over the girls' behavior, and their words, however, he then shook his head hard, and cleared his throat.
"Let's walk." He said, and then the four headed down on the Canterlot streets. Later the four could be seen at a cafe with very disappointed looks. "Well then I guess it's all on us?" Espio asked. Shadow nodded but Trixie was confused. "Trixie doesn't understand why you refused their help I mean those 3 plus a few a guards would be more than enough." She stated, though, Shadow just raised his left arm, "Let me remind you about their status." He spoke, "All three of them are the symbols, and the most respected people in both of worlds with a lot of supporters, who might not take it right, if anything could happen to them." He then crossed his arms in the chest area, "I'd rather do it alone, then to expose such a high status persons to the mortal danger. But the guards, unfortunately are not strong and experienced enough to cope with the gang armed with the gunfire weapons." He pointed out. Trixie seeing his point then stood down from speaking and took a bite into the crescent roll she ordered.
RD then spoke up. "Well I mean it's not like we need the guards. We can always call on the others. After all they have faced stuff like this in the past so this wouldn't be any different right?" She pointed out. Espio sighed. "Yes RD there are strength in numbers, but too many wouldn't exactly be the best idea. For something like this the smaller the group the less chance we have of being spotted by the enemy." He said. Shadow nodded. "I agree but I don't think the four of us is going to cut it. I would ask Sonic, but he's busy with Twilight, Tails is looking after Fluttershy after some kind of incident from what I heard." He then whispers to himself, "... Not that I would ask him..."
RD then turned to him. "Um what was that Shadster?" She asked. Shadow then shook his head. "Nothing. Anyways we can't ask Knuckles or AJ cause well… they're more muscle then stealth not to offend them. Silver might be a good idea but then again… hmmm….. He would want to bring Rarity and I don't think I could handle any of her fashion sense and her complaining about the dirt, and well Pinkie and Manic… *sigh*... no way in hell." He said with a firm voice. RD and Trixie just let out a *pfft* and tried to hold back their laughter by hiding their mouth behind their hands, but their attempts didn't work, and giggled quietly both over Shadow's words and his nature. Espio though picked up on what Shadow was getting at.
"So basically it goes back to what I said before. We don't have any help on this?" He asked. Shadow then nodded which made Espio sigh and turn out the window which then as that happen lightning was seen in the sky. "Great." He said. For a few seconds it was a quiet moment between the four and then Espio took his cup filled with tea. "Well then I'm still all in for helping you guys out Shadow." He said. He then turned to Trixie. "What about you? Are you willing to help out?" He asked. Trixie smiled and nodded. "Always Espio. You can count on Trixie to be right there to help" She said as she winked. Espio smirked and nodded.
The four had wrapped up their conversation, payed for their drinks and were seen at the train station as the clouds were darkening the skies of Equestria. "Looks like a storm's coming." Espio deduced. RD sighed. "Yeah. Heck of a time for the pegasus to decide to make it storm huh?" She said with sarcasm. Trixie and Espio chuckled at her. "In any case you two better get going before the storm gets out of hand." Espio and Trixie nodded "Alright. Let's me at my place tomorrow to discuss our plan." Espio suggested. Shadow nodded at this and then grabbed RD as the two entered the train. Espio and Trixie stood on the platform as they waved their two friends off as the train took off.
Shadow sat on his seat. Obviously, he choses the seat next to the window, because he always thought, that the seats like that are the most comfortable. He then looked out of the window to see the pictures of the Canterlot city rushing before his eyes, and sighed deeply as he remembered the conversation with the royalties. Though, his own train of thoughts was interrupted, as he felt the pressure on his right shoulder. He then ugh'd in annoyance as he knew that it was is girlfriend's silly antics, and looked at her to see her sitting on his right shoulder and smirking at him playfully.
"Squawk…" She squawked like a parrot, but Shadow didn't share her sense of humour and and frowned at her.
"Come down, Rainbow." He said as he sounded sternly, but Dash shook her head negatively.
"Nope!" She said playfully, much to Shadow's annoyance. As rain started to fall and splat on the windows of the train.
That evening.
Trixie and Espio were both on their kitchen, as they were washing the dishes left after the tasty dinner rain was coming down a little hard on the windows but it was nothing serious. Trixie looked satisfied and pleased, with a respective smile shining on her face. Espio looked as he usually looks, with a slight difference, that he didn't smile. Somehow the chameleon guy felt dismayed and troubled somehow. Maybe this is because of the mission, or it might be because Trixie is going with him? He didn't know exactly. Perhaps it was because Trixie is not a fighter. He then sighed deeply and stopped the process of washing. He walked closer to the kettle, and took it in his left hand. Trixie obviously heard his sigh, and guessed that he was worried, so she formed a concerned look on her face and looked at him.
"Espy?" She called him out. Espio, however, didn't look at her, and simply poured the tea into his cup. He then placed the kettle back on the stand and took his cup of tea. Sighing, Espio glanced at the window, as his mind came up with the idea, that the night scale will bring him back to harmony, however, it didn't help. Trixie decided to help him to calm down, and walked over to him. She then placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Espy, are you worried about Scourge?" She asked in a whisper. Espio nodded wordlessly, and took a sip from his cup.
"Yes." He said simply, "Trixie, this is… this mission is not gonna be like the incident back on the stadium. If they're hiding in the forest, they might use the trees as a cover, if it's a mountain…"
"Espy…" Trixie interrupted him, when she realized why he's so nervous, and wrapped her arms around his chest, "Trixie will be fine, don't worry.", Espio struggled to calm to calm his nerves, but his mind was his enemy at this moment, because it still gave him the images of Trixie is getting into troubles. He then took her hands off his chest, and walked over to the living room.
"I need to meditate." He said. Trixie, though, appeared a sad look on her face, and sighed deeply, pretty much disappointed to the fact that she didn't managed to calm him down. She then returned her attention back to the dishes, and resumed the process of washing. She decided to leave it for later.
One hour later.
As the rain had ceased Espio was still meditating as he had a sort of mini roof over his head protecting him from the rain. As he kept his breathing a calm pace he let his mind wandered over the mission tomorrow. "It's not helping… I still can't even think about anything else besides Scourge. If I make a mistake then… Trixie…. No matter what I won't let anyone harm you." Speaking of her, Trixie was coming up to the balcony without any of her clothing hoping to not only catch Espio off guard but to help cheer him up. As she gets close she then wraps her arms around him and cuddles close to his back. "Surprise!" She said.
Espio smiled without opening his eyes. "If you want to catch me in surprise, you really must learn on how to walk softly, Trixie." He said as his voice sounded on his usual manner.
Trixie smiled. "So you knew Trixie was coming?" She asked. Espio opened his eyes and turned to her. "I have heard how you're tiptoed on the stairs. You can't just sneak up on a ninja without warning, even if it's the smallest noises." Trixie giggled a bit at him. Though after a few seconds Espio's smile disappears and then he turns back to face the balcony. Trixie then grew more worried and had a feeling as to why.
"Espy?" She asked. Espio turned to her as she spoke. The expression on his face gave a vision of calmness, but she knew that behind this face he tried to hide that he was worried for her. She then moved in front of him and sat on his knees, to try and look him in the face.
"Espy… Talk to Trixie… Are nervous for me?" She asked with a worried look in her eyes. Espio tried to hide it but soon he sighed in defeat. "I would being lying if I said I wasn't. Trixie… I feel that this could be a lot more dangerous than anything I have ever faced in the past..." He said quietly, when he looked into her rosy eyes, "Remember when Shadow was in the hospital, Princess Celestia said that the one who teleported them here, could perhaps stronger and more powerful than both of them? What if this thing is still there?", Trixie, though, gave him a smirk as if implying that his worries are senseless.
"Epsy... Did you forget, that you're talking about The Great and Powerful Trixie here?" She asked with a hint of pride in her whisper, "If someone dare to deal with Trixie, Trixie will show them a lesson." She then smiled lovingly, "Come here." She whispered, as she tightened her grip around his neck. Espio tightened his own grip around Trixie's back, as he gladly accepted her embrace. He then stroked her hair, before he kissed her on the shoulder, and spoke.
"Stay close to me, when we're out, okay?" He asked her in a whisper.
"Trixie will do as you ask." Trixie whispered back, before she kissed him warmly in the cheek. She then rested her head on his shoulder, and started to stroke the back of his head, doing her best to comfort her boyfriend.
Meanwhile, in Ponyville.
In RD's house, the house owner herself could be seen sleeping peacefully on her boyfriend's strong chest, with her face having a dreamy smile. She was breathing deeply and peacefully, as she was moaning in her sleep. Shadow's left arm is tightly wrapped around her, what makes her feeling more comfortable. The dark Mobian himself looked peaceful, and his breathings were even. However, nobody knew that he had a tough talk in his dream.
Shadow's dream.
"For the last time, NO!" Shadow sternly grunted at the Night Princess, as the two were standing on the top of the high mountain and having hard talk about the future mission. The two were glaring at each other, and their teeth are bared. Both, Luna and Shadow are very persistent about the one who need to follow this mission, and none of them was ready to give up. Because of this, Luna decided to visit Shadow in a dream for talk.
"Why?" Luna asked him as she had a hint of annoyance in her voice, "You think that I'm not capable of coping with a bunch of criminals from another planet?"
"They have guns!" Shadow growled in annoyance, but Luna didn't give up, "So what?" She asked, "I have magic!", Shadow smacked himself on the face, "Princess…" He growled, "Your magic needs time to perform a spell, and you don't have this time when it comes to the case, when one simple click on the trigger will turn you into a dead person!", Luna grunted in annoyance, and turned away from him, as she crossed her arms in the chest area.
"So you're think that I am so helpless and dumb that I will stick my tail under the heavy fire?" She asked as she sounded sarcastic and offended. The Ultimate life form's eyes grew super wide because of her angry sarcasm, but he then bared his teeth, and started to circling around her, on the way uttering his complaints.
"Why are you always thinking that it's because of your helplessness?" Shadow asked with a strong hint of annoyance in his voice, "I never said or even had a thought about your helplessness, or even weakness…"
"That's it." Luna interrupted him, as she turned her frowning look at him, "I am the same powerful as you are, and I can handle it myself. You just doesn't want to admit it.", Shadow, though, was still standing on his point, and he then stopped his circlings and crossed his arms in the chest area, "If I didn't want to admit it, I would never trained with you." He grunted, "Maybe you're powerful, but you're not as powerful as the one who brought these criminals in Equestria."
"And you think, that this "someone" who brought them here, will show up instantly?" She asked, "I don't think, that the "King" Is going to risk his own mysteriousness, and show up before our eyes." She then softened suddenly, "Moreover, don't you understand that I can be an additional cover for your girlfriend, thanks to my wings?"
Seeing her cooling down, Shadow felt more calm, too. He then turned away from her and sat down on the rock, and leaned his head on his left hand.
"Princess…" He spoke calmly, "It's not right. Your people won't grieving for us as much as they are might grief for you. Scourge's gunfire weapons are strong enough for shooting you down. Your life is much more important than mine, especially for your people and your sister.", Luna sighed, when he finished his sentence, and walked over to him. She then sat beside him and took him by the shoulder, as she squeezed it softly. Her face formed a sad look on her face, because she knew that Shadow was right in one point, but he was wrong on another point.
"Shadow, what makes you think that?" She asked, and the hedgehog looked at the pony, "And who, do you think will grieving about me, if the local people barely knowing of my existence?", Luna narrowed her eyes, "I will." She said with a tremble in her voice, "The life of you four important for me as much as my life important for you… And your life especially.", after these words, Shadow sighed deeply, and took her by the hand, "Luna." He said, using her name, "They might take you as a hostage if they'll figure out your status."
However, instead of being sad, Luna smirked at him proudly, and fluttered her eyes, "You think, that I'll give them this chance?" She asked with a playfulness in her voice, "I am not one to get myself into danger, and I know how to act in the situation like this. I promise you that I'll do anything you ask, and be careful."
Seeing the look of confidence and courage on Luna's face, Shadow couldn't help, but smirked at her as if feeling strong pride, "Oh, Luna…" He sighed in disapproval, but he knew that he's out of words to argue with her. With one confident, but reluctant nod, Shadow accepted her help.
"Alright. You're in the team." He said, what caused a happy smile on Luna's charming face, "Meet us in Espio's house in Canterlot. Tomorrow… eh… Today at 4 pm.", Luna grinned devilishly at him, before she stood up, and stood in attention. She saluted to Shadow, as she frowned like a soldier.
"SIR, I WON'T LET YOU DOWN, SIR!" She spoke, using her Royal Canterlot Voice. Shadow knew that it was a joke, and he did his best by trying not to laugh, though, the grin on his face he couldn't hide back. He then stood up from the rock, and crossed his arms in the chest, as he tried to act like his Commander back on Mobius.
"At ease, Agent Luna!" He said as he mocked Tower's speech manner, "Prepared yourself on the mission, and don't get late!", Luna couldn't help, but giggled over his manner of speaking. After she stopped her laughter, she smiled at Shadow and winked at him, as she charged the energy to her horn.
"See you at the daytime, Shadow." She said, before the bright flash of light surrounded her, and after a matter of second, Luna disappeared from where she was. Shadow sighed as he then looked around from where he was and saw the place was fading as it was a sign that he was waking up.
The end of the dream.
Shadow's eyes opened slowly as his vision starts to regain after the long night sleep. He sees out the window a light that came from the sun. He then remembered what happened in the dream he had with meeting Luna, though he sighed deeply as he decided to save that for later when it becomes important. He then lays back on the bed and begins to relax though he looks at his side and sees Rainbow Dash sleeping with him in the same bed and was the same light blue and exposed as the skies, he saw behind the window. Seeing her in this state, his smirk switched to devilish grin, as he then crawled closer to her. He moved quietly and carefully, trying not to wake her up, and when he was maximally close to her, his arms wrapped around her body, as he held her closer to him. He then started massaging her belly, and kissed her on the cheek.
Feeling these touches, Dash moaned in her sleep, and started to wake up, as she stirs.
"Mmmmmm…" She moaned in the sleep, and then her rosy eyes opened slowly, she smiled softly, when she recognized her BF's arms, and chuckled slightly over his behavior. She then curled up, and burrowed into his arms with her wings grasping onto his body.
"How did you sleep?" She asked in a whisper. Shadow kissed her on the cheek, and looked at her, "It was pretty good, especially considering that a certain Night Princess visited me in a dream, and insisted on participating on the mission." He said as he sounded sarcastic, "As you might guess, I lost the debates.", After hearing this, Rainbow's eyes opened wide sharply, and her face twisted to blank. She then looked into Shadow's crimson eyes, and seeing her expression, Shadow caught himself puzzled.
"What?" He asked. Rainbow was silent at first, but then she decided to ask this question, "Shadow." She spoke, "What's your deal with Princess Luna?", Instead of being nervous, Shadow only narrowed his eyes, "There's no deal." He lied, "She's just want to help, because she's worried for you and Trixie." That was… half true. Rainbow, though, knew that there's something wrong, and she guessed that he's not telling the whole true. She then frowned at him, and jabbed the finger onto his nose, "Watch me." She said as she sounded very determined. Shadow, though, returned her expression with a devilish grin on his face, and then he took her by the hand and wiggled his eyebrows.
"Oh, I will!" He said ominously, as he then tightened his grip around Dash, what prompted her to become nervous again. Though, she didn't have a time to react, because next thing she felt, Shadow's fingers are tickling her on the belly and her armpits. She started to laugh hard, and fidgeting on the bed, by jerking her legs up and down.
"AAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA… STAHP!" She yelled at him, as she tried to stop his actions, but unluckily for her, her BF was the Ultimate Lifeform, and she couldn't do anything with him. Soon, Shadow stopped tickling her, and pulled her into another tight embrace, while Dash opened her eyes, and looked deep into her boyfriend's crimson eyes, as she gave her an affectionate smile.
"I love you!" She whispered at him.
"I love you, too!" Shadow returned her confession, before he took her in his arms, and stood up from the bed. Dash used it as an opportunity, and wrapped her arms around Shadow though he had other plans, he picked her up and then headed off to the shower.
One hour later.
Inside his workshop, you can see a certain twin-tailed fox is sitting in front of his computer, and looking on the screen attentively. His eyebrows are forming a deep frown, as his fingers are typing on the keyboards with a speed, that might compare with Sonic's running pace, or maybe even faster. Though, his computer screen showed the blueprint of his blaster arm cannon, but some parts of the drawing have changed, depending of what key Tails pushed on. However, soon, he used to finish with his typing process, as he heard the sound of the opening door. His eyes became wide, and then he stopped typing the keys and looked around. He saw the picture of Shadow and Dash are standing in the doorway, or to be exact, Shadow is standing in the doorways, while Dash was floating next to him. The fox guy then formed a questioning look on his face.
"Shadow, Rainbow?" He asked, "What are you two doing in here?", Rainbow smirked at him, before she flew over his desk, and landed on his table, next to his keyboard, "Well, Mr. Prower." She spoke with a proud tone in her voice, "We're going on a mission today, and Shadow and I have some talk for you…" She then crossed her legs, "If you have a free time now, we'd love to ask you for some extra power.", Tails was looking at Dash with wide eyes at first, but then he formed an annoyed look on his face, and crossed his arms in the chest area. Dash wiped off her smirk, when he gave her that face, and then she arched her eyebrows in a questioning manner.
"What?" She asked. Tails then motioned her to turn around. Dash's eyes grew wide, before she turned around and looked down on the desk, but only to narrowing her eyes in disappointment, and sighing deeply. On Tails' desk she saw the plaque on which she could read "Reserved by Fluttershy!". She then shook her head hard and took off softly. Tails then sighed and looked at Shadow, still being puzzled.
"What kind of mission are you going on anyway?" He asked him. The dark hedgehog then walked over to Tails as he spoke, "Alright, I'll explain it, you see…"
One Explanation later.
"...And that's why we need you as a part of our team Tails." Shadow finished his explanation as Tails had the most worried look on his face. He then got up from his desk and walked over to the window. He then looked out of the window as if trying to find something that could raise his mood, and cool down his worries, but alas. Sighing, he closed his eyes, and lowered his head.
"... *sigh*... Guys… I… I can't go with you…" He pronounced, as his voice sounded somehow reluctantly, "Fluttershy's been just a week since this nuisance, that happened with us two, and I… I can't leave her alone… at least at this very moment." He then opened his eyes and looked at the two, "I'm sorry, Shadow, but I pass.", The dark hedgehog sighed deeply in disappointment, but he then gave him a look of understanding, and nodded at him.
"It's a pity, but I had a feeling you were going to say that…" He said in usual manner, "However…"
"We need your weapons." Rainbow Dash finished for Shadow, as she smirked proudly. That was enough for Shadow and Tails looked at her in puzzlement.
"Why?" He asked her. "Well it's because there's these gangs that we ran into and some of them were kinda tough, we might need all the firepower we can get." She said to him, Tails sighed as he looked down but then back up. "Alright fine I'll give you guys weapons, but make this clear don't think I'm going to help you guys, I still need to take care of Fluttershy." He said to them as Shadow nods with agreement.
"We understand Tails, but we understand the risks, and besides this might help us in trying to get us closer to seeing who's in charge of these gangs and probilby who sent them here." He whispered that last sentence as Tails expression hardened and nodded to him. He then walked out to the storage room. After waiting for a few minutes he comes back with a bag on his shoulder.
"Ok I brought the weapons you need, some guns and a few explosives for good measure." He said to Shadow as he took the bag. "Thank you Tails, We'll be on our way now come along Dash." He said as he walks out of the room with RD following him. "Say hi to Fluttershy from me!" She said to Tails as he gave her a thumbs up. After they left he walks back to his computer, and collapsed weary on the chair. His eyes went shut, as he sighed deeply in worries, because somehow he had a feeling that this mission is not going to end well.
Soon, the entrance door opened, and a certain yellow pony entered the workshop, as she was smiling gently, and happily. She then tiptoed to Tails, and as she closed the gap between her and her BF, she leaned over his head and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Tails smiled as he felt his girlfriend's greetings, and then he opened one eye and looked playfully at her. Seeing the look on his face, Fluttershy giggled, and sat on the desk with her legs crossed.
"How do you feel?" She asked in her trademark kind manner. Tails opened both of his eyes and returned back to a sitting position. He then took her by the hand, "I never felt myself better." He said in a soft manner. Fluttershy winked at him, and then she stood up from the desk, and sat on Tails' knees. She then rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck, as she smiled at him lovingly, and closed her eyes. Tails left nothing to do, but to wrap his own arms around his girl and holding her closer to him. He sighed happily, as his eyes are fixed on Fluttershy's charming face. He could watch her happy smile forever.
"Miles." Fluttershy whispered, "Yes?" Tails asked, whispering as well, "May I ask, why Rainbow Dash and Shadow visited you?" After Fluttershy asked him this question, Tails formed a tired look on his face, and stroked her hair, "They're going on a mission…" he said, "... and… they needed an extra firepower from me, and I gave them some of my weapons." He then looked at her and smiled, "Why?"
Fluttershy formed a sad look on her face, and looked up into his eyes, "Well, I thought, that they wanted to take us with them." She said with a slight hint of worrying in her voice, but Tails chuckled simply, and shook his head, "They wanted to call us, but I refused." He said, "Don't worry, we'll go after them only in the case if they'll have a serious problem.", Fluttershy smiled at him instead of words, and closed her eyes. She then cuddled to him more tightly. Tails closed his eyes, too, as he then held his girl closer, and sighed deeply in relief.
Meanwhile in Espio's apartments.
Espio was walking back and forth waiting for Shadow and Rainbow to show up. Trixie was sitting on the couch with her hands closed and her legs tapping up and down. She, however, became worried for Espio as she looked at him walking around.
"Espy are you ok? You seem a little distracted" She asked, however Espio didn't respond however as his thoughts grew more and more. Trixie's worries grew as she stands on her feet and walks over to him. She then stands in front of Esp as she wraps her arms around him trying to get him to listen, "Espy please… if something is bothering you, just tell Trixie please." Espio looked down finally noticing her words but refused to say anything as if his worries forbid his mouth from moving.
"Is it because you're nervous about this mission? Is that why you can't stop thinking about it?" She asked him. Espio then looked at her. "Isn't that obvious?" He asked. "I'm more of afraid to be honest, but afraid because of what can happen to you or the others. I know that we had a talk about it at night, but it doesn't come out of my head…"
Trixie smiled at him playfully, as she fluttered her eyes, "Trixie knows, what might help you to forget about it." She said seductively, as she ran her finger over his chest, however, Espio just sighed deeply, as he lowered his head. That's, when Trixie's eyes grew wide, as she then took him by the cheeks.
"Hey, Espy…" She said with a worried tone in her voice, "Espy, please, don't become sad again… Trixie's just tried to cheer you up…", She then turned her head softly too take a better look into her eyes, however, when their eyes have met, Espio suddenly grinned like a badass, "I know!" He said with a brutal growl, and then he grabbed his girl tightly around her waist and picked her up in his arms. Trixie shrieked in suddenness and embarrassment as she then giggled in joy, glad that her boyfriend is okay and in mood.
"You're such a tricker, Espio the Chameleon!" She said, a joyful tone in her voice, what prompted Espio to nudging his eyebrows up and down, "I know." He said with a quiet and loving tone in his voice, before he pulled his lips onto her and gave her a kiss, which she accepted gladly. However, soon Espio and Trixie heard the knocking sound. The two broke the kiss, before they looked at the door and Espio was about to stand and say he would answer it but then Trixie had his hand in her grasp. "Please allow Trixie to answer the door." She said as she walked by him. She then twisted the doorknob open and finds Rainbow standing in the walk way. "Oh hello Rainbow" Trixie said with a welcoming smile however RD had the look of whenever Sonic heard Amy calling him.
"Is something the matter Rainbow?" Trixie asked, but that's when she noticed Shadow wasn't with her. "Where's Shadow?" She asked RD. RD just huffed. "He'll be here soon." She said. "Can I come in?" She asked. Trixie nodded and backed away letting her come through the door. RD and Trixie then walked over to the couch as RD then laid down on the couch turned away from the two. Espio and Trixie turned to each other then turned back to RD as Espio spoke. "Um… did we miss something?... Did something happen between you and Shadow?" RD just grunts. "No… he just had some business to take care of." She said.
"What kinda business?" Espio asked, but before RD could answer there was another knock. Trixie spoke. "Must be Shadow. Trixie will get it." She then powered up her horn to open the door for her. "Come in!" She said. However who came in next surprised Espio and Trixie. It was the Night Princess herself. Luna entered the apartments, by wearing a huge duffle bag on her left shoulder, and dressed like Indiana Jones with these black pants, black ankle boots, black shirt and brown jacket, along with a brown hat which is covering her head. She stopped on the doorways and looked at her potential team mates with a prod smirk is shining brightly on her face.
Trixie then gasped in awe, while Espio just stared at her wide eyed, "Your highness?" Espio asked. Luna smiled. "Please Espio call me Luna." RD's eyes formed a questioning look on her face because of only one sight of Luna here and tried to bury herself further in the couch, as she pondered about one very important issue. Luna noticed and spoke out to her. "Rainbow Dash, are you alright?" She asked. RD then lifts her head from the couch and gave the same questioning and dumbfounded look to Luna.
"Where's Shadow?" She asked in a surprise. Luna's eyes went wide in response as her smirk wiped off her face, "He's not here?" She asked, as she really thought, that Shadow is already here, but then she sighed deeply and narrowed her eyes in some frustration, "Whatever…" She said, as she walked over to the couch and sat next to Rainbow. Espio then decided to show his gesture, and stood up from the couch as he walked over the kitchen stand.
"I'll make some tea for you." He said. Seeing this, Trixie smiled and stood up as well as she followed her BF, "Trixie will help you." She said. When the two headed off, Rainbow Dash decided to use the opportunity of the situation, and turned to Luna to ask her a question that bothers her the most, "So you don't know, where Shadow is?" She asked. Luna looked at her simply, still being frustrated.
"No, I don't, Rainbow." She said, "Why ask me?... *smirks*... He's your boyfriend, not mine…" She then stopped smirking and looked forward, as she sighed deeply, "Unfortunately…" She said promptly her last word, and that's, when Rainbow's mouth opened wide, as she was surprised by the words of the Night Princess. She then opened her eyes as she was ready to ask another question, but then she just sighed and sprawled on the couch like a couch potato. That's, when Trixie came back, as she was wearing the plate with a Tea appliances.
"Trixie is quite a surprise to see you, your highness. Forgive Trixie for not preparing for your arrival!" Trixie said as she bowed her head to Luna. Luna shook her head and took a seat. "It is alright Trixie I have no need of such respects when I am off duty." She said. Espio crossed his arms and kept a neutral look even though he was as surprised as Trixie. Luna then turned to him. "Greetings, Espio. Its nice to see you again. As you may know I will be joining you and the others on this mission." Hearing that almost made Trixie drop the tea kettle. Espio turned to her and gave a look saying "that is a terrible idea."
"Your highn- I mean Luna. Is that really such a wise idea?" He asked. "Not to try and be rude of course, but still I feel this may have been a poor choice.", Luna just gave him a wink, "Espio it will be fine." She said confidently, "After all, I am not going on this mission alone, and not gonna play a role of damsel in distress." She then giggled, and crossed her legs, "My purpose of travelling with you is to give you an extra-hand just in case you run into any problems.", After she finished, the silence reigned in the room, as Espio and Trixie simply didn't know what to say. If Princess Luna goes with them, it means only one thing. They have to be two times more attentive, than before. Rainbow Dash was silent. Her mind was now filled with thoughts of Luna's deal with Shadow, because she believed that Shadow took her for a reason. The only thing she wondered what this reason exactly is?
Meanwhile, Trixie appeared to be the first one who recovered after Luna's sudden work, and then she sighed deeply, as she looked into Luna's eyes, and gave her a nervous smile, "Um… your highness… May Trixie ask, if Princess Celestia knows about this?" She asked as she poured the tea on the cups, and placed the kettle on the table. When Trixie took her seat, Luna took the cup of tea and took one sip of the tea and gave a smile to Trixie.
"Of course she does." Luna said, "But… *sigh*... I believe, that nobody else should know about this mission." She then gave a sad look, "Not Twilight, and nobody else of your friends, because they might reacted wrong. They just won't understand.", Espio decided to agree with her, and then he sat on the chair in front of Luna and took his own cup, "Alright, Princess." He said as he smirked, "It will be an honour to have a teammate like you." He then took a sip of the tea. Luna winked at him with a grin on her face and took a sip from her own cup.
Rainbow then sat up. "So where do we start?" She asked. Espio then set his teacup down. "Well we'll start with where we last saw Scourge and his gang." He said. Trixie then turned to him. "You mean the stadium." Espio nodded. "Yes I believe we'll be able to find a trail as to where they went off to after fleeing from the scene. Of course they won't be as fresh as other trails but it will be a start." He said. Trixie and Rainbow looked at each other and then to Luna. The three nodded as Luna spoke. "That would be a wise idea Espio but will you be able to find any trace knowing those events were far long ago?" She asked him. Espio closed his eyes. "Well tracking a trail from three months ago won't be as easy as other cases I have been on with the chaotix, but I will do my best." He said.
Trixie then smiled. "Espy you always do your best. You and Trixie both know it." She said as took his open hand. Espio smiled. Though Rainbow wasn't in a peachy mood as she had thoughts run through her mind.
"It wouldn't be a three month trial if I had not been foolish and let them get away…. I mean I let my guard down and Fionna exploited it…. And now we have to take Luna with us… why her? And why did Shadow change his mind all of a sudden…. It doesn't make sense" Luna turned to Rainbow noticing she was bothered by something. "Rainbow is something wrong?" Hearing Luna's voice, Rainbow snapped out of her trance, and looked at the Night Princess. She then shook her head.
"No… nonononono… It's fine…" She then looked at Espio, "So, if we find the trail of them, what then?" She asked. Espio turned to her. "We follow the trail and see where it leads back to. Shadow said we would discuss the rest of the plan from there." He said. Rainbow then sighed as she stood up. "That sounds good. Listen I'm gonna step out for a bit ok? I need fresh air." Everyone looked at her as she stepped out to the balcony. Luna stood up about to walk out to talk to RD, but Espio intervened by holding his hand out in front of her. "No give her space. I think something is bothering her more than we know."
Rainbow stood there letting the wind blow through her mane. "Sigh Shadow…. Why would you accept Luna to come with you?"
To be continued
NSH: Hey guys, been a while huh? Well I have a good reason. With school work clamming down on me I haven't exactly had time to work on any of my stories. But I promise that I will try to update more often due to the fact the school year is about over. So I hope y'all can forgive me and allow me to pick back up. New chapter of H&P coming soon for those who are intrested